THE ROOKIE
Season 3, Episode 14
"Threshold"
Previously on The Rookie...
LOPEZ
We're not picking a name until B-day.
WESLEY
I had no idea you were this superstitious.
LOPEZ
I just wear a talisman a drug lord gave me to keep evil spirits away from my unborn child.
DE LA CRUZ
Nice of you to see us off.
LOPEZ
Gun!
DE LA CRUZ
Killing Cesar would be unsatisfying. But if Cesar's child were to die --
CHEN
We knew a gang war was coming, right?
GREY
Which presents an opportunity.
CHEN
You want me to go back in as the chemist?
CHEN
You abducted me when you know what I have been through!
HARPER
Do you still want this?
CHEN
Yeah, I do.
EXT. ROOFTOP, NIGHT
DET. NYLA HARPER is going over OFFICER LUCY CHEN's undercover situation with her one last time. The scene alternates between the rooftop where they're talking and the hotel room where CHEN is staying.
HARPER
Tell me.
CHEN
My cover is Nova Lin, former chemistry major with a bent moral compass and a fortune in student loan debt.
HARPER
Court records will show you made bail yesterday, and your cover will be fully papered. So you are back out in the wild and open for business. You'll make camp at the Hollywood Premiere Motel; it is the bottom of the barrel, the last branch you hit on your way down. And it will send the message that you are desperate to make money. Tell me the number-one rule of undercover work.
CHEN
No case is worth my life. At any time before the operation begins, I have the authority to pull the plug and pull out of this op. Once I'm out there and things go sideways, defend myself or run away. There is no shame in running away.
HARPER
Your mission is to identify everyone conspiring to manufacture and distribute narcotics. Stick to that objective. Unless your targets are conspiring to commit murder, make a mental note and move on. Illegal weapons, stolen property, cars -- ignore it. You are not to take action on misdemeanors unless it advances this case. Policy, procedure, and the law -- those are your guidelines. You can defend yourself. You can defend others. You can even use deadly force without revealing your identity. But whenever possible, talk your way out of a dangerous situation. This isn't like the deal we did with Coco. This time you'll be alone. There is no surveillance van outside; there is no rescue team next door. Your only contact will be with me, making regular reports at both 9:00 A.M. and midnight. Now for the hard part. It was for me, anyway. Let me have it. Final words, and listen closely. There is a chance that nothing will happen, that Salonga won't make contact, that the only thing you'll get is a paid vacation to the Hep C Motel. But you can never let down your guard, never relax. Because if it comes, when it comes, you will have to do everything right. Because one wrong move, one wrong word, one wrong look, and you're dead.
INT. JOHN NOLAN'S HOUSE, DAY
There's a knock on NOLAN's door. He opens the door to find a woman wrapped in only a towel on his doorstep.
NOLAN
Hello - !
BAILEY
Hi! I'm sorry to bother you - I'm dog-sitting for your neighbors and I kind of locked myself out.
NOLAN ducks out of sight and returns to hand BAILEY an LAPD hoodie.
NOLAN
Here you go.
BAILEY
Oh my God, yes. Not sure how much time you've spent in public wearing only a towel, but it's terrifying.
She's putting on the hoodie as she speaks.
NOLAN
Um, did you want to come in?
BAILEY
You're not a serial killer, are you? Not that that wouldn't be the perfect bookend to this morning from hell.
She comes in and NOLAN shuts the door.
NOLAN
Well, actually, I'm a police officer, so the truth is, I'm sworn to protect you.
BAILEY
Me, personally?
NOLAN
You, especially. -- So I'm imagining the dog got out while you were getting in the shower.
BAILEY
That little ass was sitting on the lawn, staring at me through the window. So I threw on a towel, went out to get him, and, well, the rest is obvious.
NOLAN
Which house are you staying in?
BAILEY
The green Craftsman.
NOLAN
Ronnie and Dylan's place. I think they gave me a spare key.
He goes to rummage in a drawer. BAILEY drifts along to follow.
BAILEY
My luck is turning around. I'm Bailey, by the way.
NOLAN
John. How do you know Ronnie and Dylan?
BAILEY
I work with Ronnie.
NOLAN
You're a firefighter?
BAILEY
Yeah. But you can't tell Ronnie about this, because the firehouse would never let me live it down.
NOLAN
No problem. It'll be our first secret.
BAILEY
I like that. (looking around) And I love your place.
NOLAN
Thank you. I put a lot of work into it.
BAILEY
Well, you got skills. You live here alone?
NOLAN
I do. -- (holding up the key) And I found it. So, now, do you need any help finding the dog?
BAILEY
No, he's back in the house. I don't know how, but when I got outside, he was in the bathroom, staring at me, and I swear that little bastard was laughing.
NOLAN
To be honest, I've never really cared for him.
BAILEY
Really?
NOLAN
Yeah. I mean, he's so cute, but he so knows it.
BAILEY
I know. (as they move toward the front door) Thank you for saving me - I will return the sweatshirt to you.
NOLAN
My shift ends at eight - maybe I could grab some takeout on the way home -- we could spend dinner plotting your revenge against your canine nemesis.
BAILEY
I'd like that.
NOLAN
Then it's a date. I'll wear my fancy towel.
