Original subtitles

And the undisputed winner

in a second-round knockout

is pretty boy Chad!

Someone call 9-1-1.

- ...the Nuggets just got by the Nets...

That's it, man! Pay up by tonight or your ass is out of here!

You owe me two months, asshole!

...the Celtics edged the Bulls 110 to 108,

and the Pacers defeated the Mavericks...

...the Intercontinental heavyweight boxing title

is on the line tonight in Vegas.

Sammy "the Hook" Sterling weighed in...

...he has a two-inch reach over John "the Barber" Cutter,

who tipped the scales at an even 210.

It was scheduled for 15 rounds.

And on the link, Fulmer and Nicholas show

the third-round lead at the Aries Open,

both carded 566 yesterday

and are 11 under for the event...

...he's having problems with his pitching elbow...

Not you too.

Goodbye, Rocky.

...overtime to beat the Rangers once said--

- In the NHL tonight, the Fliers put their first...

Mr. Sterling!

Mr. Sterling!

Mr. Sterling!

Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Sterling.

-Mr. Sterling, h-- what-- -Betty? Bet-- Betty, what is it?

Oh. The call. Uh, th-- s-- someb--

-Who? What? -I, I, I don't know.

The call came in on the main line up at the house.

Talk to them.

Hello?

Yes.

Yes.

Anything.

I'll be there. Wha--

I-- Is it about Chantelle?

I don't know.

Yo, dawg. What's up?

He left 20 minutes ago.

-My client? -Yeah.

The dude who's been paying 100 bucks

to feel good about himself

ain't feeling so good right now.

Something came up.

He's gone.

He ain't coming back.

Yeah, well, I get another one.

I just have a lot on my mind right now, okay?

Chad, I can't have you keep losing clients, dawg!

Look around, man! This is a private gym!

Every time you fuck up and lose a client, I lose my cut.

You think this is beneath you because of who you were?

Reality check.

We're here to start these people dreams.

And relieve stress. That's all.

Maybe that's not enough for me!

Yeah, well, that's not enough for you, mister.

I used to be champ. There's the door.

Man, what's gotten into you?

My bird died.

What?

Where the fuck am I?

Good morning.

Yeah.

Yeah, we'll see about that.

You here to get drunk or wash mugs?

You had a "Help Wanted" sign outside.

And now you don't.

Yeah. Right.

What's your name?

Chad. What's yours?

Clarke.

Lose the cowboy hat.

Sink is in the back and don't forget to punch in.

I don't pay much, but then again,

look around at where you're at.

Oh, yeah, we no use the tap water around here for anything,

like washing, drinks, ice cubes, that stuff will take you down.

Are you chewing gum?

Spit it out. You're at work.

Got it.

So gracious. Welcoming.

I heard that.

I'm not in Kansas anymore.

You two together?

He wishes.

I do wish.

I thought you got lucky there for once in your life.

-The usual? -Ain't nothing usual about that one.

Sit whatever.

Mr. Sterling.

Who are you?

I'll ask the questions, you'll provide the answers.

Do you love your daughter?

Chantelle is my life.

And you want to see your precious little princess alive again?

How dare you!

-You think this is some kind of a ga-- -Again,

I'll ask the questions.

Here's the deal. You can make that joyful,

tear-filled reunion hug happen.

It'll just cost you, however, a lot.

But I was told that's not a problem for you.

Please.

I just want to see--

Spare me the drama, will you?

You know, your Chantelle is a very given little thing.

- And I'm counting on you to be the same...

...and give me a little something too.

How much?

To see your darling pumpkin again?

Hmm. Let's say...

Hey, what the fuck?

What the fuck?

Hey!

Is that what you meant with punching in?

Where'd all that come from?

That, uh... kick jab thingy thing you did...

...what was that? I've never seen that before.

Uh, you're in the Salton Sea. The Shitty, that's what we call it.

There's a lot you haven't seen.

The what?

Take a whiff of those fragrant breezes

coming off that big old pond out there, you'll see what I mean.

Well, I know what I've just seen.

Extraordinary.

And I know now what I need to do more than ever.

I need some help.

You two game?

For what?

This and that.

You mean... the two of us?

How much does little this and that pay?

How about 2K a day?

Each?

This and that is our specialty.

But the split with my young associate here

is 3K for me, 1K for him.

You... are hired.

Hmm. Cheers, I think.

What's up? I'm at the yoga studio.

Leeper.

My dear, any word?

Well, I want you to know that I have...

...everything taken care of with the business. You d--

you take as much time as you need,

do you hear me, partner?

I'm here for you. A--

My goodness, it must be absolute hell, but anything...

...anything you need, I'm here, as always.

-Thank you, Ava. Thank you. -And you? Who are you?

Oh, Clarke is my new assistant.

To do what?

Uh... this and that.

Ava, um...

...I have decided that no matter what,

we are not selling to the Chinese.

No matter how much they try to strong-arm me in negotiations,

I'm not doing it.

Oh, so you've got your own strong arm, huh?

Yep, that's me.

Uh, Mr. Sterling was involved in an attack yesterday in my bar.

Oh, really? I--

-By who? -I--

I, I don't know.

I don't know, but it helped me make my decision.

I have absolutely no control over this kidnapping

or whatever has happened to my daughter.

Uh, and this incident yesterday,

I don't even know if it's related,

but there is one thing

that I do have control over...

...and that's my business.

And that's it. The Chinese may own

all the other lithium fields in the world,

but they're not gonna get mine.

Of course not... not now that you have

the strongest arm in the Salton Sea

to protect you from any more of these random attacks.

T-- wha-- whe-- when-- was it yesterday? So strange.

There will be no more random attacks

now that I have security.

Well... I wou-- would like to invite

the security to, uh, lunch, perhaps,

or a, a tea or coffee,

and-- and then I could fill you in on our company policies.

My treat, of course.

It's a wonderful idea, Ava. Uh--

uh, if it works for Clarke?

Uh, I work for you, Mr. Sterling, so I'll--

I'll go.

Splendid.

