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Steve! Lunch is ready!

Hi.

I'm a detective and I need to talk to your mom.

Is she home?

She's in the kitchen.

I need to speak with your mom alone.

It'll take just a couple of minutes, okay?

Okay.

Mom!

Mom! Mom!

Mom!

Mom!

The BTK Killer has struck again

in his months-long reign of terror.

His attack on Shirley Vian marks his seventh murder.

Local police still have no suspects.

It is said that the only clue the serial killer left

is another of his signature poems.

This recent string of murders

has struck fear into the Wichita community.

Many are installing alarm systems,

and gun sales have also gone up in recent months.

Hey.

I was watching that.

I think we might need a break from the news.

I know I do.

I don't know how you watch it every night, Ruthie.

It would give me nightmares.

You're lucky we raised you on a farm--

friends with all our neighbors.

But... Wichita's different.

{Ruth] We don't watch the news every night.

It's good to have the information,

especially now.

No, but you have been following this case pretty close.

Not that close.

My guess is you know more than the cops

at this point.

Ed Finley, you get your hands off that pot.

Well, maybe the cops need my help,

seeing as they haven't got any leads yet.

Oh, that's just what we need-- "Detective Finley".

Can you imagine?

But seriously,

we shouldn't just ignore what's going on,

but some of us deal with it by sticking our heads in the sand,

and some of us...

do the opposite.

What does that mean?

Don't get me wrong.

I mean, we are talking about a serial killer

here, in Wichita,

so if you were a little scared,

it'd be understandable,

and I'm not trying to come down on you or anything,

but, hon', sometimes

you're a little more emotional than you think.

Well, if you don't want to see me get emotional now,

you'd better hurry up and set that table.

Yes, ma'am.

What do you think about us doing something

a little different for our vacation this year?

Different?

Like what?

I was thinking we could take that trip to London

that we always talked about.

But we always go to the lake.

I mean, we look forward to it all year.

I thought you loved the lake.

We have lots of good memories from there.

What would I tell my mom?

She looks forward to it, too.

To be honest,

I thought you might be excited to get a little space from her.

Why would you say that?

I love my mom.

She just gets under my skin sometimes.

You know that.

I know.

But also, we haven't taken a vacation--

just us-- in a long time.

And we have money saved.

Why not treat ourselves?

If not now, when?

Hmm.

You "don't know" if you want to go to Europe?

I don't understand!

I mean, at the very least,

it'll take your mind off of all this scary stuff

that's happening here in Murderville.

Oh, and by the way,

I just got myself some Mace, and you should, too.

Where did you find something like that?

Oh, they're carrying it in grocery stores now.

I'm telling you, it's like the town has changed overnight.

But in any case, you need to take a trip.

You need to spice it up.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing.

It's just... I don't know!

You used to have hobbies.

You used to do pottery, for crying out loud.

But you and Ed are like clockwork lately.

In bed by 10:00.

I-I mean, your big news last week

was that Ed got a different brand of popcorn

for your Friday night movie.

But it was very good popcorn.

Well, Kevin and I

try to go to a new restaurant every week.

- Kevin? - My new boyfriend!

- Right. - I told you.

Of course, yes.

It's hard to keep up with your love life sometimes.

That's fair.

Oh, but seriously, I-I think he's the one.

I know! So you might be seeing less of me, but it--

I don't know, I think

we're becoming one of those annoying couples, you know,

with the-- the inside jokes and the pet names.

That's really exciting.

Yeah. But anyway.

All this to say, you and Ed need to shake it up.

Well, I'm happy for you, I really am,

but you are in the honeymoon phase.

Ed and I have been together for years.

Things are fun and exciting now,

but someday, you might want it to feel more reliable.

It's comforting.

Which is why I don't mind

that Ed isn't some new guy taking my breath away.

Yeah, but maybe he wants to be that new guy again.

You all just need to find that spark.

Oh, we change it up sometimes.

If we're so predictable, what are we doing tomorrow?

Ha! That's easy.

It's Saturday,

so you'll garden in the morning,

and then, around 11:30,

you'll make turkey sandwiches for lunch.

You about ready for lunch? I'm starving.

Sure.

Anything in particular sound good?

Well...

turkey sandwich sounds pretty great right about now.

You know,

I actually also bought ham this week.

Oh!

Ham? Really?

Ham sandwich sounds really good, too.

It does.

Ha. I'll be back in a minute.

Ed.

If we did take that trip,

you definitely want to go to London?

Spring is supposed to be a great time to go.

They say it's not as crowded,

and the whole city is in bloom by March.

Sounds heavenly.

You know, I have also dreamed of going to Paris.

Susan says that the museums there,

they have these art-themed spring shows,

and strawberries are in season by then.

♪ April in Paris...

♪ Chestnuts in blossom

But we'd be going in March!

Well, it's close enough.

Okay.

I'll think about it.

No promises.

I know, but you have to admit, it would be nice.

Ruth!

Ed!

Ed!

