01x08 - Episode 8

[bunniefuu]

-Eva?
-EVA: Morning, Nicole.

I've confirmed
your appointments,

sorted your emails and
restocked the office supplies.

Already? I haven't even had
my morning coffee.

Well, Mona gave me the rundown
on how you like things

to run smoothly,
as well as your coffee order.

Sugar-free latte with oat milk,

light foam
and two pumps of caramel.

-Let me put it in now.
-That won't be necessary.

I'm headed to the country club

to have breakfast
with my family.

Did I forget to text you that
today would be a late start?

I got the message, but
I just wanted to come correct

to make a good impression
on my first day.

Mission accomplished.

Thanks.

Although there were some emails
I wasn't too sure about.

Before we get into that,

we need to discuss
the elephant in the room.

And don't act like you don't
know what I'm talking about.

Laura's surgery is confirmed
for tomorrow.

Poor thing's gonna be
laid up for a while.

She was about to live
her best life.

Off to Hawaii on a romantic
getaway with the boy toy,

then bam!

She gets run off the road,

crashes her car
and breaks her leg?

Talk about the worst luck.

[engine revving]

[tires squealing]

[car crashes]

It's nice how your bosses
have stepped up for her.

They did? How?

Oh, Nicole and Ted are
covering her medical expenses.

Ted Richardson even admitted her
to his private clinic.

They're treating Laura
like family.

Do the police have any leads
on who did this to her?

I haven't heard of any,
but I have been thinking.

[Jan exclaims]

All that late-night
true crime binging paying off?

-Girl, you know I'm obsessed.
-[laughing]: Yeah.

So, the crash happened
near some warehouses.

I bet the police pulled
the security footage.

So, it's only a matter of time.

Wow.

[indistinct
police radio chatter]

♪ ♪

[sighs]

♪ ♪

What elephant in the room?

Eva, let's not play dumb.

By now, I know that you've seen
the drama that unfolded

at Bill and Hayley's
wedding fiasco.

[sighs]

Oh, you mean
hashtag Shotgun Wedding?

That's the one.

I was trying not to bring it up.

My job is
to make your day easier,

not remind you of stress
from your personal life.

-I'm sure it's been hard enough.
-Oh, you don't know the half.

But my family will
get through it.

We always do.

I've heard that
about the Duprees.

That when stuff happens,
you guys circle the wagons.

Must be nice.

It's nice when you can help,
not so much when you can't.

Will your sister be okay?

If she stays offline.

I can only imagine the
Internet's having a field day.

I'm not making excuses for Dani,

and she has owned up
to all of it.

But she's mourning the life
she thought she'd have.

The life she felt she deserved.

Rejection like that
can make anyone lash out.

Oh, I get it.

More than you know.

Well, that was brutal.

Someone brought the heat today.

Whatever's gotten into you,
I love it.

Well, then give yourself
a pat on the back.

-Me?
-Left to my own devices,

I avoid the gym like a plague.

But you... [sighs]
know which buttons to push.

I guess I don't want
to let you down.

Oh. My husband.

[Vanessa chuckles]

Leslie, I got to hand it to you.

Suggesting that Eva fill in for
Laura was a stroke of genius.

Does that mean it's going well?

Still too early to tell.
It's just the first day.

Don't worry.

Eva has what it takes
to not only do the job

but thrive at it.

I spent some time schooling her.

She soaked it up like a sponge.

Filled up that little
spiral notebook so fast,

I thought smoke was gonna
come off the pages.

[laughter]

Always a good sign.

[laughter]

Well, I did drill into her head

that you only get one shot
at a first impression.

Sounds like it took root.

Eva's such a sweet girl,
and she's so eager to please.

I remember her saying
she was looking

for a new direction in life.

Well, if she keeps up
this attitude,

whichever path she chooses,
sky's the limit.

That's the master plan.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Who the hell are you?

EVA:
Oh, hi. We haven't met yet.

I'm Eva,
Dr. Richardson's new assistant.

And you're her daughter?

