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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Burton's residence—kitchen/family room--morning
Shannon sits at the counter putting on lip gloss. Burton enters the room, fastening the top button of his shirt.
Burton: Hey.
Shannon: Hey. I made coffee. It's half-caf.
Burton: Oh, great. Thanks. You get that, uh, English paper done?
Shannon: Uh-huh.
Burton: Oh, good. Good. I, uh… talked to your social worker yesterday about moving this adoption along.
Shannon: Really?
Burton: Yeah. We're gonna have to meet with her a couple times this week. (Glances expectantly out the kitchen window as he pours a cup of coffee)
Shannon: But I just talked to her.
Burton: I know. I think, uh… I think she just wants to see how… how we're doing. (Chuckles)
Shannon: What about Roy?
Burton: (Takes a sip of coffee) I'll talk to Roy.
Shannon: Thanks, Burton.
Burton: Yeah.
Car horn sounds. Shannon grabs her bookbag and exits.
Shannon: See ya.
Burton: Okay. Later.
Burton waits until she's gone then goes to the kitchen door and opens it.
Burton: Here ya go. Come on in. Sorry about that. A little surprise going here.
Workers enter carrying pieces of furniture.
Burton: Everything goes upstairs. How are ya? Go ahead.
Scene: Upstairs—Shannon's room (Nick's old room)—moments later
Burton is having Shannon's room redecorated as a surprise.
Worker: Sir, we can't fit this in until that's outta here. (Indicates Nick's old desk)
Burton: Oh, let me… empty these drawers. It'll be a little easier to move it. (Pulls the drawer open and knocks over a pile of Shannon's books. Glamour photos of Shannon spill out on the floor.) Oh… (Stoops to scoop them up)
Scene: Kitchen/family room—moments later
Burton looks again at the photos then slumps into one of the bar stools.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—elevator
Alvin gets on the elevator carrying a heavy box of flyers which he sets down at his feet with a big sigh. Emily Bernsley steps on with him.
Alvin: What floor?
Emily: Uh… Legal Services.
Alvin: Ah… that's where I'm goin'.
Alvin punches the button and exhales heavily.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen—moments later
Elevator door opens.
Emily: You need some help?
Alvin: (Looks at the box of flyers) No, I got it. No problem.
Emily exits. Alvin speaks out to a couple of employees standing near the elevator.
Alvin: A little help? (They don't respond. He kicks the box off the elevator then picks it up and hoists it onto a table) (Loudly) Everybody listen up! I got five thousand campaign flyers! Please, everybody… take some and disseminate them anywhere and everywhere you go. (Starts to pass them out)
Emily: (To receptionist) Emily Bernsley for Louisa Archer.
Alvin: Come on, people! Only two weeks till Election Day! (Laurie passes) Hey, Laurie.
Laurie: (Turns and walks toward him) City Council?
Alvin: Yeah. I'm running as an Independent.
Laurie: I'll take a few.
Alvin: Thank you. (Hands her a handful)
Nick exits his office and walks up to Laurie.
Nick: Laurie, what's going on with Philip?
Laurie: Phillip's foster mother doesn't want him.
Nick: I thought the O'Rourkes were adopting him.
Laurie: They just had a baby girl.
Nick: Right.
Laurie: The baby was injured last month. She had eight stitches in her head.
Nick: What happened?
Laurie: The infant seat fell off the counter. The baby was in it.
Nick: They blame Philip?
Laurie: Not then. But yesterday Mrs. O'Rourke claimed that Philip was threatening the baby.
Nick: How?
Laurie: Didn't say. She just called and told us to pick him up.
Nick follows Laurie into the meeting room where Philip is waiting.
Lulu: Emily?
Emily: Yes.
Lulu: I'm Louisa Archer. Lulu.
Emily: Hi.
Lulu: Hi. Uh… you're Judge Bernsley's daughter, right?
Emily: Right.
Lulu: It's really nice of you to volunteer like this.
Emily: (Follows Lulu to her office) I took a course on children's rights in law school.
Lulu: Well, this looks great. (Looks at her resume) Uh… when can you start?
Emily: I just finished a case so I'm free right now.
Lulu: Oh… okay.
Alvin: (Walks in) Lulu? D'you get any flyers?
Lulu: What?
Alvin: My campaign flyers. If you could, take a bunch and spread 'em around.
She takes a handful and nods.
Alvin: (To Emily) Hello, again. (As he exits)
Emily: Hi.
In the bullpen
Alvin: Sandra! Not so fast. Take some flyers.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room
Philip Kearse is eight years old, black, and wears thick eyeglasses for his myopia.
Nick: Philip. Did you threaten the baby?
Philip: I didn't do anything to the baby, Mr. Fallin. (Pause) What's gonna happen to me?
Nick: Uh… you know, uhm, Laurie will try to find you a new fam…
Philip: I can't stay with the O'Rourkes?
