Original subtitles

[Jax Stewart] Previously on Reasonable Doubt...

[Brooke Cropper] I know way more about you and the shit that you've done.

My husband, Eric Cropper, tried to fucking kill me.

Do you know a Fabian Cruz?

Yeah, a former artist of mine.

And I knocked the gun out of his hand.

I shot him.

Let's get him out of there fast before he loses his fucking mind.

It would've been an honor to work with you,

but going against you is even better.

[Jax] Of course Desiree Grant would be here.

She was a fan of Eric's until she turned on him.

[Krystal Walters] How'd it go with Eric?

[Corey Cash] That brother's dangerous.

Allen Russo, the engineer-turned-musician you signed to your label.

-He disappeared over a decade ago. -Uh-uhh.

Fuck, last one?

[pharmacist] [on phone] You'll have to wait another two weeks

-before we can fill your prescription. -Another two weeks?

[Brooke] He's finally gonna get what he deserves and so are you.

[Eric Cropper] Who the fuck is that?

Okay, well, these are not for fun, okay? He needs these.

But don't worry, I will make sure that he gets them.

Police have released additional details

in the kidnapping of Brooke Cropper, wife of CROP Records

and Aura streaming founder, Eric Cropper.

Well, hello there.

Hey.

Investigators have now named Devonte Reese,

a man with ties to CROP Records,

as a person of interest in this case,

and are seeking information from the public

to help find him.

However, the high stakes in this case

have Cropper's counsel at The Stewart Firm working hard

to prepare for the highest-profile trial this year.

Now, we did reach out

to Deputy District Attorney Regina Harris's office.

A representative emailed us this statement.

"This office is committed to protecting the safety

and the welfare of the people of California."

[? "Sticky" by Tyler, The Creator playing]

[inaudible]

Girl, this Eric shit is a mess.

You think he really had her snatched?

He don't seem like that kind of violent.

Not to me, but in the early days of CROP Records,

Eric used to take meetings and make me wait in a car.

Sometimes he would come out all banged up and bloody,

but he always closed the deal.

For real?

Always.

Now I ain't saying Eric did anything to Brooke,

but when Eric wants something,

you better give it to him, period.

And it's a damn shame Brooke's too stupid to know that.

[sighs] But we all know the copy ain't as sharp as the original.

[both laugh]

??

-You get anything good? -Girl, I got it all.

[Melina Cropper] [on tape] In the early days of CROP Records,

Eric used to take meetings and make me wait in a car.

Sometimes he would come out all banged up and bloody,

but he always closed the deal.

[? theme music playing]

? From La Brea to Slauson ?

? It's all us ?

? The Sun, Central Ave Jazz, it's all us ?

? Where we at, hit the Maverick Flats ?

? Lemeirt and right back to the ark ?

? It's all us ?

? We coastin' on the west between sets and wealth ?

? We toast the sunset in the Dons ?

? Take flight into the night under Cali stars ?

? In a world on wheels ?

? It's all us ?

? It's the world we feel ?

? It's all us ?

? From the Hills to Hollywood ?

? It's all us ?

? No doubt we all we got ?

? Hold it down, Black and brown ?

? In a city of dreams ?

? It's all us ?

[Eric] Melina's loose lips are sinking my ship.

This shit is everywhere, and it's not good.

I pay you to keep the world from echoing shit like Melina's lies.

No, you're paying me for legal services,

like getting people around you to sign NDAs,

but I can't stop Melina from talking

about things that I don't know about.

Now, is there anything else that she knows

that you haven't told me?

Brooke is fucking somebody.

Can you confirm that?

I seen it with my own eyes.

-But you don't know who it is? -No, I don't.

Eric, this could be someone who's responsible

for kidnapping Brooke or even worse.

In on it... with her.

Fucking kidding me.

I should check the security footage.

You know what? Don't worry about it.

I'll get my investigator, Daniel, to dig into it.

Anything else?

That seems like a pretty big load to drop right there.

It is, but I had to ask you about it.

I can't defend you if I'm in the dark.

So, what else do I need to know?

Since when do you question me?

I've kept it real with you since the day we met.

[? "Savage" playing]

? Whoo ?

? Once she see the sauce ?

? Now you know she gotta have it ?

? Let 'em meet the boss ?

? Put her hands on the package ?

? I know what it costs 'cause I got a bad habit ?

? Turning good girls like you into a savage ?

? Ooh ?

? Turning good girls like you into a savage ?

? Ooh ?

? Turning good girls like you into a savage ?

[Jax] Oh, uh...

? I'ma real... trapper ?

? Once I set the trap, I be... something after ?

? Pick a molly sweet, jewel's will just run up out 'em faster ?

? She was kinda needy, now she almost a disaster ?

? Oh, I'ma real... master ?

? I took her to school and now she taking up like NASA ?

? You still waiting now... ?

Hello. How can I help you?

I'm Jax Stewart. I'm here with Binder Hurwitz.

Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah, finally.

Told that idiot, Vincent, to send me a Black lawyer,

not like the first three suits.

Uh, I thought we were having a meeting.

This, this, this looks like a party.

Well, yeah, it's a album listening party.

And I need a lawyer that listens.

Right?

Come on. Follow me.

? I know what it costs 'cause I got a bad habit ?

