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Monday, January 27, 2020

EPISODE #71

EPISODE 71

Created By: Casey Hutchison
Executive Producer: Mike Larry
Written By: Casey Hutchison & Mike Larry

SAME DAY. NIGHT.
ORIGINAL AIRDATE: June 27th, 2019 (Thursday)
THE GRAND PIANO - DINING AREA

Lacey (Lindsay’s Split Personality) is sitting over by the bar. She is signing on the line of her receipt. She then closes the receipt book, hands it to the bartender, and takes one final sip of her wine. She stands and grabs her purse. As she turns around, she notices Cynthia. Cynthia is sitting, having a salad, and reading a book. Lacey smiles and goes to her.


LACEY: Hello, Cynthia. Having dinner alone?

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CYNTHIA: (looking up/putting book down) I was trying to.

LACEY: Oh.

CYNTHIA: Can I help you?

LACEY: I was just passing through and noticed you. I thought I would say hello. Is there anything wrong with that?

CYNTHIA: After all we’ve been through, yes.

LACEY: I get it. (sitting) I do. You have some reasons to hate me. I have some reasons to hate you. But, I thought that we should patch things up.

CYNTHIA: Lindsay, you blackmailed me...and you kinda still are...over what you know about Carter and I. Why on Earth would we ever want to patch things up?

LACEY: Because, you’re going to be very close to me and Carter soon. Closer than you’ve ever been. Even in ways you can’t even begin to imagine.

CYNTHIA: Oh yeah? How’s that?

LACEY: Well, if you must know, here in nine months, you’re going to be a step grandmother to my child. That’s right. I’m pregnant. And, of course, the baby’s Carter’s.
ANDERSON MANSION - LIVING ROOM

Michael and Thomas sit on the couch. Both men are drinking a glass of red wine.

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MICHAEL: This wine from your Paris vineyard is rather good.

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THOMAS: I’m glad that you enjoy it, dad.

MICHAEL: I do. Now I can finally see why I was the first to ever front you a loan for this company. You’ve made me proud.

THOMAS: Thank you. I’m surprised your proud of me considering out of this whole Paris deal, I was mixing business with pleasure.

MICHAEL: You’re an Anderson, son. We always mix business with pleasure. I just don’t usually (laughs) come home married to some woman during an overseas business trip.

THOMAS: I didn’t expect to fall in love.

MICHAEL: I’m glad you have. But, did it have to be with some Black girl who seems like a golddigger? I thought that Melissa might go back to the hood after her little trip with you.

THOMAS: What the hell did you just say about my wife?
WHITMORE MANSION - FOYER

Judith and Stuart are standing in the foyer. It’s clear that Judith is about to leave.


STUART: Thank you for hooking us up with that system to help us track anytime Vargas uses a cellphone. It’ll up our chances. Even with his burner phones.

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JUDITH: Vargas is smart. But, I’m smarter. Anyway, if you’ll excuse me, I just really want to go home and take a shower.

STUART: Of course.

Judith smiles and Stuart walks her to the door.

STUART: Good night.

JUDITH: Night.

Stuart opens the door. The two find Ava rushing up to the front door.

JUDITH: Ava, what on your earth are you doing here?

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AVA: I thought that I might find you here. We all need to talk.

STUART: About?

AVA: I know that you tried to kill your son. My biological son. How the hell could you? When I handed over that child, you promised to always keep him safe. But, now, I see that you are dangerous and horrific people.
EMERSON’S CAR

Emerson is driving through a neighborhood. Quentin is in the passenger seat.

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EMERSON: We’re almost there. Are you nervous?


QUENTIN: Not really. I’m just spying on my brother at his own home. Nothing out of the ordinary to make me nervous there.

EMERSON: I get it. It’s a lot to ask of you. But, we need to see if Stuart makes any calls or draws up any paperwork concerning he and Judith’s former project.

QUENTIN: I get it. (sighs) What’s the game plan?

EMERSON: Once we get to Stuart’s house, I’ll tell you how to get past his security undetected. Then, I’ll give you some clothes to change into and a listening device.

