Downloaded from YTS.MX
Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX
[tense melancholy atmospheric music]
[loud muffled chatter]
[muffled chatter]
[door slams]
[riveting music]
♪♪
The trial of former high schoolfootball phenom David Ryan.
He was charged three months agowith driving
under the influence, intoxication,
and vehicular manslaughter.
That fatal accident occurring
just hours after his high school graduation,
claiming the life of his 17-year-old old
high school sweetheart Tristan Flowers.
Now police say Ryan lost control of the sports car
given to him just hours earlierby his parents.
It was a graduation gift.
The high-profile case is the first assigned
to the newly appointed judge, Angela Sylvester.
She's become the youngest and the first
African American female judge appointed
to the bench in the history of the state.
Oh, my goodness.
I am so grateful and so thankful
to finally be serving with my long-term mentor
and role model... Judge Cynthia Paulino.
Thank you. Oh.
Congratulations.
[Angela laughs]
[soft dramatic music]
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
this has not been an easy trial for any of us,
but I ask that you think very closely about
that young man sitting right over there, Mr. David Ryan,
and the vehicular manslaughter charge
that this office has proven against him.
Tristan Ellis was 17.
She was on a pre-med track to fulfill her life's dream
to become a pediatric surgeon.
This, this was a good girl.
A very fine young lady.
[snaps fingers] But just like that, no more.
She's gone.
The evidence against Mr. David Ryan
is clear and incontestable.
His blood alcohol levels were well over the legal limit.
He tested positive for cannabis.
City cameras caught him traveling at high speeds
just seconds before he lost control
of the powerful sports car irresponsibly gifted to him
by his parents.
Now I ask that you deliver the only verdict Mr. David Ryan
so righteously deserves...
...one he so deservedly earned.
A verdict of guilty.
Thank you.
Ms. Darlene?
Ladies and gentlemen,
it is a tragedy that Tristan is gone.
The horrible accident that took her life
should have never happened,
and no one knows that better than my client, David Ryan.
He loved his high school sweetheart,
and now he will live with the guilt
of her death for the rest of his life.
Thank you.
[crowd murmurs softly]
Counselor?
I have nothing else to add, Your Honor.
[crowd murmurs]
[low jazzy music]
♪♪
Here's to completing your first trial.
Thank you, thank you, but it is not over yet.
How do you think the jury will rule?
Guilty. What else can they rule?
He was drunk and high.
That little girl's dead because of him.
Unfortunately, she's right.
And my newspaper's gonna cover first page story
after the verdict highlighting how professional our girl
handled her first high-profile trial.
[soft dramatic music]
Why am I the only one holding up a glass?
♪♪
To sisterhood and friendships.
May we always have each other's backs.
Always. Always.
Judge Sylvester?Yes.
[Candace] Judge Paulino would like to see you in her chambers.
[Angela] Okay, I'm coming right now.
[knock on door frame]
You wanted to see me, ma'am?
Yes. Please, have a seat.
This is a big day for you.
I'm ready.
I would not have given you such a high-profile case
right out the gate if I didn't think you weren't.
Angela, this case is important
to a lot of people,
and it's just the high-profile case that makes careers.
You bring this one home, and I promise you'll be well
on your way to that federal bench position you talk about.
Eh...
What's on your mind, Judge?
It's just something doesn't quite add up, ma'am,
and I can't put my finger on it.
Angela, you're about to walk
into your courtroom this morning
and sentence an 18-year-old boy to prison.
For as long as you sit on the bench,
that, I promise, will not feel right.
Follow the law, Angela,
and enter the correct judgment.
Then, after the trial, I want you to meet me
and the judges for a late lunch.
Oh...
We're gonna celebrate your first major verdict.
That is such a thoughtful offer, but--
It's not an offer. It's an order.
So don't be late.
Trust me, Angela.
It's gonna go a whole lot easier today
than you think.
Hmm...
Jury, have you reached a verdict?
[man] Yes, Your Honor.
Mr. Ryan, will you please stand?
[soft dramatic music]
♪♪
What say you?
We, the jury, find the accused, David Ryan, guilty.
[courtroom gasps and murmurs][Cheryl sobs]
[gavel bangs]
Order, order in the court.
Mr. Ryan, although I do not believe
that you intended to kill Tristan Ellis,
you are indeed responsible for her death,
and as such, I sentence you to three years
in prison, sentence to start immediately.
[crowd murmuring loudly]
[Ryan] Mom? Dad?
What does this mean? No, no!
Mom! Mom! Dad!
[gavel bangs]
[Ryan] Mom! Dad!
[Cheryl sobbing]
Court is adjourned.
[Angela] The strangest thing.
We're sitting there, and Judge Paulino keeps going on
and on about future convictions.
Girl, I would've gotten up
from that table and taken a knee.
What? I would've eaten first.
There's no need to waste a good meal.
I mean, but that wasn't even the strangest thing.
So after they go on and on, giving me all these accolades
about putting an 18-year-old boy in prison,
she turns around and gives me a five-year membership
to the club that has a ten-year wait list.
What?
Five years? That's $300,000.
Oh, that white woman loves you. She got any brothers?
Don't hate the game, sister. Wait, that's not right.
[Angela laughs]Did you accept it?
Of course we accept it.Can you please stop
thinking about yourself for ten seconds?
Ten, nine, eight.
Well, I didn't know what else to do.
Is it even legal?
It's legal,
but it is definitely borderline unethical.
Five, four.
Okay, listen. So these are my options.
Do I keep the club membership that then gives me access
to network with some of the most powerful legal minds
in the city or--
Three, two, one, time.
You are most definitely gonna keep that membership.
This is your time, Angela.
You earned to be in those rooms.
The city, our community, our people, we need you there.
You know, that's the first smart thing you've said all year.
