Original subtitles

Hey!

Hey! Hey!

Stop!

Hey.

Hey, taking someone else's mail's a felony.

So is breaking and entering.

Finally, she returns from writing camp.

Thought you'd become

the next Hemingway and leave us all behind.

I'm getting there.

Halfway done with my first novel now.

It's good to see you, Carson.

It's good to see you too, Mara.

Mara! I told myself if I had to wait one more day

I was gonna drive up there and take you home myself.

So, tell me, you win a Pulitzer yet?

Part fantasy, part sci-fi,

but this time, the heroine saves herself.

Oh, I knew I raised you right.

Mr. Guttman! Just give me one minute to check him in.

Wait, you're checking guests in now, too? What?

She didn't write, she didn't call.

Sorry. Meant to, just got busy.

With what, exactly?

Let it loose in a guest suite yet?

I was waiting for you.

Joy, get that thing outta here.

- Oh. - No, Mom.

It's fine. Just another thing to get ruined.

There are some things you didn't miss out on this summer.

- Is she sad about the sale? - Furious.

It was her father's home, but what choice do I have?

I never thought I'd run this place alone,

let alone be an evil stepmother.

You know, I wrote a story about one of those, too,

from her perspective.

Please tell me she gets redeemed.

You left out a lot in your letters.

Staff's gone, Mom's running the place.

Joy's running from my mom.

I don't think anyone wanted

you to worry while you were gone.

Wouldn't have left if I had known things were this bad.

Mara, you got dreams.

Don't feel bad that you went to go chase them.

Well, I appreciate you helping out my mom.

She has a lot on her plate.

Of course. Now, is it my turn to hear about your book yet?

It's an epic tale about intergalactic espionage.

What happened to write what you know?

Oriana isn't exactly a page turner.

I wouldn't be so sure. Old house, kooky guests.

I'd read it.

Glad to know I have a fan.

So, what have you been up to?

You're looking at it.

Come on, Oriana can't have been

your only adventure this summer.

Without you, there weren't many adventures to be had.

Hey, you guys need to stop it.

Hey, he was talking to you.

Yeah, well, tell your handyman here,

his work could use some more work.

- Ow! - Hey!

I'm so sorry Ms. Ellis. Please, I need this job.

I wish I didn't have to do this Carson,

but I have no choice.

Thanks.

Mom, you can't fire him, he was defending me.

- He also assaulted a guest. - That kid deserved it!

Carson, wait.

This is all my fault. - No, it's not.

But it will make for a good story one of these days.

If you write about it,

make sure to put he cried like a baby

when he got a taste of Hemingway and the handyman.

So, what are you gonna do now?

Same thing you will, survive.

Dear Hemingway, when you're famous, don't forget about us.

Joy?

Mom, are you there?

Warm, light,

in cold, tired eyes.

I will get that fixed for you right away. I'm so sorry.

Have a nice day.

I should have known you'd be one of the first to rise.

You know, the early bird catches the worm.

And the early bird watcher catches both.

No, please, Mr. Guttman, that's on me.

No, no, no, I insist.

Thank you.

Oh, um, how's the hot water working?

Uh... don't worry about me.

I come here every year for the heron migration, not the shower.

You're my favorite guest.

You deserve great birdwatching and warm showers.

And you deserve a rest every now and then.

- Did you say rest? - Mm-hmm.

I don't know that word. Sounds nice, though.

You enjoy those birds, Mr. Guttman.

I once heard the ghosts of things that never happened

are worse than the ghosts of things that did.

That it's the unknown that truly haunts us.

What we could have done. What could have been.

These unanswered questions are the engine behind our desires.

Our dreams. Our search for the truth.

But the real truth is,

these questions of what if,

can also drive us to madness.

It is only when we let go

that the haunting finally ends.

And then, we go back to living.

It's time we let go of the ghosts, Carson,

and get back to dreaming.

Best, Mara.

This was the last letter I sent.

For Carson, soon he'll be free.

Get to start a new life.

Become someone new.

But for me, where my story goes,

that is still left to be written.

Beautiful, Mara.

This is exactly the kind of writing I've been waiting

to see from you.

I know these letters and this relationship

are incredibly personal but it's honest.

Wait, so, did that guy kill you mom or not? I am confused.

Um...

Carson pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter

but has always maintained his innocence.

There's still a lot of questions.

Like what?

Zelda, maybe take your curiosity from Mara's work

and put it into finishing your own assignment.

That's it for today.

Don't forget, final projects are due at the end of this month

and I expect to see pages as you go.

Mara, you happen to take a look

at any of those grad programs I sent you?

Not yet, Dr. Fischer.

I might be able to sneak your work to an old colleague at NYU,

just to help tip the scales. - You would do that for me?

If the rest of your final project

is as good as today, then yes.

Thank you. I just need to figure out

the story after these letters.

When does Carson receive this one?

He should already have it.

- Hi, Peter. - Oh, hey.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

No, this is great. It saves me the drive.

Whadda ya got? Flyers.

A historic bed and breakfast

now gracing the market with its enchanting allure.

Enchanting allure? - What's wrong with that?

It's kinda like a diplomatic way

of saying the place has a past.

Well, you're the writer. I'm just the ex-husband realtor.

- That's what's missing. - Is it?

Mm-hmm. Ex-husband realtor.

How much do you think it would cost to reprint?

Well, we won't need to reprint

because I might have a few potential bites.

I'm still working out the details but I will let you know.

- That's great! - Mm-hmm.

Are the buyers gonna be able to see it in person?