Now, I know you wanna take CROP from an indie to a major,

and Binder Hurwitz offers a range of services

that I personally believe would-

Yeah, yeah, look, look. I got a problem, alright?

I let one of my studio engineers named Allen Russo,

uh, ghostwrite on this song you hearing right here.

-Uh-huh. -But now he wants to go out

and make hits for other niggas.

But I'm the one that found him

and let him work with me.

Okay, well, did you make him an offer

for him to be your exclusive songwriter?

Yeah, last month.

But him and his lawyers dragging they feet.

-Mmm. -And Eric Cropper don't beg nobody.

Alright? Russo needs to accept my offer this week.

So, what else you got? Next pitch.

Okay. Um, well, I can review his employment contract.

If he's using your resources

on company time for his own work,

then you may have a claim against it.

Though, it might be tough to prove.

I mean, maybe there's a more creative solution-

What? You scared?

Look, if I need to sue him into oblivion,

then I need a lawyer that can help make that happen.

Alright? Someone who goes hard for me.

I ain't accepting nothing less.

Hey, hey, Tyger, ask Desiree what she think about the record.

-It's amazing. It'll outsell "21". -[laughs]

-That's what I'm talking about. See? -[Tyger Cropper] Okay, okay.

That's why you the best writer in the game.

Somebody get this woman a drink and a Pulitzer.

[laughter]

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

Uh, Jax from Binder Hurwitz, right?

-Yes. -Tyger Cropper.

Hopefully, my brother is not driving you crazy.

I could never. Come on, man.

So, um, you gonna hang a bit, church girl?

Chur... [chuckles]

-Yeah. -Good, I'll be right back.

[? hip-hop song playing]

So, Jax, you need to solve this Russo shit

because Eric's getting obsessive, you know? And...

he's about to dump your firm for good.

I don't know, I like the white. Looks good.

??

[Jax] "Eric Cropper is many things:

"a mogul, a musical genius, he's a devoted husband.

"Opinions, theories, assumptions are simply guesses.

When you, the jury, s..."

Uh... No.

Um...

"You will see, as the jury..."

Fuck! Shit, it's not working.

It's, it's not cohesive. There's no clear theme.

[? slow, dramatic music playing]

-[mouths] No! -[gunshot echoes]

You're tired, let's just take a break.

[sighs] I can't, the trial is in three hours,

and I have to rewrite this.

Can you just give me some space?

Yeah, of course.

??

[sighs]

[indistinct chatter]

Hey, Jax, uh, I got a call from a woman applying

to be the new office manager. I got her r�sum�-

Okay, I can't- I cannot focus on this right now, please.

Goddamn it, can I please just have a minute alone?

Yeah. Uh, bye.

-[door closes] -[sighs]

[tires screeching]

[ambient street noise]

What you think? Nice touch? Hmm?

Be better if it were real.

If I win, I'll accept Christ, Jehovah,

Allah, Buddha, all of 'em in my heart.

[grunts]

You coming?

I just need to finish up an email.

Email.

Just one second.

[Eric exhales]

What?

I know about the pills, Jax.

What pills?

The ones you asked Steve for

that you said were for me, but they weren't.

They were for you.

And to think, just yesterday,

you were telling me to be honest with you.

You ain't gotta lie to kick it, Jax.

All I need from you is to be your best

so that my ass don't go to prison.

So, if that means you need pills

or whatever to be that,

then I'll be the devil you know.

It was just because my prescription ran out,

and I'm still in pain, and it's the only-

Jax, Jax, Jax, I don't need the story, alright?

Save that brain energy for trial.

In the meantime, I'll make sure

my people get you whatever you need.

Discreetly, of course.

Trust me.

It's not the worst they've been asked to do.

And, Jax, just don't ever ask my staff

to work for you, alright?

You come to me.

Don't worry, I'll talk to security

and make sure they get you whatever you need.

[Jax] Hmm.

For your email.

[? tense music playing]

[door opens]

-[exhales] -[door closes]

[Regina Harris] Like many of you,

my love for Eric Cropper's music started early.

I'm sure we can all remember him

in the "I'm Nothing Without Your Love" music video

singing in that silk shirt in the rain.

-[jury chuckles] -I grew up on his music,

and I can still sing along word for word,

even though I can't remember the passwords

to half the apps in my phone.

[jury chuckles]

For many of us, Eric Cropper is the voice of romance.

But you will see the defendant's positive public image

is just as much an act

as him lip-syncing that love song in the rain.

Our evidence will show that Brooke Cropper,

the victim of these brutal crimes,

just wanted a divorce

and to leave her marriage

with a portion of their fortune

that she so rightfully earned.

We will show you the mountain of evidence that we have

to prove that the defendant callously organized

the abduction and attempted murder

of his wife to punish her.

The hardest part of your job

will be remembering that two things can be true.

A man can be brilliant and brutal,

charming and violent,

talented and guilty.

And we are confident that the state of California will prove

beyond a reasonable doubt that he is guilty of the kidnapping

and attempted murder of his wife, Brooke Cropper,

and the murder of Fabian Cruz.

Thank you.

[? upbeat, tense music playing]

Ladies and gentlemen, the state and I disagree on many things.

But one issue that's not in dispute

is that my client, Eric Cropper,

is an icon of American music,

but he's also a man.

A man whose public image doesn't reflect

every single one of his mistakes, just like you and me.

