Why won't you leave me the hell alone?
[sighs]
- I still feel funny about this. - But why?
If it wasn't you, I'd still have to rent it to someone else.
Yeah, at double the price.
Charles, we're both in real estate.
We know what the going rate would be for a place like this.
I know I can make a fortune out of this place.
And I won't lie. It was the first thing I thought about.
But then I thought of my great-aunt.
- Aunt? - She'd be heartbroken
if her place didn't go to a friend.
Really?
It was her dying wish.
You are so full of it! [laughs]
she was a bitter old woman, so the hell with her.
I can rent it to whomever I want at whatever price I want.
I owe you one.
No, you don't.
I'm just trying to win you back.
Uh, I gotta get back to work.
Of course. I'll bring you the keys after.
- Okay. Thanks again, charles. - Sure.
Okay.
I didn't mean eavesdrop.
You? Never.
So you finally found a place, huh?
Actually, charles found it for me.
And he didn't have to look too far.
It was his great-aunt's.
His great-aunt's'
okay, annie, what now?
Oh, nothing, nothing.
I know you don't like charles,
but he's really been a good friend to me
when I needed it most.
It's not that I don't like him.
It's just, uh, I-I don't trust him.
He gives me weird vibes every time he comes into the office.
He's a fantastic realtor.
Yeah, exactly! Proves my point.
Don't worry. I am renting from charles,
not inviting him to move in.
Well, you two do have a history.
I'd hardly call it a history.
[giggling]
I'm just happy you're getting your life together again.
We missed you.
I missed you too.
Enjoy the new digs.
I will.
Ta-da! What do you think?
Ehh.
Ehh. Come on, maddie.
This is what we've always wanted.
A house of our own.
Well, it sure did take long enough.
Wow. This is amazing.
And remember, you can decorate your room however you want.
Oh, I intend to.
Maddie, remember we have to treat this house like it's--
- like it's your own. - Charles!
For all intents and purposes, this is your home.
Hey, hey, my favorite realtor.
How are you, maddie?
About to redecorate.
Maddie, you--
maddie, don't forget what--
I swear, that girl is going to be the death of me.
Nah, she's just a teenager.
Remember what we were like?
Yeah, but we were never this bad.
Wow.
Who are you?
Is this is your room?
Excuse me?
I said, "is this your room?"
yeah. Why?
What kind of lock do you want?
On the door. What kind of lock--
I don't know.
Uh, there's some weirdo in my room.
- Maddie! - [laughs]
- sorry. - That's okay.
That's just connor.
He's a little... You know.
Yeah.
Okay, but who is he?
Oh, he's the handyman.
He used to work with my great-aunt.
She used to rely on him for almost everything,
especially at the end.
So if we need anything, we should ask for connor.
Anything. Anything at all. He's a little weird,
but you know, he's a good man and a hard worker.
Gotcha.
I'm so glad you guys are here.
Not as happy as we are.
Matter of fact, I'd love to take tomorrow off
and finish up the house,
but I have two closings.
I have to finish up the paperwork for it.
Well, I might have to stop by the office tomorrow.
I need annie to sign some papers.
Hmm, I should be my desk.
Why don't you swing by and say hello?
Okay, I will.
[click]
thanks again, charles.
It's my pleasure.
I'll see you tomorrow.
- Okay. - Okay, bye.
Let's eat quickly because I don't want you up late.
- You have school tomorrow. - Mom, come on.
It's senior year. No one ever does work.
Kidding! I'm kidding.
- Hey, mom. - Mm-hmm?
What's in there?
I asked charles about that the other day.
He said it was storage for his aunt's keepsakes.
Hmm.
[skittering]
what is it?
Thought I heard something.
Oh, I think you're just used to the old lady living above us.
- You're probably right. - Yeah.
I guess it's gonna have to take some getting used to,
not having to live in an apartment anymore.
Exactly. Let's eat.
Okay.
Mmm. How about we go shopping this weekend?
This room would look great with some more plants in it.
Maybe, but I already told shane
I'd go to the lake with him, so...
So why don't you ask shane to go with us?
Why would shane want to go shopping for plants, mom?
So he could give us a hand.
Okay, fine, I'll ask him, but I can't make any promises.
Thanks.
- Mom. - Mm-hmm?
How come you and charles broke up?
Oh. I don't think that there was...
Technically anything to break up.
Come on, mom. You know what I mean.
Sweetheart, I don't know if you remember,
but it wasn't like particularly easy
when your dad walked out on us.
He left us with nothing, except a mortgage
that hadn't been paid.
Yeah, I remember.
And charles wasn't just a realtor
who was finally able to sell our house.
He was the person that convinced me to get into the business
because I needed a job that gave me flexibility,
so I could take care of you.
So he suggested that I become a broker,
and it turns out he was right.
You know, he still cares about you.
And I care about him too.
It's just...
He wants something that I don't.
He still does.
Why don't you clean up? I'm gonna hit the sack.
I gotta get up early in the morning.
Mom, wait.
What?
Um, I miss dad.
But I-I know what he did.
I even know what kind of man he is.
But I can't help it.
