Conviction (2006) s01e04 Episode Script
Indebted
Hangover? Nah.
Supplements.
Antioxidants, vitamins.
- You're not on the wagon again? - Since Saturday.
No, for reals this time.
Been eating my greens, hitting the gym.
Thinking about, you know, running the marathon.
Good luck with that.
We're looking for an ADA Trotter.
Uh, you mean Potter? - Like, Harry? - Yeah.
He likes to be called Potsy.
And that's him right there.
Hey, Potsy.
I'm Burrell.
This is Vargas.
Uh, people call me Nick.
You ready for your ride-along? Yeah.
Uh, I'm looking forward to it.
What are you, about a 42 regular? I'm--a 40.
Why? New regs say we gotta fit all ride-alongs with a vest.
Safety precautions.
Unfortunately, it won't help if you get shot in the face.
It's a joke, Potsy.
Come on.
Hey, listen, I'm talking to you.
His bill was almost 80 Gs.
How is skipping out on that any different than sticking a gun to my head and saying, "Give me the loot?" Pardon me.
Any free bodies can hear a complaint? Arrest reports go in these three baskets.
Felonies, misdemeanors, DATs.
We'll call your name.
Yeah, I know the system, and I'm sorry to impose, but I got a pain-in-the-pisser complainant out here insisting on face time.
- We can't let you skip the line.
- That's okay.
- I can take it.
- You a D.
A.
? Yes.
Why don't you follow me? Hey, you got any extra staples? Have you checked the stockroom? Fresh out, along with many other essential office supplies.
Thought this domestic violence was headed for plea.
I'm taking it to trial.
Didn't your victim say she didn't want to testify? She'll be fine, and I don't like pleading DV cases.
Well, that's a fine principle if you've got a fair chance at winning, but I don't think Did I not give you enough staples? Thanks.
It is a sad day when an upstanding businessman can be screwed ten ways from Tuesday and nobody blinks.
- Sure you don't want a chair, Miss? - She's fine.
I swear, if I could have gotten my hands on that little scum sucker running up a $76,000 bill selling in my property I tried to explain it was a civil suit and not a criminal matter.
We'll figure that out.
If we could just slow down a bit.
Have you start by telling me what property you believe he sullied? All right.
Show her.
God.
See what the sick punk did? Kathleen.
How are you? Well, just great.
You're not allowed to be in the courtroom.
Excuse me? I can't watch my own husband's trial? Not when you're a potential witness.
We can talk at the end of the day if you'd like.
I don't need an update, Ms.
Rossi.
I know what a train wreck my life is.
Conviction Episode 1x04 - Indebted - Hey.
- Hey.
One of Lefkowitz's old cases is ready to go to trial.
It's a good one too.
Attempted murder.
How's Lefko doing anyway? Not too good.
His wife left him.
He was a good lawyer.
Till he started speaking French to his coffee mug in court.
- Yeah.
- Is this the B-Fly case? Yeah.
It's set to go to trial on Thursday.
Defense counsel's stopping by this afternoon to talk about a plea deal.
How about I take it off your hands? I want Desmond to handle it.
'Cause it's hip hop-related? No offense, but his ghetto pass expired, like, ten years ago.
And yours is up to date? At least I know the difference between Mos Def and hard of hearing.
What? Exactly.
Look over the file, track down the victim, the detective.
Will do.
Um, can I ask you a question? What? Am I getting this 'cause I'm black? Or because I'm the best lawyer for the job ? A little of both.
You got a problem with that, I'll hand it to somebody else.
I'm good.
So, Mr.
Lallaman.
Had B-Fly threatened you at all before he showed up that day? No more than the usual "my artists better get some love" bluster.
So, you didn't know what was coming? We get all kinds of producers and managers popping by to complain.
So, tell me what happened once he got to your office.
He came here with two big dudes and starts yelling how me and the magazine dumped on his last release.
As soon as I said my piece, he came around and starts punching me in the face.
I tried to flail him off, but, it stops.
And I see I'm bleeding from the shoulder.
You see what he stabbed you with? No, but I told all this to that other D.
A.
And he said that they were gonna plea it out and that I wouldn't have to testify.
Did you not wanting to testify have anything to do with fear of reprisal? B-Fly and I are good now.
It's just one of those things.
Street kid wildin' out 'cause he thinks his money's under threat.
All in the past.
So, that's a yes.
You're afraid of reprisal.
I just want this thing to go away.
I'm afraid it's not that simple.
This is an attempted murder case.
I'll be in touch.
Did you witness an incident between the defendant and Kathleen Perry on October 11th? Yes.
Can you tell us what you saw? I heard their little boy, Mitchell, screaming.
And I come out and see him Pull Kathy down the hallway by her hair, shove her in their apartment, then Then punch her in the face.
How many times did he punch her? Two, maybe, three times.
So, what'd you do? I tried to pull the bastard off her.
- But he pushed me out the door.
- Where did you go? I ran into my apartment to call 911.
I had no choice, you know.
Nothing further.
You were drunk on the night of October 11th, weren't you? No.
You were taking narcotics too.
No.
But, you were rushed to St.
Vincent's hospital five days later due to a drug overdose, right? It wasn't an overdose.
I was just I-I was taking medication for my back.
According to the tox report, you ingested over 60 milligrams of hydrocodone, and had a blood alcohol level of .
16.
Like I said.
I have a bad back.
Sometimes I need to take pain medication.
With a whiskey chaser? - Objection.
- Sustained.
Watch it, Mr.
Lloyd.
After you were released from the hospital, you checked yourself into the St.
Mary's Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center? Correct? Yes.
Nothing further.
Docket number 57692, charging the defendant, James Maglaban, with larceny.
How do you plead? Not guilty, sir.
Your Honor, the defendant skipped out on a $76,000 strip club tab, which makes clear his willingness to flee.
What's the number, Ms.
Finn? We're asking for $5,000, Your Honor.
May, I approach, Your Honor? Make it quick.
Your Honor, my client is begging me to request higher bail so his mom can't "spring him and whoop his butt.
" For Pete's sake, counselor.
Did you explain his butt will fair a lot worse in Rikers? Yes, I did.
You're old enough to go to titty bars, son.
You're old enough to face mama.
He's released on recognizance.
Here.
Try this one.
Oh.
Thank you.
How's the case going? We're still evaluating.
If you need anything.
More info, interviews Just let me know.
- Appreciate that.
- Oh, keep it.
I got a bunch of 'em.
Thanks.
Do I hear hints of a Midwestern accent? UmWisconsin.
America's dairyland.
No wonder you seem so strangely decent.
It's all an act.
And humble too.
- You a cheesehead? - Not exactly, but, uh I do have a soft spot for sharp cheddar.
Thanks again for the pen.
I'm trying to reach a Detective Strick.
Yeah, would you ask him to call ADA Billy Desmond about the B-Fly case? Thank you.
So, you're ADA Billy Desmond.
- Yeah.
- Kelly Kovacs.
New York One.
I heard you're the new guy.
Smart, aggressive, tough.
Why don't we skip the full flattery and get on to the good part, Kelly.
Is it true the bad record review was just a cover story to hide the real reason B-Fly stabbed the guy from Blunt? Why don't you tell me what you've heard ? That B-Fly had some kinky sex thing going on.
The editor, Lallaman, was on the verge of exposing it.
- Can't comment on that.
- Uh, one more question.
Is it true you're gonna work a plea bargain with B-Fly this afternoon? - Where'd you hear that? - B-Fly's people.
No comment.
