Chapter One: Public Diplomacy

Speaker 1 00:00:05 A lush green field, its blades of grass, gently swing in the breeze. Chirps of birds and crickets echo in the distance. The calm serene setting is interrupted by a speeding van swerving as it zips over the grass, bouncing over every little hill in valley, it encounters a good distance behind the van. A swarm of police vehicles, chase after sirens wailing, as they bounce along the same Hills and valleys in unison, the van takes a sharp right onto a highway, picking up speed as it veers in and outta lanes, barely missing vehicle bumpers, drivers, honk and tires screech. As they swerve out of the way, the squad cars follow keeping a safe distance. The van makes a Kamikazi zip diagonally across all lanes to take an off ramp, random vehicles, collide or near miss. Some squad cars get caught in the chaos. Others successfully veer through the vehicular maze, continuing their pursuit down the off ramp moments. Later, the van sits empty and haphazardly across the lawn of an abandoned check in a field on the outskirts of town. Police sirens grow louder. As they approach squad cars arrive and surround the check officers, exit their vehicles. Guns drawn the van driver, a chunky balding brute peeks through one of the Shack's boarded windows, smiles and moves away. And officer raises his CB speaks into it. Speaker 2 00:01:37 15. This is two, a 25, whoever four 17, surrounded at 18 priors field road. Over Speaker 1 00:01:45 The voice of FBI agent Eli BR baker crackles through the CB Speaker 3 00:01:50 In evidence Speaker 2 00:01:52 Unclear Speaker 3 00:01:53 Collateral damage. Speaker 1 00:01:55 The officer looks around suspicious of the question. Speaker 2 00:01:59 Minimal Speaker 3 00:02:01 Proceed with the burner. Speaker 1 00:02:03 The officer is caught off guard by the command, but does not hesitate understood the officer gestures to his partner, Speaker 2 00:02:09 Light it up. Speaker 4 00:02:11 Copy that Speaker 1 00:02:12 Minutes later behind a SWAT band, the SWAT lead prepares a drone. He flips a switch on a remote in his hand, and the drone takes off buzzing along in the Shas direction. Once it reaches the shed, the drone ejects, a liquid from a side compartment, the liquid sprays out as the drone circles, the house splattering against all four sides initiating the Whatley, presses a button on the remote when suddenly a gunshot emanates from the shack and the drone drops to the ground just as it admits a stream of fire towards the bottom of the shack, the house ignites and is soon covered in flames. Officer shield themselves from the heat as they watched the house burn warped hardwood floors, and whether it's support beams signifying a house or all that remain smoke still billows from the remnants. As a team of individuals in hazmat suits pushed their way through firemen or snuffing out whatever's left smoldering. The hazmat group enters the houses remains. One of them removes his head gear to reveal FBI agent Eli BR baker, 40 lie and intense who searches the rubble, nobody to be found Speaker 1 00:03:23 Brewbaker looks to the others in the group, then walks the length of the house. As he thinks his footsteps all sound similar until he steps on a particular plank. When then he emits a hollow sound, Brewbaker stops. He backs up steps on it. Again, he gets on his knees, sweeps the debris from the plank and jars it loose. He pulls on the plank, which reveals itself to be a trap door. He opens it to find a ladder which descends into a dark tunnel. Brewbaker dips his head in searching helplessly and growing frustrated. The others in the hazmat group gather over his shoulder shit. He yells as he slams the door, shut chapter one, public diplomacy in her LA apartment, Claudia Vasquez, early thirties with a soldiers, physique and laser focus completes a set of pushups in her living room works a punching bag in her garage and hangs upside down from a pull-up bar, completing a set of AB crunches in an Archway. Whenever angles is fixed with an ankle monitor, Jolene Joe PCI, mid forties with a cold steel stare and the business attire to match it pays Claudia visit. She unlocks the ankle monitor and removes it. Claudia smiles upon its release. Joe's response, a near Speaker 1 00:05:01 In a residential neighborhood across town. Officer Sam Pierce, late thirties with a devilish charm undermined by a cocky vanity, pulls a hairdress husband out of his house in handcuffs towards his squad car. The wife follows the berating and slapping her cuffed husband along the way Sam's seasoned partner, officer Mac Devlin, forties angry and jaded grabs the wife's hands blocking her blows. Sam yells to his partner over the chaos. Hey, Speaker 5 00:05:30 To listen to this Speaker 6 00:05:31 Is this. Some of that marital BLIS I'm missing out on Speaker 5 00:05:35 Ear. Mileage may vary. Good me all ma'am that's enough. Knock it off. Get back Speaker 1 00:05:41 In an office. Building downtown Martin Chen, late twenties, hotheaded, and eager to close deals in his three piece suit and tie stands behind his office desk. Overlooking the skyline. An AirPod is lodged in one ear. As he chats up a client on the phone, his smile reveal they're buying, whatever Martin is pedaling. You're gonna love this. Speaker 7 00:06:02 I think it's just the sort of investment you're Speaker 1 00:06:04 Looking for. His phone vibrates on the desk, behind him. He reads the display. Angela Martin observes it for a moment before turning his attention back to this skyline. Speaker 7 00:06:14 Is it a risk? Everything's a risk author. It's all a matter of calculation, Speaker 1 00:06:21 A hole in the wall Tavern by the beach, just opening up late afternoon. Sunrise peek through the draw on curtains. Only a couple of regulars are up at the bar this time of day. And one of the few booths in the place, Frank Cole, thirties, but scruffy bearded and disheveled enough to look 50 slouches in his seat, lingering over a glass of water. His attention is focused on a news story, which plays on a TV behind the bar. The volume down on the screen. A reporter speaks as a photo of a black 17 year old boy hovers over her shoulder. The name Josiah Holson appears beneath him. Captain Robert Oron, fifties, cropped gray, hair, dignified and determined. And there's the bar decked out in his police uniform. He nods at the bartender and scans the room. He finds Frank and joins him in the booth. Both watch the tube for a moment. The bartender approaches. Speaker 8 00:07:18 What Speaker 9 00:07:18 Can I get ya? Speaker 1 00:07:19 Orson looks to Frank and says, Speaker 8 00:07:21 What are you drinking? Speaker 9 00:07:23 I don't drink anymore. Speaker 8 00:07:25 Then why the hell are we at a bar whiskey on the rocks? Be generous with the poor will ya? Speaker 1 00:07:31 The bartender moves off Orson inches closer to Frank speaking in confidence. Speaker 8 00:07:37 This is a real shit show. Frank nut job slips through the Fed's fingers at every turn. Speaker 9 00:07:43 And he leads Speaker 1 