Oh...

oh, Ed, Ed, honey!

Honey!

Honey! Ed?

It's good we got here so quickly.

I think we're out of the danger zone.

I don't understand.

You're so young and healthy.

What could have caused this?

They're gonna run some more tests.

We'll know more tomorrow,

but they want me to stay overnight.

Oh. Well, I'm gonna have to ask that nurse

for another blanket and pillow.

Why?

Because I'm gonna stay here.

Honey, I appreciate that,

but you and I both know there's nowhere for you to sleep here.

Sure, there is.

No. You won't get any sleep in that thing.

I'm not leaving you here by yourself.

Sweetheart, it's okay.

Go home. You'll sleep better there,

and the doctor said he'll call you

as soon as they have more information.

I'll be fine. I promise.

I'll be home before you know it.

Hello?

Hey, Susan. It's me.

Ruth?

Is everything okay?

No. No, it's not.

Um... Ed just had a heart attack.

What?

Is he all right?

He's stable now, um,

but he has to stay at the hospital overnight.

It's probably gonna be a bit of a recovery,

so I was wondering if you could let everyone at work know

that I'm gonna need some time off.

Yeah, of course!

Don't worry about that.

How are you holding up?

It was definitely a shock.

I mean...

it was pretty scary for a minute.

We could've lost him.

But, um, he did well in the surgery,

and the doctor thinks he should be fine.

Are you at the hospital?

No, I'm home.

I wanted to stay, but Ed insisted.

You're there by yourself?

I don't think that's a good idea.

Especially right now,

I don't think it's safe.

Why don't you stay with me?

No, no, I couldn't.

I appreciate it,

but I-I don't want to be a burden.

Really, I'll be fine.

Okay.

But make sure your doors are locked, okay?

And you call me tomorrow.

I will. Thanks, Sue.

Finley residence.

Hello? Who is this?

Ruth?

Is this Ruth Finley of Fort Scott, Kansas?

Who is this?

A friend.

A friend who knows about that night.

You remember that night, don't you?

It was raining.

I believe you were just 16.

You came home and thought you were alone,

but you weren't...

were you?

Who is this?

He tied you up.

You remember the rest, of course.

He burned you with an iron, right?

Who is this?

Of course you remember.

How could you forget?

Do you still have the brand you got that night?

I'd love to see it.

Morning, sunshine.

I brought Danishes.

Mom, what are you doing? It's so early.

I-- I asked you to call first.

Well, I thought you might need breakfast and company.

Did you get any sleep?

You look tired!

No. No, I didn't.

Actually, something else happened last night.

Do you have any platters?

I can never find anything in here.

It's in the bottom right-- the bottom right.

I got this strange call.

This one's chipped on the corner,

but if you're fine with it...

What were you saying? The doctor called?

Yeah. Yeah, yeah-- the doctor.

Dr. Becker did call.

Um...

Ed can come home today, so I need to pick him up.

I should... shower and get ready.

First things first--

you need to eat.

Ruth.

Come on, you're all right.

I'm sorry.

I just, um, I don't-- I don't know how to handle this.

I...

It just came out of the blue. You know?

And he nearly died.

Let's not make mountains out of molehills.

This is a trying time, but things could be worse.

Ed's going to be fine!

So...

you need to pull yourself together

and be strong now,

because... huh.

This isn't about you.

It's about Ed, right?

Right...

Right.

I'm just tired.

That's my girl.

Now, I don't want you to worry about anything.

Trust me. I have thought of everything.

Well, I don't doubt that.

I want you to come sit over here.

Right... there.

The doctor

told me how to make "heart-healthy meals".

That's what he called it.

So, I made you

a tuna sandwich

and a salad.

Wow, look at all this.

Mm.

You didn't have to do this, sweetheart.

I mean, I appreciate it,

but I know this is a lot for you, too.

Don't you worry about me.

I just want you to get better as quickly as possible.

And...

I also put the little TV in the bedroom.

TV in the bedroom?

Who are you, and what have you done with my wife?

I just want you to relax.

I will take care of everything.

If you need anything, you let me know.

Actually, there is one thing.

What's that?

Aww.

It's good to be home.

It is so good to have you home.

Oh, sorry.

Oh...

I didn't mean to scare you.

Oh, it's okay.

Just forgot to give you a bill to mail.

Oh.

What's wrong?

Nothing. No, uh, I--

you just startled me, is all.

You sure?

Let's get you back in the house.

Ruth Finley!

Oh, you didn't! Muffins?

Mm, I did.

Oh! Well-- welcome back!

We should be making you muffins, not the other way around.

Oh, it's no problem to just double the recipe.

Oh. How's Ed doing?

I was surprised you decided to come back so quickly.

He's... fine.

He's still taking his medication,

but everything is basically back to normal.

It's only been a couple weeks.

Surely, everything isn't back to normal just yet.

It is fast, but he's healing so quickly.

And he has to stay home from work,

so he's going a little stir-crazy.

What about you?

Me?

What do you mean?

You've been through a lot lately.

