Original subtitles

[dramatic upbeat music]

[tense orchestral music]

[bright warm music]

- Tell you what I think,

it has Durwood's name written all over it.

Sit tight, let me get into it.

All right, I'll see you at the office.

- Everything okay?

- Not even close.

Thanks.

[kettle whistling]

- Before it gets cold, your breakfast.

- [Conner] Don't even think about it, Lori!

- Okay, let's move you over a little.

- You heard her!

- [Beth] Don't you start.

- [Conner] She's the instigator.

- I am not!

- Honey, you're not still mad at your dad

for missing your game?

- I don't care, whatever.

- Yeah, that's the only word he says, pretty much.

- You know he wants to be there.

- Yeah, and he works for a real jerk too.

- Where did you hear that?

- Nowhere, I didn't say anything.

- Lori, what did I tell you about that?

You know better.

- Honey, this looks amazing.

You look hot, by the way.

- You think so?

- Absolutely, and I got us a reservation

at your favorite restaurant.

I'm gonna make it up to you this time without fail.

Most of the things, I can't talk about in front of you kids.

- Daddy, when are we going camping?

I drew a map so we won't get lost.

- Ooh, love the bear.

Soon, very soon, I promise.

- Yes!

- He's bluffing!

- Don't wait up for your mother.

- Don't wait up for what?

- Gotta go, I'm late.

- Are you sure you're off,

because I can make other plans with the girls.

- Have I ever not kept my word?

- You serious?

- Do you really want me to answer that question?

[kettle whistling]

- Hey, you got my message.

Can you grab a seat?

- Nice to see you here.

- Ah.

- What'd you want me to say?

- Actually, I want you to listen.

Apparently, there's been some new questions about Lancer.

I got a call from up top.

- Lancer's being investigated and we're gonna be audited.

Got the call too.

Thank you.

What's the matter?

You look concerned.

Parched?

- I'm not on trial here.

- No, no, not yet.

- Explain something to you.

Do you have any idea how much litigation

we have to go through to keep a company like Lancer

in business, who's involved with more debts

than, let me think, the plague?

"Hey, we're comin' up with the cure for cancer!"

It's a smoke screen, over and over again,

and they got the stones to come after us for double billing?

Double billing, are you kiddin' me?

When the whole stinkin' board should be locked up

and rot in federal prison for the last 20 years?

If it wasn't for us, if it wasn't for what I did,

you know what, I don't think I can keep up

with these people.

Fraud, embezzlement, negligence!

Trust me, I have washed these people clean over and over

and over again to make them whiter than snow.

And I'm gonna tell ya somethin', buddy.

You can't put a price tag on that!

- I hear you, I'll look into it.

- Yeah, you will look into it,

and then you'll answer only to me.

- Okay, and when I button this all up for you,

I have to have that vacation time.

I've been promising my two kids.

Come on, I need this.

- Are you kiddin' me?

You got one family to worry about right now.

They're this business.

This job is all you need to take care of right now.

I think it's time to put your head in the game, man.

[pensive music]

- [sighs] Really sorry about this, Doug.

- Appreciate that, Janet.

- Good luck.

- Right.

- Hey, if China sweeps in like they say,

I'll probably be out there lookin' for work too.

- Thanks.

[soft pensive music]

- This is even less than the last one!

- So who wants Chick-fil-A?

Well, I think that settles it then.

- You know we can't afford to be eating out.

- I'm gonna buy my daughter some lunch.

[dramatic pensive music]

- [sighs] You don't have to act like this

to get what you want.

- Mom, you've told me this a thousand times.

- Hey, you're better than this.

- I don't need you to control me!

- [Beth] I just don't know how to reach you.

- You don't need to reach me!

There's nothing wrong.

- Mom, can we walk to school today, please?

- Let's go.

- Grow up!

- You grow up.

- No, you grow up.

- No, you grow up.

- [Conner] You grow up.

- [Beth] You grow up.

[telephone ringing]

- Why's my door closed?

- [Bella] Your wife is in there.

- Ex-wife, and I will need you to interrupt in five minutes.

Schedule a meeting.

- With who?

- I don't care.

- Okay.

- You know she's trying to bleed me

for everything I have, right?

If there is a woman in this nation

that's not a certified nut job, I'd like to meet her.

No offense.

- None taken.

[Michael clears throat]

[tense pensive music]

[telephone ringing]

- Michael, what a pleasure to see you.

- Oh, no, it's my privilege.

I wouldn't miss this for the world.

- I know you think that you can just ride this out,

and I'm gonna let it go.

- I don't know what you're talkin' about.

- Oh, you think I don't know about your Cayman accounts.

[Mrs. Durwood laughs]

- Still don't know what you're talkin' about.

- But I want you to know, without a doubt,

that I will make you pay,

even if I have to detach

and sell the flesh from your very bones.

Is that understood?

- I have no doubt.

- Well then,

good day to you.

[telephone ringing]

- Good or bad?

- In a decent mood.

- I don't think you're gonna make it tonight.

- What's the matter with you, that's not good news.

- I'm just trying to be realistic.

- Woe to you of little faith.

- Benjamin, Benjamin, Benjamin.

I should fire you.

- You should promote me.

- Okay, what you're suggesting here

flies in the face of the records

of maybe the biggest client we have

in North America, genius.

- Second biggest.

- Let me get this straight, so you're supposing

that they owe us money.

- Is that what you read into that?

- Hey, don't play smart with me.

- If in fact Lancer received funds from the feds,

and even if they overpaid us into seven or eight figures,

it appears we have a firewall.

A list of services we provided on a consulting level

over a period of 20 years that went uncompensated for--

- Okay, okay, okay, I see what you're do,

[laughs] you know what?

That's almost clever for somebody as challenged as you.

- If Lancer were to point the finger

at any accounting irregularity,

let's say for some bizarre speculation

that they were to say that you embezzled funds from them,

this would offer some protection,

or at least slow them down for a little bit.

