There you are, Caroline.
I knew I'd find you here holding down the fort.
You know, it's like I'm constantly telling Bill,
you can always depend on Caroline.
Thanks, Hayley. It's nice to know my years
of diligently assisting Bill haven't gone unnoticed.
Just between us,
I'm glad to find you here instead of Tomas.
I wouldn't have been surprised to find him
behind Bill's desk with his feet up.
Oh. He'd never do that.
He knows it would leave marks on the wood.
Caroline.
This is for you.
When I think about how Bill would've died if not for you...
This is just a small token of my gratitude.
Thank you, Hayley. It's lovely.
One can never have enough fruit.
I'll-I'll put it with the other one.
The other one?
It was too big for my desk, so I left it here in Bill's office
until I can take it home later.
If that monstrosity is from Dani, I swear, I'm...
No, not Dani. It's from Naomi and Chelsea.
Came with a gift certificate and products
from the country club spa.
Wow, wasn't that thoughtful of them.
My husband is so lucky to have such caring
and considerate daughters.
You lost?
Good to know that a little thing like cardiac arrest
hasn't improved your bad sense of humor.
So... how are you?
(Bill chuckles)
Yeah, like you give a damn. I mean, come on, Andre.
Let's cut the bull. We both know why you're here,
and it's not to check on my recovery.
Oh? Hmm.
Well, since you know everything, you tell me why I'm here, Bill.
You're insecure.
Yeah. You heard that I asked for Dani when I came to,
and you can't handle the fact that she came running.
♪ ♪
Hey, boss.
I got an update on your sister's whereabouts.
Do tell.
She went tooling around the DMV in a red convertible Jag
before checking into a suite at the Bowman.
No visitors except for room service,
and word is she's a big tipper.
Not surprising. Heather doesn't do anything small.
A few minutes ago, she arrived
at the Fairmont Crest Country Club.
I got a report from the guy you got working there.
Information is power.
When you're dealing with the rich and influential,
the more the better.
What I don't understand is
what is your sister actually doing there?
I mean, they don't seem like her kind of crowd.
I am so sorry that I'm late, Vanessa. Dani, hi.
-Good to see you. -Likewise.
Oh, you guys, again, I'm sorry.
The GPS had me, like, halfway to Richmond.
No need to apologize.
I hope you're ready to hit
the tennis courts after a quick bite.
Oh, about that.
Um, I picked up the spa menu at the reception and
I see hot stone massage.
-Oh, that sounds to die for. -Oh, it is.
-Believe me. -Giles's hands are magic.
Oh. Would you hate me if I wanted to use the pass
that you so graciously gifted me for a massage instead of tennis?
That pass is good for a month.
We can smack balls around anytime.
-Enjoy your massage. -Oh, gosh, thank you.
You're the best.
Dani, you're a little quiet today.
-Everything okay? -VANESSA: Dani's got a lot on her mind.
-HEATHER: Oh. -Her idiot of an ex is in the hospital.
What type of idiot is he?
-The cheating kind. -HEATHER: Oh.
Well, do we want him to make a full recovery, or are we,
like, hoping he bites it?
No, no, full recovery.
I see. Is there a little soft spot there?
Oh, of course not. No, I'm very happily remarried.
Dani and Bill-- he's the idiot ex--
have children together.
Two beautiful daughters.
Oh, well, they get that beauty from you, I'm sure.
-You're good. -She's the best.
Well, even though our girls are fully grown,
they need to have both of their parents healthy
and very much in their lives for many years to come.
Of course they do.
I didn't think it was possible for me
to respect you any more than I already do, Dani, but...
I mean, marriage and kids and divorce and a second marriage.
It's all just a little too complicated for me.
Maybe that's why I've just never settled down.
I'm glad Samantha was able to get Tyrell out of the house.
I hope some caffeine and sugar help improve his mood.
He was really down.
And he was in no mood at all for his Banneker bed party.
You want to keep that thing to yourself, don't you?