[laughs] Well, what I do know
is that I am definitely gonna look
into that defense attorney and see why
she didn't defend the kid.
I got one question.
When do I get to go to that fancy club
and meet some of those rich white men?
Good Lord. Okay.
[gate beeps]
[soft dramatic music]
[gate creaking]
♪♪
All right, Tony.
[cuffs clicking]
Now I don't really wanna see you back up in this place again
or in these again.
Don't worry, you won't.
Oh, don't forget. Good luck finding your son.
Appreciate you.
Free at last, free at last!
Thank God Almighty, free at last.
Good seeing you, man.What's up, couso?
You being a free man, that's what's up.
It ain't over yet, man. I still got two years
of probation I gotta get through.
No, after 18 years in that place, piece of cake.
Hey.
Well, look at you. I see you ballin' now, huh?
Nope. Belongs to the church.
It's that driving gig we talked about.
Okay. So what's the play?
Sleep. [laughs] I gotta get some rest, man.
I got a mandatory meeting in the morning
with my probation officer at the courthouse,
so gotta do that.
Then what?
Then we go find my son.
Only two days and already you're causing problems?
Hey, hey, hey.
Yeah, you better get it through that thick skull of yours
where you are now.
And you better figure out real fast
what you're gonna do to survive your time here.
They tried to rape me.
No, they were just showing you how much they like you.
Chow time's twice a day,
and you get one hour in the quad
only if I let you.
[door slams]
[sniffles]
[Cynthia] I said I can handle this now.
Consider it done.
[knocks on door]
You wanna see me? Yes.
I, um, I wanna talk to you about the Ryan case.
The Ryan case is over.
You gave a fair sentence and represented the office quite well.
I'm very proud of you.Thank you, Judge,
and I appreciate it,but there are just some inconsistencies.
I have a meeting with the mayor,
so why don't you come by my house this evening?
Just show me everything you've got.
Yes, ma'am.
See you at 6:00. Okay.
Hi.
I am not sure. Let me think.
Judge Sylvester? Yes?
You spoke at my college a few months ago.
It's an honor to meet you, Judge.
Thank you.
I changed my major to pre-law after that day.
My parents were not very happy.
More years of college to pay for,
but I'm following my own dreams now,
and I have to thank you for that.
No, thank you. It is absolutely my honor.
Can we take a picture, please?I'd love to, of course.
Oh my God. Can you hold this for me?
Hey, watch where you're going!What do you expect me to do?
Made me drop my food, man!Look, I'm sorry. I was walking.
[man] Do you know how much that costs?
[soft dramatic music]
♪♪
[crickets chirping]
[sighs]
[Cynthia] So what about the Ryan case is troubling you, Angela?
Okay...
this is about way more than the Ryan case now, Judge.
What do you mean?
Angela, there are things
about your job you need to understand.
What?
What you're doing is illegal.
You mean to say what we're doing?
Oh no, no, no, no, no, no.
I don't have any parts of this.
What is... [gasps]
[dark brooding music]
♪♪
You set me up. Why?
Oh, don't be so emotional about it.
You were digging into the Ryan case,
and it needed to be done.
Plus it's certainly better than the other option.
You were my role model! I looked up to you!
Yeah, well being a role model is overrated,
and it doesn't pay well, either.
So this is what this is about?
Government contracts? Money?
Those government prison contracts
have made mea very rich woman.Oh, my goodness.
And just put $50,000 in your bank account.
You really should show a little bit more gratitude.
Angela, we operate and live in a male-dominated profession.
Men get promoted faster.
They make more money than we do doing the same jobs.
They sittin' around in their offices,
huddled around tables,
making decisions about our bodies,
our careers, and our futures.
But that is not an excuse!
That does not make it okay to break the law
and put innocent kids in jail!
Innocent?
Crime is a complexsocioeconomic phenomenon, Angela.
Do you know that over 90% of Black victims of homicide
are killed by other Blacks?
The way I see it, we're doing you and your people a favor.
[scoffs] You know what?
I'm not doing this.
You don't have a choice.
You're in this now whether you like it or not.
Those photos, the $50,000, the club membership,
and that drunk boy's conviction all say so.
Just relax, Angela.
There is nothing to be concerned about.
We've been putting these boys in jail for over 18 years now.
18 years?
Just do what we say, keep your mouth shut,
and I'm gonna make you a very rich woman.
[sighs shakily]
And there was $50,000 in the envelope.
Where's the money now?I gave it back, but look!
What's going on here, Angela?
It was all a setup, all of it.
Judge Paulino, the prosecutor, the young defense attorney.
It's a kids-for-cash scam.
They're putting minority kids in jail
for lucrative government contracts,
and now I'm all in the middle of it!
You have to tell someone!
Who? Who am I gonna tell?
The police? The DA?
Who knows who's involved in this?
Rhonda, I put that kid in jail.
Because he committed a crime.
But-- You did nothing wrong.
But it's not gonna look that way.
The club membership, the money, my quick rise to the bench.
It's my name, my reputation that is going be smeared,
and they're going to do an investigation,
and my career is over.
I'm so sorry, Angela.
[sighs heavily]
[bangs on door]
Chow time.
When can I see my parents? When can I see my parents?!
When I say you can. Now eat up.
That's a five-star meal the state provides you.
[chuckles]
Don't make no sense!
[Wilson] By the look of that, things didn't go too good.
Nah, it ain't go good. They ain't gonna help me!
Talkin' 'bout I need a judge's order just
to do a search for the agency to handle his adoption.
A search, Wilson, man.
I swear these people be making stuff so difficult.
Hey, calm down, man.
Now I told you this wasn't gonna be easy.
I never said it wasgonna be easy, Wilson. Let's just go.
Let's get to the next adoption agency, all right?
No, no, no.
We're gonna go talk to Pastor Drake
about this driving job I told you about.
Wilson! You ain't listening to me, man!
