THE ROOKIE
Season 6, Episode 6
"Secrets and Lies"
JUAREZ
You ever have roommates?
NOLAN
Sure. I mean, it's been a few decades.
JUAREZ
All right, what was the proper etiquette when they would-- like, would have sleepovers?
NOLAN
You mean, when they're hooking up?
JUAREZ
Yeah.
NOLAN
Oh, yeah. No nudity in shared spaces. You seeing a little more of the boyfriend than you care to?
JUAREZ
So much more.
NOLAN
You need to set some boundaries.
JUAREZ
I have, regularly. And yet, I still got an eyeful of Willy Wonka this morning.
NOLAN
Where the hell are they going? Control, 7-Adam-15. Advise status on any Code 3 events near our location?
DISPATCH
Negative, 7-Adam-15.
JUAREZ
What was their hurry?
NOLAN
Let's find out. -- Smitty, go to Channel 9.
SMITTY
Go for Smitty.
NOLAN
Where's your shop?
SMITTY
Where's my shop? It's parked right out-- Wait a minute.
NOLAN
What's happening?
BAILEY
I've been waiting for you to wake up. I think we should have a baby.
NOLAN
Oh.
BAILEY
Is that something you're open to?
NOLAN
I'm-- I-- I-- I don't know. I love being a dad, but I think I thought maybe my days of dirty diapers and sleepless nights were over.
BAILEY
But you were about to foster Anna.
NOLAN
No, yes. That's true, I was. But she had no one. I think it kind of-- it felt like fate.
BAILEY
Hmm. So is that a no?
NOLAN
No, it's-- it's an, "A I haven't even had a cup of coffee yet. Maybe we table this till later."
BAILEY
Absolutely. This is a really big conversation, so let's just think about it, and we can talk again after work.
NOLAN
Right. OK.
CHEN
Yeah?
TAMARA
On a scale of 1 to 10, how stressed are you?
CHEN
19.
TAMARA
Yikes. Tim still ghosting you?
CHEN
He's not ghosting me. We just haven't talked in a couple of days.
TAMARA
Not speaking to the person you're dating--
CHEN
Is the definition of ghosting. I realize that. Thank you.
TAMARA
So this probably isn't a good time to add more stress to your plate.
CHEN
What's wrong?
TAMARA
Nothing. Nothing. It's just I have a group of friends at school, and they're getting a place together, and I was thinking of joining them.
CHEN
You're moving?
TAMARA
Kind of.
CHEN
That's great.
TAMARA
Really?
CHEN
Yeah. I mean, you should live with people your own age. I mean, I'll miss seeing you every day, but if it makes you happy, then that's great.
TAMARA
Good. I was worried you'd be upset. The house they picked is really cool. I'll show you pictures after school.
CHEN
I can't wait.
CHEN
Hey. Have you talked to Tim recently?
LOPEZ
No. I heard he was taking vacation days. Do you think he's in trouble?
CHEN
Yes. I-- He said that if he tells me what he's doing, I could put my career in jeopardy.
LOPEZ
That's alarming.
CHEN
I know. Should I-- should I tell Grey?
LOPEZ
No. Hard as it is, you need to trust him. Whatever he's doing, I'm sure Tim's got it handled.
CHEN
OK. So I'm just supposed to do nothing, patrol like normal, pretend like I'm not worried out of my mind?
LOPEZ
For now, yes.
CHEN
Thanks.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
And if you're just joining us it's been a pitcher's clinic here, tied ball game in the bottom of the seventh, 2-all.
LOPEZ
Hi.
BRADFORD
Oh my God. What are you doing?
LOPEZ
Being a friend. What are you doing? Talk.
BRADFORD
I can't. For your own good.
LOPEZ
Are you engaged in a criminal act?
BRADFORD
Not at the moment.
LOPEZ
Then tell me.
BRADFORD
Angela, this goes sideways and you're anywhere near it, you could be fired.
LOPEZ
If Lucy gets fired, it's a problem. If I get fired, I start living off my husband's trust fund and call it wine o'clock. So spill.
BRADFORD
I'm tailing this guy from my old unit, Ray Watkins. Spent his deployment ripping off Iraqi locals, got a couple of my men killed. Till a few days ago, I thought he was KIA. Somehow he survived and now he's living under a different name as a hired gun.
LOPEZ
So why tail him? At a minimum, he's AWOL. Why not just detain him and turn him over to the military police?
BRADFORD
Because he's got something on me. He knows I lied on the report about his death.
LOPEZ
So you're trying to catch him in a fresh crime, arrest him for what he's doing now.