(chuckles) I kind of do.
I wonder what your constituents would say
if they found out what a big softie their congressman was.
Hopefully, they would be pleasantly surprised
that the person that represents them in Washington
is a compassionate individual who will work tirelessly
for men, women, children, and stuffed lions alike.
And maybe they'll vote for me again.
Why don't we go upstairs and you can show me
how tireless you really are.
In front of the lion?
I think the lion can stay down here.
Good idea.
Never fear. Auntie Kat is here.
Now, where is my Banneker-bound nephew?
Guess who?
Ooh. Um...
Timothée Chalamet?
Wait a minute. He's your type?
Yeah.
-No, Mr. Perez, you're my type. -Really?
Mm-hmm.
Prove it.
Mm-hmm. That's more like it. Yeah.
-Mm-hmm. -You done with your shift?
Yep. One down, one to go.
Once I shower and change, I'm heading to Uptown.
You're not overdoing it, are you?
Got to do what I got to do. Mom's depending on me.
Will I see you later?
Yeah, I'm almost done here,
and I'll stop by Uptown to check on you after.
I'm looking forward to it.
Me, too.
As usual, you're wrong again.
I'm not at all surprised
that my wife came to see you, Bill.
-Really? -Yeah.
She probably thought that the father of her kids was dying,
which makes sense considering how many times
your old ass has been rushed to the hospital.
She thought, "Hmm, maybe he has one final message
to pass along to Naomi and Chelsea."
I didn't ask for them, though.
I asked for their mother.
No. You asked for my wife.
But I'm gonna let that slide, considering
that your heart is one missed beat from failure.
But the second your ass gets out of this sickbed,
you and I are gonna have a serious refresher course
on boundaries when it comes to my wife.
You know what? You keep taking potshots
at my age and my poor health,
and if you're so sure that I don't have much longer,
then why are you so shook, player?
Hmm?
Could it finally be sinking in that,
no matter what the hell you do, mm,
you just can't make your wife forget about me?
Sometimes, I wonder what it would've been like
if I'd never gotten married,
or at least not gotten married so young.
You know, if I'd really focused
-solely on my goals and my visions. -Hmm.
But then, I think about my girls, and I realize
I wouldn't change a thing.
Not even Bill's inability to keep it in his pants?
You know the answer, Vanessa.
(chuckling)
What would you do if you were in Dani's shoes?
Oh, me about keeping it in his pants?
Um, if you're asking if someone I once loved
was in a near-death situation, would I care?
Yeah, of course I would.
Thank you, Heather.
But you wouldn't let nostalgia for a man
who treated you badly make you disregard
the near-perfect man who helped heal you, would you?
Well, this is all, like I said earlier about marriage,
it's just, it's all too complicated for me.
Ah, chicken.
Well, you know it.
Listen, Dani, I do hope that your ex
makes a full recovery for your sake, not for the idiot's.
Now, that is a statement I can get behind.
Okay, good. Now, if you'll excuse me, ladies,
I am gonna go let Giles put his hands all over me.
Ciao.
You know, the more time I spend with her, the more I like her.
I've warned Vanessa multiple times to steer clear of Heather,
but it turns out, the woman I love has a mind of her own,
and Heather is nothing if not persistent.
In a way, kind of makes them alike.
I don't know, maybe Heather's just making sure
the lady in your life is... worthy.
(chuckles)
You make her sound like a Victorian aunt.
That's definitely not her M.O.
Now, when Heather first came to town,
she said she was here to clean up
the mess from the plasma ring.
So you think she's still working for the Impaler guy?
It's possible.
So what do you need me to do?
Keep an eye on her.
I want to know what my sister's next move is before she does.
I got you.
We didn't know you were stopping by.
Samantha didn't mention it?
She told me how down Tyrell was,
and I said I would stop by to help cheer him up.
It must've slipped her mind.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have talked him into getting
iced coffees at Caffeine Fix.
