Original subtitles

Previously on L .A. Law.

You mean those flowers weren't from you?

No. Oh, God, I'm so embarrassed.

Don't be. No, I know. I shouldn't have.

Please.

Slipper. It's very romantic.

Thank you.

Linda. Huh?

I didn't send it.

You didn't?

City Attorney Dana Romney? That's me.

And you're Douglas Brackman. Let me introduce... Glenn Taylor.

I used to see you hovering around the law review office.

Always thought you had great legs.

I want to have a baby.

Rox, I don't know.

I mean... Not with you.

With you.

We better hit it, Tommy.

Tommy.

What?

Leave Lucy.

We're going to need your husband to identify these men in a lineup.

Today? We've only got them locked up for 72 hours unless the DA files charges.

Why should I have to remember?

These men have to be punished, Stuart. You were almost killed.

And they took my wallet. They have my identification.

They know where we live.

Oh, please, don't rush.

I'm aware how difficult this can be.

It's number three and number six.

You sure?

Yeah. What kind of gun are you looking for?

A big one.

I'm leaving.

Aren't we driving in together?

Can't. Remember, I have court later this morning.

Right. I'll drop Maddie off on the way to work. See you in the office.

Ready? Go! Bang!

Ready?

Go!

As of this morning, Mackenzie Brackman marches boldly into the 21st century.

From this point forward, all staff meetings will be videotaped so that we

an electronic record of the proceedings.

Therefore, without further ado, let us start. First, Alna versus Alna. Uh,

that's me.

Uh, two years ago, when the Alnas couldn't get pregnant, they resorted to

vitro fertilization. Her eggs, his sperm, and a petri dish. Oh, romantic.

Some of the fertilized eggs were implanted into Mrs. Ulner, and the other

were frozen.

The pregnancy didn't take, and the Ulners got divorced, and now they're

over the embryos. Zygots all night. A show the whole family can enjoy.

I'm representing Mr.

Ulner, who doesn't want to father his ex -wife's child. He's filed an injunction

to stop her from using the embryos. Ann Kelsey, a card -carrying feminist,

representing a man's right to choose over a woman's? Mr. Ulner's position

actually favors abortion rights.

A person's choice to avoid procreation. What's that noise?

What noise?

It's something like ringing.

Nick, Osgood versus the state of California. Daniel, wasn't this your pro

case? That's right. Osgood's still in Lompoc prison.

Well, he should remain.

The guy's as guilty now as he was the day Leland convicted him.

Stop squandering Mackenzie Brackman resources trying to be a do -gooder.

in the early stages of an appeal, Douglas, and I'm going to follow

really? Says who? I do.

Not a problem, Leland.

Moving on.

Galena versus the Santa Monica Planning Commission.

This will be Gwen's first unsupervised effort.

All right.

Judge Mende has agreed to allow Gwen to appear before

the Galena matter without a supervising attorney.

Mrs. Galena is a shut -in. She installed a satellite dish to bring the world to

her. Now the Planning Commission wants her to remove the dish, claiming she's

violation of city building codes.

Haven't you ever heard of cable?

Oh, she speaks only Spanish and only has one Spanish. But can the woman pay the

firm's freight?

Our client is more than able to pay the freight.

Am I the only one who hears that ringing? Finally, with Christmas fast

approaching and with our current charitable posture, it's been suggested

forego this year's party.

You mean no Christmas party? Perhaps monies normally used to pay for

are better spent given to selected charities. No Christmas party? Think

this, folks. We'll bring it up at the next meeting. We're adjourned.

No Christmas party.

Leland, why are you bothering to pursue this Osgood case?

Frank Osgood is a man I may have wrongfully put in jail for 33 years.

I'm seeing this through to the end.

Are you interested in clearing a man's name or clearing your conscience?

Both, I would hope.

You never forget your first time.

Is that your lascivious way of finally asking me out?

That's my lascivious way of wishing you luck in court.

