All language subtitles for The.Firm.S01E01E02.720p.HDTV.X264-DIMENSION

[Rapid breathing]

All right, everybody.
If you can't hear me, just gather in.

Now, this monument...

[Crowd gasps]

Go around! Cut him off!

[Horns honking]

[Phone ringing]

Abby McDeere.

Abby!

Mitch! Hey, what number
are you calling me from?

Abby, Code Red,
you need to get out of there.

Code Red!

What? Why?

I can't explain.
They might be listening.

Who could be listening?
What are you talking about?

I promise you
I will explain everything later,

but right now you need
to follow the emergency plan.

Remember what we said?

- Yes, you want me to go...
- Don't say it.

Just go.

Will you be there?

As soon as I can.

I have to see somebody first,
somebody who knows the truth.

Mitch!

I know.

Abby...

It's happening again.

[Knocking]

McDeere...

- Mr. Moxon...
- Martin.

- Were you followed?
- No.

What's this?

I was followed, but I lost them.

Thank you for coming.

I shouldn't be here.

Five minutes, that's what you said.
Then I'm gone.

This is my client.

- You know who this is?
- No.

I think you do.
I think you know why I'm here.

You called my extension three times.

They know that.

Don't you think they know that?

You came to see me at the office.

- I'm sorry.
- Sorry?

You show up using my name,
asking questions?

Martin, a woman is dead.

Bottom line is the trail leads me
to you and your company.

I want to know the truth!

They'll kill me.

Hell, I'm already dead.

Let me protect you.

I know people, the FBI.

Do you have any idea
how foolish you sound?

I've done things.

Horrible things.
I've tried to live with them.

But I can't anymore.

I'm listening.

[Loud knocking]

Mr. McDeere! Hotel security!
Open the door, please!

No, it's not security.
Security would have a key.

[Knocking]

I thought you said you lost them.

Mr. McDeere, open the door, please!

[Phone ringing]

I can't help you.

Come on, come on.

And you can't help me.

Mr. Moxon!

- Front desk. Can you hold please?
- Martin! What are you...?

[Imitating car engine]
Vrrroooom!

This is my cake?

Dad, you told me on my birthday
I could have cake for breakfast.

And you can, that's a cake.

A pancake is a cake.

- This isn't a courtroom, Dad.
- I know.

Yeah, then how come I just got
screwed on a technicality?

It's 7 a.m.

You can have all the cake you want
tomorrow night at your birthday party.

Yeah, well, don't worry about it.

I'm not even sure I'm going.

Oh, I know.

Presents, cake, all your friends
celebrating your very existence...

I wouldn't want any part of that either.

I'm serious.

Hey...

Claire, what's the problem?

I'm still new at this school, you know.

It's been six months.

Six months is nothing.

I invited a lot of kids
I don't know that well.

So?

What if they don't come?

It won't happen.

Hey! You're an amazing kid!
Why wouldn't they come?

I don't know!

Look, I try to be cool, I really do,

but people don't give you
the inside dirt

when your mom's a teacher.

Inside dirt!

You're ten, Claire.

What kind of dirt do you have
when you're ten?

I don't know, Mom!
They won't tell me!

I gotta run.

Hey, we need to talk.

You went through the books again
last night, huh?

It's not good, Mitch.

It's been six months,

and we can barely even pay
for the office space.

According to Claire,
six months is nothing.

You have eight clients,

half of which still haven't even paid.

I hate to have to bring this up to you.

They will, they just don't
have the money right now.

I have eight good clients,

but one of those clients
is Althea Sanderson,

and she is a great client

whose case is about to settle,
guaranteed.

Guaranteed by who?

By me.

Six figures by the end of the week.
I promise.

You miss me, Louis.

It's okay, you can admit it.

Nice place.

How's Abby?

Claire causing trouble
on her birthday?

Always.

Mitch!

Mitch, I'm Louis Coleman
with the US Marshall's office.

This is Marshall Faraday.

Sorry, boys, I gave at the office.

We need to talk to you.

Look, we just moved back
from Memphis.

I helped you guys enough.
Talk to Tarrance.

You can talk to him yourself.

Tarrance is here in Boston?

I got orders to take you to him.

Why?

- We can discuss that in the car.
- I don't think...

Ahh!

Down! Get down!

[Screams]

Get him in the car!

Get us out of here!

Oh, my God, are you okay?

It's okay. I'm fine.

You should be dead.

Hello, Mitch, Abby.

Tarrance.

What happened was a hit.

We sent my people
as soon as we heard.

We just got to you a little late.

You're saying
there's a contract on me?

Not just you.
Your family, Abby and Ray too.

Marshall Faraday is dead.

I need you to follow me.

The order came
from Joey Morolto himself.

We have people inside

who say there's paper
with your names on it.

Then it's a mistake.

What I gave you
incriminated the firm,

Bendini, Lambert, and Locke only.

The firm was overbilling its clients.
We never implicated the mob.

Maybe not, but the overbilling
allowed us to seize the building.

We found more than enough inside
to take down the Moroltos.

They told me I was free and clear.

This is the mob, Mitch.

They deal in absolutes,
base emotions: Anger, revenge.

You set in motion a chain of events
that could cripple them.

So what now?

Well, obviously, you can't go home.
Your options are limited.

This is Marshall Coleman
with the Witness Protection Program.

We're out of here.
Come on, Abby.

Listen!
You need to...

I need to what, Tarrance, trust you?

I guarantee
that if there is a contract,

that order went out
before this morning.

Why weren't we told?

We didn't know about the threat
until a few hours ago.

Exactly.

If I learned anything in Memphis,

it's that you are always
the last to know.

That's not fair.

Mitch, hey, look.

We don't know each other,
but you don't want to walk out of here.

- We'll take our chances.
- And do what?

The hit's been commissioned.

You walk,
we can't promise to protect you.

You know, Tarrance, how come
the only time I believe you

is when you can't promise me
something?

Mitch, will you wait?

We don't need protection, Abby.
We have come way too far.

We need to talk about this.

Look, I'll figure this out.
I just need time to think.

- I need to tell you something.
- We're okay.

Maybe I can reason with Morolto.
And Ray, he knows people.

Maybe he can get
the contracts called off.

I can't run.

Yes, you can!
We can.

We did it before.

Mitch, I'm...
I'm pregnant.

Okay, we're listening.

We're not in the program anymore,
Lewis.

I hate to break this to you,

but I think it's time you start
seeing other victims.

You left the program,

that doesn't mean
you're not in danger.

Come on, Mitch.
You really think you're safe?

You're not.
I told you, Joey Morolto's...

Joey Morolto's dead.
He died nine months ago in prison.

It's been ten years, Louis.
Denver, Scottsdale, Wichita.

My family wants its name back.

All my daughter's ever known
is running.

It's over.

Why, because you say it is?

Your kid was not the only one
to have a birthday this week.

Know who that is?

It's Joey Morolto Jr.

I didn't know the old man had a kid.

It's because he was 15
when his father went to prison.

Junior turned 25 this week.

His little birthday gift:
They made him boss of the family.