- Hi, ma.
- Hi, baby.
So, what's up? You sounded so mysterious on the phone.
I just wanted to have lunch with my daughter.
That so crazy? Of course not.
It's nice to come into the city every now and again.
It gives me a little inspiration, you know? Astoria's only 15 minutes away, Mom.
It shouldn't be a once-a-year type thing.
I agree.
Thank you.
So, what's up? I'm leaving your father.
I'm leaving him for real this time.
- I've had enough.
- What happened? Oh, what do you think? He's never gonna change.
No matter what he promises or how many times in the week he goes to mass, I just I just can't take it anymore.
Good for you.
I was thinking, I could go back to work.
- Make my own money.
- That's great.
And you can stay with me for as long as you want.
I don't want to be a pain in the neck.
I have a pull-out couch.
It'll be fine.
You're doing the right thing, Ma.
I promise.
I know.
You've already met James.
This is his mother, Mrs.
Maglaban Who's with the Philippine Delegation to the U.
N.
How do you do? Mrs.
Maglaban's position affords her diplomatic immunity, which extends to family members.
She has requested that we drop the charges against her son.
- Will that be all? - No, there's something else.
Go ahead.
I'm sorry for going to the club and any problems I caused you.
Let's go, James.
Don't they at least have to pay restitution? Diplomatic privilege.
It's not just parking tickets they get to skip out on.
My client's willing to plead to assault, third degree.
One year probation.
Your client stabbed the victim with a six-inch knife.
In the shoulder.
Because he went for the heart and missed.
I wanted the bitch dead, he be dead.
- Just wanted to teach him a lesson.
- Byron, please.
My client went there to discuss a review.
A fight broke out.
Byron overreacted.
A man was injured Then why show up with two rent-a-thugs and a weapon? He gets a lot of threats.
He needs personal security wherever he goes.
It's the best look he's gonna get.
Tell him 24 hours are done.
What did I just say ? I hear this whole thing is really about some sexual indiscretions? - Who told you that? - Those are nothing more than rumors.
From a bunch of haters trying to break in the game.
Doesn't matter where I heard it.
Is it true? I told you! Let me handle this.
Let me talk to this man! Now, come on, Duke.
You know how it go.
Brother get aggi when his paper be threatened.
Nowme and brother, we squashed it.
We straight.
All in the past.
Now, for real, Duke.
What do you say we dead this.
Make a deal.
I don't think so.
Duke.
Mr.
Desmond.
I'd like you to meet Councilman John Jenkins.
- Pleasure to meet you, brother.
- Likewise.
He'd like to have a word with you about Byron "B-Fly" Stewart.
It'll only take a minute.
Okay.
I've known Bryon for some time and he is by nature a good man.
It's unfortunate, but he made a mistake.
Yes, he did.
I'm not here to excuse what he did.
But, I think it's worth asking whether it makes sense to put him in jail.
I think it makes sense to hold him accountable for his actions.
I don't disagree.
But we need to keep in mind that he's a role model.
A man who donates to some very good causes.
With all due respect, Councilman, B-Fly is a poser who makes millions promoting stupidity and violence.
Someone our people should be ashamed of.
I don't think you're hearing me, brother.
Last thing an ambitious man like yourself wants is to become known as a hired hand, chopping off black heads for the white man.
I'm not doing this for the white man.
This is my job.
And in case you forgot, your pal B-Fly stabbed a black man.
B-Fly has many prominent people behind him who think it unwise for you to try to fight this in court.
Are you threatening me? Just advising, brother.
Just advising.
Okay, so that's it? Kid just gets to rip me off 'cause mommy works for some government? - I'm afraid so - All right, what about a civil suit? Oh, don't tell me that's a no-go too? - Sorry.
- Yeah, God bless America.
Allow aliens to come in, bend us over.
What kind of money you make here? 50, 60 Gs a year? None of your business.
I could triple your salary.
You come dance two, three nights a week.
- I don't think so.
- No, serious I can tell you're hiding some little body under there.
- Everything okay? - Yeah, these gentlemen were just leaving.
Delivery guy just dropped this off for you.
Really? Well, open it.
- What's the rush? - I can't wait all day.
Cheese? "A taste of home.
L" - Who's L? - A friend.
Do you mind? You know, it's not actually true what they say about cheese.
Dairy actually is good for burning fat.
That's not bad.
Lefkowitz's file was a little short on facts, but I'm hearing the bad record review was just cover? Yeah, he was cheating on his kid's mother with some whore.
The editor was gonna expose him.
Shouldn't be some shocker that B-Fly likes to spread his love.
I mean, why would he stab him over that? Not good for the hardcore thug image when you're with some white lady leading you around by a dog collar, spanking you silly.
It was some kind of S&M thing? - You didn't get the videotape? - What videotape? The one we confiscated from Lallaman's office after the incident.
- You still have it? - Are you kidding me? I charge 20 bucks a showing back at the station house.
Just relax, stay calm.
And explain what happened.
- You can do that, right? - Of course.
But, I'm not going to.
What? I wanna drop the case.
That's not an option, Kathleen.
Not now.
This is my problem.
Not yours.
He didn't hit you.
Once the police are called, it becomes a matter for the state, I'm sorry.
Look, he's a son of a bitch, but he's still Mitchell's father It's not safe for Mitchell or you to be around that kind of violence.
He's been getting help.
- Going to counseling.
- Kathleen.
The truth of it is, I slapped him first.
The punch and all of that was more of a reaction.
He was just defending himself, you know? Kathleen, please.
Don't rationalize what happened.
He's dangerous.
- We'll be fine.
- You can do this, Kathleen.
Don't make me call Mitchell to the stand.
He's ten years old.
You'd really make him testify against his own father? If you won't tell the truth, you're damn right I would.
Fine.
I'll testify.
But, you leave my boy out of this.
Come on, baby.
You're not hungry, Potsy? Could be that last vodka shot he did last night? Either that or the ten beers we had.
Look at this Zig-head.
Oh, yeah, slinging in the open.
No concern for the old folks or kids here.
What? Girl just slipped him a 20.
He's a dealer.
- What do you wanna do? - Shoot him.
- What? - Relax, Potsy.
- Are you gonna arrest him? - No P.
C.
We only saw money.
No drugs.
I think I caught sight of something.
You trying to spoil my lunch? What if we get Mr.
ADA here to make a buy? Not such a good idea.
You know what, he's probably just not up to the task.
Yeah, much as I hate to agree with you.
- It's not that, it's just that - That's that's okay, Potsy, we get it.
Forget we said anything.
Okay.
Hey.
You a cop? Do I look like a cop? What you shaking for? Oh, I just have this condition.
Weed seems to help.
What makes you think I got weed.
Uh, I don't know.
It's just a feeling.
Twenty a dip.
Um, all right.
- I'll take two.
- Damn, son.
This ain't no five and dime.
Keep it down, all right.
Thanks.
What up, dog? Way to go, Potsy.
No way this cornball is five-O.
How was the ride-along? Great.
They had me bust a drug dealer.
Went undercover.
Did a buy.
What if it goes to trial, Nick? They'll call you as a witness.
I'm pretty sure this Zig-head's gonna plead out.
Zig-head? Some hottie pain in the ass named Mrs.
Maglaban is waiting for you in the conference room.
See what they did to him? They beat up my boy.
Some stripper woman set him up to get attacked.
She's talking about the stripper, Cassidy, who called James here, said she had a crush on him, and asked to meet him in Central Park.
The bouncer was waiting.
