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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Fallin & Associates—conference room
Lulu: So, you like being a corporate lawyer?
Nick: Sure.
Lulu: What do you like about it?
Nick: Oh, the hours.
Lulu: (Laughs) Yeah. No, c'mon. Really?
Nick: Making deals, landing clients. I like business. I like being in the thick of it.
Lulu: Uh-huh. (Chuckles)
Nick: Do you always behave like this when you're applying for a job?
Lulu: Yeah. I really like to know what I'm getting into.
Nick: Well, my father's very interested in hiring you.
Lulu: I know. And I really appreciate his interest. But, I just decided that I'm going to take different job. But, you've helped me, you know… You really have. (Shakes hands across the table) Thanks.
Lulu exits conference room—Nick flashes a grin which fades quickly.
Scene: Hassan's Restaurant—closing time
Hassan: All set with the lights, darling?
Salaam: Mm-hmm.
Hassan turns off the lights. Car lights flash through the darkened windows—tires screech to a halt.
Kid: (Whispering) Right there. Spray it. (Spraying) (Sound of glass breaking—spraying continues)
Hassan whisks his daughter to safety and picks up a baseball bat—lies in wait for the intruder—then proceeds to strike the intruder on his arm, knocking away the spray-paint can, then hits him again. Car engine starts and the car squeals away. Intruder lies writhing on the floor as Salaam looks on. Intruder looks at Salaam.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Nick exits the elevator and heads for his office. He's surprised to find Lulu in his office as he opens the door,
Nick: What the hell…?
Lulu: What are you doing here?
Nick: This is my office.
Lulu: This is the broom closet.
Nick: Yeah, well, for the last two months it's been my office.
Lulu: Oh…well, they told me it was the broom closet. I mean, except for the guy who uses it when he chooses to stop by and make more work for the rest of them. I think they call him the 'community service jerk-off'.
Nick: I'm that 'community service jerk-off'.
Lulu: (Chuckles) Yeah. I just figured that out.
Nick: This is the job you chose instead of working for my father's firm?
Lulu: Yeah.
Nick: (Chuckles) That's crazy.
Lulu: It is?
Nick: Do you have any idea what they're going to put you through, here? They pay you nothing. They expect…
Lulu: Oh, money. You think I care about the money. I don't care what I get paid. I never do. I chose to be the Associate Director of Legal Services of Pittsburgh, instead of pushing papers for you.
Nick: Associate Director.
Lulu: Yeah. Which I believe makes me your boss.
Nick strides quickly to Alvin's office, where he knocks and enters.
Alvin: Morning, Nick.
Nick: That girl in my office?
Alvin: Louise Archer. We're very lucky to have gotten her. She's just finished her Federal clerkship with Judge McHenry… (Nick shakes his head—impatiently) What?
Nick: I know who she is. Can you just get her out of my office?
Alvin: It's her office now.
Nick: It's a broom closet.
Lulu appears in the doorway.
Alvin: Oh, Miss Archer. Come in, please. I want you two to work on a case together.
Nick: (Whining) Why?
Alvin: It's sensitive. Ahmad Hassan, an Arab-American man, took a baseball bat to a kid who was vandalizing his restaurant.
Lulu: I read about that. That kid was arrested, wasn't he?
Alvin: Yeah, for breaking and entering.
Lulu: So what's the problem?
Alvin: The problem is, the kid's parents are suing Hassan for damages for assault and battery.
Lulu: You're kidding.
Alvin: No. They claim the kid's hand and arm are permanently damaged.aHHH
Lulu: How much do they want?
Alvin: A million dollars.
Lulu: For what?
Alvin: The kid was just accepted at Pitt, pre-med. The parents claim he was going to be a surgeon. Have fun.
Nick follows Lulu back to the broom closet.
Lulu: So, you're performing community service here?
Nick: Yes.
Lulu: Drug charge, huh.
Nick: That's right. How'd you guess?
Lulu: Always a drug charge. Rich kid, connections, community service. But, you know what? There is something I don't understand.
Nick: Really. What is that?
Lulu: Why a judge would ask someone like you to come and do this work. I can totally understand asking you to push papers or to speak to high school kids, but to entrust you with this kind of responsibility when you've proven that your moral fiber is…
Nick: My moral fiber?