Yeah, well, that's the plan.

Oh, please don't spring them on me.

Joy wants a 24 hour heads up.

What, so she can booby trap the place and scare everyone off?

I could give you a month's notice

and that would not get Joy on board.

Peter, she has been through a lot.

Yeah, and you've been through a lot, too.

The sooner you say goodbye to Oriana, the better.

I have. I have said goodbye in many ways.

I know. I'm really proud of you.

Just wish that could've happened when we were together.

Yeah. But, even if it did, you probably still

would've left your dirty clothes on the floor, so.

- Thank you for the flyers. - Yeah, anytime.

Listen man, now I'm no parole officer,

but I am here to supervise your transition.

And I'm here to tell you man,

it's gonna be tough out there those first couple days.

Have a look at these. Plenty of resources in town.

I know finding a job can be difficult

so, I'm gonna give you a few weeks to secure something.

Is there anything else I could help you with today?

Yeah. I need to find this one place.

I'm sorry about earlier.

I can come off as a little bit harsh,

as my therapist would say.

I prefer passionate. It has a nice ring to it.

- I really need to get going. - Just one second.

Listen, this true crime stuff is kinda my thing.

Stuff?

I didn't mean it that way.

I'm just saying this class is my last credit before I graduate

but I'm actually a criminology major.

And?

And you're shooting at cans

when the target is literally right in front of you.

Your story is not finished

because you don't know what happened to your mom.

Let me help you find the real truth.

Believe it or not,

I have learned to live without the truth.

Yeah, I'm not buying it.

You're right, there was a time I couldn't.

But you learn to live with the past

and you learn to help yourself,

and that is exactly what I'm doing.

That was new.

Stop, don't do that. You're irritating them.

Well, they don't do anything besides watch us.

They're boring pets.

Well, they're not really pets.

They're more like my friends.

- Friends? - Yeah.

How can you be friends with poisonous frogs?

Well, they're not all poisonous.

I mean that one is.

Joy... Oh, my God.

The gardener? Seriously?

- I was just on my way out. - Mm-hmm.

- Hi. - Hello.

Dining room's a mess.

Okay, well, I was gonna get to it.

Please, I can't keep tabs on everything.

Kitchen and food service are your responsibility.

Okay, I'll make it happen.

Hey, I know things have been awkward

with the house on the market.

Well, your mom left Oriana to you,

not me, so you get to call the shots.

You know that's not how I see it.

Well, I don't recall asking Peter

to put up that for sale sign, so.

- Thank you. - Mm-hmm.

You know, it'd be nice to do some dishes in hot water.

I know.

Garbage disposal's broken, too.

Are we gonna get a real handyman anytime soon?

We need money for a real handyman.

I'll add it to my to-do list.

Well, I guess we both have a lot on our plate.

You didn't happen to see

a reply from Carson in the mail, did you?

Mara, I told you, that is your thing.

I don't wanna be involved.

I know.

But it's for my class.

Using the letters for my final project.

Are you sure this is a good idea?

I don't wanna tell you what to do

but you've just been doing so well lately

and I would just hate for you to slip into like, another spiral.

I'm not slipping into anything.

I wrote the letters to move on and I have.

Detective Mara has officially retired.

Good.

You know, once Oriana sells, we both get a fresh start.

We can find new dreams.

Yeah.

Hey, hey, whoa. Are you okay?

- Yes, I'm fine. - Sit down.

No, no, no, I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine.

Have you been to the doctor yet?

- Yes. - And?

He said it was stress related.

Wonder where that comes from.

- Is it me? - It's you.

I am who I am, okay?

Is it really your story

if it begins where another's ended?

- Oh my God! - Uh...

Zelda, what are you doing here? This is trespassing.

- Just visiting, late at night. - Is that a tape recorder?

Uh, you can't hack analog.

Plus I'm a sucker for the click. - No, absolutely not, no way.

- You should hear me out. - No, no! Not a chance.

But I've been looking into the case all day and you're right.

There are inconsistencies all over the place.

For instance, the placement of the bodies.

Your mom had to have been pushed from above.

You don't understand. This isn't good for me.

But I need your help

to access the files and question the police.

You're not gonna get it.

In case you change your mind.

You should really get that fixed.

Please, listen to me. I promise, I'm so close this tim.

Why can't you just believe that it was him?

Because he wouldn't do something like this!

- Then who is it? - I don't know.

That is what I'm trying to prove. Please. She was my mom.

She deserves concrete answers.

No. She deserves peace, Mara.

Oh, sorry. Hey. Hang on.

Uh, this door. Hang on. You push, I'll pull.

Sorry, this door is like the bane of my existence. Uh.

Hemingway?

What did you say?

You mean, you don't recognize me?

Carson.

I guess 14 years changes a face.

- How are you... - I got released.

And you came here?

Well, yeah, I didn't know where else to go.

I should've, I should've written you beforehand.

Let you know.

You never responded to my last letter or mentioned.

I wanted to. I did.

It's just uh,

look, your last letter said you were selling Oriana

and uh, I was afraid by the time I showed up that you'd be gone.

Shoot. Uh, you stay here. I'll be back.

Hey.

What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost.

Funny you say that. Um, Carson got released.

He's here.

What?

He's here? Like, right now at Oriana?

- Yes. - Why?

I think he genuinely thought he could show up here.

Did you tell him that he could come here in your letters?

No.

Okay. Uh...

I just knew you reaching out to him was gonna be a bad idea.

Listen, I think you writing to him was like,

a really honorable and great thing to do.