I don't wanna talk to no Pastor Drake, man!
I'm didn't spend all that time in prison working
to get my degree just to get out
so I can drive a car for some church, man!
You don't have a choice!
You heard what your parole officer said.
Get a job or go back in.
I ain't got time for this, Wilson.
No, listen. I talked to Pastor Drake.
He's fine with everything, and plus,
if the Lord can't give you a second chance, who can?
Come on, let's go.
Get in the car.It ain't about all that.
Get in the car. Let's go, Tony.
[soft ethereal music]
♪♪
This still is some junk.
Yes?
[Cheryl sobbing]
[Donald] She killed him. She killed our son!
[Cynthia] Mr. Ryan, please.
Because of her, our son is dead!
Mr. Ryan, going to prison
is not an easy adjustment for anyone,
especially our youth.
It is not uncommon for young kids
to commit suicide under such circumstances.
She put him in that place.
His death is her responsibility.
From the time we moved here, David did everything
that a young Black kid is asked to do in this country.
He stayed out of trouble, he earned a college scholarship.
And yes, he made a mistake,
but in this country, only white kids
could kill entire familieswhile driving under the influence.
And if they're rich enough, they only get probation.
You should be ashamed of yourself, Judge.
[slow dramatic music]
[Cheryl sobs]
Angela? Sweetheart.
[crying] I killed him.
No, no, Angela, you didn't. You didn't.
I put him there. His mother was right.
Our justice system is just, it's broken.
It's so corrupt.
How did this even happen?I don't know.
How did he manage to cut his wrists
while in solitary confinement?
I don't know, I don't know.
Look, I know you're hurting, Angela, but do you trust me?
[breathes shakily]
[church bell tolls]
[Drake] Wilson told me about your past
and your current situation, son.
I don't know whether to be excited about that or afraid.
Well, I'm just happy to see you in the Lord's house.
It's good to be here.
You get your driver's license back yet?
Friday. I get it Friday.
Good. You can start Monday.
But I expect to see you in service every Sunday.
Absolutely. Yes, sir.
And one more thing.
Our driving ministry sows into this church.
We provide nothing but the best service,
and we only do the Lord's work here.
You understand? Absolutely.
I'm just confused 'cause if that's the case,
why you got Wilson in charge of the business?
[Tony and Drake laugh]
I'm just playing.
Well, I often wonder that myself, son.
[cheering and applause]
Praise the Lord!
[all] Praise the Lord!
[Drake] Praise the Lord![all] Praise the Lord!
You may be seated in the witness of the Lord.
[all] Amen!
[man] All right.Good morning, family.
[all] Good morning!
Today... I wanna talk to you about tragedy.
[indistinct chatter]
Tragedies happen to us all.[exhales sharply]
Theresa, I should not be here.
This was not a good idea.[Drake] Regardless of our age...
Right now, there's no better place you should be.
[Drake] ...our race,
our class or income!
[congregation exclaims]
When tragedy strikes, we turn to the Lord.
[congregation exclaims]
But I say to you today,
why wait...[all] Yes!
...for tragedy to strike before turning to the Lord?
[people exclaim and clap]
[man] Preach!
When the Lord is with us all the time...
[congregation exclaims]
...we turn to him for healing from our suffering...
[congregation exclaims]
...after tragedy strikes...
[congregation exclaims]
...when we should be turning to the Lord every morning
when we open our eyes.
[congregation exclaims]
You see, saints, nowhere...
That's the judge, man.What judge?
The judge, the one in the black.
The one that's been on TV all week.
That's her? Yeah. That's her.
The kid killed himself in the jail cell.
That's the judge.
[congregation exclaims and claps]
[Drake] But I'm here to tell you that the word of God
does teach us that Christians,
the Bible...[all] The Bible!
...the Bible...[all] The Bible!
...is clear.[all] Yes!
It is clear...[congregation exclaims]
...that the Lord is sovereign.[congregation exclaims]
And he permits... calamity.
[congregation exclaims]
[scattered applause]
Is it not from the mouth of the most high...
[congregation exclaims]
...that all things come...
[congregation exclaims]
...both calamity and blessings?
[congregation exclaims]
All right.
[applause]
For the Lord tells us all...
[congregation exclaims]
...that though we may weep at night...
[congregation exclaims]
...joy...[all] Joy!
...cometh in the morning!
[congregation exclaims and claps]
Thank you for bringing Judge Sylvester with you today.
She really needed to hear what you said today.
Ah, words spoken from my pulpit but from the mouth of the Lord.
I need you to bring her to my office tomorrow after work.
Can you do that for me?
I can. Thank you.
Have a good day, Pastor.You, too.
[Angela] So, why are we here again?
Relax, Angela.
Pastor just wants to talk to you.
Ladies, I am so sorry to keep you waiting.
A call from a saint took a little bit longer than I expected.
It's fine, Pastor. I'll just wait outside.
Thank you so much for taking the time
to come see me today, Judge Sylvester,
after what must have been a very emotional day at work.
Angela, please.
Do you know why I asked you to come in today, Angela?
You know, I've been trying to figure that out all day.
I was truly saddened to hear about the death of David Ryan.
[sighs]
You see, Pastor, I love Theresa.
That's why I came today,
but I cannot discuss my work with you.
It doesn't matter who brought you here, Angela.
What matters is that you're here.
And I can tell just by looking at you,
his death is weighing heavy on your heart.
If this is some kind of divine intervention
that's supposed to make me feel safe,
I'm sorry, but you're wasting your time.
You see, church, religion
has never been something I've invested much time into,
and... [scoffs] the words in that book
are not going to make me feel protected from...
Who do you need protection from?
You know what, Pastor, I'm so sorry
that I've wasted your time, but I need to go.
Angela, wait, please.
Maybe I can help you another way.
What do you mean?
The church owns a private car service.
