Pearson (2019) s01e04 Episode Script
The Deputy Mayor
1 My Lord.
I know this man.
This is Carl Jeffries, my neighbor.
What are you doing with a picture of him like this? It's just work stuff.
That shit with North Park is nothing compared to what she could find.
She's a threat to both of us, Bobby.
And that's why I hired her.
Seven days? That's not enough time to pack a goddamn toothbrush, much less find a place to live.
My family gets the 90 days they're entitled to, and the union's off your back.
Last time we shook, it came back to bite me in the ass.
Remember that.
She asked if I'd be her driver.
- I'm talking to you, lady.
- What are you gonna do? - [COUGHS.]
- I work for the mayor.
I can do whatever I want.
You have a problem you need solved.
Why don't you tell me what Pat McGann has on you? Taking that trial in Miami.
So much for having my back.
[EASY GOING MUSIC.]
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES.]
You got my message.
I've had books on tape that were shorter.
[BOTH LAUGHING.]
Seriously, though, it was good to hear your voice.
Thank you for the flowers.
They were beautiful.
Speaking of beautiful, any chance you can take off a few days and get down here? - Jeff - Come on, Jess.
When was the last time you took a vacation? When's the last time I started a new job? Is that the only reason? That, and those pictures you sent me.
And what exactly does that mean? I've arranged for Nick D'Amato to be my driver.
The cop? Are you out of your mind? Jeff, I need to get close to him.
I need to find out if he's What, a murderer? You're the one that said I need to keep my eyes open.
Right, let me ask you this.
What happens if you find out your chauffeur cop killed that man who was suing the city? You're gonna go to the FBI, or you're gonna walk away from this new job of yours? Let me find out first.
That's not a very comforting answer.
- Jeff, please.
- [PHONE CHIMES.]
I'm not getting off this phone until I get a goddamn answer.
Well, I'm going to be in his car in about 30 seconds, so one of us is.
These are dangerous people, Jessica.
This is not your world.
I know what I'm doing, Jeff.
I'll call you later.
Did he tell you how long he'd be gone? No, he just said that he's taking her to the Mayo Clinic.
Shit.
He was already out the other day.
If he stays AWOL too long, the press is gonna start wondering.
Not if you avoid them.
Good morning, everyone.
I want to relay a message from the mayor.
He's going to be out-of-pocket for the next few days.
Told you something's wrong with him.
There's nothing wrong with him.
Mayor's just taking a much-needed vacation with his wife.
So if anybody has a problem with that, take it up with him.
In the meantime, he's left Keri in charge of the day-to-day.
Anything I need to make a statement on, come to her first for counsel.
If we elected officials are allowed to speak, I think it's time for the mayor's office to make a public statement about Fred Hampton.
We're coming up on the 50th anniversary of his death, and we still haven't Lloyd, you've brought this up with Bobby in the past, I believe.
Yes, I have, but Bobby's not here.
I'm talking to Derrick, and I am the deputy mayor.
Lloyd, I just don't think this is the appropriate time Yes, I know, I know.
The mayor is out-of-pocket or out of town, or where'd you say he was again? Keri's right.
I spoke with the mayor this morning, and he was very specific about there being no surprises while he's gone.
But, Lloyd, I'd be more than happy to look into the Hampton matter, if you'd like.
Thank you, but that won't be necessary.
Okay, if that's it, we all have a job to do, so let's have a productive and uneventful day.
[SIGHS.]
[KNOCK AT DOOR.]
- Thank you.
- Don't thank me yet.
I can't thank you for having my back in there? That little R&R speech might have satisfied the staff, but I'm not staff.
I don't know what to tell you.
I saw the mayor the other morning, Keri.
That's not a man with vacation on his mind.
That's a man with a problem, and if I don't know what it is, I can't fix it.
It's not that kind of a problem.
Whether you like it or not, you know why he brought me in.
It's not that kind of a problem.
Stephanie Novak has MS.
How long have they known? She was diagnosed a few years ago.
She just had a relapse.
He's taking her in for more tests.
Who else besides you knows? What difference does it make? They're gonna find out, Keri, like they found out about bringing me in.
Please don't tell me how to do my job.
I know what I'm this is what she wants.
This is what his wife wants.
I don't know what else to tell you.
Stop asking questions, and don't make this, or anything else going on, your business.
If we have any hope of coexisting while the mayor is gone, I need you not to turn this into a pissing contest.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
[KNOCKING AT DOOR.]
Jessica, I wasn't expecting you.
Shouldn't you be at work? I'm not playing hooky.
I promise.
Well, as long as I'm not harboring a truant, come on in.
Angela's just finishing up a graveyard.
She should be home pretty soon.
Actually, I wanted to talk to you first.
I know you have 90 days to move, but have you given any thought to where you want to live? Well, with everything going on, we haven't had a chance.
Reverend Thompson from my church said he might drop by with a few ideas, or a prayer.
Well, before you seek divine intervention, come with me.
I want you to take a look at this.
It's a house I want to buy for you, Angela, and the boys.
It's in Evanston.
Great schools.
A big backyard for Cory and Mark.
Jessica, this is too much.
Not for me.
I have plenty of money with no one to spend it on but myself, and to be honest, after everything that's happened, that's the least I can do.
Evanston.
Well, it doesn't have to be this house, or this neighborhood.
We can all go looking together.
You want to go house hunting with Angela? Mm-hmm.
We're talking about the woman who wouldn't even accept a bag of groceries from you.
Which is why I'm coming to you first.
And you think she listens to me? If you can convince her that it's a better life for her boys, she might.
I'll try.
But I'm not making any promises.
That's all I can ask.
[SOMBER MUSIC.]
You must be Jessica.
I'm James Thompson.
I'm your aunt's pastor.
Oh.
[LAUGHS.]
Wow, that's, uh, very sweet of her to mention me.
Oh, she did more than that.
She prayed for you for years, and here you are.
Well, she and I have a lot to catch up on.
Yeah, well, no better place to do it than with the family of God.
I can save you a seat on Sunday? Oh, that's very kind of you, but I think I'll start with finding her a new place to live.
Well, look at us.
We're on the same page.
That's why I'm here.
Knocking on doors, seeing who I can help.
Do you know everyone in the building? Well, I wouldn't be much of a pastor if I didn't make it my business to know everything that's going on in the neighborhood.
Well, it's been a pleasure meeting you, Jessica.
- You have a wonderful day.
- Thank you.
Um, I'm sorry, um Did you know Carl Jeffries? [TENSE MUSIC.]
I did, yes.
What about the way he died? Do you know anything about that? I work for the mayor, Reverend Thompson.
I'm not with the police.
Carl was a good man, but he made bad choices.
Filing that lawsuit was his way of trying to make things right.
He was out front, he was telling people about their rights.
Then all of a sudden, he just drops the lawsuit.
A few days later, he shows up with a brand new Range Rover.
Then he got shot.
Did Carl have the kind of money to buy a car like that? No, I wouldn't think so.
Not normally.
- That's all I know, ma'am.
- Thank you.
I come in peace.
Listen, Lloyd, about earlier Say no more.
I was out of line to bring that up in front of everyone.
It's not that you brought it up in front of everyone.
I know what you want, and naming a street after Fred Hampton is not gonna fly.
Why, because you're a proxy for the police department? So much for coming in peace.
The man was a civil rights activist and a hero, Keri.
And to others, a dangerous militant.
The Black Panthers were about defending themselves from government oppression.
Lloyd, please, I am not here to litigate his case.
It's already been litigated, about 30 years before you were born, and a white judge threw it out.
And his family also got over a million dollars, and if I'm not mistaken, there's a statue.
In Maywood.
They already know who he is in Maywood.