Oh, thanks.

Pretty puny case, huh?

You're not excited?

Nervous, maybe?

Actually, I am.

Well, speaking of lascivious, you want to get together Saturday night and do

dinner and a movie?

Maybe.

Gwen, I found this for you in the mail room.

Nope, not for me.

Once again, no card.

Oh, this is gorgeous.

Can you help me? Yeah.

A little red riding hood?

It's beautiful.

It's like a glove.

Probably not the best fashion statement for a corner deer in summer.

All the better to eat you with.

Somebody out there is pretty warped.

Ah, who's afraid of the big bad wolf?

Hey, guys. You want to take a ride to South Central?

Sorry, Stuart.

Oh, sorry.

Get my brains bashed in again. Maybe get my memory back.

Here we are.

Death begins in the colon, you know. That looks awful. What is that?

Powdered psyllium and bentonite mixed with a little lemon juice.

Looks like a sponge.

Purges a lifetime of accumulated toxins.

What's in South Central, anyway?

Oh, the apartment. I rented it during the campaign.

Right, your constituent -friendly address to qualify you as a candidate.

want is to put this whole experience behind me. Instead, I get a registered

letter from the landlord saying the apartment's trashed and he's not

my security deposit.

Financial minefields of rental agreement.

I have to go down there and convince Mr.

Lee Johnson I never set foot in the place.

Good luck. It's tough getting a check back. It's already been cashed.

I can smell it burning rubber. You don't pick that up? Best diet is no better

than the worst if the sewage system of the bowel is clogged with corruption.

This is a headache I definitely do not need.

You gotta be kidding. Murder, too?

The kid bought a sawed -off shotgun three weeks prior.

Listen,

Frank, call me back when you got a legit plea.

Roxanne.

Is this a bad time? No, no, no. Have a seat, please.

So, how are you? I'm okay.

You?

Fine. I'm great.

Good.

Listen, I was going to call about the... Yeah, I couldn't wait for your call.

Look, this is a bad time. No, no, no. Please sit.

Um, do you want to...

No, I want to stay healthy and get pregnant, remember?

Right, right.

So, have you had a chance to think about helping me?

It's actually pretty simple. You wouldn't be responsible after

But if you feel like this isn't something that you can do, you know, you

just tell me. No, it's not that. I don't want you feeling like you have to.

No, no, no, of course. It's just that I haven't had time to think is all.

Are you sure?

Yeah, I'm sure.

Are you positive?

I'm positive.

Are you lying?

I'm lying.

Actually, I've been avoiding making a decision, and that's unfair to you.

I apologize.

Oh, so then you're still considering. Oh, yes, I'm still considering.

considering.

Busy for lunch?

Mr. Ulner, please tell the court why you and your ex -wife decided to undergo in

vitro fertilization.

Lois and I desperately wanted children, but she was unable to conceive

naturally. In vitro was our only hope.

Was it successful?

We made one implantation attempt that failed, and shortly after, so did our

marriage. You divorced?

Yes, rather unpleasantly.

It never occurred to me she'd be getting pregnant again.

What did you think would happen to the other five frozen embryos?

I assumed they'd stay frozen a while and then be disposed of. The doctor said

they weren't viable after a few years.

When did you hear that your ex -wife planned to implant one of these embryos

into her uterus?

Last month.

Lois had heard my new wife and I are expecting and said she felt cheated.

Why do you oppose her bearing your child?

I have a new wife.

A new family.

I don't want a child by Lois.

Even if she raises it without you? By law, I'd still have to pay child

But aside from that, I grew up without a father.

I promised myself my kids would never go through that. Thank you. No further

questions at this time.

Mr. Ulner, you say you and Mrs. Ulner wanted to have children desperately.

Why is it then that you waited six years?

When Lois was 37, before trying to conceive?

We agreed to wait until I felt I could financially afford a child. Until you

felt you could support a child.