But our evidence will show that those mistakes

do not include the kidnapping and attempted murder

of his beloved wife, Brooke.

The state is right, two things can be true.

Eric Cropper is a household name

who's built a business celebrating love in this world,

but he also hasn't always shown love

to the people in his life.

You'll hear from the state's witnesses, most of whom are

former employees, or rivals, sexual partners,

that Mr. Cropper didn't always share his wealth.

Or that he was unfaithful... arrogant,

or a, a ruthless businessman.

But thankfully, most of these things aren't crimes,

or else most of us would be behind bars

based on how hard we work

or for what we say about

other drivers on the 10 freeway. [laughs]

We're not hiding from who Eric Cropper was or is as a person,

but the state's burden is to prove, through their evidence,

that my client masterminded the kidnapping

and attempted murder of his beloved wife.

You'll see the state's evidence is circumstantial at best.

By contrast, our evidence will show

that Eric Cropper did not commit conspiracy to kidnap,

attempted murder, and murder.

The state's task is to prove his guilt

beyond a reasonable doubt.

And by the end of this trial, we are confident

that that is exactly what you'll have,

reasonable doubt.

??

-I just felt it! -What?

-[Jax] You know? -You went off the dome with it?

-Of the dome, baby! [laughs] -Damn, let's go, let's go.

And as a matter of fact,

I think I'm gonna stop by Eric's just to make sure

that he is ready for this first witness

because I can't waste this momentum.

Well, Jax, you always say trials are marathons, not sprints.

-You need some rest. -[Jax] Uh-huh.

Oh, I agree, I almost lost you.

And you have to take care of yourself.

Thank you, Mom, and Dad.

[laughs] But I got it.

I mean, look, y'all gotta keep in mind

that I have cheated death twice now, okay?

So, trust me, I am not trying to make it a third time.

I know my limits. When I need to stop, I will.

Hmm?

What? I will.

-I will. I will. -[Lewis Stewart] Oh, you will?

-Come here. You know I will. -Come here. Hmm.

Oh, will- Oh, will- Oh, will you?

-I will. -Oh, you will?

-[Jax] You know I will. -Mm-hmm.

[Jax chuckling]

-[lips smack] -[Jax/Lewis laughing]

Eric, Binder Hurwitz also offers

-various strategies that- -[party guest] Yo.

This record is beyond amazing.

You are a legend.

People gonna talk about you long after we gone.

And we are so grateful

to you for giving us a chance.

Thanks, Devonte, Fabian.

You know Dark and Stormy

always has a home at CROP Records.

-[? hip-hop song playing] -Hey, Jax.

Come meet my best songwriter, Allen Russo.

-[laughter] -[guests chattering]

-Yo, yo. -[Allen Russo] Oh, hey!

Thank you for the invite, Mr. Cropper.

Sit down, Allen, what'd I tell you?

My friends call me Eric.

I've never been to a party like this

or seen a house this, uh, big

[chuckles] before Mr., um- Eric.

Look, you can have a house like this, too,

if you sign with me.

I'm still thinking that over with my wife.

It's all good. You're just an incredible talent, man.

And when I see talent, I gotta have it.

I wanna hear the songs

that you do late night at CROP.

Mmm. Nah, I keep CROP business

-at-at CROP. -[Eric] Hmm.

But, uh, I am performing some original songs

at, um, Hotel Cafe next weekend.

But, so you sing and write music?

[chuckles] I'm, uh, I'm nothing special.

I, uh, only wish that one day

I could be something like Mr.- Eric here.

[laughs] Okay.

Me and Allen are gonna grab some drinks.

Jax, what do you want?

Um, just a Diet Coke with a, a splash a rum.

With just a splash.

-Okay. Gotcha. Allen, let's roll. -[? hip-hop music playing]

Just a splash?

No wonder you don't get me.

Just because I don't like to drink

when I'm talking business

doesn't mean I'm bad at my job.

Talking business and taking shots is the job, home girl.

Come on, come meet my wife.

Babe, this is Jax Stewart.

She's a junior associate over at Binder and Hurwitz.

Another one?

Just move over to Gordon and Lear already.

-[Eric] Brooke. -Thank you.

Where's my snack?

[chuckles] I'm sorry, I didn't...

She's my assistant, not yours.

For now.

[? hip-hop song playing]

[? "Regular" playing]

So, Jax, you don't seem to be fazed by any of this shit.

Did you, uh, work much around entertainment?

Um, no, not a lot, but I'm from here.

So, unlike Russo

and a lot of these other people at this party, I mean,

I didn't come off the Greyhound

clutching onto my hopes and dreams

and wait for somebody to make me a star, you know?

-Yeah. -So, I mean, can I hate? Yes.

Do I need to? No.

I see. So, what does Mrs. Associate do for fun?

I mean, regular shit.

I chill with my husband, my kids,

you know, my girls from high school

on the other side of town, South of the 10.

Sounds boring.

[chuckles] Okay, you around here surrounded by booze and titties,

and yet, you over here talking to me,

so you can't be that fulfilled.

Okay... I like you.

-[Jax chuckles softly] -You got balls.

How'd you get so bold, South LA?

End of the day, I guess I'm just a nigga in a skirt.

Oh, shit. [laughs]

Ni... What?

Hey, what'd I miss? What'd I miss?

Something in a skirt, that-that's all I'ma say.

