♪
Hi!
Oh! [chuckles]
So you must be Kara,
quiet, private girl
entering the LAU graduate writing program.
That's me.
You must be Charlie,
single divorcée, lonely, looking for a fun roomie.
Oh, my God. What, are you psychic?
And lots of red wine. I love red wine.
Did you drive that thing
all the way across country by yourself?
Yeah. I saw everything from Mount Rushmore
- to the Grand Canyon. - That's amazing.
I get lonely even when I'm in crowded movie theaters.
I'm sort of a social butterfly.
What do you say we get your stuff unloaded out of your truck
and get you moved in?
Really? You'll help me?
Of course. What do you think I'm here for?
Thanks.
Hey, I wanted to ask you
why LA and not somewhere closer to home?
I needed a change,
plus the writing program out here is amazing.
What kind of stuff do you write?
Crime dramas mostly.
Actually, after undergrad,
I got an offer for one of my manuscripts.
- That's great. - Yeah, but it fell through.
I love those crime murder-mystery things.
In fact, um,
if you ever want to check out any of those books over there
for inspiration, go right ahead.
- Can I take a quick look? - Go ahead.
Ooh, good choice.
Unfortunately, I only got partial loans
to cover the writing program,
so I'll be looking for a job.
Well, I own a café,
and the baristas and the cooks, they come and go,
so I'm always looking for new blood.
Do you cook or make a mean cappuccino perhaps?
No, but I'm a fast learner.
Oh, we like that.
Great.
Wow! All right, how are we doing in here?
I didn't realize I brought so much stuff.
Thank you for letting me use your furniture.
Yeah, of course. If you want to put anything
in the living room or the dining room, feel free.
- Whatever you need. - Really?
Are you sure?
Of course, yeah. Make yourself at home.
That's really sweet of you. Thank you.
It only benefits me if you're happy.
The happier you are, the longer you'll stay, right?
All right, I'm gonna make sure that we have everything.
She's nice.
So anyway, that was the last guy that I dated, yeah.
- And now? - Now?
Oh, well, I don't know.
I guess I'm a little bit of a flirt, right?
But I haven't found anybody that I want to settle down with yet.
What can I say? I love men.
I love them. What about you?
Oh, yeah, I like guys.
I mean, I know you like guys, but are you dating anyone?
[sniffles] Uh, no.
No, my boyfriend, um...
KARA: Ah! This is my new favorite restaurant.
- ALAN: That gnocchi was good. - Delicioso!
I had to have your bowl too. I'm so sorry.
- You always eat so much. - I'm so sorry.
You're gonna get fat.
No. I'm gonna hit the gym, I swear.
Come back with me tonight.
I would love to, but I have so much reading to do.
- You always say that. - Oh...
How can I resist that sad face,
especially from one of my favorite writers?
Okay, this weekend I'm all yours, I promise.
Pinky promise?
Pinky promise.
[horn honks]
Here's my ride.
Are you sure?
This weekend, me and you, no work.
Okay.
- Good night. - Good night.
- [crash] - [bottle rattles]
Anybody there?
[grunt]
[gasping]
KARA: He was killed.
- He was killed. - Mm-hmm.
Wow.
CHARLIE: I'm so sorry. What happened?
[line ringing]
You've reached the voicemail of Alan Sheldon. I'm not here--
[line ringing]
RECEPTIONIST: Sheldon & Johnson Publishing.
How may I direct your call?
Alan Sheldon, please.
I'm sorry. You haven't heard?
No. Is something wrong?
We received some unfortunate news this morning.
Mr. Sheldon passed away.
We're not sure at this time what happened.
I'm so sorry.
We'll be sending out information to his clients
once the memorial service is--
KARA: It's an ongoing investigation,
but the police seem to think it was a mugging.
I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.
He was a publisher. That's how we met.
He was editing my manuscript, and we became close.
I love New York,
but I couldn't stay in the city after that.
No, I completely understand why you would want to move here.
I just can't believe he's gone.
If he would have just come home...
if I would have just made him get into the cab, he...
You know what? I... Just stop this conversation.
I need to get some alcohol. That's just way too much...
- Oh, yeah, no, go for it. - Hold it right there.
- I'll be right back, okay? - Okay.
I'm listening.
I just feel anxious all the time now, you know?
I'm always looking over my shoulder.
You know, you can talk to me about this anytime you want,
and this house is really safe, so nothing to worry about there.
- Thank you. - Yeah, no worries.
Change of plans. Up you get.
- What? - We're gonna go out.
We're gonna go to this place down the road.
It's an Irish pub. It's called Paddy's, I think.
You walk in, the most gorgeous college guys
you've ever seen in your life. They're everywhere.
I'm not really ready for dating or meeting guys right now.
Not for you, for me!
But you can't go like that. We gotta change.
Hair down, skinny jeans,
tank top, leather jacket, you're good to go.
Are you with me?
♪ [techno pop]
Are you all right?
I'm gonna come up there.
[no audible dialogue]
[door closes]
- Time for bed. - Stay with me, stay with me.
I'll be here. I'll just be in the other room.
Sleep well.
[rattle]
MALE VOICE WHISPERS: Kara.
- [bump] - [gasps]
Charlie, you scared me.
What are you doing?
I'm hungry.
Mmm.
Then this beautiful, big kitchen.
