The Guardian (2001) s01e17 Episode Script
The Divide
I sometimes still find myself driving late at night back to that area of town.
I'm in my car.
You know? And the adrenaline starts to pump, and I'm on auto pilot.
Ready to turn into the parking lot where I know I can score.
Only difference is, these days, I don't take that final turn.
I pick up my phone and call my sponsor, tom.
And we meet for coffee or I come here and tell you.
It's being in it with you guys, not being alone.
That's what gets me through it.
Thanks, Hank.
We're gonna hear from someone who hasn't stood before us yet.
So, remember how it felt the first time you addressed the group and give him your attention and support.
Nick.
Hi, I'm Nick.
Group: Hi, Nick.
Hi.
Uh, I have to be here.
Excuse me.
Is this Phil's meeting at 12:30? Thanks.
Nick: I got busted with 10 grams of cocaine in my apartment about a year ago.
It was a party, so, uh I have to be here.
And Phil just thought it was time that I, uh, stood up and Talked about it.
So A couple of months ago, I scored a couple of grams, and I sort of binged.
But I haven't since.
And I won't again.
AndAnd Thanks.
Thanks, Phil.
I need to speak to Barbara.
Legal services of Pittsburgh.
Uh, he's out of the office.
Can I transfer you to his voice mail? All right.
May I help you? Um, I called yesterday.
I believe we spoke.
You're Barbara? Yes.
Well, my husband has this supply and repair company and he took out a loan from this guy-- your husband owns his own business? Yeah.
I'm sorry.
We only take cases for people who can't pay for legal representation.
Oh, well, I would gladly pay for whatever I can.
No, no.
You don't understand.
We don't take payment.
Sorry to have troubled you.
It's no problem.
Oh, thanks.
I'm gonna lose my house.
The only thing I have is that house.
Uh, Mrs.
, uh Straka.
Uh, Maureen straka.
Is--is your son's name Jake? You know him? Mrs.
straka, why don't you come-- you just tell those bastards to hurry it, 'cause it's worth Those kids are waiting for you.
Pick your card.
Are you Mr.
fallin? Yes.
My name is Matthew damira.
This is my brother Justin.
Hi, Justin.
Shake his hand, Justin.
Louisa archer is my attorney.
Ok, well, you should probably be speaking with her.
Just give me a minute.
My mother has some problems.
We haven't been living with her for some time now.
We've been with the family of our former social worker, a woman named Suzanne diamond.
Ok.
She and her husband.
He's a radiologist.
They said they wanted to adopt us both.
So, social services went to see my mom and had her sign this.
Adoption consent form.
Right.
It's for both of us.
Yeah.
But our foster parents, the diamonds, they decided, after my mom signed the form, they decided they didn't want to adopt Justin anymore.
They only want to adopt me.
And Louisa archer is agreeing with them.
Well, uh What do you want to do, Justin? Unh! I--I can't I can'tI Justin fell down the stairs 3 years ago.
He's got brain damage, which caused his dysarthria.
His--his what? It's a medical condition, caused by frontal lobe damage.
It affects his speech.
Anyway, he needs me to help take care of him.
That's why we're here.
The adoption proceeding is tomorrow, and we need your help.
Judge: I am sentencing you to 1,500 hours of community service, using your skills as a corporate attorney to work as a child advocate.
Good morning.
Good morning.
[Knocks on door.]
Matthew and Justin damira came to see me.
To see you? Yes, just-- they just left.
I was assigned their case last week.
Why would they come to see you? Maybe they don't like you.
What's going on with them? They've been in and out of the system for several years.
Matthew seems pretty smart.
Smart? He has 147 IQ.
And you know what? You really should have sent Matthew in here.
Well, they don't want to be separated.
I know that, but Matthew's potential adoptive parents have secured a place for him at the garbrecht school in Chicago.
It is the preeminent school for gifted children in the nation.
It's--it's it.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him.
Matthew said something about his former social services worker adopting him.
Mmm-hmm.
Suzanne diamond.
She worked with him for almost 6 years.
Social services doesn't see that as a conflict? No.
No, they're recommending that Matthew go with the diamonds and that Justin be placed in the group shelter.
Hey-- [Knock on door.]
Louisa, congratulations.
I just heard the good news.
Oh.
Thanks.
Thanks, Alvin.
Did you hear? Hear what? I'm getting married.
Mom? Hey, jakey.
Hi.
Hi.
Barbara.
Hey.
What's-- what's going on? Mom? Your mother came over to legal services looking for a lawyer.
I just didn't want to bother you.
I'm just gonna sit over here.
So, are you and dad getting a divorce? What? No, are you kidding? Where would I go at my age? What's going on? Well, I was going through some paperwork, and I came across this letter from this guy that loaned your father some money, and it looks to me like they're threatening to take our house.
I could go find a lawyer that does this kind of work.
Ma, I do this kind of work.
Yeah, I know.
But, you know, someone not so busy or expensive.
Ma, please.
Is he gambling again? He never stopped.
Ok, I'm gonna talk to him.
No! No, no.
Jakey, you can't let him know that I did this.
He's a very private man.
He would be so embarrassed if he knew that you and your friend knew about this.
I will take care of it.
Ok, mom? I just don't want to lose our house.
MaYou won't.
You promise? Barbara, thanks.
Just come on in my office.
Ok? Thanks for coming by.
Just please take a seat, Ms.
diamond.
Oh, I'm sorry.
So, when did you leave social services? When my husband accepted a job at the university of Chicago.
Oh, that's good.
That's good.
Ahem.
So, can you explain to me how you ended up adopting a child from the family who you once represented? Matthew and I bonded over the years.
His mother, Martha, is slightly challenged.
Retarded.
Yes.
And when I first met him, he was starving for stimulation.
This was before Justin's injury.
Did you bond with Justin as well? Oh, of course.
But in a different way.
Before his injury, Justin was a tough kid.
Very physical, athletic.
Um, why aren't you adopting Justin as well? It didn't work out with our daughter Hannah.
Justin's a sweet kid, but he has a hard time editing himself Controlling himself.
He follows Hannah around, stares at her, walks in on her in the bathroom.
She's very uncomfortable with him.
Ok.
Thank you, Mrs.
diamond.
She's cherry picking the smart kid.
It's a little more complicated than that.
Yeah, you're right.
She's cherry picking the smart kid and she's dumping the brain damaged brother.
She's also offering Matthew a once-in-a-lifetime situation.
Where's your ring? Um It's kind of big, so, you know, I usually-- where are you getting married? Uh, I--Brian's parents' country club.
Oh, really? That's nice.
Really? You're not really interested in this-- no, I am.
No, you're not.
