Toxicity (2019) Movie Script
(slow somber music)
(gentle music)
(Rose panting)
- Hey, Nancy.
- Mornin', Rose.
- [April] Wow, Rose.
- [Diane] Oh, yes please.
- This all looks amazing.
- [Diane] Mmm hmm.
- Thank you.
Don't be bashful.
- Oh, don't you worry.
- So, tell me, Rose, how do you
keep this place so pristine?
I mean, it is spotless.
- I run a pretty tight ship.
- You mean you clean this place yourself?
- You don't have a cleaning lady?
- Well, we did back when
Bruce and I were both so busy,
but I just do it all myself now.
- You should hire some help, dear,
I mean just to save
yourself the stress, right?
- I don't know.
I really don't mind.
Gives me something to do.
- [Diane] I wish my
place looked like this.
- Oh, Diane, your place looks fine.
Mary does a great job.
We share the same cleaning lady.
- Oh.
- This is sublime, Rose, mmm.
- Thank you.
And thank you guys for coming.
It's been a rough couple of days.
- I can't imagine.
I mean how are you holding up, dear?
- Well, I am still pretty shaken up,
but I'm managing.
I wish I could say the
same thing for Desi though.
He's a wreck.
Poor boy.
- [April] Oh, you poor dear.
- I put in my last day
at the office yesterday.
I told 'em it was just time, you know.
I mean, my boy needs me
and I just need some time for myself.
I couldn't concentrate
on the work anymore.
- So does this mean that you are--
- Officially retired.
- (laughing) Well, that's exciting.
- It is.
I mean, I've spent my whole
life working long hours.
I'm just so happy to be
able to make my own schedule
from here forward.
- Well, that is the right decision.
- I think so, too.
- Well, cheers to no more
work and a happy retirement.
- Cheers.
(glasses clinking)
- Cheers.
(door clattering)
Hello?
Hey.
- Hey.
Is it okay if I stay here for a bit?
- Of course.
(Rose sighs)
You hungry?
- You went a little
heavy on the sauce there.
- Maybe you just put extra sauce on it.
- Coulda cooked the meat a bit longer.
- So how was your day?
You gone back to work yet?
- Quit.
- Really?
- Boss called today,
asked if I was coming in.
Told him my wife killed
herself three days ago.
Don't really feel like
cooking overpriced eggs
for rich people anymore.
- Well, guess what?
- [Desi] What?
- I quit my job, too.
We can be unemployed together.
- You fucking with me?
- Desi, please don't use that word.
- For real though.
- (sighs) I've been
thinking about retiring
for the past few months.
I don't know, I just feel like now
is the right time, you know?
There's more important
things to life than work.
- What are you gonna do?
- Well, I'm gonna have
more time for myself
and spend more time with my friends.
Most of them don't work anymore.
- Or never did.
- Right.
And hopefully spend more time with you.
- Man, imagine all the
adventures we're gonna have.
(Rose chuckles)
- Desi, I'm so happy that
you decided to come home.
I didn't like the thought
of you being alone.
- Thanks.
(crickets chirping)
(wind rustling)
(light knocking)
- Need anything?
- Think I'm good.
- Okay.
I'm just gonna go read in bed.
See you tomorrow.
- Night.
- Good night.
She was such a sweetheart, Des,
and you were so good to her.
- Thanks, Mom.
- Anything that you need, all right,
even if you just wanna talk.
- Yeah thanks.
- I love you.
- I love you, too, Mom.
(Desi sighing)
(slow tense music)
- Hank knew from the start
there was something off about him.
We told her to be careful with him, but...
- Tell her about the shoulder.
(gentle music)
- What's that?
- Last week we went over,
saw this bruise on the
back of her shoulder,
her neck really.
Asked her what happened
and she just didn't say anything.
- [Hank] She didn't need to.
- We knew they were fighting.
- About what?
(gentle tense music)
- (sighs) He was using again.
She worked so hard to
get over her addiction.
Yet here he was getting
high right in front of her.
- We told her to get
out of there, come home.
- She hated admitting we were right
especially after we warned
her about Desi from the start.
(Hank sniffles)
- Was Jade much of a cook.
(both chuckling)
- She wouldn't know a
microwave from the stove.
I tried to teach her a thing or two,
but she just had no interest.
- I think she liked having
people cook for her.
Maybe that's what she saw in him.
He's a chef.
- Right.
Had she ever attempted suicide
or mention the thought?
- No.
- Never.
We know she took some
missteps in her life,
but she never woulda
left us that abruptly.
She had too big of a heart.
(distant sirens blaring)
(gentle music)
(suspenseful music)
(phone ringing)
(people chattering)
- We on the John Doe from last night?
- No, find everything we
have on the Larkin case
and bring it to me.
- The suicide?
- That's what we're going to find out.
- Thought they wanted
to pass over that one.
- Only because they
barely covered the scene.
The husband, Desi Larkin,
he's the one who found the body.
He made the call.
Jade's parents say that he was relapsing
and the two were fighting constantly.
- What did he say?
- He's my next stop.
Moved back into his parents' house,
or his mother's house, Rose
Larkin, Huntington Woods.
- Dad not in the picture?
- Died of cancer four years ago
right before Desi's last stint in rehab,
right before these two lovebirds met.
- Where'd the report say
she was before he found her?
- Just taking a walk.
(shower pattering)
- How's it feel?
(air whooshing)
(birds chirping)
- Morning.
- Morning.
- So my friend April, her husband Steve,
he owns Busters, you know
that family restaurant
over there on Lincoln.
I think that you know it.
Anyway, he said that
they could use a new chef
on the line and they'd
be happy to take you
for an interview today
anytime before five.
Ha, you're just working
out a few shifts a week.
April said she thought
it would be a great way
for you to get back on your feet again.
- Well, April knows best.
- Oh, she is so supportive.
Anyway, I figured you
could use some new clothes
for the interview so.
Oh, Desi.
Oh you'd look so good in this.
No?
You like the maroon one better?
Let me see, yeah.
Yeah, that's a little bit more stylish.
(Rose laughing)
(loud knocking)
I'll tell you what.
(tongue clicking) You pick, okay?
- Right.
Thanks.
- Of course.
Oh, I put some ointment
on the nightstand for you.
I noticed that your arm
still hasn't healed.
(birds chirping)
Hello?
- Hi, Mrs. Larkin?
- Yes.
- I'm Detective Lane.
I'm looking for your son Desi.
Is he around?
- I'm sorry, is he expecting you?
- No, ma'am.
I'm just here to ask him a few questions
about his wife's passing.
My deepest condolences by the way.
- Okay.
What kind of questions?
- (chuckles) I really just need
to speak with your son, ma'am.
Shouldn't take long.
- Well, he's just getting up,
but I'll see if I can get him.
Come on in.
- Thank you.
- You can grab a seat.
He'll be right down.
- Oh, thank you.
- (sighs) Hey.
- [Detective Lane] Desi.
Detective Lane.
- Yeah, hey.
- Is there some place we
can talk more private?
So sorry about your wife, Desi.
I can't imagine what you're going through.
- Thanks.
It's been tough.
- I'm sure.
So first I'd like to clear up a few things
from the police report.
You wanna walk me through what happened
last Friday night starting at 7 p.m.?
- Sure.
So seven, that's about when we had dinner.
- What'd you have?
- Just some pasta.
- You cooked?
- I did.
- [Detective Lane] And that was typical?
- Yeah, I'm a chef.
Or I was a chef.
I'm not working right now,
but that's my field I guess.
- [Detective Lane] What kind of pasta?
- It's a new recipe I was trying.
- Did you have anything
to drink with your dinner?
- Just water.
- No wine?
Really?
With pasta on a Friday night.
- I don't drink anymore.
Never was much of a wine drinker anyway.
Gave me headaches.
- What about Jade though?
Did she appreciate a nice glass of wine?
- She did, yeah.
You could say it was her drink
especially when she was shooting up.
Her favorite combo.
- Had she been shooting
up at all recently?
- (sighs) Last few months
were getting pretty bad.
- Really?
Was she high that night?
(eerie music)
Were you high?
- No.
3 1/2 years clean.
(eerie music)
- Congratulations.
- Thanks.
- Okay, so what happened
next after dinner?
- Um (sniffles) so
after dinner I just went for a walk.
- Alone?
- Just needed to get out.
- Where did you go on this walk?
- Just around.
- For how long?
- 30 minutes, maybe less, I don't know.
- Okay and then what happened next?
- I get back home
(door creaking)
and
that's when I found her
just lying there in the kitchen.
- Were you surprised
to find her like that?
- Of course I was.
My heart dropped.
- Where'd you get that
scratch on your arm?
- Oh.
I just scraped it against
the counter at work.
- (sighs) Oh God.
- Real stupid (sniffles).
- Okay.
One more thing.
Do you know what this is?
- Looks like some kinda seed.
- It's called a cholerin seed.
