Betrayal

**Betrayal** is the eighth episode of the the fourth season of Snowfall. It is the thirty-eighth episode overall.

Outline

Franklin's world explodes into chaos; Teddy goes up the proverbial river.

## Summary

### Teddy

Teddy is back in Nicaragua after learning about the Contra forces struggling with the Sandinistas. As he is journeying through the tropical jungle, he begins jonesin' for his last baggie of cocaine which he snorts. He finally reaches the Contra camp only to find dead bodies of men, women, children, and their animal rotting on the ground, infested with flies. He searches around for a possibility of survivors and then hears someone running from a bush. When he looks around to see what he heard, someone delivered a butt of a rifle to his head and knocked him unconscious.

### Manboy

At the barbershop, there is some gossip between the barbers and customers over Franklin Saint and the CIA and in the back room, Manboy, Skully, and Khadijah speaking about the article Irene wrote and how the CIA may be the plug for Franklin and Manboy states it could be the reason why he was able to stay out of trouble and avoid prosecution in the past. Khadijah then pointed out that if it was him and not Saint, they would have buried him. Manboy then throws out another issue about the man they quoted in the article, Alton Williams, stating that is Franklin's father. Manboy made it clear that Franklin's day as a CIA golden boy are at a climax and they will be the ones to take his place. Skully realized Manboy was plotting this and Khadijah calls it some 'real shit'. Manboy then reminds Khadijah that he watched over her after she was placed in foster care, how he protected her from her abusive foster father, and promises to take out Franklin and Leon while taking their plug. He then exits the shop with his Crip set.

### Franklin

At Louie's, Franklin is with Louie, Jerome, Leon, and Peaches discussing the reporter snooping around and the article that was released by the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. Jerome, of course, accused Alton of being a snitch and Franklin promises to deal with Alton. Jerome, however, points out that the CIA could deal with Alton as well as the rest of them. Franklin asks Jerome if he is looking for an apology and Jerome says yes, stating he should get on his knees and apologize for putting them through all this. Louie then asks about Teddy and what he was saying about the article. Franklin tells them he never heard back from him. The Family leadership begins to believe that they are now being abandoned and could wind up in jail. Franklin tells them this is nothing to worry about and Jerome isn't accepting that idea. Franklin then tells them it is him that is identified in the article; it is his father they are quoting; he is the one in trouble, no one else. Franklin then chastises his crew for lacking in concern in compassion for him while worry about their own future. He makes it clear that nothing will happen to them because he will be the one to step in front of the bullet as he did with Kevin and Andre, when he sought to keep his crew safe. He then tells the crew that is they have any constructive ideas on how to help him get through this problem, then he promises to listen, but if they have nothing to offer, he starts raising his voice and states they should stay back and let him handle the situation and he did in the past. He then leaves the club and orders Peaches with him.

### Irene

At the Herald, Irene and Charlie are going over her article and doing some tedious editing. Wilson then arrives with a bottle of Korbel champagne courtesy of the *Times* and informs Irene the *Guardian* has called for her. Irene just requests coffee and nixes the call from the *Guardian*. Wilson then points out that 5 major newspapers and 3 different networks have run her story and Irene once more requests coffee. Wilson heads off and Charlie reminded her of her first major story and how excited she was about it. Irene then tells her boss she will be excited once she sees the CIA reap what they sow on television. Charlie points out that the hearings would take a while to arrive and this is as good as they can get, also stating the White House and the Pentagon have reached to them as well. He also points out the CIA will be gunning for them with every resource they have. Wilson then returns saying someone named Mr. X has called her. Irene accepts the call and returns to her desk to answer the call. On the line is Franklin Saint, noting how he read the article but hasn't written the whole story. He then asked her if she was interested in hearing the rest of the story and she says yes.