I want those monsters thrown in jail! I have to ask James some questions first.
Do that after you arrest them! I know your status shields you and your son from the law, ma'am.
But if you expect us to help, I suggest you take a seat, and show us a little respect.
You ready for this? What? B-Fly's real motive for trying to kill Lallaman.
Okay.
Mr.
Bad to the bone was on the receiving end of some disturbing S&M action with a white dominatrix.
Magazine editor, Lallaman, was about to tell, about to show the world, so B-Fly went nuts.
Can you get people to testify to that? Better than that.
I got the sex tape showing B-fly and his lady in action.
Can you track her down? Cops are bringing her in right now.
I can make you a copy of the tape if you want.
- I'll pass.
- It's pretty good.
I'll take your word for it.
Good luck.
Desmond, I'd like you to meet Lana Weston.
Thanks, Detective.
So, it's my understanding that you and B-Fly were connected romantically.
- Not true.
- Have a seat.
I have a tape right here, Lana.
And? And I have an interview, where told the cops you sent the tape to Lallaman 'cause B-Fly tried to screw you out of some serious cash.
Apparently your services don't come cheap.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
You saying you didn't send the tape? I'm saying I'm not interested in discussing this.
And if you call me to stand, I'll take the fifth.
I'm gonna guess this is about B-Fly making good on his debts to you.
If he did, Mr.
Desmond, I would not be likely to share that with you.
- I don't know about any sex tapes.
- It was in your office! People send me all kinds of stuff.
How much is he paying you? Not a nickel.
You check my bank account, same as before.
Yeah, but not the magazine's.
B-Fly's tripled his ad since the crime.
And his last two artists got puff pieces and glowing reviews from you.
Doesn't mean I broke any laws.
I'll subpoena you to testify.
And I will get on the stand and tell everyone B-Fly and I are cool.
That it's all water under the bridge.
I'll charge you with perjury.
Good luck proving it.
I went to law school too.
That where you learn to sell out? Excuse me? What kind of man protects someone who tried to kill him? Hey, you're in the wrong neighborhood, homey? Now, you have to be so nasty? Let's see what you're carrying tonight.
I ain't got nothing, man! I ain't got nothing! Gun! Gun! Drop it! Son of a bitch! - Hey.
Hey, guys! Guys, you don't have to - Back off! You're under arrest! You're lucky you don't have a bullet in your head, tough guy.
You are an ugly black boy, are you, B-Fly ? Yes, mama.
- I can't hear you.
- I said, yes mama! I've been very, very naughty.
The defendant feared these images would hurt his reputation, Your Honor.
But more importantly, it suggests he went to Mr.
Lallaman's office with a clear motive.
To kill him.
There's no evidence that my client ever saw this tape or even knew that it existed, which means that it establishes nothing.
The victim will testify otherwise.
The victim himself thinks the attempted murder charge is outrageous.
Which is irrelevant! Your honor, the tape is a salacious diversion which will unfairly color the jury's perception of my client.
On that point, I agree.
- Well, Your Honor - I've heard enough, Mr.
Desmond.
It's not coming in.
We're still willing to take assault, third degree, Mr.
Desmond.
I feel for your client given what a scary place prison is, but he's not gonna buy his way out of this one.
Ain't got nothing to do with scary.
Plenty of folks I know done a bid.
- Yeah, but not you.
- Boy, you don't know me! You're right.
Growing up in Bed-Stuy, I didn't get a chance to meet too many middle-class suburban kids frontin' like a gangsta.
One of these days, you and me, we gonna have at it I ain't going nowhere.
I work for the club.
If they ask me to do something and I don't, I get fired.
So, if they ask you to castrate a guy, you grab a knife and you slice and dice? If I knew it was gonna turn into a beat-up, I never would have made the call.
What happened once James showed up? I don't know.
Like I told you, I just made the call.
So, you didn't see the bouncer attack James? No, I wasn't there.
That's the truth.
So, what do you wanna do? Charge the bouncer with assault, and maybe extortion.
What about conspiracy on the stripper? What made you think she was lying? Too many years on the job.
I don't know.
Seemed truthful to me.
Sure that's not your Midwest roots talking? Trust first, pay later.
I'll talk to my boss.
You mind checking into her background? Not at all, but I'll bet you a nickel it won't be pretty.
You're on.
- Thanks for the cheese.
- Ooh, not too weird? Borderline.
I'm kidding.
It was really nice.
Unfortunately, this thing has caught some fire.
Which means that everybody is scrambling to cover their asses, and facts get mangled.
It's hard to know what's real.
Yeah, but I know what I saw.
If you tell IAB that you saw two cops use reasonable force to subdue a suspect who was resisting arrest, then people are gonna think you're lying for the cops.
On the other hand, if you testify to IAB that you saw two decorated police officers - They were decorated, right? - I'm pretty sure.
If you tell them that you saw two decorated police officers beat a suspect without cause, it is very likely that those officers will get fired.
And then this office is going to have a problem with the people that we do business with every day.
You understand? I get it.
Potter, what you need to do is get very clear in your mind exactly what you witnessed and tell that to IAB.
Just that.
And whatever you say, I will back you.
I appreciate that.
You wanna smell something really bad? This one actually smells like dirty gym socks.
So, who's the cheese sender? He's a detective.
Dave Lemanski.
Le manski.
- French Polish? - Shut up.
Wait, did he ask you out yet? It's not about that.
A man does not send you designer dairy products unless he means business.
I agree.
He'll ask you out.
He's making you sweat a little.
Could be he's shy.
Can't handle rejection.
Planning on rejecting him, Ms.
Finn? I don't have any plans at all.
Lot a men are intimidated by smart women.
You should take the initiative.
Ask him out.
Yeah.
Shy.
Possibly gay French Pole.
Sounds like he might need some help.
You know, maybe you could take him on a date to a dairy farm.
Are you outta your mind? Telling mom to dump dad after 30 years of marriage.
Will you keep your damn voice down? It's not my decision.
It's hers.
Yeah? And you didn't encourage it? Give me a break.
Mom's had to put up with Dad's crap for long enough.
And he's put up with hers.
That's what it means to be married, but you wouldn't know about that.
You're starting to sound just like Dad.
He can't survive without her.
She has a right to some happiness.
She's been plenty happy.
Now you gotta talk her out of it.
I'm not talking her outta anything.
And don't you come down on her.
He grabbed me by the hair.
- Then what? - He He We started pushing, yelling, both of us.
Then what happened? We kept going at it for a while.
Then the cops came.
What do you mean, "Kept at it"? Pushing, yelling Fighting.
Could you be more specific? We were fighting.
I don't know what else to say! Does that mean he punched you? I guess so.
Yeah.
- With a closed fist? - Objection.
Sustained.
Describe what you mean by the word "punch.
" I mean Punch.
Punch.
Not slap.
Yes.
Punch.
Nothing further.
Counselor! Just wanted to give you a heads up.
The perp went crazy.
Lied about us beating him down.
IAB's investigating.
Yeah, I know, which is why I can't talk to you guys.
You saw he pulled a gun.
And he fought us like a wild animal.
I mean, we did what we had to do to defend ourselves and to restrain him.
Any less, I might not have gotten home to see my wife and kids.
What're you gonna say to the rat squad? No comment.
I don't know if I like the sound of that.
I don't care.
I've already said more than I should.
I heard you and B-Fly got into it in court.
We had a few words.
Nothing serious.
It's inappropriate to confront a defendant, Billy.
You know that.
