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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Nick and Burton watch a laptop computer screen as a beacon (dot) is tracked across the screen.
Rob: I call it KidFinder, and here's how it works. Okay, see? We're tracking Gretchen through the special watch she's wearing—live. (Talks into the speakerphone) Gretchen, right now you're in front of Dollar Donuts, right?
Gretchen: (Over the phone) That's right. I can't believe it. Yes I am.
Burton: (Talks into the phone) Gretchen, uh, why don't you pick up a dozen and come on back, okay? (Punches a button on the phone to disconnect) (To Rob) So, how does it work?
Rob: We insert a GPS chip into a watch. The watch radios its location to our website then you go to our website and you see where your kid is.
Burton: You have kids yourself?
Rob: Yeah. Tristan's two and Patrick's four. (Produces pictures of his kids) And that's why I came up with this.
Burton: Great. Great.
Nick: What do you want from us, Rob?
Rob: (To the guy working the laptop) Paul? (Paul closes the laptop and leaves the room)
Burton: (To Paul as he exits) Thank you.
Rob: I have a great product. There's a huge market out there. But, I need financing and I need help with my business plan and patent applications.
Nick: Well, our retainer's $25,000.
Rob: Well, I can't pay you up front.
Nick: Oh, 'kay. (Smiles—skeptical)
Rob: I was hoping we could make an arrangement.
Nick: Well, we don't really do that.
Rob: Okay. But, what if you defer fees until the financing comes through and then I cut you in on some equities, say, 2 percent.
Nick: Well, I think we'd rather do things more traditional…
Burton: How 'bout 4 percent? (Nick gives him a wary look)
Rob: 4 percent of the company?
Burton: Right.
Rob: You're asking for a million dollars in stock for $25,000 worth of work?
Nick: Well, you're asking for $25,000 worth of work for free.
Rob: (Thinks a second) Fine, 4 percent.
Burton: Fine.
Rob: Let's make some money.
Nick: Uh, Rob, could you just give me a minute with my father, please?
Rob: Sure. (Nick lets him out)
Nick: Dad, this guy, I've known him a long time and, uh… I mean, the chances of this thing making any money… I'm saying it's a risk.
Burton: If it's a disaster then, what's it gonna cost us—a hundred man-hours? If it hits, we'll make a lotta money.
Nick: Well, if you want to do it then…
Burton: I think so. (Nick starts to leave) Son, don't forget, we owe Rob a favor for what he did for you.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Lulu comes out of her office and looks around, then checks her watch, and starts back to her office.
Alvin: Lulu. You know Kyle Fremont, the crossing guard?
Lulu: Yeah.
Alvin: County Hospital's still refusing to treat his head injury and there's a hearing about it.
Lulu: Uh, Alvin, I can't today. I'm sorry, I'm late for a meeting with a client. (Gathers her things and starts to leave) (To guy just exiting the elevator) Jules. Where's Dee? I thought he was with you.
Jules: He said he'd meet me here.
Lulu: This is why the school wants to meet with us.
Jules: I watched him get on the bus.
Lulu: If you can't get Dee to go to school or at least get him to a meeting to talk about the fact that he doesn't go to school, he'll be removed from your home.
Jules: Can't we just make another appointment?
Lulu: We've already rescheduled it three times.
Jules: I'll go look for him.
Lulu: It's Wednesday. I know where he is.
Scene: Comic Book Shop
Dee is looking at a comic book when Lulu enters the shop.
Lulu: Dee.
Dee: Lulu. Look, I know I missed the meeting but it's new issue day. We can do it tomorrow, right?
Lulu: No, we can't do it tomorrow. Social Services is ready to take you out of your cousin's house. They've already scheduled a placement hearing.
Dee: That's crazy.
Lulu: Hey, you have missed 33 days of school, that's crazy.
Dee: If I can't stay with Jules, where would I go?
Lulu: You'd have to go back to the group home.
Dee: Check it out. (Refers to comic book) She looks like you, 'cept you're prettier. “Radlova”.
Lulu: It says “Valadora”. Can you read that?
Dee: Of course I can. Valadora. But you know what her name is when she's not Valadora? Lulu. I'm gonna buy it for you.
Lulu: (Chuffs) No, Dee. (Lulu holds the comic book)
Dee starts for the counter then notices two men loitering outside the shop.
Dee: (Turns back to Lulu) Um… I gotta go, okay? (Runs out of the shop—jumps on his bike and rides away)
Lulu: Hey wait. Wait, Dee! Where are you going?!
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Lulu: Alvin, I think that Dee Carter might be dyslexic.
Alvin: Why?
Lulu: Uh, I just do.
Alvin: Okay.
Lulu: So, I need a doctor to examine him because I think it might help explain why he's been missing school.
Alvin: (Looks through his Rolodex—hands her a card) No problem. Dr. Van Birk. We've used him before.
Lulu: Oh, great. Thanks.
Alvin: Lulu, sometimes you have to let a kid feel some consequences.
Lulu: Alvin, I know this boy very well.
