Original subtitles

( camera shutter clicks )

What is that?

Single gunshot wound to the head,

pants around his ankles.

You really know how to relax.

He was wearing a money belt, which might explain why.

Car was cleaned out-- rental, so no trace, no DNA.

Contaminated.

I thought you were in management now.

Doesn't mean I don't care. I'm still a cop.

You wouldn't understand.

( barks )

No, 'cause you don't want to be understood.

It's the reason you wear the blue-and-white

"Keep Away" sign every day.

Lucky I got a thing for uniforms.

Come here. Come here.

It's getting late.

You're doing it again.

What?

You're shutting down.

You're pushing me out.

I'm going to take a shower. Quit reading so much into everything.

( water splattering )

( armband beeping )

( telephone rings )

Panesa: And you're happy with this?

It's a perfectly fine piece of journalism.

Yeah, and Harold is a solid writer,

but we need more than that, Ned.

We need great. We need modernization.

We need a blogger, a Facebooker.

We need youth.

- You tweet, Ned? - No, not really.

Yeah, yeah, well, Brazil's already got

more than 10,000 followers on Twitter.

Yeah, but this kid is still new to the game.

With all due respect, so are you, Mr. Panesa.

Look, covering crime is something

that a reporter works up to,

and just because you are

a 22-year-old human-interest writer

who volunteers at the Police Academy--

He came up with a fantastic idea for a story

and took steps on his own time

to gain a greater understanding of his subjects.

All right, all right.

He's good. I'm not arguing that.

We need to heal the rift, Ned.

TV talking heads get better access

because the last regime took

such a critical stance with the cops.

Now we're hemorrhaging readers.

Cops are losing public support.

It's mutually beneficial.

You tell me why we shouldn't do it.

Because as a newspaper, we're supposed to be watchdogs.

We're supposed to be relevant.

Reporter: Passersby found the body here late last night.

And while motive remains unclear,

some speculate robbery may have been a factor.

With no suspects in custody,

Charlotte Metro Police are asking anyone

with information about this crime...

Haven't touched your breakfast.

- Not hungry. - The victim, Jay Johnson from Orlando,

was last seen renting a car at the airport.

He never made it to his hotel room.

Stephanie Kent, reporting live from downtown Charlotte.

News anchor: Thank you, Stephanie.

We'll be following that story closely.

Turning now to economic news...

It's my first day on the police beat.

...local businesses in the area are seeing signs of a rebound.

The strengthening local job market

is encouraging prospective buyers back to...

See you later, Mom.

- Deputy Chief Goode. - Virginia.

Where are you headed this morning?

Community meeting. Thought it best to have one of my men drive me.

With patrol's poll numbers, I'd think you'd be better off

taking anything but a squad car.

I believe the chief wants to see you.

is this about the ride-along?

Goode must have said no.

He's not gonna be the only one.

Hey.

It's just wrong that you can stay so thin.

You want some?

Unlike you, I have to work at this.

Shocking as it may seem,

I'm actually with my colleague on this ride-along thing.

Engaging with a reporter is just asking for trouble.

You know...

when I left Atlanta to run Charlotte Metro,

this department was a mess.

So, I made some changes, and things improved--

In some areas, tremendously, I'd like to think.

But the public's opinion of us hasn't.

Yeah, we have the media to thank for that,

which is why this P.R. idea of yours makes no sense.

It wasn't mine.

We have to credit the new publisher of the "Register" for that.

But I like it.

God knows we need some positive press.

No, patrol does. Investigations is doing just fine.

Reporters live to expose, Judy.

- You know that more than anyone. - Panesa's different.

And so is this writer. His name's Andy Brazil.

And he's a recent graduate of our volunteer Police Academy,

which means he can accurately describe

what it is we do out there.

So, patrol gets a pass,

and my department gets saddled with this P.R. experiment?

Not your department. You.

Woman: Then look on the shelf.

Of course I checked. Then look in the back room.

The wireless is down and you're missing a cable,

but we can discuss Internet security while we wait.

I'm Linda Bond, I.T. tech.

I hear you're quite the social media whore.

Excuse me?

Then go to Radio Shack.

He's a writer. He needs the Internet.

It's okay. I can use my iPad.

This was on your desk, by the way.

You have a not-so-secret admirer.

Linda: Just call me if you need anything.

Happy first day in crime.

Thanks.

Oh, and Tommy? Still not gay.

There's always tomorrow.

( faint knock )

- You start tonight. - Yes!

Ahem-- I mean, this is great.

I can't thank you enough, Mr. Panesa, for everything.

first a shot on the police beat and now this.

I'll write my ass off. I promise.

I know you will. And Ned here is gonna help you.

He's one of our best editors.

- I look forward to working with you. - Yeah.

So who am I riding with?

Vice? Gangs? Patrol?

Deputy Chief Virginia West of the Investigations Division

has agreed to allow you to accompany her

as part of a four-part blog series on the CMPD.

That's not what I pitched.

- Andy, that's exactly what-- - No, no.

I didn't go to the Academy for six months

and work out a 20-page proposal

so I could do a P.R. puff piece.

Ned: You know, he's got a point.

West isn't going out on calls.

He'll only see what she wants him to see.

Well, then...

I guess he'll have to write his ass off about that.

Won't he?

His hotel's in the other direction.

Do you think our victim knew where he was going,

or did he just make a wrong turn?

Mm, don't know.

I'm trying to see if we can track down

any other surveillance footage to figure out his route.

So far, this is all we've got.

Bank records show he hit the ATM,

took out 400 bucks at the airport in Orlando.

No wallet on the scene.

Could be a simple robbery gone bad,

but it feels like more than that.

Mm-hmm, especially when you get a look at these scratches.

They were obscured by blood at the scene.

Fingernails-- long ones.

You think our guy pissed some woman off?

It wouldn't be his first time--

rape allegations made against him when he was in college,

charges dropped due to insufficient evidence.

- Revenge killing? - Don't think so.

His accuser was killed in a car crash five years ago.

I'm thinking maybe the urge resurfaced.

We get anything on the bullet?

Consistent with a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson.

Couldn't find casings, though.

What the hell are you doing?

Uh, Andy Brazil with the "Register."

I'm here for the ride-along.

Yeah, which hasn't started yet.

And what is being discussed here is confidential.

I was just describing your office.

That needs to come off.

It's my volunteer uniform.

If we're going to do this, you're going to have to change.

( soft music playing )

( door opens, closes )

( keys rattle )

Chicken breast, lemon caper sauce.

Sorry I'm late.

Busy day?

Very.

Randy called. He's starting a new job tomorrow.

What a relief.

Got an e-mail from Jude the other day.

He met someone.

So...

seems both our boys are doing well.

Is that even warm anymore?

It's warm enough.

Did you do anything today, Seth?

Did you get out of the house at all?

Gardening.

Went to the market.

Say, when's that, uh, public service awards banquet?

I keep forgetting to put it on the calendar.

It's this week.

