- 17 hours ago
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00This is my 283th trial, and after 20 years, I've learned one thing.
00:00:04Justice is not emotion, it's reason.
00:00:07They say justice is blind, but that's a lie.
00:00:10She sees money, power, and fear, and she flinchers.
00:00:14Today, I remind her what a spine looks like.
00:00:21Mr. Cross never claimed to be a saint,
00:00:24but the man taught an entire generation that the law isn't a weapon for the powerful.
00:00:28It's a refuge for the damned.
00:00:43Justice doesn't forget.
00:00:45It just waits for someone brave enough to wake it up again.
00:01:01We're told this glove proves guilt.
00:01:06If it doesn't fit, you must acquit.
00:01:10This is my 283th trial, and after 20 years, I've learned one thing.
00:01:14Justice is not emotion, it's reason.
00:01:18The charge of murder in the first degree, not guilt.
00:01:23Mr. Cross, that's ring number 283.
00:01:25People say you could get the devil himself acquitted,
00:01:27because winning all that matters to you, they call you the devil's barrister.
00:01:29Only people who can't afford me call me that.
00:01:31Is there a difference between defending justice and defending evil?
00:01:34Sure, about $500 an hour.
00:01:36Sir, your acquittal killed a family.
00:01:38Explain.
00:01:38The client today, he's no saint, sir.
00:01:40He's got a record, and the press won't let it go.
00:01:41Why take him?
00:01:42Because guilt is an opinion, evidence is a fact.
00:01:44But shouldn't we defend the innocent?
00:01:46That's what the prosecutors tell themselves.
00:01:48We defend the process.
00:01:49Justice isn't about right or wrong, it's about rules.
00:01:51If the rules break, everything breaks.
00:01:53Then who protects the truth?
00:01:55Truth doesn't need protection, Lydia.
00:01:57It just needs representation.
00:01:59And representation doesn't come cheap.
00:02:01So you defend anyone?
00:02:02If the money's right?
00:02:04No.
00:02:04I stand for whoever hires me first.
00:02:07That's what keeps the scales balanced.
00:02:08Time's up.
00:02:09My father's ceremony starts in 20 minutes.
00:02:11Oh, right.
00:02:11The host, Mr. Kane, asked to meet you afterward.
00:02:14He's been calling for weeks.
00:02:15Warren Kane?
00:02:16The media kingmaker?
00:02:17This should be fun.
00:02:18This should be fun.
00:02:23The Nobel Lifetime Humanitarian Award goes to Mr. Harold Cross, former district attorney,
00:02:30honored for a lifetime of service to justice and the defense of the powerless.
00:02:36You're late again.
00:02:38Relax, Dad.
00:02:38Did I miss the standing ovation or just the part where you kissed the old man's ring?
00:02:42You're the reason I had to buy that saint in a wheelchair this damn award.
00:02:45Now get the hell home and stick it until the hearing.
00:02:47Whatever you say, Your Honor.
00:02:52Mr. Cross, what an honor to finally meet the man behind half this city's verdicts.
00:02:57The honor's mine, Mr. Kane, and thank you for what you did for my father.
00:03:00My son, Chase, he's a producer of old enough action.
00:03:03You've heard of it?
00:03:03He's being framed by a little actress.
00:03:05She's throwing about serious accusations just because she didn't get the part.
00:03:08You want me to clean up your mess?
00:03:09Name your fee.
00:03:11Even if it's outrageous enough to upset me, I'll pay it.
00:03:13When's the hearing?
00:03:15Today.
00:03:162 p.m.
00:03:18We have an hour.
00:03:18I'll be ready.
00:03:20Mr. Cross, you just saved my family.
00:03:26Zoe?
00:03:27Dad, Grandpa's hurt.
00:03:28He's bleeding.
00:03:29What?
00:03:29Where are you?
00:03:30Send me your location now.
00:03:31Sir, the hearing starts in less than an hour.
00:03:33Then buy me 10 minutes.
00:03:43Hey, Dad.
00:03:44I've met Ethan Cross.
00:03:46He's agreed to take your case.
00:03:48You're still out on bail, so don't even think about screwing this up before court.
00:03:52Wait.
00:03:53Seriously?
00:03:54You got Ethan Cross?
00:03:56I'm basically home free then.
00:03:58You're damn right.
00:03:59If Cross takes the case, even the judge starts second-guessing herself.
00:04:04But listen, Ethan plays for cash, not for friendship.
00:04:08So when you meet him, shut your mouth.
00:04:11Look grateful.
00:04:12And do not piss him off, or he'll bury both of us.
00:04:16Yeah, yeah, I got it.
00:04:17Chill.
00:04:17So Ethan Cross is really on board?
00:04:19Hell yeah, the guy's the closer.
00:04:21The devil in a three-piece suit.
00:04:22The devil himself.
00:04:23We're untouchable now.
00:04:25Untouchable?
00:04:26Please.
00:04:27With him on my side, I'll sue that lying bitch for defamation.
00:04:30Make her wish prison was the worst thing that ever happened.
00:04:32The really impressive boss, a minor supporting character that no one even looks at on any MB
00:04:36being noticed by Warren Pete's son, should have been the biggest opportunity of her life.
00:04:41You're really good at sucking up.
00:04:44Let's celebrate after the court session, boss.
00:04:52Grandpa, I sprinted here right after finals.
00:04:55Congrats again.
00:04:56Total legend move.
00:04:58Legend, please.
00:05:00This thing's just PR dressed up as virtue.
00:05:02If your dad weren't such a shark in court, they'd never give this to an old prosecutor like me.
00:05:08Still, it looks kind of cheap, like something you buy at a tourist shop in Vegas.
00:05:11Three bucks tops.
00:05:12That's still two more than it's worth.
00:05:17What's the holdup?
00:05:18Move, people!
00:05:22Yo, move it!
00:05:23Some of us got places to be.
00:05:25Sorry, folks.
00:05:26Wheel's stuck.
00:05:27Just a minute.
00:05:33Someone's hungover and entitled.
00:05:35Take a deep breath, dude.
00:05:36The world won't end if you wait 60 seconds.
00:05:38Watch your tone, sweetheart.
00:05:40Calm down.
00:05:40We're here to help.
00:05:45Zoe.
00:05:46Let's go.
00:05:46Now.
00:05:47Whoa, whoa.
00:05:48Leaving so soon?
00:05:48At least say thank you properly.
00:05:50How about dinner, pretty thing?
00:05:51I don't hate jerrymatchics or assholes in training.
00:05:54Come on.
00:05:54You hang with a grandpa, you can handle older men.
00:05:56Ten times the price.
00:05:57What do you say?
00:05:57A man's in a wheelchair and still paying for company.
00:06:00Wondering if the equipment still works.
00:06:04Watch your mouth!
00:06:07Or what?
00:06:09Get your dirty hands off her, you little bastard!
00:06:16You speak quite boldly while sitting.
00:06:19Do you want me to help you stand up?
00:06:23I've put away scum like you my whole life.
00:06:26Guess I missed one.
00:06:30You belong behind bars, you goddamn parasite!
00:06:37Oh, yeah?
00:06:39You're gonna prosecute me from your chair?
00:06:42You know what I hate most?
00:06:44Always thinking that prisons are made for others.
00:06:58Today, I will help you change this idea.
00:07:01Let him go, you bunch of lunatics!
00:07:08Let go of me!
00:07:10Don't touch me!
00:07:12Do you know who you are talking to?
00:07:14I don't care who you are.
00:07:16Even if you are the president's son.
00:07:19If you break the law, you still have to go to jail.
00:07:25What did I just say?
00:07:26Don't mention prison.
00:07:29No!
00:07:31Stop!
00:07:33Yo.
00:07:34Grandpa is your weak spot, right?
00:07:37How about changing to a 30-year-old dad?
00:07:52Lauren tried to settle privately, offering a seven-figure amount, but she still refused to drop the case.
00:07:57If Chase was really being framed, the money would have solved the problem long ago.
00:08:00But she just wants to send him to prison.
00:08:03Aren't we once in helping a rich person who thinks the law doesn't apply to them get off the hook?
00:08:06The law doesn't care what you think, Lydia.
00:08:09Only what you can prove.
00:08:10Morals don't win cases.
00:08:11Evidence does.
00:08:12Innocence isn't a feeling.
00:08:13It's a product.
00:08:14Something you build in court, brick by brick, until a jury buys it.
00:08:17Maybe.
00:08:17But this Chase kid, he's...
00:08:19We don't pick sides, Lydia.
00:08:20We pick strategies.
00:08:28You hit me?
00:08:30Split him up.
00:08:31Get that cripper offer.
00:08:42Hit him!
00:08:46Dad, help!
00:08:48Grandpa's being attacked!
00:08:52Who you calling, sweetheart?
00:08:59Never had me a little schoolgirl before.
00:09:02Get your slimy hands off me, you discount Harvey Weinstein.
00:09:05Faster!
00:09:06Leave her alone!
00:09:09This thing's still rolling?
00:09:14Yeah.
00:09:15That's the fight I like.
00:09:16Go to hell!
00:09:17Tell me something, sweetheart.
00:09:19How do you and this crippy get your kicks, huh?
00:09:21Maybe the same way your mom raised a freak.
00:09:35Wait a second.
00:09:36That metal.
00:09:39The crowd's getting ugly out here.
00:09:41If we don't move fast, this whole thing becomes a circus.
00:09:43They're trying to turn public opinion into a verdict.
00:09:45Handle the circus.
00:09:46I'll be there as soon as I can.
00:09:47Got it.
00:09:54That looks just like the one Dad handed out today.
00:09:58What the hell?
00:10:00When you meet him, keep your mouth shut, look grateful, and don't piss him off.
00:10:04Where'd you get this metal?
00:10:05Where I got it.
00:10:06Let's just say it didn't come from Daddy's PR firm.
00:10:08But hey, you've heard of the Nobel Prize, right?
00:10:10Or is that too many syllables for your kind?
00:10:12Noble?
00:10:13Three bucks at a souvenir shop.
00:10:15Guess Grandpa's into fake bling.
00:10:17Trying to play me with props?
00:10:18Fine.
00:10:18I'll give you a show.
00:10:20Right in front of your precious little schoolgirl.
00:10:21It'll turn you on, won't it?
00:10:22Back off, you creep!
00:10:24You sick bastard!
00:10:25Let her go!
00:10:26Oh, I'll let her go if you dive into that asphalt pit and fetch your phone.
