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TRANSCRIPT:
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COLD OPEN:

[Handheld Night-vision camera.]

[Mulholland Overlook. Night. A dark figure gets out of his car. Carrying a semi-automatic, he walks to the side of nearby BMW (Plates: 20CE265). Inside the BMW, an attractive lady (the driver) and a middle-aged man (the passenger) speak. Suddenly, the lady gasps on seeing the unknown man. He levels the gun at them and unloads into the BMW, through the windshield. Safe to assume, the two don't make it. His job done, the killer moves away.]

FADE OUT.


[Aerial shots of LA. Night.]



CUT TO:

[Malibu sidewalk. Night. Sebastian and Julie Stark walk on the pavement, arguing about party-wear for Julie.]

JULIE STARK: [eating a Twizzler] Dad, I don't need a two-thousand-dollar dress.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Well, seventeen-hundred. And "need" is a relative term.

JULIE STARK: [exasperated laugh] Okay, it's a party for the end of the track and field season. People are gonna wear sneakers a-and jeans.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Yeah, but you look so cute and...

[Julie tilts her head at him.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Okay, fine. How did I end up with the only kid in LA who will not let her father spoil her?

JULIE STARK: Just so you know, I plan on skipping rehab, too.

[Stark smirks loudly.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: So, things with Eddie are... [motions to continue]

JULIE STARK: Really good.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Oh, good. By "really good," you mean...? [cues her]

JULIE STARK: Something you wanna know?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Something you wanna tell me?

[His cellphone beeps.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [looking at it] Oh, hold on.

[He looks at the text message. It reads:
New Text Message
From: D.A. Office (M)

Double homicide. Mulholland
overlook. Arrive ASAP.
He looks at it somberly.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Sweetie, I gotta go. Sorry.

[She nods half-heartedly.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Alright? We'll talk later. You're gonna be okay?

[He kisses her on the cheek.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Yeah. Sure.

[He walks off.]



CUT TO:

[Mulholland Overlook. The victims' BMW is surrounded by cruisers, ambulances, cops and criminalists. Stark approaches Isaac Wright, who's already present at the crime scene.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Isaac. What do we got?

[They start walking towards the car.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: Male and female vics shot through the windshield at close range.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Robbery?

ISAAC WRIGHT: Cash and jewellery weren't touched.

SEBASTIAN STARK: ID's?

ISAAC WRIGHT: Uniforms are under orders not to talk to anyone.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I hired you 'cause you used to be a cop, remember?

ISAAC WRIGHT: Well, something's up.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Run the plates.

[Stark looks at the bodies. The female victim is slumped backwards, a hole in her head. The male victim leans lifelessly to the side.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: Thanks for the tip. Figures to be her car. She's behind the wheel. And judging by his suit, the Beemer's out of his league.

[Stark looks to the left and jerks his head towards Jessica Devlin walking towards a couple of cops.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Plot thickens.

ISAAC WRIGHT: [whispers to Stark] Since when does the DA show up at a crime scene?

SEBASTIAN STARK: [whispers] You may not wanna mention that I hired you as my investigator.

ISAAC WRIGHT: [whispers] When were you planning on telling her?

SEBASTIAN STARK: [whispers] It's all about timing.

[Jessica approaches them.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: You don't usually make house calls.

JESSICA DEVLIN: [holding up a bagged DA's badge, serious] He's one of ours. Deputy District Attorney Dean Gorman. [sadly] Wife and a two-year-old son.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [looking at the female victim] Wild guess... That's not the wife.

JESSICA DEVLIN: Married him right out of law school. Ambitious, hard working... [to Isaac] I assume you'll be handling the leg work on this one?

ISAAC WRIGHT: [unsure] Uh...

[Stark gives him an "it's okay" look.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: Yeah. Yes, ma'am.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [trying to explain] Jess, actually, I meant to mention...

JESSICA DEVLIN: No, you didn't, but trust me if I didn't approve, you'd know it. Remember how it felt to lose your partner?

ISAAC WRIGHT: [somberly] Yeah.

JESSICA DEVLIN: That's how I feel now. Whoever did this, [viciously] I want their head on a stick.

[She walks off, looking at Dean's body. Zoom into the body.]



CUT TO:

[Opening Title.]



CUT TO:

[HPCU Office, Conference Room 3-A. Day. The team (now including Isaac) and Stark hang around the conference table.]

MADELEINE POE: [mournful] I can't believe Dean's dead.'

SEBASTIAN STARK: How well did you know him?

MADELEINE POE: My first assignment here was in the Domestic Violence Unit and we worked a spousal abuse case together.

ISAAC WRIGHT: Was he a straight-up guy?

MADELEINE POE: Yeah. He was kind of quiet. But he worked his butt off.

RAINA TROY: [contemplative] It could have been any one of us.

SEBASTIAN STARK: A lot of pissed-off husbands in Dean's line of work.

MARTIN ALLENDE: You think this came off of one of his cases?

CASEY WOODLAND: My friend Andy has a desk next to his at DVU. They were pretty tight.

SEBASTIAN STARK: You and Martin go talk to him. And I want you to pull everything Gorman handled in the past eighteen months.

RAINA TROY: The female victim was Allison Adams, 26. Single, moved to LA five years ago from Omaha. Worked as a lingerie model, then an exotic dancer. No current employment, but she wasn't hurting for money.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Hooker.

[Raina looks at him.]

CASEY WOODLAND: [dropping two photos on the table] Judging from her car and these photos, very high end.

Oh, man.

[Stark looks at the photos. One is of Allison Adams in a sexy pose. The other is of Dean Gorman.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Oh, man. "The Prosecutor and the Prostitute." Not a pretty headline.

MARTIN ALLENDE: ME found no evidence of recent sexual activity.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Shooter saw to that, but something tells me they didn't go up there to talk politics. [to Raina and Madeleine] You two go see Gorman's widow. [to Isaac] You tag along. See what you can find inside the house.

RAINA TROY: What do we say about his companion? [holds up Allison Adams' picture]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [sighs] Nothing. If we get very lucky, we nail the shooter, we make a deal. The wife never has to know anything. Trial is war. They just killed one of our own. Somebody's gotta pay.

[He moves to his office. The rest go about their assignments.]



CUT TO:

[Aerial shot of LA. Day.]



CUT TO:

[Gorman Residence. Day. Madeleine and Raina, accompanied by Isaac, visit Chloe Gorman.]

MADELEINE POE: The entire office extends its condolences, Mrs. Gorman.

CHLOE GORMAN: [keeping her composure] Chloe, please.

RAINA TROY: If there's anything you need...

[They all sit in the living room.]

CHLOE GORMAN: Everyone's been really kind. DA Devlin stopped by.

MADELEINE POE: How's your son?

CHLOE GORMAN: My mom took him, just so I can make the arrangements.

RAINA TROY: We're going to find the person who did this.

CHLOE GORMAN: I assume you wanna know where I was last night?

[Awkward looks from the team.]

CHLOE GORMAN: [smiles wryly] I'm a prosecutor's wife. I know the drill. Uh, my sister and I were shopping in Century City till around nine-thirty. My mom was with the baby. Police told me there was a woman in the car with Dean. Who was she?

MADELEINE POE: We really don't know yet.

CHLOE GORMAN: I love my husband, but if he was having an affair, I wanna know.

RAINA TROY: We'll keep you posted on everything we find out.

ISAAC WRIGHT: Did Dean tell you where he was going last night?

CHLOE GORMAN: He said he might have to work late on a case.

RAINA TROY: Was that unusual?

CHLOE GORMAN: Not since he started his project.

