Beyond The Gates Transcript
Transcript provided by Suzanne and Thane
THIS STILL NEEDS SOME EDITING!
-No, Dani. No.
But I thought… See, you weren’t thinking. That’s the problem. You’re never thinking. You insisted on coming here, Bill. Yeah. On business. You’re the one pulling out photo albums. You’re gonna blame old photos on what you felt?
We got swept up.
Oh, no. There’s no “we.” Babe, stop worrying. How can it look like you’re out for revenge if you didn’t create the situation? Those women came to you needing your help to defend them against Hamilton. And if it feels good to get payback with my dad? Then so be it. [sighs] Thanks. And you’re stalling. I’m recalibrating my moral compass for my shift ahead. It’s the only way I can handle possibly having a crook as a partner. [winces] Things they do not teach you in detective school. Right. It’s like sometimes it seems like there is no black or white. Hmm. Dangerous neighborhood. Lucky me. I’ve got cops to protect me from all the bad people. I can’t believe you did this. Ash, you’ve got this confused with the time I invited the queen for tea. It’s Andre. No warning? The place is a mess. There’s only leftovers in the fridge. The guy’s a jet-setting photographer. I’m pretty sure he’s eaten in war zones. I’m sorry, are you comparing my cooking to army rations? [chuckles] It’s not about the food. It’s about the company. This’ll be good. I’ll get to know him and we can ask him about this doc that’s gonna make you a star. I keep telling you, that’s just a promotional thing. Never know with videos like these. They take on a life of their own, and before you know it, you’re America’s sweetheart. I just hope Andre and I can come up with something in common.
Besides you.
[knock at door] We good? Yeah. [sighs] Okay. Hey, man. Hope I’m not late. You’re right on time. [chuckles] What’s in the bag? Uh, just some red, white and beer.
Nice.
And flowers for the chef. Thank you. They’re lovely. Ash and I had a bottle of this one night in a new restaurant in Adams Morgan. Oh, yeah? Did you like it? It had some unexpected qualities that made me sit up and notice. The green apple. Right? And honeycomb. So, you’re into wines? Yeah, I have my favorites. Yeah. Where did you find them? Where your organized wife stored them. [both chuckling] Oh, my. Oh, wow. So many memories in these letters and notes. It’ll be a worthy addition to the Banneker Library. I wouldn’t be surprised if they asked you to hold a dozen more seminars. Yeah, you’re biased. The way you held those students’ attention? Yeah, me and four other speakers. Not one the likes of Vernon Dupree, who actually knew the people those other speakers only read about in history books, who corresponded with them and has the letters to prove it. And after all these years, not one mark on you. Not one mark, Vernon. You were and are an inspiration to the younger generations. A real living legend. That’s right. The way you spoke tonight yanked me back to when we first met. Ah, you were fearless, my darling. Oh, had to be. I had fallen for a man who was helping to change the world. Glad you joined me for the ride. Mm-hmm. And I’m not arm candy, even though I do look good. [chuckles] And you sure do. Come with me while I drop these off and… for a drink after. Are you asking me out, Mr. Dupree? I am. Any preferences? Only the swankiest place in town. I know just the place. [elevator doors open] Good evening, Caroline. I’m here to see my husband. I’ll never get tired of saying that. [singsongy]: My husband. You’re welcome to wait, but Bill’s not here. Did he know you were bringing dinner? I thought he’d be catching up on his other cases now that he’s not going to war with Naomi. I’m sorry to report, that battle continues. Hmm. Since when? Well, the last time you saw him, Naomi came by, and the next thing I knew… She’s playing hardball, being so vindictive, she’s blinded by the best interests of her clients. Where’s Bill now? I’m not at liberty to say. [scoffs] He really does rely on my discretion, Hayley. Caroline, I insist you tell me where my husband is. I did not consent to that kiss. [giggles] What, are you gonna call the cops? Have me arrested again? You know what? Maybe I should have put up my hand, hmm? And show you this shiny new ring placed there by my… Shiny new wife? And who’s this performance for, Bill? The ladies and gentlemen of the jury? I was here. I know what happened. There’s no future for us, Dani. Do you understand? Whatever we’ve been or done for each other is dead and in the past, okay? You poor, misguided man. I’m in your blood.
I got a transfusion.