00:10:30And maybe I'll calm down.
00:10:33Boss, let's forget it.
00:10:35Your father said, stay low-key before the hearing.
00:10:38And if that metal is real, get lost.
00:10:42You heard me, old man!
00:10:44Go on!
00:10:45You asshole!
00:10:46He's paralyzed, you're proud of bullying him?
00:10:48What, you get attached after wiping his drool every day?
00:10:51Cute.
00:10:52Let her go.
00:10:53I'll do it.
00:10:55But you'd better keep your word.
00:10:57Come on, old man, you call that crawling?
00:10:59My grandma moves faster than you.
00:11:01Grandpa, stop!
00:11:02Please!
00:11:05Look at him go, like a wounded puppy.
00:11:12Grandpa!
00:11:14Your hand!
00:11:15Oh, God!
00:11:16There.
00:11:17You happy?
00:11:18Can we go now?
00:11:19Who said you could go?
00:11:20You volunteered.
00:11:22I guess heroes are overrated.
00:11:24You monster!
00:11:27And what are you going to do, huh?
00:11:29Prosecute me?
00:11:31Oh, no.
00:11:32Not now.
00:11:34Grandpa!
00:11:41The old man pissed himself!
00:11:43Unreal!
00:11:44Aw, don't cry, sweetheart.
00:11:45Must be rough.
00:11:46Taking care of your sugar, daddy.
00:11:49Zoe, don't cry.
00:11:51Just get me to a hospital.
00:11:52Did I say you could leave?
00:11:54If anything happens to him, I swear I'll make you pay.
00:11:59Oh, I'd love to see how.
00:12:01I'll call the police.
00:12:02Let the law deal with you.
00:12:03The law?
00:12:04You know who my lawyer is?
00:12:05Ethan Cross, the closer!
00:12:07Yeah, so you tell me.
00:12:09How's that law going to deal with me?
00:12:10My dad?
00:12:12You're so dead.
00:12:14All of you.
00:12:14Ethan's your dad?
00:12:15The closer doesn't have a daughter out here playing sugar baby.
00:12:17Regret this.
00:12:17When Ethan finds out what you've done, he'll bury you himself.
00:12:20Boss, maybe we should stop.
00:12:21If he's Ethan Cross's dad, then I'm the goddamn president's grandfather.
00:12:24Give me a break.
00:12:25Hit him!
00:12:40Who are you, old man?
00:12:42Zoe, what the hell happened?
00:12:44Dad!
00:12:46It's them!
00:12:47They started it!
00:12:48They hit Grandpa and tried to put their hands on me!
00:12:52Easy there, tough guy.
00:12:53They came at us first.
00:12:54My daughter dresses however the hell she wants.
00:12:57That doesn't give anyone the right to touch her or blame her.
00:13:00And my father, he can barely move.
00:13:03You really expect me to believe this was their fault?
00:13:05Wait, this brat and that geezer, they're actually family?
00:13:08So what?
00:13:09You see our boss bleeding?
00:13:11Pay up and apologize or nobody walks out of here.
00:13:16You're out of your mind.
00:13:17You attacked us.
00:13:18You pay!
00:13:18Zoe, take Grandfather to the hospital.
00:13:21I'll handle this.
00:13:22There's 30 grand on it.
00:13:24Let him go first.
00:13:2730 grand?
00:13:29That's barely pocket change.
00:13:31What do you want then?
00:13:32How about this?
00:13:33You want to save your old man?
00:13:35Then get on your knees and call me daddy.
00:13:38Go to hell, asshole!
00:13:40You're a disgrace to humanity!
00:13:42Did I tell you to speak, old man?
00:13:44So what's it going to be?
00:13:45You play nice or you lose your crippled daddy right here?
00:13:47So that's it.
00:13:49You're not backing down.
00:13:51Damn right I'm not.
00:13:57You actually dare to hit me?
00:13:59That's called self-defense.
00:14:00What you've done?
00:14:01Assault, attempted bodily harm, each one's a felony.
00:14:04Stack them together and you're looking at a decade behind bars.
00:14:07You think you can read me my rights, huh?
00:14:09You know who the hell I am?
00:14:10I don't need to.
00:14:11You laid hands on my daughter and my father.
00:14:13There are witnesses, cameras, and the law on my side.
00:14:17You're not walking away from me.
00:14:18You have any idea who you're talking to?
00:14:19That's Warren Cain's son, Hollywood royalty.
00:14:22You're Warren's son, the accused rapist.
00:14:25The man I was hired to defend and I didn't even bother to ask if he was guilty.
00:14:28That's right.
00:14:29My dad's the goddamn media king.
00:14:31He got the closer, Ethan Cross, for me.
00:14:33And once we win, that little actress dies broke.
00:14:36Just like you.
00:14:37You think you can throw daddy's money at the law and play me like a damn puppet?
00:14:42You're bluffing!
00:14:44What if I told you I am Ethan Cross?
00:14:52Ethan Cross?
00:14:54Shit.
00:14:55People say Cross is the devil's lawyer.
00:14:56Everyone he goes up against ends up buried.
00:14:59We're screwed.
00:15:00Ethan Cross, huh?
00:15:06Nice fake, old man.
00:15:07Fake?
00:15:08You're saying he's a fraud?
00:15:09Exactly.
00:15:10The old cripple claims he's Cross's father.
00:15:12And five minutes later, a wannabe lawyer shows up?
00:15:15Please.
00:15:15Cross is at court prepping my case right now.
00:15:17No way he's here.
00:15:18They planned this scam together.
00:15:20You think we're idiots?
00:15:20Let's teach him a lesson.
00:15:22Touch them and I swear, I'll make sure the only thing you ever see again are iron bars.
00:15:27Let them go.
00:15:29Or what?
00:15:31Teach him a lesson.
00:15:39Hey!
00:15:40Somebody call 911!
00:15:41He's down!
00:15:41That's assault, man!
00:15:42You animals think you're in a movie?
00:15:44Stop it!
00:15:45My dad is Ethan Cross, you psychos!
00:15:47You're trending for murder right now!
00:15:49You don't even know that!
00:15:54What now, Ethan Cross?
00:15:56Still feel like a big man?
00:16:00Zoe, give me Grandpa's medal.
00:16:03Dad.
00:16:05That medal, Warren Cain handed to my father himself.
00:16:08Take it back to him.
00:16:09Tell him I'm off your case.
00:16:10You think I care about your old man's shiny souvenir?
00:16:14Fine!
00:16:14Let's call my father!
00:16:16See what he thinks about my lawyer's stunt double.
00:16:19Hey, Dad.
00:16:21Guess who I just ran into?
00:16:22Where the hell are you, Chase?
00:16:26You better not be in trouble again, Chase.
00:16:32Trouble?
00:16:33Come on, Dad.
00:16:33I'm just grabbing lunch with friends.
00:16:35Right.
00:16:35Last time you grabbed lunch, three people lawyered up.
00:16:38They came at me first, okay?
00:16:39Swear to God.
00:16:40Hey!
00:16:41Ethan Cross made it to court yet?
00:16:43Yeah.
00:16:44Been here a while.
00:16:45I just saw his assistant.
00:16:46Miss Hart, where's Mr. Cross?
00:16:47Restroom.
00:16:48The hearing starts in 30.
00:16:49You ready?
00:16:49Always.
00:16:50That's why you hired him.
00:16:51Got it, Dad.
00:16:52Talk soon.
00:16:53Don't make a scene, Chase.
00:16:55And don't touch Cross, you hear me?
00:16:57Yeah.
00:16:57Yeah.
00:17:00Oh, you're Ethan Cross, huh?
00:17:03That's rich.
00:17:04Hold him.
00:17:08You want to play my lawyer?
00:17:10Hell of an audition.
00:17:11Let's see you stay in character.
00:17:13Touch him again, and I swear I'll carve that smirk your face!
00:17:16Boss, what if he is New York?
00:17:18He's not.
00:17:19My dad just saw the real one inside the courthouse.
00:17:22You two are cute playing make-believe.
00:17:24Stay put.
00:17:24When I'm done winning my case, we'll finish our little game.
00:17:27What are you looking at?
00:17:28Show's over!
00:17:29Dad!
00:17:29Hey, stay with me!
00:17:30My hand!
00:17:32It's burning!
00:17:35Grandpa!
00:17:42Doctor, please, how is he?
00:17:45Third degree burns to his hand and forearm.
00:17:47We're trying to save what we can, but he may lose some function.
00:17:51Possibly the entire hand.
00:17:53Dad, they did this to Grandpa because of me.
00:17:57Make them pay.
00:17:58All right, Zoe.
00:17:59You have my word.
00:18:00Justice takes its time, but it never forgets.
00:18:03I've played nice long enough.
00:18:05Now they learn what real judgment looks like.
00:18:07Mrs. Reed, any comments before the appeal hearing?
00:18:09No cameras!
00:18:10Leave my daughter alone!
00:18:16Mr. Kane, you were convicted of sexual assault in the trial.
00:18:20Are you seeking acquittal today?
00:18:21Acquitto?
00:18:23I call it a correction.
00:18:25You can't lock a man up for being wanted.
00:18:27The victim maintains her testimony is true.
00:18:30Is a wannabe actress made up a story about an invasion?
00:18:32Pathetic.
00:18:33My lawyer's going to crush this case and send her back to obscurity.
00:18:35Stop!
00:18:36It's okay, baby.
00:18:37You did nothing wrong.
00:18:38You rich people think you own the world.
00:18:40She was just a kid who wanted a chance, and he destroyed her.
00:18:44Where's the damn justice in that?
00:18:45They say justice is blind, but that's a lie.
00:18:49She sees money, power, and fear, and she flinchers.
00:18:53Today, I remind her what a spine looks like.
00:18:56Mr. Crosscourt's in session.
00:19:09My lawyer's the devil himself, watching that.
00:19:30Mr. Cross!
00:19:32What on earth happened to you?
00:19:33Who had the nerve to lay a hand on you?
00:19:36I'll make sure he never shows his face in Chicago again.
00:19:39You mean, you don't know?
00:19:43Well, what matters is winning today.
00:19:45You get me a verdict, and anyone who crosses Ethan Cross crosses me.
00:19:49Cross never loses if he's defending that kid walks free.
00:19:52That monster ruined my daughter's life.
00:19:56And he gets to walk free?
00:19:58You don't get it.
00:19:59Cross defends the rich.
