Reasonable Doubt (2022) s02e09 Episode Script

1
[COREY CASH]
Previously on Reasonable Doubt
[TANYA SCOGGINS]
What was different about that morning?
- I'm stopping this.
- I know that your friend is on trial.
So, some advice,
fewer emotions, more reason.
[PETER THOMPSON]
It's good to see you, Lucy.
How did you find me?
Joint custody?
Oh, my God, what am I gonna do?
Look, I put this house up
as part of her bail.
Do you really think I would help her run
and risk losing the bond?
We will lose the house
that we both live in.
I'm just going to school, then Kumon.
- It's not that big
- You have Kumon today?
They really don't like you.
- [JAX STEWART] Spenser.
- I don't do that type of stuff,
but I vape though.
I got the results of the paternity test.
The baby is mine.
I decided to give Lewis a chance.
If I'm going to co-parent,
Jax is gonna be involved too.
- [WINCES]
- [DANIEL KIM] Are you Eboni Phillips?
We need you to testify about everything
between you and JT.
[COREY] You ready to testify?
That son of a bitch
deserved to fucking die.
I don't know,
maybe this has all gone too far.
Maybe we should tell the truth.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[NEWSCASTER] [ON TV] Well, it's
another day
in the Shanelle Tucker case.
And to say that each day
in this trial has left the public
on the edge of their seats
is an understatement.
Last week, retailers reported
a drop in JT jerseys,
showing heavy support for Mrs. Tucker.
But this week, after the testimony
of Mrs. Tucker's cousin,
Sally Braswell, JT jerseys
are flying off the shelves,
backing their beloved NFL star,
Jamarion Tucker.
You okay?
You wanna talk about it?
Now you wanna talk?
Listen, you're still my wife
and the mother of our children,
so if something's
wrong besides our shit,
then, yes, Sally, I wanna know.
Look, I still
I still care.
I don't believe you.
["ICE BOX" BY OMARION PLAYING]
I'm also still mad.
I don't believe you.
- I apologize ♪
- For makin' you cry ♪
Look me in my eyes ♪
And promise you won't
do me the same, yeah ♪
Girl, I really wanna work this out
'cause I'm tired of fighting ♪
- Fighting ♪
- And I really hope you still want me ♪
- [BREATHES HEAVILY]
- The way I want you ♪
- Baby, I want you ♪
- I said I really wanna work this out ♪
Damn, girl, I'm trying ♪
It's no excuse, no excuse ♪
I don't wanna be stuck,
off in this cold, cold world ♪
Don't wanna mess this up,
better keep your eye on me, girl ♪
I don't wanna be stuck ♪
[SALLY MOANING]
'Cause I don't wanna mess this up ♪
Better keep your eye on me, girl ♪
[SALLY MOANING]
I don't wanna be stuck,
off in this cold, cold world ♪
'Cause I don't wanna be ♪
[CHRIS MOANING]
Don't wanna mess this up,
better keep your eye on me, girl ♪
[BOTH MOANING]
Girl, I really wanna work this out
'cause I'm tired of fighting ♪
And I really hope you still
want me the way I want you ♪
I said I really wanna work this out ♪
Damn, girl, I'm trying ♪
It's no excuse, no excuse ♪
I said I got this icebox
where my heart used to be ♪
Got this icebox
where my heart used to be ♪
I'm so cold, I'm so cold,
I'm so cold, I'm so cold ♪
I got this icebox
where my heart used to be ♪
I'm so cold,
I'm so cold, I'm so cold ♪
Girl, I really wanna work this out
'cause I'm tired of fighting ♪
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]
From La Brea to Slauson ♪
It's all us ♪
The Sun, Central Ave Jazz ♪
It's all us ♪
Where we at? ♪
Hit the Maverick Flats ♪
Leimert and right back to the ark ♪
It's all us ♪
We coastin' on the west
between sets and wealth ♪
We toast the sunset in the Dons ♪
Take flight into the night
under Cali stars ♪
In a world on wheels ♪
It's all us ♪
It's the world we feel ♪
It's all us ♪
From the hills to Hollywood ♪
It's all us ♪
No doubt we all we got ♪
Hold it down, black and brown ♪
In a city of dreams ♪
It's all us ♪
[JAX] Look what I
found in Spenser's room.
- No. Are you serious?
- Yeah.
It fell out of his jacket pocket.
I'm so mad right now,
I could snatch his behind
right up out of his bed.
Uh-huh, tell his ass to stay in his room
for the rest of his fuckin' life.
- That part.
- [LEWIS STEWART] Hm.
But, I mean, I guess we can't
be too hard on him, right?
Because, I mean, we still need
to talk to the kids about
Yeah, I know.
So, when are we gonna tell 'em
about the baby?
We? [SCOFFS]
I mean, I'll be there,
but this is your show,
so you let me know
when you want us to tell 'em.
I say we wait
until the baby comes.
It'll be better to tell 'em as they're
meeting their new baby brother.
