Speaker A
Heat. Heat. It's locked. I've got my pick set. Okay. I still think Jamie and I should check outside.
A retired spy returns to her hometown to solve mysteries involving murder, local threats, and family secrets in this full drama movie.
Key Takeaways
- Returning to one's roots can uncover hidden dangers and unresolved mysteries.
- Forensic science and critical thinking are essential tools in solving crimes.
- Small towns can harbor complex threats that impact national security.
- Personal and professional challenges often intertwine in investigative work.
- Support from family and friends is crucial when facing difficult situations alone.
What the video covers
- A retired spy named Bethany returns to her small hometown and reconnects with family and old friends.
- Bethany and her friends engage in amateur detective work, learning forensic science techniques like fingerprint lifting.
- A dead body is discovered in a house Jamie is flipping, sparking a murder investigation.
- Bethany's friend Grace, an intelligence operative, warns her about potential security threats linked to the town.
- The town's zoning commissioner, Frank Bavier, is found dead, and his decisions impact national security.
- Bethany struggles with balancing her quiet life and the dangers of investigating without official support.
- Family dynamics and past traumas, including a previous explosion and Rose's death, influence the characters' motivations.
- The investigation reveals local corruption, power struggles, and hidden agendas involving town officials.
- Bethany and Jamie work together to clear a family member's name and uncover the truth behind the murder.
- The story blends elements of espionage, crime-solving, and personal redemption in a small-town setting.
Chapters
- 00:00Lock Picking and Forensic Science Club
- 05:12Family Life and New Opportunities
- 08:48A Dead Body Discovered
- 10:53Grace Returns with a Warning
- 14:43Bethany's Support and Resolve
- 18:47Investigating the Murder and Town Secrets
- 23:26Uncovering Corruption and Hidden Agendas
- 27:51Clearing Names and Seeking Justice
- 31:30Facing the Past and Moving Forward
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
Speaker A
No, let's stay together. We're less likely to get caught. I got it. Okay, so we're going quietly.
Speaker A
Jamie, watch our backs. Okay. Oh, there it is. We know. No, no, Rose. There could be an alarm. Oh, Jamie, check it out.
Speaker A
Okay. Um, uh-huh. See? Well done, my little criminals. But you forgot one thing. What? Dad.
Speaker A
Well, honey, when you took your glove off to pick the lock, you left a fingerprint on the doorknob.
Speaker A
I'm sorry, guys. But other than that, you meddling kids did a great job. So, like I've been saying throughout this class, if you want to learn criminal science and become great detectives, you need to learn to think like a
Speaker A
criminal. Oh, seriously, Dad? And the goggles? Really? Okay. So anyway, follow me back into the other room and I'm going to show you how to raise the fingerprints off the doorknob using household glue.
Speaker A
He chose poor lamp. So the fumes from the glue bind to the oils in the skin.
Speaker A
Hey, are we, uh, still going out for ice cream after class? Then once the glue is finished steaming, you can just dust for fingerprints like usual and lift it off with packing tape.
Speaker A
And then you could scan the prints into a scanner and put it in Photoshop and enhance the images even more.
Speaker A
That's right, Amy. Thanks, Dad. Don't you do this kind of stuff up at the Mount Hideaway facility?
Speaker A
Nice try, Rose. You know, the work we do up there is classified. Uh, thanks again, Dr. Bradford, for, um, leading this club. This forensic science project really makes physics, chemistry, and even government a lot more interesting.
Speaker A
You're very welcome, Jamie. You know, with your dad helping to teach business and Bethy's mom helping out with social studies, you kids are getting some really great projects and field trips along with your homeschool curriculum.
Speaker A
Raising fingerprints is awesome. I can't wait to go home and do it myself. That's great, Bethany, but be careful and always use your protective equipment.
Speaker A
I will. I give up. It just takes a little practice. You know, I forgot how bad I was at baking. Measuring and following directions just really isn't my thing.
Speaker A
No, it's not. You're much better with people than you are with pies. I mean, seriously, I have never met anyone that can connect with every single person that she meets. And that's a gift.
Speaker A
Thanks, Mom. You know, um, I love having you home for as long as you want, but I think we're going to need to find you some other jobs.
Speaker A
Yeah, I think you're right. Oh, I could take the food to the church food pantry.
Speaker A
I'd love to catch up with Pastor Nehemiah. I think that's a great idea. Oh, Joy, I'm headed to the church to take some food. Do you want to come with?
Speaker A
No, I'm good. I'm almost done with my ancient history module, and I still have to feed the bunnies.
Speaker A
Wait. I'll be right back. Hey, Pastor Nehemiah. Hey. Hey, Beth. It's so good to see you.
Speaker A
It's so good to see you, too. So, I brought apples and apple butter and peach preserves.
Speaker A
Thanks a lot, Beth. This will help the folks out a lot. It's just getting started now. Why don't you put it up on a big genie? Can you do that with a phone? Give me the thing.
Speaker A
Okay. So, here we are at a house I just bought this morning. Now, it was scheduled to be demolished. However, the foundation, studs, and plumbing seem to be in good shape.
Speaker A
Yeah, I'm going to flip a house one of these days. Woman, please. You just like looking at James Wood.
Speaker A
Well, he is a cutie. Act. Plus, I got it for a great price since I offered it all in cash.
Speaker A
Now, there are always risks in, uh, taking deals like this one. Um, cannoli beans, I guess, for when you're hungry. But, you know, you can also find some real great treasures, too. Which speaking of, uh, shall we check behind door number one?
Speaker A
You never know. The owners might leave us a little surprise. HELP. HEY, HELP. ANYBODY HELP?
Speaker A
Mom, did you hear what happened? No. What's going on? Oh my gosh. I was at the church and people were watching a live stream of Jamie flipping a house.
Speaker A
Yes. Mom, seriously, stop. Anyway, um, Jamie opened a closet door and a dead body fell out.
Speaker A
What? Yeah. Do they know who it is? No. Oh, no. They shut it off after that happened, so I don't know any more than that.
Speaker A
Yikes. Well, what about Jamie? Bethany Shanholds, you need to talk to him. Look, a customer.
Speaker A
Hi. Can I help you? We're actually closed for this season, but I did just take some fresh pies out of the oven.
Speaker A
Actually, I'm, I'm looking for Grace. Hi. Hi. Mom, this is my friend Grace Pedle from DC.
Speaker A
Oh, nice to meet you. You, too? Yeah. I didn't know you were in town.
Speaker A
I am. I've been here for a little while, actually. Wow, that's wonderful. Well, um, why don't I show you around the shop?
Speaker A
Great. What are you doing here? It's nice to see you, too. I've been stationed at Mount Hideaway for the past two weeks. You're working at the classified facility outside my hometown.
Speaker A
They reassigned me there right after you took your leave of absence to keep an eye on me.
Speaker A
Believe it or not, Beth, it's not all about you. There's actually a growing concern about the town itself.
Speaker A
You mean to the facility, right? No, no, I mean to the town itself. But it's a town with a lot of agency employees, so it could be a national security threat.
Speaker A
Okay. Okay. What kind of a threat are we talking about here? Well, for starters, you know the body that just turned up?
Speaker A
That was the town zoning commissioner, Frank Bavier. Did you know him? No. No, not really.
