The first sun rays had barely managed to enter their bedroom through the blinds covering the window above their bed. Dee Filcot was up already, pacing up and down in front of her vanity in full distress. Thankfully her son was still sleeping peacefully in his wooden crib, laid on his back, his face serene and tranquil. She opened up the final drawer of her vanity, grabbed a pair of new bed sheets and spread them on the large white mattress that laid in its spot naked.

The moment Vern left their bed this morning, she knew that something was up. She had become a light sleeper ever since she became a mum, so every time Vern entered or exited their bedroom or house... Dee was aware. When he left the bed earlier this morning she made sure to check on the time. It was 5:30. She started the day convinced that whatever made her husband leave their house that early in the morning couldn't be good news or irrelevant. She rubbed her palms together anxiously, walked past the crib and paced towards the left side of the bed.

She grabbed the corner of the sheet and tucked it under the mattress gracefully before she moved to the other side. Her husband never left her unaware of the things that troubled him. He expected him to come back home and explain himself, but for now the very idea that she had to remain calm for god knows how long ate her alive. She glanced over her asleep son and felt a dash of jealousy taking her over. She wished that she could become that calm for a mere second throughout her day. Ever since her mother got imprisoned for her actions she found herself unable to stay calm and stress free. Everything spun around Alma Filcot for months now... and she was tired.

She finished making the bed and decided to head into the small rustic kitchen of their apartment to make herself a cup of coffee. She poured some water and a spoonful of coffee in the coffee pot and turned on the gas. She waited. She kept looking towards the rounded clock across the kitchen, staring at it whilst the minute hands moved slower than the usual. The smell of coffee soon entered her nostrils and she knew that it was ready. She poured the warm liquid in a cup and took a seat on the kitchen table. The front door opened up and she flinched.

Vern's footsteps echoed through the house. First he removed his trench coat and then left the house keys on the coffee table next to entrance. She already knew that he was nervous. She could tell from his rapid movements that he was agitated and it couldn't be good. She didn't move. She waited for him to come to her. He entered the kitchen seconds later and put on his bestest fake smile.

"Good morning my love. You're up already."

He exclaimed but didn't look at her in the eyes. He rushed to the kitchen counter to serve himself a cup of coffee as well.

"God yes I am!"

Dee returned and folded her hands under her full breasts and before Vern had the time to justify his sudden disappearance this morning she continued her speech.

"You left the house at 5:30 in the morning Vern! How do you expect me to go back to sleep after that? I got worried! Every time you have to run an errand that early you leave a note on the fridge so that I'm aware. Today you just left and didn't inform me about anything so I apologize for my confusion."

She responded almost breathlessly and soothed herself with one more sip of the warm brown liquid that went down her throat and warmed up her chest. Vern let out a long exhale in response and run his long fingers through his short hair. He cleared his throat and approached his beautiful wife with half a smile covering his lips. He lowered himself on the chair next to her and proceeded to hold her hands in his own.

"I'm sorry... you're right and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.."

"But you did! And I can't blame you... something came up but you obviously don't want to share it with me."

She pouted and used her index finger to tuck a stray of blonde hair behind her ear. Vern gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and placed a soft peck on the top of it.

"I do. You know that I never keep any secrets from you Dee cause we're a team. It's just that this time I don't know how to explain this to you... I can't sugarcoat it. It's concerning and troubling."

He admitted and wet his lips that felt significantly dry.

"Is it about her?"

She asked hesitantly and her face darkened with fear. She refused to call her by her name lately... let alone 'mother'. She thought that it wouldn't be that painful if things became impersonal.

"I'm not sure yet, but if Rowbin's suspicions are correct, we are doomed."

"What happened?"

She furrowed and let out a heavy sigh.

"Earl wasn't in his office this morning. Rowbin had the morning shift and decided to pay him a visit in his office to chat about a new case, but he wasn't there. He tried to call him but he didn't answer either. Trust me, Earl doesn't just disappear... so he entered his office and came across a bunch of papers, procedural papers about your mother's temporary release... he had already signed those damn documents. So did Harry Jaworski that's supposedly in charge of this nonsense!"

