04x06 - Space (I Believe In)

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Covert Affairs...

Henry has moles inside Langley, and Annie just discovered that Seth Newman was one of them.

He att*cked Annie.

It started at Seth's place.

She had to act in self-defense.

[Grunting]

Where's the body?

Somewhere in the Potomac.

Annie, I know what happened on the bridge.

You don't need to worry.

You have my support, whatever you need.

Seth Newman was found in Virginia, extremely dead.

FBI is already on it.

Rest assured that they will solve this, soon enough.

[Thunder]

Alexandria police officially handed Seth Newman's case over to the FBI the second his body was I.D.'d.

Why didn't Langley contain the investigation?

D.C.I. doesn't know Seth was a mole, so he's pushing Feds to follow this down.

Right back to me.

It was your life or Seth's.

That defense may have held water at the time, but what about our actions after the fact?

If people find out you removed evidence from Seth's brownstone, you could go to jail.

Henry Wilcox used Seth to steal classified documents out of Langley.

We just exposed a massive intelligence breach.

With what to corroborate our story?

We've got nothing concrete.

Forget concrete. What do we have?

The night Seth was k*lled, he was headed to deliver a flash drive.

I saw the envelope in his jacket pocket.

The flash drive could be in FBI possession right now.

That could prove a connection. I can cry national security, bigfoot the Feds, and they will be forced to hand the device to me.

Have to do it without ruffling Calder's feathers.

We have to proceed as if he's working for Henry.

Well, that's the only way to vindicate us-- connect Seth and Henry.

Without the flash drive, all we have is conspiracy theory.

Annie, I can insert you into the FBI investigation as the CIA liaison, but then it's up to you to get the flash drive.

I can do that.

Then I will make the call.

Thank you.

[Background chatter]

Miss Walker?

Hi. Nice to meet you.

You'll be working in here.

Okay.

Jogger discovered the body in Belle Haven wildlife preserve.

Uhhuh.

This is the responding officer's report.

Quite detailed. Guy can't spell for sh*t though.

[Laughs]

I need an inventory of the personal effects discovered.

Okay.

Migraine hit the second I saw your name on the sign-in sheet.

Hello, Vincent.

Oh, we're on a first-name basis?

After what you did to me on the R.D.I. case or the Smithsonian break-in or the mess with the Mossad guy?

I was hoping we could start over.

Hmm.

Forgive, don't forget. I got this.

There's one thing I've learned from our past experience-- you have a hidden agenda, so save us both the headache.

Why are you really here?

A federal officer is dead, one of our own.

This is not the time to let personal grudges get in the way.

Let's get to work.

Are you staying on?

You wouldn't show your face unless there was something bigger at stake.

If you are involved in this m*rder investigation, so am I.

Sure it's a m*rder?

Medical examiner confirmed the ribs broke evenly, suggesting a fall from some distance.

Bruises to face and torso indicate the victim was involved in a struggle shortly before he d*ed, so, yeah, looks like a m*rder.

This is new to you, huh?

You spooks rarely solve the crime.

You're too busy searching for treasure and chasing assassins.

You have an active imagination.

Really? Drones, waterboarding, is that more accurate?

Want to take a look?

[Sighs]

Okay.

I already notified the immediate family.

Did you know him?

I knew him.

I didn't know him well.

Well, the police didn't find a wallet.

Any personal effects?

Yeah.

There was...change, keys, one shoe, pen.

Anything else?

You're looking for something specific?

Yeah, a solid lead.

Excuse me.

We found traces of skin underneath the victim's fingernails, probably the k*ller's.

This is good news, right?

The river didn't wash it away?

This is new to you.

Guy was fighting for his life, skin got trapped deep underneath the nail bed.

DNA is off to the lab.

It's only a matter of time before we catch whoever k*lled Seth Newman.

♪ Covert Affairs 04x06 ♪
Space (I Believe In)
Original Air Date on August 20, 2013

We got a problem.

