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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Pittsburgh Athletic Club – swimming pool – early morning
Nick dives into the pool and swims a lap then climbs out of the pool, removing his goggles.
Eddie: (Attendant) Morning, Mr. Fallin. (Hands him a towel)
Nick: Morning, Eddie.
Eddie: See ya tomorrow, Mr. Fallin.
Nick heads for the locker room.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Nick stands in the office, waiting for Burton. On the desk, he notices a Christmas photo-card of a client and his happy family. He looks intently at the photo.
Burton: (Opens the door and enters) Nicholas. (Shuts the door)
Nick: How'd it go with the doctor?
Burton: Evidently I've got a little blockage. (Deposits his briefcase on the desk and hangs up his overcoat)
Nick: Yeah? How much?
Burton: Four out of five arteries. Eighty-five percent.
Nick: So you need surgery?
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: Well, when you gonna go in?
Burton: I don't know. A few months, I guess. (Sits down at the desk and begins unloading his briefcase)
Nick: A few months?
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: Well, why not right now?
Burton: Well, in the first place, we're right in the middle of that Onyx Freight merger.
Nick: Oh, Dad, that's my deal. I can take care of that alone.
Burton: Nicholas, we've been working with James Fuller for a long time now. That's, uh… that's a little tricky.
Nick: You shouldn't let Fuller stop you from having the surgery.
Burton: Well, the real problem is, that, uh… surgeon I want Dr. Hutter…
Nick: Right.
Burton: Bangkok for the next eight weeks.
Nick: Are you gonna wait for him to get back?
Burton: Yeah.
Nick stares at his father, concerned, as Burton finishes unloading his briefcase.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh— Nick's office
Nick removes a piece of paper from a large envelope and looks intently at a child's drawing of himself and his family. Across the bottom, scrawled in a child's hand: Thank you Mr. Fallin. Lulu walks in.
Lulu: Nick. (He slowly looks up at her) What's that?
Nick: Uh… it's just a picture… from a client.
Lulu: (Takes a seat then reaches for the drawing) Ooh… it's sweet.
Nick: Yeah. (Flashes a smile which fades quickly)
Lulu: (Lays the picture on the desk—Nick picks it up again—half listening to Lulu) Uhm… so, I think I found a realtor. (Pause) A realtor that I like. Her name's Penny. She works primarily in Shadyside and East Liberty so… you know, she knows exactly what we're looking for.
Nick: Okay.
Lulu: And she's already found some great places, so… I just wanted to check your schedule.
Nick: Well… whenever… whenever you want.
Lulu: Whenever?
Nick: Whenever.
Lulu: (Pause—grins) Okay. (Stands and leaves)
Nick returns his attention to the drawing then takes a small piece of paper from his inside pocket and dials a number.
Nick: Hi, this is, uh, Nick Fallin. Is there a Betty? (Listens) Yeah, hi. Uh… Dr. Garrison said that you would have a list of available heart surgeons for my father. (Listens—writes) Okay. Okay. Well, thank you, Betty. I appreciate it. (Hangs up the phone)
Suzanne overhears—walks in.
Suzanne: Is someone sick?
Nick: Uh… just a friend. Has a heart problem.
Suzanne: Oh. My dad died of a heart attack when I was fifteen.
Nick: I'm sorry. (His gaze lingers on her a moment)
Suzanne: (Pause—watches him as he sets the child's picture aside) Anyway, um… I was just assigned to, uh… this kid… uh, Christopher Rapp. Lulu said that he was your client last year.
Nick: Don't remember him.
Suzanne: Well, he's in some trouble over at Summit Boot Camp.
Scene: Summit Boot Camp—building interior
Nick and Suzanne walk through the building. Suzanne hurries to keep up.
Suzanne: Chris was placed at Summit two months ago.
Nick: Why?
Suzanne: Had a problem with an eight-year-old girl.
Nick: Problem?
Suzanne: (Slightly out of breath) Apparently he touched her.
Nick: Okay.
Suzanne: So it was either Summit or Juvie.
Nick: How old is he?
Suzanne: Fifteen. Last week he got into some trouble. Started a fire in the mess hall. Head of the Camp locked him in a closet for two days. That's why we're here.
Sergeant Wilkinson: Let's go! Fall in! We don't have all day, gentlemen! Let's go! Line up! Move it! Come on, gentlemen!
Nick and Suzanne stop and watch for a moment, as several boys scurry to get in formation while the man continues to bark orders, then they resume walking.
