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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Burton's residence—kitchen—morning
Burton is reading the paper and sipping coffee when Shannon enters.
Shannon: 'Morning, Burton.
Burton: Hey, Peanut.
Shannon: What? (Smiles)
Burton: (Pause) I said good morning.
Shannon: You called me a peanut.
Burton: (Chuckles) Term of endearment, honey.
Shannon: No it's not. (Burton fiddles with an unopened pack of cigarettes) If I can't, you can't.
Burton: Oh… I know—I know.
Shannon: I left my book upstairs. (Leaves the room)
Burton walks to the counter, opens a drawer, and removes a candy bar which he drops into Shannon's book bag. While doing so, he discovers a package of Carefree feminine napkins.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Lulu exits her office (Alvin's old office) with papers and a file in her hands. She walks across the bullpen to Nick's office.
Alvin: (Follows Lulu) Good morning, Lulu.
Lulu: Hey, Alvin.
Alvin: Do you…? Is that case for, uh… me? (He turns away as Lulu walks into Nick's new office)
Nick checks out a closet in the new empty office—formerly James' office.
Lulu: Like it?
Nick: (Turns to face her) What?
Lulu: New office.
Nick: No. (Shakes his head)
Lulu: Oh… (Lays the papers and file on his desk) Samantha Gray. Twelve years old. We're trying to establish a standby guardian for her.
Nick: (Picks up the cover sheet and thumbs through them) Trying?
Lulu: Yeah. Social Services… someone… maybe the mom, kinda dropped the ball.
Nick: Why do you need a standby guardian?
Lulu: The mother's sick. She contracted AIDS through a needle so… we're trying to transition Samantha to the mother's best friend. Her name's, uh… Angela Evers. It's all in the file. So, uh… you need the mom to fill out the paperwork and you'll need Ms. Evers' signature also.
Nick: All right, where will I find the mother?
Lulu: Valleyside Hospice.
Nick: Hospice? No.
Lulu: You gotta get a signature.
Nick: No.
Lulu: Why not?
Nick: I… (Rubs his head) just…
Lulu: Nick, come on. It's my first day. (Turns and walks away)
Alvin has been standing outside the office, listening.
Alvin: (To Lulu as she exits Nick's office) Uh… that case, you want me to…uh…
Lulu: No. No. Nick's got it.
Alvin: So… (Follows her to her office. They stand in the doorway.)
Lulu: Yeah?
Alvin: How do you wanna do this?
Lulu: I don't know. I just wanna try to figure it out, I guess.
Alvin: I'll just go through the old cases. Weed out the filing cabinets. (Stalks off. Lulu rolls her eyes.)
Scene: Valleyside Hospice—hallway
Nick walks down the corridor and peeks in the first room he comes to where he sees an elderly emaciated man. They gaze at each other for a disturbing moment then Nick quickly ducks out and continues down the corridor and around the corner.
Nick: (To a man in the hallway) Excuse me. I'm looking for Agnes Gray.
Man: Uh… sorry.
Jim Gray directs Nick to her room.
Jim Gray: Uh, that's her room over there. (Points across the hall)
Nick enters the room and finds an emaciated woman, semi-comatose.
Nick: Mrs. Gray? (No response—after a moment he walks to the bedside) Uh… my name's Nick Fallin. I have a form here for you to sign. (She sighs but does not look at him—eyes are open) All right, I'll put the form here… (Lays it on the bedside table) …and I'll tell the nurse. My business card is on the top of the form. (Slips it under the gem clip)
Mrs. Gray: (Whispered) The hot water.
Nick: Mrs. Gray? (Looks at her) All right. Uh… okay, the form's here and my… (Realizes she's no longer breathing) Oh, God. (Turns to leave the room)
Samantha Gray stands in the doorway. She is blind and has a walking probe.
Samantha: You the nurse?
Nick doesn't know what to say.
Scene: The Incline—evening
Alvin sits at the bar with an inebriated Danny Pilgrim.
Alvin: (To bartender) Another whiskey for my friend, Danny, here. And some more coffee for me, please. (To Danny) Oh, I don't know that the sum of the thing is bigger than its parts but… it adds up. I mean… a kid dies. Some people say my actions were responsible… right? But… that decision could never have taken into account the events that followed. Right? So… And then so… other things happen. Like deaths, that are random and violent. And me hitting some guy. (Sighs) And again I wonder… uh… about my part in these things. And another thing… with Lulu. The fact that she is how she is. And now she's my boss? And I'm supposed to, after all these years, report to someone like her? But, then again I am a lawyer who wants to advocate for children… and, uh… I still have the opportunity. But, every time I walk into that place… which, by the way, I created… and I'm told to… to take over another woman's office, I think I must… I must say 'no' to this. Don't you think? Or am I wrong, Danny? Or not? (Danny finishes his drink) You would like another drink. (Danny nods his head—Alvin signals the bartender) You've been very, very quiet.
