Reasonable Doubt (2022) s04e03 Episode Script

1
[COREY CASH] Previously
on Reasonable Doubt
Maybe we should listen to
the doctors and be patient.
[JAX STEWART] I need
to get back to my firm.
Eric Cropper doing what he
does best. Making headlines.
You don't want that dude being
the face of your new firm's roster.
- You're fired.
- What?
[JAX] I refilled the prescription
and I will take the pain
pills when I need them.
I've been making a lot of things happen
with this Layla project on my own too.
My client has proper
grounds to fire Mrs. Cropper.
We're only here to finalize her buyout.
I know way more about you
and the shit that you've done
than you can even remember,
so stop wasting my fucking time
before more secrets come out.
Jax Stewart doesn't lose.
[JAX] I have never been
this close to failure before.
I have people depending on me.
The fuck you going?
[BROOKE WHIMPERS]
[CELL PHONE BUZZING]
[JAX] I'm sorry.
Do you need to answer that?
[JAX] No, it's just a
reminder to take my pill.
Where were we?
Don't you think addressing
some of the trauma
you've experienced in a more honest way,
help you move forward?
Hmm. You think I'm in
denial about being shot?
[DR. KIM JEFFERSON] No, I
think you're in denial about the things
that happened before you got shot.
Ozzie, Monica.
Early in the session,
you said you, you felt guilt
about some of the events that occurred.
[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING]
Has that feeling changed?
Yes, I don't think I should feel guilty.
You think I should?
Are you asking because
you think that somehow
I am responsible for
what happened to me?
[DR. JEFFERSON] I'm asking
because it would be human
to feel guilt about any of these events.
Hmm.
But the fact that you feel nothing
tells me one of three things.
One, you're lying to me
because you don't trust me yet,
which is understandable.
Two, you're lying to
yourself, which is problematic.
Or three
you're a sociopath with
narcissistic tendencies.
One and three, I can treat.
Number two, that's
trickiest. For both of us.
["TRICKED" BY ROYCE DA 5'9"
FT. KXNG CROOKED PLAYING]
Voila ♪
Disappearin' in the
system, that's a trick ♪
- Trick, trick ♪
- [EXHALES]
My nigga, we've been tricked ♪
Trick, trick ♪
My nigga, we've been tricked ♪
[JAX CLEARS THROAT]
I'll be honest, Dr. Jefferson, um
I am sick of being sad.
I'm sick of talking about being sad.
I'm sick of apologizing for being sad.
I mean, it just, it just
makes me feel stuck,
and I don't wanna
feel like that anymore.
How do you wanna feel?
Like the baddest bitch in the room.
[CELL PHONE BUZZING]
[SIGHS] Hey, I am in
[ERIC CROPPER] [ON PHONE]
Brooke's been kidnapped,
- the detectives are here
- Oh, shit, I'll be right there.
Guess we're done.
[JAX] Uh, I'll see you next week.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
- Before you ask, I ain't say shit.
- Good.
I'm his lawyer, Jax Stewart.
Have you found anything?
Not yet, but, uh, this does
appear to be a professional job.
That's what I was dreading.
Look, due to your
wealth and level of fame,
we believe a ransom will be sent soon.
Holding someone hostage is not easy,
so typically contact is made quickly.
So, basically this is
a shakedown, right?
That's some bullshit.
Ain't no telling how
much they gonna ask for.
Fuck, I'm pissed. I gotta take a shower.
- Relax, relax.
- [DETECTIVE SAVONE] Mr. Cropper,
before you go, can you think of
anyone who could be responsible?
I gotta make a list.
That many, huh?
[CELL PHONE BUZZING]
- It's a blocked call.
- [DETECTIVE SAVONE] This could be it.
Hold on, hold on.
[BUZZING CONTINUES]
Go 'head.
Who is this?
[KIDNAPPER] [ON PHONE]
[DISTORTED VOICE] We have your wife.
Put her on the phone.
Let me talk to her right now.
[KIDNAPPER] Get rid of
the cops, you got 10 hours.
Fifteen million.
Otherwise, you'll be
talking to a corpse.
[PHONE BEEPS]
- [SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
- [PHONE CLATTERS]
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]
From La Brea to Slauson ♪
It's all us ♪
The Sun, Central
Ave Jazz, it's all us ♪
Where we at, hit the Maverick Flats ♪
Lemeirt and right back to the ark ♪
It's all us ♪
We coastin' on the west
between sets and wealth ♪
We toast the sunset in the Dons ♪
Take flight into the
night under Cali stars ♪
In a world on wheels ♪
It's all us ♪
It's the world we feel ♪
It's all us ♪
From the Hills to Hollywood ♪
It's all us ♪
No doubt we all we got ♪
Hold it down, Black and brown ♪
In a city of dreams ♪
It's all us ♪
Cooperation is key right now.