Alvin: Maybe that's the problem. (Turns and walks away)
James' office—with the door open
Guy Feeney: I can't believe they would do somethin' like this. I was just doin' my job. So, I'm actually delivering a pizza to a customer and the tow truck takes my car. They follow me!
James: Okay.
Feeney: I was only behind one payment, but I can pay now. I got the money.
James: What happened when you talked to Kleiner Automotive?
Feeney: They say I gotta pay 'em $500 in fines and processing fees just to get the car back! Only paid $3,000 for the car!
James: This is their firm? (Refers to letter)
Feeney: Fallin somethin', yeah. [Pronounced Fall-in]
James: Fallin & Fallin.
Feeney: My boss says, if I'm not back to work by Friday, they're gonna replace me with a teenager.
James: I'm going to look into this.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Burton: Well, every capital investment firm but one turned it down. And they're on the fence.
Rob: Okay. Who's that?
Burton: It's Cook Capital out of Chicago. Their Senior Partner, Howell, is leaning against it but a young guy named Wickwire has his ear. You need to do whatever it takes to win over Wickwire. Right now, they want a real-world demonstration.
Rob: Fine. Like I showed you?
Burton: No. Sending my secretary out for a box of donuts is not going to cut it for 'em.
Rob: What do they want?
Burton: Well, they just think that a… the real kid would beat it. That's it.
Rob: No way. It'll stand up to the worst you can throw at it.
Burton: That's what we have to demonstrate to 'em.
Rob: So, we need a kid.
Nick has been sitting in, listening and thinking.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Nick knocks and enters.
Nick: Let me show you something. (Places the box containing the KidFinder watch on her desk)
Lulu: It's a watch.
Alvin passes her open door and he and Nick give each other a look—Alvin finally walks away.
Nick: It's a device to help parents keep track of their children.
Lulu: How?
Nick: A GPS chip. You program in acceptable zones and it pages you when the child goes outside of those zones.
Lulu: Oh.
Nick notices a Trib classified ad on her desk and the classified section of the paper.
Nick: You selling your house?
Lulu: Uh, well, thinking about it. (Smiles at him)
Nick: Oh…
Lulu: So basically it keeps track of you.
Nick: Right. My firm represents the guy that invented it. He's looking to find some kids to test it.
Lulu: Some of our kids?
Nick: Well, we have a lot that go places they shouldn't.
Lulu: (Weak laugh) Right. So this basically tells you where they are. (Nick nods) It's kinda spooky.
Nick: (Hands on her desk he leans towards her) Well, the thing is he's willing to pay participants $500 per month.
Alvin: (Off camera) Lulu.
Nick: You think you have kids it'll work for?
Lulu: (Weak laugh) Uh, yeah. Hang on. The boss is calling. (Gets up from her desk and meets Alvin at her door) Yeah?
Alvin: Dr. Van Birk called. He never showed up for his appointment. (Gives Nick a look)
Scene: Keystone Athletic Club
Jake and James walk down the hallway dressed in workout gear—sweaty from a game of squash.
James: Hey, you guys rep Kleiner Automotive, right?
Jake: Yeah, I do a bunch of corporate work for 'em.
James: Good. They re-po'd by client's car. He only missed one payment.
Jake: Uh-huh.
James: I was hoping you could cut through some red tape.
Jake: Well, James, I don't—I don't really handle repos.
James: My client's name is Guy Feeney. He needs his car. He's a pizza deliver guy. Come on. You can look into it.
Jake: Look, I'm working on a class action right now that's worth about 300 million. I mean, those are the kinda cases that fill my day and I just don't have time for this stuff. I mean, I'm sorry—no offense—just… I don't have time. I mean, you know how it is when the day just flies by and I'm putting out fires… (To fellow club-member) Hey, Mr. Collinson. Good to see ya.
Mr. Collinson: Hey, Jake.
Jake: (To James) You know him—Mr. Collinson? He owns about seven office buildings downtown. He's a nice guy, too. So, did you give any more thought to this?
James: To what?
Jake: The Club. I spoke to the Chair of the membership committee about you and he's receptive. He's looking to have more younger members.
James: Uh, I don't know.
Jake: It's a little pricey but they said they'd consider reduction.
James: I already belong to the “Y”.
Jake: Oh, the “Y”? I mean, come on. I mean, look… anyone can join the “Y”. But, I mean, a couple days ago, I went grouse hunting with a Federal judge.
James: Grouse hunting?
Jake: Yeah. I shot a grouse. (Jakes walks off—James cackles and follows)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Rob: What's your name?
Dee: Dee Carter.
Rob: Dee, where do you go to school?
Dee: Alderdice.
Rob: You ever cut class?
Dee: (Looks around at Jules) Sometimes.
Rob: Where do you go?
Dee: I don't know. Ride my bike, buy comics.
Rob: So you ride your bike all over the city?
Dee: Sure, if I have to.
Rob: Okay. Dee. Here's how it works. You're going to wear this watch and do what you already do, and we pay you. (Fastens watch on his wrist) Jules. All the green areas are safe zones. (Points out the locations on his laptop) Uh, this is where your apartment building is, and this is where Dee said he goes to school, so that'll all be safe. Dee can go there and it won't trip any alarms.
