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TRANSCRIPT:
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Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Burton's office
Burton is doodling on a pad. Nick knocks on the door.
Burton: Come in.
Nick: (Enters) Wanted to see me?
Burton: Yeah. Sit down, Nicholas. You know… things are so slow; I think the Firm's too big. I think we ought to… cut back on our overhead.
Nick: You want to let some people go?
Burton: Yeah. How strong do you feel about this, 'bout this James fellow?
Nick: Well, I'd like to keep him.
Burton: Hmmm. Well, he doesn't know a damn thing about private practice. No clients. No experience.
Nick: He's smart.
Burton: Well, I've already set up meetings with Ed Weiss, Mark Harris and Sharon Barry.
Nick: You want to fire them?
Burton: Yeah. Sharon's waiting in the conference room right now.
Nick: She's a very good lawyer.
Burton: Well, the truth is we've been carrying her for quite some time now. (Pause) Well, like I say, she's… she's waiting in the conference room, son.
Nick slowly gets the message, stands, buttons his jacket and exits Burton's office—flashing a weak smile at Sharon as he enters the conference room and shuts the door.
Burton immediately leaves his office and is stopped by an office worker needing his signature.
Office Worker: Mr. Fallin.
Burton: Oh… yeah. (Signs the document outside the conference room)
Nick can be seen through the conference room window, firing Sharon—Burton waits—Nick exits the room and exhales heavily.
Burton: (To Nick) I… well, come on. Walk me out. I know that's not easy for you, believe me. But… from now on I want you to really keep an eye on things—hiring… you know, everything, everything. All right? (Nick nods) All right. Oh, by the way. I went ahead and changed the name, if that's okay.
Burton points at the glass behind reception which now reads Fallin & Fallin—Burton exits—Nick let's a tiny smile cross his lips.
Scene: County Jail
Martin Keenan: Do you know what it's like? You know? Ah… nah, you couldn't. To be… like that… old. Most of these people were begging to be put out of their misery. At night it was the worst. They'd scream out. You should be there then. I'd get called in and they'd have that… rattle, you know, that sound, when they were drowning in their own fluids. People don't belong in a hospital dying like that. They belong in the next life.
Investigator: Martin, are you sure you don't want a lawyer?
Keenan: No. This is fine. This is the way it should be.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—after hours
James appears in the outer office wearing gym clothes and carrying his gym bag and a basketball.
Jake: Oh… good, you're here. I need you to pull all the files relating to Pittsburgh County Hospital.
Conference room
Edgar Suatoni: I've suspended all the nurses in Oncology and I'm preparing a letter to the patients and their families.
Burton: Let us… let us do the letter, okay?
Suatoni: When this hits the News tonight… Last year alone nearly 200 people passed away in the Oncology Ward.
Burton: Yeah.
Suatoni: And they're all going to be coming after us.
Burton: Uh-huh. Well, what can you tell us about this nurse?
Suatoni: His name is Martin Keenan. And, all I know is that he's worked with us for the last six years.
James enters the conference room with a hand full of files.
James: These are the insurance files.
Burton: Oh, thank you. (Does a double-take when he sees James' attire—Nick looks displeased) Well… why don't you sit down and take some notes and, uh… (James reluctantly takes a seat beside Nick) (To Suatoni) I've looked these policies over, Edgar. It looks like you're covered for up to two million and then another million in excess coverage and then after that, the County is pretty much on the hook.
Suatoni: So, the Hospital itself has no exposure?
Burton: Well, in theory. But, uh…
Suatoni: What do you mean?
Burton: Well, depends. You know, if this thing gets too big, the County's gonna start thinking about bankrupting the Hospital.
Suatoni: You really think so?
Burton: Yeah, Edgar. I mean, this Oncology nurse has confessed to killing nineteen cancer patients. I mean… (Heavy sigh) Look, I tell you what, let me talk to the insurance companies. We'll…
James: Burton.
Burton: …have them round up as many potential plaintiffs as they can and we'll settle out.
James: Can we step out? (Stands)
Burton: 'scuse me?
James: Can we step out?
Burton: Can it wait?
James: No. (Leaves the room—Nick follows)
Burton: (To Suatoni) Well, I'm sorry, Edgar. Can you give us one minute?
Suatoni: Sure.
Jake: So, this Mr. Martin Keenan, he's, uh, is he currently…
Suatoni: He's been arrested.
Jake: …been arrested, so it's…
Immediately outside the conference room
Nick: What is this?
James: My grandmother died in that Hospital three months ago—Oncology Ward.
Burton: Ooh. You can't go back there.
