Original subtitles

I'm Madeline Matlock. I'm a lawyer, like the old TV show. The judge ruled in our

favor. You're incredible.

Most of what you know about me is based in truth, but it's also a lie. Good

evening, Mrs. Kingston.

Grammy! Oh, Kathy.

Who the hell are you? I wasn't like this before your firm protected the

pharmaceutical company that killed my daughter. Why are you hiding a missing

while breakfast study about opioids in your safety deposit box?

My dad told me to get rid of the study before anyone saw it. I have to build a

solid case against your father, so you need to make things right with him.

They're saying you want to come back to a demotion. Please.

Edwin, she has a key to a safe.

I can't believe Olympia hid the document. You ready to end this? Write

New York Times.

Did the New York Times write back?

Oh, yes. I can't believe I didn't tell you. I was curling my hair.

Oh, come on.

Check again.

I checked four minutes ago. But... I turned on the notifications of the

app, so if they try to get hold of us, I'll know, and then you'll know. I'm

sorry. I just really want to wrap this up.

The sooner we do, the sooner we can get away from here, and... And, Joey, I

know. I want that, too. I thought Alfie took it well when he learned that his

father came to meet him high.

It hasn't fully hit him yet.

Tears are coming, and we have to be prepared for when they die. All right.

Morning, grandpeople.

Coffee, cream, stirred.

Tea, steeped four minutes.

And scrambled eggs.

Sit, sit.

And while you eat, those are for two rehab centers.

One is closer than the other, but they both have openings.

So all we have to do is convince Joey to go.

Recovery doesn't work that way.

The person has to want to get clean.

Well, maybe he does, but he can't afford it, so we can help.

Alfie, we have to draw boundaries here. Why?

Because addiction is a heartbreaking cycle. I can handle it. We're happy to

welcome Joey into the fold once he's sober.

You won't help him get there?

Alfie, this is our final decision.

I hate you.

Oh, that's a first.

He'll calm down.

He's a teenager.

There'll be times they want to meet.

Tomorrow at 10 a .m., I'm bringing them the Will Brecks study.

We did it, Edwin.

We did it.

You're going to have to curl that hair.

I know.

Oh, God.

I just have to act normal at work. Can you steer clear of Olympia?

Unfortunately, I have a hearing.

Our client, Dasha, she's been in hiding because her ex -boyfriend, Alexei, he

was in a gang and he used her as a honeypot.

You know what that means?

Come on.

I live with one.

Oh, Edwin.

Anyway, Dasha was the bait for Alexei to beat up this guy, Rocco.

And then Alexei went to jail.

And now, a year later, Rocco is doing Dasha for assault.

I mean, it's ridiculous.

So we're trying to get an estoppel. I get it.

Please just stop the law already.

Sorry.

Oh, God.

I just love the law, Edwin. I know. But just focus on getting through your last

day at Jacobs and Moore.

My last day.

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road.

Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.

It's something unpredictable,

but in the end is right.

I hope you had the time of your life.

Morning, Maddie.

Sorry for the loud music. I was testing the new speaker system.

I'm in charge of retirement parties around here, not to brag.

Well, brag away, Emmeline. That's a big deal. I happen to agree.

Think about all the time we spent at work, the memories we formed, the

relationships we make. It's family, really.

Yeah. You know...

Jerry Linton.

Oh, yeah.

Gray hair, surprisingly tight tush. You could bounce a dime off it.

Someone you don't want to talk to? Not anymore.

Morning. Somewhere you can talk? Somewhere I can listen.

I checked, and Deborah Palmer doesn't live at the address the flower shop had

hand from 14 years ago.

Well, that makes sense. People move.

Well... Assuming she's still in New York State, I narrowed the possibilities

down to about 60 women within the potential age range. Let me guess.

The only time Senior ever dated a woman over 50 was when he was 20.

Olympia?

Hang on. It's my kid's school.

Now Court has Cat's stomach bug and no one can reach Julian.

Can you cover the hearing?

Of course. Talk soon.

I always assumed you were more of a company car guy.

Oh, right, right.

Because of that old partner.