So, the brothers want to stay together.
Nick, this whole thing, it's a simple best-interest case.
For who? The diamonds? No, for Matthew and Justin.
I'm gonna support Justin's wishes.
Why? Why? It isn't fair.
Hey, ma.
Hey, look who's here.
Hi.
Mwah.
How are you? What are you doing here? It's the middle of the work day.
Hi, dad.
You didn't get fired, did you? Um, ma, would you excuse us for a second? Oh, sure.
What is it? Ma was so worried, she went looking for a lawyer.
This is my personal business.
You want to tell me what's going on? Just a few collection problems.
So, what? Someone's not paying you? It's a misunderstanding-- so, just give me the details.
Come on, this isn't a big deal.
Dad, look, people who lend money to people with bad credit are not exactly reasonable.
I got it under control.
So, you got the money to pay these guys? Well, not yet.
When are you gonna get it? You sound like your mother.
Dad, I'm serious! They can walk in here and take your damn house.
Then let them have the house.
Ok.
So, you may not mind living in a crappy apartment, but I think mom-- this is not your place-- you're still going to the track! What the hell, Jake? What the hell? Don't you forget who put you through school.
Oh, come on-- don't you forget who worked a second job.
I haven't made a bet in over 3 years.
Ok, dad Can you at least tell me what happened? Home warehouse moved in a few Miles away.
To keep up, I had to drop prices and offer flexible credit.
I got more flexible with my customers than my suppliers got with me.
So, I'm gonna talk to the guys who lent you the money If you don't mind.
Knock yourself out.
Burton: Hey.
Sorry.
Well, we finalized the terms of the merger.
Tri-Ben is gonna buy off the epsular stock for $12 a share.
So, what do we do now? Well, draft the agreement.
We should announce this, uh, within 48 hours.
Ok.
I'm on it.
Well, Nicholas, you should get started on the, uh, the merger proxy.
And made it clear to the stockholders that this is the best deal out there.
Ok? $12 a share.
Last I heard, it was trading at 4.
Well, the s.
E.
C.
Is really all over this one.
They've called me 3 times.
So until they make the terms public, you shouldn't even talk about this to each other.
Mrs.
damira? Um, yes? Hi, my name is Nick fallin.
I represent your son Justin.
Yes? Did you know that Justin and Matthew were being separated? Why? You signed a form, uh A consent to adopt form a month ago? I guess.
Do you remember? Yes.
Um, yes.
Uh, why did you sign it? Because, um, Mrs.
Montgomery said that she found a real good home for Justin and Matthew.
When you went to court, did the judge explain to you what would happen if you signed this form? Yeah.
She said my rights would be over.
Terminated.
Yeah.
Did you have a lawyer when you were in court? Yeah.
Ok.
So, you know that Matthew and Justin are not being kept together? No way I'd sign a thing.
No way.
My boys need to be together.
They can't be apart.
They need each other.
They can't be apart.
If you want to fight this, then you have to call your lawyer.
You have to call your lawyer.
Oh, no.
I don't like to go to court.
I don't-- I don't like that.
It's ok.
Ok.
That's nice.
It's Santa.
Yeah.
It's nice.
Very nice.
Ok.
Mr.
fritas? I'm from fallin and associates.
I represent ed straka.
He asked me to look into this matter.
Yeah, well, Mr.
straka signed a loan agreement and consented to the terms.
He owes us $62,000.
And the original loan was for $40,000? Well, interest compounds, does it not? At 23%? [Chuckles.]
We expect our payment.
All right, well, we need 3 weeks to secure additional financing, so we'd like to execute-- no.
I want my money.
The way I see it, Mr.
fritas, your loan documents violate about a dozen truth in lending regulations.
No, they don't.
Look, I've been in this business for 15 years.
I started out as a lawyer representing consumer finance companies.
People come to me when the big banks won't risk a dime on them.
I take that risk.
You take advantage.
You think I'm scum? Nah.
Truth, I'm just providing credit to people who can't get it anywhere else.
I've weighed the testimony of social services, of miss archer, and the diamonds.
Matthew, the diamonds appear to be an excellent home for you.
Your honor, the brothers want to be kept together.
Your honor, Mr.
fallin is representing Justin damira, who has no standing-- he's Matthew damira's brother.
Legally, they're not brothers anymore.
Their sibling relationship ended when their mother terminated her parental rights.
Judge: Mr.
fallin, you have no standing here.
Matthew, I've read the reports.
I know you don't want to be separated from your brother, but I believe the facts support miss archer and social services' recommendation.
It is hereby ordered that Matthew damira be adopted by doctor and Mrs.
diamond.
[Strikes gavel.]
What did that mean? Well, at this stage, it means that the diamonds will take Matthew to Chicago.
Suzanne: Matthew! Lulu: I'll go, I'll go.
No, I'll do it.
Justin, it doesn't work this way.
What are you boys gonna do? You gonna live in a park? We can get another lawyer and apply for new foster parents.
Damn you! Ok, you listen to me.
Listen, I'm gonna step outside, and I'm gonna get a bailiff in here to take you out.
Ok? I'm sorry.
I'll follow you in my car to the group shelter to make sure you're ok.
[Indistinct chattering.]
So? So, they're gonna take the house.
And legally, it'll hold up.
I could have gotten a $50-an-hour lawyer to tell me that.
All right, well, I'm telling you.
And the way I see it, you got 2 sets of problems.
You got corporate debt and you got personal debt.
Any, any of your customers owe you any money? Sure.
All of them.
How much? Damianos owes me about 10 grand.
Smithson, about 15 grand.
How long are they overdue? Months.
Ok, well, you gotta get that money.
I can't.
They're old friends.
Tell that to mom when they're taking away her house.
You don't understand the first thing about how we do business.
It's a small group of guys.
I push too hard, they start to complain.
They complain, they don't come back.
Dad, dad, they don't pay you, you close up shop.
If they're such bad customers, what the hell-- they're broke, Jake.
We're all broke, except milt dallesandro.
He actually went in with those home warehouse guys.
Dad, look.
The way I see it, you need to sue those [Chuckles.]
Jake, you don't get it.
There's nothing to sue them for.
It'd be like suing me.
Man: Take it easy.
Take it easy! Justin: Unh! Aah! Let me go! Aah! I'm Justin's lawyer.
Leave him alone.
Can you give us a moment? [Grunts.]
Don't you hit me.
Ok.
I'm gonna fight this, Justin.
Ok? What I need you to do now is I need you to go inside and behave the best-- I don't wanna live in this place! No, I understand, just give me a couple of days.
I heard about what you were like before the accident.
You're tough, smart.
You still are.