Jules: So what happens if he leaves the green zone? I mean, does he get a shock or somethin'?
Rob: No, nothing like that. It just notifies you. (Slides a pager across the table to Jules)
Jules: And this $500—we get it up front?
Nick: You get half when you sign and half in a month. (Slides a form over for him to sign)
Jules: What is this I'm signing?
Nick: Consent form and liability waiver.
Dee: Lulu. Do you get one of these pagers?
Rob: I could give her one, sure.
Lulu: Is that okay with you, Dee?
Dee: I want you to have one.
Lulu: Okay.
Dee: Hey, how do I take it off?
Rob: You don't.
Dee: Really?
Rob: That lock is made to military specifications. Once it's on—it stays on. Now, Jules' and Lulu's pagers would act as keys, electronically. Okay? Great. We'll see you Friday. Good luck.
Jules: Thanks.
Lulu: Thanks, Jules.
Dee and Jules exit.
Rob: That kid is going to be perfect for the demonstration. Perfect. He's cute. He's smart. He loves to cut class.
Lulu: (To Nick) You're not going to encourage him to act up, are you?
Nick: No. No. It's just a demonstration.
Lulu: Uh, I agreed to let him wear the watch but not to be in a 'dog and pony' show.
Nick: Right. Well, we could get another child if you like.
Lulu: (Pause) No, I already promised him the money.
Nick: Okay. Well… there you have it.
Fallin & Fallin—Jake's office
James knocks and enters.
Jake: James, hey. What're you doing here, man? (They shake hands)
James: Guy Feeney wants his car back.
Jake: Oh, that's the pizza guy. (Sighs) Look, man, I really don't have the time. (Pause) Okay. Uh, there's a paralegal upstairs. Her name is Donna. Upstairs—end of the hall. Talk to her, maybe she can help.
James: I was really hoping you could deal with this, you know—skip all that.
Jake: Yeah. She's just… she's upstairs—she's end of the hall. She's got tortoise shell glasses, okay?
James: I don't think you want her to handle this. (Places a letter on his desk) Kleiner sends out bills every four weeks. The contract says they bill monthly. They're squeezing thirteen payments a year from people who agreed to pay only twelve.
Jake: So?
James: So, it's a violation of the Truth in Lending law. Contract's unenforceable. Just give my client his car back – that's the last you'll hear of it.
Jake: Okay, I'm really busy right now, but I'll see what I can do.
James: You'll see what you can do?
Jake: Yeah, I'll see.
James: Okay. (Exits)
Jake sits back at his desk then picks up the letter.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Nick: Mr. Howell, there're 37 million kids in the U.S. alone, under the age of 10. Just 5 percent of that market would generate 1.1 billion dollars in recurring annual revenue.
Howell: What about a competing product?
Rob: Corolla Electronics is developing a similar product but we'll be first to market.
Nick: We're the first to file a patent on this business process.
Howell: What's your distribution plan?
Rob: We're targeting retail outlets that sell to our demographic profile: Day care centers, children's clothing stores, toy stores.
Howell: How much capital are you looking for?
Nick: 5 million for 20 percent.
Howell: We'll get back to you.
Nick: Great.
Rob: Thank you, Mr. Howell. Mr. Wickwire.
Howell and Wickwire exit.
Nick: (To Rob) Well, we wait.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
KidFinder pager goes off—Lulu telephones Jules.
Lulu: Jules? It's Lulu. Is Dee with you? (Listens) No, he's not here but he's supposed to be. He's in East Liberty—I'm looking at the map right now. (Listens) Yeah, my pager went off, too. And, I'm going to go find him.
Lulu rushes out of the office—Alvin watches her leave and goes into her office where the KidFinder program is up on her laptop.
Scene: Somewhere in East Liberty
Lulu pulls up and parks at the curb. She consults her map and looks around. She finally sees Dee talking with three older guys. She runs over to him.
Lulu: Dee? What are you doing over here?
Dee: These kids—stole my bike so I chased them.
Lulu: Those guys? (Indicates the three guys)
Dee: No, not them. They actually helped me get it back.
Lulu: Well, you okay?
Dee: Yeah, I'm fine. Look, I know I broke the zone thing but I need my bike.
Lulu: All right. Well, we—we're late for your doctor's appointment. We need to go.
Dee: You mean you tracked me down with this thing?
Lulu: Yeah. (Shows him the map print-out she's carrying—then notices marks on his arm around the watch) Dee, what happened? What'd you do?
Dee: Look, I wanna take it off.
Lulu: No. Jules is your guardian. He's going to have to make that call.
Dee: It sucks.
Lulu: Come on.
Dee: What about my bike?
Lulu: You can bring your bike.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Alvin is still monitoring the activity on the laptop—James comes to the door.
James: Alvin. Your two o'clock. (Alvin waves him away)
Scene: Dr. Van Birk's office
Dr. Van Birk: I did a couple of tests.
Lulu: What'd you find out?
Dr. Van Birk: Well, with regard to dyslexia, it's a difficult thing to diagnose.
Lulu: Well, what can you say?
