The Guardian (2001) s03e15 Episode Script
Without Consent
[Chatter.]
[Car alarm beeps.]
Hey.
So what happened? Ah, I got robbed.
You okay? Yeah.
I mean, a couple stitches and a broken rib.
I went to Calabria's with Kate.
Dropped her off.
Good night kiss.
Was gonna spend the night, but, uh I ended up going out for a drink after, and and on my way back to my car, some guy, outta nowhere, jumps me, and and before I know it, just ran off with my wallet.
Did you get a look at him? Uh, no, no.
It was it was it was late.
What bar did you go to? Oh, I don't know.
Some bar on the North Side.
You know, if if you don't mind, maybe, uhm maybe I'll tell people at work what happened myself.
I won't say a word about anything.
Thanks.
~ Well, there is trouble ~ ~ In my mind ~ ~ There is dark ~ ~ There is dark and there is light ~ ~ There is no order ~ ~ There is chaos ~ ~ And there is crime ~ ~ There is no one ~ ~ Home tonight ~ ~ In the empire of my mind ~ ~ There is trouble in my mind ~ [chatter.]
- Morning.
- Good morning.
How are ya? Thank you.
[Woman.]
Ah, Mr.
Kirkendall, nice to see you again.
[Chatter.]
Hey.
Kirkendall's waiting.
I know.
He's early.
Oh, he's always early.
Yeah.
Is Jake here yet? I don't know.
He, uh had a He he might be running a little late.
Why? [Knock on door.]
- Hey.
- Morning.
What the hell happened to you? Uh had a little run-in last night.
Some guy, uh l I I was walking to my car, and he robbed me.
- You all right? - Yeah.
I'm fine.
Uh, shouldn't shouldn't we be going? Ah, Denmar's not here yet.
Denmar's not coming.
What? Kirkendall wants to fire him.
He's firing Denmar? Yeah.
He founded the company.
Yeah, and he also spent about three grand at some gentlemen's club last month entertaining clients.
Then he submitted it as a business expense.
So he's gonna fire him for going to a strip club? - Yeah.
- And he wants to use this as cause.
If he can.
Okay, then.
Jake, let me, uh, talk to Nicholas a minute.
Yeah.
- Listen, I, uh, want Jake to handle this.
- Why? Kirkendall, he's a conservative guy.
Right.
So? Well, he's got problems with your problems.
- Fine.
- Yeah.
All right.
Okay.
You sure you're all right? - Yeah.
Yeah.
- Okay.
Hey, Finn.
How ya doin'? - Hey, Burton.
- Good to see ya.
You remember Jake Straka.
Sure.
Sure.
How ya been, Jake? Oh, good.
Good.
- What happened to your eye? - [Knocking.]
- Oh - I'm sorry to interrupt, but, uh there's a man a detective who wants to talk to you.
Right.
I'll be right there.
Uh excuse me for a moment.
Uhm I'm innocent of all charges, I assure you.
I'm sure.
Yeah.
Sit down, Finn.
Poor guy got mugged last night.
You're kidding.
That's terrible.
He's a tough kid, though.
He'll be all right.
I just want to follow up on a few things.
Sure.
When we talked at the motel, you said the man pushed you into the room while you were opening the door? Right.
So you weren't with him.
No.
He was just, uh roaming around in the parking lot? Oh I I have no idea.
Why were you at the motel? - Excuse me? - You live in town, right? So I'm just wondering why you would stay at some motel on Route 8.
Well, I I you know, I'd had a lot to drink, and, uh, I didn't want to drive home for for obvious reasons, and so I decided to stay in a motel.
Uh medical report says that there were lacerations and abrasions in your leg and groin area.
Okay.
I'm just trying to understand how you got cuts on your legs and, you know If you got jumped, it doesn't add up.
Hey, you know, it was a fight.
Stuff happens.
- Right.
- Right.
I know it's tough to talk about certain things.
I understand that.
- Thanks for your time.
- Oh, my pleasure.
Excuse me.
Hey, how ya doing? Not bad.
Bet you a double latte you're doing better than Luke.
What's that? He walked in on his mother and his best friend.
They were in the bedroom kissing, and Luke went nuts.
Grabbed a lamp and beat up his friend.
Hit his mother.
Broke some stuff.
Cops picked him up called me and here we are.
What does he want? He wants to live with his father.
But he's not exactly Ward Cleaver.
He used to beat up Luke's mother when they were living together.
Jay? He's like my best friend.
Was.
Police have dropped the charges against you, Luke.
So if you want, you can go back to your home.
I told that lady I want to live with my father.
Right.
Well, we'll have to speak to your father first.
He's not the greatest person that's ever lived but at least he's a guy.
Suzanne will take you to a shelter.
That's where you'll stay until we can figure out what to do.
What's there to figure out? My mother's a whore.
Oh, Nick.
You know you didn't have to do that.
What? The flowers.
Flowers? Yeah.
Oh.
I thought that you I'm kidding.
How'd you know I liked lilies so much? Last year you told me that when you're in a bad mood, you like to go to the Farmer's Market and buy white lilies.
Well, it was sweet of you to remember that.
Thank you.
Sure.
Uh I was wondering, um if you're not busy later tonight if you want to get some dinner.
I'd like that.
Okay.
Nick Fallin? Yeah.
Debra Romello.
I was told that you have my son Luke.
Well, I'm his lawyer.
I need to see him.
- He's at a shelter.
- Where? Well, you'll need to call Social Services to arrange a visit.
But the police have dropped the charges, right? - So he can come home? - Yes he can.
He just doesn't want to.
Call Social Services.
You don't even call.
You just Oh, my God, Jakey.
Yeah, it's not that bad, really.
What happened? I got Some some idiot robbed me last night.
Robbed you? Yeah.
But it's no big deal, really.
Oh wait.
God, Ma.
I totally forgot about the closing.
I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
We pushed it back to tomorrow.
