Original subtitles

To be to be.

Hi, I'm Viola January.

I would like to discuss my wrongfully convicted client.

Um, Mr.

Prosecutor, I'm here today in hopes that...

Viola

January.

Corporate attorney at Thomas Fairby & Spate, but I'm not here on behalf of the

firm. Renata Lee Jones is a pro bono client of mine.

who you prosecuted for the kidnapping of Tricia Norfleet. And you don't have an

appointment. That is correct, but I was hoping that we could discuss some

possible options for my client since he's been incarcerated for the past

months. And a body of a black woman was found cuffed at Peachdale Lake with

police -issued handcuffs.

A white van was seen leaving the area, and Tricia Norfleet was also abducted at

Peachdale Lake bound with police -issued handcuffs.

You can't possibly be sure. There were several issues with the original

conviction, the main one being there was no DNA tying my client to the victim or

the crime scene. I mean, we're talking a violent abduction, a struggle, and

there was no DNA deposited by my client? I mean, how is that even possible?

He was identified in a police lineup, and he confessed.

Case closed.

Sit.

Your spark is notable, but you are way out of line here.

And you barely look like you're old enough to drink. I'm 27, I've been out

law school for two years, and I like my whiskey neat.

Sir. Well, we have that in common.

And what firm did you say that you work with again? Thomas Fairby & Spade, but

I'm not here on behalf of the firm. I understand that. And at the same time, I

know Letitia Thomas, and I can guarantee you she doesn't know that you're here

ambushing the prosecutor about a criminal case.

She does not. Right, so here's how this conversation ends.

Even if I was inclined to negotiate, which I am not, I would reject your

on procedural grounds because unless you have any new evidence... I'm working on

that.

Without any new evidence that you have presented through the courts, there is

nothing to negotiate because you didn't file an appeal or motion for a new trial

within 90 days of the conviction.

But, sir, this is the 91st day.

What are you drinking?

Brain broth and jitter juice.

How much longer are you going to be up there?

Not too much longer.

So why are you drinking coffee in the dark?

Because I don't like cream.

You know what I'm talking about. You're still at the office and I'm at home in

my bathrobe and slippers.

And you have probably been in that all day.

The trappings of having your own firm in the crib. And you're getting that fat

corporate check while I'm getting dumbasses offered to totally conduct.

No, she didn't say dumbasses. Yes, I... I really did.

Had one today who'd been missing for two weeks and nobody knew where he was

until he posted on TikTok that he was hiding at his house from the police.

Stayed on time, though.

Girl, bye.

Text me when you make it home, okay? I will.

Oh, fuck. You scared the shit out of me. I mean, I'm sorry, Letitia. I thought

everybody was gone.

I was, but I had to come back to get some files.

Right.

I did just want to go on record saying my volunteer work is strictly after

business hours.

I've seen many a good lawyer never reach their potential because they allow

their heart to get in the way of the work.

Billable hours.

That's how you make partner.

And that should be every attorney's goal.

And that's why I hired you.

Because I expect you to be here for a while.

Thank you.

Well, I'm going to wrap up soon, but I will see you bright and early in the

morning. Okay.

Look behind you.

Are you stalking me, detective?

On the contrary.

I'm just keeping an eye on you, making sure you're safe.

It is not your responsibility to keep me safe.

You're still carrying, right?

I am.

Good.

You got an upgrade from that little cap gun, though.

It's cute. I like it. That's all that matters.

Besides, you said being comfortable is more important than stopping power.

Touche.

And can I get some credit for teaching you how to shoot?

Not stroking your ego tonight, Will. It's been a long day.

How about dinner, then?

On me.

And we are not a couple anymore, so we're not going to be acting like one.

We're exes for a reason.

Okay, but know this.

What you're looking for is often hiding in plain sight.

And talking cute will get you nowhere, Will.

It's the thought that counts.

Good night, Will.

Viola.

Not to be confused with violin.

How are things?

How are things?

I don't know how I'm going to do no ten years.

Barely made it these last three months.

Reminds me of me at that age.

Rinaldo, open this goddamn door!

I'll never forget what it feels like to be passed around.

I don't know how a mother can do something like that.