When several of these seeds
are ground, heated, and refined,
a powerful poison is extracted.
Even the smallest dose is enough
to kill a person within minutes.
This is the poison we found in
your wine bottle that night.
This is the poison that tests revealed
was in Jade's system.
Have you ever seen any of
these seeds in your kitchen?
- Never.
(door thudding)
- How'd it go?
- Hell did you come from?
- I wanted to make sure you were okay.
- What, so you were listening in?
- [Rose] You shouldn't have
lied to her about your arm.
What if she finds out?
- She won't.
- You should be telling her the truth
about everything because if you don't--
- She's gonna think I murdered my wife.
Yeah, I got it.
(gentle music)
(Desi sighs)
So this every day now?
(birds chirping)
- Well let's see, he's in Kenya right now
and then off to Tanzania after that.
- David spent time
volunteering in Tanzania.
- You know I think Theresa
stopped there, too.
- Bless them all.
Now, how long is Jacob
gonna be over there?
- Well, he was supposed
to be there till December,
but last I heard from him it sounds
like he's gonna be extending
his trip by a few months.
So who knows.
He is having a fabulous time.
We may never see our son again.
(all chuckling)
- Well, it must be so rewarding.
- Theresa said it was the
best choice she ever made.
- Well, I have a little
announcement to make, too.
April, you and I already talked about it,
but Becca got into the
graduate program at Stanford.
(Diane giggling)
- [Women] Oh.
- She's through the roof, oh.
She can't believe it but I told her
with that application she sent in,
there was no way they'd turn her down.
I mean, top 1% of the GRE.
Let's see, straight As at U of M.
I mean, come on, she was
a shoo-in (chuckles).
- [Renee] So she'll be
studying microbiology?
- Yep, getting her masters.
- Oh, I remember that little girl
when she couldn't even
pronounce microbiology.
(women laughing)
- Well, it's not a surprise.
She's such a bright girl.
- Oh, thank you.
- So, Rose.
How is Desi doing?
I mean, it must be really
nice to have him home.
(cup clanking)
- He's getting there, you know.
I'm very glad that he made
the choice to come home
so I can take care of him.
- So what's going on
with the investigation?
Renee told me he's a suspect now.
- Well, it was on the
news and in the papers
that they're looking at him.
They suspect some foul play.
- Oh, no, that is nonsense.
He loved her.
He's so heartbroken.
You know, he can't even talk about her
without just breaking down.
I'm just trying to do
what I can do to help.
- Well, let us know if
you need any help, dear.
- I will.
Thank you.
My birthday (clears throat).
- What, what's that?
- Sunday is my 60th.
Hoo, I can hardly believe that.
(Rose chuckling)
(April sighs)
So I was gonna make some shrimp scampi
and serve some hors d'oeuvres
and I would love it if
you girls could come over.
- Well, you had me at shrimp.
(women chuckling)
- Oh well, you can bring
your husbands, too.
Be plenty of food to go around.
- Well, that sounds wonderful, dear.
- Count me in.
- Great.
- Well, can I help with anything?
- You just come hungry.
(women chuckling)
(gentle music)
- She was bored, simple as that.
(tense music)
I mean, just needed something to do.
Can't sit still and let life happen.
- Did she seem happier to you
once she started using again?
- Nah, man.
Train was off the tracks.
When she was clean, you
could have a talk with her,
watch her process thoughts and shit.
(people chattering)
But the last couple of months
it was like having a
conversation with a cat.
You know, I talked to Desi,
I tried to talk to Leddy
and get him to cut her off but
of course that didn't work.
- Leddy?
- Yeah, y'all know Leddy?
That's where she got her fix.
- Is that a first name, Leddy?
- Shit, I don't even know.
- Do you know where he lives?
- Quartstown somewhere.
I never really rode with.
Not really my scene.
- Right.
Did she ever say anything to you
that would lead you to believe
she was having feelings of suicide?
- Well, one day, it was one of those days
she had like a real talky high thing going
and she just would not shut up.
And she said she didn't see
a point of living off drugs.
That's an addict for you.
So it's hard to tell if
she meant anything by it.
- What about Desi though?
- What about him?
- Do you think he could've poisoned her,
wanted her out of his way
so he could concentrate
on staying clean?
- Man, I don't even know,
I don't even know what to say to that.
I mean, me and Desi always been cool.
- But what does your gut tell you
without thinking any harder?
Do you think Desi could
have done this to her?
- No.
I think he really loved that crazy bitch.
(door creaking)
(siren blaring)
- Morning, Mr. Larkin.
- Morning, Mrs. Larkin.
(Desi sniffling)
So when we gonna tell people?
- How 'bout we just keep
it our little secret?
(Desi chuckles)
- [Desi] So I don't have to
buy you a real ring now, right?
- What's wrong with this one?
- Well, I'm so glad you could make it.
- Oh me, too.
You girls do this every Thursday?
- We never miss it.
- It's lovely.
- You're always welcome.
- Thank you so much, April.
- Of course, dear.
Oh and if Desi wants
to find some other time
for that interview at Busters,
I mean, the door is always open for him.
- Oh thank you.
Uh, bye, ladies (chuckling).
- Bye.
- Thanks again.
(birds chirping)
Oh shoot.
- Desi shouldn't be here.
I'm sorry, I mean, it's scary.
It's like bringing a sex
offender into the neighborhood.
- Oh, it's worse than a sex offender.
Sex offenders aren't murderers.
- Wait, so you ladies
think he actually did it.
- Mark said it's all but certain.
He made her dinner and poisoned her food.
- Oh wow, that's terrifying, wha.
- It really shouldn't be a big surprise.
I mean, come on.
There's always been
something off about that boy.
He's been in and out
of rehab all his life.
He's a heroin addict for Christ sakes.
- April, I really wish you
wouldn't have mentioned
our Thursday get-togethers with Rose.
She just, she makes me uncomfortable.
- Mmm, you are not alone.
- Well, she tries, girls.
She just, she's had it rough.
- She should see a therapist or something.
- Mmm, and bring Desi with her.
(Rose sighing)
- Hey, Rose.
- I forgot my phone.
- Oh.
Here you go.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
- Name's Travis Leddy.
Brought in on a possession
charge a few years back
but didn't do any time.
Oh, she was texting him that day.
Sounds like she may have
gone over for a pickup.
- Really?
- Yeah.
I'll send you the conversation.
It was brief.
- Anything else?
- It's interesting.
The guy was a chemical
engineer out of school
but dropped it all and got hard into drugs
a few years back it seems.
- We got an address or anything else?
- That's what I'm still working on.
- All right, (sighs) I'm Jade Larkin.
I don't know my right from
my left in the kitchen.
If I'm gonna poison myself,
I'm gonna need one of two things.
Either a whole lotta research--
- Or a lotta help (chuckles).
- But my laptop doesn't show any research
on poison, cholerin seeds or anything.
- Maybe you were using a
different computer, library?
- (sighs) Do I seem like
a library girl to you?
- Desi's laptop.
- So I find some sort of detailed rundown
on how to extract the
poison, write it all down,
prep it while Desi's at work.
- Sounds like a lotta work (chuckles).
- And we know how I feel about work.
I had, what was it, three
different restaurant jobs
in the last year, none
lasting more than a few weeks.
- Think that's right.
- I don't like work.
If I'm going to kill myself,
I'm gonna make it as simple as possible.
Load up on Xanax, end of story.
- Don't need any cooking skills for that.
- Okay, I'm Desi.
Why would I wanna kill my wife?
- You're trying to stay clean.
She was getting in the way.
- Why not move out,
send her back to rehab?
- You love her.
- Go on.
- You know she doesn't wanna
go right back into rehab.
You leave her, that's what happens.
- So I poison my wife to save
her from going back to rehab.
- You know what it's like.
Two trips to rehab.
How'd it feel going back that second time?
- Imagine I felt like I wanted to die.
- Hello?
Desi?
(drawers clattering)
(Rose panting)
(insects chirping)
(dog barking)
(door clattering)
(crickets chirping)
Hey.
- Hey.
(utensils clattering)
(Rose clears throat)
- Des (clears throat).
I gotta ask you something
and I need you to be honest with me.
- Okay.
- When was the last time that you used?
Hmm?
Were you using with Jade?
- No.
- If you were, please just tell me
because I can't go through this again.
- I said no.
- Then how come there was
a syringe in your room?
- What?
- A syringe.
What was it doing in your room?
- What were you doing in my room?
- (chuckles) It is my house, Desi.
- I know, I know.
- Then have you been using again?
- I haven't used in 3 1/2 years, Mom.
- Then what was it doing in your room?
(Desi sighs)
- It reminds me of her.
And she helped me get off even
though I couldn't help her.
(Rose sighs)
- Well, I don't wanna
see anything like that
in my house ever again, okay?
- Okay.
- I love you, Desi.
You know, but you need to be honest
with me about everything.
