When the Bough Breaks 1986

Delaware testifies in arraignment

Alex Delaware testifies for the prosecution in the arraignment of an accused child molester, whose victims he had treated. The courtroom scene reveals the pressure and expectations surrounding his testimony. The outcome sets a tense tone for the ensuing fallout.

Defendant released on bail

To the distress of families of the victims, the defendant is released on bail after the arraignment. The decision sparks shock and concern about the case's trajectory. Delaware watches the developments with a growing sense of unease.

Defendant found dead in Delaware's office

When Delaware returns to his office to begin work, he discovers the defendant dead, apparently by suicide. The shocking discovery deepens Delaware's burnout and pushes him toward retirement. The tragedy marks a turning point for his professional life.

Delaware retires to the mountains

Shaken by the case, Delaware withdraws from practice and relocates to the mountains outside Los Angeles for an early retirement. He seeks solitude to escape the pressures of his profession. Months pass as he settles into a quieter life.

Milo Sturgis seeks Delaware's help

Months later, Milo Sturgis, Delaware's police detective friend, visits to ask for help with a new criminal investigation. He believes Delaware's insight could aid the case without retraumatizing witnesses. The request pulls Delaware back toward professional involvement.

Two murders spark the investigation

A man and a woman are found murdered in an apartment complex, triggering the investigation Milo brings to Delaware. The murders create a sense of urgency and a need for careful, compassionate questioning of potential witnesses. Delaware weighs his participation against the emotional toll.

Melody Quinn may have witnessed

A little girl named Melody Quinn, who lives nearby with her mother, may have witnessed some details of the murders. Her trauma makes her memory frayed, complicating what she might recall. Investigators hold out hope she might remember crucial pieces.

Milo asks Delaware to question Melody carefully

Milo asks Delaware to question Melody in a way that minimizes further trauma while seeking usable information. The plan leverages Delaware's expertise to obtain memories without retraumatizing the child. The request underscores Delaware's reluctant return to investigative work.

Delaware agrees to help

Delaware agrees to interview Melody and contribute to the case, signaling his re-entry into active investigation. He confronts his own burnout as he steps back into professional life. The interview becomes a pivotal moment in the unfolding mystery.

Investigation deepens

As Delaware probes, he becomes more drawn into the investigation and uncovers connections he hadn’t anticipated. His clinical perspective helps reveal patterns others miss. The case expands beyond the initial killings.

Uncovering broader criminal activity

Delaware uncovers unsuspected major criminal activity involving many perpetrators and victims. The discoveries reveal a wider network of wrongdoing than the original case suggested. The investigation shifts toward a larger, more complex conspiracy.