Water's Edge (2003) Movie Script
( gasping )
Molly. Molly!
Molly!
Hey. Good morning.
Are we there yet?
Hell, you woke up just in time | for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
So this is home.
Well, it wasn't much | to begin with.
If you remember, your dad built this | as a hunting retreat at first.
Then towards the end,
he just sort of became | a full-time resident.
Just like us.
Listen, I'm no expert, but wouldn't | a couch in a headshrinker's office
be more comfortable?
Well, she's not the only one | who needed change.
My God, people still use | those things?
I like to hear what I'm typing.
I get into a rhythm. | It's like music.
Well, a broom will clean my porch, | but I'll take my leaf blower any day.
Ah, always kept it here,
right over the fireplace.
- He kept it clean. | - Oh, yeah.
He took care of his property. | If he owned it...
- he took real good care. | - Yeah, except his liver.
Yeah, well... there's that.
I found the water pump. | Do you think it's...?
Okay, give it a try.
( engine starts )
Thanks for your help, Byron. If there's | anything I can do, don't hesitate.
You shouldn't have said that. | I might want to collect.
- ( engine starts ) | - Now, take care.
Mommy, Mommy.
Mommy, Mommy.
Place looks good. | Shaping up, huh?
I was thinking tomorrow | I'd start up on the book.
Maybe take the Underwood | out on the boat...
try pounding out a few pages | on the water,
fishing for some new ideas.
That was a joke, you know.
More of a pun, really.
What was?
The "fishing" for the--
never mind.
You should come too. | You should...
bring a blanket, | spread out on the dock.
It's warm out, you could catch some sun. | It would be good for you.
There's still a lot to do | around here.
The roof's not going to fall in. | You can take a little time off.
Don't you think we've had enough | time off in the last two years?
But we just got here.
I don't want to argue.
- ( dishes clatter )
Let's not confuse ourselves. | We're not here on vacation.
This isn't a break from our lives.
This is our life.
I don't want to think about what | could've been or should've been.
- We're okay, Moll. | - We're broke, Robert.
Well, I can't argue with that.
( motor starts )
( typewriter clicking )
( gun cocks )
Shit!
No, no, no!
Shit!
So...
my day sucks so far.
- How about you? | - I'm going to need more water.
The turn-carriage on the Underwood is, | shall I say, faulty?
You think the way | those things are built
you could drop it off | a 10-story building
and it'd still type out | "War and Peace."
She demands I be gentle with her | if I'm going to poke at her all day.
I was going to boil | some of that brown rice,
maybe heat a up a few cans | of black beans.
How about duck? | You know, Chantrelle's
has claim to the finest | Duck Fricassee
in all of New York's grandiose | French fare.
But... you ain't had nothing | until you're picking buckshot
out of a red-bellied mallard.
Would you put that away? | Please. You don't--
Relax, Molly. | This thing hasn't been used--
( shell clatters )
What's going on?
What?
Molly, did you load this?
If you want rice, | we're going to need more water.
- Where are they? | - What?
- Let go of me. | - Where are they?
All right!
It's not what you think.
No, I'm sure it isn't.
10 years living together | in the city,
you don't even like to carry | pepper spray in your purse, Molly.
And now--
what? I mean, are you curious? | Do you want to know how to?
- Robert! | - No, hold this.
Hold it, Molly!
She carries five.
One in the chamber, | which you already know...
- four in stock-- | - Stop it!
- You need more than one, right? | - Stop it!
Pills can be just pumped | from your stomach.
But this would really do the trick, | wouldn't it, Molly?
How can I stop a bullet?
- Where are you going? | - No! Don't!
Not only do I get to lose | a daughter and a father,
no, I get to lose | the whole damn thing!
Wait! Robert!
( panting )
( car approaching )
Shit.
( sheriff grunts )
( humming )
Come on.
Come on, baby!
Aw, come on.
( mean chuckle )
There you go.
Oh, crap!
( groans )
Is that right? | I did not know that.
I must say...
I've enjoyed | your company, but...
I gotta get on with my day.
( twig snaps )
( loudly ) | Hello? Anybody out there?
Don't move.
Here we go.
Darling, you ain't gonna | feel a thing.
Robert: | Hey!
Hey, yourself.
Didn't see you back there.
You here to rob me | or something?
What are you doing to her?
Well, nothing that concerns you.
It's... | police business.
( whimpering )
Sir, you're going to need | to drop the rifle.
- You hear what I said? I asked you-- | - Those handcuffs.
Come again?
I want you to take | those handcuffs off her.
- Why would I do that? | - I want you to put them on.
- Me put them on? | - Damn it, put them on!
( chuckling ) | Why would I do such a thing like that?
No.
( laughs )
Okay, stop right there.
I am not going to continue | this conversation without my sidearm.
I said, stop!
Do you know what the term | "obstruction of justice" is, mister?!
I mean it! | Don't you move.
- Help... | - I mean it!
Stay away from that car. | Damn it. Stay away--
( slow groan )
Robert? Oh, baby.
Don't ever leave me | like that, ever.
Molly.
I don't know what I'd do | if I lost you.
Molly, you need to listen.
You've been the one holding it together, | I know that.
I've just been selfish, | I've been so selfish.
Hey, no. | Hey, Molly. Molly.
There's something | I need to show you.
What do we do?
Under normal circumstances | I'd call the police, but--
Are you positive he was | going to kill her?
Am I positive? | No, Molly. I'm not.
I'm sure it's standard | police procedure
to smash a rock into the back | of a suspect's head.
Don't yell at me. | I'm just trying to understand.
- I say we leave. | - What?
We leave her in the cabin | and we get the hell out of town.
She needs a doctor. | We can't just leave her here.
Molly, if I'm going to own up to this | and explain myself,
I'm doing it by phone | from my lawyer's office in New York.
- Robert, look at her. | - Look at me.
I've got blood on me--
from two different people.
- Okay. | - Okay.
Just pack up our clothes. | Just leave everything else.
Hurry.
( door slams )
- ( engine sputtering ) | - No! No!
( woman screams )
You're okay. You're okay. | You're okay. Shh.
- ( crying ) | - It's all over.
It's okay. It's okay.
You're safe now. | Shh.
Don't you do this to me.
- ( engine starts ) | - Oh, God, yes!
Molly?
( whispers ) | I'm right here.
- What are you doing? | - I'm not leaving her.
Molly... as much as you and l | would like to do the right thing
something tells me to leave | good enough alone and run.
If we can't trust the law, | what choice do we have?
I saved her life. Beyond that | she is not our responsibility.
- I know. | - Okay.
But I'm making her | my responsibility.
Where are you going?
It's not like you can snap your fingers | and make everything go away.
We're going to have company.
I'm gonna have to go | and clean up.
( sighs )
Ah--!
Oh, God.
( grunting )
Ah!
( thunder rumbles )
- Man on radio: Sheriff Dodd... | - Jesus.
please respond. What's your 20?
Oh my God.
( whispers ) | Robert. Robert.
Did you kill him?
Yeah.
Good.
my name is Robert.
Molly told me.
I'm Rae. | Short for Regina.
- Feeling any better? | - It hurts to breathe sometimes,
but I think I'm | just bruised mostly.
I don't even want to know | what I look like.
I know you must have a lot | of questions about...
what happened out there,
specifically what happened | while you were unconscious.
Where is he? | Where is Sheriff Dodd?
He won't ever be able | to hurt you again.
Rae, I think it's important right now | to focus on how you got there.
Would you be in danger | if you were to go back home?
- No, no, I can't go back. | - Why?
Do you have any family | we need to contact, or friends?
No, I've got no one.
But Rae, if we're going to help | try and clear all of this--
No, no, if I could just stay here. | Just for a little while longer.
I want to know what you did | to make that man want to kill you.
Robert!
( low ) | What I did? What I did?
Like, what? | Like somehow this is my fault?
- That's not what I meant. | - I may not be a perfect person, mister,
but I sure don't know what I did | to be beat on like I was.
- I'm not saying-- | - Because I was sure as hell asking him
when he was cuffing my hands | behind my back,
- and kicking me in the face. .. | - Rae, he didn't mean to imply that--
...pulling my panties off | and yanking my legs apart.
That's a really good | question, mister.
I'd like to know that myself.
Maybe you should've asked the sorry | son of a bitch before you killed him.
You may want to get some rest | if you're coming with us tonight.
Truck's a little low on gas, | but as soon as we get into town--
What was that all about? | It was like you were attacking her.
- That's not what I was doing. | - You can't expect a young girl
to snap back like a rubber band after | she's been through something like that.
You have to give her time.
- Remember when Ashley's teacher-- | - Let's not do that.
You might want to wait | until that cools.
You don't want to crack your tank.
I was ugly in there. | I-- I'm sorry.
I know you didn't mean | what you said,
I just...
- got a lot of anger in me. | - That's understandable.
Really? | I don't understand any of it.
Maybe in time.
Maybe.
I don't think it's going to get | any cooler than that.
You saved my life. | No one's ever done that before.
Thank you.
It's a first for me, too.
Someone's coming up the drive.
- What do we do? | - Hide. Get in the back.
