The following is
not a
novelization or an actual script but a dry transcript of the aired
episode that includes accurate word-to-word dialogues, settings descriptions,
action scenes and/or camera movements where the transcriber felt they were necessary. This transcript is archived at "
TWIZ TV.COM - FREE TV SCRIPTS DATABASE" courtesy of SIMONSPHERE. "THE GUARDIAN" and other related entities are owned, (TM) and © by DAVID HOLLANDER PRODUCTIONS and ROSECRANS PRODUCTIONS, INC. in association with SONY PICTURES TELEVISION and CBS PRODUCTIONS. This transcript is posted here without their permission, approval, authorization or endorsement. Any reproduction, duplication, distribution or display of this material in any form or by any means is expressly prohibited. It is absolutely forbidden to use it for commercial gain. For entertainment and educational purposes only. No infringement intended.
==========================
TRANSCRIPT:
==========================
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room—partners' meeting
Nick: Our billings are at a 10-year low. The economy's in the toilet. What we need to do is diversify.
Jake: So what're you thinking?
Nick: Criminal defense.
Jake: You know, I couldn't agree more.
Nick: Well, Clay Simms is…
Shannon knocks and enters.
Shannon: Burton?
Burton: Yeah, sweetheart?
Shannon: I can't find those magic markers you were talking about.
Nick clears his throat—miffed at the interruption.
Burton: Oh, ask, uh, Kris. Oh, wait a minute, you… (To Nick) Excuse me one second. Go ahead, Nicholas. Go ahead. (Exits with Shannon)
Nick: Clay Simms is leaving David Beldon's criminal defense practice. He wants to head up his own group at a larger firm.
Jake: I went to high school with Clay.
Nick: Well, I'd like to make him an offer.
Jake: You think he's the guy?
Nick: I think he's the best criminal defense attorney there is in the City.
Jake: We were on the football team together at Keystone Oaks. Golden Eagles. And his sister, Grace, and I, kinda had a little, uh… thing. (Laughs) She was really… she was very hot.
Nick: Can you land him?
Jake: Uh, we were tight. I mean, Clay Simms is my boy.
Burton: (To Shannon, as he re-enters the room) [Inaudible] ... honey. (To the group) Well, we don't want Clay Simms.
Nick: And why is that?
Burton: We don't do criminal defense. Sullies our name. Won't look good for our clients.
Nick: Well, farming out most of our defense litigation's costing us a fortune.
Burton: Nicholas, look, just because we had one bad year doesn't mean we're gonna restructure the firm.
Nick: (Sighs) Wh…
Shannon: Sorry, Burton. I can't reach the colored paper.
Burton: Oh, well, ask, uh… Tell Kirsten. Okay?
Shannon: Thanks. Hi, Nick. (Turns to leave)
Nick: (Ignores Shannon—waits impatiently) We're losing almost a million dollars a year in potential litigation fees…
Burton: (Calls out) Uh, Shannon, listen, have Kirsten set up that color copier for you, okay?
Shannon: Thanks.
Burton: Yeah. Sorry. (Smiles) Little social studies project going on here. (Chuckles) What I was gonna say, though, is when you've been around as long as I have, you come to understand that one good year can make up for three bad years. So, we don't, uh… we don't wanna panic here. Okay?
Nick: I'm not panicking. I think Clay Simms could be a very valuable…
Burton: Clay Simms…
Nick: …addition to this firm.
Burton: Clay Simms lunches off David Beldon's name.
Nick: He's very good at what he does.
Burton: Beldon does all the work over there.
Shannon knocks and enters.
Shannon: Burton, the copy mach…
Nick: (Lashes out) You know, Shannon, could you… could you just do me a favor and leave us the hell alone, here? Thank you.
Shannon stares at Nick then starts to cry and runs out.
Burton: (Gives Nick a long quizzical look) Excuse me. (Goes to Shannon)
Nick: (Stands abruptly and closes his portfolio) Well, we'll pick this up tomorrow. Jake, get in touch with Simms.
Jake: You bet.
Nick: (To the partners as he leaves the room) Remember, we have that Continuing Legal Education course this morning at the Radisson.
Burton stands just inside his office with Shannon.
Burton: (To Shannon) Don't worry about it.
Burton halts Nick, with a raised hand, as he exits the conference room.
Burton: (To Shannon) Just give me a minute, sweetheart. (Steps into the hallway outside his office and closes the door) (To Nick—under his breath) What you did in there is unacceptable.
Nick: What 'I' did?
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: What I was trying to do in there was run a partners' meeting, but you're too busy with your day-care center.
Burton: (Angrily) Excuse me?
Nick: Now, Dad, this has nothing to do with Shannon. (Sighs) Dad, you gotta get your head back into this firm.
Burton: What?!
Nick: Your work is slipping. You know, last quarter you billed less than Jake. I mean, less than Jake! You're missing meetings. Some of our top clients have made complaints.
Burton: Not to me, they're not.
Nick: That's because they're coming to me. Now, if you don't wanna work full-time anymore then that's fine. Just say the word. You'll be Of Counsel and we'll take very good care of you.
Burton: You're gonna take care of me?
Nick: You know what I mean.