BAILEY giggles as she steps out of the house.
BAILEY
Thanks again.
NOLAN
Bye.
INT. LOPEZ/EVERS HOUSE, DAY
LOPEZ is unwrapping a package just delivered as WESLEY enters the room.
LOPEZ
Your mom sent another stroller.
WESLEY
How many kids does she think we're having? (answers the door) Uh, Tim and Jackson are here.
BRADFORD and WEST enter. BRADFORD is holding a clear riot shield.
BRADFORD
Good morning.
LOPEZ
There's bad news. And you think a riot shield will save you.
BRADFORD
Save us? No. Protect us from major bodily injury? Hopefully.
LOPEZ
Must be really bad if you brought Jackson.
WEST
I'm here for my calming presence.
He smiles charmingly.
BRADFORD
I mean, who could be angry looking at that face?
LOPEZ
What happened?
BRADFORD
I got a call this morning about Ralph Hall.
LOPEZ
No.
BRADFORD
The feds discovered that his venue was being used as a cover for money laundering.
LOPEZ
His venue. My venue. (to WESLEY) Our wedding venue.
WEST
Yes. And at 5:04 this morning, it was seized by the FBI.
WEST and BRADFORD duck behind the riot shield, anticipating an explosion.
WESLEY
Angela...
LOPEZ
Oh, it's over.
LOPEZ is in tears, but she's putting her foot down.
WESLEY
What? No, no, no, we can find another place.
LOPEZ
No. We won't. I'm done. We're getting married Saturday at the courthouse.
WESLEY
We are not getting married at the courthouse.
LOPEZ
Then find someplace. But we're getting married Saturday, and I'm done thinking about it. I don't need fancy. I never needed fancy. I just wanna be married.
WESLEY recognizes his priorities and rises to the challenge as LOPEZ exits the house.
WESLEY
(calling after her) We're on it.
BRADFORD & WEST
We?!
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - BRIEFING ROOM
GREY, HARPER, and LOPEZ are speaking to the assembled shift.
GREY
The war is over. Word is, the last of Cesar's lieutenants have kissed La Fiera's ring and joined Malos Dorados.
LOPEZ
In less than two weeks, Sandra de la Cruz has become the second-biggest player in Southern California.
HARPER
And she is not slowing down. We are hearing that any crew that is unaffiliated is getting pressured to join her.
GREY
So talk to your street contacts and your C.I.s. Alert Narcotics of any intel you collect.
NOLAN
Where's Cesar?
LOPEZ
No one knows. But Sandra's definitely hunting him.
NOLAN
You know, if we could get to him first, we could flip him. Use his anger against La Fiera to sabotage his old operation.
HARPER
You are not the first to think of that. In fact, a task force has been dedicated to finding him.
GREY
But if you think you can succeed where they've failed, knock yourself out.
He sounds skeptical, but NOLAN takes the suggestion hopefully.
NOLAN
Yes, sir.
GREY
Oh, and Smitty will be your T.O. today.
SMITTY
Sarge, the kid only has a few days left as a rookie. I'm cool with letting him ride solo today.
GREY
You are? Oh, well, I'm not.
SMITTY
(aside) Worth a shot.
GREY
Anything else?
BRADFORD stands up.
BRADFORD
Yes, sir. Lopez's wedding is now Saturday. You are all officially uninvited unless you hear otherwise. Spread the word. (at officers grumbling) Guys. It's a first marriage.
GREY
Okay, that's it. Be safe out there.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - RECEPTION AREA
WESLEY is talking to PATRICE EVERS, his mother, about wedding arrangements.
WESLEY
Okay, the wedding is now on Saturday, which means we have two days to plan and pull off a ceremony and a reception. Can you help?
PATRICE
Are you kidding? I've been preparing for this moment my whole life.
WEST enters to join the conversation.
WESLEY
Yeah, except it's gotta be what Angela wants.
PATRICE
Don't worry. I got that message loud and clear. But I could use some help.
WEST
Oh, well, we figured that, so we hired you an elite team.
TAMARA COLINS and SILAS MARCH enter, discussing relative merits of various fictional heroes.
TAMARA
Powerpuff Girls could totally take out the Avengers.
SILAS
No. They don't exist in the same universe. That fight could never happen.
TAMARA
But it could, 'cause it's all just made up anyway, right?
SILAS
There are rules.
WEST
Okay, what's the problem?
TAMARA
Silas is being difficult.
SILAS
Silas has autism, and rules help him make sense of the world.
WESLEY
Tamara, Silas, this is my mother, Patrice. You'll be helping her today. (to PATRICE) Are you okay with that arrangement?
PATRICE
Oh, of course. From the outfit, Tamara clearly has good taste. And Silas' attention to detail will be a godsend. Now, I don't know about you two, but I do my best work with a beverage. Maybe a little food to go along with it?
SILAS
Yes, please.
TAMARA
I could eat.
PATRICE gives WESLEY a thumbs-up and she leaves the station with her elite team.
WESLEY
This just might work.
WEST
Mmm-hmm.
INT. PATROL CAR - SMITTY/NOLAN
NOLAN
If you were the entitled but no-too-bright son of a dead drug lord, betrayed by your people and hunted by apex predators, where would you go?
SMITTY
Vegas.