Detectives will wanna
interview employees,
house staff, check
texts, emails, phone logs.
Goddamn, Jax.
They already got the security footage.
They got wiretaps on my phone,
listening to all my
phone calls and shit.
Look at these motherfuckers in my house.
They just wanna utilize all the
tools available to find Brooke.
And there's something else.
Security footage shows Brooke
was dressed up when she left.
Was she going on a date?
Has she been meeting another man?
- Do you know?
- I mean
Do you have any indication
Brooke was having an affair?
No, I mean, no, I don't think so.
But, I mean, if she was dumb enough
to be fucking around with some YN,
shit, the police need
to go find that nigga.
Okay, I'll make sure the
detectives check her DMs
and her other socials
if they haven't already.
Yo, E, I'm gonna, uh, I'm
gonna call the accountants
and start having them
gathering funds, so
No.
[TYGER CROPPER] we can
be ready when they call back.
No, sir. Police said don't
pay, so I'm not paying.
What you mean you ain't paying? What
Since when do you listen to anybody?
This is your wife, bro.
Soon-to-be ex-wife.
And when they say I could lose my
money and her, nigga, I'm listening.
Alright, so so if it was
me, your own brother, huh?
Would you pay then?
Don't do that.
Look, bro, this ain't personal, alright?
That's what these fools want me to do.
They want me to make
a personal decision,
but the detectives are right.
I gotta make a smart decision.
Am I wrong, Jax?
What the fuck are you
asking her for, man?
We get it.
That your money's more
important than your own family.
Alright?
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
Look, it might not be a bad idea
to have the money ready
just in case you do need to pay.
Alright, I'll call the accountants.
Wh That's the same
shit I just said, bro.
Well, motherfucker,
you didn't say it right.
Okay, you know what?
Wow, this is quite the list.
Is this Jared Kushner, like
the president's son-in-law?
No, Gerald Kushher.
He's a rapper, former artist.
And what did he do?
Same shit, different day.
What about Terry T?
Remember that guy who
Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, I
forgot about him. Good memory.
See, that's why you gotta
keep a good lawyer around.
Add him to the list.
Exactly how many people
hate you, Mr. Cropper?
Less than the amount
of people who love me.
But isn't that all that
matters, Detective?
Okay, what about the person
Mrs. Cropper was seeing that night?
Hmm?
We are still trying to retrieve
messages from her iCloud,
but it's going to take some time,
- given we don't have her phone.
- Okay.
However, we want to speak
to all members of your team
to be sure this wasn't an inside job.
We spoke to some of
your security already.
Coincidentally, they had the night off.
Why, Mr. Cropper?
You can answer.
I have no idea.
You're unsure about why
your security had the night off?
Look, my team is on point.
They've been with me for a long time
and there's never
been a breach of trust,
which is why none
of them are on my list.
Okay, but there is someone
missing from your list.
Allen Russo, the engineer turned
musician you signed to your label.
He disappeared over a decade ago.
Uh-uh, uh-uh. What does that
have to do with this present case?
Eric was never arrested or charged.
In fact, he generously
offered a $250,000 reward
for any information leading
to Russo's discovery.
It's just strange that people
tend to disappear in your life.
In case you forgot, this is my
client's wife we're talking about.
If either of you have
any other questions,
he'll be answering them as
the witness, not a suspect.
Until then, you can go back
to your little corner over there
and focus on finding Brooke, understood?
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[JAX SCOFFS]
- That's the shit I'm talking about.
- [JAX] Come on.
They know good and well they
shouldn't have brought that up.
[DANIEL KIM] So I started
looking into Eric's enemy list.
Now, I've been tracking
his stalker's whereabouts,
but she's been pretty quiet
for the last couple years.
Uh, and I've been
looking to Gerald Kushher?
Uh, but he lives in Portland,
plays in a top-40s cover band,
and he did a bar mitzvah yesterday.
And we've also got Terry T,
who no longer lives in the
greater Los Angeles area, so
Well, that narrows it down.
Oh, shit, looks like
someone spilled the beans.
Or should I say sold
them to the highest bidder.
[KRYSTAL WALTERS] Who
do you think leaked it to press?
[JAX] Well, it doesn't matter.
Our job now is to make sure
the information that comes out
doesn't affect Brooke being found.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Oh, of course Desiree
Grant would be here.
[DANIEL] Who's that?
[JAX] She's a music
journalist who built a career
on exposing problematic figures.
She was a fan of Eric's until
she turned on him years ago.
[CELL PHONE CHIMING]
She's a pain in the ass.
[KRYSTAL] Oh, shit.
Y'all need to see this Highkey Tea post.
Fuck, this was posted two minutes ago
and already has over 80,000 likes?
