Yarn - Script - Pink 06.24.24

A CASE FOR THE YARN MAKER
An Ainsley McGregor Mystery
ROBIN DUNNE
Based on the novel
A CASE FOR THE YARN MAKER
By Candace Havens
Production Draft
WHITE June 10/24

FULL BLUE June 20/24
FULL PINK June 24/24
ACT ONE
OPEN ON:
1 EXT. SWEET RIVER - DAY 1
Montage of various recognizable summertime shots of our

beautiful town of SWEET RIVER.
2 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY - CONTINUOUS 2
The main room of BLESS YOUR ARTS is filled with townsfolk

sitting in rows of folding chairs.
Standing at a podium at the front of the room is the ever

indefatigable and unassailably effervescent...
AINSLEY MCGREGOR.
Next to her is a large commemorative plaque. There is a

ceremonial red ribbon in front of it.
AINSLEY
(to the crowd)
Without further ado, I would like
to invite our very special guest
speaker for today's ceremony...
PUSH IN ON: the closed door to the classroom. LILY MARTIN

stands beside it.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Ladies and gentlemen, please
welcome...
PUSH IN FURTHER: past LILY as the closed door to the

classroom fills our frame, now feeling a bit ominous...
3 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - CLASSROOM - DAY 3
EXTREME CLOSE UP: a small table being hit IN SLOW MOTION by

something we don’t see. A teacup on the table falls to the
floor, spilling tea and tumbling to shatter on impact.
Another shot, another slow motion fall, a woman’s body falls

through frame, tipping forward. This is what must have hit
the table. There is a small plate of what looks like lemon
squares that falls past the body, spilling everywhere.
A Case For The Winemaker -FULL PINK DRAFT (06/24/24) 2
3 CONTINUED: 3
As the woman’s body lands on the floor, her hand grips a pair
of odd looking knitting needles entwined in a partially
knitted piece. Her hand releases and the needles splay out on
the floor.
Camera finds the woman’s face, partially covered by her hair

which is just settling in slow motion across her features.
Through the strands we see her eyes are open but not seeing
anything...
The sound of a door opening brings everything back to REGULAR

SPEED, as we find Lily coming through the door calling out.
LILY
...Ms. Mitchum?
She sees the body and screams. Behind her, Ainsley pushes
past and comes running into the room.
AINSLEY
MS. MITCHUM?
Ainsley lands at the woman’s body, checks her carotid and

turns to the crowd gathering at the door beside Lily.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
...She’s dead.
END TEASER:
4 ECU - STILL PHOTOGRAPH ON A SIGNPOST - ESTABLISHER 4
A black and white photograph of a SCHOOLHOUSE. We can tell

that it is an extremely old photo by the horse and buggy
parked out front of the building.
A sign reads: Sweet River Elementary School, EST. 1875.
If this building looks familiar, it should. Because, as WE

push past the signpost to:
5 EXT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - ESTABLISHER - DAY 5
We see that is the very same location of what has become the
building that houses Bless Your Arts.
FONT READS: ONE HOUR EARLIER
It is an exquisite summer day in Sweet River. The Texas sun

shines down from a cloudless blue sky.
5 CONTINUED: 5
As we move closer, we see that there is a ladder leaning

against one side of the building.
There is also a large banner laying across the ground - yet

to be hung up. It reads: HAPPY SESQUICENTENNIAL!
As we move closer still, the front door opens and out steps
Ainsley.
As she descends the front steps, the fire chief's truck pulls
up (it might even park in the same place as the horse and
buggy was in the photo.)
JAKE climbs out of the truck and approaches Ainsley. Seeing

him, she can't help but smile.
JAKE
Morning Ainsley.
AINSLEY
Morning, Jake. Thank you for coming
by on such short notice.
JAKE
When you said you needed help with
a ladder, I dropped everything and
jumped in the truck. I aced ladders
at fire academy.
AINSLEY
Everyone is going to be here in
less than an hour and I still
haven't got this banner up.
JAKE
Leave it to me.
Jake looks at the banner on the ground.
JAKE (CONT’D)
No matter how many times I see it,
I'll never get used to this word.
It looks like an eye-test chart.
AINSLEY
Sesquicentennial. This building has
been here for 150 years.
JAKE
I guess when you're that old, the
city gives you a plaque.
5 CONTINUED: 5
AINSLEY
And throws you a party.
Ainsley and Jake each take one side of the banner and carry
it over to the ladder.
JAKE
I hear our local celebrity - Ms.
Lone Star Cashmere herself - will *
be in attendance. My grandma gets
me a sweater from there every *
Christmas. Whether I need one or
not.
AINSLEY
Yep. Ellie Mitchum and her whole
entourage will be here. She and
Mrs. Whedon went to school here
together back in the day.
JAKE
Gladys is 150 years old?
AINSLEY
Very funny. This used to be a
schoolhouse until the mid-70's.
(then)
You should see the contract that
Ellie's people sent me.
JAKE
Only chilled bottled water with the
caps already loosened? No brown
M&M's?
AINSLEY
Not quite, but close enough.
JAKE
She is the CEO of a Fortune 500
company. I’ve heard they tend to be
a tad particular about their M&M’s.
Jake starts up the ladder to hang the banner
AINSLEY
Can I help?
Ainsley tries to grab the other corner of the sign but Jake
already has it too high in the air for her. She’s on tip
toes. He keeps moving it out of reach, pretending not to see.
5 CONTINUED: 5
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
You’re doing that on purpose.
Jake gets the sign hooked and comes down to do the other
side.
JAKE
The only way we’re going to get you
to get any taller is to stretch you
out a bit. You have to work for it.
They both laugh. Ainsley gives up. Jake takes the ladder over
to the other side of the sign. Ainsley hands him the corner.
JAKE (CONT’D)
Besides, you’re the brains of the
operation. I’m just the brawn.
A car pulls up and parks behind Jake’s truck. It’s MARIA.

She’s getting a couple of heavy coffee urns out of the back.
Ainsley goes to give her a hand.
AINSLEY
(to Jake)
I can be brawn.
Ainsley takes the heavier urn in hand and starts toward the
front door.
JAKE
That’s right, I forgot, you “do
sports” don’t you?
Ainsley smiles and pumps the urn a couple of times showing

off her biceps.
AINSLEY
I work out.
(then)
Thanks again for the sign. Are you
going to stay?
JAKE
I've got to get back to the
station, but I'll try to make it
back in time to catch the end of
the ceremony.
Another lingering smile between the two. Maria clocks it as

she and Ainsley head inside.
6 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - CONTINUOUS 6
Inside, rows of folding chairs have been set up, as well as a

podium in the middle of the room. MAUREEN is setting name
tags on the chairs. The one front and center reads: Ellie
Mitchum.
Ainsley and Maria enter.
MARIA
Nice of Jake to come by and
continue fanning the flames of your
romance.
MAUREEN
He's a fireman, though. Shouldn't
he be putting out fires?
AINSLEY
Stop it, you two. We're taking it
slow.
MAUREEN
Slow, or stored for winter?
At that moment, LILY enters from the back carrying a plastic

container filled with lemon squares.
LILY
Sorry I'm late.
AINSLEY
It's okay. I appreciate you baking
all of these lemon squares for the
event, Lily. They're so good.
LILY
I got the recipe from a friend. I
can make you a batch if you like.
AINSLEY
I'd love that.
Lily smiles, but Ainsley notices that there seems to be a

dark cloud around her.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
...You okay?
LILY
I just had a little argument with
my Grandma. I'll shake it off.
6 CONTINUED: 6
Ainsley is concerned, but decides not to press it.
DON enters from the classroom.
DON
The Lone Star Cashmere Executive *
Green Room is all set up in the
classroom. I've got a comfy chair
for Ms. Mitchum. AC is up. But, I
also put a heater in there in case
it gets too cold.
MARIA
I can't believe she asked for a
private green room "away from the
public" so she could knit.
DON
She's a workaholic. You don't get
the title "The Martha Stewart of
Knitting" for nothing.
LILY
She’s about as friendly as a
bramble bush.
AINSLEY
You’ve met her?
LILY
A couple of times. I’m friends with
her daughter. She’s not very nice
to her.
7 EXT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY 7
Later. The HAPPY SESQUICENTENNIAL banner now hangs across the

front of the building.
A gleaming black Towncar pulls up outside. (If we are paying

very close attention, we will notice that the license plate
reads WOOL-1.)
Ainsley, Maria and Don stand at the window watching as the

driver opens the back door of the Towncar.
A very elegant and stylishly dressed woman gets out. Designer

sunglasses, cashmere dress - she looks every bit the high-
powered CEO that she is.
8 CONTINUED: 8
This is ELLIE MITCHUM (60s). She holds a green velvet

knitting bag in her hand. Three other people exit the car, as
well.
As the driver closes the car door, he accidentally closes it

on Ellie's knitting bag. It was clearly an accident, but
Ellie angrily dresses him down, nonetheless. We will come to
know him as SAM (50).
MARIA
Oh, boy...
As the stylish entourage make their way up the steps toward

the building, Ainsley takes a breath.
AINSLEY
Showtime...
Ellie strides though the door, Ainsley smiles warmly.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Ms. Mitchum. I'm Ainsley McGregor,
I own Bless Your Arts.
ELLIE
I was told there would be a private
room for me to wait in?
Ainsley is taken aback by her demeanor.
AINSLEY
Uh...yes. Right this way.
Ainsley shoots Maria and Don a look as she leads Ellie and
her entourage away toward the classroom.
MARIA
(to Don)
For someone who knits sweaters, she
sure is cold.
9 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS 9
Ainsley opens the door to the classroom and ushers Ellie and
her team inside. Ellie immediately stops, seeing... George
sitting on his dog bed in the corner of the room.
ELLIE
There's a dog in here.
9 CONTINUED: 9
AINSLEY
Oh, that's just George. He's very
friendly.
But, Ellie is clearly not. An awkward beat.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
(a smile)
I’ll take him out.
(then)
C'mon, George. Out you go.
George reluctantly gets up out of his comfortable bed and

obediently heads out the door, throwing a look to Ainsley as
he does. Ainsley mouths “sorry”.
Ellie sits down and immediately begins to rummage through her

knitting bag. Next to her chair is a small table with a few
of Lily's lemon squares on it.
Ainsley, turns to a tea set and pours water from the kettle
into the waiting tea pot. One of Ellie’s associates
associates. This is HILARY (30s). In contrast to Ellie, she
is warm and friendly.
HILARY
Ainsley? I'm Hilary. I work with
Ellie. We spoke on the phone.
AINSLEY
Pleasure to meet you in person.
Ainsley takes the tea tray over and places it on the table
beside Ellie, who seems increasingly frustrated by something
in her knitting bag.
Hilary introduces the other two people with her. We will come
to know them as EMMA (late 20s) and BLAKE (30s). *
HILARY
(introducing)
These are Ellie's children Emma and
Blake. *
They both politely nod.
HILARY (CONT’D)
(to Ainsley)
Ms. Mitchum has requested that she
remain in here undisturbed until
you are ready for her to make her
speech.
9 CONTINUED: 9
AINSLEY
That's no problem.
Ainsley looks at Hilary as she’s leaving and Hilary mouths

the same kind of sorry to Ainsley that she just gave George
on his way out.
10 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - MAIN ROOM - MOMENTS LATER 10
Guests are beginning to arrive for the event. As Ainsley

walks George back behind the counter, she sees GLADYS march
through the front door.
There is a stern look on Gladys' face. In her hand she holds

a beautifully-knitted shawl with an intricate design.
Gladys makes a beeline for Ainsley. Seeing Gladys, George

wags his tail, but there’s only one person Gladys is here to
see.
AINSLEY
Hi, Mrs. Whedon-
GLADYS
Where’s Eleanor Mitchum?
Ainsley is caught off-guard by Gladys' demeanor. This is the

third time today she's been faced with someone's foul mood.
AINSLEY
She's in the classroom. But, she
asked not to be-
Gladys heads off abruptly.
Across the room, Ainsley sees Lily heading to intercept her

grandmother, but Gladys gets to the classroom door and is
through, closing the door, before Lily gets there.
George bumps Ainsley’s leg. She crouches down to him and

takes his face in her hands.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
I don’t know what’s gotten into
people today, George. I thought
having a celebrity here would have
everyone on their best behavior.
George gives her a kiss on the nose to make her feel better.
10 CONTINUED: 10
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
You’re always on your best behavior
unless it involves squirrels,
right?
BLAKE (O.S.) *
Does he ever answer you?
Ainsley spins around to see... Blake standing slightly too *

close behind her. Ainsley is a bit startled.
AINSLEY
(recovering)
He does. In his own way.
Blake extends his hand. *
BLAKE *
Blake Mitchum. We met earlier. I *
wanted to apologize to you and
George for my mom’s attitude.
(to George)
She only kicked you out of your
spot because she’s afraid of dogs,
and cats...and maybe even
squirrels.
AINSLEY
That’s okay. He’s usually pretty
good at picking up on that.
BLAKE *
My mom isn’t good with anything or
anyone that isn’t wool based.
Except sheep. She’s terrified of
them, too.
(then)
She can be a bit off-putting if you
don’t realize that it’s all an act
to cover up how nervous she is.
AINSLEY
(polite)
Well, she had me fooled.
Suddenly George jumps up with his front paws on the window

sill and whines. Ainsley turns to see what he’s looking at.
Gladys is storming out the side door of Bless Your Arts, the
shawl no longer in her hand. She heads directly for her car
and gets in.
Blake follows Ainsley’s gaze and sees Gladys drive off. *

10 CONTINUED: 10
BLAKE *
(sighing)
Another casualty of Ellie Mitchum’s
ire.
AINSLEY
I sure hope not.
Ainsley is a bit distracted. Where is Gladys going?
BLAKE *
Anyway, hopefully today goes well
and you get a chance to meet my
mother properly, once the pressure
to perform is off.
(then)
I’ll let you get back to it.
Blake goes. *
George is still watching through the window after Gladys.

Ainsley gives him a reassuring pat on the head.
AINSLEY
It’s okay, George. I know you’re
upset because she didn’t leave you
any treats.
George winces, sad to have been ignored by his friend.
Ainsley's eyes meet Lily's across the room. What was that
about? But, Lily just looks away, embarrassed.
11 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY - LATER 11
All the townsfolk have arrived and are seated for the event.
Hilary, Emma, and Blake are amongst them, as well. Every *
single seat is filled, except for Ellie's and Gladys’ seats
of honor beside the podium.
Ainsley is at the podium, next to a large commemorative

plaque with a ceremonial red ribbon in front of it.
AINSLEY
...It is my great honor to not only
be a small part of the rich history
that is this heritage building, but
also a legacy of the town of Sweet
River, itself.
Applause from the crowd.

