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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: City Center Motel parking lot—Jake's car—night
Jake sits in his car at a nondescript roadside motel. He sees two men walking to a room. Another man glances his way then enters one of the rooms. Jake debates whether to follow him or drive away. Finally gets out of the car and sets the car alarm.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—Emergency Room—night
Nick enters dressed casually and is led to a makeshift room where a curtain is pulled back to reveal Jake—battered and bleeding, with stitches to his right temple. The nurse tends to him while they talk.
Jake: Hey. (Grins)
Nick: (Surprised at Jake's appearance) What happened?
Jake: Aah… I got robbed.
Nick: You okay?
Jake: Yeah. I mean, I got a couple stitches and a… broken rib. I… I went to Calabria's with Kate. Dropped her off. Goodnight kiss. Was gonna spend the night but, uh… I… ended up going out for a drink after and—and on my way back to my car some guy, outta nowhere… jumps me and—and before I know it, just ran off with my wallet.
Nick: (Nods) D'you get a look at him?
Jake: Uh. No… no. It was… it was… it was late. (Signs a form for the nurse)
Nick: What bar'd you go to?
Jake: Oh… I don't know. Some bar on the North Side.
Scene: Nick's BMW—moving—later same night
Nick and Jake drive in silence.
Jake: You know, if—if you don't mind, maybe, uhm… (Clears throat) …maybe I'll tell people at work what happened myself.
Nick: (Looks at him) I won't say a word. About anything.
Jake: Thanks.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—main area—morning
Burton enters the lobby.
Burton: Morning.
Gretchen: Good morning. (Hands him his messages)
Burton: How are ya? (Takes his messages) Thank you.
Glances through the glass into the conference room on his way to his office and sees his client, Finn Kirkendall, talking with Nick. He starts to enter his office just as Nick exits the conference room. Nick follows him into the office.
Burton: Hey.
Nick: Kirkendall's waiting.
Burton: I know. He's early.
Nick: Oh, he's always early.
Burton: Yeah. Is Jake here yet?
Nick: (Stammers) I don't know, he, uh… had a… He… he might be running a little late.
Burton: Why?
Jake knocks and enters.
Burton: Hey. (Stares at Jake)
Jake: Morning.
Burton: What the hell happened to you?
Jake: Uh… had a little… run-in last night. Some guy, uh… I—I… I was walking to my car and he… robbed me.
Burton: You all right?
Jake: Yeah. I'm fine. Uh, shouldn't… shouldn't we be going?
Nick: Ah… Denmar's not here yet.
Burton: Denmar's not coming.
Nick: What?
Burton: Kirkendall wants to fire him.
Nick: He's firing Denmar?
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: He founded the company.
Burton: Yeah and he also spent about three grand at some gentlemen's club last month entertaining clients. Then he submitted it as a business expense.
Nick: So he's gonna fire him for going to a strip club?
Burton: Yeah.
Jake: And he wants to use this as 'cause'. (Nick gives Jake a long look)
Burton: If he can.
Nick: Okay then.
Burton: Jake, let me, uh… talk to Nicholas a minute.
Jake: Yeah. (Exits)
Burton: Listen, I, uh… want Jake to handle this.
Nick: Why?
Burton: Kirkendall… he's a… conservative guy.
Nick: Right. So?
Burton: Well, he's got problems… with your problems.
Nick: (Takes this in) Fine.
Burton: Yeah.
Burton walks past him and exits his office. Nick follows. Burton talks with Jake in the anteroom as Nick walks past them.
Burton: (To secretary) Hi. (Hands her a document) Okay. (Looks at Jake) You sure you're all right?
Jake: Yeah. Yeah.
Burton: Okay.
Burton enters conference room followed by Jake.
Burton: Hey, Finn. How ya doin'?
Finn Kirkendall: Hey, Burton.
Burton: Good to see ya.
Kirkendall: Good to see you.
Burton: Finn, you remember Jake Straka.
Kirkendall: Sure. Sure. How ya been, Jake? (They all shake hands)
Jake: Oh, good. Good.
Kirkendall: What happened to your eye?
Jake: Oh…
Gretchen knocks on the door and interrupts.
Gretchen: (To Jake) I'm sorry to interrupt but, uh… there's a man… a detective who wants to talk to you.
Jake: (Pause) Right. I'll be right there. Uh… 'scuse me for a moment. Uhm… (To Burton and Kirkendall—jokingly) I'm innocent of all charges, I assure you. (Laughs—exits)
Burton: (Chuckles) I'm sure. Yeah. Sit down, Finn. (They take a seat) Poor guy got mugged last night.
Kirkendall: You're kidding? That's terrible.
Burton: He's a… tough kid, though. He'll be all right.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Jake's office—moments later
Jake shows Detective Jack DeMaria into his office.