He's-- he's still my dad.
I know, sweetheart.
And if I can apologize for him, I would.
But I can't.
Clean up, sweetheart, okay?
- Okay. - Good night.
Good night, mama.
[scraping]
[tapping on metal]
[rustling]
[sighs]
[tapping on metal]
[thump]
[tapping continues]
[sighs] what's going...
[tapping continues]
can't sleep?
Can't sleep.
Don't worry.
Eventually, we're gonna get used to this.
Was our old apartment this loud?
Louder.
Only thing is that we knew that someone was living above us.
Who knew being alone can be so noisy?
Yeah.
Try to get some rest, baby.
- You too, mom. - Good night.
Good night.
[door closes]
[wind whistling]
hmm.
[horn honks]
[engine revs]
hey.
Hey! You still here?
Well, actually, I'm leaving right now.
I wanted to find out how your first night at the house was.
Honestly, it was awful, charles.
Oh, it was just, it was too perfect.
It was just too quiet, too clean, too safe.
It made it like impossible to sleep.
- You'll get used to it. - I hope so.
Don't forget I'm swinging by later to set up the alarm.
I told you that it's not really necessary.
Well, it would make me feel better.
I mean, normally, I would have connor do it,
but since he creeped maddie out the other day...
Maddie will be fine.
I'm surprised your great-aunt
didn't already have a system installed.
I offered, believe me, but she was a stubborn woman.
She said that she refused to live
like a prisoner in her own home.
She grew up in a town
where they didn't even lock the doors at night.
Well, with maddie being home alone a lot,
an alarm system will be good.
Of course.
Well, I have to get to that showing,
but I'll see you later, okay?
- All right, good luck. - Okay.
Hello!
[laughs]
hey, I guess I'm your new neighbor.
Yeah, just call me tj.
Oh, I don't live here. This is my girlfriend's house.
Girlfriend, huh?
Well, her mom's, actually. The two of them just moved in.
They know the previous tenant, the one who used to live here?
I don't know. I don't know why they would.
Yeah..
- Listen, I gotta go. - Oh, go.
Look, go, go. Look, don't let me hold you up.
I'm just, you know, just being neighborly.
The alarm has a 30-second grace period
from the time it's armed
and the time it sends a signal to the emergency services.
So if, during that period,
the door is not flush against the strike plate, then there--
julie, julie, please, pay attention.
This is very serious.
Charles, I got it.
Our old apartment had an alarm system.
They all pretty much work the same.
Just give me the brochure, and I'll read it.
I just need to know how to change that passcode.
I told you before.
You have to change the passcode on a regular basis.
Only you and maddie should have the code to the system.
Only maddie and I.
Yes.
Hey, mom. We're going to the mall.
Don't you think you should stay and listen to this?
We have to go. You'll show me later.
If we can figure this out,
I'm sure she'll get it in half-a-second.
Exactly.
Are you driving, shane?
- Yes, mrs. Fields. - No speeding.
Come on. I haven't even been pulled over this week.
- Don't start. - If you bought me my own car,
I wouldn't have to hitch a ride with this jerk.
If you had an after-school job,
then you could get a car of your own.
Be home in time for dinner.
All right.
Shane, remember, drive safe.
Yes, mrs. Fields.
Kids.
I know. She'll be the death of you.
Mm-hmm.
As soon as I leave,
you're gonna change the passcode.
You and maddie can have-- you can each have your own.
Just don't make it as easy as your birthday.
That's what criminals are gonna guess first.
- Got it. - And the most important thing,
don't share it with anyone, not even me, okay?
That's how most homes get burglarized,
not by master criminals,
but people who have the codes and then the keys to the door.
- Mum's the word. - Okay.
Thank you, charles. I gotta get dinner started.
- Okay. - Okay, thank you.
Okay. You're welcome.
- [door closes] - mom, I'm home!
Okay!
[tv playing]
how was the mall?
Boring. What's for dinner? I'm starving.
I was thinking about cooking, but I changed my mind.
Want to go out for dinner?
Pizza?
- If you want. - I'm in!
You know what? I am gonna take a shower, freshen up.
I have been running around all day.
- Be right back. - Okay.
Maddie!
Yeah?
Did you use my shower today?
What? No. Why would I use your shower?
The pressure sucks. Mine is much better.
- Whatever. - [chuckles]
[door opens]
[sighs] I am stuffed.
- I'm headed up. You? - I'm stuffed too.
But not really tired. I'll be up in a bit.
Do me a favor. Set the alarm. If you remember how.
You're so funny.
- Good night. - Good night.
[metal dropping]
[scraping]
♪ [pop]
♪♪
[footsteps]
[footsteps continue]
[phone beeps]
well, there it is.
Hmm.
Hey, hey, hey!
Hey, if you're gonna comment on me being tired,
just keep it mov-- oh!
But you come bearing coffee. Thank you!
Is that any way to talk to your boss?
No, but right now I could use a friend.
Oh, why? What's wrong?
I got no sleep last night.
It was like, there was like raccoons or something
having a party up in the attic.
- Seriously? - Yeah.
Something kept me up all night.
