Reasonable Doubt (2022) s04e04 Episode Script
Imaginary Players
1
[REGINA HARRIS] Previously
on Reasonable Doubt
[DR. VERNON WEBB] Jax,
so you got shot, almost died.
How are you feeling about everything?
[JAX STEWART] I have never
been this close to failure before.
I have people depending on me.
I need to get back to my firm.
Eric, listen to me.
Brooke has declared war.
I know way more about you
and the shit that you've done
than you can even remember.
Bet she'll get what she
deserves soon enough.
[KIDNAPPER] We have
your wife. 30 million, 24 hours.
We need to counteract the whispers that
you might have been involved in this.
Mr. Cropper, is the quote-unquote,
"utmost concern" for your
wife's safe return genuine?
Maybe this is a second chance.
I'm worried about Jax.
She might be pushing
herself too hard at work.
[KIDNAPPER] [ON PHONE] Your time is up.
- I swear to God, if you hurt her
- [GUNSHOT ON PHONE]
[KIDNAPPER]
Congratulations. You killed her.
Brooke!
We don't know who's
behind this, but guess what?
We're going to find out.
My husband, Eric Cropper,
tried to fucking kill me.
["I DON'T FUCK WITH
YOU" BY BIG SEAN PLAYING]
[VOCALIZING]
[ERIC CROPPER] Brooke. Babe.
Holy shit, I can't believe it. Babe.
- Are you alright?
- Whoa, stop.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, what you
doing? I'm trying to check on my wife.
We have a few additional
questions for you.
I need you to come with me.
I don't fuck with you ♪
I already told you.
I heard a big dude in
a mask grab Brooke,
threw her in the back of the van.
I went and grabbed my gun.
They drove off before I could catch 'em.
And no other details about
that night come to mind?
I felt a hand over my mouth
and someone grabbing me.
I tried my hardest to
pull away from them,
but they forced me into the van.
Once I was inside the van, they,
uh, duct-taped over my mouth
and taped my eyes.
And what happened next?
I just remember overhearing
them arguing and getting frustrated
when Eric didn't send the first ransom.
One of them came in my face and
told me that Eric was the mastermind
behind the kidnapping
and the terms had changed.
Eric now wanted me dead
before they got their final payout.
And that-that was all I needed to hear.
And I knocked the gun
out of his hand with my foot
and then I kicked him in the dick.
And as he was trying
to get up, I shot him.
And then I got the fuck out of there.
I do kickboxing in Brentwood.
You little stupid ass bitch ♪
Shit. Do your job.
How about you round
up more suspects, right?
Lock 'em down till you
get some straight answers.
Make 'em talk. Do something.
That's how you would handle it, right?
Make people talk, lock 'em down.
We're here as a courtesy
and we're cooperating because my client
wants to get to the bottom
of this as badly as you do.
Do you know a Fabian Cruz?
Yeah, a former artist of mine.
One of the few disgruntled
artists whose album got shelved
because that shit just didn't hit.
Well, clearly he's holding a grudge.
He's one of two men
that kidnapped your wife.
Now, he's dead.
You know who the other person could be?
Why the fuck would I know?
Now why are you so certain
that Mr. Cropper tried to kill you?
Eric took a $10 million
insurance policy out on me.
If I die, he gets the money, he
gets all of my shares to our company
and he gets sympathy press
to push his next big artist.
Look, I was already actively
fighting Brooke and winning.
So why would I suddenly do
something so public and messy
and actually fucking stupid?
Well, right now, your divorce
looks a whole lot like motive.
Unless you can provide concrete
evidence suggesting otherwise,
my client is here as a
victim, not the suspect.
So this interview is over.
Alright, Mrs. Cropper. So
what do you wanna do next?
[REPORTERS CLAMORING]
[BROOKE CROPPER] Thank
you all for being here today.
I am happy to be safe and sound,
but I must face a new devastation.
And that is the fact that
my husband, Eric Cropper,
may have orchestrated my
kidnapping and tried to kill me.
But here I am.
If I hadn't fought for my
life, I'd be I'd be dead.
As I try to piece together
this turn of events,
there is still so much
that I do not know.
But one thing that I do know
is that Eric Angelo Cropper
gets what Eric Angelo Cropper
wants no matter who gets hurt.
And as the person who
was harmed in this case
I hope he burns in hell.
[CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING]
[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 ♪
Leimert and right back to The Arc ♪
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 ♪
So it's too early to
refill the prescription?
I see. Okay.
No, that's okay. I just, I
didn't, I didn't realize that.
Thank you.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[GUNSHOT ECHOES]
- [LOUD THUD]
- What was that? What was that?
Hey, Daniel got a copy of
Brooke's press interview.
- You okay?
- [JAX GROANS]
Yeah, it's all good. Um
Let's go watch the video.
gets what Eric Angelo Cropper
wants no matter who gets hurt.
And as the person who
was harmed in this case,
I hope he burns in hell.
I mean, does anyone get the
sense that she is milking this?
Yeah, maybe.
I mean, I've been doing some
digging with my contact at the precinct
and it's, uh, not looking good.
Uh, the charges he's facing are not only
conspiracy, kidnapping,
and attempted murder,
but also felony assault
for the fingernail thing
that I can't think about
or I'm gonna vomit,
and also felony murder.
Okay, so the cops have
found a few pieces of evidence
that make it look like
Eric hired these hitmen.
The first is a payment from one
of his accounts to the kidnappers
a week before Brooke was kidnapped.
Okay, what are the other pieces?
Uh, we've got call logs
from his office line to Fabian
and one of the guns from
Eric's collection is missing.
It was recovered at the crime scene
and the bullets matched the
one that killed the kidnapper.
Eric never reported
the gun stolen, so
I hate to say it, but
he does fit the profile.
But he also did seem visibly upset
when he thought she was dead.
Or that was a cover to make
you think that he was sad
when really he was out here kidnapping.
[JAX] Okay. Let's not
jump to conclusions, huh?
- [SLAMS TABLE]
- That's what cops do.
Plus, I still can't shake the feeling
that something about
Brooke feels off here.
I'm not buying it.
But before we all fall
down that rabbit hole,
let's make it clear to the DA
that Eric will fully cooperate
before another day's worth
of this nonstop news cycle.
Alright, I can head there if
you like. Or we can go together.
I can be good cop, you can be bad cop.
However, something tells
me you wanna be both.
Oh, you know me so well, Corey.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
Oh, Mike.
Look at that, just the
person I came to see.
- No coffee, no donuts.
- Oh.
I feel like I'm losing
your respect, Jax.
[SCOFFS] No, I just lost my Century
City corporate firm expense account.
But maybe if you help a
sister out with her first big client
as a brand-new entrepreneur,
the next time I come,
I'll bring you coffee and donuts.
Oh, you mean Eric Cropper?
Yeah, I'm not on that case anymore.
As of when?
[REGINA] As of today.
Wait, what happened
to Monica Wilson's case?
I'm taking that one and Regina
will be working with Cropper.
Glad to hear we'll be on the
same team for once, Miguelito.
And I assume that you're here
to negotiate Mr. Cropper's arrest?
Well, you know what they
say about assumptions.
But, yes.
And that is my signal to leave.
Well, I admit this is a
pretty exciting turn of events.
It would've been an honor to work
with you on the Miss Wilson case,
but going against you is even better.
- [BOTH LAUGH]
- Well, don't get too excited.
Your office tends to lose.
But I'll cut to the chase.
Given my client's stature, we'll
need to arrange for a private arrest.
Unmarked car let in through the back.
No cameras, no spectacle.
Well, that sounds
like special treatment,
and given the nature of the
crime, isn't exactly appropriate.
Crime? [LAUGHS]
I doubt you have enough to
even take this to trial, Regina.
I'm not at liberty to
discuss all of the evidence,
but if I was to choose
from the highlight reel,
it would be Brooke's former assistant
now working for Eric
being forced to testify.
- Why?
- [JAX] Hmm.
Because we have evidence
that your client paid her to lie,
which resulted in Brooke being
terminated from the company.
The email reads
"I need to get rid of
this bitch at any cost."
That's just how I talk!
I'm not talking about
killing or kidnapping.
I'm talking about
making a complaint to HR.
- So the HR complaint was real?
- Yes!
Maddie complained to me
about how Brooke was treating her
and I told her to make a case to HR.
Now, did I benefit from the shit?
You fucking right.
But Maddie's issues
with Brooke were real.
Fine.
What about the payment to
the kidnappers a week before?
I don't know nothing about no payments!
Somebody's setting me up.
And when I find out who, I'm
I'm ending the motherfuckers.
- I'm telling you.
- [JAX] Okay, Eric, listen to me.
I understand that this is
a difficult situation for you,
but every single move that
you make from here on out
will be under scrutiny, especially
if you appear to be angry.
One misstep will give them the fuel
they need to add
to the fire of the story
that you are a murderer and a kidnapper.
This is my life, Jax.
Everything I've worked for.
Everything I fucking fought for.
I understand that, which is
why I need you to listen to me
and follow everything I'm saying.
Alright?
This is how it's going to go.
["LOSE MY MIND" BY YOUNG JEEZY PLAYING]
I negotiated no handcuffs,
but they're going to escort
you through the front door.
Your appearance will
be pristine, yet modest.
Nothing showy or that
can be read as arrogant.
It is imperative that
when they escort you,
you are cooperative and do not resist.
Wear an expression that
reads as humble yet innocent.
I know you may not want to, but
you must wear your wedding ring.
There will be paparazzi
and cameras there.
And wearing that ring symbolizes
a quiet, respectful love towards her.
You are innocent.
Therefore, walk in
there with your head up,
back straight, chest out.
Let's get him out of there fast
before he loses his fucking mind.
Thirty-six a thousand
times, I'm doing somersaults ♪
- [JAX] Hey, baby.
- [LEWIS] Hey.
How was your day?
[SIGHS DEEPLY] Tiring.
But Eric's arrest did go smoothly.
His arraignment is tomorrow.
How was your day?
Uh, busy. [SIGHS]
I'm preparing for the Black
Gaming Developers Convention
this week in Atlanta.
[JAX SIGHS]
Are you okay?
When's your next dose?
Um Well, actually, I
stopped taking them.
You know, it started
to affect my work, so
But it's okay. I can Yeah, I
can play through a little pain.
- Hmm. Are you sure?
- Mm-hmm.
Is that why you haven't
been sleeping well?
- Well
- Look, I don't have to go if
No, no, no.
You have been looking
forward to this, you are going.
I'm actually starting to
feel like myself again.
- That's great.
- Mm-hmm.
Well, that makes me feel
a little better about leaving.
Good.
I'm gonna go change,
okay? I'll be right back.
[LEWIS CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey.
