04x16 - Blunt

[bunniefuu]

Finch: We are being watched. The government has a secret system-- a machine that spies on you every hour of every day. I designed the machine to detect acts of terror, but it sees everything... violent crimes involving ordinary people. The government considers these people irrelevant. We don't. Hunted by the authorities, we work in secret. You will never find us. But victim or perpetrator, if your number's up, we'll find you.

Reese: Harper Rose. She a grad student, Finch?

Finch: Miss Rose is an anthropology major from upstate New York, Mr. Reese. Studied abroad in Europe. Took time off to travel.

Reese: Typical college student.

Finch: Atypical only in that the machine did not generate her social. It gave us her college ID number instead.

That's a little odd. Any other issues?

Finch: Just with her roommate.

Harper put in a written request for transfer to campus housing.

She moved into a new single this semester.

I'll look into the ex-roommate.

You back on campus, Mr. Reese?

I gotta say, it's quite invigorating being around all these idealistic young minds.

You must be enjoying your day job, professor.

As near as I can tell, college has become an overpriced Bacchanalia full of entitled, oversexed binge drinkers.

Well, somebody's gotta pay your salary.

Reese: Wait. Did she just switch backpacks?

Hang on a second.

[dog chewing off screen]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.

That's not a bone, that's a Bontoni.

[whimpers]

[speaking German]

girl: Protect your right to privacy.

Excuse me, you wanna help us out and stop big data?

Reese: Picking up a dozen cell phones, Finch.

All registered to different users.

Finch: You are in a college dormitory.

Come on, Finch, within a 15 foot radius?

female student: Ahem. Creep.

Oh.

This is a woman's floor.

Right, I was just leaving.

I think she's headed to another floor.

[fast knocks on door]

Hey, boo.

Hey, babe.

Thank you for covering my shift.

I feel like I'm coming down with something.

Yeah, it's called Far Cry 4 and the munchies.

Hey.

I need a break, okay?

The boss man's got me doing cash bank runs every day.

The dude is bugging out with all that cheddar.

Look, I can handle Noah. Okay?

All right.

I'll hit you up later?

I'll be here.

Finch: Harper's gentleman friend is a Trey Wendor, an uninspired student with a half dozen misdemeanor arrests.

Reese: Any violent crimes?

Finch: Possession of marijuana, attempt to sell marijuana, possession of a controlled substance.

No accounting for taste.

[door shuts]

Reese: I got Harper in sight.

This job is way off campus.

Finch? That shift she's covering for Trey, he works in a dispensary.

Medical marijuana?

Do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.

State regulations require a dispensary card

for every patient.

How fast can you get me into the database?

Let's see. Detective Riley suffers PTSD from multiple g*n sh*t wounds.

And let's say chronic back pain. Back pain is better.

I'll have Dr. Tillman call it in. It won't take long.

Well, that was easy.

Finch, how do you know so much about getting marijuana?

Mr. Reese, do you want me to call this in or not?

Root: On the job, Harold?

Ms. Groves.

Good to see you're still on task.

The world could scarcely afford to lose another pot dealer.

Sri Lanka?

I know you prefer sencha green, but their black tea is to die for.

I did as you asked. I stayed away.

You did that for your own reasons, Harry.

What if you're going about it all wrong?

Maybe we should be looking for people to enlist.

A good samaritan? How can you say that after... everything that happened?

"Everything that happened." Is-- Is that her name now?

You said you didn't want to talk about Ms. Shaw.

Let's talk about the 7.1 billion people out there, Harold.

And the odds that a few of them just might give us an advantage over a runaway artificial intelligence.

What's the Machine proposing?

She wants me to build an app.

For what purpose?

Don't know yet.

It's gotta be a k*ller app to get the attention of the right people.

Anyone in particular you have in mind, Ms. Groves?

Looks like you've got your hands full, Harold.

I can handle it.

And this is for you.

To die for.

Detective John Riley.

PTSD.

Been sh*t multiple times.

Sweet Mary Jane. This place is legal?

Finch: According to the state, just not the federal government, which means that it's still a cash business.

Wow. They must be raking it in.

