Genre:TV Movie, Drama
#FamilyBetrayal #PowerStruggle #PoliticalDrama #ChurchPolitics #SmallTownSecrets #FemaleRivalry #Vengeance #Corruption #MotherDaughterConflict #LegalDrama #MurderMystery
#FamilyBetrayal #PowerStruggle #PoliticalDrama #ChurchPolitics #SmallTownSecrets #FemaleRivalry #Vengeance #Corruption #MotherDaughterConflict #LegalDrama #MurderMystery
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00You
00:01:00President? Are you okay? We received word of a disturbance at your residence. We're going to need you to open the door.
00:01:15Hi, officer. Is everything okay?
00:01:19We received a tip that there was some sort of physical altercation in your home. Are you okay, ma'am?
00:01:24Oh, I'm fine. Yeah, I'm fine. But, um, well, thanks for checking, but there's no problem.
00:01:30Would you mind if we came in just to confirm that you're okay?
00:01:34Oh, you know, I was just heading to bed, so that's really not necessary. But, but thank you.
00:01:38Um, I...
00:01:44Ma'am, I'm going to need you to step aside.
00:01:46No, no, that's, it's not necessary, really. I, I was just, um, it...
00:01:50Mayor Johnson, are you here alone?
00:01:52Yes, yes, I, yes, I am.
00:01:55Why is there blood on your hand?
00:01:57Well, um, I was, um, I was cooking in a knife slip.
00:02:01Can you show me the knife?
00:02:02You know what? I want you out of here. This is very unprofessional.
00:02:05No. There's blood.
00:02:12Take a look.
00:02:16There's a body in the pool.
00:02:18Mayor Ella Johnson, you are under arrest.
00:02:20No, I, I don't know how that body got there.
00:02:22No, I, I didn't do anything. I don't know how that body got in there.
00:02:29We've got another missing girl. 22, African-American.
00:02:33Another one?
00:02:33You're in Cyprus?
00:02:35Yeah, just trying to determine if there's any connection to the girl who went missing in Macon last week.
00:02:40The one in Atlanta. All missing black girls, no one's talking.
00:02:43Right, and it's hard to, you know, to...
00:02:46I have something I want to report.
00:02:50Is it regarding the missing young woman?
00:02:51No. It's regarding my mother.
00:02:56Mayor.
00:02:56I'm a mayor. Let me go. Get your hands off of me.
00:02:59Get these handcuffs off of me. I did not kill Malik.
00:03:02I was set up. I'm going to have everybody in their fire.
00:03:04Christy, Christy, baby, I didn't do it.
00:03:06I swear to God, I didn't do it, Christy.
00:03:08I didn't do it.
00:03:09Baby, I didn't do it.
00:03:11Help me.
00:03:15Malik.
00:03:15There's something I've got to tell you.
00:03:26What's up?
00:03:30I'm pregnant.
00:03:32That's great news.
00:03:37It's yours.
00:03:38It's yours.
00:03:38Babe, we need to talk.
00:04:06Sure. You okay, baby?
00:04:08Kendrick, there's something I need to tell you.
00:04:12Oh.
00:04:13No, this is just my dad. I can call him back.
00:04:16What's up?
00:04:16No, it's okay.
00:04:17You sure?
00:04:18Of course.
00:04:20All right.
00:04:22Pop, what's up, man?
00:04:26Wait, what?
00:04:28Mom's been arrested? For what?
00:04:32For killing Malik Thompson?
00:04:35What?
00:04:38Yeah, Malik Thompson is dead.
00:04:42I got to get down to that police station ASAP.
00:04:45Yeah, Dad.
00:04:46Yeah.
00:04:48Dad, I got to call you, man.
00:04:49Station!
00:04:50Station, wake up.
00:04:52Station, wake up, baby.
00:04:53Station.
00:04:54Station, wake up.
00:04:55So they found his body in her pool.
00:04:58Ma'am, I'm really sorry,
00:04:59but I can't say more about an ongoing investigation.
00:05:02But you may need to see about getting your mother a lawyer.
00:05:09Leona, what are you doing here?
00:05:11I just heard that they were bringing your mother in.
00:05:14What are the police saying about the murders?
00:05:18Christy, where are you going?
00:05:19I've got to get out of here.
00:05:20Just, just get her a lawyer.
00:05:29Give me your name.
00:05:31Now.
00:05:32Detective Rivera.
00:05:39You can't keep me here if you're not going to charge me.
00:05:42Do you want to be charged?
00:05:44I'm the mayor.
00:05:46Do you really believe that I would murder someone
00:05:48and then leave their body in my damn pool?
00:05:50I mean, you've got the victim's blood on your hands.
00:05:52Because I was trying to help!
00:05:54You know what?
00:05:54No, never mind.
00:05:55I'm not doing this.
00:05:56I want my lawyer.
00:05:58I'm not answering any more of your questions.
00:06:00Now, if you are not going to charge me,
00:06:01you need to let me go.
00:06:02Mayor Johnson,
00:06:04you are the primary suspect.
00:06:07So I'm sure you're aware that we can hold you
00:06:09for up to 48 hours before pressing charges.
00:06:12You are not going to hold me for 48 minutes.
00:06:16I will have your damn badge.
00:06:19We'll see about that.
00:06:22I want my phone call.
00:06:25I said I want my damn phone call!
00:06:28I want my phone call!
00:06:30Oh, careful, careful now.
00:06:32Broken hand won't serve you in prison.
00:06:35Mother, what are you doing here?
00:06:36I came to help.
00:06:38Help what?
00:06:38Bury me?
00:06:40Ella, you don't exactly have allies
00:06:42lining up outside the door.
00:06:45Christy practically sprinted out of here.
00:06:47Is she the one who turned you in?
00:06:51I guess I could call Kendrick.
00:06:54I believe he's out of the hospital.
00:06:56But he's not exactly known for being useful, is he?
00:06:59You put him in the hospital!
00:07:02I have no idea what you're talking about, dear.
00:07:04Do you want me to call Rex?
00:07:09Oh, you two are usually Bonnie and Clyde.
00:07:13What's wrong?
00:07:14You know exactly what's wrong with me and Rex.
00:07:18He killed my father under your order!
00:07:21Lower your voice.
00:07:22We're not going to discuss things you don't understand.
00:07:27Why are you here?
00:07:28To help you.
00:07:29No matter what's happened between us, we are still family.
00:07:33And I am not going to let you go to prison.
00:07:35Now, this document gives me power of attorney.
00:07:38I can hire you a lawyer and make sure you get out of this
00:07:41without destroying what's left of our legacy.
00:07:44Oh, no, no, no.
00:07:46Oh, I am not signing anything from you.
00:07:49Alame, you don't have any other options.
00:07:51What do you want?
00:07:52A public defender?
00:07:55Look, you have burned all your bridges.
00:07:59Let me help you.
00:08:03We both know I've cleaned up your messes before.
00:08:09Besides, there is blood on your hands.
00:08:17Sign.
00:08:19Hey, what's going on?
00:08:41Hey, hey, hey.
00:08:45It's okay.
00:08:47It's okay.
00:08:47Come on, tell me all about it.
00:08:49Come on.
00:08:52I went to the police.
00:09:02You turned your mom in for St. Charles?
00:09:04Any others?
00:09:05No.
00:09:06I was going to.
00:09:08And then, there she was.
00:09:12Ella?
00:09:12Yes, she was arrested for Malik Thompson's murder.
00:09:18Malik's dead?
00:09:19Apparently, they found him in her pool.
00:09:21So, she killed him, too.
00:09:23It just doesn't make any sense.
00:09:25I was just over there.
00:09:26She confessed.
00:09:28Why would she then go and kill Malik and leave a body for the police to find?
00:09:33Why did your mother do anything?
00:09:35There's no reason she wanted Malik dead.
00:09:37Ella hated Malik.
00:09:39He's the reason she lost the church.
00:09:40The church isn't worth killing for.
00:09:43And what was worth killing St. Charles and Sherry Tucker and Paige?
00:09:46Stop!
00:09:47You stop!
00:09:48Stop making excuses.
00:09:50Your mom is not the victim here.
00:09:52She needs to pay for what she did to Malik and those other people.
00:09:56This was a mistake.
00:09:58I shouldn't have come here.
00:10:00No.
00:10:00Not if you're looking for an excuse to give Ella a free pass.
00:10:03No, I was looking for some understanding.
00:10:06Maybe that's just too much to ask for.
00:10:11Kendrick?
00:10:16Okay, I'll be right over.
00:10:18Just, okay, I-
00:10:19Good night, Levi.
00:10:26Good night.
00:10:31Burning the midnight oil, I see.
00:10:33Leona, it's been a long time.
00:10:36What are you doing here so late?
00:10:38Don't act so surprised, Kimberly.
00:10:40You know, we were overdue for a visit.
00:10:44Well, you could have scheduled an appointment.
00:10:46I don't need one.
00:10:48I'm sure you've heard about my daughter's unfortunate run-in with the law.
00:10:53Yes.
00:10:54That's why I'm here.
00:10:55Someone needs to step in while Ella's indisposed.
00:10:58And since I'm city council president, I'm clearly in a-
00:11:00In a position to appoint me as acting mayor of Cyprus.
00:11:05I don't have time for your games.
00:11:10Trust me, this is no game.
00:11:13Cyprus is in chaos.
00:11:16An embattled mayor, young black women going missing, CEOs getting murdered.
00:11:22The city needs a firm hand to guide it.