Nick: Not right now.
Philip: I just looked at the baby. I went to give her a kiss. Annie starts yelling at me and telling me to keep away and that I was gonna hurt her. I wasn't gonna hurt her.
Nick: You remember where the toys are? You mind just going out and playing for a little bit…
Philip: Okay. (Gets up to leave)
Nick: …while Laurie and I talk? Thank you. (Philip exits) All right. So, uh… when the baby was injured did Mrs. O'Rourke say that she saw him push her off the counter?
Laurie: No. He was in the area, she turned around, the next thing she knew…
Nick: Right. (Ponders this)
Laurie: All I know is the O'Rourkes don't want Philip any more.
Nick: Yeah.
Scene: Thurmond Academy—after school
Shannon walks out reading/looking through her notebook and sits on a bench. Burton drives up and honks—rolls the window down.
Burton: Hey. Come on. Get in.
Scene: Burton's residence—kitchen—moments later
Shannon goes to the refrigerator and removes things for a snack.
Shannon: (Senses Burton's mood) Burton. What?
Burton: (Glares at her—sighs) Why don't you tell me about these. (Tosses the photos on the counter)
Shannon: You didn't let me try out for Miss Teen Pittsburgh.
Burton: Because I wanted you to focus on your studies.
Shannon: I could've won.
Burton: Honey, being Miss Teen Pittsburgh is not gonna help you pass math.
Shannon: I can do both. Modeling and school.
Burton: For right now I want you to focus on your school work. And I wanna talk to that photographer.
Shannon: Why?
Burton: Because I'm your guardian. Because I have to know everything you do. Everything. Now what's his name?
Shannon: Malcolm Reeves.
Burton: Where's his studio?
Shannon: On the North Side. Alice Street. (He turns to walk away) Malcolm works with lots of models and actors. And he even does layouts for department stores.
Burton: Honey, just do your homework, all right? I'll be back in a little while. (Starts to exit)
Shannon: Burton. (He pauses) I'm sorry.
He puts his hat on and leaves.
Scene: O'Rourkes' residence—day
Annie O'Rourke: The baby has colic. I get… I get, like, two hours of sleep a night. And, uh… she just cries and cries and cries. And then, you know, I… I am not superhuman, Mr. Fallin. Okay? I can't look after Heather and be a good mom to Philip as well. I can't do that. It's not fair to him. It's… it's not fair to me. And then Philip does something like that.
Nick: You're certain that Philip hurt the baby intentionally?
Annie: The infant seat didn't just jump off the counter. (Baby starts to cry—off camera)
Nick: Okay.
Annie: (Agitated) And he does other things. You know? He makes… he makes these strange noises. And he… he's… he's always looking at her with this look… like, I don't know, like he's… he's ready to do something evil. And she's always… she's always crying and I can't sleep. (Busily gathers the baby's toys)
Herb O'Rourke: (Enters through the front door) Hi. Sorry I'm late.
Nick: (Stands and extends his hand) Mr. O'Rourke?
Herb: Been here long?
Nick: No.
Herb: I hate like hell that this is happening.
Nick: You both understand that, uh… a mark like this on Philip's report is gonna make it very difficult to…
Annie: You do know that his biological father abused him. You know what that means.
Nick: So, so… he's been living in your home for two years and now you realize he's…
Annie: Heather is my child. Okay? I… I carried her. She's mine. I can't explain to you what it's like to be… to be worried about your baby all the time. I… (Baby continues to cry) I can't explain it to you. I have to get Heather. (Leaves the room)
Herb: I can't change her mind. She keeps saying he's dangerous.
Nick: D'you think he is?
Herb: I don't know. I mean, most of the time he is the sweetest kid.
Nick: Right. Right.
Herb: (Sighs) There's definitely something going on between he and my wife and Heather, though. I mean, every time I leave the house it's like everything just goes crazy.
Nick: I… I'll—I'll let the judge know.
Quickly grabs his coat and exits.
Scene: Malcolm Reeves' photography studio—night
Burton pulls up and parks at the curb. First tries the door and finds it locked, then knocks.
Malcolm Reeves: (Opens the door) Can I help you?
Scene: Inside the studio
Malcolm escorts Burton to the back.
Malcolm: Roy said he could sign the consent forms.
Burton: Yeah? Well, he can't. I'm her legal guardian.
Malcolm: I thought Roy was Shannon's dad?
Burton: Yes, he is but… I take care of her, so…
Two women stand waiting for Malcolm in the background.
Woman #1: Uh… should we get changed?
Malcolm: Yeah. I'll be with you in a minute. (To Burton) Is this gonna be a problem?
Burton: Not if you tell me everything that's going on here.
Malcolm: Just pictures, sir. Shannon wants to be a model. We were just taking some pictures.
Burton: I wanna see those pictures.
Malcolm: Fine. Okay. (Goes to get them)
Burton looks around. Sees a large photo of Shannon on the wall.
