All language subtitles for L.A. Law - S07E07 - Helter Shelter

Previously on L .A. Law.

Tell me, I want to have a baby.

Oh, you'll make a terrific mother.

With you.

No one should become a parent unless
they're ready. Now I know what to do.

clear. Crystal, you shouldn't have the
baby with Roxanne. I'm having the baby

with Roxanne.

I love the script.

You're always on my mind.

Mr. Flicker.

Back in. Sorry I'm late. Stop with the
excuses.

Sit, sit, sit.

Oh, this is some studio you have here.
Certainly no shortage of beautiful

I'm ready to write my book.

I intend to strike while the iron is
hot.

First the flowers, then the glass
slipper.

It must be the guy you said was watching
you in court. Or it could be anyone,

right?

Can you help me?

Yeah.

A little red riding hood?

I'm going to have it with me all the
time.

And if those guys that attack me ever
come around, I'll be ready.

Jaw.

When you sauntered into this office, I
knew you were just another bun -dusting

downtown attorney.

You're too smart, Sidney. I have to
protect my boss.

You're loyal.

That's a rare quality.

Arnie, what's the hurry?

I don't want Ben Flicker catching me
with my pants down. Not this early. It's

his morning to see the nutritionist.
Sidney, just between us.

Is there anyone out to stab Ben Flicker
in the back? Why stab someone in the

back when you can simply rip their heart
out? How does this feel? Oh, please,

please, Sidney. Arnie, what is the
problem? When we made love, I never even

you let go.

I didn't. I didn't. I'm trying to stay
on the schedule.

I need to preserve my yang essence.

By age 40, a man's potency begins
declining. Dr. Sun Tzu Mo believed that

ejaculation should be limited to twice a
month.

24 orgasms? Even during leap year? Dr.
Sun lived to be 101.

Well, I bet Mrs. Sun never stroked the
good doctor on a full moon.

Thank you.

I know you're headed for the dentist,
but I need two copies of this as soon as

you get back.

Okay.

Well, I really should go. Lincoln, too.

If he poops in the office again, Douglas
won't let me bring him to work.

Sidney.

Sidney. When I gave you this dog, you
promised to get him a license.

Why? He can't even see over the steering
wheel.

That was Stuart's joke.

We had a deal.

I know.

Well, I haven't had time. I will.

I promise. All right. Come on, Lincoln.
Let's go for a walk.

No, not that way.

Okay.

Jonathan? Yeah? Can I ask a question?

Shoot. Is everybody afraid of the
dentist?

Haven't you seen the marathon man?

No, no. Dr.

Cederbaum, he's putting in a new tooth
here.

I asked Roxanna. She said insurance
would pay.

Sure, just make sure your dentist gives
nitrous.

You know, laughing gas.

Laughing gas?

So you won't hurt.

Oh, laughing gas.

That's silly.

Nobody move!

My watch is missing, and I want it
returned now.

No one leaves this office until that
watch is securely tucked back inside my

pocket. Come on, Douglas.

Lincoln hears the call of the wild.

All right, the dog can go.

You want to play hardball?

Fine. But if that watch isn't returned
by... by end of business this afternoon,

you'll rue the moment we met. Have a
nice day.

Hi. I'm Melina Paros. Hi. Ann Kelsey.

Welcome to McKenzie Bragman. Great
having another woman to help balance the

scales. Thank you.

Do these staff meetings usually last
long? I've got a prelim in 45 minutes.

You shouldn't have a problem.

Like some papaya?

Oh, no, thanks.

You're in my seat.

Oh. Seats are assigned?

No, it's just this is where I always
sit.

Oh.

Well, I'm a little spread out. Do you
mind taking another seat?

Of course not.

Ann, you're in my seat. Take another.

Why? It'll give you a different outlook.

Melina Paros, Arnold Becker. Ah.

Read your resume.

Very impressive.

Arnie, you're in my chair.

Ann's in mine.

Sit there. But, Jonathan, just sit.

Melina Paros, Jonathan Rollins.

I hear you're a great litigator.

Hey, you're in my chair. Arnie, from
what? Ann's in mine. Stuart, just sit

anywhere and don't ask questions.

Not even, who are you? Melina Paros.

Stuart, slide over.

Ask Jonathan. Ask Gordon. Ask Anne. Ask
Melina. Who's Melina?

Pardo. Would it help if I wore a name
tag?

Is there a reason why everyone has
changed seats?

