Widow's Payback, The (2025)

[bunniefuu]

[tires squealing]

Jeez!

[g*nshots popping]

[g*nf*re]

[tires squealing]



[woman] Jefe, we gotta go!

[banging on door]

[man] Open the door!

[pounding]

I'm not leaving

without my business.

[roars] Open this door!

[siren wailing]

-[pop]

-Oh!

[laughter]

Now, come and get some,

Jesse Bibbs,

so that we can celebrate

your wife.

Make sure we save some

for the woman of the hour.

Oh, no, no, no, no. It's fine.

I still have more work to do.

Girl, it is almost 5:00.

It has been 5:00 for you

since noon.

-Well...

-[chuckling]

[Dr. Jameson]

And so, we toast Amanda Bibbs,

our senior dental hygienist,

and...

"Employee of the Year".

Whoo!

[all chuckling and cheering]

Here's a... a little cash bonus.

Oh. Thank you.

Um, let's, uh, take a photo.

Oh.

[Vanessa] Okay...

three, two, one.

[camera shutter clicks] Nice!

Oh, and, uh,

one with your husband,

who so graciously

took time off from work today

to celebrate his beautiful wife.

[Vanessa] There we go. Smiles.

Aw.

That's great.

It's funny how Dr. Jameson

said I came from a job.

I didn't know

if he was yanking my chain

or really didn't know

I ain't worked in over a year.

I love the Doc,

but he's clueless about yours,

mine, or anybody else's life.

The man has to write

'R' and 'L' on his feet

to know right from left.

-[laughs] Woman, stop.

No, it's true!

I mean, he's, like,

really smart, but bumbling,

you know what I mean?

That was nice of him, though,

with the award and all.

You get

the good parking space now.

That part!

I am really happy, though,

that you came, husband.

I'm your ride-or-die.

And I'm yours.

Jesse, you are

gonna get a job soon.

Like, I honestly feel that

from the universe.

[man] Jesse Bibbs!



[man] You tryin' to duck me?

Not at all, Piper.

This is my wife.

Can we talk about this later?

No, we can't.

Did you do what I told you?

Yeah.

Then you're good.

But I ain't.

You need to make me whole.

Look here, my man.

Imma need a little more ti...

How much

does my husband owe you?

Amanda.

[Piper] Five.

[paper crinkling]

[Jesse] Amanda.

This stays between us.

All right?



[clacking]

Want some cake?

Nah.

[ba*ls clack]

You disrespected me.

[thumps door shut]

[scoffs] I disrespected you?

Men and their egos. [sighing]

Jesse...

you are my man.

I look out for you

the exact same way

that you look out for me.

It's what power couples do.

What power do I got, Amanda?

You pay for rent,

groceries, gas...

my debts.

You handle the bills

when you can.

-I can barely buy a toy!

-["pool table" thuds]

I love that mini pool set...

...and I love our life together.

Guys like me, we...

we don't get fair shakes.

Jesse...

...it'll work out.

And, in the meantime,

we'll continue

to play mini pool...

where I will continue

to beat your butt.

In your dreams, woman.



You know when

I started loving you?

Sundog Tavern. My freshman year.

That's right! Sundog Tavern.

And, girl,

I was on top of the world...

co-captain of the football team,

real popular.

Real drunk.

We had just won.

I was celebratin'.

And then you saw me.

And then I saw you.

A little country girl.

New to the city.

New to college.

We had our first beer,

our first pool game.

Where I whipped your tail.

[laughs] That is not

how the story goes!

I had plans

to show the world to you.

All it took for me to mess it up

was one damn unlawful possession

of a firearm.

It wasn't your g*n.

Yeah, but it was in my car.

I knew dude was trouble,

but you know me...

gotta help everybody.

Jesse, we're fine.

I have faith.

[scoffs]

You don't even go to church.

I'm looking for a church home.

Oh, yeah? Well, look harder.

It needs to be the right fit.

Girl, you're not

shopping for a dress.

Ugh! You know I hate shopping.

Yeah, precisely!

So make a decision.

[sighs]

I'm sorry

if I embarrassed you earlier.

You always go after

what you think is right.

No matter who's in your way.

That guy...

that we gave the money to...?

Yeah. He's, like...

He's, like,

a recruiter for jobs.

And you're paying him for this?

Well, yeah.

Look, I do what I gotta do.

Has he actually

gotten you a job?

Maybe. Look, I just need

to pass a test or something,

so... yeah.

Why didn't you tell me?

It's not for sure.

Besides, this was your day.

I don't care.

This is amazing news.



[Amanda] Bye, cowgirl.

We fight cavities. Pow-pow!

[chuckles]

You a gunslinger now?

Jesse taught me...

Jesse Bibbs, not Jessie James.

I, uh, gotta bounce

and buy groceries.

I'm cooking dinner tonight.

Ooh! Have fun with hubby.

[Jesse] Hey.

[Amanda] Where are you?

Just rolled in.

So how was

the wild and crazy crew?

Still wild and crazy.

[Amanda chuckles]

Are you wearing

your Halloween costume, Captain?

Yes. Yes, I am.

You wear yours?

-Yes.

-[knocking]

Hold on a second.

[kids] Trick or treat!

Welcome aboard!

Please fasten your seat belts

and put your seats

and table trays

in the upright position.

Who wants candy?

[buckets jostling]

[Amanda] So the drive was okay?

Yeah. The coast

is only five hours away.

I like the drive.

Oh, not me. I would fall asleep

after, like, two hours.

[knocking]

[sighs]

Wait a second, honey.

[indistinct exchange]

Sir. Thank you.

Trick or treat!

Welcome aboard!

Please fasten your seat belts

and secure all...

Here's your candy.

Take care.

[Amanda] So... you were

saying about the ride?

It's a great bus.

Weird that they had me

take it to a garage

when I was in Alabama.

