Blue Ridge: The Series (2024) s01e05 Episode Script
Land Grab
♪
[Horse neighs]
BARBARA: Okay, Maddie.
Same pattern, this
time at a trot.
- Really?
- BARBARA: Oh, please child
I had your Mama doing this
when she was in third grade.
- Yeah, but
- BARBARA: Now get going!
Good, good girl.
Nice
remember inside leg,
give a good rein.
Close as you can, good.
Now to the third.
And bring her home!
[LAUGHS]
Whoa boy.
BARBARA: And that, my
dear, was excellent.
Woohoo
MADDIE: What did you think?
I think you're amazing!
I'm just glad that while
every 16-year-old wants
to learn how to drive a car,
you want to learn
how to drive a horse.
Very funny.
But, this does not
give you an "out"
for me getting my license.
JUSTIN: Well it
was worth a shot
[ALL LAUGHING]
She's got the pedigree
JUSTIN: Yeah, that's
a beautiful horse
Your daughter, knucklehead.
Not the horse.
She could end up
better than Elli.
You know, when Elli was her
age, I watched her win more than
her fair share of buckles,
but Maddie's got that
something you can't teach
fearlessness.
She gets that from me.
And modesty.
Well she really
does love it.
Thanks to you.
Well Sheriff
This ranch takes a lot
of work to keep it going.
And I'm not getting any younger.
This sounds like a
retirement speech.
'Cause it is.
I've been doing a lot of
thinking and I think it might be
time to put Banning Ranch in
the hands of somebody else.
Just gonna go off
into the sunset?
Heck no.
Watch the sunset from my patio
in the condo I'm gonna
buy on St. Simons.
Sounds like you got
it all figured out.
What to do after
the ranch is easy.
It's what to do with it that
keeps me awake at night.
Big ranch, big decision.
You leaning in
any one direction?
Thought I was.
Now I'm not so sure.
You'll figure it out.
♪
[CRICKETS CHIRPING]
There we go.
[HORSE NEIGHS]
You okay, boy hmm?
[SUSPENSE] ♪
The boys not feed
you enough tonight?
[DOOR OPENING]
Hello?
[SUSPENSE] ♪
[DOOR SQUEAKS OPEN]
Mason, Charlie?
You know, if you guys
would spend as much time
doing your job as
trying to prank me
♪
[STRANGLING]
[GRUNTS]
[CHOKING SOUNDS]
["BLUE RIDGE"] ♪
♪
[SOMBER] ♪
♪
RP: Rigor extends down
to her arms and legs so
I'd estimate her time of
death to be somewhere between
10:00, 11:00 PM.
Crime scene unit's on their way.
Who found the body?
Sheila the housekeeper.
SHEILA: She didn't come down
for breakfast, which was rare.
So, I went to her
room to check on her
and her bed was still made.
Was that was out of character?
Miss Banning did a lot
of things around here,
but bed-making
wasn't one of them.
Is there anyone that you
know that would want to
have harmed her?
Everyone loved her.
Was there any situations
out of the ordinary?
Any arguments?
Oak Miller came by
a few weeks back
and they got into it.
Screaming, name calling.
They're close.
SHEILA: They were
It was out of character
for both of them.
Is there anything else
that you can think of?
SHEILA: She fired
that no good Easton.
Caught him rifling
through her desk.
How'd he take it?
SHEILA: Started
screaming at her.
Said that she still owed
him his last paycheck.
Miss Banning told him that
he'd get another penny
from her "over her dead body."
Maxx, I need you to go through
all Barabara's personal items.
Anything of interest.
Credit card charges,
receipts, journals, etc
Any angle you have in mind?
- She was about to retire.
She was trying to figure out
what to do with this ranch.
It could be related.
I'll try to piece
together her last week?
- Last 48 hours.
- MAXX: Got it.
I need you to interview
all the ranch hands.
Find out their alibis,
if they saw or heard
anything last night.
- Okay.
- There's a ranch hand named Easton.
You need to find him.
Yes sir.
Today
♪
OAK: This doesn't feel
like a social call.
It isn't
You haven't heard?
'Bout what?
Barbara
She's dead.
♪
OAK: She was my neighbor
We were friends for years.
She was like family.
Tell me about the last
conversation that you had.
Did you hear about
her plan to retire?
She told me yesterday.
OAK: Well, she told me too.
Said she was gonna
sell her place to this
farming conglomerate.
- You didn't like that?
- OAK: No.
No, all those companies
care about is profits
for their shareholders.
First thing they'd do is take
that beautiful ranch of hers
and turn it into
some factory farm.
So, what did you say to her?
OAK: Well I said
her daddy and her granddaddy's
buried on that land.
They'd be turning in
their graves if they knew
what she had in mind.
What'd she say?
OAK: Ah, she said it
was none of my business.
Said she was only telling
me out of common courtesy.
Well, she had to sell
it to someone, Oak.
Yeah,
that's why I offered to buy it.
You?
You have that kind of money?
- No.
No, not nearly as much as
their offer but enough
to set her up in Georgia
and leave a chunk of change
for that nephew of hers.
Nephew?
I didn't know she
had any family.
Yeah, Kenny's it.
Well, why wouldn't
she leave it to him?
Keep it in the family?
OAK: Well, at one point
that was the plan.
JUSTIN: What changed?
He didn't.
That boy's a degenerate gambler
and a pathological liar.
And he always knew exactly
how to manipulate his
sweet Auntie Barb.
He was the one pushing her to
sell to the highest bidder.
What did she think
about your offer?
[SCOFFS]
She accused me of trying
to make her feel guilty
so I could lowball her
for my own financial gain.
Last thing I said to her
was that what she was doing
was like sending an old
mare to the glue factory.
That I'd misjudged her
character all these years.
I'm sure she knew
you were just upset
and that you didn't mean it.
No sir
I'm not so sure she did.
♪
Sheriff?,
Shot of Old Olsteen?
Not right now.
Were these three guys
in here last night?
Yep
All night.
This got anything to
do with what happened
to Barbara Banning?
I can't say, Jeremiah.
JEREMIAH: It's a shame
what happened there.
She was a strong woman.
Her land was beautiful.
Family's been here
as long as mine
You tell the Sheriff, if he
needs our help on this
We've got his back.
♪
[RIFLING NOISES]
♪
MAXX: Can I help you?
KENNY: I'm good.
Who are you?
♪
Kenny.
Aunt Barb's nephew.
I got the news and
came up from Charlotte.
It was tragic.
Kenny?
KENNY: Yeah?
MAXX: Is there a reason
you're tampering with
potential evidence
in an active crime scene?
Oh
I thought because she
was killed out there
No.
Ummm.
I just need to look over a few
documents to make sure
things keep operating
without a hitch, you know.
I've collected everything
of substance from her desk.
So, it might be better
if you take some time
to grieve while we investigate.
Hmm.
Think I might could
take a quick look-see
through that box, darlin'?
Hey, once it's in this box,
it's official evidence.
