"RECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES"

 

                           by

 

                     Charles Deemer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     3550 SW Pomona St.

                                     Portland, OR 97219-7518

                                     (800) 294-7176

                                     cdeemer@yahoo.com


 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

 

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY

 

A plate glass office door reads:

 

"Knox and Atkinson Law Offices."

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - DAY

 

An arrangement of cubicles and offices in a busy law firm.

 

Moving through the office with a cart is a MAIL CLERK, teens.

He drops off mail to busy LAWYERS at their computers.

 

He comes to a CONFERENCE ROOM. The closed door has a small

window. Looking in, he sees a man and woman who are clearly

in an argument.

 

They gesture and wave their arms at one another, both

talking (inaudibly) at once. They are QUINN and KATE FENDER,

late 20s.

 

At the table between them sits their client (Cobb) with his

head in his hands.

 

The clerk's expression reads, "Here we go again." He pushes

the cart on.

 

A SECRETARY (Nancy) approaches.

 

                         NANCY

             Have you seen Quinn?

 

                         MAIL CLERK

             In the conference room. The

             Fenders are doing their thing.

 

                         NANCY

             Oh, no.

 

                         MAIL CLERK

                  (an old joke)

             "Fenders for the defense."

 

Grinning, the mail clerk moves on.

 

The secretary goes to the conference room and looks in. The

Fenders are still at it.

 

A LAWYER joins her.


                                                            2.

 

 

                         NANCY

             This can wait till later.

 

She moves off. The lawyer, with a last look, shakes his head.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

 

Quinn and Kate are finally silent. They glare at one another.

 

The client is ANTHONY COBB, 50s, who reeks wealth.

 

                         COBB

             How the hell do I know what to do

             if my lawyers can't even agree?

 

                         KATE

             We'll flip a coin.

 

                         QUINN

             Which is a 50-50 recipe to disaster.

 

She already has a coin out. She flips it, catches it, covers

it.

 

                         KATE

             Your call.

 

                         QUINN

             If we put him on, Jackson will

             eat him alive in cross.

 

                         KATE

             And we've already lost if we

             don't. Heads or tails.

 

                         QUINN

             There's always more than one way

             to cook a goose.

 

                         KATE

             Heads or tails.

 

Quinn looks at Cobb.

 

                         COBB

             Do it. I need closure here.

 

                         QUINN

             Heads.

 

Kate reveals the coin. Tails. She smiles.


                                                            3.

 

 

                         KATE

                  (to Cobb)

             You testify.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

Cobb on the stand. Kate is questioning him.

 

A JUDGE overlooks. A pretty court reporter, MICHELLE, 20s,

sits at a stenotype machine.

 

At one table, Quinn and Cobb. At the other, JACKSON, 40s,

looking cocky, with an ASSISTANT.

 

                         KATE

             Finally, Mr. Cobb, did you

             embezzle three hundred thousand

             dollars by transferring funds

             from the corporate retirement

             account to your own personal

             account in the Bank of Switzerland?

 

                         COBB

             I absolutely did not.

 

                         KATE

             Thank you.

 

                         JUDGE

             Defense will cross-examine after

             lunch.

 

He bangs his gavel.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Quinn, Kate and Cobb move down the hallway together.

 

                         KATE

             I'll see you at one.

 

                         COBB

             You're not eating?

 

                         KATE

             I have an errand to run.

 

She moves off.

 

                         COBB

             How'd I do?


                                                            4.

 

 

                         QUINN

             You were fine. The hard part will

             be facing Jackson.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - CAFETERIA - DAY

 

Quinn and Cobb at a table over lunch. Michelle comes by.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Hi, Quinn.

 

                         QUINN

             Michelle.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Where's Kate?

 

Quinn shrugs.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Well, good luck this afternoon.

 

She smiles flirtatiously at him before moving on.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - PHONE BOOTH - DAY

 

Kate on the phone.

 

 

INT. ARTIST'S STUDIO - DAY

 

On the other phone is CINNAMON MCAFFERY, 40s, in paint-

splattered work clothes. Nothing feminine about her.

 

Her painting in progress is a bright and busy abstract.

 

INTERCUT

 

                         KATE

             I need to find a new firm.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Haven't I been telling you that?

 

                         KATE

             Dad would kill me if I left. I

             just don't know how to get Quinn

             to leave.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I don't know what to tell you,

             Kate, that I haven't already said.


                                                            5.

 

 

                         KATE

             I know. I miss you.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I miss you, too. When can you get

             free?

 

                         KATE

             Probably not till the verdict's in.

 

                         CINNAMON

             And I thought I worked too hard.

 

                         KATE

             You're an artist. You have a

             calling. I'm here because daddy

             didn't have a son and sent me to

             law school instead.

 

                         CINNAMON

             There should be a law against

             working for your parent.

 

                         KATE

             Tell me about it. I have to run.

             I just wanted to hear your voice.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I'm available whenever you are.

 

                         KATE

             I know. You're my rock, Cin. I'll

             call you tonight. I should know

             more about my schedule.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

Cobb back on the stand. He's sweating.

 

Jackson closing in for the kill, leering at him.

 

                         JACKSON

             So the Swiss account with your

             social security number and your

             name was opened to hide your

             gambling winnings, and yet all

             this money from your place of

             employment magically disappeared

             on the very same day your

             clandestine account just as

             magically received--

 

Quinn to his feet.


                                                            6.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Objection! I--

 

                         JUDGE

             Overruled.

 

Jackson smiles at Quinn. Quinn glares back. Then he turns to

glare at Kate, who looks away.