I'm sorry that happened to you.

And I'm sorry you're in here.

But something you can't do is give up hope.

Because without hope...

All you got left is to stare.

So you a philosopher now, huh?

I've been called words.

Look, we're too early in this fight for you to give up.

I haven't given up.

Because I know I ain't do what they got me in here for.

Just sorry that I said I did.

And I'm going to move to have that confession tossed.

It still baffles me your previous counsel didn't challenge it on the

the first place.

You slinging hope.

Well, I hope you can deliver on these promises.

I don't make promises.

But I wouldn't be in here if I didn't think I could help you.

Can I be real with you?

Of course.

Your brother getting locked up for something he ain't do and then getting

before he gets up.

It terrifies me.

And that's why I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that

happen to you.

Visitation time is up.

Keep your head up.

Viola January.

You know it.

Paint the perfect man, all your problems go away.

And since the perfect man doesn't exist, all of our problems invariably stay.

Ooh, okay, boys.

See, you didn't know I was a rapper, did you? I'm a rapper, huh?

So what's your strategy?

Get Mr. Pobono off.

The prosecutor says I need new evidence.

So I am waiting on a forensic report for his phone and a selfie he took.

I'm just looking at everything again, making sure I'm not missing anything

hiding in plain sight.

You must be Viola January?

What a lovely name. It's actually pronounced like the instrument.

Viola.

I'm sorry, go on in.

It happens all the time.

So, you must be here to discuss a small business loan?

Actually, I'm an attorney.

I'm not sure if you know that the police found the body of a black woman at

Peachdale Lake.

And Renato Lee Jones has been incarcerated for the past three months.

I'm not sure who sent you here, but you need to leave.

Trisha, I... You don't know me, so don't say my name.

I'm sorry.

No one sent me. I'm here because I believe the person who abducted you is

out there.

You got some nerve.

Coming to my job, saying this.

How did you find me anyway?

Ronaldo Jones is my client, so I have access to the case files.

If you don't leave, I am calling security.

I'll leave.

But the body that was found was bound with police -issued handcuffs, just like

you were.

Hello?

Meet me at the egg pan on Peachtree tomorrow morning at 7 if you want to

Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.

I'm sure this is a lot for you to deal with emotionally.

I felt violated when you showed up at my job like that. I'm sorry.

Really.

And I'm only here because I felt some kind of way.

After you said that woman was picked up from the same park I was and handcuffed?

There's no way that wasn't him. I picked that man out of a police lineup.

I'm not crazy.

Sometimes police lineups are unreliable.

And that has nothing to do with you. You survived a life -threatening, highly

emotional situation.

And the police can take advantage of that.

The truth is, if I'm right, more black women are going to end up missing or

dead.

Did the detective point out anyone in the lineup or tell you to take your time

when you lingered on someone or anything like that?

That makes it easy to pick an innocent person out of a lineup.

I saw the evil in his eyes.

What's wrong?

I constantly feel the cuffs.

And I will never forget the smell.

What smell?

The van.

It smelled like paint, chemicals, and death.

Pretty woman like you shouldn't be out here alone.

Who's going to get you? Hey, man, shut your bitch ass up and leave that woman

alone.

You all right?

I'm fine.

I'm Frank.

I got to get going.

Right. And you just got rolled up on by a complete stranger.

Everybody out here ain't crazy like that.

Well, that was...

Kind of you to step in and help. No doubt.

Gotta protect black women.

You is black, right?

I didn't mean no disrespect.

Here, take my card.

Your card?

I run an auto shop around the corner.

In case you need some body work done.

Big Bones Auto?

Yup. Get in the wreck, and I'll treat your body with maximum respect.

And I'm the HNIC, so just ask for me.

Got it.

I gotta get going.

Sala, take care.

That is so crazy that man trying to get in your car.

Guess you never know what people will do for real.

Like my grandma says, Jesus, the offense.

I'm good on all that.

Didn't save my brother.

What, you an atheist now?

I just don't think I'm convinced that some cosmic being that exists outside of

time and space is concerned about us.

I think we're alone.

That sounds like a pretty lonely place, V.

That's how I feel.

