Murder in the First (2014) s03e07 Episode Script
Let's Make a Deal
1 - Hey.
- Hey.
- Thanks for saving me a seat.
- Good morning.
Morning.
How was the, uh How was the date with Burnside? Oh, it was good.
Actually, I decided that we're not gonna date anymore, so Huh.
Is that why you sent me the midnight "Thinking of you" text? [Chuckles.]
No, it was just an impulse, okay? [Sighs.]
I guess I was just thinking about you.
Thinking about me.
Okay.
What were you thinking, hmm? Can we just not make this a big deal, please? Yes, let's let's not make it a big deal.
Bailiff: All rise.
The Honorable Judge Teresa Klein presiding.
Be seated.
In the matter of The People of the State of California vs.
Andrew Stewart Lippman, counsel, your appearances, please.
Good morning, Your Honor.
Martin Reardon, on behalf of the People.
Kenneth Burrows for Mr.
Lippman.
State the charge, Mr.
Reardon.
The charge is murder in the first degree, pursuant to California Penal Code 187, with special circumstances pursuant to section 190.
2, Your Honor.
Mr.
Burrows, does your client waive the reading of the complaint in its entirety? He does, Your Honor.
State the maximum penalty for the charge, Mr.
Reardon.
Maximum penalty is life without parole or the death penalty, Your Honor.
Mr.
Lippman, how do you plead to the charge against you, guilty or not guilty? Definitely not guilty, Your Honor.
Your Honor, considering the murder-for-hire special circumstances, the state would request that bail be denied since this is a capital case.
- Your Honor - No need to argue it, Mr.
Burrows.
Bail is denied.
[Indistinct conversations.]
Inspectors, my client would like to have a word with you.
Regarding? Come see him and find out.
He's waiting for you.
Let's go.
I am an attorney, so I understand the pressure on Reardon now that he's in the big office, but I am not the guy.
Yes, I had access to Alicia's house and, by extension, that gun, but so did dozens of other people.
There's staff, party guests, friends of all kinds, hers and Normandy's, including Billy James.
All right, you could argue the fact that the gun was taken out of her house at any time, but how was it put back in and found under her bed after the murder? Alicia really didn't have that much time for entertaining - between Normandy's death and her overdose.
- No.
What do you think, we should look at the the housekeepers? No.
Why don't you look at her father? Paul Barnes? He's a textbook sociopath.
What do you mean? Yeah, he acts like the doting dad, always putting Alicia's life concerns first.
The guy is a crazy control freak with a nasty temper.
And, man, did he hate Normandy.
You hated Normandy, too.
Yes, fine.
I wasn't Normandy's biggest fan at the beginning.
He's a decent guy.
Look, I-I was grateful that he kicked Daddy Dearest out of her life.
Normandy kicked out Barnes? Why? I don't know.
I-I-I didn't ask.
I didn't care.
Look, gone was good enough for me.
When did this happen, exactly? A few months ago.
Paul did not take the news well.
So that's why Alicia had a restraining order out on Barnes.
Yeah.
Best decision she's made in months.
Acute myocardial infarction.
Ruptured plaque.
Class IV atherosclerosis.
Left ventricle enlarged and thin-walled.
Possib Hey! - Oh! - How are you? Am I getting you at a bad time? No, this is a good time.
This is Mrs.
Nussbaum.
I don't think she'll mind.
[Both chuckle.]
Okay, um, uh I just I just wanted to come by and and tell you that it's been it's been really nice getting to know you outside of work.
Ah, you too.
But I just, uh I don't I don't really think we're right There's no chemistry, huh? Same for you? Yeah.
It was kind of a surprise, 'cause you're so Well, you're you.
[Chuckles.]
And, um, yeah, so, last night, after I went home, I called my wife.
Um, we had this really good talk, so we decided we're gonna try to work on things, you know, with the kids and all, and try That's great.
That That's great.
- Yeah.
- I'm happy to hear that.
Um, we're good, though, right, me and you? Yeah, totally good.
Okay.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I'll see you around.
Over my dead body.
[Both chuckle.]
Oh.
[Ringing.]
This is Serena Parrish of The Parrish Report.
[Beeps.]
Hey, Serena.
It's Jim again.
I-I'm just checking in about lunch.
Um, I made a reservation at Piccolino, or, uh, we can order in.
Uh, I just I just need to be back in the office by 2:00.
Either way, uh, give me a ring back, okay? Bye.
Hey, we got 24 hours.
Why don't we just settle up here instead of on the old proverbial courthouse steps? What would that take? Misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, no jail time? That's right where you started, Al.
You haven't budged.
Look, Mario's political life is over.
The civil case will wipe out his assets.
At least give him a chance to practice law and make a living.
"Slap on the Wrist for Drunk D.
A.
" That's what a misdemeanor sounds like.
Graciela Ramirez is still dead.
Look, you and I can work out a statement to make it look right in the public eye.
Walters won't go for manslaughter.
That's a win for the office.
[Chuckling.]
Do you honestly think that your evidence proves beyond a reasonable doubt? Let the jury of his peers decide.
You know, I came up here in good faith that you would take this to the top, but I didn't realize that you were making unilateral decisions for the attorney general now.
Fine.
I'll run it by him.
Hey, Serena, it's Jim.
Serena.
Serena? Hey, hey.
Oh, shit.
[Gun cocks.]
- [Ringing.]
- Woman: 911.
What's the nature of your emergency? This is Lieutenant Koto, Homicide.
I'm at 348 Bennington Street, Apartment H.
I have an unconscious female, 30s.
No pulse.
Obvious signs of trauma.
I need an ambulance and a squad here immediately.
[Radio chatter.]
Hey.
Who called it in? Lieutenant Koto did.
How long? Liver's almost at room temp.
She's in full rigor.
Um, 20, 24 hours.
Protrusion is a fracture of the cervical vertebrae, C4 or C5.
COD was a broken neck, and defensive wounds indicate she may have fought back.
That doesn't surprise me.
Maybe she left a little bit of the killer's skin underneath those fingernails.
I'm gonna get her back to the morgue and find that out.
Uh, the, uh, door was open.
No signs of forced entry.
So, if she let someone in, she knew them.
Yeah.
Her laptop, iPad, and phone are all missing.
This is the third body that, somehow, is related to the Normandy Parker murder.
You think it's an ugly coincidence? Probably not.
Serena was the source of the tip about Luke wagging a gun at Normandy in the locker room.
Luke Wedman? You think maybe he found out that she leaked it? I mean, if she decided to tell the story, she'd sink any chance he had for a new team.
That's That's real motive.