Malcolm: Okay. Here we go. (Hands him several sheets of photo thumbnail prints which he looks through) Actually, some of those are pretty good.
Burton: This isn't all of them. There's some in a bathing suit.
The women emerge from the dressing room wearing skimpy underwear and holding two other pairs on a hanger.
Woman #2: Sweetie? Shall I wear this, this or nothing?
Malcolm: Just… wear the red one.
Woman #2: 'Kay.
Malcolm: Sir, this is just a way to pay the rent.
Burton: I want 'all' pictures and 'all' the negatives. Now.
Malcolm goes for the pictures and negatives.
Scene: Burton's residence—Shannon's room—later
Shannon sits in her room listlessly working on her laptop. Burton knocks and enters.
Burton: Hey. Laurie's here to, uh… interview us.
Shannon: I'm sorry. I mean, you did all this and then… I ruined it. (Indicates her newly redecorated room)
Burton: Oh… well… (Chuffs)
Shannon: Did you talk to Malcolm?
Burton: Oh, honey, I don't, uh… I don't want you going over there… again. That's…
Shannon: He does all sorts of things. Bands, models, art stuff. He says… I can maybe have a career doing this.
Burton: Shannon, don't ever go over there again. D'you understand?
Shannon: (Argumentative) Why not?
Burton: It's not appropriate.
Shannon: But… Malcolm says I'm really good.
Burton: Shannon…
Shannon: (Long pause) I just… I just wanna be good at something. (Pause) Fine. If you don't want me going, I won't go.
Burton: Good. Now come on down. She's waiting.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen—coffee station
Nick pours himself a cup of coffee. Sees Alvin in the 'broom closet' nosily rifling through his campaign flyers.
Alvin: (Glances up to see Nick at his door) Nick… (He looks intently at the flyer)
Nick: Hmm…
Alvin: …they misspelled my name.
Nick struggles to keep from smiling.
Alvin: (Intensely) My name is misspelled.
Nick: Where?
Alvin: On the bottom. See… (Shows him the flyer) ...where it says 'Paid for by Mastersin for City Council'. Master-sin. S-i-n.
Nick: (No longer able to hold his amusement) Uh, I'm sorry, I gotta go. (Chuckles as he walks away)
Lulu walks out of her office with Emily as Nick passes by.
Lulu: Oh, Nick. Uh, Nick Fallin. This is Emily Bernsley.
Nick: Oh, you're Judge Bernsley's daughter.
Emily: Right.
Nick: Nice to meet you.
Lulu: Emily works for Kirk & McGee.
Nick: I know.
Emily: Aren't you the guy who left your dad's firm to come over and run our corporate department?
Nick: That's right.
Emily: Yeah, what happened with that?
Nick: Uh… well…
Lulu: Emily took over the Crawford case yesterday and she already found him a foster home.
Nick: Fantastic.
Lulu: She's gonna need to share your office.
Nick: Even better.
Lulu: You won't really overlap; we just don't have any space, so…
Nick: (Sees Herb O'Rourke step off the elevator) Excuse me. (Walks toward him) Mr. O'Rourke.
Herb: Mr. Fallin. I've got Philip's mitt and his sweatshirt. (Hands Nick a bag)
Nick: Right. Thanks.
Herb: So what happened in court today?
Nick: Judge ordered counseling.
Herb: And where's Philip gonna go?
Nick: The shelter.
Herb: What are the chances of finding him a new family?
Nick: Well, it's not good. Not now.
Herb: Right. And the counseling, it starts immediately?
Nick: That's right.
Herb: And they can help him?
Nick: Well, they'll do the best they can.
Herb: Okay. Tell him I said 'hello', all right?
Nick: Sure.
Scene: Bar—afternoon
Roy Cantrell wipes the tables. Burton walks in. The place is empty.
Roy: Hey, Mr. Fallin. What brings you over to my neck of the woods?
Burton: Shannon. Roy, you can't sign consent forms for Shannon.
Roy: What are you talking about?
Burton: Modeling. That studio… They take photos of naked women.
Roy: What are you talking about… naked women?
Burton: You're not her guardian. You can't even take her to the park without my permission.
Roy: Well, listen, I don't know anything about naked women. All I know is you don't let Shannon do things she's good at.
Burton: What are you talking about?
Roy: Shannon comes to me and she says you won't let her do some pageants. She... she says you keep making her take classes she's not good at. Says she feels stupid all the time. So she's got a dream to model. I'm not gonna be the guy who kills it.
Burton: Roy, I think you and I'd better have another talk about finalizing this adoption, okay?
Roy: Okay. I got a job. I've been here in town. I see Shannon once a week. I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. I'm her dad, man. Not you. You're screwing me, you know that?
Burton: This is what Shannon wants.
Roy: Well, that's not what she says to me.
