Star City Murders, The (2024)

[bunniefuu]

Son of a bitch.

Right this way.

Jesus, Frank.

Leave it out, Kate.

You look almost as bad

as our vic.

What are you, my mother?

Fortunately not.

Your poor mother

can't divorce you.

-How is she, by the way?

-She's good.

So, why have you dragged me

out here so early?

Homeless guy.

That's it?

You'll see.

I'm good out here.

Suit yourself.

Morning, O.C.

Brody. Always a pleasure.

Maybe you can tell me

why I'm here.

That's different.

Indeed it is.

Pre or post-mortem?

Post, definitely.

Not nearly enough blood for pre,

unless of course he was moved.

Initial guess?

If I had to hypothesize,

I'd say he d*ed of exposure.

Local wildlife got a free meal.

No rigor mortis,

so he's been here

at least 36 hours.

But he's not bloating yet,

so less than six days.

-Coyotes?

-I don't think so.

There'd be more full and

partial-thickness lacerations

if that were the case.

Wild fly?

No reason to suspect so

at this time,

but you never know.

As always, I'll have more

information after the autopsy.

All right.

I guess I'll take it.

You say that

like you have a choice.

Great.

Let's get some breakfast.

First, let's run it through

one more time.

Come on, Ed. It's me.

No such thing

as too prepared, T.

-Brody?

-What up, brother?

-Hirsch.

-Brody.

How's the trial going?

You put that scumbag away yet?

Almost there.

Just the all-star here

about to take the stand.

Brody, you know what time it is?

Uh, it's almost nine.

And you're here.

Yeah.

We caught a body, and get this.

-The face is missing.

-For real?

Otherwise known as

"dead homeless guy in alley."

Morning, partner.

-And that faceless part?

-Oh, that's true.

Yeah, there's definitely

something going on

with this one.

Okay, Mulder.

Kate?

Leave me out of this.

-Morning.

-Detective.

Watch out, boys.

SWAT's in building.

Hey, Bullock, don't sh**t.

It's a bit early for misogyny,

isn't it, McQueen?

Oh, Bullock,

I'm just having a little fun.

What, you guys

don't have fun up in SWAT?

If someone gave me sh*t in SWAT,

I'd kick their ass in training.

You want me to kick your ass,

McQueen?

Can I get some help here?

No, this grave's

all yours, buddy.

So, what do you think?

You and me?

Grow up, Bullock.

I don't want to fight you.

I wouldn't either.

Maybe you want

to f*ck me instead.

-Okay, wait, wait, wait, wait.

-Huh?

I did not mention

anything about--

You're right, this is fun.

I think she won that round.

All right, all right,

that's enough.

Let's get back to work.

Brody, get Bullock up to speed.

I'll brief the captain.

So, what do we got, partner?

Told you to knock it off

with that partner crap.

Here.

Oh, wow.

What happened to him?

Don't know yet,

gotta wait for the ME's report.

But you got a theory, right?

Do I really do

some Mulder conspiracy thing?

Kinda, yeah.

But it's understandable

after what happened.

Whatever.

You should have seen

the look on this guy's face.

It was priceless.

That's always

my favorite moment.

That moment when they realize

they aren't gonna win and--

You see that cocky,

smug bastard expression

slowly replaced with one of

far too late

understanding and fear.

They suddenly know they've lost

and it is so satisfying.

Mm-hmm, right?

And to that moment I swear

he never believed

anyone would dare point

their finger at him.

To one more bad guy

off our streets.

And our future DA.

Wait, what?

Come on, man. All these wins?

You must have thought about it.

Everyone else has.

I mean, of course.

But I'm a trial lawyer.

Do you know how many cases

the DA personally

prosecuted last year?

None. Not one.

So, while I appreciate

the votes of confidence,

I have no interest

in the politics of all this.

I love being on the ground

with you guys,

getting the work done.

And we appreciate that.

Sure, would be nice to know

the guy at the top

shared the same convictions

as we do for once.

Agreed.

Hell, I'd even

vote for you for mayor.

And, on that rather

crazy note...

What, you're leaving already?

Yeah, T.

You're not the only one

who likes to celebrate

the end of my big cases.

-You know what I mean?

-Mustn't upset the breadwinner.

Oh, you laugh, but we all know

if it wasn't

for Emily's success,

I'd be some soulless

corporate leech by now.

But you just make sure

you thank her for us both.

What?

Enjoy your evening, Ed.

Another?

Nah, I should probably

be getting home too.

You'd just leave your partner

to drink alone?

Fine.

One more.

It's been a long day.

Speaking of long days,

where's Frank?

He's usually here by now.

I'm sure it's nothing, she says.

Star City?

What are the chances we hold

two bodies with the same thing?

I'm sure it's nothing.

Doc, we gotta stop

meeting like this.

Nothing would make me happier,

Brody.

Detective Bullock.

You guys

are gonna want to see this.

Come on through,

the area's already

been processed.

Just like

the homeless guy?

Initially it seems so,

but I'll have to confirm that

when I get it back to the lab.

Well, what can you tell me?

Well, it's not as old

as the other.

Probably 48 hours

at an early estimate.

Supreme mortem this time?

Yeah, based on the amount

of damage and blood,

it certainly seems so.

And what's this?

-Saliva?

-I don't think so.

First off, the consistency's

all wrong for saliva.

Plus, it has an odd odor.

-Jesus, Bullock.

-What?

Any more idea

what did the eating?

Well, for your guy in the alley,

something

with a small bite radius.

Perhaps a rodent.

And on first inspection,

this does look quite similar.

Like, rats?

Sure, could be.

Okay, Doc, let me know as soon

as you find out anything else.

I'll have a report

for you both by tomorrow.

- Great.

- Thanks, Doc.

Don't stay out too late.

-So, back to the station?

-Yeah.

Okay, I'm done.

Time to trade partners.

-You're a lucky man.

-That I am.