Good for her. The worst thing to do when you're getting over
a breakup is to mope around the house.
So what's in the bag?
A new video game for Tyrell.
It has five stars.
Uh, won't a new video game
keep him stuck in his room even more?
Oh, shoot.
I guess I was focused on keeping my rep as "cool aunt"
by spoiling Tyrell with as many extravagant gifts as possible
before he goes off to college.
Like Aunt Dani did for us.
Oh, I still remember those Gazelle sneakers
and that Pokémon bomber jacket.
-Uh, excuse me, please. -Something important?
Yeah, it's a booker for a true crime podcast.
That's great, Smitty. Which one?
Um, Deadly in the DMV?
-KAT: Hmm. -I've never heard of it.
It's new, but it's definitely gaining traction.
Yeah. They want me to appear as a guest on the podcast
and talk about the series of articles I did
on the blood plasma ring.
Well, obviously, you have to do it.
Worried?
Of course you'd notice.
How was Bill when you left him?
He's trying to put on a brave face,
but laid up in that hospital bed,
it's just hard to see my big, strong man
losing pieces of himself.
It's gonna be all right.
Bill is going to be all right.
-How can you be so sure? -Because I know him.
And he's too stubborn to die.
Especially when he has so much to live for.
You mean his girls?
And you, too, Hayley.
-He loves you very much. -I-I'm not so sure about that.
Please. That man is crazy about you.
I used to believe that, but for a while now,
I've just been terrified that
it's only a matter of time before...
Before?
Before he leaves me for his first wife.
Who would've thought Joey would have such a lovely sister?
-Thank you. -His partner would.
And I'm sure your newfound affection
for Heather has nothing to do
with the fact that she agreed with you about Bill.
It is nice to have someone see things from my perspective
since no one else seems to.
Dani, you know I would follow you through the fire
like Chaka Khan, but you have to...
You just don't want to see me mess up my marriage.
I have no intention of letting Bill or anyone else
ruin what I've built with Andre.
Yes, Dani has memories of you
because you and your relationship are in her past,
which is where you need to let it stay.
Well, clearly, I'm not just in her past
when she still comes when I call.
And you're proud of that?
Proud that you can still get a response from a woman
who you emotionally scarred and treated like dirt?
Some men take pride in the sickest stuff.
You need to stay in this hospital and let them
check on your ego too, man.
Oh, no, Andre, I'm just
very proud that I gave Dani such an incredible life.
Until you left her.
And we have two beautiful daughters.
-Until you broke their hearts. -There's a bond
between us that could never be broken.
Sure as hell not by someone who's so wet behind the ears.
(monitor beeping rapidly)
Wrong again, Hamilton.
As much as it pains you,
I am slowly but surely helping Dani get over
all the trauma she suffered being married to you.
What is going on in here?
-Nothing. -Focus on your breathing.
Yeah, I'm gonna let you deal with your patient.
A man his age needs all the help he can get.
Yeah. Go ahead. Run away.
(door closes)
HAYLEY: Well, he actually asked for Dani
when he regained consciousness.
May I offer you a piece of advice?
Please. I am desperate.
Don't leave Bill's side again
until he's discharged from the hospital.
I mean, prove to him and the Duprees
that you're every bit as devoted as Dani was.
You mean "is"?
But point taken.
And something tells me that Bill
will benefit from an assortment of heart-smart snacks
a lot more than I would,
especially with a loving handwritten note
from his doting wife.
Thank you so much, Caroline.
You really are my very best friend.
Back at you.
Well, this is a nice surprise.
Thanks for giving me some time alone with Dani earlier.
We really needed to talk.
Ah, the new hubby isn't keen
on Dani's concern for her ex's well-being.
Well, no one is.
I wish she would realize once and for all how toxic
Bill Hamilton is for her.
Well, people might-- and have--
say the same thing about me when it comes to you.
Only because they don't have a clue who you are.
You are nothing like Bill.
We're both good at what we do.
Maybe more than a little controlling.