Dr. Van Birk: The Woodcock-Johnson battery was equivocal so I did a Kaufman test and I tend to be conservative.
Lulu: Conservative?
Dr. Van Birk: He's borderline. And I'm reluctant to throw around labels.
Lulu: All right. Uh, Dee, could you wait outside for just a minute?
Dee: Okay.
Lulu: Thanks. (After Dee leaves) Is there an argument to be made that he has a learning disability?
Dr. Van Birk: Another doctor might diagnose dyslexia and I'm not saying that's wrong, but…
Lulu: So, it could be right.
Dr. Van Birk: It could.
Lulu: I admire your restraint. I mean, it is rare nowadays.
Dr. Van Birk: Thank you.
Lulu: And I understand the stigma of labels but would you really let that fear of stigmas force a boy from his home?
Dr. Van Birk: Is that what would happen?
Lulu: Yeah. Dee inverts his letters; he can't tell time. Those are all symptoms of dyslexia, aren't they?
Dr. Van Birk: Yeah. That's right.
Lulu: Right. So then you're agreeing? (Dr. Van Birk sighs) He's dyslexic. Yeah? (The doctor finally nods) Could you fax your diagnosis to my office?
Dr. Van Birk: Sure.
Lulu: Great. Thank you, Doctor.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Lulu walks in to find Alvin sitting in her office watching the KidFinder on her laptop.
Lulu: Alvin. What're you doing?
Alvin: Been watching this thing—two hours yesterday. Followed that kid to, uh, Van Birk's office, to his school, around his school, back to his apartment. Went out a few times after that.
Lulu: Yeah. Impressive, isn't it?
Alvin: It's the most fascistic thing I've ever seen. It's Big Brother.
Lulu: What?
Alvin: Got a call last night from a foster parent looking to make $500.
Lulu: Yeah, that's what Nick's client was willing to pay.
Alvin: I heard. It's a load o' crap.
Lulu: We offered it to families who need the money and, Alvin, more importantly, who want to keep track of their children.
Alvin: Lulu, we're not here to supply children to businesses.
Lulu: That's not what's happening.
Alvin: You're using our clients to sell a product, for one of Nick's corporations—a product that exploits children.
Lulu: Exploits children?
Alvin: Oh, come on. They'll record these kids' every movement and sell it to marketing firms.
Lulu: It's not your choice, Alvin. It's up to the parents.
Alvin: No child would do this if he knew all the facts.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—main office, later
Rayola: I don't care 'bout no Big Brother.
Alvin: (Sighs) Do you know what you're getting into?
Rayola: Yeah. I wear a watch.
Alvin: No. It's not just a watch. They record your every movement. They send it to website.
Rayola: So?
Alvin: It's like wearing a leash, Rayola. Think about it.
Rayola: I've thought about it. $500 is $500. (Alvin sighs)
Mother/Guardian: Where do we sign up?
Rayola goes with Lulu—Alvin walks away, disgusted—sees Nick headed for the elevator and calls out.
Alvin: Nick. We need to talk.
Nick: (Reaches to punch the elevator button as the doors close) I have a meeting with a client.
Alvin: You're aware of our mission statement?
Nick: Yeah, I've heard it.
Alvin: You know we're not a test-marketing service.
Nick: Is this about KidFinder?
Alvin: No, it's about exploiting needy children to benefit your wealthy clients.
Nick: Alvin, I didn't exploit…
Alvin: (Raises his voice) Without consulting me.
Nick: I didn't think you'd be interested.
Alvin: (Angrily—loudly) You didn't think I'd be interested? I'm still the Executive Director of this Clinic, Mr. Fallin! I don't like people sneaking around behind my back.
Nick: (Controlled anger) I didn't sneak around. I got permission from Lulu.
Nick calls the elevator—Alvin stalks off—Nick glares after him.
Scene: The Incline—evening
Nick and Burton are dining together when Rob and Mr. Wickwire enter.
Rob: Evening, gentlemen. Sorry to interrupt. Uh… good news. And this is moving fast, but Howell talked to the Home Office… (Wickwire shakes hands with Burton)
Wickwire: There's a couple of guys they want to pitch to on the funding committee.
Rob: And, apparently these guys are leaving for Berlin in the morning.
Wickwire: Point being, I can take the first flight up; get them to sign-up before they leave.
Nick: Okay.
Rob: Uh, here's the 'but'… We need to punch-up the business plan—like, now.
Nick: Tonight?
Wickwire: Yeah.
Burton: Now?
Wickwire: It's make or break time.
Burton: (Moves over in the booth and motions) Come on. Sit down.
Wickwire: (Sheds his coat) Just give me one minute. (Heads to the men's room—Rob follows)
Rob: Be right back.
Nick watches them go, looks at Burton, then follows.
Burton: Where you going?
Men's room—Wickwire appears to be putting eye drops in his eyes—Nick tries to look under the stall—hears sniffing, toilet flushes, Rob exits the stall. Nick glares at him.
Rob: Hey, Nick, what's up? Nicky… This is going to be great, man. I'm telling you, Wickwire is going to sell this thing. I can feel it. (Nick continues to glare without speaking) What? It's just a bump, Nick. I got a long night ahead of me. (Nick leaves without a word)
Back at the table
Nick: Dad, I can't stay here.
