THE ROOKIE
Season 3, Episode 1
"Consequences"
Previously on "The Rookie"...
MARTINEZ
Hey, get back!
RIOS
Hands!
WEST
No! Chris!
ARMSTRONG
No sign of the suspect?
HARPER
No, but we did recover his weapon.
NOLAN
Wait a minute. There's supposed to be a gun.
LOPEZ
Officer Erin Cole never switched her camera on during the raid.
COLE
Armstrong.
NOLAN
No!
NOLAN
Armstrong. She said his name before she saw him.
RUBEN DERIAN
You did good, my friend. Very good.
"The Hunt"
HARPER
Do you realize what you are accusing him of?
NOLAN
If I'm right, he's betraying everything we stand for. So we gather more evidence.
HARPER
It's not enough.
NOLAN
We got to trip him up somehow. We got to get into his head.
DYER
A hidden compartment in the laundry room wall...
ARMSTRONG
You broke into my house to kill me because I found out you were dirty. I won't be the only one saying it.
SERJ DERIAN
There's another cop on the payroll. John Nolan.
ARMSTRONG
Aah!
NOLAN
Control, this is Officer Nolan.
ARMSTRONG
You don't have time for that, John. You got to go, or they're gonna find it. The evidence in your house.
EXT. JOHN NOLAN'S HOUSE, NIGHT
OFFICER JOHN NOLAN stands in his bedroom. He's just uncovered the evidence planted in his wall, and there are police lights and radio chatter outside his house. His phone rings - it's SERGEANT WADE GREY, who is standing in front of NOLAN's house.
NOLAN
Sir, it's a set-up.
GREY
Nick Armstrong's on his way to the hospital. Says you tried to kill him. Says you're on the Derians' payroll.
NOLAN
It's a lie. Nick's the one who's the dirty cop. He murdered Erin Cole. He's setting me up.
GREY
Okay, okay. Let us inside so we can take a look around and you and I can talk.
NOLAN
Do you have a warrant?
GREY
Nolan, you do not want to play things this way.
NOLAN
Actually, sir, this is exactly how you want me to play things. Two cops are dead, and a third one is a murderer. We're both gonna be under the microscope on this. So we need to play this exactly by the book, which is why you need a warrant, and I need to call a lawyer.
A pause. GREY sighs.
GREY
Warrant's in process. Do not make this worse for yourself.
He ends the call. NOLAN makes another call.
LOPEZ/EVERS HOME, NIGHT - BEDROOM
WESLEY EVERS is awakened by the phone.
EVERS
Hey, Nolan, what's up? Is Angela okay?
NOLAN
Yeah. No. I'm not calling about her. Wesley, I-I, uh, I need you. I-I need -- I need your help. I have to hire you.
EVERS
Yeah, of course. Hey, tell me what's happening.
He puts NOLAN on speaker as he gets dressed.
NOLAN
Nick Armstrong is framing me. He murdered Erin Cole. He planted evidence in my house, which is now surrounded by cops. I told Grey he needs a warrant to come in.
EVERS
You were right to demand a warrant. My job is to keep them from getting it. Judge Paloma is the on-call judge tonight. He's 10 minutes from my house. Is the evidence that Nick planted easily found?
NOLAN
Yeah. He wasn't very subtle.
EVERS
All right. Look, this is what I need you to do --
He's headed into the bathroom when he knocks over a trash can, spilling the contents. One of the items is a pregnancy test stick. He looks shocked and confused.
NOLAN
Wesley? Wesley, are you there? (long pause) Wesley, are you there?
EVERS snaps out of his astonishment and gets back to business.
EVERS
Uh...yeah. Yeah, uh... Listen... what I need you to do is bag the evidence. Somewhere it won't easily be found.
NOLAN
I-I can't tamper with the evidence.
EVERS
No, you won't be. Legally, we'll argue that... with knowledge of at least two dirty cops, you had no choice but to secure the evidence until you knew it was going to be safe.
NOLAN
Well, that might fly in court, but I could lose my job.
EVERS
Forget about your job, Nolan. I'm trying to keep you out of prison.
EXT. JUDGE PALOMA'S HOUSE, NIGHT
EVERS pulls up and gets out of his car at the same time OFFICER ANGELA LOPEZ gets out of her shop.
LOPEZ
You here for Nolan?
EVERS
Yeah. He called me.
LOPEZ
This is just a signature on a search warrant. There's nothing for you to do here. Go home.
EVERS
Clearly, you've never seen me at a probable cause hearing. (LOPEZ rings the doorbell) Is, um ...everything all right?
LOPEZ
No. Everything is a dumpster fire. Two cops are dead, and I'm here to get a warrant on a friend of mine.
EVERS
Is there anything else bothering you?
JUDGE PALOMA opens the door wearing his pajamas and a bathrobe. He immediately realizes why they're here.
JUDGE PALOMA
Oh, boy. And I was having such a lovely dream. Okay, let's make this quick. Raise your right hand and repeat after me.
INT. SHAW MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, DAY - EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
EMTs have an injured DETECTIVE NICK ARMSTRONG on a gurney and are rushing him through the hallways, accompanied by OFFICER SMITTY and OFFICER JACKSON WEST.
ARMSTRONG
Hey.
EMT
Coming through.
ARMSTRONG
You got to get Nolan. Did you arrest him? Is he in custody?
SMITTY
Not yet.
WEST
We shouldn't talk about this.
ARMSTRONG
I know you're friends, but Nolan's a killer. You can't trust him. You hear me? You hear me?!
WEST
Yes, sir. I hear you.
COMMANDER PERCY WEST
Jackson.
WEST
Dad.
SMITTY and the EMTs rush on with ARMSTRONG while JACKSON WEST stops to talk to his father, who has just arrived.
PERCY
How is he?
