Lights Out s01e02 Episode Script
Cakewalk
Previously on "Lights Out" You're not the champ anymore.
You walked away five years ago.
That's a long time.
Doctor: It's called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, otherwise known as pugilistic Patrick: Dementia.
I know what it's called.
How long? Did you know that was the I.
R.
S.
in today? Robert: Well, I'll tell you what I told your brother.
Whatever they say you owe, you just pay.
I'm broke, dad.
What? It's all gone.
Some guy who comes by the gym sometimes, looking for muscle.
He have a name? Brennan.
Hal Brennan? But some dentist, I guess, owes him some book money I'm not a thug.
[ Telephone ringing .]
Johnny: Yeah.
So what do I have too? Half a mil.
Cash is better.
You better get your broken-down ass out of my house before I knock it out.
Six months from today, "Death Row" Reynolds will defend his title one last time against "Lights" Leary.
I know nothing ab Yeah.
Don't bullshit me, okay? But Johnny No.
Please.
I will not go through this again.
[ Bird cawing, bell tolling .]
Man: Nice sermon today, father.
Very nice.
Daniella: I just got a text.
Oh, my gosh.
It's from that new girl at school.
Patrick, I hear redemption is at hand.
How's that, father? [ Laughing .]
The rematch.
I'll be expecting tickets.
Well, don't believe everything you read.
What shouldn't he believe? Good morning, Theresa.
I hope we'll see Ava next week.
So do we, father.
[ Laughs .]
Uh, Patrick, this time, knock him out early so they can't steal your title.
Father Moran already knows? He probably saw Reynolds on TV, the same way you did.
And you have nothing to do with this? And there's no fight? So help me God.
Okay.
Can we get your brother to issue a denial? Well, I spoke to Johnny.
He thinks since the rumor's already out there He wants to work it a little, create a buzz, maybe help me get that commentating gig.
I'll talk to him tonight.
[ Both breathing heavily .]
[ Cellphone ringing .]
[ Laughs .]
Hey.
Dylan.
Margaret: Theresa? I still can't reach Johnny.
[ Indistinct conversations .]
Daddy.
Daddy.
Can Dylan come? Come to what? Really, dad? Her recital.
It's classic.
Right.
"Snow White.
" "Sleeping Beauty.
" "Sleeping Beauty.
" [ Laughs .]
Yes.
That's what I meant.
It's ballet, kid.
Lots of arms and legs.
Velez: Hey, Margaret.
[ Bell chimes .]
Coffee, fellas? No.
We need a word with your brother.
Johnny's not here.
Not Johnny.
The champ.
Hey, Lights.
What's going on? I have no idea.
Can I help you? Yeah.
Why don't we, uh, talk outside? Can it wait? It's a school night.
We're finishing up here.
Two minutes of your time.
You okay, son? I'll be right back.
Let's go.
I got to pick up my son.
Robert: You pull this stunt like this in front of his kids? What kind of crap is that? Go back inside, old man.
Hey, show some respect.
My partner meant no disrespect.
But this is a police matter.
It doesn't concern your father.
[ Indistinct talking on radio .]
Pops, go back inside.
Tell the girls everything's okay.
Not a word without a lawyer.
So what's this about? No idea, champ? [ Screaming .]
Not a clue.
Then you got nothing to worry about.
It's routine questions, but this This isn't helping any of us.
Am I under arrest? We can have this cleared up in half an hour.
That would be a "no.
" So I can go back inside.
You could do that, but then we have orders to sit on you.
Follow you home.
Ask your local P.
D.
for help with surveillance.
It's up to you.
Katie: Mommy.
Mommy.
Why are they taking daddy? I don't know, honey.
It's okay.
[ Indistinct talking on radio .]
[ Engine turns over, siren wails .]
Man on radio: K-vic-1, 086-09, 086-09 at 21 [ Bell rings .]
Johnny: You okay? What's going on? Patrick: Where the hell were you tonight? Got my lawyer on the way down.
Call him off.
I got calls in to What? So it's nothing? I said call him off.
It's two detectives from Morristown asking about Saturday afternoon.
Oh, the dentist thing? Did they mention Brennan's name? No.
They were fishing.
I don't think the dentist is talking.
Well, who is, then? Maybe some of his brunch guests.
There were people there when Shit! I told you it was a bad idea.
You came to me with this idea, Johnny.
Yeah, 'cause you were pissing your pants.
When the I.
R.
S.
came in? You remember? Catch you boys at a bad time? Mike Fumosa.
Not a good night.
So I heard.
Jersey city's finest release you on your own recognizance? They never held him.
Don't believe everything you read on Twitter.
Okay.
So, Lights, what didn't you do? I didn't punch a reporter.
Mike, there's nothing here, huh? The police were asking Lights for his assistance with a private matter that the champ knew nothing about.
Hey, come on.
Don't bullshit me, Johnny.
I've always been fair to you guys.
He cooperated.
They apologized for the misunderstanding.
And since there is no story, I'd appreciate it if you didn't print one, because Can I tell him? Our negotiations are at a very delicate stage right now, and something like this could jeopardize the rematch.
Okay.
So it's on.
Lights, how about a quote? You gonna fight Reynolds again? The other side's made their bid, but it's a process, Mike.
You know that.
You've been out of the ring five years.
You got to be a little worried [ Tires screech .]
Theresa? I tried to call.
Hi, daddy.
What time is it? Late, Daniella.
What are you doing up? I was worried about you.
Don't be.
It was all a mistake.
That's what grandpa said.
The police were asking about some kid at the gym? Couldn't it wait? I was supposed to talk to themBefore.
And I completely forgot.
You forgot you were supposed to talk to the police.
Go to bed, sweetheart.
Okay.
Good night.
Your mom asleep? Uh, yeah, I think so.
How mad was she? Couple of chardonnays.
Good night.
[ Music continues .]
Trouble in the air trouble all I see does anybody care? trouble killing me oh, it's killing me Theresa: Hiding? Wiped out.
How's Katie? How did you feel the first time you saw your father arrested? Like I'd never see him again.
And I wasn't arrested.
You okay? Never been better.
I'd like to know what's going on.
It's not good.
A couple of people in Morris township say I crashed their brunch Saturday and broke their host's arm.
What? Who? Some dentist named Roger.
