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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Parking garage—Symphony Fund-raiser Concert—evening
In the background, chorale music is heard throughout the scene in the parking garage—steadily getting louder and louder.
Burton is driving—passes a parking spot
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… 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? D'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) Excuse me. Excuse me. You took my place.
Nick gets out of the car.
Driver: 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.
Driver: Well, it's gone. (Shoves Burton)
Burton: Hey. (Shakes him off)
Nick: Hey, man.
Burton shoves the driver back. Driver shoves Burton harder. Nick hits the driver with a right hook. The driver throws a right to Nick's head—he staggers back. Burton grabs the driver while Nick recovers. Nick grabs the driver 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 the guy quits fighting, Nick struggles to his feet—Burton kicks the guy 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—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 for possible witnesses. They encounter Taliek, running down the middle of the road towards them. He passes the car and glares at Nick. As he passes by, Nick continues to watch him in his rear view mirror.
Burton: You know that guy? (Pause—no response) Nicholas?
Moments later—side entrance to LSP: Nick parks the car at the curb and gets out.
Nick: Go home. (Removes his tie and tosses it in the passenger side window) Just go home.
Nick enters the 'employees only' entrance to LSP. In the elevator he removes his jacket. He rubs his eyes and the back of his head—breathing is elevated. As the doors open, he sees Larry Flood first. He walks further into the office and finds James, face down in a pool of blood. He is stunned and clearly distraught.
Scene: LSP—minutes later
Coroner removes the bodies of James and Larry Flood in body bags. Chalk lines show where the bodies were lying. Nick is questioned by police as they investigate the crime scene.
Craig Rolsky: (Pittsburgh PD) We arrested Taliek Allen outside of his house about ten minutes ago.
Nick: (Nods his head) Okay.
Rolsky: Yeah, you told Officer Sachs that you saw him running away from the vicinity at 7:30.
Nick: Yeah, that's… that's right.
Rolsky: You're sure about the time?
Nick: Well, yeah. We were, uh… supposed to go to the symphony and it starts at 7:30.
Rolsky: “Supposed to go”?
Nick: (Tucks his right hand under his leg to hide his battered knuckles) Yeah, uh…changed our minds.
Rolsky: What made you think something happened here?
Nick: (Shakes his head, grimaces) I just… I just had a… a feeling.
Rolsky: Because you knew that Taliek was gonna retaliate. (Nick doesn't respond) Come on. James Mooney took a tire iron to that kid's face. Why cover it up now? (Nick looks at the officer and takes a deep breath) Your friend's dead. There's no need to protect him anymore.
Officer: (off camera) Rolsky. Come take a look at this.
Rolsky: Sorry for your loss. (Walks away)
Scene: Nick's house
Burton sits in the dark and lights up a cigarette. Nick enters through the kitchen door.
Nick: (Flips on light and is startled to see his father) Oh, God!
Burton: (Collar unbuttoned, tie loosened) I went over there.
Nick: Where?
Burton: Parking lot. See if that guy was all right. (Nick, jacket in hand, leans against counter and half nods) He was gone. The car was still there but he was gone. I got his license plate number.
Nick raises the window near where Burton sits then removes a cigarette from Burton's pack on the table and snaps off the filter. He sits beside the window and lights up.
Burton: Where have you been? (Nick just looks at him)
Scene: Cemetery—graveside service for James
Nick stands somberly in the crowd; Alvin is clearly moved to tears; Lulu stands holding a tissue as the service [mostly inaudible] ends. Jake and Burton are also there along with other relatives and friends. Crowd begins to disperse.
Alvin: (To Nick as they walk together) I saw Taliek on the elevator that night. He said 'hello' to me. I don't… I just don't get it. I mean, James was just trying to help that kid. What you went through… finding the bodies…
Nick: I'm fine. I'm fine.
Alvin: James' sister invited us over to her house for coffee. You going?
Nick: I'll see you back at the office. (Walks away)
Scene: Children's Shelter—Shannon's room
Burton: (Enters) Shannon.
Shannon: Burton.
Burton: How ya doing?
Shannon: (Sighs) Good.
Burton: Hmm. I, uh… just thought I'd come by and say 'hi.'
Shannon: Yeah. You wanna sit?
Burton: Yeah… sure. (Sits in a chair and looks around the room) Uh, this is not so bad, huh?
Shannon: No. You mad at me?
Burton: I'm upset. That's a little different. Honey, what you did was a very serious thing. Police came by my office and accused me of doing some terrible things to you.
Shannon: Sorry.