[They look at her with curiosity.]



CUT TO:

[Gorman Residence, Study. Day. They enter the study. The walls are covered with maps, Post-Its, photos, you name it. Madeleine looks at the place awe-struck. Isaac looks at a few photos of a bald man, with a French beard (Freddy Hopper).]

RAINA TROY: What exactly is this?

CHLOE GORMAN: I'm not sure. Dean's been working on it for months. Whenever he was home, he'd be in here making lists, making calls.

[A picture of a serious-looking guy in a suit catches Isaac's attention.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: [pointing at the picture] Carlo Acampora. This guy's a heavy-duty drug trafficker.

CHLOE GORMAN: Well, that makes sense.

[They look at her.]

MADELEINE POE: It does?

CHLOE GORMAN: Dean loved being a DA, but he got tired of prosecuting domestic violence. All he cared about was getting into the Narcotics Unit.

ISAAC WRIGHT: Did he ever apply?

CHLOE GORMAN: He was turned down twice. They said he wasn't suited for that kind of work. It was dangerous... [voice breaking] He had a family.

[Madeleine comforts her.]

CHLOE GORMAN: But he just couldn't let it go. It was like he had to prove himself. [sniffles and wipes away a tear]

[Isaac's phone rings. He looks at the text message and leans over to Raina.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: I got a line on the dead girl's former roommate.



CUT TO:

[LA Nightclub. Day. Loud music plays as a female bartender pours drinks, while showboating for the customers. A couple gets cozy at a table. The bartender pours three drinks into Martini glasses at once. Shot of a lady with a really low-cut dress. Couples sit on couches getting to know each other... intimately. An attractive lady sits alone at the bar, as if expecting someone. Isaac and Raina approach her.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: Veronica Dale?

VERONICA DALE: [turns to them, checks them out, smiling] Monica didn't say anything about a couple.

RAINA TROY: Monica who?

VERONICA DALE: [oops] My mistake. [she looks away]

ISAAC WRIGHT: [flashing the DA's badge] We're from the D.A.'s office. We have a few questions.

VERONICA DALE: And I have an appointment.

RAINA TROY: Does the management know that you're working the bar?

VERONICA DALE: I don't work the bar. And if I did, you couldn't afford me.

[Raina and Isaac smile.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: You must work for Monica Tanner.

[Veronica tilts her head. Raina looks at Isaac quizzically.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: It's... high-end hookers.

VERONICA DALE: It's an escort service.

[Isaac gives a "My bad" smirk.]

RAINA TROY: Did Allison Adams work for Monica, too?

VERONICA DALE: [dropping the charm] Yeah, I heard what happened.

ISAAC WRIGHT: Well, she ever talk about a guy named Dean Gorman?

VERONICA DALE: Look, Monica doesn't like us talking to the cops.

RAINA TROY: I'm a lawyer.

VERONICA DALE: Even worse.

ISAAC WRIGHT: It's a murder investigation, so drop the attitude and answer the question. Dean Gorman.

VERONICA DALE: I don't know. There were a lot of guys.

RAINA TROY: Do you know anyone who would wanna hurt Allison?

VERONICA DALE: Even rich johns can be twisted. It's part of the business.

RAINA TROY: Do you ever consider changing jobs?

VERONICA DALE: I like my BMW.

ISAAC WRIGHT: So did Allison Adams.

[They leave.]



CUT TO:

[Stark Residence, Julie's Room. Day. Julie and Eddie Linden (his shirt open!) are making out in her bedroom.]

JULIE STARK: [laughing] This definitely beats chemistry.

[Eddie laughs.]

EDDIE LINDEN: You sure your dad's not coming home?

JULIE STARK: [getting on her bed] He's on a big case.

[Eddie gets on top of her and they continue kissing.]

JULIE STARK: [as Eddie kisses her neck] You know how... you know how we talked about...? [looks at him] You know?

EDDIE LINDEN: [intrigued] Yeah?

JULIE STARK: I think I'm ready.

EDDIE LINDEN: Really?

JULIE STARK: [nervous, yet sure] Uh-huh.

EDDIE LINDEN: 'Cause it totally doesn't matter to me if we wait. I mean... it matters - obviously. [kisses her] You know I want to, but... [shrugs]

JULIE STARK: You're freaked out because it's my first time.

EDDIE LINDEN: Well, yeah. I just don't want you to feel pressured.

JULIE STARK: I don't. I mean, I... I know we've only been dating for a little while... but we've been friends for a really long time. I trust you. And when we find the right time and place... I want you to be the one.

[They kiss.]



CUT TO:

[Aerial Shot of LA. Day.]

NEWSCASTER: [vo] Sources close to the investigation of the death of DA Dean Gorman indicate a connection to a Hollywood high-profile madam... [voice trails off.]



CUT TO:

[Tanner Residence. Day. Stark walks casually into the patio of Monica's mansion. There's a small pool in the middle. On the other side of the pool, Monica sits in a garden-chair, speaking to one of her girls. As Stark approaches, the girl leaves and Monica sees Stark.]

MONICA TANNER: [brightly] Howdy, stranger.

SEBASTIAN STARK: How's tricks, Monica?

MONICA TANNER: [standing] Clever. Heard you're working for the good guys now.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Times change.

MONICA TANNER: So, I guess we're done sharing clients?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Luckily for you, I don't prosecute vice cases.

[He kisses her lightly on her cheek.]

MONICA TANNER: You're saying you wouldn't give an old friend a break?

[Chuckling, her kisses the other cheek.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: I'm here about Allison Adams. I understand she worked for you.

MONICA TANNER: Who's asking? You or the DA?

SEBASTIAN STARK: You know me. I don't have a problem with the way you make a living.

MONICA TANNER: Have a seat.

[They both sit down.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [sighs] So? Allison Adams.

MONICA TANNER: What happened was horrible. Allison was a wonderful girl.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Was DDA Gorman a customer?

MONICA TANNER: Not unless she was giving him a serious discount.

SEBASTIAN STARK: You know, we dumped Allison's cell phone and there were a number of calls to a Freddy Hopper. Turns out he's a local drug dealer. Ring a bell?

MONICA TANNER: Yeah, I think he and Allison got together sometimes. Off the clock. I warned her to be careful of that. She liked to live on the edge.

[A girl (with a bluetooth headset) approaches, carrying a tray with a drink. They stand. Monica hands the drink to Stark.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Thank you.

[The girl puts the tray down and leaves.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [serious] Monica, I'm gonna need to talk to every one of Allison's clients for the past week.

MONICA TANNER: [smiling] Good luck with that.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I'm not looking to bust anyone. But one of them may know something.

MONICA TANNER: You know my clientele. Athletes, producers, politicians, actors. Successful, upstanding men, like yourself, who rely on my discretion.

SEBASTIAN STARK: A DA was executed. One of your girls was sitting next to him when he died. We can do it easy, or we can do it hard. [puts down the drink]

MONICA TANNER: [purses her lips, shakes her head] You want my Blackberry? Get a subpoena.

SEBASTIAN STARK: You and I don't need to have a problem, Monica.

MONICA TANNER: Good, because if my client list goes public, a lot of very powerful people are going to be really upset.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Keep your Blackberry, but I need that list of names.



CUT TO:

[DA's Office, Steps/Hallway. Day. Surrounded by reporters (with flashing cameras and some carrying booms), Mayor Manuel Delgado, Jessica and others hold a press conference.]

MAYOR DELGADO: The city's outraged by the brutal slaying of Deputy District Attorney Gorman. Every law enforcement agency is working to apprehend his killer, and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Chloe and to the Gorman family. Thank you.

