Original subtitles

Hey,

Freddy, I'm over here.

Well, Alan, I think we're finally at the bottom of the whole damn story. I want

to get this over with.

Let's go back to the court.

I gotta hand it to you, Freddy.

For a man pulling off a blackmail, you're pretty nonchalant. You know, the

agenda's changed, Alan, but I'd hardly call what I'm doing blackmail.

What the hell do you call it, then? I was trying to get you to live up to your

commitment, Alan, but that was before I listened to the rest of the tape.

You listened to it?

It's not enough you sneak onto my property and then secretly videotape me?

gotta listen to the soundtrack for all the salient details?

Videotape? What the hell are you talking about?

Stop playing games, Freddy. Did you bring the tape or not? I have something

you to listen to, Alan. Here.

What the hell is that?

I want the videotape you made of me and her having sex.

Oh, no, Alan. I can't believe it. Why?

I'm not in the mood for your shit, Freddy.

I want that tape.

Is that what she told you, that I made a videotape of you and her? She didn't

have to tell me. She showed it to me.

I don't have a video, Alan.

I didn't even know you were screwing her until just now.

I have an audio tape.

And this.

And if you don't stop screwing around and put me back on the project, I'll see

to it that you don't produce anything but public service announcements for the

rest of your life.

You're sick, man.

You need help.

She kills her lovers, Alan.

The goddamn woman's a serial killer, and we've got to take that evidence to the

police.

Call 911.

Stop it, Alan.

Everything's going to be okay.

We're going to be together.

We're going to make the movie just like we planned.

You did kill those other men, didn't you?

Just like you killed Freddy.

Well, they tried to leave me.

Put down the phone, Alan.

I don't know if you're insane or just a cold -blooded killer, but I do know

this.

You're not going to get away with it this time.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, what Ms. Sanders here is trying to do is

convince you that my client is guilty of many things.

Guilty of being angry, guilty of greed, guilty of being a weak man.

And you know what?

Miss Sanders is probably right.

He is guilty.

Guilty of wanting things that are so far outside of his grasp.

Guilty of being outraged at a society which rewards only the wealthy and the

manipulative.

Guilty of, yes, turning to a bottle when he felt that mankind rendered him

impotent and powerless.

Except...

What Miss Sanders has failed to do is prove that Bernard Winslow is guilty of

murder.

Failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this man committed such a

monstrous act.

Now, we all know Bernard Winslow.

There's a little bit of Bernard in all of us. I mean, who among us has not

what it feels like to be angry, to be frustrated, to feel powerless?

But murder?

These feelings do not a cold -blooded killer make.

These feelings don't even make us unique.

Now, I would venture to say that District Attorney Sanders is the first

to admit to feelings of envy, futility.

And she is not on trial for murder.

Here it comes.

So I beseech you.

Go into that room.

and come back with the only conceivable verdict.

Not guilty.

Thank you.

Has the jury reached a verdict?

We have, Your Honor.

Will the defendant please rise?

In the case of the people versus Winslow, I'll find you. Your Honor, in

charge of murder in the second degree, we, the jury, find the defendant not

guilty.

Jury is dismissed.

The defendant is free to go. The case, please.

Hooray! To a brilliant victory!

And a brilliant defense.

Well, I couldn't have done it without you.

To many more victories and a long and prosperous partnership. And thank you

all your help.

Well, I hate to break up the party, but since you've been in trial, your

messages have really been stacking up. Your 10 -day continuance on the Brooker

case is up on Monday, and you have a new client coming in at 9 o 'clock

tomorrow. No rest for the wicked.

Okay, you start pulling the Brooker files, and I'll start returning phone

Well, I think we're being asked to leave, partner.

Hey, Lane.

Get this guy home in a reasonable hour. I don't want my partner going down in

flames this early in his career.

I will.

And nice work. Thank you.

How about we celebrate later?

I'll buy you a beer.

I can't. I haven't seen Amy in weeks.

I think I should get home, kiss the wife, and pray she doesn't file for

Another time.

Sure.

Another time.

Congratulations. Thanks for putting up with me.

Well, they're just lucky that they moved up the release date on the new

statement book.

I've been too busy to complain.

Much.

I've been a good girl.

While you and your lovely assistant are fighting for life, liberty, and the

pursuit of happiness, I'm editing endless pages of historical boredom on

Civil War.

Is this new?

It might be.

Pretty racist stuff, Mrs. Mitchell.

I have to do something to get my husband's attention.

Well, maybe we should go upstairs before he comes home.

We probably have all night.