He finished his sentence and Dee was already up on her feet pacing again. She slid her hands in the pockets of her beige dress and fiddled with the thin fabric anxiously.

"They can't free her! She received the death penalty!"

She finally exclaimed and her voice almost caught back in her throat. Her palms grew incredibly sweaty all of a sudden cause that was indeed bad news. She wasn't fond of the death penalty her mother had received but at the same time a person as mad as Alma wasn't supposed to be walking freely around the street. She could be a threat to everyone... especially her husband that put her behind bars.

Dee Filcot knew damn well that her mother was ruthless. Once upon a time ago she was an invisible woman, that was afraid to let go of her own apathy. She was like a ticking bomb, receiving kicks from the entourage on a daily basis, until one day she exploded. She was unable to retain herself any longer and keep handling all that misery. She wanted more. She sought for vengeance and when Dee realized that it was already too late. Alma had lost her former identity for good, she had managed to mold a new identity, a more suitable one, that felt like victory and justice at the same time.

"No typically they can't. But Harry Jaworski is running a program for rehabilitation. It's not supposed to serve the actual purpose of the term, but it's more like an experiment. Science wants to learn and grow, and your mother is supposedly the key for further accomplishments. Harry is supposed to be looking after her accompanied by detectives that will be making sure to keep the rest of the citizens secured and safe... Rowbin read the papers. The experiment won't take long, they just want to examine her behavior without having to face any restrictive conditions that alter her personality and delusions. The thing is that Earl signed, which means that he agreed... And I consider his choice bizarre. Earl would never agree with something so dangerous in the name of science."

Dee bit her bottom lip and stared at the taller man across her like a terrified deer. She swallowed hard to soothe her sore throat and took a step back.

"She's free... People are in danger Vern, especially you! So I don't care about Earl's irresponsibility to stand up for his professions morals and ethics, all I worry about is our family which will become her main target! There's no damn chance she comes near our son!"

Her voice left her throat strangled and pained. Her rounded green eyes glimmered with unshed tears under the dim lights of the kitchen. Vern frowned cause he knew that only Alma could get his wife that upset. He moved to her side, held her free hand gracefully and moved her to seat.

"She won't come near Bertram or you. I won't let her. She might be crazy but I know that she comes to her senses when it comes to you Dee... I trust her on this one. She's not going to hurt you."

"What the fuck are you talking about?! She killed my father! She let him die in her name only because he wanted to save her! She's capable of absolutely anything..."

"This time she will be restrained. The police officers of the unit won't allow her to leave the experiment area. And trust me after the conversation I'm planning to have with Earl she won't stay out of prison for long!

The hot tears rolled down her cheeks aggressively and the older man pulled her in his embrace. He held her as she cried knowing very damn well that no matter how many promises he made to that woman nothing could soothe her except Alma's termination. She wiped away her tears and furrowed as she tried to catch her breath. Vern slowly massaged her shoulders and nape until she was ready to speak again.

"You go make that conversation with Earl... but I need to meet with someone as well."

"Whom?"

"Rita. I know that this is none of my concern but my- mother made it crystal clear that she wanted her dead. She got away once... I can't take the risk this time."

"Dee I can reassure you that Alma wont manage to get near Rita. After all Miss Castillo is being well taken care of by Miss Berk. Alma won't be able to find them."

He sighed and rubbed his eyes.

"I won't risk it! Like you always say... it's better to be safe than sorry."

His gaze softened and a small grin finally appeared on his face. Dee never ceased to surprise him with her thoughtfulness. Even in times of havoc her main concern was to take care of the others. Even if that other person was Rita Castillo, the woman that Dee had all the right in the world to despise.

"Very well."

Vern nodded and placed a soft loving kiss on her lips. Dee gave in in his warmth. Their lips brushed against each other's and her hands wrapped around his nape to pull him closer. The sound of their son's cries made them pull away and separate. The gave each other a hesitant grin and left the kitchen.