00:11:26And you think that you-
00:11:28Aren't you fresh out of the psych ward?
00:11:30We both know I have always been in control of my faculties.
00:11:41But let's talk about you.
00:11:44You have always had such talent.
00:11:47Especially when it comes to cooking the city's books.
00:11:52You need to leave.
00:11:54Oh, don't be so dramatic.
00:11:56I'm grateful.
00:11:57You've always provided assistance when I needed you to facilitate some of my more sensitive business endeavors.
00:12:06Yeah, that's because you blackmailed me.
00:12:09No.
00:12:09It was always a mutually beneficial transaction.
00:12:14I scratched your back.
00:12:15With a hacksaw?
00:12:16And now you are going to scratch mine.
00:12:18You are going to secure the necessary council votes for me to be placed as acting mayor effective immediately.
00:12:27And I will make sure that my decades of documentation tracking your financial creativity don't see the light of day.
00:12:38I'm okay.
00:12:47Well, your pulse is steady.
00:12:49Are you having any pain or trouble breathing?
00:12:51No.
00:12:52I just got a little lightheaded.
00:12:54You didn't have to come all the way over here.
00:12:56You look so nice.
00:12:57Are you crazy?
00:12:58Of course I did.
00:13:00That's my little niece or nephew in there.
00:13:01I've got to make sure they straight.
00:13:03Can't be fainting on us like that, scaring us.
00:13:06But seriously, you should consider going to the hospital.
00:13:10I can call your OB.
00:13:12No.
00:13:13Honestly, I just got lightheaded.
00:13:16See, now you're being stubborn.
00:13:18Now listen, I'm worried about the baby, but my main concern is you.
00:13:23You never fainted like that before, Stacia.
00:13:25Well, I've never been pregnant before, babe.
00:13:27I'm not playing.
00:13:28That's not funny.
00:13:30Seriously, I got overwhelmed by the news of Malik's death.
00:13:36Listen, I get it.
00:13:38Malik was your boss, your friend, and I know you're going to miss him.
00:13:43That's understandable.
00:13:46Yeah.
00:13:49Listen, I'm just tired.
00:13:52I want to go to sleep.
00:13:54I'll call my doctor in the morning.
00:13:57Stacia.
00:13:58I will.
00:14:01All right.
00:14:02Get you some rest.
00:14:04I'm going to step out for a minute and talk to Christy, okay?
00:14:07Okay.
00:14:09Christy, I mean it.
00:14:12Thank you for coming all the way over here to check on me.
00:14:14Of course.
00:14:15Stop fussing.
00:14:24Will, stop fainting.
00:14:27You get yourself some rest.
00:14:28You understand me?
00:14:29I'll be back.
00:14:30Can you please stay tonight?
00:14:41Listen, I know I'm probably being paranoid, but I am very worried about her and our baby.
00:14:46That's not paranoia.
00:14:47That's just you being a good dad.
00:14:50And of course I'll stay.
00:14:51Thank you so much.
00:14:53And look, you don't have to stay late.
00:14:55I just need someone here when she wakes up.
00:14:57And where are you going to be?
00:15:00I'm going to the jail to see mom soon as visiting I will start.
00:15:04My dad said that she being held, she ain't even been charged yet.
00:15:07I think this whole thing is just crazy.
00:15:09There's no way she killed Malik.
00:15:12Why you looking like that?
00:15:14You know she ain't do it, right?
00:15:16Come on now, she's the mayor.
00:15:18Our mother is not capable of murder.
00:15:20You know that?
00:15:22Yeah, you're right, Kendrick.
00:15:26All right.
00:15:27I'm about to go set that guest room up for you.
00:15:37This just in, we have breaking news here at WQCL following Mayor Ella Johnson being taken in for questioning
00:15:44as the primary suspect in the murder of Upsurge CEO Malik Thompson.
00:15:50It has now been confirmed that the Cypress City Council has placed Leona Byrd in the role of acting mayor effective immediately.
00:15:58I'm here to see my mother, Mayor Ella Johnson.
00:16:04I'm here to see my mother, Mayor Ella Johnson.
00:16:20She's not the mayor anymore.
00:16:24Man, just let me see my mother.
00:16:27Your name?
00:16:29Kendrick Murphy.
00:16:30Sign in and take a seat.
00:16:31As you wish.
00:16:49Come with me.
00:16:51Hands off the prisoner.
00:17:01The prisoner?
00:17:03She hasn't even been charged.
00:17:06Y'all shouldn't even be holding her head anyway.
00:17:08Do you want a visit or do you want your mom to go back to her cell?
00:17:12We good, man.
00:17:13Okay, Kendrick.
00:17:24Baby, thanks for coming.
00:17:25Of course, Mom.
00:17:26You don't want me to get you out of here.
00:17:27Baby, I need a lawyer.
00:17:29I need one right now.
00:17:30What about Stacia?
00:17:31Do you think she'll come down and represent me?
00:17:35What?
00:17:35You don't think she'll do it?
00:17:37It's not that, Mom.
00:17:39It was an incident last night.
00:17:41Stacia fainted.
00:17:42Is the baby okay?
00:17:44No, the baby's okay, she's okay, but I just don't want her running around right now.
00:17:48Really, Kendrick?
00:17:49I mean, this is kind of important.
00:17:51I know, Mom, and we're going to handle it.
00:17:53If not, Stacia, I'll find you somebody else.
00:17:56I know you didn't kill Malik.
00:17:57Thank you, baby.
00:17:58I needed to hear that.
00:18:00You are the only person that I have in my corner right now.
00:18:03Mom, you got Christy and Dad, too.
00:18:05No, no.
00:18:06No, I can't deal with them.
00:18:08Look, you got to get me out of here because Leona is already making moves.
00:18:12I don't know what else she's going to pull while I'm locked away in here.
00:18:15Don't worry.
00:18:16We're going to handle it.
00:18:18Just keep your head down and don't make any waves.
00:18:20I'm going to talk to Stacia.
00:18:21We're going to get you out of here.
00:18:23I promise you that, all right?
00:18:24All right.
00:18:24Thank you, baby.
00:18:25I promise.
00:18:25Okay, thank you.
00:18:26I love you, Mom.
00:18:27I love you, too.
00:18:28Don't worry about nothing.
00:18:28I got you.
00:18:29Get me out of here, Kendrick.
00:18:29Okay, I got you.
00:18:31Don't worry.
00:18:33What are you doing?
00:18:34What the hell are you doing?
00:18:35Kendrick Murphy, you're under arrest.
00:18:37For what?
00:18:37What did he do?
00:18:39What are the charges?
00:18:41Not staying dead.
00:18:42What are you talking?
00:18:45What the hell is wrong with you?
00:18:47Why are you doing that?
00:18:49I'm the mayor.
00:18:50I'm bringing law and order to Cyprus.
00:18:53My law, my order.
00:18:59I should have never trusted you.
00:19:03Well, to be fair, you're the one who got yourself locked up.
00:19:07I'm just making the best of a messy situation.
00:19:10You can't keep me locked up in here.
00:19:11I didn't kill Malik.
00:19:12I haven't even been charged.
00:19:13Maybe.
00:19:14Maybe not.
00:19:16But I'm pretty sure I still have you for at least 48 hours.
00:19:20I could do so, so much in that time.
00:19:23This was always your plan.
00:19:28Oh, you set me up.
00:19:30You killed Malik.
00:19:31This was always your plan.
00:19:33You set me up.
00:19:33You killed Malik.
00:19:34You put his body in my boot.
00:19:36You set me up.
00:19:37You dirty bitch.
00:19:38You're not going to get away with this.
00:19:40Dirty bitch.
00:19:41She's the one.
00:19:42She killed him.
00:19:42Arrest her.
00:19:43She's a murderer.
00:19:44She's a murderer.
00:19:45You're not going to get away with this.
00:19:47Oh, my.
00:19:50You know who I am.
00:19:51I'm the mayor.
00:19:51You know already.
00:19:52Don't touch me.
00:19:54Look, I demand my call.
00:19:55I don't know phone calls.
00:19:56I have rights.
00:19:57Not anymore.
00:20:04Folic acid, vitamin C.
00:20:07Oh, I know.
00:20:09Kendrick made a spreadsheet along with every recommended prenatal vitamin.
00:20:13He's just excited.
00:20:15I know.
00:20:19You didn't have to stay the night.
00:20:22I don't mind.
00:20:23It feels good to be needed.
00:20:25To be taking care of someone.
00:20:27I thought Kendrick would be back by now, though.
00:20:33I'm sure he'll be back soon.
00:20:36Go.
00:20:37Get your day started.
00:20:40Okay.
00:20:40I promise that I have met my fainting quota for this pregnancy.
00:20:52All right, girl.
00:20:54I'll take the hint and I'll go.
00:20:57But listen, I am so happy for you and Kendrick.
00:21:02You're going to be a great mother.
00:21:04And I might be being biased, but I think your baby's got the best dad.
00:21:13Me too.
00:21:15All right, I'll talk to you later.
00:21:17Yes.
00:21:19Okay.
00:21:25You're welcome.
00:21:26You're welcome.
00:21:34Levi Sterling.
00:21:43Just the man I want to see.
00:21:45Lady Bird.
00:21:47I haven't been called that in quite some time.
00:21:51I appreciate it.
00:21:54Others should follow your example and show me the proper respect.
00:21:58Well, from what I hear, you're not exactly the most popular member of the New Hope Church family.
00:22:03Well, Jesus wasn't always popular either.