[laughter]

Well, Jax Stewart gave a hell of an opener.

She definitely lives up to the hype.

Tune all of that out. The jury is your only concern.

Make them believe that Cropper

is capable of these crimes.

-It's just that simple, huh? -Yeah.

It's simple. I mean, not easy.

But I think it'll be easier for you.

You have an amazing ability

to make cases clear to the everyday person.

Being relatable is your superpower.

So, don't get caught up in Jax's game.

You're in your own league, okay?

Okay.

I appreciate that, Mike.

Your wife is a very lucky lady

to have someone like you to come home to.

[diners chattering]

My wife and I divorced last year.

I only wear the ring so I don't have to talk about it at the office.

Oh.

Well, what about you? Married? Kids?

Um...

No kids, no man, and no time for anything

'cause this job takes up all my time

and it is so stressful.

I hear you, sometimes you just need a...

-I don't know, a drink. -A release?

[laughs]

Wait.

You said a release.

Right.

[? upbeat music playing]

[both chuckling, panting]

[Dorothy] Regina.

Regina!

-[Regina] Mm. -You have a roommate?

Um, yeah, my mom's staying with me for a-a bit.

She's not well, but it's all good.

??

-[Dorothy] Regina! You hear me, girl? -[Regina] Mm.

Ugh.

[Mike sighs]

[Regina sighs]

[whispering] Yeah, okay, you should probably,

you should probably go.

[whispering] Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Okay. Um...

Well... Um, uh... I had a good time.

Me too.

-Um... -[Regina sighs]

[keys jangling]

-[chuckles] Thank you. -Good night.

-Good night. -[Mike clears throat]

-[sighs deeply] -[knocks on door]

Listen, I know you're mad at me,

but I didn't know Eve was gonna be talking to that

grimy ass reporter.

What'd I tell you about making friends

with random ass hoes?

People stay using you to get to me.

I got my own friends. Everything is not about you.

I know that's a tricky concept for you to understand.

I thought you came to apologize.

I did, until you started acting like an asshole.

I get to be an asshole, Melina.

I'm fighting for my fucking life.

You need to make it up to me on the stand.

Fix shit under oath.

I'll try my best, but I'm not gonna lie in court.

That's a crime.

Your Build-a-Bitch body is a lie.

I don't see you losing sleep over that.

Getting lashes and Botox

is not the same as committing perjury.

Alright, hold, hold on, hold on, hold on...

Melina, you know me.

You have to know I didn't do this.

You believe me, right?

[? light, tense music playing]

You're the only one I can count on.

[sighs]

The only one I ever could.

So save me on that stand.

If you knew this is how things would turn out

with you and Brooke,

would you still have left me?

[Eric chuckles softly]

You want me to be honest?

I'd rather you make me feel better.

I'm a married man.

[chuckles softly] Like that's ever stopped you.

[Eric and Melina chuckle]

[Eric] And yet, after all these years,

there's nothing more sexier

than watching you come on my dick.

[Melina] Mm.

[Eric] Except...

watching you not get what you want.

You're a fucking sadist.

Like that ever stopped you.

[? sensual music playing]

[Brooke] No, I don't wanna watch, thank you for asking.

[Eric] I like a woman that asks for what she wants

and then just fucking takes it.

Believe me, I could take anything you give me.

So, you finally gonna give me that snack I wanted?

Want? I'll give you everything you need

and all the things you didn't even know you could have.

Are y'all role-playing or something?

Sure.

Babe, how about you, um, step back

and watch for a minute?

Crawl for me.

Yeah, let me see it.

-[Brooke] Do you like that? -[Eric] Just like that.

Mm-hmm.

Don't worry, you up next, Melina.

-[Eric and Brooke moaning] -Fuck. You want this fuckin' body?

-[Brooke chuckles, moans] -This is fuckin' crazy.

[? "Broken Hearted Girl" by Teyana Taylor ft. Fabolous playing]

-Ooh, shit. -[heavy breathing]

Yeah?

Oh, shit.

[Brooke] Just like that, Eric. Just like that.

[Eric] [moans deeply] Shit.

Eric, what the fuck is going on?

Have y'all been fucking behind my back?

[Eric] No, babe, this is, uh, this is the first time.

Certainly won't be the last.

-You're alright, Brooke. -[Brooke chuckles]

[door slams]

? 'Cause I ain't got nothing to do with that ?

? Do with that, do with that... ?

I knew you was a nosy ass bitch

when I first met you,

but go on in, he'll probably fuck you too.

I only want him as a client, that's all.

[scoffs] Just give it some time.

??

[dog barking]

Hey, Lu, brought back your baking dish.

Oh! See, that's why I love you.

Anytime I ask Jacqueline, it takes her weeks.

[Lewis laughs]

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

Alright, well, you have a great day. I'm off to work.

Um... did you notice Jacqueline

acting strange the other night?

-Strange? -Hmm.

You mean, like, because she was excited

about her opening statement?

No, it was something different.

I mean, she kept sitting down and bouncing back up.

Have you... kept track

of how many pills she takes every day?

What? Why would I do that?

I lived with an addict for years.

Okay, she's not an addict.

I mean, she takes it seriously, especially because of Eddie.

It took some convincing for her

to even take them to begin with.

Hmm. Well, I know firsthand

how you can start off taking the drugs

and then the drugs end up taking you.