Rita was pacing down the street holding a bag full of formal attire and dresses that she had received from the dry cleaners. After last nights unfortunate incident she felt the urge to clear up her head and spend some alone time even if that meant that she had to come with a pretty good excuse for Grace to give her some space. Dry cleaners chores was the perfect solution. She waited on the pavement awaiting for the traffic light to turn green and when the vehicles froze across the pedestrian crossing she knew that it was her cue to move. She crossed the street and the large glassy doors of the Sunset Palace Hotel appeared. The doorman greeted her with a bright grin and the woman ignored him like usual. She entered the elevator and waited until the doors opened for her to the fourth floor. She entered the vast hotel room and placed the bag of clothes on the floor.

Her eyes scanned the living room. A pair of satin white gloves that didn't belong to Grace was scattered on top of the coffee table. She narrowed her eyes and paced in the room to grab herself a cup of tea before she noticed the very evidence of forbidden love laying on the couch. A white lacy brassiere was neatly placed next to the velvet pillow. She cleared her throat and clicked her tongue in her mouth before she announced.

"At first I thought that this room smelt like fish but now I do realize that Miss Joan must be around. What a lovely way to greet an old friend."

A moment of silence followed before Grace entered the room looking disheveled and flustered. She had managed to put her clothes back on rapidly, but the buttons on her dress were clearly buttoned incorrectly. The order was just not right. She gave Rita a nervous grin and leaned on the door frame.

"You came back early."

Grace cleared her throat and tried her best to retain her classy posture.

"It doesn't take long to pick up the clothes from the dry cleaners."

Rita responded sharply and her dark gaze examined the woman's creased attire thoroughly.

"You said that you needed the alone time."

"I got bored."

She gave the blonde woman a sinister smile and tossed a look towards the brassiere on the couch to alert Grace. The blonde woman's lips formed a perfect O in response when she noticed. She grabbed the edge of her dress as she rushed to the couch and took hold of the bra that belonged to her lover. Her face reddened completely.

"Good to know that you're having a good time cherishing my current residence."

Grace didn't respond but Joan's fine accent cut through the air as she rushed in the room to save the day.

"It's clearly obvious who's not having a good time my dear Rita. Maybe you should try to enjoy yourself as well once in a while instead of being such a cold fish.".

Joan stopped by the mirror as she spoke, and leaned in closer to apply a dark shade of red lipstick on her full lips. Her ginger hair was up into a loose bun that brought out the beauty of her feminine facial features. Rita rolled her eyes in response and proceeded to light up a Lucky strike.

"Thought that your act of passion was supposed to remain discreet."

The brunette woman murmured and inhaled a strong bang of bitter smoke. She tossed Joan a glance that threw deathly daggers at her.

"Maybe you shouldn't be that nosy then."

"It's hard to ignore it when it's occurring under my nose Joan."

Grace let out a low grunt and turned to face them both.

"Enough with you two! Please both of you mind your own business... Joan was leaving anyways."

She swallowed hard.

"I was?"

The older red head arched a thin brow in obvious annoyance.

"Yes you were! You ought to show up to that garden club meeting and I should get back to the daily schedule I have planned with Rita."

Her voice came out firm but maybe a little bit too firm considering that the recipient of her words was her lover. Joan folded her hands under her chest and greeted her teeth before she spatted.

"It's always about Rita."

"Are you seriously jealous?"

Rita purred sarcastically and Grace scoffed.

"Don't you dare start again. We've talked about this!"

"No we didn't! You technically announced your plans to me and you expected me to accept your decision and move on with my day!"

"You were understanding!"

Grace spatted back and Rita leaned against the window to attend their argument.

"I understand your motive and kind heart Grace, but you're not her nurse! She doesn't need one for god sake's!"

"Do you?"

Rita shot her an angry glare and inhaled another bang of grey smoke that she released towards her porcelain face. Joan took a step forward to face her clearly and paused.

"You have no right to speak or demand Rita. We could have left you on the streets! You would be nothing! Absolutely nothing without Grace and yet you don't have the decency to say thank you! You have the attitude of a bratty child!"

"I'm not the needy one my dear Joan. I never asked or expected for anyone's aid! You on the other hand, you live in fucking misery! Things back home are so tough that you can't go a day without seeing your lover. Without her you would be nothing but a lonely woman."

"Enough! Rita shush! Both of you! I'm done with your bickering!"

Grace tried to soothe but none of them seemed to be paying any attention anymore. Their ego was too hurt to mind Grace's will.

