[Jax Stewart] Previously on Reasonable Doubt.
Jamarion is dead and you're facing life in prison.
[voice breaking] I wish it were you in that casket!
[Tanya Scoggins] But you did choose to stay.
You've never stayed with someone
longer than you probably should have?
Are you two looking to reconcile or uncouple?
So, who was she? Someone I know?
No.
- Toni? - JT knocked her up.
- Damn. - [Toni moaning]
- That's crazy. - [Jax] Who is she with?
[Adrian Hunter] How the hell did they...
[Jax] I have to be there for my friend.
- I'd like to come on as second chair. - Welcome to the table.
You said it was my case,
and then you go behind my back and you undermine me.
Come on, man. Of course, I was gonna pay you.
[gun cocks]
[thuds]
What if Shanelle's protecting someone else?
[♪ ominous music playing]
[Daniel Kim] [echoing] JT was dead for over two and a half hours
before Shanelle called the police.
[Jax] Well, at least you're not in jail anymore.
[Shanelle Tucker] Might as well be. It's what I deserve.
[Jax] Is there something you're not telling me?
[Shanelle breathes shakily]
[♪ "Still Brazy" by YG playing]
♪ Ay ♪
♪ This shit ♪
♪ This shit, this shit ♪
♪ My life, my life ♪
♪ Nigga, this shit brazy ♪
♪ Uh, nigga, this shit brazy ♪
♪ This shit, this shit ♪
♪ This shit brazy ♪
♪ This shit, this shit ♪
♪ This shit brazy ♪
♪ Oh, Lord, oh ♪
♪ Nigga, this shit brazy ♪
Do you know who this is?
Uh, yeah, that's...
that's Evan Gerrard.
JT's business partner.
What about him?
He and Adrian were spotted together.
And it seems Evan was the person who picked Adrian up when he left jail.
Uh, yeah, I know Evan's also Adrian's business manager.
Look, I don't know a lot about Evan though.
I mean, he came to a couple parties. We went to dinner.
He don't really give off the best vibes.
Like a lot of Jamarion's friends, to be honest,
they're enablers, moochers.
Hmm. Except Adrian.
Yeah.
Adrian saved me.
Those last few months with Jamarion were horrible.
Adrian made them bearable.
Now he just feels bad he couldn't protect me more.
But he did... when he killed JT.
[♪ tense music playing]
Jax, what are you...
I don't think you killed JT.
I think you're protecting the person who actually did it.
Wow.
This is ridiculous. Why would you even...
Because I don't believe you.
I think you're hiding something,
which is why Lucy went for the first degree murder charge
because the math ain't mathing.
[sighs]
The maximum penalty for first degree murder is life in prison.
Life, Shanelle.
So, I need you to be straight up with me.
Did you kill JT?
Wow.
You must really hate women.
Excuse me?
I mean, do you question your male clients
as much as you do your female clients?
Oh...
Wait, that's right.
You haven't had a lot of female clients.
In fact, when is the last time you've been on a Black woman's side?
Because it certainly wasn't Kaleesha Moore.
I mean, does it make you uncomfortable
to believe a woman against a man,
even if that man is abusive, manipulative,
narcissistic, powerful, and cruel?
Shit, girl, you wonder why I didn't tell you
about the abuse years ago.
Would you even have believed me?
Or would you have just told me, "He's a good man, Savannah"?
Shanelle... you know what? [clears throat]
You can believe what you want about me.
But to answer your question, yes.
If I have a client that I think is lying to me
then I will question him, her, them, whomever.
Why? Because the more I know, the better chance you stand
of staying outta prison for the rest of your life,
and at the end of the day, that is the only goal, right?
So, go ahead, get it out, say what you need to say.
But for the record, deflection is not a flex.
I'm trying to help you right now as your lawyer.
That is the only reason I am here.
From this moment on and for the next few months,
you are my client.
This shit ain't personal, Shanelle. Stop it.
I killed JT and that's the end of it.
So, all I need you to do is win this case and get me outta here.
Focus on that and nothing else.
Is that a threat?
Not yet.
[♪ soft, tense music playing]
[door closes]
[♪ theme music playing]
♪ From La Brea to Slauson ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ The Sun, Central Ave Jazz ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ Where we at? ♪
♪ Hit the Maverick Flats ♪
♪ Leimert and right back to the ark ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ We coastin' on the west between sets and wealth ♪
♪ We toast the sunset in the Dons ♪
♪ Take flight into the night under Cali stars ♪
♪ In a world on wheels ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ It's the world we feel ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ From the hills to Hollywood ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ No doubt we all we got ♪
♪ Hold it down, black and brown ♪
♪ In a city of dreams ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
[cell phone rings]
Yo, yo, yo. I'm still in Atlanta.
I'm grabbing a bite to eat before I head back into rehearsals.