Got the two best partners

in the world.

Yeah, okay.

Don't lay it on too thick.

You know,

you can still reconsider.

Don't start.

We've been over this

so many times.

I know, but...

have you told Brody yet?

Still haven't found

the right time.

He's just

not in a good place, you know?

You think he ever will be?

But take that board of his.

Hasn't touched it in

I don't know how long.

Can't tell me

he's gotten better, though.

Exactly my point.

I think we have to face

the fact that...

we may never get

the old Frank back.

Everything that happened,

it just took

too much away from him.

He wasn't the only one.

Now I really gotta go.

-You're not driving.

-Nah.

Ordered a ride.

So, this guy, Jackson,

was a lifetime security guard,

worked all over

from airport to sideboard.

Even spent a few years

as a prison guard.

Guess you could say

he was a security vet.

If there's such a thing.

Even applied to the force

a few years back.

-Washout?

-Quite the opposite.

Passed the intake

with flying colors,

just never took up the post.

Why take the test, then?

Curiosity.

Challenge.

I don't know,

maybe his plans just changed.

Find next of kin?

Yeah.

An ex-wife in Florida.

No kids.

Parents both d*ed

a few years back.

All right.

I'll make the call

in the morning.

-Anything on our John Doe?

-Not really.

Reached out to the shelters,

but without a face...

Fingers were too decomposed

for usable prints, too, so.

Looks like

we'll be waiting on dental.

We're gonna be waiting

on the lab

for a lot of things

in this case.

f*ck, it's been a day.

Two bodies.

Who would've thought?

Cap's gonna sh*t the bed.

So, what now?

Now?

We go home and go to sleep.

We'll pick back up

in the morning.

Uh, damnit.

We missed McQueen

finally buying round.

Em?

Babe?

I've been

waiting for you, Mr. Hirsch.

Should I be afraid?

Oh, you should be very afraid.

Well, I am here now.

What are you planning

to do to me?

Whatever I want.

I swear, you get

more beautiful every day.

Smooth-talker.

I mean it.

How did a simple lawyer like me

end up with a goddess like you?

I think it probably

had something to do

with lines like that.

Mm-hmm.

Come on.

Brody!

You in there?

Did you die?

You have to be across town,

like, now.

Morning, partner.

My partner's dead.

f*ck, Brody.

How many bodies

are rotting in here?

Just mine.

What the hell

are you doing here, Bullock?

Phone is going

straight to voicemail.

-And?

-And Captain Aikman is pissed.

I'm here to save your ass.

Come on, let's go.

-What's the rush?

-No idea.

Only that we have to meet him

at a residential in the heights.

-Aikman's at the scene?

-Yeah.

Do you think,

could we have a serial k*ller?

I thought

I was the conspiracy nut.

Oh, come on.

Try not to get too excited

about people losing their lives.

I know, I know.

Can you imagine?

Listen.

You want to be taken seriously,

I get it.

But stop acting like

-such a damn rookie.

-What?

You know what the best day

for a detective is?

The day

you close a career case?

No.

It's the day

you don't get a new case.

Ask any vet.

The day nothing

comes across your desk,

those are the best days.

Those are the days

we do days like today for.

Tell that to McQueen.

Whatever issues

the two of you have,

Terry will tell you

the same thing.

He's a good guy

under all that bravado.

You know he turned down the NFL

to become a cop?

Yeah, whatever.

Come on, let's go.

The charge is over there.

I'm going to go take a shower.

Just hurry.

Jesus.

Damn.

So, where's the parade?

I don't know.

-Since when do you--

-I don't.

Just needed something.

What's going on?

Captain's inside.

He'll fill you in.

Tell him to get

another couple of patrol cars.

We've got to canvas the area.

And make sure to tell him,

no silence.

Detectives,

welcome to our new nightmare.

What's going on, Captain?

It's Ed Hirsch.

-He's been m*rder*d.

-What the hell happened?

We don't know yet.

Dr. Canavalle's still

working the scene.

It's not good, Frank.

I haven't seen anything

like this since Iraq.

I take it we're trying

to keep it from the press?

Exactly.

Where's his wife?

Emily, right?

Yeah, they took her

to the hospital.

Is she okay?

Physically, yes. She's in shock.

She's on her way to

the psych unit for observation.

-Potential witness?

-Yeah.

Where's Terry?

He went with Mrs. Hirsch.

This scene was too much,

even for him.

Too much? For McQueen?

Holy hell.

What the f*ck happened?

Mr. Hirsch was stabbed

multiple times.

His abdominal region

heavily mutilated.

Blood loss and trauma

resulted in his death.

Wait, he was still alive?

Sadly, this volume of blood

loss suggests so.

Is there anything more

you can tell us?

Not really.

Anything more at this stage

would just be

presumption and conjecture,

I'd really rather not.

Understood.

We'll leave you to it.

f*ck.

Needless to say,

this has just become

a priority case.

Brody, Bullock.

I need you

to brief the department

on your previous findings

at 2:00 p.m.

Smith, coordinate the canvas

and then head over

to the hospital.

See if you can get

any kind of statement

out of Mrs. Hirsch.

If not,

just head back to the station.

And bring McQueen with you.

Nobody says anything to anyone

outside the department.

Period. You got it?

And the canvas?

Just have them say it was B&E.

Questions?

All right, let's get to work.

Hey, Doc.

You got those reports for me?

Autopsies take time, Brody.

So you got nothing?

Alexandra,

would you grab that file

off my desk for me, please?

Causes of death?

As you know, Mr. Hirsch

d*ed of massive blood loss

due to multiple s*ab wounds

and subsequent mutilation.

Well, what about

the security guard?

What about that weird substance?

I did a preliminary analysis

and also sent a sample

to the state lab.

It revealed large amounts

of testosterone,

methamphetamines, epinephrine,

as well as some

yet-to-be-identified

chemicals and hormones.

So he poisoned them too?