DeMaria: Just wanna follow up on a few things.
Jake: Sure.
DeMaria: When we talked at the motel, you said the man pushed you into the room while you were opening the door?
Jake: Right.
DeMaria: (Pause) So you weren't with him.
Jake: No.
DeMaria: (Long pause) He was just, uh… roaming around in the parking lot?
Jake: Oh… I… I have no idea.
DeMaria: Why were you at the motel?
Jake: (Thrown off by the question) Excuse me?
DeMaria: You live in town, right? So I'm just wondering… why you would stay at some motel on Route 8.
Jake: Well, I… I… you know, I'd had a lot to drink and, uh… I didn't wanna drive home for… for obvious reasons and so… I decided to stay in a motel.
DeMaria: (Lets this pass) Huh. Uh… medical report says that there were lacerations and abrasions in your leg and groin area.
Jake: Okay.
DeMaria: I'm just trying to understand how you got cuts on your legs and, you know… If you got jumped, it doesn't add up.
Jake: Hey, you know, it was a fight. (Chuffs) Stuff happens.
DeMaria: Right.
Jake: Right.
DeMaria: (Long pause) You know, it's tough to talk about certain things. I understand that.
Jake says nothing. Stands. Meeting is over.
DeMaria: (Stands) Thanks for your time. (Extends his hand)
Jake: Oh, my pleasure.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—coffee station
Suzanne Pell stands at the coffee station looking at Luke Romello seated across the room. Nick walks up and reaches for a cup.
Nick: Excuse me.
Suzanne: Hey, how ya doin'?
Nick: (Pours a cup of coffee) Not bad.
Suzanne: Bet you a double latte, you're doing better than Luke.
Nick: What's that?
Suzanne: (Prepares a cup of tea as she nods towards Luke) He walked in on his mother and his best friend. They were in the bedroom, kissing and… Luke went nuts. Grabbed a lamp and beat up his friend. Hit his mother. Broke some stuff. Cops picked him up… called me… and here we are.
Nick: What does he want?
Suzanne: He wants to live with his father. But he's not exactly Ward Cleaver. He used to beat up Luke's mother when they were living together.
Suzanne walks off. Nick stares at Luke.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room—moments later
Nick sits across the table from Luke.
Luke: Jay? He's like my best friend. Was.
Nick: Police have dropped the charges against you, Luke. So if you want, you can go back to your home.
Luke: I told that lady I wanna live with my father.
Nick: Right. Well, we'll have to speak to your father first.
Luke: He's not the greatest person that's ever lived but… at least he's a guy.
Nick: Suzanne will take you to a shelter. That's where you'll stay until we can figure out what to do.
Luke: What's there to figure out? My mother's a whore.
Nick just looks at Luke, then exits. Walks past Lulu's office and glances in.
Lulu: Oh, Nick. (Gets up and walks around her desk)
Nick: (Enters the office)
Lulu: You know you didn't have to do that.
Nick: What?
Lulu: The flowers.
Nick: Flowers?
Lulu: (Points to them on the desk) Yeah. Oh… I thought that you…
Nick: (Smiles) I'm kidding
Lulu: (Relieved) Oh… (Smiles) How'd you know I liked lilies so much?
Nick: Last year you told me that… when you're in a bad mood you like to go to the Farmer's Market and buy white lilies.
Lulu: Well, it was sweet of you to remember that. Thank you.
Nick: Sure. (Starts to leave)
Lulu: Uh… I was wondering, uhm… if you're not busy later tonight if you wanna get some dinner.
Nick: I'd like that.
Lulu: Okay.
Nick walks away, smiling.
Scene: Nick's office—moments later
Nick removes his overcoat. Debra Romello enters.
Debra Romello: Nick Fallin?
Nick: Yeah.
Debra: Debra Romello. I was told that you have my son, Luke.
Nick: Well, I'm his lawyer.
Debra: Yeah. I need to see him.
Nick: He's at a shelter.
Debra: Where?
Nick: Well, you'll need to call Social Services to arrange a visit.
Debra: But… the police have dropped the charges… right? So he can come home?
Nick: Yes he can… he just doesn't want to. (Hands her a card) Call Social Services.
She stalks out.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Jake's office
Jake sits—thinking—worried, his back to the open door. Maureen Straka walks in.
Maureen: You don't even call. You just… (Sees his face as he turns) Oh, my God, Jakey.
Jake: (Laughs—reassuringly) Yeah, it's not that bad, really. (Walks over to her)
Maureen: What happened?
Jake: I got… Some… some idiot… robbed me last night.
Maureen: Robbed you?
Jake: Yeah. But it's… it's no big deal… really. (Suddenly) Ooh… wait, God, Ma! I totally forgot about the closing. I'm so sorry.
