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[unnerving music]

[car slows to a stop]

[Shannon screams]

[Shannon] Help, somebody!

[Shannon pants]

[King] You love me, don't you?

Hm?

[Shannon] Yes.

[King] Yes, what?

[Shannon] I love you...

[King chuckles]

Good.

I just want us both to be happy.

[somber music]

[upbeat marching band music]

[cheering]

[upbeat marching band music]

-Ms. Ellen! -Oh, Shannon!

Oh, I saw your gut, girl!

Is that a challenge?

-It is. -Oh really?

Yes, ma'am!

[breathing hard]

Whoo!

[shrieking]

Okay!

Okay, okay!

Winner!

-Okay! You got me! -Thank you.

Ooh, Lord!

[Shannon] Yeah! [clapping]

-You know what? -You look good, Ms. Ellen!

Especially for a woman of your status.

-You know what? -It is!

You better watch yourself, now.

Just see about me in a couple months.

The knees all right? The knees?

[Ellen] I'm fine! I'm fine!

After the holidays, just wait.

-I'ma be ready for you. -Okay.

Hey, don't ya gotta stretch?

Nah, I'm good.

But hey, Ms. Ellen, can I use your computer later?

I have a paper that I have to get--

Shannon, Shannon, of course you can.

What did I tell you when you transferred?

-We got you. -Yeah, yeah.

This college takes care of its students,

so don't worry.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

[Shannon] I'll be in your office tomorrow

-after my side gig. -All right. In the meantime...

[grunts] I'mma be ready for you!

Watch yourself! Don't hurt yourself!

Hey, don't get used to winning.

Sheesh!

Professor Stephens was on fire today.

Girl, could barely keep up taking notes.

Mm-hmm.

Ooh, you wanna go to the library?

Ah, sorry, I have to meet with financial aid.

That does not sound fun.

[laughs] It's hilarious.

You know the end of semester's in four weeks.

You have a balance of $3,200 that needs to be zero before--

Before I register for the spring.

I know. I'm aware.

But if you can see by my grades, I'm, I'm sticking to them.

Is there anything that we can do?

Like, anything?

[typing]

[mellow music]

Dad?

Yo, Dad.

Dad!

[mellow music]

♪ I never felt so far above you ♪

♪ Ah, ah, ah... ♪

♪ I saw you go I saw you go ♪

[percussive music] [crowd cheering]

[Man] Five, six, seven, eight!

[crowd cheering]

[rhythmic clapping]

[crowd cheering, shouting encouragement]

Ahhhh!

[Man] Hey! Yo, yo, yo!

Provost, throw what you know!

Four, pop out!

Yes, I can just send you a spreadsheet

of the courses that will transfer.

Yeah, okay.

[knocking on door] No problem.

Ah, yes, thank you.

[hangs up phone]

Provost Johnson.

Well, come in. [chuckles]

-[Michael] Ms. Hampton. -[Ellen] Mm-hmm.

Well, was you out there

steppin' with your fraternity brothers?

They call it hopping or strolling now.

Well, I would just love to see you hopping out there

in your thousand-dollar suit.

[Michael] Oh, that ship sailed awhile ago.

-And it's $2000. -Oh, well, excuse me.

[Michael] Mm-hmm. [laughs]

Hey...

how about we leave for Thanksgiving a day earlier

to help my mom set up?

Um, how about we leave Thanksgiving Day,

-around noon? -What?

You're that uncomfortable spending extra time

-with my family? -No, I am not.

I'm just uncomfortable with not picking up

the pies I ordered.

I still think you're avoiding my family.

Probably. Look, I just-- [knocking on door]

I just wanna take it--

Um, oh yes, uh, come on in.

You can just stack them right there.

Anything else, Provost Johnson?

There is.

[whispering] What are your plans tonight?

I plan to...be laying in bed

watching corny TV with you.

Columbo isn't corny. It's classic.

You know what? That's exactly what I meant.

I'm going to be watching classic TV with you.

All right, good day, Provost Johnson.

♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

Successful entrepreneurship

is not always about something being done first.

It is often about an improvement on what has been done.

Drive-thru restaurants did not invent the hamburger.

Did Starbucks create coffee?

No.

But they improved on the marketing or packaging.

Sarah Boone.

Sarah Boone had used ironing boards her whole life.

She saw how they could be made better,

so she invented a new design

and was granted a patent in 1892.

Thank god,

because there's some students on this campus

who look like they have never met an iron!

[class laughing]

[Dr. Olatunde] That is all for today.

Be sure to prepare for our final exam in two weeks.

[laughs] You know I don't cook,

but I do good food delivery now.

Just decide what you want.

Besides that.

Okay, bye, later.

Ooh!

Your boo?

I'm too old to have boos.

Mm-hmm.

All right, I think I'm gonna finish this tomorrow.

I'm gonna start packing up.

Actually, I always wanted to ask you,

how was the Army?

Oh, Marines!

Long past life.

I couldn't have done it. The military?

No, I mean, you could. I thought the same thing,

but you just dig in and learn what you can do and...

realize you can do more than you thought you could.

And what did you learn?

[Ellen] How to fight.

I'm not much of a fighter.

[scoffs] What?

Transferring mid-semester with a top HBCU is a battle.

Trust me. You are a fighter.

Yeah, my fight is money.

Errington ain't cheap.

[Ellen] Yeah, well, we're doing everything we can

to change that.

