The Guardian (2001) s01e20 Episode Script
Shelter
What were you doing in a strip club with your probation officer? He was trying to get money back from the owner, and, uhHe wanted me to be there.
Drug money? No.
He was trying to buy the club, and the deal soured.
It, uh-- earnest money.
You're his lawyer? I'm his probationer.
Why were you doing legal work for your probation officer? My periodic review was coming up, and heHe asked me to.
Did he promise you'd get a good report if you helped him? Is there anyone who can confirm your account of the events? Mandy gressler.
The one you say is the shooter? Yes.
Know where we can find her? No.
Sure she's alive? Yes.
Last I saw.
Is there anyone who isn't dead or missing that can confirm your account? No.
No, uh, no, there isn't.
I need that jacket.
I need that shirt.
Now? If you don't mind.
Better throw in that tie, too.
You absolutely did the right thing by going in voluntarily.
I mean, they would have caught up to you soon enough, and it would have looked like you were trying to hide something.
It could have been a lot worse.
How? How?! They could have locked you up on a probation violation just for being in that bar.
Well, what happens next? Get some sleep and forget about it.
All right.
Lulu just told me she asked you to come.
Can I see the papers? So, anyway, thank you.
Hey.
Hey.
Uh, I didn't really understand a word she was saying.
Something about, uh, neighbors in a fight over a tree.
Ok.
In 1956 that lady conveyed right-of-way of 2 1/2 feet toward your house, the house you're buying, "for the protection and preservation of the walnut tree.
" Where is it? Where's the walnut tree? Well, uh, that's what I think she was saying, - that it died.
- Ok.
So whose land is it? Well, technically, it's hers, but you get to use it.
No, I don't like it.
Well, she sues you and wins, they could move the property line 30 inches toward your house.
Somebody just went by.
Somebody's in there.
Somebody-- what? Somebody just went by the window.
Is--is someone in there? Come on out! This is not your house.
Come on out! Hang on.
Here.
Hold this.
Do you have a key? Yeah.
Thank you.
Hello? Hello?! I saw them in there.
I'm calling the cops.
Hi.
My name's Brian Olsen.
There's a light on, and I didn't turn the power on here.
- Don't! - Nick, wait for the police.
My girlfriend's having a baby.
I am sentencing you to using your skills as a corporate attorney to work as a child advocate.
I'm supposed to be back in Columbus in 4 hours.
Well, you should get going, then.
I feel bad just leaving things like this.
No, it's ok.
You were great with those kids.
Ok.
I'll call you later.
Ok.
Drive carefully.
Hey, thanks for helping out, Nick.
Bye.
Baby's a boy.
He looks very healthy.
Jeannette's resting.
When do we get to take him home? You don't.
Why? Denny, your girlfriend's 15, and you're Baby's gonna be in foster care for a while.
Am I gonna see him? You can visit, and so can Jeannette.
You just can't keep the baby for now.
We'll find a place for you in the shelter until we can locate your parents.
My parents are dead.
You'll have to stay in the shelter for now.
Jeannette? She'll be here for 2 days, and then we'll find a place for her, too.
Why can't we be kept together? I'm sorry, Denny.
You'll be assigned a lawyer to represent you in court.
Hey.
II only saw him for a second.
They--they weighed him and--and did tests, and they let me hold him, then they took him away.
I know.
I want our baby, Denny.
I know.
Some lady came and talked to me.
She said we can't keep him 'cause we're too young.
I want our baby.
I want our baby.
Morning.
Morning.
So, Nicholas If I get this thing, this judgeship-- if I get it-- I decided I, uh I want you to have the firm.
Not because you're my son.
Because you're an excellent lawyer.
Thank you.
Now, I'd like to get some things into play right away.
Ok.
First of all, I want to give you some of my clients so you'll have the leverage over those other guys who'd like to take control over this place.
Ok.
And that will be, I promise you, one of the nastiest fights you'll ever be in.
I'm ready.
Good.
I'd like to get started today.
Good.
Wade meyers.
My board of directors think we need a food products division.
Well, actually, that sounds like a pretty good fit.
Beverages, pet food I'm looking at The front-runner is moorpark foods.
If we can get a good price, I want to buy it before the end of the quarter.
So you happy with the, uh, Spanish joint venture we set up for you? Sure.
Thing throws awful lots of cash.
Banco Gibraltar is still bitching that we put up no money and got all the control.
Nick did about 99% of the work on that.
Nice work.
Just don't try to show your face in Spain.
Heh heh heh heh.
Right.
So, wade, what I was thinking is why don't we, uh, just let Nick, uh, take the lead on this one.
I'm real easy to understand, Nick.
Ok.
You get me what I want when I want at my price, then I won't be missing your father too much.
Ok? Ok.
Ok.
Wade, always good to see you.
Thank you.
Take care.
Be sure to say hi to Betty Jean for me.
I certainly will.
I look forward to it.
Take care.
See you, wade.
So, you ready, uh, ready for this? Yeah.
Where you going? Clinic.
What's the situation? Jeannette munday.
She's, uh, 15 years old, from green county on the West Virginia line.
Have you contacted the parents? I spoke to her mother this morning on the phone, and I'm gonna ride out there later today to see her.
Can she be placed there? We'll see.
I'm hoping that she'll take both her daughter and the baby.
I've contacted green county.
The home visit's done, the criminal and child abuse check should be completed pretty soon.
Nick, what did you find out about the boy? Uh, kid's name is Denny Collins.
He's 16.
His father died 3 years ago.
No mother.
He ran away from his shelter in St.
Louis.
Best guess is he's been living on the streets ever since.
Laurie, what are you thinking? It's pretty simple.
The baby's in foster care.
He'll probably stay there unless the grandmother can prove that she can handle raising him, which is unlikely, given the way she's handled her teenage daughter.
Baby'll probably end up in foster care.
Ok, sounds clean.
Uh, Alvin, they, uh, they want the baby, and they want to stay together.
Are you kidding? No.
I talked to both of them, and that's what they want.
They're 2 homeless teenagers.
I'm just telling you.
There's no way I'm recommending that for the baby.
Well, that's the position I'm gonna take in court.
Laurie? You got a moment? Sure.
Did I do something to make you angry? No.
