Smuggling in Suburbia (2019) - full transcript

[somber music]

[dramatic music]

[gasps]

[Joanie grunts]

[grunting]

Hey everybody, what's up?

My name's Joanie,
and as you can see,

I'm in a little bit
of trouble right now.

You're probably thinking,
"Aw, man, she's a good girl.

She doesn't deserve this."

Well, truth is,
I worked real hard



to get to this point in my life.

In fact, I earned this moment.

You want to know how?

Well, it all started
six months ago.

[school bell ringing]

[upbeat rock music]

Oh, she's good, ask her.

Hey girl, we're having a party
this weekend.

Wanna come?

-[Sharnae] What about her?
-[Anabel] Joan, the new chick?

She goes by "Joanie,"
and yeah.

I think she'd be perfect.
What do you think?

I think you need to go
to the supermarket

and buy yourself a can
of good taste,



'cause apparently
you don't have any.

Hey Joanie.

We're having a party
this weekend.

It'd be really great
if you can make it.

It's Saturday.

Bring a bathing suit, 'kay?

See? Told you she'd be
a bad idea.

I saw what you were doing.

What were we doing?

You were checking out
all the cute girls

and then you'd pick
who gets to go to your party

and who doesn't.

All right, whatever.

You're not invited.

Come on, Anabel, let's go.

I'll catch up with you.

Don't listen to her.

It's my party
and I hope you can make it.

I'm obviously not like
those other girls.

-Why me?
-Because.

You seem... nice.

Do I have to have a reason?

[mellow music]

Yo, I smell what
you're doin' in there.

[Peter]
These are for Mom, not you.

-Oh, come on!
-Dude.

You ate so many last time
she didn't get any.

Hey!

Nobody makes these
better than me.

For once in your life,
you're right about something.

[pained grunt]

What's wrong?

Are you okay?

[Peter panting]

[Peter grunts]

-I'm gonna call Mom.
-No, don't do that.

I'm fine.

I just had a burrito
for lunch,

with extra... jalapenos.

I'm okay.

Okay.

[Peter sighs]

-Hey guys.
-Hey Mom.

-You need help carrying in?
-That's okay, I'm fine.

-Who baked the brownies?
-Peter did.

They're awful,
you're not gonna want any.

I'll be the judge of that.

Make sure you grab some
before she eats 'em all.

-Okay, thanks, honey.
-Later.

So how were things
at the supermarket?

Same old boring story.

-How was your day?
-Okay.

Um, I got invited to a party.

-You did?
-Yeah.

Are you gonna go?

I don't know.

I don't think so.

Why not?

I just--I don't know anybody.

[somber music]

Oh, come on,
you're always complaining

that you're never invited
to anything.

You should go.

Uh...

What's wrong?

I don't--I don't feel good
about myself these days.

-Oh, honey...
-I don't have anything to wear.

Well, there's only one remedy
for that, you know.

[mellow music]

[soft music]

-Thanks, Mom.
-All right.

Don't get all slobbery on me.

You'll ruin all my hard work.

[laughing]

How come you never gave me
a makeover before?

I've tried, you wouldn't let me.

Aw...

Oh, look at the time.

You gotta go,
don't be late.

-Go get dressed.
-Okay.

Okay.

[sighs]

[upbeat music]

[chatter]

You clean up good, girl!

I mean, you look
really beautiful.

Nice dress.

-Let's go get some drinks.
-Wow.

You must be
doing something right.

Sharnae never says anything
that nice to me.

I'm sorry about earlier.

You're okay, you're just tough.

We like that.

Okay, enough of the formalities.

You gotta meet Danny.

[Danny sighs]

Danny, say hi to Joanie,

my favorite new friend.

Hi, hold this.

-I'm gonna load you up.
-Sure.

She's the girl I told you about.

Right, right, right, right.

Hi.

How are you doin'?

Hi.

Good.

I'm gonna change the music.

So Anabel tells me you're
the smartest person in school.

Well, I don't know about that.

-Where are you going to college?
-MIT, if I get in.

I hear it's a great school,
I just hope--

-You travel much?
-Excuse me?

Do you travel?

-You know, on airplanes?
-Oh!

Um, a little.

You ever been anywhere?

Europe, Mexico?

Nebraska, once.

To see my cousins.

-Cool.
-Joanie!

You ever play ping pong?

Uh, not really.

[Sharnae]
Come on, we're gonna play
those guys.

Let's go.

You like?

[Danny]
She's got the perfect look.

You done good.

Thanks.

[music darkens]

Boss.

[school bell ringing]

I don't know.

Times Square is so, you know,
seen it once, that's enough.

But the shopping in New York
is the bomb.

Ugh, I can't wait.

East Coast guys
are so mm-mm-mm.

Someone's going to New York?

We are this weekend.

And you are too if you want.

Ah, right.

No, I mean it.

Remember Danny from the party?

He runs a business calibrating

these really expensive
camera lenses

for photographers.

Okay, so?

Well, these lenses
are super fragile,

and he can't ship 'em by mail.

He needs people
to deliver them by hand.

We're his couriers.

We get paid to travel.

And this weekend,

he needs three of us
to go to New York.

Free trip to the Big Apple.

All expenses paid.

Danny doesn't even know me.

I put in a good word for you.

He said he liked you.

Just say yes!

Please?

[sighs]

Okay, yes.

[squealing]

[upbeat music]

You know when Mom's
getting home?

She works late tonight.

Where are you going?

I'm gonna spend the weekend
at Anabel's house.

Who?

You don't know her.

Did you tell Mom?

Yeah, she knows.

What are you, my warden?

Where does Anabel live?

Sherman Oaks.

It's gonna be 90 degrees
this weekend.

Why are you taking a down jacket
to Sherman Oaks?

Where are you going?

Can you keep a secret?

Maybe.

What's it worth to you?

-Peter, I swear to God--
-All right, all right.

I won't say anything.

-New York.
-No way!

[phone dings]

Oh, my Uber ride's here.

You gotta tell Mom.

[Joanie]
I'm not telling Mom.

-Whoa, whoa.
-And you don't either.

I'll be back Sunday.