The buyer's all upset, but I can't believe someone Enough, okay? - I'm - Sorry.
I'm fine.
I'm fine.
Look, Ma, I'm late for a meeting, okay? So, um, there's nothing to worry about.
Really.
I'm gonna call you later about that about that closing tomorrow.
Okay? Thanks, Ma.
Thank you.
Thank you.
How did you get a reservation here? I, uh, talked to the Maitre d'.
Uh, you know, the reason why I wanted to have dinner, um We need to figure out how this is going to work.
With the baby.
Right.
Well, l I guess a lot of that depends on what's going on with us.
Uh I think that we need to make certain provisions.
Like what? Well, there's a lot of things to think about.
Um uh, money for starters.
Raising a special needs child is very expensive.
I would like to create a trust.
Just so I don't have to worry about it.
Okay.
You agree? Lf if that's what you want.
Yeah.
That Great.
Sorry I'm late.
So, uh, I don't have a lot of time.
- So - Have a seat.
Like I said on the phone, we picked up this guy Tom Addas using your Visa card over at Lightstone's.
Uh-huh.
Bought about two thousand dollars' worth of clothes in ten minutes.
Just want to see if you recognize him.
Anyone look familiar? No.
No one? I don't see him.
How about the guy in the upper right here? This one? No.
You know, if some punk did to me what he did to you So are we done here? Yeah.
Thanks.
[Phone rings.]
[Man.]
Children's Shelter.
Hey.
Luke.
Hey, how ya doing, kid? You're gettin' big.
Playing football? Soccer.
Oh.
Great.
Well, anyway, so, uh I think this'll be good, me and you living together.
It'll be fun.
Yeah.
Yeah, um You know, you're gonna have to change schools and stuff, but that's okay.
Right.
And I got I got a girlfriend now.
Carly.
You'll like her.
She's a good cook too.
Look I'm not drinking anymore so things are gonna be better.
A little more calm.
Okay.
So you got any questions or anything? Uh no.
Luke.
Are you sure you want to live with your dad? Yeah.
Good.
So, uh I guess I'll see ya soon after all this, uh, you know, Social Services stuff is done.
Pete.
Oh, I've missed you so much, sweetie.
- Mm, so, so much.
- Get off me.
I don't blame you for being upset, sweetheart.
I'm not upset.
Yes, you are, and it's okay if what you think happened really happened.
Jay's parents are getting a divorce.
So? So it's not easy.
You went through it.
He He was feeling sad.
He came at me.
He kissed me and l I didn't know how to react and you walked in.
Luke, I forgive you for what you did to me.
I know you didn't mean to hurt me.
Luke.
Hey.
Why don't you tell your lawyer you want to come home? 'Cause I don't want to.
$21 for a piece of chicken? Ma, it's all right.
It doesn't even come with vegetables.
You have to order that extra.
It's all right.
Really.
Just just order what you want.
So this man.
He just came from outta nowhere? Uh, yeah pretty much.
I mean, I just walking to my car and Did you see what he looked like? No.
Not really.
L I was, uh it was pretty late.
How late? Late.
Uh so listen, this new this new place Maple Gardens I it sounds great.
I've been reading about it on the Internet.
Uh lots of activities.
Yeah, I know.
I'm I'm really excited.
New beginnings.
I'm so glad.
So what do you what do you want? I want the son of a bitch to go to jail for a long time.
Ma.
If someone hadn't called the police, who knows what might have happened? Thanks.
Nicholas, have you seen Jake? No.
He was supposed to get back to me with that Denmar research.
Well, I wouldn't let it worry you.
I'm sure he's gonna get around to it.
Well, getting around to it is not gonna cut it.
I'm supposed to be over at Kirkendall's in ten minutes.
Uh, well [coughing.]
[Toilet flushes.]
You know, I can help you out with this Denmar matter.
I'm okay.
I could just do a little research for you, if you want.
No, I'm fine.
I just my stomach's a little off because of these pain pills, that's all.
[Cough.]
Have you considered talking to someone about what happened? I'm I'm fine.
Really.
Nick, I said I'd handle it.
I'll leave a memo on your desk tomorrow morning.
[Knock on door.]
Apologize for the inconvenience, Mr.
Straka.
Just wanted to update you.
Look, Detective.
I I appreciate what you're doing.
L I really do.
But, you know, I am I am very busy right now.
The motel manager that dialed 911? He picked the suspect out of the photo array.
Uh-huh.
Took him about two seconds.
Guess he got a real good look at him.
Okay.
His room is right next to the room you were in.
So want to try again? Try what? Looking at the photos.
Like I said, I didn't see him.
Well, how about if you come down to the station? We'll put the guy in a lineup.
Maybe you'll see him then.
You know, it's a waste of time.
I didn't see him.
I mean, this guy Addas could be serving me fried eggs at CC's Diner, and I wouldn't know who he is.
You know? Look, Mr.
Straka, this Addas he's been a suspect in a few similar cases.
So, you know, if we could nail him on more than just using a stolen credit card, it would be great.
I didn't see him.
Oh, hey, Nick.
Pete Romello's not gonna work.
What? - He got arrested nine months ago.
- I know.
For beating up his girlfriend.
I called him.
Told him Luke can't live with him.
- Hi.
- Hey.
- I had a really nice time last night.
- Me, too.
Uh, I was fiddling around with some numbers for the trust, and I think that Uh, I want you to tell me if you think it's too much, okay? But, I think that, given how much you make compared to how much - How much? - A hundred thousand.
- If you think it's too much - Well, I was thinking two hundred.
Oh.
Really? Well, since it's a Special Needs Trust, we can only contribute to it once.
We might as well make it count.
Oh.
Right.
Okay.
Um, I'm not really sure how much I can - I'll take care of it.
- Mm.
What the hell is going on? Uh, Mr.
Romello I just got a call from some broad telling me that Luke can't live with me.