You gotta call charles then. You gotta tell him.
No, no, it's my issue. I'll call an exterminator.
I know he's your friend, okay,
but he's also your landlord.
It's his responsibility.
But I'll feel bad.
You know, he gave me a great deal on the house,
- then here I go complaining. - Ah, ah, ah!
You have to advocate for yourself.
If you don't, nobody else will.
You're right.
That's why I'm the boss.
Yeah.
[doorbell rings]
come on in, connor.
So mr. Milton said you heard some sound in the attic?
[door closes]
that's right.
I don't think so.
I'm not imagining hearing noises.
I'm not saying you are.
I just don't think they're coming from the attic.
Why not?
There's not enough space for even an animal to get in there.
And even though mrs. Milton did watch her expenses,
I made sure this place was insulated
and sealed up nice and tight.
As tight as I could, anyway.
Well, unless I have a haunted house,
you didn't seal it up as tight as you thought.
Why don't you take a look, connor?
Hmm.
How's it going?
Have you been up here?
No. Why?
There's no dust.
Mm. But I lined that trap
with some extra chunky peanut butter,
so if there's any raccoons, possums, squirrels,
we'll catch them.
When are you gonna check it out?
[laughs]
there's no floor up there. It's an attic.
There's just beams,
so I'm liable to just fall through that insulation
right on your bed.
So what now?
I will come by tomorrow and check it out for you.
Just for you.
Okay.
[knocking continues]
[gasps]
excuse you!
Annie! What are you doing here?
I just thought I'd come by and check out the house.
Who was that?
That was, uh... Never mind.
I took your advice.
Why don't you come on in, and I'll show you around,
make us some tea and tell you everything.
Oh, okay.
So you know charles. He said, "absolutely."
so you cracked the whip, huh?
Hmm. Hardly.
I just told him, "look, I need connor to come over asap."
I wasn't having anything living with me that wasn't paying rent.
You know, this connor, he's an odd one, huh?
You don't have to tell me.
How well do you actually know him?
As well as you know any handyman that you've met a couple times
and have barely spoken to.
Why?
I don't know. I mean, with you and maddie here alone--
you know what? I just don't feel comfortable.
- Annie. - What?
We're not really here alone-alone.
-Charles is watching out for us. -Oh, god, charles.
Stop. Now, you're the one who told me
that I should stand up for myself.
I know.
Just be careful, okay? I mean...
Look, I really have a funny feeling about that guy.
I will. Promise.
And hopefully after tomorrow,
it is the last that I will see of connor.
Hey! Hey!
Oh.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to startle you.
I didn't even see you standing there.
That's two things I have to apologize for.
I should have come over to introduce myself sooner,
but I'm just-- I'm so busy.
Anyway, better late than never. I'm tj.
Oh! Oh, no, no, no. I don't live here.
It's my friend. Yeah, her and her daughter just moved in.
Okay, I see, yeah. No, that's what I've heard.
I mean, I haven't met them, obviously.
I've seen the moving vans though.
And this guy, this guy who's just always walking around.
- A guy? - Yeah, yeah.
He was here earlier.
Hawaiian shirt. I've seen him a bunch of times.
That's the handyman.
Oh! That makes sense, yeah.
Anyway it was really nice to meet you.
Likewise.
Connor: Well, I'll be.
[laughs]
oh, man, I got ya.
Yeah.
You wanna see it?
Not really. What is it?
This... Is a vole.
A vole? What the hell is a vole?
See that right there?
Oh!
That's a vole.
That little thing was making all that noise up there?
Can't weigh more than a pound or two.
That doesn't matter.
Once these things start rolling around the heat duct,
little buggers can make quite a racket.
Look, could you do me a favor
and get that little vole on out of here?
Sure thing.
Okay. Thanks, connor.
You're welcome.
[thump]
[owl hooting]
wait, shane, stop. My mom will know.
[thump]
oh...
[banging]
julie: Maddie?
Oh, wait, shane! Go, go! She's coming.
Get in.
- Maddie? - Yeah.
You okay?
Why wouldn't I be?
I don't know. I thought I heard something.
Oh, no, there was a nice breeze going,
so I thought I'd sleep with the window open tonight.
Shut it.
Mom, there's nothing to worry about.
Maddie, just please shut it.
Okay, fine. How about this? I shut it before I go to bed.
- Thank you. - You're welcome.
- Good night. - Good night.
Oh, my god.
That was so close. [giggles]
[maddie giggling]
- mom! - I knew it! Maddie!
- Shane! - Hi, mrs. Fields.
- [scoffs] - I was just visiting.
Where are your clothes?
Out.
- Mom... - Out! Out!
I'm making sure he stays out this time! Shane!
Do you realize how incredibly stupid you are?
You could've gotten yourself killed!
- I was checking to make sure-- - get out, shane!
- Come on, mrs. Fields. - Out! Out!
Maddie: Mom, calm down!
You do not wanna have this discussion with me right now.
Oh, don't act like you had no idea.
I'm an adult, for crying out loud.
Barely. And tell you what.
When you are on your own, you can do whatever you want.