As far as morality goes,
you're miles ahead of Bill.
-You would never cheat on me. -Not in a million years.
Or lie to my face.
So, how was tennis with my sister?
Heather opted for Giles's magic hands instead.
That's more her speed. Heather always loved to be pampered.
As for the magic hands,
sounds like you've partaken?
-Oh, strictly for medicinal massage purposes. -Ah.
Now, only these
magic hands soothe me in that way these days.
Sounds like you didn't spend much time with Heather.
Oh, she spent a little time with Dani and me
before she went to her massage.
She offered Dani a unique perspective
on her situation with Bill.
I'm not sure it's a good idea that you introduce
Heather to your friends.
Why not? She was a lot of fun.
Dani thought so, too.
She's easy to like, yes, but...
underneath that charming exterior beats a heart of steel.
One that can cut deep.
(Dani laughs)
Put yourself in my hands.
Forget about Bill. Even if it's for one night.
(confetti pops)
(laughter)
(both sigh)
-You love me? -Yeah, babe, I do.
How your laughter lights up a room.
How your strength inspires me.
How beneath all that Dupree swagger
beats one of the most beautiful hearts I've ever known.
Somehow...
-...when we weren't looking... -Yeah.
...it changed.
I changed.
And suddenly my once-in-a-while man...
...is my forever.
ANDRE: It's called akai ito.
Yeah, the red thread of fate.
Japanese legend says that there's an invisible string
that ties on the pinkies of two people
who are meant for each other.
And this made you think of us?
Yeah.
This thread can, um,
it can tangle, it can stretch,
it could be put through hell and back, but it never breaks.
And more than anything...
the two ends always end up together.
(speaks indistinctly)
You sorry son of a bitch.
-When'd you become so wise, huh? -(chuckles)
-Looks good on you. -Yeah?
Yeah.
(Dani sighs deeply)
BILL: What's this?
The original key to this place.
I had it gold-plated and made into a necklace.
I hope you like it.
I love it.
Thank you, Dani.
Dani, I have to know the secret.
The secret to...?
How that dress could look as amazing tonight
as it did when I first got it for you.
It's one of the few pieces I kept from my Bill era.
Hmm. Well, smart decision.
HAYLEY: You're the old wife, Dani.
Bill tossed you aside with good reason.
Take the hint.
Get your new life and stay
the hell out of Bill's once and for all.
You are a scheming, conniving snake of a woman
who fancies herself a worthy successor to me.
You will never be Dani Dupree.
You will never replace me in Bill's heart.
And I will always be here for my husband!
(elevator bell dings)
ASHLEY: Andre. Hey, wait.
I'm not in the mood for a lecture.
Yeah, neither am I.
And I wouldn't have to give you one if you didn't just
antagonize a man who is recovering from cardiac arrest.
I swear, what does that man do to make people take his side?
You don't know what he said to me.
It doesn't matter because, guess what,
you're the one who gets to walk out of here,
and he's the one that's stuck in a hospital bed.
Besides, how do you think that Dani's gonna feel
when she finds out that Bill suffered a setback
because he was arguing with you?
-He just gets under my skin. -Yeah, he's a jerk.
Andre, is everything okay?
With you and Dani?
You know you can always talk to me, right?
Look, I apologize to you for what happened in there.
You don't have to worry about me,
-especially visiting Bill Hamilton again. -(elevator bell dings)
The last thing I need is that bastard coding on my behalf.
(phone chimes)
Last week Deadly in the DMV interviewed an FBI agent
who tracked down the sniper who terrorized
the Capitol Beltway in 2002.
Oh, and the week before that, they talked to a bounty hunter
who helped unmask the Virginia Vixen.
The who?
Your complete obliviousness to contemporary culture
never ceases to amaze me.
Now, are you going to do the podcast or not?
(knock on door)
I'll get it.
Hopefully, it's not the Virginia Vixen.
And if it is, I know my sister will handle her
because of her vast podcast experience.
