So Help Me Todd (2022) s02e03 Episode Script
The Queen of Courts
1
I'll be okay.
I'll be okay.
Hey, man, you all right?
Susan!
Hey, Susan.
Whoa, where's the fire?
I've been yelling to
you for the last block.
Oh. Sorry. Hi. Hi.
Uh, lost in my thoughts.
Important meeting this morning.
I-I think it's just a
formality, but, you know me,
I'm still stressing
out over it anyway.
Well, as the owner
of Portland's future
number one private
investigation firm,
I know a thing or two
about important meetings.
I mean, when I have
them, I will know them.
And I will have meetings. It
is certainly in my future.
Someday. Things still slow?
Uh You know, I
prefer to think of it
as a larval stage. You know,
before your business transforms
into Portland's number
one P.I. butterfly?
Exactly.
Ugh Her.
Did a few jobs for
that woman once.
Total sleazeball.
Ambulance chasing
You wouldn't believe the
stories if I told you.
Honestly, thank God
that's behind me.
Oh, my God. There she is.
Todd Wright! Don't move.
- Think she saw me. Susan
- Todd Wright! Todd Wright!
Don't you move. Susan, do
not leave me alone with her.
Please. Susan, Susan. I
got to get to that meeting.
But, uh, good luck.
No, no, no, no, no.
Hey. My favorite private dick.
Just who I was looking for.
Uh, really? Why?
Can't old friends reconnect?
Okay, well.
I'm in a little bit
of a legal dust up.
Don't worry your pretty
little head about it.
Belinda's gonna land
on her feet, as always.
But I need a lawyer.
You are a lawyer.
A different lawyer.
What say you introduce
me to your mom?
Oh, um, she's busy.
That's why I need you
to grease the wheels.
Charm her.
Charm her? She's my mom.
And seriously, she's,
like, extra busy.
Guess who wasn't "extra
busy" when I first met him?
You.
I helped you out.
I scratched your back.
And mine's getting real itchy.
I think there's
a cream for that.
I-I don't understand
why I'm being fired.
What did I do wrong?
Absolutely nothing.
We've just discovered a
redundancy at your position.
And because you were
the last one hired
Lisa
if you need a-a recommendation
or anything, just ask.
A recommendation isn't
going to pay my rent.
Dear God.
Uh-huh
Hmm.
Hey, you let Lisa go?
So, do you want resumes for
a new office manager or?
Oh, wow. Okay.
So we're in that situation.
Wait, should I be worried?
Oh, no.
We're just, uh, experiencing
a temporary cash flow issue.
Nothing more.
I've had to cancel
the office pastries
and the good coffee,
and, of course, Lisa.
But it's under control.
It is.
Oh, um, I almost forgot.
You have that
meeting with Susan.
What? Now?
Uh. Oh. Can we
reschedule it until
Morning. You ready for me?
Yes. Come in.
So, I know that you know this,
but six months ago, you
and I spoke about me
being promoted to
senior associate.
We picked a date in
the future to talk,
and this is it.
Yep. Okay.
Um, I've brought in
four smaller clients,
was lead in three trials,
five settlement negotiations
and-and a probate hearing.
More-more importantly,
I'm ready.
Susan, I am so proud of you.
And there's no question
that you deserve it.
But I've also been
the highest billing associate
for the past two years.
But I think we're gonna
have to put a-a pin in it,
just for a bit.
Okay, so when?
Next month? Um
I mean, you're a
name partner now.
You can make this happen, right?
Well, it's more
complicated than that. I
Mom. Belinda Tuttle
is on her way up.
What? The ambulance chaser? Why?
Maybe I'll just reschedule.
I'll talk to Francey.
No, wait, Susan. Wa
Just wait. Listen.
Okay, so after I lost my license
and before I started here,
I did a few tiny jobs
for Belinda Tuttle,
like, nothing jobs.
Found a couple witnesses.
Tracked down a missing ear.
Long story. A missing
ear? Oh, Todd.
I was desperate back then,
but now I'm rebuilding
my public persona.
Todd 2.0.
2.1? I honestly can't
remember what point I'm at.
And I don't want Belinda
and her sleazy reputation
dragging me back down.
However, she has asked me
to make a professional
intro to you,
and just to be nice
and to avoid her and to
get her to go away, I,
but you do not have to
work with her or rep her,
or even talk to her.
Rep her? Ha! No.
Todd, lawyers like
Belinda Tuttle
are what give the entire
profession a bad name.
She's only in it for the money.
And how would that look
to our A-list clients?
Like we were selling out?
No, I will absolutely not
represent Belinda Tuttle.
Belinda Tuttle. Esquire.
Nice to meet you.
I'm here to see Margaret Wright.
Okay, I'll just let her
know that you're here.
Oh, it's okay, don't
worry about it.
She's expecting me.
Love your blouse, by the way.
Belinda Tuttle.
Hello.
Belinda Tuttle. Ta-da.
Make sure this is sturdy.
My average recovery for
a ladder fall is 125K.
Hello.
Enchantée.
Uh, loose wires are
the devil's playground.
Look out, people!
This setup is not ergonomic.
When you develop carpal tunnel,
and you will,
call me.
You must be Margaret.
Yes. Mom, this is
Belinda Tuttle.
Belinda Tuttle. You might
know me from my ads.
"Trouble? Call Tuttle."
Yes, I know who you are.
Your jingle just burrows
right into the brain.
Come in.
So, uh,
Todd tells me that you're having
some sort of legal
trouble, or
Well, you heard
about Leon Dinks?
The man that fell at
the grocery store?
Not my area.
Well, he used to be a
client of mine, years ago,
a loose railing accident.
But this time he
fell, and he died.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
His sister went to the police.
Leon told her he
had been recruited
for a fake slip-and-fall scam,
and that I was behind it.
Oh, and were you? Behind it?
Of course not.
I know what people say,
but I'm not an ambulance chaser.
Oh, I hadn't heard that.
Well, I don't care.
I know who I am.
I'm a good lawyer
and a successful one.
Okay, maybe some of my
clients that I represent
exaggerate their injuries,
but I would never ask
anyone to injure themselves.
Why would I risk everything
for a stupid scam?
I see your point, but,
uh, my docket is full.
I need a great lawyer.
Well, the right attorney
is out there somewhere.
They charged me
with manslaughter.
I've been to 12 firms,
they've all turned me down.
Margaret, I need your help.
I understand. I do. Mm
Listen, it's not
just me. If I fail,
all of my employees
are out of jobs.
I, uh
I appreciate your
dilemma, but Listen,
I'll double your normal rate.
In cash. Up front.
Welcome to Crest,
Folding & Wright.
Mom, working with Belinda
is a huge mistake.
We got to get out of this.
Maybe we should bump her off.
Have you ever done that?
You are overreacting.
Belinda a client who needs help.
You don't actually think she's
part of this scam, do you?
Mom, you said it yourself.
You think your A-list
clients are gonna be
giving us referrals when they
see Belinda in our lobby?
No. We're not like her.
Mom, you and I not him
we are top-shelf people.
Belinda's down
here. Us. Belinda.
Us. Belinda. Lyle.
You know what I mean?
Todd, it has already
been decided.
And Belinda's arraignment
is this afternoon,
so we need to get moving.
Oh, my God.
Now, the evidence against
Belinda seems very thin to me.
So I will be arguing that
because of her reputation,
the prosecution is
blinded by their own bias.
And if this is a scam,
and if Belinda is
not a part of it
The best way to
prove her innocence
is to find the real mastermind.
Exactly. Good, Lyle.
Yeah, excellent work,
Inspector Clouseau.
But if I know anything
about Belinda,
and I do, she's stepped
on a lot of toes.
It's Toe-mageddon.
And if forced to work this case,
I guess I could do some digging
and see if someone's
trying to get back at her.
Good, Todd. Revenge is
certainly a possibility,
but the one thing that
we know for certain
about scams like these is
that it's all about the
settlement payments.
So, Lyle, you will be
on the money trail.
Unfortunately, we don't
have a lot to go on,
so we'll need to
bring in that, um,
that, uh, forensic
accountant. Alex!
Uh, I mean, uh,
Alex Parker
is a
solid candidate.
This is a big mistake.
She's making a big mistake.
Wait, we don't even
have any pastries?
Great. Great day. It was
supposed to be a great day.
Hey, guys.
Margaret has more
responsibility now,
and she's got a-a lot
on her plate, and you
Yeah, but I feel like she's
not even listening to me.
