THE ROOKIE
Season 3, Episode 4
〝Sabotage 〞
INT. APARTMENT, DAY
A man wearing a clown mask is snarling at someone on his computer screen.
[ Distorted voice ]
DENNIS KERN
You're not listening. These pictures will go to every one of your contacts.
TODD ASHER (V.O.)
Please, I don't have that kind of money.
[ Knock on door ]
KERN
5,000 in Bitcoin or you lose everything.
NOLAN
LAPD.
KERN
I'll, uh -- I'll -- I'll get right back to you.
KERN pulls off the mask and goes to answer the door.
HARPER
Afternoon. Can I get your name?
KERN
Uh, Dennis Kern. Why? What's, uh -- What's going on?
NOLAN
We got a report from your neighbor. Someone in this apartment's stealing Wi-Fi?
ASHER (from the computer)
Police! Help! Can you hear me?
NOLAN
Who was that?
KERN
Nothing.
ASHER
Help!
HARPER
Step back, Dennis. Hello?
ASHER
O-Over here. On the computer.
NOLAN
Oh. Hello. (peers at the screen) Who are you?
ASHER
Todd Asher. I'm that little bastard's PE teacher. He's blackmailing me with pictures he hacked from my computer.
HARPER
Oh, well, that was stupid, Dennis. And very illegal. Gonna have to call your parents. Which one do you think will be less pissed?
KERN
Um...my dad.
HARPER
Great. What's your mom's number?
NOLAN
Sir, I'm gonna need your address so we can send a unit to your house to take a statement.
ASHER
Sure, but I have to get those photos back. Please. I-If they get out --
NOLAN
All right. How about I -- Oh! Is that your --
NOLAN gets a look at one of the pictures and is startled, to say the least.
INT. JOHN NOLAN'S HOUSE, DAY - KITCHEN
NOLAN's mother, EVELYN, is making breakfast when NOLAN emerges from the guest bedroom.
NOLAN
Hey. Good morning.
EVELYN
Good morning. I hope you're hungry. I'm making pecan pancakes. Your favorite.
NOLAN
Uh, they would be, except for the whole I'm-allergic-to-nuts thing.
EVELYN
You are? Since when?
NOLAN
Uh, that would be since the day you birthed me. And your flight back to Pennsylvania is in three hours. (looking around) A-Are you packed yet?
EVELYN
Oh, I canceled my ticket.
NOLAN
You what? Mom, we -- we agreed you'd only stay the one night.
EVELYN
No, you agreed. [ Doorbell rings ] I'll get that.
NOLAN
Mother.
EVELYN
Turn them before they burn.
NOLAN follows her over to where she is directing a man with several boxes coming through the door.
NOLAN
Mom, this is not entirely optimal for me. You know I have to be hyper-focused on work right now.
EVELYN
Come on. Come on. Put them right there in the corner.
NOLAN
What's in the boxes?
EVELYN
Well, I thought since you're "hyper-focused on work" that I'd make use of my time. I came across this great deal from a wholesaler of CBD oil.
NOLAN
(reading the box label) Professor Hempstein's Organic CBD Oil?
EVELYN
Relax. Marijuana is legal in California. As a cop, you should know that.
NOLAN
I do. So this is what you spent your money on when you sold the engagement ring?
EVELYN
No! W-- I mean, not all of it.
NOLAN
And what, do you plan on staying here until you sell it all? Don't you think you should have asked me first, Mom?
[ Smoke alarm beeping ]
EVELYN
I told you to flip the pancakes!
Yes, they're burning.
EXT. STREET, DAY
JACKSON WEST is taking a run along the sidewalk, remembering his previous experience with his new T.O.
[memory]
STANTON
Show me your hands now!
RONDA
What are you doing?!
STANTON
Lady, I will knock your ass out!
SHAWN
Get your hands off my wife!
STANTON
Everybody on the ground now!
A patrol car glides up behind WEST and he stops, puts his hands in the air.
WEST
I-I live up the street. I'm a cop.
SGT. WADE GREY gets out of the shop.
GREY
Relax. It's me.
WEST
Sarge. Good morning. I, uh, saw the shop creeping up --
GREY
I get it.
WEST
My dad's a cop. I'm a cop. I shouldn't panic at the sight --
GREY
West, I've been a Black man a lot longer than you have. I get it.
WEST
Why are you here, sir?
GREY
You were right. Benching Officer Stanton isn't enough. He's a disgrace to the badge. He has to go.
WEST
But your hands are tied, right?
GREY
Mine are, but yours aren't. So, son, what are you willing to risk to take Stanton off the job?
WEST
Whatever it takes, sir.
GREY
Good. See, I've crossed paths with a hundred cops like Stanton, the kind that dip their toes over the line constantly, but nothing egregious, nothing flagrant, nothing actionable. And he knows what he can get away with.
WEST
Yep. So how do I get him?
GREY
You're going to "keep book." Chronicle every offense, big or small. If we're lucky, the accumulation of infractions will be enough to take his gun and his badge.
WEST
Isn't this how Nolan and Harper got in trouble with Internal Affairs?
GREY
They didn't have supervision. You got me. For now, you're just keeping book. When we get enough, we go to IA. If we go before, we put your father in a bad position.
WEST
Yes, sir. Thank you. I won't let you down.
GREY
Now, listen closely. Doug Stanton can know nothing about this. Act like his best friend. Don't give him any reason to suspect. Only Bradford and Chen are in the know about this. I'm gonna assign you all to the same sector, so every time you and Stanton take a call, they will be automatically filled.
WEST
Okay, I can handle myself.
GREY
Non-negotiable, West. If you're going after Stanton, you're gonna have backup.
INT. LOPEZ/EVERS HOUSE, DAY - DINING ROOM
ANGELA LOPEZ is eating pickles, dipping them in marshmallow creme, when WESLEY EVERS comes into the room and stops at the sight.
EVERS
Really?
LOPEZ
What? Our baby has weird taste. Probably gets it from your side of the family.
EVERS
(reading the label on the jar) This is awful. Full of fat, preservatives, sugar. It's evil in a jar. Don't even get me started on the pickles. We have to watch what you eat.
LOPEZ
(amused) You don't have to watch anything.
EVERS
Hey, did you make an appointment to see my mom's OB/GYN yet?
