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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Outside the Oriental Massage parlor—late at night
Police task force awaits the signal to move in.
Officer: (Gets the signal) Let's go.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—after hours
Barbara Ludzinski is alone in the office and surfing the Internet.
Barbara: (To the computer) C'mon. C'mon. (Waiting for access to site)
Scene: Olsen residence—bedroom
Lulu is sitting, cross-legged, on the bed, eating chips and watching the evening news.
TV reporter: …put to a vote before the U.N. Security Council yesterday afternoon. And now this in local news.
Brian: (Enters the bedroom and tries to nuzzle with Lulu) Hey.
TV reporter: ...it was last Tuesday morning, when fifty-three-year-old Walter Stratton was the victim of an unprovoked attack…
Brian: Can you stop eating those?
Lulu: What?
Brian: Well, it's gonna make your breath smell.
Lulu: Brian, I'm watching this.
Brian: C'mon. It's just the news.
Lulu: Well, I'm watching.
TV reporter: …caught after a witness followed him to William Penn Place and flagged down a vehicle…
Brian: Well, that's discouraging. (Stretches out on the bed)
Lulu: What?
Brian: I mean, I guess I should've known when I saw those pajamas.
Lulu: They're your pajamas.
Brian: Exactly.
Lulu: What's wrong with them?
Brian: I mean, are we ever going to have sex again?
Lulu: Hey. What do you want?! We never see each other and when we do, it's late, and we haven't talked and we don't go out. So, why don't you at least try acting like you like me before you…?
Brian: I love you. You know that.
Lulu: (Sighs) I know, Brian. (Clears throat) You know what? I'm just really tired. (Brian leaves the room)
TV reporter: We're going to take you live now to Andrew Solomon, who's in Wilkinsburg where a police raid is in progress. (TV shows police escorting several women from the massage parlor) Andrew?
Andrew Solomon: Thank you, Julie. That's right. I'm standing here at the corner of Dover and Penn Avenue where a bust has just occurred at an oriental massage parlor…
Scene: The Incline
Nick is working at the bar and watching the evening news.
TV reporter: …where allegedly a lot more than just massages could be purchased. Now, as you can see here, the police are in the process of making several arrests. One of the officers here…
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Barbara is communicating with someone on the Internet.
Barbara: (Types on the screen: Myrnaminkoff: I missed you.)
Ignatiusjreilly: (Types in: Go to thelovelorn.com.)
Barbara: (Goes to the site—expression on her face changes to horror) Oh…
Scene: The Incline
Nick glances at the TV and sees Alvin being escorted to a police van.
Nick: …my…
Scene: Olsen residence
Lulu sees Alvin on the News report.
Lulu: …God.
Scene: Oriental Massage parlor
The police raid is in progress.
TV reporter: This particular establishment…
Emily: Mommy.
Janine: It's okay, Emily. Don't be scared, okay, honey? Just go with this nice lady and I'm gonna see ya in a couple hours. Okay? (Emily nods) All right. Be my brave girl, honey. Okay. (She calls to Alvin as they lead Emily away—Alvin is being frisked and loaded into the police van) Alvin! Alvin, they're taking my daughter. Alvin, they took Emily. (Alvin doesn't respond as he boards the van)
Scene: Allegheny County Jail—interview room
Alvin: Sorry to get you outta bed.
Lulu: (Without makeup) It's okay.
Alvin: I wanted Anthony Hanratty to handle this but I couldn't track him down. You'd think a defense attorney would carry a pager or something but…
Lulu: It's okay, Alvin. It's all right. Sorry about the bail. Um, we just don't have that kinda money in the house so I'll get it for you first thing tomorrow morning. (Tries to avoid eye contact)
Alvin: Lulu. Lulu, could you look at me? Tomorrow, at the clinic, distribute the cases that are pressing and get continuances for the others.
Lulu: Right. I'll cover for you 'til you get back. (Starts to leave)
Alvin: I need something else.
Lulu: Sure.
Alvin: I need you to go to the clerk's office and find out if bail has been set for a woman named Janine Crane.
Lulu: Who's she?
Alvin: She's the woman who, uh… the woman I was with when I got arrested.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Nick: (Enters conference room where Jake is waiting and pours a cup of coffee) Hey, Jake.
Jake: Hey.
Nick: So, did you hear about Masterson?
Jake: Yeah. I hear the D. A.'s got an open-and-shut case. They caught the woman left-handed.
Nick: Oh, come on.
Jake: Well, look, he hired Hanratty to defend him so… once again he's in good hands.
Nick: It's a pretty serious matter. Apparently the woman claims she's innocent. Pretty certain she had a hand in it. (Snickers along with Jake)
Burton: (Enters, sighs and takes a seat) So, Jake, we had a partners' meeting yesterday to discuss your deal.
Jake: Great.
Burton: So, you are an income partner. You don't have a vote, yet. But, your salary is as we agreed and your bonus will be commensurate to your performance.
Jake: Okay. So what's the first order of business?