WEST
The bullet went straight through. Doesn't seem like it hit anything vital, but he's definitely gonna need surgery.
PERCY
What did he say to you?
WEST
Same thing he said at the scene -- Nolan tried to kill him after admitting that there was damning evidence hidden at his house. I-I'm sorry. Like, I-I don't believe him. I mean, Nolan's a great cop, the best of us, but so is Armstrong.
PERCY
Stop. Stop. Our job is to collect facts right now, not form opinions. Understood?
WEST
Yeah. I'm sorry.
PERCY
It's been a horrible few days -- Chris' death, and now this. It's easy to lose focus, but that's exactly why it's vital that we don't. I need you to stay here and keep an eye on Armstrong once I'm gone. Report back on everything he says.
WEST
Yes, sir. I won't let you down.
PERCY
Good.
INT. SHAW MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, DAY - PRE-OP
PERCY WEST enters the room where ARMSTRONG is being treated.
ARMSTRONG
Commander --
PERCY
We don't have to talk now, but when we do, you have the right to have a union rep present.
ARMSTRONG
I don't need a rep. I need protection.
PERCY
From who?
ARMSTRONG
(urgently) Harper. She's in on it, too.
INT. HARPER'S HOUSE, NIGHT - BEDROOM
DETECTIVE NYLA HARPER is lying awake when she hears someone pounding on her front door. She turns on lights and looks at her cell phone; the screen shows the view from her front door security camera, where OFFICER TIM BRADFORD and OFFICER LUCY CHEN are waiting. As HARPER gets out of bed, her phone rings.
HARPER
(answering the phone) Nolan, what the hell is going on?
At NOLAN's house, he is dumping the planted evidence into a bag as he talks to HARPER.
NOLAN
Harper, I've really stepped in it. Armstrong lured me to his place, made me think it was to confess, but it was a set-up. He planted evidence in my house.
HARPER
Why the hell didn't you call me before you went... (interrupts herself) Please tell me you at least taped the conversation.
NOLAN
Yeah, that would have been smart.
HARPER
Well, that would explain why there are cops at my front door. Armstrong needs to frame both of us in order for this to work.
NOLAN
He break into your house, too?
HARPER
No. My security system would have nuked him.
NOLAN
I should really invest in one of those.
HARPER
Yep. It's a little late for that.
NOLAN
I am really sorry, Nyla.
HARPER
Yeah, and I am really looking forward to yelling at you when we are on the other side of this.
NOLAN
I think you mean "if."
HARPER
Be smart, Nolan. It only gets bumpier from here.
HARPER ends the call and exits her house, speaking to the waiting cops as she heads for their shop.
HARPER
Try not to make a mess. There is a gun safe in the hall closet. Keys are here. (hands keychain to an officer) Lock up when you're done. We going to the station?
BRADFORD
No. Internal Affairs.
EXT. JUDGE PALOMA'S HOUSE, NIGHT
PALOMA
(reading the warrant) Is this right?
LOPEZ
I'm afraid so.
EVERS
Your Honor, may I see the state's probable cause affidavit?
PALOMA
Care to cite?
EVERS
1538.5 PC, In Theodor.
LOPEZ
Your Honor, I would object under evidence code 1040 through 1042, on the grounds that it may unnecessarily reveal information, sources, and investigative tactics.
EVERS
Well, given that the subject of the search is a police officer familiar with investigative tactics, evidence code section 1040 should not apply. (to LOPEZ) Respectfully.
PALOMA
(hands EVERS the warrant) What exactly are the charges the state is considering against Officer Nolan?
LOPEZ
Well, for starters, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted murder of a peace officer, and conspiracy.
EVERS
Clearly an act of self-defense. Detective Armstrong lured Officer Nolan to his house, Now, Officer Nolan returned fire in self-defense, and no physical evidence listed here asserts otherwise.
LOPEZ
Sadly, Your Honor, an informant has corroborated Detective Armstrong's account. In a sworn statement, he identified Officer Nolan as working with the Derian crime family.
EVERS
Um, but their informant has not be certified "tested" or "reliable." And with personal jeopardy as a murder suspect in this very case, his account can hardly be considered credible without cross-examination.
He hands the warrant back to the judge.
PALOMA
The state makes the case: corruption exists within the division. Officer Nolan is connected to that, and there is imminent threat to the destruction of evidence without expedient action.
He signs the warrant.
PALOMA
Aren't you two married?
LOPEZ
Almost.
EVERS
(simultaneously) Soon.
PALOMA
[ Chuckles ] Good luck. And good night.
He closes the door and EVERS and LOPEZ walk back to their vehicles.
EVERS
You did great back there.
LOPEZ
Thanks. You didn't make it easy. Wesley... ...tell Nolan I'm rooting for him. (into her phone) Sergeant, Judge Paloma signed the warrant at 0319 hours. Endorsed for night service. You're green and go. Please be careful.
EVERS
(into his phone) Nolan, you're out of time. They're coming in. Don't resist. Don't say anything. I'll meet you at the station.
INT. JOHN NOLAN'S HOUSE, NIGHT
NOLAN opens the front door and raises his hands, pointing to his unloaded gun lying on the side table. The police enter and start looking over the premises as GREY walks in and gives NOLAN a long look.
GREY
Put your hands behind your back.
NOLAN
Yes, sir. [ Handcuffs clicking ] Am I under arrest?
GREY
Not yet. We got to do everything by the book. Let's go.
INT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS, NIGHT - EMPLOYEE ENTRANCE
BRADFORD and CHEN escort HARPER into the building, where GREY is waiting.
HARPER
Please tell me that Armstrong has got cops all over him.
BRADFORD
I can't do that. You know why.
HARPER
Come on. You cannot believe that Nolan is dirty.
CHEN
We don't.
