Original subtitles

When did this happen?

20 minutes ago.

Is he all right? Ma 'am, could you step back for just a minute?

I said, is he all right?

It feels strange coming back to the old neighborhood.

I forgot how long the drive up is.

You know, Mom's really looking forward to coming home.

Yeah, I bet she is.

Hi, Danny. Hi, Bridget. Hi, Grandma. Hello, sweetie.

Mama. Hello,

darling. Hi, Martin.

Let's go in the house.

Now, I think some of your favorite things, like fried catfish.

You sit right there.

Marky, you come and sit next to me.

Mama, if you don't mind, I'd just like to lie down for a little while.

Sit down, Bridget. Don't disappoint your mama.

Come on, baby. Sit down.

Okay, Daddy.

How was the drive up, honey?

It was okay, Grandma.

I hope you're hungry.

It's all fair, but... Thank you, Lord, for the blessed food that we're about to

receive. Amen.

Here, here, wait. Here's another one.

Thanks. Basketball.

I can get everything.

You keep that. Oh, all right.

You said we'd stay friends, right? Yeah.

Joanne, I know that I've disappointed you. I'll be kicking myself for it till

die. Run apart.

I travel for work. You run from football to baseball season to coaching summer

camp. We're not together.

We don't have anything in common.

I've got to go to work.

You know,

maybe I'm too modern for my own good, but I honestly forgive you.

We just don't have a marriage anymore.

We're so mature, I hate it.

Look, call me old -fashioned. I wish that you would either love me or hate

Well, I'm sorry, Ron. I'm going to always love you.

I'm just not the right wife for you.

Mr. Michaels?

Yes?

I hope I'm not disturbing you.

No. No, I was expecting you. Please, come in.

I, uh, gave the Cutler the day off.

May I ask why you're selling?

Oh, I'm not the owner.

I've been renting the place. I live here.

Kind of a temporary thing.

Divorce.

Wait out.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Thank you.

Well, I guess I should give you the tour.

Actually, it's a bit small.

But thank you.

Oh, well, I hope you find what you're looking for.

Mr. Michaels, if you don't mind my saying, that doesn't give us anything

not strong enough to handle.

I think we'll both land on our feet.

You think so?

I'm a good taste.

Here, I'll get it.

Bye. Goodbye.

This place is big.

I know, honey.

But as soon as you get used to your new class, you'll feel better.

Mommy's starting a new job at the bank tomorrow. It's all going to be fine. I

can always get you an interview at the medical center.

Wouldn't you rather be around doctors, college educated people?

I know a lovely doctor named Dr. Sweeney. I think I'll call him. I know

That's Mr. Michaels.

I'm going to go say hi. I'll be right back, okay?

22.

John, Mike.

Yeah, if we can't win, we can at least look at losing.

Whoa, whoa. Meet us at the registrar's office, okay? That was before. Today I

smell state championship.

Yeah!

I didn't realize you were a coach. Oh, yeah.

My little boy is going to go to school here.

Oh. So I just thought I'd say hi.

Well, hi back.

It's good school.

Really? Yes.

Guys, I love you, but you stink. Go on. Hit the shower.

Go on. Go on.

What was that you were saying?

When you can... At least look good. I like that.

I've been begging the school board for new uniforms. I finally decided to buy

them myself.

It's the first time I'm glad the wife's not around. At least I don't have any

explaining to do when the credit card bill comes.

Well, it meant so much to the boys. You think she'd be proud of you.

You think so?

Yeah.

Ah, well, nice to see you.

I gotta go.

Okay.

Bye. See you around.

Thank you very much for buying me lunch.

It's my treat.

I just received some of my late husband's insurance settlement.

An awful way to come into money.

I guess I wanted to spend a little on something positive.

I appreciate it. It's good.

Ron, why don't you wear suits?

You have the perfect bell for them.

You think so?

I certainly do.

Well, I don't have any calls. to, really. I'm just a coach.

Now, no one's just anything.

Really, Ronald.

Ron, please.

Ron. Ron.

You do such a great job building those boys' self -esteem, and then when it

comes to all you've accomplished, you say yourself short.

What? Did I hurt your feet? No, no, no. It just hit me, that song.

What a lucky man your husband was. What a loss you've suffered.

I mean...

Being separated, getting a divorce, at least that was my choice.

Sort of.

Sometimes I wake up thinking he's still next to me in bed.

You know, you don't have to talk about that. No, you know something? I want to

tell you this.

My late husband wanted to be a teacher.

