(DRAMATIC MUSIC) So, he touched you on top of your clothes, or underneath? (VOICE BREAKS) On top. But he tried to put his hand under my shirt. What happened then? I told him to stop, and then I ran out. Where was Traci at that time? Um, she was just on her way in, and she was just standing there. Goggles are to protect the eyes, not the hair. (ALL LAUGH) Fantastic look, though. Where's your lab partner, Leigh? I don't know. I haven't seen her this morning. Fine. What did you see when you opened the door? I saw him... touch her... between her, you know, between her legs. Did she say anything? No. She just ran out crying. She said nothing? No. She said, "stop." What happened then? I mean, nothing. Um... I followed her out into the hall. I asked her what happened in there. She said that... ..he'd tried to grab her and it happened several times. I told her that she had to tell someone. She said she didn't want to cos she thought no-one would believe her. Why did she think that? Maybe... ..cos it's his word against hers? I don't know. All right. Thank you. Mel, can I talk to you privately? Yes, of course. You did the right thing by telling the truth, sweetie. I don't think this sort of thing would've happened at my old school. This could've happened anywhere. I'm just glad it wasn't you. Tsk, oh God, that poor girl. (KNOCK ON DOOR) (CLEARS THROAT) Gilbert, step out into the hallway, please. Why, what's going on? Just step out or they'll come in. (CLASSROOM MURMURINGS) Everyone, please, back to your tables. Step out, sir. Take the jacket off. Gilbert Adkins, you're under arrest for criminal sexual contact with a minor. What? You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be used against you in court. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. If you choose to answer any questions without an attorney present... Please, everyone, just back to work. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) Thank you so much, Traci, I really couldn't have done this without you. Maybe this'll inspire other people to come forward, cos who knows how many girls he's done this to. I should probably get to class. (SCHOOL BELL RINGS) # Every day is the same # Nothing's ever gonna come my way # At least as long as I am here # Maybe I should just disappear? What did they ask her? "Her side of the story." So just, basically, what she saw? Pretty much. I think it helped that the detective was a woman. Good. I'm glad that's over with. Me too. We can talk about it when I get home. Will you call me when you get back from the cardiologist? Yeah, yeah, I... I had to reschedule that. Don, come on. You told me you weren't gonna flake out again on those appointments. Tony asked me to pull a double, I had no choice. Well, tell Tony you have dangerously high blood pressure and need this doctor's appointment. Honey, I'm fine. I'll see him next week. It takes a month to get in. Then I'll see him in a month. Please relax. Everything's OK. Hey, Dad. Hey, Traci's here. Traci? She left school? Yeah, apparently. Let me see what's up and I'll call you back. OK, call me back. Hey, sweetie. Hey. What are you doing here? Didn't feel like staying. Hey, I can understand that. How about an Italian soda? Sure. Cherry? Cherry. I'll be right back. # Every day is the same... So, other than creepy teachers, how's everything? A shrug? What does that mean, huh? You love your new school, everybody's fantastic. You wish you'd transferred years ago, right? More like I've hardly any friends, no-one really talks to me, and I still hate myself for messing up my knee. Honey, come on. What's done is done. You weren't meant to go to college on a track scholarship. Maybe I wasn't meant to go to college at all. That I completely disagree with. Yeah, but look at both you and Mom. Neither of you went to college and you're both successful. You're a manager, Mom owns her own shop. Your mom has Eileen. Eileen went to college, has a business degree, and even then they're struggling. Believe me, going to college, you'll have a leg up. I just... I don't even know what I wanna do. All I wanted was to compete. Like I said, what's done is done, OK? The quicker you let go of it, the quicker you move on to figure out what you wanna do. Thanks for bailing me out, huh? Of course. Are you gonna tell June? Yeah, when she wakes up in the morning. It's the middle of the night, they're seven hours ahead. So I guess that's it then, huh? 30 years building a career, one lie, one false accusation, and it's over. Scotch, gin or whisky? Whatever you're having. How about all three? It's been one helluva day. You can say that again. Don't be discouraged. You've won how many teaching awards? That doesn't matter. Even if I can prove these girls are lying, people are still gonna wonder, and get away with it. As teachers we're screwed. I mean, you do the best you can, you try to help the kids that need it, be a good role model, but one kid wants to ruin your life, she can. Why does this girl hate you so much? I don't know. Stupid reasons. Devon doesn't think the rules apply to her. She's always been handed anything she wants. I take away her phone or give her a detention. Two weeks ago, she failed an exam, and complained I didn't give them enough time to prepare. And I wouldn't be surprised if she was behind my broken laptop, too. Laptop? Yeah. Last week my laptop goes missing, somehow gets smashed into pieces by the loading dock. Who did it? I wanna know, and I wanna know right now. This is not like gluing an eraser to a chalk board. This is wilful destruction of school property, not to mention the fact that every document I need to do my job is on that computer. You could've backed it up. (SNIGGERING) Devon, do you find this funny? No, not at all. I will find out who did this - and when I do, I will go to the police. Kids play pranks, I get that, but this was vindictive. I wouldn't put it past her. What about that other girl, though? The