Everybody thinks that. But this is real life now.

This is our house. He's a stranger and a murderer.

He is not a murderer or a stranger. I know him.

Yeah, sweetie, you don't know him.

You knew him for like, a couple weeks when you were 16.

I can't think of another reason that he's here

if except to get revenge. - You don't know that.

Well, I mean, that's what he did at first.

Listen. You listen to him.

I'd rather kick him out.

Hey. What are you doing here?

Joy. Hey, uh, it's nice to see you, too.

Are you gonna explain yourself

or do you need the cops to check your pockets for cash?

Joy.

Look, I heard a noise in the kitchen.

I think your disposal's broken. I could fix it, if you want.

Okay. Uh, you know, don't worry about it.

I'll uh, I'll just get going.

What, that's it?

Look, 14 years ago

I was a punk who lost his job

and stupidly thought the only way to fix it

was to get drunk and take what wasn't his.

So, I broke into Oriana, but that's all.

I would never hurt your mother.

Look, Susannah died that night

and who knows, if I hadn't been there, she might still be alive.

For that, I am eternally sorry,

and I promise to spend the rest of my life doing whatever I can

to make it up to you.

Mara, you cannot honestly believe him.

The man pled guilty to murder.

Involuntary manslaughter, and it was a plea deal.

He was young and had inexperienced lawyers.

What else was he supposed to do?

Innocent people take plea deals all the time.

I cannot believe we're doing this again.

He was trashed, he broke into the house,

and he was found at the bottom of the stairs with your mom!

It's all there! - No, it's not.

It never has been.

But him being here could finally give me clarity on that night.

Okay, so that's what this is about.

What happened to Detective Mara retiring, huh?

You've been doing so well.

I don't understand why you just wanna throw it all away.

Because she was my mother.

You will never understand what it has been like

to live in this constant unknown.

Besides, he just got released. Where else is he supposed to go?

That's not your responsibility.

It's his parole officer's.

There are resources for people like him.

He deserves a second chance.

I don't like this, Mara.

Joy, I promise, things will be different this time.

Do you think he knows anything about water heaters?

Thank you, Mara. This is more than generous.

I'm happy to help. We can't pay you.

But uh, you'll get room and board free of charge, obviously.

You're giving me a fresh start.

That's worth more to me than money.

Last handyman used to live here.

We never cleaned out his stuff.

Anything else you need we should have up at the house.

It's perfect.

Wow.

Feels like I was just here yesterday.

Uh, so you'll be in charge of handling all the repairs.

That's all the wear and tear with the BNB.

Everything inside and out.

Probably just don't go in the green house.

I don't think Joy would want you in there.

Right.

I'm nervous, sorry.

Mara, hey, look.

I'm still the same guy who's been

at the other end of those letters.

Well, I think that's what makes it strange.

You know all these details about my life.

More than Joy. More than anyone, really.

Yeah, it's strange to see you, too.

I mean, you were the only person who gave me hope in there.

Made me feel like someone out here actually cared about me.

I did. I do.

I just think I need some time to adjust.

Yeah. Yeah, I understand.

Hey, uh, I hope this doesn't make things more strange.

It's not much but...

I saw it in town and I thought about all the great things

you'll write with it.

That is very sweet. Thank you.

And hey, you know, when things feel a little less strange,

um, maybe we can catch up some more.

Off the page. - I'd like that.

Great.

Mara did what?

Believe me, I pushed back, but you know how she is.

She just... - Calls the shots. I know.

I hate how she just walks all over you.

I didn't mean it that way, 'k?

I just think that anyone in their right mind

would know that this is a bad idea.

But we've had a few of those ourselves, right, so.

I need you to keep an eye on Carson.

Okay? I don't trust him.

You shouldn't.

Joy?

Joy, is that you?

Zelda, if you are here...

I just took my first warm shower in five days.

And you just walked through the front door without a creak.

Impressive.

I'm just getting started.

I need you to order another case of the Chianti.

I'm down to the last bottle.

He has been out there all day.

What?

Mara, did you hear anything I just said?

- Yes. - Pfft.

What? I'm just impressed with Carson.

You noticed the hot water, right?

He fixed the water heater. He didn't find the Holy Grail.

Hey, I can finish up here. You get started on dinner.

I won't say no to that.

- You've got to be kidding me. - What?

Zelda, that classmate who wants to write about us.

Mara, I don't want her around here.

I'll handle it.

Hey. What was that about?

I don't know, she was just asking me a bunch of questions.

Why, you worried about her? - No. No, no, no.

She's harmless. She's just trying to dredge up the past.

She's really not warming up to me, is she?

Oh.

Hey, Mara. Mara.

Mara. You okay?

Yeah, yeah. Sorry.

Sorry, I just get dizzy sometimes.

Joy. Um...

If it helps, it took her a year

after our parents got married for her to call my mom by name.

- It's quite the power move. - Yeah, yeah.

They were constantly at each other's throats.

You don't remember?

To be honest, whenever I thought about Oriana,

I just always think of you.

Honestly, I don't think my mom really wanted this place.

It was Joy's dad's home.

So, when he passed away, Joy was stuck with us

and we were stuck with Oriana.

But not for much longer.

That is a conversation that deserves a drink.

Well, I could use a drink.

I haven't had one since...

I cannot remember since when.

It's Italian night tonight.

We got good wine. Joy makes a killer gnocchi.

You should come.

You sure that's a good idea?

Yeah. No one knows who you are.

Be like our little secret.

All right. Yeah, I'd like that.

- All right. I'll see ya there. - 'K.