But he sort of gave up on that after our son was born. He said it didn't pay

enough. It changed him. It made him better.

He used to blame me.

But I never asked. and to give up his dream.

God provides.

I think that teaching is one of the most honorable things a person can do with

their life.

Really?

I guess that's why I admire you so much.

Practice tomorrow, 3 o 'clock.

Joanne, what are you doing here?

Something wrong?

Grammy finally passed.

The hospital called me at work.

Sorry to hear that.

I feel kind of lost.

She was a good woman. She loved you.

Ron, I don't think I could lose you, too.

You're not losing me, Joanne. We're friends, you know that.

Have supper with Bridget and me.

I can't just leave you here like this.

I'm all right. I just need some time alone, that's all.

Anything I can do.

You know that.

Anything.

Ron.

No hard feelings, okay?

It's my own damn fault you're with somebody else.

We'll meet tomorrow afternoon at 2.

And our thanks to Mrs. Ronald Michaels for sewing all these beautiful new choir

robes.

Oh, Marky, we're thrilled to be your new grandparents.

How sweet. M for Michael. I hope it fits.

Oh, it's adorable. Give your grandparents a big hug.

What's wrong, honey?

I miss my old grandparents.

There's Nana and Papa. Go say hi.

I'm so sorry. Bridget, we would never try to take the place of Lee's parents.

They never gave a damn about Mark anyway.

The first real family we've ever had.

Hello, Bridget.

Hi, Daddy.

Mama, hello, dear.

You want something straight? State -of -the -art exercise equipment.

Check it out. Whoa.

This is nice.

It's great.

Working up the sweat with the wife, taking a shower together.

You think maybe when the honeymoon's over, you'll stop bragging?

Honeymoon will never be over.

Bridget gave me a family, a home.

We share everything.

All my life, I've been in and out of debt. Nothing to show for it.

Bridget took the insurance money from when she was with us. Weekly savings

my paycheck. Started investing.

Stocks and put -offs and what all. Tips she picked up working at the bank.

Suddenly, we had this incredible wife and a nest egg.

Really?

Because I was starting to wonder. Well, sure you were.

I mean, you're a hot shot TV station manager. I'm just a coach.

I am telling you, I owe that woman a lot.

And as soon as Mark is older, I'm thinking about sending Bridget back to

college, maybe even get her MBA.

What are you two boys up to?

Talking about you.

All good, I hope. Well, of course.

Of course. Sugar magnolia.

Well, your mom and daddy are leaving, so you better say goodbye.

I just don't see how I can be short $500.

It's not the first time.

Your drawer was $200 short last month.

No, I would pay that.

We advanced you $400 against your salary before the holiday.

I think you said your son needed surgery.

That amount is still outstanding.

Sir, I can pay that back now. Your mortgage payment has also been returned

sufficient funds. Sir, if you'll redeposit that check, it's good now.

I just put more money in my account.

Get your checkbook, Mrs. Michaels.

You're closing your account with us.

I don't expect to see you here again.

Reg, you're scaring me. What's going on? Come on.

I said I didn't want to talk about it. Okay, fine.

I just had a bad day.

Now we're together, everything will be better.

Joanne.

Hi.

Hi, Ron.

How are you?

Good.

Bridget, this is Joanne.

Joanne, Bridget.

Pleased to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

You know, I've been meaning to call to thank you for the lovely flowers you

for Grammy.

You should call. Be good to catch up.

Congratulations on your marriage.

Thanks.

Well, so long. Okay.

That's Joanne.

I figured that.

Well, Ron has spoken so highly of your skills, I just know you'll be an asset

the station.

So, when would I start?

You want to start today, if you like.

I usually hire college graduates, but a go -getter like yourself should have no

trouble at all selling your time.

This will be your desk right here.

What do you think?

Hey.

We haven't discussed my salary.

Oh, well, it's not salary. It's commission.

The more ads you sell, the more money you make. The sky's the limit.

Oh, now.

That's a big transition.

I'd be giving up real security at the bank.

Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you knew.

All sales are, you know, on commission.

I'll tell you what. Until you get rolling, I'll advance you $150 a week

your commission.

Hey, boss man.

Hello, Preston.

Bridget Michaels, this is Preston Pavin.

Hello, Bridget. Hi. You're doing pretty good on commissions. Pulled in almost

$20 ,000 last month. Hey, listen, if you follow my footsteps, the sky's the

limit.

Listen, Preston, why don't you show her around?

Yes. Okay.

All right.

