THE ROOKIE
Season 3, Episode 13
"Triple Duty"
Previously on "The Rookie"...
GREY
So Officer Stanton will be taking over the training of Officer West.
WEST
Someone broke into your home?
STANTON
So, who are you claiming these days, D?
WEST
He did something that really bothered me, the way he treated this one family -- Black family.
WEST
Hey! [ Grunting ]
GREY
I am hereby placing you under administrative leave. Gun and badge.
CHEN
I think I could be really good at undercover work.
ZHANG
The op today is simple -- trade drugs for cash, and try to get them to flip on Aldo Salonga.
SALONGA
I need to see that you really know the science.
CHEN
Are we done?
DE LA CRUZ
When it comes to your child, there is nothing you won't do to protect them.
DE LA CRUZ
Diego! [ Gunfire ]
HARPER
Her son was her humanity. With him gone...
GREY
War is coming.
BRADFORD
How's Henry?
NOLAN
Well, he's good. Thanks. Sarah and Abigail have him set up in Arizona. He'll do his rehab there. I'll join them once I graduate to P2.
BRADFORD
Ten more days. Harper says your focus is on becoming a T.O.
NOLAN
I think that's where I can do the most good. Any advice?
BRADFORD
Think how hard it is doing this job. Now think about doing it while babysitting an armed toddler.
NOLAN
Got it. But seriously, if you have any more wisdom on how to be better prepared, I would appreciate it.
BRADFORD
Sure. [ Gunfire ] Automatic weapons. A lot of them.
NOLAN
7-Adam-19, shots fired. Multiple shooters. Crestview Cemetery. Requesting airship and backup. And mobilize SWAT.
[ Tires screeching ]
[ Dramatic music plays ]
[ Gunfire ]
NOLAN
Where are these guys?
BRADFORD
Come on! Let's go!
[ Gunfire ]
BRADFORD
Up here.
NOLAN
Police! Don't move!
BRADFORD
Got him?
NOLAN
Yeah. How did he make it this far in this condition?
BRADFORD
Heat of battle.
NOLAN
7-Adam-19, one in custody, not conscious, not breathing.
BRADFORD
Let's go find out where he was coming from.
EVERS
Look, I don't want to alarm you, but our guest list is out of control.
LOPEZ
What are you talking about?
EVERS
I mean we're almost at maximum capacity and half your cop friends haven't even responded yet.
LOPEZ
Yeah, cops don't really respect RSVPs, especially for --
EVERS
Especially for what?
LOPEZ
First marriages.
EVERS
Uh-huh. So they just think that I'm your starter husband?
LOPEZ
Yes, but if it makes you feel any better, I'm 72% certain you're my forever husband.
EVERS
Only 72%?
LOPEZ
It goes up to 81 if you make me breakfast. [ Cellphone buzzing ] Lopez. Yes, sir. Text me the address.
EVERS
What?
LOPEZ
The war just started.
BRADFORD
Hey. Looks like Cesar Madrigal's been using the cemetery as a supply depot. Guys were loading a car with narcotics, got ambushed.
LOPEZ
La Fiera?
NOLAN
Definitely her Malos Dorados. All sporting the yellow sneakers. Looks like she sent five shooters, including the one that was shooting at us, they came in on foot and opened up on Cesar's guys.
BRADFORD
Unfortunately for yellow kicks, they miscounted the enemy. Got caught in a crossfire of two of Cesar's crew they didn't see. In less than a minute, there's a baker's dozen of DBs.
GREY
You up to speed?
LOPEZ
Getting there. Where's Sergeant Caradine?
GREY
Sweating the cemetery owner. She's clearly on Cesar's payroll. This is only gonna get worse. La Fiera's out for blood. And Cesar is just strong enough to put up a decent fight.
NOLAN
You don't think he can win?
GREY
No.
LOPEZ
La Fiera has a lot more resources than Cesar and, honestly, a level of brutality that his crew's never seen before.
NOLAN
We can't just stand by and watch them shoot up the city. I mean, we got lucky this time. No innocents were hurt, but that can't last.
LOPEZ
Word is Sandra flew back from Guatemala after burying Diego. She's bunkered down at Hotel Mathilde. Rented out the whole ninth floor.
BRADFORD
Good to be queen.
GREY
What about Cesar?
LOPEZ
According to Narcotics, he's in the wind.
BRADFORD
I know someone who might have some insight on where to find him -- Mack Daniels. He was working for Cesar's dad after getting fired by LAPD.
NOLAN
Will he talk to you?
BRADFORD
Got him into rehab. I can give him a call, see if he has any idea where Cesar might hole up.
GREY
Do it. And you -- go talk to La Fiera. Impress on her the need to stand down.