Well, then, I am sure he has more
to worry about than me.

I don't know, if it was me,

the guy who sent my dad
to prison for life...

he'd be right at the top of my list.

I gotta go, I've got an arraignment.

Fathers and sons, Mitch.

Trust me, you mess with that bond,
anything can happen.

[Slow blues playing]

[Door opens]

Tell me we got
an offer on Sanderson.

Not yet.

It's nice of you to show up, though.
I've been calling.

Claire's birthday,
I had to make her breakfast.

Judge Trott's going to have you
for breakfast.

His clerk wanted you there at nine.

Why so early?
The arraignment's not 'til ten.

She wouldn't say,
but it sounded important.

I said you were on your way.

We are in trouble, Tammy.

I don't know.

I thought I could make this work,
but we are running on fumes.

We need that settlement.

It'll happen, honey.

Not just for us,
but for Althea and her family.

I'm telling you, I'm on to something.

Althea Sanderson
did not just have a heart attack.

The stent they implanted
in her chest was defective.

Defective stent.

Those sons of bitches!

If I'm right, it could be thousands
of plaintiffs out there.

Could be the biggest tort case
of the year.

Well, then, they'll settle.

I'm sure the last thing
they want is a trial.

Where's Ray?

The other half
of the brothers McDeere

is in your office,
where he's staying.

We're not speaking at the moment.

Should I even ask why?

Oh, he knows why.

There he is, the hardest-working
private investigator in the city.

[Chuckles]

You're gonna love this.

Want me to love something, Ray?
Bring me something on Sanderson.

A witness, a suppressed document,
anything.

- Do some work.
- Okay.

First of all,
there are no documents,

if a stent's defective,
a company like DC Tech

knows better
than to leave a paper trail.

For your information,
I am working.

Got the video
on your ludeness case.

Harry Deebs?

Yeah, what a prize this guy is.

He exposes himself
to some kids from St. Augusta

at the pizza place after school,

and what's his defense?

He said he had an allergic reaction
to the cheese and pizza.

That's some reaction.

[Chuckles]

Come on!

Really?

I'll plead that one out.

So what's new with you and Tammy?

Nothing new, same old fight.

She's upset because I didn't ask her
to marry me.

- When, today?
- Ever.

I told her, "Hey, look,
I got a fear of commitment."

You've been with the woman
for more than ten years.

You went into witness protection
together, Ray.

Exactly. I love her.
I'm not going anywhere.

But the big "M"?
It's not my thing.

All right.

I gotta go.
I gotta go to the pens.

I've got an arraignment
in a half-hour.

Do some work.

Later, bro.

SARAH:
You're a defense lawyer?

I'm your defense lawyer, Sarah.
I'm Mitch McDeere.

The court appointed me
as of last night.

Look, I don't want to be rude, but...

Why you?

No reason.

The court has a list of local lawyers
willing to take on murder cases.

I guess I was up next.

- That okay?
- I can't pay you.

Don't worry about that.

The district pays me
a discounted rate.

So you're a discount defense lawyer.

Yes.

Let me tell you
what's gonna happen next, Sarah.

When you go out there,
you will be charged with murder.

And the government will do
everything in its power...

it will stop at nothing...

to put you away
for the rest of your life.

That's who you are.

Me, I'm just a guy...
a guy who knows first-hand

what it's like when the government
points its finger at you

and makes up its mind.

So I put my name on a list,
and here I am.

Now, I have questions.
Questions like:

Why would a 27-year-old
insurance broker with a family,

a one-bedroom apartment,
and a chip on her shoulder

kill a 71-year-old woman
in her sleep?

I wouldn't. I didn't.

There's no argument
on the merits today.

The judge will hear me on bail...

Will he let me go home?
At least until the trial.

No.

Not on a murder charge.

Let's just get through this,
and then we'll talk.

Okay?

Mr. McDeere...

Thank you.

Mr. McDeere,
so nice of you to join us.

Only 50 minutes
after I ordered you to.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.
It's my daughter's birthday.

Well, as a gift for your daughter,

I'll refrain from holding
her father in contempt.

She's ten today, Judge.

I promise you she holds me
in enough contempt

for the both of you.

I just met with my client inside,
and we are ready when you are.

Actually, Counsel,
I wasn't calling about Miss Holt.

I was calling to assign you
to a new defendant.

Step up, please.

Your Honor, with great respect,
I would ask you not to do that.

I haven't told you what it is.

I know,
it's just that I was just assigned

a new homicide case last night,
and, to be honest,

I don't have the bandwidth
for another.

In other words,
you're reserving that bandwidth

for a fully-paying client?

Yes.

Times a little tough, huh?

I just started a practice of my own
a few months ago.

Yes, and I'm very impressed
with what I've seen so far.

That's why I thought
of you specifically for this.

I tell you what.
You meet the client.

Afterwards,
if you don't want the case,

I'll assign it to somebody else,
I promise.

Your Honor...

That's the best deal
you're gonna get, Counsel.

One meeting.
Let me know your decision.

Yes, sir.

And where would I find
this new client?

We've just called the case
into the record.

He's standing right there.

[Door buzzes]

Danell, my name is Mitch McDeere.
I'm an attorney.

First of all, are you okay?
Are you hurt, or...?

I want to talk to my dad.

Okay, I can arrange for that.

First, we're gonna need
to talk for a minute.

You're 14, is that right?
So eighth grade?

You go to Grover Cleveland
Middle School?

Danell, is that where this happened?

I've got blood on my shirt.
I need a new shirt.

I'll get you a new one.

The police will take
the one you have as evidence.

Danell,
I think maybe I can help you,

but in order to do that,

we're gonna have to talk
about what happened.

The police, they say you hurt
one of your classmates.

He's dead.

Nathan.

Nathan...
That's right, Nathan Williams.

Did you know him?
Were you friends?

You knew him,
but you weren't friends.

The knife...
Tell me about the knife.

Was it yours?

We were fighting.

I didn't want to.

But I was walking home from school.

- He was waiting.
- Why?

I didn't do anything.
We were just talking.

- I swear.
- Who was talking?

Me and Anna.

This girl in my class.

Nathan likes her, and he told me
to stay away from her.

- But we were just talking.
- Okay, so...

Nathan, he wanted to fight?

He started pushing me.

Telling me things.

So I hit him.

And he had a knife.

So I took it from him,
and I stabbed him.

I stabbed him, man.

I didn't want to.

But he made me do it.

A girl?

You mean to tell me
he killed that boy

'cause they were fighting
over a girl?

He said it was a misunderstanding.

Danell didn't want to fight,
but he was protecting himself.

Yeah, well, if it was self-defense,
why'd they arrest him?

Mr. Heywood, can I ask you,
does your son have a knife?

A pocket knife?
Ever seen him with one?

No, and if he did, he knows
not to let me catch him with it,

I promise you.

I do what I can for that boy,
but I can't be on him all the time.

I've been doing this alone
most of his life.

So there had been problems?

Yeah, some.

But overall, Danell's a good kid.

He just doesn't know what he is yet.

I know he ain't the smartest,
or the best-Iooking, the toughest.