Finch: They just can't find any banks that will take it.

The banks can still be prosecuted by the feds for taking illegal drug money.

And they risk having their charters pulled.

So where does all the money go?

Good question.

It's like the Wild West or prohibition all over again.

It just makes these dispensaries big, fat targets for criminals.

Finch: And our number is right in the thick of it.

Harper: Thanks.

Skulk and dagger, what are you having?

Something for my back.

Right. You're new here.

Uh, try the Kona push pops over there.

Thank you.

What happened to Trey?

He was supposed to make a deposit this afternoon.

You can't keep sending burnouts to the bank with cash that smell like skunk weed, Noah.

Harper: They're not stupid.

Noah: Thought that burnout was your boyfriend.

I suppose you have a better idea?

The biggest commercial banks in the world have been cleaning cartel money for years.

You just gotta pay the right guy.

That's money laundering.

We're not criminals.

Noah: This is a legal business.

Cash has to go somewhere, boss.

What do we do with tonight's haul?

You're gonna have to make a transfer to a secure off-site holding facility.

Security details sending multiple cars.

Right now?

Let them in the back.

Then close up the shop. Clock out.

Reese: Sounds like our anthropology major has been

studying economics.

They're closing up shop, Finch.

It's a cash pick up.

They vary the times, vehicle routes.

That does not sound good.

Reese: Even worse, these guys aren't standard transpo.

They're Brotherhood.

Looks like Dominic is getting into

the legalized security business.

Get out the car!

man: This is the cartel. It's an ambush!

[yelling in Spanish]

Give us the money!

[g*nf*re]

Oh, my God! What just happened?

Who the hell are you?

Your lucky day.

They were tipped off. They knew your pickup time.

What the hell?

Damn.

Bags were switched out.

Where's the cash?

I'll be right back.

Reese: Finch, Harper knew more about this cash pickup

than she let on.

What the hell you doing? You lost your mind?

Do I know you?

Your life's in danger.

You're that fake cop back at the store.

What?

If you were a real cop, I'd have been arrested by now.

I guess we're both good at role-playing.

b*at it.

I'm not going anywhere.

And I'm not going anywhere with you.

Trust me, lady. You need my help.

Like a hole in my head.

Keep it moving, Kush pops. I got this.

Give me the bag while you still got a chance to get out of this.

All right, fine. Take the cash.

Good choice.

[strike]

[groan]

Thanks.

Finch: Mr. Reese?

Have you got our girl?

No. She's definitely no one's girl.

Well, her number just came up. Again.

And I think I know why.

Harper isn't who we thought she was.

She definitely isn't interested in our help.

(Finch) Mr. Reese, are you at Harper's dorm room?

Just let myself in.

Finch, in addition to grand theft, our gal Harper's been taking up a collection on campus.

Finch: Or whatever her real name is.

I've looked into the issues with the ex-roomie.

It appears that the real Harper Rose took this semester off for mental health reasons.

Apparently campus housing doesn't know it yet.

Multiple cell phones,

IDs...

Either she's a serial k*ller or a chameleon who changes her identity like socks.

Perhaps that's the reason the Machine sent us her number again.

Before she changes identities.

Reed: Finch,

Harper's been tracking the dispensary cash deposits for weeks.

So last night's robbery wasn't impulsive.

It was planned.

All right, she's not a student.

Definitely an operator.

What about the boyfriend?

It was an inside job after all.

Something tells me she wasn't all that into Trey in the first place.

And as for college...

I think she just dropped out.

Hey, this is amazing.

Your little Miss Mary Jane has aliases connected to over a dozen other criminal cases.

She's been busy.

Some of them were actually girl-next-doors we brought in for questioning, but their alibis checked out.

She stole their identities to commit the crimes.

So what are we dealing with? Grifter? Con artist? Thief?

Likely, all of the above.

I don't get it. We supposed to protect her or arrest her?

Maybe both.

We have to find her first.

I'll bet she changes residence as often as her identity.

Time we split up, Lionel.

Hey, well, there's a lot of names here.

What's your pal Mr. Peabody doing?

Nicely done, Ms. Groves.

Smells like money.

Cash crop.