They must have found the car. | They're coming for me.
Who's coming for you?
Just go. Hide, hide.
Anyone in there?
Robert Graves? | I have a summons for you.
- What did I do? | - Nothing yet.
But we expect great things.
( laughs ) | Joe Riley. Nice to meet you.
I own the three service stations | we got in Reedsville.
- Man: Hey son, Molly inside? | - Uh... no. Yeah, we--
Actually, she's-- she's resting.
What can I do for you boys?
We want to talk to you | about this.
I didn't know you were a fan.
I'm not going to lie. I haven't read | a book since Johnson was President.
But listen, the library board | wanted me to ask you--
Beg-- | they said beg.
Wanted me to beg you to come to our | auction tonight as our featured guest.
An auction?
of the renovation committee.
You know, | new roof, computers--
we just thought, | with you in attendance--
Listen. Of all things,
your book was a selection | for our Ladies' Auxiliary Book Club.
fan base in town.
Little? There are 20 blue-haired | ladies that have read it.
They are ecstatic.
So we came out here to give you a ride | if you thought that old truck
- wouldn't make it into town. | - "Into town!" Hell, it's not that far.
- Listen,
those old bats said if you don't come | they're setting up celebrity tours here
first thing in the morning. | They mean business.
Well...
I guess I do need | to gas up the truck.
Well, thank you, sir. | It's good of you to do this.
Just do me a favor, | and don't bid on the deer stand.
( laughs )
You coming in | to buy something?
Uh... well, not today.
These spaces in front of my store | are for customers only,
so why don't you move your truck | to the other side?
Are you still open for business?
Business starts and stops | when I say.
Now unless you want | to come in and--
I knew your daddy.
- This here was his truck. | - Yeah, well, it's mine now.
It's a mixed bag of nuts when family | heirlooms get passed down.
Some are good things. | And some aren't so good.
Yeah, I can see it in you.
You may not get the shakes | like your old man,
but you've-- you've hidden | a few bottles under the bed, huh?
( both chuckle )
You sound like the kind of guy who's got | the drop on everyone in Reedsville.
Small towns like this one...
you either know what everyone's doing, | or you choose not to know.
Me? I guess can you can say | I've got an eye for the obvious.
Well, I tell you what,
I'll move the truck | just as soon as I get back.
All right?
Okay.
I'm sorry. | Did I scare you?
No.
I brought you a towel.
I'll just leave it here for you | when you're ready.
You're leaving?
It is a little creepy out here, | isn't it?
Would you like me to stay?
Listen I'm sorry | about the parade, son.
Folks around here just like to know | who everybody is.
Gives them a chance | to outdo each other on hospitality.
Speaking of hospitality,
who's the Nazi at the feed store?
You must mean T. Wallace. | Tell you to move your truck?
He took a picture | of my license plate.
He's just mad because this is | Herman's show tonight.
Our mayor, Herman Block, | he put this whole auction together.
- Woman: Good evening. | - They don't always see eye to eye.
On behalf of the Reedsville Library | Governing Board,
and the Library Renovation Fund,
I would like to welcome you all | to the 4th Annual Library Auction.
First, I'd like to thank
our distinguished | author-in-residence
for joining us tonight, | Robert Graves.
And so without further ado, | our auctioneer
and the man behind all this,
our mayor, Herman Block.
Thank you so much | to our good friend Ruth Kester.
Our first item here
is donated by | the Reedsville Photographic Society.
It is a-- a conglomeration | of Reedsville's best.
- Let's start the bidding at $70. | - How well do you know the mayor?
Why, he's what we call | "Old Reedsville."
He'd give you the shirt of his back | if he didn't want it no more.
- He's not a bad man. | - $80 in the back.
- I'll introduce you after the show. | - $85!
- $90! | - Ruth, what the hell are you doing?
$90. $95?
95. Earl's in the hunt.
Don't you say another word.
- $100. | - $100.
Big Earl, come on, baby.
Sold, for $100 | to Ruth Kester.
You ever feel like | killing somebody?
My hair was that long once.
Why did you cut it?
It got in the way. I was catching it | in doors and cooking it on the stove.
- What? | - Um...
my daughter, | when she was little,
she would lie in bed behind me | and twist my hair around her finger.
All night sometimes.
What did she do | when you cut it?
She never knew I did.
Herman's not just | a mayor around here,
he's one of our primary | property holders.
Half of what you see around here, | he owns it.
So when it came time | to revitalize the town square,
Herman tried to buy | T. Wallace's feed store.
T. wouldn't budge. | He made a fuss in the papers.
But he's the only one | that runs against Herman
when it comes time | for re-election.
It gets ugly between those two. | Quite a show.
I need more punch.
( whispering )
( tires squeal )
Shit!
When she was born,
I couldn't stop thinking | about ways I could lose her.
You hear so many stories--
how they just stop breathing | in the middle of the night.
My doctor told me it was-- | it was natural.
Most mothers get obsessed | with the worst-case scenario.
But in time, it goes away.
And it did.
It did go away.
But now it's hard | to think about anything else.
How l-- | how I found her...
in the pool.
When a child drowns, the mother is | responsible whether she's there or not.
But I was there.
I'm to blame.
I have these dreams,
these horrible dreams,
where I'm...
trapped...
underwater and I can't breathe.
And there's nothing I can do
but just imagine | when-- she was just...
I'm sorry.
Please don't-- | don't tell Robert about this.
I'm doing better.
I swear, | I'm-- I'm doing better.
Listen to me,
just put one foot | in front of the other.
It's all you can do.
I know.
One foot in front of the other.
Robert should be back by now.
( panting ) | All right. It's hooked.
( winch whirrs )
So why don't you | tell me again?
Did you see what happened?
Yeah, that's him.
Give me a hand, Kendall.
( metal bangs )
I didn't see anything.
I heard like, banging and stuff.
We're just | clearing some things up.
What happened to you?
Who's in the trunk?
No, no, no. This little "virgin" act | stops right now.
- What are you doing? | - Molly, stay out of this.
I've had enough | of this silent treatment.
You two want to lick your wounds, | you can do it later.
But right now, | I want some answers.
- Please don't make me talk about it-- | - I count two.
Two dead bodies out there.
I killed one of them, | that much I know.
But who's the other guy, Rae? | 'Cause I don't remember killing him.
- If you want me to leave, I will. | - Oh you want to go?
- Fine, you can go. | - Molly: Wait.
Before you do, there's something | I want to show you.
You can let go of me now.
- Get off me! | - You don't like people touching you?
( lock banging, key jingling )
What is it?
- Out of the sheriff's squad car.
I counted it already. | It's $200,000.
You mean the man you killed-- | he was carrying this?
buying something.
- What? | - Ask her.
Or do you think maybe | I should just show her?
You want to show her | more than anything.
So you can go right ahead.
It ain't what you think.
That's the mayor, Herman Block.
Rae, how did this-- | how could you allow this?
"Allow"? You think I allowed this | to happen to me?
Is somebody blackmailing the mayor? | Is that what's happening?
- I don't want to talk about this-- | - Did T. Wallace take these pictures?
We just want | to understand this, Rae.
Answer me. | Did T. Wallace take those pictures?
Robert, let go of her!
Rae! Stop!
Now you talk to me. | I want to know everything.
Who's behind all of this? | Who's money is that?
- And who's in the damn trunk? | - My husband!
He was killed | right in front of me.
Here.
My husband, Robbie Butler.
across the lake.
to the folks in town.
I always thought the anger | that he kept in him
would fade over time. | But it didn't.
Well, thank you, fellas.
It's been a riot.
to each other once.
he grew to hate me.
I just didn't believe | in him anymore.
I didn't believe in myself | much either.
at the mayor's office
had her stroke.
and the left side of her body.
speeches, "thank you" notes.
was put my name on them.
That was for Mayor Block to do.
paperwork there is
for a small town like Reedsville,
each other and all.
laws get overlooked.
( door shuts )
- Ahem-- | - Mr. Block.
I was just about to lock up. | I didn't know that--
Shh.
( whispers ) | It's okay.
This year hasn't been | very kind to us, has it, Rae?
No, sir.
You know, | I'm not a terribly religious man,
but there is one verse from the Bible | that stands out in my mind.
It's the Philippians, | chapter four, verse seven.
"Give you peace,
which surpasses | all understanding."
"Give you peace..."
"Which surpasses | all understanding."
tenderness...
it's hard to refuse a man's touch.
Any man.
but whatever it was...
we needed it.
( clicks )
Then it all changed.
- ( music playing on radio ) | - What the?
Have a seat, Rae!
( chuckles )
you see, it seems | your wife here has a--
oh, hell,
why say anything when a picture | tells a thousand words?
Oh.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
We got ourselves | a disgruntled citizen in town,
he fancies himself a shutterbug.
He thought he'd catch | Mayor Block in a...
well, let's call that | a "compromising position."
And now I've got to spend my evening | running around town paying this guy off,
cleaning up Herman's mess
when I could be at home | watching wrestling.
We some of that "mess" | you was talking about cleaning up?
Yeah, you caused the mayor | a world of trouble,
and it's time you two | disappeared.
