1 00:00:01,120 --> 00:00:02,560 Previously on L .A. Law. 2 00:00:02,860 --> 00:00:07,100 What happened between us was one of those things that occasionally just 3 00:00:07,100 --> 00:00:08,280 between two people. 4 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:10,640 Gee, I was kind of looking forward to it happening again. 5 00:00:10,980 --> 00:00:12,120 I don't think it will. 6 00:00:12,540 --> 00:00:13,560 I've left my husband. 7 00:00:13,780 --> 00:00:18,380 We got into a fight about his drinking, and when I told him that I would leave 8 00:00:18,380 --> 00:00:22,320 him if he didn't stop, he became abusive, and he threatened me. 9 00:00:22,580 --> 00:00:24,620 The thing is, I'm engaged. 10 00:00:24,900 --> 00:00:26,420 I'm getting married in three weeks. 11 00:00:26,720 --> 00:00:28,920 What about these feelings that we have? 12 00:00:29,680 --> 00:00:32,439 It's the nice thing about being a grown -up, Mr. Kuthak. 13 00:00:33,580 --> 00:00:35,840 Having them doesn't mean we have to act on them. 14 00:00:37,720 --> 00:00:42,400 Good morning, Mr. Rackman. Mr. Melman. 15 00:00:48,120 --> 00:00:49,120 Victor! 16 00:00:49,260 --> 00:00:50,260 How goes it? 17 00:00:50,440 --> 00:00:51,520 Good. Good. 18 00:00:51,880 --> 00:00:52,880 Very good. 19 00:00:53,700 --> 00:00:55,400 How long have you been with us now, Victor? 20 00:00:56,060 --> 00:00:57,800 Well, it's closing in on eight or nine days now. 21 00:00:58,060 --> 00:00:59,060 Getting acclimated? 22 00:00:59,520 --> 00:01:00,820 So far, so good. Good. 23 00:01:02,160 --> 00:01:03,160 I was thinking. 24 00:01:04,319 --> 00:01:07,860 It might be nice if we got to know each other outside the office. 25 00:01:08,640 --> 00:01:10,960 Maybe come to the house for dinner sometime. 26 00:01:11,760 --> 00:01:12,760 That'd be nice. 27 00:01:12,880 --> 00:01:13,880 How about tonight? 28 00:01:14,260 --> 00:01:17,140 Tonight? I'd have to check on my calendar. Try. 29 00:01:18,640 --> 00:01:19,640 7 .30. 30 00:01:20,720 --> 00:01:21,720 Come alone. 31 00:01:22,660 --> 00:01:23,680 Be there. 32 00:01:24,120 --> 00:01:25,120 Or be square. 33 00:01:31,370 --> 00:01:32,510 that kid. Hi, Rox. 34 00:01:32,750 --> 00:01:33,750 How we doing? 35 00:01:33,970 --> 00:01:35,150 Oh, I'm surviving. 36 00:01:35,430 --> 00:01:36,570 You hang in there, honey. 37 00:01:36,810 --> 00:01:39,650 You may not realize it yet, but you're better off without him. 38 00:01:39,990 --> 00:01:41,290 Thanks, Roxanne. Really. 39 00:01:44,130 --> 00:01:49,530 Men, take away the sex part and the security part, and they're the total 40 00:01:50,330 --> 00:01:55,750 In consideration of which, we will be substantially reducing our purchases of 41 00:01:55,750 --> 00:01:57,610 Perrier and other soft drinks. 42 00:01:58,190 --> 00:01:59,190 Therefore, 43 00:01:59,580 --> 00:02:04,720 I strongly urge you to limit consumption to one refreshment per client. 44 00:02:05,340 --> 00:02:06,440 God, Douglas. 45 00:02:06,740 --> 00:02:11,180 This firm's monthly beverage bill has leapfrogged into the low four figures. 46 00:02:11,560 --> 00:02:15,240 A dehydrated clientele is an unhappy clientele, Douglas. 47 00:02:15,480 --> 00:02:16,480 Let them drink water. 48 00:02:16,880 --> 00:02:21,180 Now, if you don't mind, status re Lewis tax audit. 49 00:02:21,440 --> 00:02:25,960 He's coming in at 11 .30. I continue to advance the notion of postponement. 50 00:02:26,320 --> 00:02:27,380 Stewart is ready. 51 00:02:27,800 --> 00:02:28,960 Irving is adamant. 52 00:02:29,360 --> 00:02:33,200 No postponement. So be it. What about Rosen versus Rosen? 53 00:02:33,560 --> 00:02:38,840 Settling. Galloway versus Galloway. Substantive issues resolved. They're 54 00:02:38,840 --> 00:02:41,520 beefing over the custody of Squeaker. 55 00:02:41,780 --> 00:02:46,640 Squeaker? They're Yorkie. Mrs. Galloway refers to it as Squeaker of the house. 56 00:02:47,060 --> 00:02:49,460 Snyder versus Snyder. Mr. 57 00:02:49,700 --> 00:02:54,300 Snyder claims that Mrs. Snyder was unfaithful on 14 separate occasions one 58 00:02:54,300 --> 00:02:55,300 weekend in Vegas. 59 00:02:55,720 --> 00:02:59,860 Mrs. Snyder essentially agrees, but alleges it was at the request of Mr. 60 00:02:59,860 --> 00:03:04,200 who desperately needed immediate cash to save his floundering go -go bar in Long 61 00:03:04,200 --> 00:03:07,920 Beach. I know, I shouldn't touch it, but it's a classic in its genre. 62 00:03:08,480 --> 00:03:10,480 Perkins versus Perkins. 63 00:03:12,480 --> 00:03:16,580 Mr. Perkins is under a TRO pending the court's ruling on custody and visitation 64 00:03:16,580 --> 00:03:17,600 of their mother's son, Eric. 65 00:03:18,540 --> 00:03:22,340 We wish you well, Ms. Perkins, during your time of emotional travail. 66 00:03:22,600 --> 00:03:23,600 Thank you. 67 00:03:23,920 --> 00:03:24,920 Moving on. 68 00:03:25,310 --> 00:03:26,189 Lachlan v. 69 00:03:26,190 --> 00:03:27,890 Peer Amusement Park, Inc. 70 00:03:28,670 --> 00:03:30,150 Proceeding to trial when? 71 00:03:30,490 --> 00:03:31,490 This afternoon. 72 00:03:32,150 --> 00:03:34,630 That's pretty short notice. Are you fully prepared? 73 00:03:34,870 --> 00:03:36,070 Does a chicken have lips? 74 00:03:36,810 --> 00:03:40,410 Stepping in for a deceased attorney, you're certainly entitled to a 75 00:03:40,630 --> 00:03:43,250 This case has been dragging on for four years. 76 00:03:43,470 --> 00:03:44,990 We wait for a new court date. 77 00:03:45,410 --> 00:03:46,450 That's another year. 78 00:03:46,950 --> 00:03:49,290 Aren't the issues rather clear -cut anyway? 79 00:03:50,080 --> 00:03:55,880 Young boy suffers devastating neurological damage due to negligent 80 00:03:55,880 --> 00:04:01,920 amusement park ride. Jury empathizes copiously. Comes back with large award. 81 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:06,360 I know the lawyer was a friend of yours, Leland, but his pre -trial preparation 82 00:04:06,360 --> 00:04:07,680 is inexcusably sloppy. 83 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:12,640 Minimal discovery and a low -rent Dr. Feelgood is his expert witness. 84 00:04:13,520 --> 00:04:15,540 Frankly, I find that surprising. 85 00:04:15,900 --> 00:04:18,800 In his day, Donald Erlinger was... 86 00:04:19,200 --> 00:04:20,200 I'm the best of words. 87 00:04:20,500 --> 00:04:21,860 May I ask a question? 88 00:04:22,220 --> 00:04:24,840 Eh? Does a chicken have lips? 89 00:06:12,910 --> 00:06:19,870 No, no, no. The point is, when a client is present at an IRS appeal, it's 90 00:06:19,870 --> 00:06:23,710 another wild card. Yeah, I agree with Leland. We give up a lot in the way of 91 00:06:23,710 --> 00:06:28,530 leverage. Irving, if Leland or I were to accompany Stewart down there, would 92 00:06:28,530 --> 00:06:29,570 that make you more confident? 93 00:06:29,810 --> 00:06:31,370 What's the big premise here, anyway? 94 00:06:31,610 --> 00:06:32,930 Three million dollars, Mr. Lewis. 95 00:06:33,170 --> 00:06:36,970 If the IRS determines that Mrs. Lewis' show business career constituted a hobby 96 00:06:36,970 --> 00:06:40,030 rather than a legitimate business, that's two million eight plus penalties. 97 00:06:40,170 --> 00:06:41,230 Hobby my tuchus! 98 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:44,160 When they see her new video, they're going to wind up owing us money. 