Pearson (2019): Season 1, Episode 1 - The Alderman - full transcript
Jessica starts her new job in the mayor's office. It's a new world, and a whole new power struggle.
Ms. Pearson?
Everything okay, ma'am?
I'm fine, Oscar.
Thank you.
Home, Ms. Pearson?
I'm going to walk tonight.
- Hello?
- Is he with you?
Look, I'm kind of
in the middle of a...
He's supposed to meet me
and he's not here.
He's not with me. I swear.
Have you spoken to him?
Jessica, what's going on?
Where are you?
Stay on the line.
You're scaring me.
Where are you?
Jessica.
Steph said she told you
to come in the house.
It's family time.
I didn't want to intrude.
This again?
I mean, Christ, we went over
this a million times.
No, it's not about that.
I like the fresh air.
- Wait, you like the fresh air?
- Yeah, I do.
How is she doing, by the way?
Who, Steph? She's fine.
You're the man. You know best.
What's going on
in that head of yours?
- Nothing.
- Bullshit, I know you.
You got a bug up your ass.
I wanna know what it is.
It's this Pearson woman.
- What about her?
- You don't know her, Bobby.
I know she was smart enough
to get Pat McGann by the balls.
I'm serious.
Don't bring her inside.
Find out what she wants and...
I've given her what she wants.
I run a big city here,
all right?
I know what I'm doing.
What are you worried about?
I worry, okay?
It's my job to take care of you.
Your job's to get me to Stan's
before they run out of glazed.
You're an asshole.
I was gonna
say treat yourself, but...
Let's get out of here.
This is a nice way
to start the day.
Doesn't have to end here.
I've earned myself
a few sick days.
I haven't.
- You are really doing this.
- Jeff.
I'm not looking for a fight,
Jessica.
I'm trying to have your back.
You had all weekend
to have my back.
Dropping this on me when
I'm on my way out the door,
that's a fight.
I gave you the weekend
because I thought that
you would come to your senses.
You know, I made a promise
to my father.
To reconnect with your family,
not work
for a professional liar.
All politicians are
professional liars.
At least this way, I can
actually help my family.
- Jessica.
- Well, don't you get it?
I spent years doing nothing but
making money
and fighting to keep my name
up on a wall.
My life needs to be about more.
And it has nothing to do
with you missing the action.
You know what? For a man who
doesn't want to start a fight,
you're doing a lousy job.
Jessica, wait.
I'm sorry.
This is the last thing
that I wanted.
No, I know what you wanted.
You thought you'd tell me
about some rumor
that your friend
at Justice heard
and then I'd just forget
about the whole thing.
It is not a rumor.
The man who went up against
the city was found murdered.
If your friend knows something,
tell him to show you.
I can't go to him now.
You're about to be the mayor's
brand new right hand.
I live with you
and that makes me a part of it.
So that's what this is about.
No, don't make me the bad guy.
You are allowed
to look out for yourself, Jeff.
I wouldn't want to be
with a man that didn't,
but you're going
to have to decide
whether or not you want
to be a part of this.
Because like it or not,
I'm taking that job,
and I won't have the same
conversation every morning.
Ms. Pearson.
City Hall, ma'am.
Just drive.
This is stupid.
Can I go, please? No, you can't.
They still have to get your
blood sugar up, so sit still.
You're creeping me out, lady.
Jessica,
what are you doing here?
Can I talk to you?
It'll just take a minute.
In case you haven't noticed,
this is an emergency room.
So unless it's an emergency...
I'm dropping
your mother's lawsuit.
What do you mean
you're dropping it?
The mayor offered me a job
if I let it go
and I'm taking it.
I just wanted
to be straight with you.
Wow, you're not even trying
to soft peddle it, are you?
- Angela, please.
- Please, what?
That poor girl's starving
herself out at Franklin
and you walk in to tell me
you're selling us out
to further your career?
Franklin?
The strike? The hunger strike?
What do you want with me,
Jessica?
All I want is for you
to listen to why.
Well, I don't have time
to listen
'cause while you're out here
cutting yourself a deal,
I have to find my family
a place to live.
We could've dragged
that lawsuit out for months,
when it was over,
we were going to lose.
I take this job,
I can do more than just save
one housing project.
Do more?
You don't even know what's
going on down the street.
Look, I didn't expect you
to do this thing for us
in the first place,
but my mother,
she put her hopes in you.
She may put on a brave face,
but trust me,
the minute you left,
she cried her eyes out.
Shit, you didn't even tell her.
I'm going to. I'm...
I see what's going on here.
You're hoping that
I'd tell her for you?
Let me tell you something,
cousin,
I do enough dirty work
around here.
You have to do that yourself.
Hold up, big guy. Not so fast.
Lunch with Local 19.
We have to talk about messaging.
What's the message?
All they're going to do
is bust my balls
about the docks drying up.
Hey, I've been saying
we should start talks
to upgrade the Port.
What are you,
my policy guy now too?
Maybe I should be.
Okay fine,
that's what we'll tell them.
- You're not serious.
- Hey, you sold me.
They won't know what
we're talking about
and it'll buy us time.
So now we're lying
to the Longshoremen.
Hey, Derrick, you do know the
tooth fairy was your dad, right?
I'm just saying,
instead of bullshitting them,
how about we actually
upgrade the ports?
I mean, at this rate,
the unions will be dead in...
Your point's been made.
What else?
The press found out your
buses have been delayed again,
and they're pushing me
for a statement.
- God damn it!
- You can't blame them.
You told them you'd be fully
electric by the end of last year
and now nearly half the old
fleet is either broken down...
Or off the road, I'm aware.
Just figure out what to say.
Don't make me look stupid.
You look stupid? Never.
- Let me and Keri have a minute.
- Derrick.
You guys are going to be
the death of me.
You love him.
Yeah, well,
I'm not gonna tell him that.
What's going on
with the buses, Keri?
I'm taking a beating here.
You know what's going on.
Nivens is an asshole
and he's flexing his muscles
'cause you didn't give him
the Lansing contract.
You have too much on your plate.
I know what I can handle.
A city attorney
who burns out after a year
doesn't do me any good.
I'm not gonna burn out.
I'm gonna get this done for you
like I do everything else.
I'm not saying you won't.
I'm just saying
maybe Jessica Pearson
can make some headway.
That's funny.
My God, you're not kidding.
I'm not.
Since when did she
do anything for you?
Look, I know you don't like her
but she ran
a huge New York firm.
She's got skills and free time
and she wants back in the game.
This is crazy!
She's going to work for you
while she has a lawsuit
against the city?
There is no lawsuit
against the city.
There was as of yesterday.
There is no lawsuit.
Well...
I don't know
what you expect from me.
I expect you both
to be professional.
How is that going to work?
I took her law license for you.
You took her license for you.
Regardless, she knows
I'm the one that took it
and she accused me
of sleeping with you.
Nothing? Okay, is that it?
- Keri.
- Is that it?
That's it.
I just didn't want you to be
blindsided, that's all.
Just stay in your lane,
I'm sure she'll stay in hers.
They've taught us that
the kids don't matter!
We need to tell them that we do!
We do matter,
our teachers matter,
and our children matter!
- Let me out of here.
- Save our kids!
It's not just our schools
we're fighting for.
There's at least 20 others
on the chopping block
and all from the West
and South sides.
The low-income neighborhoods.
City says it's because
of poor performance,
but how are our kids
supposed to perform
when they've been letting
our schools rot
for the last 30 years.
