Original subtitles

Previously on L .A. Law. Last week I found empty beer cans in his room. How

you know those weren't his brother's beer cans? I could believe that of him.

Alexander? What do you know about Alexander?

You get him twice a month, a weekend here and there. I could do a hell of a

better job of raising him than you.

Get your hands off me. Fudge bait.

Fudge bait.

You are their sauce.

Man, I'm getting stoned from the fumes.

Sam, come here.

Alexander?

Alexander.

Stuart Markowitz is the best thing that ever happened to me. Do you actually

think I could choose some lovestruck boy over the man that I have built my life

with, had my son with? I am not a lovestruck boy. Get out!

What about Matthew? That's no longer your concern. You're fired.

Sorry to bust in on you.

I'll only stay long enough to invite you all to the biggest event of the season.

Dodger tickets?

Bigger. My wedding.

Ladies.

I'd like you to meet Mikhail Lenskov, the next Bobby De Niro, if I have

to do with it, and my fiancé.

It is with great pleasure that I pronounce you husband and wife.

Congratulations. You may kiss the bride.

Sleep well.

We'd like to throw something new into the mix.

I won't plead down from felony hit and run.

That stands.

A felony conviction would destroy me in the business community.

He left a man to die in the street. What's that do for you in the business

community? Mr. Grady accepts responsibility for the accident, but on

of hit and run, he's innocent.

I have an eyewitness that says otherwise.

We're due in court.

Mr. Grady is sensitive to the fact that the victim was a homeless person, as he

is sensitive to the needs of other homeless community members.

This corporation owns the Rio Del Mar Motel in Venice, 48 rooms, due for

renovation.

Mr. Grady will convert the motel to a shelter facility for the homeless, 400

beds and a kitchen.

That's very generous.

And we plead to misdemeanor reckless driving suspended.

This offer is premature.

When we get to sentencing, I will recommend leniency.

If we get to sentencing, this offer won't be made.

Killing a man is not a misdemeanor. Mr. Grady did not know that he hit the man.

This offer allows him to do something constructive for the city. What this

is allow C. Howard Grady to buy his way out of the system.

Nonsense.

Signs are punitive.

Mr. Grady is willing to be punished to the tune of $15 million.

That's not skirting the system.

Plead to the hit and run. I'll drop vehicular manslaughter and I will work

you on the sentence.

We can't plead to a felony.

See you in court.

Hello.

That covers the agenda.

No one has anything else?

We're adjourned.

Sorry, all. Did I miss anything?

Just the staff meeting.

Oh, um, don't move anyone.

Uh, Susan Bloom wanted you all to see advanced copies of this. Oh, no!

It will be available at your local checkout counter tomorrow.

Let me see.

Oh, my God!

They put us on the front page of this rag.

The journey to the star, Susan Bloom.

Partner at Los Angeles Law Firm, Mackenzie Brackman. Let me see that. She

him she was a partner. That was the paper's mistake. She's already called in

correction. When did she give you these? Just now. I'm working with her on

Mikhail's residency application.

You're representing them? They are a completely credible couple. Well, they

better be. From what I hear, the Immigration Service has broad

Believe me, Susan and Mikhail are taking the process very seriously.

Well, this kind of trashy exposure can't help. Oh, come on. Nobody actually

reads this stuff.

Well, they look at the photos.

It's not very comforting to me.

Well, Leland, it kind of looks like you're the lucky bridegroom.

On that thought, we'd better adjourn.

Ah,

Benny.

You owe me $22.

Why? Not only did Sam goad my son into joining him in that foolish drinking

episode at the wedding,

Apparently the boys used Susan's home phone to make $44 worth of 976 calls.

What's 976?

Dirty phone calls, Benny, to women who talk about sex.

Sam shouldn't have done that. You're damn right, and he shouldn't have

my son into his malicious mischief.

I hope you're giving Sam the punishment he deserves.

I told Sam he was bad.

That's it?

And that I was very mad at him.

That's not doing your job as a parent, Benny.

which is, number one, to encourage appropriate behavior by setting an

and number two, to discourage inappropriate behavior by administering

discipline. Even though Alexander was only Sam's accomplice, I grounded him.

goes to school, he comes home, period. No loitering at the mall, no having

friends over, no sending out the pizza. And if he wants to rent a movie, he has

to watch it on the little screen in his bedroom.