99 00:06:44,500 --> 00:06:46,540 This woman is a white Whitney Houston. 100 00:06:47,640 --> 00:06:49,280 I'll go to the Supreme Court if I have to. 101 00:06:49,520 --> 00:06:50,520 Hopefully, 102 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:51,720 that won't be necessary. 103 00:06:52,200 --> 00:06:55,660 You see, the appeal officer in this case is a gentleman named Marv Fletcher, and 104 00:06:55,660 --> 00:06:57,260 Marv's got a drinking problem. 105 00:06:57,960 --> 00:07:01,320 Well, we'll bury him in paper, then around 4, 4 .30, when his mouth starts 106 00:07:01,320 --> 00:07:03,780 feeling dry, we'll come in with a lowball offer. 107 00:07:04,320 --> 00:07:08,240 I postponed four times till we got him. Good. I like that kind of thinking, but 108 00:07:08,240 --> 00:07:09,240 trust me. 109 00:07:09,440 --> 00:07:13,200 This baby is the clincher. You fellas got a VCR machine here anywhere? 110 00:07:13,960 --> 00:07:15,500 You're in for a treat. 111 00:07:55,760 --> 00:07:57,800 with the Negro rubbed up against the guy. 112 00:08:00,180 --> 00:08:02,880 Is that sex appeal or what? 113 00:08:37,349 --> 00:08:39,890 Good afternoon, ladies, gentlemen. 114 00:08:41,830 --> 00:08:44,930 With your indulgence, I'd like to tell you a once -upon -a -time story. 115 00:08:46,610 --> 00:08:49,250 Once upon a time, there was a little boy named Jamie Laughlin. 116 00:08:49,950 --> 00:08:51,250 He was seven years old. 117 00:08:51,750 --> 00:08:54,350 He was happy and healthy and normal in every way. 118 00:08:55,270 --> 00:08:58,250 His favorite things were Rocky Road ice cream... 119 00:08:58,620 --> 00:09:04,140 his little dog Misty, the Dodgers baseball team, and the amusement park 120 00:09:04,140 --> 00:09:05,380 less than a mile from his house. 121 00:09:06,400 --> 00:09:11,880 One day, as a reward for sweeping up all the leaves in the backyard, Jamie's 122 00:09:11,880 --> 00:09:12,940 mother gave him $5. 123 00:09:13,260 --> 00:09:18,040 He took the money, ran to the amusement park, rode the merry -go -round twice, 124 00:09:18,300 --> 00:09:20,500 played skee -ball in the Penny Arcade. 125 00:09:21,200 --> 00:09:25,540 But what Jamie really wanted to do was ride the bumper cars. 126 00:09:26,830 --> 00:09:30,670 only as long as he could remember, he'd been turned away from the bumper car 127 00:09:30,670 --> 00:09:33,870 ride because there was a sign outside that said how tall you had to be. 128 00:09:35,230 --> 00:09:38,570 And little Jamie's head never reached anywhere near the top of the sign. 129 00:09:39,770 --> 00:09:41,730 Only on this day, there was a new guy working there. 130 00:09:42,210 --> 00:09:46,430 A teenager, actually, who was too busy trying to make a date with a pretty 131 00:09:46,430 --> 00:09:48,890 blonde girl in shorts to pay much attention to Jamie. 132 00:09:50,050 --> 00:09:54,830 So, Jamie paid his 50 cents, and happy as could be, he climbed into a bumper 133 00:09:54,830 --> 00:09:55,830 car. 134 00:09:56,750 --> 00:10:01,770 Now, I know that in a good once -upon -a -time story, this would be the happy 135 00:10:01,770 --> 00:10:02,770 ending. 136 00:10:03,170 --> 00:10:09,370 But, unfortunately, in our story, this is where it gets dark and ugly, 137 00:10:09,450 --> 00:10:11,630 the way real life sometimes does. 138 00:10:12,630 --> 00:10:17,210 You see, on this particular day, there was a gang of high school boys at the 139 00:10:17,210 --> 00:10:22,210 park. When they saw little Jamie in the bumper car, they decided, the way 140 00:10:22,210 --> 00:10:26,890 bullies often do... that it would be fun to gang up on someone who couldn't 141 00:10:26,890 --> 00:10:27,890 fight back. 142 00:10:28,150 --> 00:10:34,650 The sport was to get Jamie, to hit him and then hit him again, smashing into 143 00:10:34,650 --> 00:10:40,670 this undersized boy in this inadequately cushioned bumper car over and over 144 00:10:40,670 --> 00:10:47,550 again, head on, blindside from the rear, making him shriek and cry and beg 145 00:10:47,550 --> 00:10:48,550 for them to stop. 146 00:10:48,930 --> 00:10:50,110 Only they didn't stop. 147 00:10:50,610 --> 00:10:52,750 So they just kept hitting Jamie. 148 00:10:54,120 --> 00:11:00,500 He remembers 20, 25 times his little body and neck 149 00:11:00,500 --> 00:11:06,160 whipping back and forth until finally he doesn't remember anything at all. 150 00:11:07,460 --> 00:11:10,120 Until the next day when he woke up in a hospital room. 151 00:11:11,980 --> 00:11:17,140 Now, I know that we are asking for a lot of money today to compensate Jamie for 152 00:11:17,140 --> 00:11:18,660 the injuries he suffered in the bumper car. 153 00:11:19,880 --> 00:11:21,040 A million dollars. 154 00:11:21,600 --> 00:11:22,940 A fortune, you might say. 155 00:11:24,240 --> 00:11:25,240 But is it? 156 00:11:26,100 --> 00:11:30,960 How do you measure compensation for the kind of searing, bone -gnashing, 157 00:11:31,160 --> 00:11:35,440 blinding pain that this little boy suffers every day of his life since the 158 00:11:35,440 --> 00:11:36,440 bumper car assault? 159 00:11:37,480 --> 00:11:42,620 The truth is, there isn't any amount of money adequate enough to compensate for 160 00:11:42,620 --> 00:11:43,620 so much pain. 161 00:11:44,760 --> 00:11:49,380 But unfortunately, money is the best we can do toward addressing Jamie's 162 00:11:49,380 --> 00:11:50,940 grievous injuries and... 163 00:11:51,490 --> 00:11:55,090 Toward punishing the amusement park so that this sort of thing never happens 164 00:11:55,090 --> 00:12:01,410 again Unfortunately not exactly a fairy tale ending but 165 00:12:01,410 --> 00:12:05,290 in real life the best we can do 166 00:12:05,290 --> 00:12:11,950 Thank you It is 167 00:12:11,950 --> 00:12:16,930 nearing 4 p .m. We will recess for the day and we shall reconvene at 9 a .m 168 00:12:29,360 --> 00:12:31,480 Oh, it's just the Fuente back with him. 169 00:12:31,700 --> 00:12:32,399 Yes, Brecken. 170 00:12:32,400 --> 00:12:34,140 Sheila, come in, come in. 171 00:12:36,360 --> 00:12:37,520 Uh, is this for you? 172 00:12:38,080 --> 00:12:39,080 Mmm. 173 00:12:39,600 --> 00:12:44,200 They're lovely. It's such a pleasure to meet you. Douglas has spoken so highly 174 00:12:44,200 --> 00:12:46,640 of you. Oh, thank you. And you're so tall. 175 00:12:47,260 --> 00:12:48,260 Amigo! 176 00:12:49,020 --> 00:12:50,260 Welcome, Brecken. 177 00:12:50,480 --> 00:12:51,480 Come. 178 00:12:51,880 --> 00:12:52,880 Estella? 179 00:12:56,740 --> 00:12:58,000 Estella Escobar. 180 00:12:58,490 --> 00:13:00,730 Meet Victor Cifuentes. 181 00:13:02,910 --> 00:13:07,150 We're not just talking your average housekeeper. I mean, Maria is an 182 00:13:07,150 --> 00:13:11,310 gem. A valued member of their family, almost. 183 00:13:11,730 --> 00:13:14,310 Trish will have to drive the Mercedes wagon, for God's sake. 184 00:13:14,650 --> 00:13:19,790 So, here they are, schlepping out of Gelson's with $200 worth of groceries. 185 00:13:19,870 --> 00:13:22,110 Maria and both Gottman children. 186 00:13:22,370 --> 00:13:24,450 When these INS goons... 187 00:13:24,830 --> 00:13:29,490 So weep down on them from literally nowhere and kidnap this poor woman out 188 00:13:29,490 --> 00:13:30,490 the parking lot. 189 00:13:30,910 --> 00:13:35,370 Thank God Tricia was home taking a tennis lesson. She rushed out and picked 190 00:13:35,370 --> 00:13:36,690 the children, but can you imagine? 