Shoot the Messenger (2016): Season 1, Episode 3 - I Shall Be Released - full transcript

Previously on "Shoot the Messenger":

No way we can stop this now
or I'm dead! You understand?

We're initiating an
independent commission

to investigate instances
of suspected police

misconduct and corruption.

I didn't touch anything!

Tell me you don't believe her.

Anthony, it's Daisy.

I think I'm in trouble.

Isn't that Eric Lawson?

There was a photo... a girl
and this pro ball player.



I think it's his girlfriend.

You wouldn't know where I
could find Avril, would you?

I dropped her off at a nail
salon in the Jane Street area.

I know where that is.

Hassan, it's Daisy! Open up!

Baby, the reporter is here.

Miss Daisy...

How did you get here so fast?

I'd say I'm late... by a week or so.

You all right?

I've been better.

What did you tell the cops?

I don't know anything to tell.

You could be wearing a wire.



Check me then.

She's good.

Okay...

So why am I here?

Hassan, why was Khaalid killed?

Khaalid got his own self
killed... If he listened...

Where is it?! Where. Is. It?

I-I-I don't have it.

Oh God! You shot her!

You fucking killed her!

Sh-Shit. No!

You fucking killed her.

You fucking killed her!
Are you kidding me!

You're gonna tell me
where you put the phone!

- Hassan!
- Get up!

Hassan! Please! Get up!

- Get Up! Up!
- Get up!!

On your feet!

Bind his hand... Now!

Okay...

I'm not gonna ask you again...

Where is it?

Hurry up!

Where did you put it?!

Look... No one has to die.

I'll...

I'll do whatever you want
but I don't know anything.

Freeze! Police!

Agh! Agh!

Agh!

Shit. Agh!

_

Anthony... Thank you.

I need um...

I need to see you.

Detective Ortiz was processing
the vehicle abandoned by Ali...

And you left that scene?!

I didn't want to miss
an opportunity to...

I need-I need to see you.

And you ended up in a shoot
out with an armed suspect

who you let escape after
he murdered a young woman!

All right. Sorry.

Right?

We have procedures for a reason!

Okay... Yeah, okay...

I have to go.

Your lawyer is here.

You're free to go.

Mr. Ali, what did you want
to show Miss Channing.

Look, you're understandably upset.

But I need you to help me where to find
the person who murdered your girlfriend.

All right. All right, let's ah...

Let's backtrack a little.

Out of all the journalists in
the city, why Miss Channing?

She's fine. You've seen her picture?

The night you called Miss
Channing, your friend

Khaalid was shot dead
right in front of you.

Tonight when you called Miss Channing,

your girlfriend, Avril, was
shot dead right in front of you.

What's the connection here?

You know who killed them, don't you?

He had a mask.

Okay, so was there anything
about him that you recognize?

His voice, movement, smell...

Nothing... Nothing.

What the hell are you doin' that's got
the attention of a professional killer?

Wow!

Wow, one thing's for sure.
I'm glad we're not friends, Mr. Ali.

You're in a lot of shit, aren't you?

You know, my guess is that

you wanted Miss Channing to help you.

Now what did you wanna show her?!

This just isn't some, some deal that
just went... went wrong, is it?

Your boss, Eric Lawson, already told us

that you were fired because
you were dealing drugs.

But that's not why you got
blood on your hands.

You're the target... You're the target!

You are the target and your friends...

your friends they were
just collateral damage.

What is it that you're doing that's
getting your friends killed, Mr. Ali?

Huh?

That got your beautiful
girlfriend killed...

_

_

_

- Whoo.
- Whoa.

- Hmm...
- Hmmm...

Hm-hm-hm-hm.

Thanks.

No. No-no.

- No. No!
- Come on, come on.

I can do without being found half naked.

I happen to like you half naked.

Screwing the boss isn't
your problem, is it?

You still okay with this?

Non-exclusivity and
the occasional booty call...

Hmmm...

Those are your terms, not mine.

Oh... I had a choice?

Good morning. I ah...

I want to go over today's agenda.

You know what, give us 20 minutes.

We're just um... talking about
today's policy meeting.

Cancel that.

The justice minister wants lunch.

The story I'm following...

two people were murdered...
in front of me.

