Previously, in Picket Fences…
Relationships in the Walker home are still strained with tensions growing between Hank and Sydney while Madalyn tries to navigate the rough waters.
Meanwhile, Trisha Darling is trying to calm fears at her husband’s firm about his long absence.
Angela has recruited Sarah to help cover her alleged involvement in Connie’s suspicious injuries. The two women will attempt to convince Detective Benning that Sarah owns Connie’s house.
Payton is still grappling with the truth about his mother’s past. Sydney is struggling to find his way, and it may prove to be more dangerous than anyone can imagine. Saraya reinforced her hold on Xavier by reminding him of their arrangement — allowing him to remain closeted in exchange for money — leaving him desperate to find a way out.
You see, in this game, everyone is jockeying for a power position. But trying to be a winner in a losing game can make you the biggest loser of all, sending the game into sudden death.
Picket Fences
Angela and Sarah see Detective Benning approaching Connie’s house. “Remember everything I showed you; where the bathrooms are, where the drinking glasses and coffee cups are; where the coffee is in case he asks for anything, got it?” Angela says, recapping the house tour and slipping out the back door. Sarah waits for the knock at the door and then answers it. “Hello, Detective, glad you made it. How are you?” Sarah says, welcoming him into the home. “I’m good, thank you for letting me stop by and take a look around,” he replies. “Well, let’s start the tour,” she says. “I’d like to look around by myself first, if you don’t mind,” he replies. “Umm sure, take all the time you need. Would you like something to drink?” Sarah asks. “I’m fine,” he says, walking through the house. While he is exploring the house, the detective walks into the office and notices the large armoire across from the desk. He opens the doors to find tack holes and string, almost like someone had been mapping and connecting clues in a detective case. Aside from the string, the large armoire looks like it has been cleaned out. He goes over to the desk, starts to look through the drawers, and finds a set of keys labeled 6769; not the house’s address. “Ma’am, can you come here?” he calls out. “Yes,” Sarah says walking into the office. “Is any of this furniture yours?” he asks. “No, I don’t know what she plans to do with it so I’m kind of stuck with it for now,” she replies. “Do you hear that?” he asks.
Detective Benning isn’t the only one hearing something new.
Payton arrives home from the weekend with Xavier. He pauses in the driveway when he sees his mother’s car, trying to compose himself. Finally, he walks into the house, attempting to slip in unnoticed. “Payton, is that you? I’m glad you’re home. Come here,” he hears his mother call out and reluctantly goes to meet her down the hall. Angela comes out of the study to greet him. “Hey Honey, how was your weekend? Did you get your project done?” she asks. “Yeah, I found out some new things about familiar people,” he responded. “Well, good news, your birthday BBQ is almost here. Your father is out getting the meat now, and I need your list of folks you want to invite,” she says. At that moment, her phone rings; it’s Sarah. “Oh, Honey, I have to take this,” she says, taking the call outside. Payton can’t help but think to himself, “Is this going to be more lies?”
Xavier is getting a “welcome home” of his own.
Before Xavier can turn into the driveway and turn off the car, he sees Saraya standing on the sidewalk. “What are you doing here, Saraya?” he says, getting out of the car and heading to the trunk. “Well, the last thing I want is to wonder where my boyfriend is and be blindsided by Madalyn Walker and her creepy son,” she says. “Wow, slow down. I know Sydney is creepy, but he was missing for years, so I think he gets a pass on the name-calling. And as I recall, this is not a real relationship; it’s extortion. So, calm down, because I don’t have to tell you every move I make,” he says. Saraya follows him to the door, continuing to talk, “It may not be a relationship, but it is an agreement,” she says. “And speaking of that, I need some money.” He freezes at the door. “All I have on me is five hundred…” he says, pulling it from his wallet. She snatches the money and walks off, leaving Xavier to think to himself, “This has to end.”