Burton glares at Nick then goes into his office, shutting the door.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Nick gets off the elevator.
Alvin: Nick, you got a new client waiting in your office.
Nick: No, I just came to drop off my hours for your review. I have a CLE class to go…
Alvin: Client's more important than continuing education…
Nick: Not when I'm 12 credits behind and my grace period's about to run out.
Alvin: Taliek Allen. Six months ago he was the victim of a brutal assault. He just got out of the hospital and his ex-girlfriend won't let him see their son.
Nick: Alvin, I can't do this today.
Alvin: She's filed a petition to confirm custody. Claims she's concerned about Taliek's rage and anxiety issues since the attack.
Nick: I told you, I can't do this today!
Alvin: (Raises his voice) Nick, go talk to your client!
Nick stares at Alvin for a second then walks to his office.
Nick: Uh, Mr. Allen, I'm sorry, we're gonna have to move this meeting to tomorrow, so…
Taliek: (Turns slowly to face Nick)
Nick: (Stunned to see Taliek's disfigured face—left eye blind and left side scarred and hideous) …if… you could come back?
Taliek: But my hearing's today.
Scene: Radisson Hotel—Practical Litigation Symposium—registration area
Jake: So, I set up drinks with Clay Simms for later today—The Incline.
Nick: Great. I'll bring Burton.
Jake: Good. This is such a waste of time.
Nick: I was gonna sign in, go to court, cover a hearing, come back and sign out.
Jake: You gonna skip?
Nick: Yeah. (Signs in)
Shockey: (Standing next to Nick as he signs in) Nicholas, how are you?
Nick: Oh, I'm good, Judge Shockey. How are you?
Shockey: You here for CLE?
Nick: Yes. I'm doing the Asinine Practical Litigation seminar. You?
Shockey: I'm teaching your class. Can't wait to see you in there.
Nick: Right. (Judge walks away)
Jake: Busted. (Grins)
Nick races off to the courthouse.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—corridor
Nick runs in—finds James.
Nick: Hey, James. You know, I have this hearing in front of Damsen. Kid named Taliek. His, uh, girlfriend's petitioned for permanent custody. Listen, it's all in here. (Hands him the case file) It's just no big deal. I appreciate it. Thank you. (As he runs off) I owe you.
James scans the file, smiles.
Scene: Judge Damsen's courtroom—Taliek Allen custody hearing
James enters the courtroom and sits down beside Taliek.
Taliek: Who are you?
James: Uh, James Mooney. I'll be handling your hearing.
Taliek: Where's Mr. Fallin?
James: He was called away on business.
Taliek: What?
James: You'll be fine. This is a hearing to confirm custody, right?
Bailiff: All rise.
James: (To Taliek) Stand up. [Inaudible]
Judge Damsen enters the courtroom.
Judge Damsen: Please be seated. Mr. Hague, the child in question is currently living with your client. Is that correct?
Attorney Hague: That's correct, Judge. The father, Taliek Allen, has had basically no contact with his son for over 6 months. That's why we're here.
Scene: Radisson Hotel—Asinine Practical Litigation Seminar
Shockey: Here's the case: Brian Koppelman. 37 years old. He's married. He's got 3 children. Pitt English professor. Gets fired for plagiarism. Decides to end it all, gets drunk and jumps off the Sixth Street Bridge. Passers-by call the police. The police can't pull him aboard the boat. The current's too strong. They strap a harness around his chest…
Nick enters and sits beside Jake, who has been dozing, near the back of the room.
Nick: (A whisper) What'd I miss?
Jake: (Awakens—dazed) What?
Nick: You're drooling. [Inaudible] (Jake wipes drool from his mouth)
Shockey: …and tow him 500 yards to the nearest dock. When they pull him out… ppth… he's dead. Coroner concludes the cause of death is drowning. Now, for instructive purposes we're gonna litigate this case. Have a mock trial. We've got a volunteer jury and law students are gonna play the parts of the witnesses. Now, who wants to represent the widow of the deceased?
The class members generally duck their heads—Burton raises his hand.
Shockey: Burton. Good to see you.
Burton: Good to see you, Hal. How are you? (Nick looks up)
Shockey: Great. Who wants to go against Mr. Fallin and represent the City? (Nick looks around—no takers—and smiles) Anyone?
Burton: Well, I'd like to volunteer my son, if he'll take it easy on the old man. (Chuckles—class joins in)
Shockey: Great. (Nick is not amused) Fine.
Scene: Judge Damsen's courtroom—Taliek Allen custody hearing continues
Hague: This man's disfigurement has nothing to do with my client's petition, Your Honor. It's his inability to control his temper that concerns her and frightens her child. That existed long before the assault.
James: Judge Damsen, this is about the way my client looks, and about a mother who's trying to punish her ex-boyfriend by using a terrible incident against him.
Hague: There have been instances of violence involving Sharnell. The police have been called to their house, twice.
Taliek: She was hittin' me.
Sharnell:: My ass.
Hague: Just 3 weeks ago, Mr. Allen kicked in my client's front door.
Taliek: (Angrily) She wouldn't let me see Dante!
James: Sit down.