Yep, and the comments
are going in with
[CHUCKLES] lot of people saying
that Eric might be responsible for this.
[JAX] Are you serious?
[DANIEL] Welcome to the shitshow.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[POLICE RADIO CHATTER]
Wait, wait, so you wanna
have a press conference?
You wanna invite more people
and more cameras up in here?
How did they find out about
all of this in the first place?
Detectives, forensics, too
many people that have access
to sell information to the press, aptly.
But more importantly, we
need to counteract the whispers
that you might have
been involved in this.
Me?
Why the fuck would I
create all this chaos?
Okay, I'm not saying you
did, I'm just saying that
We need to take
control of the narrative.
If you don't show complete
and utter compassion
for Brooke in this moment,
you'll never regain
the media's sympathy.
So, you want me to look
like a bitch-ass nigga?
Okay, Grace, can you give us a minute?
Alright.
Look, I know this is a lot,
but your publicist is right.
Every move you make from here on out,
which includes sitting
and doing nothing,
is going to be
scrutinized beyond belief.
Look, your image is on the line.
Your empire.
We fuck this up, it all goes away.
Is that what you want?
I didn't think so.
Now you're a performer, right?
So you get out there and
you make people believe
that you want your wife back.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[REPORTERS CLAMORING]
[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]
- [REPORTER] One question, right here!
- [ERIC] Thank you all for being here.
First of all, let me say that no
matter what we've been through,
Brooke Cropper is still my wife.
Her well-being is of my utmost concern.
So
if anybody knows anything,
please, no lead is too small.
Help bring Brooke, [CLEARS
THROAT] my Brooke, home.
[REPORTERS CLAMORING]
Mr. Cropper, police reports
state you witnessed the abduction?
Were you able to make
out any of the kidnappers?
Can you provide any
details about the suspects?
Unfortunately, I did
witness this horror.
Um, I tried to chase
them, but they were too far.
I couldn't make out
anybody specifically.
Mr. Cropper, sources
say you and Mrs. Cropper
were in the middle of a
highly contentious legal battle
over ownership of your
streaming company.
Do you expect the public to
believe your quote-unquote
"utmost concern" for
your wife's safe return
is, in fact, genuine?
Yes, Brooke and I were
engaged in a private negotiation,
but none of that changed
the fact that Brooke is a person
that I spent over 10 years
married to, waking up to.
Anger's one thing, but evil is another.
So, to suggest that I
would ever put my business
over the well-being of my wife
and her safety isn't just insulting
it's just disgusting.
Nobody plays Eric Cropper
and gets away with it.
When I find you, and I will find you,
just know that it's over for you.
God forgives, I don't.
- [REPORTERS CLAMORING]
- Excuse me.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[CAMERAS CLICKING]
I can't believe you have
me whining like a little girl
in front of all them damn reporters,
especially in front of that
nosy-ass hoe, Desiree.
Got me looking like a goddamn fool.
No, you look like a
man who misses his wife.
- You're fired.
- Are you serious?
Hey, hey, hey, Grace, Grace.
Okay, come here, come here. Look,
it's okay, he's just upset, alright?
- [ERIC] You just gonna let her run
- Just talk tomorrow when he's cooled off.
Yeah?
[TYGER] Let's just
see what Jax has to say.
Eric, it's okay, we
are going to find her.
- Alright?
- Alright.
Can I use one of your
rooms to hop on a Zoom?
It won't take too long.
Yeah, library's back there.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[MRS. RICHARDSON] Spenser is
one of our best students artistically,
a true talent.
But academically, there's
been a slip in his performance.
His grades have been
declining for months
and his PSAT scores
are lower than average.
Hmm. You mean the standardized test
known for upholding cultural bias
and racial prejudice? That one?
[LEWIS STEWART] [ON COMPUTER] Hmm.
[MRS. RICHARDSON] You certainly
have a point there, Mrs. Stewart,
but the main concern is that
Spenser seems distracted.
It's our opinion that
he get tested for ADHD.
A medical diagnosis would
allow him more time to take tests
Whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa, medical diagnosis?
[MRS. RICHARDSON] If
you're not ready for that step,
we also suggest a specialized tutor,
or perhaps holding Spenser back a year
so that he can get a
better grasp of the material.
[SCOFFS]
Okay, this is ridiculous.
We are not holding Spenser back a year.
Is this because he's one of the
few Black students at the school?
Statistically, Black boys
are disproportionately labeled
as disciplinary problems in school.
While everything you said is true,
it is also true that Black boys
are significantly underdiagnosed
and undertreated for ADHD
compared to their white counterparts,
even after exhibiting similar symptoms.
Okay, please, do not lecture me
on the realities of raising
Black children, Mrs. Richardson.
Look, I really just wanna help.
Spenser has been struggling for a while
and it's only been getting
worse since he's been remote.
