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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Fallin & Associates—Monday
Nick bounds down the stairs—late for an office meeting in the conference room, where the staff are gathered.
Burton: (Addresses the group) Well, this is turning out to be somewhat of a regular thing. (Chuckles) I know that you all know that I've been going through … this Federal Judicial nomination process. And I also know that many of you have given of your precious time to discuss and exaggerate some of my merits to the committee and the FBI. And I sincerely want to thank you all for that. Today is a little bit bittersweet for me. The good news is that my appointment has been confirmed. (Applause) But that also means that I will be leaving the firm. So, effective today, our newest partner, Nathan Caldwell, will be assuming the position of managing partner and the firm will be called Caldwell & Associates from now on. Nathan, congratulations. (Shakes hands)
Nathan: I don't want to take this moment for anything other than to congratulate Burton. As for the future, my philosophy is, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' (Nick walks away from the meeting—glancing back at his father) So… you all have your jobs and the firm will continue to operate exactly as it did. (Applause) I'd like to thank you all for being so… (fades)
Reception area
Detective Darger: Mr. Fallin. (Nick turns—surprised to see him) We need to talk.
Detective Darger follows Nick to his office.
Darger: Do you know where Mandy Gressler is?
Nick: No.
Darger: She try to contact you?
Nick: No.
Darger: Mind if we put a tap on your phone?
Nick: I'm going to need to have my lawyer present if this is going to continue.
Darger: (Sighs) Look. Mandy's on the move. Just missed her at her sister's house in Scranton. Showed up at her ex-husband's place in Redding, about a day late. And would you believe she took first place at an amateur stripping contest in Morgantown. Mandy's got a bit of a habit. But, then you'd know all about that, huh, Nick?
Nick: What is it you want from me, Detective Darger?
Darger: Well, eventually she'll come back to the city and when she does… she'll call you.
Nick: I barely know her.
Darger: Well, no matter your relationship. She's gone through all her other options. She knows you're a lawyer; you got money. She probably thinks you're above the fray. Here's my cell phone number. (Hands Nick a business card which he puts in his inside coat pocket) When she contacts you, you call me. And we can clear this mess up. (Darger leaves)
Later: Nick walks to Burton's office—door is open.
Nathan: Ah… Nick. Will you close the door, please? (Nick closes the door) Now, I guess you're feeling a little frustrated about what's been happening around here. I think that, in time, you'll see me as an ally… and a decent leader. So. You think we can make this thing work?
Nick: (looking at Burton) You going to make me a partner?
Nathan: Well, I don't want to make any major changes this early in my tenure, Nick. Just might make the others nervous. Just give me a little time to transition, huh?
Nathan moves towards Nick, who turns and walks out—leaving the door standing wide open.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Nick gets off the elevator and overhears Lulu talking loudly on the phone from her office.
Lulu: You want to have it both ways, Brian. You dump all this planning into my lap and now, all of a sudden, in the eleventh hour… (To Nick, who appears in the doorway) Hang on. Just wait. (On the phone) …in the eleventh hour, you, you're blaming me for everything. I have a lot on my plate, too. Fine! Forget it! (Hangs up the phone—gives a weak laugh.)
Nick: You all right?
Lulu: Oh, it's okay. It's just all this wedding stuff. You know, it's really a cliché at this point but, it's a mess. And I'm just trying… (Nick distracts her by tucking her hair behind her ear—then looks sheepish.) It's okay. Sorry. What was it that you needed?
Nick: The high school discrimination file.
Lulu: Oh. Right. (Hands Nick the file) It came in through Alvin, so if you … if you need more information…
Nick: Sure you're all right?
Lulu: Yeah. Yeah.
Nick: Okay. (Exits Lulu's office—pulling the door closed)
Alvin: (Speaks—in passing) Nick.
Nick: Alvin. (Heads to the elevator)
James and Levi get off the elevator.
James: (To Nick) Hey.
Nick: Hey.
Alvin: Morning, James.
James: Morning.
Alvin: Levi. (Notices his bruised and battered face) James… Can I see you a second? (They go into Alvin's office)
James: What's up?
Alvin: That black-eye Levi has.
James: Yeah.
Alvin: He get it boxing?
James: Yeah.