But with kids now,
there's no time to figure things out.

People need to know
what to make of you.

And Danell is...
just a little lost.

Okay, so what happens now?

There will be a hearing.

The Prosecution
wants to try your son as an adult.

- Can they do that?
- Legally, they can try.

It's my job to convince the court
to treat him as a juvenile.

I'm not going to lie to you, sir,
that decision is critical.

As a juvenile, the Court's goal
is to rehabilitate a child.

With an adult,
it's to punish a criminal.

And on a murder charge,
he could get life.

Yes.

Counselor, the arraignment's up.
Judge wants you back.

Mr. McDeere, can you help my son?

I'll try.

However, my brother, Ray,
he's a private investigator.

He'll get started right away.

Thanks.

Docket ending 9-2-2,
People vs. Sarah Holt.

The defendant
is charged with murder.

Diane Ruckheiser for the People.
Good morning, Your Honor.

Ah, Miss Ruckheiser,
bright and shiny, as always.

Before we begin, Mr. McDeere,

I take it you spoke
to our young Mr. Heywood?

- I did, Your Honor.
- And?

I'm in.

Wonderful.

So shines a good deed
in a weary world.

Mr. Heywood,
you're a very lucky man, sir.

You'll find a lot of good
human beings in this courthouse

and a lot of very talented lawyers.

What you won't find
are many people who are both.

You've got one here in Mr. McDeere.

Trust his advice.

So, dude, I've known you for, what,
three months now.

About that.

Three months,
you never miss a weekend.

The one Sunday you don't show up,
the best pick-up game of the season.

Five lawyers, okay...
me, Donny, Phil...

Phil, the guy with the inhaler?

Yeah, him,
and the Monzuski brothers.

So the five of us,
we take on the entire

Redding high school varsity team
that came to the park to practice.

Buddy, we lost by 46 points.

- Because you have no game.
- This is what I'm saying, man.

You can't just join a basketball
league and then bail, okay?

I know, I know.
Thing is, I've been busy.

Turns out it's not so easy
to start your own firm.

What about you?

I could make a car payment
for the price of this scotch.

- Business is good, huh?
- It is.

Actually, that's why I arranged
this little meeting.

Now, I'm not sure
what you know about my firm.

It's called Kinross & Clark.
Small shop. Sixty lawyers.

What kind of work?

All civil, all high-level.

Corporate litigation,
bankruptcy, tax, IP.

We handle strictly blue chips,

we're a one-stop shop
for whatever they need.

- Except...
- Except?

Except for criminal.

I mean, these days,
someone we represent

is always in trouble with somebody,
SCC, IRS, US Attorney...

And you're coming to me?

'Til now, I've been
farming those cases out.

My partners think maybe it's time
to start a criminal division in-house.

And I've been asking around,

and you've made quite an impression
in just a few months.

Come on.

I'd rather give the spot to a friend.

Yeah, I don't think so, Andy.

- Why not?
- I just went out on my own.

I'm not really looking to join a firm.

And I respect that.
But we're a good group.

At least come see the place.

You can't just drink my scotch,
dis my game, and then pass.

Come on, what do you say?

[Glasses clink]

Hey, you can't do that.
No reporters allowed.

Supposed to send you guys
all to the office.

Seriously?
I just need one good shot.

I gotta get my story in by 5.

Can't help you there, chief.

As it is, I'm lucky I still got a job
after what happened.

Yeah, okay. Sure.

Ray McDeere.

Manny Reyes.

'63?

The year I was born.

They believe that?

At the school, I mean.

I assume that's what you told them
to get the job.

But we both know that's not true.

6-3, that's a police precinct
up in Riverside Heights,

also the name of a street gang
runs the area.

I did some time at Brushy Mountain.

I knew a lot of good men
with that tat.

Yeah, I left that life behind
a long time ago.

- What'd you go in for?
- Manslaughter.

Guy deserve it?

Hell, yeah.

Doesn't mean I don't regret it.

Stuff happens
when you're young and stupid.

Yeah. I heard that.

So you're not a reporter?

No, I'm a private investigator
for the defense.

Any chance you can tell me
what happened?

Truth is, I didn't see it go down.

I was over at the food truck,
grabbing a coffee.

When I turned around,
they were already running.

- Who was running?
- Both of them.

Danell Heywood, the one
they arrested, and Tommy Breene.

Two kids, you sure?

Of course, I'm sure.
You see the same kids every day.

I turned just in time
to see Nathan fall.

Those two, they took off like a shot.

Manny, thank you.

- Two kids?
- Yeah.

His name's Thomas Breene.

Same age and grade as your client.

- You talk to him?
- I tried.

He only lives a few blocks
from the school,

so I walked over to his house.

How'd you get the address?

Let's just say the school security guy
and I bonded.

I talked to Tommy Breene's father.

He said that the US Attorney
warned him

that someone
from the defense might come by.

So the prosecution knows he exists.

Definitely.

I asked for an interview,
the father refused.

Gave some stupid speech
about his legal rights.

Took a lot of self-control
not to hit him.

Question is,
if they were both running,

then why wasn't he arrested
with Danell?

They must be using him
as a witness.

Bottom line, brother, question is:

Why'd your 14-year-old client
lie to you?

I don't know.

He didn't tell me about Breene,
there must be a reason.

We got a problem.

First, that conversation
was 42 minutes.

I'm not equipped to go that long
without a cigarette.

Second, that was the vice principal
over at Cleveland Middle.

He gave me the history
on Danell Heywood.

He's 14 years old.
How much history can he have?

Oh, this boy's got a file.

No serious violence,
but he's got issues.

Who doesn't?

He's barely passing his classes,
profanity, threats to students,

last year he threw a social studies
book at a female teacher.

What about the victim?

Nathan Williams,
good student, good kid,

maybe not an angel,
but from what I hear,

everybody loved him

and the VP called his death
a heartbreaking loss.

Look, I met with Danell Heywood.

He looked me right in the eye
and told me it was self defense.

Well, then, maybe it was.

Or maybe this kid is sharper
than I gave him credit for.

Let me explain something, Danell.
I'm a defense attorney.

That means I'm here to defend you.

I know.

No, I don't think you do, because
if you did, you'd be helping me,

not lying to me.

You said this was a fight.
Just you and Nathan in the yard.

What'd you think,
I'd just take your word for it?

I wouldn't even check that out?

It's true.

No, it's not true.

I know about Tommy Breene.
I know he was there.

He's a witness against you.

So you tell me,

when the prosecutor
puts him on the stand,

how am I supposed to defend you

when I have no idea
what he's going to say?

[Mutters]

I didn't catch that.

I said I didn't think
he would say anything.

Everybody deserves
a defense, Danell.

And I will defend you
at this hearing tomorrow,

but in order to do that,

I need to know
what I am walking into.

Okay.

I wasn't fighting Nathan.
Nathan had nothing to do with this.

Then why is Nathan dead?

Tommy and I got into it after school.

He was pushing me.

Nathan, he just happened
to see it jump off

and had to get involved.

Involved how?

Well, he pulled me off Tommy,
told me to leave him alone.