But I know how you hate those things,

so I can always go alone.

This is good.

Never seen your byline before.

Just started on the police beat.

What did you do before then?

Human interest. TV listings.

There been an increase in prostitution in the area?

Yeah, and not a Julia Roberts in the bunch.

They're all drug addicts with crap childhoods,

which is why they hook.

I'm not sure what's sadder,

the women who sell themselves or the men who buy them.

Wow, really?

Didn't think anyone still smoked.

West: Where's my lighter?

What are you writing on that thing, anyway?

Tweeting, or I'm trying to.

There's not much to comment on.

( vehicle approaches )

( tires screech )

- What's going on? - '94 Honda with a busted-out window,

and I'm guessing it's stolen.

Do you need some-- all right.

Unit 700 in pursuit of a stolen vehicle

headed eastbound on Tyvola at Woodlawn.

Dark blue Honda, license 7-apple-apple-5-2-4.

Dispatcher: Copy that.

Stolen vehicle on eastbound Tyvola.

- Repeat unit number, please. - 700.

10-4, Deputy Chief West,

and, uh, welcome to the real world.

( tires squealing )

Headed southbound on old Pineville.

Need backup. Hit the lights and siren.

- Wait, what? - I'm a little busy.

We don't have sirens in volunteer vehicles.

Officer: Unit 32 responding.

- What the hell are you doing? - I don't know.

Heading north on Minuet.

- West: Hurry up! Get the lights on! - Brazil: I'm trying.

- Maybe if your-- - You're spilling my coffee!

Sorry, I-- found it.

Unit 32. Vehicle in sight.

700. We have equipment malfunction.

- 32, he's all yours. - Copy that.

Maybe next time, Deputy Chief.

- ( sighs ) - Sorry.

My training vehicle only had roof lights.

Because you're not a cop!

You're a writer who likes to play dress-up.

The CMPD volunteer force was Chief Hammer's idea.

Are you saying it was a stupid one?

Dispatcher: Units in the area of Statesville and Kohler,

backup requested.

Male suspect threatening paramedic crew.

Unit 700 responding. Do not touch anything!

( engine starts )

Take them off! Please? I can't breathe.

Help me.

Stay by the car.

Take them off. I can't-- please.

- I can't breathe. - We got it covered.

- I can't breathe. Oh, God. - Guys, come with me.

Take them off. Let me go.

Jenkins: Got called out on a domestic.

Found this guy bleeding from the head.

He alleges his wife here hit him with a bat.

Both of them under the influence.

I called out the EMTs.

Hey, you know it's gonna be a bad night

when the first call on your shift is a meth head

- who won't get out of the rig. - Woman: Help me.

This guy is tweaking big time.

Woman: Damn it, this hurts. Take them off.

- What about his wife? - She wants him back.

Yeah, I don't think that's why she's screaming.

Can I have the keys?

Help me, Jack. Help me. Oh, God, help me. Help me.

Take them off, please.

That better?

- Yes. - All right.

Thank you.

Hey, we're not supposed to hurt them, remember?

He get the scissors from you?

Overpowered my weakling partner here.

I pumped that guy with enough tranqs to knock out a horse.

I can't help it if he's superhuman.

But she's gonna believe you over me.

Hey, Duggins, shut up, will you?

- Got backup en route. - No need. Come on.

I'll distract him. You guys grab him.

Excuse me. Can I get each of your names?

I'm from the "Register."

Oh, perfect.

The one night things go south on me

and your friend here is on a publicity tour?

That's not why I'm here.

Hey!

- Get over here, you... - Come here! I got him!

Got him! Got him!

Got him! Coming out!

( grunting )

Man: All right, you got him?

- What'd you say to him? - Called him a pussy.

You gonna tweet about that?

Dispatcher: Unit 700.

Responding.

Detective Brewster notifying.

White male homicide victim

found in Sugar Creek, 500 block of Drury.

( engine starts )

( police radio chatter )

( speaking softly )

- Hey, what do we know? - Single G.S.W. to the head,

multiple to the torso.

Happened at least 24 hours ago.

Name's Chuck Luby, and we only know that

because of the rental car registration.

- Watch and wallet gone? - Didn't have a thing on him-- literally.

- Wounds? - .40-caliber S&W.

Any cartridge casings found?

- Nope. - Crap.

So, it's the same killer.

No one said that.

Jay Johnson's pants were down.

Both businessmen in rental cars.

And based on what you just said, the same gun was used.

You're not going to write about that.

Charlotte has a serial killer,

and you think I'm not gonna write about it?

You write about it, you're gonna screw up my investigation.

Well, like you said, I'm not a cop.

That means I don't answer to you.

Mom. Mom!

- I'm above the fold. - ( TV news playing )

Mom?

( snoring )

Unbelievable.

Now people are gonna panic.

We're not even sure it's the same killer.

I can't even imagine what the talking heads are saying.

Well, see for yourself.

Kent: The victim, identified as Chuck Luby,

was shot multiple times less than 48 hours

after Jay Johnson was killed in a similar fashion.

Both men were here on business, each for less than a day.

Word of the murders has spread,

having already been dubbed by some

as the "Queen City Killings."

Police have yet to comment, but sources say

both victims were semi-nude,

and their bodies were found in deserted areas.

( sighs ) Releasing those details

just screwed us big time.

You know, I get why you'd be pissed at the chick

who's always sensationalizing stuff,

but Brazil just asked a question.

It was a fair one.

Well, at least he complimented you

for busting that uniform last night in his article.

I don't need compliments,

not from an opportunistic voyeur

who wants his name in the local paper.

Reporters: Chief! Chief!

Deputy Chief Goode, can you comment on the killings?

Tell us what's going on with the investigation.

Not my department. I can't really say.

But I'm heading in to see the chief of police right now.

As the head of the patrol division,

any reaction to the statements made by your colleague

about officers and unnecessary roughness?

Look, we're not out there to hand out candy, okay?

We're looking for a murderer.

And unlike Deputy Chief West's detectives,

Patrol is on the front lines.

Excuse me.

- Is Chief Hammer in? - She's in a meeting right now.

I'm sorry, sir. I didn't have you down for an appointment today.

Is she in with the mayor?

Yes, but if it's urgent, I can get her.

No, no, no, no. No, it can wait.

I'm sure Chief Hammer has a lot on her plate right now.

- Tell her I stopped by. - Okay.

Search: Do you know how many phone calls I've gotten,

how many e-mails?

I imagine our numbers are on par--

You are not an elected official.

This couldn't have come at a worse time.

For you or for the victims?

I've spent my entire term courting Fortune 500 companies

looking to establish new home offices.

We're up for three huge conventions

and a major sporting event.

And I'll assure the public--

No, you have to educate the public.

Talk about our 105% clearance rate of violent crimes.

That figure includes the solving of crimes prior to last year.

I'm not going to tell people

that we've cleared more cases than we actually have.

We need to keep a lid on this situation.