### Tanosse

At her apartment, Tanosse is speaking to Manboy, who is scouring her refrigerator, about how she did everything he asked of her and how he promised to keep her brother, who is locked up, safe. She then demands her money so she can leave that place. Manboy then tells her that he doesn't have the plug yet, meaning the job ain't done. Tanosse then remind him that she told them when Franklin would meet the plug and the tail issue isn't on her. She then tells Manboy that Franklin isn't stupid and she is good as dead if he figures out their plan. Manboy then draws his gun, telling her Franklin isn't someone to worry about, then speaks of redecorating the apartment, pointing to the paintings on her wall and firing a bullet in that general direction. Tanosse freaks out to the gunshot. Manboy then tells Tanosse he is getting impatient and makes it clear that if he will both her and her brother if he doesn't have the plug by the end of the week. He then leaves the apartment and she is frantic over the warning and the bullet hole in her wall.

### Teddy

Teddy regains consciousness after being struck with the butt of a gun and finds his hands bound with rope. He then noticed a female watching him with an AK-47 next to her feet. Teddy then asks the young woman if the attack on the Contra camp was the Sandinistas doing. She did not respond. Teddy introduces himself yet she is still silent. He even asked how she survived the attack and if it was just her who lived. Instead of answering, she pulls a knife out from her boot and approaches. Teddy reacts and explains he is with the CIA and he was the one supplying them with guns. She finally responded stating his shipment did not arrive on time and kicked him to the ground then placed the knife to his throat. Teddy hesitated and claimed he needed to talk to Elena Usteves and asks if she knows her, stating she was his contact. The woman pulled the knife back and later took Teddy to another area with a shovel in hand. She used the shovel to cut the tether tied to his ankle and Teddy tripped to the ground right next to Elena's body. The young lady then told Teddy that all the spilt at the camp is on him. Teddy realized at that point he failed the Contras and started weeping, then began hyperventilating. The woman then cut off his binds and Teddy regained some sanity.

### Gustavo

Gustavo is at the warehouse reading an article and Agent Stephen Havemeyer enters the building. Stephen asks if Gustavo heard anything from Teddy and Oso gives him the silent treatment. Stephen then states he needs to grabs some things from the office and Oso is still silent. Havemeyer heads up the stairs and it is discovered that Oso is reading Irene's story on the CIA cocaine smuggling operation. Stephen returns downstairs to tell Gustavo the office door is locked. Gustavo then states it's because 'someone' doesn't want him in there. Stephen then reminds Oso that he is Teddy's boss, and Oso states that he is not one of his employees. Refusing to play anymore games, Stephen grabs a crowbar from the work table and as he approaches the stairs, Gustavo pulls out a pistol and places it on the table in Havemeyer's direction. Stephen then tells Oso that Teddy is in trouble and he is there to get him out of trouble. Gustavo then cocks the weapon. Havemeyer, now frustrated, tosses the crowbar back on the table and walks out.

### Irene

Irene enters a bar and discovers Franklin in a booth enjoy a glass of water. She approached the booth and sat down and Franklin claimed he wanted to meet the woman who wanted to destroy people she didn't know. Irene, however, stated if she was looking to destroy Franklin, his name would be in the article, and stated she wanted his plug in the CIA. Franklin then spoke about the Great Liberation, claiming the CIA freed the slaves. Irene states that is nothing but lies taught in school and introduces herself. A waitress approaches and asks what Irene would like and Irene orders a Jameson's. She then pulls out her tape recorder, presses record, and asks Franklin if he wanted to tell his side of the story. Franklin then started talking about being in real estate and Irene states she is not interested in cheap denials. Franklin then claims she is looking to shake some ground and Irene states it to be ideal so she can sees what falls now that their institutions have cracks. The waitress brings Irene her drink and Irene sips on her whiskey. Franklin notices her drinking the whiskey and points out why she and Alton get along, knowing his past drinking habits. Irene states she respected him and Franklin did too until the struggle messed him up. Franklin then told Irene that he learned they could either join the system and become the very thing they hate or fight the system and let it destroy them. Franklin tells her he doesn't have to choose since he found the best of both worlds; their system and his path. Irene then tells Franklin his CIA protection is just a ruse and they would never let him out of their grip. Franklin states that is his problem alone and decries they are not at the bar to speak about him, and clarifies that should her story be true, then the very people she is seeking to destroy will stop at nothing to kill her story and states she can get herself killed, but they won't stop with her, noting Henry and Jane could be next. He struck a nerve in Irene as she demanded he stay away from her family and Franklin tells her the threat won't be coming from him. He then leaves a tip on the table and ends the recording on the tape recorder. He then leaves, giving Irene some insight on what the fallout of her story could bring.