Burton: Why not?
Nick: They're doing coke.
Burton: What?
Nick: (Leans closer) They're using cocaine.
Burton: You… get outta here.
Nick: Yeah. I'm sorry. (Indicates his unfinished meal)
Burton: Go. Just go.
Nick leaves, grabbing his overcoat from the coat tree at the front of the bar. Rob returns to the table.
Rob: Where's Nick going?
Burton: Home.
Rob: Why?
Burton: Because you guys are doing drugs. Rob, Nick is on probation.
Rob: I know, Burton, I'm sorry. I forgot. I forgot.
Burton: I don't understand.
Rob: I just did a couple of lines.
Burton: I don't understand wh—
Rob: It just keeps me going. It gets me focused. So Wickwire said we need to justify a 25 percent year-over-year growth…
Burton: So, you're, uh… you're high right now, right?
Rob: Yes. Look, Burton, I know Nick had his problems but some people can handle it.
Wickwire: (Returns to the table) Okay. Here's the deal. Where's Nick?
Rob: Uh, it's fine. Burton's got it.
Wickwire: Basically we want majority control of the Board structured as convertible…
Rob: (Notices Burton's inattention) Burton, you okay?
Burton: What?
Rob: Are you getting this?
Burton: Yeah. I'm fine.
Wickwire: Okay. Like I was saying, convertible preferred stock rather than straight common. You want to keep the draw and flow to a minimum…
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Jake strides into James' office looking for him—finds him just outside his office.
Jake: Hey. What the hell is this? (Removes an envelope from his inside coat pocket)
James: A request for documents.
Jake: For what?
James: I just figured if there's a problem with one of Kleiner's contracts, there might be a problem with all of them.
Jake: So what if there are? And I'm not saying there are. I was…
James: I was just hoping to do a little discovery without having to resort to formal litigation.
Jake: Discovery? We're talking about a repo of a $3,000 car here.
James: You know how many lawyers would love to get their hands on a class action like this?
Jake: (Agitated) Wha… a class…! Look, man, I called Kleiner, as a favor, for a friend. Okay, he's prepared to return the car. Now, I was going to call and tell you but then I get this.
James: I'm looking for damages.
Jake: Damages? For what?
James: Loss of income, expenses. I'm thinking $2,000 is fair. And I still want the car back.
Jake: Are you—are you insane?
James: In Federal Court I get punitive damages, attorney fees, not to mention bad press. This'll cost your client a lot more than $2,000.
Jake: Look, what's this about? Is it because I beat you at squash?
James: No, it's not personal. It's just one of the tiny little cases that fills my day.
Jake: Okay. If you want to wrap this up, why don't we just, um… why don't we just go to arbitration?
James: That sounds good.
Jake: Good. I'll set it up. (They shake hands)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Nick's office
Nick shows his Probation Officer, DeSica, to his office—finds Rob is already in there.
Nick: Rob.
Rob: Well, hey there.
Nick: (Tersely) I need my office.
Rob: Well, that's fine. That's fine. Come in. Come in. Come in. Nick. Nick. Nick. C'mere. Nick, we worked until 4:00 in the morning and we ironed out a plethora of problems.
Nick notices a fine white powder next to a coffee cup on his desk—he glances uneasily from Rob to DeSica—then notices the Sweet-n-Low packet nearby—noticeable sense of relief.
Rob: I don't think I've ever said the word plethora aloud before. You look familiar. Are… do you work for Schecter and Morrow?
DeSica: No. I'm Mr. Fallin's Probation Officer.
Rob: Terrific. Hey, has Nick told you about this idea that we're working on? How many—how many probationers you got?
DeSica: Over a hundred.
Rob: What if I told you you could sit at your desk and track the location of each and every one of them?
DeSica: Save me a lot of time in my car.
Rob: Now, that's what I'm talking about.
Nick: Rob.
Rob: That's… The possibilities…
Nick: Rob.
Rob: Not just for kids, but for law enforcement are endless…
Nick: Rob. Rob. We're trying to have a meeting here.
Rob: Oh, God. My bad. I'm sorry.
DeSica: Good luck with that. Sounds like a great idea.
Nick: Take your mess. (Indicates the coffee cup and sugar packet)
Rob: Yeah, thank you. (Rob gathers his things and leaves)
DeSica: Okay, Nick, so…
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Rob knocks on the window to get Burton's attention then enters.
Rob: I'm sorry. Uh, Nick needed his office—Probation Officer.
Burton: Oh, well, come on in a minute.
Rob: Do you mind?
Burton: No, not at all. You wanna soda or something?
Rob: No. I'm fine.
Burton: Sit down.
Rob: Hey, so you think Howell's going to bite?
Burton: (Chuckles) Uh… we'll see. (Sighs) Rob, you mind if I ask you something?
Rob: Yeah, sure.
Burton: When you called me in '96 and had me come up to New York, Nick never told me about that.
Rob: Don't blame him. It was ugly.
Burton: Why?