See you later? Okay, bye -bye.

So, where's your office?

Mark's orthodontist bill?

I quit the bank, Ron.

What?

Why are you dressed like that? Like Joanne?

You never guessed where I'm working.

You quit the bank? Yes, I'm an executive and Hayden gave me my own accounts.

Over $200.

I thought you said eating in was going to be cheaper. It's a business dinner,

and it's tax deductible.

You've had to match the office record for selling airtime.

You did? Yeah, aren't you proud of me?

Yeah.

Yeah, I am.

Where did you learn to make that cherry crisp?

Well, it's one of the advantages of growing up in the South.

My mama believed that every woman should learn to cook. What?

You're getting me in hot water, you know that, don't you? Because now Tina wants

a bigger house, too.

Do it.

With interest rates going down, Bridge got us a great mortgage.

Between that and her refinancing our other loans, she managed to get us quite

house. What, she handles all your finances?

You got a problem with that, male chauvinist pig?

Yes, I know you advertise on radio, sir, but our TV viewers represent a market

share of... Yeah, okay, but look, maybe if we met for lunch and

I showed you our marketing plan, I think that you... Okay, yes, yes, I know

you're busy.

I just loaded the piece of press to account 20 spots a week during prime

Congratulations. Thank you very much.

Fake the restaurant. I'm buying. Let me think. Oh, no,

no, no.

What's this?

Come on, Preston. No, no, no. So this is what I hear you typing away at.

Here, chapter one.

A lonely lady.

Friend of Julie Jordan had it all.

Beauty, designer clothes, diamonds.

Every man wanted Brenda.

She had left the dull world of banking for the glamour of owning a top TV

station. But who could know beneath her success the turmoil inside her?

Ooh, sounds hot.

What about challenge?

Sounds good. Champagne?

Okay, let's go.

The turmoil inside her.

You spying on me?

What are all these bills?

Well, I didn't expect the station to take so long to cut my commission check,

I had to juggle a couple of payments to get through the holidays.

I'll straighten it all out.

This is tens of thousands of dollars. We're in debt up to our eyeballs.

It's a cash flow problem. Trust me. Trust you? You didn't even tell me we

in trouble.

I didn't want to worry you.

I did it for you.

For me? I never needed this.

Well, you want everything perfect.

You never once asked how I manage it, so don't turn on me now when I give you

what you want.

What I want? I think it's your mother that you're out to impress. Don't talk

about what you don't know about, okay?

You don't know everything my mother's done for me.

Don't you turn away from me, Ron.

You know how much I need your support, Ron.

I just can't. I can't handle all this without you.

Just say you love me, okay? I just, I need to hear you say it.

I don't see how you can just do this and act like it's no big deal.

Thanks.

What are you doing?

Okay.

Well, I just made a batch of brownies.

You want one?

Oh, sure, yeah.

They're very good.

Yes, you're cooking.

Thank you.

So, what's going on?

Well, I'm beginning to wonder if I should have married her.

Oh, Ron, maybe I'm not the one to tell you.

I'm looking for my shoe. Under the bed, I find a box of bills, thousands of

dollars of bills, past due, collection agency letters.

Meanwhile, she is spending money like there's no tomorrow.

You didn't suspect anything?

What? I mean, I see you two around the way you seem to be living. I mean, we

could never afford to live like that.

Whose side are you on?

I don't think I want to take sides.

You thought about money all the time, Ron. Remember the time you leased that

powerboat?

It's a bad fight.

You always told the truth.

I guess that's why we're not married.

You know what I regret the most?

The day your grandma died.

Like a Patsy Cline song.

Sweet pea.

Sounds pretty serious. You getting married?

Yeah, I met him on a business trip in Chicago.

If you had showed up on my doorstep a couple of months ago, I wouldn't have

let you go.

But maybe, I don't know if we've learned anything by this, it's not to take

marriage lightly.

I can't believe I'm saying this.

Maybe we can swap the cars, Ron.

You take our Chevy.

We'll take your car and finish making the payments on it.

That'd be great, Dad. The car's got maybe 30 payments left on it.

The loan's been refinanced twice. The interest rate's sky high, son.

When was this refinanced?

Where did the money go?

Seems to me you need to get a P .O. box and keep the key away from her.

I'll get the car.

Goodbye, Dad.

Leave her, Ronald.

You need to listen to me, and I am not saying this lightly.

Divorce her.

She's either evil or she's crazy, and either way, she's going to ruin you.

What about Mark?