I'm gonna go back into court, I'm gonna fight your brother's adoption.
Ok? Aah! Rrr! There is still a way you two can be together.
Unh! Ok? I think he's fine.
My dad grew up in ambridge, went to vo-tech and learned to become a plumber.
When I was a kid, he opened a supply and repair shop in aliquippa, on the main drag, and he did ok.
I mean, he kept us in groceries and, uh, helped get me through pitt.
Yeah? Well, he's been doing business his way for the past That's just not the way it works anymore, man.
I think he can change.
I mean, look, he has to-- he has to change.
But, uh He's, uh Well, he's just in a bit over his head right now.
Yeah.
I don't understand.
I need an advance on my salary.
What kind of advance? $50,000.
Oh.
Jake, I've always maintained a policy not to advance or loan to my employees.
Well, I'm good for it.
I'm sure you are, but if something goes wrong it gets, uh [Chuckles.]
A little complicated.
You don't have to pay me a cent for the next 4 months.
Well, the problem is, Jake, if I do that for you, then, uh, you know, they'll expect the same, and Burton, it's my dad's business.
Well, why don't you, uh, why don't you just go to the p.
A.
Savings and loan? Yeah.
No, I-- I already did.
Uh, they can only give me 15,000, so Jake, look, I'm sorry, but I'm not in the loan business.
They are.
I'm not.
Ok? I'm sorry.
[Crying.]
Mom, what happened? That man fritas came by, with this.
He said we have 30 days to move out of our house.
I'm gonna get a drink.
I can't stand that man.
[Sobs.]
Ma What am I gonna do, jakey? Where am I gonna go? We have nothing left.
No savings, nothing.
Your father goes to the track almost every day.
He doesn't care.
Ma I'm gonna take care of you.
Ok? You're not supposed to do that.
I will, ma.
It's gonna be ok.
I just want to keep my house.
I just want to keep my house.
Ah, Lulu.
Could you step in here a minute, please? Nick has approached me about representing Matthew and Justin damira's wishes.
How? He wants to file a motion to vacate the diamond adoption.
So, you're taking me off the case? No.
You'll continue as Matthew's guardian and maintain your position for best interests.
Nick just wants to represent their wishes.
Nick's trying to make an end run to get this back in court.
They made best efforts to keep those kids together.
They gave Matthew to the first person in line, and they're letting Justin fend for himself.
No.
Alvin It's only fair, Lulu.
If Matthew were 12, he'd be able to stop this adoption himself.
Thank you.
Why are you doing this? Because it isn't fair.
It feels like ever since Brian came to town-- no.
It's not personal, Lulu.
Well, at the incline the other night, you were very angry-- you were the one that stormed out of the restaurant.
Well, you were being very offensive.
Was I? You were.
You know you were talking about me following Brian around and screwing up my life.
Why do you have a problem with what I do with my life? 'Cause he wants you to be a housewife.
Mom I made the call to that guy.
The broker.
Yeah? And he said to send the money.
So, I went to the mailbox place and I wired it.
$15,000.
I no sooner got home, and he called.
He wanted to know if he should buy the stock.
And then he did, and then the money was gone.
You know? It was kind of exciting, all that money.
And so, then I--I turned on your father's TV, and, uh, to that station where they have the stock thingies.
You know? And I look for the symbol for epsular, and It was like magic.
It was like magic, jakey.
$45,000! We made $45,000 today! I can't wait to tell your father.
I can't wait.
Hey, man.
You wanted to speak with me? No, thanks.
Nick I take my addiction seriously.
I mean, I realize it in myself, and I deal with my addiction every waking moment of my life.
You know, Phil, you don't have to tell me about yourself.
It's ok.
What about you, Nick? What? Do you think you have a problem, or do you think you just got caught? Well, I've been coming to these meetings for the last 8 months.
I haven't missed one.
That's the easy part.
I do my work, I meet with my probation officer-- you didn't answer my question.
Do you think you have a problem? I have a problem getting caught, Phil.
You stood before us and admitted to using again.
Yeah.
I mean, think about that.
Think about how lucky you are.
I mean, what if a random drug test had come up? Or what if something really bad had happened? Yeah.
Hey, Alvin.
You know Alvin, don't you, Nick? Alvin: Hey, Nick.
Oh, yeah.
Alvin's offered to be your new sponsor, Nick.
Only if you want me to be.
Barbara, laughing: You should have seen his face.
Russell was just terrified.
[Both laugh.]
What's wrong? Nothing.
I get it.
It's--it's You know, we had a great time at the concert, but if you don't want to do this-- wait.
Wait, wait.
No.
This is not about you.
Are you sure? I promise.
You want to talk about it? It's just this stuff with my mom and dad.
Anything I can do to help? No.
I mean I mean, I took care of it, so You loaned them the money.
Well, in a way.
Yeah.
I mean They can keep the house now.
You're a great son, Jake.
That's just the greatest thing to be able to have.
To be so successful You know, Barbara, um I'm--I'm really kind of bad company tonight.
Can we-- can we do this another time? Oh.
Ok.
Well, yeah.
Ok.
Ok.
Great.
I mean, I'll call you.
Ok? Yeah.
All right? Thanks.
No problem.
[Knock on door.]
Come in.
Burton, you wanted to see me? Sit down, Jake.
You told your mother about epsular? What--what happened? The s.
E.
C.
Called this morning.
Oh, my God.
Burton, look.
Let me just tell you what happened.
I'm assuming she got the information indirectly.
No, Burton.
I was-- Jake, don't disabuse me of my notion.
Your mother got the information because she overheard you on the phone.
Well, that's all, Jake.
Martha damira: Janet Montgomery promised me.
Nick: What did she promise you? That my boys would be kept together.
Did she tell you who was planning on adopting your boys? No.
Would you have terminated your rights had you known it was Suzanne diamond? No.
Why not? Miss diamond was never real nice to me.
Please describe to the court how Justin's brain damage occurred.
UmMy boyfriend was punishing Matthew.
Um, Justin got in the middle of it, and Ron pushed him.
They were by the stairs.
Mrs.
damira Is this your signature? Um, yes.
Paragraph 4 of this form reads, "I understand I may not revoke this consent once the court enters a termination or adoption decree.
" Mrs.
damira, is there anything that you don't understand about these words? It--it says I'm-- it says I can't get my kids back.
No further questions.
Ahem.
Martha, do you understand what the word decree means? No.
Do you understand what the word revoke means? Revoke.
Did you even read this before you signed it? No.
We may file criminal charges.
Rob, I am certain that Maureen straka was unaware there was a pending merger.
I'm talking about her son Jake.
It was a mistake, rob.