- What do you mean "everything"?
- I wanna help you, protect you.
- You think I'm lying about Jade, too?
- No.
What, I didn't say that.
(Rose sighs)
Hey, Desi!
- Knew I couldn't do this shit!
- Where are you going?
Desi, Desi--
- Just stop!
- [Rose] Whoa!
(Rose sighs)
(door banging)
(insects chirping)
(Desi crying)
- Yeah, man.
What you got going on?
- Blast from the motherfucking past.
- Good to see you, man.
- You, too, man.
Shit, sorry about your girl, yo.
(dog barking)
- Thanks, man.
Yeah appreciate it.
- Yo, come on in.
(sultry rock music)
You doing all right?
- Yeah.
I'm holding up.
How 'bout you?
- You know, same old,
just trying to survive.
Shit, he's got a full boat.
- Come on, man.
- What's up, man?
- Hey, I'm Kim.
- Desi.
- Yeah, I've known this kid
since like before I could
even hold a blunt, y'all.
- [Blonde-Haired Man]
What's that, in preschool?
- Yeah, good one.
No, I think I sold you
your first G, right?
- Yeah, pretty sure that was
just some pencil shavings
or some shit.
- Sounds like JD.
- Yeah, you probably right.
- [Blonde-Haired Man] Load ya up?
- Yeah, for sure.
- My niggot.
You hear about Dougie?
- What about him?
- He got laid off from the Tattoo Spot
about a few weeks ago.
Caught him stealing from the register,
fucking dumb fuck.
- No shit?
- Yeah, man.
Think they felt bad for him.
Poor bastard, they just
told him not to come back.
- Here you go, man.
- Probably gonna need this, too.
- [Desi] Thanks.
- Enjoy the ride.
It's some good shit.
- [JD] Best in town.
- [Rose] Desi, Desi.
(sighs) Des.
(Desi breathing heavily)
The detective is here.
She has a warrant to search the house.
She wants to take a look at your room.
(Desi inhales deeply)
(Desi sniffles)
(Desi grunts)
- Oh, and can we also
get a quick hair sample?
- What for?
- You said you haven't
used in over three years.
We just wanna make sure
the story checks out.
- You got a warrant for that, too?
- I don't.
I can't force you, but
it's in your best interest
if you have nothing to hide.
- Sure.
- Thank you.
(footsteps thudding)
- Des.
Desi, it's time to wake up.
Desi.
I think you should wake up.
It's almost one, sweetie.
I think that you should get up.
(Desi sighs)
I made some breakfast for you.
(Desi sighs)
So where were you last night?
- Out.
- Out where?
- Just out.
(Rose sighs heavily)
- Is that drug test gonna
come up positive, Desi?
- Nope.
- Because if she finds out you're lying
about being clean for
the last three years,
she's gonna think you may be
lying about other things, too.
- It's not a lie.
- Even after last night?
- Yeah.
Just went out with some friends.
That okay?
(Rose sighs)
(birds chirping)
(Jade crying)
- Hey.
Desi!
- Fuck!
- What's the point, man?
What the fuck are we doing here?
(wind rustling)
(Desi panting)
(birds chirping)
- So I'm thinking white marble countertops
and black cabinets would
look so much more modern.
I just think granite
came and went, don't you?
- Hmm, yeah.
- What's going on?
- Nancy's helping me remodel the kitchen.
- What for?
Looks fine to me.
- Well, I--
- Well, you just want
something to spend money on.
(Desi sniffles)
- Desi.
- I think it's gonna look really nice.
- Oh, so that's who
it's for, your friends.
- No, Desi, it's for me.
I think it's important to feel inspired
in your own kitchen (chuckles).
- Gotta be a cheaper way to feel inspired.
Kitchen work costs thousands.
- It's worth it to me, Desi.
- Um, I think I better go.
- [Rose] Oh, no, no, Nancy, don't.
- No, it's okay, it's fine.
I'll see you tomorrow.
- [Rose] Okay.
- Peace, Nance.
(door clattering)
(utensils clanking)
- So what did you do today?
- Nothin'.
- Did you think any more about Busters?
April said you could stop by
there anytime for an interview.
- Fuck Busters.
- Well, what are you gonna do, Desi?
I mean, I think it would be really helpful
if you had a job,
(Desi sighing)
give you structure again.
- You know, I don't think
I'm ever gonna work again.
I think I'm just gonna live
with you the rest of my life.
How's that sound?
- Very funny.
- As long as you can live
with remodeling your kitchen
only once every decade.
(Rose sighs)
- You know, I had this
dream a few nights ago--
- Hooray.
- (chuckles) You owned your own place.
It was this Italian restaurant
and you served me and my friends
at a table in the kitchen.
It was a beautiful pasta.
It looked like it came
straight out of the
restaurant in Rome, hmm.
- Some kinda dream.
- You can do it, Desi.
You know, you just need
to put in more time.
Just work harder.
Why don't you just take some
business classes on the side?
I'll pay for it.
- That's okay.
You know school's not
really my thing anyway.
- You liked culinary school.
- That was barely even school.
- Well, you might like
business school, too.
I mean, you'll never know unless you try.
- No.
I know.
(Rose sighs)
- [Detective Lane] Hmm.
- Not seeing anything we
like on the laptop scans.
Nothing on the seeds
or anything on poison.
Lots of recipes and cooking articles
but nothing that really struck me.
Oh, I sent you the report
on all the cholerin seed
cash purchases in the area
in the last two weeks.
You see it?
- I did but I have a question though.
- Sure.
- What are all these yellow ones?
- The ones without surveillance cameras.
- Great.
(melancholy music)
(knocker tapping)
(birds chirping)
- Hey, Rose.
- Hey.
Do you think I could borrow
those serving trays from you?
- Oh, of course, just a second.
- Here you go.
- Thanks so much.
So I'll see you at seven?
- Um, you know, actually,
I'm not feeling too well.
Bill's under the weather, too,
so I think we're gonna stay in tonight.
- Oh.
- I'm sorry but I hope you
guys have a great time.
- Okay.
Thanks.
- Sure.
And let me know if there's
anything you need, Rose.
Happy Birthday.
- Thank you.
- Okay, okay.
Asparagus.
Seams straight.
Okay, so
gotta line this up.
(Rose sighs)
- How's it coming?
- [Rose] Hey.
(Desi sighs)
- Shrimp scampi, huh?
- Yeah, yeah, shrimp's defrosting there.
- So.
How many people we expecting?
- Uh, should have four.
Was supposed to be six but, you know,
some last-minute cancellations.
- Well, four's a nice number.
Don't have to prepare as much.
(Rose chuckles)
- (sighs) I just, you
know, I want everyone
to have a good time.
- Why?
It's your night.
I mean, look, Mom, you shouldn't
even be working like this.
- No, no, no, please.
- Here, let me do this
all right, Mom.
- Oh please, please.
I need something to keep me busy.
I got it, thank you.
- All right.
(Rose sighs)
(Rose sighs)
(gentle music)
- Hi, come on in.
- Let me see.
- Oh, thank you.
Oh, you shouldn't have done that.
- Oh, well now.
- Come on in and welcome.
- Hey, good to see you.
- Muah, muah.
(women chattering)
(women laughing)
- Oh, that's true.
(men chattering)
- So, Rose, any plans
for tomorrow morning?
I mean it is your first
full day of your 60s.
- (laughing) Please don't even say that.
(Diane chuckling)
- Well, if you're free, Nancy and I
are going shopping at Bradford's.
They have their new fall line.
I heard it is wonderful.
- Bradford's is always
just more of the same.
- No, no, no.
I'd love to.
I always enjoy their catalogs.
Sorry (chuckles).
- Don't apologize.
She doesn't like anything out there.
I mean, she is so hard to shop with.
- Oh yes, it's true, it's true.
(women laughing)
(utensils clattering)
- Well, dig in, everyone.
- Oh, Rose, would you like
me to make a plate for you?
- Oh, that would be great.
Thanks.
- You're welcome.
- Oh my God, this is amazing.
- Great.
Well, Desi took charge of the shrimp
so you can thank him for that.
- Desi cooked the shrimp?
- Yeah, he did pretty much everything.
He's got the magic touch.
- So were you in the
kitchen with him, sweetie?
Did you help him?
- Oh of course.
But I only pretty much
watched for everything.
(Rose laughing)
- So you did watch.
- Yeah, I did.
Why?
- They think I poisoned them
just like I poisoned my wife.
- Desi!
- No, no, no.
- No, no, no, that's not true.
We were just curious.
- Sure, always good to know
if you're being poisoned.
- Can we just pass, please.
- Well, Desi, everything looks great.
You should go to culinary
school, make a career of it.
- You know, that's a
great idea there, Mike.
- Desi.
Actually, Michael, he did
go to culinary school.
He went to CIM.
- What's that?
- The Culinary Institute in Muskegon.
It's a wonderful school.
- Great.