Toni's pregnant.
Nigga, what?
She was fucking JT first and Jax found out through the case.
Jax doesn't know that Toni and I,
you know, so, like, what the fuck?
[stammers] What if that baby's mine? What the fuck am I gonna do?
Hey, hey, hey, hey. Slow down.
I have a few questions.
One, you don't wear a condom, dawg?
Mostly, but there was one time and when I...
Wow. Straight people. Y'all, y'all are wild.
Like, come on, like, you've never slipped up once?
Never. And I'm on prep just in case
Jason tries to slip up like your dumbass did.
You know what, Terrence,
now's not the time for the fucking lectures, alright?
Fine. Sorry.
First, you need to find out if it's yours.
If Jax found out through the case,
she'll know if it's JT's baby before you do.
[Lewis Stewart] Yeah, that's a good point.
Well, I'll try to find out through Jax because Toni didn't respond to my text.
Wait, wait. Why you texting Toni?
To find out what's going on.
What did you save her number as?
- Toni. - Gah!
You know, how are you my big brother, man?
Okay, first off, as soon as we get off the phone,
change Toni's number in your phone to something unassuming, like Alex Dunn.
Then don't contact her again.
Be a good husband and stay away from your mistress.
[Lewis] She's not my mistress.
She... You know what? [sighs]
Okay, I'll j... I'll just let... I'll let you know how it goes.
Please do, because this is giving drama
- and I am so here for... - [phone clicks]
[exhales]
You think that Adrian killed JT, like, in cold blood?
No, I think that he was saving her life,
but I think she's protecting him out of love.
Okay, why would he let her do that?
Well, maybe because of this guy.
His name is Evan Gerrard
and apparently, he's JT's business partner
and former business manager.
Adrian's also connected somehow.
- But that's all we know for now. - [Krystal Walters] I got it.
Adrian can't be in the spotlight because he and Evan are up to something
that Evan doesn't wanna get out
so Shanelle is taking the fall for JT's murder
because she's hoping that it'll just be self-defense,
and now shit is all complicated and she's scared
and dangerously in love.
Ooh, child, I'm tired of just saying it out loud,
but it makes sense, right?
[Corey Cash] Okay, how about, maybe,
Shanelle is telling the truth? End of story.
Listen, Shanelle's interview airs tonight.
She'll be able to tell her story in front of millions of people,
which is all that matters.
No, wait, let me guess.
Look into Evan? Damn, I'm good.
You see, I can read your mind.
Alright.
You know I love Corey, despite my five-year friend rule,
but I believe you about Shanelle.
- You do? - Of course.
Listen...
I learned a long time ago: always bet on Jax.
[♪ upbeat music playing]
[Evan Gerrard] Thank you for getting me a nice chunk of money,
but today, you look a little empty-handed.
Thought I made myself clear that I needed the rest of the money soon. As in now.
You did, but it's hard to get to Shanelle right now
and me going to see her after everything that's happened wouldn't be a good look.
[sighs]
Look, Evan, the trial starts in a few weeks.
Shanelle has very good lawyers. This will all be over soon.
Does Shanelle know I'm keeping your little secret,
cleaning up your shit so nobody knows
what really went down before JT died?
No.
That's between me and you.
Oh, I see.
Hmm.
But let's not forget, you and I are in a relationship
of mutually assured destruction.
So, if you wanna start pushing buttons and blowing shit up,
my trigger finger itching too.
- Okay. - [Adrian] Okay.
Let's make a deal.
You need me to take care of something for you,
you come to me.
That way you can chill the fuck out.
We can both take our fingers off the trigger,
literally and metaphorically.
Does that sound good?
- Yeah, that sounds good. - [Evan groans]
It's okay.
Everything's gonna be okay, right, Adrian?
I'm glad we're on the same page.
So, just talked to Tanya and, apparently,
the trailer for the interview is going viral.
It's already making an impact.
Yeah, I've already gotten calls from reporters, so it must be.
But is the actual interview gonna be great for us?
Uh, Tanya thinks so, but it's for the world to decide.
Which reporters?
Oh, a couple local, and then Sam Walker from CBN.
Okay.
Okay, well, I'll call him back.
You know, it's important that we establish who the face
of the case is gonna be early on.
Yep. Got it.
Oh, and, uh, listen, I know that your friend is on trial.
- Yes. You keep reminding me. - Well, it keeps coming up.
And I just wanna ensure that we focus on our self-defense case.
I am.
But do you realize that there are other possibilities
that we can consider?
For example, if Adrian loves Shanelle,
he might confess or turn on Evan,
and then we can find out who really did this
and all of this goes away for Shanelle.
Yes, yes, a very compelling story for your friend,
but it's not our story as her lawyers.
So, some advice...
fewer emotions, more reason, Jax.