Just an innocent mistake.
She heard her son talking on the phone.
There's no intent there.
This is a 63-year-old housewife.
You're talking like she's part of some insider trading ring.
Can you prove it was inadvertent? Can you prove it wasn't? Look, let me Let me see if I can get the money back.
If I go for this I need your word that Jake straka will never work on another merger transaction.
Rob, that's-- that's what we do here.
You're basically making him useless to me.
This could be a lot worse for you than benching an associate, Burton.
A lot worse.
Jake The s.
E.
C.
Is expecting a check for a little bit more than 50,000 by 5:00 today.
I recommend that you and your mother hand-deliver it and then kiss their ass for their kindness.
Burton, look-- that's-- that's all, Jake.
Social services and the diamonds lived up to their promises.
For 6 months, the diamonds attempted to incorporate both boys into their family, but unfortunately, it didn't work.
Now, what this case really boils down to is a very simple legal issue.
Can a parent revoke a valid adoption decree simply because she's changed her mind, or because she doesn't like the prospective adoptive parents? It's not the way things are done, your honor.
Let the adoption stand.
Mrs.
damira's consent was not knowing, voluntary, and deliberate.
In fact, this whole adoption was premised on a fraud perpetrated on Mrs.
damira.
She was led to believe that her 2 sons would be kept together.
Furthermore, the brothers wanted to be kept together.
Now, had social services bothered to look, they might have found a family that was willing to adopt both brothers, but they didn't.
They reneged on their promise to Mrs.
damira.
That alone is grounds to vacate this order.
I find that Martha damira knowingly and voluntarily relinquished her rights.
But I also find that social services made representations to Mrs.
damira that her 2 sons would be kept together.
More effort has to be made to honor those representations.
I'm vacating the adoption.
Matthew damira will be placed in a group shelter with his brother until a more suitable situation can be found.
Your honor-- your honor, that could take months, and who knows what the damage will be to Matthew-- [pounds gavel.]
I'm Nicholas fallin.
I just received a call from my client Justin damira.
Ok, thank you.
Hey.
Hi, Mr.
fallin.
Hi.
Can ITalk to you? What is it? MatthewDoesn't bel-long here.
He'sGo-onna say he w-wants to stay, but he was cr-ying all night.
Judge damsen: Justin says you don't like the group shelter.
No.
The group shelter's fine.
I'm not that interested in other kids anyway.
I'm more interested in reading books or using the Internet.
Plus, Justin and I are in the same room.
And I can go to the magnet program for math.
W-why were you cr-ying? It wasn't because of the group shelter.
I was thinking of something else.
M-Matthew, you tell them The truth.
YouWanna go.
Is that what you want, Matthew, to go with the diamonds? Will you all step out in the hall a moment, please? Mr.
fallin, stick around.
You can be an arrogant ass, you know? You've managed to vilify humiliate a colleague, and for what? This could be a permanent separation for these kids.
We're not talking about placing them in different homes in the same city where they can see each other and see their mother.
These boys love each other.
They love their mom.
I didn't do this for any reason other than the fact that they should not be torn apart.
Does Justin really want his brother to go with the diamonds? Yes.
Then tell the boys I'll reverse my decision.
Burton: Jake.
Can I see you in my office? Burton, listen, um I just wanna say thank you for standing up for me.
Sit down, Jake.
Jake, I'm afraid we're gonna have to discuss how this whole thing affects your future here.
My--my--my future? Yeah.
I had to make some promises to clear this up.
I had to promise gersh that you would never be involved with any Public securities.
For how long? Forever.
At least for now.
I--I been doing corporate for 7 years now.
Well, that should have been long enough for you to discover that you don't disclose insider information.
Well, uh, tell me, Burton, I mean, is there still a place for me here? I think that's up to you.
I mean, if you can pick up enough work to justify your overhead.
Absolutely.
Ok.
Oh, Jake, this, um This is for the next 6 months.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Hi, dad.
[Chuckles.]
You and your mother.
Now you know.
What? How it feels to gamble, huh, and lose.
I think you gave her quite a thrill, jakey.
I think she sees me in an entirely new light, you know? I paid off the loan.
Thank you.
Don't thank me.
I bought the title.
I own the house now.
What about my business? I'm sorry, dad.
No one's gonna give you that money.
No one's gonna take that risk.
I'm gonna have to close this place down? I'm sorry, dad.
Look, maybe, uh Maybe it's better this way.
I--I went over to home warehouse, ok? And I spoke to milt dallesandro.
He said they're hiring.
He said they need help in the plumbing department.
The pay is ok, and the benefits are good.
How am I gonna close this place down after 35 years? How am I gonna do it? These are the, uh, these are the bankruptcy papers.
Um It's--it's not such a big deal, believe me.
I can help you.
You don't have to make up your mind right now, but you really should do this before your creditors come after you again.
All right.
Hey.
Hey.
Thanks for meeting me.
I'mSurprised you called.
I'm sorry about yesterday.
I was in the middle of some problems, and I just didn't want to burden you.
No, it's ok.
No, but I really enjoy spending time with you, and I just didn't mean to be a jerk.
Oh[Laughs.]
Your parents? Yeah.
Oh, God.
My mother drives me nuts.
She wants to go to bingo and buffet every Saturday night.
Saturday night in mt.
Aire.
[Both chuckling.]
My mother, uh, competes in pie-baking contests.
Oh! Demands I go.
Ha ha! And do you? I haven't missed one yet.
Ha ha ha! You wouldn't, um Wanna come play bingo this Saturday night, would ya? Hell, yeah.
Bring one of your mom's pies.
I'm gonna bring my mom! Perfect! Leave the pies at home.
Yeah.
[Both laughing.]
[Knocks.]
Yes? About your, uh, ahem-- your offer, uh [Drops papers on desk.]
Yes? I--I guess it'd be ok.
Ok.
Don't expect me to call you or anything.
Ok.
'Cause I don't-- I don't need, uh I don't need anyone.
Fine, Mr.
fallin.
Just call me Nick, will you? Ok? That's enough with the Mr.
fallin thing.
Fine.
Nick.
Good.
Good.
Yeah.
Good night.
Hey.
Matthew's headed to Chicago.
Yeah, I heard.
So it's, uh, all worked out now.
Yeah.
Ok.
Nick.
About this week Yeah? We were having a--a professional argument, right? It was a professional disagreement, and It didn't have anything to do with-- no, of course not.
I am happy for you.
Thank you.
'Cause I don't know.
It just, um It didn't seem like you to To do something so, uh So what? Emotional.
Well, I was representing my client.
Being professional.
That's right.
Good, then.
'Cause, uh I--I think that that's I think that's the best way for us to be.