I can't get their faces...
the blood out of my head.

I didn't realize.

That's some serious shit
to be dealing with.

Anthony, I...

I almost... took a drink.

Yeah.

Well, at least you called me.

That would have set the recovery back.

Yeah. Sure, but I can drink.

You know, isn't my problem.

Okay, I know, it's an easy misstep...
but I'm fine.

Okay, well you called for help.

Were you hoping for permission to drink?

No... I mean, you're right.

Yeah, so what does Chloe say about this?

We haven't talked.

What? She wouldn't understand.

But you chose her as your sponsor.

Yeah, well...

I'm tired of being the family screw-up.

Yeah, well you can't do this alone.

I'm not! I have you.

What about meetings?

I haven't been going.

That's because of work.

Look, the program is
in place for a reason.

All right? It doesn't work
if you piss it off.

Okay. I'll do better!

I promise!

I have-I have to get back to it.

Check in with my editor so...

Okay, well you reached out to me

because you thought you might
do something foolish.

All right, so I just wanna be clear.

Going back to work is not a good idea.

I can't take time off.

You can't or you won't?

I am investigating the
biggest story of my career.

For the first time what I do matters!

- And you don't matter.
- Of course!

This is me reclaiming my life!

You know, I, I used to get
wasted every single day.

I'm finally good!

I'm not giving that up, Anthony.

Okay, well I'm not asking you to.

I'm just saying, take some time.

I'm sorry. I have to go.
I have to go, okay?

She was delivered safely to
her sister's place around 4 a.m.

Oh, it must be youth.

She filed the story an hour later.

It's a good story.

Mhm... So all this, these
murders, it's about a phone.

Something that's on a phone.

We might want Daisy to
walk away from this

with the shooter still out there.

Oh my Go... Daisy!?

How are you holding up?

Everything feels ah... surreal.

As you know.

We have a therapist on retainer,

if you need to speak with someone.

Um... no.

No-no, I just ah...

I just want to get back to work.

Right... Um...

you've been through a lot
and we feel that ah,

you should have a few days
official leave with full pay.

No but... there's so much going on.

Yes.

Like Avril, I want to
interview her grandmother.

Look, her grandmother
is not going anywhere.

Well, what about Hassan's interview.
We really have to jump on that!

You're not his lawyer
or a family member.

It's very, very unlikely the police will
let you anywhere near him right now.

He'll want to talk to me!

And we could offer to bail
him out, you know... as a...

sorry um, as a ah... goodwill gesture.

And um, Marty, you could represent him.

That's if he doesn't have a lawyer.

What you're suggesting
is not only unethical,

it's illegal.

It's also a moot point, Channing.

The kid's just been released.

What? Why would they do that?

Well, we'll find that out.

But for you, I need to know
that there will be someone

- at home with you.
- Oh...

Channing...

My sister.

I know you're hot for this story.

But I don't want to have
to write your obituary.

Do you understand?

Yup...

We need to get this thing
done so let's figure it out.

Dig up whatever you can.

You sure about this?

We've got him on possession and
living with the proceeds of a crime.

Nothing charges. If we
had him on trafficking,

we'd have bargaining room, but we don't.

Yeah, I get it.

And the inspector agreed,
it's our best shot.

_

Black car is government issue...

Some politician judging by the plate.

Ali is skittish I suppose.

What do you mean he's gone?

You find him.

He knows.

He'll keep it confidential.

Why is this bothering you so much.

I have Hardcastle's loyalty.

I mean, he barely tolerates me.

It's just more reason for his disdain.

The minister is waiting...

unless there's something more
important you'd like to discuss?

- We were waiting for you.
- I'm here now.

What the fuck is Lawson doing here?

I wasn't invited. I'll deal with it.

Sam, it's good to see you
and congratulations.

That was a great speech the other night.

And I have to commend you,

you have some big balls proposing

a commission like that in this town.

- Thank you. It's great to see you too, Eric.
- Sir.

Sam, that was very
shrewd in this climate.

Thank you, sir.

We feel like we're on the right path.

So now ah, I know you know this guy.

This is my senior policy,
Chloe Channing.

This is Minister Richardson.

- Hello, Chloe.
- Hello.

Well, I think lunch has got
a little more engaging

now that I won't have to be
staring at his mug.