Rob: We'd just closed some massive bond deal and after dinner a bunch of us hit the bars.
Burton: Oh… drugs involved?
Rob: Uh, coke. Mostly, coke. So, we settled in at this one bar. We got pretty wasted. Then this guy, Brett, he calls and tells us about this model party on the Upper East Side.
Burton: Model party?
Rob: Fashion models.
Burton: Oh. Oh.
Rob: Tall, young, anorexic, scowls on their faces. So, Nick is so plowed he can't even walk to the car. It's snowing like hell outside. The others guys, they take off without us. I stand him up and, Burton, I am yelling at him and his eyes just roll back into his head.
Burton: Oh, God.
Rob: So, we go to the emergency room.
Burton: Emergency room?
Rob: Yeah. As soon as Nick gets to the hospital, he starts fighting me. The E.R. guy and me, we wrestle him into an examination room. Little bit later they come out. They tell me that, uh, Nick just took off, without his shirt. I find him passed-out about four blocks away in front of this bodega on 2nd Avenue. Tried to talk him into going back into the hospital but he won't go. So, took him back to the apartment and stayed up all night just to make sure he didn't stop breathing.
Burton: That when you called me?
Rob: Well, Nick came out of it around dawn and—and he said to call you.
Burton: He asked you to call?
Rob: Yeah. He just kept saying, 'Call my dad', so, I did. Hey, you got any fresh coffee around here?
Burton: Oh, yeah. I'm sure we do here. Uh… (Punches a button on his phone) Gretchen could we get some fresh coffee, please?
Scene: Dingham's apartment
Lulu knocks. Harris Dingham answers.
Harris Dingham: How ya doing?
Lulu: I'm looking for Dee Carter.
Dingham: He's not here.
Lulu: He was here though, right? I'm his lawyer. I need to find him.
Dingham: Good luck with that. (Starts to close the door—Lulu stops him with her hand)
Lulu: Hey, I know he's in there. His bike is right outside. You want me to call the police?
Dingham: What did you say?
Lulu: I need to find Dee…
Dingham: About the police?
Lulu: Just that…
Dingham: What did I do to you?
Lulu: Nothing.
Dingham: So, why are you threatening me?
Lulu: I'm not threatening you. I need…
Dingham: What if I came to your place? How would you like that?
Lulu: Forget it. (Turns to leave—man grabs her purse and removes her wallet) Hey!
Dingham: Where do you live?
Dee: (Comes out the door) Leave her alone!
Dingham: I told you not to come out.
Dee: You better leave her alone!
Dingham: Or what?
Lulu: Give me my wallet.
Dingham lets the wallet drop on the floor—Dee picks it up—they turn to leave.
Dingham: Don't come back.
Lulu: (Grabs Dee's coat hood and yanks—is angry) He didn't help you find your bike. You know, Dee, Dr. Van Birk made a special appointment to examine you. I pulled strings with Social Services to get you into special classes so that you would look good in court today and this is how you were going to thank me? By not showing up for your court date?
Dee: Does that lady still wanna put me in a group home?
Lulu: Yes, probably.
Dee: Look, I wanna stay with Jules! You gotta make it so I can stay with Jules!
Lulu: That's what I've been trying to do, Dee. And you go and do this.
Dee: Please, Lulu. Please.
Lulu: We're going to be late.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Nick: You need 5 million to fund the business plan.
Rob: Wickwire offered 3 million for 40 percent. We can make that work, right?
Nick: No. It's a bridge halfway across the river.
Rob: So we raise more money.
Nick: (Scoffs) Give away more of the company?
Rob: It's better than…
Nick: It's a low-ball offer, Rob.
Rob: It's better than no offer, Nick.
Nick: Reject it! Schedule your demonstration for tomorrow and counter after it works. (Heads for the door)
Rob: But they're the only company making an offer.
Nick: They don't know that. (Exits—shutting the door)
Scene: Courtroom
Judge: Dee Carter will be remanded to Social Services. (Gavel down)
Dee: (To Lulu) You suck.
Jules: Hey, watch yo' mouth, boy.
Dee: No, you sold me out.
Lulu: How can you say I sold you out, Dee? I did everything to try to help and you didn't hold up your end of the deal.
Dee: You could have defended me. But you just sat there.
Lulu: What else could I do? Was the woman from Social Services lying when she said you missed 34 days of school?
Dee: Well, no, but…
Lulu: Okay, and was she lying when she said that Jules can't control you any more?
Dee: I hate you, Lulu. (Runs out of the courtroom)
Jules: Dee!
Scene: Arbitration Meeting Room
Jake: (Pours coffee) So Kleiner will return the car… Cream? (To James—who gestures assent) …return the car, waive all fees and… knock 50 percent off the principle of the loan.
Arbiter: Mr. Mooney?
James: Well, the contract says monthly. They billed every four weeks.
Jake: Here you go. (Passes a plate of cookies to the arbiter who takes one)
Arbiter: Thank you.
Jake: Well, (Chuckles) that means he pays the loan off quicker. Kleiner's saving him a fortune in interest.
