Saints & Sinners (2016–…): Season 1, Episode 4 - Saints & Sinners - full transcript
Previously on
Saints & Sinners:
Wait!
[gunshots]
Were you aware your husband made
several large withdraws
from your joint account in the
weeks leading up to his death?
The depisot check for the
campaign headquarters bounced.
The campaign momey that I had,
it's, not available to me.
- Are you askin' me
for a loan?
- 50,000.
[camera shutter clicks]
But you heard about
Blake, right?
No, what happened?
Man, he went down in flames
last week wit fraud charges.
- He's lookin' at 10 years.
- 10 years?
It's hard to ride the straight
and narrow. But you already know
about that, don't you?
Now things are getting tough
again Levi, where you gonna run
to this time?
I was watchin' you lookin' all
sexy on that stage today.
[tires screech]
We're being raided, okay?
We gonna do this or what?
[ SIRENS IN THE DISTANCE ]
We're waiting for ballistics to
match up the bullets retrieved
from Pastor Johnson's head
with this gun here.
Your gun.
Now why don't you make it easy
on yourself and tell us what
happened with the Pastor?
Who?
This must be deja vo
for you, huh?
First the Pastor's son EJ, now
the Pastor.
The way I heard it, that EJ
bullet was meant for you.
They never found EJ's killer,
right?
No evidence ever panned out.
Seems weird to me. The one thing
that both these cases have in
common, is you Jabari.
Now I never been a fan of
coincidences. You?
You might want to tell your
busted-ass J-Lo to get her facts
straight, St. Charles.
You were good friends with
Pastor Johnson's son, EJ, right?
But the family never really
accepted you, did they?
Levi seemed to fit right in.
But not you.
And then the prodigal son
returns
and he's still number one.
You guys are cousins, right?
Why did Levi become the golden
child with the Johnsons, and not
you?
Mom skipped out when you was
about what, four years old?
Pops died of a sudden heart
attack when you was 14.
No parents, and no one to teach
you how to be a man.
You think being strapped makes
you more of a man Jabari?
The only family you ever
wanted...
still thinks you killed their
son.
A family who's business is
forgiveness, yet they still left
you hanging.
Let me ask you one thing.
Do you think EJ would still be
alive right now...
if it wasn't for you?
I understand your pain. And I
know how you feel.
I never solved that EJ case
and that family has never
forgiven me either.
Unburden yourself today.
Get yourself out of these
chains.
I forgive you.
This is Mr. Morris' attorney.
Do you have any evidence to
charge my client?
We will once ballistics come in.
Well unless you have charges
from the district attorney,
we're walking out right now.
Lieutenant... wha-?
Let him go.
I know he has something to do
with this.
And we'll know for sure once
ballistics come in.
You guys better be right.
♪ 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
[ SIRENS IN THE DISTANCE ]
Lieutenant Turner!
Lieutenant Turner, I-
Turner's no longer here.
I'm his replacement,
Lieutenant Hawkins.
Can I help you with something?
I'm councilwoman Ella Johnson.
And my husband, God rest his
soul, was Pastor Evan Johnson.
Oh. Councilwoman Johnson,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Please, come in, have a seat.
Rest assured we're putting every
bit of manpower available
into solving your
husband's murder.
I would have thought that as a
professional courtesy from a
fellow public servant
I would have been informed about
the importance of my husband's
belongings rather than
being called down to this
precinct like a regular nobody.
To find this.
I see.
Councilwoman Johnson,
unfortunately procedure calls
for us to hold onto the money
as part of our ongoing
investigation.
- Procedure?
- Yes.
And as you pointed out, being a
public servant, I'm sure
you understand.
I'd be very careful
Lieutenant Hawkins.
People that cross me...
tend not to stick around.
Yes...
I'm well aware you were
big in this town.
Honey, I am big. The town
got smaller.
So did this precinct.
Small and sloppy.
Which is why I was
transferred here.
And so far my record speaks for
itself.
I am not impressed.
We're doing everything we can.
Leaving no stone unturned,
which is why we're holding
onto the money.
Sorry, but my hands are tied.
I can see this meeting is a
waste of my time.
Thank you for coming in and
again my condolences.
[DRILL WHIRRING]
Changing of the guard.
It'll be like Pastor Johnson was
never ever here.
Feels like that, don't it?
[DRILL WHIRRING]
It's hard to believe in a
week...
we'll have a new pastor
in this office.
Yeah, I Know how you feel.
It's hard to turn loose.
We're gonna miss him.
Yeah.
Um, when you're not busy...
I have a matter I need to bring
up with you.
I'm free now. What's up?
Hold this.
Check bounced, huh?
Now that Pastor Johnson's not
around...
things are starting to fall
through the cracks.
It's not the first time.
But I'm hoping with our new
Executive Pastor...
it'll be the last.
Of course.
I'll look into it.
Yeah.
[DRILL WHIRRING]
[PHONE CHIRPS]
[PHONE CHIRPS]
Where are you going?
Bye babe.
[DOOR OPENING]
Where have you been?
I've been blowing up your
phone all night.
Oh you're up.
How was your trip babe?
I came home early 'cause I
wanted to share some good
news with you.
Oh, okay. Well, lay
it on me.
How long are we gonna
do this Miles?
- What do you mean?
- You know exactly what I mean.
I was out late doing music,
you know how I get.
Really? Making music
Miles, really?
- Yeah.
- Yeah...
I'm so sick of you using music
as the reason you're not in the
house.
Look, you're the one that
picked the job where you have
to travel nearly every month.
So you're the only one allowed
to pursue his dreams?
My job has been far from a
dream these days. You should
be more supportive.
You used to care more about us
than the music.
Babe, look, look, look. I-I'm
bowing up online.
What are you talking about?
I'm starting to get calls again.
Now it may not mean a lot to
you, but it means a lot to me.
One hit record, and I get my
career back on track.
Babe look.
I need you, I love you.
Damn it Miles, I don't want to
be number two in your life
forever. It's just...
Okay, okay, look.
I need you to believe in me,
okay babe?
Can you do that?