But while you are underneath my roof,
you will follow my rules!
And I just have to follow them. No questions asked?
So what, you thought it was a good idea
to have you a little boyfriend climbing through a window?
Oh, so if he would've knocked on the front door,
you would've let him in?
That's not the point.
Maddie, what if he had fallen?
I would've had a lawsuit on my hands,
and that would have ruined me.
Mom, you're overreacting.
Go on to bed.
We will finish this talk tomorrow.
Fine.
Who the hell's been cooking?
Perfect.
What?S the occasion?
What occasion?
How come you're dressed like that?
Like what?
Like you're going on a date.
Oh, really? Really-really?
Why are you acting so surprised?
I mean, I've never seen you like this.
This is like a whole new side of you, julie.
- Hey! - Where'd you meet him?
Where does anyone meet anyone these days' online.
- Just be careful, okay? - What?
How well do you really know him?
Oh, I know him well enough.
Know who well enough?
Hey, charles.
We were just, um...
Um...
I have a date.
Oh.
Well, have a nice time.
You do look very nice, julie.
Ooh.
Thanks, charles.
I don't wanna know.
[doorbell rings]
oh, my god. He is early. I gotta grab my purse.
Okay, go get it. I'll stall him.
Okay, okay.
You must be maddie.
And who are you?
I'm ron. I'm ron campbell.
Come in, ron campbell.
She'll be just a moment.
So you're in high school.
Yeah, I remember when my daughter was in high school.
Sorry to have kept you waiting.
Not at all.
Maddie and I were just having a lovely conversation.
You look...
Your online profile does not do you justice.
Thank you.
Shall we go?
- I won't be late. - Sucks for you.
Bye, mom.
I know.
[laughter]
[soft chatter]
[car alarm chirps]
[car door closes]
♪ [pop]
[phone ringing]
hey, what's up?
What's up is that I have the whole house to myself.
So what am I doing here at home working up a sweat
when I could be there with you?
'cause I have no idea when my mom will be back, so...
Where'd she go?
She just left. She went on a date.
For real?
Yeah, why?
'cause she made such a big deal
about me being in your room the other night.
It's just kind of ironic mom's out getting some.
- Eww! Shane, don't. - I'm just saying.
Well, don't. What are you up to anyway?
I'm just in the middle of lifting.
Ooh. Jump up and down.
Let me see what you're working with.
Uh-uh. If you want to see the whole thing,
you need to get yourself over here.
Goodbye.
Call me later.
All right.
An it security consultant.
It's an interesting field, for sure.
That's sounds like something that you'd get into
when you're much, you know...
Younger?
I didn't say that.
Yeah, you did.
That's not what I meant.
I know, I know, but you're right.
To tell the truth, years ago,
I almost backed into it by accident.
I was consulting this startup,
and it seemed like it was their most important component,
but the one they just kept missing.
Do you really want to hear about this?
I mean, listen, I am boring myself,
and I'm in the industry.
Well, let's skip ahead to the part
where you get to bust the hackers.
If only it were that interesting.
99% of the time, I'm reviewing code
to make sure it complies with encryption protocol.
But it's still interesting that you can learn about
a whole new industry.
It is.
To be honest with you, that's where the money is.
And with alimony and two kids in college,
I really didn't have a choice.
Does that sound shallow?
It sounds responsible.
Well...
Tell me about yourself.
You must have some really good mortgage broker stories.
Well, I have my fair share.
Well...
I got all night.
Cheers.
[laughter]
hmm.
It's ironic.
What's that?
When my daughter was a teenager, I always wanted her home.
And now that she's inside...
Don't worry. I get it.
I appreciate that.
We can do it again.
I hope so.
Come on. Let me walk you inside.
It's okay. I'm fine.
I need to prove that chivalry is still alive and well.
With maddie inside,
it's probably best that you didn't.
I understand.
Good night, ron.
So... You get lucky?
Seriously, maddie?
Well, you look like you did.
Let's just say he was a perfect gentleman.
Hmm. So are you gonna see him again?
I hope so. Did you get a lot of studying done tonight?
I did, but there's also an adoption island marathon
going on tonight,
so of course I had to see it, mom.
I don't know how you watch that junk.
Junk? Tell that to all those kids on the island, mom.
No, thanks. And do me a favor. Turn that down.
I could hear it all the way outside.
- Good night. - Good night.
[tv playing]
announcer: More adoption island after this.
[dog barking]
hey, can I help you?
Just stay away from her.
What are you talking about?
Julie fields. I saw you with her tonight.
Just leave her alone.
Oh, first of all, that's none of your business.
How'd you know that anyway? You follow us or something?
Just stay away from her.
Listen, julie can decide for herself who she wants to go with
and what she wants to do with them.
I'm warning you. Just stay away from her.
She's supposed to be with-- you'll be sorry!
If I see you again, I'll be calling the cops!
Wow.
[humming]
[sniffs]
mmm.
[scraping]
[clunking]
[tv playing]
maddie.
Yes?
I know I keep asking you this, but did you hear anything?
No. What do you mean?
I don't know. It's like...
I keep hearing a door opening.