He's a hopeless workaholic.

Who is it?

Hello?

I hate that. That's three people today.

Hopefully,

your nine o 'clock is here. Where's Lane?

She's on her way.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm Simon Mitchell. I'm sorry if I'm late.

I'm compulsively early.

Dr. Claire Archer. Call me Claire.

Thank you.

My wife Amy is an editor at Mattress Publishing.

She works by your book.

Quotes it often.

Well, one of the problems with writing an explicit relationship manual for the

bedroom is you get quoted at the most inopportune moment.

Yes, well, um, what can we do for you, Dr. Archer?

I need counsel.

It seems I've become the prime suspect in the murder of Alan Clay. You know,

TV producer?

I'm sorry I'm late. Traffic was murder.

Uh, Dr. Archer, this is my legal associate, Lane Goodwin.

I prefer if we speak in private.

All right, if you don't mind, I'll fill you in later.

Uh, no problem.

The district attorney seems to think they've uncovered a motive and an

eyewitness that can place me at the scene of Alan's death.

You have that?

No, they're mistaken.

But I need you to represent me.

Well, unfortunately, Dr. Archer, my calendar is full. I can, however, refer

to a very competent... No.

I'm afraid I don't have the time to take on another trial case right now.

Look, I want you.

I've never been through anything like this before.

I'm... I'm frightened and... Well, I can trust you.

Please, Mr. Mitchell, help me.

Dr. Archer.

Claire.

I've just finished a very lengthy trial proceeding.

This is what they're going to do to me.

They're going to crucify me in public, regardless of my innocence.

They're going to destroy my life.

You have a reputation for standards and integrity.

I need that, or I've lost before I've even begun.

Taking on a case like this is a huge commitment.

I'll double your retainer. It's not about the money.

Please, it's my life.

I need your help, Mr. Mitchell, please.

All right, start at the beginning.

Okay.

Thank you, Simon. I feel so much better knowing you'll be with me. I'll call you

with the arrangements.

Great. It's a lovely perfume lane.

Gardenia?

Okay, before you start giving me the silent treatment...

We're going to trial again.

Really?

What have we got?

Dr. Claire Archer, suspect in the killing of that television producer,

Clay. High profile. I like it.

The DA says there's a motive and an eyewitness that can place her at the

What's the motive?

Business deal gone bad, but the witness can be challenged and the motive is

circumstantial at best.

The DA is searching for something here and I want you to find out what it is.

Has she been charged?

Not yet.

I want you to file this firm with the court as her counsel. When they do make

formal charge, we'll arrange for her to turn herself in to the state attorney's

office, and then we'll walk her through the arraignment.

Till then, we've got a trial to prepare for.

Did she do it?

She says she didn't.

And do you believe she's telling the truth?

You never asked me whether I believed Bernard Winslow.

He wasn't wearing a short skirt?

I'm not her judge nor her jury. I'm simply her lawyer.

jurisprudence lane, 14th Amendment.

Wasn't it you who quoted, no poet ever interprets nature as freely as a lawyer

interprets truth?

The truth is that Amy's going to kill me.

I'll make sure she gets a good attorney.

Bail is set at $100 ,000. Dr. Archer will relinquish her passport over to the

bailiff. This case is bound over for trial on the 14th.

Hey, Dr. Watson, can you give us a statement?

Does this have anything to do with your new book? Can you comment for Channel 3,

actually? My client has no comment at this time. I will, however, say that the

district attorney's allegations are nothing short of harassment.

We have every confidence that this matter will be resolved early in the

procedures. No further comments, gentlemen. No.

Excuse me.

You handled that very well.

I was dancing as fast as I could.

Thanks for taking care of it so quickly.

I think that's the most dreadful place I've ever been.

That's what I'm here for.

Can I invite you to dinner or something?

It's the least I could do.

I have some paperwork I have to get to.

I should get home.

I still have some serious apologizing to do to my wife.

It's all right. What's the matter?

What is it?

I'm frightened.

Why? What happened?

Well, I got a call just now.

They said... They said what?

They said if I kept you as my counsel, that there would be trouble.

Are you sure that's what they meant?

Yes, I'm sure it was a warning.

Did you recognize the voice?

No, it was a woman's voice.

Listen to me.

It sounds like someone trying to stir up some media hype.

It happens on high -profile cases like this.

You really think so?

Yeah, it happens. We'll follow a report in the morning. Till then, take the

phone off the hook and try and get some sleep.

All right.

Thank you, Simon.

I'm sorry.

It's all right.