No, it wouldn't be absorbed

through the skin.

At least not fatally.

And you found this

on the guard and on Ed?

Actually,

I found it on all three.

It was just more dried out

and less obvious

on the initial body.

So we can pretty much confirm

at this point

that all the murders were

committed by the same person,

which means

we have a serial k*ller.

Let's not get ahead

of ourselves.

Come on, Cap.

There's no way

two nutjobs came up

with this crazy rat sh*t

at the same time.

Rats? Seriously?

I didn't think

we had cause of death yet.

Sorry, Cap.

We may not have

exact cause of death,

but look at the facts.

Victim one, homeless guy.

d*ed approximately 45 days ago.

Subsequently mutilated

at the face

and neck post-mortem.

Victim number two,

security guard.

d*ed three days ago.

Subsequently mutilated

at the torso,

specifically the ribcage.

And our third victim, Ed Hirsch.

d*ed last night.

Confirmed stabbed and mutilated,

both pre and post-mortem.

Wait. Ed was alive?

Canavalle says so, yeah.

And victim two, most likely.

Hopefully, we'll confirm

with the witnesses

at some point.

Sick son of a bitch.

Continue.

Okay, at the very least

they're all connected.

Um, it all seems personal.

You know, the stabbing,

the weird rat thing.

One thing's for sure,

it's every two days.

So tomorrow night,

someone else is gonna die.

That's a lot of

conjecture, Frank.

Did we get anything

from the canvas?

No. Neighbors aren't exactly

packed in up there,

and no one heard or saw

anything out of the ordinary.

Hm, Jackson's boss was the same.

Full of praise for the guy,

but nothing out of the ordinary.

No calls for him,

no one checking on him.

Nothing from the canvas

for that night.

And there was no evidence

of any defensive wounds,

or that he even drew his w*apon.

So either he knew the guy,

or he got jumped somehow.

So, what's the link?

What does a homeless person

and a security guard

have to do with Ed?

That's what

we have to figure out.

Unfortunately, Hirsch

was so damn good at his job,

there's a lot of

potential suspects out there

from past cases.

It's gonna take some time.

That's one thing we don't have.

Sorry, Cap.

All right,

the two of you need some facts

to go along

with this theory of yours.

I want an ID

on the John Doe, ASAP.

But more importantly,

we need suspects.

I'm gonna have the mayor

so far on my ass

I'll be able to taste

his hair wax.

Yes, Cap.

Oh, while I've got you here.

You should know

that Detective Smith

is gonna take the lead

on the case.

What? Why?

Because I believe she's the best

person for the job.

This is our case.

We landed it,

we should get to see it through.

What part of this

makes you think

it's up for discussion?

-Come on, this is some bullshit.

-Detective Bullock.

Let me be very clear.

Every case that comes through

this department

belongs to the entire team.

Especially a high-profile case

like this one.

-Yeah, exactly.

-Jesus Christ, Bullock.

I thought you were sharp.

Brody's in no shape

to take on a big case,

and you're a rookie.

One that some people inside

and outside the department

question even being here.

So quit acting like

a spoiled brat

and get on with your job.

Look...

this case is gonna be rough

on all of us.

It's not gonna make

anyone's career,

I can promise you that.

Could we succeed or fail

as a department?

Understood?

-Yes, Cap.

-Yes, Captain.

Brody, meet me.

What the f*ck

did I tell you this morning?

Have a seat.

Look, we all...

myself perhaps more than others,

understand what you went through

before and after

your partner's death.

I mean,

the effect it can have on you

is not easy to deal with.

I still consider it

my greatest personal failure

we never closed that case.

Yeah.

Look, Brody,

you were and you still are

a good detective.

It's just that,

given your recent history,

I can't have you

as a lead on this case.

You understand that, right?

Don't worry, Cap, I get it.

I mean, normally I'd put McQueen

and his moneymaker up there,

but he's too close to it.

With Detective Smith's transfer

coming up,

-it would be a boost for her--

-Transfer?

Yes. Out of the department.

I assumed

it was common knowledge.

Well, that being said,

it's all hands on deck,

so I need you to rein in

your partner a little

and point that hothead of hers

in the right direction.

Come on, Cap.

I don't want or need a partner.

You don't have a choice.

It's the way the system works.

Personal issues or not,

you have to have a partner.

I did fine without her.

Did fine?

Brody, you've been coasting

on the bottom

for some time now.

We both know that.

When's the last time

you closed a serious case?

Exactly.

Now,

whether you want one or not,

you're going to need a partner.

And I'm going to need you

as part of the team.

Because this case

cannot go unsolved.

Not this time.

Is that all, Captain?

Yes, Detective, that's all.

You're dismissed.

Don't worry, Cap.

I hear you.

Frank!

Hey, Alison, it's been a while.

Too long. Get in here.

-Oh.

-Oh.

I was so sorry to hear about Ed.

Yeah, me too.

Well, dinner's almost ready.

You're going to stay, right?

Depends who's cooking.

I am.

- Then I'll stay.

- Great.

Terry's out back.

Thanks.

-Hey, bud.

-Hey, Frankie.

Thanks.

Hey, man.

Sorry about the briefing.

-Don't worry about it.

-You sure?

Yeah.

It's just still a bit raw,

you know?

You know Kate's leaving?

Oh, she finally told you?

-Nope, Cap let it slip.

-Oh, and?

And she should have

told me herself.

I mean, what the f*ck, man?

You know, she wanted to.

-Yeah, I'm sure she did.

-No, really.

She just didn't know how

or how you'd react.

How I'd react?

If I wasn't the last

to find out,

I'd be happy for her.

She deserves it.

I'm walking it here.

You know, there's a lot of water

under that bridge.

A lot of history.

For all of us.

You ever think about

the old days?

Of course.

We were together a long time.

Nah, man,

I mean, high school, college.

Uh, sure.

A little too often if you ask

my department-appointed shrink.

We thought

we had it all figured out.