Alvin: With you?
James: Yes.
Alvin: (Sighs) James.
James: Alvin. We've already had this conversation once before. What I do with my nephew on my time, is my business.
Alvin: Have you given any thought to that parenting class that I told you about?
James: I appreciate your concern, but I know what I'm doing.
Alvin: Yeah. But hitting a kid… I mean, resolving stuff with violence… James…
James: Alvin. It's a sport. He can handle it. (Walks out)
Scene: Caldwell & Associates—Nick's office
Dr. Reed is waiting.
Nick: Dr. Reed. (Shakes hands) Good to see you.
Dr. Reed: You too, Nick.
Nick: How have you been?
Dr. Reed: Well, thanks to you, a few good doctors and medication—great.
Nick: (Sighs) Well, I'm glad to hear it.
Dr. Reed: I'm not saying it's been… I miss my wife.
Nick: Of course.
Dr. Reed: And Hunter does immensely. But the two of us—it's good. Hunter's progressing nicely in school. I'm looking for work.
Nick: That's great. Where?
Dr. Reed: Teaching. Possibly at Chadsworth, as an adjunct. The dean has been very receptive.
Nick: So, how can I help you today, Dr. Reed?
Dr. Reed: The money that you got for Hunter, I'm the Trustee…
Nick: That's right.
Dr. Reed: And if anything were to happen to me…?
Nick: Hunter's grandfather would become Trustee until Hunter turns twenty-five.
Dr. Reed: I don't trust Hunter's grandfather with five million dollars.
Nick: Okay. So you don't want Donald Sample as Hunter's second Trustee.
Dr. Reed: No.
Nick: Do you have another Trustee in mind?
Dr. Reed: You.
Nick: (Long pause) Well, you realize, Dr. Reed, that you're asking me to potentially play a very large role in Hunter's life.
Dr. Reed: If it weren't for you, Hunter wouldn't even have this money. I'd be in jail for murder. Most of all, you made sure that Hunter and I stayed together. You've already done so much. If you want to say no, I understand.
Nick: No, I accept.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—James' office
Laurie knocks.
James: It's open. (Laurie enters) Hey, hi, Laurie.
Laurie: Hey, James.
James: We got an appointment today?
Laurie: No. Is it okay if I sit down?
James: Please. So, what can I help you with?
Laurie: I stopped by Levi's school on my way here.
James: He do something?
Laurie: No, I'm afraid you did.
James: (Defensively) So… this is an official visit.
Laurie: James, I want to talk to you about parenting classes.
James: Who called you in?
Laurie: Levi's on Home Detention. Periodic checks are part of the arrangement.
James: Levi's Juvenile Probation Officer handles those. Not you.
Laurie: I'm here to avoid that.
James: Don't do me any favors. (Storms out)
Laurie: James!
James storms into Alvin's office.
James: You dimed me out to Social Services?
Alvin: (Dozing on the couch, is rudely awakened) What?
James: What's wrong with you?
Alvin: I suggested Laurie talk to you about a parenting class.
James: Do you know how embarrassing and unnecessary this is?
Laurie: What you're trying to do with your nephew is great.
Alvin: We just think you may need some help.
James: Oh. Now it's 'we'.
Alvin: Look, I cannot ignore the potential physical abuse of a child just because it's being done by one of my lawyers.
Laurie: It's just a parenting class, James.
James: I'll take a parenting class when the courts tell me to!
Scene: Caldwell & Associates
Receptionist: (Answers phone) Caldwell & Associates.
Nick walks down the hallway toward the front door when he encounters Mitchell Lichtman, who is descending the stairs.
Mitchell: Hey, Nick. Good to see you.
Nick turns and storms into Burton's office without knocking.
Burton: Hey.
Nick: What is Mitchell Lichtman doing in here?
Burton: Caldwell brought him back.
Nick: Why?
Burton: Caldwell says this is a big move for him and he can't do it without Lichtman.
Nick: You fired him. He committed a felony.
Burton: Nicholas. I resigned from the firm yesterday. I no longer have any say on how it's run.
Nick: What's his title? What's his position?
Burton: Partner.
Nick: Okay.
Burton: They voted him in yesterday. It's Caldwell's first order of business.