QUENTIN: That’s it?

EMERSON: (looking over at Quentin) Yes. That’s it.
THE PALACE HOTEL - VERONICA’S SUITE


Doreen is sitting on the couch, reading a novel. Veronica enters the suite. She shuts the door behind her and goes to Doreen.

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DOREEN: (putting down book/standing) Veronica, I didn’t expect you back here tonight. I thought you were staying at the hospital.

Veronica sets her belongings down on the bed.

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VERONICA: I was going too. But, Andrea, Joshua, Philip, and I all decided to take shifts instead. Philip is going to take the first one. It won’t overwhelm any of us and it won’t overwhelm Jennifer’s mind. It’s for the best.

DOREEN: I see you’re being shut out again by White people minus Joshua.

VERONICA: Mom, I don’t have time for your racial stuff.

DOREEN: You’re a Black woman. Make time. You know, I read up on this Jennifer gal through the years. After all, she is your half sister. Anyway, she’s made quite the living for herself. She owns a very successful online boutique. She don’t need no White man.

VERONICA: Contrary to your beliefs mother, we can date men that are all different shades and of ethnic backgrounds. Get a clue.

DOREEN: Nick must’ve not set a good example for Black men if Jennifer feels as though she has to date a White man. Open your eyes.

VERONICA: Mom, you’ve always been okay with Mimi and I.

DOREEN: That’s different.

VERONICA: No, it isn’t. Relationships are relationships.

DOREEN: And, race is race.

VERONICA: Okay. Fine. Whatever. (sighs) I don’t feel like talking about this. My sister is in a coma. My love life is falling apart. I don’t have time for this.

DOREEN: (sighs) I’m sorry.

VERONICA: Thank you.

DOREEN: Anyway, speaking of your love life, I do want to talk about you and Mimi. And, I promise I won’t bring up race.

VERONICA: Okay.

DOREEN: While you were out, I came up with a plan to steal Mimi away from that bitch Amy. She could go back to loving you before the end of this year.
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - HOSPITAL ROOM

Philip is asleep in a chair next to Jennifer’s bedside.
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He is holding her hand. The camera zooms in on their hands holding. Jennifer squeezes Philip’s hand. Philip slowly wakes up.

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PHILIP: Jenn? Was that you?

Philip rubs Jennifer’s forehead.

PHILIP: I’m glad you’re still with me in some way. God, I miss you, baby.

Back at The Palace Hotel, in Veronica’s Suite, Veronica and Doreen sit on the couch.

VERONICA: So, that’s it? That’s what you think I should do?

DOREEN: I know it’s a drastic measure. But, it could really work.

VERONICA: (standing) Damn right it’s a drastic measure! I just can’t put the moves on Mimi and flirt with her openly. Not while Amy continues to watch me like a hawk circling its prey. It’ll never work, mother.

DOREEN: (standing) You just don’t know until you try. It’s worth a shot. I’m not asking you to unhook Mimi’s bra. I’m asking you to slowly make yourself known to her.

VERONICA: Maybe this is a bad idea. Since I’ve come to Thorne Hill, I’ve wanted to do one thing. That one thing is to just connect with the ones I love. I still love Mimi. But, she did give me a chance. She proposed and I walked away from that. Maybe I had my shot and I blew it. I’ve tried everything. I even spoke highly about them to their adoption counselor.

DOREEN: Honey, a person is never out of chances when it comes to love. Plus, when Mimi proposed to you, you just weren’t ready. You were young. You didn’t know if it was love or just a game.

VERONICA: It wasn’t a game. Mimi is so passionate. I took her for granted. Now, Amy has her. And, probably has her for good.

DOREEN: Not unless you intervene, darling. I promise you that you still have a shot.

VERONICA: You really think that I do?

DOREEN: I would not be telling you this if I didn’t.

VERONICA: (sighs) Okay.

DOREEN: What does that mean?

VERONICA: It means that I’m gonna take Mimi for my own.

DOREEN: (laughs/smiling) That’s the spirit!