Well, maybe that's the answer.
He just needs to go back in person.
Exactly.
Maybe.
But if we want Spenser
to have the best chance
of getting accepted to
the college of his choice,
I wouldn't advise waiting to see.
And fortunately, we
do have the opportunity
to get him tested tomorrow
if that works for you.
No.
You know, we will talk to
Spenser and get back with you.
- [SIGHS DEEPLY]
- [CELL PHONE BUZZING]
So think she's telling the truth?
I have no idea, but we can
find out more later tonight.
I know you're in the thick of it. Um
What time are you getting home?
[SIGHS] Honestly, I have
so much going on with Eric.
I could be here all night at this point.
I mean, I could try to break away.
No, it's all good,
babe. Let me handle it.
I can talk to him
one-on-one, father and son.
Okay, thanks. I'll call you later.
Okay.
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS DEEPLY]
[ALARM CHIMES]
[DR. JEFFERSON] [ECHOING] What steps
are you taking to actually make it fine?
[JAX] [ECHOING] I'm sick of being sad.
[EXHALES DEEPLY]
[DR. JEFFERSON] [ECHOING]
How do you wanna feel?
[JAX] [ECHOING] Like the
baddest bitch in the room.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[EXHALES]
Unfortunately, I did
witness this horror.
Um, I tried to chase
them, but they were too far.
I couldn't make out
anybody specifically.
[REPORTER] Mr. Cropper
[JAX] Where are we with the funds?
I'm trying to figure it out, Jax.
I'm looking in all my accounts.
No, you're stalling. Why?
Mr. Cropper.
Mrs. Cropper is here.
Eric, have you been out there?
It's a fucking circus.
Paparazzi drove all
over your hydrangeas.
Yeah, not much I can
do about that right now.
- Mel, you remember Jax?
- Hi, Melina.
Been a long time.
Not long enough.
I see you two still have a
good, friendly relationship.
Mm-hmm. And why wouldn't we?
Anyway, your ability to be
amicable with an ex will be helpful.
That is if it's genuine.
Well, this man genuinely
keeps me in Gucci and gold,
so when he calls, I show up.
Hmm. [CHUCKLES]
Hello, hi. Sorry to interrupt,
but, uh, the cops got a
hit on Brooke's location.
Brooke received a phone
call that activated her location
before her phone was turned off.
When was this?
About 45 minutes ago.
But our abduction unit
is moving in as we speak.
This is live body cam
footage you're watching.
[OFFICER] [IN FOOTAGE] Hold.
We'll find her.
Don't worry, love.
- [DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
- [OFFICER] In position, about to breach.
We're going in.
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
[INDISTINCT]. We got nothin' over here.
No one here, all clear.
- [JAX SIGHS]
- Fuck.
[JAX SIGHS]
So, do you have any other
connections besides the police?
'Cause clearly they don't know
what the fuck they're doing.
Thank you for your unsolicited
opinion, but we got this.
We'll see.
'Cause if you don't find
her and something happens,
he'll never be the same.
And I'ma blame that on you.
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
Bitch.
Fuck!
[ECHOING] I got this.
I got this.
- Hey, what's happening?
- Hey.
Did I miss anything? Got
here as soon as I could.
Well, other than
Melina being a real bitch.
- How'd it go with Brooke's lawyer?
- Oh, everything was fine.
I convinced her lawyer,
Tom, to call the detectives
and give them any information
that he had that could help Brooke.
Then, I talked to the
detective saying that we need
to know any information they
had on Brooke for our client.
- Smart, I like it.
- Yeah, I thought so.
Anyway, look, I worked my
magic and dug into Star Music,
the company that wants to
buy Eric's streaming company.
Brooke is, in fact, whistleblowing.
Apparently, CROP Records
should be called Crap Records.
The company has massive debt that
Brooke has been helping them hide
over the last four years.
I'm talking promotional
and marketing charges
against artist advances,
withholding royalties,
et cetera, et cetera.
And here's the thing,
all of that is wrapped up into
the streaming company, Aura.
So, the moment the filing goes public,
anyone that Eric owes is
gonna sue, not only CROP, Aura,
and probably Eric himself,
Star Music's gonna be on
the hook for a payout as well.
- Wow, this is a mess.
- Yeah.
And Brooke is tied up in this too.
I mean, why would she wanna
take down both companies like this?
Well, Eric fired her,
she has nothing to lose.
Did Eric know what she was up to?
I don't know, but if he did
Then that's motive.
Okay, so, if she really is
devaluing the company,
maybe he did just lose his
shit and decide to take her out.
I mean, yeah, but this
whole shitshow seems stupid,
and very unlike Eric.
So, it's just not making sense to me.