James: Right. (Grabs his gym gear) I know that. (Leaves)
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital
James walks up the stairs to the second floor. Drea storms out of a room at the top of the stairs—James witnesses the scene
Drea: (yelling) I don't need to talk to no grief counselor! You bastards. I just… could somebody just tell me the truth?!
Security Officer: Excuse me, ma'am. Please. Please. We have to follow procee…
Drea: This has nothing to do with you! I want my husband's papers. (Starts down the stairs)
James: Excuse me. I'm not sure, but I might be able to help you. Come with me.
Information desk set up by the Hospital to handle inquiries
Clerk: Here's an information packet and you can join that group that's in the hall, there. (Points)
James: Name is James Mooney. I'm the Administrator of Anne Mooney's estate. She was my grandmother. Here's a letter from the Orphans' Court and authorization to release her medical records. I also need a copy of Mr. Keenan's work schedule. And a record for… (Looks to Drea)
Drea: Ray Westbrook. He died… uh… he died just a little over a year ago, August 23rd.
Clerk: Like I told you before, I need to see some paperwork. Proof that you're the Administrator of his estate.
Drea: I don't know what that means.
Clerk: Medical records are accessible through the Records Department. You can make a request and get them by the end of the day. Mr. Keenan's work schedule is public record. If you want it, file a F.O.I.A. request with the court. (They turn to go)
Drea: I rushed over here the minute I heard the news. I wasn't thinking they'd make me prove anything.
James: It's understandable.
Drea: I mean, a F.O.I.A.? What the hell is that?
James: It means Freedom of Information Act. It means it's public record.
Drea: Will you show me Keenan's work schedule if you get it?
James: Sure.
Outside hospital
James: Uh, James Mooney. (Extends his hand)
Drea: Drea. Drea Westbrook.
James: The court should have a copy of your administrative papers. They're open until 4:00.
Drea: How do you know all this?
James: (Ignores the question) I'm sorry about your husband.
Drea: Yeah, I'm sorry about your grandmother.
James: Thank you.
Drea: I know that guy Martin. My husband basically lived here when he was sick and Martin was his favorite nurse. The last thing I wanted to do today was come back here. It's the last thing I ever want to do. There's too many memories.
James: Well, I'm sorry. (Starts to walk away)
Drea: Hey, James Mooney. Um, can I call you? I… if… just if something comes up? I just don't know really how any of this works.
James: (Turns back to face her) Uh… (Removes pen from his coat pocket and writes something on a piece of paper) All right.
Drea: Thanks. (James walks away)
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh
Nick is going through a file cabinet when Laurie walks up.
Laurie: Nick.
Nick: Yeah?
Laurie: I've got a case. A hearing for a kid who lives at the Allegheny Children's Shelter. He wants permission to attend an adoption party.
Nick: A what?
Laurie: We found it's sometimes effective to get together a group of hard-to-adopt kids—build an event around it.
Nick: An event?
Laurie: A picnic, baseball game… This one's a fashion show.
Nick: You dress kids up and have 'em parade around on a catwalk?
Laurie: The kid's name is Joshua Bennett. He's eleven years old. He's been to a lot of these but this time the Director of the Shelter, Gil Muller, won't let him go.
Nick: Why?
Laurie: The last few times, when it hasn't worked out, he's misbehaved. He just wants a family, Nick.
Nick: Force the Shelter's hand.
Laurie: It's not our policy.
Nick: What, do you mean we need a court order for this?
Laurie: It's what Josh wants.
Alvin: (Has been listening in the background) We don't do adoption parties. These kids've been through enough already.
Laurie: You have a better idea, Alvin?
Alvin: How about finding parents through the usual channels instead of treating the kids like cattle.
Laurie: I didn't come here to talk to you about this.
Alvin: You're talking to someone who works for me.
Laurie: Nick's doing it as a favor. He doesn't have to represent the Clinic.
Alvin: How 'bout it, Nick? You willing to do some work off the clock?
Nick: You seriously not going to credit me for this? (Alvin shakes his head)
Laurie: Ten minutes. The hearing takes ten minutes. I'll do everything else.
Nick: (Looks defiantly at Alvin) What time is it?
Laurie: Two.
Nick: Sure, I'll do it.
Laurie: Thanks.
Nick eyes Alvin—who turns away. Laurie calls to her other client in the office.
Laurie: Jenna. Come over here, sweetheart. (To Lulu—in her office) Jenna's six-and-a-half months pregnant.
Lulu: Okay.
Laurie: Her foster parents are no longer willing to support her.
Lulu: Why not?
Laurie: Jenna doesn't always follow the rules.
Jenna: They won't let me see my boyfriend, Zak.
Lulu: Right. Well, why not transfer her to a group home until she has the baby?