She can't see what's
right under her nose.
Right? Right. Exactly.
I mean, it's hard enough getting
my business off the ground.
Belinda is a mistake.
I deserve to be
senior associate.
I'm not gonna just
move on. Wait.
You think I should show
Margaret what a big mistake
So, you're saying, to
protect my reputation
by finding something
to help with your case?
And get Belinda out of my
life as quick as possible
and move on? That could work.
I'm so glad we had this talk.
Yeah, thanks, Francey.
What?
What happened to
the coffee? Ugh!
I'm going downstairs.
Have a nice day.
The night we met ♪
Medium coffee. Black.
Oh.
Yeah. I mean, a
"please" wouldn't hurt,
and a little eye contact
wouldn't kill you, either.
Please.
And what's the name
I should put on that?
Um Todd.
Todd.
Nice to meet you,
Todd. I'm Judy.
Where's Millicent?
Oh, actually, she had to
So, in South Africa,
they Ah! Oh, are you okay?
Oh, my God. Ow. Okay,
you're okay. Okay.
You know, if you're
interested in suing,
got the perfect lawyer for you.
Mm. Yeah, not for
me. Not litigious.
Don't really believe in it.
You know that 80% of Americans
can't afford legal help
when they're in trouble?
Then who's hiring
all the lawyers?
Well, I think I'm more into
personal responsibility.
You know, be kind,
clean up after yourself,
try not to burn down the planet.
I actually have my
master's in philosophy
and one in environmental
sustainability,
so I'm kind of like an expert.
Wait, you have two master's?
Five, actually.
And a partial master's from
Mid-Atlantic online University.
Six. I always
forget astrobiology.
All right, so
Um, I have a Todd.
Yeah, thank you.
Oh. Wow. Okay.
Yeah, let's just kill
all the sea turtles.
Hey, I love sea turtles.
Sure you do.
Thank you.
Welcome.
Weirdo.
As soon as we get
through the arraignment,
we'll start witness prep.
Ah, good morning, Margaret.
Morning. Belinda.
Uh
Ah, Gary, you're looking well.
Thank you, Margaret.
My man! Oh. Hey, hey.
Hey, are you still, uh,
scalping those playoff tickets?
Guilty as charged. I need three.
Will do. All right.
Mm.
Ugh, that guy?
Who? A.D.A. Russo?
BELINDA: He hates me.
I whupped him in court a bunch.
Okay.
You!
My brother trusted
you, and now he's dead!
Leon is dead.
Ma'am, this way, please.
When you ride with
an ambulance chaser,
somebody always ends
up in the morgue.
Enjoy.
For the Tuttle case,
are you using offset or
index function for the data?
I found the offset function
is best as it's calculated
from a single cell
reference point.
Cleaner results.
Well, aren't you
full of surprises?
You know, if you're free Friday,
maybe we could, uh,
have dinner at my condo.
Yeah, I can finally
see your place.
Also, um, there's a
great farmers market
in the morning, if you
wanted to maybe, um, stay.
Are you asking me
to sleep over?
It is our fifth date.
Are you counting
the hot dog cart?
Lyle, I need you to
Oh. Hey, Alex.
What? You're just cute.
Okay, so, I made some calls,
and, no surprise, Belinda's
got a lot of enemies.
Insurance companies,
lawyers, even old clients.
So, I put together
this "Nemesis List"
trademark pending on that name
of potential suspects,
but there's a bunch,
and I need you to take half.
Can't, because we found a lead.
We got access to the insurance
settlement databases,
and we found something strange.
So, in the last 18 months,
there have been five
slip-and-fall cases
all involving former
clients of Belinda.
Yes, and these cases were
never filed with the courts.
Everything was off-book.
So, you'd only
want to be off-book
if you didn't want
a public record.
Exactly, and we traced
the settlement payments,
and they all went to
the same account at
Western Gateway Bank.
So, whose account is it?
The bank refuses to
release this information,
but we did find something.
So, the slip-and-falls
all happened
at five different grocery
stores, and, strangely,
they all had the same
employee witness, Cory Hill.
So, either Cory is
extremely unlucky
Or he's part of the scam.
LYLE and ALEX: Precisely.
Subject consuming his third
bag of Chuffs cheese puffs.
Mom, I am on a stakeout.
Well, obviously.
I tried calling, but
Yeah, well, my phone's
on silent. Why?
Uh, stealth.
Oh, God, you really
need to clean this car.
When I drove it, it was
sparkling and fresh.
Yeah, and Enrique Iglesias
was still top on the charts.
Why are you here?
Well, I brought you
an early dinner.
Some leftover chicken piccata.
You work much better and
faster when you're well-fed.
No, no, no! Don't-don't
eat it here.
It's already stinky
enough as it is. Oh.
Okay. And I would
love an update.
Well, I think it's safe to say
that Cory is not the mastermind,
unless masterminding means
smoking two joints
and going to town on
another bag of cheese puffs?
Uh-huh. Well, we'll have to
bring him in for questioning.
No, we can't do that.
Once the higher-ups in the
scam know we're sniffing,
the trail will disappear.
No, no, no, no.
Patience is our ally.
Given enough time,
Cory will lead us
to the mastermind,
who, I am sure, is
on my Nemasissalist.
Still working on that name.
How much time are we talking?
Uh, 72 hours,
give or take. 72 hours?
Todd, we don't have 72 hours.
The A.D.A.'s already
calling witnesses.
Hey, no one wants to finish
this case more than me,
trust me, but these
things take time.
Which we have none of,
so you will just have
to stake out quicker.
"Stake out quicker"? Yes.
That's not how this
works, thank you.
Well, then what do you propose?
Apparently, I will have to
under protest
move on to Plan B.
Oh. What is Plan B?
I guess we'll find out.
Are you gonna open
my door for me?
Okay. Ooh.
I need something sharp.
No, I don't have anything
like that in there.
Seriously? You could fix a blimp
with what you carry in that bag.
Okay, I have this.
And I have this.
I have Ah.
I have this.
Oh, would you look at
that, something sharp.
Okay, now, get down low.
Lower. Lower.
Okay.
Just kidding, you don't
actually have to get down low.
Todd!
Okay, listen, we are gonna fake
our own fake slip-and-fall,
and I will be the
bait to draw Cory out.
I got it, you're the worm.
I prefer decoy,
thank you very much.
So, just go over there,
puncture a container of milk,
and then I will
slip in the puddle.
Uh, wait, is that
a good idea? No.
Yes. Go.
Okay.
Today would be better.
Stab it. Stab it!
I'm stabbing it.
I'm stabbing. Stab it.
Oh, it's curdled.
Just get another one. Any
other one, please. Okay.
Okay.
Okay.
All right. Great. Perfect.
This is a disaster. Um
Okay, Mom, just grab anything
at this point. I'll get this.
Honey, it's soy.
Maybe I shouldn't.
Oh, it's soy? All
right, well, then
maybe we should just go
home. Just do it, please.
God, stop yelling at me.
You know what? Fine.
I'm doing it.
Just I'm coming.
Oh!
Ow. I'm really
I'm really injured.
I love your commitment
to the role,
but maybe take it
down just a hair.
What? Just-just get out of here
before Cory sees you.
All right, all right.
Just call me, let me
know what happens.
And less arms,
less face. Just go.
All right, just do not
saw the air so much
with your hands, Todd.
Bro, wait. What's
happening? Is this today?
I thought Yeah, yeah.
Uh They sent me.
So you're saying now is now?
That's exactly what I'm saying,
but I-I think I hit
my head or something.
I-I don't remember
what to do next.
Uh see the doctor?
Right, right, right.
Dr., um Kevorkian.
No, dude, Dr. Batten.
Good morning, good morning.
Money troubles?
No, just a timing issue.
Nothing to be embarrassed about.
You know, you can always buy
yourself a little extra time.
For instance, on this invoice,
you see it says,
"Due March fourth."
Add a one, March 14. Presto.
Ten extra days.
And what vendor's gonna
argue something so small
with a valued customer
like yourself?
Yes, thank you, thank you,
thank you. I have it handled.
Shall we discuss
trial strategy?
Absolutely.
Right out of the gate,
the key to winning are
three little words:
Delay, delay, delay.
Oh, and exactly what sort of
delay did you have in mind?
Throw some useless
motions at Russo,
then add names to
the witness list
that we never intend to call,
and this is
the most important
pile on the continuances
because the more of
their time we waste,
the less time they
have to prepare.
