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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Fallin & Fallin—main lobby
Claire Stasiak waits in the lobby for Burton—watches as someone arranges bamboo and lilies in a vase.
Receptionist: (On phone) Fallin & Fallin.
Woman: (Hands Claire a cup and saucer) Here's your cappuccino.
Claire: For me?
Woman: You ordered it.
Claire: I thought you were kidding. (Takes the cappuccino) Thank you.
Burton: (Appears and extends his hand) Claire. Oh… hi. (Chuckles) How are ya?
Claire: Oh, hi. (Places cup on the table, stands and shakes hands) I'm fine.
Burton: Sorry to interrupt your cappuccino there. How are ya?
Claire: Oh. Okay.
Burton: So… you, uh… you ready to come back?
Claire: Yes.
Burton: Okay. Good. (They walk to the conference room)
Claire: Okay.
Burton: Now this job, if you get it… and it's temporary… it's $40 an hour.
Scene: Conference room
Jake is telling Nick a joke while he pumps himself a cup of coffee from a vacuum coffee carafe.
Jake: So the husband says to the wife, “Just take the toilet tissue and rub it between your breasts. That'll make 'em bigger.” And the wife looks at the husband, strangely. And the husband says, “Hey, it worked on your ass.” (He turns around to Nick and, following his gaze, sees that Burton and Claire have just entered the conference room.)
Burton: (Not amused—sighs. Claire grins and averts her eyes) Mornin', Jake. Nicholas. Uh… say hi to Claire Stasiak.
Jake: (Stammering) I'm, uh… I'm sorry. That was a joke, of course. I'm… (Laughs, nervously) I'm not even married.
Claire: I didn't hear.
Burton: Well, uh… let me know how it goes, okay? (Nick nods as Burton turns to leave) Oh, Claire, that, uh… that one is my son. (Points to Nick—she looks at Nick and smiles—Burton leaves, closing the door)
Jake: So, uh… why don't you tell us about your previous experience?
Claire: Well, after I graduated Pitt Law School I went right to the D.A.'s office—basically handled misdemeanors low-grade felonies…
Jake: And how do you feel this relates to private practice?
Claire: Well, I've had the opportunity to work with a variety of…
Nick: (Interrupts) Claire… isn't it?
Claire: Yeah.
Nick: Right. Uh, you've got the job.
Claire: Great.
Nick shrugs and stands.
Nick: Okay.
Jake: (Stands and walks around the table toward Claire) Uh, welcome aboard. (Shakes hands) Would you like a cappuccino?
Claire: I would love one.
Jake: Great. (Leaves the room)
Claire: Where do I start?
Nick: Due diligence on the Rosen merger. I'm sure Jake would like to fill you in.
Gretchen: (Enters the conference room)
Nick: What is it?
Gretchen: (Nick takes the message from her) We just got a call from the City Attorney. A policeman named Scott Davenport shot somebody at Hal's Diner—Liberty and Sixth.
Nick: All right. (Gretchen leaves)
Claire: You represent the police?
Nick: Yeah, we just got the contract. So, Claire, you ever been to a crime scene before?
Claire: Uh… thirty at least. You?
Nick: Yeah. One or two. Grab your stuff. Come with me.
They leave just as Jake returns with the cappuccino. He sighs, then takes a sip.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—coffee station
Alvin demonstrates the espresso machine.
Alvin: (Savors the aroma of a freshly brewed cup as he passes it under his nose) Aaah. It's all about the pack. (Hands the cup to a co-worker) Enjoy. Now this machine, I assure you, is top o' the line. See, what truly differentiates a quality espresso from that crap you get at your local Bucky's is… (Removes the brew pack mechanism from the machine and refers to the coffee grounds) …the pack.
James: Alvin…
Alvin: (Waves James off and continues, with enthusiasm) Now the well-meaning espresso maker, the Barista, is most at risk for failure because when you care you tend to pack the grind too tight. Then what happens? You burn the coffee—everybody loses.
James: Alvin…
Alvin: What is it? (Impatiently)
James: (Leans over and whispers) The McBride Home. The County's shutting 'em down at the end of the week.
Alvin: How many of the kids are ours?
James: 211 kids are being transferred—17 of them ours.
Alvin: I'll make some calls. (Goes immediately to his office and picks up the phone and dials—facing away from the door) Uh, hi, Vince, it's Alvin Masterson—LSP. Uh… listen, I got 17 kids at McBride's.
Paul Tibbetts stands in the doorway of Alvin's office.
Tibbetts: Alvin Masterson?
Alvin: (Raises hand to quiet him) Uh, no, 17. I have to get them…
Tibbetts: I'm Paul Tibbetts from the Probation Department.
Alvin: (Covers the mouthpiece) I'm on the phone.
Tibbetts: I'm here to talk to you about Nicholas Fallin.
Alvin pauses, looks over his glasses at Mr. Tibbetts.
Scene: Street near Hal's Diner—Liberty & Sixth
Nick holds the umbrella as he and Claire half-run to the Diner in the pouring rain. Nick whispers an introduction to a police officer who allows them to pass. Claire pats the officer on the arm, familiarly. They enter the Diner and walk towards a group of officers.