I'm sorry I didn't answer your calls.
Your messages were Great.
But I'm kind of set in my ways.
I have my work, 2 kids, a grandchild.
Whatever spare time I have I like to spend with them.
Laurie, I I invited you to a play.
You're reading way too much into this.
I get a lot more out of this job than a paycheck, Alvin.
And I love working with you.
I'm afraid if we date, we'll put it all at risk, that we might ruin it.
Ok.
Moorpark foods does about $300 million in revenue.
They're growing at 7% a year.
Balance sheet is clean except for a fair amount of nonstrategic assets.
They have some art, a jet, corporate apartments, but it's a good company.
Why do you think they're selling? Window dressing.
Consumer staples are out of favor on wall street.
Maybe.
What do you think? In 1998, the parent company floated a billion in high-yield bonds to expand their cable business.
They have a payment due on the first of the month for $146 million.
They're not gonna make it.
Really? SoYou think you could talk 'em into taking, say150? They need the money.
Well, if they take it, hit the bid before they come to their senses.
I like you, Nick.
Always willing to kick a man when he's down.
Oh, while you're at it, I'm leasing an s-500.
I think kleiner automotive is screwing me.
Could you take a look at that lease for me, please? Is that wade meyers? Yeah.
So what happened? Your dad just gave him to you? Look, if there's anything I can do for you, just let me know, ok? Oh.
This is his car lease.
You want to look over it? Yeah, no problem.
Car lease.
Coming.
Hi.
Hi.
I'm luisa archer.
We spoke earlier today.
Yeah, you said something about Jeannette having a baby.
Yes.
She gave birth to a boy this morning.
Hmm.
So I'm a grandmother.
Congratulations.
I'm, uh, 28.
Did you know that your daughter was pregnant? I thought she might be.
Did you know that, uh, she was living on the streets? Yeah.
When was the last time you saw her? You know, I don't know.
A couple months ago, maybe.
Did you know where she was? She said she was in Pittsburgh.
You know, I don't go up there.
I got no reason to, but she said she liked it enough.
Mrs.
munday, I came down here this afternoon to inform you that there's going to be a shelter hearing.
Uh, basically, a judge is going to be deciding where to place your daughter and her son.
It's going to be in Pittsburgh tomorrow afternoon.
And I'm supposed to come? Well, if you want to request to the court that your daughter be returned home, yes.
Yeah, well, she won't stay.
So then you won't be there? I don't need a judge telling me what a bad parent I was.
Great.
Your honor, Jeannette munday was living on the streets until yesterday when she was admitted to Saint Sophia's hospital after giving birth to a baby boy.
Uh, we need to have a placement for her and the baby so they can be together.
Miss Shaw, you represent the newborn? Yes, your honor.
Your recommendation? Adjudicate the baby dependent and place him in foster care.
Do we know who the baby's father is? A 16-year-old orphan named Denny Collins.
He's been living on the street with Jeannette.
He has the next shelter hearing.
And what is your recommendation? The infant care center has space for the baby.
And as to Ms.
munday? Jeannette has indicated that she wants to be with her boyfriend Denny and keep the baby.
Has social services talked to her about the possibility of putting her child up for adoption? He's my baby.
I'm not giving him away.
We haven't, but we will.
Until a more permanent option becomes available, Ms.
munday will be placed at the allegheny shelter for girls.
The child will be placed at the infant care facility until a foster family is located.
Ok.
It's ok.
Denny.
Denny.
Jeannette, listen.
They said-- Jeannette.
Will you marry me? Yeah.
I mean, can we? I don't know, but if we could? Yeah.
Cool.
Ok, sorry.
Judge damsen doesn't like to wait.
Come on.
What are the child's wishes? Mr.
Collins wants to marry his girlfriend Jeannette munday and raise their child.
Ok.
Mr.
Collins, your intentions, while honorable, would be taken more seriously by the court if you could demonstrate that there would be some reasonable chance of success.
What do I got to do? Emancipate yourself.
Emancifate? Pate.
Get a job.
Find a suitable place to live for yourself and the child.
Enroll in school.
Complete a parenting class.
Wait.
I--I want to write this down.
Mr.
fallin can explain the requirements, and until that comes to pass, I'm placing you in the cumberland school for boys.
forward-looking earnings puts us at 210 million.
What's your client's real number? What's yours? He was hoping to get to 150.
We were thinking about the bond payment you have due.
They can renegotiate.
It'll cost 'em something, but not $30 million.
You got any ideas? Client willing to sell the company in pieces? What are you thinking about? Knock out some of the dead wood, bring the price down.
Do you care about the art? No.
Knock off $2 million.
How about the corporate apartments? Another $8 million or so.
Mm-hmm.
We're getting there.
We're down to, uh Uh, the jet.
You want the jet? How much will it save us? Another 15.
Can you take 155 to your client? Done.
I'll get the paperwork started.
Good.
Talk to you this afternoon.
Ok.
Great.
Hank! Jake straka.
We--we worked the phones together at the qed fund-raiser last summer.
Right, right.
How are kerry and John? They're fine, thanks.
They're--they're what, 5 and 8? That's right.
That's right.
It's good to see you, Jake.
Jake, good to see you.
You got a minute? I'm, uh I'm hearing all kinds of things, Nick.
Uh, that we might merge.
That, uh-- can you shut the door? That Barry landsberg might become the new managing partner, that bill Gordon's taking his crew over to kirk & McGee It's just talk.
Look, Nick, everyone knows that Burton handed meyers off to you, and people get a little nervous about the rest of your father's clients.
"People"? All your father has to do is set up a few dinners, slap a few backs, and say, "you remember my son Nicholas, don't you?" If you were to take over the firm I would back that idea.
Why are you telling me this, Jake? Soon as Burton names you partner, all the heavy hitters are gonna run for the door, and they're gonna take every associate and every client that they possible can, and you're gonna need to be ready.
You're gonna need a strong number 2.
And that would be you? Look, Nick, I--I don't mean to be personal, but Your people skills kind of suck, and--and you're gonna need someone who can give their-- make the clients just feel good about themselves.
Someone to do the ass-kissing.
All I want is to be partner.
That's it.
I don't care about putting my name on the door.
