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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Downtown street
Nick steps into the street—a car almost runs him over. He draws back, in the nick of time, and breathes a deep sigh of relief.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital
Lulu stands with Meg Howard—peering in the window of the nursery at Meg's daughter.
Lulu: Meg, I want to recuse myself from this.
Meg: Why?
Lulu: My recommendation, if I were to make it, would be to tell the court to support your husband's position.
Meg: I thought you were on my side.
Lulu: I just… I believe that the law supports your husband's wishes.
Meg: So you'd just let her die.
Lulu: The law would. I wouldn't. You see the problem? I'm so sorry. (Walks away)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Lulu gets off the elevator to find Barbara and James in a big bear hug.
Barbara: (To James) I am.
James: No, you're not.
Barbara: Yeah. (Laughs)
James: No, you're not.
Barbara: I am. (Laughs)
James: Are you kidding? That's wonderful!
Barbara: Isn't that so great?
Lulu: (Walks up to them) Barbara, what's going on?
Barbara: I'm getting married.
Lulu: Oh, that's great!
Barbara: He's amazing.
Lulu: I didn't even know you were seeing someone.
Barbara: And, I'm pregnant. (Laughs and hugs Lulu)
Lulu: Oh… (Laughs) Great. (She and James exchange a look)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Meeting with John Clayton of Clayton Steel.
Clayton: We can't compete with the foreign steel producers. We're carrying legacy healthcare and pension obligations for 3 times as many former workers as we currently employ.
Burton: All right. What about that specialty steel idea?
Clayton: Too expensive. No. We have to sit down with labor. Tell them we need a hundred million dollars in concessions or we'll have to close the Mt. Aire works.
Burton: So whadda you want us to do?
Clayton: Burton, you're the one who pushed hard for this reorganization in the first place. You're the one who helped sell the workers on the last round of pay cuts. (Burton sits back in his chair, having trouble breathing) I need you to do it again.
Burton pushes his hand on his chest and adjusts himself in the chair—still has difficulty breathing.
Nick: Dad? (Nick notices his father's distress)
Clayton: Burton?
Nick: You all right?
Burton: (Reaches out for Nick's hand and starts to stand—Nick stands to help him)
Nick: Get him some water and some aspirin.
Jake: Is he having a heart attack? (Rushes to get the water)
Nick: (Worried) Just get the aspirin! Can you call 9-1-1?! (To Burton) You all right? (Burton shakes his head and mouths, “No”)
Jake: (Hollers) Gretchen! Hurry, call 9-1-1!
Scene: Hospital
Nurse: (To Nick) Mr. Fallin, you can go in now.
Nick can hear his father talking before he enters the room.
Burton: …so the cowboy said to the lawyer, 'Doesn't make any difference, partner, it's just going to be you… you and me.' (Laughs along with the nurse)
Nick knocks and enters.
Burton: Hey, Nick. Come on in. (Sits on the bed, dressed in his T-shirt and slacks, putting his shoes on) Nick, say hi to Patty. This is my son, Nick.
Patty: Hi, Nick.
Nick: Hi.
Burton: Patty's from Bethel Park. Played a little softball, right? (She nods) Listen, thank you so much for everything. I really appreciate it. Okay. (She exits)
Nick: So what's going on?
Burton: Yeah, doctor checked me over. Gas.
Nick: Gas? (Incredulous)
Burton: Gas. (Chuckles)
Nick: Well… are they going to let you go?
Burton: I just have to be discharged. Shouldn't be too long. Sit down a minute. (Nick sits) So… little embarrassing in that, uh… ambulance. Oxygen mask over my face, working over me… siren… pain. I'll tell ya, for a few minutes, I thought… (Nurse enters)
Nurse Arlene: Mr. Fallin, you're free to go.
Burton: Oh, thanks a lot, Arlene. (Claps his hands together once) Let's go. Let's get back to work. (Gets up and starts out the door) How are you doing? (Nick follows)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Nick is leaning with his hands on a cabinet in the bullpen, head down—in deep thought. Lulu approaches.
Lulu: Hey. Are you okay?
Nick: Yeah. Fine. (Straightens up and walks towards his office—Lulu follows) My father ended up in the hospital this morning. I thought he'd had a heart attack.
Lulu: Oh, God. Is he okay?
Nick: Yeah, he's okay. It was just, uh, it was just gas.
Lulu: Oooh… (Small laugh)
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: That's good.
Nick: Yeah. So, what's up?
Lulu: Well, I have this case, had this case as guardian ad-litem for a baby with Krabbe's disease.
Nick: Never heard of it.
Lulu: It's terminal. Incurable. And the baby—her name is Lily—she's brain-damaged and she has a weak heart. She gets pneumonia every few months.
Nick: Okay.
Lulu: And the parents are just… well, they're really good people. The mother's an architect. The father teaches at CMU [Carnegie Mellon University].