00:22:07What can I do for you?
00:22:09As I'm sure you've heard, I'm the new mayor of Cyprus.
00:22:13Acting mayor, right?
00:22:15That's the semantics.
00:22:16With my daughter out of the picture, I'll be making some changes, one of which involves you.
00:22:22How so?
00:22:24I'd like to buy New Hope from you.
00:22:27Not looking to sell.
00:22:28What if I had something to sweeten the offer?
00:22:34Beyond money?
00:22:36No disrespect, but I have had more than enough dealings with the bird women to last a lifetime.
00:22:43You have nothing I want.
00:22:45What about your mobility?
00:22:48Hmm?
00:22:48You're still a young, narrow man, Levi.
00:22:54You have your whole life ahead of you.
00:22:57Wouldn't you want to have your full range of motion back?
00:23:02I have been to specialists, spent months in extremely painful physical therapy.
00:23:09You can't deliver that.
00:23:11Oh, Levi.
00:23:14If I make a promise, I always deliver.
00:23:21You make it so I don't need this anymore?
00:23:25Maybe we have something to talk about.
00:23:32How are you, my friend?
00:23:34Rex.
00:23:35Just in time to join me for a drink.
00:23:38Sounds like fun.
00:23:38I didn't come here for a nightcap, Leon.
00:23:42Suit yourself.
00:23:44I see you didn't waste much time getting comfortable in Ella's place.
00:23:48Well, Ella sold my home, so I might as well make good use of hers.
00:23:52Since she's not using it.
00:23:55This place is a crime scene, Leon.
00:23:58Well, I told the police forensic team to put a rush on gathering their evidence.
00:24:04Besides, I'm not planning on taking a dip in the pool.
00:24:11You cold-blooded, Leon.
00:24:13What do you want, Rex?
00:24:17Well, I came by to talk about a little business, Madam Mayor.
00:24:25Oh?
00:24:25I want you to green light my transportation company.
00:24:36And I'm not asking.
00:24:40There's no need for threats.
00:24:42You and I hold more secrets than my husband's silly journal could ever contain.
00:24:47Really?
00:24:50I'm more than happy to approve your little business.
00:24:54In fact, I'll put a rush on it.
00:24:58Why are you doing that, Leon?
00:25:00Because I want to hire you.
00:25:03I have a special piece of cargo I need you to deliver to me.
00:25:13Something else, Leon.
00:25:14Stacia, what are you doing here this time of night?
00:25:22I was actually looking for Kendrick.
00:25:24Have you seen him?
00:25:25No, but he said he's going over to the jail earlier.
00:25:28That was this morning.
00:25:30I've been calling his phone all day.
00:25:32It's going straight to voicemail.
00:25:33We checked the hospital.
00:25:36Yes.
00:25:37He hasn't been admitted.
00:25:39It's not like him to go in my...
00:25:41You're right.
00:25:42Especially with you being pregnant.
00:25:44Right.
00:25:46Where you think he could be?
00:26:06Yes, Rex.
00:26:07The package has arrived.
00:26:14Well, Elena.
00:26:31Welcome home, dear.
00:26:36Forgive me, Willie.
00:26:37I can't remember how you like your tea.
00:26:40I prefer mine piping hot.
00:26:43I hope you slept well.
00:26:44What am I doing here, Leona?
00:26:46Well, I missed your company.
00:26:49You never came to visit me when I was locked away in that sanitarium.
00:26:53Leona, I...
00:26:53Surprisingly, since you were so instrumental in me being sent there.
00:27:00I'm sorry.
00:27:01I had no choice.
00:27:03I had no choice.
00:27:04Oh, don't apologize.
00:27:06I kept myself very well occupied.
00:27:10And...
00:27:11I managed to keep tabs on you.
00:27:14You have been very busy, dear.
00:27:19But we'll talk about that later.
00:27:22Right now, I need something from you.
00:27:26What?
00:27:27Anything.
00:27:28You always had your finger on the pulse.
00:27:31Always knew the latest experimental treatments made connections with those breaking ground in various fields.
00:27:41Especially those who were concerned with pesky little things like regulations or FDA approval.
00:27:49What are you getting at, Leona?
00:27:51I need for you to connect me with someone.
00:27:57A physician.
00:27:58Someone who specializes in the field of mobility.
00:28:04Yes, Pastor.
00:28:05Whatever Jabari needs from Malik's funeral, let's make sure we provide it.
00:28:09Tamara as well.
00:28:12Alright, thank you.
00:28:13I need to run, but I'll talk soon.
00:28:17Bye.
00:28:18Lady Bird, you're back.
00:28:21Well, I come bearing gifts.
00:28:24Never say I don't deliver on my promises.
00:28:34And what is this?
00:28:36That is the direct line of the physician that's going to heal you.
00:28:41Who is this?
00:28:42Some voodoo priestess or some shady back alley doctor you're going to have paralyze me?
00:28:47I assure you.
00:28:49It's all perfectly legitimate.
00:28:51Leona, I've already spoken with the best specialist in New York.
00:28:55Which makes it even more fortunate that you are currently here in Cyprus.
00:28:59That particular position works out of a private medical facility here.
00:29:05I think you're playing me.
00:29:11I assure you I'm not.
00:29:14What do you have to lose?
00:29:17Go meet the doctor.
00:29:19If you don't feel comfortable, don't let the doctor treat you.
00:29:23But think about all you have to gain.
00:29:26Oh, you can even coach your little girl at one of her soccer games.
00:29:30I hear she's a wonderful athlete.
00:29:32Don't talk about my daughter.
00:29:38As you wish.
00:29:39I took the liberty of having this drawn up.
00:29:45If it works, I secure half of New Hope.
00:29:49Do we have a deal?
00:29:58Only if it works.
00:30:01Oh, it will.
00:30:02You better not lose my jewelry.
00:30:07Hey!
00:30:08Hey!
00:30:09Let me out of here.
00:30:10I still want my lawyer.
00:30:11I want my car.
00:30:12What?
00:30:12Do you hear me?
00:30:14Damn it.
00:30:15How long have you been in here?
00:30:20I don't know.
00:30:22I don't have a watch or a damn phone.
00:30:26Aren't you the mayor?
00:30:28Yes.
00:30:29Hey, I saw in the news you killed someone.
00:30:31That CEO.
00:30:32No, I did not.
00:30:34Hey!
00:30:35No judgment.
00:30:39He probably had it coming.
00:30:41I'm Jaleesa.
00:30:43Hello.
00:30:45I know.
00:30:46Why are you in Holden?
00:30:48They don't got you in a suite?
00:30:50I haven't been charged for your information.
00:30:54Also, I haven't given me a lawyer or a damn phone call.
00:30:58But they like to hold out on that for as long as possible.
00:31:02I tell you, this ain't your first time.
00:31:04No.
00:31:05They like to harass girls like me.
00:31:08Oh.
00:31:09So, what does that mean?
00:31:11Meaning they call you Madam Mayor
00:31:13and they just call me Madam.
00:31:16What, you run women?
00:31:17Like a pimp or something?
00:31:19I don't run girls.
00:31:21I protect them.
00:31:23At least I did.
00:31:25No one's protecting them now.
00:31:26Why, because you're in here?
00:31:28No.
00:31:30Because young black women are being snatched up all over the state.
00:31:33This is your city.
00:31:35Don't you watch the news?
00:31:36So, wait a minute.
00:31:37You're telling me
00:31:37that all of those
00:31:40those women
00:31:42they what, working girls?
00:31:43No.
00:31:45But does that matter?
00:31:47They're still missing.
00:31:49They're still being treated the same.
00:31:51People think black girls can just disappear
00:31:53and it won't matter.
00:31:55We matter.
00:31:56Yeah, I agree with you.
00:31:59So, why are you in here?
00:32:01Because one of my girls,
00:32:03Candy,
00:32:04she went missing.
00:32:05Candy?
00:32:06I have a little treat for you.
00:32:10You don't have to give me anything, Ella.
00:32:12Just being here with you
00:32:13is good enough for me.
00:32:26Ella Mae.
00:32:29You're really beautiful.
00:32:32You know Candy?
00:32:34That doesn't surprise me.
00:32:35She's very sweet.
00:32:37We just started working together.
00:32:39So, she's missing?
00:32:41Yeah.
00:32:42And I've been asking around.
00:32:43Started asking questions to the wrong cop.
00:32:45Turns out he was undercover.
00:32:47That's why he arrested you?
00:32:48That's how they like to keep us in line.
00:32:51I know the routine by now.
00:32:54Candy.
00:32:56She's a good girl.
00:32:58It's funny how that line gets blurred though, huh?
00:33:01I mean, look at you.
00:33:02You're a good girl.
00:33:03Madam Mayor.
00:33:04Probably came from a good family.
00:33:07Now you're looking at a murder charge.
00:33:09Yeah, well,
00:33:10I don't think anybody thinks I'm
00:33:13good anymore.
00:33:16I have definitely
00:33:18made some mistakes.
00:33:20So you did mark that guy at the CEO?
00:33:23No, I did not.
00:33:30I thought I turned this thing in.
00:33:33You got a phone.
00:33:35All that thinking you're doing ain't gonna help you.
00:33:37Just throw down, bro.
00:33:37What the hell?
00:33:38What the hell?
00:33:39What the hell?
00:33:40What the hell?
00:33:41Good afternoon.
00:33:42I'm Anita Robinson with WQCL TV.