Burton: Huh. Honey, if you didn't wanna stay with me why didn't you… why didn't you just tell me you didn't? I would… I would've understood that.
Shannon: Roy's coming to get me pretty soon. He's taking me out to a movie.
Burton: Well, good luck to you, sweetheart. (Gets up to leave)
Shannon: I never said you did anything gross. I mean… I was kinda scared. You yelled at me.
Roy: (Appears at the door) Mr. Fallin. Good to see you again, sir.
Burton: (To Shannon) Well… you have, uh… have fun at the movies, sweetheart. Okay?
Shannon: I will.
Burton: See ya later. (To Roy) Could I… could I talk to you for a second? (They step out into the hall where Roy's girlfriend, Cheryl Ann, is freshening her makeup) (Sighs) Shannon told me that, uh… you're gonna take care of her now.
Roy: Well, sir, I hope you're not angry with her for what she said.
Burton: What she said? The way I see it, you told a twelve-year-old to lie to the police.
Roy: Well, sir, it all worked out and I hope we can put it behind us now.
Burton: Yeah. Well… she could be a great kid, Roy. Don't… don't screw it up.
Cheryl Ann: Roy? We're gonna miss the previews. (Takes Roy's arm)
Roy: Well, sir… appreciate your concern. Mr. Fallin, as always, good seeing ya. (They walk away)
Scene: LSP—James' Office
Alvin is cleaning out the office. Lulu enters.
Lulu: You want some help?
Alvin: Sure. Look, I was wondering…
Lulu: Yeah?
Alvin: Well… I could really use a hand around here until I can hire replacements for Larry and James.
Lulu: I'm supposed to start in Berkeley in two weeks.
Alvin: Well, I'm sure Judith Lieberman will understand.
Lulu: Alvin…
Alvin: Just for another month or so until I can get replacements in here.
Lulu: (Sighs) Alvin, you know you're the one that wanted me to leave in the first place.
Alvin: (Sighs) Will you stay or not?
Nick comes to the door—leans in. Glances at Lulu.
Lulu: Hey.
Nick: Hey. (To Alvin) Uh… James' sister asked about his retirement fund.
Alvin: Talk to Carol in accounting.
Lulu: I'll do it. (Hands Nick a box as she exits) Take that. [CC: Inaudible]
Nick: Yeah. (Sets the box down and starts to leave)
Alvin: If you want to help me, you could, uh… put some of his personal things in this box. (Hands Nick another box which he starts to fill) Stan Belanger… the guy who had this office before James… Stan, one day, just, uh… stopped coming in. He didn't even quit. Just stopped. So… I call a friend at Duquesne Law School and he sent James over for an interview. (Chuffs) James hadn't even passed the Bar, and… he wasn't very likable. No way I could hire him. A couple weeks later, right, I'm over at the Crawford Grill. Stanley Turrentine is playing. They make a recording of him. Keystone Records. Remember them?
Nick: Uh, no. (Continues to load the box)
Alvin: Oh, they were good. Jazz only. Pittsburgh artists, you know—Joe Negri, Etta Cox, Walt Harper. Anyway, I look across the room and there's James. We start talking. He takes me out to an after-hours club… up on the hill. Turns out he's a huge jazz fan. I mean knowledgeable. I hired him the next day. Well… that Turrentine record comes out the, uh… following December, right? James—get this—James buys it for me for Christmas then immediately borrows it so he can tape it. Never gives it back. (Nick chuckles) Whadaya do, you know? It's a present. You don't wanna seem… I don't know… Anyway, Keystone goes bankrupt. Turrentine dies. Now it is, like, the most rare recording you can find. (Shrugs) That bothered me… (Nick nods) …that he never gave it back to me. Always really bothered me. (Shakes his head) The Steelers look good this year.
Suzanne Pell: (Case Worker) (Stands in the doorway with Joey Smith and knocks) Alvin.
Alvin: Oh, Suzanne. How are you?
Suzanne: Hi. (Glances at Nick) I know that this is a terrible time…
Alvin: Oh, thank you.
Suzanne: But, this is Joey Smith and he needs a lawyer for his shelter hearing.
Alvin: Sure.
Suzanne: I tried at the Children's Center but they were all full.
Alvin: We can handle it. We're fine here. Uh, Nick…
Suzanne: (Extends her hand) Hi. Suzanne Pell.
Nick: Nick Fallin. (Glances at Alvin)
Suzanne: I'm sorry for your…
Nick: What's the case? (Motions to her as he starts to leave the room)
Suzanne: Um… (Looks at Alvin then to Joey) Joey, will you wait here a second? (Joey shrugs. She follows Nick)
Alvin: (To Joey) Hey. How ya doing? (Reaches out to shake hands—Joey backs away) It's okay.