Think about it.
Thanks for your help.
Night.
Legal services of Pittsburgh.
Jeannette? Wh-where are you? Where are you? You--you want to meet there? Ok.
Ok.
I'll-- I'll meet you.
What's wrong? Jeannette munday.
She just said they're in trouble.
They ran away? They're going over to my house.
Will you check the rooms? Sure.
Anything? No.
This is a great house.
Hmm.
Yeah, that's what I thought at first.
No, it is.
All the details are original.
It must be 100 years old.
They don't build houses like this anymore.
It's a great house.
Hmm.
Well, Brian wants to completely renovate it.
Just tear everything out.
No.
You can't do that.
You--you ruin the scale.
I mean it There's nothing that you can build new that Is anywhere near as beautiful as what's here already.
I don't know.
I mean, the price was right, and I've always wanted to live in the city, but it's been nothing but trouble ever since we went into escrow.
I mean, really.
The--the furnace doesn't work, uh, we get that easement thing, and, uh, the inspector told us that the pipes could burst.
You know, when I bought my house, I, uh It's overwhelming.
Yeah.
You just do what you need to do and Just keep going.
I guess.
You'll get your pipes fixed, and And bit by bit, you'll put more of yourself into the place, and eventually, it'll become your home.
They're here.
Hey.
Ok, Jeanette.
Slow down, Jeanette.
Jeanette, calm down.
Talk to me.
Tell me what happened.
Come here.
Shh.
Shh.
Shh.
Jeanette, just give me the baby.
We were--we were at the hospital visiting the baby, and we realized that at the end of that hour, they were just gonna take him away from us, and he's ours, you know? I know.
He's ours, so we picked him up, and we went out the back door.
It was easy, but he slept the first hour, and when he woke up, he pooped, and he was really hungry.
We didn't even have a diaper.
No one ever taught me how to breast-feed 'cause they just thought I wasn't a mother.
We can't have a baby on the street like that.
It's not that we don't want him.
He just deserves better.
All right, you understand that we have to take him back to the hospital now, right? So we'll just--you're gonna have to answer at court tomorrow.
We have to go now.
Yeah.
Come on.
We blew it, didn't we? We blew it.
Come on, Jeanette.
Nice work.
Thank you.
Yeah.
How'd you get there? Carved out the nonstrategic assets.
You what? They have about 30 million in nonessential assets on their books.
Mr.
cowens agreed to our price if we-- you're kidding me.
Well, it's very simple.
Very simple.
Mr.
meyers? Mr.
meyers? I gotta speak to your father.
Nicholas? I don't know what his problem is.
I got him the deal that he wanted.
Son, you carved out exactly what he wanted to buy.
No, it's a food company.
The nonstrategic assets are dead wood.
What do you think he wanted to buy? Moorpark foods.
Try again.
Well, clearly the assets that go along with the company.
What he wanted was a bland food unit.
Something makes a little profit, something to complement the rest of his company's holdings.
Now, I can think of a half a dozen companies exactly like that.
Right.
But they don't have a gulfstream jet.
WellWell, then, the guy's an idiot.
He's an idiot.
If he wanted the plane, then why didn't he tell me he wanted the plane? If he wants a plane, then why doesn't he just buy a plane? Look.
Hey, he's a c.
E.
O.
, Nicholas.
He's not an owner.
He can't afford to buy a jet plane.
So I take the fall because he can't afford his own plane? Hey, whatever, ok? You got a problem, all right? Now fix it.
Social services has filed a petition to terminate your parental rights.
They're asking the courts to take your baby away from you.
Why do they want to do that? Because you're 15 and you're homeless and because you ran away with your baby and, in their opinion, you endangered his life.
I did not.
Jeanette, you--you gave birth in an empty house that you had broken into.
Don't you understand? They're looking at you, and they're thinking there's no way they can trust you with the life of a baby.
Is that what you think? It doesn't matter what I think.
Social services sees you as a problem.
Now, unless you can prove to them that you can commit and be responsible to a child, they will not hesitate to take your baby away from you.
The judge said we could do things, though, right? There are things, yeah.
If I got a job, found a place for us to live, and took some parenting classes.
That would be a start.
I could do that and marry Jeanette.
Wouldn't that fix it? I can't guarantee that.
We're gonna do it anyway.
Ok.
Can I talk to you, Jeanette? Yeah.
No one's gonna hire me.
I mean, I don't even have a high school diploma.
Who ran the electricity and the gas to that house? Me.
You did? You know that's illegal? How? Well, I got these alligator clamps from a car, and then I tied into the main upstream of the meter.
Then I figured out a way to set it up to 110 with this old transformer I found.
I might be able to get you a job.
I'll make some calls.
Thanks.
Marrying Denny is a huge decision, you know? I mean, this could be for the rest of your life, and, at 15, you can't possibly see who you are or what you want to do.
How old do I have to be, then? I don't mean it like that.
I--I think that age is-- I love him.
I love him a lot.
I know you do, but the problem is, Denny can't provide for you.
He can't help you get an education.
He can't--he can't even really help provide for your child.
Yeah, but neither can I.
Ok, let's say you go and you do this.
Then what happens? What's next? Do I have to know that? I mean, I don't know what's gonna happen next.
Do you? Look at me.
My mom had me when she was 14, and she kicked me out when I was 12.
And every guy I ever met took advantage of me.
All of 'em-- except Denny.
I mean, he just loves me, and--and I feel safe with him.
I'm sure you have strong feelings for-- it's way more than that.
I can't live without him, and he can't live without me.
I need to put the nonstrategic assets back into the deal.
We can give you the art and the apartments for, say, 5 million.
What about the plane? The plane's gone.
It's gone? Yeah.
We made the deal.
I immediately sold the gulfstream to Harold Franklin.
Can you get it back? I don't think so.
Guy's been looking for a plane like this for years.
Ok, uh What if we cut him a check for 100 grand just to walk away.
Nick, the guy makes that in a day.
He really wanted this plane.
Done.
Good.
You think you salvaged this deal? We can get the plane back from Franklin for 300,000.
It's ok.
I spoke to cowens.
He's gonna knock it off the price of the company, so we still close at 152.
5.
So we're good, right? Wrong.