Danny: My solution?
Alvin: I think I know your solution.
Danny: Go to the track.
Danny takes a sip of his new drink. Alvin ponders his sage advice.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Nick enters the room where Albert Aaronson and his trophy wife, Jackie, await with baby Sarah.
Nick: Mrs. Aaronson.
Jackie Aaronson: Hello.
Nick: Mr. Aaronson.
Albert Aaronson: Hi.
Nick: Good to see you. (They shake hands. Nick takes a seat.)
Albert: Your father told me that you knew your way around these kind of things.
Nick: I am familiar with custody issues.
Albert: We wanna sue.
Nick: Oh… okay.
Albert: We spent thousands of dollars at that clinic, underwent painful procedures and they fertilized my wife's egg with the wrong sperm or my sperm with the wrong egg, or both. We've done the research. There have been other cases.
Nick: My father said that you wanted to keep the child.
Albert: Well, of course. But… they should pay for their mistake.
Nick: Has the Clinic contacted you about this?
Albert: They've denied they did anything wrong. My wife is up nights afraid that someone's gonna take her baby away.
Nick: Well, by law, uh… if you carried the child, the child is yours. Now, we can go after the Clinic with medical malpractice, pain and suffering. But, you will have to do some basic tests to determine paternity or maternity.
Albert: See, honey, I told you they can't just do this to us.
Nick: I can get my paralegal to get you the forms for the blood work and I will work on putting together your complaint. It's really nice to see you. (Smiles)
Albert: Thanks.
Scene: Courthouse—meeting room
Nick walks in. Samantha sits at the table.
Nick: Samantha. Um… my name is Nick.
Samantha: I remember. When my mom died, you were in the room. (Nick sits across from her) I missed it. I was supposed to… I promised her that I'd hold her hand so that she wouldn't be scared. (Pause as Nick reflects) You… didn't… hold her hand, did you?
Nick: Uh… no… no.
Samantha: Right. Of course. Why would you?
Nick: Right.
Samantha: Did she seem scared?
Nick: (Pause) Samantha, in court, uh… we need to find you a place to live.
Samantha: Thought I was gonna stay with Angie?
Nick: No, uh… she was not aware of that plan.
Samantha: She changed her mind?
Nick: No, your mother never asked her.
Samantha: Oh… well.
Nick: Do you have any other family that could take you?
Samantha: I don't know.
Nick: What about your father?
Samantha: I don't know him.
Nick: Well, do you know his name?
Samantha: (Tersely) I don't know him.
Nick hears Laurie in the corridor.
Laurie: (Off camera) I'm due in court now. Could you please handle this and call me at my office later? Thanks.
Nick: Just wait here a minute. (Goes into the corridor) Laurie.
Laurie: Nick.
Nick: What's going on with the father?
Laurie: What?
Nick: Samantha Gray, the blind girl. I can't find anything out about the father.
Laurie: That's because his parental rights were terminated.
Nick: What happened?
Laurie: He was a heroin addict. He got high. There was a car accident about eight years ago. Head-on collision. He killed the other driver and caused his daughter's blindness. So, his rights were terminated. (Starts to walk away)
Nick: Where do you wanna send her?
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Lutz' courtroom
Laurie: The special needs wing of Metropolitan Hospital.
Nick: Your Honor, Samantha Gray isn't mentally ill.
Laurie: There is simply nothing else available for a fourteen-year-old girl with Samantha's disability.
Nick: What about the School for the Blind?
Laurie: There are no openings right now.
Nick: What, because it's private?
Laurie: This is not about money, Mr. Fallin.
Nick: I would just like to know that you have exhausted all other options. (Getting agitated)
Laurie: (Loudly) We are trying to locate an appropriate foster family or a special needs group home.
Nick: Your Honor, Metropolitan Psychiatric Hospital is not an appropriate placement for Samantha Gray!
Judge Lutz: Ms. Solt. You're confident there are no alternatives?
Laurie: Yes I am, for now.
Judge Lutz: I'll adjudicate Samantha, dependent, and place her in Metropolitan for thirty days. We'll revisit her placement next month.
As they leave the courtroom, Samantha holds on to Nick's shoulder.
Samantha: What does it mean… dependent?
Nick: It means that you're a ward of the State.
Samantha: Ward of the State?
Laurie: Mr. Evans is here from Metropolitan to take Samantha.
Nick: Uh… Laurie's gonna take care of you now.
Samantha: Where am I going?
Laurie: I'm here, sweetie. (Takes her hand from Nick's shoulder)
Nick: You'll go with Laurie and… and Mr. Evans.
Laurie: This is Mr. Evans.