Why are you going to New York?

I'll explain later.

Look, if she asks
if you heard from me,

you tell her I just texted you
and I'm okay.

Don't give me that look.

Who taught you to play baseball?

Who told you about
the birds and the bees

so you didn't
hear it from Mom?

You did.

That's right.

You owe me.

I love you.

Love you too.

See you.

[grunts]

I gotta stop with the burritos.

[soft tense music]

[Danny]
Oh, yeah.

That's some good stuff.

Yeah.

Let me see.

Oh yeah.

This is nice.

It's nice.

Yeah, you guys
did not disappoint.

[dealer]
We only bring you the best,
Danny.

Nobody's ever gonna know.

Yo, Danny.

Have a seat, I'll be right down.

-Pleasure like always.
-Thank you.

Hey, it was a pleasure.

We're all set.

All right, now Joanie,
whatever you do,

do not drop the camera case,
all right?

-Got it.
-Professional photographers

are a finicky bunch.

Lose their focus

and they lose their job.

Pardon my pun.

Wow, heavy.

You'll get used to it.

Itineraries,
hotel confirmation,

and $500 each
for spending money.

[Sharnae]
Danny is really good to us.

Well, you ladies are an
important part of the business.

-Mm.
-Get out of here. Get out.

You're gonna be late
for your flight. Let's go.

Call me when you get there.

-All right.
-Be smart.

[funky music]

[agent]
Is this your case?

Uh, yes.

Put that on and follow me.

[dark music]

Is there something wrong?

I need you to turn
the camera on, please.

This is your camera, right?

Ah, here it is.

[camera beeps]

Thank you, ma'am.

-Have a fun trip.
-Thanks.

[jazzy music]

Yo, Tucker!

-Hey.
-What's up, dude?

-You're early.
-Yeah.

-Great to see you.
-You too, you too.

-How are you?
-I'm doin' good.

-Hey, flight good?
-Yeah, it was perfect.

-Okay, great.
-Hello handsome.

Sharnae, how you been?

I've been good.

Hey, you must be Joanie.

Yeah, hi.

Oh, come on, Tucker.

Give her a kiss and hug
like you did for us.

[Sharnae]
Yeah, when in Rome, right?

[kiss]

-Oh!
-Oh!

Oh my God,
he's never kissed me that way.

I'm starving, Tucker,
you better have food.

So you work with
the photographers here?

Uh, Danny does all
the hard technical work.

I'm really just
a glorified sales rep.

I get the orders,
ship the lenses to Danny,

he calibrates 'em,
then he sends 'em back.

All right, Sharnae and I
are just gonna hang out here.

Tucker, why don't you show
Joanie around the city?

Oh, great idea.

That be okay?

-Mm-hm.
-So are we gonna go

dancing tonight or what?

[upbeat music]

Am I wearing you out?

No, I love it all.

I can't believe it,
I feel like Audrey Hepburn

in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Tiffany's?

[mellow guitar music]

Do you like diamonds?

Why, you're gonna buy me one?

No, no, I'm just,
you know, curious.

All girls like diamonds.

That's what I hear.

[dance music]

[romantic music]

[hum of plane]

I am so pissed at you
right now.

Yeah, after 20 messages
from you,

I kind of figured that out.

New York?

You fly across the country

and you don't tell me?

I taught you better
than this, Joanie.

What is the matter
with you?

Yo, Joanie, you go to New York,
you don't tell nobody.

-What's the matter with you?
-Knock it off, Peter.

Why didn't you tell me?

Because I wanted
to surprise you.

I got a new job,
and it's awesome.

-What?
-Look.

-What is this?
-See here?

It says we service some of the
world's finest camera lenses.

Picked up and delivered
by professional couriers.

That's me,
I'm a professional courier.

But Amazon ships lenses
all the time through the mail.

They don't need couriers
to carry them on airplanes.

Well, the lenses I carry
are a lot more expensive

than the crap
you get on Amazon.

And for your information,

I'm carrying some to Chicago
Friday night.

Wait, what?

[Peter]
It's not as far
as New York, Mom.

[Georgia]
Now hold on.

You're not going.

[Joanie]
Mom, I'm 18.

I don't need your approval
for everything I do.

You're still in school.

We only fly on weekends.

I won't miss any classes.

I don't care.

You are still in high school.

As long as you live
in my house, you will do--

It's not your house!

We rent, remember?

[soft music]

Here.

A thousand bucks.

It's yours.

When I get back from Chicago,
there's gonna be more.

They pay you in cash?

Oh my God.

Can't you just say thank you?

This is the first time
in my life

I've gone anywhere
or done anything.

This is like
a really big deal for me

and all you can do is...

[Joanie whimpers]

And if you care,

I met someone.

[crying]

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry too.

Tell me about him.

Tell me about everything.

[chatter]

[tense music]

[indistinct announcement]

Amazon ships lenses
all the time through the mail.

They don't need couriers
to carry them on airplanes.

They pay you in cash?

[indistinct conversation]

I need to use the ladies' room.

I'll meet you on the other side.

What?

Come on, let's go.

Where do you think she went?

I don't know.

Uh, let's go this way.

Joanie?

-Why are there diamonds--
-Shh.

Oh God, give me that.

-What the hell is going on?
-Shut up!

You say anything,
we're all going to jail,

including you.

I knew she'd be a problem.

Sharnae, you're going
to Chicago by yourself.

Take all three cases.

Sweet!

-Triple my share.
-I want to talk to Danny.

Oh, you're gonna talk to him
all right.

Let's go.

[Joanie]
So what the hell are you?
Danny's pimp?

-It's not like that.
-Sure it is.

You got me to come to that party
so Danny could check me out.

I'm an idiot,
I should have known

you were setting me up.

Why are you mad at me?

You should be thanking me.

Thanking you? For what?

You took the money, didn't you?

Because I thought it was
a legitimate business.

[Anabel]
It is a legitimate business.

The camera side
is totally kosher.

It's the diamond side
that's dirty.

Oh, that makes me feel better
already.

Would you calm down?

Sharnae and I have done this so
many times it's getting boring.