Lulu: Your moral fiber is…
Nick: (Angrily) Listen. If we have to work together, is there any chance that you might do me a favor and just shut the hell up?
Lulu: No. (Scoffs and turns away)
Scene: Fallin & Associates—conference room
Burton: Well, our billable hours are down but that's understandable given the economy, but I do think that we have to take a very hard look at the way we're doing business. I…
Larry Hines: Uh…
Burton: Yeah, Larry?
Hines: I have an announcement to make. I'm leaving the firm. I've decided to work with Kirk & McGee.
Burton: (Exhales) Well, I'm surprised, Larry.
Hines: Kirk & McGee has branches in seven cities, including London. There's mobility there. Here I'm just waiting for you to retire, Burton.
Burton: Well. Now you'll have a chance to see if you can stand on your own two feet.
Hines: Who was this firm's top-biller for the last five years?
Burton: Off the strength of my clients. Don't forget who landed them.
Hines: Don't forget who kept them.
Burton: I assume this deal was made based on your clients' portability?
Hines: I've made my announcements. I'll be out in the open about it. Feel free to compete.
Burton: Stay away from my staff.
Hines: I can recruit anyone I want.
Burton: Stay away from my staff.
Larry exits the conference room.
Burton: Okay. Let's just make a list of every one of his clients. Give 'em a call, drop by the office, whatever, but let 'em know in no uncertain terms that it's safer, smarter, cheaper to stay with us. So, now, I trust I have the loyalty of everybody?
Response: Absolutely. Of course. No question about it. (Nick remains mute)
Scene: Hassan's Restaurant
Lulu: Do you understand that the family of the boy you hit is filing a personal injury lawsuit against you?
Hassan: Yes.
Lulu: Do you understand what that lawsuit means?
Hassan: He's filing for assault and battery. They're going to say I used excessive force in self-defense. Do you think they can win?
Lulu: It's a frivolous lawsuit, Mr. Hassan.
Hassan: I know that. I'm asking if you think they can win.
Lulu: We're going to file a Summary Judgment motion and I think the case is going to be thrown out.
Nick clears his throat.
Hassan: What is it?
Nick: Well, I think these are issues for a jury. I don't think any judge is going to want to throw this out.
Hassan: And, if it goes to court?
Nick: Well, you put that kid in a suit and tie, hold up his damaged hand for the judge and jury to see, claim that Mr. Hassan overreacted to a childish prank… I think this case has stronger legs than Miss Archer seems to think.
Hassan: So what do you think I should do?
Nick: I think you should use your insurance money to settle.
Hassan: I don't have insurance.
Nick: Well, I can schedule a meeting with the Hudsons to see if we can work something out.
Scene: The Incline—dinner with several clients
Burton: So, how are things at Duquesne Union?
Richard: Fine, Burton, thanks.
Burton: I really appreciate you coming down here on such short notice.
Richard: No problem.
Burton: We… Want a drink? Jake get him a… What do you want? A beer? Get him a beer, will you? I understand that Larry Hines was the point-man for you for these last few years. Now that Larry's gone, though, I'm going to jump in here personally and oversee your matters, make sure that your transactions, lawsuits, whatever situation arises is going to get our A-Plus attention.
Richard: You're a hellavu lawyer, Burton. I've got a first-class dilemma, choosing between you guys.
Burton: Well… we just hope we can keep your business. Okay? Cheers. Good to see you, Richard. Looking good.
Richard: Thanks.
Another client.
Burton: I just want to assure you that every transaction, every situation, every lawsuit will get our personal attention, big-time.
Another client.
Burton: …that I would personally oversee your matters; transactions, lawsuits, whatever the situation and make sure that you get A-Plus attention.
Nick stifles a yawn.
Another client.
Burton: …that whatever transaction, or lawsuit, whatever the situation, is going to get our A-Plus attention, that's for sure.
Another client.
Burton: Well, it's always good to see you, Fred. Take care and be sure to say hi to Helen, will you?
Fred stands to leave and shakes hands with Burton, then Jake.
Jake: Take care.
Nick: Bye, Fred.
Burton: I'm getting way too old for this crap. (Takes a sip of his drink) See you in the morning, okay? (Leaves)
Jake: I see why he's so freakin' successful.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Nick: Want to see if we could settle this, amicably.
Hudsons' Attorney: We'll settle for a million dollars. (Lulu scoffs)
Nick: Mr. Hassan was acting out of self-defense.