Claire: (Indicating one of the officers) That's Henry Thumann. He's securing the scene.
Nick: Great. (To civilian standing nearby) Excuse me, Mr. Everton? (Extends his hand) Nicholas Fallin.
Gene Everton: (City Solicitor) (Shakes hands) Right. Your father said you were comin'.
Nick: Where is Scott Davenport?
Everton: (Points to an officer sitting at the counter, holding a compress to his brow)
Nick: (Cell phone rings) I'm sorry. (Reaches for the phone in his inside coat pocket. Turns away and speaks into the phone, quietly) Hello. What? Alvin, no, I'm in the middle of something. Alvin, I can't. All right, fine. Bye. (Disconnects) (To Claire) I have to go.
Claire: What?
Nick: I want you to stand by Scott Davenport. Don't let any of the Press anywhere near him. Do not let anyone talk to him.
Claire: I've done this before. (Smiles assuredly)
Nick: Good. I'll be back in 10 minutes. Thanks.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Nick steps off the elevator and rushes through a throng of people to get to Alvin's office.
Nick: (Charges in and blurts out) I got 5 minutes so it'd better be quick. I'm working for the City right now and I don't think they're gonna be too happy that I'm jerking around here with you.
Alvin: (Coolly) Nick, this is Paul Tibbetts.
Nick: (Dismissively to Tibbetts) Hey, how ya doin'? (To Alvin) What is this about?
Alvin: Paul's just been made head of Probation for Allegheny County.
Nick: Oh. (Suddenly deflated)
Alvin: He seems to believe you've been lying about your hours. (Takes a sip of his espresso)
Tibbetts: You said you're working for the City? Does that mean you're billing 'em as we speak? (Alvin grins) I'm from Johnstown, by the way. Have you ever been?
Nick: No.
Tibbetts: It's the place of the flood. Why don't you have a seat?
Nick: Right. (Sits)
Tibbetts: I reviewed your records. Over the past 11 weeks you've put in more than 300 hours?
Nick: That's right.
Tibbetts: Are these 60-minutes hours? (Nick looks to Alvin)
Tibbetts: (To Alvin) Does Mr. Fallin spend most of his time here in the Clinic or out in the field?
Alvin: Whatever's necessary. I treat him like every other lawyer who works for me.
Tibbetts: He's not like every other lawyer. He's a probationer. (Sips his espresso) This coffee's really good.
Alvin: Espresso.
Tibbetts: Point is, in 20 years as a probation officer, I've never seen anyone with a full-time job accumulate that many hours that quickly. So, Mr. Masterson, I'm leaving this in your hands. I'm gonna need a sworn affidavit verifying those hours by the end of the week.
Alvin: If I don't think they're accurate?
Tibbetts: Well then I'll take the appropriate action. (To Nick as he exits) Thank you for your time, Mr. Fallin, even though someone else is paying for it.
Nick: (Shakes his head) These Government guys. (Smiles weakly waiting for Alvin to comment)
Alvin: (After several seconds) McBride Home for Children. They're shutting down. Any kid without a new placement will be sent to Metropolitan Psychiatric Ward, indefinitely.
Nick: Yeah. Alvin, this guy, there's no way possibly he could know how much time I…
Alvin: James is putting together a list of our kids. I'll meet you there in 2 hours. We'll have your files ready.
Alvin grabs his coat and leaves Nick wondering…
Scene: Street near Hal's Diner
Nick, holding his umbrella over his head, runs towards the Diner. He meets Claire outside the door.
Nick: Claire.
Claire: Hey. Okay, our guy came into the Diner…
Nick: (Interrupts) Was he with his partner?
Claire: No, he was by himself. He came…
Nick: (Interrupts) Was he on a break?
Claire: Are you gonna let me finish?
Nick: Sure.
Claire: (She smiles) Our guy came into the Diner to use the bathroom. Saw a drug deal, in process, between a well-dressed white man and a large black guy.
Nick: Who was selling the drugs?
Claire: The white guy. Cop tried to stop the deal. Things got out of hand and he had to resort to using a weapon.
Nick: How's the suspect?
Claire: Uh, it looks like he might be paralyzed. The bullet brushed his spine.
Nick: Is Davenport still here?
Claire: Yeah, he is. Listen, this guy's got a record. He's been arrested twice for distribution, once for possession. I talked to one of the officers who said that he…
Nick: (Glances down at her note pad) Colin Bennett?
Claire: He's the guy.
Nick: No, let's go.
Claire: What? We haven't…
Nick: (Emphatically) No, let's go.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Nick: (Leans on the desk to speak to Burton) I gotta step away from the City case.
Burton: Oh?
Nick: Okay. (Starts to leave)
Burton: You wanna tell me why?
Nick: Uh, the guy who got shot, Colin Bennett…
Burton: Yeah?
Nick: …was my drug dealer.
Burton: Right? (Looks stunned)
Nick: So… (Turns and exits)
Claire has observed the scene from outside, through the windows in Burton's office. She watches as Nick walks down the corridor to his office.
Jake: Hey. There you are.
Claire: Here I am.
Jake: (Laughs—has his overcoat over his arm) Well, listen a bunch of us are going down to The Incline for lunch. Well actually just me. But, I was thinking maybe if you wanted to come I could fill you in on the Rosen…
Burton taps on the glass and motions for Claire to come in his office.
Scene: McBride's Home for Children
Nick enters, checking his watch. Finds Alvin waiting.
Alvin: I know the kid who wrote this. (Indicates the crude carving on the arm of the chair which reads: Alvin Masterson sucks hard) Lawrence Ditaro—1985. The little bastard.
Nick: (Looks at the carving) Uh… well… (Grins and chuffs)
Alvin: Your kids are in Room F. (Hands him a folder) Just be straight with 'em. Tell 'em they're gonna be placed into a psychiatric ward.
Nick: Right. Well, I've done this before, Alvin. (Enters Room F, where Josh Bennett, Anders Young and Wendy Newberg are waiting.)
Josh: (Excitedly, stands and approaches Nick) Mr. Fallin.
Nick: Hey, Josh. (Shakes hands) Hi, Wendy. (Wendy looks away)
Anders: What about me?
Nick: Right, uh…
Anders: You don't remember me, huh?
Nick: No, I remember you. (Searching for a clue)
Anders: Anders.
Nick: Anders. Right.
Anders: No, you don't.
Nick: Uh, the reason I'm here is because the McBride Home is closing as of Friday. So…
Josh: Does that mean I can go back with Gil?
Nick: Uh… No.
Josh: Can you find me a foster home?
Nick: No. No, Josh.
Josh: Where are we gonna go?
Nick: Well, they're talking about a psychiatric facility, but I'm gonna look into better options for all of you.
Josh: There's this kid in my cottage and he took an IQ test and did real well. And they sent him to a school for geniuses.
Nick: Great.
Josh: So, maybe I could take that test.
Nick: I'll look into it, Josh. Okay. So, I'll be in touch. (Starts to exit)
Wendy: Shove it up your ass.
Nick looks back at Wendy as he exits. Alvin is waiting for him outside the door.
Alvin: Nice reunion? (Nick bobs his head—noncommittally) So, Mr. Fallin, whadaya think we do next?
Nick: Is this… Did you get spit on?
Alvin: Yeah, I did. Whadda we do now?
Nick: Well, we speak to their social workers, former placements, any relatives that we know that…
Alvin: No, that's crap. Waste of time. Come with me.
Scene: City-County Building—Allegheny Placement Office
Alvin and Nick enter the room where a long line of people wait. Alvin looks at Nick. After a second, Nick butts in front of the woman at the head of the line in order to speak to Curt, the clerk.
Nick: (To the clerk) Excuse me.
Curt: Get in line.
Nick: (Looks back at the long line) You know, I'm with LSP…
Curt: (Curtly) Get in line.
Meanwhile, Alvin speaks to the woman first in line.
Alvin: Hey, Lois.
Lois: Hey.
Alvin: How are ya? (Kisses her on the cheek) Look, I got a kid, just had an operation. I gotta get him to St. Margaret's, right away. D'you mind? (She shakes her head) Thanks. (To clerk) Hey, Curt. (To Nick) Nick. Psst. (To Curt) You get those LSP T-shirts?
Curt: Yeah. (Cuts his eyes at Nick)
Alvin: How's your snake?
Curt: She's good. Ate a rabbit last week. It was wild. (Again looks at Nick)
Alvin: Really. You have friends over for that? (Curt smiles and nods) Ah, you shoulda called. Curt, I need some beds.
Curt: This McBride's?
Alvin: Yes.
Curt: Got plenty of space available at the Psych Ward. Uh, County will pay.
Alvin: Curt, I was wondering, could you check the private placements?
Curt: Uh, can't. Too expensive. They're watching.
Alvin: How 'bout Allegheny County Shelter?
Curt: Full.
Alvin: Thompson House?
Curt: They got 2 beds available but they don't exactly love kids from McBride's.
Alvin: Look, Curt, I don't ask you for much. Can you just call 'em up, tell 'em you got 2 good kids? (Finally nods agreement and picks up the phone) Thank you.
Immediately outside the building
Alvin: All right, you can have one of the beds.
Nick: Well, I have 3 kids.
Alvin: Yeah, so do I. I can tell ya this, the 2 who spit on me ain't gonna get it. Ten bucks.
Nick: What?
Alvin: (Removes a piece of paper and begins to write) I am writing down the name of the one you're gonna pick. I'm telling you now, it's the wrong person.
Nick: (Laughs) Ten bucks.
Alvin: That's right.
Nick: Fine.
Alvin: Where's your car?
Nick: I had to walk here.
Alvin: (Walks towards his car) Oh, and for the record, Mr. Fallin… (Consults his watch)…all this took 1 hour and 22 minutes. (Nick gives Alvin a look then turns and walks away as Alvin gets in his car)
Scene: Hospital—Lulu's room
Nick enters carrying a bouquet of flowers.
Nick: Hi.
Lulu: Hi. (Titters) More flowers. Just what I need.
Nick: I, uh… I stopped by your house. Picked up your mail. Everything's good at the Clinic. And your next door neighbor baked you another casserole.
Lulu: Oh, good. How's everything at the Clinic?
Nick: Like I said, it's good. I got you some books.
Lulu: Thanks.
Nick leans over to kiss Lulu on the forehead when the door opens without warning. He draws back.
Dr. Horowitz: (Enters the room with another doctor) Sorry I wasn't here earlier. Brain bleed—8 hour surgery.
Lulu: Oh, God.
Dr. Horowitz: How're we doing today?
Lulu: I feel great. (Big smile)
Dr. Horowitz: Yeah?
Lulu: Yeah.
Dr. Horowitz: Let me be the judge of that. Look up, please. (Holds a pen above her eyes as object of focus) Great. And to your right. Very good. And my nose. Good. Look in my eyes.
Lulu: Which eye?
Dr. Horowitz: Both, preferably.
Lulu: Oh, okay. (Laughs)
Dr. Horowitz: Good. 8 times 5.
Lulu: Oooh. I'm not really good at math. If I get it wrong, it's not because of the injury. Trust me.
Dr. Horowitz: Hey, your sense of humor's back. That's good. Now answer the question.
Lulu: What is it again?
Dr. Horowitz: 8 times 5… times 8.
Lulu: 8 times… (Laughs) 40.
Dr. Horowitz: Good.
Lulu: Okay.
Dr. Horowitz: Okay. (Rubs her shoulder) D'you have any tingling or numbness in your arms or legs?
Lulu: No. Not at all.
Dr. Horowitz: You're doin' great.
Lulu: Thank you.
Dr. Horowitz: Okay. (Waves and exits)
Lulu: Thanks so much. See ya.
Nick: That's good. (Steps closer to the bed)
Lulu: Yeah. (Pause) Wow, I'm really tired.
Nick: Well, you should go to sleep then.
Lulu: Yeah. I just… I'm sorry. I just got really, really tired.
Nick: It's fine, it's fine. I'll be back here. (Lulu turns out the light and Nick takes a seat in the sitting room in her hospital suite, amongst the flowers)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Burton enters, followed by Claire.
Burton: Hey, Scott. How ya doing? Burton Fallin. (They shake hands) I represent the City. This is Claire Stasiak. Have a seat. So, how ya feelin'?
Davenport: Not too good, sir. Not too good.
Burton: Yeah, well, don't worry, Scott. We're gonna get you through this. It's unfortunate; it's just part of your job, right?
Davenport: God has his plan.
Burton: Right. Well, this, uh, Colin Bennett filed a notice of claim against the City this morning. (Hands a copy of the notice to Scott) Don't worry about that. They always make it sound like it's worse than it really is. (Chuckles)
Davenport: Great.
Burton: So why don't you just tell us what happened there.
Davenport: 'Kay. Well, I was… I was on my patrol and, uh… had to use the bathroom. Hal always lets cops use his facilities so I went in the back to, you know, relieve myself. And when I opened the door I interrupted a drug deal taking place.
Claire: Did you see the drugs?
Davenport: Yes, I did, Miss. I saw a white man hand 'em to a black man.
Claire: Could you tell what sort of drugs they were? (Looks at Burton) I'm sorry. Is this okay?
Burton: Yeah. (Grins slightly)
Davenport: I… it looked like crystal-meth. Uh, shiny, small white rocks—looked like enough to go for 30 grand on the street.
Burton: So you actually saw drugs exchange hands, right?
Davenport: Right. I was standing just inside the doorway. And, it's a real small bathroom. It's just a… it's a toilet and sink.
Claire: Tight space.
Davenport: Right. So I identified myself. Uhm… black man threw me in the mirror. I cut myself. I fell. Uh, the white man ran out… uh, the black man ran out. The white man…
Claire: Colin Bennett.
Davenport: Right. I was on the floor and I was kinda shocked, uh… He starts moving towards me. I told him to stay back but he just kept coming… and… I shot him.
Burton: Did the man, the dealer, pose a threat? When he was coming toward you, did he come at you in a threatening way or…?
Davenport: I think he was just trying to get outta the bathroom.
Burton: (Heavy sigh) You feel like your life was in danger?
Davenport: Look, in my heart, I think the guy was just trying to get away. I mean, he wasn't… he had his hands up over his head but he kept coming… and then I shot him.
Burton: Okay.
Nick approaches Claire in the corridor.
Nick: How'd it go with Davenport?
Claire: Am I allowed to talk to you about this?
Nick: Well, why wouldn't you be?
Claire: Because you removed yourself from the case.
Nick: That's right, Claire. I'm not working on the matter but I can still hear about it.
Claire: Right. Well, it looks like Davenport's going to say there was no threat to his life when he shot the guy.
Nick: Thank you.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office
Nick opens his office door and he and Gil Muller enter.
Gil: I got your call about Josh.
Nick: So you know McBride's is closing.
Gil: (Mouths) Yeah.
Nick: Is there any chance we can get Josh back in your shelter?
Gil: (Shakes his head)
Nick: Sit down. If we explain to Judge Damsen that what happened after the adoption party was a mistake…
Gil: It wasn't.
Nick: The kid Josh pushed down the steps… I looked into his file. He went into a foster home 2 months ago. So, feasibly you could put Josh…
Gil: It's not just that kid that he hurt. It's what's happened since he's been at McBride's.
Nick: What?
Gil: The older kids did some pretty bad things to him—physically, sexually.
Nick: But you could still take him back.
Gil: I've got 20 kids under the age of 9. Once a kid like Josh has been abused like he has, he can't be around vulnerable children.
Nick nods his head.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Meeting with City Solicitor, Gene Everton. Claire takes notes.
Everton: Colin Bennett's saying the shooting was unprovoked. We can't find that black guy. And you're the only other person who's spoken with Davenport.
Burton: Right.
Everton: Bennett's lawyer's scheduled the deposition for Friday. What do we do?
Burton: Well, I just think it's, uh… comes down to word of a policeman; religious man against the word of a drug dealer. (Chuckles)
Everton: This one makes sense to settle?
Burton: Might.
Everton: If it goes to trial and we lose, we're talking high 7 figures.
Burton: Right. So, you want me to try to settle?
Everton: Unless you think Davenport's case is so convincing you can't help but win.
Burton: Oh, wait a minute. How much do we have to work with here?
Everton: Half a million, before we need board approval.
Burton: We'll settle then. (Stands and they shake hands) Good to see ya.
Everton: See ya Friday.
Burton: Friday.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Wendy: (Peers out the window) How is your father?
Nick: He's fine. (Fiddles with his pen)
Wendy: Things going well at the firm?
Nick: Sure.
Wendy: Well, good for you. Would you like to know how I've been?
Nick: I've seen your file.
Wendy: Oh. Does my file tell you what my friends are doing?
Nick: No.
Wendy: Oh. This summer, they're going to Mykonos. You know, in Greece?
Nick: Right.
Wendy: Yeah. I won't be going. Last summer, and this was really fun, I lived with the Andersons—out in Crafton. Mrs. Anderson has 7 cats and her husband works at the Sta-Tuff Boot Factory on Route 60. You can imagine how bored I was so I went to go spend some time with an old boyfriend. And Social Services, they called the police. Then they come with an attachment warrant and put me back in McBride's.
Nick: And you tried to kill yourself.
Wendy: Everybody in McBride's cuts themselves. Glass is like money there. Yeah, I sliced my arm—a little too deep. My floor supervisor freaked out. She sent me to Metro. That's where you wanna send me now. Right? Do you know what it's like in there?
Nick: No. (Shakes his head)
Wendy: (Emotionally) They put me in a locked ward. They said it was for my own safety to keep me separate from the adults. And, if I misbehaved, well, then they tied me down with restraints and, if I argued with them about it, they medicated me, which made me sleep too much. So they said I was depressed and gave me some more medication.
Nick: Uh, I didn't mean for things to work out like this.
Wendy: (Leans on the table and looks him straight in the eye) Well, I'll tell you what, Mr. Fallin… my Dad having sex with me was 10 times better than being institutionalized.
This is all too much for Nick. He gets up and leaves without a word.
Wendy: (To Nick as he goes out the door) Hey, thanks… (He looks back) …for saving my life.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Nick's office
With his elbow on the chair arm and fingers to his mouth, Nick stares, disconsolately, out the window. Burton knocks and enters. Nick does not turn, immediately, to acknowledge.
Burton: This, uh… Colin guy…
Nick: Uh… you know, I don't wanna talk about this.
Burton: Well, you said you'd purchased drugs from him.
Nick: Yeah, I removed myself from the case.
Burton: Well, is he a friend of yours or…?
Nick: He's just a dealer. (Getting perturbed)
Burton: Nicholas, I just wanna know… is he a friend of yours or is he just a criminal?
Nick: (Raises his voice) He's just a drug dealer. It's what he does for a living. What else can I tell you?
Burton: Okay.
Exits Nick's office—closing the door—and strides back to his office where he encounters Claire, waiting outside.
Claire: Mr. Fallin, uh… I thought I'd get a head start on the Davenport matter so I took a shot at drafting up a settlement agreement. (Eagerly hands him a folder and follows him into the office) Uh, Jake helped me find the appropriate papers. So…
Burton: (Holding the agreement, he walks immediately to the window. After a moment, he sighs and tosses the document on the desk)
Claire: Did I do something…?
Burton: No-no-no. I'm sure it's a fine settlement agreement. I appreciate your effort. I just don't think I wanna settle.
Claire: Oh.
Burton: Why don't you prepare a motion to dismiss?
Claire: Sure, but, Mr. Everton said…
Burton: Just… prepare a motion to dismiss.
Claire: (Confused) I'm sorry. Scott Davenport basically admitted that he'd…
Burton: I think he's trying to understand exactly what happened.
Claire: Well, I'll just prepare that motion for you, then.
Burton: Yeah. Thank you. (She exits—Burton is contemplative)
Scene: Hospital—Lulu's room
Dr. Horowitz: (Pulls Lulu's beret back, slightly) I'm gonna have to check to see how your incision is healing.
Lulu: Okay.
Nick sticks his head in the door.
Dr. Horowitz: (To Nick) Make up your mind—in or out. (Nick enters) Shut the door.
Nick: Sorry. (Stands near the door)
Dr. Horowitz: Well, looks beautiful. I did a fantastic job. (Lulu laughs) You'll be outta here in a few days.
Lulu: Okay. Thank you, Doctor. Thank you so much.
Nick: (To doctor as he leaves) Thank you. (Appears a little uneasy) Hey. So, I've been thinking…
Lulu: Yeah?
Nick: Well, when you get out of here, you're gonna need some help.
Lulu: Right.
Nick: And I thought maybe, if you want, I could stay with you… on your couch, for awhile.
Lulu: You wanna move in with me?
Nick: No, just help, if you want.
Lulu: Oh, okay. Thank you. (Unenthusiastically)
Nick: You want me to do that? (Seems mildly surprised)
Lulu: Yeah, thanks. (Nods and bows her head)
Nick: Okay. (Smiles)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Claire and Bill, Colin's attorney, wait for Burton—talking in whispers [inaudible]
Burton: (Enters the room) Hey, Bill.
Bill: Great to see ya again, Burton. (Stands to shake hands)
Burton: How are ya? Good to see ya. (Bill sits—Burton remains standing)
Bill: It's this kid, Colin Bennett. (Burton consults his watch) Uh, smart. You know he went to Penn State…
Burton: Bill, I'm a little short on time so if we could get right to the point, I'd really appreciate it.
Bill: Well, uh, Colin's come up with a number and I know your client is eager to put this whole thing to bed…
Burton: My client has authorized me to pay 25 thousand—not a nickel more.
Bill: (Laughs) Well, I know you've got a lot more than that to play with here so let's just cut…
Burton: (As he turns to leave the room) Good to see ya, Bill.
Bill: Burton, we both know that you have half a million to work with here. Now a Pittsburgh police officer shot my client, close range. My client wasn't armed. He wasn't threatening; he had his hands over his head. So, let's wrap this thing up before it gets messy—before people start talking.
Burton: (Glares at Bill) About what? (Pause) The offer's 25 thousand. (Exits the room)
Claire gathers her pad and leaves the room.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Wendy Newburg's file is open on the table. Nick is meeting with her mother, Dawn.
Dawn: She belongs at home, not in some psycho ward with a bunch of…
Nick: Have you seen Wendy lately?
Dawn: I've tried to. It's so hard getting access to her. They act like I'm to blame.
Nick: (With furrowed brow—nods) Uh, well, I may be able to convince the judge, given what is going on, to return Wendy to your care.
Dawn: Did you ever think she would've been better off if you left her with me?
Nick: Your husband was raping her.
Dawn: You think she's better off where she is now?
Nick: Uh… I don't know.
Dawn: I want her back home.
Nick: Well, she'll have to keep up her psychiatric treatment.
Dawn: Well, whatever it takes.
Nick: And we can get a restraining order against your ex-husband so that it's clear that he is never allowed access to Wendy.
Dawn: Frank and I are back together now.
Nick: (Pause) What?
Dawn: Mr. Fallin, in the course of 1 week I went from having 2 daughters and a husband to being completely alone. Frank is getting help.
Nick: Uh, Mrs. Newburg, if your husband is with you, the Court will never allow you custody of your daughter.
Dawn: Well, can't we at least try?
Nick: (In total disbelief—sighs) You're outta your mind.
Dawn Newburg exits the meeting room with Nick right behind—he rolls his head back and looks at the ceiling then sees Anders waiting for him.
Nick: Anders?
Anders: I know you can get me a bed.
Nick: What?
Anders: I know you guys could pull strings in there. I've been to that psych ward before, man. It's scary. Those orderlies there, they see a guy like me comin' and they get scared, so they'll drug me, they'll lock me up and tie me down. And I got asthma, man. I can't breathe if I'm tied down. Plus, I've got skills. Someone give me a chance, I could sing. (Breaks into song) Loving you forever…
Nick: Anders, please. Anders…
Anders: …ever.
Nick: (Glances at his social worker) Mrs. Amos, I…
Anders: I can play certain athletical sports.
Nick: (Glances at the Social Worker) Uh-uh, thank you for bringing him over. I, you know… I have to… I have to meet with my boss.
Heads for Alvin's office and enters without knocking.
Alvin: Want some espresso?
Nick: No, uh… Can I ask you something? (Alvin savors a long sip of espresso—then nods) Did you decide which kid to give your bed to yet?
Alvin: Uh-hum.
Nick: How?
Alvin: Drew straws.
Nick: Kidding, right?
Alvin: No. Hey, I have to sleep at night. (Nick laughs) Hey, if there were a formula I'd use it, but there's not.
Nick: My situation's a little different.
Alvin: No, it's not.
Nick: Yes, it is.
Alvin: It's not different, Nick. Draw straws. (Nick starts to leave) Been looking over your work log. (Nick stops with his hand on the door knob) Billy Cochran—simple shelter hearing—39 hours. Huh. I don't think I've ever spent 39 hours on one shelter hearing. (Nick walks out—closing the door behind him)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Claire sits, tapping her pencil on a pad, waiting for Burton. Burton walks toward the conference room reading a file.