The FBI found traces of skin underneath Seth's fingernails.

That lab work is gonna take weeks to process.

In the meantime, we'll figure something out.

Don't sugarcoat it.

Keep calm, carry on.

The plan remains the same.

Focus on the mission objective.

Let me handle the rest.

This morning you appointed Annie Walker liaison to the FBI investigation. That's my call.

When Seth's death was ruled a m*rder, it became D.C.S. purview.

Moving forward, all decisions go through me.

You ever get tired of the office politics, Joan?

It's not my fault your boy Auggie didn't get the job.

My decision stems from the fact that Seth was an officer with top-level clearance...

And a dear friend.

Yes, I'm aware of your personal relationship.

One thing you need to know about me is, I dig deep.

Seth and I spent a year together on Benelux desk.

Our relationship wasn't a secret.

If I were you, I'd focus on the case, not my personal life.

As long as your personal life doesn't influence the investigation.

Annie was appointed CIA liaison based on her long and effective working relationship with the FBI.

Is that so?

The turn for Belle Haven is-- is this way.

That's where the body was discovered.

I'm more concerned with where the victim d*ed.

Called in a few favors from my friends at ESRI.

Water currents, flow charts, tidal patterns-- saved us three days of pushing paper.

The victim fell from over 60 feet.

That narrows the local bridges down to three.

Seth Newman lived right around the corner.

Seems like the place to focus our efforts.

[Indistinct chatter]

[Police radio chatter]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Tires screeching]

[Grunting]

[Grunting]

Oh!

[Screams]

Walker.

Come here.

See that?

Blood.

And there were cuts on the victim's palms.

Looks like he was holding on before he fell.

[Phone rings]

Go.

No, we're still on the bridge.

Don't do anything until we get there.

Good news?

[Whirring]

[Metal clanks]

[Sighs]

Nothing.

Seems odd that a CIA lawyer keeps an empty secret safe.

Everything about this is odd.

Webb, what about the sweep, anything?

No fingerprints, not even the victim's.

Nothing in the computer hard drive, no files at all.

Your people have anything to do with this?

No.

All right, I want the lab work fast-tracked, and you have the DNA results on my desk within the next 48 hours.

Agent Rossabi!

What have you got?

Divers found this jacket hanging from a branch.

Old dry cleaner receipt inside the pocket has got the victim's name on it.

The current must have pulled it off the body.

This was also in the pocket.

Flash drive. Here's that solid lead.

Take it to the lab.

Gentle!

Don't take it out on the hardware!

You should have seen the cleanup at Seth's brownstone.

Even the safe was emptied out. It obviously wasn't us.

Joan dusted.

Henry must have sent in a team to sterilize.

Yeah, but a crime scene that clean sets off alarm bells.

Now Rossabi thinks there's a conspiracy to cover up Seth's m*rder.

Well, there kind of is.

Why would Henry want to kick the FBI investigation into high gear?

So someone gets caught.

But it's not gonna be us.

Here, this one.

Great.

I'm gonna upload some custom files.

Should keep the FBI techs chasing their tails.

How long is it gonna take?

'Cause I need to go back to Hoover to make the switch.

Oh, easy there. There's no rushing this.

The flash drive has to show signs of water damage.

[Exhales]

Fresh from the Potomac.

All right.

And now, we soak.

[Sighs]

What's going on?

Rossabi fast-tracked the DNA results.

We have 48 hours.

Okay.

I'm gonna try and hack into the FBI servers and alter the DNA results electronically.

That seems like a long sh*t.

I won't miss.

That also sounds illegal.

Only if I get caught.

Yeah, you mean unlike me?

We'll get through this.

I just...

[Laughs]

Wish it wasn't gonna take all night.

Watching it isn't gonna make time go any faster.

[Phone ringing]

[Gasps]

Watch your step, Miss Walker.