Attorney: Maybe the first time he struck my client. Second time was brutal and excessive.
Nick: Your client was vandalizing Mr. Hassan's property.
Attorney: It's a childish prank.
Lulu: Throwing bricks through windows and spray-painting racial slurs on the door of a man's business is…
Attorney: Kids get carried away.
Lulu: …not a childish prank. Oh, come on! (To the Hudsons) And the two of you are taking horrible advantage of a sensitive time. What are you teaching your child?
Mrs. Hudson: (Angrily) That man destroyed Perry's future! His hand is permanently damaged. Now, you can fix a restaurant! You can paint over a door! But, you cannot replace what that man took away from my son!
Lulu: Please drop this suit before the Press gets ahold of it.
Attorney: The Press is not our concern. If you're so worried about this getting out, perhaps you should ask your client to settle.
Lulu: My client doesn't have a dollar to his name.
Attorney: He has a restaurant.
Lulu: Which he worked fifteen years for after he immigrated here. He has nothing else.
Attorney: Well, he should've thought about that before he picked up a weapon.
Lulu: He was protecting his daughter, you idiot!
Nick: (Removes a business card from his coat pocket and places it on the table) That's a card for Melissa Henning. That's a woman down at the Pittsburgh Police Department that specializes in hate crimes.
Attorney: Wait! You're not threatening a criminal charge as a counter to a civil suit. That's unethical.
Nick: We can file civil hate crime charges. If that triggers a criminal charge from the D.A. and your client has to spend some time in jail well, then, that is out of our hands. (Gestures to Lulu and the Hassans) Outside!
Nick confers with Lulu and his client, outside the meeting room.
Lulu: They don't have a good case, Mr. Hassan. (Nick closes the meeting room door) Their odds of proving liability aren't strong and it's going to be very difficult for them to prove that this kid's future damages are significant.
Hassan: But, you can't be certain.
Nick: (Holds up his hand) You have the stronger case. Do you want to go ahead with this?
Hassan: I don't know.
Lulu: There are some risks. The Press is probably going to get ahold of this and...
Nick: I doubt that. That's just my opinion.
Hassan: Well, do you think the Hudsons will drop this suit?
Nick: If they don't, I strongly recommend you take this course of action.
Hassan: Well, let's see if they drop the case before we do something like this, alright?
Nick: Okay, that's smart. (Hassan and daughter leave) (To Lulu) You ever think of leaving your emotions out of negotiations?
Lulu: Why?
Nick: Because it makes you look weak.
Lulu: Doesn't this piss you off?
Nick: Yeah. But, I don't give them the satisfaction.
Lulu: Well, I do.
Scene: Fallin & Associates—Burton's office
Sheila: (Over the speakerphone) Mr. Fallin. Mr. McGee is here.
Burton: Oh, send him in. Thank you. (Meets Bill at the door) Hey, Bill. How are you?
Bill McGee: Burton.
Burton: Thanks for coming by. Appreciate it.
Bill McGee: The place looks great. You're making a real go of it.
Burton: Yeah. Getting along okay. Sit down.
Bill McGee: Sure. I admire you, Burton, keeping your shop this size, still working on all the cases.
Burton: You know what, Bill? I still like the practice. (Chuckles)
Bill McGee: (Chuckles) So do I. Don't get me wrong. I've just found that if you'll locate enough good lawyers and lend your name to their work, the business is better all around.
Burton: Yeah, I've noticed that.
Bill McGee: You wanted to talk about Hines?
Burton: Right. You know, Bill, our firms have gotten along so well over the years, you know, referred clients—just kept out of each others' business.
Bill McGee: That's true.
Burton: I'd just like to cut the crap right here. You know I never poached any of your lawyers…and I would just like your word, as a gentleman, that you won't poach any more of mine.
Bill McGee: (Stands) I'll be up front with you, Burton. I am not going to give you any promises that I can't keep. (Leaves)
Scene: Kirk & McGee—Bill McGee's office
Bill McGee: Our business is flourishing. And despite these hard times, we are gaining clients and retaining our established relationships. We're also building branch offices.
Hines: Your father's firm is flat-lining, Nick. Don't get me wrong. He's a great attorney but he micro-manages his people and as a result of that style, the firm is shrinking.