But what about
your local alderman?
He must be fighting to save it.
Miss SellOut?
All she talks about
is trying to privatize.
She doesn't give a damn
about anybody but herself
and her fat cat donors.
Well, if that's the case,
then she probably doesn't care
about that young girl
that collapsed this morning.
I'm sure she doesn't.
What's your point?
My point is,
this is all well and good,
but it doesn't get you
a seat at the table.
Who did you say you were again?
You ain't from around here,
that much I know.
What if I told you
I work for the mayor?
If you do, I would tell
you both to go to hell.
His child has a school.
If this plan goes through
city council, mine won't.
- Which floor is the mayor on?
- Fifth floor.
Thanks.
Granted, it's not
a New York law firm,
but it's the best we had.
If I'd wanted
a view of the park,
I'd have stayed
in corporate law.
You're late, Ms. Pearson.
Would you like to know why?
I have a feeling I don't.
I'm late because I paid a visit
to one of the schools
you're shutting down.
If you're talking about
what's going on at Franklin,
that's a decision
the City Council's making
based on budgetary concerns.
And that's a bullshit line
a politician gives
when he knows he's on
the wrong side of an issue.
You're going to learn
pretty quickly around there
that issues are often less
important than relationships.
- Alderman Coats.
- See?
You're a quick study.
I did the math.
You need her allegiance,
she needs her big-money backers
and when they tell her to jump,
you say how high.
Debbie Coats is a friend
and an ally
and right now,
I need all the allies I can get.
Even if that ally is
selling out the black community?
No one's selling anyone out
and the strike'll blow over.
In the meantime, try focusing
on what I brought you in to do.
Electric buses.
Can't wait to dig in.
It might not be as sexy
as a good old fashioned
hunger strike
but it affects a hell of a lot
more people on the south side
than whether Franklin
High School stays open.
And right now,
this is what I want.
In that case, I look forward
to getting up to speed.
Way to tie in the bus motif.
I'm here all week.
Welcome to City Hall.
Don't be late again.
Hizzoner!
Where's your detail?
Resting outside
comfortably on the city's dime.
Old Man Daley
wouldn't take a shit
without a cop outside his stall.
Lucky cop.
What's this?
It's the lawsuit
against North Park.
Go ahead and rip it up.
Yo, Pat, your dog's up.
I hope you made better deals
when you were a public defender
'cause you just gave away
the store.
What are you talking about?
What the hell are you thinking
bringing Jessica Pearson
into City Hall?
Are you a goddamn idiot?
Here you go.
I had no choice.
She was gonna
crack open your books
and tie your dirty money to me.
What was I supposed to do?
Figure something out.
You don't give her
the keys to the kingdom.
I'm giving her an office,
that's all.
And if anyone's to blame
for this mess, it's you.
Hey, watch yourself, Bobby Boy.
Now it's Bobby Boy.
When it's
the middle of the night
and you've been played
like a chump, then it's,
"Do something for me,
Mr. Mayor."
All right, without me, you're
a lifer on the City Council
making speeches about opposite
side of the street parking.
- I know what I owe you.
- Do ya?
'Cause you better
not have any illusions
about letting this woman
get between us.
I don't know what that means.
It means that now that you
know what she's capable of,
are you going to use her
to come after me?
Jesus Christ. I told you,
I know where I stand.
What about where she stands?
Okay, that shit with North Park
is nothing compared
to what she could find.
She's a threat
to both of us, Bobby.
And that's why I hired her.
Someone once taught me
to keep my enemies close.
Well, you remember that
the first time she pulls
on her leash.
Bobby Novak in the house!
There are plenty of good
restaurants in your ward.
Norm's, I hear,
has a fabulous gumbo.
Well, I'm not required to eat
in the community I serve, ma'am.
No, but you are required
to serve that community
and from what I gather, you're
falling sleeping on the job.
I don't mean to be rude,
but who are you?
I'm working on behalf
of those nice people
who are starving
to keep their school open.
You can tell those nice
people instead of blaming me,
they should be thanking me.
Now I know politicians like
to take credit for everything,
but you're going to have
to walk me through that one.
Did you know I grew up just
down the street from Franklin?
- I know all about you.
- Then you also know,
I took a bus 21 miles roundtrip
every day
because my parents wanted me
educated at a magnet school.
I hated every minute of it, but
it was the best thing for me.
Are you saying
you know what's best
for the people of your ward?
I'm saying if they let me,
I'm trying to lift them up.
The only person
you're interested
in lifting up is yourself.
You look like
you've been doing pretty well
for yourself too
and I know all the community
organizers in this town.
Who the hell are you?
I work for
your friend Bobby Novak
and if you think
he's going to sacrifice
his re-election
to keep you in office,
you're sadly mistaken.
I'm assuming you're
the "me" in "see me."
Did you tell Debbie Coats
I was going to sell
her down the river?
I told her it wasn't
in her self interest
to close down that school.
God damn it,
let's be clear here.
I gave you an assignment
and not only did you ignore it,
you alienated
one of my closest allies.
First of all,
I'm not your student,
I don't take assignments.
Secondly, you ally yourself
with that woman
and you're going to be
a one-term mayor.
You don't know anything
about politics.
But I know about power
and if you sit around,
waiting for this thing to blow
over, you won't have any.
Please, you've been here
all of two minutes?
And it took half that to see
what they think about you
on the South Side.
These aren't stupid people,
Mr. Mayor.
- I know that.
- They're smart.
- I agree.
- They're passionate,
and all they want is
for their children...
- Thanks for the civics lesson.
- To go to a decent school!
I'm a product of public schools.
I would love nothing more than
to pour money into Franklin
and every other school
about to close.
It breaks my heart when I see
what's going on out there,
but I have to make choices.
Then make the right choice now.
This isn't going to work.
Come on, baby,
this is our first fight.
Don't be like that.
I'm not joking around.
You knew what the deal was
when you took it.
You may not be my student,
but you do take assignments
and if you can't do that,
we'll shake hands
and call it a day.
So you'd be willing
to cut ties right here and now.
In a New York second.
And what makes you think I
won't toss that little grenade
I have on you and Pat McGann?
If you really thought that
would get you what you wanted,
you'd have done it already.
And what is it you think
I want, Mr. Mayor?
The opportunity to stand
where you are right now.
You're moving out?
I'm taking that trial in Miami.
The one you said you weren't
interested in two weeks ago.
Well, Dana convinced me
that they could really use
my expertise.
How long are you gonna be gone?
It's a RICO trial, Jessica.
You remember
what those are like.
So do you want
to get into it now
or do you want to run away
and pretend we don't
have things to talk about?
I'm not running anywhere.
My firm needed my help...
Don't lie to me, Jeff.
You're better than that.
You need space,
say you want space.
But don't pretend you didn't
call them and volunteer.
You want the truth?
I did go to them and volunteer.
I should go,
I'm already cutting it close.
I'll call you in a day or so.
So much for having my back.
I do have your back, Jessica,
but there are two people
in every relationship.
Two.
And right,
I need to look after my own.
No offense, but I am not
gonna miss this place.
Well, I don't want
to see you back in here either.
Better listen to what that
nurse said about your shots.
Screw that,
but I'll listen to you
'cause you're
the best nurse here.
To be honest,
I'm not actually a nurse.
You got the outfit.
Yeah, it's called
a Certified Nursing Assistant,
but what I mostly do
is change sheets
and clean bed pans.
I would hate that.