### Cissy

As soon as Cissy finishes her phone conversation, she hears someone entering the house, assuming it was Franklin. She discovers it to be Alton, who asked if she saw what was written in the Examiner and she tells him he shouldn't be in her home after telling a reporter about various details of Franklin's operations. Alton justified his actions, clarifying what is happening in South Central is what exactly what he fought against during his time as a Black Panther and it isn't slowing down. He then claimed to believe he was making the best decision for everyone. He tells his wife he has Top Notch getting them forged pass ports and they will be able to flee to Havana. Cissy points out that Franklin would never leave with him after what he did and Alton states that can make his own choice since this is about their future with no violence or drugs in the next part of their lives. He then tells her she can leave a message at Edgewood Shelter should she decide to flee. He then leaves the house leaving Cissy with a tough decision, knowing he is now sober, but on point over the situation.

### Stephen

Agent Havemeyer returns back to the warehouse, but this time with 2 agents of his own. After the situation with Gustavo, Stephen decided to bring back-up in case he was still denied entry to the office. Gustavo wasn't present in the warehouse so the boys made their way upstairs and discovered the office to be opened up. Stephen then discovered the desk drawers and the safe empty, knowing whatever he was looking for is not there, leaving him distraught.

### Louie

At Louie's, Jerome is informing Louise that they will be attending Fatback's funeral to show respect for Fatback and his family, but Louie is worried that they could expose themselves, knowing there is a bounty out and Skully could pick them off. Jerome makes it clear that they could try to off them, stating the Skully doesn't scare him. Louie then shows some concern for Jerome when she claims he is looking for trouble as well as rolling in the Projects and Jerome makes it clear that trouble is all around them, seeing how she and Franklin put it there for them to deal with. Jerome then clarifies that everyone is being put on notice, starting with attending the wake. He also states the the boys in the Projects are the only ones he can trust for now and that she could sit this one out. He exits and Louie gnarls in frustration.

### Teddy

It is nightfall back in Nicaragua, and Teddy is sitting next to a campfire with Juana who is eating an MRE. He then offers her a bottle of water which she accepts. He then informs her that there is another Contra camp 80 klicks north of their position. She asked if he was heading there and he states he needs to report what happened at the main camp. Juana then states how he could go back to the states while they wait another 3 months as the Sandinistas continue their onslaught of their people. He then suggested heading south to Costa Rica and offers her a wad of cash, stating it would buy her a new life after what she went through, knowing his mishaps have brought her and people grave misfortunes. He places the money near her, tells her he will be departing before dawn, and apologizes for failing to uphold his end.

### Franklin

Franklin is in the nightclub office and Tanosse enters, stating she knows he may have hostile eyes on him as well as possible heat, but clarifies she has him should he need anything. Franklin shows some appreciation for her offer and concern but states it's not her problem to solve. Tanosse then kisses him and states he doesn't need to be alone on this.

### Teddy

It is the next morning and Teddy reawakens to discover Juana already disappeared and the money clip was taken, meaning she chose to flee Nicaragua. Teddy then collected his belongings and vacated the area.

### Cissy

There is a knock at the front door and Cissy answers it to see Willy Childress. Cissy then stated she was getting ready to go see Paul, and Willy informs her that Paul is unavailable for her to meet this morning, and sent him with an envelop of her money, which she clarified was a gift and a token of their faith. Willy then broke it to her that circumstances have changed for them.