Too bad you went

to the wrong high school.

But remind me.

-Who won state?

-Yeah, yeah.

But for real.

All the trophies, awards.

All high school.

It was you or me.

Everything.

We shared the honors,

and we made each other better.

I guess.

Then we ended up

on the same team in college.

And what did we win?

This much bigger pond.

And it was your choice

not to go pro.

But we didn't win anything.

Where's all this coming from?

You know,

I went to high school with Ed.

Even played

on the same team full-on.

He was a good guy,

even back then.

Way smarter

than the rest of us jocks.

Then he went off

to his Ivy League law school.

And came back

the best of all of us.

He could have worked

at any of those private firms.

Could have made a fortune.

But that just wasn't Ed.

Sorry.

I knew you were friends

a long time.

Shouldn't have been him.

True.

No.

I mean...

Never mind, I'm-- I'm rambling.

You know, I've known you

long enough to tell

when something's bugging you.

Just spit it out.

What mischief are you boys

getting up to out here?

Just reminiscing

about the old days.

Robbing it in, you mean.

Leave poor old Frank alone.

Dinner's ready.

You know the rules.

All right, baby.

We'll be there soon.

Old Frank.

You're older than me.

And rules?

No football talk

at the dinner table.

Seriously?

Walk out

or you might get carried out.

What-- what the f*ck

are you doing?

Hey man,

I'm just looking for strings.

Ha, ha, ha. Very funny.

But seriously, I know you.

Please don't--

You know, if you ever

need to talk about anything.

Yeah.

Thanks.

Same goes.

You're always here this early?

It's not that early.

If you say so.

Anything new?

Still on hold with the lab.

They promised dental, but I

think

they're just coming up

with their next excuse.

Did you get a chance

to go through Ed's old cases?

We really need a suspect today.

Actually, yeah.

Hold on.

Uh, f*ck it.

Of the cases Ed successfully

prosecuted in Star City,

total of 34 currently

on a parole release.

That's not too bad.

-Violent offenders?

-Quite a few.

All parolees.

I put a call

into the parole department.

I'm just waiting to hear back.

That's a good start.

Any stand out to you?

Honestly, not really.

None of them were homicides.

Mostly as*ault,

domestic v*olence.

All the really bad guys

are still locked up.

Okay, so we need to look

into those m*rder cases too

when they're not

locked up associates.

Alcohol donor records

have been pulled.

You hear anything new from--

Wow, great timing.

-Excuse me?

-I was just saying--

Never mind. How can we help you?

I have a report

from Dr. Canavalle.

Great, anything else?

No, that is all.

You're welcome.

They got the results back

from the state lab.

-Drug cocktail?

-Yeah.

Packed full

of pheromones, hormones,

extracts of all sorts

on top of the dr*gs.

According to the doc,

this stuff is probably

why there was so much damage.

It would have driven the rats

absolutely crazy.

So, it was deliberate.

Yeah, but why?

Destroying evidence?

Maybe, but everyone's seen CSI.

Besides,

if you can find these chemicals,

why not get some acid or lye?

Criminals

aren't always the sharpest.

Yeah, it just

doesn't feel right.

It's a lot of effort and

a lot of chemistry to go through

just to not know you could

still find the s*ab wounds

after you removed the skin.

So, it was symbolic?

But of what?

Seems you were right.

Homeless guy was stabbed.

Single wound, ribcage,

right to the heart.

Would have been quick.

Guess he was asleep

or incapacitated already.

All we need now is a name.

Hey, Frank. No soup?

Going through Ed's old cases.

-You good?

-What's with the getup?

Okay?

Press conference this morning.

How is our assh*le mayor?

Slimy as ever.

Cap did what he could,

but the idiot

still promised everyone

we'd catch the guy soon.

Come on, this way.

So, where is Terry?

Said he couldn't face her yet.

- Detectives?

- Smith and Brody.

Jane Trent.

We spoke briefly on the phone.

-Dr. Trent, nice to meet you.

-Oh. Jane is fine.

It's pretty informal here.

-Kate.

-Frank.

Sorry to jump straight in,

but you said

Emily was talking again today.

That's right.

Uh, she asked for you, actually.

This way, please.

Maybe it should just be you.

Truth is, he's better equipped

for this than I am.

He's been through

something similar.

-Thank you.

-Yeah.

Hopefully this

doesn't take too much time

and Emily can get back

to her recovery.

Emily's in this room.

I'm afraid I must be present,

but I'll stay

just inside the door.

You going to be okay with this?

Think so. Besides, no choice.

For Ed, right?

- Hi, Emily.

- Hi.

-Nice to see you again.

-Where's Terry?

I'm sure he'll be along later.

He had some things to do.

Hi, Emily. I'm Frank Brody.

It's nice to finally meet you.

I'm very sorry

it's under these circumstances.

You're here to talk

about the other night?

If you think you're up to it.

Whatever it takes to help

catch the guy who did this.

Can you tell us

exactly what happened?

It was already quite late

when Ed got home.

Everything was normal.

Until we went out to the bedroom

and found the bed was all wet.

I went to the bathroom to get

some towels and that's when--

I didn't see anything.

I didn't even hear a footstep.

I just felt a hand

go across my face...

and everything went dark.

Okay.

What's the next thing

you remember

after you woke up?

I had been gagged.

And my hands

and my feet were tied.

The floor was cold and hard.

And I could hear...

It was so odd.

There was this...

strange roaring sound.

He had this gas torch

and he was burning a bucket.

Ed was lying on the floor...

the bucket was on top of him.

His body twitched and moved,

but he...

I tried to call out.

To yell.

I know

I was making noise, but he...

just ignored me.

Like it didn't even matter

that I had woken up.

I tried to move towards Ed...

...but the floor was slippery.

It was covered in--

I thought it was water.

When he turned off his torch

is when I heard it.

The sound.

There was this screaming sound.

This horrible...

terrible high-pitched screaming.