Samantha: Who's Mr. Evans? (She tries to pull away)
Laurie: He's here from Metropolitan.
Nick: Goodbye, Samantha. (He slips away)
Samantha: I'm supposed to go with Angie. Where are you taking me? I wanna go with Angie!
Laurie: But, you can't go with Angie.
Samantha: Let go of me! No! I wanna go with Angie!
Scene: Courthouse steps—Grant Street
Jim Gray approaches Nick as he exits the courthouse.
Jim: Sir? Sir? Excuse me, sir? (Nick looks over his shoulder but keeps on walking) That girl, Samantha Gray… where're they sending her?
Nick: What? (Stops walking)
Jim: I met you yesterday at the Hospice. I showed you where Agnes' room was.
Nick: Oh, right. Yeah, thank you.
Jim: Where're they sending Samantha?
Nick: How do you know Samantha Gray?
Jim: I'm just interested.
Nick: Who are you? (Suspicious)
Jim: I'm her dad. Jim Gray. (Extends his hand and they shake) She's, uh… I mean, she's all alone in the world and, you know…
Nick: I'm sorry, Mr. Gray, but your parental rights have terminated.
Jim: Yes. Yes, I know that. It's just I started making preparations, you know, when I heard about Agnes getting sick and…
Nick: Well, just as long as you understand there's nothing I can do. Your parental rights have been terminated. I'm sorry. (Starts to walk away)
Jim: Just talk to me for a second.
Nick: There's nothing I can do!
Jim: (Follows Nick down the street a few steps) I got a nice apartment now, you know? And I got a good job. I'm working hard. Can't you just talk to me? (Nick keeps walking) She's my little girl. Well, I hope… I hope you'll at least send her to someplace nice.
Scene: Burton's residence—kitchen—evening
Burton is doing the dishes. There's a knock at the kitchen door. He dries his hands and opens the door.
Burton: Hi.
Hank: Hi. I'm here to see Shannon.
Burton: Uh… you a friend of hers?
Hank: Yes, sir. I'm Hank. I'm supposed to help her with some geometry.
Burton: Oh. Oh, she didn't say anything about that. Uh…
Hank: Oh, we just talked about it today. Uh, she was at soccer practice…
Burton: Uh, she's not… she's not feeling well right now.
Hank: Oh. What?
Burton: She got a little problem that makes her feel, uh… not well.
Hank: Okay.
Burton: Yeah. I'll tell her you came by though.
Hank: Cool.
Burton: Yeah. Hank, right?
Hank: Yeah.
Burton: Okay. Yeah. (Shuts the door, leaving Hank standing dumbfounded)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's new office—after hours
Nick is working. Lulu sidles in.
Lulu: You're working late?
Nick: Yeah. (Gives her a look then returns to work)
Lulu: So my first day was, uh…
Nick: Oh, right, yeah. How was it? (Caps his pen and folds his portfolio, shoving it aside)
Lulu: (Sits on the corner of his desk—weak laugh) Uh… I think I'm in over my head.
Nick: Yeah. (Barely audible)
Alvin: (Passes by the office carrying a stack of files) I'm back from the track.
Lulu: Okay.
Alvin: I'm gonna stay late. Go over some of this stuff. You know it's amazing, some of these kids. You forget. (Sighs and walks off)
Lulu: You gonna work late too?
Nick: No. (Shakes his head)
Lulu: Well… maybe we could, um… (She grins—pause—Nick smiles) …go get something to eat? I'm kinda hungry.
Elevator doors open—Sheriff appears with Samantha.
Nick: That's mine. (Picks up his portfolio and exits his office)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room—moments later
Nick: How did you get out?
Samantha: They weren't watching me… because I'm blind. They didn't think I'd just… walk out. It's very loud at Metropolitan. I could hear the kids… and other people screaming. It was worse than at the Hospice. It was worse. So… I walked 'til it was quiet.
Nick: Well, the Judge isn't gonna be very happy to know that you ran away from Metropolitan.
Samantha: I'm not crazy.
Nick: (Pause—quietly) I know.
Samantha: I don't wanna go back. I'm not crazy.
Scene: The upscale offices of Dr. Braxton—fertility clinic
Nick sits with Dr. Braxton. His attorney, Quinn Jankowski, enters.
Jankowski: Appreciate you coming in so promptly, Mr. Fallin. We're hoping to put this to rest today. Received the copy of the test results along with your complaint. We're aware that…
Nick: The tests indicate that my client gave birth to a baby that…
Dr. Braxton: …that is genetically related to the woman… the mother, but not to the father.
Nick: She underwent in vitro fertilization in your clinic and gave birth to a child that is half African-American.
Braxton: She didn't get pregnant from that procedure. She got pregnant after.
Nick: After?