one that said she witnessed it. Yeah, that one I can't figure out. Traci's new, she transferred here at the start of the year. She's conscientious, average marks, but you can tell she's trying hard. She's certainly not a troublemaker. But who knows? Maybe... Maybe Devon paid her off? What does your lawyer say? Oh... We'll fight, but so what? I can't teach. If you prove they made it up, you could sue Devon and her father for libel. Punitive damages, you'd make out pretty well. (POURS DRINK) Just trying to be positive, is all. Teaching is my life. I'm good at it. I inspire those kids. I know you do. I still get letters from them years after they graduate, telling me what a difference I made. Now I'm gonna lose everything, and have my name on some sex offenders list? No. No way. It's not the life I signed up for. I don't want that. Ever. He touched you? Just now? (SOBS) I didn't know what to do so I just... I told him to stop it, and I ran out. (SOBS) Oh, honey. I'm so sorry. You need to tell the principal. Would you come with me? Of course. You think you could... ..could tell her that you saw it? But I didn't see it. I know, but no-one's gonna believe me if I don't have anyone to back me up. They're gonna think I'm lying. (KNOCK ON DOOR) How's the studying going? Fine. Thanks for the snacks. Sure. Hey, Mom? Can I ask you something? Sure. What's going to happen to Mr Adkins now that he's been arrested? Hmm... If he pleads guilty or is convicted, he's probably gonna go to prison. For how long? I don't know. What he did was a very, very serious thing. He's certainly not gonna ever teach again. Never again? The schools have a responsibility to keep the kids safe. I just didn't realise he wouldn't ever be able to teach again. Hey, you did the right thing, OK? Mr Adkins made his own choice. I'm proud of you. Don't feel guilty for telling the truth. I don't... feel guilty. Good. You did the right thing. Thank you. Hit those books. I am, don't worry. Thank you. (BIRDS CALL) Dad, what are you gonna do? You can't let her get away with this. I can't make contact with either of those girls. There's nothing much I can do, just let my lawyer handle it. This is completely insane. How are you holding up? (SIGHS) Ask me that again after I get some sleep. I'm coming home. What? No. No, I don't want you to do that. There's nothing for you to do here anyway. I can be there to support you. No. You need to finish up that contract down there. They can live without me for a few weeks. This is a family emergency. I'll be on the next available flight. It probably won't be until sometime tomorrow. All right. You're gonna do what want to anyway, aren't you? Damn right. I love you. I'll email you my flight info later and I'll see you in a few days. I love you, too. Get some sleep. Yeah, I'll try. (CHIRRUPS) (KEYS CLICK) (WHOOSH) (PING) Who is it? Mm, it's Traci, she wants to talk. I don't know. Answer her, I don't mind. No, I am all about you right now. (DOOR OPENS) Hey, guys. Hi, Daddy. Is that my car? Not until I see those CAT scores. Oh. I know, but don't worry. Jay, pour me one of those. You better not distract her from studying, kiddo. I wouldn't dream of it, sir. I want her to have that car as much as she does. How are you doin', honey? Better? Yeah. Not bad at all. Just promise me you won't quit your job in my office and become a bartender. No way, sir, and thank you for hooking me up with that. You've thanked me 100 times already. Just be good to my little girl so I don't have to break your legs. Daddy, he treats me like a princess. You two, don't stay up too late. We won't. Good night. You're up early? Yeah, I wanna meet up with Leigh to study. Any deliveries today? No. Hopefully next week. Do you want some coffee? Nah. I better get going. Bye. Bye. Love you. Love you. Hey. You look cute. Sorry about not being able to talk last night. What's up? The more I think about it, the more I feel it's a way bigger deal than we realised. What do you mean by a bigger deal? What if they make us testify in court? Well, they might, but my dad thinks he's gonna plea out anyway. Why are you so worried? If anything, just say the exact same thing you said to the cops. That's easy for you to say. You're not the one who lied. Traci, what you did for me was amazing, and I know you feel bad about lying - but you shouldn't. You know, last night was the first time in a really long time that I didn't have a bad dream about him - and that's because of you. You were here for me, so I'm totally going to be there for you, too, whatever you need. You got a friend for life. OK, so no stress, especially about Adkins, all right? It's better for everyone that he's gone. Hey, you know, the guilt, it'll pass. I promise. I guess. OK. And if we have to go to court, we'll deal with it together, OK? All right. I have to go, but we'll talk later, OK? OK. See ya. (SIGHS) '"Thinking of your lessons all the time. Thanks for being the best teacher ever. Peter."' '30 years building a career, one lie, one false accusation, it's over. No. No way. It's not the life I signed up for. I don't want that, ever.' # Hold my hand, I'm cold... Sorry, we don't open till 11. Well, I'm not here to eat. I was hoping to talk to Don Scott. That would be me. I'm Don. What can I do for you? I'm Gilbert Adkins, Traci's chemistry teacher. Look, I know what you're thinking. I just need to talk to you for a minute. Please? I've known Traci for a few months, she seems like a good kid. But the truth is, she's corroborating something that never took place. I was hoping you could talk to her, find out what's really going on. And if she does recant, I'll do everything possible to make sure there are no... repercussions for her. Look, I don't know what happened between you and that girl, I wasn't there, but what I do know is my daughter doesn't lie. So if she said she saw it, she saw it. I've worked with kids for a lot of years, and sometimes