It was the sound of--

It was trying

to escape the heat.

Okay, Emily. What else?

What about the man?

He just...

sat there...

and watched.

I screamed through my gag,

but he didn't even look at me.

Did you see his face?

No.

He wore a mask and a hood.

What happened at the end?

For some time, he just...

sat there.

And then...

when the noises

finally stopped...

he just left.

After all that...

He just picked up his bucket

and left.

He never spoke?

He just left us there.

I wish he'd k*lled me too.

She saw everything.

She laid in Ed's blood

and had to watch.

-That's--

-Yeah.

That's big time personal.

And specific.

Even ritual, maybe.

You know...

it's like a calling card.

A twisted,

f*cked up calling card.

But there's got to be

more to it.

I mean, no one just thinks

something like this up.

We should both write this up.

We don't want to risk

missing anything.

And I don't think

I can bear asking her again.

All right.

You headed back to the station?

In a bit.

I got some questions

about the psychology

of all this rat stuff

I want to ask the doc about

when she comes out.

Okay.

I'll see you tomorrow, then.

Damn it.

Why didn't you tell me?

-Tell you what?

-Come on.

About your new job.

-And leaving.

-Oh.

I know we're not married

anymore, but come on.

Didn't I deserve to know?

Seems like everyone else knew.

I'm sorry, Frank.

You're right.

I should have told you.

I really just didn't know how.

After everything.

I'm not some broken little kid

you all have to keep protecting.

-I know.

-Do you?

It doesn't seem like it. What?

You didn't think I could take

the idea of you leaving?

You ever think maybe

it's not just about you?

Maybe telling you

would be difficult for me, too?

Make it all a bit too real?

You're not the only one

who still cares, Frank.

I know that.

I'm never going to

not love you, Katie.

You know that.

I'm sorry, okay?

You're right.

I should have told you.

I really just didn't know how.

It's okay.

I know

it's a little late, but...

congratulations.

If anyone deserves it, it's you.

Just promise me one thing.

-What?

-You'll keep in touch, okay?

- God, you're an idiot.

- I'll see you tomorrow.

Seriously, does anyone

-actually work here?

-Funny.

It's usually us asking

if you actually work here.

Oh, we finally got a name?

Yeah. Dental got a match.

Ken McCready.

Born in Star City,

a vet, two tours.

Kind of fell off the map

after he came home.

Most recent records

are from the VA

from a couple years back.

McCready?

Why do I know that name?

-What else does it say?

-Not much.

If we want more,

we're going to have to do

some digging ourselves.

Can you stay on that?

I got an itch.

You know,

you can get a cream for that.

Yeah, it's called McQueen.

Where is he anyway?

-Terry?

-Hey, partner.

You okay?

Come on in.

So, what's up?

You've been kind of a ghost

these last couple of days.

Yeah. Sorry.

No need to apologize.

We all understand.

That's not what you think,

though.

You want a drink?

-It was us.

-What was us?

And now I'm the last one.

Okay, you're really

going to have to stop

being so cryptic.

Back in high school,

we all played football together.

Me, Ed...

Ken and Cam.

Wait.

Cameron Jackson

and Ken McCready?

And not just that.

We were close.

I mean, as close

as high school kids get.

You're saying you were friends

with all three victims?

And that's not all.

I think I know

who's behind this and why.

Terry, is there a chance

you shouldn't be saying this

without a lawyer?

It was high school.

We were kings

of the football team.

Of the school.

Hell, by our final year,

we were kings

of the whole g*dd*mn city.

We could do anything.

So when some kid is pissed,

because we wouldn't allow him

on the team...

he decides to rat us out

for smoking a little weed.

Well, we reacted...

like kids react.

Badly.

Ed took the blame.

Even back then,

he knew how to work the system.

He had his Ivy League spot

all locked up tight.

And he somehow

convinced the school

to let us off with a warning.

I'm guessing somehow

that wasn't the end of it.

Of course not.

We were dumb kids.

Between the name-calling

and the bullying, we...

we ostracized the kid.

Eventually, he left the school

and rumor has it, he...

ended up in a psych ward.

So 20 plus years ago,

you bullied this kid

and now he's back for revenge?

-I just can't believe that--

-Look, I told you. Okay?

Now you need to do something

about this guy before I do.

Because if I find him,

I'm going to k*ll him.

So I need you to.

What we did was wrong. No doubt.

But I'm not that person anymore.

Neither was Ed.

Hell, none of us were.

We made amends with the lives

of the servers we chose to lead.

None of the guys deserve this.

But Ed...

Ed would have wanted justice.

Okay.

Okay. I'm going to need a name.

Matthew Rose.

Got it.

You and Frank need to do this.

For the guys.

Don't worry, we will.

I'm going to change, then head

right back down to the station.

Wait for me?

No, I-- I need to get home.

Okay.

I'll have a protective

detail put on your place.

No.

This isn't up for debate.

I'm putting that car on you,

whether you like it or not.

It's not necessary.

This guy's k*lled

three people already.

One, at least, was also armed.

They didn't know he was coming.

Argue all you want.

You're still getting that car.

Fine.

I'll see you soon.

That's it.

I knew I remembered that name.

Lay it on me, partner.

All the victims went

to high school together,

same year and everything.

I remember McCready

from football.

I used to play against him.

Guy was a hell of a receiver.

You think

this could go that far back?

Maybe, yeah, something.

You know who we should speak to?

-Apart from McQueen?

-The school's principal.

If anything went down back then,

the principal would know.

In my experience,

they always do.

Here we go. Geraldine Preston.

I'll get us an address.

It's a little late

for a house call.

Let's go first thing tomorrow.

What's that?

Just a little homework.

Damn it, T.

Where the hell are you?

Still nothing?

No.

Come on, let's see

if this principal

can shed a light

on our connection.

Hello, can I help you?

-Geraldine Preston?

-Yes.

Detective Bullock.