00:07:45 Frank slips. His water Speaker 8 00:07:46 Days, weeks, months, nothing then. Well, that's why I'm here. You can help stop this. Speaker 1 00:07:57 Frank nearly choked Speaker 9 00:07:58 <laugh> and here I thought you were concerned for my wellbeing. I'm never coming back. Speaker 8 00:08:05 I'm not asking the da is and the mayor, the governor, we could be looking at a national emergency. Speaker 9 00:08:13 Who does this guy take out Speaker 8 00:08:16 Soon? Thousands. Speaker 1 00:08:19 Oron gives Frank a look of dire desperation. Frank is lost in that perplexed by Oren's cryptic answers. Speaker 9 00:08:26 What makes you think I can help? Speaker 8 00:08:30 Because he asks for you. Speaker 1 00:08:32 Frank is thrown for a loop. The bartender returns with the drink. Orson grabs it from her before it even hits the table, GOs it down, hands her back. The glass she takes. It gives him a look and goes worsen, rises and drops some money on the table. Speaker 8 00:08:47 Come on, they're waiting. The who captain. Speaker 9 00:08:50 I don't understand. Speaker 8 00:08:51 You will please. Frank. This is the closest we've ever Speaker 1 00:08:55 Been. Oron tugs. Frank SBO, Frank Rolin, but remains wary a federal building. Downtown Frank steps out of an elevator and walks the length of a hallway through office windows. He sees officers at their desks rushing off to a job or meeting in conference rooms. Those who pass Frank in the hallway give him double, takes each one, starting with shock and landing on sympathy. Others who notice him start whispering to one another. Frank ignores it all impresses on one. Officer pats him on the back as he passes. Speaker 10 00:09:29 Welcome back, sir. Speaker 1 00:09:31 Frank nods, a thank you. He enters a room at the end of the hallway. The room is barely furnished. Several random chairs are STR about a filing cabinet collects dust in a corner. The plastic window blinds crumpled from years of neglect at one of the windows. Claudia sits and peaks through a set of blinds. As if on a stakeout, she takes a moment sizes. Frank up then returns her or retention to the window. Sam paces the room, fidgeting with a vape pen. He approaches Frank before he can even finish closing the door behind him. Speaker 10 00:10:03 Damn. How many of us are there? Speaker 1 00:10:05 Frank shrugs? Half-heartedly Sam yanks his hand into his shake. Wholeheartedly. Speaker 10 00:10:10 Officer Sam Pierce gotta warn you brother. I'm the spotlights bitch. Soon as those cameras get a load of me, can't promise. There'll be enough. Fame left to go around. Speaker 1 00:10:22 Sam speaks that last line and Claudia's direction and gives her a wink. Claudia rolls her eyes and returns her attention to the window Speaker 7 00:10:31 Cameras. Speaker 10 00:10:32 We're gonna be heroes. Baby determined, selfless purveyors of the law who band together to save countless lives in the face of pure evil. That story writes itself. The tenacious trio, huh? How's that sound? Speaker 1 00:10:49 Their attention is taken by the sound of a muffled voice emanating from the hallway, which grows closer. Speaker 7 00:10:57 You, you need Speaker 1 00:11:01 The door slams open and a burly officer enters thrusting Martin into the room and slamming the door behind him. Martin rises and dusts himself off. As he shouts at the closed door. Speaker 7 00:11:11 This is unconstitutional. You hear me? I have your badge. Pal. Speaker 1 00:11:16 Sam looks to Frank and bewilder man. Speaker 10 00:11:18 Make that the fearless foursome Speaker 1 00:11:22 Martin slows his breathing and looks between Frank, Sam and Claudia. Skeptical. Speaker 7 00:11:27 Who are you? Huh? Answer me and, and save yourself some jail time. Speaker 10 00:11:33 Easy stretch. We're all caged animals here. Speaker 7 00:11:36 I don't believe you. I get dragged here against my will. Maybe I was dragged here to get jumped. If we did it be to shut your ass up. See who's that? What is she gonna do? Hey, Speaker 1 00:11:49 Frank's voice shakes the room. The complete silence, even Claudia's full attention is taken Sam's vape pen dangles from his mouth unattended. Frank approaches Martin, as he continues, Speaker 9 00:12:01 I don't know who you are, but there's a terrorist out there. This guy's untraceable. And he poses some sort of imminent threat. The only ones who can do anything about it are in this room. Now that you know, as much as we do, you gonna sit down or you gonna lie down. Speaker 1 00:12:21 Martin banks cautiously into a chair. I'm Martin Chen. Oron rushes in followed by agent brew, baker and brew. Baker's assistant a spectacle young man with a laptop, carry on adorning, his shoulder, who wheels in a computer monitor. Speaker 8 00:12:36 Mr. Chen, you're awake a bit more receptive to information this time around. I hope Speaker 1 00:12:43 Martin rubs his head remembering a montage of black and white photos appear on the monitor, soldiers and fatigues nuclear bomb components, a world map indicating Chenia and closeups of four metal suitcases Brewbaker stands beside the monitor. As he addresses the group. Speaker 11 00:13:03 Earlier this year, a group of CIA operatives were conducting an act of public diplomacy involving a nuclear arms deal with Cheney and militants. A tracking device was embedded in each of the four suitcases with the intent of leading us to their compound. Soon after the cases were exchanged, their signals died. The material has been lost without a trace ever since needless to say, this is a highly volatile situation and an international crisis. We've had no lead for months. Then a few hours ago, this Speaker 1 00:13:36 The screen goes black and is replaced by an audio wave signal, which vibrates as a voice begins to speak. Speaker 12 00:13:42 There is a sickness in this country, perhaps it's always been here festering beneath the surface. We know we need to cure it, but it's systemic. There's no one place to start. So we start nowhere. Well I'm starting somewhere. Speaker 1 00:14:06 Their photos appear as the voice calls them out. One by one, Speaker 12 00:14:09 Samuel Pierce, Claudia Vasquez, Martin Chen, Franklin Cole. Each of you are far guiltier than I'll ever be. Yet. Somehow you get to live free of repercussions, absolved of any responsibility. What makes you so special? What elevates you above justice? Speaker 1 00:14:45 Frank bows his head. Sam SNE turns. Inquisitive. Claudia shows mild concern. Martin is a nervous wreck Speaker 12 00:14:54 At six tomorrow evening. Each of you will stand trial alive national trial by a jury of your peers. And we will reveal your secrets for all the world to see Speaker 1 00:15:10 The room is gripped in genuine worry as if each knows precisely to what the voice refers except Claudia horse and brew baker look over their faces for clues. Speaker 12 00:15:20 There are explosive devices buried in four locations across this great nation of ours. One in each of your names, you try to run. It goes off, you play ball. It doesn't. Each of you will have saved