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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Overgrown lot—morning
Several homes boarded up; junkies, homeless people milling about. Nick and Burton get out of the BMW and walk across the lot toward Ron Hassey.
Burton: (To Nick) Hassey looks pissed.
Nick: No, it's just the way he looks.
Hassey: Wanted you to see this for yourselves. Bums. Squatters. Drug peddlers. They're all still here. Now, I'm breaking ground on a two hundred unit development next week. (Looks at Nick) You promised me you were gonna take care of this.
Nick: I know and I've spoken to the Pittsburgh Police Department twice already. And they've assured…
Hassey: (Miffed) Well, speak to them again. I mean, the reason I hired your firm is you represent the damn cops.
Burton: We understand the problem, Ron…
Hassey: I don't want you to understand the problem, Burton. I want you to fix it.
Burton: All right. We'll go down and see our people at the City, right now. Okay?
Hassey: Thank you.
Nick and Burton walk back to the car.
Scene: Overgrown lot—later
Cops are rousting people off the property. One man is being loaded into an ambulance.
Laurie: (Walks up) Who's in charge?! Who's the officer in charge here?!
Officer Geary: Hey, lady! Over here! (Has Donnie Longo by the arm)
Donnie: Gramps! Gramps! (To Officer Geary) Get off me, man! (Tries to break free)
Laurie: Laurie Solt. Social Services. I got a call.
Officer Geary: Yeah, this kid and his grandpa were living here unlawfully. (Hands her a paper)
Laurie: That the grandfather in the ambulance?
Donnie: Yeah! After they threw us out of our house, he collapsed! He's sick.
Officer Geary: Hey, the rightful owners wanted them evicted.
Laurie: We'll find out where they're taking your grandfather.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—later that day
Nick steps off the elevator into chaos—homeless people milling about. He puts his hand to his nose, obviously offended by their odor. Laurie sees him and calls out, then approaches.
Laurie: Nick! Good afternoon. How are you?
Nick: Fine. (Looks around)
Laurie: Good. This is Donnie Longo. (Hands him a file) Your Firm threw him out of his home this morning along with most of the rest of these people. Donnie? (Places her hand on Donnie's shoulder) (To Nick) He's your client. Shelter hearing—2 PM.
Nick: (Aside to Laurie) Lulu assigns my cases.
Laurie: I talked to Lulu. She said he's yours. It's your mess. Help clean it up. (She walks off)
Nick gives Donnie a look.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen—moments later
Robert Bridge tries to organize things.
Robert Bridge: Everybody, please, keep it down and have a seat. I'll be with you in a moment. (He collects paperwork from a homeless woman) Thank you. (Then from another) Thank you. (Then takes a clipboard from another homeless woman who has drawn a donkey on her form) You see, this is just a picture of a donkey. This doesn't help.
Lulu: (Appears) Uh… everyone! Could I have your attention, please?! Please, just—just for minute. Uh… we're doing everything we can to find each of you a place to stay. It's just gonna take some time. Okay? I'm sorry about this. When you finish all of your paperwork, if you have any questions or if there's anything I can do for you, then let me know.
Man from the crowd: (Off camera) Take off your top.
Lulu: (Sighs—ignores the heckler) Uh… all right. Thank you. Thanks a lot.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office
Nick reviews Donnie's file.
Donnie: What did that lady mean?
Nick: What?
Donnie: Your mess.
Nick: Nothing.
Donnie: Well, she said it like you was the guy who threw everybody out.
Nick: I'm not.
Donnie: But, she said it like that.
Nick: (Continuing to look through the file) Uh… there's not a lot here.
Donnie: I never been in any trouble.
Nick: You go to school?
Donnie: Yeah. Uh… Avondale High School.
Nick: How 'bout your parents?
Donnie: They died when I was like four. Look. I don't care where we live, I just wanna be with Gramps, all right?
Nick: I'm trying to help you.
Donnie: Well, that lady kinda made it sound like you threw us out.
Lulu knocks and enters.
Lulu: Hey. Uh… Donnie Longo?
Donnie: Yeah.
Lulu: I'm Louisa Archer. I'll be working with your grandfather.
Donnie: Okay.
Lulu: I'm going to see him at the hospital now if you wanna a ride.
Jumps up and heads out the door. Nick shoves the file across his desk towards her and taps it with his hand.
Lulu: You should be present. (Turns and follows Donnie)
Nick sighs in disgust, grabs the file and his briefcase and follows.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office
Alvin: Abby… with Clark stepping down there's not one true liberal voice left on the City Council. Not one person who truly understands what's happening in our City. With our poor.
Abby Weinstock: Last time you ran, you got killed.
Alvin: I lost an election. Big deal.
Abby: You got four percent of the vote.
Alvin: I was twenty-nine. No one has my understanding of the law. Or my track record working with the under-privileged.
Abby: No one has your track record with the authorities either. (Gets up and leaves his office. Alvin follows)
Alvin: Who remembers that stuff?
Abby: Your opponents will, if you run.
Alvin: So, I'm prepared to defend myself. Abby, please. Now that I don't run this place anymore, I have the time.
Abby: (Stops and faces him) We've known each other a long time, Alvin, so I should tell you. I'm leaning toward a… no. (Walks away—Alvin sighs)
Alvin turns to see two homeless men waiting—Gerald Barber and Ray “Rufus” Schmiel.