Yeah.

It has been a lot.

Of course it has.

Ruth, your husband had a major health scare.

It's okay if you're not holding it all together.

I know you.

You bake when you're anxious.

Oh--

Actually...

...there is something.

- Shoot! - Is that yours?

Get it if you need to.

No, it's just it might be Mr. Johnson.

Oh, you g-go ahead.

I-I don't want you to get in trouble.

No, no, no. He won't care. It's fine.

See? I'll just call him back.

Really, I'm okay.

Ruth, it's important to talk about this stuff.

If you're struggling, I'm here.

I appreciate that. I do.

But, honestly...

I'm glad to be back at work.

Because it can help me take my mind off of... everything.

So I-I'd rather not talk about it, if that's okay.

Of course.

What's up?

Somethin' wrong?

No, no.

Everything's good.

Hey, uh, d-do you want to get an early lunch?

I'm starving.

Oh, God, you know I'd love to,

but Mr. Johnson just gave me a ton of filing to do.

It's no problem.

I'm gonna get some fresh air.

Okay.

Tough day, huh?

You should take the rest of the day off.

Have I seen you over at Southwestern Bell before?

You like those dresses?

I just won some money in Vegas.

Would you like to wear one of those dresses

to Vegas sometime?

I'm-- I'm sorry.

I'm late for meeting my husband.

I've seen you before, you know.

Some people's nightmares are other people's fantasies.

Let go of me!

Ruth! Get back here, you stupid bitch!

I really didn't want to burden anyone with this,

especially you, honey, with your heart.

But after what happened, I mean--

when that man grabbed me,

I-I thought he was gonna hit me,

or I don't know what.

Have a seat, Mrs. Finley.

Sounds like you were lucky.

It could have been a lot worse.

When did you say that you received these letters?

Uh, over the last couple of weeks.

I don't want to alarm you,

but I do want to be straight with you--

I am concerned.

Y-You think you know w-who might be doing this?

It's too early to tell,

but I'm afraid whoever is doing this

has some similarities to the BTK Killer.

What makes you think that?

Well, BTK also sent letters to his victims,

and he has the same kind of obsessive nature

that I'm seeing in Ruth's stalker--

even the messy handwriting is similar.

Now, it could be two unrelated cases,

a copycat, for example,

but if this is the BTK,

we have to take it seriously.

What should we do?

First--

tell me about the man who attacked you.

Um...

uh, he was in his 30s,

uh, he had dark hair.

Mm-hmm.

He was wearing jeans and a black leather jacket.

Any ideas who might be doing this

or have any reason to be doing this?

Um, angry neighbors? Co-workers?

No. No, not at all.

Let's go back to the letters and the phone calls.

Now, they seem to be referencing

an attack on you when you were younger.

Can you tell me about that?

Yeah, of course.

Uh, I was a teenager,

and I was living in my first apartment.

I'd been out shopping that day and...

when I came home, a man followed me in.

He tied me up, and...

It's okay.

Take your time.

He tied me up

and he burned me with an iron.

I don't remember much after that.

I must've blacked out.

When I woke up, I was on the ground,

and he was gone.

I am so sorry that happened to you.

Really, I am.

Me too.

Does anyone else know about this?

Well, I-- it happened in Fort Scott,

where I grew up,

and it's a small town, so that was pretty big news.

Hmm.

But I doubt that anyone outside of town

would've heard about it.

Uh, maybe it could be someone from back then?

What do you remember about the man

who assaulted you in the past?

In their late-20s.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, I never really got a good look at his face.

He was... wrapped in a scarf.

Did the police track down any suspects?

Nothing that ever led anywhere.

I mean, my friends and I,

we used to think that it was this man

who lived near the school,

but the cops cleared him.

We never went near him again, anyway.

He was creepy.

His name was David. David Oaks.

Thank you.

Is that the mail?

Let me see it.

He knows we went to the police.

It's like he's tracking my every move.

What are we gonna do?

We just have to take it one day at a time,

but no matter what,

I'm gonna keep you safe.

We'll figure this out together.

Southwestern Bell. Ruth Finley.

Hello?

Ruth.

Southwestern Bell.

I thought you'd be excited

to hear from me.

You look great in blue, by the way.

Okay.

I'll let you know if anything else comes up.

Thanks, Lieutenant.

He's such a nice man.

Always so reassuring.

He's gonna call and check in later.

Does he think it's that guy... from your hometown?

Um, David?

David Oaks? Uh, no.

They-- They cleared him yesterday.

Apparently, he has an alibi for when I was attacked...

...so they're kind of back to square one.

I don't know what I'm gonna do.

It's okay.

They say

that it could actually be the BTK Killer,

and I want to lean on Ed,

but I don't want to worry him.

It's okay. We're gonna figure this out.

But obviously, I don't think it's good for you to stay here.

- Yeah. - Can Ed come and pick you up?

No, no, I-I can drive.

Well, d-do you want to go to my house?

No, it's okay.

I think-I think I should just-- I should just head home.