Well, to quote Uncle George from ATL, God know the difference between what you

feel and what's real.

What's real is I'm doing my best to make sure people don't feel alone.

With no one to look out for their interests or...

Protect them.

That's why I became a lawyer.

Look at you sounding like a t -shirt.

Don't forget getting that bag.

You already know that. I'm also trying to get the veggies for the gravy. So,

know, maybe just hurry up a little bit.

Did you put in on this here roast?

Uh, no.

When you eating for free, you don't rush me. Okay.

Little wrapper bag.

But it was your client's actions that resulted in significant financial

and liabilities for the company. So we can settle or we can go to trial, which

no one wants to do because that will be way more expensive to resolve.

Hold on one second.

Counsel. Your Honor, today I present a petition for a writ of habeas corpus on

behalf of Ronaldo Lee Jones on the grounds that his previous counsel failed

present crucial evidence and defense arguments leading to an unjust verdict.

In addition to the writ, I am requesting that my client's confession be tossed.

because he was tag -teamed by different combinations of detectives drilling him

over the course of 18 hours with no lawyer present.

And the Supreme Court ruled in Jackson v. Zinno that a confession obtained

such high -pressure tactics is inadmissible.

Further, to this date, the prosecution has yet to produce a single nanodrop of

DNA linking my client to the victim or the crime scene.

So, I implore this court.

to intervene to correct this gross miscarriage of justice and release

Jones immediately.

This is not only critical to ensure justice in this individual case, but

verdicts uphold the integrity of our legal system and form the bedrock of a

nation of laws.

It is clear that during the original trial, a significant piece of evidence

could have been beneficial to the defense,

was not included.

So unless Mr.

Jones was able to hook a bass at 6 .47 p .m. and four minutes later abduct a

woman a half mile away without leaving a trace of his DNA on the victim or at

the scene, he could not have committed the crime that he was charged with.

Your Honor, if I may.

Counsel.

Rather than an immediate release, the state requested the defendant be

without prejudice.

Request granted.

But the burden of proof now lies with the state to prove that the defendant is

guilty of kidnapping in the first degree.

This court is adjourned.

See what I mean?

That means you're walking out of here.

But they can charge me again.

We're not worried about all of that right now.

For now, you're free.

Decorum, we're still in court.

Come on, come on.

Come on.

Decorum my ass, you feel me?

We free.

Mind you, this is in broad daylight.

The van had my car blocked in, so I'm wondering if whoever's in this van is

going to try to snatch me.

Never draw your weapon unless you're prepared to shoot.

How'd you know I drew my weapon?

Didn't you?

So you did.

Yes. And did you fire after you pulled out? No. That's not how I taught you,

baby. You don't get to call me baby anymore, Will.

Viola.

You just need to stay with me, at least until we get this killer off the street.

After everything I just told you, you asked me to move into your house?

Since when did it become a crime to want to protect you? Stop making all of this

about you.

You know what?

Forget it.

V.

One of the smartest players that I know. And all those circumstances occurred

after you left court that tried to steal your joy.

This moment is way too big for us not to celebrate.

To your sister.

Thank you.

The way that band pulled up on me earlier is super weird.

But Will's reaction before I even said anything about me drawing my weapon, I

mean, how did he even know that?

So, what are you saying?

I don't know.

You got your win. Now leave.

Sit alone.

And I'll let you go, Tris.

Okay.

Did you have anything to do with this?

Is that a tracking device?

You didn't answer my question.

I would never do anything to hurt you.

Will, if you do not answer my question, I'm going to go inside and tell every

person in sight that their pride detective has been following me after

Are you out of your mind? Let me see it. Why?

Don't you want to know who planted it?

Let me see it.

You can't trace this.

It's a passive tracker with no serial number.

If it had a serial number, I could get a warrant, call the manufacturer, get the

name, credit card info, whoever purchased it and bagged it.

If it makes you feel any better, I could submit it for testing. But I'm telling

you right now, you're not going to find anything on a device like this.

Maybe I'll get a second opinion.

When the water pressure's up that high, the pipes shake, despite it being secure

in place in the wall. Now, if the knocking continues, you might want to

adding a heat dispatching tape to absorb some of the pressure and save your

pipes.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I'm fine. Be safe.