Well, one, I can't hear anything with these things in.
And two, if I did hear something, it was probably you.
It wasn't shane again, is it?
Mom, how can you even ask me that?
Just answer the question, maddie.
Do you really think he would do that again?
I didn't think that he would do it the first time.
No, it wasn't shane.
You're telling me the truth?
I promise.
You better be.
Oh, for the love of...
Yeah, I need a tow as soon as possible.
1514 magnolia court. The tires are flat.
I need to tow it to the dealer on webster.
I'll have a credit card waiting for him when he gets here.
Okay. Thanks.
Hey, hey, man.
Listen, we can talk about this.
Talk-- talk about it?
Last time you saw me, you threatened to call the cops.
I don't even know what you want.
Yes, you do. Yes, you do!
You-- I want julie!
I explained that to you. I explained it already!
We're supposed to be together!
Hey, look, all right, all right.
Listen, you can have her, I swear.
We've only been on one date, for crying out loud.
- No, no, no, no, no! - Just hear me out!
[stab]
[dialing]
[line ringing]
yes.
I'd like to cancel the tow. 1514 magnolia.
We won't be needing it anymore.
Thank you.
"schedule lunch."
- hey. - Hey!
I was just up in your office, and you weren't there.
- I had a breakfast meeting. - Mm-mm.
- So? - So?
- The date. - Oh!
Actually, it was wonderful.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
You were right.
It was time for your girl to get back on the horse.
So no bait-and-switch or photo from 20 years ago,
physical details from an old driver's license, nothing?
Nothing. He was everything he described.
Truthfully, I didn't think I could be so into someone
after just one date.
Hmm.
Then what's wrong?
What do you mean?
Oh, come on, julie.
- What? - I know you too well.
You don't look like someone that's coming off the high
of an amazing first date.
I just didn't get much sleep last night.
I'm still hearing those noises.
Still?
Still.
Okay, okay, julie, this is getting crazy.
I know you don't like bothering charles.
Well, you're just gonna have to call that handyman directly.
Connor?
Yes, connor. Have him check the attic again.
Matter of fact, have him check every inch of the house. Mm-hmm.
I know charles gave you a good deal on the place,
but you're paying for peace of mind.
I know, I know, you're right.
- Call him. - I will!
Now.
Done.
[sniffs]
ugh.
What the... Hell?
Oh...
What are you doing home so early?
I got a text from ron.
He wants me to meet him for dinner,
so I'm just gonna grab a few things.
- I'll be right back. - Okay.
- Maddie. - Yeah?
You haven't been borrowing my clothes again, have you?
Like what?
Like my yellow cashmere sweater.
It's probably in the wash.
It's not in the wash. It's dry-clean only.
And I would have remembered taking it to the cleaners.
Well, I didn't take it.
Come to think about it,
I'm missing my workout gear and some underwear.
Eww, mom, gross!
Okay, okay.
So... What are you going to do tonight?
I don't know yet.
Me and shane might go see a movie
or just hang out at his house.
A movie sounds better.
Or we can go downtown with our fake ids to a club.
Very funny, maddie. I gotta get going.
- You okay? - I'll be fine, mom.
- Good. - Have fun.
Oh, I plan on it. Call me if you need me.
All right.
- Bye. - Bye.
♪ [jazz]
hey!
Don't I know you from somewhere?
Charles, what are you doing here?
Oh, I came to pick up some dinner.
What are you doing here?
I'm actually on a date.
Or I was, um... Supposed to be on a date.
Wow. Another date.
Your profile must be pretty popular.
No. It's the same person. He's just like an hour late.
Well, I'm sorry. I should get going though.
No, no, no, charles, come back, sit down.
Have a seat. He's probably not gonna show up anyways.
- Okay. - Besides,
maddie is out on the town with shane,
and I wanna have a good time, so let's have a drink.
Okay, yes.
I can't believe I got stood up.
Well, how well do you really know this guy, julie?
Well, how well do we really know anyone?
How well do I really know you?
Well...
Can I assist you guys with drinks tonight?
- I'll have another one. - Another one?
- Rum and milk, please. - Rum and milk.
You know what I mean.
No, charles, what do you mean?
Well, you met him online.
It's not like you grew up with him or work with him.
I just--
you just-- you just don't want to see me get hurt.
All I'm saying is sometimes we don't know people
like we think we do.
I just want you to be careful, julie.
Okay, I'll be careful.
- Here you are, ma'am. - Thank you.
Here you are, sir.
[sighs]
I'm just so surprised at ron.
I mean, he just seemed so perfect.
It was like one of the best first dates that I've ever had.
And for him to like text me,
ask me to meet him here and then never show up,
it's like...
Many times I have buyers,
and they come in, their eyes are wide and eager,
they ask all the right questions,
they say all the right things.
I'm practically drafting the contract, right?
And then, then they disappear,
never to be heard from again.
I-I don't think that's the same thing as this, charles.
Sure it is.
Same thing as initial offers.
What do you mean?
Sellers always think there's a better offer
around the corner,
and almost on principle, they decline the first offer.
Doesn't matter how good the offer is.