And yet you’re here. The Rehoboth house… The charm and cocktails were not about real estate. You want something from me. What is it? It isn’t for me. It’s for Hayley. [phone chimes] Just like, hey, I’m just saying. [chuckles]
[sighs]
Mm. [exhales]
It’s good.
Mm. And listen, you know you didn’t have to run that by me, right? Hey. You got this. You really think so?
It’s my biggest case so far and…
Listen. Listen to me. You’ve been assigned a fair judge. You know the facts backwards and sideways, and you know what’s most important? You were trained to do this, Naomi. You were born to be an attorney. You know, fighting for justice, giving a voice to those
who will be silenced.
Oh, Dad.
Look, I mean it.
[sighs] Well, I learned from the best. [Bill chuckles] That’s my girl. NAOMI [sighs]: Okay. You seem so far away. Where did you go? All I know is, Bill took off on a mission, barely said goodbye, and he definitely didn’t tell me why he was going to Dani’s. But you must have some idea. Honestly, Hayley, the last thing we should do is speculate. She didn’t call? Summon him over to fix a leak or something? Maybe he wants to use her to get Naomi to drop the lawsuit. Hmm. If anything, Dani would tell Naomi to turn the heat up, use her as a weapon to punish Bill for leaving her. You don’t think she’d really do that? [scoffs] Nobody wants to say it, but, yes, I do. Every single one of those Dupree women is unhinged. Dani’s more vengeful than the others, and Bill knows that she’s dangerous. Well, they were married for decades. There’s a lot of blood under that bridge. It’s probably just some other detail they needed to talk about. Well, he usually deals with the divorce issues through the attorney. Face-to-face, he can turn on the Hamilton charm. You know Bill. When it comes to persuading people, that man is a king. The great and all-powerful Bill Hamilton reduced to running errands for his midlife crisis wife. Hayley doesn’t order me around. You miss that, Bill?
Like I said…
Actually, you haven’t said what you’d like me to do for her. Hayley’s treatment by certain members of the country club has been objectionable. You’ll have to take that up with the club president. You must have Gabe’s number. Tell your friends to back off, Dani. If club members are freezing Hayley out, it’s because they find her unacceptable, not because I have said anything. I wish you could see what you look like running around here, playing house with your child bride. Yeah, probably happy for the first time in a long time. That’s probably how I look. You know, that’s what you find so deplorable, right? That I found someone else that makes me feel the way a man should feel. Impractical or geriatric? I’m finally happy. And Hayley and I are equal partners, Intellectually? Physically? Bill, give yourself some credit. Or at least be honest. I am. To a fault. So you’re gonna tell your new bride that you kissed me? Okay, so you root for all the right local teams.
Thank God.
[chuckles softly] What about fantasy basketball? You in a league? Yeah, I’ve dabbled. Well, when you’re ready to go all in, I’ll hook you up with my guys. He says his team is casual. Cutthroat, right? We’re not that bad.
Maybe he bocces.
He doesn’t bocce. Bocce ball? You two play? When we can. All the first responders, uh, the good ones, anyway. All the nurses bring doughnuts. Flag on the play. No incentives. Choose whoever you want. Just don’t choose the cops. Mm. How bad did they beat you?
It was a fluke.
Mm-hmm. We got called in on an emergency on championship night. But we play for charity, so… So it doesn’t matter if you win. Mm, trust us.
It matters.
It matters. [laughs] You two are, um… You know, how would you like to be a part of this documentary? [engine shuts off] If Bill has allowed someone to turn his firm into a hostile workplace, he needs to own up to it. Gran, he’s out of control. He met with my clients without me and then intimidated them. They almost dropped the sexual harassment suit. Now, that’s bold, even for Bill. I can’t let him get away with it. What will you do? My assistant just sent over the research. I could have him hit with fines, get his evidence excluded, even get him cited for contempt of court. Throw in censure from the bar association. Well, that’s certainly aggressive. He sicced his new wife on me, Granddad. Hayley threatened that Dad would bankrupt me with this lawsuit. So, yeah, it’s on, and he deserves it. And I owe it to my clients. Let’s… not be too hasty. I did not kiss you, Dani. You instigated that. Did I beg you to come over here, demand that you stroll through the door and start making drinks? Well, it never crossed my mind that you would… Lie to your wife but not to me! You miss me, you want me, and somewhere in the back of your mind you know that this latest marriage was a mistake. [scoffs] I love Hayley very much. When we were sitting on that couch, feeling all the feels, it was Hayley who? I never asked for that ridiculous show of your emotions. You sure went along with it, didn’t you? And it felt good, right? Electricity, fire. Get a job, Dani. A hobby. Don’t you have a foundation or something you can micromanage? Because I’m done playing this twisted game with you. You tell your friends at the country club to show some respect. Or else? Just do as I ask. I have. Since the day I met you, I have been doing what you asked. You wanted me to stop modeling to marry you.
