Every Secret Thing

Ronnie Fuller becomes obsessed with a mixed-race infant left unattended in a stroller during their carefree days. Despite Alice Manning's desperate pleas to leave the baby alone, Ronnie’s impulsive decision to take the child marks the beginning of their tragic journey and irrevocably alters both their lives.

After the kidnapping and murder of the infant granddaughter of the county's first black judge, Ronnie and Alice are arrested and sentenced to seven years in Juvenile Hall. Their time in detention is riddled with regret and pain, especially for Alice, who insists on her innocence while feeling the weight of their terrible choice.

During their seven years in Juvenile Hall, the traumatic experience shapes their identities. Alice finds herself frequently dismissed, while Ronnie emerges as a dominant yet troubled figure, reflecting the complexity of their situation and the ramifications of their actions.

Post-release, Ronnie works at a local bagel shop, trying to rebuild her life. In contrast, Alice grapples with her mother's harsh judgment and her own self-worth, engaging in unhealthy habits and pursuing an unattainable dream of fame.

Alice Manning's relationship with her mother, Helen, becomes increasingly toxic due to constant comparisons and criticisms. Helen, a teacher who feels shame about Alice's weight, further complicates Alice's struggles with self-acceptance and approval as she expresses favoritism towards Ronnie.

The community is shaken when Brittany Lyttle, a young bi-racial girl, goes missing while shopping with her family. Detective Nancy Porter is drawn back into the tragic web of the Fuller and Manning past, as the similarities between Brittany and the previous victim become too haunting to ignore.

Detective Porter begins her investigation into Brittany Lyttle's disappearance, haunted by the earlier case involving Ronnie and Alice. As she interviews Brittany's family, unsettling parallels surface, complicating the existing trauma associated with the Fuller/Manning case.

As Detective Porter probes deeper, Alice’s troubled past unveils a tale of exploitation, including a coerced relationship with Rodrigo at Juvenile Hall. This shocking revelation further complicates her emotions and desires, making her actions more desperate.

Alice becomes convinced that Brittany is her long-lost child and develops a chilling plan with Rodrigo's help. Their scheme to frame Ronnie for the past's sins illustrates Alice's determination to reclaim what she believes is rightfully hers.

The investigation reveals that Brittany is not Alice's biological daughter, shattering her aspirations of motherhood and revenge. This truth leads to a devastating realization for both women as they confront the weight of their past decisions.

After striking a deal with the district attorney, Alice relishes attention from the media, portraying herself as a victim of a flawed justice system. This shocking turn stuns Detective Porter and the community, complicating their perception of justice.

As the pressure mounts and guilt consumes her, Ronnie engages in self-destructive behaviors that threaten her already fragile existence. Her tragic choices reflect the extent of her remorse for the past, leading to devastating consequences.

Helen Manning, determined to rectify the wrongs that Alice has committed, promises that her daughter will face the repercussions of her actions. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, showcasing the cycle of familial betrayal and redemption.

The story concludes with a poignant scene on the porch where tragedy once began. Instead of Ronnie, it is now Alice who stands there, reveling in a twisted sense of vindication, solidifying her role as the orchestrator of their past horrors.