But if it does turn
out that he is in on it,
then that means he was lying to
me and I'm gonna kill him myself.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS]
[HELICOPTER WHIRRING]
[BROOKE WHIMPERS]
- [TIRES SCREECHING]
- [VEHICLE RECEDING]
Got any of that bourbon left?
That memorable, huh?
More than the idle threat?
Yeah.
Who says it was idle?
One ice cube, right?
I'll have neat this time.
It's been a day for both of us.
You can say that shit again.
Mr. Corey Cash.
Let me ask you a question.
You know why the Wall
Street guys or CEOs
jump out of windows,
or go into their three-car
garages and kill themselves
whenever they bet on the wrong company
or get ousted from their jobs?
It's because when you
claw your way to the top,
you smell fresh air.
You get to look down at
all the people who said,
"You ain't shit, ain't
ever gonna be shit."
See them smiling in your
face trying to be where you are.
And you know what?
It feels fucking fantastic.
But when that wind hits your face,
and you're about to be knocked
off the peak of that mountaintop
you don't wanna see
those people laughing
and waiting for you to fall.
So, you'd rather just
throw yourself off.
At least, then, you have
one last bit of control.
If I give them fools the money
then they own me.
They will have the
blueprint to my downfall
and others will follow suit.
- And also
- You hate Brooke?
I don't wanna say it,
but you all are thinking it.
Everyone, even the cops, are wondering
if I'll be happy if something
bad happens to her.
Would you? Be happy?
You married, Corey?
No, just engaged.
Right, right, but you're a successful
single lawyer of a certain age,
so clearly, marriage hasn't
been a priority for you.
How 'bout this?
Put yourself in my position.
If you were me and you had
to choose between your career,
your livelihood, the thing you've
worked hard for your entire life,
and the person who you
may not speak to in a year
what would you do?
If your wife dies because
you didn't pay that ransom,
then, despite all your feelings,
you will be the one to crumble.
And then, instead of
standing on business
you're gonna be standing
over your wife's grave.
Pay the ransom, save her life.
You can fuck her over later.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Thanks for the bourbon.
First, I appreciate you meeting
with me, Professor Harris.
Um, I'm a late bloomer,
so I'm a full-time employee
and full-time student,
which is a lot, but your class
has been one of my favorites in 3L.
Good!
That means I'm definitely
doing something right then, right?
So, you thinking about
leaning towards criminal law?
I think so.
I mean, it's-it's mostly what I've
done working with Jax Stewart.
Jax? Yes, yes, I know her.
How is it working with her?
Good.
I mean, for the most part.
I mean, she just opened her own firm
with a colleague and myself as support.
It's not enough.
I understand.
Yeah, yeah, you're
balancing that and school.
- Yeah.
- Sounds like a lot.
I mean, do you even have
time to be here right now?
Oh, it-it is, and-and I I do,
but, I mean, working with
Jax has been invaluable.
- Hmm.
- She's got a hard shell, though.
And so, is she the one who taught you
those unconventional
views about the media?
Well, she does have a lot of
controversial clients, like Eric Cropper,
who I saw on the news earlier with Jax.
Yeah, but, you know,
I can't be mad at that.
He keeps the bills paid,
and I definitely need this
to help pay for law school.
- Right.
- And-and I wouldn't say
that she's necessarily taught me.
I have observed a lot working with her.
Like what?
Like how to win.
And the win, you think
it justifies the means?
Winning's the only thing
that people remember.
Is that you talking or Jax?
Oh well, me.
Listen, there are lots of
ways to prevail in court.
Some toe the line, some near
the line, some cross the line.
But every attorney eventually
has to find the suit that fits them.
Hmm.
So, maybe start thinking
about the suit that fits Krystal.
[KNOCKS ON DOOR]
[LEWIS] Hey, Spense.
How you doing?
I'm a'ight, just doing my work.
Everything okay? Is Mom okay?
Oh, yeah, yeah, she's, she's good.
She's good.
But how are you?
I mean, the teacher seems to think
you're having problems
focusing at school.
Man, you know, it's, it's Zoom,
so I'll space out sometimes.
Come on, I get that.
[CHUCKLES] It happens to me too.
But, yeah, I don't, I don't know.
She seemed particularly
worried about you.
For real? I don't know why.
[SIGHS] Son, you know you can
you can talk to me about anything.
I don't know.
S-sometimes, like, I,
I start thinking of stuff
and then, and then it's
like I just, I just can't stop.
And then I I I I mean, I
I I try to focus on Zoom, but
- You can't.
- Yeah.
[SIGHS] And are you
thinking about recent events?
Ozzie.
And is this happening when
you're, when you're not on Zoom?
Like in regular life?
Um
Yeah, kinda.
But can you not tell Mom?
I know she got a lot
going on right now and I
I really don't want her to
have to worry about me too.
Son, your mom's
always got a lot going on.
But, Spense, this is important.
You are important.