- It's basically the
Harvard of the Midwest.
- Desi, Robert is going to
be in town next weekend.
You remember Robert, don't you, Desi.
- Your son, Robert?
Of course I do.
What do you think I got like
shock therapy or something?
- Desi!
- It's okay.
We hardly remember him ourselves.
I mean, he's barely here.
Anyway, he's starting a new company
and it makes apps for
phones and they have raised
a ton of funds, right?
- Half a million dollars.
- Yeah.
- Wow.
- Oh wonderful.
- Right, yeah.
- Wow.
- He's so excited.
In fact, they're gonna be hiring soon
and I could see if he needs some help.
- Well, what, for me?
- Well, I know it's not
exactly your line of work.
- Yeah, not exactly.
- Well but--
- But you'd love to see me work
for your poster child son, right?
- Desi!
April is just trying to help.
- Yeah, Desi, I was just trying to help.
- You're trying to help yourself
feel good about reaching a hand out
to your friend's druggie son.
- Desi!
- No, he--
- It's just an idea, Desi.
- Oh sorry, Steve.
And sorry I couldn't
join the Busters crew.
You guys still serving those soggy fries
and frozen meat patties?
- Business is fine.
You know, it's too bad
you're so far above us.
We could've used you on the team.
- You know, April was telling
me about this great book
that she read last week.
What was it called again, dear?
- Oh, um...
(crickets chirping)
(Rose crying)
(light knocking)
(door creaking)
- Yeah?
- Hi, I'm looking for Leddy.
Is he here?
- Yo, Leddy.
You got a visitor, man.
- [Leddy] I'm not deaf, motherfucker.
Send 'em in.
- All right.
(soft jazzy music)
- [Man In Hoodie] Thanks, man.
- You Leddy?
- Don't worry, I got a license for it.
- For selling weed outta your house?
- It's 2017, lady, loosen up.
We'll be selling weed out of
liquor stores soon enough.
- Well, they aren't yet.
- Why don't you get to the questions?
Figure this ain't a drug bust.
- What do you think this is?
- Jade Larkin was over
here the day she kicked it.
Figured someone like
you would come through
see if I knew a thing or two.
- Do you?
- I figure you're best off
looking at that hubby of hers.
She bitched about him
every time she was in here.
- About what exactly?
- Ah about how much he worked,
how he thought he was better
than her for not getting high,
shit like that.
- Was she a good customer?
- Good as any.
- You're a wine drinker?
- Look like I got a pair
of tits and a Gucci purse?
- Listen, pal, this may be funny to you,
but as far as we know, you
were the second-to-last person
to see Jade Larkin alive.
Don't leave town because if you do,
we'll have a warrant out for your arrest
before you could reach state lines.
- Second-to-last person.
I hear that right?
- Yeah, and?
- If I was you, I'd
focus on the last person.
(somber music)
They teach you that in Cops
101 or were you too busy
sleeping with the professor?
Nighty night.
(birds chirping)
(gentle music)
- [April] Hey, Rose.
- Hey.
- Hope you had fun last night.
- Yeah, it was fun.
What are you doing?
- Oh, just enjoying the day.
- Oh.
- Hope you have a good workout.
- Thanks.
(people chattering)
- Thanks for having me, man.
Got anything going on tonight?
- Nothin', just chilling a
couple hours before work.
- I'm good, man.
- Ah shit, right, my bad, yo.
- Yeah, no problem.
- Yo, try and get in?
- Sure.
- What are you doing for work these days?
- Nothin'.
- I can get you down at the Pizza Spot
if you feel like delivering,
cooking pies or something.
- (chuckles) That might be all right.
Could use a job where I
could just go on autopilot.
- Right, I feel ya on that.
It's the only kinda work
I can do these days.
Like, my boss tells me to use my brain.
I'm like, bitch, my brain's for my time.
(Desi laughing)
- It's been like four years
where I didn't chill with anyone, man.
Ain't that sad?
- Nah, man, people suck.
Sounds pretty good to me.
(Desi sighs)
- I had to stay clean, man.
For me, for my mom.
But it's tough, man, you know.
Like seeing other people get high,
it's so hard for me not to wanna join in.
Like, I need it to feel
comfortable around people.
You get that?
- Yeah, man, I feel ya.
Like, you can chill here any time you want
whether or not you're getting high.
Just don't come here
with any of them speeches
about quitting weed or getting off spike
or any of that shit.
Fucking, I can't imagine
a life straight, man.
Sounds like a nightmare.
- Sure man, thanks.
(crickets chirping)
- He's the kind of guy
who would kill a person
just for kicks, like a drug rush.
- Why Jade though?
- He knew we'd look to Desi.
Broken marriage, constant fighting.
Leddy would be just an
afterthought, a footnote.
- How would he have done it,
you know, get the wine to Jade?
- If he knew she was a wine drinker,
he could've just given her the bottle
as a gift or something.
- Where's the fingerprints?
- Well, he could've
handled it with gloves on
while he prepared the poison.
Wouldn't be hard to do if you plan it out
and don't wanna get caught.
- True.
- So where are we at here?
- This is Florence Gardens.
Cholerin seed purchase at
11:15 a.m. on the third.
Just a few more places after this one.
- Wait, go back.
- Huh?
- Rewind five seconds.
Stop.
- Holy shit!
- Desi.
(Desi sighs)
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Hungry?
- Sure.
- Great, have a seat.
- Listen,
about your birthday.
I'm sorry.
- That's all right.
I don't think parties are your thing.
(Desi chuckles)
- Yeah, you got that right.
Thanks.
- Sure.
- You already eat?
- I'm not really hungry yet.
I had a late lunch.
- You okay?
- She was free falling.
- What?
- And she just dragged you down with her.
- (clears throat) Who?
- I can't take it again,
Desi, I just can't.
- (clears throat) Take what?
- (crying) Another one
of your drug cycles.
I mean, they tear me apart.
- (coughing) The drug cycles.
What?
(Desi coughing)
- I not--
- What is that?
(Desi coughing)
- I thought that with Jade gone
that you would have a
chance to be clean again.
You know you were doing so much better
before she started using.
And I just thought...
(Rose crying)
- No.
(table rattling)
- Trying to help--
- By killing her?
- You didn't love her.
- What did you do?
- She used you.
(Desi coughing)
She abused you just like your drugs
and I couldn't take it anymore.
- Please, please, oh.
- God help me.
(Rose crying)
(Desi choking)
(Desi coughing)
(Desi gagging)
(Desi coughing)
- I love you.
(Desi panting)
(Rose crying)
(phone keypad beeping)
(phone ringing)
- [Operator] 9-1-1, what's your emergency?
- It's my son.
(somber music)
(hospital announcer chattering)
(birds chirping)
(phone buzzing)
- We got her?
(Detective Lane sighs)
- Thanks for being here for me, girls.
- Sure, dear.
(car door thudding)
But you really should eat something, okay?
- Okay.
(light knocking)
Oh, could you get that, Nance?
- Of course.
- Thank you.
(April sighing)
You know, I thought he was getting better.
I thought I could save him.
- Some people are just beyond saving.
- He told me that he was
so happy to be back home.
(Rose sniffles)
- Rose.
- Yeah?
- It's a detective.
She said she wants to speak with you.
- Oh, no, no.
No, not now.
Could you just tell her
to come back tomorrow
or just give me a call?
- (sighs) Sure.
- Oh.
- What do you think
she wanted, dear?
- I don't know.
It's very rude of her to come over here
at a time like this, don't you think?
I mean, she should have a little respect.
- [Diane] I agree, very disrespectful.
- Yeah.
- Oh.
- Rose.
- Rose, it's time for
your guests to leave.
(police radio chattering)
- You have some nerve coming
over here this evening.
You know very well that my
son just took his own life.
- Don't make this harder
than it has to be.
- What?
- You're under arrest
for the murder of Desi and Jade Larkin.
- [Diane] What?
- What?
(police radio chattering)
- [April] This is insanity.
- Excuse me, ma'am.
- I can't believe it.
Think I'm gonna be sick.
(sighs)
- [Officer] Please put your
hands behind your back.
(handcuffs clacking)
(handcuffs clicking)
- Oh.
- You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can and
will be used against you
in a court of law.
- On what grounds is this happening?
Is this pure speculation?
- Trust me, ma'am, it's not.
- Stay as long as you like, ladies.
I'll be right back, I'm sure of it.
- It's one hell of an act, Rose.
- You don't know a thing
about me, Detective,
what I've gone through.
Ladies, it was so nice
being with you here tonight.
Thank you.
(somber music)
Wait.
April.
- Rose.
- Just a moment.
(police radio chattering)
- Yes, dear.
- Am I a good host?
- Of course, dear.
You're a fantastic host.
- You really are.
- We love dining with you.
- All right, let's go.
(wind whistling)
(crickets chirping)
- You're a fantastic host.
