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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
James: (Off-camera, from within his office) I did that to the wrong guy. And he didn't deserve it and now he might lose his son because of me.
Nick: (Off-camera) Well, if you're trying to ask me if I'm gonna tell anyone about it… I won't.
James: (Off-camera) No, what I'm saying… I have to get right—with myself, with Taliek, with God.
Nick: (Off-camera) You can't tell the kid.
Lulu heads for the elevator carrying an overnight bag.
Alvin: Hey. You leaving?
Lulu: Yeah, my cab's waiting.
Alvin: Good luck in Berkeley.
Lulu: Thanks. (Continues to the elevator)
Alvin: Mrs. Lavern.
Mrs. Lavern: (Sits holding her stuffed bear—impatiently) Our hearing is in 20 minutes.
Alvin: Nicholas Fallin will be your attorney. (Nick exits James' office) Nick, this is Mrs. Lavern. I told you about the problem she's having with the Township.
Mrs. Lavern: (Chuckles) Say hello to your lawyer, Theo Bear. Wh—
Nick sees Lulu get on the elevator and runs to catch her as the doors close.
Alvin: Nick. (He and Mrs. Lavern follow Nick to the elevator)
Elevator
Lulu: (Rides the elevator to the main floor—as the doors open she hears a horn honk) Hang on! (Exits the elevator)
Mr. Lavern gets on, holding a large stuffed bear. Rides the elevator to LSP. Doors open. Mrs. Lavern and Nick get on.
Mrs. Lavern: Oh! That's the wrong one, Gerald. That's Suzy. She's not even dressed yet. And it's almost time for the bears' Memorial Day poses…
Nick: (Immediately dials Lulu on his cell phone—stressed) Lulu, this is Nick. When you get this message can you call me on my cell phone, please? Okay?
Mrs. Lavern: …and the next thing you know it's gonna be the 4th of July, which is the bears' favorite holiday.
Mr. Lavern: I smell that lady's perfume.
Elevator stops at main floor—Nick looks at Mrs. Lavern then exits quickly, followed by the Laverns.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—corridor
Nick walks rapidly to the courtroom, trailed by the Laverns.
Mrs. Lavern: I don't complain when the Nedved's put their Santa stuff out. I don't complain about…
Nick: (On his cell again for Lulu) Lulu, it's Nick. I tried to find you downstairs. You'd gone. Now could you please call me before you get on your plane.
Mrs. Lavern: …Larry Watkins' car, on blocks, in his own front yard. As I see it, the First Amendment protects us. That's how I see it.
Mr. Lavern: What are you, a lawyer all of a sudden?
Mrs. Lavern: (To Mr. Lavern) Oh…
Nick stops and signs a roster just outside the courtroom.
Mrs. Lavern: (Grabs Nick's arm) Are you listening to me, young man?
Nick: Oh, yeah. Inside. Inside. (Herds them into the courtroom)
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—courtroom
Opposing attorney: Your Honor, the Laverns' bear display is a clear violation of Civil Code, Section 412.2, which governs the use of signs, ornaments and other displays. In addition, pursuant to Municipal Ordinance 301.1, this is a public nuisance. Nearly 1 dozen…
Nick's cell phone vibrates on the table beside him—he answers.
Nick: (Whispers) Lulu…
Attorney: …life-sized, stuffed bears in costume…
Nick: Yeah, no… I'm in court.
Attorney: …can't help but substantially diminish the value of properties…
Nick: Well, I went downstairs and looked for you. You were gone. What's that about?
Judge: Mr. Fallin.
Nick: (Raises his hand) Uh, could I just have one minute, please, Your Honor?
Judge: Excuse me?
Nick: This is a very important call.
Judge: Hang up, and present your case.
Nick: Could I just have 1 minute, please?
Judge: Hang up…
Nick: (To Lulu) Listen, can I call you back?
Judge: …and present your case!
Nick: (To Lulu) No, I was… it was a reaction.
Mrs. Lavern: Why are you on the phone?
Judge: That's a hundred dollars, Mr. Fallin.
Nick: (To Lulu—getting agitated) Well, I… you saw me coming to the elevator.
Judge: That's another hundred, Mr. Fallin.
Nick: (To Lulu) Why didn't you wait for me? (To the Judge) Fine, okay.
Mrs. Lavern: (Grabs Nick's arm—he jerks it away) Hey, mister, you're on our time!
Nick: (To Lulu) I can't hear you!
Judge: Hang up! (Pounds gavel)
Nick: (To Lulu) What?
Judge: Hang up!
Nick: (To Lulu) No, I did not! Lulu, I can't hear you! Can you speak up?
Judge: Mr. Fallin, hang up that phone or I will hold you in contempt.
Nick: Lulu, Lulu… I'm losing you.
Judge: Mr. Fallin. Mr. Fallin! (Bangs gavel)
Nick: Lulu… Damn it! (Slams the phone down on the table)
Judge: Mr. Fallin!