You know I have classmates whose parents can pay off

their full tuition in one check?

Daddy's a doctor, Mama's a lawyer?

Does that bother you?

Nah, I mean...

I'm just gonna focus on getting mine,

no matter how many jobs I need to get.

So Shannon, tell me,

what ultimately do you wanna do?

You know how there are more electrical cars everywhere?

I wanna build solar cars.

Okay, that's not a bad idea.

So you wanna work for the solar company.

No, Ms. Ellen, I want to own the company.

Okay!

Well, all right, boss lady.

I'm not mad at that.

You know, Errington is doing a good job of teaching.

-You got everything? -Okay, yeah, I do.

All right.

[hip-hop music]

-There you go. -Thank you.

-You good? -Yeah, I'm good.

-I'll see at the party. -Okay.

Hey, y'all.

Have you tried the lobster roll?

I'm sorry.

'Scuse me.

Have you tried the lobster roll?

-No, I have not. -Oh, man, they nice.

You want one?

-It's King's treat. -No, I'm good.

Look, nobody's trying to hit on you.

I was in college once and I know how trash that food is.

So, I like to support the ladies on campus.

You sound so full of it, bro.

Tell me I'm lyin', though.

"We got to support 'em" is what you think

-you oughta tell a woman. -[laughs]

All right.

So what you want in here?

How about what brothers are really doing

to support the sisters?

Treat us like partners and not just like--

Package?

Not the word I was gonna use, but sure.

Okay. Bet.

So let me start by doing something.

And let me treat my smart sister to a meal.

Come on.

Let me get two lobster rolls.

[tense music]

It's gonna be the best lobster roll you've ever had.

[laughs]

And two of those crab cakes too.

[Alex] Expand your artistic horizons.

Check us out, Art Society.

Thank you.

Hey, Art Society, check us out.

Thank you, thank you.

Art Society, check us out.

Free cookies on us.

We know our people love to eat, so let's eat.

Check us out, check us out.

Oh, don't forget to put your name, number, email.

Hey, Art Society. Check out our club.

Hey, check out our club.

If you like to paint, sculpt, dance, come through.

That's what we do.

Oh, are you okay? [laughs] Sorry.

-Hey, Alex. -Oh, hey!

Hey, what's up? I got your text. What's up?

Well, I thought you were joining our club.

No, I am, yeah, I am.

This is my first full semester,

so I'm just trying to play catch-up.

I get that.

The sooner you know people, though,

That's HBCU life.

I know you.

Only because I saw you staring at some portrait

like a lost orphan.

[both laughing]

On to the other piece.

You do poetry, right?

Yeah, spoken word.

Well, how about doing some poetry at our show next month?

About what?

Surprise me.

-All right, say less. -Okay. Perfect.

Are you hangin'?

Nah... Nah, I gotta study.

Plus I got these crab cakes that I'm bussin'

I have from a food truck.

Food trucks are overpriced.

Oh no, girl, this dude bought it for me.

Wait, dude? What dude? I thought you only knew me.

He was just hanging out. I don't know.

Anyways, I got you, okay?

-Okay. -Okay.

-I'm on it. -All right.

Okay. Okay.

-Bye. -Bye.

Hey, open mic night coming up.

[clacking drumsticks]

[uptempo percussive music]

Do you remember when you asked me...

does being at a school with a bunch of rich kids bother me?

I think sometimes it does.

You know, sometimes I just come out here

just to listen.

Reminds me of my childhood.

What, you was in a band?

Girl, no! [laughs] I grew up in the projects.

We barely had enough money for a whistle.

[both laugh]

But, you know, the boys and some girls,

we would just take up a bunch of plastic buckets

and bang on them like drums.

So you played a bucket?

-Right, okay... -No...okay.

You're missing the point of the story.

No!

I, I was never invited to.

Honestly, most of the kids didn't even know I was there

half the time.

But there was this one time we all played hide and go seek,

and I was, like, 10 or 11.

And everybody went to go hide.

And so I chose to hide under some stairs.

And as I waited, I remember thinking,

"Oh, we gonna laugh so hard

when they see me under these stairs."

And so I waited, and waited...

and waited...

But no one ever came.

And I just heard the sound of the drums in the distance.

And that's when I realized they had forgotten about me.

Listen to me, Shannon, I can tell

that you feel invisible sometimes

on this campus.

But please do not let it ruin the music in your life.

You just need to...

find the sound of your drums

and learn to love that.

Hm?

-Yeah. -I got you.

Thank you.

[gentle music]

[upbeat percussive music]

[Shannon] I will show you all the days

and sandy seas I have walked,

and that is how you will know me.

The beauty of a bird is not itself.

The wonder lies in the path of its flight.

Just like the brightness of day

is not for the closing of night.

And that is how you will know me.

[Ellen] What did you do this weekend?

[Shannon] Um, I studied, wrote, and repaired an engine.

You know, I did the same thing.

-Did you? -[both laughing]

Shannon, you got plans for Thanksgiving?

[Shannon] Nah.

Ever since my mom passed, we really don't do Thanksgiving.

[Ellen] Oh, I'm sorry.

I'd invite you over, but we're going out of town, so...

Is-is your dad not into the whole Turkey Day thing?

He has to work.

Well, that's what I usually tell people.

He's actually kind of messed up.

Like, in the head, you know?

Hey!

Do you like Jamaican?