Good night.

Simon. Claire.

Good morning. Morning.

I know I'm early. I didn't sleep very well. Guess I'm not as resilient as I

thought I was.

Would you like to go out for some coffee?

Um... Come on, I bet you never get out of the office.

All right.

Besides, I want to apologize for calling you in the middle of the night like

that. Careful, or I'll worry about...

Hi, Sandra.

Have you heard from him?

I called us out. He left over an hour ago.

I don't like him to be this late.

Now, this could definitely give a whole new meaning to the term hung jury.

Morning, ladies.

Where have you been?

Do I detect a note of indignation in that question?

You were supposed to be here an hour and a half ago to go over the Archer case.

Well, Claire and I met over breakfast, sort of.

Why didn't you tell me?

I wasn't aware I had to clear my schedule with you. Simon, you know what

How am I supposed to stay ahead of this case if I'm excluded from every meeting?

Claire is a bit uncomfortable talking in front of anyone else. Come now.

Claire is about to have the most intimate details of her life spilled to

courtroom full of people.

She's a trained psychologist, Simon. She's manipulating you.

She's not manipulating anyone.

Look, sometimes paranoia is justified.

The woman is being persecuted by the district attorney's office over

that should have been written off the books 20 minutes after it happened.

Don't you think that attitude is just a little naive?

I am part of your defense team. I'm not the enemy.

Then stop acting like it.

Are you attracted to her?

She's a very attractive woman.

Now, do you have the Brooker deposition?

Yes. Sir, I'll get it.

Bear, what's with you tonight, huh?

Hello? Pay attention, Amy.

Things are going to get ugly.

Who is this?

All right, let's go over what you got again.

Okay, let's see.

The eyewitness is a Guatemalan housekeeper. She was working for the

neighbors at the time, filling in for their regular maid.

It seems she didn't come forward because of a problem with the INS, although the

DA has offered her immunity.

She does not speak English very well, and she could not have been closer than

few hundred yards.

Motive?

Alan Clay was making a movie based on Claire Archer's life.

Prosecution has several strong statements from studio employees that

was bitterly opposed to the content of the script and the so -called free

liberties that Alan Clay and Freddie Summers had taken with the facts.

Not enough for a libel suit, not for murder.

Unless somebody dug too deep.

And exhumed something about Dr. Archer she doesn't want anyone to know.

Dee, I've got to have something else up her sleeve.

Well, if we're going to delve any more tonight, how about I go next door and

pick us up some dim sum?

Might as well.

We're going to court with this in two days, and I have yet to prepare an

statement. We'll be right back.

Yes, what's up for the mail slot?

I will be back in a few Be sure and get lots of hot mustard

closed on Monday.

What's on the tape?

Uh, nothing.

Nothing important.

Are you okay?

Yeah, it's just been a long day.

Why don't we pick this up tomorrow?

Uh, sure.

Simon, you're pale. Are you sure you're okay?

Yeah, I just need a good night's sleep.

Okay, you go ahead. I'll refill the stuff.

Good night.

Simon? I thought you might be working late.

You startled me.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to frighten you.

It's all right.

What are you doing here?

Well, I was in the neighborhood. No.

I have to go to the governor's party.

I hate going to the things alone.

I didn't have a date.

I thought maybe I could talk you into the job.

I've got to be at home.

You know, there's a room full of potential clients just waiting for you

you

Hi.

Where have you been?

What's the matter?

Where have you been?

Well, I was at the office working on the archer defense.

What's the matter with you?

I called you.

Twice. Why didn't you answer the phone?

Well, the switchboard's off. I probably didn't see the phone flashing.

I tried to call you, too. Why is the phone off the hook?

Someone called.

I was afraid that they would call back with another threat.

Threat? What kind of a threat?

Something about things turning ugly.

You sure it wasn't the wrong number? They called me by my name.

Was it a man, a woman's voice? It was a whisper. I don't know.

It was a whisper.

Honey. The dog was barking, and then I thought I heard someone.

Why aren't you ever here when I need you?

We'll change the phone number. We'll file a police report. I don't want to

a damn report.

I want my husband home at night.

I want to feel safe in my home.

Instead, you spend all your... alone with her in that office.

She's just very demanding of my time.

Simon, she works for you, not the other way around.

We've got a very heavy caseload right now.

Well, just every once in a while, I would like it if you spent an evening

with me.

God, sometimes I don't even know what goes on in your life anymore.

This jealous wife thing doesn't... Oh, no, you don't.

Every time I want to talk to you about something that you don't want to talk

about, you do that.