Yeah, I don't love it either,
but I never had a chance
to get an education.
That's why what you're doing
to save the school
is so important.
Thank your cousin for that.
What do you mean?
She came by
to see me last night.
Said she knows the mayor
and that she'd do
all she can to help.
She said that?
It was nice of her
to check in on me.
She didn't have to do that.
I know, it's just what
everybody's doing these days.
I'm telling you,
you don't look 100.
You don't look a day over 99.
I gotta call you back.
Okay, bye.
Hello, Keri.
Ms. Person.
I understand you're joining
our happy little family.
I am and because I know
what a busy woman you are,
I've taken it upon myself
to whip up the first draft
of a lawsuit.
Shouldn't be news to you,
but you're not a lawyer anymore.
It's like riding a bike.
City of Chicago
v. Midwest Portage.
You want to sue
the bus manufacturer.
The mayor gave me an assignment.
I'm just following orders.
Do you know why we don't go
after our supplier, Ms. Pearson?
Because you don't know what
a breach of contract looks like?
Because we have an existing
relationship with the CEO
that stretches back
over ten years.
That sounds like patronage
to me.
And because suing only draws
attention to the fact
that one of the mayor's
signature issues is failing.
Well, let me guess,
you rather handle it
with endless lunches
on the taxpayer's dime.
Like I said, it's a relationship
and you have a lot to learn
about the way things
are done around here.
And you still have a lot
to learn about being a lawyer.
I understand
the concept of a bluff.
Is that what this is?
I'd just like to know, since
obviously you have a plan.
It's a kick in the ass,
which is why
the mayor brought me in.
Nice to see you, Keri.
Mrs. Pearson.
Ms. Pearson.
Right, I just wanted to say that
I heard what you're doing
with the hunger strikers
and if you need any help
with anything...
I'm sorry, who are you?
I'm Derrick Mayes, ma'am.
I'm the mayor's press secretary.
In that case,
maybe you should talk to him.
I talk to him all the time,
but it doesn't seem
to change anything.
I mean, don't get me wrong,
Bobby's like Superman to me,
but he straddles the fence
on too many issues
and I'm glad someone's here
to push him.
You shouldn't go behind
the mayor's back like this.
It's good for him.
He won't see it that way.
Isn't that what you did
with the alderman?
Someone likes
to listen in on conversations.
My ear's to the ground,
ma'am, not outside his door.
I'm sorry to
disappoint you, Derrick Mayes,
but the strikers
are on their own.
This is exactly
the kind of thing
we should be fighting for.
Then take it up with Superman.
I'm taking it up with you.
Am I taking orders
from this woman?
I just wanna know what
the ground rules are.
Keri, keep your voice down.
Stay in her lane.
She's not only out of her lane,
she's swerving
into oncoming traffic.
What happened?
What happened is that
she waltzed into my office
like Marie Fucking Antoinette,
telling me who and what to sue
as though I were an associate
at her law firm.
Midwest Portage. Ring a bell?
I told you I was having
her look into it.
So you're okay with this.
Yeah, I'm okay with it.
In fact, I'm happy as hell
'cause it shows me someone's
actually listening.
It's amazingday two,
it's already come to this.
- Keri.
- Why is she here?
Really, why is she here?
Don't give me
some bullshit excuse
about clearing my plate
and, no,
you cut a deal with her.
It's not what you think.
Is this is your way
of marginalizing me?
- Because...
- Marginalize you?
I'm trying to protect you.
I know it made you sick
to help McGann
and kick those people
out on the street.
There's too much dirty shit
I have to do,
including why I cut
a deal with her,
and I value you too much
to have you mixed up in it.
Then tell her to back off
and let me do my job.
You tell her.
Bobby.
I miss you.
It's been weeks.
It's killing me.
I...
I have worked too hard
to be seen as that girl.
No one sees you as that.
She does.
The woman that you bought in
to keep me clean,
she sees me as that
and every time I see her,
it's a reminder.
So now she's the reason
we're not sleeping together.
It's ironic, isn't it?
I love the whole
Deep Throat thing.
- I shouldn't be seen with you.
- Relax.
You're a cop.
And here's the money I owe you
for failing to intimidate
Jessica Pearson
when she came to town.
I don't want it.
Come on,
think of it as a retainer.
Listen, Pat,
I've been thinking...
No, don't think.
Just do your job
and let me know what
Bobby's doing with this woman.
You want me to spy
on my brother?
Just keep your eyes
and ears open.
Don't get all dramatic.
I'm getting a little tired
of you telling me what to do.
- All right, easy, kiddo.
- I'm his brother!
You're his half-brother.
His bastard half-brother
who he won't even acknowledge
because he cares more
about his political future.
Hey, look, I'm not saying
Bobby doesn't care about you.
I know he does.
But if this woman
pokes her nose in things
and blows everything up,
you're not a Novak.
That's all I'm saying.
So if not for me,
do it for yourself.
When you said you wanted
to meet after work,
I was hoping it'd be a
Bulls game not a charity event.
Well, I can't justify a $1,000
on somebody
who's already welching.
Okay, I admit.
We're behind on the buses.
Guilty as charged.
I appreciate the mea culpa,
Dennis,
but the mayor still thinks
that you're punishing him
because you didn't get
the Lansing deal.
I'd hate to think
you're that petty.
That's not what this is about.
The God's honest truth is
that our supply chain is broken.
Blaming the supply chain.
That never gets old.
I'm sorry, you are?
Jessica Pearson.
I thought the two of you would
be discussing settlement?
Settlement?
What is she talking...
I'm sorry, we must've gotten
our wires crossed.
We were discussing a plan
for expediting
the delivery of the buses.
A plan never starts
with the God's honest truth.
That's an excuse and the
mayor has had enough of them.
I believe this is yours.
You're suing me.
No, um, nobody's suing anyone.
Ms. Pearson is new
and she doesn't understand
how things are done in Chicago.
She's right.
In New York when someone's
serving up bullshit excuses,
it doesn't matter if they're
backed by a stringed quartet.
They're still bullshit.
What's bullshit
is you pulling this
good cop/bad cop act on me.
I still have a lot of pending
deals with your office, Keri.
Yes, you do
and unless you're willing
to start honoring
your contract today,
I may want to rethink
all of them.
I don't appreciate being played.
Neither does the city.
See you in court.
I like the way
you went with that.
You almost remind me
of a young me.
What the hell do
you think you're doing?
At the moment, your job.
That would be impossible
since I'm the actual lawyer.
That didn't stop me from getting
one of the 20 eager lawyers
in your office
to draft that for me.
Is that what this is about?
You want to humiliate me.
Humiliate you?
I've just raised your stock.
You've finally shown him
you have a spine.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no!
Not the million!
Ooh, thank God.
She didn't lose the money,
did she?
Please tell me
she didn't lose it.
No, thank God,
but that red ball bounced
ten times before it landed.
Yeah.
- The kids asleep?
- Yeah.
I put them down
about an hour ago.
Be nice to see them awake
once before they're 18.
Thanks, Ma.
Did you hear from Jessica?
No. Something wrong?
No. She showed up
at the hospital yesterday,
got all up in my business.
What happened?
Remember those kids on TV,
they're trying to save Franklin?
One of them landed in my ER.
Dear Lord.
In walks Jessica
making big promises
to this poor girl
about keeping her school open.
Maybe she'll do it.
What makes you say that?
What? I...
Ma, these kids are starving
themselves
and no one gives a damn
if they live or die,
but some outsider strolls in
and they're just going
to keep the school open?