I know exactly how you feel.

Minister Richardson,

I understand you've
extended your time with us.

We really appreciate you
fitting us into your agenda.

Ah Eric, what about those
plans for your youth fundraiser?

Why don't we discuss our sponsorship
while we have the time.

Well, I thought it was worth
staying to share some news.

Sam...

we think you've got what it
takes to run this country

and we are willing to put in the time,

and most importantly,
the money to get you there.

Well, I'm ah, extremely glad
you decided to extend your stay.

Okay, we both know you don't give a shit
about this fundraiser.

So what's goin' on here?

We just had a perfect
opportunity to close this deal.

I just need five minutes with the guy.

Don't be obtuse.

You know Sam is philosophically
opposed to the project.

That's bullshit! What's going on?

Why has he suddenly stopped
returning my calls?

What do you think?

I have no idea!

But I do know that I have a deadline
coming up right around the corner.

And I can't postpone these
partners much longer.

I thought they were perfectly
reasonable gentlemen.

Oh man. Sam should know better than
to fuck with this particular deal.

Let's get this straight.

I want this deal as much as you do.

It bounces out the commission,

allows us to play both sides
of the law and order issue.

- Okay.
- But do not threaten my guy.

I'm not threatening your guy.
I wouldn't do that!

We want the same thing.

- You know what else?
- What?!

If I find out you're involved in
this thing with the Somali kid...

Soma... what the hell
are you talking about?!

Forget it.

I'll get back to you once
Sam is on board.

Until then, stay the fuck away from him.

Now if you'll excuse me,
I have a lunch to attend.

Enjoy yourself.

Hmm.

Hmm...

Who is it?!

It's me.

Oh sh...

Ah, I'm coming!

Hey.

Hey.

How are you feelin'?

Fine.

You didn't call me back.

Yeah, ah sorry.

I've just been... distracted.

Are you able to talk now?

Yeah.

I'm guessing you don't want a drink?

We can't do this anymore.

Ahaah... funny...

I was thinking we hardly
ever do it anymore. Hm?

Oh... you're mad at me.

I get it.

Look, my job is dangerous.
But so is yours.

You don't get it.

You really don't get it.

You're personally involved in two
murders that I'm investigating. Okay?

We're on opposite sides of this.

It's not ideal but...
it's not like we're enemies.

I don't believe you're being
totally honest with what you know.

What did Jo say? She hates me.

She doesn't hate you!
She thinks you're a liar.

Everyone lies, Lutz.

Everyone holds back,
bends the truth. Even you.

I don't want to wake up beside
someone who I care about

and think she's everyone.

Wait!

There is something.

Look, all I know is the shooter,
he wants this... phone.

What's on the phone?

I honestly don't know.

Thank you.

But...

can't we just talk?

Look, I know you think you
may be able to handle all this.

But you're way out of your depth, Daisy.

You need to leave this alone.

Thank you for stopping by, detective.

In the name of Allah,

the most merciful,
the most compassionate.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord
of the entire universe.

The most merciful,
the most compassionate.

The master of the day
of judgment. Ameen.

- Still no activity from 5PM?
- Nothin'.

I guess we should consider
ourselves lucky.

- Hold on, something's brewing.
- What?

I'm very sorry. I know you
loved Khaalid. I did too.

Then why is he dead, Hassan?

What did you do to get him killed?

You gotta believe me, Khaalid
made his own decisions.

I saw you that night.
You took his phone.

There's something on it
that my boss wants.

That's why they killed him.

If that's true, then
just go to the cops.

My brother is dead
because of this coward.

Do you think men like Lawson
don't have connections with the police?

But maybe you want me dead too!

Did he just say Eric Lawson
is responsible for a murder?

What the hell is going on?

We should bring him in for questioning.

No, no, let's hear more.

This could be the break we're after.

Don't worry, 'cause he hid the phone.

We'll make them pay on that.

Shhh...

Oh, oh, okay.

We'll just let her sleep, okay?

- Dad, um,
- What?

Why don't you go up
to my room and watch some TV

and we'll just let Daisy rest.

Chloe, I know that Daisy is
not supposed to be like that.

Dad... please... please.

Get up...

- Get up.
- Hm...

What are you doing here?