00:20:01He's ruthless.
00:20:02If Cain bought him, your girl's already lost.
00:20:07Justice isn't for sale.
00:20:09Not in my courtroom.
00:20:11Mr. Cross is absolutely right.
00:20:12My boy's innocent, and the truth will clear his name.
00:20:16Stand up.
00:20:17Show some respect.
00:20:21This way, Mr. Cross.
00:20:22Your seat.
00:20:33Mr. Cross, your seat's this way.
00:20:39No, Warren.
00:20:41I'm right where I belong.
00:20:45What did you just say?
00:20:47Isn't Ethan Cross the defense counsel?
00:20:49I heard he charges like seven figures.
00:20:52Mom, did you hire him?
00:20:54No, baby.
00:20:55We can't afford anyone like him.
00:20:56I'm here as special counsel to the state.
00:20:59I don't take a cent from victims.
00:21:01Don't take a cent?
00:21:03You cashed my checks.
00:21:05Millions.
00:21:05Don't forget I put that medal on your father's chest.
00:21:08You think you can walk away?
00:21:10You just want more, don't you?
00:21:13Mr. Cross, close this for us, and I'll double your fee.
00:21:17Five million.
00:21:18No questions asked.
00:21:19Justice has a price tag, Warren.
00:21:22It just isn't one you can afford.
00:21:24Come on, Mr. Cross.
00:21:25Everyone knows you're a man of your word.
00:21:27The hearing's about to start.
00:21:28What, did I step on your toes or something?
00:21:31You hurt me.
00:21:32You really don't know?
00:21:44You little idiot.
00:21:46What did you do?
00:21:49I didn't do anything, Dad.
00:21:50They started it.
00:21:50The old man tripped.
00:21:52The girl, come on.
00:21:53Don't lie to me.
00:21:54Ethan Cross isn't the kind of name you piss on for fun.
00:21:57There must be a reason.
00:21:58Okay, I got rough with them.
00:21:59We rumped them up.
00:22:02What?
00:22:03Do you know what I pulled to get him here?
00:22:05Do you know what that costs?
00:22:06I thought he was a fake.
00:22:08I didn't know he was really Ethan Cross.
00:22:11You should have stayed in custody.
00:22:13You'd have done less damage there.
00:22:15Mr. Cross, my son, he's just a kid.
00:22:18Deliver a win on this and whatever you want.
00:22:20Money, contracts, favors.
00:22:22It's yours.
00:22:23Hell, take him if you want.
00:22:27You're the defendant's father, Warren.
00:22:28We shouldn't be talking.
00:22:31The hearing's about to start.
00:22:32I suggest you take your seat.
00:22:35All rise.
00:22:37The Honorable Judge Delilah Dwan presiding.
00:22:45Be seated.
00:22:46The court is now in session for The State of Illinois v. Chase Kane.
00:22:55You really believe you can beat them?
00:22:57Law isn't a shield for the powerful.
00:22:59It's a sword for the truth.
00:23:02And today, I intend to use it.
00:23:14Counsel for the defense?
00:23:17We'll recess for five minutes before proceeding.
00:23:19If counsel fails to appear, the appeal will be dismissed and the prior conviction upheld.
00:23:23Dad, what do I do?
00:23:26Keep your damn voice down.
00:23:27Don't give them a show.
00:23:29If the defense doesn't show, it's over.
00:23:31Cross doesn't even need to speak.
00:23:33He's already won.
00:23:34Dad!
00:23:35I can't go to prison!
00:23:37Please!
00:23:38Do something!
00:23:40Mr. Cross!
00:23:41My son made a mistake!
00:23:44Don't throw his life away, over it!
00:23:47Mr. Kane, you're out of order.
00:23:49Sit down or I'll hold you in contempt.
00:23:55The law isn't a game, Warren.
00:23:59You play God long enough, eventually, the devil collects.
00:24:04Five minutes have passed.
00:24:06The defense having failed to appear, the court...
00:24:10Defense counsel, Leon Richter for Mr. Kane, Your Honor.
00:24:17Leon.
00:24:19What the hell are you doing here?
00:24:20He's with me.
00:24:21Before the hearing, Leon warned me you might flip.
00:24:24Didn't think you actually would.
00:24:32What?
00:24:33You're withdrawing from Chase Kane's defense?
00:24:37All right.
00:24:38I'll destroy anything tied to the defense prep.
00:24:43Lydia, wait!
00:24:45What are you doing here?
00:24:45Urgent work.
00:24:46Here, destroy this.
00:24:47Completely.
00:24:49Warren Kane's son.
00:24:51Win this case for them, and Chicago will know my name.
00:24:55What can I say?
00:24:56When a case pays seven figures, you'd be an idiot not to take it.
00:25:01By the time this trial's over, I'll be the new name on every courtroom wall.
00:25:04Big talk for a rookie.
00:25:05He's never even tried a case alone.
00:25:07No way he beats Cross.
00:25:10Cross was a constant nuisance, but he was lethal in court.
00:25:14This Richard dude?
00:25:15Who even is he?
00:25:16Is he like a TikTok lawyer or something?
00:25:20Relax, Chase.
00:25:21Before your former lawyer grew a conscience, he left me a gift.
00:25:23All his prep files, his notes, his evidence.
00:25:28I know every move he's going to make.
00:25:31He's going to use Cross' own playbook against Cross?
00:25:36Cross built his defense around proof the victim was lying.
00:25:39Then, he switched sides.
00:25:42Too late to rebuild from scratch.
00:25:44He knew he'd lose.
00:25:45So he pulled a stunt.
00:25:51Tried to stall the hearing.
00:25:53But I'm her now.
00:25:55Seven years, Leon.
00:25:56I trained you.
00:25:57I vouched for you.
00:25:58And you throw it away for a paycheck?
00:25:59You never let me stand on my own.
00:26:00Seven years, I carried your bags while you cashed million-dollar retainers.
00:26:03You never saw me as anything but help.
00:26:05You weren't ready.
00:26:05That's why I kept you close.
00:26:06The house, the car, the reputation.
00:26:08I gave you all of it.
00:26:10Enough!
00:26:13Today, I'll beat you.
00:26:16And when I do, the so-called devil in a suit dies right here.
00:26:26Appeal its counsel.
00:26:28Any new suggestions?
00:26:29Yes, Your Honor.
00:26:30We move to admit new digital evidence.
00:26:33CCTV footage from the hotel the night of the alleged assault.
00:26:38The video documents the interaction between the complainant and my client.
00:26:41We request to play it for the court.
00:26:42Proceed.
00:26:46Your Honor, what we see is the complainant entering the suite of her own accord.
00:26:50No visible force, no resistance.
00:26:52These are facts undeniable on tape.
00:26:58The hallway is not the bedroom.
00:27:00Entry does not prove consent to sex.
00:27:02Consent must be specific, ongoing, and revocable.
00:27:05This video cannot speak to what happened inside,
00:27:08which is precisely why we request Ms. Reed testify as to the sequence inside the suite.
00:27:13I... I can't...
00:27:14Barely holding it together, don't make her relive the damn nightmare!
00:27:17Ma'am, please be seated.
00:27:18You call it testimony?
00:27:20To her, it's torture.
00:27:21Every word cuts her open all over again.
00:27:23Mrs. Reed, I understand your concern.
00:27:26You must be seated.
00:27:27Your Honor, the alleged victim's testimony is the only account of what happened inside that room.
00:27:32If she won't state it under oath,
00:27:34we have reasonable crowns to question whether she's protecting the truth
00:27:36or simply hiding behind the word victim.
00:27:42Yeah, she made the whole thing up!
00:27:45Mr. Warren,
00:27:46one more outfast and you'll be removed from this courtroom.
00:27:54Mrs. Reed,
00:27:56no one here will compel you to speak.
00:27:58The court's purpose is not to break you, but to hear you.
00:28:01If you wish to be heard,
00:28:03you decide.
00:28:04I don't want to, I can't.
00:28:06You don't have to do this, baby.
00:28:07Emily, look at me.
00:28:09Mr. Cross, I can't...
00:28:11I can't stand them looking at me like that.
00:28:13You don't deserve their gaze.
00:28:15You're not an object to be picked apart.
00:28:17You're the one who was hurt.
00:28:18You stay silent.
00:28:19Every man who ever thought power gives them the right to look,
00:28:21to take, to decide who gets to speak, they win.
00:28:23And the ones who tell you that's just how Hollywood works,
00:28:25they win too.
00:28:26So speak.
00:28:27I mean, every woman who's told you has ever been told to keep quiet and move on.
00:28:30For yourself, you deserve to be heard.
00:28:32You deserve justice.
00:28:40That day, the audition had just ended.
00:28:44Chase Kane, the producer, said he had another project.
00:28:47Said a few people were coming.
00:28:49The director, another producer.
00:28:51He told me to meet them at his hotel to talk it through.
00:28:54But when I got there, there was no one else.
00:28:58He said they'd join us later.
00:28:59Then he said I've got to crick my shoulder.
00:29:01Could you give me a massage?
00:29:02Could you give me a massage?
00:29:04He went to the bathroom.
00:29:05I waited.
00:29:09And when he came out, he was barely covered with a towel.
00:29:12Then he pulled out his...
00:29:16That's what happened.
00:29:23Ms. Reed, according to the hotel's report,
00:29:25there were staff stationed just outside your suite.
00:29:27If this incident happened, as you claim,
00:29:29why didn't you call for help?
00:29:30I don't know.
00:29:35I see.
00:29:37And yet you didn't contact the police that night either, correct?
00:29:42It was only after Mr. Kane transferred money to your account
00:29:45that you decided to file a complaint.
00:29:48Isn't it fair to ask whether this accusation came
00:29:52after a disagreement over that payment?
00:29:55And the surveillance footage we just watched
00:29:57shows you arriving at the hotel dressed...
00:30:00Not for an ambush.
00:30:03Some might say your attire appeared...
00:30:06How should I put it?
00:30:07More personal than professional.
00:30:10Objection!
00:30:11Counsel is implying consent based on appearance
00:30:13completely irrelevant and appropriate.
00:30:17Sustained.
00:30:18Mr. Richter, stay within the scope of your questioning.
00:30:23Of course, Your Honor.
00:30:24I'm simply pointing out inconsistencies.
00:30:27So, Ms. Reed,
00:30:28if you truly didn't consent,
00:30:30why did you stay?
00:30:31Why wait?
