Saints & Sinners (2016–…): Season 1, Episode 2 - Hustle Is Still the Hustle - full transcript

Previously, on
Saints & Sinners

Jabari, Jabari!

Call 911!

What did you do to him?

I miss him.

You still think about him too?

Nice sermon today, Pastor.

Keep the blessings flowing,
know what I'm sayin'?

Hey Pastor.

Pastor's payments is
light again.

Got anything to say about that?



Would you gentlemen mind if I
had a moment with the pastor?

Do you think I wouldn't notice
the missing money from my
campaign account, Evan?

Look I need a little extra
time on my campaign prep.

Whatever you need to figure
out... do it soon.

Anything else you need?

Seems you got a problem.

Look, I just need a little time.

Your time is up!

By this time tomorrow,
everything should be good.

Wait!

[GUNSHOTS]

[SLOW HEARTBEAT]

[DRAMATIC MUSIC PICKING UP]

[INDISTINCT DIALOGUE]



[Officer]
Are you okay, sir?

Are you okay?

What have we got?

They found him
around 9:54pm, they could
still smell the gunpowder.

Neighbors heard
what may have been two
gunshots around that same time.

Any ID?

His wallet was on him with cash
and credit cards still inside.

So it wasn't a robbery.

Who was he?

Evan Johnson, 64, two
shots to the back of
the head at close range

with what looks to be a 22
calibre weapon.

Oh my God. Pastor Evan Johnson?

Popping a pastor is pretty cold.
Any witnesses?

No witnesses yet. At least no
one that's willing to talk.

But got a pretty clear shoe
print. Size eleven work boot.

Noah.

A close range shot to the back
of the head. No robbery. This
sounds personal to me.

How do you know this vic?

You don't want to know.

Tragedy has once again struck
the First Family of Greater Hope
Baptist Church.

Pastor Evan Johnson was
found dead.

A victim of yet another gun
related crime.

Our sympathies go to the Johnson
Family as they try to make sense
of three generations of tragedy.

Do you know who would want to
kill your husband?

Let us through, please!

- Any comment?
- Let us through.

Councilwoman Johnson, any
comment?

- Mom!
- Oh, baby!

[SOBBING]

Dad's gone. He's gone. How could
this happen to us again?

I don't know, baby.
I don't know.

Tell me, what happened?

I don't know, we were just
playing basketball with him.

Mrs. Johnson?

Y- yes.

I'm Detective Alvarez. And this
is my partner...

Detective St. Charles.

Oh my God. What are
you doing here?!

- Why are you even here?
- Hey, hey, hey!

Get out of here!

[Christie screaming
hysterically]

Leave us alone!

♪ DOWN, LIFT YOUR HANDS GIVE GOD
THE PRAISE ♪

♪ I FELL SO HARD

♪ LOST MY FAITH IN GOD

♪ I COULDN'T EVEN PRAY

♪ SO I SAY

♪ WE'RE JUST SINNERS

♪ SAVED BY GRACE

This right here Smokey?

Like heaven on a bone.

Glad to hear I haven't
lost the touch.

You ain't lost nothin' baby.

Lotta love where it at man,
lot's of love.

[police siren]

That's about the eighth car
I've seen go past.

Somethin's goin' on.

Hey, young blood. What's with
the light show?

Somebody killed Pastor Johnson.

Funny you would be assigned this
case.

Lets hope your track record has
gotten better over the years.

We want to find out who's
responsible for this as
much as you do.

I seriously doubt that.

Any idea who could
have done this?

Look, I-I don't understand this.
My husband was a respected
leader of this community

My family has run this
church for over four decades.

He treated everybody
like family.

Okay, Did the
Pastor mention anybody he
was having trouble with?

No, he was cool with everybody.

I can't think of why
anybody would do this.

He was always trying
to help people.

This just doesn't
make any sense.

[SLOW DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]

Let's talk.

Have any thoughts on who
might have a reason to
kill the Pastor?

No, like they said, everybody in
the neighborhood loved him.

I never expected to see
you back here.

Especially under
these circumstances.

Me neither.