Professional.
Right.
Good night.
I'm in my car.
You know? And the adrenaline starts to pump, and I'm on auto pilot.
Ready to turn into the parking lot where I know I can score.
Only difference is, these days, I don't take that final turn.
I pick up my phone and call my sponsor, tom.
And we meet for coffee or I come here and tell you.
It's being in it with you guys, not being alone.
That's what gets me through it.
Thanks, Hank.
We're gonna hear from someone who hasn't stood before us yet.
So, remember how it felt the first time you addressed the group and give him your attention and support.
Nick.
Hi, I'm Nick.
Group: Hi, Nick.
Hi.
Uh, I have to be here.
Excuse me.
Is this Phil's meeting at 12:30? Thanks.
Nick: I got busted with 10 grams of cocaine in my apartment about a year ago.
It was a party, so, uh I have to be here.
And Phil just thought it was time that I, uh, stood up and Talked about it.
So A couple of months ago, I scored a couple of grams, and I sort of binged.
But I haven't since.
And I won't again.
AndAnd Thanks.
Thanks, Phil.
I need to speak to Barbara.
Legal services of Pittsburgh.
Uh, he's out of the office.
Can I transfer you to his voice mail? All right.
May I help you? Um, I called yesterday.
I believe we spoke.
You're Barbara? Yes.
Well, my husband has this supply and repair company and he took out a loan from this guy-- your husband owns his own business? Yeah.
I'm sorry.
We only take cases for people who can't pay for legal representation.
Oh, well, I would gladly pay for whatever I can.
No, no.
You don't understand.
We don't take payment.
Sorry to have troubled you.
It's no problem.
Oh, thanks.
I'm gonna lose my house.
The only thing I have is that house.
Uh, Mrs.
, uh Straka.
Uh, Maureen straka.
Is--is your son's name Jake? You know him? Mrs.
straka, why don't you come-- you just tell those bastards to hurry it, 'cause it's worth Those kids are waiting for you.
Pick your card.
Are you Mr.
fallin? Yes.
My name is Matthew damira.
This is my brother Justin.
Hi, Justin.
Shake his hand, Justin.
Louisa archer is my attorney.
Ok, well, you should probably be speaking with her.
Just give me a minute.
My mother has some problems.
We haven't been living with her for some time now.
We've been with the family of our former social worker, a woman named Suzanne diamond.
Ok.
She and her husband.
He's a radiologist.
They said they wanted to adopt us both.
So, social services went to see my mom and had her sign this.
Adoption consent form.
Right.
It's for both of us.
Yeah.
But our foster parents, the diamonds, they decided, after my mom signed the form, they decided they didn't want to adopt Justin anymore.
They only want to adopt me.
And Louisa archer is agreeing with them.
Well, uh What do you want to do, Justin? Unh! I--I can't I can'tI Justin fell down the stairs 3 years ago.
He's got brain damage, which caused his dysarthria.
His--his what? It's a medical condition, caused by frontal lobe damage.
It affects his speech.
Anyway, he needs me to help take care of him.
That's why we're here.
The adoption proceeding is tomorrow, and we need your help.
Judge: I am sentencing you to 1,500 hours of community service, using your skills as a corporate attorney to work as a child advocate.
Good morning.
Good morning.
[Knocks on door.]
Matthew and Justin damira came to see me.
To see you? Yes, just-- they just left.
I was assigned their case last week.
Why would they come to see you? Maybe they don't like you.
What's going on with them? They've been in and out of the system for several years.
Matthew seems pretty smart.
Smart? He has 147 IQ.
And you know what? You really should have sent Matthew in here.
Well, they don't want to be separated.
I know that, but Matthew's potential adoptive parents have secured a place for him at the garbrecht school in Chicago.
It is the preeminent school for gifted children in the nation.
It's--it's it.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him.
Matthew said something about his former social services worker adopting him.
Mmm-hmm.
Suzanne diamond.
She worked with him for almost 6 years.
Social services doesn't see that as a conflict? No.
No, they're recommending that Matthew go with the diamonds and that Justin be placed in the group shelter.
Hey-- [Knock on door.]
Louisa, congratulations.
I just heard the good news.
Oh.
Thanks.
Thanks, Alvin.
Did you hear? Hear what? I'm getting married.
Mom? Hey, jakey.
Hi.
Hi.
Barbara.
Hey.
What's-- what's going on? Mom? Your mother came over to legal services looking for a lawyer.
I just didn't want to bother you.
I'm just gonna sit over here.
So, are you and dad getting a divorce? What? No, are you kidding? Where would I go at my age? What's going on? Well, I was going through some paperwork, and I came across this letter from this guy that loaned your father some money, and it looks to me like they're threatening to take our house.
I could go find a lawyer that does this kind of work.
Ma, I do this kind of work.
Yeah, I know.
But, you know, someone not so busy or expensive.
Ma, please.
Is he gambling again? He never stopped.
Ok, I'm gonna talk to him.
No! No, no.
Jakey, you can't let him know that I did this.
He's a very private man.
He would be so embarrassed if he knew that you and your friend knew about this.
I will take care of it.
Ok, mom? I just don't want to lose our house.
MaYou won't.
You promise? Barbara, thanks.
Just come on in my office.
Ok? Thanks for coming by.
Just please take a seat, Ms.
diamond.
Oh, I'm sorry.
So, when did you leave social services? When my husband accepted a job at the university of Chicago.
Oh, that's good.
That's good.
Ahem.
So, can you explain to me how you ended up adopting a child from the family who you once represented? Matthew and I bonded over the years.
His mother, Martha, is slightly challenged.
Retarded.
Yes.
And when I first met him, he was starving for stimulation.
This was before Justin's injury.
Did you bond with Justin as well? Oh, of course.
But in a different way.
Before his injury, Justin was a tough kid.
Very physical, athletic.
Um, why aren't you adopting Justin as well? It didn't work out with our daughter Hannah.
Justin's a sweet kid, but he has a hard time editing himself Controlling himself.
He follows Hannah around, stares at her, walks in on her in the bathroom.
She's very uncomfortable with him.
Ok.
Thank you, Mrs.
diamond.
She's cherry picking the smart kid.
It's a little more complicated than that.
Yeah, you're right.
She's cherry picking the smart kid and she's dumping the brain damaged brother.
She's also offering Matthew a once-in-a-lifetime situation.
Where's your ring? Um It's kind of big, so, you know, I usually-- where are you getting married? Uh, I--Brian's parents' country club.
Oh, really? That's nice.
Really? You're not really interested in this-- no, I am.
No, you're not.
So, the brothers want to stay together.