Hi!
Our mom is driving me crazy.
On top of me trying to
manage his terrible twos
and make sure dinner
is ready, it's too much.
Too much? Tatiana, she's
only been here for two days.
Two days too long.
It's impossible to manage a
marriage and kids and Mom.
Maybe one day you'll understand.
Anyway, um, well, I just
got assigned a huge case,
and if I win, it could be a
game-changer for my career.
So I was wondering if
during the trial you could
No, no, Reg. No, she cannot stay here.
Come on, you know
her caretaker just quit.
Hi, Scott. Tatiana, I need more help.
I send you money every month.
Well, full-time help costs
thousands of dollars per month.
What you send barely covers the meds.
And that's where I'm gonna stop you.
You should be grateful I send anything,
especially after how she did us.
The foster care the Nope.
No, I'm not going there.
I told you, I can't.
It's not every single day.
It's just gonna be during
the days of the trial
I told you to put her in a home.
But you chose to take
on this burden, not me.
Because she's our mother.
She gave birth to us.
But trust me, she is not a good mother.
Hi, Mom.
[DOROTHY] I'm hungry.
And I need some real food.
Tatiana and her white husband
eat like they living off the land.
- Take me to El Pollo Loco, Regina.
- Yep.
- Good seeing you too, Dorothy.
- [DOROTHY] Mm-hmm.
[REGINA] Wait, wait,
wait, wait, wait, Mom.
Do not go down that
staircase by yourself.
Mom!
Your Honor, Eric
Cropper is a public figure
with means and resources
to flee if he so chooses.
We request no bail.
Your Honor, Mr. Cropper
being a public figure
is exactly why he is not a flight risk.
He would not go unnoticed.
The prosecution has only
provided circumstantial evidence
to which Eric Cropper looks
forward to vindicating himself in court.
There is no history
that would give reason
for the court to believe
that Mr. Cropper would flee.
However, the weight of these
charges do give the court pause
and all parties need to be
made aware of their severity.
I will grant bail in the
amount of 10 million.
Baby money.
I'll see you soon.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey, so I know this isn't your style,
but it may make sense
to consider a plea.
Well, my style is whatever
works best for my client.
[JAX SIGHS, SCOFFS]
And I don't think they have
evidence to win this case.
Plus, do you really think Eric
is gonna lay down like that?
For his life, I think he should.
But you are the only one
that can convince him.
Are you just bringing this up
because you're ready
for this case to be done?
I am bringing this up
because this is the first case
that your new firm is taking on
and it will set the tone for how
your business moves forward.
Now, look, I know Eric
thinks that he is untouchable,
but once this goes to trial,
all of his dirty laundry
will be aired out.
Hm.
And once you're under a public
microscope, everything changes.
Now you're battling more
than Brooke's accusation.
Every single shady thing
that Eric has ever done
will be dug up and on display for
social media to have a field day with.
Look, I know he may win in court,
but he could lose everything.
- Well, you're not wrong.
- [CELL PHONE RINGING]
Once he makes bail, we'll get a read.
Hey, what's up?
Just got word from my
contact at the precinct.
The cops filed an
emergency protective order
against Eric regarding Brooke.
What? Was it granted?
Sure was, just a few hours ago,
which means they
feel the evidence proves
that Brooke had legitimate
reasons to fear for her life.
Shit, they rarely file
on behalf of the victim.
This is bad.
Real bad.
Okay, we'll see you back at the office.
- What happened?
- Brooke was just granted
an emergency protective
order against Eric,
which was filed by the cops.
Uh, we may have to float
that plea sooner than later.
[OFFICER] Per the protective order,
you're to stay 100
yards from Mrs. Cropper,
unless in her presence
during court-related hearings.
If you need to leave this property,
we've arranged with the
help of your house manager
a system with your security team
to ensure this system is maintained.
So I need permission to
walk across the lawn I paid for?
Yes, do you understand?
Yes.
I am here if you need anything,
Mr. Cropper, by text or phone.
Thank you, Alejandro. Appreciate you.
Alright.
So Brooke just cries
to anybody that'll listen
and I get kicked out of my own house?
How the fuck did this happen?
Well, she went straight to the cops.
We had no idea until it was done.
We'll also need to go over
the protective order stipulations.
Violating them would
jeopardize your case.
- [CELL PHONE BUZZES]
- Well, besides what the officer mentioned,
you are not to have any
communication with Brooke.
If you need to contact her,
we have ways to do that.
You are not allowed to harass,
threaten, or stalk her, okay?
At this point, I can't
even stand looking at her.
Damn, Desiree just broke
the protective order story.
- [JAX SIGHS]
- Fuck!
Alright. Eric, come
here. Listen to me, look.
If there's anything
else you need to tell me,
now is the time to speak up, alright?
I need you to be transparent with me.
And I need the same from you, Jax.
Are you good?
Look, I know you just got shot,
but I need you on your A-game.
This is my life we dealing with.
[JAX] I know that and I'm fine, okay?
It's just me settling back
into everything, alright?
And now, speaking of your life,
Corey brought up a plea deal.
I know what you're gonna say.
But it might not be
a bad idea to find out
how strong of a case
they think they have.
Fine, see what they say.
[JAX] Alright, he's
down to talk plea deal.
Okay, good, I'll go
talk to the DA's office.
Great. In the meantime, there's
someone else I need to talk to.
How much is Brooke paying
you to be her mouthpiece?
I'll double it to get you to stop
telling lies about Eric Cropper.
As much as I'd love to take your
money, Brooke isn't paying me.
- Then who is?
- And this is where we differ, Jax.
I don't need a direct
deposit to direct my morals.
I'm guided by truth
and justice, unlike you.
Please, Desiree, you are
guided by likes and comments,
so miss me with that bullshit.
Eric Cropper is a bad man.
He treats his artists like
shit, his wives like shit,
and he'd treat you like shit if you
weren't his personal legal goon.
That sounds like a list of
personal opinions, not crimes.
Which means you need
to focus on the truth.
Or else I will make sure that
your struggling news outlet
is hit with a libel suit so big
you'll be begging to come
work for me, and Eric.
You can say whatever you wanna say,
but dangling money or fake-ass
consequences isn't going to work.
Save all these words for the
statements you'll have to make
after my story comes out,
because once it drops, you'll
be begging to work for me.
Please, not a chance in hell.
Well, with your client list,
you'll be there soon enough.
Knock, knock.
[REGINA] Corey Cash. This is a surprise.
I was actually expecting Jax
to come and discuss
Mr. Cropper's plea deal.
Yeah, well, she sent me, and
trust me, you're better off. I'm nicer.
[CHUCKLES] I certainly hope so.
Listen, the truth is that
Eric Cropper isn't guilty
of this kidnapping fiasco,
which means either way it's best for
the both of us to
start discussing a plea.
Not interested.
I'm surprised you're not
jumping for joy at a plea bargain.
Did a little research on you, Regina.
You have a 92% plea rate.
What's the matter, are
you scared to cross the bar?
No, not at all.
I just don't believe in
wasting taxpayers' money
when the goal on my side is
to put criminals behind bars.
Lengthy trials with fickle
juries, no, thank you.
But if I have to get in the
ring, it's gonna be a TKO.
Now, would you have said that to Jax?
This isn't just a kidnapping.
There's also a body since Fabian
Cruz was killed at the scene.
So if you think that Mr. Cropper's
gonna get a slap on the wrist
and be floating on a boat in a
month, you're sadly mistaken.
And that, I would have said to Jax.
I understand, and I'm not delusional,
but if I go back to Eric and
I present him with a deal
that makes trial seem more appealing,
then your A-plus plea
rating goes down to a solid B.
Let me talk to my boss
and see what I can do.
You do that.
Good day.
[JAX] I called yesterday
and I was wondering if I could
refill my prescription for the
[PHARMACIST] [ON PHONE] Unfortunately,
you'll have to wait another two weeks
before we can fill your prescription.
Another two weeks? Fuck.
- [PHARMACIST] Excuse me?
- Uh, no.
Sorry, that was not for you.
It's not for you. Um
- Thank you.
- [PHARMACIST] Have a good day.
[LINE BEEPS]
[SIGHS]
- [COREY CASH] Hey, baby.
- [BRANDY MICHAELS] Mm.
How's the case going?
Things any better with Eric?
[SIGHS] Well, yes and no.
I actually don't think he did it,
but he's done enough things in his past
where he might have
to pay for it anyway.
Well, I mean, from what you've told me,
I'm really suspicious of that guy.
Yeah, well, you and me both.
But Jax seems to be doing better.
- [BRANDY] Mm-hmm.
- A lot better, actually.
So we are working on a deal for Eric.
So this should be over
soon then you and I
- can go back to Chicago, get married
- Yeah?
- and live happily ever after.
- Happily ever after.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
I love the sound of that.
Mm. Okay.
Well, I'm gonna go take a shower.
- Wait, unless you're hungry
- No.
- then I can wait.
- No, no, no, no, no.
You go take a shower and then you relax.
I have to head back to the office.
I might have to meet
with this deputy DA.
Depends on what this
plea deal looks like.
Oh, man. Well, I hope
it doesn't take too long
because I was really looking forward
to some Hulu and hang,
if you know what I mean.
Mm. Well, I absolutely
know what you mean.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
- This shouldn't take long.
I'm hoping she wraps it up soon.
She being?
Oh, Deputy DA Regina Harris.
Oh, a sister. Okay, cool.
But when I get back
I am going to take
off all of your clothes
and then I'm gonna
do that thing you like
with the "bzzz" and my tongue.
[BRANDY SUCKS TEETH]
- Okay, I hear you.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
Alright, I'll be back later, okay?
- Okay. Yeah.
- [COREY] Love you.
Love you.
Be careful.
- [COREY] Always.
- [DOOR CLOSES]
How's your recovery been going?
You feeling okay today?
[JAX] Hmm. [SIGHS]
I've been feeling frustrated
because doctors never listen
when Black women tell
them that we're in pain.
Well, no offense to you, Dr. Sally.
[CHUCKLES] None
taken, but sadly, it's true.
And after tearing my
calf muscle in the clerb
[JAX] Just actin' up.
- I still don't understand what happened.
- [SALLY LAUGHING]
I know, I know.
But, yeah, I had to tell the ER doctor,
this is not a sprain.
They still didn't listen
to me, and I'm a doctor.
Mm-hmm. So you get it.
And, I mean, I really feel
like I should have tried harder
to find a Black female doctor,
but then I realized I
already know one. [LAUGHS]
[CLEARS THROAT] So any chance
you could help me out with something?
Um
So I have Well, I
need a new prescription.
And my doctor, he didn't give
me anywhere near enough.
And this goes back to what I'm saying.