W-why would The police aren't How How could they They get a call, they have to follow up.
Well, did you tell them you were just on TV, that that's when these people come out of the woodwork? Mm-hmm.
I mean, it's it's insane.
Why would you something like They know I don't have a motive.
But they also know I don't have an alibi.
I was out running.
Ravine Lake.
No.
You were with me.
With me and your father.
Leave him out of this.
He He was weak after physical therapy.
We spent the afternoon with him.
I checked his blood pressure.
You two watched TV.
I cleaned.
Okay? Okay.
So take it from me, the champ If you want a knockout deal On carpet or remnants Come see Carl, the Monmouth County Karpet King.
And cut.
So we're done? [ Woman laughing .]
Excuse me.
Oh.
Sorry about messing up those lines.
Didn't get much sleep last night.
You should go see my brother.
He's the mattress king.
Listen, before I go, can I get your autograph? Mine? Oh.
Of course.
My wife said to make the check out to your manager.
Actually, just to me is fine.
[ Cellphone rings .]
Theresa: I need a lift.
What happened? You tell me.
They're towing the car.
I just had it checked out last month.
Is it the electric? They say they're repossessing.
That's got to be a mistake.
I'll call Johnny.
Okay.
I'm outside the school.
On my way.
Troubles came a-callin' like they did before Where to? Straight to the hospital.
It's too late for the conference.
So what happened? Johnny says it's a screw-up.
It's all automatic payments.
He must have put the money in the wrong Are you kidding me? How hard is it to put the We'll have the car back in a day two days, tops.
Why didn't they call? Who? The bank.
The money we've parked there, they can't give a heads-up? Johnny's into it with them.
And the dealer? They just come and take a car without even It's not the dealer.
It's their finance arm.
Overreacting.
Everyone's jittery these days.
Everyone's jittery.
For five long years I've listened to Patrick Leary claim he won the fight.
The rest of the world saw him lose.
Now, for those same five years, he's refused my offer.
My my generous offer, my magnanimous offer to get into the ring and fight for what he claims was taken from him.
Man's got a point.
[ Camera shutters clicking .]
Hey.
Champ.
Omar, get back to work.
My own gym, I got to listen to that? No jail can hold you? What'd the bulls want? My autograph, by the end of the night.
It's another shakedown, like the Vegas girl.
Then, uh, you better get rid of this.
I found it by your locker.
You know, guys like you, they've always got a target on their back.
I know, dad.
Johnny in a good mood? Am I your brother's keeper? Hey, listen.
You got a minute? I need your help with young blood over there.
He's working so hard, his shadow went down.
But I'll tell you something Three or four fights, he's got a shot at the title.
Not now, dad.
Yeah.
Well, you know what? You should be sorry.
Yeah.
You damn well better take care of it.
Don't shit where I eat.
Sons of bitches.
How many cars have we leased from those thieves? You know, where's the courtesy? How far behind were we? Margin of error.
I told Theresa we'd have her car back by tomorrow.
That's a push.
They're asking for the first few months prepaid.
Has Brennan paid up yet? I'm working on that.
Thing is, now that the police are investigating, we can't accept his check.
Even Brennan needs a few days to get that much cash.
Give me his number.
I'll get it.
We're not calling him.
Not on our phones, not on our cells.
What about the bingo money? I.
R.
S.
garnished it.
What? From now on, we're cash in, cash out.
No more banks.
Which reminds me I got to get that carpet check.
I deposited it.
My account.
Then the I.
R.
S.
got that, too.
What can we get for the Lundy? That's your dream, baby.
[ Chuckles .]
We're not selling it.
How much? It's not the time.
You know that fund that helped us refinance? They're lifo.
Come again.
Last in, first out.
If we paid it off now, they'd get paid, and we'd get Screwed.
Hey, it's all gonna turn around.
We just got to stay on our feet.
You know, one of these days, when we cut the ribbon on this thing, we're gonna sit back and we're gonna laugh [ scraping .]
[ Music playing in background .]
Gus.
Give me five more dollars of scratch-offs.
Feeling lucky today? Every day.
Brennan coming by? Not usually.
He don't like to get his hands dirty no more.
Do do me a favor, will you? Leave word for him.
[ Paper rustling .]
Listen, I can take book for you.
It's not like that.
It's personal.
[ Girls shouting .]
Man: Pick it up.
Pick it up.
Nice.
Nice.
Come on.
Over here.
Nice work.
All right, guys.
Come on.
Work it out.
Good job.
Let's go.
Come on.
Pass it out.
Pass it out.
Good job, guys.
Come on.
Come on.
Good job.
[ Whistle blows .]
Nice.
Nice! Come on.
Good job.
Come on.
Good! Good! Good! You covering girls' soccer now? Beats being a leg breaker.
Excuse me? Oh, no.
You're right.
It was an arm.
What I don't get Why would you hurt someone without even getting paid for it? Me, I don't write a postcard on spec.
Didn't I used to protect you in high school? I should have let them flush your head down the toilet.
Them? Really? Oh.
Well, let me protect you.
The story's getting out, champ.
You need to get ahead of it.
And I can help.
Uh-huh.
I'm serious.
Talk to me.
I don't want this getting in the way of our comeback.
Ours? Think boxing's gone bad? Try writing about boxing for a newspaper.
Daniella: Dad! Dad! Get lost.
I hear there's a dodgeball game down the street.
Did you see me play? Yeah.
Who's he? No one.
Promise me you'll never date a reporter.
So does this mean I can date? No.
Dad.
[ Sighs .]
Dad, what are you looking for? The car.
It's right there.
I knew that.
[ Up-tempo classical music playing .]
You don't get dizzy spinning around like that? No.
Watch this.
This is the end.
[ Music continues .]
[ Music slows, ends .]
Brava! Brava.
Take a bow, Katie.
Take a bow.
Time for a bath, little one.
Five more minutes? Now, please.
- Mom.
- No guff, okay? Mm.
[ Chuckles .]
You have a visitor downstairs.
Who? Daniella didn't get his badge number.
[ Crickets chirping .]
Get your coat.
We're gonna go for a ride.
Hal Brennan.
I understand you've been looking for me.
[ Engine stops .]
[ Bell clanging in distance .]
Velez, get us some coffees, huh? From his sister's diner.