Mm-hm.
Okay.
How's the launch coming?
Saw your text earlier
about one of your coders quit.
Yeah, man.
He fucked us, but, uh,
I suggested that we promote Lena.
Oh, Lena. I love her.
She's the best assistant
you've ever had.
Facts.
Yeah, she's gonna kill it.
But how are you doing?
We're still trying to get Eboni,
Natasha's mom.
If she can corroborate
JT's pattern of abuse,
then that takes some of the pressure
off Shanelle's testimony.
Yeah, okay.
How are you doing?
Oh, I'm, I'm good.
Okay, I know that didn't sound
convincing, but I actually am.
I mean, the medication is working.
Not being first chair is helping.
And I don't know, I just
I just wish I could help Shanelle more.
You still think
she's lying about killing JT?
I don't know.
At this point, all I know is
one of my best friends
could spend the rest
of her life in prison
and it's my job to try
to prevent that from happening.
[LEWIS] Hm.
Do or do not.
There is no try.
- What are you talking about?
- It's Star Wars.
Oh, God, I forgot you a nerd.
Star Wars is not
You know what?
Just whatever.
It's okay, my little nerd.
You're my little nerd. [CHUCKLING]
Mm-hm. Alright.
Oh, you know what we should do?
We should tell Spenser tomorrow.
That way he could spend
all day freaking out trying to find it.
Oh, good idea.
And we could spend tonight smoking it.
- Yes. [CHUCKLES]
- Mm.
Ooh. No, this little nigga didn't.
This shit is flavored.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
[SCOFFS] Unbelievable.
Yeah, we gotta talk to him about this.
That's your son.
♪
Morning, Jax.
I got some great news.
Talked to Daniel, he spoke to Eboni
last night for about an hour.
And guess what?
She's agreed to testify.
[JAX] [ON PHONE] That's fantastic.
I'm glad we don't have to subpoena her
as a hostile witness.
Yes, exactly. However
she does have one condition.
[SHANELLE TUCKER]
The fuck is she doing here?
[JAX] Shanelle,
we need Eboni's testimony.
JT didn't have any other
long-term relationships
that can confirm his pattern of abuse.
- So, just hear her out.
- [SHANELLE] Great.
Now my life depends on the word
of an alcoholic, pill-popping,
no-good-ass baby mama.
There's a lotta things
that you don't know.
I've been clean
for three and a half years.
And?
How come I ain't heard
from you until now?
What are you,
what are you looking for, a paycheck?
Attention?
Because JT is dead.
Now I can get to you
without him tearing up my fuckin' life.
You know what?
We're gonna let the two of you talk.
Yeah, we'll be right outside.
This is crazy.
Shanelle, give her a chance.
[SHANELLE SIGHS]
Look, I know Jamarion
was a horrible person.
However, he did say
that you were a selfish person
and a terrible mother.
And given the way you abandoned Natasha,
let's just say two things can be true.
[EBONI PHILLIPS] Okay.
After he got drafted, he knocked me up,
and then he resented me
because I didn't wanna
get rid of my baby, Natasha.
And that's when the abuse started.
Do you know how sick it is for someone
to punch you in your face
and then expect for you to give them
something for their pain?
Toradol, Demerol, Oxy, yeah.
I gave him all that shit
just so that he could play well.
And then after
I would just inject myself
with whatever was left.
Jamarion made me incapable
of being a good mother.
And then he tricked me
into believing I was born that way.
I'm still trying to forgive myself
for allowing any of that to happen.
You didn't allow that to happen.
Anyway, you're not the one
I wanted to hear my story.
You want me to tell Natasha?
Yes.
[SCOFFS]
And if I agree, you'll testify?
[COREY] So, what do you think
is happening in there?
Either she's gonna convince
her to testify or she gonna kill her.
Yeah.
We're good. I'm gonna testify.
That is great. Thank you, Eboni.
And-And I know it's the weekend,
but could you please come by
the office tomorrow, first thing?
- We need to prep you.
- I'll be there.
Perfect, thank you.
[DOWNBEAT, MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING]
[DAMON COOKE] I
ain't never had nobody
fight for me the way that you do.
[JAX] You lost 16 years of your life
because my fight wasn't enough.
[SHANELLE] I've watched
you take on cases
where no one thought you could win,
but you still did anyway.
- [KNOCKS ON DOOR]
- [LEWIS] You ready to talk to Spense?
Uh, yep.
[SPENSER STEWART] It's not mine.
[JAX] It was in your pocket.
- I was holding it.
- For a friend?
- Alright, it's mine.
- [JAX] Yeah.
What a surprising turn of events.
You know what? You're on punishment.
No video games, no phone.
And no more hanging out
with these new friends of yours
because, clearly,
they're a bad influence.
But, Mom, they're in my theater class.
And we were practicing for the showcase.
Look, they were doing
way worse things than I was doing.
I was just vaping.
It's not that big of a deal.