(Rose crying)
(somber music)
(melancholy orchestral music)
(gentle music)
(Rose panting)
- Hey, Nancy.
- Mornin', Rose.
- [April] Wow, Rose.
- [Diane] Oh, yes please.
- This all looks amazing.
- [Diane] Mmm hmm.
- Thank you.
Don't be bashful.
- Oh, don't you worry.
- So, tell me, Rose, how do you
keep this place so pristine?
I mean, it is spotless.
- I run a pretty tight ship.
- You mean you clean this place yourself?
- You don't have a cleaning lady?
- Well, we did back when
Bruce and I were both so busy,
but I just do it all myself now.
- You should hire some help, dear,
I mean just to save
yourself the stress, right?
- I don't know.
I really don't mind.
Gives me something to do.
- [Diane] I wish my
place looked like this.
- Oh, Diane, your place looks fine.
Mary does a great job.
We share the same cleaning lady.
- Oh.
- This is sublime, Rose, mmm.
- Thank you.
And thank you guys for coming.
It's been a rough couple of days.
- I can't imagine.
I mean how are you holding up, dear?
- Well, I am still pretty shaken up,
but I'm managing.
I wish I could say the
same thing for Desi though.
He's a wreck.
Poor boy.
- [April] Oh, you poor dear.
- I put in my last day
at the office yesterday.
I told 'em it was just time, you know.
I mean, my boy needs me
and I just need some time for myself.
I couldn't concentrate
on the work anymore.
- So does this mean that you are--
- Officially retired.
- (laughing) Well, that's exciting.
- It is.
I mean, I've spent my whole
life working long hours.
I'm just so happy to be
able to make my own schedule
from here forward.
- Well, that is the right decision.
- I think so, too.
- Well, cheers to no more
work and a happy retirement.
- Cheers.
(glasses clinking)
- Cheers.
(door clattering)
Hello?
Hey.
- Hey.
Is it okay if I stay here for a bit?
- Of course.
(Rose sighs)
You hungry?
- You went a little
heavy on the sauce there.
- Maybe you just put extra sauce on it.
- Coulda cooked the meat a bit longer.
- So how was your day?
You gone back to work yet?
- Quit.
- Really?
- Boss called today,
asked if I was coming in.
Told him my wife killed
herself three days ago.
Don't really feel like
cooking overpriced eggs
for rich people anymore.
- Well, guess what?
- [Desi] What?
- I quit my job, too.
We can be unemployed together.
- You fucking with me?
- Desi, please don't use that word.
- For real though.
- (sighs) I've been
thinking about retiring
for the past few months.
I don't know, I just feel like now
is the right time, you know?
There's more important
things to life than work.
- What are you gonna do?
- Well, I'm gonna have
more time for myself
and spend more time with my friends.
Most of them don't work anymore.
- Or never did.
- Right.
And hopefully spend more time with you.
- Man, imagine all the
adventures we're gonna have.
(Rose chuckles)
- Desi, I'm so happy that
you decided to come home.
I didn't like the thought
of you being alone.
- Thanks.
(crickets chirping)
(wind rustling)
(light knocking)
- Need anything?
- Think I'm good.
- Okay.
I'm just gonna go read in bed.
See you tomorrow.
- Night.
- Good night.
She was such a sweetheart, Des,
and you were so good to her.
- Thanks, Mom.
- Anything that you need, all right,
even if you just wanna talk.
- Yeah thanks.
- I love you.
- I love you, too, Mom.
(Desi sighing)
(slow tense music)
- Hank knew from the start
there was something off about him.
We told her to be careful with him, but...
- Tell her about the shoulder.
(gentle music)
- What's that?
- Last week we went over,
saw this bruise on the
back of her shoulder,
her neck really.
Asked her what happened
and she just didn't say anything.
- [Hank] She didn't need to.
- We knew they were fighting.
- About what?
(gentle tense music)
- (sighs) He was using again.
She worked so hard to
get over her addiction.
Yet here he was getting
high right in front of her.
- We told her to get
out of there, come home.
- She hated admitting we were right
especially after we warned
her about Desi from the start.
(Hank sniffles)
- Was Jade much of a cook.
(both chuckling)
- She wouldn't know a
microwave from the stove.
I tried to teach her a thing or two,
but she just had no interest.
- I think she liked having
people cook for her.
Maybe that's what she saw in him.
He's a chef.
- Right.
Had she ever attempted suicide
or mention the thought?
- No.
- Never.
We know she took some
missteps in her life,
but she never woulda
left us that abruptly.
She had too big of a heart.
(distant sirens blaring)
(gentle music)
(suspenseful music)
(phone ringing)
(people chattering)
- We on the John Doe from last night?
- No, find everything we
have on the Larkin case
and bring it to me.
- The suicide?
- That's what we're going to find out.
- Thought they wanted
to pass over that one.
- Only because they
barely covered the scene.
The husband, Desi Larkin,
he's the one who found the body.
He made the call.
Jade's parents say that he was relapsing
and the two were fighting constantly.
- What did he say?
- He's my next stop.
Moved back into his parents' house,
or his mother's house, Rose
Larkin, Huntington Woods.
- Dad not in the picture?
- Died of cancer four years ago
right before Desi's last stint in rehab,
right before these two lovebirds met.
- Where'd the report say
she was before he found her?
- Just taking a walk.
(shower pattering)
- How's it feel?
(air whooshing)
(birds chirping)
- Morning.
- Morning.
- So my friend April, her husband Steve,
he owns Busters, you know
that family restaurant
over there on Lincoln.
I think that you know it.
Anyway, he said that
they could use a new chef
on the line and they'd
be happy to take you
for an interview today
anytime before five.
Ha, you're just working
out a few shifts a week.
April said she thought
it would be a great way
for you to get back on your feet again.
- Well, April knows best.
- Oh, she is so supportive.
Anyway, I figured you
could use some new clothes
for the interview so.
Oh, Desi.
Oh you'd look so good in this.
No?
You like the maroon one better?
Let me see, yeah.
Yeah, that's a little bit more stylish.
(Rose laughing)
(loud knocking)
I'll tell you what.
(tongue clicking) You pick, okay?
- Right.
Thanks.
- Of course.
Oh, I put some ointment
on the nightstand for you.
I noticed that your arm
still hasn't healed.
(birds chirping)
Hello?
- Hi, Mrs. Larkin?
- Yes.
- I'm Detective Lane.
I'm looking for your son Desi.
Is he around?
- I'm sorry, is he expecting you?
- No, ma'am.
I'm just here to ask him a few questions
about his wife's passing.
My deepest condolences by the way.
- Okay.
What kind of questions?
- (chuckles) I really just need
to speak with your son, ma'am.
Shouldn't take long.
- Well, he's just getting up,
but I'll see if I can get him.
Come on in.
- Thank you.
- You can grab a seat.
He'll be right down.
- Oh, thank you.
- (sighs) Hey.
- [Detective Lane] Desi.
Detective Lane.
- Yeah, hey.
- Is there some place we
can talk more private?
So sorry about your wife, Desi.
I can't imagine what you're going through.
- Thanks.
It's been tough.
- I'm sure.
So first I'd like to clear up a few things
from the police report.
You wanna walk me through what happened
last Friday night starting at 7 p.m.?
- Sure.
So seven, that's about when we had dinner.
- What'd you have?
- Just some pasta.
- You cooked?
- I did.
- [Detective Lane] And that was typical?
- Yeah, I'm a chef.
Or I was a chef.
I'm not working right now,
but that's my field I guess.
- [Detective Lane] What kind of pasta?
- It's a new recipe I was trying.
- Did you have anything
to drink with your dinner?
- Just water.
- No wine?
Really?
With pasta on a Friday night.
- I don't drink anymore.
Never was much of a wine drinker anyway.
Gave me headaches.
- What about Jade though?
Did she appreciate a nice glass of wine?
- She did, yeah.
You could say it was her drink
especially when she was shooting up.
Her favorite combo.
- Had she been shooting
up at all recently?
- (sighs) Last few months
were getting pretty bad.
- Really?
Was she high that night?
(eerie music)
Were you high?
- No.
3 1/2 years clean.
(eerie music)
- Congratulations.
- Thanks.
- Okay, so what happened
next after dinner?
- Um (sniffles) so
after dinner I just went for a walk.
- Alone?
- Just needed to get out.
- Where did you go on this walk?
- Just around.
- For how long?
- 30 minutes, maybe less, I don't know.
- Okay and then what happened next?
- I get back home
(door creaking)
and
that's when I found her
just lying there in the kitchen.
- Were you surprised
to find her like that?
- Of course I was.
My heart dropped.
- Where'd you get that
scratch on your arm?
- Oh.
I just scraped it against
the counter at work.
- (sighs) Oh God.
- Real stupid (sniffles).
- Okay.
One more thing.
Do you know what this is?
- Looks like some kinda seed.
- It's called a cholerin seed.
