Murder One

Season One - Chapter Sixteen

U.S. air date: March 4, 1996

(Complete transcript)

[**NOTE: The credits listed have been completed thanks to Mario Silva.]

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Disclaimer: These transcripts were made from personal video copies of
the shows and are presented for Fair Use only to Murder One fans. All
of the characters and the scripts are the properties of Steven Bochco
Productions, Charles H. Eglee, Channing Gibson, ABC television and
their respective authors. No copyright infringement is intended nor
implied by the distribution of this document. It is solely meant for
entertainment purposes only.
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"Previously on MURDER ONE"

VICTIM'S DIARY - Narrator's voice-over: "The victim's diary." Clips of
Richard Cross and Ted with Jessica's diary. B/w clips of Jessica, Neil
with Melissa Griotte, drugs, Walter London (Chapter 8.5).

Cross: "Jessica writes about her experience with sex and drugs."

Ted leafing through the pages: "These appear to be men of some social
prominence."

Cross: "Agents, studio guys, political types. For all we know, Jessica was
planning on blackmailing one of these men. None of whom could afford to have
these revelations made public."

VICTIM'S SISTER - Narrator's voice-over: "The victim's sister goes with the
Defense." Clips from Julie's arrival from Costa Rica (Chapter 1) and with
Arnold as their were preparing for her testimony in court.

Julie: "I walked out on Richard and the only person I could think to go to
was you."

Arnold: "You could, uh, stay at my place until you figure out your next
move."

Julie: "You don't know what you'd be taking on with Richard."

Clip from Julie's encounter with Cross at the firm.

Cross: "Come home with me and we'll sort this out, okay?"

Julie: "No, Richard. Please leave me alone."

Cross: "Honey, listen... "

Arnold interrupts: "Excuse me, I believe Julie stated her... " With the
distraction, Julie breaks free and enters the reception area.

Cross interrupts Arnold: "Young man, whatever you're about to say -- don't!"

Arnold: "Granted you're upset, sir, but you can't... "

Cross interrupts again and this time quite angry: "I'm going to give you the
same advice I gave your boss -- don't come between us!"

FAVOR - Narrator's voice-over: "Richard calls in a favor." Clips of Cross
asking Justine to arrange a meeting with Julie for him.

Cross: "I'd like you to intercede with Julie on my behalf."

Justine: "I don't think she wants to see you, Richard."

Cross: "She doesn't know what she wants."

Justine: "I'm not comfortable being a messenger in this situation."

Cross: "Just get me in a room with her! You know my loyalty to those I
trust."

RUSTY ARNOLD - Narrator's voice-over: "Rusty Arnold, security specialist."
Clips of Ted finding Dave Blalock murdered in the hotel room, and speaking
with Gary Blondo. Also clips from how Ted figures Blalock and Carello were
murdered.

Ted: "Davey Blalock was murdered. He was shot in the back of the head. What
did you have to do with it?"

Blondo: "He told me he had a line on proof to clear Neil. He said he needed
a hundred thousand dollars cash."

Ted: "Who'd you send with the money, Gary?"

Blondo: "Rusty Arnold."

Ted: "Rusty Arnold works for Richard."

Blondo: "Rusty Arnold works for the studio."

Ted: "That's his day job. And I think Richard Cross had Dave Blalock killed.
And I think your security guy pulled the trigger."

MARRIAGE DESTROYED - Narrator's voice-over: "A marriage destroyed." Clips
of Annie and Ted as she asks for a separation.

Annie: "I keep putting this conversation off and putting it off and I can't
any more. I can't keep living the way we've been living."

Ted: "The trial's been exhausting, I know."

Annie: "I think we need to separate for a while."

Ted: "Annie, don't do this. I love you."

Annie: "I'm sorry."

Clip of Ted and Annie trying to explain their separation to Lizzie.

Ted: "Grown-ups are funny sometimes, honey. They love each other but they
can't always live with each other."

Ted: "And mommy and I both thought it would be best if... "

Lizzie interrupts: "Are you getting a divorce?" Ted looks to Annie.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Opening scene, the restaurant at Ted's hotel. An attractive woman, Suzanne
Parry, sitting at a table near Ted, decides to engage him in conversation.

Parry: "Excuse me. Are you Ted Hoffman?"

Ted: "Yes."

Parry laughs: "I knew you were but for some reason I felt the need to
pretend that I wasn't sure. This Goldilocks trial, I find it absolutely
riveting."

Ted: "And you are?"

Parry: "Oh, I'm Suzanne Parrey. Just another lonely soul, having dinner
for one. I'm sorry, that was insensitive. I've read about the problems
that you and your wife have been having."

Ted: "Hmm, an unfortunate side effect of this case is that everyone's read
about them."

Parry: "Well, if I'm not being too much of a trial groupie, would you mind
if I joined you?" Ted motions for her to join him which she does. "Must be
terribly difficult -- big case, your personal life in turmoil. Do you have
children?"

Ted: "Yep." Signs the check for his meal.

Parry: "I know you must miss them. When my boy's with my ex- for a couple
of days it's hard so... To be here alone in this big hotel, it just makes
it harder, doesn't it?"

Ted: "It doesn't help."

Parry: "Would you like to join me, in my room, for a drink?" They both
look at each other, smile and end up laughing.

Ted: "I should be, uh, turning in."

Parry: "I can make you forget this case, Mr. Hoffman."

Ted: "I'll bet. With a couple of 8 x 10 glossies thrown in at no extra
charge. But please, when he pays you, give my best to Mr. Cross." He gets
up from the table and leaves her behind.

