Alright!
That's it.
Hand 'em in.
Thank you.
Brianna.
Can you hang back so we can talk a sec?
Listen,
I know things have been...
tough at home lately,
but this?
It's just not gonna cut it.
Not in here.
Certainly not at the colleges that you've applied to.
You were a great student,
Brianna.
One of my best.
Lately, it's like
you've completely checked out.
And it has to stop.
How about we make a deal?
A deal?
You let me retake the rest again next week
and I'll make sure you get to keep your job.
My job?
How's that?
I won't tell the principal
that I saw you pour whisky in your coffee mug.
No,
I didn't.
Maybe you didn't, but
it'd be your word against mine,
and your career will be
over.
And even if were found innocent,
that's how rumors get started.
I'm just trying to help you out here.
How thoughtful of you.
But I've got a better idea.
Nice try.
To say I'm concerned
is an understatement.
Lying?
Attempting to blackmail a teacher?
You're lucky I'm not having you expelled.
This behavior, Brianna, it's beneath you.
And on top of which,
this term alone,
your GPA and attendance rates have plummeted
which is greatly going to affect
your college acceptance rates.
Who cares?
I do.
As do you your parents.
And you should too, Brianna.
I don't know what it is you're trying to accomplish here.
It's my life, right? My future.
I can screw it up if I want.
I know you're angry about what's been happening lately.
Your parents divorcing,
your dad remarrying.
I get it.
Do you really think these antics
are going to change any of that?
Mr. and Mrs. Williams, thank you for coming.
It's Miss O'Dowd now.
Right. I'm sorry.
Brianna, why don't you go outside while we talk?
So I don't get to defend myself?
And how exactly are you going to defend your behavior?
Like you'd believe me anyway.
Maybe if you gave us reason to.
I'm sorry we're here,
doing this again.
I think we should be saying that.
Brianna is clearly lashing out.
This is her way of trying to assert
some type of control in her life.
After recent events.
We tried to leave her out of it as best we could.
Of course you did,
but that's a consequence of divorce
There's a fallout zone,
no matter how much we try to contain it,
and everyone, everyone in it is impacted.
Now, Brianna's felt at the mercy of everybody else.
So her acting out is her way of trying to regain
some semblance of control in her life.
Now, don't mistake that
for me excusing what she's done.
Punishment
is definitely in order here,
and expulsion, if it happens again.
And what do you recommend we do?
Regardless of what's happened between you two,
or how you feel about each other right now,
it's very important that you form a united front
when it comes to dealing with Brianna.
Along with any step-parent in the mix.
Now, I know you don't like that,
but I suggest that you do it,
for Brianna's sake.
Okay.
United
front.
Come on, Brie!
What were you thinking? You are better than this.
Maybe I'm not.
You are.
Start acting like it.
Part about all of this is?
I get to hear the exact same lecture at Dad's.
No, that's why we're doing this now.
And so you don't take it all out on me,
you're grounded this weekend.
- Grounded? - Uhu.
I'm not 12.
No, you're not.
Which is why you need to stop acting this way.
You're heading to college in a year,
and you're still
acting out,
throwing tantrums.
It has to stop, Brie.
Oh, but you two can throw tantrums and ruin our family?
If this happens again,
you'll be expelled.
Is that what you want,
four months from graduation?
Come on, Brie.
Nobody can trust you anymore.
Not your teachers, not your friends, not us.
We don't know what's true or what's fiction anymore.
Is this who you wanna be?
Besides,
I think we've all had
more than enough drama lately,
don't you?
We're only saying this because we love you.
The only person you're hurting is yourself.
Are we done?
That's up to you.
Are we?
The grounding stays.
If it happens again, you lose your phone.
Nice.
Maybe if you two had tried working together during
your marriage,
things would've turned out differently.
You have everything?
I think so. I mean, it's not like I can't come back.
It's only a few miles away.
I guess that's the good part, right?
I keep thinking I'm gonna get used to this part.
You spending half the time with your dad.
How do you think I feel, bouncing back and forth?
I'm so sorry, baby. This isn't what any of us wanted.
I never imagined I'd be on my own now,
having to share my time with you,
just before you go to college,
when we have even less time together.
Look at it this way.
You get to catch up on the assignments that you're missing
and you get to spend time with your dad.
And her.
Yes.
And Susanna.
It's the new normal, honey.