Vaping is smoking,
and smoking is a big deal, Spenser.
What are you talking about?
- I mean, Mom does it.
- [JAX] What'd you say?
Excuse me?
I'm also not 15.
And don't you worry
about what grown folks do
until you become one.
- Okay.
- Give me this damn phone.
Turn the game off.
[DOOR CLOSES]
What?
- Um
- Okay, uh, don't start.
I'm just It was looking a lot
like Jadakiss versus Dipset in there.
- Oh.
- You gon' make it though?
Okay. You know, wait until he hear
about your baby news, Cam'ron. Huh.
Oh, okay.
["OH BOY" BY CAM'RON
FT. JUELZ SANTANA PLAYING]
- All the girls see the ♪
- Boy ♪
- Look at his kicks ♪
- Boy ♪
- Look at this car ♪
- Boy ♪
- All I say is ♪
- Oh, boy ♪
Boy, boy, boy, boy ♪
When was the first time Mr. Tucker
was physically abusive towards you?
The night I told him I was pregnant.
He, he wanted me to get an abortion,
and I refused.
He got so angry
and started kicking me in my stomach.
Was that the only time
he physically assaulted you?
No, it became a regular occurrence.
And then, he started
verbally humiliating me
in front of our friends.
And then, sometimes,
he would lock Natasha and I
into our guest house,
just so that he could
entertain other women.
Some of them being my friends,
some of them being the wives
or girlfriends of his teammates.
Were you ever in fear of your life
when you were involved with Mr. Tucker?
Yes, most definitely.
Thank you.
So, Miss Phillips, you said
that Mr. Tucker physically assaulted you
because he didn't want you
to give birth to your daughter,
- Natasha, correct?
- Yes.
However, Mr. Tucker ended up
with full custody
when you two decided to separate.
How'd that come to be?
Even though JT didn't even
want Natasha, his mother, Mavis, did,
and he just didn't want me to have her.
So, they started spending
thousands of dollars
in a custody battle
that I just couldn't afford.
So, you're saying money was the reason
you were not awarded visitation?
No.
Okay, so tell us why the court
denied you
visitation rights to your child.
[SIGHS]
Because by the end
of my relationship with JT,
I was addicted to painkillers.
And in order to have visitation,
the court put me in rehab.
And did you finish that program?
No.
Because JT kicked me
off the medical insurance
because he wanted me
to get kicked out of the program
and to lose custody
and to remain addicted.
He doesn't care who he hurts
as long as he maintains some control.
- Okay, that was, uh, that was pretty good.
- Yeah.
- That was good, a good job.
- [JAX] Yeah.
So, we're gonna take a break
and when we come back,
we're gonna do some tactics
the DA may use.
Uh, Eboni, you need anything?
- Some air.
- [KRYSTAL CHUCKLES]
I know a place.
That went better than I thought.
Same.
And I'll be a bit more aggressive
this round,
see how she does with that.
It's a good idea.
I mean, her testimony, sad as hell.
Which also means powerful as hell.
Yeah.
♪
You're not getting to Natasha,
and you're not gonna testify.
How did you even find me?
I'm Jamarion Tucker's mother.
I align myself with the right people.
Natasha just buried her father.
And then the only mother
that she's ever known
is about to go to prison.
But you still wanna
stop me from seeing her?
Because it's what my son wanted.
And the least I can do right now
is honor his wishes.
And that means keeping you quiet.
I've been quiet long enough.
You know,
I have a laundry list of things you did
while under the influence.
You think it won't come out on the stand
in front of the world?
So what?
It's better that the world
knows the truth about your son.
And what about
what Natasha learns about you?
And since you're supposedly sober,
well, you won't have
the drugs to numb that shame.
♪
[JAX] [ON PHONE]
Hey, Daniel, I'm two minutes away.
Jax, we have a problem.
Alright, can you try to wake up for me?
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God, did she drive here?
Her parking ticket says
she got here about an hour ago.
I was I was nervous.
I was nerv
[JAX] Eboni, listen to me.
Let's get you home.
- Let's get you home, okay?
- No, no, I
- It's okay, it's okay.
- I can, I can still do it
- Oh. Oh, my God.
- [DANIEL] Diazepam.
Call 9-1-1.
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
- Miss Phillips is stable now.
- That's good.
Thank you, Dr. Wyatt.
She should be thanking you.
If you hadn't gotten her here in time
for us to pump her stomach,
the combination of alcohol
and diazepam would've been lethal.
I'm sorry.
No, no, no, no, no apologies.
We just pushed you too hard, too fast.
We'll be able to postpone the testimony.
No. I can't do it.
- Eboni.
- I've done things.
I've done terrible things
that I don't want anybody to know.
And if I walk into that courtroom,
they're gonna dig.
I could lose my job.
I could lose any chance
of being back with Natasha.
I could lose everything.
I, um, I completely understand.
And I wouldn't want you doing
something that you just
that you're uncomfortable doing.