You can You can walk from here.
Small world.
I grew up in Newark.
We have crossed paths.
I saw you fight a dozen times.
Vegas, A.
C.
, and then, you know, Detroit.
Yeah.
I thought I recognized you.
[ Chuckles .]
That last one You were robbed.
Long time ago.
Ah, not so long.
I used to come here when I was a kid.
That was a long time ago.
I'd look at those lights, I'd think, "someday Someday" I want my money.
Sometimes direct is good.
Sometimes it shows desperation.
Don't Don't show desperation.
Here's a taste.
Where's the rest? I figured, with your profile, this dentist would wet himself when he saw you.
The thought the thought was to imply violence, not resort to it.
At least not in front of people.
Just trying to do the job.
It's this profile of yours Makes some people want to test you, show they're a man by taking the champ down.
Like these detectives up in Morristown.
Now, they got a hard-on for you.
Nothing you got to worry about on my end.
Well, I appreciate that.
Even so, I'll feel more comfortable when this goes away.
So will you, and so will your family.
I'm listening.
I may know a guy who can put this to bed.
I'll get the details to your brother.
- I'm not doing any more jobs.
- No, it's not like that.
My guy has a sweet tooth.
You'll drop off a treat, and none of this ever happened.
And then I get paid? Whatever's left over, son.
Whatever's left over.
Robert: Hey.
I'm too old for this.
[ Chuckles .]
That makes two of us.
Just a couple of rounds.
I'm working on his defense.
Uh, look.
He likes to get cute.
Make him work.
Take it to his body.
Mm.
Okay, pops.
Try not to have a heart attack.
[ Laughs .]
[ Indistinct conversations .]
All right.
Let's go.
Good.
Man: Look at this.
Look at this.
There they go.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Give it to him.
Get closer.
Let's go.
Hey, nice.
Like that.
Come on, champ.
Yeah.
Yeah! Let's go! Give it to him! [ Grunts .]
Defense.
Omar, defense.
Throw a haymaker there.
Come on! [ Indistinct shouting .]
Robert: Hey.
Cut the shit, Omar.
Focus on defense! [ Shouting continues .]
Hey, hey.
That's enough.
Nice, kid.
Get out of there.
Come on.
Move.
Move.
Protect yourself.
Omar, use your elbows.
Cover your body.
[ Crowd gasps .]
Hey, hey.
Hey, enough of that, now.
Man: Hey, come on! Defense.
We're concentrating on defense.
You kidding me? Man: Good shot, baby.
Man #2: Back on top, champ! Show him what you're working with! Get him back! [ Indistinct shouting .]
[ Shouting continues .]
[ Grunting .]
Robert: That's enough.
That's enough! Damn it, I said that's enough! Break it up! Break it up! Both of youse! Locker room, Omar.
What'd I do? Now.
Robert: Proud of yourself? [ Breathing heavily .]
Your kid's reckless.
He's just a kid.
You should know better.
You don't want to help, just say so.
Don't worry about him.
He'll get over it.
Clean yourself up.
Let's get some lunch.
What happened? Your brother's an animal.
Took one of dad's protégés to school.
You should've seen him.
He hasn't lost a step.
Did you enjoy yourself? Little bit.
[ Laughs .]
He looked good.
- Don't tell Theresa though.
- Aah.
What happens in Bayonne stays in Bayonne.
Which reminds me A reporter friend of yours was nosing around here about the other night.
Mikey Fumbles? I don't know.
Ugly guy? Not for a writer.
Everything okay? How's the pea soup? Lumpy and thick, like the two of you.
Here.
Enough to get the car back.
I told you to stay away from Brennan.
He made a house call.
Now he wants another favor.
Friend of his called me this morning.
Some councilman out in Morristown.
Said he's having a birthday party for his kid Sunday.
Wants to know if you can come by, maybe take some pictures with the kids, give a few boxing lessons.
This Sunday? Oh, it's Katie's recital.
Told him it was unlikely.
What time? 3:00.
An hour, tops.
He didn't mention a fee, though.
There won't be one.
It's for a good cause.
Something else.
I'm supposed to pick up a cake on Saturday, take it to the party.
Some bakery in the Ironbound.
All he said is his kid's got a sweet tooth.
I'll take care of that, too.
You want to tell me what's going on? It's all good.
[ Bell chimes .]
Here you go, champ.
It's on dry ice.
No need to refrigerate.
These are great.
Mm.
How much for this? On the house.
Really? Thanks.
Knock 'em dead.
[ Thunder rumbling .]
Hey, mom.
Why aren't you on your computer? Oh, Ava says my typing bothers her.
What, through the wall? [ Sighs .]
Yep.
That's our Ava.
[ Chuckles .]
Yeah.
You know, you should take a break once in a while, sweetie.
Yeah.
It's just this term paper.
I really need to get it right.
Yeah.
Of course you do.
[ Chuckles .]
Love you, honey.
Love you, too.
I must be the only mother in New Jersey who worries that her daughter studies too much.
Daniella? Yeah.
She didn't get that from my side of the family.
[ Laughs .]
Meanwhile, Katie's so excited about the recital.
She took forever to go to sleep.
That reminds me.
Margaret's gonna pick you and the girls up.
I'll have to meet you there.
I got an appearance thing tomorrow.
A quickie.
Won't conflict.
Why would you book that? It's more of a favor.
For your brother? It's no big deal.
I don't have my car back yet.
Margaret's always late.
She won't be late.
Call them up.
Please.
Cancel.
I can't do that.
Of course you can't.
Why would you do anything your wife asks you to do? All I've ever done is what you've asked me to do.
This house.
Three kids.
No career.
My choices? You want to go there after this week? After this week? My choice to have cops take you away twice in front of your children? You want to tell me what the hell is going on, or you want to go back to lying, like the old days? [ Telephone ringing .]
Saved by the bell again.
The kids will get it.
Daniella: Daddy, it's grandpa.
[ Telephone beeps .]
It's not a good time, pops.
What? When? How long ago? What happened? Nothing.
Well, did he fall? He's okay.
Well, go.
- You sure? - Of course.
Just go.
Okay, pops.
I'm on my way.
Yep.
[ Telephone beeps .]
Thank you.
[ Music playing in background .]