Doctors, they just don't listen.
Mm-hmm. I hear you, but,
girl, you know I can't do that.
A few years ago you asked me for Ambien.
I said no then, so I'm
saying I cannot do that.
I know, I know, I know.
And, Sally, look, listen.
You know I would not be asking you
if I wasn't seriously
hurting.
Jax, I can lose my
license, and more than that,
it's against my ethical
code as a doctor.
You put your whole
house at risk for Shanelle,
and now suddenly you
have an ethical code?
Yeah, and it cost me my marriage
and that's why I would never
cross a line like that ever again.
I learned my lesson.
I'm-I'm sorry, okay?
It was a, it was a weird joke.
- Are you good?
- [JAX] Mm-hmm.
Yes, of course.
I'm just
Yep. Mm-hmm.
- Okay, yep, I think that is enough wine.
- Oh.
Yeah, you need to be hydrating.
I'm gonna get you a bottle of water.
- Oh, I can get it.
- I got it, okay?
I need to move around
before my ass gets big.
[SIGHS DEEPLY]
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey, girl, I'm gonna head home, okay?
I didn't realize how late it was,
but I'm gonna call
you later today, okay?
Love you.
Okay.
Bye!
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
[ENGINE STARTS]
[SLOW, JAZZY MUSIC PLAYING]
Yeah, yeah ♪
Ah, yeah ♪
- Corey, what are you doing?
- Twenty-five years without parole.
Is that the best you can
do? I can't sell that to Eric.
Tell him it's better than life.
The man's 50 years old.
Twenty-five years to him is life.
And why would he take
this plea when he can easily
just take his chances going to trial
and walk away from
all this stuff scot-free?
That's if he wins.
And that's a very big if.
When you lose and you will lose,
it's gonna be the fourth big
case your office takes the L on
and three of them would
have been against Jax.
And you know what?
No one's gonna remember the other three.
No, they're gonna remember this one.
The one where the Black woman lost.
Now do you really
wanna work twice as hard
only to fall four times as hard?
Fine.
Twenty years, no parole.
Fifteen with the possibility
of parole after ten years.
Fifteen, no parole, must do
90% of the sentence, final offer.
Deal?
I want a drink.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Let me get a, uh, Sable bourbon, neat.
Well, I wouldn't celebrate just yet.
I have to talk to my boss first.
Well, something tells me
you usually get what you want.
Hmm. How I wish that were true.
So, Corey
what's your story?
Who is Corey Cash?
Who is Corey Cash?
Take a guess.
You don't want me to do that.
Ah, I'm a big boy, I can handle it.
Let's see.
Divorced, two older kids,
pleasant relationship with your ex-wife.
Although she's still in love with you,
even though she doesn't
have a chance in hell,
because you tend to date
gorgeous, minimally employed women
slightly older than your daughter,
you know, just out of principle.
And while you are in LA helping Jax out,
you are enjoying these LA streets
which have more of a Benetton
range of options than Chicago does.
Am I close?
Wow. Not even a little bit.
- Really?
- [COREY] Mm-hmm.
- Which part?
- All of it.
- [REGINA] Mm.
- No kids, never been married.
I'm currently engaged to an
age-appropriate Black woman
who's a therapist, AKA,
a doctor who specializes
in work with domestic violence victims.
- Well, fuck.
- [BOTH LAUGH]
But, look, I wanna meet
whoever that dude is
'cause he sounds like a lot of fun.
Well, I am surprised
and very impressed, Corey.
- Surprised, huh?
- [REGINA] Mm-hmm.
And why is that?
You don't give off
I'm-in-a-relationship energy.
Hmm. Interesting.
Are you in a relationship?
No.
See, that's funny because I
was gonna say you give off,
I-have-someone-to-go-home-to energy.
Nope, very single.
I'm sorry, but that's, that's ridiculous
because you're smart,
you're funny, very attractive.
Like, very attractive.
["SPECIAL AFFAIR" BY
THE INTERNET PLAYING]
Is that so?
It is so.
Any man would be lucky to have you.
And if I were single
Which you're not.
- But I'm not.
- [REGINA] Mm-hmm.
But if I were, this would be a date.
But it's not because you're not single.
I am not.
Tryin' to act nice,
girl, your cover's blown ♪
But you already knew that ♪
You already knew that ♪
It's late.
I should go.
So should you.
I will have this plea deal on your desk
first thing in the morning,
but, um, you stay
and enjoy your drink
on me.
I bet this Patron ♪
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
[LEWIS] So, yeah, it's,
uh, an amazing conference.
You get Black developers
from all around the world.
This year it's in Atlanta and
next year it's supposed
to be in Singapore,
- but it's so inspiring.
- Uh, excuse me.
Excuse me. Are you Lewis Stewart?
- Yeah.
- Told you.
- I told you, this is him, man.
- [LAUGHS] The man, he's the man.
This is the man
responsible for Autodrive 2.
Listen, you kept my kids
occupied for hours on end.
I The-the way I see it, I owe
you, I owe you at least a beer.
Uh, bartender, can he
get another one on me?
Uh, I'm-I'm Austin
Collins by the way. Big fan.
- Hey. And I'm Webster DeMarco.
- Big fan.
Hey, dude, such a
clean design on that one.
Thank you. Yeah, we
worked real hard on that.
No, it shows.
So, uh, Lewis, what's next?
Oh, uh, after Ghetto Superstar,
I'm overseeing a whole
line in that universe.
Uh, floated the idea two years ago,
but wasn't given the leeway
till after Autodrive's success.
- Bureaucracy, right?
- Bureaucracy.
Man, you would think them juggernauts
would be a bit more open-minded,
but that is just not the case.
[EXHALES] Alright, so
what do you guys do?
Uh, well, we just got cleared
for our second round of funding
with an augmented reality company.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Let's go.
We're gonna be making,
uh, games for smart glasses.
Very cool. That's very cool.
- You, uh, you familiar?
- I mean, come on, of course.
I mean, I've been getting the feeling
like that's the next stage for me.
Well, hey, you know, maybe
that next step isn't that far away.
You know? I mean, we're
looking for someone to fill our team
who has design know-how,
management skills,
but most importantly, the
vision to try new things.
We like your style, Lewis.
Come check out our shop in San
Francisco. You-you have a card?
- Uh, yeah, yeah, of course.
- Give him, give him the card.
And, I mean, I'm out of
the West Coast, too, I'm LA.
- Look at that. That's a short flight.
- That's a short flight.
You know what I mean?
Maybe I'll fly down and we can meet up.
You mind if we keep in touch?
- Absolutely not.
- Yeah?
- Please do.
- Hey, pleasure, man.
Absolutely, my pleasure.
- [WEBSTER] Alright.
- Have a good night.
You too, thank you.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS]
Huh.
[JAX] Hey, where are you going?
You said I could hang at Max's tonight.
And I'm picking up Naima
from a friend's house later, too.
[JAX] Okay.
I'm still not used to
you driving like this.
Alright. Well, you remember what
to do if you get pulled over, right?
[SPENSER STEWART] Yes, Mom.
I take off my hat and
glasses, turn off the music,
and I put my hands on the steering wheel
where they can clearly see them.
And it's "yes, ma'am" or "sir."
That's right.
I wanna make sure you come back
home to me the same way you left me.
- You and me both.
- [JAX] Alright.
Well, I guess I'm here
by my lonesome tonight.
Since your dad is in Atlanta.
Sure you're gonna be okay by yourself?
You know, I can tell Max if you need me.
[JAX] No, no, don't be silly.
But one more thing before you go.
Your dad told me that
the therapist said that you're
not sleeping in here sometimes.
Is that true?
That was supposed to
be between me and Dad.
So much for trust.
[JAX] Of course, you
can trust your father,
but I am his wife,
and the trust in our
marriage comes first.
So what he knows, I
know. You can count on that.
Yeah, well, sleeping here
creeps me out since Ozzie.
I get it. I get it.
But, baby, you have to be able
to sleep in your own
room, or at least try.
You know, we can't allow trauma
to hold us back from living our lives.
You've been through a lot.
How do you cope with everything?
Well, by facing it head-on.
- [SPENSER] Hmm.
- [JAX] Hmm?
Running away from it,
it only makes it worse.
And sometimes you need to
be honest about what you need.
And other times you just have to
do what you can to forget and move on.
- I hear you.
- [JAX] Mm-hmm.
You know, I have an idea.
Why don't we give your room a makeover
and we'll move forward
by starting a new chapter.
How's that sound?
Alright.
- [JAX] Alright, baby.
- Sounds good.
- [JAX] Okay.
- I'll see you later.
Alright. Um
But just remember that if you ever
wanna talk about anything, I'm here.
Okay?
- Thanks, Ma.
- Alright.
Are you sure you gonna be
okay here by yourself tonight?
- What you gonna do?
- Boy, don't be ridiculous.
Get out of here.
I kept myself busy for many
years before y'all came along, okay?
- I will be back before curfew.
- I know you will.
- [SPENSER] Love you.
- Love you, too, baby.
- [DOOR CLOSES]
- [SIGHS] Love you, too.
["FUNCTION" BY E-40 PLAYING]
League of Starz ♪
Trend on the beat ♪
- We out here tryin' to function, bitch ♪
- Biatch! ♪
You're fuckin' off my
high, get up out my mix ♪
You're messin' up my vibe,
I'm tryin' to get some crevice ♪
Put her in my ride,
take her to the Ritz ♪
I'm toasted and sloppy,
off of broccoli, Bacardi ♪
151 out my body, about
that green like wasabi ♪
Word candy, S-L-A-N-G ♪
I'm thinkin 'bout takin' a
million-dollar insurance policy ♪
- Out on my mouthpiece ♪
- Biatch ♪
[EXHALES DEEPLY]
Hey, hey, hey ♪
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
Ah. Hey, you're up.
[BRANDY] Sure am.
Uh-oh. What happened?
[BRANDY] What happened?
Corey, it's 12:36 in the morning.
I tried calling you.
Yeah, my phone was off.
I told you I was having
drinks with the deputy DA.
You told me you were meeting with her.
There's a difference.
But, you know, I'm glad to hear
that you weren't in an
accident or in the hospital
like I feared, you
know, you were just out
having drinks with
another woman, cool, cool.
Brandy, Brandy, nothing happened, okay?
It was work.
I even ended up staying
at the bar way past
when she left just to decompress.
[COREY CHUCKLES]
You know, it's been a long fucking day,
so it's real nice to come
home, get all wound up again.
[BRANDY] I'm not trying to wind you up.
I'm trying to get you to understand that
you have to respect our relationship
- at all times.
- I do respect our relationship.
I told you nothing happened.
You act like I just went out there
and had sex with another
woman or something.