Rivaling his sibling yet again.
Oh. Hey, Shonda.
I brought the updated polling.
Our numbers are still climbing, but nothing is guaranteed.
Of course not.
I think an appearance on an up-and-coming podcast
would help the campaign.
-What? -Kat wants me to be a guest
on a true crime podcast to talk about the articles I did
on the plasma ring.
Absolutely not.
That's a terrible idea. I forbid it.
(elevator bell dings)
You just missed your husband.
Andre was here?
He paid Bill a visit.
Look, things seemed a little tense
when I went to check on them,
so you may want to make sure everything's okay.
Right.
I think you're wrong about Heather.
I've known her longer than you.
You knew a child.
I'm getting to know the woman, and I like her.
I know she came on strong at first, but...
...I honestly think she's sticking around to reconnect
with her brother.
And make inroads with you.
You still think Heather has ulterior motives
where I'm concerned?
The sister I grew up with was never a girl's girl.
But now you and she and Dani
are apparently braiding each other's hair.
Excuse me?
The sexist remark was to make a point.
The point being that you don't trust Heather.
Bingo.
When she first reappeared,
she said her goal was to merge our two businesses.
I don't buy for a moment
that she'd give up on that dream.
The question is, how far is she willing to go
to make it come true?
(door opens)
Ah, Dani, what a lovely surprise.
What the hell did you say to my husband?
(R & B playing)
Hey, um, Scotch and soda, please, Grayson.
Make it a double.
(phone chimes)
Here you go.
You meeting someone?
Not sure.
You want to open a tab?
Oh, yeah. I'm just getting started.
(phone chimes)
-I'm sorry, you forbid it? -Let me rephrase.
I strongly advise against you appearing on that podcast.
For what reason?
And I'd like an answer to that, too.
It's too new on the scene.
I haven't had a chance to vet them yet.
Okay, well, don't worry, I can help with that.
Not necessary, Kat. I have much more pressing things
to look into.
Well, I was just trying to help.
I know you are, but this isn't the way.
It's my job to get your brother reelected
to the House of Representatives,
and that won't happen if his husband
says the wrong thing on some podcast
hosted by a couple of weirdos in a basement.
Do you really think that I would say something on air
to embarrass Martin or hurt the campaign?
You are certainly more media-trained than most,
but what if these podcasters are inviting you on their show,
saying they'll discuss your articles,
but once they have you there live, they start in on Martin?
Would you be able to live with yourself if you said something
that wrecked his chances of getting reelected?
(elevator bell dings)
Ashley, how's our patient this afternoon?
Popular. He's had one visitor after another,
but that's the first fruit basket.
Do you really think being bombarded by visitors
is good for my husband?
I just checked on him not too long ago,
and he seems to be doing just fine.
Really?
His heart was a little elevated, but it came right back down.
Okay, so a man with heart trouble gets worse
after seeing tons of visitors,
and you don't see that as a problem?
Hayley, that's not what I said.
But it's what you meant. You know what?
From now on, I'm not leaving my husband's side
'cause clearly I'm the only one
who truly cares about his welfare.
MAN (over P.A.): Dr. Wright, dial 316.
How we doing over here?
Fine. I'm about ready for another one.
Wow. Bad day?
Yeah, it definitely isn't a good one.
You want to talk about it?
You know, bartender, comes with the territory?
Not much to talk about.
All right, all right.
So, my wife's ex is a pompous ass,
and someone from the past I really want to forget about
keeps blowing up my phone.
That explains the double double.
Bill Hamilton, I swear on everything I hold dear,
if you told Andre what happened between us,
I will personally make sure that the next time
your heart stops, it's for good.
Aw, come on, baby, you don't want me dead.
No, you don't get to call me "baby" anymore.
You don't have that right.
Okay, okay. Relax.
All right?
Your husband's as blissfully clueless as ever
about what went down between us in that elevator.
It's obviously on your mind,
since you came in here all hot and bothered about it.