Nick: Is this a placement?
Lulu: No. It's that the parents disagree about Lily's medical treatment so the father wants to take the mother to court and argue his position in front of Judge Damsen. We're representing the baby's interests in the hearing.
Nick: And the father wants a different course of treatment?
Lulu: He wants to let the baby die. And, you know, he's probably right to do this. The Hospital Ethics Board…
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: …agrees with him. But I just can't… I just can't in good conscience... And I'm having a lot of trouble going before the judge and playing God.
Nick: Right. It's a best interests recommendation.
Lulu: No, I know that but I've grown pretty close to the mom.
Nick: Well, uhm, drop the file off on my desk and I'll take a look at it. (Lulu hands him the file—Nick grins, weakly) Okay. [Inaudible]
Lulu: So, I'm glad your dad's okay.
Nick: Yeah, it was a little scare. He thought he was gonna die. He's fine. (Turns to leave)
Lulu: See ya later.
LSP bullpen
Barbara: Nick! (Giggles and hands him a wedding invitation then gives him a big hug)
Nick: Oooh, what's that for?
Barbara: Nick Fallin, this is Evan Puskaric. Evan. Nick.
Evan: You're Burton Fallin's son, right?
Nick: Yeah.
Barbara: Evan and I are getting married.
Nick: Wow. Congratulations, Barbara.
Evan: You know, your dad and my dad grew up together. He never mentioned Red Puskaric?
Nick: Uh… uh… (Befuddled)
Barbara: The wedding's on Saturday, Nick, and, uhm… I'm pregnant.
Nick: Well, that's, uh… it's…
Barbara: You can come, right?
Nick: Saturday?
Barbara: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You have to! Honey, tell him.
Evan: Not here.
Barbara: No, tell him.
Nick: Tell me what?
Evan: You got a second?
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Evan: Barbara's the best person I've ever met.
Nick: Yeah, she's, uh…
Evan: My dad's gonna have a heart attack when he finds out you and I ran into each other.
Nick: Yeah.
Evan: He and your dad were pretty tight.
Nick: Well, I'll tell him.
Evan: Uh, my dad has cancer… cigarettes. You know how those old guys live.
Nick: Yeah, I'm sorry.
Evan: Have you ever, uh… have you ever been down to Mt. Aire?
Nick: Sure.
Evan: I really couldn't believe it either, you know? It's like a ghost town, you know? Could really use some help.
Nick: (Totally disinterested) Hmm. Okay.
Evan: So I've got this idea for a kids' center. Provide free day-care, after-school programs, tutoring—you name it. You know, kinda… give local families a second chance.
Nick: Great.
Evan: I've had some plans drawn up and identified an appropriate site and... Oh, last month Clayton Steel agreed to match any funds that we raise so… Think we're going to need about 1.5 million for the project and half of that I need to raise from people like you and your father—you know, people who are from Mt. Aire.
Nick: I'm not from Mt. Aire.
Evan: Well, no, I'm saying like, just for instance, if you were to pledge say 10,000 a year for, oh, say 5 years…
Nick: Then I'd be out 50 grand. (Chuffs—flashes a fleeting smile which quickly turns sober)
Evan: (Chuffs)
An awkward moment ensues then Nick rises to leave.
Evan: If you don't mind, could you give this to your father? (Hands him a business card)
Nick: Sure.
Evan: Thanks.
Nick: Yeah. Listen, congratulations on the engagement.
Evan: Thank you.
Nick: She, uh… she's great.
Evan: Yeah.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Nick's knocks.
Burton: Yeah? Hey.
Nick: Hey. How're ya feeling?
Burton: Good. I feel fine. (Chuckles)
Nick: Good.
Burton: (Looking out the window) Just looking at that Oliver Building. That's where it started, you know? Fifth Floor. No window in my office.
Nick: You know, I met this guy today from Mt. Aire.
Burton: Yeah?
Nick: Says he knows you. Evan Puskaric. (Tosses business card on the desk)
Burton: Red's boy?
Nick: Yeah.
Burton: Yeah? (Chuckles) Red Puskaric. Boy, in his day… (Lights up a cigarette—Nick obviously does not approve) …living legend. We were in National Guard together. Played on the same defensive line together. I wasn't in his league but… God, I wonder how he's doing? (Takes a puff)
Nick: He has lung cancer.
Burton: (Long pause) Huh. (Takes another drag)
Nick: (Long pause) Anyway, his son's trying to raise some money for this thing. He comes on very strong. Card's on the table. (Exits)
Burton almost stubs out his cigarette, but changes his mind.
Scene: Red Puskaric's apartment
Burton knocks on the door—Red has difficulty getting up to answer—coughs—opens the door.
Burton: Red?
Red: Yeah, whadaya want?
Burton: Burton Fallin.
Red: Burton Fallin.
Burton: Yeah.