LOPEZ
I'm not going to your mom's lady doctor. I'm happy with mine, just like I'm happy eating pickles Santa style.
EVERS
She's a renowned specialist. The best. I mean, don't you want the best for our baby?
LOPEZ
Wesley, I love you dearly, but you're so WASP-y sometimes. [ Chuckles ] I get it. You're an only child. But my mom brought five kids into this world while working two jobs and eating whatever the hell she wanted. Women have babies all the time. It's easy. Don't make it so hard.
EVERS
Angela, I just think that we --
LOPEZ
Stop micromanaging my pregnancy.
EVERS
Our pregnancy.
LOPEZ
Oh, really? Who wears the stretchy pants in this family? (off his look) Exactly.
EXT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - PARKING LOT
DET. NYLA HARPER and OFFICER JOHN NOLAN are headed for their shop.
HARPER
You're driving today.
NOLAN
I am?
HARPER
Mm-hmm. Until about 9:05.
NOLAN
What happens at 9:05?
HARPER
Actually, it's what happens at 9:00 a.m. sharp that matters. Lila wants to take this summer class at the Music Academy, and spots are extremely limited, so if I miss the registration window, she can't get in.
NOLAN
But what if we get a call? Wouldn't it be safer if your ex did that?
HARPER
(defensive) You think that I can't handle enrolling my own daughter into a class?
NOLAN
No, of course not.
HARPER
'Cause my baby wants classes at the Music Academy. I -- I can get her classes at the Music Academy.
NOLAN
(a beat) Is this a repeat of an argument you had earlier with your ex-husband?
HARPER
(busted) No. Get into the shop. Let's go.
INT. PATROL CAR, DAY - STANTON/WEST
OFFICER DOUG STANTON
Catch the game last night?
WEST tries to remember to be STANTON's pal.
WEST
Yeah. It was brutal. Can't believe they were able to come back on us.
STANTON
Uh-huh. Yeah, I believed. That's why I won 200 bucks. (sees a man walking) Anything look out of place to you?
WEST
Uh, I don't --
STANTON
Dispatch, 7-Adam-07, show us at a pedestrian stop, Waring and Seward.
[ Siren chirps ]
INT. PATROL CAR, DAY - BRADFORD/CHEN
They're listening in on the call.
CHEN
Seward and Waring. Let's go.
BRADFORD
Relax. We can't be too obvious. Doug realizes we're shadowing him, Jackson's screwed. We'll get close, wait to see if it escalates.
EXT. STREET, DAY - WARING & SEWARD
STANTON strolls over to the pedestrian.
STANTON
Hey, bud. Live around here?
ARMAND GUSTA
No, sir. Just came from a friend's.
STANTON
Ah. Where you off to now?
GUSTA
Bus stop. (points)
STANTON
(pointing the other way) Bus stop's that way. Got any I.D.?
GUSTA
Yes, sir.
He produces his I.D. and STANTON calls it in.
STANTON
Dispatch, 7-Adam-07. Clear for a party. Last of Gusta, first of Armand. DOB, 7-26-1990. (to GUSTA) Have you on your way in a second. Unless she comes back with bad news. You got any outstanding warrants?
GUSTA
I've never been arrested, sir.
DISPATCH
7-Adam-07, Gusta comes back clear and valid.
STANTON
There you go. (gives him back his I.D.)
WEST
Bus stop's that way, sir.
GUSTA
Thank you, officers.
WEST
Of course.
GUSTA walks away and STANTON looks after him with approval.
STANTON
See, that's the kind of citizen I like. Knows his place, respects authority. You know, we wouldn't have half the problems we have if more of them behaved like that one.
WEST
7-Adam-07, Code 4, show us clear.
INT. PATROL CAR, DAY - BRADFORD/CHEN
CHEN
This so isn't fair to Jackson.
BRADFORD
I know. Having to ride next to a guy, hoping he doesn't cross the line. Can't imagine what that's like.
CHEN
I can. Look, my first day as a rookie, I thought you were gonna be my Doug.
BRADFORD
(surprised and annoyed) Excuse me? How am I anything like that guy?
CHEN
Do you remember our first day out? I was walking alongside the shop, then those Spanish-speaking gardeners honked at us. You turned it into a Tim Test, and when I didn't translate your less-than-PC words to them correctly, you took my head off.
BRADFORD
So what? I'm a bad cop now?
CHEN
No. Not at all. But that was a bad stop. How do you think those men felt about that interaction with you? You think it was a positive experience?
BRADFORD
I'm not looking for five-star Yelp reviews. I've got a job to do.
CHEN
Well, so did they. They were just trying to get to work, and then they met you.
BRADFORD
Excessive and unnecessary use of the horn is against the law. Plus they had several vehicle violations. I could've impounded their truck.
CHEN
And that justified you terrorizing them?
BRADFORD
Terrorizing?
CHEN
Yeah.
BRADFORD
Really? That's it. You know, don't say another word to me. We're done with this conversation.
He's really disturbed and CHEN drops the subject.
INT. PATROL CAR. DAY - HARPER/NOLAN
HARPER
It's 8:58. Class registration is about to begin. Can you pull over, please? (as he does so) Thank you. We are not taking any calls.
NOLAN
What if we get a priority one?
HARPER
Why are you trying to jinx me?
A lady in a bathrobe and head wrap comes running over to the shop.
NEIGHBOR
Officers! Officers.
NOLAN
How can I help you?
NEIGHBOR
You need to know what's going on in my neighbor's backyard.
HARPER
(to NOLAN) And you jinxed me.
NOLAN
No, I didn't. What seems to be the problem?
NEIGHBOR
He has been out there building this thing for -- for weeks. I know he doesn't have a permit.
NOLAN
Okay. Sounds like an illegal add-on. (to HARPER) You make your call, get Lila in that course, and I will take care of this.
HARPER
All right. Radio if you need me.
NOLAN
Right.
HARPER
But only if you really need me.
NOLAN
I -- Shall we?
He follows the NEIGHBOR over to the back yard of a house. The yard is cluttered with junk, and in the middle stands something like a makeshift launch capsule.
NEIGHBOR
Yes. Please. Just so you know, Gary's a bit of a -- what's the word? -- moron. See? This can't be legal.
GARY comes out from the side of the house and heads for the rocket, startled when he catches sight of his spectators.