[♪ pensive music playing]
[door opens]
[newscaster] [on TV] Stay tuned for the exclusive interview
between our own Tanya Scoggins
and Shanelle Tucker from county jail.
I wanted people to know the truth.
At least then, they'd believe me.
[Tanya] [on TV] You weren't aware that JT was having an affair
with a woman named Toni Holley?
Stop. That's enough.
God!
I still cannot believe she surprised us like that.
Yeah, me neither.
Um, have you talked to Toni recently?
No, but I'm sure I'm gonna run into her at carpool,
or Naima is gonna wanna see Hattie or something
and I have no idea what I'm gonna say to her.
Well, I guess I better figure it out before her ass is on the stand.
You think, you think the prosecution's gonna make her testify?
After this interview? Probably.
But that's the least of my problems.
I still don't know what to do about Shanelle.
I mean, I wish she would just be honest.
- You know? - Mm-hm.
I need another drink. You want one?
Yeah, sure. Uh, thanks.
Maybe, uh, maybe she was scared to tell you the truth.
She should be scared of going to prison.
I can't do my job if Shanelle doesn't tell me what's going on.
And honestly, whatever she did or didn't do,
the cover-up is always worse than the crime.
- [cell phone ringing] - Always.
[ringing continues]
Damn, somebody blowing you up.
Yeah, it's just, just one of my coworkers. Uh...
[Jax] Well, you should probably answer it.
- It might be an emergency. - [cell phone buzzing]
Yeah? Yeah. Yeah. [groans]
Hello? Hello?
- Hi. Hey. Uh... Yeah. - [Toni Holley] [on phone] Hello?
Okay, yeah, we can talk about it in the morning.
She's there, isn't she?
Yeah. Yep.
So, you asked me to call you and you can't talk?
You got it. You got it. Okay. Sounds good.
I'll talk to you in the morning. Thanks.
- Here you go. - [Lewis clears throat]
[Lewis moans]
- You good? - Yeah.
[Eric Shaver] Based on the polling over the last three weeks,
the abortion check bomb drop during the interview
decreased the percentage of Americans
who believe she committed first degree murder.
Boom.
[Eric] And with the hashtag #standwithshanelle gaining momentum,
there's a strong sentiment of empathy from Black women
where many participants from our focus group
highlighted Shanelle's bravery to come forward.
Men across the board, however, remain loyal to JT.
Yeah, see this is some very helpful information now,
even though the interview came out pre-voir dire.
But with these numbers, we can at least assume
that the jury talked about the interview with a loved one.
And we can assume that many of our jury members
lied about seeing the interview just to get on the jury.
And the interview has 36 million views on YouTube.
Somebody's lying for sure.
Yeah, but either way, it made an impact.
Thank you.
Well...
- big day tomorrow. - Big day.
How's your opening statement coming along?
- Good. - Well, if you need me
to give it a once-over before we head to court in the morning, I'd...
I do not. But thank you.
[♪ dramatic music playing]
Morning, Counselor.
Hard at work as per usual I see.
You know it.
[door bells jingle]
I knew I could find you here.
Ready for the trial?
Yep, just going over my opening statement.
You know, at first I thought the first degree charge was overreaching,
but since Mrs. Tucker ran off with that Adrian guy,
your judgment may have been right.
I'm glad you finally agree.
And Mrs. Tucker can have Jax Stewart,
Corey Cash, and whoever else,
but this isn't gonna be another Brayden Miller situation.
We're gonna win this one.
- Good. We're all counting on you. - Mm.
The last thing this department needs is another embarrassing loss.
[♪ upbeat music playing]
It is day one of the Shanelle Tucker trial.
People are split 50/50 on whether or not
she is a survivor of domestic violence,
unfairly accused of a crime she didn't commit,
or a trophy wife who killed her husband in cold blood.
At this point, it will be up to a jury
of her peers to decide her fate.
[♪ hip-hop music playing]
[clerk] All rise.
On the record, the People vs. Shanelle Ashley Tucker.
"You just made it that much easier for me to do
what I know I have to do next."
Members of the jury, these are the words
that Shanelle Tucker texted to a friend
weeks before the victim's murder.
And I can assure you that this is just a sample
of the overwhelming evidence that you will hear
during this trial proving that Shanelle Tucker
was not acting in self-defense, but rather in cold blood...
calculating exactly how and when
to make the victim Jamarion Tucker pay the ultimate price, death.
Our evidence will show that this wasn't some self-defense action
as the defense will claim.
No, this was a woman who planned this crime.
In fact, our evidence will show that she planned it so well
that she used the system as her alibi.
Now, while you may hear some things
that go against Jamarion Tucker's beloved football image,
remember, he is not on trial here.
The defendant Shanelle Ashley Tucker is for his murder.
We are confident that the state of California
will prove beyond a reasonable doubt
that the defendant committed first degree murder.