If I knew what time it was,

I'd say we wasted enough of it. Let's
begin.

Oh, Melina, please, join us. Sit. Sit
anywhere you like.

Thank you, Melina.

By now, I'm sure most of you have met
our new associate, Regina Paros.

Granted, our hiring procedure was a bit
unorthodox, but the opportunity to lure

her from the Attorney General's office
was a coup not to be missed. I take this

opportunity to extend a warm welcome.

Thank you very much.

I'll do my best to fit in.

See?

I thought you had a trial today.

The defendant woke up this morning and
found his God, pled guilty.

Hallelujah.

On my way back from court, I can't
resist stopping by.

I had a wonderful night with you at the
Edgewater.

Me too.

No, I mean, I really enjoyed myself, and
not just because we made love.

Tommy, I'm trying to get pregnant, and
you helping me is strictly business.

Strictly business?

Tom. Tom, have you heard from Zoe? Why
do you ask me that every time we bump

into each other? Oh, wait. I just want
to drop her in line, that's all.

You can ask.

Roxanne,

my things are making their way across
town.

Which, for as slow as it's going, might
as well be cross -country. I'll be sure

the movers make the last hundred feet to
your office. Thank you.

You're working here now?

How'd you bamboozle your way into this
job?

The same way I bamboozled my way into
the last job. I got them all fooled,

Mulaney. Not me.

You two know each other? Yeah, from this
bogus child abuse charge.

You should have had the guts to
prosecute that case when the DA threw it

desk. Hey, guts has nothing to do with
this. The facts don't add up. The

mother's not guilty.

You want to hear my side? Come to the
preliminary hearing.

Are you actually proceeding?

My last case with the Attorney General.
Going out with a bang. Good luck.

I don't need a lot.

Tommy, it could be a little nicer. It's
only his first day.

To take everything so personally?

Yeah, yeah, I know. For you,
everything's strictly business.

And that's the last time I saw Ward Bond
or Abby Singer on my movie lot. So help

me God.

So tell me, what did you find out from
my Sidney?

that I have very little self -control.

Enough nonsense.

Actually, sir, with all due respect, I
don't believe your assistant is

rumors around town. Of course she isn't.

Then why was it so important that I
sleep with her? Because she's a great

I knew you two would hit it off.

Ben, listen.

Our relationship goes way back.

Two weeks? Seems longer. If I'm to help
you push Worldwide Studios into the

black, you need to level with me.

You want the truth?

Which version?

Okay.

These last few years haven't been banner
box office bonanzas for my studio. Not

long ago, I had to raise capital and
take on a silent partner, a snorer who

turned out to be not so silent when it
came to women and running around.

You're referring to Eric Shuler? In the
middle of his divorce, Shuler falls for

a girl half his age.

Things get ugly, promises aren't kept.

Shula's wife finds out.

She cries wolf astaged.

Not yet.

Blackmail. The wife knows things.

If she demands an audit, I might as well
put Worldwide's books up in Skywriting.

You have something to hide?

Who doesn't?

A deal here, a favor there.

Humbling everywhere.

I'm not always proud, but you gotta keep
the wheel greased. After all, I'm still

in business, right?

What do you want me to do? Try talking
sense to Schuller's wife. Stall this

divorce. Otherwise, we all lose.

I'll give it a shot.

What if I can't? Then you're not the man
I thought you were.

Ben?

Tell me honestly.

I can take it.

What you have written is completely
devoid of emotion.

Who cares about the legals?

Readers want to know about the people
locked behind those prison bars.

Now, frankly, this is very poor
storytelling.

Kick a partner when he's down, why don't
you?

Yes.

Here? Just a moment.

Roger Beekman is out front.

We shared a cell at county.

I told him to look me up when he was
released.

So? He believed me.

Now, Douglas, what about your promise?

I promised to pull at least one man from
the River Styx. You can't turn that man

away. Of course not. The receptionist
will do that.

All right.

I'll see what he wants.

I'll be right with you.

Where is he?

How you been, Pender? Roger.

Oh, gee.

Um, let's talk in my office. Great.

You know, you're looking pretty good.

Thank you for holding me. Hi, I'll sign
for that. Hi, Ben.

You okay?

Thanks. I don't know what happened.

Benny, I can't understand you.

The dentist gave my mouth a shot.

A shot?

Oh, no, the kid.

He's gone.

He ran away.

Who ran away? The dentist?