Scene: LSP Meeting Room
Suzanne: Joey is nine years old. He, uh… came into town last week with the Carnival.
Nick: Literally?
Suzanne: Literally. The kind that moves around. Joey's been traveling with it since he was born. Um… his mother is some sort of sideshow performer. She does a kind of reptile act.
Nick: Why is he here?
Suzanne: Uh… he was picked up Friday night sleeping outside of his… in his father's backyard. Or at least that's what Joey's claiming, that his father is a dentist in Mt. Lebanon.
Nick: You don't know that for sure?
Suzanne: We're trying to track him down. He's on vacation with his family.
Nick: Well, if the kid's a runaway, why isn't he back with his mother?
Suzanne: Joey's claiming that the owner of the Carnival is molesting him.
Nick abruptly gets up and leaves the room. Suzanne seems confused but follows him.
Scene: LSP—children's play area
Joey is playing with Legos at a small table. Suzanne sits nearby to observe the interview.
Alvin: (To Nick) He seems to like the Legos. (Walks away)
Nick: (Sits down at the table) What're you making?
Joey: A doghouse.
Nick: Of course. D'you like dogs?
Joey: No.
Nick: My name is Nick. Uh… I'll be helping you when we go to court.
Joey: What am I going to court for?
Nick: To find you a new place to live.
Joey: I know my mom's mad at me.
Nick: D'you wanna tell me why you ran away?
Joey: I just wanted to see my dad.
Nick: Did you wanna talk to him?
Joey: (Shrugs)
Nick: What'd you wanna tell him?
Joey: That I didn't wanna do it anymore.
Nick: Do what?
Joey: Help Mr. Meadows with the mail.
Scene: Carnival
Nick follows Suzanne through the Carnival.
Suzanne: This is where the children sleep. (Indicates a small trailer) They promised to clean it up by tomorrow night. (Nick peeks inside) This is where they go to school.
Nick: (Nick points) Over there? [Inaudible]
Suzanne: Yeah. It's not Exeter but it's got the basics. (Nick peers inside the window of another small trailer) They don't have a licensed teacher, though, so I'm recommending they get one before they leave the state.
Nick: Right.
Suzanne: (Points) Right there's the bathrooms and the showers. There's no hot water in those stalls. They said they'll fix it up as best they can.
Nick: If they don't?
Suzanne: (Knocks on a trailer door) What can we do? They're leaving town in a few days and after that they're off to God knows where.
George Meadows: Miss Pell. How are you? (They shake hands)
Suzanne: Nick, this is George Meadows. He owns the Carnival.
Meadows: Pleasure to meet you, Nick. (They shake hands) I'm glad that you and Miss Pell can come by to help me to straighten out this mess.
Meadows invites Nick into the trailer. Suzanne waits outside.
Meadows: We come to town 'outsiders.' We leave town 'outsiders.' We have to look out for each other.
Nick: I see. (Looks around the trailer)
Meadows: Like I told the police, we are ostensibly a big family. And, I guess, I'm supposed to be the father here. As such, I'm often called upon to play a paternalistic role.
Nick: Paternalistic.
Meadows: Joey, like all kids here, are the children of children—emotionally speaking. They need love, guidance… sometimes discipline. It's in my best interest to watch over them. After all, most of them will stay with this Carnival for… life.
Nick: Are you aware that Joey claims you molested him?
Meadows: I'm aware of his accusations.
Nick: Do you spend much time alone with Joey?
Meadows: Sure. He helps me out sometimes.
Nick: With the mail?
Meadows: Right.
Nick: (Nods his head) And you've never touched Joey?
Meadows: I've been affectionate with the boy, yes. I'm affectionate with all the kids.
Nick: Where can I find Joey's mother?
Meadows takes Nick through the Carnival where he sees fire-eaters, sword-swallowers and other freaks.
Carnival Barker: 50 cents! It's only 50 cents! Come on in! See it right now! Fat Alice from Dallas! She's so big and so fat, it takes four men to hug her and a box car to lug her! And when she starts to dance, quivers like a bowl of grandma's jelly on a cold, frosty morning! We got a fire-eater! Freaks, wonders and curiosities!
Meadows points to the tent where he'll find Joey's mom. Dialogue inaudible.
Barker: The strange, the weird, the odd, the bizarre and the unusual! You're gonna see Fat Alice! You're gonna see the sword-swallower! The tattooed people! All on the inside! Freaks, wonders and curiosities! [CC: Following dialogue inaudible] I'm gonna bring out some of the strange, the weird, the odd. Look through the doorway. They're coming out now! Freaks, wonders and curiosities! You'll see everything that's pictured, painted and advertised out here!