Thank you.
"The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman.
"The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman.
The most neglected person in America is the Black woman."
Ladies and gentlemen, those are the words of the great Malcolm X.
And yet here we are today at a trial of an unprotected,
disrespected, and neglected Black woman
named Shanelle Ashley Tucker.
We will show through the evidence
and through the testimony that Mrs. Tucker suffered
years of emotional, financial, and physical abuse.
We will also show that in the months leading up to Mr. Tucker's death,
he was suffering financial troubles,
his behavior was becoming more erratic,
and that Mrs. Tucker truly felt that her life was in danger.
We'll show that she didn't plan to murder Jamarion Tucker.
No, her plan was to simply leave him.
However, we're gonna show that Jamarion Tucker
made that plan impossible by using fear, money, and power
to thwart whatever freedom Mrs. Tucker had.
And when she finally, she finally got the chance
and the courage to just walk away...
Mr. Tucker placed his hands around the defendant's throat,
hoping to end her life once and for all.
She had no choice but to defend herself.
You'll also hear from our experts
who say that Black women have the highest rates
of domestic violence in a system
that does not take their cases seriously.
Which is exactly why we're here today.
Mrs. Tucker had to fight for her life.
Now she's here doing it again.
So please, don't make the same mistake the system made.
Protect Shanelle Tucker at all costs
and find her not guilty of murder.
Thank you.
[Judge Frances Roth] Ms. Wargo, please bring up your first witness.
The People Call...
Detective Jose Martinez.
Dr. Archie Golden.
And please let the jury know why you're here today.
I'm a homicide detective for the Los Angeles Police Department
and I'm the investigating officer on this case.
I was the chief medical examiner on Mr. Tucker's case
and performed the autopsy.
And can you tell us what you found?
[Detective Jose Martinez] The defendant answered the door for us.
There, we found Mr. Tucker lying on the floor in a pool of his blood.
Next to him, was an award that was used as the murder weapon.
There was also a trail of blood
that indicated that the body had been moved.
Mr. Tucker had been hit in the back of the head
causing blunt head trauma.
The blood vessels had ruptured causing interior bleeding.
[Lucy Wargo] You stated that Mr. Tucker
was hit in the back of the head.
What does that usually indicate?
It usually means someone was walking away.
In your estimation, would Mr. Tucker still be alive
if he had made it to the hospital after being hit
and not two and a half hours later?
Quite possibly, if immediate care was rendered.
[Lucy] Thank you.
Good morning, Dr. Golden. How are you?
- [Dr. Archie Golden] I'm well. - That's good to hear.
Um, there's no law in California
mandating that someone render medical aid, correct?
That is correct.
So, Mrs. Tucker was under no duty
to save the deceased's life, is that correct?
No, she wasn't.
Additionally, you said that Mrs. Tucker's skin
was found underneath the nails of the deceased.
[Dr. Golden] Yes.
Can skin under the nails mean someone's choking someone?
Yes. If scratched in the process.
You said the evidence at the crime scene
was consistent with someone covering up a crime, correct?
That is correct.
The wet shower mat as if someone just took a shower,
the freshly washed clothes, the moving of the body
and waiting two and a half hours to call 9-1-1.
In the hundreds of domestic violence cases
that you've dealt with, could those same actions
be consistent with a victim acting out of fear?
Possibly.
No further questions.
Detective Martinez, while some of the actions
that you stated may be irrational, out of fear,
can some of those same actions be consistent
with those of someone trying to cover up a crime?
- That is correct. - Nothing further.
You also mentioned, you said that
a wound in the back of the head usually means the victim was walking away.
Well, could they be walking away to prepare to inflict another blow?
Objection, speculation.
Sustained.
Nothing further, Your Honor.
Hey, Spense, let me rap with you for a second.
- What's up? - [Lewis] Um...
I know you've been mad at me the last few weeks.
It's whatever.
But I was thinking and, um,
what if you switched schools?
Like what, next year?
Or next week. Check this out.
This school is, uh, McCartney Arts.
Uh, it's not far from here., it's in Culver City,
but they have a huge arts program
and have a solid sports program as well.
Yo.
Brent Faiyaz, SiR, and Kendrick performed there last year.
- Yeah. Mm. - That's dope.
Oh, and uh, like, at the end of every year,
they do a showcase where students perform original songs
and I guess they invite agents or something.
For real?
Look, son, I'm, I'm sorry,
um, I dismissed your interests, and it wasn't about you.
It was about me and my stuff,
and I, I would never shoot down your dreams...
Pops, it's all good, man.
For real.
Hey, can you text me this website link?
- I'ma go check it out. - Yeah. Yeah.
For real. Appreciate you.
Appreciate, appreciate you.
Rattled? No, I'm not rattled
by the mother of the deceased testifying.