No, Lincoln.

Come on back. He got loose.

I stopped at a novelty shop and left him
outside.

Oh, come on with me. We'll make some
phone calls.

This is all that's left.

We'll find him, I promise.

Roxy, we've got to hurry.

Glenn, this is for you. Oh, thanks,
Roxy. Bye. Please, I've got to find

Hey. Hey.

Another package? Where'd you get this
from? I don't know.

Oh God

Blood

never comes out

I think we should leave the stain there
as a warning to clients.

This isn't funny, Jonathan. Now you are
going to have to go to the police and

report this.

Sending a human heart, isn't that
against the law? It'd look more like an

heart, actually.

How would you know the difference?

Before my brother flunked out of vet
school, he used to bring home specimen

jars. Come on, let's go to my office.

Okay, here's the address of the animal
shelter.

Yeah, are you sure Lincoln is safe? I
told you, Benny, they have a lot of

You just have to go pick out Lincoln.

You aren't coming with me?

You want me to?

Rocks, little hand here.

If you want to wait... No.

I'll go myself.

It's my fault.

Okay.

Helping you find work is harder than I
thought.

Unfortunately, you're an ex -con, and
check -kiting is hardly a marketable

skill. People never forget.

Don't take it so hard.

The wonderful thing about humanity is
eventually they let anyone in.

Your dad?

Yes. He founded this firm.

He looks worried.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

My father was the most confident man on
the face of the earth.

Well, his eyes seem troubled.

Really? I lost my pocket watch today.
Passed from generation

to generation.

Father loved it. He was a punctual man.
A time for everything.

Yes. I'll be right there.

That's my cue to exit.

I haven't helped you find a job.

But you've done your best.

Now it's on to my next destination.

Where's that?

I don't know.

You were my first stop.

I was?

Absolutely. Even though I had the upper
bunk at county, I looked up to you.

You weren't afraid to stand your ground.

He did have his bad days.

Roger. Wait here. This meeting won't
take long.

You and I will work out something.

Lord knows he wasn't the easiest man in
the world to please or call father.

But he loved you.

I can tell.

Dr. Voorhees, tell me about the night
Mrs. Hastings brought her daughter to

emergency room. The 11 -month -old child
presented with a high fever, congested

lungs, and an ear infection.

And what was your initial diagnosis?

Pneumonia. However, that wasn't my main
concern. Go on, please. Mrs. Hastings'

daughter was severely underweight at
only nine pounds. An 11 -month -old,

in the 50th percentile, should weigh
almost twice that. What else raised your

suspicion? Objection. Leading the
witness.

I'll rephrase. Was there anything else
out of the ordinary about the child's

condition? She had puncture marks on her
thigh, surrounded by bruises, as though

someone had squeezed the leg and stuck
it repeatedly with a needle.

Anything else?

A severe red rash on her left arm
resembling a chemical burn.

Did you question Mrs. Hastings about
your concerns?

Yes, but for me, her answers didn't
measure up, especially in light of the

child's condition.

In my judgment, Mrs. Hastings' daughter
was being neglected at home, probably

abused. At that point, I had an
obligation to report to social services.

Thank you.

No further questions.

Dr. Voorhees, you said there were
puncture marks and a child's thigh?

Seven, eight. They appeared to be
deliberate. Not possibly, as Mrs.

tried explaining that night, caused by
straight pins mistakenly left in newly

purchased pajamas?

It's possible, however... Is it also
possible that the bruises were caused

as Mrs. Hastings also tried explaining
that night, she firmly held her

daughter's leg and swabbed those
punctures with alcohol?

Yes, but... And finally, is it possible,
as Mrs. Hastings also tried

explaining... that her daughter crawled
onto the kitchen floor, which at the

time was wet with ammonia and cleanser,
thus causing the rash on her leg.

Possible. You are currently on an
internship rotation in the emergency

that correct?

Yes. Must be a stressful situation.

How many hours had you been on duty the
night Mrs. Hastings brought her daughter

in for care?

23. I was working a double shift.

Is it possible that you jumped to
conclusions about Mrs. Hastings, about

neglect and abuse, that you were
exhausted by the demands of a double

Objection. This is speech -making.

Counselor, ask your question.

Is it possible that in your eagerness to
be a good doctor, you jumped the gun,

called social services, and had Mrs.
Hastings' daughter taken away for no

reason? Is that possible?

Anything.

Thank you. Nothing further.