She is a successful woman,
Angela.
People, they...
They listen to her.
Yeah, well, people listen
to a lot of folk
who are full of shit.
You are being
a little too hard on her.
She's all talk, Ma,
and the sooner
you realize that, the better.
One red ball left.
- The mayor went home.
- I'm not looking for the mayor.
I'm looking for you.
I'm sorry
if I overstepped my bounds.
I can get a little overzealous.
No, overzealous is good
in the right hands.
It gets things done.
You want something from me,
don't you?
You want to make a difference,
all you have to do is get me
the last three tax returns
for Alderman Coats
and tell me where she lives.
Is this legal?
We're not doing anything
illegal, are we?
We're putting our money
where our mouth is.
Hey, don't forget.
We got that fundraiser
up in Glencoe
before the council
meeting tomorrow.
I got a lane on 94
in case we're running late.
Good man.
I saw McGann today.
That's funny.
I guess he didn't like
what I had to say.
What's that supposed to mean?
C'mon, Nick.
You know what it means.
He tries to divide us.
That's his thing.
Maybe so, but he's not
wrong about that Pearson woman.
That fat piece of shit.
You see, he's doing it already.
Suddenly,
it's you and him on a side.
I don't want to be on
his side, but I need an ally.
We're together every day.
What, this?
I took this bullshit job
for you, Bobby.
To serve and protect one man.
You. I don't believe this shit.
Where am I in all of this?
What happens
if the truth comes out?
Nothing's coming out.
Who's going to look out
for me, Bobby?
All I've ever done
is look out for you!
From the minute I knew,
I treated you like
my own flesh and blood.
I protected you,
I confided in you,
and I got you on this bullshit
detail that every other cop
in the city wants
because you're family.
You're the one who doesn't come
inside the house.
You're the one. That's on you.
It's you and me.
I love you.
All rise.
Please be seated.
Next on the docket,
Finley v. Broder.
Is everybody here?
Your Honor, Keri Allen
representing
the City of Chicago.
We were first up
on the docket after lunch.
Were on the docket. Not anymore.
What? Why?
Well, that's a question
for one of your colleagues.
Someone from
the mayor's office called
and said the matter
had been settled.
Now, would the parties
from the case I called
please approach the bench?
Thank you.
You've got some nerve.
Hijacking my meeting
is one thing,
but hanging me out to dry
in court is another.
That affects my reputation
and that I won't stand for.
You should've thought
about reputation
before you took my license.
Have you ever thought about
why I took your license,
Ms. Pearson?
I know why.
You're pissed because I made
your office look like shit
with the 13th District case.
Wrong! You made the
13th District look like shit.
My father was a police officer
and he didn't go out there and
risk his life every single day
so you could call him
and all other cops animals.
I didn't know about your father.
You do now.
And I didn't call them anything.
I went after specific men
who did specific things.
Well, let me be specific
with you right now.
You want to come at me,
come at me,
but stay the hell away
from my department
and any of the lawyers
who work for me
or I'll make disbarment
feel like jaywalking.
Are you threatening me?
I'm warning you.
I've been underestimated
my whole life
'cause I don't look like
a policeman's daughter.
But I'm 33 years old
and I'm the City Attorney.
I didn't get where I am
by being stupid.
The Council will come to order.
I'll now call the role.
Alderman Blake.
- Present.
- Alderman Morrison?
- Present.
- Alderman Coats.
If I may before we begin,
I'd like permission to speak.
As you know, I believe
a math and science education
is vital to the future
of our young people.
That's why I supported
the Richard Feynman School
of Science and Engineering,
a charter school
on the North side,
to replace my ward's
aging high school.
As I said, it's a short distance
for our kids to travel,
but it'll take them far
in their careers.
However,
in light of the community's
incredible commitment
to keep Franklin open
and the mayor's personal plea,
I have decided to withdraw my
support for closing the school.
Yes!
Please, please. If you will.
Effective immediately,
I have also decided to resign
as alderman of the 54th Ward
to pursue opportunities
in the private sector.
It's been an honor to serve
and work with you all.
What the hell is going on?
I'm going to look like an idiot
if I don't make some kind
of statement.
This has all the information
about the alderman's
new position
as well as a commitment
to rebuild schools
in Kenwood
and the surrounding communities.
- You knew about this?
- I did.
What do you think?
Oyster White or Charleston Blue?
I'm just curious.
Since you're the one
who got her the job,
what exactly is Debbie Coats
going to be doing
at Midwest Portage?
She's going
to make it a priority
to ramp up production
and deliver your fleet
of electric buses.
You went behind my back,
Ms. Pearson.
I made you look good, Mr. Mayor.
You just ended
a 23 day hunger strike.
Did I?
I mean, the strike only ended
because a greedy alderman
took a cush VP job.
And now you have 60 days
to replace her
with someone who better
represents the community.
You might want
to make a statement about that
so the strikers know
you heard them.
You mean this.
I like that Derrick.
He is on top of everything.
You know, you may not know this,
but I was the youngest alderman
ever elected.
26.
I'd done a whole year at
the public defender's office.
I was ready
to take on the world.
First month in, I tried to raise
the minimum wage to $7.25.
7.25's half what it should be.
You would've thought
I was a Leninist.
But I didn't back down
and I pushed it through.
See, I knew there was a dreamer
hiding in there somewhere.
Look where you are now.
I'm where I am right now
because right after that,
the oldest member told me
what might happen
if I bit off too much too soon.
I can't tell if
that's advice or a warning.
You saved the day today,
but everything we do here
has real life consequences.
You think I don't know that?
I think you're a smart woman
who doesn't understand
that when shit happens,
it's my name on the door,
not yours.
This is all new to me,
Mr. Mayor,
and it's going
to take a little time
for me to get used
to not calling the shots.
But I don't think you want me
taking smaller bites.
- No?
- No.
I think you have
a problem you need solved
and that's why
you brought me in.
Now you've seen what I can do,
why don't you tell me
what Pat McGann has on you.
I'd go with the blue.
Jessica!
Hey, why don't you come in?
I don't think I should.
Is something wrong?
Lily, I need
to tell you something
that II should
have told you days ago.
I dropped your lawsuit
in exchange for a job
with the mayor.
I know.
Angela said she didn't tell you.
She didn't have to tell me.
I know when something's
going on with my daughter.
- Lillian, I'm so sorry.
- Don't be sorry.
But the question is why?
Whywhy didn't you tell me?
II didn't want to tell you
that I'd failed.
You didn't fail, Jessica.
No, I made a promise
to save your home
and I couldn't make it happen.
No, come on. Come inside.
Not tonight.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah. Jeff is waiting for me.
Um...
another night?
Okay.
You got a death wish.
I heard what happened
in court today.
You okay?
Nothing a glass
of chardonnay won't fix.
You shouldn't be here.
We're not doing anything.
Then why are you here?
I'm concerned about you.
You left work early.
Don't be. I'm fine.
Is that number three or four?
Think you know me so well.
I do, and it's not like you
to run from a fight.
- Fuck you.
- There's my girl.
No, I'm not your girl
and I don't need you coming
around here checking on me.
Well, maybe I need you.
Did you ever think of that?
You should've thought of that
before you brought that woman
into my office.
She's not here to replace you.
Believe me, I'm not
sticking around to find out.
What does that mean?
Keri.
I don't care
who has power in the office
or what she does.
I'm here risking
every goddamn thing in my life
because you're
the person I need.