Jankowski: That's what you'll find when we produce Dr. Braxton's records. There haven't been any African-American men in this clinic.
Braxton: Actually it's interesting… if you care to think about such things. She must've undergone the procedure, had a delayed egg release and then afterwards…
Nick: You can prove that you've never had an African-American client?
Jankowski: Dr. Braxton's clinic doesn't draw sperm from the general public, Mr. Fallin.
Nick is thrown off-stride by this revelation.
Scene: The Incline
Nick sits at the bar, sipping a club soda, when Jackie Aaronson enters.
Jackie: Nick. Hi. Oh, I had to wait for the, uh… nanny to get back, so… Sorry.
Nick: Ah… it's no problem. (Stands while she gets seated)
Jackie: You needed to talk to me?
Nick: Yeah, uh… do you want a drink or something?
Jackie: Oh, no… I'm not, uh… Not right now.
Nick: All right. Uh, Jackie, those tests… it turns out that you are the biological parent.
Jackie: Oh.
Nick: It doesn't surprise you that you are the mother of the child, does it?
Jackie: No. (To the bartender) Uh… could I have a vodka—rocks please?
Nick: I met with Dr. Braxton and his attorney this morning.
Jackie: Right.
Nick: Regarding your lawsuit.
Jackie: Right.
Nick: There is no lawsuit…
Jackie: Right.
Nick: …because you got pregnant after the procedure. So… before I contacted your husband I thought that we should talk.
Jackie: We couldn't just keep this between us?
Nick: (Chuffs) That would be very difficult.
Jackie: Right.
Nick: Okay.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Jim Gray waits, spinning a coin on the table. Nick walks in with Laurie.
Nick: Mr. Gray? This is…
Jim: Jim. We met.
Nick: This is Laurie Solt.
Laurie: Mr. Gary, I'm your, uh… Samantha's social worker.
Jim: Good to know ya. So where is she? (Nick sits down. Laurie remains standing.)
Laurie: She's in a shelter.
Jim: Shelter?
Nick: She's at, uh… Metropolitan Psychiatric facility.
Jim: Somethin' happen to her?
Nick: No, she's fine. (Looks at Laurie) It's just, uh… no other alternatives.
Jim: You know, uh… I would've seen her, you know, lots and lots. I mean, once I got out of prison and all that, I was gonna see her a lot. Uh… but, me and the City…
Nick: The City?
Jim: I don't come to Pittsburgh anymore. I can't.
Nick: You're here now.
Jim: Yeah, that's right. I am here.
Laurie: Mr. Gray, about your request. Why should you be allowed to adopt your daughter?
Jim: Well… (Slides the coin across the table and taps it) That's a two year coin. I'm clean, you know? I have been good. I'm clean, you know? I have a good job. Nice apartment. You know? I go to church. Live down in Bedford County, you know? Work for the highways. Put in long hours. Tires me out. I come home, go to bed, that's it. Church. Bible. Bed. I have been good. And when I heard about Agnes, who I love very much, I started to make plans. (Spreads out a form on the table) Now… this is what the social services lady wrote when she came out to see my place. Look… right here. Acceptable.
Laurie: This is Bedford County.
Jim: Yeah…
Laurie: Doesn't have anything to do with a potential adoption.
Jim: …but, it's a home study. I mean, by a professional… just like you.
Laurie: (Unsympathetic) Mr. Gray, I've been a social worker for thirty years. In that time, I've recommended very few terminations of parental rights. It's the legal equivalent of a death sentence. D'you understand? Termination. The court clearly thought your daughter would be better off without you.
Jim: I understand what you're saying. Do you understand that I've changed?
Laurie: (Long pause—unsmiling. Jim shrugs) Fill out the application. (Walks out)
Jim: (To Nick—sighs) I was a junkie, you know. Yes, and… and I was sick. Yes, but that…
Nick: (Clears his throat) Right. So, you're gonna need to hire a lawyer.
Jim: I had problems but that does not mean I didn't love my wife or my little girl. And I lived with that. And I have made most of my amends. And I am here to get my little girl back…
Nick: All right, if you're gonna represent yourself, then I will help you fill out the forms. Here's my card. Okay?
Jim: How's Samantha doing?
Nick: Well, she seems fine.
Jim: You know, I'd watch her at the Hospice. I mean, she doesn't even look like a little girl anymore. (Nick starts to leave) So, so… you gonna tell her about this?
Nick: Yeah. She's my client.
Jim: Well, good luck with that. (Nick gives him a long look then exits)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Burton interviews Helena Denby as potential nanny for Shannon.
Burton: You taught English in high school.
Helena: Ninth and tenth grades.
Burton: You have a son.
Helena: Anthony. Nineteen. He attends Colgate.
Burton: Oh, excellent.