I've only been back a couple of
months, and now this.

Home is never how you left it.

That thing with you and
Christie...

Don't worry. I'm used to women
reacting to me that way.

You said you've only been back a
couple months. How often did you
see the Pastor?

He gave me a job here at the
church, kind of helped me
through a rough patch.

I saw him almost every day.

Anything seem out of the
ordinary?

Not that I can think of.

In my experience, people don't
get shot like that for nothing.

Something was going on with the
Pastor that got him killed.

Hey, Lou just arrived.

Get some rest. We'll
be in touch.

Take me through it. City Hall is
breathing fire on this one.

Huh. Gotta love
an election year.

It looks like a
personal hit to me.

What makes you so sure?

We had a close range shooting,
no robbery. And the shooter
picked up his brass.

Plus, take a look at this.

Son of a bitch.

Now why would a Pastor need that
much cash?

And why would a killer leave it
behind?

This is crazy man.

This neighborhood has really
gone down hill.

Seems like every time another
black man steps up to lead, he
gets shot back down.

Pastor told me things had
changed around here.

I just didn't know it
was this bad.

What are we going to do now?

What we always do, survive.

Huh.

So you worked their son's case?

Don't you ever stop pushing?

I'm a female detective with four
brothers. I never stop pushing.

It was my first homicide.

When you're starting out,
you think there's no case
you can't solve.

Until reality sets in.

I mean things have changed.

Evidence, technology.

Clearly the family
hasn't let it go.

Maybe the file is worth
a second look.

But where to start?

[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS]

[Det. Alvarez]
Maybe right here.

[KNOCKING]

[Ella]
Pamela?

At least you're
answering your door.

I wish you would have called
first. I look a mess.

Never.

And I did call.

A few times, actually.

Why won't you let me
be here for you?

I'm...

I just need a little time.

Yes of course, I understand. You
need a little time. Just take as
much time as you need.

But I just want you to know that
I'm here for you.

I'm here.

Where's this from?

It's from our last
family reunion.

We'd just won the
family olympics...

and he was... doing
his victory dance.

[SOBBING]

You're okay.

[DOOR OPENING]

[PHONE VIBRATES]

Hey Banana.

Hey daddy, I miss you.

I miss you too, baby girl.

Somebody's birthday is Saturday.
You excited?

Yeah. Mom is taking us to laster
tag and everything. It's gonna
be awesome.

[Savannah]
You're gonna
be here, right?

I wouldn't miss it.

I'll see you then, Banana.

I love you daddy.

Love you too baby. Bye.

Hey.

You doin' okay?

Here, let me get that-

No! I can take care of it.

I'm sorry, I uh...

\}No, you don't have to explain
yourself.

Been a long time since I've been
in this house.

Yeah, I know.

A lot of memories here.

You know...

Dad really loved you.

It broke his heart after you
left.

Especially since we had just
lost EJ.

I had to go, you know that.

Harvard was the opportunity of a
lifetime.

That's BS and you know it.

We really needed you.

I needed you.

I didn't plan on
leaving like that.

Then why did you?

I was young!

I didn't know what I was
doing, I didn't know how
to process things.

And what about now?

Christie... baby, we so sorry.

Whatever you need, we got you
baby girl.

Listen, we gotta get some of
this food in you first.

baby you lookin' so thin!

We gotta keep you strong for the
Lord. Come on over here.

Did you remember to bring that
hot sauce?

You don't need any hot sauce.

Are you gonna stand there like a
stalker or are you going to say
something?

How did you know I was here?

Wasn't hard.

You've been wearin' the same
cologne since you were
sixteen years old.

Thank you.

Sit down, Levi.

There's a lot we need to talk
about.

For you.

And lady Ella.

You remembered I like pink
roses.

Of course.

They're beautiful.

Hey.

Hey.

I know it doesn't seem like
it right now, but it's
gonna be alright.

My dad used to always say that.

Yeah, I know.

I remember that too.

Brother Miles.

Ladies.

I see y'all bringing out all the
good food, huh?

Of course.

Uh, I think I better find a vase
for these, excuse me.