NOLAN
Because?
SMITTY
I know I'm gonna die, and I want to do it in Sin City.
NOLAN
Can't argue with that. Smitty, can I ask you a personal question?
SMITTY
I'm currently single and very open to being set up.
NOLAN
That's not -- I -- You must have wanted something more than this, at one point, right? You had ambition, maybe, when you were younger?
SMITTY
You want the truth?
NOLAN
I do.
SMITTY
Faulkner wrote, "You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore." I like the shore. Look, I get it. You want the stink of being held back as a rookie off you, and finding Cesar and flipping him is a way to do it. But how you gonna pull that off as a rookie with no street intel?
NOLAN
I'm gonna talk to Cesar's girlfriend.
SMITTY
Half the department's already taken a run at her.
NOLAN
Yeah, but I saved her life.
EXT. HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE MOTEL, DAY
CHEN comes back to her room from the laundry room with a full basket and notices that the piece of tape she used to mark the door has been broken. She pulls her weapon from her back pocket and hides it in the basket, then opens the door. There are three strange men in her room.
CHEN
You don't look like housekeeping.
SALONGA
Nova, right? Like the star.
CHEN
Who the hell are you?
SALONGA
Dahrio Salonga. My brother sends his regards.
CHEN
Aldo. Yeah, I met the old man once. It got me arrested. Whatever you're here for, it's a hard pass.
SALONGA
We need a cook.
HALF LIFE
A good one.
SALONGA
Who can make a lot of product.
MAN #3
Good quality product.
CHEN
I said pass. Your brother runs a leaky ship. I'm not getting back on board.
MAN #3
Leak's been plugged. Permanently.
MAN #2
Yeah, he went down ugly. We even gave it a name - the Sato Special.
SALONGA glares at him.
CHEN
See, I don't want to know that. Just like I don't want to know you.
SALONGA
Yeah, you do. We've been watching you. You're not exactly on an upward trajectory. Cooking for us will get you paid.
CHEN
You've been watching me?
SALONGA
Had to make sure you didn't make a deal with the cops to get bail. Now we know. So we're gonna take a ride together, do some business.
CHEN
Ride to where?
SALONGA
You'll see. Put down the laundry. Leave the gun in the basket.
MAN #3 draws a weapon and aims it at CHEN's head. CHEN puts the laundry basket down and MAN #2 comes over to take her weapon out of it.
CHEN
I'm gonna want that back.
SALONGA
Uh-huh. Let's go.
CHEN
Um, can I get a jacket?
SALONGA
Sure.
CHEN walks back to the closet area and opens the door, which hides her (mostly) from SALONGA's view. She takes a jacket off the hanger and at the same time takes the gun she has hidden in the closet and puts it in her pocket. She comes out to face SALONGA.
CHEN
Thank you. ... Okay, I'm ready.
SALONGA
Give me your phone.
CHEN
What? No. You already got my gun. No.
SALONGA
I'm not asking. ...
CHEN reluctantly hands her phone to him; he turns it off.
SALONGA
Now, let's go.
CHEN leaves the room first, and SALONGA tosses the phone on the bed before following her.
EXT. STREET, DAY
NOLAN's shop is parked at the curb; he's leaning on it, waiting for REYNA to come by. She's walking on the sidewalk with a stroller and a man escorting her.
NOLAN
Reyna.
REYNA
Look, I already spoke to a bunch of cops. I don't know where Cesar is.
NOLAN
I - I'm sorry, who is the happiest baby? (grins at the baby in the stroller) God, those chubby cheeks, too.
REYNA
I know I owe you for everything, okay? For saving us. But I don't know where Cesar is. I haven't spoken to him in over a week.
NOLAN
And who's paying his paycheck?
He nods at the man standing beside REYNA.
REYNA
Nobody. It's my cousin, Hector. I got two cousins even bigger back at the house.
NOLAN
Good. Well, you probably won't need them any more once La Fiera murders Cesar, which she will one hundred per cent do, when she finds him. He's only got one chance, and that's to make a deal with us. Witness Protection.
REYNA
He won't go for it. He's too proud to be seen as a rat.
NOLAN
Well then, it's your job to convince him it's not snitching when you torpedo your enemies. It's not snitching to live long enough to be a father to your child. There's no other way out. Just have him call me.
NOLAN gives her his card and goes back to talk to SMITTY.
SMITTY
She gonna call?
NOLAN
She'll call Cesar. Whether or not he calls me...I don't know.
A man runs out of a store nearby with the SHOPKEEPER in pursuit.
SHOPKEEPER
Stop! Hey, hey, hey! Stop! Hey, guys! Shoplifter!
NOLAN
Back to work.
SMITTY jumps out of the shop and he and NOLAN chase the shoplifter, who ducks between buildings only to be stopped when he spills his armload of snacks and comes up against a dead end. NOLAN slips on one of the dropped items and falls to one knee against a metal fence.
SMITTY
Stop! Nowhere to go! (to NOLAN) You all right?
NOLAN
Yeah, yeah, I just jammed my hand. Ow!
SMITTY
(cuffing the thief) I'll call an ambulance.
NOLAN
No, it's just dislocated. It's happened before - one of the occupational hazards of working construction. (pulling the injured finger back in place) Ah! I'm good. I'm good. Ow.