Are you seriously trying
to tell me

there's no chance
we could get busted?

The only chance of us
getting busted

is if one of us freaks out
in front of the TSA,

which is what you just did,
Joanie.

You!

[sighs]

Danny and Tucker
are gonna be so pissed.

Wait.

Tucker knows what you're doing?

Tucker's a part of this?

Of course he is.

Danny and Tucker
are equal partners.

[somber music]

[Danny]
Sharnae's got all three cases?

Take it easy.

She sent me a text.

She's on the plane,
everything's fine.

-You gonna go to the cops?
-She won't say anything.

I want to hear it from her.

I won't go to the police.

If I do, I'll get
in trouble too.

Mm-hm.

If I go down,
I'm taking you with me.

And you.

And Sharnae.

Nobody's gonna talk, Danny.

Chill.

We're all in this together.

[tense music]

Okay.

Okay, all right,
what am I gonna do?

Think, think, think,
think, think.

You got a hell of a face,
you know that?

Yeah.

Yeah, there's not a cop
in the world

who would think you'd do
something bad.

And in my business,

a face like yours has value.

I know this is gonna
sound crazy, but...

I want her to stay on.

Not crazy at all.

I'm down with that.

Why didn't you tell me
what we were shipping?

I was going to tell you
eventually.

Just wanted to see
how you did.

These diamonds,
are they stolen or something?

No, no, not at all.

It's completely legit.

Only reason we gotta
hide it from TSA

is to avoid paying
huge taxes on them.

That's all?

That's it.

Joanie, I'm cheating
on my taxes.

Chances are your mom probably
cheats on her tax return

once in a while too.

Everybody does it.

Like I said,
there's really no risk.

And with innocent looking girls
like you moving small amounts,

we're totally under the radar.

So now that
you're fully informed

and a party
to our little secret,

you're entitled to a full cut.

On top of the grand I gave you
for New York,

there's 9K more.

That's $10,000 total.

You'd have made another $10,000
had you gone to Chicago today.

Take it.

You earned it.

Joanie,

I've saved enough money
for four years at UCLA.

Sharnae's putting a down payment
on a beach house.

And we're in high school.

Do you know anybody else
our age who can say that?

I promise I won't tell
the police.

I won't tell anybody.

I just want you
to leave me alone.

Please.

She's dead.

Wait.

She's smart.

She knows what would happen.

She'll stay quiet.

You brought her into this.

She screws up, that's on you.

[phone ringing]

Hey, how are you?

You lied to me.

I'm sorry.

You should have told me.

It's complicated.

Not that complicated.

You knew what you were
getting me into.

Danny should tell people before
it gets to this, all right?

It's just his way of testing
their loyalty before anything--

Before what?

Before trapping us
so there's no way out?

So when you and Danny
get busted we all get busted?

Look, Danny and I tried
to make the lens business work.

-But things got tight.
-I'm done with all of you.

Please, Joanie,
I can't stop thinking about--

Honey, I'm off to work.

Dinner's on the stove.

Peter, did you hear me?

Take off those headphones

and stop playing
that stupid video game.

Peter!

Oh my God!

Honey, what's the matter?

[somber music]

What's going on?

-What are you doing here?
-Is he all right?

Can you lock the door
and help me get him in the car?

We're going to the hospital.

Thought you were in Chicago.

Change of plans.

-Thank you, doctor.
-Sure thing.

[Georgia sighs]

What'd they say?

Well, they have him
on painkillers

and then they're gonna
keep him overnight,

he can go home
in the morning.

He just needs to rest.

Yeah, but what's wrong with him?

[sighing]

He has cancer

of the small intestine.

I mean, they have to do
more tests,

but they're pretty certain
that's what it is.

So they can do something, right?

Chemotherapy or radiation?

Or something?

They think it's more advanced
than that.

And they think that
the only thing they can do now

is transplant.

Oh, transplant.

Then he's gonna be okay, right?

Yeah.

Yeah, honey.

All right, yes.

Thank you for your time.

I knew it.

What?

Well, it turns out

that transplant
of the small intestine

happens to be the most expensive
surgery in all of medicine.

You have health insurance,
right?

Yeah, but it's not gonna
cover everything.

And because he has other options
like radiation or chemotherapy,

a transplant is considered
elective surgery,

so it's not covered.

I did the math and my
out-of-pocket expenses

are so high

I will literally be
paying them off for...

well, the rest of my life.

That's insane.
How is that even possible?

[Georgia]
It's called the American
healthcare system, honey.

And believe me,
it is possible.

You could file for bankruptcy.

Actually, I can't.

Remember when your dad took off
and screwed up our finances?

Well, I had to file Chapter 7
back then

and I can't do it again
for another five years.

[Joanie]
What if I didn't go to college?

-What if I got a job instead?
-No, you are going to college.

-But, Mom--
-What if I didn't

get the surgery?

Why are you up?

You should be resting.

And you weren't supposed
to hear this.

I'm serious.

I don't want you to have to work
for the rest of your life

to pay for this, Mom.

Oh, and what are you gonna do?

Just, what, die?

Yeah, it's a whole lot cheaper
than surgery.

Okay, both of you just stop.

Sweetie, come here.

I shouldn't have said anything.

Look, we are going
to get through this, okay?

[Georgia sighs]

[intense music]

Can I talk to you?

Please.

Anabel.

Anabel!

What?

Can you talk to Danny?

I want to work with you again.

Fat chance.

You have to.

I brought you in and you
made me look like an idiot.

I'm sorry.

Do you have any idea
how much money

your little episode
at the airport cost me?

Danny wants nothing
to do with you.

Says you're poison.

Tell him I'll make it up
to him.

I'll do anything he wants.

Please, Anabel.

I just found out that my
little brother is really sick.

Hurry up.

[tense music]

Take off your clothes.

Now.

She's clean, no wire.

Anabel tells me
you want back in.

-I do.
-Why?

I need money.

I gave you a lot of money.

You threw it in my face.

I made a mistake.

I'm sorry.

Her little brother just got
diagnosed with cancer.

Hm.

So...

you need me
more than I need you.

Is that right?

Yeah, that's right.