Red: What the hell? (They shake hands)
Burton: Yeah, our boys ran into each other this morning. I just thought maybe it was high-time I came by. (Awkward pause) Well, good to see ya, Red. (Starts to leave)
Red: D'you wanna a drink?
Burton: Yeah.
A little while later—watching football videos.
Burton: He had a hell of an arm. (Pause) I happened to see that game Evan started for Navy. Saw him take that hit.
Red: Heard the bone break clear up in the stands.
Burton: Hmm.
Red: Evan kept saying, in the ambulance… just wanted to finish the game. Kid never quits.
Burton: Wonder where he got that from. (Takes a drink—holds his cigarette lighter in his hand)
Red: So how's your boy?
Burton: Ah, he's a hell of a kid, Red. Hell of a kid. He works with me. He's a… works at my Firm and… He's a partner.
Red: A lawyer, too?
Burton: Yeah. Hell of a kid.
Red: You got a smoke?
Burton: I do. (Chuckles) Red.
Red: [Inaudible]
Burton: Well, maybe I'll join ya. Here ya go. (Presents the pack of cigarettes)
Red: My son takes my cigarettes…
Burton: Yeah?
Red: …on account of the cancer.
Burton: Well. Are you gettin' treatment of any kind or…?
Red: Hell no!
Burton: No?
Red: I like my hamburger… (Takes a drag) …and I like my cigarettes and whiskey.
Burton: Uh-huh. Well, I know some pretty good doctors.
Red: Right. And I know a guy who went to a doctor. Said he 'Wanted to live to be a hundred'. And the doctor says, 'Well, do you drink or smoke or sleep around or eat too much?' And the guy says, 'No, I don't do any of that stuff. I just take good care of myself'. And the doctor said…
Burton: 'So why you wanna live to be a hundred?' (Red laughs—Burton grins)
Red: You heard it.
Evan enters—wearing a paramedic uniform.
Burton: Oh, hi. (Stands and extends his hand)
Evan: Hey. Dad.
Red: Evan, this is Burton Fallin.
Burton: How are you? (Shakes hands)
Evan: It's an honor to meet you, sir.
Burton: Nice to see you. Thank you. Thank you.
Evan: I ran into your son today. He's quite a guy.
Burton: Oh, thank you. Thank you. Yeah. So, you're a paramedic, right?
Evan: Actually just a volunteer.
Burton: Uh-huh.
Evan: Town doesn't have enough money to pay anybody so…
Burton: Good.
Red: Evan's gettin' married.
Burton: Oh. Congratulations.
Evan: Gonna have a baby.
Burton: Really? That's a blessing for ya—granddad.
Red starts to cough and hack.
Red: I gotta lay down.
Burton: Yeah. I gotta get going, too. It's really great to see ya, Red. Take care of yourself.
Red: Thanks for comin' by.
Burton: You bet. (Red leaves the room)
Evan: So, did Nick tell you what I'm doing out here?
Burton: Yeah. He... yeah, he mentioned somethin'.
Evan: I came back a few months ago and I just couldn't believe what was going on down on Main Street.
Burton: Yeah. Not good, is it?
Scene: Hospital
Nick approaches nurses' station.
Nick: Excuse me. I'm looking for Ray Howard.
Ray Howard stands peering in the window of the nursery—turns around when he hears his name.
Ray: I'm Ray Howard. You Nick Fallin?
Nick: Yeah.
Ray: (Shakes hands) That's my daughter, Lily. (They glance towards the nursery) The disorder's inherited. It's an enzyme deficiency that destroys the insulation around her nerves.
Nick: Right.
Ray: All they can only do is treat the symptoms. They stick needles in her. They feed her through tubes and they revive her when her body just wants to let go. (Nick nods) That's a lot of pain for a 14-month-old baby to go through.
Nick: Right. Well… thanks.
Ray: I love my daughter. I just don't think that my love should come at the cost of her suffering another day. (Nick exits)
Scene: The Incline
Barbara: He is so great. And he's just terrific with Russell.
Lulu: Did you say you used to babysit for him?
Barbara: Yeah, when I was a senior in high school, he was in the 7th grade. (They giggle) And then I ran into him 4 months ago. And I stopped into this local bar and we just started talking. And he has these great ideas. I mean, at first he was talking to me about helping out with the not-for-profit thing and so I said I would and then we started meeting about that and then, well… and then… (Chuckles)
Lulu: And how far along are you?
Barbara: I'm just over 12 weeks.
Lulu: Ooh, Barbara, it's so exciting.
Barbara: Isn't that good?
Lulu: Yeah.
Barbara: Hey, I want you to be my Matron of Honor.
Lulu: Really?
Barbara: Yeah. Or is it Maid?
Lulu: (Weak laugh) I don't know. I really don't know what I am since I'm not divorced yet. Do you get to be a Maid again or are you always a Matron?