Well, we already know he beats women.
Luke's girlfriend.
Tell Molk and Navarro to get over there.
Yeah.
And, um, you found her? Yeah, I did.
Hildy: Wants you to go over to Wedman's girlfriend's house.
[Horns honking.]
[Banging on door.]
SFPD! Are you Willow Muñez? Oh, my God.
Are you notifying me? Is he dead? Luke Wedman? We're looking for him.
He's not here, obviously.
I don't know where he is.
Why? When did you see him last? Yesterday morning.
Uh, he turned his cellphone off and he stayed out all night.
- Same old bullshit with him.
- When he left yesterday morning, did he seem upset in any way? I don't know.
Normal, I guess.
What's he done now? Ms.
Muñez, may we come inside? Sure, yeah.
- Serena Parrish? - Did you know her? No, I mean, Luke talked about her.
He showed me some of her video blogs.
But why do you think he'd kill her? That makes no sense.
Well, we don't know what happened.
That's why it's important we find him.
I mean, if he's innocent, we'll help clear him, but we got to talk to him.
Is there a friend or family member that he may have gone to stay with? No.
I'm his only family.
Luke's a pretty private person.
Then you'll be the one he contacts.
We need your help, Willow.
Okay.
So, have you talked to my daughter, in person? Yeah, we have.
How is she? She's back in rehab again.
They say addiction is genetic and sometimes can skip a generation.
No such luck for her.
I'm sure this has all been, uh, pretty difficult for you, all the publicity.
Six months, clean and sober.
Congratulations.
That's great.
Thank you.
Uh, do you know Andrew Lippman? No, he's way after my time.
I haven't seen Ally in It'll be five years this October.
I've tried, but I'm very proud of her.
I'm sure you are.
When Ally was little and I'd go out on the road, she used to cry when I left and I'd tell myself, "It's okay.
She has her dad.
" How do you think Paul was, as a as a father? Classic stage parent.
You know, managing dance lessons, beauty pageants, singing competitions.
If you want the positive spin He was devoted.
And without the spin? Obsessive.
In what way? I mean, he can smell weakness.
And as much as he complained about me, he loved controlling me.
Until he couldn't.
And then he controlled Ally instead.
Did your ex-husband have a a temper? Oh, sure.
Paul could be vicious.
Did he ever hit you? I'd have to say it was mutual combat.
And what about Ally? Oh, no way.
She was the center of his world.
He was extremely protective, very strict.
In fact, I think I compensated by being too permissive.
Once, when Ally was 15, I let her boyfriend stay overnight.
Paul found the boy in her room the next morning.
He beat that poor kid half to death.
Hm.
Sit tight with the girlfriend.
I'll put a unit outside the building in case he comes home.
And get a tech in there to operate the phone trace, all right? Where are we? So, the lab just called.
The prints pulled from Serena's front door match Luke Wedman's DMV records.
He was definitely in the apartment.
We got an APB out on his Mercedes.
There has been no activity with his bank account since yesterday.
What about Luke's phone? Oh, Keefer's looking for pings off the towers, but nothing so far.
But, I mean, he could've ditched it, bought a burner.
He's got a 24-hour head start.
He's probably long gone.
Okay.
Cast the net wider.
Will do, sir.
Terry: So, it seems you've had some issues with, uh, the men in Alicia's life.
Not really.
Just one.
But you know my feelings about Andy Lippman.
I was right.
I just didn't know how right.
- You guys want some coffee? - I'm good.
- No, thanks.
- So, how else can I help you? Why did Alicia take out a restraining order against you, Paul? Oh, that was part of Andy's publicity crap, you know, to start the push for the new album that she hasn't finished yet.
- Hm.
- You know, my daughter is so talented, but she's very vulnerable, you know? She needs a constant in her life and that's me.
Thought it was Normandy.
No, he had his own interests to worry about, not hers.
Not a criticism, just a fact.
But, yeah, he was good to her.
Do you remember the kid that you beat down? You know, he was staying over at your house one night with Alicia, 2009.
You must've been talking to Kat.
We did.
Well, she left out the part that he was a 19-year-old dope dealer, messin' with a 15-year-old girl.
Yeah, I should've called the cops.
I mean, he'd still be in jail.
Why didn't you? I just took care of it myself.
How's she doing? Uh, she just got her six-month chip in AA.
- Oh, I'm happy to hear that.
- Yeah.
Yeah, maybe I was with Ally's mom too long, you know.
I mean, if I'd left sooner, maybe she wouldn't be making the same mistakes.
Do you remember where you were when Billy James was murdered? Now, this is just a formality, Paul, so No, It's okay.
I I was at my daughter's hospital.
I was praying by her bedside that she wasn't gonna die.
Of course, sir.
Um, I think we're good.
Okay, I'll show you guys out.
- Sure.
- Mm-hmm.
Yeah, that was a crazy week.
I had to fire a candy striper for tweeting about Alicia Barnes' vitals.
[Chuckles.]
Here we go.
May 26th.
Paul Barnes.
All right, so he checked in at 7:35 a.
m.
, left at 9:15 p.
m.
He was there that whole time? I mean, it sounds right.
Every time I looked in on her, he was there.
I have rounds, so if you need anything else, you can page me.
- Thanks.
- All right, the log covers our time window for Barnes, but 14 14 hours.
Does that make sense to you? Hmm, the guy was a smoker.
I smelled it on him every time.
That's a long time to go without a nicotine fix, right? So, ODs are usually treated with sedation, so he could've slipped out without Alicia even knowing.
Right.
Hmm.
Maybe the camera will tell us.
Felony.
Low end of the guidelines two years, state.
Best the AG's willing to do.
Well, then what are we waiting for? You know drivers who kill women get 56% longer sentences, statistically? No deal.
No surprise.
On the night of May 17th, Graciela Ramirez was walking to the bus stop to go home after her shift as a pediatric nurse.
Her own two young children were home asleep while her husband, Cesar, waited up for her.
Meanwhile, Mario Siletti, the district attorney of the city and county of San Francisco, was driving home from his own birthday party.
Evidence will prove that he celebrated with an excess of alcohol that rendered him legally impaired and that he was also unlawfully driving a car under the influence of alcohol with an expired driver's license he never bothered to renew.
When Graciela stepped into the crosswalk that she had used safely for years, the defendant, who was too drunk to even notice her, never even applied his brakes before he hit her straight-on.
Graciela died as a result of his unlawful conduct.
Mario Siletti will carry the memory of the accident for the rest of his days on this Earth his helplessness, his inability to save the victim as she died in front of him.