BRADFORD
Exactly.
LOPEZ
Cool. I'm in.
BRADFORD
Are you sure?
LOPEZ
Yeah. I got your back, boo.
JUAREZ
You're having a baby? That's so great.
NOLAN
That's not what I said. I said Bailey wants to have a baby.
JUAREZ
And you don't, because you're ol...der and feel like your child raising years are behind you?
NOLAN
Look, I loved raising Henry. It was incredible. But there is a lot I want to accomplish on the job, and I don't have a lot of time left, because I am older.
JUAREZ
OK, I get that, but have you seen babies? They're so cute, and I feel like you should have like three.
NOLAN
OK. I am deleting Bailey's number from your phone.
JUAREZ
Oh, we're being assigned to assist CitySafe LA in cleaning up an encampment of unhoused residents. LA County Sheriff is bringing a group of inmates to assist.
THORSEN
Ma'am? Ma'am? Excuse me, ma'am? I cannot let you--
NOLAN
Everything OK?
THORSEN
Yeah.
BRENDA VAUGHN
No. He won't let me bring drinks to my daughter and her friends. Come on. They're dying in this heat.
THORSEN
Ma'am, it is 70 degrees.
JUAREZ
Is your daughter homeless?
THORSEN
No, she's one of the inmates.
TERESA VAUGHN
Mom.
BRENDA
Honey.
SGT. FLORES
Hey. Trustee, get back here.
BRENDA
Oh. I missed you.
TERESA
Me too. You smell good.
BRENDA
Ooh, you don't, but I still love you.
FLORES
No contact.
JUAREZ
OK, hey, hey, what's the harm? We're literally surrounded by police.
FLORES
You're not the one who has to search her for contraband after this. You, leave. You, back to work.
TERESA
See you in two weeks.
BRENDA
Yeah. -- I hope you have a horrible day.
ROSCOE
Give me the bag. Let it go. Let it go. Let it go. Hey. Give it-- Hey. Let it go.
THORSEN
Hey, what's going on?
ROSCOE
She's trying to steal my bag.
THORSEN
Sir, no she's not, OK? We're going to pack up your belongings and send them to the shelter.
ROSCOE
Yeah, yeah. That's the same thing you said last time. When I got my tent back, it was ripped in three places.
THORSEN
OK, how about we let him hold on to the bag for a little bit? Whoa, hang on. Hang on. Thank you.
ROSCOE
Give it to me--
THORSEN
Sir, back up. Hey, Officer Nolan? Do you remember the Karina Lewis case?
NOLAN
Yeah. College gymnast, boyfriend murdered her a few years back, but the body was never found.
THORSEN
Yeah. This is her bag. It went missing along with her.
NOLAN
Sir, where did you get this bag?
ROSCOE
Hey, I found that. I swear.
NOLAN
This place just became a crime scene. Lock it down.
THORSEN
Yes, sir.
JUAREZ
Officer Nolan?
NOLAN
Oh, what now?
JUAREZ
I just found these in the garbage can. And one of the prisoners just escaped.
HARPER
So, where'd you get this?
ROSCOE
Well, I didn't steal it. Y'all assume just because we're homeless--
HARPER
I don't assume anything, but stealing it is better than taking it off a murder victim making yourself a suspect.
ROSCOE
Yeah, well, it was neither of those things, all right? I found the bag in Griffith Park last week. I can show you where.
HARPER
OK. Good. Let's go. You're riding with me.
THORSEN
Yes, ma'am.
BRADFORD
Payoff.
LOPEZ
Maybe he's smuggling something into the country.
BRADFORD
Or out.
LOPEZ
Or maybe Ray lost a bet and is innocent. I mean, you've been following this guy for two days and haven't seen anything remotely criminal. How long are you going to keep this up?
BRADFORD
As long as it takes.
LOPEZ
Really? You just walk away from your job, your relationship with Lucy to arrest a guy you haven't thought about in a decade?
BRADFORD
Yeah. What?
LOPEZ
If you lied on a report, you must have had a good reason.
BRADFORD
I was trying to protect Ray's family so they'd get his death benefits.
LOPEZ
Noble. Lucy would understand that.
BRADFORD
Yeah, but she'd still get in trouble if she didn't notify IA about my transgression.
LOPEZ
True.
BRADFORD
This is very irritating.
LOPEZ
I don't think you're just protecting her. I think you're protecting yourself. There's something else you did that you don't want to admit.
BRADFORD
And you're basing this on?
LOPEZ
I'm your BFF. I know you.