A qualified assistant
would already know that.

Just wanted to make sure.
Kat, right?

I've heard all about you
from Mona.

She and my surrogate mom
are friends.

Surrogate mom?

My biological mother died
when I was little.

Leslie took me in
and raised me as her own.

We recently moved here from
Chicago and met Mona at church.

Now it makes sense.
Who you know got you this gig.

Sure wasn't
your professional style.

Your mother said the vibe was

more of a relaxed
work environment.

Is that why
you thought it was okay

to go snooping through her desk?

Snoop?

No. I was just hunting for...

a stapler.

Oh, like that one over there?

Ah, right in front of me.
[laughs]

I'm still getting familiar
with the office.

Shouldn't you be meeting
your mom at the country club?

You've been here all of,
what, ten minutes,

and you're already
in my business?

Well, I only mention it
because Nicole said

your family was
having breakfast.

-So I just thought that...
-That's your first mistake.

So we're clear, you handle
my mom's schedule, not mine.

Do not concern yourself
with what I'm doing

or where I'm going.

Fair enough.
I didn't mean to offend you.

Also, my dad's overseeing
Laura's care.

She'll be back on her feet
soon enough,

so don't get comfortable.

We all want Laura back,
including me.

Hey.

[chuckles]
This went south real fast.

Let's start over.

No need.
This is a short-term assignment.

Maybe even shorter
than you think.

[birds chirping]

Look at you,
making time for breakfast.

Feels like forever
since we've done this.

It has been a minute, hasn't it?

I hope you haven't been
feeling neglected.

I get it. Emergencies happen.

Although it does seem
it's been nonstop lately.

It's that time of year,
post holidays,

after people overindulge.

Plus the common cold
combined with the seasonal flu.

I guess cardiac surgeons will
always be in high demand.

But can't you refer
some cases out

before you have a heart attack?

I know I need to set boundaries.

It's just hard turning people
away that's going through it.

They come to me scared,
confused, holding on to hope.

Makes me think how I would
want my loved one's doctor

fighting for my family
with everything they've got.

[sighs]

Your patients are lucky
to have you.

I am, too.

So...

[laughter]

-Hi.
-Hello.

Getting slow in your old age.

-Hey, cut it out.
-I said what I said.

I guess we could have
squeezed in

a few more baskets since
the family hasn't arrived yet.

You're only saying that because
I was beating you for once.

Hey, don't get c*ck.

I already told you,
I wasn't properly stretched.

-Sure.
-[phone vibrating]

Congressman Richardson.

No, I won't comment
on the wedding.

But if you would like to hear
the proposed changes

to the national defense bill
my subcommittee dr--

I didn't think so.

I love my aunt,
and I respect her privacy.

Quote that.

No wonder they say
real journalism is dead.

The press isn't gonna let up.

I wouldn't.

You were a serious reporter

who covered issues
that mattered.

Not like these vultures,
just looking for clickbait.

I also knew not to take no
for an answer.

This is why I wait it out.

This is the United States
of Amnesia.

Next week,
another scandal pops up,

and Aunt Dani's drama
is ancient history,

never to be unearthed again.

What did you say
your name was again?

This is it, honey.

Ooh, it's the day
I-I've dreamed about.

[laughs]
You are finally gonna be

where you should've been
all along.

In your father's house.

I never met a man
like him before.

And he never loved a girl
like me.

I'm sorry for
what he did to you, Mama.

To us. To us.

I-I will pass that along.

I'm sorry to barge in.
I'm looking for Dr. Richardson.

I'm the other Dr. Richardson,
her husband Ted.

Oh, I know who you are.

You must be the new assistant
that's stepping in for Laura.

-Yes.
-And your name?

Oh, right. Sorry.

It's Eva.

Eva Thomas.

Pleasure to meet you, Eva.

We're happy
that you're on board.

Happy that you're here.

[quiet chatter]

Sorry to intrude.

You're always welcome
at our table.

-Isn't that right, Doug?
-Oh, yeah.