Lois, however, wanted children much earlier. Isn't that correct?

The agreement to wait was mutual. In your supporting declaration, page six,

state, I quote,

Lois harangued me to have children from day one.

You see that?

Yes, but... Isn't it a fact that you prevented your wife?

from having the children that she so desperately wanted, just like you're

to prevent her now? No, that's not true.

Who asked for the divorce, Mr. Alner, you or your wife? It was a mutual

decision. Wasn't the reason you divorced because you fell in love with another

woman? Objection, irrelevant. There were lots of reasons. Our marriage was

failing. Wasn't it a woman in your office, ten years your junior? I never

cheated on Lois.

Very noble. Mr. Keith.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

Mr. Alner, do you recognize that your ex -wife has but a few childbearing years

remaining? And that if you withhold these embryos, you may be cutting off

only chance at motherhood? Lois can find another man, go to a sperm bank, adopt.

But those embryos have as much of me in them as they do her.

The decision to produce a child must be mutual. Like the other mutual decisions

you made? And then changed your mind about? Getting married? Waiting to have

children? Objection! Withdrawn.

Nothing further.

Okay.

So number three, great sense of humor.

I'm lousy at telling jokes. I always forget the punchline. Let me see.

You made a list of reasons you want me to father your child.

What does good teeth have to do with... That's on the optional list.

Boy, you've really done your homework.

I told you. This baby is the most important consideration in the world to

Number four, you're kind.

You think so?

Five, gentle.

I'm harsh.

Sincere. Phony. Caring.

Nosy. Strong.

Stubborn. Would you stop? This is my list.

Say I'm not. Say I'm not.

I'm flattered that you think all of these nice things about me.

Don't you get it? I'm no bargain.

I'm not looking for a bargain.

I'm looking for very special qualities in a man. Yeah, but you start listing

qualities like that, I got a list of my own.

I drank too much. I still smoke too much. I've been down on my luck, broke.

have never been able to sustain a long -term relationship.

Not to mention I have flat feet.

Tommy, I look at you.

I talk to you. You are a real, genuine, caring person. The kind of person that I

would like my child to grow up to be.

I don't know.

I'm not sure that I can do this to an innocent kid.

Okay.

That's the answer that I was waiting for. Hey, Roxy, I'm trying to... No, no,

Tommy, look, it's okay. I told you.

I'm going to have a baby with you or without you.

For your own sake, you do smoke too much.

Thanks for lunch.

Gwen Taylor, is this a small town or what?

How come you're here? I'm handling the Galena case. Oh, the satellite dish

Dish beef.

Beef dish.

Sounds like dinner at Sizzler.

I'm opposing counsel.

Yeah, it's a rotating city attorney's program.

That's a great color. It matches your thighs.

My what? Eyes, your eyes.

Romney, there's a guy over there staring at me.

Don't look.

Okay, you can look now.

Who can blame him? Do you have any idea who that is?

Just some legal beagle who couldn't make the cut in law school, so he hangs out

in courtrooms, probably sitting there wishing he was me.

Somehow, I doubt that.

Hello?

Can I help you?

Yeah, this is my apartment.

Sort of.

I'm looking for Lee Johnson.

You found her?

Let us admit.

I was named after my father.

He wanted a boy.

What can I do for you?

I'm Jonathan Rollins.

Used to be Councilman Rollins, right?

Nice concession speech.

I paid first and last on this place.

The lease is up.

I'd like my security deposit back.

We need that money to repair the damage.

I didn't cause any damage.

Your name is on the rental agreement. I didn't live here.

This is my first time seeing the place.

Why'd you rent it?

Maybe I should speak to your father.

He's not here.

Well, when will he be?

I've got a torn up apartment.

Your name on the lease and your check in the bank where it's going today.

All right, you know what? Keep the money.

Forget the whole damn thing.

I don't want to waste more time than I already have.

You forgot your water.