BRADFORD
I'm a grown man. I don't have BFFs.
LOPEZ
Technically, you can only have one BFF. I'm going to take a closer look.
BRADFORD
Wait. Come on.
LOPEZ
Mystery man had diplomatic plates. We follow him or stay with Ray?
BRADFORD
Ray. I can ask my friend at State for help IDing the new player.
FLORES
Missing inmate is Teresa Vaughn, the girl you allowed to make contact with a potential accomplice.
JUAREZ
OK. You're blaming me because you failed to do your job?
FLORES
What the hell did you say?
NOLAN
OK. We can play the blame game later. Right now, we have a fugitive to find. I agree it's most likely the mother that helped her escape. That's our first lead. We can put a BOLO out for Theresa.
JUAREZ
Why was Theresa incarcerated?
FLORES
Assault, but she only had ten days left on her sentence.
NOLAN
That doesn't make any sense. Trying to escape would add at least a year. Why risk it?
THORSEN
I was just reviewing the details in Karina's case. She disappeared 19 months ago. Boyfriend was the immediate suspect. He ultimately confessed to strangling her in his apartment down in Culver City, then he claims he blacked out afterwards and forgot where he left the body.
HARPER
Any of this looking familiar to you?
ROSCOE
Yeah, a little. I was trying to find a place to sleep. Everything was so wet because of the storm, but it was around here though. You know, a big flat rock. There. There it is right there. Behind there. It was all muddy when I went through it. I was hoping to find some cash or some food on the inside, but there was only a couple of schoolbooks.
THORSEN
Yeah, the rain could have dislodged the bag causing it to go downhill.
HARPER
Karina Lewis.
THORSEN
Well, at least now her family can give her a proper burial.
HARPER
You said the boyfriend confessed to strangling her?
THORSEN
Yeah.
HARPER
Then why is there a bullet wound in her head? That's a small caliber, .22, maybe .38.
THORSEN
Why confess to the murder but lie about the method?
JUAREZ
It makes no sense. Teresa Vaughn was serving six months for assault on a woman she claimed was hooking up with her boyfriend.
NOLAN
I'm not sure that's the person I'd be assaulting. Not that violence is ever the answer.
DISPATCH
7-Adam-15, 7-Adam-6 pulled over your BOLO alert. Brenda Vaughn, fugitive's mother, Third and Oak.
NOLAN
Copy that. Show us responding.
JAN
No sign of the fugitive.
BRENDA
I told you.
NOLAN
Thank you. Would you mind going to her house in case the daughter decides to show up there?
JAN
You got it.
BRENDA
I get how this looks, but I had nothing to do with my daughter's escape.
JUAREZ
Any idea where your daughter might have gone?
BRENDA
No. But any place is better than jail, right?
NOLAN
Not when you have two weeks left on your sentence. Why would she throw that away now? Did you say something to her, tell her a secret when you were giving her a hug?
BRENDA
No.
NOLAN
OK, so then you just expect me to believe it's a coincidence she escaped right after you showed up?
BRENDA
I can't control what you believe, but it's the truth. Do you have kids?
NOLAN
Yeah, I have one.
BRENDA
Then you understand that I would do anything to help my daughter, including practicing tough love, OK? If Teresa asked me to help her escape, I would have told her it is the dumbest idea I'd ever heard and just suck it up and finish her time.
JUAREZ
Any idea who might help your daughter despite the consequences?
BRENDA
She has a lot of friends, but I doubt any of them would stick their necks out for her.
NOLAN
What about the boyfriend?
BRENDA
Mike? No. He broke up with her right after she attacked Doreen. Oh, that's where.
NOLAN
That's where what?
BRENDA
Teresa is still pissed about the affair. She told me she was planning on doing some permanent damage to Doreen when she got out.
NOLAN
Control, I'm going to need an address on a Doreen--
BRENDA
Davis.
NOLAN
Davis. Home and work.
NOLAN
Doreen?
DOREEN
Yeah. What's going on?
NOLAN
Teresa Vaughn escaped from custody this morning.
DOREEN
Escaped?
JUAREZ
Yeah, but we're going to make sure you're safe.
DOREEN
Yeah, you don't need to. Teresa came by like half an hour ago, said that she got released early. Apologized for everything. Said that she should have listened to me when I said I didn't hook up with Mike.
NOLAN
Wait. So there was no affair?
DOREEN
No. Mike and I were friends. That's it. But he was definitely cheating on her with someone.
JUAREZ
Well, did she say where she was going next?