Laurie: Her pregnancy is high-risk. She has toxemia.
Jenna: The doctor at the clinic said I was allergic to my baby.
Lulu: Where are you staying now?
Jenna: At group shelter in Greenfield.
Laurie: It's not adequate to her needs. There's a home for unwed mothers called The Olive Branch. (Hands Lulu a pamphlet) They handle high-risk pregnancies.
Lulu: Yeah, well, the Olive Branch is for girls who want to raise their babies. Is that what you want?
Jenna: Uh…
Laurie: Let's just get this done. We'll worry about who raises the baby later.
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Nick's office
James knocks on Nick's open door.
Nick: Yeah. Come in.
James: I went to the hospital. Got my grandmother's medical records. Martin Keenan was one of her nurses. Now, I know this doesn't prove anything but I have to keep looking into this.
Nick: If you are even potentially adverse to our client there's no way the Hospital will retain us.
James: Not if I don't sue.
Nick: James, you find out your grandmother died on Keenan's shift, what are you going to do?
James: I don't know.
Nick: Maybe you should take a leave of absence.
James: (Takes a seat) If it were your grandmother…?
Nick: A hypothetical isn't going to help with this situation.
James: But if it were? Dying in the Oncology Ward and, while you look the other way, someone decides to just pull her plug for kicks?
Nick: I'd sue.
James: Right. (Gets up to leave)
Nick: Not asking you to leave, James.
James: But, you're not asking me to stay. (Walks out and encounters Jake—holding a box of files)
Jake: James. (Hands him the box of files) Due diligence on the Cummings merger.
James: Okay.
Jake: I need a memo.
James: A memo?
Jake: An analysis outlining the significance of each and every piece of paper in that box… by tomorrow, if that's okay?
James: Okay. (Jake walks off—James' cell phone rings—puts the box of files on counter and answers) This is James. (Listens) Drea?
Scene: Drea's residence
James knocks.
Drea: James. Come on in. This is Mr. Williamson from the insurance company.
James: What's he offering?
Drea: Fifteen thousand.
Williamson: Hello, there, James. I'm Michael Williamson. I'm an adjuster with malpractice carrier.
James: Mike?
Williamson: Yes.
James: I think Mrs. Westbrook needs an attorney before she accepts any offer.
Williamson: Well, we're just having a conversation, James.
James: Why don't you reschedule until she has the appropriate representation.
Williamson: I'm just here to…
James: I know what you're here to do.
Williamson: No, I'm here to offer compensation for the possibility…
James: That your client might be potentially held liable for breaching its duty of care to adequately monitor its employee?
Williamson: Are you her lawyer?
James: Just a friend.
Williamson: (Chuffs) Mrs. Westbrook. Will you let me leave the check with you?
Drea: I just have to sign that form…?
James: Don't take it.
Drea: Why?
James: He's just trying to pay you off so you won't sue.
Williamson: What's your name again?
James: (Reluctantly) James Mooney. (Williamson writes his name down in a notebook)
Drea: Okay, Mr. Williamson. I'm going to have to take a day or two to think about things.
Williamson: Okay.
Drea: Okay.
Williamson: Take your time. You have my card.
Drea: Thank you.
Williamson: Just call me when you're ready.
Drea: Okay. Thank you so much.
Williamson: Of course. Take care.
Drea: Thanks. (Williamson leaves) What is this about?
James: The Hospital is afraid you're going to sue. By taking that check, you waive your legal rights to do so.
Drea: So, how much could I get, if I sue?
James: Depends. How sick was your husband?
Drea: He had lymphoma, but he was… he was getting better, that was the weird thing, you know? It was… his white cell count was high and his blood was getting healthier and we all really had a lot of hope and then he… just went.
James: Well, what were his doctors saying?
Drea: His brother, Antoine, was a bone marrow match, so if he had gone into remission there was a chance he could've been cured.
James: What kind of work did he do?
Drea: He was a landscaper. And, he was in school at night to be a chiropractor.
James: (Sighs) You have a strong lawsuit.
Drea: Can you help me with this?
Scene: Courthouse corridor
James catches up with Nick.
James: We need to talk.
Nick: Mike Williamson already told me. (Keeps walking)
James: That's what we need to talk about. I need…
Nick: (Stops and turns to face James) You're fired. I'm sorry. You can't work for our Firm and advise a party that is adverse to us, in negotiation.
James: I guess you won't need this then. (Holds out an envelope)
Nick: A resignation letter? Yeah, give it to me. (Takes the envelope) It's better for everyone this way. (Walks off)
James: Thank you.
Outside Orphans' Courtroom
Laurie: Josh, this is your attorney, Nick Fallin. (Hands Nick a sheet of paper)
Nick: Hi, Josh.