[The reporters clamour to ask their questions, but the conference is over.]



CUT TO:

[DA's Office. Staircase/Hallway/Stairway. Day. Jessica and Delgado walk with Stark up the stairs, discussing the case.]

JESSICA DEVLIN: Where are we?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Well, the wife's alibi is solid. She's good people, by the way, and it's not looking like one of Gorman's domestic violence defendants.

MAYOR DELGADO: Which leaves us where?

[They start walking through the hallway.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: In the world of high-priced hookers and low-rent drug dealers.

JESSICA DEVLIN: I don't want Gorman's name dragged through the mud.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Maybe no choice. Turns out, Gorman and Allison Adams did have a relationship.

MAYOR DELGADO: Sexual?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Legal. He was working Arraignment Court the night she was arrested for solicitation.

JESSICA DEVLIN: I thought she had no record.

SEBASTIAN STARK: She doesn't. He dropped the charges.

JESSICA DEVLIN: Maybe they had no case.

[Stark stops in front of a stairway door and looks around, making sure no one else is listening.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: According to the arresting officer, they had her cold.

MAYOR DELGADO: What's the bottom line?

[He opens the stairway door and motions for them to enter. They all enter, after ensuring that they are alone.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Okay... Gorman was willing to sell his soul for a transfer to Narcotics. Allison was tight with a dealer named Freddy Hopper who works for drug kingpin Carlo Acampora.

JESSICA DEVLIN: Are you implying there was a quid pro quo here?

SEBASTIAN STARK: [chuckles] Oh, let's see. Gorman lets Allison walk. He begins building a drug case against Acampora. He was talking to Allison on the telephone every day. Where do you think he was getting his information?

JESSICA DEVLIN: So Gorman figures if he gets enough to indict a major dealer, he gets his transfer.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Instead, Freddy, he finds out, [points a "finger-gun"] kills 'em both.

MAYOR DELGADO: So what's the game plan?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Under normal circumstances, we'd build a case and I'd nail Freddy Hopper to the cross. But I'm telling you, Manny, we open those floodgates, everything comes out.

MAYOR DELGADO: A DDA consorting with call girls and drug dealers? Everyone looks bad

JESSICA DEVLIN: What's our alternative?

SEBASTIAN STARK: [shrugs] It all goes away.

[Jessica looks unhappy.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Dean Gorman's death becomes another unsolved LA murder. James Ellroy writes another book, and we move on.

MAYOR DELGADO: It's your call, Jessica. This could get awfully messy.

JESSICA DEVLIN: [resolved] Let's get Freddy Hopper.



CUT TO:

[LA Street. Day. Rock music plays in the background. Shot of 2nd Street. Two guys greet each other on the sidewalk. Shot of a street artist. Shot of two guys playing chess, sitting on stone steps. Shots of different people going about their lives.]

[Isaac leans against a wall, as a bus comes up. At a distance, a tough-looking blonde plainclothes cop (with a earpiece) stands. Isaac stands near the bus, looking around. Just then, Freddy Hopper walks cockily past him. Isaac starts to follow.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: [into his mouthpiece] That's Freddy.

[A bearded plainclothes cop nods his head. Freddy walks by him too, with Isaac right behind him. Isaac looks towards the blonde cop. Freddy crosses the road and climbs up the stone steps on the other side. He slows down, suspicious. He notices the blonde cop nodding to someone behind him. The bearded cop realises that they may have been made. In slow-motion, Freddy contemplates his escape. Isaac gives the signal to take him down. Freddy breaks out into a run. Both the cops and Isaac chase him. Freddy knocks down some pedestrians as he runs. The bearded cop comes up right behind him. Freddy just about manages to avoid him. Isaac sprints after him. Freddy runs towards a fountain, the three cops hot on his tail, scaring the pigeons. He starts to run through the shallow water, with Isaac close behind. The blonde cop loses his balance on the water and falls to the ground. Meanwhile, the bearded cop has flanked Freddy, by running on the concrete, rather than on the water, like Freddy and Isaac. Isaac grabs Freddy just as the bearded cop slams into him. They both wrestle him to the ground. Isaac quickly relieves Freddy of his handgun.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: We'll need this for evidence, Freddy.

[He hands the gun to the blonde cop, while the bearded cop yanks him up. Isaac dials a number on his cellphone.]



CUT TO:

[HPCU Office. Day. Stark picks up his ringing phone.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [into phone] You got him?

ISAAC WRIGHT: [from phone] Got him. We're bringing him in.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Nice work. [hangs up, to Jessica] It's done.

JESSICA DEVLIN: [nervous] Something tells me it's just getting started.

[She walks out.]


FLASH TO:

[Flashback. Night. The gun is pointed at Allison and fired. Gunshot.]


HARD CUT TO:

[Courtroom. Day. Freddy Hopper stands inside an enclosure in a crowded courtroom. On the other side of the enclosure, his lawyer stands talking to him. Stark and Casey are at the Prosecution Table. Reporters and cameramen stand close to the door. The Honorable Judge Leeland Hayward presides.]

JUDGE LEELAND HAYWARD: In the charge of two counts of murder in the first degree, how does the defendant plead?

FREDDY'S LAWYER: Not guilty.

JUDGE LEELAND HAYWARD: This matter's set for trial. Any further motions?

[Stark, whose back was turned to the judge, conferring with his team, turns to him.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Uh, yes, Your Honor. In light of the potentially sensational nature of this trial, the people move to exclude all media from the courtroom.

JUDGE LEELAND HAYWARD: [to the defense] Any objection?

FREDDY'S LAWYER: None, Your Honor.

JUDGE LEELAND HAYWARD: [declaring] Media is hereby excluded. And, uh, both sides ordered not to discuss any aspect of this case outside the courtroom.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Yes, Your Honor. Thank you.

[The media persons react in disappointment and chagrin at the order. Stark and his team start to walk out.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Sorry, guys, sorry.

[He walks past the reporters who clamour to get a statement from him.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [shrugging] Sorry.



CUT TO:

[DA's Office, Hallway. Day. Stark and Jessica walk.]

JESSICA DEVLIN: Sebastian Stark actually shunning the press. Never have a camera when you need one.

SEBASTIAN STARK: It's the least we can do for Gorman's family. But the fact that Allison Adams is a call girl is gonna get out no matter what we do.

JESSICA DEVLIN: We need to go after Monica Tanner's black book.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Heidi Fleiss was last millennium, Jess. It's a Blackberry, and bringing it in is a huge mistake.

JESSICA DEVLIN: No, it can establish meetings between Freddy and Allison.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Monica said he wasn't a paying customer.

JESSICA DEVLIN: And you're taking the word of a high-price pimp because...[trails off]

SEBASTIAN STARK: 'Cause Monica Tanner is a cooperating witness. Go after her clients and she'll shut down. Plus, the defense will turn every single one of Allison's customers into a suspect. You want that?

JESSICA DEVLIN: Worth the risk.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Look, here's an idea. Why don't you just trust me on this?

[He starts to walk off.]

JESSICA DEVLIN: Because Dean Gorman died on my watch. [quiet order] We need that Blackberry.



CUT TO:

[HPCU Office. Stark and his team discuss the case. Dean Gorman's "crime board" stands behind them.]

RAINA TROY: Freddy Hopper found out that his sometime girlfriend, Allison Adams, was feeding information about his drug operation to Dean Gorman. He killed 'em both.

MADELEINE POE: Cellphone records link both men to Allison on the day of the murder.

SEBASTIAN STARK: What about Freddy's gun?