Get on your knees.

Beg.

Please.

[snickers]

Please what?

Please let me work for you.

Till you can be trusted,
you work for a discounted rate.

-How--how much?
-I'll decide how much.

Okay.

And if you even look
at a cop--

I won't.

I'll be good.

[rock music]

[Danny]
Anabel,

$10,000.

Sharnae, $10,000.

Joanie...

$500.

-Hi.
-Hi.

You look good.

What are you doing here?

I thought you were in New York.

Danny asked me to come back,
take care of some things.

I'm staying at his place
for a while.

Can I buy you a coffee?

No.

Please?

I didn't plan on doing this.

I studied architecture.

But that was going nowhere,
so...

my old friend Danny
from high school texted me,

said he needed help
in the camera business.

Which then became
this other kind of business.

Hey, I'm not proud
of what we do.

But there was so much money
to be made.

It was hard to say no.
You understand, right?

[Joanie]
What I understand is
I'm doing this

to save my brother's life

and keep my mom out of
indentured servitude.

You're doing it to get rich.

Game, set, match.

You win.

[chatter]

Look, if I'm gonna
hang out with you,

you gotta tell me when
you're going to quit.

And you need to make me
believe it.

So finish this sentence.

"I, Tucker, am going to quit
this awful business when..."

When...

I have enough money
to start my own business?

In architecture?

In architecture.

With an office for me?

With an office for you.

And?

Uh, and...

When I can,

uh, I'll buy a house
in the Hills.

Mm, I don't like
driving on hills.

Make it the Valley.

A house in the Valley, fine.

Big enough to raise a family.

Four kids.

Two max.

And I'm not getting pregnant
until I'm 30.

Okay, well, just please tell me
that's the end of the sentence.

It might need a rewrite,
but for now it'll work.

What? What?

-I'm starving.
-Morning.

Good morning.

-I gotta catch a plane.
-Okay.

Hm.

When's the next time
you're gonna be in LA?

I don't know.

[sighs]

But I'll call you.

Okay.

-I'll call you.
-Okay.

-Bye.
-Bye.

What's goin' on?

Don't get too cozy
with the mules.

They can't be trusted,

especially that one.

You're being paranoid.

You're being paranoid, dude.

[upbeat music]

[Danny]
Anabel.

$10,000.

Sharnae.

$10,000.

Joanie.

$2,000.

Not bad, kid.

[peppy music]

[laughing]

-You like it?
-Do you work out?

[dramatic beats on zoom]

[Danny]
Anabel.

$10,000.

Sharnae.

$10,000.

Joanie.

$7,500.

Thank you, ladies.

Nice work.

[rock music]

[ka-ching]

[festive music]

$10,000.

$10,000.

Joanie,

$10,000.

[upbeat music]

Welcome to the big leagues, kid.

We're just gettin' started.

[mechanical sounds]

[ka-ching]

[ka-ching]

[repeated ka-ching]

-Hey.
-Hey.

Come here,
I want to show you something.

Peter, you too.

Oh, I got a phone call
from one of your teachers today.

She said you're handing in
your homework late.

That's not like you.

[Joanie]
I know.

I'll catch up soon,
I promise.

Okay.

-Hi honey.
-What's going on?

-Come here, look at this.
-What is that?

This is Peter's
crowdfunding site.

[Georgia]
What?

-$200,000?
-Oh!

People just donate like that?

They want to help.

That's what they do
when someone really deserves it.

And you deserve it.

[Georgia]
This is just, wow, incredible.

I can't believe it.

Show me how many people donated.

Can you scroll down?

Whoa, dude,
who are these people?

I don't know any of these names.

That's the whole point.

Most of them are total strangers
just trying to help.

-Unbelievable.
-Yeah.

Isn't this great?

[water running]

Mom, can you fasten
my necklace?

Yeah, sure.

Wow.

You look amazing.

Is something special
happening tonight?

Uh, just meeting the girls
for dinner.

Oh.

Must be some dinner.

-Need a ride?
-Uh, no.

I'm gonna take a Lyft.

Oh. Where's dinner?

Uh, it's a new place.

I can't remember the name,
but don't wait up.

[tense music]

[soft music]

[chatter]

Hi, reservation
for Danny Kellog.

Right over there.

Thank you.

Hi.

-How was your flight?
-Long.

Had a six hour delay
at Denver yesterday.

Oh, you're kidding.

Have you seen my--

What is going on here?

You followed me?

-Who is he?
-Uh, this is Tucker.

I told you about him.

I thought you said
he was your age.

-How old are you?
-Hi Mrs. Whitaker.

-I'm 24.
-Twenty-four.

And you're dating a girl
that is still in high school?

Mom, please!

It's an honest question, Joanie!

I'm 18.

-I'm an adult.
-Really?

If you're so grown up,
why did you lie to me

-about his age?
-Because I knew

you would freak out.

Tucker, I hear you, uh,
just travel

all around the country.

Bet you have a girlfriend
in every city, don't you?

All right, you need to leave.

-Now.
-Wait, Joanie.

Please.

Mrs. Whitaker,
you're absolutely right.

I am too old for your daughter,
and I should not be dating her.

-Oh yes you should.
-I'm very sorry,

and I hope you can forgive me,
but...

you need to know how much
I care about your daughter.

I'm sure you do.

No.

No, seriously.

She's brilliant.

She's funny.

And most of all,
she's incredibly brave.

I have learned so much
from her.

Yeah, she said
you were a good salesman.

I am.

And she said
you were a great mom.

-Is that so?
-She tells me how difficult

it's been for you
raising her all alone.

How many hours you work
at your job.

She tells me that
while her other friends

hate their mothers,
that you are her best friend.

So anyway, for the record,
I don't...

have any other girlfriends

in any cities.

Just Los Angeles.

Just Joanie.

So I'm gonna--I'm gonna go.

-It's been great meeting you.
-Okay, Tucker.

-Just wait a minute.
-You must be Joanie's mom.

Danny Kellog.

Uh, these are Joanie's
travel partners,

Sharnae, Anabel.

-Hi.
-Nice to meet you.

I see you've met Tucker.