Alvin: You two gentlemen sent here by, uh… Ms. Solt?
Rufus: The good lookin' older broad?
Alvin: (Nods) Why don't you guys come on in my office. (They get up and follow) So, I'm assuming you need a place to live.
Rufus: Yeah. Someplace nice.
Alvin: Well, the problem is it's almost winter so all the good shelters are full. Those that aren't, cater to… to juveniles, unwed mothers…
Gerald: What about the Hewlett House? A guy I know got in there. Says it's great.
Alvin: You don't just walk into the Hewlett House. You have to be sober. You have to have a job within two weeks of residency. You're required to pay some rent.
Rufus: So why does he get to go first? (Referring to Gerald)
Alvin: I'll be with you in a moment, sir. Why don't you have a seat?
Gerald: I sweep parking lots on weekends. Make sixty a week. And… and I've been clean for five months now.
Alvin: All right. Why don't you fill out an application and I'll see what I can do. (Hands him the application)
Gerald: Oh, thank you. Thank you very much. (Takes the app, shakes hands and leaves—patting Rufus on the shoulder as he exits)
Rufus: (Sarcastic) Yeah, Super Bum. You gonna give me one of those Hewlett House forms, too?
Alvin: (Shakes his head)
Rufus: Didn't think so.
Alvin: Full name? (Clipboard in hand)
Rufus: Ray Schmiel. My friend's call me Rufus.
Alvin: Highest level of education, Ray?
Rufus: Why?
Alvin: I was gonna try and get you into a County-sponsored vocational program.
Rufus: Well, just find me a place like Gerald.
Alvin: You have to be sober. You have to have a job. So… highest level of education?
Rufus: Harvard.
Alvin: You're wasting my time, Mr. Schmiel. (Puts down the clipboard and starts to leave the office)
Rufus: (Laughs) All right. Aldrich High School.
Alvin: What about it?
Rufus: My highest level of education.
Alvin: Yeah? When'd you graduate?
Rufus: Fifty-four.
Alvin: You know Robert Masterson?
Rufus: Who's that?
Alvin: My dad.
Rufus: (Suddenly remembers) Bobby Masterson? Sure I knew him. Great guy. How's he doing?
Alvin: He passed away.
Rufus: Aaah. Damn shame. We were in Shop together all four years. They put me in there 'cause I'm not a very good student, you know. But your dad… Oh… he was good. Won Best Project senior year. Made a cutting board shaped like a pig.
Alvin: My dad?
Rufus: Yeah. He was talented. (Laughs) Small world, man. Small world.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—Ralph's room
Ralph: Hey, Donnie.
Donnie: What's wrong?
Ralph: Oh, the ticker, like usual.
Donnie: Does it hurt?
Ralph: It did. A little. I feel good now. Hey, Donnie… the doc asked me about my pills. You know, I can never remember. I told him you… you know 'em all, so… He's probably down the hall. Go tell him, huh?
Donnie: Okay.
Ralph: Good boy. (Donnie leaves the room—Ralph looks at Nick and Lulu)
Lulu: Mr. Longo, I'm Louisa Archer from Legal Services of Pittsburgh.
Ralph: You a lawyer?
Lulu: Yes, and if you want I can help you with Donnie's shelter hearing.
Ralph: Shelter hearing?
Lulu: Well, Social Services is concerned about your ability to care for Donnie considering your health and… well, now the fact that you have no home.
Ralph: The cops said I couldn't stay there anymore.
Lulu: The owner wanted you evicted.
Ralph: (Sighs—shakes his head) Evicted. Why now? I've been there since '65.
Lulu: You've been living in that house since 1965? (Glances at Nick)
Ralph: Yeah.
Lulu: Squatting?
Ralph: No, renting. At least for a while.
Lulu: I'm not following you. Uh… who were you renting from?
Ralph: Oh, I don't remember. Some family. They owned all the homes on the lot.
Lulu: And then you stopped renting.
Ralph: I stopped paying.
Lulu: Why?
Ralph: Well, the houses weren't too good to begin with and that family, they just let 'em fall apart. So, I stopped paying rent.
Lulu: And when was that?
Ralph: Oh… around '79.
Nick: And you just kept living there?
Ralph: When the steel mills shut down in the seventies, I couldn't find work. Then I got sick. I wasn't about to give up a free home. What's gonna happen to me and Donnie?
Nick and Lulu share a look.
Immediately outside Ralph's room
Nick: You're not gonna argue adverse possession.
Lulu: If Mr. Longo can prove he's been living on that property, without paying rent, for twenty-one years…
Nick: How you gonna prove this?
Lulu: Uh… well, if what he's saying is true, the property belongs to him. (She walks away)
Scene: Hassey's construction site
Hassey: (Livid) So you're telling me that if someone lives on someone else's property long enough it just becomes theirs?
Nick: If he lives on it for twenty-one consecutive years and the owner does nothing about it.
Hassey: (To Burton) Tell me he's wrong about this.
Burton: Well, the burden will be on Mr. Longo to prove his claim. But since you're currently the legal owner… that'll sit well in court.