Your wife is
the person that you...
- Aaron.
- Aaron.
Oy.
Everything okay, ma'am?
I'm fine, Oscar.
Thank you.
Home, Ms. Pearson?
I'm going to walk tonight.
- Hello?
- Is he with you?
Look, I'm kind of
in the middle of a...
He's supposed to meet me
and he's not here.
He's not with me. I swear.
Have you spoken to him?
Jessica, what's going on?
Where are you?
Stay on the line.
You're scaring me.
Where are you?
Jessica.
Steph said she told you
to come in the house.
It's family time.
I didn't want to intrude.
This again?
I mean, Christ, we went over
this a million times.
No, it's not about that.
I like the fresh air.
- Wait, you like the fresh air?
- Yeah, I do.
How is she doing, by the way?
Who, Steph? She's fine.
You're the man. You know best.
What's going on
in that head of yours?
- Nothing.
- Bullshit, I know you.
You got a bug up your ass.
I wanna know what it is.
It's this Pearson woman.
- What about her?
- You don't know her, Bobby.
I know she was smart enough
to get Pat McGann by the balls.
I'm serious.
Don't bring her inside.
Find out what she wants and...
I've given her what she wants.
I run a big city here,
all right?
I know what I'm doing.
What are you worried about?
I worry, okay?
It's my job to take care of you.
Your job's to get me to Stan's
before they run out of glazed.
You're an asshole.
I was gonna
say treat yourself, but...
Let's get out of here.
This is a nice way
to start the day.
Doesn't have to end here.
I've earned myself
a few sick days.
I haven't.
- You are really doing this.
- Jeff.
I'm not looking for a fight,
Jessica.
I'm trying to have your back.
You had all weekend
to have my back.
Dropping this on me when
I'm on my way out the door,
that's a fight.
I gave you the weekend
because I thought that
you would come to your senses.
You know, I made a promise
to my father.
To reconnect with your family,
not work
for a professional liar.
All politicians are
professional liars.
At least this way, I can
actually help my family.
- Jessica.
- Well, don't you get it?
I spent years doing nothing but
making money
and fighting to keep my name
up on a wall.
My life needs to be about more.
And it has nothing to do
with you missing the action.
You know what? For a man who
doesn't want to start a fight,
you're doing a lousy job.
Jessica, wait.
I'm sorry.
This is the last thing
that I wanted.
No, I know what you wanted.
You thought you'd tell me
about some rumor
that your friend
at Justice heard
and then I'd just forget
about the whole thing.
It is not a rumor.
The man who went up against
the city was found murdered.
If your friend knows something,
tell him to show you.
I can't go to him now.
You're about to be the mayor's
brand new right hand.
I live with you
and that makes me a part of it.
So that's what this is about.
No, don't make me the bad guy.
You are allowed
to look out for yourself, Jeff.
I wouldn't want to be
with a man that didn't,
but you're going
to have to decide
whether or not you want
to be a part of this.
Because like it or not,
I'm taking that job,
and I won't have the same
conversation every morning.
Ms. Pearson.
City Hall, ma'am.
Just drive.
This is stupid.
Can I go, please? No, you can't.
They still have to get your
blood sugar up, so sit still.
You're creeping me out, lady.
Jessica,
what are you doing here?
Can I talk to you?
It'll just take a minute.
In case you haven't noticed,
this is an emergency room.
So unless it's an emergency...
I'm dropping
your mother's lawsuit.
What do you mean
you're dropping it?
The mayor offered me a job
if I let it go
and I'm taking it.
I just wanted
to be straight with you.
Wow, you're not even trying
to soft peddle it, are you?
- Angela, please.
- Please, what?
That poor girl's starving
herself out at Franklin
and you walk in to tell me
you're selling us out
to further your career?
Franklin?
The strike? The hunger strike?
What do you want with me,
Jessica?
All I want is for you
to listen to why.
Well, I don't have time
to listen
'cause while you're out here
cutting yourself a deal,
I have to find my family
a place to live.
We could've dragged
that lawsuit out for months,
when it was over,
we were going to lose.
I take this job,
I can do more than just save
one housing project.
Do more?
You don't even know what's
going on down the street.
Look, I didn't expect you
to do this thing for us
in the first place,
but my mother,
she put her hopes in you.
She may put on a brave face,
but trust me,
the minute you left,
she cried her eyes out.
Shit, you didn't even tell her.
I'm going to. I'm...
I see what's going on here.
You're hoping that
I'd tell her for you?
Let me tell you something,
cousin,
I do enough dirty work
around here.
You have to do that yourself.
Hold up, big guy. Not so fast.
Lunch with Local 19.
We have to talk about messaging.
What's the message?
All they're going to do
is bust my balls
about the docks drying up.
Hey, I've been saying
we should start talks
to upgrade the Port.
What are you,
my policy guy now too?
Maybe I should be.
Okay fine,
that's what we'll tell them.
- You're not serious.
- Hey, you sold me.
They won't know what
we're talking about
and it'll buy us time.
So now we're lying
to the Longshoremen.
Hey, Derrick, you do know the
tooth fairy was your dad, right?
I'm just saying,
instead of bullshitting them,
how about we actually
upgrade the ports?
I mean, at this rate,
the unions will be dead in...
Your point's been made.
What else?
The press found out your
buses have been delayed again,
and they're pushing me
for a statement.
- God damn it!
- You can't blame them.
You told them you'd be fully
electric by the end of last year
and now nearly half the old
fleet is either broken down...
Or off the road, I'm aware.
Just figure out what to say.
Don't make me look stupid.
You look stupid? Never.
- Let me and Keri have a minute.
- Derrick.
You guys are going to be
the death of me.
You love him.
Yeah, well,
I'm not gonna tell him that.
What's going on
with the buses, Keri?
I'm taking a beating here.
You know what's going on.
Nivens is an asshole
and he's flexing his muscles
'cause you didn't give him
the Lansing contract.
You have too much on your plate.
I know what I can handle.
A city attorney
who burns out after a year
doesn't do me any good.
I'm not gonna burn out.
I'm gonna get this done for you
like I do everything else.
I'm not saying you won't.
I'm just saying
maybe Jessica Pearson
can make some headway.
That's funny.
My God, you're not kidding.
I'm not.
Since when did she
do anything for you?
Look, I know you don't like her
but she ran
a huge New York firm.
She's got skills and free time
and she wants back in the game.
This is crazy!
She's going to work for you
while she has a lawsuit
against the city?
There is no lawsuit
against the city.
There was as of yesterday.
There is no lawsuit.
Well...
I don't know
what you expect from me.
I expect you both
to be professional.
How is that going to work?
I took her law license for you.
You took her license for you.
Regardless, she knows
I'm the one that took it
and she accused me
of sleeping with you.
Nothing? Okay, is that it?
- Keri.
- Is that it?
That's it.
I just didn't want you to be
blindsided, that's all.
Just stay in your lane,
I'm sure she'll stay in hers.
They've taught us that
the kids don't matter!
We need to tell them that we do!
We do matter,
our teachers matter,
and our children matter!
- Let me out of here.
- Save our kids!
It's not just our schools
we're fighting for.
There's at least 20 others
on the chopping block
and all from the West
and South sides.
The low-income neighborhoods.
City says it's because
of poor performance,
but how are our kids
supposed to perform
when they've been letting
our schools rot
for the last 30 years.
But what about
your local alderman?
He must be fighting to save it.
Miss SellOut?