Dominic: How's business, Noah?

Noah: Dominic.

Uh... things were good... till last night.

Since you hired me to handle security and transport, I figured I should look into the situation directly.

These guys, they came out of nowhere.

Not nowhere. Mexico.

They were cartel.

Why would the cartel want to steal from me?

I'm nothing compared to what they have going on.

Dispensaries are taking millions out of their pockets all across the country.

But all that money needs protecting and washing and that's the kind of business they want to be in.

Too bad I already b*at 'em to it.

All the way up the I-95 Corridor.

But somehow the cartel knew when and where to hit us?

Not from me. They didn't even do most of the damage.

Who did?

Some cop in a suit.

When the sh**ting started, he came out of nowhere.

Blasting everyone--

In the kneecaps.

Detective Riley?

Yeah, that's it.

He was a customer in the store when it all went down.

Of course he was.

That's when the cash went missing.

Someone switched out the bag it was in.

The cartel didn't get the money.

I don't like losing a shipment or manpower, so we gotta clean this up.

Scorched earth, you feel me, Noah?

What does that mean?

Who else was working there last night?

Guard at the door, stock boy, girl named Harper, hired about a month ago.

Where can I find her?

I-- I don't know.

I tried calling. She didn't answer her phone.

She's just a college kid.

Her boyfriend, Trey, vouched for her.

Okay. Where can I find this Trey?

_

_

_

[sighs] Yeah...

Score!

[lighter clicking]

Harp?

Not tonight, sweetheart.

A couple differences between me and your girl.

One, I would rather do a dime in Rikers than your half-baked ass and, two, I only take what's mine.

Where you been, Trey?

I don't know. Here... class...

I mean, maybe not class, but...

[g*n cocks]

Whoa.

Sit.

Right.

Got friends upstate doing hard time for selling weaker schwag than that.

I'm... sorry?

Now the government's gone and made that OG dank legal.

Taxing it! Ain't that a bitch?

Yeah, the government, it's-- it's pretty diabolical.

Do you want some ice cream?

I don't know what you want from me.

Oh, sure you do, Trey.

We want the money back.

And we want your girl.

Time to take a little trip.

You want me to cut a deal?

I'm not that guy.

The way I see it, Jorge, you should be begging me for a deal.

You and your cartel buddies sh*t up a medical marijuana dispensary last night.

I told you, man. I don't flip on nobody.

Hey, that guy out there, he looks familiar.

Is he a witness?

This who tipped you off about the cash delivery?

Maria.

She's not long for this world.

Maria?

What? That's not her name?

Not even close.

She lied about her name?

Didn't tell us that the Brotherhood was handling security transpo.

Not to mention, who's that gringo with the suit out there?

Whoa, whoa, one thing at a time.

Tell me where I can find Maria.

Where'd you meet her?

Club Boost.

Couple weeks ago.

She said that her favorite DJ was gonna be playing there.

That girl loves to dance.

[dance music]

♪

Oh, my God! Fiona! This club is off the hook!

How did you get us in?

The owner and I, we go way back.

You guys want more bubbly?

Free champagne!

Yeah!

We need to talk.

Oh, we already did.

We were interrupted.

Right. Sorry about the knee.

But I can tell you're the kind of guy that doesn't take "No" for an answer.

Champagne?

Where's the money?

I spent it.

All of it? Already?

I paid some bills, balanced my checkbook, and what do you know?

Turns out I owed some other guys some money.

A lot of money.

What other guys?

The guys who own the club!

Don't worry, we're square.

Even threw in bottle service to seal the deal.

We're leaving now.

If you don't mind, Fiona would like to get back to her girlfriends.

Oh, Harper, you didn't just steal dr*gs.

You stole from Dominic.

Don't look now. You've just been... spotted.

[dance music]

♪ ♪

[blows landing]

♪ ♪

[hits with bottle]

NYPD. Come with me.

Sorry, Detective.

But I don't really feel like spending tonight in holding.

You really want to do this?

Come on, you.

Yum.

Thanks. Starving.

The cuffs are a bit over the top, don't you think?

I mean, even for someone like you.

Someone like me?