- Right.
- Why? 'Cause l I slapped that tramp Debra a couple times when I was drunk? I mean, you'd smack her pretty face, too, if you walked in on her screwing your brother.
I think the decision has more to do with the fact that you assaulted your girlfriend nine months ago.
Assault? I pushed her.
Luke can't live with you.
I'm sorry.
All right, fine.
Fine.
Send him back to Deb, huh? That'll be good for him.
Mr.
Straka.
What? We're close to cutting a plea bargain with Addas.
Oh.
Well, good for you.
Three to five.
Deviate sexual intercourse.
That's what it's called.
Well, that's not what happened.
Maybe.
Does does Addas happen to know that I did not I.
D.
Him? Deal won't be official for another few days, so if you feel like changing your mind, there's time.
You know, Detective we've we've kinda been through this, you know? - I know.
- Yeah.
But either way, the truth is gonna come out.
When somebody cops a plea, they've gotta tell the judge what happened on the record.
So no matter what people are gonna know how you met.
What you did with him.
What he did to you.
If you I.
D.
This scumbag and let us go to trial we'll put him away for fifteen years otherwise Uh your name Jay? - Who are you? - Luke Romello's lawyer.
L I just wanted to ask you some questions about Debra.
Like what? How long you been sleeping together? Look, man, we don't.
All right? I mean, just because Luke went nuts that day doesn't mean anything's going on.
Okay.
Well, if if you want, I can have you called to the witness stand, and you can explain in front of the judge, under oath, what you've been doing with your friend's mother.
How long you been sleeping together? You can tell me here, or you can tell me in court.
It's up to you.
Fine, I'll do it here.
Just don't call me into court or anything like that, okay? My parents will kill me.
Well, then tell me the truth.
Well, there's not much to tell.
I mean, we Debra and I have been, you know, doing it for, like, three months.
- How old are you? - Sixteen.
Did she ever have sex with you when you were fifteen? No.
She won't if you're underage.
You gotta be at least sixteen.
It's like a rule with her.
All right, so I take it you're not the only person she's involved with.
No.
Not even close, man.
I mean, she's a There's a lot of dudes, you know what I mean? One kid tells another kid and then It's kinda like this little club.
Uh, Luke can't live with his father.
That's great.
So when can I pick him up? Not so easy.
What do you mean? Well, Luke doesn't want to come home.
He's still very angry.
But, given the lack of alternatives, uh I feel he'll probably change his mind.
So what's the problem? Well, the problem is you like having sex with teenage boys.
Excuse me? Let's just be up front about this, okay? I don't know what you're talking about, Mr.
Fallin.
I'm trying to give you the chance to get your son back.
- If you agree to get counseling - Counseling? Yes, get counseling and tell Luke the truth, then I will recommend that he live with you.
No I can't tell that to my son.
- Hi.
- Hey.
I, uh, drafted a trust agreement last night, so whenever you get a chance - Okay.
- And, uh, the only thing left really to discuss is who's going to be trustee.
And I was thinking, uh if it's okay with you, that I'd do it.
Oh, I just assumed that we'd be co-trustees.
No, l I'd rather do it this way.
I think it'd be easier.
I want you to be involved, Nick.
Believe me, I do.
And I appreciate you putting up the money, but I do think it would be better if I didn't have to track you down to get your consent every time I wanted to do something.
I'm not so hard to find.
Not now, but, you know, in a year or two, who knows where you'll be? I'll still be here in Pittsburgh.
Well, uh just think about it.
Okay, sure.
We're still on for tomorrow, right? Mm-hmm.
All right.
Uh excuse me.
Hi.
I'm Jake Straka.
Okay.
I'm the guy who, um When you called the called the police the other night on the l l I'm the guy who got beat up.
Oh yeah.
Yeah, l I I just wanted to say I, uh I appreciate what you did.
No problem.
Yeah, so um, Thank you.
Oh.
Yeah.
Yeah, so well, I I talked to the detective and, uh DeMaria, and he said that you I.
D.
'd the guy.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's that's great.
But, you know, by the same token, you know, if for whatever reason, uh you decided to change your mind and, uh and not get involved, I mean, you know, I get it.
I mean, who wants the hassle, right? Courts and and and lawyers and and and cops.
I mean, at the end of the day, the guy's probably gonna get off anyway, right? Not a problem.
Well, l I'm just saying that I would understand.
Look.
I know what goes on around here.
I'm not stupid.
So when a guy starts kicking the hell outta his boyfriend or whatever you call him I gotta draw the line.
So, to be honest, I can't wait to testify against that punk.
Gretchen.
Did you hear anything from Jake? No.
I called his home phone, his cell phone emailed him.
All right.
Well, let me know, okay? Keep trying.
- Hey, son.
- Hey.
- How ya doin'? - You all right? Fine.
Kirkendall's waiting in the conference room.
We're trying to finalize the Denmar matter, and Jake just I can't find him.
Right.
I'm convinced we're in a better position.
Uh, excuse me.
Um, I'm sorry for the interruption.
I just got off the phone with Jake.
He has a personal matter he needs to attend to.
- You - But, I'm aware of the issues you're facing, Mr.
Kirkendall.
Jake talked about it yesterday afternoon.
Bottom line is there's nothing directly on-point in Pennsylvania.
But there is an Ohio case that's perfect.
A CEO was fired for submitting a four hundred dollar expense report from a place called the Flesh Palace.
It's been cited three times in Pennsylvania cases, so it's pretty good law.
If Denmar sues, you have a solid defense.
- So I can fire him? - Yes.
I can send you a memo outlining all the issues, if you'd like.
Yeah, sure.
Well, uh thanks, Nicholas.
I appreciate your help.
My pleasure.
Uh I understand I'm not part of your team, Mr.
Kirkendall, but I'm glad to be able to help you out.
Sure.
And if you need any assistance in the future, you know where to find me.
