Power Book II: Ghost (2020) s02e01 Episode Script

1 [DRAMATIC HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS.]
[TARIQ.]
Previously on Ghost [BROOKS.]
Are you really ready for the academic rigors of Stansfield? [TARIQ.]
Yes, ma'am.
I believe so.
Ezekiel Cross.
Have you heard of him? Zeke doesn't play, you don't stay.
This my boy Tariq.
Show him some love.
[TARIQ.]
Your mum is Monet, and your father is Lorenzo Tejada.
[TARIQ.]
How many of you are there? [DIANA.]
Just the three of us.
It's me, Cane, and Dru.
[TAMEIKA.]
I don't know what's gonna happen to your mum.
She just fired me.
Without me, Tariq, your mum is in a lot of trouble.
You're gonna need to get her a good attorney fast someone who doesn't need the truth to win.
[TARIQ.]
Davis MacLean, my mother's on trial for killing my father, and I want to hire you.
Five hundred K, liquid, up front.
[TARIQ.]
We could make a killing here.
All I need is a supplier.
How do we know who wants drugs and who actually wants tutoring? See, the people that want drugs, they'll order the premium package.
Each order will come with a real study guide so we can cover our base.
[OTT.]
You will be released out of this shitshow and into Federal Witness Protection.
I need Witness Protection for my whole family.
So what are you gonna do now that your illustrious career as U.
S.
attorney is over? Why do you care? Why don't you come work for me? Now that I'm out, I'm putting my family back together.
[GUNSHOTS.]
Tommy just tried to kill me.
We got to get Yas and get the hell out of here.
I can get us some money, all right? I just need a little bit of time.
My number's in here.
All right, if anything happens, use it.
Somebody tried to kill me today.
[TASHA.]
Tariq, are you okay? [TARIQ.]
I'm good.
I got away.
[BROOKS.]
Criminals don't attend our school.
The fact is that a gangbanger was murdered by a killer skilled enough to make it look like an accident.
Zeke Cross.
Can I get a picture? - [GRUNTS.]
Ooh! - Aah! - [GUNSHOT.]
- What you need me to do? Body them Guaps.
Cane is out taking care of G.
T.
G.
right now.
[MONET.]
That'll be the last thing Cane does for this family.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Look, man, I-I'll do whatever you need.
I want half of everything.
[DRU.]
Ma, I think that's Rico with the drop.
- Get down! - [GUNFIRE.]
No, Dru! - [DRU GRUNTS.]
- Dru! Monet's right about you.
You are stupid.
Cane, I told you if you did something against the family, I will put you down myself.
Ramirez wasn't even fuckin' blood.
Past tense? [JABARI.]
I know you're involved, Tariq.
I know you've been selling drugs.
I'd like to use you as basis for my next novel.
You want to write a book about me? I can get you money, Tariq.
[TARIQ.]
Thanks for meeting me, Professor Reynolds.
I'm sorry.
I couldn't be seen handing a bunch of money to a student on campus.
I knew you was a snitch.
[TARIQ.]
We got to do something about this nigga.
He knows too much about us.
Tariq, what the hell you doing, man? [TARIQ.]
We use Ramirez's gun, we tie up all the loose ends.
Can't let you write that book.
[TOMMY.]
Y'all still planning to run? [TARIQ.]
Ma's going.
You don't got to worry about her no more.
[TASHA.]
'Riq.
What took you so long? We just got a tip about another threat on your life.
- We're moving you out now.
- No! Let me go.
I should've popped Tasha when I had the chance.
Who the fuck's riding with you that got the balls to pull a strap on me? So you really did kill your father.
He might not be here no more, but ghosts never die.
[JOE.]
They say this is a big, rich town I just come from the poorest part Bright lights, city life I got to make it this is where it goes down I just happen to come up hard Legal or illegal, baby I got to make it [50 CENT.]
I never took a straight path nowhere Life's full of twists and turns, bumps and bruises I live, I learn I'm from that city full of yellow cabs and skyscrapers It's hard to get a start in these parts without paper Homey, I grew up in hell a block away from heaven That corner every 15 minutes they moving seven Pure snow, bag it then watch it go Occupational options get some blow or some hos Shoot the ball or the strap learn to rap or to jack Fuck it, man in the meantime Go head and pump a pack This my regal, royal flow my James Bond bounce That 007 that's 62 on my count I'm an undercover liar I lie under the covers Look a bitch in the eyes And tell her baby, I love ya You're my inspiration you're my motivation You're the reason that I'm moving with no hesitation [JOE.]
They say this is a big, rich town Yeah, I just come from the poorest part Bright lights, city life I got to make it this is where it goes down Oh, yeah, yeah I just happen to come up hard Legal or illegal, baby I got to make it [JABARI.]
Wait, please, please.
You're not a killer, Tariq.
You're not a killer.
Please call 911.
Please.
- [HEARTBEAT THUMPING.]
- [GHOST.]
Tariq.
Please, Tariq.
You don't have to do this.
Please! [GHOST.]
If you do this shit, you can never go back.
- [GUNSHOT.]
- [TARIQ GASPS.]
[RAPPER.]
Yo [TARIQ BREATHING HEAVILY.]
Who dat boy? [SIGHS.]
[CELL PHONE CHIMES.]
- [SIGHS.]
- [YASMINE.]
Aah! Help! Please help! [TENSE MUSIC PLAYS.]
- [TARIQ.]
Yas, you okay? - [YASMINE.]
No.
Please hurry! [ALARM BEEPING.]
Yas! Shit.
Yas, you got to be careful.
[BEEPING CONTINUES.]
Shit.
Yas, you okay? How'd you know to do that? When I was your age, Ma taught me and Raina.
I'm so sorry, 'Riq.
I was trying to make breakfast.
It's all right.
You shouldn't be doing this by yourself anyway.