Taliek: Look, she called me a freak in front of my boy. And then wouldn't let me into the apartment.
Sharnell:: It's not your apartment, Taliek.
Taliek: Shut up, skank!
Judge Damsen: Mr. Mooney, control your client.
James: (Forcefully) I said sit down!
Sharnell:: Dante hasn't seen you in 6 months. He doesn't even know who you are.
Taliek: I was in the hospital! Look at me!
Judge Damsen: Mr. Mooney.
Taliek: (Enraged) I said look at me! (Lunges out of the chair and charges at her)
Judge Damsen: Bailiff! (Pounds gavel) Mr. Mooney!
Immediately outside the courtroom—Taliek walks out followed by James.
Taliek: (Angrily) Man, I ain't seeing no shrink.
James: You want your son back?
Taliek: Yeah.
James: Then you'll get the psychiatric evaluation that the Judge ordered.
Taliek: (Notices a young girl sitting nearby, staring at him—he glares at her) Don't act like you ain't starin'. (Creeps up to her) Hey, man, why don't you take a real good look, right here. Lookit, right in my eye. (Points at his blind eye)
Man with girl: Back off! (Stands to protect her)
James: What the hell are you doing?! (Pulls him back)
Taliek: Man, you don't get it.
James: No, I don't get it. But, I get the system. You want your son back, you better suck it up and play the game. Otherwise the Judge'll have no problem in ruling in favor of Dante's mom.
Taliek: All right. Whadda I gotta do?
James: I'll set you up for a psychiatric evaluation for later today. Someone from LSP will call you later with the details. (Walks away)
Taliek: (Calls after him) Hey! You my lawyer now?
James: (Stops) I was just covering for Mr. Fallin, today.
Taliek: So if I got some questions or somethin', I can call ya?
James: Yeah. Sure.
Scene: The Incline
Clay Simms waits for his meeting with Jake and the Fallins—Jake arrives first.
Jake: Hey, Clay. (Shakes hands)
Clay: Jake. How the hell are ya?
Jake: Okay.
Clay: I was surprised to get your call. It's been years since…
Jake: So, listen, Clay, my, uh… firm wants to set up a criminal defense group. My partner feels you're the perfect guy to bring in. Problem is, I don't like you.
Clay: Then why're we sitting here?
Jake: Because I want this department to work and I wanna be part of it. Okay?
Clay: (Sighs) Jake. High school was a million years ago.
Jake: Right.
Clay: I can't believe that you're still holding a grudge about all that. It wasn't that bad.
Jake: Look, all I'm saying is that when my partners get here, just leave the past in the past. Okay?
Clay: Fine.
Jake: I'm not kidding. I mean, I'm really not rational about all this stuff.
Nick and Burton enter—Jake stands to introduce them.
Jake: Burton, Nick. This is, uh, Clay Simms.
Nick: Hey. (Shakes hands)
Jake: Clay, these are my partners.
Burton: How are you? (Shakes) Good to see ya.
Clay: Good to see ya.
Nick: (After he sits down) So, Clay, Jake tells us that you used to play football together.
Clay: I played. Jake was our statistician.
Jake: (To Nick—covering) Well, I just said we were on the team together. I never implied that I…
Nick: Statistician. (Covers his mouth and glances at Burton)
Clay: And a damn good one, at that. You got a letter for that, didn't ya?
Jake: (Embarrassed) Yeah, a patch. Yeah.
Clay: I think you did it for the girls' basketball team also. Didn't you? Right?
Jake: Right.
Clay: Statistics. (Smiles—looks at Nick and Burton) Go! K-O!
Jake: Go! K-O! (Looks around for the waitress—Burton stifles a grin)
Clay: So, Burton, tell me, why do you think your firm is a good match for me?
Burton looks at Jake then Nick.
Scene: Lulu's residence—bedroom—evening
Nick and Lulu lie in bed—Lulu has her head on his bare chest—he strokes her back and shoulders.
Lulu: Brian and I finalized our divorce.
Nick: Oh.
Lulu: (Pause) So, here I am.
Nick: (Pause) Oh.
Lulu: (Pause) Here we are. (Waits for a response—sighs) Mm, well… (Raises up to look at him) Hey, have you ever heard of the, um, Berkeley Legal Center? (Puts her head back on his chest)
Nick: Yeah, it's in California.
Lulu: Mm-hmm. It's a lot like LSP; it's… except it's bigger. And it's more prestigious.
Nick: Right.
Lulu: Yeah, they, uh, they gave me a call the other day.
Nick: Okay.
Lulu: I guess their director is retiring. They're just looking for someone to take over. (Pause) Anyway, it's just an interview.
Nick: (Pause) Are you going?
Lulu: I'm thinking about it. I mean, it's just a really great opportunity.
Nick: (Long pause) Yeah.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Meeting room
Lulu looks over several papers. Glances through the window and into Alvin's office where Alvin and James are having a conversation. Puts the papers away and heads for Alvin's office.
Alvin's office
James: I'm definitely out of my way there.
Alvin: I think this all makes sense.
James: I'll really appreciate that.
Alvin: I can see places where you can take a more active role.
James: I'd like that.
Lulu: (Walks in) Hey. I'm not disturbing you guys, am I?