This is my partner,

Detective Brody.

Detectives?

What can I do for you?

You were principal

of Star City North in 1996.

Yes.

Wh-- what is this about?

I think it's better

if we speak inside.

Oh, o-- okay. Come-- come in.

Please, sit down.

-Mrs. Preston--

-Uh, Miss.

-I am happily unmarried.

-Right, sorry.

We're investigating a case

involving some of your students

from that year.

That's a long time ago.

I don't know what help I can be.

Uh, which students?

Cameron Jackson

and Ken McCready.

Is there anything

you could tell us

about their time in high school?

Uh, I'm not really sure.

What-- what are they

being investigated for?

If you don't mind me asking.

It's a m*rder investigation,

Miss Preston.

They m*rder*d someone?

A writer, huh?

Uh, what?

Uh, yes.

Uh, after I quit teaching.

Wait, did someone

k*ll Cameron and Kenny?

So you do remember them?

And if you know

a link between them

and ADA Edward Hirsch?

Ed Hirsch is involved, too?

We think so, yes.

We're trying to establish a link

between the victims

and ADA Hirsch.

Well, they were

all football stars

of varying degrees.

It started off normal enough.

Sports team hazing.

Schoolyard disagreements.

Kids who simply

didn't get along.

But it escalated so quickly.

Beyond anything

I could have expected.

Long story short,

it ended with a student

being hospitalized

and eventually being admitted

into a psychiatric facility.

As far as I know,

he never returned to school.

How does schoolyard bullying

end in hospitalization

and sectioning?

I never learned

what caused the final break

for the poor boy.

There were rumors, of course.

Or maybe it just

built up over time.

I don't know.

But I do know

that we failed him.

Entirely.

Jesus.

And the perpetrators?

Were football stars.

State champs that year, too.

It's like diplomatic immunity.

These schools rely

on their boosters,

the board for sports funding.

And stuff like this

just gets buried.

Unfortunately, that's true.

All I could do

is turn in my resignation

and no longer be a part of it.

That's not all

you could have done.

Maybe.

And do you remember the name

of this unfortunate student?

Of course.

Matthew Rose.

Okay, Miss Preston.

We're gonna need

a full statement.

We'll need you to stop

by the station later today.

You may want to bring a lawyer.

I understand.

Out of curiosity,

any other students involved?

Um, only one

that I was aware of.

He was the football captain.

Terry McQueen.

Yes.

Thank you.

We'll see ourselves out.

McQueen was a part

of this the whole time?

Look, you know

I'm no fan of the guy.

-That's hard to believe.

-Makes sense.

Ever since he learned

the name of the second victim,

he started acting strange

like he had no interest.

And after hearing

the name of McCready,

he vanished altogether.

He was told not to investigate.

And if you were told

not to investigate

a lifelong friend's m*rder,

would you listen?

Right. Come on.

We gotta head back and find

this Rose guy and McQueen.

What are you

gonna tell the Captain?

I have no idea.

What the hell

are the Fed wannabes doing here?

Hey, bureau boy, get your

grubby little hands off my work.

Brody, my office.

What the hell

are the staties doing here, Cap?

Come on in, I'll explain.

And Bullock,

just don't start anything.

Close the door, Frank.

Frank? I must be in trouble.

There's no easy way to say this.

-Kate's been stabbed.

-What?

-Is she okay?

-She's in the hospital.

Lost a lot of blood,

but she's in surgery

and the doctors are optimistic.

-Which hospital?

-Now, hold on a second.

She's not gonna be conscious

for at least another 24 hours.

-What-- what if she--

-We got an early lead.

Someone saw a guy

running from the house.

Was it him?

-Was she--

-We don't know.

And no, it was just s*ab wounds.

It must have been him.

You and the greasy idiot

on that press conference

and advertised her.

We don't know that.

She had a lot of cases,

open and closed.

You said the same sh*t about Ed,

and look how much time

that cost us.

You know, all this paper chasing

because nobody wanted to admit

these cases were connected.

We've been chasing

cold dead leads for nothing.

And now Kate, too?

Calm down, Brody.

We don't know--

Yes, we do. It's McQueen.

He's the link.

We found out this morning.

We even have a name.

A proper suspect.

So of course

it's the same k*ller.

-It has to be.

-McQueen?

Where is he?

Where is that fucker?

He's taking some personal time.

What-- what do you mean

it's McQueen?

Just-- just calm down

and explain.

McQueen and the other

three victims

were involved

in some incident in high school

that drove a kid

to the nut house.

We talked to the old principal

and she confirmed it.

McQueen was the team captain

and he was untouchable.

He's the link and I think

he's known it for a while.

That's a serious

accusation, Brody.

No, these are

the facts, Captain.

We need to speak with McQueen.

Hell, we need to find him

and keep him safe

from the nut job and himself.

-I'm sorry, Detective.

-Yeah, you keep saying that.

But this is no longer our case.

Are you

f*cking kidding me?

There's no way

I'm giving this case

to an FBI wannabe from upstate.

-No f*cking way, Cap.

-You are and you will.

You're too close to this thing

in a hundred different ways.

You can't begin to be objective.

Objective? Who gives a f*ck?

I'm motivated. That's what I am.

What, you think I'm going

to pick up some car theft case

while this guy's out there

trying to k*ll Terry?

Don't make me

take your g*n and your badge.

-Just try it.

-Come on, Brody.

It's part of the job

and you know that.

Look, just go home.

Go to the hospital.

Do something.

But you can't be here

until this is over.

f*ck you, Roy.

The f*ck you all looking at?

Don't you have

someone else's job to do?

So we're off the case?

Listen, I need you

to get Rose's records.

Criminal, psych,

whatever we got in the system.

-Got it?

-What's going on?

Meet me at my place

as soon as you got the files.

I'll fill you in then.

-What about the Captain?

-Just get it done.

Okay. Okay, I'm going.

You tell her?