Back at the Anderson Mansion, in the Living Room, Thomas stands abruptly. Michael stands after him. It is clear that Thomas is frustrated.

THOMAS: How could you say something like that? I know damn well you’re not judging who anyone gets with after what you did to mom when she was dying. And, just to let you know, my wife is independent and very smart. Also, she’s a millionaire. Did you know that, dad? She only took the job as my assistant because she wants to work in the wine business. She doesn’t need me. I need her. Her family, the Hudsons, own a huge operation of furniture chains. Luxury furniture, I might add.

MICHAEL: Son, I’m so sorry. I said something in the heat of the moment.

THOMAS: You were outwardly racist about my Black wife. It’s 2020, dad. This isn’t some passage from James Mcpherson’s Elbow Room. Times have changed.

MICHAEL: Son, I truly am sorry.

THOMAS: Are you? It seems you kinda meant what you said.

MICHAEL: Look, there have been people who have been after this family for generations. People come in and think they can handle the Anderson family life all because they want a quick pay out from our fortune. Forgive me that I get skeptical of everyone.

THOMAS: But, would you have said the same comments if I was married to a White woman? Don’t worry. I already know the answer.

Thomas walks out of the room. Michael goes to sit down. He smiles as he sips his wine.

Back at The Grand Piano, in the Dining Area, Cynthia is looking up at Lacey.

CYNTHIA: You’re pregnant with Carter’s baby?

LACEY: (sitting down/smiling) Yeah! Are you gonna throw us a baby shower? Or, better yet, maybe you could keep screwing him and get pregnant too! We can make it a family affair.

CYNTHIA: You’re sick.

Cynthia puts her book in her purse. She’s hurrying to collect her things.

LACEY: No, I’m real.

CYNTHIA: Unlike that bad wig you’re wearing. What’s up with that anyway?

LACEY: I was just trying something new before I make it permanent. Is that what you’re doing with this affair? Trying Carter on for size again before you permanently leave my father?

CYNTHIA: I’m not leaving Michael. Ever.

LACEY: You’re right. He might just throw you out.

CYNTHIA: (standing) We’re done here.

Cynthia walks off. Lacey smiles.

LACEY: We’ll never be done, bitch. Never, ever.

Back at Memorial Hospital, in Jennifer’s Hospital Room, Philip is rubbing Jennifer’s hands.

PHILIP: You know what I miss the most about you? Your voice. I miss you walking into my apartment and telling me about your day. I miss you telling me about how my black tie clashes with that navy suit you hate. (laughs) I miss it all. You know what else I miss? I miss how kindly you treat my parents. I know that it isn’t always easy for you, considering what happened to your parents. I know it’s hard for you to see my parents there for my big milestones. But, there here for you too. Always.

Jennifer begins to grab Philip’s hand as tight as she can.

JENNIFER: (narration) Philip, please! Find out what happened to me!

PHILIP: Jennifer? Jennifer? Honey? Come on. Come back to me. You grabbed my hand. Now, I just need you to open your eyes. Please. (voice breaking/whispering) Please.

Back at the Whitmore Mansion, in the Foyer, Ava, Stuart, and Judith are standing by the stairs. Ava has a cellphone out. She is playing the recording. Ava shuts the phone off.

JUDITH: So, Keith came to you with this recording?

AVA: Yes.

STUART: Why didn’t you tell us he contacted you?

JUDITH: And, how did he get up on the private floor of the penthouse suites?

AVA: Stop it. Stop trying to deflect. For once, none of this is about how dangerous and how much Keith scares me. This is about you two being equally as scary. How could you do this to poor Philip?

STUART: We can’t tell you, Ava.

JUDITH: (whispering to Stuart) Stuart! Stop.

STUART: Ava, we aren’t going to tell you why we had Philip run down.

AVA: You admitted to it. Why not tell me?

STUART: Because, it’s none of your damn business.

AVA: I don’t know what you two are involved in. But, you need to tell me what is going on here. I have to know why you put my son in danger.

STUART: Oh, so now he’s your son?

AVA: You son-of-a-bitch.

JUDITH: Stuart, that’s enough!