There's a lot going on around here.

Thank you.

This is Viola January.

Keep digging, and you'll end up in a hole.

Who is this?

How'd you get my numbers?

It's not that hard to find, bitch.

The articles of incorporation for the Breckenridge account.

I'm so sorry.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I'm fine. So what was that I just witnessed?

The second call, I've gotten like the... Like what?

Voice, like a monster.

Were you threatened?

You need to call the police.

A lot of good that will do.

But it creates a paper trail.

For when something worse happens?

We have to do what we have to do to keep ourselves safe, even when it's

imperfect.

Come on in.

To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit today?

Thank you for meeting with me, first of all. You're quite welcome.

What can I do for you?

As I'm sure you're aware, Ronaldo Jones was released without prejudice for the

kidnapping of Tricia Norfleet. I am aware.

Does that mean you reopened the case, since the person who abducted Tricia is

still on the loose?

It's January. You got your guy off. Why are you still involved?

I happen to believe that there is a connection between the woman whose body

found in Tricia's and the three black women who went missing over a year ago,

who still haven't been found. Now I'm receiving strange calls at work, on my

cell phone, and I just found a tracking device on my car.

Thank you for the tips, Ms. January.

Fill out a police report and leave the investigative work to law enforcement,

okay? Leaving the investigative work to law enforcement resulted in Ronaldo

spending four months behind bars.

Do I need to end up dead on the side of the road with police -issued handcuffs

before you take me seriously?

Until there's evidence of a credible threat.

Do you realize how profoundly disrespectful that is for you to say I'm

credible?

In this moment with everything going on. That is not what I meant.

Don't sneak up on people like that. Sorry.

I came out because I recognized you from the other week. I found your card in my

car. I'm an attorney investigating an abduction that took place in the

neighborhood five months ago.

And I wanted to see if you had any security footage around the date and the

of the abduction.

Sure. I remember when it happened.

Detectives came by asking for footage in, but these outside cameras, they

haven't worked in months.

But come on inside. I'll show you what I do have.

This is the only angle I have.

Has business been negatively affected since the abduction?

There's good days, bad days.

Life, right?

Yeah.

Full of irritants and central nervous system depressant.

I'm not following.

That's what you work with, right? All the pain and chemicals associated with

your work?

Ma 'am, I'm a jerk.

We do source capture and proper disposal here.

When do you plan on getting the other cameras fixed?

I guess whenever I can afford it.

Let me hold something.

Got the Lexus.

You're going to help out with the cameras.

Hello? Viola.

Not to be confused with Violet.

I'm outside.

What are you doing over this way?

Best food truck in Atlanta is around the corner.

Keep it shrimping.

Heard of it? I have not.

Well, I want to take you out to lunch for getting me out.

You down?

Sure. Come on, then.

Let's go.

Appreciate that.

Is that right here?

Yeah.

Thank you.

Well, good.

Mm -hmm. Wait till you taste it.

So what you been doing with yourself?

Been cutting hair at this barbershop on MLK. Okay.

I'm renting a chair right now.

I'm stacking my chips, getting my own spot.

I'll be cutting hair, get some money to do some weaving stores.

See, that's where the real money's at, about $300, $400 a pop.

You know what I'm saying?

What'd you slide through?

I love the support.

Wait till you try these scrubs.

Once you have them, you don't want to come back.

All right.

So you think we can do this again sometime?

Are you trying to hit on me?

Sorry.

Bernardo, you know good and well you in the zone.

You friends under my ass?

Your ass and every other part of your body.

I mean, you know I am a high -dollar chick, so you can spin the block once

start stacking them coins from the weeds.

You did that?

Of course not, Ronaldo.

Look, you've always reminded me of my brother. So as much as I am flattered

you're shooting your shot, it's a no for me.

Curving me with the zone defense.

And where were we when I got you off?

The court.

You see what I did there?

I'm getting crazy.

Do I see you or shoot my shot?

Mind if I pray?

Go ahead.

Dear Lord Jesus, our brother, thank you for this day.

And thank you for this food.

We pray.

Where'd you get that?

The hand sanitizer?

Fuck, I don't know.

