[At the courthouse, Jimmy is confronted by the district attorney who prosecuted Lalo during his bail hearing]
AKADA Khalil
I've been calling you for two days.
Oh, my girl's out sick. What can I do you for?
AKADA Khalil
Tomorrow morning, 10 A.M.
Brunch? But just you and me, right? [points at Detective Roberts] I mean, won't the big fella here feel like a third wheel?
AKADA Khalil
You and I are meeting Parson in chambers. I am asking for an emergency hearing to alter the terms of De Guzman's release.
Sounds like a blast. Unfortunately, I'm booked solid.
RDetective Roberts
I checked your client's place of residence. The address he gave, it's a Dairy Queen in Altamonte. The family that showed at the bail hearing can't be located. No driver's license, no tax rolls, no school records. Nothing. The fact is, there isn't a single Elizabeth McKinnon under the age of 73 living in New Mexico.
Well, this is–this is surprising.
AKADA Khalil
Your client has disappeared, and I'm not waiting six weeks to start looking for him.
Hey, my guy put up seven million in bail. You think he's just gonna walk away from that?
RDetective Roberts
Who comes up with seven million bucks in cash?
AKADA Khalil
You know what I think? I think the family was fake. [to Jimmy] And I think you knew it the whole time.
Okay, hold up. Just get real for a second. The hearing didn't go your way, and now you're trying for a do-over? You say my guy ran, I say he's got seven million reasons for showing up when he's legally required to do so. So, no, I won't be... uh, due process window dressing at any crash meeting with Parson. And if you try throwing any of this crap around in front of the judge without my presence, here's an accusation: Prosecutorial misconduct. Career-ending prosecutorial misconduct!
RDetective Roberts
None of that changes the fact the guy's not who he said he was.
No, no, no! Hold on! You guys got caught with your pants around your ankles, and somehow that's on me?! I don't think so! [points at ADA Khalil] You got two dozen lawyers up there! You got investigators—you got the whole damn police force—and it's my fault that you can't keep track of Lalo?! That is not my job!
AKADA Khalil
Lalo? Who's Lalo?
What?! [blinks hard] What did I say... I meant De Guzman. I have more than one client! [chuckles] So... [clears throat] I will see you at the preliminary in six weeks as scheduled. Until then, I have clients who need me.
[Jimmy walks into an empty courtroom and sits down mulling over his slip-up]
I rented us a car. It's the Ford.
So Saul Goodman drives a brown Ford Taurus?
Detroit calls that taupe, I believe.
Don't you think Saul Goodman would drive something with a little more... flair?
I don't know. Definitely American-made. Something showy. And Saul Goodman has an office. Something eye-catching. Good location.
Yeah. A cathedral of justice.
Ooooh, a cathedral of justice. Okay, yeah.
We should start looking for something for you. I mean, for Saul.
[Lalo is preparing to be smuggled across the border with a group of undocumented immigrants when he decides to call the Casa Tranquila Nursing Home and speak to Hector. A nurse holds a phone up to Hector's ear in the common room. Hector uses his bell to communicate]
[in Spanish] Uncle, can you hear me? Do you know my voice?
[Hector visibly recognizes Lalo's voice]
They told you about the attack, didn't they?
Let them keep believing I'm dead. So much the better. It was the chicken man. That coward sat up there in the north while his paramilitaries came into my home. My home, Uncle! Screw Bolsa, screw Eladio. I'm coming north. I'm going to hurt him. Hurt him like you taught me. And then I will kill him.
[rings repeatedly in agreement]
[The nurse takes the phone from Hector]
NNurse
Hector? [to Lalo] Excuse me. I'm so sorry, but Hector seems a little upset.
[in English] Yeah, sorry. Um, I'm just– I'm sharing a bit of family news, some good, some bad. Would you mind putting him back on? It will only be a minute.
[The nurse again holds the phone to Hector's ear]
What is it? Do you have another idea?
Okay, let's see. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, Ñ, O, P–
Okay. What's next? A, B, C, D...