Hassey: Currently the legal owner? I bought this property fair and square from the County.
Burton: You bought it at auction, subject to all liens and claims. And this is a claim.
Nick: Mr. Hassey, all they have is the word of an unreliable old man.
Worker: (Yells from off camera) Ron? We need you to sign for this.
Hassey: And every day this project is delayed, I lose money. You understand that?
Burton: I do.
Hassey exits.
Nick: I may have a conflict here.
Burton: How so?
Nick: I'm representing Mr. Longo's grandson at his shelter hearing.
Burton: (Deep breath) LSP again.
Nick: Well, I can still work for the client. Lulu hasn't filed anything yet.
Burton: Well, she will.
Nick: I'll talk to her.
Burton: Oh… see if you can talk some sense into her. Now, listen, uh… your birthday's coming up. Why don't you and Shannon and I, uh… spend a weekend at Namacolin. Hit a spa. Get a massage. You know… relax a little bit.
Nick: Massage?
Burton: Yeah, you know, they've got that, uh… mud-wrapping thing, whatever they call it. Supposed to work pretty good.
Nick: Ah… (Nods) Well… I'll check my schedule.
Burton: Be good for ya.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Damsen's courtroom
Lulu: Upon Mr. Longo's recovery, Catholic Charities has a facility whose goal is to keep homeless families together…
Judge Damsen: (Interrupts) Ms. Archer, that facility is designed for single mothers and their children.
Lulu: Right, but there's nothing in their charter that denies…
Judge Damsen: (Interrupts) Ms. Solt… what is Social Services' position?
Laurie: Donnie Longo has lived in horrible conditions while caring for a sick adult. During that time he's attended school on a semi-regular basis and kept out of trouble. Imagine what he'd do if placed in the proper environment.
Nick: Donnie did well because of his grandfather and not in spite of him. There's no reason to keep them separate.
Lulu: I agree.
Laurie: Do you suggest he live in the hospital with him?
Nick: (Forceful) No. I suggest when Mr. Longo recovers, all efforts be made to find a facility where these two can live together.
Judge Damsen: Possibly. But, in the meantime, he needs some place to stay. So, I'm placing Donald in the Allegheny Boys' Shelter until a suitable foster family can be found. If the time comes where Mr. Longo is able to provide adequate care for his grandson, we will revisit this issue. (Gavel down)
Immediately outside the courtroom
Donnie: Allegheny Boys' Shelter?
Nick: It's not so bad.
Donnie: Wait. What about Gramps? I mean… I need… I need to take care of him. He… he'll die in that place.
Nick: There are doctors that can take care of your grandfather.
Donnie: But, I know when to give him his pills. I know how much water to put in his juice so his stomach won't hurt. I need to be with him. You need to get me back with him.
Nick: It's not gonna happen right now, Donnie.
Laurie: Come on, Donnie. We should go. (She takes him by the arm)
Donnie: (As Laurie leads him away) (To Nick) You said you'd keep us together!
Lulu: Now, if Ralph Longo had a home or some money, he could stay with his grandson.
Nick: You're not gonna win on adverse possession. Not based on the word of an illegal squatter.
Lulu: Yeah, well… I gotta get back to the hospital.
Nick: All right, we'll talk about it tonight.
Lulu: Yeah, we will. (Walks away)
Scene: The Incline—afternoon
Rufus: I'm gonna have, uh… the… the… the New York Strip, medium well, and a, uh… Jack… uh… Jim Beam.
Alvin: No, I'm not buying you alcohol. (Smiles, good naturedly)
Rufus: Your ole man was stubborn, too.
Alvin: Stubborn? (Scoffs) I always thought of him as, uh… I don't know… indifferent.
Rufus: Nah. Nah. He was a real mule when he wanted to be. (Laughs) This one time, we had this, uh… teacher, Mr. Turbain. Turbain was always pickin' on this kid, Andy Blauner, 'cause he stuttered. Called him B-b-b-blauner. Or r-r-r-r-retard.
Alvin: Sounds like a great teacher.
Rufus: Yeah. So one day, before class, Blauner wrote on the board: Turbain is a f-f-f-f-fat ass, you know, like with five 'f's. (Laughs) So Turbain comes in and he blows his top. And he takes out his paddle and he grabs Blauner and he yanks him out of his seat and bends him over the desk and just about when he's gonna get whacked, your ole man jumps up and he says, “I did it, f-f-f-fat ass.”
Alvin: You're kidding me.
Jerry: (Bartender) Alvin. Can I talk to you for a minute?
Alvin: Be right back. (Steps away—still in earshot of Rufus)
Jerry: You can't stay in here with him.
Alvin: Why not?
Jerry: His appearance. And, frankly, his stink.
Alvin: What are you, a fascist?
Rufus looks over his shoulder at them.
Jerry: Look, I don't know what that means. But, I can smell him from the bar.
Alvin: Oh, come on, Jerry. Cut the guy a break.
Jerry: Alvin…
Alvin: We're not going anywhere.
Alvin sits back down. Rufus' hands are shaking. Alvin notices.
Rufus: Hey, man. I'm dying here. I gotta have a drink.
Alvin: (Sighs) One. And that's it.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—Ralph's room
Lulu: So, all those years that you lived there without paying rent, the law calls that “living adversely” to the true property owner.