I told him to mind his damn business.

But he wouldn't.

He told me he was making it
his business.

So...

The knife... was yours, wasn't it?

I warned him.

But Nathan had to be Nathan.

And that kid
was supposed to be smart.

Yeah.

Look how smart he was.

[Crickets chirping]

Hey, Mom, if you had a dollar,

and you had to divide it
between all of your friends,

would you want
a hundred pennies or a single bill?

Why?

It's a game, just go with it.

I don't know.

I guess I'll take four quarters.

It's a choice, Mom, you have to take
the pennies or the dollar.

Well, it's ridiculous,
I don't want only one friend,

but I don't need a hundred either.

I want... four.

Yeah, well, I'd take the pennies.

I think I want to be a people person.

Okay, people person.

Books away, dinner's ready.

I'll go tell your dad.

Tell me we got the settlement offer
on Sanderson.

Not yet.

How's it going?
Worried about the hearing tomorrow?

I have represented
a lot of guilty clients,

but never anybody this young, Abby.

If it helps, there's a lot
of new research for teachers

saying that teenage brains
are undeveloped.

I've got it.
An immature pre-frontal cortex.

Some say it lowers
impulse control, judgment,

risk assessments...

But you're not buying it?

Honestly, Danell Heywood
stabbed his classmate

in the neck with a pocketknife.

It didn't happen
because his brain is undercooked.

Maybe not.

So what happens now?

No matter
what problems he has, Mitch,

they're not going to get better
in the adult system.

You know that.

So every kid is redeemable,
you truly believe that?

Yes.

And so do you.

The worst part is,
to make their case,

the prosecution has to put
Tommy Breene on the stand.

So?

So, to do my job,
I have to destroy a 14-year-old

who is telling the truth.

It was just supposed to be a joke.
A way for me to get back at Danell.

And when you say "Danell",
who exactly do you mean?

Danell Heywood.
He's sitting right there.

May the record reflect
that the witness

has identified the defendant,
Danell Heywood.

And, Thomas,
how do you know Danell?

- Is he a friend of yours?
- No.

We're in the same class,

but I'm not really cool enough
to be his friend.

He pretty much only knows who I am

because it's his mission in life
to harass me.

Objection.

The witness can characterize
his relationship with the defendant.

The witness can do that
without making sarcastic comments

about my client's mission in life.

Objection sustained.

Thomas, you said you were
trying to get back at Danell.

Please tell us what you mean.

We read this book in English,
Native Son.

We all had to read it
and write an essay about it.

A few days before,
I heard Danell say in the hall

how he really liked it.

And how it was the first book
he ever wanted to read.

Go on.

The day we got our essays back,
Danell got his,

and I saw his face.

He never gets good grades,
but usually... usually doesn't care.

This time he was mad.

When class ended,
he crumpled it up and threw it away.

- And what did you do?
- I got it from the garbage and...

It's stupid, I know... but...

I put it on the bulletin board
in the hall.

He got an F.

Everyone was laughing, but I didn't
think anyone knew it was me.

Then, when I left school,
Danell was waiting.

What did he do?

He didn't say much.

He just started hitting me.

And then I was on the ground.
He was kicking me.

That's when Nathan came.

Nathan Williams,
he was also in your class?

Yeah.

Nathan pulled him off me
and told Danell to stop.

Then I could hear them yelling.

And then Danell had a knife.

I saw him stab Nathan.

Then he ran.

No further questions.

You hated Danell,
didn't you, Tommy?

Come on, you weren't cool enough
to be his friend,

and you resented that,
so you wanted to humiliate him.

That's why you posted the essay,
to get revenge.

Objection.

- Does Counsel have a question?
- Here's my question.

How much did you hate him, Tommy?

How much do you hate him now?
Enough to lie to this court?

I'm telling the truth.

The truth is, you were on the ground
when Nathan attacked my client.

Objection.

There's no testimony
saying the defendant was attacked.

The testimony is unclear,
Your Honor.

That's my point.

You said Danell
was kicking you, correct?

Yeah.

So you were covering up,
weren't you?

Using your arms
to protect your head and body.

I guess.

So you never saw what happened.

I heard Nathan come over.
He told Danell to stop.

Heard Nathan,
I understood that.

I also understood you heard
someone say the word "stop".

- It was Nathan.
- What did he say, Tommy?

What were his exact words?

You don't know.

The truth is, Nathan's the one
who threatened my client.

- I never heard that.
- Doesn't mean it didn't happen.

Objection, argumentative.

What about the knife, Tommy?

You say you looked up just in time
to see Danell stab Nathan?

That's right.

But you never saw him
pull that knife, did you?

Because the fact is, Nathan's
the one who pulled the knife.

Nathan's the one
who took a simple fight

and turned it
into a deadly encounter.

- No!
- Objection!

And my client was lucky enough
to grab that knife

and use it in self-defense.

- Your Honor, this is outrageous.
- Outrageous?

The People are seeking to treat
my client, a 14-year-old boy,

as an adult.

Because this was
an adult act of violence.

This is a child, Your Honor.

If he created the situation,
if he sought it out

because he wanted to kill
or he enjoyed it,

then they might have an argument.

He was beating a classmate.

He was responding
to a public act of humiliation.

And this so-called murder
was in self-defense.

That's crap.

Your Honor, Nathan Williams
is the victim here.

His parents are here
in the courtroom,

and they deserve better.

My client's father is also
in the courtroom, and he deserves...

All right.

That's enough, Counselor.
You've made your point.

On the status of the defendant,
you'll have my decision in a few days.

In the meantime,
on the issue of bail...

The People request that decision
be deferred, Your Honor.

There's no reason to defer.

Mr. Heywood is here and capable
of taking full responsibility.

- Fine.
- Your Honor, please!

This is a murder charge.

And you'll have your day in court.

But I won't hold the defendant
like an adult

until I've decided
whether or not he is one.

The defendant's released
into the custody of his father.

Thank you, Your Honor.

[Indistinct chatter]

It's not right.

- Shame on you, Mr. McDeere.
- Karen, let's not.

You didn't know my son.

Mrs. Williams, I'm an attorney.
A defense attorney.

No, an attorney argues facts.

He doesn't say whatever needs
to be said so his client goes free.

Come on.
Let's not do this.

Let go of me.

Nathan was a beautiful boy.
He was good.

He died trying to help someone.
But you don't care.

Mrs. Williams,
I'm so sorry for your loss.

No, don't you tell me you're sorry.

What if it was your child?

♪ Baby, tonight turn the music down♪

♪ 'Cause we'll be dancing, dancing♪

Hey, thanks for coming.

Mom, this one's from Julia Heeney.

Julia, got it.

They came, Mom.

Everyone I invited.
This... This is huge.

Hey, guys, having a good time?

What you got there?

Native Son?

Classic, but a little heavy
for a ten-year-old's birthday party.

- You know it?
- I taught it.

Not for a while,

but it was required reading
in my school in Boston.

Why?

Danell Heywood,
made quite an impression.

It's the only book
he ever wanted to read.

Mmm.