LOPEZ
Cesar killed her son. I don't think there's anything I can say that'll get through to her. But I'll try.
GREY
Thank you. All right.
LOPEZ
And I thought my day was gonna be chasing down cop RSVPs for the wedding.
BRADFORD
It'll only take like two minutes for La Fiera to tell you to go screw yourself, so...
LOPEZ
We should split the RSVP list. It'll get done faster.
BRADFORD
Yeah. I'm not doing that. Fine. E-mail me the list.
LOPEZ
Thank you.
NOLAN
Should've read the fine print on that whole man-of-honor thing.
BRADFORD
No kidding.
CHEN
I'm just saying, the cop who tackles the perp should be the one to do the paperwork.
WEST
What? No. The cop who didn't risk life and limb running down a methed-out sous-chef should have to do it. Otherwise, you are disincentivising hands-on policing.
CHEF
Ooh. You could just let me go. Then there's no paperwork.
[ Knock on glass ]
CHEN
Oh. What's that, Sarge? You need me? Sorry, partner. Paperwork's all yours.
WEST
Fine, but you are tackling the next three guys.
CHEN
Uh-huh.
WEST
Let's go. You can teach me what the hell sous vide is.
CHEN
Yes, sir?
GREY
You heard about the mass casualty event this morning?
CHEN
Uh, yes, sir, but we knew a gang war was coming, right?
GREY
Yes. And it's far from over. Which, Detective Harper tells me, presents an opportunity.
HARPER
In times of chaos like this, it's not just the criminal pecking order that gets shaken up. Undercover operations get upended. Long-term UCs and CIs are neutered when their bosses get killed or caught. But the upheaval also gives us a chance to put new UCs in the field. I got a call from June Zhang this morning. Aldo Salonga is out of prison, and he is desperate to cook product to move. So he called her cover identity and asked about you.
CHEN
You want me to go back in as the chemist?
HARPER
June is already up on another operation, so she told Salonga that you might be available.
CHEN
[ Exhales sharply ] I'm ready.
HARPER
Not so fast. This wouldn't be a sting operation like the last time. This would probably be a long-term placement.
GREY
Which means you'll be on your own, without a surveillance team or access to immediate backup.
HARPER
It normally takes months to properly train an officer to go deep undercover like this. Hundreds of hours of classroom and field training.
GREY
I told Detective Harper she has today to evaluate your readiness. If she doesn't sign off with confidence that you can handle it, I will not approve the assignment.
CHEN
Yes, sir. I won't let you down.
GREY
It's not about letting me down, Officer Chen. There is no failure for finding yourself unprepared for a job you did not prepare for. Is that clear?
CHEN
Yes, sir.
HARPER
Go get changed. I'm throwing you in the deep end.
NOLAN
Nice hideout.
CESAR
It's not a hideout. It's a base of operations. I know you. You were at my dad's hospital.
BRADFORD
That's right. The day you tried to kill La Fiera.
CESAR
Allegedly.
NOLAN
Nothing alleged about what happened this morning. You lost a lot of men.
BRADFORD
And product.
CESAR
I don't know what you're talking about.
BRADFORD
Sure, you do. You started a war you can't win.
CESAR
Says who?
NOLAN
Everybody. You're a minor league ball club next to Fiera. Even if you could compete, you killed her son. She's out for blood. Your blood.
BRADFORD
But she's also a businesswoman. Wars are expensive. Unpredictable. Word is she made a deal with your father to take over. Now, if you offered to honor that deal, she might let you walk away with your life.
CESAR
What belonged to the father will be inherited by the son. That's in the Bible. So this bitch can run around all she wants claiming she made some sort of deal with my dad, but no one's gonna believe it.
NOLAN
You better hope not. If you lose the support of your father's lieutenants, they'll jump ship and you'll be all by your lonesome.
CESAR
Hey, you guys wouldn't happen to know where La Fiera is, right? In case I want to pay my respects.
BRADFORD
Sorry. You'll have to figure that one out on your own.
CESAR
Yeah. I'm working on it.
NOLAN
So, what now?
BRADFORD
Hope Lopez is doing better with La Fiera.
LOPEZ
Police. I'm here to talk to Sandra de la Cruz.
GALENO
Detective Lopez. We haven't met yet.
LOPEZ
No, but you match the description of the man who threatened my fiancé.
GALENO
That doesn't sound like me. I get along with everyone.
LOPEZ
And yet I can tell you're not gonna get along with me.
GALENO
My heart breaks.
LOPEZ
Is Sandra inside?
GALENO
Do you have a warrant?
LOPEZ
Not yet. Is that a problem?
GALENO
Not yet.