Alvin: No.
James: Uh, there's a few things I need to do. Thanks, Alvin. (Exits with a smile)
Alvin: So, I talked to that woman from the, uh, Berkeley Legal Clinic—Judith Lieberman. Uh, she was impressed with your resume and they're putting you on the short list.
Lulu: Okay.
Alvin: I was forthcoming about your strengths and weaknesses.
Lulu: Weaknesses?
Alvin: I think she came away from the conversation with a very positive idea of your work and who you are.
Lulu: Okay. Well, thanks, Alvin.
Alvin: You're welcome.
Lulu: (Turns to leave then turns back) Alvin, are you sure you're okay with all this?
Alvin: Well, I was a bit taken aback when you approached me. I mean, I did work hard training you and you did sign a contract with me.
Lulu: I did.
Alvin: But, hey, Berkeley's got an excellent legal clinic. And you're young. So, if you get it, I'm happy for you. And James is excited about maybe taking on some extra responsibilities.
Lulu: (Suspicious) Thanks.
Nick's office
James: (Knocks on open door and enters—lays a report on the desk) Taliek's shrink's report.
Nick: (Facing away) How is it?
James: Oh, he suffers from Post-traumatic stress disorder, detachment issues—you name it.
Nick: (Faces James) Is he a danger to his child?
James: Well, the Doc can't rule it out. But, he doesn't think he'd intentionally direct his anger towards his child. But, if the kid's around and Taliek erupts, that's something else.
Nick: Great. Thank you.
James: You know, he seems like a good enough kid. If there's anything I can do…
Nick: James, if you want, you can take the case.
James: (Smiles) No. Uh, but, you know, maybe I'll come to the hearing.
Nick: Well, whatever. (James remains) Is there something else?
James: Did Alvin talk to you?
Nick: About what?
James: Well, startin' next week he wants you to report to me. Since Lulu may be leaving, the Clinic will be going through some transitions.
Nick: Huh. (Looks past James to the coffee station where Lulu is getting coffee)
James: Uh, she's flying to California on Friday for an interview. So, I'm taking on some of the overflow. Uh, that includes you. (Exits)
Nick: (Walks to the coffee station) You're, uh, taking this interview?
Lulu: Yeah.
Nick: Well, thanks for telling me.
Lulu: No. I know. I'm sorry. But, I just… I really just decided.
Nick: Yeah, that's okay.
Lulu: We still on for lunch today?
Nick: Uh, I can't, actually. Uh, tomorrow?
Lulu: Okay. Great. (Walks away—disappointed)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room—partners' meeting
Nick: Last piece of business: Clay Simms. Those in favor of making the offer? (8 in all raise their hands including Nick) Burton?
Burton: I'm against it.
Nick: Jake?
Jake: Abstaining.
Nick: You brought the guy in.
Jake: Abstaining.
Burton: Jake. If you got a problem with this guy, now's the time to tell us. What…?
Jake: I'm just abstaining.
Nick: Fine. We have 8 for, 1 against and 1 abstaining. I'll make the offer. Thank you. (Meeting adjourns)
Burton: (To Nick after the others have left) It's a mistake giving too much money and power to a stranger.
Nick: Yeah, I understand your concern.
Shannon meekly enters the room.
Burton: (To Shannon) Hey. (To Nick) Oh, gotta go. Planning a little party for Shannon. (Looks at Nick—who scowls then looks away) It's her birthday for God's sake, Nicholas. (To Shannon as they leave the room) Hi, honey. (Puts his arm around her) How are ya? You want somethin' to drink?
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—corridor
Alvin catches up to James.
Alvin: James!
James: Hey.
Alvin: I spoke with the Board about you possibly moving up.
James: Uh, how'd they feel about it?
Alvin: Same as me—that you'd be a phenomenal Assistant Director.
James: Great. So what happens next?
Alvin: Wait and see what Lulu does.
James: And if she doesn't go?
Alvin: Well…
James: I haven't had a raise in 3 years.
Alvin: Right. We'll get into that.
James: And my office is too small.
Alvin: Right. We will move you. (Smiles)
James: Good.
Alvin: Uh, James, let's just keep this between us for now, okay?
James: Mmm. (Walks away)
Scene: Judge Damsen's courtroom—Taliek Allen custody hearing continues
Hague:: Mr. Allen, you claim that your anger is a result of a violent attack you suffered. Is that correct?
Taliek: (On the stand) Yeah.
James enters the courtroom—sits in the gallery—Nick notices.
Hague: When did this occur?
Taliek: November.
Hague: Huh... 6 months and you still don't have a handle on your rage?
Nick: Objection.
Hague: Withdrawn. Where did the attack occur?
Taliek: At my house.
Hague: And where is that, exactly?
Taliek: Hamilton Avenue in Homewood. (Nick starts thinking about the time frame—looks back at James)
Hague: Uh… describe to me the attack, if you will.
Taliek: I was hanging out, watching TV. And outta nowhere I felt somethin' hit me on the side of the head—hard. (Emotionally) Next thing you know, I'm on the ground gettin' beat by these guys wearing hoods and masks. It was dark, but I can tell what they were using—bats and pipes.