- Hey, Boss. - Hey.
You're looking very sassy today. How are you?
- Thank you. I'm good. - Who is this?
This is Kaa-ra.
It's Kara.
- Kaa-ra. - Kara.
This is Mussolini and Napoleon
all wrapped up into one big fat steroid injection,
otherwise known as Tony, my business partner.
Very funny. You should take that show on the road.
Yeah, I plan on it. Anyway, Kara is our new recruit.
Well, I'll train you myself.
You'll start off at minimum wage,
but if you're good, you'll make double that
plus tips, huh?
Okay, yeah, sure, I'll take it.
- Great! Welcome to the family. - There we go.
- Let's get you to work. - N-Now?
Yes, now! This place is packed.
Don't leave these people hanging.
- Okay. - Hey, Jason, get over here.
This is Jason, and he is going to train you.
I thought that you were gonna train her.
I'll train her in the art of the sale,
but Jason will teach her how to make drinks, sandwiches,
do the dishes, clean the bathrooms.
- Yada, yada, yada. - Too kind.
Can I speak to you for a second?
- Hi. - Hi.
- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you too.
I'm gonna put my purse down, and we can get started.
- So you're new in town? - Yeah.
Okay. Where are you from?
I just moved here from New York.
I'm starting the graduate writing program over at LAU.
Oh, cool.
Jason, come on! Pick up the pace. Hurry up.
Okay, what do I do?
The refrigerators are below. There's mugs over there.
- The coffee's in the bag. - Okay.
Don't worry. You'll pick it up fast.
- Okay. - This ticket needs a sandwich.
- Okay, well, gloves, yeah? - Yes, yes, gloves.
Smart. You're falling into this quick.
Thanks. So what do you do?
I'm a second-year law student.
- Really? - My focus is corporate law.
I actually think Charlie just kinda keeps me around
for the free legal advice.
- Oh! - [Kara laughs]
Well, she is certainly not keeping you around
for your sandwich-making skills.
Thanks.
Hey, how we doing?
Great. I think I've got this.
Great. You don't have to start now if you don't want.
No, I need her.
Clearly.
Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere.
Well, I guess I'll see you later then.
- Thanks, Charlie. - No worries.
Throw that away. That's...
- Gone. - Done. Okay.
You had to have done this before.
Don't talk to me. I'm concentrating.
I've never seen anyone pick up being a barista so quickly.
- Here you go. - Okay, thank you.
- Hand me the milk, please. - Right here.
- Thank you. - Jason.
Where's that double chocolate latte?
It is right here.
Thank you.
Hi. Somebody left this tablet on the table over there.
It looks brand new. Do you have a lost and found?
We have a special place for that. Thank you.
Here's lost and found.
Wow. People leave a lot of stuff here.
Yeah, they do.
What are you doing?
I'm seeing if I can find the owner's info.
Oh.
Hey! Would you two stop talking and get back to work?
There's people waiting on their orders!
Come on! Jason, please!
- Can you grab this? - Yeah, I got it.
This way.
Thank you so much for coming in. Have a good night.
That was one good first day at work.
I know.
I'm gonna finish cleaning up here.
Okay. I'm just gonna grab my stuff.
Sure.
Thanks for teaching me how to make a cappuccino.
Oh, no, you're welcome. Anytime.
I can make cappuccinos all day. That's what I do.
- Mm. - Here we are.
[phone ringing]
Uh, your phone's ringing.
Oh. It's probably Charlie.
"Got a hot date.
Won't be home tonight, if you know what I mean."
- Sounds like Charlie. - Yeah.
Okay, well, I guess I'll just get going.
- Okay, night. - Bye.
MALE VOICE WHISPERS: Kara.
Jason?
Yeah.
Do you maybe want to come inside,
hang out for a bit and watch TV until Charlie gets back?
Yes, but I can't.
I gotta prep for this mock trial thing for the morning.
But, um, I'll see you at work.
Mm-hmm.
Okay, bye.
Bye. Good night.
CHARLIE: Ooh, good choice.
Aha! So you're the one.
What's your name?
Hi, I'm Kara.
Hi, Kara. I'm Paul.
Hi, Paul.
So you're the one who took my tablet.
I work at Bella Julia Café. You left it there.
So you decided to keep it just in case you ran into me?
No. I took it because I was curious.
Hmm.
I've read your book, Mr. Reese.
You read my work. You know what?
I'm actually in Los Angeles right now
doing some research on my next crime novel.
That's amazing. I'm also a writer.
Well, sort of. I'm a graduate writing student.
Oh, so you're going to school to learn how to write.
Yeah. What's wrong with that?
You know, to be a great writer,
you have to have life experiences.
Maybe you should get your nose out of the books
and start traveling around the world.
That's a very romantic idea, but I need structure right now.
- Maybe I can change your mind. - [chuckles]
So, Kara, tell me a little bit about yourself.
I was born in upstate New York,
and I came from a small town.
Good morning, sunshine.
- I've been waiting for you. - Oh!
What happened? Why can't I see you anymore?
You can't see me like this. I look terrible.
No, you don't. You look beautiful.
Last night I think I told you way more than I should have.
So did I.
Please turn the tablet around, so I can see you.
- No, I can't. - You're so beautiful.
I've been waiting for a woman like you.
[sighs]
Ah, there she is. Even prettier than last night.