I quit the catwalk.
Here we go. You wanted children? Gave you the best and the brightest. Vacations? We saw the world. Out of nowhere divorce? Broke my heart. But that’s what you wanted, and this is what you get. You even had the temerity to demand that I go to your wedding. So I dressed up, showed up just to watch you marry that child. Yeah, you showed out carrying a gun. Yeah, I came in hot and packing heat. And somehow I’m the only one who got hurt. And what was I asking for? The only thing that I have ever demanded of you was love. You broke into our home. I broke a picture frame! What she took from me can never be replaced. And neither can I. The deed to the Rehoboth house. Your pretense for this visit. Then I guess we’re finished here. Keep thinking that. [door closes] [indistinct radio transmission] Yo, Pops, you got a minute? If it’s important. All right. I know you’ll say I should call Internal Affairs, but I wanted to run it by you anyway. Let’s talk over here.
Talk to me.
All right. On my way in, I seen Joey handing Marcel an envelope, and I’m pretty sure it had cash inside. You sure?
It was dark out.
Yes, Pops. I know what I saw. A decorated detective was receiving cash from a suspected criminal. Now I see why Marcel didn’t cuff Joey when he seen him doing the same thing last week with another guy. They’re doing this together. Am I the only one you told?
So far, yeah.
All right. This ain’t going no further. We got to keep this quiet, okay? Why? What’s going on? Armstrong is a CI.
Confidential informant?
Mm-hmm. He’s working for the cops? He’s helping us nail a foreign agent. Malone will use the marked money Joey handed him to pay off the guy, springing the trap that will hopefully lead to an arrest. You follow? I don’t think I do. We’re using a suspected crook to catch a real one.
Simple but effective.
All right, so wait.
Joey Armstrong works for us?
Mm-hmm.
I didn’t know.
No one does. And I’m only telling you this ’cause I can count on you to keep this quiet, okay? Just between us. Of course. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Just us. All right. DANI: You’re not special, Hayley. You sure as hell ain’t the first. Remember what they say– past is prologue. The fairy tale never tells you how Prince Charming can become a real son of a bitch once that ring goes on your finger. [door opens] [exhales sharply] Oh, hey. I did not expect to see you. What brings you back here so late? My husband’s putting in long hours. Thought I could offer my help
or at least my company.
Hmm. [sighs] You look troubled, Bill. Did something happen? Oh, traffic. This dinner?
It’s cold.
Yeah. Good thing about Orphey Gene’s, it warms up nice. I heard Naomi’s moving forward with her case. Caroline told me before she left for the night. And what else did she say? Before I jump to conclusions, explain why you went to see your ex-wife. Please don’t tell me you thought she could talk some sense into Naomi about walking away from that case. [sighs] Dani’s so deep in her delusion, she didn’t even know about the lawsuit. Oh. [scoffs] So, then why was it so important for you to see her? Hayley… Tell me you didn’t. Look, I couldn’t let them go on treating you that way at the country club. Okay? I hoped that I could get her to tell her cronies to cut back on the shunning, that’s all. After everything I’ve already been through? After I asked you not to?
Baby…
This is the last thing I wanted. You were injured running into a burning building. Talk about the care you received. You know how much hell I’m catching at the station for that picture in the paper? Hey, I told you it’d get ’em to talk. That’s only a fraction of how bad they’ll roast me if there was a video floating around. I think you should do it. It’s important for the patient perspective to be part of this documentary. Who better than you? ANDRE: Yeah. Hey, I’m not asking you to answer right away. Just think about it. [phone buzzing] One second. [clears throat] Hey, babe.
[mouths]
Yeah, whatever you need. Be right there. Uh, sorry. DEREK: Got to hit the road? Yeah, afraid I do. Wish I could stay and help clean up. I don’t think he means that. [chuckles] Hey, dinner was delicious. I’m really glad you could make it.
Oh, of course.