I mean, not that we would need it.

You do have regulated accounting

as for where those funds went, right?

- Right.

Listen, what this document's laid out, it's too generic.

This is not gonna stand up in court,

and how did you get a hold of this information?

- I just wanted you to know

that we have the moral high ground here,

puts us in a stronger position.

- It's ambitious, but if you think

this is gonna get you upstairs, it won't,

because if I even allow this to be seen

at a partner's desk, not gonna have your name on it, son.

- That's why I wake up every morning, to serve you.

- Huh, well, then, I'm gonna do you a favor,

and not 'cause you've earned it, 'cause you haven't yet.

If you can put this into a format that passes muster

with the boys, then I might consider

not firing you for accessing

confidential company information,

void of prior consent.

You got till midnight [mumbles].

- You know, I have a very important dinner

with my wife tonight.

- Do ya?

Hmm, how exactly you gonna plan on payin'

for them dinner plans without this cushy little job

that I happened to provide for you?

And fear not, I will give your wife my best.

[melancholic pensive music]

- [Coach] All right, guys, let's start off talkin'

about our full [mumbles].

Start with the [mumbles]--

- [Tim] Are you still spendin' the night

after the game Friday?

- No!

- Are your parents dropping you off,

or do you want a ride home with my dad?

- Look, I don't even like you.

Nobody likes you.

- Hey, I'm your only friend.

You should try acting like it.

- Fine, I'll come over!

- [Tim] Cool.

- But on one condition.

- What?

- We camp out in the backyard.

After your parents go to sleep, we sneak out.

- No, I'm not sneaking out!

- [shushes] It's only camping.

And it's up to you, deal or no deal?

- My mom won't let us.

- Deal or no deal?

- [Coach] And put your shoulder into it a little bit, okay?

It's all right, I want to see you knock all--

- Deal.

- Tim, Conner!

Since what I have to say doesn't seem very important,

how 'bout the two of you give me 10 more

suicide sprints with William?

- Thanks a lot, Tim.

- [Coach] Now, come on, fellas, let's go!

You don't need the ball, come on, guys.

This isn't gonna cut it in college.

[soft pensive music]

- My daughter has choir practice today,

so I thought I'd take off a little early.

- Go ahead.

- [Carol] Sorry.

- It's okay. - But thanks.

- Oh, well, that's nice.

So this is the example Benjamin sets for ya, huh?

Lettin' you get off early?

- Yes, but,

no, sir, I mean, my daughter has a--

- Whatever, I don't wanna hear it.

You, I want the numbers on my desk,

and I want 'em by midnight.

- They'll be there.

- Yeah, they'll be there.

[bicycle chain clicking] [soft pensive music]

- Hey, Sharon, that a new bike?

- Yeah, but the chains broke.

- [Conner] That's not bad.

- Where have you been?

You haven't been in school for, like, two months.

Hey, what happened to your hair?

- Lori!

- I have cancer, or did.

They say they got most of it.

I don't really know.

They said my hair will grow back some day.

But I'm moving soon to go camping.

My dad doesn't have to go to work anymore,

so he said we can live in the RV

and go camping whenever we want.

Pretty cool, huh?

- I wish we could do that!

- That means they're gonna be homeless.

- Well, I've gotta go.

See you at school or whatever.

[bicycle chain clicking]

- You were supposed to be back two hours ago.

- Yeah, well, the unemployment office

doesn't exactly have the best customer service, you know?

So where's Sharon?

- She's out riding her bike.

- All right, I'll go get her.

- No, no, she'll be back in a few minutes, I know it.

- But it's getting late.

- If she's not back in 15 minutes,

then you can go look for her.

She needs some time!

- All right, fine, she needs time.

You know what?

I'm not the only person who could work, you know?

I mean, maybe you could start

an online business, or something.

You don't even touch the computer I gave you.

Just an idea.

[soft tense music]

[bicycle rattling]

[bicycle chain clicking]

[wind blowing]

- When is Grandma comin' over?

- She's on her way.

- Where does cancer come from?

- [Conner] Comes from eating too much pizza,

and it looks like you're well on your way.

- There's never too much pizza!

- [groans] What was that for?

- Please, Conner.

Lori, where did you hear about cancer?

- The girl down the street named Sharon

lost all her hair from cancer.

Now she gets to skip school.

Could I get cancer?

- Probably not.

I don't know where cancer comes from, honey.

There are plenty of smart doctors who do.

- And Mommy?

- Yes, honey?

- Did you talk to Daddy about the trip?

- He's not going to take you camping.

He can't even make it home for dinner.

You think he's just gonna pop a tent for us

in the mountains, huh?

- Yes, I have faith that he will.

- Grace first.

- I'll say grace.

Grace.

- I'll pray.

God, thank you for this meal,

and for our Conner, so he'll be nice

and stop making fun of me.

Amen.

- Beautiful, sweetheart.

- Bella, where's Benjamin?

I mean, you know Lancer's about to unleash

the feds on me, right?

And I gotta go over those numbers with him.

I mean, where did he go?

I mean, this is startin' to feel like Enron reincarnated.

- Sir, he went home.

- I see.

- He had a dinner reservation.

- Hmm, well, that's sweet, huh?

- Would you like me to call him?

- No, I'd like you to do what I asked you to do,

which is to find my phone.

Can you do that for me?

- Sir, I called the restaurant,

and they said that they hadn't found anything.

Who were you there with?

[Michael sighs]

- You get Benjamin here, and I mean right now.

[soft tense music]

- You're kidding me.

I could try and slip away after my dinner with my wife,

but he's not even gonna look at it until tomorrow morning.

- No, he said he needs them

on the partner's desk first thing.

- Bella, this dinner with my wife is important.

I'm taking her to The Melting Pot.

- [Bella] Look, okay, the restaurant

is right down the block.