BRADFORD
Chen.
GREY
I got it from here. Head to Nolan's. Assist in the search.
BRADFORD
Yes, sir.
CHEN
Sergeant. (at his look) Um... Uh...never mind.
She and BRADFORD leave.
HARPER
Sir --
GREY
Save it for upstairs.
INT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS, NIGHT - INTERVIEW ROOM
NOLAN is staring into space as EVERS tries to give him instructions.
EVERS
Nolan? Do you understand? Nolan.
NOLAN
What?
EVERS
Technically, you're not under arrest. But once you're not free to leave beyond a brief detention, that constitutes an arrest and starts the clock. D.A. will have 72 hours to present their case against you.
NOLAN
Yeah, I-I know -- I know that.
He sits at the table and EVERS sits across from him.
EVERS
Of course. But I also know that you're in shock, and I need you to focus. If convicted, you're looking at 25 years, which is why you need to let me do all the talking. One mistake, one ill-chosen word, and you are going to prison.
NOLAN
But we don't have to play it like that. The truth is on my side.
EVERS
And you think that means something? [ Scoffs ] If you were any other defendant --
NOLAN
What?
EVERS
Never mind.
NOLAN
No, I want to know. If I was any other defendant, what?
EVERS
You are a white man. A cop. You have already been treated with a level of deference my other clients would never get. If you were Black or Brown, the police would've created exigent circumstances and kicked the door in, shot you if they thought you reacted aggressively, arrested you if you surrendered, confident that the D.A. would bully you into a plea deal.
NOLAN
That's not fair. I'm not that kind of cop.
EVERS
Neither is Grey. You telling me you've never bent the rules?
NOLAN
Not like that.
EVERS
Look, you have a chance to survive this because of who you are. But only if you do exactly what I say. Can you handle that?
INT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS, NIGHT - I.A. OFFICE
PERCY WEST sits behind his desk; GREY and HARPER are standing in front of it as he speaks to HARPER.
PERCY
It's been alleged that the Derian crime family recruited you during your tenure as an undercover operative. In exchange for money and concealing your identity, you provided sensitive police intelligence which helped them avoid prosecution. Now, is there any truth to this? Any bit at all?
HARPER
Absolutely not, sir. That is Armstrong's truth. He did those things, and he is using me and Nolan to cover his tracks.
PERCY
Detective Armstrong has an unblemished record in this department. So I'm gonna need to see some pretty serious evidence to substantiate that.
HARPER
Yes, sir. We have body cam and dash cam video that shows Armstrong making a series of texts at critical moments during the hunt for Officer Rios' killer. It was Armstrong who redirected Nolan into booking the murder weapon into evidence so that Erin Cole could steal the gun from Nolan's shop. Look, you can see here -- Armstrong hands her a note.
She shows him the video on her cell phone.
PERCY
Do you have that note?
HARPER
No, sir.
PERCY
Then how can you know what was on it?
HARPER
I can't know for sure, but I --
PERCY
Armstrong says that you and Nolan lured him to the oil fields under false pretenses planning to kill him because he was onto you.
HARPER
That's another lie. We were trying to identify the burner phone number he was using in hopes of getting our hands on his call and text records.
GREY
And did you get any?
HARPER
No. I mean, we did identify the phone number, but the phone had just been activated that morning. Which is when we decided that Officer Nolan should go speak with Rosalind Dyer in prison.
GREY
What? Why?
HARPER
We figured she would have some sort of insight into his criminality.
PERCY
She also tried to have Armstrong murdered a few months ago, which makes it believable that Nolan went to her to conspire with her.
HARPER
No. No. That is not what happened. Look, this is Nolan's body cam from when Armstrong shot Erin Cole. You can clearly see that she says his name before she sees him.
PERCY
Why didn't you come forward with Officer Nolan's suspicions prior to taking investigative action on your own? Why didn't you instruct your trainee to trust the system?
HARPER
I can see now that I made a mistake. But at the time, I did not think that it was in the department's best interest to disparage a fellow officer without additional evidence --
PERCY
That is not your damn job! What does the placard say on my desk?
HARPER
Commander. Internal Affairs.
PERCY
This office is the only investigative unit required by the California Constitution. Do you know why? Because police officers are infused with the power of the state, the power to take a life in pursuit of justice, power that is all too easily abused. And yet at every turn, cops like you look at us like the enemy -- the rat squad! How the hell do you expect me to root out problem cops when I'm sabotaged at every turn?! We are going to tear your life apart, Detective. And if we find as much as a typo in the statement you're about to write, you won't be a cop anymore.
EXT. JOHN NOLAN'S HOUSE, DAY
BRADFORD and CHEN are sitting in their shop, looking at the officers going in and out of NOLAN's house.
CHEN
We should be tearing Armstrong's house apart, not Nolan's.
BRADFORD
Relax, Boot. We're doing both. Look, we got a job to do. We can't play favorites.
CHEN
There is no way that Harper and Nolan are dirty.
BRADFORD
Three days ago, you'd have said the same thing about Erin Cole.
CHEN
Y-- Sure. But I know Nolan a hell of a lot better than I knew Erin, and so do you. He's got the strongest moral compass of us all.
BRADFORD
Maybe. Or maybe that's only who he is when it's easy. Look, at the end of the day, we only think we know other people. I learned that the hard way.
INT. SHAW MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, DAY - ARMSTRONG'S ROOM
ARMSTRONG is awakened by the sound of loud slurping in the room, as if someone is sucking down the last of their drink. He looks around and sees OFFICER SMITTY sitting in a chair, doing just that.
ARMSTRONG
What time is it?
SMITTY
Time for another Fresca.
ARMSTRONG
What's going on?
SMITTY
Not much, really. General Hospital's on in a few.
ARMSTRONG
No. With Nolan.