they make mistakes in judgement. Now this Devon, she's a queen bee. Every girl in that school wants to either be her friend or be her. You think Traci lied because she wants to be part of Devon's clique? I don't know. That's what I was hoping you could find out. I've devoted my entire life to teaching. I'm about to lose everything, everything, for something I didn't do. All I'm asking you to do is just explain to Traci it's not too late to tell the truth. (BLOWS WHISTLE) Forget about yesterday. Just think about right now. Right now. Agh! Agh! Hey. Hey, honey. You're doing beautiful. What are you doing here, Dad? I just wanna have a little chat about something. I figured it would be better do it here than at the house. What is it? Gilbert Adkins came to the restaurant today. Why? He asked me to talk to you - and I told him I would. He claims he never did anything inappropriate with your friend Devon. And here's the deal. Either he did it, he's desperate to get out of trouble, or he didn't do it. And if he didn't do it, it's impossible for you to have seen it. Trace, you've always told the truth, even when it was the harder path. And if you didn't this time, I figure there's gotta be a damned good reason why. You see, though, in this particular situation, the stakes, they're high. They're real high. So that damned good reason, whatever it is, it isn't damned good enough. I get it. I know you do. That's why I'm gonna ask you this once, and I'll never bring it up again. Did you see him touch that girl? He did it. I saw him. All right. That's all I wanted to know. You want a lift back? Um, no. I'm gonna stay here a little while longer. OK. See you back at the house. (ENGINE ROARS) (VOICEMAIL) "This is Gilbert Adkins. Please leave a message." Hey, Dad. I ended up getting into a cab because I haven't heard from you. Can you call me when you get this? Otherwise I guess I'll, um, I'll just see you at home. OK, bye. Ugh, I can't wait till we're done on this media project. Editing footage can be so tedious. I love it. It's so much better than math or science. Oh, that's sad. Not really. He's a creep. Supposedly the girl he touched was Devon Cavanor though. How'd you hear that? Supposedly she was bragging about getting him fired to one of her groupies and someone overheard. It could've been someone else, but if it was her, I bet she made it up. Why would you say that? You know, I've been a situation where people didn't believe me, and it really sucked. Like when? It was a long time ago. This really mean kid told the teachers how I'd stolen something, which I didn't, but everyone thought I was lying. As it turns out, he was the one who was the thief but I took the blame. That's completely different. You're trustworthy and honest. Devon's a complete liar. What are you talking about? OK. A year ago, she said her mom lived in Paris and she was gonna visit her and they were going to Monte Carlo shopping, blah, blah. So, what, her mom doesn't live there? Her mom committed suicide three years ago at some hotel in LA. Dad? He left me a message saying he would pick me up from the airport. I got it when I landed. Why would he say that and then not be here? I think Gil's more upset than he's letting on. I don't wanna call the police. If I say he's missing, it's gonna look like he's skipped town. OK, so what do we do? Drive around and look for him? (PHONE RINGS) Yes, this is Gary. Yes, I'm his brother. Well, his half-brother. Oh, my God. I'll be there right away. What is it? Where is he? They found his car near Colfax Bridge. There's a note inside. Everybody back over here. Tape the area off. (WATER ROARS) June, the officer said this note was on the dash. The car was unlocked, the keys were in the ignition. "Please forgive me for what will seem like a drastic act to most of you. I feel as if my life is over. I did something I shouldn't have done and I apologise to those I've hurt. Please remember me from my life in its entirety. Not just the mistakes I made. Gilbert Adkins." This can't be happening. I'm so sorry. Take your seats, please. Thank you for coming and allowing me to interrupt whatever you were working on in your respective classrooms. I received news about half an hour ago that Mr Adkins, whom you know had been placed on administrative leave earlier this week, has committed suicide. (GENERAL MURMURINGS) Many of you have come to me with questions and concerns about what has happened here in the last few days. I'm unable to give any information about the investigation surrounding Mr Adkins' arrest. I know many of you were quite close with him and you would like answers. I know nothing about the details of his death. The detective I spoke with on the phone said the story's gonna break on tonight's evening news. He said they'd be releasing more information at that time. There'll be somebody here to talk to, starting this afternoon, if you would like. Thank you, that's all. Are you OK? No. I think I'm gonna be sick. (RETCHES) (TURNS TAP OFF) (KEYS RATTLE) # I'll live forever # With a dream I've saved # And it will be so perfect # If I knew # You would stay # My arms are open # Wide to the unknown # It will never reach... I need to talk to you, right now. (SCHOOL BELL RINGS) Do you mind if I catch up with you guys later? Awesome. What's up? Have you been bragging to people that you got him fired? Excuse me? What? No. Of course not. What... You were there. The police told us we weren't allowed to talk to anybody about it. Look, we have to get to class, so can we talk about this later? Just meet me in the park after seven. All right? OK, you've really gotta stop freaking out like this. Are you serious? Yeah. It's better for you anyway. Now you don't have to testify or anything. You're unbelievable. Er, no. I'm realistic. Adkins was an adult man, capable of making his own decisions. Right? None of that falls on you or me. So please stop whining and feeling guilty - and move on. I