And it's Deputy.
Alright, Deputy.
Here's the deal
as her next of kin I am
entitled to have access
to that will along with
the deed to this ranch.
You understand?
Which I'm sure her lawyer
will gladly provide you,
seeing as though you're
entitled to them.
Are we clear?
Crystal.
[TENSE] ♪
JUSTIN: What you got for me?
All the ranch hands
have confirmed alibis.
What about this Easton fella?
RP: None of them like him.
Drugs, fighting, stealing.
Just all around bad news.
Why would Barbara hire
someone like that?
Apparently only reason
he got the job is because
her nephew pushed for it.
Any idea where he's living now?
RP: Living, no.
But I did get us an address.
Might be able to find him.
♪
Any news on the Banning case?
Not yet, ma'am, but
we're working it.
Barbara was a pillar
of this community.
Just make sure your Sheriff
knows how important this is.
[DOOR CHIMES OPEN]
[SOBBING]
♪
Dad.
[CONTINUES CRYING]
He knows, ma'am
He knows.
♪
Go in the back.
♪
♪
[BANGS DOOR]
Sheriff's office!!
We're looking for Easton Klein.
Sheriff's office!
Open up!!
♪
Which one's Easton?
Pick one!
♪
Stop!!!
♪
JUSTIN: Sheriff's
department, freeze!
You Easton Klein?
- No.
- Where is he?
- Behind you.
- Nice try.
[GRUNTING]
[FIGHTING]
♪
[YELLS]
[FIGHTING]
♪
Ah okay, okay.
Alright.
Look man, I didn't
even know she was dead.
So why'd you run?
I heard my name man,
I figured that maybe
you were busting me
for something else.
So you assault a police officer?
I may have partaken in a
substance that is known
to amplify one's aggression.
Allegedly.
Well, allegedly the
county lockup is a good
place to dry out.
C'mon man.
Look, I already got
two strikes on me.
I can't have a third.
JUSTIN: Okay, you
better play ball
and you better talk.
Kenny!
Kenny?
EASTON: Miss B's nephew, Kenny.
He killed her for sure man.
You just told us that you
didn't even know she was dead.
All of a sudden you know
the killer's identity?
Look, he paid me $500
to sneak into her office
and find the draft of the
revised deed to her ranch.
Did you find it?
EASTON: Yeah, yeah, yeah
And her new will.
I got the pics right
on my phone, man.
Look, back pocket.
What's the password?
1-2-3-4.
Might want to add a
special character or two.
If someone wants to steal my
identity, they can have it man.
JUSTIN: So, Barbara was
going to turn the entire
property over to charity?
Hey the dude freaked when he
found out that she was gonna
blow all his money
on old horses.
Define "freaked."
He busted all the windows
in his fire chicken,
and he loved that car.
That doesn't mean he killed her.
Well, he came back later he said
that he needed the money back.
Wanted to put together
five G's for
taking care of a
problem with his aunt.
And you assume it was
for her murder for hire.
Everyone knows that five grand
is what a hitman goes for.
Allegedly.
Allegedly.
Of Barbar.
The original where her
nephew inherits the ranch.
And a revised,
unexecuted version.
In this one,
the property is gifted
to a horse sanctuary
on the outskirts of Charlotte.
She had a meeting with her
lawyer to execute the updated
will and the deed
to the ranch Monday.
JUSTIN: So, if Barbara
lived through the weekend,
Kenny loses everything?
MAXX: Exactly.
Sounds like a
compelling motive to me.
What about her last
forty-eight hours?
Barbara was old school, so
it's a work in progress.
Oh, but I did confirm she made
three phone calls yesterday.
First one to her lawyer.
Another to Cliff Saunders
who's the owner of
the horse sanctuary.
And the third is unlisted.
You try calling it?
Yeah, a few times.
No one picked up, no
outgoing voicemail.
Alright.
RP, I need you to confirm
the supposed alibi by Easton.
Yeah, will do.
Maxx, keep doing
what you're doing.
And get Kenny in
here for questioning.
Done.
Give me the address to
this horse sanctuary.
I'm going to see if the
owner has any insight.
Good work deputy.
♪
CLIFF: I was in shock.
I still am.
So, Barbara was a big supporter?
CLIFF: Oh yeah.
Yeah, she was the biggest.
I know this place isn't
too much to look at but,
between this location
and a few others we have,
this year alone we
managed to save over
a hundred horses from
the slaughterhouse
thanks to Barb.
So, the plan was to
relocate to Banning Ranch?
CLIFF: No.
Now, the original plan
was she was going to sell
her ranch and make
a sizable donation.
Then, out of the blue,
God bless her soul,
she thought up the idea of
donating her entire property.
So, you spoke to her yesterday?
CLIFF: She called.
She wanted to confirm our
appointment on Monday with
her attorneys just to
make it all official.
Did she seem concerned?
Anything unusual?
She warned me to keep an
eye out for her nephew.
Kenny?
CLIFF: He wasn't on board
with her decision making.
Apparently, he's
got anger issues
or a violent streak.
Don't quote me on that.
So, Barbara's final wish
isn't gonna come true?
That your organization
gets her land?
We'll see.
My lawyer's going to contest
it on the grounds that
it was her intent to donate it.
Think you got a shot?
He said it's gonna
be difficult to
What's that word?
Countermand
a legal document,
but we're gonna try.
So in other words
her land's gonna be
tied up for a while.
My guess is it's gonna get ugly.
Not that it hasn't already.
♪
KENNY: Man you brought
me back from Charlotte.
And then now you're
accusing me of murder?!
We're not accusing
you of murder.
Your buddy Easton is.
Okay, Easton is lying!
When's the last time
you spoke to your aunt?
A week ago.
Is that when she informed
you about her intention
to donate the land?
I did not know what
she was considering
until I spoke with her
lawyer this morning.
Per your suggestion.
Easton said that you wanted
the revised will
for him to steal?
Why would Easton
have it on his phone
unless you asked him to do it?
I don't know, ask him!
He's sleazy, that's
what he does.
He said that you wanted five
thousand dollars to take care
of the problem of your aunt.
KENNY: Again, he's lying.
He's making up stories
to cover his butt.
He's the one you
should looking into.
So where were you last night?
I have an alibi.
That's not what I
asked but go ahead.
What was your alibi?
- The Charlotte PD.
So you were with
a police officer?
I went out for a
few adult beverages.
May have over indulged as
I've been known to do and
wind up in the drunk tank.
You can check all
this out with them.
Oh, you can count on it.
So
your aunt was going to meet
with the lawyers on Monday.
If she signs that deed
you lose everything.
It would seem for
once in my life that
time's a friend of me.
Maybe Maybe not
The lawyers are contesting
the will right now.
That was never made
official, Sheriff.
I think the property's
gonna be in legal
proceedings for the
foreseeable future.
Are we done?
Yeah, just keep your phone on.
We got a lot of questions.
Let me see your notepad.