SMITTY
Oh, he's in custody. Getting the full cavity search from I.A. You know, I never trusted that guy. Nobody's that nice.
ARMSTRONG
They find anything at his house?
SMITTY
W--
JACKSON WEST enters the room.
WEST
(to ARMSTRONG) You're awake. (to SMITTY) You were supposed to text me.
ARMSTRONG
Well, he's filling me in.
WEST
That's not really his job. As long as we're talking, can I ask you a question?
ARMSTRONG
Yeah, of course.
WEST
Look, you said that Nolan came to your house to kill you.
ARMSTRONG
Yeah.
WEST
But first, he told you about a bunch of evidence hidden at his place? Why would he waste time doing that?
ARMSTRONG
Nolan's a talker. You know him.
WEST
Yeah. I do. But he's not a boaster, and he's definitely not stupid.
ARMSTRONG
You accusing me of something, Boot?
WEST
No, sir. Just trying to wrap my brain around this.
ARMSTRONG
Look. I get it. I g-- I get it. We all feel betrayed. It's heartbreaking to find out that somebody you cared about isn't who you think they are. I mean... [ Sighs, chuckles ] I-I-I'm sorry. I-I got to close my eyes. That surgery took it out of me. I'm just...
WEST
Sure thing. We'll be right outside.
ARMSTRONG
Yeah.
WEST
Smitty.
He and SMITTY leave the room.
INT. JOHN NOLAN'S HOUSE, DAY
BRADFORD
Find anything?
JANSSEN
Not yet.
BRADFORD
Yeah, or maybe Nolan was trained to know where cops would look. Hell, he built this place up from the studs. Probably designed a hidey-hole we'll never find.
CHEN
(surveying damage to the walls) Did we do all this?
BRADFORD
Grey said the wall was ripped apart before he came in.
CHEN
Why would Nolan do that?
BRADFORD
Don't know. Don't care.
CHEN
No, think about it. Armstrong insists that Nolan tried to kill him. But then why did Nolan leave before the job was done? Why rush back here and tear the walls up? I'll tell you why -- it's because he's looking for the evidence, too.
BEDROOM COP
Bradford.
BRADFORD and CHEN enter the bedroom to see the hole where the evidence was planted, behind the headboard.
BRADFORD
You see, now, that's a proper hidey-hole.
CHEN
For a civilian. You just got done saying Nolan would build something we'd never find.
BRADFORD
Maybe I overestimated the guy.
CHEN
Look, Nolan's a lot of things, but he's not sloppy. He comes in here, desperate, rips open the walls, ends up in the bedroom, finds the opening behind the bed filled with whatever Armstrong hid in there --
BRADFORD
And then what?
CHEN
And then...
CHEN finds footprints made with drywall dust and follows them to the patio door; opening it and stepping outside, she and BRADFORD look around and see a plastic bag on the other side of the fence, in the neighbor's yard.
CHEN
You don't think that's random garbage, do you?
BRADFORD
No, that's Nolan being smart. He knew we'd find the goods, so he chucked 'em down the hill.
CHEN
Our warrant is for Nolan's property, not the neighbor's. So, if we open that bag without a Steagald warrant, anything we find in there will be inadmissible.
BRADFORD
Exactly. So let's go get that warrant.
CHEN
Go for it. But it's a waste of time.
BRADFORD
What?
CHEN
Look, that is not the evidence. Nolan wouldn't jeopardize evidence by throwing it down a hill, where it could be damaged or destroyed. If I'm right and he's innocent, then that means the real evidence is hidden somewhere in this house. That bag is just a fake-out meant to buy him some time.
BRADFORD
Time for what?
CHEN
To talk his way out of this.
INT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS, DAY - INTERVIEW ROOM
EVERS
Just remember, don't say a word. I'll do all the talking. (as PERCY WEST enters and sits) We'll be making our own recording of this interview, as is our right. Further, I'm exercising our right to identify everyone monitoring.
PERCY
I am Commander Percy West of the Internal Affairs Unit. Behind me in Observation is Sergeant Wade Grey, and Assistant District Attorney Luca Bravant.
EVERS
Thank you. First of all --
PERCY
Oh, no. It doesn't work that way. Officer Nolan, per government code 3300 and Lybarger, I am required to advise that you not have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Refusal to fully and completely answer all of my questions will result in your immediate termination and referral to the District Attorney for prosecution. Do you understand?
NOLAN
Yes.
He signs the form PERCY slides over to him.
PERCY
Having received the Lybarger warning, do you give up your right to remain silent, and will you honestly and without reservation answer all of my questions?
EVERS
Commander, my client has no intention of answering --
NOLAN
Yes. Yes. I'll answer all of your questions. Honestly, completely, and without reservation.
EVERS
No. He won't. Not another word.
NOLAN
I have to do this. No matter the consequences.
[break]
INT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS, DAY - INTERVIEW ROOM
PERCY
If everything you just said is true, then why did you flee the scene?
EVERS
I object to that characterization. Officer Nolan left Armstrong's house because he was in fear for his life.
PERCY
Is that true?
NOLAN
Not completely.
EVERS
John.
NOLAN
I left Armstrong's... after he told me he had hidden incriminating evidence at my house. Honestly, I panicked. Rosalind got into my head at the prison. She gave me slim odds at survival against Armstrong because he was smarter than me and more ruthless. And she was right. I never saw the frame coming.
PERCY
Where's the evidence Armstrong planted?
NOLAN
It's in the water heater.
INT. JOHN NOLAN'S HOUSE, DAY - LAUNDRY ROOM
BRADFORD is on the phone with PERCY WEST as CHEN fishes a bag out of NOLAN's water heater.
CHEN
Told you so. [ Sighs ]
BRADFORD
(into his phone) We got police files, a couple pistols, and a bunch of cash.