ISAAC WRIGHT: Ballistics say the slugs from the scene are a solid match.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [pointing] Anything off Gorman's crime board?

MARTIN ALLENDE: He tracked Freddy's movements in elaborate detail, but there's several gaps in the days leading up to them.

SEBASTIAN STARK: 'Kay, we're almost home. Isaac, help Martin track every lead off that board. See if your pals at LAPD Narcotics can help.

[Martin and Isaac leave.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [to the others] You three, Freddy Hopper's a cowboy, okay? He must have shot his mouth off about these murders all over town. Start with Monica's girls. Find me a witness.

[He moves towards his office.]



CUT TO:

[Aerial shot of LA. Day.]



CUT TO:

[Hotel, Indoor Swimming Pool. Day. The pool water glows bright green. A bikini-clad girl, Michelle, stands near the pool, bringing her right leg straight up to her head. Raina approaches from behind, flashing her DA's badge.]

RAINA TROY: Pretty flexible.

[Michelle drops her leg and smiles.]

RAINA TROY: I'm Deputy DA Raina Troy. I got your number off Allison Adam's cell phone.

MICHELLE: [dabbing herself with a towel] So?

RAINA TROY: Did she ever say anything to you about a guy named Freddy Hopper?

MICHELLE: I know they went out sometimes. That's it.

RAINA TROY: Come on. You guys were friends. She must have said somethin'.

MICHELLE: Allison and I weren't friends. We had a business relationship.

RAINA TROY: Don't you work for Monica Tanner?

MICHELLE: Not anymore. Allison offered a few of the girls a better deal to work for her.

RAINA TROY: What kind of deal?

MICHELLE: She took less of the top than Monica. And if we ever got busted, she had a friend in the DA's office.

[Raina looks at Michelle.]



CUT TO:

[Aerial shot of the beach. Day.]



CUT TO:

[Cliff. Day. Stark and Julie sit in the convertible, with the hood down, eating hot dogs.]

JULIE STARK: I can't believe you got Pink's hot dogs. You're evil.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I thought they were your favorite.

JULIE STARK: [in between bites] They are. They're also, like, a million calories apiece.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [mouth full] I think you can squeeze one in, fatty.

[Julie laughs.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: You know...

JULIE STARK: Hmm?

SEBASTIAN STARK: This is where I brought your mom on our first date. A little vino... a little... [looks at her and shrugs]

[Julie laughs.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [chuckling] ... Manilow.

[Julie laughs harder.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: I'm kidding, no.

JULIE STARK: [really amused] Was that your big move?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Yeah, it worked every time.

JULIE STARK: Even with Mom?

SEBASTIAN STARK: [taking a million-calorie bite] No, no. Your mom saw through all that stuff. She was too smart for me even then.

JULIE STARK: So, she made you wait.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Yep, and if we hadn't waited... I never would have fallen in love with her, got married, had a stinky kid to eat hot dogs with.

JULIE STARK: [giggles, then...] This is about Eddie and me.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I'm sorry?

JULIE STARK: This sex thing is freaking you out.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [serious] Have you talked to your mom?

JULIE STARK: No, and [ordering] don't call her.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I would never do that. [sighs] Look, you're gonna do what you want. But I just want to tell you that the one time I waited, even though it didn't last forever, was the only time ever got it right.

[Julie smiles.]



CUT TO:

[Hotel Room. Day. Casey follows one of Monica's girls, Brittany, into the room.]

BRITTANY: You're not wearing a wire, right?

CASEY WOODLAND: You're welcome to pat me down.

[He lets the door swing back. Madeleine stops it and enters, her poker face hiding the "oh brother" look. Brittany looks intrigued as Casey lifts his hands. As Madeleine watches, she starts to feel Casey up. He frowns (just a bit) as she goes lower.]

BRITTANY: Well, that's definitely not a wire.

MADELEINE POE: [has enough] I hate to interrupt...

BRITTANY: Sorry you had to rent the room. [removes her jacket, sitting on the bed] But if Monica found out I was talking to you, she'd freak.

MADELEINE POE: Do you know Freddy Hopper?

BRITTANY: [smiling familiarly] Sure. We all know Freddy. He keeps the party going.

CASEY WOODLAND: Drugs?

BRITTANY: Ecs, coke, Viagra. Whatever you need to keep the clients happy. I thought he was a decent guy until I heard about Allison.

MADELEINE POE: And Monica was okay with the drugs?

BRITTANY: Everything's available for a price. Freddy was part of that.

CASEY WOODLAND: Wait. Freddy worked for Monica?

BRITTANY: Well, he never exactly filled out an I-9, but yeah. Monica was his best customer. So, Freddy took good care of her. [checking her watch] Look, I've gotta run. [stands] And if you see Monica, don't tell her you talked to me.

[Collecting her jacket, she leaves.]

CASEY WOODLAND: Monica Tanner told Stark she hardly knew Freddy Hopper.

[Madeleine sits on the bed.]

MADELEINE POE: And according to Raina, Allison Adams was running her own business on the side using Monica's girls.

CASEY WOODLAND: Well, Stark's gonna wanna hear about this right away. [turns to leave]

MADELEINE POE: [removing her scarf, smiling] I think Raina can fill him in.

[Casey turns to her.]

MADELEINE POE: [seductively] Seems like a shame to waste a perfectly good hotel room.

CASEY WOODLAND: In the middle of the case?

[She sighs, grabbing a handful of the bedsheet.]

MADELEINE POE: [still smiling] All right. You're right. [disappointed] Let's go.

[She starts to walk out. As she goes past him, he grabs her and pushes her up against the wall, removing her coat.]

CASEY WOODLAND: This has gotta be fast.

MADELEINE POE: It's never been a problem for you.

[He chuckles and starts to undo the buttons on her top. They kiss.]



CUT TO:

[Aerial shot of LA. Day.]



CUT TO:

[Tanner Residence. Day. Stark sits in the living room, not looking happy. Monica enters.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Thanks for the freebie.

MONICA TANNER: What are you talking about?

SEBASTIAN STARK: I thought a guy had to pay big bucks to get screwed around here. Word is you and Freddy Hopper are old friends. You told me you barely knew the guy. Why'd you lie?

MONICA TANNER: If you knew Freddy, you wouldn't ask. The guy's crazy. He does as many drugs as he sells which makes him paranoid and violent. He already killed two people. I really didn't wanna be next.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I assume he told you that Allison Adams was starting up her own call girl operation.

MONICA TANNER: That's no big deal. Allison was ambitious, but she can never compete with me.

SEBASTIAN STARK: So, you were cool with her using your girls?

MONICA TANNER: What people do on their own time is their own business.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [irritated] You know, I'm sick of you playing games with me. Tell me everything you know about Allison Adams' death... now.

MONICA TANNER: Freddy thought Allison was selling him out to that DA she was with.

SEBASTIAN STARK: He told you that?

MONICA TANNER: I believe his exact words were, "That bitch doesn't know who she's messing with." In other words, Freddy's boss, Carlo Acampora, tends to eliminate people who mess with his drug business.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Why didn't you just call the cops?

MONICA TANNER: The LAPD's not exactly on my speed dial.

SEBASTIAN STARK: So, Acampora hired Freddy to kill Allison and Gorman?

MONICA TANNER: I have no idea. Why don't you ask Freddy?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Trust me, I will.

[Stark turns to leave.]



CUT TO:

[Interrogation Cell. Day. In the darkened cell, Stark interrogates Freddy, who sits at the table with his lawyer.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Monica gave you up, Freddy. Said you killed Allison and Gorman for threatening your drug operation.