Hmm.
[Knock on door.]
- Who is it? - [Ma.]
It's me.
Ma.
I had nothing to do today, so I made you this.
Oh.
Lots of old pictures and letters and, you know, stuff from your childhood.
Thanks.
So any word about that animal who attacked you? No.
- Nothing? - No.
Well, the new kitchen's great.
I love it.
The oven It's one of those fancy convection things, and it takes, like, about, I don't know, twenty-five percent less time to cook whatever you're cooking because it's got this fan You know, Ma, I, um I didn't just get mugged.
What do you mean? It was worse.
Worse? That guy, he, uh he did certain things.
Like what? Certain things.
Oh, Jake l I'm fine, okay? I I just need to tell someone the truth, that's all, about what happened.
You know, the best part is that before you know it, the entire city's gonna know what happened.
That I got People just love a tragedy, you know? Trying to be all heartbroken and sympathetic, but deep down they just love it.
Gives 'em something to talk about and laugh about.
Jake.
I cannot have this guy talking about what happened.
I just can't.
Pittsburgh's a tiny place, Ma.
[Doorbell rings.]
Yeah.
Come on back.
Sorry to just stop by.
That's all right.
You want a you want a drink or something? Oh, no, no, no.
No, thanks.
I just, um Um, I needed to talk to you about something.
Sure.
What's up? I, um I didn't get mugged.
What? It was a sexual assault.
What do you mean? I met a guy at a club.
Had a few drinks.
Went back to a motel.
It got out of control.
The, uh police caught the guy, and they're trying to manipulate him into a plea bargain for deviate sexual intercourse.
My God.
My God.
L Why are you telling me this now? I want to keep it quiet.
Can you help me? Oh I don't know.
I don't know, Jake.
I understand.
Okay.
Thank you, Burton.
[Door opens, closes.]
Hey, sweetie.
Mmm.
Oh, I'm sorry, baby.
I can't help it.
Hi.
Almost forgot.
Got a new TV for your bedroom.
Cool.
Yeah.
My friend Bobby's gonna put the DVD in.
- Be ready to go.
- Thanks.
Uh all right, sweetie.
I lied to you.
The other day when you came home you were, uh When when you went to soccer practice and you were having fun with all your friends and Jay stopped by we started talking and then we, uh He won't say a word.
Not to anyone.
And I won't.
It will be our secret.
Luke.
Everyone makes mistakes.
Jay said he won't tell anyone? Yeah.
Yeah, he promised.
What? I told him the truth.
I did what you asked.
We had a deal.
What's she talking about? It wasn't just Jay.
[Knock on door.]
Hey.
Uh, you can be sole trustee, but, uh, I'll need you to sign this.
A custody agreement? Well, I just want to make sure that I'm protected after the baby's born.
Nick.
I want joint legal and physical custody, that's all.
This is not a deal, you know.
I'm not negotiating this.
So you just want me to be your bank? That's it? No.
I just want to make sure that I can provide for our child without having to depend on you.
It's very simple.
Simple? You think this is simple? Being told that I can't be trusted to raise my own child? Wait a minute.
I never said that.
Well, you implied it.
No, I did All right.
So I assume we're not gonna have dinner tonight now.
Why? Well, I just thought that if you Lulu, we're gonna work through this, okay? I'm not worried.
I'll pick you up at 7.
Ohh.
Stay there.
I, uh just talked to the DA's office.
Okay.
They they don't want to get involved.
Right.
Apparently, they really want to get this son of a bitch, with your help or without.
Right.
Sorry.
Uh Yeah, I'm I'm just so sorry that, uh, I got you involved.
I, uh I don't really even know how this happened.
Uhm But, uh So I say I feel very fortunate to work with you, Burton, to be your partner.
And you have my word that I will never put myself in a position to discredit this law firm ever again.
Jake, you're a good man.
I truly believe that.
But you you gotta make better decisions.
She's a pretty one, isn't she? Beretta 9000.
Perfect weapon for self-defense.
It's got reflexive ergonomics for a natural point of aim.
Alloy finish.
Ambidextrous safety levers.
How much? Beauty part of Pennsylvania no waiting period.
You want that puppy, she's yours.
We need to talk.
Okay.
What? You tell the DA the deal's off.
You're innocent.
Why accept a plea bargain? - Yeah, but they said that - They're lying.
Without me they got nothing, and I ain't talking.
Yeah, that's right.
I'm not gonna say a word.
So you tell your lawyer no deal.
Don't say why.
Just say no deal.
Understand? And if I find out that I'm sick because of you I will kill you.
How're you doing? You know, I need to tell the judge where you want to live.
I know.
Okay.
So you can stay in the shelter if you'd like, or I can try and find you a foster family.
It may take some time, but I just think my mother's by herself too much.
Things happen when you're alone, you know? If I'm not there, it'll only make things worse.
I understand.
Think she'll do it again? Probably.
I'm just not that into having some random foster family pretending to be into me you know? You want to live with your mom? - Yeah.
- All right.
That's what I'll tell the judge.
[Knock on door.]
Jakey.
Ma? What're you doing here? It's late.
I couldn't sleep.
You know, the new apartment I don't know.
It's, uh everything's so damn clean.
I mean Are you going out? Ooh, Jakey, I'm really worried about you.
Well what do you mean? There are things that you don't tell me, like where you go and what you do.
That's fine.
I know it's your life and all, but I'm your mother and I'm scared.
Listen, honey you can tell me the truth.
You know that, right? I do.
Ma.
There's nothing to tell.
Well, I had a really nice time.
Me, too.
Uh So I I guess I'll see you tomorrow.
I know you don't trust me.
I don't blame you.
But I'm not giving up.
I mean, you can tell me to go to hell if you want, but I'm not gonna give up.
Good morning.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Burton, that, uh, problem we discussed.
Yeah.
It's been resolved.
- Resolved? - Yeah.