We know that the prosecution will play up
the emotionality of this witness,
but we plan to hammer in on the facts,
which you'll hear on our cross.
- [reporter 1] Thank you, Mrs. Stewart. - [reporter 2] Thank you.
Thought we discussed that I would be the face of the trial
since I'm first chair, remember?
Oh, well, you weren't here, so they asked to talk to me.
And if my talking to them will help our, keyword, our case,
then why does it matter, hm?
Fewer emotions, more reason, Corey.
[♪ peppy music playing]
[Jax laughs]
Well, excuse me, Miss Dominique Deveraux. [chuckles]
I better not see this on my credit card statement.
Well, Mama Lu gave it to me.
It was from her new boyfriend.
Oh-ho, boyfriend?
- Who is he? - I don't know.
I only met him when he came to pick up some food Mama Lu cooked for him.
His name is... Kevin Douglas.
I don't like him.
You don't like him? Why?
Did something happen?
No, it's just...
I just want Grandpa Paul back.
Oh.
I know, baby. Come here.
I know, I'm sorry.
Well, you better get you some sleep, alright?
- Okay. - Alright.
I love you.
Love you too.
Oh, and is that Douglas with one "s" or two "s"s?
You know what? Don't even worry about it.
There he is, look, burning the midnight oil.
Corey, we're grabbing drinks. Care to join?
Oh, man, listen, I wish I could,
but I need to finish up these witness statements to prep for tomorrow.
Oh, man, fuck those billable hours. Come on.
[laughter]
I wish, but maybe some other time?
Understood.
Next time.
Actually...
you guys like cigars?
[Stephen Binder] I thought I knew every cigar bar on the Westside,
but this is quite the hidden gem.
Yeah, my fraternity brother opened this spot up last year.
You know, he wanted something exclusive and elite. Black and bougie.
Actually, that's why I had to sneak y'all through the back.
No whites are allowed.
[♪ soft hip-hop music playing]
- I'm just fucking with y'all. - [laughter]
Jesus Christ.
[Corey] Y'all can come through whenever you want to.
I gotta tell you, Corey,
you have been a breath of fresh air at the firm.
Yeah, well, as you know, the Shanelle Tucker case
is the biggest case of my career.
It's one of the biggest cases in our firm too.
Yeah, Brayden Miller being second.
I guess Jax is on a roll then, huh?
Hey, Jax is a fantastic litigator.
I just wish she was a little more...
Amenable.
[chuckles]
You agree, yes?
I don't disagree.
Listen, you close this Tucker case for us,
make the firm look good,
I could see a very promising future for you at BHS.
So, Corey...
how can we help you win?
♪ I'm full smoke ♪
♪ Watching my life go down ♪
[Jax] [on phone] Hey, Mom, how's Kevin?
[Mama Lu] Who told you? Spenser or Naima?
Mm-hm, don't you worry about it. Why didn't you tell me?
- And where did you meet him? - [Mama Lu chuckles]
Now, look, I am not one of your little friends,
so I don't have to tell you anything.
But if you must know, I took some of Paul's things
down to Shiloh Missions, the shelter by my house.
Kevin is retired, and he volunteers there every week.
Uh, Jax, the, the partners are asking for you.
- Mm-hm. - [Mama Lu] Oh, I heard Krystal.
Isn't it time for you to get back to court anyway?
Well, there was an emergency with the court reporter,
so we have a delayed start.
But, listen, don't you worry about it because you are not off the hook.
We will continue this later.
[Mama Lu] There is nothing to discuss and no case to argue.
I am happy, Jacqueline.
And it would be best if you were happy for me too.
[♪ upbeat music playing]
- Mom. - [line beeping]
Wow. Really?
[indistinct conversation]
Absolut... There she is.
Hi, Jax. Have a seat.
- [Vince Larson] Hey. - Stephen. Vince.
What's up?
Jax, uh, lis-listen, Corey,
he, he's such a tremendous fit for this firm.
We just wanted to thank you
for having the foresight for bringing him in.
[Stephen] Yeah, it was a really good call.
We just wanna make sure that you're being, uh,
you know, hospitable.
- Yeah. - What do you mean?
You're second chair, let Corey take the lead.
And support him, make him shine.
- Makes sense? - [Jax] Hm.
Should I go buy some kneepads?
[Vince] [laughs] No, no, no.
Maybe, maybe, maybe just tickle the balls a little, though.
- Hm. - [Vince] Okay.
Well, this has been very informative.
And, yes, Stephen, this makes perfect sense.
[knocks on table]
- [Daniel] How was court today? - [sighs] Fine.
Any news on Evan Gerrard?
Uh, no, dude is clean as a whistle, at least on paper.
Um, I can keep digging, but it might take a while.
Yeah, well, I don't have that kind of time,
so I'll have Krystal make an appointment with Evan's office,
see what information he'll give me.