- [BEEPING CONTINUES.]
- What the hell? Wha uh [BEEPING STOPS.]
Really, little girl? You you had to wake up the whole neighborhood? I'm sorry, Big Mama.
- [ESTELLE SIGHS.]
- I mean, Grandma, I don't think Yasmine is old enough to be making breakfast for herself anyway.
It's not just for her.
It's for both of us.
I was cookin' when I was her age, and so was your mama.
Oh, Lord.
You see? [SPITS.]
This one here don't listen.
I done told her a thousand damn times that I like my bacon crispy, not burnt.
What's so hard about that? [SPITS.]
When'd you get here, Tariq? I mean, you don't call first? - You just show up? - Grandma, what do you mean? I been here since eight o'clock last night.
I spent the night.
You don't remember? Right.
Yeah.
Last night around eight.
I spent the night.
Yeah.
Yeah.
[YAWNS.]
Look at all that snow.
I'm going back to sleep.
You take her to school.
I got her.
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYS.]
She been drinking again, Yas? She's getting worse, 'Riq.
Can't you stay here with us? [DISTANT GLASS SHATTERS.]
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYS.]
[BEEPING.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
- Ma? - Get back in your room.
If I'm not back in five minutes, grab Dru and a piece and climb out the window - and lock the door.
- Ma Just do it! Shit, boy! You damn near gave me a heart attack.
Sorry.
You okay? I needed water for my antibiotics.
Can you put your gun away? I don't want to get shot again.
- Dru, you okay? - [GLASS CLATTERING.]
I wish people would stop asking me that.
The doctor said you got to change those bandages every few hours.
You need my help? Diana'll help me.
Fine.
Ma, you good? 'Cause I don't know, you seem kind of I'm fine.
Just help your brother clean up that mess.
Look, it's not entirely her fault you got shot.
She feels bad, Dru.
Not as bad as I do.
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYS.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
[MUFFLED DANCE MUSIC PLAYS.]
That shit was lit.
Hey, I bet you you and my pops ain't roll like that back in the day, Mecca.
Man, it was just another Tuesday night for me, bruh.
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- Good to meet you, Cane.
Hey, you said you knew Big Guap? Shit, yeah.
Yeah, we hit some licks together back in the day.
So you know my pops, Lorenzo they used to run together.
Lorenzo? Tejada? Yeah.
Yeah, I heard the name.
Never had the privilege.
Where's he now? He's inside.
You ain't know that? Why do I get the feeling you're testing me, bro? Huh? I mean, we just had a good time in the spot Fuck a good time.
You smell like a fuckin' narc.
- [CAR DOORS OPEN, CLOSE.]
- What's up, motherfuckers? Yo, Javi, yo, you don't you don't want to do this, man.
You a fuckin' traitor, LG! And you ain't got no strap.
So I definitely want to do this.
K.
O.
was my brother.
Yeah, well, he shouldn't have come for my family.
K.
O.
was down for the G.
T.
G.
, not like this piece of shit.
What, you a fuckin' Tejada now, LG? This is payback, bitches.
Sorry you got the wrong friends, motherfucker.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS.]
[TIRES SQUEALING.]
Hey, yo, yo, yo, Mecca, let him go, bro.
He ain't coming back.
Bro, chill! Chill, man, please.
"Please"? Now you got manners, motherfucker? Friends of yours? Nah.
Not no more.
- Cane, you know them? - We had beef.
Not anymore.
[DISTANT SIREN WAILING.]
Guess he ain't no narc.
[SCOFFS.]
Guess not.
[SIREN APPROACHING.]
[SOLEDAD O'BRIEN.]
Coming up on Matter of Fact, my exclusive interview with superstar defense attorney Davis MacLean.
Don't go away.
[DAVIS.]
Stephanie, let me get your opinion.
- How's this? - Um I think a jewel tone will really complement your complexion.
Yeah? Then by all means, jewel tone me, quickly.
[CHUCKLES.]
Davis, good to see you.
Thanks for coming on the show.
I know how busy you are.
[DAVIS.]
Well, I'm never too busy for you.
Come on.
Oh.
[SIGHS.]
Sorry I'm late.
Oh, Soledad, this is our newest associate, Cooper Saxe.
- From the U.
S.
Attorney's office.
- [SAXE.]
That's right.
You were on opposite sides of the Tasha St.
Patrick case, yes? Yes.
You know what they say, Soledad? - Opposites attract.
- Hell freezes over.
I am very interested to see how this team works out.
- I will see you out there.
- All right.
Whoa, associate? You sold me on a partnership.
Okay, look, we're partners, all right? Both our names go on the door.
MacLean and Associates.
See, "Associates", that's you.
- [BOTH LAUGH.]
- Wait.
Why-why am I here? What, you need me to hold your dick? No.
Don't If I play my cards right, I might have someone lined up for that.
Oh, my God.
[CELL PHONE VIBRATING.]
Uh, Stephanie, could you give us the room a moment, please? [CELL PHONE CONTINUES VIBRATING.]
Thank you.
[DOOR OPENS.]
Tariq, my young brother, what's up? Don't tell me you're in trouble.
Davis, just cut the bullshit, a'ight? I need to find my mother.
That's not how Witness Protection works, Tariq.
[TARIQ.]
Listen, I need to speak to her.
It's about my little sister.
I'll make it worth your while.
I'll see what I can dig up.
Get back to me ASAP.
Could you believe this shit? He talks his mum into going into WITSEC, and now he wants me to find her so they can have a chat? Fuckin' nerves.
Could you find her? [HUFFS.]
Even if I could find her, I wouldn't tell you, let alone him.
Look, he he already killed one parent.
Maybe now I don't know he's gonna take out the other.
Please, that boy loves his mother.
He wouldn't harm a strand of hair on her weave.
All right? Plus, I told him I'd see what I can dig up, not find her.
