Episode 7 of "Dope Thief" unfolds ten weeks after the heist, as Theresa delves into Ray's belongings and discovers a chaotic scribble in his journal, hinting at the stolen money's whereabouts. As she steps outside with her dog, a menacing scenario unfolds – a gang of bikers descends upon her, encircling her with their intimidating presence. However, their reign of terror is swiftly quelled when DEA agents surround and apprehend the bikers.
Theresa proceeds to the hospital, where she engages Ray in a heartfelt conversation about the essence of family. Unbeknownst to Ray, Theresa wears a wire provided by the DEA, subtly touching her chest to signal her underlying loyalty to the law enforcement agency. Her cryptic comments gradually steer towards the mention of "the numbers," hinting at their investigation's critical details.
Despite the DEA's efforts, they hit a dead end with both Ray and Theresa. However, they strike gold with Manny, who's still recovering from his drug-induced haze and exudes shiftiness. When the officers mention Rick Staley, Manny's demeanor changes dramatically, revealing a hidden vulnerability.
Elsewhere, Tina prepares to leave with the children, while Son remains incarcerated, facing an astronomical bail of ten million dollars. It seems he'll have to brace himself for a prolonged stay behind bars.
Meanwhile, Mina persists in her pursuit of justice, visiting the bar to confer with a DEA agent. She believes Carvalho will eventually crack, and when he does, they can press drug charges against him. She's convinced that the Cartel's hit on Jack wasn't arbitrary, and there's more to the story. Her primary focus is to put pressure on Ray, aiming to charge him as a Class One drug trafficker.
For Mina, this isn't merely about Jack; it's about securing justice. Manny emerges as the weakest link, given his imprisoned state and ongoing struggles. His relationship with Sherry is also on rocky ground. She urges him to accept any deal offered by the DEA and has even pawned her engagement ring, revealing her pregnancy as the motivating factor behind her desperate actions.
Regrettably, the officers escort Manny back to an entirely disparate cell, one that harbors the biker affiliate within its confines. Armed with a makeshift shank, the biker initiates a brutal assault on Manny, yet Manny defends himself admirably, ultimately overpowering his assailant. Having battled for his very survival, Manny earns the biker's respect and is presented with an ultimatum: to side with the officers or align with them. However, Manny's sole concern is to endure just one more night.
Ray becomes aware of Manny's contemplation over pleading guilty, a decision that would make him a pivotal witness against Ray in court. Michelle implores him to take the situation seriously and prioritize his own well-being in light of Manny's potential betrayal.
As dawn breaks, Ray and Manny are transported to juvenile detention. En route, the duo engages in a heated debate about their dire circumstances. Manny confesses that all he ever wanted was Ray's respect, whereas Ray reaches out to Theresa, signaling it's time to "verify the counts."
Mina arrives to visit Michelle next, eager to broker a deal. It's evident that the DEA is deliberately inflating Ray's drug charges, using him as bait to lure those lurking in the shadows into the open. However, the murder charge looms large, proving a more formidable obstacle to overcome. Ray finds himself hospitalized, and that fateful night, his marshal mysteriously disappears. The hospital alarms blare, echoing the sinister voice that once haunted them, boasting through the intercom of his omnipresence and unassailable reach.
Amidst this chaos, Manny phones Sherry, warning her that the gangs are plotting his downfall once more. He urges her to treat herself to a fine dress, fearing for his life. Upon returning to his cell, Manny receives a "gift," the nature of which will be revealed in due course.
Meanwhile, it is Son who finds himself under attack that night, but fortunately, he wields a shiv for protection. When two thugs invade his cell, he swiftly dispatches them both. As for Manny, he's found lifeless on his bunk, a syringe protruding from his arm. Whether he took his own life or was the victim of a setup remains a mystery.
As the episode draws to a close, Ray begins to succumb to an overwhelming anxiety attack, painting a picture of despair and uncertainty.