Won't we have a great time.

- See you around. - Mm!

Hey, man. Are you okay?

Got you, sucker!

Give this to your new boss.

And I'm not talking about the himbo.

Mr. Sterling? Mr. Sterling.

Your housekeeper told me you were up here.

Well, come over here, Chad.

Whoa. This is amazing.

This was Chantelle's favorite place.

You know, she always told me she felt like she was

on top of the world up here.

I can't imagine what you're going through right now.

You ever truly love someone, Chad?

I hope to.

One day.

It's...

...an amazing feeling.

When I first met Keeshay, Chantelle's mother...

...I felt like my life suddenly began.

It's... joyous.

Bright.

Uncomplicated, jubilant.

Where did you guys meet?

I owned a small hotel in the Turks and Caicos for a while.

She was the concierge there.

A belonger, as they call themselves.

-Belonger? -That's what they call themselves,

the natives of the island.

"Belongers" because they belong there.

And when our daughter was born, I...

I finally felt like I belonged somewhere too.

Are you and Keeshay still together?

Uh, my, uh, my beloved wife died at childbirth.

So Chantelle has only known me, and...

...and now she's, uh--

Mr. Sterling.

Leeper, please.

Whatever happened to her,

I'll find out.

Yesterday, when I was running,

I got attacked.

He gave me this.

He said, give it to you.

What is it?

We'll get her back, Leeper.

Oh!

Not your usual tea, Ms. Ava?

Oh, not today, I'm afraid.

Two beers. Special occasion for my new friend, Clarke.

My pleasure.

Oh!

To our new employee at Sterling Enterprises.

May this be the first of many occasions in our future.

Thank you, Ava. Um,

well, you know, I'd like to make one thing perfectly clear.

I don't think I work for Sterling Enterprises.

Mr. Sterling hired me to be his personal bodyguard.

By the way, what is Sterling Enterprises?

We are all just one big, happy family, my dear.

And that, my honeybunch, is why I am so looking forward to getting to know you.

So, what's your background, Clarke?

Are you some sort of a fitness enthusiast

or hot nude yoga like me

or are you into Pilates, like all the men are doing these days?

Uh, no, not, uh, Pilates or...

...that other thing, but, uh, something like it.

I'm a, I'm a former world-class fighter.

That's hot!

Well, that deserves another toast.

To Mr. Sterling's

new former world-class fighter bodyguard.

It suit you, but, uh, not as well as hot nude yoga with me, though.

Cheers!

So, what is it that you, uh, you know,

do at Sterling Enterprises, Ava?

Everything.

No, I mean specifically.

-Everything. -Wow.

What does that job description look like?

Oh, wouldn't you like to know.

Yes. Yes, I would.

Well, let's just say that our mutual friend,

Leeper, has lived the life of privilege.

Uh, he earned his money the old-fashioned way.

He inherited it. And he doesn't like to get his hands dirty.

-And you do. -When I have to.

Uh, you still didn't answer my question.

What does Sterling Enterprises do?

Well, have you ever heard of white gold?

Of course. I call the stuff that comes up from the bottom

of the Salton Sea and causes the stench.

Wel-- well, that is where,

uh, you and I differ of opinion, my sexy friend.

I'm just saying.

Would 600,000 tons of lithium carbonate a year change your opinion?

I'm still smelling shit in the Shitty.

Well, Leeper, your new friend, my old friend, owns all of it.

That is to say all of that underground geothermal brine.

Okay. And where do you fit in?

I manage the mining of all of that white gold,

which is then converted to lithium, and given to him.

Which powers every battery known to mankind.

Oh! There you go, sweetie!

Beauty and brains. Or is it brawn?

Mm-hmm.

Can we, can we order?

But of course.

Let's you and I get a chow and down together.

Thanks again for, uh, lunch, Ava, it was...

- ...memorable, to say the least. - Yes.

Yes, it was, darling! And there's plenty more where that came from.

Let me make one more itty-bitty little thing perfectly clear.

If you ever treat me again like you just did

for the past nauseating hour and a half,

I will rip you a new one.

Okay, sweetie?

Darling. Honeybunch.

You and I aren't gonna be friends,

and I sure as hell am not gonna put up

with your kind of sexual harassment as a colleague.

You got that?

I said, you got that?

Great. Oh, and I'm sure you've probably already guessed

I won't be doing hot nude yoga with you anytime soon.

Have a wonderful rest of your day.

It's called the Hoosier Hi-Fy.

What?

The move you're asking about the other day.

Oh.

Clever, I guess.

See, back in the day, when bands of outlaws

would come through parts of what is now Indiana,

they'd knock on the settlers' cabin doors

and the people inside would ask...

"Who's there?"

'Cause they were, like, kind of French or something.

So people around those parts started calling them Hoosiers.

And then, they kick 'em?

Yeah, 'cause the settlers

were about to get robbed and murdered.

With a perfectly executed Hoosier Hi-Fy.

So you're from Indiana?

Started out there.

Then everywhere else, a time or two since.

But, uh... now I'm here,

enjoying the ever-present pungent smell of the Salton Sea

and it's thirst-quenching water.

The Shitty.

You?

Um, Switzerland.

Well, I guess the, uh, cowboy hat threw me.

And the accent.

Where'd you learn to fight?

Um...

...all over.

Yeah. All over.

Um, what about you?

Where did you learn whatever... you do?

Had to.

Um, this, uh, Sterling guy,

he seems to be like a very nice man.

He looked kind of shattered.

Lost, even.

And then, his, his partner, she was--

the way you were telling me about, she's--

There's something there.

I just don't know what.

So, uh, uppity, you know.

After our little, uh, beer bust today,

she texted me her address

with a note that said,

"Come and see me anytime, day or..."

and in all caps, "...NIGHT."

If this water didn't make me sick,

that would.

You up for a little field trip tomorrow?

Tomorrow is Sunday.

I have a day off. Bar is closed.

Mm.

And you're getting, uh, how much a day

to help out Mr. Sterling?

Oh, yeah. There's that.

Um...