Well, eventually things will settle down and we'll be able to spend some more

time together.

You have been promising me a vacation for a year now.

How long do I have to wait before it's my turn?

How long does eventually equal?

Masters has offered me a new book.

A thriller.

Since there doesn't seem to be a vacation in the near future.

I'm going to take it.

Good morning. I know I'm early. I'll just wait if you don't mind. Uh, wait.

Yes,

Mr. Mitchell.

Simon in yet?

No. He called her and he said he was going by the courthouse to drop

off to Judge Hibbert.

But his favorite client is here.

You let her in his office?

Hey, I tried to stop her.

I'll handle this.

Excuse me.

Mail is usually considered a private matter.

Just my nature to be curious.

It's my nature to be suspicious.

You think I killed him, don't you?

Doesn't really matter what I think.

I think you and your high moral horse would sell a client down the river if

thought it was in the name of justice.

The law and justice are not the same thing.

Justice is for God.

Then my guilt, or innocence, shouldn't be of any concern to you.

Someone once said, a jury's made up of 12 people.

brought together to decide who has the best lawyer.

I hired the best.

Simon doesn't really like anyone in his office when he's not here, so perhaps

you could wait in the lobby.

You really take good care of him, don't you?

You know, he's very fortunate to have someone fawning over him the way you do.

I beg your pardon.

I've watched you two together.

It's sort of a maternal...

Love slave disciple thing happening.

Only he doesn't know what men seldom do.

Excuse me.

You have a crush.

How cute.

You know, there's a whole chapter in my book called Apparent Sexual Obsession.

You should read it. You don't know anything about me. Don't I?

All those late nights at Home Alone.

I bet you know what kind of food he likes, his neck size, what kind of

he reads. Stop it.

You've even pictured yourself in bed with him, haven't you?

until he begs for more.

Promising to leave his wife if only you'll go down on him one more time. Go

hell.

It would ruin everything if he knew.

But don't worry.

Your secret's safe with me.

Oh, by the way, you'll never get too gay.

I'll call you back.

Lane?

Please tell Simon that I waited and that he can call me at home.

You should see to your co -worker, too. She just suddenly became just draught

and ran out of the room.

Well, Dr. Archer, I will.

Ms. Sanders, good morning. You're looking lovely as usual.

Save the charm for the jury.

You doubt my sincerity?

Not as much as I doubt your morality.

Morality?

Everyone is entitled to the best defense possible. It's nothing personal.

You bring in Archer with a plea of guilty, and I'll drop the charge from

one to manslaughter two.

If you had anything, you wouldn't be offering.

This isn't a game, Mitchell.

She's a manipulator.

It may be more personal than you think.

My client is innocent.

Then I guess it's just your intelligence that I doubt.

See you in court, Counselor.

You leaving?

Yeah, Claire and I are going to work it up her house today.

Oh, really?

Yes, really.

Have you seen the police file?

Simon, this is ridiculous.

Lane, I go to trial tomorrow. I need you to stay here and prepare the witness

interrogatory. I've done that.

Then do it again. I can't afford any mistake.

Perhaps it's not my mistake you're concerned about.

Lane, what the hell is wrong with you?

For the past two weeks, you've been nothing but adversarial to me.

No, I do not have the time nor the energy to deal with your temper tantrums

your petty jealousies or whatever the hell it is that's bothering you about

case. How dare you talk to me like that?

If you can't deal with the client, then take some time off. Go home. Take your

vacation time.

I'll handle this myself.

You can't just dismiss me like that.

You depend on me for every little thing. You'd be lost without me, and you know

it.

I am perfectly capable of handling my own affairs.

Poor choice of words.

What is that supposed to mean?

Whatever you think it means.

Claire?

You here?

Claire?

Claire?

Claire? The door was open.

I know.

I left it open for you.

Well, we better get to it.

Would you like a drink or something before we start?

No.

Damn. Lane didn't leave me the police file.

I've got a lot of work to do.

I have every confidence in you.

You're the best.

I hope that's enough.

Claire, last night someone dropped off a tape at my office.

It was a video of you and Alan Clay.

Did you watch it?

It was quite explicit.

Do you have any idea who might have dropped off that tape or why?

I did.

Why?

You said you wanted to know everything.

I thought I could help.

Help? If the jury hears that tape, they'll think it's an illicit affair.

cost you points.

If the DA gets a hold of it, it'll be construed as motive.

A love tryst gone awry.

It was more than that.

Alan and I were in love.