Oh, I don't have $22.

I'm prepared to waive the money this time, but keep Sam away from my boy.

Not much of a honeymoon.

Two days at the St. James?

Costs more than a month in Gatlinburg. Like many two -career couples, my

have to make the most of their limited time together.

Actually, we found that lots could be achieved in 48 hours.

I'm sure Mr. Spooner can use his imagination, hon. I am paid not... To

imagination.

Where was your husband born?

Novotskov. Spell it. N -O -V -O -T -Z -V -K -O -V.

But don't ask him to tackle Buchanan, West Virginia.

I am noting that you mentioned your birthplace, Miss Bloom.

I assume that's because you're afraid that your husband couldn't supply that

answer. Hey, it was a joke. She knows my spelling as well as me. Surely you

allow for the fact that my client's... Shall we try to continue?

What is your method of birth control?

None. We want children.

Your mate's appendix?

Out. His tonsils?

In. Circumcision?

Nope. Want to see?

Joint bank account?

No. Prenuptial agreement?

Yes. As adults with successful careers, my client entered into this marriage

with some protection.

Have we finished?

We haven't begun, Ms. Lamb. This is a two -year process.

Now, from now on, your clients will be interviewed separately, and we will

question friends and co -workers as well.

Any suspicious information or behavior and Mr.

Olenskov's application for residency will be denied.

You'll see my secretary and block out some time later this week.

Thank you.

Dr. Waters, you were on duty in Venice Hospital's emergency room the night Mr.

Walter Lobianco was brought in for treatment. Could you describe his

In addition to suffering from multiple compound fractures in both legs, there

was extensive pelvic damage and crushed trauma to the lower vertebrae. He died

before I could get him into OR.

Now, were these injuries consistent with being hit by a car?

Yes. The victim was traumatized twice, actually.

When the car struck, the fractures occurred.

When he was pinned under the wheel... Move to strike. The doctor was not at

scene of the accident.

Granted. The jury will disregard.

Doctor, did the victim's injury suggest that in addition to an initial impact,

he also had been crushed under a heavy weight? Yes.

Almost 50 minutes passed between the time of the initial injury and when Mr.

Lobianco received medical treatment.

How did that impact his condition?

The victim died of internal hemorrhaging every minute that passed was crucial.

So if he had received immediate help, he might have lived.

Objection. Calls for speculation.

Overruled. Please answer. In my opinion, if Mr. LoBianco had received medical

help sooner, there's a good chance he would have lived.

Thank you.

Nothing further.

Anything wrong?

No, I just thought I'd drop these off.

Thanks. Come in.

I'll just turn it down.

You're full of surprises.

Huh?

A quiet evening at home with Wagner?

Ah, well, it was either that or Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.

Would you like a glass of wine?

Maybe a little glass.

Good.

Susan is seeing a client tonight, so I'm on my own.

Chin -chin.

I hope you have a hot date later.

Why? The music.

It's torturously unrequited.

Yes, I like a composer who can delay gratification.

Now that doesn't surprise me about you.

You know, Susan could have brought these papers to the office tomorrow.

I know.

Excuse me, I thought I just attended your wedding last week.

A niggling little detail.

What about the other little detail?

That I'm your attorney and your wife's colleague. And what about the INS

breathing down your neck?

Would it make a difference if you knew that Susan and I are very clear?

About what we expect from each other. Please, don't tell me anything that

limit me as your attorney.

I don't think of you as just my attorney.

And I've been thinking about you a lot.

You are putting me in a difficult position.

Not my intention.

But it seems absurd not to at least acknowledge the feeling.

Agreed.

But... Okay.

No for now.

Ah.

Make that no, period.

I'd better go.

Mm -hmm.

What happened?

Where's Sam?

If you were any kind of father to your son, what happened wouldn't have

happened. Where's Sam? Sheila, don't play games with me. Is Alexander all

More or less. He's up in x -rays. X -rays for what? Sure. I know how to

him. Let him come live with me. Think you can make him tender? Where's Sam?

Listen to you. You're glad your son is sick so you can spare him. How can you

say such a horrible thing to me? Because it's true.

Stolwitz, Benny Stolwitz. I want to see Sam Perry. I'm Douglas Brackman. I

believe my son's an X -ray. One second, please. As Sam's guardian, you need to

sign this authorization for medical treatment.