Of course, sweetheart. We're
praying for you and Lady Ella.

[Christie]
Thank you.

And I'ma find some plates.

Did you see what I just saw?

Guuuuurl, Stevie Wonder could
see that.

Mmm-hmmm.

I know I'm supposed to say that
he's not gone,

that he's all around us, he's
lookin' down on us from up on
high...

But I can't right now.

James chapter 1 verse 6.

But when you ask, you must
believe and not doubt...

And he that doubts is like a
wave of the sea, blown and
tossed by the wind.

Amen.

I'm gonna need your help
with the planning of this
funeral, Levi.

Of course, whatever you need.

I'm gonna need your help with
the church as well.

Everyone always thinks that
it's tithes and offerings and
tax exemptions.

But it's much more.

People depend on the church, not
only to be spiritually fed,

but many times for actual food
on their table as well.

Not everyone was aware of how
much the church was struggling.

Evan was always trying to put a
band-aid on it. Robbing from
Peter to pay Paul.

And it worked for a while.

But now I'm afraid that there's
nobody in my family left who
could lead this church.

Well what about Christie?

She's not built for this. She
never will be.

Evan trusted you. He told me how
you kept us afloat over the
years.

He called you his little miracle
worker.

Changing five fish and two
loaves of bread into enough
food to feed the multitudes.

Just like Jesus.

Well I don't know if I
got it like that.

That was one of my favorite
qualities in Evan.

No matter how things seemed, he
was always looking for a way to
make everything alright.

Do you know why he
believed in you?

Leading this church is much more
than just preaching the word. It
takes humility, compassion,

and a level of faith that
not many have.

But, at the same time, a
business savvy that keeps
everything moving.

I've seen that in you.

Evan saw it, too.

Even before we lost EJ.

I'm not pastor material.

I'm not talking about being a
pastor. I'm talking about being
a leader.

This church needs you Levi. More
now than ever.

I always want to be here for you
and for the church, Lady Ella,

but you know I have a daughter
back home who needs her father
around while she's growing up.

and you know how important that
is.

Lord knows that decisions of the
faith are never easy, Levi.

Here. Maybe this will help.

These are some photos for the
funeral program. I trust you to
pick the best one.

Well people are gonna be
arriving soon.

That'll be a good time to let
them know what time the service
is going to be on Saturday.

- Saturday?
- Yeah.

My daughter's birthday
is on Saturday.

I already told her I was gonna
be there, I'm flying home, I-

My ex documents every little
mistake I make, I have to be
there.

Well that doesn't sound much
like a family to me.

But I'll leave that up to you.

I trust you'll make the right
decision, Levi.

[GOSPEL SINGERS HARMONIZING]

♪ WAS GRACE

♪ THAT BROUGHT

♪ ME SAFE

♪ THUS FAR

♪ AND GRACE

♪ WILL LEAD

♪ ME HOME

It feels like we're stuck. We
don't really have anything.

Just gotta keep digging.

Get ready.

Tell me something good about
this case.

The mayor's office is calling
every hour on the hour.

So far, nothing to go on.

According to the neighborhood,
this guy squeaked when he
walked. Everybody loved him.

Yeah, well somebody didn't. Any
evidence at the scene?

They're still processing the car
and we're waiting for the
coroner to release the bullet.

Witnesses?

No one's talking.

But we're waiting to see if
anything comes from the cell

phone footage that some
onlookers took at the scene.

And the money?

We're pulling his
financials right now.

Right and we contacted
health services.

We told them to notify us if
anyone requests the death

certificate to cash in on a
life insurance policy.

No witnesses and no motive?

Follow the money.

Oh, naptime kids?

What do you want, Rodriguez?

I heard you guys caught the
Johnson case.

I got some information here from
one of my CIs that might be
interesting to you.

I think we got our suspect.

You look good in my dad's chair.

Don't get used to it. Now
you're starting to sound
like your mother.

We're nothing alike. Obviously
you don't know me anymore.

Is there something
bothering you?

Actually there is.

How is it that once again you
seem to be the golden child?

You've been here
five minutes and all of a
sudden you're the man.

Who says I'm the man?