You're a bad man, Dodd.
Well, maybe you better | call the cops.
I got a better idea.
Rae: No!
( Rae screams )
- Come on! | - No!
( Dodd laughing )
( laughs ) | Oh, come on, darling.
( laughing )
Oh!
( screaming )
Come on, darling.
I want out to find out | what all this fuss is over.
Ooh, that's it, yeah. | Whoo-hoo-hoo!
( Rae screams )
You know, | my mom always said
Reedsville looked best | in your rear view mirror.
She got that right.
If the truck can run on fumes, I've got | enough gas to get back into town.
I'll fill her up, come right back here, | and then we are gone.
that's it.
- Can I talk to you for a minute? | - Yeah.
Are we packing up | the shed, too?
We'll talk about that later.
That sheriff's car they're pulling | out of the lake
Is a few miles from here. They'll be | knocking on our door in no time.
Well, we leave, first thing, | the three of us.
The three of us, huh?
Something my old man told me once | keeps popping back into my head.
What's that?
He said the two hardest things | in this world to catch
is a pop fly at a day game, | and a young woman when she's lying.
- You don't believe her? | - I don't know.
I mean, her story answers | all the right questions, but--
You saw the sheriff try to kill her, | what do you think?
I think $200,000 | is a lot of money.
I keep waiting for a story | to fall in my lap
and now I'm looking | at this big black bag of cash.
Kind of cuts out the middleman | with you and me, don't you think?
It's not ours to take, Robert.
It's not hers either. | Think about it, Molly.
Even an even split | could pull us out from under.
We need to get rid of it. I don't know | why you took it in the first place.
You don't know why I took it?
Jesus, there hasn't been a day since | Ashley died you haven't reminded me
that we are broke | and life isn't worth living anymore.
That's not fair.
No, I spent every penny we had | keeping her on life support.
- Don't say that. | - 'Cause you couldn't let go.
- They said that there was a chance-- | - There was no chance, Molly!
Jesus, you had it built up | in your head
that she was coming home. | She was never, ever coming home.
She was brain dead, Molly.
The machine was making her breathe, | and making her heart beat.
Do you think if there was a chance, | I wouldn't hack off my right arm?
I'd have done anything.
Anything.
She was my world too.
I don't think you believe that.
I can't do this anymore, Molly.
I don't have the strength | for both of us.
I just, I-- | I tried, but...
I don't know | what you want.
I want you. | I want to be a family again.
What do you want?
I want to stop fixing things.
I want to stop | taking responsibility
for everything that goes wrong | around me.
- I want my life back. | - Then let me help you.
- Yeah. | - Please?
You know what | will help me, Molly?
A big black bag.
A bit too hot for a campfire, | don't you think?
Is that one of your stories?
Yeah, I think it makes | a better campfire, though.
You've been hiding something | from me.
I found this under the couch.
Yeah.
My dad's secret love affair | with cut scotch.
I'm sure my mother would have preferred | another woman.
It's not like you can threaten | a bottle to leave your man alone.
My daddy drank. | He wasn't a sad drunk though,
he was more happy, | like me.
How about you?
Happy or sad?
Where's Molly?
Asleep.
So... let's have our talk.
I think it's best for us | not to think about morality,
- more so, justice. | - Justice?
In relation to what we got | going on in the shed?
That's what we're talking about here. | That's the issue.
You're talking pretty fancy. | I'll try to keep up.
Civil Court is between two people,
or two parties
who don't have to prove | beyond reasonable doubt
because they're not after blood. | What are they after?
- Money? | - Money.
You're just taking the long way | around the pond, huh?
In Civil Court you just need | a preponderance of evidence.
Less to prove, right?
It's easier to convict.
- Cigarette? | - Nah, I'm burning up already.
So in our situation...
I mean, it's not like we can depend | on the sovereign city of Reedsville
to punish the guilty | and protect the innocent.
One of their own already tried | to kill you. How can justice prevail?
( sighs )
You sure sound like you know | what you're talking about.
Well...
this is between | us and them, right?
This is a civil matter.
And since the guilty party has already | paid with his life, I mean...
I don't think you and I should hesitate | in seeking punitive damages
to the sum of 200,000--
I'm sorry. There's just a lot | of hot air blowing around.
It's wonderful in here. | You should come in too.
What about our talk?
Our talk? If I was even a part | of that conversation
I wouldn't have gotten | in a word edgewise.
We split it.
Not three ways, two.
For the last few days it's been about | you and me. Nobody else.
Agreed.
See what straight shooting | can accomplish?
You saved my life. | I'll agree to anything you want.
You want to take the money? | Take it.
If you want me...
No.
That's not gonna happen.
Looking in your eyes I can see | you've been without tenderness,
just like me.
Besides, you said we shouldn't | think about morality.
- I ca-- I can't... | - Just relax.
My head.
- No, I feel dizzy, I can't-- | - Just close your eyes.
You don't need | to see a thing.
No, no, no, | no, no, no.
I may be a little | old-fashioned
but we don't allow our ladies | to pump their gas around here.
Well, where were you | when I needed you?
Oh! A kiss from a pretty lady | so early in the day.
Is Robert with you?
I think he's out on a walk. | He must have gotten up before me.
Ah. Peculiar fellows, | these writers.
A little bit.
Say, would you mind | stopping by the library for a bit?
Ruth has a gift for you.
I think she feels bad | about not coming up to visit you.
- Oh, she doesn't have to do that. | - I know, but, you know,
she's an old woman, and once | she gets something in her mind,
it's her way | or there's hell to pay.
I understand.
Thank you.
Hey there.
I was knocking on your door | but I guess you weren't in.
- I was down by the lake. | - They biting?
I wasn't fishing.
I'm Abe Campbell.
You must be Robert Graves, | our writer-in-residence.
I was wondering if I could | have a talk with you.
Can we go inside?
- Yeah, okay. | - All right.
You live here | with your wife, right?
Molly. Right.
Where is she | at the moment?
She's in town | getting groceries.
I'm sorry I missed her.
Do you hunt?
Uh... a little bit | when I was a kid.
That's my dad's old shotgun.
Well, it's old but it's big | enough to drop a buck.
'Course most of our deer | have gone up north
because of the urban sprawl.
Price you pay | for progress, I suppose.
It's been a wicked season | if you're into killing.
I'm sorry, Mr. Graves, | I'm gonna have to ask you
to come into town with me.
Why is that?
Well, I'm kind of hoping | we can catch up with your wife.
See, there has been an incident | up the lake from here.
Something pretty bad.
My orders are to bring the two of you | in for questioning.
You're not the only ones | we've been talking to,
it's just you're | the last two on my list.
Well, you know, she should be home | any second now.
It's important, sir. | I'd appreciate your cooperation.
Anything to help.
Let me just grab | a clean shirt.
All right then.
All right. | You ready?
I'm ready.
Well, I thought whenever | you decided to move back east,
you might want something | to remember us by, so, here you go.
It's just a collection of pictures. | I thought you'd like 'em.
This is very thoughtful. | Thank you, Ruth.
Let me get that | recipe for you.
Ruth? This woman on the swing, | who is she?
If you mean | that black and white one...
that'd be Rae Butler. | She works over at the mayor's office.
on the thigh for my taste,
from across the lake,
husband of hers.
He sure does take a good picture, | don't you think?
- Her husband is a photographer? | - Oh, he's our black sheep,
always scamming | and stealing.
a job at the photo lab
like a duck to water.
finds their true calling in life,
even of they are | a little shifty.
Oh, I found it!
Molly?
- You want any of this? | - Uh, no thanks.
Sit down.
How long you and your wife been | staying up at your daddy's cottage?
We moved in | at the beginning of this month.
And this is just | for recreational purposes?
- I'm working on a new book. | - Oh, is that right?
Have you heard anything | unusual in the last week?
No, I haven't.
Do you own any other guns | other than the shotgun there?
No. | And that's not my gun.
It was my father's.
I see. So you're saying | you never fired it?
No. I mean, | not since I was 12.
I'm really gonna need to speak | with your wife.
Well, there's nothing | she can tell you that I can't.
Oh, I don't doubt that.
It's just that you live three miles | from the scene of a homicide.
- A homicide? | - Yes, a multiple homicide. Yes, sir.
Whoa. | I haven't heard anything.
These homicides, they-- | they happened in the last week.
Is there anything you heard | that you just can't explain?
Like what?
That's what I'm trying | to figure out here.
Look, Officer...
I lived in New York | most of my life,
and if I had heard gunshots, | I'd have known what they sounded like.
- Are you sure? | - I'm positive.
Well, that's kind of strange, | don't you think?
- What's that? | - Well, I didn't mention gunshots.
I just said homicide. I think it's kind | of funny you'd just assume that.
Well, Officer, we did a lot of talking | about that rifle there.
I think that's a pretty | fair assumption.
You know what?
When you put it that way...
I see your point.
Are you sure you don't want | a soda or anything?
No, thank you. | I'm fine.
if my associate
tracked down | your wife at the grocery store.
Sit tight.
Say...
you ever serve | in the army?
No. | My dad was in Korea.