If he's cute and has abs, like--

I'm talking about food. Mm-hmm, yes.

I was thinking...

why don't we do a post-Thanksgiving lunch?

-Bet, yeah. -[Ellen] Yeah?

Okay. Meeting a friend for dinner,

so I'll let you finish up here,

and I'll see you, let's say, around noon Monday

in the quad.

Mi soon come. Monday.

Hey, Ms. Ellen, wait!

You said you're gonna meet a friend.

Do you mean your boo?

Stay out of grown folks' business, okay?

Don't worry about what I got goin' on.

[Shannon] Give me the tea!

[laidback music]

[King] Yo, yo, Lobster Roll!

Excuse me?

[King] Lobster Roll!

My name is Shannon.

Shannon.

Hey, you got social media?

I could follow you.

No.

No, I can't follow you?

No, I'm not on social media much.

Like, I'm not on it like that.

I'm not on there like that either.

-Uh...you want a ride? -No, no, I'm good.

How about another bite? I know you've got a appetite.

Okay, I get it.

Stranger danger and all.

Check this out.

When your bus comes, I'll follow it.

You pick the best restaurant.

I'll meet you there.

You can keep up?

[King] I always do.

Your bus passed about 10 different restaurants,

and, uh, this what you came up with?

My dad and I used to come here after church.

It was our thing.

[King] Got it. That's why you chose this spot.

Uh.

Wow.

-Yes. -Thank you.

I don't think I'ma eat all of this.

[King] Just eat what you eat

and take the rest home to your fam.

-Oh, it's just me. -[King] Ah.

What about your pops?

He's not around.

Sexy, smart student...

I respect it.

Thank you.

I guess.

You're welcome.

I guess.

[Shannon] So, King...

What is life like? What do you do?

I own a transportation company.

Transporting what?

Anything--legal.

Anything legal, that is.

[Shannon] Do you like what you do?

I'm real good at my job.

So yes.

I do.

Mm.

[gentle, ethereal music]

[mellow drums]

I hear her tiny cries in the gloom

burnt on broken relationships

from gifting the best of her best.

Hidden in shadows, running from fear,

she is the girl in the dark under the stairs.

The thump of distant drums beat a beat that beckons her.

Unable to move as laughter fades,

leaving her alone when God wipes her face in his care.

Yeah, let's-- let's talk about it later.

So what, you stalkin' me now?

[King] I need help with my math.

Okay, I just wanted to see you.

She remains in blackness.

I was thinking chicken wings tonight, no Whoppers.

-Lemon pepper? -Oh, I know the spot.

Okay, but I can't stay late.

I have a test tomorrow before break.

Yeah, I never mess with school.

You close with your pops?

Used to be.

You in one of those, uh, fraternities in school?

Sororities? No.

So you mean to tell me ain't nobody you close to

at Errington?

I'm tight with my advisor.

Yeah, she's from Alabama, grew up poor.

Maybe that's why we are so tight.

Hidden in shadows, running from fear.

Girl in the dark under the stairs.

That's, that's all I got for now.

[snapping]

Would you mind grabbing us some napkins?

-[Shannon] Oh yeah, mm-hmm. -Thank you.

I got you. You're lucky you got a cute smile.

[King chuckles]

[tense music] [subdued marching band drum]

[music grows sinister]

Mm! These wings is hot.

They are, aren't they?

So...tell me about this woman.

[Shannon] Ms. Ellen.

Yeah, she was in the Army.

Well, Marines.

I think it was a long time ago, though.

She, uh...

She doesn't like to talk about it much.

Dang, I'm dizzy.

You okay?

Yeah, I just, um...

We're supposed to be meeting--

Got you. Got you.

[uptempo, pulsating music]

[engine turns over]

[uptempo, pulsating music]

[indistinct chatter] [dishes and silverware clanking]

Thank you.

Ah, this looks delicious.

Mmm...

You know I care about you.

But what?

Because I already know a statement like that

is probably gonna be followed by a "but."

Or followed by, "I care about you too."

Which I do.

-But I'm-- -[Ellen] See? But.

I knew it was coming.

[Michael] But I need to know why we continue

to keep our relationship a secret.

[sighs] Michael, I'm, I'm just a private person, okay?

Look...

What we have is real, okay? I just...

I don't know, I don't need other people to confirm that,

you know?

[Michael] Okay.

Well, hurry up before there's a bidding war for me.

Okay.

I shall keep that in mind.

Okay, you better.

[Ellen chuckles] You are a trip.

[Michael chuckles]

[insects chirping]

[tense, sinister music]

[sighs, clears throat]

[tense, sinister music]

Oh my god, no!

[screams]

Help!

S-somebody help!

Help! Help!

[bird chirping]

[unsettling music] [dog barking]

Mm.

[chains clanking]

Look, I wanna go home.

Please.

No goin' back to Kansas now, Dorothy.

Mm, next 12 days, this is home.

Besides...

I got a couple of buyers lined up for you.

[chuckles]

Look, look,

we can talk about this. I promise I won't tell anybody.

-Shh, shh, shh! -I won't!

That'll be enough.

[Shannon] I won't tell anybody. It's just us.

Shh.

That will be enough.

Hey!

I'm on my way. Worked from home this morning.

Wanna get lunch?

[Ellen] I'm actually about to head out.

I'm treating one of my students to a post-Thanksgiving lunch.

I have a question.

When am I gonna get my post-Thanksgiving treat?