Well, do you think that's a good idea?

What if he follows you?

Hey, I can go with you.

No. Um...

Ed is at home, and I'll be safe there.

Okay, but I'm walking you to your car.

And frankly, I don't want to be here, either.

Okay, Ruth, you better go straight home, you hear me?

And if anything strange happens, you call the cops, okay?

I promise.

You can't be too careful these days.

Uh, keep the change.

Honey?

I'm home!

Ed, are you here?

Finley residence?

Hi, Ruthie.

Ed asked me to give you a call

because he forgot to leave a note.

Tell her I said hi.

He says hi.

He's here fixing that front door.

Mom! He is supposed to be recuperating from surgery,

and you ask him to work on your house?

What is the matter with you?

You've been getting after me for weeks now

to get that front door fixed,

ever since the lock broke.

You said it wasn't safe.

I thought that you would call a handyman.

I didn't know who to call!

You know how expensive these things can get.

All right. Um...

Y-yes, I'm-- yeah, I'm glad that you're finally getting it fixed.

Um, what-- did he say how much longer he was gonna be?

Probably another half-hour or so.

Okay, well, I'm...

I'm cooking dinner, so he needs to come home at-at--

he needs to come home right now--

but I'm making chicken a-and mashed potatoes.

It's probably too much food for the two of us.

Why don't you join us?

Well, thank you!

That sounds lovely.

All right, I'll see-- I'll see you soon.

Oh!

Not a great morning for you, either?

I'm just out of practice.

I saw that there was another murder last night?

Nancy Fox, right?

He's been busy.

Do you know anything yet?

Let's just say we're not dealing with a novice,

and I know Miss Fox lived nearby,

so I wanted to come and see

if you saw or heard anything strange last night?

No.

Nothing.

This is the latest one I told you about.

Thanks.

I'll get these to the lab for prints.

I wanted to show you these.

These are known felons

that match the description of your stalker.

I wanted to see if anything rang a bell.

I don't recognize anyone.

That's okay.

We'll keep looking.

Do you know what you're looking for?

An idea, but nothing concrete.

It's too early to tell exactly the guy we're looking for.

Or guys.

Do you think it could be more than one guy?

We just have to keep an open mind,

but all this to say, rest assured,

we won't stop until we find him.

Thank you.

You know--

I've got to say,

you seem to be handling this pretty well.

Most people in your shoes'd be falling apart.

I don't have that luxury.

Ed's still not 100%.

And women are a lot stronger than people give us credit for.

Most definitely true.

How are you doing?

Don't take any offense, but you look exhausted.

Well, like I said, it hasn't been a great morning.

Just because of work?

I'd love to hear about

someone else's problems for once.

My wife and I got into a fight.

She had a doctor's appointment,

and I was supposed to take our son to school,

but I came in early and I forgot.

Well, I'm sure she understands.

She does,

but it's been months of this.

I get a hundred tips about the BTK Killer case every day.

I don't remember the last time I had dinner with my family,

let alone date night with my wife.

You should have dinner with us.

You and your wife, I mean.

You want to have us

over for dinner?

Every marriage needs a night off.

Get a babysitter.

It'll be the kind of relaxing evening you all need,

and it'll be a night of normalcy for all of us.

Well, that sounds nice.

Who wants more wine?

Oh, I'd love some, Ruth. Thank you. It's delicious.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

Ed and I discovered this at a little adorable shop

in Kansas City.

It's called "Pinot Noir".

I've had enough, dear. Thanks.

Oh.

So, Lieutenant,

I wanted to check in with you about a couple things.

Oh, please call him Bernie.

"Bernie".

Uh, I saw the news this morning,

and they made it sound like

you still don't have any leads on the BTK case.

Ed. I promised, no shop talk tonight.

No, it's all right.

You can't believe everything the media says.

Oh, so you have found something?

Well, I'm not supposed to talk about an open investigation,

but just keep your back door locked.

Is that's how he breaks in?

Cuts the phone lines.

Just be careful.

It's terrifying.

What about Ruth's case? Any news?

Nothing concrete, but don't worry.

I've got a whole team working on it.

So there are others looking into it?

Tonight, you mean?

Sure. I mean,

aren't you worried that something could happen,

you know, while we're here?

I understand your concern.

I do.

But rest assured, we're working around the clock.

Okay, you two...

this is Bernie's night off.

Let's let him enjoy it.

And speaking of that--

I made something else that we can enjoy.

I have a strawberry-vanilla trifle

chilling in the fridge.

Mm!

Let me help you with that, Ruth.

I can't believe you're doing this, by the way.

Doing what?

Well, hosting us, of course--

what, with everything that's going on.

Oh, honestly,

it's helping me keep my mind off of it.

Oh, it's exactly what we needed.

With five kids at home,

it's just nice to be around adults.

No one's tugging at your sleeve every two minutes--

and don't get me started on Bernie's job.

Well, he did mention

that he's been pretty overwhelmed lately.

It's been awful!