Nick: First order of business.
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: Caldwell planned on bringing him back the moment you cut him loose.
Burton: Could be.
Nick walks out of Burton's office—encounters Jake in the hallway.
Nick: Jake. Come with me.
They go into the conference room and shut the door.
Jake: Did they make you partner?
Nick: You screwed me over for Lichtman because you wanted to get into their public-relations department.
Jake: Nick, look, I… Okay, I was desperate. I am barred from doing mergers.
Nick: My father kept you in this firm because he liked you. You seriously think Caldwell and Lichtman will do the same for you?
Jake: What are you saying?
Nick: I don't trust those two, Jake. Do you?
Jake: No. But, what choice do we have?
Nick: Meet me at Legal Services tonight at nine-thirty. Bring Arnold Parker, Henry Stone and Lisa Jacoby. (Nick leaves)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—that night
Jake, Arnold, Henry and Lisa get off the elevator and walk into the bullpen.
Arnold: What a dump.
Jake: Nick. Where are you?
Nick: (Calls from meeting room) In here.
Jake: Okay. Let's go this way. (To Nick) Hey. (To the group) We all probably know why we're here. None of us feels too good about the changes that are going on at the firm and Nick and I have a few ideas we wanted to present to you.
Nick: Thanks, Jake. Just want to keep it simple. I want something different—a real partnership. A place that the clients belong to the firm and we divide the profits equally. A place where we decide on the risks and get the rewards. No inflated partner salaries, no downtown rent, no useless associates.
Jake: No Caldwell and Lichtman.
Nick: No Caldwell and Lichtman.
Arnold: Who are the clients?
Nick: We will bring the people that we service at my father's firm. Caldwell and Lichtman can't hold on to them if we leave.
Arnold: Will your father support this?
Nick: What does it matter now?
Underground parking garage—Nick is talking on his cell phone.
Nick: Michelle, I need you to call Alfred Barnes and set up a breakfast for tomorrow morning. And pull the Shield Industry file and have it sent to my home. (Unlocks his car and gets in—Mandy jumps in) Oh, God!
Mandy: How was your month? I've been sittin' in here, like… two hours. There's a sign over there about the garage having carcinogens… something about a warning for pregnant mothers…
Nick: The police are looking for you.
Mandy: You don't think I know that? I need six thousand dollars.
Nick: I've already gone to the police. I've made my deal. You should go make yours.
Mandy: Did you tell 'em the truth? That I saved your life. And that Lenny was goin' crazy.
Nick: I told them what happened.
Mandy: (Hits him) What the fu… What? You told them that I shot Lenny in the back and that I was ripping Dale off? That's wh…
Nick: I told them what happened, Mandy. When you talk to the police, might help them understand.
Mandy: I need money!
Nick: I can't help you.
Mandy: Well, I could tell them what you did.
Nick: I didn't do anything.
Mandy: You know, if I get in trouble, I could tell them that we were involved. (Tugs at his tie—he pushes her away) I could tell them that you were in on scammin' Dale. I could tell them a lot of things. Give me a hundred so I can get a motel room, at least.
Nick: No, you go make your deal.
Mandy: Please? (Nick dials his cell phone) Come on!
Nick: (to phone) Detective Darger?
Mandy: You know, you suck! (Gets out of the car)
Nick: Mandy! (to phone) I need to speak with Detective Darger.
Scene: Caldwell & Associates—Tuesday
Workman is removing the Fallin & Associates letters from the glass behind reception—Nick escorts Dr. Reed from his office to the front door.
Dr. Reed: This really gives me peace of mind, Nick. I appreciate it.
Nick: No problem.
Dr. Reed: You know, Hunter talks about you all the time.
Nick: Well, I'd like to spend some more time with him.
Dr. Reed: Well, how about this evening? I've got two tickets to the ballgame, right behind home plate.
Nick: Oh, you can't take him?
Dr. Reed: The Dean at Chadsworth wants me to meet with the committee this evening. Be great if I could, you know, for the job.
Nick: Sure.
Dr. Reed: Yeah.
Nick: Great.
Dr. Reed: Well, the game starts around seven thirty-five. Hunter likes batting practice. Why don't you come by at around 6:00?
Nick: Thanks.