PERCY
All right. CSU will process it. If there's as much as a single DNA strand from Armstrong on it, we'll know he's involved. You up for another assignment?
BRADFORD
Whatever you need.
PERCY
Drive up to Chowchilla and retrieve the security footage of Nolan's meeting with Rosalind Dyer yesterday.
BRADFORD
What? Sir, I'm -- I'm not sure we're the right team for that assignment, given Chen's history with Rosalind Dyer.
CHEN
What assignment?
BRADFORD
(to CHEN) He wants us to get the surveillance tape from Nolan's meeting with Rosalind yesterday.
CHEN
What the hell was he doing meeting with Rosalind?
PERCY
You're her T.O. I trust your judgment.
CHEN
Tim, it's not a problem.
BRADFORD
Okay. (to PERCY) Yeah, we can handle it.
INT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS, DAY - INTERVIEW ROOM
NOLAN
Sir, good intentions aside, I know I made a mess of this. You have to let me try and fix it.
PERCY
You can't. Even if everything you told me is true and Detective Armstrong is guilty as sin, your actions might very well have allowed him to muddy the waters enough to escape punishment.
NOLAN
Yes, sir. I understand. But right now, we have bigger fish than Armstrong. Ruben Derian has been laughing at this department for years. Because of him, two cops are dead. He has to pay for that, and I can make it happen. Let me wear a wire.
EVERS
No.
PERCY
No.
NOLAN
Look, it's not as crazy as it sounds.
EVERS
Yes, it is.
PERCY
Yes, it is.
NOLAN
O-Okay, listen. Just... Ruben Derian is used to playing with loaded dice. because Armstrong's been feeding him intel, but now, for the first time, he's flying blind. He's gonna be desperate to know what's going on, whether the frame on me is working, whether Armstrong has flipped.
PERCY
And why would he listen to you?
NOLAN
I'm the only guy more desperate than he is. Look, Armstrong is burned in this department But if Ruben can get Serj to admit to the frame, I'm redeemed. I can stay on the job. Ruben will see the value in that. He'll have a new mole with another 20 years left on the job. (off PERCY's look) 15 maybe.
PERCY
We're done, Officer Nolan.
PERCY exits the room.
EVERS
He just saved your life. The odds of Ruben buying your act are slim to none.
NOLAN
Well, he wouldn't have to buy it. A meeting alone would constitute cons-- (thinking) conspiracy.
EVERS
And if he shoots you on sight?
NOLAN
Then the D.A. could indict him for capital murder. (going over to speak to the mirror) Sir... Sergeant, I know I can't undo the mistakes I've made, but I can help make things right. No matter what it costs me.
A beat. Then the door opens and GREY enters the room.
GREY
You are, without a doubt, the biggest pain in my ass I've suffered in 25 years on the job.
NOLAN
Is that a yes?
GREY
Vice has a C.I. in the Derian organization. He works at one of their karaoke bars. We can use him to spin Ruben, giving you a fighting chance to convince the Derians that you're desperate to make a deal.
NOLAN looks over at his lawyer, who shrugs.
EVERS
I quit.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, NIGHT - BREAK ROOM
LOPEZ gets a snack from the vending machine and opens it, but the moment she smells food she runs over to throw up in the trash can - just as EVERS enters the room.
LOPEZ
[ Groans, retches ]
EVERS
Hey.
LOPEZ
[ Clears throat; brightly ] How's it going?
EVERS
Uh, my client just staged a mutiny. Now he's trying to get himself killed. (seriously) Can we talk?
LOPEZ
I can't. I'm retracing Armstrong's movements for I.A. --
EVERS pulls the pregnancy test stick out of his pocket and holds it up.
LOPEZ
Wesley. You know I peed on that, right?
EVERS
Angela.
LOPEZ
(not so brightly) I'm just saying, you might want to wash your hands.
EVERS
Angela. Why didn't you tell me?
LOPEZ
Why do you think?
EVERS
I mean, you don't want to have a kid?
LOPEZ
This isn't how it was supposed to go. I wanted the storybook wedding and the honeymoon that we'd never forget. I wanted the romance before the responsibility. I wanted to be ready.
EVERS
We can still have all of that.
LOPEZ
(in tears) No, we can't. It won't be the same.
EVERS
No. Not all of it. But here's what will be the same -- You are gonna look beautiful in your dress. And I will cry when I see you walking down the aisle, and you'll make fun of me for it for the rest of our lives.
LOPEZ
No, I won't. (a beat) Yeah, I will.
EVERS
This is our path, Angela. And it is not the one that we thought we were on yesterday, but we are still on it together. I promise when we look back at this moment, it will feel like the gift that it is.
LOPEZ
You say that now, but once the hormones kick in, you're in for a rough ride.
EVERS
Bring it on. (smiling) This is the part where you kiss me.
LOPEZ
I would, but I'm feeling super pukey right now. So...rain check?
EVERS sighs as LOPEZ goes back to retch over the trash can.
INT. CALIFORNIA WOMEN'S CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, CHOWCHILLA, DAY - VISITORS' AREA
CHEN
What kind of a prison doesn't have audio on their surveillance cameras?
BRADFORD
Sound costs money. Head back to the shop while I go get a statement from Rosalind.
CHEN
What? No way.
BRADFORD
It's for your own good. You have a personal connection.
CHEN
So do you.
BRADFORD
It's not the same.
CHEN
If I can't handle talking to Rosalind while she's in a cage, I shouldn't be a cop.
BRADFORD sighs as they're buzzed in to the room where ROSALIND DYER is waiting in a cage.
BRADFORD
We have a few questions to ask you. Shouldn't take long.
DYER
Mm. This is about John, isn't it?
BRADFORD
We know you talked to him about Armstrong yesterday. Can you describe the content of that conversation?