-...but you are getting more. -Yeah.

Pick me up at 9:00 a.m., cowboy.

What the fuck?

You were giving me shit for wearing cowboy hat.

And now you are Raiders of the Lost Ark?

That movie was years ago.

In the Alps, we didn't have Cineplexes,

so I just streamed it recently.

But really?

Well, we're doing surveillance, asshole.

It works, and I don't want Ava to finger me.

Exactly.

All right.

I'm going to wear mine if you're going to wear yours.

-Fine. -Fine.

Should be somewhere right around--

Yeah, here! Right here! This is it.

Okay. Now what?

Oh, we sit here and think about all the money

Sterling's paying us today.

We're not even guarding him. He's not even here.

He told me he's flying to Cancún for the weekend.

So good, his pilots can watch over him.

What's your problem?

I got my spidey sense going on here.

Hey, give me some credit.

I told you it was probably her home address, didn't I?

Huh? Now, was I right or was I right?

Okay. Yeah, I get you that.

You're a man of many talents.

You don't know the half of it.

And here we go.

What do you mean, "Here we go"?

Are we suddenly vice cops or something?

I mean, here we go. Start your fucking car!

She's getting away. It's showtime, baby. Go!

I didn't even wanna be in the show business.

I heard that.

Okay. Do I get to expense on my car gas?

'Cause we're driving for hours.

Will you shut the fuck up?

I'm driving, Ms. Daisy.

Oh, cute. Did you stream that one recently too?

Skip ahead a couple of decades to one of the Fast and Furious, would ya?

And I thought you hated show business, but holy smokes,

you keep coming up with all these freaking old movie titles!

Oh, no.

What do I do?

Uh, j-- keep going, keep driving.

Go past, go past.

Wh-- Hey!

-What are we doing? -I don't know.

I know you're a desert rat, but do you have to make me one too?

Just follow me, will you?

Fucking idiot.

You've been playing him so well.

Well, that's because you've been paying me so well to do so.

But you like other things too, don't you?

Well, indeed I do.

We mustn't forget about that, huh?

-Did you bring the stuff? -Yes, of course, Mr. Chung,

I brought exactly what you asked for.

Did you throw some things in there that you like too?

I had us covered, Mr. Chung.

So why don't we forget about that idiot, mm?

Let us partake.

What is she doing in here?

You see the pretty, pretty little things

Mr. Chung had me bring for you?

And I brought some stuff for you and I too!

Won't we have some fun?

Ooh.

Now come to daddy.

- Come with me, you fucking whore!

- You are a naughty-- You naughty, naughty, naughty--

Ooh, ooh, ooh!

You wanna be naughty?

What do you wanna play?

I wanna play that too.

Wait, wait, wait!

We don't know what this is yet.

Come with me.

Come.

Are you two the two C's?

Yeah. Um, this is Clarke and I'm Chad.

Mr. Sterling will see you now.

Okay. Let's go.

May I offer you some water? Would you like still?

We have Evian, Fiji, Vellamo, or perhaps sparkling.

We have Ferrarelle, Hildon, or Aura.

Uh, yeah, whatever.

Um, I'll have what he's having.

My pleasure.

So sorry for the wait, but I'm sure you can imagine.

It's been, well, uh...

...huh! But when Nandana got your text

and let me know that you wanted to meet, I wanted to make sure

that we allowed some time for you.

So, anyway, good day to you both.

Mr. Sterling, we're on your payroll.

- It's all your time, so we don't mind. - -Yeah.

It's all my money anyway. I g-- I-- I, I get it.

Let's just cut to fucking the chase. Your daughter--

Um, Mr. Sterling. Mr. Leeper--

I mean, um, last time, when we spoke about Chantelle,

I didn't get quite a sense of how much time you spent with her

before the abduction.

Well, as much time as any father does

with a 16-year-old teenager.

Last year, she studied abroad for the entire year.

So I guess, uh, little to no this past year.

-Where'd she go? -Beijing. Why?

-Is she fluent in Chinese? -Well, of course.

What about drug use?

What about drug use?

What he means with that is,

did she ever use any drugs or have you... seen her?

Excuse me, we are talking about my daughter.

Chantelle has only been exposed to the very best in life.

And may I say, I know I must have spoiled her

along the way, but...

...drug use? No. Not possible.

-Is she sexually active? -Clarke!

We have to know.

Excuse me again. This is my daughter.

I--

I don't know.

I hope not.

She's a debutante.

We just had her sweet 16 coming out party last week.

Um, all right, let's, let's move to your, um, employee, Ava.

Please, let's do.

How long has she been with you?

Ever since my father passed on and I inherited the company.

I kind of inherited her too.

She was my father's young assistant at the time.

And you trust her completely?

Absolutely!

She's like the sister I never had.

She actually knows more about the company than I do.

And she'll be the first one to tell you.

Copy that. And her personal life?

I make it a point not to get involved

in my employees' personal lives.

Good move.

-What was that? -Uh, he was just saying

that was, uh, a good policy.

Well, can we get on with this? I mean, uh, please?

What's going on here?

We think we've located your daughter.

Oh, my God!

Is she okay? Is-- is she all right?

Yes, she is. Yeah. But--

Then, by all means, enough of this nonsense.

Go and bring my little girl back to me!

-Mr. Sterling, there's something-- -Immediately!

Please.

I'm sorry. Did you want your waters room temperature

or chilled, with ice or no ice,

and with or without lemon or lime?

We're leaving.

Oh, okay. Uh. No problem.

I guess I'll just pour them down the drain.

Yeah, you do that.

Squeeze me.

Um, we'll take care of it.

They found Chantelle.

Oh.

Hey. Shouldn't we tell him?

We do what the man says.

Okay. Got it. You got the last call

just because you're making more money, huh?

Got it.

You ever gonna let that one go?

Could he really be so clueless?

He's a dad.

Even my dad knew things.

Like what?

Like... stuff, you know.

Such as?

That I wanted to fight.

Yeah? And how did that go for you?

Well, I've been working for Mr. Sterling

and you at the Salton Sea.