When several of these seeds
are ground, heated, and refined,
a powerful poison is extracted.
Even the smallest dose is enough
to kill a person within minutes.
This is the poison we found in
your wine bottle that night.
This is the poison that tests revealed
was in Jade's system.
Have you ever seen any of
these seeds in your kitchen?
- Never.
(door thudding)
- How'd it go?
- Hell did you come from?
- I wanted to make sure you were okay.
- What, so you were listening in?
- [Rose] You shouldn't have
lied to her about your arm.
What if she finds out?
- She won't.
- You should be telling her the truth
about everything because if you don't--
- She's gonna think I murdered my wife.
Yeah, I got it.
(gentle music)
(Desi sighs)
So this every day now?
(birds chirping)
- Well let's see, he's in Kenya right now
and then off to Tanzania after that.
- David spent time
volunteering in Tanzania.
- You know I think Theresa
stopped there, too.
- Bless them all.
Now, how long is Jacob
gonna be over there?
- Well, he was supposed
to be there till December,
but last I heard from him it sounds
like he's gonna be extending
his trip by a few months.
So who knows.
He is having a fabulous time.
We may never see our son again.
(all chuckling)
- Well, it must be so rewarding.
- Theresa said it was the
best choice she ever made.
- Well, I have a little
announcement to make, too.
April, you and I already talked about it,
but Becca got into the
graduate program at Stanford.
(Diane giggling)
- [Women] Oh.
- She's through the roof, oh.
She can't believe it but I told her
with that application she sent in,
there was no way they'd turn her down.
I mean, top 1% of the GRE.
Let's see, straight As at U of M.
I mean, come on, she was
a shoo-in (chuckles).
- [Renee] So she'll be
studying microbiology?
- Yep, getting her masters.
- Oh, I remember that little girl
when she couldn't even
pronounce microbiology.
(women laughing)
- Well, it's not a surprise.
She's such a bright girl.
- Oh, thank you.
- So, Rose.
How is Desi doing?
I mean, it must be really
nice to have him home.
(cup clanking)
- He's getting there, you know.
I'm very glad that he made
the choice to come home
so I can take care of him.
- So what's going on
with the investigation?
Renee told me he's a suspect now.
- Well, it was on the
news and in the papers
that they're looking at him.
They suspect some foul play.
- Oh, no, that is nonsense.
He loved her.
He's so heartbroken.
You know, he can't even talk about her
without just breaking down.
I'm just trying to do
what I can do to help.
- Well, let us know if
you need any help, dear.
- I will.
Thank you.
My birthday (clears throat).
- What, what's that?
- Sunday is my 60th.
Hoo, I can hardly believe that.
(Rose chuckling)
(April sighs)
So I was gonna make some shrimp scampi
and serve some hors d'oeuvres
and I would love it if
you girls could come over.
- Well, you had me at shrimp.
(women chuckling)
- Oh well, you can bring
your husbands, too.
Be plenty of food to go around.
- Well, that sounds wonderful, dear.
- Count me in.
- Great.
- Well, can I help with anything?
- You just come hungry.
(women chuckling)
(gentle music)
- She was bored, simple as that.
(tense music)
I mean, just needed something to do.
Can't sit still and let life happen.
- Did she seem happier to you
once she started using again?
- Nah, man.
Train was off the tracks.
When she was clean, you
could have a talk with her,
watch her process thoughts and shit.
(people chattering)
But the last couple of months
it was like having a
conversation with a cat.
You know, I talked to Desi,
I tried to talk to Leddy
and get him to cut her off but
of course that didn't work.
- Leddy?
- Yeah, y'all know Leddy?
That's where she got her fix.
- Is that a first name, Leddy?
- Shit, I don't even know.
- Do you know where he lives?
- Quartstown somewhere.
I never really rode with.
Not really my scene.
- Right.
Did she ever say anything to you
that would lead you to believe
she was having feelings of suicide?
- Well, one day, it was one of those days
she had like a real talky high thing going
and she just would not shut up.
And she said she didn't see
a point of living off drugs.
That's an addict for you.
So it's hard to tell if
she meant anything by it.
- What about Desi though?
- What about him?
- Do you think he could've poisoned her,
wanted her out of his way
so he could concentrate
on staying clean?
- Man, I don't even know,
I don't even know what to say to that.
I mean, me and Desi always been cool.
- But what does your gut tell you
without thinking any harder?
Do you think Desi could
have done this to her?
- No.
I think he really loved that crazy bitch.
(door creaking)
(siren blaring)
- Morning, Mr. Larkin.
- Morning, Mrs. Larkin.
(Desi sniffling)
So when we gonna tell people?
- How 'bout we just keep
it our little secret?
(Desi chuckles)
- [Desi] So I don't have to
buy you a real ring now, right?
- What's wrong with this one?
- Well, I'm so glad you could make it.
- Oh me, too.
You girls do this every Thursday?
- We never miss it.
- It's lovely.
- You're always welcome.
- Thank you so much, April.
- Of course, dear.
Oh and if Desi wants
to find some other time
for that interview at Busters,
I mean, the door is always open for him.
- Oh thank you.
Uh, bye, ladies (chuckling).
- Bye.
- Thanks again.
(birds chirping)
Oh shoot.
- Desi shouldn't be here.
I'm sorry, I mean, it's scary.
It's like bringing a sex
offender into the neighborhood.
- Oh, it's worse than a sex offender.
Sex offenders aren't murderers.
- Wait, so you ladies
think he actually did it.
- Mark said it's all but certain.
He made her dinner and poisoned her food.
- Oh wow, that's terrifying, wha.
- It really shouldn't be a big surprise.
I mean, come on.
There's always been
something off about that boy.
He's been in and out
of rehab all his life.
He's a heroin addict for Christ sakes.
- April, I really wish you
wouldn't have mentioned
our Thursday get-togethers with Rose.
She just, she makes me uncomfortable.
- Mmm, you are not alone.
- Well, she tries, girls.
She just, she's had it rough.
- She should see a therapist or something.
- Mmm, and bring Desi with her.
(Rose sighing)
- Hey, Rose.
- I forgot my phone.
- Oh.
Here you go.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
- Name's Travis Leddy.
Brought in on a possession
charge a few years back
but didn't do any time.
Oh, she was texting him that day.
Sounds like she may have
gone over for a pickup.
- Really?
- Yeah.
I'll send you the conversation.
It was brief.
- Anything else?
- It's interesting.
The guy was a chemical
engineer out of school
but dropped it all and got hard into drugs
a few years back it seems.
- We got an address or anything else?
- That's what I'm still working on.
- All right, (sighs) I'm Jade Larkin.
I don't know my right from
my left in the kitchen.
If I'm gonna poison myself,
I'm gonna need one of two things.
Either a whole lotta research--
- Or a lotta help (chuckles).
- But my laptop doesn't show any research
on poison, cholerin seeds or anything.
- Maybe you were using a
different computer, library?
- (sighs) Do I seem like
a library girl to you?
- Desi's laptop.
- So I find some sort of detailed rundown
on how to extract the
poison, write it all down,
prep it while Desi's at work.
- Sounds like a lotta work (chuckles).
- And we know how I feel about work.
I had, what was it, three
different restaurant jobs
in the last year, none
lasting more than a few weeks.
- Think that's right.
- I don't like work.
If I'm going to kill myself,
I'm gonna make it as simple as possible.
Load up on Xanax, end of story.
- Don't need any cooking skills for that.
- Okay, I'm Desi.
Why would I wanna kill my wife?
- You're trying to stay clean.
She was getting in the way.
- Why not move out,
send her back to rehab?
- You love her.
- Go on.
- You know she doesn't wanna
go right back into rehab.
You leave her, that's what happens.
- So I poison my wife to save
her from going back to rehab.
- You know what it's like.
Two trips to rehab.
How'd it feel going back that second time?
- Imagine I felt like I wanted to die.
- Hello?
Desi?
(drawers clattering)
(Rose panting)
(insects chirping)
(dog barking)
(door clattering)
(crickets chirping)
Hey.
- Hey.
(utensils clattering)
(Rose clears throat)
- Des (clears throat).
I gotta ask you something
and I need you to be honest with me.
- Okay.
- When was the last time that you used?
Hmm?
Were you using with Jade?
- No.
- If you were, please just tell me
because I can't go through this again.
- I said no.
- Then how come there was
a syringe in your room?
- What?
- A syringe.
What was it doing in your room?
- What were you doing in my room?
- (chuckles) It is my house, Desi.
- I know, I know.
- Then have you been using again?
- I haven't used in 3 1/2 years, Mom.
- Then what was it doing in your room?
(Desi sighs)
- It reminds me of her.
And she helped me get off even
though I couldn't help her.
(Rose sighs)
- Well, I don't wanna
see anything like that
in my house ever again, okay?
- Okay.
- I love you, Desi.
You know, but you need to be honest
with me about everything.
- What do you mean "everything"?