Do you love me?
I love you.
That's my boo.
I am going to take a shower.
You gonna join me?
Yeah. Yeah. I'll be
there in a minute.
Alright.
[WHISTLING]
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
[MILES SINGING INDISTINCTLY
IN THE SHOWER]
[Miles] Babe, you comin' in?
Yeah babe, I'll be right there.
[Tamara] 553 Sweet Honey Lane.
553 Sweet Honey Lane.
[Cornelius] This'll have to stay
put until I can get the part we
need to fix it.
Did you get a chance to look at
that matter I brought up?
I uh...
Angela.
- Yeah?
- You needed me for something?
Yeah uh, Walter Steinberg is in
the Pastor's Office for you.
Walter Steinberg?
He said Pastor Johnson asked him
to meet with you.
Do you want me to tell him
you're not available?
No, no. I'll handle it.
We'll talk later, Cornelius.
Later... always later.
What did this Steinberg guy say
he wanted?
Something about a business
opportunity.
Look, I know that you're busy
but, whenever you get a minute
can we chat?
You're... paycheck bounced?
I don't want to make a big thing
of it with everything that's
going on, but...
I have rent.
I appreciate that, and I know
you have bills to pay.
Just let me meet with
this guy, and I'll get
everything figured out.
I promise.
I know you will. Thanks Levi.
Mr. Steinberg.
Levi Sterling, how can
I help you?
Well, Mr. Sterling...
Levi, please.
Thank you, and, my friends call
me Walter, please.
And this is more about how I can
help you and this church, than
the other way around.
Forgive me, but I don't follow
you.
Pastor Johnson and I had done
business in the past...
we were about to engage in a
deal that would have been...
lucrative for both of us.
That is, until his
unfortunate demise.
May he rest in peace
What exactly is it that you
want, Mr. Steinberg?
A man who doesn't mince words.
I like that.
I know the Pastor said you were
whip smart and one of a kind.
And I'm sure being a Wall Street
man you can smell out money
opportunity from a mile away.
And this one's a beauty.
You'll make a killing.
What makes you think
that me or this church
needs your financial help?
Because you have
that same desperate,
hungry glean in your eye
that the late Pastor had when I
mentioned this opportunity.
Now...
before you dismiss me with your
moral mojo...
hear me out.
[MUFFLED VOICES]
It's as simple as that.
You already have the resources
readily available to you.
All you have to do is reach out
and grab this opportunity.
I'm someone that wants to help
you Levi, not hurt you.
How many people in your life do
you have like that right now?
How big of a killing are we
talking about?
Call me.
Seeing you there reminds me of
the first day we met.
I didn't have any idea what I
was getting myself into back
then.
Of course you did You had
ambitions and you went after
them.
I know what that looks like.
Yes well I was very attracted to
your drive.
Just my drive?
How's your campaign going?
I heard you had a little trouble
opening your headquarter doors
on time.
Are you keeping tabs on me?
It's nothing personal,
you know that.
But it's an entirely different
ballgame than being First Lady
of the church
everybody is watching
everything all the time.
Things can turn in to more
than just gossip.
What aren't you telling
me, Ellen?
So...
you are watching me.
The police are watching Rex.
While looking for leads on your
husband's murder.
Right from the beginning I have
been on them to solve this case.
They report to me every day.
So you can imagine my surprise
when they brought those to me.
So did they report to you...
that they're holding my
money hostage?
What money?
So, I guess they don't report
everything to you.
Evan wiped out my campaign fund
right before he was killed.
That's why I had to come to you
before announcement for time
to-to straighten things out.
He had the money on him when he
was killed.
They returned all of his
belongings to me except the
money.
If they had returned that money,
when I asked...
then I wouldn't have needed to
involve someone like Rex.
But if the money belonged to you
it has no bearing on the
investigation.
Tell that to your Lieutenant
Hawkins.
I wasn't gonna beg for
my own money.
Which is why I had
to move aside.
And I wasn't gonna let their
ignorance ruin my campaign.
So Rex was your first choice?
No.
But he turned out to be
my only option.
You leave it up to me.
I'll keep you in that campaign.
You'll win that office.
Hell halth no fury.
[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING]
[MUSIC SHUTS OFF]
[PHONE CHIMES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[overlapping voices]
I'm in a real bind...
Why can't you come to my
birthday party?
You have that same desperate,
hungry gleam in your eye
the late pastor had...
- He's looking at 10 years.
- You can't slick talk your way
out of this one Wall Street.
[Christie] Okay, I have a few
minutes before my next patient
what's going on?
Are you okay?
Now that you mention it, I feel
a bit... light headed.
Let me check your blood
pressure.
Take a deep breath.
Unbutton your shirt.
What?
Don't flatter yourself, I was
just going to check your
heart rate.
Christie...
did your dad ever talk to you
about Church business?
Sometimes, why?
'Cause just about every member
of the church staff's checks
bounced this pay period.
What? How... can that be?
Exactly.
I've been fighting my way
through the Church book keeping
and...
a few things popped up that
I can't explain.
Like what?
Well a lot of the accounts
aren't balanced.
The books say one amount, and...
the accounts themselves,
they're relatively empty.
Now I've seen that type of
book keeping, but,
I didn't expect to see it
at the church.
What does that mean?
That doesn't mean anything
Christie, I'm just saying I...
I'm trying to figure out your
father's system before the
Church Board burns me
at the stake.
I just... wondered if you knew
anything about his...
methods.
You'd have to talk to my
mother about that.
The Church really isn't in my
wheelhouse.
I didn't mean it like that.
I would try to avoid the
church staff before you
speak with my mom.
That's probably a good idea.
Alrighty, well then...
you're all set.
I have patients waiting.
Thank you.
[SCREAMING AND SOBBING]
Ballistics came in.
I thought we had it.
Can you believe, hold up,
these dumb asses really they
thought they had me.
Don't celebrate too
soon, young blood.
And we still got work to do.
On what? Everything is
shut down.
Now you know damn well the
hustle never sleeps.
Now, our money is tight 'cause
we had to shut our shop down.