Josh: What's up?
Gil Muller: I'm Gil Muller, Director of the Allegheny Children's Shelter. (Shakes hands with Nick)
Laurie: I'll see you guys in court.
Nick: Okay. Gil, can I have a moment alone with my client, please? (Gil walks away) Thank you. So, uh, Josh, have you been to one of these adoption parties before?
Josh: Yeah. Nine.
Nick: You like them?
Josh: Kids get adopted at them.
Nick: Okay.
Josh: Ask me any question.
Nick: What?
Josh: Ask me the capital of any state?
Nick: No.
Josh: This time, I'm going to tell people that I'm into sports, classical music and art.
Nick: (Pause) Great. Okay. Great.
Josh: I went to the Carnegie and looked at some of the paintings and, you know, wrote down some of the names of the artists. You know, Van Gogh, Harper, Degas?
Nick: Great, excellent. Right, good, okay…
Josh: Last time, I forgot to tell this guy, Mr. Carl, that I liked hockey and he had season tickets to the Penguins. I should've told him that.
Nick: Yeah. You like hockey?
Josh: Not at all.
Scene: Reginald Harris' law office
James is shown into the office.
Harris: Aah… Hello, James. Good to see you. I understand you're doing wonderful work over at the D.A.'s office.
James: Legal Services.
Harris: Right. Good for you. (To secretary) Thank you, Diana. (To James) Have a seat, please. Now, my assistant tells me that you have a client who may have been victimized in that horrific tragedy over at County.
James: Drea Westbrook. Husband was thirty-one years old. Had a bone marrow match and a good future…
Harris: Right. Right. You want me to help her.
James: She's got a great case.
Harris: And you're giving her to me?
James: (Half chuckles) No. We're sharing it.
Harris: But, your not-for-profit work, James, wouldn't that pose a potential conflict…?
James: I'm a sole practitioner.
Harris: Right. Why don't you give me three more like her and I'll bankroll it and take the lead and you'll get forty percent of the fee.
Scene: Judge Damsen's courtroom
Nick: This child has a fundamental right to pursue adoption. It is in the State's best interest. It is in his best interest.
Muller: He's been rejected too many times, Your Honor. He gets unruly every time it happens. It's not fair to the other sixteen kids he lives with. But, mainly it's not fair to him.
Nick: Josh has a very simple, very human desire to find parents. All we're asking for is that chance.
Judge Damsen: Josh, do you want to go?
Josh: I do. I really do.
Judge Damsen: Has Social Services arranged an escort for this young man?
Laurie: No, Your Honor, but I'd be happy…
Judge Damsen: Fine. Mr. Fallin will chaperone him.
Nick: Your Honor, I… (Shakes his head)
Judge Damsen: Thank you. Next case. (Nick stares in disbelief)
Immediately outside the courtroom
Nick: (To Laurie) When does this damn thing start?
Josh: Pick me up at 4:00 o'clock, because the thing starts at 5:00 but the traffic going over the Ft. Pitt Bridge is real bad and I can't be late.
Laurie: This is very kind of you, Nick.
Nick raises his hand in a wave and scurries off.
Alvin: Looks like you won.
Laurie: Not now, Alvin.
Muller: This is a mistake, Laurie.
Laurie: (To Muller as he walks away with Josh) Thanks for being so understanding.
Alvin: What is it this time, a beauty pageant?
Laurie: It's a fashion show.
Alvin: Oh, a fashion show. That's healthy.
Laurie: Nobody likes these things, but they work. Alvin, will you have dinner with me Friday night?
Alvin: 'scuse me?
Laurie: Dinner. Friday.
Alvin: I thought you said you didn't want to mix the personal stuff with work.
Laurie: I did say that. And, I've thought about it and I've changed my mind.
Alvin: Oh.
Laurie: Alvin. Don't let me stand here feeling stupid. Just say…
Alvin: Yes.
Laurie: Good. (Turns and walks away)
Scene: County Jail
Martin Keenan: I thought about what you asked me yesterday. I thought about it all night. I went over it in my head. And, I think it was more like fifty.
Investigator: Fifty people.
Keenan: It's hard to say. Some of them were probably already dead—right on the edge, at least. Yeah, but the more I think about it, I helped maybe fifty people—maybe more.
Scene: Reginald Harris' law office—conference room
James: Don't talk to the Press. Don't answer the phones and don't let other lawyers into your house. And, whatever you do, don't talk about what we talk about—to anyone.
Harris: Give me all the information that you can about your loved ones. Where they died, when they died, how old they were. Let me know about their successes in life, their kids, their loved ones.