- I wanna help you, protect you.
- You think I'm lying about Jade, too?
- No.
What, I didn't say that.
(Rose sighs)
Hey, Desi!
- Knew I couldn't do this shit!
- Where are you going?
Desi, Desi--
- Just stop!
- [Rose] Whoa!
(Rose sighs)
(door banging)
(insects chirping)
(Desi crying)
- Yeah, man.
What you got going on?
- Blast from the motherfucking past.
- Good to see you, man.
- You, too, man.
Shit, sorry about your girl, yo.
(dog barking)
- Thanks, man.
Yeah appreciate it.
- Yo, come on in.
(sultry rock music)
You doing all right?
- Yeah.
I'm holding up.
How 'bout you?
- You know, same old,
just trying to survive.
Shit, he's got a full boat.
- Come on, man.
- What's up, man?
- Hey, I'm Kim.
- Desi.
- Yeah, I've known this kid
since like before I could
even hold a blunt, y'all.
- [Blonde-Haired Man]
What's that, in preschool?
- Yeah, good one.
No, I think I sold you
your first G, right?
- Yeah, pretty sure that was
just some pencil shavings
or some shit.
- Sounds like JD.
- Yeah, you probably right.
- [Blonde-Haired Man] Load ya up?
- Yeah, for sure.
- My niggot.
You hear about Dougie?
- What about him?
- He got laid off from the Tattoo Spot
about a few weeks ago.
Caught him stealing from the register,
fucking dumb fuck.
- No shit?
- Yeah, man.
Think they felt bad for him.
Poor bastard, they just
told him not to come back.
- Here you go, man.
- Probably gonna need this, too.
- [Desi] Thanks.
- Enjoy the ride.
It's some good shit.
- [JD] Best in town.
- [Rose] Desi, Desi.
(sighs) Des.
(Desi breathing heavily)
The detective is here.
She has a warrant to search the house.
She wants to take a look at your room.
(Desi inhales deeply)
(Desi sniffles)
(Desi grunts)
- Oh, and can we also
get a quick hair sample?
- What for?
- You said you haven't
used in over three years.
We just wanna make sure
the story checks out.
- You got a warrant for that, too?
- I don't.
I can't force you, but
it's in your best interest
if you have nothing to hide.
- Sure.
- Thank you.
(footsteps thudding)
- Des.
Desi, it's time to wake up.
Desi.
I think you should wake up.
It's almost one, sweetie.
I think that you should get up.
(Desi sighs)
I made some breakfast for you.
(Desi sighs)
So where were you last night?
- Out.
- Out where?
- Just out.
(Rose sighs heavily)
- Is that drug test gonna
come up positive, Desi?
- Nope.
- Because if she finds out you're lying
about being clean for
the last three years,
she's gonna think you may be
lying about other things, too.
- It's not a lie.
- Even after last night?
- Yeah.
Just went out with some friends.
That okay?
(Rose sighs)
(birds chirping)
(Jade crying)
- Hey.
Desi!
- Fuck!
- What's the point, man?
What the fuck are we doing here?
(wind rustling)
(Desi panting)
(birds chirping)
- So I'm thinking white marble countertops
and black cabinets would
look so much more modern.
I just think granite
came and went, don't you?
- Hmm, yeah.
- What's going on?
- Nancy's helping me remodel the kitchen.
- What for?
Looks fine to me.
- Well, I--
- Well, you just want
something to spend money on.
(Desi sniffles)
- Desi.
- I think it's gonna look really nice.
- Oh, so that's who
it's for, your friends.
- No, Desi, it's for me.
I think it's important to feel inspired
in your own kitchen (chuckles).
- Gotta be a cheaper way to feel inspired.
Kitchen work costs thousands.
- It's worth it to me, Desi.
- Um, I think I better go.
- [Rose] Oh, no, no, Nancy, don't.
- No, it's okay, it's fine.
I'll see you tomorrow.
- [Rose] Okay.
- Peace, Nance.
(door clattering)
(utensils clanking)
- So what did you do today?
- Nothin'.
- Did you think any more about Busters?
April said you could stop by
there anytime for an interview.
- Fuck Busters.
- Well, what are you gonna do, Desi?
I mean, I think it would be really helpful
if you had a job,
(Desi sighing)
give you structure again.
- You know, I don't think
I'm ever gonna work again.
I think I'm just gonna live
with you the rest of my life.
How's that sound?
- Very funny.
- As long as you can live
with remodeling your kitchen
only once every decade.
(Rose sighs)
- You know, I had this
dream a few nights ago--
- Hooray.
- (chuckles) You owned your own place.
It was this Italian restaurant
and you served me and my friends
at a table in the kitchen.
It was a beautiful pasta.
It looked like it came
straight out of the
restaurant in Rome, hmm.
- Some kinda dream.
- You can do it, Desi.
You know, you just need
to put in more time.
Just work harder.
Why don't you just take some
business classes on the side?
I'll pay for it.
- That's okay.
You know school's not
really my thing anyway.
- You liked culinary school.
- That was barely even school.
- Well, you might like
business school, too.
I mean, you'll never know unless you try.
- No.
I know.
(Rose sighs)
- [Detective Lane] Hmm.
- Not seeing anything we
like on the laptop scans.
Nothing on the seeds
or anything on poison.
Lots of recipes and cooking articles
but nothing that really struck me.
Oh, I sent you the report
on all the cholerin seed
cash purchases in the area
in the last two weeks.
You see it?
- I did but I have a question though.
- Sure.
- What are all these yellow ones?
- The ones without surveillance cameras.
- Great.
(melancholy music)
(knocker tapping)
(birds chirping)
- Hey, Rose.
- Hey.
Do you think I could borrow
those serving trays from you?
- Oh, of course, just a second.
- Here you go.
- Thanks so much.
So I'll see you at seven?
- Um, you know, actually,
I'm not feeling too well.
Bill's under the weather, too,
so I think we're gonna stay in tonight.
- Oh.
- I'm sorry but I hope you
guys have a great time.
- Okay.
Thanks.
- Sure.
And let me know if there's
anything you need, Rose.
Happy Birthday.
- Thank you.
- Okay, okay.
Asparagus.
Seams straight.
Okay, so
gotta line this up.
(Rose sighs)
- How's it coming?
- [Rose] Hey.
(Desi sighs)
- Shrimp scampi, huh?
- Yeah, yeah, shrimp's defrosting there.
- So.
How many people we expecting?
- Uh, should have four.
Was supposed to be six but, you know,
some last-minute cancellations.
- Well, four's a nice number.
Don't have to prepare as much.
(Rose chuckles)
- (sighs) I just, you
know, I want everyone
to have a good time.
- Why?
It's your night.
I mean, look, Mom, you shouldn't
even be working like this.
- No, no, no, please.
- Here, let me do this
all right, Mom.
- Oh please, please.
I need something to keep me busy.
I got it, thank you.
- All right.
(Rose sighs)
(Rose sighs)
(gentle music)
- Hi, come on in.
- Let me see.
- Oh, thank you.
Oh, you shouldn't have done that.
- Oh, well now.
- Come on in and welcome.
- Hey, good to see you.
- Muah, muah.
(women chattering)
(women laughing)
- Oh, that's true.
(men chattering)
- So, Rose, any plans
for tomorrow morning?
I mean it is your first
full day of your 60s.
- (laughing) Please don't even say that.
(Diane chuckling)
- Well, if you're free, Nancy and I
are going shopping at Bradford's.
They have their new fall line.
I heard it is wonderful.
- Bradford's is always
just more of the same.
- No, no, no.
I'd love to.
I always enjoy their catalogs.
Sorry (chuckles).
- Don't apologize.
She doesn't like anything out there.
I mean, she is so hard to shop with.
- Oh yes, it's true, it's true.
(women laughing)
(utensils clattering)
- Well, dig in, everyone.
- Oh, Rose, would you like
me to make a plate for you?
- Oh, that would be great.
Thanks.
- You're welcome.
- Oh my God, this is amazing.
- Great.
Well, Desi took charge of the shrimp
so you can thank him for that.
- Desi cooked the shrimp?
- Yeah, he did pretty much everything.
He's got the magic touch.
- So were you in the
kitchen with him, sweetie?
Did you help him?
- Oh of course.
But I only pretty much
watched for everything.
(Rose laughing)
- So you did watch.
- Yeah, I did.
Why?
- They think I poisoned them
just like I poisoned my wife.
- Desi!
- No, no, no.
- No, no, no, that's not true.
We were just curious.
- Sure, always good to know
if you're being poisoned.
- Can we just pass, please.
- Well, Desi, everything looks great.
You should go to culinary
school, make a career of it.
- You know, that's a
great idea there, Mike.
- Desi.
Actually, Michael, he did
go to culinary school.
He went to CIM.
- What's that?
- The Culinary Institute in Muskegon.
It's a wonderful school.
- Great.
- It's basically the
Harvard of the Midwest.