Scene: Inside the tent
Nick walks amongst the freaks—searching. He walks up to a heavily tattooed and pierced lady holding a large snake around her neck.
Nick: Excuse me. Uh… Ms. Smith? Nicholas Fallin. I'm your son's court-appointed guardian.
Amy Smith secures her snake in its glass cage.
Nick: Your son says George Meadows was masturbating in front of him.
Amy: I want my kid back.
Nick: D'you know anything about what your son is saying?
Amy: If George Meadows was touching himself in front of my son, I would kill him.
Nick: So then your son is lying.
Amy: Where's Joey?
Nick: That doesn't answer my question.
Amy: I don't even know who you are. (Tersely)
Nick: That does not answer my question. Like I said…
Amy: Look, I know that you're a lawyer. I just don't know what the hell you have to do with any of this.
Nick: The Court is going to ask me for a recommendation about where Joey should live.
Amy: My son took off. I don't know why. Maybe he was sick of working all summer. Or maybe 'cause he wanted to see his dad, who, by the way, he doesn't even know. It happens. Kids around here wanna see what the normal world is like.
Nick: So you're confident there's been no abuse.
Amy: I've known George Meadows all my life. He's all right. Please give me back my son. We're leaving at the end of the week. Give him back.
Nick: (Removes papers from his inside coat pocket) Have you seen this?
Amy: What?
Nick: It's your son's statement. It, uh… it's very specific about what happened in that trailer. (Walks away)
Scene: Ralph Trillo's neighborhood
Burton waits in his car as another car pulls up nearby and parks. A man exits the passenger side of the car, his right arm in a cast and sling. Three children come out of the house to meet him. Burton drives off.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin
Nick enters the lobby.
Gretchen: (Behind reception counter) Nick. About James. Uh… I just wanted to say…
Nick: Thank you.
Gretchen: …terrible thing.
Nick: Any messages?
Gretchen: I met him once. James… he seemed like such a nice guy.
Nick: Any messages?
Gretchen: Oh… right. (Hands him his messages) Here ya go.
Nick: Thank you. (Walks off)
Burton: Nick. (Calls to Nick from his doorway)
Nick enters the office. Burton closes the door behind them.
Burton: How ya doing? (No response from Nick) Need anything?
Nick: I'm fine.
Burton: I was thinking about that, uh… shrink you were seeing.
Nick: You need his number?
Burton: (Chuffs) No, I was thinking about you.
Nick: Well, I'm all right.
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: You okay?
Burton: Yeah. Why?
Nick: Well, after what happened the other night, you… you were kind of…
Burton: (Sighs) You know about that partners' meeting this afternoon, right?
Nick: Yeah. Finalizing bonuses.
Burton: 4:30.
Nick: I'll be there. (Exits Burton's office)
Nick walks towards his office. Jakes comes down the stairs and walks with him down the corridor.
Jake: Hey. How you feeling?
Nick: All right.
Jake: Yeah. I'm pretty upset. I mean, I was… I was supposed to have lunch with James tomorrow.
Nick: Right. (Starts to enter his office)
Jake: Hey, Nick, um… Look, man, if… if you wanna talk, you know… I'm here. All right? (Leans over and gives Nick an awkward hug which Nick does not reciprocate—Nick steps back slightly and looks around) This is kind of a bad time. (Refers to paper in his hand)
Nick: Bonuses?
Jake: Uh, yeah. I mean, I made up a memo of hours, billings, new business. I mean, this was before I heard about James, of course.
Gretchen: (Comes around the corner) Uh… Nick? There's a man named Harold Watson on the phone. Something about a kid named Joey Smith.
Nick: Okay. (Looks at Jake then ducks into his office)
Scene: Outside Harold Watson's house in Mt. Lebanon
Nick drives up to the curb where Mr. Watson is waiting for him.
Watson: You Nick Fallin?
Nick: Yeah. (Exits car)
Watson: Hey, Harold Watson. (They shake hands) Who the hell could…? I mean, they arrested this freak that did that to Joey…?
Nick: Well, the police are still looking into it.
Watson: Oh, my God! I can't believe it… the sonsabitches. I mean, Joey is only… what is he eight years old?
Nick: Nine.
Watson: Nine.
Nick: Yeah.
Watson: (Clears throat) I know what you're thinking. How could I… you know… with Amy. I was, uh… I had a very interesting summer ten years ago. I was, uh… I was partying pretty hard. Met Amy and… One-week thing, right? I mean, we've all been there.