I'm gonna have a limo come pick her up.

- Fine.

- Hey, how come you're not in the shower yet?

No, no way.

- The firm's bein' audited.

It's the biggest case we've ever run.

I've never seen anything like this.

Durwood would have my job if I didn't help him out.

- Excuses, it's all I ever hear.

- No, it's not.

It's the only way I'll ever make partner.

- Make partner, right.

You lied to me.

- I got a limo for you.

I'll meet you at the restaurant.

It'll be just like we planned.

- I knew it, I knew this would happen.

I don't know why I thought tonight would be any different.

- We will, trust me, I'll be there.

The sooner I get going,

the sooner I can meet you at the restaurant.

- I am sick of it, sick of it!

Don't touch me!

- This night is as important to me as it is to you.

I wanted to surprise you.

I got us a room at the Vanderbilt.

[soft melancholic music]

- How can you live with yourself?

- How do you do it?

- You're trouble.

- So we're good?

- No, we're not good.

- We're good.

[Beth sighs]

I'll be there, I promise.

[soft melancholic music]

[soft tense music]

- You look gorgeous.

Honey, what's wrong?

- You try being married to a lawyer.

He's sending a limo so he can meet me at the restaurant,

or so he says.

Romantic, isn't it?

- Well, depends on how you look at it.

It could be.

Look at it like he's sending his chariot

to pick you up to meet him at the ball.

That has potential.

- It sounds nice, but that's somebody else's story.

[tense pensive music]

- Tonight, this is your story.

[tense pensive music]

[cell phone chiming and vibrating]

[car revving]

[cell phone chiming and vibrating]

- Durwood, what are you up to?

[car revving] [tense music]

Yes! [Sharon screams]

[loud thudding] [car tires screeching]

[melancholic music]

Somebody, help me!

[melancholic music]

- [Radio Dispatcher] [mumbling] 300 Winter Boulevard.

[melancholic music]

[siren wailing]

- I heard a loud thump,

and those brakes screeching like pigeons.

Then I looked up and I saw that man over there

with a cell phone in his hand,

like all the kids do these days!

- [Policeman] He was texting and driving,

would you say that?

- [Witness] Oh, I don't know.

- Stay here. - I suppose so.

- Sorry, we're gonna take this into evidence, sir.

- How's the little girl?

She gonna be okay?

I need to call my wife.

- You can do all that from the station.

Were you talking or texting on this

when the accident occurred?

- What are you saying?

- This phone, so you were on it

when you hit the little girl?

- What?

- You been drinking?

- No, I haven't.

- You have the right to remain silent.

- What are you accusing me of?

- Anything you say or do can and will be used against you

in the court of law.

You have the right to an attorney.

Stand still.

[cell phone camera clicks]

- Look, no, I need to call my wife!

- You're goin' in.

- What?

She's just down the street.

[muffled chattering over police radio]

[tense pensive music]

[telephone ringing]

- Larry's Law, Darla speaking.

- Some lawyer hit a little girl.

I just sent you a picture.

This guy's a real scumbag lawyer, probably filthy rich,

no remorse, like he was texting at the time of the accident.

You owe me.

[siren wailing]

[Larry huffing]

- [Darla] Hey, Larry.

- I know this guy, we went to high school together!

Real hotshot, fancy law school.

Thought he was really somethin'

just 'cause I didn't go to Harvard.

- There ain't nothin' wrong with a GED, baby.

- Not so hot anymore, are ya, feller?

Not after Larry's finished with you.

- Yeah, you got the spike gun!

[siren wailing]

- Okay, come on.

Sniper rifle.

Oh, yeah!

Yeah, what's he gonna do now? [laughs]

[siren wailing]

- [Conner] Oh, my gosh!

- News is spreading fast tonight

as a community is left in shock

as former cancer patient of Newtown Children's Hospital,

Sharon Blackwell, was struck by an oncoming vehicle

and is in critical condition.

- Excuse me.

Excuse me, sorry.

What happened?

- Some guy just hit a little girl.

- That's my dad's car!

Where's my dad?

- The cops, they took him.

- Dad!

Dad!

- Hey, you need to run on home, kid.

I'm sorry, sorry, pal. - Where's my dad?

- Your mom's probably worried sick about you.

Go on, run on home.

[telephone ringing]

- Yes?

- [Carol] Beth, it's Carol.

- Thank God!

- [Carol] What's going on?

I keep texting and calling Benjamin.

- He's been in an accident, Carol.

He's run over a little girl.

They've taken her to the hospital.

The police took Benjamin, maybe to jail.

I don't know.

- [Carol] Beth, listen to me.

I know you're in shock, I need you to focus.

We'll get through this.

Just stay calm.

[soft tense music]

- I think we're lookin' at some real money, baby.

We have got to pounce, you know what I'm sayin'?

No more sittin' around.

We've been takin' these low-level jobs long enough.

Not anymore, no, sir.

Time to go for the big leagues, you know what I mean?

I mean, no more ambulance chasin'.

We gotta strike while the iron's hot.

You know what's hot right now?

Textin' and drivin', drivin' and textin'.

Justice will take our side any day of the week.

This is actually the future of injury cases,

I guarantee it.

DUI's a thing of the past.

Are you listenin'?

Didn't look to me like you was listenin'.

What's the golden goose?

- Textin' and drivin', drivin' and textin', Larry.

I heard ya.

- All right, that's what I'm talkin' about.

- [Darla] Well, if that's the case,

then why am I still on minimum wage?

- Honey, you lack conviction.

- [scoffs] That doesn't make any sense.

- Let's talk about that later.

Did you get a hold of hospital?

- Of course I did.

- All right! [claps]

I'm tellin' you, this is the one,

this is the one we've been waitin' for, honey pie.

This is gonna take us places.

Forget the Bahamas.

I'm gonna shuck and jive.

They are not gonna see Larry comin'.