[EBONI SIGHS]
Thank you.
Me stepping away I think is best
for everybody's safety.
[COREY] Safety? What are you
Eboni, did somebody get to you?
[SHANELLE] Fuckin' Mavis.
Eboni was pretty shaken up.
Yeah,
I don't even know why I'm surprised.
She put her son on a pedestal
his whole damn life.
She ain't ready to see him
get knocked down now.
You know, wait 'til I get on the stand.
I'ma put an end to this shit.
Do you feel ready to testify?
Absolutely.
And there aren't any landmines
we could step on?
[SHANELLE] Jax, no.
I've known for a while
I was gonna have to do this.
Right, but with Eboni gone,
this now falls solely on you.
Yeah, thanks a lot.
I'm not saying that to be mean,
Shanelle.
I just want you to be ready.
[SHANELLE SIGHS]
Corey and I can add a extra day
of prep to get you ready.
It's gonna be hard, but crucial.
You up for that?
Fuck Mavis.
I'll be ready.
Okay.
Ugh. Fuckin' Spenser.
Damn it.
[GROANS]
We absolutely need juror 11.
I will let you know what happens.
Thank you, Henry.
Dad thinks he can get us tickets
to a hockey game.
Then we're going to Dave & Buster's,
and then some go-karting place
in Torrance.
Okay, honey,
I think you should manage
your expectations with your dad, okay?
Three days is a long time,
a lot can happen.
Mom, you're okay with me
going to Dad's, right?
Of course, I am.
Just, uh, worry about you.
[JOHN WARGO] It's fine, Mom.
He's not some crazy person.
He's my father.
Make sure you text me, okay?
- And-And send me
- Evidence that I'm alive?
Well, I was gonna say pictures,
but same difference.
Uh, books.
- Oh, yeah.
- Oh, yeah.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
Honey?
[JOHN] Yeah?
I need you to keep this on you, okay?
It's just getting chilly outta nowhere.
- Uh, bye, Mom.
- Bye.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
- [DOOR CLOSES]
- [SIGHS]
The People understand the court's
concern about juror number 11,
but he claims his notes
were for deliberations only,
and the publisher that he was seen
speaking with is an acquaintance.
The defense feels
that we should make the assumption
that juror number 11 has ill intentions,
considering
the high-profile nature of the case.
At this point in the trial,
the People feel like
replacing him would be disruptive.
Your Honor, the defense is prepared
to provide photo evidence
that a publisher had direct contact
with juror number 11's notes.
And furthermore,
keeping juror number 11 on this case
could be grounds for a retrial
if the verdict yields
the need for an appeal.
With the dismissal of juror number 11,
we have no more alternates.
However, I do need
to maintain the integrity
of the judicial process.
Therefore, juror number 11
will be dismissed.
Mr. Cash, is the defense prepared
to resume its case tomorrow?
We are prepared with our experts, yes.
[JUDGE FRANCES ROTH]
Okay, great, thank you.
- See you all tomorrow?
- Yeah.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[KEYBOARD KEYS CLACKING]
Hey.
Sorry you're on punishment.
Are you?
I didn't tell on you.
- I know.
- They took away your phone?
And my video games,
and I gotta come home
straight after school,
which means I'm missing
the practice for the showcase.
It's fucked up.
Well, I still got my phone,
so maybe one of your friends
can record the practice,
send it to me,
and I'll just show it to you.
- For real?
- [NAIMA STEWART] Yeah.
They said you couldn't
use your phone, not mine.
Damn, Naima. You a real one.
I know.
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey.
Hey, I am so sorry.
I got caught up at work.
All good, we just got started.
Is this your wife?
Oh, uh, n-no, my wife, Kendall,
had a last-minute business trip.
This is my friend, Sally.
We grew up together.
Oh, that's nice.
Let's see how we're doing
post-embryo transplantation, shall we?
[AUTUMN OWENS] Mm-hm.
[AUTUMN GROANS SOFTLY]
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [EXHALES]
Please tell me
you have good news. [CHUCKLES]
I am so sorry, Mrs. Owens.
I'm unable to find a heartbeat.
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
So I'm no longer pregnant.
But we do have one embryo left,
so there's still hope.
But if that one doesn't take,
then I have to start the IVF process
from the beginning, right?
[DR.
[HYACINTH RAMANAND] Yes, that's right.
Why don't you get dressed
and meet me in my office,
so we can discuss next steps?
Take your time.
Yeah. Okay, thanks, Dr. Ramanand.
Mm-hm.
Let's keep this between us.
Jax and Shanelle
have enough to worry about.
Yeah, that's great. Another secret.
What does that mean?
Nothing.
This stays between us.
It's gonna be okay.
Yeah.
Oh, come on.
Yeah, it's gonna be okay.
It's gonna be okay.
Okay, so Lucy is gonna wanna focus
on that text that you sent Toni
as you starting to plan JT's murder.
We need you to focus
on that being the catalyst
for you wanting to leave, not kill.