NOLAN
Uh, sir? Can I have a word with you about --
GARY
Uh, not now. I'm trying to find my helmet. We're at T-minus 10 minutes.
NOLAN
Where you headed?
GARY
Up.
EXT. STREET, DAY
HARPER steps out of the shop, calls the Music Academy on her cell and prepares to inquire about the program.
RECEPTIONIST
(on the phone) Music Academy. How can I help you?
HARPER
Hi, uh, yeah. I-I'm trying to get my daughter into the summer program. Is there still room?
RECEPTIONIST
Let me check.
EXT. GARY'S YARD, DAY
NEIGHBOR
Says he's out to prove the world is a pancake.
GARY
No. No. Not a pancake. A disc within a dome, hmm?
NOLAN
Sir, you can't launch that.
GARY
W-Why not? I have permission.
He hurries to shut himself into the rocket, securing the see-through door and firing up the rocket.
NOLAN
From whom? Sir. Step on out.
GARY
I'd stand back if I were you.
NOLAN
Sir, just step on out before you do anything silly.
GARY
Ten, nine, eight...[ Engine roars ] ...seven, six...
NOLAN and the NEIGHBOR back away.
EXT. STREET, DAY
HARPER is on the phone with the Academy.
RECEPTIONIST
Yes, there is. Can I get her name?
HARPER
Uh, yes. Yeah. Her n--
There's a sudden high-pitched tone, something in the nearby area explodes and sends up a plume o smoke. HARPER's phone cuts out and she stares, aghast, as GARY lands on the hood of the shop. (Just GARY - no rocket.)
EXT. STREET, DAY
GARY is being loaded into an ambulance as NOLAN, HARPER, and the NEIGHBOR look on.
GARY
Did I make it to space?
NOLAN
You sure did. And when you landed, you said the Earth was round.
GARY
It is?
HARPER is trying to reconnect to the Academy.
RECORDED MESSAGE
We're sorry, but registration for the Music Academy is now closed.
HARPER
Oh, my -- I can't believe this. I promised Lila I would get her into that class.
NOLAN
Well, you can't blame yourself.
HARPER
(glaring at him) I don't.
NOLAN
I-I see. Look, uh, this could be a good thing. I mean, a teachable moment for Lila. Show her that life has disappointments.
HARPER
Right. Like when her mother lost custody of her for two years. Nolan, my daughter knows all about disappointments. What I'm trying to do right now is show her how Mommy can come through for her.
NOLAN
I'm sorry.
HARPER
It's not over yet. Give me the keys. Thank you.
INT. STREET, DAY - BRADFORD/CHEN
CHEN
Are you still mad at me?
BRADFORD
I'm not mad.
CHEN
Really? Because you look mad. At least madder than usual.
They walk up to a house where a woman is watering her plants.
ANAKELA
Thank you for coming. We keep getting our deliveries stolen. Most people on the block are having the same problem.
CHEN
Sounds like a porch pirate.
BRADFORD
No front door camera. We'll walk around and see if any of your neighbors have one. (to CHEN, as they walk away) Okay, I'm not mad, but I am upset.
CHEN
I knew it.
BRADFORD
At myself. You're right. I used the situation with the gardeners without thinking about the impact I had on them. I can't undo it, but I can make sure I never do it again.
CHEN
That's progress. I'm proud of you.
BRADFORD
(sarcastically) I'm thrilled.
CHEN
Mm-hmm. Wait. The porch pirate is a doggy?
Sure enough, a dog snatches a bag off someone's front porch and goes trotting off with it. BRADFORD and CHEN follow it to its lair, a garage where a man waits to receive the bag. The garage is full of packages of various sizes.
REAGAN
(to the dog) Good boy! Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy?
CHEN
Who's under arrest?
REAGAN
(trying to save face) Bad dog. Bad dog.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - DETECTIVES' BULLPEN
WESLEY EVERS comes over to LOPEZ, who's obviously not expecting him.
LOPEZ
Hey, what are you doing here?
EVERS
We need to talk. About seeing my mom's OB/GYN for prenatal care --
LOPEZ drags him away, behind a partition, and lowers her voice.
LOPEZ
Shut up with that. They don't know I'm pregnant, remember?
EVERS
Look, I wasn't that loud. They're not gonna figure it out.
LOPEZ
Figuring out things is in the job description. Speaking of which, why are you so hung up on me going to your mom's OB/GYN?
EVERS
She's a specialist.
LOPEZ
So you've said. What's going on?
EVERS has bad news and hates to have to deliver it.
EVERS
Look, after my dad died, I took a genetic test. Turns out I'm predisposed to Fragile X Syndrome. It can cause mental disabilities, seizures...
LOPEZ' eyes fill with tears.
LOPEZ
Why are you just now telling me?
EVERS
I don't know. We didn't plan to get pregnant this soon. I wanted to tell you. I-I didn't know how to do it. You and the baby mean everything to me, and if my DNA --
LOPEZ
Stop. I'll make an appointment to see your mom's doctor. Look, I-I have to get back to work.
EVERS
Angela --
LOPEZ
I'll see you at home.
INT. MUSIC ACADEMY, DAY - LOBBY
HARPER is talking to the Academy DIRECTOR, hoping to get another chance at enrolling LILA.
HARPER
Like I said, I-I called at 9:00 on the dot, and -- and I got through, but then a man fell from the sky and --
MARCUS
(not buying it) Please spare me the theatrics.
HARPER
No, no, no. T-This really actually happened. I can show you video on my --
MARCUS
I'll give you points for originality, but rules are rules. Better luck next year.
He walks away, leaving HARPER standing there with her cell phone.
HARPER
No, sir, I have it right here. I --
A man who has been sitting on a bench in the lobby stands and comes over to talk to HARPER.
SMITH
Nyla, right? Alonzo Smith. Holly's dad.
HARPER
Is she the one with the long hair?
SMITH
God, no. The one with the braids. Long hair Holly's a monster.
HARPER
She really is, isn't she?
SMITH
Was that the Music Academy director you were talking to?
HARPER
Uh, yeah. I, uh -- I missed registration, so I was hoping I could come down here and try to appeal in person. [ Chuckles ] Did you miss registration, too?
SMITH
Overslept. So I thought I'd try swaying him with some cronuts from DKs.