Nick: (Pauses while he regains some control—still agitated) I know, we're talking about stuffed animals, okay? Dressed up as soldiers, or whatever. I mean, is this…
Judge: Mr. Fallin!
Nick: …is this important?! (Yells) Does that really matter?
Judge: Mr. Fallin, you are in contempt. Bailiff?
Nick realizes he's gone too far—looks wide-eyed at the bailiff (off camera).
Scene: Therapist's office
Therapist: D'you wanna tell me why you're here?
Nick: (Clipped) Court ordered therapy. Three sessions and I'm done. You've got my file.
Therapist: I know what the file says. I was wondering what you thought.
Nick: (Takes a sip of water) Well, I think I threw a cell phone. That's why I'm here.
Therapist: Why'd you throw a cell phone? (Nick shrugs) Were you angry? (Nick glares) You don't know if you were angry? You just threw a cell phone? (Long pause) Okay. You don't wanna be here. I don't want you to be here unless you wanna talk to me. (No response) Right. So, here's a book. (Extends the book—Nick ignores him) Here's a book. (Lays it on the sofa next to Nick) Read the first 3 chapters, fill out the worksheets, and we'll discuss your answers, the next session. The book costs 30 bucks.
Nick: Fine.
Therapist: Hundred and five for the session.
Nick: Fine.
Therapist: I take checks.
Nick: (Half smile)
Scene: Taliek Allen's residence—after dark
James: (Bangs on the door) Taliek, it's James.
Taliek: (Lets him in then locks the door) What's up?
James: That guy, uh, Winston… (Pause) I can call Social Services about him.
Taliek: Yeah?
James: If it's true he deals drugs, they'll remove Dante. Hold another hearing.
Taliek: Well, it's true.
James: Great. Then you'll get another shot at gettin' your boy back. (Smiles, then soberly) If you want me to make the call.
Taliek: You'd do that for me?
James: Yeah.
Taliek: Aw, man, yeah. (Touched) Hey, you know I was about to get some food, man and watch a game, you know? If you wanna hang, it's cool.
Scene: Burton Fallin's residence—Shannon's 13th birthday party
Lots of Shannon's girlfriends are dancing. Party balloons everywhere. Door bell rings—Burton answers.
Burton: (With a drink in hand) Hey, you made it. Terrific. Come on in. Come in. How are you?
Nick: (Enters carrying the gift he had the other day) Ah, I'm good. (Surveys the scene and sighs heavily)
Burton: (Chuckles) And they're all spending the night.
Nick: Great. Great. Uh, this is for Shannon. (Refers to the gift)
Burton: Oh, good. Put it over there.
Nick: It's a nail polish kit.
Burton: You're kidding me. I've got that woman from the Persian Place. She's coming over to give 'em all manicures. Yeah. So, can you stay awhile?
Nick: Oh, I got… I got a few things I gotta get done.
Burton: Oh. What about Friday night? That symphony fund-raiser? You and Lulu still on for that?
Nick: I think so.
Burton: Great. Great. Shannon's gonna be my little date. (Takes a sip of his drink) I think she'll enjoy that.
Nick: Hey, Shannon. (Waves) Happy Birthday. (She looks at him, then away) Well, okay, listen, I better get going.
Burton: Yeah? All right.
Nick: It was great.
Burton: Thanks for coming by. Appreciate it. Thanks. (Nick exits)
Shannon: (Walks over to Burton) Come on, Burton. Come on. Let's go dance.
Burton: No, wait. Let's think about this, okay?
Shannon: No. Come on.
Burton: I'm not really sure I'm up for this. Let's… Wait a minute. (Door bell rings)
Shannon: Oh!
Burton: Saved by the bell. (Answers the door) Hi, come on in. Don't tell me. I bet you're Katey's dad, right?
Roy: Burton Fallin? [Pronounced Fall-in]
Burton: Fallin, yeah. (Shakes hands) How are ya?
Roy: Hi, my name's Roy Cantwell.
Burton: How are ya?
Roy: I'm Shannon's dad.
Burton: Oh. (Euphoria fades)
Roy: Heck of a nice place you got here, sir.
Burton: Thank you.
Roy: (To Shannon—who stares, dumbfounded) Sweetheart? I got here just soon as I heard. Hey, do you remember me? It's gonna be okay.
Burton removes his party hat.
Scene: Taliek Allen's residence—continuation…
Taliek and James are watching a ball game.
Taliek: (Really into the game) They're suckers! Man, did you see that? Oh! Man, I quit.
James: (Out of the blue) I had a nephew. Good kid. My sister's only child. He ran with a gang around here.
Taliek: Yeah?
James: Wound up dead.
Taliek: Right.
James: He used to live with me for awhile 'cause my younger sister, she was all strung up on drugs. Wish I coulda got him outta here.
Taliek: It's too bad he wound up dead, man.
James: The way he died… These kids, they shoved rocks in his mouth. He choked to death. All I could think about was finding those kids that did that to him.
Taliek: So what'd you do?
James: I got a name. I got an address. I waited 'til it was late. Called up some old friends I used to run with, and broke into this house. Uh, I found who I thought it was.