Barbara: Well, it's my wedding—my rules so you can be whatever you want to be.
Lulu: I would love to. Thank you.
Barbara: Really?
Lulu: Yeah.
Barbara: And you should bring a date to the wedding.
Lulu: Oh. (Mumbles) I don't know.
Barbara: Well, you should.
Lulu: Who am I going to bring?
Barbara: Who…? (Laughs) Come on!
Lulu: What?
Barbara: How long are you planning on torturing him?
Lulu: Who? (Has no clue)
Barbara: Okay. Okay. Never mind. Never mind. (To waiter pouring water) Thank you.
Lulu: (Rolls her head back) All right. Okay. I just feel so stupid because… Brian just left three weeks ago and I haven't stopped thinking about… I mean, you know? All the time.
Barbara: So, just do something about it. Listen, there's this place… it's a nice place, this B&B ten miles from the reception. Book a room there and take him there after the wedding.
Lulu: (Covers her face with her hands) Ah, I don't know.
Barbara: Lulu. Lulu. Listen to me. I was alone for a long time before I finally met Evan and had the guts to do something stupid. Okay?
Scene: Puskaric residence
Burton: So, the cowboy says, 'It doesn't make any difference what you wear. It's just gonna be you and me.'
Evan: (Chuckles) That's a good one. That's good. So, Mr. Fallin…
Burton: Burton, please.
Evan: Burton. Whadaya think? I think the center could change the whole face of the town, you know? (Scale model of the center sits on the coffee table)
Burton: Well, I'll sure think about it.
Evan: Great.
Burton: So, listen, it's great seeing your dad. And he must be very proud having a son like you.
Evan: Hope so.
Burton: Yeah.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Burton sits at his long table reading the fund-raising literature on the children's center. Nick knocks.
Burton: Come in.
Nick: Wanted to see me?
Burton: Hey, yeah, come on in. Sit down. (Nick takes a seat) Nicholas, I've been thinking… Been thinking about my legacy.
Nick: Your legacy?
Burton: Yeah. You know, my old town is dying. I… Those families need to have a chance. I mean, they need to have somewhere to go, something to do.
Nick: So you want to help Evan build his children's center.
Burton: Yeah. I want to underwrite it. Be a half million dollars.
Nick: (Almost a whisper) Ooh.
Burton: Some of that money would come out of your inheritance.
Nick: You know Dad, he can't get this center built unless Clayton kicks in matching funds.
Burton: I know.
Nick: And if they declare bankruptcy next week…?
Burton: That's why I want to do it quickly.
Nick: (Pause) It's your money.
Burton: Well, I think it'd be a very special thing. Something we could all be proud of.
Nick: Good. Good. (Skeptical)
Nick walks through lobby on his way out and encounters Evan—who is waiting to see Burton.
Evan: Nick. I'm here to see your father.
Nick: Listen, d'you mind stepping into my office for a second?
Evan: Sure.
They enter Nick's office.
Nick: I was just wondering…
Evan: Listen, I'm an Annapolis graduate. Okay? Second Lieutenant in the Marines. Served in Desert Storm.
Nick: Sit down.
Evan: Led about 40 men in my platoon. After the war, I started my own corporate security company—basically bodyguards who, uh… understand technology.
Nick: Why aren't you doing that now?
Evan: 'Cause I sold the company to a larger outfit, based in Germany—Kraft Gesseleschaft.
Nick: Right. Okay.
Evan: Stock hasn't held up too well but, I did all right.
Nick: Okay, great. Well, I'd like to see your budget and your operating plan.
Evan: This is for your father?
Nick: No. It's for me.
Evan: (Pause) Great. I'll get that out to you first thing tomorrow.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Barbara's desk
Nick enters the office and strides up to Barbara's desk.
Nick: Barbara.
Barbara: Hey.
Nick: You got a second?
Barbara: I, uh… (Sees Lulu signaling from across the room as she mouths: 'I'm gonna ask' – Barbara quickly grabs her coat) Not right now. I've got to meet Evan at the courthouse, for the marriage license. I'll see ya later. (Pats Nick on the arm as she makes a quick exit)
Lulu: Hey, Nick. Uh… did you meet with Meg Howard yet?
Nick: Uh… no.
Lulu: Oh. Can I talk to you for a second?
Nick: Sure.
Lulu: (He follows her to her office) So, how's your father doin'?
Nick: You wanted to talk about the Howard case?
Lulu: Yeah… well, uh, no. I… Do you want to go to Barbara's wedding with me on Saturday?
Nick: What's that?
Lulu: Saturday. You want to go to Barbara's wedding?
Nick: Well, of course. We're all going.
Lulu: With me.
Nick: Whadaya mean?
Lulu: (Sighs) As my date. If you want.
Nick: (Caught completely off-guard) I think, uh… yes.