- Why? | - I was just wondering.
Oh, Jesus.
Oh, no, no, no, | the flashlight.
Hey! Hey!
He took off 'round back!
Robert?
Robert?
Robert?
( metal banging )
Where you going, | Shakespeare?
Ow!
Damn it!
Son of a bitch.
Son of a bitch!
It was you.
You and your husband, | you started this.
No. But we finished it. | Or we thought we did.
How could you do that?
Allow your husband to take | those pictures of you?
Molly, as grateful as I am | for what you've done for me,
I'm sure as hell not gonna stand here | and listen to you lecture me
on what a husband and wife | should and shouldn't do.
Robert didn't come | home last night.
- Where is he? | - Cops came, took him away.
- Why should I believe you? | - I don't care, really!
All I know is it's not going to be long | till they come looking for me.
So I need you to tell me | where the money is.
It's in the locker, | where it's always been.
No, it's not | in there, Molly!
Now tell me where it is.
You tell me | where Robert is.
You're like a little house bird. | You know that, Molly?
Without somebody taking care of you | or that little house you done built up,
you could be squashed | in a fist.
I'm stronger than you think.
Well, try this on.
The last time I saw Robert | was last night.
And aside from being | real drunk,
his spirits were real high.
At least that's what | it looked like
when I was on top of him | and he was on top of me.
Inside me.
You're not strong | enough for him, Molly.
And I think you know that.
So I don't think | you know where the money is.
'Cause you're not | in his thoughts anymore.
You're not a part | of his life.
You're weak, Molly.
You're nothing | but a little, weak--
( groans )
( gasping )
( screams )
Get him, T!
Damn it, Molly, | I don't have time for this.
Give it up!
How do you like | where I parked my truck? Huh?!
Huh?!
Take a load off.
Why'd you have to beat | on him so much?
He ran. We went after him. | What's your problem?
Byron: | Take off the handcuffs.
I said take 'em off!
Byron, the day I take | a direct order from you
will be the day | I lick my own nut sack.
- ( T laughs ) | - Block: Take 'em off.
You heard me, Campbell. | Take 'em off.
You'll have to excuse the stench | in here, Mr. Graves.
Our mutual friend T. Wallace | insists on keeping the feed store open,
despite the fact that there isn't much | of a demand for horse oats anymore.
They just sit back here | getting wet and moldy.
- It's a waste of space, T. | - I'll be the judge of that.
I suppose you will.
You mind if I sit?
Now don't be sore | at old Byron here.
He's looking out | for your best interests,
as all of us are.
You see, your daddy was what we'd | like to call "Old Reedsville."
Your people are buried | up on Magnolia Hill, same as ours.
So we've decided we'd like | to claim you, Mr. Graves,
as one of our own.
Someone we'd like | to take care of.
I can take care of myself.
Hmm. That, uh...
remains to be seen, | don't you think?
You're... | bleeding there.
Here you go.
Now, I'm in a very | awkward position.
Yeah, I know.
- I've seen all your positions. | - Ah.
A reference to the lewd photographs, | I suppose, yes.
There's a few questions I'd like | to ask you about those.
Yeah? Why don't you ask him? | He's the one who took 'em.
You mean T? | Well, now,
we've had our differences | over the years,
but he would never | do something like that to me.
Then why is he here?
Well, you killed | his brother for one.
Sheriff Dodd.
He's the one you shot and sank | at the bottom of Chitwick Lake.
Oh. Well, I guess shit | doesn't float after all.
Stop it!
Hang on, you gotta admit, | that was a pretty good one, T.
Now, just sit down | and relax now. Come on.
Son, she's a bad person.
Her and her husband.
the pictures.
They're the ones | who started this whole mess.
Mm-hmm. Now, | if you've seen those pictures,
I imagine you also saw
a little black bag up there, too.
If Rae is up at that cabin I'm concerned | about Molly's safety.
She's a fierce woman, | this Rae Butler.
( Block chuckles )
Sweet as a Georgia peach, | though, I gotta tell you.
Of course, I may might be speaking | to the already converted.
You've... had a sample of that | peach pie now, haven't you?
What is it you want from me?
Mr. Graves, | we're it.
This is the committee. | We make Reedsville happen.
Now, if you say you didn't | kill someone, that's it,
you didn't kill someone. | Ain't that right, T?
Like he said,
you can be part | of "Old Reedsville."
Byron here's gonna | take you back.
And you will return to us | what is rightfully ours.
After that... it's over.
Done. Finito.
I figure we've got enough | dirt on each other
to keep the playing field fair.
So what, you're just | gonna kill her?
No. | No, no, no, no, no.
We missed our opportunity at that, | unfortunately.
We're gonna put some cash | in her hand
and ship that split-tailed bitch | out on a bus.
Robert, we just got to go | pick up that money.
Just you and me.
all is forgotten.
( laughs )
How do you do it?
How do you get | all these fools
wrapped around | your finger?
We take care of our own.
Like I said...
we're "Old Reedsville."
- Wait! Wait! | - I'm sorry, Molly.
I can't let Robert | find you like this.
Rae! | Don't do this!
I'll tell him where to find you | as soon as I get what's mine.
Don't! | Rae... no!
Stop the truck.
I never meant for any | of this to happen.
I've lived here all my life.
Oh, no, I understand.
I mean, you're just looking | out for your own.
I also understand | my father loved you.
As much as anyone could've | been there for him,
you were there for him.
Go home to Ruth.
No!
Damn it!
No! Shit! | Where is it?!
So you're a critic now?
What happened to you?
I've been hanging out | with some of your friends.
Good people, really.
- Where's Molly? | - Where's my money?
That money buys | your life back.
Ours, too. | Now where is she?
You like plain | talk after all.
I know about you | and your husband Robbie.
I know what you did.
I'm telling you, Robert, | you can't trust any of 'em.
They won't hesitate in putting | a bullet in you and me both.
I've had just about | enough of this.
Robert, can't you see? | We just wanted to start over.
We wanted to get away, | somewhere where no one knew us.
It's not like they didn't get | what they wanted.
Robert!
Please, Robert.
I'm not proud about how I earned this, | but I earned it.
Okay? I just-- just want | a new life.
Isn't that what | you want?
Or maybe you'd like | a life with me.
Hey! | My life is with Molly.
Now give me my money.
( distant car approaching )
Well, if you're gonna do it, | do it now.
Now where's Molly?
I told you! | Didn't I tell you they'd kill us all?
I'm gonna throw you out to the dogs | unless you tell me where Molly is.
If you get us out of this, | I swear I'll take you right to her.
You tell me where | she is right now!
( car approaching )
Get down.
We're gonna put an end | to this right now,
before it gets | out of hand.
I've got plenty, but I can only shoot | a few at a time.
Remember, you've only got six rounds, | so don't waste any shots.
I'm sorry, Robert.
You don't deserve this.
Yes, I do.
( creaks )
Bingo.
Jesus!
You're making me work | very hard today.
Aah!
dull thud )
You know what? | I don't understand you.
The way I see it, I've given you | everything you have.
That came with a price.
I didn't have a choice | with your precious generosity.
You're entitled to your opinion, | but you are not entitled to this.
You know, I don't know many girls | have patience enough
to spend all night | getting your dick hard.
You might as well crawl into bed | with that screwed up wife of yours,
'cause you're dead from the waist down | just like she is.
Rae, that's a firearm. | It's very dangerous.
- Please don't point it at me. | - Give me my money.
Rae...
point that | in another direction.
Give me my money!
Okay, all right.
You-- | you've earned at least...
You've earned that.
You gonna shoot me, Rae?
Really?
Then do it. | Go ahead. Do it.
I didn't think so.
Herman?
"Give you peace
which surpasses all | understanding."
Yeah, I think it goes | something like that.
( laughs )
( gun cocks )
You killed her, didn't you?
Molly's dead?
She's been dead for a long time, | don't you think?
I made up my mind. | I wasn't gonna die in Reedsville.
You know, I used | to think that too.
At least you got to get out | for a while.
I ain't been east | of the Rockies.
Yeah? Well, I have. | Let me tell you...
Reedsville's as good | a place as any to die.
If you say so.
See ya, Robert.
( gunshot )
What you doing, Molly?
Putting one foot | in front of the other.
Good for you, Molly. | I mean it.
Good for you.
Oh, baby, I thought | I lost you. Oh...
We've survived | worse than this.
Did you know | your typewriter's broken?
It's too bad.
It's really | a... beautiful place.
I think I've seen enough of it. | Let's go home.
Where's that?
Anywhere with you.
( engine starts )
I'm half a woman
With half a heart
when we're apart
with me
I'm complete
My heart had been
So uninspired
Love left a lot to be desired
When you're here with me
I'm complete
that makes me whole
my second soul
Your love fills all my needs
Baby, when I'm with you
I catch my breath
Lose my cool?
break every rule
here with me
I'm complete
that makes me whole
my second soul
Your love fills all my needs
Baby, when I'm with you
Can't you see I'm satisfied?
My heart's content
perfect sense
here with me
I'm complete
When you're here with me...
( instrumental break )
ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh
When you're here with me
I'm complete
ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh.