- Desi, Robert is going to
be in town next weekend.
You remember Robert, don't you, Desi.
- Your son, Robert?
Of course I do.
What do you think I got like
shock therapy or something?
- Desi!
- It's okay.
We hardly remember him ourselves.
I mean, he's barely here.
Anyway, he's starting a new company
and it makes apps for
phones and they have raised
a ton of funds, right?
- Half a million dollars.
- Yeah.
- Wow.
- Oh wonderful.
- Right, yeah.
- Wow.
- He's so excited.
In fact, they're gonna be hiring soon
and I could see if he needs some help.
- Well, what, for me?
- Well, I know it's not
exactly your line of work.
- Yeah, not exactly.
- Well but--
- But you'd love to see me work
for your poster child son, right?
- Desi!
April is just trying to help.
- Yeah, Desi, I was just trying to help.
- You're trying to help yourself
feel good about reaching a hand out
to your friend's druggie son.
- Desi!
- No, he--
- It's just an idea, Desi.
- Oh sorry, Steve.
And sorry I couldn't
join the Busters crew.
You guys still serving those soggy fries
and frozen meat patties?
- Business is fine.
You know, it's too bad
you're so far above us.
We could've used you on the team.
- You know, April was telling
me about this great book
that she read last week.
What was it called again, dear?
- Oh, um...
(crickets chirping)
(Rose crying)
(light knocking)
(door creaking)
- Yeah?
- Hi, I'm looking for Leddy.
Is he here?
- Yo, Leddy.
You got a visitor, man.
- [Leddy] I'm not deaf, motherfucker.
Send 'em in.
- All right.
(soft jazzy music)
- [Man In Hoodie] Thanks, man.
- You Leddy?
- Don't worry, I got a license for it.
- For selling weed outta your house?
- It's 2017, lady, loosen up.
We'll be selling weed out of
liquor stores soon enough.
- Well, they aren't yet.
- Why don't you get to the questions?
Figure this ain't a drug bust.
- What do you think this is?
- Jade Larkin was over
here the day she kicked it.
Figured someone like
you would come through
see if I knew a thing or two.
- Do you?
- I figure you're best off
looking at that hubby of hers.
She bitched about him
every time she was in here.
- About what exactly?
- Ah about how much he worked,
how he thought he was better
than her for not getting high,
shit like that.
- Was she a good customer?
- Good as any.
- You're a wine drinker?
- Look like I got a pair
of tits and a Gucci purse?
- Listen, pal, this may be funny to you,
but as far as we know, you
were the second-to-last person
to see Jade Larkin alive.
Don't leave town because if you do,
we'll have a warrant out for your arrest
before you could reach state lines.
- Second-to-last person.
I hear that right?
- Yeah, and?
- If I was you, I'd
focus on the last person.
(somber music)
They teach you that in Cops
101 or were you too busy
sleeping with the professor?
Nighty night.
(birds chirping)
(gentle music)
- [April] Hey, Rose.
- Hey.
- Hope you had fun last night.
- Yeah, it was fun.
What are you doing?
- Oh, just enjoying the day.
- Oh.
- Hope you have a good workout.
- Thanks.
(people chattering)
- Thanks for having me, man.
Got anything going on tonight?
- Nothin', just chilling a
couple hours before work.
- I'm good, man.
- Ah shit, right, my bad, yo.
- Yeah, no problem.
- Yo, try and get in?
- Sure.
- What are you doing for work these days?
- Nothin'.
- I can get you down at the Pizza Spot
if you feel like delivering,
cooking pies or something.
- (chuckles) That might be all right.
Could use a job where I
could just go on autopilot.
- Right, I feel ya on that.
It's the only kinda work
I can do these days.
Like, my boss tells me to use my brain.
I'm like, bitch, my brain's for my time.
(Desi laughing)
- It's been like four years
where I didn't chill with anyone, man.
Ain't that sad?
- Nah, man, people suck.
Sounds pretty good to me.
(Desi sighs)
- I had to stay clean, man.
For me, for my mom.
But it's tough, man, you know.
Like seeing other people get high,
it's so hard for me not to wanna join in.
Like, I need it to feel
comfortable around people.
You get that?
- Yeah, man, I feel ya.
Like, you can chill here any time you want
whether or not you're getting high.
Just don't come here
with any of them speeches
about quitting weed or getting off spike
or any of that shit.
Fucking, I can't imagine
a life straight, man.
Sounds like a nightmare.
- Sure man, thanks.
(crickets chirping)
- He's the kind of guy
who would kill a person
just for kicks, like a drug rush.
- Why Jade though?
- He knew we'd look to Desi.
Broken marriage, constant fighting.
Leddy would be just an
afterthought, a footnote.
- How would he have done it,
you know, get the wine to Jade?
- If he knew she was a wine drinker,
he could've just given her the bottle
as a gift or something.
- Where's the fingerprints?
- Well, he could've
handled it with gloves on
while he prepared the poison.
Wouldn't be hard to do if you plan it out
and don't wanna get caught.
- True.
- So where are we at here?
- This is Florence Gardens.
Cholerin seed purchase at
11:15 a.m. on the third.
Just a few more places after this one.
- Wait, go back.
- Huh?
- Rewind five seconds.
Stop.
- Holy shit!
- Desi.
(Desi sighs)
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Hungry?
- Sure.
- Great, have a seat.
- Listen,
about your birthday.
I'm sorry.
- That's all right.
I don't think parties are your thing.
(Desi chuckles)
- Yeah, you got that right.
Thanks.
- Sure.
- You already eat?
- I'm not really hungry yet.
I had a late lunch.
- You okay?
- She was free falling.
- What?
- And she just dragged you down with her.
- (clears throat) Who?
- I can't take it again,
Desi, I just can't.
- (clears throat) Take what?
- (crying) Another one
of your drug cycles.
I mean, they tear me apart.
- (coughing) The drug cycles.
What?
(Desi coughing)
- I not--
- What is that?
(Desi coughing)
- I thought that with Jade gone
that you would have a
chance to be clean again.
You know you were doing so much better
before she started using.
And I just thought...
(Rose crying)
- No.
(table rattling)
- Trying to help--
- By killing her?
- You didn't love her.
- What did you do?
- She used you.
(Desi coughing)
She abused you just like your drugs
and I couldn't take it anymore.
- Please, please, oh.
- God help me.
(Rose crying)
(Desi choking)
(Desi coughing)
(Desi gagging)
(Desi coughing)
- I love you.
(Desi panting)
(Rose crying)
(phone keypad beeping)
(phone ringing)
- [Operator] 9-1-1, what's your emergency?
- It's my son.
(somber music)
(hospital announcer chattering)
(birds chirping)
(phone buzzing)
- We got her?
(Detective Lane sighs)
- Thanks for being here for me, girls.
- Sure, dear.
(car door thudding)
But you really should eat something, okay?
- Okay.
(light knocking)
Oh, could you get that, Nance?
- Of course.
- Thank you.
(April sighing)
You know, I thought he was getting better.
I thought I could save him.
- Some people are just beyond saving.
- He told me that he was
so happy to be back home.
(Rose sniffles)
- Rose.
- Yeah?
- It's a detective.
She said she wants to speak with you.
- Oh, no, no.
No, not now.
Could you just tell her
to come back tomorrow
or just give me a call?
- (sighs) Sure.
- Oh.
- What do you think
she wanted, dear?
- I don't know.
It's very rude of her to come over here
at a time like this, don't you think?
I mean, she should have a little respect.
- [Diane] I agree, very disrespectful.
- Yeah.
- Oh.
- Rose.
- Rose, it's time for
your guests to leave.
(police radio chattering)
- You have some nerve coming
over here this evening.
You know very well that my
son just took his own life.
- Don't make this harder
than it has to be.
- What?
- You're under arrest
for the murder of Desi and Jade Larkin.
- [Diane] What?
- What?
(police radio chattering)
- [April] This is insanity.
- Excuse me, ma'am.
- I can't believe it.
Think I'm gonna be sick.
(sighs)
- [Officer] Please put your
hands behind your back.
(handcuffs clacking)
(handcuffs clicking)
- Oh.
- You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can and
will be used against you
in a court of law.
- On what grounds is this happening?
Is this pure speculation?
- Trust me, ma'am, it's not.
- Stay as long as you like, ladies.
I'll be right back, I'm sure of it.
- It's one hell of an act, Rose.
- You don't know a thing
about me, Detective,
what I've gone through.
Ladies, it was so nice
being with you here tonight.
Thank you.
(somber music)
Wait.
April.
- Rose.
- Just a moment.
(police radio chattering)
- Yes, dear.
- Am I a good host?
- Of course, dear.
You're a fantastic host.
- You really are.
- We love dining with you.
- All right, let's go.
(wind whistling)
(crickets chirping)
- You're a fantastic host.
(Rose crying)
(somber music)
(melancholy orchestral music)