No judge would give me custody, even if I could afford a divorce. I gave him my

name. I know you didn't raise me to walk out on my son.

He's already lost one daddy.

Oh, sweetheart.

Come on. Right there. See? Okay?

That's it?

Oh, Betty, let him come to you.

Here he comes. Yeah!

Yeah!

Yeah, Barb! Bring him in! Bring him in! Bring him in!

Yeah!

Woo -hoo!

So what are we going to do with him?

I'm going to have to teach you how to clean him.

Yeah.

I thought you were at the broadcaster's convention.

Yeah, well, I came back early. So, what are you up to?

I had an appointment with Trans Automotive, and I think they're going to

biggest sponsor yet.

Well, they could be if they actually buy some airtime from you. Are they going

to?

There you are.

Look at it, 3 o 'clock.

Oh, I forgot.

Well, Aidan, how was Vegas? Getting your work done, or was it all blackjack?

Uh -huh.

We're sorry to inform you that your manuscript on timely death has been

down.

Hello? Joanne, hey, it's me, Ron.

Hi. Listen, I got your latest note here.

It's very sweet, thank you.

Everything okay?

Things just didn't work out with Eric in Chicago.

Oh, nuts. I'm sorry about that.

You know, other people get married and live happily ever after. What is it with

us? You know, this happiness thing is not all that it's cracked up

to be. I mean, I've kind of given up on the happiness thing.

How are things with you and Bridget?

Oh, we're hanging in there.

Sorry things didn't work out here, but I do need your signature on this

promissory note for which you owe the station.

It's just a formality.

You might want to check the figures there. And I did arrange for you to pay

off in installments.

I appreciate that, Hayden.

Where do I sign?

Right there.

Thanks.

Good luck to you.

Now the loan's all set to go through?

$25 ,000. I can approve it today.

Now, I checked with our legal department, and your letter from the

as good as a written contract, so your advance from the publisher is more than

adequate collateral.

I am so relieved. I keep telling Ron it's time we paid off these debts.

Good morning. Is Ron parking?

I came alone, but here's the affirmation.

Oh.

I needed you both to sign in front of me so I could notarize it.

Oh, I'm sorry. Ron is... He's so busy at school, it's hard for

him to get away from morning practice.

Since we know each other from the church,

Just don't tell.

I'll make sure I get a signed copy of that book of yours.

I love a good romance.

Hi, Mom.

Hi, Daddy.

Hello? Hello, Bridget, this is Hayden.

You're way past due on the money you owe me. I thought we were friends, Hayden.

Look, Bridget, I don't like doing this.

But you did sign a promissory note when you quit the job. I mean, I even

arranged for you to pay it off in installments.

Believe me, if I could pay the station right now, I will. Bridget, you don't

just the station.

You owe a person, me.

Don't worry. We'll get you money. I see that's all you care about.

Look, don't push me on this one.

Who's that on the phone?

Some pushy salesman, I guess.

Ignore him, and he'll go away.

Hey, Mark.

Guess what I just heard on the news?

What?

Nugget's got a new coach.

Yes, maybe they'll win this year.

I think it's great. Why don't we go this weekend? We'll all pile in the car.

I'll try and get some tickets today.

This is a very difficult situation, Hayden.

Clearly, Ron has no idea that Bridget owes the station over $3 ,000.

For all I know, he probably thinks she still works there.

And I don't want to go to him out of pride or anger. That would be sinful.

But if we keep something so important from Ron out of our own cowardice, isn't

that sinful too?

You were right to come to me.

We're all concerned with everyone involved.

Let's seek the Lord's wisdom.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses We forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

I am the king.

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

Basketball practice Thursday.

Donnie's not making a point guard. We're going to have to put him on the bench.

January 7th. It's me again.

Maybe I'm paranoid, but I got a funny feeling about this.

Never ends with you, does it, Bridget?

Ron. Ron.

With him? With him?

Please. Please.

No,

no, no. We're not going to. No, no. Get away.

Talk to him.

Just don't leave me yet. Please.

Ron, what are you doing here?

Uh, I'm not sure.

I shouldn't bother you. I'll just bellyache about my marriage. It's not

you. Well, I'm not a fair weather friend.

She's sleeping around.

No.

Fancy job. She never sold one ad. She just got dressed up every morning and

pretended. I should go.

Ron.

Ron, leave her.

It doesn't matter what I said before. You don't have to do penance by sticking

with her. I can't walk out on Mark. I'm all he's got.

His first father died.

A gunshot wound.

No.

