The Widow's Payback (2025) Movie Script

1
[]
[tires squealing]
Jeez!
[gunshots popping]
[gunfire]
[tires squealing]
[]
[woman] Jefe, we gotta go!
[banging on door]
[man] Open the door!
[pounding]
I'm not leaving
without my business.
[roars] Open this door!
[siren wailing]
-[pop]
-Oh!
[laughter]
Now, come and get some,
Jesse Bibbs,
so that we can celebrate
your wife.
Make sure we save some
for the woman of the hour.
Oh, no, no, no, no. It's fine.
I still have more work to do.
Girl, it is almost 5:00.
It has been 5:00 for you
since noon.
-Well...
-[chuckling]
[Dr. Jameson]
And so, we toast Amanda Bibbs,
our senior dental hygienist,
and...
"Employee of the Year".
Whoo!
[all chuckling and cheering]
Here's a... a little cash bonus.
Oh. Thank you.
Um, let's, uh, take a photo.
Oh.
[Vanessa] Okay...
three, two, one.
[camera shutter clicks] Nice!
Oh, and, uh,
one with your husband,
who so graciously
took time off from work today
to celebrate his beautiful wife.
[Vanessa] There we go. Smiles.
Aw.
That's great.
It's funny how Dr. Jameson
said I came from a job.
I didn't know
if he was yanking my chain
or really didn't know
I ain't worked in over a year.
I love the Doc,
but he's clueless about yours,
mine, or anybody else's life.
The man has to write
'R' and 'L' on his feet
to know right from left.
-[laughs] Woman, stop.
No, it's true!
I mean, he's, like,
really smart, but bumbling,
you know what I mean?
That was nice of him, though,
with the award and all.
You get
the good parking space now.
That part!
I am really happy, though,
that you came, husband.
I'm your ride-or-die.
And I'm yours.
Jesse, you are
gonna get a job soon.
Like, I honestly feel that
from the universe.
[man] Jesse Bibbs!
[]
[man] You tryin' to duck me?
Not at all, Piper.
This is my wife.
Can we talk about this later?
No, we can't.
Did you do what I told you?
Yeah.
Then you're good.
But I ain't.
You need to make me whole.
Look here, my man.
Imma need a little more ti...
How much
does my husband owe you?
Amanda.
[Piper] Five.
[paper crinkling]
[Jesse] Amanda.
This stays between us.
All right?
[]
[clacking]
Want some cake?
Nah.
[balls clack]
You disrespected me.
[thumps door shut]
[scoffs] I disrespected you?
Men and their egos. [sighing]
Jesse...
you are my man.
I look out for you
the exact same way
that you look out for me.
It's what power couples do.
What power do I got, Amanda?
You pay for rent,
groceries, gas...
my debts.
You handle the bills
when you can.
-I can barely buy a toy!
-["pool table" thuds]
I love that mini pool set...
...and I love our life together.
Guys like me, we...
we don't get fair shakes.
Jesse...
...it'll work out.
And, in the meantime,
we'll continue
to play mini pool...
where I will continue
to beat your butt.
In your dreams, woman.
[]
You know when
I started loving you?
Sundog Tavern. My freshman year.
That's right! Sundog Tavern.
And, girl,
I was on top of the world...
co-captain of the football team,
real popular.
Real drunk.
We had just won.
I was celebratin'.
And then you saw me.
And then I saw you.
A little country girl.
New to the city.
New to college.
We had our first beer,
our first pool game.
Where I whipped your tail.
[laughs] That is not
how the story goes!
I had plans
to show the world to you.
All it took for me to mess it up
was one damn unlawful possession
of a firearm.
It wasn't your gun.
Yeah, but it was in my car.
I knew dude was trouble,
but you know me...
gotta help everybody.
Jesse, we're fine.
I have faith.
[scoffs]
You don't even go to church.
I'm looking for a church home.
Oh, yeah? Well, look harder.
It needs to be the right fit.
Girl, you're not
shopping for a dress.
Ugh! You know I hate shopping.
Yeah, precisely!
So make a decision.
[sighs]
I'm sorry
if I embarrassed you earlier.
You always go after
what you think is right.
No matter who's in your way.
That guy...
that we gave the money to...?
Yeah. He's, like...
He's, like,
a recruiter for jobs.
And you're paying him for this?
Well, yeah.
Look, I do what I gotta do.
Has he actually
gotten you a job?
Maybe. Look, I just need
to pass a test or something,
so... yeah.
Why didn't you tell me?
It's not for sure.
Besides, this was your day.
I don't care.
This is amazing news.
[]
[Amanda] Bye, cowgirl.
We fight cavities. Pow-pow!
[chuckles]
You a gunslinger now?
Jesse taught me...
Jesse Bibbs, not Jessie James.
I, uh, gotta bounce
and buy groceries.
I'm cooking dinner tonight.
Ooh! Have fun with hubby.
[Jesse] Hey.
[Amanda] Where are you?
Just rolled in.
So how was
the wild and crazy crew?
Still wild and crazy.
[Amanda chuckles]
Are you wearing
your Halloween costume, Captain?
Yes. Yes, I am.
You wear yours?
-Yes.
-[knocking]
Hold on a second.
[kids] Trick or treat!
Welcome aboard!
Please fasten your seat belts
and put your seats
and table trays
in the upright position.
Who wants candy?
[buckets jostling]
[Amanda] So the drive was okay?
Yeah. The coast
is only five hours away.
I like the drive.
Oh, not me. I would fall asleep
after, like, two hours.
[knocking]
[sighs]
Wait a second, honey.
[indistinct exchange]
Sir. Thank you.
Trick or treat!
Welcome aboard!
Please fasten your seat belts
and secure all...
Here's your candy.
Take care.
[Amanda] So... you were
saying about the ride?
It's a great bus.
Weird that they had me
take it to a garage
when I was in Alabama.
Is something wrong with it?
Not that I could tell.