Lulu: Yeah? Okay. Great. (Smiles)
Nick: When do I pick you up?
Lulu: Um… no, I want to drive.
Nick: You do?
Lulu: Yeah. I asked you so… I'll pick you up at 10:00.
Nick: Great. (Confused smile—then exits)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Meeting with Clayton Steel labor representatives.
Labor Rep: I can't go ask my members to take another pay cut.
Burton: Well, if they don't, the factory's gonna close.
Labor Rep: We gave up millions of benefits and back pay 17 months ago.
Burton: You got 30 percent of the factory in return.
Labor Rep: 30 percent of nothing, so far.
Burton: You kept your jobs, kept the plant open.
Nick is having trouble keeping his mind on the meeting.
Labor Rep: We took a huge pay cut and haven't seen a dime in return.
Burton: Neither has Clayton! (Sighs) Look, the bottom line is, under this present agreement, the plant's unprofitable. It's that simple.
Nick is daydreaming.
Labor Rep: You want an 11 percent pay cut, you're going to have to give us another 20 percent of the factory, in equity.
Burton: Well, Clayton's not going to go for that.
Labor Rep: I'll tell members what you want, but I won't endorse it.
Burton: Okay. Well, if they don't, plant's going to close. (Extends his hand—Labor Rep refuses)
Labor Rep: No it's not. (Exits)
Burton exits—leaving Jake and Nick at the table.
Jake: So, I got an invitation to Barbara's wedding. (They get up to leave the room)
Nick: Oh, yeah.
Jake: I didn't even know she was seeing someone.
Nick: (Chuckles) You know, she's pregnant.
Jake: She's pregnant?!
Nick: Yeah.
Jake: Whoa. Did you meet the guy?
Nick: (Nods) Yeah.
Jake: What's he like? (Bobs his head—noncommittally) Well, I'm driving out. You want to go together on Saturday?
Nick: I can't. (Grins smugly then exits)
Scene: Hospital
Meg Howard is working at a table in the corridor near the nursery. Nick walks up.
Nick: Mrs. Howard?
Meg: Yes?
Nick: Hi, I'm Nick Fallin. Louisa Archer called you about me taking over the case. (Extends his hand)
Meg: (Shakes his hand) Hi.
Nick: Hi.
Meg: She was on my side, you know?
Nick: I know.
Meg: Mr. Fallin, look, I understand the law regarding best interests for children: Age, life-expectancy, amount of suffering, views of those close to the patient.
Nick: The court does take into consideration those factors, yes.
Meg: You've spoken with my husband?
Nick: I have.
Meg: He's given up on her. He's just weak. He actually complains that he can feel Lily's pain. That's just totally egocentric and totally impossible. We've no idea what Lily's going through. We do know that her suffering, 'if' she is suffering, is relieved through pain medication. And they could come up with a cure for this soon. I mean, people all over the world are working on it.
Nick: Okay.
Meg: Okay. So here's where I'm confused, Mr. Fallin, with the Hospital Ethics Board's ruling. Lily's quality of life is… it's relatively high right now. She has me, I have her, and we spend our days together. She's got a community of kids she lives with—children like her who struggle, but who live. So what gives the government, this hospital or even my husband the right to say she can just die?
Meg turns and enters the nursery leaving Nick to reflect.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Lulu is busy working when Barbara rushes in.
Barbara: Lulu?
Lulu: (Big smile--excited) Oh, hey, Barbara, I…
Barbara: (Worried expression) We were standing there in front of the clerk and Evan is searching through his briefcase for the divorce decree…
Lulu: (Smile fades) Divorce decree?
Barbara: Yeah, he was married to this woman in Atlanta and they got a divorce about a year and a half ago but he can't find the decree. So Evan says that he can call her up and they can send it up overnight. You know, they're still on good terms.
Lulu: Okay. So there you go.
Barbara: Well, it's just that the license takes 48 hours so I have to get it done before tomorrow morning.
Lulu: Oooh. D'you want me to get it for you?
Barbara: Could you?
Lulu: Yeah.
Barbara: Here's Evan's social security card in case you need more info. (Hands Lulu a Post-It Note)
Lulu: Okay.
Barbara: Thank you.
Scene: Hospital—Red Puskaric's room
Burton knocks.
Red: Yeah?
Burton: Hey, Red.
Red: Burton.
Burton: How are ya?
Red: Remember Milt Mosites, Sal Torris? (Introduces two other men in the room)
Burton: Yeah, sure. How are ya? (Extends his hands—they refuse)
Sal Torris: We'll come back later. Bring you that stuff. (Reaches out to Red then exits with Milt Mosites)
Burton: (To the men as they leave) Good to see ya.
Red: They're still sore.
Burton: Oh, yeah.
Red: Whadaya got there?
Burton: (Pulls up to the bedside and sits) Got a couple of tapes I ran across—Steelers games, '50s and '60s—I thought you might get a kick out of.