Taliek: You jacked him up.
James: I took a tire iron to his face. (Crying—looks steadily at Taliek, who suddenly understands) I was full of so much hate. I just wasn't thinking. I just wanted revenge. Truth was, you know, I trusted someone who I shouldn't've trusted. Someone who hates you, who set you up.
Taliek: Winston.
James: Yeah. I'm the guy that hit you. I'm the guy.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Larry Flood: (To employee as she passes by) Hello, how are you? I'm Larry. I'm new.
Employee: Oh. Okay.
Larry: (To another employee) Hi, there. Larry Flood. (Clears throat)
Alvin: (Exits his office) So, Larry, where were we?
Larry: Oh, uh, you were talking about the team-oriented approach.
Alvin: Right.
Larry: Yes.
Alvin: We believe in a team-oriented approach to maintain a high level of legal representation we provide.
Larry: Fantastic. I can't wait to start.
Alvin: Oh, good. That's fantastic. (Looks around and sees Nick headed to his office) Uh, Nick. (To Nick as he walks over) This is Larry Flood. (To Larry) Nick Fallin. He works with us part-time.
Larry: How are you? I'm brand new.
Nick: (Sullen) Great. (Walks away)
Larry: (Upbeat) He seems like a nice guy.
Alvin: Yeah, he's okay. Uhm, James Mooney'll be training you. He'll help you find your way around.
Larry: (Enthused) Outstanding!
Alvin: Let me introduce you.
Larry: Okay.
In Nick's office, Burton is waiting.
Burton: Hey.
Nick: (Surprised) Dad?
Burton: Well, Shannon's father came by my house last Friday.
Nick: Okay.
Burton: Wants to take her back.
Nick: Okay.
Burton: I called Social Services. They set up a hearing for me tomorrow morning. I was wondering if you could help me out.
Nick: Well, if the biological father wants the child, then he'll most likely get her.
Burton: Three weeks ago he said he didn't want her back.
Nick: What changed his mind?
Burton: I had Vince Lasker do a background check on this guy. (Lays a file on the desk)
Nick: A background check?
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: I'm sure that's colorful.
Burton: Yeah. Read this file and you'll see what I'm talking about. Anyway, I was hoping you could come to the hearing tomorrow and help me out.
Nick: (Pause) Fine.
Burton: Good. Okay. Thanks, I'll see ya back at the office. (Burton exits—Nick looks concerned)
Alvin: (Enters the office—grinning) Hey, can I borrow your cell phone? I need to make a call.
Nick: What is it?
Alvin: What? You don't think that's funny? (Nick gives him a blank look but does not respond) Huh, you have an emergency shelter hearing tomorrow morning for Taliek Allen's son, Dante.
Nick: What happened?
Alvin: Anonymous call to Social Services. Seems like Taliek's ex-girlfriend's living with some drug dealer. They yanked him last night. I tried to call on your cell phone but, uh…
Nick: (Grabs the file and quickly exits) It's broken.
Alvin sighs—shakes his head.
James' office
Nick: (Charges in) Is there anything else I should know about this, James? (Refers to the file)
James: What it says. Sharnell was living with a drug dealer.
Nick: You know who tipped off Social Services?
James: Nope. You?
Nick, suspicious, walks away.
Craig Rolsky: (To Nick—on his way to the elevator) James Mooney?
Nick: He's back there. (Points at James' office)
Rolsky: (Knocks on the open door)
James: How can I help you?
Rolsky: Craig Rolsky—Pittsburgh police. (Flashes his badge) You got a minute to talk?
Nick glances back at James' office as the officer enters.
James: Yeah.
Rolsky: You mind? (Indicates the door)
James: Please.
Rolsky: (Shuts the door and sits down) You know a kid named Taliek Allen?
James: Yeah. Uh, he's a client here. Came in last week. Uh, needed some help with a custody problem.
Rolsky: He stopped by my Precinct this morning. Nasty thing—what happened to his face.
James: Yeah.
Rolsky: You know anything about that?
James: About his face?
Rolsky: About what happened to him?
James: Poor guy got attacked.
Rolsky: Ambushed. Three or four guys—tire irons, bats.
James: That's what I heard.
Rolsky: He says you did it to him.
James: What?
Rolsky: That's what he's saying.
James: (Stammers) Look, look. I'm just the lawyer who tried to help him get his kid back. Didn't work. Uh, you know, maybe he's mad. He's trying to get some revenge. I don't know.
Rolsky: So, you think he's blaming you for losing his case?
James: He needs to blame somebody.
Rolsky: Huh. (Nods) Okay, well, appreciate your time. (Exits)
Scene: Therapist's office
Therapist: You didn't really answer any of the questions.
Nick: Yes, I did.
Therapist: 'Was there a time of heavy grief in your life?' You answered, 'Yes.'
Nick: That's right.
Therapist: Only 'Yes.'
Nick: Right.
Therapist: 'Are there things you do well?' You answered, 'Yes.'