Guess it was just maintenance.
Anyway, I gotta sweep,
then take it back
to the warehouse to wash it.
Want me to pick you up after?
No, it's all good.
I'll call a car.
[knocking]
These kids
are gonna drive me to drink.
You probably started already.
Stop acting like you know me.
[]
[tape ripping]
When can I expect you?
Baby...
Baby, this company's dirty.
I'll call you back.
[knocking]
One second!
[sighing]
I should be
giving these kids toothpaste.
[]
[knocking]
[sighs]
Are they still
trick-or-treating at this hour?
Or...
this better be my husband!
[gasping]
[gasping]
[car engine turning over]
[car engine revving]
[tires squealing]
[car engine roaring]
[sobbing] Jesse.
Jesse... [sobbing]
Jesse...
Jesse...
[sobbing] Jesse, wake up.
Please wake up.
Mrs. Bibbs,
your husband have
any enemies you know of?
None.
But there was, um...
...a man about...
...three weeks ago.
He was angry
because he owed him money.
And who was this man?
[sobs]
I don't remember his name.
Did you ever see him again?
No.
But I, um...
I-I think he, um...
I think he helped him, um,
get a job with the bus company.
Name of this company?
The Blacktop Bus Line.
Your husband worked
for Blacktop?
He had just started.
Mrs. Bibbs... [sighing]
...could your husband
have been involved
with any criminal activity
you might have been unaware of?
Jesse Bibbs was a good man.
He didn't associate
with anything...
or anyone criminal.
Anything else you can tell us?
When I opened the door, I...
...I saw a car speeding away.
Oh? What kind of car?
[exhaling wearily]
Um...
it was bright-blue.
Older.
The kind you see at car shows.
I don't... [sniffles]
I-I don't remember
anything else.
Hmm.
Okay, Mrs. Bibbs. Um...
if you remember anything else,
please call.
You'll get whoever did this?
We'll do our best.
Ma'am?
My condolences.
[]
[door opens, then shuts]
[sobbing deeply]
[]
[]
[door thuds]
[]
[chair scrapes floor]
[]
[bottle top pops and clatters]
[]
"Do you know..."
...when I started loving you?
Sundog Tavern.
My freshman year.
[]
[sobs] Do you know when
I started loving you?
Sundog Tavern...
...my freshman year.
[sobs]
[Amanda] It's been weeks!
Why is nothing happening
with my husband's case?
Why didn't you inform us
your husband
was a convicted felon?
Because Jesse did his time!
And you figured
we didn't need to know?
Is there anything else
you left out?
Nothing.
Now let me ask you this...
you have a pretty decent
life-insurance policy
on your husband,
am I right?
What are you saying?
You think I had something to do
with my own husband's death?
No, ma'am, we don't.
We examine all angles here.
Why don't you have a seat,
Mrs. Bibbs?
Our concern is any associations
your husband may have still had.
You mean criminal associations?
Did you know that Blacktop...
the company
your husband worked for...
only hires ex-cons?
No.
Maybe they believe in
giving people a second chance.
Jesse did have his CDL...
commercial driver's license.
Oh, I know what it is.
Did you find
the guy we gave the money to?
This "recruiter"?
Not yet.
Workers at Blacktop
would only tell us
that your husband
dropped off his bus
at the end of his run.
Yeah. They were
very closed-mouthed.
Almost afraid.
Afraid of what?
[Kendall] Well, there's a lot
we don't
know about this company.
We don't even know
who actually owns it.
The registered agent
is a "Percival Daye"
from Chicago.
Yeah. Single, no attachments.
Nothing.
[Det. Malik]
A few minor incidents.
A civil case involving a club
that he owned,
but no real criminal record.
You're saying
you think there's more?
Well, there's a dirty buzz
about Blacktop Bus Line
in the streets, but...
[deep breath]
...nothing we can nail down yet.
Before Jesse got off the phone,
I thought I heard him say,
"This company is dirty."
At the time,
I thought he was talking
about the bus.
Or maybe he discovered something
we don't know about.
[]
Hey, girl.
Uh, a few of us are thinking of
getting together for New Year's.
You wanna come?
I don't.
[sighs] I, um...
I'm ringing in the New Year
with some old college friends.
Cool.
Uh...
listen, I'm sure you're tired
of people asking you this,
but... you okay?
You're right...
I am tired of people asking.
And I'm not okay.
It's been two months
and the cops
have not made one arrest.
Justice takes time.
It does? How much time?
Months.
Years. You have to be patient.
Look, what I'm saying...
...Is what
everybody else keeps saying!
"Be patient, Amanda."
"Go on with your life, Amanda."
Meanwhile, this hole in my life
is getting bigger
and more rotten every day.
"But wait for justice, Amanda."
I understand.
No, you don't!
It's a cavity.
We fill cavities
so they don't rot
everything else.
I am rotting inside!
My husband was murdered,
he was dropped on my doorstep,
and we have no idea
who's responsible!
What kind of justice
am I waiting for in that?
Mrs. Bibbs.
I have called you several times.
Yeah. It's New Year's.
Why is nothing being done
about my husband's murder?
First of all,
don't assume
that we're not doing anything...
I haven't heard anything!
These things take time.
That's all I can say.
If the victim was someone
unlike Jesse Bibbs,
would you still be
dragging your feet?
Like who?
Someone without
a criminal record...
and someone who wasn't Black.
I reject that notion.
And I reject your ineptitude.
Happy New Year's, Mrs. Bibbs.
[popping]
[]
[]
[]
[traffic droning]
[indistinct exchanges]
[]
Yeah, I'll make sure.
[]
[car engine turning over]
[]
[starts engine]
[]
[indistinct chatter]
[indistinct conversation]
[]
[Amanda]
I think this company is guilty.
Ah, that's a helluva leap.
You didn't know Jesse Bibbs.
He always spoke truth.
You said it yourself...
he could've been
talking about the bus.