Is something wrong with it?

Not that I could tell.

Guess it was just maintenance.

Anyway, I gotta sweep,

then take it back

to the warehouse to wash it.

Want me to pick you up after?

No, it's all good.

I'll call a car.

[knocking]

These kids

are gonna drive me to drink.

You probably started already.

Stop acting like you know me.



[tape ripping]

When can I expect you?

Baby...

Baby, this company's dirty.

I'll call you back.

[knocking]

One second!

[sighing]

I should be

giving these kids toothpaste.



[knocking]

[sighs]

Are they still

trick-or-treating at this hour?

Or...

this better be my husband!

[gasping]

[gasping]

[car engine turning over]

[car engine revving]

[tires squealing]

[car engine roaring]

[sobbing] Jesse.

Jesse... [sobbing]

Jesse...

Jesse...

[sobbing] Jesse, wake up.

Please wake up.

Mrs. Bibbs,

your husband have

any enemies you know of?

None.

But there was, um...

...a man about...

...three weeks ago.

He was angry

because he owed him money.

And who was this man?

[sobs]

I don't remember his name.

Did you ever see him again?

No.

But I, um...

I-I think he, um...

I think he helped him, um,

get a job with the bus company.

Name of this company?

The Blacktop Bus Line.

Your husband worked

for Blacktop?

He had just started.

Mrs. Bibbs... [sighing]

...could your husband

have been involved

with any criminal activity

you might have been unaware of?

Jesse Bibbs was a good man.

He didn't associate

with anything...

or anyone criminal.

Anything else you can tell us?

When I opened the door, I...

...I saw a car speeding away.

Oh? What kind of car?

[exhaling wearily]

Um...

it was bright-blue.

Older.

The kind you see at car shows.

I don't... [sniffles]

I-I don't remember

anything else.

Hmm.

Okay, Mrs. Bibbs. Um...

if you remember anything else,

please call.

You'll get whoever did this?

We'll do our best.

Ma'am?

My condolences.



[door opens, then shuts]

[sobbing deeply]





[door thuds]



[chair scrapes floor]



[bottle top pops and clatters]



"Do you know..."

...when I started loving you?

Sundog Tavern.

My freshman year.



[sobs] Do you know when

I started loving you?

Sundog Tavern...

...my freshman year.

[sobs]

[Amanda] It's been weeks!

Why is nothing happening

with my husband's case?

Why didn't you inform us

your husband

was a convicted felon?

Because Jesse did his time!

And you figured

we didn't need to know?

Is there anything else

you left out?

Nothing.

Now let me ask you this...

you have a pretty decent

life-insurance policy

on your husband,

am I right?

What are you saying?

You think I had something to do

with my own husband's death?

No, ma'am, we don't.

We examine all angles here.

Why don't you have a seat,

Mrs. Bibbs?

Our concern is any associations

your husband may have still had.

You mean criminal associations?

Did you know that Blacktop...

the company

your husband worked for...

only hires ex-cons?

No.

Maybe they believe in

giving people a second chance.

Jesse did have his CDL...

commercial driver's license.

Oh, I know what it is.

Did you find

the guy we gave the money to?

This "recruiter"?

Not yet.

Workers at Blacktop

would only tell us

that your husband

dropped off his bus

at the end of his run.

Yeah. They were

very closed-mouthed.

Almost afraid.

Afraid of what?

[Kendall] Well, there's a lot

we don't

know about this company.

We don't even know

who actually owns it.

The registered agent

is a "Percival Daye"

from Chicago.

Yeah. Single, no attachments.

Nothing.

[Det. Malik]

A few minor incidents.

A civil case involving a club

that he owned,

but no real criminal record.

You're saying

you think there's more?

Well, there's a dirty buzz

about Blacktop Bus Line

in the streets, but...

[deep breath]

...nothing we can nail down yet.

Before Jesse got off the phone,

I thought I heard him say,

"This company is dirty."

At the time,

I thought he was talking

about the bus.

Or maybe he discovered something

we don't know about.



Hey, girl.

Uh, a few of us are thinking of

getting together for New Year's.

You wanna come?

I don't.

[sighs] I, um...

I'm ringing in the New Year

with some old college friends.

Cool.

Uh...

listen, I'm sure you're tired

of people asking you this,

but... you okay?

You're right...

I am tired of people asking.

And I'm not okay.

It's been two months

and the cops

have not made one arrest.

Justice takes time.

It does? How much time?

Months.

Years. You have to be patient.

Look, what I'm saying...

...Is what

everybody else keeps saying!

"Be patient, Amanda."

"Go on with your life, Amanda."

Meanwhile, this hole in my life

is getting bigger

and more rotten every day.

"But wait for justice, Amanda."

I understand.

No, you don't!

It's a cavity.

We fill cavities

so they don't rot

everything else.

I am rotting inside!

My husband was m*rder*d,

he was dropped on my doorstep,

and we have no idea

who's responsible!

What kind of justice

am I waiting for in that?

Mrs. Bibbs.

I have called you several times.

Yeah. It's New Year's.

Why is nothing being done

about my husband's m*rder?

First of all,

don't assume

that we're not doing anything...

I haven't heard anything!

These things take time.

That's all I can say.

If the victim was someone

unlike Jesse Bibbs,

would you still be

dragging your feet?

Like who?

Someone without

a criminal record...

and someone who wasn't Black.

I reject that notion.

And I reject your ineptitude.

Happy New Year's, Mrs. Bibbs.

[popping]







[traffic droning]

[indistinct exchanges]



Yeah, I'll make sure.



[car engine turning over]



[starts engine]



[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct conversation]



[Amanda]

I think this company is guilty.

Ah, that's a helluva leap.

You didn't know Jesse Bibbs.

He always spoke truth.

You said it yourself...

he could've been

talking about the bus.

I don't think he was.