Nick: Right.
Therapist: 'Describe the happiest period of your life.' You wrote, 'It hasn't happened yet.'
Nick: (Tersely) Well, that's an answer.
Therapist: It's a 'No' to answering the question. D'you understand?
Nick: No.
Therapist: The intention or the hope of the exercise was to get you to open up a little bit—explore your feelings.
Nick: Well, the book didn't ask me to elaborate.
Therapist: Mr. Fallin. You're an educated man. It's implicit.
Nick: You want me to take the test again?
Therapist: I don't care.
Nick: Good, 'cause I don't wanna take it.
Therapist: Okay.
Nick: Great. We done here?
Therapist: Read the rest of the book. Keep up the good work. See you Friday.
Nick grabs the book and exits.
Nick: (Snidely) Look forward to it.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—corridor
Nick sees Lulu coming down the stairs—waits for her.
Nick: Hey. How was Berkeley?
Lulu: (Expressionless) Uh, it was… it was okay, I think.
Nick: You liked the clinic?
Lulu: Um, well, they have 30 lawyers. Two floors of a renovated warehouse. And the people are great. Great cases.
Nick: So you liked it?
Lulu: (Nods) And I loved San Francisco. Absolutely loved it. Have you ever been there?
Nick: No. (Shakes his head)
Lulu: Really? Um, it's really beautiful. It's much more interesting than Pittsburgh.
Nick: Uh, this Friday, my father has four tickets to this charity function for the Symphony at Heinz Hall, if you'd like to go.
Lulu: Sure. (Pause) Oh, I have a hearing.
Nick: Me, too.
Lulu: Maybe later, if you wanna come by.
Nick: Sure, if I can.
Lulu: Okay.
They walk away in opposite directions.
Nick: Taliek?
Taliek: (Sits on a bench in the corridor) Uh, James with you?
Nick: No.
Taliek: Well, you keep him away from me. Hey, I'm not playing, man. I don't wanna see him.
Nick: Fine.
Taliek: Hell, you in on this, too?
Nick: I don't know what you're talking about.
Taliek: (Pause) All right. You gonna get my son back for me?
Nick: I'm gonna try.
Scene: Judge Damsen's courtroom—Taliek Allen's custody hearing
Judge Damsen: Based on the facts presented, my feeling is that neither Sharnell nor Taliek is an appropriate parent at this time. I'm adjudicating Dante, a dependent of the Commonwealth, and placing him in the Allegheny County Group Shelter until a suitable foster parent can be found. (Gavel down)
Nick leans over to respond to Taliek, in a whisper.
Taliek: What does that mean?
Nick: Dante's going to a group shelter.
Sharnell: (To her lawyer) What? What is she saying? What is she saying?! (Walks over to Taliek—yelling) You freak! You freak! What'd you do that for? Huh? What'd you do that for?! (Shoves Nick trying to get to Taliek)
Taliek: This ain't got nothing to do with me. It's got to do with you and your punk brother Winston, of yours. You tell 'im I'm comin' for 'im! You tell him that!
Sharnell: I should kill you! I want you dead!
Judge: Gentlemen! Control your clients!
Nick: Get the bailiff!
Taliek: Now my kid don't have nothin', man—no mother, no father, nothin'!
Nick looks from Taliek to Judge Damsen then leaves the courtroom.
Outside courtroom—James sits on a bench—waiting
James: How'd it go in there?
Nick: Damsen sent Dante to a group shelter.
James: You couldn't do better than that?
Nick: (Points his finger in James' face) You stay the hell away from Taliek. You're just making things worse. (Walks off)
Outside Orphan's Court—Shannon, Roy and Burton wait for Shannon's hearing to start. Nick walks up.
Roy: …you're practically all grown up.
Shannon: I'm 13. My birthday was…
Roy: Friday. I know. That was your party, right?
Nick: Laurie.
Laurie: Nick.
Nick: Shannon.
Shannon: Nick. This is my dad, Roy.
Roy: How are ya?
Nick: (Glares—walks away)
Roy: Anyway, I got you something. (Hands her a tiny box) Look inside. That's you and me two days after your third birthday. I just want you to know that I never wanted things to turn out like this. It was your mother; she wouldn't let me see you. Your grandma, too. I called and I called.
Nick and Burton sit nearby—Nick reviews the file—they eavesdrop.
Shannon: Really?
Roy: All the time. I know we don't have a lot of history, but it's not too late, you know, to be a father and daughter, if that's what you want.
Laurie: The hearing's about to start, sweetheart.
Shannon: (To Roy) Thanks.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Orphan's court
Nick: …strip-club bouncer, hairdresser, assistant manager—Rick's Roast Beef, sales rep for Coral Springs Bottled Water. That's just 1999.
Roy's Attorney: We all need a job.
Nick: My point, Your Honor, is that Roy Cantwell has not been able to keep a job for more than 3 months.
Roy's Attorney: For the record, Your Honor, my client is currently self-employed. He owns a beauty supply warehouse.