Actually, do you still work at Jiggy's? I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be awkward.

Music. You talking to me? Oh, yeah.

I'm just saying hi.

Yes.

Olympia wants me to cover today's hearing.

Careful, your jealousy is showing.

Don't you worry, I'm not going to be here forever.

I know, are you dying? Or retiring.

Neither. I'm just being realistic.

Y 'all are going to outlast me here, and Olympia thinks that you're both

wonderful lawyers.

Thanks, Maddie. Facts on facts.

Oh, my God, jump scare. I wanted to drop off some doc reviews for you to get

started on.

Um, did you bonk your head on the way up from hell this morning?

Since when do I work for you?

Since I found out you took a side case without getting it cleared by the

partners. Definitely a fireable offense if I send it to HR.

Though up to the discretion of my supervising attorney.

And Olympia and I are tighter than the freaking Gilmore Girls.

So when that HR complaint lands on Olympia's desk, it will be thrown into

Olympia's trash.

But it'll go on your permanent record regardless.

Which will look really bad down the line if you ever want to make partner.

So, unless you want me to lodge a complaint?

These weren't empty threats. My client witnessed and experienced so much

violence during her relationship with Alexei Petronov, she was scared to do

anything without his permission, even go out for a hot dog.

A hot dog?

Like Ben Matlock? I see what you did there.

I still can't get over it.

Matlock, in my court, I've probably seen every episode three times.

Same. And fun fact, I was already a lawyer when the show started airing,

seemed to tickle some people, so I started adopting his techniques.

Mr. Taranov, I demand to know why you waited until the last minute to subpoena

my client.

Were you or were you not trying to lure Dasha out of hiding?

Bravo. Mr.

Taranov, it's also a good question.

Your Honor.

Rocco is not the one with a history of luring people into harm's way.

My client has left gang life, and he's doing exactly what he should be doing.

is using the courts, not the streets, to get justice for the pain and suffering

Dasha caused when she lured him into a brutal attack. Because Dasha was under

duress, Your Honor, and there isn't a single issue in the plaintiff's case

requires her testimony. If there were, Mr.

Taranov woulda, coulda, shoulda brought it up in the seven...

Our deposition he used to scare the bejesus out of Dasha months ago.

Instead of rejecting our attempts at a settlement. My client wants his day in

court. No, what he wants is a judgment that garnishes Dasha's wages.

So then he knows where she lives. So he can track her and terrorize her.

Objection! To what? This is a motion.

Who is that talk with you for?

I'll tell you about it later. One of us has to pay attention. Dasha. Your Honor.

Mr. Taranov.

I agree with Ms. Matlock. Your subpoena does smack of harassment.

I'm quashing it. Dasha doesn't have to appear.

Although, I don't know how you plan to use duress as a defense if your client

doesn't testify to her own state of mind.

Collateral estoppel, Judge. During Alexei's trial, the court already

Dasha was under duress. You can use the same prior ruling to establish it here.

Court martial, part one and two.

Season one.

Then Matlock overstepped and got over his skis.

Estoppel goes too far. And if you choose to use duress as a defense, your client

has to testify live and in person.

Well, the judge didn't go for it, but turns out he's a huge Matlock fan, so

maybe... I know you stole the document.

No.

I found the document in a safe in your house.

Was it there the whole time?

Of course not.

It was in Julian's safety deposit box at the bank. Oh, I knew it. And then he

showed up because a banker called him, and he told me that his father gave the

order, Maddie. Does Julian know about me? No. I told him an anonymous person

reached out.

I'm sorry that I lied to you.

I just needed time to think about my family, and you would have gone directly

the Times, right?

Right.

And I understand lying for your family.

My offer still stands.

Come with me to the Times tomorrow at 10.

You made an appointment?

Maddie, you can't go. I am sober.

That document you stole from me is fake.

What do you mean, fake?

I mean AI -generated. A decoy study I made in case Julian went looking around

the brownstone.

Where's the real one?

I can't tell you.

It's the only leverage I have.

You only need leverage if we're on opposite sides, and I don't want to be.

I care about justice, too, so let's work together.