Bill McGee: I realize that this is complicated by your relationship to your father. We will offer you a better future here at Kirk & McGee. You'll have more responsibility and you'll make more money.
Hines: You know… as long as you're with your dad, nobody's going to believe that you earned your position. You'll always just be Burton Fallin's son. Here, you'll be your own man.
Nick: What are you offering?
Bill McGee: To make you a partner. (Pause) Take a few days. Think about it.
Scene: Hassan's Restaurant
Nick enters to find Lulu sitting with Hassan.
Nick: They won't drop the case.
Lulu: Ah… Dammit.
Nick: The Hudsons' attorney said that they would settle for half a million.
Lulu: I hope you're not suggesting that Mr. Hassan…
Nick: It's my obligation to…
Lulu: …put up with this kind of thing…
Nick: ...inform the client of what the opposing counsel is saying.
Lulu: …because it would be blackmail. It would be blackmail, Mr. Hassan. Listen to me. I just want to make sure that you don't even begin to entertain their specious claims, because if you do, you're going to give credit to this kind of opportunism. It's racist opportunism.
Hassan: Miss Archer, I think Mr. Fallin was just telling me the facts.
Nick: I was.
Hassan: Besides I don't have 500 dollars let alone 500,000.
Nick: Do you want to go ahead and file a hate crimes suit?
Hassan: Yes. Yes, I'm ready.
Nick: Okay.
Scene: Courthouse corridor
Hines: Jake.
Jake: Hey, Larry. How's it going?
Hines: It's a whole new world, Jake. A whole new world. You've been with Fallin for, what, seven years?
Jake: Yeah.
Hines: How long has Fallin's kid been there?
Jake: Four-and-a-half.
Hines: You think you have a chance in hell of beating Nick to the partner's office? Listen. I've been in those partner meetings. Believe me, it's not going to happen.
Jake: What's on your mind, Larry?
Hines: I need you to come with me to help service my big clients. They're used to you doing the day-to-day.
Jake: And, what are you offering?
Hines: Twenty-five percent of the business we bring from Fallin. Twenty percent increase in salary.
Jake: What about the partner track?
Hines: It's there for you—two years, tops. But I have to know in two days. You've gotta insure the clients moving with me. So you gotta do it now.
Scene: Courtroom
Lulu: Perry Hudson and his buddies got drunk the other night and decided that it might be fun to take out their patriotic urges on a fellow American citizen. So, they drove to my client's restaurant, spray-painted the door, broke the window and proceeded to make unauthorized entry onto the premises. Once Perry was inside, my client did what any property owner has the right to do. He simply defended his property.
Hudson's Attorney: The issue here is whether he acted reasonably. Even if he was afraid, Mr. Hassan cannot beat my client with impunity.
Lulu: Well, he didn't just frighten him, Your Honor, he broke into his place of business and frightened him.
Attorney: Well, again, that is an issue for a jury to decide.
Lulu: And, Mr. Hassan acted in self-defense because he was afraid for his life.
Attorney: He hit my client several times with a baseball bat.
Lulu: Twice, Your Honor. The intruder was carrying what appeared to be a weapon.
Attorney: A baseball bat against a spray-paint can. You do not have to swat a fly with a machine gun.
Lulu: Well, you certainly don't have to spray-paint racial epithets on your neighbor's door and you don't have to break windows and make unauthorized entry. Your Honor, everything that I am saying is based on police records as well as a sworn affidavit from Perry Hudson, himself. I mean, Mr. Hassan was clearly acting in self-defense. He had very good reason to believe that he and his daughter were in danger.
Judge: These are triable issues of fact. Motion denied.
Lulu: What? Ah…Your Honor, you are, you're not going to let this ridiculousness continue?
Judge: Miss Archer.
Lulu: Your Honor, this is a joke!
Judge: Miss Archer. Another word and you'll be in contempt.
Nick gets up and approaches Lulu.
Lulu: Your Honor, if you listen to…
Nick: Please excuse my colleague, Your Honor. She's letting her emotions get the better of her. (Escorts Lulu back to the table) (To Lulu--through clenched teeth) Sit down!
Lulu: You did not have to do that.
Nick: Oh, yes I did.
Lulu: No you didn't. (Stalks off)
Hassan: What does this mean?
Nick: It means the Hudsons' case is still very much alive.
Scene: The Incline
Amanda and Larry Hines are having lunch.