But there's still one debt that
ain't been paid yet.
But it's gonna be paid, you can
believe that.
Oh yeah?
You gonna shake down a dead
Pastor?
See, this ain't got nothin' to
do with the Pastor.
This is about his little Golden
Boy that's runnin' the church.
That's what this is about.
That's my family.
You know, Levi ain't got nothin'
to do with this.
No Levi's got everything in the
world to do with this.
Little wannabe Gordon Gecko was
using the Pastor's money for
insider trading
and got caught, am I right?
Yeah, but, that-that's the sort
of thing-
Listen, listen to me man.
The Pastor's money drained out
just like mine.
So how is that not Levi's fault?
Look, come on Rex. Look, man...
There's gotta be another way.
I mean you not goin' soft on me,
are you Bari?
Nah, man. Me?
Well it's soundin' like that
though.
Look, we agreed that we was
gonna lay low, right?
You know the cops is lookin' for
both of us, and...
look, drawin' more attention
just don't make no sense. None.
Alright.
We gonna do it your way.
But for your cousin's sake, it
better work.
Because if he don't deliver...
You can tell him Rex is comin'.
- Hey boss, do you have a
minute?
- Yep.
Okay, I know we talked about
rent and everything like that,
but...
[ALL TALKING OVER EACH OTHER]
Woah, woah, woah, what is
all of this?
Come on Levi.
Don't act like you don't know.
Okay look, everybody.
I understand that there are
problems that need to be
addressed.
[All]
That's right.
- We need to be patient.
- No, no.
Now we need to get paid.
[All]
Yes, yes we do.
Everybody who runs this church
messes up the money. Now this is
the last time.
[all agreeing]
And we tolerated it when it came
to Pastor's foolishness...
But we're not gonna
take it from you.
Look guys, you know I can't run
this church without you.
Exactly!
If we're so important,
treat us like it!
That's right.
We deserve respect.
Cornelius you know better than
anybody this church was in money
trouble when I got the job.
You can't slick talk your way
out of this one Wall Street.
Figure it out.
Or find yourself
another church staff.
You got 'til tomorrow.
[all] That's right!
Come on.
[ALL MURMURING]
[PHONE RINGING]
[Lady Ella]
Wayne...
type that up for me.
Ladies... thank you for
volunteering.
Councilwoman Johnson?
Oh. Lieutenant Hawkins.
So you have news about my
husband's case?
Not exactly. May we have
a moment?
On behalf of the Cypress Police
Force, I personally apologize
for our tactless behavior
during your time of grief.
To rectify our ineptitude...
we are returning the $25,000
that was found in your late
husband's car.
Anything else?
Our Police Union...
will also be...
endorsing your
candidacy for Mayor.
Well. Thank you for coming to
your senses.
I look forward to us working
more closely together
after I win the election.
I'm busy Levi. What do
you need?
- Answers.
- Excuse me?
Look...
we don't need a new leader for
the church, we need a miracle.
We can't even afford to pay the
staff.
Evan always figured a way out.
I'm sure you will too. That's
why he chose you.
Lady Ella, I'm lost.
I don't know what to do.
Pastor had a saying...
what gets lost in the shadows...
will be found in the light.
You've been lost for a long
time.
Perhaps reading the good book
will help you find clarity.
[KNOCKING]
Caramel macadamia nut
cheesecake...
your fave.
Oh, so you think you can stop
by here for dessert before
you go home?
You know I can't eat that.
Well not usually, but...
on your cheat day...
I think I've had enough cheats.
Did you um...
get enough Levi, too?
What are you talking about?
I saw you coming out of
the exam room.
What if I did?
Why should I let you have
all the fun?
I love you Christie, does that
mean anything?
It's not enough Miles.
I want more.
You knew what you
were gettin' into.
And now I know what
I'm getting out of.
Bye Miles.
Christie...
Wait, Christie!
Christie!
I said I love you Christie!
Christie!
[KNOCKING]
Go away Miles!
[KNOCKING CONTINUES]
What?!
I was dropping these off to the
Harris family next door.
So you heard?
Honey, the whole
neighborhood heard.
Fine, I'll start.
What the hell were you thinking?
I don't know...
Oh, wasn't thinking, were you?
The thick of my campaign, all
eyes on me...
and then you pull this mess?
A mess?
That's what I am to you.
- A liability?
- Oh don't use that tone.
I raised you to be a strong
Christian woman.
You raised me to be weak!
Ever since Ej died you and dad
have always been down my back.
You swaddled me, you smothered
me, you wouldn't let me live!
What is this honestly
about, huh?
Are you trying to sink
my campaign?
Enough with the campaign!
I don't care about it!
So what do you care about?
Sleeping with married men?
Becoming a homewrecker?
I also became a doctor
like dad wanted.
I stayed in town like
you wanted.
I ran the clinic,
the church committees,
what else do you want?
Christie...
I'm just tryin' to help.
You don't help mom.
You only hurt.
Everything you touch gets
ruined, including me.
What the?
[Miles]
Tam!
My studio?
How am I supposed to
make music now, huh?
How am I supposed to get my
career back?!
Nobody-nobody gives a damn
about your career!
I need you to move out
of my way, okay?
What the hell has
gotten into you?
Don't act like I'm the one
that's gone crazy, okay? You
know exactly what-
I didn't do anything!
- You didn't do anything?
- No!
You did her!
- You did that doctor bitch!
Yes, I know everything.
- Tam, it's not what you think.
- It's not what I think?
- No, it's not what you think!
What is it, 'cause you spent all
night at her house!
She was just helping me with
some lyrics.
That's all, Tam!
At least be a man about it and
tell the truth, alright?
Alright? Admit that you are a
lying, cheating bastard, go
ahead, say it!
Hmm? Come on, say it!
It was just a fling.
It didn't mean anything.
I still love you Tam,
I still love you.
- I knew it.
- Please...
And you let me sit here and
think it was me this whole time.
- I'm gonna make it right.
- You can't! It's too late for
that!
I'm not giving up on us!
There is-Listen, listen
there is no more us.