-How's it going, Diego?
-Good, thanks.

I just heard from my cousin
who's moving into the area.

He has deep pockets,

and he saw this listing online
that he's crazy about.

It's actually one of yours.

Delightful. Which one?

Constitution Avenue.

Grand entrance,
k*ller view to the Capitol.

The Coleman Estate.

And it is available immediately.

When will your cousin be
in town?

We can arrange a viewing.

Uh, he was hoping that
I could take a first look.

VANESSA:
Of course.

I can show you the property
after breakfast.

You could even take some videos

to give your cousin
a virtual tour.

Thank you, Ms. McBride.
You're the best.

I'll swing by in a few.

Doctor.

[laughing]

Oh. Oh.

Oh, that's bad.

[laughing]

Are you all watching that Bill
and Hayley wedding mess again?

You could probably lip-synch
the whole thing by now.

Well, I can't get over
the look on Bill's face.

I mean, he actually thought
he could humiliate his ex

and get away with it.

I'm with you.
That man had it coming.

Flaunting his infidelity
like that.

Having a wedding
at the country club.

Buying his mistress-now-wife
a house in the neighborhood.

Where all their old friends
would see them.

The audacity.

Lady Karma is patient,
but when she strikes...

Mm. Too bad Dani's aim
wasn't as patient.

I'm almost sorry she missed.

-Oh.
-[Jan laughing]

Oh, come on, Mona.

You have to admit
he had it coming.

I don't find it funny.

Nicole is my girl,
and this mess is

wearing her and the whole
Dupree family down.

How would you feel
if your family's dirty laundry

was exposed for the whole world
to kee-kee at?

[smacks lips]

She makes a point.

They must be mortified.

Good thing they have
a shrink in the family.

And it's weighing on Nicole.

She's the one
holding everybody down.

One of these days,
it's gonna be too much for her.

There you are.

Sorry I'm late.
Is your brother here yet?

Martin and Smitty
are already inside.

But before you go in,
we need to talk.

Of course, sweetheart.
What's on your mind?

Mom, I met your new assistant.

Great. I was hoping
you and Eva would hit it off.

You have so much in common.

You're joking.

So it's like that?

Regardless of
what you may think of Eva,

she is already doing
a fantastic job.

-I think you can do better.
-Why do you say that?

Because I caught her snooping
around your desk.

She is still getting acquainted
with the office.

And she seems mad shady.

You are not always a beacon of
sunshine yourself, young lady.

Are you sure you just didn't
make her nervous?

Can you just trust me on this?

My reads on people
are usually spot-on.

Let me help you with this.

I use this app
to staff Dad's office.

Give me till
the end of the hour,

and I will have
a hundred resumes

with more relevant experience
than hairstyling.

And given her IG,
she's not even good at that.

Katherine Richardson,
I raised you better

than to be this judgmental.

I'm being cautious.

You would think this family
would've learned their lesson

after what Hayley
put us through.

What are you saying, Kat?

That I didn't do
my due diligence?

This might surprise you,
but I did more than

scan a few posts and make a
silly assessment on her clothes.

I interviewed Eva myself,
checked her references,

one of which is
a close friend I trust.

Now, are there any other

of my employees
you would like to replace,

or can we finally
have breakfast?

I was hoping to catch my wife

so we could drive
to the country club together,

but my morning ran long,

and it seems like
I just missed her.

Seems like you got
a good handle on things here.

I'm doing my best,
Dr. Richardson.

-[phone vibrates]
-Uh, call me Ted.

I'm sure your best is fantastic.

Nicole was looking for someone
to step right in,

and you're making my wife's life
a whole lot easier.

You don't have to say that.

Sure I do.

My job is to make
Nicole's life happy,

and you're helping me do so.

So, keep up the good work.

-Hey, what's up?
-I was hoping you had a minute

to talk about
Laura's hit-and-run.

I'll give you some privacy.

Excuse me.

TED:
So, what did you find out?

I've given Laura
this update as well.

We pulled the security footage
from near the crash site,

but it wasn't much help.