Oh, you're crazy.
Oh, no. The tablet's almost out of power.
Okay, we have to meet. Where?
I don't know.
How about tomorrow night at this restaurant
called La Frite in Fashion Square, 7 p.m.
Great.
MAN: You're all crazy.
You have any idea how difficult it is to be a writer?
You can study all you want,
but the most valuable thing that you can do
is to just dig in and start writing.
Writing is like a muscle.
If you don't exercise that muscle, it'll atrophy
and eventually, it just won't work.
So please, everyone,
go to wherever it is you work best and dig in
and start exercising your writing muscle.
So we will see you all next week,
and we will examine the structure of a murder mystery.
Hello, Kara. Glad to see you're taking such careful notes.
Do you have a second?
Yeah. I just had an idea I wanted to jot down.
You know, I've had some time to get to know your writing.
I like your work, Kara.
It's very thought provoking,
although it's a bit sophomoric at times,
but that's normal for someone your age.
I think I can help you to add some maturity to your writing.
- You think? - I do.
Come to my office, and we can work one-on-one.
Really? I would love to pick your brain.
You show a lot of promise.
I would be remiss if I didn't take a little extra time
to help you get even better.
Thank you.
So I'll see you in my office in 15 minutes.
Sure. I'll see you then.
Great. It's a date.
I mean, we have a plan.
- I'll just see you in a bit. - Okay.
Kara.
I'm sorry. I was dealing with some students
who don't have the talent that you have in your little finger.
Listen, these offices are so loud.
Why don't we meet in the conference room?
- Sure. - Okay.
You know, it's not very often I get such a special student
in one of my classes.
- Thank you. - Here you go.
And it's not very often
such an attractive student has so much ability.
What do my looks have to do with my writing?
Actually they have a lot to do with it.
Writing is about externalizing your interior.
Attractive people look at the world much differently
than unattractive people,
much as a man perceives the world differently than a woman.
I think you can accomplish a lot in this program,
especially if we work together on a regular basis.
What do you mean?
It would be a real pleasure to get to know you better.
I'm sorry, but why do you need to know me better
to help me with my writing?
Because, Kara, I can help you
bring out what you don't even know is in you.
I'm not just a teacher. I can be your mentor.
And together we can reach deep
and find out what makes you tick.
Thanks, but I'm learning a lot from your lecture as is.
I'm your professor.
Why would you pass up this opportunity to work with me?
A lot of students would kill for this offer.
I'll tell you what.
Meet me for dinner tonight,
and we can discuss this over a glass of wine.
That's nice of you, but I have to get to my next class.
Okay.
What about tonight?
I'm sorry, but I don't think it's proper for us
to be meeting outside of school.
Kara, this is not high school. We are adults.
Of course it's proper.
I really need to get going.
Just give me a chance to mentor you.
I don't think that's what you want.
Come on, Kara.
Professor, please.
Don't resist, so I can help you.
You're making a mistake.
Hi, Kara.
H-Hello?
You okay?
What happened? You look like you need a hug.
I don't want to talk about it right now, if that's okay.
Yeah, that's fine, but I'm here
if you do need to talk about anything at any time.
Thanks.
This came for you, by the way. It's one of those letters
of "We regret to inform you" kind of things, I think.
Why did you open my mail?
Oh.
I was distracted, and it was a mistake. I'm sorry.
How do you accidentally open someone else's mail?
It says "Kara," not "Charlie."
Yeah, um, I'm sorry.
It's not like I was snooping or anything.
And I did say that I was sorry, I promise.
Oh, sweetie.
It's just one of those silly rejection letters, that's all.
It's the sixth rejection letter I've gotten this year.
I put my heart and soul into my writing.
But nothing has been the same since Alan died.
Yeah, but this doesn't mean anything.
Yes, it does.
Sometimes I think Alan was the only one
who understood my writing.
Alan, your ex-boyfriend?
Who's to say that they know anything about writing anyway?
These are the best publishing houses in the business.
They know writing.
God, I came out here to improve my writing,
and how am I supposed to do that
when all my professor wants to do is hit on me?
Hit on you?
Yeah, he said he wanted to mentor me,
but all he wants to do is sleep with me.
Wait a second, back up.
So he just hit on you. That's what just happened?
Yes.
That's terrible.
Is he cute?
What?
No, no, I'm sorry.
That was not okay.
Kinda kinky, but really not okay to say.
I have a good idea. Why don't we put of our cutest outfits on,
lure him back into our lair,
let him think that he's having a threesome with you and I,
strip him down naked,
strap him to the bedposts upstairs
and then just kind of have our way with him.
Bit of fondling, bit of torture. What do you think?
- Yeah, I guess that could work. - I think so.
But seriously, Kara, you gotta report this guy.
I know, but technically he didn't even do anything.
- I don't have any proof. - It doesn't matter.
He crossed a major line.
He's a highly regarded professor.
It's his word against mine.
Still...
I just wanna forget about it, okay?
All right, how about we both open up a bottle of wine each?
Celebrate feminism. What do you think?
That sounds like a great idea,
but I'm actually meeting someone tonight.
Oh, you have a date?
It's a long story. I will tell you about it later.
I want to hear about that long story.
[laughing]
Kara?
Paul?
Yes, ma'am.
Where'd you come from?
I parked in the back.
Oh.
Hi.
Shall we have a seat?