There is 'I can't do this
anymore'.
I have to start making better
decisions, and staying with you
is not one of them.
Damn it Tam, don't talk like
that, don't say that!
Back up off me, I can't, I
can't-I can-
I can make it right.
Here.
What is this?
[Tamara] The good news I
had to share with you.
Keep it, keep it, 'cause
you know what?
That's the last time you'll be
seeing it, or me for that
matter.
- Tamara don't you, Tamara,
please-
- Move Miles, move!
Tamara please, you can't just
leave us!
Tam!
[BIBLE THUDS ON THE GROUND]
[Levi]
So this is what you were
working on.
It's time.
I know what you're
going to say.
Levi, you were put in charge
you're the money guy
what are you going to do?
I'm not doing anything.
But we, on the other hand...
This...
is Greater Hope.
Except twice as tall
five times as wide, with ten
times more capacity.
Pastor Johnson wanted
this for us.
He probably died for it, too.
Now his fault wasn't in
daring to dream...
it was in daring to
dream alone.
Pastor Johnson's vision does not
have to just be a dream.
It may be tough.
We may have to forgo
a few checks...
or sacrifice some personal
pleasures, but...
in the end, with hard work and
faith and togetherness...
we can bring these people in
this church
we can save more souls than we
ever thought imaginable.
So I ask you...
What are we going to do?
Let the church, our family, be
buried under its own weight?
Or are we
going to stand together on it?
[SORROWFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
Feel like I'm letting
you down, Pastor.
What would you do?
[SOFT HOPEFUL MUSIC PLAYS]
Use this to pay the staff and
the church bills.
That should hold everyone off
for awhile until we...
figure this out.
We?
Like you said...
we're in this together.
- Thank you for your time,
ma'am.
- Yeah, have a good-
day.
So what's next?
Continue on to Sycamore, or move
on to Chestnut?
We already did Chestnut.
We've already done this whole
neighborhood.
People are more tight lipped
than the Secret Service.
Someone will be willing to talk.
Yeah, it's been weeks.
Why hasn't anybody come forward
already?
There could be several reasons
for that.
Well none of which two cops
showing up on a doorstep is
gonna change.
Look, I know Lieutenant's
blowing smoke
but we gotta face the facts.
This case has gone cold.
You're right.
I am?
Yep.
And being so, I'm gonna let you
be the one to tell the
Lieutenant.
I'm finishing Sycamore.
Noah...
Look, I get it, you're
frustrated.
But pounding the
pavement is our job.
You wanna half-ass something,
you go bag groceries at the
mini-mart.
But we're in a line of work
where they're real people, and
real families.
Looking for real answers to who
killed their son.
I, ah...
Are you gonna finally tell me
what happened in the EJ case?
What's there to tell?
Seemed like an open and shut
drive-by.
You establish where and what
went down.
But Jabari told us something...
He had had an altercation before
the drive-by.
Would never tell us with who.
But he blamed himself.
Thought we finally had
something going with him
'til Rex Fisher showed up.
Told him to shut his
mouth, and he walked the
kid right out the precinct.
That was the end of
our first and only lead.
I let that family down
once by quitting, I will
not do it again.
Neither am I.
[Miss Jenny singing]
♪ Nickel dime
quarter penny hey! ♪
♪ Nickel dime
quarter penny ho! ♪
Help the homeless.
Help the homeless now.
Someone give you that phone?
That's a generous donation.
Please, the way these church
folk been stingy lately?
I found this on my own.
You found it, huh?
Yeah. Right in
that dumpster the night
Pastor Johnson was murdered.
Can I see that a second?
Just...
Is that dried blood?
Didn't that kid Taj...
claim that Pastor Johnson was on
the phone when he saw him right
before he was killed?
Yeah but we pulled the logs and
there wasn't any recent calls.
You think he was using
that as a burner?
The dots connect.
Pastor with a burner.
What for?
Did you see who threw this away?
No, but I saw their car.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey.
What's up, man?
Sorry I'm late.
You've been holdin' out.
This place is cool.
Oh yeah, oh yeah.
Actually the owner used to play
piano in New Orleans.
Rex actually helped him
get set up here.
So this is Rex's place?
In this neighborhood, what
ain't Rex's place?
Anyway...
To family.
Your beautiful wife and
daughter...
to you livin' the life I always
thought I'd be living.
Glad one of us get to enjoy it.
Thank you.
Thank you, but uh,
everything ain't all
roses on this end of the hood
Cops picked me up the
other night.
What'd you do this time?
Nothin' that they know about.
But um...
They tryin' to pin the
Pastor's murder on me.
He would love that.
Pastor always had it
out for you.
Yeah, right?
I mean you and knucklehead go
get in trouble...
But I get the blame.
That man always hated
me for no reason.
I wouldn't say for no reason.
You never did name EJ's killer.
Even to this day, a lot of us
didn't understand why.
Yeah, but um...
you'll learn, church boy.
Everything out here ain't always
black and white.
Speaking of which...
Rex?
[Jabari]
Yeah.
Pastor owed him some money?
Yeah they had a deal that Rex
would get a share of the
church's bottom line.
That's how far you're behind.
Damn.
Look, since you're
in charge now...
Pastor's debt...
is your debt.
Hey man, Rex is just gonna
have to wait in line.
Bein' broke was the whole reason
I moved back to Cypress.
What about the church?
What about it? We can
barely pay our staff.
Unless Rex if takin' faith
and prayers for payment, we
don't have the money.
That ain't gonna work, cuz.
I done seen him cripple people
for less than what you owe.
You're gonna have to figure
somethin' out.
But it's nothing to figure out.
We don't have the money, I'm
tryin' to tell you.
Yo look, I'm tellin' you, that
you better get it.
By any means necessary. Whatever
you gotta do.
Whatever.
[inaudible]
On the next
Saints and Sinners:
Does this guy
look familiar to
you?
I need to know that I can
trust you with what I'm
about to say next.
Now you will do what
I tell you to do.
Money and blood don't mix.
I'm not doin' ten
years for this.
We got some unfinished
business, man.
