7.04

Brian, in his Grue costume, arrived as Bitch and Taylor were cleaning up after the earlier incident. He noted the bullet holes in the door, expressing disbelief that they were still there. Bitch asserted it was her call, leading to an argument about the safety of her dogs. Taylor pointed out the threat of poisoning, and that even a direct attack with overwhelming numbers or the duo Night and Fog could be too much for Bitch alone.

Taylor suggested relying on the team, not hiding and letting “those fuckers have the power.” Brian emphasized the importance of taking the dogs somewhere safe, but Bitch refused, not wanting to concede defeat. Taylor reminded her their priority was safety, with dealing with threats coming after.

Bitch challenged them to confirm they would deal with the threat, and Brian affirmed, citing the need to maintain their reputation. Bitch agreed to leave with the dogs. Brian planned to meet them at the front door and call Coil.

Taylor awkwardly waved goodbye to Brian, then found herself in an unexpected conversation with Bitch, who revealed that she sensed Taylor’s feelings for Brian. Taylor confessed, and an uncomfortable moment followed as she asked if Bitch felt the same.

Bitch, to Taylor’s relief, didn’t reciprocate the feelings and abruptly offered blunt dating advice, suggesting Taylor offer to sleep with Brian. Taylor, though appreciative of the gesture of goodwill, found the advice misdirected.

Inside, Brian couldn’t reach Coil, and Taylor mentioned she couldn’t reach Lisa or Alec either. Brian decided to check on the others, but Bitch refused to be left behind, asserting she could handle herself with her dogs. Taylor pointed out the risk of her dogs being held hostage, prompting Bitch to concede that she’d run and seek revenge later. Brian agreed to let Taylor accompany him, emphasizing the need to check on Lisa and Alec.

Out of earshot, Brian removed his helmet and asked Taylor about the events. Taylor recounted the incident with the Empire thugs, leading Brian to muse about Kaiser’s lack of control over his people. Taylor defended Kaiser, not wanting to underestimate him. Brian, however, was willing to demand restitution, noting that both events involved Bitch.

Brian acknowledged Bitch’s usefulness but also the problems she brought. Taylor shared her insights into Bitch’s psychology, suggesting that Bitch tested authority figures, especially when insecure. She proposed that Brian take an official leadership role to make handling Bitch easier.

They arrived at the loft, finding Lisa on a call and Alec on the couch. Lisa, using a disposable phone, was discussing an email with Coil that had been sent to various news outlets. The email contained comprehensive data on Empire Eighty Eight members, including civilian identities, addresses, and incriminating evidence linking them to criminal activities.

The email detailed Kaiser’s identity as Max Anders, CEO of Medhall, and included evidence of his family and connections to other Empire members like Purity and Krieg. The list was extensive, connecting even minor members to Medhall and revealing a long history of criminal activity. The email had been sent less than an hour ago.

Lisa confirmed Coil’s involvement, though she disagreed with his methods, calling it a line-crossing move that would cause collateral damage. Alec hadn’t answered his phone, earning Brian’s anger. Taylor explained the gravity of the situation: Coil’s anonymous attack on the Empire coincided with their fight with Empire members, making them likely suspects in the eyes of Kaiser and his vengeful followers, especially given Lisa’s known information-gathering abilities.