She said it was an accident.

You don't believe her?

Sure, yeah, I do.

But if I die in a shooting accident, promise me you'll look into it, okay?

Okay.

I mean, but there must have been an investigation when her husband died.

Oh, no, yeah, you're right.

You know, I'm just being paranoid. I should go.

Ron, listen, why don't you come over for coffee in the morning and we can talk?

You've been a good friend.

I don't know how, I don't know where, but I hope with all my heart that

we'll be together.

Ron?

to check for what's past due on your loan by the end of the week.

Bridget, please call me.

Unless you prefer I discuss the matter with you.

Things just can't be saved.

Ron?

Ron?

We should talk, honey.

There's nothing left to talk about.

Bridget wants you.

What?

What? You can expect tie -ups for at least an hour on your morning approach

highways 31 and 7.

And now repeating our top story, Jordan High loses a beloved coach.

For the latest, we switch to our reporter live in the field.

Coach Ronald Michaels was shot dead this morning when a gun he kept under his

pillow for prowlers accidentally went off.

Coach Michaels was one of the most successful high school coaches in the

He was named coach of the year three times in the last five years.

He leaves behind his son Mark as well as his wife.

Where's the woman who wants to see me?

I'm Detective Cochran.

Ma 'am, what can I do for you?

I'm Joanne Michaels, Ron Michaels' first wife.

And? Well, I think Ron Michaels didn't die accidentally.

I think his wife murdered him.

I, uh...

I realize you might have good reason to dislike the lady, ma 'am, but those are

serious charges.

Well, see, we stayed friends and we talked.

He feared for his life.

It was a tragic accident.

Go home, ma 'am.

When will the autopsy come back?

No autopsy on an accidental death.

Well, in the pictures from your crime scene, where was the gun?

We didn't take any pictures.

What about fingerprints?

The widow admits to accidentally setting off the gun. Why would we take

fingerprints?

The man was an experienced hunter. He was obsessed with safety. Now, do you

actually think he would sleep with a loaded gun under his pillow? Ma 'am, I'm

police officer, not God.

The list of things I can't explain is pretty long.

But I'll tell you this.

I've been in this department for 19 years.

Been in homicide for eight.

Take my advice.

Go home.

Let us handle this.

Your brother will be staying here with you.

I don't want him staying with me.

I don't need Clay here.

Bridget, I'm just trying to help.

You need family clothes, Bridget. That's what families are for.

You're watching me like hawks. I should never have moved back to this town.

Seems to me you've always done exactly what you wanted to do.

You always believe the worst about me. You never take my side.

Say it, Mama.

Say you think I shot Ron by accident. Say you believe me.

I have supported you. I will always support you. You're my daughter.

But you have no right to talk to me like that. And frankly, I don't deserve it.

Mama, look, I'm sorry.

It's just that I'm not ready to go through it again.

People looking at me funny.

Talking behind my back.

I'm sorry, Mama.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

We're glad you came.

It's just so awful.

We have to put it in God's hands.

And pray for the way to accept what happened.

It's pretty hard to accept.

It is.

I can't understand how Rob... It was an accident.

The Christian thing to do is to forgive.

Rob would want that.

I'll go check on the others.

You talk to Joanne.

She misses you, you know.

He's taking it so hard. I can't talk to him about it.

Gee, you have some doubts.

About Bridget's story? Oh, you bitch.

I found out a couple of things. Look at this.

Look.

Oh, my God.

Her first husband?

I promised Ron if anything happened to him.

You mean Ron knew?

Ron knew Bridget was going to try to kill him. He had suspicions toward the

Oh, God, Ron.

Forgive me.

I should have run straight to the police.

Oh, Diane.

Maybe we can do something.

Receive Ronald Michaels in the arms of your mercy.

To the blessed breath of your everlasting Jesus.

and into the glorious company of the same light.

Amen.

Joey. Oh, Diane.

We love you.

Thank you for coming,

Jillian.

It was a nice service, wasn't it?

I'm sorry for your loss.

Please, help me get justice for Ron.

Oh, Warren.

Oh, I'm so glad you're here. This is so difficult.

Well, after seeing how you carried yourself these last few days, I have to

it's just made me admire you more.

I'm not as strong as you think I am.

I can't even bring myself to touch his things.

Would you mind coming upstairs and getting rid of some of his clothes for

Maybe

I'd

feel better if you could find a place for these.

Bridget, if it's too soon to put you through this, honey... If I gave you a

Maybe you could come by when I'm out and find a place for these. I mean, I know

some poor family could use these.