James: Client missed payment. Kleiner took his car. My client lost income; incurred costs trying to get it back. And now he wants to be compensated.
Arbiter: So, your demand?
James: Return the car, forgive the loan, refund the fees, and pay him $25,000 damages.
Jake: (Laughs) Oh, Mr. Mooney originally offered to settle this for $2,000.
James: Sugar? (Points to the sugar) But, you rejected that, then you offered to arbitrate. Now, I re-evaluated the case and increased my demand which is my prerogative.
Jake: (Agitated) You know, the basis for the claim is the threat of a class action lawsuit. Come on…
Arbiter: Counselors. Let's keep this professional, shall we? Uh, Mr. Mooney, your demand is unreasonably high but I do agree that your client needs to be made whole. So I'm willing to adopt Mr. Straka's offer of settlement.
Jake: Thank you.
Arbiter: So we're done here. Have a good day, gentlemen.
All prepare to leave.
Arbiter: Oh, Jake. I can't make Tuesday. How about Wednesday at the same time?
Jake: Oh, that's fine. I'll reserve the court.
Arbiter: Good.
Jake: Yeah. Good to see ya.
Arbiter: Good to see ya. (They shake hands—laugh)
Jake: All right.
Immediately outside the building
Jake: (Proffers a cigar) Cigar? It's Cuban.
James: (Shakes his head) That arbitrator should've recused himself?
Jake: Why?
James: He's in your Club.
Jake: He's not a Judge. He doesn't have to.
James: I never thought you were that kinda guy.
Jake: What kinda guy?
James: I don't have to spell it out.
Jake: James, you threatened a class action lawsuit. I was defending my client.
James: That's not defense. That's Club members taking care of each other.
Jake: Look, you got everything you wanted.
James: I could've gotten more.
Jake: Well, truth is, that was a gift.
James: A gift to you from the arbitrator. (James now takes a cigar and walks off)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Nick ushers everyone into the conference room following a field test of the KidFinder device.
Burton: There you go. (As Nick opens the doors)
Rob: No. No. That's the point. I agree with you, Mr. Howell. So, you see how it works.
Howell: Well, it's not what I expected.
Rob: Can I clarify anything for you?
Howell: Well, she hid—you found her. But, she never tried to take it off and then she was never more than a block away.
Rayola: What'd you not like? You saying I didn't hide well enough?
Lulu: No, Rayola, please. You hid well enough.
Rob: (Whispers to Lulu) Where's the other boy?
Lulu: He's not going to show up.
Rob: Why?
Lulu: Just trust me. He's not.
Wickwire: Well, thanks very much. (Shakes hands with Burton)
Burton: Yeah, well thank you. Good to see ya.
Howell: We'll be in touch. (Shakes hands with Burton)
Burton: Thank you very much.
Rob: You know what, hold on one second. (Brings up KidFinder on his laptop which is tracking Dee) Look at that dot. That dot is Dee. We're tracking him right now. It even gives his velocity—9 miles an hour.
Lulu: Must be on his bike. (Smiles)
Rob: Now this is going to be a better demonstration than any of us had imagined. Can I have that? (Takes a pager) Let's go find this kid.
Howell: All right. (They all start to leave) Do you know how far away he is right now?
Rob: At least five miles.
Burton: (To Nick) Coming with me?
Nick: No, I'll drive.
Scene: Somewhere in greater Pittsburgh
Rob pulls over to the curb in his Cadillac Escalade—Nick follows suit in his BMW—all alight except for Burton.
Nick: Why're we stopping?
Rob: (Looking at a hand-held tracking device) He was here. Dot stopped here.
Lulu: Yeah, Dee came here sometimes.
Wickwire: It's moving again.
Rob: Ah, we just missed him. Uh-huh… now he's moving—38 miles an hour.
Howell: So, it's a car.
Lulu: Whose car?
Rob: It's kinda fun, isn't it? Let's go.
They all get back in the cars and track the signal behind some empty warehouses. Everyone gets out.
Rob: Okay, he should be around here somewhere.
Wickwire: Place is deserted, Rob. He got rid of the thing somehow.
Rob: No. I know this technology. It doesn't come off. Believe me, the device works.
Howell: Sure you're getting a signal?
Rob: Yes, I'm getting a signal. It's just, you know, once in awhile, and this is a prototype… you know, those power lines might be a problem.
Howell: Okay, where is he?
Rob: He's nearby. I'm sure of it.
Burton: I don't see him, Rob.
Wickwire: Maybe in the building?
Lulu: Why would Dee come here?
Rob: He's an adventurous kid.
Lulu: I'm worried.
Wickwire: He's not here.
Nick looks around the area and notices a rolled up comic book near some empty oil drums. He walks over and picks it up then sees a foot sticking out from behind the drum. Checking, he finds Dee’s body covered with a blanket. After he collects himself, he looks up and sees Lulu talking to Rob.
Lulu: You know, the little arrow thing keeps moving back and forth. (Observing the hand-held tracking device)
Rob: No. I know. I get it. (To the others) Everyone be cool for a minute, all right? He’s around here somewhere.
Lulu looks up and sees Nick looking her way and walks towards him, waving her arms.