Hey, but I understand, alright?
We'll see.
Alright.
[JAX] Eric is a mess.
I mean, he don't trust the police,
and they don't trust him. [SIGHS]
I don't wanna leave him here by himself.
So, I think I'm just
gonna stay here tonight.
But between the police and
his security, I feel very safe here.
Okay? So, don't worry.
No, all good, I get it.
But do you have everything you need?
Yeah, yeah, I have it all in my trunk.
Okay, good.
- I, uh, I talked to Spenser.
- [JAX GROANS]
Turns out he's having
problems focusing online
and when he's not in school.
[JAX] Really?
[JAX SIGHS]
So, you think we should just have
him take that ADHD assessment then?
[LEWIS] Yeah, I think so.
I mean, either way it'll help
us address or eliminate it
as a problem that
Spenser's dealing with.
Mm-hmm, that's true.
Alright, well, I'll call the
school tomorrow, okay?
I love you.
Nah, don't worry about
it, I'll take care of it.
I will call you tomorrow,
- and I love you too.
- [JAX] Thank you.
Okay, bye.
[TYGER] Jax? Hey, Jax.
Kidnappers reached out again.
Where the fuck is Brooke?
[KIDNAPPER] I'm not one of
your artists you can fuck over.
Talk to me like that again
and your next phone
call will be from a coroner.
Do you have my money?
Yeah, I have your money,
but I'm not giving you shit
until I know Brooke is alive.
[CLATTERING ON PHONE]
- [BROOKE CROPPER] [ON PHONE] Eric? Eric!
- Brooke? Brooke? Baby!
- Are you okay?
- [BROOKE] Please pay them.
If you don't wire the
money, they're gonna kill me!
- Okay, okay, Brooke. Look, listen to me.
- [BROOKE] Please, baby, please!
I got it, I got it. Brooke? Hello?
- Hello? Brooke!
- [ALEJANDRO] Excuse me.
This just arrived.
The courier said it was urgent.
[KIDNAPPER] I suggest you open it.
- What is this? What is this?
- [DANIEL] Looks like a fingernail.
What is this? You think
you can do this to me?
I promise I'm gonna find you,
and when I do, I'ma rip your dick
off and shove it down your throat.
You know who you fucking with?
[KIDNAPPER] We told
you to get rid of the cops.
When you don't obey,
there are consequences.
Alright, okay.
Tell me where you want
me to bring the 15 mil.
[KIDNAPPER] Oh, no, you see,
yesterday's price is not today's price.
Terms have changed.
Thirty million, 24 hours,
do not fuck with me.
- What?
- [LINE BEEPS]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
You okay? Eric, just
Fuck.
What's the plan?
I don't fucking know.
Okay. Alright, here's what
we'll do, track down that courier.
Who do you think you're fucking playing?
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[MADDIE CLEARS THROAT]
- Good morning, Mrs. Stewart.
- Hi.
Did I oversleep?
Not at all.
Um, I'm Eric's assistant.
[SIGHS] I know who you
are, Maddie. [GROANS]
Is, um, coffee possible?
Of course.
And if you're hungry,
there's a breakfast spread
we've prepared in the kitchen.
Okay, thank you.
Uh, Jax, this is Vesela, one
of your personal bodyguards.
She will alternate with Steve
who will be with you at night.
And don't worry, this is
courtesy of Mr. Cropper.
- Pleasure to be of service.
- [JAX] Hmm.
No offense, um, but I
think I would feel safer
if the person protecting me
wasn't a small white woman
who's at least a foot shorter than me.
I'm not white, I'm Bulgarian.
Trust me, you're in good hands.
Okay.
Oh. [WINCES]
Nope, nope, I got it.
I'll wait outside the
door while you get ready.
Yep.
[JAX SIGHS]
[PILLS CLATTER]
Damn it.
[EXHALES]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[SIGHS]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[TYGER] Hey, bro, we never
use the property in Miami.
You said Jimmy's been
itching to buy it for years,
so got that, yeah?
I bought it so that
nigga couldn't have it.
Hell nah. Fuck no.
We can borrow against the property
with a home equity line of credit.
Alright, so what would that get us?
At least five million.
[GROANS] No, no, no.
Okay, um, what about the cash
from his investment and
money market account?
Um, that'll get us
close to $12.7 million.
That's it? It's [SIGHS]
It's in here, I'm telling you.
It's just, it's just tough
moving it around, man. Fuck.
What happened?
Ah, this money's moving slow, man.
[ERIC] We're still short;
almost three mil of the thirty.
You know what? Fuck that.
Call Teddy at UBS, sell
everything in the brokerage account.
You know what? Sell the yacht
too. I can't even fucking swim.
You, get Curtis's ass on the phone.
Nigga owe me money. It's time to pay up.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING]
[COREY] Yo, you good? Need anything?