And we're gonna charge him for every second we even think about it.
Well, that's disgusting.
[DAVIS.]
Hmm.
Welcome to the world of private practice, my friend.
One more time from the top.
Last go.
Stay strong.
Stay strong.
[ZEKE.]
All right, E.
Let's go.
Come on.
Let's go.
Counterattack, here we go.
Finish strong.
Nice! Nice.
Looking good, man.
You think I'm ready? You know you got it.
Just got to keep grinding.
How's your head? I missed a lot of games 'cause of academic suspension.
Maybe another year of college ball'd do me good, but I just ain't trying to miss out on my opportunity.
Look, you know your body, you know your game.
Even with the risk of injury, you don't want to come out too early and fuck up a good career.
You even want to come out now? Think about what you want, Zeke.
[SIGHS.]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS.]
Bro! Where were you last night? Spent the night at my grandmother's.
You know, I was with my little sister.
Big family reunion, huh? Must be nice to have your mum back.
My mum's in Witness Protection right now, bro.
What? Why? Are you okay with that? I mean, it's for her safety, bro, so I don't think I have much of a choice.
Well, my family hunting trip's this weekend.
You know, come with.
Believe me, nothing will take your mind off your troubles more than killing a few helpless deer with a bunch of uptight white people.
I don't know about that one, man.
Okay, well, at least come to the kick-off dinner in the city.
It's a whole fuckin' thing.
If you don't come, it's gonna be all about me, my future, blah, blah, blah.
Hold on.
So this shit ain't about me catching a break.
This is about me deflecting for your dumb ass.
Yeah.
Okay, yeah.
I'm not gonna lie.
Can can you just do a brother a solid? I'll think about it.
Yeah.
[LAUGHS.]
All right.
I'll hit ya later.
- All right.
- [BRAYDEN.]
Ha ha! [HEAVY MUSIC PLAYS.]
[SIGHS.]
'Riq, I heard your mum got released! Um, why didn't you say anything? Well, I just been with the family ever since it all happened, you know? No.
Yeah, I-I totally understand that.
Um, I mean, I'd really like to meet her.
After all she's been through and it's pretty crazy.
Where is Professor Reynolds? I have no idea.
I haven't seen him.
He was supposed to open up the classroom this morning.
Uh [OVER PHONE.]
You've reached Jabari Reynolds.
- Leave a message.
- [LINE BEEPS.]
Jabari, all the students are here.
It's the first day of the ethics term.
[SCOFFS.]
You need to be here.
[SIGHS.]
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYS.]
I'm not sure where Professor Reynolds is, but let's get started.
This seminar is centered around your answers to the perennial ethical dilemmas that scholars have long debated.
[SIGHS.]
I'm so tired of the same old patriarchal voices.
Right, like, why are we worried about what old, dead white men think? 'Cause they still run the world.
Your world, maybe.
There's only one world, sis, and we need to be in this together.
Call me "sis" again.
Do it.
Jackie, BruShaundria, come on.
We've broken the larger group into smaller sections so we can sharpen your critical thinking, hone your rhetorical skills.
I want you to be intellectually fearless as we attack these questions.
The only wrong answer is the one you cannot defend.
Understood? The first question was Professor Reynolds's idea, but I'll press on without him, I guess.
It's a question that's been around since biblical times.
Is free will an illusion? Do we make our own decisions, or are they pre-ordained? Ma.
Oh, hell, no.
Put that back.
But I like it.
I said what I said.
Put that shit back now.
[CARRIE.]
What does it mean if we're not making our own choices? - Who's making them for us? - Easy.
[CARRIE.]
And who gives them that power over us? [FREDDIE GIBBS' "BIG BOSS RABBIT" PLAYS.]
Is all this necessary? If you walk in a strip club and all the girls are broke down, wearin' last year's G-string you sticking around to pay their rent? I'm not convinced about this whole stripper metaphor.
Okay, fine.
Look in your old job, you had to look [SIGHS.]
trustworthy.
In this job, you got to look successful, smart.
See, we take cases, we win cases, and we look good doing that shit.
I make my own choices.
You sure? Come on, your hair, nails, your affect, that all comes from where you come from.
You didn't make those choices.
[FREDDIE.]
Boss shit big MAC-11 Back of the seven on some boss shit I put that president on my wrist, and I got frostbit [MONET.]
This one, please.
Thank you.
[FREDDIE.]
I'm on some boss shit, big MAC-11 You got to have something you care about, Davis, something of substance.
Ain't no substance like a bank balance, Saxe.
Now, look [CLEARS THROAT.]
public becomes clients or the jury.
You got to impress 'em both.
Next, we got to work on that hair.
[LUIS.]
Sam Harris says that thought and intention emerge from background causes of which we are unaware and over which we have no conscious control.
My best friend got pregnant, and she's out here with just her baby and a EBT card.
I ain't take that route.
I willfully chose to be here instead.
- [OVERLAPPING MURMURS.]
- Yes, we have choices.
[BRUSHAUNDRIA.]
And your boy Aristotle, he said that we have the power to do or not to do.
[FREDDIE.]
Ready to set it off, and I put that On the set, bitch big MAC-11 Back of the seven on some boss shit I put that president on my wrist, and I got frostbit Stack it like Pringles you want a single It's gonna cost you CEO rabbit Young Freddie Kane I'm on some boss shit Big MAC-11, back of the seven on some boss shit I put that president on my wrist, and I got frostbit Stack it like Pringles you want a single It's gonna cost you pull up to your funeral Man, shoot up your fuckin' coffin [LAUREN.]
According to Nehru, life is like a game of cards.
The hand you're dealt is determinism.
How you play it is free will.
We haven't heard from you, Tariq.
You agree with Lauren? Do we have free will? [TENSE MUSIC PLAYS.]