You two girls go to
Lexington High, don't you?

Um, yeah.

Joanie has been...

a terrific addition
to the company,

and tonight's little dinner

is my way of expressing
my thanks to an incredible team.

-Hell yeah!
-Ow-ow!

[Tucker]
Sharnae, Anabel, sit here.

Uh, would you like to join us?

-Can we get one more seat?
-No, no, it's all right.

I'll let you guys have
your little celebration.

I will see you at home.

You have a very interesting
business, Mr. Kellog.

Thank you.

Who's ready to drink?

-Let's do it.
-Yes!

See those three girls
over there?

They're all under 21.

-Oh, great.
-Thanks, Mom.

Joanie brought her mom
to dinner.

What was that all about?

[door slams]

I can't believe you did that.

He's too old for you.

[Joanie]
He said he thought
you were nice.

I think he's nice too
but I don't think

you should be dating a guy
that age.

He says he's willing
to wait a few years to date.

He should.

[Joanie]
But whether you like it or not,

I'm in love with him,

and I'm going
to keep seeing him.

I don't like that Danny.

What a surprise.

[Georgia]
He's a smooth operator.

Get a really bad vibe
from him.

Mom, I need you
to trust me on this.

My involvement with these guys
is a really good thing.

What do you mean by that?

Goodnight.

[soft, tense music]

That's weird.

-What?
-I count 16 rocks.

So?

Should be 17,
I ordered 17.

Danny packs the cases.

-Not me.
-Well,

he's only
getting paid for 16.

[phone ringing]

Hey, Olivia,
how you doing?

-You were short.
-What are you talking about?

I ordered 17,
you sent me 16.

Uh, pretty sure I sent you 17.

Danny, have I ever lied to you?

No worries, I'll, uh,

I'll make it up to you
on the next one.

[Georgia]
She's working for
these older guys

that are sending her
all around the country.

New York, Chicago, Miami,

supposedly for
some courier business.

Hm, sounds like an awesome gig.

Really? It sounds fishy to me.

[Detective Espinoza]
What's fishy about it?

Well, for starters,

my daughter is still
in high school.

Is your daughter a minor?

No, she's over 18,

but it's the owner that
I'm really concerned about.

-He's got a criminal record.
-What's his name?

Daniel Kellog.

I did a background check on him.

He was arrested
for drug possession.

I did a printout.

Mm-hm.

Used to sell pot.

Well, it's pretty
small time stuff.

Why would a former pot dealer

hire girls
still in high school,

send them all over the country
"making deliveries,"

and then claim
that he owns his business

repairing camera lenses.

It doesn't make sense,
it doesn't add up.

Here's a form
I need you to fill out.

You know what?

I don't appreciate
your attitude.

This is my little girl
that we're talking about.

[Detective Espinoza]
Mrs. Whitaker,

your daughter
is not a little girl,

she's an adult.

From what you've told me,

there's no evidence
of any crime.

Well, can't you just,
you know, investigate him?

Not without good reason.

Okay, you're no help.

I want to talk
to your supervisor.

Well, that'll be another form.

Where are you going?

Yeah, it's me.

I got a question.

Who do you know at the FBI?

How was D.C.?

[Sharnae]
The usual, easy-peasy.

[Danny]
Easy-peasy?

You know, that phrase
originated in England.

It's called a reduplication.

Repeating words
that sound alike.

Kind of silly, really.

Look at that, "silly really."

Now you got me doing it.

All right, let's eat.

I'm starving.

And Olivia?

How's Olivia?

Fine.

Kind of an airhead.

[Danny]
Yeah, she can be an airhead.

Probably has a tough time
keeping things straight,

ya think?

Like numbers?

Maybe.

Yeah, 'cause
a strange thing happened.

-Thank you.
-You're welcome.

She's always been
really good about paying,

but this time
it was weird.

She ordered 17 diamonds
but only paid for 16.

I was actually gonna
ask you about that.

There were only 16 diamonds
in that case.

There it is,
I must have miscounted

when I loaded them
in the case to begin with.

-My bad.
-Hey, we all make mistakes.

You've been real busy, Danny.

You can say that again.

You've been real busy, Danny.

[laughter]

That was a good--
that's a good one.

-That's--that's a good one.
-I'm funny.

You know, part of the reason

I like to send the three of you
on deliveries together

is so you can keep an eye
on each other.

That way mistakes
don't happen.

Danny, I swear
there were only 16.

I know.

That's what Olivia said.

But... the more
I think about it,

I'm really certain

I loaded 17 diamonds
in the case.

I know if I had
17 diamonds on me

and thought maybe
I could pocket one

and no one would know...

I'd be tempted.

Eh--it's...

only one rock, Danny.

You can take it out of my pay.

All right?

Sure, no problem.

You want something to drink?

Uh, yeah, sure.

Cool.

Sorry, Danny.

Hope you're not mad at me.

[dramatic music]

[Anabel shrieks]

When you're done
in the kitchen,

get a mop and a shovel
from the garage.

Okay.

[urine trickles]

[soft, tense music]

[school bell rings]

Hey, Anabel, where's Sharnae?

I haven't seen her
in a week.

She's, um...

Keep this quiet,
but Sharnae took

a bunch of Danny's diamonds
and ran off.

You're kidding.

I know, right?

Has anybody heard from her?

How about her parents?

They must be freaking out.

Sharnae's dad is in prison

and her mom's a tweaker.

They probably don't
even know she's gone.

Don't worry about Sharnae.

She's better off now.

But be careful around Danny.

He's really pissed.

Don't talk to him about her.

Did she say anything to you?

-I mean--
-Joanie!

I said don't even
mention her name.

All right?

All right.

Danny wants to talk to us
after school.

Big shipment going to Cleveland.

-How big?
-Like a lot.

What about getting it through?

I thought we agreed
to keep the amount small

-so we stay under the radar.
-You don't want a piece of this?

I'll give it all to Joanie.

-You good with that?
-Yeah, but if it's a big amount,

I'd rather have Anabel
come with me.

All right, I guess,
but I don't like it.

-Thanks.
-Thanks.