 

                         JACKSON

             Mr. Cobb, enlighten us. Tell us

             how you won almost a third of a

             million dollars. Was it at Black

             Jack? The slots in Reno? The

             office Super Bowl pool?

 

Laughter from the audience. The judge bangs his gavel.

 

LATER

 

Tense moment as the jury files in.

 

Quinn looks at Kate, who stares down at the table. Cobb

fidgets.

 

LATER

 

                         JUDGE

             Please read the verdict.

 

                         JURY FOREMAN

             We find the defendant guilty.

 

At the defense table, Cobb swears under his breath. Kate

quickly gathers her things and leaves.

 

Quinn turns to Cobb, looking apologetic.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - PHONE BOOTH - DAY

 

Kate on the phone.

 

                         KATE

             I hope you get this message. I'm

             on my way to get a room at the

             Hilton. I need you tonight. I'll

             wait till nine.

 

 

EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

 

Quinn enters a restaurant.


                                                            7.

 

 

INT. RESTAURANT - BAR - NIGHT

 

Quinn looks around the bar, finds ADAM, 20s, and other

LAWYERS at a table, including SALLY, 30s. He joins them.

 

                         ADAM

             Here's a guy who really needs a

             drink.

 

                         QUINN

             Many, many drinks.

 

                         SALLY

             Why on earth did you put him on

             the stand?

 

Quinn's expression says it all.

 

                         ADAM

             You and Kate have to change this

             dance you do.

 

                         QUINN

             Have you seen Barry since the

             verdict?

 

                         ADAM

             Yes. Better me than you. I'd

             prepare for the worst.

 

                         QUINN

             It was her goddamn idea, not mine.

 

                         SALLY

             But you're not the apple of his eye.

 

LATER

 

Quinn and Adam have left the noisy table for privacy at the

bar. They're both a little drunk.

 

                         ADAM

             You trust me, right?

 

                         QUINN

             Damn right. Do you have to ask?

 

                         ADAM

             So if I say something personal

             that you're not going to like,

             you know I'm only saying it for

             your own good. Right?


                                                            8.

 

 

                         QUINN

             What? You going to tell me I have

             bad breath?

 

                         ADAM

             Worse.

 

                         QUINN

             Fire away.

 

                         ADAM

             It's about Kate.

 

This gets Quinn's attention. He waits for more but it isn't

coming.

 

A light bulb.

 

                         QUINN

             No.

 

                         ADAM

             Yes.

 

                         QUINN

             Who is he?

 

                         ADAM

             She's not a he.

 

                         QUINN

             Who isn't a he?

 

                         ADAM

             Kate's lover.

 

Quinn looks like he's waiting for a punch line.

 

                         QUINN

             You're telling me Kate is a lesbian?

 

                         ADAM

             Switch hitter, I guess is the

             more accurate term.

 

Quinn studies him. Then breaks into laughter.

 

                         ADAM

             Well, I guess there are worst

             ways to take it.

 

Quinn has trouble speaking, he's laughing so hard.


                                                            9.

 

 

                         QUINN

             You're telling me ... Kate ...

             Homecoming Princess Kate ... Miss

             Whatever Dairy It Was of 1995 ...

             is butch?

 

And more laughter.

 

 

INT. HILTON HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Kate in the room. Waiting, nervous.

 

A knock on the door. She rushes to it.

 

It's Cinnamon. They fall into one another's arms.

 

 

EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

 

Adam with Quinn, who is the drunker of the two.

 

                         QUINN

             Where's the cab?

 

                         ADAM

             Right here, buddy.

 

The cab pulls up.

 

                         QUINN

             What about my car?

 

                         ADAM

             You can get it in the morning.

 

He opens the door for Quinn.

 

                         QUINN

             I want to go to a lesbian bar!

 

He stumbles into the back seat.

 

 

EXT. HILTON HOTEL - DAY

 

Early morning.

 

Kate and Cinnamon come out of the hotel. They embrace, kiss,

and move off in opposite directions.


                                                           10.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - DAY

 

Early morning.

 

The Fender home is in an upper middle class neighborhood.

Doctors, lawyers and fire chiefs.

 

A car cruises by, a newspaper flying out and onto the Fender

driveway.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BEDROOM - DAY

 

Quinn sprawled on the King-sized bed in his underwear.

 

The alarm goes off.

 

Quinn slaps it silent. He leans up and stares at Kate's

empty place beside him.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BATHROOM - DAY

 

Quinn scrubbing his tongue with a toothbrush.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Quinn on the phone.

 

                         QUINN

             This is Quinn. Is Kate there?...I

             thought she may have come in

             early. Thanks.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - HOME OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn on the computer. He's looking at their banking records.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - DRIVEWAY - DAY

 

A sports car pulls into the driveway. Kate gets out.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - FOYER - DAY

 

Kate enters. She stops and takes a deep breath before moving

on.


                                                           11.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - HOME OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn still at the computer.

 

Kate enters the doorway.

 

                         KATE

             What are you doing?

 

                         QUINN

             I was about to ask you the same

             thing.

 

                         KATE

             Before you start, considering the

             circumstances, I thought it best

             to spend the night in a hotel.

 

                         QUINN

             The Hilton, I assume. It seems to

             be your favorite.

 

She quickly comes forward.

 

                         KATE

             Are you snooping in my account?

 

                         QUINN

             Our account.

 

                         KATE

             I don't have energy to do this

             now. I need a shower, and I need

             some sleep.

 

                         QUINN

             Rough night?

 

Kate resists an urge to reply and departs.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn enters his office. His secretary, NANCY, is waiting

for him.

 

                         NANCY

             Mr. Knox wants to see you.

 

                         QUINN

             Tell him I--

 

                         NANCY

             As soon as you get in.