Warren, maybe this would fit you.

Ron thought so highly of you. I know he would want you to have something of his.

It suits you.

Mom?

I'll be right there.

If you'll excuse me. Of course.

Bridget, anything I can do for you now or any time?

I think you know what you can do for me.

So, uh, you really didn't ask me here to, uh, Talk about quiet, did you?

I mean, all you've done is ask questions about Bridget.

Well, I think you're exaggerating a little bit, Warren.

Am I?

You have no idea what Bridget's been through.

How she suffered.

You'll forgive me if I'm a bit protective of the lady.

Well, I didn't mean to get personal.

If Bridget Michaels shot her husband on purpose, don't you think the police

would have done something by now?

I never said she shot her husband.

A woman lost two husbands to gun accidents.

I mean, any fool can see that's just a horrible coincidence.

But we live in a gun -crazy world.

At least she was widowed.

You were divorced.

Maybe you should think on that and mind your business.

Well, thank you for your time.

Mrs. Smith?

Yes?

Bridget Michael's second husband just died in a gun accident. I'm Joanne, his

-wife, and I'm trying to get some information for the police.

I think maybe she... She killed him.

Just like she killed my son.

Oh, my dear, come on in.

Thank you. Come on in.

Oh, I know I shouldn't have cut Bridget out of the pictures.

But I was alone that day, and I...

You must think I'm a crazy person.

No.

Little Mark is such a cute fellow.

Yes. I understand that. He hardly seemed like a man to hold a grudge.

He stayed friends with you even after you divorced.

Why do you keep us from seeing our grandson?

Ron said Mark, he asked about you at first.

But Bridget told him that you didn't care about your grandson.

Mr. Smith, how could this happen?

Let's take a walk.

How can she just lie and get away with it?

Ever hear of Murphy's Law?

We don't see lots of murders here.

Bridget called 911.

They didn't send Kojak. They sent the voluntary fire department with a first

kit. And Bridget tried to make it seem like an accident.

Everybody knew her. She was a good neighbor.

The time we got.

Anyone to investigate? Well, it was a long, hard road, traveling nowhere.

The detective on the case moved away.

The sheriff was elected.

Insurance companies, well, they were pressing to close the case one way or

another. He asked me.

They all just threw up their hands.

Mr. Smith,

this is Detective Cochran's phone number. I think he needs to hear all

you.

Watch out.

Bridget looks like a sweet little thing, but she's capable of anything.

Excuse me, we're here to see Detective Cochran.

Be right over there.

You have a seat.

Ladies, please, have a seat.

We need to talk to you about Bridget Michaels' first husband, Lee Smith.

Look at these.

My condolences, ma 'am.

Thank you.

I know about Lee Smith.

In fact, I'm driving to the state medical examiners. They've got the

his death.

Got a hold of Bridget and Ron's marriage certificate. We're going to use that to

check for any guns registered in their name.

And I've arranged for her to reenact the shooting.

You have?

Yes.

Now, what can I do for you?

This is Michaels. I'm Detective Cochran. This is Detective Gaines.

We spoke on the phone.

Are you ready to do this?

I don't know.

I'd certainly like to put all this behind us.

Come on.

You just want me to act it out?

Yeah, if you can.

Baby, you think it would help if Jim here sort of pretended to be your

Whatever.

Okay, I remember stretching out, and I stuck my hand under

there, and I felt something.

Okay. And then I started...

When I picked it up, I don't know. I don't know how I got it in my hand.

That whole part of it just doesn't register.

You know what?

He's not in the right position.

Your legs need to be more over there.

And your body needs to be back like that. Like this?

Yeah, that's it.

The cover is over the bottom of the pillow. More like that.

That's it. I have.

The weapon. With me.

If it would help you.

No. Okay.

You sure?

Okay.

You go ahead, Mrs. Michaels.

I don't even know what position the gun was in under here. It's just that I

realized.

I realized what it was.

And so I thought I've got to get up. I've got to get up and I've got to get

out from under there.

And I heard this awful noise.

And I was shocked.

And then I realized.

I realized, Ron.

Ron.

Ron.

I hope that helps, Detective.

Absolutely.

You can consider this investigation closed.

Oh.

down there, dude.

You're harassing me.

Ron said you were unstable.

He told me about the day your divorce papers came, how you stopped by school

begging him to take you back.

I read the letters you wrote, the ones you sent to him at work after we were

married.

Ron told me everything about you, Joanne.