If Senior... It will take months, if not years, to wind our way through the

maybes or the what -ifs. I have a case against the father of my children. He

took a study that showed, well, Brexit knew they were fueling an epidemic.

Senior ordered him to, Maddie. Are you really arguing duress here?

Julian could have said no, and he had to get the lives he could have saved,

maybe even my daughter's.

And instead he violates every ethical, moral, and professional code of conduct.

That's why I'm going to the reporter tomorrow.

And with what evidence?

I'll tell him you have it, which makes you an accomplice after the fact.

I'll have us shred it and go to senior, and he lawyers us up and buries us.

Yeah, I'll still go public.

And Senior will feed you and Julian to the wolves. Which is exactly what you're

threatening. No, no, no. I'm trying to give you a way out.

Bring me the document before nine.

Please, Olympia, do the right thing.

Let's talk to Dasha.

Walk her around a little.

You're okay?

Yeah. Sorry, the baby's so fussy.

She didn't sleep last night at all.

Those first three months are so hard.

Nothing about this is hard.

So, um, did we beat the subpoena?

We did.

But unfortunately, the judge denied our request to use the trial transcripts to

establish duress, which means to defend against Rocco's pain and suffering

lawsuit, we will need you to come back to New York to testify.

No, I can't. It will be quick. In and out. It doesn't matter.

Lexi's people will follow me. Or Rocco's. I'm going to have to go on the

again. Now with a baby.

Please.

Give us a minute to regroup.

We still have a little time to decide.

Okay. Thank you, Olympia. Okay.

We need to flood that courtroom with proof of the danger that comes from

disobeying Alexei. We've canvassed little Odessa. Everyone's afraid to come

forward. Well, then go back again.

We get one person, maybe others follow.

Agreed. There's got to be one person who's willing to do the right thing,

if it's hard.

Now what?

Uh -oh.

Looks like someone printed the trapping tray seven. Rookie mistake.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to call your assistant a rookie.

I don't have an assistant anymore.

Right. You're a junior associate now. Sorry.

Hey, is this for the remodel on 92nd and York?

Nice. I'm going to ship that one out, too.

Good idea.

Printing the lease in advance.

Might steal that.

I'm totally kidding.

May the best man win.

Anyway, hopefully they have good snacks there. I hope so.

How upset, on a scale of one to ten?

Oh, about a four.

Alfie's a sensible kid. He just needs to process.

You think Olympia's going to bring the document?

Well, I hope so, because I'm going to that reporter come hell or high water.

Enough with the dirty talk.

It's time to eat.

Alfie dinner!

Seriously. If Olympia doesn't show, I'm just going to have to lay out my

circumstantial evidence and convince the reporter that I'm just not some crazy

woman who calls herself Matlock.

Not worried. You once convinced a 78 -year -old man to move across the

for some cockamamie plan that actually panned out. Yes, I did.

You did.

Hey, kiddo.

Did you finish your homework?

Do you hear something?

Why are you talking to Grandpa and you're not talking to me?

Alfie, why are you talking to me and not Grammy?

Because she won't help my dad get the film. That was a mutual decision.

Oh, come on. She's the one who decides things.

You know what? I'm not hungry.

Okay, I will talk to him.

You just focus on that reporter tomorrow.

And hopefully Olympia brings the document.

9 a .m. Yeah.

Oh, there you are.

Miss Morris was looking for you.

Right on time. I heard you'll be

taking over this case, Matlock.

I wish I could talk.

Your Honor, flattered as I am by my colleague's faith in me, perhaps we

continue this matter when Ms. Lawrence is feeling better.

I have an appointment.

Yesterday you argued this case was life or death.

Now it's not.

Ben Matlock would consider this a challenge.

I consider it an order. So unless you'd like to be held in contempt, I suggest

you say, ready, Your Honor.

Ready, Your Honor.

Right. Bring in the jury.

Dasha slid into my DMs out of nowhere.

We messaged for a few weeks. She sent some intimate photos.

Initiated everything.

Did there come a time when you met up in person?

January 10th, at a bar called The Gilded Room.