My husband saw something

that wasn't right.

Like, something stinks...

and when things stink,

there are flies.

Now, will you make

some kind of arrest?

Lady, that's very colorful

about flies and all,

but we don't arrest people

based on your intuition.

Mrs. Bibbs...

we need evidence that Blacktop

is engaged in criminal activity.

Right now,

all we have are suspicions.

So you need someone to talk.

Someone who intimately

knows the inner workings, yes.

[Det. Kendall] Mrs. Bibbs...

it is always dangerous

to act out of desperation,

so hear me...

you are not law enforcement.

I know, Detective.

I'm in dentistry.

I fill cavities.

[sighing]

[Amanda]

How does one catch flies?

Likes, dislikes...

hobbies, personal history...

Vanessa, it's Amanda.

[Vanessa] Girl, I know.

I got you locked in.

You're gonna be all right.

[Amanda] I've been

kind of a grouch lately.

[Vanessa] Look, I get it.



[Amanda] Step one...

become the honey.

[on phone]

I'm gonna follow your advice

and take time off.

I talked with Dr. Jameson

and he gave me

a pretty decent advance.

[Vanessa] That's what's up!



[Amanda] And, Vanessa...

while I'm away,

you can park in my space.

[Vanessa]

I was gonna do that anyway.

So you're going somewhere?

[Amanda] Yeah.

Your girl's going away

for a little while.



[Amanda]

Hi, I'm Zora. Zora Smith.

[more assertively] Hi. I'm Zora.

Zora Smith.



Hi.

It's a pleasure to meet you...

It's a pleasure to meet you.



Washed...

in his blood.

Please.



I will make you

as a light for the nations...

that my salvation

will reach to the end

of the Earth...

...and blessed be His kingdom,

now and forever.

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to His people

on the Earth.

Lord God, heavenly King.

Blessed be God...

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

[congregation] Amen.

I wanted to also mention

that the Men's Club

will be holding

another Chicago-stepping class

right after church.

Last time,

I only said "stepping,"

and I was later told

that there's

a difference between

stepping and "Chicago" stepping.

Isn't that right, Mr. Daye?

[chuckles]

Amen!

Amen.

Sounds like fun.

I may have to join you.

Uh, I took forever

to learn the Cupid Shuffle,

so you might have to write out

the instructions for me.

[light chuckling]

I enjoyed the service, Pastor.

Thank you.

First time?

Yes. I, um...

I'm new to the city.

From?

New Orleans.

Oh, from Nawlins to ATL?

What brings you here?

Um, I am looking for...

...a fresh start.

Well, I'm glad you started here.

Next time,

bring the whole family.

Oh, um, it's just me.

I'm single.

Oh, girl, me too.

Though some would prefer

their pastor was married.

That, uh, steppers class

you talked about...

uh, can anyone go?

Certainly.

It's held in our auditorium.

You should check it out.

I will.

Um, I've never done it before,

but, uh, I'd love to try it.

What's your name?

Zora. Zora Smith.

Well, Zora, I hope you find

whatever it is

you're looking for.

Thank you.

You make me feel

like this is real

I can't get over

what's the deal

You got me working overtime

You take my loving on a ride

You came to me

What a surprise

You put a sparkle in my eyes

I never thought

I'd see the day

When love would shine

on my parade

You make me feel

like a new woman

Made the clouds open up

Made me feel something

Triple A's in my back

'Cause you turn me up

Put the rhythm in my step

Like a double Dutch...

Percy Daye.

Call me "Slide".

Slide.

I'm Zora. Call me Zora.

Are you here to teach or learn?

Learn.

Then allow me.

"Stepping" is a broad term.

Kids in college call

what they do as "stepping,"

but Chicago stepping...

well, that's a little different.

How so?

First, it's from Chicago...

where all good things come from.

Which is where

you're from, I assume?

South side... born and raised.

Our style is smooth... sensual.

May I?

Mm.

Chicago style

is like a rhythmic communication

between dancers.

So, when I place a hand here,

that means

"move this way."

An arm up...

might mean "spin."

There are also moments

of individual expression.

[laughs]

The creativity...

is endless.

Like love.

Love?

At least my interpretation

of it.

Are you ready?

All right, everybody!

This is a six-step count.

You're gonna pay attention

to me, all right?

Here with me... we go.

Left up, right back...

right up, left back... one, two.

Here we go. Let's do it again.

Left up, right back,

right up, left back.

Good!

And that's the basic moves.

Now...

you'll also be doing that

when you step forward

and backwards,

but... not right now.

Okay.

-All right?

-Mm.

[Percy] Make sure

there's a lot of movement

from your knees... down.

Okay?

Now you're gonna take your foot,

slide it up, and back.

Up... and back...

like you're sliding a quarter

across the ground.

Back and forth.

There we go!

...Mm-mm-mm yeah

Don't you know

I feel you, baby

[Percy] So did you have fun?

Why didn't Mr. Smith join you?

Because he's with

his current wife.

So sorry to hear that.

You're a good teacher. Bad liar.

You got a new whip?

It's still got

the dealer plates.

I recently bought it.

Pre-owned.

Hmm. I'd like

to hear more about that.

Should we go out for drinks?

We should not.

I don't think

your wife would appreciate it.

No wife. No girlfriend.

Really?

You sound surprised.

Maybe. A little bit.

Thank you, but I have

a client meeting in the morning.

What is it that you do?

I'm a writer.

Anything I might have read?

Not with my name on it.

I ghostwrite.

People, they want a book,

but they don't want

to actually write one, so...

So they pay you

and put their name on it.

Mm.

I might need a ghostwriter.

I got a real good story.

I bet you do,

and I would love

to hear about it, some day.

How 'bout some night?

Like, tomorrow night. Dinner?

Tell you what.

Give me your number,

and I will think about it.

No guarantees.

Ain't no guarantees in life...

but there's still a lot of hope.