You're taking over the church.

Getting promotions...

getting comfortable in
MY dad's chair.

I don't know what's got you
angry, but-

I heard you and my mom talking
in the garden.

Okay, look.

You don't have to take out your
frustrations on me.

I'm not the one that thinks you
don't have what it takes to run
this church.

That would be your mom, you can
take that up with her, not me.

So she can throw it in my face
that I'm not good enough?

I get that you're goin' through
some tough stuff. We all are.

But you don't have to worry
about me taking over your
family business.

Once I sell my grandmother's
house, I'm out.

Typical.

Mm-hm.

When things got tough here, you
ran up North.

Then things got tough in New
York and you ran back here.

Now things are getting tough
again, Levi.

Where are you gonna
run to this time?

[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]

[Douglas Carter] Murder one?
Wake up, you must be dreaming.

Based on what?

Without tipping our hand, we
thought we'd give your client a
chance to clear his conscience.

Clear my conscience?

I make miracles happen, baby.

The people love me around here.

In fact, I just saw you last
year at my annual turkey
giveaway, Noah

And now you're trying to
put a body on me.

Wow.

I'm trying to take the needle
out of your arm, Rex.

Now you cooperate and we can
talk to the DA about a plea.

A plea?

You must be smokin' if you think
I'm pleading to anything.

Look, I hate to break up the
sausagefest, but the fact is,

we have a witness and hard
evidence that you were involved
in Pastor Johnson's murder.

It's just a matter of time
before we make this case, with
or without you.

- Well we demand to see this
evidence-
- Shut up, Carter.

[OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING]

Listen honey...

if you were as smart as you
are pretty, you'd know you're
being played.

You understand?

Nobody's making a
case against me.

I'm an honest businessman
making an honest living,
that's all that is.

By convincing people
with a hammer?

What business school
taught you that?

We know the Pastor owed
you money.

What can I say baby?

I'm a generous guy.

People borrow money from me and
pay me back for one reason.

Because they have to, not
because they like to.

Oh, and if they don't they
end up dead?

I never killed nobody
in my life.

But you know who did.

Carter, handle this please.

Don't harass my client again.

What was that?

What was what?

Your doin' bad
cop-bad cop routine.

Oh please, I was gagging on all
the testosterone in the room.

Someone had to get to the point.

The only thing you succeeded in
was pissing him off,

not getting to the point!

Even better!

People make mistakes whenever
they're angry.

Now all we have to do is sit
back and wait 'til he screws up.

Thanks again, Smokey.

Hoh! You leavin' so soon?

Yeah they said you
were comin' back.

Oh damn, you still scared of me?

Never.

Hey man, look um, sorry about
the Pastor.

Thanks, Bari.

You know, I woulda came by
sooner, but-

I know. You don't do church.

Exactly.

You heard anything about who
might've done this?

Nope. And even if I did
man, you'd be the last
person I'ma tell.

Hey look, you got enough on your
plate already.

Yeah.

How's Lady Ella and
Christie doing?

About as well as you'd expect
them to be doin'.

Hey man, word on the street is
that you and a kid found the
body.

Is that what the streets say?

You know they always listening.
I mean, unless you forget that

during your bougie time
on Wall Street.

There's certain things
you never forget.

You know he's got a birthday
coming up, right?

Who?

Come on man, don't act like you
don't care, Bari.

I know you remember.

Look, I gotta get goin'.

I got some business at the
church I need to attend to.

Okay bro. Handle your handle.

Hey, we're cousins man. If you
need anything...

I know.

Anything.

I know.

Thanks, Jabari.

You got it Smoke. I'll see
you tomorrow.

[Smokey]
God willing.

[CAR ALARM CHIRPS]

[LIGHT SCRATCHING SOUND]

We need to talk.

Somebody's snitchin'.

[SIRENS WAIL IN DISTANCE]

[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]

Hey Angela!

- Hey.
- You got a second?
- Yeah.

Which one of these pictures do
you think would work best for
the pastor's funeral program?

Let's see...

I like this one.

And this one.

Wait, is this you in this one?