Burton: Well, that's what she told Social Services. That's on the record. She'll say it again in a court of law if you make her do it. Just agree to the adoption. I'll give you visitation rights.
Roy: Ten thousand.
Burton: What?
Roy: Ten thousand… I'll agree to whatever you want.
Burton: (Just looks at him a long moment) Oh, Roy. (Walks out)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Burton opens his office door and shows Laurie Solt in from the anteroom.
Burton: Hey, Laurie.
Laurie: Burton.
Burton: How are you?
Laurie: Nice to see you. Fine thanks.
Burton: Come on in.
Laurie: Thanks.
Burton: Have a seat there. How've you been?
Laurie: Okay. And you?
Burton: Good. Thank you. So…
Laurie: You know I had a meeting this morning with the Headmistress at the Thurmond Academy.
Burton: Mrs. Hayden, yeah. She's a… she's a terrific lady.
Laurie: I assume you know how Shannon's been doing in school.
Burton: Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, we're working on that. I, uh, hired a tutor and I check her homework every night and I think, uh… I think she's improving.
Laurie: Mrs. Hayden doesn't think Shannon has the skills she needs to succeed at Thurmond.
Burton: Uh… that's what we're working on.
Laurie: She says she should be in the fifth grade, not the eighth grade.
Burton: Oh, that's ridiculous. (Chuckles)
Laurie: Burton, they're recommending that Shannon be placed in another school; a school that can meet her special needs.
Burton: Special needs?
Laurie: It's just that she's… not prepared for the school you've placed her in. That's all, Burton.
Scene: Thurmond Academy—after school
Burton drives up and finds Shannon talking with Roy. He gets out of the car and walks over to them.
Shannon: (Fearful) Hi, Burton.
Burton: Hi, honey.
Shannon: Roy just came over to say 'hi'.
Burton: Yeah. Right. Go wait in the car, okay? Go ahead. Go on.
Roy: I'll see ya soon.
Burton: Go on.
Shannon: (To Roy) Bye.
Burton: This is exactly what I'm talking about.
Roy: Not allowed to see my own daughter?
Burton: Not… without my permission.
Roy: I was just talking to her about this whole thing. Seeing what she wanted. I mean, Mr. Fallin…
Burton turns and walks back to the car.
Roy: …hey, you're right. She wants to be with you.
Scene: Burton's residence—kitchen/family room—later
Shannon drops her bookbag and walks to the refrigerator for a bottled water.
Burton: Listen, I talked to Laurie Solt and Mrs. Hayden today… (Glances at his mail) …and, uh… we're thinking maybe Thurmond is not exactly the right school for ya.
Shannon: I can go back to my old school then? (Upbeat)
Burton: (Continues to go through his mail) No, no. We're thinking about New Borders.
Shannon: What?
Burton: New Borders.
Shannon: That's a school for retards.
Burton: No it's not. Actually it's a pretty good school.
Shannon: (Not happy) It's a school for retards.
Burton: (Sighs) Honey… I, uh… I know this has been a tough year for ya… all the changes and everything but … why don't you just try this for a semester or two. Then we'll figure out what to do.
Shannon: Just send me back to my old school then. I feel like going there.
Burton: (Pause—sighs) All right, I'll tell you what. Let's talk about it later. Maybe we'll have dinner and go to a movie. All right? Okay.
Shannon: (Not enthusiastic) Yeah.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office
Nick sits at his desk working when Emily walks in.
Emily: You mind? (Indicates the phone)
Nick: (Looks up) Oh… no, go ahead.
Emily: Just have to make some calls. (Dials the phone) Hello, Andrew Levinson, please. (Sits on the edge of the desk—waits) Andrew. Emily Bernsley. I'm calling about your house arrest pilot program. I'm representing a kid who would be perfect for it.
Nick gathers his work, unable to concentrate, and starts to leave. She motions to him.
Nick: No. I'll go work somewhere else. (Motions to the chair)
Emily: Hmm?
He exits and stands for a moment outside his office deciding where to go then walks to the 'broom closet' where he sees that Alvin is on the phone.
Alvin: (Into the phone) I just need another thousand dollars, Abby… to reprint the flyers. (Holds up his hand to Nick as he peeks around the door. Nick waves him off.) No-no, I'm serious, Abby. I don't wanna be the butt of a joke.
Nick pulls the door closed and walks away to find somewhere else to work. Laurie walks up to him.
Laurie: Herb O'Rourke just called. His wife agreed to take Philip back.
Nick: Really?
Laurie: So… nice news.
Nick: Yeah. Yeah. That's good news.
Laurie: Nice news. (Smiles and walks off)
Scene: Restaurant—night
Shannon: I can pass my classes at Thurmond… if I try harder. I guess… I'll have to try harder, Burton.
Burton: Well, maybe you need some basic skills. I mean… uh… It's not your fault, but if you… if you had… if you had the basics…
Shannon: I can do it, Burton. Mrs. Gleason, my math teacher, said… I could take a make-up test tomorrow. And I've studied a little bit for it.