Is it time to consider pleading this one out? He'll only agree to a misdemeanor.
It might be the best we can get.
He went there with a knife to kill a guy looking to ruin his rep.
The stab wound was superficial.
'Cause he missed his target.
Victim won't testify, the sex video's inadmissible Doesn't stop me from calling the star of the video, Lana Weston, to the stand.
She's suddenly willing to testify? We're still working on her.
- 28 and 0, Billy.
- What does that mean? Why are you suddenly willing to put your legendary undefeated record on the line? This punk B-Fly's been charged with three different violent crimes.
All three, dismissed.
And that's the reason? 99% of it.
What's the other one percent? I don't like him.
Okay.
You want it, you got it.
But the first sign of trouble, you break from trial and you offer B-Fly a plea.
One year jail time.
I was trying to call you.
- We won.
- Yeah.
Thanks for the help.
Really.
Look, I know this is difficult, but this is clearly the best outcome.
The best outcome.
My son's father is on his way to jail.
How in God's name can that help us? He beat the hell out of you, Kathleen.
More than once.
- It was unsafe - You didn't live with us.
You don't know what the hell you're talking about.
I can recommend some good counseling services for you and your son.
Kathleen! The man we found in your apartment admitted paying $1,000 for the services of you and your so-called assistant.
That's called promoting prostitution and conspiracy.
People give us donations.
There is no law against that.
There is when sex is involved.
For your information, flogging, binding, wax-play, and humiliation are all used to create intimacy and do not even qualify as sex.
You really think a jury's gonna buy all that? Do you really this is gonna get me to turn on B-Fly? You were willing to sell him out once.
Sure you could do it again.
You testify to your relations with B-Fly and the sex tape, we won't charge you with a felony.
You charge me with what you want.
I'm not saying a word about Byron.
You want me to cut her loose? If I were you, I'd run her sheet again.
Make sure we didn't miss anything.
Maybe even look into her website company's financials.
Yeah, that could take a while.
Three, four hours, I guess? At least.
So after the officers broke Mr.
Guero's grip on the gun, they continued to wrestle with him.
Yeah.
Until they handcuffed him.
After he was handcuffed, did either officer do anything you would consider excessive? It's really hard to say.
It happened very fast.
It was dark.
Did Mr.
Guero acquiesce once handcuffed, or did he continue to resist? He resisted.
He was trying to break free.
And he spit at Officer Burell.
After that, after he spit at Burell, did either officer strike him? Simple question.
Yeah.
But I believe it was to restrain Guero, who was trying to break free.
So, you expect me to believe that two cops who have a life and death struggle with some know gang banger.
Then they let him spit in their face, and don't beat the hell out of him? I'm telling you what I saw.
- How about telling the truth? - I am.
You sure about that? Or just trying to cover for a couple of cops who got you drunk one night? I won't dignify that with a response.
Aren't we about finished here? Good morning.
The defendant, Byron "B-Fly" Stewart, promotes himself as a hard-core gangsta.
'Cause that's the image that sells records.
He makes millions of dollars off of it, which is why he became so furious when Blunt Magazine editor Keith Lallaman dared to question that image.
You see, Mr.
Lallaman got a hold of a videotape, which showed the defendant, B-Fly, in very unflattering and, you might say, compromising positions.
He decided he was gonna write about it.
Put some of its footage on his magazine's website.
But when B-Fly caught wind of this, he became enraged and set out to stop him.
He stormed into Mr.
Lallaman's office with two hulking bodyguards and a six-inch knife and tried to stab him to death.
To understand why B-Fly was so desperate to prevent the videotape's release, we will call a key witness.
A woman named Lana Weston, who will explain in graphic detail exactly what was on that tape.
We're willing to meet you halfway.
Assault two, with three years probation.
Not good enough.
You all couldn't take down P.
Diddy or Irv Gotti.
You had a lot more on them.
This one's a little different.
What's your best offer? Assault, first degree.
Two to five years.
- What?! - That's too much.
It's better than the 15-20 he's facing.
Not to mention the humiliation.
Why are you doing this, Duke? Bitter? Jealous? Thought of a street kid pulling down eight figures a year keeping you up at night? Assault, first degree.
Two to five.
Yes or no? We got a deal Duke? Yeah.
Hey, did you hear? What? B-Fly, or should I say Byron, rolled.
Just like I knew he would.
He took a year? Better than that.
Assault one, two to five.
Good.
Well, I got another Lefko case ready to go.
You up for it? It's another black thing? Actually, no.
It's a country/western.
Hey, one more thing, Desmond.
Next time you wanna play a bluff, you let me know, okay? I thought I did.
You left out the part about shaking down some hooker with a trumped-up arrest to seal the deal.
Detective Strick had probable cause to make that arrest.
You know what? Don't Don't give me that, Billy.
All right? Your job is to play them, not me.
- Won't happen again.
- Better not.
Hey, Ms.
Finn.
Hi.
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you.
That's okay.
I been caught up in court.
Two trials.
But, I got some info on the stripper.
No prior record, good credit, did two years at St.
John's.
You were right, she's probably telling the truth.
Good to know.
I also wanted to apologize.
That comment about upbringing, I didn't mean to suggest you had flawed judgment 'cause you're from Wisconsin.
Please, I didn't take it that way.
- You sure? - Yeah, don't worry about it.
All right, I feel better.
'Cause I think being trusting is a good thing in moderation, and having good judgment to boot, it doesn't get better than that.
Well.
I'll guess I'll see you.
Yeah, okay.
Um, Detective, you wouldn't wanna maybe grab a drink tonight? Actually I was working up the nerve to ask you that.
I'm going to meet my wife and brother.
Why don't you join us? My wife's the one who suggested I get you the cheese.
She's good with that.
My brother just broke up with this woman, it wasn't right from the start and my wife and I thought maybe you two.
You know, who knows? I'm not really into blind dates.
No, no, no, it's just a meet.
See if you two get along.
We're going to Clancy's over on 7th and 15th in like 20 minutes.
Come on, we'll have a good time.
All right.
- I'll see you there.
- Okay.
What are you doing? You wanna go get a Smoothie or something? I'd like to, but I have plans.
Don't tell me.
The shy, gay French Pole finally asked you out? Yes, he did.
Good.
All right.
Good night.
Hey, Potsy.
We appreciate what you said to IAB.
I told them what I saw.
Well, whatever you said, it worked.
Looks like we're gonna come through this okay.
What do you say we go to Peter Luger's.
Buy you a nice steak dinner, maybe a beer? Or ten.
No, thanks.
You sure, Potsy? Yeah.
And My name is Nick Potter.
So, did you tell him yet? No.
Ma, Jason knows.
You gotta say something.
You know, they're starting to skimp.
In the old days, you'd leave there stuffed, plus have a doggy bag to take home.
What do you say we go back to the house, pack your things, go to my place, then call him.
If it's easier.
Easier? If you'd prefer not to confront him in person.
We've been married for 32 years.
I'm just trying to make it as easy as possible, Mom.
You know, when Bev and Sal ran the place before the kids took over, it was the best restaurant around.
Now, it's just ordinary.
And the service You're not leaving him, are you? - I'm 53 years old.
- So? So, you take the good with the bad.
He's a decent man, deep down.
And that's good enough for me.
- Good enough? - Yeah, so just Just what? Pretend he's not a drunk? That he doesn't He doesn't.
Okay? He doesn't.
Right, I must have been seeing things all those years.
You don't get it, do you? Get what? Never mind.
You should come for supper on Sunday.
Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary are coming.
It'll be fun.
Supplements.
Antioxidants, vitamins.
- You're not on the wagon again? - Since Saturday.
No, for reals this time.
Been eating my greens, hitting the gym.
Thinking about, you know, running the marathon.
Good luck with that.
We're looking for an ADA Trotter.
Uh, you mean Potter? - Like, Harry? - Yeah.
He likes to be called Potsy.
And that's him right there.
Hey, Potsy.
I'm Burrell.
This is Vargas.
Uh, people call me Nick.
You ready for your ride-along? Yeah.
Uh, I'm looking forward to it.
What are you, about a 42 regular? I'm--a 40.
Why? New regs say we gotta fit all ride-alongs with a vest.
Safety precautions.
Unfortunately, it won't help if you get shot in the face.
It's a joke, Potsy.
Come on.
Hey, listen, I'm talking to you.
His bill was almost 80 Gs.
How is skipping out on that any different than sticking a gun to my head and saying, "Give me the loot?" Pardon me.
Any free bodies can hear a complaint? Arrest reports go in these three baskets.
Felonies, misdemeanors, DATs.
We'll call your name.
Yeah, I know the system, and I'm sorry to impose, but I got a pain-in-the-pisser complainant out here insisting on face time.
- We can't let you skip the line.
- That's okay.
- I can take it.
- You a D.
A.
? Yes.
Why don't you follow me? Hey, you got any extra staples? Have you checked the stockroom? Fresh out, along with many other essential office supplies.
Thought this domestic violence was headed for plea.
I'm taking it to trial.
Didn't your victim say she didn't want to testify? She'll be fine, and I don't like pleading DV cases.
Well, that's a fine principle if you've got a fair chance at winning, but I don't think Did I not give you enough staples? Thanks.
It is a sad day when an upstanding businessman can be screwed ten ways from Tuesday and nobody blinks.
- Sure you don't want a chair, Miss? - She's fine.
I swear, if I could have gotten my hands on that little scum sucker running up a $76,000 bill selling in my property I tried to explain it was a civil suit and not a criminal matter.
We'll figure that out.
If we could just slow down a bit.
Have you start by telling me what property you believe he sullied? All right.
Show her.
God.
See what the sick punk did? Kathleen.
How are you? Well, just great.
You're not allowed to be in the courtroom.
Excuse me? I can't watch my own husband's trial? Not when you're a potential witness.
We can talk at the end of the day if you'd like.
I don't need an update, Ms.
Rossi.
I know what a train wreck my life is.
Conviction Episode 1x04 - Indebted - Hey.
- Hey.
One of Lefkowitz's old cases is ready to go to trial.
It's a good one too.
Attempted murder.
How's Lefko doing anyway? Not too good.
His wife left him.
He was a good lawyer.
Till he started speaking French to his coffee mug in court.
- Yeah.
- Is this the B-Fly case? Yeah.
It's set to go to trial on Thursday.
Defense counsel's stopping by this afternoon to talk about a plea deal.
How about I take it off your hands? I want Desmond to handle it.
'Cause it's hip hop-related? No offense, but his ghetto pass expired, like, ten years ago.
And yours is up to date? At least I know the difference between Mos Def and hard of hearing.
What? Exactly.
Look over the file, track down the victim, the detective.
Will do.
Um, can I ask you a question? What? Am I getting this 'cause I'm black? Or because I'm the best lawyer for the job ? A little of both.
You got a problem with that, I'll hand it to somebody else.
I'm good.
So, Mr.
Lallaman.
Had B-Fly threatened you at all before he showed up that day? No more than the usual "my artists better get some love" bluster.
So, you didn't know what was coming? We get all kinds of producers and managers popping by to complain.
So, tell me what happened once he got to your office.
He came here with two big dudes and starts yelling how me and the magazine dumped on his last release.
As soon as I said my piece, he came around and starts punching me in the face.
I tried to flail him off, but, it stops.
And I see I'm bleeding from the shoulder.
You see what he stabbed you with? No, but I told all this to that other D.
A.
And he said that they were gonna plea it out and that I wouldn't have to testify.
Did you not wanting to testify have anything to do with fear of reprisal? B-Fly and I are good now.
It's just one of those things.
Street kid wildin' out 'cause he thinks his money's under threat.
All in the past.
So, that's a yes.
You're afraid of reprisal.
I just want this thing to go away.
I'm afraid it's not that simple.
This is an attempted murder case.
I'll be in touch.
Did you witness an incident between the defendant and Kathleen Perry on October 11th? Yes.
Can you tell us what you saw? I heard their little boy, Mitchell, screaming.
And I come out and see him Pull Kathy down the hallway by her hair, shove her in their apartment, then Then punch her in the face.
How many times did he punch her? Two, maybe, three times.
So, what'd you do? I tried to pull the bastard off her.
- But he pushed me out the door.
- Where did you go? I ran into my apartment to call 911.
I had no choice, you know.
Nothing further.
You were drunk on the night of October 11th, weren't you? No.
You were taking narcotics too.
No.
But, you were rushed to St.
Vincent's hospital five days later due to a drug overdose, right? It wasn't an overdose.
I was just I-I was taking medication for my back.
According to the tox report, you ingested over 60 milligrams of hydrocodone, and had a blood alcohol level of .
16.
Like I said.
I have a bad back.
Sometimes I need to take pain medication.
With a whiskey chaser? - Objection.
- Sustained.
Watch it, Mr.
Lloyd.
After you were released from the hospital, you checked yourself into the St.
Mary's Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center? Correct? Yes.
Nothing further.
Docket number 57692, charging the defendant, James Maglaban, with larceny.
How do you plead? Not guilty, sir.
Your Honor, the defendant skipped out on a $76,000 strip club tab, which makes clear his willingness to flee.
What's the number, Ms.
Finn? We're asking for $5,000, Your Honor.
May, I approach, Your Honor? Make it quick.
Your Honor, my client is begging me to request higher bail so his mom can't "spring him and whoop his butt.
" For Pete's sake, counselor.
Did you explain his butt will fair a lot worse in Rikers? Yes, I did.
You're old enough to go to titty bars, son.
You're old enough to face mama.
He's released on recognizance.
Here.
Try this one.
Oh.
Thank you.
How's the case going? We're still evaluating.
If you need anything.
More info, interviews Just let me know.
- Appreciate that.
- Oh, keep it.
I got a bunch of 'em.
Thanks.
Do I hear hints of a Midwestern accent? UmWisconsin.
America's dairyland.
No wonder you seem so strangely decent.
It's all an act.
And humble too.
- You a cheesehead? - Not exactly, but, uh I do have a soft spot for sharp cheddar.
Thanks again for the pen.
I'm trying to reach a Detective Strick.
Yeah, would you ask him to call ADA Billy Desmond about the B-Fly case? Thank you.
So, you're ADA Billy Desmond.
- Yeah.
- Kelly Kovacs.
New York One.
I heard you're the new guy.
Smart, aggressive, tough.
Why don't we skip the full flattery and get on to the good part, Kelly.
Is it true the bad record review was just a cover story to hide the real reason B-Fly stabbed the guy from Blunt? Why don't you tell me what you've heard ? That B-Fly had some kinky sex thing going on.
The editor, Lallaman, was on the verge of exposing it.
- Can't comment on that.
- Uh, one more question.
Is it true you're gonna work a plea bargain with B-Fly this afternoon? - Where'd you hear that? - B-Fly's people.
No comment.
- Hi, ma.
- Hi, baby.