Goodbye, Michael.

[chains clanking]

[dog barking]

[Woman] No! No! [grunts]

[chains clanking]

[phone vibrating]

[under breath] Okay, okay...

Shit. [grunts]

[phone vibrating]

Come on...

[Shannon pants]

[clank]

[Voicemail] Hey, this is Shannon.

Leave me a message and I'll call you right back.

[Ellen] Hey, Shannon, it's me, Ms. Ellen.

I called you a few times.

I just wanted to check on you and make sure you're okay.

[Shannon] No, no...

[pants]

What are you doing?

[phone vibrating]

You trying to hide something?

No, no, no, no, no, no! I just want--

I just--I just want to go home.

That's it. I just want to go home.

Do you think we're stupid? Let me teach you a lesson.

This class is on the house.

[Shannon screams]

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Why you wanna hit-- What are you doin'?

[Shannon coughs]

Handle it, man.

[tense music]

-[King] Unlock the phone. -I don't know...

Hoe, I'm not askin'!

Unlock the damn phone.

[Shannon pants]

Who's this...

this Ms. E you're supposed to be meeting up with?

My...advisor.

[King] Your advisor?

I'm your advisor now. You hear me?

I'm your advisor now! Say it!

I'm your advisor now! Who's your advisor?

Say it! Say it...

-You're my advisor. -[King] Say it to me.

-You're my advisor... -Say it again!

My advisor!

[crying] You're my advisor...

That's what I thought.

You forgot something.

Drink it.

[tense music] [distant marching band drum]

You know...

You got a real pretty face.

But I ain't scared to slice it up.

You know what really bothered me about Thanksgiving?

That there wasn't any cranberry sauce?

Besides that. Um...

When I was sharing military stories with your uncle...

-Terrance. -Yes, Uncle Terrance.

Ah, I don't know. I, I told him how

I chose to go to war instead of having kids.

And your whole family just fell out.

It seemed like an odd choice to them.

You think it was an easy choice for me?

Probably.

But you choose your battles.

What does that mean?

Your students. Your privacy.

I mean, obviously that's what's important to you.

Like keeping us a secret.

I get it.

Hm, do you? 'Cause...

doesn't sound like you do.

Ellen, college campuses are progressive workplaces.

It's not the environment. It's the people, Michael.

People, one minute, they'll treat you

like you're one of their own.

And the next minute, they'll treat you

like you don't even matter.

You matter.

[uneasy music] [dog barking]

I'll take it.

[uneasy music] [dog barking]

[door opens]

Wakey-wakey, Lobster Roll.

Get your ass up. Quit bakin'.

Get your ass up!

Look! That's your sandwich.

Turkey with cranberry sauce.

Yeah, you missed Thanksgiving this weekend.

[chuckles]

Look at her. [chuckles]

Hoes be hungry. [laughs]

What you want with me?

Your ass, stupid college girl.

I could make a killing off your lil' fine ass.

Maybe I could keep you for me.

Yeah.

Ah!

See, your type.

Y'all like relationships.

But relationships, they don't pay the bills.

And say your grace before your Thanksgiving meal.

I'm from a big Southern family.

Have some decorum.

[chuckles]

[Ellen] Hi, Professor Davis.

I'm calling about Shannon Tomlinson.

Wait, she missed the midterms?

Okay, well...

Can you--I'm sorry, can you check her attendance records?

So she just didn't turn in the assignment?

[sighs]

Yes.

You know you snore?

Time we get you market ready.

You like this little silk number we put on you?

Get up.

There you go. Yeah, turn around.

Turn around, mama.

There you go. [chuckles]

Now take off your clothes.

-What... -[King] Take 'em off.

-No, no, no... -Lobster Roll, Lobster Roll.

Do as I say.

No. No...

Shh, shh, shh...

No...

[soft, sinister music]

-[Ellen] Dean Miles? -[Dean Miles] Mm-hmm?

What's our protocol when a student disappears?

I'm gonna need a little more.

She's one of our second years, Shannon Tomlinson?

She has missed class since right before Thanksgiving.

No one has seen her.

I don't know her.

She's a transfer student from a community college.

Well, it's not untypical for students

who come from a troubled background--

Who said anything about a troubled background?

Forgive me. I shouldn't assume.

Honestly, I don't know much about her background

or family life.

Hm. Well, you've been here two years.

I'm sure you've witnessed transfer students

who don't necessarily transition into a four-year college

-very well. -Yes, but Shannon

was a straight-A student.

It has nothing to do with grades.

I mean, it-it-it could be that sometimes they just

don't feel comfortable on the campus.

Did she have any friends on the campus?

Um, I honestly, I don't know. I don't think so.

How about a job? Work-study?

She did talk about working from home.

Ah, then maybe she's had a problem there, at home.

Listen, I need to be prepared for

this upcoming board meeting, okay?

[Woman] Of course! Not a problem.

Let me call you back.

-I was on the phone. -Sorry.

-Have a seat? -Uh, no, thank you.

Okay. Some coffee?

You know coffee makes me aggressive.

Okay.

So what's up?

One of my students, Shannon Tomlinson,

the one I was gonna meet for lunch?

Well, she just disappeared.

All her professors say that she never came back after break.

-She dropped out. -No!

She was a good student, a serious student.

Listen to me--

I think something could've happened to her

outside of school.

I just need her home address.