11 CONTINUED: 11
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
And now, I would like to invite our
very special guest speaker for
today's ceremony. A woman who needs
no introduction. Ladies and
gentlemen, please welcome, Sweet
River's very own, Lone Star *
Cashmere founder and CEO Ellie *
Mitchum.
Another round of applause. Ainsley looks expectantly at the

door to the classroom. But, it doesn't open.
A beat. The applause dies down. Ainsley gives a look to Lily

who is standing next to the classroom door.
Lily knocks. Still no answer. Now, it's getting awkward.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
(to the crowd)
If we don't hurry this along, it
might be another sesquicentennial
before this ribbon is cut.
A roll of nervous laughter ripples through the audience.
Lily knocks on the door again. This time louder. Still no

answer.
In the crowd, Hilary, Emma, and Blake glance over. What is *

going on?
Finally, Lily opens the door.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
(to the crowd)
Once again, please welcome-
Ainsley is interrupted by a shrill scream of horror from

Lily.
Ainsley instinctively bolts from the podium as the rest of

the confused crowd begin to rise to their feet.
As Ainsley arrives at the door to the classroom, she sees:
Ellie's body lying on the floor.
The small table next to her has been knocked over. The teacup
is shattered on the floor next to the lemon squares.
12 CONTINUED: 12
Ainsley runs over and checks Ellie's carotid.
AINSLEY
She's...dead.
13 EXT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - LATE AFTERNOON 13
A couple of police cars with lights flashing are parked

outside, as well as Jake's fire chief truck, and the
coroner's van.
A gaggle of townsfolk have gathered around the entrance, in

addition to some local news reporters. This is a big story.
The sesquicentennial banner is now a grim reminder of the

day's tragic events.
The sheriff's cruiser pulls up and RYAN gets out. He takes a

breath and makes his way up to the entrance of the building.
We follow him as he ascends the steps to the front door. A
couple of reporters try to ask him questions, but he ignores
them.
DEPUTY TRAINEE KEVIN is keeping everyone back.
KEVIN
Hey Sheriff.
RYAN
Kev.
Kevin reacts to not being called Deputy Trainee but we

continue with Ryan as he enters into:
14 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - LATE AFTERNOON - CONTINUOUS 14
Inside, the back room has been cordoned off with police tape
as crime scene officials investigate.
On one side of the room are Hilary, Emma and Blake. They are *
all ashen and in shock. Emma is comforted by her brother as
she sobs. INVESTIGATOR LENA PEARSON is there questioning the
three of them. Nearby, couple more of Sweet River’s finest
are questioning Marie. *
On the opposite side, a traumatized Lily sits with her head

in her hands. Jake comes over and hands her a cup of water.
Heading into the back, Ryan sees Ainsley is with CORONER CYRA
VALE (30s) who is closing the body bag. Ainsley’s
criminologist brain has already kicked into gear.
14 CONTINUED: 14
Her searching eyes find - the broken teacup on the floor, the
scattered lemon squares, as well as the shawl that Gladys
brought draped over the back of Ellie's overturned chair.
Finally - there is a knitting bag on the floor near the body.

If we are paying close attention, we'll notice that this is a
different bag than the one Ellie entered with (we'll get to
this).
AINSLEY
She obviously fell forward, but
looking at the angle of her arms it
doesn’t look like she put them out
to stop herself.
VALE
The minor laceration on her neck
probably came from the teacup when
it broke as she fell against the
table.
Ryan approaches. He is a mix of brotherly concern and

professional detachment.
RYAN
(to Ainsley)
Hey, Sis. This finding a body thing
is becoming a habit of yours.
AINSLEY
Don't I know it.
RYAN
(then, to Vale)
Cyra, please tell me this was death
by natural causes and there is no
sign of foul play. The press is
going to have a field day with this
as it is.
VALE
This is unlikely the result of a
cardiac incident. Symptoms of a
heart attack fatality usually
include swelling and discoloration
around the face and neck.
Ryan hates where this is going.
Vale opens the body bag, exposing the corpse's head.

14 CONTINUED: 14
VALE (CONT’D)
Due to the discoloration around the
victim's lips, we can't rule out...
RYAN
Don’t say it.
AINSLEY
Poisoning.
Ryan hangs his head.
RYAN
(to Vale)
Coroner Vale, maybe my request for
you to tell me there was no foul
play wasn't clear enough?
VALE
Sorry, Sheriff. Until we do a full
tox report, every possibility is on
the table.
The bodybag is lifted onto the gurney.
AINSLEY
If it were poison, it would have to
have been something fast-acting.
RYAN
(to Ainsley)
To your knowledge, did she ingest
anything prior to the event?
AINSLEY
I served her some tea, but I'm not
sure she drank any of it.
RYAN
(deadpan)
I guess we can't rule you out as a
suspect, then.
Ainsley gives her brother a withering look.
AINSLEY
Oh, please Ryan.
RYAN
Oh, please Sheriff.
(then to Vale)
How soon before you can get me
something definitive?
14 CONTINUED: 14
VALE
Definitive?
RYAN
Substantial. This woman has been
listed in Fortune Magazine. Every
news outlet is going to be calling
for a statement. Last thing we need
is to make an unforced error and
say it's a murder when it's not.
VALE
It’s trivia night down at Yonders.
Vale realizes everyone is staring at her.
VALE (CONT’D)
Guess I’ll have to cancel.
(then)
I'll go to the lab right now and
start running samples.
The gurney is wheeled away. Vale follows. Pearson comes in *

with Kevin. *
RYAN
(to Pearson)
Did you get statements from the
family members?
Pearson nods.
RYAN (CONT’D)
You might as well release them.
At that moment, Blake appears in the doorway to the *

classroom. He's angry.
BLAKE *
We want answers, and we want them
fast! Otherwise, you're going to be
hearing from our lawyers.
Jake heads over to intercept him.
JAKE
Hey, you gotta calm down.
As this commotion is happening, something has caught

Ainsley's eye. She pulls her gloves back on.
AINSLEY
Ryan, look at this.
14 CONTINUED: 14
RYAN
Ains, you've gotta call me Sheriff.
This is a crime scene.
With a gloved hand, Ainsley picks up one of the lemon squares

from the floor. There is an obvious bite out of it.
AINSLEY
Safe to say she had some of this.
RYAN
Where did these come from?
Then Ainsley's face falls with a realization. There's no

way...
LILY (O.S.)
I made them last night, Kevin came
over and helped me.
15 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - LATER 15
Ainsley, Jake, Ryan, Pearson and Kevin stand around Lily who
pleads with tears in her eyes.
PEARSON
This Kevin? *
JAKE
Deputy Trainee Kevin? *
(to Kevin)
Never took you for a baker.
LILY
We even ate a couple of them when
they came out of the oven.
KEVIN
I had five.
JAKE
Nice.
He reaches out an fist bumps Kevin.
LILY
And when they cooled we put them in
the container that I brought them
in today.
KEVIN
Neither of us got sick.
15 CONTINUED: 15
Ryan looks to Pearson.
PEARSON
I’ll get everything bagged up and
run it down to Vale.
She heads out, Ryan turns back to Lily.
RYAN
Ainsley said that your grandma knew
Ms. Mitchum?
LILY
They knew each other from when they
went to school here. They became
friends over their love of
knitting. But, once Ellie started
her company, Gram felt that she
became successful by stealing her
designs.
AINSLEY
You told me that you had an
argument with your Grandma earlier.
What was that about?
LILY
When Gram found out that Ellie was
going to be here today, she wanted
to confront her once and for all. I
tried to convince her not to, but
she was adamant.
AINSLEY
What did she say to Ellie?
LILY
I don't know, she wouldn’t tell me.
Lily's eyes dart desperately between the three of them.
LILY (CONT’D)
Look, I know my Grandma was angry,
but I promise you she's no
murderer!
Ryan looks at Ainsley. She grimaces.
16 EXT. SHERIFF'S STATION - DAY 16
Establish the Sweet River Sheriff’s station.

16 CONTINUED: 16
AINSLEY (O.S.)
These are criminology students of
mine.
17 INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - DAY 17
Ainsley, Jake and Ryan sit around the table in Ryan’s office. *
The specter of friends being accused of murder hangs heavy. *
JAKE
(quietly)
And Kevin works for you, what
motive could they possibly have to
murder a knitting magnate?
RYAN
I can hold off bringing them in for
questioning until I hear back from
Vale, but no one is off the table,
no matter how close their
connection is to us.
JAKE
Uhh...
Jake points to Ainsley behind his hand.
Ainsley rolls her eyes.
AINSLEY
Not you, too.
At that moment, Kevin pokes his head into the room. He’s got
a note in his hand.
KEVIN
Hey, Sheriff, somebody from...
He consults the note.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
(mispronouncing)
Re-uters called for you?
RYAN
Reuters. Take a message.
Kevin nods and goes. Then, Ryan's phone rings.
RYAN (CONT’D)
(to Ainsley)
It's Vale.
17 CONTINUED: 17
He puts the call on speaker.
RYAN (CONT’D)
Hey. I’m here with Ainsley and
Chief Trenton.
VALE (O.S.)
Hi y’all. Initial test results show
no poison in the lemon squares.
Ainsley breathes a sigh of relief.
INTERCUT:
18 INT. CORONER'S OFFICE - DAY - CONTINUOUS 18
Vale is in her examination room on bluetooth. She’s reviewing

test results. Ellie's body is on the table in front of her,
covered in cloth.
VALE
The tea was clear, as well.
Jake shoots a look to Ainsley.
JAKE
Guess you're off the hook.
VALE
In fact, initial screening shows no
signs of poison, at all.
AINSLEY
So, what killed her?
VALE
It's looking like anaphylactic
shock.
JAKE
An allergic reaction?
VALE
Yes. But, I've checked her medical
records. There's nothing to
indicate that she had any food-
borne allergies. And there are no
signs of insect bites or stings on
her body.
18 CONTINUED: 18
AINSLEY
Which means it had to be something
else she came into contact with.
RYAN
Regardless, accidental death by
allergic reaction makes all of our
lives easier.
JAKE
Except hers.
(then)
Sorry. Too soon.
RYAN
(to Vale)
Can I put that in my official
report?
Ainsley's crime nose isn't buying this.
AINSLEY
No
Ryan looks at her.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Cyra, did you check the shawl?
JAKE
Shawl?
AINSLEY
The shawl that Mrs. Whedon brought
in and left with Ellie.
JAKE
She’s allergic to shawls?
AINSLEY
It could be like the Shirt of
Nessus.
Off Jake and Ryan's looks.
RYAN
Nessus? Didn't he play right wing
for the Stars?
Ainsley rolls her eyes.

18 CONTINUED: 18
AINSLEY
It's from Greek mythology. It was
the poisonous shirt that killed
Hercules.
Jake can't help himself.
JAKE
Hercules - he's the back-up goalie
for the Stars, isn't he?
(then, to Ainsley)
Sorry.
Ainsley looks at the two, incredulous.
AINSLEY
Are you two finished?
Then, Vale - who has been listening patiently to this banter -

cuts through the temporarily-lifted mood.
VALE
We did find a foreign substance on
the shawl, Ains.
RYAN
...Poison?
VALE
Inconclusive. We're doing more
tests. But, whatever it is was also
found on the victim's hands and
around her mouth. It may be what
killed her. An item that was
transported into that room was
laced with something that her body
had a severe reaction to.
The gravity of this information hits the room like a fog.
RYAN
Thanks, Vale. Keep me posted with
any updates.
Ryan hangs up.
END INTERCUT
19 INT. SHERIFF’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 19
A beat. Ryan considers for a moment.

19 CONTINUED: 19
AINSLEY
(to Ryan)
What are you going to do?
RYAN
You know what I have to do.
AINSLEY
I know what you think you have to
do. But, it's so absurd, I can't
even believe you're considering
doing it.
Jake's eyes glance back-and-forth between them like he's

watching a confusing tennis match.
JAKE
...What's he gonna do?
AINSLEY
He's going to arrest Gladys Whedon.
Jake reacts. At that moment, Kevin pokes his head into the
room again, interrupting the tension.
KEVIN
Hey Sheriff? Somebody from
Associated Press is on the phone.
AINSLEY
Take a message.
Kevin dutifully goes.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
(to Ryan)
I cannot believe you’re even
considering going to the house of a
respected member of our community
and arresting her.
RYAN
I'm not going to arrest her.
JAKE
Then, what are you going to do?
(off Ryan’s look)
Sorry, just trying to keep up.
19 CONTINUED: 19
RYAN
I'm going to go to the house of a
respected member of our community
and politely ask her to come down
to the station and give a
statement.
(then)
At the moment, she's our prime
suspect.
Kevin pokes his head into the office, again.
KEVIN
Hey Sheriff-
JAKE
Take a message.
Kevin goes. Ainsley shakes her head at Ryan in disbelief.
AINSLEY
Gladys Whedon is no more your prime
suspect than George is.
RYAN
She was at the scene of the crime.
And she has a motive.
JAKE
And if whatever is on that shawl is
what killed her...
AINSLEY
(resigned)
She also brought the murder weapon.
RYAN
I've gotta do it, Ains. I know your
community-minded nose doesn't want
to admit it, but your crime nose
knows I'm right.
Ainsley has no comeback to this. A beat. Then:
AINSLEY
I'm coming with you.
Before Ryan can protest...