STUART: She never took care of him.

AVA: But, you know why I had to give him up.

STUART: You’ve always tried to justify you giving that boy up. It’s never really worked in your favor. I’m his father. Judith is his mother. You’re just the aunt. Butt out.

AVA: Don’t make an enemy out of me, Stuart.

STUART: Or, what?

AVA: Or, you’ll regret it.

Ava walks to the door and opens it.

AVA: You two are awful.

Ava exits the mansion in slams the door.

WHITMORE MANSION - OUTSIDE FRONT

The camera moves over to a row of bushes on the right side of mansion. Quentin is ducking behind the bushes. He then puts on his hearing piece.

EMERSON: (through the piece) Are you ready?

QUENTIN: Yes. I’m about to hear everything they say. Hopefully, I can figure out why Judith’s sister just left angrily.

EMERSON: (through the piece) Let me know what you find.

QUENTIN: Copy that.
KEITH’S CAR

The camera pans over to Keith’s car. It is discreetly parked across the street. Keith is also wearing a hearing/recording device. He then takes off a pair of headphones.

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KEITH: Oh my god. So, that’s another secret this family has been hiding. And, Ava, you bitch. How could you keep Philip from me? My own son.

The camera zooms in on Keith’s upset expression.

***END OF EPISODE 71***

Thursday, January 23, 2020

EPISODE #70

EPISODE 70

Created By: Casey Hutchison
Executive Producer: Mike Larry
Written By: Casey Hutchison & Mike Larry

SAME DAY. AFTERNOON.
ORIGINAL AIRDATE: June 26th, 2019 (Wednesday)
WHITMORE MANSION - LIVING ROOM

Stuart closes the doors to the living room. He then walks over to Judith, who is by the bar cart, pouring each of them a scotch on the rocks. She hands one to Stuart. They clink glasses.


JUDITH: Cheers.


STUART: Cheers.

They both take a small sip.

JUDITH: How do you think we did?

STUART: Fine. That’s a nice story you concocted.

JUDITH: Thank you. And, remind me to send Doctor Levinson a little thank you gift for his discretion and getting that other doctor to take Jennifer’s case.

STUART: I will. Anyway, enough about that. We need to chat about our next steps. We clearly have to scrap what we were originally going to do, which was getting you out of the country.

JUDITH: I agree. I think our next step has to be to find Vargas and eliminate him.
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - HOSPITAL ROOM

Joshua enters Jennifer’s hospital room. He shuts the door behind him and walks over to a comatose Jennifer.
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He pulls up a chair next to her and rubs her forehead.

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JOSHUA: Hi, sis. I’m here now.
THE PALACE HOTEL - VERONICA’S SUITE

Veronica is packing a bag in her hotel room. It’s a small Victoria Secret tote that she’s throwing clothes, shoes, and hygiene products into. She is also on the phone.

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VERONICA: (on the phone) Yes, I can pick us up some sandwiches and coffee. No problem, Andrea. I should be back at the hospital in about 45 minutes. Alrighty. Seya then. Bye.

Veronica hangs up her phone and finishes collecting the rest of her items. She is about to head out when there’s a knock at the door. Questioning who is at the door, Veronica charges on with her bags packed.

VERONICA: Who could that be?

Veronica opens the door.

VERONICA: Oh my god. Mom. Hi.

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DOREEN: Hi, baby! Miss me?
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - WAITING ROOM

Andrea walks over to Philip. She sits down next to him and hands him a bottle of water.

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ANDREA: I would’ve gotten you some coffee, but Veronica is bringing some, and the coffee here sucks. So, I hope that water will do.

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PHILIP: It’ll do just fine. Thank you. Can I get you anything?

ANDREA: I’m fine. I just want to be here for you right now.

PHILIP: I just couldn’t believe how lifeless she looked in there.

ANDREA: I know. It can always be hard seeing a loved one in a comatose state. I remember when Jennifer first saw you in your induced coma, she was heartbroken and distraught.

PHILIP: That’s how I’m feeling right now.