Burton: Tomorrow?
Shannon: I'm ready. I can do it.
Burton: Test on what?
Shannon: Fractions and percents. Stuff like that.
Burton: Oh. Huh…
Shannon: Give me a percentage and I can turn it into a fraction. Go ahead.
Burton: Okay. (Removes his pen and writes on the placemat) Can you turn this into a fraction?
Burton watches her struggle with it.
Burton: Well… (Takes his pen back) …you don't have to do this now, honey.
Shannon: Uh… I can do it, Burton. I'm not stupid.
Burton: Oh, I know you're not stupid, honey. I know that. Well, let's just go home.
They pull up in the driveway. He slowly gets out of the car. She sits there. Shadows can be seen of someone inside his house. Burton does not see them. He realizes she is not following. He taps on the hood of the car.
Burton: Come on.
She continues to sit in the car.
Burton: (Motions to her) Come on. (He opens the car door) Come on, honey.
Shannon: You—you said we were going to the movies.
Burton: Shannon, this is ridiculous. Now come on.
Shannon: You said we were going out.
Burton: Honey. Get out of the car and come inside.
She doesn't budge. He shuts the door and walks inside the house. Shannon sits cringing in the car.
Burton: (Yelling—off camera) What are you doing here? What… what are you doing in my house? (Sounds of a struggle can be heard)
Roy and Malcolm are seen leaving the house. Shannon slumps down in the seat—near tears.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—corridor
Burton lies on a gurney. Nick walks quickly up to him.
Burton: Hey.
Nick: What happened?
Burton: Oh… Roy and… some other guy… I didn't get a look at his face… trying to steal your mother's jewelry. I went after 'em… (Chuckles) …but… shoved me down… hit my damn head.
Nick: How're you feeling?
Burton: Oh, dizzy. It's no big deal. I, uh… Look… I need ya… I need ya to take care of Shannon tonight.
Nick: (Shakes his head) Oh, Dad… I…
Burton: Really. Look… I gotta be here overnight. This is a concussion. They're gonna do these tests.
Nurse prepares to wheel him away.
Nick: Right.
Burton: I'm really concerned about Shannon.
Nick: All right. Where is she?
Burton: She's over at Junie's. Okay? (They begin to wheel him away—Nick follows for a step) So get over there as soon as you can, all right?
Nick: All right. Yeah. I'll call you in the morning.
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: All right.
Nick exits, looking back over his shoulder as they wheel Burton away.
Scene: Nick's house—kitchen—later
Nick opens the door and he and Shannon walk into the kitchen. Nick stops and leans against the counter—room illuminated only by the night light.
Nick: Uh, Shannon, tell me… (Long pause) How did Roy know about the jewelry?
Shannon turns to face him but doesn't respond.
Nick: You told him, didn't ya? (Long pause—they stare at each other) You told him.
Shannon: (Finally) Roy… owed a lot of money… to buy all this makeup. This shipment of makeup. And he didn't check to see it was all strange colors. He thought it was normal but it was all funny colors so he couldn't sell it.
Nick: (Long pause) Be ready to leave at seven in the morning. (Exits the room without another word)
Scene: Thurmond Academy—next morning
Nick drives up with Shannon in the car. He doesn't even want to look at her.
Shannon: I'm sorry about all this.
Nick: Just be back at my house right after school.
Shannon: Nick… I don't want any of this to happen. (Nick looks away—long pause) You're gonna tell Burton, right? What I said, you're gonna tell him?
Nick: Just be back at my house right after school. (He nods for her to get out of the car)
She exits—miffed.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—Burton's room
Burton is sitting up in bed reading the newspaper when Nick walks in.
Burton: Hey.
Nick: Hey. How're you feeling?
Burton: Oh, about the same.
Nick: Aah… Good. Good.
Burton: Yeah.
Nick: Shannon told Roy about the jewelry. She left the door open for him.
Burton: (Sighs) Nicholas…
Nick: Oh, Dad… she's gonna keep dragging you into this kinda trouble.
Burton: Ah… she's just a kid.
Nick: She's a kid that helped her father break into your house…
Burton: (With emphasis) She's just a kid.
Nick: (Long Pause) What is this about… really? I mean… why do you need someone like this in your life right now? (Burton looks away—does not respond) Uh… I gotta go. Uhm… (Pause) Just… just call me when you… when you need me to pick you up. (Exits)
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—Burton's room—later
Burton is sleeping—paper still in his hand, glasses still on. Shannon quietly walks in.
Shannon: (Whispers) Burton. (No answer) Burton. (Shakes his hand—he wakes up) Hi, Burton.
He removes his glasses, sighs.
Shannon: Hi, Burton.
Burton: (Whispers) Hi. (Long pause) You should be in school.