Ralph: Living adversely?
Lulu: Right.
Ralph: What does that mean?
Lulu: Well, by definition it means that you lived there in an open, continuous and hostile manner.
Ralph: Oh, no, I was never hostile to anybody.
Lulu: No… it's just a… it's just a definition. What's important for you to know is that you lived there long enough to claim that the property is yours.
Ralph: The house is mine?
Lulu: Well, we'd have to get the Court to agree. If you wanna fight.
Ralph: And then the house is mine?
Lulu: Yes.
Ralph: I could move back there with Donnie?
Lulu: Well, not that house. But, Hassey would pay you for the land and then you could buy a home.
Ralph: For me and Donnie?
Lulu: Well, I think, you know, if your health improves there's a chance that Donnie could live with you.
Ralph: How good a chance?
Lulu: Well, that I don't know.
Ralph: I wanna fight. Okay?
Lulu: Okay. (Smiles)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—reception area
Nick enters the offices—encounters Burton at the counter reading a document.
Burton: Hey.
Nick: Hey.
Burton: Lulu filed a Motion for Declaratory Judgment against Hassey. I thought you were gonna talk to her.
Nick: Well, I did. Well… I tried.
Burton: Mm.
Nick: Well, I'm still working with that kid so… I guess I'm off the case.
Burton: Yeah. That and the fact that you're sleeping with opposing counsel. Uh… yeah, I'd say, uh… I'd say you're off the case. I'll have to tell Hassey.
Burton walks away.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Burton gets off the elevator.
Burton: Hey, Lulu.
Lulu: Burton. What are you doin' here?
Burton: Well, how does ten thousand dollars to your client sound, if he drops his property claim immediately?
Lulu: Ten thousand?
Burton: Yeah.
Lulu: Burton, you can't buy my client off with a nuisance value.
Burton: Nuisance? Where I come from, ten thousand dollars is a lotta money, especially when a man's down on his luck.
Lulu: My client's claim is worth mid-six figures, not low fives.
Burton: Let me ask you something. You ever handle a, uh… adverse possession claim before?
Lulu: I don't see how that's relevant.
Burton: I have, believe me.
Lulu: You know what? I'm sure I can handle it.
Burton: Well, I'm sure you can. I'm just… like to make sure that you recognize a good offer when it's, uh… presented to you.
Lulu: Oh, I can. I just don't think this is one.
Burton: If you take me to court and you lose, I'm gonna have to hit you with sanctions and legal costs and I'm not, uh… I'm not real sure this place could afford it. (Chuckles)
Lulu: Are you threatening me, Burton?
Burton: No. No, not at all. I just want you to think about it, that's all. (Turns and walks away)
Lulu: Burton. I have thought about it. Your offer's rejected.
Burton: Oh… Okay. Take care. (Steps on the elevator)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin
Nick drops off a document at the front desk just as Burton enters the lobby.
Nick: Hey. (They walk together to his office)
Burton: I was just over at LSP.
Nick: How'd it go?
Burton: Uh… Louisa. You got your hands full there, son. (Chuckles)
Nick: Right. I know.
Nick's office
Burton: She's serious about this claim.
Nick: Right.
Burton: And every day that Hassey sits on that property costs him thousands of dollars.
Nick: Well, she's just doing what she thinks is best.
Burton: You know, if she moves forward with this, uh… I'm gonna have to treat her like any other adversary.
Nick: As you should.
Burton: I'm gonna claim the action is frivolous and demand LSP pay for all the legal costs and lost revenue.
Nick: Right. Well, for what it's worth, this guy, uh… Ralph Longo… all he needs is a place to live.
Burton: Huh.
Burton ponders this then turns and leaves the room.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office—moments later
Ron Hassey paces—waiting for Burton. Burton enters the room and closes the door.
Burton: Hey, Ron.
Hassey: Burton.
Burton: How ya doing?
Hassey: Well, we'll see.
Burton: Good to see ya. (Shakes hands)
Hassey: Yeah.
Burton: Ron, I'm afraid, uh… my son has gotta step away from the case.
Hassey: Well, whatever you think is best. So…?
Burton: So… I talked to Longo's attorney and she turned down our offer.
Hassey: He turned down ten grand?
Burton: Yeah.
Hassey: Burton, what kinda homeless guy turns down ten grand? I am hemorrhaging money on this thing.
Burton: I know that but we… we do have other options.
Hassey: Like what?
Burton: Well, we could fight it. You know… that's just gonna cost a lotta money. Waste a lotta time. Or we could make a different offer.
Hassey: Of more money?
Burton: No. No. All this guy wants is a home. And, uh… you happen to have several thousand, so…
Hassey: You want me to give this guy one of my units?
Burton: It doesn't have to be fancy but… I think that might do it.
Hassey: (Chuckles) And that would make this whole mess go away?
Burton: I think so.
Hassey: (Sighs) Another cost of doing business. Let's just get it done.
Burton: Okay, Ron. I'll keep you posted. Good to see ya. (They shake hands)
Hassey: (Brusquely) Yeah, you, too.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Alvin is working when Lulu sticks her head in the door.
Lulu: Hey, uh, I'm gonna go home a little early. I'm not feeling too well.