ANDREA: Philip, if there’s anything you want to talk about, I just want to know that with me, you can feel like you have a bit of a safe haven. No question is off limits.

PHILIP: Okay. I do have one question.

ANDREA: Go for it.

PHILIP: You saw her chart. You’ve been a doctor for a long time. With all of that in mind, do you think that Jennifer will ever come out of her coma and survive this?
WHITMORE PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM

Ava unlocks the door and enters the penthouse. She walks into a cleaned penthouse. There’s no evidence of what happened between Jennifer and Judith. Even the furnishings are back to how they used to be.

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AVA: Wow. Judith must’ve gotten a new cleaning lady.

As she sets her stuff down on the table, there’s a sudden knock at the door.

AVA: (turning around) That’s odd. No one was behind me when I was coming up.

Ava walks to the door and opens it.

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KEITH: Hello, beautiful.

Ava tries to close the door quickly. However, she’s no match for Keith’s strength. Keith makes his way into the penthouse and slams the door.

AVA: Get out now, or I’ll scream!

KEITH: This is a private floor. I know that no one can hear us.

Ava runs to her purse to grab her phone. However, Keith runs after her and gets there first. He throws the purse across the room.

AVA: (sobbing) What do you want from me?!

KEITH: I just want to talk!

AVA: (wiping tears away) About what? What is there left to say? Why won’t you just turn your crooked, little heels around and get out of this town?!

KEITH: Because, I’m not done with you yet. And, I’m not here to talk about us. I’m here to talk about your shady sister and her even shadier ex-husband.

AVA: What about Judith and Stuart?

KEITH: They did something. They did something bad.

AVA: What is that supposed to mean?

KEITH: Do you remember when you came back to town to comfort Judith because Philip had been hit by a car and then put into a coma?

AVA: Yes.

KEITH: Well, I hate to tell you, sweetheart; but that was all Judith and Stuart’s doing.

Back at Memorial Hospital, in the Waiting Room, Philip takes a drink of his water. He then puts the cap back on the bottle.

ANDREA: Truthfully, and it pains me to say this, I don’t know where Jenn will come out of her coma. What I do know is that she’s perfectly healthy. She’s strong. Her vitals look good for the condition she’s in. And, we all know she’s one hell of a fighter.

PHILIP: Amen.

ANDREA: Philip, I’ve encountered a lot since I got into medical school. Every case is different. And, I’m not just saying this because Jennifer is like a sister to me, but I do believe she’ll come out of this coma soon. We just have to wait and see.

PHILIP: And pray.

ANDREA: Exactly. The power of prayer is everything.

PHILIP: Do you mind if we pray again right now? I know we all did when we got here…

ANDREA: Philip, of course I’ll pray with you. Say no more.

Andrea takes Philip’s hands and they bow their heads.

Back at The Palace Hotel, in Veronica’s Suite, Doreen brushes passed Veronica and enters the room. Veronica sighs, drops her bags, shuts the door, turns around, and goes to her mother.

VERONICA: Mom, I wasn’t expecting you so soon.

DOREEN: I know. But, the people I sold the house to were in such good financial shape that I worked as fast as I could to close the deal. The second it was closed, I hopped on the next plane to Thorne Hill, Illinois.

VERONICA: That’s good to hear that the deal worked out.

DOREEN: God is good, child. Anyway, I was hoping that you’d let me take a nap for a few and then we could restaurant hop! I hear the best onion rings are at Martin’s Bar. I hear the best short ribs are at The Painted Dock. And, I hear that the best strawberry cheesecake is at The Grand Piano. Do I have that right?

VERONICA: Yes, you do. But, I can’t be your tour guide tonight.

DOREEN: Why not?

VERONICA: As you could probably see, before you got here, I was just about to head out. I have a lot of errands to run before I get back to the hospital.

DOREEN: Hospital? Are you okay, baby?

VERONICA: I’m fine. But, Jennifer is not.

DOREEN: What’s wrong with your half sister?

VERONICA: She took a bad fall last night and she has gone into a coma. At least, that’s the short story of it all. She’s even gone through a surgery to remove bleeding on her brain.