[Music and main titles roll]

Daniel Benzali as Theodore Hoffman
Mary McCormack as Justine Appleton
Michael Hayden as Christopher Dochnovich
Grace Phillips as Lisa Gillespie
J.C. MacKenzie as Arnold Spivak
Stanley Tucci as Richard Cross
Dylan Baker as Detective Arthur Polson
Vanessa Williams as Lila Marquette
John Fleck as Louis Heinsbergen
Barbara Bosson as Miriam Grasso
Patricia Clarkson as Annie Hoffman
Jason Gedrick as Neil Avedon

Created by Steven Bochco & Charles H. Eglee & Channing Gibson
Executive Producer: Steven Bochco

[Episode credits roll]
Guest starring:
Joe Spano as Raymond Velacek
Bobbie Phillips as Julie Costello
John Pleshette as Gary Blondo
Romy Walthall as ???
Mathew Faison as Robert Fahren
Linda Carlson as Judge Beth Bornstein
Dean Norris as Rusty Arnold
Stan Ivar as ???
Ellen Bry as Lindsey Merrick
John Putch as Mort Kriendler
Nick Toth as ???

Music by Mike Post
Casting by Junie Lowry Johnson, C.S.A.
Producers: Geoffrey Neigher, Marc Buckland
Supervising Producers: Ann Donahue, Joe Ann Fogle
Creative Consultant: David Milch
Co-Executive Producer: Michael Fresco
Executive Producers: William M. Finkelstein, Charles H. Eglee
Teleplay by Geoffrey Neigher & Doug Palau
Story by Charles H. Eglee & William M. Finkelstein
Directed by Joe Napolitano
--------------------------

Next scene, Ted's office. Louis knocks at the door and enters.

Louis: "Gary Blondo with an unidentified female."

Blondo: "Teddy, I got your subpoena and let me just say up front, I am ready
to go to bat for Neil."

Ted: "Good."

Blondo: "So, I get up there, I just say my piece and I get off, right?"

Ted: "Just tell the truth, Gary."

Blondo: "And the truth shall set him free. I'm with you, Teddy. Which
brings me to why I'm here. Do you know, uh, Lindsey Merrick, Merrick Public
Relations?"

Merrick: "An honor to meet you, Mr. Hoffman." They shake hands.

Blondo: "Lindsay makes a point, and I think it's a good one, that's so far
the jury and the public at large has only seen one side of Neil."

Ted: "How do you propose we remedy that?"

Merrick: "With a carefully chosen list of character witnesses, Mr. Hoffman.
Each one highlighting a heretofore hidden aspect of Neil Avedon."

Blondo: "Did you know that Neil adopted a Bolivian orphan, Teddy? He's
watching TV one night and Sally Struthers comes on with a whole bunch of
these third-world kids, you know -- big eyes, bloated bellies -- breaks
his heart. Right then and there he sends Sally a check."

Ted: "Are you suggesting that we call Sally Struthers?"

Blondo: "No, no, the orphan kid -- Miguel, uh, Paco, whatever his name is.
We fly him in, we set him up at the Bel Air."

Ted: "What else?"

Blondo: "Last Thanksgiving, Neil served turkey dinners to a couple of
hundred homeless unfortunates. Nobody knows that."

Ted: "Okay, Gary. Let's pretend that I'm Miriam Grasso. `How long have you
know Neil Avedon?'" Blondo pretends to be a homeless person from the dinner.

Blondo: "`Oh, I don't know. Since last Thanksgiving.'"

Ted: "`Are you aware that he did drugs? Did you know that he regularly had
sex with a fifteen-year-old girl? That he choked his sexual partners to
achieve satisfaction? Can you tell us where he was on the night Jessica
Costello was brutally strangled?'"

Blondo, breaking out of character: "Teddy... "

Ted: "`Can you tell us anything about Mr. Avedon besides the fact that he
served cranberry sauce at your mission for two hours on Thanksgiving?'"
Gary remains silent. After this meeting Ted heads to the conference room
for the morning staff meeting.

Chris: "Gary Blondo here to complain about his subpoena?"

Ted: "Or to suggest we nominate Neil for sainthood. We begin our case in
chief today, people. And frankly if it went to the jury right now, Neil
would swing."

Lisa: "Thanks to the good Dr. Lester."

Ted: "His story about Neil's confession stands as uncontroverted testimony.
Since we can't shake his story, we have to shake him. I want anything we
can dig up on Lester's personal, financial and professional dealings."

Justine: "Well, Arnold and I are prepping Julie again this morning. Do you
want to see if she'll testify about Lester raping her?"

Ted: "Keep her focused on Cross for now. Given the gaps in her memory, I
think the other girl makes a better witness."

Lisa: "Stephanie Lambert? Isn't she a little squirrelly?"

Justine: "Yeah, but she's also still angry at Lester. If we build a fire
under that I think she'll testify."

Ted: "Chris, where do we stand on our subpoenas?"

Chris: "Besides Gary Blondo, we've served Rusty Arnold and four other names
from Jessica's diary -- all potential blackmail victims who may have had
motive to kill her."

Lisa: "I thought we couldn't get the diary in."

Ted: "Arnold may have found a unique way around that."

Arnold: "Instead of offering it up as a diary, we argue that it's a
financial journal."

Lisa: "Way to go, Arnold!"

Justine: "Do you really think that will work?"

Ted: "I'll let you know after Bornstein hears our motion this morning.
Anything else? We're done."

In court, before Judge Bornstein, Grasso and Chris argue the motion to enter
Jessica's diary into evidence at a closed hearing.

Grasso: "He wants to admit her diary as a business journal? Your honor, this
is utter nonsense."

Chris: "Ms. Costello's income derived from selling her sexual favors and
then blackmailing the men with whom she'd had sex, your honor. Her diary
contains a full accounting of her monetary transactions in this regard."

Grasso: "Scribbled in the margins of her private adolescent thoughts."

Chris: "To qualify as a business record: a document must be prepared by an
employee with knowledge of the entries, it must be written contemporaneously
with the facts recorded, and it must be the business' customary practice to
do so -- all of which applies here."

Grasso: "Oh, with one exception: it also must be factual in nature."

Judge: "Ms. Grasso, it's not IBM's annual report but Ms. Costello's diary
does document, however crudely, her transactions in her chosen field of
business. Motion granted. We stand adjourned until two o'clock."

Grasso: "Congratulations, Teddy. I suppose now we'll see a parade of
reluctant witnesses, all squirming to deny they ever knew Jessica Costello."