I know cops. Your friend here, he's the real deal.

I bet he bleeds blue. But you, you're playing make believe.

My guess is former m*llitary with a side of hero complex.

So what makes you say that?

You m*llitary folk have all the same tells.

Posture, the hair--

It's like they make you in a factory.

Not bad.

Well, thank you for that analysis.

Now, let's just focus on you.

You're in real trouble, kid.

Dominic wants you dead and he's good at getting what he wants.

What I don't understand is why the cartel showed up when they did.

Maybe a little birdie gave them a heads up there'd be some money changing hands.

So the cartel swooped in to knock off the cash... only to realize later they're left holding the wrong bag.

Worked beautifully, too.

Until your partner started playing hero.

I don't know about the cartel, but Dominic's not about to let you off the hook.

Don't be such a drama queen.

Stealing from criminals is a victimless crime.

Unless you're the victim.

Finch: Detective...

I got her, Harold.

Good, but that's not why I'm calling.

We have a new number.

Ms. Harper's friend from the dorm, Trey.

Dominic must think he knows something.

I went through his dorm room and found it empty.

I couldn't tell if the disarray was evidence of a kidnapping or just a dreadful sloven.

In either event, you should make sure that Ms. Harper

doesn't leave your side.

Your buddy Trey's in trouble.

Dominic must be after him because of you.

Who was on the phone?

Did you-- did you even answer a phone?

Is there something in his ear?

Eh, it's John and his friends.

It's kind of like their thing.

They-- they know stuff.

Oh... sounds very technical.

Look, Trey doesn't know anything about me.

He doesn't even know my real name.

What is your real name?

I think I'll keep Harper for now.

I like the way that sounds.

So what's gonna happen to Trey?

We have to get to him before Dominic realizes the kid's useless. Let's go.

We got all manpower flipping cash for gift cards, money orders up the Eastern seaboard.

I don't need cash. I need ones and zeroes.

Get me more gamers.

Ah!

Ow!

Where is she?

I don't-- I don't know, man.

I told you.

Your girl stole from me.

She got too close to you and Noah which means she knows things.

Things she shouldn't.

Harper's just some girl I was hanging out with.

Her name's not Harper.

The girl's a grifter working fools like you to get what she wants.

No way.

What about Detective Riley?

How does she know him?

Who?

No, come on, dude. Come on, come on.

[grunts] Ah!

I don't know who that is.

I wanna believe you, Trey.

It's 'cause of guys like you I'm taking my business to the next level.

It is?

You and your video games.

See, the dispensary owners have a bank problem.

So they have to hire guys like me to protect them and all that cash.

Then I see guys like you spend thousands on games.

Warriors of the realm.

Turning real currency, virtual, cold hard cash for fake gold.

All I needed to figure out was how to turn that into real money again then transfer it into a bank account.

Yeah, that's really smart.

Yes, it is.

But now I feel that's all been jeopardized.

It's not. She's not gonna say anything.

No?

No, she's not.

I hope not.

'Cause if she does, you won't need to worry about studying for those finals.

Maybe we should kick this know-nothing fool.

He got played, clear and simple.

No. With Riley in the mix, she'll be coming back around.

As far as I'm concerned, they're both loose ends.

You live here?

I own the apartment.

An excellent non-answer.

What about Captain McConnick?

He work for you?

Detective Riley and I are partners.

I didn't see that coming.

Harold, I'm gonna need that cash.

It's all there.

Though the withdrawal put a sizable dent in our reserves but I think the lives of two people are worth that sacrifice.

Where are you going with that?

Paying off Dominic.

It's the only play to keep you safe.

I've been in way deeper than this.

What about Trey?

Does he have as big of a death wish as you do?

Come on! You guys are making it seem like I knew he was gonna get kidnapped.

Maybe you'll think about someone other than yourself next time you steal from drug dealers.

Don't let her out of your sight.

He's a real live wire, huh?

CIA or Special Forces?

Mister-- uh, Detective Riley is a complicated person.

And you? What's your story?

You fund some kind of alternative private m*llitary contractors?

We like to think of what we do as a community service.

Why?

Why what?