Okay, respect isn't just about
being faithful physically
and emotionally.
It's about not creating
suspicion and insecurities
because you fail to set
boundaries with other people,
particularly of the opposite sex.
Okay, so you have to approve everyone
I go out with before I go out with them?
If I went out with a male colleague
that you didn't know, just me and him,
and we were out for hours
until this time in the morning,
you mean to tell me that
you wouldn't be waiting up
to have this same conversation
just a little less calmly?
No. Because I'm not insecure.
Neither am I. I am just human.
Okay. I don't think this is
the best time to keep
talking about this, so
I am going to say I love you.
- Okay, Brandy, hold on.
- No. I
I'm not mad.
[EXHALES] And I do trust you.
I just wish
Corey, I wish that you would
stop being stuck in your own POV
and just take a moment to try to
understand mine from time to time.
That's all.
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
Good night.
Fifteen, nigga, what?
Considering the circumstances,
that's an incredible deal.
Ain't nothing incredible
about serving 15 years.
I might as well be serving life.
But it's not life.
And that's what you were facing
had Corey not negotiated this deal.
Corey?
I hired you, Jax.
I didn't ask Chocolate Mr. Clean
to go and negotiate for my life.
Okay, so that's what we're doing, huh?
Okay, stop insulting someone who's
sincerely trying to help you, Eric.
I'm not, I'm not. Look [SIGHS]
I'm sorry. Alright?
It's just a lot going on.
How the fuck did I get here?
I didn't do this shit, and taking
the plea is saying that I did and I
Let's take it to trial.
I respect your decision,
but I want you to understand
the complete picture of trial.
Regina is a hell of a
prosecutor with a high win rate
and because of that, she has a
higher-than-average plea rate.
Eric, we go to trial,
there are no guarantees.
We've been to trial before, Jax.
Or have you forgotten?
Each time we beat that shit.
I thought you were a winner and
that's what I pay you to do. Win.
You are Jax Stewart, aren't you?
Or are you different now?
[JAX] Fuck it.
Let's take it to trial.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[REGINA] You can do this.
You can do this. Breathe. [EXHALES]
I am not wrong for
asserting my boundaries.
[EXHALES] Breathe.
[TATIANA] I know you fucking
lying. I told you already, I'm not
[REGINA] I heard you, Tatiana.
But you didn't hear me so let
me attempt to be more clear.
Our mom has two options.
Either a new around-the-clock caregiver
or you personally
keeping her until I'm off
for the duration of my trial.
The $100 you send a
month is no longer feasible
and I can't keep bearing the brunt
of caring for a woman
who's birthed another child.
Regina, I know that you're a lawyer
and you're used to convincing people
to get on your side,
but I said what I said.
I'm not keeping her here. End of story.
Why do you hate her so much?
Why do you still love her?
Well, someone has to.
Well, then I guess it's gonna be you.
I'll send you some more money if I can.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[SIGHS]
So, trial, huh?
I guess we couldn't discuss it
first or anything like that, right?
Okay, he wasn't gonna take the plea.
Oh, come on, man. Maybe
not, but the man played you, Jax.
[MIMICKING ERIC] "Are you Jax
Stewart? Or you some punk, huh?
- Huh?"
- That's not what he said.
And plus, he was right.
I mean, I was bending
over and letting Regina win
instead of fighting
for him, and for myself.
What do you mean?
[SIGHS]
Corey, I mean I'm scared. Okay?
I'm scared that if I
don't get a big win,
then I'm gonna be a
big joke to my old firm,
to the legal community, shit, to myself.
I stormed out of BHS and quit.
Then I opened up my own firm
and on day one of being
here, I get shot and almost died.
It's like some poetic
karma or something.
Do you think you deserve
that, being shot by a pedophile?
No, I don't.
But if I can show everyone
that I'm still the baddest
bitch in the courtroom,
then everyone will know that
it wasn't the BHS big three.
Nigga, it was just me.
I hear that. I really do. I hear it.
Well, I'm glad you understand that
because I need you
on this Eric Cropper trial.
It'll be big for both
of us, Corey, okay?
We win this, we win this together.
So, Corey, tell me, what do you
need from me to make that happen?
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
[SIGHS] I just have
to tell Brandy, that's all.
Tell or discuss?
What's the difference?
[CHUCKLES]
I've been married for almost 20 years.
How?
Because my husband is a smart one.
He doesn't tell me
anything. We discuss it.
And if he feels strongly about
something that I don't wanna do,
then he guides me towards a
decision he wants me to make
with words, with flowers, with
I think you get it.
I do.
So if you wanna stay here
on this Eric Cropper trial,
then you need to see
her, hear her, feel her.
That is how you keep your relationship.
[JAX CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Hey, where you headed?
Oh, to class, I'll see you tomorrow.
Oh, no, Crystal, wait.
Eric didn't take the plea,
so we're going to trial.
Oh, wo Wow, that's exciting.
It is, but I'm gonna need your
help running The Stewart Firm.
Overseeing billing,
hiring new staff, all of it.
Now I know you have school,
but I'm gonna be too busy once
the trial starts, so I need you.
And I know I don't say it
often enough, but it's the truth.
So, please, can I count on you?
As always. I will, I will do what I can.
[JAX] That's my girl.
[ANGELA SIMON] Hey,
baby. How was your day?
Well
Jax wants me to take on
more responsibility at the office,
which basically means
I'll be running the business.
I mean, at least while
she's focusing on the trial.
Okay, well, what does
that mean about law school?
I think it means returning to the office
after class sometimes
and that is going to suck.
[SIGHS] You know, in
addition to making sure
she has everything
she needs for the trial,
I will service all the clients
and maintain the
financials for the day-to-day.
Okay, so that's more responsibility.
Will that come with more
pay, better title, anything?
No, but she says she needs me.
[SLOW POP SONG PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS]
[ANGELA] Krystal.
Baby.
I love your willingness,
but I need you to start
speaking up for yourself.
You left a prestigious law
firm and you had a reputation.
- You had great pay, benefits.
- [CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
When is that loyalty gonna be returned?
[KRYSTAL SIGHS]
Time goes to waste ♪
When we're just trying to float ♪
[COREY] Oh, it smells good in here.
I know.
I think you'll like the
way these smell, too.
This is getting old, don't you think?
I mean, you mess up, you apologize,
I forgive you, you mess up again.
Not interested in a relationship
on wash, rinse, and repeat.
Yeah, me neither.
And I'm sorry.
Look, I don't even
know what to say, but
I thought about what you said
about if the roles were switched
and yeah, I wouldn't
like that shit one bit.
Listen, I don't want there to be
a double standard between us.
If we start doing that, then,
I am no better than the
men I fight against in court.
So we are equals.
You are my partner and I respect
and I value you more than
anyone else except God.
And I promise you, I
will never make you feel
the way you felt the other night.
Okay?
This case is going to trial.
And you wanna stay.
Yes, but I want you to stay here, too.
And what if that doesn't work for me?
Then I will get on a plane
home with you right now.
But if I stay, I need you here with me.
With this trial, it's impossible for me
to fly back and forth
to Chicago all the time.
So I have some people back
at my office that can hold it down
and I found out that you
could actually apply
for a temporary license
to do telehealth from here.
Wow.
You really thought about this
and about how this could
work for me, didn't you?
What do they call that, growth?
[LAUGHS]
Yes, baby, that is exactly what that is.
So, yes, I will stay.
[COREY] Mm.
- I love you. You know that, right?
- [BRANDY] Mm-hmm.
And I also know that you owe
me a little bit of, um, buzz, buzz,
slap, slap time like you promised.
Oh, is that what you want?
[BRANDY] Mm-hmm.
- Okay, well, if that's what you want
- [BRANDY] Yeah.
I'm just the brother
that's gonna give it to you.
- [BRANDY LAUGHING]
- Exactly how you want it.
- Exactly how I want it, right?
- [BRANDY] Ohh.
- You better answer my prayers. Come on.
- [COREY LAUGHS]
[LEWIS SIGHS]
[JAX] Mm.
[EXHALES]
Oof.
Oh, babe.
- [JAX GROANS]
- Hey.
- [JAX] Hey.
- [LEWIS] Let me help.
[JAX GROANS, WINCES]
Ooh. Ooh.
- Okay. Hi.
- [CHUCKLES] Hey.
[JAX CHUCKLES]
- I missed you.
- Mm.
How was the convention?
I missed you, too.
- [JAX GROANS]
- Yeah.
It was alright, nothing
worth talking about.
- Yeah?
- Hmm.
I did talk to Spencer about his room.
Hmm. How'd that go?
- Hmm. Good, I think.
- Hmm.
I told him we would
cleanse his room a little bit,
give it a little refresh, you know?
Cleanse the energy in there.
Yeah. That sounds good.
And so far, you seem to be
doing okay without the pills, right?
Yeah. I mean, it's, it's a
little tough, but it's okay.
So don't worry.
Okay?
Superwoman, I swear.
[SIGHS] Alright, well, I am going
to unpack and sit my ass down.
Okay.
[LEWIS] Mm.
- I love you.
- I love you, too.
- I'm happy you're back.
- I'm happy to be back.
[LEWIS SIGHS]
["UNDER THE INFLUENCE"
BY CHRIS BROWN PLAYING]
Get up, get up ♪
Kiddominant on the
beat, better run it back ♪
Fuckin' Robitussin ♪
[CELL PHONE BUZZES]
I don't know why this shit
got me lazy right now, yeah ♪
Can't do Percocets or Molly ♪
I'm turnin' one,
tryin' to live it up ♪
I've been working security
for Eric for eight years.
I gotta say this is the first time
he ever asked me for any
party favors through a lawyer.
Okay, well, these are not for fun, okay?
He needs these.
With all the attention
Eric's been receiving,
he can't be caught
getting these in his name.
But don't worry, I will
make sure that he gets them.
He needs to stay
focused during this trial.
Yeah.
You don't know what
you did, did to me ♪
Your body lightweight, speaks to me ♪
And you be like, "Baby, who cares?" ♪
But I know you care ♪
Bring it over to my place ♪
You don't know what
you did, did to me ♪
Your body lightweight, speaks to me ♪
I don't know what you did ♪
I did everything for that man.
[SPEAKER] We both have.
But he always seems
to win no matter what.
Not anymore.
He's finally gonna get what he deserves.
And so are you.
Let's Go Pro and make a video, yeah ♪
Make you cry like a baby, yeah ♪
Let's Go Pro and make a video ♪
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
Baby, you can ♪
Ride it, ooh, yeah ♪
Bring it over to my place ♪
And you be like, "Baby, who cares?" ♪
- But I know you care ♪
- [BROOKE MOANS]
Bring it over to my place ♪
You don't what you did ♪
[ERIC] Who the fuck is that?