I live here.

What... I'm ah...

Oh...

I had a bad day, okay?

No, not okay. Not okay!

Do you know Dad's here?

He knows you've been drinking too.

You promised. You promised both of us!

Don't get so dramatic.

Look, I had a couple of drinks.

There's a lot going on.

Besides, you're not supposed to have
alcohol here to help my recovery.

Oh, so being drunk
is my fault, seriously?

First of all I'm not an alcoholic.

I like coke.

No, I love coke and this isn't that
so stop... being so concerned...

Oh!

Are you done?

You need to go.

Right.

You're supposed to be my sponsor.

Help me when crap gets tough.

Well, you haven't.

You're barely home.

Do you even care why I'm messed up?

Oh no, no-no.

You don't get to do that.

I work long hours.

And I am the one dealing
with Dad most of the time.

I've given you the space
to get settled in your new job,

your new life.

Well, you know what?

There was no change.

You don't get to be drunk or stoned
or whatever around me.

Fine! Fine.

Okay. I don't need this crap.

You're perfect... I'm the screw-up.

And now I'm gone.

Hey, check this out.

The john is all tricked out too
but looky here what I found.

- Yeah? What's it say?
- Don't know. Must be in Korean.

But Avril Trong is written
on the inside cover.

Well, figures.

We've been working the
Suleman case for over a week

and we still ain't got a
solid working theory.

What's wrong with Ali as dealer?

Something else is goin' on.

They're in here, sir.

Thank you so much, ma'am.

Truly sorry about your granddaughter.

Hey, whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa.

- You Lutz?
- Who's askin'?

Detective Sergeant Randy Markwell.

We're runnin' a project out
of guns and gangs.

I understand you just
interviewed Hassan Ali.

You've got to be kidding me.

I'm working on a case, sir,
with all due respect.

Yes sir.

Yeah, understood.

So... ready to help now?

Hassan Ali, he's out.

But we've got a tail on him.

We believe that someone wants
what he has very, very badly.

Oh yeah? Something like a phone?

How do you know about that?

We got it on a wire.
That's why I'm here.

My apologies.

I wanted to see if you needed
anything for the night.

I'm good.

Thank you, Imam.

I deeply appreciate staying here.

You're our brother.

Oh shit!

You knew Avril.

When you first came in

I thought you might have been
one of her girls. But ah...

He met the whore at the strip
club where she worked.

Daisy? How's purgatory.

I've been thinking.

- What if it's about sex?
- What?

The phone. It's about sex.

I think Hassan was
blackmailing Orlandio Spence.

How do you figure?

Avril... what if she was
some sort of prostitute.

Or maybe she ran the call girls.

Bobby talked about Avril's girls.

Look anyways,

what if the thing on Hassan's phone

is something a guy like Spence
doesn't want to go public.

So Avril plus ball
player plus call girl...

Interesting.

But would a baller really commit
murder over sexual indiscretion?

It's-it's a stretch.

But there must be something
else we don't know.

Greggor said that Spence just
went through a rough divorce.

Could be it's something he
doesn't want his ex to know.

Something that could cost him millions.

So I'll talk to the wife.

Hey, I want to do this.

I figured it out and I...

I just... I need to work.

All right. Ah,

unless Mary incinerates me
in a ball of dragon fire,

I will see you tomorrow.

Thank you. I'll be at ah...

I'll be at my Dad's.

Oh, you are sweet.

Is that Mario Shree?

Went across town for that puppy.

And ah... ahem,

I got you an entire box.

Okay... I am well past the days
of bribery... however delicious.

So before you offer up a kidney,

I'm agreeing to two weeks
of security, nights only.

You're the best.

This is strictly professional...
on your part that is.

- It's Daisy's story.
- Mhm...

There's that hungry look about you.

Meaning?

Oh come on, Simon.
I know when you're interested.

Isn't that why you dumped me
because I became... interested?

Oh... Deflecting.

Hmm.

Our days are well in the past.
And I happen to like Cassie.

So do I. I love her...

I'm not going to screw it up...

What?

I'm just having a moment.

Go on.

Go get Daisy. I'm sure she's waiting.

Thank you for the tea.

Yeah, a request came in from the chief
last night, to step up our timeline.