It's always a treat to get out.

Of course, someday all this will be
yours.

Really? What makes you think so?

It's the natural chain of events set in
motion by Mr. Shuler's alleged

infidelity. You're threatening to open
up the worldwide books.

That sounds like blackmail.

Ah, come now, Mr. Shuler.

You're true.

Do you believe in fate, Mr. Beckham?

I believe for every action, there's a
reaction.

Exactly. So when my husband cheated on
me, naturally I confronted him. We

argued. I ended up sailing down a flight
of stairs.

He swears it was an accident, but he
swears about a lot of things.

Have you met my husband, Mr. Beckham?
No, ma 'am.

Here's a warning. When foot comes to
self, make sure you're on firm footing.

Otherwise, he'll cripple you, too.

Beatrice, time to talk turkey.

What exactly do you want out of all
this?

You're Ben Flicker's attorney.

Surely he must have told you. Mr.
Flicker's not about to give you a

share of his studio.

That man will stop at nothing to keep
his fantasy alive.

This town, this industry has passed him
by, so he needs young Turks like you to

be his foot soldiers, to do his bidding.

Don't take anything you see here at face
value.

Remember that, Mr.

Beckham.

Good day.

Are we having lunch?

No, not today.

At least let me help you back to the
limo.

This may come as a surprise to you, but
I am able to take care of myself.

Goodbye.

And as the cell door slammed shut...
Just what do you think you're doing?

Oh, nothing.

Here I am, putting myself on the line,
inviting you inside the inner sanctum of

my professional life, and this is what I
get in return?

Invasion of privacy?

Petty theft?

God knows what's in your pockets. Well,
you don't understand.

Boy, oh, boy. You can take the con out
of the joint, but that's where it stops,

huh? I never trusted you, mister. Not
for one minute. Fender! Don't fender me.

Get out.

You're probably responsible for the
theft of my watch as well, Mr.

Sticky Fingers.

Excuse me.

I'm trying to find my dog.

Name on the tag?

No, there's no tag.

He's called Lincoln.

Because Stewart's at Colorado would be a
stupid name.

Do you own this dog?

No, we found him. But then I lost him.

Roxanne called.

Look, I don't know what you're talking
about. But if you want to adopt, here's

form.

Shelter.

No, no, no. Don't bring him down here
now.

Hey! Lincoln! Hey!

Drool bucket.

I told you to wait.

This is Lincoln.

He's got no ID.

How are you going to prove it?

Well, let him out and he'll come to me.

So will every other dog in this place.

Besides, that one there has got a bad
temperament. He tried biting me. Lincoln

wouldn't bite.

Look, if that bitch is still here, when
you come back, he's all yours.

Where would he go?

Don's on his flute.

All dogs go to heaven. If no one adopts,
we put them to sleep.

Kill what?

We kill them.

Now, be a sport, Lee, please. I want to
go home.

Huh? Can't you kill me? You can't.
Please don't kill my dog. Please.

Don't kill my dog.

Please. Please don't kill my dog.

Please.

I asked you, Lincoln, once before, and
I'm going to do it again. Now, don't

worry, okay?

Let's do it. You still owe me a written
statement. Complete. Not now.

Tomorrow. It's a date. I don't want
those punks who beat you up making bail.

Hi.

Oh, no. More gifts. Why do you see
what's inside?

Tommy, get this away from me.

Gwen, it took me a long time to wrap
this.

Is this from you?

Yeah. It's for Rox.

Oh.

I'm Tommy. I'm so sorry.

Excuse me.

Hey, good -looking.

Hey, yourself.

You worked here for two years, and now I
can't shake you.

Sometimes you have to leave to see what
you left behind.

Does that make any sense?

Not really. Good, because I haven't been
making sense lately. I'm smitten?

I mean, that's a word I never even used
before. I'm not even sure I know what it

means even, but smitten feels right.

This is for you.

Go ahead, open it.

The row from the Edgewater Hotel.

Our first night together.

So, you have plans for lunch?

This isn't about lunch, Tommy.

I think we should keep our regular
appointment.

But I don't want to become romantic.

And you stopping in here and bringing me
gifts really throws me off.

Last thing I want is to throw you off.

See ya.

How you doing?

I'm great.

Gwen, you've got to try to put all this
behind you.

If someone sent you a glass slipper, a
red cape, and a bloody heart, God knows

what I'll get on Valentine's Day.