Got it?
Okay.
[COREY] Alright, here we go.
Mrs. Tucker, I'm sorry
you endured such a painful time.
I'm sure that was
very difficult for you.
Thank you.
And, yes, it was.
How would you describe
your relationship with Mr. Tucker?
Well, it was,
it was good in the beginning,
and then, it turned slowly.
He became controlling and jealous.
He forced me to quit my job
and move to Atlanta,
where he was playing at the time.
Forced you?
Did he hold a gun to your head?
- He did not.
- [JAX] So, how did he force you?
- He manipulated me.
- How?
If I knew how,
it wouldn't have worked, would it?
Okay, Shanelle,
I'm gonna need you to keep your cool
and just simply answer the question.
Okay, saying something like,
"I don't know,"
is much better than coming off
smug to the jury.
- Okay.
- Okay?
Let's just move on.
Why did you stay with Mr. Tucker
for over 15 years if it was so bad?
Because of my children,
and I was scared of what he'd do to me.
But you knew. So, what changed?
Mr. Hunter, Toni Holley,
or you just weren't ready
to give up the Gucci?
[SCOFFS]
Is this Lucy talking or you?
This is me testing you.
The other ADA schooled me
on Lucy's tactics.
And you saw it with Sally.
She'll start off soft and sweet
to lure you in,
she will twist your words,
and then she will pounce.
We need you to compartmentalize.
The prosecution's job
is to paint you as a lying gold digger
who has so much
pent-up anger inside of you
that you killed JT in cold blood.
If you take anything
Lucy says about you personally,
you will lose.
So kill that insecure girl
from high school
and be the woman who endured hell
and is still standing here.
Shall we start again?
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
♪
So, of course, we know that, uh,
jury selection isn't an exact science.
So, based on voir dire,
of the four jurors dismissed,
three were picked by the prosecution,
only one was chosen by the defense.
And of the four alternates
that were chosen to replace them,
three were favored by the defense,
only one by the prosecution.
So, where does that leave us now?
Eight to four, in our favor.
So, winning.
Woo-woo.
I don't have the numbers.
I told you early on
not to underestimate them, Lucy.
Trust me, I remember.
I just can't lose this case, Mike.
[MIKE ORTIZ] I know.
What about making or floating a plea?
To plea something lesser?
Alright, so just got an offer from Lucy.
- [JAX] Wait, what?
- Yep.
Voluntary manslaughter,
10 years, less with good behavior.
Okay, this does not seem like Lucy.
But it does sound like Mike.
If they bite,
then they're just as scared as you are.
- If not, then
- I should be scared.
No, just prepared.
Lucy must be worried about the jury.
Clearly. But that solidifies
the fact that we're winning.
[JAX] For now.
Shanelle still has to testify.
Yes, but Shanelle came off
very sympathetic in that TV interview.
And once she starts
detailing the abuse
[JAX] I'm worried about Shanelle
and if she's ready.
Yeah, me too.
Obviously, we need to talk to Shanelle.
But after today, I think she might
consider taking something.
It's her safest bet.
Who knows?
Maybe they've underestimated you.
Yeah, but how do we tell her
she may have to serve 10 years?
It's better than life.
You've been charged
with first-degree murder.
The jury has the option
of convicting you of first-degree,
second-degree, or manslaughter.
Prosecution's offering you 10 years
for voluntary manslaughter.
However, we can ask them
to consider some mid-term
or low-term sentencing,
which means you can serve
as little as three years.
I thought we were doing well.
Why would I need to take a deal?
We don't need to,
but jury trials can be a gamble.
And without Eboni, your testimony
will determine how this ends.
Yeah, you already told me that.
And you don't think I could do it?
- I think you're hiding something.
- Ugh.
And if I think that,
then the jurors might too.
Okay, look,
at the end of the day, Shanelle,
this is completely up to you.
We're just here to
offer you some advice.
And that's not based
on anything personal.
It's just the pros versus the cons,
and that's it.
Okay, so the pros would be
this would finally be over.
I wouldn't have to testify.
What are the cons, besides prison?
Fine, I'll start.
I'd be considered
a convicted murderer, right?
Technically, it's a convicted felon.
Whatever. I'd have to put that
on my job applications, right?
- Right.
- What about Jamarion's money?
Would I get to keep it
since he put it in my name?
Well, given that you were
convicted of his murder,
the DA might take steps
to block you from getting it.
[SHANELLE SIGHS]
So, probably not.
What about my kids?
Well, the children's custody
might be up for debate
while you serve time.
[SHANELLE] So, let me get this straight.
What I'm hearing is I would be broke,
unable to get a job,
and I could lose my kids?
Fuck.
This nigga Jamarion
couldn't have written a better outcome.
You know what?
We promised that we were
gonna get you outta this.
We're not about to back down
on that promise, right, Jax?
I know what we agreed to,
but I'm just taking
a page out of your book.
I'm considering the client.
