The Closer s07e16 Episode Script
Hostile Witness
Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? I do.
Would you please state and spell your name and give your occupation? Brenda Leigh Johnson.
B-r-e-n-d-a.
L-e-i-g-h.
J-o-h-n-s-o-n.
Deputy Chief L.
A.
P.
D.
, Major Crimes division.
Ms.
Baldwin.
Direct? Thank you, Your Honor.
Good morning, Chief Johnson.
You may think you're walking away from this a free man, but I assure you, you are in more trouble than you could possibly imagine.
I hope that's not a threat.
I know the women you raped and the woman you murdered.
I don't know what you're talking about.
What is it you hope to accomplish? To see you on trial for murder, Mr.
Stroh.
Chief Johnson? Yes.
Good morning.
Chief Johnson, on the morning of February 15th of this year, while Major Crimes was covering for Hollywood Homicide, were you called to room 116 of the Crystal Motel on Sunset Boulevard? I was.
And can you tell the court what you discovered in the room registered to the defendant, George Harris? I found the dead body of Gwennyth Adler.
People's exhibit 34-B.
That's a nasty bruise above her eye.
Not nasty enough to kill her.
How'd she die? Not sure, but it didn't happen very long ago -- maybe five, six hours? Chief, the housekeeper started her shift at 6:00 a.
m.
, noticed the front door of the room slightly open.
When she went to close it, she saw the body and called 911.
I don't see any luggage.
Doesn't look like she was planning a long stay.
Well, Crystal Motel clientele typically don't need a room more than an hour.
Yeah, but her blouse is ripped.
Her jeans are torn.
I mean, wouldn't a prostitute take better care of her clothes? Well, if she was a hooker, she wasn't a pro.
There's a wallet, driver's license, credit card, some cash, and a work I.
D.
-- Gwennyth Adler.
She was a nurse at St.
Leo's children's hospital.
She's got a receipt here from Stella's nightclub over in Culver City -- One drink on her tab.
That's kind of sad.
Yesterday was Valentine's, and she went out alone? Looking for Mr.
Goodbar.
Maybe she found him.
I did, too, Chief.
His name's George Harris.
The manager said he signed in last night around 10:00 p.
m.
Requesting two room keys.
Two keys? Two.
Using his driver's license and a $100 cash deposit, which he hasn't come back to claim.
And we have his driver's license right here.
Yeah, but he got the room at 10:00 p.
m.
Gwennyth was still at the club after that.
So Harris books the room, planning -- or hoping, maybe -- to bring someone back here.
Lieutenant, did the manager remember seeing Gwennyth and Mr.
Harris together? No.
But I ran Harris up.
he was arrested for rape.
The D.
A.
dropped the charges, never went to trial.
Oh, and the manager said Harris was driving a cab.
Oh, convenient -- book a room and then troll the neighborhood looking for drunk girls coming out of bars.
But he asked for two room keys.
Why two? It was his partner who raped those women.
Maybe he had a partner.
Ah, let's not get ahead of ourselves here.
Detective Sanchez, I want a want out on Mr.
Harris.
I want to talk to him.
Lieutenant, find out everything you can about his previous arrest.
Detective Gabriel, please speak to the employees on duty at Stella's last night.
See if anyone remembers Gwennyth or saw her with Mr.
Harris.
Maybe he's the type of cabbie that liked to drink and drive.
Kendall -- you want a rape kit.
I do.
I also want to know how she died.
That's a good question.
in otherwise perfect health.
No severe trauma.
It screams overdose, but I won't be able to tell you for certain until I look at the tox screen.
What about these bruises on her arms and her head? Don't look like signs of assault.
More like, I don't know, she washandled, maybe? Like she passed out and someone could have helped her up? More like dragged her into position.
Her shoes looked fine.
Well, they could have been pulled off of her, along with her clothes, because I also found semen on her neck and stomach.
So, I'm guessing she was drugged and raped.
Objection! Ms.
Baldwin has not presented any evidence of rape.
My client admitted to consensual sex, and at the time, the coroner found no proof of drugs.
The pathologist's report has already been entered into evidence without objection, and Dr.
Morales found Rohypnol in Ms.
Adler's blood.
He could not, however, testify as to how the drug was administered, and neither can anyone else.
Rohypnol is called "the date rape drug" for a reason.
Objection.
Your Honor, please.
Sustained.
Sidebar, up here.
This is the sixth time I've had to object to the manner in which Claire strays from the boundaries you laid out.
Your Honor, I'm trying to establish that Miss Adler was unable to give consent in her drugged state, which is the precondition for rape.
And I am warning you, Claire, stick to the evidence.
What is the name of your partner? It's my lawyer.
It's Mr.
Stroh.
I promise you my objections will end up much worse than his.
I will hunt relentlessly to tie you to these crimes until the day you die.
Chief Johnson, I'm rephrasing the question.
Based on your years of experience, the evidence collected at the motel, and the preliminary autopsy report, what kind of investigation were you conducting? The circumstances led me to believe that Gwennyth Adler had been murdered.
And why were you so interested in talking to the defendant? He seemed to be the last person to have seen her alive.
Also, he'd run off and left his driver's license behind.
I didn't want him driving around without it.
Yes, Lieutenant Provenza.
Any progress? Well, no luck finding Harris.
Sanchez parked two uniforms outside his house, but he hasn't shown up.
Well, he can't disappear forever.
Well, he may want to.
- You remember Harris' - Hello.
previous arrest for rape? Well, exact same scenario.
Woman woke up in a motel room and realized that she'd been sexually assaulted.
Rape kit came back with a DNA match to Harris and a second unidentified assailant.
That's why he asked for two keys to the motel room.
He had a partner.
Yeah, now, the previous victim -- her name's Natalie Gilbert, claimed that she "came to" during the second assault.
Identified Harris, said she might be able to do the same for his partner in a line-up.
So why was he let go? Okay, Chief.
Just got off the phone with the D.
A.
's office.
Before they could get to court, Ms.
Gilbert disappeared.
They couldn't prosecute the rape case without the victim.
So all charges against Harris were dropped, along with the search for his partner.
Oh, and get this, Chief.
Guess who represented Harris in his first rape case? Who? Hold on to your hat.
Phillip Stroh.
Phillip Stroh.
What?! Why'd you tell her that?! What? She's going to find that out! Don't tell her things like that on the phone! Chief? Chief? Phillip Stroh defended Harris? Now, Chief, there is absolutely no proof that Stroh is the second rapist.
You know that he was always very careful not to leave any DNA behind.
Plus the fact he specializes in representing sex-crime defendants.
Yes, I know.
I remember.
He said it gave purpose to his life.
It gives purpose to my life.
If he defended Harris in his first case, the he probably knows where he is now.
And I know how to find Stroh.
Huh? Damn it, Chief.
How long you been tracking Stroh's car with a GPS marker? Since the day after the Johnson rule went into effect.
Don't worry.
I have a warrant.
And look -- there's Stroh's car and the suspect's taxi.
They're here, together.
Pope know about this? Hmm? I'll take that as a "no.
" George Harris, I'd like you to meet Deputy Chief Johnson of the L.
A.
P.
D.
Don't run, George.
Hey, get over here! Get up! Get up! Sorry.
He's not the brightest guy on earth.
Mr.
Stroh.
Consorting with rape suspects, as usual? Your suspects are my clients.
And sex isn't always rape.
Murder ups the stakes a little.
And DNA can be very helpful in court.
If you have a sample, yes.
Here, let me help you with that.