It's only a broken wrist. It's nothing serious.

I could just get a signature. Hold it. You don't know what you're signing.

From Dr. Stolwitz.

Okay.

Officer, this is Mr. Stolwitz, and these are the Brackmans.

I want to see Sam.

Sam? Mr. Stolwitz.

Sam? Mr. and Mrs. Brackman, I understand there's been an accident.

Yes, sir, there was. Your son is under arrest. What for?

If there's damage, I'm sure it can be handled between insurance companies.

you shut up, please?

I don't see that this needs to be a police matter. Sir, your son is an

unlicensed driver.

He was drinking underage, had an open container in the vehicle, ran a red

He failed to obey a police officer's order to pull over.

He drove recklessly in order to avoid arrest. He crashed into a service

The hazardous material squad had to be called out in order to handle the fuel

spill. Oh, my God.

Hey, Doug and Sheila, together again.

Anybody got a camera?

You've got some explaining to do, young man. His x -rays were fine.

Stitches should come out in eight days. Otherwise, he can go.

Okay. Let's go, son.

What, are you just going to stand there and watch him bust me? You can see him

down at Juvenile Hall.

Wait, wait.

What about my bud, Sam?

He'll be coming along, too. Let's go.

Do something. I don't want my son in jail with criminals. I'll handle this.

don't have to come.

Oh, I've done such a marvelous job so far. I think I'd better come along.

Suit yourself.

We can go in my car.

So you can tell me how this is all my fault?

I'd better drive myself downtown.

Fine. Drive yourself downtown.

Drive yourself over the edge of the Grand Canyon.

Sit right there.

Okay?

So...

Ann and I have just been talking about your work here since the Hudson report's

done. Uh -huh. We all knew the job was temporary, right?

Right. Not that I couldn't find something to keep you busy. I just don't

you'd find it terribly interesting.

What Stuart is trying to say is that we would like to propose an alternate plan.

Yeah. We'd like you to consider the possibility of helping us out with

We know it sounds like a lot of responsibility. It is. But we both think

terrific with him.

I don't know. I still have school and everything.

Oh, see, Matthew's going into daycare, so you could pick him up after three.

Yeah, and he's just crazy about you.

It won't work.

Why not? I don't know. Well, look, why don't you just try it out for a while

see how you feel? I just... I think I'd feel... I mean, it's your house and

everything. Oh, look, we trust you.

Well, it's not that.

I just... I can't. Sarah, does this have anything to do with what... Please,

stop! trying to rule my life. Would you be more comfortable working here? I

don't want to work here either.

Please, leave me alone.

Sarah?

Mr.

Varnes, where were you when Mr. Lobianco was hit?

I was sitting in the doorway to this camera store.

I'd been down to the beach, but it was too cold and windy to sleep down there.

What time did you come up from the beach and move into the doorway?

It was a little before three.

I saw Walter coming up out of his parking garage, and he was looking for

way to stay warm.

What did you suggest?

Well, there was a big pile of garbage bag outside this restaurant across the

street. How would they help?

Well, you empty out the garbage, and you tear holes for the arms and your head,

and you wear it under your shirt.

I told Walter about it, and he ran across to get one, and I sat down in

doorway to get out of the wind.

Then what happened?

Well, this Jaguar came flying up out of the cross street, and the next thing I

know, it jumped the curb and plowed into Walter.

And the driver got out and... Let the record show that the witness has

the defendant, Charles Howard Grady.

Well, the driver ran around the front of the car and looked at Walter.

Objection. The witness could not possibly know what Mr. Grady did or did

see. Sustained.

Did he look down in the direction of Mr.

Lobianco? Yeah, he bent over towards him.

Could you see Walter LoBianco? Hell yeah, I could see him. I could hear him,

too. He was moaning, like that sound a cat makes when it wants to fight.

Then what did Mr. Grady do?

Well, he ran back to the car and drove away.

Nothing further.

So you were sitting in the doorway watching your friend across the street?

Yes, sir, that's right.

What kind of distance are we talking here?

About 30 yards. I didn't step it off.

30 yards?

In the dark?

Oh, it was pretty bright. We got some fine streetlights in Venice.