Inevitably, they realize that offer's not coming back.
But by then, the buyer's already gone.
The sellers never understand it, see?
They always forget the first rule of real estate and of life.
The first choice is usually the best.
Cheers.
[clink]
oh, before I forget, connor never showed up today.
He was supposed to?
Um, I didn't want to say anything, but...
But why, julie? You can tell me anything.
Um, I'm still hearing those noises,
and I just I just wanted him to have a look around.
Oh. And he didn't show up?
No, I don't think so.
I'm so sorry, julie. I'm so sorry.
He's very good at what he does,
but sometimes he's just unreliable.
- [bangs table] - I'll have a talk with him.
It's okay, charles. Here.
Come on, let's have a good time. Cheers.
Okay.
- Cheers. - [clink]
it's okay.
[beeps]
[soft thumps]
[phone ringing]
hi.
Shane, you have no idea what just happened.
My mom walked in the room, and he was living in there.
The handyman! He was in there while we were sleeping,
and we don't know what's been going on.
Whoa. Calm down for a second.
No, shane, you don't understand.
You're right, I don't understand.
Just take a deep breath
and calm down and tell me what happened.
Okay, so you know how there's been
a locked room in the house?
No. I have no idea what you're talking about.
Okay, well, in the kitchen, there's this locked room,
and my mom heard something in there,
so she busted the lock and walked in.
And?
There's a computer and large monitors in there.
A monitor? For what?
It sounds beyond creepy,
but the cops think that he may have been living there,
watching us through cameras around the house.
Who, the handyman?
Yeah! That's what we think.
Are you okay now?
[sighs] yeah, I think so.
All right. Just stay there. I'm coming right over.
Okay, hurry.
My officer searched every inch of the house.
I promise you whoever was here before is now gone.
And there's nothing you can tell me about the intruder?
Big or small, male or female?
I already told you.
All I saw was a computer setup.
But I already know who it is.
And we have a squad car on the way to his house right now.
But I have to ask.
If you didn't see him, how can you be so sure?
Because he has access to the house.
He's the only one who has access to the house, and...
And he was creepy.
He's totally creepy.
I told my mom that the first time I saw him in our house.
That may be, but unfortunately--
I'm sorry, mom.
I can't stay here tonight. I won't.
I talked to my parents. You can stay with us.
Are you sure it's okay with your parents?
I swear. They're thrilled.
My family loves when maddie comes over.
Okay. Tell your mom I'll call her later,
and I'll explain everything.
Thanks, shane.
This has really gotten her shaken up.
Of course.
It's perfectly normal to feel... Violated
after something like this.
What about you?
Do you have someone who can stay with you?
You still think I'm in danger?
No. I bet the intruder won't be back, whoever he is.
But until we catch him,
it's more for your peace of mind than anything.
I-I just can't believe it.
This must have taken so much, so much planning.
Police said that he must have installed the cameras
and set up that room a long time ago.
There was literally rotten food all over the place.
He must have came and went through the window in the back.
That's how the door stayed locked.
I never had to open it.
I'm so sorry, julie.
I just don't know what to say.
It's not your fault. It's okay.
So what did the police want to talk to you about?
Oh, th-they wanted to find out about connor.
H-how long he worked for me, where he lived.
I'm guessing once they find him,
they're gonna give me another visit.
Why do you say that?
Well, I guess they expected an employer
to have more relevant information.
Oh. You're paying him under at the table, right?
[chuckles]
let's just say I didn't send him a w2 every year.
Julie...
I'm sure they're going to find connor,
and I'm even more certain
that he's never gonna come back here again.
I hope so.
But if you would like me to stay over, I...
You don't mind?
It would be my pleasure.
On one condition.
What's that?
You let me buy you guys dinner.
Mm. Deal.
Deal.
- Ah! Dinner was delicious! - It was.
- Thanks again, charles. - It was just pete's.
But it was a good choice 'cause it's maddie's favorite.
- [text alert] - oh, that was shane.
- He's on his way to pick me up. - I gotta be honest.
I've never seen a kid his size put away so much food.
He has two brothers who eat way more than him, so...
Well, I sympathize with his parents.
He's actually got great parents,
and they love them some maddie.
What can I say?
He seems like a good kid, maddie.
Except for his window-sneaking skills.
Oh, my god.
- Hey, I'm kidding! - Whatever.
Kidding! Take a joke, kid!
[laughing]
[door closes]
we make a good team, you and I, you know?
Yeah, I guess we do.
I never told you this,
but I don't wanna be selling real estate for my entire life.
Really? I thought you said it was in your blood.
Oh, it is, it is, but what I'd like to do
is acquire enough real estate property that I can live off.
Not if you're gonna charge your other tenants
what you're charging us.
And I'd like a partner, julie.
Charles, um, I'm not ready for that.
I'm gonna go upstairs and get a blanket and pillow.
I'll be right back.
So you really are a gentlemen.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
You really care about her, don't you?
Of course I do.
No, not in that way.
You're older than your years, maddie fields.
That's what they all say.
I guess they do.
Annie: I called her, so she should be coming up.
Julie, please come in.