I mean, that kind of pressure isn't good for anyone,

and he's carrying the weight of all of it

on his shoulders.

But the whole force is on the BTK Killer case, right?

I mean, he can't take that on by himself.

Well, easier said than done, especially for Bernie.

You know, he found the original BTK letter.

The one at the library?

So every murder that's happened since,

he feels personally responsible for them.

Well, obviously, it's not his fault.

Try telling him that.

He sees the people of Wichita as his family and friends,

so if he can't protect them...

it really weighs on him.

We're lucky to have him.

Everything all right, Ed?

I hope we're not being a burden.

Not at all.

W-We're happy to have you all.

I hope you know that.

We're happy to be here.

Ruth is an amazing cook.

She is.

It's just, uh...

...we've been married for a long time,

so I know her.

How do you mean?

Um...

well, over the years,

she does this kind of thing when she's anxious--

takes care of other people, I mean--

and I'm really concerned about her.

So you have to understand

how this whole "taking a night off" thing

is strange.

I want her attacker found as soon as possible,

and there's only so much that I can do,

so I have to put my trust in you.

I appreciate your honesty.

The fact is, these things take time.

We're gonna find him, Ed.

You just have to be patient.

Okay.

Who wants dessert?

Love some.

Hey, you ready for lunch?

The cafe has that delicious tortilla soup today.

Oh, shoot! I forgot today was Monday.

I told Kevin I would meet him for lunch.

A raincheck?

Sure. Of course.

Hey, Ruth.

Did you miss me?

Hello?

Hi, Ed? It's Susan.

Hey, Susan.

Sorry to bother you, but I'm worried.

Um, it's Ruth.

What's wrong?

Well, she left for lunch a couple hours ago,

and she's not back yet.

She's more than an hour late.

It's just-- it's not like her at all.

I'm afraid something happened.

Is everything prepped at the house?

I'm gonna be sick!

She's awake.

Oh...

I think I'm gonna be sick!

We're almost there.

Oh!

Oh...

No, she didn't come in today.

I noticed, 'cause she and Sue

usually come in together on Mondays.

Could she have gone somewhere else?

Sometimes we do some window shopping

at the stores down the street.

She's been looking for a new dress.

Okay, good to know.

Did you see anything strange this morning--

anything out of the norm?

No, it's really been pretty quiet,

to tell you the truth.

Here's my card and my direct line.

Do me a favor and give me a call

if you see or hear anything, okay?

Will do.

Oh!

Oh, I'm gonna be sick.

I'm not risking her puking in my car.

Enough!

We already took your coat.

Now we're gonna take your shoes.

We're outside the city now,

so no funny ideas about running away.

Make it quick.

Goddamn it!

Come on.

Ruth!

Come back here!

Come on!

Come on, Ruth!

♪ Ruth...

Come on.

We're not gonna hurt you.

We're just gonna play a little game.

Hey.

We can't leave her.

We can't risk getting caught.

Maybe she got away this time,

but we're not done with her.

It's freezing out here. There's no way she makes it.

Damn it!

- Howdy. - Hey, man.

Sorry. We had to take a leak.

Yeah, no problem.

Just wanted to make sure no one was hurt or anything.

We're all good.

Are you okay?

What happened?

Oh, please, do you have a phone?

Yeah, sure. Eric!

Help us out here.

It's okay. You're safe now.

Oh!

Thank God!

I thought I might never see you again!

I'm so sorry, sweetheart.

I can't help but think

there's something more I could have done.

No, it's not your fault.

Just take a deep breath-- your heart.

Mrs. Finley?

I'm Captain Price.

I wanted to introduce myself

because I'll be handling your investigation

from here on out.

Oh, uh...

Bernie is-- isn't on the case?

He is, but under the circumstances,

we're escalating the urgency of your investigation,

so I'll be overseeing the case, moving forward.

So, um...

Wh-What happens next?

Well, first...

...rest assured,

we're putting you under protection

for the next several days.

We'll have officers patrolling your neighborhood

at all hours,

and they'll be keeping an eye on your street, specifically.

Do you think that's enough?

I do.

We'll have multiple cars patrolling,

so if something were to happen,

you'll have several officers close by.

Ruth?

I'd like to ask you some questions,

but first, I'd like you to sit with a sketch artist.

Are you strong enough for that?

Yeah.

I think his hair was a little darker,

and his eyebrows...

maybe thicker.

What's up?

These are some letters Ruth hasn't seen,

and, uh...

I need your advice.

Honestly, I'm really struggling here.

Of course, you are.

No, I mean, I feel like I'm doing everything I can,

but it's never enough.

It's like the minute I take my eyes off of her,

she's in danger.

Ed... this isn't your fault.

You know that, right?

That's easy for you to say, but it feels that way.

I mean, we were lucky this time,

but if something were to happen or-- God forbid!

I could never forgive myself.

Please, just put yourself in my shoes.

What if it were Dora?

I'll think about it,

but in the meantime, you have to promise

that you're gonna let yourself off the hook about this, okay?