I want the rest of this city to know who he is before he's completely forgotten.
Lloyd, it's a hot-button issue, and Bobby doesn't want any part of it.
Bobby's not here, is he? - No, but I am.
- Don't you mean, no, but I am? If you're thinking of pushing this through while Bobby's gone, I strongly advise against it.
Well.
We all have a job to do, Keri.
Hey, whatever you have going on, stop it.
We have a problem.
Good.
I'm running out of ways to say the mayor is attending to personal business.
What's going on? Our esteemed deputy mayor won't take no for an answer.
Fred Hampton again.
Yes.
It's his day to shine, so he wants to be front and center.
Why don't we just throw the guy a bone? I agree.
That's why I'm coming to you.
Thought you said Bobby wasn't in favor of it.
There's nothing to be in favor of if Lloyd is kept busy.
Shit, Keri.
This is not a request, Derrick.
I don't want to string the guy along.
He's old, and I'm already lying to the press.
Why can't we just be straight with people? Do you know where you work? Wrestle with your conscience later.
I do.
Every day.
[SOMBER MUSIC.]
[EXHALES.]
Just was checking on Joyce.
Poor thing.
She just keeps mixing up her medicines.
What's this? It's, um, uh a house for sale in Evanston.
I can see that.
You work for Century 21 now, or did you win the lottery and not tell me? Jessica wants to buy it for us.
She wants to buy us a house in Evanston.
Well, they have great schools.
Look.
Big yard for the boys.
Yeah, that'll solve everything, won't it? - Angela.
- I'm serious.
Got a problem? Write a check.
That's Jessica.
You are working double shifts, talking about nursing school.
Don't you want to stop worrying about keeping a roof over your head? Of course I do.
Why don't you see that's why I'm working double shifts and going to school? I want to buy the house for you and the boys.
I do.
Not her.
Baby, you know how proud of you I am and how hard you work for us.
Then you know it doesn't mean shit if she can just swoop in here with her money.
I'm sorry.
Ma, thank Jessica for me.
I know she's trying.
Tell her we're gonna have to pass.
Keri, how's "mayor for the day" treating you? I never want to hear those words again.
What's on your mind, Jessica? Carl Jeffries.
What about him? I just recently learned he came into some money before he died.
I was wondering if you knew anything about that.
"Recently learned"? I know you're looking for something to do, but what are you doing? The man who sued the city before my aunt did was shot three times.
I'm just trying to find out why.
I'm sure there's no danger to your aunt.
How do you know? Because Carl Jeffries and your aunt didn't travel in the same circles.
What does that mean? It means that Carl Jeffries was anything but an angel, and he could've come into money any number of illegal ways.
That's a theory, but the reality is he came into money after he dropped the lawsuit against North Park.
I don't think I like what you're implying.
Only two parties benefited from him walking away: Pat McGann and the city of Chicago.
Well, I can only speak for the city, and I don't bribe people to drop lawsuits.
Are we done? That's all I wanted to know.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
- Hey.
You busy? - Very.
I'm letting Toys R Us know I can be at their new grand opening in Skokie on Tuesday.
That's my way of saying no, I'm not busy.
[LAUGHS.]
Just wanted to let you know Keri and I discussed your proposal, and she had a change of heart.
Let me guess.
You changed her heart.
This one's on her.
To be honest, I don't know much about the man.
You're born and raised in Chicago? Yes, sir.
You went to college? Yes, I did.
You are black, right? - Last time I checked.
- You see? This is exactly why we need to name a street after him.
If someone like you doesn't know Fred's story - Is that you and - Bobby Kennedy.
The minute I heard he was running in the Indiana primary, I drove three hours and got myself down there to help.
Nicest man.
He took pictures with everyone.
You were in Vietnam.
Yes, I was.
You don't know how lucky you are not to have a draft.
[PENSIVE MUSIC.]
Okay.
All right.
Let's make a plan.
I can schedule a meeting with the City Council We'll get to that.
First things first, protocol.
At my age, when somebody says protocol, they're jerking my chain.
- What's going on, Derrick? - You need signatures for 2/3 of the residents on the street you have in mind.
I'm not jerking your chain, Lloyd.
The only way Keri's willing to go along with it is if it's a true grassroots effort that shields the mayor.
Then tomorrow we canvass.
Hey, it's an active work site.
Put it on.
I've got a hard head.
Ask my brothers.
It's been a while, Keri.
What brings you down here? Jessica Pearson.
Ah, my favorite person.
What's she done now? Nothing, except she's looking into the Carl Jeffries case.
I never met the man.
So you weren't the one that paid him off to drop the suit? All right, get off your high horse.
Okay, you were popping champagne the second that suit went away.
How do you think that happens? Someone, what, sprinkles fairy dust? - So who gave him the money? - None of your business.
If it's Bobby's brother, it's my business, because that traces back to the mayor, and it's my job to protect him.
As city attorney or his girlfriend? And where the hell is Bobby anyway? Has he got some side piece out of town, or is that another question you don't ask? I don't know what you have on Bobby or his brother, but if you think you have something on me, you're wrong.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
Hey, you sure you don't want to hold onto this, sweetie? You never know when something might fall out of the sky.
Please state your full name for the record.
Carl Anthony Jeffries.
And where is your current address, Mr.
Jeffries? You know where I live.
I stay in the projects.
- You mean North Park? - Yeah, North Park's my home.
And I don't want them tearing it down unless they're gonna give us someplace else to live.
You say it's your home, but you haven't actually lived in that building your whole life, have you? Mostly, yeah.
Okay, what about from 2012 to 2016? Where'd you live during those years? Joliet.
- Joliet Correctional Center.
- Yeah.
You were serving a four-year sentence for writing bad checks, weren't you? I did my time.
Yeah, but you're still in debt to a lot of people.
That has nothing to do with any of this.
Is this a bad time? It's okay.
Come on in, Yoli.
Uh, you got some calls while you were out before.
A Jeff Malone called from sunny Miami.
When's he gonna put a ring on it? Is that the message? No, I was just wondering.
I mean, he and I started talking, and he's definitely missing you.
I mean, he didn't come right out and say it that way, but after 45 minutes, I got it out of him - Yoli - Yeah, I'm sorry.
- I am not good with boundaries.
- Get good.
Yeah? Okay, anything else? Yeah, your aunt Lillian called.
She wanted to talk about the house.
Do you want me to set that up? No, I'll handle it.
Is she taking it? It's a sweet place.
That's right.
It's none of my business.
Okay.
Good night, Yoli.
Night.
[OMINOUS MUSIC.]
I'm on the clock.
What's the emergency? How are you on the clock? Your brother's out of town.
He's not the only one I drive for these days.
You stupid son of a bitch.
Bobby thought it'd be a good idea to keep an eye on her.
Well, open your eyes then.
What are you talking about? I've been with the woman all day.
She's literally having tea with her aunt.
Where? At my site? You know what she's doing there? She's digging into the Jeffries mess.
She knows you paid him off.
How do you know that? Because your brother's little girlfriend told me, that's how.
What do you want me to do about it now, Pat? Well, just keep your distance from her for a while.
- I can't do that.
- Yeah, you can.
And I got a job for you.
I told you.
I'm not your bagman anymore.
It's just security.
Okay, I got a VIP coming into town who needs protection.
He's a real whale.
You can name your price.
[CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
Not interested.
Oh, is that her? I have a job.
Get yourself a mall cop.
You think this is a joke? Wake up.
You're not keeping an eye on her.
She's keeping an eye on you.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
- You didn't have to come in.
- I want to talk to you.
Okay, talk.
You got questions for me, ask away.
You wanted me to drive you around so you could find out some shit about me.
So let's get to it.
You sure you don't want a lawyer? I don't need a lawyer.