We had a few drinks, and then she wanted to go to some house party on Avenue Y.

And do you happen to know if you passed any police stations along the way?

Two.

I used to be in a gang, so I know where all the precincts are.

So did Dasha stop at any of those precincts to report that she was being

to lead you into a violent attack?

Objection. Argumentative.

Withdrawn.

Did she try to stop anywhere?

No. She was being real flirty, and I thought we were having a good time.

Until we got to that alley.

And those six guys jumped me.

47 stitches on my skull. I lost my job. I couldn't pay my rent. All because of

Dasha.

And yeah, Alexei put her up to it.

But she could have said no.

No one will testify.

They're all too scared of Alexei's gang and Rocco's gang.

That's the kind of leverage I need.

Gang leverage.

We're back to Simone.

Obviously.

Her blackmail is not going to end unless I find a way to get the other hand.

Just tell me something small from when you banged.

Like, did you ever see drugs at her place or anything that resembles drugs?

I can work with her to supplement.

Fine. I'll have to turn to psychological manipulation.

How did Claudia do it?

Excuse me?

You did a full 180 from no contact to a nuclear family. Because Claudia's having

my baby, and I never stopped loving her, and I want our child to have the two

-parent home that I never did. It's that simple.

Just like the answer to your dilemma with Simone is simple. Ask Olympia for

help.

The owner of that pawn shop already dropped off the cards that he's willing

meet.

Mr. Kovalenko, you believe Dasha could have said no to leading you to Alexei.

that correct?

Correct. And your proof is that she walked past police stations but didn't

in. That's right. But isn't it true, Mr.

Kovalenko, that you yourself didn't report your assault to the police?

Because the ER doctor did. The ER doctor who you specifically asked not to

report to law enforcement, it's right there at the bottom of the police

Look, I'm not proud of it.

I did some real bad things in my old life, and I guess I just thought, well,

thought cops weren't going to help someone like me.

Sounds like they wouldn't have been much help to Dasha either.

Objection. Withdrawn.

No more questions.

Maddie, listen.

Oh, good.

Your voice is back. What was I supposed to do short of running to senior?

Look, I had to stop you. You jeopardized my interview.

It ain't coming.

Now an okay time?

Of course.

Was the pawn shop owner useful?

Is it useful to know that nobody is ever going to testify or meet with us?

Because that is what he said.

I'm going a little Odessa.

Use your cop connections and get me a list of all the murders attributed to

gang. Then look up the parents of the victims. I want the name and address of

the oldest person.

That's who'll talk.

Because they've got the lead to lose.

Julian. Hi.

Julian. Hey.

Don't know if you saw, but a second unit opened up in the building. Now we don't

have to compete. Okay, great. I love that it's a block from the park, but I'm

little worried about the janky fire escape being safe for kids.

I mean, if we both end up there, maybe we contact the super together. Yeah,

maybe. Yeah.

Did you need something?

I don't want to bother you, but I also didn't want to hide things from you.

Simone found out that I took a case and now she's threatening to go to HR.

You did the absolute right thing by telling me. First thing I thought of. I

people around me who I can trust. I don't want to be your neighbor. Just

off. I am a grown man who has been working since you were waiting in line

school lunch. Which is why I had a car service and an assistant and my own damn

office.

I'm sorry. I don't know, okay? I got triggered, and I snapped. And I know I

don't get to because I deserve everything that's happening to me right

that doesn't change the fact that I'm not sleeping, and I'm scared all the

and I have no one to talk to, and I just, I snapped.

Why couldn't you say no when your dad called?

I, I wish I did.

I wish I did, and I would now.

And I know that you can't forgive me.

Well, I have to figure out how to.

Because we need to move forward together.

We're on the same side.

You get one, by the way.

Tantrum, that was it. Now you repair.

Meaning talk apartments with Billy?

Remember what you said when the twins covered their room in slime and Court

threw that fit?

Guess what, buddy?

Cleanup sucks.

Well, guess what, buddy?

Cleanup sucks.

Yeah, well, Court took his pants off and ran down the street. Can I do that?

Not unless you move out the country.