[REGINA HARRIS] Previously
on Reasonable Doubt
[DR. VERNON WEBB] Jax,
so you got shot, almost died.
How are you feeling about everything?
[JAX STEWART] I have never
been this close to failure before.
I have people depending on me.
I need to get back to my firm.
Eric, listen to me.
Brooke has declared war.
I know way more about you
and the shit that you've done
than you can even remember.
Bet she'll get what she
deserves soon enough.
[KIDNAPPER] We have
your wife. 30 million, 24 hours.
We need to counteract the whispers that
you might have been involved in this.
Mr. Cropper, is the quote-unquote,
"utmost concern" for your
wife's safe return genuine?
Maybe this is a second chance.
I'm worried about Jax.
She might be pushing
herself too hard at work.
[KIDNAPPER] [ON PHONE] Your time is up.
- I swear to God, if you hurt her
- [GUNSHOT ON PHONE]
[KIDNAPPER]
Congratulations. You killed her.
Brooke!
We don't know who's
behind this, but guess what?
We're going to find out.
My husband, Eric Cropper,
tried to fucking kill me.
["I DON'T FUCK WITH
YOU" BY BIG SEAN PLAYING]
[VOCALIZING]
[ERIC CROPPER] Brooke. Babe.
Holy shit, I can't believe it. Babe.
- Are you alright?
- Whoa, stop.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, what you
doing? I'm trying to check on my wife.
We have a few additional
questions for you.
I need you to come with me.
I don't fuck with you ♪
I already told you.
I heard a big dude in
a mask grab Brooke,
threw her in the back of the van.
I went and grabbed my gun.
They drove off before I could catch 'em.
And no other details about
that night come to mind?
I felt a hand over my mouth
and someone grabbing me.
I tried my hardest to
pull away from them,
but they forced me into the van.
Once I was inside the van, they,
uh, duct-taped over my mouth
and taped my eyes.
And what happened next?
I just remember overhearing
them arguing and getting frustrated
when Eric didn't send the first ransom.
One of them came in my face and
told me that Eric was the mastermind
behind the kidnapping
and the terms had changed.
Eric now wanted me dead
before they got their final payout.
And that-that was all I needed to hear.
And I knocked the gun
out of his hand with my foot
and then I kicked him in the dick.
And as he was trying
to get up, I shot him.
And then I got the fuck out of there.
I do kickboxing in Brentwood.
You little stupid ass bitch ♪
Shit. Do your job.
How about you round
up more suspects, right?
Lock 'em down till you
get some straight answers.
Make 'em talk. Do something.
That's how you would handle it, right?
Make people talk, lock 'em down.
We're here as a courtesy
and we're cooperating because my client
wants to get to the bottom
of this as badly as you do.
Do you know a Fabian Cruz?
Yeah, a former artist of mine.
One of the few disgruntled
artists whose album got shelved
because that shit just didn't hit.
Well, clearly he's holding a grudge.
He's one of two men
that kidnapped your wife.
Now, he's dead.
You know who the other person could be?
Why the fuck would I know?
Now why are you so certain
that Mr. Cropper tried to kill you?
Eric took a $10 million
insurance policy out on me.
If I die, he gets the money, he
gets all of my shares to our company
and he gets sympathy press
to push his next big artist.
Look, I was already actively
fighting Brooke and winning.
So why would I suddenly do
something so public and messy
and actually fucking stupid?
Well, right now, your divorce
looks a whole lot like motive.
Unless you can provide concrete
evidence suggesting otherwise,
my client is here as a
victim, not the suspect.
So this interview is over.
Alright, Mrs. Cropper. So
what do you wanna do next?
[REPORTERS CLAMORING]
[BROOKE CROPPER] Thank
you all for being here today.
I am happy to be safe and sound,
but I must face a new devastation.
And that is the fact that
my husband, Eric Cropper,
may have orchestrated my
kidnapping and tried to kill me.
But here I am.
If I hadn't fought for my
life, I'd be I'd be dead.
As I try to piece together
this turn of events,
there is still so much
that I do not know.
But one thing that I do know
is that Eric Angelo Cropper
gets what Eric Angelo Cropper
wants no matter who gets hurt.
And as the person who
was harmed in this case
I hope he burns in hell.
[CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING]
[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 ♪
Leimert and right back to The Arc ♪
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 ♪
So it's too early to
refill the prescription?
I see. Okay.
No, that's okay. I just, I
didn't, I didn't realize that.
Thank you.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[GUNSHOT ECHOES]
- [LOUD THUD]
- What was that? What was that?
Hey, Daniel got a copy of
Brooke's press interview.
- You okay?
- [JAX GROANS]
Yeah, it's all good. Um
Let's go watch the video.
gets what Eric Angelo Cropper
wants no matter who gets hurt.
And as the person who
was harmed in this case,
I hope he burns in hell.
I mean, does anyone get the
sense that she is milking this?
Yeah, maybe.
I mean, I've been doing some
digging with my contact at the precinct
and it's, uh, not looking good.
Uh, the charges he's facing are not only
conspiracy, kidnapping,
and attempted murder,
but also felony assault
for the fingernail thing
that I can't think about
or I'm gonna vomit,
and also felony murder.
Okay, so the cops have
found a few pieces of evidence
that make it look like
Eric hired these hitmen.
The first is a payment from one
of his accounts to the kidnappers
a week before Brooke was kidnapped.
Okay, what are the other pieces?
Uh, we've got call logs
from his office line to Fabian
and one of the guns from
Eric's collection is missing.
It was recovered at the crime scene
and the bullets matched the
one that killed the kidnapper.
Eric never reported
the gun stolen, so
I hate to say it, but
he does fit the profile.
But he also did seem visibly upset
when he thought she was dead.
Or that was a cover to make
you think that he was sad
when really he was out here kidnapping.
[JAX] Okay. Let's not
jump to conclusions, huh?
- [SLAMS TABLE]
- That's what cops do.
Plus, I still can't shake the feeling
that something about
Brooke feels off here.
I'm not buying it.
But before we all fall
down that rabbit hole,
let's make it clear to the DA
that Eric will fully cooperate
before another day's worth
of this nonstop news cycle.
Alright, I can head there if
you like. Or we can go together.
I can be good cop, you can be bad cop.
However, something tells
me you wanna be both.
Oh, you know me so well, Corey.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
Oh, Mike.
Look at that, just the
person I came to see.
- No coffee, no donuts.
- Oh.
I feel like I'm losing
your respect, Jax.
[SCOFFS] No, I just lost my Century
City corporate firm expense account.
But maybe if you help a
sister out with her first big client
as a brand-new entrepreneur,
the next time I come,
I'll bring you coffee and donuts.
Oh, you mean Eric Cropper?
Yeah, I'm not on that case anymore.
As of when?
[REGINA] As of today.
Wait, what happened
to Monica Wilson's case?
I'm taking that one and Regina
will be working with Cropper.
Glad to hear we'll be on the
same team for once, Miguelito.
And I assume that you're here
to negotiate Mr. Cropper's arrest?
Well, you know what they
say about assumptions.
But, yes.
And that is my signal to leave.
Well, I admit this is a
pretty exciting turn of events.
It would've been an honor to work
with you on the Miss Wilson case,
but going against you is even better.
- [BOTH LAUGH]
- Well, don't get too excited.
Your office tends to lose.
But I'll cut to the chase.
Given my client's stature, we'll
need to arrange for a private arrest.
Unmarked car let in through the back.
No cameras, no spectacle.
Well, that sounds
like special treatment,
and given the nature of the
crime, isn't exactly appropriate.
Crime? [LAUGHS]
I doubt you have enough to
even take this to trial, Regina.
I'm not at liberty to
discuss all of the evidence,
but if I was to choose
from the highlight reel,
it would be Brooke's former assistant
now working for Eric
being forced to testify.
- Why?
- [JAX] Hmm.
Because we have evidence
that your client paid her to lie,
which resulted in Brooke being
terminated from the company.
The email reads
"I need to get rid of
this bitch at any cost."
That's just how I talk!
I'm not talking about
killing or kidnapping.
I'm talking about
making a complaint to HR.
- So the HR complaint was real?
- Yes!
Maddie complained to me
about how Brooke was treating her
and I told her to make a case to HR.
Now, did I benefit from the shit?
You fucking right.
But Maddie's issues
with Brooke were real.
Fine.
What about the payment to
the kidnappers a week before?
I don't know nothing about no payments!
Somebody's setting me up.
And when I find out who, I'm
I'm ending the motherfuckers.
- I'm telling you.
- [JAX] Okay, Eric, listen to me.
I understand that this is
a difficult situation for you,
but every single move that
you make from here on out
will be under scrutiny, especially
if you appear to be angry.
One misstep will give them the fuel
they need to add
to the fire of the story
that you are a murderer and a kidnapper.
This is my life, Jax.
Everything I've worked for.
Everything I fucking fought for.
I understand that, which is
why I need you to listen to me
and follow everything I'm saying.
Alright?
This is how it's going to go.
["LOSE MY MIND" BY YOUNG JEEZY PLAYING]
I negotiated no handcuffs,
but they're going to escort
you through the front door.
Your appearance will
be pristine, yet modest.
Nothing showy or that
can be read as arrogant.
It is imperative that
when they escort you,
you are cooperative and do not resist.
Wear an expression that
reads as humble yet innocent.
I know you may not want to, but
you must wear your wedding ring.
There will be paparazzi
and cameras there.
And wearing that ring symbolizes
a quiet, respectful love towards her.
You are innocent.
Therefore, walk in
there with your head up,
back straight, chest out.
Let's get him out of there fast
before he loses his fucking mind.
Thirty-six a thousand
times, I'm doing somersaults ♪
- [JAX] Hey, baby.
- [LEWIS] Hey.
How was your day?
[SIGHS DEEPLY] Tiring.
But Eric's arrest did go smoothly.
His arraignment is tomorrow.
How was your day?
Uh, busy. [SIGHS]
I'm preparing for the Black
Gaming Developers Convention
this week in Atlanta.
[JAX SIGHS]
Are you okay?
When's your next dose?
Um Well, actually, I
stopped taking them.
You know, it started
to affect my work, so
But it's okay. I can Yeah, I
can play through a little pain.
- Hmm. Are you sure?
- Mm-hmm.
Is that why you haven't
been sleeping well?
- Well
- Look, I don't have to go if
No, no, no.
You have been looking
forward to this, you are going.
I'm actually starting to
feel like myself again.
- That's great.
- Mm-hmm.
Well, that makes me feel
a little better about leaving.
Good.
I'm gonna go change,
okay? I'll be right back.
[LEWIS CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey.
Hi!
Our mom is driving me crazy.