Chief Johnson.
Yes, Captain.
I'm sorry.
I understand you apprehended your suspect when he was with Phillip Stroh? Yes, and now Mr.
Harris, the raping taxi driver, won't even talk to us.
Phillip Stroh was part of the federal lawsuit against you.
I am still unable to prove who the leak is in your division.
Tread lightly.
The federal lawsuit is settled.
Goldman is ancient history.
Who's the leak gonna have left to inform, you? Wouldn't that be great? Chief? Uh, Chief, this is Tommy, the doorman at Stella's, where our victim went out last night.
And this is Charlie.
He tended bar.
Gentlemen.
They both identified Mr.
Harris as the taxicab driver who picked up Gwennyth Adler from the club last night.
Y'all are certain? Yeah, I had to help him get the girl inside the cab.
How was she? Mmm.
For sure, she was too drunk to drive, but I've seen worse.
- And who called for her ride? - Probably no one.
I mean, it's pretty common for cabs to line up outside the bar.
Did either of you see Mr.
Harris and Gwennyth inside the bar together last night? The girl went in, but I don't remember the cab driver going inside.
I-it was a busy night.
Ladies got in free.
It was Valentine's day and all.
Okay.
How about any of these men here? Anyone's face ring a bell? Uh, this guy I know.
He was inside the bar last night? No.
No.
Uh, early this afternoon.
That's how we found out about Gwennyth.
Yeah, he -- he left right before your guys came in looking for us.
What in the hell is Phillip Stroh doing in a six-pack? He's a suspect in a rape and murder.
No, he's representing the suspect.
Yeah, well.
That, too.
It is his M.
O.
, Chief.
Do you hear yourself, Chief Johnson? Stroh likes blondes.
And he works in tandem with a weaker partner, who helps plan the rapes.
He also acts as their attorney after they're caught and then runs around afterward introducing himself to possible witnesses as the lawyer.
We just settled a federal lawsuit, in which Stroh accused you of harassment! Oh, yes.
I remember the creation of the Johnson rule very well.
I don't know what kind of beef you have with Phillip Stroh, and I don't care.
You have no evidence that he was George Harris' partner.
In fact, your little GPS marker proves that his car was at home during the attack.
Because he was in the cab.
They're partners.
If you intend to mention Stroh as a suspect, I will not proceed to arraignment.
The case is spotty as it is.
Harris asked for two keys to that motel room! All right.
Excuse me.
Claire, what charges is the state prepared to file against this taxi driver right now? If the DNA confirms it, I can make a case for rape based on the fact that Gwennyth Adler might have been drugged and was unable to give her consent.
But unless I can prove Harris or a partner administered that drug and that it killed her, there's no murder here.
But you can charge him with homicide and then use that to make him give up Stroh.
Let me be clear with you on this.
I don't file murder charges as some kind of bargaining chip.
Maybe other prosecutors you work with do that.
But I stick with the evidence, because that's what gets admitted into court.
Harris has lawyered up.
He was never inside Stella's.
He won't admit to anything now.
So how you can call him a murderer, I don't know.
He left his driver's license as a deposit on a motel room where we found a dead rape victim.
Prove he left her there knowing she was dead, prove she was unable to give her consent -- because that's what I have to do.
Anything else, Chief Johnson? Harris' last victim reported waking up during her rape.
She may be able to identify her attacker.
Terrific.
Where is she, the last victim? You have no idea.
So nothing that happened to her can be introduced at trial.
Correct me if I'm wrong, Claire, but this case won't see the inside of a courtroom for, what, maybe a year? Surely Chief Johnson can find Harris' previous victim before you get to court on this new one.
I guarantee it.
And if Gwennyth Adler was drugged, even if Harris didn't drug her himself, he was part of the plan, and that's felony murder.
I only go to court with cases I can win.
If it turns out she was overdosed and the DNA hit comes back to Harris, it improves my odds, but I will need you to find me the first victim if this is what you really want to do.
I said I'd do it, and I will.
And in the meantime, unless there is convincing evidence to the contrary, you will treat Stroh as a defense attorney and not as a suspect.
Is that clear? Oh, yes, sir.
You're always clear.
So? What's her name, the first victim? Marilyn Monroe.
Marilyn Monroe? Are you sure? Not according to my records.
That's the name she gave the Long Beach P.
D.
When they picked her up and put her on a 72-hour mental-health hold.
Oh, no.
She's mentally impaired? Well, diagnosed manic-depressive.
But the officers did find an expired L.
A.
driver's license on her person.
It matches the name of Harris' first victim -- Natalie Gilbert.
So, it could be her.
They've got her back on her meds.
That explains why they dropped the charges in her first case.
D.
A.
s like my friend Baldwin here won't prosecute rapists if their victims won't hold up on the stand.
Win, win, win -- that's all she cares about.
So competitive.
You got to give Stroh credit for rushing you to trial.
You want me to see if Marilyn Monroe's lucid? Yes, yes -- please find out if Natalie or Marilyn or whatever she's calling herself can make a presentable witness.
And then give me a signal when you come back? All right.
Thanks.
What are you doing? It's time.
I found Harris' previous victim, like I told you I would.
So timely, too.
Where is she? I-I don't know.
But you need to ask for a continuance.
Sorry, I'll need something approaching actual evidence to get his Honor to grant us more time.
I hope you're ready for your cross.
It's going to be a tough one.
All rise! Okay, we're back.
Chief Johnson, you are still under oath.
Mr.
Stroh, your witness.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Chief Johnson, the DNA sample you offered as evidence suggests that Mr.
Harris and Ms.
Adler had sexual relations.
Is that true? It does more than that.
It suggests that your client raped her.
Your Honor, could the court ask that Chief Johnson refrain from editorial commentary? It's not an opinion.
George Harris had sex with Gwennyth Adler when she was unconscious and unable to give consent.
She was drugged.
I'm sorry.
Did I miss something? Were your pathologists able to pinpoint exactly when that drug was taken? Your Honor? Chief Johnson, I believe the question before you is, "Did the pathologists determine when the drug was taken?" No.
So it's possible Ms.
Adler took the drug after having sexual relations with Mr.
Harris? No.
Why not? Ms.
Adler was a nurse.
She had access to all sorts of medications.
Isn't it just an assumption on your part that she was drugged? No.
Why not? The doorman and the bartender remember putting her in a cab.
She was already -- she was conscious, was she not? Yes, but -- and she wasat a club.
It was Valentine's day.
Isn't it possible that somebody bought her a few drinks? Maybe.
Yes or no? Is it possible that somebody else -- Yes! Yes.
Your Honor, permission to approach the witness.
Go ahead.
This is the autopsy report for Gwennyth Adler.
Can you read what it says here under "cause of death"? Overdose.
Overdose.
And how about here, under "manner of death"? This is an incomplete report.
Can you read what it says, please, under manner of death? "Undetermined.
" Undetermined.
Not murder.
Undetermined.
And at the time of his arrest, you suspected that Mr.
Harris had a partner.
Was this because when he checked into his hotel he asked for two keys? In part, yes.
I have two keys to my car.
Two keys to my house.
Tell me, Chief Johnson, does that make me a rapist? Objection.
Sustained.
Withdrawn.
The autopsy report for Gwennyth Adler says that she died of an overdose, not sexual relations with Mr.
Harris.
So doesn't this murder charge against my client hinge entirely on this imaginary partner you've created for him? No.
So you've identified a second suspect in the case? Chief Johnson? Your Honor? Chief Johnson, have you identified a second suspect? Yes.