Red begins to cough and hack.
Burton: You want some water, Red? Some water?
Red: (Shakes his head) My body is slowly shutting down on me.
Burton: What's the doctor say?
Red: They wanna go in and take out what they can. They can't do much for my lungs but they can clear out my… whatever you call it. You know, give me a bag. So there it is. A bag to crap in.
Burton: I'm sorry, Red.
Red: You know, when I first heard the news I put my deer rifle under my bed—loaded. Decided when it came to this I'd just do everybody a favor and take a ride down 51 a while, park the car, take a walk in the woods… you know, just to save the mess.
Burton: Oh, Red.
Red: Funny thing. I can't do it. My will… I wanna meet my grandchild.
Burton: So why don't you just go ahead and have the operation?
Red: Ah… (Shakes his head)
Burton: What about the wedding, Red? Uhm… if you're up to it, I'd be glad to pick you up, take you over there and bring you back.
Red: No-no-no. I don't wanna be a burden.
Burton: It's no trouble, Red. (Long pause) Red. If you're up to it, I'd like to do that. (Red nods)
Scene: Hospital
Dr. Wasserman: When the Howards gave us conflicting instructions regarding Lily's treatment, I took the case to the Hospital Ethics Board. Standard practice.
Nick: Well, the Ethics Board agrees with Ray Howard.
Dr. Wasserman: For what it's worth, yes.
Nick: Well, how do they come to that decision?
Dr. Wasserman: Well, we take into account whether or not the illness is terminal, whether the patient will die within the next year. We weigh the impact of the care on the family and we ask ourselves if treatment can improve her prospects for living or quality of life, or if it simply prolongs her suffering.
Nick: If you were to stop treatment right now how much longer would she live?
Dr. Wasserman: She'll be fine until she gets pneumonia again, or has a seizure. At that point, we'd alleviate her pain but she would go in a few days, or even hours.
Doctor walks away—Nick walks to the nursery window and peers in.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Lulu: Nick. (Hands him a document) Evan told Barbara that he was married once.
Nick: So?
Lulu: So I checked him out and he was actually married twice. Once to this woman in Atlanta that Barbara does know about and once to some woman in Wheeling, West Virginia. Her name's Melissa Buckley.
Nick: (Looks over the two-page document) Where'd you get this?
Lulu: It was part of the file from the Court in Georgia. They fax'd it to me.
Nick: He never told her, huh?
Lulu: No. She has no idea. Why would he lie about it?
Nick: I don't know.
Lulu: Whadaya think? You think I should stay out of it?
Nick: No, I think you should tell her. Hey, can I make a copy of this?
Lulu: Yeah.
Barbara appears in the doorway.
Barbara: Hey, you two.
Nick: Hey.
Barbara: I can come back.
Nick: No. No. I'm just going.
Lulu: (Nick and Lulu exchange looks and smiles) See ya. (Nick exits)
Barbara: Uh, so…? (Worried)
Lulu: So, it's all set.
Barbara: It is?
Lulu: Yeah. Everything's done. I filed it with the Court.
Barbara: (Big sigh—then smiles) Oh, my God.
Lulu: Uh-huh.
Barbara: By the way, I heard a rumor.
Lulu: You did? (Grinning)
Barbara: Uh-huh. That Nick has a date to the wedding.
Lulu: Oh… (Laughs) Yeah. Hey, I called that place, too, that you suggested and I got us a… Uhh... It's kinda crazy isn't it?
Barbara: He's gonna be so much trouble. (Lulu laughs) Good for you. (Barbara exits)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Evan knocks and enters.
Evan: Mr. Fallin.
Burton: Oh, Evan. How are ya? Come on in. I was just… Here, sit down.
Evan: Thank you.
Burton: I was just thinking about you. How ya doing?
Evan: Good.
Burton: So…?
Evan: So, there've been rumors… about the Clayton plant.
Burton: Oh, yeah, right.
Evan: Yeah. Some of the workers have heard that management may ask for another round of cutbacks.
Burton: Well, I'm not at liberty to discuss any…
Evan: Well, the thing is, Mr. Fallin, if the mill fails then the children's center—everything… I mean, I won't be able to proceed with my plans. And the town…
Burton: I understand. Yeah.
Evan: …I mean, you know I was counting on Clayton donating nearly a million dollars.
Burton: Well, I just can't discuss the…
Evan: Mr. Fallin, I know that I pitched a different plan, okay? And I don't have another sponsor lined up yet but, I still feel that this center will have a huge impact on this town no matter what happens to the mill.
Burton: Well…
Evan: I mean, if Clayton pulls out, can I still count on you?
Burton: Answer's yes. Matter of fact, here's my first installment. (Hands him a check) Now let me give you a little advice. If I were you, I'd get Clayton to match that as soon as possible. You understand?
Evan: Yes sir.