He says it's because of
the Trottman murder.

Right, right. It's got
nothing to do with

the attorney general investigating cops.

Yeah I know. No, nothin' at all.

And this... is a warrant
targeting Eric Lawson.

Lawson? I thought this
was about Hassan Ali.

Yeah, well... hold on.

There's something on the wire that
could affect our schedule tonight.

Okay. Give me a couple of minutes.

We've been running wires on 5PM

and the Mogadishu boys for months...

Just to keep track of
the criminal activity.

And mostly, besides trying
to murder each other,

it's the usual... guns,
drugs, theft, piddly shit.

It's a pain in the ass.

But guess whose name keeps popping up?

- Lawson.
- Right. So...

we figure he's been supplying
the boys with dope.

But that man is very smart
and he's very careful.

Now I need to get him on something
solid, so I can flip him.

That way that will get me
closer to my target.

So why do you need me?

Well, the wire we're using
is about to conclude.

I need a new one on Lawson and...

and this, this is a little weak.

Okay, so you want me to flesh
out your warrant.

Write up what I've got
about Ali's connections.

Yeah, that's right.
Just make it stronger.

I can do that.

Thank you. Oh, and you've got
three hours to do this.

Mrs. Spence, thanks for seeing us.

This is beautiful.

How do you keep it so clean?

Oh, that's the help...

who I totally can't afford anymore

now that I've been so screwed over.

Cucumber is anti-inflammatory.

So good after a busy night.

- Thank you.
- Thanks.

So, you're writing a story
about the bastard.

Ah... it's about your ex-husband, yes.

Good. I totally want to expose him.

Oh, your divorce didn't go so well.

The bastard proved his addiction
was a pre-existing condition.

His addiction?

Orlandio's sex addiction.

A word of advice...

avoid orgies at least
before you're married.

They can totally work
against you in court.

I think I can manage that.

So, Orlandio's sex addiction was deemed
a pre-existing condition by the courts.

Yes. The judge ruled in his favor

because I had partaked in his lifestyle
before we were married.

Wait. So...

you disapproved of your husband's sexual

inclinations only...
after your marriage.

No, not at all. It just...
got a bit weird.

And I'm not the kind of girl.

Define weird.

I'll just have to show you.

Do you know what cuckolding is?

Men who enjoy watching another
guy have sex with their wives?

Right.

Is that what Orlandio wanted?

It's much worse.

Look. Look!

That old hag is in her 60s.

My mother is 56. Uch!

Here you go.

Did what I could with the warrant.

Finished it ahead of
schedule; That's amazing.

What do you want done with it?

What do I want done with it?

Come on, dude, you're killin' me.

Get it signed!

Detective?

Cat got your tongue, Detective Lutz?

Sorry to interrupt your
evening, Your Honour.

It happens more than you think.

May I have the warrant?

My schedule is monstrous,

but I understand there's
some urgency to it.

That's right, Your Honour.

Now I trust that you've
accommodated my particularities?

Flagged and highlighted, ma'am.

Tomorrow then. Good night, Detective.

Yes, thank you.

Susan, I thought we were celebrating.

You said no work tonight.

I'm just putting this in my office.

- Pour me another vodka.
- Good idea.

Hey, did you, uh, bring the...?

Right. Yup.

- Good news.
- Hm?

My prick of a cousin found
out we talked to the ex

and now we've got an interview
with Orlandio Spence.

- Nice.
- Mhm.

Okay.

What?

Hm. Here we are.

Me eating your last spring roll
and it's perfectly nice.

I could eat some of your food.

Don't you even think about it.

Seriously though I ah,

I really appreciate you
getting Mary to relent.

And to be honest, I'll feel
better with the night security.

Happy to do it.

I do actually have one question.

Um, Sophie Spence's marriage advice...
thoughts?

- Definitely...
- Mhm?

- Never...
- No.

Ah...

Blade, did you do it?

Took some doin'.
But I got it un-swirled.

Oh, awesome!

You are the most awesome.

Um, can you send it please?

It's already sent. Do
with them as you please.

So when do I get to
meet your friend Blade?

He's definitely a cut above.

Ugh...

- No?
- No!

Should I take another stab at it?

What?! It's just swirled.

Oh my God!

Is that Judge Reeves?