Bang, zoom, I'm outta here!

- All right, all right, good, just send it to me.

- [Mr. Hash] What's goin' on?

- Nothing.

- Is it about one of our guys?

Not in the middle of an audit.

We're already on thin ice with the feds.

- Just stay out of it.

- We can't handle publicity right now.

- As far as we know, it was an accident.

I'm telling you, this is nothing for you to worry about.

- Cut him loose, Jack!

Would you rather take one to the head,

or two to the chest and bleed to death?

Cut him loose.

I'm tellin' you, we don't need this.

- Now, is that a threat?

- [sighs] What's the boy's name?

- Stills, Benjamin Stills.

- Larry, guess what!

Joe just called me.

They just took that little girl to the children's hospital,

and get this. - We won.

Try and track a lead right now.

- [Darla] He is a big fancy lawyer

who represents the same company

that her dad was just fired from.

- Lancer, it's called Lancer Multinational Corporation.

Good one!

Now, get me the number of the children's hospital,

and I'm gonna pounce on this bad boy

like Saturday Night Fever, baby! [grunts]

[soft melancholic music]

- What are you still doing up?

- They don't arrest a driver unless it's serious.

He may face criminal charges.

- Beth, we will get through this, I promise you.

But for now, why don't you go upstairs

and try and get some sleep?

Worrying about this isn't going to help anybody.

- Do you have any idea what's going on outside?

[soft melancholic music]

You look out my front window,

and you tell me there's no good reason to be upset.

- [Reporter] This picture of Benjamin Stills

was taken just moments after the accident.

[soft melancholic music]

[metallic clanging]

- Hey, sweetheart, I like them shoes.

Where'd you get them shoes?

I think I wanna buy me a pair.

- I don't remember.

- Wanna hear a secret?

- No.

Sure.

- These guys are gonna eat you alive in here, man.

Wedding ring?

Expensive watch.

Don't worry.

I'll take care of ya.

- I appreciate that.

- Benjamin Stills!

Goin' home.

[soft melancholic music]

[siren wailing in distance]

- Hello, Benjamin.

You might not know my face, I work upstairs.

- Mr. Cromer, I know who you are.

- Considering the situation, I thought it might be helpful

if you had a friendly face here to meet you.

Come on, get in.

How much do you know about what happened?

- I remember everything.

I was driving along, and then,

the little girl just, she came outta nowhere.

- Poor child.

- I have to go see her, I have to go to the hospital.

Drive-- - No, no, no, no.

She's in a coma, but her condition is stable.

Making contact with the victim, that's not going to happen.

Right now, your family needs you.

Benjamin, you need to stay centered.

You had a company phone on you

at the time of the accident, right?

- Police took everything.

- City or state, the officers?

- State, I think.

- Good, good.

Now, when you get home,

it's just fine not to talk to those reporters.

If you're questioned, it's perfectly acceptable to just say,

"I don't recall."

It's all over the press.

That girl you hit was a cancer patient.

What are the odds?

- I can't believe this is happening.

- Press just gobbles that up.

I know you know this, but it's very different

when you're the one on the spot, trust me.

- Mr. Cromer, I don't mean to be rude,

but I've worked for your firm for several years now,

and you and I have never so much as even sat down together.

Now this accident, and you show up at the police station.

I appreciate the ride, but what is this?

- You're one of us now, Benjamin.

We always take care of our own.

[soft melancholic music]

Benjamin,

are you thinking this situation

might be more than you can handle?

- Just slightly.

- Just pray.

You'll get through this.

Let's go, Andrew.

- Benjamin!

Oh, my God!

What happened to you?

You didn't call me!

- Okay, Sabrina, when you go see Dr. Stevens tomorrow,

you tell him exactly as I told you.

That's right, you've had numbness down your arm

since the accident.

No, no, no, not before, that's when it started.

Okay.

And you're gonna bring a written report to me

that he gives you.

All right, baby doll, bye-bye.

I am gonna kill this thing!

[warm pensive music]

- [gasps] Where are the kids?

- They're here, they're fine.

- [panting] Right.

- Come back to sleep.

- It really happened.

- Yes, it really happened.

- I have to go see her.

- Honey, I don't think that's a good idea.

Look, I know you wanna do the right thing,

but it's all over the media.

They have it out for you.

There are reporters at that hospital.

- If that little girl dies.

- It was an accident.

- If the girl dies,

they'll have me on vehicular manslaughter.

- She's not dead.

It's gonna be fine.

- Honey, this is what I do for a living.

- Benjamin!

I did not expect to see you here this late.

That's dedicated.

- Just finishing up.

- You wouldn't happened to have seen my phone?

'Cause I'm almost positive I left it at that restaurant

that you and I were...

Ah, forget it.

So, what do you know about that Lancer case?

- Not that much, actually.

- You know, I am curious,

when you got in that accident,

were you on your phone?

'Cause I was talkin' to the DA,

he said it happened pretty fast.

- What are you doing here,

and with friends?

- Oh! [chuckles]

Well, the partners have impressed upon me

the privilege of bringing to your attention

the importance of integrity,

and confidentiality when it comes to anything

in regards to this company, because

we are very serious about protectin' our interest, Benjamin.

Anyways, I did have the foresight

to draft a little addendum to the confidentiality agreement

that we have with you.

- Interesting.

- Mm-hmm, matter of fact, I think you'll find that

in your best interest.

And

you'll sign it.

- And

if I don't?

- [laughs] What?

Nah, you don't wanna go there, do you?

We're on the same team now, aren't we?

And you will sign it, I promise.

Let's go, guys.

- [Tall Doctor] Well, right now, we're in a waiting mode.

No one knows what induces a coma sometimes.

- Okay, so what do we do now?

I mean, there's gotta be something!

- We just have to wait and see.

- That's it, that's all you've got to say to us?

- I'm afraid so.

We just have to see how her body responds,

if she comes out of the coma.