Hey. Got a minute?

Drew. Haven't had the chance to formally introduce myself.

You're really helping clean up the old place.

Yeah. I'm just doing whatever Mara needs, so.

Good. Well, Joy, she needs to be left alone.

You understand?

Understood.

Wow, you clean up nicely.

- Could say the same about you. - Thank you. Take a seat.

Wow, uh, thanks again for the invite.

This looks amazing.

There's so much I wanna ask you.

You know, I always meant to come visit you but...

It was...

No, I understand. I do.

So, um, tell me about Peter.

You got married but split two years ago?

Somehow, we've managed to remain friends, which is nice.

Yeah, it was actually my divorce

that prompted the letters to you.

I needed to move on in a lot of ways.

You know, I figured you'd already moved on from Oriana,

the way you wrote.

- What do you mean? - I don't know, you just um

you just always talked about becoming a writer.

Seeing the world. All your dreams.

After everything that happened,

I couldn't just leave Joy.

I had been wondering, being here,

has it brought back any memory of that night?

I wish I could remember something.

Anything, Mara.

But I was so drunk that night, I blacked out.

The first thing I remember was waking up

handcuffed to a hospital bed.

Mara.

Zelda, no, please, I don't want you here.

You need to listen to me this time. You're not safe.

- Is everything okay? - Yes, Zelda was just leaving.

I'm not gonna ask you again. Please leave.

I've been doing some digging and I have a hunch.

- A hunch? - It's more than that.

You don't know anything for certain.

I know for certain that your new handyman is Carson Pierce.

Okay, Mara, enough. I'm sorry, you need to leave. Come on.

Joy. Give us a second, please.

How did you know that was Carson?

I told you, I'm good at this true crime thing.

You can't tell anyone about this.

I won't. But I need you to tell me everything.

I can't do my job unless...

This isn't your job.

And you trying to make it yours is starting to affect mine.

I'm sorry, but I wouldn't be here

if I didn't think you were really in danger.

I found something.

A piece of evidence the police thought was nothing

but I believe could break open this whole case.

Point to a new suspect.

Who?

I can tell you, but not here.

9:00 AM on campus.

Done.

You'll be glad you gave me another chance

because together, I think we can get some real answers.

Why investigators paid no mind to this evidence,

I'll never know.

But I believe this will point

to the true murderer of Susannah Ellis.

And I believe this person...

Hello?

Chill, Zelda. Chill.

You solve true crime. You don't live it.

Please, help!

I didn't think that Mara Ellis had time to leave Oriana.

Ooh, he's got jokes.

I finished up work early around the property,

so I thought I'd grab a bite.

- Nice. - Got any new listings?

Yeah. Couple reflipped it. Honestly, it's a cheap remodel.

How somebody would prefer something like this over Oriana,

I will never know.

I do.

Yeah, well, not everyone feels the same way.

I got a call from a potential buyer.

Yeah, a horse racing family from Kentucky

who is looking for an historic property with a ton of land.

It's a great fit, if you ask me, right?

Yeah!

So, is it good next week if I bring 'em by?

Yes! That would be perfect.

Okay. Haven't seen that smile in a while.

What's new with you?

Wait, if it's a new guy, I don't wanna hear about it.

No. No, it's nothing like that.

Did get a new handyman.

Ah, okay, well that explains the afternoon jaunt.

You finally have time for yourself.

- Exactly. - Hmm.

- I gotta say, I missed this. - Yeah.

So peaceful away from Oriana.

And spoke too soon.

Hello?

Hey Mara. Uh, sorry to bother you.

We have a bit of a problem back here.

Will you be home soon?

Yeah, yeah, just wrapping up here.

I have to go.

Duty calls. I should do the same.

I will call you this week about the listing.

- Mm-hmm, yeah. - All right?

- Okay, bye Peter. - Bye.

- Everything all right? - Yeah, where were ya?

I was running errands. Why? What's going on?

You should see for yourself.

Oh.

What do you think caused this?

Oh, it's probably some guests messing around.

- How long for the repair? - I can fix it, no problem.

But you know, we should probably figure out who did this.

Do you have any cameras?

Haven't worked in years. I've been meaning to get them fixed.

Yeah, I can call the insurance company.

See if maybe we can get a deal on a whole new system.

Yeah, that would be a huge help. Thank you.

Yeah, that's what I'm here for. Hey uh, you know,

since dinner got cut short last night,

I thought maybe we could, I don't know...

I'm sorry. I have so much work to do.

We'll talk later, okay?

Hey, you've reached Zelda. Leave a message.

Well, that about does it.

You'll have all the access you need, anytime.

Great. It's nice to have eyes on every corner of this place.

Yeah, you can never be too safe.

Only thing is, I didn't put one in the basement.

I wanted to ask your permission first.

Thank you. Should definitely put one in there.

And since we're going down there, I thought

maybe it's time that I try

to see if I can remember something. Anything.

- No, you don't have to do that. - No, Mara, I do.

I mean, if I can prove that I wasn't involved

then not only do we get the truth,

but I get my reputation back, my life back.

Okay, if you're sure.

Sparking memory isn't easy but there are ways to do it.

If it means freedom, I'll try anything at this point.

I mean, there is one small problem.

It's kind of a work day,

so I might need to ask my boss for some time off.

Consider it granted.

Great.

Okay. Now, if it gets too much for you at any point,

we can stop.

Yeah, yeah, same goes for you.

- This is where... - Mm-hmm.

Wow, it is surreal to be back

in the spot where my entire life changed.

Yeah, mine too.