Hague: Thinking about it makes you angry, doesn't it?
Taliek: Yeah.
Hague: You're mad—you got beat up.
Taliek: Yeah.
Hague: (Goading) Wish you could take it out on someone.
Taliek: Yeah!
Nick: Objection.
Hague: And what happens if no one's around but your son?
Taliek: I'd never touch my boy!
Nick: Objection!
Judge Damsen: Sustained.
Hague: Well, let's hope not. No further questions.
Outside the courtroom—corridor
Nick hurries to catch up with James.
Nick: James. Slow down.
James: I've got a hearing.
Nick: Is that the guy?
James: What are you talkin' about?
Nick: Taliek. Did you? Come on, James. November—Hamilton Avenue. Is that the guy?
James: I'm not saying that it is. But if that's the guy that killed Levi, then that's the guy. (Walks off)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Nick: Judge Damsen didn't like the psychiatrist's report.
Taliek: And?
Nick: She'll reconsider some form of shared custody in 6 months if you commit to counseling. If you don't, your ex-girlfriend will attempt to terminate your rights.
Taliek: Can't we fight this or somethin'?
Nick: Well, you can appeal.
Taliek: I want to appeal.
Nick: You're not gonna win.
Taliek: I want to appeal.
Nick: I will need to know everything that your ex-girlfriend can use against you to show that you're unfit.
Taliek: All right.
Nick: Any criminal convictions?
Taliek: Uh, 2 counts of possession. They're both misdemeanors.
Nick: No violent felonies?
Taliek: No, man.
Nick: I don't wanna learn something for the first time when I'm in front of the Superior Court.
Taliek: (Pauses—sighs) All right, look. Sharnell called the cops to my house a few times for hittin' her when I was drunk. But there was no charges. And I don't drink no more.
Nick: Gang affiliation?
Taliek: What?
Nick: What gang are you in?
Taliek: I ain't in no gang, man! What's…?
Nick: Just be straight with me, Taliek.
Taliek: Hey, look, look. If you don't believe me then don't do your appeal, right? But, I ain't no gang-banger. And I don't have a record, 'cept for the possession! Now, check it for yourself, man! (Stalks out of the room)
Taliek heads for the elevator and meets James, coming in.
Taliek: James. Man, that Judge, she goin' take my son from me.
James: I've got a meeting. (Walks to the meeting room and closes the door) (To Nick) You're still working with him?
Nick: Well, what am I gonna do, James? Tell him to go to another clinic because a lawyer here smashed him in the face with a tire iron?
James: All you know is that you saw me on Hamilton Avenue on that night in November. That's all you know.
Nick: I saw you go in there with 3 other guys and I saw what your hands looked like the next day.
James: You didn't see anything, Nick.
Nick: Oh, come on, James. Let's not do this. I saw you go in there. Now, if I don't got to the police, then I run the risk of…
James: (Interrupts—angry) You could end up losing your license. Nothing more. You know, I can… (Pause) Nick, all you did was stick your nose where it didn't belong. Forget it ever happened. Move on.
Nick: (Chuffs) Forget it ever happened?
James: That kid killed my nephew—shoved rocks down his throat. You ask me, he got off easy.
Nick: You know, he says he's never been in a gang.
James: What do you expect him to say?
Nick: And he's never been convicted of a felony, either. (Taps Taliek's case file which is sitting on the table—James grabs it and starts out the door)
James: Doesn't mean he hasn't committed any.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room—partners' meeting
Partners are gathered—Nick and Clay Simms enters last.
Nick: (Under his breath) All right. (To the group) Uh, thanks for coming together on such short notice. It'll be brief. I'm very pleased to announce that, effective today, Clay Simms will be joining our firm and bringing 3 of his associates with him. So, I'd like you to make him very welcome. (Clay and Jake exchange looks)
Applause.
Nick: Congratulations. (Shakes hands)
Clay: Thank you all very much. I'm excited for the opportunity. Fallin & Fallin's reputation precedes itself. So I just can't wait to get started.
Nick: Great.
Burton: Welcome, Clay.
More applause.
Nick: (To Clay—whispered) Uh, introduce yourself to everyone…
Jake: Hey, so, I have a case. This guy, uh, Leo Widenski, he ran a chop-shop. Got busted a couple months ago and is out on bail. And he has money.
Clay: Let's stick to high profile felonies—white collar crimes. Leave the mom and pop stuff to the ham-and-eggers.
Everyone laughs but Jake. Nick slaps Clay on the back—laughs.
Outside Burton's office
Nick: You know, I know you didn't want Clay.
Burton: Mm. You voted. It's fair.
Nick: That's right.
Burton: Anything else you need?
Nick: (Hesitates) Yeah, this whole mock trial thing. Don't you think we're risking embarrassing each other in front of the partners?
Burton: I'm not gonna get embarrassed.
Nick: Right. (Under his breath)
Burton enters his office and shuts the door.
Conference room
Jake: (To Clay) I'm not a ham-and-egger.
Clay: Of course not.
Jake: I'm not.
Clay: Okay.