Nick: And operates 4 separate pornographic websites. Your Honor, there are Federal and State tax liens on Mr. Cantwell's salary and assets. He declared personal bankruptcy in 2001. He's been arrested 3 times for embezzlement, grand larceny and conspiracy to commit fraud.
Roy's Attorney: My client's professional career is not indicative of his parenting skills.
Nick: Parenting skills? He hasn't seen his daughter in over 10 years. Barely even talked to her. When Social Services asked him about custody, he said, 'No'.
Roy's Attorney: Mr. Cantwell said he needed to think about it. He never said, 'No.'
Nick: (Hands a folder to the Judge) Right now Shannon is living with a respected member of our community. Someone who has led an exemplary life. Someone who wants to be a good father to her.
Nick hurriedly exits the courtroom, first—followed by the others. Burton watches him walk away.
Roy: (To Burton) At least give me a weekend every month.
Burton: (Takes him aside) Now, Roy, you heard the Judge. It's 1 hour a month.
Roy: She's my daughter.
Laurie takes Shannon aside.
Burton: I understand that. It's not, uh, it's not my place.
Roy: Listen, I could come by a couple days a week, after school, while you were there. Or, hey, I could babysit or something. You wouldn't have to pay me. It's gonna be a win–win.
Burton: Roy, look here, if she's gonna have a chance, she's gotta start all over. New rules—new people.
Roy: Are you saying I'm bad for my own daughter?
Burton: I didn't say that.
Roy: Yes, you did. You think I'm a piece o' crap, don't you?
Burton: No.
Roy: Hey, they wouldn't let me see her—her mother or her grandmother. And, yeah, when they called the first time, I didn't think she'd be so good with me on account of my lifestyle. But, then I got that call about what your nephew did—trying to rape her.
Burton: (Grimaces) Hey.
Roy: So, don't you tell me I'm not good for my own daughter. Not after what you let happen. (Walks over to Shannon and kisses her on the forehead) Be a good girl, okay? (He walks away)
Burton: You okay, honey?
Shannon: Yeah.
Burton: I'm sorry if you heard any of that.
Shannon: Can I still see him sometimes?
Burton: We'll see, honey. We'll see.
Scene: Taliek Allen's residence—daytime
James: (Bangs on the door) Come on, Taliek. Open the door, man. Come on. Let me in.
Taliek lets him in then walks to another room—James follows.
James: You called the cops? (Stammers) Look, Taliek, I'm sorry about what happened. Why it happened but… (Chuffs) …me going to jail isn't gonna change anything.
Taliek: (Calmly) They took my son away.
James: Right. But, look—you know, you get a job. You keep it together. You keep going to counseling. The Judge'll give the baby back to you. It'll be good, you'll see. I talked to some friends. I got a job for you—working at the courthouse, nights—cleaning up. Uh… (Tosses a wad of bills on the table) …about a thousand bucks, for rent. Maybe get a better place.
Taliek: (Calmly) You need to bounce, man.
James: All I'm trying to do is help.
Taliek: (Still calm) Look, man. You just need to roll.
James: Uh, okay. (Exits)
Scene: Lulu's residence—bedroom
Nick lies propped against the headboard, wearing boxers—one leg covered by the sheet. Lulu lies on her side of the bed, facing away, wearing a camisole top.
Nick: If you get this job…
Lulu: I'm not gonna get it.
Nick: You'll get it. Are you gonna take it?
Lulu: (Sighs) I mean wouldn't you if a job came up in Los Angeles and they wanted to make you Senior Partner…?
Nick: I hate Los Angeles.
Lulu: Yeah, but if you got the job?
Nick: I can't leave Pittsburgh.
Lulu: I mean, if you could, you know, like, when your probation was over?
Nick: Right, well that would be a different story.
Lulu: If you could?
Nick: Depends on what's going on here.
Lulu: (Rolls onto her back and looks at him) What do you mean?
Nick: What do you think I mean?
Lulu: Right. Okay.
Nick takes a sip from a cup on the bedside table.
Lulu: I heard you threw a cell phone in court the other day.
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: Why'd you do that?
Nick: Well, apparently I'm an angry person.
Lulu chuckles. Nick sighs, rolls out of bed and begins pulling his pants on.
Lulu: What are you doing?
Nick: I'm getting dressed.
Lulu sighs.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Clay Simms: That Company I was telling you about—Advent? The CEO is coming to town tonight. Would like to sit down with us tomorrow.
Burton: Oh, great. Great. Yeah, I'd love to have their business.
Clay: I told them eleven o'clock.
Burton: Eleven? Yeah.
Gretchen knocks and enters.
Burton: Yeah?
Gretchen: Mr. Fallin? I just got a call from the secretary at Thurmond Academy. Shannon never showed up at school today.
Burton: Oh, yeah. Thank you. (Reaches for the phone and dials) (To Clay) I'm sorry, Clay. Could you excuse me for one minute, please?
Clay: Sure. (Gets up to leave)
Burton: Uh, eleven's fine.
Clay: (As he exits) Great.