He's holding a pink bakery box.
HARPER
Oh, I love DKs.
SMITH
Take one.
He opens the box and offers her one.
HARPER
No, no. I can't. No, that's your bribe.
SMITH
I insist. If he wasn't moved by a cop in uniform, what's a box full of sugar and dough gonna do?
HARPER chuckles and takes a cronut, nibbling around the edges.
SMITH
My ex is going to kill me.
HARPER
Mm. So is mine.
SMITH
No, I'm serious. I got like an hour to live. So if you get called to a homicide in Silver Lake, that'll be me.
HARPER
At least I'll get to see you again.
SMITH
Look, I'm gonna poke around, see if I can find an angle to work to get Holly in. You want me to let you know if I find a work-around for Lila?
HARPER
Yeah, actually. Uh, I'd appreciate that.
EXT. STREET, DAY - TRAFFIC STOP
STANTON and WEST walk up to where a lady has pulled her car over.
STANTON
You know you ran that stop sign back there? License, registration, proof of insurance.
ERIKA DRUM
They're in my bag. Is it okay if I reach in and grab them?
She's being very careful, making sure that he can see her hands and that she tells him what she's doing.
STANTON
Slowly. Why're you so nervous?
DRUM
No reason.
STANTON
(reading her I.D.) Erika. Anything illegal in the car or on your person?
DRUM
No, sir.
STANTON
Great. You won't mind if we search the car, then?
WEST
(to STANTON) Uh, we don't need to search the car.
STANTON
(ignoring WEST) Like you said, nothing illegal in here, so you don't mind if we conduct a search, right?
DRUM
Uh, yeah. Yeah, I guess so. But...there are guns in the trunk.
STANTON goes immediately into "red alert" mode, hand on his holstered weapon.
STANTON
Hands where I can see them. Step out of the car.
DRUM
They're my ex-husband's. I was on my way to the police station to turn them in.
STANTON
Head to the sidewalk.
DRUM goes over to stand on the sidewalk next to WEST, her hands in the air, as STANTON opens the trunk and finds the weapons.
DRUM
Look, we're finalizing our divorce, and he's not happy with how it's going, and he's been threatening to kill me.
WEST
Did you get a restraining order?
DRUM
Yes. But it doesn't stop him from driving by the house every day.
STANTON
You don't live with your husband?
DRUM
Ex-husband. And no.
STANTON
So how'd you get the guns?
DRUM
I used my old key.
STANTON
Erika, you're under arrest.
DRUM
What?
STANTON
(cuffing her) Burglary, possession of stolen property...
DRUM
Wh--
STANTON
...illegally transporting firearms.
DRUM
Why? No. I-I told you I was going to turn them in to the police.
STANTON
You can tell all that to the judge.
WEST
Okay, can I talk to you for a second, sir?
STANTON glares at him.
STANTON
(to DRUM) Take a seat on the curb.
STANTON and WEST step away to talk.
WEST
Look, do we really need to take her in? Let's just book the guns and write it up for DA review. C'mon, man. What do you say?
STANTON
First of all, never speak to me like that again. "C'mon, man"? I'm your superior officer, not one of your homeboys.
WEST
Yes, sir.
STANTON
And secondly, that woman just admitted to three felonies. She says she's turning in the weapons, but who's to say she wasn't on her way to blast her ex-husband's brains out? She's going in. Fill out her booking sheet. I'll call in a tow.
WEST goes over to help DRUM get to her feet.
DRUM
Come on. Oh, please. Please, you don't have to do this, okay? Look, help me. Look, I can't go to jail.
WEST
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
DRUM
Please.
EXT. FOOD TRUCK AREA, DAY
CHEN and WEST are having lunch.
WEST
I'm telling you, it was awful.
CHEN
"Awful but lawful."
WEST
Look, and, by the way, her story completely checked out. She has a restraining order, called 911 a bunch of times. She needed protection from her ex. But instead of helping... turns out that she needed protection from the cops, too.
CHEN
Tim and I were stuck on a call. If we'd been free, maybe we could've --
WEST
No, no. This is my fault. Grey wanted to bench Doug. I...I pushed him to do more, and now that woman is in jail for no reason.
CHEN
You can't blame yourself. Getting rid of Doug is gonna take time.
WEST
But how many more people are gonna get hurt in the meantime?
In another part of the area, WADE and LUNA GREY are having lunch.
GREY
I just -- I thought you supported me staying on the job a while longer.
LUNA
I do. What you are trying to do here is important. But I'm not gonna just sit around waiting to start my second act.
GREY
So what, you want a job?
LUNA
Maybe. I don't know, but that's what I'm here to talk about.
GREY
Oh. Okay, great. Um, have you considered volunteering?
LUNA
Oh, I'm not here to talk to you. I need to reinvent myself, find my new purpose, and who knows more about that than John Nolan?
NOLAN and HARPER are at a table; HARPER is looking at her cell phone and giggling.
NOLAN
I didn't know you could do that.
HARPER
Do what?
NOLAN
Giggle.
HARPER
I don't giggle.
NOLAN
Uh-huh. Who you texting?
HARPER
No one. It's just -- It's -- It's another one of the parents that's trying to get his kid into the Academy.
NOLAN
His kid. Oh, is he single? Is he nice? (teasing)
HARPER
Nope. We are not doing this.
LUNA GREY comes over to chat.
LUNA
Hey, guys.
NOLAN
Luna, hi.
LUNA
Hi. John, I have got a favor to ask.
NOLAN
Of course.
LUNA
I'm starting to think about my second act in life, and I was wondering if I could pick your brain.
NOLAN
I would be honored. Yes.
LUNA
Oh, great. I'm gonna get a cup of coffee. Can I get you two anything?
NOLAN
I'm set.
HARPER
No, no, I'm good. Thank you.
LUNA
Okay, great, thanks.
LUNA goes to get coffee and HARPER turns to NOLAN.
HARPER
Whatever you do, do not give her any advice.
NOLAN
That's exactly what she asked for.
HARPER
Oh, my God. You cannot be this naive. The boss' wife wants to "rethink her second act"? That is between her and the boss. Trust me, you do not want to get involved. Just listen, smile, and nod.
NOLAN
But what if I can actually help her?
HARPER
But what if Sergeant Grey doesn't like the help you give? Who do you think he will blame then?
