01x121 - Episode 121

[bunniefuu]

Can I get anyone anything?

All I want is my daughter back.

I need her here, Mom.

It's okay. I got her.

-Okay.
-[Dani shuddering]

I can't-- I can't breathe
without Chelsea here.

I don't think I can do this.

We are gonna
get through this together.

-Stay with me, sissy.
-Sissy.

You're gonna be okay.

I should be out there
looking for her.

The police

are more equipped
to handle this than you.

They've got boots on the ground,
eyes on the web.

If anybody can find them,
it's them.

They don't even know
where to start.

I just keep
thinking about her out there,

trapped, needing me.

And every minute,

she is getting farther
and farther away.

It's only been a few hours.

And if it's
that Allison woman who has her?

She's obsessed.

If what she wants
is Chelsea's love,

then it is in her best interest
to keep her happy.

That's what
we're hoping for now?

Let me tell you something
about that girl of yours.

She is brilliant.

And when Chelsea
wants something,

there is nothing
that can get in her way.

And right now,

all she wants is to be home

with you.

With all of us.

She's unstoppable.

She will find
her way out of this

or hang on long enough
for us to find her.

Either way, she is coming home.

Okay?

-[shouts]
-You like that, don't you?

Get away from me.

Where do you think you're going?

No!

Stop moving!

[screaming]

Chelsea,
you could have hurt me. Why--

Why did you do that?

I told you not to touch me.

What are you doing?

Thanking my dad for making me

take self-defense classes
before he let me model.

-You're bluffing.
-[Chelsea laughs]

Try me and find out.

♪ ♪

Catch me up.

Well, Vernon got
his FBI contact involved.

We reached out
to your missing persons expert

at the bureau, as well.
They're coordinating.

Good.

And if you need
any more calls made

or strings pulled,
just let me know.

I'm glad you're willing to help.

You came through and helped
keep Samantha and Terrell safe

when we needed it.

Yeah, well,
there's nothing I wouldn't do

for any of our children.

It's the methods, Bill.

We never question your motives.

That's my baby out there.

And nothing's going
to stop us from finding her.

No one's backing down.

We're gonna bring her home.
End of story.

Excuse me.

Uh, you looking for
a private game?

I need your help.

With?

The Heart Attach Escort Service,
which you own.

Now, what would give a nice girl
like you an idea like that?

Could you not
waste our time denying it?

This is urgent.

Well, if you're
that hard up for companionship,

you could just take
a stroll through the casino.

-I'm sure there's--
-Mr. Armstrong.

Call me Joey.

Joey.

My family would hate it
if they knew I was here,

but there's nothing
I wouldn't do

for someone I love
who is in trouble.

And you have the resources to--

I really, really need your help.

I insist that you get
on the phone with Tyrell

right now and have him
text you a photo

of that trophy
he won in the tournament.

Who's distracting whom, here?

We're taking turns.

I keep reminding Bill
Chelsea's a fighter.

Like her mom.

She can talk her way
out of anything.

Now, that she gets from her dad.

-Do you mind if I--
-DANI: Actually,

come to think of it,
I need to go

and check in
with Mother and Daddy

to see if any news came from
that secret meeting.

With Mr. FBI.

Nothing stays secret
around here forever, huh?

Come with?

I'll come find you in a minute.

'Kay.

How are you doing, Hayley?

Worried. Worried about Bill.

We should be
celebrating good things,

Chelsea's new business,
but after the stroke,

I... I worry that all this
stress is just taking a toll.

He's doing what Bill Hamilton
does best in a crisis.

He's taking charge.

He's good.

I asked about you.

I thought
you were just being polite.

You've been through
a lot with the miscarriage.

I know you're worried
about Bill, but...

make sure you're taking care
of yourself, too.

Thank you.

-[door closes]
-[Naomi clears throat]

Excuse me.

-Hi, Naomi.
-Hayley.

I'm going to the station
to check in with Jacob.

Ah, that'll calm
my nerves a little bit.

I haven't gotten an update
from Kat in a little while,

and I know Jacob is so busy,

but I'm so grateful
that he's allowing her

to contribute in her own way.

And I'm really worried
about her being

out there on her own,

with everything
happening with Chelsea.

Yeah, I get what you mean.

I'll let you know what I hear.