don't think I can. What is that supposed to mean exactly? I should go to the cops and tell them I wasn't there and I didn't see anything. You can't. It doesn't mean it didn't happen, it just means I didn't see it. Do you understand the consequences of that? Because if you tell anyone you lied, they're gonna think Adkins was innocent. And if they think that, then his death suddenly becomes our fault, which it obviously isn't, so it's more important now than ever for you to keep our secret. OK? We have to make people believe that he actually did it. Did he? Of course. Oh, my God. Please, I trusted you to believe me. And I'm never gonna change my story that he did it, all right? He assaulted me. You have my word, so please give me yours. I promise. Thank you. It's gonna be OK. I knew this was a bad idea. What are you talking about? It was your idea. What? No. It was my idea to make up the sexual harassment story, yeah, but it was your idea to steal Adkins' computer. Whoa. No, it was your idea. You wanted me to get those CAT answers off of it. I did it for you so you could get your car. Please. You said it yourself. You want me to have that car just as badly as I do. Jay, you're not taking this seriously. She could be a really big problem. But I am, though. What do you want me to do to fix this situation, and I'll do it. I have no idea, Jay, but if we don't figure it out, God, we're gonna be in a lot of trouble. I'm sure you can find a way to keep Traci on your side. I know you can. You're amazing. Why did you do this to me? (GASPS) This is your fault. (SCREAMS) I'm here at Colfax Bridge, where Gilbert Adkins, the teacher accused of fondling a student at Powelton High, reportedly jumped to his death late last night. He had been on administrative leave after the student claimed she was inappropriately touched by the chemistry teacher. Authorities will call off the search for his body tonight due to darkness, but have assembled a dive team to continue the search in the morning. What are you doing down here? Oh, I couldn't sleep. (SIGHS) It's so heavy, taking your own life. Yeah, it is. He wasn't a well man. I don't think we'll ever understand that. I guess. Hey, come upstairs, OK, get in your own bed. You'll sleep better. OK. Come on. OK, OK. He was gonna proctor the CAT exam. (PHONE RINGS) Hello? "June Gailey?" Yes. "We believe we've recovered your father's body." So where are we with all that? I've finished the application for the bank loan. OK. How long's it take? Depends, but I'll ask to push it through as quickly as possible. Cross your fingers. All right, what is it? Talk to me. Is it Don? No, it's nothing. I don't know. I mean, his father died from heart disease when Don was, like, 12 years old. You'd think that he would take this seriously. A lot of guys are like that. If they ignore a problem then it doesn't exist. Look, I know you love him and you want what's best for him, but until he decides to take control of this himself, there's nothing you can do. Stop driving yourself crazy. You're probably right. Mm-hm. (CHIRRUPS) (CLICKS) (WHIRS AND BEEPS) This is from a week ago. So what printer did you use for the suicide note? There you go. I just don't get it. Nothing about the note makes sense. What do you mean? Well, how did he write it? There's no history of it on his computer at all. Maybe he deleted it? No. No, there was stuff in his trash bin over a year old. And when I put paper in the printer, it printed stuff that was added to the queue last week. There's no way that he printed it from home. That is kinda strange. What else? You said there's something weird about the note itself. He mentioned twice that he was sorry for his mistake. What mistake? When I spoke to him, he was adamant that the girls were lying. He was like that with me, too. What if he didn't kill himself? You mean somebody could have done that to him? Killed him and faked a note? The girl that accused him, Devon, her father is some rich surgeon, right? What if he took justice into his own hands? He could've hired someone. I know, anything's possible, I suppose. I don't think he showed you how really depressed he was. He believed his career was over and there was no way he could recover. I believe he could've decided to take his own life. I just... I feel like there's something more to this than we know. (SIGHS) We always investigate suspicious deaths as possible homicides, but, in this case, it looks very much like your father chose to jump off that bridge. But, well, what about the weirdness of the note? And the timing? He knew that I was on a flight back from Uganda. When people commit suicide they... they don't act logically. All that I'm asking is that you investigate the possibility that someone had him killed because of the scandal at the school. I know in my heart that my father never touched Devon Cavanor inappropriately. I just feel like there might be something more going on. Until the autopsy report comes back the investigation is ongoing. I promise you, we'll look at every angle. Thank you. That's all that I ask. So how long have you been teaching? Ooh, um, a long time. 21 years. What's your favourite thing about it? What's kept you going this long? Er, I guess the best thing is when a student comes back a decade after they graduate and they tell you how you changed their lives. The fact they remember you, that they remember what you taught them - (DOOR OPENS) Traci? (CHIRRUPS) Oh, hey. What are you up to? Um, just working on a project. My deadline's coming up really fast. Yes, sounds boring. Do you wanna go for lunch? Cos my boyfriend's here to pick me up. You can come, my treat. That sounds really fun, but Leigh's gonna kill me if I don't get this done, so... OK. Well, Friday? There's a concert in the park. I can get us front row seats. Actually, I already have plans Friday. But next time for sure. OK, cool, yeah. Enjoy your project thing. Thanks. Bye. Bye. (GENERAL