You're gonna want to
answer that, Kenny,
because it's me.
That's a different number than
I called him on to bring him in.
Why do you have two phones?
Just do.
Is that a crime?
No, but it's a crime
to lie to authorities.
Someone called your
aunt yesterday morning
from that phone.
You said you hadn't talked
to your aunt in a week.
For seven minutes.
KENNY: Yep, that's right.
Slipped my mind.
We discussed Sunday dinner.
Any more questions, feel
free to give me a call.
You have my number, right?
Both of them.
♪
Problem is, assuming
his alibi holds up
it's a good one.
- Yeah.
Premeditated one.
Like one you'd orchestrate
if you just paid someone to
commit a murder on your behalf.
♪
JUSTIN: How's Maddie doing?
She's okay.
She's strong.
How are you doing?
I mean, I just can't believe it.
Barb had such a big heart,
I just don't know
I don't know why anybody
would want to hurt her.
[ELLI'S PHONE VIBRATES]
Answer it. Go ahead.
It's okay.
♪
[JUSTIN'S PHONE RINGS]
ELLI: It's your turn.
- Sorry.
- Go ahead.
Sheriff Wise.
CLIFF: Sheriff!
Sheriff, this is Cliff Saunders.
Remember you told me to call
you if something comes up?
Well
something's come up.
Just as soon as I pulled out,
somebody started shooting at me
from the woods right over there.
I swerved into the fence,
and I hopped out
that side right there
and I started returning fire.
I did.
The shooting stopped.
A minute or two later, car
fired up down the driveway.
Muffler so loud you could probably
hear it a mile or two away.
You doing all right?
I'm a little shook
but I'll be fine.
You think this has anything
to do with her nephew?
I can't comment on that.
But I'd keep that by your side.
Yes, sir.
♪
RP: So, you make Kenny aware
that the will's being contested
and then a few hours later
they kill the contester?
Definitely not
lacking for motive.
Yeah well, it's
pretty impulsive.
Kenny doesn't strike me
as the introspective type.
I bet if we put a
tail on him for a day
he'd give us enough
to arrest him.
Why don't we?
He lives outside the county,
outside our jurisdiction.
Unless
♪
[CAR ENGINE APPROACHING]
Hey, Beth.
Justin!?
Been a while.
Yeah.
When was the last time
we saw each other?
Oh yeah, it was the
day you dumped me.
♪
other in what, nearly 20 yearsh
and you show up
looking for a favor?
I wouldn't ask unless
it was important.
There's no way I can give you
a team on such short notice.
I only need you.
Heard that one before.
I only need your jurisdiction.
I only have authority
within my county,
but if I'm part of a joint
task force with the FBI then
That would require
permission from my superiors,
which I won't get.
Okay,
What's the least you can do?
Officially? Nothing.
Unofficially?
Nearly twenty years, Justin.
This is personal.
A really good woman
lost her life.
♪
You got eyes on him?
MAXX: (ON THE PHONE) Yeah.
How should we proceed?
JUSTIN: Okay. RP,
he's never seen you before.
Go buy a beer,
and keep an eye on him.
Today is the one and only day
we need to catch
Kenny doing something
incriminating.
Maxx, stay with the vehicle.
Don't let it out of your sight.
Got it, boss.
♪
A beer.
♪
You said it was personal?
Yeah.
It's a friend of the family's.
My daughter's riding instructor.
Also my wife's-
back in the day.
Ex wife.
Oh.
When did you and Elli split up?
A few years back.
It's my fault.
I assumed.
JUSTIN: You married? Kids?
No and definitely no.
What can I say? I'm a
cliche.
Married to my job.
JUSTIN: So, I know
that we didn't
end things all that well and-
You dumped me for another woman
on my birthday.
Well, in my defense
I did end up marrying
the other woman.
In your defense.
Yeah, I mean, I didn't
just dump you for anyone.
[SIGHS] Well
I'm sorry.
Don't flatter yourself
too much, Casanova.
I was over you a long time ago.
I just wanted you to
feel badly for a while.
I do.
I mean, I did.
♪
♪
♪
Thanks.
♪
LONZO: You gonna tell
me who you are before
or after I gut you?
The guy who brought a
gun to a knife fight.
Drop it.
I said drop it!
Hands on the wall.
♪
RP: Suspect's running!
- Which direction?
RP: Northeast.
- Northeast.
Okay, we'll try to cut him off.
♪
[TIRES SQUEAL]
♪
Freeze!
♪
Come here.
What are you doing here?
You needed back up.
Who's watching Kenny?
[TIRES SQUEAL]
JUSTIN: Who's watching Kenny?
MAXX: I saw RP chasing this
guy and made a judgment call.
JUSTIN: You made the
wrong one. Now get back,
quick, both of you. I got him.
I'm Sheriff Wise. This is
Special Agent Yates with the FBI.
We want to talk to you about your
dealings with Kenny Banning
Look, if you're gonna arrest
me, go ahead and do it.
I got nothing to say.
You're under arrest for murder.
LONZO: What? JUSTIN: My deputy
saw you exchange money
for your services as a hitman.
Whoa, I'm no hitman.
You've got five seconds to
convince me otherwise
Four three
LONZO: Okay, okay.
I work for a bookie.
Kenny made a bet on credit
and I was trying to collect.
How much money
could he have won?
Five grand.
Five grand.
He's a criminal, just not
the one we're looking for.
All right, let's go.
MAXX: He's gone!
What should we do?
Got to go look for him.
♪
♪
MAXX: Kenny's car is
back at his house.
JUSTIN (ON THE PHONE):
Is he there alone?
Not sure, but there
are no other cars.
JUSTIN (ON THE PHONE):
Proceed with caution.
MAXX: Yes, sir.
I'm sorry I lost him.
That's okay.
Let's go find him.
♪
♪
♪
I see him. He's in a chair
with a needle in his arm.
I can't say for sure, but I
don't think he's breathing.
What should I do?
[JUSTIN SIGHS]
Go in.
♪
[BANGING ON DOOR]
RP: Sheriff's department!
Kenny!
[DOOR OPENS]
♪
♪
BETH: I get that the
timing is suspicious but
unfortunately, overdoses are a
regular occurrence in this area.
How long till we can get
the toxicology report back?
I'll get forensics to put
it at the front of the line.
Well, that'd be great.
I owe you one.
You owe me way more
than one, Justin.
And I plan on collecting next
time I'm up the mountain.
This isn't your fault.
You made a judgment call.
You're going to make a
lot more of them too.
Some will be right.
Some won't.
♪
Let's go home.
♪
JUSTIN: All right.
The way I see it
there's four
potential scenarios.
One Kenny accidentally OD's.
Which leaves us with a lot
of unanswered questions.
Two he knows
that we're on to him
so he purposely OD's.
Three he hired a killer to
take out his aunt and Cliff.
But he didn't pay him,
so the killer takes him out
and makes it look like he OD'd.
Or four
There's someone else out there
that has a motive to
want them all dead.