Judy, it's my job to protect not just our citizens,

but their livelihoods, too.

Solomon Cahoon, who, as you know,

has the ear of the business community here--

he suggests that maybe we should--

I'm stopping you right there, Mayor.

Charles, three years ago,

you asked me to resign my post

as Atlanta's chief of police,

move here, and fix a broken department.

And that's exactly what I'm doing.

Our numbers are solid.

And I'm not going to inflate them

to appease the self-appointed C.E.O. king of Charlotte.

This year's Public Service Awards should be fun.

Cahoon's the corporate sponsor.

Silvertip hollow points--

needlessly destructive, in my opinion.

Goes through tissue and organs like a buzzsaw.

Firearms confirmed it was the same type of gun used in the first murder?

Yes.

First shot was to the head--

killed him pretty much instantly.

Five other shots were fired into Luby's torso.

Lack of vital response indicates

they were inflicted postmortem when the body was prone.

Hmm, either making sure he was dead

or using him for target practice.

Not much of a target from two feet away.

Any biological evidence?

Put a rush on DNA-- saliva on his face--

interestingly, male.

This guy was married with kids.

Never stopped anyone from being gay.

Now, there's no specific evidence to support homosexuality,

but we did find

a platinum-blond, six-inch synthetic hair

on Luby's pants.

Where's the wife? Is she flying in?

She's already here.

( voice breaking ) My oldest boy--

I told him not to--

He goes online, and he found an article that said...

was Chuck naked?

I'm afraid so.

Who would do this to him?

I wish I could answer that, ma'am.

Was there a woman involved? Was this about sex?

We don't know anything for certain.

I wasn't there for him like he wanted.

With the kids and the financial stress,

I was just always so tired all the time.

- I drove him to it. - No.

This is not your fault.

Do you have any idea what you've done?

You're welcome--

for the rather complimentary blog piece I wrote.

Hey, let's get this straight--

I don't give a crap what you write.

I only care about who it impacts,

like the victim's kid,

who reads an article with details

no 10-year-old should ever know about his dead dad,

or the real cops who are busting their ass

to solve this case.

My father was a cop, too, you know.

And your point is you would have disappointed him?

Got your computer cable.

This a bad time?

I'm not interested, okay?

So just leave me the hell alone.

- Bitch. - ( radio beeps )

Dispatcher: All units, 10-80-- Marshall Park.

Possible arson. Two-structure fire, East Trade.

Come on, people!

Dispatcher #2: 275, urgent.

Second fire in commercial building.

Possible workers trapped inside.

Requesting additional backup units.

( siren chirps )

Sending additional units to Marshall Park and structure.

Lands and grooves on the bullets for both murders match.

Are we thinking there's a sexual component?

Yeah, it's hard to imagine there isn't.

Mm, but neither crime matches any M.O. in the national database.

Any link between the victims?

We're checking backgrounds and computers now.

Nothing so far.

You get a look at this morning's "Register"?

Would I be planning a press conference if I hadn't?

I told you ride-alongs were a bad idea.

Oh, that Brazil reported on the murders doesn't surprise me.

That he wrote about you and Patrol does.

But that's a conversation

between me and Deputy Chief Goode.

What are you gonna tell the press?

As much of the truth as I can,

but not everybody wants to hear that.

I got a visit from the mayor.

The one who was elected

or the one who actually runs the city?

Cahoon not only runs it, he owns it.

That's why we need Panesa and Brazil in our corner.

You're not done yet.

Judy, for God's sakes, I have two homicides to solve!

And 10 detectives to help.

The ride-alongs continue, Virginia.

Fine. All right, tell me this.

Brazil said his dad was a cop. That true?

You'd know better than me. I'm a transplant, remember?

'Cause I've been here awhile.

I've never heard anyone by that name. Have you?

Don't know why I didn't put it together.

That's his kid, huh?

I was still in patrol when that whole thing went down--

- probably 10 years ago now. - What whole thing?

( police radio chatter )

You gonna be much longer?

I've already been waiting 45 minutes.

I'm supposed to be covering a fire.

Damn it.

( keypad clicking )

Any relation to Drew Brazil?

Yeah, he was my father.

Sign here.

You have 30 days to pay the fine or appear in court.

I knew him.

Wouldn't be dead if he'd followed protocol.

I'd slow down if I were you.

My name is Judy Hammer.

I am the chief of police here in Charlotte.

On Thursday at 9:37 p.m.,

the body of Chuck Luby of Birmingham was found

in the Five Points area of Charlotte.

Mr. Luby was shot multiple times

and found adjacent to his vehicle.

We are in the early stages of the investigation

and have not as yet determined any correlation

between Mr. Luby's homicide and that of another homicide

which occurred two nights ago involving a Mr. Jay Johnson.

I don't think she heard you, Mayor.

Apparently not.

We do not believe there is a public safety threat,

but I have ordered an increase

in the number of officers patrolling our streets.

As always, we ask the citizens of Charlotte...

Cahoon: Who's next in line?

West heads investigation.

Goode's at patrol.

Dozier, but he's admin.

Award aside, we may need a change.

Come on.

Dispatch even know we're out here?

They will. Just needed to make this stop first.

Got my lead detective interviewing out here.

- Queen City killings? - "Johnson-Luby murders."

Who made up that ridiculous name?

( clicking )

Do you ever not tweet?

I write what I see.

I just need to touch base with him.

Can I come along?

After what you pulled last time? Not a chance.

It's important for the people of Charlotte

to know all the police are doing to solve the crime.

No, they just need to trust that we're doing it. Stay by the car.

Maybe I should just ride with patrol, then.

Trust me, they don't want you, either.

Detective: So, a wig like yours?

Woman: I don't wear synthetic, and if I did,

it wouldn't be tacky blonde.

Brewster, how's it going?

Mm, I could ask the same of you.

Just chatting with Diamond here,

see what she knows about all this.

All this killing is killing business, that's what.

Anyone out here turning tricks with a reputation for violence?

- Anyone with a gun? - Honey, we're the ones

who get killed out here, not the other way around.

Me and my kind are gentle people.

Anyone who's not your kind, then? Anyone new out here?

Not that I've noticed.

Know what's a real crime, though?

A lady with all the goods

who can't even be bothered to dress like one.

( Brewster chuckles )

Ahem.

- Panesa. - Chief Hammer.

I was just about to call you.

Brazil wants off the ride-alongs.

So does West. I told her no.

Ah. Great minds.

Nice talking to you, Richard.

Likewise, Judy.

700. I'm 10-8, North Tryon Street.

Dispatcher: Copy that, 700.

Personally, I don't believe either victim was gay.

You're barely old enough to have sex.

What makes you such an expert?

I'm not as young as you think.

- 23? - 22.

700, assault, suspect on foot--

white male, green sweats,

last seen on Wilkinson Boulevard.

700. Suspect in sight.

700 in foot pursuit.

Stay in the car!

( distant dog barking )

Hey!

Argh!

Ugh!

West: Okay.