All she talks about
is trying to privatize.
She doesn't give a damn
about anybody but herself
and her fat cat donors.
Well, if that's the case,
then she probably doesn't care
about that young girl
that collapsed this morning.
I'm sure she doesn't.
What's your point?
My point is,
this is all well and good,
but it doesn't get you
a seat at the table.
Who did you say you were again?
You ain't from around here,
that much I know.
What if I told you
I work for the mayor?
If you do, I would tell
you both to go to hell.
His child has a school.
If this plan goes through
city council, mine won't.
- Which floor is the mayor on?
- Fifth floor.
Thanks.
Granted, it's not
a New York law firm,
but it's the best we had.
If I'd wanted
a view of the park,
I'd have stayed
in corporate law.
You're late, Ms. Pearson.
Would you like to know why?
I have a feeling I don't.
I'm late because I paid a visit
to one of the schools
you're shutting down.
If you're talking about
what's going on at Franklin,
that's a decision
the City Council's making
based on budgetary concerns.
And that's a bullshit line
a politician gives
when he knows he's on
the wrong side of an issue.
You're going to learn
pretty quickly around there
that issues are often less
important than relationships.
- Alderman Coats.
- See?
You're a quick study.
I did the math.
You need her allegiance,
she needs her big-money backers
and when they tell her to jump,
you say how high.
Debbie Coats is a friend
and an ally
and right now,
I need all the allies I can get.
Even if that ally is
selling out the black community?
No one's selling anyone out
and the strike'll blow over.
In the meantime, try focusing
on what I brought you in to do.
Electric buses.
Can't wait to dig in.
It might not be as sexy
as a good old fashioned
hunger strike
but it affects a hell of a lot
more people on the south side
than whether Franklin
High School stays open.
And right now,
this is what I want.
In that case, I look forward
to getting up to speed.
Way to tie in the bus motif.
I'm here all week.
Welcome to City Hall.
Don't be late again.
Hizzoner!
Where's your detail?
Resting outside
comfortably on the city's dime.
Old Man Daley
wouldn't take a shit
without a cop outside his stall.
Lucky cop.
What's this?
It's the lawsuit
against North Park.
Go ahead and rip it up.
Yo, Pat, your dog's up.
I hope you made better deals
when you were a public defender
'cause you just gave away
the store.
What are you talking about?
What the hell are you thinking
bringing Jessica Pearson
into City Hall?
Are you a goddamn idiot?
Here you go.
I had no choice.
She was gonna
crack open your books
and tie your dirty money to me.
What was I supposed to do?
Figure something out.
You don't give her
the keys to the kingdom.
I'm giving her an office,
that's all.
And if anyone's to blame
for this mess, it's you.
Hey, watch yourself, Bobby Boy.
Now it's Bobby Boy.
When it's
the middle of the night
and you've been played
like a chump, then it's,
"Do something for me,
Mr. Mayor."
All right, without me, you're
a lifer on the City Council
making speeches about opposite
side of the street parking.
- I know what I owe you.
- Do ya?
'Cause you better
not have any illusions
about letting this woman
get between us.
I don't know what that means.
It means that now that you
know what she's capable of,
are you going to use her
to come after me?
Jesus Christ. I told you,
I know where I stand.
What about where she stands?
Okay, that shit with North Park
is nothing compared
to what she could find.
She's a threat
to both of us, Bobby.
And that's why I hired her.
Someone once taught me
to keep my enemies close.
Well, you remember that
the first time she pulls
on her leash.
Bobby Novak in the house!
There are plenty of good
restaurants in your ward.
Norm's, I hear,
has a fabulous gumbo.
Well, I'm not required to eat
in the community I serve, ma'am.
No, but you are required
to serve that community
and from what I gather, you're
falling sleeping on the job.
I don't mean to be rude,
but who are you?
I'm working on behalf
of those nice people
who are starving
to keep their school open.
You can tell those nice
people instead of blaming me,
they should be thanking me.
Now I know politicians like
to take credit for everything,
but you're going to have
to walk me through that one.
Did you know I grew up just
down the street from Franklin?
- I know all about you.
- Then you also know,
I took a bus 21 miles roundtrip
every day
because my parents wanted me
educated at a magnet school.
I hated every minute of it, but
it was the best thing for me.
Are you saying
you know what's best
for the people of your ward?
I'm saying if they let me,
I'm trying to lift them up.
The only person
you're interested
in lifting up is yourself.
You look like
you've been doing pretty well
for yourself too
and I know all the community
organizers in this town.
Who the hell are you?
I work for
your friend Bobby Novak
and if you think
he's going to sacrifice
his re-election
to keep you in office,
you're sadly mistaken.
I'm assuming you're
the "me" in "see me."
Did you tell Debbie Coats
I was going to sell
her down the river?
I told her it wasn't
in her self interest
to close down that school.
God damn it,
let's be clear here.
I gave you an assignment
and not only did you ignore it,
you alienated
one of my closest allies.
First of all,
I'm not your student,
I don't take assignments.
Secondly, you ally yourself
with that woman
and you're going to be
a one-term mayor.
You don't know anything
about politics.
But I know about power
and if you sit around,
waiting for this thing to blow
over, you won't have any.
Please, you've been here
all of two minutes?
And it took half that to see
what they think about you
on the South Side.
These aren't stupid people,
Mr. Mayor.
- I know that.
- They're smart.
- I agree.
- They're passionate,
and all they want is
for their children...
- Thanks for the civics lesson.
- To go to a decent school!
I'm a product of public schools.
I would love nothing more than
to pour money into Franklin
and every other school
about to close.
It breaks my heart when I see
what's going on out there,
but I have to make choices.
Then make the right choice now.
This isn't going to work.
Come on, baby,
this is our first fight.
Don't be like that.
I'm not joking around.
You knew what the deal was
when you took it.
You may not be my student,
but you do take assignments
and if you can't do that,
we'll shake hands
and call it a day.
So you'd be willing
to cut ties right here and now.
In a New York second.
And what makes you think I
won't toss that little grenade
I have on you and Pat McGann?
If you really thought that
would get you what you wanted,
you'd have done it already.
And what is it you think
I want, Mr. Mayor?
The opportunity to stand
where you are right now.
You're moving out?
I'm taking that trial in Miami.
The one you said you weren't
interested in two weeks ago.
Well, Dana convinced me
that they could really use
my expertise.
How long are you gonna be gone?
It's a RICO trial, Jessica.
You remember
what those are like.
So do you want
to get into it now
or do you want to run away
and pretend we don't
have things to talk about?
I'm not running anywhere.
My firm needed my help...
Don't lie to me, Jeff.
You're better than that.
You need space,
say you want space.
But don't pretend you didn't
call them and volunteer.
You want the truth?
I did go to them and volunteer.
I should go,
I'm already cutting it close.
I'll call you in a day or so.
So much for having my back.
I do have your back, Jessica,
but there are two people
in every relationship.
Two.
And right,
I need to look after my own.
No offense, but I am not
gonna miss this place.
Well, I don't want
to see you back in here either.
Better listen to what that
nurse said about your shots.
Screw that,
but I'll listen to you
'cause you're
the best nurse here.
To be honest,
I'm not actually a nurse.
You got the outfit.
Yeah, it's called
a Certified Nursing Assistant,
but what I mostly do
is change sheets
and clean bed pans.
I would hate that.
Yeah, I don't love it either,
but I never had a chance
to get an education.
That's why what you're doing
to save the school
is so important.