The prosecution is trying to establish a third person on the tennis court that

evening. If they can prove that it was you, you become the prime suspect.

Unless we can determine that there's someone else with a motive.

Freddie Summers was using the affair against Alan.

Alan called his bluff.

Do you know someone named Bob Stibley?

Yes.

He was, um, head of the network where Alan worked. Why?

Prosecution's calling him as a witness.

Did he know about you and Alan?

I don't know.

Maybe.

I wish you told me about this sooner.

I just showed you the tape because I thought you should know everything.

Claire, your life is on the line.

I can't afford any surprises for the DA.

You know, I was actually afraid to let you see the tape.

I didn't want you to think of me, you know, with him.

It's not my job as your attorney to judge you.

What about as a man?

Simon? Simon?

That's how they hold my calls. Uh -huh.

Simon? Mm?

Got a minute?

Oh, yeah, I got a minute.

I'm going to trial in the morning, and I'm completely unprepared.

My client is full of surprises, and Lane has picked this particular time to go

insane. Yeah, I got a minute.

Lane came into my office earlier, ranting and raving that you were having

affair. with one of our clients.

Is that true?

No.

Lena's acting like a possessive child. She's had a problem with Dr. Archer ever

since she walked in the door.

Good.

I tell you, you're too smart for that, that you'd never have an affair with a

client.

Good luck in court.

In Atlantic Broadcasting.

Hello, I'd like to speak to Bob Dickman, please.

One moment.

Mayor?

There Hello,

I

warned you Amy now things are gonna get

Who is this?

Who is this?

No, no, I don't think anything's missing. The place is just messed up.

Look, do you know what time Lane left the office?

She left right after you did.

No, she didn't say.

You know, as a matter of fact, she didn't even say that she was leaving.

just ran out in a huff.

Why? What's wrong?

No, it's nothing.

Look, don't say anything about this to anybody else, all right? And I'll be

in the office later.

Bye.

Lane did this, didn't she? Of course not. Well, why not?

You said she was angry with you. You said she was acting crazy. That's not

I meant.

Simon, who else could have done this besides Lane?

I don't know.

Lane has access to the alarm code.

The police said that there was no forced entry. Why didn't you at least say that

it could have been her?

I couldn't.

Lane's been my assistant for three years.

I can't accuse her of something like that. It's unthinkable.

She's jealous, Simon.

Please. She's obsessed with you, she feels rejected, and she's acting

irrationally upset.

It's not so unthinkable.

If you don't see that, then you're totally oblivious.

Which isn't so unthinkable either sometimes.

Maybe you should do your homework.

Read your client's chapter on obsessive and violent behavior.

Oh, Mr. Mitchell, it was so late. I didn't think that you'd be back. Should

stay? No, no, no. Go on home. I'm just picking up some files.

Is everything all right?

Yeah, everything's fine.

Good night.

Good night.

Hello, Simon.

What are you doing here?

You know, you left so quickly this afternoon. I just wanted to make sure

everything was all right.

No, everything's not all right.

I made a mistake, Claire. I've never let things go as far as they have.

This is, at the very least, unethical, and it has to stop.

Now, I love my wife.

Diamond, you just can't switch off something this passionate.

I can, and I will.

Our encounters can't be at a professional level, and I will remove

this case.

No, you're not walking out on me. You're not going to leave me, and you're not

going to leave this trial.

If you try to withdraw from this case, I'll make sure everyone knows you've

bugging me, including the wife you love so much.

You're the best defense attorney money can buy.

And if you jeopardize this trial in any way, if you blow this case, I am taking

you down with me.

And if you don't believe it, there's a little late -night viewing.

You've never been better.

My God.

Do it.

You know you want me, and I want you. You can't resist.

I can't. I can't do this.

You can't not.

You're not as responsive as you were on the tape.

Send me that phone. Put your lights on. Yeah, I was just getting a cup of

coffee. Can I talk to you about that Friedman case? That was seven months

Yeah, I know, but...

Just drop the technical jargon and speak English.

Look, I did what you asked. I enhanced the digital quality of the 911 tape. I

ran it through every equalizer, gain amplifier I've got.

There's definitely a woman's voice on the tape, but she's standing too far

from the receiver, and there's too much distortion to get a positive ID.

I don't believe this.

You promised me that there wasn't going to be a problem.

Now, in one hour, I'm going to walk into that courtroom with one piece of real

evidence that I've got, and now you're telling me that I've got nothing?

Now, unless I come up with something real fast, that judge is going to throw

in this entire case right out the window.

I'm sorry.