What is it?

Oh, nothing.

I-I thought I heard a noise.

I just-- everything is putting me on edge lately.

I-I can't stop worrying.

I know, sweetheart.

And my mother said she'd call today,

not that I really want her to,

but she didn't.

I know.

It's all right.

Are you okay?

I'm just thinking about

all the sleep I'm not going to get tonight.

I'm just not sleeping lately.

Yeah, me either.

I know they said

they were gonna have officers patrolling,

but I-- I just wish they would

put someone outside to keep watch.

Honey, do you think things are ever gonna go back to normal?

I hope so.

Oh, me too.

Well, there's one thing I know for sure.

We're not gonna get back to any sense of normalcy

until at least one of us gets a good night's sleep.

What are you doing?

I'm going outside...

to keep watch.

Oh, honey, that's sweet, but you don't have to do that.

Yes, I do.

If that's the only way my wife is gonna get any sleep,

then that's what I need to do.

I could always come in for a nightcap.

Now, that does sound tempting...

but maybe some other time.

Mm.

Oh, no peeking!

Cake's not ready yet.

Now, I am going to be gone for about a half an hour,

and there better not be any bites missing

when I get back.

Wait. Where are you going?

I just have to run a few errands.

I have been here in this house

for 12 straight days.

I know, but Bernie said, after the latest murder,

he's worried the BTK Killer could be escalating.

It's too risky for you out there right now.

That was two weeks ago.

I know, but...

is there anything you can do to keep yourself busy?

I can't live like this.

We can't live like this.

In fear, I mean.

What is it you really want to do?

I just need to go shopping.

Okay, I'll go with you.

No! I mean, it's not that I don't want you to.

I just, I need to do this on my own.

But, honey, it's not a good idea.

I'm shopping for your birthday present.

I wanted it to be a surprise.

Well, could Susan go with you?

Or maybe your mom.

Susan is visiting her dad out of town,

and Mom is doing church stuff today.

Listen, I have thought this through.

I can get what I need at the mall over on Central.

It's five minutes away. It's a very public place.

I will come straight home, I promise.

Did you think could run away and I wouldn't find you?

No! No!

Get off of me!

So it's gonna be like that, huh?

Ahh!

The doctor said you were in surgery for a few hours,

so it'll be a bit of a recovery.

You have to stay here for a few days

so they can monitor you.

How did the surgery go? Were there any complications?

No, it sounds like it all went well,

and her vitals are looking good,

so they're optimistic.

That sounds like good news.

Yeah, it is,

and the doctor said

it could've easily gone another way.

If the blade had gone even an inch deeper,

it could have punctured your organs,

so... you were lucky.

I feel lucky, that's for sure.

How are you doing?

Do you need anything?

No.

No, I'm okay.

Well, let us know, if you do.

We're all here for you.

There she is.

How are you holding up?

I still feel a little weak.

Have you found anything yet?

Nothing conclusive, but we're on it.

What if-- What if he shows up here?

That's what I want to know!

Is she safe here?

Maybe we should move her to a different hospital.

No, I don't think that's necessary.

I understand you're all going through a lot.

I'm putting an officer right outside your door,

and rest assured,

we're gonna have Ruth under 24-hour surveillance

while she's recovering.

We'll make absolutely sure that you're safe.

Right now, you just need to focus on getting better.

Welcome home, sweetheart.

Oh, it's so good to be home.

Maybe now we can celebrate your birthday properly.

Couldn't have asked for a better present.

Ruth?

Hon', wake up! I smell smoke.

- There's a fire! - Oh!

There's a fire!

Ruth? Call the fire department.

The phone's dead!

Come out here, honey!

- Oh! - Behind me! Careful, careful.

Careful, honey.

He's never gonna stop, is he?

We're okay.

We're okay now.

How are you folks holding up?

Well as can be expected.

We want you to know we're doing everything we can.

We've put a security system on your back gate,

and just to make extra sure that he's not coming back,

I've assigned three officers to your home

for around-the-clock surveillance.

Is that necessary?

I-I don't want to be a burden.

At this time, it's absolutely necessary.

And you're not a burden at all, ma'am.

We're happy to help, however we can.

I'm John, by the way.

I'm Ruth.

Thank you.

Come.

Captain, we have a problem.

This was addressed to your wife.

I'll call the Chief...

but we need to figure this out, and we need to do it now.

This has gotten way too personal.

What do we do?

We must have missed something.

So we go back over everything again,

and we don't stop

until we find an answer.

Captain?

I just got back

from the parking lot where Ruth was attacked.

What'd you find?

Nothing.

It doesn't make sense.

Ruth said there was a struggle,

but no one else's blood was found anywhere.

No other fingerprints and no knife.

No witnesses, just like the other attack.

Right.

They live on a dead-end street,

and no neighbors saw anyone suspicious for months?

It's also odd

that no footprints were ever found.

Especially after the fire.

We did find some footprints.

Maybe the answer's been

staring us right in the face the whole time.