I'd like to extend those services to you.
I have a car, Pastor. I do not need a driver.
It's about the ride and the discretion
you're gonna need to navigate this media frenzy.
I'm listening.The only real peace you're going to have
over the next few weeks
is during the ride to work and from home.
Just think of this as practical counseling
and the privacy you're gonna need
until this blows over.
I don't like it, but you're right.
Good. I'll have one of my drivers
pick you up from home tomorrow.
Okay.
[Wilson on phone] This is your opportunity, brother.
Do not screw this up.
And whatever you do, do not make me look bad.
It's easier said than done, man.
What if she find out I'm an ex-con?
[Wilson] Only if you tell her.
Besides, Pastor Drake knows what he's doing.
Just keep your head down, your mouth shut,
and your mind on the business.
Yeah, all right, man.
Look, can you have your boy
that work at the commissioner's office
look into that information for me?
Oh, my goodness, dude. You ain't gonna believe this.
[Wilson] What?Nothing.
I'll holler at you later. I gotta go.
Morning, Judge.
Aren't you the guy from the church?
Yeah.
I mean, yes, ma'am.
And you're my driver?
Appears so.
Huh.
Right this way.
[pleasant rhythmic music]
Thank you. You're welcome.
[woman] ♪ Thinkin'
♪ Close to me
♪ Thinkin'
It's just a car, Theresa, not a Bentley.
[laughs]Seriously, you gonna ask me that now?
No, no, no, no, no.
You know what? Don't worry about it, Judge.
I know another way in.Listen, Theresa. I gotta call you back.
Bye.
[woman] ♪ Thinkin'
Here we go, Judge. Help you down.
All right, should be good back here.
So how did you know about the prisoner's entrance?
It's my job to know how to get you safe
and sound where you need to be, right, Judge?
You know, I never asked your name.
It's Anthony. It's Anthony Joyce.
My friends call me Tony.
Thank you, Mr. Joyce.
You're welcome.
So I'll be back to pick you up after work, right?
Yes, but how am I supposed to know it's safe to come out?
You know what? Here.
Just text that number when you're ready.
I'll tell you when it's safe to come down.
Thank you.You're welcome.
[Angela sighs]
[Nick] What do you think?
I think your eye was better at the "Pittsville Gazette."Oh yeah?
I wonder if the ledgers still think that.
[tense music]
Wait, is that Ang, Judge Sylvester?
Yeah, your friend, she's hot news now, boss lady.
I want you to send me all the pictures you take
of Judge Sylvester, only to me, you understand?
Okay, but exclusive photos are gonna cost you.
You let me worry about that.
Whatever you say, boss lady.
[elevator dings]
♪♪
Judge, this is highly irregular.
[both speaking Spanish]
Judge, she didn't even knowthat her cousin had robbed the liquor store
until they were apprehended later on that night.
[woman speaking Spanish][gavel bangs]
The law does not care if you knew or not.
You were in the car.
You are an accessory to armed robbery.
Judge, is there anything else we can do?
[gavel bangs]
Bail denied. Next case, please.
[crying] No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
This is not right, no.
[woman sobbing loudly]
Judge, you okay?
Looks like there's an accident on 185, Judge,
but don't worry, I got you.
I know another way.
Actually, can you take me somewhere first?
Okay.
[Cheryl crying]
[soft poignant music]
♪♪
[Angela sighs]
If you don't mind me asking,
why aren't you down there with everybody else?
[Angela scoffs]
You don't watch much TV, do you?
Look, if you asking if I know who you are...
yeah, I do.
[Angela sighs]
Look, I don't know anything about that kid.
I know even less about you, but...
I'm pretty good at reading people.
So whatever it is you feel you did,
something tells me that it wasn't your fault.
[softly crying]
You sound a lot like my friend Theresa.
Theresa sounds like a real good friend.
How did you get so good at reading people?
It's one of the many necessary skills needed
for where I came from.
[Angela sniffles and sighs]
So, Mr. Joyce, where are you from?
Chicago.
Did you go to college there?
You know, I know you ask a lot of questions, Judge.
I'm a lawyer. That's what we do.
Touche.[turn signal clicking]
All right, I tell you what. You stop calling me Mr. Joyce, and I'll answer your questions.
Okay, so...
Tony. Tony.
So you said that you don't know anything about me,
but guess what.
I don't know anything about you.
And since you are my driver--
I got you. What do you wanna know?
Hmm.
How long have you been driving?
Well, you're my first client.
[Angela laughs] Really?
Should I be excited or afraid?
Afraid? Wow. Is it like that?
I'm doing that bad of a job?No.
Actually, you're doing a great job.
I'm a pretty good judge of people myself.
Maybe I'm the one that should be afraid now, huh?
[laughs]
Witty and, yeah...
you are a good listener.
You must've been what, a bartender
or a psychologist in your previous life?
Okay, wow, you are good.
You're good. I studied psychology.
Oh, did you? Yeah.
Okay, and where did you study?
This your house right up here, right?
Yes, it is.Would you look at that?
This the only copy, right?[laughs] Ouch.
You're actually hurting my feelings, boss lady.
Hey, do you wanna double your money?
What you got in mind?
Dig up whatever you can on this driver guy.
Okay, why? Who's he to you?
Do you wanna make some money or ask stupid questions?
Money it is.
And I'm completely okay with that.
I don't see any reason to do it any other way.
Good, that's what I thought.
There's our young star.
Have you met Chief Smith?
Hello, Chief.Well, hello, Judge.
We've been hearing wonderful things about you.
Thank you.
If you need anything, anything at all,
don't hesitate to call me direct.
We're glad you're on our team.
Well, you guys have a great day.
You too, Judge.
[laptop keys clicking]
[tense music]
♪♪
[phone rings]
Yes? I'll be right in.