So it's like it never happened.
Good.
[Car alarm beeps.]
Hey.
So what happened? Ah, I got robbed.
You okay? Yeah.
I mean, a couple stitches and a broken rib.
I went to Calabria's with Kate.
Dropped her off.
Good night kiss.
Was gonna spend the night, but, uh I ended up going out for a drink after, and and on my way back to my car, some guy, outta nowhere, jumps me, and and before I know it, just ran off with my wallet.
Did you get a look at him? Uh, no, no.
It was it was it was late.
What bar did you go to? Oh, I don't know.
Some bar on the North Side.
You know, if if you don't mind, maybe, uhm maybe I'll tell people at work what happened myself.
I won't say a word about anything.
Thanks.
~ Well, there is trouble ~ ~ In my mind ~ ~ There is dark ~ ~ There is dark and there is light ~ ~ There is no order ~ ~ There is chaos ~ ~ And there is crime ~ ~ There is no one ~ ~ Home tonight ~ ~ In the empire of my mind ~ ~ There is trouble in my mind ~ [chatter.]
- Morning.
- Good morning.
How are ya? Thank you.
[Woman.]
Ah, Mr.
Kirkendall, nice to see you again.
[Chatter.]
Hey.
Kirkendall's waiting.
I know.
He's early.
Oh, he's always early.
Yeah.
Is Jake here yet? I don't know.
He, uh had a He he might be running a little late.
Why? [Knock on door.]
- Hey.
- Morning.
What the hell happened to you? Uh had a little run-in last night.
Some guy, uh l I I was walking to my car, and he robbed me.
- You all right? - Yeah.
I'm fine.
Uh, shouldn't shouldn't we be going? Ah, Denmar's not here yet.
Denmar's not coming.
What? Kirkendall wants to fire him.
He's firing Denmar? Yeah.
He founded the company.
Yeah, and he also spent about three grand at some gentlemen's club last month entertaining clients.
Then he submitted it as a business expense.
So he's gonna fire him for going to a strip club? - Yeah.
- And he wants to use this as cause.
If he can.
Okay, then.
Jake, let me, uh, talk to Nicholas a minute.
Yeah.
- Listen, I, uh, want Jake to handle this.
- Why? Kirkendall, he's a conservative guy.
Right.
So? Well, he's got problems with your problems.
- Fine.
- Yeah.
All right.
Okay.
You sure you're all right? - Yeah.
Yeah.
- Okay.
Hey, Finn.
How ya doin'? - Hey, Burton.
- Good to see ya.
You remember Jake Straka.
Sure.
Sure.
How ya been, Jake? Oh, good.
Good.
- What happened to your eye? - [Knocking.]
- Oh - I'm sorry to interrupt, but, uh there's a man a detective who wants to talk to you.
Right.
I'll be right there.
Uh excuse me for a moment.
Uhm I'm innocent of all charges, I assure you.
I'm sure.
Yeah.
Sit down, Finn.
Poor guy got mugged last night.
You're kidding.
That's terrible.
He's a tough kid, though.
He'll be all right.
I just want to follow up on a few things.
Sure.
When we talked at the motel, you said the man pushed you into the room while you were opening the door? Right.
So you weren't with him.
No.
He was just, uh roaming around in the parking lot? Oh I I have no idea.
Why were you at the motel? - Excuse me? - You live in town, right? So I'm just wondering why you would stay at some motel on Route 8.
Well, I I you know, I'd had a lot to drink, and, uh, I didn't want to drive home for for obvious reasons, and so I decided to stay in a motel.
Uh medical report says that there were lacerations and abrasions in your leg and groin area.
Okay.
I'm just trying to understand how you got cuts on your legs and, you know If you got jumped, it doesn't add up.
Hey, you know, it was a fight.
Stuff happens.
- Right.
- Right.
I know it's tough to talk about certain things.
I understand that.
- Thanks for your time.
- Oh, my pleasure.
Excuse me.
Hey, how ya doing? Not bad.
Bet you a double latte you're doing better than Luke.
What's that? He walked in on his mother and his best friend.
They were in the bedroom kissing, and Luke went nuts.
Grabbed a lamp and beat up his friend.
Hit his mother.
Broke some stuff.
Cops picked him up called me and here we are.
What does he want? He wants to live with his father.
But he's not exactly Ward Cleaver.
He used to beat up Luke's mother when they were living together.
Jay? He's like my best friend.
Was.
Police have dropped the charges against you, Luke.
So if you want, you can go back to your home.
I told that lady I want to live with my father.
Right.
Well, we'll have to speak to your father first.
He's not the greatest person that's ever lived but at least he's a guy.
Suzanne will take you to a shelter.
That's where you'll stay until we can figure out what to do.
What's there to figure out? My mother's a whore.
Oh, Nick.
You know you didn't have to do that.
What? The flowers.
Flowers? Yeah.
Oh.
I thought that you I'm kidding.
How'd you know I liked lilies so much? Last year you told me that when you're in a bad mood, you like to go to the Farmer's Market and buy white lilies.
Well, it was sweet of you to remember that.
Thank you.
Sure.
Uh I was wondering, um if you're not busy later tonight if you want to get some dinner.
I'd like that.
Okay.
Nick Fallin? Yeah.
Debra Romello.
I was told that you have my son Luke.
Well, I'm his lawyer.
I need to see him.
- He's at a shelter.
- Where? Well, you'll need to call Social Services to arrange a visit.
But the police have dropped the charges, right? - So he can come home? - Yes he can.
He just doesn't want to.
Call Social Services.
You don't even call.
You just Oh, my God, Jakey.
Yeah, it's not that bad, really.
What happened? I got Some some idiot robbed me last night.
Robbed you? Yeah.
But it's no big deal, really.
Oh wait.
God, Ma.
I totally forgot about the closing.
I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
We pushed it back to tomorrow.