Jake: So, listen, Clay, I've, spent a lot of time making a name for myself at this firm and the only reason why you're here is because I put in the word and made the call. So, I just wanna be reasonable…
Clay: Jake, I'm here because I'm one of the best criminal defense lawyers in the City. Because I chose to come here. Okay? Now, I was hoping that you and I would work together…
Jake: We are. That is the reason why I spoke up for you.
Clay: You spoke up for me because you can't do public deals anymore. What else is left for you other than litigation?
Jake: I'm fine doing corporate work.
Clay: Trading inside information to your mother. What were you thinking? (Jake just looks at him—Clay laughs and pats him on the arm) Come on. I'm just bustin' your chops. Geez, that's the way I am. You've known that about me since we were 13.
Jake: Just leave the past in the past. Okay?
Clay: Okay. Boy, you are so sensitive. I tell you what, man. Since you can't take it, I'll try to keep a lid on it. Okay?
Jake gives him a lame smile, pats him on the arm and walks away.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office
Alvin: I think these are great ideas, James. I really do.
Lulu: (Knocks on the open door) Alvin, can I talk to you?
James: Uh, we can finish this later. (Exits)
Lulu: Thanks.
Alvin: What's up, Lulu?
Lulu: Uh, Judy Lieberman over at the Berkeley Legal Center…?
Alvin: Yeah?
Lulu: Yeah. I logged onto the Martindale-Hubble site, you know, to get some background information on Ms. Lieberman before the interview… and it turns out she went to Penn Law School. Graduated the same year as you.
Alvin: Huh. Really?
Lulu: (Suspicious) Yeah. You said you didn't know her.
Alvin: Huge graduating class.
Lulu: But there was only 12 on law review and you guys were 2 of them.
Alvin squirms and sighs.
Lulu: Trying to get rid of me, Alvin?
Alvin: Lulu…
Lulu: You had her call me.
Alvin: Lulu, of course not. I just thought, if you knew I had sway with Judith, I just thought if you got the job, you wouldn't think you got it yourself.
Lulu: So then, you don't want me to go.
Alvin: Lulu, you know what I say?
Lulu: What?
Alvin: Follow your bliss.
Lulu chuffs and exits.
Scene: Housing project—Whiteside Road—Winston's apartment
Winston: What are you doin' here?
James: That kid we beat up, he's back in my life.
Winston: 'We' didn't beat up anybody. You went in there with a couple a guys I know.
James: All I'm saying is, he's back in my life.
Winston: He know it was you?
James: No.
Winston: Then what's the problem?
James: Kid says he wasn't in the game.
Winston: Does he?
James: Checked his record. There's not much there.
Winston: So?
James: So, I'm just asking.
Winston: What?
James: Was he the guy who killed Levi?
Winston: He was.
James: You sure?
Winston: He was. You came to me and asked me for a favor. I did it—found out what you wanted to know. Remember, man? I told you I didn't want no part of it, remember? You wanna come inside and hang-out or somethin'?
James: No. (Turns and starts down the hallway)
Winston: All right, then. (Shuts the door)
James passes Sharnell and baby Dante in the hallway—recognizes her.
James: Uh, Sharnell, right?
Sharnell: What are you doing here?
James: Just, uh, visiting a friend.
Sharnell: Is Taliek with you?
James: No. (Baby fusses) And Dante?
Sharnell: Yeah.
James: Heh. Hey, little man. How ya doin'?
Sharnell: I gotta go.
James watches as she knocks on Winston's door—then enters. Winston glares at him then shuts the door.
Scene: Taliek's residence—after dark
Loud music emanates from the Bar which is next door—James cautiously goes to the front door—knocks, loudly.
Taliek: Who's there?
James: It's, uh, James Mooney, with the legal clinic.
Taliek comes to door—looks outside, cautiously, before opening it.
Taliek: I don't like people comin' over here at night, man. (Continues to look cautiously through the 'burglar' proof screen door)
James: I'm just, uh, I'm here to help with your case.
Taliek: All right. (Opens the screen door and lets him in—then locks the main door securely behind him) I'm not taking any chances.
James: Oh?
Taliek: Yeah, when it happened, door wasn't locked. Come on. (James follows him to another room)
James: I came here to talk to you about your appeal. I was thinking, uh, you should be more aggressive. Claim Sharnell was an unfit parent.
Taliek: I can do that?
James: (Haltingly) Yeah, you can, uhm… if you think she's keeping the child around people she shouldn't. Does she live with another guy now?
Taliek: Yeah.
James: Boyfriend?
Taliek: No. No. Her brother.
James: Hmm. Who's that?
Taliek: (Scoffs) His name is Winston Veers. Not a good man. You know, gang-banger, drug dealer. I could challenge her 'cause of Winston?
James: It's a start. Uh, tell me something. Was there a lot a trouble between you and this guy, what's his name again?
Taliek: Winston? Yeah-yeah-yeah. We got a lot a problems. See, whenever we fought, Sharnell would go to Winston and Winston would come over here threatening me in my own home. (Chuffs) So I was, like, “nah, nah.” So one day I had enough. Whupped his butt bad, you know?
James: You think he did that to you?