thousands and thousands of lives, but your lives, as you've known them will come to an end. Speaker 1 00:15:51 The audio wave flat lines. As the feed goes out, Brewbaker hovers above the group, like a teacher in charge of detention. Speaker 11 00:15:59 Talk to me. How does he know you? Speaker 1 00:16:01 Silence around the room? Frank Martin and Sam avoid eye contact their eyes. Very secrets, deep down. Speaker 11 00:16:09 I have no idea. Speaker 7 00:16:10 You don't have to answer any of these questions. None of us do. This is a violation of our Miranda. Rights Speaker 8 00:16:15 Enough outta you. Chill. Speaker 7 00:16:17 Now this is absurd. I'm not cowtowing to some anonymous troll over baseless claims Speaker 13 00:16:22 You okay with thousands of deaths on your hands. Speaker 7 00:16:24 Another baseless claim, Hey, I'm gonna blow out the touch. Maha. Why are me a million dollars? And I won't give a break. Speaker 11 00:16:31 That's not a risk. The agency's going to take serial numbers on the cases match our records. Speaker 1 00:16:36 Sam thinks that one over Speaker 10 00:16:38 Proof that he can is proof that he could. Speaker 7 00:16:41 This is crazy. I'm not ruining my life for this government. Screw up. You will be hearing from my lawyer. Speaker 1 00:16:47 Martin gets up and straightens his suit and tie before marching out of the room, Brewbaker leans into his assistant's ear. Speaker 11 00:16:54 Keep a tail on him. Speaker 1 00:16:55 The assistant nods and follows after Martin worse focuses on Frank, Speaker 8 00:17:00 Come on, kid, help us bring this guy in. What do you think he's got on you? Speaker 11 00:17:06 What if he doesn't stop? Speaker 10 00:17:07 Yeah, we put our shit out there. Ruin our reputation. And this nut keeps running. Where does that leave us? You could ruin jobs. Lives. Families Speaker 13 00:17:18 Thought you wanted to be a hero. Fearless. Where's your Cape. Now Speaker 1 00:17:23 Sam shoes, Claudia, look, Speaker 11 00:17:24 The bureau acknowledges what's at stake. They're prepared to provide you all safety net, whatever that may entail. Employment, relocation, witness protection, but make no mistake. He has to be stopped and we have to stop him. Speaker 13 00:17:40 So the government accidentally arms a terrorist cell and is using our lives to clean up their mess. Speaker 8 00:17:46 No one said, this is fair with your, your help. Maybe we'll get lucky and track his location in time. But every second you fail to cooperate with what you know, hinders that Speaker 10 00:17:58 I'm with them. Captain. This nut must have drawn our names out of a hat. I mean, if you're asking if I got enemies, name one beat cop who doesn't Speaker 1 00:18:08 Brewbaker gives them all a once over before nodding reluctant, acceptance Speaker 11 00:18:14 Fine. See you in 24 hours. You think of anything before you let me know every second counts and please don't try to run. If blood ends up on your hands, you'll be running forever. Speaker 1 00:18:27 Sam it's the vape pen. Claudia pulls her hoodie over head and walks out a hardened poker face. Frank sits in a daze. Speaker 1 00:18:37 Frank unlocks his apartment door and enters. He flicks a light switch, revealing the ultimate pig style of a bachelor pad. Empty TV dinners are piled on a foldable dinner stand clothes are STR about the couch and armchair. Frank drops his keys onto a nightstand on that. Nightstand are three framed photos in one photo. Frank is marrying Nora Cole, a young beautiful, happy couple in the second photo, a young clean cut. Frank is being awarded a medal by captain Orson. The third photo was face down. Frank moves some clothes out of the way, pops onto the couch and lets out a deep sigh. He looks down at the coffee table before him and the lone glass of water that occupies it. Claudia spends her evening at an indoor shooting range. And at this late hour is the lone occupant. She wears ear muffs while she takes aim and fires at a shooting, target, all shots hit the Target's head and chest. Her face is cold. Fearless. She presses a buzzer. The paper target moves on cue and Ching closer and closer. As soon as it reaches her and Claudia raises her gun and pumps one final round in the center of the Target's head. Speaker 15 00:19:53 Good Lord. Claudia, Speaker 1 00:19:55 Gus, uh, port Lee, stubbly bearded fellow in his seventies and owner of this range puts on his coat as he lean in the doorway. Claudia turns slightly to acknowledge him before unloading unlocking her gun. Speaker 15 00:20:07 Shut him down in 10. You know you got lead more. Maybe you wouldn't be damn hostile. Is that why your wife is such a bitch? <laugh> that's a good one. That's a good one. Goodnight hun Speaker 1 00:20:20 Gus sleeves, Claudia studies the target with determination before ripping it from its post, Sam paces back and forth on his apartment. Rooftop. A phone is nestled between his shoulder and ear. He reaches for a pack of cigarettes, which sits on a table next to his vape pen. He lights a cigarette and takes a puff as the voice of his partner's wife. Cheryl Devlin, chirps into his ear. Speaker 14 00:20:47 Hey Sam, Max's not around. Um, maybe he's pulling a double. Want me to give him a message? Speaker 1 00:20:52 Sam takes a beat. Looks out over the cityscape, searching the darkness for an answer. Speaker 10 00:20:58 No, I'm sure he's just on a call or something. Speaker 14 00:21:01 Everything. All right? Speaker 10 00:21:03 Sure. Just you know, long night kiss the babies for me will ya? Speaker 14 00:21:11 You bet. Night, Sam, Speaker 1 00:21:14 Sam hangs up, takes another drag of the cigarette and slowly exhales in his bathroom. Sam lean into his sink and splashes water on his nerves. He pulls his head from the sink and whips around, searching the room for that voice panicked. It's gone. Now he breathes the sigh of relief, but is shaken. Nonetheless Martin dined with Albert O'Malley his SWA 40 ish slick personal attorney. Albert seems more concerned with his meal than Martin's plight Martin, too nervous to eat. Cannot sit still. Speaker 7 00:21:59 So, Speaker 1 00:22:00 So what Speaker 7 00:22:02 I mean, what are my options here? Speaker 1 00:22:04 Go against the United States government versus a little embarrassment on the world. Stage to save lives. You tell me Speaker 7 00:22:12 They have no right to pry into my personal life. Doesn't this qualify as some sort of unlawful order. Speaker 1 00:22:19 Marty, what is it? You hire a gay escort. Did some meth, did meth with a gay escort? <laugh> Speaker 7 00:22:26 This? Isn't a joke. It's my GA life. Speaker 1 00:22:29 Take it easy. All self-incrimination will be erased. FDS waiver looks legit. Speaker 7 00:22:36 What if it's just a soft target? Like a nursing home or a homeless shelter. I mean, it's not like the guy blowed Pentagon. Speaker 1 00:22:44 Can you imagine trying to live your life in peace after killing everyone's grandma? Speaker 7 00:22:49 I am not doing anything. I haven't. Who is this guy? That's what this should be about. I got