Why was Andre even here?
I don't know. You need to ask him that
'cause I sure as hell didn't invite him.
Sweets for my big, handsome sweetie.
Mmm...
-I missed you. Did you miss me? -Mm. Mm-hmm.
And I think that maybe I should be hospitalized
-a little more often. -I know I feel sick.
Hello, Dani.
Now I know why my husband's heart rate
went through the roof.
Obviously, you said something to upset him.
I upset him?
Don't you have somewhere not here to be?
Actually, yes, I do.
Good luck with your recovery, Bill.
Much appreciated, Dani.
What roadside stand did you get this piddly thing from?
Grapes look like they were picked last week.
Listen, Hayley, I will text you the phone number
for the vendor we use, okay?
Thank you, and you're welcome in advance.
(door closes)
I hope you're not upset Shonda put her foot down
about you going on that podcast.
If you really want to do it, you should.
What about everything she said about me
inadvertently hurting your reelection?
I have faith that my brilliant journalist husband
is able to duck any questions about my campaign
and stay laser-focused on your series of articles
about the blood plasma ring.
Smitty, I am serious.
If you want to do this,
I won't stand in your way
and I will make sure Shonda doesn't either.
You have made enough sacrifices for my career.
I love you for supporting me...
but I thought about it and I kind of agree with Shonda.
I would hate to say anything that would hurt you.
And I'll have more opportunities
to talk about my job in the future.
I think we could both use a drink after that
spirited discussion about the value of podcasts.
And I will be happy to listen to one
from your very long list after the election.
Just listen with an open mind.
Shonda, you know I'm just as committed
to getting Martin reelected as you are.
Of course, but we got to get on the same page
about media exposure.
One false move, one slip of the tongue,
one disastrous social media post or scandal
even remotely associated with the Richardson-Smiths,
and it could be curtains for Martin's political career.
(moans) Yes, that's it.
-Better than Giles? -(chuckles)
Better than anyone.
All I want to do in life is make you feel good.
And protect me from people you think might hurt me.
You truly think Heather would?
I won't take that chance.
I hope for your own sake that you're wrong about her.
Like so many people are wrong about you.
There's more to you than what they think.
That's probably true for Heather, too.
Why are you so willing to give my sister
the benefit of the doubt?
The sister who loves the man I love is my friend.
-Way to create an epigram. -Hey, if the love fits.
You know,
maybe it's not Heather you don't trust.
Maybe it's the idea that...
you can have people in your life who actually love you.
Why can't you accept that?
Let's get this straight.
There is nothing that I won't accept from you.
Especially love.
Ashley told me you've been popular today.
Who else besides the Wicked Ex-Wife of the West
paid you a visit?
Well, Dani's Vegas mistake stopped by.
Hmm.
Let me guess. Andre was worried wifey would run back here
the first chance she got.
And-- ha-- what do you know?
I walk in, she's right by your side.
You know, maybe Andre has good reason to be worried.
And maybe I do, too.
Hi.
Tipping the bartender in advance. I like that.
As long as I'm the only one that tips you like that.
How long has he been here?
-A while. -Yeah.
He probably came straight from his blowup
with Bill at the hospital.
I did hear a little something about that.
I mentioned it to Dani. I don't know what's going on
between the two of them, but I hope they work through it.
They're lucky to have a friend like you.
That wasn't always the case.
You know, there was a time where I wanted Andre all for myself.
Is that so?
Now I just want him to be as happy as I am with you.
(phone buzzing)
Hey, Dani.
Hey, yourself. Where are you?
Um, on my way home. Yeah, where are you?
Same. See you soon.
Hey, wait.
WOMAN (over P.A.): Dr. Roberts to Bed 391.
Is something wrong?
I just want my wife to know that, um,
I've never loved anyone more than I've loved you.
I love you, too, baby.
And I'm gonna prove it to you tonight.
I'll hold you to that.
Bye.
Captioning sponsored by CBS
Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org