What's cooking in here?

I put our internet
investigations team

on alert to dig up
whatever they can on Allison.

Hopefully, we'll get a solid
lead that we can pass along

-to law enforcement.
-NAOMI: Okay.

I'll let Jacob know.

Bill was saying
you met this woman.

Yeah, Jacob and I spent
some time with her and Chelsea

at Uptown one night,
but I didn't think

they were actually dating.

Allison had a ring on,

and she said she was married.

Wait, hold up. She wasn't?

Then who the hell was Craig?

Apparently, some guy she hired

to pretend to be her husband.

What in the-- Who does that?

Wait, I'm sorry.

Can we back this up a minute?

Chelsea was dating a couple?

Yes.

And you knew about this?

Only because
she came to me for advice.

She was interested in Allison,

but it wasn't reciprocated.

At least that's what
Allison told her.

It seems like she was setting
Chelsea up from the beginning.

Obsessed, stalking.

And we never really
talked about Allison after that.

I haven't talked to her at all.

Yeah, no one's
seen much of Chelsea lately.

Well, she's been busy
with the new business.

And that
cease and desist letter.

-And her girlfriend.
-Uh, what, now?

Her... her what?

My daughter has a girlfriend?
Since when?

If your cousin's in trouble,

you should
be talking to the police.

They keep hitting dead ends.

The woman, the fan who took her,

left no trail,

just a bogus address.

But we've got
the account number that--

How did you
get your hands on that?

Uh, just kind of came across it.

Well, then you should be able
to come across her address

in much the same way.

Now, if you'll excuse me...

Joey, please don't
shut us down on this.

I thought since
she used your service--

Now, even if I were connected
to this escort service

you're talking about,
a company like that

would have an ethical,
let alone a legal,

obligation to protect
the identity of their client.

It's one address.

I wish I could help.

I could get a warrant.

You could,
but warrants take time.

The woman who's in trouble,

she's my cousin.

And this matters to me why?

Her name is Chelsea Hamilton.

If it's a matter of money,

I've got money. I can pay you.

[chuckles]

Little girl, look around.

This place is a money factory.
I don't need your money.

The fan's name
is Allison Bailey.

I've got a list of dates
where she used

your escort--

Um... the escort service.

I just need her details.

Something you said,
that there was nothing

you wouldn't do
to help someone you love.

It's a nice sentiment, but...

do you really mean it?

Of course.

Tell your brother
I'd like to have a conversation.

I'll be here for another hour.

Uh, m-my brother?

-Mm-hmm.
-Martin.

And if he keeps me waiting,
you can go wait on that warrant.

Tick, tock.

Tick, tock.

This was a mistake, okay?
It happens.

You-you try something new,
and it fails,

but that's how we grow.

Are you talking
about your purses?

I'm talking about you.

This.

You can still stop this.

You can still turn this around

and fix whatever issue this is.

It's love. Duh.

Love is not
a hostage-taking event, Allison.

It's two people agreeing
to be there for each other.

Yes, it's exactly that.

It's about having and holding
one possession until death.

I am that person for you.

I love you, and you're mine.

It doesn't work that way.

It will if you let it,

so just stop resisting, okay?
You love me!

Allison--

You wrote it over and over

and over again.

Here.

You wrote,

"Give me one more chance
to be with you,

"one more night
to leave you in ruins

and another morning to watch
the sun rise in your eyes."

Wait, that's-that's
not what I wrote.

Yeah, and then you left
a little heart emoji.

Never happened.

Yes, it did.

And when I read those words,
I wanted to run to you

and confess all the feelings
that were in my heart.

I sent you a note
saying that I had a great time

and I wanted us
to get together, but--

I knew what you meant,
what you weren't saying.

So you convinced yourself.

Oh, my God. Love notes
from Chelsea Hamilton.

I-I can still feel
the goosebumps.

And my heart.
Oh, my God, my heart.

There it goes.

It skips a beat
every time I see you

and I realize that you are mine.

Is there someone
that you can call?

Someone that can
talk you through this?

No, you're the only
person that I need.

See, you wrote,

"Tell me that you need me
and that you want me

and that you can feel it
as much as I do."

And... oh, I do.

Allison, the messages I sent
were nothing like that.

You're embellishing.

I didn't know how you felt,
so I was cautious, friendly.