Shannon: I know, I just…
Burton: Why aren't you in school?
Shannon: (Pause) Nick told you what I did?
Burton: Yeah.
Shannon: I'm so sorry, Burton.
Burton: Why in the world would you do something like that?
Shannon: Roy said he needed money.
Burton: Don't you know when you do things like that you get in a lot of trouble.
Shannon: I know.
Burton: (Whispers) I'm angry with you. Very angry.
Shannon: I know.
Door opens and a doctor walks in with 2-3 others.
Burton: Listen, wait outside, okay?
Shannon exits.
Male Doctor: (Off camera) It'll be just a moment.
Female Doctor: (Off camera) Don't worry, hon. We'll be right out.
Male Doctor: (Off camera) All right. Mr. Fallin comes to us with a closed-head injury to the right temporal region. He experienced soft-tissue swelling but no evidence of intracranial hemorrhage. Uh… and, uh, no skull fracture also noted on the CT Scan.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—elevator
Nick steps in and pushes the button. Alvin hurries in as the doors begin to close.
Nick: Aah… Mr. Master-SIN. (Turns away with a grin)
Alvin: Now that's… that's funny. But, I'll tell ya somethin'. I went out today to pull those flyers down… everywhere I went I stopped to talk to people. (The doors open and they walk off) About my campaign. About my ideas. (Excitedly) And you know what? People were listening.
Nick: Aah…
Alvin: I mean this whole misprint got their attention and they… they actually listened to me.
Nick: Good for you.
Alvin: Yeah. I mean… yeah. (Turns with a smile and walks into his 'broom closet')
Nick: Yeah. (Starts walking to his office)
Lulu: (Catches up and they walk together) Oh, Nick, you're off the Bulseco case.
Nick: I am?
Lulu: Emily resolved it.
Nick: Oh, she did?
Lulu: Yeah, she's incredible. Really incredible.
Nick: Fantastic.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office—later
Emily walks in carrying a file. Nick looks up from his desk.
Nick: Oh, you're still here.
Emily: Lulu gave me a couple of your cases.
Nick: Great. (Immediately returns to his work—she stands there)
Emily: So I have to do some work.
Nick just nods, grunts, but doesn't look up—not pleased. Emily pulls up another chair to the corner of the desk.
Emily: I'll just work… and you can, too.
Nick glances at her out of the corner of his eye—trying to concentrate. Starts to say something to her when Laurie walks in with Philip.
Laurie: Excuse me, Nick. Sorry to interrupt.
Philip has a bandage covering his left ear and right hand and the tip of his nose is blackened from frostbite. Nick just stares.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—meeting room—moments later
Laurie: Mrs. O'Rourke has post-partum depression. She… (Pause) This morning she had kind of a break. She tried to hit Philip and he ran outside in his bare feet. She locked the door. Didn't let him back in 'til her husband came home from work.
Philip: I was just doing my homework in the family room. And she starts screaming at me.
Laurie: Philip was treated for frostbite on his face, his hands and his feet.
Nick: Where's Mrs. O'Rourke now?
Laurie: They took her to the hospital.
Philip: (To Laurie) What'd you say about her? What does she have?
Laurie: She's got this thing, honey… that… people sometimes get when they have a baby. It makes them act funny. It's not her fault. She's just kinda sick right now.
Philip: Do I get to go home?
Laurie: (Long pause—big sigh) We'll find a good place for you, sweetheart.
Philip: Mr. Fallin?
Nick: We'll find a better place for you.
Philip just hangs his head.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—Burton's room—day
Burton talks on the phone.
Burton: (Into the phone) I understand, but if you learn anything else would you… would you let me know? (Listens—Nick walks in and nods) Awright. Appreciate it. Thank you. (Hangs up)
Nick: Feeling any better?
Burton: Have you heard anything from Shannon recently?
Nick: No. I dropped her at school this morning…
Burton: She was here 'while ago. She just disappeared. (Worried) That was the school. They said she never showed up at all today.
Nick: What?
Burton: Said you called this morning and… and told them that she was not feeling well…
Nick: No, that's not true. I didn't call. I didn't call the school. (Pause) Dad, don't worry. She's probably with Roy. She's probably just…
Burton throws off the covers and climbs out of bed.
Nick: What are you doing?
Scene: Burton's residence—family room—later—twilight
Burton talks on the phone while Nick gets them something to drink.
Burton: Uh, yeah, this is Burton Fallin. My foster child, Shannon, is a… a friend of Penny's. (Listens) Yeah, right. Wondering if, uh… if she had talked to, uh, Shannon at all today. (Listens) No. No-no. I'll—I'll hold. Thank you.
Nick: You know, I can… I can just take a drive around and look for her, if you'd like.