Nick: Kessler Cleaners. (Pushes the case file across the table to Jake) Before they commit to franchising they need a legal feasibility study, incorporation documents, and a master franchise agreement... by Thursday morning.
Jake: Done. (Rises to leave)
Burton: Congratulations, Jake. (Shakes hands)
Nick: Congratulations. (Shakes hands)
Jake: Yeah. And it's a shame about Alvin.
Nick: Yeah.
Jake: Sure hope he gets off. (Nick and Jake chuckle)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office
Lulu: (Enters Alvin's office to find Seth Hallowell sitting there) Mr. Hallowell?
Seth: Oh, Seth.
Lulu: Seth. Okay.
Seth: (Sighs) This is a very serious problem for the clinic. All of us on the board, we're all very, very… well, concerned.
Lulu: Well, just let me know what I can do to help.
Seth: Well, for now, take over the clinic. Be the face of the place. Now, make no mention of Alvin. We're going to do our best to spin this away from Alvin and on to you.
Lulu: Excuse me?
Seth: Your image is what we need right now. Someone like you, married with family values, to meet with the Press. I mean, to help us through this time.
Lulu: Alvin has just been charged. He's not convicted of anything.
Seth: Moral turpitude clause. It's in his contract. It's in yours, as well. I mean, this is a family clinic, Louisa.
Lulu: Oh, no. I know. I understand that. I'm just saying…
Seth: You were hired as Associate Director of this clinic. It's time for you to do that job.
Nick gets off the elevator and encounters Lulu in the main part of the office.
Nick: Lulu.
Lulu: Hey.
Nick: So, this whole Alvin thing's a little crazy, huh?
Lulu: I think it's stupid, if you ask me.
Nick: It is? Really? Why?
Lulu: Yeah. Going to a massage parlor?
Nick: You have a problem with a man going to a massage parlor? (Clearly goading her)
Lulu: I have a problem with getting up at three A.M. to bail Alvin out and I have a problem taking on all of his cases because he can't control himself.
Nick: Yeah. Well, I'll be in my office.
Lulu: Ah, Nick. You have a shelter hearing at 10:30—Bryant Wilcox.
Nick: (Takes file) Okay.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—lobby
Jake bounds down the stairs and sees Barbara waiting in the lobby.
Jake: Barbara! (Seems surprised by the visit)
Barbara: I'm sorry to bother you.
Jake: No-no-no. It's no problem. It's just, I got a lot of work going on right now, so…
Barbara: Maybe later.
Jake: Well, what is it?
Barbara: Can I just…? Please, I need some help and I can't talk to anybody at LSP about it.
Jake: Okay. Why don't ya, why don't ya come on in my office.
Barbara: (Jake opens his office door and they enter) Is your computer on?
Jake: Yeah. Why?
Barbara: Can you go on the Internet? Punch in thelovelorn.
Jake: Why?
Barbara: Just punch it in.
Jake: Is this some kinda joke? (Goes to the site)
Barbara: Got it?
Jake: Yeah.
Barbara: Okay. Scroll down to the bottom.
Jake: (He finds a picture of Barbara) That's a good picture of you.
Barbara: Click it.
Jake: (Clicks to find text beside the picture: Check out this fat loser who wants to get it on with me.) (Sighs) Barbara. I'm sorry. Gosh. That sucks.
Barbara: Yeah. I, used to go to this site, Iron City Singles, and I'd stay late at work 'cause I don't have a computer. Anyway, I met this guy there, Ignatiusjreilly, you know from Confederacy of Dunces, which is a great book but another story. I was Myrnaminkoff. And we started chatting and I don't know, there was something about it having someone to talk to… just talk without being judged or stared at. I just felt like for the first time in a very, very long time, someone was really listening to me—considering me.
Jake: Why don't you… (Indicates she should sit down) How long did this go on for?
Barbara: (Sighs) A few months. We started chatting. He asked for my picture after a couple of chats, and I said that I wouldn't give it to him because I've had experiences… with men, when they see me, and I didn't want him to imagine me like I am, I guess. And then at one point I emailed him. I told him about my size. He said that it was fine; that he wasn't perfect either. So, I had my mom take that picture and I scanned it at work and then I sent it. And then last night he emailed me to go to thelovelorn site.
Jake: I'm so sorry, Barbara.
Barbara: I want it down, Jake.
Jake: Yeah, well, I don't blame ya but… Listen, this is a tough case. I mean, we can argue defamation, but he's got his rights.
Barbara: I want it down!
Scene: Judge Damsen's courtroom
Laurie is under a table trying to grab young Bryant Wilcox.
Bryant: Leave me alone!
Laurie: Come on, Bryant. Come on out.
Bryant: Leave me alone! (Bites Laurie on the hand)
Laurie: Damn!
Bryant: (Scampers out from under the table and towards the door where he runs into Nick, entering the courtroom) Na-na-na-na-na-na. Na-na-na-na-na-na.
Judge Damsen: Ms. Solt. Where is this child's counsel?
Nick: I'm here, Your Honor.
Judge Damsen: He is out of control, Mr. Fallin! Calm him down or you're sanctioned!