Well, we do not give out that information

without the student's express written consent.

-Who says that? -The law.

[sinister music]

[shutter clicking]

Excuse me.

Oh, uh, excuse me.

Um, is this Dr. Olatunde's class?

Yes, ma'am.

Do you guys have Group Me?

Yeah.

Do you know if a student named Shannon Tomlinson is in it?

Yeah, she's on it.

Oh, good!

Well, did she make any comments or say anything?

Nah, nothing, ma'am.

Oh, okay, thank you.

Yes, Dr. Olatunde, hi. I'm the advisor.

I called you about Shannon Tomlinson.

Was she in class before Thanksgiving?

I do not recall.

[Ellen] Well, what about after the break?

Did you see her?

Again, I do not know.

Okay, well, she was one of your students, correct?

I have three courses this semester.

I can't notice when students decide to show up or not.

If a student vanishes, I mean, don't you even care?

I care about students who want an education.

They're here. She obviously made her choice.

What if she didn't have a choice?

Is she here? No. She made her decision.

Why waste my and the college's valuable time?

She is not a waste.

Just because you don't see her doesn't mean she's invisible.

Ellen, he's been at this university

for over 30 years.

Yeah, and he's an arrogant, pompous ass.

-He's tenured! -So?

What does that mean? That he can treat students

and anybody else any way that he wants?

No. But that does not mean

that everyone at this college shares the same passions as you.

Clearly this office doesn't.

I don't appreciate that.

Yeah, well I don't appreciate being called in here

like some grade schooler being remanded

to the provost's office.

The man filed a complaint.

As provost, I'm duty bound to respond.

Duty? Are you kidding me?

What about our duty to these students, Mr. Provost?

Look, I know I've lived a privileged life,

but that does not mean that I'm not sympathetic

to the lives of others.

[Michael typing]

Here.

Her address.

Go find her.

If we're gonna get fired,

we may as well get fired together.

Thank you.

Hello?

Hello? Anybody in here?

Hello?

I'm looking for Shannon!

Excuse me! Excuse me, señora.

Señora, we are closed.

I'm so sorry. My name is Ellen.

I work at Errington College

and I'm looking for one of my students.

Her name is Shannon?

-Shannon? -Yes.

I haven't seen her in about a week.

Oh! So she works here.

She lives here.

Wait, what?

For how long?

Since she was a little girl.

She and her papa, Buddy,

were living here when I bought this place.

He could fix, disassemble cars.

I needed the help, so I let them stay on.

So what happened to him? What happened to her dad?

His mind, you know, it started to go, like, off.

He was rude to customers.

I think, honestly, the drugs made it worse.

And unfortunately I had to kick him out.

-What about Shannon? -She still lives here.

Can you show me where she stays?

It's right this way.

Thank you.

Shannon helps me with the cars

and I teach her about the business.

She's a smart girl, just like her papa was.

-[Ellen] In here? -[Carlos] Mm-hmm.

Huh.

She really made the place her own.

[Carlos] She did.

[Ellen] Oh my god.

[Carlos] Shannon helps me with the cars

and I teach her about the business.

She's a smart girl.

Wow.

[Carlos] I bought her that taser.

It's dangerous for a young girl out on her own.

Be careful, señora.

I carried an M27 in battle, Mr. Carlos.

I think I can handle this.

I love the quotes.

[gentle music] [clock ticking]

♪ You wannabe gangster, tryin' to play hard ♪

[rapping continues]

[sinister music]

[drill whirring]

Hey, yo!

Finish up, man.

Hey, I got them two illegals coming in from Florida.

This gonna work?

It's good enough, man.

Nobody lookin' for them anyway.

Hey yo, when these college girls gonna turn a buck, man?

When they ready.

I got one who almost there.

Who?

That Pinky.

Yeah, she serves it up.

Isn't she a bit, uh...off?

Man, it ain't no shit. She got a little touched.

Somebody will buy her.

Or we'll bury her.

But for now, put her out on Lover's Lane.

Them dudes don't care if she crazy or not.

Lobster Roll. She gonna be a problem, man?

I hope not.

She got five days to figure it out

or we bury her ass too.

Man, this is ghetto. Put them in the shade.

Be a professional.

[typing] [phones ringing]

[police radio chatter]

Hey Chief, I called you about a missing student.

-Yeah, Shannon. -[Ellen] Yes, Tomlinson.

No one has seen her since before the break.

Do you have any evidence of foul play?

Like?

[Chief] Like her being taken against her will?

Or dangerous threats made?

Not that I know of.

Ms. Hampton, a student disappearing off campus

is not a crime.

Students come and go all the time.

Now, I can do a campus alert.

But unless there's more to it,

your student is more than likely a dropout.

All right. Thanks, Chief.

What did the police say?

I mean, is there a mandatory amount of time

before they consider Shannon a missing person?

[Ellen] Yes, 48 hours, but...

they're acting like it's not even a priority to them.

Did they actually say that, Ellen?

You need sharper knives.

It's on my Christmas list.

Statistically Black women and girls

who go missing

get less attention compared to white women and girls.

This is crazy.

-Here you go. -[Ellen] Thank you.

[Michael] You're welcome.

Media is a business.

They promote what sells.

And stories about pretty young white women

sell better than stories about--

Black girl missing.

Yeah.

I know.

[tense music]

[Dispatcher] Police department. Is this an emergency?

[Ellen] No. Well, yes.