God, there are so many times

that I wondered where your life would be

if that night had never happened.

And if I hadn't broken in,

that maybe you wouldn't uh...

God, this is all my fault. I'm so sorry.

Hey. Don't do that.

It was not your fault.

Someone else wanted her gone, not you.

Did you ever think I was guilty?

Not for a second.

Carson, there are just so many questions about that night.

It doesn't add up.

You were the only one who could know what really happened.

I feel like you were my missing piece in all this.

Well then, let's see if I am.

Okay.

I looked down from the top of the stairs

and saw her body on top of yours.

Why was I underneath her?

Well, the prosecution tried to make it seem like you fought her

or lost your balance and then fell.

Hmm. But that doesn't make any sense.

I mean, we both didn't have any defensive wounds on us, right?

No. It was just Mr. Guttman here that night.

All the doors and windows were locked,

so no one could've gotten in or out.

Right. And where did I come in?

You came in through the window.

You broke it. Glass was scattered.

And then, you dripped blood up the stairs.

Never made it to the top.

Yeah. That is what your lawyers proved.

Blood stopped there

and there was no trace of your footprints inside the house.

All right, where do we start?

So...

Rapid eye movement therapy is supposed to unlock trauma.

- Okay. - First step is close your eyes.

All right.

Then to the beat of the music, move your eyes back and forth.

- Like this? - Think so. Now breathe.

And let whatever comes your mind take over.

Anything?

I don't know.

If I felt um... I felt fear.

Fear of being caught. But that's all I got.

You were sweet to try. Thank you.

Hey, put the song back on. Yeah. Try again.

I heard a voice.

Your mother's voice.

She was talking to someone.

We wanted something from her.

He was angry.

- Hi, Mr. Guttman. - Hey.

- Do you have a moment? - For you, always.

I was hoping you would go over

the events of that night with me.

Oh. That was a long time ago.

And I'd be lying if I said I hadn't tried to forget it.

I know.

I wanted to hear directly from you.

Please, Mr. Guttman.

I came rushing down the stairs

when I heard you screaming and found, you know...

I was wondering if you noticed anything beyond the house?

- Beyond? - Yeah.

Perhaps there was someone else in the house.

No, I was the only one there, until the police came.

I have one more question.

Okay.

Do you recognize any of these people?

Maybe from your time at Oriana that trip?

Him.

He was here that day?

Maybe.

He used to come around from time to time.

I knew him because he was that jerk that used gill netting

for fishing, which are a high threat to seabirds.

Never liked him.

He was a loan shark back then, too.

How fitting.

It's hard to imagine your mom

hanging around a place like this.

I don't know. Maybe we're jumping into this too fast.

We're just asking questions.

Yeah, but I mean, it made sense that he was around.

My mom owed him money.

Hey, just because he might not have been the one

who pushed your mom, doesn't mean he didn't want her dead.

Trust yourself, Mara. I do.

Joy can't know about this, okay?

It'll be our secret.

Hello?

Hello?

Barry?

Who's asking?

You don't look like you're in the market for bait.

But if you are...

No. I'm Mara Ellis.

Susannah Ellis' daughter.

I heard what happened to her.

Tragic.

Where were you the night that she died?

It's been a long time. I can't say I recall.

Well, that's convenient.

Well, I was on a fishing trip. I wasn't even in this state.

I mean, you could've ordered someone else to do it.

Why would I do that? I was in the loan business.

Not the murder business.

Did you say was?

Well, I put that life far behind me. I moved on.

She owed you almost 10 grand.

That's not the kinda thing you just move on from.

It's just pennies compared to what other people owed me.

I'm sorry about your mom.

But if you're looking for her killer,

you're in the wrong place.

Thank you for your time.

Hey, what kind of illness did she have?

- What did you say? - Susannah. The illness?

She borrowed all that money for medical bills.

Did they ever get around to figuring out what made her sick?

Sick?

My mom wasn't sick.

I thought she borrowed that money

to help keep Oriana afloat.

You thought wrong.

Mara, talk to me. What's goin' on?

She was sick.

My mom was sick and I had no idea.

Why didn't she feel like she could tell me?

Maybe if I had have known, then she wouldn't have...

Don't even go there, okay?

I uh...

I actually know how you feel.

I don't know if you knew, but my mom was also sick.

She was suffering so much that she couldn't take it anymore

and um...

I was eight.

I didn't know she took her own life until years later.

I am so sorry.

You know, for the longest time, I thought if I had been,

if I had been different, better,

that she wouldn't have done what she did.

It consumed me.

Sometimes these things, they take hold, you know?

Driving you mad. It's...

I know exactly what you mean.

And you would do anything to make it go away.

That's the ghost that's haunted me my whole life.

Seems like the same ghost has haunted you.

I feel that.

But we can never blame ourselves. Ever.

Right.

I just wish we could've ended the trail with Barry.

Would've been a bit too easy.

But we will find the truth. Okay? Together.

Hey, hey!

Let go of me! Don't touch me! Mara!

Mara? Mara?

Mara?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, what's going on?

- He attacked me. - Are you okay?

Yeah, he attacked me! He snuck up behind me!

He grabbed my arm, and when I ran away, he chased after me.

- Joy, please, it was a mistake. - Back up!

Okay, what is going on?

Look, I saw someone snooping around.

My instincts took over, and yes, I did grab Joy,

but only 'cause I thought she was an intruder.

I mean once I realized my mistake, I let her go.

I only chased you 'cause I was trying to explain.

- What were you doing out there? - Excuse me.