Okay. You can get out of the car next time.

You're under arrest.

You have the right to remain silent.

- Do you ever exercise? - Shut up.

Anything you say can and will be used against you.

- ( police radio chatter ) - You play any sports?

Maybe you should.

Dispatcher: 700, check loud music.

Neighbors at 4200 South McDowell complaining.

Copy that. 700 two minutes out on Randolph.

Is a noise complaint really the best use of our time?

Not every call's an action sequence, Gonzo.

Can this day get any better?

( gospel music playing )

You're already back to being a writer?

- Sorry? - Never mind.

It's loud, but nice.

Hard to believe anyone's complaining about it.

No one is. Church called about that noise.

You can't hear anything.

It's a strip club-- reason enough to complain.

( techno music plays )

I will never understand you people.

We're not all cut from the same cloth, you know.

- You the owner? - Yes, ma'am. Randy Colt.

You know, it must be a hell of a problem

for them to send out the big guns like this.

So, I'm assuming you're--

Deputy Chief Virginia West.

Your neighbors next door are complaining about your volume.

Complaining? Hell, if anybody

should be complaining, it should be me.

I mean, it's their damn loud music

keeping all my customers out.

Yeah, well, do us both a favor,

and you turn yours down a notch.

Hey, Earl. Bring it down a little bit.

How's that?

I appreciate it. I'll tell your neigh--

Hey, baby.

I like your costume.

Did you say something to me?

Yeah.

Got a G-string and pasties underneath all that?

Oh!

Oh!

Hey! Knock it off!

Oh! Hey!

( groans )

Ooh.

700, need backup and medical assistance,

Colt's Strip, 4211 South McDowell.

Hell, man, Bubba's had that one coming for years.

So, free drinks on me, son, anytime, all right?

- Thanks. - Hey, man, you did good.

He still shouldn't have grabbed her ass.

Yeah.

You think Bubba will press charges?

Not if he wants to do time for assaulting two cops.

What were you doing in there, anyway,

defending my honor?

Now, this is the kind of call an EMT could get used to.

Where's your partner?

Uh, Raines has got the night off.

Poor bastard.

( beeps )

Expecting to hear from someone?

No.

Your ear's bleeding.

Thanks.

I know about your father--

how he went above and beyond the call of duty,

and it cost him his life.

I know about your athletic past

and your meteoric rise through the police ranks.

( distant siren wails, police radio chatter )

I have a trick to fix that.

There.

Thanks.

Yeah. I don't believe either victims were gay.

I do believe there's a prostitution angle, though.

The M.E. found male saliva and a synthetic hair on Chuck Luby.

Maybe they were both duped by some trans hustler,

or maybe there's some other person involved.

At this point, I don't know who or what the killer is.

All I know is they're out there.

( engine starts )

- Is there still a shine? - In three, two...

That's right, Jen.

And while the police have yet to identify a suspect

in the so-called "Queen City Killings,"

sources close to the investigation say

there's reason to believe the murders may be gay-related.

Back to you, Jen.

( TV off )

( cell phone beeps )

( knock on door )

Enjoy your night off?

Mm, not really.

But I hear that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

I have to get to work.

I'll buy you breakfast.

Want to be helpful?

Walk the dog.

( dog barking )

Hammer: Obviously, we've got a leak.

Okay, well, hello? She's been hanging out with a reporter.

It's not him.

Medical Examiner's office? They found the saliva.

No, Odom barely shares information with us.

He's not talking to the press.

How are we with that DNA?

No CODIS hits.

Whoever the saliva belongs to hasn't been arrested.

Doesn't help my hooker theory.

Well, maybe we're not dealing with a pro.

Could just be the lure,

with robbery as the real motive.

And murder's the cherry on top.

Other way around, more like it.

So what exactly are my guys supposed to be looking for?

Anything. Everything.

I want officers patrolling all known areas of prostitution

sundown to sunup.

Along with parks, public restrooms, strip clubs.

Throw in some undercovers, if you got them.

Better get on it.

Chief Hammer.

Your husband called, wanted me to remind you

not to be late for dinner tonight.

Oh, yeah. It's my anniversary.

Stephanie. Andy Brazil.

You're real.

And here I thought you were Panesa's pseudonym.

Can I ask you something?

Journalist to journalist?

Journalist to reporter.

I'm assuming you consider yourself the former.

Where'd you get your information

the killings were gay-related?

You really think I'd tell you?

No.

But I do think you should be more careful,

'cause it gives us all a bad name

when your source is wrong.

- Let's go. - ( engine starts )

( soft piano music plays )

You see my press conference?

No.

I TiVO'd it, though, or I hope I did.

The record button is fussy.

Are you gonna eat that?

No, no. I'm just saving myself for dessert.

Happy anniversary.

You, too.

( faint voices overlapping )

That I.T. girl's obsessed with you,

in case you hadn't noticed.

And... is she your type?

No.

Of course she isn't.

Hey. Can I get your expert opinion on something?

Sure.

Both these guys had wives and kids.

I did some digging, found out this one

was accused of a date rape once.

- Either strike you as gay? - Ugh, God, no.

But they do look like they'd have to pay

for whatever action they did get.

They strike you as the type that could be duped into believing

someone was a woman when they weren't?

The hustlers who are trans,

they don't have the money or time to do it right.

People know what they're buying into, Andy.

Yeah.

How can I be standing in your way

when there's not even a defendant?

I'll tell you what the correlation is--

the longer you keep me on the phone,

the less time I have to make a case for the prosecution.

D.A.'s already worried about his case.

Neither Johnson nor Luby's home computer have any evidence

of Internet affairs or chat room hook-ups.

No gay porn, but plenty of the straight stuff.

Nice.

You want to leak this to the kid,

get the record set straight, so to speak?

No.

Let's keep our distance.

Brazil: Why are you following me?

( speaking softly )

What the...?

( keypad beeping )

Man: 911. What is your emergency?

Brazil: Got a couple of burglars

trapped inside an electronics store out in Five Points.

Think you've got a unit nearby?

Copy that. We'll send someone right away.

( banging )

( knocking )

Yeah?

I'm looking for Andy Brazil.

Uh, I got it, Mom.

Go back inside, please.

- Hey. - Hey.

You are taking this cop thing way too seriously.

This makes it official.

( chuckles ) Thanks.

Singlehandedly bringing down a burglary ring

that plagued this city for months?

How'd you do it?

Let's just call it a happy by-product.

Let's get out of here.

By the way, there's something you should know.

What do you mean he's being followed? By whom?

- By Patrol. - For the last couple of days.

We'll be increasing our presence

in the Tryon and airport areas,

as well as stepping up patrols in--

Hammer: Deputy Chief Goode.

Do have any idea what harassment is?

Uh, I'm sorry. I don't know what you're talking about.

I just found out that Patrol has been tailing Andy Brazil.

Well, I don't know where you're getting your information from,

but I can promise you--

If any officer takes part in any of this again,

I will have his or her badge.