Hello, detective.
Miss fields.
I came to tell you that we still haven't located connor white.
You came all the way to my office
to tell me that in person?
No. I came to tell you that we're gonna stop searching.
I don't understand.
It wasn't him.
Excuse me?
I said it wasn't him.
It wasn't connor white.
Or it wasn't mostly connor white.
There were fingerprints all over the room,
on the monitor, the keyboards.
Good usable prints.
There was dna found on the mattress
and from the dry saliva from the food,
all from a single person.
But just not connor.
We did find some of mr. White's dna,
but only in one place: Your sweater.
That just doesn't make any sense.
Are you certain?
I'm afraid so.
A few years ago, mr. White was convicted of a dui.
He spent a month in jail.
Blood, prints, everything. It was all in the system.
Plus, before he worked for your friend,
he worked as a locksmith.
By law, he was printed again.
If he had been in that room, we'd have the evidence.
So the blood, the prints, the dna, whose is it?
We don't know,
but it's not anybody who's ever been arrested.
Nobody with a record,
nobody who's ever worked with children
or been fingerprinted for work.
Okay, so what do we do now?
Until we can get a handle on this,
don't go anywhere alone.
Be aware of your surroundings,
and if you see or hear anything suspicious,
call the police immediately.
- Okay. - Because remember,
it could be the person you least expect.
Thank you, detective.
Mm.
Yes, thank you.
Oh, my god.
Who else could it have been?
You have to at least tell the cops, julie.
Tell them what?
That the guy that I went on a date with turned psycho
and built a hidden room in my house?
Yes, yes, exactly that!
No! I still think it could be connor.
Come on, julie!
Then where is he? Where is connor? Tell me that.
Well, connor is a very good handyman.
He is, but he's also...
He's also what?
He's also an alcoholic, julie.
I-I-I'm sorry I never brought it up
because it never-- it never affected his work.
But with all the stress, he's probably on a bender somewhere.
Alcohol.
Listen, I could stay over tonight again,
if you would like.
No, no, no, thank you. It's okay.
It's no problem. I don't mind.
Charles...
I have to get used to being in my own home.
Okay, okay, well, maybe I can stop by your office tomorrow.
I-I have some showings.
Okay, I'll see you then.
Okay.
Well, hang in there, julie.
Everything is going to be okay.
Yeah.
Good night, charles.
Good night, julie.
Tj: She's not home.
I just saw her leave.
Then you wouldn't know where she was going, would you?
I mean, I didn't talk to her. She was with her friend.
You know, the realtor.
Oh, charles.
The one whose house she's renting.
Okay, thanks.
He's not what you think, you know.
What are you talking about?
The realtor.
Can you just tell me what the hell you're talking about?
You sit and lurk around, and then you won't just come out
and tell me what you mean.
Have you talked to the woman who used to live there?
His aunt?
Aunt? Hah!
She was not his aunt.
Well, who was she then?
Someone who unwittingly attracted a suitor.
I don't understand. I--
you've seen him. You wouldn't exactly call him a ladies' man.
He's weird. Very manic-obsessive.
Little ocd.
Honestly, I have no idea what she saw in him.
I guess she really needed a deal on that house pretty badly.
You wouldn't happen to have her number, would you?
Hah!
Take a picture.
- Go ahead. - Okay.
Just be careful.
I got a bad feeling about him. Always have.
Annie, I got your text. What's going on?
You know how I feel about charles, right?
It's no secret.
Yes.
Well, I talked to your neighbor tj.
- He knew the previous tenant. - And?
Annie, come on. What's going on?
First, you have to promise me
you're not gonna say a word about where you heard this.
You have to make something up
or else people could get hurt.
I promise.
Call this number.
[line ringing]
[ringtone]
- hello? - Yes, hello.
I'm looking for a ms. Kimberly fitzgerald.
- That's me. - Hello, ms. Fitzgerald.
I'm mary bates with the national real estate board.
I'm investigating a complaint against one of our agents,
a mr. Charles milton.
In my records, it indicates that you worked with him.
Where were you people when I needed you?
I'm sorry. I don't follow.
Well, mr. Charles milton
charmed me into buying a house I couldn't really afford
and then proceeded to make life a living hell for me.
- Do you mind elaborating? - Sure.
Unwanted phone calls, unwanted visits.
I'd see him hanging around my house when nobody was there.
One time, I actually caught him looking through the window.
Is that enough for you?
I'm sorry to hear that, ms. Fitzgerald.
May I ask what finally happened?
I left. That's what happened.
In the middle of the night. I just couldn't take it anymore.
Hello?
[tj screaming]
[knocking]
hi, maddie.
Charles! Are you staying over again?
Well, we'll see. Is your mom home?
No, but she'll be home soon.
Do you want to hang out here and wait for her?
- Yeah, yeah, sure. - Come on in.
Would you like some water?
- Yeah, yeah. - Okay.
[ding ding]
charles?
Charles?
Charles!
Oh, my god.
My god.
Hey.
[panting]
here you go.
Oh.
This isn't water.
Uh, iced tea. Is that okay?
Nice.