And a massive pay cut and living in the same building as a second -year

associate is way better than a six -by -nine sale.

Is that where things are headed?

Are you sure she won't shred the study?

Or go to senior?

Those are both terrible options, which Olympia knows.

Just need more leverage.

Okay, sweetheart, I'm here.

Text me if the Times reaches back out, and I'll bring you home some mackerel.

Well, there's something you don't hear every day.

Oh, no.

Oh, please let me in.

Heard you have the best smoked mackerel in Little Odessa.

Darn it.

I saw another market over there.

Arcades.

Arcades. They make a routine like white fish.

Come on.

Come on.

Oh, man.

Oh, man.

You weren't lying.

That's delicious.

Listen, Lev.

I got to come clean.

I didn't come all this way for fish.

The Lord knows I should have.

My law firm represents a young woman named Dasha Brijan. I cannot help you.

And you should leave. And I will.

But first I wanted to tell you that I lost a child too.

Twelve years ago.

And I'm still angry.

And when people tell me I have to keep moving forward, I want to tell them to

shut the hell up.

Because I will never move forward.

I will forever live there.

And here.

Always be in both places.

And I want to punish the people responsible so badly it hurts.

And you have that chance, Lev. If you testify in court and tell everyone how

terrifying Alexei is and how your son tried to stand up to him... Trust me, I

want to.

But I have three other children, seven grandchildren, all in this neighborhood.

It's them who would pay the price.

Well, unfortunately, I'm ethically obligated to do what's best for my

What do you mean?

That I just might have to subpoena you.

Good afternoon, sir. Could you please identify yourself to the court?

Lev Volkov.

And who is this person?

That's Grigor Volkov, my eldest son.

He was killed.

And do you know if your son was acquainted with an individual by the

Alexei Petronov?

I do not recall.

This is the coroner's report.

It says that Grigor was stabbed repeatedly.

And witnesses said it was because he was trying to stand up to Alexei's gang.

Is that true?

I don't recall.

Your Honor, the witness is clearly refusing to cooperate.

Sir, I instruct you to answer the question or I'll be forced to hold you

contempt.

Mr. Volkov, isn't it true your son was killed for standing up to Rocco's rival,

Alexei Petronov?

I do not recall.

Is there a reason you won't answer my questions?

I promise, this is a secure courtroom.

You don't have to be afraid to speak out. Objection.

Prejudicial. Mr. Volkov, I order you to answer the question right now or you're

looking at contempt.

I do not recall.

Officers, you may take the witness into custody and we'll take a recess.

Go bail that out and tell him his performance was almost as good as his

mackerel.

And did you find out where Olympia is? Annie texted that she's headed to the

service pickup.

She's going to see Senior of the Hamptons. Must be partner stuff.

I thought you were on your way to senior.

I was.

I couldn't go.

Because you are right.

I want to keep Julian out of prison.

And I need justice.

Senior helps him neither.

Which means I'm out of leverage.

Where is the document?

Connecticut. In a safety deposit box. I put it there three days ago. So I will

go first thing in the morning. Great.

I'll go with you. You have court.

Judge Davidson thinks I'm sick.

How convenient.

You win, Maddie.

Just tell the Times that I wasn't involved.

And please, give me one day for my family.

I want that document in my hands.

And that'll be how I feel.

I deserve that.

It's Dasha checking in.

She's terrified to come back to New York.

Sarah said it went well with Lev?

It did, but I don't think that gets us all the way with the jury.

Did Billy find anyone else willing to cooperate?

No.

Everyone's too scared.

I'll just have to find another way to message that to the jury.

Can't tell people how to feel.

True. Tried with you.

Tried with... With Alfie?

The point is, if we want a slam dunk, the jury has to feel how scared Dasha is

of Alexei.

Alexei needs to go on the stand. What if you put Alexei on the stand? And then

you trigger him. So the jury can feel it for themselves.

I'll take care of court, and you drive to Connecticut and bring me that well

breakfast study.

So you're letting me go alone?

Bearclaw?

I'm not here to snack.

Just here to make sure you get the document and hand it over with no funny

business. Had it. I just didn't know if you had breakfast.