Dr. Reed: Yeah. Great.
Nick enters Burton's office—without knocking.
Burton: Hey.
Nick: You wanted to see me?
Burton: Yeah. Come on in. Just packing up… last minute things, here. I thought maybe you might want some of this crap.
Nick: No. My office is pretty much done.
Burton: I arranged with Nathan… I arranged for you to have this office.
Nick: Thank you.
Burton: Yeah. (Nick folds his arms and looks away) What is it?
Nick: I'm not... I'm not going to be staying here.
Burton: Really? When did you make that decision?
Nick: Today. I guess it was today.
Burton: Um…
Nick: Yeah. I was … (Clears throat) I was going to tell you.
Burton: Well… what are you going to do? Go across the street or…?
Nick: No. A few of us from here are going to start our own firm.
Burton: A few of you?
Nick: Yes.
Burton: You think that's the best move?
Nick: I do.
Burton: I don't want to get into your decision but if you leave, there's a good chance you'll lose all my clients.
Nick: I think several will come with me.
Burton: Caldwell know about this defection?
Nick: Not yet.
Burton: Am I supposed to sit on it for you?
Nick: I would appreciate it.
Burton: I see. (Exhales) Do you realize that I brought Caldwell in here basically to protect you? (Sighs) Give you a better shot at holding on to the clients and keeping the firm going? I mean, did you consider that before you decided to cannibalize it?
Nick: I did. I did consider that.
Burton: (Sighs) Oh. Guess you gotta do what you gotta do.
Nick is leaving the office when he is surprised by Detective Darger—waiting in the reception area.
Darger: Mandy Gressler spent the night in a motel out in McKeesport—near the turnpike entrance.
Nick: Okay.
Darger: Did you enjoy banging her?
Nick: What?
Darger: (Removes a credit card receipt from his pocket) 'Cause you were certainly dumb enough to pay for her room.
Nick: (Takes the receipt) Can you come sit here, please? (They sit down in the lobby) She stole my credit card.
Darger: How may I ask would she do that?
Nick: My car. I keep duplicates of my credit cards in my car and she's stolen it from my car.
Darger: You drove her some place?
Nick: No. I didn't. She, she jumped in my car when I… in the parking garage.
Darger: You didn't tell me that before.
Nick: I didn't? I didn't? She jumped in my car. That's when she asked me for the money.
Darger: You know, I looked it up, Fallin. In your own version of events at that strip club, you committed three technical probation violations. Now, the only reason I don't haul you in right now is on the off-chance that you two cross paths again.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—James' office
Nick: (enters office holding a Post-It note) You need something?
James: Yeah.
Nick: So, what's going on?
James: Well, you know I'm the legal guardian for my nephew, Levi.
Nick: Home Detention, right?
James: That's right. (Nick nods) Alvin's under the impression that I might not be such a good influence and now there's a hearing to force me to take parenting classes.
Nick: Based on what?
James: Based on Levi's entirely voluntary participation in boxing lessons with me. (Chuckles) Alvin told Laurie who talked to Levi's Juvenile Probation Officer. The JPO filed a report with the judge.
Nick: Oh. You want me to represent you?
James: Well, it'll be fine. You can just follow my lead.
Nick: No. No.
James: What?
Nick: No. If you want me to represent you, then I call the shots.
James: I've done over a thousand of these hearings.
Nick: Have you ever been a party?
James: No. You know…
Nick: I call the shots. (They nod in agreement)
James: You should talk to Levi. He's in the conference room doing homework. (Nick glares at him) I know. I know. It's your game. (Nick starts to leave) Nick. You know, thanks.
Scene: Outside the Reed residence—after the ballgame
Nick and Hunter talk baseball in his car.
Hunter: '79 World Series starters—Willie Stargell, Bill Garner, Tim Foley… Madlock and Ed Ott.
Nick: Centerfield?
Hunter: Omar Mareno.
Nick: Left?
Hunter: Bill Robinson and Milner platooned.
Nick: Right?
Hunter: Dave Parker.
Nick: There you go. You got the rotation?
Hunter: Blyleven, Candaleria, Bibby and…
Nick: Goose Gossage was the closer.
Hunter: Gossage was in New York that year.