Am I clear?

Man: Yes, ma'am.

I'm beginning to think you've got a sadistic streak, Virginia.

As I was saying...

That's not why I'm here. He went over your head.

- Who? - The mayor.

He called in the FBI.

He wants you to hand over the investigation.

I need you to stay home.

I just came back to get my laptop.

I don't feel well.

- I got to go. - Andy, please!

Get off me! Stop it!

I'm sorry, I just--

I really need something to drink, Andy.

Can you get it for me?

No.

( cell phone beeping )

Andy Brazil.

Andy, it's Richard Panesa.

I've secured an interview with the mayor.

I want you to conduct it.

Is it my imagination, or has this place gotten worse?

Clientele has. Food hasn't.

I'm just so used to seeing cops around.

After my little speech,

we'll be lucky to find a patrol car

within five miles of this place.

B-Ray's up in here!

- Man: Yeah. That's right. - Man #2: Yeah!

Not the best timing ever.

You're safe with me.

Hey, I might not wear the uniform that much...

back at you, honey.

Didn't like the cooking?

Uh, no, I just--

She counts her calories.

Want some more coffee, at least?

- No, thanks. - I know this one will.

Mm-hmm.

So, because of these killings,

you feel businesses are suffering?

And when business suffers, our citizens do, too.

That's why I called in the FBI.

And the people of Charlotte deserve

a quick resolution to these crimes.

And by joining forces with our local police department,

hopefully that can be accomplished.

And in the interim?

We go about our lives.

Are you saying the city's safer with the FBI here?

I'm saying we've increased law enforcement presence by 30%.

And while it's unsettling, the average citizen

has a better chance of winning the lottery

than being this murderer's next victim.

Actually, the odds of that are roughly 200 million to 1.

The metro area has a population of around two million people,

so if two people were killed in less than four weeks, one does the math--

look, do I like driving downtown alone at night?

No, but it's an irrational fear

because a very small, very specific segment

of the population is being targeted.

The public needs to be aware of that.

Whoever's doing this has got no criminal record,

so they're either young, lucky, or a recent convert.

So, what are you gonna do?

I'm gonna give the FBI all the information we have.

No reason why we can't keep investigating on our own.

Attagirl.

Dispatcher: Any unit in the area of West Trade and Graham--

robbery in progress.

- Armed white male on a bus. - Hey.

You know, it's gonna take Patrol a while to get here,

- thanks to me. - Okay.

West and Hammer responding.

Dispatcher: 10-4.

( cell phone beeps )

- Excuse me a moment. - Certainly.

Sorry, Mr. Mayor.

I have to leave. Thank you for your time.

Man: Just hand it over. Come on!

I'll go first.

Judy.

I ain't got all day, bitch.

Excuse me, is this the bus to Sm--

This is the bus for giving me your money.

- Oh--! - We don't want any trouble.

Then hand it over, now.

( both grunting )

Hands behind your head!

( riders murmuring )

Sorry, everyone. Police officers.

( cheers, applause )

( police radio chatter )

Watch your step.

Hammer and West. Suspect in custody and a squad here.

No other unit need respond.

Let's keep everybody out on the streets.

( telephone rings )

Checking in. Blair Mauney III.

You here on business or pleasure?

Both.

Quitting my job. Wanted to do it in person.

Check-in's not until 4:00,

but let me find out if your room is clean.

You know what? Just have my bags

brought up to my room when it's ready.

I'll go out for a while.

Will you require a taxi, sir?

No, I have a rental.

A map of the city, then?

Want to make sure our guests don't get lost.

I'm not worried. I grew up here.

Make sure to get the bus in frame.

Come on, "Windbags."

( cell phone beeps )

Director: And we're rolling live.

I'm standing where it all happened.

Chief of Police Judy Hammer

and Deputy Chief Virginia West

were apparently having breakfast nearby

and responded to an armed-robbery call.

The two women managed to take down a man with a gun.

Witnesses call the act heroic, but some have suggested

these theatrics are a distraction

to Charlotte's more serious crime issue--

a serial killer among us.

Sources close to Mayor Search quote him as saying

that even he is afraid to drive downtown at night.

Reporting live, I'm Stephanie Kent.

Torgess: Chief, you have a visitor.

Richard.

For the hero chief.

Or the chief distracter, depending on who you ask.

Stephanie Kent is an idiot.

With a viewership hanging on her every word.

Look, what you did was great,

just like the job you're doing.

Really?

With the mayor terrified to drive around the city?

Uncredited sources.

That's not even journalism.

Look, I like the job Brazil's doing,

but I just--

the story's getting much bigger than it needs to be.

If there could just be some restraint exercised,

at least at the "Register."

Of course.

So, you, uh, ready for your award?

I think it's safe to say

that everyone from the mayor to Cahoon to myself

would be happy if we could un-ring that particular bell.

( chuckles )

Yeah. But, uh, you're still going, right?

Yeah.

With your husband?

No. I wouldn't subject him to that nonsense.

I'm going alone.

Me, too. Why not go together?

Kent: ...serious crime issue-- a serial killer among us.

Sources close to Mayor Search quote him as saying

that even he is afraid to drive downtown at night.

Reporting live, I'm Stephanie Kent.

Sources close to Mayor Search quote him as saying

that even he is afraid to drive downtown at night.

Ned: Technology's not enough.

All that tweeting, uploading and posting

doesn't add up to breaking news.

You got a good old-fashioned scooping, Brazil.

No, that wasn't scooping, okay?

That was stealing or hacking or something.

She used my quote-- I typed it into my notes

but didn't include it in my story.

Yeah, but that's my point-- why not?

Maybe your allegiance to CMPD

is keeping you from being a serious reporter.

You know, it's either that

or you're not the boy genius that Panesa thinks you are.

- ( TV sportscaster speaking ) - Hi.

You know, there's a gun in that drawer.

Why don't you use that instead of a spoon

if you want to kill yourself?

That's not funny.

It wasn't meant to be.

TV commentator: Bobcats are just not getting it done this season.

I changed my mind.

I want to go to that public service awards thing with you.

Oh, that's okay. I already made plans.

( rock music plays )

Here you go, baby. Don't stop.

You know, bro, this ain't me being cheap or nothing,

but don't you think you need to switch

to, like, water or soda or something?

No, that's okay. I don't want any more.

Come on, man.

Well, hell, man, you ain't gonna drive, are you?

I'm fine. Okay? Don't worry about it.

Woman: How's it going?

Hey, handsome. Looking for fun?

Not interested.

( retches, coughs )

Man: You go ahead inside.

West: Mm, the FBI sent us a real winner.

Okay, we're bringing in a profiler.

( scoffs ) Of course he is.

I'm sorry. Is there something you want to add, Miss West?

Deputy chief.

No, there's nothing you've said worth adding to yet.

( scattered laughter )

Our team's going over the lab reports now.