Sorry about calling the old man.
It's just you weren't returning my calls, and I'm on deadline.
- C'est la guerre.
- Mm.
[ Pool balls clatter .]
Um, so, how do you know the dentist? I don't.
Look, the lawyers don't want me talking.
Can we go off the record? I wouldn't, 'cause, I mean Hey, what's up, champ? Hey.
How you doing? I'm good, man.
I seen all your fights.
Oh, yeah? Thanks, bro.
Good luck, man.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Look, it's No quote makes you look guilty.
You remember that fake paternity suit in Vegas Right after my first big purse? I'm celibate, 2,000 miles away.
That couple came out of the woodwork.
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Heat-seeking missiles.
So you're saying this is another shakedown.
I've got three beautiful daughters, more money than I can spend.
Why would I risk that? Right.
Right, right.
Why would anybody? [ Exhales deeply .]
Hey, it's all squared away, dad.
You did good to call me.
No, I don't think he's gonna run with it.
Hey, listen, if Theresa says anything, you took a fall tonight, okay? Thanks.
[ Thud, glass breaking .]
They say love lost will never grow back into mine [ Siren chirps .]
Oh, if the sun shine no more They went that way.
They get anything? An iPod from the front seat.
Some change.
They tried to steal A birthday cake.
All right.
Go.
Go! Get 'em.
Go ahead.
I'll I'll call for backup.
Description? Two guys.
Black and tan.
Tall and short.
The short guy's bleeding.
What else? The cake It was a special pickup from a Portuguese bakery in the Ironbound.
The black guy with the shaved head He works there.
All right.
Get home safe.
[ Indistinct talking on radio .]
[ Door closes, vehicle departs .]
[ Telephone rings .]
[ Telephone beeps .]
Johnny: You alone? What? Turn on the box.
Fumosa's on.
Mike's cool.
Talked to him last night.
It's all good.
He's not running the story.
Just turn on the box.
Rumours of a Lights-Reynolds rematch is really really gonna go into the ring? With 5 years of rust on 'em? Right, well it wouldn't be the first time the I.
R.
S.
would um push an aging heavy weight back into the game.
But in this case, there may be some serious legal issues which could be a block to Lights' comeback.
Um, last week, a fan e-mailed me cellphone video of Lights being taken in for questioning.
Well, let's roll that video so the viewers can see it.
Right.
They pulled this right in front of his sister's diner.
How cold is that? Now my sources tell me that, uh, Lights may be looking at assault charges in connection with a very serious beating of a Morristown dentist.
Come on.
I tried to get a quote from Lights, but, uh, he claims his lawyers said he shouldn't speak on the record.
Daniella: Dad? In here, sweetheart.
Hey, can we, um Can we talk for a second? I got to get ready for an appearance.
How long have you known? What? Pugilistic dementia.
What are you talking about? It's all over your search history.
And you had a cat scan last week? Where'd you see that? Your calendar.
The appointment was hidden, but you never locked it.
Do I read your diary? I'm not hiding anything, dad.
How serious is it? The neurologist said it could go a hundred different ways.
[ Exhales deeply .]
Do you have any symptoms? Disorientation.
Headaches.
Anxiety.
That's from raising three daughters.
What does mom think? You haven't told her yet? Dad, she's a doctor.
She should know.
She's not a doctor yet.
She's working hard to become one.
But she doesn't need to worry about this right now.
Okay? But seriously, dad Daniella You should tell her.
No matter how much smarter or tougher your mother is than me, I'm still the only one she's got to lean on.
Can we keep this between us for now? Please? Okay.
[ Children shouting, indistinct conversations .]
[ Indistinct conversations .]
Hey, mom, where's dad? Oh, he's on his way, baby.
Okay.
We'll save that one.
Yeah.
Yeah, that'd be great.
I'm excited! Patrick: Everything comes off the jab.
You keep your left hand up, like this.
Hit him like he stole your lunch money! Are you ready to box with the champ? Yeah.
Come on.
Let's go.
Man: Don't hurt him, now, Ryan.
[ Children shouting, laughing .]
The champ is down! The champ is down! [ Squeaking .]
[ Applause .]
When I was just a little girl I asked my mother what will I be? will I be pretty? [ Cheers and applause .]
Will I be rich? here's what she said to me que será será The parents compete for the best birthday party.
But a heavyweight champ I figure that puts Ryan right at the top.
He's gonna be talking about this for years.
Yeah.
I almost forgot.
I brought you, uh Another cake.
It's in the car.
The future's not ours to see well, well, well, well oh que será Okay? Okay.
Thanks.
Oh, hey, Lights.
Wait.
Uh, see that kid out there? Stanley, come here.
Nice kid.
A little shy.
Not a problem.
He's the D.
A.
's stepson.
I'll be sharing the cake with his dad.
Hey, Stanley.
[ Laughs .]
I'm Patrick.
I got a present for you.
[ Gasps .]
He's got a present for you! I'm gonna sign this glove for you.
But I want you to keep it.
Don't sell it someplace.
This is to remember me by.
That's for you.
Nice to meet you, Stanley.
I'll see you around.
Thank you.
Will be oh que será será [ Applause .]
Whatever will be will be will be Woman: I thought he was better in "Puss in Boots.
" I screwed up.
I thought the thing was an hour later.
I'm sorry.
Daddy, daddy, daddy! Did you see me? You were perfect.
Katie, you were amazing.
Losing track of time is a symptom.
But sweetheart, I was never good with time.
Look, I'm your dad and I'm telling you I'm fine.
A thousand per cent.
- New bakery? - Yeah, Portuguese.
Over in the Ironbomb.
I'll get it.
That's almost as big as your head, like a bake roll little heart.
Officer Velez Bad time? Sorry to interrupt, our captain wanted us to come down personally to inform you that - the investigation has been dropped.
- Honey, what's going on? What? Your husband was a victim of a false allegation, Mrs.
Leary.
We're sorry for any inconvenience we may have caused you last week.
Inconvenience? Is that what you call it? Honey, why don't you let the girls know everything's okay? It is, isn't it? Mm-hmm.
Okay.
Okay.
Sorry.
Thanks for coming all the way out here.
Good night, officers.
You have a nice family.
Thank God that's over, huh? Now I have children of my own they ask their mother what will I be? will I be handsome? will I be rich? [ Gunshot .]