Well, I don't understand.
The plane is in the deal.
Son, I can't write a company check to a real estate developer for $300,000 so that I can get back a private jet.
My board would crucify me.
I hate being screwed.
I understand.
If it were I'm the same way, absolutely the same way.
So I really appreciate it.
It's a pleasure.
It's a pleasure.
Absolutely.
Anytime.
Ok.
What was that about? I saved him 80 bucks a month on his lease.
You'd think he'd won the lottery.
Good for you.
You know, we could work together on this thing.
See, his father was a pilot.
His brother's got a corporate jet, you know.
Hey, did you ever hear of sisley foods? Yeah.
They're similar to moorpark.
A bit more expensive, but they're in play.
They got this beauty of a nonstrategic asset, a lear 35.
Thank you.
Counselors, you've filed which should be considered individually.
Uh, your honor, they're all working toward the same goal, the 2 emancipation petitions free this couple to marry, and the third requests permission from the court to grant their marriage, since Ms.
munday is under 16.
And the baby's custody hearing? It's scheduled for tomorrow, your honor.
Very well.
We will consider them concurrently.
Let's begin with Mr.
Collins.
Uh, your honor, we ask that the court emancipate him and close his case.
Mr.
Collins took a position as handyman at riverbrook country club.
The job pays $7 an hour.
It includes housing and 2 meals a day.
You have documentation? Permission to approach.
Ms.
archer, what about Ms.
munday? Jeanette has not lived at home since mid-2000, and she's now enrolled in a special charter school that provides day care and parenting classes to young mothers.
And what grade will she be in? Seventh.
And where will she live? If you grant the emancipation, she will live with Denny.
Ms.
solt, what's your recommendation? They should stay in foster care.
They won't stay there.
They should.
Well, even if they should, they won't stay there.
They're a couple.
They want to stay together.
Mr.
fallin.
Mr.
Collins, do you believe you can keep your job and be a responsible partner to Ms.
munday? Yeah, I can.
I will.
Then I will emancipate Jeanette munday and Denny Collins.
Uh, your honor, your honor, the marriage petition.
Do your clients realize that this will not impact my decision regarding the custody of the baby? Yes.
This is about me and Jeanette.
Then I will grant permission for this marriage to occur.
So Jake negotiated the sisley foods deal, and meyers is pleased.
What'd they pay for it? That's expensive, but the client's happy.
That's all that matters.
Nicholas, you know, there's the work of work, and there's the pleasure of it.
I always-- I always tried to get involved with my clients so I could get a better understanding of what it is they really wanted.
That's what this place is built on.
Now, then, if I'm selected for the bench, I have got to know that whoever takes over for me feels exactly the same way.
Otherwise, this place that I built will just, uh, disappear.
Well, how about some lunch? I gotta be somewhere.
Your honor, as it stands, this infant faces uncertain prospects: Either a life in the foster care system or, worse, living with parents who are themselves children, who, in the first day of the infant's life, demonstrated contempt for its welfare by kidnapping it from the hospital.
I have 44 suitable families in the Pittsburgh area waiting for the chance to adopt, but if this case drags on for years, and we've all seen that happen, it will become progressively more difficult to find an adoptive home for this baby.
Social services filed for this parental rights termination out of compassion for the child.
I agree, and urge the court to act expeditiously.
Ms.
archer? The infant's mother opposes the termination of her rights, and she plans to become a suitable mother for her child.
She's taking parenting classes.
She wants to establish a household with Mr.
Collins, and, as you know, they plan to marry.
In hopes of getting her baby back? Well, yes.
The baby is very important to her.
Mr.
fallin, what about the father? Well, you know his situation.
He has a job.
He has housing.
He just wants to be a father to his child.
I'm not prepared to terminate the parental rights of this couple at this time.
Time is of the essence, your honor.
Ms.
solt, I'm aware of your opinion.
But neither am I ready to give the baby to Mr.
Collins or Ms.
munday.
The child will stay in foster care, and the parents will be allowed supervised visitation.
We will revisit this issue I mean, we'll get to see him, but how much time does that mean? Can I sometimes sleep over there, holding the baby? That's gonna be between you and the foster home.
But you don't think so? We're gonna contact you sometime between now and your next court date, ok? And if you have any questions in the meantime, you can call us at the office.
Hey, we need one more thing.
The guy that does the weddings is up on the ninth floor.
You're doing that today? We want you to be our witnesses.
All right, all right.
Let's go, let's go.
Here's your receipt.
Would you like to exchange your vows now? Ok.
Will you, denton Collins, take Jeanette munday to be your lawfully wedded wife? Say, "I will.
" I will.
And will you, Jeanette munday, take denton Collins to be your lawfully wedded husband? Say, "I will.
" I will.
Are you the witnesses? Mm-hmm.
By the powers vested in me by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I pronounce you husband and wife.
Congratulations.
Thank you so much.
We took our stuff out of your house, and we left you a little thank-you.
There's something for you, too, Mr.
fallin.
Oh, you didn't have to.
Oh, I wanted to, man.
You should change the locks on your door.
Think it'll work? No, I don't.
Well, if you didn't believe in them, then why'd you have them get married? It's what they wanted.
And that's it? Nothing more than that? No, nothing more than that.
You know, I really don't get you.
What'd they do? Ohh.
Wow.
They did all this.
Well, it's gonna be some work, but you can see the potential this place has.
You think so? Oh, yeah.
There's this guy on Carson street.
He has all these original details-- lamps and knobs and stuff.
Just seems like so much work.
It is.
It is.
When you pay for your plumbing and lamps or anything like that, it's not such a bad feeling 'cause you own it.
It's your place.
Nick? Yeah? I don't think I want this place.
Ok.
Just all seems like so much, you know? This house and weddings and decisions.
I don't think I want to do what I'm about to do.
Sweetheart? It's Brian.
Lulu, are you in there? Hey.
Hey, I called the clinic.
They said you were here.
Hey, Nick.
Wow.
Did you-- did you do all this? Heh.
Kind of a long story, hon.
We just ended up working with those kids, you know, and it ended up to be a real love story.
Yeah, well, I, uh, I'm gonna have to get back to work.
Ok.
I'll see ya.
- All right.