00:30:32Or is it possible this was something
00:30:34you later reconsidered?
00:30:38Stop!
00:30:39Twisting it!
00:30:40I said no!
00:30:41I remember saying no!
00:30:45Objection!
00:30:46Counsel's badgering the witness
00:30:48and inviting the jury to draw
00:30:49an improper inference based on appearance.
00:30:53Sustained.
00:30:59With respect, Your Honor,
00:31:01casting doubt is the essence of defense.
00:31:04Your Honor,
00:31:05the footage shows the alleged complainant
00:31:07entering voluntarily.
00:31:09Her own testimony is fragmented contradictorily.
00:31:11What she claims as assault
00:31:12amounts to nothing more than a regretted choice.
00:31:15The defense asserts there was no assault,
00:31:17no coercion,
00:31:18only physical interaction with agreement.
00:31:20On those grounds,
00:31:22the charge of assault
00:31:23does not stand.
00:31:27Order!
00:31:27This courtroom will remain in order.
00:31:29The defense's evidence stands as valid.
00:31:31Unless the prosecution has additional proof,
00:31:32the court is prepared to render its decision.
00:31:34So that's it?
00:31:35I'm free?
00:31:36Seems so.
00:31:38The appeal overturns the prior conviction.
00:31:41I appreciate the help, Counselor.
00:31:43No!
00:31:44No!
00:31:45You said you'd get justice for my daughter, Mr. Cross!
00:31:51Sorry, Mom.
00:31:52Justice, Mr. Cross, requires evidence.
00:31:54And you've run out of it.
00:31:56You're right, Leon.
00:31:58Justice is built on evidence
00:32:00and logic.
00:32:03So let's test yours.
00:32:06Mr. Kane, walk us through that night.
00:32:08I had a drink in the VIP lounge downstairs at Lower Ray.
00:32:12After that,
00:32:12Emily and I went into my hotel room together.
00:32:14Do you deny having sexual relations with Ms. Reed?
00:32:17Of course not.
00:32:18We did.
00:32:18She wanted it.
00:32:19Kept flirting all night,
00:32:20talking about how she always had a thing for me.
00:32:22She said that to you?
00:32:23Are you sure those were her words?
00:32:25Yeah.
00:32:26She couldn't keep her hands off me.
00:32:28You should have seen her.
00:32:28She was into it.
00:32:32Funny.
00:32:33Because according to her phone records,
00:32:35she was texting someone else at that exact time.
00:32:39And that person
00:32:40was her girlfriend.
00:32:45Mom.
00:32:48I'm scared.
00:32:50He locked the door.
00:32:54No way.
00:32:56That bitch.
00:32:58Objection irrelevant.
00:33:00It's entirely relevant, Your Honor.
00:33:02Order.
00:33:03The defendant's argument hinges on the idea
00:33:05that Ms. Reed desired the defendant.
00:33:06But her private communications proves otherwise.
00:33:09You said she had a thing for you.
00:33:11The only thing she had was the courage
00:33:13to survive what you did to her.
00:33:19Order.
00:33:22Order at the point.
00:33:26Submitted, prosecutor.
00:33:46Your Honor, one more piece of evidence.
00:33:50The hotel's echo device was synced to Mr. Kane's account.
00:33:54At 10.14 p.m., it picked up two words,
00:33:56stop and no.
00:34:04The voice print matches Mrs. Reed's.
00:34:07Seconds later, the mic was cut off manually.
00:34:09Mom.
00:34:11Please.
00:34:11No.
00:34:12No.
00:34:13She said no.
00:34:16And he didn't stop.
00:34:19You called it consent.
00:34:21I call it what it is.
00:34:23Because when a woman says no,
00:34:28it's not a maybe.
00:34:29It's a no.
00:34:32Counsel for the defense.
00:34:34Do you offer anything further?
00:34:36Richard, say something.
00:34:38You told me you could fix this.
00:34:39You promised.
00:34:44If, under the theory Mr. Cross expanse is yes.
00:34:47But, Richard, you swore to me my son walks out of this.
00:34:53If anything happens to him, I'll make sure you regret it.
00:34:57Order.
00:35:00Counsel, any new evidence to present?
00:35:03Your Honor, I do.
00:35:05You've got to be kidding me.
00:35:06You have more?
00:35:08If he's still digging, is he trying to get the death penalty or something?
00:35:13Death penalty?
00:35:15No, no.
00:35:15No, do something.
00:35:19After his conviction, Mr. Kane was released on bail,
00:35:22then broke every condition of it.
00:35:24He organized brawls, assaulted multiple people.
00:35:27One victim now faces possible amputation of a hand.
00:35:30This is the hospital's trauma report.
00:35:32This defendant has shown blatant contempt for the law and for public safety.
00:35:35Given the totality, the state moves for the maximum principal sentence.
00:35:38I can't go to prison!
00:35:40I can't!
00:35:40Richard, tell them!
00:35:41It's not about prison anymore.
00:35:44Half an hour ago, he was salvageable.
00:35:46How did you pull this together so fast?
00:35:48Part of being counsel is moving faster than a man who thinks rules don't apply to him.
00:35:53The defense offers no further evidence.
00:35:56The court will now render judgment.
00:35:57All arise.
00:36:02On counts of aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault, intimidation, and disorderly conduct,
00:36:09multiple counts arising from the same incident, and subsequent conduct,
00:36:13the court finds the defendant guilty as charged.
00:36:18Sentence, 146 years imprisonment.
00:36:23Lifelong revocation of civil right.
00:36:26Proficient of personal assets to satisfy victim restoration.
00:36:30No.
00:36:30This can't be.
00:36:32Dad!
00:36:33Dad, help me!
00:36:34Don't let them!
00:36:34You promised me an acquittal!
00:36:36You told me!
00:36:39And you!
00:36:39This is on you!
00:36:40I swear I will make you pay!
00:36:48Dad, doctor says the grafts are taken beautifully.
00:36:51With rest and therapy, you'll regain full function.
00:36:54Grandpa, do you still feel any pain?
00:36:57Nothing I can't handle.
00:36:59Long as you're safe.
00:37:00Safe, yes.
00:37:02You nearly gave me a heart attack, old man.
00:37:03Next time you pull a stunt like that, I'm charging you emotional damages,
00:37:05and trust me, I bill by the hour.
00:37:07Oh, while you were out, Dad won this huge case for a girl that won against Chase Kane.
00:37:11The bastard got 146 years.
00:37:12Is that true?
00:37:13Every count upheld.
00:37:14He'll spend the rest of his life behind bars.
00:37:17Mr. Cross.
00:37:19Ms. Reed, what a surprise.
00:37:21Please come in quickly.
00:37:22We heard about your father.
00:37:24Manny's Soup.
00:37:25The only thing we still trust more than lawyers.
00:37:28Manny's?
00:37:29Then I'm not dying today.
00:37:31You didn't have to, but thank you.
00:37:34Mr. Cross, I wanted to thank you for everything.
00:37:38You didn't just win a case, you gave me my life back.
00:37:40In this town, people like me, new faces, not for money, it's impossible to be heard.
00:37:46And when you're a woman, and you happen to love women, Hollywood doesn't exactly roll out the red carpet.
00:37:51So if I made things harder for you with the case, I'm sorry.
00:37:54You don't owe me an apology.
00:37:55It's my job to fight for what's right.
00:37:57And as a father and son, I guess I had my own reasons, too.
00:38:01I'll take the soup, go make the town that tried to silence you listen.
00:38:04People say you only defended the rich, that you'd sell justice to whoever paid enough.
00:38:07That was never true.
00:38:08You fight for what's right.
00:38:09Did you just call my dad a good guy?
00:38:11Don't start, kiddo.
00:38:12He just learned sin pays better when you use it for good.
00:38:14Let's not ruin the myth.
00:38:15Most of my career, I've treated cases like strategic investments.
00:38:18Taking a lot of cases, I could win.
00:38:19This is the first one a long time that wasn't about winning.
00:38:22Mr. Ethan Cross?
00:38:25You're under investigation for alleged coerced confession.
00:38:28We need you to come with us.
00:38:32That's impossible.
00:38:33Then it shouldn't take long to clear up.
00:38:37No way!
00:38:38My dad doesn't even jaywalk!
00:38:39Officers, there must be a mistake.
00:38:41Mr. Cross worked my daughter's case.
00:38:43He never took a dollar from us.
00:38:44He's an honest man.
00:38:46Honest men are usually the first to say that.
00:38:51You should have known your stench would show up sooner or later.
00:38:54Always good to see you too, mentor.
00:38:57Shame it's under circumstances like these.
00:38:59Mr. Kane, every firm in Chicago turned us down.
00:39:02No one wants to touch this case.
00:39:03Especially not against Ethan Cross.
00:39:05Ethan Cross!
00:39:06Bastard thinks he can destroy my family?
00:39:09Sir, they all said it's ironclat.
00:39:15Mr. Kane.
00:39:16Leon Richter.
00:39:17You've got a hell of a nerve show on your face here.
00:39:20I come bearing opportunity.
00:39:22The king's only untouchable until he breaks his own crown.
00:39:26And as your former student, I owe you everything.
00:39:28But as a lawyer, I owe the law more.
00:39:31You wouldn't know the law if it served you papers.
00:39:34Believe what you want.
00:39:36The evidence speaks for itself.
00:39:39Call Lydia.
00:39:40Tell her to meet me.
00:39:41Got it.
00:39:44Tell him the truth, son.
00:39:51This can't be happening.
00:39:52Oh, it's happening.
00:39:53Cross coerced a suspect into a confession.
00:39:55Broke every rule in the book.
00:39:57His license is toast.
00:39:57And when his case is reopened, guess who comes down next?
00:40:00You two.
00:40:03They'll rewrite the whole story.
00:40:04The men with the power always do, don't they?
00:40:21I've checked everything.
00:40:24The chain of custody holds.
00:40:26The timestamps don't line up with their story.
00:40:30There's no obvious hole.
00:40:33And yet they've pinned this on you.
00:40:38They came prepared.
00:40:40Leon knows my playbook.
00:40:42Seven years of it.
00:40:43And Warren, he owns half the media in the city.
00:40:46If those two decide to build a narrative, it won't be a messy one.
00:40:49They can't usurp the truth just because they have influence.
00:40:52They know they can't beat you in court, so they manufacture a case to keep you out of court.
00:40:55They set you up like a scam ad.
00:40:57How to ruin a good man in three easy steps.