See you around. Yeah, count on it. Uh, night. DEREK: Night. All right, man. Did he just…? Rush out of here for a booty call?
Oh, yeah.
Okay. I’m thinking she’s why he’s sticking around. He’s staying in town for the job. He’s not building a future with whoever’s on the other end of that call. Mm… Trust me, a guy knows. All right, so we’ll just have to find him a girl so we can double- and triple-date. Perfect. Aw, you can’t rest until everybody’s paired up. I blame you for making me so happy. I just want Andre to know what this is like. You couldn’t get off the phone with me fast enough. [chuckles] I was being discreet. I hope I didn’t steal you away from anything important. Nah, just dinner with friends. No big deal. You shouldn’t feel obligated to spend time with me. I go where I like. And I usually like where I go. Well, I should limit my exposure to you anyway. Someday, not very long from now, you’ll be off on the other side of the world on some exciting adventure,
and I won’t see you for months.
Hmm. Not to mention the fact that you are my sister’s nephew. I’m her husband’s nephew. You are not in my family tree. Well, the point is that this has an expiration date. We weren’t built to last. [scoffs] That is why we should live each moment to its fullest. And since I’ll be sticking around for that documentary… For how long? I could be here for months. But as for you and me, let’s just leave it at: I’ll be here when you call. If I call. I hope you’ll call. You went to Naomi about the lawsuit because you care about me, right? You love me, right? How is this any different? I knew you would approve of what I was doing. I was standing up for you. It’s the same thing. You threatened to burn a town to the ground and put people’s heads on pikes.
Man, a turn of phrase.
You meant it. Nobody likes a bully. If you told me to stay away from Naomi, I’d respect your wishes. I was trying to appeal to Dani’s sense of reason. Oh! Gun-shooting Dani? Or breaking and entering Dani? Look, I thought that she had calmed down and moved on. Forgive me for being an optimist. [scoffs] What? Just reminded myself that you’re a master of diversion. Oh, God, babe, I just told you what happened. You told me why you went to Dani’s. And why don’t you fill me in on what went down between you and your former wife? If I didn’t know you better, Granddad, I’d think you’re telling me to play softball with Bill Hamilton. That’s exactly what I’m proposing. A-Aren’t you angry with him for what he did? Being a pragmatist outweighs everything else. There’s been so much conflict between Bill and our family. I don’t want this creeping into the news or gossip around town that we can’t handle our business in private. Well, you two are gonna have quite the conversation on your way home about how wrong he is. Right, Gran? Well, now, Naomi. No, no, no, no. Not you, too. You know that I support you completely. And I would never advise you to drop the lawsuit in favor of a settlement if you think it unacceptable. That being said… …we’re just suggesting you find a balance, hold Bill accountable without turning him into an enemy. You know, this sounds a lot like when you two insisted we attend that hellish wedding. It’s like you have this strange soft spot for the man who betrayed his family. I… We all have firsthand knowledge of how your father can overreact when taunted. When Bill gets threatened, bad things happen.
What are you saying?
ANITA: Sweetheart, whether you decide to drop the lawsuit is up to you. We’re just reminding you that things can get ugly with Bill. They usually do. [indistinct radio transmission] Next time you do business, have sense to do it in private.
Who?
Jacob. He saw the handoff. Who’d he tell? Fortunately, not Internal Affairs. He came straight to me. But this is the second time, Marcel. The second time my kid has seen Joey Armstrong conducting business, and the second time he’s seen his upstanding partner being okay with it. Now he’s even taking part. My bad. It’s your career, you screw this up. You want to spend your retirement in the Caribbean on the Good Ship Sheila, then keep your hands clean. My son is too damn wholesome to ignore corruption. And here I was thinking that you just wanted someone to talk to. We can talk after we exorcise a demon. [chuckles] What has your ex done now? Said he had to see me. So I dropped everything. He dropped by, and for one brief, beautiful moment I thought that he was going to ask me for a second chance. Tell me that his fling with Hayley had flung and he would spend the rest of our lives making it up to me. He had something else in mind. Turns out he was sweet-talking me so that I would be kind or ask people to be kind to his reboot. Why do you even waste your time? Because he was mine. And I know… I need to accept the fact
that he’s never coming back.