The motorcycle that caused it
was a popular model.

Can't catch every crotch rocket
in D.C., huh?

What about the license plate?

Removed. And the driver's face
was obscured by a helmet.

I made a few calls,
got our best guys to enhance it,

but they couldn't do anything
with the video.

TED:
No witnesses have come forward?

None. And no evidence
at the scene either.

Just some skid marks
from Laura's car.

Look, Ted, I hate to say it,
but we've hit a dead end.

Look at our Deanna looking like
Ms. Collegiate on the quad.

She's so bundled up
with all those hats and scarves,

-you can barely see her face.
-[laughing]

She is still adorable.

Oh, is that the time?

I got to bounce before
the hospital starts paging.

-A poker chip?
-Oh, must be from

the charity casino night
here at the country club.

-I got it.
-Okay. All right. I love you.

-Doug.
-Ah, Ted.

-Catch you on the flip?
-Yes.

[quiet chatter]

I ordered your usual.
Should be out any sec.

Good looking
from my good-looking.

Any word from Dani?

Actually, I was just
telling the kids

she sounded okay on the phone.

Well, okay for Dani.

Her friend Pamela is
treating her to a spa day.

Which is a good move.

It gives her a chance
to chill out

and keeps her
out of the public eye.

That's Martin-speak for
the less attention she gets,

the better his poll numbers.

Well, you better
brace for impact, bro.

That video made The Shade Room,
The Breakfast Cluband TMZ.

And it's still trending
with no signs of slowing down.

We may need to hook Aunt Dani up

with a permanent membership
to that spa.

Let's not anticipate the worst.

This could all blow over.

I wouldn't count on it.

Your perspective is all screwed
up from your time in Congress.

For them, scandal is
just another word for Tuesday.

[laughter]

This is a small community
with a long memory.

People still come for me
for all the dumb stuff I did

back in the day.

You're too young for
"back in the day."

What are we talking about, sis?
Middle school.

[laughter]

How are your folks holding up?
Must be rough.

Vernon and Anita have always
been grace under pressure.

Yeah, but this is different.

Dani's pain cuts
Mother and Daddy deep.

Your babies are
always your babies,

no matter how grown they get.

[sighs] I rushed over
as soon as I saw your text.

-Why aren't you at your new job?
-I'm running errands for Nicole.

She won't expect me back
for a while.

Okay. So what happened?

It's nothing bad.
Everything is fine.

Better than fine, actually.

Nicole likes me so much,
you could be looking at

her new employee of the month.

Okay, well,
if everything's fine,

then why did you need to see me?

Mama, I met him.

I met my father.

Lord have mercy.

Spill it. Spill it all.

-Every last drop.
-Okay, okay.

Well, he strolled in looking
for Nicole, but she was out.

So he introduced himself to me.

He shook my hand like I was
any other employee.

I mean, that's it, really.

Sounds like he didn't have time
for a proper meet.

Oh, I hope you're not
too disappointed, honey.

No, well, we actually
got interrupted.

Well, he probably thought
I was intimidated

or whatever by him, anyway.

Mom, I was so shook,
I could barely

string two words together.

Who cares what he thought?
What'd you think of him?

Well, I can see now how someone
as innocent as you were

could have fallen for him.

That man thinks he's God's gift
to Black women everywhere.

Hmm.

But I knew his good guy routine
was all cap.

-Hmm.
-Smoke and mirrors, Ma.

It means he's faker than
knockoff Gucci.

He talked about "Nicole this"
and "Nicole that"

and how he just wanted
to make her happy.

Yeah, there's
some truth to that.

He dropped everything
for Nicole.

He was smiling in my face,
laying it on thick,

thinking I was gonna fall for
his game like everyone else.

Good thing you didn't.

I'm his daughter, and not
a flicker of recognition.

And why would there be, huh?

Since he walked away from us
and never looked back.

All I could think about
was how he did you dirty.

And how scared
you must have been

to face the world
as a single mom.