But if you get hungry, there's more in the back.

Or you can have some Twizzlers.

Oh, now I know you're up to something.

I just did my research and I knew we'd be driving together.

Your former students loved you, by the way.

Those comments were glowing.

They couldn't bribe me with bear claws and you can't either.

Fine.

But just...

Think about it, Edwin. We should be working together to bring Senior to

He's the big fish.

Maddie's not thinking straight.

She saw through your lies.

Yes.

I lied.

For a day.

You know, but your wife lied to me for a year.

You don't know me, but I am a real person.

With a real family.

I have twins.

Their names are Cat and Court and they're nine and they love basketball

scary movies and their dad.

In the last few months, I have been a pretty lousy mom because your wife

manipulated me and made it so that I couldn't trust anyone.

And the worst part is that I cared about her.

I still do.

But don't go to the times.

Not yet.

You get a vote, too.

We need triggers, big and small.

Anything that will help Matty get under his skin.

Well, uh, Alexei is a very proud man.

He needs to feel like he's being taken seriously. Thank you for being here

today, Alexei.

Alexei.

Alexei.

Okie dokie. Now, regarding the night of January 10th... It's the 15th.

Just... Wait a minute.

He hates when people waste his time, and he always wants to be the smartest

person in the room.

Let me ask you, did the fact that Dasha flipped on you make you feel a little, I

hate to say, dumb? What? Well, you didn't see it coming, did you now?

Oh, and he hates being interrupted.

When did it happen?

Dasha left. Go ahead, the timeline.

I'm trying to. We're waiting on you. She left around 6 .30, amen? 6 .30? Wasn't

it actually 7 .30?

No, I said 6 .30. I don't mean to go all school marm on you, but details are

important, so... Oopsie. 6 .30. My bad.

But if you really want to get under his skin, the thing he cares about more than

anything, if you question his honor, that's what that tattoo means, right?

Uh -huh.

Easier said than done in your line of work, I imagine?

No. Really?

So sending in a woman, a girl, really, to act as bait?

That's honorable.

Being so afraid of Rocco that you hid behind Dasha? I never hid behind

So you're saying it was Dasha's idea to seduce Rocco? Judge! Maybe because

sexually things weren't working out that great between the two of you.

Sorry, Akaka, but I'll show you exactly what that will do to you. I have wished

good to you and everyone you love. I have never forgotten your face.

Never!

That sounds terrifying.

It was.

The jury felt it, too.

So the Times really wrote back?

They did. This ends tomorrow.

Okay, we just need the document.

How long has Olympia been in the bank? And what are you eating?

Five minutes and nothing.

That's a Twizzler, too. We both know it. Fine.

Olympia tried to get on my good side because she wants us to delay going

Just like you predicted.

Yeah, well, I'm right about some things and wrong about others.

Twizzlers should be allowed back in our house.

Agreed. I'm being serious.

No matter how many times we tell Alfie about the pain of addiction, he's never

going to believe us until he experiences it himself. It's his dad.

You're saying we should help Joey?

Yes. But I'm not the only decider, so you think about it.

Text me when you have the document.

Will do.

I hope tomorrow you walk out of Jacob's more for the last time.

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road.

Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.

So make the best of this test and don't aspire. The law has been a sanctuary,

responsibility, a pain in the ass,

and a gift.

I thank you all for being a part of the ride.

Changed each other beautifully.

Are you okay, Emma?

Goodbyes always get me, that's all.

When it's time, would you plan my retirement party?

Emelyn, it would be my honor.

And you deserve all the bells and whistles.

Bells, whistles, and a good whiskey.

Well, I need to talk to Simone.

Okay.

Simone, would you prefer steak pops or a corn cob bar for your party? I have a

different goodbye protocol for transfers.

Transfers? You haven't heard? You've been seconded to Greenboro Equity. But I

didn't even apply.

Olympia championed you, said you'd be perfect.

Simone gets to spend the next six months with in -house counsel for Greenboro

Equity in Omaha.

Omaha? Hi.

I heard what happened with you and Julian.

That guy sucks.