Nick: Ah…
Hunter: Tekulve was the closer.
Nick: Who was the fourth starter?
Hunter: I'll have to ask my dad. He knows all about this stuff.
Nick: Well, thank you for the tickets.
Hunter: Thanks for taking me.
Nick: Yeah, it was great.
Hunter: See ya later.
Nick: See ya.
Nick waits until Hunter opens his front door before driving off.
Scene: Nick's home—foyer
Nick tosses his keys on a table in the foyer and checks the messages on his answering machine.
Alvin: (Message) Nick. It's Alvin. I'm at Pittsburgh General. Thomas Reed tried to kill himself.
Nick grabs his keys and races out the door.
Scene: Pittsburgh General Hospital—Emergency Room
Nick runs down the corridor at hospital and encounters Alvin.
Hospital Intercom: Dr. Wagman to O.R. Five. Dr. Wagman to O.R. Five.
Nick: What's going on?
Alvin: Dr. Reed tried to overdose.
Nick: What? He's all right?
Alvin: They pumped his stomach. He's stable.
Nick: Did Hunter find him?
Alvin: (Sighs) Yeah. (Alvin tries to stop Nick from going to Hunter) No, Nick, don't…
Nick: No. Hunter? Hunter! (Mr. Sample stops him)
Mr. Sample: Please. Leave him alone.
Nick: Mr. Sample.
Mr. Sample: Don't you think you've done enough to the boy?
Nick: Mr. Sample, I understand.
Mr. Sample: Don't you ever tell me you understand anything. Not until you become a father who loses his only child. Not until you become a grandfather who watches some punk lawyer place his grandchild in a killer's hands.
Nick: Hunter. I'm going to make sure your father gets the best care he can.
Mr. Sample: Just leave.
Nick turns to leave—walking past Alvin and out the door of the E.R.
Outside the E.R.
Alvin: (Runs after Nick) Nick. (Nick struggles with his emotions) God, I'm sorry. You need to talk about it? Listen, it happens like this all the time. You do your job. You follow your gut and it blows up in your face. I've been there. (Sighs) Want to get a cup of coffee?
Nick: No.
Alvin: Get a bite to eat? Hang out?
Nick: No. No.
Alvin: Look, Nick. You can't just…
Nick: (Angrily) No, I don't want to hang out, Alvin. I don't want to talk. I don't want to be your friend. I don't want to hear your recovery story.
Alvin: Yeah. (Dejected—walks off)
Scene: Caldwell & Associates—Wednesday
Nick walks in the front door and finds the name behind the reception desk has been changed to Caldwell & Associates. Mitchell Lichtman meets him in the lobby.
Receptionist: (Answers the phone) Caldwell & Associates. May I help you?
Mitchell: The Senator would like to see you.
Nick glares—then follows him to the conference room where Caldwell has been talking with Arnold Parker.
Caldwell: Oh, I appreciate the heads-up, Mr. Parker. And, thank you. (Arnold gets up to leave as Nick enters)
Nick: Arnold?
Caldwell: Nick. Have a seat. (Nick doesn't move—Caldwell laughs) I have to say, we have gotten off to a truly unfortunate start. And, much of that is my fault. I take responsibility for… for underestimating you. Not taking into account your many years of work here; your importance to the firm.
Nick: What is your point?
Caldwell: My point is… I have reconsidered my position. I've spoken to the other partners and we are prepared to offer you a full equity partnership.
Nick: (Looks at Mitchell—thinks about it—then looks back at Caldwell) No thanks. (Walks out—followed by Mitchell)
Hallway—outside conference room
Mitchell: You don't want to do this. Nick. If you take our clients… I can make life pretty miserable for your father.
Nick glares at him before walking out.
Scene: Judge Damsen's courtroom
Nick: James. Why did you become Levi's guardian, in the first place?
James: (On the stand) He's my nephew and I love him. He was in trouble and he had nowhere else to go.
Nick: Have you been a guardian before?
James: No.
Nick: Why do you take Levi to the boxing gym?
James: I believe the training and discipline is good for him.
Nick: And why boxing? Why not Karate or football?
James: It's what I know. Kept me off the streets as a teenager. Gave me a family of people. Kept me off drugs and in school. I mean it's a beautiful sport. It trains the body and the mind.