That girl's got her daddy's blood

and I'm worried,

and you should be too.

[? pensive music playing]

The people call...

[Det. Annie Zhang] Detective Annie Zhang.

[Dr. Kenneth Lawrence] Dr. Kenneth Lawrence,

Chief Medical Examiner for Los Angeles County.

[Det. Zhang] I'm an LAPD detective

in the Robbery-Homicide Division.

How did you get involved in the case?

LAPD responded to the defendant's call

from the Cropper home about a kidnapping.

I am now showing you the People's Exhibit 1.

Do you recognize it?

Yes, this is the footage

outside the Cropper home during the kidnapping.

We think the kidnappers were there

because they knew Mrs. Cropper

would be leaving that night,

which was our first clue

that this was an inside job.

Did you find any other evidence

at the Croppers' home?

The day after the kidnapping,

the kidnapper sent a fingernail to the defendant.

[Dr. Lawrence] A DNA test of the blood and skin on it

confirmed it was Mrs. Cropper's.

Now, can you determine if someone other

than Mrs. Cropper removed her fingernail?

That would be very difficult to do.

Difficult, but it's not impossible, correct?

Correct.

Three days later, after the victim

came to the police station,

she gave us a general description of where she was held,

which we later determined was an abandoned warehouse

in San Pedro.

At the warehouse, we found a chair

with torn duct tape still stuck to it

with hair matching Mrs. Cropper's profile.

Blood on the floor, bloody bandages, and pliers.

Based on the traces of Mrs. Cropper's blood on them,

we believe the kidnappers used it to denail her.

Fingerprints on them match Fabian Cruz.

His and Devonte Reese's prints

were found in the warehouse.

We believe they're responsible for her kidnapping.

Reese and Cruz were an R&B duo

called Dark and Stormy

that was signed to CROP Records,

which is owned by the defendant.

I am now showing you what has been marked

as the People's Exhibit 11.

Will you please identify it?

[Det. Zhang] That is the phone record for the line

in the defendant's office at CROP Records.

Those three phone calls were to Devonte Reese

and the other three to Fabian Cruz.

The most recent were on the day of the kidnapping.

Did you find any other evidence

at the scene of the crime?

[Det. Zhang] We found Cruz's body consistent

with Mrs. Cropper's account that she broke free,

got their gun, and shot Cruz to escape.

The gun is registered to the defendant,

but he didn't report it stolen.

The autopsy revealed that the bullet entered

Mr. Cruz's chest.

When the bullet penetrated the aortic arch,

it caused a hemothorax, a fatal bleed in the chest.

Death occurred in minutes.

[clears throat] Detective, you said that you believe

the kidnappers knew when the victim was leaving,

but based on the security camera footage,

the kidnappers' van sat in the street for hours

before the kidnappers took the victim, correct?

Yes.

As if they had no idea when the victim would appear,

or if she would even appear at all.

But if Mr. Cropper told the kidnappers

when the victim was leaving,

then, surely, he could have told them

the exact time in advance, correct?

Yes.

[Jax] Now, when you searched CROP Records,

you found Mr. Cropper's office

was unlocked during business hours.

So, that means that

anyone could have walked into his office

and used his phone to make calls from his landline.

Possibly.

Detective, what time did Mr. Cropper get home?

Approximately 30 minutes prior to the incident.

So, if the van was parked out on the street

for hours, as you testified,

that would mean that Mr. Cropper

would have to pass the van on his way in.

However, a man of his stature called no one

about a suspicious vehicle parked outside of his house?

Huh, maybe because it wasn't so suspicious.

Objection.

Withdrawn. Nothing further.

-[? intense, upbeat music playing] -[sighs]

Okay.

[chuckles] She out here trying to spin

soft circumstantial evidence into hard clay.

Well, that don't sound good to me.

You figure out who Brooke's fucking yet?

Well, I, uh, reviewed your security footage,

but I couldn't make out any faces

or any kind of identifying details-

So, no, you ain't got shit?

-W- -Is this your best man right here?

'Cause he's not exactly inspiring confidence.

Okay, Eric, stop, we'll find Brooke's man

and Devonte Reese.

You just stay out of trouble.

Right, well, why don't you ride back with me

and make sure I stay out of trouble?

You can check your... emails.

[? soft, dramatic music playing]

[elevator bell dings]

I'm trying hard to like that dude.

I'm not even trying.

[sighs]

[deep breath]

[? suspenseful music playing]

I can't believe I'm doing this shit.

[Jax] You ready to watch Paradise?

Yeah, yeah, I'll be right out.

??

[sighs]

[pills rattle]

[exhales]

??

It is day three of the Eric Cropper trial

where Cropper's first wife, Melina Cropper,

will be taking the stand.

Mrs. Cropper and Mr. Cropper have allegedly

had an amicable relationship

in the years since their divorce,

but we will all be curious to see

how that translates to the public,

and more importantly, the jurors.

Mrs. Cropper, you married the defendant

before his commercial success, is that correct?

Yes, we actually married for love.

I don't recommend it.

[Regina] Are you familiar with the defendant's music?

I probably know his songs better than he does.

We sold 500 copies of his first EP out of my trunk.

And when we sold them,

Eric bought me my dream car to celebrate.

He always wanted my opinion on his music,

like his personal focus group.

