Lions

**Lions** is the third episode of the the fifth season of Snowfall. It is the forty-third episode overall.

Outline

Teddy's return causes tension, forcing Jerome and Louie to negotiate with Skully.

## Summary

### Franklin

Franklin is holding a meeting at Louie's with the Family hierarchy's present, informing them that Grady was pulled from the field since he was putting them all at risk. Black Diamond was curious if Grady said anything, seeing how she was screwing him. Franklin states Grady's house is vacant and he hasn't answered his pages. Jerome then asked his nephew if Reed might have killed Grady. Franklin then informed the Family his real was Teddy. Louie believes something is off since Grady has vanished without saying a word to them. Franklin then clarifies that should the CIA tell someone they're done and move on, orders must be followed, he also points out he could have been wasted. Franklin also expressed that he wouldn't know why Teddy would kill Grady. Leon then compares Franklin and Grady to Bert and Ernie and thought to send Franklin a message. Louise then brings up Alton going missing, possibly because of Teddy. Franklin then suggested that what ever happened to Alton is on him and no one else. He then makes it clear that whoever the CIA sends, they'll have to business with said person which is what they need to do. Louie then claims they can't do a thing without that price cut. Franklin then breaks the news that Teddy is not going to honor Grady's word. That didn't fly with Louie as she made promises to her customers. Franklin informs her she'll need to break it. Louie then suggested giving Teddy a ride-along so he can see how the Colombians exceed in the game. She does point out that she has done business with Teddy while Franklin was out of commission. Franklin states he will deal with Teddy, advises everyone to keep moving the product, and not say a word about the troubles in the business. He then departs.

### Jerome

Jerome and Louie are outside a train depot along with their new bodyguard, Fetu, and another guard as they await the arrival of the Bloods. Mello and Cornrows arrive in a white Ferrari with their boys pulling up in a pickup truck. As the meeting starts, Louie gives Mello the 411 that they were unable to get the price cut and it wasn't up to her. Mello then suggests they put them in a bad position. Guns are raised and Fetu has his Mini Uzi drawn at Cornrows. Mello points out he enjoys working with them but he isn't calling the shots and will have to face the man in charge over the problem. Cornrows, knowing the penalty, suggests the Jerome and Louie can tell them, fearing his sadistic punishment. Mello then warns Jerome and Louie that Skully may have good days, but he is known to have real bad days. The Bloods then gather themselves and depart.

### Veronique

Veronique arrives at the office and sees Franklin finishing up a discussion on the phone. After finishing the call, Franklin stated he was getting a new windshield for the plane. Veronique then presents the paperwork for the bid, which would need to be submitted in 2 days. Franklin states he'll get to work on it the next day and requests her to put Grady's home on the market. Veronique makes a comment over Grady's lifestyle and Franklin states he skipped town, even though he personally doesn't believe it himself. He states that Teddy has returned. Veronique asks who Teddy is and Franklin clarifies it's Reed's real name. Veronique then asked when this happened and Franklin stated it began the night prior and was wrong about him not returning. Veronique then asked about what happened to his father, and Franklin claimed he was caught off guard to ask. Veronique then states that she can't read Franklin's mind and wants to know how he's feeling. Franklin states that Teddy has always had his back. Veronique then asks the question once more. Franklin has no answer for her and states he needs him, they're making money, meaning they are A-OK! He kisses Veronique and takes off.

### Louie

At the club, Jerome is bringing in a case of champagne to the bar and Louie gets a page from Mello, elsewhere in the Bottoms, Skully is quoting Proverbs 25:14 and Louie and Jerome are overhearing this on the phone, unaware of Cornrows being blindfolded and on his knees feeling Skully's upon him.. Mello warns Louie it's getting as bad as it is the day before Tianna's birthday. Mello tells her that Skully would like to see them immediately and the calls ends. Louie then asked Jerome how much he heard and Jerome stated it sounded like Skully was preaching Old Testament. They arrive at the Bottoms with Fetu backing them. They follow a Blood to Skully's apartment and find a few guys naked, blindfolded, with signs around there necks, and straddling cinderblocks. They knock and Mello answers the door informing them they should not be bringing heat to the fire. Jerome states they have enough heat to scorch the Bottoms if need be. Mello lets them in with the exception of Fetu.