191 00:13:37,390 --> 00:13:38,850 It was devastating. 192 00:13:39,190 --> 00:13:44,950 Her little ones are still traumatized. Every time, Tricia just drives past 193 00:13:44,950 --> 00:13:46,670 Gelson. The children start to shriek. 194 00:13:47,430 --> 00:13:49,930 Speaking of which, Estella, darling. 195 00:13:51,530 --> 00:13:53,870 Esta... Possible. 196 00:14:19,790 --> 00:14:21,930 So, what do you think? 197 00:14:22,810 --> 00:14:24,010 Oh, she's very nice. 198 00:14:24,320 --> 00:14:26,200 You can see why we're so anxious to keep her. 199 00:14:26,540 --> 00:14:27,419 Keep her? 200 00:14:27,420 --> 00:14:28,680 A seller, of course. 201 00:14:29,040 --> 00:14:30,040 A housekeeper. 202 00:14:30,920 --> 00:14:35,000 She's your housekeeper? From El Salvador. And frankly, Victor, we're 203 00:14:35,000 --> 00:14:36,020 sick about losing her. 204 00:14:36,460 --> 00:14:39,080 Particularly after that nightmare the Gutmans have gone through. 205 00:14:39,620 --> 00:14:44,220 That's why we were hoping, after you met her, of course, that you'd want to help 206 00:14:44,220 --> 00:14:45,159 her out. 207 00:14:45,160 --> 00:14:49,060 Well, I'm no expert on immigration law, but I'd certainly be willing to initiate 208 00:14:49,060 --> 00:14:50,060 the paperwork. 209 00:14:50,330 --> 00:14:51,670 I could do that myself, amigo. 210 00:14:52,010 --> 00:14:56,250 But with the INS cracking down harder every day, and it takes years to get 211 00:14:56,250 --> 00:15:00,830 their green cards, actually, I was wondering if you'd be amenable to 212 00:15:01,830 --> 00:15:03,670 Strictly for convenience sake, of course. 213 00:15:04,050 --> 00:15:07,910 And I can assure you it wouldn't hurt you career -wise. And after a year or 214 00:15:08,070 --> 00:15:09,270 she files for divorce. 215 00:15:09,650 --> 00:15:12,650 You've got a hell of a nerve setting me up like this. 216 00:15:13,050 --> 00:15:16,250 Pimping for your housekeeper, humiliating her. No wonder she couldn't 217 00:15:16,250 --> 00:15:17,870 the eye. Calm down. 218 00:15:18,070 --> 00:15:19,070 Calm down? 219 00:15:19,500 --> 00:15:21,880 What have you got in between your ears anyway? It can't be brains. You're 220 00:15:21,880 --> 00:15:24,120 sitting on them. No, forget about it. No big deal. 221 00:15:25,100 --> 00:15:26,100 Ta -da! 222 00:15:26,700 --> 00:15:30,920 Victor, wait until you taste this woman's salon. 223 00:15:40,880 --> 00:15:42,360 I suppose I owe you an apology. 224 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:46,820 You got that right. On review, it was insensitive of me not to tell you my 225 00:15:46,820 --> 00:15:47,980 before springing it like that. 226 00:15:48,300 --> 00:15:50,360 Insensitivity aside, what you were trying to do is illegal. 227 00:15:50,620 --> 00:15:54,800 Shh. I regard it as a great favor, Victor. A great favor. 228 00:15:55,100 --> 00:15:59,880 If you would take on her case, by the numbers, no hanky -panky. 229 00:16:00,870 --> 00:16:02,950 Please, Victor. I'm a desperate man. 230 00:16:03,290 --> 00:16:07,390 Sheila is virtually paralyzed with fear that Estella is going to be picked up in 231 00:16:07,390 --> 00:16:08,389 one of those sweeps. 232 00:16:08,390 --> 00:16:10,530 It's all I hear about night and day. 233 00:16:13,070 --> 00:16:17,110 If not for me, then for Estella. 234 00:16:19,790 --> 00:16:21,150 I've already started the paperwork. 235 00:16:21,610 --> 00:16:23,250 It's not her fault you're such a jerk. 236 00:16:23,970 --> 00:16:28,990 Mr. Laughlin, finally would you describe, not as an expert, but just as 237 00:16:28,990 --> 00:16:31,890 father? The changes in Jamie since the accident. 238 00:16:33,710 --> 00:16:38,270 He was always, uh... You know, the happiest kind of kid. 239 00:16:40,290 --> 00:16:41,850 Big smile on his face. 240 00:16:42,530 --> 00:16:43,530 Sunshine. 241 00:16:44,490 --> 00:16:46,270 His mother used to call him that before. 242 00:16:48,670 --> 00:16:52,270 And now he's... He's... 243 00:16:52,270 --> 00:16:58,330 See, the doctors say that there's nothing they can do, but... 244 00:16:58,560 --> 00:16:59,720 I know that that's not true. 245 00:17:00,500 --> 00:17:04,500 I read about this clinic in Switzerland, and if we had the money, I... 246 00:17:04,500 --> 00:17:07,380 Objection! Irrelevant! Maybe we could do something for Jamie. Objection 247 00:17:07,380 --> 00:17:08,380 sustained. 248 00:17:09,880 --> 00:17:14,200 Mr. Laughlin, you will please confine yourself to answering the question as 249 00:17:14,200 --> 00:17:15,200 posed. 250 00:17:15,660 --> 00:17:16,660 I'm sorry, Your Honor. 251 00:17:17,119 --> 00:17:20,680 It's just that... It's just that he's my boy. 252 00:17:28,079 --> 00:17:32,460 The hour is approaching noon. We will recess until 1 p .m. At that time, we 253 00:17:32,460 --> 00:17:33,980 resume Mr. Laughlin's testimony. 254 00:17:34,460 --> 00:17:37,200 We'll be going over some of the possible questions. Cusack! 255 00:17:38,480 --> 00:17:40,480 You could spare a moment of your time. 256 00:17:41,080 --> 00:17:42,080 Excuse me. 257 00:17:43,820 --> 00:17:48,080 You're really very skillful, Mr. Cusack. If I was on that jury, you'd have me in 258 00:17:48,080 --> 00:17:49,080 your pocket. 259 00:17:50,000 --> 00:17:54,900 Do I take this to be your opening move in the settlement tangle, Mr. Messler? 260 00:17:55,180 --> 00:17:56,180 Not exactly. 261 00:17:56,560 --> 00:17:58,900 I believe you to be an ethical man, Mr. Cusack. 262 00:17:59,440 --> 00:18:02,660 Accordingly, I'm going to assume you knew nothing about this. I didn't until 263 00:18:02,660 --> 00:18:06,440 yesterday. A revised list of the witnesses I intend to call. 264 00:18:06,980 --> 00:18:10,580 Under the circumstances, I wouldn't object if you asked for a contiguous. 265 00:18:11,300 --> 00:18:13,140 Who's Dr. Maxwell Rosen? 266 00:18:13,460 --> 00:18:14,520 Ask your clients. 267 00:18:15,140 --> 00:18:18,100 Somehow, during discovery, they managed to forget all about it. 268 00:18:18,320 --> 00:18:22,320 You might also want to ask about Arnold Wexler, attorney. 269 00:18:23,440 --> 00:18:27,060 Lachlan legally adopted the boy shortly after the bumper car incident. 270 00:18:27,640 --> 00:18:30,440 Are there any other witnesses I should ask my client about? 271 00:18:30,780 --> 00:18:34,260 Several. Though I'm not certain how Judge Nisaki would feel about their 272 00:18:34,260 --> 00:18:35,260 in his courtroom. 273 00:18:35,760 --> 00:18:39,380 Foxy Lady, Rupert's Pride, Dilly Dally. 274 00:18:39,900 --> 00:18:43,320 Just a few of Mr. Lachlan's losers this weekend at Hollywood Park. 275 00:18:43,540 --> 00:18:46,600 It is not a crime to play the ponies, Mr. Reznor. True. 276 00:18:47,470 --> 00:18:51,330 And if Jamie's case doesn't pan out, he'll even have his own personal injury 277 00:18:51,330 --> 00:18:53,410 suit when both his legs get broken. 278 00:18:53,890 --> 00:18:59,530 Your loving, devoted, selfless daddy, Mr. Cusack, is in deep with the books. 279 00:18:59,930 --> 00:19:03,790 It's a big deal. Rosen testifies for them. We got Dr. Phillips on our team. 280 00:19:05,230 --> 00:19:09,650 According to Dr. Rosen's sworn statement, he treated Jamie after the 281 00:19:09,650 --> 00:19:14,450 accident. Diagnosis, superficial abrasions and cervical strain. 