Good.
[indistinct chatter]
Thank you.
Well, you two seem to be progressing nicely
with clear, honest communication.
Yeah, we are.
And Lewis has also been asking more about the case and work,
which he hasn't done in a long time.
But there is one small thing.
Um... [clears throat]
I was a little upset about the way you handled
the Spenser school situation.
He did research on a school and took it to Spenser
before even talking to me about it.
I mean, after he called me out about the whole Hamilton thing,
I, I felt like I wanted to make it up to him.
So, I wanted to surprise him.
But you didn't have to surprise me.
He has a pattern of this.
He likes to be a good guy with the kids.
That's, that's not true.
I mean, you've been busy with the trial and I thought I'd bring it to you
once I knew how Spenser felt about it,
but I thought that kind of initiative should be rewarded
but now you're mad at me?
I'm-I'm not mad. Do I sound mad?
Look, all I'm saying is include me, baby, that's all.
Because when you don't and I say no,
then that makes me the bad guy.
And sometimes, I wanna be the good guy too.
Okay.
I can understand that.
That is an excellent example of conflict resolution.
Jax, you stated your grievance,
Lewis, you not just heard her but listened.
Continue to put that into practice,
which is the perfect segue into trust,
which was a significant issue for you
when you first came to see me.
Particularly on your side, Lewis.
Yeah. Yeah.
I, uh... Jax has been more vulnerable
and more open and... so, yeah,
I mean, I, I trust her completely.
And do you trust him, Jax?
Well, I've never not trusted Lewis.
He's always been honest with me.
That's one of the things I love about him most.
[♪ suspenseful music playing]
- [car door closes] - Lewis, it's been a minute.
Hi, Toni.
Thanks for finally making some time.
Clearly you're being sarcastic, but things have been busy.
I just, between the kids and my job...
And the trial. Yeah, same.
That interview pretty much fucked up my life in the last month,
which is why I wanted to meet somewhere where I couldn't be followed.
Damn, look, I'm... I'm sorry.
Yeah.
Anyway, if this is about the baby, we can skip to the end.
It's not yours.
Did you get a paternity test?
- No. - Then how do you know it's not mine?
I don't, but it doesn't matter.
JT's dead. You're back with Jax.
The only person that wants this baby is me,
so why even get a test?
[sighs] Okay.
But things are going well between Jax and I
and, and I don't wanna ruin it.
And I don't mean to hurt you when I say that.
Oh, I always knew you'd go back to your wife,
so don't worry.
I didn't fall in love.
I've learned that shit never ends well.
So, um, anything else?
No, just... thank you.
Yeah.
[♪ slow hip-hop music playing]
Y'all, I have been reading the comments online
about Shanelle and they are disgusting.
Ugh.
I read a tweet that said,
"When are we gonna start holding women accountable
"for their bad choices?
"You chose that man.
Deal with the consequences of that choice."
Sadly, it's better than it was a couple months ago.
- That's definitely true. - [Jax] Mm-hm.
How's Shanelle doing?
Oh, she's mad at me.
Why?
Because I accused her of lying.
What makes you think that?
- 'Cause she is. - I think so too.
I mean, the money, Adrian,
and it's not like Shanelle hasn't been honest about things before.
I don't know.
I just think maybe she planned it and I can't blame her.
Wow.
I came here to be with my friends
and figure out how we can support my cousin.
But what, now y'all listening to some niggas
on The Shade Room or some shit?
- Okay, now I... - Sally...
Whatever, whatever.
I'd rather go home to a husband who hates me
than to sit here and listen to this shit.
- Okay. - Where you going?
- Sally, don't get up. - Come on.
Girl, what? You always...
Real...
She just left.
My son was a good boy.
All he did was try to...
[voice breaking] better the lives of those around him,
his team, his family.
Even some stranger on the street.
And that girl,
my God, that girl went and took my baby's life.
I'm sorry.
[Lucy] No need to apologize. I understand.
Just a few more questions.
Did you have any communications with the defendant
before your son's death?
[Mavis Tucker-Jones] Yes.
When she came harassing me on the phone,
accusing me of knowing about his affairs
and paying women off, which I did not do.
[Lucy] Your Honor, may I approach the witness?
You may.
Ms. Tucker-Jones, I am showing you what is marked
for identification purposes only as the People's Exhibit 20.
Do you know what that is?
Yes.
A text that girl sent me a couple of months before JT...
Can you read the text?
I sure will.
"You and your son are monsters.
"I promise that both of you will pay for the...
the shit you've done to me."
[Lucy] Thank you for that.
Did she explain what she meant by "pay"?
No, but my son ended up dead.
So, clearly, that's what she meant.
Objection. Motion to strike.
The question is what she witnessed, not what she thinks did or didn't happen.