And when the Jaguar came through the intersection, was the signal light red

green?

I'm pretty sure it was red.

It's red?

Yeah, red.

That's interesting because the police report states that there is no signal

light at that intersection.

Let's move on.

How many bags was Mr. Lobianco standing in?

Well, I don't know, a lot.

Police report says 18. That sound about right?

Sure. It was a big mound.

So Mr. Lobianco was covered with bags? How could Mr. Grady have possibly seen

him? Well, he wasn't covered. The guy looked right at Walter.

He even bent down to check him out. He knew. I could see it in his eyes.

It was 3 a .m. You were cold and sleep -deprived, yet you say you could see a

man's eyes when you were sitting 30 yards away?

Yeah. Through the 1979 blue Toyota that was parked in front of the camera shop?

That didn't obscure your view?

Well, I guess I'd stood up by then.

So when you were standing, you could see over the blue Toyota?

Yeah.

The Toyota was yellow, Mr. Barnes.

Nothing further?

Mr. Barnes, how did you identify Mr. Grady's car for the police?

Well, I read part of the license number when he drove by.

And isn't it true that Mr. Grady is here today because you accurately saw and

reported the first four digits?

That's right.

Thank you.

Nothing further.

see what you're so torqued about.

Alex is the one who's in serious trouble.

I told him you don't run away from cops, but he wouldn't listen.

You were truant. You were drinking underage, disorderly conduct. You're not

exactly in the clear, Sam.

Plus, when we go into court tomorrow, the judge isn't just going to consider

what happened with you and Alexander.

It's very likely that the whole question about Benny's guardianship will come

up.

You could lose him, Benny. Why?

I didn't do anything wrong.

I know you didn't, Benny, but Sam's behavior, it makes it seem like you

control him. Look, I'll tell the judge I made a mistake, and I'll be standing

there with Alex and Alex's dad, and Alex is in a lot deeper ado than I am. No

way is this old man going to let him get nailed.

So if Alex gets off, then I get off.

And if I get off, then Benny and I get off.

You got it all figured out, don't you?

Well, let me tell you something, wise guy.

The first thing Douglas Brackman did was to make sure his son won't be seen with

you. Because he thinks you're a bum.

You're not going to be able to ride anybody's coattails out of this, Sam.

You screwed up.

You wanted to see me? Are we failing to communicate?

I guess we are.

What are we talking about? Howard Grady's people offered civic service as

of a plea, and I had to hear about it from a councilman?

How did a councilman find out?

Grady's floating his offer to the public.

There'll be an article in the late edition of the Times.

I did not call you on this because it was tantamount to a bribe. We have got

,000 homeless in our city and a shrinking budget.

Grady is offering 400 beds, a meal program, and job counseling. If a rich

can buy his way out of a murder rap, what happens to equal justice?

Is there any way we can make Grady's deal and still serve this office?

Plead down to felony reckless with injury. I already tried that. He won't

anything more than a misdemeanor. If we come up dry in court, it'll be a

political firestorm. This case is strong.

I can win this.

Okay. But if you lose this one, Zoe, my skirts won't be wide enough to hide

behind.

You know, the Rio Del Mar is valued at more than $14 .5 million.

Highgate suckered my eyewitness.

Are we going to take the stand?

Tomorrow.

Saw him once before the planning committee.

Slick. And he's got to be worth, what, about $300 million?

Nothing. You could grind him for a hell of a lot more than $14 ,500.

Jonathan. What?

Go back and torch him for $26 ,000. See what he says.

It is not a question of how much.

Prosecution is not a business deal.

Oh, please, though.

It's exactly what it is.

No,

I think you're upset. I think it's making you a little inflexible.

Where you going? Home.

Why are you angry with me? You figure it out. All I was saying was go for your

best shot. I was trying to help.

Look, I really can't deal with this right now.

Or you.

Where's Alexander?

You were supposed to bring him. I was supposed to pick him up at school, but

wasn't there. I thought you'd gotten him. He was released into your custody,

Douglas. How could you let this happen? What am I supposed to do, hogtie him?

When he was living with me, we had problems, but he wasn't a missing

What are we going to tell the judge? Just shut up, Sheila. Let me handle it.

Douglas Brackman for the minor, Your Honor.

I'd like to petition the court for a continuance.

Where's your son?