Scene: Burton Fallin's residence
Burton paces—waiting for Shannon to show up. An old Cadillac Eldorado drives up. He goes out to meet it.
Roy: (To Shannon as she alights from the car) So, you happy with your CDs?
Shannon: Yeah. Okay, see ya.
Burton: Get in the house, Shannon.
Shannon: Burton…
Burton: Get in the house!
Roy: Hey, Mr. Fallin. Just took Shannon for a burger and a Coke.
Burton: You know I could have you arrested for this?
Roy: Hey, easy, old guy. Just spent a few hours with my kid, is all. It's not against the law.
Burton: This is illegal.
Roy: I didn't know that. I mean, she is my daughter.
Burton: (Forcefully) This is the way it's gonna be from now on. You stay away from Shannon. You don't talk to her. You don't come by this house. If you do, things are gonna get very bad for you—very quickly. (Turns and walks away)
Roy: (Facetiously) I'm glad we could be friends.
Inside the house—Burton stalks to Shannon's room. Loud music emanates from within.
Burton: (Knocks) Shannon? (Knocks again) Shannon? (Enters)
Shannon: (Off-camera, yelling) I'm getting dressed! Get out!
Burton: (Off-camera) You just sit down here.
Shannon: (Off-camera) Let go of me!
Burton: (Off-camera) Do you know how worried I was?
Shannon: (Off-camera) Get out of here! Get out! Get out!
Burton: (At the door—leaving) Shannon, you're living with me now. I'm taking care of you. That means you follow my rules. D'you understand that? (Loudly) No phones! No TV! No music! And I'm coming back up here in one hour. I want your homework finished. (Shuts the door then…) I love… I love you.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room—Advent meeting
The camera pans to lobby where plain-clothes police officer approaches the reception desk.
Burton: We're a full-service firm. We did more corporate deals than anyone in town, last year.
Jake: He's been doing it for 40 years.
Burton: (Smiling) Jake, just say a long time, okay? (Chuckles)
Jake: He's the best lawyer in the City. And Nick and I will give you attention day-to-day and Burton will oversee everything we do.
Clay: I'm here, if you need me. But, the real reason we're all meeting is because of Mr. Fallin.
Gretchen shows officer into the conference room.
Officer: Burton Fallin? (Flashes his badge)
Burton: Yeah?
Officer: Sorry to disturb you but we need to talk.
Burton: About…?
Officer: Well, if you don't mind, I'd rather do it in private—down at the Station. (Burton sighs)
Scene: Police Station—interrogation room
Officer: Roy Cantwell made a complaint with our Special Victims' Unit alleging inappropriate sexual behavior between you and your foster child, Shannon Gressler.
Burton: What the hell are you talking about?
Clay: Burton.
Officer: We spoke with Shannon earlier this morning.
Burton: Where is Shannon?
Officer: We can't tell you that.
Burton: This is ridiculous. Her father…
Clay: (To Burton) Hey. Hey. (To officer) Is my client under arrest?
Officer: No.
Clay: Goodbye. (Stands)
Burton: Wait a minute. Wait a minute.
Nick: Dad…
Burton: (Yells) Hey, hey, wait a minute!
Nick: Dad, let's go!
Burton: Wait a minute!
Nick: Get up! Let's go!
Long pause—then Burton gets up to leave.
Scene: Allegheny County Children's Shelter
Shannon gives her story to Laurie.
Shannon: He did walk in on me. And I was undressed. He did. And he grabbed me by the shoulder and sat me down on the bed.
Laurie: It's okay.
Shannon: He was yelling at me. He came into my room. I told him not to.
Laurie: You don't have to tell me anything.
Shannon: He was drunk at my birthday party. And he kissed me goodnight. And he was dancing with my friends.
Laurie: Roy—your dad, wants to visit you here. Is that okay?
Shannon: Sure.
Laurie: When did you last talk to him?
Shannon: This morning.
Laurie: I'll set up a visit.
Shannon: Okay.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Burton: I walked into her room, she was changing, so I turned around and walked out. This is ridiculous.
Clay: Right now, it's just an investigation. But, if this girl changes her story—makes it any worse—then they can arrest you.
Burton: So, what do we do?
Clay: Well, if we're gonna fight this, first thing you do is take a polygraph.
Burton: Fine.
Clay: Then you have to take this test that entails looking at graphic images of children and monitoring your sexual response.
Burton: Okay. What else?
Clay: See a shrink to show that you don't fit the profile of a pedophile.
Burton: (Sighs) Right. (Shakes his head)
Clay and Nick exchange glances.
Scene: The Incline—evening
Burton sits at the near end of the bar. Nick walks in.
Burton: (Heavy sigh—then to Nick, as he walks up beside him) Hey.
Nick: Pay him off.
Burton: What?
Nick: Find the bastard, give him some money and shut him up. Look, clearly the guy is broke. Give him a few grand, he'll change his story.
Burton: (Sighs) That's ridiculous, Nicholas. I didn't do a damn thing.