Maureen: It's okay. We pushed it back to tomorrow. And the buyer's all upset but… I can't believe someone… (She reaches out to him—he grabs her arms)
Jake: (Chuffs) Enough, okay? I'm…
Maureen: Sorry.
Jake: I'm fine. I'm fine. Look, Ma… I'm late for a meeting, okay?
Maureen: Okay.
Jake: So, uhm… there's nothing to worry about. Really. (Kisses her then quickly ushers her to the door) I'm gonna call you later about that… about that closing tomorrow. Okay? Thanks, Ma. (She exits—he closes the door)
Scene: Upscale restaurant—evening
Lulu: (To waiter as he hands her a menu) Thank you.
Nick: (To waiter as he hands him a menu) Thank you.
Lulu: How did you get a reservation here?
Nick: I, uh… talked to the Maitre d'. (Sly smile)
Lulu: Uh… you know the reason why I wanted to have dinner, uhm… We need to figure out how this is going to work. With the baby.
Nick: Right. Well, I—I guess… a lot of that depends on what's going on with us.
Lulu: Uh… (Pause) I think that we need to make… certain provisions.
Nick: Like what?
Lulu: Well, there's a lot of things to think about. Uhm… uh, money… for starters. Raising a special needs child is very expensive. (Nick squirms in his seat) I would like to create a trust. Just so I don't have to worry about it.
Nick: Okay.
Lulu: You agree? (Surprised)
Nick: If… if that's what you want.
Lulu: Yeah. (Smiles) Great.
Scene: Police Station—interview room
Jake waits for the Detective. He enters carrying a file.
DeMaria: Sorry I'm late.
Jake: (Sighs) So, uh… I don't have a lotta time. So…
DeMaria: Have a seat. (They sit across from each other) Like I said on the phone… we picked up this guy—Tom Addas—using your Visa card over at Lightstone's.
Jake: Uh-huh.
DeMaria: Bought about two thousand dollars' worth of clothes in ten minutes. Just wanna see if you recognize him. (Shoves the folder with the mug shots across the table)
Jake: (Appears to exam the photos carefully)
DeMaria: Anyone look familiar?
Jake: No.
DeMaria: No one?
Jake: (Pause) I don't see him.
DeMaria: How 'bout the guy in the upper right, here? (Indicates photo)
Jake: This one? (Points to the photo—looks closely) No.
DeMaria: (Closes the folder—pauses) You know, if some punk did to me what he did to you… (Shakes his head—long pause)
Jake: (Smiles) So… well, are we done here?
DeMaria: Yeah.
Jake: Thanks. (Takes his coffee and exits)
Scene: Shelter—meeting room—day
Luke waits. Nick and Pete Romello enter.
Pete: Hey. Luke. Hey, how ya doin', kid? (Shakes hands with his son) You're gettin' big. Playing football?
Luke: Soccer.
Pete: Oh. Great. Well, anyway, so, uh… uh, I think this'll be good… me and you… living together. It'll be fun.
Luke: Yeah.
Pete: Yeah, uhm… You know, you're gonna have to change schools and stuff but… that's okay.
Luke: Right.
Pete: And I got… I got a girlfriend now. Carly. You'll like her. She's a good cook… too. (Pause) Look I'm not drinkin' anymore… so things are gonna be better. A little more calm.
Luke: Okay.
Pete: (Looks at Nick then back at Luke) So you got any questions… or anything?
Luke: Uh… no.
Nick: Luke. (Motions Luke aside) Are you sure you wanna live with your dad?
Luke: Yeah.
Pete: Good. So, uh… I guess I'll see ya soon after all this, uh… you know, Social Services stuff is done and…
Debra Romello walks in with Suzanne.
Debra: Pete. (He exits without a word) (To Luke) Oh, I've missed you so much, sweetie… (Hugs/kisses him) …so, so much.
Luke: (Pushes her away) Get off me! (Walks across the room)
Debra: I don't blame you for being upset, sweetheart.
Luke: I'm not upset.
Debra: Yes, you are and it's okay… if what you think happened really happened. Jay's parents are getting a divorce.
Luke: So?
Debra: So, it's not easy. You went through it. He… He was feeling sad. He came at me. (Pause) He kissed me… and I—I didn't know how to react… and you walked in. Luke, I forgive you for what you did to me. I know you didn't mean to hurt me. Luke. Hey. (Walks over to him and turns him around to face her) Why don't you tell your lawyer you wanna come home?
Luke: 'Cause I don't want to. (Exits)
Nick glares at her then turns and follows Luke.
Scene: Upscale restaurant—day
Maureen: Twenty-one dollars for a piece of chicken?