19 CONTINUED: 19
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Remember when you hired me as
Official Collaborator with the
Sweet River police? Well, call this
"official collaboration".
Ainsley stares at her brother. It's a standoff. Finally, Ryan

realizes that he's not getting out of this.
20 EXT. GLADYS’ HOUSE - DAY 20
Ryan's police cruiser pulls up outside a modest house in a

suburban neighborhood. He and Ainsley get out of the car and
walk up to the front door.
The two share a look before Ryan reluctantly rings the

doorbell. A moment later, the door opens revealing...
Gladys. Before Ryan can utter a word, she smiles cooly and
says:
GLADYS
What took you so long?
END ACT ONE

ACT TWO
21 EXT. SHERIFF'S STATION - DAY - ESTABLISHER 21
Ryan's cruiser is parked outside the Sweet River Sheriff's

Station.
GLADYS (O.S.)
That woman was more slippery than a
pocket full of pudding.
22 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS 22
Gladys sits in the interrogation room across from Ryan and

Pearson. She is calm and collected. In contrast, both Ryan
and Pearson are the ones who appear to be nervous.
GLADYS
Ellie Mitchum was a thief who built
her entire empire on a lie. And, it
all started with the pattern on
that shawl. That's why I wanted to
bring it to Bless You Arts. To show
her I haven't forgotten that she
stole my designs.
PEARSON
What did you say when you
confronted her?
23 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - CLASSROOM - DAY - FLASHBACK 23
The previous day. With shawl in hand, we see Gladys barge

into the classroom where Ellie is sitting at the far end of
the room, knitting. Ellie turns and their eyes meet. There is
a moment of recognition before Ellie quickly turns away.
GLADYS (O.S.)
I didn't get a chance to talk to
her.
Before Gladys can approach, she is intercepted by Hilary who

calmly asks her to leave.
GLADYS (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Ellie just turned her back.
Gladys smiles acerbically.
GLADYS
That woman - Hilary - told me that
Ellie was "too busy" to see me.
What a load of hogwash. I could see
her right there in the room,
knitting. So, I just threw the
shawl at her and left.
25 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 25
Outside the interrogation room, watching through the two-way

mirror is Ainsley, with a concerned look on her face.
PEARSON
Are you aware of any allergies that
Ellie may have had?
Gladys just looks at Pearson, deadpan.
GLADYS
She was allergic to being a nice
person.
27 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - RECEPTION - DAY 27 *
Post interrogation. Ainsley and Ryan walk along the hallway.
AINSLEY
It doesn't track. Why would Gladys
openly admit to her feud with Ellie
if she were guilty?
RYAN
I agree.
AINSLEY
And why do it at a public event in
front of fifty people?
RYAN
I agree.
27 CONTINUED: 27
AINSLEY
Plus, Mrs. Whedon is not the kind
of person-
RYAN
Ains, we're releasing her as a
person of interest.
AINSLEY
Good. If only you'd listened to me
in the first place, I could have
saved you the trouble.
RYAN
I’m just doing my job. But, duly
noted.
Ainsley stops walking.
AINSLEY
That leaves us with a big problem,
though...who killed Ellie Mitchum?
Then, they hear:
MAUREEN (O.S.)
Sheriff McGregor.
The two turn to see Maureen in the station waiting room.
RYAN
Hi, Maureen. What can I do for you?
MAUREEN
I'm just waiting for Gladys.
AINSLEY
She'll be out in a few minutes.
MAUREEN
Lovely.
With a polite smile on her face, Maureen stares at Ryan.
MAUREEN (CONT’D)
(sweetly)
Ryan... you're a nice boy and I
think you're doing a fine job as
sheriff. But, if you ever mess with
my friend Gladys, you better be as
careful as a cat in a room full of
rocking chairs. Do we understand
each other?
27 CONTINUED: 27
RYAN
Yes, ma'am.
MAUREEN
Lovely.
With that, Maureen turns and goes back to her seat in the
waiting room.
RYAN
(to Ainsley)
The thing I love about this job is
the constant outpouring of
gratitude.
AINSLEY
Go home, get some sleep tonight.
Tomorrow isn’t going to be easy.
They hug and head out.
28 EXT. SWEET RIVER PARK - DAY 28
It’s a new day, start on a high wide shot of a beautiful

Texas Hill country park.
Ainsley sits on a bench in the park. She’s got a couple of

coffees in a tray next to her. As she glances around at
people passing by, she’s aware of them looking at her. It
might just be her imagination, but it feels as though Ellie
Mitchum's death is the talk of the town.
Then, Ainsley feels a hand land gently on her shoulder,

snapping her out of her thoughts. She looks up to see...
Jake. He smiles warmly as he sits next to her.
JAKE
Sorry, I'm late.
AINSLEY
No problem. I wasn’t sure what kind
of coffee you like so I winged it.
Ainsley hands him one of the coffees. Jake takes a sip.
JAKE
Mmmm, rosemary brown sugar latte.
My favorite!
(then)
(MORE)
28 CONTINUED: 28
JAKE (CONT’D)
The reason I'm late is because I
stopped by BYA and I took that
banner down. I also went inside and
made sure everything was cleaned
up.
AINSLEY
(touched)
You did that for me?
JAKE
Figured yesterday was stressful
enough. Maybe you could use a fresh
start.
AINSLEY
That's so sweet.
Ainsley instinctively puts her hand on his. Then, realizing,

she casually lifts it off to take a sip of her coffee.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
How did you get into BYA? I locked
up when I left.
JAKE
Fireman. I just chopped the door
down with my axe.
AINSLEY
Excellent.
JAKE
Maria was there. She let me in. *
(then)
So, how are you doing?
AINSLEY
I'm fine. Still in shock, a little.
JAKE
I think the whole town is.
AINSLEY
Yeah. By the way, I ran into
Ellie’s daughter Emma at the Koffee
Klatch. Lilly was helping her plan
a memorial for her mother and they
invited us.
JAKE
Us??
28 CONTINUED: 28
AINSLEY
Us.
JAKE
You and me?
AINSLEY
She did say Ryan could come too.
JAKE
Yeah sure, that’d be great. Us and
Ryan.
Ainsley's phone rings. She shows it to him.
AINSLEY
(to Jake)
Ryan.
(into phone)
Hi... okay, we'll be right there.
29 EXT. CORONER'S OFFICE - DAY 29
A nondescript building in town.
VALE (O.S.)
Chlorhexidine gluconate.
30 INT. CORONER'S OFFICE - EXAMINATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS 30
Ainsley, Ryan, and Jake are with Vale in the examination

room.
VALE
It was a severe reaction to that
which triggered acute respiratory
distress and fatal anaphylactic
shock.
Ryan just stares at her, blankly.
RYAN
...Can you do that thing where you
translate into layman's terms?
AINSLEY
(jumping in)
An allergic reaction to
chlorhexidine killed her.
30 CONTINUED: 30
JAKE
And that's... a poison?
VALE
Yes and no. A "poison" can be
classified as any foreign substance
that causes a severe reaction. For
some people that's peanut butter.
RYAN
I'm about to have a severe reaction
unless someone can tell me if this
was a homicide or not.
The wheels of Ainsley's mind are turning.
AINSLEY
Chlorhexidine? Why does that sound
familiar?
VALE
Because, it's this.
Vale goes to a cabinet and pulls out an amber glass medical

bottle. She tosses it to Ainsley who reads the label.
AINSLEY
Right! Medical-grade antiseptic.
They used to use it to treat
gingivitis.
VALE
Among other things.
Jake looks to Ainsley, impressed.
JAKE
How do you know this stuff?
AINSLEY
I minored in forensic science.
VALE
Chlorhexidine has a very low
mortality rate - 0.78 per 100,000,
to be exact. Very rare that someone
would have a fatal reaction, but
not impossible.
RYAN
Is it possible that something at
BYA would just happen to contain
this stuff?
30 CONTINUED: 30
VALE
Not unless the place was
moonlighting as some kind of
medical lab. There are trace
elements in cosmetics and
disinfectants, but nothing near the
levels we found on the victim's
hands and face.
AINSLEY
And it's not something you can buy
over the counter in this kind of
concentration.
JAKE
So, somebody who knew that Ellie
possessed this rare allergy, laced
something she'd come into contact
with yesterday?
AINSLEY
And hoped it would slip past the
toxicology screening.
A beat.
RYAN
She was murdered.
31 EXT. CORONER'S OFFICE - DAY 31
The three exit the office.
JAKE
Murdered by whom? And why? *
AINSLEY
According to Occam's Razor, we
should look in the most obvious
place first. The family.
Ryan shoots Jake a look. Here she goes again.
RYAN
Occam's Razor? That's the one with
the triple blade and the aloe
glide, right?
JAKE
I prefer the Occam Electric.
Smoother and less mess.
(then, to Ainsley)
(MORE)
31 CONTINUED: 31
JAKE (CONT’D)
Sorry. That was right over the
plate. I had to swing.
AINSLEY
Occam's Razor theory is something
I'm teaching at the university.
RYAN
Enlighten us, professor.
AINSLEY
(to Jake)
My jokester brother thinks being
funny is more important than being
intelligent.
RYAN
And my sister's a nerd.
(to Ainsley)
What's your point?
AINSLEY
The Mitchum family is holding a
memorial in a couple of days. We
should go.
JAKE
All of US and you.
RYAN
And do what? Hand out a
questionnaire? "Please check YES if
you're Ellie's murderer"?
Ainsley shakes her head and stops. *
AINSLEY
You know, for a cop, you're not so
bright sometimes.
(then)
I'll bet whoever killed Ellie will
be at that memorial. We need to
investigate.
RYAN
I need to investigate. You need to
collaborate.
AINSLEY
What's the difference?
RYAN
You tell me, nerd.
31 CONTINUED: 31
Ryan is joking, but we can see his worry bleeding through.
AINSLEY
So, you'd prefer that I not attend
a memorial - that I was personally
invited to, I might add - of a
murder victim who died in my place
of business. Even though it might
help the police department for whom
I also work?
RYAN
Correct.
AINSLEY
Why did you hire me for this job if
you don't want me to actually do
it?
RYAN
Because you're the most brilliant
person I've ever known.
Ainsley is surprised. She wasn't expecting such a sincere

response.
RYAN (CONT’D)
I also know that you're so smart it
gets you into trouble sometimes.
(then)
Making you an official part of the
department meant you wouldn’t have
to run around putting yourself in
harm’s way without me knowing where
you were. I know how important it
is for you to see that justice is
done.
AINSLEY
You make me sound like a super
hero.
JAKE
A little tiny one.
Ainsley punches him in the arm playfully. He reels away like

she hulk punched him. They continue walking. *
But, Ryan's sarcastic demeanor has melted away. He's now just
a concerned brother.
31 CONTINUED: 31
RYAN
All kidding aside, Ains. There's a
killer on the loose.
AINSLEY
And I'm going to help you find
them.
RYAN
You're here because you're supposed
to be keeping a low profile.
AINSLEY
You worry too much.
RYAN
When I think about what happened in
Chicago, it feels like I don't
worry enough.
Ryan turns and walks back to his car.
32 EXT. SWEET RIVER STREET - DAY 32
Jake’s truck drives by.
AINSLEY (V.O.)
I just don't get it...
33 INT. JAKE’S TRUCK - DAY - CONTINUOUS 33 *
Jake drives. Ainsley is in the passenger seat.
AINSLEY
If Ellie's allergy to chlorhexidine
wasn't in her medical records, how
would anyone know she'd have a
fatal reaction to it?
JAKE
Especially when she might not have
even known herself.
The two look at each other, stumped.
JAKE (CONT’D)
(then)
I don't want to overstep, but...
what's the thing about Chicago?
Ainsley is caught off guard by the question, but she covers.

33 CONTINUED: 33
AINSLEY
Oh, I just got a little too close
to a case when I was working for
the police department there. But,
it's fine. Not a big deal.
There seems to be more to it, but Jake doesn't push it.
JAKE
Okay. *
Ainsley stares out the window in thought. Jake notices. *
34 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - MAIN ROOM - MOMENTS LATER 34 *
Ainsley walks alone into BYA. She busies herself doing some
organizing, but her attention is split by the open door into
the classroom. Finally, she goes over and looks inside.
Everything is completely cleaned up and there isn't a trace

of the murder. It looks back to normal - as though nothing
ever happened. Still, the mystery is troubling Ainsley. Who
did this?
There is a large cork board at one end of the room. Ainsley

makes a decision. She goes to a drawer and takes out a stack
of Post-It notes. She then sits down and gets to work.
A FIGURE in a parked car across the street has been watching

Ainsley through the window.
We don't see who it is, but as the car drives off, we notice
that the license plate reads: Wool 1.
END ACT TWO

ACT THREE
Bless Your Arts is closed, but it’s Book Club.
MARIA (O.S.)
It's just so eery to think that
this happened here.
Everyone has gathered for "Book Club" - Don, Maria, Lily,

Maureen and, of course, George. A notable exception is
Gladys.
MARIA
Right under our noses.
Ainsley stands at the front of the room, next to the cork-

board we saw earlier. We now see the results of all her work:
It has been transformed into a "murder board." In the center

is a photo of Ellie with lines drawn out to Post-It notes
with every pertinent detail of the crime written on them -
possible murder weapons, suspects, motives, etc.
AINSLEY
That's why we're here at book club -
to help figure this out.
MAUREEN
On that subject - since we’ve
shifted gears to solving crimes, I
think we need to figure out a new
name. We can’t keep calling it
“book club” if we’re not a book
club.
AINSLEY *
We can figure out our new name
later. Everybody - think of some *
suggestions for next book club and *
we’ll vote. Right now, we've got *
more important business to attend
to.
(then)
So, where do we start?
At that moment, they hear:

38 CONTINUED: 38
GLADYS (O.S.)
Perhaps we could start by crossing
my name off the suspect list.
Everyone turns to see Gladys who has just entered.
GLADYS (CONT’D)
I have been officially cleared,
after all.
MAUREEN
Gladys! I'm so glad you made it!
George gets up and happily goes to her.
GLADYS
The only reason I would ever miss
book club is if I were in jail.
Came pretty close the other day.
Everyone laughs. Gladys takes her spot at the table next to