Well, it's about growing up poor
and black in 1930s Chicago.

So I guess he could relate
to the journey.

The journey and now the ending.

The lead character
can't escape his circumstances.

He ends up going to prison
for murder.

Little heavy for a birthday party.

Come on, I could use your help
with the cake.

[Car starts]

Hey, everything okay?

Yeah, yeah, fine.

Okay, well, come on.
Everybody's ready.

[Music plays]

♪ Baby, tonight turn the music down♪

♪ 'Cause we'll be dancing,
dancing, dancing♪

Make a wish, sweetheart.

Happy birthday.

You know, I don't think I have
ever seen Claire so happy.

Makes no sense.

How did two of the most
independent people on the planet

give birth to such a joiner?

Speaking of which,
I was going to tell you this before,

but I knew what you'd say.

Uh-oh, it's never the start
of a good conversation.

It's not a big deal.

Let me guess, it's about that firm?

The one you looked up
on the computer?

You saw that?

I teach fifth-graders, babe.

You don't move
half as fast as they do.

Like I said, it's not a big deal.

I ran into this guy
at the courthouse.

Name's Andrew Palmer.

We play basketball together
sometimes.

- He works for that firm?
- It's called Kinross & Clark.

Sixty lawyers,
all high-end civil cases.

The partners want to start
a criminal division in-house.

He offered me the job.

And you turned them down?

Yes.

But...

I promised him
I would think about it.

And he said we should come in
and see the office.

Mitch.

I knew you wouldn't
like the idea, Abby.

We just started a firm.
Your own firm.

I told him that.

But you're telling me

because there's something
about it that interests you.

Maybe.

What?

Mitch, you're not built
for those firms.

Firms are for people
with a pack mentality.

I get that.

Then help me understand.

Why would you want
to be a part of that?

I don't know.

Maybe it's because I never was.

Maybe it's because I'm the son
of a coal miner and a waitress,

not a bank president
and a socialite like you.

So you need to be
around entitled people

to make yourself feel worthy?

- It's not about worth.
- Then what?

It's about potential.
It's about being someone.

It's about being relevant.

I graduated top of my class
at Harvard. I wanted things.

I wanted to do things that mattered.
I wanted to make law that mattered.

That got taken away from me.

It got taken away from us.

You can do that on your own.

And I will.

It's just a part of me...

[Phone rings]

A part of me still wonders.

Hello?

Hey, Tammy, can I call you back?

We're right
in the middle of something.

Okay.

Calm down. Calm down.

Okay... No, no, no,
just keep him there.

I'll come in.

Tammy's still at the office?

Yeah, she never left.

She said there's someone
I need to see.

Someone I need to talk to now.

You okay?

I was here with Ray,

and I've been trying
to stay angry at him,

but God knows
I can't stay angry at that boy.

We were making up,
and he just walks in the front door.

- Where is he?
- He's in your office.

Don't worry,
Ray's watching him.

But I said,
"You need to make an appointment",

and he goes, "No!"

He had to talk to you right away.

Hey, bro, sorry to call, but you
need to hear this for yourself.

Derek Little, Mitch McDeere.

Hey, Derek, tell him
what you just told me.

You're McDeere?
Danell Heywood's lawyer?

This is about Danell?

Derek works for Gallway Supply.

It's a small construction company
owned by Richard Williams.

- Nathan's father?
- Yeah.

Mr. Williams came to see me today.

Told me about his kid getting killed
and how you twisted things.

Look, Derek, I don't know
what you're doing here...

Said the kid who did it
was gonna walk.

Judge just let him go or something.

He's takin' it hard.

- I understand that, but...
- No, I don't think you do.

He offered me $10,000
to kill your client.

When did this happen?

A few hours ago.

Why did he come to you?

Because some people are
uncomfortable around violence.

I don't happen to be
one of those people.

I've done some things.
He knows that.

So then why did you come to me?

Because I had to do something.

Look, I like the man,
he's been good to me.

So I'm sure as hell
not going to the police.

But every man draws
his own line, and mine is this:

I don't kill kids.

Good line.

I think so.

Problem is, not everyone
shares my moral values.

If I don't do it,
he'll find somebody who will.

And you thought he was serious.

I'm here, aren't I?

I talked to the man,
I looked in his eyes.

It won't be over for him
until Danell Heywood is dead.

[Crickets chirping]

Richard Williams hired a hitman?

He's not a hitman, he's an employee.
A construction worker.

A construction worker
open to killing people.

He just prefers
they be old enough to vote.

He doesn't kill kids.
Heartwarming, right?

That's crazy.

Richard Williams is 43 years old,
runs his own business,

got a wife and a daughter...

An eight-year-old daughter.

A lot of guys
from where he came from, his age,

been arrested half-dozen times.

He's got no criminal record.

Meaning what, you don't think
he would go through with it?

Meaning I think he's a good man.

If I hadn't got Danell released,
I don't even think he'd consider it.

Hey, you didn't drive him to this.

You had a legal obligation
to defend your client,

and I don't need to tell you that.

Can I smoke in here?

- No!
- No!

Okay, the question is,
what are we dealing with?

A serious threat,
or an angry father

who just shot off his mouth
in a moment of rage?

- How can we know that?
- We can't.

Maybe we can.

Derek told Richard
he needed more time to decide.

- They're meeting tomorrow.
- So?

So maybe we keep the meeting.

Maybe Derek won't do it,

but he recommends
somebody that will.

Oh, and because
I'm the only one here

with a manslaughter conviction
and prison time,

you automatically think of me.

Just kiddin', bro.
I think it's a brilliant idea.

But can we really do that?

Damn right.

Richard Williams is a decent guy.

We cannot go to the cops
until we know that he's for real.

CLAIRE:
What's going on?

Um, nothing.

It's late.
You need something?

No.

No, you cannot do this to me again!

[Cries]

I got her.

Hey.

Hey, you want to tell me
what that was all about?

I'm not stupid, Dad.
I know what's going on.

All four of you?

Whispering in the kitchen
in the middle of the night?

I've seen it before.
We're leaving, aren't we?

No, nobody's leaving.

We just got here.
And you know what?

I finally have friends.

Okay, first of all,
you have always had friends.

And second of all, if you will just
take two seconds and breathe,

you'll be extremely relieved
because we are not leaving.

This is our home,
that's not changing.

We were discussing a problem
that I am having at work.

You promise?

I promise.

We are done running, okay?

- Can you hear me?
- Affirmative.

[Indistinct]

You broke up a little on that.

Damn, hang on.

[Whispering]
This isn't my equipment.

I traded a guy for a couple
designer-suit knock-offs.

Where did you get...?

You know what?
Don't even tell me.

He's here, Ray.
You sure you can handle this?

Yeah.

Mr. Williams.

You're Derek's friend,
the one who called?

Look, I told you
I prefer to meet at the office.

This is my office.

Derek told me
about the work you wanted done.

He's not up to it, but he thought
maybe we could help each other.

Can you do it?

I don't know you, Mr. Williams,

but from what I've heard,
you're a decent guy.

Before we continue
this conversation,

we both say things
we can't take back.