00:40:59Disgusting.
00:41:00I like the branding.
00:41:02Catchy.
00:41:04Tomorrow's the hearing.
00:41:06Most firms have already been paid off.
00:41:07The ones who aren't, they won't walk into this room against Warren.
00:41:10You're effectively isolated.
00:41:12It's called leverage.
00:41:13You either have it or you don't.
00:41:14Right now, they do.
00:41:16Mr. Cross will find something.
00:41:17There has to be...
00:41:18No!
00:41:19I've spent years walking the line.
00:41:21People I didn't believe in made enemies in every room that mattered.
00:41:24So now, the rich want me erased and the righteous want me punished.
00:41:28Seems balanced, doesn't it?
00:41:30No!
00:41:31Don't you dare turn this into some poetic karma speech.
00:41:35You built your name from nothing.
00:41:36They don't get to write your ending.
00:41:40You know how it goes.
00:41:41A survivor fights a powerful man and the system yawns.
00:41:44The only people who can move the needle are the ones who already sit at the table.
00:41:47People like you.
00:41:48You use that access to shield a witness, to stall a case long enough for the right eyes
00:41:51to see it.
00:41:51It wasn't pretty or clean.
00:41:52But it kept a lot of people from getting swallowed whole.
00:41:56Maybe.
00:41:57Maybe I thought being useful justified the method.
00:42:00Doesn't matter now.
00:42:01The machine's turned on me.
00:42:02No one's gonna volunteer to be the target.
00:42:04Mr. Cross!
00:42:05If I go in locked up, Chase walks.
00:42:07Truth dies in a footnote.
00:42:09There's money in my trust.
00:42:11Take Zoe and my father.
00:42:13Leave Chicago.
00:42:14Start over.
00:42:18You told me what a lawyer is.
00:42:20Someone who makes the law do the hard thing.
00:42:22I'm not leaving.
00:42:23If no one will fight for you, I will.
00:42:25You?
00:42:26You're just an associate.
00:42:28You don't have the bench strength.
00:42:29They'll chew you up.
00:42:30Then let them try.
00:42:38The conviction is vacated.
00:42:40Mr. Cole is exonerated.
00:42:42You're free to go.
00:42:55You're free to go.
00:42:56You're free to go.
00:42:58You're free to go.
00:43:05You're free to go.
00:43:11You're free to go.
00:43:12You're free to go.
00:43:12You're free to go.
00:43:12You're free to go.
00:43:12You're free to go.
00:43:12You're free to go.
00:43:13You're free to go.
00:43:14You're free to go.
00:43:16You're free to go.
00:43:27Help! Somebody call 9-1-1! Help!
00:43:32I'm so sorry. There was nothing we could do.
00:43:44Once dubbed the Center Park Cole by media, Derrick Cole was exonerated after 20 years
00:43:49in prison, only to be found dead three days later. His family is now suing former prosecutor
00:43:53Ethan Cross for alleged coercion. Three others have already pled guilty.
00:44:03Keep moving.
00:44:06You stole my son's life! Give him back his years!
00:44:11Ethan Cross! All those rich men you walked, now you wrecked someone who had nothing!
00:44:15How do you sleep, Cross?
00:44:17Female jogger. Center Park. Raped and shot dead. Witness picked him. Jacket matches. Timeline
00:44:24holds. We close tonight.
00:44:27He was 18! Just a kid! You threw him in a cage! Till it killed him!
00:44:39Stop it! Don't crucify him just because it's good TV!
00:44:43Spoken like a true benefary of corruption. The public petitioned for a live feed. Judge
00:44:47granted. Historic transparency and all that. So smile for the cameras, Counselor. You're
00:44:51primetime now.
00:44:52Where are you, Lydia?
00:44:59Bailift! Bring in the defendant!
00:45:05Never thought I'd see the day with the devil himself on the other side of the table.
00:45:17No way. Cross got indicted? Chicago's been rotting for years. He was the face of it.
00:45:23About damn time. Man built a career defending monsters. Now he gets his own cage.
00:45:35That son of a bitch stood up for the guy who killed my girl!
00:45:39Is counsel for the defense present?
00:45:43No.
00:45:45Come on, Lydia. Please don't do this.
00:45:53Mr. Cross, I never thought I'd see you on that side of the aisle.
00:45:58Where's your attorney?
00:46:00Your Honor, counsel should arrive momentarily.
00:46:03Of course she should. Lydia was a paralegal two years ago. I guess she realized she's out of her depth.
00:46:10I told you, Cross finally pushed too far. Even his team won't touch him.
00:46:14Word is, his assistant begged every firm in Chicago to take the case. Nobody would.
00:46:20Everyone wants to watch him burn.
00:46:23You see that baby girl? The devil finally paying for it!
00:46:29No counsel. No defense. Guess the great Ethan Cross finally ran out of loopholes.
00:46:34Dad stood by Lydia all these years. No way she ghosted him. Not now.
00:46:43Maybe this isn't punishment. Maybe it's the cost of never pretending to be a saint.
00:46:49If defense counsel is not present in 10 seconds, the court will proceed without representation.
00:46:5410, 9, 8, 6, 5, 3, 2, 1.
00:47:27I'm sorry. How many of you are entering appearances for Mr. Cross?
00:47:3223 counsel, Your Honor.
00:47:34And us. For Derek.
00:47:37That's half the defense bar. 23 lawyers? What is he, the Pope? And who the hell are those punks?
00:47:42Please. Money talks. He bought them.
00:47:45Not him. That's Professor Whitmore in Chicago Law. The guy had a gun waved in his face during the anti
00:47:49-Rackison trials. Didn't flinch.
00:47:53That lawyer there. He defended my daughter once. Why would he stand with the cross?
00:48:01You brought them? Not exactly. The lawyers, given your history with them, I didn't call. They showed up on their
00:48:08own.
00:48:09And those guys, Derek's crew, they said if this is about Derek, they'll be here.
00:48:18We appear pro bono by our own motion.
00:48:23Come on. Cross has been a wrecking ball. We've hated each other for years. Why the sudden halo?
00:48:30We didn't come for Mr. Cross. We came for the record. And for a court that can still tell the
00:48:35difference between a bad reputation and a bad case.
00:48:41Professor Whitmore, with all due respect, how can you stand up for him?
00:48:46Ethan Cross built his empire off blood money.
00:48:49Blood money, you say? You remember the Hammond case?
00:48:53Wait. Hammond? That was 30 years ago. The dad who killed the loan shark, right?
00:48:58Yeah. Borrowed for his kid's surgery. The shark assaulted his wife in front of him. His snap stabbed him 22
00:49:03times. The case split the city in half.
00:49:06But Hammond wasn't supposed to win. The attacker was unarmed when it happened. By the book, that's murder.
00:49:14And yet, a young defense lawyer argued what New York earned after Gauss. Fear doesn't end when the fists stop
00:49:21flying.
00:49:21The verdict redefined self-defense nationwide and changed the law. You're saying that lawyer was Cross?
00:49:28He was 25. The verdict made him a legend and a target. He went underground for years after that until
00:49:33the streets were safe enough to come back.
00:49:36If that man doesn't count as someone who's fought for justice, then what are we even doing here?
00:49:42No way. Cross isn't some crusader.
00:49:46Your Honor, when I was a kid, we moved every few months. I thought he was just restless. I didn't
00:49:51know he was hiding from the people who wanted him dead.
00:49:54Zoe, I wanted you to have a normal life. I failed.
00:49:59Your Honor, Mr. Cross never told his daughter the truth. Because he believed protecting her meant carrying the danger alone.
00:50:05Zoe's mom got sick. I couldn't afford her care. I kept running, believing I could outsmart the darkness. I was
00:50:12wrong.
00:50:13Before my mom passes away, she always said she never regretted marrying my dad. She said he'd fight always, even
00:50:19when the world turned its back.
00:50:22Dad, you didn't fight for glory. You fought because no one else would.
00:50:26Mr. Cross never claimed to be a saint. But the man taught an entire generation that the law isn't a
00:50:32weapon for the powerful. It's a refuge for the damned.
00:50:38Justice doesn't forget. It just waits for someone brave enough to wake it up again.
00:50:47If he risked everything for a nobody, then does that mean he's innocent?
00:50:52Oh, please. That was 30 years ago. People change. Heroes fall.
00:50:57The cross sitting there now, he's not the man you think he is. He's a monster hiding behind old glory.
00:51:04Change kites both ways, Mr. Richter. You don't get to weaponize redemption just because you've never had to earn it.
00:51:12Touching. But saving one man 30 years ago doesn't grant you a lifetime pass.
00:51:18He's got a point. People can rot from the inside out. The dragon slayer always turns into the dragon.
00:51:25Your honor, enough theatrics. Defense counsel is wasting the court's time.
00:51:28Sustained. Keep this relevant, counselor.
00:51:31If 30 years ago isn't relevant, maybe the last 20 are.
00:51:41The Chicago Justive, a mentorship network, legal aid clinics, pro bono defense for veterans, inmates, refugees.
00:51:4820 years, thousands of cases. Not a dollar in return.
00:51:52It's actually founded by Mr. Cross.
00:51:55Oh, my God. What?
00:51:58He didn't buy absolution. He built access.
00:52:01That's what the law was meant to do.
00:52:10Your honor, that organization provides free defense and legal education for those who can't afford either.
00:52:17I interned there in law school.
00:52:18I thought it was anonymous donors.
00:52:23All these years, you never said a word.
00:52:27Wait.
00:52:27No way.
00:52:29Damn.
00:52:32My house flooded last winter. Those Justice Calloyers took the city to court and won me the payout.
00:52:38No way.
00:52:39This collective helped me get into law school. They even offered me a scholarship.
00:52:43Those lawyers helped my brother when no one else would.
00:52:46Pro bono, start to finish.
00:52:48Dad, I thought you were just tough. I didn't know you were out here building an army.
00:52:52Your honor, this isn't a man hiding from guilt.
00:52:56It's a man who spent decades holding the system up while it tried to break him.
00:53:03Enough of this saneness nonsense!
00:53:06He's not here for charity.
00:53:08He's here because he finally ran out of people to fool!
00:53:13This court runs on evidence, not fairy tales.
00:53:18You can't rewrite his reputation to wash away what he's done.
00:53:24Your honor, we're ready to call our key witness.
00:53:27Let's see how righteous Mr. Cross looks when the truth starts talking.
00:53:46Your honor!