Alvin: Okay.
Lulu: Sorry.
Alvin: No, I can cover for you.
Lulu: All right. Thanks.
Alvin: How far along are you?
Lulu: (Looks around then enters the room and closes the door) Uh… just six weeks.
Alvin: Nick's?
Lulu: Of course.
Alvin: Well… (Sighs) I think that's great.
Lulu: Thank you.
Alvin: You're gonna be a wonderful mother.
Lulu: (Pleased—a little laugh) Thank you.
Alvin: So, uh, what're your plans?
Lulu: Whadaya mean?
Alvin: About work. Work plans.
Lulu: Um… same as always, just… you know… to work.
Alvin: Okay.
Lulu: Why?
Alvin: Well, if you wanna take maternity leave…
Lulu: Oh… right.
Alvin: …I'm here, you know, to do whatever.
Lulu: Well, thank you.
Alvin: All I'm saying is, uh… you know, give me some warning because I've, uh… I've kinda gotten used to the free time. I'm planning to run for City Council. But, you know… whatever. Uh… if you need me to talk to the Board or take the reins back for awhile, just let me know.
Lulu: Well, I'm planning on staying here, Alvin… for the long term, you know, so…
Alvin: Right. I'm not suggesting you weren't, Lulu. (Sighs)
Lulu: Right. (Turns to leave)
Alvin: I'm happy for you, Lulu. You and Nick. Truly happy.
Lulu: Thanks. (Exits)
Scene: Nick's bedroom
Nick sits up in bed, propped against the headboard, reading. Lulu lies on her stomach towards the foot of the bed on top of the covers working on something.
Lulu: So, today your dad was, uh… a little condescending.
Nick: What?
Lulu: Yeah, he asked me if I ever handled a claim like this before.
Nick: Well, have you?
Lulu: That's not the point. Did he tell you about our conversation?
Nick: He said that he went to talk to you.
Lulu: Did you, uhm… did you tell him about us?
Nick: About the pregnancy? No. No.
Lulu: What about the proposal?
Nick: Well, you know, I, uh… I did ask him for my mother's ring.
Lulu: That was your mother's ring?
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: You didn't tell me that.
Nick: Well, it doesn't matter. (Grimaces)
Lulu: Aah… do you think maybe your dad resents me being…?
Nick: No. It's just the way he does business. Believe me.
Lulu nibbles her thumbnail then returns to what she was working on.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Alvin steps off the elevator to find Rufus waiting for him.
Rufus: Hey. Hey. You gotta get me outta that Christian men's shelter.
Alvin: Rufus.
Rufus: You gotta get me outta there. It's like a prison in that place. Bunch a animals. (Follows Alvin to his office) You know, I never asked how your dad died.
Alvin: (Sighs) Smoking. (Pause) Drinking.
Rufus: I used to drink with your dad… down on the dock some nights and, uh… Man… he could… he could really put it away. But I played ball with him, too, you know? (Alvin looks through his messages) I mean, he played and I rode the pine but there was this one game against Schenley—double overtime. Man! Coach never took him out. And no matter what Schenley did, they couldn't stop Bobby.
Alvin: (Smiles) I used to play hoops with him in the driveway. 'Course he only shot one-handed because he always had a beer bottle in the other.
Rufus: Alvin, I've been thinking a lot. And I've been thinking maybe… if I stopped with the drinking I could go to that place you were talking about. If I stopped.
Alvin: (Sighs—considers, then reaches for his Rolodex and dials a number) Hello. Aah… Dawn. Alvin Masterson. Listen. I have a gentleman here with me who, uh… he has some issues he's working on but, uh… I think that, uh… he may succeed at Hewlett House. Yeah. Yeah, I can hold.
Rufus: Whew.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Lulu meets with Burton about the Longo claim.
Burton: If Mr. Longo will, uh… drop this adverse possession claim, Mr. Hassey is willing to give him an apartment… in Dormont.
Lulu: Dormont?
Burton: Yeah.
Lulu: That's not a very nice neighborhood.
Burton: (Chuckles) Well, it's a lot better than where he's living now.
Lulu: Yeah, but the land in question is potentially worth seven hundred thousand dollars. And a one-bedroom apartment in Dormont is worth less than forty.
Burton: The only reason we're having this conversation is because my client wants to start construction on his development… now. And if you litigate this thing with me, your client's gonna end up receiving nothing. And you're gonna be wasting a lot of your valuable time that could've been dedicated to people who really need you.
Lulu: Ralph Longo's welfare records came in. He's been receiving food stamps for over two decades and his listed address for that entire time… is the house that you evicted him from.
Burton: Huh. Is that a no? (Smirks)
Lulu: Uh… I'll bring your offer to my client but I'm not gonna recommend it. (Stands to leave)
Burton: Okay. (Stands)
Lulu: (Uncomfortable moment) Yeah, okay. Uh… I guess I'll talk to you later. (They shake hands)
Burton: Yeah, okay. Take care.
Lulu exits.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—common room—morning
Donnie reads the sports page to Ralph, who sits in his wheelchair—in a daze.
Donnie: “The Steelers' pass defense failed again. The only bright spot was their receiving trio which combined for three hundred yards in total offense.” Hey, Gramps. You listening?