♪ We're just sinners
saved by grace♪
Saints & Sinners:
Wait!
[gunshots]
Were you aware your husband made
several large withdraws
from your joint account in the
weeks leading up to his death?
The depisot check for the
campaign headquarters bounced.
The campaign momey that I had,
it's, not available to me.
- Are you askin' me
for a loan?
- 50,000.
[camera shutter clicks]
But you heard about
Blake, right?
No, what happened?
Man, he went down in flames
last week wit fraud charges.
- He's lookin' at 10 years.
- 10 years?
It's hard to ride the straight
and narrow. But you already know
about that, don't you?
Now things are getting tough
again Levi, where you gonna run
to this time?
I was watchin' you lookin' all
sexy on that stage today.
[tires screech]
We're being raided, okay?
We gonna do this or what?
[ SIRENS IN THE DISTANCE ]
We're waiting for ballistics to
match up the bullets retrieved
from Pastor Johnson's head
with this gun here.
Your gun.
Now why don't you make it easy
on yourself and tell us what
happened with the Pastor?
Who?
This must be deja vo
for you, huh?
First the Pastor's son EJ, now
the Pastor.
The way I heard it, that EJ
bullet was meant for you.
They never found EJ's killer,
right?
No evidence ever panned out.
Seems weird to me. The one thing
that both these cases have in
common, is you Jabari.
Now I never been a fan of
coincidences. You?
You might want to tell your
busted-ass J-Lo to get her facts
straight, St. Charles.
You were good friends with
Pastor Johnson's son, EJ, right?
But the family never really
accepted you, did they?
Levi seemed to fit right in.
But not you.
And then the prodigal son
returns
and he's still number one.
You guys are cousins, right?
Why did Levi become the golden
child with the Johnsons, and not
you?
Mom skipped out when you was
about what, four years old?
Pops died of a sudden heart
attack when you was 14.
No parents, and no one to teach
you how to be a man.
You think being strapped makes
you more of a man Jabari?
The only family you ever
wanted...
still thinks you killed their
son.
A family who's business is
forgiveness, yet they still left
you hanging.
Let me ask you one thing.
Do you think EJ would still be
alive right now...
if it wasn't for you?
I understand your pain. And I
know how you feel.
I never solved that EJ case
and that family has never
forgiven me either.
Unburden yourself today.
Get yourself out of these
chains.
I forgive you.
This is Mr. Morris' attorney.
Do you have any evidence to
charge my client?
We will once ballistics come in.
Well unless you have charges
from the district attorney,
we're walking out right now.
Lieutenant... wha-?
Let him go.
I know he has something to do
with this.
And we'll know for sure once
ballistics come in.
You guys better be right.
♪ 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
[ SIRENS IN THE DISTANCE ]
Lieutenant Turner!
Lieutenant Turner, I-
Turner's no longer here.
I'm his replacement,
Lieutenant Hawkins.
Can I help you with something?
I'm councilwoman Ella Johnson.
And my husband, God rest his
soul, was Pastor Evan Johnson.
Oh. Councilwoman Johnson,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Please, come in, have a seat.
Rest assured we're putting every
bit of manpower available
into solving your
husband's murder.
I would have thought that as a
professional courtesy from a
fellow public servant
I would have been informed about
the importance of my husband's
belongings rather than
being called down to this
precinct like a regular nobody.
To find this.
I see.
Councilwoman Johnson,
unfortunately procedure calls
for us to hold onto the money
as part of our ongoing
investigation.
- Procedure?
- Yes.
And as you pointed out, being a
public servant, I'm sure
you understand.
I'd be very careful
Lieutenant Hawkins.
People that cross me...
tend not to stick around.
Yes...
I'm well aware you were
big in this town.
Honey, I am big. The town
got smaller.
So did this precinct.
Small and sloppy.
Which is why I was
transferred here.
And so far my record speaks for
itself.
I am not impressed.
We're doing everything we can.
Leaving no stone unturned,
which is why we're holding
onto the money.
Sorry, but my hands are tied.
I can see this meeting is a
waste of my time.
Thank you for coming in and
again my condolences.
[DRILL WHIRRING]
Changing of the guard.
It'll be like Pastor Johnson was
never ever here.
Feels like that, don't it?
[DRILL WHIRRING]
It's hard to believe in a
week...
we'll have a new pastor
in this office.
Yeah, I Know how you feel.
It's hard to turn loose.
We're gonna miss him.
Yeah.
Um, when you're not busy...
I have a matter I need to bring
up with you.
I'm free now. What's up?
Hold this.
Check bounced, huh?
Now that Pastor Johnson's not
around...
things are starting to fall
through the cracks.
It's not the first time.
But I'm hoping with our new
Executive Pastor...
it'll be the last.
Of course.
I'll look into it.
Yeah.
[DRILL WHIRRING]
[PHONE CHIRPS]
[PHONE CHIRPS]
Where are you going?
Bye babe.
[DOOR OPENING]
Where have you been?
I've been blowing up your
phone all night.
Oh you're up.
How was your trip babe?
I came home early 'cause I
wanted to share some good
news with you.
Oh, okay. Well, lay
it on me.
How long are we gonna
do this Miles?
- What do you mean?
- You know exactly what I mean.
I was out late doing music,
you know how I get.
Really? Making music
Miles, really?
- Yeah.
- Yeah...
I'm so sick of you using music
as the reason you're not in the
house.
Look, you're the one that
picked the job where you have
to travel nearly every month.
So you're the only one allowed
to pursue his dreams?
My job has been far from a
dream these days. You should
be more supportive.
You used to care more about us
than the music.
Babe, look, look, look. I-I'm
bowing up online.
What are you talking about?
I'm starting to get calls again.
Now it may not mean a lot to
you, but it means a lot to me.
One hit record, and I get my
career back on track.
Babe look.
I need you, I love you.
Damn it Miles, I don't want to
be number two in your life
forever. It's just...
Okay, okay, look.
I need you to believe in me,
okay babe?
Can you do that?
Do you love me?
I love you.
That's my boo.
I am going to take a shower.