Oh, I don't think Shanelle's
the client you're considering.
Don't bring Isabella into this.
Unfortunately, she is all over this.
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
["BAD & BOUJEE"
BY JEROME THOMAS & PITCH 92 PLAYING]
Bad and ya boujee ♪
Ooh, yeah, bad and ya boujee ♪
[VOCALIZING]
[AUTUMN] What are these for?
Kendall called me.
I'm so sorry, girl.
Come here.
She is such a snitch.
I'm fine, ready to move on.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
How's Shanelle? I feel so bad
I haven't been able
to see her in a minute,
but there's been a lot going on.
I mean, she's okay, you know,
just taking it one day at a time.
[AUTUMN] Hm.
How's Sally?
She's been short and stressed,
like she is spiraling over this trial.
I've noticed that too.
I mean, Shanelle is her cousin.
Yeah, but it's like
a unhealthy attachment, you know?
Like she's going through it herself.
And I love her,
but she is definitely not an empath.
Girl. [SCOFFS]
- Would you mind checking on her?
- Of course.
You take care of Shanelle,
I'll talk to Sally.
[CHUCKLES] This reminds me
of when we were in high school.
Remember when shit went south,
and you would take Shanelle
and I would take Sally?
Yep.
Same shit, different decade.
Here we go.
Why haven't you wanted to see me?
I tried at least three times this week.
Girl, I'm testifying soon.
I gotta focus on that.
Okay.
Have you talked to Jax?
Did you tell her the truth?
- I changed my mind.
- [SALLY BRASWELL] What?
Why?
[SHANELLE] Because I had
a moment of weakness.
Alright?
I'm sticking to my original plan.
But you said Jax was already suspicious.
Do you think she can
help you win this case
without knowing what really happened?
Are you talking about
what Jax wants or what you want?
What I want is not to be
burdened with the truth.
Sis, did you open your mouth?
Of course not, I didn't say anything.
No, you, Jax, Autumn
sitting around drinking,
talkin' shit about me.
Look at how paranoid you are.
Holding on to this secret
is driving you crazy.
And me too.
It's ruining my life,
my marriage, my friendships.
You think I like being locked up in here
for some shit
I didn't fuckin' do?
You don't think it's ruining my life?
Do you hear how selfish you sound?
Selfish?
I lost my house
when you decided to run off
with your little boyfriend
and you didn't tell me about it.
My husband is not even talking to me
because I was protecting you.
But you think this is selfish?
Okay, fine.
I'll show you what selfish really is.
[CRYING] 'Cause from now on,
you on your own.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[SLAMS RECEIVER]
[SLAMS RECEIVER]
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING]
- [COREY] Hey.
- Hey.
So, we just wanted to check on you.
Yeah, how you feeling?
You ready?
Well, I wasn't,
but then I made a decision.
I want Corey to question me
on the stand today.
Why?
Where's this coming from?
From you.
From me?
You have been doubting me
this entire time.
Hell, you've been doubting me
since the 10th grade.
[SCOFFS] Wait wait a minute.
So, you wanna
pull this bullshit, last minute,
'cause of some shit from high school?
No, I want to be supported by someone
who thinks I can win this.
- [JAX] Oh. [SCOFFS]
- Not someone ready to take some deal.
[COREY] Okay, hold on.
L-Listen, initially,
Jax and I both agreed
that you should take the deal.
Okay, so if you're doing this
to punish her
You're punishing yourself.
Well, wouldn't be the first time.
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
I hope you're ready, Corey,
'cause I sure am.
Mr.
Cash, you ready to call your witness?
Yes, Your Honor. The defense
calls Shanelle Tucker to the stand.
[CLERK] Raise your right hand.
Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth, so help you God?
[SHANELLE] I do.
[JUDGE ROTH] Mr. Cash.
Mrs. Tucker, how are you doing today?
I'm okay, considering.
[COREY] I understand.
Let's talk about your marriage
with Jamarion Tucker.
What was that like?
Well, at first it was magical.
It was a fairy tale come true.
He courted me.
He romanced me, and, and he married me.
How long did that fairy tale last?
[SHANELLE] Not long.
There were some small things
in the beginning.
He once forgot his ticket
to a basketball game at home
and so, he took mine.
He made me go back
to the house to get his,
and somehow, it was my fault
that I didn't make sure he had his.
Sadly, I believed him.
By the time I got back to the game,
there was another woman in my seat.
I mean, that-that sounds
like a big thing to me.
Why would you consider that small?
A broken heart
was better than a broken jaw.
So let's talk about
the months leading up
to the final confrontation
with you and Mr. Tucker.
What were those like?
They were horrible.
I remember him being
stressed about money.
He was angry, agitated,
he was barely ever home.
And when he was,
I would just try to avoid him.
So, I finally realized
that I I had to leave
and just wanted to be happy.
So, what did you do?
I made a plan to leave.
[COREY] Made a plan to leave.