                                                           12.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn knocks on the door frame.

 

Behind a huge desk sits KNOX, 50s, the image of power.

 

                         KNOX

             Quinn, come in. Sit down.

 

                         QUINN

             It wasn't my idea. We flipped a

             coin, and I lost.

 

                         KNOX

             You flipped a coin?

 

                         QUINN

             We couldn't reach an agreement.

 

                         KNOX

             You don't have to be in the top

             ten percent of your law school

             class to know it's disastrous to

             put a crook like Cobb on the stand.

 

                         QUINN

             I tried to tell Kate that.

 

                         KNOX

             It's because she's my daughter,

             isn't it? You're afraid to take

             charge.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't think it's that. She can

             be too stubborn for her own good.

 

                         KNOX

             I don't have to tell you how much

             I hate losing cases.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't know what to tell you,

             sir. I did my best.

 

                         KNOX

             Which wasn't enough. I assume you

             wear the pants at home. The

             office is no different. Sometimes

             Kate needs to be reminded who's

             boss.

 

                         QUINN

             Yes, sir.


                                                           13.

 

 

                         KNOX

             I don't want this to happen again.

             In fact, I don't think you two

             should work together again.

 

                         QUINN

             I think that's an excellent idea.

 

                         KNOX

             Next time you want a female

             second, consider Sally.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn at his computer. Adam peeks in.

 

                         ADAM

             Still got a job?

 

                         QUINN

             Far as I know.

 

                         ADAM

             Good.

 

He starts away.

 

                         QUINN

             Adam. Come in and close the door.

 

LATER

 

Quinn and Adam sitting close, speaking quietly.

 

                         ADAM

             Did you find out who it is?

 

                         QUINN

             No. But I plan to.

 

                         ADAM

             It must be worse than if it was a

             man.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't know. I can't compute it.

 

                         ADAM

             You didn't get any idea by, you

             know, when you're in bed ...?

 

                         QUINN

             Not a clue. Not one.


                                                           14.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - CAFETERIA - DAY

 

Quinn takes his tray to an empty table.

 

Nearby is Michelle. She grabs her tray and comes to his table.

 

                         MICHELLE

             May I?

 

                         QUINN

             Please.

 

She sits down.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Sorry you lost. I was surprised

             you put him on the stand, frankly.

 

                         QUINN

             So was I.

 

Michelle looks puzzled.

 

                         QUINN

             It was Kate's idea. We flipped a

             coin.

 

Michelle laughs.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I'm sorry. It just sounds so ...

 

                         QUINN

             It does, doesn't it?

 

                         MICHELLE

             It's not something you see on

             Perry Mason.

 

LATER

 

Quinn and Michelle bussing their trays together.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I thought I'd step outside before

             going back. Do you have time?

 

 

EXT. COURT HOUSE - DAY

 

Quinn and Michelle strolling outside the courthouse.


                                                           15.

 

 

                         MICHELLE

             God, this is so hard. I have

             something I want to say to you

             but I don't know where to begin.

 

                         QUINN

             Just say it.

 

A pause for courage.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I think Kate is involved with a

             woman.

 

                         QUINN

             I think so, too.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You do?

 

                         QUINN

             How long have you thought so?

 

                         MICHELLE

             For several months.

 

                         QUINN

             You're ahead of me there. I have

             no idea who it is. Do you?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Yes.

 

                         QUINN

             Who?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Let's meet after work and I'll

             show you.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - ADAM'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Adam at his computer. Quinn appears in the doorway.

 

                         QUINN

             I know who it is.

 

                         ADAM

             Who?

 

                         QUINN

             I mean I find out after work.

             Meet you around six-thirty?


                                                           16.

 

 

                         ADAM

             You're on.

 

 

EXT. GALLERY ROW - DAY

 

Quinn and Michelle walking along an area filled with art

galleries.

 

                         MICHELLE

             A girl friend and I were making

             the galleries on First Thursday.

             That's when I saw her. With an

             artist, it turns out.

 

                         QUINN

             Kate does the art thing a lot

             more than I do. But that's no

             reason to--

 

                         MICHELLE

             They were in the corner in a lip

             lock, Quinn. It wasn't a little

             peck, congratulations on your

             opening. It's this one here.

 

They step into a gallery.

 

 

INT. ART GALLERY - DAY

 

Only a few patrons looking at the art on the wall.

 

Michelle stops in front of a large, bright abstract.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Here she is.

 

                         QUINN

             The one who painted this?

 

Michelle nods.

 

                         QUINN

             Is she here?

 

                         MICHELLE

             There's a bio and photo.

 

Michelle leads the way several paintings down. On the wall,

a photo and bio of Cinnamon McAffery.

 

Quinn stares at THE PHOTO OF CINNAMON. Short hair, looking

more feminine than before.


                                                           17.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Nobody's named Cinnamon. Maybe

             she's called sin for short. I

             can't believe I said that.

 

 

EXT. GALLERY ROW - DAY

 

Quinn and Michelle back outside, strolling the scene.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Are you getting hungry?

 

                         QUINN

             Actually I'm supposed to be

             somewhere. I really appreciate

             this, Michelle. I guess I do.

 

                         MICHELLE

             If you want to know more, my

             brother might help. He's an

             artist. He's also gay.

 

                         QUINN

             Really?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Don't let Kate turn you into a

             homophobe.

 

                         QUINN

             It's just so hard to compute. I

             thought we were happy.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Quinn, you go at it like cats and

             dogs. You should hear the stories

             they tell about you. Benedict and

             Beatrice.