We'll know more soon.

It could get worse, it could get better.

I'm sorry, that's the best that I can do.

- So what does that leave us with?

- I'm sorry.

- Hey, how's your daughter holdin' up?

- Are you a doctor?

- My name's Larry Layson,

I'm here visiting one of my clients.

Heard what happened to your daughter, it's a shame!

- Yeah, thanks.

- Do you have representation?

You're gonna need it.

- Representation for what?

- To protect your rights and your daughter's.

The guy who hit her, he's liable for serious damages

to your family.

I can help, if you like.

- I'm sorry, do you work here?

- Not exactly.

- Well, I appreciate it, but I think we're okay.

- Oh, I'm sure you are, but isn't this place expensive?

[laughs] Trust me, bills that come aren't as friendly

as the faces you see here.

Now, I have a close relationship

with this hospital.

Could be a good help to you later on.

Look, I care about your family.

I don't wanna see ya high and dry after all this.

- No, they haven't been that friendly here.

- No, they're not, here you go. [clicks tongue]

[soft tense music]

[telephone ringing]

[Beth sighs deeply]

- Leave us alone!

- [Reporter] Would you care to comment about your case,

The Public versus Mr. Stills?

It's our understanding that Benjamin Stills

was texting while driving when the accident occurred.

And the victim was

a cancer survivor-- - No.

- [Reporter] Is that correct?

- No comment.

- [Reporter] Well, no, the public deserves to...

- A tragedy has rocked a small community here in Nashville.

I'm standing outside the home of Benjamin Stills,

the man accused of hitting a small child.

As of now, the girl's in critical condition.

A candlelight vigil will be held

at St. John's the Cathedral, later this evening

in prayer for her healing.

We'll update you as we learn more.

We'll send it back to you now in the studio.

- [Sam] I need to talk to you about the Stills case.

- Walk with me.

- Still haven't been able to get to the cell phone

to prove he transmitted a text

within that 11-second window the accident occurred

to send this guy where he belongs.

- Oh, he's goin' away, all right.

The question is for how long.

How's the girl doin'?

- Critical condition.

I think the parents will play ball.

- You don't know that yet.

- I'll tell you what I do know.

If we don't make an example of this guy,

the public will crucify us.

- Kid, I've been at this 20 years without worrying

for two seconds what the public thinks.

- I'm tellin' you, the hot button here

is voluntary vehicular manslaughter for driving and texting.

He knowingly got behind the wheel of a two-ton vehicle

and chose to use that cell phone,

knowin' the damage he could do.

- Just give me the cell phone reports.

We're gonna nail this guy.

- I'm sorry, please don't call.

- Carol, any word from our boy?

- No, but there have been several calls from reporters

asking about him.

What am I supposed to say?

- Ignore 'em, we'll issue a statement soon.

Let us handle that.

What was he doing here so late?

- Durwood asked him to come in

and go over billing on Lancer.

- Hmm.

[soft pensive music]

Let me have everything you've got on that.

- You got it.

[soft pensive music]

- Facing charges of reckless driving

along with a pending charge

of voluntary vehicular manslaughter.

If convicted, you could receive a sentence

of five or up to 20 years imprisonment.

Do you understand what you're facing?

- Yes, Your Honor.

- Are there any priors?

- [Lawyer] None, Your Honor.

- I will be releasing you on your personal recognizance,

but as the record indicates,

you've been accused of texting while driving.

Therefore, you are not to be behind the wheel of a vehicle

for any reason, is that clear?

- Your Honor, given the considerable resources available

to this defendant, we consider him a flight risk.

That coupled with the threat that he poses to the public,

we're asking that he be detained until trial.

- Then although he has no priors,

because of the financial resources

available to the defendant,

I'm gonna reduce the flight risk

by requiring the defendant to wear an ankle tracer.

Bail set.

- Your Honor, what if this happens again?

This is a man who's proven that he will disregard the law.

What if he gets behind the wheel,

sends another text while he's in a belligerent state?

Whose child will end up--

- Well, you need to save that for the jury.

Bail set.

[gavel clangs loudly]

- I can't believe they're making you wear that dog leash,

as if you would leave town

before this whole thing is settled.

It's humiliating.

- I hate that I'm puttin' us through this.

- I wanna take the kids and I wanna go.

- I don't want you to leave.

- Then I need you to sit down with them

and explain to them what could happen.

[dramatic tense music]

[telephone ringing]

- Hello!

- [Conner] Who is it?

- It's gonna be all right, I promise.

- No, it's not.

It's not.

- What will be all right?

- Nothing, honey, you finish your breakfast.

I'm gonna take you to school today.

- What about Mommy?

- Mommy and Daddy have some stuff to do.

- Yeah! [Katherine shushes]

Dad got her-- - Conner!

Let your mom and dad handle this.

- Dad got arrested for hitting Sharon.

- It's not true, you're lying!

- I told you it right after it happened.

Why won't you just accept it?

- [Lori] Daddy, Daddy, Conner said you were in jail!

- Daddy's going through a difficult situation.

I did have an accident, and now I gotta see

if I can make things right.

- Dad ran over your friend, Sharon!

Tell her!

- No!

- That's enough.

- No, he's right, I did.

- I've told you, I've been telling you this whole time.

- Lori.

She's in the hospital.

Your mom and I, we're gonna go see her this morning.

- I can draw her a picture and make her feel better

so they won't take you to jail forever, Daddy.

- I think that's a great idea.

I'm sure it will really help her.

- I'll go get my drawing set.

Gonna need a lot of colors this time.

- Conner, go help your sister.

- Come on, please. - Conner, go.

- He'll come around.

[telephone ringing]

- Don't answer that.

- [Katherine] And just why not?

[telephone ringing]

- Death threats.

- Oh, that's no way to live,

[telephone ringing] just no way at all.

May I help you?

No, I'm afraid you must be mistaken, I...