Burton: Where? (Takes a sip of water)
Nick: Well…
Burton: (Into the phone) Yes? Oh, not since yesterday. (Listens) No-no. She wasn't… she wasn't at school today, so… (Listens) Okay. Well, thank you. Uh… would you… would you give me a call if you hear anything at all? Thank you. Thank you. (Hangs up)
Nick: Where does she hang out?
Burton: (Chuffs) The mall… I don't know.
Nick: Well, I… I can… just jump in the car and…
Phone rings.
Burton: (Into the phone) Hello. (Listens) Yes. (Listens) Oh, no-no-no. I'll be right over. Thank you. Thank you. (Hangs up and hurriedly stands and starts for the door) Police found Roy. He says he has some information about Shannon.
Nick grabs his overcoat and follows Burton out the door.
Scene: Police Station—outside the interrogation room
Nick and Burton stand outside the room where Roy sits with the police. Detective speaks to Burton (off camera).
Burton: (To detective) Thanks. (Detective returns to the interrogation room) (Sighs—then to Nick) Roy wants to make a deal.
Nick: Help find his own daughter?
Burton: He wants to make a deal.
Nick: He will plead down to a misdemeanor?
Burton: Right. (Pleased)
Nick: And the DA's gonna go for that?
Burton: (Nods) With my approval. Yeah, I'm the victim, so…
Nick: You're not doing that.
Burton: He can help me find Shannon.
Nick: Dad, you can't just let this guy off.
Burton: Nicholas. He says he has information.
Nick: Shannon ran away because of what she did to you. Now think about it. She's not missing, Dad. She ran away. She will be back the moment she wants something more from you.
Burton: Listen, Nick. If you don't wanna help, I don't want you here. Okay? (They glare at each other a moment) All right. Go home. (Turns and walks into the room—after a moment, Nick walks away)
Scene: Police interrogation room—moments later
Roy: She's with Malcolm.
Burton: Malcolm?
Roy: The photographer.
Burton: How do you know that?
Roy: Shannon called me. She… she says she was in trouble. She, uh… she said you didn't want her anymore.
Burton: Oh… I would never say anything to her like that.
Roy: I tried to find her, but they picked me up before I could get to Malcolm's place.
Scene: Malcolm's Photography Studio—late night
Burton stands outside, experiencing dizziness, blurred vision, and muffled hearing… while the cops haul out boxes of stuff from the shop.
Detective: (Walks up to Burton) Mr. Fallin. She's not here.
Burton: Well… what does that mean?
Detective: We found some things inside… pictures of women. Most of it's just your garden variety adult stuff. But we did find some photos that disturbed us… young kids. (Hands him several 8x10 photos)
Burton: Oh, God! (Looks through the photos)
Detective: Any of those Shannon?
Burton: No. No.
Detective: Just go home. We'll call you if we hear anything.
Burton: Yeah. You'll… you'll call me if you hear anything?
Detective: We'll call you.
Burton walks away.
Scene: Bar—another day
Burton walks in. Roy is working behind the bar.
Roy: Mr. Fallin.
Burton: The police went through Malcolm's studio. Found a lot of pictures of young girls. Child pornographer, Roy. How could you leave her alone with that kind a…?
Roy: You think I had any idea that was going on?
Burton: You introduced 'em.
Roy: Yeah, but I wasn't the one that made her feel like a piece of crap.
Burton: You just have to let me know everything you know about Malcolm.
Roy: (Sighs) We were in business together. He told me about this shipment of makeup… so we borrowed some money from some guys and we can't pay 'em back.
Burton: That's why you broke in my house?
Roy: I needed the money.
Burton: D'you think she's safe with him?
Roy: Oh, Malcolm's not gonna hurt her.
Burton: How do you know that?
Roy: 'Cause he kinda likes her.
Burton: (Pause) What?
Roy: Malcolm likes her, Mr. Fallin.
Burton: She's thirteen years old.
Roy: Maybe in your world, thirteen's just a kid. In ours… I mean, Shannon's mom was fifteen when I met her. She was sixteen when she had Shannon.
Burton: So… Malcolm needs money and… sells child pornography and he's alone with Shannon, huh? I don't care what world you're from, Roy… this is not good. (Turns and walks out)
Scene: Allegheny County Courthouse—Judge Lutz's chambers
Judge Lutz: You say you want Philip in your home.
Herb: We just want another chance, Your Honor. We didn't know. I just want another chance.
Judge: Miss Solt, what's your position?
Laurie: I think there aren't many good placements for a kid like Philip.
Judge: That's not the greatest recommendation.
Laurie: I'm just being realistic.
Judge: Mr. Fallin?
Nick: Mrs. O'Rourke, uh… accused Philip of abusing their baby, then she abused Philip.
Herb: Before we left the hospital with the baby a nurse came to talk to us and she mentioned post-partum depression, but… amongst a whole list of other things. I mean, that was the first time I'd ever heard of it before so how were we to know.
Judge: Mr. O'Rourke, when is your wife due to be released?