And who would that be? Objection.
Overruled.
The witness will answer.
Do you have a second suspect? You! My second suspect is you! And for the record, I mean Phillip Stroh.
That's it! Bailiff, clear the court! All right.
Mr.
Stroh, over here.
Ms.
Baldwin, get up here.
You just guaranteed us a mistrial.
You're welcome.
Chief Johnson, is Mr.
Stroh really a suspect in your investigation? Yes, sir.
He is.
Your Honor, this is a desperate move by the prosecution, unsubstantiated by the rules of evidence, to reset these proceedings.
They have no physical evidence of murder -- Other than the body, you mean.
And the issue of Ms.
Adler's lack of consent to sexual relations is pure conjecture.
Not true.
We have toxicology reports that she overdosed on a drug that, as a nurse, she would have known would have killed her.
Given to her by an imaginary second suspect.
Now, Chief Johnson pointed the finger at me, but it could just as well have been anybody in her immediate vicinity.
Ms.
Baldwin, did I miss some mention of Mr.
Stroh in discovery? Murder suspects aren't always told that they're under investigation.
I'm declaring a mistrial.
And we will reconvene in a month.
Ms.
Baldwin, that gives you four weeks to get your act together.
I understand.
Yes, sir.
Your Honor, in light of D.
D.
A.
Baldwin's failure to provide my client with a speedy trial, I ask that he be allowed to present bail.
What does defense request? $75,000.
Ms.
Baldwin, what does the state say to $75,000? Your Honor, the state would be satisfied with a bail set at $25,000.
Ms.
Baldwin, you confuse me.
But whatever.
$25,000 it is, and I will see you in a month.
Uh, excuse me, Your Honor? Uh, I have another witness, but she's on a 72-hour mental-health hold.
I need a removal order.
And there's no one else in the building you could ask? Well, you're here, Your Honor, and your schedule just freed up.
Yes, it did.
Lieutenant? Ah, Harris' mom paid for his bail, just like you'd hoped she would.
He left men's Central about an hour ago.
He got about 10 feet from the front door before we re-arrested him for raping Natalie Gilbert last year.
He's set up in interview 1, but he's already invoked, Chief.
Chief, we got Natalie Gilbert in your conference room.
Okay.
How is she? Well, she knows her real name.
At least that's a start.
Okay, I'll go talk to her first.
No.
Excuse me? Natalie Gilbert is a victim.
No, she's not.
She's a witness.
We are not trying George Harris for her rape.
We could add to the charges.
Are you telling me -- She's a manic depressive.
Wait a minute! No, you wait a minute! I intend to win this case, and let me be clear about this.
It is my case.
You wanted the suspect free.
He's here.
I can't talk to him.
You can.
But this witness -- she's mine.
Chief Johnson, with Mr.
Harris under arrest, Mr.
Stroh will be here shortly.
You won't have much time to speak with the suspect.
Excuse me.
Okay, look.
You can't interview Natalie by yourself.
You need a witness for when you go back to court.
I'll take Detective Gabriel and Lieutenant Tao.
They're terrific on the stand.
Oh, uh, thank you.
I, uh -- I learned from the best.
You heard the Captain.
Stroh's on his way here.
That young lady indicates that she can identify him You got it.
Thank you.
You let me out of jail just to arrest me? Well, then you need to give my mom back her $2,500 bond, because this is harassment.
You can't do this.
Mr.
Harris, we're not here to question you, just to make you aware of new charges brought against you.
You might recognize this woman, Natalie Gilbert.
Of course, she looks a little different than the first time you met her.
This photo was taken after you raped her.
Last year, you and your partner drugged Natalie, took her to a motel room, and had your way with her.
That case was dropped.
Don't speak unless you're revoking your right to counsel, sir.
That case was dropped because Natalie went missing.
But she's back.
We found her.
In fact, she's here right now, with D.
D.
A.
Baldwin.
Want to know what she's saying? I don't want to talk about it.
I don't even want to think about it.
I spend a lot of time trying not to think about it.
I understand, Natalie.
I would feel the same way.
But the man who did this terrible thing to you has done it to someone else.
And this time, he killed her.
So, I'm lucky I only lost my mind.
Is that what you mean? Things got out of hand.
These things happen.
A pretty girl drops in your cab feeling no pain.
Up for anything.
You only wanted a little fun.
We get it.
Maybe you thought she agreed to everything in advance, because we know you're not the one who drugged her.
And that's the real crime here because the next time your partner found you a girl for you, Gwennyth Adler, he screwed up and overdosed her.
That's murder.
You really want to be on the hook for that? Now we have this new witness who can explain everything.
I don't remember the bar where I was.
I don't remember how I got to that filthy motel room with with someone on top of me.
And there was a second man.
So, both of them both of them Natalie I'm very sorry about what you've been through.
And I can understand why you would want to disappear, but now that you are back, we can put these men away.
I did not disappear.
The prosecutor freaked out when he found out I was bipolar.
He said when the jury heard I was taking Klonopin, they might not believe me.
Excuse me, Natalie.
Did you say you were taking Klonopin? And I was totally managing.
But, you know, after that night, I lost my job and then my health insurance.
And then without my medicine, I don't, um I don't even know what happened next.
That's not disappearing.
That's having your life destroyed.
And now you want to do it again.
I don't.
Your case was mishandled, Natalie.
There's no excuse for that.
But we can make it right.
How? How? I'm still bipolar, okay? But now I'm homeless, and I'm broke.
Does that improve my credibility? The state sets aside money for witness assistance.
We can help you get back on your feet.
I can't do it.
I can't go through it again.
I won't! You won't go to court as a victim.
You'll go as a witness.
All you have to do is say that you had sex without your consent.
The DNA results will tie your case with mine and put the man away who hurt you so badly.
Not just one of them.
We could get both of them, Natalie, if you just want to look at some pictures, maybe see some faces.
They may jog your memory.
She doesn't need to identify anyone.
We have a DNA match to our suspect.
Who do you want her to point out, Detective? My lawyer.
I want my lawyer.
I'm not saying another word to you people without Stroh.
You don't have to say a word.
Your DNA puts you at both crime scenes.
And with this new witness, we have more than enough evidence to convict you of rape and murder.
Look, Mr.
Harris.
Before your attorney gets here, you should know that the D.
A.
is prepared to offer you a greatly reduced sentence in exchange for the name of the person who drugged those women.
But if you refuse to cooperate, you'll be taking the fall -- all by yourself.
In prison, rape goes both ways.
And Stroh walks out of here a free man.
But you'd better hurry up and make your decision, because the meter is running.
I'm sorry.
Okay.
Uh Chief Johnson.
I hope you weren't questioning my client without me.
Of course not.
Just advising Mr.
Harris of the new charges brought against him.
Or should I say the old charges? We found the victim in his first rape.
Oh, really? Tell me, how is Natalie Gilbert feeling? She back on her meds? She'll be ready for court in a month.
So, that's why you provoked a mistrial.
I hate to say this, Chief, but you are the worst loser I have ever met.
And you are a loser.
Hello, guys.
Always a pleasure.
Harris didn't drug those women.
He had a partner.
And I intend to find him.
Not with this.
I was wondering how you were able to track my client to the restaurant where you arrested him.
And then today, in court, when you accused me of being his partner, I finally figured it out.
You hadn't been following him.
You'd been following me.
Arrogant considering you just settled a federal lawsuit in which I sued you for harassment.