Burton: Okay.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Damsen's courtroom
Dr. Wasserman: (On the witness stand) When a patient is dying caregivers should ultimately focus on care—not cure.
Judge Damsen: Thank you, Doctor. (Wasserman leaves the stand) Mr. Fallin, your recommendation?
Nick: I'd like to make it understood to the family that the only reason I even have to make a recommendation is because the parents cannot agree.
Judge Damsen: They're aware.
Nick: (Stands) It's impossible for me to know Lily's wishes. The issue before me is simply the facts of her case which I have taken into consideration.
Meg: (Stands—emotional) How can death be in Lily's best interests?
Judge Damsen: Mrs. Howard.
Meg: I'm sorry, you say you're here only to determine best interests but what you're really deciding is whether my daughter lives or dies.
Judge Damsen: Mrs. Howard, please.
Meg: Just be honest. My daughter's life is at stake here.
Judge Damsen: (Almost a whisper) Mrs. Howard. (Mrs. Howard sits down) Mr. Fallin?
Nick: It is my belief that Lily Howard's best interests are better served by alleviating her pain but… doing nothing more than that. (Sits down)
Judge Damsen: (Short deliberation) This is not an easy thing to do. But, upon reading the Ethics Board's recommendation and hearing today's testimony, I'm in agreement with Mr. Fallin's recommendation. (Gavel down)
Meg: (Sobbing) They'll let her die. (Sobs) But, they'll let her die. They'll let her die!
Ray: (Upset) Please, Meg, please. This is for the best.
Meg: Oh, for you! This is not for Lily. This is for you, so that you can move on and leave us.
Ray: Meg.
Meg: This is not for Lily. They'll let her die. (Uncontrolled sobs)
Nick leaves the courtroom, obviously moved by the disturbing emotional scene.
Scene: Melissa Buckley's residence
Nick knocks on the door—exhales heavily and waits.
Nick: Missy Buckley?
Missy: Can I help you?
Nick: Yeah, hi. My name's Nick Fallin and I just wanted to ask some questions about your ex-husband.
Missy: I don't understand. I haven't spoken to Evan in years.
Nick: Well, he's been hiding the fact that he was married to you and I was just wondering why?
Scene: Puskaric's residence
Evan opens the door to find Nick.
Evan: Nick?
Nick: Evan. (Enters) Hey. I spoke with Missy Buckley. She told me about a few things and then after that I called your second wife who told me a very similar story.
Evan: Right.
Nick: Yeah. (Points his finger in Evan's face and becomes intense) You give my father his money back.
Evan: I'm not trying to cheat your father, man.
Nick: And I think you owe it to Barbara to tell her the truth. Don't you? Or I will.
Evan: I love Barbara. And I admire your father. And when I say I'm going to do something, I do it. You understand me?
Nick: No, I don't understand. (Starts to leave)
Evan: Okay, look, look, please, Nick, just please give me chance, okay? Now listen, I know what happened in the past is the past and…
Nick: Evan, I'm done here. (Raises his left hand slightly and starts to move toward the door—Evan grabs his left arm and twists it behind his back and gets his neck in a hammerlock.)
Evan: (Menacingly) Hey! You know what… What do you know, huh?! What do you know?! Growing up the way you did. Everything being handed to you. I watched people die! Okay? And it bothered me! What do you know about going to war?! What do you know about being of service?!
Evan releases Nick—he gasps for air, holding his throat.
Evan: I'm sorry. But you have no right to intrude. I'm going to be a father. And I'm going to make a life for myself here. You understand?
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office—after hours
Nick: I stopped by your house.
Burton: Hey. Oh, yeah. I just had some work to do so…
Nick: Look, about the children's center…
Burton: Yeah?
Nick: Evan Puskaric… I found some things out.
Burton: Found out?
Nick: Yeah, he's—he's not who he says he is. Wasn't a war hero. He was medically discharged after a nervous breakdown. He's been married before. Both times, he took his wife's family's money.
Burton: Well…
Nick: Yeah, so, uh…
Burton: Wait a minute, what made you… what led you to find out about all this?
Nick: Well, mostly Barbara… and you.
Burton: Me?
Nick: Yeah, come on, Dad. You know, I mean, since your health scare and stuff with Clayton… you haven't exactly been yourself.
Burton: (Sighs) Huh. The thing is, Nicholas, back in the '50s we were in the same National Guard unit, and we got called up. My father was sick; my mother was taking care of him, so they gave me a hardship exemption but Red went to Korea—I stayed home. When he came back he was… shot to hell. He was a good man with a great future and comes back to nothing but long recovery… lotta drinking. Never came back.
Nick: You don't owe him.
Burton: (Sighs) Probably right. I'll just get the check back. Guy's gettin' married tomorrow but I'll get the check back on Monday.
Scene: On the road to the wedding—Lulu's car
Nick moves his head around and rubs his neck.