Here, put this in your purse.

Ugh, I thought he was
never gonna shut up.

No kidding,
let's get back to the--

[commotion]

-Hey!
-Give me your purse!

[dramatic music]

Go, go, go, go!

-They took the money!
-We gotta get it back!

We can't, they're gone!

Danny's gonna kill us.

What are you doing?

[thieves laughing]

[soft, tense music]

[unintelligible conversation]

-Dude, there's like 50K.
-Are you kidding me?

[thief muttering]

[thief]
I don't think you can count.

[laughing gleefully]

[grunting]

How the hell did you--

Let's get out of here.

[Danny]
You chased these guys? Alone?

All by herself.

I was freaking out.

I was scared too,
but I'm glad you were with me.

Well, Anabel, here's your cut.

Joanie, here's yours.

You saved me a lot of money.

Here's an extra thousand.

Thanks.

Joanie, I'm putting you
in charge of the next trip.

Wait, what?

You got a problem with that?

No.

I got work to do.

I'll see ya.

[soft music]

Don't forget who brought you
into this business.

If it weren't for me, you
wouldn't have any of that money.

I know, and I'm grateful.

You better be.

I'm Danny's top girl,
and he's still my boyfriend.

-You got it?
-Relax, he's not my type.

As soon as my brother's
in the clear, I'm gone.

And then
you can have Danny

and this entire
sick business

all to yourself.

[Georgia]
Count down from 99
and go to sleep.

Mom, be cool,
I'm gonna be fine.

-I love you, honey.
-Love you too.

I got this.

[soft music]

[PA announcements]

Hey.

Reinforcements.

What are you doing here?

How long has he been in there?

[Joanie]
Mm, going on three hours.

[Tucker]
I hear this type of surgery
takes a long time.

Well, thanks for coming.

You really didn't have to.

No, I... I wanted to.

Smells good.

Thank you, Tucker.

Come on.

Hey.

Hey, what's up?

Nothin' special.

Just thought I'd drop by,
show you my new dress.

Nice.

Kind of busy right now.

Hm, I think
you could use a break.

-I know what you're up to.
-What am I up to?

You're worried about Joanie.

Joanie?

Why would I worry
about Joanie?

You're afraid you're gonna lose
your spot in the company.

You don't love me,
you love the money.

Okay, I love the money.

But I love you too.

Do you?

Yeah.

Come back in an hour.

But just so you know,

it's not gonna
guarantee anything.

So...

what'd they say?

They said the cancer
is completely gone.

The new organ's doing great.

He'll be here
for at least a week,

but they say he's gonna be 100%
real soon.

I told you I'd nail this.

I want a picture.

Oh, good idea.

Let me do it.

-Thank you.
-Yeah.

Okay, we're going on three,
all right?

Here we go.

One, two, three.

-Got it.
-Tucker, get in here.

-Really?
-Yeah.

Come on, get over here.

Okay, okay,
let's do it.

All right, going on
three again, okay?

Here we go,
one, two, three.

[Danny]
Why aren't you texting me back?

Yeah, sorry.

My brother
just had his surgery.

Been kind of busy.

How's he doing?

Good.

He's probably gonna
come home next week.

That's great.

Hey, I got a delivery.

It needs to go to Detroit.

Danny, I don't think
I'm gonna do this anymore.

Oh, man, that kind of sucks.

You've been doing so great.

Yeah, well,
now that I've paid off

my brother's surgery,
I'm done.

Thank you for everything.

[soft, tense music]

It's a lot of money.

Biggest payday yet.

I can't.

You want to go to MIT, right?

This job will pay
for your first year.

Seriously?

Okay, but this is
the last time.

All right.

I'll be back on Sunday.

Be careful in Detroit,
and don't drink the water.

I'm gonna go wait for my ride.

Okay, honey.

-Love you.
-Love you too.

-Call me when you land.
-I will, I promise.

-Love you.
-Be safe.

[radio transmission]

Joanie Whitaker?

-Yes.
-I'm Detective Espinoza, LAPD.

This is Agent Hope with the
Department of Homeland Security.

Can we talk
to you please?

Hello, Mrs. Whitaker.

Good to see you again.

I can't right now,
I have a plane to catch to--

Detroit. We know.

Joanie, we have reason to
believe that you've been

transporting
illegal diamonds,

which is a very serious offense.

I don't know what
you're talking about.

Oh, I think you know exactly
what I'm talking about.

Diamonds?

What is going on here?

What are they talking about?

I have no idea.

She'll talk to you.

Joanie!

Thank you, Detective.

We'll take it from here.

Glad I could help.

I only did this to pay
for my brother's surgery.

This was gonna be
my last job.

It's all about saving money
on some taxes, Mom.

-It's not a big deal.
-Not a big deal? Really?

Have you heard
of conflict diamonds, Joanie?

Also known
as blood diamonds.

-No.
-Well, they come from

West Africa
and they're illegal.

Do you know why?

The guys that run
these diamond mines,

they use slave labor.

Men, women, and children.

Let's say you're working
in one of these mines

and you make a mistake,
try to steal a diamond.

Do you know
what they do do you?

-No.
-They cut off your hand

or your arm,
sometimes your leg.

This has been going on
for decades.

Thousands of amputations.

We think maybe three million
or four million people

have died because of these
diamonds that you, Joanie,

are transporting
right here in this case.

Oh, and if you can't relate
to these pictures

of strange brown people
in Africa,

let me show you a picture
you can relate to.

The terrorist group
that attacked us on 9/11

is still in operation.

Guess how they launder
their money?

Don't believe me,
look it up.

We've had our eyes
on Danny Kellog

for a long time now.

We think he may be working
with a West African warlord.

So what's gonna happen to her?

Well, if this was
five years ago, nothing.

But we've got a new sheriff
in the White House

and she's cracking down hard.

Chances are she's gonna make
an example out of Joanie,

so, I don't know,
what, 15 years, 20?

20 years in prison?

This isn't tax evasion,
Mrs. Whitaker.

This is terrorism.

I mean, I'd give you
the death penalty,

but, hey, that's just me.

-I'll cooperate.
-Damn right you'll cooperate.