You guys may think she walks on water, but you're following her across some very thin ice.
Very, very thin.
Chief.
I think I know why Natalie Gilbert woke up early during her rape and why Gwennyth Adler didn't wake up at all.
Uh, I'm listening.
Natalie was taking Klonopin, a benzodiazepine.
It creates an enzyme that blocks the Rohypnol the assailants used to knock her out.
The result -- she woke up too quickly.
So Harris and his partner upped the dose of Rohypnol on the next victim to make sure that she stayed sedated.
And that's how they killed her, yeah.
Okay.
Detective, um, where's Natalie gone? Uh, well, D.
D.
A.
Baldwin wants her in protective custody.
So Provenza's processing her now.
But Stroh's in the building.
All I need is for her to look at him.
Chief, Natalie refuses.
Uh, was she able to pick Stroh's picture out of a six-pack? Baldwin wouldn't let me show 'em to her.
I tried.
Detective, that's why I had you in the room, so you could guide the victim! Chief, we've ended up having a really good day so far.
This is the thanks I get for getting Baldwin four more weeks? She's wants to use Natalie to get a conviction against Harris.
And when she does, for a more lenient sentence, he may very well give up his partner.
Chief, I-it's a "bird in the hand" type situation.
We take the rape conviction, and we beat him over the head with it.
It does not get me Stroh.
Baldwin isn't going to blow her case over -- what? -- unsubstantiated accusations.
Chief.
I'm trying to find a place to park Natalie Gilbert, but it's turning out to be a lot tougher than it should.
She's homeless.
She has no place to go.
And, uh, I think putting her back into a motel room might turn out to be counterproductive.
We can't just let her walk out of here.
Goodness, no.
Captain, there's the Johnson rule to consider.
We can't let people leave the building if they're gonna be facing hostile situations.
Natalie needs some protection.
Don't you agree? I want to tell you -- I want to say h-how sorry I am about that other woman.
I just -- I can't do any more than I already have.
That's okay.
I'm only worried that one of your attackers is still out there.
You got a good look at him.
We have his DNA.
And he knows all that.
Brenda? Fritzi! We have a guest.
You remember Natalie? Sure.
Good to see you again.
Uh, I'm going to steal Brenda for a second, Natalie, if you don't mind.
I'll be right there.
Just one second.
Anyway, you're perfectly safe here tonight.
I'm only concerned about what happens later when you're out on your own somewhere and the L.
A.
P.
D.
is not around.
Of course, if you could identify the guy, we could pick him up, end this ongoing threat against your life.
But as it stands now, he's gonna come after you again.
Only this time, he'll try to silence you.
Keep you from ever telling us what you don't remember.
Brenda? Yes? Excuse me.
Can I get you anything else? More bread? More water? What are you doing? She's homeless, Fritz.
Is she staying the night? Well, I was hoping that she'd end up taking me to a bar.
Do you really think it's fair to drag that poor girl through her rape again when it's clear she doesn't want to think about it? Do you think it's fair that the guy who did that to her is running around free? I'm trying to find him and put him in prison.
No, you're not.
You are trying to nail Stroh.
It's the same thing.
Is it? Did your little GPS device show Stroh at either of the motels where your two victims were raped? Did it show him at the bar where your second victim was the night she died? Harris has a cab.
And he asked for two keys to that motel room the night he raped Gwennyth.
And Harris didn't drug her.
Well, how do you know for sure Stroh did? He's using your fascination with him to get his client off.
You want Harris to walk? I want 'em both -- Harris and Stroh.
I won't give up one to get the other.
And Baldwin will.
I -- I remember something.
Stella's nightclub.
That's what it was called.
That's where I went.
Lieutenants.
Can you explain to me why I had to learn that Mr.
Harris was being removed from holding and brought to a night club from a voicemail? Your secretary left work early? Just guessing.
Relax, counselor.
You'll love this place.
Yeah, it's ladies' night.
As long as I don't have to talk to them.
Mr.
Stroh, welcome to Stella's.
We have a table waiting for you.
Just follow me.
Where's my client? Uh, he'll be here in a minute.
Ah.
Here we are.
Uh, have a seat, counselor.
Uh, Gabriel, if you don't mind, would you ask the bartender to get Mr.
Stroh here a cocktail? None for me, thanks.
Oh.
Well, um, I could use another club soda.
With a lime.
Mm-hmm.
Why do I get the feeling you guys have gone out of your way to see me tonight? This is definitely the place.
You sure? Yeah, I remember that guy.
What do you remember about him? He carded me at the door.
He said he couldn't believe I was over 21.
Anything else? I don't think so.
You're doing great, Natalie.
Just take it all in.
Tell us what else you remember, okay? Okay.
It's okay.
I'm right here with you.
Chief Johnson.
Come here often? That's him.
That's him! What? That's him! That's him! Hey! Get off! That's him!! Hey! That's him!! Get up! That's him! That's him! It's all right.
It's all right.
He's under arrest now.
You're okay.
You're safe.
You're safe.
You're with us.
So Assuming the DNA evidence confirms that you just found George Harris' mystery partner, I might be willing to make a deal in exchange for my client's cooperation.
Great.
Wonderful.
Drugging women to have sex with them? I don't understand it.
It's just so unsporting.
Not to even let them even have a fighting chance.
Should you talk to Baldwin, or should I? I can't make deals with murderers.
You just love calling it murder, don't you? All right.
I'll attend to the gory details.
And, uh lighten up.
You got your man, as always.
Right? Charlie knew how to talk to women.
You know, working in a bar,talk he met all kinds of girls.
And he said that if I just did what he said, he'd hook me up, too.
So I got the room, and he got the babe.
By the time I showed up in my cab, he had 'em all loosened up.
After that, it was just easy.
Just like he said it would be.
Except for that -- that last girl.
Gwennyth.
Gwennyth.
After we, um after I she started making these noises, like choking.
And I shook her just a little, just to wake her.
And then she just stopped breathing.
Then Charlie showed up, and he was pissed.
Put too much of that stuff in her drink.
He didn't want to kill her.
He just -- other girl from the time before, she, um she woke up too soon.
Now write it all down and hope it checks out.
Chief Johnson? No apology? Well, then, I guess this is goodbye finally.
You'll see me again.
You can count on it.
Be right back.
Don't soft-pedal this.
I want it said to her just the way Chief Pope told me it would be done.
Uh, don't soft-pedal what? I'm not ungrateful for the results we achieved, but you behaved toward me with what I consider to be a condescending, dismissive, and secretive attitude.
And, whether you're aware of it or not, you harmed the prosecution of my case.
Your case? That's right.
My case.
Captain? Maybe we should go into your office for -- No.
No.
Here's fine.
Chief Pope believes that -- Chief Pope believes? Oh, sorry.
Go on.
Chief Pope believes that you should start bringing prosecutors on earlier in your cases.
He and the district attorney agree that provoking a mistrial -- I didn't provoke a mistrial.
I answered the questions as truthfully as I could, in keeping with the oath I took on the stand.
I know.
I understand.
The Chief of Police would like the district attorney's office to have a more open access to Major Crimes.
Okay.
We'll talk.
Anything else? You are no longer to investigate Phillip Stroh, monitor his movements, or in any way, shape, or form interfere with the conduct of his activities either personal or legal, without prior approval of Chief Pope.
Got it.
Thank you, Sharon.
Chief? I'm sorry about this.
I'm speaking to you now not only as a representative of the professional standards bureau, but also as a colleague and a friend.
If I were you, I would take these orders very seriously.