So not so bad.

Did you ever think you could make it?

Yeah.

I did.

I did this circuit for a while.

Got a few accolades. You know the drill.

I got a few good ones.

But...

...nothing was good enough for me.

My parents, they described me and my career as...

-...a failure to launch. -Hmm.

But you, man, you were there.

I checked you out.

I would give you my right nut

- to experience that what you've done.

Nah, you wouldn't.

And I bet you enjoy your balls or someone else does.

Yeah, I mean, I do like my balls too.

But seriously.

-What was it like? -Amazing.

It was everything.

And I was so proud to be there

and so... thankful

that I stuck it out and accomplished all that.

It's like I could do no wrong.

Every punch, every move...

...every competitor just fell exactly

where I wanted them to.

Until they didn't.

Uh, pull over, you know.

Hey, Clarke, what's going on?

I-- uh,

I'm sorry, I couldn't-- I just-- you know, I couldn't, uh--

What you couldn't?

Shit.

Uh, I couldn't continue, you know.

What do you mean?

I grew up in the foster care system.

And when you do that, and, uh--

and I think of... 12 different places that they...

you know, I can't even call them homes,

that they plopped me into, or more like it,

forced me into... places inhabited by these...

...these animals that, um...

...that starved me, enslaved me...

...raped me...

...and stole my childhood.

I was a kid.

Kid.

I didn't know anything else.

I knew nothing different and had no way out.

No one to love or to love me.

And that's why I fought.

That's why I wanted to kill all those years.

I put those faces, those... monsters

on the face of my opponents.

And guess what?

I'd win. I'd win!

I'd bash them and I'd hurt them,

but I'd win.

It wasn't right. It wasn't real.

But I'd win.

I'd used that rage.

My rage over and over again.

Hey, um, I'm here with you, man.

You see someone like Chantelle, you know, it just...

...brings it all up again.

But, but she's-- she's drugged or sick or--

she's playing with it and God knows what.

The imagery is the same for me, you know.

You understand that?

Yeah, I, I do, I--

I mean, I'm trying to understand what you're talking about, man.

What you mean with bullying and stuff.

Yeah, that's why I moved out here...

to this... big mistake of a puddle.

The fish die off here.

The birds die off here. And I wanted...

...I wanted that part of my life to die off with them.

Hey, Clarke. There's one thing

my coaches told me my way all along, it's--

you have to fight through the pain.

And when you fight and you come out on the other side...

...there will be no pain.

But you know that, right?

So fight.

So let's do it, huh? You and me.

Let's expose that evil Ava,

the Chinese guy, and help that little girl.

The help that you didn't get.

Because we both have enough anger in us

that we can smash them

and get her back.

Are you with me?

So what makes you so smart... and such a so-so fighter?

I don't know.

But I feel like we should be both

on the same pay rate, right?

Ugh!

Uh... that's a no on the pay rate,

and a no on, on that--

I thought you needed a hug.

I do, just not now.

You know, too soon.

Still my boss after all, are you?

Yeah.

From an ecological disaster to an HR disaster.

- So goes my life in the Salton Sea.

Hey! Come on.

Don't bag on the Salton Sea. This is my home now too.

Oh. Boy.

- Uh? Come on. - Okay. All right, but let's, uh--

Swing your ass in the car.

I'm so sorry.

Hi!

Hi!

Now get the fuck out of here!

Oh--

I am impressed.

Now, who are you? Oh! Wait, let me guess.

Uh, you work for my daddy.

- Who do you work for? - Oh, I don't work for anyone.

Well, I guess a little bit for myself, if you can call it work.

Oh, it's work, all right.

It's the oldest profession in the world.

But you, at such a young age!

Yeah, I guess you're right.

See, no one wants shriveled up old meat, now do they?

No.

But you should know about that, right?

- You know, I think I'll step out, get some air.

Let you guys get to know each other.

Gee. Thanks.

She's all yours. Go for it.

Wow. That guy needs to get laid, right?

Yeah. He's, uh, he's complicated.

And you find that interesting?

I don't know.

Am I complicated?

Well, you are the most complicated person I know.

How's that?

Well, I don't really k-- know you, but...

...you're just-- well, I-- I've seen some stuff.

Oh, you've seen some stuff.

Now, that is interesting.

Just what kind of stuff have you seen?

Well...

...that your dad loves you and he misses you a lot.

Hmm. My daddy.

My daddy, who's had the whole world handed to him?

You know, he never made a dime in his life.

Born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

Isn't that what they say?

And you are not?

Oh, it's been rough.

Then...

...a little secret about me.

I like it rough.

Hey, asshole!

Are you into me?

I mean, watching you kick ass like that

just really got me going!

I-- I mean, could you

or would you... fight me?

Or you know what? Just maybe hit me...

...real hard if-- if I, uh...

...if I attacked you.

No!

Wha-- what's your deal, Chantelle?

I mean, you have everything going for you.

Do I?

Yeah! You have a dad who loves you,

who cares about you, who-- h-- you have money.

Money? Money?

Yeah. And you're just--

You're just--

Just, just, ju-- What?

- Just-- - Just blowing it.

Y-- you're blowing it.

Maybe. Yeah.

Yeah, maybe I do wanna blow it.

Would you like that?

Please, Chantelle. Don't go there with me.

And why not?

Because this is about you...

...and getting you some help.

Yeah, well... maybe I don't need your help.

Or your friend, Mr. Blue Balls.

Then that's fine.

If that's what you want.

And just tell me what I should tell your dad.

Because he misses you and he cares about you deeply.

You can tell Mr. Sterling...

...that there's some new leadership in his former organization.

- What is that supposed to mean? - Chantelle? Chantelle?

-Where is my BFF Chantelle? -Oh. It's Tameko!

Tameko is here! Oh! I can't wait to see her!

Oh, I can't wait to see her!

C-- Hi!

I missed you, baby girl!

Hey, Chantelle, who are these icky poopoos?

And what about that scruffy guy outside? What are they doing here?