No. That is not how I operate.
We will stick to winning
by facts and the law.
Oh, Margaret. You know,
you're one of the last people
who still follows the rules.
You hired me to
drive this boat.
Let me do my job.
You know, you think
we're so different.
The only difference is
that you had the good luck
of starting at a white-shoe
firm instead of a strip mall.
No frivolous delays, Belinda.
I am not you. And,
for the record,
I was shining those shoes
before I was wearing them.
Belinda Tuttle?
Ugh. No, no, no.
Hi.
Oh, hi. Are you hiding?
From what?
You're scared of her?
No. I just don't want
to deal with her.
And, in my defense,
she's the worst. She basically
shamed me into
working on her case,
and I just want to
get away from her.
Ah, so she gave you a
job? What a monster.
Wh No. You don't understand.
She has a terrible reputation,
and I am currently starting
a new business. So
Oh, so her bad reputation
is going to ruin
your good one?
Okay, my reputation
is apparently
not stellar right
now, but I am
And how is that her fault?
No, it's not Look.
- I am top-shelf, and she's just
- What's going on?
He's hiding from some lady.
She's gone, by the way. Oh.
And you are?
This is my roommate from hell.
From hell. Okay, good to know.
Are we getting lunch
with Mom or?
Oh. Ah.
Mom. So, you are guys,
like, brother and sister?
Got your lunch right here.
We are going somewhere
else. Wait, what? No, Todd.
This is not lunch. This is,
like, an appetizer for lunch.
Bye.
Could you please
state your name
and relationship
with Ms. Tuttle?
Debbie Richards.
And I was Ms.
Tuttle's assistant.
And how long did you work
as Ms. Tuttle's assistant?
A little over two years,
and then I resigned.
You quit on the
"Queen of Courts"?
Why?
Oh, no.
Belinda was wonderful.
I just, I
I wanted to work for a
more upscale law firm.
In your time with Ms. Tuttle,
did she ever ask
you to lie for her?
Objection.
I'm sorry. You go. You go.
Uh, Your Honor, the prosecution
is asking the witness
to testify about prior bad acts,
which is clearly forbidden.
This speaks to her
modus operandi.
The prejudicial
effect outweighs
I'm going to allow it.
You can answer the question.
I guess, but just
little lies, like,
whether we had received a
motion or if someone had called.
And did Ms. Tuttle ever
suspect her clients
were exaggerating
injuries? Your Honor.
Overruled.
I will remind you,
you are under oath.
I'm so sorry.
Yes. She did.
No further questions
at this time.
We have a problem.
The jury doesn't trust you.
It's worse than
that. They hate me.
This is totally bizarre.
I shouldn't even be here.
My shift starts in an hour.
And I can see your butt.
What? Oh.
Ugh! These are barbecue.
Can you stop? Just
help me figure out
if this guy's a real doctor
or maybe the mastermind.
He wasn't on my original
Nemesiss-eliss-ellist.
I'm sorry, what?
It's not working.
Also, what is in this for me?
I don't know.
Maybe a roof above your
head and free food?
Mm, no. I shower
first for a week.
What? That is outrageous.
Okay, two weeks.
Ah, here we go.
Hello, good afternoon.
Hi. What seems to
be the problem?
Uh, it's my back.
I-I fell, and,
uh, I was injured,
and-and Cory sent me.
Oh Cory.
Well, then, just
between the three of us.
How about your ankle?
That hurt, too?
Uh, no, just my
back. Oh. Oh. Uh
Probably hit your head as well.
Minor concussion. Neck sprain.
You're diagnosing him without
touching him or examining him?
And you can barely
get out of bed.
You may need spinal surgery.
Is are you joking?
Is this a prank? Al.
You know, if we really
want to up the damages,
we should consider
fusing some vertebrate.
Maybe replacing a rib or two.
What? What is this,
the Middle Ages?
Who are you again?
My wife. His sister.
My sister-wife. How about
you also I don't know
take off the top of his head
and scrape out all
the dead brain cells.
Well, we might be able to make
a case for something like that.
What?
But, usually, Belinda weighs in
on the severity of the injuries.
What? A-A-Are you sure?
You must deal with
a ton of lawyers.
No, just Belinda.
She keeps me pretty busy
with stuff like this.
I would seriously,
honestly love to know
where you went to
medical school.
Okay, uh-uh,
Belinda, she's tall?
Brown-ish, reddish curly hair?
Big googly eyes?
You know, I've never
actually met her in person,
but I've got her
card here somewhere.
Oh.
Ah.
Hm, yup, that's the one.
And say, if you want to
lose a pinky toe or two,
she could easily get
you another 60 grand.
Th This is fantastic.
Are you single? Seriously.
Well, we can't put this
Dr. Batten on the stand
if he genuinely thinks that you
are the lawyer with
whom he's working.
Agreed. The jury already
thinks the worst of me.
I'm best one-on-one.
Better with a beer. LYLE: What?
You're cute, by the way.
Okay, can we just
Dr. Batten also
gave me this.
Well, this looks like my card,
but this isn't my number.
Here.
- Okay, I'll just record.
- Yeah.
Hello, this is Belinda Tuttle.
We set up a meeting with the
woman impersonating my client,
but, unfortunately,
she never showed.
And this, uh, Cory Hill?
Oh, well, uh, he must've gotten
wind of our investigation
because he skipped,
uh, his shift,
and-and then he never
returned to his apartment.
But I do have this.
The chain of custody on
this card is highly suspect.
Let me guess,
you're going to need more time
to complete your investigation.
Yes, yes. We're requesting
a two-week continuance.
No. But, uh, Your Honor,
- I need to be able to show you
- Counselor,
this may be your first
case with Ms. Tuttle,
but it's not mine.
I've presided over 12
of them, and do you know
how many times she's
asked for continuance
because of dire need? 27.
Well, I assure you this
is not a frivolous
Mm-mm. I will not be
made a fool again.
No more delays.
This trial will
continue whether or not
your investigation is complete.
Hey, listen, I-I
made some calls.
I got two of the
vendors to extend,
but it does not look good.
Yeah, I know.
I know. Thank you, Francey.
Mm-hmm.
What?
Well, also,
I overheard Beverly
on the phone,
and she's concerned
about you taking
on Belinda Tuttle.
Says it feels desperate.
Image, optics, whatever. Oh
Let's just wrap this up
quick and move on, huh?
Okay, okay, okay.
Please tell me you
have good news.
Sort of.
We were able to get the
phone records for the number
from the fake business card.
It's a burner, but we have the
tower locations
where it was used.
Yeah, we've been trying
to find some link
between the tower
locations and the suspects
on my Neh-Sih-Lih. No
luck so far, but
Guys, we don't have time.
We need results now
before the reputation of
the firm goes up in flames
and Belinda ends up in prison.
Hey, I warned you
not to take her on.
You think I want to be searching
for a needle in a haystack
right now? Todd, you want
off the case so badly?
Fine. You're off.
Fine.
Uh
We'll keep working.
Hi.
I know you didn't ask for it,
but I did a deep dive into
Belinda's trial history
to see if anything
suspicious jumped out.
I just I didn't want
you to be caught off guard
in court in case the
A.D.A. dug it up first.
Oh.
Thank you, Susan. That's a
tremendous amount of work.
Yeah, yeah, it was.
And, while I didn't
find anything to suggest
that Belinda was
involved in the scams,
I did
find this.
It's one of her cases
from three years ago.
Belinda was certain to win,
and then she asked her
client on the stand
about an unrelated past injury.
But that would expose her
client's entire medical history
to examination.
Exactly, and he was a fraud.
So, when the jury heard
about his other "falls,"
it was over.
It was an error that even
a law student could avoid.
So, you think Belinda
threw the case?
Nothing else makes sense.
Thank you, Susan.
That's amazing work.
Yeah. No, I know.
Which is why I'm deserving
of senior associate.
Susan. I know.
Do you? Because I do this
extra The timing is just not
When, Margaret?
When will be the right time?
Susan.
I would like nothing more than
to give you that promotion.
Trust me. But now
is not the time.
Hey, you.
Yo, Belinda boy.
Hey, do not call me that.
That woman has been
nothing but trouble,
and I don't want people
to think that I would work
for someone like her.
All you do is
complain about her.
Well, you have no
idea who she is.
You have no idea who I am.