Christopher Rapp: (Walks up) Hey, Mr. Fallin.
Nick: Hey, Chris.
Chris: (Looks at Suzanne) Who are you?
Suzanne: I am Suzanne Pell. I'm assigned to your case with Mr. Fallin. (Extends her hand)
Chris: You're really pretty.
Suzanne: Thanks.
Chris: That's okay.
Nick: (Leads the way to the meeting room) Have a seat. (They enter and sit down—Nick shuts the door)
Nick notices that Chris can't take his eyes off Suzanne as she leafs through his file.
Nick: Uh… Suzanne… can you give us a minute? Thank you.
Chris watches her as she exits.
Nick: (Sits) So, I heard you started a fire.
Chris: Uh… well, they wouldn't let me see my mom… for her birthday. I always see my mom for her birthday. Always.
Nick: You having a hard time here?
Chris: Yeah. I mean… there are some cool people here. Mostly not. (Nick nods) And the counselors, I—I like a few of them, but… but a couple a guys make us fight and, they—they bet on us.
Nick: You report this?
Chris: Just to you guys. I mean, most of the kids hate me. They made me eat mud once. Uh… uh… they stole my shoes. And, and I can take that but… but when that counselor did that thing—locked me in the closet. I just wanted to see my mom.
Nick: All right, Chris. Well, uh… I'll see what I can do.
Chris: You'll get me outta here?
Nick: I'll see what I can do. (Stands and exits, quickly) (To a custodian outside the door) Thank you.
Scene: Summit Boot Camp—hallway—moments later
Nick strides down the hallway. Stops when he sees Suzanne talking with Counselor Wilkinson.
Wilkinson: Like I said before. He was punished appropriately given the circumstances.
Suzanne: Did you lock him in a closet?
Wilkinson: (Sees Nick staring at him) (Tersely) He was punished appropriately. (Walks off)
Suzanne walks over to Nick.
Suzanne: What a tool.
Nick: Yeah, well, you know, uh… let's try and get this kid outta here.
Suzanne: They'll just send him to Juvie.
Nick: Well, maybe we can work something out with the Judge. (Starts walking)
Suzanne: Okay. (Follows) Nick?
Nick: Yeah?
Suzanne: About the other night at the party… It just happened and I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I don't exactly go around kissing men in coat rooms. (Smiles)
Scene: Burton Fallin's house—kitchen
Nick enters the kitchen door without knocking.
Nick: Dad? (Removes his overcoat and lays it over a chair)
Notices a framed picture on the desk of himself, his father and a client. Picks it up and looks at it. Shannon enters the room.
Shannon: Hey, Nick. (Gets a canned soda from the refrigerator)
Nick: Hey.
Shannon: What's up?
Nick: Nothing.
Shannon: You eating over?
Nick: No.
Silence as they look at each other for a moment then…
Nick: Is my dad here?
Shannon: Yeah.
Burton enters the room carrying a glass of scotch.
Burton: Hey.
Nick: Hey.
Burton: Thought I heard you.
Nick: Yeah. Uh… Shannon, I… I have to speak with my dad.
Burton: Work stuff?
Nick: Yeah.
Burton: Well… Okay, honey?
Shannon: Okay. (Exits)
Burton: Okay.
Nick: Hey, uh… D'you wanna sit down?
Looks at Nick funny then sits on a stool at the breakfast bar.
Burton: Okay. (Removes his glasses) What's going on?
Nick: I spoke to… What are you drinking?
Burton: Scotch.
Nick: Scotch.
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: I went to see Dr. Garrison today.
Burton: Did you. (Takes a drink)
Nick: He thinks you should have the surgery now.
Burton: He also thinks Dr. Hutter is 'the' best heart surgeon on the East Coast.
Nick: Well, you may not live to have Dr. Hutter do your procedure.
Burton: Well, he did Ron Hassey, Moses Paul and Jerry Stephens.
Nick: And they think very highly of him, but I'm sure Dr. Hutter wasn't on a vacation in Thailand when they were diagnosed. I have a list here of three surgeons—all available and all highly recommended. (Removes the papers from his inside pocket and hands them to Burton)
Burton: (Looks over the Curriculum Vitae of the doctors) (Chuckles) Oh… Dr. Makita. We sued him. John Siegel. I used to play tennis with him. I never liked the guy.
Nick: Well, then it's Patricia Driscoll.
Burton: It says she graduated med school nine years ago.
Nick: Right.
Burton: How old is she?