nothing to do with this Speaker 1 00:22:58 It's okay, Marty, whatever it is, whatever you've done, you'll move past it. And you'll be a savior. Martin shakes his head, his eyes grow distant. Speaker 7 00:23:12 I want to live my life. You can't just barge and take it from me. Speaker 1 00:23:18 Talk to me. Marty. Attorney, client privilege. What have you done? How bad can it be? Martin rises almost zombie like in his despair and walks off Albert yells after him are we done? Don't worry. It's on me. The next morning. Claudia parks in the driveway of a two-story house at the end, end of a cul-de-sac. She turns off the ignition and takes a moment to breathe deep. She looks to the front door, then adjusts her rear view mirror. She withdraws a makeup kit from her purse, finds the lipstick and applies it halfway through. She stops and studies herself. Her reflection gives her a hard time. A banging is heard. Claudia looks toward the house. Emma, seven years old and ready to jump outta her skin with excitement bangs on the living room window. She waves wildly at Claudia with a grin Emma's yell is faintly audible through the window. Speaker 17 00:24:21 Hi mommy. Speaker 1 00:24:22 Claudia waves back. She smiles slightly. The first real emotion she's shown the front door opens Harold Vasquez bearded late thirties with a professorial Tweed jacket and glasses looks Claudia up and down. As she stands in the doorway, she wears a blouse and slacks worlds. Apart from our hooded jacket and jeans look, Speaker 18 00:24:48 Ah, you found the grownup closet, Speaker 1 00:24:50 Claudia faints, a smile. He returns it and gives her a hug, which she reciprocates with. Trepidation. Harold looks her up and down concerned. Speaker 18 00:25:01 How are things? Speaker 13 00:25:03 Things are Speaker 1 00:25:05 Silence passes between them. Speaker 18 00:25:08 Emma start at ballet practice. About a month ago, Speaker 1 00:25:11 He withdraws his phone from his pocket. Scrolls through pictures, then stops and hands Claudia, the phone Claudia scrolls pride in adoration, crossing her face with every pick. And the first pick Emma is in a Tutu attempting her first pirouette and the second she's grinning ear to ear hugging her ballet teacher and the last one Emma's fingers. Hold bunny ears behind Harold's head. Claudia smiles. She got Speaker 18 00:25:39 You. Yeah, she's a sly one. It's moments like those that I see you in her the most Speaker 1 00:25:45 She shoots. 'em a look that says don't even try it. Speaker 13 00:25:48 Oh, how long before I scroll into one of your Dick pics, Speaker 18 00:25:51 Claudia Speaker 1 00:25:53 Harold thinks for a moment then yanks the phone away. Speaker 18 00:25:56 Remembering wait, gimme that Speaker 1 00:25:58 Joe approaches from a hallway, stern is ever badge on her hip and gives Claudia once over Speaker 19 00:26:05 Claudia. Speaker 13 00:26:07 Joe Speaker 1 00:26:08 Joe moves between Harold and Claudia. Harold shifts uncomfortably. He hates this part Speaker 19 00:26:14 Arms up Speaker 1 00:26:16 Claudia doesn't budge. Speaker 19 00:26:18 Don't make me beg Speaker 1 00:26:20 She and Claudia hold menacing stare. Before Claudia slowly raises her arms. Joe pets are down starting with her upper body. She opens her purse and inspects it then starts patting the rest of her down all at a deliberately slow pace. Claudia looks from Joe to an empty staircase behind them. Anxious. Speaker 13 00:26:42 Can Speaker 19 00:26:42 You you hurry up before she comes back down, she's gotta get used to it sooner or later. Speaker 1 00:26:48 Claudia's eyes shoot dagger at Joe Emma descends the stairs with a backpack. She stops halfway and looks to her mom being patted down her mood sours, a little Claudia's eyes lock onto Emma's. Then her hurts, reverts them in shame. Joe completes her inspection and stands. She turns the, see Emma on the stairs clutching her backpack. Then looks between the two. Speaker 19 00:27:13 All good. Ready? Emma, Speaker 1 00:27:16 Emma nos and descends the remaining steps. Claudia glares it Joe and Joe returns it in an elementary school. Faculty lounge. Nora Coles sits among a group of teachers watching the news, the queen of multi-tasking Nora oscillates, between grading papers, stealing glances at the TV and devouring her sandwich on the news. The photo of Josiah Nicholson. Again, the peers in the corner of the screen behind the news anchor, as she speaks beneath his photo reads black teen shot dead by police. Speaker 20 00:27:50 The investigation continues into the officer involved shooting death of Josiah Kelson. His mother Rashonda Nicholson held a press conference earlier today. Take a look Speaker 1 00:28:00 Flanked by her lawyers at the top of a set of courthouse steps. Rashonda Kelson 40 strong in her resilience, but harboring a shattered heart stands before an array of microphones. With a trembling hand, she raises a framed picture of Josiah as she speaks Speaker 19 00:28:17 One month ago today, my little boy was taken from me from today. Today is killer. Killer is is free, but I don't never be free. Never my little boy, my little boy, Speaker 1 00:28:43 Frank dinners, the lounge, the teachers react and all and surprise handshakes hugs and pats on the back are offered. Speaker 19 00:28:51 Frank, Frank, how you holding up? You look good. Speaker 1 00:28:54 Hey buddy. Really Speaker 19 00:28:55 Good. Long time. No C Speaker 1 00:28:58 Frank approaches Nora slow day. Huh? Speaker 19 00:29:02 How was smile? What I want Speaker 21 00:29:04 Poor woman a I know she still wakes up in the morning and for a split second believes he's still there. Speaker 19 00:29:11 I will not rest. And my boy will not rest until justice is served. Can you gimme a moment? Speaker 21 00:29:22 Moment is all I got Speaker 1 00:29:25 Helps. Nora packer papers into her shoulder bag. As they exit, as the anchor continues, the program cuts to a shot of the courthouse doors where Sam and his partner, Mac Devlin in suits and ties and accompanied by fellow officers, Milo Guzman and Larry Pope fendor reporters. As they exit the courthouse. Speaker 20 00:29:46 The three other officers at the scene have corroborated officer MC Delvin's claim that the victim tried to pull the officer's gun and he feared for his life. All four officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing Speaker 1 00:29:59 In the school library. Nora sits at a table, bewildered Frank paces before her. Speaker 21 00:30:06 What does he want with you? Speaker 1 00:30:08 Frank shrugs Speaker 21 00:30:10 SSON have any leads. Speaker 9 00:30:12 If the call lasts long enough to track, Speaker 1 00:30:15 He passes the table again, but Nora takes his hand this time, stopping him in tracks. Speaker 21 00:30:21 Haven't we been through enough? Is there anything you haven't told me anything that I don't know, Speaker 1 00:30:30 Something eats at Frank longing to get out, but he offers a head shake instead. Speaker 21 00:30:37 You sure Speaker 9 00:30:39 We were married 10 years lower. My secrets are your