They work for my daddy. My real daddy.

-But I don't like them. -Well, then, I say back off

'cause my honey butter and I are going to a party.

- Doesn't that sound like fun? - Yeah, yeah! I wanna get fucked up.

- Me too. - E-- excuse me, Tameko.

Do you remember me

from the other day at the bar? The night?

The scruffy guy and I, we fought off the, the attackers

while you slipped away.

You were the ones?

So in, in my book, you owe us,

and we want an invite too.

I'm just gonna step outside, grab the scruffy guy,

and... come with you. Party sounds like fun.

Whatever. Suit yourself, pretty boy.

I'm sure there'll be enough party favors for all of us.

And what about this one? Is this the one you like?

- Yes, Mommy. - -Oh, Chantelle, if I'm your mummy,

then that makes this one your grandma.

Hi, mummy. I'm the child you tried to knock off the other day.

So loving!

I work for Mr. Chung as well.

Well, they should be proud of your daughter

carving out a piece for herself.

No one likes a double crosser.

But I choose L-O-V-E, Mummy dearest.

Chantelle's love for me is like money in the bank.

But I think you should all know that by now,

which makes this party even more interesting.

'Cause this mummy is gonna get some!

- Okay, come on, honey-- honeybud, off we go. Let's go.

More like money pot.

Oh!

Would you like to hold hands with me too, my, uh--

oh, what did she call you? Pretty boy?

We can skip out of here to that party!

Would you like that?

I pass.

Everyone's a critic.

Are you okay, Clarke?

Well, well, well! The gang's all here.

We regroup after that rather unexpected intrusion,

and Tameko, thank you so much for bringing everyone here on such short notice.

I'll take care of her, she fell right into our trap this time.

That's what you always say, Ava, but sometimes you don't.

Just like the other time.

Maybe it's time for a job review.

But it seems like I don't know some of our new gang.

Who's that young gentleman over there?

He was visiting Chantelle when I came and called you.

Chantelle.

A new beau. What?

Ava and I aren't enough for you?

No. He's not into me.

He and his friend here.

They both work for my daddy.

Nice to see you've put him in his place.

- Oh, hey, Mr. Blue Balls! - Oh, baby,

- don't I love when you talk so tough like that.

Baby doll!

Enough. I hate you guys.

Now, Tameko. A little bird flew by and told me

some very interesting fun facts

about what you've been up to lately with Mr. Sterling,

and in Chantelle's words, "Me no likey."

You think she loves you?

Oh, come on, guys!

There's enough for all of us.

Besides, love conquers all.

What a sweet, conniving optimist! There is no "us."

And this cute little anime thing you got going on with her, please.

You try to cut yourself in just like that,

after I'm the one who brought you in to work for me.

You have no idea who you're dealing with.

I do know who I'm dealing with. I'm dealing with Chantelle, who loves me very much.

Don't you, Chantelle?

Oh! Look what you've done.

You've made our little baby girl Chantelle cry.

-That's not very nice. -I swear to you,

- don't you move in on my bitch, or I'll kill you--

Wh-- wh-- What? What, Tameko? What?

Look around you. Who loves you here?

Pretty boy over there? Do you? D-- d--

Nah, nah.

Ava? Certainly not.

She tried to have my thugs kill you on my request, of course.

Mr. Blue Balls, as Chantelle calls him?

Nah. Too handsome. Probably doesn't swing that way too.

- And Chantelle? - We're leaving.

Oh, wai-- wait-- Ta-- Tami, Tami, Tami.

Come back here. Daddy wants to speak to you.

One last time.

Tami, just one more time for daddy.

Come on, it's okay.

Good girl, come on.

It's okay.

Good girl. Come on!

There you go.

You're the bitch, bitch.

Or is that too many bitches?

I got a raw deal.

Your kind usually does.

No, no!

Did you know that financial institutes around the world

forecast an average annual increase

in the demand of lithium... at 28%

throughout the rest of this decade?

And... prices for lithium recently rose

to their highest level in years.

And without a family...

...it all means...

...nothing.

You don't have my daughter, do you?

No. I don't.

And your partner?

He's still on the job.

I just don't know where he is right now.

Well, Chad, I must say

I am massively underwhelmed,

to say the least.

What's wrong with your face?

A little of this and that.

Sir, I--

When we found Chantelle,

we also found out some stuff about Ava.

She's not your friend.

I never said she was my friend.

She's under my employ, just like you.

And more importantly, she's hurting Chantelle.

What are you talking about?

Clarke told me that you told Ava

that you are not going through with any deal with the Chinese?

Yes. They... they wanted to buy all this.

My geothermal reservoir underneath the Salton Sea.

It's this scalding hot soup of metals,

salt water, minerals that...

...creates this so-called brine that...

...quite frankly, I-- I'm not sure.

And Ava was handling all of this?

Yes. Everything.

Leeper, I think...

...I think Ava is working with the Chinese.

They're trying to get you to sell.

And that's what happened to Chantelle.

She's got captured or enlisted

and everything, just to try to get you to your knees.

I think we should really go to the police.

I can't do that.

the publicity and the scandal that it would create for my daughter would be...

...insurmountable.

It would ruin her life.

There are things...

...I know.

A father knows.

And when my wife died, I promised her

on her deathbed that I would...

...protect our little girl.

I would surround her with love.

Love from the both of us, since I knew her mother wouldn't be around.

I haven't.

I... have failed.

Your daughter needs help.

And you and I, we should get her that help.

We can do this.

I have a plan.

No police.

Just you and I and Clarke.

Yes, Chad.

Let's save her.

Let's take out the trash.

Get over here. No-- now, do you hear me?

Good morning, Ava. I hope we're not interrupting anything.

No, of course, not, Leeper darling!

Welcome to my home. You've never been here before, have you?

I've never wanted to.

Oh, well, this is my humble abode.

Mimosas, anyone?

I believe you know Chad.

In fact, recently you wanted to hold hands with him.

And of course, Nandana.

Good times, good times.

What the fuck is going on?

Who's in there? Who's in there?