Jake: (Pours a glass of champagne) Ma, it's all right.
Maureen: It doesn't even come with vegetables. You have to order that extra.
Jake: (Chuckles) It's all right. Really. Just… just order what you want.
Maureen: So… this man. He just came from outta nowhere?
Jake: Uh, yeah… pretty much. I mean, I… just walking to my car and…
Maureen: Did you see what he looked like?
Jake: No. Not really. I—I was, uhm… it was pretty late.
Maureen: How late?
Jake: Late. Uh… so, listen, this new… this new place Maple Gardens… I… it… sounds great. I been reading about it on the Internet. Uh… lots of activities.
Maureen: Yeah, I know. I'm… I'm really excited. New beginnings.
Jake: I'm so glad. So… whadaya… whadaya want?
Maureen: I want the sonofabitch to go to jail for a long time.
Jake: Ma.
Maureen: If someone hadn't called the police, who knows what might have happened.
Jake: (Waiter pours another glass of champagne) Thanks. (Takes a big sip)
Scene: Outside Fallin & Fallin—elevator
Burton pushes the button—waits impatiently—checks his watch. Doors open. Nick gets off.
Burton: Nicholas. Have you seen Jake?
Nick: (Hesitates) No.
Burton: Well… S'posed to get back to me with that Denmar research.
Nick: Well, I wouldn't let it worry you. I'm sure he's gonna get around to it.
Burton: Well, 'getting around to it' is not gonna cut it. I'm supposed to be over at Kirkendall's in ten minutes.
Nick: Uh… well… (Walks away)
Elevator arrives. Burton gets on.
Scene: Men's room—moments later
Nick washes his hands. Hears someone retching in one of the stalls. He dries his hands. The stall door opens and Jake walks out. They look at each other.
Scene: Jake's office—moments later
Nick: You know, I… I can help you out with this Denmar matter.
Jake: (Gulps water) I'm okay.
Nick: I could just do a little research for you, if you want.
Jake: No, I'm fine. I just… my… my stomach's a little off 'cause of these pain pills, is all. (Takes another big gulp of water)
Nick: (Arms folded) Have you considered talking to someone… about what happened?
Jake: I'm—I'm fine. Really.
Nick takes the Denmar file from the desk and starts to walk out.
Jake: Nick, I said I'd handle it.
Nick: (Turns and gives Jake a long look) I'll leave a memo on your desk tomorrow morning. (Exits)
Jake takes a pill bottle from his desk drawer and pops another pill, washing it down with another gulp of water. DeMaria knocks on the open door and enters.
DeMaria: Apologize for the inconvenience, Mr. Straka. Just wanted to update you.
Jake: Look, Detective. I… I appreciate what you're doin'. I—I really do. But, you know, I am… I am very busy right now.
DeMaria: The motel manager that dialed 9-1-1? He picked the suspect out of the photo array.
Jake: (Takes this in) Uh-huh.
DeMaria: Took him about two seconds. Guess he got a real good look at him.
Jake: Okay.
DeMaria: His room is right next to the room you were in. So… wanna try again?
Jake: Try what?
DeMaria: Looking at the photos.
Jake: Like I said, I didn't see him.
DeMaria: Well, how 'bout if you come down to the station? We'll put the guy in a lineup. Maybe you'll see him then.
Jake: (Impatiently—agitated) You know, it's a waste of time. I didn't see him. I mean, this guy… this guy Addas could be serving me fried eggs at CC's Diner and I wouldn't know who he is. You know?
DeMaria: Look, Mr. Straka. This Addas… he's been a suspect in a few similar cases. So you know… if we could nail him on more than just using a stolen credit card, it would be great.
Jake: I didn't see him.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Nick steps off the elevator. Suzanne calls out to him.
Suzanne: Oh, hey, Nick. Pete Romello's not gonna work.
Nick: What?
Suzanne: He got arrested nine months ago.
Nick: I know.
Suzanne: For beating up his girlfriend. I called him. Told him Luke can't live with him. (Walks away)
Lulu walks up.
Lulu: Hi.
Nick: Hey.
Lulu: I had a really nice time last night.
Nick: Me, too.
Lulu: Uh… I was fiddling around with some numbers for the trust and I think that… Uh, I want you to tell me if you think it's too much, okay? But, I think that, given how much you make compared to how much…
Nick: How much?
Lulu: A hundred thousand. (Nick nods) If you think it's too much…
Nick: Well, I was thinking two hundred.
Lulu: Oh. Really? (Surprised)
Nick: Well, since it's a Special Needs Trust we can only contribute to it once. We might as well make it count.
Lulu: Oh. Right. Okay. Uhm, I'm not really sure how much I can…
Nick: I'll take care of it. (Walks into his office)
Lulu: Mm. (Walks away)
Scene: Nick's Office
Nick walks in, removes his overcoat. Pete Romello walks in.