282 00:19:15,020 --> 00:19:17,820 In other words, scratches and a mild whiplash. 283 00:19:18,080 --> 00:19:21,660 You're a smart lawyer, Mr. Cusack. You can trick him up on the stand, make him 284 00:19:21,660 --> 00:19:22,780 look like an incompetent. 285 00:19:23,080 --> 00:19:27,740 Dr. Rosen also treated Jamie two years prior to the bumper car incident when he 286 00:19:27,740 --> 00:19:29,720 fell out of a swing set in your backyard. 287 00:19:30,160 --> 00:19:35,840 It says here Jamie was in a coma for seven days, hospitalized for a total of 288 00:19:35,840 --> 00:19:41,260 three weeks. He needed an orthopedic brace and physical therapy for 11 289 00:19:41,500 --> 00:19:44,000 You have any idea how much something like that costs? Huh? 290 00:19:44,620 --> 00:19:45,820 Damn near broke my back. 291 00:19:46,360 --> 00:19:51,980 So, when this other thing happened, you figured you could get even. 292 00:19:52,820 --> 00:19:57,560 You adopted Jamie, legally changed his name so that the medical record on this 293 00:19:57,560 --> 00:19:59,240 earlier accident couldn't be traced. 294 00:19:59,440 --> 00:20:00,440 Look at him. 295 00:20:01,460 --> 00:20:05,200 He is never going to be completely normal. You don't think he deserves some 296 00:20:05,200 --> 00:20:06,200 of help? 297 00:20:07,020 --> 00:20:11,360 What? You want my heart to bleed for the insurance company? They got more money 298 00:20:11,360 --> 00:20:12,360 than God. 299 00:20:14,030 --> 00:20:15,030 Who is it going to hurt, huh? 300 00:20:15,350 --> 00:20:16,350 Just tell me that. 301 00:20:16,770 --> 00:20:18,450 Who the hell is it going to hurt? 302 00:20:25,070 --> 00:20:31,510 As we assess it, the taxpayer has deprived the government of $2 ,823 ,418 303 00:20:31,510 --> 00:20:32,510 uncollected revenues. 304 00:20:32,650 --> 00:20:34,270 Over my dead body. 305 00:20:34,490 --> 00:20:35,490 Irving, please. 306 00:20:36,090 --> 00:20:40,170 Mr. Fletcher, I can certainly see how at first blush you might assess things 307 00:20:40,170 --> 00:20:41,170 that way. 308 00:20:41,260 --> 00:20:44,040 which is why I've prepared a few additional tables, schedules, and 309 00:20:44,040 --> 00:20:44,839 you to peruse. 310 00:20:44,840 --> 00:20:45,840 Excuse me. 311 00:20:46,300 --> 00:20:47,300 Rick? 312 00:20:47,640 --> 00:20:48,640 Want to bring him in there? 313 00:20:51,520 --> 00:20:52,520 Great. 314 00:20:56,460 --> 00:20:58,540 Thanks. Good Lord. 315 00:20:59,060 --> 00:21:02,460 A journey of a thousand miles must begin with the first step, Mr. Fletcher. 316 00:21:02,940 --> 00:21:04,460 So, uh... Excuse me? 317 00:21:05,440 --> 00:21:06,440 Yeah? 318 00:21:08,240 --> 00:21:09,240 Pardon me? 319 00:21:10,190 --> 00:21:12,670 So, uh, in no particular order? 320 00:21:14,650 --> 00:21:18,050 Yeah, here's a schedule of deductions arising from Mrs. Lewis's recent video 321 00:21:18,050 --> 00:21:21,670 set, appended to which is a discussion of the implications of the proposed tax 322 00:21:21,670 --> 00:21:24,910 revision on the investment tax credit of SANE. But before we need even consider 323 00:21:24,910 --> 00:21:30,090 the specific deductions, I must first be persuaded that Mrs. Lewis had a bona 324 00:21:30,090 --> 00:21:31,430 fide intent to make a profit. 325 00:21:31,810 --> 00:21:36,150 Quite frankly, in the absence of income -generated activity... In Vegas, they 326 00:21:36,150 --> 00:21:37,510 paid her $100 ,000. 327 00:21:38,330 --> 00:21:41,870 Yeah, she sang two numbers in the 1984 telethon. I'd be willing to bet the $100 328 00:21:41,870 --> 00:21:46,430 ,000 was paid pursuant to her agreement that she donated back to the charity. 329 00:21:46,730 --> 00:21:49,050 By me, she makes Streisand look like amateur night. 330 00:21:50,290 --> 00:21:54,070 Frankly, Mr. Fletcher, I anticipated you having some problems in this area, and 331 00:21:54,070 --> 00:21:55,850 that's why I prepared this schedule for your convenience. 332 00:21:57,390 --> 00:22:01,370 1 -18 -83, good morning, Omaha. She earned $137 .50. 333 00:22:01,810 --> 00:22:07,190 3 -25, Regis Philbin show, $137 .50. 4 -30, in the kitchen with Dinah. I'm 334 00:22:07,190 --> 00:22:08,190 afraid not. 335 00:22:08,320 --> 00:22:14,360 Gentlemen, even if, arguendo, I am convinced there is a bona fide intent, 336 00:22:14,360 --> 00:22:18,260 so -called business expenses are completely out of line and grossly 337 00:22:18,260 --> 00:22:19,720 income. Which ones exactly? 338 00:22:21,220 --> 00:22:25,280 $127 ,000 for hairstyling. Well, I should point out, Mr. Fletcher, that's 339 00:22:25,280 --> 00:22:26,580 hairstyling and nail maintenance. 340 00:22:26,860 --> 00:22:27,880 But here it is right here. 341 00:22:28,940 --> 00:22:30,740 Hairstyling. Here we go. 342 00:22:31,540 --> 00:22:33,100 We'll start in 1983. 343 00:22:36,900 --> 00:22:38,820 1 -1, shampoo cut and blow dry, you with me? 344 00:22:39,060 --> 00:22:42,860 Right. $250, and there's a $50 gratuity as well. 345 00:22:43,280 --> 00:22:45,880 1 -2, full set of porcelain nail, $75. 346 00:22:46,580 --> 00:22:50,120 By the way, my car's in the lot. It'll be okay there after dark, won't it? Now 347 00:22:50,120 --> 00:22:51,120 look at this. 348 00:22:52,160 --> 00:22:53,760 $863 ,000 for a wardrobe. 349 00:22:54,200 --> 00:22:55,580 It's over a three -year period. 350 00:22:56,120 --> 00:23:00,060 And I'm sure if you'll just be a little patient, you'll see that every dollar is 351 00:23:00,060 --> 00:23:01,060 accounted for. 352 00:23:01,140 --> 00:23:02,140 Here we go. 353 00:23:04,500 --> 00:23:05,500 Here's for you. 354 00:23:08,970 --> 00:23:10,850 Right, 1 ,383, Bugle Beach, you with me? 355 00:23:11,270 --> 00:23:15,870 So that's red, $312, blue, $289, gold, $371. 356 00:23:16,410 --> 00:23:17,410 No. 357 00:23:17,710 --> 00:23:20,530 U .S. versus Van Allen, U .S. versus Jameson. 358 00:23:21,010 --> 00:23:22,830 This is not a business. 359 00:23:23,630 --> 00:23:25,450 And that's it. 360 00:23:27,610 --> 00:23:32,010 Well, with all due respect, Mr. Fletcher, I truthfully don't think 361 00:23:32,010 --> 00:23:35,210 into consideration the full implications of the recent case U .S. versus Miller, 362 00:23:35,330 --> 00:23:36,750 which is directly on point. 363 00:23:37,150 --> 00:23:38,370 Miller? Miller. 364 00:23:39,120 --> 00:23:42,420 In an appeal from a judgment from the United States District Court from the 365 00:23:42,420 --> 00:23:45,080 Central District of California, reviewing the district court's ruling 366 00:23:45,080 --> 00:23:46,160 finding of summary judgment, Miller? 367 00:23:46,840 --> 00:23:50,460 Mr. Markowitz, it's so late. 368 00:23:50,800 --> 00:23:55,860 The IRS originally disallowed deductions arising from the taxpayers' activities 369 00:23:55,860 --> 00:23:58,980 as an organizer and baritone of a barbershop group quartet. 370 00:23:59,400 --> 00:24:04,640 Citing his expenditures for wardrobe, including dry cleaning of the striped 371 00:24:04,640 --> 00:24:08,200 shirts, hair tonic, as well as singing lessons, washboard and fiddle drum 372 00:24:08,200 --> 00:24:11,200 accompaniment, and transportation to and from his friend's apartment, where the 373 00:24:11,200 --> 00:24:14,860 group rehearsed two times weekly, as grossly exceeding any income generated 374 00:24:14,860 --> 00:24:18,700 the quartet, the IRS disallowed the taxpayer's assertion of bona fide 375 00:24:18,700 --> 00:24:21,660 to earn a profit. Is there much more? 376 00:24:22,900 --> 00:24:26,480 Well, in summary, the Court of Appeals found in favor of defendant Miller. 