I don't think he was.
My husband saw something
that wasn't right.
Like, something stinks...
and when things stink,
there are flies.
Now, will you make
some kind of arrest?
Lady, that's very colorful
about flies and all,
but we don't arrest people
based on your intuition.
Mrs. Bibbs...
we need evidence that Blacktop
is engaged in criminal activity.
Right now,
all we have are suspicions.
So you need someone to talk.
Someone who intimately
knows the inner workings, yes.
[Det. Kendall] Mrs. Bibbs...
it is always dangerous
to act out of desperation,
so hear me...
you are not law enforcement.
I know, Detective.
I'm in dentistry.
I fill cavities.
[sighing]
[Amanda]
How does one catch flies?
Likes, dislikes...
hobbies, personal history...
Vanessa, it's Amanda.
[Vanessa] Girl, I know.
I got you locked in.
You're gonna be all right.
[Amanda] I've been
kind of a grouch lately.
[Vanessa] Look, I get it.
[]
[Amanda] Step one...
become the honey.
[on phone]
I'm gonna follow your advice
and take time off.
I talked with Dr. Jameson
and he gave me
a pretty decent advance.
[Vanessa] That's what's up!
[]
[Amanda] And, Vanessa...
while I'm away,
you can park in my space.
[Vanessa]
I was gonna do that anyway.
So you're going somewhere?
[Amanda] Yeah.
Your girl's going away
for a little while.
[]
[Amanda]
Hi, I'm Zora. Zora Smith.
[more assertively] Hi. I'm Zora.
Zora Smith.
[]
Hi.
It's a pleasure to meet you...
It's a pleasure to meet you.
[]
Washed...
in his blood.
Please.
[]
I will make you
as a light for the nations...
that my salvation
will reach to the end
of the Earth...
...and blessed be His kingdom,
now and forever.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to His people
on the Earth.
Lord God, heavenly King.
Blessed be God...
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
[congregation] Amen.
I wanted to also mention
that the Men's Club
will be holding
another Chicago-stepping class
right after church.
Last time,
I only said "stepping,"
and I was later told
that there's
a difference between
stepping and "Chicago" stepping.
Isn't that right, Mr. Daye?
[chuckles]
Amen!
Amen.
Sounds like fun.
I may have to join you.
Uh, I took forever
to learn the Cupid Shuffle,
so you might have to write out
the instructions for me.
[light chuckling]
I enjoyed the service, Pastor.
Thank you.
First time?
Yes. I, um...
I'm new to the city.
From?
New Orleans.
Oh, from Nawlins to ATL?
What brings you here?
Um, I am looking for...
...a fresh start.
Well, I'm glad you started here.
Next time,
bring the whole family.
Oh, um, it's just me.
I'm single.
Oh, girl, me too.
Though some would prefer
their pastor was married.
That, uh, steppers class
you talked about...
uh, can anyone go?
Certainly.
It's held in our auditorium.
You should check it out.
I will.
Um, I've never done it before,
but, uh, I'd love to try it.
What's your name?
Zora. Zora Smith.
Well, Zora, I hope you find
whatever it is
you're looking for.
Thank you.
You make me feel
like this is real
I can't get over
what's the deal
You got me working overtime
You take my loving on a ride
You came to me
What a surprise
You put a sparkle in my eyes
I never thought
I'd see the day
When love would shine
on my parade
You make me feel
like a new woman
Made the clouds open up
Made me feel something
Triple A's in my back
'Cause you turn me up
Put the rhythm in my step
Like a double Dutch...
Percy Daye.
Call me "Slide".
Slide.
I'm Zora. Call me Zora.
Are you here to teach or learn?
Learn.
Then allow me.
"Stepping" is a broad term.
Kids in college call
what they do as "stepping,"
but Chicago stepping...
well, that's a little different.
How so?
First, it's from Chicago...
where all good things come from.
Which is where
you're from, I assume?
South side... born and raised.
Our style is smooth... sensual.
May I?
Mm.
Chicago style
is like a rhythmic communication
between dancers.
So, when I place a hand here,
that means
"move this way."
An arm up...
might mean "spin."
There are also moments
of individual expression.
[laughs]
The creativity...
is endless.
Like love.
Love?
At least my interpretation
of it.
Are you ready?
All right, everybody!
This is a six-step count.
You're gonna pay attention
to me, all right?
Here with me... we go.
Left up, right back...
right up, left back... one, two.
Here we go. Let's do it again.
Left up, right back,
right up, left back.
Good!
And that's the basic moves.
Now...
you'll also be doing that
when you step forward
and backwards,
but... not right now.
Okay.
-All right?
-Mm.
[Percy] Make sure
there's a lot of movement
from your knees... down.
Okay?
Now you're gonna take your foot,
slide it up, and back.
Up... and back...
like you're sliding a quarter
across the ground.
Back and forth.
There we go!
...Mm-mm-mm yeah
Don't you know
I feel you, baby
[Percy] So did you have fun?
Why didn't Mr. Smith join you?
Because he's with
his current wife.
So sorry to hear that.
You're a good teacher. Bad liar.
You got a new whip?
It's still got
the dealer plates.
I recently bought it.
Pre-owned.
Hmm. I'd like
to hear more about that.
Should we go out for drinks?
We should not.
I don't think
your wife would appreciate it.
No wife. No girlfriend.
Really?
You sound surprised.
Maybe. A little bit.
Thank you, but I have
a client meeting in the morning.
What is it that you do?
I'm a writer.
Anything I might have read?
Not with my name on it.
I ghostwrite.
People, they want a book,
but they don't want
to actually write one, so...
So they pay you
and put their name on it.
Mm.
I might need a ghostwriter.
I got a real good story.
I bet you do,
and I would love
to hear about it, some day.
How 'bout some night?
Like, tomorrow night. Dinner?
Tell you what.
Give me your number,
and I will think about it.
No guarantees.