INT. CAR, DAY
CHEN is driving SALONGA and HALF LIFE somewhere in SALONGA's car.
CHEN
As the driver, it would be helpful to know where I'm going.
HALF LIFE
You seem nervous.
CHEN
Nah, it's every girl's dream to drive to an undisclosed location with two armed men.
SALONGA
Relax. We just need to pick up the ingredients for the cook.
CHEN
"Pick up." You mean steal.
SALONGA
Just keep driving straight.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION - HOLDING
ADA SEAN DELMONTE is talking to SGT. GREY when SMITTY and NOLAN bring in their shoplifter.
DELMONTE
I'm just asking for a little help. It makes my job a lot harder when the paperwork isn't right.
GREY
Nolan! You okay? I heard you got injured in your foot pursuit.
NOLAN
I dislocated my finger, nondominant hand - it'll be sore for a couple of days, I'll be good to go.
DELMONTE
That guy assaulted you?
NOLAN
No, I slipped when we came -
DELMONTE
Excuse me for a second. (answering his phone) Hey, Judge, thanks for calling. (to NOLAN) Listen, don't worry, I got your back. (into the phone) -- Not you.
NOLAN
(as DELMONTE exits the area) Thanks.
GREY
Make sure you document that injury. It may seem like it's nothing now, but turn into a big issue down the road. You need a paper trail.
NOLAN
Yes, sir. Incidentally, I spoke to Reyna, Cesar's girlfriend. I think there's a chance he'll reach out.
GREY
(smiling) The optimism of a rookie. It burns bright, and then it's gone forever.
SMITTY
Hey Nolan, our guy just peed himself. Take care of that, will ya?
NOLAN exchanges a look with GREY, who laughs.
EXT. WEDDING GARDEN, DAY
PATRICE is inspecting the venue with TAMARA and SILAS in tow.
TAMARA
This place is beautiful.
SILAS
(about the non-functional fountain) They really shouldn't leave standing water like that. It attracts mosquitoes, and mosquitoes carry disease.
PATRICE
We'll make sure that's running before the wedding. And hire an exterminator.
The man in charge of the venue, PAUL, enters the area, surprised to find visitors.
PAUL
Sorry, we're closed for repairs.
PATRICE
We saw that on your website. Which means you have nothing booked for Saturday.
PAUL
Right. Because we're closed for repairs. A pipe burst -- there was extensive damage.
TAMARA
We know. We saw it on your website. So Mr. Nolan reached out to your contractor and arranged for some friends to come and get this damage fixed by Saturday.
PAUL
He - he what?
SILAS
Mrs. Evers' son Wesley is getting married here on Saturday. It won't be a big wedding because it's last-minute and people won't be able to travel.
PAUL
But we're closed, and you can't --
PATRICE
Oh, of course we can. And we did. And I'm going to expect a discount since you'll be able to start holding events here weeks ahead of schedule. Now let's you and I discuss what you'll be able to provide on short notice and what I'm going to have to bring in.
She takes his arm and they stroll off. PAUL looks bemused.
INT. CAR - CHEN/SALONGA
CHEN
Look, I don't know what Aldo told you about me, but this isn't what I do, okay? I'm a chemist. I don't know how to pull off a - a heist.
HALF LIFE
A heist? That's way fancier than what we're gonna do. Nah, this is gonna be a lot of "Get on the floor! This is a robbery! Don't move, or I'll kill you!"
SALONGA
You're coming to make sure we steal the right stuff.
CHEN
Look, I have a contact who can get us what we need. It'll just take a few days.
SALONGA
We don't have a few days. If we don't deliver the product we owe, things go badly. For all of us.
HALF LIFE
Besides, why pay when we can steal it for free?
CHEN spots a patrol car near an intersection and accelerates, nearly getting hit by a car which has the right of way. As it happens, the patrol car is manned by BRADFORD and WEST.
BRADFORD
Light 'em up.
They use lights and sirens to make CHEN pull over.
CHEN
(glancing in her rear view mirror) Damn it.
BRADFORD
It's Lucy.
WEST
What do we do?
BRADFORD
Treat it like any other stop. But we do not run anyone in that car.
INT. CAR - CHEN/SALONGA
SALONGA
(cocking his weapon) Lean back in your seat.
CHEN
What are you doing?
SALONGA
You're out on bail. Half Life's got a warrant, and this ride is stolen. There's no way these cops are gonna let us go. (to HALF LIFE) When I pop this guy, bail out and cap his partner.
CHEN
Wait...wait, wait, wait. Before we start shooting cops in broad daylight, can we - just let me try something, okay?
SALONGA
What?
CHEN
Flirting. I haven't gotten a ticket since I was sixteen, I know how to get out of them, okay? Just trust me. -- (to BRADFORD, who has approached her window) I'm sorry, Officer, was I going too fast?
BRADFORD
Yes, ma'am. You almost caused an accident.
CHEN
We're in a hurry. It's my brother's birthday, and I haven't gotten any party supplies.
BRADFORD
License and registration, please.
CHEN
C'mon, you don't really need that, do you? You should come to the party after work. We'd have fun.
BRADFORD takes a long look at the other two people in the car.