Prime location! Penthouse suite.

Perfect view of the Potomac! Ladybug Red?

Studies show the color boosts the performance of workers with detail-oriented tasks.

It's also the color of blood.

Is it?

[Laughs]

Lexington Global Consulting and Risk Management.

Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

You a revolutionary w*r buff?

Is it the, uh, "sh*t heard round the world"?

No, the racehorse.

Sired some of the greatest champions in history.

My hope is, my new endeavor can spawn the next generation of superior spies, yourself included.

We'll be up and running by the first of the month.

[Laughs]

That's in four days.

Enough money, and the right motivation, anything can be accomplished.

Ask my new clients at Solstar.

Pesos and fear motivated them to sign on the dotted line.

I'm building an elite team here in D.C.

You have proven yourself elite.

You interested in a full-time position?

I've already got a job.

Well, like I said, "enough money and the right motivation."

What's that?

It's the amount of money you are currently owed by Lexington.

How does Lexington owe me anything?

For work you've already done, in Colombia and here.

In the private sector, no bad deed goes unrewarded.

Shame about Seth Newman.

Were you two close?

Seth was a business associate of mine, part-time and off the books, just like you.

I recently heard the FBI is in possession of a flash drive found on Seth's body.

I want it.

I want you to get it for me.

You want me to get it for you?

In exchange for your services, I can provide assistance with your investigation.

What investigation?

Seth Newman's m*rder.

You are the liaison with the FBI, correct?

The CIA and the FBI are handling it.

But their interests don't align with ours on this one, do they?

What are your interests, exactly?

Get me the flash drive, and I'll tell you.

Let me know if I can offer my support.

I take care of my own.

Hey, good morning.

Good morning.

I have to register some evidence.

I'll take it.

Sorry, but I have to watch you enter it into inventory myself.

You have your protocols, and we have ours.

All right. Come on.

[Phone rings]

Excuse me.

Sure.

Hello? Hello?

What are you doing here?

Good morning to you too.

No, let me rephrase. What are you doing here?

My job. A colleague of mine is dead.

Are you really questioning my dedication?

No, only your intentions.

Uh you know what? I do have another reason for being here.

This flash drive was found in the pocket of a CIA lawyer, and that makes it Agency property.

I knew you were up to something.

Be mad if you want.

This is going straight to Langley.

Only if I'm delivering it to Calder Michaels directly.

He reached out to me.

He's expecting us.

The FBI's hard work won't go overlooked.

You'll have my full support going forward.

Well, that is refreshing, seeing that "cooperation" has never been a word in Walker's vocabulary.

I'm trying to establish a fresh way of doing things around here.

Well, whatever files the water didn't damage are encrypted.

My techs came up empty.

Maybe your people will have better luck.

You could have said that earlier.

Agent Rossabi.

I heard you were on the premises.

I wanted to return your call in person.

Calls, as in multiple.

I left your assistant a dozen messages.

I wouldn't be here if Mr. Michaels hadn't reached out.

Releasing declassified files has to run through all the proper channels.

It takes time.

I was actually calling with specifics regarding your personal relationship with the victim.

Do you mind sharing a few minutes?

In the name of interagency cooperation.

Course not.

Annie, Calder, I'll circle back with you in a moment.

Well, they are a part of this investigation.

They should be a part of this...

Unless you feel that they shouldn't.

Fine with me.

Great.

You knew Seth Newman?

Yes, very well.

We had an intimate relationship years ago.

Close and continuing paperwork was filed.

The FBI accessed the GPS computer in Seth Newman's car.

That's every place he drove in the past six months.

He was at your home three weeks ago.

Well, we had dinner plans, as friends, but I wasn't feeling well, so I cancelled and sent Seth on his way.

Mmhmm.

[Clears throat]

You and Mr. Newman were in Narcotics Anonymous together.

Was there anything discussed during group meetings that pertains to this investigation?

No.