Why are you looking into me? What do you do for Pat McGann? I knew you worked for him the minute I met you.
The mayor doesn't send his top guy to scare people in the dead of night.
Not even this mayor.
Good for you.
You cracked the code.
I moonlight.
So what? - Does Bobby know about it? - Yes, he does.
Does he know I paid Carl Jeffries to drop the suit? No, he doesn't.
What about what happened next? - Does he know about that? - No, he doesn't know, and neither do I, because the last time I saw that guy, I gave him an envelope filled with $50,000 in cash.
Jesus Christ.
You don't believe me, do you? I saw you throw that union kid up against the wall.
You're basing this on that? No, I'm basing it on things not adding up.
Goddamn it.
I just admitted I paid the guy.
Why the hell would I kill him after he dropped the suit? From what I can gather, Carl liked money and was in debt.
Maybe he saw you as an ATM, wanted more.
- You.
- That's not an answer.
You want an answer? Here's an answer.
If you really think I'm capable of murder, get yourself another driver.
That's another one for me, old man.
- [LAUGHS.]
- You tired? No, no.
Just just thinking.
About the good old days of canvassing the neighborhood? Taking a horse and buggy to pick up a pop.
[LAUGHS.]
No.
About Fred.
Why is this so important to you? I've been telling you that.
The man made a difference.
- He deserves recognition.
- No, you told me why it's important.
Why is it important to you? Fred and I grew up together.
In Maywood? Yes, in Maywood.
There used to be white people there a great many years ago.
Were you guys tight? We were very good friends.
Played baseball together at Proviso.
- No shit.
- Mm-hmm.
He actually wanted to be a lawyer.
You believe that? He only joined the Black Panthers so he could keep an eye on police brutality.
He never wanted to hurt anybody.
What happened with him and the police? First of all, it wasn't the police.
It was the FBI.
And it was an ambush.
They shot him in his bed.
And when the first one didn't kill him, they put two more in his head.
[SOMBER MUSIC.]
Damn.
The saddest part is that I actually spoke to him that day.
I had tickets for a game and I thought But by that time, it wasn't good to be seen with me.
It wasn't good for me, he said.
So this is where you work? - [BOTH LAUGHING.]
- Hi.
And you see the mayor? I wish he was here today.
I want you to meet him.
So you ready for lunch? One minute.
Okay? Okay.
Angela said no to the house, didn't she? Well, we, uh want to find a place close by that we could afford on our own.
You know, I shouldn't have dropped that lawsuit.
Oh, Jessica, please No, condo projects fall apart all the time.
I should've fought harder.
Why, so you or I could end up like that poor man? Uh-uh.
Angela warned me about getting mixed up with those people.
It's best this thing is over, one way or another.
What people, Lillian? [DESOLATE MUSIC.]
- Um - You said she warned you about getting mixed up with those people.
What people? The developer? I don't know.
I just What is it? [SIGHS.]
The whole thing.
When I saw that picture of Carl at your apartment, it gave me nightmares.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have brought it up.
[LAUGHS.]
There is no quit in you.
- I'll give you that.
- That is true.
But this isn't about the house.
Oh, yeah? What's it about? Did you get us a cabin in the Dells? No, it's about Carl Jeffries.
What about him? Why didn't you want your mother taking up the lawsuit after him? The man died, Jessica, and I didn't know why.
I just didn't want my mother anywhere near it.
Well, your mother also said you didn't want her getting mixed up with those people.
Well, my mother doesn't always remember things the way they happen.
Angela, please.
I don't understand what you're trying to do.
It's possible that the man that is putting you and your family out on the street is the same man that put Carl Jeffries in the ground.
Now I need to know.
- I don't.
- This isn't for you.
It's for me.
It won't get back to you.
I promise.
Do you know who the Four Corner Royals are? I'm guessing they're not a softball team.
No, they operate out of this place on Marquette.
I heard they had something to do with it.
I don't want to say any more.
You don't have to.
Thank you.
- Where are you going? - I think you know where I'm going.
Are you out of your mind? I'm from New York.
I've represented criminals.
Okay, well, this isn't your New York or your criminals.
- I'll take you.
- So it's too dangerous for me, but okay for you.
I grew up with these people, all right? I know how to approach them.
And you'd do that for me? I mean, you did offer to buy my family a whole house And you said no.
Well, what if I change my mind? Wouldn't do me any good if you're dead.
I don't know what to say.
Just follow my lead.
And try to look a little less you know.
I can do that.
Nice office etiquette.
What happened to you? [SIGHS.]
Lloyd happened to me.
Been out getting signatures with him all day.
God, they're going to rename the street after Fred Hampton? - That's amazing.
- It's also not true.
What do you mean? Can't believe I'm even saying this, but What? We're just stringing him along until Bobby gets back.
How could you be so cruel to such a nice man? I feel terrible.
Yeah, well, why don't you just give him what he wants? He's been in City Hall for 100 years.
Fred Hampton was a Black Panther.
When white people hear Black Panther, they think killer, anarchist Marvel movie.
I'm serious.
- It sucks.
- Yeah, well, if you think it You know what? Nothing.
Forget it.
What do you mean nothing? Talk.
I've been told I have a problem with boundaries, so I'll shut up.
Are you for real? Don't ever stop speaking your mind.
Just tell me what you think.
Don't just sit there and whine.
Be a man.
If you think Keri's wrong, tell her.
Which Derrick do you want to be: the ex-journalist who could make a difference in the world, or the weasel who fired me? ["CHILL BILL" BY ROB STONE PLAYING.]
Rob stone, two damn phones Babylons can't crack the code Used to sip out Styrofoam But figured I should stick to dro Backwoods overload Don't like to smoke them swishers, ho What you want? Looking for Kevin Dawson.
Tell him it's Angela Cook.
Said she wanna roll with me And smoke up all my [.]
Okay, look.
I know this is hard for you, but let me do all the talking.
Just go with whatever I say.
[DISTANT SIREN WAILING.]
She said you need a job [.]
a job I still get cheese Two cell phones Mr.
Mother [.]
-A-Thot Thanks with all 12-07 [.]
an op They hear my name they see my squad Rolling [.]
up on the spot This is Jessica Pearson.
She's trying to help out the neighborhood.
You a community organizer? I work for Mayor Novak.
They're tearing our building down to put up condos.
Jessica's trying to stop it.
[LAUGHS.]
You gonna stop a bulldozer? I'm gonna try.
But I need some information.
Information.
Carl Jeffries.
I told her you might know something.
I don't know nothing about that.
Sorry you came all the way down here from City Hall.
Maybe I can help you.
Said she wanna roll with me You got a key for this? Unless you do, we got nothing to talk about.
I can't help you with that.
- [LAUGHS.]
- I'm not with the police.
No, you're not.
You're with the mayor.
What's he going to do for us? Make another speech about breaking the cycle of violence? [LAUGHS.]
You're right.
The mayor's not gonna do shit for you.
But if you help me out today, I'll remember that.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC.]
Where do you get off coming in here, making promises? Kevin, remember when John-John came to the ER with a bullet in his leg? Who lost his paperwork so the cops couldn't find him, huh? You owe me.
Yeah, maybe so.
But I don't owe her and I don't know her.
She's my cousin.
I'm vouching for her.
How come I never seen her before? She's from the bougie branch of the family.
You think they come visit us? [TENSE MUSIC.]
[LAUGHS.]
[LAUGHTER.]
I meant no disrespect.
I'm just trying to find out what happened to Carl.
Carl owed some dealers a lot of cash that he couldn't pay.
Then he started pushing a new whip.
They came to collect.
It's that simple? That's what I heard.
[LAUGHS.]
Let's go.
Eyes forward.