You gonna join me?
Yeah. Yeah. I'll be
there in a minute.
Alright.
[WHISTLING]
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
[MILES SINGING INDISTINCTLY
IN THE SHOWER]
[Miles] Babe, you comin' in?
Yeah babe, I'll be right there.
[Tamara] 553 Sweet Honey Lane.
553 Sweet Honey Lane.
[Cornelius] This'll have to stay
put until I can get the part we
need to fix it.
Did you get a chance to look at
that matter I brought up?
I uh...
Angela.
- Yeah?
- You needed me for something?
Yeah uh, Walter Steinberg is in
the Pastor's Office for you.
Walter Steinberg?
He said Pastor Johnson asked him
to meet with you.
Do you want me to tell him
you're not available?
No, no. I'll handle it.
We'll talk later, Cornelius.
Later... always later.
What did this Steinberg guy say
he wanted?
Something about a business
opportunity.
Look, I know that you're busy
but, whenever you get a minute
can we chat?
You're... paycheck bounced?
I don't want to make a big thing
of it with everything that's
going on, but...
I have rent.
I appreciate that, and I know
you have bills to pay.
Just let me meet with
this guy, and I'll get
everything figured out.
I promise.
I know you will. Thanks Levi.
Mr. Steinberg.
Levi Sterling, how can
I help you?
Well, Mr. Sterling...
Levi, please.
Thank you, and, my friends call
me Walter, please.
And this is more about how I can
help you and this church, than
the other way around.
Forgive me, but I don't follow
you.
Pastor Johnson and I had done
business in the past...
we were about to engage in a
deal that would have been...
lucrative for both of us.
That is, until his
unfortunate demise.
May he rest in peace
What exactly is it that you
want, Mr. Steinberg?
A man who doesn't mince words.
I like that.
I know the Pastor said you were
whip smart and one of a kind.
And I'm sure being a Wall Street
man you can smell out money
opportunity from a mile away.
And this one's a beauty.
You'll make a killing.
What makes you think
that me or this church
needs your financial help?
Because you have
that same desperate,
hungry glean in your eye
that the late Pastor had when I
mentioned this opportunity.
Now...
before you dismiss me with your
moral mojo...
hear me out.
[MUFFLED VOICES]
It's as simple as that.
You already have the resources
readily available to you.
All you have to do is reach out
and grab this opportunity.
I'm someone that wants to help
you Levi, not hurt you.
How many people in your life do
you have like that right now?
How big of a killing are we
talking about?
Call me.
Seeing you there reminds me of
the first day we met.
I didn't have any idea what I
was getting myself into back
then.
Of course you did You had
ambitions and you went after
them.
I know what that looks like.
Yes well I was very attracted to
your drive.
Just my drive?
How's your campaign going?
I heard you had a little trouble
opening your headquarter doors
on time.
Are you keeping tabs on me?
It's nothing personal,
you know that.
But it's an entirely different
ballgame than being First Lady
of the church
everybody is watching
everything all the time.
Things can turn in to more
than just gossip.
What aren't you telling
me, Ellen?
So...
you are watching me.
The police are watching Rex.
While looking for leads on your
husband's murder.
Right from the beginning I have
been on them to solve this case.
They report to me every day.
So you can imagine my surprise
when they brought those to me.
So did they report to you...
that they're holding my
money hostage?
What money?
So, I guess they don't report
everything to you.
Evan wiped out my campaign fund
right before he was killed.
That's why I had to come to you
before announcement for time
to-to straighten things out.
He had the money on him when he
was killed.
They returned all of his
belongings to me except the
money.
If they had returned that money,
when I asked...
then I wouldn't have needed to
involve someone like Rex.
But if the money belonged to you
it has no bearing on the
investigation.
Tell that to your Lieutenant
Hawkins.
I wasn't gonna beg for
my own money.
Which is why I had
to move aside.
And I wasn't gonna let their
ignorance ruin my campaign.
So Rex was your first choice?
No.
But he turned out to be
my only option.
You leave it up to me.
I'll keep you in that campaign.
You'll win that office.
Hell halth no fury.
[SOFT MUSIC PLAYING]
[MUSIC SHUTS OFF]
[PHONE CHIMES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[overlapping voices]
I'm in a real bind...
Why can't you come to my
birthday party?
You have that same desperate,
hungry gleam in your eye
the late pastor had...
- He's looking at 10 years.
- You can't slick talk your way
out of this one Wall Street.
[Christie] Okay, I have a few
minutes before my next patient
what's going on?
Are you okay?
Now that you mention it, I feel
a bit... light headed.
Let me check your blood
pressure.
Take a deep breath.
Unbutton your shirt.
What?
Don't flatter yourself, I was
just going to check your
heart rate.
Christie...
did your dad ever talk to you
about Church business?
Sometimes, why?
'Cause just about every member
of the church staff's checks
bounced this pay period.
What? How... can that be?
Exactly.
I've been fighting my way
through the Church book keeping
and...
a few things popped up that
I can't explain.
Like what?
Well a lot of the accounts
aren't balanced.
The books say one amount, and...
the accounts themselves,
they're relatively empty.
Now I've seen that type of
book keeping, but,
I didn't expect to see it
at the church.
What does that mean?
That doesn't mean anything
Christie, I'm just saying I...
I'm trying to figure out your
father's system before the
Church Board burns me
at the stake.
I just... wondered if you knew
anything about his...
methods.
You'd have to talk to my
mother about that.
The Church really isn't in my
wheelhouse.
I didn't mean it like that.
I would try to avoid the
church staff before you
speak with my mom.
That's probably a good idea.
Alrighty, well then...
you're all set.
I have patients waiting.
Thank you.
[SCREAMING AND SOBBING]
Ballistics came in.
I thought we had it.
Can you believe, hold up,
these dumb asses really they
thought they had me.
Don't celebrate too
soon, young blood.
And we still got work to do.
On what? Everything is
shut down.
Now you know damn well the
hustle never sleeps.
Now, our money is tight 'cause
we had to shut our shop down.
But there's still one debt that
ain't been paid yet.