Ted: "Could be, Miriam, but personally, I love a parade."

Back at the firm, Justine and Arnold continue prepping Julie for her
appearance in court.

Justine: "Julie, we want to get into your relationship with Richard today.
Ted's hoping to use him to create reasonable doubt for Neil and we can't do
that without your help."

Julie: "What do you need?"

Arnold: "The last thing we want to do is embarrass you but we think Richard
knows more about your sister's death than he's willing to admit. Anything
that you can tell us about his sexual habits, his propensity for violence, 
we need to hear it."

Julie: "Are you sure you want to get into the sex stuff?"

Arnold: "Why not?"

Julie: "Richard and me, it wasn't exactly `Pretty Woman.' Maybe I should
just be talking to Justine."

Arnold: "Julie, no one's here to judge you."

Julie: "The first thing you need to understand, Richard and I never actually
had intercourse."

Justine: "What do you mean `actually?'"

Julie: "Richard's thing was to set me up with other men. Friends, business
associates... "

Arnold: "While he watched?"

Julie: "No, he wouldn't be there."

Justine: "Well, how would it work?"

Julie: "We'd go out to dinner with one of his friends, have a few drinks.
I'd go home with the friend. The next morning he'd have me describe it to
him. The more details, the better."

Arnold: "This went on for two years?"

Julie: "He stopped after Jessica died."

Justine: "Julie, is it possible that Richard was using Jessica the same way
he used you?"

Julie: "No, he swore he'd never do that. I made him promise. Am I going to
have to testify about all this?"

Arnold: "That's up to Ted, and you, of course." The phone rings. Justine
answers it."

Justine: "Appleton. Thanks, Lila. I'll be right there." She hangs up the
phone. "It's my 10:30. It's a client I've already re-scheduled twice."

Arnold: "Go. I can handle this." Justine gets up and leaves.

Julie: "When I look back on my life with Richard, I feel so humiliated, so
ashamed. What kind of person would do the things I did?"

Arnold: "Julie, what happened with Richard, that wasn't you. You were
frightened and confused and he took advantage but that doesn't mean you
aren't decent -- you are. You were just used terribly by someone who isn't."

Julie: "And you can forgive me?"

Arnold: "Forgive you? Julie, as far as I'm concerned, there's nothing to
forgive. Not one single thing." She smiles at him. Meanwhile, out in the
lobby, a small puppy walks past Louis' desk toward Julie who has now come
out of the library with Arnold.

Julie: "Oh! Hey, boy! You're so cute! Hi!" She picks up and cuddles the
puppy while Louis just glares at it.

Arnold: Oh, he's so cute!" Julie laughs.

Cross: "You remember Rome last year? The puppy you saw in the Via Corso?
You said you wanted one just like him. Happy birthday, Julie." Louis comes
up behind Cross.

Arnold: "Is it your birthday?"

Louis: "I hope that creature is housebroken." Cross does a double-take with
Louis.

Julie: "I can't accept this, Richard." Cross takes her aside to speak with
her.

Cross: "I've been thinking about that time, how much has happened, and how
far apart we've grown and I don't want us like that. If you do, I'll go away
and I'll never bother you again, but I'm hoping against hope that that is
not the case."

Arnold: "Mr. Cross, I don't think this is the time... " Cross holds up a 
hand to stop him from continuing.

Cross: "There's no pressure, Julie, just a declaration of my devotion." He
kisses Julie on the cheek and rubs the puppy's head. "Enjoy the pup." He
leaves.

Arnold: "You okay?" She doesn't answer.

In court, the defense begins its case with several men drawn from Jessica's
diary. First up, an agent named Mort Kriendler.

Kriendler: "Look, I don't know what she wrote about me in her diary. I'm an
agent. I talk to a hundred people a day, most of them I don't even remember."

Ted: "Do you remember talking to Jessica Costello?"

Kriendler: "Yeah, I got a referral on her. She, uh, she wanted to be an
actress, so I met with her -- once, as a courtesy."

Ted: "A courtesy to whom?"

Kriendler: "Uh, Richard Cross. I think he was dating her older sister."

Ted: "Now this `referral,' was it to evaluate Ms. Costello as a client, or 
as a sexual partner?"

Kriendler: "Hey, this was strictly legit."

Ted: "Mr. Kriendler, I direct your attention to the monitors where we're
displaying page 46 of Defense Exhibit R, Ms. Costello's diary. Specifically,
sir, do you see the entry: `Met this big agent, Mort Kriendler. Says he
can help me. Did it on the sofa in his office. He gave me 150 dollars.'"
Kriendler does not reply. Next...

Dr. B.: "I was Jessica Costello's dentist, Mr. Hoffman. I resent your
implication that my relationship with her went any further than that."

Ted: "How did Ms. Costello become your patient, doctor?"

Dr. B.: "A referral, I believe."

Ted: "From whom?"

Dr. B.: "Richard Cross."

Ted: "What a coincidence."

Grasso: "Objection."

Ted: "Withdrawn. Now doctor, how did Ms. Costello pay for your services?"

Dr. B.: "Cash, usually."

Ted: "Did she ever offer to have sex with you in lieu of payment?"

Dr. B., emphatically: "No."

Ted: "Sir, directing your attention to the monitor, do you see the entry
from Jessica Costello's diary?"

Dr. B.: "Yes, I see it."

Ted: "Let me read it, for the record. `Let Dr. B. drill me in his office.
Didn't need Novacaine! (sic) Ha ha.'" Next... "Assemblyman Galloway, you
represent a rather conservative district of Orange County, is that correct?"

Galloway: "Proudly so."

Ted: "And if the citizens of Orange County were to discover that one of
their representatives was having sex with a fifteen-year-old girl, would
they be more or less likely to re-elect him?"

Galloway: "Less likely, of course."

Ted: "Sir, did you attend a fund raiser for your assembly campaign at the
Sheraton-Anaheim Hotel on June 15th of last year?"

Galloway: "Yes."

Ted: "And following this event, did you have sex with Jessica Costello in
room 319?"