Girl, what were you thinking in there? What were you gonna do? [PANTING.]
- Pepper spray? - [BOTH LAUGHING.]
Did you really think that was going to help us? Okay, go.
612 signatures in one day.
Wow.
Thank you.
Two more days at this pace, and we should be ready to petition City Council.
I get it.
You went above and beyond to help me.
It won't be forgotten.
No offense, but I'm not doing it for you.
I'm doing it for Lloyd.
You're not actually suggesting that we give in to him, are you? - Why not? - The police department will fry Bobby if he backs this.
You keep saying Bobby, but you also mean you.
Just say it.
Take a stand.
I'm not taking a stand 'cause it's a 50-year-old incident, and horrible mistakes were made.
Lloyd didn't need to shove this down my throat while Bobby was away just so that he could get what he wanted.
He knew exactly what he was doing, and it's disrespectful.
He knows what he's doing, but he never gets a chance to do it.
- Derrick, come on! - No, you come on.
The guy was brought in to counter Bobby's youth, and all he ever gets is grand openings and pizza-eating contests? That's bullshit.
Yeah, well, what do you want me to do? We're already lying to everyone about where the mayor is.
At least give this guy the respect he deserves.
I owe you an apology.
That must've been some bad L ride to work.
I know you didn't kill Carl Jeffries.
- Mm-hmm.
- I asked around.
Turns out he was shot because of an unpaid drug debt.
That would've been my guess, but you had to do what you had to do, right? If I thought you were capable of killing someone, I never would've gotten in a car with you.
Bullshit.
I didn't say you had nothing to do with it.
I just needed to know you had nothing to do with his death, and now I know.
Yeah, well, I may not have put a bullet in his head, but I wouldn't exactly say I had nothing to do with his death.
You didn't kill him, Nick.
Carl Jeffries was mixed up with a lot of bad people.
You don't think I know that? That's part of why I gave him the money.
At first, he was a true believer.
Said he wouldn't drop the suit for a million bucks.
But I know the guy's hurting for cash, so I keep going back.
I talked him into it because I could see he wasn't a terrible guy, and I told him to take that money, and go somewhere.
Get the hell out, and start over.
I actually thought I was doing him a favor.
Goddamn idiot.
Instead he buys a car.
I'm sorry about what happened to that man, but I'm worried about the mayor.
This won't go back on him.
Anything else you want to tell me about what you do for McGann? No.
That's it.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
Ah, Miss Allen.
I was just coming to see you.
That Derrick's a great kid.
He really busted his hump out there.
Together we got more than enough signatures to support a street name.
Unfortunately, not where it counts: with the mayor.
I thought that wasn't an issue.
I really want to be straight with you.
Um Fred Hampton is a hero to so many people, but not to the police department.
There's just no way the mayor is gonna risk antagonizing them.
So this was all bullshit, - a way to keep me in line.
- I'm sorry.
I should've handled it differently, which is why I'm here so I can tell you the truth about Bobby.
He's with his wife at the Mayo Clinic.
I know the truth.
- Who told you? - I've been around a long time, Keri.
There's not a lot goes on around here that I don't know about.
So then you know, uh, I'm not trying to pull a power move on you.
I'm really just trying to protect the mayor.
You're loyal to Bobby.
I don't hold that against you.
For what it's worth, you really are a great deputy mayor.
People like you.
[PENSIVE MUSIC.]
You want some advice from an old hippie? Sure.
Don't let your loyalty to the mayor turn you into something you'll hate.
Sounds a little more like a warning than advice.
Let me put it this way then.
Fred Hampton wanted to lift people out of poverty.
Pat McGann wants to push the poor out of the city.
Whose side are you on? [KNOCKING.]
Hey, is it a bad time? No, come on in.
The boys were just cleaning up after dinner, - weren't you, boys? - BOTH: Yep.
[LAUGHING.]
Hi.
I just wanted to talk to you about the house one last time.
- Jessica - No, hear me out.
You know how people love to tell you that moving isn't gonna solve your problems? Well, it's bullsh It's not true.
- [BOTH LAUGH.]
- Thanks.
Moving to Chicago was the hardest thing I've ever done, but I don't regret one minute of it.
It's not about being scared of change.
I'm all about change.
You want to buy this house yourself.
No.
I have to.
- I know that sounds crazy.
- No, not at all.
No, I dreamt of having my own law firm.
They all said I was crazy, too.
Oh, well, girl, that is crazy.
- 100%.
- [LAUGHING.]
- Jessica.
- Hey.
I knew Pastor Thompson would convince you.
What? To come to church with us tonight.
Come on.
We don't want to be late.
No, I'm not much of a churchgoer.
No.
[LAUGHS.]
Sounds like you just haven't found the right church yet.
All right, boys.
Cousin's coming to church with us tonight.
- She is? - Yes.
Oh! [LAUGHS.]
[ELECTRONIC MUSIC.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Welcome to Chicago.
The clubs as nice in Shanghai? I wouldn't know.
I'm in Macau now.
Oh, the Vegas of China.
I got office towers already sold out.
Here's to the same thing happening in North Park.
When are we breaking ground? 90 days.
You told me it was going to be bulldozed last week.
It's not up to me.
It's the city.
You said you had the mayor in your pocket.
The mayor can't do everything.
He can in Macau.
Maybe I should just keep my money there.
Come on.
This is just a hiccup.
We're gonna do great things, you and I.
Transform Chicago.
[LAUGHS.]
I don't give a shit about Chicago.
I care about a return on my investment.
I want to see progress on North Park this week, or I'm out.
I'm so happy you could join us.
- Thank you - [CELL PHONE CHIMING.]
Oh, excuse me.
Uh, you tell the mayor you can't talk.
- You're in the house of God.
- It's not the mayor, and I have to take this call.
We'll save you a seat, but don't take too long.
- Okay.
- Come on, boys.
You will never guess where I am.
If it's not the lobby of my hotel, I don't care.
Is that an invitation? Eh, it's more like a plea.
I'm still worried about you.
If it's what I think you're worried about, don't be.
My driver had nothing to do with it.
Oh, well, then we should celebrate with room service.
If this conversation is going where I think it is, you should know I'm at church.
I think I've got a bad connection.
I thought you just said "church.
" [LAUGHS.]
What is happening up there? Am I gonna recognize you when I get back? Hurry up and finish that trial.
Come see for yourself.
- Good evening.
- ALL: Good evening.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
And the risen Christ is with us.
ALL: Praise the Lord.
Please be seated.
ALL: Amen.
Hallelujah.
Now we'll have a wonderful song by Sister Angela.
There's There's a leak in this old building And my soul ALL: Has got to move My soul ALL: Has got to move My soul, yeah ALL: Has got to move [OMINOUS MUSIC.]
Bless me, Father.
For I have sinned.
It's been a while since my last confession.
Go ahead.
You can't tell anybody about this, right? The seal on the confessional can never be broken.
Whatever you say here I'll take to my grave.
When I can read My title clear To mansions in the sky A man died.
It was my fault.
You said a man died.
How? Did you intend to take his life? Does it matter? Absolution requires an acceptance of responsibility.
What if his family wants justice? [MUMBLES.]
I I don't think I can do that.
Imagine I'm this man's father, or son.
Someone who loved him.
What would you say to me? I'd say I'm sorry.
I know what I did.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
I took him from you.
And you didn't even get to put him in the ground to say good-bye.
I'd say Tommy Diehl didn't deserve to die.
[CHOIR SINGING DISTANTLY.]
Let me tell you something.
I'm moving ALL: I'm moving I got another building ALL: A building I made I made No, no, no, no, no, not me ALL: A building I made I made [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
Amen.
- Can the church say amen? - ALL: Amen.
[DARK MUSIC.]