Now, how do you not know where you got something that's on your key ring?

I was thinking about hot sauce.

Because it's like colored people salad dressing.

Because you see, the friends got their friends. Oh, ho, ho.

Fernando, I'm not joking around.

I mean, I don't know.

Maybe the place I'm staying.

And where's that at?

I need a lawyer.

Because I feel like I'm being interrogated right now.

Thank you for lunch, but I got to head back.

Take care of yourself, okay?

What about your scrum?

You ain't even touching yet.

Maybe you should take some time off, you know?

Take a trip.

Be safer for you that way, you know?

I can't just up and leave. My whole life is here.

And even if I was to leave, how long am I supposed to stay gone?

It's creeping me out.

I'm sorry for pulling you into all of this. I mean it because you're in it.

Have you been recording all of this?

Of course, in my head.

I can't stop thinking about it.

Document it, counselor.

And go to the police. I've already been to the chief. Did you file a police

report? No.

Hmm.

All right, listen.

Tonight, I'm going to stay here with you, but in the morning, you are going

go file a police report.

Okay?

Okay?

You doing okay?

Yeah.

Everything okay?

Yep.

Can you give us a minute?

Sure. No, you don't have to go.

60 seconds.

I just told him he didn't have to leave.

But you do whatever you want, don't you?

How does it look with my ex -girl showing up to the police station, filing

police reports and demanding that the chief reopen investigation?

Y 'all were talking about me?

I don't show up to your job and talk to your boss.

But you do show up.

Look, let me tell you what's going to happen with this.

The moment it goes on file, it's going to be marked resolved.

Not because we did anything, but because we took the report and we have a record

of it. Yeah, because nobody does anything until a woman's dead.

Don't say things like that. The only reason I'm here is because Makina told

to come.

I don't make the rules.

But you don't trust me.

I don't know if I trust anyone anymore.

That was the oversight on my part, Mr.

Breckenridge. I need an attorney who values my business as much as I do. I

get that over to you as soon as we hang up.

You haven't been yourself lately.

I'm sorry. I'm not looking for an apology.

I'm looking for change.

Because your ability to perform at a high level, despite challenges in your

personal life, will determine if you're able to be successful here. And that's

what me and the other partners are all hoping for.

But know that my door is always open if you ever want to talk.

Detective Gatlin.

Hey.

Let me guess.

You need something.

Since when did it become a crime to need a favor?

It's not a crime.

And even if it was, I would break the law for you.

But if I'm going to help you, it's got to be some quid pro quo.

Dinner.

All right.

I don't know if I should be excited or nervous about what this dinner is going

to cost me.

Hey. Sorry I'm late.

You been waiting long?

Not too long.

This is a nice spot.

Every time I pass it, I say I'm gonna try it out. I just never made the time.

So how you doing?

Not too good.

Of course.

Remember our first date?

When I almost shit on myself.

I can't believe I thought it was a good idea to walk from New York to New Jersey

across the George Washington Bridge.

What? It was a true romantic.

Especially because I've never been to New York before.

I don't want to tell you about my inner rumblings, though.

I mean, you kind of had to say something. You started walking so fast.

I'm not going to lie to you. I was in so much pain.

Remember when we saw those old dirty pants on the side of the road? I almost

told you to hold your nose.

Drop a hot and steamy right there on the side of the road. Use the pants to

wipe. Something in me made me keep going, though. Yeah, you were full of

Wait, wait.

We're at the meal table. We can't be talking about this kind of shit.

I mean, that's a pretty shitty pun.

We will start with two waters with

lemon. No ice in his, please.

Why did you need me to pull a rapid DNA report?

This is odd.

What?

You got this guy off, and now you have questions.

V, in my 13 years of law enforcement, I've never seen an angel behind bars.

They're usually guilty of something. Things like that.

Why we can never be together as a couple.

You're more concerned with closing cases instead of making sure you have the

right guy.

People like you are the reason my brother is dead.

Okay. Since we're talking about your brother, what makes you so sure he was

innocent? And I'm not saying he's guilty. That's not what I mean. You were

It's not like you had access to his case file. Like I said before, I was with

him, you asshole.

What's his alibi?