Nick: (Grabs for Bryant and is kicked in the shins) Oh! (Manages to grab him)
Bryant: Let go of me! Let go of me! Put me down!
Nick: (Stands him up on a chair and pointing his finger he says, roughly) All right! Listen! You're going to stand here and you're going to be quiet! Okay?
Bryant's eyes roll back in his head and he begins to shake.
Judge Damsen: What is going on? What is he doing now?
Laurie: (Holding Bryant) He's having a convulsion. (Nick just stands there, wide-eyed)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Lulu is passing out case assignments.
Lulu: James. Excuse me. We have three families coming in—three cases. Will you take them?
James: I'm swamped.
Lulu: We all are. (Hands him several files)
James looks up as the elevator dings and Alvin emerges.
Alvin: (Head bowed) Hey, everybody. Lulu. After I meet with Seth, I need to see you. (Walks to his office—Seth follows and closes the door behind him)
Seth: (Sighs) Gosh, Alvin. We've been concerned.
Alvin: The clinic is going to get through this.
Seth: About you.
Alvin: Seth. This will all clear up. I'm facing a third degree misdemeanor and they have a weak case.
Seth: Listen, Alvin. You built this place. You made it what it is. It's your vision.
Alvin: You want me outta here?
Seth: Alvin, it's not me. Your contract contains a moral's clause. The board wants to suspend you until this is resolved.
Alvin: I'm on the board! Hell, I created the board! If I'm not convicted of a crime, how can the board argue that I did anything wrong?
Seth: You were arrested in a massage parlor. Alvin, you did something wrong.
Alvin: No, Seth. I didn't. (Grabs his briefcase and walks out of his office—slamming the door—meets Lulu in the main office) Lulu.
Lulu: Yeah?
Alvin: I need you to represent Janine Crane.
Lulu: Why?
Alvin: Social Services took her daughter, Emily. They put her in a shelter. They're making noises about not letting her out.
Lulu: Oh, Alvin. You know, Mr. Hallowell said... (Follows Alvin to the elevator)
Alvin: This isn't Seth's clinic—it's mine. Listen. She's already a client. Five years ago I represented Janine in a shelter hearing.
Lulu: You don't think this is a conflict?
Alvin: I've already discussed this with her. She's waived whatever conflict there might be. Besides, for now I'm suspended. (Enters elevator)
Scene: Judge Damsen's chambers
Laurie: (Enters) He had a seizure. They took him to Pittsburgh County.
Judge Damsen: Where's the mother?
Laurie: In prison. She was arrested for drugs, four weeks ago. The father's not in the picture.
Judge Damsen: Where's he been staying since the mother's arrest?
Laurie: He's been staying with his Aunt Cheryl for the past couple of months. She took him in because the mother would be gone for weeks at a time—getting high. But the aunt can't handle him. That's why we were in court today. [NB. The aunt is later referred to as Cynthia.]
Judge Damsen: Can the mother make medical decisions for the child?
Laurie: She's finding recovery challenging. Just last week they found drugs in her cell.
Judge Damsen: (Sighs) Mr. Fallin. I need to appoint a medical guardian. You think you can handle the responsibility?
Nick: Well, I…
Laurie: Ms. Wilcox said her sister, Cheryl, could make medical decisions.
Judge Damsen: Oh, Mr. Fallin will step in as temporary medical guardian. I'll have my clerk notify you of the new hearing date. Be prepared to fully brief the Court on the child's condition.
Nick: Sure. (Nods)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Lulu: It's pretty simple, Janine. You win your case, you'll probably keep your daughter. Otherwise, she will end up in foster care.
Janine: Um.
Lulu: I'm assuming that you want to keep Emily.
Janine: Of course.
Lulu: All right. Well, they're going to look into your housing situation so is there anything that I need to know?
Janine: About?
Lulu: Where you live?
Janine: Um, in an apartment. (Pause) Up above my business.
Lulu: Oh… Oh… You mean you live right above the…
Janine: Yeah. (Lulu just looks at her) What?
Lulu: Why do you do this?
Janine: Why?
Lulu: Yeah.
Janine: Uh, money. (Scoffs) Why else?
Lulu: I don't know. I mean, I don't work just for money, so…
Janine: Well, good for you.
Lulu: What's that mean?
Janine: No college. Or high school, really. No parents. No money. I mean, I'm not trying to tell you a sob story but… Look at you. I'm guessing somebody out there loves you. Helps you.
Lulu: But still. I mean, selling, uh… A lot of the men that you see are married.
Janine: That's not my fault.
Lulu: What about their wives?
Janine: I'm not saying it's their fault either. It's the way some men are. It's just sex, Mrs. Olsen. And… it's not fun. I don't like it, but it's something I know how to do.
Emily gets off the elevator with Laurie and runs to her mother.
Emily: Mommy!
Janine: Emily. Oh, I missed you. I missed you. (They embrace)
Laurie: (Quietly aside to Lulu) They can't release her.
Lulu: Why not? I mean, Janine hasn't been convicted of anything, yet.