Pete: What the hell is goin' on?
Nick: Uh… Mr. Romello…
Pete: I just got a call from some broad telling me that Luke can't live with me.
Nick: Right.
Pete: Why? 'Cause I—I slapped that tramp, Debra, a couple times when I was drunk? I mean you'd smack her pretty face, too, if you walked in on her screwin' your brother.
Nick: (Pause) I think the decision has more to do with the fact that you assaulted your girlfriend nine months ago.
Pete: Assault? I pushed her.
Nick: Luke can't live with you. I'm sorry.
Pete: All right, fine. Fine. Send him back to Deb, huh. That'll be good for him. (Walks out)
Scene: Police Station—meeting room
Jake is escorted by a uniformed officer to the meeting room where Detective DeMaria awaits.
DeMaria: Mr. Straka.
Jake: What?
DeMaria: We're close to cutting a plea bargain with Addas.
Jake: Oh. Well… good for you.
DeMaria: Three to five. Deviate sexual intercourse. (Jake looks away) That's what it's called.
Jake: Well, that's not what happened.
DeMaria: Maybe.
Jake: Does… does Addas happen to know that I did not I.D. him?
DeMaria: Deal won't be official for another few days so if you feel like changing your mind, there's time.
Jake: You know, Detective… we've—we've kinda been through this, you know?
DeMaria: I know.
Jake: Yeah.
DeMaria: But either way the truth is gonna come out. When somebody cops a plea they've gotta tell the judge what happened… on the record. So no matter what… people are gonna know how you met. What you did with him. What he did to you. (Let's Jake think about this) If you I.D. this scumbag and let us go to trial… we'll put him away for fifteen years… otherwise… (Jake looks at him)
DeMaria exits. Jake ponders the situation for a long while then walks out.
Scene: Coffee Shop—late day
Nick walks in and sits at the counter.
Nick: (To young man behind the counter) Uh… your name Jay?
Jay: Who are you?
Nick: Luke Romello's lawyer. I—I just wanted to ask you some questions about Debra.
Jay: Like what?
Nick: How long you been sleeping together?
Jay: Look, man, we don't. All right? I mean, just 'cause Luke went nuts that day, doesn't mean anything's goin' on.
Nick: Okay. Well, if—if you want… I can have you called to the witness stand and you can explain in front of the judge, under oath, what you've been doing with your friend's mother. (Pause) How long you been sleeping together? (Jay looks away) You can tell me here or you can tell me in court. It's up to you.
Jay: Fine, I'll do it here. Just don't call me into court or anything like that, okay? My parents'll kill me.
Nick: Well… then tell me the truth.
Jay: Well, there's not much to tell. I mean, we… Debra and I have been, you know, doing it for, like, three months.
Nick: How old are you?
Jay: Sixteen.
Nick: Did she ever have sex with you when you were fifteen?
Jay: No. She won't… if you're underage. You gotta be at least sixteen. It's like a… rule with her.
Nick: All right, so I take it you're not the only person she's involved with.
Jay: No. Not even close, man. I mean, she's a… There's a lotta dudes… you know what I mean? One kid tells another kid and then… It's kinda like this little club.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Nick: Uh… Luke can't live with his father.
Debra: (Chuckles) That's great. So when can I pick him up?
Nick: Not so easy.
Debra: Whadaya mean?
Nick: Well, Luke doesn't wanna come home. He's still very angry. But, given the lack of alternatives, uh… I feel he'll probably change his mind.
Debra: So what's the problem?
Nick: Well, problem is you like having sex with teenage boys.
Debra: Excuse me?
Nick: Let—let's just be up front about this, okay?
Debra: I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Fallin.
Nick: I'm trying to give you the chance to get your son back. If you agree to get counseling…
Debra: Counseling?
Nick: Yes, get counseling and tell Luke the truth, then I will recommend that he live with you.
Debra: (Considers this for a moment then shakes her head and stands) No… I can't do that to my son. (Exits)
Lulu walks in.
Lulu: Hi.
Nick: Hey.
Lulu: I, uh… drafted a trust agreement last night so whenever you get a chance… (Hands it to him)
Nick: Okay.
Lulu: And, uh… the only thing left really to discuss is who's gonna be trustee. And I was thinking, uh… if it's okay with you, that I'd do it.
Nick: Oh, I just assumed that we'd be co-trustees.
Lulu: No, I—I'd rather do it this way. I think it'd be easier. I want you to be involved, Nick. Believe me, I do. And I appreciate you putting up the money but I do think it would be better if I didn't have to track you down to get your consent every time I wanted to do something.
Nick: I'm not so hard to find.