V, I'm sorry for what I said.

Can we start over?

I'm serious.

Viola. What's it?

My stringed instrument.

May I join you?

You are so corny and people are looking. Sit down.

All right, hit me. What is the significance of Ronaldo having a

He's cutting hair at this shop owned by this guy, Frank. Frank owns a body shop

around the corner from where Trisha was picked up when she escaped.

I talked to him.

Who, Frank?

Yeah, while we were camping in the neighborhood for security footage. So

I missing?

Trisha said the van she was in smelled like paint and chemicals.

You know how many places in that area use paint and chemicals? I need some

of link.

You gotta stop this.

This is dangerous.

Okay, let me help you.

How?

By me staying with you? For starters, yeah.

I'm not ready for that. I'm not saying move in so we can be together. I'll stay

in the guest room.

With everything going on, you shouldn't be by yourself.

So, uh, you invited me this time.

Does that make this a date?

Can't I just keep in touch?

Make sure you keep me a nose clean?

I don't need a babysitter.

I gotta see y 'all for that.

You got a brother?

Frank?

Open this damn door before I beat both of y 'all down!

I'm confused.

When I was locked up, you was mad cool.

Doing all the work to get me out.

Because you know I'm a good guy.

And now you asking me all these questions about where I live, who my

and where I get my hand sanitizer from.

You don't want to date me.

What are you really after?

Just trying to get to know you better.

I'm out of here.

What's up, Ronaldo?

You still picking locks on Venom Machine? Why you bringing up old shit?

because you a piece of old shit. I know you a cop and everything, bro. You is

tripping. So what you going to do? You just talk tough and get on the badge.

No badge.

Do the talk. What about when I'm on parole right now?

I'll ball your ass up right now? Do it.

Goofy.

Yeah.

I'm watching you, brother. Watch these nuts. Yeah, all right.

What?

Look, if you showing up unannounced and embarrassing me is your way of helping

me, I'm not interested.

How did you even know where I was at?

I followed you.

You are unbelievable.

So, we'll show disaster today and you don't want to talk about it.

Okay.

Why do you have to call it soul food sushi?

Why can't you just call it sushi?

Because of what we're putting in it.

This is textbook cultural appropriation.

Objection.

Hearsay.

Because from a consequentialist ethical position, it could be argued that

appropriating the cuisine of another culture is beneficial because of the

different perspectives.

Ribbed chicken, it adds a new soulful insight into the sushi lexicon.

Overruled.

Because from a deontological ethical perspective, it's not the consequences

the action that make it right or wrong.

Rather, it's the motive behind the one carrying out the action.

So I ask you, counselor, what's your motive for making a little black and

sushi?

What's going on, V?

I've started to question my judgment.

And I know the stereotype is women do that a lot, but you know I've never had

problem with that.

And you stake your entire professional reputation on something, and you

sincerely think you're right, but if you're sincerely wrong.

Why are you yelling?

Because you tell me to come up here and I'll see your dumb ass.

What's going on?

Why has many definitions.

One says, for what cause, reason, or purpose.

Two, a premise in support of an argument.

It's even a song by Sabrina Carpenter.

But despite all of that, I can't figure out.

Why? I saw a cop parked down the street tonight watching my shit.

I almost forgot one.

A consequential relationship between two events.

So, is it a stretch to think that you got something to do with this?

You calling me a snitch?

I'm calling you a bitch.

Because as soon as you don't want to work no more, 12 show up.

You need counseling.

Let me find out.

Don't touch me.

Let me find out.

Do you mind if we switch sides?

Sure.

I mean, no, not at all.

Can't have my back to the door. I have to be able to see.

It's okay.

Can I get you something?

No.

So, here's why I asked you to meet me here.

Okay.

I started getting calls.

What kind of calls?

Like a video game or something, saying things like, the clock is ticking on

existence.

Maybe I should get some coffee.

Yeah, um, excuse me.

For her, please.

And this is, it's getting worse. I can't control it.

What? I totally forgot I had a meeting.

Okay.

Are you going to be good to get back to work?

It's not like you drove me here.

Right.

Okay.

I've been getting calls, too.

How about we meet later and we finish this conversation?