Okay, fair, but I don't know
you seem kind of
obsessed with her.
I don't know, in this,
like, really weird way.
I mean, yeah, okay, maybe
she has a crappy reputation,
but she came to you for help,
didn't she? So, I don't know,
maybe just, like, relax.
If you look to someone
expecting the worst, that's
all you're gonna see.
Hi, Judy.
Hi.
Are you asking me
if I'd throw a case?
No, no, no, no.
No, that's obvious.
The only question is why.
Was it money, was it
was the insurance company
gonna pay you off to
betray your client?
Because if that is the reason,
then maybe you would be open to
faking a slip-and-fall, too.
We don't get many chances
to decide who we are.
Not really.
Okay.
What happened?
Well, in this case,
my client was
despicable. A liar.
I finally discovered he
was faking everything.
But we were already in trial.
The payout was gonna be huge,
and I'm good at my job.
So why throw a case?
The defendant was a family-owned
restaurant on Burnside,
been around since the '60s,
supporting generation
after generation
of family members.
The owner's wife was battling
cancer, for God's sake.
And they were going to lose
Everything.
What, for my contingency fee?
No, I was at a crossroads.
Was I going to protect
these innocent people?
Ruining them was a line
I could not cross.
Well, that is, um
admirable, Belinda.
But, unfortunately,
we-we are out of time.
The judge is pressing
for closing arguments,
and your reputation
has poisoned the jury.
We need to pull a rabbit
out of a hat fast.
Oh, God. If only you could just
take the stand and-and-and
speak like you did just now,
I mean, they would believe
you about everything,
but, obviously,
that's off the table.
Put me on the stand.
Wha Are you serious?
No, no, you will be disbarred
for throwing the case.
Better than serving
six years in prison.
We both know where
this is headed.
No.
No, no, Belinda. We-we will
come up with something.
We have to keep on fighting.
Margaret, I'm gonna do it.
If committing career
suicide means my freedom,
so be it.
What's this?
A map.
Of all the best overnight
parking spots by my condo.
You laminated it.
Yeah, in case you
wanted to keep it handy.
Um, and in case you decided to,
you know, the farmer's market.
You never quite answered.
And I was wondering
if, you know
You know what, Lyle?
I, um
um, I can't.
Oh, if Saturday is better,
I have another one
No, I can't. I'm sorry.
You know, just taking, um,
our relationship to
the next level is,
um
I've been burned by
office romances before
and I just
I'm not ready to
cross that line.
Not yet.
I'm sorry.
Lyle, excuse me. I
need you to help me
I found something.
You are off this case.
Oh, fine. Whatever. I'm
working "bo pro no."
But that's not
important. And this is:
Because of Belinda's
terrible reputation,
I was convinced the
mastermind had to be
someone with a
grudge against her.
But I was looking at
the evidence all wrong.
What do you mean? Well,
instead of adversaries,
I should've been
looking at allies.
Someone with the knowledge
and access to pull this off.
So
the burner phone from
the fake business card
pinged right here
at a tower near Debbie
Richards' apartment.
Debbie, Belinda's old assistant?
Yep, and it pinged
here at court
On the day of her testimony.
It looks like after leaving.
Belinda's firm,
she was on and off
unemployment for months.
Yeah, she also
filed for bankruptcy
two years ago and
then withdrew it.
So, she would've not
only had access to
all of Belinda's agreements,
she would've known
which of her old clients
was open to the scam.
This isn't about revenge.
It's about desperation.
So, what if we made her
a little more desperate?
You don't have to do this.
I have Todd working
on a plan right now.
Margaret, I hate to
break the news to you,
but your son's an idiot.
That's not true.
He is not the same person he
was when he worked with you.
It's too late.
Let's-let's just
get it over with.
Oh. Hey, Mom.
Todd, where are we at?
We have a trap set for Debbie.
Hey, I was going to tell her.
We have a trap set for Debbie.
Since we knew that the
settlement payments
for the fake slip-and-falls
were going to an account
at Western Gateway
You should really
clean this car.
Oh, he's not wrong, Todd.
Okay. Well, we sent phony alerts
saying that her
funds were frozen to
her real phone and the burner.
Excellent. And I've already
spoken to the police.
I will have them
meet you at the bank.
No, no, no, no, no.
It'll be too late.
She'll be gone
before they get here.
And, once she knows
we're after her,
she'll disappear like Cory.
You have to delay her.
Todd, don't fail me.
Hey, I will handle this end.
Your job is to stall that trial.
All rise.
Be seated.
Ms. Wright,
are you ready to
call your witness?
Yes, Your Honor, yes.
Oh!
Oh, I am so sorry, Your Honor.
I Oh!
Oh, no. Sorry. Wait.
Just so sorry
What are you doing?
Delay. Delay.
Delay.
Oh.
Oh, no, my mother's necklace!
Oh, no!
Oh, God
Oh
You carry a name tag with you?
Octavius?
Of course. You don't?
Uh, yeah.
It's just in my other car.
She's here.
Oh. Just a second, please.
Uh, excuse me, Your
Honor, I've just gotta
I've, somewhere, misplaced
my reading glasses.
Can't see a thing.
Just, uh
Okay. Hmm
Oh. No. That's not it.
Okay. No.
Oh, God.
No.
They must be in
here somewhere.
Counselor.
Today.
Ah. There it is.
Reading glasses.
Okay. Ahem.
Okay, Ms. Tuttle,
uh, what is it, exactly,
that you do for a living?
Well, I suppose that depends on
what your definition
of what "is" is?
Oh, yes. I completely
understand your confusion.
In this context,
it is a verb of
the present tense
"to be."
Thank you, Ms. Tuttle. I'm
not sure what happened.
If you'll just
wait here a moment,
I'll go find out who
sent you those alerts.
Ms. Belinda Tuttle?
Yes, I'm Belinda Tuttle.
Oh. Fantastic. Would
you say that again?
And smile?
Wait, what is this?
Are you
Oh
Trouble?
Call Tuttle.
Where is Oh.
Counselor,
if you don't speed
up this questioning,
I'm gonna hold you in contempt.
Do you understand?
Uh, yes, Your Honor.
Oh.
Oh! Your Honor,
I think you are going to
give us that continuance now.
H.R. form 545,
to be used for
inter-office relationships
whenever you are ready.
I want you to understand
that I am all in on you,
and I will do
whatever is necessary
to help you feel comfortable.
You know what?
Let's go.
Right now.
To your place.
But the farmer's market is
only open on Saturdays.
If we get there before
Oh.
Oh, okay. Okay.
Yeah, yeah. Yeah. That's
a plan. It's a plan.
I-I-I-I am on board.
Yes. Let me, uh,
let me just go grab
some files from Susan.
She just sent me an email.
And she's I've
just gotta go
And I'll be right back.
I will be right back.
Right back.
You will be happy to know
that Debbie is in custody,
Dr. Batten has been
reported to the board
and that all charges against
you have been dropped.
Oh, Margaret. Oh
I can never thank you enough.
But I'd like to think
that you learned
a thing or two from
me along the way.
Oh, I don't know about that.
You're welcome.
Hi. There he is.
Okay. We're hugging? Okay. Oh
Thank you.
I knew you were the
right person to come to
for help. And remember, if
you're ever in trouble
I know. Call Tuttle.
Belinda Tuttle.
Is your neck all right?
Your posture's off.
Work stress? Yeah.
Go see a doctor and call me.
Is this a butterscotch?
Hey, what are you doing?
You're sitting? Did you forget?
Yeah, we're getting dinner,
right? You're paying.
Or he's paying. I'm not. Mm-mm.
We're getting dinner, right?
Allison, I thought you were
getting your roots done today.
Mom, do not.
Well, okay. Okay, okay.
Mom, I cannot sit
in my apartment
for another night,
watching her eat cereal.
You're also eating cereal.
Yeah, all the more reason.
Todd and Allison, I
would love nothing more
than to take you both to dinner,
but I can't, I'm too busy.
This is the second
fake meal with Mom
this week that you
have dragooned me into.
You are buying me dinner, and
I'm not eating clam chowder.
What? I can't afford
to feed two people
anything but clam chowder.
Just lop off another pinky toe.
Should be more than enough.
Ha-ha-ha-ha.
Hey, Mom? Hmm?
Maybe all my worrying about
Belinda was for nothing.
I mean, we're still
top-shelf, right?
Top-est of the top.
Yeah, like where you
keep all the good stuff.
and TOYOTA.