377 00:24:27,240 --> 00:24:31,200 stating the IRS had no business in judging professional or amateur status 378 00:24:31,200 --> 00:24:35,620 professions of individuals if they earned any income whatsoever, no matter 379 00:24:35,620 --> 00:24:37,580 much their expenses exceeded such income. 380 00:24:37,820 --> 00:24:38,739 Can I have a table? 381 00:24:38,740 --> 00:24:40,360 No, please. 382 00:24:41,880 --> 00:24:42,880 I'll tell you what. 383 00:24:43,260 --> 00:24:49,120 Give me the evening to refresh my memory about the precedents that you've 384 00:24:49,120 --> 00:24:54,360 already cited, and we'll meet again tomorrow at 9 a .m., at which time I'll 385 00:24:54,360 --> 00:24:55,360 you my ruling. 386 00:24:56,660 --> 00:24:58,360 You killer, you son of a gun. 387 00:24:59,720 --> 00:25:01,280 I made it up. You made up what? 388 00:25:01,540 --> 00:25:04,440 U .S. versus Miller. I made up every word of it. Somebody bought it, didn't 389 00:25:04,440 --> 00:25:07,520 they? It's bought, for God's sakes. I could go to jail. Maybe, Jack. 390 00:25:08,440 --> 00:25:14,000 Irving, I'm sorry, but I... I gotta go back in there. Hey, listen to me, kid. 5 391 00:25:14,000 --> 00:25:14,999 .15, right? 392 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:16,820 Send the one who's in the bathroom right now having a swig. 393 00:25:17,480 --> 00:25:21,160 By 7 o 'clock, he's blotto. He drifts home by 11 o 'clock. He passes out on 394 00:25:21,160 --> 00:25:24,520 sofa. He oversleeps. He jerks a couple of beers for breakfast just to get even. 395 00:25:24,640 --> 00:25:27,480 And then he shows up at tomorrow's meeting pretending that he knew what you 396 00:25:27,480 --> 00:25:30,300 talking about because he's embarrassed to admit that he was too bummed to look 397 00:25:30,300 --> 00:25:33,560 it up. If I don't go back in there right now, I may as well bend over and kiss 398 00:25:33,560 --> 00:25:34,560 my career goodbye. 399 00:25:34,860 --> 00:25:38,100 If you do that, kid, you may as well bend over and kiss my business goodbye. 400 00:25:48,080 --> 00:25:49,780 I've never done anything like that before in my life. 401 00:25:51,060 --> 00:25:52,060 What are you going to do? 402 00:25:52,640 --> 00:25:56,120 Well, I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. If Fletcher researches it, 403 00:25:56,180 --> 00:25:57,800 discovers the lie, he nails me for fraud. 404 00:25:58,020 --> 00:26:01,580 But if I go in there and tell him I was just kidding, he nails Irving Lewis and 405 00:26:01,580 --> 00:26:04,500 Lewis pulls his business from the fur. And either way, if the ethics committee 406 00:26:04,500 --> 00:26:05,540 finds out, I'll be disbarred. 407 00:26:06,080 --> 00:26:07,640 I don't think they'd really disbar you. 408 00:26:07,880 --> 00:26:08,880 They wouldn't? 409 00:26:09,180 --> 00:26:11,300 Probably just an interim suspension, probation. 410 00:26:12,080 --> 00:26:13,080 Great. 411 00:26:13,600 --> 00:26:14,640 There's a third alternative. 412 00:26:14,960 --> 00:26:15,960 What? Tell me. 413 00:26:18,620 --> 00:26:19,620 Do nothing. 414 00:26:19,980 --> 00:26:22,700 Chances are you were so convincing, he'll sit down and negotiate a favorable 415 00:26:22,700 --> 00:26:23,700 settlement. 416 00:26:24,960 --> 00:26:28,080 That's dishonest. I can never live with myself. 417 00:26:30,040 --> 00:26:31,080 Diogenes would love you. 418 00:26:31,660 --> 00:26:34,560 I'd probably want to deduct the cost of the lantern as a business expense. 419 00:26:36,420 --> 00:26:38,960 Anyway, look, I made my bed. I'll sleep in it. 420 00:26:42,220 --> 00:26:43,260 Speaking of which... 421 00:26:46,220 --> 00:26:48,540 How would you like to grant the condemned man his last wish? 422 00:26:50,540 --> 00:26:51,540 If I can. 423 00:26:52,840 --> 00:26:53,840 Spend the night with me? 424 00:26:59,340 --> 00:27:00,540 I like you, Jordan. 425 00:27:01,220 --> 00:27:02,220 A lot. 426 00:27:03,240 --> 00:27:04,560 I just don't want to rush it. 427 00:27:07,460 --> 00:27:08,460 What? 428 00:27:10,980 --> 00:27:12,360 Was I that bad the first time? 429 00:27:13,620 --> 00:27:14,620 I don't know. 430 00:27:16,970 --> 00:27:18,170 The truth is, I don't remember. 431 00:27:19,530 --> 00:27:20,530 So? 432 00:27:20,870 --> 00:27:23,710 Not terrible, just not memorable. 433 00:27:24,530 --> 00:27:28,190 Stuart, I'm not much of a drinker. I got drunk. I don't remember anything that 434 00:27:28,190 --> 00:27:29,730 happened after we left Leland's party. 435 00:27:30,350 --> 00:27:32,070 For all I know, it never happened at all. 436 00:27:32,650 --> 00:27:33,650 It happened. 437 00:27:36,790 --> 00:27:38,590 It was the textiest night of my life. 438 00:27:45,390 --> 00:27:46,570 You were probably wonderful. 439 00:27:46,930 --> 00:27:48,150 I just can't remember. 440 00:27:52,990 --> 00:27:54,150 Are you sober now? 441 00:27:55,010 --> 00:27:56,010 Totally. 442 00:28:00,970 --> 00:28:02,590 Maybe I need a refresher, Gordon. 443 00:28:02,950 --> 00:28:03,950 Check, please. 444 00:28:11,370 --> 00:28:12,370 Mr. Fletcher? 445 00:28:13,170 --> 00:28:14,170 Already? 446 00:28:14,920 --> 00:28:18,440 Yeah, I want to speak to you about that precedent I cited yesterday. 447 00:28:19,120 --> 00:28:20,300 Yes, of course. 448 00:28:20,580 --> 00:28:22,440 I spent some time on it myself last night. 449 00:28:23,080 --> 00:28:24,080 Interesting. 450 00:28:24,680 --> 00:28:25,920 I can only find my notes. 451 00:28:26,620 --> 00:28:27,840 What was it you were going to say? 452 00:28:28,680 --> 00:28:31,340 Well, just that I reviewed it, so I'm sure we came to the same conclusion. 453 00:28:32,620 --> 00:28:33,940 And what conclusion was that? 454 00:28:34,820 --> 00:28:36,520 That Miller isn't really on point at all. 455 00:28:43,880 --> 00:28:45,660 And I'm sorry I misspoke myself yesterday. 456 00:28:46,600 --> 00:28:48,400 Well, as long as we caught it in time. 457 00:28:50,180 --> 00:28:52,100 So where does that leave us, exactly? 458 00:28:52,580 --> 00:28:54,340 I guess I can't convince you it's a business. 459 00:28:54,880 --> 00:28:57,420 Look, I want to be reasonable, Mr. Markowitz. 460 00:28:57,740 --> 00:29:01,800 You can tell your client that he may take as much time as he needs to pay off 461 00:29:01,800 --> 00:29:03,740 the... What was it? 462 00:29:04,140 --> 00:29:05,700 2 .8 million? 463 00:29:06,640 --> 00:29:07,640 2 .8. 464 00:29:08,360 --> 00:29:10,380 I could probably waive the penalty. 465 00:29:11,150 --> 00:29:14,870 I hate to dump my personal problems on you, Mr. Fletcher, but 2 .8, huh? 466 00:29:15,750 --> 00:29:17,210 I could lose my job. 467 00:29:18,870 --> 00:29:22,190 What if I sneaked 2 .5 past my people? 468 00:29:22,930 --> 00:29:23,930 Wouldn't help. 469 00:29:24,110 --> 00:29:26,570 What do you think you could live with? 470 00:29:28,450 --> 00:29:30,010 How about 1 .4? 471 00:29:32,030 --> 00:29:33,870 Round numbers like that. 472 00:29:34,250 --> 00:29:35,250 Hmm. 473 00:29:36,090 --> 00:29:39,070 What about 1 ,700 ,000? 474 00:29:41,690 --> 00:29:42,730 $66 ,000. 