On top of me trying to
manage his terrible twos
and make sure dinner
is ready, it's too much.
Too much? Tatiana, she's
only been here for two days.
Two days too long.
It's impossible to manage a
marriage and kids and Mom.
Maybe one day you'll understand.
Anyway, um, well, I just
got assigned a huge case,
and if I win, it could be a
game-changer for my career.
So I was wondering if
during the trial you could
No, no, Reg. No, she cannot stay here.
Come on, you know
her caretaker just quit.
Hi, Scott. Tatiana, I need more help.
I send you money every month.
Well, full-time help costs
thousands of dollars per month.
What you send barely covers the meds.
And that's where I'm gonna stop you.
You should be grateful I send anything,
especially after how she did us.
The foster care the Nope.
No, I'm not going there.
I told you, I can't.
It's not every single day.
It's just gonna be during
the days of the trial
I told you to put her in a home.
But you chose to take
on this burden, not me.
Because she's our mother.
She gave birth to us.
But trust me, she is not a good mother.
Hi, Mom.
[DOROTHY] I'm hungry.
And I need some real food.
Tatiana and her white husband
eat like they living off the land.
- Take me to El Pollo Loco, Regina.
- Yep.
- Good seeing you too, Dorothy.
- [DOROTHY] Mm-hmm.
[REGINA] Wait, wait,
wait, wait, wait, Mom.
Do not go down that
staircase by yourself.
Mom!
Your Honor, Eric
Cropper is a public figure
with means and resources
to flee if he so chooses.
We request no bail.
Your Honor, Mr. Cropper
being a public figure
is exactly why he is not a flight risk.
He would not go unnoticed.
The prosecution has only
provided circumstantial evidence
to which Eric Cropper looks
forward to vindicating himself in court.
There is no history
that would give reason
for the court to believe
that Mr. Cropper would flee.
However, the weight of these
charges do give the court pause
and all parties need to be
made aware of their severity.
I will grant bail in the
amount of 10 million.
Baby money.
I'll see you soon.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey, so I know this isn't your style,
but it may make sense
to consider a plea.
Well, my style is whatever
works best for my client.
[JAX SIGHS, SCOFFS]
And I don't think they have
evidence to win this case.
Plus, do you really think Eric
is gonna lay down like that?
For his life, I think he should.
But you are the only one
that can convince him.
Are you just bringing this up
because you're ready
for this case to be done?
I am bringing this up
because this is the first case
that your new firm is taking on
and it will set the tone for how
your business moves forward.
Now, look, I know Eric
thinks that he is untouchable,
but once this goes to trial,
all of his dirty laundry
will be aired out.
Hm.
And once you're under a public
microscope, everything changes.
Now you're battling more
than Brooke's accusation.
Every single shady thing
that Eric has ever done
will be dug up and on display for
social media to have a field day with.
Look, I know he may win in court,
but he could lose everything.
- Well, you're not wrong.
- [CELL PHONE RINGING]
Once he makes bail, we'll get a read.
Hey, what's up?
Just got word from my
contact at the precinct.
The cops filed an
emergency protective order
against Eric regarding Brooke.
What? Was it granted?
Sure was, just a few hours ago,
which means they
feel the evidence proves
that Brooke had legitimate
reasons to fear for her life.
Shit, they rarely file
on behalf of the victim.
This is bad.
Real bad.
Okay, we'll see you back at the office.
- What happened?
- Brooke was just granted
an emergency protective
order against Eric,
which was filed by the cops.
Uh, we may have to float
that plea sooner than later.
[OFFICER] Per the protective order,
you're to stay 100
yards from Mrs. Cropper,
unless in her presence
during court-related hearings.
If you need to leave this property,
we've arranged with the
help of your house manager
a system with your security team
to ensure this system is maintained.
So I need permission to
walk across the lawn I paid for?
Yes, do you understand?
Yes.
I am here if you need anything,
Mr. Cropper, by text or phone.
Thank you, Alejandro. Appreciate you.
Alright.
So Brooke just cries
to anybody that'll listen
and I get kicked out of my own house?
How the fuck did this happen?
Well, she went straight to the cops.
We had no idea until it was done.
We'll also need to go over
the protective order stipulations.
Violating them would
jeopardize your case.
- [CELL PHONE BUZZES]
- Well, besides what the officer mentioned,
you are not to have any
communication with Brooke.
If you need to contact her,
we have ways to do that.
You are not allowed to harass,
threaten, or stalk her, okay?
At this point, I can't
even stand looking at her.
Damn, Desiree just broke
the protective order story.
- [JAX SIGHS]
- Fuck!
Alright. Eric, come
here. Listen to me, look.
If there's anything
else you need to tell me,
now is the time to speak up, alright?
I need you to be transparent with me.
And I need the same from you, Jax.
Are you good?
Look, I know you just got shot,
but I need you on your A-game.
This is my life we dealing with.
[JAX] I know that and I'm fine, okay?
It's just me settling back
into everything, alright?
And now, speaking of your life,
Corey brought up a plea deal.
I know what you're gonna say.
But it might not be
a bad idea to find out
how strong of a case
they think they have.
Fine, see what they say.
[JAX] Alright, he's
down to talk plea deal.
Okay, good, I'll go
talk to the DA's office.
Great. In the meantime, there's
someone else I need to talk to.
How much is Brooke paying
you to be her mouthpiece?
I'll double it to get you to stop
telling lies about Eric Cropper.
As much as I'd love to take your
money, Brooke isn't paying me.
- Then who is?
- And this is where we differ, Jax.
I don't need a direct
deposit to direct my morals.
I'm guided by truth
and justice, unlike you.
Please, Desiree, you are
guided by likes and comments,
so miss me with that bullshit.
Eric Cropper is a bad man.
He treats his artists like
shit, his wives like shit,
and he'd treat you like shit if you
weren't his personal legal goon.
That sounds like a list of
personal opinions, not crimes.
Which means you need
to focus on the truth.
Or else I will make sure that
your struggling news outlet
is hit with a libel suit so big
you'll be begging to come
work for me, and Eric.
You can say whatever you wanna say,
but dangling money or fake-ass
consequences isn't going to work.
Save all these words for the
statements you'll have to make
after my story comes out,
because once it drops, you'll
be begging to work for me.
Please, not a chance in hell.
Well, with your client list,
you'll be there soon enough.
Knock, knock.
[REGINA] Corey Cash. This is a surprise.
I was actually expecting Jax
to come and discuss
Mr. Cropper's plea deal.
Yeah, well, she sent me, and
trust me, you're better off. I'm nicer.
[CHUCKLES] I certainly hope so.
Listen, the truth is that
Eric Cropper isn't guilty
of this kidnapping fiasco,
which means either way it's best for
the both of us to
start discussing a plea.
Not interested.
I'm surprised you're not
jumping for joy at a plea bargain.
Did a little research on you, Regina.
You have a 92% plea rate.
What's the matter, are
you scared to cross the bar?
No, not at all.
I just don't believe in
wasting taxpayers' money
when the goal on my side is
to put criminals behind bars.
Lengthy trials with fickle
juries, no, thank you.
But if I have to get in the
ring, it's gonna be a TKO.
Now, would you have said that to Jax?
This isn't just a kidnapping.
There's also a body since Fabian
Cruz was killed at the scene.
So if you think that Mr. Cropper's
gonna get a slap on the wrist
and be floating on a boat in a
month, you're sadly mistaken.
And that, I would have said to Jax.
I understand, and I'm not delusional,
but if I go back to Eric and
I present him with a deal
that makes trial seem more appealing,
then your A-plus plea
rating goes down to a solid B.
Let me talk to my boss
and see what I can do.
You do that.
Good day.
[JAX] I called yesterday
and I was wondering if I could
refill my prescription for the
[PHARMACIST] [ON PHONE] Unfortunately,
you'll have to wait another two weeks
before we can fill your prescription.
Another two weeks? Fuck.
- [PHARMACIST] Excuse me?
- Uh, no.
Sorry, that was not for you.
It's not for you. Um
- Thank you.
- [PHARMACIST] Have a good day.
[LINE BEEPS]
[SIGHS]
- [COREY CASH] Hey, baby.
- [BRANDY MICHAELS] Mm.
How's the case going?
Things any better with Eric?
[SIGHS] Well, yes and no.
I actually don't think he did it,
but he's done enough things in his past
where he might have
to pay for it anyway.
Well, I mean, from what you've told me,
I'm really suspicious of that guy.
Yeah, well, you and me both.
But Jax seems to be doing better.
- [BRANDY] Mm-hmm.
- A lot better, actually.
So we are working on a deal for Eric.
So this should be over
soon then you and I
- can go back to Chicago, get married
- Yeah?
- and live happily ever after.
- Happily ever after.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
I love the sound of that.
Mm. Okay.
Well, I'm gonna go take a shower.
- Wait, unless you're hungry
- No.
- then I can wait.
- No, no, no, no, no.
You go take a shower and then you relax.
I have to head back to the office.
I might have to meet
with this deputy DA.
Depends on what this
plea deal looks like.
Oh, man. Well, I hope
it doesn't take too long
because I was really looking forward
to some Hulu and hang,
if you know what I mean.
Mm. Well, I absolutely
know what you mean.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
- This shouldn't take long.
I'm hoping she wraps it up soon.
She being?
Oh, Deputy DA Regina Harris.
Oh, a sister. Okay, cool.
But when I get back
I am going to take
off all of your clothes
and then I'm gonna
do that thing you like
with the "bzzz" and my tongue.
[BRANDY SUCKS TEETH]
- Okay, I hear you.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
Alright, I'll be back later, okay?
- Okay. Yeah.
- [COREY] Love you.
Love you.
Be careful.
- [COREY] Always.
- [DOOR CLOSES]
How's your recovery been going?
You feeling okay today?
[JAX] Hmm. [SIGHS]
I've been feeling frustrated
because doctors never listen
when Black women tell
them that we're in pain.
Well, no offense to you, Dr. Sally.
[CHUCKLES] None
taken, but sadly, it's true.
And after tearing my
calf muscle in the clerb
[JAX] Just actin' up.
- I still don't understand what happened.
- [SALLY LAUGHING]
I know, I know.
But, yeah, I had to tell the ER doctor,
this is not a sprain.
They still didn't listen
to me, and I'm a doctor.
Mm-hmm. So you get it.
And, I mean, I really feel
like I should have tried harder
to find a Black female doctor,
but then I realized I
already know one. [LAUGHS]
[CLEARS THROAT] So any chance
you could help me out with something?
Um
So I have Well, I
need a new prescription.
And my doctor, he didn't give
me anywhere near enough.
And this goes back to what I'm saying.
Doctors, they just don't listen.