Lulu: Not now, but, you know, in a year or two who knows where you'll be.
Nick: I'll still be here… in Pittsburgh.
Lulu: Well, uh… just think about it.
Nick: Okay, sure. (She turns to leave) We're still on for tomorrow, right?
Lulu: Mm-hmm.
Nick: All right. (Heavy sigh—worried—as she exits)
Scene: City Center Motel—day
Jake pulls up and parks. Gets out carrying an expensive bottle of scotch. Enters the motel lobby.
Jake: Uh… excuse me. Hi. I'm Jake Straka.
Brian: (Behind the counter and protective glass) Okay.
Jake: I'm the guy who, uhm… When you called the… called the police the other night on the… I—I—I'm the guy who got beat up.
Brian: Oh… yeah.
Jake: Yeah, I—I… I just wanted to say I, uh… I appreciate what you did.
Brian: No problem.
Jake: Yeah, so… uhm… (Indicates the bottle which is in a box) Thank you.
Brian nods and points to a small pass-through window in the glass.
Jake: Oh. (Passes the bottle to Brian)
Brian: (Looks at the bottle—nods) Yeah.
Jake: Yeah, so… well, I… I talked to the Detective and, uh… DeMaria, and he said that you I.D.'d the guy.
Brian: Yeah.
Jake: Yeah, that's… that's great. But, you know, by the same token, you know, if… for whatever reason, uh… you decided to change your mind and, uh… and not get involved, I mean, you know, I get it. (Chuckles) I mean, who wants the hassle, right? Courts and… and—and lawyers and… and—and cops. I mean, at the end of the day, the guy's probably gonna get off anyway, right?
Brian: Not a problem.
Jake: Well, I—I'm just saying that I would understand.
Brian: Look. I know what goes on around here. I'm not stupid. So when a guy starts kicking the hell outta his boyfriend, or whatever you call him… I gotta draw the line. So, to be honest… I can't wait to testify against that punk.
Jake nods—worried.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—main area
Burton exits the conference room and walks to the reception counter.
Burton: Gretchen. Did you hear anything from Jake?
Gretchen: No. I called his home phone, his cell phone… emailed him.
Burton: (Agitated) All right. Well, let me know, okay? Keep trying.
Nick walks by.
Burton: Hey, son.
Nick: Hey.
Burton: How ya doin'?
Nick: (Notices he's agitated) You all right?
Burton: Fine. Kirkendall's waiting in the conference room. We're trying to finalize the Denmar matter and Jake just… I… can't find him.
Nick: Right.
Nick watches as Burton enters the conference room and speaks to Kirkendall.
Scene: Inside conference room
Burton: I'm convinced we're in a better position as long as…
Nick enters—interrupts.
Nick: Uh, excuse me. Uhm… I'm sorry for the interruption. I just got off the phone with Jake. He has a personal matter he needs to attend to.
Burton: (Not sure what's going on) You…
Nick: But, I'm aware of the issues you're facing, Mr. Kirkendall. Jake talked about it yesterday afternoon. Bottom line is there's nothing directly on-point in Pennsylvania. But there is an Ohio case that's perfect. A CEO was fired for submitting a four hundred dollar expense report from a place called the Flesh Palace. It's been cited three times in Pennsylvania cases so it's pretty good law. If Denmar sues… you have a solid defense.
Kirkendall: So I can fire him?
Nick: Yes. I can send you a memo outlining all the issues, if you'd like.
Kirkendall: Yeah, sure.
Nick nods, smiles and stands there.
Burton: Well, uh… thanks, Nicholas. I appreciate your help.
Nick: My pleasure. Uh… I understand I'm not part of your team, Mr. Kirkendall, but I… I'm glad to be able to help you out.
Kirkendall: Sure.
Nick: And if you need any assistance in the future, you know where to find me. (Exits)
Burton: (Takes a deep breath—smiles) Huh.
Scene: Jake's house—evening
Sits slumped over his desk—staring. There is a knock at the door.
Jake: (Calls out) Who is it?
Maureen: It's me.
Jake: (Hesitates—goes to the door) Ma.
Maureen: (Chuckles) I had nothing to do today so I made you this. (Hands him a photo album/scrapbook)
Jake: Oh.
Maureen: Lots of old pictures and letters and, you know…
Jake: Oh.
Maureen: …stuff from your childhood.
Jake: (Leafs through a few pages) Thanks.
Maureen: So… any word about that animal who attacked you?
Jake: No.
Maureen: Nothing?
Jake: No. (Continues to look through the album)
Maureen: Well, the new kitchen's great. I love it. The oven… It's one of those fancy convection things and it takes, like, about… I don't know, twenty-five percent less time to cook whatever you're cooking because it's got this fan…
Jake: You know, Ma, I, uhm… I didn't just get mugged.