Laurie: We don't know what's going to happen with the court case so, for now, Emily has to stay in the shelter.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—nurses' station
Nick: (To a nurse who is on the phone) Dr. Wasserman, I'm looking for… (Nurse points to Dr. Wasserman—Nick approaches the doctor) Dr. Wasserman? Nick Fallin.
Dr. Wasserman: Bryant Wilcox, right? You're his medical guardian?
Nick: That's right.
Dr. Wasserman: His films showed no aneurisms, no brain tumors. He's not an epileptic. Nothing normally associated with the type of seizure that he suffered but the results from his blood work show a lead level of 85.
Nick: Is that high?
Dr. Wasserman: Anything above 10 is considered dangerous.
Nick: Well, how could it get like that?
Dr. Wasserman: The projects are full of lead paint that should have been abated years ago. The kids eat the paint chips, inhale dust that flakes from the wall. By the time the parents realize it, their child's already sick.
Nick: Could it have caused his seizure?
Dr. Wasserman: His seizure, his intense hyperactivity, his speech and developmental delay and neurological damage.
Nick: Can it be treated?
Dr. Wasserman: Chelation therapy—attempts to drain the lead particles from the blood. It's painful and only so effective.
Nick follows Dr. Wasserman into a room labeled Occupational Therapy where Bryant is playing.
Nick: (To Bryant) Hi. Remember me? From court? My name's Nick. (Pause—then Bryant grabs Nick around the waist and hugs)
Dr. Wasserman: Bryant likes to hug.
Nick: (Pats Bryant on the head and removes his arms from around his waist—then aside to Dr. Wasserman) I need a copy of his records. I'm trying to put together a medical history.
Dr. Wasserman: So are we but we don't even know if he has a pediatrician and we can't locate the mother. We were hoping you'd know where she is.
Nick: Sure.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Jake's office
Jake is on the Internet.
Jake: (Types in pretending to be Myrnaminkoff: Ignatiusjreilly, are you out there?)
Ignatiusjreilly: (Types in: Yeah?)
Jake: (Types in: I want you to take down my pictures and letters. I'll pay you three hundred dollars.)
Ignatiusjreilly: (Types in: One thousand)
Jake: (Types in: Five hundred)
Ignatiusjreilly: (Types in: Nine hundred)
Jake: (Types in: Six hundred)
Ignatiusjreilly: (Types in: In cash. At Happy Tom's in Oakland. Nine o'clock, on the street outside. Look for you there.)
Jake makes a note of the time and place.
Scene: County Jail—interview room
Nick: Can you tell me the name of your son's pediatrician?
Myriam Wilcox: Some clinic. The one up on Forbes and Oakland. Took Bryant there.
Nick: Well, should I just ask your sister, Cheryl?
Myriam Wilcox: About Bryant? She never took him to no doctor.
Nick: You took him, even when he wasn't living with you?
Myriam Wilcox: He's my kid.
Nick: Do you remember the name of any of the doctors that treated Bryant?
Myriam Wilcox: You need anything like that you talk to my lawyer.
Nick: Why would your public defender have a medical record on your son?
Myriam Wilcox: Not him. My private guy, Mr. Hansen.
Nick: Mark Hansen? (She nods) Oh, thank you. Um… (Signals to the guard to open the door)
Myriam Wilcox: Me and Mr. Hansen, we're suing the landlord on account of the lead paint. When I get out I get Bryant back, right?
Nick: That's for the court to decide. (Exits)
Scene: Mark Hansen's office
Mark: Bryant Wilcox? Sure. (Nick follows him into his office) Lead case. Carter Street projects. A lot of sick kids. How do you know him?
Nick: I'm representing him. His mom's in jail and I'm placing him.
Mark: Jail? Nice to let her lawyer know, huh? (Chuckles) But, those're the kinda of clients you deal with when you do personal injury. How's business, man?
Nick: It's fine.
Mark: You've been all over the place. I tried calling you two weeks ago at the new firm but the phones forwarded me back to your dad's place.
Nick: Well, we're working together again. It's called Fallin & Fallin. So, before I can find Bryant a home, I need a copy of his medical records.
Mark: Is there a chance this kid might need to be placed in some kind of group home?
Nick: Special needs home, yeah.
Mark: Helps the case. Worth more money. (Punches the speakerphone) Tara, could you please make a copy of the Bryant Wilcox file.
Tara: Yes sir.
Nick: How's Julie?
Mark: Beautiful as ever.
Nick: Say hello to her for me.
Mark: Hey, why don't you come over for dinner, Saturday night, huh? You know, it's been too long. I know she'd love to see ya.
Nick: Yeah, it'd be great. I'd like to do that. (Gets up to leave and shakes hands)
Mark: All right. I'll have Tara messenger a copy of Bryant's meds to you tonight.
Nick: All right. Can you send them to Legal Services?
Mark: How much longer you gotta do that?
Nick shakes his head as he pulls the door closed.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Alvin: I, just came by to see how things are going with Janine and Emily.
Lulu: Well Social Services is keeping Emily. For now.
Alvin: (Sighs) You can't get her out?