How could you put that behind you?

For the past two weeks, every night at
midnight, my phone rings. I pick it up.

hear a clock striking 12 on the other
line.

And then the line goes dead.

Can you put a trace on the phone?

I suppose.

I just, I was determined not to let this
get the best of me, but it's finally

just wearing me down.

I don't want to upset you. You can't
upset me any more than I already am. But

whoever is stalking you... You think
somebody is stalking me? I don't know.

But whoever it is must be working here
in this office.

Great. You think I'm being stalked by
someone that works at the office. That's

great. Thanks a lot, Anne. Gwen, think
about it for a minute. Who else could

know so much about your comings and
goings, your daily routine, your court

dates?

You must have some notion of who this
could be.

Actually, I do.

Who?

Stuart.

Nobody around here has been acting
weird.

How did you find me? It wasn't easy.

May I sit down?

Good book?

Missed it in the last chapter.

But that's fine.

I enjoy making up my own endings.

Listen, I'm sorry I troubled you.

Won't bother you again, Douglas.

Call me Fender.

I listened to this. Hey, the story you
tell, is it yours?

I had nothing else to do while I was
waiting in your office. The recorder was

just sitting there, so I figured, why
not? The narrative is wonderful.

Touching. It even bears a remarkable
resemblance to my own adolescence. Two

who share a six -by -nine room with no
secrets.

Where did you learn to tell such moving
stories?

I didn't.

It's just something I can do like, you
know, like this.

I have an idea.

Come with me.

Can we eat first?

Dr. Peresky, how long have you been Mrs.
Hastings' pediatrician? Three months.

And during that time, how would you
describe her daughter's health?

Generally speaking, I'd have to say
poor.

Why is that, in your opinion?

Mrs. Hastings' daughter suffers from a
medical condition commonly referred to

a failure to thrive.

Would you explain exactly what is a
failure to thrive?

There is no precise medical definition.
However, typically it refers to a child

who, despite repeated attempts, refuses
to eat and thus gain weight.

What are some causes of this condition?

Food allergies, inability to break down
certain carbohydrates, fussiness.

The cause often remains a mystery.

Have you been encouraged by Mrs.
Hastings' efforts on her daughter's

Unquestionably. Karen Hastings is
tireless in her crusade for little

life. She rarely leaves her side.

As a single parent, her efforts are even
more extraordinary.

Dr. Paretsky, have you ever seen Karen
Hastings behave in any way other than as

a loving...

caring mother. No, I haven't. No further
questions, Your Honor.

Your cross, Miss Bowers. I'm ready, Your
Honor.

Dr. Peresky, you describe Miss Hastings
as tireless in her efforts on her

daughter's behalf.

What do you mean?

Karen often detects symptoms early and
brings them to my attention.

She used to be a nurse and has
exceptional diagnostic skills.

Which makes me wonder why Mrs. Hastings'
first child died mysteriously.

Objection irrelevant and highly
prejudiced. Where are you headed, Miss

Burroughs? It goes to a pattern of
abuse, Your Honor.

I have here the coroner's report for the
death of Colin Hastings.

Overruled. Watch yourself, Counselor.

Introducing People's Exhibit 4.

Doctor, would you mind reading the cause
of death?

Gastroenteritis caused by severe
dehydration leading to coma.

Thank you. Now tell me, wouldn't someone
with, as you say, exceptional

diagnostic skills have been able to spot
this condition before it resulted in

the death of a child?

Doctors are not perfect, Miss Paros.
Neither are nurses, nor mothers, not

lawyers. We all make mistakes. That
doesn't make us criminals.

Thank you.

No further questions.

Ben? Becker, talk to me.

We really should speak in private.

Attorney -client confidentiality doesn't
mean books. Besides, Kimiko doesn't

speak a word of English.

It's warm in here. Take off your jacket.
You're starting to schvitz.

Tell me what you found out. Beatrice
Shuler isn't budging, right?

Speaking of budging, I'm a little
confused.

She told me about her accident and
implicated Mr.

Shuler. Perhaps I should meet him.

Perhaps you should not.

Why? If it wasn't for that gun, if
Worldwide Studios wouldn't be in a

and I wouldn't be fighting a prostate
with a mind of its own. Yeah, I may be

of line, but whatever possessed you,
take on Shuler as a silent partner. Oh,

me started. I was thinking with my money
clip.

Stairs. Don't make such a... It was an
accident.