Molly. Molly!
Molly!
Hey. Good morning.
Are we there yet?
Hell, you woke up just in time | for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
So this is home.
Well, it wasn't much | to begin with.
If you remember, your dad built this | as a hunting retreat at first.
Then towards the end,
he just sort of became | a full-time resident.
Just like us.
Listen, I'm no expert, but wouldn't | a couch in a headshrinker's office
be more comfortable?
Well, she's not the only one | who needed change.
My God, people still use | those things?
I like to hear what I'm typing.
I get into a rhythm. | It's like music.
Well, a broom will clean my porch, | but I'll take my leaf blower any day.
Ah, always kept it here,
right over the fireplace.
- He kept it clean. | - Oh, yeah.
He took care of his property. | If he owned it...
- he took real good care. | - Yeah, except his liver.
Yeah, well... there's that.
I found the water pump. | Do you think it's...?
Okay, give it a try.
( engine starts )
Thanks for your help, Byron. If there's | anything I can do, don't hesitate.
You shouldn't have said that. | I might want to collect.
- ( engine starts ) | - Now, take care.
Mommy, Mommy.
Mommy, Mommy.
Place looks good. | Shaping up, huh?
I was thinking tomorrow | I'd start up on the book.
Maybe take the Underwood | out on the boat...
try pounding out a few pages | on the water,
fishing for some new ideas.
That was a joke, you know.
More of a pun, really.
What was?
The "fishing" for the--
never mind.
You should come too. | You should...
bring a blanket, | spread out on the dock.
It's warm out, you could catch some sun. | It would be good for you.
There's still a lot to do | around here.
The roof's not going to fall in. | You can take a little time off.
Don't you think we've had enough | time off in the last two years?
But we just got here.
I don't want to argue.
- ( dishes clatter )
Let's not confuse ourselves. | We're not here on vacation.
This isn't a break from our lives.
This is our life.
I don't want to think about what | could've been or should've been.
- We're okay, Moll. | - We're broke, Robert.
Well, I can't argue with that.
( motor starts )
( typewriter clicking )
( gun cocks )
Shit!
No, no, no!
Shit!
So...
my day sucks so far.
- How about you? | - I'm going to need more water.
The turn-carriage on the Underwood is, | shall I say, faulty?
You think the way | those things are built
you could drop it off | a 10-story building
and it'd still type out | "War and Peace."
She demands I be gentle with her | if I'm going to poke at her all day.
I was going to boil | some of that brown rice,
maybe heat a up a few cans | of black beans.
How about duck? | You know, Chantrelle's
has claim to the finest | Duck Fricassee
in all of New York's grandiose | French fare.
But... you ain't had nothing | until you're picking buckshot
out of a red-bellied mallard.
Would you put that away? | Please. You don't--
Relax, Molly. | This thing hasn't been used--
( shell clatters )
What's going on?
What?
Molly, did you load this?
If you want rice, | we're going to need more water.
- Where are they? | - What?
- Let go of me. | - Where are they?
All right!
It's not what you think.
No, I'm sure it isn't.
10 years living together | in the city,
you don't even like to carry | pepper spray in your purse, Molly.
And now--
what? I mean, are you curious? | Do you want to know how to?
- Robert! | - No, hold this.
Hold it, Molly!
She carries five.
One in the chamber, | which you already know...
- four in stock-- | - Stop it!
- You need more than one, right? | - Stop it!
Pills can be just pumped | from your stomach.
But this would really do the trick, | wouldn't it, Molly?
How can I stop a bullet?
- Where are you going? | - No! Don't!
Not only do I get to lose | a daughter and a father,
no, I get to lose | the whole damn thing!
Wait! Robert!
( panting )
( car approaching )
Shit.
( sheriff grunts )
( humming )
Come on.
Come on, baby!
Aw, come on.
( mean chuckle )
There you go.
Oh, crap!
( groans )
Is that right? | I did not know that.
I must say...
I've enjoyed | your company, but...
I gotta get on with my day.
( twig snaps )
( loudly ) | Hello? Anybody out there?
Don't move.
Here we go.
Darling, you ain't gonna | feel a thing.
Robert: | Hey!
Hey, yourself.
Didn't see you back there.
You here to rob me | or something?
What are you doing to her?
Well, nothing that concerns you.
It's... | police business.
( whimpering )
Sir, you're going to need | to drop the rifle.
- You hear what I said? I asked you-- | - Those handcuffs.
Come again?
I want you to take | those handcuffs off her.
- Why would I do that? | - I want you to put them on.
- Me put them on? | - Damn it, put them on!
( chuckling ) | Why would I do such a thing like that?
No.
( laughs )
Okay, stop right there.
I am not going to continue | this conversation without my sidearm.
I said, stop!
Do you know what the term | "obstruction of justice" is, mister?!
I mean it! | Don't you move.
- Help... | - I mean it!
Stay away from that car. | Damn it. Stay away--
( slow groan )
Robert? Oh, baby.
Don't ever leave me | like that, ever.
Molly.
I don't know what I'd do | if I lost you.
Molly, you need to listen.
You've been the one holding it together, | I know that.
I've just been selfish, | I've been so selfish.
Hey, no. | Hey, Molly. Molly.
There's something | I need to show you.
What do we do?
Under normal circumstances | I'd call the police, but--
Are you positive he was | going to kill her?
Am I positive? | No, Molly. I'm not.
I'm sure it's standard | police procedure
to smash a rock into the back | of a suspect's head.
Don't yell at me. | I'm just trying to understand.
- I say we leave. | - What?
We leave her in the cabin | and we get the hell out of town.
She needs a doctor. | We can't just leave her here.
Molly, if I'm going to own up to this | and explain myself,
I'm doing it by phone | from my lawyer's office in New York.
- Robert, look at her. | - Look at me.
I've got blood on me--
from two different people.
- Okay. | - Okay.
Just pack up our clothes. | Just leave everything else.
Hurry.
( door slams )
- ( engine sputtering ) | - No! No!
( woman screams )
You're okay. You're okay. | You're okay. Shh.
- ( crying ) | - It's all over.
It's okay. It's okay.
You're safe now. | Shh.
Don't you do this to me.
- ( engine starts ) | - Oh, God, yes!
Molly?
( whispers ) | I'm right here.
- What are you doing? | - I'm not leaving her.
Molly... as much as you and l | would like to do the right thing
something tells me to leave | good enough alone and run.
If we can't trust the law, | what choice do we have?
I saved her life. Beyond that | she is not our responsibility.
- I know. | - Okay.
But I'm making her | my responsibility.
Where are you going?
It's not like you can snap your fingers | and make everything go away.
We're going to have company.
I'm gonna have to go | and clean up.
( sighs )
Ah--!
Oh, God.
( grunting )
Ah!
( thunder rumbles )
- Man on radio: Sheriff Dodd... | - Jesus.
please respond. What's your 20?
Oh my God.
( whispers ) | Robert. Robert.
Did you kill him?
Yeah.
Good.
my name is Robert.
Molly told me.
I'm Rae. | Short for Regina.
- Feeling any better? | - It hurts to breathe sometimes,
but I think I'm | just bruised mostly.
I don't even want to know | what I look like.
I know you must have a lot | of questions about...
what happened out there,
specifically what happened | while you were unconscious.
Where is he? | Where is Sheriff Dodd?
He won't ever be able | to hurt you again.
Rae, I think it's important right now | to focus on how you got there.
Would you be in danger | if you were to go back home?
- No, no, I can't go back. | - Why?
Do you have any family | we need to contact, or friends?
No, I've got no one.
But Rae, if we're going to help | try and clear all of this--
No, no, if I could just stay here. | Just for a little while longer.
I want to know what you did | to make that man want to kill you.
Robert!
( low ) | What I did? What I did?
Like, what? | Like somehow this is my fault?
- That's not what I meant. | - I may not be a perfect person, mister,
but I sure don't know what I did | to be beat on like I was.
- I'm not saying-- | - Because I was sure as hell asking him
when he was cuffing my hands | behind my back,
- and kicking me in the face. .. | - Rae, he didn't mean to imply that--
...pulling my panties off | and yanking my legs apart.
That's a really good | question, mister.
I'd like to know that myself.
Maybe you should've asked the sorry | son of a bitch before you killed him.
You may want to get some rest | if you're coming with us tonight.
Truck's a little low on gas, | but as soon as we get into town--
What was that all about? | It was like you were attacking her.
- That's not what I was doing. | - You can't expect a young girl
to snap back like a rubber band after | she's been through something like that.
You have to give her time.
- Remember when Ashley's teacher-- | - Let's not do that.
You might want to wait | until that cools.
You don't want to crack your tank.
I was ugly in there. | I-- I'm sorry.
I know you didn't mean | what you said,
I just...
- got a lot of anger in me. | - That's understandable.
Really? | I don't understand any of it.
Maybe in time.
Maybe.
I don't think it's going to get | any cooler than that.
You saved my life. | No one's ever done that before.
Thank you.
It's a first for me, too.
Someone's coming up the drive.
- What do we do? | - Hide. Get in the back.