Oh, yes, please. It'd be my pleasure.
Oh, um, is this what you came here for?
No.
I came here to find out if you actually exist.
- Well, here I am. - Here we are.
Now what?
♪
♪ This thing I've been hiding ♪
♪ All alone, I've been fighting the feeling ♪
♪ Can't deny all this time it's been you ♪
♪ Back and forth compromising ♪
♪ Time after time realizing ♪
♪ Loving everything you do ♪
♪ I've been told I'm better off being alone ♪
♪ Not anymore ♪
♪ Don't ♪
♪ Go disappearing ♪
♪ Only now ♪
♪ Without your love ♪
♪ I'll truly drown ♪
♪ Your love, your love, your love, your love ♪
♪ I can't live without ♪
♪ Yeah, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know ♪
♪ You won't ♪
♪ Disappear from me now ♪
♪ Your love, your love, your love, your love ♪
♪ Ooh, I can't live without ♪
♪ Yeah, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know ♪
♪ You won't ♪
- Yeah? - [Kara laughs]
♪ Disappear from me now ♪
- That was fun, wasn't it? - Exhilarating!
I've never driven a sports car before.
[gasps] Oh, my God, is this your house?
No. Actually, it belongs to my publisher's company.
They use it as a writing retreat.
Uh, I'm sorry.
This is all just happening really fast.
Stop. You gotta trust your instincts.
Yeah, but my instincts have failed me in the past.
Those are not your instincts. Those are your insecurities.
Okay.
Come on. I'll show you the rest of the house.
KARA: You really like it?
I do now.
You're brilliant.
You just turned my B into an A-plus.
It's all about you.
You just have to ask yourself the right question
to extrapolate what you're trying to accomplish
for the story.
Okay, when you explain it, it makes complete sense,
but when Professor Molester explains it, I'm lost.
Oh, him. Has he made any more moves on you?
No. He's been keeping his distance.
Good.
If anything changes, you just let me know.
Why? You gonna tie concrete blocks to his feet
and drop him in the ocean?
Hmm. Maybe.
[laughs]
See you next week.
Excellent. Okay. Thank you.
Feel free to wipe that smirk off your face.
I don't know why you think this one's going to be any better
without my guidance.
I have another mentor, thank you.
Oh, you do, do you?
Yeah, yeah, he's a best-selling author.
Who is this genius?
Just read it and grade it fairly.
How do I know your mentor didn't write it?
You're just gonna have to trust me.
I'll tell you what. I will trust you
if you go out to dinner with me tonight.
Once again, I don't think that's appropriate.
I'm sure there's a wonderful librarian
or history teacher you can ask.
I'd hoped you'd move past playing hard to get.
I am dropping this class and filing a complaint against you.
Go ahead. I have seniority
and a perfect reputation around here.
No one can get rid of me,
and no one will believe you.
Can you believe he did it again?
I can't believe he has so much gall.
Because this guy has got an authority complex.
He thinks he can manipulate you and control you
because he feels he's in a superior position than you are.
He's a pig.
He doesn't respect your raw talent,
and you are so good.
And don't let him or anyone else think otherwise, okay?
Okay.
[knocking]
CHARLIE: Kara, are you up?
Just a second!
- Why? - Just...
Just be quiet.
What's up?
I just haven't seen you in a while.
I wanted to say hello.
Jason stopped by the other day to look for you.
I've been busy with Paul.
Yeah, wow.
Things seem to be moving really quickly with you two.
So when am I gonna get to meet him, vet him out,
make sure his intentions are pure?
- He's the perfect gentleman. - Really? He sounds cute.
That's exactly why I am keeping him away from you.
- Huh? - You know what I mean.
Kara, you know me too well already.
Just be careful.
Men, they're not always the way they seem. Trust me.
I'm going out to the local bar
to have a few drinks with a few friends.
You wanna come?
I'd love to, but I have a lot of homework to do.
Well, it won't be the same without you.
- See ya. - Have fun.
So that was the infamous Charlie, huh?
I don't think she likes me that much.
Sorry about that. She can be protective.
Why is that?
She sees how happy I am.
Hey, we should set up a proper dinner, so you two can meet.
And Jason too.
I don't think that's a good idea.
I don't think he likes me either.
What do you mean?
The way he looks at you at the coffee shop.
This guy likes you.
What? No. He's just a coworker.
Nah.
I want you to meet the people in my life.
What if I don't want to share you with anyone, huh?
Listen, I was thinking that maybe you could give me a hand
writing my next crime novel.
Really?
Yeah.
A murder in a college town.
Any thoughts behind that?
How about a story about a girl
who wants to murder her writing teacher?
Ah.
Killing Professor Cross.
Or In the Crosshairs.
Oh, right, I like it.
Maybe he gets poisoned by his star pupil.
So what town should we set it in?
[no audible dialogue]
Shakespeare put his name on all of his stories,
but he actually had a team of writers who...
[coughs]
- Professor? - Professor Cross?
Somebody get an ambulance!
[groans]
Somebody call an ambulance!
Professor Cross! Professor Cross!
Call 911! Call 911!
Hey, what happened?
Professor Cross just had a seizure in class.
- Is he okay? - They say he's critical.
It doesn't look like he's gonna make it.
Come on, Professor! Come on! No pulse.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
1, 2, 3, 4...
Hey.