- See you later.
Yeah, I'll see you later.
Anyway, they got married, and the boy did all this.
Drug money? No.
He was trying to buy the club, and the deal soured.
It, uh-- earnest money.
You're his lawyer? I'm his probationer.
Why were you doing legal work for your probation officer? My periodic review was coming up, and heHe asked me to.
Did he promise you'd get a good report if you helped him? Is there anyone who can confirm your account of the events? Mandy gressler.
The one you say is the shooter? Yes.
Know where we can find her? No.
Sure she's alive? Yes.
Last I saw.
Is there anyone who isn't dead or missing that can confirm your account? No.
No, uh, no, there isn't.
I need that jacket.
I need that shirt.
Now? If you don't mind.
Better throw in that tie, too.
You absolutely did the right thing by going in voluntarily.
I mean, they would have caught up to you soon enough, and it would have looked like you were trying to hide something.
It could have been a lot worse.
How? How?! They could have locked you up on a probation violation just for being in that bar.
Well, what happens next? Get some sleep and forget about it.
All right.
Lulu just told me she asked you to come.
Can I see the papers? So, anyway, thank you.
Hey.
Hey.
Uh, I didn't really understand a word she was saying.
Something about, uh, neighbors in a fight over a tree.
Ok.
In 1956 that lady conveyed right-of-way of 2 1/2 feet toward your house, the house you're buying, "for the protection and preservation of the walnut tree.
" Where is it? Where's the walnut tree? Well, uh, that's what I think she was saying, - that it died.
- Ok.
So whose land is it? Well, technically, it's hers, but you get to use it.
No, I don't like it.
Well, she sues you and wins, they could move the property line 30 inches toward your house.
Somebody just went by.
Somebody's in there.
Somebody-- what? Somebody just went by the window.
Is--is someone in there? Come on out! This is not your house.
Come on out! Hang on.
Here.
Hold this.
Do you have a key? Yeah.
Thank you.
Hello? Hello?! I saw them in there.
I'm calling the cops.
Hi.
My name's Brian Olsen.
There's a light on, and I didn't turn the power on here.
- Don't! - Nick, wait for the police.
My girlfriend's having a baby.
I am sentencing you to using your skills as a corporate attorney to work as a child advocate.
I'm supposed to be back in Columbus in 4 hours.
Well, you should get going, then.
I feel bad just leaving things like this.
No, it's ok.
You were great with those kids.
Ok.
I'll call you later.
Ok.
Drive carefully.
Hey, thanks for helping out, Nick.
Bye.
Baby's a boy.
He looks very healthy.
Jeannette's resting.
When do we get to take him home? You don't.
Why? Denny, your girlfriend's 15, and you're Baby's gonna be in foster care for a while.
Am I gonna see him? You can visit, and so can Jeannette.
You just can't keep the baby for now.
We'll find a place for you in the shelter until we can locate your parents.
My parents are dead.
You'll have to stay in the shelter for now.
Jeannette? She'll be here for 2 days, and then we'll find a place for her, too.
Why can't we be kept together? I'm sorry, Denny.
You'll be assigned a lawyer to represent you in court.
Hey.
II only saw him for a second.
They--they weighed him and--and did tests, and they let me hold him, then they took him away.
I know.
I want our baby, Denny.
I know.
Some lady came and talked to me.
She said we can't keep him 'cause we're too young.
I want our baby.
I want our baby.
Morning.
Morning.
So, Nicholas If I get this thing, this judgeship-- if I get it-- I decided I, uh I want you to have the firm.
Not because you're my son.
Because you're an excellent lawyer.
Thank you.
Now, I'd like to get some things into play right away.
Ok.
First of all, I want to give you some of my clients so you'll have the leverage over those other guys who'd like to take control over this place.
Ok.
And that will be, I promise you, one of the nastiest fights you'll ever be in.
I'm ready.
Good.
I'd like to get started today.
Good.
Wade meyers.
My board of directors think we need a food products division.
Well, actually, that sounds like a pretty good fit.
Beverages, pet food I'm looking at The front-runner is moorpark foods.
If we can get a good price, I want to buy it before the end of the quarter.
So you happy with the, uh, Spanish joint venture we set up for you? Sure.
Thing throws awful lots of cash.
Banco Gibraltar is still bitching that we put up no money and got all the control.
Nick did about 99% of the work on that.
Nice work.
Just don't try to show your face in Spain.
Heh heh heh heh.
Right.
So, wade, what I was thinking is why don't we, uh, just let Nick, uh, take the lead on this one.
I'm real easy to understand, Nick.
Ok.
You get me what I want when I want at my price, then I won't be missing your father too much.
Ok? Ok.
Ok.
Wade, always good to see you.
Thank you.
Take care.
Be sure to say hi to Betty Jean for me.
I certainly will.
I look forward to it.
Take care.
See you, wade.
So, you ready, uh, ready for this? Yeah.
Where you going? Clinic.
What's the situation? Jeannette munday.
She's, uh, 15 years old, from green county on the West Virginia line.
Have you contacted the parents? I spoke to her mother this morning on the phone, and I'm gonna ride out there later today to see her.
Can she be placed there? We'll see.
I'm hoping that she'll take both her daughter and the baby.
I've contacted green county.
The home visit's done, the criminal and child abuse check should be completed pretty soon.
Nick, what did you find out about the boy? Uh, kid's name is Denny Collins.
He's 16.
His father died 3 years ago.
No mother.
He ran away from his shelter in St.
Louis.
Best guess is he's been living on the streets ever since.
Laurie, what are you thinking? It's pretty simple.
The baby's in foster care.
He'll probably stay there unless the grandmother can prove that she can handle raising him, which is unlikely, given the way she's handled her teenage daughter.
Baby'll probably end up in foster care.
Ok, sounds clean.
Uh, Alvin, they, uh, they want the baby, and they want to stay together.
Are you kidding? No.
I talked to both of them, and that's what they want.
They're 2 homeless teenagers.
I'm just telling you.
There's no way I'm recommending that for the baby.
Well, that's the position I'm gonna take in court.
Laurie? You got a moment? Sure.
Did I do something to make you angry? No.
I'm sorry I didn't answer your calls.
Your messages were Great.