 

                         QUINN

             Who?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Shakespeare's "Much Ado About

             Nothing." A couple always battling

             wits. I guess that's part of the

             attraction, isn't it?

 

                         QUINN

                  (ignoring this)

             Maybe I'll get back to you about

             your brother. I told Adam I'd

             meet him.


                                                           18.

 

 

INT. BAR - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Adam in a noisy bar.

 

                         ADAM

             You have two choices, buddy. Let

             her go, or fight to get her back.

             You sound like you want her back.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm trying to understand her.

             Maybe talking to a gay artist

             will help. Hell, I don't know. I

             feel like I'm in a nightmare.

 

                         ADAM

             What does Kate want?

 

 

INT. ARTIST'S STUDIO - NIGHT

 

Cinnamon in work garb, on the phone.

 

                         CINNAMON

             What do you want, Kate?

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Kate, dressed, sprawled on the bed. On the phone.

 

INTERCUT

 

                         KATE

             I don't want to be drilled.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Pardon me, but I need information

             before I can make choices in my

             life.

 

                         KATE

             What choices? What are you

             talking about?

 

                         CINNAMON

             You're the married woman, not I.

 

                         KATE

             What is that supposed to mean?


                                                           19.

 

 

                         CINNAMON

             I don't like talking about this

             on the phone. I'm going back to

             work.

 

                         KATE

             Let's meet tonight.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I said, I'm working.

 

                         KATE

             Later tonight. Any time. Tell me

             when.

 

 

INT. TAVERN - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Adam shooting pool

 

                         QUINN

             Know what I think? It's a phase.

             It's curiosity. She's dealing

             with an early mid-life crisis.

 

                         ADAM

             You don't have a mid-life crisis,

             early or otherwise, at twenty

             what? Seven?

 

                         QUINN

             If she's really a dyke, I would

             know. How could I not know?

 

                         ADAM

             Good question, buddy. Can I be

             ruthlessly personal?

 

                         QUINN

             Fire away.

 

                         ADAM

             Does she like you to go down on her?

 

                         QUINN

             Totally. Any time, anywhere.

             Practically an addict.

 

                         ADAM

             There you have it. Think about it.

             You're not giving her something a

             woman can't give her just as well.

             Right? How do you know she isn't

             fantasizing that you're Spice

             Cake or whoever the hell it is.


                                                           20.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Cinnamon.

 

                         ADAM

             Cinnamon. Think about it. All

             dicks are different, right? But

             all tongues are more or less the

             same. You could be anyone slurping

             around down there.

 

                         QUINN

             You really know how to depress a

             guy.

 

                         ADAM

             Once the scientists figure out

             how to get the tongue to secrete

             sperm, the male gender is dead in

             the water.

 

                         QUINN

             I never thought of that. We'd

             become extinct.

 

                         ADAM

             Not that far. They still need

             someone to take out the garbage.

 

 

INT. GAY BAR - NIGHT

 

Kate and Cinnamon at a table.

 

                         KATE

             I made a decision. I'm giving

             notice at the firm.

 

Cinnamon nods.

 

                         KATE

             I expected a hint of celebration.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I made a decision, too. I can't

             do this anymore.

 

                         KATE

             What are you saying?

 

                         CINNAMON

             I need a sense of the future. I'm

             not getting any younger. I don't

             get that with you.


                                                           21.

 

 

                         KATE

             Are you breaking up with me?

 

                         CINNAMON

             I can't live in the closet. Not

             even a little.

 

                         KATE

             That sounds like an ultimatum.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I suppose it is. I do love you,

             Kate, and of course I believe you

             should leave your father's firm.

             But I believe even more strongly

             that you need to leave your

             marriage. You have to stop living

             a lie.

 

A silence.

 

Cinnamon stands. Kate grabs her arm.

 

                         KATE

             Please don't go.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Quick is painless. I speak from

             experience.

 

                         KATE

             What if I get a divorce?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Call me when you do.

 

She leaves. Kate looks stricken.

 

 

EXT. GAY BAR - NIGHT

 

A cab pulls up.

 

 

INT. CAB - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Adam in the back seat.

 

                         ADAM

             Maybe this isn't such a good idea.

 

                         QUINN

             I need to do this.


                                                           22.

 

 

INT. GAY BAR - NIGHT

 

Not visibly different from any other bar -- except that same

sex couples outnumber mixed couples. And here, women

outnumber men.

 

Quinn and Adam enter.

 

A jukebox is playing. Several FEMALE COUPLES dance on a

small dance floor.

 

                         ADAM

                  (under his breath)

             Oh, boy.

 

                         QUINN

             Relax. Pretend I'm your date.

 

                         ADAM

             Your--

 

But Quinn is already heading toward the bar.

 

They slip onto two stools.

 

The BARTENDER comes over. The way he looks them over, he

probably knows they're straight.

 

                         BARTENDER

             What would you like, gentlemen?

 

LATER

 

Quinn and Adam huddled at the bar. Nursing their first drink.

 

                         ADAM

             Actually it's sort of erotic in

             here, isn't it?

 

                         QUINN

             You're kidding me.

 

                         ADAM

             I mean, some of them are

             so...feminine.

 

                         QUINN

             Oh, boy...

 

Quinn sees WALTER, 30s, approaching. Lots of jewelry. A beret.

 

He smiles at Quinn.


                                                           23.

 

 

                         WALTER

             Are you a lawyer?

 

                         QUINN

             Me?

 

                         WALTER

             You work at Knox and Atkinson. I

             think I've seen you in the

             cafeteria.

 

                         QUINN

             I think you have me mixed up with

             someone else.

 

                         WALTER

             You don't know Michelle Weaver?

 

                         ADAM

             You know Michelle?