Ralph: Oh. Oh, sorry. Just tired.
Nick walks up to Laurie, who is standing several feet away, observing the scene.
Nick: What'd the foster family say?
Laurie: They'll take him.
Nick: You sent other kids there?
Laurie: They specialize in at-risk teens. They're very good. They're great together, you know?
Donnie: (Knocks a food tray out of the hands of an orderly) Hey! Have you even looked at his chart? He's allergic to peanut butter, you jackass!
Orderly: Um… sorry.
Nick and Laurie approach.
Donnie: I'm sorry. Can you please just get him some turkey instead? Please?
Ralph: Good boy.
Nick sits down next to them.
Nick: There's a foster family…
Donnie: No. No.
Nick: Donnie… you can't stay in a shelter forever.
Donnie: I'm not going to. Grandpa says his lawyer's gonna take care of everything, and… then we're gonna get some money.
Nick: Mr. Longo, Social Services has found Donnie a very good foster home. (Looks to Ralph—no response; then to Donnie) Well, I'm gonna tell the court I think it's the best place for you.
Donnie: Look, thanks to you, I only get two hours a day with my grandfather and you're cutting into it. (Nick leaves)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office
Rufus sits in the office looking at Alvin's 'mock-up' election campaign signs. Alvin enters.
Rufus: Hey, you runnin' for somethin'?
Alvin: Thinking about it.
Rufus: Nice flyers. Very creative.
Alvin: (Chuckles) Thanks.
Rufus: City Council. Impressive. Hell, man, I'd vote for a guy like you.
Alvin: Here. (Sets a paper sack on the desk in front of Rufus)
Rufus: What's all this? (Takes the sack)
Alvin: Soap. Shampoo. Razor. There's a “Y” down the street. Go get yourself cleaned up. Here ya go. (Hands him a suit of clothes on a hanger) Yeah, these should fit. You have to make a good impression at your Hewlett House interview this afternoon.
Rufus: Hewlett House?
Alvin: Yeah, confirmed everything this morning. They'll meet with ya.
Rufus: All right. Thanks a lot, man.
Alvin: My pleasure.
Rufus: I'll see ya later.
Alvin: Yeah.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Burton knocks on the open door.
Burton: Hey.
Lulu: Hey.
Burton: Yeah, I was just in the neighborhood. I thought I'd drop by for a second.
Lulu: Okay.
Burton: Yeah. So this, uh… this a new… a new office, right?
Lulu: Yeah.
Burton: Yeah, it's nice.
Lulu: Thank you.
Burton: Yeah. How do ya like running this place?
Lulu: Yeah, I do.
Burton: Good. Good.
Lulu: What can I do for you, Burton?
Burton: I was just wondering if you got a chance to take our offer to your client.
Lulu: He wasn't interested.
Burton: Oh… Well… suppose we put the ten thousand on top of the apartment?
Lulu: Again… I would recommend that my client not take it.
Burton: Now you do know this is our final offer, right? (Stands to leave)
Lulu: (Stands) Right. Uh… Burton, I just wanted to mention that, uh… you know, Nick and I are trying to figure things out, but… I… I was very honored when I found out that the ring came from…
Burton: Well, I guess that's, uh… that's between you and Nick.
Lulu: Right.
Burton: So, I… guess I'll see you in court. Take care.
Lulu: Right.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—Ralph's room
Lulu: There ya go. (Finishes tying his tie)
Ralph: Oh, thanks for the loan.
Lulu: It's my boyfriend's tie.
Ralph: Ah… good for you. Pretty girl like you should have a nice fella in her life.
Lulu: (Laughs) Well, you look very handsome in it.
Ralph: Thanks. You know, you remind me of someone. Yeah. I had a girl once… long time ago. Pretty. Not so pretty as you, though. I didn't treat her well. I… not so good at all. That was a mistake. I shoulda treated her better but… Anyway… you remind me of her. Huh…
Lulu: You ready?
Ralph: Yeah. (Tries to pull on his jacket)
Lulu: Uh… here ya go. (Ralph stands and Lulu helps with his jacket)
Ralph: Okay. Oooh. (Sits back down from the exertion)
Lulu: Wha… Oh… oh. Are you okay?
Ralph: Yeah.
Lulu: Are you sure? (Concerned)
Ralph: Yeah.
Lulu: You know, you don't have to come.
Ralph: No, I wanna go.
Lulu: I mean, I can do it without you. I've…
Ralph: No.
Lulu: …got your affidavits.
Ralph: I wanna go. Please. Okay?
Lulu: Okay.
Ralph stands again, cautiously, and sits in the wheelchair then signals for Lulu to go.
Scene: Hewlett House—living room—afternoon
Rufus' interview with Dawn Pinnisi.
Alvin: Ray Schmiel works hard at his sobriety. Like all addicts, he has his lapses, but… he's trying. And he wants to succeed. I know that he'll benefit from being at Hewlett House but Hewlett House will benefit from having him.
Dawn: Alvin, Mr. Schmiel is still drinking.
Alvin: He's gonna stop.
Dawn: You 'know' our policy here.
Alvin: And it's a good one. But, I know you can help him. Dawn… I wouldn't ask you to do this if I didn't believe that.