Aaron.
Aaron! Oy.
I know this man.
This is Carl Jeffries, my neighbor.
What are you doing with a picture of him like this? It's just work stuff.
That shit with North Park is nothing compared to what she could find.
She's a threat to both of us, Bobby.
And that's why I hired her.
Seven days? That's not enough time to pack a goddamn toothbrush, much less find a place to live.
My family gets the 90 days they're entitled to, and the union's off your back.
Last time we shook, it came back to bite me in the ass.
Remember that.
She asked if I'd be her driver.
- I'm talking to you, lady.
- What are you gonna do? - [COUGHS.]
- I work for the mayor.
I can do whatever I want.
You have a problem you need solved.
Why don't you tell me what Pat McGann has on you? Taking that trial in Miami.
So much for having my back.
[EASY GOING MUSIC.]
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES.]
You got my message.
I've had books on tape that were shorter.
[BOTH LAUGHING.]
Seriously, though, it was good to hear your voice.
Thank you for the flowers.
They were beautiful.
Speaking of beautiful, any chance you can take off a few days and get down here? - Jeff - Come on, Jess.
When was the last time you took a vacation? When's the last time I started a new job? Is that the only reason? That, and those pictures you sent me.
And what exactly does that mean? I've arranged for Nick D'Amato to be my driver.
The cop? Are you out of your mind? Jeff, I need to get close to him.
I need to find out if he's What, a murderer? You're the one that said I need to keep my eyes open.
Right, let me ask you this.
What happens if you find out your chauffeur cop killed that man who was suing the city? You're gonna go to the FBI, or you're gonna walk away from this new job of yours? Let me find out first.
That's not a very comforting answer.
- Jeff, please.
- [PHONE CHIMES.]
I'm not getting off this phone until I get a goddamn answer.
Well, I'm going to be in his car in about 30 seconds, so one of us is.
These are dangerous people, Jessica.
This is not your world.
I know what I'm doing, Jeff.
I'll call you later.
Did he tell you how long he'd be gone? No, he just said that he's taking her to the Mayo Clinic.
Shit.
He was already out the other day.
If he stays AWOL too long, the press is gonna start wondering.
Not if you avoid them.
Good morning, everyone.
I want to relay a message from the mayor.
He's going to be out-of-pocket for the next few days.
Told you something's wrong with him.
There's nothing wrong with him.
Mayor's just taking a much-needed vacation with his wife.
So if anybody has a problem with that, take it up with him.
In the meantime, he's left Keri in charge of the day-to-day.
Anything I need to make a statement on, come to her first for counsel.
If we elected officials are allowed to speak, I think it's time for the mayor's office to make a public statement about Fred Hampton.
We're coming up on the 50th anniversary of his death, and we still haven't Lloyd, you've brought this up with Bobby in the past, I believe.
Yes, I have, but Bobby's not here.
I'm talking to Derrick, and I am the deputy mayor.
Lloyd, I just don't think this is the appropriate time Yes, I know, I know.
The mayor is out-of-pocket or out of town, or where'd you say he was again? Keri's right.
I spoke with the mayor this morning, and he was very specific about there being no surprises while he's gone.
But, Lloyd, I'd be more than happy to look into the Hampton matter, if you'd like.
Thank you, but that won't be necessary.
Okay, if that's it, we all have a job to do, so let's have a productive and uneventful day.
[SIGHS.]
[KNOCK AT DOOR.]
- Thank you.
- Don't thank me yet.
I can't thank you for having my back in there? That little R&R speech might have satisfied the staff, but I'm not staff.
I don't know what to tell you.
I saw the mayor the other morning, Keri.
That's not a man with vacation on his mind.
That's a man with a problem, and if I don't know what it is, I can't fix it.
It's not that kind of a problem.
Whether you like it or not, you know why he brought me in.
It's not that kind of a problem.
Stephanie Novak has MS.
How long have they known? She was diagnosed a few years ago.
She just had a relapse.
He's taking her in for more tests.
Who else besides you knows? What difference does it make? They're gonna find out, Keri, like they found out about bringing me in.
Please don't tell me how to do my job.
I know what I'm this is what she wants.
This is what his wife wants.
I don't know what else to tell you.
Stop asking questions, and don't make this, or anything else going on, your business.
If we have any hope of coexisting while the mayor is gone, I need you not to turn this into a pissing contest.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
[KNOCKING AT DOOR.]
Jessica, I wasn't expecting you.
Shouldn't you be at work? I'm not playing hooky.
I promise.
Well, as long as I'm not harboring a truant, come on in.
Angela's just finishing up a graveyard.
She should be home pretty soon.
Actually, I wanted to talk to you first.
I know you have 90 days to move, but have you given any thought to where you want to live? Well, with everything going on, we haven't had a chance.
Reverend Thompson from my church said he might drop by with a few ideas, or a prayer.
Well, before you seek divine intervention, come with me.
I want you to take a look at this.
It's a house I want to buy for you, Angela, and the boys.
It's in Evanston.
Great schools.
A big backyard for Cory and Mark.
Jessica, this is too much.
Not for me.
I have plenty of money with no one to spend it on but myself, and to be honest, after everything that's happened, that's the least I can do.
Evanston.
Well, it doesn't have to be this house, or this neighborhood.
We can all go looking together.
You want to go house hunting with Angela? Mm-hmm.
We're talking about the woman who wouldn't even accept a bag of groceries from you.
Which is why I'm coming to you first.
And you think she listens to me? If you can convince her that it's a better life for her boys, she might.
I'll try.
But I'm not making any promises.
That's all I can ask.
[SOMBER MUSIC.]
You must be Jessica.
I'm James Thompson.
I'm your aunt's pastor.
Oh.
[LAUGHS.]
Wow, that's, uh, very sweet of her to mention me.
Oh, she did more than that.
She prayed for you for years, and here you are.
Well, she and I have a lot to catch up on.
Yeah, well, no better place to do it than with the family of God.
I can save you a seat on Sunday? Oh, that's very kind of you, but I think I'll start with finding her a new place to live.
Well, look at us.
We're on the same page.
That's why I'm here.
Knocking on doors, seeing who I can help.
Do you know everyone in the building? Well, I wouldn't be much of a pastor if I didn't make it my business to know everything that's going on in the neighborhood.
Well, it's been a pleasure meeting you, Jessica.
- You have a wonderful day.
- Thank you.
Um, I'm sorry, um Did you know Carl Jeffries? [TENSE MUSIC.]
I did, yes.
What about the way he died? Do you know anything about that? I work for the mayor, Reverend Thompson.
I'm not with the police.
Carl was a good man, but he made bad choices.
Filing that lawsuit was his way of trying to make things right.
He was out front, he was telling people about their rights.
Then all of a sudden, he just drops the lawsuit.
A few days later, he shows up with a brand new Range Rover.
Then he got shot.
Did Carl have the kind of money to buy a car like that? No, I wouldn't think so.
Not normally.
- That's all I know, ma'am.
- Thank you.
I come in peace.
Listen, Lloyd, about earlier Say no more.
I was out of line to bring that up in front of everyone.
It's not that you brought it up in front of everyone.
I know what you want, and naming a street after Fred Hampton is not gonna fly.
Why, because you're a proxy for the police department? So much for coming in peace.
The man was a civil rights activist and a hero, Keri.
And to others, a dangerous militant.
The Black Panthers were about defending themselves from government oppression.
Lloyd, please, I am not here to litigate his case.
It's already been litigated, about 30 years before you were born, and a white judge threw it out.
And his family also got over a million dollars, and if I'm not mistaken, there's a statue.
In Maywood.
They already know who he is in Maywood.
I want the rest of this city to know who he is before he's completely forgotten.