It's the way it is. it's
And the quicker you adapt,
the better.
And he's still your dad.
He loves you.
And nothing and no one is gonna change that.
Okay, hugs?
If you need anything, call me. I'm here all weekend.
Bye, Mom. Call you later.
Dad, I'm here.
Hello?
Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.
Your dad's on a call in his office.
How was school?
He must have told you.
He did,
but I wanted to hear your side.
Guilty as charged!
I was thinking...
maybe we could go out this weekend?
Do some shopping? Get a mani-pedi?
I don't know. I sorta have a lot of schoolwork to do.
Okay.
Well, if you change your mind.
- Hey, sweetie. - Hi.
Listen.
I know this hasn't been easy for you.
But none of it was her fault,
right?
So I'm asking
that you give her a chance.
She's trying
and I would appreciate it if you would, too.
For me.
Okay.
We'll hang out,
for you.
Thank you, sweetie.
Your prescription is definitely slipping.
Well, I'm sure sitting in front of a monitor all day
confirming identities doesn't help.
Nope,
but I'll make sure you get the blue-light lenses.
So, how are things at home?
Don't ask.
I sorta just did.
Brianna got in trouble at school again.
The counselor said it's her way of...
exerting
a sense of control with everything that's happened.
It makes sense.
I don't know what to do about it.
I'm not a great example of
keeping things under control.
Marriage is tough,
but it is a two-way street.
Yeah, I know.
I just never saw what happened coming.
Sort of ironic, when you think about it.
I was so busy trying to...
keep afloat
and
she was left to herself.
Now I have every other weekend by myself,
which is another thing I'm having trouble adjusting to.
Well, you must've had hobbies before you got married.
You know, stuff you put on hold to have a kid?
Right. Those.
Go out with friends.
Maybe even have dinner with somebody.
Maybe even
this weekend?
Oh, you...
Oh, my god. I am so sorry.
No, no, it's okay. Maybe
my approach was too vague.
No, no, I'm just...
out of practice with someone asking me out.
I get it, I was the same way after my divorce
I had to retrain myself how to be charming again.
I guess I need to keep practicing.
No, it's fine.
I would love to.
Just...
not right now.
It wouldn't be fair to you.
I'm still decompressing from the divorce
and being a single parent.
I get it.
But the offer still stands.
You just...
let me know when.
Thank you.
So, I'll see you in two weeks?
Yes, and I will put a rush on these.
No extra charge.
Thanks.
Like I said, they're the best, right?
The only salon I trust.
I get it. I'll be posting about it, believe me.
Kate?
Ah, thought that was you.
Oh, I'm sorry. Think you've got the wrong person.
Uh, you sure?
'Cause, uh, you did turn around when I called your name.
I have a friend named Kate, so I thought it might be her.
Ah, is that so?
Yeah, I guess so, 'cause it's not me.
Have a nice day!
I gotta say, though, it's, uh...
The resemblance is, hoo, uncanny.
Like I said, you're mistaken.
It happens. I have one of those faces.
I guess you do.
Sorry. My mistake.
No harm done! Have a nice day.
I will.
That was weird.
Actually, it was sort of desperate.
What do you mean?
Come on. Obviously he was hitting on me.
I look like someone he knows?
Weak, but it works.
Really?
You can't tell me a guy has never made
some lame excuse to talk to you before.
Yeah, they have.
You'd think they'd have a better line than that, right?
Uh, what was that all about?
What? Oh, him?
Nothing. He just wouldn't stop following us.
It was getting a little creepy, so I told him to back off.
What was he saying?
He just refused to accept the fact
that I was not this other person.
Some guys just can't take a hint.
How'd it go today? Did you guys have fun?
Yeah, actually. It was good.
That's great.
I think it's nice, you two spending some time together.
This kinda weird thing happened.
This guy came up to us who said he knew her,
but he called her Kate.
And?
He was obviously mistaken.
He was just so sure that it was her,
and then when he called her by that name,
she stopped and turned almost like she recognized it?
You don't...
think that's...
weird?
Maybe a little.
What did Susanna say?
She said that she has a friend by the same name.
Thought it might be her.
Okay, then that explains it.
Does she?
Does she what?
Have a friend named Kate?
I don't know.
Maybe at work.
Brie, what are you getting at?
It was just really weird. This guy was so sure it was her.
He even followed us for a while.