### Irene

Back at the Herald, Irene is in the office where Reynolds is letting her know that the Herald Examiner cannot be responsible for outing an active CIA agent. Charlie then pointed out using his alias 'Reed Thompson', and Reynolds states that would blow his cover to every one of his assets and contacts. Irene then informed the Editor-in-Chief that his assets are criminals who deal in drugs and arms. Reynolds then states they do not want to get a CIA agent killed because of the story. Irene is outraged, as she states the Teddy is running cocaine to fund an illegal war, and hates the idea of doing nothing. Walter Brooks enters the office and introduces them to the Examiners lead counsel as well as 2 men from the Pentagon. He tells Charlie and Reynolds that the upstairs conference room is booked so they would require a few minutes of their time. Everyone leaves the office except for Irene who is in shock and awe from Reynolds decision.

### Leon

It is the evening of Fatback's funeral and everyone has arrived. They approached the entrance and Deon offers his gratitude for coming to pay their respects.

### Khadijah

Khadijah is in the parking lot outside the funeral home in a car with Black Diamond and Dallas and pointed Leon out to them. They then pull out their pistols and prepared to lock and load.

### Jerome

Leon alerts Jerome that Louise has arrived to the family. Jerome tells the crew that he'll catch up with them and approaches Louie, who in return, states that if he needed to be at the funeral, then so should she. They then hear a car speeding up in their general direction and shots are fired in their general direction. Members of the Family and PJ Watts Crips quickly returned fire as the car sped away. Some people were hit and killed in the process and while, Franklin, Leon, Peaches, and Tanosse are good, Jerome is screaming as Louie was hit in the drive by and holding her tightly. Louie is frantic as she was shot in the ribs and Jerome is shouting for someone to call an ambulance. Louie then passes out and Jerome is begging her not to die in his arms.

### Franklin

Cissy arrives at the hospital upon learning of Louanne shot. She finds the Family members in the waiting area and Franklin tells her she is in surgery and Cissy goes to sit down. Franklin then pulls Leon aside and tells him within earshot of Tanosse that they need to keep an eye on Jerome, because the first thing he will do is charge up to the barbershop and the Crips will be waiting for a retaliation. Leon then stated that he saw who participated in the drive-by, stating it was Khadijah, the mother of the dead girl, along with 2 other ladies, believing it was them who capped Fatback. Tanosse then steps in and offers to find out who participated in the drive-by with Khadijah. Franklin agrees and Tanosse states she'll page them as she leaves.

### Irene

Back home, Irene is collecting personal heirlooms to place in a box to hand to Henry, stating she'll be off the grid for a while. Henry is befuddled to hear his ex-wife state she is going off reservation. He then asked her why she needs to fight this fight if the Examiner is caving to the CIA. Irene then stated she didn't want to spend the rest of her life knowing she had the truth and didn't want to be scared off of it. Henry calls her stubborn and Irene reminded him he was married to her once. Henry then suggested she stay with him but Irene stated she didn't want the fallout of this paper getting to him or Jane in that manner. Henry asked where she would stay and Irene states she is exhausted and she would like to spend one more night in her home, so she could decide the next day. Henry prepares to leave and grabs the box of heirlooms. Irene then stated that could have had more things to care about other than what was in the box. Henry then sits next to her, stating everyone else had their heads straight in the sand while she straight and tall, stating she held so much more than what most people would have had. He tells her he's proud of her and she thanks him as he leaves with the box in hand.

### Manboy

Manboy gets the call from Tanosse about Khadijah and 2 other ladies pulling a drive-by at Fatback's funeral. Manboy is fuming to her sister's reckless behavior and asked if anyone was hit. Tanosse states that Louise was shot in the action; still alive but in critical condition. Manboy realizes Jerome will be on the warpath. Tanosse then tells Manboy he needs to control his sister if he wants the plug. Manboy states he's already tried that. Tanosse then states there may be another way to acquire the plug and Manboy tells her to get it done. He ends the calls and tells Dimehead to call up the boys and bring some Uzi's for there might be a siege on the warehouse later on.