DOREEN
No. Just she finally knew who to blame.
LOPEZ
You're too close.
BRADFORD
I can't tail him by nose with only one vehicle. Need to keep him in sight.
LOPEZ
We're going to get made. You should let me drive.
BRADFORD
I got it.
WATKINS
I come in peace. Who's your friend? Ooh. Hey, mama.
LOPEZ
I thought you said this guy was smart because all I see is slick.
WATKINS
What's the plan here, Sarge? You just going to follow me around all week while I wait for my mom to kick it?
BRADFORD
Yeah, we both know you're not here for your mom.
WATKINS
Mark bailed on you, huh? Did he lose his nerve? Maybe you did. Was there a falling out over what to do with me? Let me guess, he was team extermination and you were team justice. You know, this guy's nickname in the service was the Reaper. It's sad when one of your heroes grows a conscience. I'm going to go now. I'm open to some company if you want a lift.
LOPEZ
I'll pass, but we'll be seeing you again real soon.
WATKINS
Can't wait.
HARPER
Thank you for meeting with us.
DEL MONTE
Yeah, no problem. Actually, you could help me out with something. I have to approve a headshot for my campaign website. Which one of these looks more district attorney-ish?
HARPER
The one on the right.
DEL MONTE
I agree.
HARPER
We need to talk about a case that you prosecuted last year. Karina Lewis.
DEL MONTE
Karina Lewis? Oh, yeah, the boyfriend strangled her, full confession. He pled out, doing 20 at Soledad.
HARPER
Right. Well, we found her remains today.
DEL MONTE
Well, hey, that's great news. The family can finally put her to rest.
HARPER
Yes, but the only problem is, she was not strangled. She was shot in the head with a .22.
DEL MONTE
Boyfriend lied in his statement.
THORSEN
Right, which clearly was coerced.
HARPER
Uh, Officer Thorsen is getting ahead of himself, but it is a significant inconsistency. Is there any chance it was a false confession?
DEL MONTE
No.
THORSEN
Are you serious? That fast, just no?
HARPER
Officer Thorsen, wait for me outside, please?
THORSEN
Ma'am--
HARPER
Go. Now. I apologize. He clearly has brought some of his own history into this.
DEL MONTE
Mm-hmm. Look, you weren't there, Detective, and neither was he. The investigation was solid. The boyfriend had a history of violence. Hair matching the victim was found in the trunk of his car. Witnesses heard them arguing. I could have gotten a conviction even without his confession. So kindly invite Officer Thorsen to take his self-righteousness and stick it where the sun don't shine. Are we done here?
HARPER
Yes, sir.
THORSEN
Is he really not going to do anything?
HARPER
You cannot talk to a prosecutor like that.
THORSEN
Detective--
HARPER
Ever. Do you understand?
THORSEN
Yes. Does this mean we're abandoning the investigation?
HARPER
There is no we in this, Officer Thorsen. This is not our investigation. It is mine, which means that the risk of pissing off someone who will likely be the next district attorney falls on me.
THORSEN
OK. Does this mean you're abandoning the investigation?
HARPER
No. It means that we need to find undeniable evidence that Karina Lewis was killed by someone other than the guy who is currently sitting in prison before we can even think about coming back here. Why are you smiling?
THORSEN
Because you said we.
HARPER
Were there any other suspects aside from the boyfriend?
THORSEN
Yeah. A guy used to work with Karina at her off-campus job, Ryan Jones. And fun fact, the detective that interviewed him said Ryan was quite the gun collector.
HARPER
So it is likely he would own a .22.
THORSEN
Exactly. In my professional opinion, his alibi was super shaky.
HARPER
Need I remind you, Five Minutes, that your professional opinion is still a work in progress?
THORSEN
Noted. But Ryan claimed he was hanging out at his girlfriend's apartment.
HARPER
That is a little shaky. But it is nowhere near enough to move the needle.
BRADFORD
Kids here?
LOPEZ
They're at my mom's. Wes is going to pick them up on his way home, which makes this the perfect time for you to tell me why you think this is all your fault.
BRADFORD
I don't.
LOPEZ
Come on. Sit. There is no way you let a loser like Ray live under your skin if you didn't blame yourself for more than just lying on a report.