To some people, these embryos are nothing more than a cluster of cells.

me, these cells embody my hope for having a son or daughter.

Anyway, that's how I've thought of them for nearly two years.

Discarding them would be like killing my own child.

Do you consider this a matter of religious conviction?

Yes, I do.

After my divorce, I turned to the church, and that's given me a renewed

spiritual view. I believe human life is sacred.

Even in its earliest stages.

Your ex -husband says that these embryos are as much his as yours, and that

therefore his wishes should carry equal weight.

To prepare for harvesting surgery, I had hormone injections every day for a

month.

Then they put me under. Then they cut me open so the doctors could dig out my

eggs. But surely your husband contributed something to the effort.

He masturbated into a cup.

That's it?

That's it.

Your witness.

Mrs. Ulner, is it coincidence that your religious conversion comes at a time

when you're fighting for control of these embryos? Objection! I'll rephrase.

Are you able to reconcile your newfound reverence for life with the fact that

the vast majority of these embryos fail to implant properly and wind up expelled

from the body? To me, it would be irreverent not to try and bring about

In 1978, did you have an abortion? Objection!

Overruled. The witness will answer.

Yes. Mrs. Ulner, you have a number of options for motherhood that don't

your ex -husband's genius. It would mean more surgery.

I would have to go to... Wouldn't that be preferable to bearing the child of a

man who, and I refer to deposition transcripts, page 7, lines 21 through

deceived you, subjected you to mental and verbal abuse, damaged your self

-esteem to where you acquired eight hours of therapy a week?

Why in the world would you want to have this man's baby? I'm 41 years old.

It's my right.

Mrs. Ulner, do you resent the fact that your ex -husband is remarried and

expecting a child?

Objection! Overruled.

Isn't it true that after your husband left home, you begged him to come back,

phoning him up to 20 times a day? I was trying to save our marriage. You can't

accept your husband's rejection, can you? You will do anything to insinuate

yourself into his life. No. That's what this is about, isn't it? No.

Disrupting the life of a man you cannot let go of. No, you're wrong.

Nothing further.

Ms. Taylor.

The Planning Commission's order is an infringement upon my client's First

Amendment rights.

Consequently... Counselor, let me understand this. You're appealing a

Commission order using a constitutional argument?

I believe it's applicable, Your Honor.

Remote, Counselor.

Besides, I'd like to be done with this case while I'm still in my 50s. Your

Honor, may I address the court?

Yes, Mr. Romney. I, too, think Ms. Taylor's argument is arguable.

Whose side are you on?

Oh, I didn't say it was a winning argument, just arguable.

Thank you for sharing.

Sit down.

As for you, Miss Taylor, be grateful I didn't find for the planning commission

by four o 'clock sharp tomorrow.

Come up with a reasonable argument, not some thesis that wakes my time.

Otherwise, Mrs. Galena's satellite dish is history.

Next case.

Case number 48392, Berkeley versus Waterman.

Who the hell do you think you are?

Ms. Olney, we're not supposed to speak to each other. How dare you make me into

a pathetic, clawing ex -wife? You don't know who I am. And you have no idea what

I'm about. Or what it's like to want a child your body can't give you.

Everybody's talking about his choice. What about my choice? Whatever happened

that?

She'll make an incredible addition to the firm. Well, let her come up with her

to finalize the detail. We may not have the luxury, Leland. The deal should have

been concluded sooner.

She's being courted by four other outfits.

If we expect to come out on top, we need to... Step lively. Exactly. I mean,

look out.

Oh, this mess is to be cleaned up immediately.

And for Lincoln's sake, the fiber seal had better do its job.

That was a good one, Ben.

Looks real, huh?

Yeah.

That's a genuine old smelly.

Lincoln and me got into a novelty shop.

What's the problem now?

You're so intuitive.

In my office.

The whole point of having a baby by myself was that I wouldn't have to deal

a husband's fear of commitment.