I wouldn't have
laid myself open like--

You did.

You said, "Give me one
more chance to be with you."

Here's your chance, Chelsea.

Ruin me with your love,

for I am yours, Chelsea.

I may have said something
about the sunrise, but...

...I wrote those words
to someone else.

Who?

The person I thought you were.

Well, you say tomato, I say

let's get a vote
to break the stalemate.

Oh.

I know. We can send
some of those screenshots

-to your rebound girl.
-No.

-Yeah. Yeah.
-No.

We'll see what she thinks
of these hot

-and steamy messages.
-Stop!

-Do you want to do it?
-[cries]

Yeah.

It's okay.

Where's Hayley?

[Bill sighs]

She's, um,
she's upstairs with Nicole.

They're looking
for any threatening DMs

just in case
Allison isn't behind all this.

MADISON:
She is,

but I'm glad
we're covering all the bases.

Now, listen, sweetheart.

How are you?
Can we get you anything?

I just wanted to tell you
how sorry I am.

We all are.

No, what...

what I mean is,

I was afraid of Allison.

She genuinely frightened me.

But Chelsea acted like

it wasn't anything
she couldn't handle, s...

I should have done something.

This is not your fault.

There is no way to know

what someone's thinking
or to know their heart.

But I wish there
was something I could--

You have done, and are doing,
everything that you could do.

You love our girl,
and she is crazy about you.

And her father
was the last to know.

I'm sorry about that,
Mr. Hamilton.

Bill, please.

[sighs]
That young lady and I have

a lot to discuss
when she gets home.

I mean, I...

maybe she...
she just doesn't realize,

but I just want her to be happy.

You know? And I...
I hate that I didn't know.

Chelsea was gonna
tell you tonight.

Good, 'cause I have
a lot to say to her, too.

You'll have plenty of time,

because we're never letting
her out of our sight again.

How are they?

Worried.

I did the parental thing.
I reassured,

promised them
everything was gonna be okay.

I wish someone
would say the same to us.

Did you see
the look on Bill's face?

I think he was learning some
truths about my little cousin

that he was unaware of.

Her dating life?

Everything done in darkness
will eventually come to light.

It's a wake-up call
for all of us.

Even though we're better off
than others in some ways,

violence is the great equalizer.

Black girls go missing
all the time,

and no one bats an eye.

We're lucky.

Did the congressman
just get an idea?

I want to see
about enacting a bill.

If we're equal, let it be equal.

Everyone needs
resources when the...

unthinkable happens.

-I'm sorry.
-Hey.

I'd be worried
if you didn't break.

She's gonna be okay.

You know what
I love about Chelsea?

She can be... feral sometimes.

For better or for worse,
she is her mother's daughter.

Move out of her way
or you'll be pavement.

She's a Dupree.

That sounds like a compliment

with a side of condemnation.

Well, in times like these,

your family corners the market
in either bravery

or insanity.

Whatever the moment calls for.

And thank you
for loving me despite that.

[knocking on door]

-I'll get that.
-Yeah.

I need my favorite brother.

I don't like
that look on your face.

Do this and you'll be
saving the whole family.

Is this about Chelsea?

I've tracked down information
that could lead us to Allison,

but the person who has it
will only talk to Martin.

In return for a favor, no doubt.

Fine. Name it. I'll do it.

It's Joey Armstrong.

Your father said he'd get
in touch with Joey Armstrong?

And turn over any information
he has without a warrant.

Is he asking as the chief of
police or as a personal favor?

Hey, if it brings
Chelsea home safe,

I'm not asking questions.

God, I feel awful.

Just wishing he'd just do it
and get it over with,

and hating the fact
that we have to

dance with the devil
to get what we need.

Yeah, but it is what it is.

I just wish I could have
told Kat what my plan was.

I'm sure she would have
loved hearing how your father

has ties to a criminal.

Hey, if I could get intel
from Satan himself

right now,
I can't say I wouldn't use it.

Wow.

My "by the book"
husband is ready

to break the rules,
even for family?

Our little secret.

I hate saying this,
let alone thinking it,

but please, God,
let Joey come through for us.

I'm right there with you, babe.

-She's my little sister.
-Bottom line.

We've been through
everything together,

and we still have
so much left to do.