secrets. Speaker 1 00:30:45 Nora accepts that she rises and pulls him into a hug. Frank's eye shut tight on her embrace. When they pull away, he slowly moves in for a kiss. She stops him with a hand to his chest and presses her forehead against his. Instead after a few moments, Nora breaks the embrace and makes her way to the exit. She stops at the door and turns to him, Speaker 21 00:31:11 Bring him down. Frank, you deserve to be a hero again. Speaker 1 00:31:18 She slips out the door. Frank drops the facade, worry and shame. Now take hold. After an evening spent at the office. Martin pulls his car to a stop in front of his house to find his front lawn swarming with reporters and cameras, his nervous sweats force him to loosen his tie. The press barely give him enough room to open his door and wriggle out of his vehicle. He squeezes his way through them, briefcase in hand, making his way to his front door. Mr. Speaker 4 00:31:48 Mr. Chen, Mr. Chen, Mr. Chen Chen. Mr. Chen, Mr. Chen, what sort of secret is this mysterious voice going to reveal about you? Mr. Speaker 22 00:31:56 Chen, Mr. Chen, is it something you are personally guilty of? Mr. Chen? Speaker 23 00:31:59 Excuse me, Mr. Chen, how do you know each other? Speaker 7 00:32:02 I have no knowledge of having ever met or otherwise made contact with terrorists. Speaker 24 00:32:07 Any idea why you're being targeted, Mr. Speaker 7 00:32:08 Jen? No, but after this unfortunate Oreo is resolved. I expect to be fully exonerated. I will seek the proper legal action thereafter and my family. And I will try to get back to some sense of normalcy. Please respect our privacy. At this time, Speaker 1 00:32:23 Martin unlocks his door and slams it. Shut on the press who continue lobbying their questions. Speaker 23 00:32:28 Mr. Chen, Mr. Chen, Speaker 9 00:32:30 Mr. Chen, Speaker 1 00:32:31 Upon his entrance, Angela Chen, early twenties fragile yet curious. Fresh is in the Martin's arms. Their six year old son miles, quiet, but attentive lingers by the window. Peeking at the madness, Speaker 25 00:32:45 Marty, I don't understand. Speaker 7 00:32:47 I don't either, but I'm gonna get to the bottom of this. I promise Speaker 1 00:32:50 Martin holds Angela's face up to meet his. She closes her eyes against her tears and nods at her husband. He kisses her forehead, then gestures to his son Speaker 7 00:33:00 Miles. Come get away from the window. Speaker 1 00:33:02 Miles regards him expressionless for a moment before running out of the room miles, Speaker 7 00:33:07 He'll Speaker 25 00:33:08 Be alright. What do they think? You did Speaker 7 00:33:10 No idea. Trust me tomorrow. This will all be over. Speaker 1 00:33:15 Martin pulls Angela into one more. Embrace her face away from his, the Grimes he's been holding in becomes much more evident. It disappears as soon as the embrace ends and there once again, face to face Speaker 25 00:33:27 I'll heat up dinner. Speaker 7 00:33:29 No I'm gonna head up to this study. Get some work done. Speaker 25 00:33:32 You are not hungry. Speaker 7 00:33:34 Al and I grab a late lunch. Speaker 1 00:33:36 Angela straightens up at the mention of that name, Speaker 25 00:33:39 My father, that you're a real lawyer. Speaker 7 00:33:41 He is a real lawyer. Angela relax. He'll take care of this. Speaker 1 00:33:46 Martin hus up the steps, leaving Angela to her concern. Martin enters his home office and walks the length of the room, uncertain of which direction to go. He messily pours a drink from a liquor cart. His hand shakes as he downs the drink and makes another and another. He swallows the last one puts down the glass. He closes his eyes tight for a few seconds. Then opens them slowly. Having made a decision. He approaches his desk, his eyes zero in on a laptop. Martin studies it for a moment before reaching for the edge of the laptop and nudging it across the desk. Then nudging it a little further. He continues pushing it closer, closer to the edge of the desk until reaching the tipping point. The laptop drops to the floor with a thud in a city park, joggers and cyclists, breezes by friends, conversing park benches. Claudia holds Emma's hand as they walk down a path, Joe trails behind them, just out of earshot. Emma swings, her held hand as she skips. Speaker 17 00:34:58 But then at recess, Sarah called me stupid. Speaker 13 00:35:03 She did, huh? Well, next time Sarah calls you that you tell her, you know how to make her go to sleep. Remember that neck pinch. I showed you Speaker 1 00:35:13 Emma nods, all smiles Speaker 17 00:35:15 Wondering coming home. Mommy, Speaker 13 00:35:18 Not sure yet little bean. Speaker 17 00:35:22 Is it still? Cause you hurt that, man? Speaker 13 00:35:25 It sure is. Speaker 17 00:35:27 Even though he hurt you. First, Speaker 1 00:35:30 Claudia stops walking. Joe follows suit. Speaker 13 00:35:34 Can, can you give us a moment? Speaker 19 00:35:36 I'm giving you four hours of moments Speaker 13 00:35:39 Alone, Joe. I'm not gonna hurt my own daughter. Speaker 19 00:35:41 Neither of us knows what you're capable of. Speaker 1 00:35:44 Claudia cuts her eyes from Joe and frustration and focuses back on Emma kneeling to her level. Speaker 13 00:35:50 Listen, be sometimes doing the right thing can also be the wrong thing. Speaker 1 00:35:57 Emma looks confused. Speaker 17 00:36:00 That doesn't make sense. Speaker 13 00:36:03 No, Emma, it doesn't Speaker 1 00:36:04 Claudia arises and continues walking hand in hand with Emma, Joe follows. Speaker 13 00:36:10 But after tomorrow, when mommy does this thing on TV, we'll be together again before you know it Speaker 1 00:36:17 Emma's mood brightens behind them. Joe rolls her eyes, something over Claudia's shoulder grabs Emma's attention, Claudia notices and turns to see a hoard of reporters and camera operators searching around as if tip that Claudia was in the area. Speaker 19 00:36:33 Here comes your 15 minutes. Speaker 1 00:36:35 Emma's enthralled. Speaker 17 00:36:37 Are you famous? Mommy? Speaker 13 00:36:40 Yeah. Disgusting. Isn't it. Speaker 1 00:36:42 Claudia searches around her for an escape route. Joe nods in the direction of a pathway just as the reporters spot them. Joe leads the way Claudia pulls Emma by the hand, as they follow as news outlets break the story, the media circus begins. The voice is recording soon plays in every living room, across the country, as it does. Martin works frantically in his home office to dismantle his laptop, disassemble a burner phone, stop a hard drive into pieces and dump files into a paper shredder. Each of you will have saved thousands and thousands of lives, but your lives, as you've known them will come to an end. Speaker 20 00:37:28 The recording was discovered by the FBI overnight and leaked to news outlets in the early morning hours, sources say the suspect has pinpointed four, apparently random individuals to stand trial. The trial of public opinion that is little is known about these former citizens at the moment, but each may be withholding sensitive information