Nick: Is it common to get bruises on your face when you're in the ring?
James: It's a sport. You hit—get hit.
Nick: No further questions.
Judge Damsen: Ms. Shaw.
Kate Shaw: Is it true that you were a Golden Gloves champion?
James: Yes.
Kate: What weight class?
James: Light-heavyweight.
Kate: How much does Levi weigh?
James: I don't know. A hundred and fifty.
Kate: Is that light-heavyweight?
James: Welterweight.
Kate: Did you obtain permission from Levi's Juvenile Probation Officer for your visits to the gym?
James: Yes.
Kate: When you spoke to the JPO, did you clarify that you, personally, would be boxing Levi?
James: No.
Kate: Has Levi been trained as a boxer?
James: (Laughs) That's what I'm doing now.
Kate: Before you took him into the ring.
James: No.
Kate: Do you think it's appropriate, with your vast experience as a fighter and your clear size advantage, to take a sixteen-year-old boy into the ring and punch him in the stomach and the face?
James: It's just boxing.
Kate: No further questions, Your Honor.
Judge Damsen: Mr. Mooney. Why did you originally decide to teach Levi to box?
James: He needed structure.
Judge Damsen: Well, the rules of Home Detention are very structured.
James: I thought he needed more.
Judge Damsen: Has Levi broken any conditions of Home Detention while under your care? (Long pause) I'm waiting, Counselor.
James: He skipped school once to be with his girlfriend and got picked up by a truant officer. He missed a counseling meeting. Eh…
Judge Damsen: You may step down, Mr. Mooney. (James leaves the stand) Ms. Solt. In making your recommendation about a parenting class, were you aware of these violations?
Laurie: No, Your Honor.
Judge Damsen: (Sighs) I have no problem with boxing. I do have a problem with Levi boxing you, Mr. Mooney. However, my biggest problem is not with Levi's activities in the gym. Levi, you were charged with manslaughter. You were able to avoid being sentenced to a juvenile detention facility only by agreeing to Judge Sutton's very specific rules of Home Detention. You broke those rules. Mr. Mooney, you and the boxing gym do not take the place of the court. I am placing Levi Mooney in the Shumann Center for the next sixty days. Mr. Mooney, we can revisit the issue of Levi's Home Detention under your care, in two months' time, when you complete a parenting class.
James: So… you're just going to throw him in jail—not give him a second chance.
Nick: James. James.
Judge Damsen: Mr. Mooney, Home Detention was that second chance.
Nick: He'll be out in two months.
Scene: The Incline
Nick enters for a clandestine meeting with Jake.
Jake: Hey.
Nick: What've you got?
Jake: So, Henderson's in. So's Mandel and Hopefinger. We're keeping Atlantic Union Finance, American Box and Stephen Sophets. What about you?
Nick: Everybody, so far.
Jake: Good. All right. Well, the other guys got about seven clients between them. I just got off the phone with the real estate guy. He said we can get that loft space on the Southside up and running by the end of the month. So you want to pull the trigger?
Nick: Yeah.
Jake: Can't believe we're doing this. Can't believe we're doing this.
Nick: Can you have these files pulled and sent to my house?
Jake: Kroft Steakhouse, Miller Tech., Stein Industries. But these are… these are all Arnold Parker's clients.
Nick: Yeah. (Grins and leaves.)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—James' office
James is packing his things.
Alvin: James. This wasn't supposed to happen. We need to get past this.
James: Past this? Past th… You sent my nephew to detention.
Alvin: Quitting this job won't make it better.
James: Why do you even do this kind of work? You don't have any kids. You don't even know the world these kids come from.
Alvin: I do it because it's good work.
James: Alvin. This job was my goal. Not something to just cover up time—something to just cover up the fact that nobody wants to be around a pompous, 12-step control freak.
Alvin: That's not fair, James.
James: No, I'll tell you what's not fair. Bringing my family around here to show them what they can become and having you call Social Services on me and humiliate me in front of my family and colleagues, all because of what I'm doing, you don't understand. (Picks up box of things and starts to leave)
Alvin: I'm sorry.
James: Tell that to Levi.
Nick: Don't quit your job, James. You're the best lawyer they have here. You are.