Seth was in recovery, and doing very well, I might add.

Once an addict, always an addict.

So you know what it's like.

Seth Newman was in N.A.

That's information that you should have revealed from the get-go.

The "A" is for "Anonymous."

You have all the answers you need, Agent Rossabi?

For now.

[Thunder]

Calder is assembling techs to decrypt Seth's flash drive.

We practically hand-delivered that intel to Henry.

Mm, not exactly.

Is that the drive?

How?

Magic kit when I was nine.

[Chuckles]

As if I needed another reason to be into you.

Device is top of the line.

AES cipher locks, 2048 bit R.S.A.

Brute force decryption is the only way.

Okay, uh, pretend you're talking to your girlfriend and not barber.

[Laughs]

We break down the flash drive one file at a time, systematically trying every possible password combination.

It's effective, but slow.

Very slow.

So far, all I've been able to access is this.

What is that?

You tell me.

It looks like a photo of a jungle somewhere?

All right, well, I plugged the pixel data into every program that I have.

There's no data scale. There's no electronic key.

It's like a puzzle piece with no box top, or any other pieces.

Great, the DNA results come in, and I'm going down.

I need something tangible to take Henry along with me.

You're not going down. We just need to keep digging.

It takes time.

One thing we don't have is time.

There is no need to remind me of the clock on this mission.

[Softly] Sorry.

Maybe I should cash in Henry's check and get us some more computer firepower.

As much as I'd love a Cray Titan right now, it's not worth taking Henry's money.

You got to admit, it wouldn't be the dumbest spy play to work for him.

No, but it would be the riskiest.

We just need something to link Henry to Seth.

A photo of trees is not gonna do it.

No, but it might tell us what Henry's next move is.

We don't even have a clue what his last move was.

Wait.

Agent Rossabi used the GPS computer on Seth Newman's car to trace his driving history, and we have that data.

So if we could do the same thing with Henry's car, if we establish that they were at the same place at the same time, we could show a pattern of meets.

Okay, your solution has a problem-- how do we keep Henry occupied?

[Phone rings, vibrates]

[Beep]

Yeah?

Sorry to call so late.

I, uh, hope you weren't sleeping.

Wide awake, Walker.

Check your inbox.

I just sent you the Seth Newman phone records you requested.

In exchange for what?

Your help.

There was a name there that raised a red flag.

It's just a hunch, but I thought it was worth tracking down.

Okay, what's the name?

Henry Wilcox.

Jai is so young in this picture.

He and his mother loved camping.

Not me.

Bugs.

[Laughs]

Dirt.

[Laughs]

But the smile on his face when we got out to Hillcrest...

Some of my fondest memories together.

Have you brought my flash drive?

The FBI turned it over to Langley.

Tech Ops is decrypting it now.

Unfortunate.

The Agency loves glacial projects.

I do not.

Don't you have a mole in the building that can get it for you?

Not as talented as you, Miss Walker.

So...why are you here?

The FBI has obtained all of Seth Newman's phone records.

Eventually, you're gonna be called in for questioning.

I look forward to it.

Agent Rossabi is not to be taken lightly.

Neither am I.

Consider yourself warned.

You're here out of self-interest.

Scared I'll turn you over to the FBI.

Don't worry.

Your secret is safe with me.

Target's arrived.

Our clock has officially started ticking.

Go, go. Annie, they're on their way.

[Beeping]

[Tires squeal]

How can I assist you in catching the person responsible for this?

Mr. Wilcox.

Annie Walker. Nice to see you again.

Have we met before?

We were introduced at the Goldbergs' Christmas party.

Of course.

I'm out of the spy game so long, my skills are rusty.

[Laughs]

Ah, my day is jam-packed.

Um, let's try to speed this along.

Right this way.

Okay, wait here. I'm just gonna lay it down.

[Whirring]

These are Seth Newman's phone records from the last month.

You spoke often. Close friends?