Thank your cousin for that.
What do you mean?
She came by
to see me last night.
Said she knows the mayor
and that she'd do
all she can to help.
She said that?
It was nice of her
to check in on me.
She didn't have to do that.
I know, it's just what
everybody's doing these days.
I'm telling you,
you don't look 100.
You don't look a day over 99.
I gotta call you back.
Okay, bye.
Hello, Keri.
Ms. Person.
I understand you're joining
our happy little family.
I am and because I know
what a busy woman you are,
I've taken it upon myself
to whip up the first draft
of a lawsuit.
Shouldn't be news to you,
but you're not a lawyer anymore.
It's like riding a bike.
City of Chicago
v. Midwest Portage.
You want to sue
the bus manufacturer.
The mayor gave me an assignment.
I'm just following orders.
Do you know why we don't go
after our supplier, Ms. Pearson?
Because you don't know what
a breach of contract looks like?
Because we have an existing
relationship with the CEO
that stretches back
over ten years.
That sounds like patronage
to me.
And because suing only draws
attention to the fact
that one of the mayor's
signature issues is failing.
Well, let me guess,
you rather handle it
with endless lunches
on the taxpayer's dime.
Like I said, it's a relationship
and you have a lot to learn
about the way things
are done around here.
And you still have a lot
to learn about being a lawyer.
I understand
the concept of a bluff.
Is that what this is?
I'd just like to know, since
obviously you have a plan.
It's a kick in the ass,
which is why
the mayor brought me in.
Nice to see you, Keri.
Mrs. Pearson.
Ms. Pearson.
Right, I just wanted to say that
I heard what you're doing
with the hunger strikers
and if you need any help
with anything...
I'm sorry, who are you?
I'm Derrick Mayes, ma'am.
I'm the mayor's press secretary.
In that case,
maybe you should talk to him.
I talk to him all the time,
but it doesn't seem
to change anything.
I mean, don't get me wrong,
Bobby's like Superman to me,
but he straddles the fence
on too many issues
and I'm glad someone's here
to push him.
You shouldn't go behind
the mayor's back like this.
It's good for him.
He won't see it that way.
Isn't that what you did
with the alderman?
Someone likes
to listen in on conversations.
My ear's to the ground,
ma'am, not outside his door.
I'm sorry to
disappoint you, Derrick Mayes,
but the strikers
are on their own.
This is exactly
the kind of thing
we should be fighting for.
Then take it up with Superman.
I'm taking it up with you.
Am I taking orders
from this woman?
I just wanna know what
the ground rules are.
Keri, keep your voice down.
Stay in her lane.
She's not only out of her lane,
she's swerving
into oncoming traffic.
What happened?
What happened is that
she waltzed into my office
like Marie Fucking Antoinette,
telling me who and what to sue
as though I were an associate
at her law firm.
Midwest Portage. Ring a bell?
I told you I was having
her look into it.
So you're okay with this.
Yeah, I'm okay with it.
In fact, I'm happy as hell
'cause it shows me someone's
actually listening.
It's amazingday two,
it's already come to this.
- Keri.
- Why is she here?
Really, why is she here?
Don't give me
some bullshit excuse
about clearing my plate
and, no,
you cut a deal with her.
It's not what you think.
Is this is your way
of marginalizing me?
- Because...
- Marginalize you?
I'm trying to protect you.
I know it made you sick
to help McGann
and kick those people
out on the street.
There's too much dirty shit
I have to do,
including why I cut
a deal with her,
and I value you too much
to have you mixed up in it.
Then tell her to back off
and let me do my job.
You tell her.
Bobby.
I miss you.
It's been weeks.
It's killing me.
I...
I have worked too hard
to be seen as that girl.
No one sees you as that.
She does.
The woman that you bought in
to keep me clean,
she sees me as that
and every time I see her,
it's a reminder.
So now she's the reason
we're not sleeping together.
It's ironic, isn't it?
I love the whole
Deep Throat thing.
- I shouldn't be seen with you.
- Relax.
You're a cop.
And here's the money I owe you
for failing to intimidate
Jessica Pearson
when she came to town.
I don't want it.
Come on,
think of it as a retainer.
Listen, Pat,
I've been thinking...
No, don't think.
Just do your job
and let me know what
Bobby's doing with this woman.
You want me to spy
on my brother?
Just keep your eyes
and ears open.
Don't get all dramatic.
I'm getting a little tired
of you telling me what to do.
- All right, easy, kiddo.
- I'm his brother!
You're his half-brother.
His bastard half-brother
who he won't even acknowledge
because he cares more
about his political future.
Hey, look, I'm not saying
Bobby doesn't care about you.
I know he does.
But if this woman
pokes her nose in things
and blows everything up,
you're not a Novak.
That's all I'm saying.
So if not for me,
do it for yourself.
When you said you wanted
to meet after work,
I was hoping it'd be a
Bulls game not a charity event.
Well, I can't justify a $1,000
on somebody
who's already welching.
Okay, I admit.
We're behind on the buses.
Guilty as charged.
I appreciate the mea culpa,
Dennis,
but the mayor still thinks
that you're punishing him
because you didn't get
the Lansing deal.
I'd hate to think
you're that petty.
That's not what this is about.
The God's honest truth is
that our supply chain is broken.
Blaming the supply chain.
That never gets old.
I'm sorry, you are?
Jessica Pearson.
I thought the two of you would
be discussing settlement?
Settlement?
What is she talking...
I'm sorry, we must've gotten
our wires crossed.
We were discussing a plan
for expediting
the delivery of the buses.
A plan never starts
with the God's honest truth.
That's an excuse and the
mayor has had enough of them.
I believe this is yours.
You're suing me.
No, um, nobody's suing anyone.
Ms. Pearson is new
and she doesn't understand
how things are done in Chicago.
She's right.
In New York when someone's
serving up bullshit excuses,
it doesn't matter if they're
backed by a stringed quartet.
They're still bullshit.
What's bullshit
is you pulling this
good cop/bad cop act on me.
I still have a lot of pending
deals with your office, Keri.
Yes, you do
and unless you're willing
to start honoring
your contract today,
I may want to rethink
all of them.
I don't appreciate being played.
Neither does the city.
See you in court.
I like the way
you went with that.
You almost remind me
of a young me.
What the hell do
you think you're doing?
At the moment, your job.
That would be impossible
since I'm the actual lawyer.
That didn't stop me from getting
one of the 20 eager lawyers
in your office
to draft that for me.
Is that what this is about?
You want to humiliate me.
Humiliate you?
I've just raised your stock.
You've finally shown him
you have a spine.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no!
Not the million!
Ooh, thank God.
She didn't lose the money,
did she?
Please tell me
she didn't lose it.
No, thank God,
but that red ball bounced
ten times before it landed.
Yeah.
- The kids asleep?
- Yeah.
I put them down
about an hour ago.
Be nice to see them awake
once before they're 18.
Thanks, Ma.
Did you hear from Jessica?
No. Something wrong?
No. She showed up
at the hospital yesterday,
got all up in my business.
What happened?
Remember those kids on TV,
they're trying to save Franklin?
One of them landed in my ER.
Dear Lord.
In walks Jessica
making big promises
to this poor girl
about keeping her school open.
Maybe she'll do it.
What makes you say that?
What? I...
Ma, these kids are starving
themselves
and no one gives a damn
if they live or die,
but some outsider strolls in
and they're just going
to keep the school open?
She is a successful woman,
Angela.
People, they...