Nick: (Can't believe the line of questions) (Shakes his head) I don't… Maybe… Thirty-eight?
Burton: No way.
Nick: Dad… if you don't do this and you have a heart attack, then it's a whole new ballgame.
Burton: Nicholas, you know… a little experience wouldn't hurt.
Nick: Well, it's… I'd really appreciate if you'd consider someone on that list.
Burton: (Sighs—looks at the documents again) Well…
Nick: (Long pause) I'm gonna have a baby. Um… Lulu's pregnant and… you know, I just… I just hope that… that you can be around to… meet your grandkids.
Scene: House for sale—living room
Nick stands, arms folded across his chest, looking at a happy family photograph of the current residents of this very large house, while Penny shows Lulu through the place.
Penny: (They walk towards Nick) There's a three car garage and the master bedroom is spectacular, don't you think? (To Nick) So… how do you like it?
Nick: (Bobs his head—non-committal)
Penny: Well, have you looked around? (Chuckles)
Nick: Yeah.
Penny: You know, the only mistake that they made with this house is not having a powder room at the front entrance. But I was thinking… you could knock that closet out and put a half bath in.
Lulu: (Smiles—walks up to Nick) Yeah, I, uhm… (To Nick) Can I tell you what I'm thinking about or would you like to form your own opinion? (Smiles)
Nick: I'm trying very hard to form my own opinion.
Lulu: Right.
Penny: Uhm… let me show you the backyard.
Lulu: Oh, okay. (To Nick) Uh… you wanna come?
Nick: Uh… I'll catch up.
Lulu: Okay. (Follows Penny)
Nick looks around the room and then back to the happy family photo.
Scene: Pittsburgh Athletic Club—swimming pool—morning
Pool is empty except for Nick. He swims towards us, then turns and swims back.
Scene: Pittsburgh Memorial Hospital—auditorium
Nick is seated then stands as Dr. Driscoll walks down the aisle, exiting the auditorium. He intercepts her.
Nick: Hi.
Dr. Driscoll: You Nick?
Nick: Dr. Driscoll? (She nods—they shake hands) Thanks for your time.
They walk together out of the auditorium and into the hallway.
Dr. Driscoll: What can I do for you?
Nick: I just wanted to ask you some questions about my father—Burton Fallin.
Dr. Driscoll: I've seen his chart. He needs surgery.
Nick: How many of these procedures have you performed?
Dr. Driscoll: A hundred and fifty.
Nick: If you don't mind my asking, what is your success rate?
Dr. Driscoll: (They stop walking) It's heart surgery, but… my fatality rate is consistent with every other top thoracic surgeon.
Nick: What do you think of Dr. Hutter?
Dr. Driscoll: I think he's good. He trained me. If you're asking if I can handle it, my answer is absolutely.
Nick: Great. (She turns and walks away) Thank you.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—anteroom outside Burton's office
Burton stands at his secretary's desk. Nick approaches.
Nick: Dad. Hey.
Burton: (Turns to face him) Hey.
Nick: I just met with Dr. Driscoll. She's very impressive. You know, I thought maybe if… if you just met with her… you guys…
Burton: Oh, no, no… I… I appreciate that, but I think I'm, uh… I'm gonna just wait and… Hutter's my guy. At least, that's the way I see it. (Chuckles)
Nick: Uh huh…
Burton: And besides that, the Onyx deal is really heating up now, so… (Walks away)
Nick is clearly concerned.
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Lutz' chambers
Judge Lutz: Do you have any proof of these claims?
Nick: Just his word.
Judge: And the head of the Camp, uh… Mr. Wilkinson…
Nick: 'Sergeant' Wilkinson is clearly gonna protect his position at the Camp. He says that… nothing happened.
Judge: Ms. Pell, have you filed an incident report?
Suzanne: I have.
Judge: Then let the State look into it.
Nick: But that doesn't help my client, Your Honor.
Judge: You're asking me to send your client to juvenile detention?
Nick: No, I'm asking you to let me find him an appropriate placement.
Judge: Your client has been in front of me twice; last time for molesting an eight-year-old girl.
Nick: That's correct.
Judge: I'll wait for the State's report on the Camp. But for now, Chris stays where his is.
Nick is disappointed.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—elevator/bullpen
Nick and Suzanne step off the elevator.
Suzanne: Anyway, that was the first and the last time that I ever dated on the Internet.
Nick: How old was he? (Big smile)
Suzanne: I don't know… eighteen? (Nick chuckles) But I'm thinking high school. (Nick laughs—she punches his shoulder, playfully)
Lulu observes the two of them—approaches.