FREDDY HOPPER: Monica wouldn't say that.

SEBASTIAN STARK: You can watch her say exactly that in open court when she testifies against you.

FREDDY'S LAWYER: What's your point?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Here's my point. [holds up a syringe, puts it on the table] And when they stick it in your arm, it's good night, sweet prince.

FREDDY HOPPER: [unintimidated] Yeah, but you gotta convict me first.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Attention all brain cells! The entire legal system of Los Angeles is waiting to watch you burn. And I'm the guy holding the match.

[Freddy thinks a while.]

FREDDY HOPPER: I wanna make a deal.

SEBASTIAN STARK: You're not as dumb as you look.

FREDDY'S LAWYER: Hold on, Freddy.

FREDDY HOPPER: [dismissing] It's my ass on the line!

[The lawyer backs off.]

FREDDY HOPPER: What if I confess?

SEBASTIAN STARK: [holding up the needle again] The needle comes off the table.

FREDDY HOPPER: Okay. But if I'm going down, I'm taking Monica with me.

[Stark closes his eyes, almost not believing it.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Monica Tanner helped you plan the murders?

FREDDY HOPPER: You kidding? She paid me to do it.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [sits] I'm listening.

FREDDY HOPPER: Monica found out Allison was planning to go out on her own with some of Monica's best girls. Paid me seventy-five large to take her out.

SEBASTIAN STARK: What about Dean Gorman?

FREDDY HOPPER: I never heard of the guy. Allison was supposed to be alone that night. I couldn't see inside the car when I started shooting.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Gorman was investigating you, Freddy. You expect me to believe that you killed him by accident?

FREDDY HOPPER: [leaning forward] I just copped to killing two people. Why the hell would I lie about that?

[Stark seems to believe him.]



CUT TO:

[Outside Tanner Residence. Day. A horde of reporters are at the scene where Monica Tanner is escorted down the steps to police cruisers by LA's finest. Stark and Jessica stand at the end of the steps, watching.]

JESSICA DEVLIN: Two madams go to war, and a thirty-year-old lawyer gets killed.

[Monica shoots Stark an angry glare as she passes him and is ushered into the cruiser. The car starts.]

JESSICA DEVLIN: Just keep thinking that if I had just given him that transfer, none of this would've happened.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Why didn't you?

JESSICA DEVLIN: I didn't want him to get hurt.


FLASH TO:

[Flashback. Night. The gunman opens rapid fire on the car. Shot of the two victims lying dead in the car.]


HARD CUT TO:

[HPCU Office. Day. Stark stands at a board, with pictures, maps and other papers tacked to it. The rest of the team is present.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Murder for hire! Monica Tanner hired her friendly neighborhood drug dealer to kill the competition. [pointing to Gorman's picture] DDA Gorman was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

CASEY WOODLAND: The defense is gonna bring up Gorman's questionable relationship with Allison.

RAINA TROY: Letting her walk was a judgment call. None of the other girls got busted, so there's no pattern.

SEBASTIAN STARK: As far as the jury's concerned, Gorman is a dedicated prosecutor killed in the line of duty.

MADELEINE POE: Well, Dean's crime board'll help with that.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Oh, you bet. Parade this puppy into court, Gorman looks like Elliot Ness.

RAINA TROY: Or the guy from "A Beautiful Mind".

SEBASTIAN STARK: Anything on Monica's payoff?

CASEY WOODLAND: Wire transfers from Monica Tanner to Freddy Hopper. Three payments totaling seventy-five grand.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Nice. Check out Monica's staff. If Monica and Freddy made the deal at her place, one of them may have heard something. Now, anything off the crime board?

MARTIN ALLENDE: Mostly dead ends. Freddy's drug clientele, daily routine, places to score drugs. There is a D. Migert mentioned several times, but we can't get a line on him.

ISAAC WRIGHT: Uhh, no local arrests or convictions.

MARTIN ALLENDE: DEA's never heard of him.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Stay on it. Raina, Madeleine, round up and prep the girls who worked for both Monica and Allison. Especially the one that Monica fired. Prosecuting Monica Tanner is a whole new ball game. Her attorney is Gloria Dent, who makes me look shy. And until this jury is impaneled and sequestered, we avoid any and all pretrial publicity.

[Madeleine, who has been looking at the TV, speaks up.]

MADELEINE POE: That may not be easy.

[Stark looks at the TV, watching a TV reporter speak into a microphone. "Breaking News" appears as a large subtitle.]

TV REPORTER: On the heels of Hollywood madam Monica Tanner's arrest on murder charges, a document has surfaced which is purported to be a comprehensive list of Miss Tanner's high-powered clientele. [trails off]

MARTIN ALLENDE: Did Monica leak this?

CASEY WOODLAND: What would she stand to gain?

TV REPORTER: ...in Los Angeles, including one sure to set off shock waves in the DA's Office. Sebastian Stark, head of the high-profile crime unit set to prosecute Monica Tanner, is listed among the entries.

[The team looks at Stark, shocked. Stark closes his eyes and smiles wryly, as if he was expecting this.]



CUT TO:

[Judge Stewart Fenton's quarters. Day. Stark, accompanied by Jessica, and Gloria Dent speak to the judge.]

GLORIA DENT: The defense moves for Mr. Stark's immediate disqualification from this case.

SEBASTIAN STARK: There is no basis for that, Your Honor.

GLORIA DENT: I'm sorry, the fact that you... utilized the services of my client's escort service isn't a small conflict of interest?

JUDGE STEWART FENTON: [agreeing] It's certainly cause for concern.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I was not a customer of Miss Tanner, Your Honor.

JUDGE STEWART FENTON: Then, what was the nature of your contact with the defendant?

SEBASTIAN STARK: I am bound by the attorney-client privilege, sir.

GLORIA DENT: Give me a break. Your Honor, at the very least, there's a glaring appearance of impropriety here.

JUDGE STEWART FENTON: [nodding] Yeah, I have to agree.

JESSICA DEVLIN: May I offer an opinion, Your Honor?

JUDGE STEWART FENTON: Please.

JESSICA DEVLIN: Mr. Stark has assured me that his prior dealings with Miss Tanner offer no conflict of interest. He has my full confidence in this matter.

JUDGE STEWART FENTON: Very well. In view of the District Attorney's representation, I will table Miss Dent's motion to disqualify you, Mr. Stark. [warning] But if it comes out that you patronized Miss Tanner's business, I will personally advocate for your disbarment.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Thank you, Your Honor.



CUT TO:

[Courthouse Hallway. Day. Outside the judge's quarters, Stark and Jessica encounter Mayor Delgado in the hallway, signing a folder held by an aide.]

MAYOR DELGADO: Hell of a mess.

JESSICA DEVLIN: Tell me about it.

[The paperwork signed, the aide leaves. Delgado turns to Stark and Jessica.]

MAYOR DELGADO: Gotten over 30 calls from prominent members of the community screaming about being named clients of Monica Tanner.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [can't resist] Not a bad day to be a divorce lawyer in Beverly Hills.

MAYOR DELGADO: How'd you explain your name being on that list?

SEBASTIAN STARK: I told the truth. Said I was working for a client. End of story.

[Delgado looks at him, then leaves. Jessica starts to walk away from Stark in a huff.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [following her] Okay, fine, you're pissed. Yes, you have every right to be. Look, I knew my name might come up, so I wasn't exactly eager to subpoena Monica's client list. And I still think it would've been the wrong move.

[Not a word from Jessica as she walks.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: So are you gonna speak at some point or not?

[She whirls around and faces him.]