475 00:29:43,910 --> 00:29:45,390 My boss will buy that. 476 00:29:45,870 --> 00:29:46,910 What about yours? 477 00:29:47,810 --> 00:29:50,910 $1 ,700 ,000. 478 00:29:52,150 --> 00:29:53,150 Let's change. 479 00:29:56,350 --> 00:29:58,910 Irving Lewis told me that you were a genius. 480 00:29:59,510 --> 00:30:01,570 That you had them bamboozled. 481 00:30:02,210 --> 00:30:03,370 Some genius. 482 00:30:03,590 --> 00:30:08,510 I committed a fraud. I could have been disbarred. Oh, and this way, all that 483 00:30:08,510 --> 00:30:10,290 happens is we lose a major client. 484 00:30:11,040 --> 00:30:12,040 Major dollars. 485 00:30:12,620 --> 00:30:17,980 Dollars that come directly out of my pocket as a partner in this firm. I 486 00:30:17,980 --> 00:30:19,740 think Irving will really pull out his business. 487 00:30:20,880 --> 00:30:22,140 You haven't told him yet. 488 00:30:22,440 --> 00:30:23,800 I can't get hold of him. 489 00:30:24,180 --> 00:30:27,020 Well, you'll be sure and let me know when you do. 490 00:30:33,560 --> 00:30:36,860 And in the meantime, Stuart... Yes, sir? 491 00:30:37,200 --> 00:30:39,920 In the ecology of this firm's food chain... 492 00:30:51,940 --> 00:30:53,240 Here are the points and authorities you need. 493 00:30:53,820 --> 00:30:57,280 Thanks. I have to pick Eric up at school and take him to the dentist, but I will 494 00:30:57,280 --> 00:30:58,380 be back by 2 .30. 495 00:30:58,860 --> 00:31:00,560 You don't have to clock in and out with me. 496 00:31:02,020 --> 00:31:03,040 Just take care of yourself. 497 00:31:03,540 --> 00:31:04,540 Okay. 498 00:31:05,300 --> 00:31:08,420 And... I'm here if you need to talk. 499 00:31:09,300 --> 00:31:10,300 Thank you. 500 00:31:10,640 --> 00:31:11,640 Really. 501 00:31:11,800 --> 00:31:12,800 Thanks. 502 00:31:31,180 --> 00:31:32,740 I was here on Friday. She didn't even tell me. 503 00:31:33,000 --> 00:31:33,959 You are? 504 00:31:33,960 --> 00:31:35,300 Eric's mom, Abigail Clemens. 505 00:31:36,040 --> 00:31:37,040 Eric went home already. 506 00:31:38,640 --> 00:31:39,860 What do you mean he went home? 507 00:31:40,660 --> 00:31:41,780 His father freaked him out. 508 00:31:42,500 --> 00:31:46,060 He can't. There's a restraining order. I told Stacy that. 509 00:31:46,300 --> 00:31:47,640 Sorry, nobody said anything to me. 510 00:31:49,560 --> 00:31:50,580 What time was he here? 511 00:31:51,440 --> 00:31:52,440 About 11 .30. 512 00:32:01,390 --> 00:32:03,050 Mr. Laughlin, who is Dr. 513 00:32:03,370 --> 00:32:04,370 Maxwell Rosen? 514 00:32:05,370 --> 00:32:08,630 He was the doctor who treated Jamie years ago after he fell off his swing 515 00:32:09,190 --> 00:32:11,230 And his injuries were quite serious. 516 00:32:12,030 --> 00:32:13,030 Is that right? 517 00:32:14,010 --> 00:32:15,710 Well, at the time, they sure seemed that way. 518 00:32:15,910 --> 00:32:17,190 To me and my wife, at least. 519 00:32:18,050 --> 00:32:20,210 But I guess that's the way all parents are. 520 00:32:20,590 --> 00:32:23,110 Anything that happens to your boy always hurts you the worst. 521 00:32:23,450 --> 00:32:27,210 And yet, Mr. Laughlin, when you were asked, in connection with this case... 522 00:32:27,420 --> 00:32:31,260 To provide a list of all the doctors who had treated Jamie during any time in 523 00:32:31,260 --> 00:32:34,380 his life, you deliberately omitted Dr. Rosen's name. 524 00:32:34,680 --> 00:32:37,280 No, it was nothing deliberate. I just forgot to write it down. 525 00:32:37,520 --> 00:32:38,520 You forgot? 526 00:32:39,500 --> 00:32:43,520 Well, after the bumper car accident and worrying about Jamie, I couldn't 527 00:32:43,520 --> 00:32:47,060 remember everyone who ever filled a cavity or put on a Band -Aid. 528 00:32:47,300 --> 00:32:49,940 This was more than a Band -Aid. A lot more, wasn't it? 529 00:32:50,860 --> 00:32:51,860 Yes. 530 00:32:52,080 --> 00:32:53,080 Yes, you're right. 531 00:32:53,340 --> 00:32:56,100 And I'm sorry if it caused a problem by forgetting it. 532 00:32:56,330 --> 00:32:59,470 Isn't it true that you deliberately omitted Dr. Rosen's name because you 533 00:32:59,470 --> 00:33:02,230 want anyone to know that it was the accident on the swing set that caused 534 00:33:02,230 --> 00:33:05,790 Jamie's neurological problems and not the bumper car ride? No. 535 00:33:06,950 --> 00:33:10,830 If you had seen Jamie after the bumper car accident, that's all I could think 536 00:33:10,830 --> 00:33:11,829 about. 537 00:33:11,830 --> 00:33:16,450 How badly he'd been hurt. It didn't even cross my mind to think about a little 538 00:33:16,450 --> 00:33:17,790 fall he had when he was a baby. 539 00:33:18,090 --> 00:33:22,270 Isn't it true, Mr. Laughlin, that you went so far as to change Jamie's last 540 00:33:22,270 --> 00:33:25,550 to prevent us from discovering his previous treatment by Dr. Rosen? 541 00:33:26,120 --> 00:33:27,140 What are you talking about? 542 00:33:27,680 --> 00:33:33,940 Mr. Laughlin, you testified yesterday about your son, Jamie's condition? 543 00:33:35,080 --> 00:33:38,780 Yes. Isn't it true that Jamie Laughlin is actually your adopted son? 544 00:33:39,120 --> 00:33:40,120 He's my son. 545 00:33:40,620 --> 00:33:44,860 And yes, I adopted him, but I don't see what this has to do with it. Isn't it 546 00:33:44,860 --> 00:33:47,200 true you adopted him right after the bumper car incident? 547 00:33:47,540 --> 00:33:48,620 A few months afterward. 548 00:33:49,600 --> 00:33:50,600 Interesting timing. 549 00:33:51,620 --> 00:33:52,620 What are you saying? 550 00:33:52,940 --> 00:33:56,200 Isn't it true that you adopted him because you saw the chance to make money 551 00:33:56,200 --> 00:33:57,200 of his insurance claim? 552 00:33:57,380 --> 00:33:59,260 As his father, you would get some of it, right? 553 00:33:59,460 --> 00:34:00,720 You could pay off your bookies. 554 00:34:01,280 --> 00:34:02,800 Objection. Withdraw the question. 555 00:34:03,400 --> 00:34:07,180 Isn't it true, Mr. Laughlin, that the reason you adopted Jamie and gave him a 556 00:34:07,180 --> 00:34:10,960 new last name is so that we would never discover any of his previous medical 557 00:34:10,960 --> 00:34:11,960 records at all? 558 00:34:12,100 --> 00:34:15,820 Do you really believe what you're saying, or are you just going after me 559 00:34:15,820 --> 00:34:18,300 this is your job? Just answer the question, Mr. Laughlin. 560 00:34:20,840 --> 00:34:21,840 All right. 561 00:34:25,520 --> 00:34:31,440 I adopted him because his biological father, my wife's ex -husband, 562 00:34:31,639 --> 00:34:34,960 wouldn't have anything to do with him after the bumper car accident. 563 00:34:36,719 --> 00:34:40,199 He said it made him too depressed to be around him. 564 00:34:42,500 --> 00:34:43,500 Poor little boy. 565 00:34:44,760 --> 00:34:48,620 He was in so much physical pain, he didn't need that kind of rejection, too. 566 00:34:50,560 --> 00:34:52,040 So I adopted Jamie. 567 00:34:53,230 --> 00:34:56,730 because I wanted him to know that he had a father who loved him. 568 00:35:12,220 --> 00:35:13,220 Three and a half. 569 00:35:13,560 --> 00:35:14,900 Is that David Bird? 570 00:35:15,140 --> 00:35:16,540 Born and stuck in 1983. 571 00:35:17,440 --> 00:35:18,480 Okay, height? 572 00:35:18,840 --> 00:35:20,320 About three foot two. 573 00:35:20,940 --> 00:35:24,440 Hair? Um, come on, it's kind of a... Weight? 