### Skully

Inside the crib, it is set up to look like a birthday party and Skully removes Cornrows blindfold. Cornrows trips to the blade and claims he wasn't the one who lied about the discount, for that was on Jerome and Louie. Skully refuses to listen to reason as he raised his katana and sliced off Cornrows left ear. Cornrows begins screaming in pain and bleeding everywhere. Skully then orders Cornrows to get off his knees and quit leaving blood on his floor. He then warns him to listen to the suppliers next time. He tells his men to get Cornrows out of his sight and not to let him bleed over his balloons. Skully then turns to Jerome and Louie demanding to know what happened to the honor they gave him. Louie states their business with him is their honor and loyalty. Skully is referring to them as liars. Louie then clarifies it wasn't their decision. Skully then informs them that Tianna is present, referring to her photo on the wall. Skully then demands they honor their word and bring it to 10 a key. Jerome makes it clear it isn't something they can do. Skully is refusing to accept that responds and demands they stick to their word. Knowing Skully won't budge, Louie says they'll get to it. Skully then holds up his locket and apologizes to it. As Jerome and Louie exit, Mello tells them he will contact them and reschedule the drop. As Mello closes the door, Skully tell him that possums tend to reek when they trick predators into thinking they're dead. He then states that the smart ones will not play with the same predator in case the predator wises up. He personally asked Mello if there was any sort of whiff coming from Jerome or Louie.

### Louie

Louie and Jerome are leaving the Bottoms with Fetu following them. Louie points out they are working with a madman and will be in the red with every key they sell. Jerome then suggested that Skully is breaking and they should wait him out until he implodes so that another Blood will rise. Louie looks over to Jerome and points out Mello who is yearning for the spot.

### Teddy

Teddy returns back to the warehouse and discovers the mess Grady left. As he placed his stuff in a drawer, he discovers whiskey with 2 glasses and a tray with lines of blow. He sits down, puts all of Grady's stuff in a box, and finds a photo that dates back to Nam, possibly him and another person. He throws that photo in the box as well.

### Louie

Black Diamond and Dallas arrive at a school to drop off their kids and spot both Louie and Jerome across the street. Black Diamond approaches them and states it's not a good place to cause trouble. Louie tells her there is no problem and asks if they know Mello while giving their kids some lollypops. Dallas says she saw him the other day buying shoes. Jerome then states he heard a rumor that he frequented their old strip club, First Kings. Black Diamond then states they can't provide for the kids on dope money. Louie then requests that they need someone to give Mello some convincing and show his ambition. Apparently there is still some bad blood after the drive-by at Fatback's funeral and Jerome points out that it was never his idea to recruit them, claiming he wanted to do the opposite, even Black Diamond knew. Dallas then asks why they would bring forth old scars and notes there were no issues since that day. Louie states they'll turn a blind eye if they help them out. Dallas suggested getting someone named Puff to agree. They then agree to set things up. As they head toward the school, Black Diamond turns around apologizes for the shooting that nearly killed Louie. She then escorts her son to school.

### Franklin

Franklin is at Nick's Café awaiting Teddy. He arrives to sit down and the waitress brings them their drinks. Teddy wraps up his chewing gum and tosses it in the cigarette tray then drinks his coffee. Franklin suggested they talk about why their price cut was so important. Teddy clarifies the pricing isn't the issue and is flabbergast by the fact that Franklin made himself a middleman for his organization during his hiatus. Teddy tells Franklin his prices are at market level, stating that the real issue are the prices Jerome and Louise are paying him. Teddy then suggested to Franklin not to bother him about the margins and get more of his Contras killed. He then suggests to Franklin that he needs to get his house in order first and foremost. Teddy, of course, knew the pricing wasn't the real reason he was dragged out to a café and wanted to know what else he wanted to discuss. Teddy knew full well Franklin was curious about Alton and he lied about knowing of Alton's fate. He then clarifies to Franklin that he went after the CIA and angered a lot of his people, especially his bosses at the top. Franklin is then curious if the CIA had anything to do with Alton's disappearance. Teddy then stated the CIA was a part of a bigger picture, because the moment he and Cissy reached Cuba, other intelligence agencies from all over the world would have targeted them. He also points out that the fact that Alton is an ex-Panther, he would have been a high-value target. Franklin then suggests wouldn't those agencies try to turn him, and Teddy points out if he showed signs of resistance, it could go badly. He also suggested Alton could wind up in a Cuban jail. Teddy continues to play Franklin, knowing he spent so much time hating his father, then build a relationship with him, up to the point where Alton betrays Franklin's trust. Teddy then further lied about having nothing to do with whatever happened to his father. The meeting comes to a climax as Franklin throws down the cash to pay the tab and warns Teddy never to show up to his home or place of business or anywhere he doesn't expect Teddy. As Franklin prepares to depart, Teddy tells Franklin he'll be busy later on and Gustavo would meet him for the exchange.