Only there I was practically begging Tommy Mullaney to... Whoa, Tommy

Yes. It was humiliating. Mullaney? You picked Mullaney? Yes, but he was afraid

the kid would end up like him.

Out of all the guys in this town, you chose... Yes, yes, yes, Tommy Mullaney.

Only it doesn't matter now because he said no.

Oh.

What do you mean he said no?

Elaine, he doesn't want to have a baby with you? Oh, he didn't say that in so

many words. You want me to talk to him? Arnie, no.

Who does this guy think he is?

Well, maybe this whole idea was a mistake.

I have enough trouble finding a date.

Rox, don't give up.

You can always go to a sperm bank.

Oh, I want a real, live father for my child. Someone kind, gentle, sincere.

Someone stubborn who doesn't know how... Perfect, he'd be.

Tommy Mulaney.

Okay, okay, follow your internal impulses. The truth is before you now.

illuminate that truth to the one who refuses to see.

The...

First Amendment?

You and I discussed that argument.

You discussed it, Gwen.

I said argue the standard that's in the municipal code.

I thought we had a better shot with the First Amendment.

You thought? Based on what? Your prior courtroom experience?

I'm sorry. I guess I was a little over -eager.

It won't happen again.

You may have won the Weston case using unorthodox methods, but that does not

make you a free agent. Now...

Go back into that court and you litigate this case the way it should have been

tried in the first place.

Yes, sir.

First Amendment.

Douglas, I'm heading over to Worldwide Studios for another meeting.

There'll be kudos all around if you land the business.

Say, I never asked you, how'd your golf game go with Flicker?

Oh, I let him beat me on the 18th, of course. Whoa, watch it!

See ya.

Again? What's this dog been eating, anyway?

I want him gone.

Enough's enough.

Douglas. Douglas.

It's not real.

I bought it at the novelty shop.

A real laugh riot, boys.

Were they out of the plastic vomit?

Got him.

Does Douglas really want Lincoln gone?

Nah. Man, my ears are still ringing.

How come?

I think I heard him yesterday.

How?

I shot a gun.

You have a gun? Shh.

I blasted out the bathroom mirror.

I told Ann I got angry and threw the scale, but... Where did you get a gun?

Store.

Didn't I see it?

Not right now, but maybe after work.

Wow. Hey, don't tell anybody.

I'd find you here. You got a minute?

45, then closing arguments.

I need to get a written statement from Stuart about the attack.

Call him. Well, that's the problem.

He tells me he doesn't have time.

Stuart's been afraid of us every step of the way.

It's understandable.

From what I hear, it's a miracle he survived the attack.

But you and I both know these cretins got to stay locked up.

Identifying them was only the first step.

Go talk to him.

Well, the building's all abuzz with this Alner case.

Could set a precedent.

No, this is the same right to choose that's being challenged all across the

country.

So how come all I'm feeling is sympathy for Mrs. Alner?

Anne, I'll see you around.

You talked to Mrs. Alner yesterday after court? She contacted me, ex parte. I

didn't say a word.

She wants to propose a settlement.

Find your client.

We'll meet you in the witness room.

That's Pet.

Mr. Rollins?

I'll get back with you.

You here to make more false claims?

May I come in?

I have a proposition.

What do you mean?

My father hasn't been able to put our building back together since the riots.

No electricity in weeks. He paid a small fortune to an electrician who says he

should call the power company.

Power company says the problem's faulty wiring.

Where do I fit into all this? The electrician says if Dad's not happy, he

sue him.

I've got my cancel check and a signed work agreement.

But I need someone to convince this guy he'll be hauled into court unless he

does what he was paid to do.

And I'm that someone? In exchange, I'll return your deposit check.

I know you didn't trash the place.

Oh, now you know.

Miss Johnson, I'm sorry, but I don't make deals anymore. Now that you're not

public office... Hey, hey, look.

I didn't ask you to come down here, and I don't need you giving me grief.