You walked away five years ago.
That's a long time.
Doctor: It's called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, otherwise known as pugilistic Patrick: Dementia.
I know what it's called.
How long? Did you know that was the I.
R.
S.
in today? Robert: Well, I'll tell you what I told your brother.
Whatever they say you owe, you just pay.
I'm broke, dad.
What? It's all gone.
Some guy who comes by the gym sometimes, looking for muscle.
He have a name? Brennan.
Hal Brennan? But some dentist, I guess, owes him some book money I'm not a thug.
[ Telephone ringing .]
Johnny: Yeah.
So what do I have too? Half a mil.
Cash is better.
You better get your broken-down ass out of my house before I knock it out.
Six months from today, "Death Row" Reynolds will defend his title one last time against "Lights" Leary.
I know nothing ab Yeah.
Don't bullshit me, okay? But Johnny No.
Please.
I will not go through this again.
[ Bird cawing, bell tolling .]
Man: Nice sermon today, father.
Very nice.
Daniella: I just got a text.
Oh, my gosh.
It's from that new girl at school.
Patrick, I hear redemption is at hand.
How's that, father? [ Laughing .]
The rematch.
I'll be expecting tickets.
Well, don't believe everything you read.
What shouldn't he believe? Good morning, Theresa.
I hope we'll see Ava next week.
So do we, father.
[ Laughs .]
Uh, Patrick, this time, knock him out early so they can't steal your title.
Father Moran already knows? He probably saw Reynolds on TV, the same way you did.
And you have nothing to do with this? And there's no fight? So help me God.
Okay.
Can we get your brother to issue a denial? Well, I spoke to Johnny.
He thinks since the rumor's already out there He wants to work it a little, create a buzz, maybe help me get that commentating gig.
I'll talk to him tonight.
[ Both breathing heavily .]
[ Cellphone ringing .]
[ Laughs .]
Hey.
Dylan.
Margaret: Theresa? I still can't reach Johnny.
[ Indistinct conversations .]
Daddy.
Daddy.
Can Dylan come? Come to what? Really, dad? Her recital.
It's classic.
Right.
"Snow White.
" "Sleeping Beauty.
" "Sleeping Beauty.
" [ Laughs .]
Yes.
That's what I meant.
It's ballet, kid.
Lots of arms and legs.
Velez: Hey, Margaret.
[ Bell chimes .]
Coffee, fellas? No.
We need a word with your brother.
Johnny's not here.
Not Johnny.
The champ.
Hey, Lights.
What's going on? I have no idea.
Can I help you? Yeah.
Why don't we, uh, talk outside? Can it wait? It's a school night.
We're finishing up here.
Two minutes of your time.
You okay, son? I'll be right back.
Let's go.
I got to pick up my son.
Robert: You pull this stunt like this in front of his kids? What kind of crap is that? Go back inside, old man.
Hey, show some respect.
My partner meant no disrespect.
But this is a police matter.
It doesn't concern your father.
[ Indistinct talking on radio .]
Pops, go back inside.
Tell the girls everything's okay.
Not a word without a lawyer.
So what's this about? No idea, champ? [ Screaming .]
Not a clue.
Then you got nothing to worry about.
It's routine questions, but this This isn't helping any of us.
Am I under arrest? We can have this cleared up in half an hour.
That would be a "no.
" So I can go back inside.
You could do that, but then we have orders to sit on you.
Follow you home.
Ask your local P.
D.
for help with surveillance.
It's up to you.
Katie: Mommy.
Mommy.
Why are they taking daddy? I don't know, honey.
It's okay.
[ Indistinct talking on radio .]
[ Engine turns over, siren wails .]
Man on radio: K-vic-1, 086-09, 086-09 at 21 [ Bell rings .]
Johnny: You okay? What's going on? Patrick: Where the hell were you tonight? Got my lawyer on the way down.
Call him off.
I got calls in to What? So it's nothing? I said call him off.
It's two detectives from Morristown asking about Saturday afternoon.
Oh, the dentist thing? Did they mention Brennan's name? No.
They were fishing.
I don't think the dentist is talking.
Well, who is, then? Maybe some of his brunch guests.
There were people there when Shit! I told you it was a bad idea.
You came to me with this idea, Johnny.
Yeah, 'cause you were pissing your pants.
When the I.
R.
S.
came in? You remember? Catch you boys at a bad time? Mike Fumosa.
Not a good night.
So I heard.
Jersey city's finest release you on your own recognizance? They never held him.
Don't believe everything you read on Twitter.
Okay.
So, Lights, what didn't you do? I didn't punch a reporter.
Mike, there's nothing here, huh? The police were asking Lights for his assistance with a private matter that the champ knew nothing about.
Hey, come on.
Don't bullshit me, Johnny.
I've always been fair to you guys.
He cooperated.
They apologized for the misunderstanding.
And since there is no story, I'd appreciate it if you didn't print one, because Can I tell him? Our negotiations are at a very delicate stage right now, and something like this could jeopardize the rematch.
Okay.
So it's on.
Lights, how about a quote? You gonna fight Reynolds again? The other side's made their bid, but it's a process, Mike.
You know that.
You've been out of the ring five years.
You got to be a little worried [ Tires screech .]
Theresa? I tried to call.
Hi, daddy.
What time is it? Late, Daniella.
What are you doing up? I was worried about you.
Don't be.
It was all a mistake.
That's what grandpa said.
The police were asking about some kid at the gym? Couldn't it wait? I was supposed to talk to themBefore.
And I completely forgot.
You forgot you were supposed to talk to the police.
Go to bed, sweetheart.
Okay.
Good night.
Your mom asleep? Uh, yeah, I think so.
How mad was she? Couple of chardonnays.
Good night.
[ Music continues .]
Trouble in the air trouble all I see does anybody care? trouble killing me oh, it's killing me Theresa: Hiding? Wiped out.
How's Katie? How did you feel the first time you saw your father arrested? Like I'd never see him again.
And I wasn't arrested.
You okay? Never been better.
I'd like to know what's going on.
It's not good.
A couple of people in Morris township say I crashed their brunch Saturday and broke their host's arm.
What? Who? Some dentist named Roger.
W-why would The police aren't How How could they They get a call, they have to follow up.