- Followed you? - Yeah.
Like he was watching her.
Well,
what did Susanna say?
She said that he was just flirting.
That it was like a pickup line to start a conversation.
Well, okay, then. There you go.
Hey, trust me.
I've used a lot worse than "don't I know you?"
Eww!
TMI.
No, I mean, is it really so hard to believe?
I mean, she's a beautiful woman. Guys are gonna hit on her.
It happens when we're out.
Some guys just can't help themselves.
Right, but if you were there...
Brie.
Stop.
You know what I think?
I think you actually had a good day with her
and you're looking for a reason to sabotage that.
Because if you can't,
then you're gonna have to admit
that maybe she isn't as awful as you want her to be.
Is there any truth to that?
Okay, then.
But I'll ask her about it and I'll tell you what she says.
Okay?
Okay, let's celebrate the day with some ice cream
and a mindless TV show.
Hey. Talk to me, I'm bored.
- How's solitary? - Sucks.
You miss me?
Always.
You could come over. I'll sneak out.
You think that's the best idea?
What're they gonna do? Double-ground me?
Brie,
I don't think making things worse
is the best idea right now.
I mean, things could only get worse if I get caught,
which I won't.
Fine.
Leave it to me to pick a boyfriend who's logical and caring.
You're welcome. Talk to you tomorrow.
Goodnight.
She does know him.
You think I'm stupid?
Let you bring me out to the middle of nowhere?
You want your money?
This is where my husband keeps it.
How come I've got the feeling you're stalling?
Don't worry. You'll get what you came here for.
All right, hand it over.
Ah-ah. You first.
- Is this all of it? - That's it.
Ah, you bitch!
Wait. You saw her what?
I'm not exactly sure, but,
she got on top of him and she hit him.
Kinky.
Not in that way, perv.
I think...
I think she hit him with like a tire iron or something.
Whoa.
I know how crazy it sounds, trust me, but I saw it.
I figured she was having an affair or something, I mean,
why else would she be sneaking out at that hour?
Fair point. You gotta tell your dad.
Tell him what? I saw my stepmom sorta maybe kill someone?
Yeah, that would go over well.
You saw her sneak out, right? That's something.
Right, but it'll be her word against mine
and I'm not exactly considered credible these days.
Not to mention I'll have to explain
what I was doing out after they grounded me.
That'll go over great.
You won't see me until we graduate.
But if you're right, about all of it,
you're living with a criminal, possibly a murderer.
Brie, are you up?
I gotta go. Call you later.
Yeah, Dad. Come in.
Hey, sweetheart.
You comin' down for breakfast?
In a minute.
Okay.
Everything okay?
Yeah, I was just up late catching up on assignments.
Oh, my god. Good job.
Man, that coffee isn't doing its job. That's for sure.
- Are you okay? - Yeah, I'm just groggy.
I guess that drink hit me
a little harder than usual last night.
Did you, did you hear anything last night?
No, I slept like a rock.
What'd I miss? Did we have an earthquake?
No, I, um...
I thought I heard something. You didn't come in around two?
Two AM? No, um, we were dead asleep.
What happened to your parents ears?
Usually you hear every step I make.
That's a good question. Maybe a little out of practice.
I guess so.
Let's eat.
Good morning. You slept in late.
Long week, I guess.
Your dad made pancakes.
I'm going for a jog.
What're you doing?
You scared me.
What were you doing?
I was just...
I was just thinking about a gift for Dad's birthday and
I figured he'd want one of those.
Step back. You don't wanna cut yourself.
A shame. This was one of your dad's favorites.
I guess now I know what to get him. Sorry.
Brianna?
Next time, check the cabinet for a clean one.
Right, duh.
Why are you in my room?
You cried out.
I came to check on you.
You must've been having a bad dream.
I, I don't think so.
Sometimes we don't remember them.
They just evaporate as soon as we wake up.
I couldn't help but notice your behavior
over these last few days.
My behavior?
You've been quiet. Distant.
Pulling away.
Your dad noticed it, too.
- No, I, uh- - It's okay.
I know why.
It's because of me.
By spending the day with me the other day,
you feel like you're betraying your mom.
I get it, but you're not.
Look, I know you don't know me very well yet.
I'm this new addition to your world
and your life is changing so much, so fast.
It's not easy.
You know, my parents divorced around the same age.