Tariq, you don't have to do this.
You're wrong.
I don't have a choice, Professor.
[GUNSHOT.]
I mean it doesn't feel like that sometimes, but I like to believe that we have free will, yes.
- Who cares what you believe? - [STUDENTS MURMURING.]
What's your argument? So you think everything is predetermined and you can't do anything to change actions? - Yes.
- [TARIQ.]
But I bet you look left and right before you cross the street.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- [TARIQ.]
Look, bro, you can't base your conduct off the belief that everything is predetermined because you don't know what's been predetermined.
Stephen Hawking said that.
Look, we all got to play the hand that we're dealt.
You got to deal with the consequences.
That's how life works.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS.]
[MONET.]
Pull over, D.
I want to grab something for Dru.
[DIANA.]
Really? We're carryng weight.
Stay in the car.
I'll be back in a minute.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS ON CAR STEREO.]
[SNORING.]
[GRUNTS.]
What the fuck, Kamaal? What the fuck is you on my couch, and I want to watch my TV.
[TATE GROANS.]
Come on.
Look, I understand you upset that you lost the governor's race, - but this ain't - I didn't lose.
I was fuckin' robbed, bro.
And nobody stopped the steal.
That's no excuse for you to be lying around here all day and night sulking.
Come on, man, we Tates.
You got to get back on your feet.
What's that thing Pops used to say? Get me a drink and shut up? What? No! Listen, you still got your councilman seat, and you still represent the people.
Oh.
Fuck the people.
What have the people ever done for my Black ass? Hmm? I know you, 'Shad.
The governor's office was just a means to an end.
[SCOFFS.]
What you really want is the power.
Okay.
So you know me.
So then find another means or find another fuckin' couch.
And clean this fucking mess up, man.
Fucking pigsty.
[UNEASY MUSIC PLAYS.]
[SIGHS.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER POLICE RADIO.]
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYS.]
- [DIANA.]
You too.
You too.
- [SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER POLICE RADIO.]
[ENGINE TURNING OVER, SIREN WAILS.]
[DISTANT CAR HORN HONKING.]
What the hell was all that about? They wanted me to move the car, but I handled it just like you taught me.
Smile a little, flirt a lot, make 'em feel like they can get it.
Proud of you, D.
Stop all that damn cheesin' and get us the hell out of here.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS.]
[SCOFFS, CLICKS TONGUE.]
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
[GRUNTS SOFTLY.]
[LABORED BREATHING.]
[SIGHS.]
My brother just texted me.
- "We're here, dickhead".
- [TARIQ CHUCKLES.]
Ah, fuck.
It's the fam, huh? Yep, that's them, waving a pair of golden fuckin' handcuffs.
Wait, yo, is that a brand-new whip for you? - Yep.
- You ain't tell me the handcuffs came with brand-new whip, nigga.
- Sign me up.
- You don't get it, 'Riq.
Yeah, I don't get it.
This shit is crazy.
Isn't this nice? That is for you, son.
- Thanks, Dad.
- Congratulations.
- Thanks.
- Why don't you go check it out? - Look at those rims, huh? - Yeah, it looks great.
[ROBERT.]
Every year this weekend becomes more important to me because of the opportunity to reflect on where we've been and where we're going as a family and a community.
And it gives us the opportunity to kill Bambi's mum.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Shut up, Skids.
[ROBERT.]
And this year is even more special because my old college roommate, Congressman Rick Sweeney, is here with us.
[APPLAUSE.]
I remember joining your Weston weekends back when we were at Stansfield, Bobby.
- That's right.
That's right.
- [NICOLE.]
Well, I dug out some of Bobby's old Stansfield photo albums in your honor, Rick.
Oh, I burned all my photos from back then.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Well, he still won't tell me what happened on those secret society trips out at the lodge.
Hmm.
Well, let's just say I know where all the skeletons are buried.
Those secrets die with us, Bobby.
- They die with us.
- Cheers to that.
Everyone, eat, drink, and be merry.
Thank you so much for being here.
Enjoy.
- [ALL.]
Cheers.
- Great.
Let's toast to all the misogyny and rape committed by our marauding ancestors.
[SCOFFS.]
Look at these photos of Dad's frat house.
You can practically taste the roofies.
[SCOFFS.]
Cheers to the good old days, right? [LAUGHS.]
[SOFT MUSIC PLAYS.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Uh-uh.
You, uh you got to pledge Kappa if you want to look at these.
[BOOK CLOSES.]
You shouldn't have brought him here.
[BRAYDEN.]
Shut the fuck up, Trace.
- Brayden.
- Uncle Rick.
How's, uh, your freshman year going? Uh, it's been good.
You got to any, uh, plans for the summer? Um, I was thinking about doing something entrepreneurial, maybe sales.
[ROBERT.]
Brayden will be spending the summer at the family hedge fund, just like Trace.
And your friend, Terrell - Tariq, Dad.
- Yes, Tariq.
Tariq, uh we have summer internships.
I actually haven't thought about any of that yet.
Well, you should.
Stansfield opens its doors to students like you who might not have traditionally matriculated, but they aren't given the the proper guidance to succeed.
Actually, Uncle Rick, Tariq has been succeeding pretty well in the Canonical Studies program at Stansfield.
You're familiar with it, right? [CHUCKLES.]
Really? That's a rigorous program.
- Very.
Very rigorous.
- [BRAYDEN.]
It is.
I am happy to see that Stansfield's need-blind admissions program is succeeding in attracting top-notch diverse students like you.
Yeah, they are.
But, actually, my education is funded by my father's trust.
Oh.
And who's your dad? He's actually not here with us anymore, but his name was James St.
Patrick.
He ran for Lieutenant Governor.
I met him once, at a DNC fundraiser.
It's He was very impressive.
Thank you.
To lose your father at that age, that's that's tough.
It is.