-Mom, please.
-These people you're supposed

to meet with in Detroit,

do they know
what you look like?

I don't think so.

I've never met them before.

Go ahead, bring her in.

Give me your contact
in Detroit.

What are you doing?
Why are you repacking these?

I need your plane tickets
and your driver's license too.

This is Agent Wilson.

She's gonna be taking
your place on the flight.

She's gonna make the sale,
bring back the money,

and then you, Joanie,
are gonna take the cash to Danny

just like you normally would.

What's the point of all this?

We don't want Danny to know
you're working with us.

We're gonna take down
his entire network.

- Whoo!

Daniel Kellog.

Anabel Cranston.

Our favorite missing person,
Sharnae Richmond,

if we can find her.

And Tucker James.

We want 'em all.

[lawyer]
What do you need
my client to do?

We want her to set up a deal
between Danny, Tucker,

and this man.

This is actually one of
our agents working undercover.

Your job, Joanie,
is simple.

All you have to do
is convince Danny and Tucker

to show up to the meeting.

They show up, they sell
the diamonds to our agent,

we move in and
we make the arrest.

[lawyer]
So what's your best offer?

We may be able to reduce

a ten-year sentence
to five years in county,

three years
community service.

No jail time,
18 months community.

-You're dreaming.
-No, I'm not.

You want to catch these guys,
you gotta sweeten the deal.

Three months jail time,
twelve months community service.

-Final offer.
-I'm writing that down.

I will talk with my clients
and get back to you.

I think we're done here.

It doesn't work that way.

Usually Danny sends me and
Anabel to make the exchange.

We know that.

You job this time will be
to convince Danny and Tucker

that they need to make
the drop in person.

But Danny's gonna know
that she's lying.

He's gonna know that
she's trying to set him up.

-Not if she plays it right.
-No, no, no.

This sounds
way too dangerous.

-I don't like this.
-Georgia,

don't say anything right now.

[Agent Hope]
Look, Joanie,
you've been telling lies

to TSA officers
for several months now.

You've been lying
to your mom

every time you leave
for the airport.

You can tell one more lie
to your friend Danny.

Can't you?

Thanks a lot, Mom.

You're the reason
I got busted.

All I did was ask the police
to check on Danny.

I had no idea
it was gonna lead to this.

You should have
talked to me first!

I did, I told you
this whole thing

was a bad idea,
you wouldn't listen to me.

The only reason I did this was
to pay for Peter's surgery,

so you wouldn't have
to work so hard.

-Don't put this on me.
-What did you expect me to do?

Just sit back
and do nothing?

Well, I sure as hell
didn't expect you

to join a terrorist cell.

They're not terrorists,

they're just running
a business.

Stop defending them.

They had you risking your life,
your freedom, for them!

Ever wonder why
they weren't making

the deliveries themselves?

Because they knew someday
that you would get caught.

And, look, here we are.

You think that
Danny's your friend?

-You think Tucker loves you?
-Yes.

Really, then why
is he back in L.A.?

Why isn't he out there
making the deals anymore

and why are you
doing his job now?

-He loves me, Mother.
-Oh, come on!

I did not give birth
to an idiot,

stop acting like one.

You and Peter are
the only reason I did this.

What about Detroit?

You got enough in the bank
to pay for his surgery.

You're right.

Detroit was for me...

for tuition.

I guess I'm no better
than they are.

Don't say that.

They took advantage of you.

-They tricked you.
-No, Mom, they didn't.

I knew exactly
what I was getting into.

The truth is, I like
making that kind of money.

I mean... who wouldn't?

You're right,
it is a lot of money.

Are they still hiring?

Oh, honey.

You are not a bad person.

You are the most wonderful,

incredible thing
that's ever happened to me.

And when I saw those police
parked outside our house,

I thought they were gonna
take my baby away from me.

It's gonna be okay.

It's gonna be okay.

Okay, okay,
that's good news.

Tomorrow.

What time?

All right, we'll be here.

Goodnight.

Was that them?

Agent Hope.

Everything went well
in Detroit.

They're gonna bring
the camera case and the money

tomorrow at 7:00 a.m.

And then you're
supposed to meet Danny

and set up the meeting.

Whoa.

It's actually happening.

Yep.

I'm gonna go back to bed.

Okay, goodnight.

[sighs]

[phone ringing, buzzing]

Hey.

What time is it?

We need to talk.

Why are you whispering?

[Joanie]
I can't talk about this
over the phone.

Why not?

It's a perfectly good phone.

[Joanie]
Tucker, I'm serious, please.

This is really important.

There's an all-night diner

a couple blocks away
from my house.

-Now?
-Yeah, right now.

Honey, I've been up
for 24 hours.

I'm really wiped.

You sure this can't wait
till tomorrow?

[Joanie]
Please, I need
to tell you something,

it's really important--

That was Tucker, wasn't it?

Mom, I have to tell him.

You will do no such thing.

I love him.
We're going to get married.

Well, then you're gonna be
married by a prison chaplain,

'cause that's where
he's gonna be.

-Are you nuts?
-I gotta tell him!

No, you don't!

Don't you get it?

If the DHS finds out that
you're violating the deal,

you're the one that's gonna be
in prison, not him.

I'm not a child anymore.

Oh, that's right, you're 18.

Well, here's your first lesson
as an adult.

Love makes you stupid.

Trust me, I have
a master's degree

in falling for
the wrong guy.

-Like Dad?
-Exactly like Dad.

And I am not gonna sit here
and watch you ruin your life

because you think you're in love
with some diamond smuggler.

Hey, how'd it go?

-Great.
-Yeah?

Let's see how great it was.

Hey, you called, last night.

Sorry, I was dead tired,
I was exhausted.

What'd you want to talk about?

Yeah, actually I wanted to talk

to both of you
about an opportunity.

[Tucker]
Oh yeah?

Uh, I met this guy
at the hotel in Michigan,

a real high-roller from Dubai,

some kind of sheik or something,

probably a billionaire.

[soft, tense music]

I think he might want
to buy some diamonds.

[Tucker]
Wow, that's great, babe.