You two are obviously helping people on a regular basis.

Exhibit A, this ornately decorated apartment that no one lives in. Which means you probably have a boatload of money and much better things to do with your time than to just stick your neck out for people you don't know.

So why do it?

Everybody deserves a champion.

Well, where do you get your information?

I'm good with technology.

[laughs] A hacker.

You're a guy who needs order.

Coding is good for that. It channels the OCD.

It fosters the illusion of control.

You should stop gripping the wheel so tight.

Try turning into the skid.

Ah!

And you prefer disorder.

Why swim upstream when you can ride the current all the way down to the waterfall?

What happens when you reach the cliff?

I'll let you know when I get there.

That's an interesting take on life.

It's freedom.

I steal from criminals 'cause they don't call the cops.

I don't plant roots so I can bail at a moment's notice.

Sounds more like running.

An antique art deco engagement ring, about a karat.

Is it a family heirloom?

It's just a piece of tin that I stole from an old lady who tried to screw me over.

Got anything to eat around here?

Got something for your boss.

Right there's good.

[opening briefcase]

In exchange for the kid and for the girl's life.

Don't know what you're talking about, Detective.

You're welcome to leave the cash though.

Where's Dominic?

He's unavailable.

But like we said, you can leave the case.

That's not gonna happen.

I'll take that.

That's my number for your boss when he's ready to talk.

Or I can keep kicking his ass from a distance.

Whatever he prefers.

I can't tell you how excited I am about what you've brought to us.

Now you see why I needed your company.

Yeah, I thought it was a simple app, but it's a truly sophisticated build for a mobile platform.

You, uh, work with an incubator?

Not on this project.

It's just me.

What type of partnership are you looking for?

Combining my software with your compression algorithm will save me a lot of time and money and allow us to sell it at a lower price point to the consumer.

If you're interested in partnering up on something so small, of course.

Well, I imagine the boss will be as impressed as I am with what you've created.

So, um, why don't I call you once he weighs in?

I look forward to it.

Tell me something. Why bring it to us?

You could've gone anywhere.

Your boss's reputation precedes him.

Got your message...

Detective.

I'll give you the money you're owed if you agree to stay away from Harper.

And I want that kid back in one piece.

Okay.

It's a deal.

If you decide to tell me who you really are.

'Cause you're sure as hell no detective.

Well, you saw my card.

[laughs]

It says John Riley, Homicide Detective.

That's me.

No real cop would pay off the debt of some homeless grifter.

I'm not like other cops.

We finally agree on something.

You and me, this isn't personal.

It's just that you keep trying to hurt people and I don't like it when people get hurt.

Why does Elias get a pass?

Well, he and I have an understanding.

He stays out of my way and I stay out of his.

That right?

That's right.

That's how it works with Elias.

But you already know that.

Just like you know he's coming for you.

I'll be ready.

But as for us, if I stay out of your way, you'll show me the same respect?

As long as you stop trying to k*ll innocent people.

The girl's not innocent.

Well, that's up for debate.

How about I give you Trey and you give me the girl?

That's not gonna happen.

[exhales]

Fusco: I got him.

He pulls anything stupid, I'll pull the trigger.

Which one is it?

One of the pretty little brunettes or your partner Detective Fusco?

[laughs]

You're not gonna k*ll an unarmed man.

I know that much.

So I guess this little talk is over... for now.

You can stand down now.

Looks like your little parlay didn't do us much good.

Harper's still in trouble and her stoner boyfriend's probably dead.

Always looking on the bright side, aren't you?

Fusco: Okay, Detective Sunshine, what do we do now?

So that tall drink of darkness failed to dazzle Dominic with his witty banter and a briefcase full of cash.

We'll discuss our next option when he gets back.

It'll be too late. You know how these guys work.

sh**t first, don't ask questions later because the person's dead.

I put my life at risk knowing the stakes.

Trey didn't.

So, I'm gonna rescue that dummy with or without you guys.

I'll have a much better chance if I got some backup.

What do you propose?

You're good with technology, right?

Girl wants a word.

Send her over.

I knew you had balls, but I didn't know you were stupid.

Don't be so mad, Alfonso.