James scoffs and walks off—Alvin turns to go into his office.
Lulu: (Comes up behind Nick) What the hell's going on? (Nick looks away but doesn't answer) You know, I need to talk to you.
Nick: Okay. (Follows her into meeting room) Where have you been?
Lulu: I took a vacation. (Long pause)
Nick: What is it?
Lulu: You know, my wedding was turning into such a mess. And it really became a monster. Brian's mother was fighting with me about… everything. I confessed to Brian. You know. I mean about our… my slip. And I didn't mention your name and…
Nick: Ah… (Shakes his head)
Lulu: … and I told him that it didn't go anywhere but… he was really very angry as, I guess, you know, I expected he would be.
Nick: He was angry?
Lulu: Yeah… you know, of course. And, well, I didn't know … You know, I've been confused and then I felt relieved because I didn't know what to expect… so we called it off.
Nick: I think that's good. That's good.
Lulu: No. We called off the big wedding and… we went to Atlantic City and got married.
Nick: Okay.
Lulu turns and walks out, leaving Nick to grapple with his feelings.
Scene: City-County Building—Courtroom—Thursday
Judge Damsen: Ms. Solt, your recommendation?
Laurie: Under the circumstances, Hunter should live with his grandparents.
Judge Damsen: Any objections to this? (Nick has quietly slipped into the courtroom and stands at the back)
State's Lawyer: No ma'am.
Judge Damsen: Hunter Reed will be permanently placed with his maternal grandparents, Donald and Phyllis Sample.
Outside courtroom
Laurie: Good luck to both of you. (Walks away)
Mr. Sample: Thank you very much.
Nick: (Approaches Mr. Sample) Mr. Sample? I'd like your permission to have a word with Hunter. (They walk to a bench) Now, listen… Hunter, I made a mistake. When I fought for you to stay with your father... I should've known that you belong with your grandparents. I should've known that your father wasn't ready and I should've just let your grandparents take care of you long enough to be sure. Now, this is the right thing. It's the way it should be.
Hunter turns and walks off without a word.
Scene: Caldwell & Associates—after hours
Employees are gathered for Burton's farewell party. He's standing beside a pile of gifts.
Burton: …and you know I can't accept any of these. Now you could have given them to me before my appointment. (Laughs) No, but seriously, I really appreciate it but they've all got to go back. (Nick appears and gestures towards Burton's office) Yeah. I tell you what… just enjoy yourselves. Excuse me for just one sec. I'll be right back. (Follows Nick into his old office) Hey, Nicholas. Thanks for coming.
Nick: You trade this Firm for the bench?
Burton: What?
Nick: What does Lichtman have on you?
Burton: I don't know what you're talking about.
Nick: Caldwell pull some strings to get your appointment?
Burton: You don't think I got the appointment on my own merits?
Nick: That's not what I meant.
Burton: Well, that hurts, Nicholas. (Lights a cigarette) That hurts.
Nick: Well, tell me you didn't, Dad. Tell me you didn't trade this place and my future for the bench.
Burton: (Angrily) I tell you what, Nicholas, why don't you take over this place? Make the decisions that affect hundreds of people. Listen to 'em kiss your ass and whisper behind your back. You decide when to bend, when to break, when to fight. You make those choices… and live with them. And once you do that maybe… maybe then you'll be ready to have a conversation about what I had to do to keep this place going. And keep you and everybody else around here in diapers.
Nick glares at Burton—then stalks out—slamming the door. Caldwell enters Burton's office.
Burton: Hey, Nate. Come on in.
Caldwell: Burton. I just saw Nicholas storm out of here. I thought you were going to fix things up with him.
Burton: I made no such promise.
Caldwell: There's something you should know. I trusted Mitchell with everything that came through my office.
Burton: Everything?
Caldwell: He's got a little leverage, Burton.
Burton: (Sighs) A little.
Caldwell: You promised me a chance to work in a profitable law firm. I promised Mitchell. You never mentioned that you'd be stepping away to a Federal bench.
Burton: I thought I made that up to you by making you managing partner.
Caldwell: Well, you did. But, the clients have to stay at the firm for that to have any value.
Burton: My intention was that Nicholas would have my clients.