Ain't no guarantees in life...
but there's still a lot of hope.
[]
[Amanda] Step two...
build a connection.
[]
[gun shop clerk] Is there
something I can help you with?
I really don't like guns.
My husband suggested
I get something
to protect myself?
Well, what about pepper spray?
Gals seems to like that.
What would you suggest?
Well...
Light-weight compact pistol.
Chambered for the .25.
Single-action, hammer-fired.
I like that.
What, you know this handgun?
I like that it's pink.
I'll take it.
Yes, ma'am.
[firing repeated rounds]
[Jesse] Nice.
There you go.
[gun fires]
[firing repeatedly]
[]
Hello, ma'am.
Hello, sir.
-You're early.
-I usually am.
You okay, Zora Smith?
Are you feeling...
uncomfortable?
I feel overdressed.
Nah, you look amazing.
Thanks.
This is my go-to place.
Best Mexican street food
in the city.
Me encantan
los antojitos Mexicanos.
I love Mexican street food.
Wait, so you speak Spanish
and you know this food?
You know,
growing up in New Orleans,
you appreciate everything.
Walk with kings,
yet keep the common touch.
Know what I'm sayin', baby?
Sure. Then let's do common.
What's going on, Chief?
Mm. This food is phenomenal.
[Slide] I appreciate you loving
my little hole in the wall.
It means a lot.
And for coming to step class.
Mm. Well, it was endorsed
by Pastor Gordon.
So, I'm guessing...
you learned how to step
in Chicago?
Mm-hmm.
Why the South?
Business.
What kind of business?
I'm an art dealer.
You're an art dealer?
Portraits. Some sculptures.
And I run
a transportation business.
Mostly buses.
That surprises you?
It's just, buses and art.
It seems so different.
I make it work.
What made you
become an art dealer?
Nothing made me.
Like any good opportunity,
I saw it...
I took it.
Zora Smith,
you are a curious woman.
My best friend is Google.
[chuckles]
When writing memoirs,
you learn to ask about people
and their stories.
I told you.
My story is pretty good.
Noted.
See you at church.
But that's days away.
Yes. Yes, it is.
Somebody I want you
to look into...
Zora Smith.
From New Orleans.
[]
[]
[keys clacking]
[sighs]
You own Blacktop...
what is this art thing,
Mr. Daye?
Your soon-to-be best friend
needs to know.
[]
Hey! Come on in! Great to see ya
[]
More for you?
I see
they put you on bread duty.
Yup.
I got the bread.
Here, I can help.
Zora... thank you for coming.
Oh, it's my pleasure.
But, to be honest,
it was actually his idea.
[Pastor]
Have you known him long?
[Amanda]
No. I met him here, actually.
He's interesting.
I was surprised to learn
that he's an art dealer.
Is that what he told you?
Yeah, and that he owns
a transportation company.
Well, that part is true.
He's not an art dealer?
I'm sure
there's some dealing going on...
some way, some how.
He does...
connect with folks
most people would consider
to be on the lower tier of life.
My husband was the same way.
You're divorced?
My husband died.
Drunk driving.
I'm really sorry.
Somebody hit him?
He was the drunk driver.
Ran smack dab into a tree,
the tree lived... he didn't.
I see.
There are a lot of trees
along our roads.
Stay alert,
so you don't run into one.
[Percy] Thank you, guys,
so much for coming.
-It's my pleasure.
-All right.
Ugh. I never want
to see bread ever again.
[chuckles]
So, what are you doing
this afternoon?
What do you have in mind?
Something fun.
[]
Whoo!
[]
[Percy] Number one, baby!
What
[Percy] Oh, no, no, no.
Get back here.
[Amanda laughs]
Whoo!
Whoo!
Nice!
But I don't care.
I can't believe you tried
to run me off the road!
-Me?
-Yes, you.
I would never!
[gasps] You did several times.
However, I will say
that that was very special,
and something
I will never forget,
so, thank you.
-What's next?
-Next?
Don't you have, like, an office
to be at tomorrow, or something?
I got a bunch of people
working for me.
I'm the boss.
People do what you say.
Or else I send 'em home.
All right, boss man,
let's do something special
I haven't done since Covid.
[sniffling]
Are those tears, Mr. Daye?
Allergies.
Yeah, right.
They thought the dog was dead,
but he was standing
right behind them all along,
wearing his little rubber boots.
Sad stuff.
I take it you like dogs?
Man's best friend.
Ever had one?
A friend or a dog?
[laughs]
He died before I moved here.
My Buddy.
What was his name?
Buddy.
[chuckles]
Your best friend, huh?
All right, so what do you value
in a friendship?
That sounds like
a shrink's question.
Or a writer's question.
Loyalty.
Friends don't betray friends.
That's it?
That's it.
Hmm.
Sounds like something
you know a little bit about.
Not recently.
People know I'd murder them
before I let that happen.
Nah, just playin'.
So I guess
I'll walk you to your car?
Oh, no need.
It's right over there.
Okay. Text me when you get home.
Yeah. Goodnight.
[munching]
[]
[message whooshes]
[message whooshes]
Jesse...
I miss you, husband.
[man]
Can I get a refill, please?
Will I ever beat you
in arriving somewhere?
Will I ever beat you
in arriving somewhere?
Nobody beats me at anything.
You are arrogant, sir.
I know, right?
What's this?
I got something to protect you.
[laughs]
Now this...
is a killer.
Mm-hmm.
Join me.
What you think?
I think that...
it is an exceptional vintage
for a Cabernet Sauvignon.
It's bold, opulent character...
...but perhaps
a bit fruit-forward for me.
All that from one sip?
Mm-hmm.
Mm.
You know, I don't have
the vocabulary for wine.
Sure you do.
What's a...
a word that comes to mind?
Nasty.
Nasty? That's a wine word.
Why're you looking into
my brown bedroom eyes?
I'm imagining
how sexy you might look
in a bus uniform.