Nick: We may need to find a place for Joey to live.
Watson: All right. I'm sure.
Nick: Would you consider having him live with you?
Watson: You mean here?
Nick: Yeah.
Watson: Well, I'll speak to my wife and kids.
Nick: Well… (Hands him a business card) …let me know. (Quickly gets back in his car)
Scene: Ralph's neighborhood
Burton parks and gets out of his car. He is immediately approached by an elderly woman.
Lady: Sir? Sir? Your car is in my husband's spot. My husband has M.S…
Burton: Oh, I'm sorry.
Lady: …and he needs to park in front of the house.
Burton: Yeah. I'm sorry. (Starts to get back in the car)
Lady: It's a reserved spot.
Burton: I understand. I'll move.
Ralph exits a nearby house—arm still in a sling. Burton glances around as he gets in the car and sees him approaching with a baseball bat. Burton quickly drives off. Ralph throws the bat at the car. It falls harmlessly in the street.
Scene: Nick's house—kitchen after dark
Nick opens the refrigerator door and looks in—exhaling heavily. There's a knock at the kitchen door. He shuts the refrigerator and goes to the back door. He recognizes Lulu through the door glass and opens the door. He looks blankly at her. Kitchen is dark except for a small lamp on the counter and the moonlight streaming through the windows and door.
Lulu: I thought you might be hungry. (Smiles) Can I come in?
Nick: Sure. (Steps aside)
He shuts the door then leans against a counter while Lulu unloads a sack containing Chinese take-out.
Lulu: Whew! I was, uh, just helping Alvin… clean out James' apartment.
Nick: Right.
Lulu: Alvin's tearing the place up. I don't know, he's looking for a jazz record or something.
Nick: (Smiles) Ah. (Pause) He says you were going to stay for another month.
Lulu: He did?
Nick: Are you?
Lulu: You know, Alvin had a really good idea to start up a fund at Duquesne Law School honoring James.
Nick: (Nods) So you're not gonna stay?
Lulu: You know I'm supposed to start at Berkeley October 15th, so… This smells great. You wanna eat? (Smiles)
Nick: Uh, no. I just, uh… I just ate.
Lulu: Ah, c'mon. I don't wanna eat alone.
Nick: You don't have to. (Hurt but resolute)
Lulu: Nick, I was really kinda hoping that we could be…
Nick: Friends?
Lulu: I guess. No… more than…
Nick: Well, I'm not a very good friend.
Lulu: So you just wanna end it then?
Nick: End what?
Lulu: Come on.
Nick: (Long pause) I said what I said. All right?
Lulu: Yeah, well, Nick… love is not a business deal. I mean you just… you just don't pull the offer.
Nick: Right.
Lulu: You know I really care about you. (Pause) I more than care about you. It's just that…
Nick: You're gonna move to California.
Lulu: Right.
Nick: Then we have nothing to talk about. (Opens the door and waits)
Lulu: Right. (Grabs her keys) I'll leave the food for you. (Exits)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin
Nick enters the lobby.
Gretchen: Nick? Your father wants to see you in his office.
Nick knocks.
Burton: Come in.
Nick: (Enters) What is it?
Burton: Yeah, Nick. This is Ralph Trillo. This is my son, Nicholas.
Nick: (Recognizes the man) Hey.
Nick watches through Burton's office window as Trillo leaves through the lobby.
Nick: What? You couldn't just let it go? You went to his house?! What the hell were you thinking?!
Burton: Nicholas. We attacked him.
Nick: (Agitated—points his finger at his dad) No! You getting out of your car started this whole damn thing. It was a fight, Dad! You know what this could do to me? This guy goes to the cops… I'm on probation!
Burton: I know that. I'm sorry about that. But, I…
Nick: (Quietly) You're sorry.
Burton: Nicholas. I had to find out if he was okay or not.
Nick: If this guy goes to the police, I'm the one looking at a probation revocation hearing.
Burton: Well, he's not going to the cops.
Nick: He knows who we are now. He's been to our offices. He knows we have money.
Burton: No. He's gonna… he's not gonna do anything.
Nick: He's going straight to see a lawyer right now!
Burton: (Worried) I'll fix it.
Nick: How?
Burton: I'll handle it.
Nick grabs his briefcase and exits.
Scene: The Incline—lunch
Burton: (Takes a menu) Thank you. Well, I appreciate your coming by, Joanne.
Joanne: Oh, no problem.
Burton: Yeah, I read about your son. He's going to Penn State, right?
Joanne: Yeah.