DYER
(to CHEN) You know, I am so impressed with you. The way you handled what was obviously a very traumatic experience -- it's inspiring.
CHEN
Thanks. That means a lot coming from you.
DYER
Rrow. So defiant. Just like you were when the lid came down on that barrel. You know, it must have driven Caleb crazy -- denying him the fear he so desperately wanted to see in you.
CHEN
How --
DYER
Do I know that? [ Chuckles softly ] You think the camera in the barrel was for Caleb?
BRADFORD
Don't listen to her, Chen. She's just playing mind games.
DYER
Oh, I am totally playing mind games. But I'm not lying. (singing) ♪ Stars shining bright above you ♪ / ♪ Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you" ♪ Birds singing in the sycamore tree ♪ ...
CHEN, appalled, recalls singing that song when she was trapped in the barrel.
BRADFORD
Knock it off.
DYER
Ah. The fierce protector.
BRADFORD
We're done here. Let's go. We'll have I.A. follow up.
DYER has a parting shot as they leave the room.
DYER
Armstrong's lasted this long because his contingency plans have contingencies. Whatever you've already found, there's more.
CHEN
What did she mean by that?
BRADFORD
Armstrong's prepared to run. He's got a go-bag hidden somewhere. (into his phone) Lopez, I got something for you to chase down.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - BRIEFING ROOM
GREY is going over the plan with NOLAN.
GREY
So, we have to assume the Derians are watching the station, so you'll be on your own the second you leave.
HARPER comes in to join the conversation.
HARPER
I heard a whisper y'all were up to something. I want in.
GREY
Forget it. You are still under active investigation. And before you say "So's Nolan," there's no operation without him, which is the only reason why he's involved. Understood?
HARPER
Yes, sir.
GREY
Good. Then take a walk. (to NOLAN) We will monitor you through audio bugs and GPS --
HARPER
(to NOLAN) You have to believe the lie or else you can't sell it. Ruben needs to feel like you are desperate enough to betray everything you care about.
NOLAN
That shouldn't be too hard to sell.
GREY
(annoyed, to HARPER) Anything else?
HARPER
(to NOLAN) Be careful. But not too careful. Undercover is all about offense, even when you are playing defense.
GREY
Are you done?
HARPER
Yes. No, no. (to NOLAN) Don't be afraid to pull the rip cord, okay? Arresting Ruben Derian is not worth your life. Now I'm done.
She leaves the room and GREY turns back to NOLAN.
GREY
Are you ready to do this?
NOLAN
Yes, sir.
NOLAN is being fitted with an earbud, GPS tracker, and other wires as the TV is heard in the background.
NEWS ANCHOR
We have some breaking news in the recent scandal rocking the LAPD. A source inside the department tells KZYO that Officer John Nolan, a rookie in the Mid-Wilshire Division...
NOLAN
Check, check.
NEWS ANCHOR
...has been suspended without pay, and it appears that criminal charges will be filed at any moment.
EXT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - PARKING LOT
NOLAN leaves the building and pulls out his cell to make a call.
RUBEN DERIAN
(on the phone) Who is this?
NOLAN
It's John Nolan.
DERIAN
I'm hanging up.
NOLAN
Wait. [ Heart beating rapidly ] If you don't help me, I'm a dead man. I'll do anything.
DERIAN
Keep your phone on.
NOLAN
(into his mic) We're in business.
EXT. STREET - GREY'S VEHICLE
GREY is in plain clothes, in an unmarked vehicle.
GREY
8500 team, subject's in play. [ Cellphone rings, beeps ] Lopez, what's up?
CEMETERY, DAY - REBECCA ARMSTRONG'S GRAVESITE
LOPEZ, in plain clothes, is carrying a shovel through the cemetery.
LOPEZ
Just cementing Armstrong's timeline. The good news is that his cellphone GPS puts him at Nolan's house for over an hour yesterday.
GREY
That's about how long it would take to to cut a hole in the wall and plant evidence.
LOPEZ
Yes, sir.
GREY
Good job. Where you at now?
LOPEZ
Cemetery. Armstrong spent 31 minutes here after he left Nolan's.
GREY
Probably saying goodbye to his wife just in case things went sideways.
LOPEZ
That's what I thought, but then Tim called. Word is that Armstrong has a go-bag hidden somewhere.
GREY
Wait a minute, you don't think --
LOPEZ
That he buried the bag on top of his wife's coffin? No. But I'm gonna do some digging anyway.
GREY chuckles. LOPEZ digs in, much to the disapproval of another visitor. It isn't long before LOPEZ uncovers a small zippered bag. Opening it, she finds money and some other getaway items.
LOPEZ
Found it. [ Retches, coughing ]
GREY
What the hell was that?
LOPEZ
Nothing. [ Sighs ]
EXT. STREET - NOLAN'S VEHICLE
NOLAN
It's been three hours. How long before we give up?
GREY
Patience is a virtue, Officer Nolan.
NOLAN
Yes, sir. [ Cellphone rings ] Here we go.
DISTORTED VOICE ON PHONE
Hudson Avenue and Twelfth Street, 10 minutes. A second late and we're gone.
GREY
(into his radio) We're green and go. I repeat, we are green and go.
NOLAN drives to the designated street and parks the truck.
NOLAN
I just landed. 20 seconds to spare. No one in sight.
GREY
We're in place. We're watching on the drone. Get ready, Nolan. Black SUV coming your way.
NOLAN
I see it. [ Earpiece beeps ] Going dark.
He removes the earpiece and steps out of the truck to face a masked HENCHMAN who has just exited the other vehicle.
HENCHMAN
Strip.
NOLAN
What?
HENCHMAN
Clothes off. Shoes, too. Let's go.