Lily who raises her hand.
LILY
Technically, I think Kevin and I
were also suspects for a minute. We
baked the lemon squares.
AINSLEY
Me, too. I made the tea.
Ainsley writes both hers and her two students names on a

couple of Post-It notes and puts them on the board. She then
makes a show of crossing off all their names, as well as
Gladys'.
DON
It would be crazy if the murderer
was someone who was sitting at this
very table, wouldn't it?
Suddenly, everyone remembers... that DID happen. An awkward

beat.
MARIA
Again, you mean....
AINSLEY
Okay, well, I think we're up to
speed.
(then)
Now, who would want to murder Ellie
Mitchum?
38 CONTINUED: 38
DON
Lots of people. She was a very
rich, successful person. People
like that are often targets.
Off their looks.
DON (CONT’D)
I've been listening to a lot of
murder podcasts.
AINSLEY
This wasn't some stranger off the
street. It was very specific. An
extremely rare allergy.
MARIA
Had to be an inside job.
MAUREEN
Who did she come into contact with
from the time she arrived up to her
death?
AINSLEY
Hardly anyone. We saw her car pull
up...
39 INT/EXT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY - FLASHBACK 39
The day of the ceremony. Once again we see Ainsley, Maria and
Don watching as Ellie's car pulls up and she gets out. Ellie
yells at the driver as he closes the door on her knitting
bag.
MARIA (O.S.)
She tore a strip off the driver
because he closed the door on her
knitting bag.
40 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY - CONTINUOUS 40
Present time.
DON
That's it - case closed. It was the
limo driver. Those guys depend on
good reviews. He'd rather kill her
than get a one-star rating.
Everyone laughs.
40 CONTINUED: 40
AINSLEY
The strange thing is, he didn't
seem like a limo driver. He wasn't
very apologetic. He even argued
back, a little.
GLADYS
Maybe it was someone who worked for
the company. Ellie never liked
outsiders around her.
MARIA
I mean, the way Ellie reacted was a
little harsh. But, I guess I
understand. The bag was a
beautifully embroidered green
velvet. Must have cost a fortune.
At this, Ainsley's crime nose is piqued.
AINSLEY
Wait... green velvet? That's odd.
The knitting bag I remember from
the crime scene was more of a burnt
orange.
Ainsley makes a note and puts it up on the board. Knitting

bag?
DON
(to Ainsley)
You're sure it was orange?
MARIA
She knows the difference between
orange and green, Don.
DON
I'm just asking. Eyewitness
testimony can be unreliable.
Another look from the group.
DON (CONT’D)
Murder podcasts.
AINSLEY
I'm definitely sure, because the
bag matched the color of the
knitting needles Ellie was using.
Or maybe it was just one long
needle. Home economics was not my
strong suit in high school.
40 CONTINUED: 40
This catches Gladys' attention.
GLADYS
What do you mean, "one long
needle"?
AINSLEY
Next to the body it looked like
there were two needles that were
connected with a cord. Is that a
thing?
MAUREEN
Those are circular needles. There
are several types of knitting
needles - straight, double-pointed,
cable, and circular.
AINSLEY
Okay, well, Ellie was using
circular ones before she died.
Something is troubling Gladys.
GLADYS
That's strange. Ever since we were
girls at school, Ellie always hated
circular needles. She was a purist
who insisted on using double-
pointed needles. She could be very
particular about those kinds of
things.
MARIA
Maybe she had a change of heart in
her later years?
GLADYS
Assuming she had a heart, I doubt
it.
AINSLEY
Interesting. I'll ask Ryan to show
me the crime scene photos.
Ainsley makes another note and puts it one board.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
What about Ellie's daughter Emma?
You know her Lily.
40 CONTINUED: 40
LILY
Emma and I are good friends. She's
very sweet. Really smart. She's got
a good career owning a part of a *
sports apparel company. *
AINSLEY
And Ellie's son Blake? *
MAUREEN
You mean, "Captain Handsome"?
(of their looks)
I got a good look at him. Very
attractive fella.
AINSLEY
Seems like he's got a bit of a
temper, though.
LILY
In his defense, his mother just
died. Understandable that he'd be
upset.
AINSLEY
True.
(then)
And Hilary?
Lily has her iPad open in front of her. She sees something on
her screen.
LILY
It says here that Hilary is Ellie
Mitchum’s niece.
AINSLEY
Really? Why didn’t anyone know
that?
LILY
I had to dig pretty deep but it’s
here.
GLADYS
Must be her twin sister’s girl. I
lost track of that one when she
moved to the city.
Ainsley looks at the murder board again.

40 CONTINUED: 40
AINSLEY
It seems like we got more questions
than answers tonight. But, that's
normal for the beginning of an
investigation. The family memorial
is tomorrow. Lily and I will see *
what more info we can get. *
41 EXT. MITCHUM ESTATE - DAY 41
The next day. In Ainsley's car, Ainsley, Jake and Ryan pull
up to a beautiful gated property on the outskirts of town.
This is the Mitchum Estate.
At the end on the long driveway, is an impressive mansion

that is crowded with parked cars.
Ainsley, Jake, and Ryan get out and make their way toward the
front door. Ainsley is in an elegant dress. The guys are in
suits.
42 INT. MITCHUM HOUSE - FRONT FOYER - DAY - CONTINUOUS 42
The three enter into the house where a dozen attendees

dressed in funeral attire stand around talking quietly while
eating fancy hors d'oeuvres.
At one end of the adjacent room is a large framed photograph

of Ellie with the words "In Loving Memory" written
underneath.
Ainsley stares at the picture. In it, Ellie is smiling with

kindness and warmth.
JAKE
She looks really nice in that
photo.
AINSLEY
I know what Mrs. Whedon would say
if she were here. A picture can
tell a thousand lies.
Jake marvels at the decadence of the house.
JAKE
My grandma would be so happy to
know that I was at Ellie Mitchum's
house.
42 CONTINUED: 42
AINSLEY
She loved Lone Star Cashmere that *
much?
JAKE
This was her Graceland.
AINSLEY
So strange, isn't it? Doesn't
matter how rich or successful you
are. One day, in the blink of an
eye, it's all over.
Ryan grabs an hors d'oeuvre off of a waiter's passing tray.
RYAN
Yep. One day you're gone and there
are a bunch of strangers standing
around your house eating hors
d’oeuvres and lying about how much
they liked you.
Ryan pops the hors d'oeuvre into his mouth. Ainsley glares at
him.
RYAN (CONT’D)
(mouth full)
I didn't eat lunch.
(then)
I’m going to mingle.
He turns to Ainsley.
RYAN (CONT’D)
Don't get us into any trouble.
Please.
Ryan goes. Ainsley and Jake continue into...
43 INT. MITCHUM HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS 43
...the living room. As the two are nodding polite hellos to

other attendees, they hear...
LILY (O.S.)
Ainsley.
They turn to see Lily standing nearby next to Emma and Blake. *
Lily waves them over.
They all hug their hellos.

43 CONTINUED: 43
LILY (CONT’D)
So nice of you both to be here.
Ainsley, you remember Emma and
Blake. *
EMMA
Thank you for coming.
AINSLEY
It's the least we could do.
(then, introducing)
This is Jake. He's our local fire
chief in Sweet River.
Blake shakes Jake's hand. *
BLAKE *
Fire chief, huh? That's a cool job.
Jake smiles politely, even though Blake is squeezing the crap *

out of his hand.
JAKE
Also gets a little hot, sometimes.
BLAKE *
Hot. Because you're a fireman. I
get it. That's funny.
Jake sizes him up. It's impossible to tell if Blake is being *

sarcastic or genuine.
BLAKE (CONT’D) *
(to Ainsley)
I meant to say when we spoke the
other day that you have very nice
teeth.
The compliment hits Ainsley totally out of left field.
AINSLEY
...Sorry?
Blake leans it a little to get a better look at Ainsley's *

mouth.
BLAKE *
Your teeth. They're perfect.
At this, Jake gets his back up, a little. What is this guy's
deal?
Blake smiles at Ainsley. *

43 CONTINUED: 43
BLAKE (CONT’D) *
Sorry, I'm a dentist. I notice
these things.
JAKE
Dentist, huh? That's a pretty cool
job.
BLAKE *
Yeah, I find it fulfilling.
Blake smiles, pleased with his joke. *
JAKE
Filling. Because you’re a dentist.
That’s funny.
EMMA
(to Ainsley and Lily)
How do you two know each other?
LILY
Ainsley teaches a criminology
course that I take at the
university.
EMMA
How nice.
(then, to Ainsley)
And it's your brother who's the
sheriff, right?
AINSLEY
Yes. I guess you could say it runs
in the family.
LILY
(to Ainsley)
Emma works for Rubicon Competitive *
International. *
AINSLEY *
I think I have a yoga mat from *
them. *
At that moment, Sam (the driver) abruptly elbows his way into
the group. He rudely barks at Emma and Blake. *
SAM
I need to speak to you two. Now.
With that, Sam turns on his heel and marches away. As he

does, Ainsley stares at his face, recognizing him.
43 CONTINUED: 43
EMMA
(embarrassed)
Excuse us.
Like chastised children, Emma and Blake go. *
When they are out of earshot, Ainsley whispers to Jake.
AINSLEY
That's him!
JAKE
...Who?
AINSLEY
The driver who dropped Ellie off at
the event.
JAKE
Guess he's more than just a
chauffeur.
AINSLEY
I've got to try to find out more.
Before Jake can protest, Ainsley disappears into the crowd.
44 INT. MITCHUM HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER 44
Away from the crowd, Ainsley sneaks along an abandoned

hallway of the labyrinthine house.
Lining the walls are framed knitting patterns encased in

glass. It's like a museum.
As she sneaks along, Ainsley sees one framed pattern that she
recognizes - the very same pattern from the shawl Gladys
brought to BYA.
Then, up ahead, Ainsley hears the sound of arguing voices

coming from one of the rooms...
Following the sound of the voices, Ainsley sneaks up to a

room with its door ajar.
She peers through the crack in the door to see:
45 INT. MITCHUM HOUSE - UPSTAIRS ROOM - CONTINUOUS 45
Sam is in the middle of a rant at Emma and Blake. *

45 CONTINUED: 45
SAM
Hilary has a clear path to becoming
CEO now that Ellie is dead. Do you
understand what that means? She'll
have a controlling stake in the
empire that your mother built.
EMMA
But, you're the chairman of the
board, Sam. Can't you stop her?
SAM
Not unless you two sign over your
voting shares to me.
BLAKE *
Can this wait? It's our mother's
memorial. It's not the time to be
discussing things like this.
SAM
It's precisely the time to be
discussing things like this.
46 INT. MITCHUM HOUSE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 46
As Ainsley strains to listen though the crack in the door,

Sam suddenly catches her eye. Ainsley gasps and recoils, *
causing the door to slam shut.
Tweaked that they may have an eavesdropper, Sam charges

toward the door like a raging bull.
SAM
Hey!
As Ainsley runs down the hallway, desperate to get away...
A hand suddenly reaches out from an alcove and pulls her in.
Ainsley is about to scream. But, the same hand that grabbed

her covers her mouth.
Reveal... It’s Jake.
The two stand close and statue-still as Sam storms past in

the adjacent hallway. He doesn't see them in the shadowed
alcove. Ainsley struggles to catch her breath from the shock.
JAKE
Sorry. I got worried and thought I
should come looking for you.
46 CONTINUED: 46
A beat. The two realize how close they are standing to one
another.
(If there were EVER a perfect moment for two people to kiss,
it is this one. But, instead...)
AINSLEY
We should probably get back.
(Boo!) They check to see if the coast is clear.
47 INT. MITCHUM HOUSE - DEN - MOMENTS LATER 47
Trying to find their way back to the reception, Ainsley and

Jake stumble into the Den where they see...
Hilary sitting alone on a chair, knitting. She looks up,

recognizing Ainsley.
HILARY
...Ainsley?
AINSLEY
Hilary. Hi. Sorry, we were just
trying to find our way out of here
and got lost.
Hilary smiles politely.
HILARY
You're almost there. Just through
those doors and down the stairs to
the front hall.
They are about to go when Ainsley notices... next to Hilary's

knitting work on the table are her knitting needles. They are *
the circular ones - the very same type that Ellie was using *
at the time of her death. *
AINSLEY
(re: her knitting)
Work never stops, I guess.
HILARY
I can't even call it "work".
Knitting calms me down. And it's
been a difficult few days.
AINSLEY
I can imagine.
Beat. *
47 CONTINUED: 47
HILARY
I’ll show you out.
As Hilary stands, she accidentally knocks over her purse. The

entire contents spills out onto the floor. Ainsley and Jake
rush to help her retrieve everything.
One of the items Jake picks up is an EPINEPHRINE PEN. He

clocks it momentarily, but then politely returns it to
Hilary's bag.
A small container rolls to Ainsley's feet. As she picks it

up, she instinctively looks at the label. It reads: All
Natural Needle Wax.
Ainsley notices Hilary noticing her reading it.
HILARY (CONT’D)
(re: the container)
It's a special type of protective
beeswax for the bamboo knitting
needles we use. Ellie was a
stickler for making sure all of our
equipment was in perfect condition.
48 INT. MITCHUM HOUSE - FRONT FOYER - MOMENTS LATER 48
As Hilary leads Ainsley and Jake down the stairs and out to
the main foyer of the house, they see Ryan standing by the
front door.
RYAN
(to Ainsley and Jake)
I've been looking everywhere for
you two. Where did you go?
Before they can respond, Sam furiously descends the stairs *

and marches over to Ainsley. *
SAM
You! Who do you think you are?
Coming here uninvited and snooping
around?
Emma comes to Ainsley's defense.
EMMA
She was invited. I invited her.
SAM
Well, consider the invitation
revoked.
48 CONTINUED: 48
EMMA
(to Sam)
Why are you doing this? Don't you
have any respect for the dead?
Emma bursts into tears and storms out. Sam still stares
Ainsley down.
SAM
Get out, or I’m calling the police.
Ryan steps forward.
RYAN
(to Sam)
Sir, please take a step back. I am
the police.
Sam now gets in Ryan’s face.
SAM
Oh, really. Then do your job and
get these trespassers out of here.
RYAN
(calm)
I’m not going to ask you again.
Take a step back.
JAKE
It’s okay. We're leaving.
Suddenly, from outside they hear... a car horn being hit

repeatedly and frantically.
Everyone runs outside to the porch to see:
49 EXT. MITCHUM HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 49
Emma is trapped inside her car as the interior fills up with

smoke. Smoke also billows out from underneath.
EMMA
SOMEBODY HELP! I’M TRAPPED!
Emma bangs on the window from the inside, trying to escape in

vain.
Both Jake and Ryan take off running at full tilt. Ainsley
comes running out behind them.
49 CONTINUED: 49
AINSLEY
Emma!
As he goes, Jake turns back to Blake who stands stunned on *

the porch.
JAKE
Get a fire extinguisher. NOW!
AT THE CAR: As the fire chief Jake takes charge.
JAKE (CONT’D)
(to Ainsley and Ryan)
Try the doors on that side!
The three try all the doors. Locked!
Jake yells through the window to a hysterical Emma.
JAKE (CONT’D)
Move away from the window. I’m
going to break it.
Jake pulls a Fireman’s knocker tool from his jacket and uses
it to shatter the driver’s window. Then Jake and Ryan reach
in and pull a choking Emma out through the window.
At that moment, Blake runs up and hands Jake the fire *

extinguisher.
Ryan carries Emma a safe distance from the car and lays her
gently on the ground.
RYAN
(to Emma)
Are you okay?
Emma looks at him with shock in her eyes.
EMMA
I think so. Thank you.
As Blake comes over to comfort his sister, Jake calls to *