BRADFORD
Yeah. I bet we would. ... All right, I'm gonna let you go with a warning this time. But slow down, okay?
CHEN
Yeah, I promise. Thank you so much.
BRADFORD
Yeah. Have fun at that party.
He returns to his shop and CHEN breathes a sigh of relief.
CHEN
See? Cops are easy. You just gotta know how to play them.
INT. PATROL CAR - BRADFORD/WEST and MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY
BRADFORD calls HARPER on his cell.
HARPER
What's up?
BRADFORD
We just pulled over Lucy in a red SUV, definitely stolen. She was with two serious-looking men.
HARPER immediately starts taking notes.
HARPER
Any idea where they were going?
BRADFORD
Negative. But she said they were picking up supplies for her brother's party.
HARPER
Salonga has a brother. Dahrio. She could mean he's who's with her. And party supplies obviously means ingredients for a cook. Where are you?
BRADFORD
South of Wilshire Park.
HARPER is performing a computer search for chemical storage facilities in BRADFORD's area.
HARPER
All right, there are three chemical storage supply companies in that vicinity.
BRADFORD
Well, they're gonna rob one of them.
HARPER
And we're gonna let it happen.
EXT. SUTHERLAND CHEMICAL, DAY - LOADING DOCK
CHEN pulls up to the loading dock at the rear of the building. MAN #3 is waiting with a van. SALONGA hands CHEN a plastic mask.
SALONGA
All right. Here we go.
CHEN
Why do I have to go in? I can just write down what I need. I'm a cook, not a crook.
SALONGA
You're whatever I say you are.
CHEN
Hey, if anybody gets hurt, I'm out.
SALONGA
That's not how it works. You can't only be in the game a little. That's how you get killed. Now come on.
The three men put on their masks and arm themselves. They burst into the facility with CHEN following.
SALONGA
Go, go, go, go!
MEN
Don't move! Everybody down, right now! Get down! Right now!
SALONGA
(to security guard) Oh no! Don't. Don't do it. Unless you want a closed-casket funeral. Touch that gun and you're dead, do you hear me?
CHEN has a weapon stuck in her waistband and she slowly draws it, ready to defend the guard.
SALONGA
Don't make me kill you! Come on! Down!
The guard raises his hands and lies down on the floor. CHEN puts her gun away.
SALONGA
(to CHEN) Hey, what are you doing? Get her.
WOMAN
(terrified, as CHEN guides her to a chair) Don't hurt me. Don't.
CHEN
I'm not gonna hurt you. Sit down, right here.
HALF LIFE
(to the WOMAN) Hey, mama. You're a sexy one, aren't you?
SALONGA
Watch them. Anyone as much as twitches, blow their brains out. Let's go. Nova, let's go!
HARPER
Tell me.
DISPATCH
A silent alarm was just triggered at Sutherland Chemical. Do you want us to alert available units?
HARPER
Yes, but advise them to keep clear of the area until further notice. And get an airship over there so we can see where they go when they leave.
INT. SUTHERLAND CHEMICAL, DAY
HALF LIFE
I might just take you with us. Would you like that? Come on, baby.
SALONGA
That's it?
CHEN
Uh, yeah, and then we're done.
SALONGA
I'll grab one, you get the other one.
CHEN
I got a bad back.
SALONGA
I don't care.
HALF LIFE
We'll see how scared you can get.
SALONGA
What are you doing? Roll it out here.
CHEN
Yeah, you take it the rest of the way. I'll go get Half Life. -- Hey, we're outta here. Let's go.
HALF LIFE
We were just getting friendly.
CHEN
Let's go right now.
HALF LIFE
Don't touch me.
SALONGA
Hey! Let's move!
HALF LIFE
Hey. See you soon.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - BULLPENHARPER
It's over. They stole the precursors for meth. No one was hurt. From the security footage, Lucy navigated policy and procedure perfectly. She avoided crossing the threshold with stolen property.
GREY
Where is she now?
HARPER
I don't know. The airship didn't get there in time, and Dahrio had a switch vehicle nearby. We lost her.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING, DAY - NOLAN/SMITTY
NOLAN
Well, this is where Reyna said Cesar is hiding out.
SMITTY
I don't even know why you're still working. A busted finger gets you a week off at least.
NOLAN
Cesar. Don't run. Reyna told us where to find you.
CESAR
She shouldn't have done that. I'm not making a deal.
NOLAN
Sniper! -- 7-Adam-15, shots fired. Shooter is on the roof of a building one block west of 9731 Hickory. He's on the run. Requesting backup and R.A. unit for a gunshot victim, not conscious, not breathing.
LOPEZ
You two all right?
SMITTY
22 years on the job without incident. One shift with the unlucky charm -- a freaking sniper. I need a moment.
NOLAN
Did you manage to track the shooter?
LOPEZ
No, he even took the shell casing. But it's got to be La Fiera's doing, and now that she's gotten her revenge, I'll bet she'll head home to Guatemala, lay low in friendly territory until the dust settles.
NOLAN
She was tracing Reyna's calls.
LOPEZ
Most likely.
NOLAN
And I led her straight to him.
LOPEZ
Don't do that to yourself. You were trying to do the right thing. It's not your fault.
NOLAN
I'm sorry - will you excuse me? I have an ADA problem.