Whatever problems I had with Eric the man,

Eric the artist always amazed me.

And even after our divorce, he would still

have me listen to his music before he released it.

So, it sounds like you both had

a relationship built on mutual respect.

Why get a divorce?

Love fades, respect stays.

The defendant said that his music is often inspired

by real-life experiences.

Has he written any songs about you?

Yeah, some of his biggest hits.

[Regina] Hmm.

This is the People's Exhibit 16.

Do you recognize this?

The lyrics to "Broke, bitter bitch,"

an unreleased song that Eric wrote

after he filed for our divorce about me.

[Regina] And why was it not released?

The label was worried it would turn off

his hardcore R&B fans.

Uh, let's see, would you mind

reading the highlighted portion?

[? tense music playing]

"Broke bitter bitch, back to life on the street.

"Broke bitter bitch back to sucking that D.

"Broke bitter bitch, back to fucking for free.

Fuck that broke bitter bitch, won't get a dime outta me."

[Regina] Mmm. Yeah, that is definitely

not getting me in the mood.

Can we please play People's Exhibit 17?

Can you please identify it?

[Eric] [on recording] You must've forgot who the fuck you dealing with,

and how I handle motherfuckas who get in my way.

You want half my stack, you broke bitch?

I'll kill you before you see

a dime of my motherfuckin' money.

When Eric left me this voicemail,

he was mad that I was trying to get-

Mad enough to keep good on his promise to kill you?

-What? -Objection, calls for speculation.

She can't testify to what the imaginary actions

of my client based on his creativity.

Your Honor, I am asking for her opinion

on evidence submitted before the court,

not as a fan, but as a former spouse

of over 20 years.

Overruled, the witness may answer.

??

[Melina] I... [sighs]

I think Eric is someone who keeps his word.

Nothing further.

[mouths] What the fuck are you doing?

Well, [sighs] I think we can all agree that, um,

that voicemail was awful.

Divorce can be painful...

but did he kill you?

-No. -Right.

He was mad, but you're, you're alive.

And despite the voicemail and the lyrics,

Mr. Cropper provided for you financially

during the divorce settlement, right?

Yes, the settlement was generous

even though Eric dragged our divorce out three years

and took my dream car with him.

[Jax] Okay, but your relationship

with Mr. Cropper today is good, correct?

[Melina] No.

??

You see, the thing is, when Eric wanted a divorce,

I took the minimum allowed to me by law

so Eric was happy.

The difference here is,

Brooke wanted to leave first, and Brooke got greedy.

She wanted a piece of Aura,

a company she helped start,

but it had Eric's name all over it.

And anyone who knows Eric

knows that Brooke's fate

probably wasn't gonna be good.

You never know what a person is capable of

until you do.

What the fuck? I thought you said we was good.

How the fuck you gonna get up there

-and pull that bullshit- -And tell the truth?

I told you I wasn't gonna lie for you

when all you've done these past years is degrade me.

Oh, is that it? Okay.

We gonna see how you feel

when I cut your ass off.

[chuckles] Nice try.

You gotta pay me alimony

for the rest of my life,

even from San Quentin.

But don't worry, I'll put money on your books.

Who's the broke bitch now?

Broke bitch?

-Oh, I'll show you a broke bitch. -Don't do it, bruh. Don't do it.

No, fuck that. You not getting a motherfucking dime.

You watch, keep playing with me. Fuck, okay.

-Alright, alright. -Uh-uh, uh-uh. Give me that.

You do not need to be calling anybody while you are upset.

Didn't you learn anything in that courtroom with that voice note?

Go home, okay?

Relax. Just take a breath.

Even though Melina's testimony didn't go as planned,

she came off as a scorned ex.

-We can spin that- -Jax, thank you.

Alright? How about you go home

and do what you need to do to be better-

Hey, hey, hey, hey, nigga. Hey!

You know what?

I'ma go get my dick sucked,

and try forgetting that I married not just one,

but two trifilin' ass bitches!

Fucking kidding me?

I can't believe that this nigga talked to you like that.

Look, he's not mad at me, he's mad at himself, okay?

I told you, Corey, none of this shit is personal.

[? slow, tense music playing]

-[engine starts] -[sighs]

[Lewis] How was court?

Not great, but [sighs] it's whatever.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I've just been exhausted from this case.

You know, I haven't been getting any sleep.

You alright?

Yeah.

N-No.

We promised each other that we wouldn't keep secrets

between us in our marriage,

no matter how hard the conversation

or small the action.

Okay.

You're scaring me, Lewis.

Your mom told me that she's worried about you.

[laughs]

Okay, my mom has been worried about me

since the day I was born.

No, she's worried that you have a problem.

A drug problem.

Wait, what?

She asked me to count your pills.

Are you fucking serious? Wh...

Why would she even...

Wh-What are you talking about, Lewis?

Jax, I didn't tell you this to make you mad.

I told you this because I don't wanna keep secrets.

-Did you? -Did I what?

-Did you count the pills? -No.

And what the- Why d-

What does that have to do with anything? Why does it matter?

It matters because it tells me

if you believe her or if you trust me.

Well, Jax, that's exactly why I'm asking you now.

You actually didn't ask me anything!

You know what? Fine.

You're right. I don't have to ask you anything.

I don't gotta count your pills, I just wanted you to know.