JESSICA DEVLIN: [almost getting in his face] You're an arrogant, duplicitous bastard.

SEBASTIAN STARK: On second thought, I actually like the silent treatment better.

JESSICA DEVLIN: You're disgusting.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I never had sex with any of Monica's girls.

JESSICA DEVLIN: You actually think I care if you have sex with prostitutes? By withholding your history with Monica Tanner, you endangered this case. If I'd let you get disqualified back there, we'd never recover. And I am not about to let Dean Gorman's killers go free because of your bad judgment. [serious warning] You damn well better win.

[She leaves. Stark remains behind, thinking.]



CUT TO:

[Stark Residence, Indoor Courtroom. Day. Stark preps for his opening statement.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [towards the jury box] Dean Gorman was a prosecutor. His job was to punish the criminals who prey on innocent people like you. [to himself, reproaching] Now, there are eight women on this jury, Einstein. The guy prosecuted domestic violence. Think. [to the "jury"] Child abusers. Wife beaters. Dean Gorman prosecuted these people to protect you, your children.

[Camera pans to the jury box, where Julie sits. She seems to have an idea.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: What?

JULIE STARK: What about... [thinks, air-quotes] "put them in jail"? You know, instead of [air-quotes] "prosecuted them"? It's stronger.

SEBASTIAN STARK: That's a good idea. "Put them in jail." Good, good.

[He goes to the Prosecution Table and sits to write.]

JULIE STARK: I saw your picture on The Insider. Pat O'Brien called you "the frisky D.A." [chuckles]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [smirks] He should talk.

[Stark stops writing and looks at her.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: I think we need to have a discussion about this.

JULIE STARK: Not really.

SEBASTIAN STARK: My name is being dragged through the tabloids, sleeping with prostitutes, and, what, you're fine with that?

JULIE STARK: No. It's just not exactly the first negative press you've gotten.

[She gets up from her seat in the jury box.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Your friends making a lot of bad jokes?

JULIE STARK: [coming out of the jury box] Actually, most of their jokes are pretty good.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [chuckles] I promise you this, Jules. I was working on a case when I first met with this Monica Tanner. And I never had...[you know] with any of her girls.

JULIE STARK: [interrupting] I-It's okay. I believe you. [chuckles] I'd just rather not go over the whole thing.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [quietly] Fine. Okay. Good.

JULIE STARK: By the way, Eddie's dad has a place up in Santa Barbara and we're gonna go up for the day, okay?

SEBASTIAN STARK: [looks at her a beat] Santa Barbara?

[She nods, hopefully.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Huh.I guess that's fine. Just for the day.

JULIE STARK: [immediately] Of course.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Home by midnight, right?

JULIE STARK: Absolutely.

[Stark exhales loudly in relief. Julie leaves. Stark watches her go, drumming his fingers on the table.]



CUT TO:

[Courtroom. Day. The trial is underway. The Honorable Judge Stewart Fenton presides. Stark (assisted by Casey) gives his opening statement.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Our legal system defines certain crimes as so vicious and amoral that they belong in a separate category called Special Circumstances. Murder for hire... is such a crime. So is the killing of a district attorney.

[Shot of Jessica sitting with Chloe Gorman in the galley.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Now, Monica Tanner is a businesswoman. The nature of her business is irrelevant to this case. And all businesses face competition. Miss Tanner decided the best way to beat the competition was to eliminate it... with a gun. Now, the people will present conclusive evidence that the defendant paid an associate to murder Allison Adams in cold blood, and in the process, a second person. Deputy District Attorney Dean Gorman, a father... and a husband, was also killed. And you will hear testimony from the ultimate eyewitness: the killer himself. Now, there is a powerful and compelling reason why murder for hire is punishable by death in the State of California. By ordering the killing of Allison Adams, Miss Tanner took it upon herself to place a [intense] dollar value on a human life. [pointing] Monica Tanner murdered for profit, and it is your job to make sure she pays for it.

[As the judge watches, Stark sits and Gloria Dent starts her opening statement.]

GLORIA DENT: Murder for hire is a despicable act, but the problem is, Mr. Stark put the wrong person on trial. The paid killer, Frederick Hopper, is a known drug dealer. And what Mr. Stark failed to mention was that at the time of his death, DDA Gorman was investigating Mr. Hopper and the violent criminals that he worked for. Not a bad motive for murder. The prosecution made a deal with Mr. Hopper to identify my client as the person who hired him. This is a false theory. And we will show that Mr. Hopper drove to Mulholland Drive to kill Mr. Gorman, not Ms. Adams, and he did so not at the behest of Monica Tanner, but of the drug lord who was so angered by DDA Gorman's investigation of him. My client is a businesswoman, but she's no murderer.

[Stark watches the jury.]



CUT TO:

[HPCU Office. Night. Raina enters the darkened office and sees Madeleine working at her desk.]

RAINA TROY: Don't you ever stop?

MADELEINE POE: Going over prep scripts. I want our working girls ready for the cross tomorrow. You think Dent will ask them about their juvenile records?

RAINA TROY: Only if she has an obsessive freak like you working for her. You're really pushing the type "A" thing on this one.

MADELEINE POE: [smiling] Yeah, well, I owe it to Dean.

RAINA TROY: You two didn't...?

MADELEINE POE: God, no. Didn't matter.

RAINA TROY: It obviously matters to you.

MADELEINE POE: [looks at her] After DVU, I transferred to Narcotics and... I won my first few cases, I was climbing the ladder.

RAINA TROY: [can't resist] I'm shocked.

MADELEINE POE: [stops at the interruption] You know what? Forget it. [resumes her work]

[Raina looks apologetic. She approaches Madeleine at her desk.]

RAINA TROY: Okay, look, I'm sorry. Tell me what happened.

MADELEINE POE: He asked me to put a good word in for him with the head of the unit, and I blew him off.

RAINA TROY: Yeah, if you didn't think he could cut it, you were right not to put yourself on the line.

MADELEINE POE: Yeah, that's the thing. He wouldn't have made the best lawyer in the unit, but he wouldn't have been the worst, either.

RAINA TROY: So why not recommend him?

MADELEINE POE: All the reasons you hate my guts. I'm a self-centered, hyper-competitive, narcissistic...

RAINA TROY: Yeah, well, that's part of your charm.

[Madeleine smiles.]

RAINA TROY: What happened... it wasn't your fault.

[She moves away.]



CUT TO:

[Shot of the Courthouse. Day.]



CUT TO:

[Courtroom. Day. Casey examines Brittany ("Legal examination", okay? Don't get any funny ideas!).]

CASEY WOODLAND: Were you aware of the power struggle between Monica Tanner and Allison Adams?

BRITTANY: Yeah. Everyone was. I mean, it got [smirks] pretty ugly. Monica hated Allison. She wanted to get rid of her.

[Time lapse. Gloria cross-examines Britanny.]

GLORIA DENT: Isn't it true you were convicted of credit card fraud three years ago?

BRITTANY: That was a misunderstanding.

[Time lapse. Martin examines Michelle.]

MARTIN ALLENDE: Did Monica Tanner ever threaten you?

MICHELLE: She threatened everybody. You didn't wanna cross Monica. She would definitely make you pay.

[Time lapse. Gloria cross-examines Michelle.]

GLORIA DENT: Miss Tanner fired you for stealing cash from your clients.

MICHELLE: [amused] Trust me, they could afford it.

[Time lapse. Madeleine examines Brittany.]

MADELEINE POE: You witnessed Miss Tanner and Allison Adams nearly come to blows earlier this year?

BRITTANY: Yeah. Monica found out that Allison was stealing her clients. I thought they were gonna kill each other.