Mm-hmm. I hear you, but,
girl, you know I can't do that.
A few years ago you asked me for Ambien.
I said no then, so I'm
saying I cannot do that.
I know, I know, I know.
And, Sally, look, listen.
You know I would not be asking you
if I wasn't seriously
hurting.
Jax, I can lose my
license, and more than that,
it's against my ethical
code as a doctor.
You put your whole
house at risk for Shanelle,
and now suddenly you
have an ethical code?
Yeah, and it cost me my marriage
and that's why I would never
cross a line like that ever again.
I learned my lesson.
I'm-I'm sorry, okay?
It was a, it was a weird joke.
- Are you good?
- [JAX] Mm-hmm.
Yes, of course.
I'm just
Yep. Mm-hmm.
- Okay, yep, I think that is enough wine.
- Oh.
Yeah, you need to be hydrating.
I'm gonna get you a bottle of water.
- Oh, I can get it.
- I got it, okay?
I need to move around
before my ass gets big.
[SIGHS DEEPLY]
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey, girl, I'm gonna head home, okay?
I didn't realize how late it was,
but I'm gonna call
you later today, okay?
Love you.
Okay.
Bye!
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
[ENGINE STARTS]
[SLOW, JAZZY MUSIC PLAYING]
Yeah, yeah ♪
Ah, yeah ♪
- Corey, what are you doing?
- Twenty-five years without parole.
Is that the best you can
do? I can't sell that to Eric.
Tell him it's better than life.
The man's 50 years old.
Twenty-five years to him is life.
And why would he take
this plea when he can easily
just take his chances going to trial
and walk away from
all this stuff scot-free?
That's if he wins.
And that's a very big if.
When you lose and you will lose,
it's gonna be the fourth big
case your office takes the L on
and three of them would
have been against Jax.
And you know what?
No one's gonna remember the other three.
No, they're gonna remember this one.
The one where the Black woman lost.
Now do you really
wanna work twice as hard
only to fall four times as hard?
Fine.
Twenty years, no parole.
Fifteen with the possibility
of parole after ten years.
Fifteen, no parole, must do
90% of the sentence, final offer.
Deal?
I want a drink.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Let me get a, uh, Sable bourbon, neat.
Well, I wouldn't celebrate just yet.
I have to talk to my boss first.
Well, something tells me
you usually get what you want.
Hmm. How I wish that were true.
So, Corey
what's your story?
Who is Corey Cash?
Who is Corey Cash?
Take a guess.
You don't want me to do that.
Ah, I'm a big boy, I can handle it.
Let's see.
Divorced, two older kids,
pleasant relationship with your ex-wife.
Although she's still in love with you,
even though she doesn't
have a chance in hell,
because you tend to date
gorgeous, minimally employed women
slightly older than your daughter,
you know, just out of principle.
And while you are in LA helping Jax out,
you are enjoying these LA streets
which have more of a Benetton
range of options than Chicago does.
Am I close?
Wow. Not even a little bit.
- Really?
- [COREY] Mm-hmm.
- Which part?
- All of it.
- [REGINA] Mm.
- No kids, never been married.
I'm currently engaged to an
age-appropriate Black woman
who's a therapist, AKA,
a doctor who specializes
in work with domestic violence victims.
- Well, fuck.
- [BOTH LAUGH]
But, look, I wanna meet
whoever that dude is
'cause he sounds like a lot of fun.
Well, I am surprised
and very impressed, Corey.
- Surprised, huh?
- [REGINA] Mm-hmm.
And why is that?
You don't give off
I'm-in-a-relationship energy.
Hmm. Interesting.
Are you in a relationship?
No.
See, that's funny because I
was gonna say you give off,
I-have-someone-to-go-home-to energy.
Nope, very single.
I'm sorry, but that's, that's ridiculous
because you're smart,
you're funny, very attractive.
Like, very attractive.
["SPECIAL AFFAIR" BY
THE INTERNET PLAYING]
Is that so?
It is so.
Any man would be lucky to have you.
And if I were single
Which you're not.
- But I'm not.
- [REGINA] Mm-hmm.
But if I were, this would be a date.
But it's not because you're not single.
I am not.
Tryin' to act nice,
girl, your cover's blown ♪
But you already knew that ♪
You already knew that ♪
It's late.
I should go.
So should you.
I will have this plea deal on your desk
first thing in the morning,
but, um, you stay
and enjoy your drink
on me.
I bet this Patron ♪
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
[LEWIS] So, yeah, it's,
uh, an amazing conference.
You get Black developers
from all around the world.
This year it's in Atlanta and
next year it's supposed
to be in Singapore,
- but it's so inspiring.
- Uh, excuse me.
Excuse me. Are you Lewis Stewart?
- Yeah.
- Told you.
- I told you, this is him, man.
- [LAUGHS] The man, he's the man.
This is the man
responsible for Autodrive 2.
Listen, you kept my kids
occupied for hours on end.
I The-the way I see it, I owe
you, I owe you at least a beer.
Uh, bartender, can he
get another one on me?
Uh, I'm-I'm Austin
Collins by the way. Big fan.
- Hey. And I'm Webster DeMarco.
- Big fan.
Hey, dude, such a
clean design on that one.
Thank you. Yeah, we
worked real hard on that.
No, it shows.
So, uh, Lewis, what's next?
Oh, uh, after Ghetto Superstar,
I'm overseeing a whole
line in that universe.
Uh, floated the idea two years ago,
but wasn't given the leeway
till after Autodrive's success.
- Bureaucracy, right?
- Bureaucracy.
Man, you would think them juggernauts
would be a bit more open-minded,
but that is just not the case.
[EXHALES] Alright, so
what do you guys do?
Uh, well, we just got cleared
for our second round of funding
with an augmented reality company.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Let's go.
We're gonna be making,
uh, games for smart glasses.
Very cool. That's very cool.
- You, uh, you familiar?
- I mean, come on, of course.
I mean, I've been getting the feeling
like that's the next stage for me.
Well, hey, you know, maybe
that next step isn't that far away.
You know? I mean, we're
looking for someone to fill our team
who has design know-how,
management skills,
but most importantly, the
vision to try new things.
We like your style, Lewis.
Come check out our shop in San
Francisco. You-you have a card?
- Uh, yeah, yeah, of course.
- Give him, give him the card.
And, I mean, I'm out of
the West Coast, too, I'm LA.
- Look at that. That's a short flight.
- That's a short flight.
You know what I mean?
Maybe I'll fly down and we can meet up.
You mind if we keep in touch?
- Absolutely not.
- Yeah?
- Please do.
- Hey, pleasure, man.
Absolutely, my pleasure.
- [WEBSTER] Alright.
- Have a good night.
You too, thank you.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS]
Huh.
[JAX] Hey, where are you going?
You said I could hang at Max's tonight.
And I'm picking up Naima
from a friend's house later, too.
[JAX] Okay.
I'm still not used to
you driving like this.
Alright. Well, you remember what
to do if you get pulled over, right?
[SPENSER STEWART] Yes, Mom.
I take off my hat and
glasses, turn off the music,
and I put my hands on the steering wheel
where they can clearly see them.
And it's "yes, ma'am" or "sir."
That's right.
I wanna make sure you come back
home to me the same way you left me.
- You and me both.
- [JAX] Alright.
Well, I guess I'm here
by my lonesome tonight.
Since your dad is in Atlanta.
Sure you're gonna be okay by yourself?
You know, I can tell Max if you need me.
[JAX] No, no, don't be silly.
But one more thing before you go.
Your dad told me that
the therapist said that you're
not sleeping in here sometimes.
Is that true?
That was supposed to
be between me and Dad.
So much for trust.
[JAX] Of course, you
can trust your father,
but I am his wife,
and the trust in our
marriage comes first.
So what he knows, I
know. You can count on that.
Yeah, well, sleeping here
creeps me out since Ozzie.
I get it. I get it.
But, baby, you have to be able
to sleep in your own
room, or at least try.
You know, we can't allow trauma
to hold us back from living our lives.
You've been through a lot.
How do you cope with everything?
Well, by facing it head-on.
- [SPENSER] Hmm.
- [JAX] Hmm?
Running away from it,
it only makes it worse.
And sometimes you need to
be honest about what you need.
And other times you just have to
do what you can to forget and move on.
- I hear you.
- [JAX] Mm-hmm.
You know, I have an idea.
Why don't we give your room a makeover
and we'll move forward
by starting a new chapter.
How's that sound?
Alright.
- [JAX] Alright, baby.
- Sounds good.
- [JAX] Okay.
- I'll see you later.
Alright. Um
But just remember that if you ever
wanna talk about anything, I'm here.
Okay?
- Thanks, Ma.
- Alright.
Are you sure you gonna be
okay here by yourself tonight?
- What you gonna do?
- Boy, don't be ridiculous.
Get out of here.
I kept myself busy for many
years before y'all came along, okay?
- I will be back before curfew.
- I know you will.
- [SPENSER] Love you.
- Love you, too, baby.
- [DOOR CLOSES]
- [SIGHS] Love you, too.
["FUNCTION" BY E-40 PLAYING]
League of Starz ♪
Trend on the beat ♪
- We out here tryin' to function, bitch ♪
- Biatch! ♪
You're fuckin' off my
high, get up out my mix ♪
You're messin' up my vibe,
I'm tryin' to get some crevice ♪
Put her in my ride,
take her to the Ritz ♪
I'm toasted and sloppy,
off of broccoli, Bacardi ♪
151 out my body, about
that green like wasabi ♪
Word candy, S-L-A-N-G ♪
I'm thinkin 'bout takin' a
million-dollar insurance policy ♪
- Out on my mouthpiece ♪
- Biatch ♪
[EXHALES DEEPLY]
Hey, hey, hey ♪
[BREATHES DEEPLY]
Ah. Hey, you're up.
[BRANDY] Sure am.
Uh-oh. What happened?
[BRANDY] What happened?
Corey, it's 12:36 in the morning.
I tried calling you.
Yeah, my phone was off.
I told you I was having
drinks with the deputy DA.
You told me you were meeting with her.
There's a difference.
But, you know, I'm glad to hear
that you weren't in an
accident or in the hospital
like I feared, you
know, you were just out
having drinks with
another woman, cool, cool.
Brandy, Brandy, nothing happened, okay?
It was work.
I even ended up staying
at the bar way past
when she left just to decompress.
[COREY CHUCKLES]
You know, it's been a long fucking day,
so it's real nice to come
home, get all wound up again.
[BRANDY] I'm not trying to wind you up.
I'm trying to get you to understand that
you have to respect our relationship
- at all times.
- I do respect our relationship.
I told you nothing happened.
You act like I just went out there
and had sex with another
woman or something.
Okay, respect isn't just about
being faithful physically
and emotionally.