They must have found the car. | They're coming for me.
Who's coming for you?
Just go. Hide, hide.
Anyone in there?
Robert Graves? | I have a summons for you.
- What did I do? | - Nothing yet.
But we expect great things.
( laughs ) | Joe Riley. Nice to meet you.
I own the three service stations | we got in Reedsville.
- Man: Hey son, Molly inside? | - Uh... no. Yeah, we--
Actually, she's-- she's resting.
What can I do for you boys?
We want to talk to you | about this.
I didn't know you were a fan.
I'm not going to lie. I haven't read | a book since Johnson was President.
But listen, the library board | wanted me to ask you--
Beg-- | they said beg.
Wanted me to beg you to come to our | auction tonight as our featured guest.
An auction?
of the renovation committee.
You know, | new roof, computers--
we just thought, | with you in attendance--
Listen. Of all things,
your book was a selection | for our Ladies' Auxiliary Book Club.
fan base in town.
Little? There are 20 blue-haired | ladies that have read it.
They are ecstatic.
So we came out here to give you a ride | if you thought that old truck
- wouldn't make it into town. | - "Into town!" Hell, it's not that far.
- Listen,
those old bats said if you don't come | they're setting up celebrity tours here
first thing in the morning. | They mean business.
Well...
I guess I do need | to gas up the truck.
Well, thank you, sir. | It's good of you to do this.
Just do me a favor, | and don't bid on the deer stand.
( laughs )
You coming in | to buy something?
Uh... well, not today.
These spaces in front of my store | are for customers only,
so why don't you move your truck | to the other side?
Are you still open for business?
Business starts and stops | when I say.
Now unless you want | to come in and--
I knew your daddy.
- This here was his truck. | - Yeah, well, it's mine now.
It's a mixed bag of nuts when family | heirlooms get passed down.
Some are good things. | And some aren't so good.
Yeah, I can see it in you.
You may not get the shakes | like your old man,
but you've-- you've hidden | a few bottles under the bed, huh?
( both chuckle )
You sound like the kind of guy who's got | the drop on everyone in Reedsville.
Small towns like this one...
you either know what everyone's doing, | or you choose not to know.
Me? I guess can you can say | I've got an eye for the obvious.
Well, I tell you what,
I'll move the truck | just as soon as I get back.
All right?
Okay.
I'm sorry. | Did I scare you?
No.
I brought you a towel.
I'll just leave it here for you | when you're ready.
You're leaving?
It is a little creepy out here, | isn't it?
Would you like me to stay?
Listen I'm sorry | about the parade, son.
Folks around here just like to know | who everybody is.
Gives them a chance | to outdo each other on hospitality.
Speaking of hospitality,
who's the Nazi at the feed store?
You must mean T. Wallace. | Tell you to move your truck?
He took a picture | of my license plate.
He's just mad because this is | Herman's show tonight.
Our mayor, Herman Block, | he put this whole auction together.
- Woman: Good evening. | - They don't always see eye to eye.
On behalf of the Reedsville Library | Governing Board,
and the Library Renovation Fund,
I would like to welcome you all | to the 4th Annual Library Auction.
First, I'd like to thank
our distinguished | author-in-residence
for joining us tonight, | Robert Graves.
And so without further ado, | our auctioneer
and the man behind all this,
our mayor, Herman Block.
Thank you so much | to our good friend Ruth Kester.
Our first item here
is donated by | the Reedsville Photographic Society.
It is a-- a conglomeration | of Reedsville's best.
- Let's start the bidding at $70. | - How well do you know the mayor?
Why, he's what we call | "Old Reedsville."
He'd give you the shirt of his back | if he didn't want it no more.
- He's not a bad man. | - $80 in the back.
- I'll introduce you after the show. | - $85!
- $90! | - Ruth, what the hell are you doing?
$90. $95?
95. Earl's in the hunt.
Don't you say another word.
- $100. | - $100.
Big Earl, come on, baby.
Sold, for $100 | to Ruth Kester.
You ever feel like | killing somebody?
My hair was that long once.
Why did you cut it?
It got in the way. I was catching it | in doors and cooking it on the stove.
- What? | - Um...
my daughter, | when she was little,
she would lie in bed behind me | and twist my hair around her finger.
All night sometimes.
What did she do | when you cut it?
She never knew I did.
Herman's not just | a mayor around here,
he's one of our primary | property holders.
Half of what you see around here, | he owns it.
So when it came time | to revitalize the town square,
Herman tried to buy | T. Wallace's feed store.
T. wouldn't budge. | He made a fuss in the papers.
But he's the only one | that runs against Herman
when it comes time | for re-election.
It gets ugly between those two. | Quite a show.
I need more punch.
( whispering )
( tires squeal )
Shit!
When she was born,
I couldn't stop thinking | about ways I could lose her.
You hear so many stories--
how they just stop breathing | in the middle of the night.
My doctor told me it was-- | it was natural.
Most mothers get obsessed | with the worst-case scenario.
But in time, it goes away.
And it did.
It did go away.
But now it's hard | to think about anything else.
How l-- | how I found her...
in the pool.
When a child drowns, the mother is | responsible whether she's there or not.
But I was there.
I'm to blame.
I have these dreams,
these horrible dreams,
where I'm...
trapped...
underwater and I can't breathe.
And there's nothing I can do
but just imagine | when-- she was just...
I'm sorry.
Please don't-- | don't tell Robert about this.
I'm doing better.
I swear, | I'm-- I'm doing better.
Listen to me,
just put one foot | in front of the other.
It's all you can do.
I know.
One foot in front of the other.
Robert should be back by now.
( panting ) | All right. It's hooked.
( winch whirrs )
So why don't you | tell me again?
Did you see what happened?
Yeah, that's him.
Give me a hand, Kendall.
( metal bangs )
I didn't see anything.
I heard like, banging and stuff.
We're just | clearing some things up.
What happened to you?
Who's in the trunk?
No, no, no. This little "virgin" act | stops right now.
- What are you doing? | - Molly, stay out of this.
I've had enough | of this silent treatment.
You two want to lick your wounds, | you can do it later.
But right now, | I want some answers.
- Please don't make me talk about it-- | - I count two.
Two dead bodies out there.
I killed one of them, | that much I know.
But who's the other guy, Rae? | 'Cause I don't remember killing him.
- If you want me to leave, I will. | - Oh you want to go?
- Fine, you can go. | - Molly: Wait.
Before you do, there's something | I want to show you.
You can let go of me now.
- Get off me! | - You don't like people touching you?
( lock banging, key jingling )
What is it?
- Out of the sheriff's squad car.
I counted it already. | It's $200,000.
You mean the man you killed-- | he was carrying this?
buying something.
- What? | - Ask her.
Or do you think maybe | I should just show her?
You want to show her | more than anything.
So you can go right ahead.
It ain't what you think.
That's the mayor, Herman Block.
Rae, how did this-- | how could you allow this?
"Allow"? You think I allowed this | to happen to me?
Is somebody blackmailing the mayor? | Is that what's happening?
- I don't want to talk about this-- | - Did T. Wallace take these pictures?
We just want | to understand this, Rae.
Answer me. | Did T. Wallace take those pictures?
Robert, let go of her!
Rae! Stop!
Now you talk to me. | I want to know everything.
Who's behind all of this? | Who's money is that?
- And who's in the damn trunk? | - My husband!
He was killed | right in front of me.
Here.
My husband, Robbie Butler.
across the lake.
to the folks in town.
I always thought the anger | that he kept in him
would fade over time. | But it didn't.
Well, thank you, fellas.
It's been a riot.
to each other once.
he grew to hate me.
I just didn't believe | in him anymore.
I didn't believe in myself | much either.
at the mayor's office
had her stroke.
and the left side of her body.
speeches, "thank you" notes.
was put my name on them.
That was for Mayor Block to do.
paperwork there is
for a small town like Reedsville,
each other and all.
laws get overlooked.
( door shuts )
- Ahem-- | - Mr. Block.
I was just about to lock up. | I didn't know that--
Shh.
( whispers ) | It's okay.
This year hasn't been | very kind to us, has it, Rae?
No, sir.
You know, | I'm not a terribly religious man,
but there is one verse from the Bible | that stands out in my mind.
It's the Philippians, | chapter four, verse seven.
"Give you peace,
which surpasses | all understanding."
"Give you peace..."
"Which surpasses | all understanding."
tenderness...
it's hard to refuse a man's touch.
Any man.
but whatever it was...
we needed it.
( clicks )
Then it all changed.
- ( music playing on radio ) | - What the?
Have a seat, Rae!
( chuckles )
you see, it seems | your wife here has a--
oh, hell,
why say anything when a picture | tells a thousand words?
Oh.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
We got ourselves | a disgruntled citizen in town,
he fancies himself a shutterbug.
He thought he'd catch | Mayor Block in a...
well, let's call that | a "compromising position."
And now I've got to spend my evening | running around town paying this guy off,
cleaning up Herman's mess
when I could be at home | watching wrestling.
We some of that "mess" | you was talking about cleaning up?
Yeah, you caused the mayor | a world of trouble,
and it's time you two | disappeared.