Galloway: "Absolutely not."

Ted: "But you did meet her that night?"

Galloway: "I don't recall. She may have come with one of my campaign
contributors."

Ted: "And who would that be, sir?"

Galloway softly: "Richard Cross."

Ted: "That name again?"

Galloway repeats: "Richard Cross."

Ted: "Sir, subsequent to that evening, did Jessica Costello ever attempt to
blackmail you over the events which took place that night?"

Galloway: "Absolutely not. Is that what she put in her diary?"

Ted: "Let's take a look at the monitors. `Galloway gave me one thousand
dollars, with his gross, hairy back, he should pay me twice that.' Galloway
sighs, but does not reply. Next... "The Defense calls Gary Blondo, your
honor." A man rises to address the court.

Fahren: "Your honor, Robert Farhen, attorney for Mr. Blondo. At this time
Mr. Blondo is unavailable to testify."

Judge: "Why is that, Mr. Fahren?"

Fahren: "Physical incapacity, your honor. Mr. Blondo has been taken ill.
Your honor, far from looking to shirk his duty in this case, Mr. Blondo
is eager to testify. Unfortunately, his medical condition is such that he
cannot at present."

Judge: "I'll need specifics, Mr. Fahren."

Fahren: "Mr. Blondo began to experience chest pains during a production
meeting at his office this morning. He was transported to Cedars-Sinai
where he was diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia. He's currently resting
in a cardiac unit awaiting further diagnosis and treatment."

Judge: "Do you have a physician's statement confirming Mr. Blondo's
condition?"

Fahren: "Well, not at this time, your honor. Uh, it all happened so
suddenly."

Judge: "Then based on your oath as an officer of the court, I'll excuse
Mr. Blondo from the subpoena for 24 hours but I want a doctor's statement
on my desk by tomorrow afternoon. Do you understand?"

Fahren: "Yes, your honor." He leaves the courtroom.

Judge: "Mr. Hoffman, are you prepared to call your next witness?"

Ted: "Our next witness is Rusty Arnold, your honor. He's not scheduled
until tomorrow morning."

Judge sighs: "Then we'll stand in recess until then."

Ted: "Chris, call Ray Velacek. Get him to find out how close to death's door
Gary Blondo really is."

Chris: "Got it."

Back at the firm, Ted's working in his office when Louis knocks and enters
to announce a visitor.

Louis: "It's the Mrs. She says it'll only take a minute."

Ted: "Show her in." Annie enters. "Everything all right?"

Annie: "Depends on what you mean by all right. A friend of Lizzie's gave
her this at school today." She hands Ted a tabloid with a picture of Ted
and Francesca on the cover with a headline reading, "Goldilocks' Attorney's
Secret Love."

Ted: "Annie, this was taken at the Fire and Ice Ball two years ago. If you
recall we posed with the Cross'. What they've obviously done here is they've
cropped you and Richard out of the picture."

Annie: "So, what do you suggest -- Lizzie and I stand in the `10 Items or
Less' line and explain that to everyone?"

Ted: "Who is having a problem here, you or Lizzie?"

Annie: "If you're asking whether I have a problem with our daughter being
taunted at school, the answer is yes."

Ted: "Annie, I'm not happy about it either. But you're the one who asked
for this separation, not me."

Annie: "This is why I asked for it, Ted."

Ted: "Then be a grown-up and recognize that garbage like this comes with
the territory."

Annie: "Maybe that's what's bothering me. It didn't used to."

Ted: "Annie, I know we've got problems and I'm willing to work on them.
But don't come in here and dump your ambivalence on me because I'm not
ambivalent. I want my family back. I want us all under one roof again. The
question is what do you want?"

Annie: "Ruth and her husband went to a marriage counselor last year. She
says it helped them."

Ted: "Name the time and place, I'll be there."

Next scene, Justine walks to her car in the garage and is met by Richard
Cross who calls her over to his car.

Cross: "Justine?" She gets into the back seat with him.

Justine: "What is this, Richard? I feel like `Deep Throat.'"

Cross: "I needed to talk to you."

Justine: "About what?"

Cross: "About Julie."

Justine: "Dog didn't do it, huh?"

Cross: "I finally got her on the phone this afternoon but she was reluctant
to talk. I get the sense that Ted wants her to testify about our relationship
-- deeply personal details about our life together."

Justine: "I can't discuss Julie's testimony."

Cross: "Oh, uh, that's unfortunate. I was beginning to feel that we had an
understanding."

Justine: "Why, because you gave me a $75,000 piece of art?"

Cross laughs: "Justine, I am reaching out to you as a friend. I can't see
that anything that's said between us will change Julie's testimony."

Justine: "Well, in that case, why rush to hear it?"

Cross: "To prepare myself psychologically. I would like to know in advance
if Julie intends to do any permanent damage to our relationship."

Justine: "And that's the only reason? It's, it's not because you fear she
may implicate you in Jessica's murder?"

Cross smiles: "Justine, I am guilty of many wrongs in this life but I swear
to you I did not kill Jessica."

Back upstairs at the firm, Arnold is hard at work when Julie drops by.

Julie: "Arnold? You're busy."

Arnold: "No, no, please. How's the puppy?"

Julie: "Destroying Justine's furniture. Arnold, I wanted to thank you for
what you said today."

Arnold: "What I said?"

Julie: "You didn't judge me, that means a lot."

Arnold: "Julie, it's takes, uh, courage to change. Getting out of Zephyr
House, leaving Richard -- to me, that says a lot more about you than anything
that's happened in the past. A lot more."

Julie: "I've been with Richard so long I almost don't know how to act around
someone like you. I'm not used to kindness. Do you know how many men would
have condemned me after the stories I told today? You're one in a thousand."

Arnold: "Julie, I'm not just, uh... " She presses a finger against his lips
to stop him from speaking. He sighs

Julie: "Make love to me, Arnold."

Arnold: "What?"

Julie: "Make love to me."

Arnold: "Oh, God."