Whatever I damn well want.

This is my house, too, until you sell it.

I should be able to go wherever I want,

anytime I want on my own property!

You're right, and I'm so sorry.

Save it! I don't wanna hear it!

Joy, please.

It seems like this was just one big misunderstanding.

Hey, look, I didn't mean to...

It's late.

Peter. Uh, yeah, we need to talk.

I think it's happening again.

Yeah, and there's something else you should know

about our handyman.

What the hell were you thinking?

Lower your voice.

You put everyone in this house at risk.

You got a problem with me, you should say it to my face.

Okay. I don't trust you.

And I don't want you staying here at Oriana.

Well, that's not up to you, is it?

Peter stop. That's enough. You should go.

Oh, like hell I am. I'm not leaving you here alone with him.

I think she can handle herself.

Can she? Thank you so much for enlightening me about my wife.

You mean ex-wife.

Oh, my God. Peter!

- Mara, I-I... - Leave!

Oh, my God, are you okay?

Yeah, I'm just glad you didn't get hurt.

I'm so sorry. I don't know what's gotten into him.

- Any chance you got a bandage? - Yeah.

Hey. What happened?

Carson happened.

And you're right, something's off about him.

Thank you. For some reason, Mara doesn't see it.

We need to get him outta here. Away from you and Mara.

Okay, I can help with that.

Be careful. We don't know how dangerous he is.

Hi, I'd like to enquire about a recently released inmate,

Carson Pierce.

What happened here?

Had a run-in with the vase.

Well, good for the vase.

Joy, look, I really feel like

if you gave me a chance, we could get along.

Not unless you leave Mara alone.

I know what you're doing. I see the way you look at her.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Don't do that. Mara's never gonna go for you, okay?

I would never let that happen.

Okay, let's see. Show me.

Oof, that is a pretty deep gash you got there.

Hmm. You should see the other guy.

What's so funny?

Ah, it just makes me think about the last time I saw you.

How so?

That boy you hit.

I gotta say, you take a punch far better than he did.

You know,

I never got the chance to thank you.

For defending me.

Well, you took care of me then and you take care of me now.

I don't know how I ever got so lucky.

I've always been a big fan of second chances.

Maybe you could give Peter one for me.

Yeah, sure.

Thank you.

Hey.

- Hi. - Do you have a sec?

I think I...

I think I might've been wrong about Carson.

He seems like he might be helping you get some answers.

Any interesting leads?

Yeah. I found out Mom was sick before she died.

She was sick? Sick with what?

I don't know. That's what I'm trying to find out.

Okay, well, you should go figure it out.

- You really mean that? - Yeah. I've got Oriana. You go.

Thank you, Joy.

Hi. I'm enquiring about the medical records

for Susannah Ellis.

No, she hasn't been a patient there for many years

but I was hoping to acquire them, if possible.

Yeah, yeah, I can wait.

Yes, do you have them?

What do you mean they were picked up?

By what family member?

Did you say Z. Ellis? Yeah, we don't have a...

Zelda.

You sure about this?

Yes. It's the only way to get him to leave.

Did you try asking nicely?

Okay. Okay, I'll do it.

Zelda, I'm serious. I'm not playing these games anymore.

- Mara! - Dr. Fischer. Hi, how are you?

I'm fine. You missed class today.

You've actually missed two in a row.

I completely forgot.

And I emailed you about your final project.

Yeah, I know. Yes, I've just, I've had a lot going on

but I promise, I am planning on getting to it.

Anything you wanna talk about?

It's complicated.

Well, I still wanna help you with NYU

but I can't read through pages you haven't written.

Dr. Fischer, was Zelda in class today?

No, she wasn't. Her bag was found in the hallway.

She's always losing things.

I'm actually supposed to be meeting up with her later.

I could drop it off.

- I'll be expecting that email. - Okay.

Z. Ellis?

Did you do it?

Just like you asked. Can I get a thank you?

Not really in the mood right now, Drew. Sorry.

Zelda Yenga here,

and I've finally gotten access to Susannah's medical records.

No, that sounds stupid. Let me take that back.

- Hey. - Hi.

Yeah, I just wanted to thank you

for putting me back together earlier.

- My pleasure. - Where did you find that?

Um, don't tell Joy.

I tried to see Zelda today. Turns out she's been missing.

She didn't show up to our meeting or class.

Maybe there's something on here she found that I haven't.

Still digging for answers? You are one determined woman.

Thank you. But I have to put that on hold for now.

I had a run-in with my professor and I'm falling behind.

You really did become a detective.

Yeah. It was too much for most people.

Not for me. I'll do whatever it takes.

Have to get Joy and Peter on my side now.

Hey, why don't you get to writing,

and if I find anything, I'll let you know.

Got it.

Well, that's the last of them.

Anything about my mom's illness?

Nothing, no. How's the writing coming along?

It's coming.

Can I see?

Sure.

Oriana has felt as much of a cage as it has a home.

This place keeps me chained to mysteries

I may never understand.

But when birds leave their cage, they can fly.

When I leave Oriana, I'll first have to find my wings.

I didn't realize you felt that way.

Neither did I. Until I wrote it.

Fingers crossed my professor likes it.

You don't need a grade to tell you what I already know.

You are a writer through and through.

Well, I don't need a grade for that

but I do need one for grad school.

You didn't mention grad school in your letters.

It's not for sure but I'm applying.

5Dr. Fischer has an in at NYU.

Wow, okay, so you...

You'd move to New York and leave Pelican Ridge?

And then what?

Find my wings.