Well, did you tell them you were just on TV, that that's when these people come out of the woodwork? Mm-hmm.
I mean, it's it's insane.
Why would you something like They know I don't have a motive.
But they also know I don't have an alibi.
I was out running.
Ravine Lake.
No.
You were with me.
With me and your father.
Leave him out of this.
He He was weak after physical therapy.
We spent the afternoon with him.
I checked his blood pressure.
You two watched TV.
I cleaned.
Okay? Okay.
So take it from me, the champ If you want a knockout deal On carpet or remnants Come see Carl, the Monmouth County Karpet King.
And cut.
So we're done? [ Woman laughing .]
Excuse me.
Oh.
Sorry about messing up those lines.
Didn't get much sleep last night.
You should go see my brother.
He's the mattress king.
Listen, before I go, can I get your autograph? Mine? Oh.
Of course.
My wife said to make the check out to your manager.
Actually, just to me is fine.
[ Cellphone rings .]
Theresa: I need a lift.
What happened? You tell me.
They're towing the car.
I just had it checked out last month.
Is it the electric? They say they're repossessing.
That's got to be a mistake.
I'll call Johnny.
Okay.
I'm outside the school.
On my way.
Troubles came a-callin' like they did before Where to? Straight to the hospital.
It's too late for the conference.
So what happened? Johnny says it's a screw-up.
It's all automatic payments.
He must have put the money in the wrong Are you kidding me? How hard is it to put the We'll have the car back in a day two days, tops.
Why didn't they call? Who? The bank.
The money we've parked there, they can't give a heads-up? Johnny's into it with them.
And the dealer? They just come and take a car without even It's not the dealer.
It's their finance arm.
Overreacting.
Everyone's jittery these days.
Everyone's jittery.
For five long years I've listened to Patrick Leary claim he won the fight.
The rest of the world saw him lose.
Now, for those same five years, he's refused my offer.
My my generous offer, my magnanimous offer to get into the ring and fight for what he claims was taken from him.
Man's got a point.
[ Camera shutters clicking .]
Hey.
Champ.
Omar, get back to work.
My own gym, I got to listen to that? No jail can hold you? What'd the bulls want? My autograph, by the end of the night.
It's another shakedown, like the Vegas girl.
Then, uh, you better get rid of this.
I found it by your locker.
You know, guys like you, they've always got a target on their back.
I know, dad.
Johnny in a good mood? Am I your brother's keeper? Hey, listen.
You got a minute? I need your help with young blood over there.
He's working so hard, his shadow went down.
But I'll tell you something Three or four fights, he's got a shot at the title.
Not now, dad.
Yeah.
Well, you know what? You should be sorry.
Yeah.
You damn well better take care of it.
Don't shit where I eat.
Sons of bitches.
How many cars have we leased from those thieves? You know, where's the courtesy? How far behind were we? Margin of error.
I told Theresa we'd have her car back by tomorrow.
That's a push.
They're asking for the first few months prepaid.
Has Brennan paid up yet? I'm working on that.
Thing is, now that the police are investigating, we can't accept his check.
Even Brennan needs a few days to get that much cash.
Give me his number.
I'll get it.
We're not calling him.
Not on our phones, not on our cells.
What about the bingo money? I.
R.
S.
garnished it.
What? From now on, we're cash in, cash out.
No more banks.
Which reminds me I got to get that carpet check.
I deposited it.
My account.
Then the I.
R.
S.
got that, too.
What can we get for the Lundy? That's your dream, baby.
[ Chuckles .]
We're not selling it.
How much? It's not the time.
You know that fund that helped us refinance? They're lifo.
Come again.
Last in, first out.
If we paid it off now, they'd get paid, and we'd get Screwed.
Hey, it's all gonna turn around.
We just got to stay on our feet.
You know, one of these days, when we cut the ribbon on this thing, we're gonna sit back and we're gonna laugh [ scraping .]
[ Music playing in background .]
Gus.
Give me five more dollars of scratch-offs.
Feeling lucky today? Every day.
Brennan coming by? Not usually.
He don't like to get his hands dirty no more.
Do do me a favor, will you? Leave word for him.
[ Paper rustling .]
Listen, I can take book for you.
It's not like that.
It's personal.
[ Girls shouting .]
Man: Pick it up.
Pick it up.
Nice.
Nice.
Come on.
Over here.
Nice work.
All right, guys.
Come on.
Work it out.
Good job.
Let's go.
Come on.
Pass it out.
Pass it out.
Good job, guys.
Come on.
Come on.
Good job.
[ Whistle blows .]
Nice.
Nice! Come on.
Good job.
Come on.
Good! Good! Good! You covering girls' soccer now? Beats being a leg breaker.
Excuse me? Oh, no.
You're right.
It was an arm.
What I don't get Why would you hurt someone without even getting paid for it? Me, I don't write a postcard on spec.
Didn't I used to protect you in high school? I should have let them flush your head down the toilet.
Them? Really? Oh.
Well, let me protect you.
The story's getting out, champ.
You need to get ahead of it.
And I can help.
Uh-huh.
I'm serious.
Talk to me.
I don't want this getting in the way of our comeback.
Ours? Think boxing's gone bad? Try writing about boxing for a newspaper.
Daniella: Dad! Dad! Get lost.
I hear there's a dodgeball game down the street.
Did you see me play? Yeah.
Who's he? No one.
Promise me you'll never date a reporter.
So does this mean I can date? No.
Dad.
[ Sighs .]
Dad, what are you looking for? The car.
It's right there.
I knew that.
[ Up-tempo classical music playing .]
You don't get dizzy spinning around like that? No.
Watch this.
This is the end.
[ Music continues .]
[ Music slows, ends .]
Brava! Brava.
Take a bow, Katie.
Take a bow.
Time for a bath, little one.
Five more minutes? Now, please.
- Mom.
- No guff, okay? Mm.
[ Chuckles .]
You have a visitor downstairs.
Who? Daniella didn't get his badge number.
[ Crickets chirping .]
Get your coat.
We're gonna go for a ride.
Hal Brennan.
I understand you've been looking for me.
[ Engine stops .]
[ Bell clanging in distance .]
Velez, get us some coffees, huh? From his sister's diner.
You can You can walk from here.