00:33:45We interrupt our scheduled programming
00:33:47to bring you a press conference
00:33:49from Acting Mayor Leona Byrd.
00:33:52Live from Cypress City Hall.
00:33:53You're watching this?
00:33:54Leona.
00:33:56What the hell are you doing?
00:33:58Good afternoon.
00:33:58I wanted to take this opportunity
00:34:02to formally introduce myself.
00:34:05I am Mayor Leona Byrd.
00:34:08Byrd, Ms. Byrd, Ms. Byrd.
00:34:09Calm down.
00:34:10There will be plenty of time
00:34:12for us to get to know each other better.
00:34:15Due to my daughter,
00:34:17Ella Johnson's unfortunate entanglement
00:34:20with the legal system,
00:34:21it was my duty
00:34:23at the request
00:34:25of the Cypress City Council
00:34:26to step in as Acting Mayor.
00:34:31Councilwoman Davis,
00:34:32I am always happy to do
00:34:34whatever it takes
00:34:35for the City of Cypress,
00:34:36and I am honored
00:34:38that you and the Council
00:34:39have asked me
00:34:41to take on this role.
00:34:44Citizens of Cypress.
00:34:48The murder of Malik Thompson
00:34:50was a tragedy,
00:34:52but it is not the only one.
00:34:56Cypress has lost its moral compass.
00:35:00Moral compass?
00:35:02You lucky your ass
00:35:03gonna get struck by lightning.
00:35:05And as you well know,
00:35:06young black women
00:35:08are disappearing
00:35:09at an alarming rate.
00:35:12As mayor,
00:35:12I will do whatever it takes
00:35:14to protect our girls.
00:35:17Cypress is in a state of emergency.
00:35:21That's why,
00:35:22effective immediately,
00:35:24I am instituting
00:35:26a citywide curfew.
00:35:29All citizens of Cypress
00:35:31must be in their homes
00:35:32by 7 p.m.
00:35:34unless otherwise authorized.
00:35:35Curfew.
00:35:36Please.
00:35:37Ain't nobody gonna listen
00:35:38to no damn curfew.
00:35:39To ensure that this
00:35:40is properly enforced
00:35:41and that Cypress citizens
00:35:43remain safe,
00:35:45I have designated
00:35:47a special unit
00:35:48of police officers
00:35:50to enforce the curfew
00:35:51and other necessary regulations.
00:35:56Heretofore,
00:35:57they will be known
00:35:58as the Squadron of Faith Officers.
00:36:03They'll be adorned
00:36:05with this elegant bird pen.
00:36:07citizens of Cypress,
00:36:11know that the faith officers
00:36:13are here for you.
00:36:15You are wild,
00:36:17you crazy bitch.
00:36:18They are people
00:36:19you can trust.
00:36:20Thank you
00:36:21and have a blessed day.
00:36:22You okay?
00:36:36Yeah, I'm fine.
00:36:40I'm just searching
00:36:41for some guidance.
00:36:43I've always been able
00:36:44to find that here.
00:36:45Even in a new church.
00:36:47Yeah.
00:36:49The Spirit can make
00:36:50any building hall.
00:36:51Look,
00:36:53sorry to hear
00:36:54about your mother.
00:37:00I'm not sure
00:37:01the women in my family
00:37:02have always deserved
00:37:03that compassion.
00:37:04Hey,
00:37:06God's grace
00:37:07is for everyone.
00:37:09They just have to mourn it.
00:37:17Pastor,
00:37:18have you ever had
00:37:19to make the decision
00:37:20to turn away
00:37:21from someone
00:37:21who may be
00:37:22beyond grace?
00:37:27No.
00:37:28I think that we all
00:37:29only have
00:37:30so much capacity
00:37:31for love
00:37:32and forgiveness.
00:37:33But it's up to
00:37:34each and every one of us
00:37:35to decide
00:37:36what our limits are.
00:37:37You know?
00:37:39But hey,
00:37:40that's kind of
00:37:41the meaning for
00:37:41New Hope,
00:37:42if you think about it.
00:37:43I mean,
00:37:43that hopefully
00:37:45we'll be able
00:37:45to show each other
00:37:46for the same
00:37:47empathy and grace
00:37:49that we would want
00:37:50God to show us.
00:37:51May we have
00:37:52your attention.
00:37:54Please.
00:37:56It's six o'clock.
00:37:58We'd like to encourage
00:37:59you all to
00:37:59head home
00:38:01in order to abide
00:38:02by the seven o'clock curfew.
00:38:04Excuse me.
00:38:06They're still having
00:38:07choir practice.
00:38:09And the curfew
00:38:10is seven o'clock.
00:38:13And how do you
00:38:13plan on enforcing that?
00:38:15This is a church
00:38:16plus it's private property.
00:38:18Well,
00:38:19private property
00:38:19that's partially owned
00:38:20by Mayor Byrd.
00:38:22What?
00:38:23That's crazy.
00:38:24Levi owns this church
00:38:25and he would have
00:38:26told me about that.
00:38:26Sir,
00:38:28I don't actually care.
00:38:30Now the curfew
00:38:31will be enforced
00:38:33all over the city.
00:38:35You can abide by it.
00:38:36You mean obey it.
00:38:38Or you can face
00:38:42the consequences.
00:38:45Okay,
00:38:46let's just send
00:38:47everyone home
00:38:48while we get
00:38:49things sorted out.
00:38:51You should listen
00:38:52to the lady.
00:38:55All of a sudden
00:38:56I've gone deaf.
00:38:59Have a blessed day.
00:39:08That's cold, man.
00:39:21All right.
00:39:26Hey,
00:39:26you forget something, Charlie?
00:39:27Leona.
00:39:35What is this all about?
00:39:37Good evening, Rex.
00:39:38Leona,
00:39:39what are you doing here?
00:39:40My faith officers
00:39:41are here to execute
00:39:42the curfew.
00:39:44It's after seven.
00:39:46You should be home
00:39:46by now.
00:39:47Really?
00:39:47You're crazy, Leona.
00:39:51Am I?
00:39:53You seem to be confused
00:39:54about the rules
00:39:55that have been set.
00:39:56Or maybe you think
00:39:57they don't apply to you.
00:40:00I don't know
00:40:00what you're trying
00:40:01to pull, Leona.
00:40:03But you and your little birds
00:40:05need to get off
00:40:05my damn property.
00:40:06As mayor,
00:40:10I've instituted
00:40:12a new tithing structure.
00:40:14All businesses
00:40:15of Cyprus
00:40:16will need to tithe
00:40:17a portion
00:40:19of their profits
00:40:20to New Hope Baptist Church.
00:40:24Well, I'm not tithing
00:40:25a cent
00:40:26because you're
00:40:27a crazy-ass bitch.
00:40:28Careful, Rex.
00:40:30What's in it for you, Leona?
00:40:33Huh?
00:40:34Because Levi owns
00:40:35New Hope.
00:40:36He's your new
00:40:37little boy toy
00:40:39and you lying
00:40:40in his pockets.
00:40:41I own half
00:40:42of New Hope.
00:40:43See, that's it
00:40:44right there.
00:40:46This little shakedown
00:40:47you're doing
00:40:48is all about
00:40:48you lying
00:40:49in your pockets.
00:40:50Well, as owner
00:40:51of New Hope,
00:40:52I will be ensuring
00:40:53that the tithes
00:40:55go to godly
00:40:56pursuits
00:40:57that will help
00:40:58the people of Cyprus.
00:41:00Now,
00:41:01it's time for you
00:41:02to pay up.
00:41:04He's so full of a thing.
00:41:05Don't put your hand
00:41:06as long as you try
00:41:08on the phone.
00:41:09Thank you, Rex.
00:41:14Leona,
00:41:15I swear to God,
00:41:17I'm gonna take
00:41:18your ass down.
00:41:19I still got
00:41:20the journals, Leona,
00:41:21and I'm gonna tell
00:41:21the whole world
00:41:22all your secrets,
00:41:23you hear me?
00:41:23You can try.
00:41:25I won't lose
00:41:26any sleep over it.
00:41:29Hmm, but
00:41:30Kendrick might.
00:41:32Kendrick.
00:41:34Where's Kendrick,
00:41:35Leona?
00:41:37Get home safe, Rex.
00:41:38Leona,
00:41:39you know where
00:41:39Kendrick is!
00:41:53Crazy bitch.
00:41:54Hello?
00:42:03Rex, Rex,
00:42:03it's me,
00:42:04Dwayne.
00:42:04Hello?
00:42:05I need your help.
00:42:07Leona,
00:42:07she sent me in
00:42:08from Malik's murder.
00:42:08She got me locked away
00:42:09in here.
00:42:10No lawyers,
00:42:11no phone calls,
00:42:12no nothing.
00:42:13Did Kendrick
00:42:13get out yet?
00:42:14Kendrick?
00:42:15She arrested Kendrick?
00:42:17Yeah,
00:42:18right in front of me.
00:42:19Oh,
00:42:19you didn't know?
00:42:21No.
00:42:22Look, Rex,
00:42:22I need you
00:42:23to get me out of here.
00:42:24There's no telling
00:42:24what Leona will do.
00:42:26Don't worry.
00:42:27Trust me,
00:42:28Hyatt.
00:42:31Rex,
00:42:31Rex,
00:42:32don't hang up.
00:42:33Wait.
00:42:35Damn it.
00:42:42Stacia,
00:42:43I know
00:42:45where Kendrick is.