You got his nephew in a lot of trouble, little girl.

You set him up to fail.

Cops got involved. He got sh*t.

I'm gonna make it up to you.

Nico, boss,

I have no interest in starting a w*r with the cartel.

I like the way my head looks attached to my shoulders.

Oh! Should have waited for Detective Riley.

Dominic's been consolidating power in this town.

Half the gangs work for him now.

Tell me something I don't know.

You guys are losing money hand over fist with this legalization nonsense.

You want what's rightfully yours; let me help you get it.

How to you plan to do that?

Dominic's laundering cash.

A lot of it. And he can only do that one small chunk at a time or the feds will catch on.

Do you know what that means?

He needs to keep the cash somewhere.

Bingo.

And not just hundreds of thousands, but tens of millions.

Alfonso... put the g*n down.

You got my attention. What do you need?

Have your boys put the word out on the street that you found me.

Dominic will have no choice but to reach out to make a deal.

Then you leave the rest up to me.

Finch: Nice job, Ms. Harper. The cartel took you straight to

Dominic's stronghold, just as you thought.

If you're wrong, you're dead wrong.

Finch, Harper's inside with the cartel.

I'm moving into position.

man: Hey, I've got something in here.

What now?

I need to get to the roof.

It's the only way to get to Trey without busting through the warehouse.

You really going along with the con girl's plan?

Finch trusts her.

Sort of.

That's a real vote of confidence.

Where's the money?

What money?

Whoa.

You don't want to do this, Nico.

We agreed to a trade.

I know, but there's a problem.

I've got nothing to trade.

Had the money taken to a more secure location.

What?

That was cool.

Hey, Trey. I'm John.

Dude, I hope you're here to rescue me because these dudes are not messing around.

Your friend Harper sent me.

Huh...

I knew she was into me.

[police sirens]

You set us up!

Dude, what is this for?

You ready?

For what?

Hang on.

Awesome!

Wait, what happens now?

[sirens wailing]

Cool.

police officer: Drop it! On the ground now!

Get down! Hands where I can see them!

Stay where you are! On your knees!

Move!

What did we do?

The serial number's filed off.

That's one felony.

I'll think of some more on our way to the station.

You're welcome to inspect our weapons, Detective.

They're all registered for use under my private security, protection, and transportation service.

Squeaky clean, huh?

These guys can go. Check these weapons.

Got a call from Noah.

Appreciate the heads up.

What's your angle?

I figured you'd stop trying to k*ll me if I proved myself.

Getting rid of the cartel seemed liked a good deal for both of us.

Especially 'cause they wanted me dead too.

We good now?

For now.

What about Trey?

This was never about him anyway.

[laughs] You wanted a face to face.

With me.

A lady bold enough to steal from the cartel and my guys, and clever enough to get away with it, makes you a force to be reckoned with.

Someone I could use on my team.

Whenever you're done playing vigilante with that fake cop, come see me.

Where's the kid?

Harp!

I'm happy you're okay, Trey.

But I think we need to break up.

What?

What did I do?

Don't try to figure them out.

Come on. I'll give you a ride.

Your app is truly special, Shannon.

The code-- it's the most elegant string I've seen in years.

I-I really appreciate the support.

This is, like, a dream.

Just being in the room with the great Caleb Fitz.

Aw, you give me too much credit.

Please. Sit.

So, where did you learn to code?

I-I'm kind of self taught.

Me too. I think most of the best programmers are.

I told Shannon you wanted to discuss something else with her.

Yes. Down to business.

We were wondering if you have any interest in working on something with a team.

You mean for you?

I never considered myself in that league.

You absolutely are.

It's for a new security software we're developing and we could really use someone with your skills.

So what do you think?

I'd be honored.

You guys were right.

I totally needed backup.

Maybe you should stay out of trouble for a while, Ms. Harper.

What's the fun in that?

You are a good man, Harold.

And you, thanks for reminding me that it's not just my ass on the line.

[car honks]

[collision]

[men screaming indistinctly]

Finch?

I think she just stole your watch.

Oh, that's okay. I stole her ring.

She knows where to find me if she wants it back.