I really thought I could get a voice print, but it's a cordless phone.

too much distortion.

Keep trying.

I'm not in the mood for your shit, Freddy.

I want that tape.

Is that what she told you, that I made a videotape? She didn't have to tell me.

She showed it to me. I don't have a video, Alan.

I didn't even know you were screwing her until just now.

I have an audio tape.

And this.

Hey, listen, don't go fucking nuts on me, man, just because you got kicked off

movie. I don't care about the movie.

Claire Archer is a murderer.

She killed my friend. She killed the radio station manager. And she set up

other guy for the cops to kill.

You're sick, man.

You need help.

She kills her lovers, Alan.

The goddamn woman's a serial killer and we've got to take that evidence to the

police.

Call your first witness, Counselor.

Your Honor, the people call Hugh Miner.

Thank you, Reginald.

Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,

help you God? I do.

Mr. Miner, could you please tell the court what you do?

I'm a criminologist and an audio specialist with the Los Angeles Police

Department.

Your Honor, at this time, the people would like to submit into evidence a 911

tape taken from police records containing a call from the claimed

evening of June 11th, the night in question. Your Honor, counsel for the

would like to stipulate that we have no knowledge of any tape, nor have we been

given an opportunity to review this material.

Your Honor, this tape was just made available to us.

So noted.

I don't like surprises, what's on the tape.

I have no idea.

On the night that Alan Clay and Freddie Summers were killed, Alan Clay dialed

911 from a cordless phone on the tennis court.

Your Honor, I would like to play the contents of that tape for the court.

Objection. Motion to suppress.

Your Honor, the tape just simply proves that there was a third party on the

tennis court on the evening of the 11th.

In the essence of time, I'll allow the tape, but if I find it misleading, I'll

strike it from evidence.

Mr. Miner.

Can you identify the male voice on that tape to be that of Alan Clay?

Yes, the voice in the tape is definitely that of Alan Clay's.

And the other voice, the woman's voice, could that be the voice of Claire

Archer? Objection.

It could be anyone's voice.

Thank you, Counselor. Objection sustained.

Ms. Sanders, you'll direct your line of questioning to the facts, not

speculation.

Yes, Your Honor.

Mr. Minor, despite...

The quality of the tape.

You can, however, conclude that there was a woman on the tennis court with

Clay at the time of the call. Can you not? There was definitely a woman in

proximity at the time the call was made, yes.

Thank you.

I have no further questions for this witness at the time. I would, however,

to recall him at a later time.

Does the defense wish to cross -examine?

Yes, Your Honor.

Mr. Minor, am I to understand that you can positively identify Alan Clay's

on the tape, but not that of the third party?

That's correct.

And why is that, sir?

The third party was too far away from the phone receiver to get a clear voice

print. However, we can determine it was definitely a woman.

So, with all the high -tech audio enhancement at your disposal, is there

possible to distinguish the third voice on the tape?

Not at this time. There's too much distortion.

Thank you.

No further questions.

The witness is excused. You may step down.

The people call Bob Sibley to the stand.

If you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,

help you God.

I do.

Mr. Sibley, according to a sworn statement made by you, you explained

Clay and Claire Archer were in a bitter feud over the contents of a TV movie

script on Dr. Archer's life. Is that correct?

Bitter feud? Did I say that?

I must have misunderstood your question.

Alan and Claire had a disagreement over some scripted dialogue. It was more like

an artistic difference between two colleagues.

Hmm.

It's hardly what your statement reflects.

I just told you I might have misunderstood your question.

Do I need to remind you, Mr. Sibley, that you are under oath?

No, Counselor, you don't.

In your statement, you said that Alan Clay and the writer Freddie Summers came

to you with a script based on a private investigator's journal and diary of Dr.

Archer's prior involvement with the two associates who are now dead. Is that

true? Objection.

Your Honor, I'm simply trying to establish that this is material that Dr.

did not want in the public eye.

Overruled. Watch your wording, Ms. Anderson.

Did you tell Freddy Summers to destroy that material?

Well, I never actually read any journals or diaries. The material that I

referred to was the written script.

It just plain stunk.

Did you or did you not say?

that the original summer script contained accounts that would have

ruined Dr. Archer's career.

Well, it had nothing to do with the story.

What it was about was just bad writing. If we had used it, it would have ruined

all of our careers.

Your Honor, I think that this witness has been coerced.

Objection! The D .A. has no foundation for that kind of allegation.

Ms. Sanders, is the witness contradicting his earlier deposition?

More like manipulating it, Your Honor.