BRADFORD
Look, I had been squad leader most of my second tour, top performance ratings, fast track to a promotion, unless my battalion commander found out that a soldier in my unit was engaged in rampant criminality. I thought if I brought Ray in myself, I could keep it within the squad. No harm, no foul, and I would be sergeant first class in no time. So we went after him, unsanctioned, under the radar. We located him in a village just outside of Mosul. As soon as he found out he was trapped, he called in an airstrike right on top of us. It was like the world exploded. I thought I was going to die, Angela. But I got lucky. The Humvee that Mark and I were behind, it saved us but-- But Henderson and Coyle, they were blown apart. I still don't know how Ray survived. I mean, the building he was in, it was almost completely destroyed. There-- we found his mangled dog tags in the wreckage. I mean, there was-- there was so much blood. Without question, we thought he was KIA. I mean, it was-- it was a spectacular failure of leadership. I put my career above my oath and two soldiers, two decent men, didn't come home that night. And I'm going to have to live with that for the rest of my life.
WESLEY
What are you still doing here?
DEL MONTE
I'm just going over the Karina Lewis case.
WESLEY
Right. I heard they found her body.
DEL MONTE
Detectives questioned this guy for over ten hours without his lawyer, right? He's young. He's scared. In retrospect, it's possible he could have been coerced.
WESLEY
OK. So take another look. If he was, get the conviction overturned.
DEL MONTE
It's not that simple.
WESLEY
Because you're running for DA.
DEL MONTE
Yeah.
WESLEY
And how's it going to look when it comes out that you railroaded an innocent man?
DEL MONTE
Hey, I didn't railroad anybody. This was a very solid case.
WESLEY
Based on a possibly questionable confession.
DEL MONTE
Yeah.
NOLAN
Oh, you really dove in.
BAILEY
Yeah, I wanted to make an informed decision.
NOLAN
And?
BAILEY
And I'm more sure than ever. I want to have a baby. And you don't.
NOLAN
And I don't know. Some days, this job is all I can handle. When I had Henry, I was the boss. I never had to miss a school play or a parent-teacher conference. I don't have that now, which means I can't be the kind of dad I want to be or the cop I want to be.
BAILEY
So that's a no.
NOLAN
It's a big decision. I just-- I need more than a day to think about it.
BAILEY
Well, if you are trying to figure out a way to let me down easy, don't. The longer you let me have hope, the more painful it'll be.
TAMARA
Just in time. I ordered pizza.
CHEN
Oh, thank you. I have been dreading having to cook.
TAMARA
Any news on the Tim front?
CHEN
Not yet. So I'm just practicing trust, patience, and I hate it.
TAMARA
That was quick.
CHEN
I'm going to get changed.
WATKINS
Hey, there. I'm Ray. Tim's friend.
TAMARA
He's not here.
WATKINS
Oh, that's cool.
TAMARA
Lucy?
CHEN
Yeah? Can I help you?
WATKINS
I hope so. You Tim's girlfriend? Oh, you don't need that. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.
CHEN
Yeah. I think I'm going to pass. Um, you need to leave.
WATKINS
Tim never mentioned me?
CHEN
I have no idea who you are. So how would I know if he has mentioned you or not?
WATKINS
Why don't you call Tim? Ask him about Mosul.
CHEN
The only phone call I'm going to make is for an ambulance to wheel you out of here unless you get out right now.
WATKINS
No problem. You tell Tim to take a knee. I'm going to be gone in a few days, unless he gives me a reason to stick around.
TAMARA
Who the hell is that guy?
BRADFORD
Uh-oh.
LOPEZ
What?
BRADFORD
Hey, what's wrong?
CHEN
Where are you?
BRADFORD
Lucy.
CHEN
Where the hell are you?
BRADFORD
What happened?
CHEN
Your buddy Ray stopped by.
BRADFORD
Are you OK?
CHEN
Do I look OK?
LOPEZ
Let's give them a minute.
CHEN
What if Tamara had been there by herself when that creep showed up?
BRADFORD
I'm sorry. I had no idea.
CHEN
No! No. No more excuses, Tim. You have to tell me what's going on with you. Right now. Now!
BRADFORD
His name is Ray Watkins. He was under my command in Iraq. I thought he was killed in action, but he's back, and he's going to hurt someone if I don't do something about it.
CHEN
None of that-- none of it explains why you cut me off.
BRADFORD
No. It doesn't.
CHEN
Stop trying to protect me, Tim!
BRADFORD
I'm sorry. I can't, OK? I won't.
CHEN
You read Lopez in.
BRADFORD
It's different.
CHEN
How?
BRADFORD
She has less to lose than you. Please, just steer clear of this for me, OK?
CHEN
I can't. I won't. You clearly need help, and I am done being the good girlfriend, OK? You don't have to tell me everything, but you are going to let me in.
NOLAN
She is about a year old now, right?