Maureen: (Pause) What do you mean?
Jake: It was worse.
Maureen: Worse?
Jake: That guy, he, uh… he did certain things.
Maureen: Like what?
Jake: 'Certain' things.
Maureen: Oh… Jake… (Starts to approach him)
Jake: (Holds up his hand to stop her approach) (Sharply) I—I'm fine, okay? I… I just need to tell someone the truth, that's all… about what ha… happened. (Chuckles) You know, the best part is that… before you know it the entire city's gonna know what happened. That I got… (Sighs—shakes his head) People just love a tragedy, you know? Trying to be all heartbroken and sympathetic but deep down they just love it. Gives 'em something to talk about… and laugh about. (Angrily sweeps things off the table onto the floor—breaks down)
Maureen: Jake. (Starts towards him then stops)
Jake: (Through muffled sobs) I cannot have this guy talking about what happened! I just can't! (Pause) Pittsburgh's a tiny place, Ma.
Scene: Burton's residence—evening
Doorbell rings. Burton escorts Jake into the kitchen/den.
Burton: Yeah. Come on back
Jake: Sorry to just stop by.
Burton: That's all right. You want a… you want a drink or something?
Jake: Oh, no-no-no. No, thanks. I just, uhm… Uhm, I… I needed to talk to you about something.
Burton: Sure. What's up?
Jake: I, uhm… I didn't get mugged.
Burton: What?
Jake: It was a sexual assault.
Burton: Whadaya mean?
Jake: I met a guy at a club. Had a few drinks. Went back to a motel. It got outta control. The, uh… police caught the guy and they're trying to manipulate him into a plea bargain for… deviate sexual intercourse.
Burton: My, God. (Turns away—sighs) My, God. I… Why are you telling me this now?
Jake: I wanna keep it quiet. (Pause) Can you help me?
Burton: Oh… (Sighs) I don't know. I don't know, Jake.
Jake: I understand. Okay. Thank you, Burton. (Exits)
Scene: Shelter—meeting room—late day
Nick, Suzanne and Luke sit at a table, waiting. Debra enters.
Debra: (Hugs/kisses Luke) Hey, sweetie. (Luke does not react) Hmm. (Tousles his hair) Oh, I'm sorry, baby. I can't help it. (To Nick) Hi.
Nick: (Inaudible) Hi.
Debra: Almost forgot. Got a new TV for your bedroom.
Luke: Cool.
Debra: Yeah. My friend Bobby's gonna put the DVD in. Be ready to go.
Luke: Thanks.
Debra: (Looks at Nick—then to Luke) Uh… all right, sweetie. I lied to you. The other day when you came home… you were, uh… When—when you went to soccer practice and you were having fun with all your friends… and Jay stopped by… and we started talking… and… then… we, uh… He won't say a word. Not to anyone. And I won't. It will be our secret. (Pause) Luke. Everyone makes mistakes.
Luke: Jay said he won't tell anyone?
Debra: Yeah. Yeah, he promised. (Looks at Nick who just stares back) What? I told him the truth. I did what you asked. (Pause) We had a deal.
Luke: (Looks at Nick—confused) What's she talking about?
Nick looks back at Debra. Luke stares at Debra.
Debra: (Finally) It wasn't just Jay.
Jay is upset.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Lulu's office—day
Nick: (Knocks and enters) Hey. Uh… you can be sole trustee but, uh… I… I'll need you to sign this. (Lays a document on her desk)
Lulu: (Picks it up) A custody agreement?
Nick: Well, I just wanna make sure that I'm protected after the baby's born.
Lulu: Nick.
Nick: I want joint legal and physical custody, that's all.
Lulu: This is not a deal, you know. I'm not negotiating this.
Nick: So you just want me to be your bank? That's it?
Lulu: (Curtly) No. I just wanna make sure that I can provide for our child without having to depend on you. It's very simple.
Nick: (Getting agitated) Simple? You think this is simple? Being told that I can't be trusted to raise my own child?
Lulu: (Defensively) Wait a minute. I never said that.
Nick: Well, you implied it.
Lulu: No, I did… (Sits down--exasperated) (Chuffs) All right. (Chuffs) So, I assume we're not gonna have dinner tonight, now.
Nick: Why?
Lulu: Well, I just thought that if you…
Nick: (Tersely) Lulu, we're gonna work through this… okay? I'm not worried. I'll pick you up at seven.
Nick walks to the door then turns back to her—wrinkles his brow and nods for confirmation. She shrugs. He exits.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Jake's office
Jake lies on the sofa in his office with his shoes off—pensive.
Burton: (Knocks and enters) Ooh. (Jake sits up) Stay there. (Sighs) I, uh… just talked to the DA's office.