DOREEN: Oh, Dear Heavenly Father. That poor girl.

VERONICA: Yeah. So, you can understand why I have to go.

DOREEN: Wait a second. Now, the bellboy is bringing up my luggage. But, he has the key to the room. I’ll come with you.

VERONICA: I don’t think that’s such a good idea.

DOREEN: And, why not?

VERONICA: Because, Joshua is there too. I already threw them for a loop almost a year ago when I revealed that I was there sister.

DOREEN: I get it. I’m good in small doses.

VERONICA: Exactly. Thank you for understanding.

Veronica kisses her mother on the cheek.

VERONICA: I love you. We’ll have breakfast tomorrow. Okay?

DOREEN: Okay.

VERONICA: Bye.

Veronica goes over and picks up her things and leaves the hotel room.

DOREEN: Well, I’m gonna go take a bath.

Doreen smiles and walks off to the bathroom.

Back at Memorial Hospital, in the Hospital Room, Joshua is now holding Jennifer’s hands in his hands. He is as close as he can get to her.

JOSHUA: Doctor Meyers notified me that you’re doing a bit better this afternoon than you were this morning. I view that as a good thing. But, I will view this as an even better thing when you wake up. Oh, how I wish you would wake up.

Joshua kisses Jennifer’s hands.

JOSHUA: You have so much life left to live, sis. You have a soon-to-be-husband. In two months, you’ll be an aunt. You have so many people who care about you. Even Philip’s parents love you.

JENNIFER: (internally speaking) Oh, Joshua, if only you knew the truth.

Jennifer squeezes Joshua’s hand tightly.

JOSHUA: (looking up/voice breaking) Thank God you’re still with us. I couldn’t live life without you, sis. Not after what happened to mom and dad. I love you. Just come back to us. Please, Jenn. Please.

Back at the Whitmore Mansion, in the Living Room, Stuart and Judith are over by the furniture. Stuart sits in a sofa chair. Judith sits on the arm of the couch, next to Stuart.

STUART: When I had suggested we eliminate Vargas, you said it wouldn’t be a good idea to have more blood on our hands. What’s changed?

JUDITH: Seriously? You have to ask me that question? A lot has changed. Jennifer has figured everything out with a little help from our ex-henchman.

STUART: True. I do know someone who takes people out that owes me a favor. You say the word and I’ll give them a call.

JUDITH: No. Don’t.

STUART: Why not, Judith? Make up your mind.

JUDITH: Stuart, I want to be the one to find Vargas.

STUART: Are you saying you want to ice him out?

JUDITH: Not at all. I just want first dibs at anything concerning him.

Judith takes a small sip of her scotch.

Back at the Whitmore Penthouse, in the Living Room, Ava crosses her arms.

AVA: Yeah, like I would believe that. You’re sick.

KEITH: That may be true. However, I’m not sick when it comes to this. That honor goes to your sister and her ex-husband.

AVA: I take everything you say with a grain of salt.

KEITH: That’s all fine and good. (pulling out cell phone) However, I’ve got the receipts, baby. Here’s your copy of the recording that incriminates them on this burner phone. (smiling) Enjoy. I’ve gotta run for now. But, I’ll be back.

Keith walks out of the penthouse. A shaken up Ava backs up and takes a seat on the couch. She wipes away her tears. She then turns on the cellphone.

AVA: I swear if that bastard is lying.

Ava goes to the recording app and sees that there is one recording that lasted about a minute and fifteen seconds. She takes a deep breath and presses PLAY.

FROM THE RECORDING:

STUART: What was your thought?

JUDITH: We need to eliminate one of these issues that’s causing us so much stress. I would contact Vargas. However, I don’t feel like having someone connected to our son’s hit and run that we caused is a good idea. That means we have to eliminate Keith ourselves.

THE RECORDING STOPS

AVA: Oh my god.

Ava sets the phone down.

AVA: It’s true then. Judith and Stuart almost had their son killed.

The camera zooms in on Ava’s shocked and confused expression.

***END OF EPISODE 70***