I came as soon as I could.

It sounds like you might've found a suspect?

Yeah, we'd love to discuss it with you,

but we want to do so in private.

Oh, all right.

Just have a few questions.

Come into my office.

Are you thinking it's me?

This way, Ed.

Lt. Drowatzky and I have been going over the case,

and some things don't add up.

There were...

no witnesses.

No footprints.

But, most importantly,

no one outside the case

knew I came onboard the investigation when I did,

so no one outside the case

would know to send me a threatening letter.

It had to be someone with intimate knowledge

of the investigation.

Did you think we wouldn't find out?

Should have known, right? It's always the husband.

Bernie, come on.

You can't believe what he's saying.

The evidence speaks for itself.

But it doesn't make any sense!

How could I be Ruth's stalker?

She would recognize me!

You could've hired someone.

Happens all the time.

I am innocent.

I wouldn't--

I couldn't do this to my wife.

Ed, come on.

Cooperating with us now is your best move here.

No.

If you don't believe me, I'll prove it.

I'll take a polygraph.

Is your name Ed Finley?

Yes.

Are you married to Ruth Finley?

Yes.

Have you been sending Ruth threatening letters?

No.

Did you abduct your wife?

No.

Did you set fire to your house?

No.

Did you hire someone to attack your wife?

Absolutely not.

Did you stab your wife, Ed?

Of course not.

Of course not!

We're gonna release you.

You don't sound very happy about that.

Look. I'm sorry about this, okay?

But you have to understand, it's complicated.

Based on the evidence we have, if you're not the perpetrator,

that means it can only be one person...

and if we're gonna catch them, we gotta do it right away.

Great. Let's do it, then.

No, you don't understand.

Normally, we wouldn't bring you in on this,

but you might be the one person who can help us.

We need you to get Ruth out of the house.

Thought I'd take you for a nice lunch.

Mm!

That'll be nice.

All right, gentlemen, spread out.

Search everywhere.

We only have so much time.

Thanks for coming so quickly.

Of course. We can't wait to hear what you found out.

Please, follow us.

Ed?

Aren't you coming?

We'd just like to talk with you first, Ruth.

It's okay, Ruth.

Just go with them and I'll talk to you soon.

Oh.

Why'd you do it, Ruth?

I'm sorry, do what?

Is this is all a joke to you?

Or maybe you just wanted attention-- was that it?

Bernie, what's going on?

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

Ruth, stop.

That's enough.

What Lt. Drowatzky is getting at is,

we know it's you.

We found these

in your home office.

Those aren't mine.

Ruth...

stop.

That's not all we found.

It took a while for the warrant to come through,

but after your attack at the mall,

we reached out for security-camera footage.

What is this?

What are you insinuating?

There must be some misunderstanding.

Ruth...

it was never the BTK Killer.

You wrote those letters.

You carried out the attack on yourself.

No, I didn't!

You humiliated us.

You wasted our time and our resources.

This investigation

has cost this department close to $400,000.

Do you have any idea how much money that is?

I didn't do anything!

How can you even say that? I'm the victim here!

That's enough!

Now, here's what's going to happen.

You are going to stay here

until you confess.

How's it going in there?

Not great.

She's still insisting that she's innocent.

I'm afraid we could keep going in circles like this for hours.

W-What are you gonna do?

Well, we need a confession,

and I think I may know how to get one.

Oh, Ed! Thank God.

You have to help me.

They think that I did this.

It's crazy.

Sweetheart...

they won't listen to me, but they might listen to you.

Hon', I know this is hard--

Y-You have to tell them.

You have to tell them that this is crazy!

I know this is hard,

but this is the time that we all need to be honest.

I mean, aren't you tired of all this?

But... I am being honest.

I couldn't do this... to myself!

That would be insane.

Ed, you--

you believe me, right?

Ed?

Ed, please!

I want to...

but I don't know what to believe at this point, sweetheart.

You don't believe me either?

I want to.

I really do, but the evidence--

It's wrong!

It has to be a mistake!

Honey... please.

This has been going on for so long.

They have the footage from the mall.

Ruth, it's you.

I can't confess

to something

I didn't do.

You-You can't expect that of me.

You're right.

I can't make you do anything.

Well, Ruth...

where do we go from here?

If what you say is true, then...

...I must be crazy.

It's the only explanation that makes sense.

Honey.

Do you think you need a doctor?

I'm sure I do.

I'm sure I do.

Let me go!

Get your hands off of me!

How are you today, Ruth?

Fine, thanks.

Anything in particular you want to talk about today?

Last time, you mentioned Ed's heart attack.

That must've been a shock.

Do you want to talk more about that?

Oh, the plant?

My sister told me to get one

because it would make the room more inviting,

but...

it's fake,

because I know nothing about plants, I'm afraid.

I could show you how to water it.

A real one, I mean.

I'd love that.

Are you a gardener?

I grew up on a farm.

Really?

What was that like?

Must've been hard at times?

Sometimes.

Nobody's life is perfect.

You don't like to complain, do you?

My mother says it doesn't do any good--

crying, getting upset.

It's just... tch--

...not helpful.

It's interesting, because...

I think crying can be a great release.

What about Ed's heart attack?

Did you allow yourself to cry then?

A little.

Good.

Because that must've been a really scary time for you.

Well, it didn't happen to me.

No...

but you almost lost him--

the love of your life.

I noticed

Ed's heart attack happened right before

you started having your symptoms, so...

it must've had an impact.

Maybe it did.

I've been thinking. I--

I know it's hard to talk about all this,

but I also know you're a writer, so...

...why don't you try writing about it?

Hi, Ruthie.

Do you want to sit?

Haven't seen you in a while.

I know.

I'm sorry, I just...

You just...

think I'm crazy, right?

I don't think you're crazy.

What do you think?

I don't know. This has all been very... hard.

Is that what you came by to tell me--

that this is all "very hard" for you?

Ruth, no.

Please.

The cops are considering charging you

with falsely reporting a crime.

Hon', this is serious.

They think you did this on purpose.

Do you think I did this on purpose?

I want to believe you.

I do.

But it was such a long time.

Sweetheart,

what do you think we should do?

I think I've died...

...and gone to Hell.

I see you've been writing in your journal.

What I find interesting

is that you always say you had a normal childhood, but...

your writing suggests otherwise.

A lot of your poems have violence in them.

Ruth.

I may have some good news.

I think I might know what's going on.

You do?

I think you have multiple personality disorder.

It's when

you repress things--

so much so that you dissociate,

and as a result,

you may form other personalities that you were never aware of.

I know it's a lot,

but in order to get a true diagnosis,

I need more information.

Your condition usually occurs after a major trauma,

like an assault or abuse.

Do you have any memories of anything like that?

Uh, well,

the time I was attacked, when-when I was a teenager.

Of course, but...

I'm curious

if anything happened earlier than that.

Well, I do, uh...

I do have... some memories...

...but they're fuzzy.

That's okay. It's common with your condition.

What about this red bandana?

Many of your poems mention one.

Do you have a memory associated with it?

There was a...

neighbor...

...a farmer who lived down the road.

He had this barn,

and he would take me there sometimes,

when I was little.

We're just gonna play a little game.

I'm scared!

It's okay. You're not in danger anymore.

I always felt like I was above myself, like...

...like I was-- like I was watching myself.

That's very common.

You had to go inside your own mind...

so it wasn't you going through it,

but someone else.

I just feel so much guilt--

...like it was all my fault.

But it's not.

This man abused you.

This is a breakthrough, Ruth.

Don't you see?

This is when you started to dissociate.

And the guilt--

...I think that's why you created this personality,

so you could punish yourself, in a way.

Do you see that?

Well, it's good news

that the police are dropping the charges.

Yeah.

Mom, did you hear what I said?

Yes.

I just don't know what to say.

So you didn't know...

about the abuse?

Well, I-I--

I'm-I'm just in shock, is all.

Did you?

Well, I--

I didn't know, for sure,

but I...

I had a feeling that something might be off,

but...

I didn't know what to do!

So you did... nothing?

For years?

If I had had suspicions that "something was off",

that my kids were in danger, I...

wouldn't have done nothing.

I made a mistake, I know that.

And if I could change it, I would,

but I can't.

Oh, please.

Is there any way

you can find it in your heart to forgive me?

Mom, I...

...I can try.

I don't know.

The day I was attacked on the street...

I was window shopping.

It was just me.

What else?

The letters--

I sent them.

What about the other attacks?

The day of the kidnapping...

I wasn't taken.

I drove myself.

I drove out to the highway...

...and I called the detective from the gas station.

The mall--

I was just there by myself.

Running from...

no one.

Then I got the knife...

...and I stabbed myself...

...Over and over and over.

What are you seeing?

Everything.

So, for years,

since I was little,

I've been unconsciously repressing

these emotions and feelings,

and all of that fear and anger...

had to come out, somehow.

So it came out in this...

what'd you call it?

Other personality?

Right.

Only I wasn't aware of it.

I was... disassociated.

And he also thinks

that your recent heart attack was a trigger.

The thought of losing you-- I couldn't handle it.

I know it's a lot.

It all sounds strange,

and I still have a lot of work to do,

but Dr. Mitchell, he says

that people's personalities can be strange,

especially when they've experienced...

significant trauma.

Ed...

please.

Say something.

It's not just what the doctor said, but it's--

it's everything that happened to you.

I know.

You should take all the time that you want,

if-if you need that.

It happened to you,

not me.

And it wasn't your fault.

And even though it's a lot...

...I think it's a good thing.

You do?

Because I know now that you were telling me the truth.

You believe me?

Of course.

Which means you need to stop trying to get rid of me.

I'm sorry, hon', but you're stuck with me.

Can you finally admit that I was right?

You were.

In fact,

I think we might have to make this an annual thing.

To new memories.

To new memories.