It's about not creating
suspicion and insecurities
because you fail to set
boundaries with other people,
particularly of the opposite sex.
Okay, so you have to approve everyone
I go out with before I go out with them?
If I went out with a male colleague
that you didn't know, just me and him,
and we were out for hours
until this time in the morning,
you mean to tell me that
you wouldn't be waiting up
to have this same conversation
just a little less calmly?
No. Because I'm not insecure.
Neither am I. I am just human.
Okay. I don't think this is
the best time to keep
talking about this, so
I am going to say I love you.
- Okay, Brandy, hold on.
- No. I
I'm not mad.
[EXHALES] And I do trust you.
I just wish
Corey, I wish that you would
stop being stuck in your own POV
and just take a moment to try to
understand mine from time to time.
That's all.
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
Good night.
Fifteen, nigga, what?
Considering the circumstances,
that's an incredible deal.
Ain't nothing incredible
about serving 15 years.
I might as well be serving life.
But it's not life.
And that's what you were facing
had Corey not negotiated this deal.
Corey?
I hired you, Jax.
I didn't ask Chocolate Mr. Clean
to go and negotiate for my life.
Okay, so that's what we're doing, huh?
Okay, stop insulting someone who's
sincerely trying to help you, Eric.
I'm not, I'm not. Look [SIGHS]
I'm sorry. Alright?
It's just a lot going on.
How the fuck did I get here?
I didn't do this shit, and taking
the plea is saying that I did and I
Let's take it to trial.
I respect your decision,
but I want you to understand
the complete picture of trial.
Regina is a hell of a
prosecutor with a high win rate
and because of that, she has a
higher-than-average plea rate.
Eric, we go to trial,
there are no guarantees.
We've been to trial before, Jax.
Or have you forgotten?
Each time we beat that shit.
I thought you were a winner and
that's what I pay you to do. Win.
You are Jax Stewart, aren't you?
Or are you different now?
[JAX] Fuck it.
Let's take it to trial.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[REGINA] You can do this.
You can do this. Breathe. [EXHALES]
I am not wrong for
asserting my boundaries.
[EXHALES] Breathe.
[TATIANA] I know you fucking
lying. I told you already, I'm not
[REGINA] I heard you, Tatiana.
But you didn't hear me so let
me attempt to be more clear.
Our mom has two options.
Either a new around-the-clock caregiver
or you personally
keeping her until I'm off
for the duration of my trial.
The $100 you send a
month is no longer feasible
and I can't keep bearing the brunt
of caring for a woman
who's birthed another child.
Regina, I know that you're a lawyer
and you're used to convincing people
to get on your side,
but I said what I said.
I'm not keeping her here. End of story.
Why do you hate her so much?
Why do you still love her?
Well, someone has to.
Well, then I guess it's gonna be you.
I'll send you some more money if I can.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[SIGHS]
So, trial, huh?
I guess we couldn't discuss it
first or anything like that, right?
Okay, he wasn't gonna take the plea.
Oh, come on, man. Maybe
not, but the man played you, Jax.
[MIMICKING ERIC] "Are you Jax
Stewart? Or you some punk, huh?
- Huh?"
- That's not what he said.
And plus, he was right.
I mean, I was bending
over and letting Regina win
instead of fighting
for him, and for myself.
What do you mean?
[SIGHS]
Corey, I mean I'm scared. Okay?
I'm scared that if I
don't get a big win,
then I'm gonna be a
big joke to my old firm,
to the legal community, shit, to myself.
I stormed out of BHS and quit.
Then I opened up my own firm
and on day one of being
here, I get shot and almost died.
It's like some poetic
karma or something.
Do you think you deserve
that, being shot by a pedophile?
No, I don't.
But if I can show everyone
that I'm still the baddest
bitch in the courtroom,
then everyone will know that
it wasn't the BHS big three.
Nigga, it was just me.
I hear that. I really do. I hear it.
Well, I'm glad you understand that
because I need you
on this Eric Cropper trial.
It'll be big for both
of us, Corey, okay?
We win this, we win this together.
So, Corey, tell me, what do you
need from me to make that happen?
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
[SIGHS] I just have
to tell Brandy, that's all.
Tell or discuss?
What's the difference?
[CHUCKLES]
I've been married for almost 20 years.
How?
Because my husband is a smart one.
He doesn't tell me
anything. We discuss it.
And if he feels strongly about
something that I don't wanna do,
then he guides me towards a
decision he wants me to make
with words, with flowers, with
I think you get it.
I do.
So if you wanna stay here
on this Eric Cropper trial,
then you need to see
her, hear her, feel her.
That is how you keep your relationship.
[JAX CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Hey, where you headed?
Oh, to class, I'll see you tomorrow.
Oh, no, Crystal, wait.
Eric didn't take the plea,
so we're going to trial.
Oh, wo Wow, that's exciting.
It is, but I'm gonna need your
help running The Stewart Firm.
Overseeing billing,
hiring new staff, all of it.
Now I know you have school,
but I'm gonna be too busy once
the trial starts, so I need you.
And I know I don't say it
often enough, but it's the truth.
So, please, can I count on you?
As always. I will, I will do what I can.
[JAX] That's my girl.
[ANGELA SIMON] Hey,
baby. How was your day?
Well
Jax wants me to take on
more responsibility at the office,
which basically means
I'll be running the business.
I mean, at least while
she's focusing on the trial.
Okay, well, what does
that mean about law school?
I think it means returning to the office
after class sometimes
and that is going to suck.
[SIGHS] You know, in
addition to making sure
she has everything
she needs for the trial,
I will service all the clients
and maintain the
financials for the day-to-day.
Okay, so that's more responsibility.
Will that come with more
pay, better title, anything?
No, but she says she needs me.
[SLOW POP SONG PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS]
[ANGELA] Krystal.
Baby.
I love your willingness,
but I need you to start
speaking up for yourself.
You left a prestigious law
firm and you had a reputation.
- You had great pay, benefits.
- [CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
When is that loyalty gonna be returned?
[KRYSTAL SIGHS]
Time goes to waste ♪
When we're just trying to float ♪
[COREY] Oh, it smells good in here.
I know.
I think you'll like the
way these smell, too.
This is getting old, don't you think?
I mean, you mess up, you apologize,
I forgive you, you mess up again.
Not interested in a relationship
on wash, rinse, and repeat.
Yeah, me neither.
And I'm sorry.
Look, I don't even
know what to say, but
I thought about what you said
about if the roles were switched
and yeah, I wouldn't
like that shit one bit.
Listen, I don't want there to be
a double standard between us.
If we start doing that, then,
I am no better than the
men I fight against in court.
So we are equals.
You are my partner and I respect
and I value you more than
anyone else except God.
And I promise you, I
will never make you feel
the way you felt the other night.
Okay?
This case is going to trial.
And you wanna stay.
Yes, but I want you to stay here, too.
And what if that doesn't work for me?
Then I will get on a plane
home with you right now.
But if I stay, I need you here with me.
With this trial, it's impossible for me
to fly back and forth
to Chicago all the time.
So I have some people back
at my office that can hold it down
and I found out that you
could actually apply
for a temporary license
to do telehealth from here.
Wow.
You really thought about this
and about how this could
work for me, didn't you?
What do they call that, growth?
[LAUGHS]
Yes, baby, that is exactly what that is.
So, yes, I will stay.
[COREY] Mm.
- I love you. You know that, right?
- [BRANDY] Mm-hmm.
And I also know that you owe
me a little bit of, um, buzz, buzz,
slap, slap time like you promised.
Oh, is that what you want?
[BRANDY] Mm-hmm.
- Okay, well, if that's what you want
- [BRANDY] Yeah.
I'm just the brother
that's gonna give it to you.
- [BRANDY LAUGHING]
- Exactly how you want it.
- Exactly how I want it, right?
- [BRANDY] Ohh.
- You better answer my prayers. Come on.
- [COREY LAUGHS]
[LEWIS SIGHS]
[JAX] Mm.
[EXHALES]
Oof.
Oh, babe.
- [JAX GROANS]
- Hey.
- [JAX] Hey.
- [LEWIS] Let me help.
[JAX GROANS, WINCES]
Ooh. Ooh.
- Okay. Hi.
- [CHUCKLES] Hey.
[JAX CHUCKLES]
- I missed you.
- Mm.
How was the convention?
I missed you, too.
- [JAX GROANS]
- Yeah.
It was alright, nothing
worth talking about.
- Yeah?
- Hmm.
I did talk to Spencer about his room.
Hmm. How'd that go?
- Hmm. Good, I think.
- Hmm.
I told him we would
cleanse his room a little bit,
give it a little refresh, you know?
Cleanse the energy in there.
Yeah. That sounds good.
And so far, you seem to be
doing okay without the pills, right?
Yeah. I mean, it's, it's a
little tough, but it's okay.
So don't worry.
Okay?
Superwoman, I swear.
[SIGHS] Alright, well, I am going
to unpack and sit my ass down.
Okay.
[LEWIS] Mm.
- I love you.
- I love you, too.
- I'm happy you're back.
- I'm happy to be back.
[LEWIS SIGHS]
["UNDER THE INFLUENCE"
BY CHRIS BROWN PLAYING]
Get up, get up ♪
Kiddominant on the
beat, better run it back ♪
Fuckin' Robitussin ♪
[CELL PHONE BUZZES]
I don't know why this shit
got me lazy right now, yeah ♪
Can't do Percocets or Molly ♪
I'm turnin' one,
tryin' to live it up ♪
I've been working security
for Eric for eight years.
I gotta say this is the first time
he ever asked me for any
party favors through a lawyer.
Okay, well, these are not for fun, okay?
He needs these.
With all the attention
Eric's been receiving,
he can't be caught
getting these in his name.
But don't worry, I will
make sure that he gets them.
He needs to stay
focused during this trial.
Yeah.
You don't know what
you did, did to me ♪
Your body lightweight, speaks to me ♪
And you be like, "Baby, who cares?" ♪
But I know you care ♪
Bring it over to my place ♪
You don't know what
you did, did to me ♪
Your body lightweight, speaks to me ♪
I don't know what you did ♪
I did everything for that man.
[SPEAKER] We both have.
But he always seems
to win no matter what.
Not anymore.
He's finally gonna get what he deserves.
And so are you.
Let's Go Pro and make a video, yeah ♪
Make you cry like a baby, yeah ♪
Let's Go Pro and make a video ♪
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
Baby, you can ♪
Ride it, ooh, yeah ♪
Bring it over to my place ♪
And you be like, "Baby, who cares?" ♪
- But I know you care ♪
- [BROOKE MOANS]
Bring it over to my place ♪
You don't what you did ♪
[ERIC] Who the fuck is that?