NOLAN
Good point.
HARPER
Mm-hmm. Just smile, nod, and sympathetically say, "I hear you." You got it?
NOLAN
I hear you.
STANTON and BRADFORD are standing on the sidelines, looking out over the food court.
STANTON
Hey, what's the deal with Jackson? Kid's questioning all my stops.
BRADFORD
Sounds like the mark of a good student.
STANTON
I don't see you letting Chen question your every move. My last rookie didn't ask questions. And he was a "brotha."
BRADFORD
(pointedly) Maybe the issue isn't the student, it's the teacher.
STANTON
Huh. Yeah, maybe you're right. Whatever nonsense Lopez was teaching him, I got 20 days to straighten him out.
BRADFORD barely manages to not roll his eyes. Meanwhile, back at NOLAN's table --
LUNA
I climbed the ladder to VP of Sales, but that was 19 years ago.
NOLAN
Yeah, I hear you.
LUNA
Now Dominique's in college, and Wade, he's busy as ever. It just feels like everyone is moving forward except me.
NOLAN
Mm. I hear you.
HARPER nods approvingly at him.
LUNA
So now you know my whole life story. [ Chuckles ] What -- What do you think?
NOLAN
Well, um...when my son went off to college and my divorce was finalized, I-I just -- I felt a little lost, you know? Just like you.
LUNA
So how did you figure out what to do next?
NOLAN
Well, looking down the barrel of a gun during a bank robbery will give you some clarity, but I advise against it.
[ Laughs ]
LUNA
Okay. Well, what would you advise?
NOLAN
I would advise... (off HARPER's look) ...just wait. And be open for your eureka moment.
LUNA
My eureka moment. I love it. Yes. It's perfect. It's -- It's profound yet...so simple. Thank you.
NOLAN
Okay.
LUNA departs. HARPER shakes her head.
HARPER
(to NOLAN) I will speak kindly of you at your funeral.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - RECEPTION AREA
EVELYN is showing a bottle of CBD oil to a uniformed officer when NOLAN enters on his way to the shop.
EVELYN
No more pain, no more anxiety. By the way, do you know my son, Officer Nolan? He swears by this stuff. I mean, how else would a 48-year-old rookie make it in the LAPD? [ Laughs ]
NOLAN
I'm 46. (to the officer) I'm 46.
The officer walks off and EVELYN and LUNA notice each other.
EVELYN
Hi.
LUNA
Hi.
EVELYN
I'm his mother. Evelyn.
LUNA
Hi. Oh.
EVELYN
And this is gonna change your life. 20 bucks a pop, 3 for $50. Certified organic.
NOLAN
Mom --
SMITTY
(in passing) I see why you use this stuff, Nolan. My neck's already better.
NOLAN
I don't, Smitty. I don't -- I don't actually use it. Mom, what are you doing? These are my co-workers.
EVELYN
Now they're my customers.
HARPER
Nolan. We gotta roll.
NOLAN
(to EVELYN) Uh...please stop being here. Just go home, okay? (to LUNA) Uh, so good talking to you.
LUNA
Thank you for the advice.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - BULLPEN
BRADFORD and CHEN are doing paperwork.
CHEN
Why should he have to go through this with Stanton? If I did one-tenth of the things that that guy does on the job, I'd be gone so fast.
BRADFORD
As a rookie, sure, but not once you're off probation. There are layers of safeguards that protect cops from getting fired, and some of those safeguards are important, considering the risks we take.
CHEN
It doesn't explain why he gets a pass on being a complete monster.
BRADFORD
He doesn't get a pass. He gets POBOR. Peace Officer Bill Of Rights. And he gets a union and a legal defense team. If he gets fired, he gets to appeal. If he gets convicted, he gets to appeal. And those lawyers, which our union dues pay for, will tear apart every detail surrounding his termination. If they find one thing out of order or it just seems excessive, he gets his job back, including back pay. And then -- He gets emboldened, with a huge chip on his shoulder, and that negative attitude is contagious.
CHEN
The weight of this shouldn't all fall on Jackson. There's got to be more we can do than just be guardian angels out there, hoping that we get to Jackson in time if something goes wrong. It's...
Fade to...
DETECTIVES' BULLPEN
LOPEZ and VARGAS are working at their desks when their boss comes up.
CARADINE
We got a body in a bag found near LAX. No head, no hands, no witnesses.
LOPEZ
No problem. I'm on it, Sarge.
CARADINE
Actually, this one's gonna go to Vargas.
LOPEZ
But I'm next in the rotation.
CARADINE
Under my discretion. Is there a problem?
LOPEZ
No, sir. (to VARGAS, as CARADINE walks away) Does Sarge give a lot of cases out of rotation?
VARGAS
Almost never.
INT. JOHN NOLAN'S HOUSE, MORNING -- GUEST BEDROOM
NOLAN wakes to the sound of his cell humming.
NOLAN
Hello?
GREY
(on the phone) Nolan, are you some kind of con man?
NOLAN
What?
GREY
You talked my wife into finding her eureka moment, then your mother swooped in for the kill?
NOLAN
Wait, I'm sorry. My mom sold Luna a bottle of CBD oil?
GREY
Not a bottle, all the bottles. My wife paid your mother $10,000 for her franchise.
NOLAN can't believe what he's hearing. He leaves the room to go talk to his mother.
NOLAN's HOUSE -- KITCHEN
NOLAN
Mom. You are giving Luna her money back.
EVELYN
Yeah, well, that's not gonna happen. Besides, she doesn't want it back. She's happy with her purchase.
NOLAN
This is my boss' wife. Do you have any idea what this could do to my career?
EVELYN
This has nothing to do with you, honey, or your precious career. Luna and I got to talking. She liked my business, and so I sold it to her.
NOLAN
For 10 grand?
EVELYN
I wanted 25, but she's a hell of a negotiator.
NOLAN
This is just like back home with my construction business.
He drops into a chair, frustrated.
EVELYN
Oh, there you go with that old chestnut again.
NOLAN
I-I would finish a job, and then you would use my good name to sell my customers fraudulent home insurance policies.
EVELYN
Oh, will you please just let that go?
NOLAN
I almost lost my business license.
EVELYN
This is the problem with men, you and that Sergeant Grey.
NOLAN
What are you talking about?