CHATTER) Is she coming? No. And she doesn't wanna hang out with us on Friday, either. Ah, screw her then. Let's go eat, I'm starving. No, it's a problem. We can't let her distance herself. So, what do you wanna do about it? I don't know yet, but we really have to figure something out. (STARTS ENGINE) (WATER ROARS) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (PHONE CHIRRUPS) (KNOCKS) June. I'm so sorry about your father. Thank you. Um, please, sit down. It's been a while. You're just as beautiful as always. (GIGGLES) That's probably inappropriate. You might be married or something. No. 18 months in Uganda can be pretty rough on a relationship. Africa. That's... That's so you. Are you heading back right after the funeral? No. That's why I came to see you, actually. Well, one of the reasons. I am gonna stick around here for a while, and I need a teaching position. So I was hoping that you could pull some strings and get me in as a sub. At Powelton. Powelton? Why? I don't know. I'm not sure if it's closure or what, but whatever it is, I need it. Yeah, but given what happened with your dad - That's why I don't want you to tell them we're related. We've never had the same last name. There's no way that they would know unless you say something. Is that such a good idea? Nothing seems good right now, but, yeah, it's really important to me. If you're gonna be around for a while, maybe I can take you out for lunch or dinner or something? I'd really like that. And if you need anything, anything at all, you call me. Because when my mom passed away, you were the one that got me through that, and I'd like to be that person for you. Thank you. That, um... That really means a lot. Um, I'll talk to you soon. Ladies, how's it going? Pretty good. Dad, that's enough food. Speak for yourself. (There's more where that came from.) Your dad's really cool. Yeah, he is. (GENERAL CHATTER) You now have 16 minutes left to complete your CAT exam. (PENCILS SCRATCH) (PHONE VIBRATES AND RINGS) Good morning. I got good news. I was able to get you in as an English sub at Powelton. You start Monday. You're amazing. I was thinking maybe we could do an early dinner tonight. I would love that. Great. Well, I'll swing by your dad's afterwards and pick you up. OK. Thank you - again. Yeah. Don't give me that look. You'll like her. Trust me. Let's go. You know, you never actually told me how you found out Gil was your biological father. I didn't? No. But you knew he left my mom when she was pregnant with me, right? No. I can't believe we never talked about this. Yes. OK, well, my mom and dad, Gil, they weren't ever really together. Gil got back from Vietnam, they met, and then he got sent back, like, a month later. And they weren't really into each other enough to try to make it work long-distance, so then, when I was 26, I decided to find him. Why did you wait until you were 26? Because that's when your mother passed away. Yeah. My father asks about you. Yeah, when he's had too much to drink he'll say stuff like, (GRUFF VOICE) "Why did you let her get away?" (GIGGLES) And then you say? And then I say, er... Oh, I don't know, I never know how to answer that. Here's your schedule. Now you are in Room 212. Your first period class is AP English, and I believe your break is right before lunch. And the roster of my students is? You'll find that on your desk. Great. Thank you. You're welcome. Devon Cavanor, second period. Now where's Traci Scott? Who knows the answer? Devon? What? Did you hear the question? Why didn't Julius Caesar listen to the soothsayer's warning? Because he was inventing Caesar's salad. (CLASSROOM LAUGHTER) Phone, please. I'm sorry? It's against school policy to bring phones to class. You can have it back after school. Back to Shakespeare. I'm looking for Traci Scott. Thank you. Traci? Yeah. Hi. I'm June Gailey. I'm subbing for Mrs Laurie's English class. Hi. Do you have a minute? I wanted to talk to you about something. Yeah, sure. So, I hear that you're a runner? Well, not any more. Not since I injured me knee. Right. I heard that, too. I'm sorry. I'm part of a teachers' programme that tries to encourage students to get more fit and active, and I'm hoping to start a running club here at Powelton. That sounds pretty cool. I need a student to lead it with me. All the girls on the track team are super busy, so I was wondering if maybe you'd help me out. (SIGHS) I don't know. I'm working on getting my grades up. Well, how about this? You help me out with the running club, and I will tutor you in all of this. (SCHOOL BELL RINGS) Think about it, OK? We can talk more after school. I'll be down at the track. Perfect. I'll find you. OK. (BLEEPS) (CAMERA SHUTTER WHIRS) I'm here for my phone. Can I assume you'll leave it in your locker from now on when you come to my class? You can assume whatever you want. Have a good day. Biatch. (DOOR SHUTS) (VIBRATES AND RINGS) Let's pick it up, come on. Not bad. Not good, either. My knee's burning up. So, hey, I was thinking about the running club - Hold on one sec. Sorry, my mom called me. "Honey, I got bad news. Your father had a heart attack." Oh, my God. What is it? My dad had a heart attack. They took him to St Millicent's. I have to go. Traci? Hey, you're on a bike? Yeah. That hospital's all the way across town. Um, why don't you let me drive you? Really? Yeah. Yeah, yeah, come on. Thank you. I just don't want him to die. He has a really good chance of making it. Most heart attack victims survive, sweetie. He just wanted me to go to a good college, and a blew it. You mean because of your knee? It wasn't your fault. Accident's happen. It was, though. I was just screwing around, playing paintball. My parents didn't want me to go and I snuck out anyway. And I was running and I tripped and I blew a ligament in my knee. And then it was surgery, and then rehab, and then... no scholarship. I will help you get your grades up, I promise. They made me