But I'm kind of set in my ways.
I have my work, 2 kids, a grandchild.
Whatever spare time I have I like to spend with them.
Laurie, I I invited you to a play.
You're reading way too much into this.
I get a lot more out of this job than a paycheck, Alvin.
And I love working with you.
I'm afraid if we date, we'll put it all at risk, that we might ruin it.
Ok.
Moorpark foods does about $300 million in revenue.
They're growing at 7% a year.
Balance sheet is clean except for a fair amount of nonstrategic assets.
They have some art, a jet, corporate apartments, but it's a good company.
Why do you think they're selling? Window dressing.
Consumer staples are out of favor on wall street.
Maybe.
What do you think? In 1998, the parent company floated a billion in high-yield bonds to expand their cable business.
They have a payment due on the first of the month for $146 million.
They're not gonna make it.
Really? SoYou think you could talk 'em into taking, say150? They need the money.
Well, if they take it, hit the bid before they come to their senses.
I like you, Nick.
Always willing to kick a man when he's down.
Oh, while you're at it, I'm leasing an s-500.
I think kleiner automotive is screwing me.
Could you take a look at that lease for me, please? Is that wade meyers? Yeah.
So what happened? Your dad just gave him to you? Look, if there's anything I can do for you, just let me know, ok? Oh.
This is his car lease.
You want to look over it? Yeah, no problem.
Car lease.
Coming.
Hi.
Hi.
I'm luisa archer.
We spoke earlier today.
Yeah, you said something about Jeannette having a baby.
Yes.
She gave birth to a boy this morning.
Hmm.
So I'm a grandmother.
Congratulations.
I'm, uh, 28.
Did you know that your daughter was pregnant? I thought she might be.
Did you know that, uh, she was living on the streets? Yeah.
When was the last time you saw her? You know, I don't know.
A couple months ago, maybe.
Did you know where she was? She said she was in Pittsburgh.
You know, I don't go up there.
I got no reason to, but she said she liked it enough.
Mrs.
munday, I came down here this afternoon to inform you that there's going to be a shelter hearing.
Uh, basically, a judge is going to be deciding where to place your daughter and her son.
It's going to be in Pittsburgh tomorrow afternoon.
And I'm supposed to come? Well, if you want to request to the court that your daughter be returned home, yes.
Yeah, well, she won't stay.
So then you won't be there? I don't need a judge telling me what a bad parent I was.
Great.
Your honor, Jeannette munday was living on the streets until yesterday when she was admitted to Saint Sophia's hospital after giving birth to a baby boy.
Uh, we need to have a placement for her and the baby so they can be together.
Miss Shaw, you represent the newborn? Yes, your honor.
Your recommendation? Adjudicate the baby dependent and place him in foster care.
Do we know who the baby's father is? A 16-year-old orphan named Denny Collins.
He's been living on the street with Jeannette.
He has the next shelter hearing.
And what is your recommendation? The infant care center has space for the baby.
And as to Ms.
munday? Jeannette has indicated that she wants to be with her boyfriend Denny and keep the baby.
Has social services talked to her about the possibility of putting her child up for adoption? He's my baby.
I'm not giving him away.
We haven't, but we will.
Until a more permanent option becomes available, Ms.
munday will be placed at the allegheny shelter for girls.
The child will be placed at the infant care facility until a foster family is located.
Ok.
It's ok.
Denny.
Denny.
Jeannette, listen.
They said-- Jeannette.
Will you marry me? Yeah.
I mean, can we? I don't know, but if we could? Yeah.
Cool.
Ok, sorry.
Judge damsen doesn't like to wait.
Come on.
What are the child's wishes? Mr.
Collins wants to marry his girlfriend Jeannette munday and raise their child.
Ok.
Mr.
Collins, your intentions, while honorable, would be taken more seriously by the court if you could demonstrate that there would be some reasonable chance of success.
What do I got to do? Emancipate yourself.
Emancifate? Pate.
Get a job.
Find a suitable place to live for yourself and the child.
Enroll in school.
Complete a parenting class.
Wait.
I--I want to write this down.
Mr.
fallin can explain the requirements, and until that comes to pass, I'm placing you in the cumberland school for boys.
forward-looking earnings puts us at 210 million.
What's your client's real number? What's yours? He was hoping to get to 150.
We were thinking about the bond payment you have due.
They can renegotiate.
It'll cost 'em something, but not $30 million.
You got any ideas? Client willing to sell the company in pieces? What are you thinking about? Knock out some of the dead wood, bring the price down.
Do you care about the art? No.
Knock off $2 million.
How about the corporate apartments? Another $8 million or so.
Mm-hmm.
We're getting there.
We're down to, uh Uh, the jet.
You want the jet? How much will it save us? Another 15.
Can you take 155 to your client? Done.
I'll get the paperwork started.
Good.
Talk to you this afternoon.
Ok.
Great.
Hank! Jake straka.
We--we worked the phones together at the qed fund-raiser last summer.
Right, right.
How are kerry and John? They're fine, thanks.
They're--they're what, 5 and 8? That's right.
That's right.
It's good to see you, Jake.
Jake, good to see you.
You got a minute? I'm, uh I'm hearing all kinds of things, Nick.
Uh, that we might merge.
That, uh-- can you shut the door? That Barry landsberg might become the new managing partner, that bill Gordon's taking his crew over to kirk & McGee It's just talk.
Look, Nick, everyone knows that Burton handed meyers off to you, and people get a little nervous about the rest of your father's clients.
"People"? All your father has to do is set up a few dinners, slap a few backs, and say, "you remember my son Nicholas, don't you?" If you were to take over the firm I would back that idea.
Why are you telling me this, Jake? Soon as Burton names you partner, all the heavy hitters are gonna run for the door, and they're gonna take every associate and every client that they possible can, and you're gonna need to be ready.
You're gonna need a strong number 2.
And that would be you? Look, Nick, I--I don't mean to be personal, but Your people skills kind of suck, and--and you're gonna need someone who can give their-- make the clients just feel good about themselves.
Someone to do the ass-kissing.
All I want is to be partner.
That's it.
I don't care about putting my name on the door.
Think about it.
Thanks for your help.
Night.
Legal services of Pittsburgh.