Herb: In two weeks. Got a letter here from her doctor explaining everything. (Hands the letter to the Judge) They just wanna get her medications right, that's all.
Judge: If Philip wishes to return to the O'Rourkes, he can. But, it's up to Philip.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen
Nick goes over a document with a clerk.
Nick: (To clerk) Photocopy this page and then just this page and when you're done, if you could, bring it to my office.
Lulu walks out of her office, glances into Nick's office where Emily sits working, then notices Nick with the clerk.
Lulu: Nick.
Nick: (To clerk) Thanks.
Lulu: Can I talk to you for a sec?
Nick: Sure.
Lulu: It's about Emily Bernsley. I, uh… called William Kirk today just to say what a great job she was doing and to apologize for keeping her so long and he said that he fired her last week.
Nick: Really? Why?
Lulu: He didn't say. He said it was awkward because of her dad and…
Nick: Hmm. (Nods)
Lulu: Anyway, I think that she's a really good lawyer. I just don't know what I should say to her.
Nick starts to say something then walks to his office.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office—seconds later
Nick walks in considering what to say when…
Emily: Your dad called.
Nick: Ah, he did?
Emily: Said he's at home. (Hands him the message and goes back to work)
Nick: (Looks at the message then puts it in his pocket) You like it here?
Emily: Yeah.
Nick: (Nods and starts to say something when Laurie knocks)
Laurie: Philip's here.
Nick: Okay. (Laurie exits—Nick continues to stand there—awkward pause) How ya doin'?
Emily: (Gives him a curious look then…) Fine. (Nick nods his head) You?
Nick: Yeah, fine… fine. (She smiles with a questioning look) Okay. (Makes a hasty exit)
Emily: 'Kay.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—children's play area—seconds later
Nick walks over to where Laurie and Philip are and sits down in a child's chair.
Nick: Hey.
Philip: Mr. Fallin.
Nick: Philip. So we, uh… we spoke to the Judge and he said it's… it's up to you. If you wanna go back home, then you can go back. But if you don't, then… we can… find you a better place.
Philip: You keep saying that you'll find me a better place…
Laurie: Right.
Philip: …but you don't really mean it, do you? (Pause) I remember when the O'Rourkes chose me. Nobody else wanted me. I remember that. If people want somebody like me, you go with 'em. Right, Mr. Fallin?
Nick looks at Laurie but can't argue with his logic.
Philip: (With a smile) Right, Mr. Fallin? (Nick nods) If it's okay, I just wanna go home.
Nick: Sure.
Philip: Sure.
Laurie squeezes his shoulders and smiles.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—bullpen—later
Nick sits on the edge of a desk, one foot in a chair with a cup of coffee in one hand. He re-reads the message from his dad. Alvin walks through the bullpen.
Alvin: (Hands some flyers to an associate) Take some… hand 'em out.
Lulu: (Walks up to Nick) So I spoke to Emily.
Nick: Yeah?
Lulu: Yeah, she lives at home and she commutes in the morning with her dad and she was afraid how he was gonna take the news. And he doesn't know that she was fired, so… that's why she's been hanging out here all week.
Emily walks to the elevator and then notices Lulu nearby talking with Nick. She starts towards them.
Nick raises his eyebrows and nods at Lulu—she turns around to see Emily approaching.
Emily: Still like to volunteer here.
Lulu: Oh, yeah, of course.
Emily: Really like what you guys do.
Lulu: Thank you.
Emily: Have to meet my dad now.
Lulu: Okay. See ya.
At the elevator
Alvin: (Hands Emily some flyers) Take a few. Vote for Masterson.
Lulu turns back around to face Nick.
Nick: Why don't you give her a job?
Lulu: Yeah. Yeah. Maybe.
Nick: Well, you said she's good. (Walks away—Lulu ponders it)
Scene: Burton's residence—family room—night
Burton sits in the family room—drink in one hand, cordless phone in the other. Nick walks in.
Nick: Hey. (Sits)
Burton: Hey. (Takes a drink and after long pause—sighs) Talked to that detective again, he… he said they'll do the best they can.
Nick: Right.
Burton: (Emotionally) The best they can. (Sighs) It's my fault. (Pause) I did this.
Nick: No, Dad, no. You didn't.
Burton: Well… if I don't hear something by tomorrow… (Near tears)
Nick: She'll be back. (Concerned about his father's emotional state)
Burton: Oh…
Doorbell rings. Burton scowls and looks at his watch.
Burton: Oh… It's Laurie Solt.
Nick: Why?
Burton: We had a… She was gonna interview Shannon for the adoption and… (Long pause then he starts to get up) Well…
Nick: (Stands and puts his hand on Burton's shoulder) No, Dad. I'll talk to her. I'll talk to her.
Nick walks to the door. Burton puts his head in his hands and sighs.
Nick: (Off camera) Laurie, come on in. There's… there's a problem.
END OF EPISODE
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