DE LA CRUZ
Hermana. Thank you for the flowers you sent for Diego's funeral. They were lovely. We held the service at Casa de Dios. Thousand attended and walked with me as we buried him in Chichicastenango -- in a bright yellow tomb to honor the sunshine he brought into my life.
LOPEZ
You should've stayed in Guatemala.
DE LA CRUZ
No. I have unfinished business here.
LOPEZ
Listen to me. Up until this point, you've managed to fly mostly under the radar, away from the eyes of federal law enforcement. But you announced yourself in a big way this morning. A dozen dead bodies elevates you to the top of the watchlist.
DE LA CRUZ
I have nothing left to lose, hermana. But there is a very simple thing you can do to end this war before it goes any farther.
LOPEZ
And what's that?
DE LA CRUZ
We both know you were wiretapping a dying man's hospital room. You heard him promise to give me control, but he slipped into a coma before he could tell his people. You want this war to end? Give me that recording.
[ Dramatic music plays ]
BRADFORD
You were offered a plus-one. You -- You crossed that out and wrote "plus four." N-- Emotional support animals are not wedding guests.
NOLAN
Hey, Mildred. John Nolan here. Yeah. Uh, so, listen. Here's the thing. What Tim is too embarrassed to say is that he screwed up. He told Angela the wrong venue cap. Now they have too many guests. We just need a few people t-- You will? Thank you so much. I know the couple will be so pleased. All right. Bye.
BRADFORD
Are you proud of yourself? Throwing a fellow officer under the bus?
NOLAN
I think Detective Lopez would approve of my methods.
BRADFORD
Mm. [ Engine revving ] Control, 7-Adam-19. Run a plate -- 3-John-Robert-Queen-1-5-8. Send details to our box.
[ Computer beeps ]
NOLAN
His name is Miguel Offer. He's got quite a list of priors. We're getting a very good picture of Cesar's operation here.
BRADFORD
Yeah. Too bad none of this intel will be relevant once La Fiera wipes him off the map. [ "Bridal Chorus" ringtone plays ] Hey. How'd it go?
LOPEZ
The good news is I can stop the war.
BRADFORD
How?
LOPEZ
By giving La Fiera the wire-tap recording of her and Madrigal making their deal.
BRADFORD
Well, let's do it. We'll stop the body count.
NOLAN
Not all of it. She's gonna kill Cesar no matter what.
LOPEZ
Better one homicide than a second massacre.
NOLAN
Can we do that, though, ethically speaking -- pick the winner of a drug war?
BRADFORD
What's our number-one mandate?
NOLAN
Protect the lives of the people of Los Angeles. So we end the violence today. We go after La Fiera tomorrow.
LOPEZ
Exactly. I'll run it up the flagpole. Any luck finding Cesar?
BRADFORD
He's up in Acton, holed up in a cabin. We're documenting the comings and goings of his crew, keeping an eye out for trouble.
LOPEZ
I got to go. Looks like the feds have joined the party. I'm headed to my lady doctor next. Want to come to that, too?
TAGGART
Special Agent Taggart, DEA. We need to talk.
RYAN
Well, thanks for agreeing to talk to me.
WEST
Of course. Yeah. Nolan said you were interviewing cops for your book on police reform. I'd talk about that all day.
RYAN
John mentioned that you come from a police family.
WEST
Yep. Dad, my uncles, two aunts, half a dozen cousins. Yeah, the Wests are blue through and through.
RYAN
And Black.
WEST
[ Chuckles ] Yeah. Um, you want to know if being Black affects my stance on police reform.
RYAN
Does it?
WEST
Hell yeah. I've seen firsthand how the right kind of policing can serve our communities and make people's lives better. So when an officer abuses their power in those communities, I take it personally.
RYAN
That's interesting. Given your family, I might've expected a blue-wall-of-silence answer from you.
WEST
There definitely was a time when I had more faith in the system, but recently I've seen firsthand how broken it is.
RYAN
How so?
WEST
It needs to be a lot easier to fire bad cops. [ Down-tempo music plays ] I almost died trying.
[ Car door opens, closes ]
LOPEZ
Why the cloak and dagger?
TAGGART
You were in La Fiera's hotel suite for 17 minutes, 9 seconds. What'd you talk about?
LOPEZ
Makeup tips, cutest members of BTS --
TAGGART
Be careful, Detective. You just got to the big kids' table. I can easily have you put back in uniform.
LOPEZ
No, you can't. You know what else you apparently can't do? Wiretap La Fiera. Because if you could, you wouldn't be asking me what we talked about for 17 minutes and 9 seconds. Now, why am I here?
TAGGART
I'm running a multiagency task force -- DEA, FBI, BNE.
LOPEZ
Why not LAPD? We're on the front lines of this. You should be bringing us in.