You're a bad man, Dodd.
Well, maybe you better | call the cops.
I got a better idea.
Rae: No!
( Rae screams )
- Come on! | - No!
( Dodd laughing )
( laughs ) | Oh, come on, darling.
( laughing )
Oh!
( screaming )
Come on, darling.
I want out to find out | what all this fuss is over.
Ooh, that's it, yeah. | Whoo-hoo-hoo!
( Rae screams )
You know, | my mom always said
Reedsville looked best | in your rear view mirror.
She got that right.
If the truck can run on fumes, I've got | enough gas to get back into town.
I'll fill her up, come right back here, | and then we are gone.
that's it.
- Can I talk to you for a minute? | - Yeah.
Are we packing up | the shed, too?
We'll talk about that later.
That sheriff's car they're pulling | out of the lake
Is a few miles from here. They'll be | knocking on our door in no time.
Well, we leave, first thing, | the three of us.
The three of us, huh?
Something my old man told me once | keeps popping back into my head.
What's that?
He said the two hardest things | in this world to catch
is a pop fly at a day game, | and a young woman when she's lying.
- You don't believe her? | - I don't know.
I mean, her story answers | all the right questions, but--
You saw the sheriff try to kill her, | what do you think?
I think $200,000 | is a lot of money.
I keep waiting for a story | to fall in my lap
and now I'm looking | at this big black bag of cash.
Kind of cuts out the middleman | with you and me, don't you think?
It's not ours to take, Robert.
It's not hers either. | Think about it, Molly.
Even an even split | could pull us out from under.
We need to get rid of it. I don't know | why you took it in the first place.
You don't know why I took it?
Jesus, there hasn't been a day since | Ashley died you haven't reminded me
that we are broke | and life isn't worth living anymore.
That's not fair.
No, I spent every penny we had | keeping her on life support.
- Don't say that. | - 'Cause you couldn't let go.
- They said that there was a chance-- | - There was no chance, Molly!
Jesus, you had it built up | in your head
that she was coming home. | She was never, ever coming home.
She was brain dead, Molly.
The machine was making her breathe, | and making her heart beat.
Do you think if there was a chance, | I wouldn't hack off my right arm?
I'd have done anything.
Anything.
She was my world too.
I don't think you believe that.
I can't do this anymore, Molly.
I don't have the strength | for both of us.
I just, I-- | I tried, but...
I don't know | what you want.
I want you. | I want to be a family again.
What do you want?
I want to stop fixing things.
I want to stop | taking responsibility
for everything that goes wrong | around me.
- I want my life back. | - Then let me help you.
- Yeah. | - Please?
You know what | will help me, Molly?
A big black bag.
A bit too hot for a campfire, | don't you think?
Is that one of your stories?
Yeah, I think it makes | a better campfire, though.
You've been hiding something | from me.
I found this under the couch.
Yeah.
My dad's secret love affair | with cut scotch.
I'm sure my mother would have preferred | another woman.
It's not like you can threaten | a bottle to leave your man alone.
My daddy drank. | He wasn't a sad drunk though,
he was more happy, | like me.
How about you?
Happy or sad?
Where's Molly?
Asleep.
So... let's have our talk.
I think it's best for us | not to think about morality,
- more so, justice. | - Justice?
In relation to what we got | going on in the shed?
That's what we're talking about here. | That's the issue.
You're talking pretty fancy. | I'll try to keep up.
Civil Court is between two people,
or two parties
who don't have to prove | beyond reasonable doubt
because they're not after blood. | What are they after?
- Money? | - Money.
You're just taking the long way | around the pond, huh?
In Civil Court you just need | a preponderance of evidence.
Less to prove, right?
It's easier to convict.
- Cigarette? | - Nah, I'm burning up already.
So in our situation...
I mean, it's not like we can depend | on the sovereign city of Reedsville
to punish the guilty | and protect the innocent.
One of their own already tried | to kill you. How can justice prevail?
( sighs )
You sure sound like you know | what you're talking about.
Well...
this is between | us and them, right?
This is a civil matter.
And since the guilty party has already | paid with his life, I mean...
I don't think you and I should hesitate | in seeking punitive damages
to the sum of 200,000--
I'm sorry. There's just a lot | of hot air blowing around.
It's wonderful in here. | You should come in too.
What about our talk?
Our talk? If I was even a part | of that conversation
I wouldn't have gotten | in a word edgewise.
We split it.
Not three ways, two.
For the last few days it's been about | you and me. Nobody else.
Agreed.
See what straight shooting | can accomplish?
You saved my life. | I'll agree to anything you want.
You want to take the money? | Take it.
If you want me...
No.
That's not gonna happen.
Looking in your eyes I can see | you've been without tenderness,
just like me.
Besides, you said we shouldn't | think about morality.
- I ca-- I can't... | - Just relax.
My head.
- No, I feel dizzy, I can't-- | - Just close your eyes.
You don't need | to see a thing.
No, no, no, | no, no, no.
I may be a little | old-fashioned
but we don't allow our ladies | to pump their gas around here.
Well, where were you | when I needed you?
Oh! A kiss from a pretty lady | so early in the day.
Is Robert with you?
I think he's out on a walk. | He must have gotten up before me.
Ah. Peculiar fellows, | these writers.
A little bit.
Say, would you mind | stopping by the library for a bit?
Ruth has a gift for you.
I think she feels bad | about not coming up to visit you.
- Oh, she doesn't have to do that. | - I know, but, you know,
she's an old woman, and once | she gets something in her mind,
it's her way | or there's hell to pay.
I understand.
Thank you.
Hey there.
I was knocking on your door | but I guess you weren't in.
- I was down by the lake. | - They biting?
I wasn't fishing.
I'm Abe Campbell.
You must be Robert Graves, | our writer-in-residence.
I was wondering if I could | have a talk with you.
Can we go inside?
- Yeah, okay. | - All right.
You live here | with your wife, right?
Molly. Right.
Where is she | at the moment?
She's in town | getting groceries.
I'm sorry I missed her.
Do you hunt?
Uh... a little bit | when I was a kid.
That's my dad's old shotgun.
Well, it's old but it's big | enough to drop a buck.
'Course most of our deer | have gone up north
because of the urban sprawl.
Price you pay | for progress, I suppose.
It's been a wicked season | if you're into killing.
I'm sorry, Mr. Graves, | I'm gonna have to ask you
to come into town with me.
Why is that?
Well, I'm kind of hoping | we can catch up with your wife.
See, there has been an incident | up the lake from here.
Something pretty bad.
My orders are to bring the two of you | in for questioning.
You're not the only ones | we've been talking to,
it's just you're | the last two on my list.
Well, you know, she should be home | any second now.
It's important, sir. | I'd appreciate your cooperation.
Anything to help.
Let me just grab | a clean shirt.
All right then.
All right. | You ready?
I'm ready.
Well, I thought whenever | you decided to move back east,
you might want something | to remember us by, so, here you go.
It's just a collection of pictures. | I thought you'd like 'em.
This is very thoughtful. | Thank you, Ruth.
Let me get that | recipe for you.
Ruth? This woman on the swing, | who is she?
If you mean | that black and white one...
that'd be Rae Butler. | She works over at the mayor's office.
on the thigh for my taste,
from across the lake,
husband of hers.
He sure does take a good picture, | don't you think?
- Her husband is a photographer? | - Oh, he's our black sheep,
always scamming | and stealing.
a job at the photo lab
like a duck to water.
finds their true calling in life,
even of they are | a little shifty.
Oh, I found it!
Molly?
- You want any of this? | - Uh, no thanks.
Sit down.
How long you and your wife been | staying up at your daddy's cottage?
We moved in | at the beginning of this month.
And this is just | for recreational purposes?
- I'm working on a new book. | - Oh, is that right?
Have you heard anything | unusual in the last week?
No, I haven't.
Do you own any other guns | other than the shotgun there?
No. | And that's not my gun.
It was my father's.
I see. So you're saying | you never fired it?
No. I mean, | not since I was 12.
I'm really gonna need to speak | with your wife.
Well, there's nothing | she can tell you that I can't.
Oh, I don't doubt that.
It's just that you live three miles | from the scene of a homicide.
- A homicide? | - Yes, a multiple homicide. Yes, sir.
Whoa. | I haven't heard anything.
These homicides, they-- | they happened in the last week.
Is there anything you heard | that you just can't explain?
Like what?
That's what I'm trying | to figure out here.
Look, Officer...
I lived in New York | most of my life,
and if I had heard gunshots, | I'd have known what they sounded like.
- Are you sure? | - I'm positive.
Well, that's kind of strange, | don't you think?
- What's that? | - Well, I didn't mention gunshots.
I just said homicide. I think it's kind | of funny you'd just assume that.
Well, Officer, we did a lot of talking | about that rifle there.
I think that's a pretty | fair assumption.
You know what?
When you put it that way...
I see your point.
Are you sure you don't want | a soda or anything?
No, thank you. | I'm fine.
if my associate
tracked down | your wife at the grocery store.
Sit tight.
Say...
you ever serve | in the army?
No. | My dad was in Korea.
- Why? | - I was just wondering.