Captioned by Media Access
I'll be okay.
I'll be okay.
Hey, man, you all right?
Susan!
Hey, Susan.
Whoa, where's the fire?
I've been yelling to
you for the last block.
Oh. Sorry. Hi. Hi.
Uh, lost in my thoughts.
Important meeting this morning.
I-I think it's just a
formality, but, you know me,
I'm still stressing
out over it anyway.
Well, as the owner
of Portland's future
number one private
investigation firm,
I know a thing or two
about important meetings.
I mean, when I have
them, I will know them.
And I will have meetings. It
is certainly in my future.
Someday. Things still slow?
Uh You know, I
prefer to think of it
as a larval stage. You know,
before your business transforms
into Portland's number
one P.I. butterfly?
Exactly.
Ugh Her.
Did a few jobs for
that woman once.
Total sleazeball.
Ambulance chasing
You wouldn't believe the
stories if I told you.
Honestly, thank God
that's behind me.
Oh, my God. There she is.
Todd Wright! Don't move.
- Think she saw me. Susan
- Todd Wright! Todd Wright!
Don't you move. Susan, do
not leave me alone with her.
Please. Susan, Susan. I
got to get to that meeting.
But, uh, good luck.
No, no, no, no, no.
Hey. My favorite private dick.
Just who I was looking for.
Uh, really? Why?
Can't old friends reconnect?
Okay, well.
I'm in a little bit
of a legal dust up.
Don't worry your pretty
little head about it.
Belinda's gonna land
on her feet, as always.
But I need a lawyer.
You are a lawyer.
A different lawyer.
What say you introduce
me to your mom?
Oh, um, she's busy.
That's why I need you
to grease the wheels.
Charm her.
Charm her? She's my mom.
And seriously, she's,
like, extra busy.
Guess who wasn't "extra
busy" when I first met him?
You.
I helped you out.
I scratched your back.
And mine's getting real itchy.
I think there's
a cream for that.
I-I don't understand
why I'm being fired.
What did I do wrong?
Absolutely nothing.
We've just discovered a
redundancy at your position.
And because you were
the last one hired
Lisa
if you need a-a recommendation
or anything, just ask.
A recommendation isn't
going to pay my rent.
Dear God.
Uh-huh
Hmm.
Hey, you let Lisa go?
So, do you want resumes for
a new office manager or?
Oh, wow. Okay.
So we're in that situation.
Wait, should I be worried?
Oh, no.
We're just, uh, experiencing
a temporary cash flow issue.
Nothing more.
I've had to cancel
the office pastries
and the good coffee,
and, of course, Lisa.
But it's under control.
It is.
Oh, um, I almost forgot.
You have that
meeting with Susan.
What? Now?
Uh. Oh. Can we
reschedule it until
Morning. You ready for me?
Yes. Come in.
So, I know that you know this,
but six months ago, you
and I spoke about me
being promoted to
senior associate.
We picked a date in
the future to talk,
and this is it.
Yep. Okay.
Um, I've brought in
four smaller clients,
was lead in three trials,
five settlement negotiations
and-and a probate hearing.
More-more importantly,
I'm ready.
Susan, I am so proud of you.
And there's no question
that you deserve it.
But I've also been
the highest billing associate
for the past two years.
But I think we're gonna
have to put a-a pin in it,
just for a bit.
Okay, so when?
Next month? Um
I mean, you're a
name partner now.
You can make this happen, right?
Well, it's more
complicated than that. I
Mom. Belinda Tuttle
is on her way up.
What? The ambulance chaser? Why?
Maybe I'll just reschedule.
I'll talk to Francey.
No, wait, Susan. Wa
Just wait. Listen.
Okay, so after I lost my license
and before I started here,
I did a few tiny jobs
for Belinda Tuttle,
like, nothing jobs.
Found a couple witnesses.
Tracked down a missing ear.
Long story. A missing
ear? Oh, Todd.
I was desperate back then,
but now I'm rebuilding
my public persona.
Todd 2.0.
2.1? I honestly can't
remember what point I'm at.
And I don't want Belinda
and her sleazy reputation
dragging me back down.
However, she has asked me
to make a professional
intro to you,
and just to be nice
and to avoid her and to
get her to go away, I,
but you do not have to
work with her or rep her,
or even talk to her.
Rep her? Ha! No.
Todd, lawyers like
Belinda Tuttle
are what give the entire
profession a bad name.
She's only in it for the money.
And how would that look
to our A-list clients?
Like we were selling out?
No, I will absolutely not
represent Belinda Tuttle.
Belinda Tuttle. Esquire.
Nice to meet you.
I'm here to see Margaret Wright.
Okay, I'll just let her
know that you're here.
Oh, it's okay, don't
worry about it.
She's expecting me.
Love your blouse, by the way.
Belinda Tuttle.
Hello.
Belinda Tuttle. Ta-da.
Make sure this is sturdy.
My average recovery for
a ladder fall is 125K.
Hello.
Enchantée.
Uh, loose wires are
the devil's playground.
Look out, people!
This setup is not ergonomic.
When you develop carpal tunnel,
and you will,
call me.
You must be Margaret.
Yes. Mom, this is
Belinda Tuttle.
Belinda Tuttle. You might
know me from my ads.
"Trouble? Call Tuttle."
Yes, I know who you are.
Your jingle just burrows
right into the brain.
Come in.
So, uh,
Todd tells me that you're having
some sort of legal
trouble, or
Well, you heard
about Leon Dinks?
The man that fell at
the grocery store?
Not my area.
Well, he used to be a
client of mine, years ago,
a loose railing accident.
But this time he
fell, and he died.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
His sister went to the police.
Leon told her he
had been recruited
for a fake slip-and-fall scam,
and that I was behind it.
Oh, and were you? Behind it?
Of course not.
I know what people say,
but I'm not an ambulance chaser.
Oh, I hadn't heard that.
Well, I don't care.
I know who I am.
I'm a good lawyer
and a successful one.
Okay, maybe some of my
clients that I represent
exaggerate their injuries,
but I would never ask
anyone to injure themselves.
Why would I risk everything
for a stupid scam?
I see your point, but,
uh, my docket is full.
I need a great lawyer.
Well, the right attorney
is out there somewhere.
They charged me
with manslaughter.
I've been to 12 firms,
they've all turned me down.
Margaret, I need your help.
I understand. I do. Mm
Listen, it's not
just me. If I fail,
all of my employees
are out of jobs.
I, uh
I appreciate your
dilemma, but Listen,
I'll double your normal rate.
In cash. Up front.
Welcome to Crest,
Folding & Wright.
Mom, working with Belinda
is a huge mistake.
We got to get out of this.
Maybe we should bump her off.
Have you ever done that?
You are overreacting.
Belinda a client who needs help.
You don't actually think she's
part of this scam, do you?
Mom, you said it yourself.
You think your A-list
clients are gonna be
giving us referrals when they
see Belinda in our lobby?
No. We're not like her.
Mom, you and I not him
we are top-shelf people.
Belinda's down
here. Us. Belinda.
Us. Belinda. Lyle.
You know what I mean?
Todd, it has already
been decided.
And Belinda's arraignment
is this afternoon,
so we need to get moving.
Oh, my God.
Now, the evidence against
Belinda seems very thin to me.
So I will be arguing that
because of her reputation,
the prosecution is
blinded by their own bias.
And if this is a scam,
and if Belinda is
not a part of it
The best way to
prove her innocence
is to find the real mastermind.
Exactly. Good, Lyle.
Yeah, excellent work,
Inspector Clouseau.
But if I know anything
about Belinda,
and I do, she's stepped
on a lot of toes.
It's Toe-mageddon.
And if forced to work this case,
I guess I could do some digging
and see if someone's
trying to get back at her.
Good, Todd. Revenge is
certainly a possibility,
but the one thing that
we know for certain
about scams like these is
that it's all about the
settlement payments.
So, Lyle, you will be
on the money trail.
Unfortunately, we don't
have a lot to go on,
so we'll need to
bring in that, um,
that, uh, forensic
accountant. Alex!
Uh, I mean, uh,
Alex Parker
is a
solid candidate.
This is a big mistake.
She's making a big mistake.
Wait, we don't even
have any pastries?
Great. Great day. It was
supposed to be a great day.
Hey, guys.
Margaret has more
responsibility now,
and she's got a-a lot
on her plate, and you
Yeah, but I feel like she's
not even listening to me.