How did you end up
talking to a stranger

about the diamonds we move?

-Does--does that matter?
-Yeah.

It matters a lot.

Well, it's kind of embarrassing.

I'm all ears.

I'm sitting at the bar
at the hotel

eating
my coconut chicken soup

when this Arab guy comes up
to me, starts hitting on me.

I'm like, "I just want
to eat my soup and go to bed."

Anyway, he asked
if he can buy me a drink.

I say no.

Then he goes, "Can I buy you
a dress at the mall?"

I say no.

So then he says, "Can I buy you
a diamond necklace?"

Like that's supposed to turn me
on or something.

Says he buys rare diamonds
for fun.

Millions of dollars' worth,

because he's filthy rich
and he can.

He shows me photos of all
these Middle Eastern girls

in bathing suits wearing
these enormous stones.

I swear to God,
I think he wanted me

to come to Dubai
and join his harem.

[Tucker laughs nervously]

[Tucker clears throat]

So, I took the liberty,
I hope you don't mind,

and I told him I might be able
to arrange a deal.

Did you tell him you had
a boyfriend back home?

Yes, I did.

Check out his website.

This guy's a billionaire.

We could probably
double our prices.

There's just one problem though.

What's that?

The guy says he can't make
a financial deal with a woman.

Some kind of religious thing.

I'll call him.

Cool.

I gotta go.

Hey, hey, hey.

Let's do something fun,
Thanksgiving break.

Go for a road trip
or something.

Okay, great.

Bye.

That's everything.

Joanie's agreements,
guarantees from the government.

-It's all right there.
-Any news?

Danny contacted
our man in Detroit.

Meeting's all set up.

-Joanie did real well.
-Good.

Now I need you
to do something for me.

My daughter's
risking her life

so you guys can make
this big arrest.

Sure there's a promotion in
there somewhere, I don't know.

So you get these bastards
and you put 'em away for good.

Don't worry, we will.

Call Joanie.

[phone rings]

Hi, what's up?

Hey, I just came from the DHS,
I got your file.

They said Danny
set up the meet.

It's almost over, baby.

-Yeah, great.
-What's the matter?

You don't sound too happy
about this.

How am I
supposed to be happy

when my boyfriend's
going to jail?

Oh, God, here we go again.

Mom, I don't care
what the feds do to Danny,

but I still don't want
Tucker to get in trouble.

[Georgia]
You didn't talk about this
with him, did you?

-No.
-Good.

Keep it that way.

Don't talk about this
with anyone, okay?

I'll see you at home.

-Where's Tucker?
-He's not here.

-Why?
-Good.

I want a piece
of the business, Danny.

I told you, you're fun,
but that's not how this works.

I have information you need

about the feds.

What kind of information?

Something I heard.

Tell me.

I need a deal first.

-A deal?
-Make me partner.

50/50 and I'll tell you.

Tucker's my partner.

Tucker's gonna screw you over.

What the hell you talkin' about?

All right, you're my partner.

Prove it.

Okay, that worked.

I overheard Joanie
talking on the phone.

She said something
about Tucker going to jail

and the feds doing
something bad to you.

She said she wanted
to save Tucker,

but she didn't care
what happened to you.

You sure you heard this?

Yeah.

So, what, Tucker,
he's, uh, he's in on it?

He's been sleeping
with Joanie,

so what do you think?

I could have kept my mouth shut
and let them bust you,

but I didn't.

Unbelievable.

Can't trust anybody.

I'm your main girl, right?

Of course you are.

[Anabel squeals, giggles]

[phone ringing]

Hey, how you doing?

[Joanie]
Come over to my house tonight,

like 2:00 a.m.
when my mom's asleep.

Joanie, what's this all about?

I need to tell you in person.

It's important,
you'll see, I promise.

Just wait, all right,
talk to me.

Where are you going?

Just, you know,
need some fresh air.

Don't lie to me, Joanie.

[knocks]

You were gonna tell him,
weren't you?

Mom, I have an idea.

No, I told you before--

Please, just hear me out.

[knocking]

What if I can get Tucker
to work with the DHS?

He could cut a deal with them,
get a short sentence,

-just like us.
-No, it's too late for that--

No, it's not.
He knows all the buyers,

Danny's connections,
everybody.

Please, Mom.

You know the feds
will want him to flip.

It'll work,
you know it will.

Tucker.

Hi, Mrs. Whitaker.

Come inside.

I cut a deal with the
Department of Homeland Security.

What?

What?

She knows everything.

You set me up to get busted.

I had to, and I feel
terrible about it,

but I think there's
a way we can fix this.

All you gotta do is tell them
everything you know,

and the DHS will make
a deal with you.

[Tucker]
Wait, why aren't you
in jail right now?

Why are the feds
leaving you alone?

[Joanie]
They aren't after me.

They want you and Danny.

My lawyer says they do this
kind of thing all the time.

This is a lot to process
right now.

Please, baby, say yes.

Please.

All right.

All right, I'll do it.

I'll do it.

I heard everything.

Wow.

Guess I can't trust anybody,
can I?

Danny, whatever
you think you heard...

Uh-uh, oh, I know what I heard.

Could you
just give me a second.

-Back up.
-All right, listen.

-Just take a second.
-I know what I heard,

get out of my way, man.

I told you to back up.

Back up.

[struggling]

[intense music]

Stop it, let go of him!

-Baby!
-You like that?

You like that, huh?

[grunting]

[dramatic music]

Agh!

[grunting]

Joanie.

Let me help you.

I'll call 9-1-1.

[phone ringing]

Come on.

The paramedics are coming.

Are you okay?

I'm okay.

I'm sorry about all this.

[dispatcher]
9-1-1, what's your emergency?

We need an ambulance.

Someone's been stabbed.

I need to get out
of this business.

Yeah.

Start your own business.

In architecture?

In architecture.

With an office for you.

With an office for me.

And a house in the Valley,

because you don't like--

you don't like driving
on hills.

No, I don't.

Big enough for...

[panting]

for two kids... not four.

Two's enough.

How does--how does that sound?

[sirens]

That sounds wonderful.

[sirens]

[soft music]