But the evidence will show this was a tragic accident that could not have been avoided.
Police will testify that he refused to take a breath test, that he used his influence to stall a blood test, in the hopes that his blood alcohol level would drop under the legal limit to avoid where he sits today.
We will show that Mr.
Siletti was not drunk, he was not under the influence, he was not impaired, he was not speeding, and he was not negligent.
All he had to do was not drink and drive and Graciela would be home with her children right now.
No driver, no matter how cautious or competent, could have avoided that accident on that street in that poorly lit area, where there have been 7 accidents in the last 5 years.
No driver could have stopped in time to avoid hitting the victim, wearing a dark coat, talking on her cellphone when she ran into the street to try to catch her bus without looking to see if there was any oncoming traffic.
The combination of a distracted pedestrian and a dangerous intersection proved deadly that night, through no fault of Mr.
Siletti's.
Let your verdict prove that the defendant is not above the laws that he was elected to enforce.
Find him guilty of felony vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
- [Ringing.]
- We're on.
[Snaps fingers.]
It's a blocked number.
Let it ring one more time.
Stay relaxed.
Talk as long as you can, okay? - [Ringing continues.]
- Okay.
Okay.
Pick up.
[Beeps.]
Hello? Luke: Hey, baby.
Hey.
Where have you been? I've been so worried.
I know.
I'm sorry.
I couldn't get home.
Did anybody come looking for me? Like who? I'm in some trouble, Willow.
What happened? I'll tell you later.
I need your help.
Get the cash from under the bed.
Take a taxi.
Go to the bus stop where Revere Avenue runs under the 280 freeway in Portola.
I'll meet you there and I'll explain.
[Line disconnects.]
So, this is real simple, what you're gonna do you're gonna take a cab, like he told you.
You're gonna wait at the bus stop until he pulls up and then we'll be there before you can get in the car.
No, I can't I can't do this.
We're not gonna let anything happen to you, okay? He's not gonna hurt you again.
He was always sorry.
He'd always make it up to me, you know? He had a rough time as a kid growing up.
His dad used to beat on him just for the exercise.
It messed him up.
That's not who he really is.
Let me show you something.
[Sigh.]
This was Serena Parrish last week.
This is Serena Parrish yesterday after Luke came to her apartment.
This is who Luke is! - Okay.
- We'll be there.
He's 25 minutes late.
She keeps lookin' over here.
Come on, Willow.
Be cool.
Terry: Good line of sight.
Good cover.
Good exit/ entrance options.
Yeah, Luke Luke picked a good location, tactically speaking.
If he doesn't like what he sees, he can just turn around and drive off.
Maybe he already did.
This is 5 Henry 200.
Come in.
Man: Go ahead, 5H200.
We're gonna 10-22 at Revere and the 280.
Suspect is a no-show.
Copy that.
Understood.
All right, we've been made.
Let's get her home.
The primary point of impact was the left femoral head, which caused the pelvis to shatter.
The secondary impact with the windshield of the car caused fractures to the upper extremities, along with extensive abrasions and tearing to the face.
The final impact, from the somersault to the pavement, off of the hood of the vehicle, caused the fatal trauma to the trunk of the body, rupturing the liver and the spleen, and cause of death was internal bleeding.
Was Graciela killed instantly? No.
But based on the extent of the trauma, I estimate that death would have occurred within a few minutes.
Dr.
Burnside, you have no factual knowledge about the circumstances of the accident itself, do you? I confine myself to what the body of the victim tells me, sir.
Uh, well, the body didn't tell you anything about the cause of the accident, did it? No.
And the body didn't tell you about any negligence from Mr.
Siletti, did it? No.
And the body didn't tell you whether or not Mr.
Siletti was impaired, in any way, did it? No.
Hmm.
You testified that the manner of death of the victim was accidental, correct? - Yes.
- But the cause of death was blunt-force trauma by a vehicle, correct? Yes.
Huh.
So your testimony, in its entirety, is that a pedestrian was killed by a car.
Is that right? Yes.
Well, now that we all have that basic fact cleared up, thank you, Doctor.
Inspector Edgar Navarro.
Edgar Navarro.
I'm here! I'm here.
[Sighs.]
My partner, Inspector Molk, and I were called by first responder Officer Flanagan, who informed us that Mr.
Siletti had refused both a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer test and would not answer any questions put to him.
When you and Inspector Molk arrived, was the defendant cooperative with you? No, he was not.
In what way did he not cooperate? Mr.
Siletti refused to accompany us for the blood draw until I used the word handcuffs.
In your law enforcement experience, do DUI suspects sometimes try to postpone testing in order to lower their blood alcohol levels? Objection! Calls for speculation and conclusion, Your Honor.
Sustained.
Inspector Navarro, um, when you observed Mr.
Siletti immediately after the accident, did he appear to you to be intoxicated? No.
He did not.
Well, that's all from me, Your Honor.
At the time the defendant's blood was collected, his blood alcohol content measured at .
069%.
What is the legal limit in California for driving? .
08%.
Were you able to determine the defendant's blood alcohol level at the time he struck and killed Graciela? Objection! Speculation, Your Honor.
I'll allow it.
Yes, I was.
How? The human body metabolizes ethanol, on average, at a rate of .
015% per hour.
Using that rate and the elapsed time, I extrapolated backwards to determine the defendant's BAC level at the time of the accident.
Based on that math, what was the defendant's BAC at the time of the collision? .
082%.
Arkin: Dr.
Simko, the most you can do is give us your best guess about the rate at which Mr.
Siletti metabolizes alcohol, right? I used the accepted standard in my field of expertise, although, of course, every individual metabolizes ethanol at a slightly different rate, depending on body weight, recent food and water consumption, genetics, health issues, and so on.
So, your answer is no.
You don't know what Mr.
Siletti's actual blood alcohol content was at the time of the accident, correct? Yes.
Dr.
Simko, you have never testified for the defense in any case, at all, have you? I have not.
No, sir.
The state calls Skylar Jennings.
State your full name for the record.
Skylar Anne Jennings.
Raise your right hand.
Your right hand.
[Chuckles.]
Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? Um, I don't [Chuckles.]
I'm an atheist.
I don't believe in God.
Use the alternate version, Bob.
Do you solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, under pains and penalties of perjury? Yeah, I do.
Please be seated.
Ms.
Jennings, where were you on the night of May 17th at approximately 11:20? Um [Hiccuping.]
Do you need a glass of water? Ms.
Jennings, are you able to continue? Get medical help in here, quick.
[Vomits.]
[Spectators gasp.]
Uh, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we're going to adjourn for the day.