Wow, you knew Pastor for
a real long time.

Yeah.

Let's reach out to more than
one florist, so we can
compare prices.

Okay.

Oh, and don't tell them
it's for the Pastor until
the end of the call.

Okay.

Also, let's put a list together
of speakers for the service.

I'm sure some of the
reverends in the area want
to say a few words.

Just let them know
they're on the clock.

Do we have to pay
these reverends?

I mean, because I know we have
to pay the performers.

What?

Well, they call it a donation.

But, yeah they get
paid, for real.

Okay, that's good to know.

And these are the numbers of
the final resting place Lady
Ella picked out for Pastor.

Okay.

Eight thousand dollars
for a casket?

Good Lord, how can people even
afford to die?

You look a little freaked.

Should I not show you the rates
for the musical performers that
Miles booked?

No it's, fine.

Oh and please scan these and
email them over to me

so I can try them all out
for the program.

No problem, I got you.

Thank you, Angela.

You know...

Pastor's office does suit you.

[chorus singing]
♪ ALL RIGHT

♪ ALL RIGHT

♪ KEEP ON GOING

♪ HOLY LORD

♪ ALL RIGHT

Alright, now I want to continue
to repeat the chorus...

on the way out, and
just watch the-

Can I talk to you for a minute?

Take five.

What's up Levi?

What's up is this
funeral budget.

What's the problem with it?

Well first, the amount is
insane. Four thousand dollars?

Secondly, why are you booking
performers without
consulting me?

You've already got three
different acts scheduled to
perform.

This is a funeral, this isn't
summer jam.

Big E lived life big,
he should go out big.

Besides, I never had to consult
with Pastor Johnson about my
music ministry.

Why would I consult with you?

Because I handle the money here,
Miles.

You mean mishandle the money.

You better back off that, okay?

You may think you know me 'cause
you heard a rumor or two,

but you don't know a damn thing
about the real me.

You better calm down.

You're in the house of God.

One performer, two thousand
dollars. Choose wisely.

[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYS]

[SIGHS]

[PHONE RINGING]

[Savannah]
Hey daddy!

Hey Banana,
happy birthday baby.

Are you almost here?

No, baby, I'm not.

What do you mean? You
said you'd be here.

I know, but there was this
important grown up thing that
came up

[Levi]
that I have to handle.

More important than me?

Nothing is more
important than you.

Then why aren't you coming to my
birthday party?

It's complicated, baby.

But you promised
you'd be here.

[Levi] I know, and...

I'm gonna be on the first plane
tomorrow.

I'll pick you up, we can go
wherever you wanna go, okay?

Tomorrow's not my birthday.

[Levi]
I know, and I'll, uh,

Daddy'll make it up, okay?
I promise.

That's what you always say.

I- I gotta go.

I love you Savannah.

Bye dad.

I don't know how I'm going to
get through today.

You'll get through it.

How can you be so sure?

Because you're a Johnson.

Sweetie, and Johnsons do
what's required.

Always.

Mr. McKinley. I'm Levi Sterling.
There seems to be a problem?

The problem is payment.

Ms. Campbell does not perform
without getting paid in full.

You understand?

Yes, I understand. Um...

I'm afraid there are no further
funds at our disposal.

I knew it.

I never wanted to book this
gig in the first place, but
Erica knows your boy.

It's not a gig. This is our
Pastor's funeral.

No disrespect, but
business is business.

And as her manager, I'm
not letting her perform
without getting paid.

And I understand your
frustration. Apparently Miles,

when he booked Ms.
Campbell to sing, he was
unaware of our budget-

It's not my problem.

It's not my problem that one
hand doesn't know what the other
hand is doing.

Easy Kenny, easy. Listen, this
is a tough day for the church,

let's try to show some
sensitivity.

Hi, I'm Erica Campbell.

- Levi Sterling, Ms. Campbell,
pleasure.
- A pleasure.

I've known Miles for quite
some time, and while he is
a musical genius...

he's not the sharpest tack
in the box.

So, I, know you have a budget.

and I know you're a businessman.

But you're both men of God.