Chantelle!

Let's go!

You good?

Yeah. Are you good?

I'm good. I'm good.

It's nice to get out and get some air and see you.

It's been a hell of a night.

A night? You've been missing for 48 hours.

Oh.

Oh!

It's good to see you.

-Well, that was fun. -You too.

Couldn't help but notice you getting your ass kicked there.

I've always had trouble with time sequences.

Or dealing with the drugs,

that was one heck of a date, honeybunch.

You were out of it.

That was no date, nobody here believes that.

Everyone's a critic! And Leeper, darling,

why is everyone attacking you everywhere you go?

It must be absolutely maddening.

Let's cut the crap, Ava.

I know a lot more than you think I know.

Do you?

Do you, now?

W-- well, do you know that I have been saving your ass

all these years, protecting you from financial ruin?

You don't know anything.

I know what you've been doing to my daughter,

and that's all I care about.

Oh, good. Good news.

Wh-- what if I told you that I could help you get her back?

And how's that, Ava, huh?

Because you've been holding her like you've held Clarke?

Who are you?

What psycho have you become?

Your worst nightmare.

Oh, you think you are so upper class

when all of this time I've been saving your ass!

But now it's my turn.

I'm gonna get some.

Well, from what I've been told,

you've been getting some from all over. Mr. Chung.

My daughter, and whoever else you want,

you twisted sick fuck!

Okay! Okay! Just shut the fuck up,

you sniveling little brat!

You will get your precocious little whore back,

but you need to be nice to me.

She's a lousy lady anyway.

I-- I can't take anymore, I can't take anymore!

Give-- give her back to me! Let her go!

All right, all right.

But you know I need to get something in exchange.

Right?

What?

Wha-- what, what do you want, Ava?

You know, I think I'll let my new boss tell you.

M-- my real boss, that is.

Set it up. Do us a solid, Ava. We are game.

Pretty boy speaks! And what a big boy he is.

I liked her better at lunch, and that was bad.

Oh, so you don't like the real me either?

Oh, well, cry me a river

because you all need to be nice to me.

You need me.

You know, it's nice to be needed. I like it.

So I will set it up...

...or not.

You will arrange that.

But the question you need to ask yourself is,

"Do I fight or do I die?"

Or maybe you wanna sit back and play rub your thighs together

because nobody else will touch those things.

This guy is quite the romantic, isn't he?

I'm sure Mr. Chung is paying you handsomely.

Ava, j--

For God's sakes, just...

...just let her go and walk off into the desert.

Oh, I will. I, I will.

Mr. Leeper Sterling, you will get your way,

just like you always have your entire privileged life.

But just so you know, when I walk off into that desert,

I'm gonna be worth so much more money

than you could've ever imagined.

Whatever you want, Ava.

Good for you. Good for you.

Mr. Sterling, we're done here.

But we're not done with you, my frigid friend.

I always get frigid around your type...

but why wouldn't I?

We keeping this off the books.

So set it the fuck up.

-You catch it, I kill it. -Copy that.

Oh! Mr. Sterling, let's get you some water.

I have some back in the van. Come on.

- No, no, no. Enough already. - Mm.

Mm, right. All right. Well--

Toodle-oo!

I'll have my peeps arrange it with your peeps.

What-- do we-- Is it showtime?

Uh, it's lunchtime.

I thought we heard of something.

Nah, just thought you might need some lunch.

Saw you zoning out out there and figured you might need some company

-or a peanut butter sandwich. -You cook?

Like I said, a peanut butter sandwich.

Don't get carried away.

So no word?

Believe me, Ava's not gonna give up on her big payday.

She'll reach out. No worries.

It's just--

I just hate waiting so much.

I even hate the word "wait."

It's-- like when you're fighting...

...and you hesitate for one second,

you're dead in the water.

It's kind of how you looked out there.

No, really. I mean, it--

it's like when you're fighting, you're always coming up

with the next blow, you know.

This, what we're doing right here,

waiting for somebody else, it's fucking bullshit.

Can you imagine what Sterling's going through

When you're in the fight...

...getting punched and cut and bloodied...

...what do you tap into?

What keeps you going?

I don't know.

I never really thought about it.

Give me a fucking break.

We all have something.

Something that we're working through.

Please, let me just enjoy my peanut butter sandwich.

Yeah. You can.

And you better, 'cause that's about as domestic as I get.

I killed somebody in the ring.

I mean, he didn't actually die in the ring,

but that's where I hit him.

Later, uh, when they took him off life support...

...in the hospital, that's where he died.

And the hard part is, I...

...I knew him.

He was like me.

A gay guy.

When they told me he was going to the hospital,

I went there 'cause I knew he didn't have anyone else in his life.

'Cause he is from one of those families that...

...that kicked him out after they found out about him.

So it was just me, the machines.

It's not like we were in a relationship or anything, but...

...I knew him.

It's a sport. It wasn't your fault.

But I put him there.

I put him there.

And after the doctors told me it's time to let him go...

...I wanted to make it right with him.

I lowered the lights, I... had some music going.

I brought on a priest.

I wanted to make it right, goddamn it.

So, the priest was laying on one side.

I was laying on the other.

And I told him over and over that he was the real champ.

That he was the winner.

And I think for the first time in his life,

he actually felt loved.

You're a good man, Chad.

No.

He was the real fighter.

After they gave him the last dose of morphine,

they told me it would take ten minutes and he'd be gone.

He lived another two weeks.

Fighter.

Come here. Come here.

So this, this rage came from...

...having to prove to... myself,

to everyone around me, that...

...that I'm fine, that I'm okay, that I'm...

...that gay is good and that I'm actually worthy of love.

So that's what kept me driving the whole time.

I just kept punching

and punching every single time.

Harder and harder.

With that same rage.

When he died...

...I gave it all up.

Moved, wanting to forget.

And that's how I came here, when he died.

The Shitty.

The Shitty.

And then, I met you.

And the good news is, I'm working through it now.

I'm actually starting to like myself now.