Small world.
I grew up in Newark.
We have crossed paths.
I saw you fight a dozen times.
Vegas, A.
C.
, and then, you know, Detroit.
Yeah.
I thought I recognized you.
[ Chuckles .]
That last one You were robbed.
Long time ago.
Ah, not so long.
I used to come here when I was a kid.
That was a long time ago.
I'd look at those lights, I'd think, "someday Someday" I want my money.
Sometimes direct is good.
Sometimes it shows desperation.
Don't Don't show desperation.
Here's a taste.
Where's the rest? I figured, with your profile, this dentist would wet himself when he saw you.
The thought the thought was to imply violence, not resort to it.
At least not in front of people.
Just trying to do the job.
It's this profile of yours Makes some people want to test you, show they're a man by taking the champ down.
Like these detectives up in Morristown.
Now, they got a hard-on for you.
Nothing you got to worry about on my end.
Well, I appreciate that.
Even so, I'll feel more comfortable when this goes away.
So will you, and so will your family.
I'm listening.
I may know a guy who can put this to bed.
I'll get the details to your brother.
- I'm not doing any more jobs.
- No, it's not like that.
My guy has a sweet tooth.
You'll drop off a treat, and none of this ever happened.
And then I get paid? Whatever's left over, son.
Whatever's left over.
Robert: Hey.
I'm too old for this.
[ Chuckles .]
That makes two of us.
Just a couple of rounds.
I'm working on his defense.
Uh, look.
He likes to get cute.
Make him work.
Take it to his body.
Mm.
Okay, pops.
Try not to have a heart attack.
[ Laughs .]
[ Indistinct conversations .]
All right.
Let's go.
Good.
Man: Look at this.
Look at this.
There they go.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Give it to him.
Get closer.
Let's go.
Hey, nice.
Like that.
Come on, champ.
Yeah.
Yeah! Let's go! Give it to him! [ Grunts .]
Defense.
Omar, defense.
Throw a haymaker there.
Come on! [ Indistinct shouting .]
Robert: Hey.
Cut the shit, Omar.
Focus on defense! [ Shouting continues .]
Hey, hey.
That's enough.
Nice, kid.
Get out of there.
Come on.
Move.
Move.
Protect yourself.
Omar, use your elbows.
Cover your body.
[ Crowd gasps .]
Hey, hey.
Hey, enough of that, now.
Man: Hey, come on! Defense.
We're concentrating on defense.
You kidding me? Man: Good shot, baby.
Man #2: Back on top, champ! Show him what you're working with! Get him back! [ Indistinct shouting .]
[ Shouting continues .]
[ Grunting .]
Robert: That's enough.
That's enough! Damn it, I said that's enough! Break it up! Break it up! Both of youse! Locker room, Omar.
What'd I do? Now.
Robert: Proud of yourself? [ Breathing heavily .]
Your kid's reckless.
He's just a kid.
You should know better.
You don't want to help, just say so.
Don't worry about him.
He'll get over it.
Clean yourself up.
Let's get some lunch.
What happened? Your brother's an animal.
Took one of dad's protégés to school.
You should've seen him.
He hasn't lost a step.
Did you enjoy yourself? Little bit.
[ Laughs .]
He looked good.
- Don't tell Theresa though.
- Aah.
What happens in Bayonne stays in Bayonne.
Which reminds me A reporter friend of yours was nosing around here about the other night.
Mikey Fumbles? I don't know.
Ugly guy? Not for a writer.
Everything okay? How's the pea soup? Lumpy and thick, like the two of you.
Here.
Enough to get the car back.
I told you to stay away from Brennan.
He made a house call.
Now he wants another favor.
Friend of his called me this morning.
Some councilman out in Morristown.
Said he's having a birthday party for his kid Sunday.
Wants to know if you can come by, maybe take some pictures with the kids, give a few boxing lessons.
This Sunday? Oh, it's Katie's recital.
Told him it was unlikely.
What time? 3:00.
An hour, tops.
He didn't mention a fee, though.
There won't be one.
It's for a good cause.
Something else.
I'm supposed to pick up a cake on Saturday, take it to the party.
Some bakery in the Ironbound.
All he said is his kid's got a sweet tooth.
I'll take care of that, too.
You want to tell me what's going on? It's all good.
[ Bell chimes .]
Here you go, champ.
It's on dry ice.
No need to refrigerate.
These are great.
Mm.
How much for this? On the house.
Really? Thanks.
Knock 'em dead.
[ Thunder rumbling .]
Hey, mom.
Why aren't you on your computer? Oh, Ava says my typing bothers her.
What, through the wall? [ Sighs .]
Yep.
That's our Ava.
[ Chuckles .]
Yeah.
You know, you should take a break once in a while, sweetie.
Yeah.
It's just this term paper.
I really need to get it right.
Yeah.
Of course you do.
[ Chuckles .]
Love you, honey.
Love you, too.
I must be the only mother in New Jersey who worries that her daughter studies too much.
Daniella? Yeah.
She didn't get that from my side of the family.
[ Laughs .]
Meanwhile, Katie's so excited about the recital.
She took forever to go to sleep.
That reminds me.
Margaret's gonna pick you and the girls up.
I'll have to meet you there.
I got an appearance thing tomorrow.
A quickie.
Won't conflict.
Why would you book that? It's more of a favor.
For your brother? It's no big deal.
I don't have my car back yet.
Margaret's always late.
She won't be late.
Call them up.
Please.
Cancel.
I can't do that.
Of course you can't.
Why would you do anything your wife asks you to do? All I've ever done is what you've asked me to do.
This house.
Three kids.
No career.
My choices? You want to go there after this week? After this week? My choice to have cops take you away twice in front of your children? You want to tell me what the hell is going on, or you want to go back to lying, like the old days? [ Telephone ringing .]
Saved by the bell again.
The kids will get it.
Daniella: Daddy, it's grandpa.
[ Telephone beeps .]
It's not a good time, pops.
What? When? How long ago? What happened? Nothing.
Well, did he fall? He's okay.
Well, go.
- You sure? - Of course.
Just go.
Okay, pops.
I'm on my way.
Yep.
[ Telephone beeps .]
Thank you.
[ Music playing in background .]
Sorry about calling the old man.
It's just you weren't returning my calls, and I'm on deadline.