This thing you want done,
walk away.

- I can't do that.
- Yes, you can, my friend.

Your son's case isn't over.
Let the system...

To hell with the system.

Derek says you have a family
that needs you.

You want to know about my family?

I got up today
and sent my daughter to school,

the same school
where my son was killed.

My daughter walks the yard
where he died every day.

And the boy that killed him got
sent home like it never happened.

- I just think...
- I don't give a damn what you think.

If you can't help me, fine.
I'll find someone else who can.

He cannot leave, Ray.
He has to say it.

You cannot let him go!

Okay, hey!
Take it easy.

I'll do it.

How do you want it done?

With a knife.

You kill him the same way
he killed Nathan.

Deal was ten grand.

You'll get it.

Here, same time tomorrow.

Get all that, bro?

Yeah, well,
I guess we know he's for real.

So what now?

Uh, I don't know.
I've got a meeting downtown.

I'll call you when I get out.

Yeah.

[Beep]

How do you want it done?

With a knife.

You kill him the same way
he killed Nathan.

Deal was ten grand.

You'll get it.

Here, same time tomorrow.

You have to go to the police.

Mitch, you heard him.
That man is unstable.

What if he does it?

What if people find out we knew?

They won't.
Look, he's not killing anyone.

He thinks he made a deal with Ray.

We have until tomorrow
to figure this out.

What does Ray think?

I don't know.
I said we'd talk later.

Did you tell him why?

I said I had a meeting downtown.

I didn't want to get into it.

Because you knew
he wouldn't approve.

It's just a meeting, Abby.

- I understand, which is why I'll go.
- It's just a meeting.

And I will even smile
because I love you.

Mitch, how are you?

And you must be Abby.

- Andrew.
- Hi.

Well, look at this place.
This is really beautiful.

Let me guess, you were expecting
more mahogany and marble?

I think so.

You know, shadows and leather,
and at least one gargoyle.

We were a little scarred
by our last firm experience.

Well, I tried to tell you
this place is different.

Come on, let me give you a tour.

So it was built for us
about eight years ago.

It's not exactly Google,
but we try to be progressive.

Our managing partner
wanted to bring a little

of that tech inspiration
to the legal world.

Smart guy.

Alex Clark, she runs
our corporate litigation team.

- She?
- Brilliant woman.

You know that saying,
"This is not your father's law firm"?

Actually, it is.

We've got the soul of a family firm,
but Alex,

she really took us
to the next level.

We're not happy practicing law;
we want to make law,

and we do that
in every area but criminal.

That's why you're here, buddy.

And this would be your office.

Look, honey,
it's exactly like your office now.

How many lawyers do you have?

Sixty.

Only 15 partners,
Mitch will make it 16.

Oh, come on, we're having
a small reception for a few clients.

I'll introduce you.

[Music and chatter]

Mitch and Abby McDeere...

This is Alex Clark.

Of course,
no introduction necessary.

I know we haven't met,
but after Andrew's report,

I feel like I know
everything about you.

Really?

Don't worry, it was all glowing.

And, Abby, welcome.

So nice to meet you.

You know, I heard you had
one hell of a hearing today.

Your case with the boy
who was killed.

Word is you can cross with the best.

- Well...
- Don't be modest.

You know,
I consider it a point of pride

that I've never tried a case
in front of a jury.

Is that true?

Juries love facts, whereas
I find facts often get in the way

of a complete winning argument.

Control is key in my business, Mitch.

My corporate clients pay me
to avoid the courtroom at all costs.

And the costs are considerable.

True, but I think they'll tell you
they always get their money's worth.

So, Mitch, I wanted to ask
about your practice.

Sure.

Andrew says you were once
a money guy...

bankruptcy law, tax...
we could use you.

I considered it.

Actually, I did do some tax work
for a while.

- But it wasn't my thing.
- Uh-huh.

And what particular thing
wasn't your thing?

I don't know,
waking up in the morning,

helping billionaires
beat the tax code.

- That kind of thing.
- Ah, I see, you're a moralist.

So instead, you spend
your day defending criminals.

I spend my day making sure
that no man's freedom or future

is taken from him unjustly.

We both defend criminals, Brad.

The difference is
I'll admit it to anyone,

you won't even admit it to yourself.

Excuse me.

It's late. We've got to figure out
what to do about Richard Williams.

Did you call Ray?

Yeah, he and Tammy
are on their way.

You know, I have to say,
it could have been a lot worse.

They seem like nice people.

Yeah, a bunch of control freaks
and tax-fraud artists.

Hey, you asked for it.

The big players
have big personalities.

That's not what I want, Abby.

Really, so that office
didn't speak to you at all?

That was a terrible office.
Unsightly, even.

Embarrassing.

I just hope we can make this work
on our own.

We will.

You love this house.

If we don't make
some money soon, then...

Downsize.

I followed you
into witness protection,

so don't start acting
like I am high-maintenance.

No, Mrs. McDeere,

you're exactly the right amount
of maintenance.

Come on, it's just dinner.
You gotta eat, don't ya?

I have to study, Joey.

So do I.

Look, we'll put our books
on the table, no talking.

I got nothin' to say to you anyway.

Is he gonna be there?

In the building, yes.
At the table, no.

MAN:
Mr. Morolto...

Why do I get the feeling
you're not a typical night student?

Just one second.

No business when I'm at school.

Sorry, Mr. Morolto, but you need
to see this right away.

It's definitely McDeere.

Our people say he surfaced in D.C.
A few months ago.

It's time we got payback
for what he did to your father.

You okay?

Yeah, yeah. Fine.

Tell me three things
about the file you're reading.

It's a murder case.
Woman's name is Sarah Holt.

I'm supposed to be preparing
her defense.

But you're still thinking
about Richard Williams.

That tape destroys him, Abby.
He has no defense.

If we take it to the police...

We talked about this last night.

It's not just solicitation.

If he shows up
with the money today,

it's an overt act.

They could charge him
with conspiracy.

We would be sending him to prison
for at least a few years.

Hey, we are not sending him
to prison.

He is trying to kill
a 14-year-old boy.

A boy who could still
be declared an adult.

The judge hasn't even made
his decision.

There has to be
another way to handle it.

I just can't see it yet.

If you don't report it
and something happens to Danell,

could you live with yourself?

No.

Could you be prosecuted?

Technically, I wouldn't be
an accessory, but...

If the truth came out,
at the very least, I could be disbarred.

[Phone rings]

It's Tammy.

Hello?

It's here.

That offer you've been waiting for,
it just walked in.

On Sanderson?

There's a lawyer here from DC Tech.
He came to deliver it in person.

That's a good sign, right?

Probably too much money
to send in the mail.

Just keep him there.
I'll be right there.

The offer on Sanderson's in.

- You want to come with me?
- Do you think it's good?

- Mitch McDeere.
- John Bolson.

Thank you for coming,
we've been expecting an offer,

but I didn't think DC Tech would
send somebody down in person.

Oh, I don't work for DC Tech.

Miss Sanderson's case
is no longer being handled

by in-house counsel.