'Cause, you know, you have to love yourself first

before you're able to love somebody else.

There it is.

So there it is.

Are you surprised?

No.

Like I said, we all have something.

But, I mean, to be honest,

I am surprised at how good a fighter you are,

even after all that.

And how everyone refers to you as a pretty boy.

I mean, that should pump you up pretty good.

That's a mighty powerful combination.

Yeah. Pretty boy Chad.

I'd be happy if it doesn't come from Ava, Chantelle,

and Tameko all the time,

let her rest in peace. But... thanks for the ego boost.

Uh, yeah, that piece of trash, I forgot about her.

But trust me, Chad, there will be others.

People who will love you for you.

And more importantly... people that you'll want to love.

Let's go.

Ooh! Whoa...

...chill. You guys look like I'm about to carjack you.

Huh.

What? Too much?

Is it the minivan?

I just love the open road!

-Do you? -Well, uh, I had to find you guys.

Uh-- some drunk at this bar said that the two C's would be here, so--

That dump is my bar. And that drunk is Brien, one of my best customers.

Oh. Uh--

And, uh, what's with the two C's, huh?

We have names, Chad, Clarke, we've met.

I know, uh-- I know, I'm sorry,

it's my bad, I just-- I, I just-- I--

What-- what is it?

It's Leeper, he-- he's lost his mind,

he got tired of waiting around, and now, he's going to meet

with Mr. Chung by himself, and I-- I've never seen him like this.

He's so used to having all the control,

and now he has no control, and he's lost it--

Please, please, please, I'm, I'm begging you.

-Just please come with me. -Nandana, calm down, okay?

We got you. We'll come with you. We'll help you.

Where are they meeting up?

-Sunset beach. -We'll follow.

Okay! Let's ride!

You know, I think our designer water-loving friend is a little cray-cray.

You're right. She's got spunk.

Right now, it's showtime.

And now, classic television.

By the way, where is your shirt, pretty boy?

In the back seat.

- Why? What are you talking about?

You know, I'm maybe a few years older than you,

but I'm still breathing.

Naked from the waist up, the cowboy hat,

you got it going on, pretty boy.

Another ego boost.

Mm? Are you feeling okay?

Hey, take where you can get it, that's what I always say.

Yeah. I've heard that about you.

Hey, hey, hey.

My bad.

Can we stop the sexual harassment for a second

- or save it for later and just do our job?

Yeah. Uh, about that...

...we're gonna need some help. Any ideas?

Copy that.

Um...

...no. You?

I mean, we're in the Salton Sea. Throw a stone and you'll hit...

...well, nobody.

There's not a lot of fighters out here.

Well, I guess I have to get my fighting level

to this superior class that you do.

Don't kid yourself. You're already there.

-Really? -Uh,

almost.

Hey! Did you have to do that?

Did you have to kill my ego boost? We were doing so good.

What, no driver, Mr. Leeper?

I'm sorry, may I call you that?

I mean, after all of our...

...legitimate business negotiations for me to get this thing,

I would assume that I could do that, but,

you know... it's a fucked up world.

But seriously, I'm impressed.

No driver.

No staff swarming around you.

I mean, have you ever driven yourself anywhere ever?

I gave my driver the day off, asshole.

Ooh! That's not a very good way to start.

Did you just call me asshole?

I meant my driver is an asshole. But you're one as well.

And a monster.

Oh. You are so business-like.

I really do like that about you.

And you're in the business of thievery,

murder, and kidnapping.

I know.

Such a great business to be in.

Especially when you have all these yummy

underage virgins around you.

- And in the case of your daughter...

...a seasoned whore.

My, my, my!

That's it?

Just kidding. Very impressive.

You ain't seen nothing yet, asshole.

Asshole? There's that word again.

Asshole. Asshole.

Can we get more creative with that?

I liked you better with that gag in your mouth.

Don't you think he looks better with it in his, in his mouth?

Well, I mean, all, all, all, all macho and studly,

yet tied up.

Now, are we waiting for anyone else?

Yes. My daughter.

That's right, let's not forget about that.

Let us see Chantelle!

Daddy. Daddy! Help me!

You came!

Just spare us the theatrics, all right?

Let's just g-- get on with it, all right?

The stench in this place is overwhelming me. Ava!

I believe you've prepared some paperwork for our, our friend here to sign.

Yes, I have just what you asked for, Mr. Chung.

Shut your jam.

And you used to be my jam, didn't you, Ava?

But that was before I got a taste of the sweeter things in life,

and I don't just mean your daughter.

Ava, you were like a sister to me.

My father and I, we trusted everything to you,

and you turned out to be such a sick fuck.

Well, you know the way I see it, once you sign this contract

giving control of the lithium to Mr. Chung here,

you know, the lithium that you so conveniently didn't want to know anything about,

I can have any family I want,

or anything I want, for that matter.

Let me guess. You'll continue being a pedophile.

Well, that's noble.

Can we, like, get on with it?

Sign.

Do you have a, a...

...a, a clipboard or something? Uh, it's, it's,

it's a little difficult. I can't quite--

Oh, there he goes again.

Always needing something more!

Always needing help from somebody else

because you're too much of a fucking baby

to do it for yourself!

I am sick of everything you are,

and everything that you represent.

Just bend over.

Excuse me?

I said bend over!

Give him your back to sign on!

-Seriously? -Now!

Or you could do a downward-facing dog, Ava.

I mean, that would suffice too.

But for Clarke's sake and, well, quite frankly,

for all of our sakes, do keep your clothes on this time.

Take care of this!

Good night.

-Everybody okay? -Yeah.

Look at you. Caring about others.

You became a real team player, huh? No more solo bouts for you.

Hey, of course I care about my partner. How else would I get

the delicious peanut butter sandwich?

I don't know about delicious.

It's the effort that counts, partner.

-Yeah, and I also care about Nandana. Huh. -Whoo.

Full of surprises.

What, you didn't think I was an assistant

who could handle the road and a little danger?

Hmm, all in one day's work.

It's called a Thursday when you work with someone like Leeper.