They listen to her.
Yeah, well, people listen
to a lot of folk
who are full of shit.
You are being
a little too hard on her.
She's all talk, Ma,
and the sooner
you realize that, the better.
One red ball left.
- The mayor went home.
- I'm not looking for the mayor.
I'm looking for you.
I'm sorry
if I overstepped my bounds.
I can get a little overzealous.
No, overzealous is good
in the right hands.
It gets things done.
You want something from me,
don't you?
You want to make a difference,
all you have to do is get me
the last three tax returns
for Alderman Coats
and tell me where she lives.
Is this legal?
We're not doing anything
illegal, are we?
We're putting our money
where our mouth is.
Hey, don't forget.
We got that fundraiser
up in Glencoe
before the council
meeting tomorrow.
I got a lane on 94
in case we're running late.
Good man.
I saw McGann today.
That's funny.
I guess he didn't like
what I had to say.
What's that supposed to mean?
C'mon, Nick.
You know what it means.
He tries to divide us.
That's his thing.
Maybe so, but he's not
wrong about that Pearson woman.
That fat piece of shit.
You see, he's doing it already.
Suddenly,
it's you and him on a side.
I don't want to be on
his side, but I need an ally.
We're together every day.
What, this?
I took this bullshit job
for you, Bobby.
To serve and protect one man.
You. I don't believe this shit.
Where am I in all of this?
What happens
if the truth comes out?
Nothing's coming out.
Who's going to look out
for me, Bobby?
All I've ever done
is look out for you!
From the minute I knew,
I treated you like
my own flesh and blood.
I protected you,
I confided in you,
and I got you on this bullshit
detail that every other cop
in the city wants
because you're family.
You're the one who doesn't come
inside the house.
You're the one. That's on you.
It's you and me.
I love you.
All rise.
Please be seated.
Next on the docket,
Finley v. Broder.
Is everybody here?
Your Honor, Keri Allen
representing
the City of Chicago.
We were first up
on the docket after lunch.
Were on the docket. Not anymore.
What? Why?
Well, that's a question
for one of your colleagues.
Someone from
the mayor's office called
and said the matter
had been settled.
Now, would the parties
from the case I called
please approach the bench?
Thank you.
You've got some nerve.
Hijacking my meeting
is one thing,
but hanging me out to dry
in court is another.
That affects my reputation
and that I won't stand for.
You should've thought
about reputation
before you took my license.
Have you ever thought about
why I took your license,
Ms. Pearson?
I know why.
You're pissed because I made
your office look like shit
with the 13th District case.
Wrong! You made the
13th District look like shit.
My father was a police officer
and he didn't go out there and
risk his life every single day
so you could call him
and all other cops animals.
I didn't know about your father.
You do now.
And I didn't call them anything.
I went after specific men
who did specific things.
Well, let me be specific
with you right now.
You want to come at me,
come at me,
but stay the hell away
from my department
and any of the lawyers
who work for me
or I'll make disbarment
feel like jaywalking.
Are you threatening me?
I'm warning you.
I've been underestimated
my whole life
'cause I don't look like
a policeman's daughter.
But I'm 33 years old
and I'm the City Attorney.
I didn't get where I am
by being stupid.
The Council will come to order.
I'll now call the role.
Alderman Blake.
- Present.
- Alderman Morrison?
- Present.
- Alderman Coats.
If I may before we begin,
I'd like permission to speak.
As you know, I believe
a math and science education
is vital to the future
of our young people.
That's why I supported
the Richard Feynman School
of Science and Engineering,
a charter school
on the North side,
to replace my ward's
aging high school.
As I said, it's a short distance
for our kids to travel,
but it'll take them far
in their careers.
However,
in light of the community's
incredible commitment
to keep Franklin open
and the mayor's personal plea,
I have decided to withdraw my
support for closing the school.
Yes!
Please, please. If you will.
Effective immediately,
I have also decided to resign
as alderman of the 54th Ward
to pursue opportunities
in the private sector.
It's been an honor to serve
and work with you all.
What the hell is going on?
I'm going to look like an idiot
if I don't make some kind
of statement.
This has all the information
about the alderman's
new position
as well as a commitment
to rebuild schools
in Kenwood
and the surrounding communities.
- You knew about this?
- I did.
What do you think?
Oyster White or Charleston Blue?
I'm just curious.
Since you're the one
who got her the job,
what exactly is Debbie Coats
going to be doing
at Midwest Portage?
She's going
to make it a priority
to ramp up production
and deliver your fleet
of electric buses.
You went behind my back,
Ms. Pearson.
I made you look good, Mr. Mayor.
You just ended
a 23 day hunger strike.
Did I?
I mean, the strike only ended
because a greedy alderman
took a cush VP job.
And now you have 60 days
to replace her
with someone who better
represents the community.
You might want
to make a statement about that
so the strikers know
you heard them.
You mean this.
I like that Derrick.
He is on top of everything.
You know, you may not know this,
but I was the youngest alderman
ever elected.
26.
I'd done a whole year at
the public defender's office.
I was ready
to take on the world.
First month in, I tried to raise
the minimum wage to $7.25.
7.25's half what it should be.
You would've thought
I was a Leninist.
But I didn't back down
and I pushed it through.
See, I knew there was a dreamer
hiding in there somewhere.
Look where you are now.
I'm where I am right now
because right after that,
the oldest member told me
what might happen
if I bit off too much too soon.
I can't tell if
that's advice or a warning.
You saved the day today,
but everything we do here
has real life consequences.
You think I don't know that?
I think you're a smart woman
who doesn't understand
that when shit happens,
it's my name on the door,
not yours.
This is all new to me,
Mr. Mayor,
and it's going
to take a little time
for me to get used
to not calling the shots.
But I don't think you want me
taking smaller bites.
- No?
- No.
I think you have
a problem you need solved
and that's why
you brought me in.
Now you've seen what I can do,
why don't you tell me
what Pat McGann has on you.
I'd go with the blue.
Jessica!
Hey, why don't you come in?
I don't think I should.
Is something wrong?
Lily, I need
to tell you something
that II should
have told you days ago.
I dropped your lawsuit
in exchange for a job
with the mayor.
I know.
Angela said she didn't tell you.
She didn't have to tell me.
I know when something's
going on with my daughter.
- Lillian, I'm so sorry.
- Don't be sorry.
But the question is why?
Whywhy didn't you tell me?
II didn't want to tell you
that I'd failed.
You didn't fail, Jessica.
No, I made a promise
to save your home
and I couldn't make it happen.
No, come on. Come inside.
Not tonight.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah. Jeff is waiting for me.
Um...
another night?
Okay.
You got a death wish.
I heard what happened
in court today.
You okay?
Nothing a glass
of chardonnay won't fix.
You shouldn't be here.
We're not doing anything.
Then why are you here?
I'm concerned about you.
You left work early.
Don't be. I'm fine.
Is that number three or four?
Think you know me so well.
I do, and it's not like you
to run from a fight.
- Fuck you.
- There's my girl.
No, I'm not your girl
and I don't need you coming
around here checking on me.
Well, maybe I need you.
Did you ever think of that?
You should've thought of that
before you brought that woman
into my office.
She's not here to replace you.
Believe me, I'm not
sticking around to find out.
What does that mean?
Keri.
I don't care
who has power in the office
or what she does.
I'm here risking
every goddamn thing in my life
because you're
the person I need.
Your wife is
the person that you...
- Aaron.
- Aaron.
Oy.