So, what's up? You sounded so mysterious on the phone.
I just wanted to have lunch with my daughter.
That so crazy? Of course not.
It's nice to come into the city every now and again.
It gives me a little inspiration, you know? Astoria's only 15 minutes away, Mom.
It shouldn't be a once-a-year type thing.
I agree.
Thank you.
So, what's up? I'm leaving your father.
I'm leaving him for real this time.
- I've had enough.
- What happened? Oh, what do you think? He's never gonna change.
No matter what he promises or how many times in the week he goes to mass, I just I just can't take it anymore.
Good for you.
I was thinking, I could go back to work.
- Make my own money.
- That's great.
And you can stay with me for as long as you want.
I don't want to be a pain in the neck.
I have a pull-out couch.
It'll be fine.
You're doing the right thing, Ma.
I promise.
I know.
You've already met James.
This is his mother, Mrs.
Maglaban Who's with the Philippine Delegation to the U.
N.
How do you do? Mrs.
Maglaban's position affords her diplomatic immunity, which extends to family members.
She has requested that we drop the charges against her son.
- Will that be all? - No, there's something else.
Go ahead.
I'm sorry for going to the club and any problems I caused you.
Let's go, James.
Don't they at least have to pay restitution? Diplomatic privilege.
It's not just parking tickets they get to skip out on.
My client's willing to plead to assault, third degree.
One year probation.
Your client stabbed the victim with a six-inch knife.
In the shoulder.
Because he went for the heart and missed.
I wanted the bitch dead, he be dead.
- Just wanted to teach him a lesson.
- Byron, please.
My client went there to discuss a review.
A fight broke out.
Byron overreacted.
A man was injured Then why show up with two rent-a-thugs and a weapon? He gets a lot of threats.
He needs personal security wherever he goes.
It's the best look he's gonna get.
Tell him 24 hours are done.
What did I just say ? I hear this whole thing is really about some sexual indiscretions? - Who told you that? - Those are nothing more than rumors.
From a bunch of haters trying to break in the game.
Doesn't matter where I heard it.
Is it true? I told you! Let me handle this.
Let me talk to this man! Now, come on, Duke.
You know how it go.
Brother get aggi when his paper be threatened.
Nowme and brother, we squashed it.
We straight.
All in the past.
Now, for real, Duke.
What do you say we dead this.
Make a deal.
I don't think so.
Duke.
Mr.
Desmond.
I'd like you to meet Councilman John Jenkins.
- Pleasure to meet you, brother.
- Likewise.
He'd like to have a word with you about Byron "B-Fly" Stewart.
It'll only take a minute.
Okay.
I've known Bryon for some time and he is by nature a good man.
It's unfortunate, but he made a mistake.
Yes, he did.
I'm not here to excuse what he did.
But, I think it's worth asking whether it makes sense to put him in jail.
I think it makes sense to hold him accountable for his actions.
I don't disagree.
But we need to keep in mind that he's a role model.
A man who donates to some very good causes.
With all due respect, Councilman, B-Fly is a poser who makes millions promoting stupidity and violence.
Someone our people should be ashamed of.
I don't think you're hearing me, brother.
Last thing an ambitious man like yourself wants is to become known as a hired hand, chopping off black heads for the white man.
I'm not doing this for the white man.
This is my job.
And in case you forgot, your pal B-Fly stabbed a black man.
B-Fly has many prominent people behind him who think it unwise for you to try to fight this in court.
Are you threatening me? Just advising, brother.
Just advising.
Okay, so that's it? Kid just gets to rip me off 'cause mommy works for some government? - I'm afraid so - All right, what about a civil suit? Oh, don't tell me that's a no-go too? - Sorry.
- Yeah, God bless America.
Allow aliens to come in, bend us over.
What kind of money you make here? 50, 60 Gs a year? None of your business.
I could triple your salary.
You come dance two, three nights a week.
- I don't think so.
- No, serious I can tell you're hiding some little body under there.
- Everything okay? - Yeah, these gentlemen were just leaving.
Delivery guy just dropped this off for you.
Really? Well, open it.
- What's the rush? - I can't wait all day.
Cheese? "A taste of home.
L" - Who's L? - A friend.
Do you mind? You know, it's not actually true what they say about cheese.
Dairy actually is good for burning fat.
That's not bad.
Lefkowitz's file was a little short on facts, but I'm hearing the bad record review was just cover? Yeah, he was cheating on his kid's mother with some whore.
The editor was gonna expose him.
Shouldn't be some shocker that B-Fly likes to spread his love.
I mean, why would he stab him over that? Not good for the hardcore thug image when you're with some white lady leading you around by a dog collar, spanking you silly.
It was some kind of S&M thing? - You didn't get the videotape? - What videotape? The one we confiscated from Lallaman's office after the incident.
- You still have it? - Are you kidding me? I charge 20 bucks a showing back at the station house.
Just relax, stay calm.
And explain what happened.
- You can do that, right? - Of course.
But, I'm not going to.
What? I wanna drop the case.
That's not an option, Kathleen.
Not now.
This is my problem.
Not yours.
He didn't hit you.
Once the police are called, it becomes a matter for the state, I'm sorry.
Look, he's a son of a bitch, but he's still Mitchell's father It's not safe for Mitchell or you to be around that kind of violence.
He's been getting help.
- Going to counseling.
- Kathleen.
The truth of it is, I slapped him first.
The punch and all of that was more of a reaction.
He was just defending himself, you know? Kathleen, please.
Don't rationalize what happened.
He's dangerous.
- We'll be fine.
- You can do this, Kathleen.
Don't make me call Mitchell to the stand.
He's ten years old.
You'd really make him testify against his own father? If you won't tell the truth, you're damn right I would.
Fine.
I'll testify.
But, you leave my boy out of this.
Come on, baby.
You're not hungry, Potsy? Could be that last vodka shot he did last night? Either that or the ten beers we had.
Look at this Zig-head.
Oh, yeah, slinging in the open.
No concern for the old folks or kids here.
What? Girl just slipped him a 20.
He's a dealer.
- What do you wanna do? - Shoot him.
- What? - Relax, Potsy.
- Are you gonna arrest him? - No P.
C.
We only saw money.
No drugs.
I think I caught sight of something.
You trying to spoil my lunch? What if we get Mr.
ADA here to make a buy? Not such a good idea.
You know what, he's probably just not up to the task.
Yeah, much as I hate to agree with you.
- It's not that, it's just that - That's that's okay, Potsy, we get it.
Forget we said anything.
Okay.
Hey.
You a cop? Do I look like a cop? What you shaking for? Oh, I just have this condition.
Weed seems to help.
What makes you think I got weed.
Uh, I don't know.
It's just a feeling.
Twenty a dip.
Um, all right.
- I'll take two.
- Damn, son.
This ain't no five and dime.
Keep it down, all right.
Thanks.
What up, dog? Way to go, Potsy.
No way this cornball is five-O.
How was the ride-along? Great.
They had me bust a drug dealer.
Went undercover.
Did a buy.
What if it goes to trial, Nick? They'll call you as a witness.
I'm pretty sure this Zig-head's gonna plead out.
Zig-head? Some hottie pain in the ass named Mrs.
Maglaban is waiting for you in the conference room.
See what they did to him? They beat up my boy.
Some stripper woman set him up to get attacked.
She's talking about the stripper, Cassidy, who called James here, said she had a crush on him, and asked to meet him in Central Park.
The bouncer was waiting.
I want those monsters thrown in jail! I have to ask James some questions first.