Nick: What you did was take in a street kid. Yeah, she's very cute and she acts real sweet but, she's screwed up. Now if you pay the guy, he will go away.
Bartender refreshes Burton's drink.
Burton: (To bartender) Thank you. (To Nick) What the hell is wrong with you?
Nick: Nothing.
Burton: Where'd you learn this crap? When someone lies or does something wrong you don't reward him with money. You fight 'em.
Nick: A charge like this, the stink will never wash off you.
Burton: Nicholas, I want that kid back.
Nick: You gotta let her go, Dad, believe me, I know these kids. This is just the beginning.
Burton: I want her back. (Exits)
Nick eyes the drink left on the bar.
Scene: Lulu's residence
Lulu is tipsy—drinking wine. Nick knocks—she shashays to the door.
Nick: (Enters) Hey.
Lulu: Hey. (Grabs his tie and pulls him to her—kissing him) I'm drunk. (Giggles—kisses him again)
Nick: Hold on. Hold on.
Lulu: (Grabs his jacket—tugging) What do you mean, hold on?
Nick: I'm not in the mood right now. (Kisses her)
Lulu: Why?
Nick: Just… I had a long day. (She tugs at his belt—he removes her hands) Okay?
Lulu: What's wrong with you? (Walks to the couch)
Nick: (Sighs) Ah, this Court Order thing and my father.
Lulu sits on the couch, facing away from Nick—hiccups.
Lulu: I got the job.
Nick: You did?
Lulu: They just called an hour ago.
Nick: Oh.
Lulu: So… (Pours more wine) …congratulations to me.
Nick: Yeah. Congratulations.
Lulu: Thanks. (Takes a sip) And you're off the hook.
Nick: What?
Lulu: Cheers. (Takes another sip of wine)
Scene: Parking lot—evening
Roy is parked in an empty lot near the freeway. The noise of the passing cars drowns out much of the dialogue. Burton drives up, parks, gets out of the car, and walks over to Roy.
Roy: [Inaudible] …Mr. Fallin.
Burton: Look, this trial… [Inaudible]…Shannon… [Inaudible]… So take this and get outta here. (Hands him an envelope) Okay?
Roy: (As Burton turns to go to his car) I might need some a little later.
Burton: (Walks up to Roy pointing his finger) There's not gonna be a next time. D'you understand? Next time… [Inaudible]
Burton gets in his car and drives away.
Scene: Therapist's office
Therapist: Okay, then. Anything you wanna say?
Nick: (Takes a deep breath) No. No.
Therapist: (Glances at the clock) You've still got another 30 minutes left.
Nick: (Quietly) Right.
Therapist: (After a pause) If you want, you can split now. Okay? I'll sign the certificate.
Nick: Oh, you really take this seriously, don't you?
Therapist: Is that your way of saying you actually wanna talk now? (Another moment of silence) I didn't think so. Okay. You know what? For what it's worth, I'm gonna tell you a couple things. You're shut down. You can't even write down your feelings in a simple worksheet, let alone voice them. So, my guess is—the majority of your problems are coming from your fear of communicating emotionally with the people in your life. (No reaction from Nick) I'm just saying. Might wanna try to let your feelings out. See where they take you.
Nick: (Slight nod—appears to be slightly moved) Uhm… can I send you a check?
Therapist: $315 plus 30 for the book.
Nick: Yeah. All right. Thanks. (Exits, leaving the book behind.)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Nick passes Burton's office—Burton signals to him.
Nick: Morning.
Burton: Hey.
Clay: Good news.
Nick: What is it?
Clay: Roy Cantwell withdrew his complaint. (Nick casts a furtive glance at his father) Told the police that he misunderstood what Shannon was saying and feels he may have unduly influenced her statement.
Nick: Oh, that's great.
Clay: So, there it is.
Burton: Thanks, Clay. (Clay exits)
Nick: How much'd you pay him? (Burton doesn't respond) Oh, Roy just changed his mind?
Burton: Evidently.
Nick: Huh. (Nods) You picking up Shannon?
Burton: That's the plan.
Nick: Right. Whatever.
Burton: So. We, uh… on for tonight?
Nick: Yeah. You, me, Shannon, Lulu. Just can't wait. (Exits)
Scene: Children's Shelter—Shannon's room
Laurie knocks and enters.
Shannon: Hey.
Laurie: So, good news. You can go back to Burton's.
Shannon: What happened?
Laurie: Your dad told the police it was all just a big misunderstanding.
Shannon: Oh.
Laurie: (Sits down) Was it?
Shannon: Yeah, uh, probably. I mean, I never said he did anything gross. I just answered their questions.
Laurie: Well, then, you can go back.
Shannon: Right.
Laurie: If that's what you want. (Pause) Is it what you want?
Shannon: (Pause) No, thanks.
Laurie: No?
Shannon: No, thanks. I wanna be with my dad, now.
Laurie: That might not be so easy.
Shannon: Well, that's what I want.
Exits to the communal room where she tells Burton. The dialogue cannot be heard. Laurie keeps shaking her head.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Nick: (Enters) You got a second?