Lloyd, it's a hot-button issue, and Bobby doesn't want any part of it.
Bobby's not here, is he? - No, but I am.
- Don't you mean, no, but I am? If you're thinking of pushing this through while Bobby's gone, I strongly advise against it.
Well.
We all have a job to do, Keri.
Hey, whatever you have going on, stop it.
We have a problem.
Good.
I'm running out of ways to say the mayor is attending to personal business.
What's going on? Our esteemed deputy mayor won't take no for an answer.
Fred Hampton again.
Yes.
It's his day to shine, so he wants to be front and center.
Why don't we just throw the guy a bone? I agree.
That's why I'm coming to you.
Thought you said Bobby wasn't in favor of it.
There's nothing to be in favor of if Lloyd is kept busy.
Shit, Keri.
This is not a request, Derrick.
I don't want to string the guy along.
He's old, and I'm already lying to the press.
Why can't we just be straight with people? Do you know where you work? Wrestle with your conscience later.
I do.
Every day.
[SOMBER MUSIC.]
[EXHALES.]
Just was checking on Joyce.
Poor thing.
She just keeps mixing up her medicines.
What's this? It's, um, uh a house for sale in Evanston.
I can see that.
You work for Century 21 now, or did you win the lottery and not tell me? Jessica wants to buy it for us.
She wants to buy us a house in Evanston.
Well, they have great schools.
Look.
Big yard for the boys.
Yeah, that'll solve everything, won't it? - Angela.
- I'm serious.
Got a problem? Write a check.
That's Jessica.
You are working double shifts, talking about nursing school.
Don't you want to stop worrying about keeping a roof over your head? Of course I do.
Why don't you see that's why I'm working double shifts and going to school? I want to buy the house for you and the boys.
I do.
Not her.
Baby, you know how proud of you I am and how hard you work for us.
Then you know it doesn't mean shit if she can just swoop in here with her money.
I'm sorry.
Ma, thank Jessica for me.
I know she's trying.
Tell her we're gonna have to pass.
Keri, how's "mayor for the day" treating you? I never want to hear those words again.
What's on your mind, Jessica? Carl Jeffries.
What about him? I just recently learned he came into some money before he died.
I was wondering if you knew anything about that.
"Recently learned"? I know you're looking for something to do, but what are you doing? The man who sued the city before my aunt did was shot three times.
I'm just trying to find out why.
I'm sure there's no danger to your aunt.
How do you know? Because Carl Jeffries and your aunt didn't travel in the same circles.
What does that mean? It means that Carl Jeffries was anything but an angel, and he could've come into money any number of illegal ways.
That's a theory, but the reality is he came into money after he dropped the lawsuit against North Park.
I don't think I like what you're implying.
Only two parties benefited from him walking away: Pat McGann and the city of Chicago.
Well, I can only speak for the city, and I don't bribe people to drop lawsuits.
Are we done? That's all I wanted to know.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
- Hey.
You busy? - Very.
I'm letting Toys R Us know I can be at their new grand opening in Skokie on Tuesday.
That's my way of saying no, I'm not busy.
[LAUGHS.]
Just wanted to let you know Keri and I discussed your proposal, and she had a change of heart.
Let me guess.
You changed her heart.
This one's on her.
To be honest, I don't know much about the man.
You're born and raised in Chicago? Yes, sir.
You went to college? Yes, I did.
You are black, right? - Last time I checked.
- You see? This is exactly why we need to name a street after him.
If someone like you doesn't know Fred's story - Is that you and - Bobby Kennedy.
The minute I heard he was running in the Indiana primary, I drove three hours and got myself down there to help.
Nicest man.
He took pictures with everyone.
You were in Vietnam.
Yes, I was.
You don't know how lucky you are not to have a draft.
[PENSIVE MUSIC.]
Okay.
All right.
Let's make a plan.
I can schedule a meeting with the City Council We'll get to that.
First things first, protocol.
At my age, when somebody says protocol, they're jerking my chain.
- What's going on, Derrick? - You need signatures for 2/3 of the residents on the street you have in mind.
I'm not jerking your chain, Lloyd.
The only way Keri's willing to go along with it is if it's a true grassroots effort that shields the mayor.
Then tomorrow we canvass.
Hey, it's an active work site.
Put it on.
I've got a hard head.
Ask my brothers.
It's been a while, Keri.
What brings you down here? Jessica Pearson.
Ah, my favorite person.
What's she done now? Nothing, except she's looking into the Carl Jeffries case.
I never met the man.
So you weren't the one that paid him off to drop the suit? All right, get off your high horse.
Okay, you were popping champagne the second that suit went away.
How do you think that happens? Someone, what, sprinkles fairy dust? - So who gave him the money? - None of your business.
If it's Bobby's brother, it's my business, because that traces back to the mayor, and it's my job to protect him.
As city attorney or his girlfriend? And where the hell is Bobby anyway? Has he got some side piece out of town, or is that another question you don't ask? I don't know what you have on Bobby or his brother, but if you think you have something on me, you're wrong.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
Hey, you sure you don't want to hold onto this, sweetie? You never know when something might fall out of the sky.
Please state your full name for the record.
Carl Anthony Jeffries.
And where is your current address, Mr.
Jeffries? You know where I live.
I stay in the projects.
- You mean North Park? - Yeah, North Park's my home.
And I don't want them tearing it down unless they're gonna give us someplace else to live.
You say it's your home, but you haven't actually lived in that building your whole life, have you? Mostly, yeah.
Okay, what about from 2012 to 2016? Where'd you live during those years? Joliet.
- Joliet Correctional Center.
- Yeah.
You were serving a four-year sentence for writing bad checks, weren't you? I did my time.
Yeah, but you're still in debt to a lot of people.
That has nothing to do with any of this.
Is this a bad time? It's okay.
Come on in, Yoli.
Uh, you got some calls while you were out before.
A Jeff Malone called from sunny Miami.
When's he gonna put a ring on it? Is that the message? No, I was just wondering.
I mean, he and I started talking, and he's definitely missing you.
I mean, he didn't come right out and say it that way, but after 45 minutes, I got it out of him - Yoli - Yeah, I'm sorry.
- I am not good with boundaries.
- Get good.
Yeah? Okay, anything else? Yeah, your aunt Lillian called.
She wanted to talk about the house.
Do you want me to set that up? No, I'll handle it.
Is she taking it? It's a sweet place.
That's right.
It's none of my business.
Okay.
Good night, Yoli.
Night.
[OMINOUS MUSIC.]
I'm on the clock.
What's the emergency? How are you on the clock? Your brother's out of town.
He's not the only one I drive for these days.
You stupid son of a bitch.
Bobby thought it'd be a good idea to keep an eye on her.
Well, open your eyes then.
What are you talking about? I've been with the woman all day.
She's literally having tea with her aunt.
Where? At my site? You know what she's doing there? She's digging into the Jeffries mess.
She knows you paid him off.
How do you know that? Because your brother's little girlfriend told me, that's how.
What do you want me to do about it now, Pat? Well, just keep your distance from her for a while.
- I can't do that.
- Yeah, you can.
And I got a job for you.
I told you.
I'm not your bagman anymore.
It's just security.
Okay, I got a VIP coming into town who needs protection.
He's a real whale.
You can name your price.
[CELL PHONE BUZZING.]
Not interested.
Oh, is that her? I have a job.
Get yourself a mall cop.
You think this is a joke? Wake up.
You're not keeping an eye on her.
She's keeping an eye on you.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
- You didn't have to come in.
- I want to talk to you.
Okay, talk.
You got questions for me, ask away.
You wanted me to drive you around so you could find out some shit about me.
So let's get to it.
You sure you don't want a lawyer? I don't need a lawyer.