### Teddy

Teddy is back at the warehouse and sees Havemeyer there. Teddy alerts him that the situation in Nicaragua is a lot worse than they thought. Stephen then changes the subject, and prepares to bring up another major issue.

### Cissy

Back at the hospital, Jerome leaves the waiting room and Leon asked where he is heading to. Jerome states he is getting some fresh air and Leon asked if he wanted him to accompany him. Jerome refuses to answer as he walks off. Franklin then hops off his chair and sits next to his mother, who is contemplating being back in that hospital again watching another family member fighting for survival. Franklin tells her they will get through this as they got through the last one. Cissy then informs Franklin that Willy showed up at her house, returned their money, and Paul Davis has cut ties with them. Franklin then expressed his frustration and called them cowards for backing out. He then claims that once this all blows over, they will come crawling back to them and states there will be other investors should he be wrong. Cissy then states there is no businessman with a strong reputation that would work with them, especially after the article from the Herald Examiner, and fear they can never go legit. Franklin then gets a page and Franklin tells Cissy he needs to go. Cissy then informs her son that she is moving out of the house and getting away from South Central. Franklin is baffled to hear that, and asked if it would be with Alton. Cissy says no, stating she does not want to be caught between the 2 of them and needs to think about herself. Franklin asks her to give him a few hours so he could fix this mess, and as he leaves, he requests that she watch over Jerome.

### Teddy

Franklin meets Teddy in an alleyway and chastises him for not being around to answer his pages. Teddy then flips out at Franklin for allowing their operation to be headlined on the Herald Examiner. Franklin stated that Alton figured it out and Teddy loses it over Alton telling a journalist about their business. He then snaps at Franklin for letting this happen under his nose. Franklin made it known he thought he could trust his father. Teddy then asks about the blood on Franklin's suit and Franklin stated their was a shooting and his Auntie was shot in the process. He then states the doctors telling him she has a 50/50 chance for survival. Teddy offers his condolences but states they need to stop this paper and already has people working to stop the second part from being published. He tells Franklin they need to get this reporter under control and Franklin states he tried that when he met her to let her know she is playing with fire against the wrong people. Teddy did not like that tactic and Franklin defended his stances, stating he had to do something since he was gone. Franklin then tells Teddy that Irene isn't soft and empty threats won't get the job done. Teddy then tells Franklin to leave Irene to him and demands that he does something about his father. As they end the meet, Franklin stated how he believed he would be cut loose from the plug and never hear from him again and Teddy reminded Franklin he would be there with him. He also warns Franklin not to trust anyone from there on out since everyone is interested in their own survival. Teddy then leaves.

### Franklin

Franklin returns back to the hospital to see Jerome, Leon, Peaches, Tanosse, and Renny on the outdoor table and asks about Louie. Jerome states she is out of surgery and will live. He then asked about Cissy and Leon states that she left after learning Louie's surgery was a success. A nurse then asks for Jerome if he wanted to come see her and Jerome agree, informing Franklin that he plans to retaliate after he sees Louie. Tanosse then tells Franklin that she has been paging him, and Franklin apologizes for not answering her pages. He then asked what she learned and Tanosse told the boys Khadijah was with 2 former pole dancers turned bounty hunters named Black Diamond and Dallas. She then warned Franklin that they're dangerous and brought up a rumor that Manboy is after Franklin's plug. Leon then points out it's no secret that everyone wants in on the plug. Tanosse then clarifies that Manboy is obsessed with becoming the CIA's new golden boy. Tanosse then states if there was way to avoid a war, Franklin should offer a deal with Manboy, offer him the plug in exchange that he talks Khadijah down, calling it a broker's piece. Leon then pointed out that Tianna was his niece and asked if he would let her death slide over a plug. Tanosse then states that Manboy is a businessman and making money is more important to him and he would be the only person on Earth to talk down Khadijah. Franklin tells Tanosse to let him think on it and Tanosse returns to the table. Leon then points out to Franklin that even if Drew agreed and got the plug, they cannot trust him in keeping his word. Franklin then stated they couldn't trust it anyway. Teddy's advice to not trust anyone from there on out started kicking in and Franklin tells Leon to keep Jerome at the hospital regardless of what happens. He then orders Peaches to go collect the car and tells Tanosse to head home, call Drew to let him know he'll make the deal, and page him once she's is done. He then leaves.