I'm with Cromwell & Taft.
Maybe you know us?

Cromwell & Taft,
that's the biggest law firm in D. C...

Second largest in the country,
but, you know, who's counting?

My firm was retained
to handle the trial.

That's assuming there is a trial.

I was under the impression
that you came down

in order to offer a settlement.

That's true.

So let's talk in my office.

That won't be necessary.

I work for Morgan Vance.

Mr. Vance is our managing partner,

and he runs corporate litigation
for the office.

He sent me
to personally explain our offer.

This morning, Mr. Vance
was instructed by DC Tech

to draft you a letter
stating the company

has no intention
of settling this case.

To the contrary,
we fully intend to try the matter.

Then why are you here?

Mr. Vance wanted me
to tell you that he bills

DC Tech at the rate
of $800 per hour.

He felt that it would take
about one hour of his time

to draft the letter I mentioned.

He'd rather not.

Instead, he's offering you the 800,
as a courtesy,

in full satisfaction
of your frivolous case.

You should leave now.

It'd be a great mistake
to pursue this.

I assure you, Mr. Bolson,
a mistake would be

underestimating
what I am capable of,

what we are capable of.

We have over 120 lawyers
in D.C. Alone.

Last year we billed over $36 Million
in a dozen complex tort litigations.

The simple fact is
this is what we do.

Now, you...
you are an office of one lawyer,

and, as far as I can find,
you haven't handled a case

that's made so much
as the local pennysaver

in the last ten years.

- I'll fight you on this.
- No, I don't think you will.

Why not?

Because I'm standing in an office
that six months ago

was being used as a travel agency.

You have a good day.

Eight hundred dollars?

It should be eight hundred thousand.

How can DC Tech not settle?
If that stent is defective...

That stent is defective.

Althea Sanderson
was almost killed by a defect

in a cardiac stent
designed by DC Tech.

And she is not alone.
Others may have already died.

Then why risk a trial?
It doesn't make sense.

If we convince a jury,
that creates a precedent.

They're looking at hundreds
of millions of dollars in damages.

And if they pay us off,
they look guilty.

It's like admitting to the entire legal
world they've got something to hide.

I just...
I need time to think.

He's right, Abby.
Lawsuits take money.

We need experts, research.

The discovery alone
could take a year.

We can't even afford
our own office.

Then we'll figure something out.

Cromwell & Taft!
I graduated fifth in my class.

There were four people
ahead of me.

Two of them
went to Cromwell & Taft.

So, what?
So we just give up?

Give up?

No, I don't want to give up,

I want to grind those smug sons
of bitches into ground glass.

Then let's do it.

We need lawyers, resources,

the kind of backing
only a major firm can provide.

You're talking about Andrew.

If that's what you want,
you know I won't stop you.

Give me a chance
to make this work.

I have an idea.

Hey, bro, where you going?

I'll be back.

No, you can't leave, we're supposed
to meet Williams in an hour.

I'll meet you there!

Well, well, Mr. McDeere.

I'm so pleased our little shindig
didn't scare you off.

Not at all.

Andrew tells me
that you're interested in our offer.

How wonderful.

I've always wanted
a criminal division at the firm.

Mitch does have a few...

ideas about how
the relationship would work.

I thought you two
should talk directly.

First of all, let me say
I appreciate your coming to me.

I asked around about your firm.

What do you want, Mitch?

You love us, we love you.

I think we're done blowing smoke
at this point, don't you?

I just started my own firm.

I'm aware of that.

Our firm will acquire your practice
and move you in-house.

Yes, but what if I don't want
to be moved in-house?

What if I want to maintain
my own office and staff?

Not an option.

Well, then I've wasted your time

because it's the only option
I'll consider.

I'm not looking to be folded
into your firm, Miss Clark,

I'm looking for an association.

You provide me your resources,
I'll give you a piece of my business.

We project an image here, Mitch,
one our clients have come to expect.

Meaning?

Meaning our lawyers
don't do business

out of storefronts
with linoleum floors.

Fair enough.

You give me the space,
I'll meet your clients here,

but my office stays open.

And your cases?

What exactly
would we be inheriting?

I thought we were done
blowing smoke.

Look, I'm a good lawyer.

On my best day,
maybe even better than good.

This city is filled with good lawyers.
I know why I'm here.

Enlighten me.

Althea Sanderson?

That case is a winner.

Handled correctly, it could be
the biggest tort case of the year.

Maybe even the next few years. So...

So, we want 60 percent.

Forget it.

I found the case,
my team did the ground work.

And that's all you can do.

We both know you can't take
this case to trial without our firm.

I'll give you 40 percent.

Then we really are done here.

You were wrong, Andrew.
He's not ready.

Fifty.

Let me be clear.

If I agree to your terms,

you report to me
on all of your cases.

I'm your boss
from this day forward.

Congratulations.

Your firm just became associated
with the best litigation house in town.

Andrew will send the papers.

[Whispering] Mitch...
Mitch, can you hear me?

You decided to show.

I assume this means we have a deal.

Sorry, bro, I'm here.

Stick with the plan.

Got the money?

- You realize once I take that...
- We've been over this.

Do we have a deal or not?

No.

Hey, hey!

[Footsteps approaching]

It's over, Mr. Williams.

How do you want it done?

With a knife.

You kill him the same way
he killed Nathan.

The deal was ten grand.

You'll get it.

Here, same time tomorrow.

What was I supposed to do?

The judge just let that boy go home.

It wasn't over.

There's still a chance
Danell could be tried as an adult.

Yeah, well,
I wasn't gonna take that chance.

So you just threw everything away.

Please.

We tried to help you.

We begged you to let it go
and trust the system.

And nothing happened.
I didn't hurt anyone.

It doesn't matter.
You conspired to commit murder.

That charge alone carries
a maximum sentence of 25 years.

You could help me.

No, not without risking my career
or possibly being arrested.

Just listen.

I made a mistake.

But it's done.

Nobody has to know
about that recording.

Nobody needs to know this happened.

I see.

So now you want me
to twist the truth.

Now you want me to decide
what did or didn't happen.

My family.

You should have thought
about them before.

I don't expect you to understand.

My wife won't get out of bed.

My daughter won't eat.

She has these dreams
about Nathan.

I didn't do this because I forgot
to think about my family, Mr. McDeere.

I did this
because they're all I think about.

[Phone rings]

Mitch McDeere.

Thank you.

Judge Trotter's reached a decision
on Danell Heywood.

He wants everyone in court.

When?

Now.

Are we gonna win?

I don't know.

Whatever happens, Danell,
we still have a trial to get through.

I don't have kids.

And in a case like this,
I find myself grateful.

Grateful that I can only imagine
what it must be like

to stand here, having lost a child.

Or knowing that my child
could be lost

to a criminal system
from which some never return.

Let me be clear.

This was a shocking crime
of great violence.

Mr. Heywood, with both malice
and forethought,

went looking for a fight
that afternoon.

And he did this, I believe,
while carrying a weapon, a knife.

Now, he had that knife because
he thought he might need it.

He thought he might use it.

And he did use it.