And I believe that we can come
to an agreement that makes
everybody happy, right?

Right?

All right then. God bless
you, gentlemen.

[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]

Giving praise in honor to God.

Ooh, sister, who is that?

You mean tall, dark, and Idris?
Not a clue.

Girl, me neither, but I sure
plan to find out.

Thankfully I arrived with enough
time from Los Angeles

to preside over this beautiful
journey home.

For Pastor Evan Johnson.

Can I get an 'amen'?

[Congregation]
Amen.

Can I get an amen?

[Congregation]
Amen!

Yes.

See...

This is very difficult for me...

Because Pastor Johnson was a
major influence in my life.

See he was the one that taught
me not to focus on how things
were gonna turn out

but to focus on God's plan.

But see me, I was hard headed. I
would always ask, Pastor why?

And he would always say...

Because God is in control.

That's right, God is in control.

[All]
Amen.

But the beautiful thing...

Is Pastor Johnson...

had a beautiful way
of making everyone feel
comfortable in the fact...

that everything, is
gonna be... all right.

Brother Miles...

and the choir have prepared a
very special song for the Pastor

that they're going to
perform today.

Brother Miles?

[SLOW PIANO TUNE BEGINS]

♪ DIDN'T WANT TO WRITE THIS

♪ NOT MY TYPE OF SOUL

♪ TRIED TO RECONCILE THIS

♪ STILL I FIND YOU GONE

♪ SEE YOUR VISION THROUGH THE
TEARS THAT I CRIED AND I KNOW ♪

♪ IT'LL BE ALL RIGHT

♪ YEAH

♪ THERE'S ONE THING ABOUT IT

♪ I KNOW I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN

♪ BUT MY HEART IS HURTING

♪ BUT SOME THINGS I JUST
DON'T UNDERSTAND ♪

♪ TRYIN' MY BEST TO BE WHO YOU
TAUGHT ME TO BE ♪

♪ SO I'LL KEEP GOIN', SAID I
GOTTA KEEP GOIN' ♪

[Both harmonizing]
♪ AND IT'LL BE ALL
RIGHT ♪

♪ IT'S GONNA BE ALL RIGHT

♪ IF WE JUST KEEP ON GOIN'

♪ KEEP ON HOLDIN' ON

♪ IT'LL BE ALL RIGHT - HEY

♪ IT'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT - IT'S
GONNA BE ALRIGHT ♪

♪ IF I JUST KEEP ON GOIN' ON

♪ SAID IT WILL SAID IT WILL

♪ HEY - IT'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT

♪ IF I JUST - IF I JUST KEEP ON
GOIN' ♪

♪ HEY-HEY-HEY-HEY - KEEP ON
HOLDIN' ON ♪

You know young blood...

back in the day...

we had so much money comin'
in we just weighed it, you
know what I mean?

Yeah well, a lot done changed
since you and my pops was
runnin' this business.

We gonna get it back there
though. Just gotta stick
to the plan.

[Choir]
♪ ALL RIGHT

♪ ALL RIGHT

♪ KEEP ON GOIN', HOLDIN' ON

You okay, mom?

No.

I don't want to let him go.

I know you got big plans and big
dreams, young blood.

But the hustle is still the
hustle and the game is
still the game.

You understand?

[Choir]
♪ ALL RIGHT

♪ ALL RIGHT

Where we at with everything?

The sports book is closed.

Nola's, uh, emptying
our old warehouses

and Maxwell is loading all the
guns into the cars right now.

What's up with that
one?

This one right here?

It's my baby. Never
giving her up.

Ever.

Right.

Let's get outta here.

[Choir]
♪ YES, IT'LL BE ALL
RIGHT ♪

♪ YES

♪ YES

♪ YES

♪ IT'LL BE ALL RIGHT

What's up with the snitch?

Handled.

[MUFFLED YELLING]

On the next
Saints and Sinners:

- You happy?
- There have been a few
accounting discrepancies.

We find this gun, we'll
find our killer.

Do you know who did it?

I know you don't think that
you and I run in the same
circles right now,

but we will.

Son of a...

♪ We're just sinners
saved by grace♪