00:42:49I'm Stacia Cunningham
00:42:50and I demand
00:42:51to see my client
00:42:52Kendrick Murphy.
00:42:57Oh,
00:42:59there's no record
00:42:59of a Kendrick Murphy
00:43:00here, ma'am.
00:43:01Also,
00:43:01it's after curfew.
00:43:02You're supposed
00:43:03to be home,
00:43:03so.
00:43:05Timmons?
00:43:05It's my name.
00:43:07Timmons,
00:43:08you are denying
00:43:08my client due process.
00:43:11Now,
00:43:11I know he's here.
00:43:12You will bring him
00:43:13to me now
00:43:14or I will sue
00:43:16this entire department
00:43:17beginning with you.
00:43:19Let me see
00:43:25what I can do, ma'am.
00:43:26Follow me.
00:43:39Finally,
00:43:40Kendrick...
00:43:41I know you have him
00:43:48locked away
00:43:48somewhere in here.
00:43:49You haven't even
00:43:50charged him
00:43:51with anything.
00:43:52This,
00:43:53this is an abuse
00:43:54of power.
00:43:54You will release
00:43:55Kendrick into my
00:43:56custody right now.
00:43:58My goodness.
00:43:59I never realized
00:44:00Kendrick inspired
00:44:02such passion.
00:44:03Now, Leona.
00:44:04Kendrick will be
00:44:05released when I see
00:44:06fit and not
00:44:07one moment before.
00:44:09You can't do that.
00:44:10Oh, I can.
00:44:11And I can do
00:44:12so much more.
00:44:14Then you will be
00:44:15facing a lawsuit.
00:44:17And when I'm done,
00:44:19Kendrick will own
00:44:20this entire city.
00:44:22Oh, I don't know
00:44:23about that.
00:44:26I'm sure Kendrick
00:44:27would appreciate
00:44:27all this fierce
00:44:28loyalty you're
00:44:30exhibiting.
00:44:31But I wonder
00:44:32how grateful
00:44:32he would be
00:44:33when he finds out
00:44:35you've been
00:44:36lying to him
00:44:37about him being
00:44:39the father
00:44:39of your
00:44:40unborn child.
00:44:41What?
00:44:42Stacia,
00:44:45you should know
00:44:45by now,
00:44:46I always do
00:44:47my due diligence.
00:44:49You and Kendrick
00:44:50were both
00:44:51recently hospitalized.
00:44:54It didn't take
00:44:55much poking around
00:44:57for me to get
00:44:58my hands on
00:44:59your medical records.
00:45:01Just take me
00:45:01to him,
00:45:02and I will
00:45:03tell him the truth.
00:45:04Well, you could.
00:45:06If you had any
00:45:07proof he was
00:45:07even here.
00:45:09Kendrick is
00:45:10off the books.
00:45:11I will file
00:45:12a complaint,
00:45:13Leona.
00:45:13Oh, filing
00:45:14your nails
00:45:15would be a
00:45:15better use
00:45:16of your time.
00:45:17By the time
00:45:17you get through
00:45:18all that legal
00:45:19red tape,
00:45:20who knows
00:45:20where Kendrick
00:45:21will be,
00:45:22or what condition
00:45:23he'll be in.
00:45:26I'm not going
00:45:27to let you
00:45:27hurt him.
00:45:29Well, that's
00:45:30entirely up to you.
00:45:33Here's how
00:45:34this is going
00:45:34to work.
00:45:36You're going
00:45:37to leave
00:45:38Kendrick
00:45:38right where
00:45:39he is
00:45:40for now.
00:45:41safe and
00:45:42sound.
00:45:44And in
00:45:44the meantime,
00:45:46you're
00:45:47going to do
00:45:47me
00:45:48a very
00:45:49personal
00:45:50favor.
00:46:00Hey,
00:46:01station.
00:46:02What's going
00:46:02on?
00:46:03Were you able
00:46:03to get him?
00:46:04I couldn't
00:46:05get him out.
00:46:05I couldn't
00:46:06even get in
00:46:06to see him.
00:46:07I can't
00:46:07confirm that
00:46:08he's being
00:46:08held in
00:46:08custody.
00:46:10Damn.
00:46:11All right,
00:46:12listen,
00:46:12sit tight.
00:46:13I'm going
00:46:13to have to
00:46:14handle this
00:46:14myself.
00:46:15Okay.
00:46:22Johnson,
00:46:23get up.
00:46:24What?
00:46:24Is my lawyer
00:46:25here?
00:46:26Am I getting
00:46:26out?
00:46:26Come on,
00:46:27come with me.
00:46:27What?
00:46:28What's going
00:46:29on?
00:46:29Where are you
00:46:30taking me?
00:46:36Do I have a
00:46:37visitor?
00:46:37What's going
00:46:38on?
00:46:40When I say go,
00:46:41you run straight
00:46:42through that door
00:46:42and don't stop,
00:46:43you understand?
00:46:44Who sent you?
00:46:47Go.
00:46:48Ella Mae.
00:47:08Get in.
00:47:09Get in.
00:47:10Come on.
00:47:11Rex.
00:47:12You can't.
00:47:18You sold the
00:47:21church to Leona.
00:47:22I'm not getting
00:47:23into this with
00:47:23you, Christy.
00:47:24You are such
00:47:25a hypocrite.
00:47:27You wanted me
00:47:27to send my own
00:47:28mother to prison
00:47:29and here you are
00:47:30doing deals
00:47:30with a monster
00:47:31like Leona.
00:47:33How much did
00:47:34she pay you,
00:47:34Levi?
00:47:35Was it worth it?
00:47:36It might be.
00:47:38Leona promised
00:47:39to make me
00:47:40fully mobile again
00:47:41if I sold her
00:47:41the church.
00:47:42So no more
00:47:43of this.
00:47:44Full use
00:47:45of my body.
00:47:46She can't
00:47:46promise you
00:47:47that, Levi.
00:47:49She's not
00:47:49a doctor.
00:47:50Maybe she can
00:47:51and maybe
00:47:52it's worth it
00:47:53for me to try
00:47:54that I can
00:47:55try to be
00:47:55whole again.
00:47:58Oh.
00:48:01Levi.
00:48:02You are
00:48:03not broken.
00:48:05You are
00:48:06whole.
00:48:07You can't
00:48:08say that.
00:48:11You don't
00:48:12know what
00:48:12it's like.
00:48:14Don't know
00:48:15what I lost.
00:48:16Did you know
00:48:17I had to
00:48:17learn how
00:48:18to walk
00:48:18again after
00:48:19they shot
00:48:19me?
00:48:20Or did
00:48:21you know
00:48:21that I'm
00:48:21always in
00:48:22pain?
00:48:24I'm so
00:48:25sorry.
00:48:26I didn't
00:48:27know that.
00:48:29Then you
00:48:29can't say
00:48:30it's not worth
00:48:30it.
00:48:38Levi,
00:48:38I get it.
00:48:40I understand
00:48:41why you want
00:48:42to do
00:48:42to do
00:48:42this.
00:48:43But you
00:48:44can't
00:48:44trust
00:48:45Leona.
00:48:48Please.
00:48:48Levi.
00:48:51So why
00:48:52did you
00:48:52break me
00:48:52out, huh?
00:48:53I mean,
00:48:53why are you
00:48:54trying to help
00:48:54me?
00:48:56It's not
00:48:56about you,
00:48:57Ella.
00:48:58It's about
00:48:59Leona.
00:49:00We got to
00:49:01shut her down.
00:49:02I guess I
00:49:02didn't realize
00:49:03just how
00:49:03twisted she is.
00:49:06To set your own
00:49:07daughter up for
00:49:08murder?
00:49:09She's sick.
00:49:11And to think
00:49:11that you were
00:49:12with her.
00:49:13Yeah, don't try
00:49:13to act like you
00:49:14didn't sleep
00:49:14with her.
00:49:15That was a
00:49:16long time ago,
00:49:16Ella.
00:49:17And after I
00:49:18laid eyes on
00:49:18you, I never
00:49:20touched her
00:49:20again, I
00:49:21swear.
00:49:23Now listen,
00:49:23Kendrick is
00:49:24still locked
00:49:24up.
00:49:25It's off
00:49:26the grid.
00:49:27There's no
00:49:27telling what
00:49:28Leona did
00:49:28to him.
00:49:30You know
00:49:31what's sad?
00:49:32He's still
00:49:33paying for
00:49:33our mistakes.
00:49:35Yeah.
00:49:37Rex,
00:49:37we got
00:49:39to stop
00:49:39her.
00:49:51Mr. Sterling,
00:49:52I'm excited
00:49:54to meet you.
00:50:05Are you
00:50:05sure this is
00:50:06safe?
00:50:07It is
00:50:08experimental.
00:50:09There are
00:50:09always risks,
00:50:11but I've
00:50:11had major
00:50:12successes.
00:50:14Now,
00:50:14Mr. Sterling,
00:50:14it's imperative
00:50:15that our
00:50:16interaction
00:50:16remains discreet.
00:50:18Full disclosure,
00:50:19I only met
00:50:19with you
00:50:19based on
00:50:20who referred
00:50:20you.
00:50:21But I
00:50:22will say
00:50:22you're
00:50:22an extremely
00:50:23promising
00:50:23candidate
00:50:23for this
00:50:24drug
00:50:24protocol.
00:50:25What if
00:50:26it doesn't
00:50:27work?
00:50:29Well,
00:50:30every patient's
00:50:31different.
00:50:32But focus on
00:50:33what could
00:50:34happen
00:50:34if it
00:50:34does.