I just want you to know that making the effort,
like you did the other day?
It really means a lot to me
and your dad.
Actually,
you know, we share something in common.
Just the two of us.
We both love your dad very much.
And I know I'm not your mom and I'm not trying to be.
And that's okay.
I just want us to be friends.
So let's work on that, okay?
All right, no more bad dreams, all right?
Okay.
Goodnight, Brie.
You don't believe me.
No, it's not that.
What you're saying,
it's a big thing to accuse somebody of.
You think I don't know that?
Well, what did your father say?
Did you tell him?
Not yet.
How could I?
Why would he have believed me? You don't.
I didn't say that.
You didn't have to.
Brianna, wait.
You can see why, can't you?
With everything that's happened recently?
You even said so yourself.
You're not 100% sure of what you saw.
You've gotta cut me some slack right now.
I'm not making this up.
Think about it.
We both know what your father is going to say.
So?
So we have to play this smart.
Is it possible that maybe
you didn't see what you think you did?
I told you.
It all happened really fast,
even if they were just...
messing around, that's enough, isn't it?
Her, driving out there in the middle of the night,
picking him up?
Dad deserves to know, doesn't he?
Look, I know that I've screwed up a lot lately, but,
this isn't me pushing her away.
If I wanted to do that, I would've just said
that she was mean to me or that she hit me.
Why say...
"murder"?
Okay.
We need to tell your dad.
Seriously?
Murder?
Wow, Brie.
That is low.
Really low.
I know how it sounds.
Do you? Really?
And you,
I can't believe you're buying into this nonsense.
She said she saw it.
And since when are we believing everything she says?
Look, I know I haven't been exactly trustworthy lately,
I get it, but I am not making this up, I swear.
Brie, what you're saying doesn't make any sense.
You're saying Susanna got up out of the bed
we were sleeping in and drove off
and then you snuck out, despite being grounded,
and I didn't hear any of that?
How is that possible?
Because...
I think she drugged you.
Drugged me?
You were groggy the next day, remember?
I know it sounds crazy.
Yeah, it does. It sounds crazy.
- I'm glad you acknowledge that. - I'm not making this up!
Am I interrupting something?
No...
Come on, this concerns you.
Brie, tell her.
- Daniel. - Tell me what?
Fine.
I'll tell her.
Brianna...
says she saw you murder someone the other night.
What?
Don't deny it. I saw you, I followed you.
Followed me where? What're you talking about, honey?
That man, the one we ran into? He knew you.
Brianna, honey, I already explained this.
He was flirting with me.
You're lying. I saw you.
You know, it really saddens me that you're saying this,
but I was afraid something like this would happen.
Something like what?
A story,
concocted around me.
Though with your recent behavior, I am not surprised.
No!
That's not what this is!
I really thought thing getting better between us.
We went out, we had fun together, spent some time?
This is because of the pregnancy, isn't it?
What pregnancy?
I mean, it was a false alarm, but still,
we're trying.
I know this is unexpected,
and this certainly isn't how I wanted you to find out,
but yeah, we're trying.
No, that's not what this is about.
I didn't even know anything about that.
She must've overheard me on the phone,
or went through the trash, saw the test kit, I don't know.
No! I didn't do either of those things, I swear!
We felt this would be great way
to bring everybody together.
For you two to connect.
But it won't impact how much I love you.
There'll be more love to go around.
We should go.
I think that's a good idea.
Mom!
Mom, no! You have to believe me!
Come on, Brie.
You're lying.
No, sweetie.
You are.
Let's go, Brie.
So much for a united front.
Mom, please! You have to believe me, I...
- Brianna, please! - Swear!
Just stop!
Enough!
What do you expect me to say?
Say you believe me?
This is all just too much for me right now.
Just get in the car.
I didn't know anything about the pregnancy.
And if I did,
I would've told you.
They both think I made it up
as an excuse to not like Susanna.
You gotta admit.
You can sorta see the reasons.
- Whose side are you on? - I'm just saying.
From their perspective,
it makes sense.
I guess.
Which means I'm gonna have to convince them...
with proof.
How you gonna do that?
By visiting the scene of the crime.
This was open last time.
Brie, don't!
I don't know about this, Brie.
Come on, just a quick look and then we're out.
This is where she did it.
What is it?
An acrylic nail.
The same shade as the one that Susanna's missing.
So she was here.