Helena: Uh-huh.
Burton: Good. So how many, uh… how many years have you been a, uh… a nanny?
Helena: Three years. Um… I was working with twin boys. The, uh… reference letter is in the folder I gave you.
Burton: Oh. Okay.
Helena: Mr. Fallin, I don't mean to be presumptuous but I like to know what the parent's expectations are.
Burton: Expectations?
Helena: Well, Shannon's your foster child. You… you don't know how long you're gonna have her. You… She's in a new home. A new school. I just… I'm just concerned about adding yet a… another element.
Burton: Oh… Well, I appreciate that, Helena, but, uh… you're the one I want so just name your price. Let me know when you can start and…
Helena: It's not just about the money.
Burton: Well, then, come meet Shannon. I promise you'll love her. I… I can promise you that.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Nick: Your father is in Pittsburgh.
Samantha: My father?
Nick: Right.
Samantha: He came here? To see me?
Nick: Well, he… he wants to try and adopt you.
Samantha: What's he like?
Nick: Well, he seems like he's… he's trying.
Samantha: Can I see him?
Laurie: Samantha. How much do you know about your father? (Nick squirms in his chair at this question)
Samantha: My mother said that he was a drug addict. That he made me blind.
Laurie: D'you understand that his parental rights have been terminated?
Samantha: No. No one told me that.
Laurie: That means that legally he isn't your dad anymore.
Samantha: It's impossible? Even if he's changed?
Laurie: It's… highly unlikely.
Samantha: Even if I… maybe wanted him to be?
Laurie: You said yourself, you don't know him. Even if you did… What I mean to say is there's no reason to believe…
Samantha: Right. But… do you think that I could just see him?
Laurie looks to Nick.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Nick steps out of the meeting room and walks to the elevator. Laurie follows.
Laurie: You're getting her hopes up for no reason. No judge is gonna overturn a termination.
Nick: Okay.
Laurie: Why do you even think this guy's worth our time?
Elevator arrives. Alvin steps off. Nick steps on.
Alvin: Nick.
Nick: Alvin.
Alvin: Laurie. (Uncomfortable moment for them)
Laurie: Hi. (Steps on the elevator) I'm sorry. (Pause) Hi.
Elevator doors close. Alvin is approached by Lulu.
Lulu: Alvin. Where have you been?
Alvin: Track. Why? You got a case for me? (Walks away)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—exterior
Nick exits the building and is immediately approached by Jim Gray.
Jim: Hey, Mr. Fallin.
Nick: Hey.
Jim: These, uh… these forms you give me for the adoption stuff are really confusing me.
Nick: Mr. Gray, we just… we just met…
Jim: Jim.
Nick: Jim, we just met with Samantha. She's agreed to meet with you.
Jim: Really? When?
Nick: Tomorrow afternoon.
Jim: (Thrilled—laughs) This… this is great. Thank you. Thank you. I mean, this means something, right?
Nick: Well, it means that she's agreed to meet with you.
Jim: This is great. I don't know what to say. Uhm… could you help me with these?
Nick: Not yet. Let's just meet with her and see what happens. Okay?
Jim: Okay.
Nick: Yeah.
Jim: It's just one of them's this essay about why I wanna be her dad. And I am her dad. Right? It's about explaining myself, I guess.
Nick: Uh, I'm sure you'll do fine.
Jim: You think? Okay, well… thank you. (They shake hands—Nick is anxious to leave) D'you… do you wanna grab a cup of coffee or something?
Nick: I have to get back to work.
Jim: Okay.
Nick: All right. (Turns to leave)
Jim: Thank you. Hey, Mr. Fallin… You know where there's a meeting around here? You know, 'Hi. My name's Jim. I'm a drug addict,' you know?
Nick: (Clearly uncomfortable talking about this) Uh… Uhm… Yeah… I think there may be one on, uh… on Fifth at the… at the Old Calvary Church.
Jim: Okay. Appreciate it. Thank you. (Nick turns to walk away) Thank… Mr. Fallin… thank you.
Scene: Burton's residence—kitchen—evening
Burton and Shannon are having dinner.
Burton: Big doings at the Country Club Friday night.
Shannon: What?
Burton: Annual Father-Daughter Dance. I made reservations… if you're game.
Shannon: What'd you tell Hank?
Burton: Who?
Shannon: Hank. That boy who came over here. (Pause) You told him about my period, didn't you? You said I wasn't feeling good. I was feeling fine.
Burton: (Sighs) You know what, honey… I should've told you this earlier. But, I… I think that you need a woman in your life to talk to and help you with your homework, cook for you and…
Shannon: What're you talking about?
Burton: Talking about a nanny.
Shannon: A nanny?
Burton: Yes. And this afternoon I interviewed a young lady and think she's absolutely terrific… (Door bell rings) Guess what. I think that's her.