- And the best way you can help us do our jobs... - ( cell phone buzzes )

...is by having your detectives provide us with local support

in the form of your CIs, your street contacts,

- and any intel you should have... - Hello?

- Hey. Is this bad timing? - Uh, well, yes and no.

What's up? What phone are you calling from?

Oh, I borrowed Duggins'.

Mine doesn't get reception out here for some reason.

Listen, my shift's just about over.

You, uh, want to do something tonight?

Uh, I can't. I got to go.

What if I call you-- ( sighs )

What?

The same .40-caliber Smith & Wesson was used both times,

and no shell casings were found at either crime scene.

- ( cell phone buzzes ) - Both men are from out of town,

- both in rented cars... - Listen, I was just being polite.

This is actually a really bad time.

Ma'am, this is Randy from Colt's.

Um, I just thought I'd give you a call and let you know

that your friend's been down here drinking really heavy tonight.

- Is he still there? - Victim "A," Jay Johnson-- shot to the forehead...

Uh, no, ma'am. He took his keys, and he left.

That's why I just thought I would give you a call.

I appreciate it. Thank you.

- ( cell phone beeps ) - Excuse me.

Victim "B," Chuck Luby-- five shots to the back,

same telltale shot to the forehead

that's consistent with victim "A."

- ( keypad beeping) - Idiot.

Recording: Hey, it's Andy. Leave me a message.

( cell phone beeps )

( distant siren wails )

( sighs )

( Brazil sighs )

Where's your car?

Did you forget where you parked it?

I walked,

not that I owe you an explanation.

( chuckles ) Right.

You just decided to take a stroll

through the worst part of town all by yourself.

How'd you know where to find me?

Your father could not have known

that man had killed someone before--

could not have known that there were plans to kill again.

If Detective Drew Brazil had not pulled over

the erratic driver in front of him that night,

more people would have died.

Instead, only two did, in a shootout...

right here.

We're just gonna pretend that never happened?

Yep.

( engine idling, police radio chatter )

West: Another dead body found next to a rental car.

Shot and beaten.

Someone definitely spent some time here.

Will someone turn off that damn car?

All right, guess he started with a full tank,

which means it's been idling for a good eight hours now--

before we took over the investigation in earnest.

Noted for the record.

It's essential for the integrity of our investigation

to delineate it from yours.

Brewster: Well, the cash and watch are gone.

But, look, this guy's a Mauney.

Great. Native son gets killed.

The press will have a field day with this.

What is he, a rich local?

Brewster: Eh, used to be.

Blair Mauney Jr. inherited TriSouth Bank from his father.

Mauney III here was poised to succeed him.

Enter Solomon Cahoon--

seized the company in a hostile takeover in the '90s.

Last I heard, Blair was moving in

with his wife's family in Asheville.

And still affiliated with the bank?

Yeah, Cahoon let him stay on

in some bogus management role.

Patronizing S.O.B.

But throw a rock, and you'll find one of those.

( laughs )

All right, we'll do a rundown why this guy was in town,

see if we can track his footsteps.

You guys want to go through his office supplies,

you're more than welcome.

( sighs )

The killer managed to pick up all the casings again?

- Yep. - Smart--

keeps us from getting firing-pin impressions

- or DNA from them. - Mm-hmm.

Good thing there's no press out here today,

not even your shadow.

Works for me.

( cell phone chimes )

( groaning )

Oh, crap, crap, crap.

They've been calling all morning.

I told them you were sick,

and they said to stay home and get better.

( sighs )

I didn't want to go to work today, anyway.

( scoffs )

( sighs )

Hey, Tommy. It's Andy.

I was wondering if, um--

are you-- are you busy?

( sighs )

What have you got in these boxes anyway? Bricks?

Books.

Remind me to buy you a Kindle.

( sighs )

It's in Noda. What do you think?

Uh, that you're taking advantage of me--

and not the way I'd like.

( chuckles )

( distant siren wails )

Goode: You out for a little fresh air to pollute?

( scoffs ) Yeah, something like that.

I just needed a break.

Any headway?

No.

And I can't believe it keeps happening right under our noses.

It's like the killer knows this city better than we do.

Yeah, or-- or he's pretty damn lucky.

I mean, all three crime scenes

are in areas with spotty radio coverage.

Look, when I said what I did

to Officer Jenkins about cuffing that woman,

I did not intend for it to be some public humiliation.

It was one guy, one situation.

Okay. Apology accepted.

( chuckles )

( soft music plays )

( chuckles ) You're turning heads.

Probably not in the way that I'd like.

I don't know about that.

- Woman: Hi. - Hello.

How are you?

Something needs to be done.

Agreed. It won't be easy.

Panesa's got deep pockets beholden to no one.

Hammer, for whatever reason, is wildly popular,

or at least not easily replaced.

Oh, I don't know.

Deputy Chief Goode could be a very effective leader.

Patrol's ironhanded tactics

may have been derided in the past,

but then we didn't have a serial killer

running around loose, did we?

Ahem.

Excuse me, Mr. Mayor. It's time.

Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen,

please welcome Mayor Charles Search.

( cheers, applause )

That'll be enough of that.

( chuckles )

We're here tonight to applaud our local heroes, not our emcee.

Three years ago, the city had

a violent-crime rate that was surging

and a police force on the verge of folding.

One woman changed all of that.

On behalf of TriSouth Bank,

I'm proud to present this award

for outstanding public service

in the area of community safety

to Chief of Police Judy Hammer.

( cheers, applause )

Thank you very much.

Key.

Key...

( sighs )

you know the best part of this evening?

The wine and your speech.

( laughs ) Well, the company wasn't so bad, either.

You know, you deserve that award.

The things you've done for the department,

for the community...

How bitter a pill do you suppose it was

for Cahoon to watch me get this?

( chuckles ) Like chewing penicillin.

- ( cell phone rings, beeps ) - Hi.

( voice breaking ) Judy?

Everything all right?

Judy? I'm sorry.

Seth, where are you? Are you driving?

Judy, I'm sorry I've been such a disappointment.

Seth, talk to me.

Goodbye.

( engine starts, roars )

( tires squeal )

( clattering )

( cell phone beeps )

Police dispatcher: Seaboard Street, any unit in the area,

single collision, overturned vehicle, possible fatality.

Plate number registered to Chief Judy Hammer.

( police radio chatter )

Let me by.

Seth, Seth, I'm here. You're gonna be okay now.

Judy, let them do their jobs.

Chief, thankfully he's alive.

Based on skid marks, it appears that he was traveling

upwards of 60 miles an hour.

He did hit the brakes just before this concrete column,

lost control of the vehicle, and rolled right here.

Also, uh, we found this.

Officer: We got to keep this clear.

Oh-hh.

Pick it up.

Hey.

Oh, my God, what happened? Is he okay?

Uh, he's banged up, but he's alive.

Yeah, 'cause if he really didn't want to be,

he wouldn't have put his seat belt on.

What?

Yeah, I found a suicide note.

( sighs )

Gave it to your guys.

- Officer, can I speak with you? - Sure.