Hey. Sleep well?

Oh, what time is it?

- Just after nine. - Oh, shoot.

Made you a coffee.

Thank you. I gotta go. Oh.

Here, I'll help you.

Thank you again for your help last night.

Of course, yeah.

You gotta be kidding me.

Oh, no, it's not what it looks like.

Really, Mara? Him?

I was working, I fell asleep. That is it.

Okay, well, while you were falling asleep,

our deposit bag was stolen. - Are you sure?

Yes, I'm sure, and I'm sure he's the one who took it.

Okay, let's not go throwing around accusations.

Well, all the security camera footage was deleted

and he's the only one who knows how to do that.

I'm sure there is a logical explanation.

He's the only one who would take it.

Joy, stop. I'm serious. Stop!

Stop! Get off of me.

What did you do with it?

I don't have it, Joy.

Joy. Hey! You need to apologize now.

Over my dead body.

You just accused an innocent man of stealing.

I am so sick of you defending him. I'm sick of him.

Then leave! I'm selling the place anyway.

So, you'd rather have him here than me?

When you are acting like this, yes.

This whole thing is insane.

What's insane is you trying to solve a crime with the person

who probably committed it.

He probably has you so distracted

you didn't even notice him taking the bag.

- You don't know him. - You don't know him!

You knew him for two weeks when you were 16.

You can't trust him!

He's taking advantage of you!

You're leaving?

Yeah. Yeah, I don't really think I have a choice.

I mean, I'm making Joy feel unsafe, so...

No, she has always been dramatic and distrusting.

Sure, but I'm only making it worse.

I don't want you to leave.

I know.

But the whole reason you hired me was to make your life easier.

Not more complicated.

Listen, why don't I just talk to her and see...

Mara, it's okay.

Look, I care about you enough to know that I need to move on.

Where will you go?

I don't know.

But you don't need to worry about me. All right?

Look, my time here has been the biggest blessing.

For that, I will always be grateful.

One last thing.

I'm not really one to point fingers,

but as a handyman, I kinda see and hear a lot of things.

I wouldn't put stealing the money past Drew.

You keep an eye on him. Okay?

Bye. - Bye.

What the hell are you doing?

I could ask you the same question.

- I didn't take that. - What's it doing in your truck?

I don't know. Maybe ask the felon living under your roof.

I need you off my property, now.

Screw this family.

Help!

Help! Help!

- God! Joy! - No, no! No, no, no!

- I can't lose her! - I'll get her.

I'll get her, okay?

Joy! Joy, come on, let's go.

Mara! Hey, Mara? Mara! Hey, wake up!

Mara!

There she is.

Hi, Peter.

Hey. Doctor said you had a panic attack.

They took some blood tests just to be sure.

Oh, my God, Joy.

No, Joy's okay. She's back at Oriana.

Just minimal smoke inhalation

but the frogs and most of the plants survived.

What about...

Carson left.

It's all my fault.

No. No, you were just trying to do the right thing.

I'm lying here

and I still don't know what happened to my mom.

I'm sorry. I am so sorry.

You don't have anything to be sorry about.

Will you stay with me?

Sorry, Mara. I can't today.

But I will stop by Oriana tonight. I promise.

- Okay. - Okay?

- I'll see ya later. - Okay.

- Hey. - Hi.

- Here you go. - Thank you.

I'm so glad you're okay. - Oh, please. I'm fine.

I cancelled the reservations for the next couple of weeks,

so it's just gonna be you and me here.

The doctor said you need to rest.

Like, really rest, like for real.

Can you do that for me?

Yes.

Okay, good.

I'll be downstairs if you need anything.

Thank you.

It's me.

Hi. What are you doing here?

I had to come see if you were all right.

I am. Joy is too. You saved her life.

Well, I'm glad to hear you're both okay.

Hey, do they know what caused the fire?

No, they're still investigating it.

Carson, I'm sorry, but if Joy sees you.

No, I'll get going.

I just, I forgot a few things in the back house.

Yeah.

Actually, do you wanna come with me?

There's something I wanna show you.

Yeah. I'll just get dressed.

All right.

- Hi. You must be Vinny. - Yeah, I am.

- Peter Blyer. - Great to meet you.

Yeah, thanks for seeing me.

Ah, so glad I could squeeze you in.

I've been looking into your employee

and seems like you must've made a mistake.

Um, well, I don't understand.

How could you not know Carson?

Aren't you the only supervisor in the area?

I am. See, that's the thing,

Carson wouldn't be under my care since he's still incarcerated.

Wait, wait, what? What do you mean he's still incarcerated?

Yeah, he's not set to be released until next month.

Do any of these men look familiar?

There. That's Carson.

Nah, man. That's Trevor Walker.

Who the hell is Trevor Walker?

That's Carson's cell mate.

Huh. What is all this?

I just thought we could use a better sendoff.

After all we've been through, the way we left off

just didn't feel right.

That's really thoughtful.

I have something for you.

This was my mother's.

I want you to have it.

Sorry. Um, oh God, I'm sorry. I have to take this.

Hello? Where are you?

- I'm at home. - Is Carson there?

Peter, please don't start.

Mara, I need you to do whatever you can

to safely get away from him, now.

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

Check your email.

I don't understand. Why are they calling Carson, Trevor?

Mara, Carson's... oh!

Peter?

Oh, my God.

You look just like her.

Get away from me.

Now please, just let me explain. Okay?

Who are you?

You know exactly who I am.

Hmm? More than anyone in the world.

You see me.

And I see you.

And once we're in New York...