But it's gonna be paid, you can
believe that.
Oh yeah?
You gonna shake down a dead
Pastor?
See, this ain't got nothin' to
do with the Pastor.
This is about his little Golden
Boy that's runnin' the church.
That's what this is about.
That's my family.
You know, Levi ain't got nothin'
to do with this.
No Levi's got everything in the
world to do with this.
Little wannabe Gordon Gecko was
using the Pastor's money for
insider trading
and got caught, am I right?
Yeah, but, that-that's the sort
of thing-
Listen, listen to me man.
The Pastor's money drained out
just like mine.
So how is that not Levi's fault?
Look, come on Rex. Look, man...
There's gotta be another way.
I mean you not goin' soft on me,
are you Bari?
Nah, man. Me?
Well it's soundin' like that
though.
Look, we agreed that we was
gonna lay low, right?
You know the cops is lookin' for
both of us, and...
look, drawin' more attention
just don't make no sense. None.
Alright.
We gonna do it your way.
But for your cousin's sake, it
better work.
Because if he don't deliver...
You can tell him Rex is comin'.
- Hey boss, do you have a
minute?
- Yep.
Okay, I know we talked about
rent and everything like that,
but...
[ALL TALKING OVER EACH OTHER]
Woah, woah, woah, what is
all of this?
Come on Levi.
Don't act like you don't know.
Okay look, everybody.
I understand that there are
problems that need to be
addressed.
[All]
That's right.
- We need to be patient.
- No, no.
Now we need to get paid.
[All]
Yes, yes we do.
Everybody who runs this church
messes up the money. Now this is
the last time.
[all agreeing]
And we tolerated it when it came
to Pastor's foolishness...
But we're not gonna
take it from you.
Look guys, you know I can't run
this church without you.
Exactly!
If we're so important,
treat us like it!
That's right.
We deserve respect.
Cornelius you know better than
anybody this church was in money
trouble when I got the job.
You can't slick talk your way
out of this one Wall Street.
Figure it out.
Or find yourself
another church staff.
You got 'til tomorrow.
[all] That's right!
Come on.
[ALL MURMURING]
[PHONE RINGING]
[Lady Ella]
Wayne...
type that up for me.
Ladies... thank you for
volunteering.
Councilwoman Johnson?
Oh. Lieutenant Hawkins.
So you have news about my
husband's case?
Not exactly. May we have
a moment?
On behalf of the Cypress Police
Force, I personally apologize
for our tactless behavior
during your time of grief.
To rectify our ineptitude...
we are returning the $25,000
that was found in your late
husband's car.
Anything else?
Our Police Union...
will also be...
endorsing your
candidacy for Mayor.
Well. Thank you for coming to
your senses.
I look forward to us working
more closely together
after I win the election.
I'm busy Levi. What do
you need?
- Answers.
- Excuse me?
Look...
we don't need a new leader for
the church, we need a miracle.
We can't even afford to pay the
staff.
Evan always figured a way out.
I'm sure you will too. That's
why he chose you.
Lady Ella, I'm lost.
I don't know what to do.
Pastor had a saying...
what gets lost in the shadows...
will be found in the light.
You've been lost for a long
time.
Perhaps reading the good book
will help you find clarity.
[KNOCKING]
Caramel macadamia nut
cheesecake...
your fave.
Oh, so you think you can stop
by here for dessert before
you go home?
You know I can't eat that.
Well not usually, but...
on your cheat day...
I think I've had enough cheats.
Did you um...
get enough Levi, too?
What are you talking about?
I saw you coming out of
the exam room.
What if I did?
Why should I let you have
all the fun?
I love you Christie, does that
mean anything?
It's not enough Miles.
I want more.
You knew what you
were gettin' into.
And now I know what
I'm getting out of.
Bye Miles.
Christie...
Wait, Christie!
Christie!
I said I love you Christie!
Christie!
[KNOCKING]
Go away Miles!
[KNOCKING CONTINUES]
What?!
I was dropping these off to the
Harris family next door.
So you heard?
Honey, the whole
neighborhood heard.
Fine, I'll start.
What the hell were you thinking?
I don't know...
Oh, wasn't thinking, were you?
The thick of my campaign, all
eyes on me...
and then you pull this mess?
A mess?
That's what I am to you.
- A liability?
- Oh don't use that tone.
I raised you to be a strong
Christian woman.
You raised me to be weak!
Ever since Ej died you and dad
have always been down my back.
You swaddled me, you smothered
me, you wouldn't let me live!
What is this honestly
about, huh?
Are you trying to sink
my campaign?
Enough with the campaign!
I don't care about it!
So what do you care about?
Sleeping with married men?
Becoming a homewrecker?
I also became a doctor
like dad wanted.
I stayed in town like
you wanted.
I ran the clinic,
the church committees,
what else do you want?
Christie...
I'm just tryin' to help.
You don't help mom.
You only hurt.
Everything you touch gets
ruined, including me.
What the?
[Miles]
Tam!
My studio?
How am I supposed to
make music now, huh?
How am I supposed to get my
career back?!
Nobody-nobody gives a damn
about your career!
I need you to move out
of my way, okay?
What the hell has
gotten into you?
Don't act like I'm the one
that's gone crazy, okay? You
know exactly what-
I didn't do anything!
- You didn't do anything?
- No!
You did her!
- You did that doctor bitch!
Yes, I know everything.
- Tam, it's not what you think.
- It's not what I think?
- No, it's not what you think!
What is it, 'cause you spent all
night at her house!
She was just helping me with
some lyrics.
That's all, Tam!
At least be a man about it and
tell the truth, alright?
Alright? Admit that you are a
lying, cheating bastard, go
ahead, say it!
Hmm? Come on, say it!
It was just a fling.
It didn't mean anything.
I still love you Tam,
I still love you.
- I knew it.
- Please...
And you let me sit here and
think it was me this whole time.
- I'm gonna make it right.
- You can't! It's too late for
that!
I'm not giving up on us!
There is-Listen, listen
there is no more us.
There is 'I can't do this
anymore'.