Burton: Hey, Claire. (Appears preoccupied)
Claire: Hey.
Burton: (Sighs—drops the file on the table and consults his watch) Listen, uh, Claire, Jake's working on the deposition on that, uh, Randall case upstairs. You wanna see if you can help him out a little bit?
Claire: Oh, I thought you wanted me to take notes on the Davenport meeting.
Burton: That's okay. It'll be all right.
Claire: Sure. Yeah. (Leaves by way of the sliding doors as Scott enters)
Burton: Hey, Scott. How are you? Claire, would you catch those doors for me, please? (She pulls the doors closed) Sit down.
Outside the conference room—Nick comes up to Claire.
Nick: What's going on?
Claire: Oh, uh, your father wanted to talk to Davenport, alone.
Nick: How's the settlement coming?
Claire: Your dad doesn't wanna settle. (Nick looks through the glass of the conference room at his father) What's going on with you?
Nick: Nothing. Why?
Claire: I'm just making conversation. (Nick glances back at his father)
Nick: Okay. (Chuffs—forces a smile—Claire walks away)
Burton's meeting with Scott Davenport continues in the conference room.
Burton: (In a serious, reflective mood) I played high school football—defensive end. (Chuckles) We had this big game with Monessen—homecoming—and they had this quarterback. This… He was good—very good. Very cocky, also. We all wanted a part of him. And I didn't lay a hand on him for three quarters but finally in the 4th quarter I got around my man and had a clean shot at him, and I hit him. I hit him hard and broke his collar bone. Put him out for the season. Oh, I was feeling really good that Friday night but, over the weekend a little guilt started setting in. By Monday I was convinced I'd hurt him on purpose—wanted to quit the team. Coach said, “No”. Said, “It's a good hit. It's a clean hit. Not your fault you hurt him.” And I don't know, I never… I didn't know what to think about what he said.
Davenport: I don't understand.
Burton: Well, it's just that guilt can do funny things to your memory sometimes.
Davenport: Well, right, but my memory's pretty clear, sir. I did what I did.
Burton: Well, I've come to believe there's two kinds of people: One, you're the hero of your own story, and the other's… kind of person who feels like he's to blame for everything.
Davenport: Uh, I shot the guy.
Burton: Scott, you have a wife and a little girl, right? (Scott nods) And if you start telling people that this thing was your fault and you're gonna lose your job. You might even end up in a criminal court. This man you shot is a drug dealer. Makes a living hurting people.
Davenport: Yeah, but the Lord says that I…
Burton: I respect your beliefs but I don't think the Lord's gonna help you out on this one. I'd like for you to go home tonight and think about how good it is being with your wife and little girl. Then think about what happened in that diner.
Burton escorts Scott Davenport to the front door. Nick stands at the reception counter.
Burton: Well, thanks again for coming by, Scott. I'll, uh… see you tomorrow at the deposition. Take care.
Nick: Could we talk?
Burton: Yeah, sure.
Nick: (Nick follows Burton to his office—Burton sits down behind his desk as Nick steels himself to say what he has to—he closes the door, takes a deep breath and exhales) You know it's, uh… wasn't Colin Bennett's fault that I did drugs. I coulda got 'em from anyone. In fact, I did. It's just that Colin had the best stuff. It was my problem. I really like cocaine. (Nick exits—Burton leans back in his chair and ponders)
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—corridor
Nick and Alvin walk in together.
Alvin: The hearing's in 10 minutes. (They go their separate ways)
Nick notices Josh sitting alone on a bench in the corridor. He stops.
Nick: Hey, Josh. You know, I spoke to Gil Muller. (Stoops to be at eye level with Josh) He said, he thinks you're a great kid. And he misses you. But, he doesn't have enough room at his shelter, at the moment. (No reaction from Josh) Anyway, the hearing starts in a few minutes, so… (Walks off)
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Damsen's courtroom
Judge Damsen: Anders Young? Mr. Fallin, what's your recommendation?
Nick: Given the lack of alternatives, I request that Anders Young be transferred to the Metropolitan Psychiatric Ward until a more suitable placement can be secured.
Judge Damsen: Approved. Josh Bennett.
Nick: Given the lack of alternatives, I request that Josh Bennett be transferred to Metropolitan Psychiatric Ward until a more suitable placement can be secured.
Judge Damsen: Approved. Wendy Newburg. Your recommendation, Mr. Fallin?
Nick: There's a bed at Thompson House.
Judge Damsen: Approved. Next case. Mr. Masterson. Nicole Stanton?
Nick exhales heavily as he leaves the courtroom after sharing a glance with Alvin.
Scene: Hospital—Lulu's room—door open
Nick walks up as Dr. Horowitz is giving Lulu last minute instructions.
Dr. Horowitz: You get a fever or a headache, call me immediately. Two weeks—schedule an appointment with my office. 'Til then, don't lift any objects over 10 pounds. Keep up with your physical therapy and get plenty of rest.
Lulu: Okay. (As the doctor is leaving) Dr. Horowitz, I can't thank you enough, really.
Dr. Horowitz: You'll do great, Laura. You'll do great. (Doctor exits—Lulu's smile fades)
Nick: (Grins at the name slip-up) Wheelchair's on its way.