Who?
JUSTIN: I don't know.
Let's get Easton's take on this.
Yeah. Got it.
JUSTIN: And Maxx
you looked at Barb's
last 48 hours.
In the morning, look
at her last two weeks.
Yes, sir.
Let's call it a night.
Want to grab a mountain coffee?
Nah thanks.
I think I'm just
going to head to bed.
Be right after you.
Okay. Night.
- Night.
♪
♪
Hi, it's Deputy
Covington calling
again.
I really need to speak with you
about Barbara Banning.
Please
it's imperative
you call me back.
You have my number.
♪
♪
♪
♪
EASTON: That just don't
make no sense, man.
Kenny OD'ing?
I mean, he would drink with the
best of 'em, but that was it.
You sure?
Yeah, yeah man.
The dude was
I mean um
sanctimonious
about it, you know?
Trust me, I tried.
What about suicide?
[LAUGHTER] No way.
Dude was way too
full of himself.
Nah, especially if
there was a chance
for him to make some bank.
Yesterday you were
convinced it was him.
Well, yesterday I was
high as a kite, man.
Okay, I don't care about that.
Why did you change your mind?
Kenny.
He hit me up right after
I talked to your sheriff,
was all mad; you know,
saying that money
wasn't for a hitman,
he wanted it for a lawyer.
- What for?
He was gonna claim that Miss
B was losing her marbles;
he wanted to fight all
the changes to the will.
That's the "problem"
he was talking about.
Allegedly.
Can I-can I go now, man?
JUSTIN: What's the
latest? RP: Turns out
Kenny contacted a
lawyer the same day
he got a copy of
his aunt's will.
And I did confirm that
he told Kenny he has a five
thousand dollar retainer.
So, it wasn't for a hitman?
Why wouldn't Kenny just tell us
why he needed the money?
I mean, he claimed
Easton was a liar,
and that he had no idea he was
written out of the will, right?
Maybe he just didn't want
to get caught up in a lie
make himself seem more
guilty when he really isn't.
So the odds are that Kenny
did accidentally overdose.
For what it's worth,
Easton is convinced
that he didn't.
JUSTIN: Who benefits from
murdering Barbara, Kenny,
and Cliff, almost.
RP: What happens to the land if
nobody has a legit claim on it?
The county puts
it up for auction.
What about that
farming conglomerate?
You know, the one Oak
said she initially
was going to sell it to?
Or Oak, who wanted to buy it?
You don't really think
[JUSTIN SIGHS]
I don't know.
I'm going to go out
to the horse sanctuary
see what Cliff has
to say about it.
Where's Maxx?
No idea. She just texted me,
said she was gonna
be a little late.
♪
RP: Where have you been?
Louisville.
Kentucky?
Drove through the night.
RP: What were you doing there?
Hmm nothing just
solving our case.
♪
Barbara's things. d PI ag
I left him a few messages,
he never got back to me.
Turns out he had a valid reason.
RP: Which is?
- He's dead.
Strangled to death in his home
the morning after
Barb was murdered.
- There is no way that's a coincidence.
- No, it wasn't.
From what I've been
able to piece together,
Barb wanted to do
her due diligence
before giving away her ranch,
so she hired a PI to
look into the charity.
Any idea what he found out?
That Cliff Saunders
is a con man.
Barb had this Lexington
address written down.
Turns out it's the future location
of a retirement community.
I still don't understand what
this has to do with Cliff.
He sold the developer the land.
It was technically a
horse sanctuary prior,
but according to the person
I talked to on the phone,
there weren't any horses there.
Okay.
So, the land was
donated to his charity
a few years earlier
by an elderly woman.
And after she died under
mysterious circumstances,
he sold it for millions.
How much you want to
bet that phone call
that she made to Cliff
the day she was murdered,
had nothing to do with
signing over the deed.
MAXX: And that it
wasn't going to happen
and she was going
to reveal his scam.
So he murders her AND the PI
to not only keep it quiet,
but to maintain the
claim to the ranch?
Exactly.
And maybe killed Kenny too.
Sheriff's on his way
to the sanctuary.
He might already be there.
- We need to tell him! - Yeah.
♪
I don't understand.
You know, people like Kenny
overdose all the time.
What makes you so suspicious
this may be a murder case?
The timing.
But I'm hopeful that
the toxicology report
will shed some light on it.
Well, in the meantime I'm going
to keep my Winnie close by.
Having the only legit
claim to the ranch
probably made me an
even bigger target.
That's right.
You have the only legit claim.
You said that people like
Kenny overdose all the time.
Yeah?
I thought you never
met him before.
CLIFF: I'm just going off
what Barb told me about him.
Why she didn't want to
leave him her ranch.
[JUSTIN'S PHONE VIBRATES]
Excuse me.
♪
Hey, Beth.
Got something?
Yeah, Kenny's tox screen.
He died from a drug
called xylazine.
Is there a street
name? BETH: Tranq.
It's a horse tranquilizer.
It's actually becoming a real
problem in the city.
So, Kenny did
accidentally overdose.
Unlikely.
JUSTIN: What makes you say that?
BETH: He had enough in his
system to kill an actual horse.
This was suicide or murder.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
What's the clinical name?
BETH: Xylazine.
♪
JUSTIN: So, Kenny's death
is officially an accident.
Justin, I just said
that it wasn't.
JUSTIN: I'm just glad it wasn't
related to what happened to his Aunt.
BETH: Is there something you
can't say out loud? JUSTIN: Yeah.
Make sure you tell my deputies
what you just told me.
Thank you.
- CLIFF: Uh uh.
♪
[JUSTIN'S PHONE VIBRATES]
I don't suppose you're
gonna let me answer that.
Why don't you go ahead and toss
me over your gun and your phone.
Cliff, you don't
have to do this.
CLIFF: Oh,
I think we both know I'm beyond
the proverbial point
of no return, Sheriff.
Why did you do it?
She dug up some stuff on me.
So, no one actually
took a shot at you, huh?
Had to keep you
focused on Kenny.
Honestly, it was just dumb luck I was
able kill him without you catching me.
Now, I ain't gonna
tell you again.
Toss me the gun
and the phone.
My deputies know where I am.
They're going to be able to
piece this together pretty easy.
Eventually.
But not before I'm
on a beautiful beach somewhere
in a country far away
without an extradition treaty.
[PHONE VIBRATES]
You sure are a
popular one today.
[PHONE VIBRATES]
[GUNSHOT]
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
♪
[GUNSHOT]
♪
[GUNSHOT]
♪
♪
[SLIDING STALL DOOR]
♪
[DOOR SQUEAKS]
♪
♪
Ah!
[GRUNTING]
[PUNCH]
♪
ELLI: To everything,
there is a season
and a time to every
purpose under the heaven.
A time to be born
and a time to die.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
A time to plant and
a time to pluck up
that which is planted.
A time to kill
and a time
to heal.
She loved Blue Ridge.
She would have
wanted us to heal.