that we are told while personally damaging to each of them will thwart attacks that could claim the lives of thousands. Speaker 1 00:37:57 Joe hurriedly drives stealing glances at the rear view. As the media runs after her car, Claudia sits and stews in the backseat. Next to Emma who's turned toward the back window. Gly waving at the pursuing reporters. Speaker 20 00:38:11 Just what sort of secrets could these four apparent strangers be hiding. Speaker 1 00:38:15 Frank sits on his couch, watching it all unfold on his TV. The curtains are drawn all around them, but the media can still be seen milling around the house, peeking through windows. He sits as always with a glass of water in front of him. But this time it's accompanied by a gun. Frank looks desperately from one to the other, Speaker 20 00:38:40 No word yet on what sort of information that may be. Or if the suspect's vendetta is a personal one, Speaker 1 00:38:47 Steam just threw a police locker room. As Sam walks down, one row of lockers and up another searching. He rounds a corner and nearly bumps in the officers, Larry Pope and Milo Guzman Pope throws his hands up to stop the collision as he speaks Speaker 26 00:39:02 Easy there, Jamie, Speaker 10 00:39:03 Hey Pope, you seen Mack around. Speaker 26 00:39:06 I was gonna ask the same thing. Things he can Dodge a hundred. He owes me from last night's game. He better think again, Speaker 1 00:39:11 Sam attempts to move past them, but Pope stands in his way. Speaker 26 00:39:14 Whoa, what's the hurry Speaker 10 00:39:17 A lot going on. Speaker 26 00:39:19 Tell me about it. Looks like you're about to be a real hero out there Speaker 10 00:39:23 Another day in the life. Right? Speaker 1 00:39:25 Hope gets close to Sam. Speaker 26 00:39:28 What's he at? You know, Speaker 10 00:39:31 None of us do and I never met those other people before. I got no idea what's going on. Speaker 26 00:39:38 You have to have an idea. It's your life. You know what you've done with it? Speaker 1 00:39:44 Hope's voice goes grave. As he drives the point home Speaker 26 00:39:49 Mac was just doing his job. And so were we, and so were you. Speaker 10 00:39:57 I don't need a coach, but I appreciate this sentiment. Speaker 1 00:40:02 Sam withdraws his vape pen. As he moves toward the exit. Speaker 26 00:40:05 Still having visions. Speaker 1 00:40:07 Sam stops cold. How did they know? Guzman imitates a choking sound and he and Pope share laugh. Relishing in Sam's confusion. Pope moves in close to Sam. Again, Speaker 26 00:40:22 This is a tight knit precinct, Sam, very few secrets. Even in occupations sworn to protect them. We're watching this terrorist shit. You hear me? And if our names come up at all on this visions will be the least of your problems. Speaker 1 00:40:42 Pope has Sam's shoulder Speaker 26 00:40:44 Be safe out there Speaker 1 00:40:45 As he and Gosman exit the locker room. Sam drinks himself sober at a dimly lit neighborhood bar. Speaker 10 00:40:52 Yeah. Just gimme another. Speaker 1 00:40:54 A bartender approaches and refills. His shot glass. Sam takes the shot. Then stares into the empty glass. As he reflects. Speaker 27 00:41:03 Susie asked me the other day where Sam's wife. I said, Sam, ain't got a wife, sweetie. Speaker 10 00:41:10 Oh boy. Speaker 27 00:41:11 She says, why not daddy? I said, I don't know. You should ask him. Next time he is over. Speaker 1 00:41:17 Max's voice puts his smile on Sam's face. Sam drives his squad car as M rides, shotgun, Sam FAS be emotionally wreck. This M laughs at his predicament. <laugh> Speaker 10 00:41:30 Really Mac. Speaker 27 00:41:31 Well was I supposed to say Speaker 10 00:41:33 Make something up? Speaker 27 00:41:34 I'm not gonna lie to my own kid, dude. Not even for you. Speaker 10 00:41:38 Some partner. You are. Speaker 27 00:41:40 Hmm. Cheryl's got a sister. She's single. Speaker 10 00:41:45 I know we busted her boyfriend last month. Remember? Speaker 27 00:41:48 That's right. It's a low bar. Speaker 10 00:41:51 I don't limbo Speaker 27 00:41:53 Here above people with baggage. Ladies. Get your shit together. This is a perfect specimen of drama. Free beef cake here Speaker 10 00:42:00 Up Speaker 1 00:42:01 Yours. Up ahead, Sam and max spot. Officer Pope standing by the driver's side window of a BMW conversing with the passenger behind the BMW sits Pope squad, car and officer Guzman occupies the passenger seat, scrolling through his phone. Speaker 27 00:42:16 Look at these two Dick wads, sit tight, Speaker 1 00:42:19 Sams up behind the squad car. Matt gets out and approaches Guzman. Sam glances casually between Pope inspecting a license and registration and Matt gooing Guzman from behind his door and the two sharing, a laugh M hangs over Guzman's shoulder, sneaking peeks at his phone. Speaker 27 00:42:36 What do you stroke at it to over here? Speaker 28 00:42:39 Your mother said me. Speaker 27 00:42:41 Yeah. Right? She just needs you to mow the lawn. Speaker 28 00:42:44 Hell, mow her lawn. All right. Speaker 27 00:42:46 What? You got Speaker 28 00:42:47 Some spoke. Ran enough. Stop sign. You won't believe the owner. Speaker 27 00:42:51 Some wrapper Speaker 28 00:42:53 Aren't they Speaker 27 00:42:53 All Speaker 1 00:42:54 Mac nods agreement. Before moving off toward Pope Pope leaves the driver's side of the BMW and meets Mac halfway. Speaker 26 00:43:03 This is a 20 21 3 series BMW G 20 cost. More than my goddamn house belongs to get this army Nickelson Kelson. Speaker 27 00:43:14 No shit. Speaker 26 00:43:16 None whatsoever. Speaker 1 00:43:18 Mack looks over Pope shoulder through the BMW side of your mirror. He sees a nervous sweaty Josiah Holson shifting uncomfortably in his seat. Pope offers Mack a smirk Speaker 26 00:43:31 One have some fun. Speaker 1 00:43:35 Josiah squirms in the driver's seat. Bright swirling police lights illuminate his car from behind. He constantly checks his rear view in the passenger seat. His phone vibrates and the name mom appears on the display. Josiah reaches for the phone. Speaker 26 00:43:53 Easy homeboy Speaker 1 00:43:55 Pope appears at Josiah's window. One hand hovering above his holster. Speaker 26 00:44:00 Whoever it is, ain't worth it. Hands on the wheel. Speaker 1 00:44:04 He's accompanied this time by M who now holds Josiah's driver's license, pretending to study it. Speaker 27 00:44:10 Josiah Kelson that right? Speaker 1 00:44:12 Josiah nos, Speaker 27 00:44:14 Speak up son. Yes, sir. Hmm. Kelson. Kelson. Why does that name sound familiar? Speaker 26 00:44:26 Now that does ring a bell. You wouldn't be related to an Armstrong. Kelson. Would you Speaker 1 00:44:32 Josiah nods again, then thinks better of it and provides a vocal response. Speaker 29 00:44:37 Yes, sir. He's my father, sir. Speaker 27 00:44:40 Isn't that something? Speaker 26 00:44:42 Well then this is an honor. Your old man's a big deal down at the precinct. Did you know that? Speaker 29 00:44:49 No, sir. Speaker 27 00:44:50 Oh yeah. Seems like every other day. He's bringing cases against the fellow