Lulu: Nope. Laurie Solt said no, so… (Alvin turns to walk away) Alvin. (He stops and turns) Are you really going to lose your job over this?
Alvin: The D.A.'s offering me a deal.
Lulu: Oh?
Alvin: I give up Janine and they'll reduce my charge to a violation.
Lulu: Great. Do it.
Alvin: Well, they're asking me to lie. Janine and I… it was never about money. I never paid her.
Lulu: Hmm. Alvin, you know, you work so hard and everyone respects you. I don't understand. I mean, why? Why would you go…?
Alvin: What's one thing got to do with the other? Am I any less of a lawyer because I have a sex life?
Lulu: No, but with a prostitute is what I'm talking about.
Alvin: She may have been a prostitute but she wasn't with me.
Scene: Outside Happy Tom's
Jake: Ignatiusjreilly? (Looks around for someone recognizing the name)
Ignatiusjreilly: Who the hell are you?
Jake: I'm Jake Straka and this is a Cease and Desist letter. (Hands him the document)
Ignatiusjreilly: What?
Jake: Myrnaminkoff wants off your website. I expect it to be down by midnight tonight.
Ignatiusjreilly: Are you the one that told me to come here?
Jake: Yeah. That's right.
Ignatiusjreilly: Where's my money?
Jake: (Chuckles) You, you don't get it, dumbass. If you don't take this down, I'm going to sue the crap outta you and your parents! Okay?
Ignatiusjreilly: Oh, really.
Jake: Yeah.
Ignatiusjreilly: Where's my money?
Jake: All you're gettin' is a lawsuit, pal. (Turns to walk away)
Ignatiusjreilly: Fellas. (A big guy pushes Jake) This guy posed as the fat chick.
Jake: Look, guys, this is a legal dispute, okay?
Big Guy: (Pushes Jake again) I don't care what it is.
Jake: Take it easy.
Ignatiusjreilly: He's the one that promised us six hundred bucks. (Places his hand on Jake's shoulder)
Jake: Hey, take it easy, okay? Just take it easy. (Big guy punches him in the stomach and he falls to the ground—coughs)
Ignatiusjreilly: Hey, I want my money! Okay? Eat this. (Shoves the letter in Jake's mouth—then they walk off—Jake coughs again)
Jake watches as the car drives away and makes a mental note of the license plate number—CRQ 3F9.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Jake gets off the elevator and sees Barbara.
Jake: (Hollers across the room) Barbara. I met with Ignatiusjreilly. (She shushes him and signals for him to follow her to a quiet spot) So, he's not going to take the pictures down.
Barbara: Okay.
Jake: So, we're going to go after him in court.
Barbara: We are?
Jake: I'm going to hit him with a petition for special injunction. Haul him into court today.
Barbara: On what basis?
Jake: Defamation.
Barbara: Yeah, but you said…
Jake: (Excitedly—forcefully) No, the site states that you wanted to have sex with him. That goes to your character. That is defamation. So, first we're going to get him to take the site down, then we're going to sue him. If he doesn't have any money, we go after his assets and if he doesn't have any assets, we go after his parents' assets.
Barbara: His parents?
Jake: Yeah. I went to Pitt, too, and I know people. So, I'm getting him thrown out.
Barbara: He's a college student?
Jake: Yeah. I'm sorry, he is. (Barbara shakes her head—incredulous) I'm going to bury his ass.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—Bryant's room
Laurie is talking with Dr. Wasserman outside Bryant's room—Nick approaches.
Nick: I came as soon as I got your message.
Dr. Wasserman: This seizure was worse. He's in a coma.
Nick: (Peers through the glass at Bryant) But, he's going to come out of it, right?
Dr. Wasserman: It's too early to know.
Nick: I have a copy of his medical records. They say that his lead levels kept increasing up until the last month and then leveled off.
Dr. Wasserman: Well, if they leveled off that means the exposure probably ended. If a decision needs to be made about life support…
He looks to Nick. Nick sees the doctor is waiting for a response from him—he shakes his head.
Nick: No. I…
Laurie: No, what?
Nick: Just no. I… (Turns and walks away, shaking his head)
Scene: Social Services
Alvin waits outside Laurie's office—she rounds the corner and is surprised to see him.
Laurie: Alvin. Come on in.
Alvin: (Sighs) Listen…
Laurie: Alvin, you don't have…
Alvin: Janine and I had an adult relationship.
Laurie: Clearly.
Alvin: What I mean is, years ago, after I got divorced, I represented her. We spent time, we liked each other.
Laurie: Why are you telling me this?
Alvin: I never paid her, Laurie. She was not, is not, the kind of person who deserves to be known just as another…
Laurie: Another what?
Alvin: A prostitute.
Laurie: So, what is she then?
Alvin: She's a kind woman—a good mother. She deserves to have her child with her.
Laurie: And if she goes to prison?
Alvin: Well, then that's another story. I mean, until the criminal charges are resolved, why not allow her to have the time she should have with her daughter?
Laurie: Okay.
Alvin: Thank you. (Gets up to leave)
Laurie: Alvin.