Lulu: Sure.
Nick: (Shuts the door and sits down) You tell Alvin about the job?
Lulu: Uh, no, not yet.
Nick: When're you gonna tell him?
Lulu: Oh, later today, or Monday. I don't know.
Nick: You're really going?
Lulu: Yeah. I think so, yeah.
Nick: Don't.
Lulu: What?
Nick: Don't go.
Lulu: Nick…
Nick: (Struggles) Because, uh… because I… I think that we have a chance at something here and if you go, then… then we won't.
Lulu: What do you mean?
Nick: What I'm trying to say is that, uh… I have… I have certain feelings for you.
Lulu: Some feelings? What are you talking about? What kind of feelings?
Nick: I love you.
Lulu: What?
Nick: You heard me.
Lulu: Did you just say that because of the job?
Nick: (Grimaces—shakes his head in disbelief—chuckles) No…
Lulu: Because…
Nick: I'm not…
Lulu: I wasn't trying to force you to say something to me.
Nick: (Stands—shaking his head) Okay, just forget it. Forget what I said. I, uh… you know… It's just…
Lulu: No, I mean the job… Nick…
Nick: Just forget… forget what I said.
Lulu: I'm glad you said what you just said. I guess, I don't know really how to respond.
Nick nods—crushed—and leaves.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Staff are leaving for the day.
Alvin: Hey, heard from Berkeley yet?
Lulu: No, not yet. Did you talk to your friend out there?
Alvin: No, no, haven't heard a thing.
Lulu: Huh.
Alvin: I bet they'll want ya.
Lulu: Yeah. Well, we'll see.
Larry: (Hurries to the crowded elevator) You know, hold the elevator!
James: I'll wait.
Lulu: We're kinda full.
Larry: You know what? I'll wait, too.
Alvin: Outstanding first week, Larry. (As the elevator doors close)
Larry: Thank you, Alvin.
James and Larry are alone in the office—James buzzes for the elevator car.
Larry: (Sighs) Pretty exciting first week for me. It's amazing what you guys do around here, you know?
James: You'll get used to it.
Larry: You got any plans for the weekend?
James: Uh, Pirate game, maybe. Just clean around the house.
Larry: Oh. I actually have a date. I met her on the Internet. She comes from Wyoming, of all places.
Elevator arrives—doors open—Taliek stands there.
James: Hey, what are you doing here?
Taliek takes a gun from his waistband and shoots Larry in the forehead.
James: (Starts backing up) Taliek, put the gun dow—
Taliek shoots him in the chest and James falls to the floor. He returns the gun to his waistband, covering it with his shirt and punches the elevator button. The phone begins to ring. James moans—breathing is labored. Larry Flood is dead.
Scene: Parking garage—evening
In the background, chorale music is heard throughout the scene in the parking garage—steadily getting louder and louder. Burton and Nick are wearing tuxedoes. Burton is driving.
Burton: Too bad Lulu couldn't make it.
Nick: Well, you know, you just missed a spot back there.
Burton: There'll be another one.
Nick: Just back up and take that spot.
Burton: There'll be another one, son.
Nick: You know, Dad, uh… You know, sometimes maybe we should… we should talk.
Burton: About what?
Nick: Uh, just… I don't know.
Car backs out of parking space.
Burton: Ah, there we go.
A car comes screeching around the corner and takes the spot.
Burton: What the hell? Did you see that?
Nick: Yeah.
Burton: (Lowers his window) Excuse me. You took my place. (Driver is taking a long time to get out of the car) Hello!
Nick: Dad.
Burton: You took my place.
Nick: Dad, just let it go.
Burton gets out of the car.
Nick: Dad.
Burton approaches the other driver, Ralph.
Burton: Excuse me. Excuse me. You took my place.
Nick gets out of the car.
Ralph: What are you talking about?
Nick: Dad…
Burton: Well, I was waiting here for this spot…
Nick: Just let it go. It's a parking spot.
Ralph: Well, it's gone. (Shoves Burton)
Burton: Hey. (Shakes him off)
Nick: Hey, man.
Burton shoves Ralph back. Ralph shoves Burton harder. Nick hits Ralph with a right hook, and Ralph throws a right to Nick's head—he staggers back. Burton grabs Ralph while Nick recovers. Nick grabs Ralph by the coat and head-butts him, knocking him to the ground where he continues to hit him with his left fist while Burton kicks him. When Ralph quits fighting, Nick struggles to his feet. Burton kicks him once more for good measure. They look at each other and Nick starts walking to the car. Burton follows.
Nick takes the wheel. Burton has blood around his nose and the corner of his mouth—he puffs on a cigarette. Nick's knuckles are bloody and he has an abrasion near his left eye. They don't speak as Nick drives out of the garage and down the street—looking nervously around.
They encounter Taliek, running down the middle of the road towards them. He passes the car and glares at Nick. As he passes them, Nick continues to watch him in his rear view mirror, then continues driving.
END OF EPISODE
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