Julie: "If you don't want to... "

Arnold interrupts: "No, I do. I do, uh, but putting aside our desires of the
moment, we agreed that we weren't going to... "

Julie interrupts: "Arnold, don't think. Please don't think." She kisses him.
They continue kissing, getting more passionate as they begin undressing.
They make love and as Arnold lies asleep on the couch, Julie begins dressing
to leave. Arnold wakes to find her half-dressed.

Arnold: "Leaving?"

Julie: "I better get back to Justine's. I don't want to get you in trouble."
She kisses him again.

Arnold: "Julie, I've never had a night like this, in my entire life."

Julie: "Me either." She finishes dressing and leaves. She then goes back
to Justine's apartment. As she enters she finds Justine there with Cross
who is holding her puppy and waiting to speak with her. "What are you doing
here?"

Justine: "Richard wanted to talk with you. I thought it would be all right."

Cross: "I'll go if you want me to, Julie, but I beg you to hear what I have
to say. Will you do that for me?" Julie nods.

Justine: "I'm going to excuse myself."

Cross: "Good night, Justine." She leaves them alone to talk. He gestures for
Julie to sit beside him. "Sit, please. I won't bite. I promise."

The next morning, in the firm's conference room, the associates and Ted
gather for their morning staff meeting.

Ted: "Good morning, folks." 

[Associates, more or less in unison]: "Good morning."

Ted: "Where's Justine?"

Lisa: "Could be traffic. I heard coming in it was a mess on Santa Monica
[Freeway]."

Ted: "We better get started. We're putting Rusty Arnold on the stand this
morning. Arnold, have you updated the notebook?"

Arnold, distracted: "What?"

Ted: "The trial notebook? Is it ready?"

Arnold: "Uh, yes, Ted. I got it, don't worry." He searches through his
briefcase for the notebook."

Ted to Chris: "Where are we with Gary Blondo?"

Chris: "He definitely at Cedars. Ray's checking out just how, uh, indisposed
he really is."

Lisa: "Yeah, well, if I were next up to be squeezed about Jessica's diary,
at the very least I'd have an irregular heartbeat." Justine enters the room.
She looks very worried.

Justine: "Has anybody heard from Julie?"

Chris: "Isn't she supposed to be staying with you?"

Justine: "When I got up this morning her bed hadn't been slept in."

Arnold: "Something's happened to her, I know it."

Ted: "Let's not panic on this. She hasn't been missing for very long."

Arnold: "Well, how long does it take, Ted? How long does it take for Richard
Cross to dispose of somebody?"

Justine: "Come on, Arnold."

Arnold: "Wake up, Justine! Anyone who gets in his way disappears, or haven't
you noticed? Holly Gerges, Dave Blalock -- the bodies are beginning to stack
up."

Justine: "I can't believe he'd do that."

Ted: "Why not?"

Justine: "I don't know. I mean, I thought they had a relationship."

Ted: "Chris and I have to be in court. I want Ray Velacek on this ASAP. Tell
him I want a full-court press. Check the neighbors, the hospitals and the
morgue." Chris leave and Ted leave.

In court, Rusty Arnold takes the stand.

Rusty: "My name is Russell Arnold, Jr. I'm head of security for Majestic
Studios."

Ted: "Who is your immediate superior, Mr. Arnold?"

Rusty: "Gary Blondo."

Ted: "Did you ever see Mr. Blondo in the company of Jessica Costello?"

Rusty: "Yes, once."

Ted: "Would you describe that occasion please?"

Rusty: "Mr. Blondo, myself, Richard Cross, Jessica and her sister, Julie,
flew on Mr. Cross' plane to Vegas for the Tyson-McNeeley fight last August."

Ted: "And what was the nature of the relationship between Mr. Blondo and
Jessica Costello at that time?"

Rusty: "There wasn't one. I mean they were sociable, uh, conversation, stuff
like that."

Ted: "And yet at a later date Mr. Blondo dispatched you to meet with Jessica
to resolve a personal problem, is that correct?"

Rusty: "Yes."

Ted: "What was the nature of that meeting, Mr. Arnold?"

Rusty: "Jessica had become somewhat obsessed with him, with what he,
as a studio executive, could do for her to the point that she became...
bothersome. And Mr. Blondo was vulnerable, after all he's a married man
in a very sensitive, responsible position. She's only fifteen-years-old.
Girl like that can make all kinds of accusations and it doesn't matter if
they're true or not."

Ted: "So, she was blackmailing him, is that correct?"

Rusty: "I wouldn't characterize it as blackmail."

Ted: "I'm going to read to you a passage from page 61 of Defense Exhibit
R. `GB wouldn't take my call at the studio. AGAIN! Maybe he'd like it
better if I called his Wife!' Does that sound like blackmail to you, Mr.
Arnold?"

Rusty: "Not necessarily, no."

Ted: "Really? You were a D.E.A. agent for 14 years after having served with
the F.B.I. You must have had considerable experience with various forms of
extortion, and yet that doesn't qualify as blackmail?"

Grasso: "Objection, your honor. Asked and answered."

Judge: "Sustained. Move on, Mr. Hoffman."

Ted: "On the occasion that you approached Jessica Costello, what did you
say to her?"

Rusty: "I told her Mr. Blondo was interested in helping her with her career
aspirations but that these things took time and well, you know the old
saying, `don't call us, we'll call you.'"

Ted: "Was Ms. Costello satisfied with that?"

Rusty: "She wanted specifics, however I told her that Mr. Blondo couldn't
give her specifics."

Ted: "No threats to harm her physically?"

Rusty: "None whatsoever."

Ted: "This entry is from page 72 of the diary. `RA said he'd break my legs
if I asked for more money from GB.' If you didn't threaten her with physical
violence, Mr. Arnold, why do you think she wrote that?"

Rusty: "I can't answer that but I know I never said it. Man, who knows what
racket she was working with that diary."

Ted: "No more questions. Your witness."

Grasso: "Mr. Arnold, did you ever hear Gary Blondo threaten Jessica
Costello?"

Rusty: "No."

Grasso: "Did Gary Blondo ever ask you to threaten her?"