Trust me -- I am.
Would you please state and spell your name and give your occupation? Brenda Leigh Johnson.
B-r-e-n-d-a.
L-e-i-g-h.
J-o-h-n-s-o-n.
Deputy Chief L.
A.
P.
D.
, Major Crimes division.
Ms.
Baldwin.
Direct? Thank you, Your Honor.
Good morning, Chief Johnson.
You may think you're walking away from this a free man, but I assure you, you are in more trouble than you could possibly imagine.
I hope that's not a threat.
I know the women you raped and the woman you murdered.
I don't know what you're talking about.
What is it you hope to accomplish? To see you on trial for murder, Mr.
Stroh.
Chief Johnson? Yes.
Good morning.
Chief Johnson, on the morning of February 15th of this year, while Major Crimes was covering for Hollywood Homicide, were you called to room 116 of the Crystal Motel on Sunset Boulevard? I was.
And can you tell the court what you discovered in the room registered to the defendant, George Harris? I found the dead body of Gwennyth Adler.
People's exhibit 34-B.
That's a nasty bruise above her eye.
Not nasty enough to kill her.
How'd she die? Not sure, but it didn't happen very long ago -- maybe five, six hours? Chief, the housekeeper started her shift at 6:00 a.
m.
, noticed the front door of the room slightly open.
When she went to close it, she saw the body and called 911.
I don't see any luggage.
Doesn't look like she was planning a long stay.
Well, Crystal Motel clientele typically don't need a room more than an hour.
Yeah, but her blouse is ripped.
Her jeans are torn.
I mean, wouldn't a prostitute take better care of her clothes? Well, if she was a hooker, she wasn't a pro.
There's a wallet, driver's license, credit card, some cash, and a work I.
D.
-- Gwennyth Adler.
She was a nurse at St.
Leo's children's hospital.
She's got a receipt here from Stella's nightclub over in Culver City -- One drink on her tab.
That's kind of sad.
Yesterday was Valentine's, and she went out alone? Looking for Mr.
Goodbar.
Maybe she found him.
I did, too, Chief.
His name's George Harris.
The manager said he signed in last night around 10:00 p.
m.
Requesting two room keys.
Two keys? Two.
Using his driver's license and a $100 cash deposit, which he hasn't come back to claim.
And we have his driver's license right here.
Yeah, but he got the room at 10:00 p.
m.
Gwennyth was still at the club after that.
So Harris books the room, planning -- or hoping, maybe -- to bring someone back here.
Lieutenant, did the manager remember seeing Gwennyth and Mr.
Harris together? No.
But I ran Harris up.
he was arrested for rape.
The D.
A.
dropped the charges, never went to trial.
Oh, and the manager said Harris was driving a cab.
Oh, convenient -- book a room and then troll the neighborhood looking for drunk girls coming out of bars.
But he asked for two room keys.
Why two? It was his partner who raped those women.
Maybe he had a partner.
Ah, let's not get ahead of ourselves here.
Detective Sanchez, I want a want out on Mr.
Harris.
I want to talk to him.
Lieutenant, find out everything you can about his previous arrest.
Detective Gabriel, please speak to the employees on duty at Stella's last night.
See if anyone remembers Gwennyth or saw her with Mr.
Harris.
Maybe he's the type of cabbie that liked to drink and drive.
Kendall -- you want a rape kit.
I do.
I also want to know how she died.
That's a good question.
in otherwise perfect health.
No severe trauma.
It screams overdose, but I won't be able to tell you for certain until I look at the tox screen.
What about these bruises on her arms and her head? Don't look like signs of assault.
More like, I don't know, she washandled, maybe? Like she passed out and someone could have helped her up? More like dragged her into position.
Her shoes looked fine.
Well, they could have been pulled off of her, along with her clothes, because I also found semen on her neck and stomach.
So, I'm guessing she was drugged and raped.
Objection! Ms.
Baldwin has not presented any evidence of rape.
My client admitted to consensual sex, and at the time, the coroner found no proof of drugs.
The pathologist's report has already been entered into evidence without objection, and Dr.
Morales found Rohypnol in Ms.
Adler's blood.
He could not, however, testify as to how the drug was administered, and neither can anyone else.
Rohypnol is called "the date rape drug" for a reason.
Objection.
Your Honor, please.
Sustained.
Sidebar, up here.
This is the sixth time I've had to object to the manner in which Claire strays from the boundaries you laid out.
Your Honor, I'm trying to establish that Miss Adler was unable to give consent in her drugged state, which is the precondition for rape.
And I am warning you, Claire, stick to the evidence.
What is the name of your partner? It's my lawyer.
It's Mr.
Stroh.
I promise you my objections will end up much worse than his.
I will hunt relentlessly to tie you to these crimes until the day you die.
Chief Johnson, I'm rephrasing the question.
Based on your years of experience, the evidence collected at the motel, and the preliminary autopsy report, what kind of investigation were you conducting? The circumstances led me to believe that Gwennyth Adler had been murdered.
And why were you so interested in talking to the defendant? He seemed to be the last person to have seen her alive.
Also, he'd run off and left his driver's license behind.
I didn't want him driving around without it.
Yes, Lieutenant Provenza.
Any progress? Well, no luck finding Harris.
Sanchez parked two uniforms outside his house, but he hasn't shown up.
Well, he can't disappear forever.
Well, he may want to.
- You remember Harris' - Hello.
previous arrest for rape? Well, exact same scenario.
Woman woke up in a motel room and realized that she'd been sexually assaulted.
Rape kit came back with a DNA match to Harris and a second unidentified assailant.
That's why he asked for two keys to the motel room.
He had a partner.
Yeah, now, the previous victim -- her name's Natalie Gilbert, claimed that she "came to" during the second assault.
Identified Harris, said she might be able to do the same for his partner in a line-up.
So why was he let go? Okay, Chief.
Just got off the phone with the D.
A.
's office.
Before they could get to court, Ms.
Gilbert disappeared.
They couldn't prosecute the rape case without the victim.
So all charges against Harris were dropped, along with the search for his partner.
Oh, and get this, Chief.
Guess who represented Harris in his first rape case? Who? Hold on to your hat.
Phillip Stroh.
Phillip Stroh.
What?! Why'd you tell her that?! What? She's going to find that out! Don't tell her things like that on the phone! Chief? Chief? Phillip Stroh defended Harris? Now, Chief, there is absolutely no proof that Stroh is the second rapist.
You know that he was always very careful not to leave any DNA behind.
Plus the fact he specializes in representing sex-crime defendants.
Yes, I know.
I remember.
He said it gave purpose to his life.
It gives purpose to my life.
If he defended Harris in his first case, the he probably knows where he is now.
And I know how to find Stroh.
Huh? Damn it, Chief.
How long you been tracking Stroh's car with a GPS marker? Since the day after the Johnson rule went into effect.
Don't worry.
I have a warrant.
And look -- there's Stroh's car and the suspect's taxi.
They're here, together.
Pope know about this? Hmm? I'll take that as a "no.
" George Harris, I'd like you to meet Deputy Chief Johnson of the L.
A.
P.
D.
Don't run, George.
Hey, get over here! Get up! Get up! Sorry.
He's not the brightest guy on earth.
Mr.
Stroh.
Consorting with rape suspects, as usual? Your suspects are my clients.
And sex isn't always rape.
Murder ups the stakes a little.
And DNA can be very helpful in court.
If you have a sample, yes.
Here, let me help you with that.
Chief Johnson.