I don't know, Your Honor.

You don't know?

If you have my word, I'll find him and get him here as soon as possible.

All right, Mr. Brackman.

I'll hold a bench warrant until 8 .30 tomorrow morning. But if he's not in

courtroom at that time, I'm going to have him arrested.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Sorry, everybody.

Mama bear, Papa bear, here comes your baby bear.

party as usual.

Young man, are you loaded?

Well, I'm not going to puke if that's what you mean.

Your Honor, a 14 -year -old boy who's wandering around town on his own, drunk,

is a danger to himself and to his community.

I'm requesting that he be taken into custody immediately.

Your Honor, clearly Alexander's substance abuse problem is more acute.

then either his mother or I realized I respectfully request that he be

released... Attaboy, Doug! ...so that he may undergo whatever counseling or

psychiatric evaluation is necessary to deal with this problem. I have strong

reservations about placing him back in your care.

However, I'm going to. This is your son's first criminal offense, and you've

shown an awareness of the severity of his problems and a willingness to deal

with them.

Alexander will reside with his mother, maintain his schooling, grades, attend a

12 -step program three times a week.

Cool. I have many buds in A. I'm also ordering that he immediately be placed

a private residential substance abuse facility for 30 days.

No way.

Mr. Brackman, you'll make restitution for the damage that he caused to the gas

station. Now, you people may be divorced, but if you don't figure out

fulfill your continuing obligation to your son, you're going to lose him.

Thank you.

Call the next case.

He's getting better. I'm not going into rehab. Oh, yes, you are.

What kind of butthole lawyer are you selling out your own son?

I see why you divorced this jerk, but you were a dope to have married him in

first place.

Let me go.

You listen to me, young man.

You're going to show us some respect from now on. Do you understand?

Your father and I have done a terrible thing.

We've put our anger at each other before your welfare.

And that's going to change.

We're going to do whatever it takes to help you get well.

And we're going to do it together.

On the evening of January 27th,

Were you driving a car that struck and killed Walter LoBianco?

God help me, I was, yes.

Tell us what happened.

It had been a long day.

I was driving home after an extended business negotiation, an acquisition I

trying to put together, and I was so tired, my eyes were flagging.

The next thing I knew, I felt a sharp jolt, and my car was on the sidewalk.

I must have fallen asleep.

Is it true you got out of the car?

Yes. I was shaken and wasn't sure what I'd hit, so I got out. And what did you

find? Garbage bags.

I remember feeling relieved and then stupid.

I thought I might have hit the side of the building, but there didn't seem to

any damage except my car, so I went home.

And did you see Walter Lobianco pinned under the right front wheel of your car?

No, I did not.

If I had, I would have helped him.

Nothing further?

You walked around to the front of your car to check for damage?

Yes. The right headlight was broken and the grill was cracked.

You saw the light and you saw the grill, but you didn't see Walter LoBianco?

All I saw were the bags.

A Jaguar XJS sits pretty low. How high were the bags piled? Well, it was a big

mound. The paramedics who arrived on the scene say that the bags were scattered

as far as 30 yards, consistent with a moderate speed impact.

The bags must have scattered when I drove away. When the police arrived at

home at 8 .40 the next morning, they found that your car had been freshly

washed. I wash my car every Sunday. Every Sunday afternoon, according to

neighbors. But that Sunday, you washed your Jaguar in the morning. You arrived

home exhausted at 4 a .m. and were up bright and early to wash your car?

The accident shook me.

I tried to sleep, but I was distracted over the acquisition.

How's your hearing, Mr. Grady?

I have good hearing. Lenny Barnes has testified that after the accident, he

heard Walter LoBianco moaning from across the street. Why couldn't you hear

when you were standing in front of the tire he was pinned under? Like Mr.

said, it was a very windy night.

I don't know what he thought he heard.

But there was no moaning. I think Walter Lobianco was moaning. I think you saw

him and you panicked. Your company was leveraged. You had to get this

acquisition to happen fast. Isn't that right? I would never put a business

transaction above a man's life.

The police found blood scattered all over the scene of the accident. On the

garbage bags, on the ground. There had to have been blood on the wheels and in

the broken grill of that car.

Isn't that why you panicked and washed your car?

There was no blood.

And anyone who knows me will tell you.

I don't panic.