I have to start making better
decisions, and staying with you
is not one of them.
Damn it Tam, don't talk like
that, don't say that!
Back up off me, I can't, I
can't-I can-
I can make it right.
Here.
What is this?
[Tamara] The good news I
had to share with you.
Keep it, keep it, 'cause
you know what?
That's the last time you'll be
seeing it, or me for that
matter.
- Tamara don't you, Tamara,
please-
- Move Miles, move!
Tamara please, you can't just
leave us!
Tam!
[BIBLE THUDS ON THE GROUND]
[Levi]
So this is what you were
working on.
It's time.
I know what you're
going to say.
Levi, you were put in charge
you're the money guy
what are you going to do?
I'm not doing anything.
But we, on the other hand...
This...
is Greater Hope.
Except twice as tall
five times as wide, with ten
times more capacity.
Pastor Johnson wanted
this for us.
He probably died for it, too.
Now his fault wasn't in
daring to dream...
it was in daring to
dream alone.
Pastor Johnson's vision does not
have to just be a dream.
It may be tough.
We may have to forgo
a few checks...
or sacrifice some personal
pleasures, but...
in the end, with hard work and
faith and togetherness...
we can bring these people in
this church
we can save more souls than we
ever thought imaginable.
So I ask you...
What are we going to do?
Let the church, our family, be
buried under its own weight?
Or are we
going to stand together on it?
[SORROWFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
Feel like I'm letting
you down, Pastor.
What would you do?
[SOFT HOPEFUL MUSIC PLAYS]
Use this to pay the staff and
the church bills.
That should hold everyone off
for awhile until we...
figure this out.
We?
Like you said...
we're in this together.
- Thank you for your time,
ma'am.
- Yeah, have a good-
day.
So what's next?
Continue on to Sycamore, or move
on to Chestnut?
We already did Chestnut.
We've already done this whole
neighborhood.
People are more tight lipped
than the Secret Service.
Someone will be willing to talk.
Yeah, it's been weeks.
Why hasn't anybody come forward
already?
There could be several reasons
for that.
Well none of which two cops
showing up on a doorstep is
gonna change.
Look, I know Lieutenant's
blowing smoke
but we gotta face the facts.
This case has gone cold.
You're right.
I am?
Yep.
And being so, I'm gonna let you
be the one to tell the
Lieutenant.
I'm finishing Sycamore.
Noah...
Look, I get it, you're
frustrated.
But pounding the
pavement is our job.
You wanna half-ass something,
you go bag groceries at the
mini-mart.
But we're in a line of work
where they're real people, and
real families.
Looking for real answers to who
killed their son.
I, ah...
Are you gonna finally tell me
what happened in the EJ case?
What's there to tell?
Seemed like an open and shut
drive-by.
You establish where and what
went down.
But Jabari told us something...
He had had an altercation before
the drive-by.
Would never tell us with who.
But he blamed himself.
Thought we finally had
something going with him
'til Rex Fisher showed up.
Told him to shut his
mouth, and he walked the
kid right out the precinct.
That was the end of
our first and only lead.
I let that family down
once by quitting, I will
not do it again.
Neither am I.
[Miss Jenny singing]
♪ Nickel dime
quarter penny hey! ♪
♪ Nickel dime
quarter penny ho! ♪
Help the homeless.
Help the homeless now.
Someone give you that phone?
That's a generous donation.
Please, the way these church
folk been stingy lately?
I found this on my own.
You found it, huh?
Yeah. Right in
that dumpster the night
Pastor Johnson was murdered.
Can I see that a second?
Just...
Is that dried blood?
Didn't that kid Taj...
claim that Pastor Johnson was on
the phone when he saw him right
before he was killed?
Yeah but we pulled the logs and
there wasn't any recent calls.
You think he was using
that as a burner?
The dots connect.
Pastor with a burner.
What for?
Did you see who threw this away?
No, but I saw their car.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey.
What's up, man?
Sorry I'm late.
You've been holdin' out.
This place is cool.
Oh yeah, oh yeah.
Actually the owner used to play
piano in New Orleans.
Rex actually helped him
get set up here.
So this is Rex's place?
In this neighborhood, what
ain't Rex's place?
Anyway...
To family.
Your beautiful wife and
daughter...
to you livin' the life I always
thought I'd be living.
Glad one of us get to enjoy it.
Thank you.
Thank you, but uh,
everything ain't all
roses on this end of the hood
Cops picked me up the
other night.
What'd you do this time?
Nothin' that they know about.
But um...
They tryin' to pin the
Pastor's murder on me.
He would love that.
Pastor always had it
out for you.
Yeah, right?
I mean you and knucklehead go
get in trouble...
But I get the blame.
That man always hated
me for no reason.
I wouldn't say for no reason.
You never did name EJ's killer.
Even to this day, a lot of us
didn't understand why.
Yeah, but um...
you'll learn, church boy.
Everything out here ain't always
black and white.
Speaking of which...
Rex?
[Jabari]
Yeah.
Pastor owed him some money?
Yeah they had a deal that Rex
would get a share of the
church's bottom line.
That's how far you're behind.
Damn.
Look, since you're
in charge now...
Pastor's debt...
is your debt.
Hey man, Rex is just gonna
have to wait in line.
Bein' broke was the whole reason
I moved back to Cypress.
What about the church?
What about it? We can
barely pay our staff.
Unless Rex if takin' faith
and prayers for payment, we
don't have the money.
That ain't gonna work, cuz.
I done seen him cripple people
for less than what you owe.
You're gonna have to figure
somethin' out.
But it's nothing to figure out.
We don't have the money, I'm
tryin' to tell you.
Yo look, I'm tellin' you, that
you better get it.
By any means necessary. Whatever
you gotta do.
Whatever.
[inaudible]
On the next
Saints and Sinners:
Does this guy
look familiar to
you?
I need to know that I can
trust you with what I'm
about to say next.
Now you will do what
I tell you to do.
Money and blood don't mix.
I'm not doin' ten
years for this.
We got some unfinished
business, man.
♪ We're just sinners
saved by grace♪