Oh, Jesus.
Oh, no, no, no, | the flashlight.
Hey! Hey!
He took off 'round back!
Robert?
Robert?
Robert?
( metal banging )
Where you going, | Shakespeare?
Ow!
Damn it!
Son of a bitch.
Son of a bitch!
It was you.
You and your husband, | you started this.
No. But we finished it. | Or we thought we did.
How could you do that?
Allow your husband to take | those pictures of you?
Molly, as grateful as I am | for what you've done for me,
I'm sure as hell not gonna stand here | and listen to you lecture me
on what a husband and wife | should and shouldn't do.
Robert didn't come | home last night.
- Where is he? | - Cops came, took him away.
- Why should I believe you? | - I don't care, really!
All I know is it's not going to be long | till they come looking for me.
So I need you to tell me | where the money is.
It's in the locker, | where it's always been.
No, it's not | in there, Molly!
Now tell me where it is.
You tell me | where Robert is.
You're like a little house bird. | You know that, Molly?
Without somebody taking care of you | or that little house you done built up,
you could be squashed | in a fist.
I'm stronger than you think.
Well, try this on.
The last time I saw Robert | was last night.
And aside from being | real drunk,
his spirits were real high.
At least that's what | it looked like
when I was on top of him | and he was on top of me.
Inside me.
You're not strong | enough for him, Molly.
And I think you know that.
So I don't think | you know where the money is.
'Cause you're not | in his thoughts anymore.
You're not a part | of his life.
You're weak, Molly.
You're nothing | but a little, weak--
( groans )
( gasping )
( screams )
Get him, T!
Damn it, Molly, | I don't have time for this.
Give it up!
How do you like | where I parked my truck? Huh?!
Huh?!
Take a load off.
Why'd you have to beat | on him so much?
He ran. We went after him. | What's your problem?
Byron: | Take off the handcuffs.
I said take 'em off!
Byron, the day I take | a direct order from you
will be the day | I lick my own nut sack.
- ( T laughs ) | - Block: Take 'em off.
You heard me, Campbell. | Take 'em off.
You'll have to excuse the stench | in here, Mr. Graves.
Our mutual friend T. Wallace | insists on keeping the feed store open,
despite the fact that there isn't much | of a demand for horse oats anymore.
They just sit back here | getting wet and moldy.
- It's a waste of space, T. | - I'll be the judge of that.
I suppose you will.
You mind if I sit?
Now don't be sore | at old Byron here.
He's looking out | for your best interests,
as all of us are.
You see, your daddy was what we'd | like to call "Old Reedsville."
Your people are buried | up on Magnolia Hill, same as ours.
So we've decided we'd like | to claim you, Mr. Graves,
as one of our own.
Someone we'd like | to take care of.
I can take care of myself.
Hmm. That, uh...
remains to be seen, | don't you think?
You're... | bleeding there.
Here you go.
Now, I'm in a very | awkward position.
Yeah, I know.
- I've seen all your positions. | - Ah.
A reference to the lewd photographs, | I suppose, yes.
There's a few questions I'd like | to ask you about those.
Yeah? Why don't you ask him? | He's the one who took 'em.
You mean T? | Well, now,
we've had our differences | over the years,
but he would never | do something like that to me.
Then why is he here?
Well, you killed | his brother for one.
Sheriff Dodd.
He's the one you shot and sank | at the bottom of Chitwick Lake.
Oh. Well, I guess shit | doesn't float after all.
Stop it!
Hang on, you gotta admit, | that was a pretty good one, T.
Now, just sit down | and relax now. Come on.
Son, she's a bad person.
Her and her husband.
the pictures.
They're the ones | who started this whole mess.
Mm-hmm. Now, | if you've seen those pictures,
I imagine you also saw
a little black bag up there, too.
If Rae is up at that cabin I'm concerned | about Molly's safety.
She's a fierce woman, | this Rae Butler.
( Block chuckles )
Sweet as a Georgia peach, | though, I gotta tell you.
Of course, I may might be speaking | to the already converted.
You've... had a sample of that | peach pie now, haven't you?
What is it you want from me?
Mr. Graves, | we're it.
This is the committee. | We make Reedsville happen.
Now, if you say you didn't | kill someone, that's it,
you didn't kill someone. | Ain't that right, T?
Like he said,
you can be part | of "Old Reedsville."
Byron here's gonna | take you back.
And you will return to us | what is rightfully ours.
After that... it's over.
Done. Finito.
I figure we've got enough | dirt on each other
to keep the playing field fair.
So what, you're just | gonna kill her?
No. | No, no, no, no, no.
We missed our opportunity at that, | unfortunately.
We're gonna put some cash | in her hand
and ship that split-tailed bitch | out on a bus.
Robert, we just got to go | pick up that money.
Just you and me.
all is forgotten.
( laughs )
How do you do it?
How do you get | all these fools
wrapped around | your finger?
We take care of our own.
Like I said...
we're "Old Reedsville."
- Wait! Wait! | - I'm sorry, Molly.
I can't let Robert | find you like this.
Rae! | Don't do this!
I'll tell him where to find you | as soon as I get what's mine.
Don't! | Rae... no!
Stop the truck.
I never meant for any | of this to happen.
I've lived here all my life.
Oh, no, I understand.
I mean, you're just looking | out for your own.
I also understand | my father loved you.
As much as anyone could've | been there for him,
you were there for him.
Go home to Ruth.
No!
Damn it!
No! Shit! | Where is it?!
So you're a critic now?
What happened to you?
I've been hanging out | with some of your friends.
Good people, really.
- Where's Molly? | - Where's my money?
That money buys | your life back.
Ours, too. | Now where is she?
You like plain | talk after all.
I know about you | and your husband Robbie.
I know what you did.
I'm telling you, Robert, | you can't trust any of 'em.
They won't hesitate in putting | a bullet in you and me both.
I've had just about | enough of this.
Robert, can't you see? | We just wanted to start over.
We wanted to get away, | somewhere where no one knew us.
It's not like they didn't get | what they wanted.
Robert!
Please, Robert.
I'm not proud about how I earned this, | but I earned it.
Okay? I just-- just want | a new life.
Isn't that what | you want?
Or maybe you'd like | a life with me.
Hey! | My life is with Molly.
Now give me my money.
( distant car approaching )
Well, if you're gonna do it, | do it now.
Now where's Molly?
I told you! | Didn't I tell you they'd kill us all?
I'm gonna throw you out to the dogs | unless you tell me where Molly is.
If you get us out of this, | I swear I'll take you right to her.
You tell me where | she is right now!
( car approaching )
Get down.
We're gonna put an end | to this right now,
before it gets | out of hand.
I've got plenty, but I can only shoot | a few at a time.
Remember, you've only got six rounds, | so don't waste any shots.
I'm sorry, Robert.
You don't deserve this.
Yes, I do.
( creaks )
Bingo.
Jesus!
You're making me work | very hard today.
Aah!
dull thud )
You know what? | I don't understand you.
The way I see it, I've given you | everything you have.
That came with a price.
I didn't have a choice | with your precious generosity.
You're entitled to your opinion, | but you are not entitled to this.
You know, I don't know many girls | have patience enough
to spend all night | getting your dick hard.
You might as well crawl into bed | with that screwed up wife of yours,
'cause you're dead from the waist down | just like she is.
Rae, that's a firearm. | It's very dangerous.
- Please don't point it at me. | - Give me my money.
Rae...
point that | in another direction.
Give me my money!
Okay, all right.
You-- | you've earned at least...
You've earned that.
You gonna shoot me, Rae?
Really?
Then do it. | Go ahead. Do it.
I didn't think so.
Herman?
"Give you peace
which surpasses all | understanding."
Yeah, I think it goes | something like that.
( laughs )
( gun cocks )
You killed her, didn't you?
Molly's dead?
She's been dead for a long time, | don't you think?
I made up my mind. | I wasn't gonna die in Reedsville.
You know, I used | to think that too.
At least you got to get out | for a while.
I ain't been east | of the Rockies.
Yeah? Well, I have. | Let me tell you...
Reedsville's as good | a place as any to die.
If you say so.
See ya, Robert.
( gunshot )
What you doing, Molly?
Putting one foot | in front of the other.
Good for you, Molly. | I mean it.
Good for you.
Oh, baby, I thought | I lost you. Oh...
We've survived | worse than this.
Did you know | your typewriter's broken?
It's too bad.
It's really | a... beautiful place.
I think I've seen enough of it. | Let's go home.
Where's that?
Anywhere with you.
( engine starts )
I'm half a woman
With half a heart
when we're apart
with me
I'm complete
My heart had been
So uninspired
Love left a lot to be desired
When you're here with me
I'm complete
that makes me whole
my second soul
Your love fills all my needs
Baby, when I'm with you
I catch my breath
Lose my cool?
break every rule
here with me
I'm complete
that makes me whole
my second soul
Your love fills all my needs
Baby, when I'm with you
Can't you see I'm satisfied?
My heart's content
perfect sense
here with me
I'm complete
When you're here with me...
( instrumental break )
ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh
When you're here with me
I'm complete
ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh.