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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Courthouse corridor
Nick and Lulu walk together discussing their mutual case.
Nick: We're still open to settling this thing.
Lulu: My clients just wanna keep their church.
Nick: Well the City'll pay 2.3 million for the property. Fair market value is 2-1.
Lulu: Not enough. I have to be upfront with you about something.
Nick: What?
Lulu: Uh, this guy, Dan, from yoga, he asked me out for a drink.
Nick: Okay.
Lulu: So… I'm meeting him at The Incline tonight.
Nick: A yoga guy? (Looks at Lulu then opens the door to the courtroom and they enter)
Scene: Radio Station Talk Show “CitySpeak”—On the Air with Colette Webb
Colette: In case you just joined us, we're talking about Costright's attempt to take, by eminent domain, land currently owned by the Pleasant Street Church.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office
Alvin is listening to the radio talk show “CitySpeak” about the eminent domain issue.
Colette: (over the radio) The Church is making a big fuss about all this but… (Alvin dials the phone) …the truth is our City needs 600 new jobs and… that one…
Alvin: (To the station screener) Alvin Masterson. My legal clinic…
Colette: What is the big deal?
Alvin: …represents that Church. (James stands impatiently in the doorway)
Colette: A church is a church whether it's on Pleasant Street…
Alvin: Yeah, I can hold. (Listens)
Colette: …or Lancaster Street—you're still praying to the same God, right? (James still waits impatiently) All I'm saying is, so what if they have to build a new church in a different neighborhood.
Alvin: (Loudly) Hello! Well, what you should know is that Costright is engaging in religious discrimination in violation of… (Listens)
Colette: …and don't forget…
Alvin: Yes, I know you're the screener but you should know… (Frustrated)
Scene: Courthouse corridor
Nick and Lulu exit the courtroom with their respective clients.
Lulu: (To her client) The Judge has to consider whether or not he'll grant the injunction.
Reverend Upton: And, if he doesn't, they can just demolish our Church?
Lulu: No. We're gonna win this.
Nick: (To his client) You're fine. Uh… eminent domain can be used for any project rationally related to a legitimate public purpose. (Nick and his clients stop in the corridor)
Lulu: (Overhears Nick's comments and retorts) This isn't rational or legitimate.
Nick: (Looks snidely at Lulu—then to his clients) The only chance that the Church has is if they hire a top-tier private law firm. (Chuckles)
Lulu: What?
Nick: I wasn't talking to you.
Lulu: I think you were.
Nick: I was speaking with my clients.
Lulu: Uh, well, as I was saying, Reverend Upton, the Judge will review our legal briefs. He'll also review Mr. Fallin's but, don't worry, it has no depth and plays fast and loose with the facts.
Nick: Excuse me, did you just call 'me' fast and loose? (They stare daggers at each other)
Lulu: Excuse us.
Nick: Yeah, excuse us. (Their clients are left standing, bemused, in the middle of the corridor)
Nick and Lulu find an empty courtroom nearby.
Lulu: Okay. The only reason why I'm going out with Dan is…
Nick: No, I…
Lulu: …because he actually had the courage to ask me.
Nick: (Angrily) Oh, so when Dan, the yoga man, musters up the courage to ask you to go 'down-dog' or whatever the hell you call it, you're going?
Lulu: (Flippantly) Yeah, maybe I will.
Nick: Oh, yeah… maybe you'll let him think you're going but in the end I don't think you're gonna go.
Lulu: What, you think I led you on?
Nick: No, that's not what I'm saying.
Lulu: You know, I was married, Nick, and you came on to me.
Nick: No, now let's just stop here. (Pointing his finger in her face—agitated) You're the one that got us the place to go. You're the one that got us the damn hotel.
Lulu: (Grabs his finger and shoves it aside then through clenched teeth) You know… you know what?
Nick: What?
Lulu: You suck!
Nick: I suck? You suck!
Lulu: (Very angry) And… this is why we would never work out because you're just a brat! And you're so arrogant! And you're angry… you're selfish!
Nick: (Angrily) Well, you're prissy! You're perfect! You're frigid!
Lulu: Screw you!
Nick: Screw you!
They look intensely at each other for a long moment then Nick grabs her and they kiss passionately. She pushes his jacket off his shoulders—he struggles to remove it—they kiss and grope each other, as Nick has her pinned up against the door.
Later, they emerge from the room—Lulu buttoning her jacket; Nick straightening his tie.
Lulu: I still say this is unconstitutional. We'll fight it all the way to the Supreme Court if we have to. (Joins her client)
Nick: Okay, then. (Motions to his clients)
Lulu: Okay.
Nick: Have fun with the yoga guy. (They go their separate ways)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office
Alvin is still listening to the radio talk show and trying to get through to the host. He stands with his phone to his ear, impatiently waiting.
Colette: (over the radio): That wraps up this hour of CitySpeak. Tune in tomorrow when we discuss the University of Pittsburgh's affirmative action policy. I say they should just throw it out, but…
Alvin: Hello!
Colette: …that's just me. What do you think they…?
Alvin: (Slams down the phone)
Announcer: And that wraps up another edition of CitySpeak. Stay tuned for SportsTalk.
James: (Appears at Alvin's door) Alvin… people are waiting.
Alvin: (Removes his glasses and grabs his coat) Yeah. You take the meeting.
James: Alvin. (Alvin rushes past him)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Gretchen: (Enters the office carrying a piece of paper) Uhm… Mr. Fallin?
Burton: Yeah?
Gretchen: Your credit card… they won't… Uh, that wine I was supposed to send to Mr. Hancock… Visa froze your account.
Burton: They what?
Gretchen: Have you, by any chance, been shopping at Dr. Bong's?
Burton: What?
Gretchen: And, uh, did… did you check into the Moon Township Super 9 Motel this morning?
Burton contemplates what he's just been told. A moment later, he is in the lobby pulling on his coat. He sees Claire, on his way out.
Burton: Claire. Davenport's coming in today to prep for trial.
Claire: Great. What can I do to help?
Burton: Well, I'm gonna push him a little bit to see where he's vulnerable. I want you to be there to kinda hold his hand.
Claire: Sure.
Burton: There's 3 million dollars at stake here so I wanna make sure I present a very confident police officer to that jury next week.
Claire: Absolutely.
Burton: Yeah. (Exits the office)
Scene: Moon Township Super 9 Motel
Burton stands outside Room 10 with the key—loud music emanates from inside. He opens the door.
Burton: Hello? (Slowly enters the room—music video is playing on TV. He looks around at the mess in the room—beer bottles and cans, cigarette butts—and picks up an apple that has two tubes sticking out of it. He hears giggling coming from the bathroom and goes to investigate.) Hello?! (Draws back the shower curtain and several young teenagers squeal, leap out of the tub and scatter. One boy tries to talk with Burton.)
Boy: Sir, I know this…
Burton: Shut up, kid.
Boy: But, I…
Burton: I said shut up! (The boy leaves)
Shannon: Hey, Burton. (Still sits in the bathtub—stoned)
Burton: You stole my credit card, Shannon? (She chuckles) You use this to smoke that grass? (Refers to the apple contraption. She laughs again.) What, do you think this is funny?!
Shannon: (Laughs) “That grass”?
Burton: You stoned right now?!
Shannon: No… I'm not. (Chuffs) …a little. (Giggles) …very. (Sighs then pulls herself up and gets out of the tub)
Scene: Radio Station
Alvin knocks.
Colette: It's open. (Alvin enters) You up next?
Alvin: Colette Webb?
Colette: Yeah. Who are you?
Alvin: Alvin Masterson.
Colette: Right. You're filling in on “Gardening with Greg”.
Alvin: No. I'm Director of Legal Services of Pittsburgh. I represent the Pleasant Street Church.
Colette: So?
Alvin: So… I called this morning. I was surprised that you didn't put me on.
Colette: Didn't know you called.
Alvin: Well, clearly you and your screener didn't wanna hear my side of this very important legal issue.
Colette: My screener? You mean Noah.
Noah: (Has been working in the background) I remember you, dude.
Colette: I don't think Noah's got a political axe to grind with you.
Noah: I'm gonna be late for calculus. (Exits)
Colette: Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a phone interview with Henry Winkler.
Alvin: The Fonz. Hey, I love that… (She closes the door in his face) …guy.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Burton throws the door open and storms in—followed by Shannon.
Burton: You owe me $423, young lady. (Picks up the phone and begins to dial) Drugs, stealing, teenage boys in bathtubs… If you were my daughter…
Shannon: I'm not.
Burton: That's why I'm done with you. (Into the phone) Yes, this is Burton Fallin for Mary Gressler, please. (Listens) Well, is she coming in today? (Listens) Would you ask her to call me, please, at my office? It's very important. Burton Fallin. Thank you. (Hangs up) (To Shannon) You wait here.
Shannon: Hey, what am I gonna do?
Burton: Homework.
Shannon: I don't have my books.
Burton: (Grabs a law book and hands it to her) Read the first 10 pages of this and write me a report.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Conference room
Scott Davenport and Claire are waiting. Burton enters.
Burton: Hey, Scott. How are ya?
Scott: Good. (They shake)
Burton: Good to see ya. So your trial's coming up next week. We thought we might wanna do a little work on your testimony.
Scott: Okay, but I already told 'em everything.
Burton: Well, that was your deposition. This time there'll be a court, and a judge and a jury. Sometimes people get a little confused on the witness stand so we thought we'd ask you a few tough questions. See how you hold up. (Lights up a cigarette) So… Well, you say you're a religious man.
Scott: Yes.
Burton: You wanna explain that to me?
Scott: Uh, well, you know, I try to, uh… live by the teachings of the Bible. I strive for purity.
Burton: You strive, that means you don't use alcohol or cigarettes or coffee?
Scott: No, I don't.
Burton: Uh-huh. You judge people that do?
Scott: Uhm, well, I think they're disrespecting God.
Burton: Uh-huh. How do you feel about drug dealers?
Scott: They're criminals.
Burton: Do you hate drug dealers?
Scott: Well, I hate what they do.
Burton: Have you arrested many drug dealers?
Scott: Look, this is my first year on the force, sir.
Burton: Now just answer the question. How many drug dealers have you arrested?
Scott: Uhm, one.
Burton: One.
Scott: Colin Bennett.
Burton: Is that the man you shot?
Scott: Yep. (Claire lights up a cigarette)
Burton: You shoot him because you hate drug dealers?
Scott: (Confused) Uh, well, I didn't… I didn't shoot him because he's a drug dealer. I shot him be…
Burton: Because you were afraid for your life, okay?
Scott: Right.
Burton: Don't ever admit to judging drug dealers or drug users or anybody else, for that matter. Just say you believe in tolerance. Okay?
Scott: Okay.
Burton: Okay.
Claire: You'll do just fine, Scott.
Burton: Well, let's start over. Uh, are you a religious man?
Scott: Yes.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Nick's office
Nick walks in to find Colin there, in his wheelchair.
Nick: What are you doing here? (Closes the door)
Colin: Sorry, I didn't mean to make myself at home, I… Things have changed, you know? I need 'your' help, man.
Nick: Well, there's nothing I can do for you. My father's handling your case.
Colin: No. Not that. (Nick opens the door—wide) I need to find a place to live.
Nick: Yeah, Colin… (Shakes his head)
Colin: What? I'm paralyzed. (Nick looks away) I'm paralyzed, man. (Pause) We used to be friends.
Nick: No, we weren't. You just sold me drugs.
Colin: I'm doing some thinking, you know, about my life. I did some bad things when I was on drugs. And I just… I wanna make the most of my second chance, you know? Without dealing. (Nick puts his hand on the door—Colin gets the message) (Softly) Yeah. (Starts to leave, then stops) You know, man, I am broke. (Emotionally) I can't afford a place to live. A place I can get in and out of in a wheelchair. You know? I mean, I called around. It's not like they have a home for disabled drug dealers or something. And I know this isn't your problem, but I need help. I need a place to live. I need a place where I can… You know, a place, you know, that's built for people in wheelchairs. (Looks for any response from Nick but doesn't get it.) Well, all right. It's good talking to you. (Exits—Nick closes the door)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Conference room—Colin's deposition
Colin: Then he says, “Put your hands up. I'm a police officer.” And I say, “Chill out, man. Relax. I'm just takin' a leak.” And the next thing I know I wake up in a hospital where some Doctor, named Sanjay, tells me I can't walk.
Burton: So you didn't put your hands up.
Colin: Sure I did.
Burton: That's not what you just said.
Colin: Well, I'm saying it now. I put my hands up. (To Scott) What the hell were you thinking, man? I mean, I had 'em up. What were you thinking?
After the deposition—in the hallway
Scott: (Following Claire) I don't know if I can do this.
Claire: Okay.
Scott: I put that guy in a wheelchair.
Claire: It was self-defense.
Scott: Yeah, but in my heart, I…
Claire: Scott! (Stops and turns to face him)
Scott: Some days I'm sure he was attacking me; others, I think it was the other way around. And, at night when I dream, I'm always shootin' him in the back.
Claire: Scott, you're a police officer. You walked in on a drug deal. You thought your life was in jeopardy. You did what you had to do to protect yourself and to protect this community. You did what you had to do.
Scott: Thank you. (Relieved)
Claire: Now, as for the trial, I think you should, uhm… I think you should get a haircut. (Tousles his hair) You know, just kinda clean up a little bit.
Scott: Okay.
Claire: Yeah. You've got a great face. (Nick walks up) We should let the jury see it.
Nick: (Rudely interrupts—to Claire) Hey. You wanna have a drink tonight?
Claire: Is this about the Rosen merger?
Nick: No.
Claire: Oh. Sure.
Nick: Fine. Incline—8:00 o'clock. (Walks away)
Claire: (To Scott) It's just business. (She walks away—Scott fumes)
Scene: The Incline restaurant
Lulu and Dan, the yoga man, sit talking.
Dan: I don't know, I think it was after my father died and he was really into his temple and I didn't see how a fair God could do that to a good man.
Lulu: (Clears throat) And so that's where this whole Tao thing comes from?
Dan: Exactly.
Lulu: Hmm. (Sees Nick and Claire walk in) Hey, Nick.
Nick: Hey.
Lulu: Uh, this is Dan.
Dan: Uh, really nice to meet you, Nick.
Nick: Yeah. This is Claire.
Claire: Hi.
Dan: Hi.
Nick: Well, we, um… (To Lulu) It's great to see you, I mean…
Lulu: You can join us, if you like. Dan was just talking about Taoism.
Nick: Fantastic. (Looks to Claire) Um… (Questioning)
Claire: Sure.
Nick: Okay. Take this seat, Claire. (After seated) So, Dan, did you meet Lulu at yoga?
Dan: Right. She takes my Sunday Ashtanga class.
Claire: I love Ashtanga.
Dan: Mmm. Cleansing.
Nick: I hear it's great for the prostate.
Lulu: So, Claire, what do you do?
Claire: Lawyer. You?
Lulu: Lawyer.
Claire: Where?
Lulu: Legal Services.
Claire: Fallin & Fallin.
Lulu: Oh, so you work with Nick. (Nick grins, slyly)
Claire: Yeah, sort of. It's part-time, for now, anyway.
Nick: Uh, Dan, d'you do anything else other than teach yoga?
Dan: Uh, Regional Sales Manager for VanguardSoft.
Nick: Really. (Checks his watch) Well, I gotta make a quick business call… be very quick. I'll be, uh… I'll be right back. (Heads towards the restroom)
Lulu: (After only a few seconds) You know, I just realized I left my cell phone in the bathroom. Excuse me. I'll be right back. (Follows Nick to the restroom—Claire looks after her, suspicious)
Scene: The Incline restroom
Nick has Lulu against the wall in a stall, her legs wrapped around him, and they are going at it.
Scene: The Incline restaurant
Dan: How often do you practice?
Claire: Law?
Dan: Ashtanga.
Claire: Once a week.
Dan: That's great.
Claire: Yeah. (Sighs)
Dan: You have a wonderful essence—very pure.
Claire: (Nods—bored) Will you just tell Nick that I left? Yeah.
Dan: Sure.
Claire: Thanks. (Exits)
Dan: Oh… (Watches her leave)
Immediately outside The Incline
Claire exits the bar—Scott Davenport appears.
Scott: Claire!
Claire: Scott! God, you scared me!
Scott: Oh, I'm sorry. Um, I got… just got that haircut that you were talking about and I wanted to show you.
Claire: Oh, um… well, it looks good.
Scott: Yeah?
Claire: Very.
Scott: Look, if you need a ride home, I can give you one. I mean, seeing how you've been drinking and all.
Claire: Oh, I… um… I'm… I'm fine. Thanks.
Scott: Well, I just wanted to stop by.
Claire: Okay. I'll see ya tomorrow.
Scott: Okay.
Claire: Yeah. (Exits)
Scene: Mary Gressler's residence—after dark
Shannon and Burton enter the house.
Burton: (Calls out) Mary?
Shannon: (Flops on the couch and turns on the TV) She's probably still at work.
Burton: Where is her room?
Shannon: Straight up there. (Indicates the stairs)
Burton: Mary? (Goes up the stairs)
He immediately comes back down and goes directly to the phone and dials 9-1-1.
Burton: (Into the phone) Yes, my name is Burton Fallin. I need an ambulance. (Listens) 5676 Cochran. (Listens) No, I suppose it's not an emergency but… (Listens) Right, exactly. Thank you. (Hangs up)
Shannon: What's wrong?
Burton: (Sighs) Your grandmother.
Later—police and coroner have arrived. Shannon sits with Laurie.
Burton: (Comes down the stairs) They think it was an aneurysm.
Laurie: (To Shannon) Want me to help you put some things in an overnight bag?
Shannon: I can do it.
Burton: You don't need any help?
Shannon: (Snappish) I can do it, okay? (Goes to her room)
Burton: So, what happens to Shannon now?
Laurie: We'll find a placement for her.
Burton: (Pause) I was wondering, is it possible that she could stay with me, or…?
Laurie: You wanna take Shannon on a temporary basis?
Burton: Yeah. If it works out—maybe permanently.
Laurie: I've looked at her file. Shannon has a father.
Burton: From what I understand, he never shows his face around here.
Laurie: She has a father. We have to look into him first. Mr. Fallin, if you wanna be a foster parent there's a whole procedure.
Burton: No, I understand that. It's just that, uh… I know this little girl. She stayed at my house, oh, off and on, for a couple of months and…
Laurie: I was just saying, Mr. Fallin, legally she has to go to a licensed foster home or shelter until we can find an appropriate placement.
Burton: Well. What about tonight? Could she stay with me tonight?
Laurie: I'm sorry. She can't. It's policy. If tomorrow you still wanna do this, I can arrange an interview and a home visit.
The Coroner removes the body.
Scene: Pleasant Street Church
Nick and Claire walk in together.
Nick: The congregation is meeting in 10 minutes. Listen—take notes, just in case anything interesting pops up. (Starts to walk away)
Claire: Okay. Oh, listen, by the way, the next time you need someone to make your girlfriend jealous, ask Jake. (Nick gives her a blank look and walks away)
Scott: (Appears beside her) Claire.
Claire: Scott!
Scott: What are you doing here? (They walk down the hallway together)
Alvin comes in and encounters Colette Webb and Noah in the hallway.
Alvin: Hey. Glad you're actually taking the time to investigate this issue.
Colette: I try to be informed.
Alvin: So, you know all about Costright?
Colette: I know they're a discount retailer. Sells everything from blenders to lawn chairs. Last year they took in just under 1 billion dollars.
Alvin: They portray themselves as a company that helps budget-conscious customers but really they're closet merchantilists who manipulate governmental process to serve their own greed.
Colette: Mercantilists?
Alvin: People who think the government should control the markets.
Colette: I know that.
Alvin: I mean, Miss Webb, if this were the first time they had done something like this, but it isn't. Time and time again, they seize huge parcels of land, with the government's help, by encouraging cities to abuse eminent domain laws. They make money by abusing government power and by exploiting the weak. It's fascist. It's unethical. It's deeply cynical.
Colette: All right. Fine. You want on my show, be by the studio Thursday morning.
Alvin: Seriously?
Colette: It'll be, at the very least, entertaining. (She and Noah walk away)
Scene: Pleasant Street Church meeting room
Nick and Lulu sit across the table from each other—their clients also seated around the table.
Nick: My client has authorized me to increase the offer to 2.5 million.
Reverend Upton: D'you expect me just to hand over our Church to some large retail chain?
Nick: Is that a no?
Reverend Upton: Yes, that's a no.
Nick: Well, I'm just trying to expedite things, here.
Reverend Upton: Expedite what? The bull-dozing of our Church?
Nick: (Heavy sigh) The offer is 2.5 million. You have until the end of the day. (Exits the room)
Lulu: Uh, Reverend, I understand that you wanna keep your Church, I really do. But, I need to advise you that if we go to court and we lose, you'll get far less than what Mr. Fallin's offering today. I can talk to him and ask him to increase the price, if that interests you. (He nods) Okay. (Exits the room)
In the Church hallway
Scott: You're helping Costright ruin our Church.
Claire: Uh, it's a business transaction, Scott.
Scott: Miss Stasiak, this Church… My family's been a member for 3 generations.
Claire: I'm sorry.
Scott: Can I ask you something about my trial?
Claire: Sure.
Scott: Okay. Uh… (He steers her to a nearby cloakroom) It's, uh… personal.
A quiet alcove somewhere in the depths of the Church
Nick and Lulu kiss.
Lulu: (Pulls back) Hmm. We're supposed to be negotiating.
Nick: Yeah. (They continue to kiss)
Lulu: Nick. Nick. We're in a church.
Nick: Right.
Lulu: You should come over to my place tomorrow.
Nick: Your place.
Lulu: And I could cook.
Nick: Yeah, that sounds good. (Less than enthusiastic)
Lulu: If you want.
Nick: That's good.
Lulu: Good. (Nick tries to kiss her again—she pulls back, smiling. He laughs.) So the Church may accept an offer in excess of 2.5.
Nick: Right. Then I'll advise my client.
Lulu: Okay. (They leave)
The cloakroom
Scott: I was wondering, shall I wear my uniform or my suit?
Claire: Your uniform, of course.
Scott: Okay. And, uh… I was… I was wondering about my family. Um…
Claire: What about your family?
Scott: Well, should I bring my wife and kid, or…?
Claire: Absolutely. Yeah. Absolutely.
Scott: Okay, well, good. Good. Good. Good. (He abruptly leans over and kisses her)
Claire: What the hell are you doing? (Steps back)
Scott: (Grabs her and kisses her hard—she struggles—pushes him away and hurriedly leaves)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Nick: This is James Mooney. He's agreed to help you find a place to live.
Colin: Thank you.
James: Right.
Nick: I'll leave you two alone.
Colin: Thanks, Nick. Thanks so much.
Nick walks to his office—is waylaid by Laurie as she exits the elevator.
Laurie: Just the man I'm looking for. (He motions her into his office) Your dad called my office this morning. He's interested in becoming a foster parent.
Nick: What?
Laurie: He wants to take in a 12-year-old girl named Shannon Gressler.
Nick: Why? (Leans back in his chair)
Laurie: Her grandmother died, suddenly and…
Nick: (Sits up straight) Mary Gressler died?
Laurie: You know her?
Nick: Uh, kind of.
Laurie: Through your dad?
Nick: Right.
Laurie: What was their relationship?
Nick: Well, I guess, uh, I guess they were dating. Uhm, she lived with him for sometime. (A little testy) Why're you asking me this?
Laurie: (Firmly) It's my job. So, your father. Was he a good parent? (No response) Does he have any habits that would be inappropriate for a young girl to be around?
Nick: Listen, my dad could be a wonderful foster parent if that's what he wants to do.
Laurie: 'Could' be?
Nick: Would be. Are we done here? (Testy)
Laurie: I don't wanna upset you.
Nick: You're not upsetting me.
Laurie: I just have to interview family members. You know that.
Scene: Burton Fallin's residence
Burton: Well, I'm gonna have a drink. Would you like one?
Laurie: No, thanks.
Burton: No? (Pours himself a drink)
Laurie: I need your date of birth?
Burton: Have you checked on Shannon's father yet?
Laurie: Yes.
Burton: And?
Laurie: Doesn't seem much interested in pursuing custody. We might get some child-support though. So, date of birth?
Burton: I'm 69. (Lights up a cigarette)
Laurie: You in good health?
Burton: Uh-huh.
Laurie: You taking any medications?
Burton: For cholesterol and I have a slight eye issue but I think that's under control.
Laurie: Do you think you have the energy to keep up with a 12-year-old?
Burton: Uh-huh.
Laurie: Drink a lot?
Burton: Socially.
Laurie: This is social?
Burton: This is my house. (Chuckles)
Laurie: How much do you smoke?
Burton: Is that relevant?
Laurie: Are you prepared to have a teenage girl in your house?
Burton: I had a teenage boy, once.
Laurie: Girls can be different.
Burton: I think I can handle it. So what do you think?
Laurie: Burton, at this stage in your life, why do you wanna become a foster parent?
Burton: Well, this little girl has a lot of potential. I've seen that. And I just think she needs some stability and an opportunity and, uh… And, she's very good company.
Laurie: Don't take Shannon in just because you're lonely.
Burton: Did I say that? (Nervous laugh)
Laurie: No.
Burton: Okay.
Laurie: But don't.
Scene: A Pittsburgh street—after dark—raining
Claire is pulled over by a cop.
Claire: (To herself) You've gotta be kidding me. I wasn't even speeding. (The officer comes to the driver's side window and knocks) Scott!
Scott: License and registration, please. (Acts like he doesn't know her) License and registration.
Claire: (She stares, dumbfounded, then hands him the documents)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—next morning
Claire walks with Burton through the lobby and into his office.
Claire: Mr. Fallin, Scott Davenport… he, uhm… I was driving home from work last night and he pulled me over and, uh, gave me a ticket.
Burton: (Slight grin) Speeding ticket?
Claire: Yes.
Burton: Were you speeding?
Claire: No. Not even close. Uh, he just pulled me over and he acted like he'd never met me before.
Burton: Why would he do that?
Claire: He's, uh… angry.
Burton: About what?
Claire: I don't know. Uh, the… with this church; the way that we're prepping him.
Burton: That's it? Nothing else?
Claire: No.
Burton: He ever done anything like that before?
Claire: (Pause) No, just the ticket.
Burton: I'll look into it.
Claire: (Turns to leave then turns back) Mr. Fallin, I just, I really hope this doesn't jeopardize my working on the case.
Burton: I'll look into it. (She exits—closing the door behind her)
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse
Nick waits outside a courtroom where Shannon's placement hearing has just ended.
Burton: (Exits the courtroom with Alvin, Laurie and Shannon) Hey, Alvin, listen, uh… thanks for your help. Appreciate it. (Shakes hands)
Alvin: Nothing to it. (Exits)
Burton: So, Laurie, what do we do now? I just take Shannon now or…?
Laurie: I'll drop her off at your house tonight. Around 6:30?
Burton: Yeah, that'd be fine. Okay, listen, Laurie, I really wanna thank you for your recommendation. I… (They shake hands)
Laurie: You're welcome.
Burton: Okay. So, we'll see ya later. Okay?
Shannon: Bye, Burton. (Laurie and Shannon walk away)
Burton: Bye.
Nick: So you're gonna become a foster parent.
Burton: I didn't tell ya that?
Nick: No.
Burton: Yeah. Her grandmother passed away.
Nick: Yeah, I heard. I'm sorry.
Burton: Shannon needs a place to stay.
Nick: Listen, are you sure you want to get involved in something like this?
Burton: Just seems like the right thing to do.
Nick: It's a big decision.
Burton: Yeah. Are you okay with it?
Nick: Well, if it's what you want. (Avoids eye contact)
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: Always wanted a sister.
Burton: (Looks closely at Nick—chuckles) Yeah. Well, I gotta get to work.
Nick: Okay. (They walk away in different directions)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Burton enters his office, followed by Scott Davenport.
Burton: Come on in, Scott. Thanks for comin' by. Have a seat. So. What's going on with you, son?
Scott: Excuse me?
Burton: Well, pulling that young lady over—scaring her.
Scott: Uh… yeah. I didn't know it was her. It was, uh, just coincidence.
Burton: Well, I don't believe in coincidence, myself. Look, Scott, the door is closed. It's just you and me so why don't you tell me what the hell's going on.
Scott: I love her.
Burton: (Sighs) Okay.
Scott: I've fallen in love with her.
Burton: Well, pulling her over, giving her a speeding ticket's a helluva way to show it.
Scott: Uh, you're right. (Exhales heavily) I'm sorry. I'm just really confused right now about everything and Claire, I thought she wanted me to kiss her but then when I tried she, uh…
Burton: As of now, she's off the case. (Pushes a button on his speakerphone and speaks into it) Gretchen, send him in, please. (To Scott) Scott, I don't want you to talk to her anymore. I don't want you to come near her. D'you understand?
Scott: Okay.
Burton: From now on, you're gonna be dealing with me and (Jake enters the room) Jake Straka, here.
Jake: Hey, Scott. Good to meet you. (They shake hands) Um, why don't we get started? Just come on back to my office.
Scott: Thank you, Mr. Fallin.
Burton: Excuse me?
Scott: Thank you. (Appears ready to cry)
Scene: Burton Fallin's residence
Burton and Shannon are eating dinner.
Burton: How's the food? (She doesn't answer) You're not eating. (She shrugs) Maybe we should talk a little bit about school, huh?
Shannon: Do we have to?
Burton: No. You want something else to drink? I brought some Coke.
Shannon: No.
Burton: Now, tomorrow, Gretchen is gonna take you shopping for a new dress and a pair of shoes for the, uh…
Shannon: Okay.
Burton: You wanna do anything special for your grandmother?
Shannon: Special?
Burton: Well, the way it is right now, it's gonna be a very small ceremony. I thought maybe you want me to call somebody or…?
Shannon: No. Can I be excused?
Burton: (Pause) Yeah. (Sigh as Shannon leaves)
Scene: Lulu's residence
Lulu leads Nick, by the hand, into her bedroom, where a number of candles are burning on the dresser and mantel, creating a very romantic mood. Nick is jacketless.
Lulu: (Sighs) Well, that was really fun. I haven't cooked for someone in a long time.
Nick: (Smiles) Yeah, it was great.
Lulu: (Turns on some music) And it was great that we could still talk like friends, you know, but different. Isn't this nice?
Nick: Yeah, it's nice. (They share a very tender kiss)
Lulu: What? What is it? (Senses a reluctance)
Nick: Well, it… This is the bed you shared with Brian, right?
Lulu: Yeah. So? (Nick is uncomfortable) I have a past, Nick, just like you do.
Nick: Yeah, yeah, I know.
Lulu: I don't get it. We can have sex in a bathroom or the basement of a church but when I bring you into my home, and it's just you and me…
Nick: Yeah, I'm very tired. I should probably go home.
Lulu: (Disappointed) Okay.
Nick: I'm sorry. Thanks for dinner. (Kisses her lightly) Thank you.
Lulu: Okay. See ya.
Nick: See ya. (Exits)
Scene: Radio Station—“CitySpeak” program
Alvin: (on the air) This City, in conjunction with a major corporation, is mugging the Pleasant Street Church. It's a travesty.
Colette: Mug? They're not stealing it; they're buying it for over 20% of fair market value.
Alvin: Well, money isn't the point. This will set a precedent whereby Federal, State and local governments can simply step in and take…
Colette: Mr. Masterson, this is a sale.
Alvin: (Scoffs) A forced sale.
Colette: Eminent domain is legal. And the Church is making money in the process.
Alvin: The Church could do much better than what the City's offering. They passed on nearly a 3 million dollar deal just 18 months ago.
Colette: Wait. You're telling me they've already been shopping their property?
Alvin: Not exactly.
Colette: Your point has been, the Church doesn't wanna sell the land because they love their Church. And now you're telling me they've been shopping the property? Is your client just money grubbing here?
Alvin: No. No. This is a not-for-profit organization that…
Colette: But you just admitted that they've been shopping their property. They're leveraging a constitutional claim to try to make more money, right?
Alvin: No. No, that's… (Cue—theme music)
Colette: Right. Well, that's our show for today. Thanks to Alvin Masterson for coming in. This is Colette Webb for CitySpeak.
Announcer: Coming up next is Pittsburgh Tomorrow…
Colette: (To Alvin) Thanks, that was great. (Alvin is not happy)
Announcer: …going-out guide to the greater Pittsburgh…
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Burton and Jake enter together—Burton introduces Jake to others present.
Burton: Hey, Joan. Jake this is Joan Corley, our jury consultant.
Jake: Pleasure. (Shakes hands)
Burton: Josh Taback runs videotape for our mock trials.
Jake: Josh.
Gretchen: (Sticks her head in) Mr. Fallin, Scott Davenport is on Line One for you.
Burton: Oh. (Punches a button on the phone) Scott, where are you?
Scott: Mr. Fallin…
Scene: Rooftop of the Pleasant Street Church
Scott swigs liquor from a bottle in a brown paper bag. Burton slowly approaches.
Burton: What's goin' on?
Scott: Just needed to think.
Burton: This where you usually do your thinking?
Scott: Sometimes. Um, I mean, no. Never been up here before, sir.
Burton: Can I join ya? (Indicates the bottle)
Scott: Empty.
Burton: Oh.
Scott: I used to drink a little bit, back when I was in junior college.
Burton: You didn't. (Chuckles)
Scott: Well, I drank a lot. I was kinda weak back then. I've been kinda recovering from being weak for a long time now.
Burton: Well, I guess you have to sin to be saved.
Scott: Right. Funny. Right. (Chuckles)
Burton: This thing's not working out very well for ya, right? The trial… Claire and all that. I'm not a shrink but, uh… seems like maybe you have to put yourself right again.
Scott: Yeah.
Burton: I'll tell ya something, Scott. I think a lot of this is my fault. I think I pushed you off in the wrong direction. You gotta be true to your beliefs. You told me that you did something you didn't feel right about. And if you still feel that way…
Scott: I told you I shot that guy. His hands were up over his head. He didn't reach into his pocket. He didn't come toward me. I just shot him. And I told you that and you just twisted it all around.
Burton ponders a moment then nods.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Alvin gets himself a cup of espresso.
Lulu: Alvin. Court ruled.
Alvin: And?
Lulu: We lost.
Alvin: Oh.
Lulu: So, on to the next thing, right?
Alvin: Right.
Lulu: (Starts to walk away) Oh, Alvin, on the radio this morning…
Alvin: Yeah?
Lulu: Very convincing.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—outside conference room
Claire stands watching through the glass as Colin's negligence claim settlement is negotiated.
Nick: (Walks by and stops) What're you doing?
Claire: I'm watching your father make Colin Bennett rich.
Nick: How rich?
Claire: He has authority up to a million three.
Nick: What made him change his mind about going to trial? (Colin looks out at Nick—nods)
Claire: Your father pulled Davenport off a church roof this morning.
Nick: What?
Claire: Yeah.
Jake: (Opens the sliding doors) Gentlemen.
Colin: (Exits conference room with others) Hey, Nick. What we talked about before, this won't change anything. Okay? I swear it won't, 'cause I've seen the light—been set free. (Rolls away)
Nick and Burton regard him with disdain.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Burton enters to find Scott waiting.
Burton: Well, we made a deal, Scott. $833,000.
Scott: So, does that mean this is over now?
Burton: I talked to Everton and Internal Affairs. They're gonna suspend you until they find out what happened.
Scott: Why? What'd you tell 'em?
Burton: I told 'em you'd be a terrible witness and I thought you should settle. (Scott is upset) Look, Scott, if you told them your deposition… that what you said happened in that bathroom wasn't true, they'd fire you on the spot. No severance—no benefits—nothing.
Scott: Yeah, I figure that.
Burton: I can't tell you what to do.
Scott: I'm just gonna tell 'em the truth.
Burton: If that's what you think is best.
A moment later—outside Burton's office.
Burton: Scott, good luck to you, okay? (Shakes) Take care of yourself.
On his way out, Scott passes Claire working at a computer. She glances at him as he passes. Burton walks up to her—she stands.
Burton: Tough first case, huh?
Claire: Yeah.
Burton: Claire, if something like this happened again, no matter where you're working, tell the partners the whole story.
Claire: I'm sorry. I didn't want you to think that I was…
Burton: It doesn't matter. I just need to know all the facts. It's that simple. (Turns to walk away)
Claire: 'No matter where I'm working'? Does that mean you're not giving me the job? Mr. Fallin, I've done everything that you've asked of me. I've tried to make him confident. I've tried to make him believe that his testimony was true. And that's what you wanted. It's not my fault that he wanted something different. Are you giving me the job, or not?
Burton: Yes.
Claire: You are? Good. (Turns and struts away)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Nick walks towards his office.
James: (To Nick) Hey. I found a place for your drug dealer friend. Anderson Housing Project. I left him 3 messages. He hasn't called me back.
Nick: He won't.
Lulu: (Walks up) Nick. So you heard about the court ruling?
Nick: Right.
Lulu: Well, please don't tell me you're gonna take further advantage of these people and pull your offer.
Nick: I pulled the offer 3 hours ago. (Lulu follows him into his office and closes the door)
Lulu: You know, you offered 2.5. You should honor it.
Nick: The offer's expired.
Lulu: The land is worth more than 2.1. (He half smiles at her) Don't even think about it.
Nick: What?
Lulu: I can see that look in your eye.
Nick: What look? (Smiles)
Lulu: You know, I have been thinking about, you know, the other night. And I think that, uh… I don't know, I mean I… you have some real intimacy issues that you probably need to work out.
Nick: You don't wanna do this anymore?
Lulu: Well, I just think that, you know, if you're not gonna be comfortable in a normal situation like a bedroom that…
Nick: Well, then, then whatever you want. (Petulant)
Lulu: (Hurt—pause) Okay.
Nick: Okay. (She turns to leave—starts to open the door—he steps up behind her and closes it. He rubs his nose against her ear as he whispers) I don't have intimacy issues. (He kisses the nape of her neck. Lulu turns the lock on the door.)
Scene: Burton Fallin's residence
Burton opens the door and Shannon follows him in. Returning home after the funeral.
Burton: You okay?
Shannon: Yeah.
Burton: Hungry?
Shannon: No.
Burton: (Removes his jacket) I could fix you somethin' to eat.
Shannon: You know, I have a Dad.
Burton: Right. I know.
Shannon: Just wanna make sure you know this is just temporary 'cause he'll want me.
Burton: Yeah. I understand.
Shannon: So don't start thinking you're my Dad, or anything.
Burton: Okay.
Shannon: 'Cause you're old, and you smoke too much and…
Burton: Shannon. (He pulls her to him and hugs her) I'm glad you're here, honey. I really am. (After a moment, she starts up the stairs) Oh, Shannon.
Shannon: Yeah?
Burton: Don't forget, you still owe me $423. (She smiles and continues up the stairs)
Burton worries.
END OF EPISODE
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