HARPER
Yeah, that's right.
NOLAN
So she's sleeping pretty good?
HARPER
Oh, you really do not remember what it is like to have young kids, do you?
NOLAN
No, I guess I don't.
HARPER
I'm running on a cold brew and adrenaline, but it's worth it.
NOLAN
Right.
HARPER
Why, are you and Bailey thinking about having a kid?
NOLAN
She is.
HARPER
Ah.
NOLAN
I just don't know that I can juggle a kid and the job.
HARPER
Well, I manage. So does Lopez. So did Grey.
NOLAN
Right. But you're younger. So was he. Just starting out in your careers. I am a little late to the party. I've got maybe ten years to maximize my career before it's all but over.
HARPER
Look, it's a cliché, because it is true. There's really never a good time to have a kid. But you know, you make it work.
NOLAN
Thank you.
HARPER
Mm-hmm.
JUAREZ
I know who was sleeping with Teresa's boyfriend. So this is her and Mike last year before she was arrested. Anything look familiar?
NOLAN
Teresa's mom was wearing that shirt yesterday. And Teresa said she smelled great.
JUAREZ
Yeah, because she smelled like her boyfriend, and she didn't realize it until after.
NOLAN
And when she figured it out, she lost her mind and took off.
JUAREZ
But why go apologize to Doreen and not go straight to her mom's place?
NOLAN
Well, we've had a shop parked outside her mom's place since she escaped.
JUAREZ
But not Mike's place.
THORSEN
Miss Marcos, thanks for coming in on short notice.
MARCOS
Of course. You mentioned this had something to do with that horrible Karina Lewis murder?
THORSEN
Yes. Your boyfriend at the time, Ryan Jones, he used to work with Karina. Is that right?
MARCOS
Uh, yes.
THORSEN
And according to your statement, the night of the murder he was with you having dinner. Do you recall what time he arrived?
MARCOS
I don't know. Um, whatever I said back then must be right.
THORSEN
Well, you said 6:00 p.m.
MARCOS
OK. Then it was 6:00. Why am I here? They caught the guy.
THORSEN
We actually have new evidence indicating that he might be innocent, new evidence that implicates Ryan.
MARCOS
He said it-- it wasn't a big deal. He said that it would make things easier if I just said he was there at 6:00.
THORSEN
What time did you actually see Ryan that night?
MARCOS
Not until 9:00.
HARPER
Officer Thorsen? A word.
THORSEN
Yes, ma'am. Excuse me. She just blew up Ryan's alibi. He's our guy.
HARPER
What are you doing interviewing a witness without me?
THORSEN
I'm sorry. I should have notified you.
HARPER
Are you really this dense or are you just actively trying to jam me up?
THORSEN
No, it's not about you. This is about an innocent man sitting in prison.
HARPER
OK, listen, I know that this case is personal for you. But if you keep going rogue, you are going to ruin this man's chances of ever being released, OK? The paths to a new trial are incredibly narrow and almost all procedural. New evidence, even overwhelming evidence, does not guarantee his release.
THORSEN
OK. Well, that's not right.
HARPER
No, it is not, but it is the system that we are working in, which means that every step needs to be carefully considered.
THORSEN
OK. Well, Ryan's girlfriend just admitted to lying for him. She didn't see him until 9:00 that night. So what's our next step?
HARPER
OK. We-- we need a murder weapon. If we can match the ballistics from a .22 in Ryan's possession with the bullet that the ME found in Karina, then we have a case. But to get the gun, we need probable cause to get a warrant. And right now, we do not have that.
NOLAN
Brenda's here.
BRENDA
I wasn't even--
JUAREZ
Sounds like Teresa is here too.
TERESA
You liar. You're my mom. My fricking mom!
NOLAN
Control, 7-Adam-15 we have an on view 4-15 family at 1331 Arlington.
TERESA
You got her pregnant? I thought you didn't even want kids.
JUAREZ
Honestly, I'm with Teresa at this point.
NOLAN
Right. It's just a bat. Let's split up. I'm going to go around back.
JUAREZ
Oh, wait. Look at her waistband.
BRENDA
Come on, say that's enough.
NOLAN
All right, that changes things. She's enraged. It's going to be hard to get her to calm down. Get back to the cruiser. I want you to come racing in hot after 30 seconds, lights and sirens.
JUAREZ
Copy that.
TERESA
Augh!
NOLAN
Police. You're under arrest. And for the record, you are a terrible mother.