Why a bus uniform?
You own a bus company.
I don't drive 'em.
Never?
Never.
So then why start the business?
Why do anything?
I see a need and I fill it...
as long as it makes money.
I'm assuming
that art dealing makes money?
I dig art...
Picasso, Rembrandt, Bearden...
but art is a commodity that
can be bought, sold, traded.
It's a great way to move money.
What do you mean "move"?
Is this an inquisition?
No, I just, um...
I like to know
who a man is first...
before becoming intimate
with him.
Hmm.
What's wrong?
[]
I...
I think I... I think
I left the car unlocked.
Are you serious?
[crash]
Oh, my God! My dress.
It's ruined!
Zora!
Zora, wait up!
Wait!
I, uh... I lost it in there.
I'd say so.
Was your car unlocked?
No, it wasn't.
You seemed a little...
different, back there.
You okay?
Yeah. I think that the stress
is just getting to me.
You know, um...
moving to a new city...
starting a new life..
I'm here for you, Zora.
I got you.
Let me take you
to breakfast in the morning.
Sure.
You gonna call or nudge me?
The dog will wake you.
Meet me at 10.
Give him a name.
It's a "him"?
I got some Blacktop business
tomorrow morning at church.
Meet me there.
Okay.
I gotta get out of this dress.
I mean, I could help.
Cute.
Detective, this is Zora...
Amanda Bibbs.
[Kendall]
You changed your number.
Yeah.
Listen, I thought you'd wanna
know that Percy Daye...
he owns Blacktop.
Yeah, we found that out.
Why didn't you tell me?
How can I help you, Mrs. Bibbs?
Is there any reason
why Blacktop would be
connected to the art world?
Well, sometimes,
bad actors use art
as a way to evade taxes
and launder money.
Are you suggesting
Blacktop is moving money
through art deals?
Maybe. I don't know.
What would that mean
to the investigation?
How are you getting this info?
I'm just asking questions,
Detective.
[]
I'm comin'
Got a feeling
And it just feels right
Know I better listen
Hear my spirit yellin'
Crying out
I need some attention
Done had a long time away
From where
my heart still stays...
Now I'm sure
that I've just got to...
You going to the casino, too?
Do I look like a senior citizen?
Slide and I
are getting breakfast.
You've been
spending time with him.
Is that a sin or a warning?
An observation.
No judgment zone here,
my friend.
Honestly.
What do you think of him?
[Pastor] He's generous,
which, for a church
in need of cash,
is a blessing.
Personally,
he's been good to me.
When I was appointed here,
a lot of people weren't checking
for a woman pastor,
but Slide supported me,
and the rest followed.
But would I date him? Hell, no!
Pastor, that is not
what I was asking.
[chuckling]
Okay, why wouldn't you date him?
I prefer a plainer man.
Someone who shops for clothes
at a discount variety store.
Slide's a little flashy...
for me...
way too gangster.
Gangster?
Oh, Zora,
you don't strike me as naive.
I know you must be thinking
there's more to him
than meets the eye.
Been to his place yet?
No.
Charging groups for bus rides
don't pay
for a spread like that.
Pastor, why are you
telling me this?
Because I can see
you're on some kind of mission,
and I don't want you
running into any trees...
and it's my job to save souls.
[Percy] Your new driver
should be here shortly.
We had to pick him up.
Okay.
[Percy] My man. You're late.
[Piper] No uniform his size.
[Percy] Okay.
He straight?
Yeah, we got him plugged in.
All right.
Get going.
Zora!
Ready for waffles?
I'll follow you.
[]
-Mrs. Bibbs.
-[gasping]
It's okay.
But you might wanna
put something on.
Your gun's still in there.
You're not gonna need it.
Why are you here?
I'm with O.C.I...
Office of
Criminal Investigation...
FDA's criminal
law enforcement arm.
You're a cop?
Investigator.
What does the FDA want with me?
Well, it's not about you.
We're looking for, uh,
Percy Daye, your boyfriend.
He's not my boyfriend.
I saw you this morning.
I was sure
you were gonna blow my cover,
but I see you have
your own game going on.
This isn't a game.
I want justice
for my husband's murder.
These people...
they are killers.
Did they kill my husband?
Probably.
I just recruit for them.
Ex-cons.
They pay me,
but I hustle a side fee
from candidates,
and then I flip them
for information.
Is that what
you wanted with my husband?
Turn him into a snitch?
Damn you.
Jesse was a good man!
[gasps]
You got him mixed up in this.
And I regret it,
but I had nothing to do
with his...
[roars] You had
everything to do with it!
You knew it was dangerous,
and you could've stopped it!
[sighing]
Why ex-cons?
Percy Daye...
he liked them.
He figured they know how to, uh,
keep their mouths shut,
but... he was
just about to talk.
Jesse wasn't there
long enough to see anything.
[Piper] It only takes a moment.
Some things you can't un-see.
Every bus in Blacktop
is tracked by GPS.
All right?
They saw him
heading away
from the warehouse...
which means Blacktop's
head of security
would get involved.
Who's that?
Melina Zuniga.
She's his, uh... pit-bull.
Did she kill my husband?
No, she'd never do it
without Slide telling her
to "send them home".
It's his way
of giving the order.
Listen, uh, you need
to disappear, Mrs. Bibbs.
Look, the FDA got involved
'cause Slide
was distributing fake GLP-1,
and God knows what else.
All right? It's a...
I know what it is.
It's for weight loss
and type-2 diabetes.
He was disrupting
the supply chain
with his counterfeit crap,
and killing people
in the process.
-You're working with the cops?
-Hell, no.
The less they're involved,
the longer I stay alive,
which is why I need you
to get the hell out.
I can get closer to him
than you ever can,
so, no, I will not sit at home,
waiting and hoping for justice.
My husband was murdered.
If I just let that go unchecked,
what kind of wife
would that make me?
[sighs]
So, now what?