So...
Yeah, so.
I was thinking about what you said the other day.
Uh, what did I say?
About me and your mom.
You see, I never really got over her.
But she doesn't really feel the same way about me.
You wouldn't know why, would you?
How would I know?
I don't know because maybe it's been the two of you
for the longest time, and maybe she thought
you didn't want anybody getting in between the two of you,
but you don't feel-- you don't feel that, right?
Uh, well, no, of course not.
Oh, good, good.
Th-that's real good, maddie.
That's what I thought.
Well, shane is coming to pick me up soon,
so maybe I should wait for him outside--
charles, please. Please get out of my way.
[gasps]
oh, god.
Oh, my god.
[phone ringing]
mom?
But what are you doing there? He's here in our house.
No! No! Please!
Please get off of me! No!
[beeps]
[line ringing]
this is detective cheryl sims
of the woodland hills police department.
Please leave your brief message after the tone.
[beep]
detective, it's julie fields.
I'm the realtor. I work with charles.
He's been stalking me, and he's killed connor.
You have to get to my house. He's there with my daughter.
Okay? Please hurry!
I'm hanging up. I'm calling 911.
Maddie?
Maddie!
Maddie?
Maddie!
Maddie: Mom!
Oh, my god.
- Charles! - Hi, julie.
Mom!
Maddie, are you okay?
She's fine! She was just getting antsy.
Okay, charles.
I don't know what's going on.
I don't understand.
You don't understand? I don't understand!
We were perfect together.
I thought we both agreed that we were better off friends.
I never bought that, julie!
We're best friends!
Anything you needed, I was there.
You needed a house, it was yours
at a fraction of what anybody would have paid!
I told you I appreciated that.
And the physical-- the physical connection,
we never had a problem in that area, did we?
You never said anything.
You never told me that that's how you felt.
I did! But you would laugh it off
or make a joke, ignore me.
Do you know what that did to me? Do you know what that did to me?
I never meant to hurt you.
You mean you didn't care if you did or not.
You're just dangling your online boyfriend in my face.
- No! - Comparing him to me!
- That never happened. - Yes, it did! Yes, it did!
Laughing at me behind my back.
Plotting against me, just trying to humiliate me.
- [distant sirens] - I told you the first offer
is always the best!
[sirens approaching]
we're up here! We're up here!
We'll be together, julie, I promise you, I promise you.
- Oh, my god! - This deal is still active!
You okay?
We're up here!
[siren blaring]
[police radio chatter]
julie: Any sign of charles?
Not yet, but he won't get far, I promise you.
Officers are combing the neighborhood.
They're surrounding his house as we speak.
He can't go back there.
Connor.
The handyman.
I can still see his face looking up at me.
He was probably waiting for the right moment
to dispose of the body.
I get why he killed ron, you know, out of jealousy,
but why connor?
That would just automatically bring more suspicion upon him.
Best guess? Connor discovered what mr. Milton was doing,
and whether he threatened to expose him or something else,
we'll probably never know.
Did you find charles' prints, dna?
Don't worry, mom. They'll find him.
We'll confirm it in the normal course of our investigation.
There is one more thing.
We discovered the body of your neighbor, a tj burke, next door.
We believe that mr. Burke must have suspected charles
and paid the price.
- I realize you need closure-- - detective?
Can we see you outside, please?
- Excuse me. - Of course.
[sighs]
you okay?
Shane's coming to pick me up soon.
[chuckles] shane...
I'm sorry, mom, but I have to get out of here.
It's okay. At least one of us picked the right guy.
I always seem to pick the wrong one.
It's not the wrong guy you have to worry about, mom.
Yeah. I picked the wrong real estate agent.
I love you.
I love you too.
- Mm-hmm. - I know.
You haven't found him, have you?
We haven't.
A week ago, you said that it would be imminent.
I wish we had better news for you, I really do.
But mr. Milton has proven to be
much harder to track down than we anticipated.
All the business we had with charles,
I've turned it over to detective sims.
I've also given her access to all of his online accounts.
Yes. My people are combing through all of it as we speak.
We're hoping that something in there will give us a clue
as to where he is.
But as of now...
You have no idea, right?
Although we don't believe you're in any danger,
I thought you deserved to know.
Julie, charles might've been fixated on you,
but he was still able to function.
He's not coming back. He knows it's over.
Annie, we don't know that.
Look, I have to agree with julie.
I know it's frightening and frustrating.
And I believe it's really only a matter of time.
I'd bet my pension that the only thing
mr. Milton is doing right now...
Is hiding.
I can't believe this place is still on the market.
Neither can I. Honestly, that's why when I received the listing,
I knew I had to call you right away.
- How are the schools? - Oh, the best in the area.
Both of my kids went through the school system,
and my husband and I can't be happier.
Come on. Let's take a look inside.
Wow. This certainly is bigger than my apartment.
[rustling]
what was that?
Oh, it's just the house settling.
You know how it is with these big new houses.
They have to settle.
Come on, let's go take a look upstairs.
Ooh, this is nice.
Wow. It's so private.
Oh, my gosh, that view!
This master and the closet space.