BRADFORD
Hey, my guy at State came through. Diplomatic plates we sent him belong to the Turkish embassy, but the guy in the car wasn't Turkish. He was Venezuelan. Gustav Martinez, military counterintelligence. Specialty is cracking down on anyone considered an enemy of the state.
CHEN
Dissidents.
LOPEZ
If Ray met with Gustav, it had to be for a job.
BRADFORD
Makes sense. Gustav can't operate domestically, so he hires Ray to kidnap or kill anyone on the outs at home. According to my guy, the most likely candidate is Elena Acosta, political activist.
ELENA ACOSTA
Hello?
BRADFORD
This is Sergeant Tim Bradford with the LAPD. We just received a credible threat on your life.
ACOSTA
They're here.
BRADFORD
Yell the name Ray Watkins right now. Do it. Ray Watkins.
ACOSTA
Ray Watkins. Ray Watkins. Ray Watkins. No. Ray Watkins.
WATKINS
Hey, Tim.
BRADFORD
We know about the Venezuelans, Ray, so let Elena go right now, and I'll push the DA's office to go easy on you.
WATKINS
Sorry, buddy, I got a job to do and a reputation to uphold. We're gonna have to let this one play out. Catch me if you can.
WATKINS
All right, put her inside. I'll let Neil know the container is ready to load.
LOPEZ
Get on the ground.
HENCHMAN
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
LOPEZ
Now.
BRADFORD
It's over, Ray.
CHEN
Stop. Show me your hands right now.
BRADFORD
Got your entire crew in custody. Should have changed it up after you caught me following you.
WATKINS
Yeah, I get a little cocky sometimes. I didn't know you'd be on me this early. You know killing me is your only play here.
BRADFORD
I'm not going to kill you, Ray. And there's no airstrike you can call in this time.
WATKINS
Are you kidding? I am the airstrike. I'm about to blow up your whole life.
WEST
Sergeant Bradford, this is a DII, or Department Initiated Investigation, which could result in discipline. Your continued employment with the LAPD is contingent on your full and truthful answers to my questions.
BRADFORD
I understand.
WEST
I want to be clear. Other people will deal with your crimes. I'm not questioning you as a suspect. My job is to investigate your accusations against Sergeant Bradford.
WATKINS
On that point, I am crystal clear.
WEST
When did you become aware that Ray Watkins was alive?
BRADFORD
Last week. I saw him entering a 7-Eleven.
WATKINS
Bradford and Mark Greer tracked me down, threatened me in my mother's home.
WEST
Was your mother there to witness that?
WATKINS
Yeah, but she's in the hospital. Doctors say it will be a miracle if she wakes up.
WEST
I'm sorry.
WATKINS
Don't be. But Mark, he was there.
BRADFORD
I haven't seen Mark Greer in a decade. I still get the occasional Christmas card.
WEST
According to the FAA, there's no record of Mark Greer flying into Los Angeles. No local credit card charges. His phone never left Arlington, and the army shows him as on base for the entire two weeks.
WATKINS
Clever man. He was planning to kill me, so he covered his tracks.
BRADFORD
Did I conspire to commit murder with a guy I haven't seen in ten years? No.
WEST
So Ray Watkins is lying.
BRADFORD
Little tip when dealing with Ray, if his lips are moving, he's lying.
WATKINS
Tim lied on the after action report. He said I was killed in action. I look dead to you?
BRADFORD
Why would I lie? My whole squad had been hit with friendly fire. I had lost three of my men.
WEST
Technically, two.
BRADFORD
Right, but I didn't know that until a few days ago. And it shook me.
WEST
Ray Watkins was AWOL. Why not contact military police when you learned he was alive?
BRADFORD
I wanted to be sure before I sounded the alarm.
WATKINS
Here's the truth. Bradford wanted to protect his career, so he lied about what actually happened. He participated in a cover-up, and he knowingly falsified official reports.
WEST
These are serious accusations. Is any part of what Ray said true?
BRADFORD
No. None of it.
HARPER
Hi. Uh, excuse me? Hi. I'm so sorry to interrupt, but um, what are you using?
RYAN
.44 Magnum.
HARPER
Is it heavy?
RYAN
You tell me.
HARPER
Oh, wow, you must be really strong to hold that.
RYAN
I lift.
HARPER
Oh, OK. So I am trying to decide on what to buy, and I want something that's light but still, like, accurate.
RYAN
Um, .38 is a good option.
HARPER
OK, I've heard of that. Um, a friend of mine, she has a .22 Rutger, and she loves it. She says it's light enough to hold in her purse.
RYAN
Ruger.