Lulu: Hey… Nick. Hi, Suzanne. (Big smile)
Suzanne: Hi, Lulu.
Lulu: (To Nick) D'you have a second?
Nick: Sure. (To Suzanne) Uh… d'you… d'you want me to call Chris?
Suzanne: No, I got it. (She and Lulu exchange glances)
Nick: Okay. (To Lulu) Let's go.
Lulu: Okay.
Lulu turns and walks into her office. Nick follows.
Lulu: So… uh… have you thought about that house?
Lulu's office
She sits on the couch and gathers up a stack of papers.
Lulu: Because Penny called and she thinks the owners are gonna come down on the price.
Nick: Well, that's because they're asking too much. (Scoffs)
Lulu: Yeah, but then… you know, if they do that a whole new group of buyers will go and look at it.
Nick: Do you want it?
Lulu: No, I just think it really works for us… with the baby. There's room to grow. (Pause) You're not sure? (Hands him the top page of her stack of papers)
Nick: (Reads over the document) No, I like it, I just, uh… Uuh… I… I was a little distracted last time I was there.
Lulu: (Nods) Well, let's go look at it again.
Scene: House for sale—living room
Nick stands alone in the room—focuses again on the happy family photograph of the current residents.
Lulu: (Off camera—touring the house with Penny) And, you know, if we want to… not now but in a few years, we could… (Enters the room with Penny) …knock down that wall… (Points) …and open up the kitchen and there would be a really open plan.
Penny: Oh, yeah. (Laughs) It has great bones. So… any way you wanna go. Oh, and the zoning around here—very liberal. So… build up, build out or just leave it as-is. It's turnkey.
Nick: What's it gonna cost, Penny? (No nonsense)
Penny: I think we can get it for fifty under the asking price.
Nick: Uh… can you give us a second please?
Penny: Oh, sure. (She steps aside)
Nick: Thanks. (Clears his throat—sighs—looks around) Well, uh… do you want it?
Lulu: Well, it's the best I've seen.
Nick: Right. But, do you want it?
Lulu: Yeah. I do. Do you?
Nick: Well, if you can figure out how to pay for it.
Lulu: Whadaya mean? You sell your house. I sell my house.
Nick: Get a big mortgage.
Lulu: Yeah, but we're both working.
Nick: Well… you know… yeah… you're income's, uh… We both want it so… why don't I just buy it and we can live here together.
Lulu: No, I wanna buy it with you.
Nick: You don't wanna get married, but you wanna get into a 30-year mortgage with me.
They just look at each other.
Scene: Nick's house—bedroom—night
Nick can't sleep. Stares at the ceiling. Phone rings.
Nick: (Startled—sighs—reaches for the phone—rubs his eyes) Uh… yeah? (Listens) Ooh… how badly hurt is he? (Listens) Right. Are you there… at Summit now? (Listens) Okay. Okay… do you need me? (Listens) Good. All right, tomorrow at Judge Lutz'. (Listens) Yeah. Yep. All right. (Hangs up)
Lulu: (Awakened) Who was that?
Nick: Suzanne Pell.
Lulu: What's going on?
Nick: Uh… a client, Chris Rapp… he, uh… tried to escape from Summit. Counselor that caught him, beat him up.
Lulu: Ooh… poor kid.
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: You know, Nick, about the house… It's for the baby, right? Our baby, so… that's why I think that we really should just…
Phone rings.
Nick: (Sighs—grabs the phone) Yeah?
Lulu: Does Suzanne Pell really need you at three o'clock in the morning?
Nick: (Into the phone) All right. (Starts to get out of bed)
Scene: Pittsburgh Memorial Hospital—hallway
Nick walks down the hallway, dressed in casual clothes and his pea coat. Runs his hand through his hair, still mussed from sleeping.
Burton's room: Burton sits upright in bed reading the paper. Nick pauses, then enters.
Burton: Hey.
Nick: Hey. I spoke to Dr. Garrison. Good news is, it wasn't a heart attack.
Burton: Yeah, I didn't think so. Just walking up the stairs to get some cigarettes and… couldn't get my breath. Tightness in the chest.
Nick: You know, this… this Dr. Driscoll, uhm… She was trained by Dr. Hutter… and… and she's available.
Burton: (Nods) Right.
Nick: You wanna do it?
Burton: Well… I guess it makes sense.
Nick: Okay, I'll schedule it.