"I do not take friendly advices from a prostitute!"

Joan shouted in pure rage and before she had the time to finish her sentence a burning pain spread on her cheek as soon as Rita's hands landed on it furiously. Grace yelped and rushed to hold Joan in her arms before she did anything stupid in response. She couldn't have them fighting with each other until they knocked themselves out.

"It's about damn time you learn some god damn respect!"

Rita barked at the woman but a knock on the door got all three of them to freeze on their feet. Joan didn't move. A single tear slid down her red cheek and her lips drew back in surrender. Grace looked between them and went to open the door. Her lips parted when she came across Dee who stared at the scenery unfold in pure awe. By the look on Joan's and Rita's faces she could tell that she had interrupted something intense.

"Dee."

Grace croaked in relief and held the door open for the younger woman to enter. She retreated herself towards the couch, where she sat and grabbed a glass of bourbon to drown her sorrow.

"Is it a bad time?"

Dee asked hesitantly and held her purse close to her chest.

"I was just leaving dear."

Joan exclaimed and wiped away her tear quickly.

Rita let out a low sardonic laugh and walked to the window to get some fresh air. Grace didn't dare look at her lover. She felt like she had officially failed to make these two coexist for even a day. She had let down Joan, but at the same time she couldn't say anything against Rita. She knew how much pain her past held, and she didn't dare to add to it.

The red head woman disappeared through the door and Dee forced an awkward smile.

"I needed to see for myself."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Rita chastised.

"You're alive."

Dee explained herself.

"Lucky me."

Grace pinched her nose bridge and sipped the rest of her drink quickly.

"You haven't heard the news yet I assume."

"What is it this time? Did Scooter fertilize you again?"

She scoffed and sought for the pack of lucky strikes that she yearned so badly. She was either going to knock herself out again with alcohol or choose the 'healthier' option to deal with her anger.

"No! Listen... I came here as a friend..."

"I'm not your friend Dee. Sharing a common enemy doesn't make us allies."

"God no."

Dee chuckled and approached her.

"I never wished to become your friend or even your acquaintance. I'm here to warn you... When I got pregnant I was planning to make a terrible mistake by telling Scooter myself. Do you remember that day when I showed up in his apartment..."

"How could I forget?"

Rita hummed and lit up another cigarette that made Grace roll her eyes.

"I'm aware that I shook your entire world with the news. I was acting irrationally by yearning to tell him. And you were the only one that managed to reason with me. I know that your advice hid your own motives... you wanted him for yourself, but at the same time I witnessed worry in your eyes that day Rita. I witnessed humanity. You guided me to move on and find someone better that could provide for me and my baby. You advised me to find someone that wouldn't be afraid to become a father and stand up for me. I followed your advice... I found Vern- and I've never been happier in my life ever since... all that because of you."

Rita remained silent. Her fists balled tightly and her eyes stared blankly at the blonde girl.

"I'm here to guide you this time even though you must think that you don't need me. My mother is temporarily free Rita... she's out for the sake of an experiment... but the point is that she's free. You escaped death once, don't let him find you this time."

Dee swallowed hard and stared at the woman in concern. Rita clenched her jaw in response and inhaled a heavy bang of smoke. She released it towards the ceiling and spoke.

"When did this happen?"

"Earlier this morning."

Dee croaked.

"Very well."

"What are you planning to do?"

"How tremendous the agony of unmade decisions..."

Rita responded into a mocking manner and paced towards the couch to grab her coat.

Grace eyes doubled in size and stared at the brunette woman in pure shock.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to leave."

"To where?"

"Somewhere."

Rita shrugged and grabbed the suitcase that she kept under the couch.

"I think that it's a good idea for now... just to make sure that you're safe until she's back in her cell."

Dee commented and bit her bottom lip.

"She just gave me the opportunity to complete what I started. I must leave this place Grace. This time... I'm asking you to help me."

The blonde woman looked at her in fear but she couldn't resist. She couldn't resist her freedom or safety and she just nodded in agreement...