[Time lapse. Gloria cross-examines Britanny, predatorily.]

GLORIA DENT: How many times have you checked into rehab for substance abuse?

BRITTANY: [busted, stammers] Uh, si-six, I think. M-Maybe seven. I-I don't know. My short-term memory's shot.

[Victorious, Gloria returns to her seat. At the Prosecution Table, Casey, Martin and Madeleine look downcast.]



CUT TO:

[Men's Central Jail, Waiting Room. Day. Stark, Raina and Madeleine enter the room.]

MADELEINE POE: Monica's girls definitely didn't help us.

RAINA TROY: They were completely discredited.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Excuse me, they had no credibility to begin with. But Dent ripping them apart hurt Monica in the eyes of the jury.

MADELEINE POE: [understands] Guilty by association.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Thank you.

MADELEINE POE: Only a criminal hires criminals.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Exactly. And we established a turf war between two madams that led to murder. That's our theory.

RAINA TROY: [actually impressed, quietly] That's pretty slick.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Those girls weren't gonna get us a conviction. That's up to Freddy, the hitman.

[A buzzer sounds in the background. Madeleine goes up to a guard, sitting in the guard cage.]

MADELEINE POE: We're here to see Freddy Hopper.

[The guard turns to his computer and types.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [to Raina] Remember this, whatever else happens in this trial, if the jury believes Freddy, we win.

GUARD: [uneasy] You'd better come with me.

[He gets up.]



CUT TO:

[Men's Central Jail, Morgue. Day. A sheet is removed off of Freddy's pale, lifeless face. Madeleine and Raina look shocked. Stark sighs.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [resigned] When the hell did this happen?

GUARD: About two hours ago. Got shanked in the bathroom. Some dude in on drug charges.

RAINA TROY: You guys were supposed to be protecting him.

GUARD: What can I tell ya? Jail's a dangerous place.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I can fix this.

[Raina looks at him hopefully.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Just as soon I figure out how to raise the dead.

[He leaves.]


FLASH TO:

[Flashback. The shadowy gunman moves across the BMW. Inside the car, Allison and Gorman notice him outside. A flash is seen outside, accompanied by a gunshot.]


HARD CUT TO:

[HPCU Office. Day. Stark and the team discuss the case.]

MADELEINE POE: Without Freddy's testimony, this case is unwinnable.

RAINA TROY: We still have his statement that Monica Tanner ordered the hit.

[Behind them, Isaac enters.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [looking at Gorman's "crime board"] It's not enough. We needed Freddy to earn the jury's trust. The killer live and in person. I think the live part's gonna be pretty tough to pull off at this point, don't you think?

[He turns to Isaac, who comes up.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: I checked out the inmate who killed Freddy. He's a low-level dealer named Deacon Carr. Now, he works for Carlo Acampora. And that's the same guy Freddy got his stuff off.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Sounds like Carlo wasn't thrilled with the prospect of being used as a fall guy by Monica Tanner.

MADELEINE POE: For all we know, Dent's theory could be right. Maybe it was Acampora who ordered the hit on Dean and Allison.

ISAAC WRIGHT: Yeah, or maybe Freddy talked to one of his drug connections about the hit.

SEBASTIAN STARK: You know what? Even if you got someone to talk, their creditability would be pretty sketchy, wouldn't it?

MADELEINE POE: I'd have to say we're screwed.

RAINA TROY: This guy picked a real inconvenient time to die.

[Stark stops suddenly, a thought hitting him.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: You are definitely right about that.

RAINA TROY: Oh, God, here we go.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I need Monica and her lawyer in an interview room in one hour.

[He moves off.]



CUT TO:

[Jail, Interview Room. Night. The door buzzes as Monica (in blue jail clothes) and Gloria walk into the room. Stark is already there.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: You're looking good, Monica. Blue's your color.

MONICA TANNER: Go to hell.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I have a condo there.

GLORIA DENT: This better be good, Stark.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Don't you know it's bad manners to bite the hand that feeds you, Gloria?

GLORIA DENT: I just ate.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I think you're gonna purge when you hear this deal. Manslaughter, fifteen years.

GLORIA DENT: For double murder?

SEBASTIAN STARK: [good-natured] Well, Monica and I are old friends.

MONICA TANNER: I'd hate to see how you treat your enemies.

GLORIA DENT: Either you're going soft or your case is in the crapper.

SEBASTIAN STARK: You think this is from me? Straight from the DA herself. Gorman's widow is in the ER. Her blood pressure's off the charts. 'Cause she's afraid you're gonna leak the fact that her husband was consorting with hookers and drug dealers.

GLORIA DENT: That would be unethical.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [chuckling] You mean, like... leaking Monica's client list to get me disqualified? Not to mention smearing my reputation?

MONICA TANNER: Yeah, right. There goes your sainthood.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [sitting cockily] You're guilty. You know it, I know it, the jury knows it. And after Freddy Hopper testifies tomorrow, well, let's just say you're gonna be the hottest babe on death row.

[Monica looks nervous. She whispers with Gloria.]

GLORIA DENT: Six years, minimum security.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [laughing] Whatever you're smoking, count me in. [to Monica] Twelve, take it or leave it. And I mean, [dead serious] take it or leave it.

[Monica looks at Gloria and nods slightly.]

GLORIA DENT: You've got yourself a deal.

SEBASTIAN STARK: You bet I do, and I took the liberty of drawing up the papers.

[He opens a folder containing the papers.]

GLORIA DENT: [standing] I'll send copies to your office.

SEBASTIAN STARK: No, you sign now, or the deal's off.

[Gloria's phone rings. Stark looks at her answer it.]

GLORIA DENT: [into phone] Yes?

SEBASTIAN STARK: [hurriedly clicking his pen, handing it to Monica] Honey, sign on the dotted line.

[She takes it and moves it towards the dotted line.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [pointing to the paper] Right there. Here you go.

[Monica just about touches the pen to the paper, when Gloria grabs it from her. Hands on her hips, she glares at Stark.]

GLORIA DENT: You sleazy son of a bitch.



CUT TO:

[Judge Stewart Fenton's quarters. Night. The judge paces while speaking to Stark. Gloria is also present.]

JUDGE STEWART FENTON: Let me get this straight. You attempted to elicit a plea from the defendant based on the testimony of a witness you knew to be dead?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Your Honor, I had no knowledge of Mr. Hopper's tragic demise.

GLORIA DENT: Good luck proving that.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Starting to sound like me.

JUDGE STEWART FENTON: There are video cameras at Men's Central Jail, Mr. Stark, as well as log books and Sheriff's deputies with 20/20 vision.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Your point being, Your Honor?

JUDGE STEWART FENTON: If I find out that you knew Mr. Hopper was dead, you'll not just be disbarred, [threatening] you go to jail.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [nods] Sounds fair.



CUT TO:

[Outside Courthouse. Night. Isaac leans against a wall. He closes his cellphone as Stark approaches. Stark looks around, making sure no one's listening.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: [whispering to Isaac] You got the security video?

ISAAC WRIGHT: Warden led me to the office, and the deputy sheriff you talked to is on board.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Well, I just hope they keep their mouths shut.

ISAAC WRIGHT: The system closes ranks when a DA gets killed.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [grateful] I'm not paying you enough.

ISAAC WRIGHT: You got that right.

[Isaac leaves a relieved Stark.]



CUT TO:

[HPCU Office. Night. The tired and frustrated team (sans Martin) confers over the case.]

CASEY WOODLAND: How do we win without Freddy?

MADELEINE POE: [weary] We could bribe the jury...