Lulu: Great. Thanks for picking me up. You know, Nick, I was thinking about your offer and, uh…
Nick: (To nurse who delivers the wheelchair) Thank you.
Lulu: I just think it might be best if my mother comes and stays with me for awhile.
Nick: Change your mind?
Lulu: (Brief pause) Yeah, I did.
Nick: Fine.
Lulu: Just, because… I just think I need to, you know, recover and figure things out.
Nick: Fine. (Big smile)
Lulu: Okay?
Nick: Yeah, I said it's okay.
Lulu: (Laughs as she sits in the wheelchair) Okay.
Nick: (Tongue in cheek) Okay, Laura. Let's go. (Wheels her out)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office
Alvin steps just inside Nick's office with a big grin on his face. Nick looks up but continues to work, trying to ignore him.
Alvin: Morning.
Nick: (Looks up) Morning.
Alvin: Haven't asked me about our bet.
Nick: No. (Doesn't look up—continues to work)
Alvin: (Removes a piece of paper from his pocket and places it in front of Nick—it reads: Wendy Newburg)
Nick: (Pulls money from his breast pocket and peels off a $10 bill and hands it to Alvin) Good for you.
Alvin: Now I'm gonna tell you why you made the wrong choice. Wendy Newburg lasted exactly 37 minutes at Thompson House. She walked in, said hello to some of the girls in her suite, watched some entertainment news show and at the first commercial break she snuck out the back door.
Nick: Where'd she go?
Alvin: She was partying at a bar on Liberty Avenue with some bikers. The bartender called the cops.
Nick: I'm gonna go get her. (Stands to leave)
Alvin: No, she's already been got.
Nick: Well, I need to talk to her.
Alvin: Well, she's no longer at Thompson House. They admitted her to the Psych Ward last night. (Pause) I finished going over your timesheets. (Grins—Nick sheepishly ducks his head) There's no way you put in the hours you said you did.
Nick: (Defensively) Fine. Yeah, I lied about my hours. I'm a corporate lawyer. I've been rounding them up since the first day I got here. But, what difference does it make, Alvin, I mean, if I put in 3 hours or 300? You've reduced it down to drawing straws. (Exits)
Scene: Site of the Scott Davenport deposition
Burton, Claire and Gene Everton walk down a corridor.
Everton: You're sure about this?
Burton: Gene, Scott Davenport is a boy scout, literally. He's the leader of Troop 232 over in Homestead.
Everton: You're telling me you can win the case flat-out.
Burton: Yes.
Everton: Get me a defense verdict.
Burton: Yes.
They all file into a room where a microphone has been set up, attached to a recording device.
Bill: Mr. Davenport, tell us what happened after you stepped into the men's room at Hal's Diner.
Davenport: Monday morning, just as I started my shift, I went into the bathroom to relieve myself and I interrupted a drug deal taking place. (Clears throat) I identified myself. The first man ran out of the bathroom. The second man and I were left inside. I told the second man to put his hands up, that he was under arrest. He did and when I approached him, he attacked me. He threw me in the mirror… uh, cut my face. We fell, struggled and I pulled out my gun. When he reached into his jacket, I fired. I fired because I was afraid for my life. (Clears throat)
Burton is clearly bothered during the testimony.
Scene: The Incline—late afternoon
Nick and Claire talk business while she eats and Nick ignores his food.
Nick: So, tomorrow you have to get back on the Rosen merger. It's a simple all-cash deal. You just have to review the term sheets and do a first draft of the stock purchase agreement.
Claire: Not hungry? (Indicates Nick's untouched salad)
Nick: No.
Claire: Give it to me. (She reaches for his plate) You know, I was in your father's seminar at Pitt on mergers and acquisitions.
Nick: And you went straight into criminal law?
Claire: No, that was the only job I could get. Your father just impressed the hell outta me. The way he put things, how he presented himself. It's great, you know, your dad, at his age, is still passionate about things—his cases, family…
Nick: Shouldn't mix 'em.
Claire: What does it matter why he pushed his client? Maybe it was for the cop. Maybe it was for you. But, he got a great result. Sure I can still have this? (Referring to the salad)
Nick: Sure.
Claire: (Takes a bite of the salad) Hmm.
Nick: (Looks at her for a moment then pulls money from his breast pocket and lays 2 bills on the table) I gotta be somewhere.
Claire: See ya tomorrow.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office—after hours
Alvin: I went over Mr. Fallin's work log.
Tibbetts: And?
Alvin: Mr. Fallin's learning curve is steep. It occasionally takes him 3 hours to do what it'd take a regular lawyer, 1. (Nick looks slightly miffed) But I don't see any evidence of him intentionally fabricating hours.
Tibbetts: So, you're satisfied with his accounting?
Alvin: I would think that we may have over-credited Mr. Fallin by about a 100 hours, but that's my fault.
Tibbetts: Would you like me to restore those to his sentence?
Alvin: I would imagine the law gives you no other choice.
Tibbetts: I could give him 200.
Alvin: A 100's fine. (Tibbetts exits. Alvin looks at Nick. Nick looks away.)
END OF EPISODE
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