Taliek: (Ponders) I don't know, man. I can't prove that. But you know, I can wait. I can wait. And one day I'm gonna take care of him. I'm gonna take care of him, one day.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room—partners' meeting
Clay: I'll bring my guys in next week. We should be up and running in no time. Maybe Jake could help with the trial I have coming up at the end of the month.
Jake: I'd like that.
Clay: Great.
Nick: Good. So, you ready to pick out your new office?
Clay: Just give me Straka's. He won't mind. (Jake is not amused) Just kidding, Jake. (Laughs) This guy—a sensitive jackal.
Nick: (Grinning) Ooh, I'm sure we can do a little better than Jake's office.
Everyone laughs, but Jake.
Jake: Yeah, look, I've got a meeting. I'm sure you guys can finish this up without me. (Exits the room)
Clay: (Shakes his head) I have never seen someone hold a grudge like Straka.
Nick: Oh?
Clay: I'd love to tell you about it, but he'd just get upset. (Stands, preparing to leave the room)
Nick: Oh? (Leans back in his chair—waiting)
Clay: (Sits back down) Homecoming—1984. Old Strap-on's been stalking my sister for, like, 2 years. And, I mean, she's only 14.
Burton: Strap on? (Quizzical)
Clay: Just something we used to call 'im.
Burton: Old Strap-on? (Looking for an explanation)
Clay: Yeah. So I warn him. Say, “Keep away from my sister.” He keeps writing her these letters, says they're poems. I don't know what the hell they were. So it's half-time. Straka's sitting on the bench. He's running his numbers. I get this cheerleader to tell this monster lineman—the guy was 6'6”—that she saw Straka kissing his girlfriend under the bleachers. (Burton glances at his watch) Next thing you know, he's chasing Straka all over on the field. (Laughing) He catches him. He pummels him. He pummels him! (Laughs) Straka pisses his pants. (Nick raises his eyebrows—the others laugh—Jake walks in) But, I do have some outstanding cases left with Beldon to work out.
Jake: (Looks at Nick) Just, uh… forgot some folders.
Burton: (To Jake—naively) What the hell's a strap-on?
Jake looks at Clay, who grins and bows his head. Jake takes his folders and leaves. Everyone laughs again. Burton shrugs his shoulders—still confused. Nick leaves the room and runs after Jake.
Nick: Jake, listen. I'll talk to him. I'll tell him to shut his mouth.
Jake: (Upset—still walking) I'm sick of this, all this. The firm, you. (Walks into his office and slams the door)
Scene: Radisson Hotel—Asinine Practical Litigation Seminar—mock trial
Mock Police Officer: (On the stand) We were patrolling the river when we got the call. Several people had seen a man leap from the bridge.
Nick: They all said he jumped?
Burton: Objection. That's hearsay.
Shockey: Sustained.
Nick: What did you do when you got to the scene?
Burton: Objection. That calls for a narrative.
Shockey: Sustained.
Nick looks at his father.
Burton: (To Nick) Go ahead.
Nick: When you responded to the call, did you see the jumper?
Burton: Objection. Lacks foundation.
Nick: (To the Judge) You know, this is a mock trial. We're not arguing in front of the Supreme Court.
Burton: (Grinning) Lucky for you. (Titters in the audience)
Jake is not taking pleasure in Nick's discomfort.
Nick: When you arrived at the bridge, did you see Mr. Koppelman in the water?
Officer: (Pauses—waiting for an objection—then proceeds) Yes.
Nick: Do you feel you followed proper protocol in an effort to save him?
Burton: Objection. What the officer feels is irrelevant. (Nick rubs the back of his head) Did she actually follow proper protocol? That's what the issue is here.
Shockey: Would you guys like to take a break?
Nick nods—Burton continues.
Burton: No, it's not necessary. Nick's ready to continue.
Nick: (Clears his throat) How strong was the current, that evening?
Officer: Oh, it was…
Burton: Objection. That's leading.
Nick: Fine. Was the current strong that evening?
Officer: Um…
Burton: (Flinches) Objection. That's still leading. Why don't you just ask her to describe the current?
Nick: (In a tiff—folds up his notebook) You know, why don't you? You're the big winner, Dad. You win the mock trial. Congratulations. (Exits in a huff)
Burton: (To the Judge) Hal, it's always good to see ya. Excuse me, okay? (Exits)
Shockey: Let's take a break.
Nick makes his exit through the kitchen area—Burton follows.
Burton: Nicholas. Nicholas. Nicholas! (Nicks stops) (Forcefully) You can't walk out in the middle of a trial like that!
Nick: (Walks up to Burton) What I said about your work slipping, as your partner, that is my responsibility. Now, if what I said offended you, I am sorry, but I stand by it.
Burton: You apologized to Shannon yet?
Nick: No.
Burton: Might think about that.
They turn and walk away from each other.
Scene: Parking garage
Clay enters the garage and heads for his Mercedes.
Leo Widenski: Hey. Hey!
Clay turns around.
Leo: You mess with my wife?
Clay: What?
Leo: My wife?
Clay: I don't know you.
Leo: My wife was a secretary at David Beldon's office. She said you used to grab her ass.
Clay: (Backs up) Uh…
Leo: Say stuff to her. Nasty stuff.
Clay: Who's your wife?