I guess class is canceled today.
Do you believe in karma?
I believe an eye for an eye.
However it happens, it's okay by me.
He still doesn't deserve to die.
He's been taking advantage of his position
as an educator and a mentor.
Hey.
Where you going?
To talk to the campus police to find out what happened.
No. We gotta worry about something more important,
like our book.
Come on.
I can't believe this is happening.
We were just talking about this.
Oh, look who decides to grace us with her presence.
Hi.
You've missed a few shifts. Tony's getting kinda pissed.
I know. I haven't been doing too well in school,
so I've been workshopping with an established writer.
It's been really fulfilling for me. I'm learning a lot.
Workshopping, huh? Is it serious?
[laughs]
Look, Kara, you're a wonderful girl,
and you deserve to be happy, so I'm happy for you.
Thank you.
Kara, you can't just not show up for work.
This is a business.
I know, I'm sorry,
but I've been getting my shifts covered.
You're sorry? Sorry isn't good enough.
There's people depending on you. How can I even trust you?
I'm not sure if you should even continue working here anymore.
What? You're gonna fire me after missing a couple shifts?
Come here.
Sorry, guys.
You know, Kara, you've skipped more than you've worked.
Tony, I really need the money.
I hear you have a new sugar daddy to take care of that.
Why else would you just throw away a job
that Charlie and I were so gracious enough to give to you?
I'm sorry, Tony. I'll be better, I promise.
I know your type. You think just because you're pretty,
you can get away with anything.
That is not true.
You're done, Kara. You're fired.
Tony, you don't have to be so drastic.
- What'd you say? - Just give her a second chance.
I'm not gonna keep her around
just so you can have some eye candy, okay?
I'm the boss around here.
Now get back to work, or you'll lose your job too.
Go.
- Oh, Paul. - Hey.
What happened? I was just gonna meet you at the café.
Tony just fired me.
- What? - Yeah.
Yeah, he's such an ass.
I'll explain it to you on the way home.
I think I have another scenario for your new book.
Sure, come on.
Do you believe in luck or fate?
Why do you ask?
Was it luck or fate that brought our tablet into the café?
Well, I believe that things happen for a reason,
so I believe in fate.
And what do you think the reason is that we met?
Two reasons.
One is that I believe that love always finds its way.
And second, I believe that we're gonna do great things together.
Are you saying that you love me?
I'm not only saying that I love you.
I'm saying that I'm in love with you.
You're everything I always wanted.
I love you, Paul Reese.
Paul?
[keys jingling]
[key inserted in lock]
[key jingling continues]
[doorknob turns]
[door opens]
[groaning]
Oh, my God!
Are you okay?
Oh, my God. You're bleeding. What happened?
I went to the store to get some painkillers
'cause I had a headache, and I got attacked.
Oh, my God!
It's fine. They just came out of nowhere. I'm fine.
No, it's not fine. They could've killed you.
- It could have been worse. - This isn't funny, Paul.
You know exactly what happened to my boyfriend in New York.
I'm sorry. I know, okay? But really, I'm fine.
- We need to call the police. - No, no, no.
We can't the police. It's too late.
There's nothing they can do about it.
Plus, maybe we can use this for one of the chapters in our book.
Come on, just help me upstairs.
[groans]
There we go. Okay.
- Take it easy. - Okay, I will.
It hurts.
Are you feeling better?
A little bit. I mean, a little tired.
I bet. You hardly slept.
Hopefully I'll be awake long enough
for my next meeting with my new publisher.
What's wrong with your current publisher?
Sheldon & Johnson are good publishers,
but they're going through a corporate restructuring.
Wait, Sheldon & Johnson as in Alan Sheldon?
Yeah, Alan Sheldon was my publisher.
Have we talked about this? You know that he was my--
Listen, I have to go. Wish me luck, okay?
I love you.
I love you too.
Okay, I'll talk to you soon.
[motorcycle starts]
[door opens]
Hey, you. What are you doing?
I was just saying goodbye to Paul.
Paul? Where is he?
Oh, you just missed him. He just drove off.
- Again I missed him? - Yeah.
JASON: Charlie!
Hey, Jason. What's going on?
- It's Tony. - What's wrong?
- He was murdered last night. - What?
He went to the store in the middle of the night,
and they held him up at gunpoint.
- Oh, my God. - He wouldn't give 'em money,
so they shot him.
- Who told you all this? - The police. They're there now.
They questioned me and told me what they think happened.
- You need to get there now. - Did anyone see anything?
- No. No witnesses. - The security cameras?
They were turned off. There's nothing.
I'm gonna get my stuff and meet you down there, okay?
- Kara? - Yeah, I'll be right there.
Hurry.
- Hey. - Hi.
I guess that place will be shut down for a while, huh?
Yeah.
Hey, you got here fast. What happened to your meeting?
Oh, it got postponed. So what's going on?
First Professor Cross and now Tony.
Don't you think that's weird?
Paul, did you go see Tony last night?
Tell me the truth. Whatever it is, I love you.
I just need to know the truth.
Why would I go see Tony? You know where I went.
Paul, we wrote about those things in confidence.
Professor Cross, Tony.
What are you insinuating?
Did you have anything to do with their deaths?
That is so ridiculous.
Is that what you're really thinking about?
No. I'm just scared that there's a murderer
wandering around town.