What exactly happened here?

So, where were you last night?

With him?

No. Where were you?

Out.

Judy.

Wh-what can I do? Do you want me to get rid of Brazil and--

Uh, no. No.

Chief Hammer, I'm so sorry.

You're here to report on this story, am I correct?

Then tell the truth.

I'm not gonna pretend everything's fine anymore,

'cause it's not.

Come on. Come on.

Easy.

"Chief of Police's Husband Hurt In Suicide Attempt."

( sighs )

"Chief of Police's Husband Hurt In Mysterious Crash."

"Man Hurt In Accident."

Kent: Seth Bridges, husband of Police Chief Judy Hammer,

nearly died yesterday here

in what sources say was a failed suicide attempt.

Mr. Bridges is reportedly in stable condition,

but this near-tragedy

certainly doesn't help the chief's cause.

Because while some sympathize with her situation,

many are asking, "Is Judy Hammer

too overwhelmed with personal problems

to effectively run the department?"

All three men died

of a single gunshot wound to the head,

but this one was inflicted after a fair amount

of what I'd label physical torture.

Gun not good enough anymore?

You have to use a tire iron, too?

Mm, yes. it's both bludgeon...

and impaling tool-- sharp end.

Mostly lacerations, but, as you can see,

several of these are punctures.

They're not very deep. Same person do all this?

Well, I can't say definitively about the fatal gunshot

because it was inflicted while Mauney was lying down,

fired directly into the forehead

from above, based on the shape of the wound.

And these others?

Were likely inflicted by someone right-handed,

moderate versus severe force,

and, based on blood spatter, from a standing position.

( sighs ) "Moderate force."

- Possibly female. - An enraged one.

West: But how do you hold a gun

and beat the hell out of someone at the same time?

- She had to have help. - A man's.

Roland: Sorry to interrupt,

but I figured you'd want to know

what we found on this USB stick.

West: Were you at the hospital all night?

Just got back a couple hours ago.

How is he?

He was lucky.

They just kept him overnight for observation,

and they're releasing him later this afternoon.

Virginia... ( sighs )

...I'm thinking of resigning,

in light of Seth, in light of everything.

And Cahoon wants me fired anyway.

Yeah, well, he doesn't know it yet,

but Cahoon has his own set of problems.

He was being embezzled by Mauney

to the tune of $5 million.

And here's something else to consider--

there were only a handful of people at the accident

that knew about the note in Seth's car.

You read Brazil's article. He didn't mention it.

So how did the fact that it was an attempted suicide

get on-air?

- What are you doing? - Making you coffee.

You have a lot of people to see today.

Thanks, Virginia, for everything.

No, I'm meeting with the governor then.

Let's push it to the week after.

Bye.

- ( cell phone beeps ) - My apologies, Judy.

Anyway, I was so sorry to hear about your husband.

How's he doing?

He's gonna be okay.

The timing must have been overwhelming.

Of course, good news is you have highly-skilled individuals

waiting in the wings, should you care to--

I'm not quitting, Sol.

And you can't get me fired-- not anymore.

( chuckling ) We both know that's outside my jurisdiction.

But that's not really why I asked you here.

I assume you know that an officer in your company

was the latest victim of the killer we've been after.

I was supposed to meet with Blair that night.

Never showed up-- tragic, really.

I had great affection for his family and for him.

Well, the feeling wasn't mutual.

Our detectives found evidence in his car

that Mr. Mauney successfully embezzled

over $5 million from TriSouth.

I'm assuming you had no idea this was going on.

Of course not.

An isolated incident, I'm sure.

Nothing to make your stockholders

or your customers get nervous.

But people do.

They tend to have a hard time

separating the illegal activities of an underling

from those of his boss.

We've notified federal authorities.

Oh, and I'll do everything that I can

to keep the details out of the press.

Thank you.

You're a busy man, Sol.

Now might be a good time to stop concerning yourself

with the police department...

or who's running it.

Hey. You got a gun?

- Uh, me personally? - You can use mine.

( gunshot pops )

You know there's no future between us?

- I know. - Your turn.

Okay, you shoot too fast.

Tap, tap, stop.

See what they're doing, and then make your adjustments.

Can I ask about Blair Mauney III?

Beaten and stabbed with a crowbar.

Possibly a female, maybe petite,

before he was shot in the forehead.

A woman's doing all this?

You'd be amazed what a woman could do.

But, no, she's not doing it alone.

All three victims were killed

by a single head shot from several feet away.

Not easy to make.

If I were to bet, I'd say the killer's a man

who lets this woman take out her frustrations on the bodies.

Reasonable working theory.

Yeah, I'll probably see it on the news tonight.

( chuckles ) You might.

You know that TV reporter Stephanie Kent?

I can't prove it, but I think somehow

she hacked my e-mail account, stole a quote I got from the mayor.

And that information's in an e-mail?

Poor man's backup file.

I send stuff to myself all the time-- drafts, notes.

- Change your password. - I did... twice.

- Linda Bond? - Yes?

CMPD. I have reason to believe

that you've been illegally hacking

into reporter Andy Brazil's personal e-mail account.

You want to tell me who you're sharing his information with,

or should I just haul your ass to jail right now?

( indistinct shouting )

Brewster, I need a tail on someone.

- West: Hey. - Hey.

Roland tailed her here.

At first it seemed like it was only an exchange of information.

Turns out there's more involved. Take a look.

( rock music plays )

- ( moaning ) - Oh, yeah.

We ran the plates on the SUV.

You'll never guess who owns it.

The asshole I park next to every day.

Mm.

( chuckles )

( sighs )

"Victim-- 17 years old. Name withheld."

She was just a kid.

- ( doorbell rings ) - ( dog barks )

How come I'm not surprised you know where I live?

- ( chuckles ) Come in. - Thanks.

( grunts )

Oh, I didn't-- didn't realize you had...

- Hey. - ...company.

Uh, no, I'm just leaving.

( horn honks )

- See you later? - Yeah.

( dog growling )

( dog barks )

( grumbles )

( dog barking )

- He yours? - His name is Niles.

Join me while I finish breakfast?

Sure.

( engine stops )

- Judy. - Adam.

I wanted to speak to you about something privately.

Are you all right?

Well, a lot's happened,

both professionally and personally.

- Yeah. - And God knows

they've written enough about it in the press.

I know. I am so sorry.

It's hurt the department.

It's hurt our ability to serve the community like we should.

I don't disagree.

So, I've come to a difficult decision.

I'd like to share it with you.

Okay.

I'm suspending you without pay for 30 days.

What?

( scoffs ) On what grounds?

Allowing a reporter to access police information

because you were too busy being blown to notice.

( sighs )

In order to protect your ability to lead,

I've asked the head of personnel

to handle this with the utmost discretion.

But know this--

I'm watching you... unlike your wife.

To what do I owe the pleasure?

I was thinking

about the prostitution angle of the killings.