Lulu: I’m gonna kill this guy.
Nick quickly moves towards her and whispers in her ear. She tries to go to Dee—Nick stops her—she collapses in his arms.
Night falls—police are all around the site. Nick walks up to Lulu.
Nick: Here, drink this.
Lulu: I don't want anything.
Nick: It's just water. You should drink it.
Lulu: I don't want it, Nick.
Nick: You need a ride?
Lulu: No. I'm good. I've got to talk to the police. (She walks away)
Nick starts towards his car—Rob walks up to him.
Rob: Just so you know, I already talked to the detectives.
Nick: Okay.
Rob: Tonight, I'll give 'em a print-out of everywhere the victim went on his final day. You know, from the website records. Actually, the homicide guys think this could really help. In fact, they're really excited. (Nick nods) It's basically a police endorsement. (Nick walks away)
Burton: (Standing by the BMW) We outta here?
Nick: Yeah.
Burton: What about Lulu?
Nick: She's going to talk to the police.
Nick starts the car, briefly rests his head on the headrest, then slowly drives away.
Police Officer: (to Lulu) You were first on the scene and found him over there?
Scene: Café—counter
Waitress places a piece of pumpkin pie in front of Nick.
Burton: Did you know that kid… Dee?
Nick: Uh, yeah, sort of.
Burton: Well, Lulu was pretty upset. Does she have anybody to be with?
Nick: Her mother.
Burton: Good. Nicholas, uh… Rob told me what really happened to you in New York.
Nick: Oh, he did, did he?
Burton: Yeah. You could've died, son.
Nick: Which story did he tell you?
Burton: He told me you ran out of the E.R., out into the snow, with no shirt on, crazy on drugs. I can't even imagine.
Nick: That's because it didn't happen. I had a little problem and I asked him to call you. (Pause) Now, I have an early meeting, so can we get outta here?
Burton: Yeah. Oh… Miss, check?
Nick: I'll get it.
Burton: I got it.
Waitress: Here ya go.
Burton: Thank you.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—coffee station
Alvin: James. I need you to take the Donna Jacks case. Lulu's got a lot on her plate.
James: Okay. Sorry about Dee, Alvin.
Alvin: Thanks.
Lulu gets off the elevator.
Alvin: Lulu? Do they know anything?
Lulu: Yeah. Uh… a guy confessed.
Nick comes to his office door and listens to the conversation.
Alvin: Who was it?
Lulu: Drug dealer. Said that Dee was delivering drugs for him.
Nick rubs the back of his head.
Alvin: (Chuffs) I see.
Lulu turns to walk away then turns back.
Lulu: (Tearfully—haltingly) Alvin. I met the guy that did it. His name is Harris Dingham.
Alvin: Oh.
Lulu: The other day when I was looking for Dee with the KidFinder…
Alvin: Yeah?
Lulu: …I went to his apartment. I mean, I must've made him think that Dee was talking to the police.
Alvin: Oh, no, Lulu. Lulu. It's not your fault. A kid like Dee, with everything he was into… there are a lot of reason this could've happened.
Lulu: (Crying) He had to think that Dee talked. (Turns and walks away)
Alvin: Ah, Nick. (Nick comes to his office door) You don't have to stay if you don't want to.
Nick: I could stay.
Alvin: We're pretty well covered. (Turns and walks away)
Nick seems utterly lost.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—main lobby
Nick walks in and Jake corrals him.
Jake: Nick. Hey, we've been waiting for ya. Great. Come on. (To the people in the conference room) Nick's here. We can get started.
Nick walks directly to Burton's office. He glances into the conference room—exchanges glances with Rob—then walks into his father's office.
Rob: Nick. Nick. Nick. (Follows Nick into Burton's office and closes the door) Nick, the detective's going on record as saying we helped solve this thing.
Nick: Okay.
Rob: Well, that's the endorsement we need. That put us over the top. We're rolling. The investors offered the full 5 million and we got 'em down to 15 percent. I want to close this deal, now.
Burton: Today?
Rob: (Pause) I know how terrible this seems. Believe me, the death of that boy weighs heavily on me. But, the point is, his murder wouldn't have been solved without KidFinder and there's a deal on the table. I say we close it.
Burton: Really.
Rob: USA Today, New York Times, Wall Street Journal—I talked to them all. (Gets louder and louder) And Oprah… it's going to be on Oprah. That is money. That is leverage.
Burton: Can't we put it off a couple of days?
Rob: No. Am I not making myself clear? I want to close it today!
Burton: Rob, I think maybe you're a little worked up right now…
Rob: Please don't condescend to me. (Nick glares at Rob) (Pause) Now, I'm going in there and I'm going to hammer out that offer with Howell and Wickwire. You can come with me or I'll find a law firm that will. (Exits)
Burton: (Sighs and reaches for his jacket) Well, that little prick's gonna make us all rich. (Heads to the conference room—Nick follows) (To the meeting) Morning.
In unison: Morning, Burton.
Burton: I assume everybody's got a copy of the terms sheet. I think we should…
Nick closes the door on the meeting.
END OF EPISODE
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