You should watch your mouth!

Your mother would be ashamed of you!

Good day!

[knocking on door]

- You're not gonna like what you find here.

We just got the report back on your boy's cell phone.

- Try me.

- Voluntary vehicular manslaughter.

- You're not serious.

- Death requires responsibility.

- What am I missing here?

You know, if you keep fishing like this,

it's you who's not gonna like what you find.

- You know, you're awfully protective of this kid.

I wonder why.

- And you're outta your depth.

- Yeah, maybe so.

- You like that chair, comfortable enough for you?

- Could use a little more lumbar support,

but it's okay, why?

- I wouldn't get too comfortable if I were you.

You might not be sitting there much longer.

- [Reporter] Cromer, Mr. Cromer!

[reporters speaking simultaneously]

- Take it easy, take it easy.

We would appreciate it if all the media

would give the parties and their families

time to grieve in this situation.

Thank you.

That will be all.

[reporters speaking simultaneously]

- Can I help you?

- Yes, I--

- We're looking for Sharon Blackwell's room.

- She's in ICU, sixth floor.

- Appreciate it.

- Hey, haven't I seen you on the news?

- Come on, guys, let me escort you up.

- Can I help you?

- I'm Benjamin-- - Yeah, I know who you are.

You're the one who did this to my little girl.

- Yes.

- I'm the attorney for the parents.

Anything you have to say to them, you can say to me.

I'm here for their protection.

- I just wanted to see if there's anything I can do--

- You'll find no catharsis here.

- Ooh, are we okay here?

- We're all right.

What you have done to this poor child is unforgivable.

Now, I'm gonna need you both to give this family some space.

We'll see you in court.

Are those even real?

Thanks anyway.

- I'm so sorry, we didn't--

- Honey.

[melancholic pensive music]

- I don't enjoy doing this.

It's the worst part of my job.

If we don't handle this now, we'll regret it down the road,

and so will your family.

This will ensure that I can protect your rights

when things get ugly.

- What do you mean ugly?

- This isn't your first time through this.

You know what those hospital bills look like.

Is it fair to your wife that you leave her

without a roof over her head?

- Oh, this guy was insured.

We're not vindictive, we don't sue.

- Yeah, but even the Bible says that a shepherd

needs to protect his flock from the wolves,

and right now, the wolves are, [knocking on table]

are knockin' at your door.

- Yeah, well, what do you get out of this?

- Oh, no, sir.

No, sir, I don't take an upfront fee.

I get paid when you get paid.

I just wanna see you blessed.

But a workman is worthy of his wages,

I know you can attest to that.

Right now, though, my number-one priority

is to make sure your family's not left high and dry.

- Yeah, but look, I'm still on the fence about this.

- Okay, okay, but look, the aggressor here, don't forget,

works at one of the largest law firms in the state.

We can sue the company as well for gross negligence.

By then, we're in the seven, eight figures easily.

Look, I know what you're thinkin', but I have a philosophy,

from the Bible in 1 Timothy 6:10.

It's not money that's evil.

It's the love of money, the Bible actually says that.

You gotta just keep it in its right place.

- Yeah, I hear you.

- Good, good.

I'll get you the contract through email

and we'll take it from there.

[door bell rings]

- I don't wanna go, Daddy.

- We'll be together soon.

It's for the best.

- Conner, did you pack underwear?

- I know how to pack, Mom.

Thanks.

- Remember how to get there?

- Yup, do you know what I did with my keys?

- Yeah.

- Come with us, I don't think you should stay here.

It's too dangerous.

- I'll be fine.

- I don't like leaving you.

- I don't like leaving you either.

- We'll be together soon.

- No matter what?

- No matter what.

[birds chirping]

- I'm sorry to have to say this,

but there's absolutely nothing that we can do.

Tests don't reveal any brain activity,

and machines are the only thing keepin' her alive.

I'm sorry.

[respirator hissing]

- What do you mean you're sorry?

There's gotta be something else you can do!

This is a hospital!

[respirator hissing]

[clock ticking softly]

- Hope you don't mind, I let myself in.

- I don't mind at all.

- Had a talk with the DA today.

Things are not as we'd wish.

- Why are you here?

- Did you hear what I said?

[soft melancholic music]

- [Benjamin] Courtesy of your friends.

- Where's your family?

- They're safe.

- I'm glad to hear that.

- If you came here for your confidentiality agreement,

you can go.

I'm not signin' anything.

- I don't know anything about a confidentiality agreement.

Look, if you need money, you can always ask.

- What are you talking about?

- I'm concerned about you.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

I'm on your side, Benjamin, you should know that.

- 'Cause you're trying to protect your interests?

- That's right.

You're workin' with me now.

Benjamin, I know you're a good man, and you made a mistake.

Now you think your life is over.

It's not.

But you need to be strong now for your wife and your kids.

See, they're carrying this burden with you.

They need you now more than ever.

- How can I be there for my family if I'm in prison?

- Look at me, Benjamin.

I chose to build an empire over my family.

Now I'm old and rich,

and I'm alone.

You ever see a hearse luggin' a U-Haul full of money?

I would trade it all in a heartbeat

to have a home to go back to,

for one moment to have my family back.

We're not guaranteed another day,

but we have today.

And your family needs you now, Benjamin.

Be strong,

strong for your family.

Read that.

Might do you some good.

[melancholic pensive music]

[respirator hissing] [Jennie humming]

[Jennie mumbling]

- Honey,

you remember Mr. Layson.

He wanted to check on Sharon.

- Why is that guy always sniffin' around here?

- He's representing us.

[respirator hissing]

- We don't need a lawyer.

Our daughter needs us.

Why don't you call our pastor?

- Jennie, I'm unemployed.

Welfare barely gives us enough to make the bills,

and who's gonna pay for all this?

We sure can't afford it.

That's what Larry's here to help us with.