Burton: That's great. You know the Pros are liking these college players a lot more these days. Especially pitchers.
Joanne: I know. So, I pulled that file on Mr. Trillo. D'you still want it? (Hands him a file)
Burton: Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, I could've gotten this from Frank DeScala but I thought it would be nice to catch up with you a little bit. You look great.
Joanne: Oh, thanks. So do you.
Burton: (Opens the file) Thanks. (Reads from the medical report) Hairline fracture of the skull, minor concussion, facial laceration, broken right hand. Huh. Well, not so bad. (Closes file and sets it aside)
Joanne: Yeah, the treatment was standard. Where's the malpractice coming in?
Burton: Well, they haven't even filed a suit yet.
Joanne: Oh, so why do you need this information?
Burton: Oh, just thought maybe I'd nip it in the bud before it gets, uh… (Sees Roy Cantwell and Cheryl Ann enter) Could you, uh… you excuse me just a second?
Joanne: Sure.
Burton: Be right back. (Walks to the front of The Incline to talk with Roy)
Roy: Mr. Fallin, how ya doing?
Burton: I'm doing fine. (Clipped)
Roy: Remember Cheryl Ann?
Burton: Hi.
Roy: Uh, the secretary told me, uh… where you were.
Burton: Did she?
Roy: Yeah. Told her I was a client.
Burton: Ah. Whadaya want?
Roy: Mr. Fallin, I think that I overestimated my capacities.
Burton: That right? (Suspicious)
Roy: Yeah, my business ventures are heatin' up and I think they're gonna require my undivided attention.
Burton: Your business ventures?
Roy: Yeah. I invested in Cheryl Ann's beauty supply business.
Burton: Oh. Uh, you couldn't do that here?
Roy: Uh, no. We're going to Florida.
Burton: So. What, uh… what do you want from me? Bus fare?
Roy: No-no-no. I got my car. Uh, listen, I haven't told Shannon yet. You know, I guess what I'm trying to say here… and this is hard for me, sir, is that, uh… well, I know how Shannon feels about you, so I thought maybe you could keep an eye on her until I get back.
Burton: (Chuckles) You're not coming back, Roy.
Roy: Uh, well, sir, I don't know that for certain.
Burton: You go away, you just… just stay away. (Walks away)
Roy: It's my right, Mr. Fallin, to live my existence any way I choose.
Man at the bar (Off camera): Hey, Burton.
Burton: Hey. (Returns to his table) (To Joanne) So, the, uh… fish specials are very good 'if' you're a fish person. (Laughs)
Joanne: I like fish.
Burton: Well, cheers, Joanne. It's good to see ya.
Joanne: You, too.
Scene: LSP—Alvin's office
Nick: You wanted to see me?
Alvin: Yeah. I'm down three lawyers. So… until I can hire replacements I am gonna be leaning on you to pick up the slack.
Nick: I understand. I'll come in when I can.
Alvin: You come in when I tell you to.
Nick: Well, that's not our deal.
Alvin: (Just smiles) I've been talking to the Dean over at Duquesne… about setting up a scholarship fund.
Nick: Yeah, right, I heard. I heard. (Closes the door)
Alvin: So…
Nick: Alvin, before you get too deep into this…
Alvin: Yes?
Nick: Taliek is gonna claim that James attacked him.
Alvin: That's ridiculous.
Nick: He's gonna say that James blamed him for what happened to his nephew and that he broke into his house and attacked him.
Alvin: But, that's a lie.
Nick: No law school is gonna want an endowment named after some guy that took a tire iron to a teenage kid's face.
Alvin: But he didn't do it.
Nick exits with a final glance at Alvin.
Scene: Nick's office at LSP
Nick stands at his file cabinet, back to the door.
Watson: Mr. Fallin. (Nick turns to face him) Harold Watson.
Nick: Yeah, I remember.
Watson: My wife and I discussed Joey.
Nick: And?
Watson: It's a no. (Clears throat) Amy was… I was…
Nick: You told me. (Holds his hand up to hush Watson then sits down and starts looking through a file)
Watson: Look… Joey's a good kid but you see what he's been brought up around. My wife… well, she doesn't feel comfortable bringing him into a house with normal kids. (Nick gives him a look) You know what I mean.
Nick: (Nods) Oh, yeah.
Watson: I have a family. Joey belongs with Amy but I will absolutely keep up with my child support payments.
Nick: Great. I'll let 'em know that. Um, thanks. (Points to the door—Watson exits)
Scene: Children's shelter—Shannon's room
Shannon has been crying.
Burton: Hey. How ya doing?
Shannon: Good. (Wipes away her tears) Thanks for coming over.