BRADFORD
We should have stopped it.
HARPER
It was my call. And Lucy handled herself like a pro. She was hot-walking those guys around like she's been doing it for years. She is clear that if she is in over her head, she can pull herself out.
BRADFORD
She won't, and you know it. There's no quit in Chen.
HARPER
Look, she's due for a check-in at midnight. I will take her temperature then; if I feel like she's in too deep, then we can go get her.
BRADFORD
Call me right after.
HARPER
All right.
BRADFORD
Now I gotta go to my second job -- planning Lopez' emergency wedding.
WEST
Plates and flatware are under "food", right?
SILAS
Yes. Even though we don't eat the plates, they still fall under the food category.
WEST
Copy that.
PATRICE
Great. So that leaves --
SILAS
Flowers, music, an officiant, cake, and a marriage license.
BRADFORD
Nope. Picked up the license during lunch.
TAMARA
And I got the music. My performing arts teacher is a cellist. I told her to learn the "Wedding March" and some Cardi B.
PATRICE
Who?
WEST
Never mind. She's joking.
SILAS
I feel bad.
WESLEY
Why?
SILAS
Well, this is for something special. Tamara and I are doing it for money. It doesn't feel right.
PATRICE
Oh, nonsense. You two are providing a service. It has value, and you should get paid for it.
WESLEY
It doesn't make your help any less special, or appreciated. Okay?
SILAS
Okay.
PATRICE
Seriously, who is Cardi B.?
BRADFORD
Let me show you a video.
WESLEY
Nuh-uh. Nope.
MID-WILSHIRE STATION, NIGHT - PARKING GARAGE
NOLAN
Mr. Del Monte, do you have a minute?
DEL MONTE
Nolan. Uh, not really, I'm kind of late for dinner.
NOLAN
You charged my shoplifter with felony assault. Why?
DEL MONTE
Look at your hand.
NOLAN
I slipped and fell.
DEL MONTE
While in pursuit of a suspect. Wouldn't have happened if he hadn't committed the crime.
NOLAN
He committed a misdemeanor. We can't up-charge him to a felony because I was clumsy.
DEL MONTE
No, relax. It's not gonna go to trial. This guy's gonna plead out, I'll knock it down to, like, reckless endangerment, he'll get a couple of years' probation, tops. It's fine.
NOLAN
And a felony on his record, which will affect every aspect of his life from here on out. How can that be justice?
DEL MONTE
Look, I know you're still new at all this, but that's exactly what it is -- it's justice. And actually, last time I checked, I have a pretty sterling reputation with your police unit, so --
NOLAN
It's still wrong, and you know it.
DEL MONTE
How about this? I won't tell you how to arrest them, and you won't tell me how to charge them. Good talk.
INT. NOLAN'S HOUSE, NIGHT
NOLAN
You made it! Come in!
BAILEY
Thank you, again. I washed it.
NOLAN
Oh, you didn't have to do that.
BAILEY
Oh, good, 'cause I didn't. Seconds ago, on your doorstep, I realized a better person would've washed it, so I said I did, but... now I'm caught in a tangle of lies.
NOLAN
Bailey, this is Fiona.
RYAN
Hello.
BAILEY
Hi. I-I didn't realize it was a party.
RYAN
A party?
NOLAN
No. Uh, sorry. I w-would've called you, um, but I don't know your last name and I didn't have your number. Uh, Fiona Ryan is my ethics and law professor. She's helping me with an emergency work issue. But you're welcome to stay. I-I want you to stay.
BAILEY
Will there still be food?
NOLAN
Yes.
BAILEY
Then I'll stay.
NOLAN
Excellent choice.
BAILEY
So, what's the issue?
RYAN
John just became aware of the systemic problem of overcharging in the justice system.
NOLAN
Okay, when you say it like that, you make me sound naive. I had a wobbler today. It's a crime that could be charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony.
RYAN
Yes, and the ADA went ahead and charged it as a felony, even though it was not one.
BAILEY
Things are so much more simple in the UCMJ. Uniform Code of Military Justice.
NOLAN
I thought you were a firefighter.
BAILEY
I am. I'm also a reserve in the Army National Guard. And a capoeira instructor, in case you ever want to learn dance fighting.
RYAN
Ooh, I love dance fighting. Oh, it's the most excellent workout. I do it every Thursday night after I volunteer at the ACLU.
NOLAN
Okay, between the two of you, I'm officially starting to feel like a slacker.
BAILEY
[ Laughs ] Good. So, why can't you just go to this D.A. guy and ask him not to charge a felony?
NOLAN
Well, cops don't decide on the charges. The D.A.'s office does that.
RYAN
Oh, do not leave out the department's complicity in this problem, John. Police officers are ordered to write up almost all wobblers as felonies.
BAILEY
Mm.
NOLAN
Not ordered. Strongly encouraged. And where we don't, the D.A. almost always upcharges to the felony anyway.
BAILEY
So what are you gonna do? And don't let the fact that this decision will tell me everything I need to know about you as a person sway your choice.
RYAN
[ Laughs ] Oh, I like her. I like you. Mm-hmm.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - BULLPEN
HARPER
Lucy missed her check-in.
BRADFORD
She's cooking.
HARPER
You don't know that for sure.