Nick, this whole thing, it's a simple best-interest case.
For who? The diamonds? No, for Matthew and Justin.
I'm gonna support Justin's wishes.
Why? Why? It isn't fair.
Hey, ma.
Hey, look who's here.
Hi.
Mwah.
How are you? What are you doing here? It's the middle of the work day.
Hi, dad.
You didn't get fired, did you? Um, ma, would you excuse us for a second? Oh, sure.
What is it? Ma was so worried, she went looking for a lawyer.
This is my personal business.
You want to tell me what's going on? Just a few collection problems.
So, what? Someone's not paying you? It's a misunderstanding-- so, just give me the details.
Come on, this isn't a big deal.
Dad, look, people who lend money to people with bad credit are not exactly reasonable.
I got it under control.
So, you got the money to pay these guys? Well, not yet.
When are you gonna get it? You sound like your mother.
Dad, I'm serious! They can walk in here and take your damn house.
Then let them have the house.
Ok.
So, you may not mind living in a crappy apartment, but I think mom-- this is not your place-- you're still going to the track! What the hell, Jake? What the hell? Don't you forget who put you through school.
Oh, come on-- don't you forget who worked a second job.
I haven't made a bet in over 3 years.
Ok, dad Can you at least tell me what happened? Home warehouse moved in a few Miles away.
To keep up, I had to drop prices and offer flexible credit.
I got more flexible with my customers than my suppliers got with me.
So, I'm gonna talk to the guys who lent you the money If you don't mind.
Knock yourself out.
Burton: Hey.
Sorry.
Well, we finalized the terms of the merger.
Tri-Ben is gonna buy off the epsular stock for $12 a share.
So, what do we do now? Well, draft the agreement.
We should announce this, uh, within 48 hours.
Ok.
I'm on it.
Well, Nicholas, you should get started on the, uh, the merger proxy.
And made it clear to the stockholders that this is the best deal out there.
Ok? $12 a share.
Last I heard, it was trading at 4.
Well, the s.
E.
C.
Is really all over this one.
They've called me 3 times.
So until they make the terms public, you shouldn't even talk about this to each other.
Mrs.
damira? Um, yes? Hi, my name is Nick fallin.
I represent your son Justin.
Yes? Did you know that Justin and Matthew were being separated? Why? You signed a form, uh A consent to adopt form a month ago? I guess.
Do you remember? Yes.
Um, yes.
Uh, why did you sign it? Because, um, Mrs.
Montgomery said that she found a real good home for Justin and Matthew.
When you went to court, did the judge explain to you what would happen if you signed this form? Yeah.
She said my rights would be over.
Terminated.
Yeah.
Did you have a lawyer when you were in court? Yeah.
Ok.
So, you know that Matthew and Justin are not being kept together? No way I'd sign a thing.
No way.
My boys need to be together.
They can't be apart.
They need each other.
They can't be apart.
If you want to fight this, then you have to call your lawyer.
You have to call your lawyer.
Oh, no.
I don't like to go to court.
I don't-- I don't like that.
It's ok.
Ok.
That's nice.
It's Santa.
Yeah.
It's nice.
Very nice.
Ok.
Mr.
fritas? I'm from fallin and associates.
I represent ed straka.
He asked me to look into this matter.
Yeah, well, Mr.
straka signed a loan agreement and consented to the terms.
He owes us $62,000.
And the original loan was for $40,000? Well, interest compounds, does it not? At 23%? [Chuckles.]
We expect our payment.
All right, well, we need 3 weeks to secure additional financing, so we'd like to execute-- no.
I want my money.
The way I see it, Mr.
fritas, your loan documents violate about a dozen truth in lending regulations.
No, they don't.
Look, I've been in this business for 15 years.
I started out as a lawyer representing consumer finance companies.
People come to me when the big banks won't risk a dime on them.
I take that risk.
You take advantage.
You think I'm scum? Nah.
Truth, I'm just providing credit to people who can't get it anywhere else.
I've weighed the testimony of social services, of miss archer, and the diamonds.
Matthew, the diamonds appear to be an excellent home for you.
Your honor, the brothers want to be kept together.
Your honor, Mr.
fallin is representing Justin damira, who has no standing-- he's Matthew damira's brother.
Legally, they're not brothers anymore.
Their sibling relationship ended when their mother terminated her parental rights.
Judge: Mr.
fallin, you have no standing here.
Matthew, I've read the reports.
I know you don't want to be separated from your brother, but I believe the facts support miss archer and social services' recommendation.
It is hereby ordered that Matthew damira be adopted by doctor and Mrs.
diamond.
[Strikes gavel.]
What did that mean? Well, at this stage, it means that the diamonds will take Matthew to Chicago.
Suzanne: Matthew! Lulu: I'll go, I'll go.
No, I'll do it.
Justin, it doesn't work this way.
What are you boys gonna do? You gonna live in a park? We can get another lawyer and apply for new foster parents.
Damn you! Ok, you listen to me.
Listen, I'm gonna step outside, and I'm gonna get a bailiff in here to take you out.
Ok? I'm sorry.
I'll follow you in my car to the group shelter to make sure you're ok.
[Indistinct chattering.]
So? So, they're gonna take the house.
And legally, it'll hold up.
I could have gotten a $50-an-hour lawyer to tell me that.
All right, well, I'm telling you.
And the way I see it, you got 2 sets of problems.
You got corporate debt and you got personal debt.
Any, any of your customers owe you any money? Sure.
All of them.
How much? Damianos owes me about 10 grand.
Smithson, about 15 grand.
How long are they overdue? Months.
Ok, well, you gotta get that money.
I can't.
They're old friends.
Tell that to mom when they're taking away her house.
You don't understand the first thing about how we do business.
It's a small group of guys.
I push too hard, they start to complain.
They complain, they don't come back.
Dad, dad, they don't pay you, you close up shop.
If they're such bad customers, what the hell-- they're broke, Jake.
We're all broke, except milt dallesandro.
He actually went in with those home warehouse guys.
Dad, look.
The way I see it, you need to sue those [Chuckles.]
Jake, you don't get it.
There's nothing to sue them for.
It'd be like suing me.
Man: Take it easy.
Take it easy! Justin: Unh! Aah! Let me go! Aah! I'm Justin's lawyer.
Leave him alone.
Can you give us a moment? [Grunts.]
Don't you hit me.
Ok.
I'm gonna fight this, Justin.
Ok? What I need you to do now is I need you to go inside and behave the best-- I don't wanna live in this place! No, I understand, just give me a couple of days.
I heard about what you were like before the accident.
You're tough, smart.
You still are.
I'm gonna go back into court, I'm gonna fight your brother's adoption.