Dawn: (Long pause—sighs—smiles) Welcome… Mr. Schmiel. (Rufus grins and nods)
Alvin: All right. (Pats Rufus on the back and smiles)
Scene: Aldrich High School—hallway
Alvin saunters down the hallway—hands in his pockets. Bell rings. Casually walks up to a trophy case and looks at the trophies. Then takes a closer look.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—corridor
Burton paces—waits. Lulu pushes Ralph up in his wheelchair.
Burton: Hey… Lulu.
Lulu: Hey, Burton.
Burton: Mr. Longo. (Shakes his hand)
Nick walks up—anxious.
Nick: Dad. Lulu. Uh… there's a bit of a problem. We need to adjourn the hearing.
Burton: We're just about to get started.
Lulu: What's the problem?
Nick: It's about Donnie.
Ralph: Well, what happened?
Burton: Can it wait?
Nick: Dad, can you just ask for a week's adjournment, please?
Scene: Allegheny County Jail—office
Laurie: Donnie was caught trying to retrieve twelve bags of crystal meth from the fireplace in his old house.
Ralph: From our house? (Surprised)
Nick: Did you know there were drugs in your house?
Lulu: (To Ralph) Don't say anything, Mr. Longo.
Nick: (To Laurie) Has he spoken to a public defender yet?
Laurie: He'll get one at arraignment. (Pause) There's more. Donnie's real last name is Mendez. He's been missing from his family in Fort Wayne, Indiana, since he was ten.
Ralph: What?
Laurie: Turns out he was finger-printed before nursery school. So when the police ran his prints… (Police officer taps on the door glass for Nick—Nick glances up—signals, just a minute) His mother's been notified.
Nick: Did you check her out?
Laurie nods. Nick looks at Ralph and Lulu then exits the room and follows the officer to a holding cell where Donnie waits. Nick angrily tosses his briefcase on the table and begins to pace, rubbing his forehead.
Scene: Allegheny County Jail—holding cell
Nick: (Sighs—chuffs) Meth? (Disbelief)
Donnie: I had to make some more cash so… so we could get outta town and find someplace to live.
Nick: (Nods) And old Ralph isn't your grandfather.
Donnie: Well, he… he always said if… if he had a grandson he'd bet he'd be like me so I… I called him Gramps once as a joke and he liked it.
Nick: When did you two hook up?
Donnie: Four years ago when—when I first got to Pittsburgh. Uh… Ralph saw me gettin' my ass kicked by some older kids and he chased them off, so… I was… I was pretty beat-up and he said I could stay and… he never asked me to go.
Nick: Did Ralph know you were selling drugs out of his house?
Donnie: 'Course not.
Nick: (Leans closer) You telling me the truth?
Donnie: He'd—he'd kill me if he knew. But I had to to make some money. Ralph couldn't work. (Pause) If I'm not with him, he won't last a year. What's gonna happen to him if—if I go to jail? Who's gonna take care of him?
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Damsen's courtroom
Judge Damsen: Pending disposition of the criminal charges against him, Donald Mendez is to be returned immediately to his mother's custody.
Maggie Mendez rises and starts towards her son. Nick looks at Donnie. Donnie looks at Ralph as the bailiff takes his arm and starts to lead him away.
Maggie Mendez: Donnie. I never stopped praying. I never stopped. (Donnie looks past his mother to Ralph)
Bailiff leads him away.
Ralph: (To Nick) Where're they taking Donnie?
Nick: (Leans over to talk to Ralph) His public defender worked out a plea. He's gonna be serving his probation in Fort Wayne.
Ralph: (Upset) But, where're they taking him?
Nick: He's going back to Indiana and live with his mom.
Lulu: Come on. I'm gonna take you back to the hospital. (Wheels him out of the courtroom)
Ralph: He told me he had no family. He said he was living on the street his whole life.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office
Alvin walks into his office to find Rufus there—high.
Rufus: The bastards threw me out. (Throws up his hands)
Alvin: Hewlett House called me this morning.
Rufus: They threw me out. You gotta find me a new place.
Alvin: They found you doing meth.
Rufus: Yeah.
Alvin: You said you would stay clean.
Rufus: Come on, man. None of us are clean. You think Super Bum is clean? He's high right now. (Chuckles) Come on, now. Don't look so surprised. I bought the meth on your elevator from one of the kids that lives on the lot from me. Look, Alvin, I slipped up. Just call Hewlett House. Give me another chance. Your ole man woulda helped me. This one time, I passed out behind the bar and these two guys tried to roll me and Bobby comes outta no…
Alvin: (Slams the 1954 Aldrich High School Yearbook on the desk) I went to Aldrich High School yesterday. My dad never played senior year. Never even made varsity. Half a season—freshman ball. That was it. You played though. Team captain. Season MVP. You played that double-overtime game.
Rufus: Hey… look…
Alvin: You took a paddling for that kid, too?
Rufus: (Pause) Yeah, I'm the one that got paddled.
Alvin: Just get outta my office.
Rufus: I told you what I thought you wanted to here.
Alvin: (Pause—big sigh) Well, Hewlett House is outta the question now.
Rufus: Well, someplace else then.
Alvin: I'll make a few calls.
Rufus: All right.