- What? - For your grad program.

Oh, my God.

We'll uh, we'll be away from Oriana. From Joy. From Peter.

It'll just be the two of us.

- Joy! - Oh, no! No!

I really didn't wanna do this,

Mara, but you've left me no choice.

And don't call for Joy. I have no problem shooting her.

What do you want?

Write one final letter.

A goodbye letter.

Letting everyone know that you will be just fine.

And don't do anything stupid, I don't want to have to hurt you.

What do you want me to say?

That you fell in love with me.

That we ran off together.

But in your own words, of course.

You always make things sound so much better.

That's it.

Oh.

I promise I'll take care of you.

And soon, you'll love me the way I love you.

You're in love with me.

From the moment I first saw your picture on Carson's wall.

And then, when I stole your letters to him,

I knew you were the perfect woman for me.

So, I started writing you and I fell more in love.

I mean, I thought you felt the same way but when I showed up

I saw that you needed more time.

Time?

To realize that you love me, too.

Maybe we need to reintroduce ourselves.

Our real selves.

I'd like that.

I'm Mara.

No!

No! No! No!

Why do you all have to do this, huh? Why?!

Please, Mara.

Hey. How ya feelin'?

I'm okay.

I talked to the prison. Trevor worked in the mail room.

They think he intercepted the letters about a year ago

and started writing as Carson then.

- Oh, my God. - I know.

For a year, I communicated with him.

I mean, how could you have known? It's okay.

This is really nice, you know.

Doing this together, the two of us.

Right where we belong.

The house is on the market though, Joy, so please,

don't start.

Uh...

Well, actually, I um...

I had Peter take it off.

Why?

Mara, you just got out of the hospital.

You can't handle a move right now.

We have interested buyers.

Mara, what are the two of us even gonna do?

Be realistic, right? Like, where are we gonna go?

If things go my way,

I will be at grad school in the fall in New York.

In New York?

You're going to New York.

When were you uh, planning on telling me that?

I mean, honestly, Joy, I didn't tell you

because I knew you'd freak out.

This place is the only thing I have.

I know. But maybe it's time to move on.

Epibatidine?

I couldn't get into the basement.

But it gave me time to sneak into another part of Oriana.

Little did I realize, there, I'd find the missing ingredient

that cracks open the case.

And that ingredient is epibatidine, AKA frog poison.

It causes dizziness, and in high doses, paralysis.

Because the judge was so quick to pin the murder on Carson,

no one did a toxicology report.

But Susannah's medical records showed tiny traces

of epibatidine in her blood.

I believe this points to the real murderer,

and that person is...

Peace offering?

I put a little something extra in it.

You'll have to let me know how it tastes.

I'm actually, I'm gonna go lay down for a bit.

I still don't feel very well.

Okay.

Let me know if you need anything.

Zelda.

Shh. Shh. It's okay.

Just let it take you.

Okay? A few more seconds of this and it'll all be over, okay?

I never wanted this to happen

but you just couldn't stop snooping.

You and that Zelda girl.

Did you know a poisonous dart frog

can produce enough toxins to kill up to 10 people?

Don't worry, I diluted it. I don't wanna kill you.

I learned that lesson from your mom.

- You... - Poisoned her. Yeah.

For a couple weeks actually, just to see what would happen.

And then, she put up that for sale sign.

That was the last straw.

That night I upped the dosage.

I wanted her to suffer.

To feel a semblance of the pain that I felt.

She was taking away my father's home.

But then...

Joy, honey. Go back to your room.

Carson?

I didn't mean to overdo it with the poison.

What happened to her was not my fault.

She was gone.

Carson showing up was my saving grace.

And then, I thought the two of us would just continue

to live our lives here together, at Oriana.

But you had to go and be just like your mother.

Trying to sell it.

You brought this on yourself.

Ah!

You waited 14 years

to find out what happened to your mother.

Now you're about to find out.

Mara?

Don't move. I'll be right back.

Mara?

- Hey. - Hey.

- Hi. - How's she's doin'?

Oh, you know, she's uh, just rolling with the punches.

Oh, well, that sounds like Mara.

Yeah.

No, wait, wait, wait.

Poison's wearing off.

Mara? Mara?

You know, I really do love you, Mara.

But I love this house more.

Hey!

Joy!

In the end, the ghosts that consumed me,

saved me.

Redeeming both their own story

and giving me an opportunity to forge mine.

All of that because you wanted to sell the house?

I don't think anyone but Joy will ever understand

how much Oriana meant to her.

This story is worth being shared.

My colleague at NYU agreed.

Said if you want that spot in the fall, it's yours.

Do we start spreading the news?

New York, New York, here we come.

I knew you could do it.

All right. Here we go.

Think the buyers will take care of this place?

Yeah, I know they will.

We better get going if we're gonna make it on time.

I'll be right here. Take all the time you need.

Hi.

Hi.

Um, I gotta say, I didn't really think we'd be meeting

under these circumstances.

It's really you.

It's really you.

I'm so sorry.

No, I'm so grateful.

If only I had just done...

No, don't. Don't.

We don't have to talk about the past anymore.

Then what do we do now?

Look to the future.

I'd like that.

I would, too.

♪ I've got a fear like the wind ♪

♪ Believe most of my stories

♪ But not my friends

♪ Spell out disaster

♪ Each night and day

♪ Sidewalk prophets say

♪ He knows the end

♪ Cut your hair shorter

♪ said that you'd gotten bored

♪ And I said hey, it suits you too ♪

♪ Say we ditch our phones

♪ Go off grid, you know