You don't panic.

So you can handle any difficult situation, just like you handled

night. Objection!

Withdrawn.

Nothing further.

I ask you again, Mr. Grady, when you left the scene of that tragic accident,

you know you were leaving an injured man?

I swear to you that I did not.

Nothing further.

Does your wife wear perfume?

Yes, she does.

Do you ever use the term of endearment when you speak to me?

How about sweet soul?

I like it. I hope I can remember it.

Did I have the last time you had sex?

They can ask it?

According to my sources, we have to be prepared for anything.

Okay.

It was tonight.

We were sitting on our living room floor, going over some papers, sharing a

cigarette, and suddenly, I looked at you in the firelight.

Your hair was flaming.

I saw the look on your face.

And I couldn't stop my fingers from reaching across and tracing the line

your shirt collar met your throat.

And at the front of your neck, I found a button that slid open easily.

And I liked that so much that I turned your hand up to my lips, turned it over

and gently stroked it open and kissed your sweet, voluptuous palm.

I respond well to positive reinforcement.

I reached for your belt buckle.

But I stopped you. Because our lovemaking that morning had been fast

and furious.

And tonight, I wanted to take my time adoring you slowly.

But I was pretty intent on that belt buckle of yours.

I leaned over you.

Your hair cascading around my face.

Your breasts of wonder against me.

And I began to kiss you.

Your lips were full.

Yours are strong. It's surprising.

And I suddenly want you.

And I have something I want to do for you.

Susie, you're wonderful.

You ain't been nothing yet.

After a long day trying to save his company, Howard Grady fell asleep at the

wheel, lost control of his car, and struck Walter LoBianco.

Now, when Mr. Grady heard what had happened, he felt extreme remorse and

responsibility for this accident.

But Lenny Barnes claims that this is not just an accident. Lenny Barnes, the

only other person at the scene of the accident, claims that Howard Grady saw.

Walter LoBianco among the garbage bags.

But how could he know what Mr. Grady saw? He was 30 yards away in the dark.

couldn't see, and he didn't see.

Now, Lenny Vons wanted to believe a stereotype. He wanted to believe that a

wealthy man, a man in a Jaguar, is so cowardly and self -serving that he could

leave someone to die in the street.

Mr. Grady's public and private life doesn't support that stereotype. What

seen and heard in this courtroom doesn't support that stereotype.

Believe what you've seen and heard, ladies and gentlemen.

C. Howard Grady isn't a criminal.

He's a man who was involved in a horrible accident, an accident that

happen to any of us.

The people didn't bring charges against C. Howard Grady because he is wealthy.

We brought charges because he's guilty.

And under the law, all men and women are treated equally. Put aside whether he's

rich or poor, whether he's a good guy or a lousy guy, look at the facts.

Mr. Grady smashed into a pile of garbage bags and hit Walter LoBianco.

We have an eyewitness who swears he saw Mr. Grady get out of the car, look at

the moaning victim, and drive away. The same witness correctly identified the

first four digits in the license number of Mr.

Grady's car.

Blood was splattered at the accident, yet Mr. Grady says he didn't see any

on his car, a car he washed himself by 8 .30 the next morning.

C. Howard Grady says he feels remorse.

about hitting Mr.

Lobianco. But at the time of the accident, he wasn't thinking about Mr.

Lobianco. He was only thinking of himself.

He saw a homeless man lying under his car, a man without any means, without

family, perhaps, or any friends, and he ran.

He thought he could get away with it, so he hit, and then he ran, and because he

ran, a man died.

Don't you let him get away with it. Treat C.

Howard Grady like any other hit -and -run felon.

Find him guilty.

It's a recommendation of the district attorney that Sam Perry be placed on

probation and that he be committed to the custody of the court for suitable

placement in a foster home.

The young man has a social history of street life and delinquent behavior. He

obviously requires more rehabilitation than Mr. Stolowitz is equipped to

provide. Your Honor, since Sam has been in the care of Mr. Stolowitz, his school

attendance has been nearly perfect.

His grades show steady progress. His teacher's comments indicate great

improvement in his attitude and social skills.

The family court did a noble thing letting Mr. Stolowitz have custody of

But the experiment's not working.

After reviewing the background of this case, I have to agree with the

recommendation of the district attorney.