Hines: And what kind of law are you interested in, Amanda?
Amanda: Well, I'd like to deal more with people.
Hines: People?
Amanda: Yeah, I mean, I think corporate law is interesting but it's a lot of contracts, due diligence, research…
Hines: Corporate law's dirty little secret.
Amanda: I'd like to mix in more free work for the indigent.
Hines: Kirk & McGee does a lot of pro-bono work. I've talked with Bill McGee about you. He was very impressed with your credentials.
Amanda: He was?
Hines: I've scheduled an interview for you at the end of the week.
Amanda: With Mr. McGee?
Hines: Amanda. When you come in for the interview, I'd stick to the corporate line, though, you know. Keep the 'save the world' stuff between us.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office
Nick is reading the newspaper.
Lulu: Civil suit worked. The District Justice contacted the D.A.'s office and they're pressing criminal charges against Perry Hudson—Third Degree Felony, so they're definitely going to settle now.
Nick: Look at this. (Folds newspaper open to an article about a fire at Hassan's restaurant) A million people read that newspaper. It's like an invitation.
Scene: Hassan's home
Lulu: You might want to think about staying inside for a few days, Mr. Hassan.
Hassan: Salaam has to go to school. I have to work.
Lulu: Well, we're going to go to the police and ask them to step-up protection.
Hassan: No, I can, I can take care of my daughter myself.
Salaam: What's going to happen to Perry Hudson?
Nick: If the civil suit works, his family will pay your father damages. If the hate crime charges stick, he'll go to jail.
Salaam: Daddy…
Hassan: Yes?
Salaam: Daddy. Perry Hudson…
Hassan: Yes?
Salaam: Perry…was my boyfriend. We dated for six months. I never told you because I knew you wouldn't approve.
Hassan: Six months?
Salaam: He's a really sweet guy, Dad. He was always nice to me.
Hassan: What happened?
Salaam: I don't know. I just…I wasn't ready to do the things the other girls do. And, Perry…he was patient, but I could feel how much he wanted me to dress differently or drink or have sex. I started to feel really uncomfortable, so I broke up with him. And, he took it really badly. He started following me around, waiting for me outside of the restaurant and at school. He couldn't accept it, I guess.
Hassan: So, he did this because he's in love with you. Why didn't you tell me this?
Salaam: I thought you would be angry. I know how you feel about me dating boys. Daddy, please, please tell them not to press charges. I don't want Perry going to jail.
Hassan: No. He…he wouldn't have done this to you if you were a white girl.
Salaam: Daddy.
Hassan: (Angrily) No, I came to America to live with dignity and respect. If someone decides to insult me, I'm not just going to smile and say, thank you. I'm sorry Salaam. But just because you hurt this boy's feelings doesn't give him the right to do what he did!
Scene: The Incline
Amanda sits down next to Nick, who is working at the bar.
Amanda: I think I might leave the firm.
Nick: (sighs) Larry Hines…mounts every secretary, every paralegal, every…soccer mom he can. I'd be very careful before I believed a word that came out of his mouth.
Amanda: You think he's just trying to sleep with me?
Nick: That's what he does.
Amanda: That is so offensive.
Nick: That's why I'm telling you.
Amanda: What have I done to offend you? I try my best to be friendly, to do good work and all you do is treat me like I'm some stupid schoolgirl. Do you think that Kirk & McGee might actually want me because I'm a good lawyer?
Nick: You want the truth?
Amanda: Yes.
Nick: No, I don't.
Amanda: Why not?
Nick: Because I don't think you want to be a corporate lawyer, Amanda. I can see that you don't like it now and I don't think you're going to learn to like it later. You seem like a good person who wants to do good things with your life and, if that's the case, I don't think you're going to find what you're looking for here. (Amanda storms off)
Scene: Hassan's Restaurant
Nick, Lulu and Mr. Hassan sit around a table discussing his case.
Hassan: So what does this do to my case?
Nick: It complicates it.
Hassan: You saw the word he painted on my door.
Nick: Yes.
Hassan: And this broken window, here, is going to cost me a thousand dollars…at least. And now I have to get this place re-inspected because of all of this.
Nick: I'm not saying that you don't have a case. I am just saying that it is complicated by the pre-existing relationship between Salaam and Perry. They will argue that this is not a crime motivated by hate, but a crime motivated by love.
Hassan: Oh, love!