After all, he was my husband.

How did Ron really die?

You read the papers.

You can't stand it that Ron chose me over you, can you? You're a theft.

But we're not in a triangle anymore, Joanne. It's over.

I hate people talking behind my back.

Don't you?

Case closed, huh?

I told her she could consider the case closed.

Hey, she can consider herself Princess Di if she wants.

Oh, this part is great.

Every time she points the gun, it's at the wrong angle.

She has to stick to her story. But when she tries to act it out, the only way

she can hold that gun is low and pointing up. The exact opposite of the

ballistics report.

It suggests her whole statement is a lie.

Who wants to see the part again where she crawls all over Gaines?

On the line of duty.

You know, for a woman afraid of guns, she sure didn't mind feeling you're a

pistol. Don't be a bitch.

Hey, you got a dirty mind. He was talking about the man's nine millimeter.

It's not enough.

What if a judge rules it inadmissible?

There's nothing dirty about that tape.

I need more than a videotape.

The Lee Smith information is powerful, but she was never charged.

There's no guarantee a judge had even let us mention a prior shooting.

Plus, the physical evidence has been compromised.

The gun was handled.

The bed linens were thrown away.

And you guys want me to ask a jury to put away a mommy, a widow, the

church lady?

Are you saying Bridget Michaels didn't kill her husband?

No. No, she killed him.

But that's only my opinion.

How about the first wife?

Joanne. She knew the victim better than anybody.

Maybe there's something we overlooked.

Maybe she's our ace.

She's too emotional. We can't use her.

Okay.

But I'm not going before a grand jury unless I smell a conviction.

Because you're the one person, besides Bridget, who can give us some insight

into Ron's married life.

Maybe you can find something that we've overlooked.

Well, you haven't exactly been eager for my help up until now.

What's changed?

Are you a gambler, Joanne?

Not really.

No, me neither. I hate to gamble, but we're going to have to in this case.

I'll go to the grand jury.

I'll get an indictment. And I will arrest her.

Well, finally.

Thank you.

And hopefully that'll keep her behind bars until the trial's over.

And then we go down to the wire.

We re -examine every shred of evidence.

We pray that before the trial's over, we find it.

Note of joy.

Help us find the evidence which says that Bridget Michaels deliberately chose

kill Ron Michaels at that exact moment because of this specific event.

Just pull there.

Mark?

Mark, where are you?

Yeah. Yeah, that's right.

What's going on?

Richard Michaels, I have a warrant for your arrest on a grand jury indictment

for the murder of Ronald Michaels.

Oh.

Wouldn't kill my...

You have the right to remain silent. No! If you choose to give up this right,

anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

Take her in. I'll catch her if you're okay.

Right, boss.

Mrs. Michaels, I see you're filing an indigency claim.

Do you understand this means that you're too poor to pay for your own attorney?

Yes, sir.

I see debt's just over $200 ,000, less than $900 in savings.

And your salary at University Medical is?

$1 ,600 a month.

I rarely see property owners who qualify as indigent, but you've managed to do

so.

The court appoints Winston Becker as your attorney.

How's it going?

Slowly. Talk about a needle in a haystack.

Yeah, we took a bunch of papers out of her house. Financial records, mostly.

I want you to see if there's anything out of place.

Any purchases that Ron wouldn't have made? Any inconsistencies?

There's got to be a financial motive behind this thing.

Wow.

That's quite a lot of paper.

You asked to be involved in the case.

We are known in this community.

We would never run.

And you're willing to put your own savings up to raise a $50 ,000 bond?

Yes.

Mrs. Rawlings, do you realize that the present bail is five times that amount?

That's $250 ,000.

How could you raise that kind of money?

Not alone.

Judge, the state will offer evidence at trial showing that the defendant

committed two killings.

The high bail reflects the fact that when a person commits two such crimes,

obviously pose a threat to society. Your Honor, my client has never been charged

with anything before in her life, not even a traffic ticket.

Now, these charges are already ruining Mrs. Michaels' life. She's been

without pay from her job.

She's unable to collect her mortgage insurance.

Let her return to her son, her church.

This lady has nowhere else to go. She's destitute.

Motion to reduce bail is denied.

Yes. Mrs. Rollins, you may step down.

Your Honor. Sir, do you have business with this court?

Your Honor, we're members of Mrs. Michaels' church, and we'd like to join

together with Mrs. Michaels' parents and put up our houses as collateral.

We can meet Bridget's $250 ,000 bail.

You're still at it.