TAGGART
I have over 25 years' experience dealing with cartels. I say when it's time to bring in local PD. So, here's the carrot. You tell me what you know, and I'll consider inviting you into the inner sanctum.
LOPEZ
We have a recording of Tomás Madrigal giving La Fiera control of his drug operation.
TAGGART
I want a copy of that tape.
LOPEZ
That's funny. So does she.
TAGGART
To cement her control, which is why you can't give it to her. We need time to analyze that, go over the angles.
LOPEZ
Do you even speak Spanish?
TAGGART
What does that have to do with anything?
LOPEZ
Veinticinco años de experiencia con los carteles. ¿Hablas el idioma? ¿Conoces la cultura? Vez como la política de los Estados Unidos ha creado mas caos y crimen en América Latina? No wonder we're losing. Look, I'll take your request under advisement, but it's LAPD's recording. We'll decide what we do with it.
TAGGART
Now, you see, you played that all wrong, because unlike you, your boss knows that the best path to putting La Fiera behind bars is through a federal court. So I'm just gonna go over your head, take that tape, and leave you watching from the sidelines.
CHEN
[ Exhales deeply ] So, what's my first test? Buying drugs without getting ID'd or...
HARPER
Are you going undercover as a tweaker?
CHEN
No.
HARPER
So that wouldn't be a very useful test. I can't cram 100 hours' worth of training into one shift, so I have to get to the heart of what you need to know in order to survive. When you are a UC, you have to be on triple duty. So what does that mean?
CHEN
It means I need to keep three things in my head at all times.
HARPER
Yes. What are they?
CHEN
First I always have to be aware of the law and proper procedure. There are certain actions I can take as a UC -- I can be the lookout for a burglary. I can drive the getaway car -- and a lot of actions that I can't take. I can't get high. I can't assault or victimize someone.
HARPER
Second?
CHEN
I always have to be my character, spend every moment channeling Nova Lin and not Lucy Chen.
HARPER
Third?
CHEN
Um... Oh, shoot.
HARPER
You have to not get caught or killed.
CHEN
Right.
HARPER
If you really were a drug cook, the only thing that you would be worried about is whether you are getting paid or popped at the end of your cook. But as a UC, you have to have three complicated streams of consciousness going through your mind at all times. How much time have you spent on your backstory?
CHEN
I've filled four journals. What?
HARPER
It's -- It's just gonna be interesting to see what you thought was important about Nova and what was not. Anyway, I'mma step out. I'm gonna give you five minutes to get into character, and then we are going to a party.
[ Car door closes ]
GREY
Officer West, we just received an anonymous tip on one of La Fiera's strongholds. Units from Hollywood Division are on their way. Meet them there and keep me in the loop.
WEST
Yes, sir. You think Cesar Madrigal called it in so we'd do his dirty work for him?
GREY
I do, which makes him smarter than I thought.
WEST
Yes, sir. Still, we'd rather arrest these guys quietly than have a repeat of this morning's bloodshed. I'm on my way.
[ Indistinct talking on radio ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
WEST
Hey. Officer West, Mid-Wilshire.
WALFORD
Thanks. We're just bringing the rest of the guys out now. Found enough long guns to arm a small battalion.
STANTON
Well, well, well. Look who it is.
WEST
You were fired.
STANTON
Was. Turns out being saddled with an incompetent rookie isn't grounds for termination, even if that rookie's daddy does run IA.
WALFORD
This is the rookie you were telling us about?
STANTON
Yep. Officer Jackson West. The kid who stabbed me in the back. Let's go.
SHEA
Sniper. Where you been?
HARPER
I had some trouble. Nothing I couldn't handle. This -- This is Nova. I don't think you two have met yet.
SHEA
I'd remember.
CHEN
Likewise. [ Inhales sharply ] Careful. You're about to burn that burger.
SHEA
You know your way around a grill?
CHEN
I usually cook in a more controlled environment.
SHEA
That so? What do you cook?
CHEN
All sorts. Mainly catering. Big orders.
HARPER
Nova came through for me recently. Uh, I'mma go grab a beer. You two talk.
SHEA
Where'd you learn to cook?
CHEN
Here and there.
SHEA
But every top chef needs formal training.
CHEN
Sure, but I only just met you. You don't see me asking where you did time.
SHEA
What makes you think I did time?
CHEN
Nature of the beast. Well, if you're friends with Sniper, that means you're in the business, and if you're in the business, eventually you catch a charge.
SHEA
I might be able to use someone with your background.
CHEN
Yeah, I'll need to do my due diligence first. I only work with professionals.
SHEA
Well, by all means, ask around.
COLINS
Why do you have to be so complicated? I'm not being ridiculous.
SHEA
Something wrong?
CHEN
No.
PUNK
Just get in the car. Get in the freakin' car.