Now, I'm sympathetic to your problems. But they're not your problems.

What do you want from me, Miss Johnson?

Nothing.

Here's your deposit back.

And having a kid changes your life, right?

For sure you don't get as much sleep.

I thought Roxanne was raising this baby herself.

She is.

Oh, Roxanne will make a grandmother.

Still, you would be the father.

I can barely take care of myself.

No one should become a parent unless they're ready. Right.

Goes without saying. Now I know what to do. Seems clear.

Crystal. You shouldn't have the baby with Roxanne. I'm having the baby with

Roxanne. Excuse me?

Just Roxanne has so much hope for the future, like this baby could make a

difference in the world.

You have children, you know, there's going to be a tomorrow.

Listen, um, don't tell Roxanne we talked, hmm?

What are we talking about?

Do whatever it takes.

You'll have no financial responsibility whatsoever.

All I ask is that you drop the injunction and let me have this

You don't understand, do you?

It's not the money.

You think I could ignore that I had a child in the world?

We live in the same city. I'll move anywhere you want me to.

Lois had built a new life.

A daughter on the way.

How could I explain to her she's got a brother or sister out there we know

nothing about?

Please.

Lewis,

I'm sorry.

I just can't.

I have my own life now.

I don't want a baby with you.

How's that?

Tommy. After a lot of thought... I've had a change of heart.

You have?

But... You know, I'll meet you tonight at the

Edgewater. The sound of boats reminds me of growing up on Boston Harbor.

And if you don't want me...

I have nothing further, Your Honor.

Ms. Taylor, care to present your case again?

Oh, I don't mind giving the little lady another shot, Your Honor. One more

demeaning comment like that, and you're bucking for sanctions.

My client, Marguerite Galena, complied with all city requirements in the

installation of her satellite dish.

But the records show this is an affidavit from the contractor stating

installation complied precisely with building permit conditions.

This contractor also happens to do a considerable amount of work for the

However, prompted by a call from an unhappy but influential neighbor, the

changed its requirements after the fact. Therefore, the city has no right to

revoke Mrs. Galena's permit.

Very nice, Miss Taylor.

Any rebuttal for the little lady?

No, Your Honor.

Good. Then I'm finding for the plaintiff.

Doesn't happen very often, but the city's actions were improper.

Mrs. Galena's dish stays.

Looking forward to seeing you in my courtroom again, Miss Taylor.

So long, Mr. Romney.

Next case.

Lucky break.

Bye, Doc.

You know, there's an old courthouse tradition, the winner buys the loser a

drink. Not today.

Aaron Ulner isn't trying to prevent his ex -wife from becoming a mother.

He simply wants to avoid becoming a father.

It's a matter of personal privacy.

At the moment, the courts still protect a woman's right to terminate an unwanted

pregnancy. My client asks only that the same protection be afforded him.

Ms. Ulner can still be a biological mother to her child without those frozen

embryos, and while it places a substantial burden on her to find a

donor to undergo surgery, it would be an even greater burden to foist onto Mr.

Ulner a child.

He does not want.

Thank you.

Mrs. Ulner's best chance at motherhood is to have these existing embryos

implanted. A simple, non -surgical procedure.

By refusing her access to the embryos that they produced, Mr. Ulner would

her to undergo torturous egg -harvesting surgery with all of the pain and the

risk. that a major operation brings, and Mrs. Ulner should not have to go

through such physical and emotional pain again.

Your Honor, to her, these embryos are more than just cell tissue.

They're her children.

She's their mother.

Allow this woman to nurture her offspring, and God willing, to bring

this world as fully formed human beings.

Hello?

When? What film? Somebody's following me.

Take Lucy on the back upstairs.

Call security.

Doing a nice job.

It's easier.

Now that there's light to work by.

How did you convince the electrician to finish the wiring?

Didn't take much more than waving the Mackenzie Brackman letterhead in his

And a few remarks about how financially draining legal action can be.