Burton: Okay.
Nick: Okay.
Burton: Tomorrow morning at nine the guys from Onyx are coming over to the office to talk over the merger…
Nick: I know. I set the meeting.
Burton: Hmm. Think the key is that hold-back provision. Fuller's gonna wanna keep as much money in escrow as…
Nick: Dad. Dad. (Pause) Just let me deal with it.
Burton: Yeah, right. Maybe let's just tell 'em I'm… I got some personal situation to take care of.
Nick: Personal situation?
Burton: Yeah. Just… be vague.
Nick: Why not just tell the truth?
Burton: Might fire us.
Nick: I… (Chuffs—looks away)
Burton: Nicholas, I'm not trying to insult you.
Nick: I've closed three deals for Fuller. I've worked for him for five years. He knows what kind of lawyer I am.
Burton: Right.
Nick: Right, well…
Burton: (Pause) Be vague.
Scene: Nick's house—kitchen/dining area—early morning
Lulu sits in her bathrobe reading something, nibbling her fingertips. Nick and Shannon enter through the kitchen door.
Lulu: How is he?
Nick: Oh, they scheduled his surgery for tomorrow.
Lulu: Might as well get it over with.
Nick: Exactly. (Pours himself a glass of orange juice)
Lulu: (To Shannon) Hi.
Shannon: Hey.
Lulu: You hungry?
Shannon: No.
Lulu: All right. Well, uhm… I put a new toothbrush for you. It's in the bathroom down the hall over there. And there's towels and soap and shampoo and all that. I pulled out the sofa bed for you, too, in the den. It's kinda lumpy though. Sorry. What else? Uhm… d'you… d'you wanna try and get some sleep before school?
Shannon: Can't I just stay home today?
Nick: No, we have to work.
Shannon: Right. (Pause) Is Burton gonna die?
Nick: (Stands over the sink) No, he… (Turns and starts to walk out)
Shannon: I-if he dies…
Nick: (Lashes out) Shannon, could you just stop it! He's not gonna die, okay!
Lulu looks after Nick as he leaves the room then puts her hand on Shannon's shoulder to comfort her.
Scene: Pittsburgh Athletic Club—swimming pool—morning
Nick dives into the empty pool and begins his laps.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—conference room
Nick meets with the Onyx people.
Nick: I spoke to Matt Dunn at Cromwell-Swain. He's…
Fuller: Your father's not coming to this meeting?
Nick: No. So, Dunn is okay with the hold-back provision. He says no problem.
Fuller: He—he didn't tell me that he wasn't coming to this meeting.
Nick: He has a personal situation to attend to. On page 12 you will see that the…
Fuller: Wait.
Nick: …merger…
Fuller: Wait! Whadaya mean… a personal situation?
Nick: Personal situation.
Fuller: (To the other members of his team) You guys wanna gives us a minute here? (They exit) Thank you. This doesn't sound like Burton. Burton hasn't missed a meeting since 1978. What's going on?
Nick: (Reluctantly) He, uh… he has a medical issue.
Fuller: What kind of medical issue?
Nick: Heart.
Fuller: Heart. (Pause) Okay. So listen, why don't we just wait until he gets back to the office and then we'll just finish this up then.
Nick: You sure?
Fuller: Yeah. (They stand and shake hands) Okay?
Nick: All right.
Fuller: What hospital?
Nick: Pittsburgh Memorial.
Fuller: Yeah. I understand Hutter's world-class. (Pats Nick on the shoulder and exits)
Nick is clearly disturbed by the turn of events.
Scene: Allegheny Courthouse—Judge Lutz' courtroom
Nick: As a result, a Camp counselor punched him in the face and hit him with a flashlight. Seven stitches and bruised ribs. Now take a look at my client, Your Honor. This is clearly not a good fit.
Judge Lutz: (Pause) We'll move him.
Nick: Thank you. Chris completed seventy days at Summit. I recommend that he be given his certificate and placed in emergency shelter.
Judge: Fine. But… given the seriousness of Chris' previous offenses, you'll need to arrange twenty-four hour supervision. (Gavel down)
Nick, Chris and Suzanne exit the courtroom. They follow Nick down the corridor.
Chris: There's this place I used to live… before I got in trouble. Maybe I could go there.
Nick: Aah… it's not gonna work.
Chris: But, I liked it there a lot and the head counselor liked me.
Suzanne: Nick?
Nick: It's not an option.
Chris: Could one of you take me to go see my mom?