Do that after you arrest them! I know your status shields you and your son from the law, ma'am.
But if you expect us to help, I suggest you take a seat, and show us a little respect.
You ready for this? What? B-Fly's real motive for trying to kill Lallaman.
Okay.
Mr.
Bad to the bone was on the receiving end of some disturbing S&M action with a white dominatrix.
Magazine editor, Lallaman, was about to tell, about to show the world, so B-Fly went nuts.
Can you get people to testify to that? Better than that.
I got the sex tape showing B-fly and his lady in action.
Can you track her down? Cops are bringing her in right now.
I can make you a copy of the tape if you want.
- I'll pass.
- It's pretty good.
I'll take your word for it.
Good luck.
Desmond, I'd like you to meet Lana Weston.
Thanks, Detective.
So, it's my understanding that you and B-Fly were connected romantically.
- Not true.
- Have a seat.
I have a tape right here, Lana.
And? And I have an interview, where told the cops you sent the tape to Lallaman 'cause B-Fly tried to screw you out of some serious cash.
Apparently your services don't come cheap.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
You saying you didn't send the tape? I'm saying I'm not interested in discussing this.
And if you call me to stand, I'll take the fifth.
I'm gonna guess this is about B-Fly making good on his debts to you.
If he did, Mr.
Desmond, I would not be likely to share that with you.
- I don't know about any sex tapes.
- It was in your office! People send me all kinds of stuff.
How much is he paying you? Not a nickel.
You check my bank account, same as before.
Yeah, but not the magazine's.
B-Fly's tripled his ad since the crime.
And his last two artists got puff pieces and glowing reviews from you.
Doesn't mean I broke any laws.
I'll subpoena you to testify.
And I will get on the stand and tell everyone B-Fly and I are cool.
That it's all water under the bridge.
I'll charge you with perjury.
Good luck proving it.
I went to law school too.
That where you learn to sell out? Excuse me? What kind of man protects someone who tried to kill him? Hey, you're in the wrong neighborhood, homey? Now, you have to be so nasty? Let's see what you're carrying tonight.
I ain't got nothing, man! I ain't got nothing! Gun! Gun! Drop it! Son of a bitch! - Hey.
Hey, guys! Guys, you don't have to - Back off! You're under arrest! You're lucky you don't have a bullet in your head, tough guy.
You are an ugly black boy, are you, B-Fly ? Yes, mama.
- I can't hear you.
- I said, yes mama! I've been very, very naughty.
The defendant feared these images would hurt his reputation, Your Honor.
But more importantly, it suggests he went to Mr.
Lallaman's office with a clear motive.
To kill him.
There's no evidence that my client ever saw this tape or even knew that it existed, which means that it establishes nothing.
The victim will testify otherwise.
The victim himself thinks the attempted murder charge is outrageous.
Which is irrelevant! Your honor, the tape is a salacious diversion which will unfairly color the jury's perception of my client.
On that point, I agree.
- Well, Your Honor - I've heard enough, Mr.
Desmond.
It's not coming in.
We're still willing to take assault, third degree, Mr.
Desmond.
I feel for your client given what a scary place prison is, but he's not gonna buy his way out of this one.
Ain't got nothing to do with scary.
Plenty of folks I know done a bid.
- Yeah, but not you.
- Boy, you don't know me! You're right.
Growing up in Bed-Stuy, I didn't get a chance to meet too many middle-class suburban kids frontin' like a gangsta.
One of these days, you and me, we gonna have at it I ain't going nowhere.
I work for the club.
If they ask me to do something and I don't, I get fired.
So, if they ask you to castrate a guy, you grab a knife and you slice and dice? If I knew it was gonna turn into a beat-up, I never would have made the call.
What happened once James showed up? I don't know.
Like I told you, I just made the call.
So, you didn't see the bouncer attack James? No, I wasn't there.
That's the truth.
So, what do you wanna do? Charge the bouncer with assault, and maybe extortion.
What about conspiracy on the stripper? What made you think she was lying? Too many years on the job.
I don't know.
Seemed truthful to me.
Sure that's not your Midwest roots talking? Trust first, pay later.
I'll talk to my boss.
You mind checking into her background? Not at all, but I'll bet you a nickel it won't be pretty.
You're on.
- Thanks for the cheese.
- Ooh, not too weird? Borderline.
I'm kidding.
It was really nice.
Unfortunately, this thing has caught some fire.
Which means that everybody is scrambling to cover their asses, and facts get mangled.
It's hard to know what's real.
Yeah, but I know what I saw.
If you tell IAB that you saw two cops use reasonable force to subdue a suspect who was resisting arrest, then people are gonna think you're lying for the cops.
On the other hand, if you testify to IAB that you saw two decorated police officers - They were decorated, right? - I'm pretty sure.
If you tell them that you saw two decorated police officers beat a suspect without cause, it is very likely that those officers will get fired.
And then this office is going to have a problem with the people that we do business with every day.
You understand? I get it.
Potter, what you need to do is get very clear in your mind exactly what you witnessed and tell that to IAB.
Just that.
And whatever you say, I will back you.
I appreciate that.
You wanna smell something really bad? This one actually smells like dirty gym socks.
So, who's the cheese sender? He's a detective.
Dave Lemanski.
Le manski.
- French Polish? - Shut up.
Wait, did he ask you out yet? It's not about that.
A man does not send you designer dairy products unless he means business.
I agree.
He'll ask you out.
He's making you sweat a little.
Could be he's shy.
Can't handle rejection.
Planning on rejecting him, Ms.
Finn? I don't have any plans at all.
Lot a men are intimidated by smart women.
You should take the initiative.
Ask him out.
Yeah.
Shy.
Possibly gay French Pole.
Sounds like he might need some help.
You know, maybe you could take him on a date to a dairy farm.
Are you outta your mind? Telling mom to dump dad after 30 years of marriage.
Will you keep your damn voice down? It's not my decision.
It's hers.
Yeah? And you didn't encourage it? Give me a break.
Mom's had to put up with Dad's crap for long enough.
And he's put up with hers.
That's what it means to be married, but you wouldn't know about that.
You're starting to sound just like Dad.
He can't survive without her.
She has a right to some happiness.
She's been plenty happy.
Now you gotta talk her out of it.
I'm not talking her outta anything.
And don't you come down on her.
He grabbed me by the hair.
- Then what? - He He We started pushing, yelling, both of us.
Then what happened? We kept going at it for a while.
Then the cops came.
What do you mean, "Kept at it"? Pushing, yelling Fighting.
Could you be more specific? We were fighting.
I don't know what else to say! Does that mean he punched you? I guess so.
Yeah.
- With a closed fist? - Objection.
Sustained.
Describe what you mean by the word "punch.
" I mean Punch.
Punch.
Not slap.
Yes.
Punch.
Nothing further.
Counselor! Just wanted to give you a heads up.
The perp went crazy.
Lied about us beating him down.
IAB's investigating.
Yeah, I know, which is why I can't talk to you guys.
You saw he pulled a gun.
And he fought us like a wild animal.
I mean, we did what we had to do to defend ourselves and to restrain him.
Any less, I might not have gotten home to see my wife and kids.
What're you gonna say to the rat squad? No comment.
I don't know if I like the sound of that.
I don't care.
I've already said more than I should.
I heard you and B-Fly got into it in court.
We had a few words.
Nothing serious.
It's inappropriate to confront a defendant, Billy.
You know that.
Is it time to consider pleading this one out? He'll only agree to a misdemeanor.