[Amanda] Step two...

build a connection.



[g*n shop clerk] Is there

something I can help you with?

I really don't like g*ns.

My husband suggested

I get something

to protect myself?

Well, what about pepper spray?

Gals seems to like that.

What would you suggest?

Well...

Light-weight compact p*stol.

Chambered for the .25.

Single-action, hammer-fired.

I like that.

What, you know this handgun?

I like that it's pink.

I'll take it.

Yes, ma'am.

[firing repeated rounds]

[Jesse] Nice.

There you go.

[g*n fires]

[firing repeatedly]



Hello, ma'am.

Hello, sir.

-You're early.

-I usually am.

You okay, Zora Smith?

Are you feeling...

uncomfortable?

I feel overdressed.

Nah, you look amazing.

Thanks.

This is my go-to place.

Best Mexican street food

in the city.

Me encantan

los antojitos Mexicanos.

I love Mexican street food.

Wait, so you speak Spanish

and you know this food?

You know,

growing up in New Orleans,

you appreciate everything.

Walk with kings,

yet keep the common touch.

Know what I'm sayin', baby?

Sure. Then let's do common.

What's going on, Chief?

Mm. This food is phenomenal.

[Slide] I appreciate you loving

my little hole in the wall.

It means a lot.

And for coming to step class.

Mm. Well, it was endorsed

by Pastor Gordon.

So, I'm guessing...

you learned how to step

in Chicago?

Mm-hmm.

Why the South?

Business.

What kind of business?

I'm an art dealer.

You're an art dealer?

Portraits. Some sculptures.

And I run

a transportation business.

Mostly buses.

That surprises you?

It's just, buses and art.

It seems so different.

I make it work.

What made you

become an art dealer?

Nothing made me.

Like any good opportunity,

I saw it...

I took it.

Zora Smith,

you are a curious woman.

My best friend is Google.

[chuckles]

When writing memoirs,

you learn to ask about people

and their stories.

I told you.

My story is pretty good.

Noted.

See you at church.

But that's days away.

Yes. Yes, it is.

Somebody I want you

to look into...

Zora Smith.

From New Orleans.





[keys clacking]

[sighs]

You own Blacktop...

what is this art thing,

Mr. Daye?

Your soon-to-be best friend

needs to know.



Hey! Come on in! Great to see ya



More for you?

I see

they put you on bread duty.

Yup.

I got the bread.

Here, I can help.

Zora... thank you for coming.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

But, to be honest,

it was actually his idea.

[Pastor]

Have you known him long?

[Amanda]

No. I met him here, actually.

He's interesting.

I was surprised to learn

that he's an art dealer.

Is that what he told you?

Yeah, and that he owns

a transportation company.

Well, that part is true.

He's not an art dealer?

I'm sure

there's some dealing going on...

some way, some how.

He does...

connect with folks

most people would consider

to be on the lower tier of life.

My husband was the same way.

You're divorced?

My husband died.

Drunk driving.

I'm really sorry.

Somebody hit him?

He was the drunk driver.

Ran smack dab into a tree,

the tree lived... he didn't.

I see.

There are a lot of trees

along our roads.

Stay alert,

so you don't run into one.

[Percy] Thank you, guys,

so much for coming.

-It's my pleasure.

-All right.

Ugh. I never want

to see bread ever again.

[chuckles]

So, what are you doing

this afternoon?

What do you have in mind?

Something fun.



Whoo!



[Percy] Number one, baby!

What

[Percy] Oh, no, no, no.

Get back here.

[Amanda laughs]

Whoo!

Whoo!

Nice!

But I don't care.

I can't believe you tried

to run me off the road!

-Me?

-Yes, you.

I would never!

[gasps] You did several times.

However, I will say

that that was very special,

and something

I will never forget,

so, thank you.

-What's next?

-Next?

Don't you have, like, an office

to be at tomorrow, or something?

I got a bunch of people

working for me.

I'm the boss.

People do what you say.

Or else I send 'em home.

All right, boss man,

let's do something special

I haven't done since Covid.

[sniffling]

Are those tears, Mr. Daye?

Allergies.

Yeah, right.

They thought the dog was dead,

but he was standing

right behind them all along,

wearing his little rubber boots.

Sad stuff.

I take it you like dogs?

Man's best friend.

Ever had one?

A friend or a dog?

[laughs]

He died before I moved here.

My Buddy.

What was his name?

Buddy.

[chuckles]

Your best friend, huh?

All right, so what do you value

in a friendship?

That sounds like

a shrink's question.

Or a writer's question.

Loyalty.

Friends don't betray friends.

That's it?

That's it.

Hmm.

Sounds like something

you know a little bit about.

Not recently.

People know I'd m*rder them

before I let that happen.

Nah, just playin'.

So I guess

I'll walk you to your car?

Oh, no need.

It's right over there.

Okay. Text me when you get home.

Yeah. Goodnight.

[munching]



[message whooshes]

[message whooshes]

Jesse...

I miss you, husband.

[man]

Can I get a refill, please?

Will I ever beat you

in arriving somewhere?

Will I ever beat you

in arriving somewhere?

Nobody beats me at anything.

You are arrogant, sir.

I know, right?

What's this?

I got something to protect you.

[laughs]

Now this...

is a k*ller.

Mm-hmm.

Join me.

What you think?

I think that...

it is an exceptional vintage

for a Cabernet Sauvignon.

It's bold, opulent character...

...but perhaps

a bit fruit-forward for me.

All that from one sip?

Mm-hmm.

Mm.

You know, I don't have

the vocabulary for wine.

Sure you do.

What's a...

a word that comes to mind?

Nasty.

Nasty? That's a wine word.

Why're you looking into

my brown bedroom eyes?

I'm imagining

how sexy you might look

in a bus uniform.

Why a bus uniform?

You own a bus company.