Sounds like
you handled yourself very well.

[sighs]

My heart was beating so loud,
I was worried he could hear it.

I should've put him on blast
right then and there.

Soon enough, baby girl.

Soon enough.

Our day is
just around the corner.

-Pops.
-Good to see you, son.

[sighs]

I appreciate you making time
for some coffee.

I know you got
a million things on your plate.

No sweat at all.

I'm always looking for
a good excuse

to escape headquarters.

Rather be out here with
the rank and file, you know?

Especially when it's with you
or your brother.

Things to think about
before accepting

the promotion
to chief of police.

Who knew that high-ranking title
came with a ball and chain?

Yeah, I didn't have
much of an option.

It was either
that ball and chain

or retire and be one
to your mother.

[laughs]

So how's your day?

Man. I just had to break it
to Ted Richardson

that the security footage
of the car crash

is damn near useless.

We may never ID the biker
who ran Laura off the road.

Yeah, the Richardsons
are not used to hearing no.

He didn't come at you sideways,
now, did he?

Nah. Ted knew
it was a long shot.

[sighs]

Something's eating at you.

Come on, Pops.

You know exactly what's wrong.

[sighs]

I was at the wedding
when Dani pulled her weapon,

and I didn't stop or arrest her.

I had a duty to act,
and I neglected it.

[sighs]

I know I let you down.

I'm all in. Show me the money.

Come on. Come...

It's all good. It's all good.
W-We still in this.

We still in this.

[sighs]

I wish I'd known about
Dani's spa day.

I would've cleared my work
schedule to keep her company.

Aren't you generous?

It's a sacrifice
I'd be willing to make.

Got to show solidarity
with my girl.

Jokes aside,

I appreciate the neighborhood
standing behind Dani,

even when my sister
doesn't make it easy.

You can always count on me.

I'd better get going.
I have a listing to show.

Uh, I should, too.

Where are Martin and Smitty?

In the lobby, schmoozing with
one of Martin's donors.

Are you heading to the hospital?

I can meet you there
and show you the research I did

on that laser equipment
you mentioned.

That'll work.

See you later.

At least Dad trusts
my instincts.

Kat, I do not doubt your
business acumen for a second.

You have done wonders
for your dad's private practice.

Then why won't you
listen to me about Eva?

Profit margins are one thing.

Interpersonal relationships
are another.

When it comes to people,
you have a blind spot.

And I think you have a blind
spot when it comes to Eva.

Come on, Mom.

Tell me you didn't do
a double take

when you saw Eva's tacky boots.

You're a psychiatrist.

Your assistant should be
professional

and pulled together like Laura.

Or casual and relatable
like Eva.

She was rude to me.

Were you rude first? Be honest.

You should listen to me, Mom.

I have a sixth sense about these
things, and that girl is sus.

You're gonna regret ever
bringing her into our lives.

I met another member
of that family today.

The congressman? Martin?

I thought you were being bitter
when you called Kat

a spoiled princess, but now that
I've seen her for myself,

she's actually worse.

That young woman reeks
of arrogance.

She has a stank attitude, too.

Took one look at me
and decided I was

worth less than the dirt on
the bottom of her stiletto heel.

I know the feeling.

She basically told me
to pack my desk

and dropped hints
about me getting fired.

Okay, here's how
you handle that one.

Stay quiet, stand tall
and picture the look on her face

when she realizes that
she's not Daddy's only daughter.

I hope her Louboutins
are comfortable,

because she's about to fall hard
off that pedestal.

[chuckles]

Well, her brother isn't as bad.

Well, unfortunately,
he wasn't there.

Neither was his husband.

But Naomi's husband Jacob
did drop by to talk to Ted

about some police business.

Ah, well, they're probably

investigating Dani going
g*n crazy at the country club.

Mm-mm.
That's what I thought, too.

He's actually investigating
Laura's car crash.

I think you're being
too hard on yourself.

Come on, Pops. I don't need you
making excuses for me.

When have I ever done that?
I hear you, son.