- Then you deal with him.

I'm busy.

[respirator hissing]

- Okay.

- Shall we?

Nice meetin' you.

[respirator hissing]

I'm not focused on the money,

I'm focused on seein' your family prosper.

One second, so many hurtin' people in the world.

Just call Larry.

I know it's a hard pill to swallow,

but we gotta prepare for the worst just in case.

Now, if she lives, it's a harder case to make,

but we'll swing for the fences regardless.

I think we should go ahead and file, it's been long enough.

Thing is, nobody likes to go to court and sign legal papers

while preparin' for a funeral.

It's time, we need to build the ark before the storm hits.

[knocking on door]

- Look, I don't have to tell you

the entire state's lookin' at this case.

I have an interview on primetime this evenin'

about texting and driving.

How do I look?

Oh, never mind.

- His superior, Michael Durwood,

gave me his personal assurance Stills would be comin' in.

It's taken care of.

- [District Attorney] Let's hit it.

- [Michael] He'll be here any minute.

- Good, let's get this over with.

- This is how we're repaid, stealin' from the company.

[scoffs] You know what gets me?

He's workin' under my nose every day.

I mean, I never saw it comin'.

Oh, guys, this is unbelievable.

- It appears that he's been nesting millions

in an unidentified Cayman's account.

- Well, that's a travesty.

See, now,

that is a travesty.

- [Doug] Oh, I can't take this anymore.

- Well, maybe if you prayed more,

you'd know she's a fighter.

- I know she's a fighter, Jennie.

I was there for the chemo too, remember?

And you want me to pray more?

You want me to pray for what?

Want me to pray that our daughter doesn't get cancer,

that she doesn't get hit by a car?

'Cause I don't know what to do anymore.

It's time to say goodbye.

- Fine.

- Guys, I'm your pastor, and I'm here to support you,

but are you sure this is what God wants you to do?

- [Jennie] No.

- I mean, listen, once you make this choice,

there's no undoing it.

I just think you need to pray about it

and give God room to be God.

- I can't do this.

I'm not doing this today.

I think I need a minute.

- I miss Daddy.

- I miss him too, honey.

- Just not enough to stick it through with him.

Face it, you're weak and selfish!

- Conner, don't talk to your mother like that!

- Conner, sit.

Sit.

Lori, honey, you too.

I would like for all of us to say a prayer

for the little girl who's in hospital, Sharon,

and pray that she will be healed.

- [Lori] Do you think it'll work?

- I think it just might.

- Conner!

- [Larry] What'd Dr. Stevens say?

- I don't know if we're doin' the right thing here.

Somethin' doesn't feel right.

I don't know if I can do this.

- Gotta do what's in your heart.

What's your heart tellin' you?

- If my baby girl dies--

- Not if.

Your heart.

- I'm angry!

I'm angry that my daughter's suffering

and there's nothin' I can do about it,

and I'm angry about everything, the situation.

- [Larry] I'm representin' you now.

You let me handle this.

You want to see the man pay, who did this,

same man who protects those monsters.

Took your job and your family away from you.

- I don't know what I think.

[melancholic pensive music]

[telephone ringing]

- Mornin'.

Anything I should know about?

- Durwood wants you upstairs.

- Can hardly wait.

[telephone ringing] [melancholic pensive music]

- [Michael] Benjamin!

- This is different.

- Well-- - Let me interject.

This is gonna be very short.

These officers are here to take you in

and they'll explain everything to you.

- [sighs] How could you, Benjamin?

I mean, after all we've done for you.

I don't know what to say.

- Wait, what's this about?

- Your text messages confirmed an illegal transfer

of company money to an offshore account

at the time of your accident.

- What text messaging?

- Coulda been a rich man in the Caymans, but ooh,

got in a little accident, didn't we?

- Look, our forensics team has all this.

Can we wrap this up?

- This isn't what it looks like!

- Benjamin, it was all on your cell phone.

[cell phone ringing]

- Well.

[cell phone ringing]

What are you waitin' for, boys?

Go ahead and arrest him.

Go ahead, get him outta here.

[cell phone ringing]

- Gentlemen, excuse me.

- [Michael's Mother] Michael Anthony Durwood,

I'm telling you for the last time it's not smart

to ignore your mother!

You'll see, you'll regret it one day.

You'll see, you'll regret it one day.

Michael Anthony-- - He's your man.

- [Michael's Mother] I love you,

and I'm not always going to be here!

- [District Attorney] You wanna take this?

- [Michael's Mother] I just care about you.

- Hey, Mom.

[handcuffs clicking]

I told you not to use that phone.

[soft tense music]

- Mr. Cromer, I may need a few things.

- Whatever you want, Benjamin, just name it.

[respirator hissing]

- No matter what happens,

God is with you,

[respirator hissing]

even in the valley of the shadow of death.

She's safe.

[respirator hissing]

- No, wait.

I need a moment with my baby.

[respirator hissing] [machinery beeping]

I know you can hear me.

Your mama loves you very much.

You're a fighter.

You are my heart, my soul, my breath.

[respirator hissing]

We'll play together again.

- [Doctor] Are you ready?

[respirator hissing]

I need verbal confirmation that you both understand

what I'm about to do.

- We understand!

We agree.

- Ma'am?

[melancholic music]

[respirator hissing]

- All right.

[respirator hissing] [melancholic music]

You breathe.

[respirator hissing] [melancholic music]

Don't stop.

Don't take her.

Come on!

[respirator hissing] [melancholic music]

Come back!

I need you.

[melancholic music]

God, don't do this to us! [crying]

Come back now!

[melancholic music]

[Jennie crying]

[vital signs machine beeping continuously]

[vital signs machine beeping continuously]

- [Doctor] Never seen anything like this before.

- What?

What is it?

Sharon?

- What's goin' on?

What's goin' on?

- She's moving.

[Jennie stammering] Sharon.

She took a breath!