And then the ugly rumors that spread about him since his passing that doesn't help.
I hope they're not true.
I've witnessed firsthand the deleterious effect of drugs on minority communities.
I agree with you.
I mean, look what opioids are doing across the country, especially Appalachia.
Of course, Big Pharma's not getting put in prison for dealing Oxy.
Son, there's a difference between legal and illegal drugs.
Legal drugs are killing people at a higher rate than illegal drugs are.
I mean, the only difference that I see between the two is that rich white donors have the power to influence these lawmakers so that their product is considered "legal".
- Hmm.
- Does have a point, Uncle Rick.
[LAUGHS.]
You need to bring him every year.
Yeah, so how much money are you taking from Big Pharma, Congressman Sweeney? [CLEARS THROAT, COUGHS.]
[CLEARS THROAT.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS.]
Thank you.
Hey.
Hey, Whitman, it's cold as fuck out here, right? - No shit.
Body's up the hill? - Yeah.
Hey, you got something for me? Snow didn't help, but I think we found the murder weapon.
That's a 15 Mag.
Is that police issue? Ran the serial number.
Belonged to Detective Danilo Ramirez.
- You reach out? - Yep.
He's not home.
And he's missed a week of work.
Huh.
All right.
Did you put out a BOLO? Yeah.
You think Ramirez popped the victim and then skipped town? Maybe.
But would he leave his gun here for us to find? Look, that's good work, but keep it quiet.
Don't let the press find out.
[WHITMAN.]
How long has the body been here? [MEDICAL INVESTIGATOR.]
Overnight, at least.
Any ID? [INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
Shit.
It's Professor Jabari Reynolds from Stansfield.
You know him? He was helping Santana investigate a dead body found in the campus pool.
Hope that didn't get him killed.
[MOODY MUSIC PLAYS.]
[DOORBELL RINGS.]
[OTT.]
Give it back to her.
[SIGHS.]
Really, Tate? At my home? Okay.
You have three minutes.
That's all I need.
I've been doing some serious thinking about my next move.
- [KIDS SQUEALING.]
- Okay, just Uh, Rachel, Lizzie, Sarah, please! Daddy can't hear himself think.
[SIGHS.]
The truth is, I wanted to have them.
I mean, you can't have a career in politics without kids, right? Would it have killed you to give me a son? I mean, just one.
Okay.
You have two minutes and 40 seconds left.
The 12th District.
You see, the way I Whoa, Sweeney's seat? You're interrupting my precious family time to discuss Sweeney's seat? The guy's a Democratic legend.
- No.
- He's a damn dinosaur.
The district has grown, diversified, and changed.
- He hasn't, and you know it.
- Okay.
Look, if you're asking for my help or the party's help, I can tell you right now the answer's a flat no.
There's no way that guy's going anywhere without some hard, and I'm talking, like, hard dirt to force him out.
So you just go back to your little city council office and be happy you have a job.
Seriously? Promise me, when I bring something back on Sweeney, you'll bless my taking his seat.
[SIGHS.]
Okay, yeah, sure.
You got it.
But that's never gonna happen.
Goodbye, Councilman.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS.]
Hannah, listen, I'm sorry I missed the meeting.
But I promise, I won't be slipping back into anything with Zeke or Jabari.
In fact, I just got a call from the detective I used to work with and date.
And, um, he wants to meet for coffee.
He's a good guy, you know, an adult.
And, um we had chemistry, so I know I wasn't making good choices back then, but this could be like a second chance, you know? Take it slow, of course, but, um, I don't know, I feel like this could be the beginning of something good.
I got to go.
Talk later.
- Kevin.
Hey.
- Hey.
I, um, hope you weren't waiting long.
No, you you're right on time.
You look great.
Thanks.
You too.
Should we go inside? Uh, actually I was hoping to maybe take you someplace else.
It's a couple blocks away.
Okay.
Sure.
[OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYS.]
No.
No.
Oh, no.
- Can you confirm his identity? - [SIGHS.]
It's Jabari.
Jabari Reynolds.
What happened to him? You two were close? We worked together.
From your reaction, it feels like there might be something more between you.
In the past, there was.
Not currently? - No.
- When did you see him last? I I don't know.
Yesterday in the office.
What'd you talk about? I I I don't remember.
Oh, Jabari.
[SNIFFLES.]
I'm so, so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
You're sorry? You blame yourself for this? You think I had something to do with this? I didn't say that.
But it has been my experience that you tend to blur the personal and professional lines.
That's why you ambushed me this way.
This is amateur-hour bullshit.
I have no idea what happened to Jabari.
I would never, ever I would never hurt him.
You have any more questions for me, you you call my lawyer.
Carrie, you can leave, or you can help.
I need a list of his students and advisees and a separate list of the students that you and Jabari questioned about the G.
T.
G.
kid in the Stansfield pool.
[SCOFFS.]
You think those murders are related? Can't be a coincidence that kid dies, you and Jabari start asking questions now he's dead.
I'll get you the lists.
[WHITMAN.]
Carrie.
[CARRIE.]
What? Please be careful.
Not only is my dad pressuring me to pledge his frat, but now he's making calls so I get tapped to be in the same secret society as every other frickin' Weston.
Bro, are you even listening to me? Yeah, basically your dad wants you to be his mini-me.
The car, the family hunting trips, you know, it-it's all about hopping on this Weston conveyor belt that I'm supposed to just go along with with no regard to who I am or what I fucking actually want.
I mean, I don't blame you for being upset.
I don't want to be my father either.
That's why I like selling product with you.
It has nothing to do with being a fucking Weston or who I am.
You're not still thinking about getting out of the biz, are you? I don't know, man.
Shit's crazy right now.
- There's a lot going on.
- Listen, 'Riq, I know you've been through a lot, but we built that shit.
[CELL PHONES CHIMING.]