Hey, are you-- You're accusing me?
I'm sorry.
Hey, I'm sorry.
They got what they deserved.
No woman should be treated that way.
Professor Cross, he had a seizure.
And Tony was shot in a robbery gone bad.
Yeah, I guess so.
You believe me, right?
I have to go.
Look, can somebody just please tell me what's going on?
POLICE OFFICER: I can't divulge any information at this point.
I understand, sir, but I'm the owner of this establishment.
Why don't you step over here and speak to Detective Fredericks.
- Kara. - Hey.
The police want to talk to you just whenever you feel like it.
- Thank you. - Okay.
Hey, how's it going?
Oh, hey. Just studying.
There's a lot going on.
I feel like I need to start focusing
if I'm ever gonna make it to graduation.
Well, you always have coffee to fall back on.
Not really. I don't know if that place will ever open up again.
I was about to head over there, help Charlie with some cleaning.
How are you doing?
I'm okay.
I'm just a little weirded out about everything.
First Professor Cross dies,
and then Paul gets mugged and...
now Tony is dead.
Yeah, it's a lot.
- Yeah. - Kinda gives me the creeps.
Well, hey, if you ever need anyone to talk to.
Thank you.
By the way, thank you for stepping in when Tony was...
Oh, sure. No, it was no problem.
Yeah, it was.
You put your job on the line for me, so thank you.
You're welcome.
Hey, I was gonna head to Paul's in a bit, but he can wait.
I can stop by the store in a few and help you out if you want.
Sure, yeah, that'd be great.
Awesome. Okay, I will...
- I'll see you then. - Great.
Wow. The police sure finished quickly, didn't they?
Hey.
I just wanted to get here early to work on some paperwork.
If there's anything I can do to help...
No, I'm good, thanks.
Kara said she'd stop by on her way to Paul's, so...
What do you think about Paul?
I don't know anything about him.
Don't you think it's weird that we haven't met him yet?
I don't know. I have a really bad vibe about that guy.
I don't know.
I'm not one to understand anything about the opposite sex.
You've got that right.
Um...
Do you know when we're gonna reopen?
I don't know. I've got to get our finances together.
Tony was in charge of all the vendor accounts.
The paperwork's a mess.
I have so much organizing to do
before I can even think about opening up this place again.
Why don't we go get a drink?
I'm emotionally drained right now.
Hey, it's okay.
Come here.
It's gonna be okay, all right?
Kara, wait!
Hey, stop!
I'm sorry I interrupted. I didn't know you guys were--
It's not what it looks like.
- It looks like it was mutual. - I was just consoling a friend.
That's it.
Why are you so hurt?
Hey, guys.
Can we just calm down, please, okay?
Tony just died.
Be nice to each other.
Let's go across the street and get a drink at our usual spot.
No, thanks, Charlie, because unlike you,
I don't need alcohol to cope with my problems.
Well, everybody has a different way of grieving, Kara.
Okay? That was uncalled for.
You know what? I'm sorry.
You guys enjoy your time.
What's that supposed to mean?
We're all freaked out right now. This might not be the time--
It means that you're always looking for your next conquest.
My next conquest?
- Yeah. - Right.
We work together.
You're acting insane, Kara. What's going on?
Don't ever call me that.
Kara?
[line ringing]
Hi, this is Kara. Leave a message after the beep.
Hey, Kara, it's Charlie.
I don't really know what happened today,
but I'm sorry if I upset you,
and, uh... I'm really worried,
so could you call me when you get this, please?
Thanks.
[door closes]
Kara, is that you?
[knocking]
- Hey, are you okay? - Yeah, I-- No.
My head is spinning, and I just can't think straight.
A lot has happened. You must be stressed.
I just don't know anymore.
One less thing to worry about.
What do you mean?
I took care of Charlie for you.
What does that mean?
You guys got into a fight.
She's too nosy.
She was prying into your life,
and she was getting in the way of our happiness.
How did you know we got into a fight?
Because you told me.
No, I didn't.
And what do you mean you took care of Charlie?
I got rid of her, Kara.
You what?
- Drink? - No.
[sighs]
I killed her for you, Kara.
You don't have to worry about her bullying you anymore.
And you certainly don't have to worry about
finding a place to live.
I don't believe you. You're not like that.
Of course I'm like that. I love you.
I'll do anything for you. Without you, I'm nothing.
- That's not love. - That's the purest form of love.
I appreciate you so much that I will do anything for you.
You're confusing me.
There is nothing to be confused about.
I've now experienced the worlds that I write about,
thanks to you, and I will be forever grateful.
- Forever in jail. - I'm not going to jail.
None of your friends know me. They've never seen me.
I don't even exist as far as they're concerned.
And the police?
You will be their first suspect.
At the very least, I'll make you my accomplice.
How do you know that?
'Cause I wrote it that way.
- I don't understand. - I planned it that way, Kara.
To be a great writer, you have to have a lot of experiences.
To solve crime, fall in love, even commit murder.
You're only limited by your imagination.
Professor Cross was right.
He said that the brain is a muscle
that needs a lot of exercise.
You did kill Professor Cross, didn't you?
Not me. You killed him.
What are you talking about?
You wanted him dead,
and I just fulfilled that desire.
And what about Tony?
That wasn't a robbery, was it?
Ask yourself, Kara. Did you want him dead?