Ryan.
JAKE
Fire is coming from under the back
seat. Reach in and open the door.
Ryan reaches in and manually unlocks the back door. Jake then
douses the floor of the interior with the fire extinguisher.
49 CONTINUED: 49
When the fire is out, Jake inspects to find what caused it.
Using a flashlight from his jacket, he shines the light where
the smoke is coming from and calls Ainsley and Ryan over.
JAKE (CONT’D)
My guess is the lithium-ion battery
combusted.
RYAN
This is a new car. That’s odd.
Ainsley looks at it.
AINSLEY
Could it have been intentionally
damaged?
The three share a look.
JAKE
I’ll get a fire incident report
done.
ON THE PORCH: All of the guests stand watching in stunned

silence. Ainsley looks through the crowd. She notices that
Sam and Hilary are standing apart from everyone else locked
in conversation.
ON Ainsley: Crime nose twitching.
END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR
50 EXT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - ESTABLISHER - DAY 50
The next morning.
MARIA (O.S.)
What did you say his name was
again?
Maria sits at her jewelry table with her laptop open in front
of her. Ainsley is carrying a couple of small boxes of
crafts.
AINSLEY
Sam. I overheard Emma refer to him
as "the chairman".
Maria does a web search.
MARIA
Here he is.
Maria spins the computer around.
ON THE SCREEN: We see a profile photo of Sam on the company

website.
AINSLEY
(reading)
"Lone Star Cashmere company *
chairman Sam Mills."
MARIA
Maybe it's a corporate thing. He's
trying to gain total control of the
company.
AINSLEY
Still, sabotaging Emma's car is a
little extreme, don't you think?
MARIA
More extreme than poisoning Ellie?
AINSLEY
About even.
(then)
(MORE)
51 CONTINUED: 51
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
I think we need to call an
emergency book club session.
MARIA
Ooh! Twice in one week? I like it!
This is some case.
AINSLEY
The more I investigate, the less
clear everything becomes.
Just then there’s the sound of the front door opening. Blake *
enters. Ainsley shoots Maria a look and then walks over to *
him. *
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
(surprised)
Hi, Blake. *
BLAKE *
Ainsley. Sorry, I didn't realize
you weren't open yet.
AINSLEY
I'm just opening up now. C'mon in.
Blake has a look around. *
BLAKE *
Nice place.
AINSLEY
Thanks.
(then)
...What can I do for you?
BLAKE *
I just wanted to come by and
apologize about Sam yesterday.
Seems I'm always apologizing for
someone. Story of my life.
(then)
Sam can be quite cantankerous.
AINSLEY
I'm sorry for causing a scene.
BLAKE *
It's fine. Wasn't even the craziest
part of the afternoon. Never a dull
moment around our family.
51 CONTINUED: 51
AINSLEY
How is your sister doing?
BLAKE *
She's okay. Just a freak accident,
probably.
Ainsley catches Maria's eye. She's pretending to work, but

actually eavesdropping.
BLAKE (CONT’D) *
Tensions are a bit high right now.
With Ellie gone, there is some in-
fighting as to which way to take
the company. I try to stay out of
it as much as I can. Knitting
really isn't my thing.
(then)
Still, as the eldest child, I've
been named the executor of the
estate. So, I've been pulled into
the thick of it.
AINSLEY
That must be difficult. Especially
on top of dealing with the grief of
losing your mother.
BLAKE *
Yeah.
Ainsley tries to size him up, but his disarming charm makes
him difficult to read.
BLAKE (CONT’D) *
(then)
Are you free for dinner tonight?
At this, Ainsley is totally caught off-guard.
AINSLEY
...Dinner?
BLAKE *
Yeah, you know that thing where
people eat food together? Usually
at a place called a "restaurant".
It's the latest craze.
AINSLEY
Right, of course.
(then)
(MORE)
51 CONTINUED: 51
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
I'd love to, but I can't tonight.
I've got...
Maria jumps in.
MARIA
Book club.
AINSLEY
Yes. We've got book club tonight.
Blake smiles again, unfazed. *
BLAKE *
Some other time, then.
(then)
I better let you get back to work.
Blake goes. Maria grins at Ainsley. *
MARIA
Looks like Jake's got a little bit
of competition.
AINSLEY
Stop it.
(then)
Why would he come all the way here
just to apologize. There must be
some ulterior motive.
MARIA
Yeah. To ask you on a date.
52 EXT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - MOMENTS LATER 52
At that exact moment Blake exits BYA, Jake just happens to be *

coming out of the Streetcar cafe with a sandwich and a drink.
He heads towards his chief’s truck. Seeing Blake getting into *
his car, a perturbed look crosses Jake's face
JAKE
(to himself)
What the..? Dentist guy?
53 EXT. SHERIFF’S STATION - DAY 53
RYAN (O.S.)
Thank you for coming in, Ms.
Mitchum.
54 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - RYAN'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 54
Emma sits with Ryan in his office as he takes her statement.
EMMA
You can call me Emma.
Emma gives Ryan the slightest hint of flirtation in her

smile. He picks up on it.
RYAN
Okay, Emma. Do you have any reason
to believe there was foul play
involved with your car yesterday?
A wave of trepidation overcomes her.
EMMA
I don't want to get anyone in
trouble.
RYAN
If someone is trying to hurt you,
telling the police isn't "getting
them in trouble". It's important we
know about it.
Emma leans in conspiratorially.
EMMA
Let's just say that our company
chairman Sam has put it in my head
that Hilary - who is set to become
CEO - is planning on taking down
anybody who gets in the way of her *
taking control of the company.
(then)
But, I have no proof.
RYAN
Okay. But, as CEO won't she already
have control of the company?
EMMA
Not with the members of the board.
There is so much greed and
backstabbing in the business world.
And it's especially hard when you
combine it with family. That's why
I moved away years ago. I live in
Chicago now. Have you ever been
there?
54 CONTINUED: 54
RYAN
Yeah. Once.
(getting back on track)
If it were foul play, who would
have had access to the vehicle?
EMMA
Any number of people. It's a
company car.
55 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - CLASSROOM - DAY 55
In the classroom, Ainsley puts down a fresh bowl of food for

George.
AINSLEY
Here you go, Georgie.
But, George is on the other side of the room, preoccupied

with something under a cupboard. *
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
(to George)
It's not like you to be tardy for a
meal.
George winces for whatever is under that cupboard. Ainsley *

approaches.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
What is it? You lose your ball?
Ainsley crouches down and looks.
AINSLEY'S POV: Under the cupboard is a small container lying *

on its side. Ainsley thinks to pull her sleeve over her hand *
before she reaches in and pulls it out. *
Then, her eyes go wide... *
It is the exact same brand of protective beeswax that fell

out of Hilary's bag.
56 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - MAIN RECEPTION AREA - DAY 56
Both Kevin and Pearson are in the reception area as Ryan

walks Emma out.
EMMA
(to Ryan)
I also wanted to thank you for
(MORE)
56 CONTINUED: 56
EMMA (CONT’D)
saving my life yesterday.
Ryan is aware of Pearson and Kevin listening to this

exchange.
RYAN
(to Emma)
I'm just happy you're alright.
EMMA
I am. Thanks to you.
Emma is definitely a bit flirty. Ryan does his best to keep

it professional.
RYAN
We'll be in touch with any
developments.
Emma goes.
PEARSON
(to Ryan, teasing)
Someone's got eyes for the Sheriff.
KEVIN
Yep. Looks like she's got a crush
bigger n' Dallas.
Ryan just gives them a look.
RYAN
Back to work, you two.
At that moment, Jake enters the station. He's a bit

flustered.
JAKE
(to Ryan)
Can I talk to you?
57 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - RYAN'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER 57
Ryan sits at his desk watching a perturbed Jake pace back-and-

forth in front of him.
RYAN
...He said what?
57 CONTINUED: 57
JAKE
He told her she has "nice teeth".
Can you believe it?
RYAN
Points for originality, I guess.
JAKE
He was openly flirting with
Ainsley. Right in front of me. Who
does that? He doesn't know if we're
boyfriend and girlfriend, or not.
RYAN
Do you know?
Jake stops pacing.
JAKE
...Not exactly.
RYAN
Well, if you don't know, how do you
expect him to? With all due
respect, your romance radar might
be a little rusty.
JAKE
That's not the point.
RYAN
Please - arrive at your point.
JAKE
I want you to arrest him.
RYAN
...For what?
JAKE
Flagrant flirtation.
RYAN
It's been a while since my days at
the police academy, but I don't
think that's an actual crime.
This starts Jake pacing again.
JAKE
I mean, I'm a fireman. He's a
dentist! Fireman is way cooler than
dentist.
57 CONTINUED: 57
RYAN
I dunno. It's pretty impressive how
they can pull out your wisdom teeth
with pliers.
JAKE
I'm saving people's lives all day.
What's he doing? Filling cavities?
At that moment, Ainsley bursts into the office. She holds the
container of beeswax in a plastic bag. She tosses it to Ryan.
He barely manages to catch it before it hits him in the face.
RYAN
(to Ainsley)
Why are you throwing things at me?
AINSLEY
Take a look at that.
Ryan reads the label of the container.
RYAN
(reading)
Protective beeswax.
(then, to Ainsley)
What is this?
JAKE
It’s like the stuff they put on
surfboards. I know how to surf.
(then, to Ainsley)
Do you think surfing is cool?
Ainsley looks at him. Huh?
AINSLEY
...Sure.
(then, to Ryan)
They also use beeswax to protect
knitting needles. We need to get
Vale to check it, but I bet that
container is the source of the
chlorhexidine.
RYAN
Where did you find it?
AINSLEY
It was under the couch in the
classroom at BYA. Your CSI team
must have missed it.
57 CONTINUED: 57
RYAN
My "CSI team"?
Jake looks at the container of beeswax.
JAKE
(to Ainsley)
Isn't this the same brand that fell
out of Hilary's purse?
AINSLEY
Yes. She said that Ellie was very
particular about using it to
protect the needles.
(then, to Ryan)
And speaking of needles - the type
that Ellie was using when she was
killed were circular ones. But,
Gladys said she only ever used
double pointed ones.
JAKE
So why was she using circular ones
at the time of her death?
AINSLEY
Because hers were broken.
58 EXT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY - FLASHBACK 58
We see Sam slam the car door on Ellie's knitting bag.
59 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - RYAN'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 59
Ainsley attempts to put the pieces of the mystery together.
AINSLEY
Ellie was a workaholic. Even
without her preferred needles. If a
hockey player breaks his stick mid-
game, he doesn't leave the ice. He
borrows a stick and keeps playing.
RYAN
What do you know about hockey?
Ainsley shrugs, sheepishly, as she glances at Jake.
AINSLEY
I started watching sports.
Occasionally.
59 CONTINUED: 59
JAKE
Sports are cool. I love sports.
Ryan rolls his eyes.
RYAN
I feel like I’m back in high school
around you two.
AINSLEY
Sam could have broken Ellie's
needles intentionally, knowing
she'd borrow a set to keep working.
RYAN
And that borrowed set were tainted
with the chlorhexidine.
JAKE
Who would have given them to her?
AINSLEY
Who used circular knitting needles?
(beat)
Hilary.
END ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE
60 EXT. SHERIFF'S STATION - DAY 60
Ainsley and Jake exit the sheriff's station. Ainsley's head

is still swimming with thoughts about the case.
JAKE
As always, amazing detective work.
AINSLEY
We'll see how right I am when Cyra
gets the lab analysis back on the
beeswax.
(then)
There's just something about this
case that's too...perfect.
JAKE
Too perfect? How?
AINSLEY
If Hilary and Sam are working
together, how did they know that
closing the door on Ellie's needles
would break them? How did they know
that Ellie would borrow Hilary's
needles, even though they aren't
the style she liked to use? Too
many variables had to go exactly
right in order for this plan to
work. There's something hinkey
about it all.
JAKE
You said “hinkey”.
AINSLEY
It’s what Ryan always says. I don’t
have a better word for it.
JAKE
If your gut is telling you
something, it's usually worth
listening to.
AINSLEY
This case is driving me crazier
than a dog in a hubcap factory.
(MORE)
60 CONTINUED: 60
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
I know the answer is staring me in
the face, but I just can't put my
finger on it.
JAKE
Maybe you need to take a break for
a few hours. Get your mind off of
it.
Jake knows it's an awkward segue, but he commits,

nonetheless.
JAKE (CONT’D)
Maybe we should go get some food,
or something. If you like.
Ainsley looks at him. Did he just ask me on a date?
AINSLEY
I'd love to.
Jake smiles.
JAKE
Me, too.
AINSLEY
But, I can't. I completely forgot
that I have book club at seven.
JAKE
Book club...tonight?
AINSLEY
Yeah. It's a impromptu session to
see if we can get to the bottom of
this case.
Jake is clearly disappointed, but he covers.
JAKE
No problem.
AINSLEY
You're welcome to join us, if you
like.
JAKE
I'd love to. Pick you up at 6:40?
AINSLEY
I’d love that.
61 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY 61
CLOSE ON: The murder board fills our frame. We see that Sam's
name has been added to the list of suspects.
AINSLEY (O.S.)
We know that Sam wasn't in the *
building on the day of the murder. *
PULL BACK TO REVEAL: The book club team - Don, Maria, Gladys,
Maureen, Lily, and now Jake - sit around the table.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
If he were involved, he would have
had to be working with someone.
MARIA
Hilary. She had the most to gain by
becoming CEO after Ellie's death.
DON
But, why not stop there? Why
sabotage the car?
AINSLEY
I overheard Sam arguing with Emma
and Blake about their voting shares *
on the company board. Maybe Ellie's
children are their next targets.
JAKE
(hesitantly)
But the chlorhexidine murder is
pretty sophisticated. Doesn’t the
car thing feel clumsy?
GLADYS
And showy. Like they wanted it to
be witnessed by people.
MAUREEN
But why?
A beat. The group is stumped.
GLADYS
Lily, what about your friend Emma?
Why would she be a target?
LILY
I don't know. She moved away when
she was quite young. Wanted to make
it on her own.
(MORE)
61 CONTINUED: 61
LILY (CONT’D)
Now she has a successful career *
outside of the family business. I
can't see her having anything to
gain by being involved here.
MAUREEN
And what about Captain Handsome?
At this, Jake perks up. Captain Handsome? Ainsley - acutely