Make sure

you're handing your report

from this morning

before you leave.

Yeah, yeah.

Agent Davis?

A word?

- Brody?

- In here.

-Did you get it?

-Yeah.

So this is homework.

Sorry I didn't tell you

this before.

Kate's in the hospital.

What? Uh, how? What happened?

He stabbed her.

-She's in surgery.

-f*ck.

Is she gonna make it?

She's a fighter.

Okay. What's our move?

We're gonna catch this bastard

before he can get to McQueen.

That's what.

Oh, sh*t.

Speak of the devil.

-About time.

-Okay.

Bolo got a hit.

I'll read this on the way.

You're driving.

Well, this is

a lot thinner than I hoped.

But it seems like

this guy's a real product

of a broken system.

A lot of intake, outtake dates,

but not much of actual use.

They diagnosed him?

Oh, it's a variety of things.

PTSD to start with.

Various neuroses,

eventually schizophrenia,

along with severe depression.

How did he end up

back on the street?

Seems he got transferred

from a psych ward

to a prison upstate

after some violent incidents.

Then after a few years,

they just let him go.

-Seriously?

-Yep.

Just as a release date.

Overcrowding's bitch.

Guess there's

another file somewhere

that's doctor-patient

confidential,

but no way

this is all there is medically.

Sorry, it's all

being out of the system.

Oh, pull up here and let me out.

Hey, Frankie.

Remember this place?

Of course I do.

First place I ever got drunk.

-That hasn't changed.

-Yeah.

Me and the boys

used to come here all the time.

So what are

we doing here, Terry?

Thought we might

have a drink, you know.

-For old time's sake.

-Sure.

While we're at it, you can

tell me all about Matthew Rose.

So you know.

Some.

Bullock and I

pieced it all together.

You're gonna fill

in the rest for me.

-Starting right now.

-Kate didn't tell you?

Kate's in the f*cking hospital,

you assh*le.

What?

-I-- is she okay?

-She's in surgery.

He got to her last night

because of you.

I should drag you back to

the station in cuffs right now.

But first,

you're gonna tell me exactly

how this all fits together.

And exactly what you did

to Matthew Rose

back in high school.

It all went down

our senior year.

We had just come off

a great season as juniors.

And we had

a real good chance at state.

And out of nowhere

comes this transfer kid

giving it all the talk.

None of us wanted

any changes to the team.

Not even the coach.

But rules were rules, right?

So we got the tryout.

We made it impossible for him.

He got hit every chance.

No help. Bad throws from me.

We embarrassed the kid.

He complained

to the principal, of course.

His parents did, too.

But coach and a couple

of boosters got involved

and it went away.

At least for a couple of weeks.

Keep going.

He caught us smoking a joint.

Of course, he saw this

as a chance for revenge

and took it.

Held it over us

for quite a while.

-Eventually ratted us out.

-Cute story.

But I don't see

how this turns a kid

from disgruntled teen

to permanent

psych ward resident.

The rest of the year

he was the target

of all the high school sh*t

we could muster.

His nickname, Matt The Rat,

stuck pretty easy.

His high school life was rough.

But that's not what did it.

A couple of days,

after we won state,

there was this big party.

I don't know why he showed up.

I guess

most of the senior class did.

But still.

Man, we were so drunk.

The oldest of excuses.

Yeah, but it isn't.

Late on in the night,

I found him and Cam,

Cameron Jackson,

going at it outside.

I jump in

and Ed and Ken

got involved, too.

We b*at them pretty good.

And Cam got this idea.

He had this pet rat

and he had just seen

some documentary

on medieval t*rture.

We stuck him in a truck.

I forget whose.

We took him

to this deserted house we knew.

Ken didn't have a stomach

for this sort of thing

so he just sat back and watched.

And then Cam sat on his chest

and held him down.

And Ed and I, you know,

we set about discovering

that this medieval rat trick

actually worked.

How could you even--

The problem was he was

already writhing and screaming

before we even started.

So we had no idea

how far we had gone.

Which turned out

to be way too far.

The moment we moved that bucket,

even a little...

there was so much more blood

than we expected.

We freaked out.

Cam grabbed his rat

and he just ran.

I remember

running in the screaming.

He didn't stop screaming.

I had to get out of earshot.

Jesus Christ, that's messed up.

I'm amazed

the kid even survived.

As soon as I heard

Cam's name that day.

And you didn't say anything.

What kind of cop are you?

One who spent his entire career

trying to make up

for this mistake.

Find a f*cking job.

I know.

I know.

This is on me.

-All of it.

-Damn f*cking right it is.

That's why I wanted out.

I-- I told Kate the truth.

I knew

I couldn't be on his case.

Oh, come on.

We both know

you've been looking for this guy

ever since you stormed out

of the briefing.

-So where is he?

-I don't know.

-Bullshit.

-Seriously.

I couldn't find him.

It's Allison.

Hey, baby.

I gotta go.

You can't leave, McQueen.

You're under arrest.

It's Allison.

Don't make me

go through you, Frank.

Please.

Son of a bitch.

I just need to know

where his car is.

Of course he has a tracker,

what cop wouldn't?

Sorry, Cap, we can't do that.

Come on, you know

how long a warrant would take?

I'm fine with that.

You want to be the guy who could

have saved a cop, and didn't?

Copy that.

You find McQueen's car?

Seriously?

f*ck!

Alison?

Al?

Yes, Captain.

We're way out in Race County.

The old mill area.

You got our GPS.

There's McQueen's car.

You catch that, Captain?

Okay, we'll be waiting.

That took way too long.

Backup's at least

20 minutes out.

All right, let's go.

Hold on.

We have to wait for backup.

-You've got backup.

-No, I mean actual backup.

Ten years, Brody.

-But what if it goes--

-Like last time?

I know how you feel.

You don't think we lost people

in SWAT over the years?

You can't think like that.

It's not the same.

Isn't it?

Those people are my family.