Friends, sure.

It was mostly a professional relationship.

55 calls over a two-week span.

What did you two discuss?

Seth was a lawyer.

He provided legal counsel from time to time.

55 calls?

Well, it makes sense, that you'd have a lawyer on speed dial.

It's not every day that you meet a man who's been in prison for treason.

Then released.

Commutation of sentence has nothing to do with innocence.

Need to know every place this car has been.

How far back you need to go?

Since it drove off the lot.

Exactly what am I guilty of?

That's what I'm trying to figure out.

See, the last call that Seth ever made... was to you.

I don't think he expected it to be his last call, do you?

[Computer beeping]

Are we about done here?

Uh, Agent Rossabi, could I-- could I talk to you in the hallway for a moment, please?

We'll just be a moment, Mr. Wilcox.

Yes?

[Sighs]

He's hiding something.

Maybe, but we don't have anything else to go on.

Well, drill down harder on the phone records.

He already admitted to calling Newman.

Were you even paying attention in there?

[Computer beeping]

Come on.

Thank you, Mr. Wilcox.

We'll be in touch if any further questions arise.

[Door closes]

[Indistinct chatter]

Excuse me, sir, could I get your pass?

[Car alarm chirps]

That was some bullshit. You were stalling back there.

You're paranoid.

Agent Rossabi!

Not now.

Sir!

16th and Park.

Someone used one of Seth Newman's credit cards to pay for a pizza.

2708 Park Road, apartment eight, rented by one Marlon Higgins.

Served three years for possession and drug trafficking.

What are you thinking?

I'm thinking it doesn't make sense.

Well, we never found Seth's wallet.

Took three weeks to use the card?

[Door opens]

Marlon Higgins?

FBI, stop!

[Grunting]

[g*nshots]

[Shouts]

Oh!

[Groans]

[Sighs]

[Indistinct chatter]

Don't stand there all quiet, Walker.

You know this doesn't add up.

They found Seth's wallet and his credit cards.

He was in Narcotics Anonymous. Marlon was a dealer.

It adds up for a reason.

You expect me to believe that that junkie was capable of the cleanup at Newman's brownstone?

I am not falling for this cloak-and-dagger sh*t.

I'm fine!

You know what I think?

I think there was a fight at the brownstone, it got messy, and the brawl spilled out onto the bridge, and Seth Newman was k*lled.

You spooks are covering it up.

I realize you just fell out of a building, so I'm going to ignore the wild accusations.

Save your breath, because nothing you say to me is gonna stop me from getting to the bottom of this.

Let's wait for the DNA results before we chalk it up to a win.

[Hits desk]

Auggie!

Are you all right?

[Sighs]

It's not the first time I had a g*n pointed at my head.

I couldn't do it.

[Softly] What?

The FBI firewalls are too secure.

Every time I got access to the DNA results, it would automatically kick me out.

I'm sorry.

Maybe I can talk to Rossabi before the lab results come in, and he'll show mercy.

No. There's got to be something.

The GPS data from Henry's car.

You said that the locations don't correspond with Seth Newman's driving record.

Yes, but I found an anomaly.

Henry took a dozen trips out to a patch of parkland in Virginia.

What was he doing out there?

Sounds like a hail Mary.

It is.

Let's take a ride.

It's less than a mile from here.

[Phone rings]

Rossabi?

[Phone beeps]

Yeah.

You've reached Annie Walker.

Please leave a message after the tone.

[Beep]

[Scoffs]

Took it upon myself to go over Henry Wilcox's phone records again.

Guess whose number showed up. Yours.

[Phone beeps]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Ball return whirrs]

Federal Agent Rossabi.

To what do I owe the pleasure?

I know that you've been colluding with Annie Walker.

Just you? No backup?

You don't deny it?

When I'm done, you're gonna be back in a prison cell.

I hear you're a man of honor, Vince.

May I call you Vince?