[Cut to the common room; Hector rings twice]
[Cut to the common room; Hector rings once.]
Is that what you're saying? Proof?
Uncle, I don't have any proof. For months I was in the north watching him, following his men. There was nothing.
[Lalo has a flash of realization.]
Wait... There is proof. I know where to find it. Goodbye, Uncle. You will see me soon.
"I was a hard worker. I was a company man. Twenty years, and I didn't miss a single day. They even gave me a plaque for it. [sighs] It was a gold plaque. Perfect attendance... But when they handed it to me, I wrenched my back. I was in so much pain, I couldn't do my job... [sighs again] which meant I couldn't put food on the table. I didn't want to sue... but with a family to support, what choice did I have?"
Wait, who are you supposed to be again?
Whatever. The backstory is just a placeholder. I'm gonna polish the script once we cast.
But a personal injury suit? Best case scenario, that gets him in with an associate.
[throws hands up] Mesothelioma. [clears his throat] "When I took that job down at the shoe factory, I had no idea I was risking my life. Now, I can't stop coughin'!" Right? Come on! Hey, a mesothelioma class-action built Clifford Main his vacation house. He hears "mesothelioma," his eyes pop!
Well, sure. But then he takes the case. What happens when he asks for a medical evaluation? And how does Howard come up?
Okay, ask me why I'm here.
What brings you to Davis & Main today?
"I'm sick. I'm really sick..."
"...and it's not mesothelioma, but it's not good. And I need a lawyer, and the pickings are slim. I already went to HHM. I met with their top guy, Howard Hamlin, and uh... Uhhh, I–I got a brother-in-law and he's got a pretty nasty coke habit, very similar energy. Just put me off. Anyway, I need a lawyer, blah-blah-blah."
Okay, but you got a bad feeling from just one meeting?
Yeah, I had the brother-in-law with the coke.
Yeah, but you were only in the room with him once.
Okay, so it's gotta be something with a history with Howard.
But Cliff has to want to take the meeting, but not the case.
[sighs] It's gotta be good, but not too good.
Exactly. There's a sweet spot, you know? Like a magnet. We–we pull Cliff in, and then repel him. [beat] Oh!
[sighs] You are going to hate this...
[Gus and Juan Bolsa visit Hector at Casa Tranquila to send their condolences, still believing that Lalo is dead. The dialogue is in Spanish.]
He wishes to make amends. At least hear him out.
Don Hector. It's no secret that I did not see eye to eye with your nephew. And while the friction between your family and myself did not start with him, today I am reminded we are all Eladio's men. No matter our disagreements, a strike against one is a strike against all. I hope you will accept my condolences and my support as you navigate this terrible loss.
Gustavo speaks the truth. In this matter, he and I both stand shoulder to shoulder behind the Salamanca family. We are still looking for the traitor, Ignacio Varga. [places hand on Hector's shoulder] We will find him. And then your family will have justice.
[Hector slowly reaches his hand out to Gus. As Gus holds his hand, he notices a change of expression on Hector's face and stares at him. Cut to outside the nursing home.]
[to Gus in English] We'll be in touch.
[Gus calls Mike on his cell phone after Juan drives away]
[Jimmy gets a call from Betsy Kettleman after she finds out there was no case against Howard]
Saul Goodman, speedy justice for you. Oh, wait! Okay, just take a breath, and then we can... Okay, okay. I can tell you're upset. Just... I–I never advised that. No. [sighs] No, I did not, so let's agree to disagree. [pause] Okay, I think you're going to want to meet in person before you do anything rash. So how about–how about we meet up, and we can hash this out. [pause] Yeah, sure! Tomorrow, first thing. Uh, 9 A.M, I can come to your office. That work? ...Okay, okay! Good! [hangs up]
I'm surprised it took them this long. You, uh... You're gonna use the stick, right?
The stick? Well, it's a big stick. But I know these people, they're more carrot types. Especially her. [takes out cash and puts the bills in his suit pocket] Spoonful of sugar, you know?