### Teddy

Teddy is back at the office and hears someone approaching the door. He reached in the desk drawer and has his gun on standby only to see Gustavo enter. Teddy asked about the deal with the Colombians went Gustavo claimed went fine. Teddy informs Oso that he'll make the next drop with Franklin since he needs to take care of things that night. Gustavo agrees as they each pick up a duffel bag and leave the office.

### Puff

At First Kings, Mello gets an introduction from Puff as he is throwing in some cash. She then tells Mello she comes when it is worth her time and learned he was present. Puff then stated she heard of Mello going up the ranks and working for Skully now. Mello claims he does not nor every will work for anyone. Puff is then asking if he is or isn't Skully's right hand, then feels his right hand around her throat. Mello shows he isn't an idiot and asks her what she really wanted from him. Puff continues to fool with him and starts to dance. Mello then requests her to strip, in which she states could get her in trouble with the boss. Mello tossed some bills to her and states he is the boss so Puff obliges him. Back in the changing room, Puff is enjoying a cigarette after being given a hefty pay and Black Diamond and Dallas enter to see the cash she earned in a grocery bag. Puff tells them she was paid an extra 2 grand just to strip naked and is considered ambitious. She then throws out her hands expecting some compensation. Instead they walked away with the info they learned, disgusted by her attitude after the money she made on one customer.

### Franklin

As Franklin is loading up a duffel bag of cash for the exchange, Peaches is continuing to experience that summer cold he contracted. Franklin checks on him to see if he is good for the deal, and Peaches says yes, even though he ain't. Peaches is constantly showing he is congesting as he has the sniffles. Franklin then requests Peaches to take the night off. Peaches claims he is good to go, but Franklin clarifies that he doesn't want to catch his cold or pass it on to Veronique. Peaches then reaches to shake his hand and Franklin refuses him, fearing any possible contagion. Later that night, Franklin arrives outside an abandoned warehouse. He takes a quick gander around the empty lot and Gustavo arrives for the deal. Both men are alone as they open their trunks to exchange the duffel bags. Franklin then asked about his family. Gustavo states that the kids can be a lot of work as they each place the bags in each others vehicles. Gustavo then checks the bag to make sure everything is good. As he approaches the driver seat, Franklin asks about their current drop spot, asking if it was his idea or Teddy's idea to make the exchange there. Gustavo states it wasn't his choice. Franklin then asked if Oso knew Teddy was returning. Gustavo shook his head, even though it was a lie. Franklin then asked about Grady. Gustavo states he hasn't heard a word. Franklin then makes it clear that Grady had ties in LA, business and personal and finds it awry that he vanished like that. Franklin began to realize they might not be alone. Elsewhere, Teddy is staking out in the factory, listening in on the conversation. Franklin then played along, claiming that Grady was a fool and it was be best for them to have Teddy on board again. They prepare to depart and Franklin tells Gustavo he'll get him a new jacket as Teddy is listening.

### Louie

Back at the club, Louie is being warned by Chelle that Detective Buckley has arrived and this time he brought a cooking pot. She then signals to Louie that Beau is in the office. Louie walks into the office to find Buckley cooking, and he claims it to be a family recipe for some type of gumbo. He then begins talking about his father in past tense while cooking. Jerome arrives to tell Louise thing 1 & 2 are downstairs, not revealing it in front of Beau, who gives Jerome a How-Do-You-Do. Louise then suggests to Beau she can bring him Chelle to keep him company. Beau agrees, but before Louie could walk off, he requested the red meat to hand to his bosses. Louie then tell him she has enough on her plate as of yet and will need some extra time. Downstairs, Black Diamond and Dallas inform them that Puff was able to keep Mello around and make it rain money. Jerome realizes Mello could easily turn on Skully and Louie offers her gratitude as she walks off. In the office, Jerome reminds Louie that Black Diamond and Dallas are only loyal to the highest bidder. Louie realizes that Franklin is paying them well. Jerome then asks what part of the game involves lining their pockets. Louie then picks up her pager.