The buyer's all upset, but I can't believe someone Enough, okay? - I'm - Sorry.
I'm fine.
I'm fine.
Look, Ma, I'm late for a meeting, okay? So, um, there's nothing to worry about.
Really.
I'm gonna call you later about that about that closing tomorrow.
Okay? Thanks, Ma.
Thank you.
Thank you.
How did you get a reservation here? I, uh, talked to the Maitre d'.
Uh, you know, the reason why I wanted to have dinner, um We need to figure out how this is going to work.
With the baby.
Right.
Well, l I guess a lot of that depends on what's going on with us.
Uh I think that we need to make certain provisions.
Like what? Well, there's a lot of things to think about.
Um uh, money for starters.
Raising a special needs child is very expensive.
I would like to create a trust.
Just so I don't have to worry about it.
Okay.
You agree? Lf if that's what you want.
Yeah.
That Great.
Sorry I'm late.
So, uh, I don't have a lot of time.
- So - Have a seat.
Like I said on the phone, we picked up this guy Tom Addas using your Visa card over at Lightstone's.
Uh-huh.
Bought about two thousand dollars' worth of clothes in ten minutes.
Just want to see if you recognize him.
Anyone look familiar? No.
No one? I don't see him.
How about the guy in the upper right here? This one? No.
You know, if some punk did to me what he did to you So are we done here? Yeah.
Thanks.
[Phone rings.]
[Man.]
Children's Shelter.
Hey.
Luke.
Hey, how ya doing, kid? You're gettin' big.
Playing football? Soccer.
Oh.
Great.
Well, anyway, so, uh I think this'll be good, me and you living together.
It'll be fun.
Yeah.
Yeah, um You know, you're gonna have to change schools and stuff, but that's okay.
Right.
And I got I got a girlfriend now.
Carly.
You'll like her.
She's a good cook too.
Look I'm not drinking anymore so things are gonna be better.
A little more calm.
Okay.
So you got any questions or anything? Uh no.
Luke.
Are you sure you want to live with your dad? Yeah.
Good.
So, uh I guess I'll see ya soon after all this, uh, you know, Social Services stuff is done.
Pete.
Oh, I've missed you so much, sweetie.
- Mm, so, so much.
- Get off me.
I don't blame you for being upset, sweetheart.
I'm not upset.
Yes, you are, and it's okay if what you think happened really happened.
Jay's parents are getting a divorce.
So? So it's not easy.
You went through it.
He He was feeling sad.
He came at me.
He kissed me and l I didn't know how to react and you walked in.
Luke, I forgive you for what you did to me.
I know you didn't mean to hurt me.
Luke.
Hey.
Why don't you tell your lawyer you want to come home? 'Cause I don't want to.
$21 for a piece of chicken? Ma, it's all right.
It doesn't even come with vegetables.
You have to order that extra.
It's all right.
Really.
Just just order what you want.
So this man.
He just came from outta nowhere? Uh, yeah pretty much.
I mean, I just walking to my car and Did you see what he looked like? No.
Not really.
L I was, uh it was pretty late.
How late? Late.
Uh so listen, this new this new place Maple Gardens I it sounds great.
I've been reading about it on the Internet.
Uh lots of activities.
Yeah, I know.
I'm I'm really excited.
New beginnings.
I'm so glad.
So what do you what do you want? I want the son of a bitch to go to jail for a long time.
Ma.
If someone hadn't called the police, who knows what might have happened? Thanks.
Nicholas, have you seen Jake? No.
He was supposed to get back to me with that Denmar research.
Well, I wouldn't let it worry you.
I'm sure he's gonna get around to it.
Well, getting around to it is not gonna cut it.
I'm supposed to be over at Kirkendall's in ten minutes.
Uh, well [coughing.]
[Toilet flushes.]
You know, I can help you out with this Denmar matter.
I'm okay.
I could just do a little research for you, if you want.
No, I'm fine.
I just my stomach's a little off because of these pain pills, that's all.
[Cough.]
Have you considered talking to someone about what happened? I'm I'm fine.
Really.
Nick, I said I'd handle it.
I'll leave a memo on your desk tomorrow morning.
[Knock on door.]
Apologize for the inconvenience, Mr.
Straka.
Just wanted to update you.
Look, Detective.
I I appreciate what you're doing.
L I really do.
But, you know, I am I am very busy right now.
The motel manager that dialed 911? He picked the suspect out of the photo array.
Uh-huh.
Took him about two seconds.
Guess he got a real good look at him.
Okay.
His room is right next to the room you were in.
So want to try again? Try what? Looking at the photos.
Like I said, I didn't see him.
Well, how about if you come down to the station? We'll put the guy in a lineup.
Maybe you'll see him then.
You know, it's a waste of time.
I didn't see him.
I mean, this guy Addas could be serving me fried eggs at CC's Diner, and I wouldn't know who he is.
You know? Look, Mr.
Straka, this Addas he's been a suspect in a few similar cases.
So, you know, if we could nail him on more than just using a stolen credit card, it would be great.
I didn't see him.
Oh, hey, Nick.
Pete Romello's not gonna work.
What? - He got arrested nine months ago.
- I know.
For beating up his girlfriend.
I called him.
Told him Luke can't live with him.
- Hi.
- Hey.
- I had a really nice time last night.
- Me, too.
Uh, I was fiddling around with some numbers for the trust, and I think that Uh, I want you to tell me if you think it's too much, okay? But, I think that, given how much you make compared to how much - How much? - A hundred thousand.
- If you think it's too much - Well, I was thinking two hundred.
Oh.
Really? Well, since it's a Special Needs Trust, we can only contribute to it once.
We might as well make it count.
Oh.
Right.
Okay.
Um, I'm not really sure how much I can - I'll take care of it.
- Mm.
What the hell is going on? Uh, Mr.
Romello I just got a call from some broad telling me that Luke can't live with me.
- Right.