Jake: Okay.
Burton: They… they don't wanna get involved.
Jake: (Pause) Right.
Burton: Apparently they really wanna get this sonofabitch… with your help or without.
Jake: Right.
Burton: Sorry. Well… (Starts to exit)
Jake: Yeah, I'm—I'm just so sorry that, uh… I got you involved. I, uh… (Pause) I don't really even know how this happened. Uhm… But, uh… So I say I feel very fortunate to work with you, Burton. Be your partner. And… you have my word that I will never put myself in a position to discredit this law firm ever again.
Burton: Jake, you're a good man. I truly believe that. But, you… you gotta make better decisions.
Burton exits.
Scene: Gun shop
Jake walks in and looks at the array of guns available, focusing in on handguns in the display case.
Clerk: She's a pretty one, isn't she? (Jake just looks at him) Beretta 9000. Perfect weapon for self-defense. (Removes it from the case and demonstrates the clip action) It's got reflexive ergonomics for a natural point of aim. 3.6 inch barrel. Alloy finish. Ambidextrous safety levers.
Jake: How much?
Clerk: (Hands Jake the gun) 748. Beauty part of Pennsylvania… no waiting period. You want that puppy, she's yours.
Jake: (Aims the gun)
Scene: Addas' apartment building
A tenant exits and before the door can close and lock, Jake slips in. He checks the mailboxes for Addas' apartment number. He touches the gun in his coat pocket then knocks on the door of Apartment G2.
Jake: (Addas opens the door) We need to talk.
Addas starts to shut the door but Jake stops it with his hand. Addas steps back into the apartment and Jake enters—closing the door behind him.
Addas: Okay. What?
Jake: (Menacingly) You tell the DA the deal's off. You're innocent. Why accept a plea bargain?
Addas: Yeah, but they said that…
Jake: They're lying. Without me they got nothing and I ain't talkin'. Yeah, that's right. I'm not gonna say a word. So you tell your lawyer, 'no deal.' Don't say why. Just say 'no deal.' Understand? (Starts to leave then turns back) And if I find out that I'm sick because of you… (Long pause) I will kill you. (Exits)
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—corridor
Nick and Luke walk down the corridor to the courtroom.
Nick: How're you doin'? (Luke just nods) You know, I need to tell the judge where you wanna live.
Luke: I know.
Nick: Okay. So you can stay in the shelter if you'd like, or… I can try and find you a foster family. It may take some time but…
Luke: (Interrupts) I just think my mother's by herself too much. Things happen when you're alone… you know? If I'm not there it'll only make things worse.
Nick: I understand.
Luke: (Sighs) Think she'll do it again?
Nick: (Pause) Probably.
Luke: (Nods—resigned) I'm just not that in to having some random foster family… pretending to be into me… you know?
Nick: You wanna live with your mom?
Luke: (Pause) Yeah.
Nick: All right. That's what I'll tell the judge.
They enter the courtroom.
Scene: Jake's residence—evening
Jake grabs his keys and his coat, preparing to leave, when…
Maureen: (Knocks) Jakey.
Jake: Ma? (Opens the door) What're you doin' here? It's late.
Maureen: I couldn't sleep. You know, the new apartment… I don't know. It's, uh… everything's so damn clean. I mean… (Sees him holding his coat) Are you going out?
Jake: (Doesn't respond)
Maureen: Ooh, Jakey, I'm really worried about you.
Jake: Well… (Chuckles) Whadaya mean?
Maureen: There are things that you don't tell me, like… where you go and what you do. That's fine. I know it's your life and all but I'm your mother and… I'm scared. (Pause) Listen, honey… you can tell me the truth. You know that, right?
Jake: (Smiles) I do. Ma… (Long pause)
Maureen: Oh…
Jake: There's nothin' to tell.
Maureen is worried.
Scene: Lulu's residence—evening
Nick walks Lulu to the door.
Lulu: Well, I had a really nice time.
Nick: Me, too.
Lulu: Uh… (Unlocks the door, flips on the light and steps just inside) So… I… I guess I'll see you tomorrow. (Kisses him on the cheek)
Nick: I know you don't trust me. I don't blame you. But I'm not giving up. I mean, you can tell me to go to hell if you want but I'm not gonna give up. (They look at each other for a long moment before he turns and walks away)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—elevator
Burton waits for the elevator. Jake walks up.
Jake: (Off camera) Morning.
Burton: Hey.
Jake: Hey. Burton, that, uh… problem we discussed…
Burton: (Pause) Yeah.
Jake: It's been resolved.
Burton: (Pause) Resolved?
Jake: Yeah. So it's like it never happened.
Burton: (Pause) Good.
Elevator arrives—they step inside.
END OF EPISODE
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