We get proof
on how they're moving
the money and the drugs...
...and then,
at the right moment...
...we rip the bottom
from his world.
[]
[note crinkles]
[Amanda] Step three...
become his ride-or-die.
Tell me
can you love somebody?
Can you really hurt
somebody?
I've been digging deeper
trying to find the answers to
Finally find the answers
Tell me
can you love somebody?
Can you really hurt somebody
I've been digging deeper
Trying to find
the answers...
Trying
to find the answers to...
Trying to find
the answers to
Hello?
Trying
to find the answers to...
Hello?
In the kitchen!
Don't you get lonely
in this house all by yourself?
Where's your dog?
[Amanda laughs]
See this smile?
A dog is happy
when you come home... always.
And if I came home to you?
Would you be happy...
always?
"Always"?
[Amanda laughs]
I think you need
to stick with the dog.
[thud]
Planning on shooting somebody?
Oh, I, um...
I bought it on impulse.
I don't even know how to use it.
[blasting]
Your turn.
Oh, no.
Uh, it's just for show.
Ma'am, if you're gonna
pull out a gun,
you better know how to use it.
[]
All right, first thing...
meet the web of your hand
with the back of the gun.
That's good.
Now, take your left hand,
and wrap it around the other.
Mm-hmm.
Thumbs pointed
towards the target...
and squeeze.
-[fires]
-[grunts]
You're anticipating the recoil.
No, I'm anticipating
shooting my foot.
Here. Take this.
Let's try again.
All right.
[Amanda] I hit nothing!
Not true.
I'm sure you hit a neighbor...
in another state.
Ha, ha.
I love a man who can cook.
Why is that?
The women I grew up with,
they were great cooks,
but they did it
because they had to do it.
The men treated it like a craft.
How's your cooking?
I can boil water.
-[laughs]
-That's about it.
Yeah, my grandmother
taught me how to cook.
She's the one who gave me
my nickname... "Slide".
I thought it was from stepping.
Oh, no.
When I was about five or six,
I used to run through
her kitchen in my socks,
then I'd slide into her arms,
and she'd say,
"Here comes my Slide."
It stuck.
She was amazing.
Some of the seniors at church
remind me of her.
Your businesses
must be doing really well.
Ah, 15 years ago... not so much.
I was the principal owner
of a night club in Chicago.
It was popular.
Everybody came out.
I mean, celebrities...
sports people.
And then, one night,
it caught on fire.
Some people got
trapped in a stairwell and...
and died.
Oh, my God.
That's awful.
I know.
I lost everything
I owned in one night.
I was talking
about the people that died.
Oh, they sued me...
even my disloyal partners
joined in.
Took everything.
So, I moved from Chi...
built a new business...
learned how art moves,
surrounded myself
with people I trust,
and now... here I am.
It's a good life...
one I'd love to share
with someone...
some day.
Why don't we start
with you sharing
some of this food with me first?
Okay, Ms. Smith.
Want a bit of everything?
Yes, please.
Um, can I, uh,
use this for a second?
There's a website...
No, no. Uh, that...
that don't go online.
I run all my businesses
from this computer,
so I never connect
to the internet with this one.
Can't have these cookies
or dirty government programs
touching me.
Zora, listen to me...
you... [chuckles]
...you can't be too careful
these days
with all these cell phones
listening
and recording everything.
I hate that.
Babe...
I'm with you on that.
All the way.
[phone rings]
One second.
[ringing]
[sighing deeply]
What?
Yeah, tomorrow to the garage
and one right after that.
And tell 'em
they better keep up.
We only got a couple weeks.
What else?
I'm busy.
Uh... I gotta
take this in my office.
Mm.
How'd you get
this information, Melina?
[door bangs shut]
[]
[]
[Slide] He's been with us
for, like, two years!
[footsteps]
Well, damn.
If you're sure...
then send him home.
[]
-[door closes]
-[footsteps]
[Reverend Gordon] Zora?
Well, what are you doing here?
I saw your car parked out front.
You know my car?
It's the one in front of
"Reserved for Pastor," right?
[laughing]
You know church
is on Sundays, right?
I have heard that somewhere.
Actually, I, um...
I wanted to ask you
about something
you said to me the other day.
About Percy Daye
being a gangster?
Yeah.
Are you coming to me
for advice or confession?
I'm not sure.
Mm. Well, the advice
usually comes
after the confession.
I was at Slide's house
last night,
and it felt like
he wanted to be physical...
...and so did I.
What's fueling
this desire for intimacy?
Physical attraction?
No.
Huh.
Uh, then what is it?
To right a terrible wrong.
I want justice...
because I think
he killed my husband.
[]
If you think
Slide had something to do
with your husband's death,
I understand
you wanting justice.
But using yourself
or others fueled by anger,
that's... that's not justice...
that's revenge.
So you're saying
I should wait for justice?
Justice requires patience.
Revenge wants immediacy...
"right here, right now."
It's a dangerous emotion.
For years,
I was angry at my husband
for all the things he did.
I-I spent money recklessly.
I trampled over
peoples' emotions.
I-I refused to listen to anyone
but the angry, hurt woman
inside of me.
I wanted revenge...
on anybody and anything.
All for the pretense
of-of healing myself,
but-but revenge doesn't
close the gap.
It just poisons the soul.
I ran out of patience.
I need to hold someone
responsible for that hurt.
I need them to hurt.
And that someone is Slide?
I'm betting my life to find out.
[phone starts ringing]
And what do I owe the honor?
[chuckles]
I'm just calling to make sure
that you're eating right.
It's important to put healthy
things inside your body,
especially as you get older.
Mm, I don't think
I like the way you say "older".
So what are you proposing,
ma'am?
I bring lunch...
a healthy one... to the office.
Nah, don't bring anything.
I'll text you the address.
Meet me at the warehouse.
I'll take you out.
I just gotta finish up
some business.
See you in an hour?
See you in an hour. Bye.