Why are you looking into me? What do you do for Pat McGann? I knew you worked for him the minute I met you.
The mayor doesn't send his top guy to scare people in the dead of night.
Not even this mayor.
Good for you.
You cracked the code.
I moonlight.
So what? - Does Bobby know about it? - Yes, he does.
Does he know I paid Carl Jeffries to drop the suit? No, he doesn't.
What about what happened next? - Does he know about that? - No, he doesn't know, and neither do I, because the last time I saw that guy, I gave him an envelope filled with $50,000 in cash.
Jesus Christ.
You don't believe me, do you? I saw you throw that union kid up against the wall.
You're basing this on that? No, I'm basing it on things not adding up.
Goddamn it.
I just admitted I paid the guy.
Why the hell would I kill him after he dropped the suit? From what I can gather, Carl liked money and was in debt.
Maybe he saw you as an ATM, wanted more.
- You.
- That's not an answer.
You want an answer? Here's an answer.
If you really think I'm capable of murder, get yourself another driver.
That's another one for me, old man.
- [LAUGHS.]
- You tired? No, no.
Just just thinking.
About the good old days of canvassing the neighborhood? Taking a horse and buggy to pick up a pop.
[LAUGHS.]
No.
About Fred.
Why is this so important to you? I've been telling you that.
The man made a difference.
- He deserves recognition.
- No, you told me why it's important.
Why is it important to you? Fred and I grew up together.
In Maywood? Yes, in Maywood.
There used to be white people there a great many years ago.
Were you guys tight? We were very good friends.
Played baseball together at Proviso.
- No shit.
- Mm-hmm.
He actually wanted to be a lawyer.
You believe that? He only joined the Black Panthers so he could keep an eye on police brutality.
He never wanted to hurt anybody.
What happened with him and the police? First of all, it wasn't the police.
It was the FBI.
And it was an ambush.
They shot him in his bed.
And when the first one didn't kill him, they put two more in his head.
[SOMBER MUSIC.]
Damn.
The saddest part is that I actually spoke to him that day.
I had tickets for a game and I thought But by that time, it wasn't good to be seen with me.
It wasn't good for me, he said.
So this is where you work? - [BOTH LAUGHING.]
- Hi.
And you see the mayor? I wish he was here today.
I want you to meet him.
So you ready for lunch? One minute.
Okay? Okay.
Angela said no to the house, didn't she? Well, we, uh want to find a place close by that we could afford on our own.
You know, I shouldn't have dropped that lawsuit.
Oh, Jessica, please No, condo projects fall apart all the time.
I should've fought harder.
Why, so you or I could end up like that poor man? Uh-uh.
Angela warned me about getting mixed up with those people.
It's best this thing is over, one way or another.
What people, Lillian? [DESOLATE MUSIC.]
- Um - You said she warned you about getting mixed up with those people.
What people? The developer? I don't know.
I just What is it? [SIGHS.]
The whole thing.
When I saw that picture of Carl at your apartment, it gave me nightmares.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have brought it up.
[LAUGHS.]
There is no quit in you.
- I'll give you that.
- That is true.
But this isn't about the house.
Oh, yeah? What's it about? Did you get us a cabin in the Dells? No, it's about Carl Jeffries.
What about him? Why didn't you want your mother taking up the lawsuit after him? The man died, Jessica, and I didn't know why.
I just didn't want my mother anywhere near it.
Well, your mother also said you didn't want her getting mixed up with those people.
Well, my mother doesn't always remember things the way they happen.
Angela, please.
I don't understand what you're trying to do.
It's possible that the man that is putting you and your family out on the street is the same man that put Carl Jeffries in the ground.
Now I need to know.
- I don't.
- This isn't for you.
It's for me.
It won't get back to you.
I promise.
Do you know who the Four Corner Royals are? I'm guessing they're not a softball team.
No, they operate out of this place on Marquette.
I heard they had something to do with it.
I don't want to say any more.
You don't have to.
Thank you.
- Where are you going? - I think you know where I'm going.
Are you out of your mind? I'm from New York.
I've represented criminals.
Okay, well, this isn't your New York or your criminals.
- I'll take you.
- So it's too dangerous for me, but okay for you.
I grew up with these people, all right? I know how to approach them.
And you'd do that for me? I mean, you did offer to buy my family a whole house And you said no.
Well, what if I change my mind? Wouldn't do me any good if you're dead.
I don't know what to say.
Just follow my lead.
And try to look a little less you know.
I can do that.
Nice office etiquette.
What happened to you? [SIGHS.]
Lloyd happened to me.
Been out getting signatures with him all day.
God, they're going to rename the street after Fred Hampton? - That's amazing.
- It's also not true.
What do you mean? Can't believe I'm even saying this, but What? We're just stringing him along until Bobby gets back.
How could you be so cruel to such a nice man? I feel terrible.
Yeah, well, why don't you just give him what he wants? He's been in City Hall for 100 years.
Fred Hampton was a Black Panther.
When white people hear Black Panther, they think killer, anarchist Marvel movie.
I'm serious.
- It sucks.
- Yeah, well, if you think it You know what? Nothing.
Forget it.
What do you mean nothing? Talk.
I've been told I have a problem with boundaries, so I'll shut up.
Are you for real? Don't ever stop speaking your mind.
Just tell me what you think.
Don't just sit there and whine.
Be a man.
If you think Keri's wrong, tell her.
Which Derrick do you want to be: the ex-journalist who could make a difference in the world, or the weasel who fired me? ["CHILL BILL" BY ROB STONE PLAYING.]
Rob stone, two damn phones Babylons can't crack the code Used to sip out Styrofoam But figured I should stick to dro Backwoods overload Don't like to smoke them swishers, ho What you want? Looking for Kevin Dawson.
Tell him it's Angela Cook.
Said she wanna roll with me And smoke up all my [.]
Okay, look.
I know this is hard for you, but let me do all the talking.
Just go with whatever I say.
[DISTANT SIREN WAILING.]
She said you need a job [.]
a job I still get cheese Two cell phones Mr.
Mother [.]
-A-Thot Thanks with all 12-07 [.]
an op They hear my name they see my squad Rolling [.]
up on the spot This is Jessica Pearson.
She's trying to help out the neighborhood.
You a community organizer? I work for Mayor Novak.
They're tearing our building down to put up condos.
Jessica's trying to stop it.
[LAUGHS.]
You gonna stop a bulldozer? I'm gonna try.
But I need some information.
Information.
Carl Jeffries.
I told her you might know something.
I don't know nothing about that.
Sorry you came all the way down here from City Hall.
Maybe I can help you.
Said she wanna roll with me You got a key for this? Unless you do, we got nothing to talk about.
I can't help you with that.
- [LAUGHS.]
- I'm not with the police.
No, you're not.
You're with the mayor.
What's he going to do for us? Make another speech about breaking the cycle of violence? [LAUGHS.]
You're right.
The mayor's not gonna do shit for you.
But if you help me out today, I'll remember that.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC.]
Where do you get off coming in here, making promises? Kevin, remember when John-John came to the ER with a bullet in his leg? Who lost his paperwork so the cops couldn't find him, huh? You owe me.
Yeah, maybe so.
But I don't owe her and I don't know her.
She's my cousin.
I'm vouching for her.
How come I never seen her before? She's from the bougie branch of the family.
You think they come visit us? [TENSE MUSIC.]
[LAUGHS.]
[LAUGHTER.]
I meant no disrespect.
I'm just trying to find out what happened to Carl.
Carl owed some dealers a lot of cash that he couldn't pay.
Then he started pushing a new whip.
They came to collect.
It's that simple? That's what I heard.
[LAUGHS.]
Let's go.
Eyes forward.
Girl, what were you thinking in there? What were you gonna do? [PANTING.]