No, I can't. It's too much revisiting all of this.

I trust you're doing the right thing, okay?

I'll be in touch. No.

Don't.

Sit down.

I had you assist on the Breaking Ridge account because I regarded you as a

rising star at this firm.

I realize now that I place too much faith in you.

You likely costed that account.

Letitia, I'm late because... I have no excuse.

I founded this firm 12 years ago and built it into the third largest boutique

law firm in Atlanta.

And I did that by working hard and hiring the right people. And I'm

because I hired you because of your fierce intellect and outsized promise.

Neither of which mean anything if you're missing meetings and not able to focus

on what you're paid to do.

So I'm going to have to let you go, Viola.

Letitia, please.

I'm sorry I let you down.

I'm disappointed I couldn't live up to everything that I know I can accomplish

here.

Please just give me an opportunity to make this right. You were already on

second chance and didn't know it.

You approached the prosecutor.

The prosecutor.

Which is wrong no matter the reason.

But you didn't do it on behalf of this firm.

But for your pro bono client?

Clean out your desk and return your keys.

First time I've been fired from anything.

I mean, I know my performance has fallen off, but I had no idea she'd let me go.

You never wanted to wear a corporate lie anyway.

And I know you always say it as a joke, but I low -key think you're jealous of

all the freedom I have with my own firm.

So the silver lining is, you get to be like me.

You can start your own firm and only take cases that you're passionate about.

Leave it to you to make it seem like getting fired is something good. I never

said it was a good thing, just not the end of the world.

I know you're on the outside guy right now, but this situation really reminds

of the story of Esther.

You know it?

Such a time as this?

Exactly.

And do you know what that story shows you?

It tells you that even when God seems totally absent, always working behind

scenes, using us, even when we don't know it.

God using people.

That's rich.

You know what I'm talking about.

Seriously, what if God is using you for such a time as this to find the truth?

It just seems hard to believe, especially right now.

Police have found another woman's body on the city's west side.

Authorities suspect that the discovery of this body may be connected to another

woman's body found on the city's west side earlier this year.

Amber Noel reporting for News Channel 3.

Detective Gatlin.

Was the woman handcuffed?

You're gonna be okay.

I wish I could be here with you, but... Nobody can take off Saturday overnight.

It's okay. You didn't know I was gonna call.

I'm off at 7, so... I'll see you bright and early.

You know where I keep the heat.

But nobody's coming up in here.

And even if they do... It'd be the worst mistake they ever make.

V.

Yeah?

I feel so much better with you being here.

Right.

Damn, it smells good in here.

You found that?

Why is my brother's case file in your house?

V. If you so much as touch me, I'm gonna scream.

V, listen.

I don't know what you're up to, but I don't trust you. I was checking to see

what the facts are, okay? I'm a fucking detective.

You just couldn't let my brother rest in peace.

I thought if I could get a posthumous exoneration, it would get me back in

good graces. You are fucking lying.

I am leaving and you better not follow me.

I'm getting my shit.

Don't call me.

Don't text me. Just leave me alone. V.

These outside cameras, they haven't worked in months. I feel like I'm being

interrogated right now.

What are you doing minding my business, excuse me

Catch anything?

I fished the trail.

Bitch ass fished the lake.

Cut that shit off, bro.

Cut that shit off, stupid.

I fished the trail. Bitch ass fished the lake.

Cut that shit off, bro.

Cut that shit off, stupid.

You just couldn't stop digging.

It's the lawyer, bitch.

You about to cry?

Stop being pussy.

Don't call me fucking pussy!

She got me out of jail, man. I was in there because of you!

What, you want a cookie?

I told you we should have stopped while we was ahead.

But no, we got to do things your way, and now we about to get caught because

it, man. Fuck you.

Since you like her so much, you cut her up, and I'll put her in the suit. I'm

not doing this shit.

I'm done.

It's funny how you want to protect her so much, but you never protected me.

I went to jail for you.

Where are you going?

Get over here.

Oh, hell yeah.

Get out of here.

9 -1 -1, what's your emergency?

Detective Wilkins.

Who was the person involved in the reason? Will Gatlin. He is a detective.

And what was the address?