I mean, we can't just go and abandon it.
[CHIMING CONTINUES.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES.]
Holy fuck, bro.
[TARIQ.]
What? You know your professor, Jabari Reynolds? Dude was shot.
No way.
What the fuck? I'm sorry, bro.
He's dead.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYS.]
- One sec.
- [INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
[REFRIGERATOR DOOR OPENS.]
[DRU.]
Hey.
Keep practicing.
You'll get it.
Thanks, Dru.
I got a plan for us to get out of the life.
- Out the business? - This about me getting shot? Yes, you getting shot.
Diana was almost arrested yesterday.
I'm not risking that shit again.
A'ight, so what you want to do? I'm telling Zeke to sign up for the draft this year.
When he's really making money on endorsements and shit in about three years, we're out.
He's our exit plan.
Will Zeke be down with that? That nigga ain't got a choice.
We follow him wherever he goes, him and his team.
Houston, Phoenix, whatever, and we'll all have roles.
I'll manage him, Dru will travel with him, and you'll ward off all the thots and be in charge of publicity.
So, we're all gonna be working for Zeke? No, Zeke's our new product.
He's your cousin.
It's about family.
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES.]
Stansfield professor was murdered? Y'all know about this? [DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS.]
[PHONE CHIMES.]
Come on, Ma.
Reach out.
[KNOCK AT DOOR.]
Lauren, what's up? You okay? I just can't stop thinking about Professor Reynolds.
- [DOOR CLOSES.]
- Where's Brayden? I don't know.
Probably somewhere in the hall, offering a girl a shoulder to cry on or something.
[CHUCKLES.]
He's so chivalrous.
Yeah.
Any opportunity he gets.
I just don't understand.
Who would want to kill our professor? [SIGHS.]
Tariq, you don't even seem upset.
Lauren, my twin sister was murdered.
And your father.
My mother's in WITSEC.
You know, over the past few years, I lost two of my best friends.
I lost my godmother, my godfather.
And on top of everything, I lost both of my parents.
So, honestly, I don't even think I have it in me to cry for Professor Reynolds.
I ain't even know him.
I didn't know any of that about how many people you've lost.
[SIGHS.]
I can't imagine how many times you've been through this and much worse.
You don't know how I feel, Lauren.
[LAUREN.]
I want to know.
I want you to tell me.
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES.]
Tariq? Lauren, I got to go.
I got to be somewhere.
[SCOFFS.]
Okay.
I'll see you later.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
- [CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
- [CANE.]
Hey, yo why is this nigga's face all over the fucking news? He's a respected professor at an elite college.
It was bound to happen.
I knew it would.
Ain't nobody saying Ramirez did him.
That was your idea.
You fucked up.
So why you think we used his gun? Nobody gonna look into us for that shit.
They gonna have to look into Ramirez.
All right, motherfucker, you better be right.
I am.
Don't worry about it.
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES.]
[SIGHS.]
Shit.
It's Monet.
She want to see me now.
That Jabari nigga, that was your professor, right? That's probably what she want to talk about.
Just act normal.
Don't say nothin'.
I don't know, man.
You know, lyin' to Monet is kind of risky.
And tellin' her the truth is fucking worse.
And if I remember, you the one that said she'll never find out.
And she won't, a'ight? You the one bugging the fuck out right now.
Just chill, man.
I I got this under control.
I'm not going down for this.
Trust me.
If both of us shut the fuck up about it, neither of us will.
Trust me.
[CAR DOOR CLOSES, ENGINE TURNING OVER.]
[KNOCK AT DOOR.]
Heard about Professor Reynolds.
Why haven't you been answering my texts? You okay? [DOOR CLOSES, LOCK CLICKS.]
No.
I'm not okay.
You know what happened? Who shot him? Can you just hold me? [ALEX ISLEY'S "LA BREA" PLAYS.]
[SINGER.]
I see pretty lights In the distance Don't let fear get in front of you Know just where you want to be Know in your heart you'll arrive Arrive [DOOR CLOSES.]
[DIANA.]
What's up, Tariq? [TARIQ.]
What up, Diana? Thanks, Dru.
[MONET.]
Thanks for coming, Tariq.
Sit down.
I cooked.
Looks good.
So tell me about this professor that was killed.
You know him? Yeah.
Mr.
Reynolds.
He's one of my professors in Canonical Studies.
You know, he's a pretty good guy.
So it's definitely a tragedy.
So what happened? I have no clue.
You have no idea who shot him? Nah.
Look, I know you guys are probably concerned about, you know, police being all over the campus and everything.
But everything's fine.
You don't have to worry.
You sure? 'Cause aren't the cops still asking questions about that body in the pool and now this? He was your professor.
You sure no one will be looking in your direction for this? Nobody.
You sure you had nothing to do with this man's murder? I had absolutely nothing to do with it.
I swear.
Now, you know what happens if you lyin', right? [TENSE MUSIC PLAYS.]
I do.
Good, 'cause I don't need my distro involved in some stupid shit that's gonna put more eyes on us.
Now, I just got a ton of brick that needs to be moved.
Can you do that? Of course I can.
All right, then, let's eat.
[SILVERWARE CLATTERS.]
Hear anything from your mum? Nope.
I wish I could speak to her.
That ain't allowed, is it? [TARIQ.]
Nope.
But I don't care about no rules.
[SCOFFS.]
Yeah.
I figured that out about you already.
Look, 'Riq, I know I'm not your mums, but if you want to talk, I'm here.
And I really appreciate that.
Thank you.
I just feel like I just Diana, get in here and get these plates.
Um, I'm helping Tariq.
He can handle it.
Can't you, Tariq? Yes.
Now! Sorry.
Meet you later, okay? Yeah.
Okay.
[SINGER.]
'Cause you've always been mine [CELL PHONE VIBRATES.]