Alvin: Yeah? (Looks back at Laurie)
Laurie: If you paid for it, so what.
Alvin, with a hint of a smile—leaves. Laurie just shakes her head.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Nick approaches Cynthia (Cheryl) Wilcox—waiting in the main office area.
Nick: Cynthia Wilcox?
Cynthia: Yeah?
Nick: Hi. I'm Nick Fallin. We spoke earlier.
Cynthia: How is he?
Nick: Have you ever had your apartment tested for lead paint?
Cynthia: The Department of Health came through.
Nick: And what did they find?
Cynthia: They told me it was clean.
Nick: Okay. In the time that Bryant was with you, did you ever notice any kind of change in his behavior?
Cynthia: He was just going backwards. Forgetting stuff he already knew. Boy couldn't even dress himself anymore.
Nick: I have the records of Bryant's blood tests, the weeks leading up to your sister's arrest. Did you take him for those tests?
Cynthia: No, Myriam did all that. Even when she was out binging she'd always make sure she'd come by to take Bryant to the clinic. She's got her problems, but she's a good mother.
Nick: Great. Thank you.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Jake's office
Jake: (Punches speakerphone) Amy. I need a copy of the cases under internet privacy law. Okay?
Nick: (Knocks and enters) Jake. Look, I took a look at these Kessler Cleaners papers that you prepared…
Jake: Okay.
Nick: I can't give them to my father. (Hands the Kessler case file to Jake)
Jake: They're bad?
Nick: Well, they're not great.
Jake: Okay. I'll have them done on time.
Nick: What are you working on?
Jake: Barbara Ludzinski came by to see me. She got in this relationship with this guy on the 'Net and he humiliated her so I'm just trying to get him to take the site down.
Nick: Okay. Do you need a hand with that Kessler case?
Jake: No-no. I'm on top of it.
Nick: I could take it over.
Jake: No.
Nick: Do you want me to help with the Ludzinski problem?
Jake: No. This is my thing.
Nick: All right. (Nick leaves)
Jake: (Punches speakerphone) Amy! Damn it! I need a copy of the case law! Okay?!
Scene: A park bench
Janine and Alvin are seated on a park bench, talking.
Janine: Thank you… for getting them to give Emily back to me.
Alvin: You know that might only be temporary if you're convicted?
Janine: I know. I'm in trouble. The D.A… they're pressuring that new girl, Lee, to testify.
Alvin: They're pressuring me, too.
Janine: I never asked you for money.
Alvin: Nobody wants to believe that. Look, Lee's going to say whatever they want her to say. She's nineteen. She's scared. Janine, she can implicate both of us.
Janine: (Concerned) You're going to take a deal?
Alvin: I know our relationship wasn't like they want me to say it was. I also know how you make your living. And they're going to get you for that—with or without my help.
Scene: Courtroom
Jake: (Addresses the Judge from a podium) Henry Lean posted Ms. Ludzinski's personal correspondence and photograph on a website under a heading which read: Check out this fat loser who wants to get it on with me. Now, this insinuates that Ms. Ludzinski is willing to have sex with a complete stranger and is, therefore, under common law, defamation per se.
Judge: How so?
Jake: Well, a claim that a woman is unchaste is defamatory as a matter of law and has been since the 1700s. (Takes his seat)
Henry Lean: (a/k/a Ignatiusjreilly) (Takes a big swig of water and swaggers to the podium) Judge. (Clears his throat) I'm not a lawyer but I am pre-law. And we have covered what the First Amendment means so I know that as soon as Ms. Ludzinski gave me that material I was allowed to do whatever I wanted with it. Now, I asked my law professor and he told me that she… (Loses his train of thought) Excuse me. (Consults a crumpled piece of paper in his pocket and reads) Ms. Ludzinski has no reasonable expectation of privacy. It's been well established by the courts already. I mean, that's what he told me. (Returns to his seat)
Jake storms out of the courtroom and Barbara follows.
Barbara: Jake? Jake. You did your best.
Jake: My best?! See my ass handed to me on a platter by a college student?
Barbara: Well, uh…
Jake: Did you ever ask that little…? (Glares at Lean as he passes them in the corridor and winks) Did you ever ask that little…? Did you ever ask him to not show the letters or the photos to anyone?
Barbara: I don't remember.
Jake: Think, damn it. Did you ever ask him?
Barbara: I may have.
Jake: Is there any correspondence that I haven't seen?
Barbara: I don't remember.
Jake: I'm going to subpoena his computer.
Barbara: Listen, Jake…
Jake: Look, just go back to work! Check everything that you ever saved. See if you ever asked him not to show the letters to anyone.
Barbara: Well, I don't think I did…
Jake: Do it! We can claim breach of contract.
Barbara: But, Jake…
Jake: Look, just do it! Okay?! I'll come by later.
Barbara sighs as Jake stalks off.
Scene: County Jail—interview room
Nick: I know you've been feeding Bryant paint chips.
Myriam Wilcox: I don't know what you're talking about.