Salaam enters—her face is bleeding and bruised.
Hassan: (Seeing his daughter) Salaam. Salaam. Who did this to you? Salaam, who did this to you?
Salaam: Kids. From my school. Boys. They were angry about Perry and they chased me and I ran and fell.
Hassan: Well, I'm going to call the police.
Salaam: No, Daddy, please. I just fell. That's all. I just fell.
Hassan: I'm going to call the police!
Later at the restaurant
Policeman: Can you give me their names? (Waits) Do you want to file a report?
Hassan: Salaam. Don't be afraid. Tell him who did this to you. Salaam, look at me! You tell him who this was.
Salaam: I don't want anyone else getting into trouble. (She walks off)
Hassan: Excuse me. (Follows his daughter)
Nick and Lulu exchange glances.
Lulu: (Sighs and approaches the policeman) The police need to step-up protection.
Policeman: Do you have any idea how far our resources are stretched? The men are working sixty-hour weeks, skipping their vacations to keep up with the heightened state of alert that we're already in. Now, we want to protect everyone. That's why we're here.
Lulu: Do you know that an Islamic school, about thirty miles from here, got a phone call from someone saying that they were going to paint the streets with the children's blood. And, then there was a Muslim student in California that got stabbed in the back and in the arm on his way out of a fundraiser for the victims' families. A fundraiser. There is an obvious threat to the Hassan family, here, and you have a special duty of care. Now, if something happens to them or to their property, we will claim that you breached that duty.
Scene: Fallin & Associates—Burton's office
Jake knocks on the door.
Burton: Come in. (Looks up) Hey, Jake. Sit down. What's on your mind?
Jake: Kirk & McGee made me an offer.
Burton: (Exhales heavily) I'm listening.
Jake: Twenty percent increase in salary—a better package—clear path to a partnership.
Burton: You think you don't have that here?
Jake: You tell me.
Burton: (Chuckles) You just gotta be patient, Jake.
Jake: How long?
Burton: Jake, you gotta understand that a partnership here is a much stronger position than at Kirk & McGee.
Jake: Will Nick be made a partner before I am?
Burton: (Chuckles) I tell you what. Let me have a day or two. I'll try to fool around with some numbers and see if we can't make you a lot happier. Okay? But, I want you to know that you're very important to this firm. You understand that? Very important.
Jake: Okay. Thanks.
Burton: Thanks for coming in. (Jake leaves)
Amanda knocks on the door.
Burton: Come in.
Amanda: Mr. Fallin?
Burton: Yeah.
Amanda: Well…
Burton: What is it, Amanda?
Amanda: Larry Hines said he might want me to come fill a position over at Kirk & McGee.
Burton: (Chuckles) He might want you to?
Amanda: I mean, I just want to be on the up-and-up.
Burton: But, did he make you an official offer?
Amanda: No, but they… said they were going to.
Burton: Well, why don't we just talk when when they actually make you the offer? Okay? Okay. (Amanda starts to leave) Oh, and Amanda. In the future, don't tell your boss you're thinking about leaving until the competing offer is on the table. Yeah.
Nick enters without knocking.
Nick: I'm working on the Palmer case—need a couple signatures. (Thumbs through a file on the table)
Burton: Nick. Jake and Amanda are thinking about going over to Kirk & McGee. Do you know anything about that?
Nick: No. No. I didn't.
Burton: They're not talking to you, are they? (After no response) Are they?
Nick: Yeah. They made me an offer.
Burton grabs his suit jacket and hurriedly leaves the office.
Scene: Kirk & McGee—Bill McGee's office
Burton barges into McGee's office without an announcement.
Bill McGee: Hello, Burton.
Burton: My son?
Bill McGee: He's a hellavu good lawyer.
Burton: He's also my son.
Bill McGee: Are you going to make him a partner?
Burton: That's none of your business.
Bill McGee: Associates have always been fair game, Burton.
Burton: If you think you're going to capitalize on my name by offering my son a position that you and I both know he's not ready for…
Bill McGee: That's your opinion.
Burton: That's a fact. You think your business is safe? I'll go after your Associates, your clients, your paralegals… and your secretaries. And that's a promise!
Scene: The Incline
Hines: Hey.
Amanda: Hi.
Hines: Great news. McGee wants to hire someone to oversee all pro-bono work, a kind of half and half position.