aware of Jake's presence - shifts awkwardly.
JAKE
Captain Handsome? Is that George’s
new nickname?
MAUREEN
No. Ellie’s son. The doctor.
MARIA
He's a dentist. Right, Ainsley?
AINSLEY
You mean, Blake? Yes. He's a *
dentist. And I checked into him.
GLADYS
I bet you did.
Everyone giggles. Except Jake, of course. He’s clocking all

of this. What is going on here?
AINSLEY
I did a background check on him.
He's got a successful dental
practice. He has very little to do
with Lone Star Cashmere. No *
apparent motive.
DON
Then the only ones with motive were
Hilary and Sam! Solved!
MAUREEN
Cookie Time!
Everyone nods in agreement. Except Ainsley who stares

despondently at the murder board.
AINSLEY *
No. Not, yet. *
GLADYS
Baby Girl, what’s is it? *
61 CONTINUED: 61
AINSLEY
I don't know. This case is like a
maze. The deeper we get, the more
lost we become. Maybe we should go
back to just being a book club.
A collective chorus of protestations from the group.
DON
No! This is way more fun than
talking about boring books.
LILY
And, we're making progress. Even if
it doesn't feel like it right now.
MARIA *
Speaking of "Book Club", can we
take a vote on our new name?
GLADYS *
I’ve got all the suggestions right *
here.
Gladys takes out a piece of paper. *
AINSLEY
Let's read 'em. And weep.
GLADYS
Raise your hand to vote for any of
the following.
(reading)
"Book 'Em Club".
Don is the only one to raise his hand.
DON
Oh, come on! That's really clever.
"Book 'Em" like the police. But
also books, because... books.
EVERYONE
We get it.
GLADYS
"Murder Ink".
Now, Maria is the only one to raise her hand.
MARIA
But it's spelled I-N-K. Like ink.
61 CONTINUED: 61
EVERYONE
We get it.
GLADYS
"The Hunch Bunch".
Lily enthusiastically raises her hand. But lowers it sadly

when she sees that nobody else does.
MARIA
Sounds like a crime-solving
acapella group.
GLADYS *
“The bookcase Files.” *
Only Maureen raises her hand. *
MAUREEN *
It’s elegant! *
LILY *
It’s kinda old fashioned. *
GLADYS
And, finally... "The Uncover to
Uncover Club."
Nobody raises their hand. Not even Gladys.
GLADYS (CONT’D)
I’m not even going to vote for my
own suggestion. Sounded way better
in my head.
(then, to the group)
But, you see how I got there,
right? Instead of "Cover-to-Cover"
it's "Un-cover"-
EVERYONE
We get it.
A beat.
AINSLEY
Alrighty. I guess we're still
officially "Book Club".
62 EXT. AINSLEY'S HOUSE - DAY 62
Jake and Ainsley pull up in Jake's truck outside her house.

62 CONTINUED: 62
They jump out their respective sides, and head to the door.
AINSLEY
It was nice having you there.
JAKE
I had fun. Thanks for the invite.
(then)
Maureen is funny, isn't she? That
"Captain Handsome" thing?
Hilarious.
AINSLEY
Yeah, Maureen is a hoot.
JAKE
Just out of curiosity, what's that
Blake fella really like? Nice guy? *
AINSLEY
He's nice enough.
Jake is doing his very best to be casual.
JAKE
He seems pretty taken with you.
Ainsley smiles at Jake's jealousy.
AINSLEY
He's not my type.
JAKE
Good to know.
Ainsley gives Jake a lingering hug.
AINSLEY
Seeya, Jake.
JAKE
Seeya, Ainsley.
As Ainsley heads into the house and Jake heads toward his car
we pull back and see someone sitting across the street
hunkered down in the shadow of their car, watching.
63 INT. AINSLEY'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY (EVENING LIGHT) 63
Ainsley sits on the couch. George is curled up beside her. *

Ainsley has her laptop open and is doing a web search.
63 CONTINUED: 63
ON THE SCREEN: A news article from a business publication.

The headline reads: Lone Star Cashmere CEO blocks merger *
deal.
As Ainsley is reading the article, she hears a growl from

George.
AINSLEY
What is it, Georgie?
George gets up and goes to the window, where Ainsley sees...
A shadow pass by outside.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Oh no...Not AGAIN!
George starts barking like crazy. Freaked out, Ainsley runs

to the front door and locks it. But, then...
George starts barking at the back door. Ainsley sees the

doorknob turn.
Ainsley sprints to try to get to the door before it opens.

But, it's too late...
Ainsley freezes as the door opens, revealing:
Jake.
JAKE
Sorry! I didn't mean to startle
you. I knocked, but George was *
already barking. *
Seeing Jake's friendly face, George immediately calms down.
AINSLEY
Jake! What are you doing?
JAKE
After I dropped you off, as I was
driving away, I thought I saw
somebody crossing the street to *
your house. So, I drove around the *
block and came through the back *
gate. Whoever it was took off when *
they saw me. *
(then)
You remember the last time you were
investigating a case and somebody
put a note on your door?
63 CONTINUED: 63
Ainsley nods. Then, her phone rings.
AINSLEY
(to Jake)
It's Ryan.
She answers.
64 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - RYAN'S OFFICE - DAY 64
Ryan in his office.
RYAN
Vale got the lab results back on
the beeswax. It was tainted with
50% concentration of chlorhexidine.
More than enough to trigger an
allergic reaction on contact.
AINSLEY
Okay, so that's the murder weapon.
Or, half of it anyway.
RYAN
We're checking the container for
prints now.
AINSLEY
(distracted)
Let me know what you find.
RYAN
Will do.
(then)
You okay?
AINSLEY
I'm fine.
RYAN
...I know that tone in your voice.
What's going on?
AINSLEY
Jake's here. He saw someone
snooping around my house.
Ryan's eyes go wide. He drops the phone and sprints out of

his office.
65 EXT. AINSLEY'S HOUSE - DAY (EVENING LIGHT) 65
Ryan's cruiser is now parked outside. *
RYAN (O.S.)
Who could it have been?
66 INT. AINSLEY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 66
The three are in Ainsley's living room. The tension is high.
AINSLEY
Hilary?
JAKE
Or Sam.
(then, to Ryan)
After Vale's report about the
beeswax, do you have enough to
probable cause to charge Hilary?
RYAN
I'm just waiting on the prints on
the container.
Ainsley is still troubled by the questions of the case.
AINSLEY
Let's say Hilary and Sam are behind
this. How did they get the
chlorhexidine? Vale said only a
licensed medical office would be
able to get it.
JAKE
So, a doctor, or...
Ainsley suddenly goes cold.
AINSLEY
A dentist.
This revelation hits the room like a lightning bolt.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Blake! He's in on it! *
JAKE
Yes! Gotcha, dentist.
(off their looks)
Sorry. I mean... that's terrible.
66 CONTINUED: 66
AINSLEY
They're all in on it together.
RYAN
Blake would have done dental work *
on his mother in the past, so he'd
know about her allergy to
chlorhexidine.
AINSLEY
Look at this article.
Ainsley shows them the article on her laptop about the

merger.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Ellie blocked a company merger
about a year ago. Now, with her out
of the way, I bet Hilary, Sam and
Blake stand to make millions. *
JAKE
That's why they targeted Emma. She
must have been the last hold out.
At that moment, Ainsley's phone rings. She checks the call

display.
AINSLEY
Unlisted number.
Ainsley's curiosity gets the better of her. She answers and

puts it on speaker.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
(into phone)
...Hello?
The voice on the other end of the line sends a spider crawl
of a chill up Ainsley's spine. She recognizes it.
SAM (O.S.)
Ms. McGregor? This is Sam Mills. I
need to meet with you.
Ainsley looks at Ryan and Jake.
AINSLEY
...What is this concerning, Sam?
SAM (O.S.)
I don't want to discuss it over the
phone. All I can say is...
(MORE)
66 CONTINUED: 66
SAM (O.S.) (CONT'D)
we've crossed the point of no
return.
Is there somewhere we can meet?
Ryan emphatically shakes his head NO!
AINSLEY
I teach a class at the university
until 11:00 am tomorrow.
SAM (O.S.)
After your class, then. I'll come
to you just after 11.
Click. On Ainsley. Oh, boy.
END ACT FIVE

ACT SIX
The sun is setting.
RYAN (O.S.)
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
68 INT. AINSLEY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 68
Ryan is not having any of this.
RYAN
Over my dead body. Not a chance.
Never gonna happen. Stamped it. No
erasees.
AINSLEY
"No erasees"?
RYAN
I'm not going to stand by and let
this happen, Ains.
AINSLEY
What kind of a killer makes an a
appointment with someone to murder
them?
RYAN
Then why does he want to meet with
you?
A beat. It's a good question.
JAKE
Maybe he's got cold feet. What did
he say - “passed point of no *
return?” Maybe he wants to confess. *
AINSLEY
Or try to pin it all on Blake and *
Hilary. *
(then) *
And he didn’t say “passed”. He said *
“crossed”, which is weird. *
JAKE
Why call you? Why not call Ryan?
68 CONTINUED: 68
AINSLEY
He knows I'm a criminologist. He
was there when Lily mentioned it at
the memorial. Maybe he's hoping to
get more details on the case so he
doesn't incriminate himself further
before he goes to the police.
(then)
We can’t pass this up.
Ainsley and Ryan stare each other down.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
The crime nose knows.
A beat.
RYAN
On one condition. This is non-
negotiable: Jake and I have to be
somewhere close by in case anything
happens.
Jake raises an excited eyebrow.
JAKE
...Like a stakeout?
RYAN
Sure.
(then, to Ainsley)
I don't think you should be alone
tonight. You can stay at my place.
AINSLEY
I'll be fine. I've got George.
They look over at George. He's fast asleep.
JAKE
I can stay with you. If you like.
(off their looks)
On the couch, of course.
AINSLEY
...You sure you don't mind?
JAKE
Not at all.
An awkward beat. Ryan looks at Jake. HARD. Jake just nods.

68 CONTINUED: 68
RYAN
(tightly)
Well, I guess I'll leave you two,
then.
69 INT. AINSLEY'S HOUSE - NIGHT - LATER 69
Ainsley has brought a blanket and pillows down to the couch

for Jake.
AINSLEY
Thank you for doing this. I think
I'm a little more freaked out than
I realized. Ever since Chicago,
things like this really get me on
edge.
JAKE
Are you going to tell me about it?
Ainsley takes a breath. She's not used to talking about this.
AINSLEY
I was investigating a case on a
dirty cop who was taking bribes.
Before I could testify, he broke
into my house to try to kill me.
Ainsley is lost in the memory. It's not a happy one.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
After that, Ryan insisted I move to
Sweet River where nothing like that
would ever happen.
(a rueful smile)
Little did we know.
A beat. Ainsley stands.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
I should let you get some sleep.
JAKE
(concerned)
Are you sure it's a good idea to
meet Sam tomorrow?
Ainsley considers.
69 CONTINUED: 69
AINSLEY
An innocent person was murdered.
We've got to get to the bottom of
it. That’s the most important
thing.
An awkward extra long beat. Then;
JAKE
‘Night, Ainsley.
AINSLEY
‘Night, Jake.
She turns and heads toward the stairs.
70 EXT. UNIVERSITY - ESTABLISHER - DAY 70
The next day. We see Ainsley in the window of one of the

university classrooms.
AINSLEY
Occam's Razor is a principle which
states that plurality should not be
posited without necessity.
71 INT. UNIVERSITY - CLASSROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS 71
Ainsley stands in front of her class. She's a little

distracted. She looks at her phone. The clock reads: 10:55.
AINSLEY
Can anyone tell me what that means?
Lily raises her hand.
LILY
The simplest explanation is often
the best one.
AINSLEY
The simplest explanation is OFTEN
the best one, not always. And for
criminologists it means we should
always start by looking for the
most simple explanations when we’re
searching for the truth.
Ainsley looks at the clock on the wall. 10:57. A beat. She

looks out the window again.
71 CONTINUED: 71
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Okay, uh...that’s it for today. And
remember Occam’s razor is a rule of
thumb, not a law.
Everyone starts to get up.
LILY
Professor, when are the assignments
due?
AINSLEY
Sorry - Monday. Have a good weekend
everyone.
Ainsley looks at her phone again. As the students file out of

the classroom, Lily approaches Ainsley.
LILY
You seem a little off today.
AINSLEY
I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind.
Ainsley glances out the window.
72 EXT. UNIVERSITY - PARKING LOT - DAY 72
In the parking lot of the university, Ryan sits in an

unmarked SUV with full view of Ainsley's classroom. He is
parked as close as possible without looking suspicious. Jake
is heading to the car with a box in his hands.
73 INT. CAR - CONTINUOUS 73
Ryan's eyes scan the parking lot looking for Sam. Jake jumps
in and puts a box of donuts on the dashboard. He offers one
to Ryan.
RYAN
That’s what you HAD to get?
JAKE
Uh, yeah. It’s a stakeout.
Isn't this what cops eat on a
stakeout?
RYAN
That's an unfortunate stereotype.
You're a fireman. Have you ever
posed for a calendar?
73 CONTINUED: 73
A long beat.
JAKE
I was Mr. September. Bet the
dentist never did that.
Ryan just gives him a withering look. Then, his phone rings.
It's Ainsley. He answers.
74 INT. UNIVERSITY - CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS 74
Ainsley in the now-empty classroom.
AINSLEY
11:00. Any sign of him?
RYAN
Not yet.
(then)
Keep your phone on speaker. Leave
it face down on your desk. That way
we can hear everything.
AINSLEY
Got it.
RYAN
And, I want to maintain a visual of
you at all times. I lose sight of
you for one second, I'm coming in
through the window.
TIME LAPSE MONTAGE:
75 INT. UNIVERSITY - CLASSROOM - DAY 75
Ainsley sits at her desk, waiting nervously.
INSERT: The classroom clock reads: 11:05
76 INT. CAR - DAY 76
Ryan and Jake wait. Jake offers another donut to Ryan. He

refuses
INSERT: The car clock reads: 11:20

Ainsley still waits.
INSERT: Her phone clock reads: 11:33
78 INT. CAR - DAY 78
Ryan and Jake still wait. Both are eating donuts.
INSERT: The car clock reads: 11:47
It's almost noon now. Ainsley picks up her phone.
AINSLEY
I don't think he's coming.
80 INT. CAR - DAY - CONTINUOUS 80
RYAN
(into phone)
I think you're right.
Then, another call comes through on Ryan's phone.
RYAN (CONT’D)
I've got a call coming in from
Pearson.
Ryan clicks over and holds the phone to his ear.
RYAN (CONT’D)
(into phone)
Hey.
His face falls.
RYAN (CONT’D)
...What?
Ryan comes back on the line.
AINSLEY
What is it?
81 CONTINUED: 81
RYAN (O.S.)
Sam is dead.
END ACT SIX

ACT SEVEN
82 EXT. MITCHUM ESTATE - DAY 82
Ryan and Ainsley pull up to the Mitchum estate in Ryan's SUV.