Nick: (Tosses a file on the table in front of her and points at it) Then explain to me why Bryant's lead levels kept increasing the month before your incarceration.
Myriam Wilcox: Well, I don't know. There was lead all over that damn apartment.
Nick: He wasn't living in your apartment that last month. He was living with your sister and her apartment is lead-free.
Myriam Wilcox: I don't know what you're talking about.
Nick: (Hands on the table, he leans over and looks her directly in the eye) You would pick Bryant up once a week and take him to your apartment and feed him paint chips. A few hours later you would take a drive to the clinic and he would get a blood test.
Myriam Wilcox: You're crazy.
Nick: I'm going to go talk to the D.A. (Starts to leave)
Myriam Wilcox: He didn't say nothing about no seizures.
Nick: Who?
Myriam Wilcox: The lawyer.
Nick: Hansen?
Myriam Wilcox: When I took Bryant to the doctor for his starter-school check-up, they said he had the lead. So one of my friends in the building said I should go see Mr. Hansen, that he could get us some money. But, Mr. Hansen said that my boy's level was too low to be worth his time, but I could do stuff that could make the case worth a million dollars.
Nick: He told you that?
Myriam Wilcox: Yeah. He told all the mothers that.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—after hours
Nick believes he's the only one in the office but is surprised to find Alvin sitting in his office.
Alvin: Hey. What are you doing here?
Nick: Just working on a case. You?
Alvin: Snuck in, after everybody was gone. Didn't feel like sitting around my apartment. I thought about you this week—that night in jail. I've been there before, you know? Getting arrested for protests, but when you're in for something personal, it's…
Nick: …scary.
Alvin: Yeah. When you were awaiting trial, they offered you a deal, right?
Nick: Uh-huh.
Alvin: But you didn't take it.
Nick: No.
Alvin: Why not?
Nick: (Scoffs) I didn't do anything wrong.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—next day
Jake: (Has two coffees in hand—gives one to Barbara) Hi.
Barbara: Hi. Oh, thank you.
Jake: So…?
Barbara: I can't find anything.
Jake: You looked everywhere on the site?
Barbara: Well, I never told him he couldn't show anyone else.
Jake: You sure you looked… What about your hard drive? Did you… (Becoming agitated)
Barbara: Jake. Please. I don't want to look at this stuff anymore, okay? I mean…
Jake: Lie.
Barbara: No.
Jake: Just… just say that maybe you have it on…
Barbara: Jake, no.
Jake: Look, Barbara, I…
Barbara: You know, I know you mean well, and these last couple days… I never imagined that you would feel so strongly…
Jake: Barbara…
Barbara: …about me that you could drop everything and be so, I don't know, passionate.
Jake: They beat me up. When I went to see them, they… the kid and his friends, they punched me. They threw me on the ground, okay? (Pause) I am a partner in a law firm now, and they did that. So, what I am asking you to do…
Barbara: …is let you get even, right? Let you get even.
Jake: Sorry.
Barbara: No. I just misunderstood. Let it go, Jake, okay? If I can, so should you. Just let it go.
Scene: Mark Hansen's office
Nick knocks and pokes his head in the door.
Mark: Hey, man. Have a seat. Get those files I sent ya?
Nick: Yeah.
Mark: Oh, Saturday night. Julie has a friend coming in from Philly, huh? A very pretty friend. (They laugh softly)
Nick: Did you tell your clients to feed their children paint chips?
Mark: What are you talking about?
Nick: Myriam Wilcox. She told me you wouldn't take her case until her son's lead levels were higher.
Mark: Her case wasn't worth enough but I didn't tell her…
Nick: She said you told that to all the mothers in the building.
Mark: Yeah, well, let's remember who you're talking with here, Nick. All right? This is a crack-addict in prison. C'mon.
Nick: You didn't find it strange that the kid's levels were four times higher on the second visit to your office?
Mark: I have thirty-seven lead cases, Nick. I'm not a doctor, okay? I don't monitor them all…
Nick: But you did tell her the case would be worth more with higher lead levels.
Mark: (exasperated) Why are we even having this conversation, man? I mean, if this woman is stupid enough to feed her kid lead paint, huh? If she's that dumb, anything I say to her could be misconstrued.
Nick: Misconstrued? Or was she just following instructions?
Mark: I didn't do anything wrong. (Nick gets up and walks to the door) Nick, if you make any noise about this, your client—my client, won't see a dime. Is that what you want?
Scene: County Jail—interview room
Nick: I spoke to the D.A. Testify against Hansen and you won't be prosecuted for child abuse.
Myriam Wilcox: I don't know.
Nick: They don't care about you. They care about Hansen.
Myriam Wilcox: So, I gotta, I gotta snitch on all the moms in my project?
Nick: Yes.
Myriam Wilcox: The ones giving their kids the lead?
Nick: Yes.
Myriam Wilcox: (Sits down) Okay.
Nick: (Picks up a piece of paper and says, softly) There's one more thing. (Slides the paper with pen in front of Mrs. Wilcox)
Myriam Wilcox: What's this?
Nick: It's your consent to relinquish parental rights.