00:53:48You monster stole my life!
00:53:58Your honor, this is our witness.
00:54:01Mrs. Martha Cole.
00:54:02Twenty years ago, Ethan Cross served as a prosecutor in the Center Park case.
00:54:08Her son, Derek Cole, was the accused.
00:54:12Mrs. Cole, please state what you remember.
00:54:15Before they took him in, my boy was fine.
00:54:18But after, he came out all beat up.
00:54:21He wouldn't say a word.
00:54:22They said he'd confessed.
00:54:24My poor baby, twenty years behind bars.
00:54:28Finally cleared his name, only to die three days later.
00:54:33Still covered in scars.
00:54:35He was only 18!
00:54:36Scored near perfect on his SATs.
00:54:38Had his whole damn life waiting on him.
00:54:40You and those cops, you took it all!
00:54:41As the witness testified, Cross coerced a confession.
00:54:44This is not justice, it's rot.
00:54:45And rot must be cut out.
00:54:50I guess all those good deeds were guilt money after all.
00:54:53Wait, don't jump to conclusions.
00:54:55The story's not over.
00:55:01Your honor, the witness testimony establishes Mr. Cross is misconducted clearly.
00:55:05There's nothing left for him to rebut.
00:55:06I've made mistakes.
00:55:07You heard him.
00:55:08He admits it.
00:55:09Still think there's a defense left?
00:55:11His mistake wasn't crossing the line.
00:55:13It was trusting the system to hold the line on its own.
00:55:16That's a fine lecture, Professor, but this isn't a classroom.
00:55:19We don't grade on ideals.
00:55:20We rule on proof.
00:55:21Got any?
00:55:22Proof that survived two decades of corruption and neglect?
00:55:25That's not proof.
00:55:25It's an act of God.
00:55:26Then, maybe God should rest your case, too.
00:55:28Your honor, I move for immediate sentencing.
00:55:33Your honor, I have new evidence to submit.
00:55:54This contains footage from 20 years ago.
00:55:56Surveillance from the interrogation room.
00:55:58We request it be entered into evidence and played for the court.
00:56:00That footage came from my own office archives.
00:56:03I've reviewed it a hundred times.
00:56:04It proves Cross shoved that boy.
00:56:05Case closed.
00:56:07Then you won't mind everyone seeing it again.
00:56:15Derek!
00:56:19There!
00:56:20That's your hero beating a child!
00:56:26Pause it there.
00:56:27Zoom in.
00:56:28See the collar?
00:56:29It's outside his jacket before the fall and tucked in after.
00:56:32That's physically impossible unless the clip's been reversed.
00:56:35This video isn't evidence.
00:56:37It's been docked, played backward to frame him.
00:56:44He always wore it that way.
00:56:47Outside.
00:56:50Always.
00:56:51Always.
00:57:00You don't have to lie.
00:57:01Tell the truth, and I'll make sure they hear it.
00:57:03If I don't confess, they'll come after my family.
00:57:05They said my mom's next.
00:57:06She sold everything just to keep me in that school.
00:57:08She doesn't know how dark it gets up there.
00:57:11Please, Mr. Cross, I know what happens to people who fight them.
00:57:13I'll take the blame if it keeps her safe.
00:57:16He confessed.
00:57:19To save me.
00:57:22To save me.
00:57:29No, no, that can't be it.
00:57:31When they brought my boy back to me, he was black and blue.
00:57:34Every inch of him.
00:57:35You tell me what really happened to him.
00:57:37What did you do to my son?
00:57:42Your Honor, the defense calls a new witness.
00:57:45Mr. Cole's former cellmate.
00:57:51Yeah, I knew the kid.
00:57:52Smart, polite, quiet.
00:57:54Didn't talk much till one night he broke down.
00:57:57Said the cops beat him till he couldn't stand.
00:58:14I called the whole system dirty, said they're all the same.
00:58:17But he said there was one guy, the prosecutor, who didn't touch him.
00:58:20Said that man told him to tell the truth.
00:58:22That man was Ethan Cross.
00:58:25He never told me that he carried it all alone.
00:58:32Baby.
00:58:33Mama, I miss you so much.
00:58:38Jerry!
00:58:40Jerry!
00:58:42Bayless, get medical in here now!
00:58:49So Cross didn't lay a hand on him?
00:58:51And he took 20 years of blame without leaking so much as a podcast interview?
00:58:54Guy could have sold his side of the story 10 times over.
00:59:00Even if he's clean on this one, so what?
00:59:03He's been practicing for almost 30 years.
00:59:05You expect us to believe every other case is spotless?
00:59:10Is that your theory, Mr. Rickster?
00:59:12One exoneration by hard evidence,
00:59:14and you assume the rest must be evil to balance the books?
00:59:17Your Honor, the defense has additional evidence to submit.
00:59:21So do I, Your Honor.
00:59:22Me too!
00:59:26No!
00:59:26No?
00:59:27Okay.
00:59:28Okay.
00:59:28Never mind.
00:59:37Your Honor,
00:59:38Taken together,
00:59:40this body of evidence shows that Mr. Cross did not engage in any of the allegations.
00:59:45He practiced aggressively, yes,
00:59:47but within the bounds of the law.
00:59:49By contrast,
00:59:51Leon Richter colluded with outside parties to fabricate exhibits
00:59:54and weaponized false accusation to remove a rival.
00:59:57That is an ad vesici.
00:59:59That's corruption.
01:00:11It's over.
01:00:12It's all over.
01:00:14Order.
01:00:15This is still a court of law, not a stadium.
01:00:18Before I render a verdict, I'm going to do something I rarely do.
01:00:22Mr. Cross, you've argued in this courtroom longer than most of my clerks have been alive.
01:00:26You've closed hundreds of cases for others.
01:00:27Now it's your turn.
01:00:28Do you wish to make a statement?
01:00:33I do, Your Honor.
01:00:35Legally, I didn't beat Derek Cole,
01:00:37but I also didn't trust what I felt that day.
01:00:39I saw a kid who didn't fit the story we were selling,
01:00:42and I buried that instinct under procedure.
01:00:45So if there's blame to carry, call it this.
01:00:47I stayed safe when I should have looked closer.
01:00:49I followed the rules,
01:00:50and a boy still died.
01:00:53That's not guilt by law,
01:00:54but it's guilt I'll live with.
01:00:56Ethan, we've both spent our lives believing the system bends toward justice if we just push hard enough.
01:01:01But this case, this tragedy proves otherwise.
01:01:04There are no winners here, only wounds that the law can't mend.
01:01:08Mr. Cross, this court rules on facts, not on the weight a man chooses to carry in his own conscience.
01:01:13On the allegations of towards confession and professional misconduct, this court finds you not guilty.
01:01:18You are released from custody effective immediately.
01:01:23As for Leon Richter,
01:01:25on the charges of fabricating evidence and obstruction of justice,
01:01:28this court finds you guilty.
01:01:30Your license to practice law is revoked permanently.
01:01:32You are sentenced to 12 years in state prison.
01:01:39Good.
01:01:40Told you this case was dirty.
01:01:41If a guy like Cross goes down on a lie,
01:01:43who the hell is left to fight the next bully in the line?
01:01:45Richard got what he was begging for.
01:01:46Cross didn't bury my girl.
01:01:48He was protecting kids like her.
01:01:51Hell, I took it out on the wrong man.
01:01:54I don't know how many billable hours just walked out of perfectly good offices to stand here,
01:01:59but thank you.
01:02:02All of you.
01:02:04Don't flatter yourself.
01:02:05Some of us just really hate watching small men blow big holes in the system.
01:02:09When I first dug into this, the deeper I went,
01:02:11the more I found people who were standing because of you in court.
01:02:13You never shut up.
01:02:14Case law, precedent, Latin, no one asked for.
01:02:16When it was your name on the indictment, you barely said a word.
01:02:19Why?
01:02:19Because for 20 years, I've told juries not to buy stories without evidence.
01:02:22If I stood up there and asked for belief without proof of everything they said I was,
01:02:25I'd rather let the record talk.
01:02:26If you're still wrestling with the ghosts, there's a simple cure.
01:02:29Keep doing the work.
01:02:30Take the hard cases.
01:02:32Stand where it's uncomfortable.
01:02:33You don't owe this city perfection, Ethan.
01:02:35You owe it effort and the spine not to look away next time.
01:02:39I'll see what I can do.
01:02:42Translation, he's already planning his next terrible life choice.
01:02:44As long as it involves filing notices of appearance instead of being R-rated, I'm in.
01:02:47I'm still taking on hard cases.
01:02:49But from here on out, if the line between winning and doing the right thing gets blurry,
01:02:53I know which side I'm falling on.
01:03:06This Leon Richter, I knew he'd choke.
01:03:11Mr. Richter lost the appeal.
01:03:14Your son's sentence, it's not getting overturning.
01:03:23What choice do I have?
01:03:26Idiot dug his own grave, nearly took me down with him.
01:03:29And Cross, he walks away from real money just to play hero for people who can't afford him.
01:03:36Waving his little flag of justice.
01:03:39This won't be the end of it.
01:03:40Cross doesn't know when to quit.
01:03:44Get word out for people who know things.
01:03:46They keep their mouths shut.
01:03:48I don't want to leave him a single loose thread.
01:03:51Yes, sir.
01:04:00All right, everyone.
01:04:02Happy 55th to Mr. Cross.
01:04:04Dad, happy birthday.
01:04:05Also, congrats on, you know, surviving and not going to prison.
01:04:07I'm too old for surprises.
01:04:09You really didn't have to do all this.
01:04:10You make it to 55.
01:04:12The ritual's non-negotiable.
01:04:14Come on.
01:04:15Cut the cake.
01:04:16Okay.
01:04:16Okay.
01:04:19Mr. Cross!
01:04:23Mr. Cross, please, please help us.
01:04:30Mr. Cross, please, we need you.
01:04:36Whoa.
01:04:39Easy.
01:04:40Take a breath.
01:04:41You don't have to storm the place to talk to me.
01:04:44We asked everyone else.
01:04:45Nobody listened.
01:04:46We're not leaving unless you hear us out.
01:04:49I watched your hearing online.
01:04:51You're the only one who didn't fold when it got ugly.
01:04:54Yeah, please.
01:04:55He's all we've got.
01:04:55You're literally our only shot.
01:05:00Look, if you're asking for his help, you have to tell us what's going on.
01:05:04If there's something real here, Mr. Cross isn't going to walk away.