We will resume Monday morning 9:00 a.
m.
We now stand in recess.
Counselors, in my chambers, please.
[Spectators murmuring.]
Explanation, Counselor? Your Honor, my witness must have the stomach flu.
[Laughs.]
I-I'm sorry, Judge.
Plenty of junkies have passed through the courtroom in my day, Ms.
Danson, so don't pop your eyes at me, like I don't know what I just saw.
The witness is cooperating to cut herself a deal on unrelated drug charges, Your Honor.
Is that true? Ms.
Jennings knows details of the accident that weren't publicly reported, Judge.
She's a credible witness.
She's a joke.
The two of you need to stop acting like a couple of wharf cats.
Now, I'm gonna allow you to recall the witness on Monday if she's clean and sober or I will strike her from the list.
Day one and already this trial is an embarrassment.
I won't have it.
I strongly suggest you try to work out a plea, Counselors.
It's in everybody's best interest, including mine.
The AG's willing to take jail time off the table, but we can't reduce to a misdemeanor.
No.
Mario.
I want my day in court.
Fine.
I'll see you Monday.
Mario, look, I know that a felony on your record will cost you your law license, but there's more to life than the law.
Like what? How do I make a living as a convicted felon? I wouldn't even be allowed to get a real-estate license or sell insurance or be a bank teller.
I could probably wash dogs if they didn't do a background check.
All right, so we take our best shot.
There's no choice.
Okay.
Thank you.
So, hospital security cameras were a bust.
They only keep footage for a week - before they dump it.
- That means he could've left the building without either of us knowing.
- Mm-hmm.
- Hey! Luke Wedman's been spotted at Howard High School.
Let's move.
[Indistinct shouting.]
[Whistle blows.]
All right, that'll do it for the day! Let's go! Everybody, off the field! Move it! [Clapping.]
Move! Luke Wedman! Put your hands where I can see 'em.
I don't have a gun.
Good to know.
Put your hands on the bench in front of you.
Put your hands on the back of your head.
[Handcuffs click.]
Serena called me.
She said she was gonna run a story on football players and domestic violence.
She said she had some police report or something that I'd hit Willow.
You did hit her on more than one occasion.
I know I have anger issues.
I'm ashamed of the things that I've done, yeah.
I use it on the field.
But when I'm at home and she starts nagging me or accusing me of shit, I can lose it sometimes when I get stressed.
Oh.
[Scoffs.]
So is that what happened, huh? Did Serena stress you? I just went over there to talk to her so she wouldn't put my name in the story.
I was even gonna try to pay her off, if I had to.
She wouldn't listen to me.
So you broke her neck? No! I didn't! I got mad and she tried to mace me.
And she bit me! I just gave her a little push.
And she hit her head.
And that was it.
It was an accident.
If it's an accident, you call 911.
If it's an accident, you don't leave a woman to decompose on the floor.
I panicked.
I drove around all night, trying to figure out what to do.
If she'd just listened to me I didn't mean to kill her.
[Knock on door.]
[Sniffles.]
Uh, come on in.
You okay, Lieutenant? Yeah, I'm fine.
Why? When Serena, uh, gave you that lead on Normandy and Luke, she knew we'd investigate.
It was a good lead.
What's your point? My point is you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened.
I shouldn't? She's dead because I didn't keep my mouth shut.
What do you mean? I'm the one who told Serena about the domestic-violence call.
She was gonna run a story on it.
That's why he killed her.
Yeah, I know.
I know.
You're trying to figure out how to ask why I told her.
Why did you? We were talkin' shop, you know, socially, and I-I don't know.
It was stupid.
Well, you didn't know she'd use it.
Yeah, I sh I should have.
I mean, that's that's what she does.
That's That's who she was.
Seems like you got to know her pretty well.
I was starting to.
I was hoping I'd get to know her much better.
I'm sorry, Jim.
Thank you, Terry.
Hey, look, it's it's been a long day.
Why don't you Why don't you get out of here? Yeah.
Have a good night, man.
You too.
[Door opens.]
Losing that playoff was not only a blow to Oklahoma fans, but to an entire a program that was built from the bottom all the way to the top echelon of NFL football.
Looking forward, I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see the magic next year's team will show us on the field.
One thing is certain, Cats fans the future is bright.
This is Serena Parrish with The Parrish Report.
[Insects chirping.]
"Add two eggs and beat into mix.
" All right.
Can I lick the spoon when you're done? Sure, if you want to get salmonella poisoning for your birthday.
What if it was Jamie and Carl? I don't see what the big deal is.
Sweetie, if it was a daytime party, fine, but we're not having a nighttime, co-ed sleepover.
Not happenin'.
Besides, I'd have to ask all of your friends' parents, and I don't have time to even make this cake from a box, so I told you we should've gotten one from the grocery store.
Well, we didn't.
What if they left at 10:00? [Knock on door.]
- [Gasp.]
- Maybe it's Dad! Happy birthday, birthday girl! Louise: Hi, Terry.
Hey.
- What's up? - Can I open it now? - Sure.
- Open it up.
Go ahead.
Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God! - [Laughing.]
Oh, my God! - I can't believe it! - Thank you so much! - You're welcome so much! - You deserve it.
- Oh, my gosh.
- I know, right? - I got to go call Sarah! Go call Sarah.
[Laughs.]
An iPad, Terry, seriously? What? I mean, I checked the Internet.
It's age-appropriate, right? Right, what about price-appropriate, though? I mean, that thing probably costs twice as much as what I'm giving her or her grandparents or her father, assuming he's sober enough to even remember her birthday at all.
It's okay, all right? I bought it on sale.
It wasn't that much.
It's not about the money, okay? I just wish you'd asked me permission before you decided to go and impress my daughter.
Okay, cool out, all right? It's a gift.
I was hoping that she would like it.
She likes it.
We're good.
Don't overanalyze it.
Last year, you got her a book.
A book, okay? What's different this year? Just so you know, this isn't about what happened between us.
Of course it is.
Come on.
I mean, we had a deal, right? We're supposed to be just partners, just friends.
All right, well, you're not acting very friendly towards me right now, so Stop making this harder, all right? I'm sorry, all right? I don't pretend as good as you do, okay? Everything isn't the same.
The difference is you're sorry for what happened, and I'm not.
What do you want from me? I want more, more than this bullshit.
Really? Come on.
Look, do you want me to take it back? 'Cause I can take it I'll take it from her right now.
- No! Please.
Come on.
- Well, then, what? What?! What do I have to do to get out of this fight? Easy one foot in front of the other.
Use the front door.
Go.