COLINS
Get your hands off of me!
SHEA
Do you know them?
CHEN
No.
PUNK
Let's go.
CHEN
I just don't like seeing a girl being mistreated.
SHEA
I can fix that. Watch the grill. Hey! Yeah, you! Boy! Come here!
HARPER
What's the problem?
SHEA
This kid put his hands on the girl. Nova didn't like it.
HARPER
Yeah. She's, uh, she's sensitive that way. Me, I think a girl could use a little more focus.
PUNK
What?
SHEA
Go on. Tell him.
CHEN
You should treat that girl better.
PUNK
Kiss my ass.
CHEN
What did you say to me?
PUNK
Nothin'. Sorry. Won't happen again.
CHEN
See that it doesn't. Now piss off.
SHEA
Nice gun.
CHEN
It's all right.
SHEA
It's a cop gun.
CHEN
Yeah. They use 'em 'cause they're reliable when things get real. It's good enough for me.
SHEA
Well, let's eat. Let's eat!
BRADFORD
Took you long enough.
SMITTY
L.A. traffic. What do you want from me? Got one unmarked car, two sets of civvies fresh from lost-and-found.
BRADFORD
You were supposed to pull clothes from our lockers.
NOLAN
We texted you our combinations.
SMITTY
Oh, I didn't do that.
BRADFORD
Why do we rely on you for anything?
SMITTY
I've been wondering that myself.
NOLAN
Oh, um, Smitty, one more thing. Um, about Lopez's wedding.
SMITTY
Yeah. She got my RSVP, right?
NOLAN
Yeah, that's just it. You can't send an RSVP card to a wedding you weren't invited to.
SMITTY
Oh, of course I'm invited. I'm the deejay.
[ Engine starts ]
NOLAN
He's not the deejay. You're not the deejay!
LOPEZ
It's not right. Those bodies are on our murder board. The DEA can't just force us to follow their command. That tape could end the bloodshed right now.
GREY
Angela, stop. The Chief already sent the recording to the feds. You have to let this go.
WEST
He's back.
GREY
Who?
WEST
Doug Stanton. He was dispoed on our pinch. He's back on the job. He's in the Hollywood Division.
GREY
Damn it.
LOPEZ
I'm so sorry.
GREY
Looks like Stanton appealed his termination and won.
WEST
What, and -- and no one cared to tell me?
GREY
The brass is under no obligation to notify you or me of their rulings.
WEST
After everything he did, not a single repercussion?!
GREY
That's not entirely true. He lost his seniority and got demoted to P2, where he'll be for the rest of his career. He'll never be a training officer again.
WEST
But he still wears the badge.
GREY
The Police Commissioner and the Board of Rights ended up seeing things his way.
WEST
Because they were more interested in avoiding a wrongful-termination suit than punishing a corrupt cop. Look, Sarge. This man left me there to die.
[ Down-tempo music plays ]
GREY
This isn't over. I'm gonna bring it up at the Sergeants Staff meeting. I am not done fighting for you.
WEST
Yeah. Don't bother. We both know it won't do any good. Stanton won.
NOLAN
Thank you very much. And now we have cut the list by 27 guests. That's not bad.
BRADFORD
You told them I was so guilt-ridden I've been crying in bed all day.
NOLAN
It really helped paint the picture.
BRADFORD
You do remember I hold your fate in my hands?
NOLAN
Duly noted. [ Vehicles approaching ]
BRADFORD
Control, 7-Adam-19, be advised. Cesar is on the move with his crew. Requesting airship to aid in our surveillance.
COLINS
I did good, right?
HARPER
You did great.
CHEN
I knew it was a setup.
HARPER
No, you didn't.
COLINS
No, you didn't.
CHEN
Okay. I couldn't know for sure, but -- You should be in school.
COLINS
Relax. Nyla wrote me a note. See you tonight?
CHEN
Yeah. Uh, hey, who was that boy? Do you know? They're not dating, right? Because I did not like that kid. Never mind. So, what's next?
HARPER
You never know what comes next when you're undercover, so why would I tell you now?
[ Seat belt clicks, engine starts ]
[ Muffled heartbeat ]
[ High-pitched ringing ]
[ Fist thudding ]
[ Voices echoing ]
[ Laughter ]
[ Ringing continues ]
LOPEZ
Get your ass off my desk. Are you not housebroken yet?
TAGGART
We decided that Sandra de la Cruz can have the recording.
LOPEZ
You could have called to tell me that. So why are you here?
TAGGART
We installed malware on this drive. She plugs this into her computer, snakes its way throughout her entire network -- tablets, phones, routers. In one fell swoop, we get evidence on the whole operation.
LOPEZ
But you need someone she trusts to deliver it to her. Is this really the best idea you've got -- a glorified spam link?