Perhaps you should have been more specific in your line of questioning.

Sustained.

Then I have no further questions.

You are dismissed.

The people call the Faye Guitierre to the stand.

Your witness, Counselor.

Miss Gutierrez, a few moments ago you pointed out my client, Dr. Archer,

identifying her as the person you saw on the patio on the evening in question.

Si. Oh, yes.

Dr. Archer is a very pretty woman, don't you think?

Oh, yes, a very pretty woman.

Have you ever met Dr. Archer before, I mean, before that evening?

No. Have you ever met the Clays before?

No, never.

Do you see the woman sitting in the gallery directly behind me, Mrs. Sibley?

ask Fran Sibley to rise.

Objection, Your Honor. These people have nothing to do with the eyewitnesses'

account. Mr. Mitchell, are you coming to a point? Yes, Your Honor. Then get

there. Mrs. Sibley?

Have you ever seen this woman before?

No.

Now, from the upstairs window of the house where you were working to the

is roughly...

200 yards, I say. Do you agree?

I don't know. Maybe so.

Objection! The witness can't be expected to know the distance between houses.

Your Honor, for the sake of the court, the distance is exactly 202 yards.

Noted. Move on.

Ms. Gutierrez, is it safe to say that the distance between where you are

and where I am standing is a fraction of the distance between the two houses?

Not so far, no.

Now, at one point on the evening of the 11th, Fran Sibley and Beth Clay were

both on the tennis court of the Clay residence.

Now, can you tell me from where you're sitting, beyond a shadow of a doubt,

which of these women you saw on the tennis court?

Objection, Your Honor. The witness has already identified the suspect.

Your Honor, if Ms. Gutierrez cannot distinguish between these women at the

of the courtroom, how can she possibly identify my client at three times the

distance in fading light?

Overruled. Ms. Gutierrez, you may answer the question.

Miss Gutierrez, can you positively identify the woman you saw on the tennis

court that evening?

It's all right, Miss Gutierrez.

It would be nearly impossible to do so.

No further questions.

The witness is excused. The court will stand in recess until 10 a .m. tomorrow.

Why did you do that?

What? Do what?

Alter your statement.

Franny, leave it alone, huh?

Don't walk away from me.

You're not telling me something. I want to know what it is.

Why would you risk perjury?

Fran, the DA misconstrued my statement, and that's all.

That is a lie.

You and I are not stupid people.

We both know more than we would ever admit.

I know you have lied to me about a thousand times, but don't lie to me now.

Did you sleep with Claire Archer?

No, I didn't.

You're always so convincing.

Even when deep down inside I know the truth.

Funny, I think I prefer it when you lie to me.

Simon, wait.

You were great in there.

I think you'll have some help.

Claire.

No.

Claire, no.

I'll take no for an answer.

and emergency.

Hello, this is Dr. Claire Archer. I'd like to report a break -in, please.

Simon? Yeah.

Hey, Simon.

Hey. You wiped your feet all over the prosecution's case today. You should be

looking a lot happier.

I made a mistake, Derek.

Everybody makes mistakes.

Nothing's immutable.

This might be.

So then you apologize and you move on.

It's not that simple.

She's guilty, Derek.

Simon, look, you're a criminal defense attorney.

Has it never occurred to you before that any of your clients might be guilty?

Of course it has.

Just not this one.

She maneuvered me like a rat through a maze.

Well, you're not the first one of us to get caught with his pants down around

his knees.

I'll let you in on a little secret.

Most attorneys would give their eye teeth for a smart client.

Don't you ever feel a moral obligation?

No, it's not my job.

And it's not your job either.

I'm going to give you some advice.

If you sense that this woman's guilt in any way can jeopardize this law firm, I

strongly urge that you excuse yourself from this case.

Now, do you understand?

I wish I could.

Amy Mitchell.

Hey, babe. How late you gonna work?

I'm almost out of here.

Your ears must have been burning. I was just talking about you.

Yeah? All good, I hope.

You'll never guess who's sitting across from me right now discussing her new

book. I give up who?

Claire Archer.

Claire... What is she... Can I talk to her?

Well, you talk to her all day, honey. It's my turn.

Baby, just let me speak to her for just one moment.

Okay.

Simon. What the hell do you think you're doing?

You know, your wife is every bit as charming as you said she was.

I'm sure we'll get along just fine.

Claire, for God's sake.

Bye -bye, Simon.

Listen, honey, I've already eaten, so... Pick yourself up something on the way

home, okay?

All right.

Bye.

Bear!