NOLAN grimaces, but he starts undressing, taking off his belt, jeans, shoes, and jacket. He throws his clothes into his truck; GREY can see the drone's view of what's happening.
GREY
(into the radio) They're stripping him of all the bugs.
HENCHMAN tosses NOLAN a pair of jogging pants.
NOLAN
Seriously?
HENCHMAN
You wanna roll in your underwear?
DRONE OPERATOR
(into radio) Should we pull the plug, sir?
GREY
Negative. Hold position.
NOLAN has pulled on an oversized pair of Uggs; the HENCHMAN throws something like a pillowcase at him.
HENCHMAN
For your head.
NOLAN
No way.
HENCHMAN
No hood, no go.
NOLAN gives the HENCHMAN a dirty look, but he pulls on the hood as ordered.
NOLAN
Don't suppose you washed this after the last guy.
HENCHMAN
Get in the car.
He grabs NOLAN's arm and puts him in the SUV.
GREY
All units, hold position. They'll be watching for movement. Drone operator, do not lose him.
DRONE OPERATOR
Roger that.
INT. WOMEN'S CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, DAY - ROSALIND DYER'S CELL
DYER surreptitiously retrieves a cell phone from a hole she cuts in the wall.
INT. SHAW MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, DAY - ARMSTRONG'S ROOM
NURSE
(to SMITTY) I have a call for you at the nurse's station -- Sergeant Grey?
SMITTY
Boss is calling. Probably to sing my praises.
He leaves the room. After a moment, ARMSTRONG's hospital phone rings and he answers.
ARMSTRONG
Hello?
DYER
Hello, Nicholas. How's the gunshot wound?
ARMSTRONG
I'll survive.
DYER
[ Chuckles ] I'm not so sure about that. You have made quite a mess. You can't really believe that your slapdash frame job of Nolan is going to hold up.
ARMSTRONG
Still got a couple cards up my sleeve.
DYER
Not anymore. You see, I've been turning those cards over for you. Who do you think told John about your little hidey-hole? And now I've told them about your go-bag. You're out of moves, Nick. Enjoy prison. (She ends the call)
ARMSTRONG
Wha--
[ Inhales sharply ]
EXT. STREET - GREY'S VEHICLE
DRONE OPERATOR
Heads up. Losing visual. They're going in a tunnel. Moving to the other side to intercept.
GREY
Let's tighten up. We need eyes on ASAP.
INT. SHAW MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, DAY - NURSES' STATION
SMITTY
You sure he said Grey?
NURSE
Positive.
WEST
Smitty. What are you --
WEST realizes that SMITTY's been diverted; he runs down the hall to find ARMSTRONG's room empty.
EXT. STREET - GREY'S VEHICLE
DRONE OPERATOR
Target reacquired.
WEST
(on radio) Sergeant, Armstrong slipped his detail at the hospital. He's gone.
EXT. STREET - GREY'S VEHICLE
GREY
All units, we need to get Nolan out now.
GREY and his team chase the SUV, blocking its way at an intersection, and cops surround the vehicle with guns drawn.
GREY
Show me your hands! Show me your hands! Roll down your window! Get your window down.
GREY pulls the back door of the SUV open. No sign of NOLAN.
GREY
Nolan. Nolan's out of the pocket. They must have switched him out in the tunnel.
EXT. AUTO JUNKYARD, NIGHT
The car carrying NOLAN dumps him in an open area illuminated by headlights, then peels out. NOLAN yanks the hood off his head to see RUBEN DERIAN and his crew spread out in a line about ten yards away.
RUBEN DERIAN
You wanted to talk? So talk. But maybe first, explain to me the surveillance team that was following you.
NOLAN
(furious) That's your fault. You didn't give me any time to lose a tail. What kind of sloppy protocols is Armstrong teaching you?
DERIAN
Why don't you ask him yourself?
NICK ARMSTRONG steps out of a car to stand beside DERIAN.
ARMSTRONG
(sneering) It was a nice play, Nolan. It was a nice play. And it might've worked, had I not called Ruben and told him you were way too much of a Boy Scout to ever sell your soul.
DERIAN
(handing ARMSTRONG a handgun) You wanna do the honors?
ARMSTRONG
It'd actually be my pleasure.
NOLAN
Careful. Last time you tried this, you missed.
ARMSTRONG
Yeah. I made it too complicated. Having to pull the gun, flip the chair. This is gonna be much simpler. I'd ask for last words, but I'm sick of hearing your voice.
He raises the gun to aim at NOLAN.
NOLAN
Wait!
ARMSTRONG pulls the trigger, but nothing happens.
ARMSTRONG
What the...?
DERIAN's crew shoots ARMSTRONG as NOLAN whips around and runs off to hide among the derelict cars. The henchmen give chase; NOLAN puts two of them out of commission and grabs a gun off one of them, then is confronted by yet another henchman...
DERIAN is standing over the body of ARMSTRONG when the sound of gunfire stops and a man approaches, wearing a dark jacket and a mask like the one the HENCHMAN was wearing.
DERIAN
Is he dead?
It's NOLAN, who whips off the mask and takes aim at DERIAN.
NOLAN
Drop the gun! Now. On the ground. Right now. Take out your phone. Dial 911. Put it on speaker. Place it next to your gun.
DERIAN complies.
911 DISPATCHER
911. What's your emergency?
NOLAN
This is Officer John Nolan, badge number 25253. I have multiple suspects in custody. Requesting backup and ambulances, plural. One victim, multiple gunshot wounds. Status unknown. Now, take off your clothes.
911 DISPATCHER
Excuse me?
NOLAN
Not you. (to DERIAN) Strip. Now.
DERIAN starts to follow the order as NOLAN, keeping him in his sights, goes over to ARMSTRONG's body and checks for a pulse.