Maybe you should call it a night.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have brought all this paperwork over. I'm keeping you up.

No.

You don't sleep that much anymore.

I always loved that picture of you two.

It's just so hard.

I don't think I can do this.

Going through Ron's mail and seeing every piece of his life with that woman.

It just hurts too much.

Can you please forgive me? Forgive you?

For what?

Ron would still be alive.

If I hadn't wanted to divorce, he would have never married her.

Oh, honey.

You can't talk that way.

It's my fault. fault.

I threw away our marriage.

I killed him.

Now you listen to me.

Listen.

You did not kill my son.

Bridget did.

You are the best friend Ron ever had his whole life.

And you're still fighting for him even now he's in heaven.

But I've got to find the evidence.

Mom? Mom?

What, honey? What's wrong?

I couldn't sleep.

I miss our old house.

When did they rent it?

I don't know.

But it was a good idea, Mark, because we could keep up the payments with me out

of work.

Yeah, but, I mean, they could have told us first.

Everything's happening so fast. Mark.

It's very late, honey.

Why aren't you in bed?

You go on up. I'll be right there. Okay.

Mama, what's going to happen?

I feel so scared.

Bridget, I think the...

The only thing we can do now is trust in the Lord.

Good night.

This tape was discovered a few days ago.

I'd like you to ID the voice.

lost in the mail friday i lost my keys like she ran to my p .o box to intercept

more bills i keep praying for a way out of these lies i i keep thinking maybe

she lied about how lee smith died too

tape was found in school, your instincts about Ron were right on the money.

We have her now, don't we?

Becca's a good lawyer. I guarantee you, you'll parade her entire family in front

of the jury swearing that's not Ron's voice.

You're Ron Michaels' real widow.

Thank

you.

The weapon in each case?

25 caliber semi -automatic handgun.

Each of Bridget and Michael's husbands died from a single bullet fired at

extremely close range.

And she was the last person in the presence of each man.

Ron and Lee were each killed in their bedrooms just before dawn.

And each man was in serious debt.

And one week after each shooting, Bridget and Michael's produced a will

probate.

It's all here.

Side by side.

The wills, insurance policies, and the weapons that killed him.

This is the gun that killed Ron Michaels.

Go ahead.

You may handle the evidence.

See for yourselves how difficult or how easy it is to make that gun go off.

I'm going to have something to eat, dear. We'll be late for court.

I'll be right there.

Diane,

come here.

Look at this.

What is it?

Look at the signatures.

Look at the check Ron wrote to the dry cleaners and look at the one he wrote to

the Snowy Ridge Bank.

It's odd.

They're not the same?

Wait a minute, there was a credit application around here for the snowy

right?

She forged Ron's signature.

Look at the date.

It's the day Ronald died.

I got to this.

You want to make a good impression in front of the jury?

Sure, Mama.

In the life of me, I don't know what's so amusing.

Well, it's just you.

Picking out clothes for me.

Worrying about me making a good impression.

Sounds like my first day at Bible camp.

Here I am, a grown woman.

Bridget Michaels spent her way through two marriages.

Cars, diamonds, designer shoes.

Does anybody really need any of that?

Well, some people just need what those things stand for.

Proof that we're good enough.

Proof that we're loved.

Bridget Michaels went to church.

She tried to be a perfect person. She just wasn't good enough.

The things she spent her money on didn't make her feel more valuable.

The men she threw herself at didn't make her feel more loved.

She blew it with Ron. It's like she blew it with Lee.

A check that Ron didn't write, repaying a loan he didn't even know about, was

going to show up in the mail.

Her marriage was about to blow up in her face.

Bridget was running out of time.

Or perhaps I should say Ron was a man, a good man.

Went to sleep in his own bed, not knowing that he'd never wake up.

I ask you, return a verdict of guilty of

first -degree murder.

Mrs.

Michaels is not on trial for Lee Smith's death or for going over her credit

limit.

or even for having a rocky marriage.

The one legitimate question here today is, did the state prove Bridget Michaels

guilty of murdering her husband?

Or is there reasonable doubt?

Now this lady, devout churchgoer, loving mother, is

presumed innocent in the court of law.

Were you in the Michaels' bedroom the night of this tragedy?

Is there really only one way that gun could go off?

Oh,

look,

Harry, look!

Jenny, wait!

Marky. Oh, Marky.

Oh. I've missed you so much.

Mr.

Foreman, will you please read the verdict?

we find the defendant Bridget Michaels guilty of murder in the first degree.