[phone buzzing]
What's up, Wilson?[Wilson] So you know I told you
I was gonna get one of my boys to do some digging around.
Well, he did. We found her.
We know where she lives. You're gonna find your son now.
That's what's up.
All right.
[soft poignant music]
♪♪
That's what's up.
[tense music]
So what crimes would you like for me to commit today?
[chuckles]
We don't commit crimes, Judge.
We rule over them.
[Angela giggles]
The judges and I were very impressed
with how you're handling the Ryan verdict,
even more impressed with how you're handling the aftermath.
You know, I don't recall having a choice.
I have more cases for you.
They're not as high profile but just as important.
Let's see. These feel pretty light, Judge.
And you know, I've been thinking,
since I'm doing most of the heavy lifting around here,
that I should be getting more of a share.
Are you now? Mm-hmm.
Indeed, I am. [giggles]
Can I help you?
Ms. Allison? Yes.
It's me. It's Tony.
[soft poignant music]
♪♪
Really appreciate you taking the time to speak to me.
Listen, I thought you had died in prison.
No, no, I'm okay.
Ms. Allison, do you know anything
about the people that adopted my son, anything at all?
No.
Sharon, she left town shortly after you went to jail.
Yeah. Where she go?
I don't know.
About a year or so later, she showed back up,
and that's when she was telling me
about how she... gave up the baby.
And, you know, to be honest with you,
I think it was the best thing, because them streets,
they had her by then.I don't know.
I just think somebody has to know something, right?
I mean, she's telling all these people about what she did.
I mean, maybe she told somebody that could help me.
She overdosed a week later...
and she died right here...
in this living room.
[voice breaking] It's the drugs and the streets.
They took her just like they did her mother.
After she died, I tried to find the baby, Tony.
I really did, but I'm sorry.I'm so sorry.No.
I just couldn't-- Hey.
It's not your fault that he's gone.
I'ma find him, all right?
'Cause I'm not gonna stop looking.
I ain't gonna give up.
But it's not your fault, okay?Okay.
I'ma find him, all right?
[crying]
I'ma find him.
[Angela breathing heavily]
Hey.
Andre, thank you for coming.
Hey, no worries. It's funny.
I haven't seen you in, what, 15 years?
This is the best place that we could meet?
Hey, what's wrong?
[soft dramatic music]
I need your help.
♪♪
What's up, guy?What's up, man?
Hey, look, I'm really sorry to hear about Sharon and--
It is what it is, man.Now what?
We keep looking.Yeah, I'll bet.
You know, unless you find out what state she was in.
I ain't giving up, Wilson, man.
Not saying you give up.
Unless you have a judge
that's gonna unseal those adoption files,
it may all be for nothing.Hold up.
[claps] That's it, that's it!
That's-- Boy, boy.
I could kiss your bald head right now.
You're a genius, boy!
Yeah, you just figured that out?
Hey, Mia![Mia] What?
You hear that? Tony said I'm a genius.
[Mia] Whatever. You and your cousin crazy.
Yeah, you better learn something.
Listen, Rhonda. I've had a crazy day.
What was so important
that it couldn't wait that you had to tell me today?
Why on earth were you at the Ryan's kid's funeral?
Are you having me followed?No.
My babyface freelancer was covering a story for the paper.
But do you care to explain this?
[sighs] If this gets out...
That's not gonna happen. I bought all the pictures.
What are you doing? Why are you fraternizing with the help?
Tony is not help, he's--
Your driver, AKA the help.
Do you want people gossiping about you
and some driver you know nothing about?
You need to get your life together, and real soon,
because I can only protect you for so long.
[sighs] Okay, look.
There's something I need to tell you.
[soft dramatic music]
♪♪
You know, you seem a little on edge today, Judge.
I mean, have I done something to make you uncomfortable?
No, you haven't. I just think it's best
we keep our conversations strictly professional.
Have a good day, Mr. Joyce.
♪♪
[tense music]
♪♪
[cuffs clicking]
♪♪
[gavel bangs]
♪♪
[indistinct chatter]
♪♪
[cuffs clicking]
[gavel bangs]
[cuffs clicking]
♪♪
[cuffs clicking]
[Angela sighs]
[cuffs clicking]
♪♪
[cuffs clicking][Angela] Next case.
[soft dramatic music]
♪♪
Counselor, if you're not ready...
No, no. I'm ready, Your Honor.
I just need to...
♪♪
[David] You did this to me.
Judge?
You did this to me.
[whimpers]
Oh, God. Judge!
Your honor?
[tense discordant music]
♪♪
Just give me the money!Okay, okay.
I want her money, too!Don't shoot us!
We have a family! Shut up!
Tony, come on, let's go.Just give me the money!
Tony, come on!
Tony, come on, let's go. Tony, come on, come on.
[Sharon's voice echoes]
[ambulance siren whooping]
[chatter over hospital speaker]
Excuse me, excuse me. Sylvester?
Angela Sylvester? Thank you.
What are you doing here?Hey, relax, all right?
Hey, how you doing?
It's okay. I called him.
What's wrong?
It's just a little exhaustion, that's all.
The press is here.Look, you've been
pushing yourself too hard lately, all right?
You gotta slow down.I know.
It's just that... I've gotta do this.
I've gotta make this right.
You gotta stop beating yourself up
over this Ryan case, all right?
Let it go.It's not that, I'm just--
You're shutting your mouth and getting some rest.
Get out.
Look, you need to calm down, all right?
Okay, listen. She's right.
I do need to get some rest, but I'll call you later, okay?
Get out now.
Yeah, all right.
I'll pick you up when they release you, okay?
Okay.You need to chill.
[monitor beeping]
Now you know you didn't have to be like that, Rhonda.
We don't even know who he is, Angela.
You don't even know who he's involved with.
[Angela sighs]
Just get some rest, and I'll go deal with the press, okay?
Okay.