HARPER
A Ruger. A Ruger.Right.
RYAN
Yeah. .22 is a good choice for a delicate woman like you. No recoil.
HARPER
Oh, OK. Do you have one I could try? Please?
RYAN
Yeah, sure. I have a few with me.
HARPER
Yeah. OK.
HARPER
Thank you. Oh, wow. That is super light. Can I? Yeah? OK.
DEL MONTE
So I had a chance to look over the ballistics report. The bullets that you collected are a match for the bullet that killed Karina Lewis. An arrest warrant has been approved, and I will be signing a motion to vacate the conviction.
THORSEN
Really?
DEL MONTE
Yeah, I wouldn't have prosecuted if we'd had this evidence at the time.
THORSEN
That's awesome.
HARPER
No.
THORSEN
I probably shouldn't hug you, right?
DEL MONTE
Right.
HARPER
Let us know if you need anything.
DEL MONTE
Will do.
HARPER
And thank you.
DEL MONTE
No. Thank you for sticking with it. Good job.
WESLEY
And your campaign?
DEL MONTE
Well, doing the right thing, no matter how difficult, should be seen as a character strength, not a flaw.
WESLEY
Nice. You float that one by the advisors yet?
DEL MONTE
Damn right I did, and they loved it.
WESLEY
Oh, I bet they did.
NOLAN
Big plans this weekend?
JUAREZ
Uh, hide in my room, wear blinders to the kitchen. I need to move, huh?
NOLAN
Definitely.
JUAREZ
What about you? What's going on with the whole, uh, baby situation?
NOLAN
Mostly I've just been avoiding thinking about it all day.
JUAREZ
And now?
NOLAN
And now, having a kid... Has been the greatest joy of my life. So why would I want to deny her that?
WEST
In light of Ray's numerous crimes, his statements against you appear retaliatory in nature. Because your after action reports have been accepted as factual by your military superiors, which there's no evidence to suggest otherwise, this DII is closed with a finding of not sustained.
BRADFORD
Thank you, sir.
WEST
Always a pleasure.
GREY
Yeah.
WEST
We should get the wives together soon, have some dinner.
GREY
I would love that. You know this isn't over.
BRADFORD
I know.
GREY
You violated procedure in pursuit of a suspect and roped in two other officers? What if Ms. Acosta had been killed because you didn't utilize proper channels and resources? It was wrong.
BRADFORD
I know.
GREY
I'm required to notify your metro commander. What she does with it is up to her.
BRADFORD
Sir--
GREY
You're dismissed.
CHEN
Come here. How did it go with IA?
BRADFORD
I lied about everything. But I mean, it saved my job, right? Protected you and Lopez.
CHEN
It was an impossible situation. I would have done the same thing if I was in your place.
BRADFORD
You wouldn't have been in my place. You never would have put self-interest over your team.
CHEN
You thought you could handle it. You were wrong, but you made it right, so it's fine.
BRADFORD
Yeah. Yeah. I wish it was that easy. Lucy, I just lied to two men I deeply respect, OK? I just betrayed everything I thought was right about myself.
CHEN
Tim.
BRADFORD
No, no. You got to let me finish, OK? This is very hard for me to say.
CHEN
OK.
BRADFORD
Lucy, I've been lying to myself for a long time. That's clear to me now, and I can't-- I can't just go back to the way things were. Not right now. Maybe never.
CHEN
Wait. Are you breaking up with me?
BRADFORD
I'm sorry.
CHEN
You don't-- you don't get to do that. You don't get to lie to me and then use that as an excuse to leave me, OK? That's not OK. That's not OK.
BRADFORD
I know. I know.
CHEN
What you're doing is not OK.
BRADFORD
I know. You-- you are an incredible person.
CHEN
No.
BRADFORD
No, you're incredible, OK? You deserve so much better.
CHEN
Oh my God.
BRADFORD
That's why I'm walking away.
CHEN
Don't do this. Why are you doing this?
BRADFORD
I'm sorry.
NOLAN
Are you learning baby sign language?
BAILEY
Maybe. How about we just forget about the elephant in the room for tonight, make some dinner, and enjoy some time together?
NOLAN
I think that's a great idea. But you may want to lay off the wine if I'm going to get you pregnant later tonight.
BAILEY
Is that what we're doing?
NOLAN
Oh, yes, with much enthusiasm.
BAILEY
Are you sure?
NOLAN
Hydrating.
BAILEY
Do we have to wait till after dinner?
NOLAN
Nope. Grab my water. Thank you. You're in trouble.