Big Boat Auto 44147 Newport Highway.

Finnhill, please.

They shot him.

They shot him. It's okay. It's going to be okay. Calm down. He told me to leave,

and I just left. I didn't come. I didn't turn back.

Okay. Get her home. Clear the house. Stay out front until I tell you, okay?

Let's go. Move, move, move.

Get in route now. K -9 on your car. Let's go.

You're with him. Go.

We have a six -seventh.

Everything is clear, so you're safe.

And I'll be parked in the driveway, so there's nothing for you to worry about.

And if I get any updates on Will, I'll let you know.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Now you can see it. What was higher.

Wait. Sorry.

What's that she said?

I can't understand.

You're not going to shoot.

If you don't have it in you.

You didn't shoot in the parking lot.

Hey, you ain't gonna shoot now.

Counsel? Your Honor, I'll be in the second chair today. The newest member of

office, Viola January, will argue this case.

She is well -equipped and equally prepared.

Thank you.

Your Honor, this case is about getting justice for the women whose lives were

taken by Ronaldo Jones.

and his brother Frank, who is now deceased.

These men preyed on women going about their day, minding their business, just

trying to enjoy a day at Peachdale Lake.

They targeted black women in their 20s, which was the same age their mother was

when she disappeared.

which catapulted the boys from a life of abuse into a life of abuse. But when

they grew up, they took pleasure in abusing others.

A live one should be to you in four minutes.

They executed their diabolical plan on a part of the lake trail where no one

could hear a woman scream, even if she had the opportunity to.

Frank deviated from that carefully crafted plan once Ronaldo went to jail,

leading police to find bodies.

Authorities discovered bone fragments in the shop at the bottom of two 55

-gallon barrels of a sodium dichromate and a sulfuric acid mix, which can

dissolve the human body within 24 hours.

Those fragments belonged to Natasha Brathwaite, Tiffany Long, and Chantrice

Winslow. The three black women who went missing last year from Peachdale Lake

Trail.

And I owe this court an apology because foolishly, I believe Ronaldo was

innocent, not knowing he was as guilty as sin the entire time.

So I am sorry for releasing the wrong man, but we have the opportunity to make

this right by ensuring Rinaldo Lee Jones never has the opportunity to threaten

the life of a woman ever again.

The defendant would like to address the court.

I didn't kill any of those women.

But I did set them up and help dispose of their bodies, which is just as evil

and also wrong. But I did it to protect my brother because I could not protect

him when we were young.

He held that against me.

He was damaged.

I'm damaged too.

So I covered for him.

Even went to prison for him. Because exposing him would have exposed

So I apologize to this court.

I apologize to the jury.

And most importantly, Viola, I...

I apologize to you.

Based on the seriousness of these crimes...

I sentence Rinaldo Lee Jones to life in prison without the possibility of

parole.

You did it. Congratulations.

I'm so proud of you. Thank you.

Congratulations for winning the case and for your...

New job at the prosecutor's office? I mean, it took you a while, but you

came around to the dark side.

I actually joined to bring some light, but thank you.

What are you doing?

Oh, God.

Something I want to say.

Viola, I'm sorry.

For everything.

Okay? For being an ass when we were together. And being an ass.

We've been apart.

Can you at least let me finish?

Okay. For being an ass when we were apart.

I followed you because I was terrified that something bad would happen to you.

And I wouldn't be able to live with myself if it did.

But despite how I felt, it was wrong.

No justification.

And low -key creepy. High. High -key. Creepy. Okay.

Touche. You're right.

But I want to take this opportunity to ask you for a chance for us to at least

be friends.

But that's not all you want.

We got to start somewhere, right?

Can you at least tell the man that you'll be his friend so he can get up

floor?

Now help me up. I'm still recovering.

Self -defense.

Of course, my brother's DNA was on the weapon. It was his gun.

Legally purchased.

He shot in self -defense.

I know this.

That's why I had the file.

You gonna help me up with what?

Come on.

So how did it feel to be used?

Not good.

I mean, Ronaldo was... Not by Ronaldo.

By God.

Find the truth.

I think it feels pretty good.

Told you so.

Like, hit me up because I'm hungry.