 

A dirty look from Quinn.

 

                         WALTER

             She's my sister.

 

LATER -- AT A TABLE

 

The three sit at a table over drinks.

 

                         WALTER

             I know it's hard for you right

             now, man, but in time you've got

             to realize how incredibly life-

             affirming this is for her. What's

             more important in this world than

             being who you are? It shouldn't

             be any different for you than if

             she ran off with a guy. If it is,

             then you're buying into all the

             homophobic bullshit. She's

             spreading her wings. Feel the

             pain of being left but applaud

             her as well. Better now than

             later, right? What if she did

             this five, ten, years from now?

             Wouldn't it be worse?

 

                         QUINN

             I thought of that.

 

                         WALTER

             Good, good.


                                                           24.

 

 

Walter stares at Adam and smiles.

 

                         ADAM

             What?

 

                         WALTER

             You're kinda cute.

 

 

EXT. GAY BAR - NIGHT

 

Adam rushes out with Quinn behind him. Adam's cell phone is

out.

 

                         ADAM

             I need a cab at--...where are we?

 

 

INT. CAB - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Adam in the back seat. Adam staring out the window,

lost in his thoughts.

 

                         QUINN

             Just because the mind understands

             something doesn't mean that the

             heart feels any better.

 

                         ADAM

             What?

 

                         QUINN

             Nothing.

 

A silence.

 

                         ADAM

             What do you think he sees in me?

 

 

EXT. LAW OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn enters the building.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Kate sitting across the desk. Knox reads a letter.


                                                           25.

 

 

                         KNOX

             Katey, I'd give you an

             extraordinary letter of

             recommendation but I fear it

             would be dismissed as the ranting

             of a proud father.

 

                         KATE

             I'm going to do fine.

 

                         KNOX

             I know you are. Your mother would

             be so proud. Have you told Quinn?

 

                         KATE

             I'm getting a divorce, daddy.

 

                         KNOX

             What?

 

She gets up to leave.

 

                         KNOX

             You sit back down and explain

             yourself, young lady.

 

                         KATE

             I don't have to write you a

             letter for this one, daddy.

 

And she's gone.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Quinn meets Kate in the hallway. She passes without a word.

 

                         QUINN

             Good morning to you, too.

 

                         KATE

             I want a divorce. My lawyer will

             be in touch.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn sitting across the desk.

 

                         KNOX

             I don't understand lesbians. I

             think it's some sort of mental

             illness.


                                                           26.

 

 

                         QUINN

             If it's who she really is ...

 

                         KNOX

             Nobody is "really" a fag. It's

             against human nature. Thank God

             her mother isn't alive to see this.

 

Quinn looks sad.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - DAY

 

A rental truck in the driveway. WORKERS moving Kate's

possessions out of the house.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Kate supervising the workers. Quinn sits, observing.

 

                         QUINN

             You picked out the furniture.

             Don't you want to take it?

 

                         KATE

             Please don't turn this into an

             issue. I'm taking only what I

             absolutely need.

 

                         QUINN

             I'd just sell it at a garage sale.

             I never really liked it.

 

                         KATE

             You never liked it?

 

                         QUINN

             Not that I disliked it. Furniture

             is furniture. Decorating was your

             thing, not mine.

 

                         KATE

             Fine. Sell it at a garage sale.

 

She leaves the room.

 

                         WORKER

             What else in this room goes?

 

                         QUINN

             Ask the boss.


                                                           27.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Quinn pouring coffee.

 

Out the window he sees Kate talking with Cinnamon, her car

at the curb.

 

 

EXT. FINDER HOME - DAY

 

At Cinnamon's car.

 

                         KATE

             I'm doing fine. I'm sure it could

             be worse.

 

Quinn comes out of the house.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Looks like we're getting company.

 

                         KATE

             Terrific.

 

She heads out to intercept him. They meet on the lawn.

 

                         KATE

             What are you doing?

 

                         QUINN

             I want to meet Spice Cake.

 

                         KATE

             Who?

 

Quinn continues on, a flustered Kate behind him.

 

                         QUINN

             You must be the lucky lady. I'm

             the unlucky husband.

 

His hand is outstretched. Cinnamon takes it.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Cinnamon.

 

                         QUINN

             No thank you. Never touch the stuff.

 

                         KATE

             Cin, you'd better get home to

             meet the truck.


                                                           28.

 

 

                         CINNAMON

                  (to Quinn)

             Nice meeting you.

 

She climbs into the car.

 

                         QUINN

             Home? You two already have a home?

 

                         KATE

             We rented a house.

 

                         QUINN

             And don't need furniture?

 

                         KATE

             Why do you insist on making this

             more difficult?

 

                         QUINN

             I didn't know this was difficult

             for you.

 

                         KATE

             Of course it's difficult for me.

             And I realize it's even more

             difficult for you. Just don't

             take it as an insult to your

             manhood or something. Here are my

             keys. I took five thousand

             dollars out of the joint account,

             which is what I put into it when

             we were married.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm sure you have more than--

 

                         KATE

             I don't want more. So. Maybe one

             day we can talk more sanely about

             this.

 

                         QUINN

             Just one question.

                  (moving close,

                  whispering)

             When I went down on you, were you

             fantasizing I was a woman?

 

                         KATE

             I refuse to do this.

 

She storms back to the house. Two workers are carrying out a

couch.


                                                           29.

 

 

                         KATE

             No, that stays!

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - NIGHT

 

A dark house.

 

A car pulls into the driveway. Adam gets out.

 

He goes to the porch. He hears music inside -- the blues.

Deep down-home my-baby-left-me blues. A moaning harmonica.