01:05:08You're asking me to take a case.
01:05:09Fine.
01:05:10Who are we talking about?
01:05:12Chicago's richest man.
01:05:14Warren Cain.
01:05:18Him again?
01:05:19His son just got buried under more than a century of time.
01:05:22What'd Warren Cain do to you?
01:05:28You know Lower Ray Island Resort?
01:05:30The private resort?
01:05:31Top of every impossible to book list.
01:05:33I've heard buy-in starts at six figures.
01:05:36It's Cain Media's crown jewel.
01:05:38Printed his first billion.
01:05:40The island, it used to be public.
01:05:43We grew up playing there.
01:05:44Then Cain bought it, put up fences.
01:05:46They hired kids from our neighborhood.
01:05:48Promised them something better.
01:05:49Yeah.
01:05:50Promises.
01:05:51Lies.
01:05:52Warren didn't just buy the island.
01:05:54He killed our friend!
01:05:56What?
01:06:00What do you mean, he killed your friend?
01:06:03Warren Cain's a lot of things.
01:06:05Chicago's media king, ruthless, careful.
01:06:07He covers his tracks.
01:06:09You're accusing him of murder.
01:06:10That's not a small jump.
01:06:12We're not making this up.
01:06:14Our friend Guinea, she got a job at Lower Ray.
01:06:16Then she disappeared.
01:06:19A couple weeks later, they put out a statement.
01:06:20Staff illness, unexpected passing, no body, no funeral, nothing.
01:06:27Did you report any of this?
01:06:29File anything with the police?
01:06:30The DA?
01:06:33We're orphans.
01:06:34System kids.
01:06:35Every time we tried, they wrote us off acting out grief behavior.
01:06:39They gaslit us.
01:06:43We grew up with Janine, all of us.
01:06:45She went out there thinking it would change her life.
01:06:47She had no parents to scream for her.
01:06:49She only has us.
01:06:50If she's watching from anywhere, she'd want us to fight so she doesn't disappear twice.
01:06:54Yeah.
01:06:55We're not letting them bury her and call it weather.
01:06:56The lawyers cost more than we'll ever see.
01:06:58This is everything we say, buss and tables, cleaning rooms.
01:07:00It's a joke compared to what you charge.
01:07:02But if we have to owe you for the rest of our lives, we will.
01:07:04Just don't walk away.
01:07:06We're dating women.
01:07:07She deserves to be better than us.
01:07:10Easy there, kid.
01:07:12You came to the right man.
01:07:15Hey.
01:07:16Breathe.
01:07:17You're not alone in this anymore, okay?
01:07:21I thought his son was the family disaster.
01:07:23Turns out the rot goes straight to the top.
01:07:26All right, I'll walk it into the DA's office myself, and I'll stand with you every step.
01:07:30If what you're saying is true, I'll make sure it doesn't die on that island.
01:07:35Last quarter, the resort cleared two billion.
01:07:37Forecast says we'll double that if bookings hold.
01:07:41Now that, that's worth every senator I had to wine and dine.
01:07:46Boss!
01:07:46Bad news!
01:07:53What are you doing here?
01:07:55I thought, I said, you were supposed to stay on the island.
01:08:01Keep quiet.
01:08:03Someone's digging into the resort.
01:08:05That girl's case.
01:08:07Guinea.
01:08:08They're reopening it.
01:08:09Oh, for Christ's sake!
01:08:11Still those damn kids!
01:08:13I told you to clean that up ages ago!
01:08:15What can a bunch of street pumpers possibly find?
01:08:19It's not the kids this time.
01:08:21It's Ethan Cross.
01:08:23He's taken their side.
01:08:26Cross.
01:08:28Yes.
01:08:29The kids went to him.
01:08:30He's feeding evidence to the DA's office.
01:08:32The inquiry's already open.
01:08:33Son of a bitch!
01:08:36Son of a bitch!
01:08:36Anyone else I'd handle?
01:08:37Him?
01:08:39If he's digging, the whole island's gonna blow open!
01:08:49We can't let that happen.
01:08:52Boss.
01:08:53What do you want me to do?
01:08:55Whatever it takes.
01:08:56Make sure Cross never sets foot near that island.
01:08:59You never fail to surprise me, Mr. Cross.
01:09:02After all this time, you can still dig up evidence from a buried case.
01:09:05Warren Cain's family's been untouchable for decades.
01:09:07Guess it's time karma caught up.
01:09:08People like Warren always leave traces.
01:09:11Greed makes sloppy criminals.
01:09:12Still, we need to watch our backs.
01:09:15Cornered men don't stay rational.
01:09:17Got it.
01:09:19I'll...
01:09:24Ethan.
01:09:36Mr. Cain.
01:09:43What's this, an ambush?
01:09:45Appealing your son's sentence?
01:09:47Or trying to make me serve it for him?
01:09:51Ethan's still in the spotlight.
01:09:53Cameras everywhere.
01:09:54Don't go head to head.
01:09:56Not yet.
01:09:58You've got it wrong, Mr. Cross.
01:09:59I came to make peace.
01:10:01Have dinner.
01:10:02Clear the air.
01:10:02My son, he made mistakes and paid the price.
01:10:08No grudges here.
01:10:09Chicago should sleep better knowing its richest man is so forgiving.
01:10:13But we've got work to do, so...
01:10:15If you'll excuse us.
01:10:20Wait.
01:10:22Let's be honest.
01:10:23The resort case, it's kids chasing ghosts.
01:10:25Don't waste your time playing hero.
01:10:28As long as I'm involved, I'll see it through.
01:10:32Whether it pays or not, it's my job.
01:10:36Come on.
01:10:38You're too smart to fight losing battles.
01:10:41My resort is clean, Cross.
01:10:43You could dig for years and find nothing but sand.
01:10:45Be practical.
01:10:47Walk away.
01:10:49If there's really nothing to hide, why so nervous about me looking?
01:10:56Nervous?
01:10:57Hardly.
01:10:58But you know how it goes.
01:10:59Big operation.
01:11:01Too many hands in the pot.
01:11:31Some of them dirty, sure.
01:11:32You seem to understand.
01:11:33I don't negotiate justice.
01:11:38We're done here.
01:11:43Cross!
01:11:44Don't mistake principle for power.
01:11:47You'll lose everything.
01:11:49Do it.
01:11:50Exactly as planned.
01:11:51Yes, sir.
01:11:54You made your choice, Cross.
01:11:57Now you live or die with it.
01:12:02Mr. Cross, for real?
01:12:03You're a legend.
01:12:05No one else would touch this case.
01:12:07That's because going after Warren Cain is career suicided.
01:12:09The man owns half the city and the cops that guard it.
01:12:12But with what we've built, we can put these monsters in a cage.
01:12:17You have my word.
01:12:18We'll push this all the way and get you justice.
01:12:21Ben, we trust you, Mr. Cross.
01:12:23Court's about to roll.
01:12:24See you inside.
01:12:25Go on.
01:12:26I'll be right behind you.
01:12:30Lydia, this one's a maze.
01:12:32Reach out to everyone on that list.
01:12:34They've all got pieces we need.
01:12:40Somebody gave me a lollipop.
01:12:42And told me to give you this, mister.
01:12:45For me?
01:12:46Mm-hmm.
01:12:53Oh, the legend himself.
01:12:55Credit where due.
01:12:56You moved your family early.
01:12:58Smart.
01:12:58But this is Chicago.
01:13:00Cross me and you drown here.
01:13:02We're minutes from trial.
01:13:04You pull this stunt now.
01:13:05You're adding kidnapping to your rap shit.
01:13:07If I lose, I'm dead anyway.
01:13:10You left me no choice.
01:13:14Zoe!
01:13:15Word is you and the girl are matched set.
01:13:19What do you want, Warren?
01:13:21My boy hurt your people.
01:13:23You ruined his life.
01:13:24Cold move.
01:13:25But you dropped the resort case.
01:13:27And we call it even.
01:13:29Nothing happened.
01:13:30Say no.
01:13:31And you can go fishing for your daughter's body.
01:13:34Really?
01:13:34That's your move, Warren?
01:13:35I met creepier guys during freshman orientation.
01:13:39Shut up.
01:13:40Dad, don't worry about me.
01:13:42We're not letting them win.
01:13:43I said shut up.
01:13:45Ethan Cross.
01:13:46Save Chicago's lost kids or save your own.
01:13:48TikTok.
01:13:50So yeah!
01:13:53Warren Cain, you've been screwing people over for ages.
01:13:57Time to choke on your own karma.
01:13:58You killed our friend.
01:14:00You can't Venmo your way out of that.
01:14:03Kids.
01:14:04Kids.
01:14:05No proof.
01:14:06No crime.
01:14:07I'm a model citizen.
01:14:09You should be thanking me.
01:14:11My company funds your school.
01:14:13You've been hiding behind your money long enough.
01:14:15Everyone's scared of you, but not Mr. Cross.
01:14:18He's coming for you, old creep.
01:14:19Cross?
01:14:20Please.
01:14:21That man doesn't move without a seven-figure retainer.
01:14:24You think he's showing up for free?
01:14:26He's not your savior.
01:14:27He's your entertainment.
01:14:28And with his daughter in my hands, he knows better.
01:14:31You're lying.
01:14:32He gave us his word.
01:14:34He will show up.
01:14:36Then where is he, kids?
01:14:38If he really cared, he'd be here already.
01:14:46Court's starting.
01:14:47What if he bailed?
01:14:49What if Cain scared him off?
01:14:51See?
01:14:52Even you don't believe it.
01:14:54Heroes don't show up when it costs them everything.
01:14:57He's here!
01:14:58Mr. Cross came!
01:15:13Mr. Cross, you really came.
01:15:15That bastard tried to turn us against each other.
01:15:17You actually dared to show up.
01:15:19Don't forget about your daughter.
01:15:21Backing down might buy a moment of peace.
01:15:23But if men like you keep walking free, then none of us, my family, this whole city will ever sleep
01:15:29again.
01:15:29So this is it?
01:15:31You're really picking a fight with me, Cross?
01:15:34The law doesn't retreat, Mr. Cain.
01:15:36But men like you always think it should bow.
01:15:38He's right!
01:15:39The law doesn't retreat!
01:15:41No matter how rich you are, you'll pay for what you did!
01:15:44You!
01:15:47Relax.
01:15:48Let him grandstand.
01:15:49Everything from the island's been scrubbed.