police officer seeking damages for some Petty's street. Thug's fourth amendment violation Speaker 26 00:44:59 Taking good cops off the street, cops with families to feed. Speaker 27 00:45:04 But you know what? The best part of this is all his talk of following the law. He doesn't even know when to get a broken taillight, replaced Speaker 1 00:45:13 <laugh> Mac gestures toward the back of the car. Josiah's breathing quickens a little, the phone vibrates again, startling Josiah. His sudden move causes, poke to grip his gun. Speaker 29 00:45:24 I have to answer that. Speaker 26 00:45:26 Don't you move? Speaker 29 00:45:27 It's my mother. Speaker 26 00:45:29 I don't care if it's got himself, get out of the car. Speaker 1 00:45:33 Mac opens the door. Josiah's frozen. Speaker 29 00:45:36 What did I do Speaker 27 00:45:37 Out now? Speaker 1 00:45:40 A bundle of nerves. Josiah steps out, Speaker 26 00:45:42 Turn around and put your hands on the hood. Speaker 1 00:45:45 Josiah complies, Pope pets him down. Josiah's breathing grows, manic. His whole body shakes. Speaker 26 00:45:52 Quit moving. Speaker 29 00:45:53 I, I can't Speaker 1 00:45:55 Pope withdrawals. A pair of handcuffs. Josiah flinch is instinctively as the metal touches his wrists. Speaker 29 00:46:01 Wait, what did I do? Speaker 26 00:46:02 I'm not gonna tell you again to what did Speaker 29 00:46:03 I do? I didn't do anything. Speaker 27 00:46:05 You're resisting. That's what you're doing. Speaker 1 00:46:07 Poping Mac forcefully guide Josiah to the ground face. First Mac puts his knee in Josiah's back, Speaker 29 00:46:13 Please. Speaker 1 00:46:15 In the distance. Guzman has heard telling Sam relax. Pope finishes locking the cuffs. Josiah barely speaks through his gasps for air. I Speaker 29 00:46:24 Can't. Speaker 27 00:46:27 You gonna cooperate. Answer me. Speaker 1 00:46:35 Josiah's body shakes violently then is lifeless. Mack raises off of him. He and Pope exchange a fearful look. Speaker 26 00:46:44 Hey Nicholson. Speaker 1 00:46:48 Pope kicks Josiah's body. Speaker 26 00:46:51 Hey Speaker 1 00:46:52 Pope's voice is gradually replaced by the bartender. Bringing Sam back to the present. Speaker 26 00:46:58 Hey, Hey. Speaker 29 00:47:00 Hey buddy. Speaker 1 00:47:01 The bartender is inches away from Sam's face. You want Speaker 27 00:47:04 Another drink? Speaker 1 00:47:06 Sam shakes his head. Still not completely there. Speaker 27 00:47:09 Do I need to cut you off? Speaker 10 00:47:11 No, I'll cut myself off. Speaker 1 00:47:15 He rises steadily from his stool and makes his way out in an auto body garage legs covered in overall stick out from underneath the car. Squeak Donovan. The owner of said legs yells from underneath it. Speaker 30 00:47:33 Hey Alan, where did you go for that wrench? The hardware store. Speaker 13 00:47:37 He went to get me a Coke, Speaker 1 00:47:40 Squeaks legs freeze. He scrambles out from under the car and stands at attention. A short, grimy, little weasel of a man. Claudia stands at the entrance, twirling a wrench. Speaker 13 00:47:52 I was thirsty. Relax, squeak. Not here for you. Speaker 30 00:47:58 Uh I'm in trouble. Speaker 13 00:48:00 You got the trouble part, right? Speaker 30 00:48:02 I, I, I saw you on the news Speaker 13 00:48:04 Then you know why I am here? Who is he? Speaker 30 00:48:08 Well, that voice <laugh>. I don't know. Speaker 13 00:48:11 What about the Cheney op? Speaker 30 00:48:14 I don't know nothing about that. Either. Speaker 1 00:48:17 Every step Claudia takes towards squeak. He takes one back. Speaker 13 00:48:21 I never met a more useful snitch than you squeak. You know, crime is before the perp thinks to commit them. Speaker 30 00:48:30 Nothing about no terrorists. Claudia, I ate lying to you after what you've been through. No way. Speaker 1 00:48:38 Squeak is now backed into a wall with nowhere to go. Claudia searches, squeaks eyes for a hint, a slip up after a few seconds, she nods and backs away. Speaker 13 00:48:50 I'll let you get back to it. Then Speaker 1 00:48:52 She holds the wrench out to him. Squeak studies it for a moment before slowly reaching and taking it out of her hand. As he walks past her Claudia grips a nerve on squeaks neck and he drops to the floor like a second of potatoes, Claudia presses all her weight on the squeeze, chest, her hand, still pinching the nerve. She leans into his ear. Speaker 13 00:49:15 I've lost three years of my life and my family paying for something. I didn't start, but don't think for one fucking second that I won't finish it. Speaker 1 00:49:30 Claudia rises off of him and leaves squeaks, buddy. Allen. Alany confused mechanic. Also when overalls stands with a soda can in his mouth, the gate at what he just witnessed. Claudia takes the can and looks it over. Speaker 13 00:49:46 I said a Coke. Speaker 1 00:49:49 She tosses the can back into his hands and hops into her car. In the late afternoon, Sam sits at the counter of a coffee shop across from the federal building. He studies it as he slips a FLAS out of his pocket and pours his contents into his coffee mug, the door chimes and Sam looks up to see Frank enter and take a booth by a window. Sam picks his coffee up, crosses to Frank's booth and takes a seat. Frank barely acknowledges him Speaker 10 00:50:18 Judgment day. Am I right? I don't know about you, but I'm not buying that safety in net. Shit. It wouldn't surprise me. If we're hung out to dry after this Speaker 1 00:50:30 Frank nods eyes out the window. Speaker 10 00:50:35 You had a family, Frank. Speaker 9 00:50:37 No Speaker 10 00:50:38 Wanna know if I do. Speaker 1 00:50:40 Frank finally looks at him and answers with a shrug. Speaker 10 00:50:44 They keep thinking there's a magic bullet. Some way to get around this. No, we gotta go straight through Speaker 1 00:50:56 The door chimes again then Claudia and there's she sees Sam's grin go wide and immediately regrets it. Speaker 10 00:51:03 All right. Now it's a party. Park it over here. Girly Speaker 1 00:51:07 Claudia approaches and takes a seat by Frank instead. Speaker 10 00:51:11 Come on. I don't bite. How about when this is all over, we go into witness protection together. Speaker 13 00:51:19 I'd rather have a root canal through my asshole. Speaker 10 00:51:22 That's not a no Speaker 1 00:51:24 Off. Claudia's deadly serious stare. Sam raises his hands and defeat and rises from the table. Speaker 10 00:51:31 All right, this party's lame. I'll see you over there Speaker 1 00:51:35 As he goes, Claudia leaps up and takes his place across from Frank. Speaker 13 00:51:39 So what'd you do Speaker 1 00:51:42 Frank shakes his head. Speaker 13 00:51:43 The world's about to find out. Anyway, Speaker 9 00:51:46 What did you do? Speaker 13 00:51:48 Four years ago? I was assaulted three years ago. He was assaulted Speaker 9 00:51:57 That it Speaker 13 00:51:59 That's the short version. Speaker 9 00:52:02 If he got no secrets, what does his voice want with you Speaker 13 00:52:07 Guess we'll find out. I'm sorry about your daughter. Speaker 