EVELYN
You look down on women. Luna is an excellent salesperson. You watch. She's gonna double her investment.
NOLAN
Mother, I'm begging you... for me, please, give Luna her money back.
EVELYN
It isn't her money. It's mine.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY -- STAIRWAY
NOLAN is coming down the stairs as SMITTY is coming up.
SMITTY
That crap your mom sold me is poison. Take a look at this thing on my neck.
NOLAN
Oh, Smitty, you should get that mole checked.
SMITTY
No, not the mole. I've always had that. Below that.
NOLAN gasps at the sight of SMITTY's red, irritated skin.
SMITTY
Yeah. And I'm not the only one.
NOLAN looks around the bullpen to see several officers scratching at affected skin. He looks over to see GREY tapping on the window of his office, beckoning him in.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - GREY'S OFFICE
NOLAN
Sir, Mrs. Grey, I'm so sorry.
LUNA
John, no need to apologize. My husband needs to.
GREY
(grudgingly) Officer Nolan... I'm sorry for accusing you and your mom of scamming my wife. Luna's assured me that CBD is a growth market and she's guaranteed to make money on this stuff, so --
He goes to spray some of the oil on his hand, but NOLAN stops him.
NOLAN
N-No! That's toxic!
GREY
It's what?
LUNA
Toxic?
NOLAN
Uh, cops are breaking out into rashes all over the department.
LUNA
Your mother sold me snake oil?
NOLAN
Yes. But I don't think that she knew that she did -- at least I-I hope she didn't.
GREY
What'd I tell you?
LUNA
I'm sitting on $10,000 worth of skin irritants.
NOLAN
I can fix this in one phone call -- (on the phone) Mom? The CBD oil is toxic. You have to give Luna her money back. I'm with Sergeant G-- [ Line disconnects ] Hello? Hello? Two phone calls, and...
EXT. PARKING GARAGE, DAY
BRADFORD and CHEN get out of their shop and look around.
CHEN
So, what are we doing here?
BRADFORD
Doug mentioned his last rookie was Black, so I thought he might be inclined to give us some dirt on his old T.O., something actionable.
CHEN
That's great. Who is he? [ Vehicle approaches ]
BRADFORD
Ben Owens. And he's right on time. Now, look, I don't know this guy, so we can't tip our hand. All right, we make no accusations and no demands. Understood?
CHEN
No accusations, no demands. I got it.
OWENS gets out of his shop and comes to meet them.
BRADFORD
Officer Owens? I'm Bradford, this is Chen. Thanks for agreeing to meet up.
OWENS
No problem. Asked around, heard you're good people. So, what's up?
BRADFORD
I need some insight, but on the DL if you know what I mean. Ten-thirty-six.
He pointedly turns off his body cam, as do CHEN and OWENS.
OWENS
Code of silence. Talk to me.
BRADFORD
Doug Stanton. He was your T.O.
OWENS
[ Chuckles ] The Dougernaut. What about him?
CHEN
You ever see him doing anything shady?
BRADFORD
(off OWENS' looks) Relax. Um...we were just wondering if you liked the way he does business.
OWENS
No. No way. He's a hater. But what do you really want to know?
CHEN
Whatever you feel comfortable sharing with us. It's -- This is stupid. We all know what we're talking about. Do you think Doug is a racist? Have you ever seen him treat minorities unfairly?
OWENS
If I saw something outside of policy and I failed to report it, I'd be looking at disciplinary action, too.
BRADFORD
We're not here for that, okay? Just be real with us. He's creating some grief on our end.
OWENS
Hey, you got a good rep and all, but I don't know you. I do know Doug Stanton, and I am well aware of what he can do to me and my career.
CHEN
Yeah, what about what he's doing to civilians out on the street?
OWENS
I'm weeks away from joining Metro. I can do more good in that unit than I can by throwing it all away. I'm sorry. I can't help you.
BRADFORD
You have a good day.
CHEN
Well, that was a bust.
BRADFORD
No, it wasn't. Did you see him? How conflicted he was? We just got to give him time. Trust me.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - HALLWAY
NOLAN is talking to LUNA GREY while WADE GREY looks on.
NOLAN
My mother is claiming your money is tied up in other investments, but I have the address of the supplier. I'll get your refund.
GREY
Forget it. I'll handle it.
LUNA
No. I will. You two can tag along.
GREY
Fine. Nolan and I can't handle a personal matter in uniform, so let's go change out. (to NOLAN) You can listen to me brainstorm on how I'm going to punish you.
LUNA
Wade, it is not his fault. Punishing him for his mother's behavior would be like punishing me for my dad's.
GREY
(grudgingly) I see your point. (to NOLAN) I'll find Harper, tell her you're riding with me this morning.
NOLAN
Yes, sir. (to LUNA) Thank you for that. I'm guessing your dad was a bit of a scammer, too?
LUNA
Alcoholic. It's brought me a lifetime of pain. Almost broke up my marriage.
NOLAN
So what are you supposed to do when someone you love is -- is ruining your life but you don't know how to help them?
LUNA
I know what I had to do. But I'm not you. And my father isn't your mother. However, you did offer me some advice, so I will return the favor. Find your limits, John. We can't change their behavior. They have to want it. So be honest, be merciful, and do whatever you have to do to protect yourself.
INT. PATROL CAR, DAY - STANTON/WEST
STANTON's cell rings and he puts in an earbud, so we can't hear what the other party is saying.
STANTON
'Sup, my brotha? You sure? Thanks for the heads-up.
He takes out the earbud.
WEST
Everything okay?
STANTON
We're about to find out. Just got a tip. Let's go see if it's real.
They pull up to an alley where three people are making surreptitious movements.
WEST
Control, 7-Adam-07. I have an on-view eleven-three deal in alley between Lomita and Vineyard.
The suspects scatter as STANTON and WEST give chase on foot.
STANTON
Follow the backpack!
WEST
7-Adam-07, foot pursuit! Male, adult, Black, blue shirt, black jeans!
INT. PATROL CAR - BRADFORD/CHEN
BRADFORD
(hearing the call on the comm) We're not close.
CHEN
Then punch it.
EXT. ALLEY, DAY - FOOT CHASE
WEST
There!
STANTON draws his gun and points it at the suspect, whom WEST hastens to get hold of.
STANTON
Freeze! Don't make me kill you!