01:15:51No body, no record, no proof.
01:15:52At worst, he'll claim negligence.
01:15:54That's manageable.
01:15:56You're right.
01:15:57He's got nothing.
01:15:58Let him talk.
01:16:01Court is now in session.
01:16:03Mr. Cross, appearing as special counsel for the state, you may present your case.
01:16:07Your Honor, Mr. Cain, Chicago's media magnadale and owner of La Torre Island Resort, built an empire on luxury and
01:16:14lies.
01:16:16Behind the marble facade lies exploitation, cover-ups, and death.
01:16:20A 17-year-old employee, Virginia Ruiz, known to her friends as Guinea, vanished on his property.
01:16:27Her disappearance was written off as an accident.
01:16:29The company moved on.
01:16:31Her community never did.
01:16:34The state brings forward a charge of criminally negligent homicide.
01:16:37The unwaffled death of a minor employee under his company's supervision.
01:16:46Told you.
01:16:47He's bluffing.
01:16:48No evidence, so he downgrades it to negligence.
01:16:53Yeah, so much for the legend of the closer.
01:16:56Guess even the devil runs out of tricks.
01:17:00Mr. Cross, you're accusing my client of corporate homicide?
01:17:04That's a stretch even for you.
01:17:05Not a stretch.
01:17:06A 17-year-old died while under his company's care.
01:17:10That alone demands scrutiny.
01:17:13Scrutiny isn't guilt.
01:17:15Mrs. Ruiz's employment record.
01:17:17It includes a signed waiver acknowledging workplace risk and a settlement check accepted by her legal guardian after the incident.
01:17:25Everything above board.
01:17:26The risks her family was compensated.
01:17:29There was no crime.
01:17:30Only tragedy.
01:17:31She didn't even have parents.
01:17:34No one signed anything for her.
01:17:36Your Honor, that waiver and settlement are inconsistent with the facts.
01:17:40The document lists a guardian who doesn't exist.
01:17:44And the payout came from a shell company under Mr. Kane's name.
01:17:47This isn't compensation.
01:17:48It's hush money.
01:17:51Objection.
01:17:52Speculation.
01:17:53Resort provides hundreds of jobs, millions in tourism.
01:17:56The island's a symbol of progress, not a crime scene.
01:17:59My client's generosity built that place.
01:18:01And even after being slandered, he's still willing to extend compassion.
01:18:06You can't buy your way out of a grave!
01:18:09You killed her!
01:18:12And think you can tip your way to heaven?
01:18:16Your Honor, as you can see, the prosecution's witnesses are emotional, baseless, and reckless.
01:18:22They deface my client without evidence.
01:18:25Such contempt for Duke Condor should not be tolerated.
01:18:31You twisted freak!
01:18:35Enough!
01:18:37Mr. Cross, unless you have evidence, this hearing ends now.
01:18:41No proof.
01:18:42No case.
01:18:44Shh.
01:18:48Some of us have real businesses to run.
01:18:51Really think you cleaned everything up that perfectly?
01:18:55Your Honor, the state has new evidence to submit.
01:18:58But before that, we request to call a witness.
01:19:01The forensic structural engineer.
01:19:07What the hell does a builder have to do with any of this?
01:19:10Don't tell me they found it.
01:19:11Keep your cool.
01:19:12Whatever he's planning, it's still theory without proof.
01:19:23Based on public blueprints, the resort lists no sub-Aranian level.
01:19:28But the on-site inspection revealed inconsistencies.
01:19:31So maybe the drawings are outdated.
01:19:33That's hardly a crime.
01:19:35Outdated plans don't explain a power line feeding an area that doesn't exist.
01:19:43You look like a dad on vacation trying to dodge family time.
01:19:47And you look like someone who's about to get us thrown out of a five-star resort.
01:19:51Our resort has no underground parking, geological limitations.
01:19:54The soil's too unstable for any basement structure.
01:20:01Unstable ground, but stable enough for a VIP lounge?
01:20:05If the resort has no basement, then how did Mr. Kane's son describe going there?
01:20:12I had a drink in the VIP lounge downstairs at L'Ore.
01:20:16After that, Emily and I went into my hotel room together.
01:20:20I had a drink in the VIP lounge downstairs at L'Ore.
01:20:28This section right here, dead space.
01:20:31Power and drainage converge, but no record exists.
01:20:34Someone deliberately removed the sub-level from the official drawings.
01:20:40That's ridiculous!
01:20:41There's no...
01:20:42Watch your words.
01:20:45Your Honor, we have sworn testimony of a hidden sub-level beneath the resort.
01:20:50We request an immediate search of the premises.
01:21:04We found her.
01:21:05We found her.
01:21:10DNA confirms the remains belong to Ginny Ruess.
01:21:13Cause of death, blunt force trauma.
01:21:16Consistent with a tactical baton, one issued exclusively to the resort's private security.
01:21:21She was right under their damn ballroom.
01:21:23They partied on her grave.
01:21:27No, no, that's...
01:21:31There's no proof I...
01:21:33You built your empire on buried kid, Mr. Kane.
01:21:37The foundation finally cracked.
01:21:44You said there was no body.
01:21:47You said it was impossible.
01:21:49It was.
01:21:51Until someone dug through concrete.
01:21:54Your Honor, the state calls its final witness.
01:21:59Me and Ginny grew up together.
01:22:01We were like sisters.
01:22:03She was really excited about getting this masseuse job at the resort.
01:22:06But after she started working there, she changed.
01:22:11Quieter, scared.
01:22:24That's the last thing she sent me.
01:22:26The next morning she was gone.
01:22:28This video proves nothing.
01:22:31It's blurry.
01:22:32Anonymous.
01:22:33Really?
01:22:35Then you won't mind if we discuss what the police just found at Mr. Kane's mansion.
01:22:41What the hell are you talking about?
01:22:50Mr. Kane, we executed a search warrant on your residence.
01:22:54Recovered encrypted drives containing videos of minors.
01:22:57Physical restraints matching injuries on Ginny Ruiz.
01:23:00And a guest ledger listing senators, CEOs, and so on.
01:23:17You can't do this!
01:23:19This is a courtroom, not a damn police raid!
01:23:24You thought today was about one case, one girl.
01:23:27The trial was the distraction.
01:23:29While you were performing innocence, the cops were tearing down your kingdom.
01:23:34This isn't just a prosecution, Mr. Kane.
01:23:36It's an extinction.
01:23:38Let's see you buy your way out of this monster!
01:23:45You think this ends with me?
01:23:47You don't know who you're dealing with!
01:23:50You'll regret this!
01:23:52Cross, I swear!
01:23:54Warren Kane.
01:23:56People and evidence both testify.
01:23:59This time, you won't outrun justice.
01:24:03Cross, don't you dare gloat!
01:24:05You think you've won?
01:24:07Your daughter's still in my hands!
01:24:09If I go down, you go down with me!
01:24:13Save it for the arraignment.
01:24:19This hearing is adjourned.
01:24:29Mr. Cross, police just pinged Zoe's phone.
01:24:32We've got a location.
01:24:33We've got a location.
01:24:39What?
01:24:40Where is Zoe?
01:24:41Not precise yet.
01:24:43But with the trail you flagged, we can say it.
01:24:45She's on the island.
01:24:47Then we go.
01:24:49Now!
01:24:55Zoe!
01:24:57Mr. Cross, breathe.
01:24:58We will find her.
01:25:13Zoe!
01:25:1718th birthday.
01:25:19I had the coordinates engraved.
01:25:21Home.
01:25:22She never, ever took it off.
01:25:25Zoe.
01:25:27Dad, sorry.
01:25:29This is on me.
01:25:30I brought this to our door.
01:25:32Zoe!
01:25:49Dad!
01:25:49Dad!
01:25:53How did you even find...
01:25:55Are you hurt?
01:25:57Zoe, look at me.
01:25:58Are you okay?
01:26:00I'm okay.
01:26:02They...
01:26:02They pulled me out.
01:26:03The island kids.
01:26:05We've grown up messing around out here.
01:26:07We know every trail and heady hole...
01:26:10Got to Zoe before the cops.
01:26:14They were pushing me toward a cliff.
01:26:17Like three more steps.
01:26:19Then these guys came screaming out of the brush and...
01:26:23Not my favorite night.
01:26:28All of you.
01:26:29You saved my daughter.
01:26:31Nah.
01:26:32Call it even.
01:26:33You took our fight that put a target on your kid.
01:26:35We were always gonna show up.
01:26:39Bet.
01:26:39It's like...
01:26:41Ugh.
01:26:41What's that Sam guy's quote?
01:26:43Something about how you don't give up on good people?
01:26:47There's some good in this world.
01:26:49And it's worth fighting for.
01:26:53Samweld Gabble.
01:26:55Yes!
01:26:56That!
01:26:56Exactly that!
01:26:58Figures.
01:26:59None of you Gen Alpha kids have actually seen Lord of the Rings.
01:27:08Guardrails fail.
01:27:10Heroes bleed.
01:27:13And sometimes the blade you forged to defend the innocent ends up at your throat.
01:27:18But you two just reminded me.
01:27:19I'm not walking this road alone.
01:27:22Not now.
01:27:24Not ever.
01:27:27Get your hands off me!
01:27:29While selling to urban health fantasies!
01:27:31How long have you been running a illegal prostitution channel?
01:27:33I plead not guilty!
01:27:35This is a smear!
01:27:36Mogul Warren Kane was convicted of running an underage sex trafficking network, enabling
01:27:42his influential associates to exploit minors on private resort grounds.
01:27:46Investigators linked the operation to systematic child sexual abuse, cover-ups across multiple
01:27:52states.
01:27:53The court imposed the maximum, Kane sentenced to death, principal co-conspirators.
01:28:15Funny thing about justice, it never really ends.
01:28:18You win a case, lose some sleep, and the world just keeps spinning.
01:28:29Oh, sorry.
01:28:30Didn't know anyone was still using this room.
01:28:34Wait, you're Ethan Cross.
01:28:36The Kane case, we studied that in ethics.
01:28:38I was always wondering, did it change anything?
01:28:43Not the world, but maybe a few people who are paying attention.
01:28:49And that's how it starts.
01:28:52You up next?
01:28:55Trial tomorrow.
01:28:57Scared as hell.
01:28:59Welcome to the job description.
01:29:04Mr. Cross, what if I mess it up?
01:29:09Then get back up.
01:29:11That's the job.
01:29:13That's the job.
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