Jeannette? Wh-where are you? Where are you? You--you want to meet there? Ok.
Ok.
I'll-- I'll meet you.
What's wrong? Jeannette munday.
She just said they're in trouble.
They ran away? They're going over to my house.
Will you check the rooms? Sure.
Anything? No.
This is a great house.
Hmm.
Yeah, that's what I thought at first.
No, it is.
All the details are original.
It must be 100 years old.
They don't build houses like this anymore.
It's a great house.
Hmm.
Well, Brian wants to completely renovate it.
Just tear everything out.
No.
You can't do that.
You--you ruin the scale.
I mean it There's nothing that you can build new that Is anywhere near as beautiful as what's here already.
I don't know.
I mean, the price was right, and I've always wanted to live in the city, but it's been nothing but trouble ever since we went into escrow.
I mean, really.
The--the furnace doesn't work, uh, we get that easement thing, and, uh, the inspector told us that the pipes could burst.
You know, when I bought my house, I, uh It's overwhelming.
Yeah.
You just do what you need to do and Just keep going.
I guess.
You'll get your pipes fixed, and And bit by bit, you'll put more of yourself into the place, and eventually, it'll become your home.
They're here.
Hey.
Ok, Jeanette.
Slow down, Jeanette.
Jeanette, calm down.
Talk to me.
Tell me what happened.
Come here.
Shh.
Shh.
Shh.
Jeanette, just give me the baby.
We were--we were at the hospital visiting the baby, and we realized that at the end of that hour, they were just gonna take him away from us, and he's ours, you know? I know.
He's ours, so we picked him up, and we went out the back door.
It was easy, but he slept the first hour, and when he woke up, he pooped, and he was really hungry.
We didn't even have a diaper.
No one ever taught me how to breast-feed 'cause they just thought I wasn't a mother.
We can't have a baby on the street like that.
It's not that we don't want him.
He just deserves better.
All right, you understand that we have to take him back to the hospital now, right? So we'll just--you're gonna have to answer at court tomorrow.
We have to go now.
Yeah.
Come on.
We blew it, didn't we? We blew it.
Come on, Jeanette.
Nice work.
Thank you.
Yeah.
How'd you get there? Carved out the nonstrategic assets.
You what? They have about 30 million in nonessential assets on their books.
Mr.
cowens agreed to our price if we-- you're kidding me.
Well, it's very simple.
Very simple.
Mr.
meyers? Mr.
meyers? I gotta speak to your father.
Nicholas? I don't know what his problem is.
I got him the deal that he wanted.
Son, you carved out exactly what he wanted to buy.
No, it's a food company.
The nonstrategic assets are dead wood.
What do you think he wanted to buy? Moorpark foods.
Try again.
Well, clearly the assets that go along with the company.
What he wanted was a bland food unit.
Something makes a little profit, something to complement the rest of his company's holdings.
Now, I can think of a half a dozen companies exactly like that.
Right.
But they don't have a gulfstream jet.
WellWell, then, the guy's an idiot.
He's an idiot.
If he wanted the plane, then why didn't he tell me he wanted the plane? If he wants a plane, then why doesn't he just buy a plane? Look.
Hey, he's a c.
E.
O.
, Nicholas.
He's not an owner.
He can't afford to buy a jet plane.
So I take the fall because he can't afford his own plane? Hey, whatever, ok? You got a problem, all right? Now fix it.
Social services has filed a petition to terminate your parental rights.
They're asking the courts to take your baby away from you.
Why do they want to do that? Because you're 15 and you're homeless and because you ran away with your baby and, in their opinion, you endangered his life.
I did not.
Jeanette, you--you gave birth in an empty house that you had broken into.
Don't you understand? They're looking at you, and they're thinking there's no way they can trust you with the life of a baby.
Is that what you think? It doesn't matter what I think.
Social services sees you as a problem.
Now, unless you can prove to them that you can commit and be responsible to a child, they will not hesitate to take your baby away from you.
The judge said we could do things, though, right? There are things, yeah.
If I got a job, found a place for us to live, and took some parenting classes.
That would be a start.
I could do that and marry Jeanette.
Wouldn't that fix it? I can't guarantee that.
We're gonna do it anyway.
Ok.
Can I talk to you, Jeanette? Yeah.
No one's gonna hire me.
I mean, I don't even have a high school diploma.
Who ran the electricity and the gas to that house? Me.
You did? You know that's illegal? How? Well, I got these alligator clamps from a car, and then I tied into the main upstream of the meter.
Then I figured out a way to set it up to 110 with this old transformer I found.
I might be able to get you a job.
I'll make some calls.
Thanks.
Marrying Denny is a huge decision, you know? I mean, this could be for the rest of your life, and, at 15, you can't possibly see who you are or what you want to do.
How old do I have to be, then? I don't mean it like that.
I--I think that age is-- I love him.
I love him a lot.
I know you do, but the problem is, Denny can't provide for you.
He can't help you get an education.
He can't--he can't even really help provide for your child.
Yeah, but neither can I.
Ok, let's say you go and you do this.
Then what happens? What's next? Do I have to know that? I mean, I don't know what's gonna happen next.
Do you? Look at me.
My mom had me when she was 14, and she kicked me out when I was 12.
And every guy I ever met took advantage of me.
All of 'em-- except Denny.
I mean, he just loves me, and--and I feel safe with him.
I'm sure you have strong feelings for-- it's way more than that.
I can't live without him, and he can't live without me.
I need to put the nonstrategic assets back into the deal.
We can give you the art and the apartments for, say, 5 million.
What about the plane? The plane's gone.
It's gone? Yeah.
We made the deal.
I immediately sold the gulfstream to Harold Franklin.
Can you get it back? I don't think so.
Guy's been looking for a plane like this for years.
Ok, uh What if we cut him a check for 100 grand just to walk away.
Nick, the guy makes that in a day.
He really wanted this plane.
Done.
Good.
You think you salvaged this deal? We can get the plane back from Franklin for 300,000.
It's ok.
I spoke to cowens.
He's gonna knock it off the price of the company, so we still close at 152.
5.
So we're good, right? Wrong.
Well, I don't understand.
The plane is in the deal.