Yes, Captain.
I'm sorry.
I understand you apprehended your suspect when he was with Phillip Stroh? Yes, and now Mr.
Harris, the raping taxi driver, won't even talk to us.
Phillip Stroh was part of the federal lawsuit against you.
I am still unable to prove who the leak is in your division.
Tread lightly.
The federal lawsuit is settled.
Goldman is ancient history.
Who's the leak gonna have left to inform, you? Wouldn't that be great? Chief? Uh, Chief, this is Tommy, the doorman at Stella's, where our victim went out last night.
And this is Charlie.
He tended bar.
Gentlemen.
They both identified Mr.
Harris as the taxicab driver who picked up Gwennyth Adler from the club last night.
Y'all are certain? Yeah, I had to help him get the girl inside the cab.
How was she? Mmm.
For sure, she was too drunk to drive, but I've seen worse.
- And who called for her ride? - Probably no one.
I mean, it's pretty common for cabs to line up outside the bar.
Did either of you see Mr.
Harris and Gwennyth inside the bar together last night? The girl went in, but I don't remember the cab driver going inside.
I-it was a busy night.
Ladies got in free.
It was Valentine's day and all.
Okay.
How about any of these men here? Anyone's face ring a bell? Uh, this guy I know.
He was inside the bar last night? No.
No.
Uh, early this afternoon.
That's how we found out about Gwennyth.
Yeah, he -- he left right before your guys came in looking for us.
What in the hell is Phillip Stroh doing in a six-pack? He's a suspect in a rape and murder.
No, he's representing the suspect.
Yeah, well.
That, too.
It is his M.
O.
, Chief.
Do you hear yourself, Chief Johnson? Stroh likes blondes.
And he works in tandem with a weaker partner, who helps plan the rapes.
He also acts as their attorney after they're caught and then runs around afterward introducing himself to possible witnesses as the lawyer.
We just settled a federal lawsuit, in which Stroh accused you of harassment! Oh, yes.
I remember the creation of the Johnson rule very well.
I don't know what kind of beef you have with Phillip Stroh, and I don't care.
You have no evidence that he was George Harris' partner.
In fact, your little GPS marker proves that his car was at home during the attack.
Because he was in the cab.
They're partners.
If you intend to mention Stroh as a suspect, I will not proceed to arraignment.
The case is spotty as it is.
Harris asked for two keys to that motel room! All right.
Excuse me.
Claire, what charges is the state prepared to file against this taxi driver right now? If the DNA confirms it, I can make a case for rape based on the fact that Gwennyth Adler might have been drugged and was unable to give her consent.
But unless I can prove Harris or a partner administered that drug and that it killed her, there's no murder here.
But you can charge him with homicide and then use that to make him give up Stroh.
Let me be clear with you on this.
I don't file murder charges as some kind of bargaining chip.
Maybe other prosecutors you work with do that.
But I stick with the evidence, because that's what gets admitted into court.
Harris has lawyered up.
He was never inside Stella's.
He won't admit to anything now.
So how you can call him a murderer, I don't know.
He left his driver's license as a deposit on a motel room where we found a dead rape victim.
Prove he left her there knowing she was dead, prove she was unable to give her consent -- because that's what I have to do.
Anything else, Chief Johnson? Harris' last victim reported waking up during her rape.
She may be able to identify her attacker.
Terrific.
Where is she, the last victim? You have no idea.
So nothing that happened to her can be introduced at trial.
Correct me if I'm wrong, Claire, but this case won't see the inside of a courtroom for, what, maybe a year? Surely Chief Johnson can find Harris' previous victim before you get to court on this new one.
I guarantee it.
And if Gwennyth Adler was drugged, even if Harris didn't drug her himself, he was part of the plan, and that's felony murder.
I only go to court with cases I can win.
If it turns out she was overdosed and the DNA hit comes back to Harris, it improves my odds, but I will need you to find me the first victim if this is what you really want to do.
I said I'd do it, and I will.
And in the meantime, unless there is convincing evidence to the contrary, you will treat Stroh as a defense attorney and not as a suspect.
Is that clear? Oh, yes, sir.
You're always clear.
So? What's her name, the first victim? Marilyn Monroe.
Marilyn Monroe? Are you sure? Not according to my records.
That's the name she gave the Long Beach P.
D.
When they picked her up and put her on a 72-hour mental-health hold.
Oh, no.
She's mentally impaired? Well, diagnosed manic-depressive.
But the officers did find an expired L.
A.
driver's license on her person.
It matches the name of Harris' first victim -- Natalie Gilbert.
So, it could be her.
They've got her back on her meds.
That explains why they dropped the charges in her first case.
D.
A.
s like my friend Baldwin here won't prosecute rapists if their victims won't hold up on the stand.
Win, win, win -- that's all she cares about.
So competitive.
You got to give Stroh credit for rushing you to trial.
You want me to see if Marilyn Monroe's lucid? Yes, yes -- please find out if Natalie or Marilyn or whatever she's calling herself can make a presentable witness.
And then give me a signal when you come back? All right.
Thanks.
What are you doing? It's time.
I found Harris' previous victim, like I told you I would.
So timely, too.
Where is she? I-I don't know.
But you need to ask for a continuance.
Sorry, I'll need something approaching actual evidence to get his Honor to grant us more time.
I hope you're ready for your cross.
It's going to be a tough one.
All rise! Okay, we're back.
Chief Johnson, you are still under oath.
Mr.
Stroh, your witness.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Chief Johnson, the DNA sample you offered as evidence suggests that Mr.
Harris and Ms.
Adler had sexual relations.
Is that true? It does more than that.
It suggests that your client raped her.
Your Honor, could the court ask that Chief Johnson refrain from editorial commentary? It's not an opinion.
George Harris had sex with Gwennyth Adler when she was unconscious and unable to give consent.
She was drugged.
I'm sorry.
Did I miss something? Were your pathologists able to pinpoint exactly when that drug was taken? Your Honor? Chief Johnson, I believe the question before you is, "Did the pathologists determine when the drug was taken?" No.
So it's possible Ms.
Adler took the drug after having sexual relations with Mr.
Harris? No.
Why not? Ms.
Adler was a nurse.
She had access to all sorts of medications.
Isn't it just an assumption on your part that she was drugged? No.
Why not? The doorman and the bartender remember putting her in a cab.
She was already -- she was conscious, was she not? Yes, but -- and she wasat a club.
It was Valentine's day.
Isn't it possible that somebody bought her a few drinks? Maybe.
Yes or no? Is it possible that somebody else -- Yes! Yes.
Your Honor, permission to approach the witness.
Go ahead.
This is the autopsy report for Gwennyth Adler.
Can you read what it says here under "cause of death"? Overdose.
Overdose.
And how about here, under "manner of death"? This is an incomplete report.
Can you read what it says, please, under manner of death? "Undetermined.
" Undetermined.
Not murder.
Undetermined.
And at the time of his arrest, you suspected that Mr.
Harris had a partner.
Was this because when he checked into his hotel he asked for two keys? In part, yes.
I have two keys to my car.
Two keys to my house.
Tell me, Chief Johnson, does that make me a rapist? Objection.
Sustained.
Withdrawn.
The autopsy report for Gwennyth Adler says that she died of an overdose, not sexual relations with Mr.
Harris.
So doesn't this murder charge against my client hinge entirely on this imaginary partner you've created for him? No.
So you've identified a second suspect in the case? Chief Johnson? Your Honor? Chief Johnson, have you identified a second suspect? Yes.