TAGGART
Will you give it to her or not?
[ Engine shuts off ]
[ Car doors closing ]
BRADFORD
A booty call? He's in the middle of a gang war and that's his priority?
NOLAN
That's how his father knew he would just run the business into the ground. That's why he sold out to La Fiera. Let's find out who this girlfriend is. I'll run her plates. Control?
[ Knocks on glass ]
GREY
Officer West. Professor Ryan. What can I do for you?
RYAN
Well, Jackson called to tell me about Officer Stanton being reinstated. He asked for my help.
GREY
What kind of help?
RYAN
Exposure. A Black rookie officer being abused and left to die by his white T.O., and the guy keeps his job? If it were up to me, we'd be on CNN right now.
GREY
So what's stopping you?
WEST
I felt like I owed you a heads-up, sir.
GREY
Son, you don't owe me anything. I understand your anger, just like I understand your instinct to go public. But I believe you'll be making a mistake.
WEST
The Department has left me with no other option. If my life is worth less to the Department than the cost of a lawsuit, why should I protect them?
GREY
You shouldn't. You should protect yourself. And I'm telling you, going on TV, putting Doug on blast will just cause the Department to circle their wagons. They will shield Doug to defend their own reputation. You'll be inadvertently making a martyr out of him and isolating yourself.
RYAN
And that right there is why things will never change. Until cops speak up about what is really happening, change will never come.
GREY
I hear you. But at what cost? This young man's career?
WEST
Sarge, I have to do something.
RYAN
Jackson is willing to step up and risk losing everything. But you insist it won't work. So tell me. What will? You've been a cop for a long time. Tell me what we can do to make the department turn against Doug Stanton. Or we'll be on the 6:00 news.
HARPER
Lucy Chen, meet Sergeant Mark Murray -- aka Shea.
CHEN
Uh... [ Chuckles ] It's a pleasure, sir. And that burger was truly delicious.
MURRAY
Thank you. You made a nice save with the kid.
HARPER
Besides being a grill master, Shea is a court-certified expert in clandestine narcotics labs.
MURRAY
Manufacturing dope is part of my official duties. Now, Detective Harper informs me that you're gonna be posing as a chemist.
CHEN
Yes, sir.
MURRAY
Okay. Come on. So, Dilaudid, meth, heroin, fentanyl. Chemically speaking, what's the difference between nasal decongestant and meth?
CHEN
One oxygen molecule. Just one.
MURRAY
And to add that molecule?
CHEN
You have to break the pseudoephedrine down, then add methyl alcohol and evaporate it so that the oxygen can --
MURRAY
Boom! Half your chemicals just burned up. Improvise. Where do you get the methyl alcohol?
CHEN
Um...
MURRAY
Where?
CHEN
Windshield washer fluid, then fertilizer with anhydrous ammonia. Sodium metal or lithium metal. You can get that from batteries.
MURRAY
Yes, you can. Good. We're gonna spend the afternoon cooking. Knowing what to do is one thing. Knowing what to do when everything goes wrong -- That's what's gonna keep you alive. All right. Show me what you got.
LOPEZ
Where's your doorman?
DE LA CRUZ
Running an errand. Cafecito? You must have some. I have it shipped in daily from my country. We have the best in the world. Guatemalan style. Very sweet. But don't worry -- the beans are called Huehuetenango. Low on acid. Easy on the tummy. Your baby won't mind. Now, you have something for me, no?
LOPEZ
There's a condition. The war stops today. You declare an immediate cease-fire and a guaranteed protection of Cesar Madrigal.
DE LA CRUZ
You ask a lot of grieving mother.
LOPEZ
You chose this line of work. This is the price of doing business. Say it.
DE LA CRUZ
No harm will come to Cesar Madrigal. You have my word.
[ Items shuffling ] The Federales put a Trojan horse in here, yes?
LOPEZ
Brand new and air-gapped so it can't connect to your network.
DE LA CRUZ
Of course. You watch us, hermana. We watch you. Tell the DEA better luck next time. [ Scoffs ] Gueros like that always underestimate chicas like us.
[ Engine starts ]
[ Vehicle door closes ]
NOLAN
Control, be advised, Cesar is on the move. Have the nearest unit pick up the tail. We're gonna question the girlfriend.
TOMAS
My son -- He's foolhardy and rash, but he's still my blood.
DE LA CRUZ
Cesar will be provided for. You have my word.
TOMAS
Then you, Ms. De la Cruz -- I want you to continue my legacy.
DE LA CRUZ
And just like that, there is peace in Los Angeles. Felicidades, Angela. Cafecito is good, verdad? Quesadilla de arroz? My abuelita's is better. You want the recipe?