Speaker A
Well, he was about to make a pretty big decision about the land adjacent to the facility.
Speaker A
So, a decision about what they do with the land right next to the facility directly affects our security. And also, we keep hearing chatter about a threat originating from the town itself in Steven's Mill. You mean like a
Speaker A
terrorist attack? We can't tell for sure, Grace. I'm trying to live a quiet life and get to know my hometown again.
Speaker A
Yeah. How's that, uh, how's that going for you? Okay, that's not fair. I'm learning new things.
Speaker A
Beth, you're the best operative and asset handler I've ever met. And what happened in August wasn't your fault.
Speaker A
No, it wasn't. I was ordered to put a civilian in harm's way against my better judgment.
Speaker A
I know. I know. And we're not going to go down that road again. I approved your leave for as long as you need, but this is different.
Speaker A
Look, you're technically still on leave, so it's your call. Fine, Grace. Fine. But I'm not doing it for you or for national security. I'm doing it for my town and my family.
Speaker A
That's fair. Okay. Who do I have for support? Well, uh, that's the thing. The agency's barred from conducting operations on US soil, so you're on your own. This is technically a black op. Okay. So, I'm investigating murder with no official
Speaker A
authority, no support, and if it goes south, I'm hung out to dry. Yeah, that sounds about right. Here's the address where they found the body.
Speaker A
You can start there. She seems nice. Mom, we needed to talk. Honey, I was an intelligence analyst at Mount Hideaway for years. Your dad was always deployed in places he couldn't tell us about. Whatever you need to do,
Speaker A
you have my support. Thanks, Mom. So, um, I guess I'll be making the pies from now on.
Speaker A
What? Just that you make that ridiculous hat look good. Seriously though, Bethany, uh, you know, my whole world is falling apart but I still feel like the luckiest guy in the world, you know.
Speaker A
Look, Jamie, we're going to figure out what happened at the warehouse and clear your dad's name.
Speaker A
Everyone knows that he wasn't the one who caused the explosion. We just have to keep digging.
Speaker A
And I hope that you're the luckiest guy in the world because last time we went fishing, you caught zelch. Zero.
Speaker A
Oh, really? Nada. Well, I guess if it's true. I mean, is that Rose's car?
Speaker A
Rose, do you see her? I don't see her anywhere. Rose. Rose, the water was really high last night because of the storm. You, you don't think... What was she doing out here?
Speaker A
You two were talking last night. What were you talking about? No.
Speaker A
Bethany, she said she didn't want any part of this investigation. We agreed we would leave her out of this.
Speaker A
I know. She worked at the warehouse before the explosion. I just thought So, you pushed her harder.
Speaker A
No, that is not what happened. As soon as I brought up the septic, she got really evasive and really defensive, like she was hiding something and then she just stormed off.
Speaker A
So, you just let her go. What was I supposed to do? Well, not that.
Speaker A
Hey, Amy. Beth, what are you doing here? Well, I know it's an active crime scene, but you know it's technically against regulations, but come on in. You already found the boots and gloves.
Speaker A
So, that's Frank. Wait, how did you know that already? Oh right. I didn't know him very well since he was older than us. But I do know that he worked for the county and he got a couple of promotions. He didn't live
Speaker A
around here, did he? No. And there wasn't any blood, so he was probably killed somewhere else.
Speaker A
Interesting. Who's that? Hi, Amy. Uh, is everything okay in here? I thought I heard someone talking.
Speaker A
No, it's just me talking to myself and uh this guy here. Uh, I just want you to know, uh, your crime scene is completely secure here.
Speaker A
I'm making sure of that. Thanks, Travis. Um, I'm going to I'm going to get back to work now.
Speaker A
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um, any chance you'd want to go get a custard or something sometime when you're done here?
Speaker A
Oh, thanks, Travis. You know, I've got a a date with a guy tonight that's probably going to go pretty late.
Speaker A
Oh, Travis Mayfield. Yeah, he's got a crush on me. And I don't know. We'll see.
Speaker A
Have you checked out the other rooms yet? No, Travis secured the building, but I haven't searched the rest of the rooms.
Speaker A
Let me know if you find anything interesting. Hey, Amy, check this out. That might help.
Speaker A
Looks like somebody's been living here. Yeah, and pretty recently, too. The expiration date on this yogurt is next month.
Speaker A
Maybe whoever was camping out here saw who brought the body in. Well, I know you have to bag this all for evidence, but I'm going to take a look around to see if I can figure out who our
Speaker A
mysterious camper is. Sounds like a plan. Beth, I'm so glad you're here. It's just like playing detective when we were kids. You and me and Jamie and Oh, yeah. And Rose, have you talked to Jamie yet?
Speaker A
No, I don't really see a reason to. Um, yeah. I've been avoiding him. We've both moved on.
Speaker A
Okay. Okay. Yeah, I know. Hi Jamie. Yeah, it's been a long time. Um, I'm sorry that I left without saying goodbye. Um, yeah, I'm also sorry that you think that Rose's death was my fault.
Speaker A
Um, and I am sorry that I was the worst girlfriend in the world and never returned any of your calls. Um, but I was in a lot of pain at the time and honestly, you were not very understanding.
Speaker A
But uh we can leave that behind us now and and be adults and have adult conversations. Like how about that dead guy you found?
Speaker A
I watched those trucks get loaded yesterday. What do you mean the shipment didn't get there?
Speaker A
Right. Okay. Yeah, sounds good. I'll see you soon. Hi, honey. You talking to the dog again?
Speaker A
Yeah, he's a good listener. So, what's going on? I loaded up two trucks of apples yesterday to go to the cery up north and they still haven't arrived.
Speaker A
That's weird. Yeah. So, back to you talking to the dog, you know. Last time we spoke, he made it pretty clear that he did not want to see me again.
Speaker A
Honey, that was years ago, and you were both in a lot of pain. Mom, I know, but things have changed and we've both moved on and I think I just need to keep it that way.
Speaker A
Okay sweetie. Love you. Love you, too. Good luck today. I'll come in a bit later. Okay.
Speaker A
Hey. Yeah, no one's here. Come back now. Bye. What the heck? Oh, okay. Okay. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Who are you and what are you doing? Calm down. I I heard the guy who lived here died and I just
Speaker A
wanted to borrow a few things, maybe stay here a few nights. And you're okay with camping in a dead guy's house? I've stayed in worse. I know every good squatting spot in the county.
Speaker A
Okay, so maybe you know the abandoned house on Water Street, the place where they found the body of the guy who owns this house. Nope, never heard of it.
Speaker A
Well, maybe you forgot this specific house. Hey, why don't we do this? Let's just drive there right now. I'll pick up food along the way. I know this amazing pancake house.
Speaker A
Actually, I'm okay. Thanks for the offer, though. I guess you really do owe me one for almost murdering me earlier.
Speaker A
Wait, wait, wait. You are so right. Here, let me write down my number and if you see anything or hear anything, just let me know. Pancakes are on me. Sure.
Speaker A
This is Grace. Hey, Grace. It's Bethany. This line's secure. I have a computer here that I need hacking into. Are you sure you don't have some tech support guy who can Not only can I not provide tech support,
Speaker A
but you cannot call me, okay, at all. ever. I will call you if I have something, but otherwise you're on your own.