[beat] I think maybe I'll come, too.
TTyrus
They found the truck, but no sign of Varga. Salamancas have all eyes looking for him, including the federales. Still not picking up his cell, so nobody got a lock on it. Now as for Lalo, still missing. As far as everybody in the cartel is concerned, top to bottom, Lalo is dead.
May I offer a thought? [pause; to Gus] If Salamanca was coming straight for you, he'd be here already. We've got guys watching anywhere he might turn up this side of Mexico. Wire taps on any phone he might call. There is not a whiff of him. Now, my guess is he's smart enough to know it's not in the Salamanca family interest to take you out without a reason the bosses can get behind. So, the odds are he's searching for Varga. Finds him alive, gets him to talk. [pause; Gus remains silent] Varga's alone in foreign territory, no one he can trust. The kid's smart, but he's not gonna last. [Gus stands up] He's gonna get caught.
[Gus accidentally knocks a glass over and kneels down to pick up the shards from the floor]
The best way to handle this: I take four of our best guys, cross the border and track Varga down. Let me find him, bring him back before the Salamancas sweep him up. It's our only play.
[After cleaning up the broken glass, Gus throws it away and looks out a nearby window]
[beat; in Spanish] Varga's father. Bring him here.
No. You're not doing that. [locks the door after Tyrus gets his gun out] You don't understand. That's not happening.
TTyrus
[walks up to Mike and aims gun at him] Just say the word.
Whatever happens next... it's not gonna go down the way you think it is.
[Mike stares at Tyrus, who cocks his gun and waits for Mike to make a move.]
[beat; hears cell phone vibrating] It's him.
TTyrus
Bullshit. I've been calling Varga for hours. He hasn't picked up once.
He's been trying to get me since he left the Salamancas. [opens phone] You want me to answer it?
[Tyrus turns to Gus, who nods. Mike answers the phone and speaks to Nacho]
Yeah. [pause] Yeah. ...Not my call. [pause] That's up to you. [to Gus] He wants to talk to you.
[Nacho calls his father from an auto shop while on the run]
A-to-Z Fine Upholstery. Hello?
[sighs] Hola, hijo. [in Spanish] How are you?
[in Spanish] Good, good. Um... just wanted to hear your voice.
Nacho, where are you? You sound strange.
[pause] It's not important.... I was just checking in, that's all.
Okay. Mijo, I have lots of work to do. We've been through this, so many times. You know what you have to do... go to the police.
Yes, Papa. I understand... I hear you.
[pause] What else is there to say? Hmm? Goodbye, hijo.
[choked up] Goodbye, Papa.
[Nacho calls Mike at an auto repair shop in Mexico while on the run from the Cousins]
You knew. You knew that I was going to Mexico to die, that I was never supposed to make it out of that motel. And you let it happen.
Is that bastard with you? Put him on.
Hmm. [to Gus] He wants to talk to you.
[takes cell phone from Mike; to Nacho] Yes.
You are screwed. [pause] You want the cartel to blame me for Lalo. But if they catch me, and make me talk? Ooh... That is not good for you, is it? Even if I disappear, everyone's gonna smell your stink all over it. The only way that this works for you is with me dead. [beat] Alright. Whatever bullshit way you want the story to go, I will make it go. But... I need one thing.
My dad. I need to know that he will be safe.
If you are true to your word, there will be no reason for anyone to harm your father.
You are not the one that I need to hear it from.
[Gus puts the phone on speaker so Mike can speak to Nacho]
Your dad's gonna be okay.
Because anyone who goes after him is gonna have to come through me.
[Jimmy and Huell sit in a car. Jimmy pays Huell for duplicating the keys to Howard's Jaguar.]
You're a lawyer. You make good money, right?
Good days and bad, but yeah.
Legit money, on the level.
Your wife's a lawyer. A legit lawyer.
Oh, I got you. I–I know from the outside that this looks like just another scam, but you're not seeing the bigger picture. Couple months from now, there are people whose lives are gonna be way better. Because of this. We're making a real difference. Trust me. We're doing the Lord's work here.