Suzanne: I'm sure something can be arranged when you get to the shelter.
Chris: But, I missed her birthday. (Chris and Suzanne stop—Nick takes a couple more steps and turns) And she'll be upset. I missed her birthday and they won't take me to go see her! (Getting agitated) And it'll be just like boot camp and they'll say they will and they won't! They'll forget and they won't take me!
Scene: Adult Group Home
Nick and Chris walk down the corridor to Carol Rapp's room.
Woman: (Mentally retarded, escorted by man, speaks to them as they pass in the hallway) Hi. Hi. Hi.
They stand outside Carol's room. She appears to be sleeping.
Chris: That's my mom. She's sleeping.
Nick: Yeah, uh… maybe you should just let her sleep.
Chris: No. She'll be excited to see me. (Chris enters the room)
Nick removes his overcoat, throws it over his arm, and takes a seat in the hallway, just outside the room.
Chris: (Pulls a chair up close to the bed and sits) Hey, Ma.
Carol: What? (Disoriented)
Chris: It's Chris.
Carol: (Pulls the sheet over her face)
Chris: Ma. Ma. It's…it's Chris.
Carol: I was sleeping.
Chris: I brought you this card for your birthday.
Carol: I just wanna sleep.
Chris: But, I brought you this.
Carol: What's it say?
Chris: Um… there's a poem. I didn't write it. Something they made up when they made the cards, but down here I wrote happy birthday and that I love you and that you're a good mom.
Carol: Are you gonna play the piano?
Chris: No.
Carol: There's a kid… comes here sometimes… plays the piano.
Chris: No. No, Mom. It's 'me'… Chris. I'm here to celebrate.
She does not respond. Nick clearly sees his disappointment. Chris places the card on the bedside table and walks out into the hallway.
Chris: (Sighs) My mom… she used to go to this school and she lived with my grandma. And there's this gas station near the school that sold candy, so she used to go there on her way home. And there was this guy. This, uh… you know, gas station guy. A… uhm…
Nick: Attendant.
Chris: Yeah. Right. And, uh… I guess he liked her because she got pregnant and… that's how I was born.
Nick: (Pause) Right.
Chris: But then I guess he didn't really wanna admit that he was her boyfriend, so… that's why I ended up…
Nick: Okay.
They start down the hallway.
Chris: I know my mom's retarded… and I know I'm not. So you don't have to feel bad or anything.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office
Nick: You know, I've been thinking, Lulu, uh… about the house. (Sighs) I'm gonna buy it.
Lulu: Well, I wanna contribute what I can. Any percentage of it that I can own, I really wanna…
Nick: Yeah, it just gets really complicated. (Stands, coffee in hand) You know, any…
Lulu: Well, I know, but I feel…
Nick: We want it, right? So I'm just gonna buy it and we'll see what happens. (Starts to leave)
Lulu: See what happens?
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: Nick. If you think that… getting married… If you think that that's gonna make things easier…
Nick: (Tersely) No. I'm not talking about marriage. I'm talking about buying a house. (Exits)
Scene: Pittsburgh Memorial Hospital—Burton's room
Burton sits in bed, eyes closed. Nick stands in the doorway then starts to leave.
Burton: Hey. I'm awake. Just closed my eyes for a couple a seconds. How long you been standing there?
Nick: Just got here.
Burton: Sit down. I got a… a message from Fuller this morning… at the office. D'you tell him I was in the hospital?
Nick: (Stammers) I did… I… I had to tell him the truth.
Burton: (Shakes his head) Nicholas, I told…
Nick: (Defensively) Dad, I've done a merger. I've done dozens of them.
Burton: That's not the point…
Nick: Well, what's the point then?
Burton: It's Fuller. He needs a certain kind of attorney at his side. (Sighs) Listen, about this baby thing… Is that why you wanted to get married? (Nick doesn't respond) (Sighs) Well, you love this woman. I can see that. (Sighs) You'll be a good dad.
Nick: (Pause—looks at Burton) Listen, I'm sorry about the Onyx deal. I mean… Whadaya want me to do?
Burton: Nothing. I'll just… call Fuller. See if I can straighten it out.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Nick exits the elevator and encounters Lulu, leaving.
Lulu: I told Shannon I'd pick her up.
Nick: I can do that.
Lulu: Yeah, but she wants to buy makeup. (Smiles)
Nick: Ah… (Nods) Okay. (Starts to walk away then…) Oh, I made an offer on the house.
Lulu: You did?
Nick: Yeah. Seventy under the asking.