Papi,
if you don't mind me asking,
what do you see in her?
Sexy, smart, bold.
We communicate.
She's interested in me.
[scoffs lightly]
Mel, she might be
the first woman
I give a ring to.
[elastic snaps]
And I do mind you asking.
[knocking]
Come in!
Zora.
This is Melina.
Melina, Zora.
[Melina scoffs]
-[chuckles]
-[boot thuds on table]
We still having lunch?
Not here.
I'm taking you out.
I just need
to pop into scheduling.
I'll be right back.
Something you looking for?
If I was, I'd ask.
-Ready?
-Yep.
All right.
[lock clicks]
[Percy] Shall we?
Slide,
what does Melina do for you?
Head of security.
My tough little cookie.
I'd say your rude little bitch.
So did I hear you say
something about a ball?
It's my day party.
Mm.
Steppers come
from different cities.
I hold it twice a year.
It's a big event
for the company.
[phone rings]
Excuse me.
Mm.
All right, how many drivers
have you got?
[engine revving loudly]
[camera shutter clicks]
[camera shutter clicks]
[conversation continues,
indistinct]
[]
Reckless and dangerous.
I have it under control.
No, you control nothing.
We finally have something.
[Kendall] What? This?
Hmm? A photo and license plate?
Melina Zuniga
spent time in the federal pen,
just like all the rest
of Blacktop's employees.
Other than that...
she's clean.
Did you actually see her
driving the car from your house?
No, but that is the car.
What about the information I got
from the guy that works there?
And who is that, Mrs. Bibbs?
He's the recruiter
I told you about.
He goes by the name of "Piper".
What?
When's the last time you spoke
to him, this Piper?
Like, a week or so ago. Why?
[]
Oh, wow.
His body
was discovered yesterday.
His phone was clean,
but his screen cover
had his face and name.
He was on our side.
He was investigating
for the FDA.
The FDA?
Counterfeit GLP-1.
They think Slide
is a major U.S. distributor.
[overlapping]
That's how he makes his money.
All right.
We treat this Melina Zuniga
as a person of interest,
keep tabs on her,
but you...
you have got to stop.
No! I am way too close.
Close to what?
Getting the information
that you two need.
Amanda, this is fruit
from a poisonous tree.
What are you talking about?
It's possible tainted evidence
that could be
ruled as inadmissible in court
because it was obtained
through illegal activities.
I didn't do anything illegal!
You don't know
what you're doing.
I may not be trained
in law enforcement,
but I know how to read people,
and get information.
Record this.
Amanda Bibbs,
you do not work
for the police department.
You are not
under our instruction,
guidance, or direction.
Any information obtained,
or items delivered to us,
will solely be
by your own volition.
Are we clear?
Yes, we are.
[Det. Kendall] Mrs. Bibbs...
if you go back there,
you'll be all alone,
and we can't protect you.
I know.
[clacking]
So what's this ball about?
I call it... "Art of Step,"
'cause it also
involves art deals.
Major dealers are coming
from Chicago, Kansas City...
Philly, from New York.
And I expect you to be there.
[clacking]
Yo, Slide.
I'll wear
something sexy that night.
Make all the chicas jealous.
I got some business
to attend to.
-What?
-Quit playin'.
[]
[clack-thud]
[clack-thud]
[]
Yeah
[]
With the ball coming up,
I thought I could
use a little practice, too.
["Funky Train" plays]
Choo-choo!
Baby
the funky train's coming
There's something wrong
Better tell your mama now
[]
Hold on tight now
With the brand-new tracks
Hold on tight now
Keep it strong
Keep it tight
Hold on tight now
With the brand-new tracks
Hold on tight now
Funky train...
Lasts so long...
[indistinct exchanges]
We all good for next week?
All the heavy hitters
have confirmed.
I want everything tight.
It will be.
[sighs]
I don't trust her.
Why not?
She hides part of herself,
and works a little too hard
to get close to you.
Didn't you do the same thing?
[scoffs]
Well, dig a little deeper,
if you want to.
She'll be with me tonight.
[]
[clink]
[]
[security system beeps]
[]
[sighs] Bitch.
[click]
[phone ringing]
Nada, jefe.
[grunts irately]
[Percy]
I have something to tell you.
I ran a security check on you.
When we first met?
Yes. And tonight.
That's so sexy.
Why are you telling me this?
Hoping to find
a reason to break up.
Did you?
No.
You still want to break up?
Maybe.
There's a reason I don't invite
new people into my life.
People disappoint you,
betray you.
You're afraid
I'll disappoint you?
Do I take the chance?
Like you,
I want greatness for my life.
What you and I have here,
it's good,
but I'm willing to take a chance
on the good
to get to the great.
Then ask me whatever it is
you really want to know.
Two questions.
You're an art dealer that knows
basically nothing about art.
[chuckles softly]
You mentioned moving money.
Is that some sort
of gangster thing,
to launder cash?
Well, I wouldn't
call it "gangster,"
but, uh, art is not as...
regulated.
You said two questions.
How would you feel
about a woman
who loves for a man
to be a little gangster?
What if
he's a whole lot of gangster?
Then she'd be
that ride-or-die babe...
...who'd love him even more.
Mm
Yeah
Mm
Part one of the chapter
Where we racked up
Feelings for each other
Star-crossed lovers
on a dark night
Standing holding hands
in the moonlight
Next move
Yeah, you backed up
Emotions too strong
I saw you back up
Thought we were forever
I guess I better get up
It was all a set-up
Love never lets up...
[Percy] You good in there?
Yeah, I'm good.
[shower splashing]
[sobbing softly]
[]
-Everything good on your end?
-Mm-hmm.
Checked all these people.
Plus, the caterer's bringing
folks I know to the venue.
In... [gasps in pain]
[Percy] What's wrong with you?
My tooth's been killing me.
Get that checked out. Today!
I can't have my people
jumpin' all crazy
when I got guests.