Vern parked his black vehicle outside the Alhambra cocktail lounge. His eyes shot up to look at the familiar black and red sign that introduced the citizens to the bar. It was shining under the moonlight that glazed over the city and made it look darker and more dangerous than morning time. Detective Vern entered the old bar looking around for a familiar face. He was expecting to find Earl there... he loved the place only because he could find some peace and quiet in there without having anyone to disturb him. And he was correct. Earl was sat down on a corner table next to the window, looking wasted already. His cheeks were burning red, his face sullen and a pair of dark circles encircled his blue eyes. He was wearing the exact same attire as yesterday, which indicated that the man probably didn't spend the night at home. He was holding a half empty glass of whiskey in one hand and his free hand rested on the top of a cassette recorder on the table.

Vern stood still at his side and Earl didn't seem to notice him. He pressed his finger on the play button for once again and Alma's and Earl's voices echoed.

"Why did you let him die?"

"I did it so he could take on my suffering, the way we did with Jesus. Because Jesus didn't put himself on the cross, we hang him up there detective Earl. That's the whole point. We achieved salvation and eternal life by killing Jesus. God couldn't do much, god didn't sacrifice his son. If it's true that God gave us free will, then we killed Jesus against God's will. And the day we realize that, that we defied God's will that's the day we set ourselves free Earl. Then everything can happen. This is what us humans do. We take justice into our own hands... the rest of us that leave matters to a higher power to deal with are weak. They are meant to fail, and I couldn't bear the thought of surrendering to that higher power empty handed..."

The recording stopped and Vern narrowed his eyes. He managed to recall the day he heard this conversation live and the very thought sent goosebumps all the way down his spine. It was the day they managed to imprison Alma. They took her back to the police station and thought that she would reject their accusations in order to hide her true crime... but they were wrong. The woman was bonkers enough to accept every single accusation they shot at her. She was proud of herself and her actions. He cleared his throat to grab Earl's attention and took a seat down next to him on the wooden bench.

"How many times did you listen to this tape already?"

"She's haunting me..."

Earl responded and licked his lips tiredly. He lifted his shaky hand and brought his drink closer to his mouth to take a small sip that made his stomach turn.

"When I heard the news this morning I knew that something was off. Alma's release can't be your own doing... correct me if I'm wrong Earl."

His tone sounded pleading as he spoke. He wanted to trust the man, he wanted to empathize, but he needed to know that Earl was still on his side.

"I would never-"

Earl grunted but almost chocked on his own saliva as he spoke and ended up coughing. Vern patted his back supportively and grabbed his half emptied glass to put it away. The man didn't need any more of that shit.

"I know you wouldn't but you need to tell me who forced you."

"No one."

"Don't lie me to pal. I know you... for years. I know you had a pretty good reason when you signed those papers."

"You do what you have to do detective Vern... my reasons became the reason of my failure to stand up for this department."

He croaked and his eyes roamed the table seeking for his drink.

"I don't care about your reasons. I know that if you had another choice you wouldn't have signed for her release. Am I correct?"

"Yes."

Earl responded in relief as soon as he realized that the other man wouldn't be pushing for any further information on his personal life.

"It was Harry's idea am I correct?"

"Yes."

Vern let out a strong sigh and held his head.

"What are we going to do?"

Earl was about to exclaim the exact same question when the bar's door opened up and Rowbin burst inside. The man was breathless as he approached their table looking like he had been running for a noteworthy amount of time. Thankfully he was smart enough to guess Earl's hideaway.

"Rowbin! What are you doing here?"

"Got some very bad news."

The man admitted and took a seat across the two men and positioned a cigarette between his lips before he proceeded to reveal the news.

"It can't get any worse."

Earl murmured.

"Oh yes. It's very damn possible. I was looking through Harry's resume like Detective Vern advised me to and I came across something extraordinarily interesting. A writer would refer to it as a plot twist."

Vern stared at him impatiently and the other man placed on the table a piece of paper with foggy letters. Vern proceeded to read it but Rowbin got the time to say it out loud first.

"This is to certify that Harry Jaworski and Rita Jaworski were lawfully married on the 9 day of December 1931 according to the rite of the Roman Catholic Church and in conformity with the laws of the state of Texas… read the rest."

"Harry's Rita's husband?"

Vern furrowed and Earl looked at the both speechless. He should have seen it coming that something didn't feel right.

"It appears so."