Someone like Little Walter, "This is a mean old world, try

living by yourself."

 

Adam rings the doorbell. Knocks.

 

Tries the door. It opens.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - NIGHT

 

Adam enters.

 

                         ADAM

             Quinn?

 

The cry-in-your-whiskey blues comes from the living room.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Quinn sits on the carpet in the middle of the dark room. A

whiskey bottle his only company. A swig from the bottle.

 

The blues, the blues.

 

Adam approaches, kneels down.

 

                         ADAM

             You okay, buddy?

 

                         QUINN

             Never been better.

 

                         ADAM

             Was the bottle full when you

             started?

 

                         QUINN

             Which bottle?

 

                         ADAM

             You actually sound pretty sober.


                                                           30.

 

 

                         QUINN

             It's all attitude.

 

                         ADAM

             You didn't answer your phone. I

             was worried about you.

 

No reply.

 

Quinn grimaces to a line in the blues, as if some lyric had

stabbed his soul.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - CAFETERIA - DAY

 

Michelle looking for a table. She sees Adam.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Hi. May I?

 

                         ADAM

             Please do.

 

She sits.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I haven't seen Quinn this week.

 

                         ADAM

             He's taking some time off.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Sick?

 

                         ADAM

             At heart. He's charging vacation

             time.

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

Quinn in mourning.

 

--working out in a gym.

 

--feeding pigeons in a park.

 

--eating at home alone, a solitary figure at a large table.

 

--in bed alone, reading.


                                                           31.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - NIGHT

 

Early evening. Still light outside.

 

Quinn mowing the back yard with a push reel mower.

 

Michelle comes around the corner of the house. She's carrying

a paper sack.

 

Quinn notices her and stops.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I can't remember the last time I

             saw someone use a push mower.

 

                         QUINN

             I have a monster but couldn't get

             it started.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Adam told me you were taking the

             week off.

                  (indicating the bag)

             I thought maybe you were up to

             Chinese take-out.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Michelle at the table. Cartons of food spread around.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You hear anything from Kate?

 

                         QUINN

             I heard from her lawyer.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Wow.

 

                         QUINN

             That was my reaction. I kept

             thinking she'd get over it.

 

                         MICHELLE

             It's not something you get over.

             It's something you own up to.

 

                         QUINN

             That's what they tell me. I can't

             figure out why I was the last to

             know.


                                                           32.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - NIGHT

 

Quinn walks Michelle to her car at the curb.

 

                         QUINN

             I appreciate the dinner. And

             especially the company.

 

                         MICHELLE

             My pleasure. Do you dance?

 

                         QUINN

             Pardon me?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Move in time to music in a public

             place. It's a very old tradition.

 

                         QUINN

             I haven't lately. Are you asking

             me out to dance?

 

                         MICHELLE

             I suppose I am.

 

                         QUINN

             Yes, we could do that.

 

 

INT. BALLROOM - DAY

 

On stage, a band playing a dance number.

 

SUPER: "Three years later."

 

On the dance floor, couples dancing at a wedding reception.

 

And the bride and groom are dancing: Michelle and Quinn.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

The office window now reads "Knox, Atkinson and Fender Law

Office."

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn's secretary dropping mail into a small box. Quite a

bit has accumulated.

 

Into the office walks Quinn himself.


                                                           33.

 

 

                         NANCY

             There he is! Don't you look

             happy -- and tan.

 

                         QUINN

             Hawaii does that. How bad is the

             damage?

 

                         NANCY

                  (gesturing to the box)

             See for yourself.

 

LATER

 

Quinn going through his mail. Adam appears in the doorway.

 

                         ADAM

             You came back to the rat race. I

             half-expected to hear you'd

             become a professional surfer.

 

                         QUINN

             I have an expensive honeymoon to

             pay for.

 

                         ADAM

             You look great, buddy. Time for a

             drink after work?

 

                         QUINN

             I'm meeting Michelle. Please join

             us.

 

LATER

 

Quinn at the computer. The intercom buzzes.

 

                         QUINN

             Yes?...Put her on.

 

He picks up the phone.

 

                         QUINN

             This is Fender....Of course I

             remember you....Run that by me

             again....I'll be there.

 

 

EXT. GALLERY ROW - DAY

 

A coffee shop in gallery row. Quinn enters.


                                                           34.

 

 

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

He sits down at a table across from Cinnamon.

 

                         QUINN

             Except for Jesus Christ himself,

             you're the last person in the

             world I expected to hear on the

             other end of a phone line. I

             suppose my first question is, Why

             me?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Two reasons. First, when I

             checked around, your firm has the

             best reputation in town for this

             sort of case. Two, I thought you

             might provide personal insight

             that would be helpful to me.

 

                         QUINN

             You want to compare dirty notes

             about Kate? Sorry to disappoint

             you but I've always thought the

             world of her. Well, once her

             transition made sense to me.

 

                         CINNAMON

             We live in a common law state.

             Under the law, we were legally

             married. Therefore, I'm entitled

             to a settlement. I did not

             terminate the marriage. She did.

 

[Note: common law states are Alabama, Colorado, Washington

D.C., Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode

Island, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. A quasi-common law

status has been upheld in Washington state.]

 

                         QUINN

             It gets more complicated than that.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I gave up my studio so I could

             spend more time at home, which

             helped her career considerably. I

             did the cooking. I hired and

             scheduled the house cleaners. I

             sacrificed my own career goals

             and income in the interests of

             our life together as a couple.

             When she left, she took everything.

                         (MORE)


                                                           35.

 

 

                         CINNAMON (CONT'D)

             If she were a man, and I a

             housewife, there would be no

             doubt about justice here.