- C'est la guerre.
- Mm.
[ Pool balls clatter .]
Um, so, how do you know the dentist? I don't.
Look, the lawyers don't want me talking.
Can we go off the record? I wouldn't, 'cause, I mean Hey, what's up, champ? Hey.
How you doing? I'm good, man.
I seen all your fights.
Oh, yeah? Thanks, bro.
Good luck, man.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Look, it's No quote makes you look guilty.
You remember that fake paternity suit in Vegas Right after my first big purse? I'm celibate, 2,000 miles away.
That couple came out of the woodwork.
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Heat-seeking missiles.
So you're saying this is another shakedown.
I've got three beautiful daughters, more money than I can spend.
Why would I risk that? Right.
Right, right.
Why would anybody? [ Exhales deeply .]
Hey, it's all squared away, dad.
You did good to call me.
No, I don't think he's gonna run with it.
Hey, listen, if Theresa says anything, you took a fall tonight, okay? Thanks.
[ Thud, glass breaking .]
They say love lost will never grow back into mine [ Siren chirps .]
Oh, if the sun shine no more They went that way.
They get anything? An iPod from the front seat.
Some change.
They tried to steal A birthday cake.
All right.
Go.
Go! Get 'em.
Go ahead.
I'll I'll call for backup.
Description? Two guys.
Black and tan.
Tall and short.
The short guy's bleeding.
What else? The cake It was a special pickup from a Portuguese bakery in the Ironbound.
The black guy with the shaved head He works there.
All right.
Get home safe.
[ Indistinct talking on radio .]
[ Door closes, vehicle departs .]
[ Telephone rings .]
[ Telephone beeps .]
Johnny: You alone? What? Turn on the box.
Fumosa's on.
Mike's cool.
Talked to him last night.
It's all good.
He's not running the story.
Just turn on the box.
Rumours of a Lights-Reynolds rematch is really really gonna go into the ring? With 5 years of rust on 'em? Right, well it wouldn't be the first time the I.
R.
S.
would um push an aging heavy weight back into the game.
But in this case, there may be some serious legal issues which could be a block to Lights' comeback.
Um, last week, a fan e-mailed me cellphone video of Lights being taken in for questioning.
Well, let's roll that video so the viewers can see it.
Right.
They pulled this right in front of his sister's diner.
How cold is that? Now my sources tell me that, uh, Lights may be looking at assault charges in connection with a very serious beating of a Morristown dentist.
Come on.
I tried to get a quote from Lights, but, uh, he claims his lawyers said he shouldn't speak on the record.
Daniella: Dad? In here, sweetheart.
Hey, can we, um Can we talk for a second? I got to get ready for an appearance.
How long have you known? What? Pugilistic dementia.
What are you talking about? It's all over your search history.
And you had a cat scan last week? Where'd you see that? Your calendar.
The appointment was hidden, but you never locked it.
Do I read your diary? I'm not hiding anything, dad.
How serious is it? The neurologist said it could go a hundred different ways.
[ Exhales deeply .]
Do you have any symptoms? Disorientation.
Headaches.
Anxiety.
That's from raising three daughters.
What does mom think? You haven't told her yet? Dad, she's a doctor.
She should know.
She's not a doctor yet.
She's working hard to become one.
But she doesn't need to worry about this right now.
Okay? But seriously, dad Daniella You should tell her.
No matter how much smarter or tougher your mother is than me, I'm still the only one she's got to lean on.
Can we keep this between us for now? Please? Okay.
[ Children shouting, indistinct conversations .]
[ Indistinct conversations .]
Hey, mom, where's dad? Oh, he's on his way, baby.
Okay.
We'll save that one.
Yeah.
Yeah, that'd be great.
I'm excited! Patrick: Everything comes off the jab.
You keep your left hand up, like this.
Hit him like he stole your lunch money! Are you ready to box with the champ? Yeah.
Come on.
Let's go.
Man: Don't hurt him, now, Ryan.
[ Children shouting, laughing .]
The champ is down! The champ is down! [ Squeaking .]
[ Applause .]
When I was just a little girl I asked my mother what will I be? will I be pretty? [ Cheers and applause .]
Will I be rich? here's what she said to me que será será The parents compete for the best birthday party.
But a heavyweight champ I figure that puts Ryan right at the top.
He's gonna be talking about this for years.
Yeah.
I almost forgot.
I brought you, uh Another cake.
It's in the car.
The future's not ours to see well, well, well, well oh que será Okay? Okay.
Thanks.
Oh, hey, Lights.
Wait.
Uh, see that kid out there? Stanley, come here.
Nice kid.
A little shy.
Not a problem.
He's the D.
A.
's stepson.
I'll be sharing the cake with his dad.
Hey, Stanley.
[ Laughs .]
I'm Patrick.
I got a present for you.
[ Gasps .]
He's got a present for you! I'm gonna sign this glove for you.
But I want you to keep it.
Don't sell it someplace.
This is to remember me by.
That's for you.
Nice to meet you, Stanley.
I'll see you around.
Thank you.
Will be oh que será será [ Applause .]
Whatever will be will be will be Woman: I thought he was better in "Puss in Boots.
" I screwed up.
I thought the thing was an hour later.
I'm sorry.
Daddy, daddy, daddy! Did you see me? You were perfect.
Katie, you were amazing.
Losing track of time is a symptom.
But sweetheart, I was never good with time.
Look, I'm your dad and I'm telling you I'm fine.
A thousand per cent.
- New bakery? - Yeah, Portuguese.
Over in the Ironbomb.
I'll get it.
That's almost as big as your head, like a bake roll little heart.
Officer Velez Bad time? Sorry to interrupt, our captain wanted us to come down personally to inform you that - the investigation has been dropped.
- Honey, what's going on? What? Your husband was a victim of a false allegation, Mrs.
Leary.
We're sorry for any inconvenience we may have caused you last week.
Inconvenience? Is that what you call it? Honey, why don't you let the girls know everything's okay? It is, isn't it? Mm-hmm.
Okay.
Okay.
Sorry.
Thanks for coming all the way out here.
Good night, officers.
You have a nice family.
Thank God that's over, huh? Now I have children of my own they ask their mother what will I be? will I be handsome? will I be rich? [ Gunshot .]