So, look, I can't say
anything to bring you comfort,
but she is alive.
Said you're engaged, right?
Yeah, that's right.
Yeah, I remember when
I proposed to Brooke.
I was so in love.
Felt like I'd found my person, you know?
The one who understood
me, saw me for me,
unlike anybody ever had.
Then
Then I don't know
what the fuck happened.
Maybe this is a second chance.
What do you mean?
I'm just saying, when she comes back
you think there's a
chance of reconciliation?
Wow, you're really in love, huh?
I'm just optimistic.
Good.
Stay there, 'cause once you lose it,
you don't give a fuck about nothing.
Yeah, that's sad.
Not as sad as you think, my nigga.
Look, I don't wanna
be rude, man, but, um,
I just feel like I need some time alone.
Okay, say less.
Corey?
Thanks for checking in, bro, for real.
And I hope your situation
ends way better than mine has.
Sounds like optimism.
Hmm, look at that.
[DOOR CLOSES]
So, what's the plan if Eric can't
get the money together in time?
We hope they want the money
bad enough that they call back.
After that we pray.
No, no, no, um, but
listen, that money is tied up
and it's gonna take,
like, 72 hours to liquidate.
Yeah, no, I don't have that kinda time.
So that's why I need you to
transfer your shares to me.
Look, you-you know I'm good for
it. Alright, I'll get it back to you.
Nigga, I I gave you those
shares. You didn't earn that shit.
You know what? Just remember that,
'cause unlike your
dick, my memory is long.
Shit.
- Your own fucking people, man.
- [CELL PHONE BUZZING]
[TYGER] Yo, E, E, it's them, come here.
[LAPTOP CHIMING, BEEPS]
- Hello?
- [KIDNAPPER] Do you have the money?
Yeah, I I got most of it,
you know what I'm saying?
But coming up with 30
mil in less than 24 hours
ain't exactly light work.
[KIDNAPPER] That's some bullshit, man.
No, I I got it, it I just need
more time to access it, that's all.
[KIDNAPPER] Your time is up.
No, I I can get the money, alright?
Listen, I swear to
God, if you hurt her
- [GUNSHOT ON PHONE]
- [JAX SHRIEKS]
[KIDNAPPER]
Congratulations, you killed her.
[ERIC] [ECHOING] Brooke!
Brooke!
[GUNSHOT ECHOES]
Brooke!
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Brooke!
[JAX GASPING]
Brooke!
[ERIC SOBBING]
[GENTLE PIANO MUSIC PLAYING]
Borderline ♪
Feels like I'm going to lose my mind ♪
You just keep on pushing my love ♪
Over the borderline ♪
I don't know if you remember, a
few years back I did a covers album.
Luther, Whitney, Aretha, the usuals.
But then I had this idea to
cover Madonna's "Borderline".
Everybody lost they damn mind.
I guess they didn't expect
a nigga to do Madonna.
But I'm not no ordinary nigga.
Like Jay-Z said
"This ain't what ordinary gets you."
Anyway
I played the song for the label
and they're all meh
about the record, but
but then I play it for Brooke.
And she burst into tears
and she said, "Baby
there's nothing you can't do."
But clearly that's not the
case since I couldn't save
[SOBS]
I'm sorry.
I just didn't expect to feel like this.
Maybe all of this is happening
because of the shit that I've done,
because of who I really am inside.
No, no, do not let the semantics
of a few moments of doubt
allow you to blame yourself for this.
None of this is your fault.
You hear me?
Eric, look at me.
You see this?
I feel this and the one in
my shoulder every single day.
Some crazy ass bitch wanted me dead
because of her own actions, not mine.
And guess what? She
failed and I survived.
Look at me.
We don't know who's
behind this or why they did it.
But guess what? We're going to find out.
And whoever it is,
that's on them, not you.
So, do not carry this.
If you do
it will eat at you until
there's nothing left.
Thank you, Jax.
You always know what to
say to make me feel better.
Feels like I'm going to lose my mind ♪
- [DOOR OPENS]
- Yeah, you just keep on ♪
- Hey.
- Hey.
my love ♪
How was it?
Over the borderline ♪
Let me ask you something.
Do you think we'll be
able to do this forever?
- Us?
- Mm-hmm.
I mean, that's the goal.
No, I know, I know. It's just
Isn't the fear that we won't?
Baby, where is this coming from?
I don't know, I was
talking to Eric, right?
And just hearing how much
he was in love with Brooke
and then now there's just so much hate.
Hmm.
Like, how does something
like that even happen?
I mean, in all honesty,
there are so many reasons
why relationships don't work.
You know, I've worked with
couples who simply grow apart,
and then, I've worked with other couples
who never should have
been together in the first place
for a variety of reasons.
So, it's all a risk.