She got drunk and drifted. She contends
he put her in a wheelchair.

That woman could out -sprint me to the
ready teller with a 50 -yard head start.

Sir, Mrs. Shuler was... You are dope.

She can walk. Believe me. Look, let me
tell you something. Oops.

I quell over my daughter.

She's sweet and wonderful and doesn't
give a rat's ass about being Tori

Spelling. You, you're different.

And if you ever want to be considered my
heir apparent, you better make up your

mind who you believe.

Now, take care of this. Go talk to
Beatrice Schuller.

That the heir apparent?

What do you think?

Perfect.

Not done, no.

I tried explaining our policy to your
friend here.

I'm sorry that I got upset, but those
are the rules. Look, under the

circumstances, don't you think it might
be better for all concerned if you just

give the man his dog back?

How can I be sure that it's his?

For all I know, there's a sad little
girl on her way down here right now,

desperate to hug and hold the very same
dog.

Here's my business card.

I'm an attorney with Mackenzie Brackman.
Mr. Stulwich is a colleague of mine.

You can't convince me he got through law
school.

And I can't convince you to give his dog
back?

No. Well, is it possible that this will
convince you?

Stuart! You want the dog back or not?

Oh, yeah.

Where is he? The dog back there.

Show me.

Come on. Come on.

He's over there.

Let him out. Let him out. Okay, please.
Please, just don't let that thing go

off. I've got a family.

And a kid?

How many?

Three. Under five.

That's a handful, huh? Yeah.

Oh, come on. Open it up.

Here you go.

Here's the dog.

Hi, Lincoln.

Hi,

Lincoln. What happens to all these other
dogs?

Well, if no one adopts them or we run
out of space, they've got to be

Who thinks that's his room? Not me.

Well, go let him out. All of them.

Benny, give him a hand. Hurry up. Go on.
Let him out. Go, go, go. Let's go.

Let's go. All the way.

At him, boy.

At him.

Before I make my ruling, I'd like
counsel to approach.

Be seated.

Miss Parris, you have no direct evidence
of any wrongdoing as regards Mrs.

Hastings. And your circumstantial
evidence is just a tad more convincing.

To quote opposing counsel, you are out
on a limb.

What you do have is a chronically sick
baby.

with no satisfactory medical explanation
despite the scores of diagnostic tests

that have been performed.

You also have a sibling who died with
similar unexplained symptoms and a

who is the only person present during
the onset of illness.

Now, that may be enough to get you
probable cause here, but in my opinion,

light years away from convincing a jury.

Get busy, Miss Paros. Put some teeth
into this case before you go to trial.

Otherwise... You are looking at a
directed verdict for the defendant.

Now step back.

This court hereby finds probable cause
has been established, and the defendant

is bound over on charges of felony child
endangerment.

Her daughter remains in the protective
custody of social services. I want to

bring my daughter home with me. Trial
will commence one week from today.

Until then, we are adjourned. I'm a good
mother.

You have to believe me. You'll get a
chance to testify. No, please, Your

if you would just listen to me. Mrs.
Hastings, my decision stands. But my

daughter needs me.

She should be sleeping in her own bed.

Mrs.

Shuler, I appreciate your coming down
here.

Frankly, this isn't easy.

It is difficult for me to get around.

Yeah, right.

Nevertheless, I wanted to hear what you
have to say face to face.

All right.

I think your marriage was already
disintegrating when Mr. Shuler became

with another woman.

You grew despondent to the point where
one night, blind drunk, you fell down

stairs, and now you're looking to take
advantage of what could possibly prove

be a financial windfall.

But as a representative for Worldwide's
Business Affairs, I won't let you get

away with it. I find it hard to believe
that Ben Flicker would hire you.

Yeah, why's that?

Blicker despises vulnerability.

And I believe that deep down you are a
kind man who hates doing what he's been

asked to do.

You're unable to mask your gentle
nature.

Talk about duplicity, Beatrice. The
wheelchair gig, is it all just for great

parking spaces?

Ernie, apologize.

Rock, stay out of this. And you, stand
up. I'm leaving.

Rock, stay where you are. I want you to
witness this woman is a fraud.

Please, don't do this.

Walk.

Mrs. Shuler, Hollywood, what you see
isn't always what you get.

But Ben told me she can walk.

Can't you, Mrs. Shuler?

Arnold.

Oh, come on.

Wasp. Stuart!