00:50:37I'll
00:50:37see you
00:50:38soon.
00:50:49Leona?
00:50:52You've
00:50:52gotten what
00:50:53you wanted.
00:50:53You need to
00:50:54let me go
00:50:54now.
00:50:55Willie,
00:50:56I'm so
00:50:57disappointed
00:50:57that you
00:50:58seem so
00:50:58anxious to
00:50:59leave.
00:50:59It was
00:50:59starting to
00:51:00feel like
00:51:00old times.
00:51:01Leona,
00:51:02please.
00:51:03I've got
00:51:03important work
00:51:04to do.
00:51:04I need to
00:51:05get back
00:51:05now.
00:51:06Oh,
00:51:06I know
00:51:06exactly
00:51:07what work
00:51:07you're
00:51:07doing.
00:51:11I can
00:51:11explain.
00:51:12Oh,
00:51:12it's all
00:51:13very
00:51:13interesting,
00:51:14actually.
00:51:15But you
00:51:16didn't
00:51:16really
00:51:17think I
00:51:18was going
00:51:18to just
00:51:19let you
00:51:19waltz
00:51:20back into
00:51:21your new
00:51:21life
00:51:22after the
00:51:23way you
00:51:23betrayed
00:51:24me.
00:51:24Please.
00:51:26You have
00:51:26to understand,
00:51:27I was just
00:51:28saving yourself
00:51:28at what
00:51:29close to
00:51:30me.
00:51:31My
00:51:31freedom.
00:51:32My
00:51:32reputation.
00:51:34Leona,
00:51:35please.
00:51:37I've
00:51:38given you
00:51:38all I
00:51:39can.
00:51:39Please.
00:51:40Please,
00:51:40I'm
00:51:41sorry.
00:51:42Forgive
00:51:42me.
00:51:47No.
00:51:49Take
00:51:50her.
00:51:50No,
00:51:51Leona.
00:51:51Leona,
00:51:52please.
00:51:53Leona?
00:51:54Leona,
00:51:54please.
00:51:55Please,
00:51:56Leona,
00:51:56please.
00:51:57Leona,
00:51:58please.
00:51:59As the
00:52:00curfew
00:52:01continues,
00:52:01some
00:52:02citizens
00:52:02have
00:52:02concerns
00:52:03that the
00:52:03mayor
00:52:04may be
00:52:04capitalizing
00:52:05on her
00:52:06authority.
00:52:07Good
00:52:08evening,
00:52:09citizens of
00:52:09Cyprus.
00:52:10Rex,
00:52:11get in
00:52:12here.
00:52:12As the
00:52:12mayor of
00:52:13our great
00:52:13city,
00:52:14I know
00:52:15your fears.
00:52:17That's why
00:52:18I offer
00:52:19a strong
00:52:19hand guided
00:52:20by God
00:52:21to lead
00:52:22us through
00:52:23them.
00:52:23It will
00:52:25take the
00:52:26collective
00:52:26sacrifice
00:52:27of Cyprus's
00:52:29citizens
00:52:29to lead
00:52:31us to
00:52:31the
00:52:31promised
00:52:32land.
00:52:33It gives
00:52:33me no
00:52:34pleasure
00:52:34to announce
00:52:36that my
00:52:37daughter,
00:52:37Ella Johnson,
00:52:39has escaped
00:52:40from police
00:52:41custody.
00:52:43The long
00:52:44and merciful
00:52:44arm of
00:52:45justice
00:52:46requires that
00:52:47she face
00:52:48the consequences
00:52:49of her
00:52:50alleged
00:52:50crimes.
00:52:53Ella
00:52:53Mae,
00:52:54I,
00:52:55as a
00:52:56righteous
00:52:56servant
00:52:57of Cyprus,
00:52:59implore you
00:53:00to turn
00:53:01yourself in.
00:53:02That bitch
00:53:03is crazy.
00:53:04I would
00:53:04also like
00:53:05to announce
00:53:06that we
00:53:07are intensifying
00:53:08the search
00:53:09for our
00:53:09missing girls.
00:53:11As such,
00:53:12I have
00:53:13instituted
00:53:13a new
00:53:14protocol
00:53:15of random
00:53:16search and
00:53:17seizure.
00:53:18What in
00:53:18the hell?
00:53:19I encourage
00:53:20all citizens
00:53:21of Cyprus
00:53:22to cooperate
00:53:23with our
00:53:24committed
00:53:24and gracious
00:53:25faith officers
00:53:27as they do
00:53:28the work
00:53:28of finding
00:53:29our girls.
00:53:31We will
00:53:32find
00:53:33our girls.
00:53:35Have faith
00:53:36in the process.
00:53:39Have faith
00:53:40in me.
00:53:42Thank you
00:53:42and have a
00:53:43blessed day.
00:53:48in him.
00:54:03Heute
00:54:03in me.
00:54:08Water
00:54:08in me.
00:54:10Water
00:54:11in me.
00:54:12Let's
00:54:12have a
00:54:13human
00:54:13in him.
00:54:15Bye.
00:54:15Bye.
00:54:16Bye.
00:54:16Bye.
00:54:17I don't know.
00:54:47Okay.
00:55:17Levi?
00:55:24Levi?
00:55:30Levi!
00:55:32Levi!
00:55:34Oh my gosh.
00:55:41Levi!
00:55:43Levi!
00:55:45Levi!
00:55:49Stay with me! Stay with me!
00:55:51Stay with me!
00:55:59Stay with me! Yes! I need an ambulance!
00:56:11So what did he say?
00:56:13He said Leona has Kendrick on deep lockdown.
00:56:16We can't get to him?
00:56:17No, we can't break him out.
00:56:19But he hasn't been charged for anything.
00:56:21I mean, she can't hold him indefinitely.
00:56:23Stacia says he's not even an assistant.
00:56:25So basically, Leona has created her own shadow prison.
00:56:28Yeah. She's locking up all her enemies and throwing away the key.
00:56:31Rex, the only way we're gonna get him out is we gotta take her down.
00:56:35I agree.
00:56:37And that's why you're here.
00:56:39What?
00:56:40Listen to me.
00:56:41You're the real mayor.
00:56:43You know the system inside and out.
00:56:45So what's your next move?
00:56:47Because if it was up to me, I'd handle it the old fashioned way.
00:56:51Nurse, are there any updates with his status?
00:56:57He's stable. The seizures have stopped.
00:56:59He should regain consciousness soon.
00:57:00Thank God.
00:57:01It's good you got him in when he did.
00:57:07He may have just saved his life.
00:57:09Nurse, are there any updates with his status?
00:57:15He's stable. The seizures have stopped.
00:57:17He should regain consciousness soon.
00:57:19Thank God.
00:57:21It's good you got him in when you did.
00:57:23You may have just saved his life.
00:57:29And Leona almost ended it.
00:57:39You got to lay low, Ella. Be cool. They're looking for you.
00:57:49Yeah, well, maybe you should just take some of the side streets.
00:57:53You know it's past curfew.
00:57:54The last thing we need is for you to be pulled over by one of them damn bird men.
00:58:02Yeah, well, you ain't got to worry about them.
00:58:07Because they're going to be distracted now.
00:58:09Mother, what have you done?
00:58:18Damn.
00:58:26Ella, what are you doing here?
00:58:28You know there's a warrant out for your arrest.
00:58:30I know. That's why I'm here. Now let us in. We got to talk.
00:58:32No. If Leona finds out, there's no telling what she'll do.
00:58:35Kimberly, look around. She's already doing it.
00:58:37Cypress is in chaos, and you gave her the power, which we both know that means she has something on you.
00:58:43Listen to me, Kimberly.
00:58:44This has got to stop now.
00:58:46Now, I don't know what it is that Leona has on you, but it can't be worth this.
00:58:50Now let us in.
00:58:50Move.
00:59:03Move out of my way. I need to speak to my grandmother.
00:59:06Let her in. She's harmless.
00:59:10You can go.
00:59:11You could have killed him.
00:59:18Who?
00:59:19Levi.
00:59:20With whatever that drug was, you had that whack job doctor prescribed.
00:59:25I assure you that while he's somewhat unorthodox, he's no whack job.
00:59:30Levi's in the hospital.
00:59:32And what does that have to do with me?
00:59:34You lied to him.
00:59:36You made him believe that you could fix him, that you could somehow heal him.
00:59:40Nope.
00:59:40I offered Levi an opportunity.
00:59:44He chose to take it.
00:59:47You are disgusting.
00:59:51And you are such a disappointment.
00:59:54You had so much potential.
00:59:59Every opportunity.
01:00:02Daughter of a pastor, beautiful education, a doctor, and you squandered all of it.
01:00:09Now, you're an ex-convict following your brother, and now your mother straight into the gutter.
01:00:19You'll never make anything of yourself.
01:00:22All that talent just wasted.
01:00:24Now, get out of here.
01:00:30Be lucky I don't have you thrown back in a cell where you belong.
01:00:39You're dismissed.
01:00:40You're dismissed.
01:00:54Nurse, where's the patient, Levi Sterling? He was stable when I left.
01:01:05Yes, as far as I know, that hasn't changed.
01:01:07So, where is he?
01:01:10Ma'am, he was transferred.
01:01:12Where?
01:01:16Listen, I'm his friend.
01:01:18And I'm a doctor.
01:01:20I used to work here.
01:01:21Then you know the rules on patient care.
01:01:23Please.
01:01:25I need to know where my friend was transferred.