Shannon: Burton!
Burton: Honey, I just want you to meet her, all right? See if you like her. Okay? (Goes to the door) Thanks for coming. (Ushers Helena into the kitchen) So, Shannon, say 'hi' to Helena. This is Shannon.
Helena: It's a pleasure to meet you, Shannon.
Burton: Helena was a teacher. Thought maybe she could help you with some things and, uh…
Shannon gives her a blank stare.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Mr. and Mrs. Aaronson wait for Nick. Mrs. Aaronson stands stirring her coffee, obscured by the door, as Nick enters. Nick does not see her immediately and then is surprised.
Albert: Nicholas, good morning.
Nick: Good morning. (Notices Mrs. Aaronson as he sits down) Uh… did, uh… you… did the two of you have a chance to discuss your situation last night?
Albert: That's why we're here. (Obviously unaware of the test results)
Nick: Mrs. Aaronson, did you…
Jackie: Not really. Just regular talk. (Rubs Albert's shoulder)
Nick: (Chuffs—rubs his forehead) Okay. Uh… well, uh… I don't like to be in the middle of a personal matter. But, Mr. Aaronson, there's been a development. There is…
Jackie: We wanna keep our baby so this whole suit thing… it's so stupid.
Albert: What's the development?
Jackie: Honey, come on, let's go home. This whole thing is so stupid. I don't even know what we're doing here.
Albert: No! What's the development?!
Nick: I think what Mrs. Aaronson is trying to say is that she doesn't think the suit makes sense anymore.
Albert: Why?
Jackie: (Pause) Okay.
Albert: What, Jackie?
Jackie: I got pregnant…
Albert: You got pregnant…
Jackie: …after… I went to the clinic.
Albert: …after…
Jackie: …with another…
Albert: You got pregnant with another man. (Nick squirms in his chair) Whose baby is it?
Jackie: Albert… (Terrified) Uh…
Albert: Whose baby is it?
Nick: I'm sorry. Uh… we no longer have a claim against the clinic, so… (Quickly exits)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Alvin sits poring over old cases when two women and a man file into the room.
Alvin: Elaine. Esther. Bob. (He stands) I didn't know there was a board meeting today. (Everyone's uncomfortable) You know, it's funny. Looking at these old cases makes me wonder. Did we make a difference? I mean, can we make a difference? Are we butterfly wings? Are we the wind? You know, it's like the horses. You try to figure out which one's the best fit for the track. Runs harder. Or prettier. But… when you admit that it's chaotic…
Lulu: (Walks in) Alvin. Thank you. We can talk after the meeting. I can take it from here.
Alvin: Uh… yeah. You'll, uh… you'll be, what? A half hour or so?
Lulu: Probably.
Alvin: Right, uh… I might be gone by then. But, uh… maybe not. Let's just see.
Lulu: Right. Let's just see.
Alvin exits. Lulu shuts the door behind him.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office—moments later
Jim Gray: Now, this essay about why I wanna be Samantha's dad, uhm… Should I read it to you?
Nick: Uh…
Alvin knocks on the door and enters.
Alvin: I think I'm gonna head out to the track. Mind telling Lulu for me?
Nick: Okay.
Alvin: Thanks. (Exits)
Jim: Can I read this to you?
Nick: Uh… No, it's fine.
Jim: There's this… there's this part in it about my sponsor. If you think that's okay? Uhm…
Nick: Your sponsor.
Jim: Yeah, how he said it's okay for me to be in a relationship. Have a relationship, you know? I mean, you supposed to wait a little while. Make sure you're ready.
Nick: Uh… (Glances at his watch) We should go.
They walk through the bullpen, headed for the elevator.
Nick: Uh… Lulu. Alvin wanted me to tell you he's gone to the track.
Lulu: Well, hey… D'you have a second?
Nick: Yeah. (To Jim) I'll be right there. (Walks back to Lulu)
Lulu: I think that Alvin's trying to get me to fire him.
Nick: Right… (Shakes his head) Do it.
Lulu: (Chuffs—speaks softly) Well… Are you, uh… busy with that case? (Nods towards Jim)
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: Well, I heard that woman died while you were there. And I didn't think about your mother.
Nick: (Clearly uncomfortable talking about this) That's not important.
Lulu: No, I should've thought about it.
Nick: I'm fine.
Lulu: Well, I'm sorry, Nick… to have to send you there.
Nick: Thank you. (Hurriedly walks away)
Scene: Burton's residence
Nanny Helena is showing Shannon how to dance.
Helena: Ready? One-two-three. One-two-three. One-two-three. One… and make a little turn and that turns into a box-step. (Burton appears in the doorway) Hi.
Burton: Hey. No, don't stop. That was excellent, sweetheart.