She can't see what's
right under her nose.
Right? Right. Exactly.
I mean, it's hard enough getting
my business off the ground.
Belinda is a mistake.
I deserve to be
senior associate.
I'm not gonna just
move on. Wait.
You think I should show
Margaret what a big mistake
So, you're saying, to
protect my reputation
by finding something
to help with your case?
And get Belinda out of my
life as quick as possible
and move on? That could work.
I'm so glad we had this talk.
Yeah, thanks, Francey.
What?
What happened to
the coffee? Ugh!
I'm going downstairs.
Have a nice day.
The night we met ♪
Medium coffee. Black.
Oh.
Yeah. I mean, a
"please" wouldn't hurt,
and a little eye contact
wouldn't kill you, either.
Please.
And what's the name
I should put on that?
Um Todd.
Todd.
Nice to meet you,
Todd. I'm Judy.
Where's Millicent?
Oh, actually, she had to
So, in South Africa,
they Ah! Oh, are you okay?
Oh, my God. Ow. Okay,
you're okay. Okay.
You know, if you're
interested in suing,
got the perfect lawyer for you.
Mm. Yeah, not for
me. Not litigious.
Don't really believe in it.
You know that 80% of Americans
can't afford legal help
when they're in trouble?
Then who's hiring
all the lawyers?
Well, I think I'm more into
personal responsibility.
You know, be kind,
clean up after yourself,
try not to burn down the planet.
I actually have my
master's in philosophy
and one in environmental
sustainability,
so I'm kind of like an expert.
Wait, you have two master's?
Five, actually.
And a partial master's from
Mid-Atlantic online University.
Six. I always
forget astrobiology.
All right, so
Um, I have a Todd.
Yeah, thank you.
Oh. Wow. Okay.
Yeah, let's just kill
all the sea turtles.
Hey, I love sea turtles.
Sure you do.
Thank you.
Welcome.
Weirdo.
As soon as we get
through the arraignment,
we'll start witness prep.
Ah, good morning, Margaret.
Morning. Belinda.
Uh
Ah, Gary, you're looking well.
Thank you, Margaret.
My man! Oh. Hey, hey.
Hey, are you still, uh,
scalping those playoff tickets?
Guilty as charged. I need three.
Will do. All right.
Mm.
Ugh, that guy?
Who? A.D.A. Russo?
BELINDA: He hates me.
I whupped him in court a bunch.
Okay.
You!
My brother trusted
you, and now he's dead!
Leon is dead.
Ma'am, this way, please.
When you ride with
an ambulance chaser,
somebody always ends
up in the morgue.
Enjoy.
For the Tuttle case,
are you using offset or
index function for the data?
I found the offset function
is best as it's calculated
from a single cell
reference point.
Cleaner results.
Well, aren't you
full of surprises?
You know, if you're free Friday,
maybe we could, uh,
have dinner at my condo.
Yeah, I can finally
see your place.
Also, um, there's a
great farmers market
in the morning, if you
wanted to maybe, um, stay.
Are you asking me
to sleep over?
It is our fifth date.
Are you counting
the hot dog cart?
Lyle, I need you to
Oh. Hey, Alex.
What? You're just cute.
Okay, so, I made some calls,
and, no surprise, Belinda's
got a lot of enemies.
Insurance companies,
lawyers, even old clients.
So, I put together
this "Nemesis List"
trademark pending on that name
of potential suspects,
but there's a bunch,
and I need you to take half.
Can't, because we found a lead.
We got access to the insurance
settlement databases,
and we found something strange.
So, in the last 18 months,
there have been five
slip-and-fall cases
all involving former
clients of Belinda.
Yes, and these cases were
never filed with the courts.
Everything was off-book.
So, you'd only
want to be off-book
if you didn't want
a public record.
Exactly, and we traced
the settlement payments,
and they all went to
the same account at
Western Gateway Bank.
So, whose account is it?
The bank refuses to
release this information,
but we did find something.
So, the slip-and-falls
all happened
at five different grocery
stores, and, strangely,
they all had the same
employee witness, Cory Hill.
So, either Cory is
extremely unlucky
Or he's part of the scam.
LYLE and ALEX: Precisely.
Subject consuming his third
bag of Chuffs cheese puffs.
Mom, I am on a stakeout.
Well, obviously.
I tried calling, but
Yeah, well, my phone's
on silent. Why?
Uh, stealth.
Oh, God, you really
need to clean this car.
When I drove it, it was
sparkling and fresh.
Yeah, and Enrique Iglesias
was still top on the charts.
Why are you here?
Well, I brought you
an early dinner.
Some leftover chicken piccata.
You work much better and
faster when you're well-fed.
No, no, no! Don't-don't
eat it here.
It's already stinky
enough as it is. Oh.
Okay. And I would
love an update.
Well, I think it's safe to say
that Cory is not the mastermind,
unless masterminding means
smoking two joints
and going to town on
another bag of cheese puffs?
Uh-huh. Well, we'll have to
bring him in for questioning.
No, we can't do that.
Once the higher-ups in the
scam know we're sniffing,
the trail will disappear.
No, no, no, no.
Patience is our ally.
Given enough time,
Cory will lead us
to the mastermind,
who, I am sure, is
on my Nemasissalist.
Still working on that name.
How much time are we talking?
Uh, 72 hours,
give or take. 72 hours?
Todd, we don't have 72 hours.
The A.D.A.'s already
calling witnesses.
Hey, no one wants to finish
this case more than me,
trust me, but these
things take time.
Which we have none of,
so you will just have
to stake out quicker.
"Stake out quicker"? Yes.
That's not how this
works, thank you.
Well, then what do you propose?
Apparently, I will have to
under protest
move on to Plan B.
Oh. What is Plan B?
I guess we'll find out.
Are you gonna open
my door for me?
Okay. Ooh.
I need something sharp.
No, I don't have anything
like that in there.
Seriously? You could fix a blimp
with what you carry in that bag.
Okay, I have this.
And I have this.
I have Ah.
I have this.
Oh, would you look at
that, something sharp.
Okay, now, get down low.
Lower. Lower.
Okay.
Just kidding, you don't
actually have to get down low.
Todd!
Okay, listen, we are gonna fake
our own fake slip-and-fall,
and I will be the
bait to draw Cory out.
I got it, you're the worm.
I prefer decoy,
thank you very much.
So, just go over there,
puncture a container of milk,
and then I will
slip in the puddle.
Uh, wait, is that
a good idea? No.
Yes. Go.
Okay.
Today would be better.
Stab it. Stab it!
I'm stabbing it.
I'm stabbing. Stab it.
Oh, it's curdled.
Just get another one. Any
other one, please. Okay.
Okay.
Okay.
All right. Great. Perfect.
This is a disaster. Um
Okay, Mom, just grab anything
at this point. I'll get this.
Honey, it's soy.
Maybe I shouldn't.
Oh, it's soy? All
right, well, then
maybe we should just go
home. Just do it, please.
God, stop yelling at me.
You know what? Fine.
I'm doing it.
Just I'm coming.
Oh!
Ow. I'm really
I'm really injured.
I love your commitment
to the role,
but maybe take it
down just a hair.
What? Just-just get out of here
before Cory sees you.
All right, all right.
Just call me, let me
know what happens.
And less arms,
less face. Just go.
All right, just do not
saw the air so much
with your hands, Todd.
Bro, wait. What's
happening? Is this today?
I thought Yeah, yeah.
Uh They sent me.
So you're saying now is now?
That's exactly what I'm saying,
but I-I think I hit
my head or something.
I-I don't remember
what to do next.
Uh see the doctor?
Right, right, right.
Dr., um Kevorkian.
No, dude, Dr. Batten.
Good morning, good morning.
Money troubles?
No, just a timing issue.
Nothing to be embarrassed about.
You know, you can always buy
yourself a little extra time.
For instance, on this invoice,
you see it says,
"Due March fourth."
Add a one, March 14. Presto.
Ten extra days.
And what vendor's gonna
argue something so small
with a valued customer
like yourself?
Yes, thank you, thank you,
thank you. I have it handled.
Shall we discuss
trial strategy?
Absolutely.
Right out of the gate,
the key to winning are
three little words:
Delay, delay, delay.
Oh, and exactly what sort of
delay did you have in mind?
Throw some useless
motions at Russo,
then add names to
the witness list
that we never intend to call,
and this is
the most important
pile on the continuances
because the more of
their time we waste,
the less time they
have to prepare.