Bear! Hi, honey.

What's that, Daddy?

simon simon doesn't want to talk to you lane go away i'm not letting you in the

house it is a matter of life and death let me in right now enough trouble lane

go away or i'm calling the police i don't know what you're talking about his

life is in danger let me in simon

Bear needs water.

What's the matter?

I smell gas.

Oh, my God.

In here.

I need to talk to you.

Aren't you Simon Mitchell's legal associate?

Yes. I'm sorry. I can't talk to you.

Miss Sanders, I can give you Claire Archer on a platter.

I thought I'd find you here.

You weren't in your office.

You wouldn't be trying to avoid me now, would you?

Can't very well do that. You're my client.

I need to confer with my attorney.

Is there someplace we can go?

I wanted to be with you so bad that last night I couldn't think of anything

else.

You could have killed me and my wife.

I wanted to make sure you didn't have second thoughts about our relationship.

I made that clear.

We shouldn't be in here.

There's not going to be anyone here for at least an hour.

Do I have to remind you how persuasive I can be?

While there, Claire Archer left a path of destruction in her wake.

There are enough dead lovers there from her path to fill a cemetery.

But there's no proof of that.

No, but Freddie Summers' journals and files about her life are more than

motive for murder.

But it's not enough to get a conviction.

There's more.

Taped phone threats.

There are records of her activities two months prior to the death of a

psychologist at UCLA.

There are pictures and phone records and dates.

like a spider she lures into her web and then she devours i

can't take this from you i shouldn't even be talking to you i could be

nobody knows i have this no one will ever have to know where it came from if

don't take this she's gonna walk and you know it

I'll have my associate examine these in camera, but I have to know, why are you

doing this?

Because Helen Clay won't be your last victim.

You have to stop her before she does it again.

I'm taking a huge risk.

I just hope it's worth it.

Court is now in session.

The Honorable Judge James Hakama presiding.

Your Honor, we've had some new and important evidence come to light. We

like to request a recess in order to evaluate the material.

Your Honor, defense requests documentation of any new findings.

Very well. This court will stand in recess until 10 a .m. Monday morning, at

which time the court will consider new evidence.

This court's adjourned.

Do you know what they've done?

I have no idea.

Why don't you ask your little assistant?

Simon? Lane?

Where are you? What have you done?

I did what had to be done.

Lane, you've got to tell me. You don't know what's at stake here.

You've got to lose this one, Simon. Trust me.

Lane, you talked to the prosecution, didn't you?

I consider this an enormous betrayal, Simon.

Claire. Simon?

Simon, is that her? Is she there?

Hang up the phone.

Simon, what's happening?

How could she know?

Christine, no!

Where do you think you're going?

My wife and I are staying with friends until after the trial.

You're running out on me, Simon.

I don't like that.

Then I'm going to the judge and have myself removed from the case.

I don't think so.

There is nothing you can say to threaten me.

I've deceived my wife and betrayed my profession.

Why are you doing this to us?

There is no us, Claire.

There never was.

This is just a bad error in judgment by a very weak man.

You have any idea what you're giving up here?

I've arranged it so we both come out of this virtually unscathed.

You know, I knew you'd let me down.

What do you mean, arranged?

Lame.

Just so gullible.

Set her up?

My God, you set us all up.

You know, I

really thought you could have been the one.

Will counsel approach the bench?

Is there any way to straighten out this mess?

Your Honor, prosecution's evidence is totally inadmissible.

Ms. Sanders, how did you come by this material?

It was supplied by a reliable informant, Your Honor. The material evidence that

was presented to the district attorney's office, Your Honor,

was confiscated through an illegal break -in and burglary at the home of my

client. Now, I have a detailed report here.

Please note that it is dated last Wednesday.

I will ask you again.

How did stolen material come to be in your hands, Counselor?

I am not at liberty to say, Your Honor, but I had no idea it was stolen.

Your Honor...

The material was given to the DA's office by a disgruntled employee of our

firm. Ms. Sanders, does the district attorney's office have any further

against Dr.

Archer other than what we've seen?

No, Your Honor.

Step.

District Attorney Sanders, I should cite you for malfeasance.

In light of the circumstances brought to the attention of this court, the

evidence submitted by the prosecution was obtained by an illegal search and

seizure and an unlawful ex parte communication between the district

office and a member of the defense team.

And it is therefore inadmissible.

Since the prosecution has failed to come up with further evidence against Dr.

Archer,

And in light of the extenuating circumstances, this case is dismissed

with prejudice.

The defendant is free to go.

you