You brought her justice.
♪
We all did.
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
[Horse neighs]
BARBARA: Okay, Maddie.
Same pattern, this
time at a trot.
- Really?
- BARBARA: Oh, please child
I had your Mama doing this
when she was in third grade.
- Yeah, but
- BARBARA: Now get going!
Good, good girl.
Nice
remember inside leg,
give a good rein.
Close as you can, good.
Now to the third.
And bring her home!
[LAUGHS]
Whoa boy.
BARBARA: And that, my
dear, was excellent.
Woohoo
MADDIE: What did you think?
I think you're amazing!
I'm just glad that while
every 16-year-old wants
to learn how to drive a car,
you want to learn
how to drive a horse.
Very funny.
But, this does not
give you an "out"
for me getting my license.
JUSTIN: Well it
was worth a shot
[ALL LAUGHING]
She's got the pedigree
JUSTIN: Yeah, that's
a beautiful horse
Your daughter, knucklehead.
Not the horse.
She could end up
better than Elli.
You know, when Elli was her
age, I watched her win more than
her fair share of buckles,
but Maddie's got that
something you can't teach
fearlessness.
She gets that from me.
And modesty.
Well she really
does love it.
Thanks to you.
Well Sheriff
This ranch takes a lot
of work to keep it going.
And I'm not getting any younger.
This sounds like a
retirement speech.
'Cause it is.
I've been doing a lot of
thinking and I think it might be
time to put Banning Ranch in
the hands of somebody else.
Just gonna go off
into the sunset?
Heck no.
Watch the sunset from my patio
in the condo I'm gonna
buy on St. Simons.
Sounds like you got
it all figured out.
What to do after
the ranch is easy.
It's what to do with it that
keeps me awake at night.
Big ranch, big decision.
You leaning in
any one direction?
Thought I was.
Now I'm not so sure.
You'll figure it out.
♪
[CRICKETS CHIRPING]
There we go.
[HORSE NEIGHS]
You okay, boy hmm?
[SUSPENSE] ♪
The boys not feed
you enough tonight?
[DOOR OPENING]
Hello?
[SUSPENSE] ♪
[DOOR SQUEAKS OPEN]
Mason, Charlie?
You know, if you guys
would spend as much time
doing your job as
trying to prank me
♪
[STRANGLING]
[GRUNTS]
[CHOKING SOUNDS]
["BLUE RIDGE"] ♪
♪
[SOMBER] ♪
♪
RP: Rigor extends down
to her arms and legs so
I'd estimate her time of
death to be somewhere between
10:00, 11:00 PM.
Crime scene unit's on their way.
Who found the body?
Sheila the housekeeper.
SHEILA: She didn't come down
for breakfast, which was rare.
So, I went to her
room to check on her
and her bed was still made.
Was that was out of character?
Miss Banning did a lot
of things around here,
but bed-making
wasn't one of them.
Is there anyone that you
know that would want to
have harmed her?
Everyone loved her.
Was there any situations
out of the ordinary?
Any arguments?
Oak Miller came by
a few weeks back
and they got into it.
Screaming, name calling.
They're close.
SHEILA: They were
It was out of character
for both of them.
Is there anything else
that you can think of?
SHEILA: She fired
that no good Easton.
Caught him rifling
through her desk.
How'd he take it?
SHEILA: Started
screaming at her.
Said that she still owed
him his last paycheck.
Miss Banning told him that
he'd get another penny
from her "over her dead body."
Maxx, I need you to go through
all Barabara's personal items.
Anything of interest.
Credit card charges,
receipts, journals, etc
Any angle you have in mind?
- She was about to retire.
She was trying to figure out
what to do with this ranch.
It could be related.
I'll try to piece
together her last week?
- Last 48 hours.
- MAXX: Got it.
I need you to interview
all the ranch hands.
Find out their alibis,
if they saw or heard
anything last night.
- Okay.
- There's a ranch hand named Easton.
You need to find him.
Yes sir.
Today
♪
OAK: This doesn't feel
like a social call.
It isn't
You haven't heard?
'Bout what?
Barbara
She's dead.
♪
OAK: She was my neighbor
We were friends for years.
She was like family.
Tell me about the last
conversation that you had.
Did you hear about
her plan to retire?
She told me yesterday.
OAK: Well, she told me too.
Said she was gonna
sell her place to this
farming conglomerate.
- You didn't like that?
- OAK: No.
No, all those companies
care about is profits
for their shareholders.
First thing they'd do is take
that beautiful ranch of hers
and turn it into
some factory farm.
So, what did you say to her?
OAK: Well I said
her daddy and her granddaddy's
buried on that land.
They'd be turning in
their graves if they knew
what she had in mind.
What'd she say?
OAK: Ah, she said it
was none of my business.
Said she was only telling
me out of common courtesy.
Well, she had to sell
it to someone, Oak.
Yeah,
that's why I offered to buy it.
You?
You have that kind of money?
- No.
No, not nearly as much as
their offer but enough
to set her up in Georgia
and leave a chunk of change
for that nephew of hers.
Nephew?
I didn't know she
had any family.
Yeah, Kenny's it.
Well, why wouldn't
she leave it to him?
Keep it in the family?
OAK: Well, at one point
that was the plan.
JUSTIN: What changed?
He didn't.
That boy's a degenerate gambler
and a pathological liar.
And he always knew exactly
how to manipulate his
sweet Auntie Barb.
He was the one pushing her to
sell to the highest bidder.
What did she think
about your offer?
[SCOFFS]
She accused me of trying
to make her feel guilty
so I could lowball her
for my own financial gain.
Last thing I said to her
was that what she was doing
was like sending an old
mare to the glue factory.
That I'd misjudged her
character all these years.
I'm sure she knew
you were just upset
and that you didn't mean it.
No sir
I'm not so sure she did.
♪
Sheriff?,
Shot of Old Olsteen?
Not right now.
Were these three guys
in here last night?
Yep
All night.
This got anything to
do with what happened
to Barbara Banning?
I can't say, Jeremiah.
JEREMIAH: It's a shame
what happened there.
She was a strong woman.
Her land was beautiful.
Family's been here
as long as mine
You tell the Sheriff, if he
needs our help on this
We've got his back.
♪
[RIFLING NOISES]
♪
MAXX: Can I help you?
KENNY: I'm good.
Who are you?
♪
Kenny.
Aunt Barb's nephew.
I got the news and
came up from Charlotte.
It was tragic.
Kenny?
KENNY: Yeah?
MAXX: Is there a reason
you're tampering with
potential evidence
in an active crime scene?
Oh
I thought because she
was killed out there
No.
Ummm.
I just need to look over a few
documents to make sure
things keep operating
without a hitch, you know.
I've collected everything
of substance from her desk.
So, it might be better
if you take some time
to grieve while we investigate.
Hmm.
Think I might could
take a quick look-see
through that box, darlin'?
Hey, once it's in this box,
it's official evidence.
And it's Deputy.