So, could you please
just tell the court what your plan was
to leave Mr. Tucker?
[SHANELLE] So, I picked a day
where I knew he wouldn't be home.
I dropped my baby off at school early,
and then I went back
to the house to pack up to go.
Most of my belongings
were already at my cousin's place,
so I wouldn't be at the house too long.
And then, Jamarion came home,
unexpectedly.
I told him I was leaving,
that I was taking Natasha
and our youngest, Jordan, with me,
and I headed for the door.
How did he respond to that?
He started yelling,
telling me I wasn't going anywhere
with his children,
and I didn't want any part of it.
So, I tried to leave to avoid a fight.
And in that moment,
did Mr. Tucker become violent with you?
[SHANELLE] He started choking me.
[COREY]
And what did you do in that moment?
I tried to remove his hands
from around my neck,
[MUFFLED]
but h-he was too strong, so I panicked.
Because I started getting lightheaded
and I couldn't breathe.
So, I grabbed the thing
closest to me, and I hit him.
Hard.
[COREY] Had he ever choked you before?
No, that was the first time.
[COREY] So, beside that being
the first time that he choked you,
what made this time different than
any of the other incidents
of physical abuse
that you suffered from Mr. Tucker?
His eyes.
They were cold.
And while he was doing it, he said
"I should have done
this a long time ago."
[MURMURING]
[COREY] Thank you.
No further questions, Your Honor.
[JUDGE ROTH] Ms. Wargo, your witness.
I am so sorry for everything you had
to endure, Mrs. Tucker.
Thank you.
[LUCY WARGO] Sounds awful.
It it was.
And yet you stayed. Why?
'Cause I didn't have a choice.
But you had money, family, friends.
I was ashamed. I was scared.
Of Mr. Tucker or of being poor?
[COREY] Objection, argumentative.
[JUDGE ROTH] Sustained.
Were you privy to Mr. Tucker's affair
with Miss Toni Holley?
Yes.
Your Honor, People's Exhibit 27.
Mrs.
Tucker, what exactly did you mean by,
"You made it that
much easier for me to do
what I know I have to do next."
I meant to leave JT.
But instead, you killed Mr. Tucker.
- Objection, argumentative.
- [JUDGE ROTH] Sustained.
Be careful, Ms. Wargo.
[LUCY] Understood, I'll rephrase.
Did Mr. Tucker have certain triggers
that would cause him to be violent?
Yes.
And I tried to learn them,
so I could avoid them.
But you could also use those triggers
to kinda set him off, correct?
No.
[SIGHS] I would never in a million years
intentionally provoke JT.
[LUCY] You started an affair
with Mr. Tucker's mentee, correct?
Weren't you concerned
if Mr. Tucker found out about it,
he would act violently?
Yes, that's why I ended the affair.
Well,
according to Mr. Hunter's testimony,
the affair began three months
before Mr. Tucker's death.
Wasn't that during the time that
you were allegedly planning to leave?
It was somewhere around that time, yes.
So, you finally get the courage
to leave Mr. Tucker,
a man that you feared for years,
and you decide to start an affair
with one of his closest friends?
Adrian helped me see my worth
after years of believing I had none.
Wow. So, during this time, would you say
that you became more confident,
braver, smarter?
Yes, I believe so.
Let's talk about the day in question.
You said that Mr. Tucker
came back unexpectedly.
Why did you move forward
with leaving then?
Because I couldn't wait any longer.
Oh, what, so you just told him
your entire plan?
Well,
I didn't know how mad he would get.
But you just told me
that you were aware of the triggers
that made him violent, correct?
Yes, but that was
the worst that he had ever
Okay, so, uh, during the fight,
at what point did you hit Mr. Tucker
on the back of the head?
When he walked away.
Mrs. Tucker, do you recall
giving a statement to the police?
I do.
In that statement to the police,
you said, and I quote,
"I hit Mr. Tucker
while he was choking me."
Well, I meant when he was,
when he walked away,
I was still scared, I was confused.
Oh, I thought you were
now confident, brave, smart,
or is that not true?
You're doing exactly what he did.
- Nothing further.
- Twisting my fucking words!
- [JUDGE ROTH] Mr. Cash.
- He was gonna kill me!
Mr. Cash.
Mrs. Tucker.
Mrs. Tucker, it's okay,
it's okay, it's okay.
So, Mrs. Tucker,
could you kindly tell the court
why
you hit Mr. Tucker in the back
of the head when he was walking away?
I was scared that he'd come back
and finish what he started.
[COREY] That is
completely understandable.
No further questions, Your Honor.
The defense rests.
Mrs. Tucker, you are dismissed.
[SHANELLE SOBBING]
Well,
thanks for not saying I told you so.
Who? Me?
[JAX CHUCKLES]
[SIGHS] I'm trying to be different
but sometimes in trying
not to make the same mistakes,
you make the same mistakes.
So, I'm sorry for not believing in you.
No, no.
This one's on me.