Right behind them in the fire chief's truck is Jake. There
are two Sheriff’s vehicles are already on the scene.
As the three get out of the vehicles and approach the house,
Pearson emerges from the front door.
RYAN
Don't tell me it was another drug-
related anaphylaxis.
Pearson shakes her head, gravely.
PEARSON
Nope. Knitting-related strangling.
The three share a look. Nearby, Blake is being questioned by *

an officer.
PEARSON (CONT’D)
(re: Blake) *
He discovered the body.
Blake looks visibly shaken up. *
RYAN
Give him a few minutes to breathe,
then bring him in.
PEARSON
Copy that.
(then)
You wanna take a look?
RYAN
(deadpan)
Do I ever.
With that, the four duck under the police tape and enter into
the house.
83 EXT. MITCHUM HOUSE - BACK DECK - CONTINUOUS 83
The four step out to the back deck of the house to see:
83 CONTINUED: 83
Sam, dead. He’s got the wire of a circular knitting needle

around his neck. Vale is next to the body.
VALE
Not a lot of ambiguity on this one.
Ainsley’s eyes examine the marks on Sam’s neck.
AINSLEY
He was strangled from behind,
implying it was a surprise attack.
JAKE *
With circular needles. *
84 EXT. MITCHUM ESTATE BACKYARD - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 84
Blake walks toward the water at the edge of the property. *

Ainsley and Jake follow behind him. They are mid-
conversation. Ainsley studies his body language to try to
ascertain whether or not he's telling the truth.
AINSLEY
Do you have any idea why Sam was at
the house today?
BLAKE *
He was supposed to have had a
meeting with Hilary to sign some
company documents.
A look between Ainsley and Jake.
AINSLEY
So... Hilary may have been the last
one to see Sam alive?
BLAKE *
Very likely.
At that moment, a car pulls up to the front of the house, a

distraught Emma comes and runs around the corner of the house
to the back deck. Ryan comes off the deck and goes to
intercept her.
RYAN
You don't want to go up there.
Tears are streaming down Emma's face.

84 CONTINUED: 84
EMMA
I can't believe it! Sam was like an
uncle to us.
RYAN
I'm sorry. This must be so
difficult.
Emma looks at him with watery eyes.
EMMA
Who did this?
(then)
Nevermind. I already know.
She pulls away from him and heads up the stairs to the deck.
Ryan starts to follow but is intercepted by Ainsley and Jake.
AINSLEY
Hilary was probably the last one to
see him alive.
JAKE
The dentist said she was here to
sign some documents.
RYAN
If Hilary and Sam were working
together, why kill Sam?
JAKE
She must have found out that Sam
was going to turn on her. She had
no choice but to kill him.
RYAN
Still. Strangling him with her
curved knitting needles? It's like
the car. Hinkey.
AINSLEY
And clumsy.
(then)
Best way I can explain it is that
she's getting desperate. The
chlorhexidine murder she took her
time with. Planned it out,
methodically. The other two were
knee-jerk. Scrambling when her plan
started to go off the rails.
Ryan nods. Pearson comes off the deck, hanging up her phone.
84 CONTINUED: 84
RYAN
We need write up an arrest warrant
for Hilary Hall.
PEARSON
Too late. I just talked to the
Deputy Trainee. Hilary just walked
in and surrendered herself.
END ACT SEVEN
85 OMITTED 85
86 EXT. MITCHUM HOUSE - RYAN'S CAR - MOMENTS LATER 86
Pearson is heading to her cruiser with Blake. Jake’s truck *

drives past. Ainsley waves to Jake and turns with Ryan to get
into his SUV when they hear...
EMMA (O.S.)
Sheriff...
They turn to see Emma approaching.
EMMA (CONT’D)
I just wanted to apologize for
being so emotional earlier. It's
just been one shock after the
other.
RYAN
Are you going to be okay?
EMMA
I hope so. Though, I don't think I
can stay here tonight after what's
happened. I guess I'll see if I can
bunk in with Lily.
Ryan reaches into his pocket and pulls out his card.
RYAN
Call me if there's anything you
need.
Emma takes the card, appreciatively.
EMMA
Thank you.
86 CONTINUED: 86
Emma goes. They get into the car and Ainsley gives Ryan a
look.
RYAN
Strictly professional.
Ryan starts the SUV. Ainsley takes a breath. Something on her

mind.
AINSLEY
I want to ask you something. I have
a feeling you're going to say no.
RYAN
I don't like where this is going.
AINSLEY
I think I should be the one to
question Hilary.
Ryan goes to respond, but Ainsley cuts him off.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
I know I'm not an officer, but I am
a member of the department.
Ryan goes to respond again, but she filibusters him again.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Hilary has surrendered herself
which means she is a willing
suspect. Studies have shown that a
non-confrontational interview
process is most effective in these
kinds of cases.
Ryan goes to respond a third time. Ainsley cuts him off.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Given my experience with Hilary,
she seems timid. She might clam up
being questioned by someone in
uniform.
Finally, Ryan raises his hand. Ainsley stops.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
...What are you doing?
RYAN
It's the only way to get your
attention, professor.
(MORE)
86 CONTINUED: 86
RYAN (CONT’D)
(then)
I think it's a good idea.
On Ainsley. Be careful what you ask for...
87 OMITTED 87
ACT EIGHT
88 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - HALLWAY - DAY 88
In the station, Ryan stands looking through the two-way

mirror into the interrogation room.
HILARY (O.S.)
I loaned Ellie my needles that day
when hers got broken.
Ainsley sits across from Hilary, whose demeanor is calm.

Unreadable.
HILARY
Neither of us ever went anywhere
without our needles. For both of
us, knitting wasn't just a
profession, or a hobby. It was a
form of meditation. Some people do
yoga. We like to knit.
Ainsley studies Hilary's mannerisms. She's not telegraphing

anything.
AINSLEY
Were you surprised when Ellie asked
to borrow your needles?
HILARY
Yes.
AINSLEY
Why?
HILARY
I think you already know. But, I'll
say it: we used different needles.
Ellie used traditional double-
pointed. I used circular. We had an
ongoing friendly debate as to which
was better.
AINSLEY
The fact that you are Ellie's niece
is a piece of information that the
company tries to conceal. Why is
that?
89 CONTINUED: 89
HILARY
Nobody is concealing it. Ellie just
preferred not to publicize that
fact because she didn't want anyone
to assume I was hired because of
nepotism. She was protecting me.
AINSLEY
Can you tell me about the Lone Star *
Cashmere merger that fell through? *
From what I read Ellie blocked it.
Hilary shakes her head.
HILARY
That is not accurate. Ellie wanted
the merger to go through. I was the
one who talked her out of it.
AINSLEY
For what reason?
HILARY
Ellie and I are knitting purists. I
convinced her that selling the
company to a conglomerate like
Rubicon Competitive would ruin the *
integrity of the empire she built.
I have a chain of emails that can
corroborate this.
Ainsley decides to try a different tack.
AINSLEY
Did you meet with Sam this morning?
HILARY
Yes. He said he wanted to resign
from the board and have me take
over as chairperson in addition to
being CEO.
AINSLEY
Did he give a reason?
HILARY
He said something rotten was going
on, but wouldn't tell me what it
was. Just that he couldn't have it
on his conscience anymore and that
the company would only be safe in
my hands.
89 CONTINUED: 89
A beat. Once again, Ainsley is stumped.
PRE-LAP:
RYAN (O.S.)
You think she's lying?
90 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER 90
Ainsley and Ryan walk toward Ryan's office.
AINSLEY
If she is, she's really good at it.
At that moment, Jake walks up with Pearson. *
JAKE
How's it going?
He notices the grim look on both of their faces.
JAKE (CONT’D)
That good, huh?
(then)
I got the incident report back on
Emma’s car battery fire.
That stops Ryan and Ainsley.
JAKE (CONT’D)
Someone ruptured the battery
housing with what appears to be a
screwdriver.
AINSLEY
As soon as she started the car...
JAKE
Boom.
Ryan turns to Pearson. *
RYAN
Please tell me you got something we
can use from Blake. *
PEARSON
No. And none of his office records
show he ever did any dental work
for Ellie.
90 CONTINUED: 90
JAKE
So there's no way he'd know about
her allergy to chlorhexidine.
Suddenly... something clicks for Ainsley.
AINSLEY
Wait... if someone had a deadly
allergy, they'd carry an
epinephrine pen.
(then, to Jake)
Didn't you say that an epi pen fell
out of Hilary's purse that day at
the memorial?
JAKE
Yes.
Wide-eyed, Ainsley turns and runs back down the hallway

toward the interrogation room.
Ainsley bursts back into the interrogation room where Hilary

sits.
AINSLEY
You carry an epinephrine pen,
correct?
HILARY
Yes. Severe allergies run in my
family. I have to be very careful.
AINSLEY
What are you allergic to, Hilary?
Ainsley stares at her with a wild look in her eyes. She knows
what she's going to say...
HILARY
Chlorhexidine.
92 INT. SHERIFF'S STATION - RYAN'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER 92
Ainsley is galvanized.
AINSLEY
Ellie wasn't the intended target.
It was meant for Hilary!
92 CONTINUED: 92
JAKE
So, it was just a fluke that they
both had the same allergy?
AINSLEY
Not a complete fluke. She told me
allergies run in her family. They
can be passed through genetic
lines. And her mom was Ellie’s *
twin. *
RYAN *
I don't know why you're so happy.
We still don't have a suspect.
Ainsley stops. This takes the wind out of her sails a little.
AINSLEY
What Sam said to Hilary is
essentially a confession.
JAKE
But somebody killed him, so he
wasn’t acting alone. Had to be
Blake, right? He “discovered” the *
body, because he was the one who
strangled him.
AINSLEY
And he had motive with Sam getting
cold feet.
RYAN
We can hold him for twenty-four
hours. In that time, I’ll get a
search warrant for his office. And
hopefully some DNA will come back
from the crime scene.
AINSLEY
What about Hilary?
RYAN
Didn’t my “official collaborator”
just tell me that she was the
intended victim, and no longer a
suspect?
AINSLEY
Yes.
RYAN
Is that your final answer?
92 CONTINUED: 92
A beat. Ainsley weighs it up. Then...
AINSLEY
Yes. Release her.
Jake walks Ainsley up to the door of her house.
AINSLEY
I’m frustrated by this at every
turn. Just when I think we have
him, our prime suspect ends up
dead.
JAKE
Yeah. But, murdered by our other
prime suspect. They’re gonna find
something at the crime scene to
convict Blake. *
Ainsley still isn’t completely convinced.
AINSLEY
I hope so.
Jake stops her and points to the door. A bag has been left on
her front doorstep.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Aww, Fresh-baked lemon squares from
Lily. She's so sweet. I'll send her
a text to thank her.
She then looks at Jake and holds up the bag.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Dinner?
94 INT. AINSLEY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER 94 *
Jake sits on the couch next to George. Ainsley enters with a

couple of glasses of iced tea and a plate of the lemon
squares.
AINSLEY
To become CFO at a Fortune 500
company like Lone Star Cashmere, *
Hilary would have had to do an in-
depth health evaluation. Which
would have detected her allergy.
(MORE)
94 CONTINUED: 94
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Anyone with access to the corporate
database would have been able to
acquire this info.
JAKE
Sam?
AINSLEY
Possibly. But, he's still got to
get his hands on the chlorhexidine.
JAKE
So, he calls his dentist pal.
AINSLEY
Yeah. But, doesn’t it feel too *
obvious? A smarter killer would *
know how to cover their tracks
better. Someone who could get
access to Blake's office to make it *
look like he was involved.
Suddenly, a lightbulb goes off for Ainsley.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
...Emma.
95 INT. RYAN'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY 95
Ryan is chopping vegetables when his phone rings. Not

recognizing the number, he answers.
RYAN
(into phone)
...Hello?
EMMA (O.S.)
Sheriff? It's Emma.
96 EXT. NONDESCRIPT - DAY 96
Emma holds her phone to her ear. It's not clear where where
she is.
EMMA
(into phone)
Sorry, I hate to bother you. But, I
didn't know who else to call.
Ryan is a little surprised that she's calling now.