Ok? Aah! Rrr! There is still a way you two can be together.
Unh! Ok? I think he's fine.
My dad grew up in ambridge, went to vo-tech and learned to become a plumber.
When I was a kid, he opened a supply and repair shop in aliquippa, on the main drag, and he did ok.
I mean, he kept us in groceries and, uh, helped get me through pitt.
Yeah? Well, he's been doing business his way for the past That's just not the way it works anymore, man.
I think he can change.
I mean, look, he has to-- he has to change.
But, uh He's, uh Well, he's just in a bit over his head right now.
Yeah.
I don't understand.
I need an advance on my salary.
What kind of advance? $50,000.
Oh.
Jake, I've always maintained a policy not to advance or loan to my employees.
Well, I'm good for it.
I'm sure you are, but if something goes wrong it gets, uh [Chuckles.]
A little complicated.
You don't have to pay me a cent for the next 4 months.
Well, the problem is, Jake, if I do that for you, then, uh, you know, they'll expect the same, and Burton, it's my dad's business.
Well, why don't you, uh, why don't you just go to the p.
A.
Savings and loan? Yeah.
No, I-- I already did.
Uh, they can only give me 15,000, so Jake, look, I'm sorry, but I'm not in the loan business.
They are.
I'm not.
Ok? I'm sorry.
[Crying.]
Mom, what happened? That man fritas came by, with this.
He said we have 30 days to move out of our house.
I'm gonna get a drink.
I can't stand that man.
[Sobs.]
Ma What am I gonna do, jakey? Where am I gonna go? We have nothing left.
No savings, nothing.
Your father goes to the track almost every day.
He doesn't care.
Ma I'm gonna take care of you.
Ok? You're not supposed to do that.
I will, ma.
It's gonna be ok.
I just want to keep my house.
I just want to keep my house.
Ah, Lulu.
Could you step in here a minute, please? Nick has approached me about representing Matthew and Justin damira's wishes.
How? He wants to file a motion to vacate the diamond adoption.
So, you're taking me off the case? No.
You'll continue as Matthew's guardian and maintain your position for best interests.
Nick just wants to represent their wishes.
Nick's trying to make an end run to get this back in court.
They made best efforts to keep those kids together.
They gave Matthew to the first person in line, and they're letting Justin fend for himself.
No.
Alvin It's only fair, Lulu.
If Matthew were 12, he'd be able to stop this adoption himself.
Thank you.
Why are you doing this? Because it isn't fair.
It feels like ever since Brian came to town-- no.
It's not personal, Lulu.
Well, at the incline the other night, you were very angry-- you were the one that stormed out of the restaurant.
Well, you were being very offensive.
Was I? You were.
You know you were talking about me following Brian around and screwing up my life.
Why do you have a problem with what I do with my life? 'Cause he wants you to be a housewife.
Mom I made the call to that guy.
The broker.
Yeah? And he said to send the money.
So, I went to the mailbox place and I wired it.
$15,000.
I no sooner got home, and he called.
He wanted to know if he should buy the stock.
And then he did, and then the money was gone.
You know? It was kind of exciting, all that money.
And so, then I--I turned on your father's TV, and, uh, to that station where they have the stock thingies.
You know? And I look for the symbol for epsular, and It was like magic.
It was like magic, jakey.
$45,000! We made $45,000 today! I can't wait to tell your father.
I can't wait.
Hey, man.
You wanted to speak with me? No, thanks.
Nick I take my addiction seriously.
I mean, I realize it in myself, and I deal with my addiction every waking moment of my life.
You know, Phil, you don't have to tell me about yourself.
It's ok.
What about you, Nick? What? Do you think you have a problem, or do you think you just got caught? Well, I've been coming to these meetings for the last 8 months.
I haven't missed one.
That's the easy part.
I do my work, I meet with my probation officer-- you didn't answer my question.
Do you think you have a problem? I have a problem getting caught, Phil.
You stood before us and admitted to using again.
Yeah.
I mean, think about that.
Think about how lucky you are.
I mean, what if a random drug test had come up? Or what if something really bad had happened? Yeah.
Hey, Alvin.
You know Alvin, don't you, Nick? Alvin: Hey, Nick.
Oh, yeah.
Alvin's offered to be your new sponsor, Nick.
Only if you want me to be.
Barbara, laughing: You should have seen his face.
Russell was just terrified.
[Both laugh.]
What's wrong? Nothing.
I get it.
It's--it's You know, we had a great time at the concert, but if you don't want to do this-- wait.
Wait, wait.
No.
This is not about you.
Are you sure? I promise.
You want to talk about it? It's just this stuff with my mom and dad.
Anything I can do to help? No.
I mean I mean, I took care of it, so You loaned them the money.
Well, in a way.
Yeah.
I mean They can keep the house now.
You're a great son, Jake.
That's just the greatest thing to be able to have.
To be so successful You know, Barbara, um I'm--I'm really kind of bad company tonight.
Can we-- can we do this another time? Oh.
Ok.
Well, yeah.
Ok.
Ok.
Great.
I mean, I'll call you.
Ok? Yeah.
All right? Thanks.
No problem.
[Knock on door.]
Come in.
Burton, you wanted to see me? Sit down, Jake.
You told your mother about epsular? What--what happened? The s.
E.
C.
Called this morning.
Oh, my God.
Burton, look.
Let me just tell you what happened.
I'm assuming she got the information indirectly.
No, Burton.
I was-- Jake, don't disabuse me of my notion.
Your mother got the information because she overheard you on the phone.
Well, that's all, Jake.
Martha damira: Janet Montgomery promised me.
Nick: What did she promise you? That my boys would be kept together.
Did she tell you who was planning on adopting your boys? No.
Would you have terminated your rights had you known it was Suzanne diamond? No.
Why not? Miss diamond was never real nice to me.
Please describe to the court how Justin's brain damage occurred.
UmMy boyfriend was punishing Matthew.
Um, Justin got in the middle of it, and Ron pushed him.
They were by the stairs.
Mrs.
damira Is this your signature? Um, yes.
Paragraph 4 of this form reads, "I understand I may not revoke this consent once the court enters a termination or adoption decree.
" Mrs.
damira, is there anything that you don't understand about these words? It--it says I'm-- it says I can't get my kids back.
No further questions.
Ahem.
Martha, do you understand what the word decree means? No.
Do you understand what the word revoke means? Revoke.
Did you even read this before you signed it? No.
We may file criminal charges.
Rob, I am certain that Maureen straka was unaware there was a pending merger.
I'm talking about her son Jake.
It was a mistake, rob.
Just an innocent mistake.
She heard her son talking on the phone.