Yeah, well, he apologized, and I probably came out a little strong.

Just trying to get the whole dad thing right, since I didn't grow up with mine.

Find the right place to live seems like step one.

No matter where you end up living, you're going to be a great dad.

No offense, Manny, but that's like my mom telling me I'm handsome. I know you

think I'm great.

I really do.

I'm going to miss you.

When you disappear into newborn baby land.

Jerry's back.

Here we go.

We find that Dasha Brezhneva was acting under duress and is therefore not liable

for Rocco Cavalenco's injury.

You really are incredible at this.

That's like my grandson telling me I don't look a day over 50.

Where's Edwin?

I dropped him off a mile from the gas station.

With Twizzlers.

Here's his phone.

What are you doing?

You know, I thought about it, and I realized you don't have the leverage you

think you have. You come forward now.

You're just a crazy old lady with no evidence.

I can put you at the bank with Julian.

I know the exact moment you found the document.

The DOJ can follow your trail.

Maybe.

But you know what I did this afternoon?

Compiled a list of Madeline and Edwin Kingston's federal offenses.

Bank fraud.

fraudulent inducement, illegal wiretapping. So what are you going to do

and Edwin go to jail?

You're not going to let sweet Alfie live with his junkie father, are you?

You think a jury is going to convict me?

I could burn this courthouse to the ground and they'd still be eating

butterscotch out of my hand.

I'll just play the harmless old lady, the grieving mother.

And if you don't send me that document by the end of the night, it'll be your

kids who grow up without parents.

I'd like to believe you could be a good father.

That's what my grandson deserves.

Yeah.

He does.

I just got nervous before meeting him, you know? There'll always be reasons to

get high.

I am offering you a chance to get sober.

Whoa. I'm hoping you'll use that to go to rehab. We got you a bed. Here's the

number to call.

Or spend it however you like. But if you want to see Alfie.

This is your chance.

Thank you for helping.

It was both of us.

It should always be both of us.

Agreed.

Agreed. Things have been off balance, but we're almost at the end of this

chapter, so let's rebalance the next one. Where do you want to live?

San Francisco.

Dependent on Joey and rehab, of course, but ultimately, I want to go home.

Done. I want you to retire.

Too bad.

Not going to happen.

My non -negotiable.

So what now?

Well, legally, you have two options.

Either walk away from the table or accept that term and negotiate from

What makes you so sure I wouldn't walk away? Oh, yeah? You're going to leave

You're going to shack up with some hot number from the pickleball court and

teach her how to rub that knot out of your left shoulder?

Well, this is too much effort. You're right.

I'll be clutching your gold bony hand when I die.

So what do we do now?

Negotiate terms of said employment.

I'd like 50 hours a week. I'd like 10. 30.

With six weeks worth of exemptions over the course of the year.

Deal? As long as you agree to take a course on the Middle Ages. How about we

learn Italian instead?

Middle Ages, that's my non -negotiable.

You're evil and petty, and I love you more than anything.

Terms go into effect after I talk to the Times.

Deal.

And will you please tell the reporter how Olympia left me on the side of the

road with three Twizzlers?

It's the first thing I'll say.

All right.

Oh.

Speak of the devil.

What do you want, Olympia?

Nothing left to discuss unless you bring me the document.

I just sent it.

Are you by your computer?

All right, I'm in my office.

Check your email.

You think a jury is going to convict me?

I can... Burn this courthouse to the ground, and they'd still be eating

butterscotch out of my hand.

It's way better than a six -by -nine bill. Is that where things are headed?

No.

Not if I can help it.

Stop!

I couldn't go because you are right, which means I'm out of leverage.

Alexei needs to go. What if you put Alexei on the stand?

And then you trigger him.

So what are you going to do when you and Edwin go to jail? You're not going to

let sweet Alfie live with his junkie father, are you? You think a jury is

to convict me?

I'll just play the harmless old lady, the grieving mother.

I'm untouchable.

And if you don't send me that document by the end of the night, it'll be your

kids who grow up without parents.

Turns out, I didn't need leverage.

I just needed to take away yours.

From now on, I'm in charge.