Oh, and don't forget your expertise in water.

We have the sparkling, clean, clear water

called the miracle of the desert out here.

You wanna try it out, take a dip?

I mean, come on. I need a shower. Let's go.

- Yeah, you do. - Hey!

Nandana, can you please come in here?

Yes, Mr. Sterling?

Any word?

No, I'm afraid not.

I don't understand. We give them exactly what they want,

and I am here waiting for them to give me my daughter back.

Mr. Sterling, come on, now.

Did you really give them what they wanted?

Uh--

what are you referring to, my learned,

trusted assistant?

You didn't finish signing your signature, did you?

Uh... maybe.

-Maybe not. -And even if you had,

you have a board of trustees

that by law must sign off on that transaction, yes?

Uh, maybe.

Maybe not.

How'd I get so lucky to have someone like you in my life?

I...

...I don't know.

But I'm here now with you.

And after yesterday,

I know that I can count on you...

...in every way.

I am deeply grateful.

I know you are, Leeper.

Nah.

Come with me. Company retreat.

What's gotten into you?

Let's go.

Would you please tell me what's going on?

Look at that.

What?

Over there. What do you see?

I don't know, another smelly beach?

That is our future.

Come again?

That new plant.

This new industry is going to put us back on top.

Back on top?

I'm not following.

See, back in the day, in the, uh, '50s and early '60s,

the Salton Sea was hip.

Believe it or not, it was the place to vacation and be seen.

I mean, they built a yacht club,

a golf course, celebs would come from Palm Springs to play,

we were it.

And then, how did we get here?

Governmental bullshit and greed and environmental stuff.

But the point is,

with this lithium thing,

we can be there again.

Unless the Chinese take the cake.

Exactly!

Listen, I know I diss this place all the time,

but I figured I moved here for a reason.

Maybe 'cause I was down on myself,

or maybe 'cause I hated life.

Or maybe 'cause... like you,

I wanted to forget.

A chance to heal.

But now, I realize this could be bigger

than my fighting career or my bar or,

I don't know,

you and me.

This place... is me now.

And in some weird way,

I have become the Salton Sea.

And damn it, we need to win.

You're right.

You know, the other day, I...

...saw this bird struggling in...

...that gulch, trying to stay alive.

And it made it.

Made it out of that shithole.

Flew up in the sky.

Not like my bird at my apartment.

Rocky...

...who just, who just died in his cage.

Just 'cause he didn't have anywhere else to go.

But it kinda dawned on me...

...that this place could survive too.

Like that bird...

...just living in the Salton Sea.

But when... Leeper...

...signed over the contract to the Chinese yesterday,

I was so depleted.

Like after 12 rounds,

spent... no more energy to go.

-But he got out. -Who?

That bird.

He got up. And so can we.

I mean, we're talking America here.

We can't just let Sterling or other folks like him give in.

This is bigger than any fight in my life, 'cause...

...'cause this is my life.

And your life. And our home.

Chad...

...what you said the other day about who you really are

got to me.

I don't wanna hide anymore.

And I sure as hell don't wanna hide here anymore.

You've been so brave, Chad.

I wanna be brave now and go for what I really want.

What do you suggest we should do?

We start with Ava,

and we get that little girl back to her dad.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Come on.

I knew you'd come around.

You were a tough one.

But at the end of the day, you are just as freaky as I am.

You get me and I get you.

Takes one to know one, Ava.

You know, when I got your text,

I thought, "Who'd have thunk this?"

But then I remembered that I am stinking rich now

and rent boys like you like that.

Won't we have some fun?

Yeah. Good times, as you say.

So, um...

...what do you want?

Yo, look how this guy fucked up my face.

-Your face was always fucked up. -Oh, you got jokes?

I do. Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Hello, boys. Who wants to party with this?

Huh?

There you go.

The eagle has landed.

We're on.

God bless America.

Just what you ordered, with a little Clarke twist.

Oh!

You know I like a twist.

So, when does this joint close,

so you and I can have some real fun?

Oh, the fun's already begun, sugarlips.

'Cause we're gonna get a visitor any old minute now,

and the fireworks will really start.

Oh, God, lover,

you know me so well. A third?

Oh, just who have you got lined up?

Will I do?

What the fuck?

Come on, Ava, what's a little fun between friends?

Besides, you should be feeling pretty good right now

thinking that you're richer than fuck now.

What do you mean, thinking?

It's over, my friend, you're done.

I know we gotta get you your precious little whore back,

but w-- we will come to that.

This is laughable, Ava.

You're laughable.

Did you really believe for a moment

that some chicken scratch on the back of a contract

could ever be authenticated in a court of law?

Let alone, I inherited the company, remember?

Just as I inherited you, you slag.

I don't have the power to sign over my company,

my trustees do.

-But Mr. Chung said that-- -And Mr. Chung is Chinese.

They're never gonna own all of the world's lithium.

We're gonna have a little bit of our own

right here in the Salton Sea.

So, enjoying that drink, baby cakes?

Oh, I can't-- I can't breathe.

You bitch!

Yeah. Yeah, I am.

- Just not your bitch. - Extraordinary.

Extraordinary, Clarke.

You didn't happen to make her drink

-with the water from the Shitty, did you? -Oh, I don't, uh-- Oh!

Uh, bravo, my friend.

Oh, that should keep her occupied in the loo for a while.

Well played.

I'll drink to that.

Clarke's the bomb.

Wait. My drink's good, though, right?

It's over.

Your daughter's in your car.

Thank you.

Thank you both.

You see?

He thanked us both. You and me...

...equally. Yeah?

Two thank yous, two people.

Yeah, I get it.

You're my partner.

Equally.

Daddy. Daddy!

D-- Daddy.

I'm here. I'm here.

Um, so, am I still gonna be your barback

or has that changed?

Partner, you can be anything you want.

Really?

Anything?

Pretty much.

What about this?

I thought you'd never ask.

Can I be the originator of the Hoosier Hi-Fy kick?

I don't know about that.

We'll have to see who does it better first.

Let's go home.