Right, but that's what
I'm saying, though.
Doesn't the not
knowing That scare you?
- I mean, I think about my parents and
- Oh, okay.
This is about what happened
between your dad and your mom.
So, I mean, are you
scared that you're
gonna be like your dad?
Hey.
Honey, you are nothing like your father.
You are honest and caring
and, no offense, but
you want to be better.
Real talk, that's half the battle.
So, no
I'm not worried about our future
because I know that
whatever is thrown at us,
we will get through together.
I'm here, right?
I mean, even after the
whole lingerie incident,
uh-huh, the other day
where you played me.
- Okay, okay, okay, okay.
- [BOTH LAUGH]
See, why you gotta bring up old shit?
[BRANDY LAUGHS]
But why you got to
bring it up, for real?
[COREY LAUGHS]
I'm kidding.
I wanted to make you laugh.
You definitely make me laugh.
You make me think.
And you, Dr. Brandy
you're the reason I wanna be better.
Mm.
Same, baby.
Same.
You just keep on pushing my love ♪
[LEWIS] How was your day?
We couldn't get the ransom money
together in time, so they, they
They killed her?
We still need to find
her body, but, yeah.
We heard 'em shoot her.
Damn.
[SIGHS]
Oh, I swear I have experienced
enough gunshots for a lifetime.
Facts.
[JAX GROANS]
[LEWIS SIGHS]
How'd it go today with Spenser?
Um
It went well, he, uh,
he had the assessment,
and it turns out we were right.
He doesn't have ADHD.
See, I knew it.
Always trying to
misdiagnose our Black babies.
He has been having
problems sleeping in his room
since he's been back.
Really, why?
Oh, right.
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
Ozzie.
[LEWIS] Yeah.
He's struggling to process
the latest tragic events, but
a therapist should be fine
to help him navigate that.
Yeah.
Yeah, okay.
You know, speaking of events, Eric is
he's hurting, bad.
He did hire a bodyguard
for me against my will.
I don't think I'm gonna keep her.
Okay.
I mean, I have been saying you need
more security than just at the office.
I mean, we even got into a
couple arguments about it, Jax.
I know, I know.
So, if everyone thinks you
need it, why are you so against it?
Honestly?
I've just been reluctant because
I mean, while a bodyguard
makes me feel physically safe,
it doesn't make me
feel emotionally safe.
You know, to have someone
hovering over me all the time.
It's just a reminder of all
the things I've been through.
And that's a dark place
for me to be every day.
- You know?
- Hmm.
Like, even today with the kidnapping,
I mean, that took me
right back to when I
[SOMBER MUSIC CONTINUES]
I just wanna move forward.
And having a security guard just
It's just a reminder
of all those events.
Yeah, I, um
Yeah, I have never
thought about it like that.
So, thank you for being
honest and sharing that with me.
And I, I hear you, I really do.
But people care about you, Jax.
And at the end of the day,
your safety is important.
And I am, I am certainly not
trying to revisit the feeling of
[SCOFFS] thinking about
something happening to you.
So
I like knowing you're safe.
So, maybe think of it as
helping me with my trauma,
not worsening yours.
[SIGHS]
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
I can certainly do that.
["KASH KOMMANDMENTS"
BY KASH DOLL PLAYING]
- [GROANS]
- One, never let a nigga fuck you ♪
Over more than once ♪
Two, anybody owe you
bread, do not accept the crumbs ♪
- Nah ♪
- Three ♪
'Member you can never
tell these bitches everything ♪
Fuck, the last one?
I went through hella shit and back ♪
To be kicked up and comfy ♪
You see how hard I grind, lil' bitch ♪
Don't never call me lucky ♪
You fuck a nigga good enough ♪
And he gon' think he own you ♪
The broke ones usually insecure ♪
The rich ones try to control you ♪
It's been 48 hours since the kidnapping
of music mogul, Eric
Cropper's wife, Brooke Cropper.
There are no suspects
or leads as of yet.
However, though police
have yet to confirm,
it's widely speculated that Mrs.
Cropper has already been killed
[EXHALES DEEPLY]
You alright, baby?
[SPEAKS SPANISH]
Five ♪
Money to the side, don't
let no nigga leave you dry ♪
Six ♪
Stand on business, if they
say it's up, you better ride ♪
- Better ride ♪
- Seven ♪
Keep the family first, put
that in front of everything ♪
- Eight ♪
- Bet that on yourself ♪
- If you gon' roll the dice on anything ♪
- Nine ♪
Any points to be made,
don't be scared to prove it ♪
- Better not be scared ♪
- Ten ♪
And you better look
fucking good when you do it ♪
[OFFICER] Are you okay?
My name is Brooke Cropper.
My husband, Eric Cropper,
tried to fucking kill me.
[OFFICER] Say that one more time?