I'd like to report a missing person.

[Dispatcher] Okay, I'll connect you.

Yeah, and I wanna add her to the missing person website.

[Dispatcher] Please hold.

[tense music]

[dog barking]

[door opens]

[door bangs shut]

You stink.

Get up!

Get your-- Get up!

[dramatic music]

[screams, cries]

[screams, sputters]

[dramatic music]

[gentle music] [birds chirping]

Anybody know Buddy Pete Tomlinson?

I'm looking for Buddy Pete Tomlinson.

Does anybody-- Do you know him?

'Scuse me, I'm looking for Buddy Pete Tomlinson.

No?

Buddy Pete?

-Buddy Pete Tomlinson? -[Man] Right over there!

Are you Buddy Tomlinson?

Hell is empty.

All devils are here.

Okay, listen to me. My name is Ellen Hampton.

I'm an advisor from Errington College.

I'm looking for Shannon.

-Shannon? -Yes.

-Yes. -My daughter?

Yes, your daughter.

She-she gone?

Well, that's, that's kind of why I'm here.

No one has seen her. She hasn't been at school.

I'm looking for her.

Do you have any idea where Shannon might be, anything?

Hell is empty. All devils are here.

Okay. All right.

-Hell is empty! -I'm sorry.

[knocking on door]

[knocking on door]

[knocking on door]

Why are you knocking on the door like the police?

What is wrong with you, Michael?

You went to the encampment by yourself?

Do you know how dangerous that is?

No, I didn't expect it to be that bad.

You could've been attacked, Ellen.

-What were you thinking? -Look! I didn't ask you

to come over here for a lecture, okay?

I just needed your support.

Okay.

All right.

So what did you find?

Shannon's father.

I mean, he...

He's really off, you know?

He said something about Shannon is gone.

It really didn't make any sense. And then he...

He just kept blabbering on and on about the devil.

Maybe to him, the devil is real.

Look.

I don't understand you.

-But-- -You love me.

I do.

[unsettling music]

Let's go.

Get your ass in there.

-Get your ass in there. -[Shannon moans]

-Shut up! Get your ass-- -Please, just don't--

I'll be good!

[King] Hey, hey, hey...

Shut up. Shut up.

Thought you was goin' to the mall?

No, no, no, my little Lobster Roll.

This is your mall.

Get in there and pick out something sexy.

-Just... -Get your ass in there

and pick out something!

And hurry up!

[King] Yeah, I gotta put Pinky in this.

Hey, yo!

Hey, yo, ma!

Hey, hey, hey, you from around here?

I'm, I'm new to the neighborhood.

[King] That's gonna work out.

Hey, what did I say?

Let me see. Hold 'em up.

Hold 'em up!

Yeah, this'll work...

Yeah, this right here. This definitely gonna work.

Ah, this look like you goin' to a job interview.

Newsflash--you got the job!

Wait, wait, wait, wait. Where the hair at?

-What? -The wigs, stupid!

-I don't wear them. -Yeah, you wear them now.

Pick out some damn hair!

[pants]

Damn girls.

Actin' like they don't know what a turn a man on.

[indistinct chatter]

[rhythmic clapping]

[cheering]

Hey, y'all take five!

Hey, sorry to interrupt.

I'm Ellen Hampton from the advisors' office.

I know who you are, Ms. Ellen.

My government name is Alesandra, but I go by Alex.

I actually wanted to ask about a student, Shannon?

Shannon Tomlinson.

Disappeared, didn't she?

Any idea what happened to her?

He buys food for the girls on campus.

-Just girls? -All I seen.

Treats them to the food truck, nice restaurants.

Okay, well, is he a student?

Nah. Just some dude who comes around.

Do you know his name?

Uh...

License plate on his car says King something,

but we all started calling him King Cuisine.

Ha! Colorful.

[scoffs] Dude just be flashin' money.

Some girls fall for it, get all giddy and impressed.

But not you?

I'm not really into men, you know?

Plus...dude always kind of creeped me out.

Texted Shannon and told her to watch his ass.

Wait a minute. You sent her a text?

That's what we do-- or did, um...

When I didn't see her after break,

I wanted to tell somebody,

but I didn't know who to talk to.

Welcome to my world.

So, where do you think I can find this King Cuisine guy?

He just shows up.

[sinister music] [indistinct chatter]

[typing]

Head over to J-19.

What's goin' on?

Man, I think it's time we bounce.

This neighborhood getting a little too...

neighborly.

What about the inventory?

Get Wrigley to rent a truck or a van or something.

We gotta take care of that other situation first.

Consider it done.

Got a little more college work and we'll be history.

[grunts]

It's vitamin time!

Mm.

I ain't askin'.

You know what this is?

You use it before.

It makes these guys think they got you excited.

And, you know, easier on you for the long haul.

Get your ass up and go put on some clothes.

It's date night!

Get up!

We got somebody else who's ready.

I think it's gonna be my little Lobster Roll.

Yeah.

Oh!

[claps]

Look at Lobster Roll! Don't she look good?

Well, come on. We don't do tardy.

Let's go.

Come on.

Let's go.

Hey, look.

I handpicked your first. Listen to him.

He'll tell you what he like.

I can't do it...

I cannot. I cannot. I can't--

You got this.

Come on. You got this.

[sinister music] [distant marching band drum]

[King chuckles]

Mm! [chuckles]

Just like that, she's a pro.