WEST
I-I got it! I got it. I got it.
STANTON
(looking around) Damn it. Jackson, I lost my body camera. You seen it?
WEST
No.
STANTON
(looking at the place where the suspect dumped the backpack) But what I do see is a lousy attempt at hiding evidence. Like I can't get someone down there to get that. What's your name, dumbass?
SLINGER
Ask your mama. She was screaming it all last night.
STANTON
You and me are gonna have a lesson in respect.
SLINGER
Teach your mama some respect. Get that ho off the streets.
STANTON grabs the suspect and yanks him away from WEST.
WEST
Look --
STANTON
Mm! Officer West, preserve the evidence. I'm gonna take our friend back to the shop.
WEST
I-I can take him, sir.
STANTON
No. I got it. You stay here. Come on. Let's go, son.
He hauls the suspect away; WEST watches him for a moment, then pulls out his cell to call GREY.
GREY's VOICE
You've reached Sergeant Grey of LAPD's Mid-Wilshire Station. Please leave a message.
WEST
Sarge, it's -- it's Jackson. Look, I-I think Doug's about to beat the crap out of a suspect, and he lost his body cam, so there won't be a record.
He ends the call, looks down at the backpack, then looks back up the alley, which STANTON and SLINGER have vacated.
EXT. STREET, DAY - ENTRANCE TO ALLEY
WEST has abandoned the backpack and comes running out of the alley, to see STANTON standing outside the shop and the suspect sitting in the back, apparently unharmed.
STANTON
Found my body cam. More importantly, what are you doing here? Told you to guard the drugs. (as BRADFORD and CHEN pull up) Uh... I don't remember calling for backup.
BRADFORD
We were in the neighborhood. What's going on?
STANTON
Well, this rookie doesn't know how to follow orders.
WEST
Yeah, I-I was just, um... making sure you were all right, sir.
STANTON
You know, my last rookie did everything I told him to. Guy's name was Owens. (to BRADFORD) You know him? Always had my back. Still does. Too bad Jackson isn't more like him.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - BREAK ROOM
LOPEZ is pouring herself come coffee when HARPER enters.
HARPER
Since when do you drink decaf? I know when I made detective, I was drinking like two quarts of hi-test a day. Everything okay?
LOPEZ
Yeah. [ Sighs ] No, not really. I'm getting sidelined.
HARPER
Why?
LOPEZ
This stays between us? (HARPER nods) I'm pregnant.
HARPER
Wh-- That's -- That's amazing. Congratulations. Wait. Wait, Caradine can't bench you for that.
LOPEZ
Technically, no. Just assigning the good cases to the non-preggers.
HARPER
Bastard. That is exactly why I hid my pregnancy. I banked my vacation and took the last two months off.
LOPEZ
It's not fair. No one ever asks a man how he's gonna balance being a dad and a cop at the same time.
HARPER
Oh, I know.
LOPEZ
Did you have to get an amniocentesis?
HARPER
Is that the long needle in the belly thing? No. Why? Do you have to?
LOPEZ
Yeah. And the messed-up part is even if the mutated gene we're afraid of is detected, we won't know if my baby's affected until... it's born. I thought being a mom was gonna be so simple.
HARPER
(sympathetically) Hmm.
LOPEZ
Does it get easier?
HARPER
Uh, it hasn't yet, but if it ever does, you are my first phone call.
INT. MARCUS STREET - SUPPLIER'S STORAGE AREA
LUNA GREY, WADE GREY, and JOHN NOLAN step out of the elevator. GREY and NOLAN are in plain clothes; NOLAN is pushing a hand truck with boxes of the CBD oil they're returning.
LUNA
Ugh. I'm getting a rash just being in here. No wonder the oil's toxic.
NOLAN
Yeah. This feels like my mom's style.
They enter a large room piled high with boxes of various sizes and shapes, to find three men looking surly and bored.
LUNA
(professional) Good afternoon.
SUPPLIER
What do you want?
LUNA
Direct. I-I like it. You recently sold 20 cases of Professor Hempstein's CBD oil to my business partner, Evelyn Nolan. The product is defective, and I would like a refund.
SUPPLIER
No refunds. Get lost.
GREY
Listen, man --
LUNA
(forestalling GREY) I appreciate that. But if we leave without recompense, I will be forced to alert the Health Department and the Better Business Bureau.
SUPPLIER
Knock yourself out. Just don't do it from here.
NOLAN
If I may? My friend, you really don't want to make this a thing. This stuff will take the paint off your car. Once that gets out, your business will dry up. Just give her the 10 grand back --
SUPPLIER
(scoffing) 10? That crap only cost two.
GREY
(to NOLAN) Pretty hefty franchise fee your mom charged us.
SUPPLIER
Your mom?
He and his associates laugh.
NOLAN
I-I know. Just...don't start. She's good for it, okay? Or -- Or at least I am.
LUNA
Look, don't be an ass and give me the money back.
SUPPLIER
Get the hell outta here. And next time, bring some muscle that's not past its expiration date.
GREY
You hear that, Officer Nolan? He thinks we're old.
NOLAN
Yes, I did, Sergeant Grey. Though I prefer to think of myself as "well-seasoned."
GREY
Luna, why don't you go wait downstairs, baby?
LUNA
Yeah, we'll let the lawyers straighten this out. These guys aren't worth the trouble.
She strides out of the room, leaving them to deal with the suppliers.
GREY
There ain't gonna be no trouble, right, son?
NOLAN
I got the feeling... CBD isn't the only product you guys have here. Don't suppose you got anything here I would consider... uh, what's the word I'm looking for?
He and GREY draw their weapons.
GREY
Illegal.
NOLAN
That's the one. This doesn't have to get ugly, gentlemen, but it will if we don't see your hands in five seconds.
GREY
Screw five seconds. Now. Show me your hands. Now.
Several moments pass as the supplier tries to sneak something out of the open box on the table, but GREY and NOLAN stare him down.
SUPPLIER
All right. All right. Taking my hand out.
GREY
Back up. Everyone on the ground. Down. Face down. Hands out.
The suspects comply and NOLAN covers them.
NOLAN
Got 'em.
Out in the hallway, LUNA gets on the elevator while calling 9-1-1.
9-1-1 DISPATCH
911, what's your emergency?