transfer here cos it's a better school, but I hate it. Everyone's already in their little groups of friends. I don't fit in anywhere. You must have one or two? There's Leigh, she's cool. Then, there is another girl who I thought was my friend, but... she may have lied to me about something. I don't know if I can trust her. What did she lie to you about? It's... complicated. There it is, there's the hospital. Mom? Mom. Ohh. Hey. How is he? I don't know. He collapsed at the restaurant, they brought him over here in an ambulance. I haven't seen him yet. Hi. I'm June Gailey, I'm one of the new subs at Powelton. I was with Traci when she got your call, so I brought her over in my car. Thank you so much. Hey, come on, sit with me. (DIAL TONE) (CLATTERS) (NUMBERS BEEP) (DIALS) (RINGS AND VIBRATES) (TINNY MUSIC THROUGH HEADPHONES) "Hey, you've reached Jay. Leave a message." (COINS CLATTER) Jay. Hey, why don't you do some homework or something, help take your mind off things? I don't have my books or anything with me. They're all at the school. I have to run back there anyway. Why don't I get them for you? I'll write down my locker combo. Thank you. It's not a problem at all. (SUSPENSE MUSIC) (CHIRRUPS) Jay Allerson. (KEYS CLICK) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH) (SOBS) Hey. Hey, are you OK? Come on, let's go somewhere and talk. I'm sure your dad is gonna be fine. It's not just that. It's a bunch of other stuff, too. Like what? I can't talk about it. Is it about Mr Adkins and Devon Cavanor? How do you know about that? I knew Gilbert Adkins before he died. Honey, you can talk to me. Hey, even... even if you can't tell your parents, or the police, you can tell me. You know I witnessed it, what happened between him and Devon? It was a lie. I never saw it. Why did you say you did, then? I saw her come out of his classroom crying. (SOBS) She was so upset. And I asked her what was wrong, and she told me what happened. She convinced you to say that you were there? She said no-one would believe her if she didn't have a witness. I believed her. So you thought you were doing the right thing by helping her out. I think she used me though. I found out Devon's lied about stuff in the past. And... I don't even know if Mr Adkins did what she said. Why would she wanna get Mr Adkins in trouble? I don't know. (VOICE BREAKS) All I know is he killed himself because of it. It's my fault. Traci, it's gonna be OK. No, it's not. Yes, it is. It is - if you go to the police and tell them the truth. I can't. I can't now. It's too late. It's not too late. It's not. Traci, he was my father. Gilbert Adkins was my father. I knew that Devon had lied about what he did to her, and so I came here, hoping that you would tell me the truth. Hey, there you are. So, he's out of surgery, he's gonna be fine. The surgeon says he's stabilised but, unfortunately, we can't see him until he gets out of the ICU. That's really good news, Mom. Hey. Hey, sweetie, are you OK? Yeah. I just don't feel very well. I'm gonna walk home. Hey, you know what? It's OK, I'll go and I'll drive her. Traci? Traci, wait. Hey. Hey! Hey, please, let me drive you. I'm sorry. I didn't know he was your dad. Traci, once you tell the truth and you get out from under this lie, everything's gonna feel a lot better. I... can't. I can't. I need to tell you something. I don't think my father killed himself, I think that there's a chance that maybe he was murdered. Murdered? By who? I don't know, but there's another person involved, I think. Devon's boyfriend. Is he a student? No. No, he's a little older - and he has a record. June, seriously, you gotta be careful. Go to the police, let them handle it. Yeah. They're investigating, which seems to be code for "doing nothing". Look, I understand that you don't want people to think your dad's a creep, but not at the expense of getting hurt. I'm pretty sure I can handle this. OK, sweetheart, open your eyes. Oh. Congratulations on doing even better on the CATs than I thought you would. Daddy, it's beautiful. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (STARTS ENGINE) (LOUD MUSIC PLAYS OVER RADIO) Oh, my God. Right? Do I look good behind the wheel? I think you look better naked. Ah, get in. (LAUGHS) I'll drive. Yeah, nice try. Shotgun's right here. RADIO: # I think your loneliness it what's caused you to fall # Your knees are shakin' # Your thoughts unfold # Your strength is waiting # What you've been taught # And tell my why - # You told us to go this way # I said next time # Just think before you hesitate... I'm so stupid... So stupid! # Your knees are shaking, your thoughts unfold # Your strength is waitin' # What you've been taught # And tell me why # You told us to go this way # I said next time # Just think before you hesitate! (RIFF) (TURNS OFF ENGINE AND MUSIC STOPS) You see? I told you everything would work out. You passed your test, you got your car, and you don't have some crusty old teacher out to get you anymore. Yeah, thanks to you. Yeah. I thought it was gonna be hard, you know, to do that to someone... It wasn't? I was thinking about you the whole time. About how... ..what I was doing was the ultimate proof of what I would do for you. I'll never forget what you did for me. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Yeah, I know you would. (SUSPENSE MUSIC) (LOUD CLUNK) Oh, my God, what the hell? (SLURS) I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Have you been drinking? I'm just really sorry. I'm just stupid. God, Traci, what were you thinking? I can't, please... My God, you could have really hurt yourself. Or killed somebody. I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't. (CROCKERY CLATTERS) I'll pay for the door. It's not about the door - and you know it. Do you realise how lucky you were? I'm sorry, I really am. Where were you? I was by the island. Alone. (SIGHS) What's happened to you, huh? What do you mean? I mean where's my little girl? Where's the ambitious, smart young lady who always made the right decisions? What time are going to see Dad? I don't know, sometime after ten. I have to open up the shop. I'd like to see him before I go to school. I think you should. I think he would like that. Can I ask you weird question? Those are my favourite kind. We all make mistakes, right? Some more than others, but, yeah. How do you know when it's too late to fix that mistake? Like if it's time to just accept it and move on? Any specifics? No. Just in general. (BREATHLESS) Well, it's never too late to do the right thing. You may not be able to change the outcome, but... at least you tried to make things right. Huh? And, it's about staying true to your character. Doing everything you can to make the situation better. Does that answer your question? Yeah. I've gotta get to school. Ahh. I love you, Dad. I love you more. Thank you so much. Come back. (SHOP BELL DINGS) Well? We got the loan. Yay! You're just gonna need to sign some papers. OK. So, how's Don doing? Pretty good. I'm gonna go up there in a couple of minutes. And I thought about what we talked about and I wanted to thank you. You were right. No more nagging. (BOTH GIGGLE) You're a good friend. I need to talk to you - privately. There's nothing you can say to change my mind. I'm just letting you know as a courtesy. How many times do I have to tell you? You cannot tell anyone that you lied. What do you not get? Yes, I can. Tonight I'm gonna tell both of my parents, and then I'm gonna have them drive me to the police station and I'm gonna tell them. You can be a part of that, or you don't have to, it's your choice. This is way bigger than me. There are more people involved in this than you know. I don't care. It's time to end all of this. You know that new substitute teacher, Miss Gailey? Adkins was her father. Talk about other people being involved. No kiddin'. Traci, I am warning you, OK, stay out of this! I'm going to the hospital around seven. You have until then to decide. Traci, I... (DOOR OPENS) (STAMPS FOOT) (GENERAL HUBBUB) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (CLICK) (FIRE ALARM SOUNDS) Don't do it, OK? Do not stop for your purses or cell phones. Walk outside and away from the building. (PHONE RINGS) Gary, hi. "I just spoke with the coroner." The autopsy reports weren't finished yet, but they did send the results of the toxicology tests. I haven't seen them yet. What were they? They said he had a large amount of some sedative in his system, about six times the prescribed dosage. Come on, guys, you would've burned to death by now. Let's go. We really need to do something. Like what? I don't know, but if she tells anyone that she lied, the entire thing's just gonna unravel. First the cheating scam, and then the sexual misconduct. God, I really don't wanna spend the rest of my life in prison. Do you? It's the same day he died. Oh, I can't believe how far behind we are on this. I'm sorry. It's all my fault. But don't worry, we'll get it done. OK, if we don't get it done tonight, I guess we can work on it tomorrow. I may not... I may not be here tomorrow. Why not? I can't tell you right now, I really can't, but... ..a lot of... ..stuff is gonna come out tomorrow, and you'll be one of the first to find out. Don't worry about it right now, let's just work on the project. It was the only pack of sleeping pills in that entire house, and he bought them less than eight hours before he supposedly jumped. If he had access to something much stronger and could take six times the dosage, why would he go buy some weak over-the-counter sedative and take just one? You're right, it doesn't make sense, but it doesn't mean he was murdered. No, but it could prove he was drugged. That's a good start, especially combined with Traci's confession. When are you going to the hospital? 15 minutes. I, um, wanted to give her some time to see her dad first. It's generous of you. Something you didn't get a chance to do. We are so close. I just really hope that she doesn't back out. # Innocent, alive and young # Holding wide, the past is dark # Waiting for # The future days # Trapped within a cloud of hate... (GUITAR RIFF) (SUSPENSE MUSIC) Come on, you stupid bitch. That's right. Good girl. Come on, you bitch. That's it. (METALLIC CRUNCH) Agh! (TYRES SCREECH) Agh! (TYRES SCREECH) It's my fault. I should have listened to you. No, I understand why you tuned out. I was harpin' on you. You shouldn't have had to say anything at all. It's my responsibility to take care of my health - and do everything necessary to do so. I feel like sometimes you just didn't realise how much it was affecting me and Traci. You're right. I didn't look at it like that, I... Everything I do is for you and Traci. Everything. Is there a doctor available? Coming through! I've been given a second chance. And I promise, things are gonna change. (EXHALES) I wanna be here for a long time. So, I'm gonna watch my diet, get more exercise, keep all my doctor's appointments. You won't have to say a single word about it. (CHUCKLES) I just love you, I don't wanna lose you. And I love you. You couldn't get rid of me even if you tried. (CHUCKLES) Mrs and Mrs Scott? Yes. Your daughter's been in an accident. What? Did you get her? I hit her. I don't know, I don't think she's dead. What? Well, whaddya mean? Was she moving? I don't know, a car was coming. I couldn't check. What are you talking about, a car? Did someone see you? I don't know. OK? I don't think so. Oh, no. Dammit, I knew this was a bad idea. I need you to go home right now. Go home, I'm gonna handle it. If she's alive, I'll take care of it, OK? Go home. Come with me. What are you talking about? I have to check and see what happened to her. Go home right now. Go. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (KEYS CLACK) (PHONE RINGS) Hello. Hi, Miss Gailey, it's... It's Devon Cavanor. Devon? "I really need to talk to you." It's actually really important. It's about Traci Scott. OK. Er, I'm in my car right now. I can come to your house? Er, no, actually, my dad's gonna be home any second. I was wondering if we could meet somewhere private, like, er, the high school? OK. In the parking lot behind the school. "I'll come right now." OK, great. Thank you so much. I'll see you soon. (BEEPS) (CAR APPROACHES) Thank you for meeting me, Miss Gailey. What did you wanna tell me? Traci Scott got hit by a car tonight, and I know who did it. What? Oh, my God, is she OK? (VOICE BREAKS) I don't know. All I know is that it was... It was my boyfriend who did it, and he threatened to kill me if I told anyone. Why would he do that? Because... ..he was afraid she was gonna tell the truth about Mr Adkins, and if she did, he was gonna be in a lot of trouble. He made her and I lie and make up this story about him molesting me. None of that is true. Whoa, start from the beginning. It all started with this stupid cheating thing. It was Jay's idea. He had access to the CAT answers and gave them to me so that I could get a good grade, and I knew that cheating was wrong. I just... It was the CATs - and that's a big deal. What does this have to do with Gilbert Adkins? Jay knew that he was gonna proctor the test a week early, and that... that never happens. A girl named Brady that needed to take the test early because she was going somewhere. Mr Adkins was supposed to supervise, and when Jay found that out he had me steal his laptop, then his friend hacked into the computer and made an answer key. We smashed it to hide the evidence, you know, make it look like a prank. But Mr Adkins was so adamant on finding out who it was that Jay thought that it would be a good idea to get him fired so that people stopped listening to him about the computer. So you made up the sexual harassment story to cover up the fact that you stole the test from his laptop? Yeah. What about his death? Did Jay have something to do with that? I know that he didn't kill himself. Tell me the truth. Yeah. Yeah, it was Jay. It was just because Mr Adkins went to go and speak to Traci's father, and he thought she was on the verge of caving. I... I'm so sorry. I swear I did not know until afterwards. That's one helluva story. You are one helluva liar. Liar? This is all the truth. Jay, please, enough people have been hurt over this already. I'll listen to anything that you have to say, just put the gun down. So this is how you wanna play it? You wanna blame me for everything? You know what you did. I know what I did. I made the mistake of believing you. Believing you loved me and you meant everything you said. I have no idea what you're even talking about. Jay, tell me what happened. Tell me what really happened. It's just gonna be lies. Shut up! D'you wanna know? It was all her idea. Why would I give a rat's ass about some test for college? She's the one that needed a good grade so Daddy would buy her a new car. It was all you, and you know it. It was my idea to get him fired, but it was her idea to kill him. I wasn't even there. Jay, please put the gun down. I would've done anything for you. I told you that so many times. You used me. Jay? Jay, listen. There are cameras everywhere. Just... Just put the gun down and we can call your parents and you can tell your side of the story. (SHORT SIGH) Jay? What did they say? It's better to have lost at love than never to have loved at all. Jay, listen. You don't wanna end your life like this. All that we need to do is go to the police - (GUNSHOT) Agh! (THUD) (GASPS) (RING TONE) "911, what's your location?" I'm... I'm... I'm... I'm at Powelton High, near the track. A young man just... just shot himself. My name is June Gailey. You know he was lying, right? He was lying. I'm gonna need the police too, please. Looks like I'm losing my hospital buddy. It's only for two days. You'll be home soon. Don't worry, I'll be here every night to continue our little chess war. I gotta be able to beat you sooner or later. Mm-hm. Knock-knock. Hey. Hey. Hi. I made these for you. Ohh. I'll take 'em for her. Thanks. Thank you for coming. Um... I have something for you. Leigh finished putting it together for me today. Um, it's not another confession, but it's just something I made for you. Thank you. "I guess the best thing is when a student comes back a decade after they graduate and they tell you how you changed their lives. The fact they remember you, that they remember what you taught them and that it had a profound effect, well, that's why I would never quit this job and do anything else." "And that's why Gilbert Adkins should be remembered for the man that he was. Funny, happy, a man who loved science almost as much as he loved his students." It's a nice tribute she did. (EXHALES) I just miss him so much. I know. Are you ready? We should get going. (SNIFFLES) Yeah. Hey, so what did you decide about Africa? Are you heading back right after the funeral? Well, I need to go back to Kampala to finish up my contract, but then I'm pretty sure I wanna come back here. For good? Yeah, I think so. I spoke with her father when I returned everything from her locker. She's decided to plead guilty. Good. I hope she gets the help she needs. Thank you so much for doing this. Um, it really means a lot. You're welcome. # So I say goodbye # Like it meant nothing # To me # While I die inside # Like it meant nothing # To me # So long, masquerade # Where it's stories that we made # I can feel your very presence when you're near # And the closer that we came # The louder that the wind howled # Till I was drowning in the sound of my own fear # So I say goodbye # Like it meant nothing # To me # The darkest night # Like it meant nothing # To me # I'm gonna be smoother than stone # That's been worn down by water # Over aeons of rivers running by... # Subtitles by Deluxe www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2016