Speaker A
So, yeah, it was fun. It was hi Levi. Whoa. Hi, everybody. This is Levi.
Speaker A
Oh, hi. Hey, Jane. Can you come get Levi, please? This is Jane, my veterinary assistant.
Speaker A
And this is Beth, my friend from DC. Awesome. Hey. Hey. Thanks Jane. So, what is it like balancing your veterinarian practice while doing crime scenes? Oh, I'm sure it's not as exciting as what you do, but you know,
Speaker A
it actually works out pretty well. You know, Steven's mill. It's not like there's a big crime wave or anything.
Speaker A
Beth, uh, well, I was going to tell you when I knew a little bit more. Tell me what.
Speaker A
The thing is, this could be dangerous. Beth, I am a sworn law enforcement officer. You can read me in.
Speaker A
Okay. Okay, this has to stay in between us. The people that I work for think that Frank's death could be connected to some deeper things.
Speaker A
You know, I'm really not surprised. Ever since you left, this town has been changing. I I can't put my finger on it, but something is off.
Speaker A
Well, you're not the only one who thinks that. But I can't act in my official capacity, and I don't have agency resources.
Speaker A
It's not a problem. We can do this. All right. Well, now all we need is tech support. Somebody with computer and surveillance skills.
Speaker A
Again, not a problem. I got a guy. You've got a guy? Well, not like that.
Speaker A
Well, well, well, well, if it isn't the lovely and talented Amy Bradford. You have another code for me to crack from our dedicated but antiquated heroes down at the sheriff's department?
Speaker A
Well, hi. Um, Amy, what is Bethany Shanholtz doing here? Do you know who she works for?
Speaker A
Amy. Um, this is your computer expert. Hector the hacker? The guy who writes poems and Cllingon and went to the Stevens Mill High School prom dressed as Harry Potter.
Speaker A
Red against the brown. Look, I'm sure the agency had plenty of stuffy MIT crats, but Hector is great.
Speaker A
Just give him a few minutes to warm up. Hector, I don't mean to sound rude, but I kind of need to see what you do.
Speaker A
Well, I thought you'd never ask here. No, you're not anymore. And bam. Oh, so you know, uh, he works.
Speaker A
So, um, is this an official police investigation? Well, it is, and it isn't. All you need to know is that you're helping us save the world or the town, and you get to be a part of this.
Speaker A
I accept joining your party. Okay. Well, Hector, your first assignment is to find us a homeless kid.
Speaker A
I figured out who the mysterious camper was from the fixer uper. Did you talk to her?
Speaker A
Uh, I tried to, but she was too skittish. So, I need you to find her.
Speaker A
She is about 5'4. She's got short brown hair, kind of boycott, and um she's got brown eyes.
Speaker A
All right. Can I find her? Does Jamaica have a bobsled team? Hey, enough people say they know they can't believe got a bobled team. People know they can't believe I'm going to find this girl for Bethany. Hey, people can't
Speaker A
believe I'm doing cool stuff on the computer. First, I would like to thank Reverend Nehemiah McDaniel for allowing us to use this house of worship today. For many years, this house has been a source of hope for my family as well as the
Speaker A
community. As mayor of Stevens Mill, I want to assure everyone that we are doing everything possible to solve this crime.
Speaker A
And while we can't comment on an open investigation, we will keep you updated as best we can. Thank you.
Speaker A
Yo, thanks for letting me do this little dog and pony show here, man. Of course, Simon. Of course. Now, we wouldn't have gotten the zoning and the permits for this food pantry going without you. And as you can see, it was
Speaker A
much needed. Looks like a win-win. Yeah. Mr. Mayor, this is Beth Shadows. Oh, Tina Shanholt's daughter. Welcome back home, young lady.
Speaker A
My wife brought home one of your mom's pies last week. Had dessert for dinner.
Speaker A
Finished it off for breakfast. Well, thank you so much, Mr. Mayor. Things must be pretty crazy up at city hall.
Speaker A
You got that right. Any idea why somebody would want to kill the zoning commissioner?
Speaker A
Well, yes and no. I mean, zoning battles can get heated, but not like this.
Speaker A
Zoning battles. Well, like in any growing town, there's a constant struggle between the past and the future. In Stevens Mill, it's between the farmers and shopkeepers who built the town and the outside corporations who want to come in and use
Speaker A
the land for other things. Companies like Omni Millennium. Got a shot one here, Hammy. Mhm.
Speaker A
Frank Bavier was right in the middle of a battle between Walter Brenamman, the banker who works with the farmers, and Omni, who wants the farmland's own commercial.
Speaker A
What's Omni Millennium want with a bunch of farmland? I hear they want to put a wind farm on the mountain and fill the valley with warehouses and data centers.
Speaker A
Neither of which provide many jobs for the town. Very impressive, young lady. Mr. Mayor, it's time for you to go to your next appointment.
Speaker A
Thank you. Thank you, me. I'll see you soon. Okay. Yep. A lot of things have changed since the last time you and your friends hung out here.
Speaker A
A lot more homeschoolers are using the facility. One of the parents here is teaching robotics.
Speaker A
Yeah. and James has jumped in to teach financial literacy and social media marketing. H well, it feels like the whole town's changed, but that part's kind of cool.
Speaker A
Got to go, but stick around if you want to. Okay. All right, Bethany. Jamie.
Speaker A
I actually go by James now. Um, it's more professional. Yeah. No, that sounds more mature and responsible.
Speaker A
I'm supposed to establish my brand, you know, um with maturity and uh sophistication, right?
Speaker A
Yeah. Jamie, I think we need one more of these games. Oh, hi. Who's this? Hi, I'm Bethany Shanhold.
Speaker A
Oh my goodness. So great to meet you. I'm Allison Brandaman. It's so nice to meet you, too. So, do you volunteer at the church here, too?
Speaker A
Uh, yes, actually. I um bring food from our family orchard. That's so sweet. Well, James and I teach a class for the kids about finances and accounting since, you know, he's a big real estate mogul. And, well, my daddy
Speaker A
owns a bank. Wow. Well, that is that is so charitable. Okay. Well, it was so nice to meet you.
Speaker A
Um, and uh, great to see you again, uh, James. Well, Bethany, wait, you just got back in town. Why don't you come over tonight? Join James and I for some hot cocoa. That is such a great idea. But
Speaker A
I'm actually having dinner tonight with my mother, so I can't make it. Maybe another time. Sure. Okay.
Speaker A
Oh, bye, Bethany. So, Hey Amy, what's up? Hey, so mom just got back from shopping at Val's boutique.
Speaker A
Okay, I I know. Just listen. Okay, so um mom said that Val was talking about zoning and banking and Jamie. Mom didn't understand it, but it sounds like Val could be worth talking to. I mean, you know what a mover and shaker she is.
Speaker A
Oh, okay. Got it. Hey, there's my girl. I heard you were back in town.
Speaker A
Yeah. Hey, Val. It's so good to see you. Let me take a look at you. I see you've been keeping in shape.
Speaker A
Oh, but I see you've let the DC office vibe like throw up all over you. So, we're going to get you out of this X Files get up and into some jewel tones to bring out your green eyes and
Speaker A
gorgeous hair. So, I guess you heard about Frank Beer. Oh, wasn't that awful? Poor Jamie. He and I are in the Chamber of Commerce together. I watched it live. Some people at the church food pantry were watching it on the big TV.
Speaker A
You know, I heard Frank Bever's been taking kickbacks to influence his zoning decisions, but somebody recently upped the ante and got him to switch sides.
Speaker A
Any idea which side? Hard to tell. Ever since the explosion and the omni millennium buyout, more big box stores have been moving in. It's gotten harder for us local shops to keep going.
Speaker A
Makes sense. And to be honest, I don't trust the Bernammans either. But at least they're local.
Speaker A
It's the devil. You know, you know, and those perfect. Okay, my dear. Time to go live.
Speaker A
Thanks. Check. H. So, how'd you know that Bethany girl again? Oh, we went to high school together.
Speaker A
I thought you were homeschooled, James. Well, uh, my mom taught us in elementary school, but we later joined a co-op.
Speaker A
Co-op? Basically, the parents would teach subjects they were experts in and uh, even lead some field trips.
Speaker A
Well, is that even legal, Mom? Many successful people are homeschooled. Olympic athletes, movie stars. I think it shows initiative. Very entrepreneurial James.
Speaker A
But of course, we wanted you to go to Lemley Prep School like we did. All darling.
Speaker A
Yeah, I know, Mom. I'll get it. Oh. Uh, hi. Hi. So, I see your mom at the market once in a while. Um, she's doing a great job with the place.
Speaker A
Yeah. Yeah. So, you bought a house with a dead guy in it? Yeah, I did. Um, every flip house has its surprises, but Wow.
Speaker A
Yeah. Any idea how I got there? Yeah. No. Uh, the police asked me all about it, but I'm pretty sure they know that I had nothing to do with it, so I'm in the clear.
Speaker A
Yeah. Yeah. It's um it's a real mystery. Yeah. So, um I think we should talk sometime if uh if that's okay. I think there's some things we need to clear up.
Speaker A
Yeah. Um Jamie, maybe we should. Queen to Queen's Bishop 3. Bethany. Hi. Oh, come in. Come in.
Speaker A
I don't think she can stay. Actually, my mom canled on me, so I thought I'd take you up on the offer to drop by. Wonderful. Come on in. Come on in.
Speaker A
Ah, Miss Shanholtz, welcome. Nice to see you, Mr. Brandon. Oh, you can call me Walter now that you're all grown up.
Speaker A
Thanks, Walter. So, last time I talked to your mom at the bank, she said you were working down in DC for the government.
Speaker A
Yes, sir. I got a little tired of the bureaucracy and decided to move back home for a little while, get some peace and quiet.
Speaker A
Well, things around here were quiet until that awful business, James' investment property. Yes. How awful.
Speaker A
Did you know him well? Well, we saw him all the time. the country club, the wine festival, and all our parties and barbecues. To be honest, I never really liked the man.
Speaker A
But you still invited him to your parties. Well, as the zoning commissioner, Frank was a colleague and one of the town leaders.
Speaker A
So, it sounds like you did know him. I had a few meetings with Frank on behalf of local businesses, mostly in an effort to persuade him to keep the town zoned in a way that would preserve the economy of the town. Well, since his
Speaker A
murder, people have started to say maybe he was taking bribes to influence his zoning decisions.
Speaker A
What are you implying, Bethany? It's okay, James. The young lady has a fair question.
Speaker A
In a small town like this, lots of folks do favors for people they do business with. But I assure you that my meetings with Frank were all legal and above board.
Speaker A
So, who else was trying to buy the land? Omni Millennium and their foreign investors want to turn all of the farmland land like your mom's into warehouses and data centers.
Speaker A
Lots of folks think that would be bad for the town. Bad enough to kill over.
Speaker A
What's that supposed to mean? Honey, it's okay. My family has been in this town for over a hundred years. This is our community and we solve our problems like neighbors.
Speaker A
If you're really interested in this situation, I think you should go talk to the people at Omni Millennium and their real estate agent, Rex McNair.
Speaker A
Um, sorry. Curiosity sometimes gets the best of me. I shouldn't have asked. Um, I'm going to let you guys get back to your chess game. Allison, thank you so much for inviting me in. Of course.
Speaker A
What is wrong with you? What is wrong with me? I was just trying to have a conversation with Walter. Why are you getting so agitated?
Speaker A
Do you really think I'd be involved with killers? Do you really think I've changed that much?
Speaker A
I didn't say that. But to be honest, I'm not sure how much you've changed, James.
Speaker A
How's Jamie? Hey, he can be such a jerk. Well, I always thought he was a gentleman. You know, the kind that every mom wants her daughter to bring home and maybe marry or Stop, Mom. Jamie, I'm sorry. I mean,
Speaker A
James and Allison Brandon look practically engaged. He fits right in at Castle Brandon. And I've got my own life. Like I said before, we both have moved on.
Speaker A
It's great to have her home. And she's so grown up. Hi, can I help you?
Speaker A
Yes, my name is Bethany Shanholtz and I was wondering if Rex McNeer was available. Um, I have a few questions about a house I heard about.
Speaker A
Just a moment, sweetie. Rex, get in here. What? I was in a meeting. Please. You were playing online poker on your phone again. This lady needs to talk to you. I wish I could fire you, but I got half this company in the
Speaker A
divorce settlement. Well, at least I got the cat. How dare you mention Mr. Bumpkins.
Speaker A
I'm sorry, miss. Uh, let's meet in the conference room. So, why don't you have a seat right here? Uh, can I have you a cup of coffee?
Speaker A
No, I'm good. So, how can I help you? Well, I heard that you used to work with Frank Beavier, and I just moved back into town, and I hate to sound callous, but you wanted to get a great deal on
Speaker A
the house, and you figured I was the one selling it. Oh, I like the way you think, young lady.
Speaker A
Well, maybe this was a bad idea. I I'll just go. No, no, wait. Yes. I heard about the zoning commissioner's great TV debut.
Speaker A
Frank was always a grandstander. You didn't get along. Oh, I wouldn't say that. Frank just loved the power he held over the town and the businesses.
Speaker A
Did you have problems with him yourself? Problems? No, we just had some professional disagreements.
Speaker A
Wow, that that sounds complicated. Well, you see, I represent Omni Millennium for all their real estate needs in this county. At first, he was dead set against my client's request to reszone the mountain land from agriculture to commercial. So, we were
Speaker A
at odds, but a few days ago, he let me know quietly that he was reconsidering that position.
Speaker A
So, I was fine with him. But if I were you, I'd see Brandon or his era parent, that wood kid. If Bavier would have changed his mind, they would have lost their shirts.
Speaker A
Yo, bat. Is making coffee really that difficult? It's 3 teaspoons of Colombian, 5 tablespoons of Nicaraguan dark, and four tablespoons of Ethiopian.
Speaker A
How many times do I have to tell you that? Your next appointment is here.
Speaker A
You know, it's okay. I I really need to go. Well, if you want to see the house, just let me know. We can get you a great deal.
Speaker A
Right. Hey, Carl, it's Rex. Yeah, Rex, you asked me to call you if anybody inquired about the Bavier house.
Speaker A
Okay, thanks for letting me know. Does this have anything to do with our friends or uh the warehouse?
Speaker A
I told you we only talk about that in person, not over the phone. Hey. Yeah. Okay. So, apparently was siding with Brandon and the Farmers, but then something changed his mind.
Speaker A
So, he was going to side with Omni Millennium. It looks that way. Hector, what about you?
Speaker A
It looks like Bavier was doing a lot of emailing back and forth with Carl from the mayor's office.
Speaker A
Huh. Looks like Carl was aligning himself with Omni Millennium and quietly taking over the town. But Carl's just an assistant to the mayor.
Speaker A
Yeah, but the mayor changes every four years. But Carl has been in that job forever.
Speaker A
All right. Well, if Carl is our guy, we're going to have to prove it.
Speaker A
Hector, do you have anything else in that squatter that I found? Yeah, boss. A tractor to the church.
Speaker A
I'm on it. Yeah, it's me. This is getting more complicated by the minute. Yes, I know what will happen if this gets out. I'll take care of it.
Speaker A
Hey kid, I need you to come with me. It's not safe here. Leave me alone. I don't want your help.
Speaker A
Carl, let her go. She saw something she shouldn't have, and now so have you.
Speaker A
I won't tell anyone. But if you're sided with you and Omni Millennium, then why'd you kill him?
Speaker A
I finally got him to change his mind about the zoning. But then he grew a conscience and was going to report the whole thing. So now I've got even more of a mess to clean up.
Speaker A
Okay. Okay. Now, you're going to take me to your car and drive me out of town.
Speaker A
Where'd you learn to fight like that? I was homeschooled. What? My physical education included bailing hay and studying Shaolin kung fu.
Speaker A
Okay talk. You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into. This is bigger than anything you can imagine.
Speaker A
Who's behind it? Rex Brandman? You don't get it, do you? Brandon, this town, Mount Hideway, they're nothing. Nothing compared to the people I work for.
Speaker A
Now they'll be after me. now. And you too. So, Angie staying at your house? Um, yes, actually. She doesn't really feel safe, obviously, at the church, and so she's staying in Joyy's room.
Speaker A
I bet Joyy's thrilled. No, she understands the situation. She actually understands a lot. Excuse me.
Speaker A
Well, from what I've been reading from these emails and from what Carl just ominously said to you, would not surprise me if there was some hidden hand pulling all the strings.
Speaker A
Whoever it is, I got to hand it to them. You really know how to cover their tracks.
Speaker A
Guys, that was the sheriff's department. They were transporting Carl to lock up when a van of heavily armed men ambushed them.
Speaker A
Nobody was hurt, but Carl escaped. We rolled a one, guys. Right. Yes, of course. Of course. Yes.
Speaker A
The oh so famous real estate mogul is next. And then I'll be able to clean this whole thing up completely. I promise. I Hello. Hello.
Speaker A
So, Angie, how did you sleep? Is it okay if I give him some? Oh, yeah, sure.
Speaker A
Hey, watch this. He's so cute. Where did you get him? Um, that's actually kind of a long story.
Speaker A
Um, I got him when I used to work for the government. I knew someone who couldn't take care of him anymore.
Speaker A
Joy, I have a few gift baskets to finish today. Can you come to the market? I was actually going to stay home today. I have to finish a commission for someone in New York. Oh, well, that's okay, sweetie. Can I see it? Yeah. One second.
Speaker A
Angie, you think you could give me a hand? Beats being here all day. Um, Bethany, will you be there? I have a few errands to run in town first and then I will come by.
Speaker A
Are you going to go after that guy here? Mom, I'm not finished yet. But what do you think?
Speaker A
Angie, you're going to be safe from Carl. I promise. Oh my god. The sheriff has people looking for him all around town. If you stay with my mom, you'll be fine. And I'll come over soon, too. Okay.
Speaker A
Okay. Rex McNair Real Estate, home of Rexceptional Service. Now, can I help you? I don't care about what your father-in-law does.
Speaker A
No, he's in a meeting right now. Can I have him call you back? What are you going to do? But that's a final.
Speaker A
Okay. Another satisfied client. I see. He's not a client. I know who he is. He's that young upstart that's taking all your business.
Speaker A
You know, I told you years ago that social media was the way of the future.
Speaker A
But no. Well, mind your own business, you old bat. Drop dead. Now, what is it? That goofy organic sweetener going down the wrong way, or is it the cheap whiskey?
Speaker A
Rex. Rex. Rex. Oh, Rex, honey. Oh my goodness. Oh, Rex. Honey. Oh my goodness.
Speaker A
911. Yes. 911. We We have an emergency here at at Rex McNeer Real Estate. Come quickly, please. Help. Help.
Speaker A
What? So, how is Angie doing? Well, she's tough, but she's terrified. And as long as Carl's on the loose, she's going to stay that way. If the sheriff cannot find him, we need to.
Speaker A
They've got all the available men out searching for him. But it's a big county and you know, we don't even know. He might have left the area altogether.
Speaker A
Well, the town doesn't have any traffic cameras because there's only a few stop lights, but I did manage to see a blur of a white van speeding past an ATM machine after the escape.
Speaker A
That's not much to go on. It's the best I got right now. Guys, that was the sheriff's department.
Speaker A
There's been another suspicious death. That's two murders in less than a week. Who is it? Rex McNeer. The real estate guy, Rex. I was just there asking him about the zoning thing.
Speaker A
I guess Carl's back in town. Well, we can't jump to conclusions until we see the evidence, but I'll let you guys know what I find when I process the crime scene.
Speaker A
True. Besides, it would not surprise me if that lady at the front desk had something to do with that.
Speaker A
One second. Yeah, she always scared me. Hey, Mom. I'm fine. Okay, smarty pants. I'm actually calling because I wanted to see if you were going to be able to go by Val's boutique today and ask her about those gift baskets.
Speaker A
You know, it's not really the greatest. Oh, actually, you know what, Mom? That is a good idea. Thanks.
Speaker A
Oh, okay. Great. Thanks, honey. Love you. Love you, too, Mom. Bye. Okay. Yes. Well, uh, my mom needs me to drop by Val to take orders for gift baskets.
Speaker A
But what about the hunt for Carl? Well, Val seems to know everything in this town, so she's not a bad place to start.
Speaker A
Okay. So, tell me again what happened to your husband, ex-husband. I divorced him three years ago for being an ignorant pigface ninkham poop.
Speaker A
But you were still working here. Well, I got half the real estate business in the settlement. I needed to stay here to make sure he didn't wreck it.
Speaker A
I see. So, tell me again what happened. Well, he came out here being obnoxious as usual, and he was drinking his coffee out of that stupid mug.
Speaker A
Coffee? Who made the coffee? Well, I did, of course. I made the coffee. I answered the phones. I scheduled the termite inspectors.
Speaker A
Did he come out here for a particular reason? Well, he had just been having a meeting with that James Wood kid and he came in here to get his messages and we got into a fight as usual and I told him to drop
Speaker A
dead and he did. It's the first time he ever did anything I told HIM TO WITHOUT ME HAVING TO REPEAT it a hundred times.
Speaker A
Oh, hey Bethany. I will be with you in just one minute. No worries, Val. I'm just looking around.
Speaker A
That is quite the setup though. Yeah. Got to keep fresh photos on the online store and on social media. I'm doing a live stream later today. Wow. Hey. Oh, my mom mentioned that you might want some gift baskets. Oh, yeah. My ladies
Speaker A
love the ones with peach preserves and local raw honey. Mhm. Ever since I did a segment on my YouTube channel about local unfiltered honey been selling like hot cakes. Oh, and actually, while I have you here, you need to go try this on.
Speaker A
I go upstairs, try that on. Excuse me. Do you have this in a smaller size?
Speaker A
Yes, I'll be right with you. Great. Thanks. I will be 1 minute. Go upstairs and try that on.
Speaker A
Okay, bye. Go. Yes. Do you know anyone that would want to hurt your husband?
Speaker A
I'm sorry, ex-husband. Everybody who ever knew him, at least lately, he used to be the town favorite. I mean, we had it all. And then a few years ago, he started to change.
Speaker A
Change? Well, yes. He was secretive and stressed and and he'd go out drinking and gambling. Called it networking. Said it was good for the business.
Speaker A
Well, then finally I divorced him. But I stayed here to keep an eye on the business. Guess he still was hiding things from me.
Speaker A
Idiot. Hey Amy, what's up? Hey Beth, I'm still at the crime scene. It looks like Rex was poisoned. I'm taking his mug to the lab now for processing.
Speaker A
Anything else? Just that it looks really bad for Teresa. She made the coffee that poisoned him and she gets the whole business now that he's gone.
Speaker A
Sheriff's coming. Got to go. Oh, now those are your colors. That's what I'm talking about. And the outfit amazing. So, smile because it's going on the website.
Speaker A
So, was Teresa McNair one of your customers? Yes, she was. Oh my goodness, that poor lady.
Speaker A
Oh, so you already know about Rex? Of course you do. Do you think she did it? No way. They felt like cats and dogs, but deep down they really loved each other. She's sitting here once a week buying a new
Speaker A
outfit. You could see it on her face when she was trying on a dress. He really was her world.
Speaker A
Wait, but doesn't she get the whole brokerage now that he's gone? Well, in the first place, a brokerage without a real estate agent isn't worth much. And Rex built that practice from all his good old boy relationships. Of course,
Speaker A
some of those good old boy relationships weren't so good. H anybody dangerous? Not that I know of.
Speaker A
Although Rex did have a provision in his will that if he got murdered, his half the business will get at somebody else.
Speaker A
What? Yeah. I don't know if he was really afraid of her or if he just put that in there to get her goat.
Speaker A
Well, then who gets the brokerage now that he's gone? I don't know what I don't know everything.
Speaker A
Shan Holes, how can I help you? Any word on finding Carl Corso? We have all available resources on the case. We don't need any help. Oh, I wasn't offering, but it does sound like your department's got its hands full.
Speaker A
If you're talking about the Rex McNeer case, that one's open and shut. The wife was the only one in the room at the time. She made the coffee and she gets the whole business now that he's gone.
Speaker A
You sure about that? Excuse me? I heard a rumor that Rex named somebody else in his will to get his part of the business in the case of murder, but of course, that's just hearsay. You know, for somebody who just came back here,
Speaker A
you sure do seem to know a lot about other people's business. Just a small town girl living in a lonely world.
Speaker A
All right, we may check that out later. But Miss Shanholes, yes. If you interfere with my investigation, I will not hesitate to charge you with obstruction of justice.
Speaker A
Did you grow up here? Yeah. My great-grandfather started this orchard back in the 1800s.
Speaker A
Have you always done this whole farming thing? As a matter of fact, no. I have degrees in linguistics and political science.
Speaker A
And for 10 years, I worked up at the Mount Hideway facility. So, you were a spy or something? Some folks up there do some pretty classified work, but no, I was never a spy.
Speaker A
Uh Bethany told me that you used to homeschool her and her sister. Yeah, their dad was special forces and we moved around a lot and both the girls are exceptional, each in their own way.
Speaker A
And well, we just felt like it was the best decision for our family. I really liked public school. Um, I was an honor student, collegebound. Um, I even had a few scholarships lined up, but then the explosion happened and, uh,
Speaker A
I missed weeks of school because social services was always taking me from family to group home.
Speaker A
And I never really caught back up. Did you grab a flashlight? Do I need one?
Speaker A
Yeah, we do. Okay. Also, get one of these. Aren't they great? Hi. How can I help you?
Speaker A
Hi. Well, you know, to be honest with you, Hey Bethany. Hi. Can I help you find something?
Speaker A
Um, maybe. I'm actually looking for pie pans and baking tins. You know, you might want to try these cast iron ones.
Speaker A
Cast iron? Yes. They conduct the heat nice and evenly, and they're kind of indestructible.
Speaker A
You've been talking to my mom again, haven't you? Hey Amy, what's up? So, I finished processing the poison that killed Rex, and somebody put cyanide in that organic sweetener he uses.
Speaker A
Cyanide? That's nasty. The killer must have noticed that lots of people drink coffee, but of course, only Rex used that sweetener.
Speaker A
There's more. The cyanide was made from apple seeds. I mean, I know that apple seeds contain a tiny amount of cyanide, but you'd need 20 or more apple seeds to kill someone.
Speaker A
And on top of that, apricot seeds are actually much better for creating poison from a fruit. I mean, she Amy, your dad taught us that in criminal science class.
Speaker A
Exactly. There was a fair amount of residue in the mix, so I was even able to determine the type of apple that was used. That's why I'm calling. Okay, shoot.
Speaker A
It's a relatively uncommon variety of apple called the New Town Pippen. A semi tart apple that was originally grown by President Thomas Jefferson.
Speaker A
Yeah, my mom's the only orchard in town that actually grows them. Oh. Oh, no. I know, Beth. And so does the sheriff.
Speaker A
He's probably on his way right now to talk to your mom and ask how apples from her orchard got turned into the poison that killed Rex.
Speaker A
What is he doing here? I don't know. Maybe he caught the guy. I doubt it.
Speaker A
Good afternoon, Miss Shanholtz. Good afternoon, Sheriff. Uh, so did you find the guy who tried to kill my daughter?
Speaker A
The investigation is ongoing. So, what are you doing here? Well, I understand you grow a rare variety of apples here called a New Town Pippen. Yeah, we're the only farm that grows them.
Speaker A
And why is it that you're the only orchard in the area that grows them?
Speaker A
Well, they're a little tricky to care for, but we do have a buyer up north that uses them to make hard cider.
Speaker A
Sheriff, I'm a little confused as to why you're here asking me about apples when there's a killer on the loose.
Speaker A
There's no need to get agitated, Mr. Shantel. What's going on here? Nothing that concerns you, Miss Shanholtz.
Speaker A
You're on my property talking to my mother about our family business. We've determined that Rex McNair was poisoned using apples from this orchard.
Speaker A
Which one of you would care to explain that? Wait, I had two truckloads of New Town Pippen apples go missing several days ago.
Speaker A
Two truckloads of apples just disappeared. I don't seem to recall you reporting them stolen.
Speaker A
No, I didn't. Ever since Omni Millennium took over the trucking company, service has gone downhill. It's not uncommon for shipments to get delayed or even lost.
Speaker A
Besides, there are easier ways to poison someone than making cyanide from apple seeds. Well, that is of course unless you just have them lying around at your disposal.
Speaker A
Okay, that's enough, Sheriff. First of all, my mother neither had motive, means nor opportunity to kill Rex McNeer. And secondly, it actually only takes about 20 apple seeds to kill someone with cyanide. So, why in the world would we
Speaker A
lose two truckloads if we could just go to the warehouse in the back and get some more? Anyway, isn't it true that you were at McNeer's office just yesterday? Care to explain what that was about?
Speaker A
I had some real estate questions and he answered them. But I certainly wouldn't have gone and killed someone I had never met before.
Speaker A
Well, you just seem to have an answer for everything, don't you? Well, you seem to have one or more murderers on the loose. Sheriff, I think we've given you a reasonable explanation as to where those apples may have come
Speaker A
from. So, if you don't have any further questions, we have work to do. Bethany over here.
Speaker A
What? I think I can help. I have camped in a bunch of different spots around town. After I aged out of the foster care system, I needed to in order to survive. Now, I just do it to find
Speaker A
useful things. Okay. Um, that's great. But how does this correlate to what we were just talking about?
Speaker A
So, there's this warehouse on Water Street near the railroad and nobody knows who owns it. That never happens in a small town cuz everybody knows everybody. So, anyway, I was camping out there about a week ago and these two big
Speaker A
trucks came in. I got closer to them thinking that there could be something valuable, but it was full of apples, right? So, I slipped out of the warehouse and into the woods. And as I was leaving, I heard this mechanical
Speaker A
noise. I smelled this really chemically smell. I began to doze off, but when I woke up, everything was empty. I honestly wrote it off as some sort of weird dream.
Speaker A
Where did you say that was again? Water Street near the railroad. I I can show you. Angie, it's okay. I'll pop by and tell the sheriff later. Thank you.
Speaker A
Yeah. Okay. So, she said it was a warehouse on Water Street near a railroad.
Speaker A
Mhm. But nobody knows the owner. Okay. Say no more. I shall find it. All right.
Speaker A
Let's see here. Okay. Water Street. Yep. Yep. Here it is. All right. It is owned by a string of shell companies within shell companies and like one of those little Russian dolls.
Speaker A
What? One of the dolls that like they fit inside. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. I'll look around for her.
Speaker A
What's up, boss? That was my mom. Angie disappeared. You don't think Carl could have gotten to her, do you?
Speaker A
No, but I know what he'd do if he found her. 1 Angie, what are you doing here? Bethany, this obviously has to do with that guy that tried to kill us. And I can't stay at home shoveling cow dung in the barn.
Speaker A
What are you doing here? Looking for you. My mom called me worried sick. Look, let's go someplace and talk. Wait, wait.
Speaker A
This real estate guy's card is everywhere. That has to be a clue. Angie, get in the car.
Speaker A
Dad operated the forklift at the factory. Um, mom worked as a librarian part time.
Speaker A
It was a Friday afternoon and mom was dropping by to get dad's paycheck. I was 12 and Joy was four.
Speaker A
Amy and I were playing Clue in the barn. It was like our secret fort. We loved playing Clue there.
Speaker A
The doorbell rang and I rigged a second bell to ring in the barn. I thought it was the UPS man or my mom.
Speaker A
Definitely wasn't expecting two soldiers in uniform. There's so much I wish I could have said or done differently.
Speaker A
Have you ever done anything you regretted Bethany? Yes. Something's different this time. Feeling in my bones.
Speaker A
They They know something that we aren't catching. Everything is going to be fine. Just go to your desk as usual, copy the files, and then use the dead drop like we always do.
Speaker A
What if they find out? They're not going to find out. As soon as we verify the information that you're providing, my superiors will send you and your family to a safe house, and then you'll be relocated to a
Speaker A
whole new life. You can do this. Your family is counting on you. Hey Bethany.
Speaker A
Are you okay? Yeah. Sorry. So, I don't know why these things happen to us. And I don't know why bad things happen to good people, but I know that you're here for a reason.
Speaker A
And you have to believe that. I don't know what I believe, but it's nice of you and your mom taught me bunk with you guys.
Speaker A
Well, why don't you stay the next time, okay? My mom is the kindest woman in the world, but trust me, you do not want to get on her bad side. Mhm.
Speaker A
So, I went to the warehouse and he had business cards all over the place.
Speaker A
That's weird. Oh, Amy, there's something in the mug. Oh, that's Hazel. She's nocturnal, so she likes to curl up in her mug during the day. A Oh, I know. Oh, hello.
Speaker A
Sleeping. Say hi. Oh, she's so cute. Oh, can I hold her? Sure. A Hello.
Speaker A
She is adorable. I know. So, why would Rex McNair be wallpapering a creepy warehouse with business cards?
Speaker A
Well, it sounds like he was trying really hard to talk to the owner. Yeah, but nobody knows who owns this place.
Speaker A
Maybe someone's trying to keep it that way. Oh, it's the sheriff's office. They opened the will.
Speaker A
Oh, finally. Okay, tell me, what disreputable low life got half of Rex's business in the will? Oh, tell me it was Carl. That would make this really easy.
Speaker A
The remainder of Rex's ownership in the brokerage is deed to Jamie Wood. What? Why would he leave his business to his biggest competitor? That doesn't make any sense. No, actually, it does.
Speaker A
Jamie was the second biggest agent in town. So, leaving the business to him was actually the best way to take care of Teresa and the brokerage.
Speaker A
Oh, well, you might be right, but the sheriff put that together with the fact that Jamie and Rex were arguing right before Rex died.
Speaker A
Oh, no. Bethany, the sheriff is arresting Jamie for Rex's murder. This is ridiculous, officer. It's ridiculous. Look at him. He didn't do anything. What are we doing here? He didn't do anything wrong. There's been a mistake. Of course, I
Speaker A
Miss Brandaman, please step aside. Can you Hey, Alison. It's going to be okay. All right.
Speaker A
What's going on, Sheriff? This is a mistake. No, I don't think that it is. He was the last person to see McNair other than the wife. He has means and opportunity. Oh, and thanks to you, we now know his
Speaker A
motive. What? No, no, no. It's not. Do you really think I'm still guilty? No.
Speaker A
Bethany, what are you TALKING ABOUT? BETHANY, WHAT DID YOU SAY? I THOUGHT YOU WERE HIS FRIEND.
Speaker A
NO, I am his friend. I Don't worry, James. I'll call Daddy. He'll call his lawyer and we will fix this. You You just stay away from my family.
Speaker A
Stay away, Alison. I was just trying to help. Guys, I really think that we can do this.
Speaker A
Everybody in the town says that our dad was responsible for the explosion that killed those workers. How can we fight them?
Speaker A
By proving that he didn't do it, we know somebody set him up to take the fall.
Speaker A
And well, there must be evidence somewhere. We're just high school kids. We can't do anything.
Speaker A
No, but that's the point. You see, nobody's going to be paying attention to us. And Amy can help. Her dad works at the police station and she hears stuff.
Speaker A
Leave our family alone, Bethany. Rose, we've been through enough. Rose, we are a family. You know that.