01:01:27It's a private medical facility.
01:01:34Oh.
01:01:34So, then it's settled?
01:01:41Great.
01:01:43Send me the confirmation.
01:01:45And it's important that this remains confidential.
01:01:55Please forgive me, Kendrick.
01:01:57You think God hears you?
01:02:18I know he does.
01:02:25That's why I'm still alive.
01:02:27You might say that's because I allowed it.
01:02:31I could have smothered you in your hospital bed the last time we spoke.
01:02:38But you didn't.
01:02:39And I think about that often.
01:02:44Why do I keep letting you live?
01:02:48It's not you.
01:02:51Oh?
01:02:52God has a plan for me, and I truly believe that.
01:02:55Well, he has an interesting way of showing his benevolence.
01:03:00Because here you are.
01:03:02At my mercy.
01:03:04Listen, Leonis.
01:03:05If you wanted to kill me up in here,
01:03:08you would have done it already.
01:03:10Perhaps.
01:03:12I keep thinking about that.
01:03:15Maybe I do get some pleasure out of keeping you around.
01:03:20It's comical, really.
01:03:22You're like a cartoon character that won't stay dead.
01:03:26I bury you alive.
01:03:29Poison you.
01:03:30Oh, and there's a car crash.
01:03:34And yet here you are.
01:03:36Like I said, it's not you.
01:03:42God has a purpose for me.
01:03:44Would to entertain me.
01:03:49Read the room, Kenrick.
01:03:52I have all the power here.
01:03:54What do you want, Leona?
01:03:56Well, you had the right idea for once, Kenrick.
01:04:00It's time for us to pray.
01:04:02It's time for us to go to God.
01:04:15Hi.
01:04:16I'm looking for Levi Sterling.
01:04:18I'm sorry.
01:04:26We don't have anyone by that name here.
01:04:28He's here.
01:04:29He was just transferred from Cypress General.
01:04:33We don't have him on record.
01:04:35I'm sorry, ma'am.
01:04:36Listen, I don't need your apology.
01:04:37I need you to tell me where Levi is.
01:04:40Okay?
01:04:41Hey, hey, hey, hey.
01:04:41He was transferred here.
01:04:42Ma'am, please.
01:04:43I know he's here.
01:04:44Hey, pardon me.
01:04:44Scoot me out, ma'am.
01:04:46I'm Dr. Ross.
01:04:47I can take you to see Mr. Sterling, miss.
01:04:49Christy Johnson.
01:04:51Dr. Ross?
01:04:53Are you the one that's been treating him?
01:04:55Did you give him those drugs?
01:04:57Ma'am, listen.
01:04:58I understand your concern.
01:05:00Let me take it to see Levi.
01:05:01No, no, no.
01:05:01You could have killed him.
01:05:03He believed in you after you made him all those promises.
01:05:05Hold on now.
01:05:06I never promised Levi anything.
01:05:08Listen, you're a doctor.
01:05:09You understand that patients take informed risks
01:05:12when it comes to treatment.
01:05:13How did you know I was a doctor?
01:05:16Mr. Sterling mentioned it.
01:05:20Come with me.
01:05:26How is he?
01:05:28What's his status?
01:05:30How's he responding to treatment?
01:05:32Sleep for yourself.
01:05:39Levi?
01:05:41I'm back.
01:05:43I'm back.
01:05:45Oh, my God.
01:05:46I'm back!
01:05:48Oh, my God.
01:05:51You're okay.
01:05:52I'm okay.
01:05:55I'm okay.
01:05:56I'm okay.
01:05:58I'm okay.
01:06:06I'm okay.
01:06:07You're okay?
01:06:09I'm okay.
01:06:11You got a miracle, Levi.
01:06:31Yeah.
01:06:33Kind of feels like a second chance.
01:06:41Is that for you?
01:06:47I guess so.
01:06:48But I wasn't speeding yet.
01:07:11Is there a problem, officer?
01:07:16It's after curfew.
01:07:21What are you doing on the road?
01:07:23We just came from the hospital.
01:07:24Can I see your ID, ma'am?
01:07:26Uh, sure.
01:07:41Yeah.
01:07:53Pulled over a driver by the name of Christy Johnson.
01:07:58Got it.
01:08:02Miss Johnson, I'm gonna need you and your passenger to come with me.
01:08:09Excuse me?
01:08:11Why?
01:08:12Is that gonna be a problem?
01:08:14No.
01:08:15No, there's no problem, but can you just tell us why?
01:08:20By order of the mayor.
01:08:23Let's not keep it waiting.
01:08:27Wait, what are we doing here?
01:08:34Yeah, I own this church.
01:08:36Kendrick!
01:08:37Sis!
01:08:38Hey!
01:08:39Christy, Levi, it's good of you to join us.
01:08:44It's time for church to begin.
01:08:48Good evening, church.
01:08:55I said, good evening, church.
01:09:00Good evening.
01:09:03Members of the church board.
01:09:06The last time I stood at this pulpit, it was very different.
01:09:13I was asked to apologize.
01:09:16To repent.
01:09:19To be compliant.
01:09:22I am not interested in being compliant.
01:09:28For decades, I watched my husband give sermon after sermon after sermon.
01:09:34And I watched as all of you and generations before you heeded his words, his message, as if it were ordained.
01:09:45But what does that mean for me?
01:09:49What was asked of me?
01:09:53You wanted silence.
01:09:57You wanted the dutiful wife and mother and first lady that would kneel and supplicate and subjugate herself and her ambitions.
01:10:11I'm not interested.
01:10:14Leona.
01:10:15Don't interrupt me.
01:10:17I know what power looks like in the hands of the weak.
01:10:32Men generally were too foolish and easily distracted to execute their vision.
01:10:39But that does not absolve the women, of course.
01:10:44As Christie, you veered far from the path of anything that was ever envisioned for you.
01:10:50And we don't have to go into all of the reasons for that.
01:10:56I am not weak.
01:11:01I won't falter.
01:11:03I will not kneel.
01:11:07Pastor Green, please approach the pulpit.
01:11:11Leona, this is not okay.
01:11:14We must stop this.
01:11:15Pastor Green, approach the pulpit.
01:11:20It's okay.
01:11:34The last time I stood here, the congregation, your congregation, they laughed at me.
01:11:43A congregation built over generations by me.
01:11:49They ostracized me.
01:11:52They just wanted some introspection from you.
01:11:55A little humility.
01:11:56Humility.
01:11:57Don't you mean humiliation?
01:12:00You want me to be humble?
01:12:04Tell me, Pastor, the cornerstone that you added to New Hope when you rebuilt it.
01:12:10Whose name is on it?
01:12:12Pastor Daniel Byrd.
01:12:13Right.
01:12:14Not me.
01:12:16No mention of my sacrifice, my work, my contribution.
01:12:23Leona!
01:12:24First Lady!
01:12:25That's how you will address me in my church.
01:12:29I built this church.
01:12:31I built this city.
01:12:33You will all give me the respect that I am due.
01:12:37Starting with you, Neil.
01:12:39What?
01:12:40I said, kneel.
01:12:45I don't kneel to anybody but God.
01:12:48Oh, well, there's a first time for everything.
01:12:51Bring him to his knees.
01:12:53Hold on!
01:12:54Wait!
01:12:55No!
01:12:56No!
01:12:57Leona!
01:12:58Stop!
01:12:59Just stop it!
01:13:00Ella Mae!
01:13:01Are you here to repent for your sins or to turn yourself in?
01:13:05It's over, Mother.
01:13:06Let Kendrick go and let these people go.
01:13:09This is over when I say it's over.
01:13:12After all, I'm the mayor.
01:13:16Not anymore.
01:13:18You've been impeached as acting mayor by a unanimous vote of the City Council of Cyprus.
01:13:23You need to step down, Leona, effective immediately.
01:13:27Does this look like a democracy to you?
01:13:30You know, Leona, I thought you would say something like that.
01:13:34Now!
01:13:39Leona, by order of the State of Georgia, you need to step down.
01:13:51I managed to rescind your power of attorney.
01:14:06You no longer have any control over my assets.
01:14:09Thankfully, I got what I needed when I had them.
01:14:12Well, maybe.
01:14:13But you're gonna need a hell of an attorney after all you've done.
01:14:16What did I do exactly?
01:14:18You terrorized the citizens of Cyprus, for one.
01:14:21I was the acting mayor.
01:14:23I made executive orders in a state of emergency.
01:14:27You had the police break into the citizens' homes.
01:14:30You looted them.
01:14:31You stole from them.
01:14:33That was asset forfeiture.
01:14:36Necessary search and seizure to find the girls that went missing on your watch.
01:14:42Yeah, well, good luck proving that to a judge.
01:14:45But you know what?
01:14:46You're gonna go away for a very long time.
01:14:49And don't expect to get out of this one alive.
01:14:51Speak, Ella Mae.
01:14:56Do you really believe that I thought I would have indefinite reign over the city of Cyprus?
01:15:04I was the acting mayor.
01:15:07Of course I understood I had a certain window to accomplish my goals.
01:15:13Goals?
01:15:14Your goals?
01:15:16What were your goals, Leona, huh?
01:15:19To hurt me?
01:15:20Well, congratulations.
01:15:21You did that.
01:15:22You hurt me.
01:15:23I should have never trusted you.
01:15:25I should have never believed that my mother would actually try to help me.
01:15:32You killed Malik.
01:15:35You set me up for murder.
01:15:37You put him in my pool and then you called the police.