Burton: Yeah, sure. What, uh… what's going on? (Referring to the tears)
Shannon: Roy had some good news.
Burton: Yeah?
Shannon: Got some great job in Florida. Said he's gonna call me in a few weeks once he's set up.
Burton: Oh, good.
Shannon: Until then, guess I have to wait. I mean, stay here.
Burton: Yeah?
Shannon: But it's good news.
Burton: Yeah. Yeah, it is. It's good news.
Shannon: Burton?
Burton: What, honey?
Shannon: I kinda talked to Roy… I kinda told him I might wanna stay with you… until he gets back.
Burton: You told him that?
Shannon: Yeah.
Burton: (At a loss for words) Oh. Wow. Honey… while I sure like the idea but, uh… Honey, I've got a… lot of things going on at the office right now and, uh… I just… I don't think it's possible right now.
Shannon: Oh.
Burton: D'you understand?
Shannon: Yeah. I get it.
Burton: Really?
Shannon: Yeah.
Burton: I mean, I… I can come by here a lot, if you want.
Shannon: I'll just… I'll call Roy and tell him. He'll probably just come back and get me.
Burton: Yeah.
Scene: LSP—Alvin's office
Nick: Joey Smith's biological father won't take him back.
Alvin: Who? (Preoccupied)
Nick: Joey Smith. The kid from the Carnival.
Alvin: See the paper? You were right… about Taliek. His lawyer is setting up an insanity defense and making James out to be the bad guy.
Nick: (Rubs the back of his head in frustration) Alvin, I need your advice on this case.
Alvin: What's Social Services saying?
Nick: Well, police ran a background check on this guy, Meadows. It seems this is not the first complaint that's gone up against him.
Alvin: Think the mom was aware of the abuse?
Nick: She just wants her kid back. I don't think she'll admit anything.
Alvin: What's the kid want?
Nick: Wants to be with his mother.
Alvin: Well, tell the mom to leave the Carnival. Social Services can supervise them for awhile so no one's at risk.
Scene: Carnival
Amy Smith: I'm not going anywhere.
Nick: Then I have to recommend your son remain in a shelter.
Amy: Who the hell are you to tell me? This is my son. My son!
Nick: (Hands her a card) Call these people. They will help you find a job. I will fill out the government housing forms and take them to the housing authority for you. The hearing's tomorrow morning at 11:00 am.
Scene: Ralph Trillo's residence
Burton: I was on my way to a symphony fund-raiser where I'm on the board, by the way. My son was with me. He's also an attorney. I was getting ready to park my car when the man recklessly pulls in front of me—takes my place. I got out of the car. Politely asked him to move his car. He immediately got hostile. Shoves me. Throws me up against a car and hits me so hard that it breaks his right hand. I… in self-defense, threw a punch, connected. The guy went down and I walked away.
Trillo: You and your son attacked me.
Burton: (Shoves a paper across the table) Well, this is the complaint alleging 'assault and battery' on a seventy-year-old man. I'll serve you with that tomorrow morning. I'm asking for a hundred thousand dollars in damages. I think you oughta know that I have the resources to, uh… drag this case out for a long time. Cost you… a fortune. Cost me nothing. I am aware of your injuries and your expenses, so I, uh… I prepared a check in the amount of thirty-six thousand dollars. (Lays the check on the table) Here's a form for you to sign.
Trillo: A release form?
Burton: Yeah, that states that there was a minor altercation between you and me—only. It says that we were both negligent and neither party is willing to accept blame.
Trillo: Wasn't just me and you.
Burton: No-no. My son was not involved.
Trillo: If I want more money?
Burton: I'm not here to negotiate.
Trillo: If I go to the police?
Burton: Well, I, uh… want you to know that I'm… I'm sorry about what happened and truly believe it would be in everybody's best interest if you just took that check.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Nick's office
Burton: By the way, I, uh… took care of our little problem.
Nick: What'd you do?
Burton: Ah… just took care of it. (Long pause) Nicholas… let me ask you something.
Nick: (Tersely) What?
Burton: You know Shannon's dad left town.
Nick: Right.
Burton: She has no place to go.
Nick: No, Dad, you don't wanna go back there.
Burton: No-no. I know what you think of her. I'm not asking you that. (Sighs) I guess what I'm asking is, what do you think of me?
Nick: What do you mean?
Burton: As a father.
Scene: Courthouse—meeting room
Joey: Can I go home now?
Nick: No.
Joey: Why not?
Nick: Because you should stay at the shelter and let Social Services find a new home for you.