Please, Jacob, tell me
she's going to be okay,

-because I can't--
-Babe.

You see these empty desks?

They're empty because
every available body

is out there looking for her.

Her picture's everywhere.

Phones, car dashboards.

We won't stop
until we bring her home.

All of that,

and saving my sister
might come down

to cutting a deal with someone

you're supposed to be arresting.

A meeting with me
in exchange for...

Information from the escort
service that Allison used

to trick Chelsea into
thinking she was married.

They have information
we can give the cops.

Why are we hitting pause?

It does put you on
the fast track to locating her.

I know.

But why does Joey want
to meet with you, Martin?

-He didn't say?
-I was hoping you could tell me.

Do you two have some history?

Um, our paths have crossed
from time to time.

His casino is a major employer
in the district.

But he is dangerous.

It does not pay
to get close to that guy.

And she won't have to.

He wants me.

Oh, thank God.

I was so afraid
you would say no.

Ridiculous of me, but

because of your job...

This means everything, really.

Thank you, Martin.

When Chelsea finds out
what you're doing for her...

This is huge.

Text me the second

you find anything out.

-I love you.
-I love you, too.

Don't say it.

He's reeling you in.

He's dangerous.

But she's my cousin.

Come here.

Maybe I was into you,

but I got over it.

Now I'm immune.

You can't be.

What we had was so intense,

and something that powerful
doesn't just go away.

That's exactly what's
supposed to happen

when someone tells you
they're not interested.

Not if it was meant to be.

It was meant to end, Allison.

Take no for an answer
and get on with your life.

Like when you hopped into bed

with the first woman
that blinked at you.

But I know
you just needed someone

because I had gone too far
and I'd broken your heart.

But she-she's just a rebound.
Yeah, she's a rebound.

A seat-filler, until--
till the right person

slides back into your life.

Me.

You can't force
someone to love you.

Force?

Oh, you mean the accessories.

These are just until

you get used to
the new way of doing things.

This is not,
and will never be, my life.

Well, not with that attitude.

You really are out
of your mind.

With love.

But I have learned my lesson,
and I'm furious with myself

for letting you go before,

but I won't make
that same mistake again, okay?

[crying]

Tracy, thanks for calling.

Sharon filled you in
about Chelsea?

I know, I know.
She is crazy about you, too.

No, don't you dare.
You stay right there in Chicago.

She's going to be walking
through that door any minute.

I can feel it in my heart.

Yes, something has come up
that's surprising.

I'll fill you in
as soon as our girl

is back home where she belongs.

And, Tracy,

thank you
for getting the word out.

Love you, too.

[doorbell rings]

What is this?

A sympathy plant.

Now, you have
to be careful of the spines,

because a girl's
gotta protect herself.

Oh, we are practically family.

There you are.

Are you out of your mind?

With grief. I mean,
we all are just so devastated

by the loss of
that poor, sweet, sweet--

Chelsea is not lost.

Chelsea, that's her name.

VERNON:
Why don't you

let me handle this?

Thank you for coming,

but I think it's time
for you to go.

Our granddaughter is missing.

I knew you were depraved,

but to use our family crisis--

Okay, now
you just wait one minute.

I am here on a sympathy call,

and if anybody
understands your heartache,

oh, you are looking at her.

Are we forgetting
how your former son-in-law

threatened me
when I was pregnant?

And Mr. Big and Bad, Esquire,
man, oh, he swore

if I didn't leave town,
he was gonna snatch my baby.

I thought I heard you.

-Not tonight.
-[scoffs]

Oh, looky here.

Speak of the devil
and he shall appear.

Listen, I want
that girl to come home

just as much as anybody.

But until she does,

I hope you remember
what this feels like,

and I hope it haunts you
and I hope it plays on repeat.

Because I spent years

terrified that you
and your hellhounds

were to come and steal my baby.

I was afraid, I had sleepless

nights and I was alone.

This isn't the time, Leslie.

Oh, Lord.

I asked for retribution,
but not like this.

Please bring that poor,
precious baby girl home,

home to her trifling
two-faced daddy

with all his hate and...

-All right.
-...bring him into the--

That's enough.

-May I?
-Oh, be our guest.

May you what-- [shouts]

Unhand me, demon! I am ethereal!

Put me down! You know what?