- Why? 'Cause l I slapped that tramp Debra a couple times when I was drunk? I mean, you'd smack her pretty face, too, if you walked in on her screwing your brother.
I think the decision has more to do with the fact that you assaulted your girlfriend nine months ago.
Assault? I pushed her.
Luke can't live with you.
I'm sorry.
All right, fine.
Fine.
Send him back to Deb, huh? That'll be good for him.
Mr.
Straka.
What? We're close to cutting a plea bargain with Addas.
Oh.
Well, good for you.
Three to five.
Deviate sexual intercourse.
That's what it's called.
Well, that's not what happened.
Maybe.
Does does Addas happen to know that I did not I.
D.
Him? Deal won't be official for another few days, so if you feel like changing your mind, there's time.
You know, Detective we've we've kinda been through this, you know? - I know.
- Yeah.
But either way, the truth is gonna come out.
When somebody cops a plea, they've gotta tell the judge what happened on the record.
So no matter what people are gonna know how you met.
What you did with him.
What he did to you.
If you I.
D.
This scumbag and let us go to trial we'll put him away for fifteen years otherwise Uh your name Jay? - Who are you? - Luke Romello's lawyer.
L I just wanted to ask you some questions about Debra.
Like what? How long you been sleeping together? Look, man, we don't.
All right? I mean, just because Luke went nuts that day doesn't mean anything's going on.
Okay.
Well, if if you want, I can have you called to the witness stand, and you can explain in front of the judge, under oath, what you've been doing with your friend's mother.
How long you been sleeping together? You can tell me here, or you can tell me in court.
It's up to you.
Fine, I'll do it here.
Just don't call me into court or anything like that, okay? My parents will kill me.
Well, then tell me the truth.
Well, there's not much to tell.
I mean, we Debra and I have been, you know, doing it for, like, three months.
- How old are you? - Sixteen.
Did she ever have sex with you when you were fifteen? No.
She won't if you're underage.
You gotta be at least sixteen.
It's like a rule with her.
All right, so I take it you're not the only person she's involved with.
No.
Not even close, man.
I mean, she's a There's a lot of dudes, you know what I mean? One kid tells another kid and then It's kinda like this little club.
Uh, Luke can't live with his father.
That's great.
So when can I pick him up? Not so easy.
What do you mean? Well, Luke doesn't want to come home.
He's still very angry.
But, given the lack of alternatives, uh I feel he'll probably change his mind.
So what's the problem? Well, the problem is you like having sex with teenage boys.
Excuse me? Let's just be up front about this, okay? I don't know what you're talking about, Mr.
Fallin.
I'm trying to give you the chance to get your son back.
- If you agree to get counseling - Counseling? Yes, get counseling and tell Luke the truth, then I will recommend that he live with you.
No I can't tell that to my son.
- Hi.
- Hey.
I, uh, drafted a trust agreement last night, so whenever you get a chance - Okay.
- And, uh, the only thing left really to discuss is who's going to be trustee.
And I was thinking, uh if it's okay with you, that I'd do it.
Oh, I just assumed that we'd be co-trustees.
No, l I'd rather do it this way.
I think it'd be easier.
I want you to be involved, Nick.
Believe me, I do.
And I appreciate you putting up the money, but I do think it would be better if I didn't have to track you down to get your consent every time I wanted to do something.
I'm not so hard to find.
Not now, but, you know, in a year or two, who knows where you'll be? I'll still be here in Pittsburgh.
Well, uh just think about it.
Okay, sure.
We're still on for tomorrow, right? Mm-hmm.
All right.
Uh excuse me.
Hi.
I'm Jake Straka.
Okay.
I'm the guy who, um When you called the called the police the other night on the l l I'm the guy who got beat up.
Oh yeah.
Yeah, l I I just wanted to say I, uh I appreciate what you did.
No problem.
Yeah, so um, Thank you.
Oh.
Yeah.
Yeah, so well, I I talked to the detective and, uh DeMaria, and he said that you I.
D.
'd the guy.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's that's great.
But, you know, by the same token, you know, if for whatever reason, uh you decided to change your mind and, uh and not get involved, I mean, you know, I get it.
I mean, who wants the hassle, right? Courts and and and lawyers and and and cops.
I mean, at the end of the day, the guy's probably gonna get off anyway, right? Not a problem.
Well, l I'm just saying that I would understand.
Look.
I know what goes on around here.
I'm not stupid.
So when a guy starts kicking the hell outta his boyfriend or whatever you call him I gotta draw the line.
So, to be honest, I can't wait to testify against that punk.
Gretchen.
Did you hear anything from Jake? No.
I called his home phone, his cell phone emailed him.
All right.
Well, let me know, okay? Keep trying.
- Hey, son.
- Hey.
- How ya doin'? - You all right? Fine.
Kirkendall's waiting in the conference room.
We're trying to finalize the Denmar matter, and Jake just I can't find him.
Right.
I'm convinced we're in a better position.
Uh, excuse me.
Um, I'm sorry for the interruption.
I just got off the phone with Jake.
He has a personal matter he needs to attend to.
- You - But, I'm aware of the issues you're facing, Mr.
Kirkendall.
Jake talked about it yesterday afternoon.
Bottom line is there's nothing directly on-point in Pennsylvania.
But there is an Ohio case that's perfect.
A CEO was fired for submitting a four hundred dollar expense report from a place called the Flesh Palace.
It's been cited three times in Pennsylvania cases, so it's pretty good law.
If Denmar sues, you have a solid defense.
- So I can fire him? - Yes.
I can send you a memo outlining all the issues, if you'd like.
Yeah, sure.
Well, uh thanks, Nicholas.
I appreciate your help.
My pleasure.
Uh I understand I'm not part of your team, Mr.
Kirkendall, but I'm glad to be able to help you out.
Sure.
And if you need any assistance in the future, you know where to find me.
Hmm.
[Knock on door.]