And who would that be? Objection.
Overruled.
The witness will answer.
Do you have a second suspect? You! My second suspect is you! And for the record, I mean Phillip Stroh.
That's it! Bailiff, clear the court! All right.
Mr.
Stroh, over here.
Ms.
Baldwin, get up here.
You just guaranteed us a mistrial.
You're welcome.
Chief Johnson, is Mr.
Stroh really a suspect in your investigation? Yes, sir.
He is.
Your Honor, this is a desperate move by the prosecution, unsubstantiated by the rules of evidence, to reset these proceedings.
They have no physical evidence of murder -- Other than the body, you mean.
And the issue of Ms.
Adler's lack of consent to sexual relations is pure conjecture.
Not true.
We have toxicology reports that she overdosed on a drug that, as a nurse, she would have known would have killed her.
Given to her by an imaginary second suspect.
Now, Chief Johnson pointed the finger at me, but it could just as well have been anybody in her immediate vicinity.
Ms.
Baldwin, did I miss some mention of Mr.
Stroh in discovery? Murder suspects aren't always told that they're under investigation.
I'm declaring a mistrial.
And we will reconvene in a month.
Ms.
Baldwin, that gives you four weeks to get your act together.
I understand.
Yes, sir.
Your Honor, in light of D.
D.
A.
Baldwin's failure to provide my client with a speedy trial, I ask that he be allowed to present bail.
What does defense request? $75,000.
Ms.
Baldwin, what does the state say to $75,000? Your Honor, the state would be satisfied with a bail set at $25,000.
Ms.
Baldwin, you confuse me.
But whatever.
$25,000 it is, and I will see you in a month.
Uh, excuse me, Your Honor? Uh, I have another witness, but she's on a 72-hour mental-health hold.
I need a removal order.
And there's no one else in the building you could ask? Well, you're here, Your Honor, and your schedule just freed up.
Yes, it did.
Lieutenant? Ah, Harris' mom paid for his bail, just like you'd hoped she would.
He left men's Central about an hour ago.
He got about 10 feet from the front door before we re-arrested him for raping Natalie Gilbert last year.
He's set up in interview 1, but he's already invoked, Chief.
Chief, we got Natalie Gilbert in your conference room.
Okay.
How is she? Well, she knows her real name.
At least that's a start.
Okay, I'll go talk to her first.
No.
Excuse me? Natalie Gilbert is a victim.
No, she's not.
She's a witness.
We are not trying George Harris for her rape.
We could add to the charges.
Are you telling me -- She's a manic depressive.
Wait a minute! No, you wait a minute! I intend to win this case, and let me be clear about this.
It is my case.
You wanted the suspect free.
He's here.
I can't talk to him.
You can.
But this witness -- she's mine.
Chief Johnson, with Mr.
Harris under arrest, Mr.
Stroh will be here shortly.
You won't have much time to speak with the suspect.
Excuse me.
Okay, look.
You can't interview Natalie by yourself.
You need a witness for when you go back to court.
I'll take Detective Gabriel and Lieutenant Tao.
They're terrific on the stand.
Oh, uh, thank you.
I, uh -- I learned from the best.
You heard the Captain.
Stroh's on his way here.
That young lady indicates that she can identify him You got it.
Thank you.
You let me out of jail just to arrest me? Well, then you need to give my mom back her $2,500 bond, because this is harassment.
You can't do this.
Mr.
Harris, we're not here to question you, just to make you aware of new charges brought against you.
You might recognize this woman, Natalie Gilbert.
Of course, she looks a little different than the first time you met her.
This photo was taken after you raped her.
Last year, you and your partner drugged Natalie, took her to a motel room, and had your way with her.
That case was dropped.
Don't speak unless you're revoking your right to counsel, sir.
That case was dropped because Natalie went missing.
But she's back.
We found her.
In fact, she's here right now, with D.
D.
A.
Baldwin.
Want to know what she's saying? I don't want to talk about it.
I don't even want to think about it.
I spend a lot of time trying not to think about it.
I understand, Natalie.
I would feel the same way.
But the man who did this terrible thing to you has done it to someone else.
And this time, he killed her.
So, I'm lucky I only lost my mind.
Is that what you mean? Things got out of hand.
These things happen.
A pretty girl drops in your cab feeling no pain.
Up for anything.
You only wanted a little fun.
We get it.
Maybe you thought she agreed to everything in advance, because we know you're not the one who drugged her.
And that's the real crime here because the next time your partner found you a girl for you, Gwennyth Adler, he screwed up and overdosed her.
That's murder.
You really want to be on the hook for that? Now we have this new witness who can explain everything.
I don't remember the bar where I was.
I don't remember how I got to that filthy motel room with with someone on top of me.
And there was a second man.
So, both of them both of them Natalie I'm very sorry about what you've been through.
And I can understand why you would want to disappear, but now that you are back, we can put these men away.
I did not disappear.
The prosecutor freaked out when he found out I was bipolar.
He said when the jury heard I was taking Klonopin, they might not believe me.
Excuse me, Natalie.
Did you say you were taking Klonopin? And I was totally managing.
But, you know, after that night, I lost my job and then my health insurance.
And then without my medicine, I don't, um I don't even know what happened next.
That's not disappearing.
That's having your life destroyed.
And now you want to do it again.
I don't.
Your case was mishandled, Natalie.
There's no excuse for that.
But we can make it right.
How? How? I'm still bipolar, okay? But now I'm homeless, and I'm broke.
Does that improve my credibility? The state sets aside money for witness assistance.
We can help you get back on your feet.
I can't do it.
I can't go through it again.
I won't! You won't go to court as a victim.
You'll go as a witness.
All you have to do is say that you had sex without your consent.
The DNA results will tie your case with mine and put the man away who hurt you so badly.
Not just one of them.
We could get both of them, Natalie, if you just want to look at some pictures, maybe see some faces.
They may jog your memory.
She doesn't need to identify anyone.
We have a DNA match to our suspect.
Who do you want her to point out, Detective? My lawyer.
I want my lawyer.
I'm not saying another word to you people without Stroh.
You don't have to say a word.
Your DNA puts you at both crime scenes.
And with this new witness, we have more than enough evidence to convict you of rape and murder.
Look, Mr.
Harris.
Before your attorney gets here, you should know that the D.
A.
is prepared to offer you a greatly reduced sentence in exchange for the name of the person who drugged those women.
But if you refuse to cooperate, you'll be taking the fall -- all by yourself.
In prison, rape goes both ways.
And Stroh walks out of here a free man.
But you'd better hurry up and make your decision, because the meter is running.
I'm sorry.
Okay.
Uh Chief Johnson.
I hope you weren't questioning my client without me.
Of course not.
Just advising Mr.
Harris of the new charges brought against him.
Or should I say the old charges? We found the victim in his first rape.
Oh, really? Tell me, how is Natalie Gilbert feeling? She back on her meds? She'll be ready for court in a month.
So, that's why you provoked a mistrial.
I hate to say this, Chief, but you are the worst loser I have ever met.
And you are a loser.
Hello, guys.
Always a pleasure.
Harris didn't drug those women.
He had a partner.
And I intend to find him.
Not with this.
I was wondering how you were able to track my client to the restaurant where you arrested him.
And then today, in court, when you accused me of being his partner, I finally figured it out.
You hadn't been following him.
You'd been following me.
Arrogant considering you just settled a federal lawsuit in which I sued you for harassment.
You guys may think she walks on water, but you're following her across some very thin ice.