All right.
I can do that.
[Door opens, closes.]
- Hey.
- Thanks for saving me a seat.
- Good morning.
Morning.
How was the, uh How was the date with Burnside? Oh, it was good.
Actually, I decided that we're not gonna date anymore, so Huh.
Is that why you sent me the midnight "Thinking of you" text? [Chuckles.]
No, it was just an impulse, okay? [Sighs.]
I guess I was just thinking about you.
Thinking about me.
Okay.
What were you thinking, hmm? Can we just not make this a big deal, please? Yes, let's let's not make it a big deal.
Bailiff: All rise.
The Honorable Judge Teresa Klein presiding.
Be seated.
In the matter of The People of the State of California vs.
Andrew Stewart Lippman, counsel, your appearances, please.
Good morning, Your Honor.
Martin Reardon, on behalf of the People.
Kenneth Burrows for Mr.
Lippman.
State the charge, Mr.
Reardon.
The charge is murder in the first degree, pursuant to California Penal Code 187, with special circumstances pursuant to section 190.
2, Your Honor.
Mr.
Burrows, does your client waive the reading of the complaint in its entirety? He does, Your Honor.
State the maximum penalty for the charge, Mr.
Reardon.
Maximum penalty is life without parole or the death penalty, Your Honor.
Mr.
Lippman, how do you plead to the charge against you, guilty or not guilty? Definitely not guilty, Your Honor.
Your Honor, considering the murder-for-hire special circumstances, the state would request that bail be denied since this is a capital case.
- Your Honor - No need to argue it, Mr.
Burrows.
Bail is denied.
[Indistinct conversations.]
Inspectors, my client would like to have a word with you.
Regarding? Come see him and find out.
He's waiting for you.
Let's go.
I am an attorney, so I understand the pressure on Reardon now that he's in the big office, but I am not the guy.
Yes, I had access to Alicia's house and, by extension, that gun, but so did dozens of other people.
There's staff, party guests, friends of all kinds, hers and Normandy's, including Billy James.
All right, you could argue the fact that the gun was taken out of her house at any time, but how was it put back in and found under her bed after the murder? Alicia really didn't have that much time for entertaining - between Normandy's death and her overdose.
- No.
What do you think, we should look at the the housekeepers? No.
Why don't you look at her father? Paul Barnes? He's a textbook sociopath.
What do you mean? Yeah, he acts like the doting dad, always putting Alicia's life concerns first.
The guy is a crazy control freak with a nasty temper.
And, man, did he hate Normandy.
You hated Normandy, too.
Yes, fine.
I wasn't Normandy's biggest fan at the beginning.
He's a decent guy.
Look, I-I was grateful that he kicked Daddy Dearest out of her life.
Normandy kicked out Barnes? Why? I don't know.
I-I-I didn't ask.
I didn't care.
Look, gone was good enough for me.
When did this happen, exactly? A few months ago.
Paul did not take the news well.
So that's why Alicia had a restraining order out on Barnes.
Yeah.
Best decision she's made in months.
Acute myocardial infarction.
Ruptured plaque.
Class IV atherosclerosis.
Left ventricle enlarged and thin-walled.
Possib Hey! - Oh! - How are you? Am I getting you at a bad time? No, this is a good time.
This is Mrs.
Nussbaum.
I don't think she'll mind.
[Both chuckle.]
Okay, um, uh I just I just wanted to come by and and tell you that it's been it's been really nice getting to know you outside of work.
Ah, you too.
But I just, uh I don't I don't really think we're right There's no chemistry, huh? Same for you? Yeah.
It was kind of a surprise, 'cause you're so Well, you're you.
[Chuckles.]
And, um, yeah, so, last night, after I went home, I called my wife.
Um, we had this really good talk, so we decided we're gonna try to work on things, you know, with the kids and all, and try That's great.
That That's great.
- Yeah.
- I'm happy to hear that.
Um, we're good, though, right, me and you? Yeah, totally good.
Okay.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I'll see you around.
Over my dead body.
[Both chuckle.]
Oh.
[Ringing.]
This is Serena Parrish of The Parrish Report.
[Beeps.]
Hey, Serena.
It's Jim again.
I-I'm just checking in about lunch.
Um, I made a reservation at Piccolino, or, uh, we can order in.
Uh, I just I just need to be back in the office by 2:00.
Either way, uh, give me a ring back, okay? Bye.
Hey, we got 24 hours.
Why don't we just settle up here instead of on the old proverbial courthouse steps? What would that take? Misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, no jail time? That's right where you started, Al.
You haven't budged.
Look, Mario's political life is over.
The civil case will wipe out his assets.
At least give him a chance to practice law and make a living.
"Slap on the Wrist for Drunk D.
A.
" That's what a misdemeanor sounds like.
Graciela Ramirez is still dead.
Look, you and I can work out a statement to make it look right in the public eye.
Walters won't go for manslaughter.
That's a win for the office.
[Chuckling.]
Do you honestly think that your evidence proves beyond a reasonable doubt? Let the jury of his peers decide.
You know, I came up here in good faith that you would take this to the top, but I didn't realize that you were making unilateral decisions for the attorney general now.
Fine.
I'll run it by him.
Hey, Serena, it's Jim.
Serena.
Serena? Hey, hey.
Oh, shit.
[Gun cocks.]
- [Ringing.]
- Woman: 911.
What's the nature of your emergency? This is Lieutenant Koto, Homicide.
I'm at 348 Bennington Street, Apartment H.
I have an unconscious female, 30s.
No pulse.
Obvious signs of trauma.
I need an ambulance and a squad here immediately.
[Radio chatter.]
Hey.
Who called it in? Lieutenant Koto did.
How long? Liver's almost at room temp.
She's in full rigor.
Um, 20, 24 hours.
Protrusion is a fracture of the cervical vertebrae, C4 or C5.
COD was a broken neck, and defensive wounds indicate she may have fought back.
That doesn't surprise me.
Maybe she left a little bit of the killer's skin underneath those fingernails.
I'm gonna get her back to the morgue and find that out.
Uh, the, uh, door was open.
No signs of forced entry.
So, if she let someone in, she knew them.
Yeah.
Her laptop, iPad, and phone are all missing.
This is the third body that, somehow, is related to the Normandy Parker murder.
You think it's an ugly coincidence? Probably not.
Serena was the source of the tip about Luke wagging a gun at Normandy in the locker room.
Luke Wedman? You think maybe he found out that she leaked it? I mean, if she decided to tell the story, she'd sink any chance he had for a new team.
That's That's real motive.
Well, we already know he beats women.
