Bracken and Beckett in “After the Storm”

What do you want, Ms. Beckett?

Beckett

The truth.

Never expect that from a politician. Besides, if you really had information, wouldn't you already know the truth?

Beckett

Roy Montgomery, McCallister, John Raglan, my mother. Everyone that you've ever had killed, I want you to admit to it.

Your mother’s death was a tragedy, and I am deeply sorry for your loss. But I can’t give you what you want. When I was fourteen, I got to be friends with this boy in the neighborhood, Lamar Dokes. Sweet kid. I used to help him with his homework after school. Well, one day, he doesn’t come to school. so I went by his apartment and the door was open. I walked in and…I found Lamar lying on his mattress… dead; his little sister the same way. His mother was in the bedroom. She had hanged herself. Now she left a note. She’d list her job. She was being evicted. And I thought, how could a woman be so desperate, so without hope, that she could crush up pills, put them in hot chocolate, and give them to her kids? And that was the moment, the moment I knew I wanted to help make people’s lives better. And I have. I strengthened the safety net to protect kids like Lamar. I created jobs in those neighborhoods. I’ve done great things. Just as you’ve done great things.

Beckett

Who do you think you're talking to? How can you justify yourself to me? My mother was stabbed in an alley because of you. She bled to death alone in a pile of garbage! So save me your campaign speeches about the great things.

You sound a bit delusional, you know? But then again, who are you? You're a disgraced cop, obsessed with her mother's murder. And who am I? I'm a decent man looking out for the little guy. That's who the public sees. And every time they elect me, I'm humbled. I strive harder to live up to that ideal. I want to be that man. And I won't let you or anyone else get in my way.

Beckett

I don't think you're in a position to threaten, senator.

See, here's what you don't understand. It's not who has the gun, it's who has the power. Do you really think that's you?

Beckett

I have the file. Smith had another copy. 08672241. That's the number of the bank account where you deposited the money orders. So you're right. It is about who holds the power. Now I could release that file and destroy you, but what would that mean for my life expectancy? So here's how it is. The deal that you had with Smith, that's our deal now. And if anything happens to me or anyone that I care about, that file goes public. Am I clear? That's a yes-or-no question.

Yes.

Beckett

And one more thing. Whoever it is you think I am, whatever it is you think you know about me, you have no idea what I’m capable of or how far I will go. I am done being afraid. It’s your turn now. [swings pistol at the Senator's face] That's gonna leave a nasty scar. Every time you see it, think of me.