I keep making rash decisions
without thinking 'em through.
It's how I got myself
in this shit to begin with.
[DOOR OPENS]
So, the offer is off the table.
I figured.
So, what's gonna happen?
That's something only
those 12 jurors and God know.
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
[LUCY] How was it?
- Hey, Mom.
- [LUCY] Oh. [CHUCKLES]
Hey.
[JOHN] It was awesome.
- Bye, Dad.
- [PETER] Bye, John.
This meant a lot to him.
Peter, thank you.
No, Lucy, thank you.
[COREY] Jax, you got a second?
So, I know you didn't get a chance to
question Shanelle on the stand today.
I was, uh, I was wondering
if you wanted to
No, there's no world where
the second chair would do the closing.
- Today was not your fault.
- No, it was, it was my fault.
Should've taken that deal.
I just wanted so badly
for Shanelle to win.
It really was about my shit.
It's always about our shit.
That's why we're good lawyers.
We care.
Yeah, I guess.
Good luck on your closing.
You're gonna kill it.
[KRYSTAL AND DANIEL
SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
And this is the column
you cannot mess up.
- I don't understand
- You have to remember
And what are y'all doing in here?
I [SIGHS] I-I-I-I didn't do well
on my LSAT practice exam.
And she was so sad
that she asked for my help,
and now we're officially best friends.
[JAX] [CHUCKLES] Okay.
Put me in, coach.
Okay.
Alright, well, you better bring
your "A game" for Jax.
- [CHUCKLES]
- Hey, don't you embarrass me.
[KNOCKS ON DOOR]
Hey, hey. Oh.
You're reading.
Well,
I'm not allowed to do anything else.
[JAX CHUCKLES]
Poor baby.
Well, you were right the other day.
- I shouldn't be smoking.
- Hm.
And, honestly,
I've limited how often I do it
because, unfortunately,
it's a bad habit I've picked up.
And that's the thing, I don't want you
to take on any bad habits.
Because once you start,
it's almost impossible to quit.
You have to know your limits.
And addiction runs
on my side of the family, Spenser.
So, I can't even allow you to start
something
knowing how it ends, okay?
And one day, you'll thank me.
Yeah, maybe, but not today, Ma.
That's fair, that's fair.
But I still love you.
- I guess.
- [JAX] You guess?
- I love you too, Mom.
- Quit playing games.
- Stop it. [KISSES]
- [SPENSER] Alright, okay, alright, Mom.
Alright, alright, alright.
You still my baby.
I don't care how big you get.
- [SPENSER] I'm not a baby anymore.
- [JAX] Yes, you are.
[MUTTERING]
[CELL PHONE BUZZING]
Hello?
[OPERATOR] [ON PHONE]
You have a collect call
from Calimesa Prison from inmate
[ISABELLA TORRES] [ON PHONE]
Isabella Torres.
[OPERATOR] Do you accept this call?
Yes.
Isabella, it's good to hear from you.
Hi, Corey.
Been following your case.
Doesn't look like it's going very well.
Look, no matter what happens,
I'm garnering some more attention.
I am gonna make more people
aware of your case.
I'm gonna get you that clemency.
Getting my hopes up just to be let down
feels like getting convicted
over and over again.
I know it's hard, Isabella,
but I am telling you,
we are so close to the finish line.
[ISABELLA] Except you're
the only one that's running.
I bowed out of this
race a long time ago.
Isabella, as your lawyer,
I am telling you,
you are making a mistake.
Well, maybe you shouldn't be my lawyer.
You're fired, Corey.
[LINE CLICKS, BEEPS]
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
Between the 405 and Slauson,
it took me an hour to get home.
Oh. [CHUCKLING]
And I still gotta do this all-nighter.
[JAX] I'm so sorry, baby.
Come here.
What's happening, beautiful? Hey.
[LEWIS SIGHS]
- Well, guess what?
- Hm?
I had a talk with Spenser tonight.
He get in that ass again?
[LAUGHS] No.
I just told him the truth.
You know, I told him I didn't want him
to repeat my mistakes.
Hm. You took accountability.
I'm, like, oddly turned on right now.
[CHUCKLING] Oh, wow.
Anyway, all I'm saying is it felt good
coming clean to him and to myself,
that smoking has been a problem.
You know, I think hiding it from him has
sent the wrong message,
and it sent me deeper
and deeper down this rabbit hole
I haven't been able
to come back from and
I have to go.
["(SHE KEEPS ON) PASSIN ME BY"
BY THE PHARCYDE PLAYING]
Yeah, I'll, I'll be back.
♪
Are you coming home tonight?
Unfortunately, yes.
Okay.
[DOOR CLOSES]
♪
[CELL PHONE BUZZING]
Dianne?
Already?
But she's only 29 weeks.
Okay, okay, I'll be there.
Hey, Lu, uh, sorry to call so late,
but can you watch the kids?
♪
What's wrong?
[JAX] I know who killed JT.
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]