-I hate you. -[King chuckles]

Nah, you don't.

Stand right there.

I meant to do this earlier.

Marketing.

Y'all learned about that in school, right?

Turn your ass around. Turn around, damn it!

-You're hurting me! -Take the damn picture, bitch!

I will smack your teeth out your mouth.

Now smile!

Okay, don't smile.

You know, Lobster Roll...

I was thinking last night.

What if--what if things had been different for us?

What if you wasn't this, uh, broke-down hoe from nowhere...

and I was, like, a investment banker

or a lawyer, you know?

We probably woulda got married.

Had kids.

Sent them to a HBCU.

Yeah.

[sinister music]

It's a real romantic dream, huh?

Here you go. Drink up.

Yeah.

[sinister music]

You know, I beat you because I love you.

And I want you to do right.

You believe that, right?

I just want us both to be happy.

Can I go home?

Baby, you are home.

At least for the next three days.

Then we go bye bye.

Congratulations, Lobster Roll.

You've been sold.

And that's the end of our love story.

[hip-hop music]

[lively chatter]

[King] If you want this money,

well, you're gonna have to figure out what it takes.

-[Ellen] Hey, ladies! -Hey, Ms. Ellen!

Hey, what's up?

Hello, hi, how are you?

I haven't seen you around much.

Transfer student, right?

Nah.

Oh, 'cause I thought maybe you might know one of my students.

Shannon Tomlinson?

Wh-who are you?

I'm Shannon's advisor. Who are you?

What are you doing here?

I'm just a supporter of education.

And these ladies.

What you doin' out here anyway, Auntie?

You tryin' to catch one of these little college kids,

a little young whipper-snapper?

-Very funny. -[King snickers]

So you're sure? You sure you don't know Shannon?

Like I said, I don't know no Shannon, Advisor.

[indistinct chatter]

[phone ringing]

[indistinct chatter]

Chief,

this guy is a threat to our campus.

You're telling me?

Yes.

His plate is KING4U.

I can run this with APD.

Wait a second.

This is restricted.

So his name is Eric King. No warrants,

but he does have prior convictions

related to domestic abuse, credit card fraud,

simple assault,

and a conviction for a high and aggravated misdemeanor.

Okay, is-is-is there a cell number

or an address I can get?

I've already given you more information

than I should have.

[phone ringing]

Yeah, this is Chief.

Sure, okay.

Excuse me, I got something to take care of right quick.

[Ellen] Sure.

[insects chirping]

[unnerving music]

Hey!

Hey, hey!

Wait, wait!

Don't go down there.

Who are you?

It's very dangerous. Trust me.

I can help.

Come on.

Come on, come on!

Before they see you. Come on!

Let's go!

When I saw the school tags, I knew you were looking for

those girls they keep in the hole.

I'm Felicia. Folks call me Fee-Fee.

I'm Ellen.

Now, who are these girls?

Where are they? Where are they from?

They come from everywhere. Lately, colleges.

They drag 'em in, pimp 'em out, sell 'em, or--

And you know all this how?

I'm part of a nonprofit group called the Escape Squad.

We identify traffickers. I rented a trailer in the park

so I can see up close.

And you're not law enforcement?

No.

We're not vigilantes either, mama.

We work with law enforcement,

identify places used for coercing women.

Colleges are real hotspots lately.

All right, well, I think you might have seen her?

Have you seen this girl?

Hold on.

That's Shannon! That's her!

We get info to feed the cops.

Pictures, places where they hang,

who they pick up.

There's always more evidence.

Why do they need more evidence?

Clearly these girls are being victimized.

Many don't see themselves as victim.

And we're having trouble trying

to convince the girls to get out.

The question for you is...

how far are you willing to go to help?

So you think Shannon was trafficked?

Yes. The guy that she was seen with, he has a history.

And you should've heard the way he talked to me.

-He was-- -Wait, time out.

You talked to the guy?

I mean, it wasn't planned. I just...

[Michael] Then what's the plan, Ellen?

Keep scouring the city, searching for some girl

you really don't know?

-I know this girl! -How?

How do you really know what this girl is even about?

She is not just some girl.

She doesn't even have a family.

Newsflash-- she's not your family.

Look...

I know that you like to solve problems

sitting behind a desk.

But that doesn't work for me.

I swear, all this is because you never wanted to--

Say it. Never what?

Never wanted to have children?

[sighs]

Look.

I'm sorry. But Ellen...

you can't save every girl.

I'm not trying to save every girl.

I'm trying to save one.

One girl.

Honestly, if you don't get that, then...

you don't get me.

I think you should leave.

[crickets chirping]

Lobster Roll!

I am so proud of you.

You know why?

'Cause you done graduated to the big leagues!

I got something for you.

Our last meal.

It's a lobster roll.

You love me, don't you?

Hm?

-Yes. -Yes, what?

I love you.

[King chuckles] Good.

That's why I'll be the most sad

when you leave tomorrow.

[door bangs shut]

[dog barking]

[grunts] Get down!

[grunting]

[birds chirping]

[marching band drum sectional in distance]

-Provost Johnson. -Advisor Hampton.

Is this what we call a fire watch?

It's just watching.

I'm sorry we argued.

Me too.

[sighs]

I just think they don't realize how many dangers are out there.

It's why we have campus police.

Yeah, but what if a student lives off campus?

We do wellness checks.

Only at registered residences.