96 CONTINUED: 96
RYAN
No problem.
(then)
What's up?
EMMA
Lily wasn’t home when I went by and
she isn’t answering her phone.
RYAN
..Where are you now?
EMMA
Outside your door.
Ryan goes to his front door and opens it, to find Emma
standing on his doorstep.
RYAN
How did you-
EMMA
I went to the station earlier to
talk to you. As I got there, I saw
you were leaving. So, I...
(embarrassed)
Followed you.
RYAN
You followed me?
EMMA
It's totally weird, I know.
(then)
Nevermind, I'll go. Sorry I
bothered you. I’m just so upset.
Emma starts to cry again. Ryan is at a loss.
97 INT. AINSLEY'S HOUSE - DAY 97
Ainsley is on her feet, pacing back-and-forth. Jake and

George watch her.
AINSLEY
What if Emma was the one who
tainted Hilary's needles? She's on
the board of Lone Star Cashmere, *
she could have gotten access to her
cousin’s medical record.
97 CONTINUED: 97
JAKE
And she could have figured out a
way to get into her brother's
office.
AINSLEY
She wanted Hilary out of the
picture, but...
98 EXT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY - FLASHBACK 98
The day of the murder. As the car door closes on Ellie's

needles, we see Emma not clocking this. *
AINSLEY (V.O.)
She didn't anticipate the needles
getting switched that day.
The present. Ainsley is now playing speed chess through all

the moves of the crime.
AINSLEY
And she definitely didn’t
anticipate that her mother would
have the same hereditary allergy
that Hilary had. When Ellie was the
one who died, Emma had to pivot.
Jake is doing his best to keep up.
JAKE
So, she sabotaged her own car?
AINSLEY
To make it look like she was the
next target. At a public event like
the memorial.
JAKE
Yeah, but she was locked in a car
that was on fire. That’s
commitment.
AINSLEY
She wasn’t locked in.
JAKE
We tried the doors.
99 CONTINUED: 99
AINSLEY
She locked them, Jake. The car
still had power or the horn
wouldn’t have worked.
JAKE
So, she could have gotten out if
things got too hot. It was all a
show.
AINSLEY
Her master plan had gone wrong, but
she still thought she could salvage
it if she could pin the murder on
Hilary. Having Hilary in jail is
the next best thing to having her
dead.
JAKE
What about Sam?
AINSLEY
She used him, at first.
100 INT. MITCHUM HOUSE - HALLWAY - FLASHBACK - DAY 100
The day of the memorial. Ainsley spying on Sam yelling at

Emily and Blake. *
AINSLEY (V.O.)
Convinced him that Hilary was
responsible for Ellie's death.
The present.
AINSLEY
But, when Sam started to get cold
feet, she had to get rid of him,
too. All the better on the same day
he's meeting with Hilary. At this
point, she's scrambling. Nothing to
lose. She'd passed the.... *
Ainsley suddenly stops. A thunderbolt of intuition hits her.
JAKE
...What?
101 CONTINUED: 101
AINSLEY
...The Point of no return.
(then, to Jake)
Remember what Sam said on that
phone call?
102 INT. AINSLEY'S HOUSE - FLASHBACK - DAY 102
The night Sam called Ainsley. We hear Sam's voice through the
phone.
SAM (O.S.)
We've crossed the point of no
return.
The present.
AINSLEY
It was code! Rubicon!
Once again, Jake is trying to keep up.
JAKE
Crossing the Rubicon. It was river
in ancient Rome, right?
AINSLEY
Yes. But, it's also the name of a
sports apparel company. *
104 INT. MITCHUM HOUSE - FLASHBACK - DAY 104
The day of the memorial. Lily says to Ainsley.
LILY
Emma works for Rubicon Competitive *
International. *
The present. Ainsley grabs her phone.
AINSLEY
Rubicon Competitive is the company *
trying to merge with Lone Star *
Cashmere. *
105 CONTINUED: 105
Her fingers fly as she types in a search.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
And guess who's an executive at
there? *
Ainsley spins her phone around. On the screen is a photo

of... Emma.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Occam's Razor. Emma was right in
front of us the whole time.
(then, realizing)
Emma is probably with Lily right
now. We need to warn her.
Ainsley dials.
106 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY 106
Lily answers her phone as she closes up BYA.
LILY
Hi, Professor. I'm just locking up
for the evening.
AINSLEY
Is Emma with you?
LILY
No, I haven't seen her since
yesterday.
This strikes Ainsley.
LILY (CONT’D)
(then)
Also, I got your text. I'm confused
- I didn't make you any lemon
squares. Haven't had time yet.
AINSLEY
You didn't drop a batch of squares
off at my place, earlier?
Ainsley looks over to Jake who has picked up a square and is

about to take a bite.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
DON'T EAT THAT!
106 CONTINUED: 106
Startled, Jake drops it. Ainsley then grabs the plate of

lemon squares and tosses them in the garbage.
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
We can't eat those. And Emma isn't
with Lily.
JAKE
Then, where would she be?
Ainsley suddenly goes cold.
AINSLEY
...Ryan!
END ACT EIGHT

ACT NINE
107 INT. RYAN'S HOUSE - DAY 107
As Ryan is in his kitchen making coffee, Emma sits on the

couch.
RYAN
I was just starting to make myself
some dinner but didn’t get very
far. Can I offer you some...
He looks at the chopping block
RYAN (CONT’D)
Carrots.
EMMA
That's okay. Lily and I made a
batch of lemon squares earlier. I
brought some, if you're hungry.
Emily takes out a bag of lemon squares from her purse.
It is the same kind of bag that was left at Ainsley's front

door.
RYAN
Wouldn't be the first time I've
eaten dessert for dinner.
Emma then sees Ryan's phone lying on the coffee table in

front of her as the screen lights up with an incoming call.
The call display reads: Your AMAZING Sister.
Emma quickly grabs the phone and silences it before Ryan

hears it. She then turns the phone off.
Freaking, Ainsley dials Ryan's number.
AINSLEY
C'mon Ryan. Pick up.
(then)
Voicemail again. *
JAKE
What should we do?
108 CONTINUED: 108
Sensing the urgency, George runs to Jake’s truck and starts

barking.
AINSLEY
Good idea, Georgie.
Ryan hands Emma a cup of coffee.
EMMA
Thank you for being so hospitable.
I wouldn't have called you, but I
felt we had a connection.
Emma is clearly turning her flirt-spotlight on Ryan. He

deflects.
RYAN
I'm happy to help. You've been
through a lot. I’ll call one of the
hotels.
EMMA
I can do it. I’m sorry, I sound so
helpless. I’m not.
Emma picks up the bag of lemon squares. She takes one for
herself, then offers the bag to Ryan. He politely takes one.
110 INT/EXT. JAKE'S TRUCK - DAY 110
With the cherries flashing and the siren wailing, Jake drives
with Ainsley in the passenger seat through the deserted
streets of Sweet River.
JAKE
Why do you think she'd go after
Ryan?
AINSLEY
She's in full panic mode. She
doesn't know what Hilary may have
told the police. She's trying to
cover all her tracks. For all she
knows, we're dead, too.
Jake gulps. It's a dark thought.

110 CONTINUED: 110
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
It's what criminals do when they're
cornered. It's called "Irrational
Choice Theory".
Jake steps on the gas.
Emma watches as Ryan is juuuuuuust about to take a bite of

the lemon square. But, at the very last second, he stops.
There's something on his mind.
RYAN
Emma, you seem like a really nice
person, and under any other
circumstances it would be nice to
get to know you. But, I think we
should keep this professional.
After all, I am a police officer
investigating your mother's murder.
EMMA
But, the case is closed, right? *
RYAN
No.
EMMA
Really? What's the problem? I
thought you had Hilary at the
police station?
Ryan is suddenly a bit wary.
RYAN
Well...
EMMA
You don’t have to tell me.
(then)
I'd really like to know what you
think of these lemon squares.
RYAN
Sure.
Ryan is once again about to take a bite of the square,

when...he sees the flashing lights outside his door.
Ainsley bursts through.

111 CONTINUED: 111
AINSLEY
DON'T EAT THAT!
Startled, Ryan spits it out.
Knowing she's caught, Emma jumps up and bolts for the back
door. Ainsley sprints after her...
112 EXT. RYAN'S HOUSE - BACKYARD - DAY - CONTINUOUS 112
Emma bursts out the back door to find...
Jake and George blocking her path. George steps forward with
a guttural growl.
Emma turns back to try to run back into the house, only to be
CLOTHESLINED by Ainsley.
AINSLEY
Nobody messes with my little
brother!
113 EXT. RYAN'S HOUSE - DAY - LATER 113
The flashing lights from emergency vehicles illuminate the

exterior of Ryan's house.
As Pearson puts handcuffs on Emma, Ainsley approaches. *
AINSLEY
Nothing would have stopped you. Not
even the death of your own mother.
You wanted that merger to go
through at any cost.
Emma just shrugs, dead-eyed. For the first time we see her
for the cold-blooded killer that she is.
EMMA
My mother had everything and gave
us very little. She treated Hilary
more like a daughter than she ever
did me.
Pearson leads Emma away.
Ainsley then sees Hilary who is standing with Blake through *

the crowd talking to officers. As their eyes meet, Hilary *
approaches. *
113 CONTINUED: 113
AINSLEY
Hilary, I'm so sorry for everything
we put you through.
HILARY
You were just doing your job. And
you saved me from Emma's wrath.
(then)
I'm just glad this is over.
AINSLEY
All that time, did you have any
idea?
HILARY
I had my suspicions, but I could
never be sure. I'm just happy I can
preserve Ellie's vision for the
company.
AINSLEY
She's lucky to have you.
HILARY
And you. Without your diligence who
knows what might have happened.
114 EXT. RYAN'S HOUSE - DAY 114
Ryan, Jake and Vale exit the front door. Vale has the lemon *
squares in an evidence bag.
VALE
We'll do a proper analysis, but
initial litmus test shows signs of
rodenticide.
JAKE
(to Ryan)
Rat poison on a first date? I knew
your romance radar was rusty, but
this is a whole new level.
RYAN
It wasn't a date. I was being
professionally courteous.
JAKE
Call it what you like, but you
might want to sign up for a dating
app or something, hotshot. Just to
get the cobwebs off.
114 CONTINUED: 114
RYAN
We can't all be Mr. September.
Jake gives Ryan an earnest hug.
JAKE
Glad you're okay, buddy. We were
worried.
Then, Jake’s face falls, seeing:
Across the driveway, Ainsley stands with Blake. *
JAKE (CONT’D)
This guy again?
(to Ryan)
I thought you locked him up?
RYAN
His prints came back clean. He had
nothing to do with any of it. Had
to release him.
JAKE
I thought you were a friend.
RYAN
You better make your move soon, *
hotshot. Otherwise, I’m not the
only one who’ll have to get on a
dating app.
JAKE *
He keeps hanging around Ainsley *
like that and he’s gonna need *
dental work. *
Jake starts to head over to them, but Vale intercepts him. *
VALE *
Hey, Chief - I’ve got a question. *
With Ainsley and Blake. *
BLAKE *
Death does seem to follow you
around, doesn’t it?
Blake chuckles. Ainsley smiles tightly. He’s not entirely *

wrong.
114 CONTINUED: 114
BLAKE (CONT’D) *
But, honestly, no hard feelings.You
don’t need to apologize.
AINSLEY
...I didn’t apologize.
BLAKE *
(oblivious)
You were just doing your job. And,
I’m glad justice was served.
(then)
I’m not surprised it was my sister.
Never trusted her.
BLAKE (CONT’D) *
Well, thanks again. If you ever
need dental work, don’t hesitate to
call.
Blake goes. Ainsley and Jake share a look. She starts toward *
him, when Ryan intercepts her. *
AINSLEY
(to Ryan) *
I'm waiting for my lecture about
how I've overstepped my boundaries
as an "official collaborator" once
again.
RYAN
No lectures. You get a pass this
time because you saved my life.
Ainsley is touched by his admission.
AINSLEY
I guess now we're even.
RYAN
You know, Ains, the thing that
drives me nuts about you is the
same thing that I love about you.
You never, never, never, never give
up. Without you, this case wouldn’t
have been solved.
Ainsley takes a moment to process this.
AINSLEY
Dear diary, today my brother paid
me a compliment.
114 CONTINUED: 114
RYAN
Don't let it go to your head. Nerd.
AINSLEY
Too late. Jokester.
Ryan goes. *
Ainsley feels George bump against her leg. She crouches down *
to him. *
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
Georgie, that was really
impressive. I’ve never seen you
bare your teeth like that before.
You and my boyfriend make a good
team.
JAKE (O.S.)
So he’s your boyfriend, is he?
Ainsley turns to see... Jake close behind her. She stands,

blushing.
AINSLEY
I’ve really got to stop talking out
loud to George like that.
JAKE
I think it’s one of the most
adorable things about my
girlfriend. Don’t you George?
George just gives them both a look.
JAKE (CONT’D)
(to Ainsley)
What’s he saying, now?
AINSLEY
“It’s about time you kissed her.”
Jake smiles, envelopes her in his arms aaaaaaand...
THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY KIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSS!
Then, as the two walk away, hand-in-hand...
AINSLEY (CONT’D)
So, what’s this Mr. September
calendar I’ve been hearing about?
FADE OUT:
114 CONTINUED: 114
THE END

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A CASE FOR THE YARN MAKER

An Ainsley McGregor Mystery

Based on the novel

A CASE FOR THE YARN MAKER

WHITE June 10/24

1 EXT. SWEET RIVER - DAY 1

Montage of various recognizable summertime shots of our

2 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY - CONTINUOUS 2

The main room of BLESS YOUR ARTS is filled with townsfolk

Standing at a podium at the front of the room is the ever

Next to her is a large commemorative plaque. There is a

PUSH IN ON: the closed door to the classroom. LILY MARTIN

PUSH IN FURTHER: past LILY as the closed door to the

3 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - CLASSROOM - DAY 3

EXTREME CLOSE UP: a small table being hit IN SLOW MOTION by

Another shot, another slow motion fall, a woman’s body falls

Camera finds the woman’s face, partially covered by her hair

The sound of a door opening brings everything back to REGULAR

Ainsley lands at the woman’s body, checks her carotid and

4 ECU - STILL PHOTOGRAPH ON A SIGNPOST - ESTABLISHER 4

A black and white photograph of a SCHOOLHOUSE. We can tell

A sign reads: Sweet River Elementary School, EST. 1875.

If this building looks familiar, it should. Because, as WE

5 EXT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - ESTABLISHER - DAY 5

FONT READS: ONE HOUR EARLIER

It is an exquisite summer day in Sweet River. The Texas sun

As we move closer, we see that there is a ladder leaning

There is also a large banner laying across the ground - yet

JAKE climbs out of the truck and approaches Ainsley. Seeing

Jake looks at the banner on the ground.

Jake starts up the ladder to hang the banner

A car pulls up and parks behind Jake’s truck. It’s MARIA.

Ainsley smiles and pumps the urn a couple of times showing

Another lingering smile between the two. Maria clocks it as

6 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - CONTINUOUS 6

Inside, rows of folding chairs have been set up, as well as a

Ainsley and Maria enter.

At that moment, LILY enters from the back carrying a plastic

Lily smiles, but Ainsley notices that there seems to be a

Ainsley is concerned, but decides not to press it.

DON enters from the classroom.

7 EXT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - DAY 7

Later. The HAPPY SESQUICENTENNIAL banner now hangs across the

A gleaming black Towncar pulls up outside. (If we are paying

8 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - CONTINUOUS 8

Ainsley, Maria and Don stand at the window watching as the

A very elegant and stylishly dressed woman gets out. Designer

This is ELLIE MITCHUM (60s). She holds a green velvet

As the driver closes the car door, he accidentally closes it

As the stylish entourage make their way up the steps toward

Ellie strides though the door, Ainsley smiles warmly.

Ainsley is taken aback by her demeanor.

9 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS 9

But, Ellie is clearly not. An awkward beat.

George reluctantly gets up out of his comfortable bed and

Ellie sits down and immediately begins to rummage through her

They both politely nod.

Ainsley looks at Hilary as she’s leaving and Hilary mouths

10 INT. BLESS YOUR ARTS - MAIN ROOM - MOMENTS LATER 10