[Jax scoffs]

-[Lewis sighs] -[Jax sighs]

Okay...

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry for getting mad at you, okay?

I just- I-I cannot believe

that she would even do something like this.

Jax, you can't be mad at her.

She was really coming from a good place.

Okay.

You know what, baby? Thank you.

Thank you for being honest with me, okay?

I appreciate it.

[exhales]

[? tense music playing]

Hey, so you talking shit about me to my husband?

Is that what we doing?

Well, I'm sorry, I-I-I must be having a dream

'cause who are you talking to?

I'm talking to you, Mother.

Because you told my husband

that I was a drug addict

-because- -Yes.

Wow. Wow.

Mom, you know what? I am not Dad, okay?

I did not stick a needle in my arm

after a few late nights

with a bunch of raggedy ass niggas

from the juke joint.

I got shot twice,

and that shit fucking hurts!

It's a kind of pain that makes you wanna see God.

And you know what? While I am happy that I'm alive,

I'm still in pain, which I am managing!

So, the last thing I need is to manage you

and your paranoid delusions

about who I am and what you think I'm doing.

I knew it.

I'm looking into your eyes

and you look just like your father,

and I'm not talking genetics, I'm talking addiction.

Because the audacity you have to come here

and talk to me like that

is deflection at its finest.

You're not mad at me for talking to Lewis.

You're mad at me for revealing your little secret.

But you see, I'm not your husband.

So, a few little kisses and some back rubs

ain't gonna make me forget something

that I can see with my eyes.

Been there, done that, baby girl.

So, you're not gonna apologize?

I'm only sorry I didn't say anything sooner.

So, what's the next step?

Clearly, you can't continue the trial

-or these lies, baby girl. -You know what, Ma?

[voice breaking] I have been dealing with your shit,

with-with-with your guilt, with your men for my entire life.

And you know what? I am tired of it.

So, you know what the next step is?

You have finally meddled yourself

out of a relationship with your only child!

So, you stay the fuck out of my life!

??

No! Jacqueline!

[sobbing]

[lawyer] I was surprised you called.

Mr. Russo hasn't yet made a decision on the offer.

That's fine, because that offer's no longer on the table.

Allen, Jax here has helped me see you

as both a singer and a songwriter.

So, CROP Records is offering you

a seven-album record deal.

[Jax] With very generous terms.

And during the course of the agreement,

Mr. Russo will provide exclusive songwriting services to Mr. Cropper.

Aside from writing his own albums, of course.

Allen, look at me.

I wanna make you a fucking star.

-[Allen exhales] -[Jax and Eric chuckle]

I gotta tell Abby [laughs]

and my-my daughter, Tina.

Oh, my God! Oh, my!

Allen, wait, wait.

This contract says he'll provide exclusive songwriting services,

but there is no time limit or obligation on CROP

to put out his records.

But he'll have a chance to record seven albums.

He can even record them at Cropland.

If you think you're gonna find a better deal

somewhere else, you won't.

Allen, look, think about Abby and Tina, right?

You can take care of them in a way

that being an engineer can't.

Allen, I strongly encourage you to think about this

and not rush to sign anything.

[pen scribbling]

-Perfect. -[Eric laughs]

Stacy, we can have copies made and sent over to your office.

-Congratulations. -[Allen laughs]

CROP Records is now in the Allen Russo business.

Give me a hug, man, bring it in.

[Allen and Eric laugh]

Listen, I don't do this all the time.

Make a couple whiskeys for the both of us, alright?

And then we can talk about them new songs you've been writing.

Maybe you've been writing some new songs for me.

Yeah? [laughs]

My nigga in a skirt,

you handling all my business from now on.

[Jax laughs]

[Stacy] You proud of yourself?

What you did to that man.

What did I do to him?

Help make his dreams come true?

You know Eric's never gonna put out any records.

Okay, first of all, I'm not a fortune teller,

so I have no idea what Eric's going to do,

but what I do know

is that I've represented my client well.

And after all, isn't that our ethical duty?

You think that was ethical?

You helped crush a man just because.

Those your values?

Look, I know who I am,

and no one will ever make me question that.

And I also know that the longer he is with me,

the smarter he will get and the better he will be.

Wow. See, I thought you were just cynical.

But now I see that you are delusional.

You think you can change him?

You can't make him better,

but he will absolutely make you worse.

[? dramatic music playing]

[inaudible]

[? "New Person, Same Old Mistakes" by Tame Impala playing]

[water running]

-[groans] -? I can just hear them now ?

? "How could you let us down?" ?

? But they don't know what I found ?

? Or see it from this way around ?

? Goin' with what I always longed for ?

-? Feel like a brand-new person ? -[gasping]

-? So, how will I know that it's right? ? -[panting]

Hey, how was your bath?

You were in there for a while.

[sighs] Good.

It's much needed.

[Lewis] Hmm.

[Jax] Mm.

Mm, and I hope you get some rest tonight.

[Jax sighs]

Yeah.

Me too.

[? song fades out]

-[indistinct chatter] -[elevator bell dings]

[Jax] [sighs] Okay.

Wait, I don't have my purse. Did I hand it to you?

Uh, no, I-I don't have it.

Oh, damn it. I only grabbed my work bag.

-I must've left it at the office. -Oh, it'll be safe.

You know Shemari don't play about security.