I don't drive 'em.

Never?

Never.

So then why start the business?

Why do anything?

I see a need and I fill it...

as long as it makes money.

I'm assuming

that art dealing makes money?

I dig art...

Picasso, Rembrandt, Bearden...

but art is a commodity that

can be bought, sold, traded.

It's a great way to move money.

What do you mean "move"?

Is this an inquisition?

No, I just, um...

I like to know

who a man is first...

before becoming intimate

with him.

Hmm.

What's wrong?



I...

I think I... I think

I left the car unlocked.

Are you serious?

[crash]

Oh, my God! My dress.

It's ruined!

Zora!

Zora, wait up!

Wait!

I, uh... I lost it in there.

I'd say so.

Was your car unlocked?

No, it wasn't.

You seemed a little...

different, back there.

You okay?

Yeah. I think that the stress

is just getting to me.

You know, um...

moving to a new city...

starting a new life..

I'm here for you, Zora.

I got you.

Let me take you

to breakfast in the morning.

Sure.

You gonna call or nudge me?

The dog will wake you.

Meet me at 10.

Give him a name.

It's a "him"?

I got some Blacktop business

tomorrow morning at church.

Meet me there.

Okay.

I gotta get out of this dress.

I mean, I could help.

Cute.

Detective, this is Zora...

Amanda Bibbs.

[Kendall]

You changed your number.

Yeah.

Listen, I thought you'd wanna

know that Percy Daye...

he owns Blacktop.

Yeah, we found that out.

Why didn't you tell me?

How can I help you, Mrs. Bibbs?

Is there any reason

why Blacktop would be

connected to the art world?

Well, sometimes,

bad actors use art

as a way to evade taxes

and launder money.

Are you suggesting

Blacktop is moving money

through art deals?

Maybe. I don't know.

What would that mean

to the investigation?

How are you getting this info?

I'm just asking questions,

Detective.



I'm comin'

Got a feeling

And it just feels right

Know I better listen

Hear my spirit yellin'

Crying out

I need some attention

Done had a long time away

From where

my heart still stays...

Now I'm sure

that I've just got to...

You going to the casino, too?

Do I look like a senior citizen?

Slide and I

are getting breakfast.

You've been

spending time with him.

Is that a sin or a warning?

An observation.

No judgment zone here,

my friend.

Honestly.

What do you think of him?

[Pastor] He's generous,

which, for a church

in need of cash,

is a blessing.

Personally,

he's been good to me.

When I was appointed here,

a lot of people weren't checking

for a woman pastor,

but Slide supported me,

and the rest followed.

But would I date him? Hell, no!

Pastor, that is not

what I was asking.

[chuckling]

Okay, why wouldn't you date him?

I prefer a plainer man.

Someone who shops for clothes

at a discount variety store.

Slide's a little flashy...

for me...

way too gangster.

Gangster?

Oh, Zora,

you don't strike me as naive.

I know you must be thinking

there's more to him

than meets the eye.

Been to his place yet?

No.

Charging groups for bus rides

don't pay

for a spread like that.

Pastor, why are you

telling me this?

Because I can see

you're on some kind of mission,

and I don't want you

running into any trees...

and it's my job to save souls.

[Percy] Your new driver

should be here shortly.

We had to pick him up.

Okay.

[Percy] My man. You're late.

[Piper] No uniform his size.

[Percy] Okay.

He straight?

Yeah, we got him plugged in.

All right.

Get going.

Zora!

Ready for waffles?

I'll follow you.



-Mrs. Bibbs.

-[gasping]

It's okay.

But you might wanna

put something on.

Your g*n's still in there.

You're not gonna need it.

Why are you here?

I'm with O.C.I...

Office of

Criminal Investigation...

FDA's criminal

law enforcement arm.

You're a cop?

Investigator.

What does the FDA want with me?

Well, it's not about you.

We're looking for, uh,

Percy Daye, your boyfriend.

He's not my boyfriend.

I saw you this morning.

I was sure

you were gonna blow my cover,

but I see you have

your own game going on.

This isn't a game.

I want justice

for my husband's m*rder.

These people...

they are K*llers.

Did they k*ll my husband?

Probably.

I just recruit for them.

Ex-cons.

They pay me,

but I hustle a side fee

from candidates,

and then I flip them

for information.

Is that what

you wanted with my husband?

Turn him into a snitch?

Damn you.

Jesse was a good man!

[gasps]

You got him mixed up in this.

And I regret it,

but I had nothing to do

with his...

[roars] You had

everything to do with it!

You knew it was dangerous,

and you could've stopped it!

[sighing]

Why ex-cons?

Percy Daye...

he liked them.

He figured they know how to, uh,

keep their mouths shut,

but... he was

just about to talk.

Jesse wasn't there

long enough to see anything.

[Piper] It only takes a moment.

Some things you can't un-see.

Every bus in Blacktop

is tracked by GPS.

All right?

They saw him

heading away

from the warehouse...

which means Blacktop's

head of security

would get involved.

Who's that?

Melina Zuniga.

She's his, uh... pit-bull.

Did she k*ll my husband?

No, she'd never do it

without Slide telling her

to "send them home".

It's his way

of giving the order.

Listen, uh, you need

to disappear, Mrs. Bibbs.

Look, the FDA got involved

'cause Slide

was distributing fake GLP-1,

and God knows what else.

All right? It's a...

I know what it is.

It's for weight loss

and type-2 diabetes.

He was disrupting

the supply chain

with his counterfeit crap,

and k*lling people

in the process.

-You're working with the cops?

-Hell, no.

The less they're involved,

the longer I stay alive,

which is why I need you

to get the hell out.

I can get closer to him

than you ever can,

so, no, I will not sit at home,

waiting and hoping for justice.

My husband was m*rder*d.

If I just let that go unchecked,

what kind of wife

would that make me?