You are going to remember
what this feels like.

[lock clicks]

Gorgeous night.

Not a cloud in the sky.

You know, we should be out
there together on a blanket.

I made out the Seven Sisters.

I even saw Andromeda.

Do you know her story?
Andromeda?

No.

She was an Ethiopian princess.

Chained to a rock.

Oh, well, good thing
you don't have any heroes

riding to your rescue.

I was supposed to be at a party.

My party.

For a company that I launched.

Finally, something of my own.

It means so much to me.

This was supposed
to be the night of my dreams,

and you came along
and shattered it.

Then we will dream
different dreams together.

There is no "we."

You're forgetting
how persuasive I can be.

And now that we have time
to ourselves,

then we get to know
each other better.

Get a clue and find some help,

because whatever it is
you imagined

in your head,
it's not happening.

Huh, playing hard to get.

Consider me impossible.

Well, I love a challenge.

I need to be home.

I am your home now.

-No.
-You're crying over

missing one forgettable night

when you should be focused on
the commitment that we're making

to each other
for the rest of our lives.

Congressman. You came.

You doubted I would.

I'm used to you
sending an emissary

when you request my assistance.

But... your sister?

She was here
of her own volition.

We're all pitching in.

To locate your cousin.

Kat said you found something.

She may be right.

This could lead you
right to Allison's front door.

Well, why didn't you
just give it to Kat

instead of wasting my time?

What kind of game
are you playing?

I wish I could stay.

I want to be here.

You have patients
in the morning.

Yes, but I can just have

-someone cover--
-They're depending on you.

And Chelsea will be very annoyed

if you let them down
because of her.

I used to be better at this.
Compartmentalizing,

shutting everything out
so I could get the job done.

Honey, hopefully,

by the time
you're on your way to work,

we'll be bringing her home.

Call me.

The second I hear anything.

Okay, let's go.

Drive safely.

ANDRE:
Hey.

You came back.

Yeah. I knew
I wouldn't be able to sleep.

Is it okay for me
to be here, or-- Oh.

Oh.

Oh.

Hey.

It's okay.

You'd tell me
if there's anything

that I could do, right?

You're doing it.

Here. Tea.

This and not that,

even though drinking this
will feel better.

Where's Hayley?

I sent her home.

It was getting late.

I get the feeling you're
just finding out about that.

Yeah.
This, that and the other.

Seems there's
a wealth of information

I wasn't privy to.

Everybody's got secrets.

You should know that
better than anybody.

I'm well aware.

Then you know you can't expect

full disclosure
from your family.

Or your ex.

Knock, knock. Hey.

-It's only me.
-Ashley?

I hope it's not too late.

It's the longest
night of my life.

I'm so glad you're here.

Where else would I be?

I thought you went home
for the night.

Don't you wonder
where I've been?

I just care that you're safe.

We needed to find
a way to find Allison.

Kat, what did you do?

I went to Joey.

Armstrong, at the casino.

-Are you out of your mind?
-Did you

get a warrant
for his records?

-Not yet, but--
-I had to do something.

If you only understood the scope
of what that man is involved in.

He owns the Heart Attach
Escort Service,

which is where
our search begins.

That's all that matters.

You could get yourself
into some real trouble.

Chelsea would do
the same for me

and more.

All right, well,
did you find out anything?

Well, he wanted
to talk to Martin.

Did he say why?

He probably wants to lobby him

on erasing casino regulations

or abolishing child labor laws.

I don't know what they do.

What did Martin
have to say about it?

He's with him now.

Anytime your family

has requested my assistance,

I've done my best to oblige.

I'm listening.

Never asked anything in return.

Until now.

Is that where this is headed?

I'd like to see this
one-sided relationship evolve

into something
mutually beneficial.

As in, you win, I win.

I'm not the one to consult.

Yes, but you're the one
I've chosen.

I can't do this.

That's too bad, because

this is the only way
I see forward.

What does this current situation
have to do with anything?

Find your cousin,

celebrate her homecoming.

And then?

No more intermediaries
between us.

No claiming that you had no idea

such things were happening.

Hold on. Wait a minute.

-I--
-Your sister said

that there was nothing
you wouldn't do

to bring Chelsea home.

Exaggerating, I'm sure.

Oh, but I sure
love the sound of it.