1 00:52:13 Frank's eyes go wide with an overflow of emotion. Realizing her misstep. Claudia tries to explain Speaker 13 00:52:20 The news did a retrospective on us. Speaker 1 00:52:22 He reels the emotion back in and nods and appreciation. Speaker 13 00:52:27 We'll get through this Speaker 1 00:52:29 Through the window. Frank and Claudia, seeing an all in slaughter news vans, pulling up to the federal building's entrance. Speaker 13 00:52:34 Give me a break with this. Speaker 1 00:52:36 She gestures for Frank to follow her. As they slip out a back exit in the federal building office room, Frank Claudia, Sam and Martin, sit in front of the monitor behind them. Linger Orson brew, baker and brew. Baker's assistant who Don's headphones and stares intently at his laptop on the monitor, the familiar audio wave vibrates and sync a patient with the voices speech pattern. Speaker 12 00:53:04 Let me tell you what true law and order looks like Speaker 1 00:53:08 At the elementary school, Nora and other teachers gather around the faculty lounge TV. As the news live streams, the event, studying the audio wave and whispering amongst themselves. Speaker 12 00:53:20 True law and order is a level playing field Speaker 1 00:53:24 At, at the Chen household. Angelo watches the broadcast from the living room couch, unconsciously hugging a throw pillow trans fixed on the tube. Speaker 12 00:53:33 All rules are followed. All crimes are punished Speaker 1 00:53:39 At a bar officer's Pope and Goman watched from their bar stools with intensity. Pope holds his beer close to his mouth, but is too absorbed by the broadcast to sip it. Speaker 12 00:53:50 Only when we think we're above the rules and above punishment does society tumble into despair? Speaker 1 00:54:02 Frank Claudia, Martin and Sam, a whole shift uncomfortably in their seats. Speaker 12 00:54:06 You can destroy all the evidence you want. Speaker 1 00:54:09 Martin's eyes go wide. How did he know that Speaker 12 00:54:12 You can rough up old acquaintances? Speaker 1 00:54:15 Claudia shares. Martin's puzzlement. Speaker 12 00:54:18 Doesn't matter what I know or who I am. What does matter is that justice prevails. And when it doesn't, there needs to be repercussions. Now, while I'm not going to take your lives, I am going to take your lives away Speaker 1 00:54:44 On the voices. End of ringing is heard on a speaker phone, someone answers and the voice responds. Speaker 12 00:54:54 Pick her up Speaker 1 00:54:56 A new level of panicking ghosts. The room BR baker yells to his assistant. Where is this asshole? Wait, Frank, hold up a hand and points to the monitor. The audio wave has been replaced with footage from a car's dash cam. You Speaker 12 00:55:11 See something familiar, shout it out. Speaker 1 00:55:14 All eyes. Search the screen with surgical precision Speaker 7 00:55:17 Wait, did they pass a pharmacy? What was that? Come on your bastard. Give us something. Speaker 1 00:55:22 The car pulls to a stop in front of a brownstone. The passenger door is heard opening and closing the car drives on taking an on ramp onto a freeway. As it does a radio DJ's voice can be heard on a passing truck's radio. Speaker 12 00:55:41 What do you say? Isolate that Speaker 1 00:55:44 The assistant taps, his keyboard unplugs his headphones for all to Speaker 31 00:55:49 Hears down how Billys it's night, something Billys Speaker 7 00:55:56 The something meets something. Speaker 1 00:55:58 Let's go. The assistant tabs keys and the recording replays Speaker 31 00:56:03 Down. Billy it's Saturday one tan meets Speaker 7 00:56:08 The tan while Billys this guy's in the area. Speaker 1 00:56:10 The car passes underneath the freeway sign. As it takes an off ramp, the sun, Speaker 31 00:56:13 The sign go back to the sign. Speaker 1 00:56:16 The assistant pulls a frozen image of the sign onto his laptop and enhances it. Speaker 12 00:56:20 Exit one, one D exit one D and one D Speaker 1 00:56:24 Oron sprints to the office door, swings it open and yells into the hallway. Speaker 12 00:56:27 Get Speaker 8 00:56:27 All available units in long beach PD to Anaheim street, south off the seven Speaker 12 00:56:31 10 Speaker 1 00:56:32 Dammit. Orison runs back to the monitor, which has gone black. The feet Speaker 12 00:56:35 Is cut. What? No he's covering their tracks. Speaker 1 00:56:39 The room stairs in silence for a moment before the dash cam comes back to life. The car now sits in front of an abandoned warehouse. Speaker 11 00:56:47 Give me a list of all warehouses within five miles of that Speaker 1 00:56:50 Exit headlights from the car remain on illuminating the scene as a figure with a hood, covering their face and hands bound behind their back knees. Before them, the driver's side door opens and shuts from the left side of the dash cam, the van driver enters the frame, an infuriated brew baker, mutters to himself, Speaker 12 00:57:13 Son of Speaker 1 00:57:13 A bitch. The van driver reaches for the figures hood and removes it to reveal officer Mac Devlin, his mouth gagged he's sweaty and shaking uncomfortably Speaker 12 00:57:24 Shit. Speaker 1 00:57:25 Sam leaves up and sprints from the room that Speaker 12 00:57:27 Officer Devlin Speaker 11 00:57:28 Get that list of all units. Now this is code 30, code Speaker 1 00:57:31 30. The assistant dash is out Claudia, Frank Martin and Orson remain fixed on the screen. The van driver tosses the hood onto the ground. He gestures toward the passenger side of the car from the right side of the camera's frame enters Rashonda Kelson. Claudia puts it together before everyone else. Speaker 12 00:57:52 Ah, Jesus, Speaker 1 00:57:53 The van driver withdraws a gun from his pocket and hands it to Rashonda Rashonda takes the gun, but her eyes never leave. Max's face Mac mumbles through the gag, but the words are obvious. Speaker 12 00:58:08 I'm sorry. Sorry. Speaker 1 00:58:11 Rashonda pulls the gag down with one hand. Speaker 12 00:58:13 What were his last words please? I'm sorry please. What were they? I don't know. Did he suffer? Don't do this. I just wanted to talk to him please. One last <laugh>. So Speaker 1 00:58:39 Max's body drops to the ground. Martin leaps out of his chair. Speaker 12 00:58:42 What is this? What is happening? Speaker 1 00:58:44 Brewbaker searches his mind for the next move. Oren shuts his eyes tight at the warehouse. Police sirens can be heard inching closer. The van driver rushes Rashonda into the passenger seat and jumps behind the wheel. Reversing outta the warehouse parking lot. The feed is cut and replaced by the OUS audio wave as the mysterious voice returns. Speaker 12 00:59:07 Now we begin Speaker 1 00:59:15 That concludes chapter one of no other way. I am its creator, James Dinkins. If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to hear more, please feel free to donate to our production at paypal.me/dinkins film. That's paypal.me/d I N K I N S F I L M. And be sure to follow us on social media at no other way, pod that's no other way. P O D. Thank you for listening.