Sustained and stricken.
Now, in the years that Mr. Tucker and the defendant were married,
were you ever witness to any abuse?
My son never touched a hair on her head.
- She's lying. - Okay. Shh.
Objection. Motion to strike. Lack of foundation. Speculation.
[Judge Roth] Sustained.
So, you never saw any abuse?
- Not once. - What about my black eyes?!
Counsel, control your client.
I'm sick of the fuckin' lying.
She knows exactly what he did to me!
[Judge Roth] Counsel.
Your Honor, we'd like to request a recess.
[Judge Roth] Ten minutes, then we proceed without interruption.
[Corey] Thank you, Your Honor.
She's the one who gave me Gucci glasses to cover my black eyes.
I know it's frustrating, but you can't do that in front of the jury.
And she brought Jordan and Natasha.
I told her ass not to!
After Mavis testifies,
I will make it clear they should not be here.
Yes, please.
Because I promise you I will not let her abuse
my children the way she did hers.
Wait, what did she do to JT?
Mrs. Tucker-Jones, did you ever discuss any marital issues
your son had with the defendant?
No, I decided it was best to stay out of my kids' marriages.
Yes, I understand. All you can do is raise him to do the right thing
- and lead by example. - Oh, I completely agree.
Then would you say that your kids followed your lead then?
In many ways, yes.
Would one of those ways include being physically abusive?
I never abused any of my children.
Oh, you never burned your son with your cigarette on his right thigh?
That was an accident.
And how dare you accuse me of child...
Objection. Relevance.
[Judge Roth] Sustained.
Mr. Cash, you know better than that.
Apologies, Your Honor. Nothing further.
Thank you.
Both of you.
[Evan] Jax Stewart. A pleasure.
When I came in, I noticed there was a lot of security
for a financial planning firm.
Oh, my clients like to feel protected, as do I.
Hm.
How can I help you?
Well, I just want to know a little bit more about your firm.
We help athletes in every area of their financial life.
From day-to-day management until retirement.
The average NFL career is only 3.3 years.
I wanna ensure my clients have a sustainable life
when that career ends.
[Jax] I see.
So, I know you represented JT, but what about Adrian Hunter?
He is a client, correct?
Was, now more of an associate.
Oh, what happened?
Sometimes people present one way when they're really another.
You know, unfortunately, Mrs. Stewart,
I have got back to backs all day.
So...
someone will show you out.
[♪ tense music playing]
Have the car ready in five.
Shanelle.
Hi. It's been a while.
What are you doing here?
Wanted to make sure you're okay.
How I can help win your case.
Why would you wanna help me?
Because your being in here
doesn't help me get what I need...
which is the money I'm owed.
But I ain't got your money.
Oh, but you do.
At least according to Adrian.
Oh, he didn't tell you.
You see, Adrian is not the man you think he is.
But that wouldn't be the first time you made that mistake.
Would you like to know more about the man you fell in love with?
[♪ suspenseful music playing]
Willgoose LLC is linked to a sports gambling site overseas.
Now, they recruit retired players to act as agents and recruit bettors.
And let me guess, was one of the players they recruited...
- Mm-hm. Jamarion Tucker. - Jamarion Tucker.
Which explains how he made more money
after he retired than he did when he was playing.
So, how's Adrian involved in all this?
I'm not sure yet.
But the fact that Adrian deposited millions of dollars
into Willgoose in the last week,
I mean, that tells me that he's either in over his head
with these guys or...
Huh.
Or he's the head of an illegal sports gambling ring.
Bingo.
Yeah, see if you can track down Adrian, or at least get his new cell number.
I need to talk to him as soon as possible.
You got it.
Oh, um, also with your mom's new boo, Kevin Douglas.
Uh, he checks out.
He is a tax-paying, home-owning, widower
with an excellent credit score.
He didn't have a single moving violation.
Are you sure?
- Seems too easy. - [Daniel] I don't know.
I think sometimes maybe people are just exactly who they say they are.
[♪ pensive music playing]
[door opens]
[Adrian] What the fuck did you do?
You went to see Shanelle.
Ah, she told you.
Good girl.
Yeah, she told me.
She also told me that you told her
I was gonna convince her to hand over the 30 million
when we was on the run.
And now she is fuckin' pissed at me, man.
See, I thought you told her that that money didn't actually belong to JT,
but it belonged to me.
Apparently that didn't come up during pillow talk?
I told you not to involve her in this.
This is between me and you!
No, I believe you said something about triggers
and threats and honestly, I didn't like it.
I needed to rebalance the power.
I cut out the middleman, now I have no doubt
Shanelle got the message and will return my money.
Stay the fuck away from Shanelle.
I'd hate to bury another friend.
Wow.
I've never seen this Adrian in person.
Only on the field.
But you in the house now, boy.