So here's the deal.

You take my help,

you're in my debt,

and I decide how and when

it's repaid.

You can't possibly
be bashful around me.

We're soulmates.

You don't have a soul.

I'll either turn away
or I'll help you put it on.

Third option.

You touch me
and I break your neck.

Unattended consequence.
If I die, then you die.

If something happens to me, then
who's gonna unlock your cuffs?

You know,
a couple months from now,

they will stumble
upon our rotten bodies,

all trapped and enmeshed.

Well, now that I think about it,
that doesn't sound

like a bad ending.

But you'll probably
stay alive a lot longer than me,

so what will happen to you?

Oh, I hereby consent to you
committing anthropophagy on me

when we run out of food.

Knowing that my body
will eventually sustain yours

until you die
is comfort enough for me.

And then we will finally
be a part of each other.

I'm hungry.

Well, you should
have thought about that

before kicking over the table.

Well, you have to feed me
to keep me alive, right?

I'm doing everything right.

Yeah, you have to provide
the basics to keep me happy.

Happy comes later.

I'm going to bed.

I hope you brought some
noise-blocking headphones.

Top of the line.

Oh, my God. How spoiled are you?

Not for me. For you.

'Cause I'm gonna get loud.

So I hope your car
is comfy or-or

you buy a hotel room,

'cause nobody
is sleeping here tonight.

Fine.

Wait, wait, wait.
Where-where are you going?

You can't leave.

Oh, I'm taking myself
out to dinner.

As a celebration for
our first night together.

And maybe I'll get you
a doggy bag,

if I'm feeling generous.

I hope you choke on it.

Oh, better hope not.

Starvation is
a nasty way to end.

But you're a model,
so I'm sure you're used to it.

b*tch.

Hi. How's Dani doing?

-Well...
-A stupid question.

I can only imagine.

Yeah. Yeah, uh,
she's going through hell.

Well, then
she's lucky to have you.

You know,
when you're going through

the worst time in your life
and nothing makes sense,

it's always good
to have someone around who

knows the landscape.

Right.

You mean because of my parents.

Oh, I'm not saying
that they're in any danger

of losing Chelsea,
God forbid. No.

Actually, I get it.

People like us,
we are the kind of people

that you want around whenever
things are going sideways.

I guess

being a photographer,
you're used to

taking a step back, leaving your
heart out of situations.

You didn't mean
that the way you said it.

Well, you could
just as easily say

that I'm cold and dispassionate.

It comes with the job.
You gotta be.

Eh, it never even
crossed my mind.

What I am very
clumsily trying to say is...

...I'm glad
we didn't try anything.

-Yeah.
-Derek needs me,

and Dani really needs you, too.

Things...

turned out the way
they were supposed to.

Yeah, I guess so. Um...

I'll walk you to your car.

-Yeah.
-Yeah.

BILL:
I went to see her earlier,

at the studio.

You mentioned that.
What'd you talk about?

Went to tell her to break
a bag at her purse launch.

Just tell her how proud of her
I am, you know? I...

I don't say that often enough.

You'll be able to say it
every hour on the hour

as soon as she's back home.

I'm just so scared
that I missed my chance

with her,
with both of our girls,

because of, you know,
what I did to the family.

Bill.

It's the look
in their eyes, Dani.

The disappointment.

Every time she looks at me.

God, I did that to her.

They still love you, Bill.

Yeah.

Yep, yep.

That's why I'm gonna fix this.

I'm gonna fix it.

It's not too late.

It's not.

She's coming home.

[straining]

[screaming]

[crying]

Martin's been
at the casino forever.

Would it k*ll him to call?

Yeah, maybe he's having trouble

negotiating things with Joey.

What is there to negotiate?

And why didn't Joey trust me
with the information?

Trust me,
you do not want to earn

the trust of
any man with dirty hands.

Well, once Chelsea's back home,
I'll wipe my hands clean.

[phone chimes]

Please tell me that's Martin.
I don't want to look.

He said he's had
the meeting at the casino.

Okay, and...?

He said he emailed everything
Joey had about Allison.

What we've been waiting for.

I just hope
it didn't cost him too much.

He said he didn't need money.

I guess
he wanted something else.

Oh, who cares? He did it.

Martin is actually getting us
closer to finding Chelsea.