Thank you.

What made you change your mind, anyway?

City council.

Turned out to be a lot of rhetoric and hype and closed -door meetings.

And then you walked into my office and there's something I could do to help.

You missed a spot.

Grab another paintbrush.

That's not in the deal.

I feel bad.

What?

I voted for your opponent, Councilman Ellis.

Did I thank you?

Not enough.

I feel...

As

a matter of law, an embryo is not a human life.

But it is potential life, which makes this decision a troubling one. In this

case... Mr. Ulner's right to privacy includes the right to avoid becoming a

parent against his will.

On the other hand, Mrs. Ulner has the right to become a mother, and she is

willing to give life to these embryos.

However, Mrs. Ulner has other opportunities for motherhood, burdensome

they may be.

And in light of that fact, Mr. Ulner's right to avoid fathering children by

these embryos must take precedence.

Accordingly... I'm granting his motion for a permanent injunction.

Court is adjourned.

Should

we

order champagne?

I don't want any, but if you do... Oh, no, no, I just thought it might be more

romantic.

What? Never mind.

Oh, you look very pretty.

Thank you.

I always wondered what the honeymoon suite would look like.

Pretty swanky, huh?

Perfect.

So, what do you think?

A boy or a girl?

I don't know.

Either, I guess a girl would be nice.

With red hair like yours?

Oh, it's not.

Sorry,

I'm sorry.

Roxanne.

I want to have a baby with you, but this just feels kind of... Strange. Yeah,

like we're doing business.

Yeah, I know.

We never even talked about... Yeah, well, maybe I'm just more old -fashioned

than I thought.

Should I turn out the light?

Um, how about if we, I don't know, ate dinner first?

Well, we could go downstairs.

Room service?

You got it?

That's a real gun.

I didn't get it at a novelty store.

Want to hold it?

I better not.

Well, if you don't pull the trigger, I won't shoot.

Come on.

Okay.

You got any bullets?

Yeah, six of them. Well, five after what happened yesterday.

Give it back, give it back.

are dangerous.

You're the only person who knows I have this.

I won't tell. I promise.

I'm gonna have it with me all the time.

If those guys that attacked me ever come around, I'll be ready.

First the flowers, then the glass slipper, the briefcase.

You don't think it's Alec Weston?

His ego's too big. He not only signed the card, he delivered the gift himself.

Tell me more about the city attorney.

What's to tell?

Romney's a ferret. He said he likes you. And he makes no bones about it. Why

wouldn't he own up to all this if he was responsible?

Don't get mad, all right? I'm just trying to help.

I know.

It must be the guy you said was watching you in court.

Or it could be anyone, right?

I had to go to class.

Let me drive you. No.

No, I appreciate the offer, but I am not going to let some sick bastard scare

me.

I'll be okay.

And, um... I'd love to go out with you on Saturday.

Great.

Hey, this is a surprise.

Daddy. I thought I was going to meet you at home.

We thought we couldn't wait to see you. Douglas, you should know, I closed the

deal. When does she arrive?

Sometime next week.

But I still have some reservations.

About her? Oh, our methods.

Not consulting the others before hiring a new associate.

It won't sit well. This is a bold move, and we had a strike first. She's an

excellent attorney.

When do you suggest we make the announcement?

Let's wait.

Nobody needs to know anything until absolutely necessary.

Oh, this plastic dog dropping is getting to be an old joke.

Oh!

Lincoln!

They do not call it a meatball. They do, they do.

Lay pitch right over the plate. That's called a meatball.

Well, what do they call a good pitch?

Well, you got your fastball called a cheese.

Curved inside the kitchen.

And a pitch that drops right before the plate is known as off the table.

What? Man, I always want to be reminded of your mom's kitchen. Well, why not?

You want one? Mm -hmm. They're delicious.

Ooh, you're right.

Juicy. Want another?

Mm -hmm.

Oh, here.

Oh, sorry.