574 00:35:26,560 --> 00:35:27,700 Thirty -five pounds. 575 00:35:28,120 --> 00:35:29,320 What was he wearing? 576 00:35:29,680 --> 00:35:31,700 Sneakers. They're red, high tops. 577 00:35:32,340 --> 00:35:33,340 Blue jeans. 578 00:35:33,600 --> 00:35:35,920 Um, a really nice T -shirt. 579 00:35:36,580 --> 00:35:37,640 I have a picture. 580 00:35:38,900 --> 00:35:42,120 Here's a copy of the restraining order. We've already spoken with Judge Robin. 581 00:35:42,380 --> 00:35:45,860 She'll issue a bench warrant as soon as you call. Okay, what kind of car does 582 00:35:45,860 --> 00:35:46,799 your husband drive? 583 00:35:46,800 --> 00:35:48,960 A 75 Volvo wagon, white. 584 00:35:49,340 --> 00:35:50,700 You know the license number offhand? 585 00:35:50,960 --> 00:35:52,740 No. That's okay. 586 00:35:53,100 --> 00:35:54,700 When we get it, we'll put it on the wire. 587 00:35:56,540 --> 00:35:57,640 That's it? 588 00:35:58,940 --> 00:36:01,060 Can you just put it on the wire? 589 00:36:01,470 --> 00:36:04,350 He's cleaned out both bank accounts. He's maxed out the credit cards. He's 590 00:36:04,350 --> 00:36:05,328 the boys' clothes. 591 00:36:05,330 --> 00:36:07,330 This is not a weekend trip to Disneyland, Detective. 592 00:36:07,670 --> 00:36:10,210 Counselor, do you know how many missing kid reports we get annually? 593 00:36:10,490 --> 00:36:12,570 It's volume one of the three -volume set. 594 00:36:12,810 --> 00:36:13,810 You want my advice? 595 00:36:14,210 --> 00:36:16,310 You get a good P .I. and you track them down yourself. 596 00:36:16,950 --> 00:36:17,950 Dammit, Detective. 597 00:36:17,970 --> 00:36:21,550 My husband violates a T .R .O. kidnapping my son, and the best thing 598 00:36:21,550 --> 00:36:25,230 tell me is to get my own P .I. Well, I'm sorry we don't have the time, manpower, 599 00:36:25,310 --> 00:36:26,810 or money to do the job for you. 600 00:37:01,480 --> 00:37:03,740 You call Judge Robin, even as we speak. 601 00:37:07,580 --> 00:37:08,580 Come on, Abby. 602 00:37:13,960 --> 00:37:14,960 Yes? 603 00:37:21,440 --> 00:37:22,319 Excuse me. 604 00:37:22,320 --> 00:37:24,820 I hope I'm not disturbing you. Not at all. Come in. 605 00:37:25,440 --> 00:37:27,420 I heard what happened. I'm terribly sorry. 606 00:37:27,940 --> 00:37:28,799 Thank you. 607 00:37:28,800 --> 00:37:30,260 Has there been any word? 608 00:37:34,620 --> 00:37:35,620 Please, sit down. 609 00:37:36,460 --> 00:37:39,260 Yes? Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Lewis is here. 610 00:37:39,840 --> 00:37:42,400 Put him in the conference room and tell him I'll be with him in a few minutes. 611 00:37:43,620 --> 00:37:46,300 Now then, just tell me what we can do to help. 612 00:37:47,600 --> 00:37:52,080 Actually, what I've been thinking, under the circumstances, I think that it 613 00:37:52,080 --> 00:37:53,820 might be in the firm's best interest if I resign. 614 00:37:54,820 --> 00:37:56,360 Oh, I'll hear of no such thing. 615 00:37:57,240 --> 00:38:01,200 I won't be capable of doing the work that I... Miss Perkins, getting your son 616 00:38:01,200 --> 00:38:02,400 back is all that matters. 617 00:38:03,760 --> 00:38:07,340 Toward which end you will have the full resources of this firm at your disposal. 618 00:38:08,060 --> 00:38:09,060 Is that clear? 619 00:38:09,860 --> 00:38:10,860 Yes. 620 00:38:12,960 --> 00:38:13,960 Thank you, sir. 621 00:38:21,700 --> 00:38:25,060 I'm just so afraid that I won't ever see him again. 622 00:38:39,470 --> 00:38:40,470 Leland, she left me. 623 00:38:40,650 --> 00:38:43,970 After everything I gave her, huh? The money, the clothes, the lessons. 624 00:38:44,410 --> 00:38:46,750 She leaves me for that dancer in the video, the blondie. 625 00:38:47,810 --> 00:38:50,910 I thought he was a faggler. The agent calls me, practically gets on his knees, 626 00:38:50,950 --> 00:38:51,950 begging me to use him. 627 00:38:52,430 --> 00:38:55,870 Irving, are you absolutely certain? She didn't come home last night. 628 00:38:56,750 --> 00:39:00,330 This morning I get a phone call. Collect, no less. She's in Hawaii with 629 00:39:00,330 --> 00:39:03,310 Yutz. She is a very young woman, Irving. 630 00:39:04,010 --> 00:39:05,290 Now, these things happen. 631 00:39:05,750 --> 00:39:08,810 A week or two, it'll run its course. Don't you think I said that? 632 00:39:10,990 --> 00:39:11,990 Sixty -six. 633 00:39:12,630 --> 00:39:13,950 I'm not the bull I used to be. 634 00:39:15,630 --> 00:39:17,970 Don't get me wrong. I mean, I function. I function plenty. 635 00:39:18,210 --> 00:39:19,970 Look, I can understand the fling, I tell her. 636 00:39:20,330 --> 00:39:21,650 She says it's not a fling. 637 00:39:22,370 --> 00:39:24,430 It's deep spiritual love, she says. 638 00:39:25,030 --> 00:39:28,810 The first time she's ever... Oh, God. 639 00:39:29,550 --> 00:39:30,850 Oh, really? 640 00:39:31,530 --> 00:39:33,110 There's no fool like an old fool. 641 00:39:33,850 --> 00:39:34,850 I love her. 642 00:39:35,350 --> 00:39:36,350 And she left me. 643 00:39:36,990 --> 00:39:41,930 I know how you must feel, but... I've got to believe that she'll come back. 644 00:39:41,950 --> 00:39:42,950 no, it's over. 645 00:39:43,850 --> 00:39:45,050 My wife has turned to crap. 646 00:39:45,530 --> 00:39:48,090 And she says she's happy for the first time in her life. She says I made her 647 00:39:48,090 --> 00:39:49,090 sick. 648 00:39:49,450 --> 00:39:52,210 She says she wants a divorce right away. She's earned her freedom. Now, what the 649 00:39:52,210 --> 00:39:53,210 hell is that? 650 00:39:53,830 --> 00:39:57,070 I think we'd better get Becker and Markowitz onto this right away. Well, do 651 00:39:57,070 --> 00:39:58,070 you want. 652 00:39:59,390 --> 00:39:59,968 Let's go. 653 00:39:59,970 --> 00:40:01,030 The old man wants us. 654 00:40:01,250 --> 00:40:01,808 Of course. 655 00:40:01,810 --> 00:40:02,910 He's got Irving Lewis with him. 656 00:40:03,130 --> 00:40:04,130 Oh, God, Mom. 657 00:40:04,990 --> 00:40:05,788 That's it? 658 00:40:05,790 --> 00:40:06,790 I'm finished? 659 00:40:06,830 --> 00:40:08,610 Well, the one who's finished is Irving Lewis. 660 00:40:09,230 --> 00:40:11,610 Bimbo wife left him for the arms of another. 661 00:40:12,550 --> 00:40:13,550 She left him? 662 00:40:15,030 --> 00:40:16,290 She left him as in divorce? 663 00:40:17,210 --> 00:40:18,210 As in. 664 00:40:24,390 --> 00:40:25,390 Mrs. 665 00:40:25,830 --> 00:40:29,230 Lewis will try to say it's a community business expense, of course. But the IRS 666 00:40:29,230 --> 00:40:31,930 already said it's no business. And is the IRS ever wrong? 667 00:40:32,130 --> 00:40:33,870 Never. It's a hobby. 668 00:40:34,320 --> 00:40:37,540 And all the money Irving poured into Mrs. Lewis's little hobby was of a 669 00:40:37,540 --> 00:40:40,500 nature, on top of which they're on the books as loans anyway for accounting 670 00:40:40,500 --> 00:40:44,220 purposes. Loans, due and payable upon dissolution of the corporation. 671 00:40:45,060 --> 00:40:49,100 We dissolve the corporation, call the loans, subtract that from the community 672 00:40:49,100 --> 00:40:53,280 assets, as well as Mrs. Lewis's liability for half the $1 .7 million in 673 00:40:53,280 --> 00:40:57,540 taxes. And the way I figure it, Mrs. Lewis is going to end up owing money to 674 00:40:57,680 --> 00:41:02,100 Lewis. Stuart Markowitz, you total schnauzer. I love it. 675 00:41:02,760 --> 00:41:04,260 And this was kosher, what we're doing? 