Lulu: You okay?
Nick: Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just not used to being a passenger.
Lulu: Ah, yeah, you know, 'cause I've… You really haven't said a word all morning, so… (Nick shrugs) (Pause) Huh. Do you think that this is weird or…?
Nick: (Smiles) It's a little weird. Good weird but, uh…
Nick looks over at Lulu who has her eyes on the road and smiles.
Nick: You look beautiful.
Lulu: Thank you. (Smiles back)
Nick: You're welcome.
Lulu: You know, it's good that we didn't say anything. She loves him and they're going to have a baby. And what if we're wrong and he really does love her and, you know… we would've ruined the whole thing.
Scene: Church—Bride's dressing room
Barbara is looking at herself in the mirror in her wedding dress. Evan enters.
Barbara: Evan. (Realizes that something's on his mind) Are you okay?
Evan: (Somberly) I want to be a good husband—a good father.
Barbara: You will be.
Evan: I want to be true.
Barbara: Evan…
Evan: You know when I came home to be with my father…
Barbara: To take care of him, right?
Evan: Well, I didn't really have anywhere else to go. I wanted to do something that would impress him before he, uh… before he… (Sits on a sofa) I never told my father this but when I was in Kuwait, I tried to desert. (Barbara sits beside him) I had my men, we'd been in the sand for about a week. We weren't even facing fire. And I panicked… I panicked and I fell apart. They put me in a psych ward. When I came back, I lied about the treatment I had to undergo. I lied about a lot of things. I've been married twice—not once. The first time, before Kuwait. The other, in Atlanta.
Barbara: Twice?
Evan: And there was money problems with the families… and with me. (Sighs) These women had pretty wealthy fathers. They gave me money to start businesses. Businesses that never worked. So I wasted their money trying to look successful and when the money ran out… I left.
Barbara: Why did you do it?
Evan: 'Cause I failed, honey. I just… I failed. (Sighs) I was supposed to be a football star, a war hero. I was supposed to be something that I guess I'm not. Something better. I was supposed to be something better.
Barbara: Evan, do you love me?
Evan: Yeah.
Barbara: Evan… (Sighs) …this time you will be. (They embrace)
Scene: Church sanctuary
Burton and Red, with his oxygen tank, walk down the aisle to find a seat.
Burton: So the cowboy says to the lawyer, 'There's gonna be drinkin', dancin', fightin', screwin' and the lawyer said, 'Sounds great to me but what do I wear?' (Red doubles over) You all right? Sit down, sit down. You all right?
Red: Yeah.
Burton: (Sits down beside him) (Jokingly) Don't forget, you've got to dance with the bride. (Red smiles)
Scene: On the road to the wedding—Lulu's car
Lulu: I don't know, maybe we should've told her but… there's just some things I just don't like to get in the middle of.
Nick: Like the Howard case?
Lulu: Right.
Nick: That's why you gave it to me?
Lulu: Yeah, you're different.
Nick: Different?
Lulu: Yeah, I don't think you get as caught up in these things.
Nick: Right. Sure.
Lulu: Why? Did it bother you in court the other day?
Nick: It affected me, yeah. Yeah… I, uh… I may not show my feelings to everyone but it doesn't mean that I'm not affected by things. I feel things. You know, it's hard. We're forced to make decisions based on what is in front of us.
Lulu: It's true. Otherwise we're paralyzed. (She reaches over and squeezes his hand which is resting on his leg—Nick looks at her hand then at her) I'm kinda nervous about this, but I'm going to tell you. I got us a place to go after the wedding.
Nick: You got a place?
Lulu: Yeah. A place to go. After the wedding. (It suddenly dawns on him and he grins broadly) I just… uhm… (Nervous laughter) …and it's not like me, usually. I just leave these things up to fate.
Nick: Or to someone else?
Lulu: No. Up to fate. But this time it's up to me.
Nick: Okay. Well… this place to go, did you think to… did you get a late check-out?
Lulu stops at the intersection.
Lulu: (Looks at him and smiles) Huh. Very funny
As Lulu pulls away from the stop she is broad-sided by an SUV.
Scene: Church—Bride's dressing room
Barbara doubles over in pain—holding her stomach.
Barbara: Oooh. (She sits down at the dressing table—worried)
Alvin: (Appears in the doorway) Barbara?
Barbara: Yeah?
Alvin: You okay?
Barbara: Yeah. It's a cramp. Nerves. Um… have you seen Lulu and Nick? (Alvin shakes his head and mouths, 'No') Well, we can't start without Lulu.
Alvin: I'll go check.
Barbara: Thanks.
Scene: Accident site
Driver's door is caved in. Nick awakens, dazed—face bloodied by flying glass, and slowly turns to Lulu who is unconscious.
Nick: (Quietly, haltingly) Hey. Hey. Oh, God! Lulu.
END OF EPISODE
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