[sighs]

So, now what?

We get proof

on how they're moving

the money and the drugs...

...and then,

at the right moment...

...we rip the bottom

from his world.



[note crinkles]

[Amanda] Step three...

become his ride-or-die.

Tell me

can you love somebody?

Can you really hurt

somebody?

I've been digging deeper

trying to find the answers to

Finally find the answers

Tell me

can you love somebody?

Can you really hurt somebody

I've been digging deeper

Trying to find

the answers...

Trying

to find the answers to...

Trying to find

the answers to

Hello?

Trying

to find the answers to...

Hello?

In the kitchen!

Don't you get lonely

in this house all by yourself?

Where's your dog?

[Amanda laughs]

See this smile?

A dog is happy

when you come home... always.

And if I came home to you?

Would you be happy...

always?

"Always"?

[Amanda laughs]

I think you need

to stick with the dog.

[thud]

Planning on sh**ting somebody?

Oh, I, um...

I bought it on impulse.

I don't even know how to use it.

[blasting]

Your turn.

Oh, no.

Uh, it's just for show.

Ma'am, if you're gonna

pull out a g*n,

you better know how to use it.



All right, first thing...

meet the web of your hand

with the back of the g*n.

That's good.

Now, take your left hand,

and wrap it around the other.

Mm-hmm.

Thumbs pointed

towards the target...

and squeeze.

-[fires]

-[grunts]

You're anticipating the recoil.

No, I'm anticipating

sh**ting my foot.

Here. Take this.

Let's try again.

All right.

[Amanda] I hit nothing!

Not true.

I'm sure you hit a neighbor...

in another state.

Ha, ha.

I love a man who can cook.

Why is that?

The women I grew up with,

they were great cooks,

but they did it

because they had to do it.

The men treated it like a craft.

How's your cooking?

I can boil water.

-[laughs]

-That's about it.

Yeah, my grandmother

taught me how to cook.

She's the one who gave me

my nickname... "Slide".

I thought it was from stepping.

Oh, no.

When I was about five or six,

I used to run through

her kitchen in my socks,

then I'd slide into her arms,

and she'd say,

"Here comes my Slide."

It stuck.

She was amazing.

Some of the seniors at church

remind me of her.

Your businesses

must be doing really well.

Ah, 15 years ago... not so much.

I was the principal owner

of a night club in Chicago.

It was popular.

Everybody came out.

I mean, celebrities...

sports people.

And then, one night,

it caught on fire.

Some people got

trapped in a stairwell and...

and died.

Oh, my God.

That's awful.

I know.

I lost everything

I owned in one night.

I was talking

about the people that died.

Oh, they sued me...

even my disloyal partners

joined in.

Took everything.

So, I moved from Chi...

built a new business...

learned how art moves,

surrounded myself

with people I trust,

and now... here I am.

It's a good life...

one I'd love to share

with someone...

some day.

Why don't we start

with you sharing

some of this food with me first?

Okay, Ms. Smith.

Want a bit of everything?

Yes, please.

Um, can I, uh,

use this for a second?

There's a website...

No, no. Uh, that...

that don't go online.

I run all my businesses

from this computer,

so I never connect

to the internet with this one.

Can't have these cookies

or dirty government programs

touching me.

Zora, listen to me...

you... [chuckles]

...you can't be too careful

these days

with all these cell phones

listening

and recording everything.

I hate that.

Babe...

I'm with you on that.

All the way.

[phone rings]

One second.

[ringing]

[sighing deeply]

What?

Yeah, tomorrow to the garage

and one right after that.

And tell 'em

they better keep up.

We only got a couple weeks.

What else?

I'm busy.

Uh... I gotta

take this in my office.

Mm.

How'd you get

this information, Melina?

[door bangs shut]





[Slide] He's been with us

for, like, two years!

[footsteps]

Well, damn.

If you're sure...

then send him home.



-[door closes]

-[footsteps]

[Reverend Gordon] Zora?

Well, what are you doing here?

I saw your car parked out front.

You know my car?

It's the one in front of

"Reserved for Pastor," right?

[laughing]

You know church

is on Sundays, right?

I have heard that somewhere.

Actually, I, um...

I wanted to ask you

about something

you said to me the other day.

About Percy Daye

being a gangster?

Yeah.

Are you coming to me

for advice or confession?

I'm not sure.

Mm. Well, the advice

usually comes

after the confession.

I was at Slide's house

last night,

and it felt like

he wanted to be physical...

...and so did I.

What's fueling

this desire for intimacy?

Physical attraction?

No.

Huh.

Uh, then what is it?

To right a terrible wrong.

I want justice...

because I think

he k*lled my husband.



If you think

Slide had something to do

with your husband's death,

I understand

you wanting justice.

But using yourself

or others fueled by anger,

that's... that's not justice...

that's revenge.

So you're saying

I should wait for justice?

Justice requires patience.

Revenge wants immediacy...

"right here, right now."

It's a dangerous emotion.

For years,

I was angry at my husband

for all the things he did.

I-I spent money recklessly.

I trampled over

peoples' emotions.

I-I refused to listen to anyone

but the angry, hurt woman

inside of me.

I wanted revenge...

on anybody and anything.

All for the pretense

of-of healing myself,

but-but revenge doesn't

close the gap.

It just poisons the soul.

I ran out of patience.

I need to hold someone

responsible for that hurt.

I need them to hurt.

And that someone is Slide?

I'm betting my life to find out.

[phone starts ringing]

And what do I owe the honor?

[chuckles]

I'm just calling to make sure

that you're eating right.

It's important to put healthy

things inside your body,

especially as you get older.

Mm, I don't think

I like the way you say "older".

So what are you proposing,

ma'am?

I bring lunch...

a healthy one... to the office.

Nah, don't bring anything.

I'll text you the address.

Meet me at the warehouse.

I'll take you out.