No. That is not how I operate.
We will stick to winning
by facts and the law.
Oh, Margaret. You know,
you're one of the last people
who still follows the rules.
You hired me to
drive this boat.
Let me do my job.
You know, you think
we're so different.
The only difference is
that you had the good luck
of starting at a white-shoe
firm instead of a strip mall.
No frivolous delays, Belinda.
I am not you. And,
for the record,
I was shining those shoes
before I was wearing them.
Belinda Tuttle?
Ugh. No, no, no.
Hi.
Oh, hi. Are you hiding?
From what?
You're scared of her?
No. I just don't want
to deal with her.
And, in my defense,
she's the worst. She basically
shamed me into
working on her case,
and I just want to
get away from her.
Ah, so she gave you a
job? What a monster.
Wh No. You don't understand.
She has a terrible reputation,
and I am currently starting
a new business. So
Oh, so her bad reputation
is going to ruin
your good one?
Okay, my reputation
is apparently
not stellar right
now, but I am
And how is that her fault?
No, it's not Look.
- I am top-shelf, and she's just
- What's going on?
He's hiding from some lady.
She's gone, by the way. Oh.
And you are?
This is my roommate from hell.
From hell. Okay, good to know.
Are we getting lunch
with Mom or?
Oh. Ah.
Mom. So, you are guys,
like, brother and sister?
Got your lunch right here.
We are going somewhere
else. Wait, what? No, Todd.
This is not lunch. This is,
like, an appetizer for lunch.
Bye.
Could you please
state your name
and relationship
with Ms. Tuttle?
Debbie Richards.
And I was Ms.
Tuttle's assistant.
And how long did you work
as Ms. Tuttle's assistant?
A little over two years,
and then I resigned.
You quit on the
"Queen of Courts"?
Why?
Oh, no.
Belinda was wonderful.
I just, I
I wanted to work for a
more upscale law firm.
In your time with Ms. Tuttle,
did she ever ask
you to lie for her?
Objection.
I'm sorry. You go. You go.
Uh, Your Honor, the prosecution
is asking the witness
to testify about prior bad acts,
which is clearly forbidden.
This speaks to her
modus operandi.
The prejudicial
effect outweighs
I'm going to allow it.
You can answer the question.
I guess, but just
little lies, like,
whether we had received a
motion or if someone had called.
And did Ms. Tuttle ever
suspect her clients
were exaggerating
injuries? Your Honor.
Overruled.
I will remind you,
you are under oath.
I'm so sorry.
Yes. She did.
No further questions
at this time.
We have a problem.
The jury doesn't trust you.
It's worse than
that. They hate me.
This is totally bizarre.
I shouldn't even be here.
My shift starts in an hour.
And I can see your butt.
What? Oh.
Ugh! These are barbecue.
Can you stop? Just
help me figure out
if this guy's a real doctor
or maybe the mastermind.
He wasn't on my original
Nemesiss-eliss-ellist.
I'm sorry, what?
It's not working.
Also, what is in this for me?
I don't know.
Maybe a roof above your
head and free food?
Mm, no. I shower
first for a week.
What? That is outrageous.
Okay, two weeks.
Ah, here we go.
Hello, good afternoon.
Hi. What seems to
be the problem?
Uh, it's my back.
I-I fell, and,
uh, I was injured,
and-and Cory sent me.
Oh Cory.
Well, then, just
between the three of us.
How about your ankle?
That hurt, too?
Uh, no, just my
back. Oh. Oh. Uh
Probably hit your head as well.
Minor concussion. Neck sprain.
You're diagnosing him without
touching him or examining him?
And you can barely
get out of bed.
You may need spinal surgery.
Is are you joking?
Is this a prank? Al.
You know, if we really
want to up the damages,
we should consider
fusing some vertebrate.
Maybe replacing a rib or two.
What? What is this,
the Middle Ages?
Who are you again?
My wife. His sister.
My sister-wife. How about
you also I don't know
take off the top of his head
and scrape out all
the dead brain cells.
Well, we might be able to make
a case for something like that.
What?
But, usually, Belinda weighs in
on the severity of the injuries.
What? A-A-Are you sure?
You must deal with
a ton of lawyers.
No, just Belinda.
She keeps me pretty busy
with stuff like this.
I would seriously,
honestly love to know
where you went to
medical school.
Okay, uh-uh,
Belinda, she's tall?
Brown-ish, reddish curly hair?
Big googly eyes?
You know, I've never
actually met her in person,
but I've got her
card here somewhere.
Oh.
Ah.
Hm, yup, that's the one.
And say, if you want to
lose a pinky toe or two,
she could easily get
you another 60 grand.
Th This is fantastic.
Are you single? Seriously.
Well, we can't put this
Dr. Batten on the stand
if he genuinely thinks that you
are the lawyer with
whom he's working.
Agreed. The jury already
thinks the worst of me.
I'm best one-on-one.
Better with a beer. LYLE: What?
You're cute, by the way.
Okay, can we just
Dr. Batten also
gave me this.
Well, this looks like my card,
but this isn't my number.
Here.
- Okay, I'll just record.
- Yeah.
Hello, this is Belinda Tuttle.
We set up a meeting with the
woman impersonating my client,
but, unfortunately,
she never showed.
And this, uh, Cory Hill?
Oh, well, uh, he must've gotten
wind of our investigation
because he skipped,
uh, his shift,
and-and then he never
returned to his apartment.
But I do have this.
The chain of custody on
this card is highly suspect.
Let me guess,
you're going to need more time
to complete your investigation.
Yes, yes. We're requesting
a two-week continuance.
No. But, uh, Your Honor,
- I need to be able to show you
- Counselor,
this may be your first
case with Ms. Tuttle,
but it's not mine.
I've presided over 12
of them, and do you know
how many times she's
asked for continuance
because of dire need? 27.
Well, I assure you this
is not a frivolous
Mm-mm. I will not be
made a fool again.
No more delays.
This trial will
continue whether or not
your investigation is complete.
Hey, listen, I-I
made some calls.
I got two of the
vendors to extend,
but it does not look good.
Yeah, I know.
I know. Thank you, Francey.
Mm-hmm.
What?
Well, also,
I overheard Beverly
on the phone,
and she's concerned
about you taking
on Belinda Tuttle.
Says it feels desperate.
Image, optics, whatever. Oh
Let's just wrap this up
quick and move on, huh?
Okay, okay, okay.
Please tell me you
have good news.
Sort of.
We were able to get the
phone records for the number
from the fake business card.
It's a burner, but we have the
tower locations
where it was used.
Yeah, we've been trying
to find some link
between the tower
locations and the suspects
on my Neh-Sih-Lih. No
luck so far, but
Guys, we don't have time.
We need results now
before the reputation of
the firm goes up in flames
and Belinda ends up in prison.
Hey, I warned you
not to take her on.
You think I want to be searching
for a needle in a haystack
right now? Todd, you want
off the case so badly?
Fine. You're off.
Fine.
Uh
We'll keep working.
Hi.
I know you didn't ask for it,
but I did a deep dive into
Belinda's trial history
to see if anything
suspicious jumped out.
I just I didn't want
you to be caught off guard
in court in case the
A.D.A. dug it up first.
Oh.
Thank you, Susan. That's a
tremendous amount of work.
Yeah, yeah, it was.
And, while I didn't
find anything to suggest
that Belinda was
involved in the scams,
I did
find this.
It's one of her cases
from three years ago.
Belinda was certain to win,
and then she asked her
client on the stand
about an unrelated past injury.
But that would expose her
client's entire medical history
to examination.
Exactly, and he was a fraud.
So, when the jury heard
about his other "falls,"
it was over.
It was an error that even
a law student could avoid.
So, you think Belinda
threw the case?
Nothing else makes sense.
Thank you, Susan.
That's amazing work.
Yeah. No, I know.
Which is why I'm deserving
of senior associate.
Susan. I know.
Do you? Because I do this
extra The timing is just not
When, Margaret?
When will be the right time?
Susan.
I would like nothing more than
to give you that promotion.
Trust me. But now
is not the time.
Hey, you.
Yo, Belinda boy.
Hey, do not call me that.
That woman has been
nothing but trouble,
and I don't want people
to think that I would work
for someone like her.
All you do is
complain about her.
Well, you have no
idea who she is.
You have no idea who I am.
Okay, fair, but I don't know
you seem kind of
obsessed with her.