Helena: She's learning the Foxtrot as well.
Burton: Oh, great, great. So you wanna… You wanna dance?
Shannon: Burton. (Embarrassed)
Burton: No?
Shannon: I gotta… my homework, okay? (Exits)
Burton: (Chuckles) Okay. Well, that's, uh… that was nice of you.
Helena: No problem.
Burton: She's a good dancer. (Turns the music off)
Helena: Yes, she is. I'm… I'm sorry we, uh… made a mess.
Burton: Oh, no. Don't worry about that. So, whadaya think of… think about Shannon?
Helena: Well, I… I think that she's… She has good instincts. But, she's, um… she's at least a grade behind and she… well, she can… She has a way with the truth.
Burton: (Chuckles) A way with the truth, right.
Helena: Listen, if you're asking me if it's too…
Burton: Too late?
Helena: Well, it's never that, Mr. Fallin. Never. Never that.
Burton: So, you wanna… you wanna stay?
Helena: Yes.
Burton: Good. Good. Thank you.
Helena: You know, she's, um… she's really excited about this dance. A night out with you. A new dress. She's, uh… really excited.
Scene: Metropolitan Psychiatric Hospital—meeting room
Jim and Samantha sit across the table from each other. Nick and Laurie stand.
Jim: D'you wanna call me Dad or Jim?
Samantha: Dad. I think Dad's nice.
Jim: Yeah. And you… uh… are you Samantha or Sam?
Samantha: Samantha.
Jim: You've just… you've just grown up so beautifully, you know?
Samantha: I have?
Jim: Yeah. You should see me. I'm kinda goofy looking, you know? (Chuckles) Lucky for you, you look like your mom.
Samantha: You think Mom was pretty?
Jim: Yes, she was. She was really pretty.
Samantha: Do you… mind if I…
Jim: What?
Samantha: Can you lean toward me?
Jim: (To Nick/Laurie) Is that allowed? (Laurie nods—he leans across the table) Here.
Samantha runs her hand across his face.
Samantha: You're not that bad.
Jim: Thanks. (Laughs) I got both my eyes, my nose, you know? My mouth. (Chomps his teeth together) All my teeth.
Samantha: Me, too.
Jim: Yeah. Samantha… um… about everything…
Samantha: You don't have to say anything.
Jim: Well, let me… let me… I did this to you. Yeah. And if nothing else comes of this… you know, at least you can finally hear me say how sorry I am. I'm really sorry, honey. I'm sorry. (Tearfully)
Scene: Liberty Avenue—a little while later
Nick and Jim walk together.
Jim: She doesn't belong there.
Nick: I know.
Jim: I mean, it's for retarded people. She doesn't belong in that place.
Nick: Samantha signed a consent form. Do you understand?
Jim: Yeah.
Nick: You ready for the hearing?
Jim: Yeah, about that… D'you think I can make it home before Thursday night?
Nick: Thursday night?
Jim: Yeah, there's this meeting I usually speak at back home in Bedford and… and I just don't wanna be in Pittsburgh any longer than I have to be.
Nick: Well, I… I don't think we can get it done that fast.
Jim: Man, I just don't know. I don't know what I'm doing. I…
Nick: What? (Confused by Jim's reticence)
Jim: I mean, you've seen her, you know. She's grown up and beautiful and my life's a joke. It's just… I don't know. I don't know. (Nick just looks at him) (Sighs) Now this is how I used to think about myself, I know. I can do this, right?
Nick: Right.
Jim: 'Cause I'm better now, right? (Pause—Nick gives him a look) I can do this. I'm her daddy. I can do this. (Takes a deep breath) Here's where I'm staying.
They arrive at the Nite-Lite Hotel—a flop house.
Nick: (Pause) Nice place.
Jim: Not really, but it's cheap. I live two hours away from here, you know, in Bedford? D'you know it?
Nick: No.
Jim: Bedford's really nice. It's quiet. It's peaceful. D'you… d'you wanna come up for awhile, maybe watch a movie?
Nick: (Contemplates) No. No.
Jim: I, uh… I can buy you dinner. There's a nice diner down the street. Come on.
Nick: (Senses that Jim doesn't need to be alone—looks around then steps closer) There's a meeting I go to… over at the Calvary Church. Uh…
Jim: What?
Nick: Starts at eight. (After a second, turns and walks away)
Jim: (Nods) All right.
Scene: Burton's residence
Helena stands smoking at the kitchen door.
Burton: Hey. (Enters, tying his tie)
Helena: Oh, Burton. Caught me.
Burton: Oh, no. That's all right.
Helena: Shannon was upstairs so I snuck a butt.
Burton: Oh… okay. You got another one?
Helena: Yeah, sure.
Shannon: (Enters) Hey, Burton.