Luke's girlfriend.
Tell Molk and Navarro to get over there.
Yeah.
And, um, you found her? Yeah, I did.
Hildy: Wants you to go over to Wedman's girlfriend's house.
[Horns honking.]
[Banging on door.]
SFPD! Are you Willow Muñez? Oh, my God.
Are you notifying me? Is he dead? Luke Wedman? We're looking for him.
He's not here, obviously.
I don't know where he is.
Why? When did you see him last? Yesterday morning.
Uh, he turned his cellphone off and he stayed out all night.
- Same old bullshit with him.
- When he left yesterday morning, did he seem upset in any way? I don't know.
Normal, I guess.
What's he done now? Ms.
Muñez, may we come inside? Sure, yeah.
- Serena Parrish? - Did you know her? No, I mean, Luke talked about her.
He showed me some of her video blogs.
But why do you think he'd kill her? That makes no sense.
Well, we don't know what happened.
That's why it's important we find him.
I mean, if he's innocent, we'll help clear him, but we got to talk to him.
Is there a friend or family member that he may have gone to stay with? No.
I'm his only family.
Luke's a pretty private person.
Then you'll be the one he contacts.
We need your help, Willow.
Okay.
So, have you talked to my daughter, in person? Yeah, we have.
How is she? She's back in rehab again.
They say addiction is genetic and sometimes can skip a generation.
No such luck for her.
I'm sure this has all been, uh, pretty difficult for you, all the publicity.
Six months, clean and sober.
Congratulations.
That's great.
Thank you.
Uh, do you know Andrew Lippman? No, he's way after my time.
I haven't seen Ally in It'll be five years this October.
I've tried, but I'm very proud of her.
I'm sure you are.
When Ally was little and I'd go out on the road, she used to cry when I left and I'd tell myself, "It's okay.
She has her dad.
" How do you think Paul was, as a as a father? Classic stage parent.
You know, managing dance lessons, beauty pageants, singing competitions.
If you want the positive spin He was devoted.
And without the spin? Obsessive.
In what way? I mean, he can smell weakness.
And as much as he complained about me, he loved controlling me.
Until he couldn't.
And then he controlled Ally instead.
Did your ex-husband have a a temper? Oh, sure.
Paul could be vicious.
Did he ever hit you? I'd have to say it was mutual combat.
And what about Ally? Oh, no way.
She was the center of his world.
He was extremely protective, very strict.
In fact, I think I compensated by being too permissive.
Once, when Ally was 15, I let her boyfriend stay overnight.
Paul found the boy in her room the next morning.
He beat that poor kid half to death.
Hm.
Sit tight with the girlfriend.
I'll put a unit outside the building in case he comes home.
And get a tech in there to operate the phone trace, all right? Where are we? So, the lab just called.
The prints pulled from Serena's front door match Luke Wedman's DMV records.
He was definitely in the apartment.
We got an APB out on his Mercedes.
There has been no activity with his bank account since yesterday.
What about Luke's phone? Oh, Keefer's looking for pings off the towers, but nothing so far.
But, I mean, he could've ditched it, bought a burner.
He's got a 24-hour head start.
He's probably long gone.
Okay.
Cast the net wider.
Will do, sir.
Terry: So, it seems you've had some issues with, uh, the men in Alicia's life.
Not really.
Just one.
But you know my feelings about Andy Lippman.
I was right.
I just didn't know how right.
- You guys want some coffee? - I'm good.
- No, thanks.
- So, how else can I help you? Why did Alicia take out a restraining order against you, Paul? Oh, that was part of Andy's publicity crap, you know, to start the push for the new album that she hasn't finished yet.
- Hm.
- You know, my daughter is so talented, but she's very vulnerable, you know? She needs a constant in her life and that's me.
Thought it was Normandy.
No, he had his own interests to worry about, not hers.
Not a criticism, just a fact.
But, yeah, he was good to her.
Do you remember the kid that you beat down? You know, he was staying over at your house one night with Alicia, 2009.
You must've been talking to Kat.
We did.
Well, she left out the part that he was a 19-year-old dope dealer, messin' with a 15-year-old girl.
Yeah, I should've called the cops.
I mean, he'd still be in jail.
Why didn't you? I just took care of it myself.
How's she doing? Uh, she just got her six-month chip in AA.
- Oh, I'm happy to hear that.
- Yeah.
Yeah, maybe I was with Ally's mom too long, you know.
I mean, if I'd left sooner, maybe she wouldn't be making the same mistakes.
Do you remember where you were when Billy James was murdered? Now, this is just a formality, Paul, so No, It's okay.
I I was at my daughter's hospital.
I was praying by her bedside that she wasn't gonna die.
Of course, sir.
Um, I think we're good.
Okay, I'll show you guys out.
- Sure.
- Mm-hmm.
Yeah, that was a crazy week.
I had to fire a candy striper for tweeting about Alicia Barnes' vitals.
[Chuckles.]
Here we go.
May 26th.
Paul Barnes.
All right, so he checked in at 7:35 a.
m.
, left at 9:15 p.
m.
He was there that whole time? I mean, it sounds right.
Every time I looked in on her, he was there.
I have rounds, so if you need anything else, you can page me.
- Thanks.
- All right, the log covers our time window for Barnes, but 14 14 hours.
Does that make sense to you? Hmm, the guy was a smoker.
I smelled it on him every time.
That's a long time to go without a nicotine fix, right? So, ODs are usually treated with sedation, so he could've slipped out without Alicia even knowing.
Right.
Hmm.
Maybe the camera will tell us.
Felony.
Low end of the guidelines two years, state.
Best the AG's willing to do.
Well, then what are we waiting for? You know drivers who kill women get 56% longer sentences, statistically? No deal.
No surprise.
On the night of May 17th, Graciela Ramirez was walking to the bus stop to go home after her shift as a pediatric nurse.
Her own two young children were home asleep while her husband, Cesar, waited up for her.
Meanwhile, Mario Siletti, the district attorney of the city and county of San Francisco, was driving home from his own birthday party.
Evidence will prove that he celebrated with an excess of alcohol that rendered him legally impaired and that he was also unlawfully driving a car under the influence of alcohol with an expired driver's license he never bothered to renew.
When Graciela stepped into the crosswalk that she had used safely for years, the defendant, who was too drunk to even notice her, never even applied his brakes before he hit her straight-on.
Graciela died as a result of his unlawful conduct.
Mario Siletti will carry the memory of the accident for the rest of his days on this Earth his helplessness, his inability to save the victim as she died in front of him.
But the evidence will show this was a tragic accident that could not have been avoided.