It might be the best we can get.
He went there with a knife to kill a guy looking to ruin his rep.
The stab wound was superficial.
'Cause he missed his target.
Victim won't testify, the sex video's inadmissible Doesn't stop me from calling the star of the video, Lana Weston, to the stand.
She's suddenly willing to testify? We're still working on her.
- 28 and 0, Billy.
- What does that mean? Why are you suddenly willing to put your legendary undefeated record on the line? This punk B-Fly's been charged with three different violent crimes.
All three, dismissed.
And that's the reason? 99% of it.
What's the other one percent? I don't like him.
Okay.
You want it, you got it.
But the first sign of trouble, you break from trial and you offer B-Fly a plea.
One year jail time.
I was trying to call you.
- We won.
- Yeah.
Thanks for the help.
Really.
Look, I know this is difficult, but this is clearly the best outcome.
The best outcome.
My son's father is on his way to jail.
How in God's name can that help us? He beat the hell out of you, Kathleen.
More than once.
- It was unsafe - You didn't live with us.
You don't know what the hell you're talking about.
I can recommend some good counseling services for you and your son.
Kathleen! The man we found in your apartment admitted paying $1,000 for the services of you and your so-called assistant.
That's called promoting prostitution and conspiracy.
People give us donations.
There is no law against that.
There is when sex is involved.
For your information, flogging, binding, wax-play, and humiliation are all used to create intimacy and do not even qualify as sex.
You really think a jury's gonna buy all that? Do you really this is gonna get me to turn on B-Fly? You were willing to sell him out once.
Sure you could do it again.
You testify to your relations with B-Fly and the sex tape, we won't charge you with a felony.
You charge me with what you want.
I'm not saying a word about Byron.
You want me to cut her loose? If I were you, I'd run her sheet again.
Make sure we didn't miss anything.
Maybe even look into her website company's financials.
Yeah, that could take a while.
Three, four hours, I guess? At least.
So after the officers broke Mr.
Guero's grip on the gun, they continued to wrestle with him.
Yeah.
Until they handcuffed him.
After he was handcuffed, did either officer do anything you would consider excessive? It's really hard to say.
It happened very fast.
It was dark.
Did Mr.
Guero acquiesce once handcuffed, or did he continue to resist? He resisted.
He was trying to break free.
And he spit at Officer Burell.
After that, after he spit at Burell, did either officer strike him? Simple question.
Yeah.
But I believe it was to restrain Guero, who was trying to break free.
So, you expect me to believe that two cops who have a life and death struggle with some know gang banger.
Then they let him spit in their face, and don't beat the hell out of him? I'm telling you what I saw.
- How about telling the truth? - I am.
You sure about that? Or just trying to cover for a couple of cops who got you drunk one night? I won't dignify that with a response.
Aren't we about finished here? Good morning.
The defendant, Byron "B-Fly" Stewart, promotes himself as a hard-core gangsta.
'Cause that's the image that sells records.
He makes millions of dollars off of it, which is why he became so furious when Blunt Magazine editor Keith Lallaman dared to question that image.
You see, Mr.
Lallaman got a hold of a videotape, which showed the defendant, B-Fly, in very unflattering and, you might say, compromising positions.
He decided he was gonna write about it.
Put some of its footage on his magazine's website.
But when B-Fly caught wind of this, he became enraged and set out to stop him.
He stormed into Mr.
Lallaman's office with two hulking bodyguards and a six-inch knife and tried to stab him to death.
To understand why B-Fly was so desperate to prevent the videotape's release, we will call a key witness.
A woman named Lana Weston, who will explain in graphic detail exactly what was on that tape.
We're willing to meet you halfway.
Assault two, with three years probation.
Not good enough.
You all couldn't take down P.
Diddy or Irv Gotti.
You had a lot more on them.
This one's a little different.
What's your best offer? Assault, first degree.
Two to five years.
- What?! - That's too much.
It's better than the 15-20 he's facing.
Not to mention the humiliation.
Why are you doing this, Duke? Bitter? Jealous? Thought of a street kid pulling down eight figures a year keeping you up at night? Assault, first degree.
Two to five.
Yes or no? We got a deal Duke? Yeah.
Hey, did you hear? What? B-Fly, or should I say Byron, rolled.
Just like I knew he would.
He took a year? Better than that.
Assault one, two to five.
Good.
Well, I got another Lefko case ready to go.
You up for it? It's another black thing? Actually, no.
It's a country/western.
Hey, one more thing, Desmond.
Next time you wanna play a bluff, you let me know, okay? I thought I did.
You left out the part about shaking down some hooker with a trumped-up arrest to seal the deal.
Detective Strick had probable cause to make that arrest.
You know what? Don't Don't give me that, Billy.
All right? Your job is to play them, not me.
- Won't happen again.
- Better not.
Hey, Ms.
Finn.
Hi.
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you.
That's okay.
I been caught up in court.
Two trials.
But, I got some info on the stripper.
No prior record, good credit, did two years at St.
John's.
You were right, she's probably telling the truth.
Good to know.
I also wanted to apologize.
That comment about upbringing, I didn't mean to suggest you had flawed judgment 'cause you're from Wisconsin.
Please, I didn't take it that way.
- You sure? - Yeah, don't worry about it.
All right, I feel better.
'Cause I think being trusting is a good thing in moderation, and having good judgment to boot, it doesn't get better than that.
Well.
I'll guess I'll see you.
Yeah, okay.
Um, Detective, you wouldn't wanna maybe grab a drink tonight? Actually I was working up the nerve to ask you that.
I'm going to meet my wife and brother.
Why don't you join us? My wife's the one who suggested I get you the cheese.
She's good with that.
My brother just broke up with this woman, it wasn't right from the start and my wife and I thought maybe you two.
You know, who knows? I'm not really into blind dates.
No, no, no, it's just a meet.
See if you two get along.
We're going to Clancy's over on 7th and 15th in like 20 minutes.
Come on, we'll have a good time.
All right.
- I'll see you there.
- Okay.
What are you doing? You wanna go get a Smoothie or something? I'd like to, but I have plans.
Don't tell me.
The shy, gay French Pole finally asked you out? Yes, he did.
Good.
All right.
Good night.
Hey, Potsy.
We appreciate what you said to IAB.
I told them what I saw.
Well, whatever you said, it worked.
Looks like we're gonna come through this okay.
What do you say we go to Peter Luger's.
Buy you a nice steak dinner, maybe a beer? Or ten.
No, thanks.
You sure, Potsy? Yeah.
And My name is Nick Potter.
So, did you tell him yet? No.
Ma, Jason knows.
You gotta say something.
You know, they're starting to skimp.
In the old days, you'd leave there stuffed, plus have a doggy bag to take home.
What do you say we go back to the house, pack your things, go to my place, then call him.
If it's easier.
Easier? If you'd prefer not to confront him in person.
We've been married for 32 years.
I'm just trying to make it as easy as possible, Mom.
You know, when Bev and Sal ran the place before the kids took over, it was the best restaurant around.
Now, it's just ordinary.
And the service You're not leaving him, are you? - I'm 53 years old.
- So? So, you take the good with the bad.
He's a decent man, deep down.
And that's good enough for me.
- Good enough? - Yeah, so just Just what? Pretend he's not a drunk? That he doesn't He doesn't.
Okay? He doesn't.
Right, I must have been seeing things all those years.
You don't get it, do you? Get what? Never mind.
You should come for supper on Sunday.
Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary are coming.
It'll be fun.