NOLAN
(into phone) Gunshot victim unconscious, not breathing.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, NIGHT - BRIEFING ROOM
NOLAN and HARPER are anxiously awaiting word of their consequences. GREY enters the room.
GREY
So, I'll make this quick. N.O.I.D. What does that stand for, Officer Nolan?
NOLAN
Notice of Intent to Discipline.
GREY
Why are you smiling?
NOLAN
'Cause it means I still have a job.
GREY
You're not gonna like what's coming. Neither will you, Detective Harper.
HARPER
Sir, can I say something, please? As a training officer, I have one job, and that is to teach Officer Nolan the right way to be a cop. And...I failed. I should bear all the consequences.
NOLAN
Nyla, no.
HARPER
Yes.
GREY
As touching as this is, Officer Nolan has received enough instruction to know right from wrong. Clearly, I have given you both way too much leeway. What is Noble Cause Corruption, Officer Nolan?
NOLAN
When an officer justifies bending or breaking the rules if they believe that infraction is being done in the name of justice.
HARPER
The ends justify the means.
GREY
The mind-set that bad behavior is okay as long as it produces justice is a cancer. And it's long past time we treat it as such. Big changes are being made moving forward. Those changes are starting right here, right now. You both will receive letters of reprimand in your file. In addition, Officer Nolan, you will be held over the FTO program for a month, and you will have to pass a Review Board Test to advance.
NOLAN
(chastened) Yes, sir.
GREY
To be clear, receiving a letter of reprimand as a rookie to keep you from advancing in the department. So any hopes of joining a specialized unit or making detective should be abandoned. Given those constraints, you will have to decide if the life of a patrol officer is good enough for you. All right, go home. Get some rest.
GREY leaves the room.
NOLAN
(to HARPER) I am so sorry.
HARPER
John, I --
NOLAN
It's not your fault.
HARPER
It's kind of a lot my fault.
NOLAN
Nyla.
HARPER
What are you gonna do?
NOLAN
Exactly what Grey said. I'm gonna go home, I'm gonna go to bed, and in the morning, I'm gonna get up and... ...try to earn back what I've lost.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, NIGHT - PARKING GARAGE
CHEN and BRADFORD are coming off shift, heading to their cars.
CHEN
You were wrong earlier.
BRADFORD
About anything in particular, or just in a global sense?
CHEN
You said at the end of the day, we only think we know other people, but you're wrong.
BRADFORD
Okay, Lucy --
CHEN
No. When I was in that barrel, I knew you would find me. No matter what it took.
BRADFORD
I found you because of your ring, okay? You saved yourself. And I really hope what happened with Rosalind today doesn't screw with your head.
CHEN
If it does, I'll deal with it. And I know you'll help me.
BRADFORD
Uh, it's not really part of my job description.
CHEN
Mm-hmm.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, NIGHT - STAIRWAY
JACKSON and PERCY WEST are walking down together.
WEST
Hey, uh, I was wondering, um, well, Chris' funeral is tomorrow, and... Look, is it okay if I go home with you and we can just go together in the morning?
PERCY
Of course. We could talk about you joining I.A. on the way home.
WEST
Dad.
PERCY
Look, I'm not saying you have to decide now, but if you really want to make a difference in this department, you should think about it.
WEST
I will. I promise.
PERCY
Good. I'll ask you again next week.
WEST
I have no doubt.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, NIGHT - BULLPEN
LOPEZ and EVERS are walking out together.
LOPEZ
I'm taking a long bath when we get home.
EVERS
I'm going straight to bed.
LOPEZ
No, you're not. These dogs aren't gonna rub themselves. Pregnant women are very needy. I don't think you're fully prepared.
EVERS
(grinning) Uh-huh.
They are stopped by GREY.
GREY
Lopez, I have some good news.
LOPEZ
Me, too.
GREY
Can I go first? It's the only bright spot in my day.
LOPEZ
Sure. What's up?
GREY
It's been an honor having you under my watch.
LOPEZ
What?
GREY
You will be reporting to Detective Sergeant Caradine from now on. Your promotion is official. Congratulations, Detective.
He presents her with her new shield.
LOPEZ
(beaming) Thank you.
GREY
Oh, I'm sorry. So what's your good news?
EVERS
Uh, she's --
LOPEZ
Um, going to take a bath and get my feet rubbed.
GREY
Okay. Mine was definitely better, but okay.
LOPEZ
Thank you, sir. It wouldn't have happened without you.
GREY
Have a great night, you two.
He walks away and EVERS looks puzzled.
EVERS
Why didn't you want me to tell him?
LOPEZ
I've been trying to make detective for years. If I show up pregnant on day one, that's all they'll ever see me as. They'll treat me as fragile, and I'll never get a real shot.
EVERS
Okay, so we keep it a secret for now.
LOPEZ
For now.
INT. JOHN NOLAN'S HOUSE, NIGHT
NOLAN enters his house, locks the door, and flips a light switch, but the house remains dark (he knocked out the electricity in the last episode). He sighs and goes into the kitchen, gets a bottle down from a shelf, and pours himself a drink. As he contemplates the last twenty-four hours, his cell phone rings.
NOLAN
Hello?
DYER
Congratulations. I underestimated you.
NOLAN
Rosalind.
DYER
You won.
NOLAN
(wearily) I didn't win. People died. People I care about.
DYER
I know. But there is a bright side. At least for me. Armstrong's criminality puts all of his cases in jeopardy.
NOLAN
Rosalind, you are never going to walk free. Now, I'm hanging up, I'm calling the prison, and they're gonna come confiscate that phone you're on.
DYER
I know. But it was worth it to hear your voice. I'll be dreaming abou--
NOLAN ends the call and drops the phone on the counter. He gets a broom out of a corner and starts sweeping up the scattered drywall and fallen bits of plaster.