SEBASTIAN STARK: [massaging his neck] You really wanna do that before they're sequestered.

RAINA TROY: How about the payoff?

SEBASTIAN STARK: You can't conclusively tie the money Monica paid Freddy to the hit. [to Martin] Hey, your colleagues are drowning over here. Care to hop in the pool?

[Martin stands away, looking at Gorman's crime board.]

MARTIN ALLENDE: Gorman put months into this case. Everything's here to bust Freddy, except for certain critical omissions.

CASEY WOODLAND: Maybe he was just a lousy lawyer.

MARTIN ALLENDE: No way. No, the gaps are surgical, like he intentionally took out the important parts.

RAINA TROY: And put them where?

SEBASTIAN STARK: [interested] Where do people hide their secrets?

MADELEINE POE: A journal.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [correcting himself] Professional secrets.

RAINA TROY: In a safe.

[Martin removes a Post-It off the crime board and looks at it.]

MARTIN ALLENDE: [reading, excited] D. Migert, 886-749-9016.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [whispers to Casey, pointing to his forehead] The dementia is definitely getting worse.

[Casey shrugs.]

MARTIN ALLENDE: It's not a phone number. It's a safety deposit box.

[He hands it to Stark.]



CUT TO:

[Bank, Waiting room. Day. Don Migert brings a safety deposit box into the room, where Martin and Isaac wait.]

DON MIGERT: This is Mr. Gorman's box. [places it on the table]

MARTIN ALLENDE: Thank you, Mr. Migert.

[Isaac opens the box and looks inside.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: All right. Passport. [puts it on the table] Birth certificate. [looks deeper] Computer memory stick. [holds it up]

[Martin takes it from him, smiling.]

ISAAC WRIGHT: It's always the little guys.

[Martin chuckles.]



CUT TO:

[HPCU Office, Conference Room 3-A. Day. Monica and Gloria sit at the conference table. Stark hits a key on his laptop, playing a sound file.]

MONICA TANNER: [recorded] I'll make sure the cops know that you and Acampora keep the entire Westside high. Do this for me, Freddy, or it's your ass.

[Monica looks nervous. Stark hits a key, ending the playback.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Note to self: Don't piss off Monica Tanner.

MONICA TANNER: [acting dismissive] Did I miss the part where I talk about killing Allison?

GLORIA DENT: She's right. There's no specific reference to the homicides at issue.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I'm betting I can sell it to a jury. A killer's voice from the grave. They love that stuff.

GLORIA DENT: The only problem is, they'll never hear it. There's no way Gorman had authorization for that wire tap, which means it's illegal, hence, inadmissible.

MONICA TANNER: [brightly] So, where are we? Your eyewitness was killed, you're threatening me with a tape you can't use. [taunting] What happened to that old Stark magic?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Ever see me saw a woman in half?

[In full "Shark mode", Stark leans forward on the table, facing down Monica.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: A list of high-end johns isn't the only thing that can be leaked.

MONICA TANNER: You're not still pissed about that, are you?

SEBASTIAN STARK: Not half as pissed as Carlo Acampora's gonna be when he hears you threatening to rat him out to the LAPD. They'll be finding pieces of you all over town.

[Monica's smile fades.]

GLORIA DENT: You can't do that. You're a prosecutor.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [angry] So was Dean Gorman.

MONICA TANNER: Carlo knows I would never turn on him.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [chuckles] Really? See, in my experience, hard-core drug lords tend to have major trust issues. But if you're willing to bet your life, I'm happy to call my bookie.

[Monica and Gloria sit in silence.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: So, what's it gonna be?

[Gloria, defeated, turns to Monica with a sigh and whispers in her ear. Monica whispers something in Gloria's ear. Gloria addressed Stark.]

GLORIA DENT: Manslaughter.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [unyielding] Murder One, twenty to forty.

MONICA TANNER: [contemptuously] Forget it.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [scary voice] I hear Acampora does this clever little thing with a lit cigarette and a pair of pliers. It is an ugly way to die.

[Monica can't mask her horror anymore. She turns to Gloria.]

MONICA TANNER: [resigned] Take the deal.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Wise choice.

MONICA TANNER: [hateful] Screw you.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [collecting his folder] Maybe when you get out. I have a thing for older women.

[He tosses the folder and a pen in front of Monica and folds his hands, victoriously.]



CUT TO:

[HPCU Office, Stark's Office. Night. Jessica knocks on the doorframe. Stark is packing up to go home.]

JESSICA DEVLIN: Spoke to Chloe Gorman. She wanted me to say thanks.

SEBASTIAN STARK: She gonna be okay?

JESSICA DEVLIN: [sadly] She has a son... a family. It'll take some time.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Maybe it'll help if she knows that Dean finally scored a major narcotics bust.

[He comes up to her as he goes out.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Low-life that killed Freddy Hopper. Isaac just got him to roll over on Carlo Acampora for ordering the hit.

JESSICA DEVLIN: Nice. [rueful] It's too bad Dean didn't live to see it.

[They walk out of the office towards the elevators.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Yes, it is. You know, I guess this one got a little messy.

JESSICA DEVLIN: You say that like it's something new and different.

[Stark hits the elevator button.]

JESSICA DEVLIN: [grateful] Listen, you defended this office. You defended the system.

[The elevator dings.]

SEBASTIAN STARK: Keep it down, will ya? I've got a reputation to protect.

[He enters the elevator. Jessica watches him go.]



CUT TO:

[DA's Office, Parking Garage. Night. Stark enters the parking garage. He walks towards his car, beeping it open. Mayor Delgado approaches from behind a pillar.]

MAYOR DELGADO: [grateful] I owe you one, hermano.

SEBASTIAN STARK: [turns] That's an understatement.

MAYOR DELGADO: I didn't know she was a prostitute.

SEBASTIAN STARK: So you said.

MAYOR DELGADO: It was all good until she tried to blackmail me.

SEBASTIAN STARK: That'll make a great campaign slogan when you run for governor.

MAYOR DELGADO: [sighs] I never thought this would come back and bite you in the ass.

SEBASTIAN STARK: I was your lawyer, you had a problem. I took care of it. [sighing] Boy, I wish she hadn't written down my appointment.

MAYOR DELGADO: I won't forget this. You took a bullet for me.

SEBASTIAN STARK: Well, next time, I'm gonna duck.

[He gets into his car and shuts the door. Delgado watches him start the car.]



CUT TO:

[Stark Residence, Kitchen. Night. A tired Stark enters the kitchen. He puts his briefcase on the counter and loosens his tie. He presses a button on the answering machine. The machine beeps and replays his messages.]

TOMMY: [recorded] Mr. Stark, it's, uh, Tommy. I'll be out tomorrow to detail the cars.

[Stark waves it off on the way to the fridge. The machine beeps.]

JULIE STARK: [recorded] Hey, Dad. It's me. [sheepish] You're not going to believe this. Um, Eddie's car is making a really funky noise.

[Stark, frowning, closes the fridge door and goes to the machine.]

JULIE STARK: [recorded] He thinks it's probably the transmission. Anyway, we can't get it fixed until tomorrow. So... we gotta stay up here at his dad's place. I'll try to call you later, but the reception is pretty bad up here.

[Stark folds his arms and looks upwards, sighing.]

JULIE STARK: [recorded] I'll see you tomorrow. Love you.

[The machine beeps off. Stark has a mixture of fatigue and concern all over his face.]



CUT TO:

[Ending Credits.]

FADE OUT.
 

END OF EPISODE

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Transcribed by Rahul Kudva - http://www.twiztv.com
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