I just gotta finish up

some business.

See you in an hour?

See you in an hour. Bye.

Papi,

if you don't mind me asking,

what do you see in her?

Sexy, smart, bold.

We communicate.

She's interested in me.

[scoffs lightly]

Mel, she might be

the first woman

I give a ring to.

[elastic snaps]

And I do mind you asking.

[knocking]

Come in!

Zora.

This is Melina.

Melina, Zora.

[Melina scoffs]

-[chuckles]

-[boot thuds on table]

We still having lunch?

Not here.

I'm taking you out.

I just need

to pop into scheduling.

I'll be right back.

Something you looking for?

If I was, I'd ask.

-Ready?

-Yep.

All right.

[lock clicks]

[Percy] Shall we?

Slide,

what does Melina do for you?

Head of security.

My tough little cookie.

I'd say your rude little b*tch.

So did I hear you say

something about a ball?

It's my day party.

Mm.

Steppers come

from different cities.

I hold it twice a year.

It's a big event

for the company.

[phone rings]

Excuse me.

Mm.

All right, how many drivers

have you got?

[engine revving loudly]

[camera shutter clicks]

[camera shutter clicks]

[conversation continues,

indistinct]



Reckless and dangerous.

I have it under control.

No, you control nothing.

We finally have something.

[Kendall] What? This?

Hmm? A photo and license plate?

Melina Zuniga

spent time in the federal pen,

just like all the rest

of Blacktop's employees.

Other than that...

she's clean.

Did you actually see her

driving the car from your house?

No, but that is the car.

What about the information I got

from the guy that works there?

And who is that, Mrs. Bibbs?

He's the recruiter

I told you about.

He goes by the name of "Piper".

What?

When's the last time you spoke

to him, this Piper?

Like, a week or so ago. Why?



Oh, wow.

His body

was discovered yesterday.

His phone was clean,

but his screen cover

had his face and name.

He was on our side.

He was investigating

for the FDA.

The FDA?

Counterfeit GLP-1.

They think Slide

is a major U.S. distributor.

[overlapping]

That's how he makes his money.

All right.

We treat this Melina Zuniga

as a person of interest,

keep tabs on her,

but you...

you have got to stop.

No! I am way too close.

Close to what?

Getting the information

that you two need.

Amanda, this is fruit

from a poisonous tree.

What are you talking about?

It's possible tainted evidence

that could be

ruled as inadmissible in court

because it was obtained

through ill*gal activities.

I didn't do anything ill*gal!

You don't know

what you're doing.

I may not be trained

in law enforcement,

but I know how to read people,

and get information.

Record this.

Amanda Bibbs,

you do not work

for the police department.

You are not

under our instruction,

guidance, or direction.

Any information obtained,

or items delivered to us,

will solely be

by your own volition.

Are we clear?

Yes, we are.

[Det. Kendall] Mrs. Bibbs...

if you go back there,

you'll be all alone,

and we can't protect you.

I know.

[clacking]

So what's this ball about?

I call it... "Art of Step,"

'cause it also

involves art deals.

Major dealers are coming

from Chicago, Kansas City...

Philly, from New York.

And I expect you to be there.

[clacking]

Yo, Slide.

I'll wear

something sexy that night.

Make all the chicas jealous.

I got some business

to attend to.

-What?

-Quit playin'.



[clack-thud]

[clack-thud]



Yeah



With the ball coming up,

I thought I could

use a little practice, too.

["Funky Train" plays]

Choo-choo!

Baby

the funky train's coming

There's something wrong

Better tell your mama now



Hold on tight now

With the brand-new tracks

Hold on tight now

Keep it strong

Keep it tight

Hold on tight now

With the brand-new tracks

Hold on tight now

Funky train...

Lasts so long...

[indistinct exchanges]

We all good for next week?

All the heavy hitters

have confirmed.

I want everything tight.

It will be.

[sighs]

I don't trust her.

Why not?

She hides part of herself,

and works a little too hard

to get close to you.

Didn't you do the same thing?

[scoffs]

Well, dig a little deeper,

if you want to.

She'll be with me tonight.



[clink]



[security system beeps]



[sighs] b*tch.

[click]

[phone ringing]

Nada, jefe.

[grunts irately]

[Percy]

I have something to tell you.

I ran a security check on you.

When we first met?

Yes. And tonight.

That's so sexy.

Why are you telling me this?

Hoping to find

a reason to break up.

Did you?

No.

You still want to break up?

Maybe.

There's a reason I don't invite

new people into my life.

People disappoint you,

betray you.

You're afraid

I'll disappoint you?

Do I take the chance?

Like you,

I want greatness for my life.

What you and I have here,

it's good,

but I'm willing to take a chance

on the good

to get to the great.

Then ask me whatever it is

you really want to know.

Two questions.

You're an art dealer that knows

basically nothing about art.

[chuckles softly]

You mentioned moving money.

Is that some sort

of gangster thing,

to launder cash?

Well, I wouldn't

call it "gangster,"

but, uh, art is not as...

regulated.

You said two questions.

How would you feel

about a woman

who loves for a man

to be a little gangster?

What if

he's a whole lot of gangster?

Then she'd be

that ride-or-die babe...

...who'd love him even more.

Mm

Yeah

Mm

Part one of the chapter

Where we racked up

Feelings for each other

Star-crossed lovers

on a dark night

Standing holding hands

in the moonlight

Next move

Yeah, you backed up

Emotions too strong

I saw you back up

Thought we were forever

I guess I better get up

It was all a set-up

Love never lets up...

[Percy] You good in there?

Yeah, I'm good.

[shower splashing]

[sobbing softly]



-Everything good on your end?

-Mm-hmm.

Checked all these people.

Plus, the caterer's bringing

folks I know to the venue.

In... [gasps in pain]

[Percy] What's wrong with you?

My tooth's been k*lling me.