Amanda: Really?
Hines: And, McGee thinks you'd be perfect for it. (Laughs then pats Amanda's hand and sighs—she pulls away) What?
Amanda: Oh, my God!
Hines: I wasn't…
Amanda: Oh, my God!
Hines: I wasn't…
Amanda: You just wanted to…
Hines: Amanda, get ahold of yourself. I just patted your hand, that's all.
Amanda: I overreacted.
Hines: Amanda. You're a lovely young woman but I am a happily married man, with kids. Believe me, if I were younger… (Laughs) Well, I'd be younger then, wouldn't I? Well, you'll see… when you meet with Bill McGee, you'll see, I wasn't just saying all this.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Nick exits the elevator to find everyone gathered around the TV.
TV reporter: We're learning more today about a story involving a restaurant owned by a Muslim immigrant that was set on fire last night. The blaze was quickly put-out and damage was not thought to be extensive but reports now indicate that that same restaurant, owned and operated by Ahmad Hassan, was damaged by vandals just ten days ago. Now, police won't confirm if the two incidents are related or if they're racially motivated.
Lulu turns to go into her office—Nick follows.
Scene: Hassan's Restaurant
Hassan: I don't think suing the police is a good idea.
Nick: I think you should move your family to a safer place, just until this thing settles.
Lulu: Well…like where?
Nick: Homeless shelter—Catholic Charities.
Lulu: The Hassans are not homeless.
Nick: Yes, I understand that.
Lulu: Don't let Mr. Fallin dissuade you…
Hassan: I don't think it's a good idea calling even more attention to ourselves.
Lulu: We can do this. You have rights and you should assert them.
Hassan: The police didn't do this to my restaurant. The government didn't send me those letters; my fellow Americans did. My countrymen burned my restaurant.
Scene: Fallin & Associates—Burton's office
Burton: I can guarantee you a twenty percent raise in salary. (Pause) How 'bout ten percent of all the work we do for Van Owen? Same for Halderson and Smith?
Jake: Well, they offered me twenty-five percent of all new business.
Burton: Fine. Twenty-five percent of all new business. (Pause) Better office.
Jake: New furniture?
Burton: (Chuckles) New furniture.
Jake: They told me two years before I made partner.
Burton: They didn't guarantee you that?
Jake: No, but I want your word that you won't make me wait more than two years.
Burton: (Heavy sigh) You got it.
Jake: Thank you, Burton.
Burton: Thank you, Jake. (They shake hands)
Nick enters as Jake leaves.
Burton: Why didn't you tell me?
Nick: I don't know.
Burton: So…you still considering their offer?
Nick: Yeah.
Burton: You think you're ready to be a partner?
Nick: Yeah.
Burton: Based on what? How many of your own clients do you have?
Nick: I have Duquesne Union Bank.
Burton: Since when?
Nick: Yesterday. Adamson told me that he would go wherever I went. (Burton chuckles) You still don't think I'm ready?
Burton: Son, it's just a matter of judgment and experience. I don't mean legal experience. I mean life experience. Hell, you're still figuring that out.
Nick: It's about the drugs, isn't it?
Burton: It's about straightening out your life. I mean, you can't scrape by on your wits. And, until you work off that community service and devote yourself to this firm, and I mean double-time, you're just not ready.
Nick: What have I gotta do?
Burton: (Shakes head) Oh…
Nick: What? All my life I've listened to that speech: maturity, responsibility, wisdom. You want to know something? I look at you, alright? I look at you and I don't exactly see those qualities pouring out from behind your desk.
Burton: Oh, Nicholas.
Nick: I have never asked you to make me partner.
Burton: No.
Nick: No. I have just worked very hard for this firm! I have done very well by this firm!
Burton: Nicholas. They are trying to exploit my name. All my life I've worked my ass off to build up this firm! All I've got is my name—my reputation!
Nick: It's my name, too. (Exits—holding back his emotions)
Scene: Hassan's home
Nick knocks on the door.
Hassan: Who is it?
Nick: It's Nick Fallin.
Hassan: Coming.
Hassan opens the door to find Nick and Perry.
Nick: Hey.
Hassan: What is he doing here?
Nick: He came by the office today. He has something to say to you. I'd appreciate it if you heard him out.