No, you may not.

Have a seat, Vince. We have a lot to talk about.

Perhaps I didn't make myself clear.

All decisions involving the investigation into Seth's m*rder are D.C.S. purview.

Going over my head with Agent Rossabi, assembling techs to decrypt Seth's flash drive-- a blatant disregard of direct orders.

Has the team found anything on the flash drive?

The drive was too badly damaged, useless.

Then we're done here.

There's a chain of command.

I get that.

Protocols in place to maintain order.

But we are both patriots, out to do what's right at all costs.

Airing out a co-worker's dirty laundry is anything but patriotic.

There was only one way Agent Rossabi knew about me being in N.A., and that is you.

Dig too deep in this building, Mr. Michaels, and you're only gonna bury yourself.

Now get out of my office.

You said Annie had a great relationship with the FBI, and that's why you put her on this case, but that fed Rossabi says she was a pain in his ass.

Interesting management decision.

You're choosing sides, Joan.

I hope you choose wisely.

Describe it to me.

It's a--[sighs]

It's a wooded meadow in the middle of nowhere.

There's...tall grass, a-- a river.

[Sighs]

It's beautiful, but--

I never took Henry as a nature buff.

He parked his car here once a week?

Any sign of security cameras?

No.

He could have used it for dead drops or secret meetings, I don't know.

Or paying his respects.

What?

This is where Henry took Jai camping as a boy.

He's still grieving.

You're not feeling sorry for him, are you?

[Scoffs]

Greed can be bought, and anger cools, but grief?

He's never gonna give this up.

[Phone rings]

Rossabi?

[Scoffs]

Five times in the last 20 minutes?

The DNA results must be back.

He knows.

We need to talk.

There's nothing to discuss.

The skin underneath Seth Newman's fingernails was a match for Marlon Higgins.

Marlon Higgins?

Seth was an addict, Marlon was a dealer, it all adds up.

Just like you said.

You have friends in low places, Miss Walker.

[Door closes]

Am I supposed to thank you?

Hello, Miss Walker.

Do you like the finished space?

Like I said, with the right amount of money and motivation--

I don't need you to save me!

Oh, I think you do.

They had you dead to rights.

Inserting Higgins as the patsy was easy.

Getting Rossabi to alter the DNA evidence required some work.

To be honest, I expected your boy Auggie Anderson to come through.

Must be hard for him to accept that I had to step in--

You leave Auggie out of it.

Did I strike a nerve?

My apologies.

How did you turn Rossabi?

[Sighs] Once an addict, always an addict.

Booze. Mistakes.

Regret. Opportunity.

Any person can be influenced, turned completely by the contents of...

One single piece of paper.

The only trick is finding the right piece of paper.

Rossabi is a good man.

Who was going to ruin your future.

Is that what this is about?

Getting me into trouble, so only you can save me?

You needed to see what I'm capable of.

What are you doing?

Why are you dragging me down with you, Henry?

This is your last chance.

There will not be another offer.

Are you ready to commit to a full-time position?

To commit to me?

I could never work for you.

Big mistake!

Whatever you're playing at, it's not gonna bring Jai back.

You need to make peace with that.

Don't presume you can possibly grasp what I need.

You haven't lost nearly enough yet.

I held out my hand and pulled you out of the fire, and this is how you repay me!

You're gonna get what you deserve.

I have Seth Newman's flash drive, and I am taking you down.

Lies.

Photos.

You walk out of here, filled with righteous indignation, convinced that you are on the side of good!

But I want you to think about those you've aligned yourself with and to learn more! Get to the point!

The last few days, I've learned quite a bit about Auggie's ex Helen Hansen.

Has he told you about her?

Yeah, he did. He told me everything.

Everything?

Ask him if he's talked to her recently.

What do you mean?

She's dead!

Is she?

Ask him.

You've chosen the wrong side, Miss Walker.

Now you're going to burn with them!