Seems to me there's two types of men who deal with hookers--

okay, those who use them and those who want to save them,

be heroes to them.

First victim had scratches on his face, right?

So I did some research.

Turns out he had a rape allegation in his past.

Maybe he tried to rape a prostitute.

Yeah. It happens a lot more often than you'd think.

But there was no DNA supporting

that sexual contact occurred.

Maybe someone stopped him from succeeding--

you know, someone who'd been watching it go down.

Maybe someone who was watching her.

We're on it. We've got guys culling surveillance

from every street leading away from the airport

in a two-mile radius in the days and weeks

leading up to the first murder,

seeing if we can spot a car and a driver hanging out,

but nice try.

Well, can't you just search for a hooker

with the medical examiner's height estimate?

Do you know how many small women there are in the world?

- We don't even know what she looks like. - ( sighs )

What did Jay Johnson's alleged rape victim look like?

Maybe he went looking for the same type of woman to attack.

Look, I really appreciate

all the thought you have put into this,

but I can't discuss this with you.

- Yeah, but-- - Hey, we need to stay in our own lanes.

We're not friends. We're not anything.

I'm a cop. You're a writer.

Let's leave it at that.

Andy, you're back.

Just for a minute.

What?

I came to get Dad's gun.

Got a car sitting here for three hours,

two weeks ago, outside a gas station on Dowd Road.

What kind of car?

Chevy Cavalier, '90-something.

- Blue? - I think so. Why?

I have one of those, too. Roland, can you run

"Harvey-Nancy-Oscar- 3-0-9-6"?

- You bet. - Thanks.

Brewster, look at this. That woman in the doorway--

there's too many shadows to get her face

using image enhancement, but I'd lay odds

that's who the guy in the Chevy's watching.

Rental car lot on Yorkmont.

Chevy parked across the street.

Any women visible?

Right here on the corner.

Short, small. Darker hair, though.

No, our lady's wearing a wig. Can you zoom in on her face?

Trying.

Trying.

I got it.

Our Chevy's registered to an Earl Emery Duggins,

- 300 Tuckaseegee Road. - That's Denny's partner.

EMTs get 30,000 more calls a year than we do.

- They know this city. - What are you talking about?

EMTs! We need to find Duggins.

- I'm on it. - Okay.

( sighs ) This is as clear as I can get.

West: Now, who is she?

( voices overlapping )

Man: Find something you like?

Woman: Get out of here, you jerk.

Go away!

Hey. How old are you?

18, asshole. Leave me alone.

- I just want to talk. - Well, maybe I don't.

You're cute.

Why's someone cute as you got to buy a girl?

I don't want to buy you.

Hey, I'm a journalist.

Oh, yeah? What's your name?

Andy Brazil. I write for the "Register."

I've heard of you.

Really?

Listen, are there other girls that you know of--

you know, girls like yourself?

Why? You gonna write about our lives and stuff?

Yeah. Sure.

( sighs )

Only creeps out tonight, anyway.

Let's go for a drive.

Hammer: And you're sure?

At this point, we can't afford to make any mistakes.

Okay. Well, call me after.

Thanks, Virginia.

Never thought I'd see the inside of this room again.

Didn't think I wanted to, but I was wrong.

- Is that work? - Yes.

Did you catch the killer?

We're getting close.

( TV on )

Are you comfortable?

Do you need anything?

Just you.

Seth...

I want a divorce.

West: 700. Approaching Duggins' residence now.

Dispatcher: 700, copy that.

( police radio chatter )

Police! Open up!

Roland: We're clear.

Nothing on this side. We're clear.

( sighs ) Great. He's not at work, either.

- ( cell phone beeps ) - ( police radio chatter )

If you're not a cop, why do you listen to this stuff?

Breaking news, so I can get there first.

Can we turn on music instead?

( music plays, stops )

Why don't we just go to a coffee shop and talk?

I'd rather go somewhere private...

in case you change your mind.

I'm not gonna change my mind.

Not that you're not a pretty girl,

okay? With beautiful hair.

It's not mine.

My boyfriend says it helps

to think I'm somebody else when I do this.

They itch, though.

Go to the end of that road. No one comes here.

Brazil: You know, I'm supposed to be home by now.

I should probably pull over

and text my wife so she doesn't get suspicious.

I'll do it for you so you can keep driving.

Sure.

I don't know why men cheat,

why they do any of the disgusting things they do.

Last text was to Virginia. That her?

Yep.

Always pawing at you.

That happen when you were younger?

Maybe sexual abuse?

You know what's funny?

I kind of hate guys.

What do you want me to type?

Ahem.

That, um, I'm still at work,

but I'll see her soon.

And at the end, type the words "tap tap."

it's sort of our version of "X-O-X-O."

Cute.

- ( cell phone beeps ) - Woman: Sent.

Get hair samples from his brush.

I want to match his DNA to the saliva on the first victim.

( cell phone beeps )

( keypad beeping )

Recording: Hey, it's Andy. Leave me a message.

Crap.

Call the "Register." See if Andy Brazil's there.

- If not, have them find out where he is. - Why? What's going on?

We need to isolate Brazil's location using cell towers.

Raines? Hey, it's me.

What are the worst spots in the city

for EMT to get radio calls?

Park near those old buildings.

Brazil: So, do you hate your boyfriend, too?

He's different. He saved my life.

How?

This guy...

- ( engine off ) - this guy, he tried to rape me.

And my boyfriend, he was right there to stop it.

Said he'd been watching me for a while--

like a guardian angel.

Do you mind if I get out and stretch my legs

before we start talking?

No. Not at all.

( door slams )

So, you were asking about my boyfriend.

Yeah.

- You want to meet him? - ( gun clicks )

We've already met.

Guess even big-time reporters have a hard time getting laid.

Out of the car.

And you touch anything but that door handle,

I will splatter your brains all over this little classic.

Don't shoot, okay?

He tried to force himself on me.

What? I did not. She's lying.

You disgusting piece of garbage,

putting your filthy hands on her!

Come here, baby.

Can I do it this time?

Please?

Duggins: Why'd you pick this one?

Huh? You like him or something?

No.

I don't like it when you like them.

I don't! I just want--

( woman gasps ) No! No!

( sirens wailing )

( screams ) What have you done?!

( sobbing )

Officer: All right, let's go!

Cop. Writer.

- Deal. - Yeah.

Woman: What have you done?

( sighs ) Whew.

Aren't you tired of being above the fold?

Never. Nice shirt, by the way.

Yeah. You can't have one.

Well, it suits you, whatever it is--

the tornado or beehive?

- It's a hornet's nest. - Ooh.

Which is how Lord Cornwallis described Charlotte in 1780.

Been on the city seal ever since.

Right. I remember reading that.

He said it was "hostile."

Still is.

Only if you poke it, which you do.

"You" generally, or me specifically?

Tell me you're not gonna talk the whole time.

Well, I might ask a few questions, but--

Ugh!

Oh, it's too early for this!

( laughs )

( instrumental music plays )