Alright, Deputy.
Here's the deal
as her next of kin I am
entitled to have access
to that will along with
the deed to this ranch.
You understand?
Which I'm sure her lawyer
will gladly provide you,
seeing as though you're
entitled to them.
Are we clear?
Crystal.
[TENSE] ♪
JUSTIN: What you got for me?
All the ranch hands
have confirmed alibis.
What about this Easton fella?
RP: None of them like him.
Drugs, fighting, stealing.
Just all around bad news.
Why would Barbara hire
someone like that?
Apparently only reason
he got the job is because
her nephew pushed for it.
Any idea where he's living now?
RP: Living, no.
But I did get us an address.
Might be able to find him.
♪
Any news on the Banning case?
Not yet, ma'am, but
we're working it.
Barbara was a pillar
of this community.
Just make sure your Sheriff
knows how important this is.
[DOOR CHIMES OPEN]
[SOBBING]
♪
Dad.
[CONTINUES CRYING]
He knows, ma'am
He knows.
♪
Go in the back.
♪
♪
[BANGS DOOR]
Sheriff's office!!
We're looking for Easton Klein.
Sheriff's office!
Open up!!
♪
Which one's Easton?
Pick one!
♪
Stop!!!
♪
JUSTIN: Sheriff's
department, freeze!
You Easton Klein?
- No.
- Where is he?
- Behind you.
- Nice try.
[GRUNTING]
[FIGHTING]
♪
[YELLS]
[FIGHTING]
♪
Ah okay, okay.
Alright.
Look man, I didn't
even know she was dead.
So why'd you run?
I heard my name man,
I figured that maybe
you were busting me
for something else.
So you assault a police officer?
I may have partaken in a
substance that is known
to amplify one's aggression.
Allegedly.
Well, allegedly the
county lockup is a good
place to dry out.
C'mon man.
Look, I already got
two strikes on me.
I can't have a third.
JUSTIN: Okay, you
better play ball
and you better talk.
Kenny!
Kenny?
EASTON: Miss B's nephew, Kenny.
He killed her for sure man.
You just told us that you
didn't even know she was dead.
All of a sudden you know
the killer's identity?
Look, he paid me $500
to sneak into her office
and find the draft of the
revised deed to her ranch.
Did you find it?
EASTON: Yeah, yeah, yeah
And her new will.
I got the pics right
on my phone, man.
Look, back pocket.
What's the password?
1-2-3-4.
Might want to add a
special character or two.
If someone wants to steal my
identity, they can have it man.
JUSTIN: So, Barbara was
going to turn the entire
property over to charity?
Hey the dude freaked when he
found out that she was gonna
blow all his money
on old horses.
Define "freaked."
He busted all the windows
in his fire chicken,
and he loved that car.
That doesn't mean he killed her.
Well, he came back later he said
that he needed the money back.
Wanted to put together
five G's for
taking care of a
problem with his aunt.
And you assume it was
for her murder for hire.
Everyone knows that five grand
is what a hitman goes for.
Allegedly.
Allegedly.
Of Barbar.
The original where her
nephew inherits the ranch.
And a revised,
unexecuted version.
In this one,
the property is gifted
to a horse sanctuary
on the outskirts of Charlotte.
She had a meeting with her
lawyer to execute the updated
will and the deed
to the ranch Monday.
JUSTIN: So, if Barbara
lived through the weekend,
Kenny loses everything?
MAXX: Exactly.
Sounds like a
compelling motive to me.
What about her last
forty-eight hours?
Barbara was old school, so
it's a work in progress.
Oh, but I did confirm she made
three phone calls yesterday.
First one to her lawyer.
Another to Cliff Saunders
who's the owner of
the horse sanctuary.
And the third is unlisted.
You try calling it?
Yeah, a few times.
No one picked up, no
outgoing voicemail.
Alright.
RP, I need you to confirm
the supposed alibi by Easton.
Yeah, will do.
Maxx, keep doing
what you're doing.
And get Kenny in
here for questioning.
Done.
Give me the address to
this horse sanctuary.
I'm going to see if the
owner has any insight.
Good work deputy.
♪
CLIFF: I was in shock.
I still am.
So, Barbara was a big supporter?
CLIFF: Oh yeah.
Yeah, she was the biggest.
I know this place isn't
too much to look at but,
between this location
and a few others we have,
this year alone we
managed to save over
a hundred horses from
the slaughterhouse
thanks to Barb.
So, the plan was to
relocate to Banning Ranch?
CLIFF: No.
Now, the original plan
was she was going to sell
her ranch and make
a sizable donation.
Then, out of the blue,
God bless her soul,
she thought up the idea of
donating her entire property.
So, you spoke to her yesterday?
CLIFF: She called.
She wanted to confirm our
appointment on Monday with
her attorneys just to
make it all official.
Did she seem concerned?
Anything unusual?
She warned me to keep an
eye out for her nephew.
Kenny?
CLIFF: He wasn't on board
with her decision making.
Apparently, he's
got anger issues
or a violent streak.
Don't quote me on that.
So, Barbara's final wish
isn't gonna come true?
That your organization
gets her land?
We'll see.
My lawyer's going to contest
it on the grounds that
it was her intent to donate it.
Think you got a shot?
He said it's gonna
be difficult to
What's that word?
Countermand
a legal document,
but we're gonna try.
So in other words
her land's gonna be
tied up for a while.
My guess is it's gonna get ugly.
Not that it hasn't already.
♪
KENNY: Man you brought
me back from Charlotte.
And then now you're
accusing me of murder?!
We're not accusing
you of murder.
Your buddy Easton is.
Okay, Easton is lying!
When's the last time
you spoke to your aunt?
A week ago.
Is that when she informed
you about her intention
to donate the land?
I did not know what
she was considering
until I spoke with her
lawyer this morning.
Per your suggestion.
Easton said that you wanted
the revised will
for him to steal?
Why would Easton
have it on his phone
unless you asked him to do it?
I don't know, ask him!
He's sleazy, that's
what he does.
He said that you wanted five
thousand dollars to take care
of the problem of your aunt.
KENNY: Again, he's lying.
He's making up stories
to cover his butt.
He's the one you
should looking into.
So where were you last night?
I have an alibi.
That's not what I
asked but go ahead.
What was your alibi?
- The Charlotte PD.
So you were with
a police officer?
I went out for a
few adult beverages.
May have over indulged as
I've been known to do and
wind up in the drunk tank.
You can check all
this out with them.
Oh, you can count on it.
So
your aunt was going to meet
with the lawyers on Monday.
If she signs that deed
you lose everything.
It would seem for
once in my life that
time's a friend of me.
Maybe Maybe not
The lawyers are contesting
the will right now.
That was never made
official, Sheriff.
I think the property's
gonna be in legal
proceedings for the
foreseeable future.
Are we done?
Yeah, just keep your phone on.
We got a lot of questions.
Let me see your notepad.
You're gonna want to
answer that, Kenny,
because it's me.