- You've always been mine - Mine I do something wrong? I saw his body.
What? At the morgue.
I identified Jabari's body.
And I can't get it out of my head.
You didn't answer me before.
What happened? How did he get shot? I don't know.
I don't know.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS.]
Could the Tejadas have had something to do with it? No.
Why would you even say that? Monet threatened me the other night.
She told me that if I said anything about what you told me about being attacked by that gang, she would report me for sleeping with you.
Shit.
[SIGHS.]
- She knows about us? - Yeah.
And she knows that Jabari was asking questions about that G.
T.
G.
member in the pool.
That doesn't mean that she'd hurt Professor Reynolds.
Monet would never do anything to jeopardise my future.
It's got to be something else.
Then what? What could Jabari have done to get himself shot? Yo, pop the trunk.
Did you go on a shopping spree? A little somethin'-somethin'.
This shit's heavy as fuck.
Jeez, what the fuck is all this shit? It's weighing down the Braymobile.
- You want to see? - Yeah.
[TARIQ.]
Back in fucking business, baby.
- [BOTH LAUGH.]
- Hell, yeah, dude! What made you change your mind? I mean, honestly, Bray, I don't think I had a choice, bro.
You think it's safe to move with all this weight in my car? I mean, yeah, you're white.
Brand-new Benz.
You'll be good.
Okay, but white people still get pulled over for speeding, 'Riq.
Shit, once they pull you over, you give them your license, they see you a Weston, they'll fucking apologise for pulling you over.
White privilege is just another tool in our bag.
- Why not use it? - All right.
Just keep the shit under 65 on the highway - so they don't bother you.
- [BRAYDEN.]
All right.
We'll park this at my parent's country house until we figure out a plan and move all this product.
You're gonna love hunting, 'Riq.
I can tell.
You look like a hunter.
[TARIQ, LAUGHING.]
You look like a fuckin' hunter.
[BRAYDEN LAUGHS.]
[MECCA.]
I'm glad you came, Cane.
[CANE.]
So what you want with me? Well, we got some unfinished business.
Follow me.
I told you, I hate rude motherfuckers.
Oh, shit.
Wait, that's the Guap that got away.
Uh-huh.
So I'm giving you a choice.
- [GROANING.]
- You can show him mercy.
You could make him suffer or kill him.
[SCOFFS.]
Say less.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS.]
- [GRUNTING.]
- Shut your ass up.
Just know that whichever you choose tells me exactly who the fuck you are, man.
See I don't need any handouts.
And I don't need him tied up to beat his ass.
Get your bitch ass up.
Stupid motherfucker.
- [PANTING.]
- [CANE.]
Get up.
- [SPITS.]
- [MECCA.]
Come on, now.
I ain't got shit to prove to you.
[NECK CRACKS.]
[BODY THUDS.]
But that's who I motherfuckin' am.
I see.
You see Tariq tonight? You believe what he said about that professor? Monet thinks she's smart asking him like that, but no is the only real answer he can give her, no matter what the truth is.
Stupid waste of time.
[SCOFFS.]
You ever gonna let up on Monet? She's part of the reason I got shot.
- [KNOB SQUEAKS, WATER RUNNING.]
- She's trying to blame Cane, but I told her that we needed him.
Her pride wouldn't let her hear it.
Now she wants to act like a mother and be all concerned.
She should have been concerned before this.
She is concerned, Dru.
She's just trying to protect us.
With what? Her bullshit exit strategy? Without even asking us how we feel about it.
We ain't kids no more, D.
We don't get a say? I mean, did you notice? She didn't even mention Dad in that plan.
So what, are we just gonna move to wherever Zeke gets drafted and then, what, leave him behind? That's not right, Dru.
And why the hell do I want to be Zeke's bitch? Like like, who decided that was gonna be my life? It would be nice to be able to make some of our own decisions.
Maybe we need to stop waiting around for her to give us permission start making some moves on our own.
Shit.
[INTENSE MUSIC PLAYS.]
What the fuck you doing, man? Nothing, man.
I was just walking by - [GUN COCKS.]
- It's cool.
Okay? I ain't gonna say shit.
You ain't gonna say shit? And what, I'm just supposed to fuckin' trust you? Give me a reason why I shouldn't dead your ass right now.
You just seen my work, man.
And I can help.
You? Help me? I see all this weight, but I don't see any soldiers.
Ain't nobody more vicious or loyal than me.
You're gonna have to show me a whole lot more to convince me of that.
All right.
Give me a shot.
[SIGHS.]
Yo, I cannot believe you got me out here, bro.
I cannot believe I got you out here either, but here we are.
I mean, this shit don't even make sense.
What the hell did the deer do to you? And after we kill the deer, old dad forces us to eat it.
So you have that to look forward to.
- You're a joy today, Becca.
- [CHUCKLES SOFTLY.]
All right, everyone, let's hit it.
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS.]
[RAPPER.]
I, I got to get on a roll I got to stay on my toes [ZEKE.]
Let's go.
[RAPPER.]
When you working this hard, then it shows Hey, Zeke.
Hey.
Why I got to come looking for you? You ain't get my texts? Did you threaten my professor? You mean that reckless-ass professor bitch you fuckin'? Yeah, I told her what time it is.
You should've just stayed away from her.
I told you she didn't know anything.
Now Professor Reynolds is dead, and she askin' more questions.
They were both looking into the Guap who got murdered.
Please tell me you ain't had nothin' to do with what happened to Professor Reynolds.
Zeke, I have no idea what happened with that professor nigga.
- That wasn't us.
- For real? - Don't lie to me.
- For real.
Now, are you done? Because we have more important shit to discuss.
I need you to sign up for the draft this year.
It's time for you to go pro.
Actually, I was thinking, Auntie, I haven't been on the court much 'cause of my suspension Look, we got to make this move for the family now, Zeke.