676 00:41:04,660 --> 00:41:08,880 Absolutely. Leland, I hate this whole thing. I wish it wasn't happening. 677 00:41:09,560 --> 00:41:13,200 But I feel like these boys are my own sons. They're so smart. 678 00:41:14,280 --> 00:41:15,840 That's what we're here for, Herb. 679 00:41:16,280 --> 00:41:17,280 And you! 680 00:41:18,400 --> 00:41:23,040 I thought I was going to have to give you a smack after that tax fiasco. But 681 00:41:23,040 --> 00:41:25,580 turned a cow's ear into a sheepskin first. 682 00:41:27,200 --> 00:41:28,200 Counselor! 683 00:41:29,140 --> 00:41:30,400 Mr. Ressler! 684 00:41:30,960 --> 00:41:32,240 Got your dancing shoes on? 685 00:41:33,940 --> 00:41:36,840 $150 ,000 right now. It's dead. 686 00:41:39,940 --> 00:41:42,260 What? You got me on the ropes. 687 00:41:42,600 --> 00:41:47,800 Off the record, your clients are scum. We both know it. But the jury doesn't, 688 00:41:47,800 --> 00:41:48,598 they don't care. 689 00:41:48,600 --> 00:41:50,620 Besides, look at me and look at you. 690 00:41:50,900 --> 00:41:54,120 Juries generally don't find me particularly attractive or sympathetic. 691 00:41:54,460 --> 00:41:58,080 Whereas you're a persuasive lawyer, Mr. Cusack. A good -looking and personable 692 00:41:58,080 --> 00:42:01,590 man. And of course, there's the pitiful little boy sitting there in the 693 00:42:01,590 --> 00:42:02,590 courtroom. 694 00:42:02,750 --> 00:42:04,310 We run this through our computers. 695 00:42:04,910 --> 00:42:09,650 In cases with injuries similar to this, the awards range from a low of $400 ,000 696 00:42:09,650 --> 00:42:10,730 to millions of dollars. 697 00:42:11,670 --> 00:42:15,650 So $150 ,000, it seems like a bargain. 698 00:42:15,970 --> 00:42:19,330 Like I said before, Mr. Cusack, I think you're an ethical attorney. 699 00:42:19,590 --> 00:42:22,770 I want to believe you don't like rewarding thieves any more than I do. 700 00:42:23,050 --> 00:42:27,170 But as far as I can see, this is the only way to make this damn case go away. 701 00:42:31,240 --> 00:42:32,780 Let me talk to my clients. 702 00:42:34,560 --> 00:42:35,820 150K? Is he kidding? 703 00:42:36,240 --> 00:42:37,300 Tell him to jam it. 704 00:42:38,260 --> 00:42:41,560 Under the circumstances, it sounds like a pretty decent offer to me. 705 00:42:42,280 --> 00:42:45,580 Circumstances? That guy's going to get his head handed to him by that jury, and 706 00:42:45,580 --> 00:42:47,400 he knows it. There's your circumstances. 707 00:42:47,980 --> 00:42:48,980 That may be. 708 00:42:49,340 --> 00:42:50,680 Then two things are going to happen. 709 00:42:51,140 --> 00:42:52,960 One, they're going to appeal the judgment. 710 00:42:53,340 --> 00:42:55,260 It'll be years before you ever see a dime. 711 00:42:55,820 --> 00:42:56,820 And two... 712 00:42:57,000 --> 00:42:59,700 They're going to go to the D .A. to bring charges against you for fraud. 713 00:43:00,760 --> 00:43:02,360 Oh, they can't prove a damn thing. 714 00:43:02,820 --> 00:43:04,320 You're a good actor, Mr. Laughlin. 715 00:43:04,800 --> 00:43:06,320 You really had that jury going. 716 00:43:06,700 --> 00:43:07,780 But don't kid yourself. 717 00:43:08,380 --> 00:43:10,540 There's a strong case here for fraud. 718 00:43:11,200 --> 00:43:14,020 And if you're found guilty, it could vitiate the original judgment. 719 00:43:14,360 --> 00:43:15,360 What's that mean? 720 00:43:16,060 --> 00:43:17,240 Vitiate? Weaken. 721 00:43:18,240 --> 00:43:22,100 Invalidate. In short, Mr. Laughlin, you could wind up with nothing but a jail 722 00:43:22,100 --> 00:43:23,620 sentence and a pile of legal fees. 723 00:43:24,140 --> 00:43:26,360 Lawyers, you all stick together, don't you? 724 00:43:26,800 --> 00:43:29,400 What'd that guy Ressler offer you to jack us up, huh? 725 00:43:30,780 --> 00:43:35,100 Mr. Laughlin, my firm has no interest in benefiting from fraud. 726 00:43:35,820 --> 00:43:39,760 If you decide to take Mr. Ressler's offer, we intend to waive our 727 00:43:40,060 --> 00:43:47,040 If we accept, what happens to the money? The entire $150 ,000 will go into 728 00:43:47,040 --> 00:43:49,900 a trust for Jamie's special educational and medical needs. 729 00:43:50,280 --> 00:43:51,280 We'll take it. 730 00:43:51,800 --> 00:43:53,860 Hey, come on. He's my son. 731 00:43:54,300 --> 00:43:55,440 Well, what about us? 732 00:43:56,040 --> 00:43:57,140 What about our needs? 733 00:43:58,020 --> 00:43:59,820 Try getting a job, Mr. Laughlin. 734 00:44:07,040 --> 00:44:10,960 And did you state that on the Sunday morning in question, you accidentally 735 00:44:10,960 --> 00:44:15,140 Mr. Jackson on the head with a Steve Garvey model K -55 Louisville Slugger? 736 00:44:15,320 --> 00:44:16,320 That's right. 737 00:44:16,560 --> 00:44:17,560 Accidentally. 738 00:44:17,720 --> 00:44:21,120 Mr. Lafollette, if in fact you were not intending to rob Mr. 739 00:44:21,400 --> 00:44:25,050 Jackson... What were you doing with a baseball bat concealed on your person in 740 00:44:25,050 --> 00:44:26,009 the first place? 741 00:44:26,010 --> 00:44:27,630 I play in a softball league. 742 00:44:27,910 --> 00:44:29,450 I was on my way to the game. 743 00:44:29,710 --> 00:44:32,070 At 6 .30 a .m. in a dashiki? 744 00:44:32,290 --> 00:44:34,210 My uniform was in the dry cleaner. 745 00:44:36,150 --> 00:44:37,150 I see. 746 00:44:38,050 --> 00:44:39,310 Thank you, Mr. Lafollette. 747 00:44:39,630 --> 00:44:40,910 No more questions, Your Honor. 748 00:44:41,130 --> 00:44:46,110 You may step down, Mr. Lafollette. And as the hour is growing late, let us 749 00:44:46,110 --> 00:44:47,790 adjourn until 9 a .m. 750 00:44:51,600 --> 00:44:52,700 I got that case won. 751 00:44:53,480 --> 00:44:55,040 Not exactly inherit the win. 752 00:44:55,580 --> 00:44:57,400 Careful, that's my favorite movie ever. 753 00:44:58,940 --> 00:45:00,960 Actually, I became a lawyer because of Spencer Tracy. 754 00:45:01,820 --> 00:45:03,200 For me, it was Gregory Peck. 755 00:45:03,400 --> 00:45:04,400 Oh, get out of here. 756 00:45:04,660 --> 00:45:05,660 To Kill a Mockingbird? 757 00:45:06,320 --> 00:45:10,540 Well, Gregory Peck was good, but Spencer Tracy, he was... Well, you'd get along 758 00:45:10,540 --> 00:45:12,500 great with my dad. He loves Spencer Tracy, too. 759 00:45:13,020 --> 00:45:14,020 Your dad a lawyer? 760 00:45:14,260 --> 00:45:14,939 Mm -mm. 761 00:45:14,940 --> 00:45:15,940 He's a milkman. 762 00:45:17,540 --> 00:45:19,460 So, has he met old what's -his -name yet? 763 00:45:21,120 --> 00:45:23,540 He meets old what's -his -name this weekend. 764 00:45:24,160 --> 00:45:25,440 I'm pretty nervous about it. 765 00:45:25,660 --> 00:45:27,560 Well, I got a good idea. Why don't you take me instead? 766 00:45:29,240 --> 00:45:30,420 You're getting pushy again. 767 00:45:30,880 --> 00:45:31,880 That's not pushy. 768 00:45:32,860 --> 00:45:36,980 If I was to kiss you, that would be pushy. 769 00:45:38,720 --> 00:45:41,840 There's a two -word description for what I'd be if I let you kiss me, Mr. 770 00:45:41,900 --> 00:45:44,280 Cusack, and the second word rhymes with freezer. 771 00:45:46,520 --> 00:45:47,560 Good night, Counselor.