That's a different number than
I called him on to bring him in.
Why do you have two phones?
Just do.
Is that a crime?
No, but it's a crime
to lie to authorities.
Someone called your
aunt yesterday morning
from that phone.
You said you hadn't talked
to your aunt in a week.
For seven minutes.
KENNY: Yep, that's right.
Slipped my mind.
We discussed Sunday dinner.
Any more questions, feel
free to give me a call.
You have my number, right?
Both of them.
♪
Problem is, assuming
his alibi holds up
it's a good one.
- Yeah.
Premeditated one.
Like one you'd orchestrate
if you just paid someone to
commit a murder on your behalf.
♪
JUSTIN: How's Maddie doing?
She's okay.
She's strong.
How are you doing?
I mean, I just can't believe it.
Barb had such a big heart,
I just don't know
I don't know why anybody
would want to hurt her.
[ELLI'S PHONE VIBRATES]
Answer it. Go ahead.
It's okay.
♪
[JUSTIN'S PHONE RINGS]
ELLI: It's your turn.
- Sorry.
- Go ahead.
Sheriff Wise.
CLIFF: Sheriff!
Sheriff, this is Cliff Saunders.
Remember you told me to call
you if something comes up?
Well
something's come up.
Just as soon as I pulled out,
somebody started shooting at me
from the woods right over there.
I swerved into the fence,
and I hopped out
that side right there
and I started returning fire.
I did.
The shooting stopped.
A minute or two later, car
fired up down the driveway.
Muffler so loud you could probably
hear it a mile or two away.
You doing all right?
I'm a little shook
but I'll be fine.
You think this has anything
to do with her nephew?
I can't comment on that.
But I'd keep that by your side.
Yes, sir.
♪
RP: So, you make Kenny aware
that the will's being contested
and then a few hours later
they kill the contester?
Definitely not
lacking for motive.
Yeah well, it's
pretty impulsive.
Kenny doesn't strike me
as the introspective type.
I bet if we put a
tail on him for a day
he'd give us enough
to arrest him.
Why don't we?
He lives outside the county,
outside our jurisdiction.
Unless
♪
[CAR ENGINE APPROACHING]
Hey, Beth.
Justin!?
Been a while.
Yeah.
When was the last time
we saw each other?
Oh yeah, it was the
day you dumped me.
♪
other in what, nearly 20 yearsh
and you show up
looking for a favor?
I wouldn't ask unless
it was important.
There's no way I can give you
a team on such short notice.
I only need you.
Heard that one before.
I only need your jurisdiction.
I only have authority
within my county,
but if I'm part of a joint
task force with the FBI then
That would require
permission from my superiors,
which I won't get.
Okay,
What's the least you can do?
Officially? Nothing.
Unofficially?
Nearly twenty years, Justin.
This is personal.
A really good woman
lost her life.
♪
You got eyes on him?
MAXX: (ON THE PHONE) Yeah.
How should we proceed?
JUSTIN: Okay. RP,
he's never seen you before.
Go buy a beer,
and keep an eye on him.
Today is the one and only day
we need to catch
Kenny doing something
incriminating.
Maxx, stay with the vehicle.
Don't let it out of your sight.
Got it, boss.
♪
A beer.
♪
You said it was personal?
Yeah.
It's a friend of the family's.
My daughter's riding instructor.
Also my wife's-
back in the day.
Ex wife.
Oh.
When did you and Elli split up?
A few years back.
It's my fault.
I assumed.
JUSTIN: You married? Kids?
No and definitely no.
What can I say? I'm a
cliche.
Married to my job.
JUSTIN: So, I know
that we didn't
end things all that well and-
You dumped me for another woman
on my birthday.
Well, in my defense
I did end up marrying
the other woman.
In your defense.
Yeah, I mean, I didn't
just dump you for anyone.
[SIGHS] Well
I'm sorry.
Don't flatter yourself
too much, Casanova.
I was over you a long time ago.
I just wanted you to
feel badly for a while.
I do.
I mean, I did.
♪
♪
♪
Thanks.
♪
LONZO: You gonna tell
me who you are before
or after I gut you?
The guy who brought a
gun to a knife fight.
Drop it.
I said drop it!
Hands on the wall.
♪
RP: Suspect's running!
- Which direction?
RP: Northeast.
- Northeast.
Okay, we'll try to cut him off.
♪
[TIRES SQUEAL]
♪
Freeze!
♪
Come here.
What are you doing here?
You needed back up.
Who's watching Kenny?
[TIRES SQUEAL]
JUSTIN: Who's watching Kenny?
MAXX: I saw RP chasing this
guy and made a judgment call.
JUSTIN: You made the
wrong one. Now get back,
quick, both of you. I got him.
I'm Sheriff Wise. This is
Special Agent Yates with the FBI.
We want to talk to you about your
dealings with Kenny Banning
Look, if you're gonna arrest
me, go ahead and do it.
I got nothing to say.
You're under arrest for murder.
LONZO: What? JUSTIN: My deputy
saw you exchange money
for your services as a hitman.
Whoa, I'm no hitman.
You've got five seconds to
convince me otherwise
Four three
LONZO: Okay, okay.
I work for a bookie.
Kenny made a bet on credit
and I was trying to collect.
How much money
could he have won?
Five grand.
Five grand.
He's a criminal, just not
the one we're looking for.
All right, let's go.
MAXX: He's gone!
What should we do?
Got to go look for him.
♪
♪
MAXX: Kenny's car is
back at his house.
JUSTIN (ON THE PHONE):
Is he there alone?
Not sure, but there
are no other cars.
JUSTIN (ON THE PHONE):
Proceed with caution.
MAXX: Yes, sir.
I'm sorry I lost him.
That's okay.
Let's go find him.
♪
♪
♪
I see him. He's in a chair
with a needle in his arm.
I can't say for sure, but I
don't think he's breathing.
What should I do?
[JUSTIN SIGHS]
Go in.
♪
[BANGING ON DOOR]
RP: Sheriff's department!
Kenny!
[DOOR OPENS]
♪
♪
BETH: I get that the
timing is suspicious but
unfortunately, overdoses are a
regular occurrence in this area.
How long till we can get
the toxicology report back?
I'll get forensics to put
it at the front of the line.
Well, that'd be great.
I owe you one.
You owe me way more
than one, Justin.
And I plan on collecting next
time I'm up the mountain.
This isn't your fault.
You made a judgment call.
You're going to make a
lot more of them too.
Some will be right.
Some won't.
♪
Let's go home.
♪
JUSTIN: All right.
The way I see it
there's four
potential scenarios.
One Kenny accidentally OD's.
Which leaves us with a lot
of unanswered questions.
Two he knows
that we're on to him
so he purposely OD's.
Three he hired a killer to
take out his aunt and Cliff.
But he didn't pay him,
so the killer takes him out
and makes it look like he OD'd.
Or four
There's someone else out there
that has a motive to
want them all dead.
Who?
JUSTIN: I don't know.