Do you think we should do more?

I mean, I think a little bending of the rules might help.

But what if everyone--

I'm not talking about everyone.

I'm talking about the people that actually make the rules.

Like me?

Okay.

You're a rule-breaker, huh?

Bender.

All right. Noted.

Okay, so let's bend one of your rules.

Tomorrow night, I'm having dinner with the president

and Dean Miles.

And I don't wanna be the only one without a significant other.

Okay, so wait a minute. What are you asking?

I need you there.

Look, Michael, I-I don't-- I don't know if I'm...

Ellen, I need to see some progress in this relationship.

Okay, okay.

I guess I will be there,

wearing a very beautiful cocktail dress.

Girl, you could wear a paper bag, if you want to.

[both chuckling] [phone ringing and vibrating]

[Ellen] Oh, sorry.

Hold on, Michael. Excuse me.

Okay.

Hi, this is Ellen.

What?

Okay. Yeah.

Can I? Okay.

Oh my god. Oh my god.

Oh, are you okay?

They destroyed everything.

You know who did this.

Ellen, they movin' everything.

Packing it all up.

Okay, all right, it's okay.

I'll take care of it. You relax, okay?

[insects buzzing] [tense music]

[dog barking]

[tense music]

Let's go.

Come on.

[tense music]

[indistinct chatter] [dishes and silverware clanking]

[phone rings and vibrates]

[clanking]

[military-style drums]

[dogs barking]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[tense music]

[military-style drums]

Yo!

You lookin' for something?

I'm just lookin' for what everybody else is lookin' for.

Sexy college girl type?

Aww, come on.

Commando, you far from Kansas.

I don't know what you talkin' about.

Look.

I talked to King.

All right?

And if you're worried...

I got money.

I tip very well.

So what's up?

All right. Number 32.

You got 30 minutes. No girly talk.

I know you're not really into girly talk, huh?

Gotcha.

But, uh, follow me.

[tense music]

Right here.

Here.

Shannon, is that you?

Shannon?

Is it--

Oh, no.

Who are you? Honey, what's your name?

Pinky.

Okay. Look, Pinky.

Listen, I'm looking for a girl named Shannon.

Have you seen her? Has she been here?

Gone. She's gone.

Gone.

Okay.

Okay, listen to me.

I can help you. I'm gonna take you out of here.

No. No, get out of here.

No, no, no, honey, you can't stay here.

-Let me help you. -No.

Don't take me. Don't take me.

Don't take me.

-Don't take me! -Pinky--

No! No!

Don't take me! Don't take me!

-I can help you! -No! No!

No, no, no, no, no!

No, no, no!

No!

Where you goin'?

The hell you goin'?

Come here!

[Ellen screams]

[grunts]

What the hell you think you're doin'?

[taser clicking]

[grunts, pants]

[pulsating music]

I'd like to report a kidnapping

at the Penthouse Park Mobile Homes.

Please come right a--right away.

Okay.

[pants]

What?

[pulsating music]

[soft, tense music]

Oh my god.

Shannon. Shannon.

Oh, oh, Shannon! Oh my god...

-Ms. Ellen. -I found you.

Oh, thank god.

Thank god.

I found you. Are you okay?

-I'm sorry... -It's okay.

No, it's okay, come on.

Come on. Don't worry.

I'ma get you out of here. Come on.

Okay, let's go.

Lobster Roll, where the hell you goin'?

I asked you a question.

-I'm taking her out of here. -The hell you're not.

She my family.

Lobster Roll, let's go.

And Sista Soulja, get on back to your HBCU.

Like I said, I'm taking her out of here.

Auntie, Auntie got a little toy with her.

That's real cute.

Oh, Auntie, this ain't no toy, bitch.

See, you need a lesson on respecting men.

Do you know who I am?

I know exactly who you are. You ain't nothin'.

You ain't nothin' but a gutter pimp.

That's King Pimp to you.

You done got yourself in trouble now, Auntie.

You know I ain't scared of you, right?

I ain't scared of you.

Well, you should be, because I've had one hell of a week,

two cups of coffee, and I'm a Marine!

[grunting]

[gunshot]

Come on, come on, let's go. Let's go.

Wait, wait, wait.

[King groans]

Fake-ass smile!

-And my name is Shannon! -[grunts]

[pants] [sirens wailing]

Come on.

[police radio chatter] [sirens wailing]

[gentle music]

[helicopter blades whirring]

I love you. I'm happy you're safe.

Thank you.

It's over now. Let's go.

-Come on. -Mm-hmm.

[gentle music]

Thank you.

[pants]

I hear her tiny cries in the gloom,

burnt on broken relationships.

From gifting the best of her best.

What?

Hidden in shadows, running from fear.

She is the girl in the dark under the stairs.

-Hi, Ellen. -Hi, Michael.

-Thank you. -[Michael] You're welcome.

-So is he your boo? -Fiancé.

[gasps] Oh my-- Congratulations!

Thank you.

The thump of distant drums beat a beat that beckons her,

leaving her alone when God wipes her face in his care.

Oh, Alex wanted to know,

are you still dropping by Art Society later?

Of course! I wouldn't miss it.

Okay.

Ms. Ellen?

Thank you.

You're welcome.

And when the angel pulls her from the darkness,

she realizes what was always inside of her.

She is not the girl under the stairs,

but a strong-willed woman who is always a survivor.

[gentle music]

[unsettling music]