Why didn't you call me?
It was just exhaustion, Theresa.
I took a look at the test results
they ran last night when you came in.
Everything checks out.
In fact, there are no signs of exhaustion.
Well, you need better doctors in this hospital
because it is a miracle that I'm alive.
What aren't you telling me, Angela?
Theresa, I was just tired, that's it.
[sighs]
[Angela sighs]
Thank you so very much for picking me up.
Ain't like I had a choice. I'm your driver.
[Angela laughs]
Okay, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
What, what's wrong?It's Saturday, right?
Yeah.
Let's take a drive.
There's something I wanna show you.
Okay.
Come on. All right.
Where you wanna go?That way.
[Tony laughs]
[Tony] Yeah, it's beautiful out here.
Yeah, I used to spend every summer here
until I discovered boys.
Ah, now see, look at you.
[Angela laughs]
Come on in.
[sighs]
Ooh, it feels so much better in here.
[sighs]
So, how old were you when you moved here?
I don't know, seven, eight, maybe.
[sighs] So you went to college here, huh?
Yeah, you could say that.
Tony, you are so mysterious.
What is it that you are so ashamed to talk about?
Nothing.
I'm good.
I got a kid, Angela, a son.
That's nothing to be ashamed of.
I mean, we were teenagers at the time, you know?
Wasn't thinking about the consequences.
Who at that age was?
You don't get it. I did something stupid.
I left him while she was still pregnant.
She didn't deserve that.
My son didn't deserve that, either.
Does she still live here?
No. She died years ago.
Tony, I am so sorry.
And what about your son?
He's still alive... I think.
Wait, wait, "I think"? I don't understand that.
Look, she left town just after I...
Anyway, she put him up for adoption
just after he was born, all right?
I've been looking for him ever since I got back.
But I've been running into roadblock after roadblock, so...
Well, does she have any family here?
Her mother, but she died years ago,
and I talked to her aunt the other day.
She don't know nothing either, so I don't know, man.
I just, I ain't getting nowhere.
I don't know who else to talk to about it.
Why didn't you ask me for help?
I thought about it. I did.
Um, Tony, I'm a judge.
I'm sure I can find him.
But then what?
I mean, everybody I talked to tells me
that the records are sealed, you know?
So it don't matter if you find out where it was done.
We still won't know who adopted him.
And as a judge, I can unseal them.
You are a father, and you have rights.
So Monday morning, I'm gonna talk to my clerk,
and I'll have them get on it, okay?
You'll do that for me?Of course.
And you won't getin no trouble or nothing like that?
I mean, I just don't want you to do something
you might regret, you know?
No. It's all good.
No, I'm not gonna get in trouble.
We'll just get on it on Monday.
But for right now, we are out here at the lake.
It's beautiful, and I think we've earned a little bit
of time just to kind of relax.
[sighs] I appreciate you.
Are you sure? Are you 100% sure?
I'm actually hurt that you even asked me something like that.
You don't know half the pain you're gonna suffer
if you're screwing with me.
I'm leaving the prison now.
I have all the info I need.
I'll be there in about 30 minutes.
And, boss lady, get that big checkbook out.
This one's really gonna cost you.
[Tony sighs]
There. Thank you.
You're welcome, you're welcome.
Oh, I actually have a pretty light day,
so I'll check into your situation,
and then maybe afterward we can grab a bite?
Yeah, sounds good. Let's do it.
I'll text you.
All right, you do that.
[bright upbeat music]
♪♪
[Angela giggles]
[engine turns over]
Candace?Oh, Judge Paulino, I'm sorry.
I didn't see you come in.That's okay.
I heard about Judge Sylvester's incident.
Is she okay? Did she come into work today?
Yeah, she's fine. She hasn't come in yet,
but she called about an important meeting.
Really? Do you know with whom?
I really don't, but--
Candace, if you know, you need to tell me.
Well, I saw her last week talking to two men after work,
and they looked like private investigators
or maybe cops.
I think she's still looking into the Ryan's kid's death.
Judge Paulino? Ma'am?
We have a problem.
He's a convicted felon, a stupid one at that.
He robbed a store with a toy gun.
[sighs] He told me that he grew up here,
that he went to college.
He did grow up here,and he went to college in prison,
so technically he's right.
Did he tell you about his son?
Yeah, he told me his son was adopted
and he's been searching for him, but--
But he needs a judge to unseal those adoption records.
Angela, he doesn't care about you, he's using you.
And if you unseal those records and this gets out...
How is this happening?That's it.
I'm calling Pastor Drake and I'm canceling the service.
No, I can't do it like that, okay?
I just need to talk to him.
We're in the end game now.
Have you ever been haunted by a mistake,
and no matter how hard you try to run from it,
it just doesn't matter?It doesn't matter.
We can't afford to make any mistakes.
We're too close.
[female voice] At the tone, please record your message.
When you are finished recording, you may hang up
or press one for more options.
[soft dramatic music]
Hi. Good morning, Judge.
Morning. I need you to do something for me.
Can you call the adoption center
and have them search the national database for this name?
Sharon Fox, okay? There's the court order.
I need you to make sure that they search everything under that name.
And I need it by today, understood?
Yes, ma'am. Okay, thank you.
[phone keys clicking]
[keyboard keys clicking]
[insects chirping]
So you think we're exposed?
I can't be certain.
What have you been able to find out?
Not much.
She's been hanging out with that doctor a lot,
which is no big deal, but she's also been
hanging out with the editor at the paper.
Then there's the driver.
Driver? I'm assuming.
Picks her up in the morning, takes her to the back gate
at the prison, I assume to avoid the media.
Then he picks her up again at the end of the day.
How long has this been going on?
Since the kid died. Why?
If she's working with anyone, it's the feds.
We can't take any chances.
She has to be taken care of, and it has to be soon.