 

                         QUINN

             There's still a problem. You're

             both the same sex.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I've done my homework. Some

             courts have accepted a "quasi-

             common law" status for same-sex

             couples. My case could further

             expand this precedent. It's the

             kind of case that makes careers.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm not worried about my career.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I have more: we had a ceremony.

             There were several dozen witnesses.

             We filed our last tax return

             jointly. In every way, we acted

             as man and wife. The bitch can't

             just walk out and leave me high

             and dry. Will you represent me?

 

 

INT. BAR - PAY PHONE - NIGHT

 

Quinn on a pay phone near the men's room.

 

                         QUINN

             Honey, would you pick up?...I'm

             running a little late. I left a

             message at the restaurant. I hope

             you get it. I won't be long,

             promise. Wait for me! I love you.

 

 

INT. BAR - TABLE - NIGHT

 

He joins Adam.

 

                         QUINN

             I think Michelle's on her way to

             the restaurant. I've got to boogie.


                                                           36.

 

 

                         ADAM

             The case is a hornet's nest.

             That's all I can tell you. And

             Barry would have a fit. The firm

             suing his own daughter?

 

                         QUINN

             They had a falling out after she

             went public.

 

                         ADAM

             Can you picture yourself

             questioning Kate on the stand?

 

                         QUINN

             Actually I can.

 

 

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Michelle at dinner. Quinn looks tense.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Something happen at work? You

             look upset about something.

 

                         QUINN

                  (ignoring this,

                  drinking wine)

             Umm...remind me to get a bottle

             of this.

 

Michelle stares at him.

 

                         QUINN

             Work is good.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn at the computer.

 

The intercom buzzes.

 

                         QUINN

             Fire away.

 

                         NANCY

                  (on intercom)

             Mr. Knox will see you now.


                                                           37.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Knox stares out the window, his back to Quinn, who sits

across the desk.

 

                         KNOX

             Have you heard from her?

 

                         QUINN

             No.

 

                         KNOX

             I heard through the grapevine she

             accepted a position in Washington.

 

                         QUINN

             With the Department of Labor.

 

Knox turns back to Quinn.

 

                         QUINN

             Same grapevine.

 

                         KNOX

             I made you a senior partner,

             Quinn, so I wouldn't have to

             babysit you. I trust you to know

             what cases are good for the firm.

 

                         QUINN

             Given the circumstances, I still

             didn't want to take this on

             without your approval.

 

                         KNOX

             I appreciate that. What are the

             chances of settling out of court?

 

                         QUINN

             I'll know when I talk to her, I

             expect.

 

                         KNOX

             Kate had everything going for her.

 

                         QUINN

             The Labor Department ain't bad.

             It's also one point for our side.

             She had a significant support

             system that got her there.


                                                           38.

 

 

                         KNOX

             Do it. Be sure to put Sally on

             the team. A real woman will look

             good to the jury.

 

                         QUINN

             Thanks, Barry.

 

 

INT. GYM - HANDBALL COURT - DAY

 

Quinn and Adam in a hot game.

 

 

INT. GYM - LOCKER ROOM - DAY

 

Getting dressed after the game.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm taking the case.

 

                         ADAM

             You told Barry?

 

                         QUINN

             I have his blessing.

 

Adam looks surprised.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Michelle at dinner. A formal setting, candlelight,

wine.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Did Kate get a hold of you?

 

Quinn looks surprised.

 

                         MICHELLE

             She called here this afternoon.

 

                         QUINN

             Why didn't you tell me?

 

                         MICHELLE

             I'm telling you now. I told her

             to try you at the office. What's

             the matter?

 

                         QUINN

             I'm representing her ex.


                                                           39.

 

 

                         MICHELLE

             I don't understand.

 

                         QUINN

             Spice Cake. Cinnamon McAffery,

             the artist she left me for. She

             got left and is suing Kate for a

             support settlement.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You're not serious.

 

                         QUINN

             You have a problem with that?

 

                         MICHELLE

             No. It's just...

 

Quinn waits.

 

                         MICHELLE

             ...a little unusual. Isn't it?

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn at his desk, staring into space.

 

Adam appears in the doorway.

 

                         ADAM

             "The Thinker." Or is it, "A Penny

             For Your Thoughts."

 

                         QUINN

             Penny my ass. The bidding starts

             at ten bucks.

 

                         ADAM

             You have time for a quick one

             before returning to marital bliss?

 

 

INT. BAR - DAY

 

Quinn and Adam enter. Halfway to the bar, Adam stops Quinn.

 

                         QUINN

             What?

 

                         ADAM

             Tell me I'm hallucinating.

 

He gestures to the bar, where Kate is sitting alone.


                                                           40.

 

 

                         QUINN

             If you are, I am.

 

                         ADAM

             What's she doing here?

 

                         QUINN

             I have a good idea. Get a table.

             I'll join you in a minute.

 

Quinn goes to the bar alone. He stands next to Kate.

 

                         QUINN

             Long time, no see.

 

Kate offers no welcome. She just stares at him.

 

                         QUINN

             Are you looking for me?

 

                         KATE

             I remember what a creature of

             habit you are. I expected to find

             you here, yes. I thought maybe

             you'd be able to explain this

             sick prank I got in the mail.

 

                         QUINN

             The correct protocol is, you have

             your lawyer contact me.

 

He starts away. She grabs his arm.

 

                         KATE

             What the fuck is this about?

 

                         QUINN

             You don't understand the charge?

 

                         KATE

             Cinnamon had five hundred dollars

             to her name when we moved in

             together. I left her five thousand

             dollars in the bank when I left.

             You do the math.