BRADFORD
She's either cooking or she's dead.
HARPER
She's not dead.
BRADFORD
Then she's making product. From the chemicals she stole, we know it's meth. All right, that takes four to eight hours. Look, you and I both know it's against the law for her to allow product she cooked to hit the streets. If we don't find her, she's gonna stop it by herself... or die trying.
INT. METH LAB, NIGHT
CHEN
[ Sighs ]
SALONGA
Are you done?
CHEN
No. I'm just getting started. It's gonna take me all night.
SALONGA
Why? You've been at it for three hours already. I want it finished and out the door by sunrise.
CHEN
Yeah, and I want a mansion and a yacht, but I'm dealing with chemicals that'll explode if you look at them funny, so I'll take the time I need.
SALONGA
It's out by sunrise, or it's over.
SALONGA
Where's the rest of it?
CHEN
The lab you built me was undersized, so I only had enough time to make one batch.
SALONGA
Why the hell are you telling me that now?
CHEN
'Cause I wasn't in the mood to have this conversation.
[ Grunts ]
SALONGA
I'm done with your attitude. I can find another cook.
CHEN
Wait, wait. Look, I'm sorry. It's -- It's been a long night. But I can make some more. And it'll be quicker this time. I promise.
SALONGA
Do it. But I'm not waiting. Half-Life will stay while you cook. I gotta get this out on the street.
CHEN
It should all go out together.
SALONGA
Why?
[ Gunfire ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
[ Man screams ]
[ Gunfire ]
HENCHMAN
Aah!
[ Cellphone dialing, rings ]
CHEN
Hey. It's me. La Fiera's here. Mission Road -- hurry.
SALONGA
Okay, I-I give up, I give up! iNo más! iNo más!
CHEN
It's okay. It's okay. Amiga. Amiga!
DE LA CRUZ
Amiga, huh? Who says I need a friend?
CHEN
Everybody needs a friend. Especially one with certain skills.
DE LA CRUZ
You want to come work for me?
CHEN
It's clearly my best option.
DE LA CRUZ
I haven't said it was an option yet.
SALONGA
[ Groans ]
DE LA CRUZ
I hear you're running Aldo's operation. You owe product to the Madrigal family, which means you owe it to me now.
SALONGA
Sure. No problem. I can give you half right now. It's already in the truck. And she can make the rest.
DE LA CRUZ
She can? Then what do I need you for?
SALONGA
Wait.
DE LA CRUZ
You can make the rest, right?
CHEN
Yes, ma'am. There's enough chemicals here. I just... I need my hands free.
[ Blade clicks ]
DE LA CRUZ
You look familiar to me.
CHEN
I can't imagine why. We've never met.
DE LA CRUZ
I'm not so sure. [ Gun cocks ] I have a very good memory for faces.
CHEN
I -- I swear, I'd remember you. You're unforgettable. I'm just a nobody.
[ Banging ]
[ Groans ]
DE LA CRUZ
You're not a nobody, are you?
CHEN
No, I'm a cop. And you're under arrest.
LOPEZ
You stole my line.
BRADFORD
I thought you said she needed rescuing.
LOPEZ
Turn around, hermana. Hands behind your back. I told you it was gonna end this way.
[ Police radio chatter ]
HARPER
You okay?
CHEN
Let's just go with yes. How'd you guys get here so fast? Not that I'm complaining.
BRADFORD
When you didn't report in last night, Sergeant Grey called the chief, who called every law enforcement agency in Southern California.
HARPER
400 cops just spent the night looking for you.
CHEN
[ Exhales sharply ] Wow.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - GREY's OFFICE
DEL MONTE
I told you to leave it alone.
NOLAN
You did. And I didn't.
GREY
And now he's got me on his side.
DEL MONTE
Okay, fine. I'll -- I'll knock down the assault charge on his shoplifter.
GREY
Not good enough. I just got off the phone with three other division watch commanders. As of tomorrow, we're instructing all our officers to treat wobblers as a misdemeanor, never a felony, unless there's damn good reason to.
NOLAN
And if you keep overcharging, you're gonna lose the cooperation of the arresting officers. Good luck making a plea deal after that.
DEL MONTE
[ Chuckles ] Expect a call from the D.A. Maybe even the mayor.
GREY
They have the number.
DEL MONTE
And you -- don't ever come calling for a favor.
GREY
You just made an enemy at the D.A.'s office. Was it worth it?
NOLAN
Absolutely, sir.
GREY
[ Chuckles ] Good. Get back to work.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION DAY - HOLDING
[ Buzzer ]
DE LA CRUZ
I'll be out of here before you know it.
LOPEZ
No, you won't. You can lie to yourself about it if you want, just like you lied to yourself about Diego.
DE LA CRUZ
What the hell are you talking about?
LOPEZ
Cesar might have sent the shooter who killed him, but you loaded the gun. You crossed a line with Diego you said you never would. You used him as a cover to talk to Cesar's father. You hung the target around your son's neck. He's dead because of you, hermana. And deep down, you know it.
[ Door slams ]
EXT. WEDDING VENUE, DAY
LOPEZ
This is amazing. I can't believe you pulled it together in two days.
BRADFORD
No, it was a team effort. Quarterbacked by Patrice.