Killing a judge,
one who's in the spotlight, that's not smart.
And you think going to prison
for the rest of your life will be?
I won't go to prison.
Good. I promise.
I'll take care of it.
[knock at door][Angela] Come in.
The information from the adoption center.
Thank you. You're welcome.
[sighs]
[doorbell rings]
What's up?
[soft dramatic music]
♪♪
[insects chirping]
Hey, what's up? Where you been, man?
I been trying to call you, text you all day,
and you haven't answered, what's up?
You lied to me, Tony.
[dog barking in distance]
What you talking about? Lie to you about what?
Don't play stupid with me, okay?
Why didn't you tell me that you were in prison?
Look, I wanted to, all right? I wanted to.
Do you realize
that you put my career in jeopardy?
[scoffs] You played me.
You pretended to care about me.
What, so I could help you find your son?
You know that ain't true, all right?
I do care about you.Stop lying to me!
You are a convicted felon!
Angela, look, the only reason that I did that
is so I can get money for the hospital and the baby.
So that day in church, and then you became my driver,
all of that was a part of your lie, your con?
Stop saying that, all right?
It ain't what you thinking, Angela.
And I don't believe you!
Just let me explain, all right?No, no, no!
I don't want you to explain anything to me!
Here, take it.Well, what's this?
That's what you came for, right?
Now get out.
Angela, just let me explain, all right?
Please, don't do this. Let me--
I said get out, now!
Out.
[insects chirping]
[tense music]
♪♪
Hey, what you doing, man?
Angela, hey. I got you.
Come on, let's go. Let's go.
Tony. No, no, no!
Tony, Tony! We gotta get out of here.
We gotta get--Come on. I'll get you to the hospital.
No, no, we can't go to the hospital.
What do we do?We just gotta go.
We gotta go.Who is this?
[Angela] Tony, come on.
Angela, what's going on? Who was that guy back there?
Listen, I can't talk about it, okay?
What you mean you can't talk about it?
He was trying to kill you, Angela!
I know, but because of you, I'm safe.
Why did you come back?
I needed to. I didn't wanna let it end that way.
I'm so sorry for what I said. I promise you I didn't--
I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you.
I was... I'm just sorry I wasn't honest
about my past completely.
It's okay. But what did the file say?
What did it tell you about your son?
It's still in the car, Angela.
I ain't even look at it yet.Are you serious?
Go get the file and find out where your son was adopted.
Go.
[sighs]
Tony?
Did you know? Did I know what?
Did you know him?
Did I know what?
David Ryan.
Who? What are you talking about?
David Ryan, Angela!
What does he have to do with any--
Look!
No. This was my son, Angela.
Listen--You put him in prison.
He dead because of you.
I swear I didn't know!
Who's lying now, Angela?
Tony.
Tony, Tony. Where are you, man?
[Tony on phone] I'm headed there now, man.
But look, you ain't gon' believe this, bro.
That was my son, man.
Angela put my son away.What?
[Tony] She the one put him in jail, bro.
Look, I don't know what you're talking about,
but the news is reporting
that you attacked some off-duty detective or something.
[Tony] Man, I ain't attack nobody. That's not what happened.
Look, I'll explain everything when I get there, all right?
I'm on my way.Hey, when you get here,
the police are gonna be here to arrest you, man.
[phone buzzing]
Hey, Rhonda.[Rhonda on phone] Tony's been arrested.
What?
[Rhonda] Something about trying
to rob an off-duty detective?
Oh, you have to call them now. They have more than enough.
They have to do this tomorrow. They have to move.
[Rhonda] I'm already ahead of you.
Okay. Please call me back.
[sighing]
[soft dramatic music]
♪♪
It's okay, it's okay. I'm here now.
What happened last night? How did you get out here?
[crying] Um... Tony.
Tony? He was arrested for--
[Angela]But he didn't do it, not the way they're reporting.
What's going on, Angela?
I was walking in the hall, and I saw Judge Paulino
and Chief Smith talking in the hallway,
and then that's when I went back to my office,
and I got on my computer to do some research,
and I found out that Judge Paulino
and Chief Smith were college classmates.
And that's when I called Andre.
FBI Andre? Your ex from college?
[Angela] We met up, and I told him everything.
I couldn't take any chances searching
for evidence on my computer,
so I called Rhonda in to help.
And Tony?Tony didn't know a thing.
What about the kids you put in jail?
I didn't have a choice.
I had to buy time so that the FBI could build their case.
And the hospital?
[Angela] And I suspected that Judge Paulino
may be on to me, so I needed a safe space
to pass off the last payment
and also the information I collected
off of Judge Paulino's computer.
I'm gonna take you home now.No.
I wanna go where I know that I'll be safe.
[riveting music]
♪♪
We have breaking news.
It's happening right now as we speak.
FBI and police are executing raids and arrest warrants
on city judges, on prison and law enforcement officials.
They are alleged to be involved
in a lucrative kids-for-pay prison scam.
The chief of police, Robert Smith,
and a number of Henderson City detectives
are said to have been the masterminds
behind this pay-for-play scheme,
and many of Henderson's minority teenagers
and now young adults who were wrongly imprisoned
by some of the very menand women sworn to protect them,
they will finally be released.
Judge Cynthia Paulino, who allegedly
willingly participated in the crimes,
was arrested earlier today.
She has been charged
with ordering the murder of David Ryan.
Ryan was convicted earlier this month
of vehicular manslaughter.
[all] ♪ The setting of the same
♪ He's so worthy, he's worthy to be praised ♪
♪ From the rising of the sun ♪ Yes, praise him
♪ To the setting of the same ♪ Yes, praise him
♪ He's so worthy ♪ Yes, praise him
♪ He's worthy to be praised
♪ From the rising of the sun ♪ Yes, praise him
♪ To the setting of the same ♪ Yes, praise him
♪ He's so worthy ♪ Yes, praise him
♪ He's worthy to be praised
♪ Let's praise the Lord
♪ Woo, woo
♪ Let's praise the Lord
♪♪
♪ Let's praise the Lord
♪♪
♪ Let's praise the Lord
♪♪
♪ Let's praise the Lord
[choir cheering and clapping]
Amen, amen.