01:15:39For what?
01:15:40For what?
01:15:41For them to arrest me?
01:15:42What?
01:15:43Sentence me to life in prison?
01:15:45Or kill me?
01:15:47For what?
01:15:48What were your goals, Leona, huh?
01:15:51Do you really hate me that much?
01:15:55Your own daughter?
01:15:57Ella Mae, I'm...
01:16:00Fisher, what are you doing here?
01:16:05I am Leona's attorney.
01:16:10What?
01:16:11Why would you represent her after all she's done?
01:16:15She threw Kendrick in jail.
01:16:17He couldn't even get to you.
01:16:18I don't know anything about that.
01:16:20I'm sorry.
01:16:21But prior to all of the alleged occurrences, Leona retained me as her legal counsel.
01:16:25For what?
01:16:28I obtained Leona's immunity deal.
01:16:30All of her actions as acting mayor have been deemed inadmissible in court.
01:16:38No.
01:16:39No, that's not possible.
01:16:40Because the entire city council, they are ready to testify against her.
01:16:45This deal goes up before the Georgia State Supreme Court justice.
01:16:48And Leona's being vouched for by State Senator Hayes, who I believe you're familiar with.
01:16:53Fisher, you know what she's done.
01:16:55You know what she is capable of doing.
01:16:58She tried to kill Kendrick, you know, your baby's father, more than once.
01:17:04And you choose to defend her?
01:17:06I mean, please, tell me why.
01:17:09Everyone's entitled to a defense.
01:17:12Oh, hell no!
01:17:13No, I am not buying that.
01:17:16She got something on you.
01:17:18I know better.
01:17:19Ella, I was just trying.
01:17:21Trying to what?
01:17:22Trying to what, Stacia Han?
01:17:23You trying to help?
01:17:24Help what?
01:17:25Help this sociopath?
01:17:27Because you sure the hell ain't helping me or Kendrick.
01:17:30Oh, God.
01:17:32I can't believe that you are carrying his child.
01:17:36That man loves you.
01:17:38He will never leave you.
01:17:40This?
01:17:41This is what you do?
01:17:43Oh.
01:17:48I am sorry, Ella.
01:17:49Ella, just go.
01:17:50Just get out of here.
01:17:51Well, that was entertaining.
01:17:56Did you really think I wouldn't have an exit plan?
01:18:03I really taught you nothing.
01:18:05You know what?
01:18:07This is the thing, Leona.
01:18:10You may be getting out of a prison sentence, but there's no exit for you.
01:18:17Really?
01:18:18Yeah.
01:18:19Because you are a pariah.
01:18:21You have destroyed anything that's left of your name and your reputation here in Cyprus.
01:18:26And that's what matters to you.
01:18:29That's what you lost.
01:18:31Maybe.
01:18:32But I learned a lesson when I was quite young.
01:18:41It is better to be feared than loved.
01:18:46And every citizen in Cyprus is afraid of me.
01:18:51Well, enjoy it, Mother dear.
01:18:56Because that's a very lonely existence.
01:18:59Ella, one more thing before you go.
01:19:05I didn't kill Malik Thompson.
01:19:12I didn't put his body in your pool.
01:19:16But you might want to think long and hard about who did.
01:19:22Madam Mayor.
01:19:24Come in.
01:19:31Miss Johnson, good to see you again.
01:19:35Please, have a seat.
01:19:37Yes, it's good to see you too.
01:19:41Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Dr. Ross.
01:19:44Of course, it's my pleasure.
01:19:45What can I do for you?
01:19:47I want to apologize.
01:19:50I was so scared about everything involving Levi.
01:19:54And I know I wasn't the most composed person when I came in here before.
01:19:59I understand.
01:20:01When you're closely connected to a patient, it can be hard to separate your personal feelings.
01:20:05I was worried.
01:20:06So worried about him.
01:20:07Especially when he ended up in the hospital.
01:20:10Thankfully it all worked out.
01:20:11Yes, thanks to you.
01:20:13That's actually why I'm here.
01:20:15You know I'm a doctor.
01:20:17Yes.
01:20:18Levi spoke very highly of you.
01:20:21But what you may not know is that I don't currently have my medical license.
01:20:25Hmm.
01:20:29That's unfortunate.
01:20:30But I'm going to do something about that.
01:20:32More importantly, I want to do something about that.
01:20:35Because I would love to work with you.
01:20:38I want to learn from you.
01:20:40Well.
01:20:41That could be very interesting.
01:20:46Pastor Green.
01:20:49My lawyers have assured me that Leona has absolutely no further claim on the church.
01:20:55I don't know why she had a claim in the first place.
01:20:57Sometimes you got to make a deal with the devil on the path to salvation.
01:21:02Is that what you got?
01:21:04Salvation?
01:21:05I'll call it a new chapter.
01:21:08A fresh start.
01:21:09Hmm.
01:21:10Well, here's to that.
01:21:13By the way, everything is set on Malik Thompson's funeral.
01:21:18I think Jabari will be very proud of the send off that we're giving to his brother.
01:21:23Good to hear, Pastor.
01:21:24And thank you.
01:21:25Just want to make sure Jabari gets everything he deserves.
01:21:29Me too.
01:21:31Everything he deserves.
01:21:38Look at that right there.
01:21:41This.
01:21:42Hey, babe.
01:21:43Hey, sweetheart.
01:21:44You were gone when I woke up.
01:21:45Yeah, I had to handle some business at Upsurge.
01:21:48I hear that.
01:22:01You were so cute.
01:22:03I didn't want to wake you up.
01:22:04You need your sleep.
01:22:06Trust me.
01:22:07I got what I need right here.
01:22:11I gotta tell you something.
01:22:13What?
01:22:14It's complicated.
01:22:17I-
01:22:18Listen.
01:22:20Is this about Leona not being charged?
01:22:23I saw it on the news already.
01:22:25It's no surprise.
01:22:27That woman always skates.
01:22:28You know that.
01:22:30That's part of it.
01:22:35I helped her.
01:22:36I got Leona her immunity deal.
01:22:38What?
01:22:39She was threatening you.
01:22:41I didn't know where she was holding you.
01:22:43I didn't know if you were dead or alive.
01:22:46I didn't know where she was holding you.
01:22:47So she made you help her?
01:22:49Yes.
01:22:54So you were protecting me?
01:22:55I was-
01:22:56I wanted to.
01:22:59I'm so sorry.
01:23:01Listen.
01:23:02You don't have nothing to be sorry about.
01:23:07But-
01:23:08Wait.
01:23:09You did what you had to do to keep me safe.
01:23:12To protect our family.
01:23:15How could I be mad at you for something like that?
01:23:19Sweetheart, you gonna be a great mother to our baby.
01:23:24I can't wait.
01:23:25I love you.
01:23:26I love you.
01:23:31I love you.
01:23:33I love you.
01:23:48Get in, Julissa.
01:23:52I don't want that.
01:24:03It was a job well done.
01:24:05You earned it.
01:24:06I just wanna find Candy.
01:24:07Now you said you were gonna help me.
01:24:09And I will.
01:24:10I keep my promises.
01:24:12You did exactly as I asked you.
01:24:15Now continue to keep your mouth shut.
01:24:20Can I go?
01:24:21Of course.
01:24:23Aren't you forgetting something?
01:24:36I knew this little burner phone would come in handy.
01:24:43Be careful out there, Julissa.
01:24:44The streets can be dangerous.
01:24:54Last time tonight.
01:25:04Can I come in?
01:25:06When have you ever asked for permission, Ella Mai?
01:25:14So, um, I guess you already heard about Leona.
01:25:21No charges.
01:25:23Yeah.
01:25:24No charges.
01:25:25No charges for terrorizing Kendrick.
01:25:29No charges for terrorizing the citizens of Cyprus.
01:25:33And no charges for setting me up for murder.
01:25:35Wow.
01:25:36She got immunity for all that stuff.
01:25:39Well, you see, they couldn't charge her for setting me up for murder.
01:25:45Because she didn't do it, Rex.
01:25:50You did.
01:25:51You put Malik's body in my pool.
01:25:57You set me up.
01:26:05You know what, Ella?
01:26:06I sure as hell did.
01:26:12Why, Rex?
01:26:16Do you hate me that much?
01:26:19You got it all wrong, Ella.
01:26:20I loved you that much.
01:26:25But see, Ella.
01:26:27You threw it all away.
01:26:29You killed my father!
01:26:31So what?
01:26:34You killed St. Charles.
01:26:36Sherry Tucker.
01:26:38Ford.
01:26:39Paige.
01:26:41You killed all of them, Ella.
01:26:43Yeah.
01:26:45Your body counted sky high.
01:26:48The only difference is, you called me, and I was the one who buried all the bodies.
01:26:53But see, when you made your mistake, Ella.
01:26:57You got too comfortable.
01:26:58You don't think I felt it?
01:27:01As much as I love you,
01:27:04the way you were stringing me along.
01:27:07Playing me like a little bitch.
01:27:10You got used to living in a world where I was your whipping boy and your greatest ally.
01:27:15Well, you should get used to living in a world where Rex Fisher is your biggest enemy.
01:27:21So no, you didn't kill Malik.
01:27:24But your ass is going down for it.
01:27:26So here's to you, Ella.
01:27:28Game over.
01:27:30I'm gonna be your worst nightmare.
01:27:32Game over.
01:27:35I'm gonna be your worst nightmare.
01:27:38Game over.
01:27:49Game over.