James: And another thing, and this may be painful for you, but let us into their final days. If they believed that they were going to make it out of that hospital, get better… we need to know all of that.
Harris: I'm sure that you want to know what the potential damages might be. To give you a specific dollar amount would be wrong but let me just say this… (In an ominous whisper) I would hope for enough money to make that hospital feel the same pain that we are all experiencing right now. We're talking about a very large hospital. We're talking about a lot of pain.
Scene: Judge Damsen's Courtroom
Lulu: Your Honor, Jenna Gilliam is obviously pregnant. But, she also has toxemia which means her blood-pressure is unusually high and she and her baby are at risk. Complicating these matters, she's living in a facility now that doesn't meet her needs.
Judge Damsen: What are you requesting, Ms. Archer?
Lulu: That she be transferred to The Olive Branch home.
Judge Damsen: Have you contacted them?
Lulu: She's fifteenth on the list.
Judge Damsen: So, you're asking me to place Jenna at the front of the line.
Lulu: Well, I know it's not protocol, Judge Damsen, but, yeah. It's a special situation.
Judge Damsen: Jenna? Do you plan to keep your baby?
Jenna: I don't know.
Judge Damsen: Do you understand the criteria for admittance to The Olive Branch home? (Jenna shakes her head) What grade did you last complete in school?
Jenna: Eighth. I got held back a couple a times.
Judge Damsen: And when was the last time you attended school?
Jenna: Couple a months ago.
Judge Damsen: You willing to return?
Jenna: Yeah.
Judge Damsen: Are you willing to take a drug test?
Jenna: Guess so.
Judge Damsen: (Sighs) Ms. Archer. I will take this case under advisement once I review the file and see the test results.
Scene: Reginald Harris' law office
Nick: (Introduces himself—shakes hands) Nicholas Fallin. This is my partner, Jake Straka.
Harris: Of course, I know your father. Helluva tennis player. Do you play?
Nick: No. (James enters the room) James.
Jake: James. Are you here as a client or a lawyer?
James: A lawyer.
Nick: You don't see a problem with that?
James: No. I wasn't privy to any information.
Harris: So, what do you have for us?
Nick: Settlement offer.
Jake: Fifty thousand per plaintiff, subject to appropriate documentation: Proof that they were under Mr. Keenan's care; proof they died during the hours that Mr. Keenan was on the premises and, of course, Death Certificates and other relevant medical documentation.
Harris: Fifty thousand per plaintiff.
Nick takes the large envelope containing the offer from Jake's hands and places it on the desk.
Nick: The offer expires in twenty-four hours. (Turns and walks to the door)
Harris: Thanks, Nick.
Nick: Sure. (Pulls door closed as he and Jake leave)
Scene: Allegheny Children's Shelter
Nick: You going to this thing?
Muller: No. I've taken Josh to nine in a row. I don't want to go again.
Josh: I'm ready. (Appears wearing a suit jacket that just barely buttons across his stomach)
Muller: Josh. I'll be here when you get back, okay? Just come into my room—tell me how everything went.
Josh: (To Bobby as he passes by) Good luck, today, Bobby.
Nick: Well, you comfortable?
Josh: Yeah.
Nick: You have a sweater or a shirt or something?
Josh: It's a fashion show. I want to look good.
Nick: Right. Do you have a sweater or a shirt?
Scene: Adoption Party
Nick stands, arms folded, with "Hello, I'm Nick" sticker on his lapel. Candy Man plays in the background as the children walk the runway.
Emcee: Let's hear it for Mary Alice. (Applause) Bye-bye, Mary Alice. Aah, isn't she cute? Now, let me see who's next. This is Joshua Bennett. Josh is eleven. He likes ice hockey, traveling and going to the museum. Come on. Give us a smile, Josh. (Crowd applause) Next, we have Bobby Tarkenton. Bobby's eight. He likes Karate and Adam Sandler movies. (Bobby gives a Karate kick for crowd approval) Whoa, Bobby! Okay, folks. That's it. There they are. Now's your chance to talk to the kids and get to know them a little bit better. Enjoy yourselves.
Josh: Okay, that's done.
Nick: Right.
Josh: You gotta stay away from me now.
Nick: Okay.
Josh: 'Cause if people see you with me, they'll think you're trying to adopt me.
Nick: Okay.
Josh: You hang out and if I do this, like, three times… (Tugs on his ear) …you come over, 'cause that'll mean that I can tell that the people talking to me aren't serious.
Nick: Right. Sure.
Scene: Greenfield Shelter—Jenna's room
Lulu: Jenna.
Jenna: Hi.