Caldwell: And we need Nick… or we're both in trouble.
Burton: I never included my son in this deal. Ever. (Gets up to leave.)
Scene: Nick's house
Nick bounds up the steps to his front door and is met by Mandy Gressler.
Mandy: Cancelled your MasterCard.
Nick: 'Cause the police told me you had it.
Mandy: Yeah. I got back to my motel room and there were, like, three cop cars there. I had to leave my favorite pair of shoes.
Nick: Sorry to hear it.
Mandy: Well, I'm ready.
Nick: For what?
Mandy: To go to the police. Like you said.
Nick: (Reaching for his cell phone) Let's call them right now.
Mandy: Not, um... not right now. I'm really, really high. I decided this afternoon that it was time so… I picked up an eight-ball… just to suit myself. 'Cause you know how it is once you go in, there's nothing. But I ended up doing all of it. And I can't go in there all stressed out.
Nick: You going to go in?
Mandy: But I need to take a shower first and have a cigarette.
Nick: There's a shower upstairs.
Upstairs bathroom—Nick empties the medicine chest then hands Mandy a towel as she begins to undress. Immediately outside the door, he listens for the shower.
Nick: (Dials the phone) Detective Darger. It's Nick Fallin. I have Mandy Gressler in my apartment.
Mandy: (Sneaks up behind him) What are you doing? (Hits him on the side of the head with a shoe—knocking him down—) Lying bastard!
Nick writhes on the floor in pain. Mandy runs down the stairs. Nick grabs her as she struggles with the lock on the front door.
Nick: Just wait…
Mandy: Let go of me!
Nick: Mandy… just calm down!
Mandy: Let me go! You bastard!
Nick: Stop it! Please stop it. Calm…
Mandy: Let me go!
During the struggle, Mandy twists out of Nick's grasp and falls down the two steps to the living room floor and lies quiet with eyes open.
Nick: Oh, my God! Mandy. (Kneels beside her) Mandy, you all right? (Feels for carotid pulse) Mandy! Oh, God! Okay. Okay. Okay. (Breathing heavily—dials 9-1-1) I need an ambulance to 1980 Ellsworth in Shadyside. I have a woman. I think her heart has stopped. Yeah. I'm feeling for a pulse. No… she… she doesn't have a pulse.
Burton: (Knocks on the open door) Nick. You home?
Nick: Oh, God! (Disconnects the phone and runs to the front door.) No. You can't come in.
Burton: Listen, I have to talk to you for a minute.
Nick: Can't it wait?
Burton: Son. Listen to me, okay? When you got arrested? Things were not looking so good. It turns out the D.A. was gunning for you. He wasn't about to plea bargain. In fact, he was looking at five years minimum. I went to Caldwell to make a deal and he agreed to talk the D.A. down to a misdemeanor.
Nick: Look, can we talk about this tomorrow?
Burton: I had to promise him a partnership.
Nick: What, you gave him your firm?
Burton: Now here's the problem. I just found out that kid, Lichtman, knew all about it. He has records of all our discussions. If he gives it up to other people, it could be very bad.
Nick: Dad. I can't talk about this now. Okay? I cannot!
Burton: Son. Listen to me! I just came over here to tell you first. Far as I'm concerned, they can both go to hell.
Nick: All right. All right.
Burton: Okay.
Nick: I've heard it! I've heard it!
Burton: Just don't let them push you around!
Nick: I won't. You know, you have to go now. Please.
Burton: Don't let them do that to you!
Nick: Dad! You have to leave now. You can't be here. Please, Dad. Just leave.
Burton: Just take care of yourself.
Nick: Just leave.
Burton leaves—Nick shuts the door. Breathing heavily, he paces then sits down on the bottom step in his foyer and dials.
Nick: (Leaves message) Hey, Dad, it's… it's Nick. I'm leaving you this message 'cause, I'm, you know, I'm sorry… I'm sorry for… for everything… and I just haven't been… I'm just… I'm sorry… okay? I came back here because I wanted to work with you 'cause I respect you and I wanted to spend more time with you and… and I'm afraid that I've just done what I always usually do and… I'm just afraid and… Dad, I just want you to know that… that I love you and… I just want to apologize.
Sirens are heard in the background.
END OF EPISODE
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