Myriam Wilcox: What's that mean?
Nick: It means that you will no longer have legal standing as Bryant's mother.
Myriam Wilcox: You wanna take my baby away from me? You gonna do that to my boy? You know what it's gonna be like, growing up without a mother?
Nick: Yeah.
She finally signs the form. Nick calls for the guard and leaves. She breaks down and cries.
Scene: In front of Happy Tom's—daylight
Jake stands outside the coffee shop wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses—incognito. Henry Lean and his friends walk by. Jake grabs Lean and pummels him to the ground and kicks him several times.
Jake: Do not disrespect me! (Kicks him again) Ever! (Jake slips away as Lean agonizes on the sidewalk)
Scene: Olsen residence—bedroom
Lulu comes out of the bathroom in Brian's pajamas—Brian is lying on the bed. She gets into bed facing away from him.
Brian: Hey. (Kisses her on the ear) You look very pretty in these pajamas. (Kisses her again) But you'd look a lot better out of them. Huh?
Lulu: (Pushing him away) Brian. Brian.
Brian: (Rolls over and sighs) What the hell's wrong with you, Lulu? I mean, I've been nice all week and, we went out to dinner and I called you at the office at least three times a day to tell you I love you. I mean, what else do I have to do?
Lulu: Stop having sex with hookers.
Brian: What are you talking about?
Lulu: (Sits up and faces him) You know what I'm talking about. A few weeks before we got married you got arrested for solicitation by an undercover cop in the bar of the Grand Hotel. You pled No Contest, got a $600 fine and four Saturday afternoons of John School. Not extra classes in Columbus—John School.
Brian: Lulu.
Lulu: (Getting upset) Do you think I'm stupid? I was a clerk for God's sakes. I've got friends all over the court system.
Brian: Nick told you?
Lulu: No, but I know that he represented you.
Brian: Lulu, listen…
Lulu: You know, I just don't know how you can do that with other women—hookers—and then come home to me.
Brian: It's not you.
Lulu: You damn right, it's not me! (Laughing—a little hysterical) It's you!
Brian: It was a stupid thing I did, like, last second jitters.
Lulu: Oh, okay, so then you only did this once?
Brian: Yes.
Lulu: Don't lie to me.
Brian: I mean, I mean I'm sick. It's a sickness. I need help.
Lulu: Shut up! You're not sick! (Pause) But, Brian, why… I mean, what are you looking for out there? Really, what the hell are you looking for?
Brian: Should I leave?
Lulu: (Long pause—looking away) No.
Scene: The Incline
Janine: I accepted a deal.
Alvin: I'm sorry to hear that.
Janine: Two years—I'll be out in twelve months.
Alvin: I'll make sure Emily gets a good placement.
Janine: If it wasn't Lee, it would have been one of my other employees or one of the customers that were busted.
Alvin: I wouldn't have testified against you.
Janine: Why not?
Alvin: Because.
Janine: Because you didn't pay me money? Alvin, a few years ago you helped me out with my kid. Every time I had a legal problem, I called you.
Alvin: Right.
Janine: Alvin, that's how you paid me. (Gives him a kiss and walks out of the bar)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Jake's office
Jake is talking to Barbara on the computer.
Barbara: (Types: Thank you so much for your help.)
Jake: (Types: You're welcome, Barbara. Want to get a drink later?)
Nick leans against the open door frame.
Nick: Jake. I took a look at that work. It's very good.
Jake: I stayed up all night working on it. I was kinda, like, in the zone.
Nick: Well, it was worth it. Kessler's going to like it a lot.
Jake: I know.
Nick: What happened with Barbara Ludzinski? That thing?
Jake: Uh, the kid… I dealt with him.
Nick: Good.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Alvin: (Speaks to Seth and Lulu) Come on in. (They follow him to his office) They dropped the charges. All they wanted was Janine. So, it's behind us. Well, I got a lot of work to do…
Seth: Alvin, we're pleased. We're very pleased. And we have no qualms in your retaining your position as director of the clinic.
Alvin: Thank you.
Seth: However, your seat on the board has been reassigned.
Alvin: There was no conviction.
Seth: We're not comfortable…
Alvin: I founded this clinic.
Seth: Right, but you report to the board.
Alvin: The bylaws require that the director of the clinic be on the board.
Seth: In this case, the associate director will have to do.
Alvin: What?
Seth: Mrs. Olsen has been appointed in your place. So, you'll still be director of this clinic but Lulu will have the vote upstairs. I'm sorry, Alvin, but we have donors to think about. (Seth leaves and Alvin looks at Lulu)
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—Bryant's room
Dr. Wasserman is reviewing Bryant's chart when Nick enters the room.
Dr. Wasserman: Mr. Fallin.
Nick: Oh, hi. I just…
Dr. Wasserman: Visiting hours are…
Nick: Yeah, I know. I got held up at work.
Dr. Wasserman: That's fine. Take your time. You're the only one to come visit him anyway. (He leaves)
Nick looks tenderly at the comatose boy then takes a seat to keep his vigil.
END OF EPISODE
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