- Pepper spray? - [BOTH LAUGHING.]
Did you really think that was going to help us? Okay, go.
612 signatures in one day.
Wow.
Thank you.
Two more days at this pace, and we should be ready to petition City Council.
I get it.
You went above and beyond to help me.
It won't be forgotten.
No offense, but I'm not doing it for you.
I'm doing it for Lloyd.
You're not actually suggesting that we give in to him, are you? - Why not? - The police department will fry Bobby if he backs this.
You keep saying Bobby, but you also mean you.
Just say it.
Take a stand.
I'm not taking a stand 'cause it's a 50-year-old incident, and horrible mistakes were made.
Lloyd didn't need to shove this down my throat while Bobby was away just so that he could get what he wanted.
He knew exactly what he was doing, and it's disrespectful.
He knows what he's doing, but he never gets a chance to do it.
- Derrick, come on! - No, you come on.
The guy was brought in to counter Bobby's youth, and all he ever gets is grand openings and pizza-eating contests? That's bullshit.
Yeah, well, what do you want me to do? We're already lying to everyone about where the mayor is.
At least give this guy the respect he deserves.
I owe you an apology.
That must've been some bad L ride to work.
I know you didn't kill Carl Jeffries.
- Mm-hmm.
- I asked around.
Turns out he was shot because of an unpaid drug debt.
That would've been my guess, but you had to do what you had to do, right? If I thought you were capable of killing someone, I never would've gotten in a car with you.
Bullshit.
I didn't say you had nothing to do with it.
I just needed to know you had nothing to do with his death, and now I know.
Yeah, well, I may not have put a bullet in his head, but I wouldn't exactly say I had nothing to do with his death.
You didn't kill him, Nick.
Carl Jeffries was mixed up with a lot of bad people.
You don't think I know that? That's part of why I gave him the money.
At first, he was a true believer.
Said he wouldn't drop the suit for a million bucks.
But I know the guy's hurting for cash, so I keep going back.
I talked him into it because I could see he wasn't a terrible guy, and I told him to take that money, and go somewhere.
Get the hell out, and start over.
I actually thought I was doing him a favor.
Goddamn idiot.
Instead he buys a car.
I'm sorry about what happened to that man, but I'm worried about the mayor.
This won't go back on him.
Anything else you want to tell me about what you do for McGann? No.
That's it.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
Ah, Miss Allen.
I was just coming to see you.
That Derrick's a great kid.
He really busted his hump out there.
Together we got more than enough signatures to support a street name.
Unfortunately, not where it counts: with the mayor.
I thought that wasn't an issue.
I really want to be straight with you.
Um Fred Hampton is a hero to so many people, but not to the police department.
There's just no way the mayor is gonna risk antagonizing them.
So this was all bullshit, - a way to keep me in line.
- I'm sorry.
I should've handled it differently, which is why I'm here so I can tell you the truth about Bobby.
He's with his wife at the Mayo Clinic.
I know the truth.
- Who told you? - I've been around a long time, Keri.
There's not a lot goes on around here that I don't know about.
So then you know, uh, I'm not trying to pull a power move on you.
I'm really just trying to protect the mayor.
You're loyal to Bobby.
I don't hold that against you.
For what it's worth, you really are a great deputy mayor.
People like you.
[PENSIVE MUSIC.]
You want some advice from an old hippie? Sure.
Don't let your loyalty to the mayor turn you into something you'll hate.
Sounds a little more like a warning than advice.
Let me put it this way then.
Fred Hampton wanted to lift people out of poverty.
Pat McGann wants to push the poor out of the city.
Whose side are you on? [KNOCKING.]
Hey, is it a bad time? No, come on in.
The boys were just cleaning up after dinner, - weren't you, boys? - BOTH: Yep.
[LAUGHING.]
Hi.
I just wanted to talk to you about the house one last time.
- Jessica - No, hear me out.
You know how people love to tell you that moving isn't gonna solve your problems? Well, it's bullsh It's not true.
- [BOTH LAUGH.]
- Thanks.
Moving to Chicago was the hardest thing I've ever done, but I don't regret one minute of it.
It's not about being scared of change.
I'm all about change.
You want to buy this house yourself.
No.
I have to.
- I know that sounds crazy.
- No, not at all.
No, I dreamt of having my own law firm.
They all said I was crazy, too.
Oh, well, girl, that is crazy.
- 100%.
- [LAUGHING.]
- Jessica.
- Hey.
I knew Pastor Thompson would convince you.
What? To come to church with us tonight.
Come on.
We don't want to be late.
No, I'm not much of a churchgoer.
No.
[LAUGHS.]
Sounds like you just haven't found the right church yet.
All right, boys.
Cousin's coming to church with us tonight.
- She is? - Yes.
Oh! [LAUGHS.]
[ELECTRONIC MUSIC.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Welcome to Chicago.
The clubs as nice in Shanghai? I wouldn't know.
I'm in Macau now.
Oh, the Vegas of China.
I got office towers already sold out.
Here's to the same thing happening in North Park.
When are we breaking ground? 90 days.
You told me it was going to be bulldozed last week.
It's not up to me.
It's the city.
You said you had the mayor in your pocket.
The mayor can't do everything.
He can in Macau.
Maybe I should just keep my money there.
Come on.
This is just a hiccup.
We're gonna do great things, you and I.
Transform Chicago.
[LAUGHS.]
I don't give a shit about Chicago.
I care about a return on my investment.
I want to see progress on North Park this week, or I'm out.
I'm so happy you could join us.
- Thank you - [CELL PHONE CHIMING.]
Oh, excuse me.
Uh, you tell the mayor you can't talk.
- You're in the house of God.
- It's not the mayor, and I have to take this call.
We'll save you a seat, but don't take too long.
- Okay.
- Come on, boys.
You will never guess where I am.
If it's not the lobby of my hotel, I don't care.
Is that an invitation? Eh, it's more like a plea.
I'm still worried about you.
If it's what I think you're worried about, don't be.
My driver had nothing to do with it.
Oh, well, then we should celebrate with room service.
If this conversation is going where I think it is, you should know I'm at church.
I think I've got a bad connection.
I thought you just said "church.
" [LAUGHS.]
What is happening up there? Am I gonna recognize you when I get back? Hurry up and finish that trial.
Come see for yourself.
- Good evening.
- ALL: Good evening.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
And the risen Christ is with us.
ALL: Praise the Lord.
Please be seated.
ALL: Amen.
Hallelujah.
Now we'll have a wonderful song by Sister Angela.
There's There's a leak in this old building And my soul ALL: Has got to move My soul ALL: Has got to move My soul, yeah ALL: Has got to move [OMINOUS MUSIC.]
Bless me, Father.
For I have sinned.
It's been a while since my last confession.
Go ahead.
You can't tell anybody about this, right? The seal on the confessional can never be broken.
Whatever you say here I'll take to my grave.
When I can read My title clear To mansions in the sky A man died.
It was my fault.
You said a man died.
How? Did you intend to take his life? Does it matter? Absolution requires an acceptance of responsibility.
What if his family wants justice? [MUMBLES.]
I I don't think I can do that.
Imagine I'm this man's father, or son.
Someone who loved him.
What would you say to me? I'd say I'm sorry.
I know what I did.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
I took him from you.
And you didn't even get to put him in the ground to say good-bye.
I'd say Tommy Diehl didn't deserve to die.
[CHOIR SINGING DISTANTLY.]
Let me tell you something.
I'm moving ALL: I'm moving I got another building ALL: A building I made I made No, no, no, no, no, not me ALL: A building I made I made [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
Amen.
- Can the church say amen? - ALL: Amen.
[DARK MUSIC.]
Aaron.
Aaron! Oy.