I have news, Jimmy. Lalo is dead.
[exhales deeply] Holy shit.
The DA's office put it together that Lalo was calling himself De Guzman. They are pretty upset they let him go.
Ericsen seems to think that if Lalo lied to you and you didn't know about the pseudonym, that you could break confidentiality. She wants you to talk. She says it's right.
Well, what do you think we should do?
You... should do whatever you want, Jimmy. They don't have anything on you. It's just a fishing expedition to see if you bite.
[pause] You think I should do it?
Well... [sighs] I guess it's basically... Do you want to be a friend of the cartel or... do you want to be a rat?
[Nacho is driven to a remote location in the desert with Gus, Tyrus and Victor. There they meet Juan Bolsa, Hector Salamanca, and the Cousins. Juan kneels next to Nacho.]
Today, you are going to die. But there are good deaths, and there are bad deaths. Tell me what I need to know, I'll see that your death is a good one. Who put you up to this?
[Nacho glances at Gus, as if he's about to turn on him]
One last chance. Who? [long pause; scoffs and gets up to leave]
It was Alvarez. Los Odios, out of Peru. They paid me to set up your nephew. And I did.
[Hector furiously rings his bell and attempts to point to Gus, who he knows is the real culprit]
Alvarez, we know. Los Odios, we know. Was anyone else involved?
[scoffs; nods to Gus] Him? You think the chicken man? Heh. What a joke. Alvarez has been paying me for years. Years. [to the Salamancas] But you know what? I would have done it for free. Because I hate every last one of you psycho sacks of shit. I opened Lalo's gate, and I would do it again. And I'm glad what they did to him. He's a soulless pig, and I wished I'd killed him with my own hands. And you know what else, Hector? I put you in that chair. Oh, yeah. Your heart meds? I switched them for sugar pills. You were dead and buried, and I had to watch this asshole... [gestures to Gus] ...bring you back. So when you are sitting in your shitty nursing home and you're sucking down on your Jell-O night after night for the rest of your life, you think of me, you twisted fuck.
[Nacho cuts himself free with a shard of broken glass, stabs Juan in the leg, grabs Juan’s gun and shoots himself in the head. Hector angrily fires shots at Nacho’s corpse while Gus and Mike leave the scene with their crew in stunned silence.]
So, I pull the Jag into the loading zone. And I start scrappin' with this hunk of metal. It was in deep—like, "down a well" deep—so I just... wrassled it! UGH! [Kim laughs hysterically] Like a freakin' bear, and I jam it in the dirt in front of the Jag! Boom! Barely made it out of there with the skin of my teeth. Who moves cones? Who does that?
Heh, you're damn right. So you think Cliff really bought it, huh?
One hundred percent! You should've seen his face. It landed, trust me. God, it was... beautiful. [pause] Oh, and that is not all.
So... I'm doing the stall. I'm telling Cliff what I'm doing—what I wanna be doing. All I'm thinking is, I gotta stretch this out until you get there, but then... I don't know. I... kinda got caught up in it, and then... Cliff went for it. I mean, like, really went for it.
What does that mean? Like, money?
I don't think he'll write a check himself, but he knows people. And I think he'll deliver.
I know! How great is that?
This is unbelievable. [Kim laughs] Are we on a roll, or are we on a roll? Jeez!
[beat] You ever feel like you're being followed? [pause] When I dropped Wendy off at the motel, she thought she was being watched by some undercover cops. But then when I drove away... that same car was behind me. Right after I spotted them, they disappeared.
Well, you know what they say: The wicked flee where no man pursueth.
...You think we're wicked?
No. What? [chuckles] It's just a turn of phrase. I think you're wicked hot. [pause] Alright. Listen to the voice of experience, okay? You know why you're feeling like this? Because we got away with it. It seems too good to be true, but trust me. Nobody is following you. [takes Kim's hand] No one knows what we're doing except for us. Okay?