You feel like
you dropped the ball,

but there's more than
one kind of duty.

-What do you mean?
-You're a family man now.

You have a responsibility

to your wife
as well as the badge.

Yeah, but to just ignore
a crime...

You can't always rush in
half-c*ck, son.

In the heat of the moment,
a good cop trusts his gut.

And you may not always
get it right,

but in this case,
I think you did just fine.

Fine? People could have gotten
hurt because I hesitated.

But they didn't.
And Dani turned herself in.

Yeah, I didn't think
she was gonna do that.

Yeah, but you know the Duprees.

They handle their business
and weren't about to let

this mess go on and have their
name drug through the mud.

And they didn't.
It all worked out fine.

So you think I'm torturing
myself for no good reason.

Take a page
from The Beatles, son.

Let it be.

[sighs]

Dr. McBride, has Lady Luck
decided to find you yet?

On her way.

If only the house could spot me

a little something
to win what I lost,

I can have it
back to you tonight.

Maybe tomorrow at the latest.

Unfortunately, that doesn't
follow company policy.

Got to clear the tab before
we can extend any more credit.

How about I get you
a suite for later?

Nah, that's okay.
I appreciate you, though.

Holler at me
if you need anything else.

[line ringing]

Hey, listen, man,
I need to see you.

You mind stopping by?

SMITTY:
Hey.

If you're having me time,
I can go listen to Martin

-work over a donor.
-Boy, sit.

I've been meaning to check up on
my favorite son-in-law, anyway.

-[sighs]
-How's your world these days?

Uh, good.

Tyrell and Samantha
are, you know, teenagers.

So they're doing
their own thing.

Not interested in sharing
every detail of their day

-with Daddy anymore?
-No.

They're growing up.

Martin and I aren't empty
nesters yet, but... [sighs]

it's close.

And I'm not gonna lie,

I'm already starting to feel
kind of lost.

It happens to the best of us.

All the time I spent
driving them around

and making their lunches and
reading them bedtime stories.

It does seem like yesterday.

Well, now I have hours
to myself, but for what?

I mean, there are only
so many political podcasts

I can listen to
before I feel like

the world's about to implode.

That is why they keep
the news running 24/7.

-It's meant to draw in
worriers like you.
-Yeah.

Have you thought about

channeling that energy
into something positive?

I am on three
parent committees, Nicole.

I mean something positive
for you, not your children.

You have an activist spirit.
You want to do good.

Have you considered
joining Martin's team?

You mean having my husband
as my boss?

[laughs]

Okay, when you say it like that,

it definitely sounds like
a recipe for disaster.

You know,
I did have a thought about

getting back into reporting.

There's nothing like the rush of

being on the scent
of a big story.

-That sounds promising.
-We'll see.

I did reach out
to some former colleagues,

just put out some feelers, just
to gauge the level of interest.

So this is more than
just a thought.

How does Martin feel about it?

I haven't told him yet.

If what Mona told me was right

-and Laura's accident
wasn't an accident...
-Okay, listen.

I know Mona loves her tea,
but that doesn't make any sense.

Look, maybe the driver
was drunk or showing off,

but intentional?

The police have it on camera,

but the motorcycle
didn't have any plates.

Which means whoever did it

wanted to make sure
they couldn't be tracked.

What is the world coming to?

I can't see how anyone
would want to hurt

an innocuous girl like that.

Wonder if Jacob will be able
to find the driver

despite
the missing license plate.

I doubt it.
He has nothing to go on.

It's like he's chasing a ghost.

That just burns my grits.

Huh. I pray
they get that culprit.

What's wrong? You look troubled.

I'm sorry, but I just...

I can't shake
this feeling of guilt.

Honey, you are not the one
that ran Laura off the road.

No, but I'm benefiting from it.

I mean, here I am,
sliding into her job,

which strangely fits perfectly
into our plans.

Meanwhile, Laura is
laid up in the hospital.

Yeah, well, people are blessed
with good fortune every day.

All right?