Lulu: (Pause) Oh…kay. Well, I hope you get it.
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: See ya.
Lulu heads to the elevator. Nick to his office. He opens the door and finds Suzanne—smoking.
Nick: I know they don't appreciate smoking up here.
He then sees her face. She has a cut lip, scratches on her chest and her blouse is torn.
Nick: What happened to you?
Suzanne: (Pause) I went to see Chris at the shelter. He was upset about something.
Nick: His mother?
Suzanne: He was crying. Said something about her. Took him into a meeting room. Tried to calm him down.
Nick: He did this to you?
Suzanne: He grabbed me and hit me and… got on top of me. Ripped my shirt. (Pause—disposes of the cigarette) Guards came in fast.
Nick: Are you okay?
Suzanne: I could use a drink.
Scene: Bar—night
Suzanne has removed her torn blouse, now wearing only her skimpy camisole and a tight skirt. She's on her second martini. Nick appears to be drinking Perrier.
Suzanne: And so we're talking about moving in together and he says to me that he's an existentialist. And that he wants me to understand what it means. He keeps saying, 'what it means'.
Nick: I don't get it.
Suzanne: I think that he meant that he didn't want me to expect too much from him 'cause nothing matters anyway so why even bother to try.
Nick: So, you didn't move in with him?
Suzanne: No, I did. It was a disaster. (Nick smiles—glances at his watch) Am I keeping you?
Nick: (Smiles—looks at her for a long moment) No.
Suzanne: I'm keeping you. (Slight shake of his head) I like you. I don't care about obligations or whatever. I've tried that. I even got married for awhile. I just like to… when I feel something… I like to feel it. (They share an intense look)
Tune changes on the jukebox to a slow seductive tune.
Suzanne: I'm gonna dance. You don't have to.
Nick watches as Suzanne steps out onto the dance floor and begins to move her hips to the music, eyes closed.
Nick: (To the waitress as she clears away one empty martini glass) Can I get a shot of tequila?
Scene: Nick's house—later that night/early morning
Nick peeks into the bedroom at Lulu—sleeping. He no longer has his tie on. Stares for a moment at Lulu, then quietly leaves, unable to face her.
Scene: Pittsburgh Athletic Club—swimming pool
After swimming laps, he exits the pool, removing his goggles. He grabs a towel and wipes his face. Exhales a deep breath.
Scene: Nick's house—breakfast room—morning
Nick steps into the room wearing jeans and a hooded sweatshirt, carrying his suit bag and briefcase. Lulu and Shannon are having breakfast.
Lulu: Hi.
Nick: Morning. (Rubs his eyes and grabs the coffee carafe. It is empty)
Shannon: May I come to the hospital today?
Nick: Well, it's just gonna be a lot of waiting around.
Shannon: I'd like to come.
Nick: Maybe after school. (Carries the empty carafe and his cup to the kitchen where he gets a glass of water)
Shannon: I just wanna be there, in case… you know…
Nick: It's gonna be fine.
Lulu: Yeah. It's just a routine operation, Shannon.
Shannon: But what if something happens?
Nick: We deal with it.
Shannon: Right. But if something goes wrong, what's gonna happen to me? Where will I live?
Nick: We'll find a place.
Shannon: But not with you?
Nick: I don't know. (Pause) I'll pick you up at eleven-thirty. Okay? Bye. (To Lulu) Bye. (Leans over and kisses her goodbye)
Lulu: Bye.
Shannon: I'll need a note.
Nick: What?
Shannon: To get outta school. I'll need a note.
Nick: (Looks to Lulu) All right. (Takes a pad and pen from the counter and writes)
Shannon: Mr. Mashaka.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Nick's office
Nick is working when James Fuller comes to the door—knocks.
Fuller: Hey.
Nick: Hey. (Stands)
Fuller: I, uh… spoke with your dad on the phone yesterday. (They shake hands) Uh… sounds like he's doing pretty good.
Nick: Yeah, he's doing great given the circumstances.
Fuller: Well, we both know that Burton is tough. But there's no way that he's gonna get back to this office in time to close this up.
Nick: (Pause) Right. Well, as you know, Mr. Fuller, I'm perfectly capable of doing this kind of work myself.
Fuller: Yes. I hired Randall Kirk's firm.
Nick: (Long pause) Randall Kirk.
Fuller: Um. He's gonna be taking over this deal.
Nick: Right.
Fuller: So… if you could get him the files and bring him up to speed.