Lulu: Jenna, you failed. You tested positive for marijuana. Judge Damsen won't place you in that home, now. You're pregnant, you've got a life-threatening complication and you… you're sitting around smoking pot? You know, if I were pregnant, I… Jenna, you've got a life inside you.
Jenna: Yeah. Well, it's mine.
Lulu: Not if you keep this up. There's nowhere to place you, now. Nowhere that makes sense—that would even allow Social Services to approve you raising your own child.
Jenna: So what. They can have my baby. (Starts removing things from a bureau drawer)
Lulu: What are you doing?
Jenna: I'm going to stay with Zak.
Lulu: Your boyfriend?
Jenna: Yeah. His parents let him live in their basement so… guess I can live there, too.
Lulu: No. You don't have permission to do that.
Jenna: (Chuffs) Are you gonna stop me?
Lulu just watches as Jenna leaves.
Scene: Adoption Party
Nick watches painfully as Josh stands alone while Bobby mingles.
Nick: (He grabs a couple) Hi, there's somebody you should meet. This is Josh.
Mr. Carl: Oh. Hello, there Josh.
Josh: Mr. Carl.
Josh tugs at his ear—Nick realizes they've already met.
Mr. Carl: Are you having a good time?
Josh: I watched the Penguins last night.
Mr. Carl: Really?
Josh: Mark Lemieux and the other guy. They sure skated fast and won, right?
Mr. Carl: Well, good to see you again, Josh. (Couple moves off.)
Nick: Hockey season doesn't start 'til next month. Listen, whadaya say we get outta here—go get an ice cream?
Josh: No. I'm staying. Just go back where you were.
Nick: Come here. Listen, it's always best to leave a party before it's finished.
Josh: Shut up.
Scene: County Jail
Keenan: I didn't mean it. Didn't mean any of it. I didn't kill anybody. I couldn't do that. I said that… what I said, because I was angry at my boss—at the hospital. I was angry because she was cutting back my hours and I was afraid I was going to get laid off.
Scene: Reginald Harris' law office
James enters Harris' office as he hangs up the phone.
Harris: I just got off the phone with Burton Fallin. Keenan has recanted.
James: They pulled their offer?
Harris: Uh-huh.
James: Fine. Then we'll sue them. Get medical experts, exhumation orders, set depositions with every doctor, nurse or attendant that worked with Keenan…
Harris: James, I'm out.
James: What?
Harris: You have any idea what all this is going to cost?
James: (Angrily) You said… yesterday, you said…
Harris: Yesterday, we had a confession. We had a man who was ready to name names. Today we have nothing but a lunatic whose word means absolutely nothing. These guys, the Fallins, are going to get rich defending this case while I spend myself into bankruptcy. Burton Fallin's going to bury us, James, in paperwork and he doesn't care, because he gets paid by the hour.
James: So, what you said before…?
Harris: Now, listen, these people, James, these people… even if we can prove that they died before their time, they're indigents with terminal diseases. How much do you think that five days in the life of a poor person are worth in U.S. dollars?
James: If he killed them, then we should make an example of him.
Harris: James, let me tell you something. We're trial attorneys, but that doesn't mean that we're not business men.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Nick's office
Laurie knocks on his open door with a big grin on her face.
Nick: What are you so happy about?
Laurie: You did a good thing, Nick Fallin.
Nick: I did?
Laurie: Josh Bennett. A couple wants to adopt him.
Nick: That's great, Laurie.
Laurie: Ten tries. It took ten tries but it worked. I'm going to tell Josh. You want to come with me?
Nick: I've got a lot of work to do. I can't.
Alvin stands outside Nick's office and just shakes his head.
Scene: Drea's residence
Drea: He dropped it?
James: Right.
Drea: So, it's over?
James: No.
Drea: What are you going to do?
James: There's nothing I can do. A suit like this costs a lot of money.
Drea: Well, you'll get the money back.
James: You have to have the money in the first place.
Drea: (Long pause) A few weeks ago, I was just starting to have days that weren't so bad, you know? Days that, that I didn't just think about Ray all day long and then this thing happened and… suddenly, it's everywhere. I have to think about how he died and why he died and… It's just easier to believe…
James: Believe what?
Drea: That he died because he was sick. That he died because it was his time. I'm just so afraid that, if we start digging, we're going to find something…
James: Drea. If that man took his life, they owe you.
Drea: Do you really believe that?
James: I do. I truly do.
Drea: Then you should be my lawyer.
Scene: Allegheny Children's Shelter
Laurie gets out of her car in front of the building and is met by Gil Muller.
Muller: Laurie. Laurie.
Laurie: Gil. I've got terrific news. There's a couple that wants to adopt Josh.
Muller: Yeah, well…
Laurie: What's the matter?