And put your guys in place
at the venue.
Get yourself together.
[]
[groaning]
[]
[]
It's almost party time.
[]
Where's she going?
Follow her.
[]
These days, I don't care
what they think
Don't care who hears
Don't care who sees
'Cause it's all
fun and games
Long as no one bleeds, man
I just wanna be me
I wanna be me
I wanna be me
I wanna be me, yeah
Fill it out, take a seat.
We'll call you.
I wanna be me, yeah...
West Coast
and I'm a new wave
You're too late
Already broke the plane...
I have some business
to take care of.
Won the game
What crowd, no shame
La-la-la-la
I'll be singing in the rain
Oh, let's make a toast to me
I've been killing it
straight to the top you see
Started in the cold
Yeah, life's a beach
Now I'm on the boardwalk
like Monopoly
I see right through it
Like a bubble so clear
I'm a visionary
The missing piece
of the puzzle
Let it out
No filter, no muzzle
From the heartbreak
Easy you in trouble
So welcome to my imaginary
Let's have some fun
If the team need help
I'll carry 'em...
[]
[Percy] Please forgive
my cautionary tactics.
I hate that cell phones
record every word that we say.
And we leave weapons outside,
because some of y'all don't
get along with each other.
You'll receive
a certificate of authenticity
for each piece of art...
once the transactions
are complete.
Yo, Doc, how long's
this gonna take?
Well, first, we have
to anesthetize the area
where I will be
doing the extraction.
Yeah, I don't know
what the hell that means.
We numb your gums.
Numb it how?
My banker.
She's verified that all funds
have been transferred
from our loving hands to yours,
whatever
the individual agreement was
between us.
[]
[muffled] The bathoom?
Bathoom!
[roars] Bathoom!
Down the hall to the left.
[huffs]
[hands clasping]
[Slide] I love art and business,
but I love partying more.
Let's get back to it, huh?
[]
[Percy] I'm unavailable.
You know what to do.
The bish is fake!
Boss! The bish is fake!
[fuming, spits out cotton]
Dammit, she's been made!
Let's go!
[]
Steady.
Oh, come on, seriously?
Come on!
[]
[phone ringing]
Kendall.
W-Wait, I can't...
I can't hear you.
Hold on a sec.
[]
Get out! Your cover's blown!
Melina Zuniga
just gave us the slip.
We think she's coming for you.
She may have already called.
Hold on.
He doesn't have his phone.
I can't leave without proof.
Get out of there! Now!
[]
All right, let's get
some drinks going, people!
[]
[Percy] Whoo!
[]
[glasses clinking]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[chain snaps]
[]
Well, there you are.
Melina only texts
in emergencies.
"Bitch is Bibbs' wife."
I was, like, "Who's Bibbs?"
Figured I'd grab my laptop
and find out.
Jesse Bibbs
was a man you killed.
He was my husband.
[chuckles bitterly]
Ain't this some...
Funny.
You know, just this morning,
I actually contemplated
me being your husband.
Life's a trip and then you die.
But I won't die today.
You probably will.
Give me that!
-[grunting]
-[crashing]
-[thud]
-[cries out]
[crashing]
[groaning]
[]
[]
[engine starts]
-[brakes screech]
-Slide!
I saw her take off
in one of our buses.
Track the GPS on that bus!
She can't be far.
I'm gonna send her home.
[groans]
[]
Kendall!
Where are you?
In a bus, on some street.
Please tell me
you can unlock a computer
with a password.
-We can.
-I have it!
Everything!
Where are you?
I'll share a pin.
Jeez!
[]
[tires squealing]
Ugh! That bitch!
Hold on.
[tires squealing]
[gun firing]
[shots blasting]
[tires squealing]
[]
[Melina] Boss. Boss!
[]
-[pounds]
-Open the door!
[siren wails]
Boss, we gotta go!
Open the door, Zora!
Jefe, vamonos!
I'm not leaving
without my business!
Open this door!
Slide! Let's go!
[siren wailing]
-[Melina] Slide!
-[gunshot]
[gun fires]
[siren wailing]
[siren wailing]
[Percy gasping]
Who...
Who taught you how to shoot?
My husband taught me.
He was a much better man
than you will ever be.
Now say the wrong thing...
and I'll make the world
a better place right now.
Say it.
Slide!
You think you beat me?
It was never about beating you.
It was about freeing myself.
So, yeah, I won.
[]
[tires squealing]
[]
Nice service.
You listened to my sermon?
Somewhat.
It wasn't exactly
my type of message.
It was a little too preachy.
Then you write the next one.
[chuckles]
You heard
that Slide is looking at
30 years or more in prison?
A lot of his associates
are gonna do time, too.
I know.
You made it happen.
In the end,
did you get justice...
or revenge?
Maybe both.
When Jesse was killed,
I couldn't let go or move on.
I was rotting inside
from doing nothing,
and almost died doing something,
which wasn't exactly
the right thing either.
Quite a conundrum.
That part.
Now what happens
to "Zora Smith"?
I will keep her dresses
and shoes.
Those are fly.
But Amanda Bibbs
will be going back
to preaching about fluoride
and flossing,
and then dental school.
I've come to like
the idea of filling cavities.
Well, all right, Doctor!
Not yet, but soon.
Join me for a brew in an hour?
My treat.
Say less!
[to herself]
My beer-drinking pastor.
Jesse would be happy.
I finally found my church home.
Got a feeling
And it just feels right
Know I better listen
Hear my spirit yellin'
Crying out
I need some attention
Done had a long time away
From where my heart
still stays
Now I'm sure that I just got
To make a change
I'm comin' home...
I'm comin' home
It's callin' my soul
I'm comin' home
Can't take it away
I got a vision so strong
Can't take it away
This is where I belong
I'm comin' home
Yes!
Wanna see my people
rising up
Yes!
And anything good
gets a little tough
Oh, yeah, now!
Can't nothin' grow, no