Mm-hmm. But I was hoping that you could help me forget that he’s even on the planet. I’ll be your first…Well, uh, the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. Show meHow you like it-it-it-itShow me…That works, too. I hope you’re up for the challenge. I got a lot to forget. Rain, rain downDrip, drip, drip-dropLet it rain, rain downDrip, drip, drip-drop.[sighs] You aren’t jealous, are you? It’s easier to keep track of your heart when I know I’m the only one in it. You are. Always. Dani and I just had some stuff to hash out. At night, out of the blue, when you didn’t mention you’d be seeing her?
Look, it wasn’t that deep, babe, okay?
[scoffs] Hmm. We own a place in Delaware, and I suggested that we sell it. Oh, no. I thought we… Mm, with the intention of using my share of the proceeds to get us a weekend home. Just for the two of us.
Really?
Yeah. Yeah, it was gonna be a surprise. It still can be, but go on. So, um… We started talking about summers we spent up there and… Something happened. And then Dani… …thought that… [chuckles] that there was a chance that I’d go back to her. [Hayley scoffs] That’s ridiculous. You never entertained that idea. Yeah, I know, right? Of course not. Okay, so what did you do? I told her the truth. I said I’m madly in love with my wife and that we’re… deliriously happy and she should move on. And she refused. There were tears. Yeah, lot of tears. ‘Cause this time she, um, she finally believed me. You’ve told her that dozens of times in dozens of ways. What was it about this time that made her see the light? ASHLEY: And when Andre finds a girl, they can do fun couple things. Like? Like this. [laughs] Having someone to download with. We get it. The things we see. The lives that get lost.
That’s the part nobody talks about.
Mm-hmm. How you carry that stuff with you. That’s why you should do the interview. I thought we’d finished with this. You’re what Andre needs. You’re serious about the work, but you’re able to find that balance, Derek. There are stories only you can tell. Or not. Look, you don’t have to tell Andre anything that’s important to you. Everything’s important to me. Especially you. Okay, so tell him about being in the hospital and how knowledgeable and attentive and compassionate your nurse Ashley was. Mm-hmm, the smartest person I know. She chose a guy like me to fall in love with. [laughs] Finally. A man who loves me for my mind. Mm, that’s not the only thing. No. There are at least a dozen reasons that I’m keeping for just between us. If you got some time, I’ll show you a few.
Hey, babe.
Hey. I was hoping you’d still be here. Look, tell me I’m not losing my mind.
What’s going on?
Something with my partner. But we could talk about that later. You look even more worried than when I left you. What happened? My grandparents were just here. And the way they reacted when I told them what Dad’s done, it wa– it was odd. In what way? They’re worried about retaliation. What Dad will do if he loses. Okay. And that leaves you where? Going after him with everything I’ve got. Thank you, sweetheart. Mm. [laughs] So much for a fun night out. Well, we were right where we were supposed to be when we were supposed to be there. I’m just glad Naomi shared with us so we can nudge her in the right direction. I hoped things would die down once Bill dropped the charges against Dani. That man has too much power. The trouble he could cause this family. We can’t let him pull that trigger, Anita. We need to make damn sure no one ever makes him feel like that’s even an option.
Bill: Come here. Come on, come, come. Listen. Dani realized she had no chance of winning me back because you’re everything that I want. Okay? She looked me right in my eyes and realized that nothing that she and I shared in our past could compare to what you and I have now.
Oh, Bill.
Yeah. Look, I know how lucky we are to have found one another. I’m not gonna do anything to jeopardize that.
Smart man.
Mm. One of the many reasons you adore me. [Bill chuckles] Well, this is the perfect time for you to take me home and show me how much you love me. Mm. Well, I worship you.
Mm.
Mm. Mm-mm. Nothing and no one would make me happier.
Mm.
So… …why don’t we get home and start heating things up? [chuckles] [chuckling] That take your mind off things? You are a very sweet distraction.
Better than chocolate.
Mm-hmm. You’re not bad yourself. What am I helping you to forget? Work? Another woman? Nah, this is all about you. Mm-hmm. If this is what it takes to help you forget… I can forget. Mm. But even if Bill promised me forever in Bora Bora or flew me to Monaco for retail therapy and baccarat… Baccarat? …I could never forgive what he did. You’re not buying it, huh? [laughing] Not yet. Well, maybe what I need is another dose of distraction. Ah. I’d be so happy to provide that service for you. The thing is… I might need a few more doses.
Mm.
Throughout the night.
And maybe into the morning?
Yeah? And then some. There you go. I’m staying patientShivers down my spine.
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