Let's get Easton's take on this.
Yeah. Got it.
JUSTIN: And Maxx
you looked at Barb's
last 48 hours.
In the morning, look
at her last two weeks.
Yes, sir.
Let's call it a night.
Want to grab a mountain coffee?
Nah thanks.
I think I'm just
going to head to bed.
Be right after you.
Okay. Night.
- Night.
♪
♪
Hi, it's Deputy
Covington calling
again.
I really need to speak with you
about Barbara Banning.
Please
it's imperative
you call me back.
You have my number.
♪
♪
♪
♪
EASTON: That just don't
make no sense, man.
Kenny OD'ing?
I mean, he would drink with the
best of 'em, but that was it.
You sure?
Yeah, yeah man.
The dude was
I mean um
sanctimonious
about it, you know?
Trust me, I tried.
What about suicide?
[LAUGHTER] No way.
Dude was way too
full of himself.
Nah, especially if
there was a chance
for him to make some bank.
Yesterday you were
convinced it was him.
Well, yesterday I was
high as a kite, man.
Okay, I don't care about that.
Why did you change your mind?
Kenny.
He hit me up right after
I talked to your sheriff,
was all mad; you know,
saying that money
wasn't for a hitman,
he wanted it for a lawyer.
- What for?
He was gonna claim that Miss
B was losing her marbles;
he wanted to fight all
the changes to the will.
That's the "problem"
he was talking about.
Allegedly.
Can I-can I go now, man?
JUSTIN: What's the
latest? RP: Turns out
Kenny contacted a
lawyer the same day
he got a copy of
his aunt's will.
And I did confirm that
he told Kenny he has a five
thousand dollar retainer.
So, it wasn't for a hitman?
Why wouldn't Kenny just tell us
why he needed the money?
I mean, he claimed
Easton was a liar,
and that he had no idea he was
written out of the will, right?
Maybe he just didn't want
to get caught up in a lie
make himself seem more
guilty when he really isn't.
So the odds are that Kenny
did accidentally overdose.
For what it's worth,
Easton is convinced
that he didn't.
JUSTIN: Who benefits from
murdering Barbara, Kenny,
and Cliff, almost.
RP: What happens to the land if
nobody has a legit claim on it?
The county puts
it up for auction.
What about that
farming conglomerate?
You know, the one Oak
said she initially
was going to sell it to?
Or Oak, who wanted to buy it?
You don't really think
[JUSTIN SIGHS]
I don't know.
I'm going to go out
to the horse sanctuary
see what Cliff has
to say about it.
Where's Maxx?
No idea. She just texted me,
said she was gonna
be a little late.
♪
RP: Where have you been?
Louisville.
Kentucky?
Drove through the night.
RP: What were you doing there?
Hmm nothing just
solving our case.
♪
Barbara's things. d PI ag
I left him a few messages,
he never got back to me.
Turns out he had a valid reason.
RP: Which is?
- He's dead.
Strangled to death in his home
the morning after
Barb was murdered.
- There is no way that's a coincidence.
- No, it wasn't.
From what I've been
able to piece together,
Barb wanted to do
her due diligence
before giving away her ranch,
so she hired a PI to
look into the charity.
Any idea what he found out?
That Cliff Saunders
is a con man.
Barb had this Lexington
address written down.
Turns out it's the future location
of a retirement community.
I still don't understand what
this has to do with Cliff.
He sold the developer the land.
It was technically a
horse sanctuary prior,
but according to the person
I talked to on the phone,
there weren't any horses there.
Okay.
So, the land was
donated to his charity
a few years earlier
by an elderly woman.
And after she died under
mysterious circumstances,
he sold it for millions.
How much you want to
bet that phone call
that she made to Cliff
the day she was murdered,
had nothing to do with
signing over the deed.
MAXX: And that it
wasn't going to happen
and she was going
to reveal his scam.
So he murders her AND the PI
to not only keep it quiet,
but to maintain the
claim to the ranch?
Exactly.
And maybe killed Kenny too.
Sheriff's on his way
to the sanctuary.
He might already be there.
- We need to tell him! - Yeah.
♪
I don't understand.
You know, people like Kenny
overdose all the time.
What makes you so suspicious
this may be a murder case?
The timing.
But I'm hopeful that
the toxicology report
will shed some light on it.
Well, in the meantime I'm going
to keep my Winnie close by.
Having the only legit
claim to the ranch
probably made me an
even bigger target.
That's right.
You have the only legit claim.
You said that people like
Kenny overdose all the time.
Yeah?
I thought you never
met him before.
CLIFF: I'm just going off
what Barb told me about him.
Why she didn't want to
leave him her ranch.
[JUSTIN'S PHONE VIBRATES]
Excuse me.
♪
Hey, Beth.
Got something?
Yeah, Kenny's tox screen.
He died from a drug
called xylazine.
Is there a street
name? BETH: Tranq.
It's a horse tranquilizer.
It's actually becoming a real
problem in the city.
So, Kenny did
accidentally overdose.
Unlikely.
JUSTIN: What makes you say that?
BETH: He had enough in his
system to kill an actual horse.
This was suicide or murder.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
What's the clinical name?
BETH: Xylazine.
♪
JUSTIN: So, Kenny's death
is officially an accident.
Justin, I just said
that it wasn't.
JUSTIN: I'm just glad it wasn't
related to what happened to his Aunt.
BETH: Is there something you
can't say out loud? JUSTIN: Yeah.
Make sure you tell my deputies
what you just told me.
Thank you.
- CLIFF: Uh uh.
♪
[JUSTIN'S PHONE VIBRATES]
I don't suppose you're
gonna let me answer that.
Why don't you go ahead and toss
me over your gun and your phone.
Cliff, you don't
have to do this.
CLIFF: Oh,
I think we both know I'm beyond
the proverbial point
of no return, Sheriff.
Why did you do it?
She dug up some stuff on me.
So, no one actually
took a shot at you, huh?
Had to keep you
focused on Kenny.
Honestly, it was just dumb luck I was
able kill him without you catching me.
Now, I ain't gonna
tell you again.
Toss me the gun
and the phone.
My deputies know where I am.
They're going to be able to
piece this together pretty easy.
Eventually.
But not before I'm
on a beautiful beach somewhere
in a country far away
without an extradition treaty.
[PHONE VIBRATES]
You sure are a
popular one today.
[PHONE VIBRATES]
[GUNSHOT]
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
♪
[GUNSHOT]
♪
[GUNSHOT]
♪
♪
[SLIDING STALL DOOR]
♪
[DOOR SQUEAKS]
♪
♪
Ah!
[GRUNTING]
[PUNCH]
♪
ELLI: To everything,
there is a season
and a time to every
purpose under the heaven.
A time to be born
and a time to die.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
A time to plant and
a time to pluck up
that which is planted.
A time to kill
and a time
to heal.
She loved Blue Ridge.
She would have
wanted us to heal.
You brought her justice.
♪
We all did.
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪
♪