Speaker A
Rose, I'm going to find a way to clear Dad's name. And Bethy's going to help me. Even if you won't.
Speaker A
Fine. Just keep me out of it. Rose. Hey, let her go. We got this.
Speaker A
So, they just arrested him. Yep. But we know he didn't do it. I'm sure they'll figure it out.
Speaker A
I don't know, Mom. You've talked to the sheriff. He gets one idea and he just runs with it. You're right. He's not all that bright.
Speaker A
Joy. What? So, Angie, did you learn a lesson about getting on mom's bad side?
Speaker A
I learned that there are rules that I cannot break in your family, apparently. And if I do, I'm left shoveling cowdong in the barn.
Speaker A
Mara, correct? You are. Pick up dung. You will, Yoda. Really? Menure duty is just the beginning of your path. Listen to her, you will.
Speaker A
Or you will face the wrath of mom's duck. So, the sheriff says he has enough evidence to go forward with the trial.
Speaker A
He thinks Jaime knew about the will, but was afraid Rex was going to cut him out because of whatever they were arguing about.
Speaker A
That's ridiculous. I've been going through the county's real estate records for the past 5 years. Woods's business was steadily growing while Rex's was decreasing.
Speaker A
So, Jaime didn't need to inherit Rex's business. He was already taking it. There's something we're missing here.
Speaker A
Did anybody look at Rex's computer? No. Teresa didn't know the password, and the sheriff doesn't have anybody here that can crack it.
Speaker A
Hector, can you get me into Rex's computer? Did Han shoot you first? Okay, I'll head over there as soon as it gets dark.
Speaker A
Okay, all the alarms are disabled. Okay, great. O ow. What was that? Okay, it looks like something in there is giving off a weird Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signal. It's jamming our comms.
Speaker A
What do I do? Try looking around the room. See when it gets worse. Oh my gosh.
Speaker A
Rex hid a secret camera in his conference room. Well, it must have been a cheap one that he bought online. How rude. If he would have bought that from me, it would never have given off such a leaky signal. But
Speaker A
see, that's just it. People are afraid to buy local. If people could just get over that and get to the fact that it's genuine quality.
Speaker A
Okay. Okay. Okay. Yeah, I found a microphone, too. So, what do you think he was using the cameras for?
Speaker A
Recording meetings without permission is highly illegal. So, I guess it's blackmail or insurance. Well, the cameras were recording everything wirelessly, so all that footage should probably be on the laptop.
Speaker A
Okay, I'll take it upstairs and copy it. I'll be back in a second. Copy that, boss.
Speaker A
Did you see what I did there? Let's copy that. Yeah. Crl + C and the Bethany.
Speaker A
She hung up on me. NO. THE EVIL WOMAN SET ME UP. TELL IT TO THE JUDGE.
Speaker A
Who's going to feed my snakes? So, as you can clearly see, James never went near Rex McNair's coffee or his sweeteners.
Speaker A
And tell me again, why did you return to a crime scene that you had already processed?
Speaker A
Well, um, I I just had a feeling that I might have forgotten something. So, I went back and I found this.
Speaker A
You just had a feeling. Look, I grew up with Jamie. I know he's innocent.
Speaker A
Look, you're right. This doesn't show him doing anything, but it also doesn't prove that he didn't go back and put the poison in some other time.
Speaker A
What? But look, thank you for your diligence, but James is staying in jail. Sorry the sheriff didn't buy your story back there.
Speaker A
Yeah, me too. I don't think he's being reasonable. Hey, but it was pretty smart of you to find those hidden cameras in Rex's office.
Speaker A
Thanks, Travis. I just wish I'd found them sooner. Was there any more footage? No, that was all from the morning of the murder. But Hector has the hard drives back at his computer shop since we don't have the equipment here to decrypt them.
Speaker A
Hector, huh? The guy that wears glasses, dresses up like a hobbit for Halloween. Yeah.
Speaker A
Hey, you know I took a forensic science class once. Hey, I just heard there's a hidden camera in Rex McNair's office.
Speaker A
Yeah, the file they have is just from today. The hard drive is at the computer repair shop on Main Street.
Speaker A
Hey Hector. Um, when you downloaded those video files, how far back did you go?
Speaker A
Okay, I'll be right over. For the last time, Brax, they do not want to purchase that warehouse. They want you to stop looking into it. I know what I'm doing.
Speaker A
I'm telling you that you're in over your head. I know what this town thinks of me. I know what Theresa thinks of me. Well, I'm going to make this deal and show them that I still got it.
Speaker A
I'll be right back. Can you zoom in there? Uh, yep. Zooming. Yassi. Carl Corso putting the poison in Rex McNair's coffee sweetener. We got him dead to rights. All right, I'll call Amy and have her find this footage and
Speaker A
send it to the sheriff. Oh, good. No, I don't think you will. Carl, put the gun down. It's over.
Speaker A
Over? It'll be over when I shoot the two of you and burn this place to the ground.
Speaker A
Seriously? Again? With a gun? Yeah, again. Put your hands up. Put your hands up.
Speaker A
Oh, you're you're kidding me, Hector. Ow. Okay, Jamie. I'm sitting there. We're watching the video, right? And then, unbeknownst to us all, Carl, he's coming in from behind. He's got his gun ready. And I was like, but I didn't hesitate. I
Speaker A
reached over. I pushed the button. I fired the tank. They said video games wouldn't help my accuracy. They were wrong. It was like rolling in Hatchel 20 in real life. It fired each other.
Speaker A
Okay. Okay. Okay. So, it does look like Carl and Rex are working together, but I'm getting really frustrated that Carl keeps getting away.
Speaker A
Well, he's probably long gone by now. Do you think we're ever going to find Carl?
Speaker A
I don't know. He's either skipped town or he's planning something much worse. Either way, I've got my work cut out for me.
Speaker A
You mean we've got our work cut out for us. Amy, are you sure you want to do this?
Speaker A
Don't even start with that. This is my town, too. And Bethany, I'm in this all the way.
Speaker A
And Hector? Yep. And Hector. All right. Well, in that case, let's just make sure that we keep this in between us.
Speaker A
Agreed. So, how are you doing? No, really, Amy. I'm okay. I came back knowing I would have to face Jamie and face the responsibility that I feel for Rose's death.
Speaker A
And and if this adventure and my time at the agency has taught me anything, it's that there are so many things that I just can't control.
Speaker A
People make their own choices for their own reasons. My choice is to stay here and protect my town and my family.
Speaker A
And Jamie, he has a really sweet girlfriend and a sweet life. And I'm genuinely happy for him.
Speaker A
And as for Rose, she made her choice, and I don't know if I'll ever stop grieving for her, but I think it's time for both of us to rest in peace.
Speaker A
Are you sure this is deep enough? That's perfect. Carl was pretty skinny and shouldn't be here for long.
Speaker A
H. So, you think somebody's going to find this pretty soon? Oh, I'm sure of it. The peaches will be ripe in about a week and the pickers will be all over this spot. Perhaps they'll find Carl buried right here and
Speaker A
then the real fun will begin. You seem to know a lot about this place.
Speaker A
I should. This is my hometown, too. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Speaker A
Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Topics:retired spymurder mysteryforensic sciencesmall townfamily dramanational securityinvestigationcrime solvingespionagedrama movie