I just don't know if it's gonna be the best Well, I do.
Enough of this Carrie shit.
Enough of these distractions.
Get your head in the game.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS.]
[MUTTERING TO SELF.]
- [CHUCKLES.]
Okay.
- [KEYS CLACKING.]
Okay.
Yeah.
Smells like Irish Spring and redemption.
Quit it, nigga.
You ain't funny.
Hey, listen, I got myself an apartment.
So I'll be out of here by next week.
Okay.
So was it something I said? Nope.
I got a plan.
I'm back in motion.
And ain't nothin' gonna stop Rashad Tate when he's got hisself a goal.
- Okay.
I'm proud of you, boy.
- Yes, sir.
I am gonna need something from you, though.
And there it is.
What you want, Rashad? I need you to log me into the police database.
I need to know everything there is on Congressman Rick Sweeney.
- Why Rick - Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh.
Just log me in, please.
So we just sit out here and wait? Yep.
Unfortunately.
This is actually fun to you? Wait.
Shh, shh, shh.
There's one right there.
You see it? [TARIQ.]
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[BIRD CAWING.]
[BRAYDEN.]
He got her.
It's hit.
Let's follow it.
[GUNSHOT.]
[PERSON.]
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
[BRAYDEN.]
What the fuck? [INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYS.]
[BRAYDEN.]
Tariq.
Tariq! Tariq, are you okay? You're lucky you didn't hit him, Dick Cheney.
[SWEENEY.]
I know what I'm doing.
I'm an excellent shot.
[BRAYDEN.]
You broke every safety protocol [SWEENEY.]
Calm down! He wasn't in any danger.
[ROBERT.]
Sorry, Tariq.
That shouldn't have happened.
Let us make it up to you.
You can take the kill shot.
- What? - It's an honor, son.
[TRACE.]
Seriously? I never get the kill shot.
[JAMES GASPING.]
Let him go.
Do it, son.
[GUNSHOT.]
[BRAYDEN.]
There, it's done.
- Everybody happy now? - [MAN.]
All right.
This is bullshit.
I'm out.
Tariq! Tariq, wait! [INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
[THEO.]
Hey, hey, hey.
Young bruh, I see your stinkin' ass all up on TV.
- You on the come-up, huh? - Yeah, I look good, right? It's all about the jewel tones, brother.
[THEO.]
Mm.
Where'd that come from? Ah, don't worry about it, man.
Yeah, I'm your brother, and I'm worried about it.
I said don't.
I give it as good as I get it in here.
Trust me.
You gettin' your meds? Every day.
Are you takin' 'em? [SIGHS.]
Bro, I said I'm takin' 'em.
Can we talk about something else? I hired that attorney we talked about.
Who? The white dude? Yeah, Saxe.
Look, he don't know it yet.
He's gonna help me get you out of here.
Get me up out of here? Yeah.
Okay.
I ever lie to you? [SIGHS.]
Fuck, yeah.
[BOTH LAUGHING.]
Not this time, man.
I'm getting you out.
You ain't dying in here.
[TENDER MUSIC PLAYS.]
[DOOR RATTLING.]
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYS.]
[RATTLING CONTINUES.]
A gun, Ma? For real, Ma? A gun? Come on, you changed the locks on me? It's like that? Listen, we need to talk, okay? I got us a new connect.
Let me in.
Let me in, Ma.
Ma.
Ma, don't walk away.
Ma! Ma! [TYLER, THE CREATOR'S "WHO DAT BOY" PLAYS.]
[RAPPER.]
Who dat boy? Who him is? Him that nig-ga I swear stand out guy Him don't need no chair Well where the fuck him at? 'Cause, nigga I'm right here Who dat boy? Who him is? Who dem boys, nigga? Who dem is nigga? Why you niggas feel like that? Mad 'cause a nigga neck chill like that Mad 'cause a nigga push wheel like that? Why you puttin' bad vibes in the air like that? Nigga, who dem boys? Nigga, who dem is? [CELL PHONE CHIMES.]
[CELL PHONE VIBRATES.]
This is Detective Kevin Whitman, NYPD.
Who's this? [CELL PHONE BEEPS.]
[LINE BEEPS.]
- [KEYS CLACKING.]
- Did you get that? That phone pinged at Stansfield.
Shit.
[WHITMAN.]
So we've been on the right track.
The last person Reynolds texted on the night of his murder is on the Stansfield campus.
That's where we focus this investigation, and that's where we find Reynolds' killer.
[TYLER.]
Who dat boy? The boy drips swag like a broken faucet It's runnin', nigga I'm runnin', shit That cherry be the bomb like he ran in Boston Won't stop 'til the cops surround him One nigga jiggy and the other awesome With his fuckin' face blown off - That's how they found him - It's Young T Who dat boy? Who him is? Who dat boy? Who him is? Nigga, who dat boy? Who him is? Who dem boys, nigga? Who dem is, nigga? Why you niggas feel like that? Mad 'cause a nigga neck chill like that You mad 'cause a nigga push wheel like that? Why you puttin' bad vibes in the air like that? - Nigga, who dem boys? - Nigga, who dem is? Who else step in this bitch this jig? Who else your bitch say got a bick this big? Who else came through with a wrist this flick? Nigga, guess my pants do my dance Spin around, bitch you could kiss my ass Never seen a nigga in this much Raf Still doin' math when I miss my class Was it Summertime '06 had the Number Nine Nigga, never mind Was another time before Vince Had the Gucci gold tips with the letterman Nigga, dollar sign was my favourite number at the time Fresh freshmen 'til they skipped my ass Senior citizen don't forget my past Been that nigga and you knew that there Make the dick disappear how she do that there? Who dat boy? Who him is? Who dat boy? Who him is? Nigga, who dat boy? Who him is? Who dem boys, nigga?