What in heaven's name are you doing? I'm
helping to balance it all out, Leland.

It's just like you said. Too much law,
not enough justice.

Stuart Hickman, free Lincoln.

Yeah, well, somebody had to. I mean, the
guy the dog found just wouldn't listen.

You should have seen him when he pulled
out his gun and made him listen. What?

No, it's okay. I was real careful, you
see. I took all the bullets out. It's

loaded. Stuart!

Give me the gun. No, it's okay, Leland.
Police, free him! Watch out!

Drop it. No, it's okay.

His gun's not loaded on him. Don't,
don't do.

I said drop the gun. Put the gun down,
Stuart. That's my husband. Leland, will

you explain to them that I'm fine?

the cell door slammed shut.

All I could hear were the anguished
cries of mournful weeping in this place

despair.

Wow.

You like it?

Roger, I'll be frank.

I was raised in the classics. I minored
in contemporary American literature.

Steinbeck, Faulkner, Hemingway, a man's
writer.

And I'd be lying if I said you measured
up.

But what you do have, what you were born
with, is the talent that may help write

a bestseller. Yeah?

Tomorrow I'll have my secretary begin
transcribing the opening chapters.

We're going to make a great team.

What do you say?

Meet me here tomorrow morning?

Listen, if it's all right with you, I'd
like to camp out on your couch.

Sleeping in the alley was kind of rough.

You've never had a place of your own?

I've been in and out of jail since I ran
away at 17.

Don't even have a family.

My father was a very famous lawyer, you
know.

As a youth.

Every night, I'd sit at the top of the
stairs and wait for him to return home.

He'd walk through that front door and
ask if he had a baritone's voice.

Douglas, what did you do today to make
the world a better place?

What would you tell him?

I'd lie mostly.

But tonight, I could tell him I offered
a man shelter.

Are you sure you got room?

Absolutely. Shouldn't you check with
your wife? We haven't remarried yet, but

that's another story. Benny!

Benny! How are you?

My new teeth got knocked out in the
fight.

That can be fixed.

And now I'm worried about Stuart.

Well, well, hopefully that can be fixed
as well.

We didn't hurt anybody.

The gun wasn't even loaded, and that man
was going to kill Lincoln. These last

few days have been confusing for all of
us, but the important thing is we're all

safe. That goes for you too, Lincoln.

Yeah. How about I give you two a ride?

In your new car?

Yeah. You'd be really excited.

Well, we put down some paper.

Hey. This city is so deceptively pretty
at night.

You heading home?

I've got the phone from a buddy of mine
who's leaving tomorrow for Africa.

Fifteen days.

Botswana, Mozambique, Sudan, Ivory
Coast.

Supposed to be traveling with his
girlfriend, but she fell out.

So he asked me.

Are you going to go? I don't know. I
took an extended leave of absence.

Doesn't seem like the right time to take
a vacation right now.

Here's where I'd be.

Ooh. That's Schiaffa.

It's the place where people feel most
welcome on Earth, I think. It's

You think you'd be happier at McKenzie
Brackman?

It's hard to say, hard to say.

I haven't gotten off to an auspicious
start.

I'll let you know when you get back.

If I come back.

I'll see you. Bon voyage.

Hi, Tommy.

Curtain's in an hour. We could still
make it if... Not tonight.

Okay. I'll give him away.

Smells a little gamey.

Yeah, Lincoln dropped by with a few of
his friends.

What's this about Stuart pulling a gun?

It wasn't loaded.

Yeah, but that's still nutsoid behavior.

I always thought this office was safe.

But lately with... Arnie's hunger for
power, Stuart's confusion, Gwen's fear,

everything's out of control.

Why would I want to bring a baby into
this insanity?

Because not two is giving up hope.

So what's really got you rattled?

I know I'm going to make a good mother.

But I'm a lousy, significant other.

I've got a failed marriage, a failed
romance.

The truth is I've been pushing you away
because I'm afraid to fall in love.

I'll tell you what.

How about we forget about relationships
and we just spend the night together,

hmm?

Oh, in a purely professional sense, of
course.

Strictly business.

The sitter's gonna kill me.

Hey.

Don't let this creep get you down.

You're the fairest of them all.

Yeah, means no white.

When the huntsman came back with the
heart of a young boar he had killed, the

queen had insulted and ate it, believing
it were no wife.

Cinderella.

Little Red Riding Hood.

Fairy tales.

Daniel?

You... Son of a -