LOPEZ
No. Stop acting like we're friends. For the moment, our interests align, and it'll stay that way if the violence stops and Cesar stays alive.
DE LA CRUZ
I told you. Killing Cesar would be unsatisfying. He must suffer like I suffer.
LOPEZ
Can I use your bathroom? This baby's bouncing on my bladder like a trampoline.
BRADFORD
Police, open up. We have some questions for you regarding Cesar Madrigal.
REYNA
Don't know him.
NOLAN
That's weird. We just saw him leave. May we come in?
REYNA
I'm calling my lawyer.
NOLAN
Good. You really should. We're in the process of getting a warrant. Look, it's criminal 101 for suspects to hide illicit items in their girlfriends' homes. Cash, contraband, you name it. That gets you arrested. That gets you put in prison. That gets your baby put in foster care. That is not the outcome we're hoping for. So, let's sit down, have a talk about this taking a different path.
[ Cellphone plays "Bridal Chorus" ringtone ]
BRADFORD
Hey.
LOPEZ
I think Cesar might have a kid somewhere, and La Fiera's going to kill him.
BRADFORD
Yeah, a little ahead of you, there. Do me a favor -- call in back-up. Code 3 high. 5917 Sycamore Court. Five shooters on site.
NOLAN
You have a cast-iron tub in your home?
REYNA
Yes, upstairs.
NOLAN
Get your baby. Get inside. Lock the door. Hide in the tub. It's bulletproof.
LOPEZ
Call it off. Murdering Cesar's baby is twisted, even for you.
DE LA CRUZ
I don't know what you're talking about. But if Cesar's child were to die, well, that's just karma balancing the scales.
LOPEZ
It doesn't bother you? Making another mother grieve the way you do?
DE LA CRUZ
Like I said -- I cannot stop what I did not order.
NOLAN
What's the plan?
BRADFORD
They came here expecting to find a helpless woman and child. Let's show them how steep the price of admission is. Galeno, right? You work with La Fiera. I met you at the hospital last week, remember?
GALENO
You were dressed different.
BRADFORD
Yeah, I was in uniform.
NOLAN
Easy, gentlemen. If I see a weapon, we're gonna have a real problem.
GALENO
Look, I appreciate the position that you're in, officers, but you need to try to understand mine. We have a job to do, and the price of failure is death. So there is nothing for us to lose. You, on the other hand -- you have options.
NOLAN
I think he wants us to walk away. How much?
GALENO
How much do you want?
NOLAN
Oh, I want to be Batman rich. What's that take? Like, a billion?
BRADFORD
Way more.
NOLAN
Yeah, like 10 or 20. Since I don't think you have that kind of cash on you, it looks like we're sticking around and I don't get to be Batman.
GALENO
Then I guess we're done talking. [ Gunshot ] Rgh! [ Doors slam, guns cocking ] Ow. *in Spanish* Quick. Before more police arrive.
[ Bullet casing clinks ]
[ Baby crying ]
NOLAN
Fall back upstairs?
BRADFORD
Negative. They'll just light the house on fire and shoot us when we come out. Our only option is to take the fight to them.
NOLAN
Well, it looks like we're done talking, too.
HENCHMAN
Whoa!
[ Gunshots ]
[ Gunfire ]
HENCHMAN
[ Gunshot ] Ow!
BRADFORD
Don't even breathe.
GALENO
This is gonna hurt. But I owe you for shooting me.
NOLAN
You know what they taught us at the Academy about fighting a guy with a knife?
GALENO
No, tell me.
NOLAN
Says if you hold it the wrong way, you got a chance. If they hold it the right way, run.
GALENO
How am I holding it?
NOLAN
The right way.
GALENO
You gonna run?
NOLAN
No. That the best you got?
BRADFORD
First knife fight?
NOLAN
Yeah.
BRADFORD
He hold it the right way?
NOLAN
Yeah.
BRADFORD
Control, 7-Adam-19. Five in custody. Code 4.
GREY
[ Knock on window ] Stella?
PORTER
Wade. Come on in.
GREY
Appreciate you taking the time. This is Officer Jackson West.
WEST
Pleasure to meet you, ma'am.
PORTER
You, too. But, listen, I read the report on your attack in Doug Stanton's file. It's unconscionable, but your Sergeant here knows as well as I do that when an officer is reinstated by the Department, there's literally nothing their Watch Commander can do about it.
WEST
With all due respect, ma'am, that's, uh -- that's not true.
GREY
Stella, we go way back. You know firsthand how hard it is to make meaningful changes inside the Department. So all I'm asking is that you hear Officer West out.
PORTER
All right. You have my attention.
PORTER
As you all know, I have instituted new training protocols with the goal of moving us towards a more modern approach on policing. We're gonna watch and discuss a new training video about ensuring your partner's safety.