Police will testify that he refused to take a breath test, that he used his influence to stall a blood test, in the hopes that his blood alcohol level would drop under the legal limit to avoid where he sits today.
We will show that Mr.
Siletti was not drunk, he was not under the influence, he was not impaired, he was not speeding, and he was not negligent.
All he had to do was not drink and drive and Graciela would be home with her children right now.
No driver, no matter how cautious or competent, could have avoided that accident on that street in that poorly lit area, where there have been 7 accidents in the last 5 years.
No driver could have stopped in time to avoid hitting the victim, wearing a dark coat, talking on her cellphone when she ran into the street to try to catch her bus without looking to see if there was any oncoming traffic.
The combination of a distracted pedestrian and a dangerous intersection proved deadly that night, through no fault of Mr.
Siletti's.
Let your verdict prove that the defendant is not above the laws that he was elected to enforce.
Find him guilty of felony vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
- [Ringing.]
- We're on.
[Snaps fingers.]
It's a blocked number.
Let it ring one more time.
Stay relaxed.
Talk as long as you can, okay? - [Ringing continues.]
- Okay.
Okay.
Pick up.
[Beeps.]
Hello? Luke: Hey, baby.
Hey.
Where have you been? I've been so worried.
I know.
I'm sorry.
I couldn't get home.
Did anybody come looking for me? Like who? I'm in some trouble, Willow.
What happened? I'll tell you later.
I need your help.
Get the cash from under the bed.
Take a taxi.
Go to the bus stop where Revere Avenue runs under the 280 freeway in Portola.
I'll meet you there and I'll explain.
[Line disconnects.]
So, this is real simple, what you're gonna do you're gonna take a cab, like he told you.
You're gonna wait at the bus stop until he pulls up and then we'll be there before you can get in the car.
No, I can't I can't do this.
We're not gonna let anything happen to you, okay? He's not gonna hurt you again.
He was always sorry.
He'd always make it up to me, you know? He had a rough time as a kid growing up.
His dad used to beat on him just for the exercise.
It messed him up.
That's not who he really is.
Let me show you something.
[Sigh.]
This was Serena Parrish last week.
This is Serena Parrish yesterday after Luke came to her apartment.
This is who Luke is! - Okay.
- We'll be there.
He's 25 minutes late.
She keeps lookin' over here.
Come on, Willow.
Be cool.
Terry: Good line of sight.
Good cover.
Good exit/ entrance options.
Yeah, Luke Luke picked a good location, tactically speaking.
If he doesn't like what he sees, he can just turn around and drive off.
Maybe he already did.
This is 5 Henry 200.
Come in.
Man: Go ahead, 5H200.
We're gonna 10-22 at Revere and the 280.
Suspect is a no-show.
Copy that.
Understood.
All right, we've been made.
Let's get her home.
The primary point of impact was the left femoral head, which caused the pelvis to shatter.
The secondary impact with the windshield of the car caused fractures to the upper extremities, along with extensive abrasions and tearing to the face.
The final impact, from the somersault to the pavement, off of the hood of the vehicle, caused the fatal trauma to the trunk of the body, rupturing the liver and the spleen, and cause of death was internal bleeding.
Was Graciela killed instantly? No.
But based on the extent of the trauma, I estimate that death would have occurred within a few minutes.
Dr.
Burnside, you have no factual knowledge about the circumstances of the accident itself, do you? I confine myself to what the body of the victim tells me, sir.
Uh, well, the body didn't tell you anything about the cause of the accident, did it? No.
And the body didn't tell you about any negligence from Mr.
Siletti, did it? No.
And the body didn't tell you whether or not Mr.
Siletti was impaired, in any way, did it? No.
Hmm.
You testified that the manner of death of the victim was accidental, correct? - Yes.
- But the cause of death was blunt-force trauma by a vehicle, correct? Yes.
Huh.
So your testimony, in its entirety, is that a pedestrian was killed by a car.
Is that right? Yes.
Well, now that we all have that basic fact cleared up, thank you, Doctor.
Inspector Edgar Navarro.
Edgar Navarro.
I'm here! I'm here.
[Sighs.]
My partner, Inspector Molk, and I were called by first responder Officer Flanagan, who informed us that Mr.
Siletti had refused both a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer test and would not answer any questions put to him.
When you and Inspector Molk arrived, was the defendant cooperative with you? No, he was not.
In what way did he not cooperate? Mr.
Siletti refused to accompany us for the blood draw until I used the word handcuffs.
In your law enforcement experience, do DUI suspects sometimes try to postpone testing in order to lower their blood alcohol levels? Objection! Calls for speculation and conclusion, Your Honor.
Sustained.
Inspector Navarro, um, when you observed Mr.
Siletti immediately after the accident, did he appear to you to be intoxicated? No.
He did not.
Well, that's all from me, Your Honor.
At the time the defendant's blood was collected, his blood alcohol content measured at .
069%.
What is the legal limit in California for driving? .
08%.
Were you able to determine the defendant's blood alcohol level at the time he struck and killed Graciela? Objection! Speculation, Your Honor.
I'll allow it.
Yes, I was.
How? The human body metabolizes ethanol, on average, at a rate of .
015% per hour.
Using that rate and the elapsed time, I extrapolated backwards to determine the defendant's BAC level at the time of the accident.
Based on that math, what was the defendant's BAC at the time of the collision? .
082%.
Arkin: Dr.
Simko, the most you can do is give us your best guess about the rate at which Mr.
Siletti metabolizes alcohol, right? I used the accepted standard in my field of expertise, although, of course, every individual metabolizes ethanol at a slightly different rate, depending on body weight, recent food and water consumption, genetics, health issues, and so on.
So, your answer is no.
You don't know what Mr.
Siletti's actual blood alcohol content was at the time of the accident, correct? Yes.
Dr.
Simko, you have never testified for the defense in any case, at all, have you? I have not.
No, sir.
The state calls Skylar Jennings.
State your full name for the record.
Skylar Anne Jennings.
Raise your right hand.
Your right hand.
[Chuckles.]
Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? Um, I don't [Chuckles.]
I'm an atheist.
I don't believe in God.
Use the alternate version, Bob.
Do you solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, under pains and penalties of perjury? Yeah, I do.
Please be seated.
Ms.
Jennings, where were you on the night of May 17th at approximately 11:20? Um [Hiccuping.]
Do you need a glass of water? Ms.
Jennings, are you able to continue? Get medical help in here, quick.
[Vomits.]
[Spectators gasp.]
Uh, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we're going to adjourn for the day.
We will resume Monday morning 9:00 a.
m.