Nick: (Long pause) Yeah. Sure.
Fuller: Thanks. (Exits)
Nick sits back down. Ponders what's just happened and after a moment, angrily sweeps a file off his desk onto the floor.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Reception area—moments later
Suzanne walks up to the reception desk.
Suzanne: Hi. I'm here to see Nick Fallin.
Receptionist starts to dial his number. Nick, dressed in his overcoat, sees Suzanne through the glass behind the reception counter. Attempts to slip away but she sees him.
Suzanne: Hey. (She waves)
He waves back and comes around to meet her.
Nick: Hey. (Clearly uncomfortable talking with her)
Suzanne: I… just… Chris ran away from the shelter last night.
Scene: Adult Group Home—Carol's room
Chris sits beside his mother's bed as she sleeps. Nick walks in, glances at the sleeping form, then at Chris.
Chris: I'm going to Juvie, right?
Nick gives a slight nod.
Chris: I… I have these feelings… all the time… about girls. And when I see them, I just… I don't know, I… just have these feelings and they don't make me feel very good. (Pause) I… I didn't mean to hurt her… or scare her. I just… I just wanted to touch her.
Nick: Let's go, Chris. (Chris stands) Let's go.
Scene: Pittsburgh Memorial Hospital—Burton's room
Nick walks into the room as they prepare to prep Burton for surgery.
Burton: Hey. How ya doing?
Nick: I'm good. I'm good. You?
Burton: We'll see. (Chuckles)
Nick: Uh… Dad, it's all gonna be fine.
Burton: Yeah, well… Yeah.
Nick: (Deep breath) I, uh… (Pause) I just… you know… I'm glad you're doing this.
Burton: Yeah. (Chuckle)
Nick: Fuller signed with Randall Kirk.
Burton: He told me.
Nick: Yeah, I tried to get him back but… (Clenches his jaw and shakes his head)
Burton: I know. I know. (Watches Nick—senses his concern) Nicholas. Look, this is not gonna be a problem. This operation.
Nick: I know. I know.
Burton: It's nothing for you to worry about. It's just… nothing.
Nick: Yeah. (Forces a quick smile)
Scene: Pittsburgh Memorial Hospital—Waiting room—moments later
Nick joins Lulu and Shannon. Sits beside Lulu. Glances at his watch—12:30 PM. He removes his overcoat, tossing it over his arm and sits back down.
Scene: Pittsburgh Memorial Hospital—Waiting room—2:30 PM
Shannon works on her homework. Nick finishes a conversation on his cell phone.
Nick: (Into the phone) Yeah, fine. Right. Okay. (Disconnects) (To Lulu) That was, uh… Penny.
Lulu: Oh yeah?
Nick: Yeah. (Sits down across from Lulu) They rejected the offer.
Lulu: Oh. (Disappointed) You gonna counter?
Nick: No. (His face showing signs of stress)
Lulu: Well… (Long pause—gazes at his profile) You must be exhausted.
Nick: (Turns to face her) No, not really.
Lulu: Well, you were out so late.
Nick: Yeah.
Lulu: What happened?
Nick: I told you. That kid, Chris… he, uh… attacked the social worker.
Lulu: (Nods) Suzanne.
Nick: Right. Beat her up.
They share an uncomfortable glance between them. Nick folds his arms and leans back in the chair.
Scene: Pittsburgh Memorial Hospital—Waiting room—5:30 PM
Shannon is sleeping. Lulu holds a Styrofoam cup, stares off into space. Nick watches her. The door to the waiting room opens and Dr. Driscoll enters.
Nick: (Stands) How'd it go?
Dr. Driscoll: Well, we got all four arteries.
Nick: So, he's fine.
Dr. Driscoll: Um… it went well.
Nick: (Sighs) Ah… thank you. Thank you. (Doctor exits)
Nick breathes a huge sigh and glances around at Lulu, relieved.
Scene: Intensive Care—Burton's room—moments later
Nick slowly walks in. Burton is intubated and hooked up to machines and monitors. Nick cautiously approaches the bedside and reaches out for his father's hand.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—hallway—early evening
Nick walks towards Burton's office, carrying a file. He enters the office, lays the file on the desk and starts to exit. Changes his mind and closes the door. He sits down in his usual chair in front of Burton's desk. The card with the photo of the client and his happy family still lies on the desk. Nick looks at it for a long time then just stares at his father's empty chair.
Scene: Pittsburgh Athletic Club—swimming pool—night
Nick dives in and begins his laps.