Muller: Last night, after the party, Josh pushed his friend, Bobby, down the stairs. Eight-year-old kid. Broke his arm in two places.
Laurie: I'll talk to him.
Muller: I wasn't on when it happened. The staff reported it already. This is serious, Laurie. These are criminal charges.
Laurie: When's the hearing?
Muller: Tomorrow. Judge Damsen.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office
James knocks on Alvin's open door.
Alvin: James.
James: Hey.
Alvin: Hey. I was glad you called. Please. Sit down.
James: I need some help.
Alvin: Oh?
James: I'm working on my own, now.
Alvin: I thought you were working with Nick.
James: I'm working on my own. I have this case against Pittsburgh County Hospital.
Alvin: That situation with the nurse?
James: Right.
Alvin: Well, that's a big case, James.
James: I have four plaintiffs. Four people who lost their loved ones because of the Hospital's negligence.
Alvin: Oh. So, why are you calling me?
James: I was working with Reginald Harris but he withdrew the second the nurse recanted.
Alvin: Well, of course, he did. Because it's not an easy settlement and now there's work involved.
James: I want to start my own firm. And, I'm in debt and I had nowhere else to turn to.
Alvin: You need a loan?
James: I found a bank. I just need you to co-sign.
Alvin: How much?
James: Ten thousand.
Alvin: (Thinks about it for a minute) Fine. Why the hell not. Fine.
James: Thanks.
Jenna confronts Lulu in the main area of Legal Services.
Jenna: Thanks for calling the cops.
Lulu: You can't stay in your boyfriend's basement. It's not an appropriate place for you to stay.
Jenna: You don't know nothing.
Lulu: Well, I know that you're being really stupid and really selfish.
Jenna: What the hell do you care?!
Lulu: Hey!
Jenna: Leave me alone!
Jenna walks into bathroom—Lulu notices blood on her dress.
Lulu: Jenna. Jenna, come here. (Jenna shuts the door)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—Nick's office
James stands in the doorway and clears his throat.
Nick: (Nick looks up) James.
James: Just want you to know that there's no hard feelings on my part. Business is business. You guys need to keep clients.
Nick: Thank you, James.
James: I filed a complaint this afternoon on behalf of Drea Westbrook.
Nick: Just put it on the desk.
James: Seeking four million dollars.
Nick: Yeah, Hospital's already called me. We filed this, too. (Hands James a copy of the Motion) It's a motion to remove you as counsel. (Clears throat) Hearing's tomorrow. (James exits)
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital—Emergency Room
Lulu sits in the waiting room. Laurie walks up.
Laurie: She has severe placental disruption. It's caused a massive hemorrhage.
Lulu: Is the baby going to be okay?
Laurie: They don't know.
Lulu: What about Jenna?
Laurie: They're doing everything they can. Lulu, I have to get to court. Can you…
Lulu: Yeah, I'll stay. It's okay.
Scene: Judge Damsen's Courtroom
Nick: Judge Damsen, three days ago we stood before you and asked to place Joshua Bennett into a difficult situation. You allowed it, I took him and it blew up in our faces. His friend, Bobby, found a family and Josh got jealous. He did something stupid. Now, he deserves to be punished but to send him to a restrictive facility such as Abraxas is excessive.
Judge Damsen: What's the status of the couple who expressed interest?
Laurie: They've changed their minds. They have two young children at home and Josh's behavior understandably made them wary.
Judge Damsen: Mr. Muller, the boy he injured is leaving your Home?
Muller: In about a month, Your Honor.
Judge Damsen: Do you believe you can handle Josh?
Muller: He's been with me for six years. Truth be told, even though I'm hard on him, he's one of my favorite kids. We all know Josh isn't particularly adoptable. I came to terms with that a long time ago. He hasn't, and God bless him for that. But, you know, I kinda resigned myself to being his surrogate dad the day I met him.
Judge Damsen: Josh will be sent to Abraxas until the boy he injured is placed in his new home. After that, pending psychiatric evaluation, Josh can return to Mr. Muller's shelter. (Gavel down)
Josh: (To Nick) There's going to be another adoption party at PNC Park. Some of the Pirates are going to be there.
Nick: No, Josh.
Josh: Ask her. Please. (Pleadingly)
Nick: (Reluctantlystands and looks around as people for the next case enter) Uh, Your Honor. Uh, Josh would like to know if he'd be able to attend the next adoption party.
Judge Damsen: Absolutely not.
Josh: But, I get it now. I mean, if the other family liked me…
Judge Damsen: Josh. No.
Immediately outside Judge Damsen's courtroom
Alvin: Don't beat yourself up, Laurie.
Laurie: I won't. I'd do it again.