### Mello

Mello is at the old train depot awaiting Jerome and Louie who arrive with Fetu. Mello tells them that after the next deal is done, Skully will just kill them off. Jerome then asks why he is bringing this to their attention. Mello states he likes working with them and with Skully dead, they can go to 12 a key. Louie then asks if he plans to take over the Inglewood Bloods. Mello alerts them that the next day Skully is to visit a witch mama to speak to his late daughter since it is the day of her birthday. Mello then tells Louie and Jerome that no one is taking Skully serious anymore nor will they miss him when he is dead. Louie then suggests he could off him there then they can do business. Mello states they'll have to do it since he can't take over if he is connected to Skully's death. Jerome realizes Mello is setting it up as he and Louie deal with Skully. Mello tells them they all want the same thing. Louise then tells Mello they'll need $50,000 for such a job. Mello agrees and suggested they should have gone to a hundred as he sipped his coffee. Louie then went to a hundred since Mello insisted. Mello then hands Jerome a slip with the address on it stating Skully would be there at noon and would like confirmation after the job is finished.

### Louie

The next day, Jerome and Louie arrive outside the home and place of business of Mama Mambo. Louie points out the house and Jerome asks what if she knows what they're up to. Louie is confused and Jerome points out this woman is suppose to be psychic. Louie jumps out of the vehicle and approaches the house. She knocks on the door and Mama Mambo answers, much of the conversation is in Creole and the Witch Mama wants to know what Louie is doing at her doorstep. Louie tells her there is trouble with other folks and would need her assistance. Apparently Mama Mambo tells Louie it's not a good day to do business with her and requests her to be gone. Louie then show Mama Mambo the stack of cash, stating today would be best for her, as the Witch Mama accepts the dough.

### Franklin

Franklin and Dallas arrive at the abandoned warehouse where Franklin did the recent exchange with Oso at. Dallas claims if she wanted to invest in land, it wouldn't be at that place. Franklin then states they'll be taking a look around. Dallas expresses her concerns about the place and suggests she'll stick by the car. Franklin can see Dallas is spooked and tells her to follow along anyway as he sees her paranoid. They enter the building and head up as far as the 3rd floor. They enter a room to discover some footprints on the floor and an office chair facing the window. Franklin then picks up a wadded foil with chewing gum inside, realizing it was a vantage point and Teddy was staking out the exchange.

### Skully

Skully is outside the Witch Mama's house as he is combing his hair in his car. He approaches the place and knocks. Mama Mambo requests him inside. As he enters, he is quickly subdued at gunpoint by Jerome and Louie. Skully then referred to them as possums, believing he met his end. Louie states this wasn't what she wanted as Jerome removed Skully's sidearm. Jerome then told Skully that Mello sold him out and plotted the coup as well as whacking them after the next drop which didn't fly with them.

### Louie

Louie and Jerome are awaiting Mello's arrival at the club. Mello arrives with his buddies and Louie states it is done. Mello then asked if they are sure, seeing how there is nothing on the radar involving Skully. Mello shows them the duffel bag of cash and requests proof of his death. Louie then throws the locket to Mello's feet. Mello picked it up and realized it was a keepsake Skully held dearly. Mello then clarified it would take some time to take over and he needs to play the part of mourning Skully. Next thing that happens, the doors to the main office are opened up and Skully exits with his crew. Mello is white as a ghost as he attempted to blame the coup on Louie. Skully punches Mello to the point where he dropped his coffee and wrapped his arm around his neck. Skully brought Mello to the ground and snapped his neck. Skully then quotes a bible verse after finishing off Mello. He then looks to the other conspirators who followed Mello's example and orders his men to take the traitor to the white room so he can punish them there. As the Bloods carry off a dead Mello and move the conspirators elsewhere, Skully looked to Louie and Jerome, speaking of his doubt to their loyalty with the pain running through him, asking why they didn't off him. Louie states it may be a cold game but they found warmth within that hospital. Jerome then picks up the locket and hands it to Skully insisting they owe him honor. Skully states they are their own persons and no one can control them. He then hands the locket back to Jerome letting him know that his angel should be reminder. As he prepares to exit the office, Skully states they will return to the original price. Louie then asked about the money Mello offered. Skully tells them to keep it since it was a reward for his head. Louie then cleans up coffee on the floor and takes a seat.