[groans] Well, it's not that.

-My notes are in there. -Oh.

So, I'm gonna need you to go pick it up.

Wait, now?

Ja... Jax, that's on the other side of town, and...

Oh, wait, plus you're not even

cross-examining the witness today, Corey is.

Okay, if I tell you to do something, you do it.

I don't need backtalk.

Backtalk? You're not my mother.

Right, I'm your boss

and I need my purse before court starts.

Now, do I need to repeat myself

or do I need to find your replacement?

[? tense music playing]

Krystal, that was not okay.

I have to go.

In 2025, Mr. Cropper hired you as an A&R executive.

Did you have any previous experience?

[Quincy] No, I did not.

Do you have a criminal record?

Yes, before I started at CROP,

I did four years at Folsom for assault with a deadly weapon.

And who was the victim of that attack?

Slick. I mean, Raymond Green.

[Regina] Is it true that Mr. Cropper

hired you to beat up Mr. Green

and take the fall because he broke his contract

-with Mr. Cropper? -Objection, leading the witness.

[Judge Gregory] Sustained.

Nothing further.

Has Mr. Cropper ever asked you to break the law?

No. Eric is a stand-up dude.

[Corey] So, you previously testified

that you have no A&R experience, but you are a musician.

-Is that correct? -[dialogue fades out]

[? "T-Shirt" by Migos playing]

? TrenchWerk ?

-? Aye ? -? Mama told me, aye ?

-? Not to sell work ? -? Mama ?

? Seventeen five, same color T-shirt ?

-? White ? -? Mama told me, aye ?

-? Not to sell work ? -? Mama ?

? Seventeen five, same color T-shirt ?

-? Yeah ? -? Young nigga poppin' ?

? With a pocket full of cottage, aye ?

? Whoa, kemosabe, chopper aimin' at your noggin, aye ?

? Had to cop the Audi, then the top I had to chop it ?

-? Skrrt, skrrt ? -? Niggas pocket watchin' ?

? So I gotta keep the rocket ?

-? Brah! ? -? Neck water faucet ?

-? Water ? -? Mocking birds mocking ?

-? Woo ? -? Act' pint, stock it ?

[Corey] No further questions, Your Honor.

-? Nats ? -? Wrist on hockey ?

-? Hockey ? -? Wrist on Rocky ?

See how smooth I was with that?

Yeah. You did that, Cash.

They don't call you Corey "The Closer" Cash for nothing.

[Judge Gregory] The court will now take a 10-minute recess.

[gavel pounds]

Oh, hey, Jax, sorry.

The 10 was completely backed up-

You're welcome!

-? Niggas get to droppin' ? -Excuse me.

-? When that Draco get to poppin' ? -? Frr ?

? All I want is cottage, roll a cigar full of broccoli ?

-? Cookie ? -? No check, want all cash, nigga ?

-? I don't do deposits ? -? Uh-uh ?

? Bitches cross the border, nigga, bitches from the tropics ?

? I'ma get that bag, nigga, ain't no... ?

[Jax] Only two left?

? I'ma feed my family, nigga ?

-? Ain't no way around it ? -? Family ?

? Ain't gon' never let up, nigga ?

-? God said show my talent ? -[gasping]

-Fuck. -? Young nigga with the Anna ?

-? Walkin' with the hammer ? -? Grrah ?

Shit, no!

No! [gasps]

Oh, God. Fuck, fuck.

[panting] Oh, no.

??

Okay, okay.

? Niggas pocket watchin', so I gotta keep the rocket, aye ?

? Mama told me, aye, not to sell work... ?

Yo, Jax, just heard from my contact with the LAPD

that Devonte Reese will be arrested soon.

-? Not to sell work ? -? Mama ?

? Seventeen five, same color T-shirt ?

? Yeah ?

[? singer vocalizing]

? Mama told me ?

Devonte Reese, you're under arrest

for the kidnapping and attempted murder of Brooke Cropper

and for the murder of Fabian Cruz.

You have the right to remain silent, anything-

Wait, wait, please!

I wanna make a deal.

[? song fades out]

-[? song resumes] -? 12 can't pull me over ?

? Space coupe, Quavo Yoda, pourin' drank in sodas ?

? I get high on my own, sir ?

? Heard you gon' clone, sir ?

? Stop all that flexin', young nigga don't wanna go there ?

? Never been a gopher but I always been a soldier ?

? Young niggas in the cut, posted like a vulture ?

? Divin' off the stage in the crowd, it's a moshpit ?

? Yeah, shawty bad, but she broke 'cause she don't own shit ?

? Mama asked me, "Son, when the trappin' gon' quit?" ?

? I been ridin' 'round through the city in my new bitch ?

? Young nigga poppin' with a pocket full of cottage, aye ?

? Whoa, kemosabe, chopper aimin' at your noggin, aye ?

? Had to cop the Audi, then the top I had to chop it ?

-? Skrrt, skrrt ? -? Niggas pocket watchin' ?

? So I gotta keep the rocket, aye ?

-? Mama told me, aye, not to sell work ? -? Mama ?

-? Seventeen five, same color T-shirt ? -? White ?

-? Mama told me, aye, not to sell work ? -? Mama ?

? Seventeen five, same color T-shirt ?

? Yeah ?

[? singer vocalizing]

[? song fades out]

[? fanfare playing]

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