We now stand in recess.
Counselors, in my chambers, please.
[Spectators murmuring.]
Explanation, Counselor? Your Honor, my witness must have the stomach flu.
[Laughs.]
I-I'm sorry, Judge.
Plenty of junkies have passed through the courtroom in my day, Ms.
Danson, so don't pop your eyes at me, like I don't know what I just saw.
The witness is cooperating to cut herself a deal on unrelated drug charges, Your Honor.
Is that true? Ms.
Jennings knows details of the accident that weren't publicly reported, Judge.
She's a credible witness.
She's a joke.
The two of you need to stop acting like a couple of wharf cats.
Now, I'm gonna allow you to recall the witness on Monday if she's clean and sober or I will strike her from the list.
Day one and already this trial is an embarrassment.
I won't have it.
I strongly suggest you try to work out a plea, Counselors.
It's in everybody's best interest, including mine.
The AG's willing to take jail time off the table, but we can't reduce to a misdemeanor.
No.
Mario.
I want my day in court.
Fine.
I'll see you Monday.
Mario, look, I know that a felony on your record will cost you your law license, but there's more to life than the law.
Like what? How do I make a living as a convicted felon? I wouldn't even be allowed to get a real-estate license or sell insurance or be a bank teller.
I could probably wash dogs if they didn't do a background check.
All right, so we take our best shot.
There's no choice.
Okay.
Thank you.
So, hospital security cameras were a bust.
They only keep footage for a week - before they dump it.
- That means he could've left the building without either of us knowing.
- Mm-hmm.
- Hey! Luke Wedman's been spotted at Howard High School.
Let's move.
[Indistinct shouting.]
[Whistle blows.]
All right, that'll do it for the day! Let's go! Everybody, off the field! Move it! [Clapping.]
Move! Luke Wedman! Put your hands where I can see 'em.
I don't have a gun.
Good to know.
Put your hands on the bench in front of you.
Put your hands on the back of your head.
[Handcuffs click.]
Serena called me.
She said she was gonna run a story on football players and domestic violence.
She said she had some police report or something that I'd hit Willow.
You did hit her on more than one occasion.
I know I have anger issues.
I'm ashamed of the things that I've done, yeah.
I use it on the field.
But when I'm at home and she starts nagging me or accusing me of shit, I can lose it sometimes when I get stressed.
Oh.
[Scoffs.]
So is that what happened, huh? Did Serena stress you? I just went over there to talk to her so she wouldn't put my name in the story.
I was even gonna try to pay her off, if I had to.
She wouldn't listen to me.
So you broke her neck? No! I didn't! I got mad and she tried to mace me.
And she bit me! I just gave her a little push.
And she hit her head.
And that was it.
It was an accident.
If it's an accident, you call 911.
If it's an accident, you don't leave a woman to decompose on the floor.
I panicked.
I drove around all night, trying to figure out what to do.
If she'd just listened to me I didn't mean to kill her.
[Knock on door.]
[Sniffles.]
Uh, come on in.
You okay, Lieutenant? Yeah, I'm fine.
Why? When Serena, uh, gave you that lead on Normandy and Luke, she knew we'd investigate.
It was a good lead.
What's your point? My point is you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened.
I shouldn't? She's dead because I didn't keep my mouth shut.
What do you mean? I'm the one who told Serena about the domestic-violence call.
She was gonna run a story on it.
That's why he killed her.
Yeah, I know.
I know.
You're trying to figure out how to ask why I told her.
Why did you? We were talkin' shop, you know, socially, and I-I don't know.
It was stupid.
Well, you didn't know she'd use it.
Yeah, I sh I should have.
I mean, that's that's what she does.
That's That's who she was.
Seems like you got to know her pretty well.
I was starting to.
I was hoping I'd get to know her much better.
I'm sorry, Jim.
Thank you, Terry.
Hey, look, it's it's been a long day.
Why don't you Why don't you get out of here? Yeah.
Have a good night, man.
You too.
[Door opens.]
Losing that playoff was not only a blow to Oklahoma fans, but to an entire a program that was built from the bottom all the way to the top echelon of NFL football.
Looking forward, I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see the magic next year's team will show us on the field.
One thing is certain, Cats fans the future is bright.
This is Serena Parrish with The Parrish Report.
[Insects chirping.]
"Add two eggs and beat into mix.
" All right.
Can I lick the spoon when you're done? Sure, if you want to get salmonella poisoning for your birthday.
What if it was Jamie and Carl? I don't see what the big deal is.
Sweetie, if it was a daytime party, fine, but we're not having a nighttime, co-ed sleepover.
Not happenin'.
Besides, I'd have to ask all of your friends' parents, and I don't have time to even make this cake from a box, so I told you we should've gotten one from the grocery store.
Well, we didn't.
What if they left at 10:00? [Knock on door.]
- [Gasp.]
- Maybe it's Dad! Happy birthday, birthday girl! Louise: Hi, Terry.
Hey.
- What's up? - Can I open it now? - Sure.
- Open it up.
Go ahead.
Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God! - [Laughing.]
Oh, my God! - I can't believe it! - Thank you so much! - You're welcome so much! - You deserve it.
- Oh, my gosh.
- I know, right? - I got to go call Sarah! Go call Sarah.
[Laughs.]
An iPad, Terry, seriously? What? I mean, I checked the Internet.
It's age-appropriate, right? Right, what about price-appropriate, though? I mean, that thing probably costs twice as much as what I'm giving her or her grandparents or her father, assuming he's sober enough to even remember her birthday at all.
It's okay, all right? I bought it on sale.
It wasn't that much.
It's not about the money, okay? I just wish you'd asked me permission before you decided to go and impress my daughter.
Okay, cool out, all right? It's a gift.
I was hoping that she would like it.
She likes it.
We're good.
Don't overanalyze it.
Last year, you got her a book.
A book, okay? What's different this year? Just so you know, this isn't about what happened between us.
Of course it is.
Come on.
I mean, we had a deal, right? We're supposed to be just partners, just friends.
All right, well, you're not acting very friendly towards me right now, so Stop making this harder, all right? I'm sorry, all right? I don't pretend as good as you do, okay? Everything isn't the same.
The difference is you're sorry for what happened, and I'm not.
What do you want from me? I want more, more than this bullshit.
Really? Come on.
Look, do you want me to take it back? 'Cause I can take it I'll take it from her right now.
- No! Please.
Come on.
- Well, then, what? What?! What do I have to do to get out of this fight? Easy one foot in front of the other.
Use the front door.
Go.
All right.
I can do that.
[Door opens, closes.]