### Franklin

At the office, Veronique is fixing some champagne and brings Franklin a glass suggesting they need to celebrate for getting the proposal in and tells him in song how excited she was. Veronique could see something off with Franklin states he has enough on his mind. Franklin states he isn't the mood for any cleansing or meditation. Veronique then suggested sex so he can release some dopamine. Franklin kisses her on the head and calls for a rain check. Wanda Bell appears in the office and requests a moment of his time. Franklin walks over toward Wanda and she admits to eavesdropping and hearing something about Betty having knee problems, not being able to climb all the stairs to collect some rent. Wanda then makes her case to take such a job while spewing unnecessary information. She then clarifies she cannot go back to scraping by. Knowing her past, Franklin agrees to take her on, and Wanda is gracious as she hugs him and runs off.

### Louie

Louie and Jerome are outside a gas station to make the exchange and Franklin and Peaches arrive. Franklin asks about the situation in Inglewood. Louie states everything is settled with Skully and no shots were fired. Louie then asked about Teddy as Jerome and Peaches exchange duffel bags. Franklin states he does not to bring up the topic. Jerome then asked Louie if this was something to start up and Louie states they have no clue as to what they're dealing with on the streets and Franklin won't let him contact Teddy. Franklin then makes it clear that Teddy isn't changing the prices on the keys because the prices aren't the problem. He then states the problem is Louie and Jerome, how they chose to break away from the Family and go out on their own. Louie then assumed Franklin was just going to kiss Teddy's ass once more. Franklin states he isn't doing that but makes it clear that Teddy has a point. He goes off on how he let them go on their own accord and the project isn't going as planned. He then states he is willing to split the profits 50-50, but all they must do is return to the Family again. Louie refuses that offer since she is not willing to put her or Jerome's life at risk because of Franklin's decisions. Franklin asks her if that was really it or would it be because she is smarter than everyone else. Jerome is getting impatient with them. Louie states it's between her and Franklin. Jerome then suggests for her to handle it. Franklin caught that and realized it was not Jerome's idea to break away from the Family. He then claimed to let it slide after she almost died from the drive-by. Jerome then gets irate with the way Franklin is speaking to his woman. Franklin then asks Louie what it is she really wanted and what would make her happy since she nothing seems to satisfy her. Louie makes it clear she didn't want to be under anyone's thumb anymore. Franklin breaks it to her that everyone has to answer to someone and he is currently answering to the man who was possibly responsible for Alton's disappearance. He then states the same will happen to them if they don't move the product. Franklin then states he will hear no more about the kilos or the prices. He then gives his Auntie and Uncle a major warning not to screw around for there isn't anything he isn't prepared to do. He then takes off with Peaches leaving Jerome and Louie in the dust.

## Cast

Main* Damson Idris as Franklin Saint
* Carter Hudson as Teddy McDonald
* Sergio Peris-Mencheta as Gustavo "El Oso" Zapata
* Amin Joseph as Jerome Saint
* Angela Lewis as Louanne Saint
* Isaiah John as Leon Simmons
* Devyn A. Tyler as Veronique Turner

Recurring* Gail Bean as Wanda Bell
* DeRay Davis as Peaches
* Brandon Jay McLaren as Beau Buckley
* Christine Horn as Black Diamond
* Taylor Polidore as Dallas
* De'aundre Bonds as Skully
* Simeon Othello Daise as Mello
* Renelle Nicole as Puff
* Corr Kendricks as Cornrows
* Scytorya Rhodes as Chelle
* Karina Bonnefil as Mama Mambo
* Pingi Moli as Fetu

## Music

* *Gang Busters* by **Kenny Dope**
* *Don't Stop the Rock* by **Freestyle**
* *The Party's Just Begun* by **Freestyle**
* *Sugar* by **Hitshack**
* *Everybody's a Star* by **Ripple**
* *Just Say No (To Drugs)* by **New World Music**