Alvin: Those parties? Come on.
Laurie: I would.
Alvin: They're reprehensible.
Laurie: It's the way the world works. Everything gets marketed.
Alvin: But, kids?
Laurie: Everything.
Alvin: I don't believe… You, of all people.
Laurie: You should be a realist, Alvin.
Alvin: You should think more about who's getting hurt.
Laurie: Oh, come on.
Alvin: You come on.
Laurie: No, you come on. (Walks away)
Alvin: Are we still having dinner tonight?
Laurie: (Turns to respond) Just come over to my place.
Alvin: Your place?
Laurie: Yeah. We can argue about it there.
Scene: Courtroom—Hearing for motion to remove James as counsel
Burton: Your Honor, James Mooney was an associate in our Firm. He resigned two days ago but before that he sat in on a confidential client meeting with the Pittsburgh County Hospital where he had access to files, privileged communications…
James: (Angrily) I was in that meeting twenty seconds, at most. I didn't hear anything. My employment with the Fallins was never formalized.
Burton: But, he was at the meeting with someone who, at that time, was his client. Now he's suing them.
Immediately outside the courtroom—Jake follows James out first.
Jake: James. Just doing our job. It's not personal.
James watches as Nick and Burton exit the courtroom without speaking—Nick glares back at James.
Jake: Look at it this way—Burton would never have knocked you off this case if he didn't respect you.
Scene: Legal Services of Pittsburgh—Alvin's office
James walks into Alvin's office.
James: Burton blew me out of the case. I had a conflict since the Fallins represented the Hospital.
Alvin: I see.
James: So, about the money. I only spent twelve hundred of it, so I already paid back the rest.
Alvin: James, your office, it's…
James: I'm not back here for work.
Alvin: You need a job to pay off that loan.
James: What you did, with my nephew, Levi—I'm not forgiving you for that. I appreciate you helping me out but…
Alvin: James. I want you back here. I need you to come back.
James: (Starts to walk away then comes back) I'll be in tomorrow. (Alvin nods and smiles)
Scene: Fallin & Fallin—reception area
Burton speaks to co-worker, then hands a piece of paper to receptionist.
Burton: Hi. Here ya go. (To Nick) We better, uh… Nicholas, we better get going. That press conference is in an hour. Now, listen, I've been thinking.
Nick: What?
Burton: Oh, my office, you know, that was meant for the managing partner.
Nick: That's you.
Burton: For now, yeah. But, that's gonna be you, soon.
Nick: Dad, I don't want your office.
Burton: Well, think about it, okay?
Nick: It's your office.
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital
Outside the hospital
James: Drea. Sorry I'm late.
Drea: The press conference doesn't start for a few minutes.
James: The Judge removed me from your case. I know this guy, Lawrence Pocaro. He's solid. He'll work hard for you.
Drea: But, you can't do this.
James: I can't be your attorney. But, I can be your friend. I can help you get through this. Wanna go in?
Drea: No. Not now. Let's just enjoy this pretty day, for now. Let's just enjoy the day.
Nick and Burton pass James and Drea on their way into the Hospital—Suatoni meets them in the lobby.
Suatoni: (Off camera) You're here. Excuse me. (Shakes hands with Burton then Nick) I'm glad you're here. You wanna come up with me quickly?
Burton: Yeah. (Nick and Burton follow Suatoni upstairs)
Suatoni: The meeting starts in twenty minutes. They're releasing Martin Keenan. They don't have enough evidence to hold him.
Scene: County Jail
Keenan is released—his personal things are returned to him.
Keenan: Okay, so I can just walk out now? Is it safe? Are you sure it's safe out there? (Mob of journalists at the door)
Scene: Pittsburgh County Hospital
Lulu pushes Jenna in a wheelchair down the corridor.
Jenna: How much does she weigh?
Lulu: Two pounds.
Jenna: Is she going to live?
Lulu: They're doing everything they can. And, if she doesn't get sick and they can keep her strong and get her lungs developed, then she's going to be okay.
Jenna: That's her?
Lulu: Yep.
Jenna: I wanna go now.
Lulu: Jenna…
Jenna: Take me out of here.
Lulu: No.
Jenna: Take me out!
Lulu: Hey! This is your baby and she needs you now. And it might be the only time that you get to spend with her for the rest of your life. If you want to pretend that she doesn't exist, feel free. But not right now, you're not. I'm not wheeling you outta here.
Jenna: How long does she have to stay in there?
Lulu: Could be months.
Jenna: If I wanted to, how long could I stay?
Lulu: They've agreed to let you stay here as long as your baby's here, if that's what you want.
Jenna: She's so small.
Lulu: I know. A little life.
END OF EPISODE
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