LOPEZ
Thank you for being there for me during the craziness. I know it hasn't been easy.
BRADFORD
Oh, you owe me forever. I mean, you could save my life like three times and we still wouldn't be even.
LOPEZ
I know. Is there anything I can do? Set up chairs? Arrange flowers?
BRADFORD
No. You're the bride. Just relax, enjoy.
TAMAR
I need superglue, hair pins, and your badge.
BRADFORD
Why my badge? I'll handle this. You should go get ready. This wedding is starting on time.
LOPEZ
Yes, sir.
[ Indistinct conversation ]
[ Chuckles ]
WESLEY
Mom, this is perfect. You finally used your powers for good.
PATRICE
Well, it was nice having a practice run for the real thing. I'm thinking next June in Tuscany.
WESLEY
No, Mom, this is our wedding. The only wedding.
PATRICE
We'll see.
WEST
So, we just realized that Lopez doesn't have her something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
PATRICE
Oh. Uh, let's see. My grandmother wore this at her wedding. Should be old enough, I think.
WEST
Yes. Thank you.
PATRICE
Oh, great, she'll be wearing my brooch.
SILAS
Welcome. Please sit wherever you like. And the bar is open.
NOLAN
Thank you. Thank you very much, my friend. And thank you, by the way, for being my plus-one. I hope it's not too weird that our first date is a wedding.
BAILEY
Well, technically, our first date was a TED Talk on prosecutorial abuse.
NOLAN
Ah. To be fair, you came into my life wearing a towel. I felt compelled to be unexpected.
BAILEY
Puts a lot of pressure on our first kiss.
NOLAN
Good. I like a challenge.
WEST
I need to borrow something. Oh, hi. Jackson. Good to meet you.
BAILEY
Bailey. And you too.
NOLAN
What do you need?
WEST
Doesn't matter.
NOLAN
Ah, something borrowed. Okay. Perfect. Henry made me this when he was in third grade. It's my good luck charm. I'm gonna want that back.
WEST
Of course. Thank you. Bye.
NOLAN
Shall we?
BAILEY
Yes.
[ Indistinct conversation ]
WEST
Ooh! Uh, nice pocket square, sir. Could I, um, maybe borrow it for a few hours?
GREY
What? No. It pulls together the whole outfit.
WEST
It's for Lopez, sir.
GREY
[ Sighs ] It better come back spotless.
WEST
Thank you.
GREY
As I was saying -- first Nolan, now Chen. Turned out to be a pretty good teacher. Forget undercover work -- you might have found your calling.
HARPER
Here's the thing, sir -- it's all my calling. If I were to go into politics this afternoon, I would be president in four years.
GREY
I believe it. [ Chuckles ] Officer Chen.
HARPER
Look at you!
GREY
Triumph suits you.
CHEN
Thank you, sir. Thank you both for believing in me.
HARPER
Well, the hardest part is still ahead -- adrenaline crash. [ Chuckles ] Monday morning, it is back to transients and noise complaints.
GREY
Yeah.
CHEN
To tell the truth, I kind of missed it. Um, will you excuse me?
HARPER
Yeah.
CHEN
Hey. Nice suit. Nova would be impressed.
BRADFORD
Nova was a little thirsty.
CHEN
I like to think of her as assertive.
BRADFORD
Mm. [ Chuckles ] First solo op, and you take down two major drug traffickers. Not bad.
CHEN
Thank you.
BRADFORD
Hey, Chen.
CHEN
Yeah?
BRADFORD
Save me a dance.
INT. WEDDING VENUE, DAY - BRIDE'S ROOM
[ Knock on door ]
LOPEZ
Come in.
WEST
Wow.
LOPEZ
Stop. I feel enormous.
WEST
No, you look amazing.
LOPEZ
What have you got for me?
WEST
Oh! Yes. Uh, something old -- Patrice's grandmother wore this on her wedding day.
LOPEZ
Old? That thing looks haunted.
WEST
Uh, something borrowed -- Nolan says this is lucky, so that should cancel out the brooch. And something blue -- from the Sarge.
LOPEZ
How am I supposed to wear all this?
WEST
Right. [ Sighs ] All right. How's that?
LOPEZ
Ridiculous. Thank you.
WEST
You're welcome. You're so welcome.
LOPEZ
[ Voice breaking ] Now get out of here before I start crying and ruin my makeup.
WEST
Yes, ma'am. Um, did you need anything else?
LOPEZ
Oh, uh, a breath mint?
[ Chuckles ]
WEST
Fresh pack -- something new.
LOPEZ
It's like "Mary Poppins" in there.
WEST
[ Laughs ] Oh, wedding's in 10.
[ Exhales sharply ]
[ "Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major" plays ]
[ Indistinct conversation ]
[ Both laugh ]
TAMARA
Have you seen Jackson?
NOLAN
Not recently. Is that the wedding bouquet?
TAMARA
Yeah. I was supposed to give it to him to take to Mrs. Lopez.
NOLAN
Well, I can do that. There you go. I'll be right back.
BAILEY
Okay.
NOLAN
Thanks. [ Chuckles ]
[ Door opens ]
LOPEZ
I'm coming!
NOLAN
Angela? It's John. I got your bouquet. [ Knock on door ] Angela? Lopez?