Rusty: "No."

Grasso: "Do you have any evidence or indication of any kind that Gary Blondo
was involved in her death?"

Rusty: "No, I don't."

Grasso: "No further questions."

Judge: "Thank you, you're excused, Mr. Arnold." Ray arrives to speak with
Ted. He has an envelope with him.

Ray: "Ted."

Ted: "Anything on Julie Costello?"

Ray: "Naa, neighbors didn't see anything. Nothing at the hospitals or the
morgue. But take a look at these." He pulls out several photos from the
envelope and shows them to Ted.

Ted: "Your honor, we request a conference in chambers." They assemble in
Judge Bornstein's chambers where Ray lays out the photos on her desk and
explains the circumstances in which they were taken to the judge.

Ray: "These were taken this morning with a 500mm lens from a building
opposite Cedars-Sinai Hospital." They show a supposedly ill Gary Blondo
conducting meetings in his hospital room, smoking a cigar and on the phone.
Blondo's attorney, Robert Fahren protests the validity of the photos.

Fahren: "Your honor, with due respect to Mr. Velacek here, you didn't just
fall off a turnip truck. Mr. Blondo was hospitalized in July of '92 at
Cedars. These pictures could have been taken at that time. Assuming, that
is, that they weren't fabricated to begin with."

Ray: "With all due respect to counsel, I have statements from a floor nurse
and an orderly that Mr. Blondo was conducting active, noisy meetings in his
rooms at the time these photographs were taken. They will also verify the
fact that on two occasions he auditioned actresses for an upcoming film.
In addition, he chose to medicate himself with a pastrami-and-Swiss Sky-High
from Junior's."

Grasso: "Judge, this whole issue is just a distraction. An attempt on the
part of counsel to manufacture alternate suspects out of thin air."

Fahren: "Besides which, who knows what motivated the hospital people to say
what Mr. Velacek claims they said."

Judge: "Nevertheless, counsel, the ball's in your court. Do you have the
physician's statement I asked for?"

Fahren: "I'm still working on it."

Judge: "Not good enough. I want Mr. Blondo's doctor here to certify his
illness under oath."

Fahren: "Your honor, the man's got surgery scheduled, there are people
backed-up in his office... "

Judge: "Your choice, his testimony or Mr. Blondo's. Either way, I want one
of them in my courtroom this afternoon." She hands the photos back to Ray.
"Or I'll hold you in contempt." That afternoon, Gary Blondo finally makes 
his appearance in court. He's brought into the room in a wheelchair.

Chris: "Look who just rolled in." Ted and Neil both turn around to watch
Blondo's entrance.

Blondo, as he passes by Ted on his way to the stand: "Happy, Ted?" Ted
smiles to himself.

Ted: "Mr. Blondo, how long have you known Neil Avedon?"

Blondo: "How long?" He laughs. "Practically forever. I got the kid his first
break. I put him in `All for One' when those geniuses at the network wanted
Gary Coleman."

Ted: "So, you've known him for at least ten years?"

Blondo: "And I love him. The kid's got a heart of gold. He's no killer, my
hand to God. Which is why I've dragged myself... " Grasso and Washington
are clearly amused by Blondo's testimony. "... from a hospital bed, sick
as I am, to say that Neil Avedon wouldn't harm a fly."

Grasso: "Objection. Unresponsive."

Judge: "Sustained."

Blondo: "I'm sorry, your honor. I get emotional. This is taking a lot out
of me. Is there much more?"

Ted: "Just a few additional questions, Mr. Blondo. Did you ever give or
sell drugs to Jessica Costello?"

Blondo: "What, are you crazy? Of course not."

Ted: "Let me direct your attention to a passage from Jessica Costello's
diary on the monitor. `June 18th... '" Blondo leans forward, covers the
microphone with his hand and tries to speak directly to Ted.

Blondo interrupts: "Ted, Ted!" (Whispers.) "What are you doing to me?"

Judge: "No private conversations, Mr. Blondo. Respond only to the questions
put to you." He lets go of the microphone and slides back into his chair.

Ted begins again: "`June 18th. Scored a nickel bag and a quarter-fold of
blow from GB.'"

Blondo: "Look, I, I have no control over what some person wants to make up
and put in a diary."

Ted: "So, your answer is no, you and the victim were never involved with
drugs?"

Blondo: "Correct, my answer is no."

Ted: "Were you ever involved sexually?"

Blondo: "No, no way in the world." He shakes his head emphatically.

Ted reads from the monitor: "`Had sex with Blondo. Total gross-out. He gave
me $200. He promised me a part in a movie he's going to make in Hawaii."

Blondo, nervous laughter: "You know what this is, it's, it's, it's, uh,
it's preposterous. I mean, anyone who believes this trash, whether they are
in the courtroom or watching this at home on television, would be very much
mistaken."

Ted: "Sir, I repeat, did you or did you not have sex with Jessica Costello?"

Blondo: "How could I do such a thing? This was a fifteen-year-old girl! She
wanted to be an actress. I made a few calls on her behalf -- that's it!
Finito!"

Ted: "Mr. Blondo, Rusty Arnold, your security chief, testified that you sent
him to stop Jessica Costello from attempting to contact you. Why did you do
that?"

Blondo: "Look, not to speak ill of the dead, but this girl was an operator.
She wanted me to set her up with agents, get her freebie head-shots with
studio photographers -- which I did. Next thing I know, she's not only
pestering me, she's pestering other guys. Now my friends are upset. I had
to do something."

Ted: "So, you sent an enforcer to stop her from blackmailing you and your
friends, is that right?"

Blondo: "Not blackmail, I told you! Why, why am I suddenly Joseph Stalin?
I've been for twelve years on the boards of Variety Club International. Do
you know how much money we raise for crippled children?"

Judge: "That's enough, Mr. Blondo, just give a short, concise answer."

Blondo: "I'm trying but I mean the man is practically accusing me of being
a drugged-out sexual pervert murderer! I mean, not practically, that's what
he's saying!"

Ted: "I'm not testifying, Mr. Blondo, you are. No further questions."