I told you, I'm not making this up.
Don't move!
Hands where I can see 'em!
Get me dragged out of my-
Brianna!
Trespassing?
Breaking and entering?
What were you thinking?
I was looking for proof so that you'd believe me.
You're lucky I own that site.
Otherwise, you'd be facing real charges.
Wait. You own it?
My company does, yeah.
This has to stop, Brie.
She knew I'd go back there! She must've followed me!
Susanna had nothing to do with this.
She was home with me all night.
Then she put a camera in and she called the police.
I called them.
What?
To be safe, I had the security camera installed.
I had the lot locked up.
It was me.
Stop making her the bad guy.
Brie, you gotta...
let this...
story go.
Brianna.
You called the police on our daughter?
Yes, Annie, I did. It's called tough love.
And we have to do something.
Obviously what we're doing isn't working.
Maybe this will scare her straight.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams.
Since no real damage was done and no charges
are being pressed, you can sign out your daughter.
If I can make a suggestion?
A family therapist is a hell of a lot cheaper than a lawyer.
Even a bad one.
Thank you.
My two cents.
God.
Annie.
Can I get a minute?
This is getting out of hand.
I thought after the other day we'd dissuaded her,
but obviously I was wrong.
It's time for more drastic measures.
More drastic than calling the police?
At least I'm doing something.
I think we should take away her phone.
- Her phone, why? - As punishment.
Maybe if she loses that,
it'll teach her how serious this is.
How serious we are about what she's doing.
Annie, you gotta put aside your feelings
about what happened to us, your feelings for Susanna.
This is solely about our daughter.
She's making up lies and they're getting worse.
This claim?
That's slander.
If it happens to somebody else outside the family, that's a lawsuit.
I'm trying to prevent that from happening
I need you with me on this.
United front.
I don't even know what to say.
Don't say anything. Just listen.
This is him.
That's the guy that
Susanna met with the other night.
It says that his name's Randy McNabb
and that he's missing.
And look,
I found this at the lot
that I followed Susanna to,
it's hers.
That could be anyone's.
At a construction site?
How many construction workers do you know who wear acrylics?
Besides,
I was with her the day she got them put on.
It's the same color.
It says that he's a private investigator.
Why was someone like that
following Susanna?
Okay.
- I'll look into it. - I already did.
This is his office.
This is it.
I should go alone.
You want me to stay in the car by myself?
In this neighborhood?
Okay, come on.
Welcome to Candid Investigations.
Oh, let me guess. You think your husband's cheating on you.
Uh, no, we're actually here about something else.
We're looking for Randy McNabb.
Yeah,
you and me both, sister.
The guy hasn't checked in in almost a week.
You have no idea where he might be?
No,
I checked all his local spots
He isn't answering his phone or his texts.
When did you last hear from him?
Last Saturday.
That was the night I saw him with Susanna.
You know where he is?
We think he's investigating someone we know.
Susanna Williams?
Or Lancaster, that's her maiden name.
Yeah. No.
No Susannas, I'm sorry.
Maybe...
you could check your files?
Look, I would love to help, but unfortunately,
we had a break-in not too long ago.
Someone...
ransacked this entire place.
They...
smashed the computers and stole a bunch of files, so-
A break-in? When exactly was that?
About a week back?
They really messed this place up.
You think it usually looks this bad?
So, right after Randy went missing?
I guess so.
They didn't even smash the lock. They must've picked it.
Or they had his keys.
Sure.
Why not?
That is another thing that I need to fix.
If Randy shows up, would you have him give me a call?
Sure.
Not till after I kick his ass.
The guy owes me two weeks of pay.
Kinda feel like I'm not gettin' it.
Between you and me,
that's the real reason I reported him missing.
Hey, just so you know.
Randy didn't always deal with the best kinds of people.
All of his clients are...
embezzling partners
and cheating spouses,
so if he was looking after someone you know,
they're trouble.
- Thanks for the warning. - You got it.
Uh, you said you don't know a Susanna, but,
what about a Kate
or a Katherine, maybe?
Now, that name I've heard.
Okay, I'm off.
You shouldn't go back to your dad's until we know more.
I'll have to explain it and
Dad's already not listening.
At least until we have more proof.
Besides, maybe I'll find something.
Brie, don't.
It's too dangerous.
What if she catches you?
I'll be smart about it. I promis