Burton: Oh, honey, listen. One of my clients has a problem so tonight might be a little tricky. But, uh… I'm gonna be there but just maybe a few minutes late.
Shannon: Oh.
Burton: Now the good news is Nick's gonna be able to drive you over there.
Shannon: Nick?
Burton: Yeah, he's gonna be your escort 'til I get there. You're gonna have fun… all the way around. Okay?
Shannon: Yeah. (Burton hugs her)
Burton: All righty. See ya soon.
Shannon: Right.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Nick walks in.
Nick: Wanted to see me?
Burton: (Loading his briefcase) Yeah. Bad news about Aaronson's wife.
Nick: What happened?
Burton: There was an accident.
Nick: (Pause) What'd he do to her?
Burton: It seems there was an argument. She fell down the stairs… potentially a blow to the head before she fell.
Nick: Potentially?
Burton: I don't have all the facts yet.
Nick: Well, is she all right?
Burton: No, she's badly hurt. Her brain. They already arrested Albert. I sent Clay and Sadie down there. I'm gonna have to go down there myself. I promised Shannon I'd take her to the Father-Daughter Dance at the Club tonight. I have no idea how long I'll be with Albert so, uh…
Nick: Oh, Dad. Dad. (Shakes his head)
Burton: Just drive her over there and I'll catch up.
Nick: Just drive her there.
Burton: Yeah. Right.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—corridor
Nick and Samantha wait patiently on a bench for Jim to show.
Laurie: (Walks out of the courtroom) Samantha's case is up.
Nick: Right.
Laurie: Where is he?
Nick: I don't know.
Laurie: Well… she's up. (Goes back into the courtroom)
Nick looks to Samantha.
Nick: Uh… will you be okay here? (She nods) His hotel room is just a block away. I'll be right back.
Scene: Liberty Avenue—Nite-Lite Hotel
Nick runs down Liberty and in and out of the hotel and then around the corner. Finds Jim high or inebriated in the alley.
Jim: (Unsteady on his feet—sees Nick—points to his watch) I'm late.
Nick looks on him with disdain. Finally turns and leaves.
Scene: Metropolitan Psychiatric Hospital—meeting room
Nick sits across from Samantha.
Nick: Your… your dad went home. So, uh… your next hearing is in twenty-eight days.
Samantha: Okay.
Nick: We will… we will get you moved then.
Samantha: Twenty-eight days.
Nick: That's when we'll move you. (Puts his hand to his mouth, then rubs his brow)
Samantha: You said that.
Nick is very moved by her plight.
Scene: Allegheny County Jail—visiting room
Nick: (Enters the room) Mr. Aaronson.
Albert: Hello, Nicholas. Did you see your dad outside?
Nick: Yes, I did. (Clears his throat) Mr. Aaronson, uh… about Sarah.
Albert: Sarah?
Nick: Your child. (Albert is in a daze) Is there anyone that can take care of her?
Albert: She's with a nanny.
Nick: Legally the biological father has rights.
Albert: He does?
Nick: Legally. But, uh… I'm prepared to help you if you…
Albert: What?
Nick: …if you wish to keep her.
Albert: Oh. No. Thank you. No.
Nick: (Long pause) Have you met the father?
Albert: She said they were just friends. I even gave him a job in one of my stores. I gave that guy a job.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Alvin heads for the elevator wearing a jaunty hat and casual shirt, shirttail out.
Lulu: Oh, Alvin.
Alvin: I'm on my way to the track. Up three thousand dollars so far. An astonishing run.
Lulu: Alvin, understand if you choose not to do your job then I will have to…
Alvin: What? Fire me?
Lulu: Yes.
Alvin: I've already been fired, Lulu. Trust me. I'm already dead to this place.
Elevator doors open and Nick steps off, holding Sarah Aaronson.
Alvin: Nick. Whose baby?
Nick: This is Sarah Aaronson. (Hands her to Alvin) Uh… biological father doesn't want her. Mother's dead. I gotta go.
Nick steps back on the elevator and is gone.
Alvin: (To the baby) Hey. Hey. It's okay. (To Lulu) Call Social Services.
Lulu: (Smiles) Okay.
Alvin: I'll set up a shelter hearing.
Lulu: Right.
Scene: Riverbrook Country Club—dining room
Nick sits with Shannon at an empty table. The dance floor is filled with well-heeled fathers and daughters. Nick checks his watch while Shannon watches the dancers, longingly.
Nick: I think this is the last one. So, uh… (Long pause) You know, uh… if you want, I… I can dance with you. If you want. (She shakes her head) (Long pause—Nick looks around) Come on.
Nick takes her hand and leads her to the dance floor. They begin to dance. Shannon smiles up at Nick. Burton appears in the doorway and smiles.
END OF EPISODE
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