Grasso: "Mr. Blondo, where were you on the night of September 20th, the
night Jessica Costello was murdered?"

Blondo: "At the Friars Club, and believe me, you don't just get up off the
dais at the Friars Club and go out at 1 a.m. and kill somebody."

Grasso: "Do you have any specific knowledge that Jessica Costello was
blackmailing anyone?"

Blondo: "No, I don't."

Grasso: "Thank you. No more questions."

Judge: "Step down, sir." Blondo is helped down off the stand, into his
wheelchair and is escorted from the courtroom by an assistant, all the
while continuing to speak.

Blondo: "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to get in my chair and see if I
can salvage what remains of my career and my marriage... "

Judge tries to interrupt him: "Mr. Blondo... "

Blondo continuing: "They took an EKG of my heart the other day... "

Judge tries again: "Sir, don't make me hold you in contempt of court."

Blondo continues: "... and they may have found an arrhythmia, but they
found no hatred there, no perversion... "

Judge: "That's enough, Mr. Blondo!"

Blondo, not finished yet, continues: "You should measure the generosity and
concern for your fellow man with those things!" He's finally wheeled out of
the courtroom. But he can still be heard from the hallway. "Go ahead, throw
me in jail!"

Chris: "I almost feel sorry for the poor bastard."

Ted: "Don't. If there's ever a nuclear holocaust, find Gary Blondo and stand
next to him. The man's a survivor."

Back at the firm, Ted returns from court as Louis tells him about his calls.

Louis: "Bill Weingart, sounding snippy. And Connie Dahlgren would like to
have a word. Apparently, she's been informed you and Melanie Griffith are
trysting in a bungalow at the newly-remodeled Beverly Hills Hotel. She wants
confirmation before she goes public with this effluvium."

Ted: "Thanks, Louis."

Louis: "Oh, also you're wife called. She set an appointment with a counselor
for six this evening. Is that suitable?"

Ted: "I'll call her." Louis nods and Ted heads for his office when Arnold
hurries over to speak with him.

Arnold: "Ted, Julie called."

Ted: "Is she all right?"

Arnold: "She said she's fine, no problems, sorry to make us worry."

Ted: "Where was she, Arnold?"

Arnold: "She was a little non-specific about that but again, the good
news is she's all right. Plus, she'll be in court this afternoon, ready to
testify." Ted slaps Arnold's arm and enters his own office.

That afternoon, in court, Julie is on the witness stand.

Ted: "How long were Neil Avedon and your sister together, Ms. Costello?"

Julie: "They were together, off and on, for about four months."

Ted: "And during that period, did you have an opportunity to observe their
behavior towards each other?"

Julie: "Yes, I did."

Ted: "How would you characterize that behavior?"

Julie: "They liked each other. They had fun together. Very sweet, childish
sometimes, but caring."

Ted: "Did you ever observe Mr. Avedon behaving violently towards your
sister?"

Julie: "No. They argued once in a while, but that's natural and it never got
physical. Neil was very fond of Jessica."

Ted: "Do you believe he could have killed her?"

Grasso: "Objection. Calls for speculation."

Judge: "Sustained."

Ted: "Ms. Costello, are you acquainted with an individual named Richard
Cross?"

Julie: "Yes."

Ted: "How long have you known him?"

Julie: "Almost two years.

Ted: "Were you having dinner at Citrus last year when a man threw a drink
in Richard Cross' face?"

Julie: "Yes."

Ted: "Subsequent to that incident, did Mr. Cross telephone Rusty Arnold?"

Julie: "Yes."

Ted: "And the following day, were you informed that the man in question
had suffered a fractured skull?"

Grasso: "Your honor, objection. This whole line of questioning is
irrelevant."

Judge: "Overruled. You may answer, Ms. Costello."

Julie: "I don't think I'm supposed to, judge."

Judge: "I just made my ruling. You are required to answer."

Julie: "But isn't there some law about testifying against your husband?"

Ted: "Excuse me?"

Julie: "Richard and I were married night before last in Reno."

POV switches to Law TV's live coverage of the trial as Justine and Arnold
watch the proceedings back at the firm.

[TV] Ted: "Your honor, uh, the Defense requests a conference in chambers."

[TV] Judge: "We'll stand in recess for fifteen minutes while the court
confers with counsel in chambers. Bailiff, will you escort the jury out."
Arnold is shocked and speechless.

Justine: "Did Julie say anything to you about this?" He's unable to reply.

In Judge Bornstein's chambers.

Ted: "What we saw out in that courtroom was a transparent attempt by Richard
Cross to subvert the intent of the marital privilege."

Grasso: "Hey, she's he's wife!"

Ted: "Section 980 of the evidence code protects communications between
spouses made `during' the marriage, not before."

Grasso: "But Mr. Cross is not a defendant."

Ted: "He very well could be, if his wife were allowed to testify."

Judge: "Will she testify he's a murderer, Mr. Hoffman?"

Ted: "She will testify to his propensity for violence."

Grasso: "Not the same thing. Not by a mile. Judge, this is just another
fishing expedition. Counsel, as usual, is desperate to manufacture new
suspects. And that's no justification to violate legitimate privilege. If
he has sources who have experienced this alleged violence directly, let him
put them on the stand."

Ted: "Your honor, if you allow this witness to invoke privilege under these
circumstances... "

Judge interrupts: "I'm going to stop you right there, Mr. Hoffman. If
Richard Cross was charged with a crime and Julie Costello had specific
knowledge of it, that's one thing. But that's not what we have here. The
marital privilege applies and that's my ruling. Now, if you have other
issues you wish to pursue with this witness, let's get to it, hmm? If not,
we'll reconvene in an hour." She and Grasso both leave the office. When
Ted leaves, he runs into Julie and Richard Cross in the hallway.

Ted: "Julie, Richard, congratulations."

Cross bows his head: "Thank you, Teddy. I know this may come as a bit of
a shock. If it's any consolation, I'm still somewhat disoriented myself.
Julie's consenting to be my bride has left me in a delightful state of
giddiness."