So there's no reason
for you to blame yourself

for an opportunity
that fell into your lap.

But did it?

I know it's crazy
for me to go there,

but I just keep thinking about
how you've rented bikes before

when you got the urge to ride.

I did, but what
in the world are you...

Just help me get this
out of my head, Mama.

Tell me you had nothing to do
with that crash.

Oh, thank God you're here.
Yo, my man.

This high-roller table
is calling my name,

but the casino won't lend me
another dime.

Is that why you pulled me away
from my breakfast rib eye?

What do you expect me
to do about it?

You work for the owner.
Can't you vouch for a brother?

[sighs]
How deep are you in, man?

Seriously, Doug, do I look like
your fairy godmother?

I swear on my mama,
I'm good for it.

Don't you dare
bring your mama into this.

She would snatch your behind
if she heard.

Come on, Randy.
I'm desperate here.

See, and that right there
is the problem.

You and me,
we go back to the sandbox,

and you know I would take
a b*llet for you,

but I won't help you
dig your own grave.

And that's damn well
what's gonna happen

if we start throwing my boss's
good money over bad.

Don't you got
a-a rainy day stash somewhere?

Even if I did, I wouldn't throw
it down your bottomless pit.

What about your wife?
Isn't Vanessa's family loaded?

Out of the question.

So is my boss.

Joey's not what you would call
a sympathetic guy,

and I want to keep
both my kneecaps.

So do you.

I guess I'm S.O.L.

[sighs]

Not if you swallow your pride.
Go to Vanessa.

"For richer or for poorer,"
remember?

[sighs]

Ready to go whenever you are.

I'm free right now.
Let's get the party started.

Just wait until
you see the property.

It has an elegant staircase,

vaulted ceiling,
large windows...

Uh, that's not the type of party
I'm talking about.

What do you think you're doing?

I'm giving you what you want.

About damn time.

[Vanessa panting]

We will have to finish
our chat later.

Oh, um,
it's the committee meeting

for the annual
teachers' appreciation gala.

Don't have too much fun.

Bye.

I actually should be
getting back myself.

Um, actually, Mom,
would you mind staying?

I have something
I want to discuss.

I hope it isn't bad news.

God knows we've had
enough of that as of lately.

Then what's the good news?

I've been thinking about
the next step of my career.

Oh, I don't know how helpful
I could be with that.

Usually when it comes
to politics,

you consult with
your grandfather.

I'm planning to speak
to Granddad, too,

but it just feels like you need
to be the first one to know.

You running for reelection to
Congress wouldn't be a surprise.

No, I haven't made
a commitment yet,

but I'm considering running...

for president.

Oh, my God.

Martin, that is wonderful!

[laughs]

How could you even let
that thought cross your mind?

-I know it sounds crazy.
-It sounds ridiculous!

Your whole plan was for me to
get a job with the Richardsons.

At the club or the clinic

or even with Ashley
at the hospital,

once we got to know her.

And maybe that plan
went out the window

when the opportunity
with Laura popped up.

-Oh, my...
-So what'd you do?

-Hire a hit man just to get me
closer to the Duprees?
-What?

That is absurd!

How could you even say
something like that?

How could you even think
I would consider

doing something like that?

After all we have been through,

even after...
after all this time,

you really think your mother is
capable of such a heinous crime?

Oh, my...

No, no, no. Of course not.

Look, look, look,
I'm sorry, okay?

I-I just couldn't get it
out of my head,

and I had to ask to be sure.

Are you getting cold feet?

Is that what this is about?

Because if it is,
I already told you,

and I meant when I said

you don't have to go
through with this.

No, no. I said I'm ten toes
down, and that's still the case.

After all these years,
Dr. Ted Richardson is

finally gonna have to face up
to what he did.

We're so close.

But, baby,
you got to play it cool.

-Get them to trust me.
-Yeah, exactly.

Lower their guard,

and then I will make sure
that their world

comes crashing down
all around them.

And then you will step in,

and you will take what is
rightfully yours all along.

My name and my birthright.

That's right.