You think

you've got survivor's guilt.

Imagine having it

multiple times in a career.

I'm trying not to.

Ah, listen, Brody.

I know you don't want a partner,

and that's fine.

Right now, you don't have one.

What you've got is a decorated,

pissed-off specialist

itching to take down

a wannabe cop k*ller.

Whether you like it or not,

I'm going into that building.

I still outrank you.

It's my call.

Remember what you told me about

always arriving after the fact?

About which days

are the best days?

Well, this is a chance

to avoid having that file

dropped on your desk tomorrow.

McQueen may have f*cked up,

but for now,

he's still one of us.

No one else

is here to save his sorry ass.

So are you with me?

Yeah.

Star City Police. Don't move.

You're early, Detectives.

Down on the ground,

hands behind your head.

No, I don't think so.

I said down on the ground!

Hands behind your head.

And I said no.

- Get on the f*cking ground.

- Brody, stand down.

Yeah, stand down, Brody.

Where is he? Where's McQueen?

Hmm, let's see now,

where did I put him?

Tell us where he is, Matthew.

Matt! My name is Matt!

Only my s-- stupid

parents c-- call me--

Okay, Matt.

Where's Detective McQueen

and Alison Gossard?

Tell us now,

or I'll put a b*llet

in that f*cked up head of yours.

Do it!

No, no, no, wait, wait, wait.

Hey, how about this?

Hmm?

Now, isn't this a dilemma?

Let's not do anything hasty.

You sick f*ck.

No, no, Detective,

let's not stoop to name calling.

I don't like it.

So what do you want, Matt?

I want you to listen.

McQueen already told us

what he did to you

-back in high school.

-I'm sure he did!

I'm sure he did!

Probably left half of it out

like he did

when he told that lady cop.

Did he tell you

how he and his friends

invited me

to the big post-season party?

How they jumped me out back?

How they b*at me, and b*at me

before throwing me in a trunk,

and dragging me

to some abandoned building?

They threw me on the ground.

That big one sat on my chest.

I could barely breathe,

I had no idea what was--

That little one just sat there

laughing the whole time.

And then they started.

They put a rat on my stomach,

and covered it

with a metal pail.

A g*dd*mn rat!

Then they lit the blowtorch.

And it didn't stop

when I screamed.

It didn't stop when I begged.

They just chanted,

"Matt the rat,

Matt the rat."

When it begins

to tear at your flesh...

you can't

understand the-- the pain.

The fear.

Yeah, actually, I can.

Oh, bullshit!

Seventeen hours of surgery.

I d*ed twice during that time.

My partner wasn't so lucky.

So, yeah, I know how it feels.

You think you've suffered?

They left me there.

Not knowing if I'd live or die.

When it's quiet,

when I listen...

all I can hear

is their laughter.

I'm genuinely sorry.

You know what, Detective?

I actually believe you are.

But you see, it wasn't the scars

that did

the real damage, was it?

It was the screams

every night after that.

My parents couldn't cope.

So they sent me to doctors,

and when that didn't work,

they just threw me away

into a facility.

And you tried to k*ll my wife.

Oh, I didn't try to k*ll her.

No, I just

needed her out of the way.

It was McQueen's fault.

If he wasn't such a coward,

he would have come for me

himself instead of sending her.

She could die.

Well, I'm genuinely

sorry, Detective.

I didn't want that.

I even called 911 for her.

But McQueen,

he had to be the one to find me.

He had to be punished.

I already

charged him with obstruction.

He'll be arrested.

You did?

He'd get away with it!

He always does!

Do you-- Do you know

he told the doctors

not to let me out?

Then-- then

he had me transferred

to some prison facility.

Cops don't have

that sort of power.

-So why didn't you--

-What?

Why didn't I what, Detective?

Tell someone? Anyone? Who?

Who the f*ck should I tell?

But--

but there was--

there was this one doctor.

You know, he gave me some ideas.

You know, kind of-- Kind of like

the 12-step plan the addicts do.

It felt good

to have some goals, you know?

To have a plan.

I know what you mean.

It's easy

to be stuck in the past

until you have

something to live for again.

And I had them.

They stole my life from me.

So I resolved

to do the same to them.

Sure, I had to pretend to be...

cured for a few years.

You know, model--

model prisoner.

Nothing crazy.

But it was worth it to see

the looks on their faces.

Was it though worth it?

Oh, yes, Detective,

it really was.

All right, Matt, we listened.

Now where's McQueen?

He's alive!

Barely.

Like I said, you were early.

Time to drop the Kn*fe.

Go on.

Do it.

Trust me, Detective,

all those people

who say it hasn't helped...

oh, no.

Revenge feels so good.

Get on your f*cking knees!

Or what? You'll sh**t me?

Where's Alison?

Holy sh*t. You don't have her.

You didn't hurt Emily.

You didn't want to k*ll Kate.

And you have

no reason to hurt Alison.

Now that's some fine

detective work, Detective.

Oh, sh*t.

You stupid son of a bitch.

Now...

k*ll me.

Like hell.

You're gonna pay for this

for the rest of your life.

I've already paid.

Now k*ll me.

McQueen?

He lost too much blood.

There was nothing I could do.

Damn, I really wanted

to take this assh*le in.

He didn't deserve

the easy way out.

I'm sorry, it was you or him.

No, it was always just him.

You heard him,

it was his plan all along.

su1c1de by cop.

Twenty years he was thinking

of one thing, one goal.

And tonight,

he finally pulled it off.

And Alison?

Either he let her go,

or he never had her.

He just needed McQueen

to believe that he did.

f*ck.

Come on.

Calvary's almost here.

-So how does it feel?

-sh**ting someone?

No, solving your first big case.

I haven't thought about it.

Well you should start

thinking about it.

You're gonna have a lot of

people to explain it to.

-Where are you going?

-The hospital.

Are you good?

You know what, partner?

I think this time I will be.

I'll see you tomorrow.