WEST
Control, 7-Adam-7. A to B. I'm out with three.
STANTON
Copy, right behind you.
WEST
Stop where you are. Look, you guys do not want to do this. Look -- Stop where you are! Hey! Oh!
OFFICER
Whoa!
OFFICER #2
Is that Stanton?
CHEN
He's still breathing. He's still breathing.
BRADFORD
7-Adam-19, we need an ambulance to our location. Officer down, 24-year-old male, full body trauma.
STANTON
What happened, partner? Who did this to you?
STANTON
This is not what it looks like.
WEST
Yes, it is. This is the truth about Doug Stanton -- what kind of cop he is. One who won't have your back when you need it the most.
STANTON
Come on, guys. Come on, you -- you know me.
WEST
They do now.
HARPER
Hey, Lucy. So, I just got off the phone with Shea. You rocked the cook. He said you're more knowledgeable than half the guys that work for him.
CHEN
What? Wow. So, what does that mean?
HARPER
Well, I spoke to Grey, and I told him you are as ready as you could be, considering the circumstances, and he approved the operation. [ Chuckles ] There is no telling how long you will be off the grid, so you need to get your personal life squared away.
CHEN
Yes, ma'am.
HARPER
This assignment, it will be hard. It will be lonely, and at times, it might even be boring. But you can never let your guard down. If you do, you are dead. You got it?
CHEN
Yes.
HARPER
All right. Go home. The real work starts tomorrow.
NOLAN
Paperwork on this one is gonna take forever. I was gonna order some food. How about Thai?
BRADFORD
You're a good cop, Nolan. I'll grant you that.
NOLAN
Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. Is that a yes to Thai?
BRADFORD
How serious are you about becoming a training officer?
NOLAN
Very serious.
BRADFORD
Training our next generation is the most sacred position an officer can hold. It's not a consolation prize or a rung on the ladder to your next promotion.
NOLAN
I know that.
BRADFORD
No, I don't think you do. Because last month, you wanted to be a detective. and now you want to be a T.O.
NOLAN
Sir, I don't want to be a T.O. I'm going to be a T.O. If you want to doubt my convictions, that's fine. You don't want to help me? That's fine, too. But you're not going to deter me.
BRADFORD
Let's get Mexican.
NOLAN
Love it.
TAGGART
Hey. I left messages for you.
LOPEZ
Lying in wait for the pregnant woman to walk out? Way to be creepy.
TAGGART
How'd it go?
LOPEZ
La Fiera saw right through your play. Made an audio recording and ditched the thumb drive.
TAGGART
That's my fault. Shouldn't have sent in a novice.
LOPEZ
When you look at her, all you see is a woman from a third-world country with a fourth-grade education. But she's smarter than you.
TAGGART
Oh, really? But not you?
LOPEZ
No, she probably is. But I'm humble enough to know that, which is why I'm going to be the one who takes her down.
[ Tires screech ]
CHEN
No! No!
[ Muffled shouting ]
CHEN
No!
[ Van door closes ]
MAN
You screwed up betraying Mr. Salonga like that.
CHEN
[ Scoffs ] I don't know what you're talking about.
We grabbed up your friend Coco. It took a little cutting, but she told us that she was a cop -- that you were all cops.
CHEN
You're lying. Coco would never say that, because it's not true. W-Wait, wait.
HARPER
[ Muffled ] No! No! No!
MAN
Look, I'm not asking you. I already know. what else do the cops know about Mr. Salonga's operation? We have certain upcoming transactions. I need to know if they've been compromised.
CHEN
I have no idea.
[ Lighter clicking, muffled moaning ]
MAN
Last chance.
HARPER
[ Moaning ]
CHEN
Listen to me. Whatever Coco said to you, she's lying. That's what people do when they're being tortured. She would have admitted to being an elephant if you had asked her. You set that fire, and Salonga is as good as dead. Word on the street is he's in debt to some really bad people, and I am the only one who can get him out of it by cooking him up a fortune. But I am not gonna do that if you hurt her. So pull your head out of your ass and let us go.
[ Lighter clicks ]
MAN
She's pretty good.
HARPER
Of course she is. I taught her everything she knows. Pass me a towel?
CHEN
Wow! You're a full-service asshat!
HARPER
You'll thank me for it later.
CHEN
And you! You abducted me when you know what I have been through!
HARPER
That is exactly why I did it. And if you're looking for an apology, you're not gonna get it. I needed to see how you would react. And honestly, you needed to see how you would react.
CHEN
'Cause that's what you said after the last last test.
HARPER
Which is why you didn't see this one coming. Look at me. This is your final chance to back out. Do you still want this after what you just experienced?
CHEN
Yeah. Yeah, I do.