No, of course not!
- Are you sure? - Yes! You are delusional!
And when he fired you, you didn't want him dead?
Maybe in the moment, but I never wished that upon him.
You gotta be honest with yourself, Kara.
Great writers, they search deep inside for that emotion.
You're capable of that right now.
You are completely insane.
I thought I was in love with you,
but you're not even human.
You do love me, and I love you.
You are me, and I am you.
No, I am not any part of you. I am nothing like you.
No. No!
You love me so much, you'll never tell the police.
You're wrong. I have to go.
I have to make sure Charlie's okay.
Be honest with yourself.
You can't walk away from me.
You will never get rid of me.
KARA: Jason, it's me.
Are you and Charlie still at the bar?
- Where are you? - We left hours ago.
I'm back at the coffee shop. What's wrong?
Jason, I am so sorry.
I don't know what I was thinking.
- I made a terrible mistake. - It's okay. Just calm down.
No, it's not okay.
We have to check on Charlie. It's all my fault.
Professor Cross, Tony, it's all my fault.
Hey, calm down. What's going on?
It's Paul. I should've known better.
Where did this guy even come from?
Kara, we're all worried about you.
Do you remember the tablet that someone left here?
The one that's in the lost and found.
I took it home with me, and it was Paul's.
We Facetimed, and that's how we met.
So you know nothing about the guy.
Of course I do! We've been together a lot since then.
I thought I loved him.
Okay, where does he live?
He's staying at a house owned by his publisher.
- Where does he work? - He's a writer.
Have you met any of his friends?
- No. - What about his family?
Have you seen pictures of his friends at his house?
You know anything about the guy? Does he have a criminal record?
I don't know! I don't know him, but I fell in love with him,
and I fell in love with everything about him.
You fell in love with a mystery, Kara.
- That's not love. - What do you know about love?
Enough to know the difference
between fantasy and the real world.
Get down.
We need to get to Charlie's house now. Come on.
Hey, you stay here, okay?
Okay.
Charlie?
[whimpers]
[sobbing]
Call the police.
Thanks, Mike.
Hello again, Miss Reed. I'm Detective Fredericks.
This is a horrible tragedy.
I'm sure that you could help us
by answering some questions down at the station.
Right this way, please.
KARA: What's going on?
Mike, can you grab that door?
I don't understand.
I just need you to answer a few questions,
and then we'll let you go.
Yes, sir, whatever you need.
I understand that you're from New York originally,
and you came to LAU for the graduate writing program.
- Is that correct? - Yes, sir.
And you do know that one of the professors from that program
died last week.
Yes. I was taking his class.
Did you know he was poisoned?
Tell me, did you ever have any altercations
with your professor?
I'm sure you also know about your coworker at the café, Tony?
Ma'am?
Now there's Charlene Fratelli.
You knew all three victims.
Don't you find that a strange coincidence?
Look, I know that you must be devastated,
but tell me about your relationship with them.
Kara, if you come clean right now,
there'll be far more leniency all the way around.
I didn't do it.
- It was Paul. - Paul who?
His name is Paul Reese.
I've been dating him for the past couple of weeks.
Okay, so tell us about this Paul Reese.
We met by accident.
He's a writer who came into town to do research for his new book.
I found his tablet at the café.
Why did he kill them?
He did it for me. He did it to protect me.
And he was doing research for his book,
and we were writing crime stories together.
- But I never thought-- - He killed all of them?
He said he wanted to feel what we wrote about.
But I had nothing,
nothing to do with the murders, I swear.
What if he's coming for me next?
I need you to check the database for a Paul Reese.
You said that he killed them for you. Why?
Kara, you don't have to say anything else.
- Sir, you can't be in here. - Actually, I can.
I'm Kara's legal counsel.
If you don't have substantial evidence
to legally detain my client,
then Kara is here
to aid in the investigation by her own free will,
but under the Fifth Amendment, she has the right
to refrain from saying anything that would self-incriminate her.
So Kara won't say anything else without an attorney present.
Come on, Kara, let's go.
I need you to get me everything you can find on that girl.
And track her.
Don't let her out of your sight.
Thank you for doing that.
You do believe me, right?
Of course I believe you.
But look, we gotta find Paul or whoever he is
in order to clear your name.
The tablet.
It's gotta have something on it, but it's back at the house.
Let's go.
[police radio chatter]
KARA: You stay here, okay?
JASON: Okay.
Oh!
Kara, you're home.
Why did you kiss Jason?
What are you talking about?
You did it to antagonize me.
No, I did not kiss Jason.
Yes, you did.
What are you doing?
[groans]
[screaming]
PAUL: Kara...
You just don't get it, do you?
PAUL: I thought we could do great things together.
What you were starting to realize is...
we were one and the same.
You and I.
I'm the one who gave you the courage to carry out the deeds
that you were too afraid to do yourself,
like poisoning Cross' tea.
Deep down you wanted to do it,
but you didn't have the guts,
so I gave it to you.
Maybe he gets poisoned by his star pupil?
You created me, Kara.
When you drank, I drank.
KARA: We met by accident.
PAUL: When you forgot something,
I forgot something.
And when I killed,
you killed.
We were a team.
And you knew this as well as I did, Kara.
KARA: He has an authority complex.
He thinks he can manipulate.
I believe that we're gonna do great things together.