Ted: "I'm sure you will recover your equilibrium soon, Richard."

Cross: "You're wondering why I did it? Well, because I was a single man and
because I realized what a treasure I had in this woman. And because I am
impulsive when it comes to matters of the heart."

Ted: "Impulse aside, Richard, how were you able to divorce Francesca and
re-marry so quickly?"

Cross: "Oh, Teddy, that's what countries like the Dominican Republic are
for -- so that people like me can get on with their lives. Bye-bye." He
and Julie leave, hand in hand as Ted sighs deeply.

Next scene, the appointment with the marriage counselor, who sits quietly
as one then the other take turns speaking. Ted and Annie both sit on a couch
but at opposite ends, as far apart as possible.

Annie: "Six years after we were married, they came to him from Royce and
Stovall and asked him to head up the criminal department."

Ted: "I knew it would mean a big jump in office time but we talked it over.
It was an exciting opportunity."

Annie: "And I was excited for him."

Ted: "When I got the chance to start my own firm, we talked again -- about
how much the work load would increase -- that sort of thing."

Annie: "It seemed like a logical progression so, I went along."

Ted: "`Went along?' My recollection is that we both `went along' quite
enthusiastically."

Annie: "As I said, I went along."

Ted: "So, you've always had reservations."

Annie: "I had fears, which materialized. The five days that you worked at
the office became six, sometimes seven. The calls that pulled you out of
the house in the middle of the night became more frequent. And now, you've
gotten yourself into this Avedon thing."

Ted: "Which again we talked about, which you were fully apprised would be
difficult."

Annie: "It's not just about this case. It's every case that's going to come
after it. It's, it's living on display with my famous husband, who's going
to become even more famous."

Ted: "What do you want me to do, Annie? Would you be happier if I tossed it
all aside and started a probate practice in Bakersfield?"

Annie: "Yes, I think I would."

Ted: "Hmph. So, I'm supposed to feel guilty, is that it? I'm supposed to
apologize for having achieved some success in my profession."

Annie: "You make it sound as if I'm jealous. Well, I'm not jealous but I am
angry."

Ted: "Well, you've kept your anger well-disguised."

Annie: "It was there, you just ignored it."

Ted laughs: "No, I'm not a stupid man and I'm not insensitive. Evidently
what you expected was for me to read your mind."

Annie: "Just so there's no mistake, Ted, here's what's on my mind. This
isn't about how big you've gotten. It's about how small I've become. Not
my jealousy but my anger over how I've turned into just another accessory
in your life. But I'm not going to let it eat me up. I'm not going to turn
into just another bitter Westside bitch."

Counselor: "Well, it looks as though we've got a lot of work to do."

[End titles]

Steven Bochco Productions
20th Century Fox Television, a News Corporation Company
Story Editor: Doug Palau
Story Editor: Charles D.Holland
Supervising Associate Producer: Gigi Coello-Bannon
Associate Producer: Chad Savage
Casting in New York: Alexa L. Fogel, C.S.A.

Co-Starring:
Marnie Andrews as Counselor
David Fresco as Albert Wysong
June Saruwatari as Karen Ting
Paul Goodman as Shel Metzger
Alexia Robinson as Akeesha Wesley
Rosanna Huffman as Eleanor Iverson
Markus Redmond as Mark Washington

Director of Photography: Anthony R. Palmieri
Production Designer: Paul Eads
Edited by: Kaja Fehr, A.C.E.
Unit Production Manager: Patrick McKee
First Assistant Director: Michael J.Schilz
Second Assistant Director: Brian Faul
Costume Designer: Brad R. Loman
Legal Consultant: Howard Weitzman
Technical Advisor: David J. Gascon
Production Coordinator: Nancy Wilkerson
Costume Supervisor: Debra Beebe
Make-Up Artists: Norman Page, Jim Scribner
Hairstylists: Paulette Pennington, Anthony Wilson
Continuity Supervisor: Margaret Varian
Camera Operator: David Boyd
First Assistant Camera: Brian LeGrady
Gaffer: Mark Vuille
Key Grip: Harry L. Rez
2nd 2nd Assistant Director: Andy Spilkoman
Technical Consultant: Debra Carrillo
Production Sound Mixer: Susan Moore-Chong, C.A.S.
Supv. Sound Editor: Dave Weathers
Music Editor: Patty McGettigan
Background A.D.R.: Superloopers
Re-recording Mixers: Robert L. Appere, Ken Burton
Set Decorator: Mary Ann Biddle
Set Designer: Mindy Roffman
Lead Person: Randy Bostic
Property Master: Tommy Day
Location Manager: John Armstrong
Script Coordinator: Michael Norell
Casting Associates: Libby Goldstein
Construction Coordinator: Pete Lawrence
Transportation Coordinator: Norm Benson
Assistant Production Coordinator: Ann M. Kaiser
Post Production Coordinators: Laina Mumbrue, Jamal A. Swinton
Production Accountant: Candace Montgomery-Lira
Asst. to Steven Bochco: Barbara Kroells
Asst. to Charles H. Eglee: Marian Devney
Asst. to Fogle/Buckland: Karin Londgren
Asst. to Donahue/Neigher: Holly Baker
Asst. to Michael Fresco: Maureen Milligan
EPR (R) Telecine and Electronic Assembly by Encore Video Inc
Telecine Colorist: Steve Porter
Re-recorded at Sony Pictures Studios
Post Production Sound Editorial by Miles of Fun Sound
Presented in Dolby Surround
Lenses & Panaflex (R) camera by Panavision (R)
Copyright (c) 1996 Steven Bochco Productions #7116 All Rights Reserved
Steven Bochco Productions is the author of this motion picture for purposes
of copyright and other laws.
(AMPTP) Color by Foto-Kem Laboratory (R)

The events and characters depicted in this photoplay are fictitious. Any
similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely
coincidental.

Ownership of this motion picture is protected by copyright and other
applicable laws, and any unauthorized duplication, distribution or
exhibition of this motion picture could result in criminal prosecution
as well as civil liability.