Very, very thin.
Chief.
I think I know why Natalie Gilbert woke up early during her rape and why Gwennyth Adler didn't wake up at all.
Uh, I'm listening.
Natalie was taking Klonopin, a benzodiazepine.
It creates an enzyme that blocks the Rohypnol the assailants used to knock her out.
The result -- she woke up too quickly.
So Harris and his partner upped the dose of Rohypnol on the next victim to make sure that she stayed sedated.
And that's how they killed her, yeah.
Okay.
Detective, um, where's Natalie gone? Uh, well, D.
D.
A.
Baldwin wants her in protective custody.
So Provenza's processing her now.
But Stroh's in the building.
All I need is for her to look at him.
Chief, Natalie refuses.
Uh, was she able to pick Stroh's picture out of a six-pack? Baldwin wouldn't let me show 'em to her.
I tried.
Detective, that's why I had you in the room, so you could guide the victim! Chief, we've ended up having a really good day so far.
This is the thanks I get for getting Baldwin four more weeks? She's wants to use Natalie to get a conviction against Harris.
And when she does, for a more lenient sentence, he may very well give up his partner.
Chief, I-it's a "bird in the hand" type situation.
We take the rape conviction, and we beat him over the head with it.
It does not get me Stroh.
Baldwin isn't going to blow her case over -- what? -- unsubstantiated accusations.
Chief.
I'm trying to find a place to park Natalie Gilbert, but it's turning out to be a lot tougher than it should.
She's homeless.
She has no place to go.
And, uh, I think putting her back into a motel room might turn out to be counterproductive.
We can't just let her walk out of here.
Goodness, no.
Captain, there's the Johnson rule to consider.
We can't let people leave the building if they're gonna be facing hostile situations.
Natalie needs some protection.
Don't you agree? I want to tell you -- I want to say h-how sorry I am about that other woman.
I just -- I can't do any more than I already have.
That's okay.
I'm only worried that one of your attackers is still out there.
You got a good look at him.
We have his DNA.
And he knows all that.
Brenda? Fritzi! We have a guest.
You remember Natalie? Sure.
Good to see you again.
Uh, I'm going to steal Brenda for a second, Natalie, if you don't mind.
I'll be right there.
Just one second.
Anyway, you're perfectly safe here tonight.
I'm only concerned about what happens later when you're out on your own somewhere and the L.
A.
P.
D.
is not around.
Of course, if you could identify the guy, we could pick him up, end this ongoing threat against your life.
But as it stands now, he's gonna come after you again.
Only this time, he'll try to silence you.
Keep you from ever telling us what you don't remember.
Brenda? Yes? Excuse me.
Can I get you anything else? More bread? More water? What are you doing? She's homeless, Fritz.
Is she staying the night? Well, I was hoping that she'd end up taking me to a bar.
Do you really think it's fair to drag that poor girl through her rape again when it's clear she doesn't want to think about it? Do you think it's fair that the guy who did that to her is running around free? I'm trying to find him and put him in prison.
No, you're not.
You are trying to nail Stroh.
It's the same thing.
Is it? Did your little GPS device show Stroh at either of the motels where your two victims were raped? Did it show him at the bar where your second victim was the night she died? Harris has a cab.
And he asked for two keys to that motel room the night he raped Gwennyth.
And Harris didn't drug her.
Well, how do you know for sure Stroh did? He's using your fascination with him to get his client off.
You want Harris to walk? I want 'em both -- Harris and Stroh.
I won't give up one to get the other.
And Baldwin will.
I -- I remember something.
Stella's nightclub.
That's what it was called.
That's where I went.
Lieutenants.
Can you explain to me why I had to learn that Mr.
Harris was being removed from holding and brought to a night club from a voicemail? Your secretary left work early? Just guessing.
Relax, counselor.
You'll love this place.
Yeah, it's ladies' night.
As long as I don't have to talk to them.
Mr.
Stroh, welcome to Stella's.
We have a table waiting for you.
Just follow me.
Where's my client? Uh, he'll be here in a minute.
Ah.
Here we are.
Uh, have a seat, counselor.
Uh, Gabriel, if you don't mind, would you ask the bartender to get Mr.
Stroh here a cocktail? None for me, thanks.
Oh.
Well, um, I could use another club soda.
With a lime.
Mm-hmm.
Why do I get the feeling you guys have gone out of your way to see me tonight? This is definitely the place.
You sure? Yeah, I remember that guy.
What do you remember about him? He carded me at the door.
He said he couldn't believe I was over 21.
Anything else? I don't think so.
You're doing great, Natalie.
Just take it all in.
Tell us what else you remember, okay? Okay.
It's okay.
I'm right here with you.
Chief Johnson.
Come here often? That's him.
That's him! What? That's him! That's him! Hey! Get off! That's him!! Hey! That's him!! Get up! That's him! That's him! It's all right.
It's all right.
He's under arrest now.
You're okay.
You're safe.
You're safe.
You're with us.
So Assuming the DNA evidence confirms that you just found George Harris' mystery partner, I might be willing to make a deal in exchange for my client's cooperation.
Great.
Wonderful.
Drugging women to have sex with them? I don't understand it.
It's just so unsporting.
Not to even let them even have a fighting chance.
Should you talk to Baldwin, or should I? I can't make deals with murderers.
You just love calling it murder, don't you? All right.
I'll attend to the gory details.
And, uh lighten up.
You got your man, as always.
Right? Charlie knew how to talk to women.
You know, working in a bar,talk he met all kinds of girls.
And he said that if I just did what he said, he'd hook me up, too.
So I got the room, and he got the babe.
By the time I showed up in my cab, he had 'em all loosened up.
After that, it was just easy.
Just like he said it would be.
Except for that -- that last girl.
Gwennyth.
Gwennyth.
After we, um after I she started making these noises, like choking.
And I shook her just a little, just to wake her.
And then she just stopped breathing.
Then Charlie showed up, and he was pissed.
Put too much of that stuff in her drink.
He didn't want to kill her.
He just -- other girl from the time before, she, um she woke up too soon.
Now write it all down and hope it checks out.
Chief Johnson? No apology? Well, then, I guess this is goodbye finally.
You'll see me again.
You can count on it.
Be right back.
Don't soft-pedal this.
I want it said to her just the way Chief Pope told me it would be done.
Uh, don't soft-pedal what? I'm not ungrateful for the results we achieved, but you behaved toward me with what I consider to be a condescending, dismissive, and secretive attitude.
And, whether you're aware of it or not, you harmed the prosecution of my case.
Your case? That's right.
My case.
Captain? Maybe we should go into your office for -- No.
No.
Here's fine.
Chief Pope believes that -- Chief Pope believes? Oh, sorry.
Go on.
Chief Pope believes that you should start bringing prosecutors on earlier in your cases.
He and the district attorney agree that provoking a mistrial -- I didn't provoke a mistrial.
I answered the questions as truthfully as I could, in keeping with the oath I took on the stand.
I know.
I understand.
The Chief of Police would like the district attorney's office to have a more open access to Major Crimes.
Okay.
We'll talk.
Anything else? You are no longer to investigate Phillip Stroh, monitor his movements, or in any way, shape, or form interfere with the conduct of his activities either personal or legal, without prior approval of Chief Pope.
Got it.
Thank you, Sharon.
Chief? I'm sorry about this.
I'm speaking to you now not only as a representative of the professional standards bureau, but also as a colleague and a friend.
If I were you, I would take these orders very seriously.
Trust me -- I am.