So, I suggest you watch your mouth.
[♪ tense music playing]
Remember we agreed if one of us had a problem,
the other would solve it?
Shanelle's lawyer came to see me.
- [Adrian] Jax? - Asking lots of questions.
Too many.
And according to my guys, her investigator's been snooping around.
None of this is good for me.
She needs to be contained.
In other words, do whatever you need to do
to make sure she keeps her fuckin' mouth shut.
Me?
That's what you got him and 20 other dudes for!
Evan.
Evan, come on, man.
- I can't... - I was loyal to you.
You know what one way loyalty is?
It's slavery.
And while you may be comfortable with that,
I certainly am not.
When it's done, we'll be done.
- [♪ soft pop music playing over speakers] - [faint laughter]
[Jax sighs deeply]
I see, the scene of the crime.
What you talking about?
What did you say to the partners?
Hm?
They call themselves reprimanding me for how I treat you.
Okay, well, I didn't tell 'em to do that.
Ah.
Look, we went out.
They asked me specifically about you. I told 'em the truth.
You're difficult to work with.
You gimme a hard time about every strategy that I have,
and on top of that, you're dismissive.
Look, I didn't take this case to fight with you, Jax.
I took it to win. Shanelle needs it.
I need it.
I hear you.
But I also feel like you're dismissive of me
because Shanelle is my friend.
And regardless of that, I'm a good lawyer
and I wanna win just as much as you do, if not more.
Yeah, I know that, Jax. Why do you think I took this case?
You're a brilliant lawyer, but I am too.
And I need you to trust my methods even if they're different than yours.
You know what? [clears throat]
I think that our strengths are in our differences.
So, Shanelle needs us both.
And plus, we can't be letting these white folks
get in between us, alright?
So, let's start rooting for...
Everybody Black. I'm with that.
Alright, well, since we're cool now...
why don't you keep it real with a nigga?
Did Brayden really do that shit?
[Jax chuckles]
Oh, okay. Still holding out, huh?
[Jax sighs]
Hm.
[flame hissing]
♪ You don't wanna fall in love with me ♪
♪ No, no ♪
- ♪ Mm, mm ♪ - ♪ Ooh ♪
♪ See, you don't wanna fall in love with me ♪
♪ Nah-uh ♪
♪ Not me ♪
♪ See, you don't wanna fall in... ♪
[door opens]
- Hey, baby. - [door closes]
- [Lewis] Hey. [sighs] - [keys jangle]
- Oh, is that it? - Yeah.
Okay.
Where he's at?
Hey, Spenser, come out here a second.
[Spenser Stewart] What's up?
[Lewis sighs]
McCartney Arts.
"Dear Spenser, on behalf of the entire admissions team at McCartney Arts,
we are excited to offer you a place in McCartney Art School."
- Let's go! - [Jax laughing]
Yes. Congrats, baby.
- [Spenser] Thank you. - So proud of you.
Man. Thank y'all for supporting me. For real.
Especially you, Pops.
- Love you. - Love you too.
Yeah, I, I gotta tell Naima. Yeah.
- [Jax chuckles] - Hey, Naima.
[exhales]
[Jax] Hmm. [chuckles]
Oh. So, I guess my mom's new boyfriend checked out.
Oh, that's good, right?
Yeah.
I guess sometimes people are exactly who they say they are, right?
Just like you, baby.
[♪ "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" playing]
♪ Oh, this is a man's world ♪
[Jax moaning]
♪ This is a man's world ♪
♪ But it don't mean nothing ♪
♪ Nothing without a woman or a girl ♪
[moaning continues]
♪ You see ♪
♪ Man made the cars ♪
♪ To take us over the road ♪
[sighs deeply]
And don't forget to follow up with that medical examiner.
- Alright. - [cell phone buzzing]
Hello?
Adrian? Where are you?
Okay. Okay, I'll be there in an hour.
- [Daniel] Where is he? - He's at Shanelle's house.
- That's weird. - [Jax] Yeah, it is.
But I need to talk to him.
Find out the truth about JT, Evan, all of it.
Wait, you want me to come with you?
No, it's okay. I've known Adrian for a bit.
Sally trusts him and he helped us out.
[Daniel] Well, you also think he murdered JT.
If he did kill JT, he's still not a cold-blooded murderer.
He's a man in love. A scared man in love.
Actually, you know what? You should come with me.
Yeah. Ride separately and stay outside.
If you don't hear from me every six minutes,
call the police.
[door closes]
Hello?
♪ He go and make money... ♪
Adrian?
[Adrian] I'm in here.
♪ This is a man's world ♪
♪ But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing... ♪
Hi, Jax.
♪ Without a woman or a girl ♪
Have a seat.
I'm good.
What's up, Adrian?
[Adrian] We need to talk.
[♪ theme music playing]
[♪ music continues]