Son, I can't write a company check to a real estate developer for $300,000 so that I can get back a private jet.
My board would crucify me.
I hate being screwed.
I understand.
If it were I'm the same way, absolutely the same way.
So I really appreciate it.
It's a pleasure.
It's a pleasure.
Absolutely.
Anytime.
Ok.
What was that about? I saved him 80 bucks a month on his lease.
You'd think he'd won the lottery.
Good for you.
You know, we could work together on this thing.
See, his father was a pilot.
His brother's got a corporate jet, you know.
Hey, did you ever hear of sisley foods? Yeah.
They're similar to moorpark.
A bit more expensive, but they're in play.
They got this beauty of a nonstrategic asset, a lear 35.
Thank you.
Counselors, you've filed which should be considered individually.
Uh, your honor, they're all working toward the same goal, the 2 emancipation petitions free this couple to marry, and the third requests permission from the court to grant their marriage, since Ms.
munday is under 16.
And the baby's custody hearing? It's scheduled for tomorrow, your honor.
Very well.
We will consider them concurrently.
Let's begin with Mr.
Collins.
Uh, your honor, we ask that the court emancipate him and close his case.
Mr.
Collins took a position as handyman at riverbrook country club.
The job pays $7 an hour.
It includes housing and 2 meals a day.
You have documentation? Permission to approach.
Ms.
archer, what about Ms.
munday? Jeanette has not lived at home since mid-2000, and she's now enrolled in a special charter school that provides day care and parenting classes to young mothers.
And what grade will she be in? Seventh.
And where will she live? If you grant the emancipation, she will live with Denny.
Ms.
solt, what's your recommendation? They should stay in foster care.
They won't stay there.
They should.
Well, even if they should, they won't stay there.
They're a couple.
They want to stay together.
Mr.
fallin.
Mr.
Collins, do you believe you can keep your job and be a responsible partner to Ms.
munday? Yeah, I can.
I will.
Then I will emancipate Jeanette munday and Denny Collins.
Uh, your honor, your honor, the marriage petition.
Do your clients realize that this will not impact my decision regarding the custody of the baby? Yes.
This is about me and Jeanette.
Then I will grant permission for this marriage to occur.
So Jake negotiated the sisley foods deal, and meyers is pleased.
What'd they pay for it? That's expensive, but the client's happy.
That's all that matters.
Nicholas, you know, there's the work of work, and there's the pleasure of it.
I always-- I always tried to get involved with my clients so I could get a better understanding of what it is they really wanted.
That's what this place is built on.
Now, then, if I'm selected for the bench, I have got to know that whoever takes over for me feels exactly the same way.
Otherwise, this place that I built will just, uh, disappear.
Well, how about some lunch? I gotta be somewhere.
Your honor, as it stands, this infant faces uncertain prospects: Either a life in the foster care system or, worse, living with parents who are themselves children, who, in the first day of the infant's life, demonstrated contempt for its welfare by kidnapping it from the hospital.
I have 44 suitable families in the Pittsburgh area waiting for the chance to adopt, but if this case drags on for years, and we've all seen that happen, it will become progressively more difficult to find an adoptive home for this baby.
Social services filed for this parental rights termination out of compassion for the child.
I agree, and urge the court to act expeditiously.
Ms.
archer? The infant's mother opposes the termination of her rights, and she plans to become a suitable mother for her child.
She's taking parenting classes.
She wants to establish a household with Mr.
Collins, and, as you know, they plan to marry.
In hopes of getting her baby back? Well, yes.
The baby is very important to her.
Mr.
fallin, what about the father? Well, you know his situation.
He has a job.
He has housing.
He just wants to be a father to his child.
I'm not prepared to terminate the parental rights of this couple at this time.
Time is of the essence, your honor.
Ms.
solt, I'm aware of your opinion.
But neither am I ready to give the baby to Mr.
Collins or Ms.
munday.
The child will stay in foster care, and the parents will be allowed supervised visitation.
We will revisit this issue I mean, we'll get to see him, but how much time does that mean? Can I sometimes sleep over there, holding the baby? That's gonna be between you and the foster home.
But you don't think so? We're gonna contact you sometime between now and your next court date, ok? And if you have any questions in the meantime, you can call us at the office.
Hey, we need one more thing.
The guy that does the weddings is up on the ninth floor.
You're doing that today? We want you to be our witnesses.
All right, all right.
Let's go, let's go.
Here's your receipt.
Would you like to exchange your vows now? Ok.
Will you, denton Collins, take Jeanette munday to be your lawfully wedded wife? Say, "I will.
" I will.
And will you, Jeanette munday, take denton Collins to be your lawfully wedded husband? Say, "I will.
" I will.
Are you the witnesses? Mm-hmm.
By the powers vested in me by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I pronounce you husband and wife.
Congratulations.
Thank you so much.
We took our stuff out of your house, and we left you a little thank-you.
There's something for you, too, Mr.
fallin.
Oh, you didn't have to.
Oh, I wanted to, man.
You should change the locks on your door.
Think it'll work? No, I don't.
Well, if you didn't believe in them, then why'd you have them get married? It's what they wanted.
And that's it? Nothing more than that? No, nothing more than that.
You know, I really don't get you.
What'd they do? Ohh.
Wow.
They did all this.
Well, it's gonna be some work, but you can see the potential this place has.
You think so? Oh, yeah.
There's this guy on Carson street.
He has all these original details-- lamps and knobs and stuff.
Just seems like so much work.
It is.
It is.
When you pay for your plumbing and lamps or anything like that, it's not such a bad feeling 'cause you own it.
It's your place.
Nick? Yeah? I don't think I want this place.
Ok.
Just all seems like so much, you know? This house and weddings and decisions.
I don't think I want to do what I'm about to do.
Sweetheart? It's Brian.
Lulu, are you in there? Hey.
Hey, I called the clinic.
They said you were here.
Hey, Nick.
Wow.
Did you-- did you do all this? Heh.
Kind of a long story, hon.
We just ended up working with those kids, you know, and it ended up to be a real love story.
Yeah, well, I, uh, I'm gonna have to get back to work.
Ok.
I'll see ya.
- All right.
- See you later.
Yeah, I'll see you later.
Anyway, they got married, and the boy did all this.