Get that checked out. Today!

I can't have my people

jumpin' all crazy

when I got guests.

And put your guys in place

at the venue.

Get yourself together.



[groaning]





It's almost party time.



Where's she going?

Follow her.



These days, I don't care

what they think

Don't care who hears

Don't care who sees

'Cause it's all

fun and games

Long as no one bleeds, man

I just wanna be me

I wanna be me

I wanna be me

I wanna be me, yeah

Fill it out, take a seat.

We'll call you.

I wanna be me, yeah...

West Coast

and I'm a new wave

You're too late

Already broke the plane...

I have some business

to take care of.

Won the game

What crowd, no shame

La-la-la-la

I'll be singing in the rain

Oh, let's make a toast to me

I've been k*lling it

straight to the top you see

Started in the cold

Yeah, life's a beach

Now I'm on the boardwalk

like Monopoly

I see right through it

Like a bubble so clear

I'm a visionary

The missing piece

of the puzzle

Let it out

No filter, no muzzle

From the heartbreak

Easy you in trouble

So welcome to my imaginary

Let's have some fun

If the team need help

I'll carry 'em...



[Percy] Please forgive

my cautionary tactics.

I hate that cell phones

record every word that we say.

And we leave weapons outside,

because some of y'all don't

get along with each other.

You'll receive

a certificate of authenticity

for each piece of art...

once the transactions

are complete.

Yo, Doc, how long's

this gonna take?

Well, first, we have

to anesthetize the area

where I will be

doing the extraction.

Yeah, I don't know

what the hell that means.

We numb your gums.

Numb it how?

My banker.

She's verified that all funds

have been transferred

from our loving hands to yours,

whatever

the individual agreement was

between us.



[muffled] The bathoom?

Bathoom!

[roars] Bathoom!

Down the hall to the left.

[huffs]

[hands clasping]

[Slide] I love art and business,

but I love partying more.

Let's get back to it, huh?



[Percy] I'm unavailable.

You know what to do.

The bish is fake!

Boss! The bish is fake!

[fuming, spits out cotton]

Dammit, she's been made!

Let's go!



Steady.

Oh, come on, seriously?

Come on!



[phone ringing]

Kendall.

W-Wait, I can't...

I can't hear you.

Hold on a sec.



Get out! Your cover's blown!

Melina Zuniga

just gave us the slip.

We think she's coming for you.

She may have already called.

Hold on.

He doesn't have his phone.

I can't leave without proof.

Get out of there! Now!



All right, let's get

some drinks going, people!



[Percy] Whoo!



[glasses clinking]









[chain snaps]



Well, there you are.

Melina only texts

in emergencies.

"b*tch is Bibbs' wife."

I was, like, "Who's Bibbs?"

Figured I'd grab my laptop

and find out.

Jesse Bibbs

was a man you k*lled.

He was my husband.

[chuckles bitterly]

Ain't this some...

Funny.

You know, just this morning,

I actually contemplated

me being your husband.

Life's a trip and then you die.

But I won't die today.

You probably will.

Give me that!

-[grunting]

-[crashing]

-[thud]

-[cries out]

[crashing]

[groaning]





[engine starts]

-[brakes screech]

-Slide!

I saw her take off

in one of our buses.

Track the GPS on that bus!

She can't be far.

I'm gonna send her home.

[groans]



Kendall!

Where are you?

In a bus, on some street.

Please tell me

you can unlock a computer

with a password.

-We can.

-I have it!

Everything!

Where are you?

I'll share a pin.

Jeez!



[tires squealing]

Ugh! That b*tch!

Hold on.

[tires squealing]

[g*n firing]

[shots blasting]

[tires squealing]



[Melina] Boss. Boss!



-[pounds]

-Open the door!

[siren wails]

Boss, we gotta go!

Open the door, Zora!

Jefe, vamonos!

I'm not leaving

without my business!

Open this door!

Slide! Let's go!

[siren wailing]

-[Melina] Slide!

-[g*nsh*t]

[g*n fires]

[siren wailing]

[siren wailing]

[Percy gasping]

Who...

Who taught you how to sh**t?

My husband taught me.

He was a much better man

than you will ever be.

Now say the wrong thing...

and I'll make the world

a better place right now.

Say it.

Slide!

You think you beat me?

It was never about beating you.

It was about freeing myself.

So, yeah, I won.



[tires squealing]



Nice service.

You listened to my sermon?

Somewhat.

It wasn't exactly

my type of message.

It was a little too preachy.

Then you write the next one.

[chuckles]

You heard

that Slide is looking at

30 years or more in prison?

A lot of his associates

are gonna do time, too.

I know.

You made it happen.

In the end,

did you get justice...

or revenge?

Maybe both.

When Jesse was k*lled,

I couldn't let go or move on.

I was rotting inside

from doing nothing,

and almost died doing something,

which wasn't exactly

the right thing either.

Quite a conundrum.

That part.

Now what happens

to "Zora Smith"?

I will keep her dresses

and shoes.

Those are fly.

But Amanda Bibbs

will be going back

to preaching about fluoride

and flossing,

and then dental school.

I've come to like

the idea of filling cavities.

Well, all right, Doctor!

Not yet, but soon.

Join me for a brew in an hour?

My treat.

Say less!

[to herself]

My beer-drinking pastor.

Jesse would be happy.

I finally found my church home.

Got a feeling

And it just feels right

Know I better listen

Hear my spirit yellin'

Crying out

I need some attention

Done had a long time away

From where my heart

still stays

Now I'm sure that I just got

To make a change

I'm comin' home...

I'm comin' home

It's callin' my soul

I'm comin' home

Can't take it away

I got a vision so strong

Can't take it away

This is where I belong

I'm comin' home

Yes!

Wanna see my people

rising up

Yes!

And anything good

gets a little tough

Oh, yeah, now!