LUNA
Yes, my husband is a police officer, and he is currently in jeopardy on the 10th floor of 2108 Marcus Street. (as a henchman keeps the door from closing) Send backup.
LUNA sprays her attacker with pepper spray, and as he's staggering, she kicks him hard between his legs and he falls.
BIG X
Oh!
LUNA
And an ambulance.
GREY is looking into the box the SUPPLIER had open, finding contraband.
GREY
Guns.
The henchman from the elevator comes crawling into the room, coughing and groaning, and GREY realizes what happened to him.
GREY
That's my girl.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, NIGHT - RECEPTION AREA
HARPER is coming off shift and finds ALONZO SMITH in the waiting area.
HARPER
Hi.
SMITH
Hey.
HARPER
What are you doing here?
SMITH
Had to give you the good news in person.
HARPER
No. You didn't?
SMITH
Both of our daughters are now enrolled at the Music Academy.
HARPER
(overjoyed) How? How did you do it? Extortion?
SMITH
Quid pro quo. The music director has a charity near and dear to his heart that's desperate for volunteers, so ... you'll have to clear your calendar a bit.
HARPER
Ah. Lila is gonna be thrilled. How can I thank you?
SMITH
Um...take me to dinner. You hungry?
HARPER
Uh...yeah. But, um, I can't tonight. Uh...kid duty.
SMITH
Ah. Acceptable excuse. But...you owe me.
HARPER
I'm good for it. [ Chuckles ]
INT PARKING GARAGE, NIGHT
EVERS is just arriving as LOPEZ is headed for her car.
LOPEZ
Client got locked up?
EVERS
Yeah.
LOPEZ
I'll be asleep when you get home, so...I'll see you in the morning.
She starts to walk on, but EVERS stops her.
EVERS
Angela, wait. Please talk to me.
LOPEZ
What do you want me to say? I'm scared.
EVERS
So am I.
CARADINE is walking past and LOPEZ hails him.
LOPEZ
Hey, Sarge, a word?
CARADINE
I'm in a little bit of a hurry.
LOPEZ
I don't care. What you did yesterday was crap. Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I can't do my job. You gave my homicide to Vargas, so I'm putting you on notice, Sarge. I'm not hiding this pregnancy. I'd be doing a disservice to every woman who works here if I do. So if I start waddling or my ankles swell or I knock over furniture because my belly's so big, don't ever skip me in the rotation again.
CARADINE
(evenly) First of all, I gave that case to Vargas because it had State Line Crew written all over it. He has two CIs inside.
LOPEZ
Oh. I wasn't aware of that.
CARADINE
And second, you're pregnant?
LOPEZ
You didn't know?
CARADINE
How could I? But congratulations. And just so you know, I'll work you till you drop if you let me. There's no mercy for moms-to-be. (smiles a little) May I go now?
LOPEZ
Yes, Sergeant. And thank you. (to EVERS) See how I handled that?
EVERS
Mm-hmm.
LOPEZ
I'm gonna be such a great mom.
EVERS
The best. [ Laughs ]
INT. JOHN NOLAN'S HOUSE, NIGHT - ENTRY AREA
EVELYN comes in to find her suitcase inside the front door. JOHN NOLAN steps into the entry area, looking sad but resolute.
EVELYN
You packed my bags? You're throwing me out on the street?
NOLAN
I got you a room at the airport hotel. Your flight leaves at 6:00 a.m.
EVELYN
You know I hate early flights.
NOLAN
Deal with it. Your problems are no longer mine.
EVELYN
(angrily) So what? You want me to say I'm sorry?
NOLAN
I don't want to hear you say anything. I just...want you gone.
EVELYN
(sneering) Oh. Boy, you've got all your little cop friends fooled. Thinking you're a wholesome, small-town guy, huh? You're just like your father.
NOLAN
Don't say that.
He's angry and hurt, but he stands his ground.
EVELYN
You are egotistical, self-righteous, a failure of a man. Because when he ran out on me and you, who stayed? I did. I stayed. And you want to throw me out?
NOLAN
I love you. I will always love you. I just don't want to see you anymore.
A beat; then EVELYN hands him his house key and opens the front door, turning back to deliver a last word, not a kind one.
EVELYN
By the way, becoming a cop at 48 is ridiculous. You're gonna get yourself killed.
NOLAN
I'm 46, Mom. Goodbye.
EVELYN walks out. JOHN goes over to lock the door behind her and leans on it, tears in his eyes.
EXT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, NIGHT - FRONT STEPS
OWENS is coming off shift. BRADFORD is waiting to talk to him.
OWENS
I got nothing to say to you.
BRADFORD
Oh, you had plenty to say to Doug, though. What happened to 'code of silence'?
OWENS
What happened to cops having each others' backs?
WEST comes walking up in plain clothes.
WEST
Yeah, Tim has mine.
OWENS
Who are you?
WEST
The cop you just screwed over. Why'd you do it?
OWENS
Blue protects blue. I know that, Doug knows that. Why don't you?
WEST
Look, are you actually cool with all this?
OWENS
This is the game. I didn't make waves, and Doug hooked me up with a spot on Metro.
BRADFORD
So you can just ignore all the pain he causes, the abuse of power to get that promotion?
OWENS
The system is not gonna change, so what's the point of me throwing myself off a cliff? I gotta get what's mine, and I advise you do the same. Because Doug's not going down without a fight.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, NIGHT - GREY'S OFFICE
STANTON knocks on the door jamb.
STANTON
Sir, you got a second?
GREY
What is it, Officer?
STANTON comes in and closes the door.
STANTON
[ Sighs with fake regret ] I hate to do it, but I had to write a blue page up on the kid. He disobeyed a direct order, leaving crucial evidence unattended. Now that drug dealer's lawyer can get the charges dropped because Jackson broke the chain of custody.
GREY
I can appreciate the magnitude of his error, but I can personally attest to Officer West being a solid cop.
STANTON
Absolutely, sir. Absolutely. But as his training officer, it'd be a dereliction of duty for me to let this slide. He shouldn't be making mistakes like this, especially this late in his training. I mean, you understand, don't you, Sergeant?
GREY
I do.
STANTON
Yeah. I mean, it's a damn shame. The kid has such great potential. Be such a waste to have him wash out of the program.
He exits the room. GREY watches him go, disgusted.