Perry: Ah…your daughter… I really, really liked her. I didn't really try to understand anything about her, where you're from, your religion. When we'd go out with my friends, it just never really worked out, you know. They thought she was uptight and I guess I knew that she was going to dump me when she did, and she said that you told her to. I asked my parents to drop the lawsuit against you. Mr. Fallin told me I should probably have the guts to tell you that to your face. (Looks at Nick, who nods—he leaves)
Hassan: Why did he come here?
Nick: He's in a tight spot. Criminal charges—stronger civil suit.
Hassan: You think he's trying to manipulate me?
Nick: Maybe—maybe not.
Hassan: You think I should drop my lawsuit as well.
Nick: No, I never said that.
Hassan: Well, I can see that's how you're feeling.
Nick: You have a very strong case, Mr. Hassan. If you wish to proceed, it would be my pleasure to be there for you.
Hassan: I would like to have a meeting with that boy's parents.
Nick: Okay.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Hassan is meeting with the Hudsons. Lulu and Nick are also present.
Hassan: Did you know that our children were dating? (The Hudsons shake their heads) Neither did I. I've had to raise my daughter alone. Her mother died when she was two years old. I am a proud man. A Muslim man. I was raised in a very, very different culture. I have been very strict with my daughter and I will always be this way. When I was young and I had just met my wife, I… I would sneak over to her home and try to talk to her, you know, without her parents' permission. I remember the feeling I had when I was away from her. I thought about her all the time. I still do. I look at my daughter and I see my wife. And if your son feels the way I do about her, I can begin to understand. He did a terrible thing, but I do not think he did it because I am Muslim. I'll drop my case against your son. His injury is severe. I think…I think perhaps he has suffered enough. (Exits)
Scene: The Incline
Bill McGee is dining with other men.
Amanda: (Approaches the luncheon party) Mr. McGee? I'm Amanda Bowles.
Bill McGee: Oh. Well… Hello, there.
Amanda: You've never heard my name, have you?
Bill McGee: I'm sorry, but, no.
Amanda: Yeah. I didn't think so. (Turns and walks away)
Bill McGee: Hmm.
Scene: Fallin & Associates—main lobby
Jake bounds down the stairs and leaves a folder at reception.
Jake: Okay. This should take care of it. (Amanda enters through the main doors) Hey, Amanda. There's a meeting in the conference room. (Amanda hesitates, then turns to leave) Hey, Amanda. What's wrong?
Amanda: Oh, nothing. I'm fine.
Jake: Come on.
Scene: Fallin & Associates—Conference room
Burton: We've done well this week. We held on to all but three of Larry's major clients. (Jake and Amanda enter) Our Associates have proven their loyalty. And, as of this afternoon, we haven't had another defection. I know that sometimes I'm a hard man to work with. I know that I'm demanding. Sometimes you people don't realize how much I appreciate your hard work. Well, know that I do. Each and every one of you is incredibly important to this firm and it would be a shame if you thought otherwise. Um…well, let's get back to work.
Scene: Fallin & Associates—Burton's office
Nick knocks on the door.
Burton: Come in. (Nick enters) Hey.
Nick: (Walks to the window) You're not going to name a new partner?
Burton: No. Not yet.
Nick: When you made me the offer to come and work with you… (Sits down)
Burton: Yeah?
Nick: Why did you?
Burton: (exhales) Thought you'd be an asset to the firm.
Nick: Not because I was your son?
Burton: No. No, I don't do things that way.
Nick: Yeah. That's what I thought. Business comes first. Makes sense.
Burton: Well, I'm glad you understand, son.
Nick: I'm going to take that position over a Kirk & McGee.
Nick exits with a backward glance. Burton stares after him.
Scene: Hassan's Restaurant
Nick and Lulu are helping Mr. Hassan clean up the fire damage.
Lulu: Did you take the day off from work today?
Nick: No. I quit my job.
Lulu: (Chuckles) You're kidding.
Nick: No. I did. I start at Kirk & McGee next week.
Lulu: Aha…
Perry enters the restaurant.
Perry: Mr. Hassan?
Hassan: Yes.
Perry: I just…
Hassan: Yes?
Perry: (Clears throat) Well, I took the day off from school and thought, you know, if you didn't mind thought maybe I'd help out.
Nick hands Perry a bottle of cleaning liquid and a rag. Scene fades out as everyone is helping Mr. Hassan clean up the fire damage.
END OF EPISODE
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