Without hesitation,
and to brutal effect.

It's hard to think of a more adult act.

That said, the situation was not
entirely of Mr. Heywood's making.

He was, on some level, responding
to a very real humiliation.

And he lashed out, much
as you might expect from a child.

So what now?

The truth is, I want
to believe in Mr. Heywood.

I want to believe
that he hasn't gone from us.

That there remains something in him
worth trying to save.

That he may benefit from something
more than the punishment

that awaits him in the adult system.

But it's not that easy.

In fact, it's incredibly hard

because I don't know
how to value Danell Heywood's life

without devaluing
Nathan Williams' death.

To Nathan's parents,

I can only pray that you understand

how deeply this court
respects your loss.

But I've made my decision,
and it is one of hope.

Hope that one day this young boy
will be even a fraction

of the man
that your son already was.

This court rules Danell Heywood
to be a juvenile offender.

We are adjourned.

[Indistinct whispering]

- Diane...
- Congratulations.

I can live with losing.
I hope you can live with winning.

We need to talk.

About what?

Even if he's found delinquent now,
he'll be out in less than five years.

Diane, I need your help.

[Doorbell rings]

Richard Williams?

Richard, who's at the door?

It's nothing.
Someone from work.

Sir, I need you to come with us.

I have to run to the office, babe.
Won't be long.

Mr. Williams, I understand
you were just given a chance

to speak with Mr. Clay.

Mr. Clay is a defense attorney.

You understand
that my office has arranged

for him to represent you
at this meeting.

And that's acceptable to you?

Yes.

Before we begin, I need to know
that Danell Heywood is safe.

- Lf you've made any other attempt...
- No.

He's under our protection
as we speak,

but if you've approached
any other individual...

I didn't.

Let me say my client
deeply regrets his behavior,

and he's willing to cooperate
in any way he can.

Fine.

He can sign a confession
and plead guilty to the charge.

Excuse me?

This is the official complaint.

It charges your client
with conspiracy to commit murder.

This document is a plea agreement.
You need to sign it.

Now, wait a second!

No deals,
he pleads to the top count.

He also needs to write
a full confession.

Diane, what the hell
is going on here?

You called me,
I thought you wanted to talk.

We are talking.

Then this meeting is over.

Sit down, Henry.

Diane and I have been working
to find the best possible solution,

and I think we've found it.

What, by making him plead
to the top count?

Hear her out.

Mr. Williams, if you walk out that door,
you will go to prison.

I can promise you that.

Assuming my client
does what you ask,

what happens then?

I file the complaint
and the plea agreement...

...in my bottom drawer.

You're not going to charge him?

Not for now.

Mr. Williams, you and I are going
to have a standing appointment.

You will come to my office
every week for as long as I say.

Why?

So that you never forget,
not for one second,

that I'm watching you.

You can tell me
about your family, your daughter,

I don't know what we'll talk about,
but you will come see me every week.

And let me be clear.

If you do anything
to make me nervous,

if you so much as jaywalk,

I will file that complaint
and your confession,

and I will put you away
for a very long time.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Thank you, Diane.

Don't thank me, Henry.

Mitch is the one who pushed for this.

He convinced me
that you deserve another chance.

Mr. Williams,
do not make me sorry.

You...

Sign the papers, Mr. Williams.
Go home to your family.

So they're not
going to charge him?

Not officially.
Diane took a risk.

The deal she made, if legal,
is just right on the edge,

but if she went public,
it'd end her career.

So how'd you convince her?

Well, she's got three kids of her own,

so she knows what it would mean
for them to lose their father.

Well, as long as we're
on the subject of secret deals,

maybe you can explain this.

It came for you about an hour ago.

It's got about a dozen files,

and it came
with this handwritten letter

from one Ms. Alex Clark.

It reads,
"Dear Mitch, welcome aboard!!"

Two exclamation points.

"On behalf of the firm,

let us say how excited we all are
to have a new partner!!

Two more exclamation points.

Yeah... about that.

You joined a firm.

You didn't think that was something
Tammy and I should know about?

I didn't just join a firm.
I didn't join anything.

It's an association.

It says "partner".
Does it not say "partner"?

Technically, yes, it is a partnership.

But nothing changes for us, guys.

I can't work for a firm.

Neither can I.

Nobody has to work for a firm.

We keep our own office,
our own staff.

It's just an association
with Kinross & Clark.

Otherwise,
we'd have to give up this place.

You guys got a better idea?
I'm all ears.

What does Abby say?

Abby's on board.

I admit, I wasn't at first,
but I'm comin' around.

Well, I'm telling you now,
I'm not kissing any asses.

Fair enough.

And we're going to talk more
about this later.

Okay.

Ray?

You know me, bro.
I always got your back.

You ready to go?

Yeah.

I just gotta make a quick stop
on the way.

Hey...

I want you to know something.

I love you, guys.

Seriously!!!

With three exclamation points.

Three.

[Whispers]
Three.

[Indistinct PA announcement]

[Monitors beeping]

Mr. McDeere,
I didn't know you were coming.

Caroline, how is your mother doing?

She's still fighting.

So are we.

♪ Close your eyes♪

♪ And kiss good-bye♪

♪ And let you know♪

You're not welcome here.

Mrs. Williams...

I asked them to come.

♪ I'm by your side♪

♪ Oh, I hope you know♪

♪ When I go...♪

Beloved friends.

Family.

We are gathered here to honor
the memory of Nathan Williams...

♪ I hope you know♪

♪ As we go♪

♪ You won't be alone♪

♪ Close my eyes♪

[Shutter clicking]

All right, let's get started.

We only have a few minutes
until our client arrives.

Well, I have good news.

Today we welcomed our
sixteenth partner, Mitch McDeere.

Went just as we planned, almost.

Almost?

We offered an in-house position.
He preferred to create an association.

That's not what we talked about.

That's all McDeere would accept.

Bottom line: His office is now
the criminal division of this firm,

and that is what we talked about.

Does he know
why we made him an offer?

No. He thinks we want
a piece of tort case he found,

a client by the name
of Althea Sanderson.

I took a look,
it's actually a damn good case,

and, thanks to Alex,
we now own 50 percent.

Consider it a bonus.

Of course, our real interest here
hasn't changed.

Sarah Holt.

She was officially charged
with murder this week.

Of course, ideally we would
have known about this sooner,

but by the time
we learned of her arrest,

the court had already
assigned the case to McDeere.

Obviously,
our priority here is control.

Now McDeere reports to us.

- How far has he gotten?
- Not that far.

But now that he's ours,
we can start to install

our own phones,
our own copy machines,

even our own computers
in his office.

Shouldn't stop there.
He should be under surveillance.

I agree, we should be
listening everywhere.

- We already have men in the field.
- Good.

Because let's be perfectly clear.

If Mitch McDeere
ever finds the truth in this case,

everyone in this room
is going to prison.

[Knocking]

Sorry.
Got stuck in some traffic.

Here's our client now.

Don't worry, Martin.
We were just discussing your case.

Mr. McDeere!
Hotel security!

Open the door please!

Mitch McDeere!

Open the door!