PAUL: Those people had it coming.
Professor Cross.
Charlie.
Tony.
What are you doing here?
I just-- I wanted to apologize.
I know I messed up.
We'll try this again.
- I'm sorry. - Okay.
[gunshot]
KARA: Sometimes I think only Alan understood my writing.
PAUL: And, of course, Alan.
When you found out the love of your life was married,
you killed him, Kara.
It was all you.
And that's when you realized you needed me,
so you could live with yourself.
[grunts]
[gasp]
[sobs] I loved you, Paul.
You-- You deceived me.
You deceived yourself.
You're so stupid.
You actually believed that I was real?
[crying]
But you are real.
It's all over.
Everything is done.
I'm done with you.
Paul!
No, Paul! No! Don't go!
JASON: Kara?
Hey.
- Did you find it? - The tablet's gone. He's gone.
- Hey, the police will find him. - What if they don't?
- What if-- - Kara, hey, you're innocent.
You don't have to worry.
Or the rollers.
You're making me blush.
- We can just fight with these. - [laughs]
Hey, thank you for helping me move in today.
Of course, but are you sure you can afford this place?
I'll manage.
I'm working on my new book,
and I have a really good feeling about this one.
[laughs] I know it's gonna be great.
- Thank you. - [knocking]
- I will grab that. - Uh, no.
You keep working. I'll get the door.
Okay.
[door opens]
KARA: Hi. How can I help you guys?
WOMAN: Hi. We noticed you just moved in,
and we wanted to stop by and say hello
and welcome you to the neighborhood.
I'm Stephanie, and this is my husband Sean.
KARA: It's nice to meet you, Stephanie, Sean.
SEAN: Hi. Nice to meet you.
[no audio]
That's strange.
[door closes]
Hello there. What's your name?
I'm Kara.
Hi, Kara. I'm Paul.
So you're the one who took my tablet.
I work at Bella Julia Café.
What are you doing?
Uh, I--
- I said what are you doing? - I was just...
Prying into my personal belongings?
Isn't this Paul's tablet, the one from the coffee house?
- No, it's my tablet. - It looks just like it.
That one was missing.
No, Jason, it's mine.
Why is there a video of you talking to yourself?
That is none of your business.
Why? I mean, shouldn't we get to know everything about each other
if we're gonna be together?
No. Do I know everything about you?
Yeah, I'm an open book.
No one's an open book. Everyone has secrets,
and I'm sure you've got your secrets too.
No. I wouldn't keep anything from you.
Kara...
why didn't you introduce anyone to Paul?
[sobs]
I need help, Jason.
I'm losing my mind.
He made me do it. He made me do all of it.
Jason, help me.
Everything's gonna be okay, all right?
Everything is gonna be okay.
OPERATOR: 911. What's your emergency?
- Yeah, I need help right now. - What's your address?
1841 North Laurel Trace.
- Is this Kara Reed's house? - Yeah.
- Police are standing by. - Okay, hurry.
Please.
I thought you loved me.
Okay, whoa. You're taking this too far, all right?
I'm not the enemy here.
- You need help. - Do it, Kara.
You need to feel death to write about it.
Do it!
[grunts] No!
Jason.
Jason!
[sirens blaring]
Jason, come back!
COP: She's got a weapon! Put it down!
She's got a weapon!
Throw down the weapon and put your hands up!
Get down on your knees!
- Now! - Do it now!
- Just drop the knife. - Now!
Drop it now, Kara!
Throw down the weapon and put your hands up! Now!
Do it now!
Let the knife go!
Go, go, go!
- No! - On your knees now!
No! It was Paul!
It wasn't me! No!
No, it wasn't me! It was Paul!
It wasn't me!
You're under arrest for homicide.
It was Paul! I didn't do it!
Jason! Jason! Please help me!
I didn't do it. I didn't do it. I didn't do it.
Watch your head.
I didn't do anything! [crying]
- Jason, please! - [engine starts]
I love you, Jason!
Please! No!
[distant chatter]
[chatter continues]
You're lucky, you know.
You would've been her next victim.
We searched the database for a "Paul Reese,"
the one that Kara claimed committed all the murders,
but there weren't any matches.
There was, however, a "Paula Reese,"
which turned out to be Kara's pen name.
We also suspected she had something to do
with her publisher's death back at home in New York.
We found additional evidence at his vacation home.
Looks like Kara had been staying there.
So thank you.
You got us what we needed to prosecute.
- Where are they? - Any witnesses?
[alarm buzzing]
[laughing] That's...
[TV playing cartoon]
- Oh, my God! - NURSE: What now?
You're reading my book!
Look at the inside cover. There's a photo of me.
I don't particularly like it
because I'm not wearing any makeup, but I look very,
how would you say, "authorly."
It's exciting, right?
I'm writing a new one.
- Oh, yeah? - Mm-hmm.
What's it about?
It's about a scorned woman
who kills all the men who take advantage of her.
[evil laughter]
- Calm down. - [laughter continues]
Cut that out!
Calm down! Quiet!
- Orderlies! - No, no.
No. No. No. No. No! No! No! No! No!
[screaming]
[Kara screams]
[footsteps]
Paul.
You came back for me.
No!
No! Paul!
No!
- Paul! Paul! - ♪ Row, row ♪
♪ Row your boat ♪
♪ Gently down the stream ♪