### Jerome

Jerome enters Louie's hospital room to and grieves to find Louie in a coma and connected to IV bags, a respirator machine, and a device detecting her heartrate. He stands over her as she is lying on the gurney and begins crying over her body. He continues to mourn her as she is still unconscious.

### Irene

Irene is asleep back home but is rudely awaken but Teddy and Gustavo who has his hand on her mouth. Teddy then pulls out a syringe stating he knows how she thinks she is doing the right thing, but clarifies she isn't as he injects her with the sedative. He then lets her know she'll wake up the next day, but next time, she'll be dead. Irene then quickly passes out.

### Jerome

Jerome has finished seeing Louie and Leon checks on him then asks about Louie. Jerome tells him and Renny she is on life support and connected to various machines. He states he can barely recognize her. He then decries it is time to retaliate, head to the Projects, collect the weapons, get the boys, and hit the barbershop with everything they have and kill everyone there. Leon tries to settle Jerome down and tell him that Franklin wants them to wait at the hospital. Jerome tell Leon 'Fuck Franklin' and refused to let what happened to Louie slide. He then makes his way further down the hallway.

### Tanosse

Tanosse returns back to her apartment and contacts Manboy, who is busy preparing for a siege. Manboy answers and Tanosse tells him Franklin has agreed to give him them plug only if he get keep Khadijah under control, she then also demands the rest of the cash he promised her and his word that her brother will not be harmed. She also warns of Jerome speaking of rollin' on the barbershop with some heavy hitters. Manboy tells her they can come if they want for it would be their funeral. The phone call ends and Tanosse takes a seat, exhausted from earlier events. As she is about to rest on her chair, Franklin appears with Peaches and wakes her up. Tanosse hesitates upon seeing them in her house and Peaches pulls his sidearm on her. Franklin then asks her how long she had been playing him.

## Cast

Main* Damson Idris as Franklin Saint
* Carter Hudson as Teddy McDonald
* Sergio Peris-Mencheta as Gustavo "El Oso" Zapata
* Michael Hyatt as Cissy Saint
* Amin Joseph as Jerome Saint
* Angela Lewis as Louanne Saint
* Isaiah John as Leon Simmons
* Kevin Carroll as Alton Williams
* Suzy Nakamura as Irene Abe

Recurring* Melvin Gregg as Drew “Manboy” Miller
* DeRay Davis as Peaches
* Adrianna Mitchell as Tanosse
* Matthew Alan as Stephen Havemeyer
* Brent Jennings as Henry Nelson
* De'aundre Bonds as Skully
* Geffri Maya as Khadijah Brown
* Troy Blendell as Charlie Cass
* Christine Horn as Black Diamond
* Taylor Polidore as Dallas
* Quincy Chad as Deon Barber
* Karl T. Wright as Willy Childress
* Daniela Nieves as Juana
* David Gautreaux as Walter Brooks
* Robert Buscemi as Reynolds
* Stephen Ruffin as Wilson
* Evan Allen-Gessesse as Renny
* Ezana Alem as Dimehead

## Episode Deaths

* Elena Usteves - Murdered by the Sandinistas

## Music

* *Stand on the World* by **The Joubert Singers**