Joey: What if I said it didn't happen? What if I said that Mr. Meadows never did anything to me? Made it up. Okay? I made it up.
Scene: Courthouse Corridor
Nick: These are the housing forms. All you have to do is sign them.
Amy: I went to the Job Placement Center. That guy just stared at me. Said he didn't have anything.
Nick: They'll find you a job.
Amy: I have a job. In show business. I'm a performer. I have a house in Florida where I keep my snakes and where my son lives. It's the only thing I can do. I'm not leaving the Carnival.
Nick: Then I have to recommend Joey be placed in a shelter.
Amy: I can't change the way I look now. Even if I wanted to, there's no doctor in the world that's gonna change the way I look. (Nick starts to walk away—she grabs his arm) Please! Give me back my son.
Nick: This is not up to me.
Amy: If I promise to protect him from Mr. Mea…?
Nick: Protect him?
Amy: If I promise.
Nick: You haven't been able to protect him so far.
Amy: I'll never let it happen again.
Nick: You need to talk to the police.
Amy: I can't do that. They'll shut us down.
Nick: Talk to the police.
Amy: I can't. I'm sorry. I can't do that. It's not like he's touching Joey.
Nick stares at her in disbelief then walks away.
Scene: Courtroom—Joey's shelter hearing
Judge Damsen: Has there been any progress in the criminal investigation?
Nick: Uh, not yet, Your Honor.
Kate Shaw: The child has recanted his allegations against Mr. Meadows. In addition, Your Honor, Mr. Meadows has improved the living conditions and hired a full-time tutor. Ms. Smith wants Joey back and Joey wants to be with her. There's absolutely no legal reason to keep them apart.
Judge: Mr. Fallin, your recommendation?
Nick: Joey Smith should remain in a group home until the police have concluded their investigation.
Joey: I wanna go home.
Amy: We're leaving for Ohio today.
Judge: Ms. Smith.
Amy: He wants to come with me.
Kate: Ms. Smith has done nothing wrong. No abuse. No neglect. There've been no criminal charges filed against Mr. Meadows.
Joey: I wanna go home.
Judge: I see no reason why Joey shouldn't go back with his mother.
Nick: (Stands) Joey's mother knows he's being abused. He recanted because he doesn't want the Carnival to leave town without him. And she knows the truth.
Scene: Children's Shelter—Shannon's room
Burton: Now I know I can be a little rough and lose my temper sometimes but, like I said, if I frightened you that day, I'm… very sorry.
Shannon: It was Roy. He told me to.
Burton: Now wait, don't do that, honey. Don't blame other people for your actions.
Shannon: Okay.
Burton: Well, anyway. I've been thinking about this. And, uh… I'd like for you to come back… if you want to.
Shannon: Well, yeah, that's what I've been…
Burton: But, you're gonna have to give me your word. No more lying. No more going places without my permission. No more Roy… unless I'm there to supervise.
Shannon: I promise, Burton. I promise.
Burton: Okay. Let's get your stuff and get outta here. Why don't we… why don't we, before we go home, take a movie in and get some dinner?
Shannon: I'd rather just go back to your house, Burton. If that's okay, I'd rather just go back there.
Burton: Okay. Yeah. Me, too.
Scene: Carnival site
Carnival is packed and ready to leave town.
Amy: I'll be back after we finish in Cincinnati and all this will have blown over. Mr. Fallin will watch out for you and I'm gonna write you every day and I'm gonna call you. So, give me a hug.
Meadows: (Hollers) Let's go! Roll out!
Amy: We'll work this out. Okay? Bye. (She waves and gets in the truck)
The vehicles leave in a caravan. Nick and Joey walk away together.
Scene: LSP—James' office—after hours
Alvin is listening to the Turrentine jazz record while he scrapes James' name off the door glass. Nick steps off the elevator and passes James' office on his way to his own.
Alvin: Nick. Found my Stanley Turrentine record in James' apartment. The Post-it Note was still on it—“Return to Alvin.” (Shows the note to Nick) (Sighs) The Dean of Duquesne Law School… not interested in the scholarship. (Chokes back tears) It's a shame. James was a good man. This whole damn thing is just a shame.
Nick: I could do that.
Alvin: I'm fine. No, I'm fine. (Finishes scraping the name off) I, uh… I checked your probation decree. The terms of your community service are up to my discretion. My discretion, not yours.
Nick: (Whispers) Right.
Alvin: Just so you know, I'm… I'm gonna need you to put some extra time in here.
Nick: Okay.
Alvin: Just so you know. (Walks out)
Nick gives a last look around James' office and walks away.
END OF EPISODE
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