Rufus stands to leave—unsteady on his feet. Meets Abby, on her way in. He makes an exaggerated bow to allow her to pass—then exits. Abby enters carrying a box and places it on Alvin's desk.
Abby: We have a fund-raiser scheduled for the end of the month and I made some calls to get you onto Pittsburgh Politics.
Alvin: I thought you were leaning towards 'no.'
Abby: I was. But then I thought about what you said. About your experience. Your work with the poor. You've got good intentions, Alvin. It's sweet… if nothing else.
Alvin: (Grins) Thank you, I think.
Abby: Well, gotta run. But I'll call you later to talk about setting up some debates. (Exits)
Alvin: Okay.
Robert Bridge enters as Abby leaves.
Robert: What's that stuff?
Alvin: (Smiles) An opportunity for change, young Robert. An opportunity for change.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—hallway
Ralph and Lulu sit waiting. Nick strides up.
Lulu: (Stands) Donnie's mother was driving him home. At the first red light he jumps out and comes here.
Nick: What happened?
Lulu: He tried to leave with Ralph but they didn't even make it down the hallway.
Nick: Where's Donnie?
Lulu: (Nods her head) He's there.
Nick turns to see Donnie being led away in handcuffs by a police officer.
Ralph: Donnie.
Nick follows them to the door then returns and stands behind Lulu.
Ralph: (To Lulu) What's gonna happen to him?
Lulu: His probation will be revoked and he'll have to serve the sentence for drug possession.
Ralph: (Agitated) But… what if they were my drugs?
Lulu: Mr. Longo… (Shakes her head)
Ralph: He… Donnie can't go to prison for drugs if they were mine. He was selling 'em for me. So we'd have money.
Lulu: What you're saying is very serious, Mr. Longo. (Tries to calm him)
Ralph: Put… put 'me' away.
Lulu: (Senses Nick behind her—turns and snaps) Will you give me a minute, please? (Nick holds up his hand—shakes his head and backs off)
Ralph: 'Cause they were mine. Let… let… let him go.
Lulu: (Stoops down beside Ralph—whispers) I know you're trying to help but you're just gonna make things worse. Please, just be quiet. Okay? Just… give me a minute.
Lulu walks over to Nick.
Lulu: (Let's out a deep breath) Well, you know he didn't mean that. (Nick looks at Ralph) What—what I mean is that you have an ethical obligation to keep what he said to yourself.
Nick: Why?
Lulu: Because it's privileged information.
Nick: Ralph isn't my client.
Lulu: You work for LSP. He's an LSP client. He's your client.
Nick: Oh, come on, Lulu. You heard it. I heard it. He publicly admitted to using that property for criminal purpose. (Pause) That kills his adverse possession claim.
Lulu: He's just an old man who's protecting a boy that he loves. Come on, Nick. Besides… it's privileged.
Nick: (Gives her a look) I got it. (Nods—backs off, then turns and leaves)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—reception area—evening
Nick lurks in view of his father's office. Burton and Lulu exit.
Burton: Well, I'm glad you convinced your client this is a good deal. (Walks her through the lobby)
Lulu: Well, uh… it made sense.
Burton: Yeah. I'll draw up the papers for the apartment. And then, uh… next week I'll send you a cashier's check for ten thousand dollars. Okay?
Lulu: Okay.
Burton: Yeah.
Lulu: Thank you. (They shake hands)
Burton: You bet. Thank you.
Nick walks up.
Lulu: Hi.
Nick: Hey. (Kisses her on the mouth)
Lulu: Uh… I have some work to finish up at the office. I'll see you at home?
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: Okay. (To Burton) Bye. (Exits)
Burton: Bye-bye. Take care. (To Nick—in a whisper) You talk to her about this?
Nick: No.
Burton: She just changed her mind?
Nick: Well, I guess.
Burton: Oh. It's a good deal for Hassey. Truth be known, that young lady had a winning case.
Nick: Yeah, I know. (Starts to walk away)
Burton: Hey… what about, uh… Nemacolin, now? We still on?
Nick: Sure.
Burton: Oh. You gonna bring Lulu? (Nick hesitates) You… have you even asked her yet?
Nick: I haven't gotten around to it yet.
Burton: (Sigh) Nicholas… Ask her. Bring her. Okay? Be… good for ya. 'Kay?
Burton walks away. Nick watches him go then turns and walks away.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office—after hours
Lulu is working late. Nick walks into her office.
Nick: Hey.
Lulu: (Looks up) Hey.
Nick: I, uh… just spoke to Laurie. She's gonna set up Donnie's delinquency hearing for tomorrow.
Lulu: Yeah. She already called. You know I can't stop thinking about Donnie's mother. I mean… you lose your son when he's a little boy. You spend years looking for him, wondering if he's even alive and then one day, out of the blue, the phone rings. And when she sees him… I mean, you know, he's not a kid anymore. He's a man. Couldn't possibly resemble the boy she lost. And now she's gonna lose him again. So many parents fail their children.
Nick: (Quietly) Yeah.
Lulu: It just seems so easy to make all the wrong decisions.
Nick: Well… I guess you just gotta do the best you can.
Lulu: Yeah.
Nick: (Pause) Hey… You only ever see the wrong decisions here.
They share a tender look—he exits. She sighs.
END OF EPISODE
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