Tough it Out - Episode 1
by Ava Conway
Communication.
What do you mean?
That's the most important thing in a relationship.
Communication.
I'm not the one who lives their life as an undercover agent.
You know that I'm taking a break from all of that.
And you know I agreed with your decision. It was the right thing to do.
That last mission almost killed you.
Oh for the love of God —
The bullet grazed me.
You got lucky.
I can’t sit behind the desk forever, you know.
I miss the rush of undercover work.
I don’t.
That’s because you’ve been out of the field for so long.
You forgot what it was like.
We should request to do a mission together.
No.
You have to admit — we’d make a good team.
I said no.
Come on, Drake.
Diana’s death wasn’t your fault.
My ex-wife died so that I could live.
How is that NOT my fault?
She made her choice.
Stop changing the subject.
Please — don’t go back into the field.
It’s too dangerous.
Whatever.
Listen, have you heard anything about a new drug on the rise in Los Angeles?
Why?
I’m having problems tracking down intel for a case file.
I figured since you were out in L.A. for your training session…
You might have heard something.
What do you need to know?
Idk. It’s called rapture. It’s an opiate that’s stronger than heroin.
When people take it, they go into in a zombie-like state for days.
Their body function just…slows until their heart stops.
It’s already killed thousands of people.
Sounds like you already know a lot.
I do, but I’m still missing something.
I have no idea how it’s getting into L.A.
Any chance you heard something?
Lynn, they have me in the classroom all day, learning about terrorist cells.
It’s as boring as hell, and I’m too tired to do more than go back to my room at night.
So you haven’t heard anything?
Not even a rumor or two?
I just know that we have multiple agents undercover, trying to find answers.
Considering the current political climate, the higher ups want this shut down quickly.
Yeah, I know. I’m getting a lot of pressure too.
Speaking of which — I have a meeting on this case in five.
OK — talk to you later?
Yeah, tonight or tomorrow?
Tomorrow. I have no idea when they’ll let me out of tonight’s training session.
Lots of late nights, eh?
Yeah. Stay safe.
I always do.
Lynn pockets her phone and stares at the door in front of her.
The sign on the door reads ‘Interrogation Room.’
Stiffening her jaw, she pushes open the door with a burst of energy.
Any progress?
Several tough-looking gang members step back, revealing a roughed-up guy in a chair.
Nah, Blade won’t talk.
Perhaps you weren’t tough enough.
You think you can do better?
I do.
Care to make a wager?
What do you want?
Your car.
My Cadillac? That was a gift.
Foxy snorts.
Even though Lynn is undercover in Foxy’s gang, she can’t help but like her.
Gift, my ass. You took it from that dealer.
He owed me money.
He owed US money.
Fine. You’ll get the car. But if I break him, I get that ring.
Foxy holds up her hand.
My fox ring?
Yup. That bling would sure look nice on my finger.
You’re on.
Foxy waves toward the guy in the chair.
Be my guest.
Lynn turns to the man in the chair and cracks her knuckles.
He’s so beaten that he is barely conscious.
Lynn pulls back her fist to throw a right hook.
Wait.
You gonna tell us your supplier?
The man nods.
Damn. I thought he’d at least put up a fight.
Lynn lowers her arm and glowers at the man.
Who is it?
Exhausted, the man’s bloody chin hits his chest.
A red stain seeps into his shirt.
Lynn grabs his hair and pulls up hard, lifting his head.
Who’s supplying you with rapture?
Don’t…know his name.
Shit. That’s all he’s been saying.
Wait, he’s trying to say more.
Don’t know his name, but…
Can show you.
Lynn lets go of his hair.
Blade drops his head to his chest.
You owe me a car.
Lynn crosses her arms.
Maybe, maybe not.
Blade knows our reputation on the street.
He also knows what’s gonna happen to him if he doesn’t spill.
Yeah, well…we’re about to lose that reputation.
Especially if these new thugs keep dealing in our territory.
I won’t deal with them ‘gain.
Promise.
Shit. He ain’t gonna show us nothin’.
Kill him.
No.
Lynn pulls Blade’s hair back again.
He grunts in pain.
You hear that? My friend wants me to kill you.
Blade tries to protest, but he’s too weak to move.
She thinks you won’t tell us where you’re getting your rapture.
No.
But you’re in luck.
I love my car and don’t want to lose it just yet.
So I’m gonna give you twenty four hours to bring us to your supplier.
Blade’s eyes widen.
If you fail, you’re gonna make me lose my car.
And THAT will make me very angry.
Foxy smiles.
You definitely don’t want to see her when she’s angry.
Lynn drops Blade’s head and steps back.
Untie him.
The first thing I’m gonna do with your car is paint it pink.
Lynn grimaces.
It ain’t yours yet.
No, but it will be soon.
We’ll see about that.
Lynn points to Blade.
Twenty-four hours, Blade.
Twenty-four hours, or your ass is mine.
App