There's no intent there.
This is a 63-year-old housewife.
You're talking like she's part of some insider trading ring.
Can you prove it was inadvertent? Can you prove it wasn't? Look, let me Let me see if I can get the money back.
If I go for this I need your word that Jake straka will never work on another merger transaction.
Rob, that's-- that's what we do here.
You're basically making him useless to me.
This could be a lot worse for you than benching an associate, Burton.
A lot worse.
Jake The s.
E.
C.
Is expecting a check for a little bit more than 50,000 by 5:00 today.
I recommend that you and your mother hand-deliver it and then kiss their ass for their kindness.
Burton, look-- that's-- that's all, Jake.
Social services and the diamonds lived up to their promises.
For 6 months, the diamonds attempted to incorporate both boys into their family, but unfortunately, it didn't work.
Now, what this case really boils down to is a very simple legal issue.
Can a parent revoke a valid adoption decree simply because she's changed her mind, or because she doesn't like the prospective adoptive parents? It's not the way things are done, your honor.
Let the adoption stand.
Mrs.
damira's consent was not knowing, voluntary, and deliberate.
In fact, this whole adoption was premised on a fraud perpetrated on Mrs.
damira.
She was led to believe that her 2 sons would be kept together.
Furthermore, the brothers wanted to be kept together.
Now, had social services bothered to look, they might have found a family that was willing to adopt both brothers, but they didn't.
They reneged on their promise to Mrs.
damira.
That alone is grounds to vacate this order.
I find that Martha damira knowingly and voluntarily relinquished her rights.
But I also find that social services made representations to Mrs.
damira that her 2 sons would be kept together.
More effort has to be made to honor those representations.
I'm vacating the adoption.
Matthew damira will be placed in a group shelter with his brother until a more suitable situation can be found.
Your honor-- your honor, that could take months, and who knows what the damage will be to Matthew-- [pounds gavel.]
I'm Nicholas fallin.
I just received a call from my client Justin damira.
Ok, thank you.
Hey.
Hi, Mr.
fallin.
Hi.
Can ITalk to you? What is it? MatthewDoesn't bel-long here.
He'sGo-onna say he w-wants to stay, but he was cr-ying all night.
Judge damsen: Justin says you don't like the group shelter.
No.
The group shelter's fine.
I'm not that interested in other kids anyway.
I'm more interested in reading books or using the Internet.
Plus, Justin and I are in the same room.
And I can go to the magnet program for math.
W-why were you cr-ying? It wasn't because of the group shelter.
I was thinking of something else.
M-Matthew, you tell them The truth.
YouWanna go.
Is that what you want, Matthew, to go with the diamonds? Will you all step out in the hall a moment, please? Mr.
fallin, stick around.
You can be an arrogant ass, you know? You've managed to vilify humiliate a colleague, and for what? This could be a permanent separation for these kids.
We're not talking about placing them in different homes in the same city where they can see each other and see their mother.
These boys love each other.
They love their mom.
I didn't do this for any reason other than the fact that they should not be torn apart.
Does Justin really want his brother to go with the diamonds? Yes.
Then tell the boys I'll reverse my decision.
Burton: Jake.
Can I see you in my office? Burton, listen, um I just wanna say thank you for standing up for me.
Sit down, Jake.
Jake, I'm afraid we're gonna have to discuss how this whole thing affects your future here.
My--my--my future? Yeah.
I had to make some promises to clear this up.
I had to promise gersh that you would never be involved with any Public securities.
For how long? Forever.
At least for now.
I--I been doing corporate for 7 years now.
Well, that should have been long enough for you to discover that you don't disclose insider information.
Well, uh, tell me, Burton, I mean, is there still a place for me here? I think that's up to you.
I mean, if you can pick up enough work to justify your overhead.
Absolutely.
Ok.
Oh, Jake, this, um This is for the next 6 months.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Hi, dad.
[Chuckles.]
You and your mother.
Now you know.
What? How it feels to gamble, huh, and lose.
I think you gave her quite a thrill, jakey.
I think she sees me in an entirely new light, you know? I paid off the loan.
Thank you.
Don't thank me.
I bought the title.
I own the house now.
What about my business? I'm sorry, dad.
No one's gonna give you that money.
No one's gonna take that risk.
I'm gonna have to close this place down? I'm sorry, dad.
Look, maybe, uh Maybe it's better this way.
I--I went over to home warehouse, ok? And I spoke to milt dallesandro.
He said they're hiring.
He said they need help in the plumbing department.
The pay is ok, and the benefits are good.
How am I gonna close this place down after 35 years? How am I gonna do it? These are the, uh, these are the bankruptcy papers.
Um It's--it's not such a big deal, believe me.
I can help you.
You don't have to make up your mind right now, but you really should do this before your creditors come after you again.
All right.
Hey.
Hey.
Thanks for meeting me.
I'mSurprised you called.
I'm sorry about yesterday.
I was in the middle of some problems, and I just didn't want to burden you.
No, it's ok.
No, but I really enjoy spending time with you, and I just didn't mean to be a jerk.
Oh[Laughs.]
Your parents? Yeah.
Oh, God.
My mother drives me nuts.
She wants to go to bingo and buffet every Saturday night.
Saturday night in mt.
Aire.
[Both chuckling.]
My mother, uh, competes in pie-baking contests.
Oh! Demands I go.
Ha ha! And do you? I haven't missed one yet.
Ha ha ha! You wouldn't, um Wanna come play bingo this Saturday night, would ya? Hell, yeah.
Bring one of your mom's pies.
I'm gonna bring my mom! Perfect! Leave the pies at home.
Yeah.
[Both laughing.]
[Knocks.]
Yes? About your, uh, ahem-- your offer, uh [Drops papers on desk.]
Yes? I--I guess it'd be ok.
Ok.
Don't expect me to call you or anything.
Ok.
'Cause I don't-- I don't need, uh I don't need anyone.
Fine, Mr.
fallin.
Just call me Nick, will you? Ok? That's enough with the Mr.
fallin thing.
Fine.
Nick.
Good.
Good.
Yeah.
Good night.
Hey.
Matthew's headed to Chicago.
Yeah, I heard.
So it's, uh, all worked out now.
Yeah.
Ok.
Nick.
About this week Yeah? We were having a--a professional argument, right? It was a professional disagreement, and It didn't have anything to do with-- no, of course not.
I am happy for you.
Thank you.
'Cause I don't know.
It just, um It didn't seem like you to To do something so, uh So what? Emotional.
Well, I was representing my client.
Being professional.
That's right.
Good, then.
'Cause, uh I--I think that that's I think that's the best way for us to be.
Professional.
Right.
Good night.