- Who is it? - [Ma.]
It's me.
Ma.
I had nothing to do today, so I made you this.
Oh.
Lots of old pictures and letters and, you know, stuff from your childhood.
Thanks.
So any word about that animal who attacked you? No.
- Nothing? - No.
Well, the new kitchen's great.
I love it.
The oven It's one of those fancy convection things, and it takes, like, about, I don't know, twenty-five percent less time to cook whatever you're cooking because it's got this fan You know, Ma, I, um I didn't just get mugged.
What do you mean? It was worse.
Worse? That guy, he, uh he did certain things.
Like what? Certain things.
Oh, Jake l I'm fine, okay? I I just need to tell someone the truth, that's all, about what happened.
You know, the best part is that before you know it, the entire city's gonna know what happened.
That I got People just love a tragedy, you know? Trying to be all heartbroken and sympathetic, but deep down they just love it.
Gives 'em something to talk about and laugh about.
Jake.
I cannot have this guy talking about what happened.
I just can't.
Pittsburgh's a tiny place, Ma.
[Doorbell rings.]
Yeah.
Come on back.
Sorry to just stop by.
That's all right.
You want a you want a drink or something? Oh, no, no, no.
No, thanks.
I just, um Um, I needed to talk to you about something.
Sure.
What's up? I, um I didn't get mugged.
What? It was a sexual assault.
What do you mean? I met a guy at a club.
Had a few drinks.
Went back to a motel.
It got out of control.
The, uh police caught the guy, and they're trying to manipulate him into a plea bargain for deviate sexual intercourse.
My God.
My God.
L Why are you telling me this now? I want to keep it quiet.
Can you help me? Oh I don't know.
I don't know, Jake.
I understand.
Okay.
Thank you, Burton.
[Door opens, closes.]
Hey, sweetie.
Mmm.
Oh, I'm sorry, baby.
I can't help it.
Hi.
Almost forgot.
Got a new TV for your bedroom.
Cool.
Yeah.
My friend Bobby's gonna put the DVD in.
- Be ready to go.
- Thanks.
Uh all right, sweetie.
I lied to you.
The other day when you came home you were, uh When when you went to soccer practice and you were having fun with all your friends and Jay stopped by we started talking and then we, uh He won't say a word.
Not to anyone.
And I won't.
It will be our secret.
Luke.
Everyone makes mistakes.
Jay said he won't tell anyone? Yeah.
Yeah, he promised.
What? I told him the truth.
I did what you asked.
We had a deal.
What's she talking about? It wasn't just Jay.
[Knock on door.]
Hey.
Uh, you can be sole trustee, but, uh, I'll need you to sign this.
A custody agreement? Well, I just want to make sure that I'm protected after the baby's born.
Nick.
I want joint legal and physical custody, that's all.
This is not a deal, you know.
I'm not negotiating this.
So you just want me to be your bank? That's it? No.
I just want to make sure that I can provide for our child without having to depend on you.
It's very simple.
Simple? You think this is simple? Being told that I can't be trusted to raise my own child? Wait a minute.
I never said that.
Well, you implied it.
No, I did All right.
So I assume we're not gonna have dinner tonight now.
Why? Well, I just thought that if you Lulu, we're gonna work through this, okay? I'm not worried.
I'll pick you up at 7.
Ohh.
Stay there.
I, uh just talked to the DA's office.
Okay.
They they don't want to get involved.
Right.
Apparently, they really want to get this son of a bitch, with your help or without.
Right.
Sorry.
Uh Yeah, I'm I'm just so sorry that, uh, I got you involved.
I, uh I don't really even know how this happened.
Uhm But, uh So I say I feel very fortunate to work with you, Burton, to be your partner.
And you have my word that I will never put myself in a position to discredit this law firm ever again.
Jake, you're a good man.
I truly believe that.
But you you gotta make better decisions.
She's a pretty one, isn't she? Beretta 9000.
Perfect weapon for self-defense.
It's got reflexive ergonomics for a natural point of aim.
Alloy finish.
Ambidextrous safety levers.
How much? Beauty part of Pennsylvania no waiting period.
You want that puppy, she's yours.
We need to talk.
Okay.
What? You tell the DA the deal's off.
You're innocent.
Why accept a plea bargain? - Yeah, but they said that - They're lying.
Without me they got nothing, and I ain't talking.
Yeah, that's right.
I'm not gonna say a word.
So you tell your lawyer no deal.
Don't say why.
Just say no deal.
Understand? And if I find out that I'm sick because of you I will kill you.
How're you doing? You know, I need to tell the judge where you want to live.
I know.
Okay.
So you can stay in the shelter if you'd like, or I can try and find you a foster family.
It may take some time, but I just think my mother's by herself too much.
Things happen when you're alone, you know? If I'm not there, it'll only make things worse.
I understand.
Think she'll do it again? Probably.
I'm just not that into having some random foster family pretending to be into me you know? You want to live with your mom? - Yeah.
- All right.
That's what I'll tell the judge.
[Knock on door.]
Jakey.
Ma? What're you doing here? It's late.
I couldn't sleep.
You know, the new apartment I don't know.
It's, uh everything's so damn clean.
I mean Are you going out? Ooh, Jakey, I'm really worried about you.
Well what do you mean? There are things that you don't tell me, like where you go and what you do.
That's fine.
I know it's your life and all, but I'm your mother and I'm scared.
Listen, honey you can tell me the truth.
You know that, right? I do.
Ma.
There's nothing to tell.
Well, I had a really nice time.
Me, too.
Uh So I I guess I'll see you tomorrow.
I know you don't trust me.
I don't blame you.
But I'm not giving up.
I mean, you can tell me to go to hell if you want, but I'm not gonna give up.
Good morning.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Burton, that, uh, problem we discussed.
Yeah.
It's been resolved.
- Resolved? - Yeah.
So it's like it never happened.
Good.