With all due respect, a family provides support in times of trouble. This is one

of those times. But you're not allowing Sam's family to work if you dismember it

at the first whiff of adversity.

Let Benny be a parent. Let him help Sam learn from his mistakes.

While Mr.

Stolwitz may have the best intentions...

It's apparent that the kind of rehabilitation that Sam requires is

scope of his abilities.

I'm revoking Mr. Stowell's temporary guardianship and committing Sam to the

custody of the probation officer.

We're adjourned.

Can I take Sam home now?

No, Manny. The judge won't let me go home with you.

The other judge said Sam lives with me. Tell her.

I'm sorry, Benny.

It's okay.

Susan,

I just had a call from the INS. They are postponing your session.

I'd hope so.

After Spooner's visit this morning.

He came to your house?

Honey, I couldn't have scripted it better.

There was Mikhail naked, my undies all over the place. I wish I could have seen

the look on his face. It was great.

Not as great as the sex had been.

Susan. Susan!

I've got a level with you, CJ.

I've known McCall forever.

We have partied together, gotten drunk together.

We even got married.

But until last night, well, I never thought I had a chance.

Life's full of surprises, even for an old broad like me.

Well, good for you. And why not fall for your own husband?

Lots of reasons. For starters, he's not in love with me.

But I have two years to change all that.

And you always close your deals? You took the words right out of my mouth.

Hi.

Hi.

I was hoping we could talk.

Come on in.

I'm sorry about the way I left the other day. You don't have to apologize.

Mom disagrees.

I told her about what happened.

I was going to call you and store it tonight.

Sounds like you and your mom are pretty close.

Probably because it's always been just the two of us.

By the time I was your age, my mom and I were alone.

We fought nonstop.

Of course, by that time, I was sure I didn't need a mother at all.

The last thing I would have wanted is two new parents.

It's a little hard to take.

Sarah, Stuart and I can see that you're nearly grown.

And it would be silly for us to try to do what your mother has already done so

well.

But you're family.

And that's why we thought of the babysitting.

You could find someone with a lot more experience than me.

They wouldn't be Matthew's sister.

I know you don't like me.

It's okay. I'm still getting used to the idea of you.

It's just... To work in your house, I feel like I've barged in already.

You did.

But since you did, it seems a shame for you and Matthew to miss this chance to

get to know each other.

What if I screw up?

Even on something little?

I might jump all over you.

I'll try not to, but sometimes when I'm off balance, I attack.

That's what I got from my mother.

I've never taken care of a kid as young as Matthew. If I didn't think you could

handle this, I wouldn't have suggested it to Stuart.

This wasn't his idea?

No.

It was mine.

Will you do it?

Has the jury reached a verdict?

We have.

What say ye? In the matter of people versus C. Howard Grady, on the charge of

misdemeanor reckless driving, we find the defendant guilty.

On the charges of felony hit and run and felony vehicular manslaughter, we find

the defendant not guilty.

Members of the jury, thank you for your time.

This court is adjourned. Mr. Grady.

Mr. Grady, do you feel you've got special... How do you feel about the

Well, obviously, we're very pleased, Mr. Grady. I'm just happy it's over.

You did what you thought was right. And I lost.

You followed your instincts, though, when you held on to what you believed.

You can't beat yourself up for it.

Well, what about the 400 beds in Venice? Hey, let's see how would Grady live

with that. What about the program for the homeless?

Well, obviously, we'll have to reconsider it.

It appears he'll live with it very well.

Working kind of late, aren't you, Benny?

I have a lot to do.

Look, I owe you an apology.

I had a tendency to blame Sam for all the trouble he and my son have gotten

into. The truth is...

Alexander is just as responsible.

I wasn't being honest. I made a mistake.

Why don't you knock off for the night?

Go home.

I'll be lonely at home without Sam.

Won't Sam be able to come live with me again?

Someday. Maybe, when he's older.

When will Alexander be able to come live with you?

The program he's in lasts 30 days.

And then he can come home?

Yes.

If Alexander can come home, why can't Sam come home?

Well...

Alexander has parents who are able to... Sam has me. I'm his parent.

Yes, but you see the way the court views this kind of thing. That's not fair.

That's not fair.

That's not fair.

You're right, Benny.

It's not fair.

I want Sam to come home.

I miss him.