I don't know, in this,
like, really weird way.
I mean, yeah, okay, maybe
she has a crappy reputation,
but she came to you for help,
didn't she? So, I don't know,
maybe just, like, relax.
If you look to someone
expecting the worst, that's
all you're gonna see.
Hi, Judy.
Hi.
Are you asking me
if I'd throw a case?
No, no, no, no.
No, that's obvious.
The only question is why.
Was it money, was it
was the insurance company
gonna pay you off to
betray your client?
Because if that is the reason,
then maybe you would be open to
faking a slip-and-fall, too.
We don't get many chances
to decide who we are.
Not really.
Okay.
What happened?
Well, in this case,
my client was
despicable. A liar.
I finally discovered he
was faking everything.
But we were already in trial.
The payout was gonna be huge,
and I'm good at my job.
So why throw a case?
The defendant was a family-owned
restaurant on Burnside,
been around since the '60s,
supporting generation
after generation
of family members.
The owner's wife was battling
cancer, for God's sake.
And they were going to lose
Everything.
What, for my contingency fee?
No, I was at a crossroads.
Was I going to protect
these innocent people?
Ruining them was a line
I could not cross.
Well, that is, um
admirable, Belinda.
But, unfortunately,
we-we are out of time.
The judge is pressing
for closing arguments,
and your reputation
has poisoned the jury.
We need to pull a rabbit
out of a hat fast.
Oh, God. If only you could just
take the stand and-and-and
speak like you did just now,
I mean, they would believe
you about everything,
but, obviously,
that's off the table.
Put me on the stand.
Wha Are you serious?
No, no, you will be disbarred
for throwing the case.
Better than serving
six years in prison.
We both know where
this is headed.
No.
No, no, Belinda. We-we will
come up with something.
We have to keep on fighting.
Margaret, I'm gonna do it.
If committing career
suicide means my freedom,
so be it.
What's this?
A map.
Of all the best overnight
parking spots by my condo.
You laminated it.
Yeah, in case you
wanted to keep it handy.
Um, and in case you decided to,
you know, the farmer's market.
You never quite answered.
And I was wondering
if, you know
You know what, Lyle?
I, um
um, I can't.
Oh, if Saturday is better,
I have another one
No, I can't. I'm sorry.
You know, just taking, um,
our relationship to
the next level is,
um
I've been burned by
office romances before
and I just
I'm not ready to
cross that line.
Not yet.
I'm sorry.
Lyle, excuse me. I
need you to help me
I found something.
You are off this case.
Oh, fine. Whatever. I'm
working "bo pro no."
But that's not
important. And this is:
Because of Belinda's
terrible reputation,
I was convinced the
mastermind had to be
someone with a
grudge against her.
But I was looking at
the evidence all wrong.
What do you mean? Well,
instead of adversaries,
I should've been
looking at allies.
Someone with the knowledge
and access to pull this off.
So
the burner phone from
the fake business card
pinged right here
at a tower near Debbie
Richards' apartment.
Debbie, Belinda's old assistant?
Yep, and it pinged
here at court
On the day of her testimony.
It looks like after leaving.
Belinda's firm,
she was on and off
unemployment for months.
Yeah, she also
filed for bankruptcy
two years ago and
then withdrew it.
So, she would've not
only had access to
all of Belinda's agreements,
she would've known
which of her old clients
was open to the scam.
This isn't about revenge.
It's about desperation.
So, what if we made her
a little more desperate?
You don't have to do this.
I have Todd working
on a plan right now.
Margaret, I hate to
break the news to you,
but your son's an idiot.
That's not true.
He is not the same person he
was when he worked with you.
It's too late.
Let's-let's just
get it over with.
Oh. Hey, Mom.
Todd, where are we at?
We have a trap set for Debbie.
Hey, I was going to tell her.
We have a trap set for Debbie.
Since we knew that the
settlement payments
for the fake slip-and-falls
were going to an account
at Western Gateway
You should really
clean this car.
Oh, he's not wrong, Todd.
Okay. Well, we sent phony alerts
saying that her
funds were frozen to
her real phone and the burner.
Excellent. And I've already
spoken to the police.
I will have them
meet you at the bank.
No, no, no, no, no.
It'll be too late.
She'll be gone
before they get here.
And, once she knows
we're after her,
she'll disappear like Cory.
You have to delay her.
Todd, don't fail me.
Hey, I will handle this end.
Your job is to stall that trial.
All rise.
Be seated.
Ms. Wright,
are you ready to
call your witness?
Yes, Your Honor, yes.
Oh!
Oh, I am so sorry, Your Honor.
I Oh!
Oh, no. Sorry. Wait.
Just so sorry
What are you doing?
Delay. Delay.
Delay.
Oh.
Oh, no, my mother's necklace!
Oh, no!
Oh, God
Oh
You carry a name tag with you?
Octavius?
Of course. You don't?
Uh, yeah.
It's just in my other car.
She's here.
Oh. Just a second, please.
Uh, excuse me, Your
Honor, I've just gotta
I've, somewhere, misplaced
my reading glasses.
Can't see a thing.
Just, uh
Okay. Hmm
Oh. No. That's not it.
Okay. No.
Oh, God.
No.
They must be in
here somewhere.
Counselor.
Today.
Ah. There it is.
Reading glasses.
Okay. Ahem.
Okay, Ms. Tuttle,
uh, what is it, exactly,
that you do for a living?
Well, I suppose that depends on
what your definition
of what "is" is?
Oh, yes. I completely
understand your confusion.
In this context,
it is a verb of
the present tense
"to be."
Thank you, Ms. Tuttle. I'm
not sure what happened.
If you'll just
wait here a moment,
I'll go find out who
sent you those alerts.
Ms. Belinda Tuttle?
Yes, I'm Belinda Tuttle.
Oh. Fantastic. Would
you say that again?
And smile?
Wait, what is this?
Are you
Oh
Trouble?
Call Tuttle.
Where is Oh.
Counselor,
if you don't speed
up this questioning,
I'm gonna hold you in contempt.
Do you understand?
Uh, yes, Your Honor.
Oh.
Oh! Your Honor,
I think you are going to
give us that continuance now.
H.R. form 545,
to be used for
inter-office relationships
whenever you are ready.
I want you to understand
that I am all in on you,
and I will do
whatever is necessary
to help you feel comfortable.
You know what?
Let's go.
Right now.
To your place.
But the farmer's market is
only open on Saturdays.
If we get there before
Oh.
Oh, okay. Okay.
Yeah, yeah. Yeah. That's
a plan. It's a plan.
I-I-I-I am on board.
Yes. Let me, uh,
let me just go grab
some files from Susan.
She just sent me an email.
And she's I've
just gotta go
And I'll be right back.
I will be right back.
Right back.
You will be happy to know
that Debbie is in custody,
Dr. Batten has been
reported to the board
and that all charges against
you have been dropped.
Oh, Margaret. Oh
I can never thank you enough.
But I'd like to think
that you learned
a thing or two from
me along the way.
Oh, I don't know about that.
You're welcome.
Hi. There he is.
Okay. We're hugging? Okay. Oh
Thank you.
I knew you were the
right person to come to
for help. And remember, if
you're ever in trouble
I know. Call Tuttle.
Belinda Tuttle.
Is your neck all right?
Your posture's off.
Work stress? Yeah.
Go see a doctor and call me.
Is this a butterscotch?
Hey, what are you doing?
You're sitting? Did you forget?
Yeah, we're getting dinner,
right? You're paying.
Or he's paying. I'm not. Mm-mm.
We're getting dinner, right?
Allison, I thought you were
getting your roots done today.
Mom, do not.
Well, okay. Okay, okay.
Mom, I cannot sit
in my apartment
for another night,
watching her eat cereal.
You're also eating cereal.
Yeah, all the more reason.
Todd and Allison, I
would love nothing more
than to take you both to dinner,
but I can't, I'm too busy.
This is the second
fake meal with Mom
this week that you
have dragooned me into.
You are buying me dinner, and
I'm not eating clam chowder.
What? I can't afford
to feed two people
anything but clam chowder.
Just lop off another pinky toe.
Should be more than enough.
Ha-ha-ha-ha.
Hey, Mom? Hmm?
Maybe all my worrying about
Belinda was for nothing.
I mean, we're still
top-shelf, right?
Top-est of the top.
Yeah, like where you
keep all the good stuff.
and TOYOTA.
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