You may be seated in the presence of the Lord.
We are indeed in precarious times.
[soft poignant music]
Satan is relentless...
[congregation exclaims]
...in his attacks.
[gunshot echoing]
He refuses to release his hold...
[all] Yes.
...on the righteous...
[congregation exclaims]
...and even on the saints...
[congregation exclaims]
...who sit within our walls.
[congregation exclaims]
Evil...[congregation murmurs]
...is pervasive...
[congregation exclaims]
...and rampant.
[congregation exclaims]
We are not without those who are determined to lead...
[congregation exclaims]
...by the examples
and the word sent to us from our Lord.
Sadly, our judgments
are often centered
on the person instead of the action.
But the Lord cautions us...
[congregation exclaims]
...not to judge others in a hypocritical way.
Now, Angela...
...with all of our imperfections
and failures...
God...
God still sees us
as holy and blameless.
God tells us...
that, although we make choices
that bear new explanations,
that He opens His house to us.
Today...
Angela...
His house is open to you...
...so that you can remove all the burdens...
...and pain Satan has so unjustly put upon you.
[breathes shakily] Good morning.
My parents taught me...
how great...
God's grace and mercy really is.
And through my striving for career
and success and personal accolades,
I neglected...
no, I disregarded
my relationship with God.
Four weeks ago, my life...
and the life of so many others changed forever.
[voice breaking] A young man lost his life...
...and I had to do things,
ungodly things,
to expose the corruption that caused his death.
And for that, I am so, so deeply sorry.
I hurt and deceived so many and including...
including those that are very, very close to me.
And...
I hurt a beautiful soul,
a man that had been through so much...
...so unwarranted and so much undeserved pain...
...a man that needed love and a man that I needed to love.
And for that, I am...
I am so, so sorry.
And although, I know... I know that I am undeserving
of his forgiveness,
of your forgiveness...
I ask for it today.
Right now, I just need God's touch,
God's love, God's mercy, God's forgiveness,
and I promise that I will commit myself...
...and I will love him
for as long...
as there is breath in my body.
[applause]
Amen.
Hallelujah!
[lively church organ music]
♪♪
As the choir sings, I want everyone
who needs prayer to come up to this altar.
♪♪
♪ Troubles and trials
♪ People, places, and things
♪ All of life's ups and downs ♪
♪ Seem to be too much for me
♪ So I'm calling on you, Father ♪
♪ Down on my knees
♪ I'm asking you to see about me ♪
♪ I
♪ I need a touch from you
♪ Ooh
♪ I
♪ I need a touch from you
♪♪
♪ Now you said in your word if I seek your face ♪
♪ You'd give me peace and your amazing grace ♪
♪ So I'm calling on you, Father ♪
♪ Down on my knees
♪ I'm asking you to see about me ♪
♪ I
♪ I need a touch from you
♪ Yes, I
♪ I need a touch from you
♪♪
[all] ♪ Only a touch ♪ Just a touch
[all] ♪ Can heal my life and restore my soul ♪
♪♪
♪ Just one touch [woman] ♪ Just one touch
♪ Can pierce my heart ♪ Can pierce my heart
♪ And make me whole ♪ And make me, make me whole
♪ I need a touch ♪ I need a touch
♪ From you ♪ From you
[applause]
♪ Yes, I [all] ♪ Oh, I
♪ Need a touch
[woman] ♪ I need a touch from you
♪♪
[all] ♪ Only a touch
[woman] ♪ Only a touch
♪ Can heal my life ♪ Can heal my life
♪ And restore my soul ♪ And restore my soul
♪ Just one touch ♪ Just one touch
[all] ♪ Can pierce my heart
♪ And make me whole [woman] ♪ And make me, make me whole
[all] ♪ I need a touch
[woman] ♪ I need a touch
[all] ♪ From you
[woman] ♪ From you
[all] ♪ Oh, I
[woman] ♪ Yes, I
[all] ♪ Need a touch
[woman] ♪ I need a touch
[all] ♪ From you
[woman] ♪ From you
♪♪
[all] ♪ Touch me, Lord Jesus
[woman] ♪ I need you to touch me, Lord
[all] ♪ Touch me, Lord Jesus
[woman] ♪ If you touch me
[all] ♪ Touch me, Lord Jesus
[woman] ♪ Lord, I know I can walk right ♪
[all] ♪ Touch me, Lord Jesus
[woman] ♪ If you touch me
[all] ♪ Touch me, Lord Jesus
[woman] ♪ Lord, I know I can walk right ♪
[all] ♪ Touch me, Lord Jesus
[woman] ♪ And if you touch me
[all] ♪ Touch me, Lord Jesus
[woman] ♪ Lord, I know I can get right
[all] ♪ Touch me, Lord Jesus
[woman] ♪ I need a touch
[all] ♪ I need a touch
[woman] ♪ Only a touch
[all] ♪ Only a touch
[woman] ♪ I need a touch
[all] ♪ Lord just one touch
[woman] ♪ From you and only you
[all] ♪ From you
[woman] ♪ I need a touch
[all] ♪ I need a touch
[woman] ♪ Only a touch
[all] ♪ Only a touch
[woman] ♪ I need a touch
[all] ♪ Lord just one touch
[woman] ♪ From you and only you
[all] ♪ From you
♪ Touch me, Lord Jesus
[woman] ♪ I, I need you to touch me, Lord ♪
[all] ♪ Touch me, Lord Jesus
[woman] ♪ If you touch me
[all] ♪ Touch me...