Leo: You know who I'm talking about.
Clay: No, I don't. I think this is…
Leo: Just don't lie to me. (Grabs Clay and shoves him against the car)
Clay: I'm not.
Leo: Don't lie. Just listen. If I ever see you again anywhere near her I will rip your frickin' head off.
Clay: I didn't… I…
Leo: Apologize to me. (Right in his face)
Clay: I don't…
Leo: Apologize.
Clay: I'm sorry.
Leo: Say it again.
Clay: I'm so sorry.
Leo: Thank you. I feel better.
Leo lets him go—gives him a final shove. Clay grabs at his door handle to open the car—alarm goes off—he searches for his keys. Leo walks off and then puts his cell phone to his ear.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Nick's office
Nick: (Solemnly) I've been under a lot of pressure lately. Um… I have this kind of girlfriend and, uh, it's complicated. (Chuffs) And work, I, uh, you know, some days I'm right on the edge and I say things that I shouldn't say. (Shannon sits quietly listening—Nick reaches in a drawer and pulls out a gift which he places on the desk) (Sighs) What I'm trying to say is this, that I'm sorry, Shannon, for what I said. And I hope that we can get past this. (She walks out without a word)
Nick moves the gift to his credenza.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—lobby area
Jake bounds down the stairs just as Clay enters the lobby.
Jake: (Upbeat) Hey, dude.
Clay: Morning.
Jake: (They start down the hallway) How's the new office working out?
Clay: Okay.
Jake: Yeah? And the, uh, parking spot?
Clay: Okay.
Jake: Yeah? Glad you like it.
Leo approaches—Clay recognizes him from the parking garage.
Jake: Oh, Leo, hi. You met Clay Simms? (Leo gives Clay a menacing look) Oh, wait. Of course you have. (Opens his office door—Leo enters—Jake glares at Clay)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Nick walks in—sees Lulu and starts towards her.
Alvin: Hey, Nick.
Nick: (Raises his hand to Alvin and keeps walking) (To Lulu) Where you going?
Lulu: To Berkeley, for the interview.
Nick: Right now?
Lulu: Yeah. Uh, my flight's in an hour…
Nick: Well, I'll drive you to the airport.
Lulu: No, I've got a cab waiting.
Nick: (Emphatically) I wanna take you to the airport!
Lulu: No. No, thanks. (Glares at him)
Nick: (Pause) What do you want me to say, Lulu?
Lulu: Whadaya mean?
Nick: I mean, if you get the job and you want it, take it, if it makes sense. But, if you don't, then don't. Just don't make this everyone else's problem. (She walks off—Nick follows her to her office) Lulu. Lulu.
She shuts the door in his face. James walks up.
James: Nick, I need to talk to you.
Nick: (Still standing outside Lulu's office door) Just give me a second. (Grips the door frame)
James: I really need to talk to you, now.
Nick: (Curtly) All right. What is it?
Nick follows James to his office.
James: Taliek's the wrong guy. (Pause) You hearin' me? I did that to the wrong guy. I did that… and he didn't deserve it. And now he might lose his son because of me.
Nick: Well, if you're trying to ask me if I'm gonna tell anyone about it, I won't.
James: No, what I'm saying, I have to get right with myself, with Taliek, with God.
Nick: You can't tell the kid.
James: I just want you to know, I'm not gonna tell anyone that you…
Nick: James. You just have to forget it ever happened and move on.
James: I don't think I can.
Nick: Just forget it ever happened.
Nick sees Lulu walking to the elevator as he exits James' office and starts after her.
Alvin: Uh, Nick, this is Mrs. Lavern. I've told you about the trouble she's having with the Township.
Mrs. Lavern: (Holds a gigantic stuffed bear) Say hello to your lawyer, Theo Bear.
Nick: Just hold it.
Nick hurries to the elevator as the doors close on Lulu—he punches the button—agitated.
Alvin: Nick.
Mrs. Lavern: (Follows Nick to the elevator—prattling) My husband's looking for parking. You'd think there'd be parking at a place like this.
Alvin: (Hands him the file) Hearing starts in 20 minutes.
Nick: Yeah. Okay. (Rubs his forehead) (To Mrs. Lavern) You bringing that thing with you?
Mrs. Lavern: Theo's all dressed up for court today. There's a little specialty shop at Squirrel Hill that sells outfits… or you can just buy kids' clothes. (Elevator opens—old man stands there holding another gigantic stuffed bear) Oh! It's the wrong one, Gerald. That's Suzy. She isn't even dressed. It's almost time for the bears' Memorial Day poses.
Scene: Taliek's residence
James drives up, parks and gets out of his car—looks around, cautiously. Walks to the door and bangs on it.
Taliek: Who's there?
James: Taliek, it's James.
Taliek: (Comes to the door—peers out, cautiously) James, what's up?
James: I have to tell you somethin'.
Taliek: What?
James: Can I come in?
Taliek lets him in and locks the door behind them.
END OF EPISODE
==========================
TRANSCRIPT PROVIDED BY "TWIZ TV.COM - FREE TV SCRIPTS DATABASE"
COURTESY OF/PERMISSION FROM SIMONSPHERE
==========================