- Sharon? - Her eyes are opening.

- She's breathing on her own.

- Yes!

- That's my girl! - Of course!

- [Doug] That's my girl!

- It's a miracle.

- She's a miracle.

[warm pensive music]

- [Jack] As a matter of fact, I got a call

from my old pledge mate, state's attorney.

- Once the DA?

- Oh, yeah, yeah, DA said the girl's off life support,

breathing on her own, and her brain scan all appears normal.

What's wrong?

- That little girl and my daughter were friends.

Her father worked for Lancer and was recently terminated.

- Yeah, that is unfortunate.

- Lancer's still our number-one client?

- Oh, yeah, yeah.

- Would you be willing to see if you could get his job back,

no termination clause, full benefits, all retroactive?

- I'll look into it.

- I'd appreciate that.

- Go home to your family, Benjamin.

- Thanks.

[Jack laughs]

[birds chirping]

[telephone ringing]

- I'll get it.

- [Katherine] Are you sure?

- I can handle it.

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

Who is this?

I will hunt you down!

You will regret ever calling this house.

Of that, you can be sure!

What?

What are you doing here?

You're not supposed to be here!

And how did those monsters find this number?

- [Benjamin] What are you talkin' about?

- Our children's lives are in danger.

- No, that's what I came here to tell you.

She's gonna be fine.

- You have to go, that's how they found us.

They were following you.

- No, nobody's followin' me, all right?

Beth, she's gonna live.

She's gonna live.

- Oh.

- [Jack] Well, I expect you heard from my friends,

or you wouldn't be calling.

- [District Attorney] Well, your man is lucky.

- Explain lucky.

- [District Attorney] I just got the report back

from the state, and I was waitin' to charge him

until after the investigation.

The report indicates that although

there was texting involved prior to--

- Get to the point.

- [District Attorney] We will not be pursuing

any charges at this time.

- Good.

Good.

- Ms. Blackwell.

- We-- - I know who you are.

- Is your husband here?

- I don't know.

I can check.

- Can we see her?

- Honey, I don't think they're ready for that.

- No, it's okay.

It's okay.

God tells me to forgive.

Do I want to?

Maybe not.

But I know she would want me to.

- I know there's nothin' I can say

that can change what happened, but

I know that God wanted me to come here today.

- [Doug] Well, congratulations.

- I know I'm the last person that you wanna see.

- So God told you to come here, huh?

Yeah, I heard what you said.

So glad you could have your come-to-Jesus moment

while nearly killing my little girl.

And here you are with your Bible

and your little stuffed animal.

And now what?

What, you go off and do some kind of penance,

some thing to make yourself feel better for what you did?

That's great, but you know what?

When this is all over for us, and the lights go down,

and then they boot us out of this hospital,

we're gonna be out there with a broken child,

traumatized for the rest of her life.

Why don't you take your stuff and whatever it is

you came to say, and just get out.

- You have every right to be angry, all right?

I think you know that my law firm represented the company

you used to work for.

Want you to know you have your job back.

You've been reinstated with full benefits

for you and your daughter, all retroactive.

Everything's gonna be taken care of.

- I don't know what to say.

Thank you, thank you.

We need this.

We need this.

Well, I have a hungry little girl.

Would you like to come meet her.

Baby girl, I'd like to introduce you to someone.

- Hi.

- I remember you!

- [Benjamin] You do?

- You're Lori's dad.

- That's right.

- Are you the man that I hit with my bike?

I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your car.

- No, no, that was my,

yes.

That was me.

- You don't have to feel bad about that, you know.

- Okay.

Lori wanted you to have this.

She drew it for you.

- I don't mean to interrupt.

She needs her rest.

- Baby girl, say goodbye to Mr. Benjamin, okay?

[soft warm music]

- [Conner] Dad!

- [Benjamin] Hey, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!

- What? - Right here, wait.

- [sighs] We just can't get away from this thing.

- I'll be brief.

Hey, make sure you got all your stuff.

Don't leave anything behind at Grandma's this time.

Hello?

- Hey there, Benjamin.

I thought I might reach you here.

- Hello, Mr. Cromer.

- [Jack] Get ready for the big trip?

- We're tryin' to, we're just about to leave.

- Listen, Benjamin, I know what I said,

but there's a case just came across my desk.

It is huge.

I'd really like to tag team this with you.

You know, maybe postpone that trip just a week.

I'll send a chopper out there and pick you up.

- As tempting as that may be--

- Just be for a week.

I'll give you my plane after and you can take your family

for a camping trip or the Bahamas if you want.

- Just how big a case are we talkin' about?

- You think I'd be offering all of this if it wasn't huge?

Might be a partnership in it for you.

- [Benjamin] No, my family has to come first.

I'll talk to you soon, Mr. Cromer.

- I see.

- Come on, Dad.

- [Benjamin] Let's hit it! [exhales]

[playful video game music]

[cell phone ringing]

[cell phone vibrating] - [Lori] What's going on?

- [Conner] Dad?

[cell phone ringing and vibrating]

- This is a family trip, and we're a family,

and these things, as cool as they are,

they're just a distraction.

So I'm gonna power mine down and throw it in the back.

Who's with me?

- [Lori] I'm with you, Daddy.

- Okay, I'm game.

- [Conner] Come on!

- I'm so proud of you.

- Hey, all right.

- Why are we doing this, Dad?

- Come on, put it in!

- Come on, Conner, you can do it.

- All right. - I told you Dad

was gonna take us camping.

- That's right, here we go.

Oh, last one, come on.

- [groans] You got me.

- Yeah, some day, you're gonna thank me.

Let's go!

- Dad.

I love you.

[warm music]

- I love you too.

Let's go.

[warm orchestral music]

- [Conner] Let's go camping!

- Yeah!

Buckle up.

[warm orchestral music]

Here we go!

[warm orchestral music]

[melancholic pensive music]