 

                         QUINN

             What's your salary at the

             Department of Labor?


                                                           41.

 

 

                         KATE

             I see. You want to play hardball,

             we'll play hardball. Only you're

             not doing this for Cinnamon, are

             you? This is for you.

 

                         QUINN

             Not only are my habits the same.

             So is my phone number. Have your

             lawyer call me.

 

He turns and walks away. By his expression, he's half-

expecting a glass to knock him on the back of the head.

 

Quinn reaches the table where Adam waits.

 

                         QUINN

             Is she following me?

 

                         ADAM

             She's leaving. What happened?

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Michelle make love.

 

LATER

 

Michelle rests her head on his shoulder in the dark room.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I think it's time to sell the house.

 

                         QUINN

             Oh?

 

                         MICHELLE

             There's still too much Kate here.

 

                         QUINN

             Honey, I'm going to be dealing

             with Kate for a while now. You

             need to handle it.

 

                         MICHELLE

             How long will the case take?

 

                         QUINN

             It depends on whether she'll

             settle out of court.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Do you think she will?


                                                           42.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Kate's stubborn. It depends on

             how smart and ambitious a lawyer

             she gets. Spice Cake wants a

             hundred grand but I think she'd

             settle for half that.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You have to stop calling her

             Spice Cake.

 

                         QUINN

             Never to her face.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Why did Kate leave her?

 

                         QUINN

             Apparently for another, younger

             woman.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Just like a guy.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn looks at his watch. Nancy is at her desk.

 

                         NANCY

             Here she comes.

 

Entering the area is Cinnamon.

 

                         QUINN

             You're fifteen minutes late.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I can't predict the bus schedule.

 

                         QUINN

             You took the bus?

 

                         CINNAMON

             How else do I get here? I

             certainly can't afford a cab.

 

                         QUINN

             They're waiting for us.

                  (to Nancy)

             Tell Sally we're on our way.


                                                           43.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Quinn leads Cinnamon down a hallway.

 

                         QUINN

             Let me do all the talking.

 

                         CINNAMON

             That's what I pay you for.

 

                         QUINN

             How come you can afford me and

             can't afford a taxi?

 

                         CINNAMON

             My brother is paying for you.

 

Sally joins them in the hallway. Quinn nods.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

 

Seated at a long table are Kate and her lawyer, ANNABEL, 50s.

 

Quinn, Sally and Cinnamon enter.

 

A moment between Cinnamon and Kate, each woman trying to

stare down the other.

 

                         QUINN

                  (to Cinnamon)

             Take a seat.

                  (to Annabel)

             Sorry we're late.

 

                         ANNABEL

             I was advised to expect it.

             Artist hours and all.

 

                         QUINN

             There's a nice note to get us

             started.

 

LATER

 

Annabel is looking over a document. She whispers something

to Kate.

 

                         KATE

             Of course not.

                  (to Cinnamon)

             You want an offer? I'll give you

             an offer. Five thousand dollars,

             which I left in the account when

             I left.


                                                           44.

 

 

                         CINNAMON

             You're a selfish, ungrateful--

 

                         QUINN

             Ladies!

 

                         CINNAMON

             --adulterous bitch!

 

                         KATE

             There's no point in this meeting.

 

She's on her feet, heading for the door.

 

                         ANNABEL

             See you in court, counselor.

 

                         CINNAMON

                  (after Kate)

             A lying two-timer!

 

Quinn watches Kate leave, Annabel right behind her.

 

He turns to Cinnamon.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Well, she is.

 

Quinn and Sally exchange a look, as if to say, "What have we

gotten into?"

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - DAY

 

A "For Sale" sign is on the lawn.

 

Michelle pulls into the driveway.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - DAY

 

Michelle enters -- and immediately hears a horrific sound

like someone swinging a sledge hammer.

 

She traces it to the open door to the basement.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BASEMENT - DAY

 

Michelle comes down the stairs. The banging continues.

 

She goes down far enough to see ...

 

...Quinn, indeed with a sledge hammer, taking out a wall.


                                                           45.

 

 

                         MICHELLE

             Quinn! What in God's name are you

             doing?

 

But she can't be heard over the racket.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Michelle sits at the coffee bar with a glass of white wine.

 

Quinn enters, looking like a creature from the lagoon.

 

                         QUINN

             Hey.

 

                         MICHELLE

             That's it? Hey? Why are you

             destroying our basement?

 

                         QUINN

             I'm making the room larger. We

             talked about it.

 

                         MICHELLE

             We have the house up for sale.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm increasing its value.

 

                         MICHELLE

             But we can't show it like this. I

             don't think you want to sell at

             all. This is a delaying tactic.

             You have too many memories of

             Kate here.

 

                         QUINN

             What are you talking about?

 

                         MICHELLE

             You've been acting strange ever

             since she came back into your life.

 

                         QUINN

             It's a stressful case. There's no

             clear legal precedent on this.

             We're on the cutting edge of law.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I'm thrilled for you.

 

She leaves the kitchen, taking her wine with her.


                                                           46.

 

 

The kitchen phone rings. Quinn picks up.

 

                         QUINN

             Hello....Hey, Barry. What's

             up?...I see.... We'll be there.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn again impatiently waiting. Cinnamon finally arrives.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I know, I'm late. I can't control

             the bus schedule.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Barry behind his desk, Quinn and Cinnamon sitting across.

 

He brings out a newspaper and drops it in front of them.

 

                         KNOX

             This is tomorrow morning's headline.

 

The newspaper headline reads: "Lesbian Sues For Support As

Jilted 'Househusband'".

 

                         KNOX

             The managing editor owes me and

             sent it over.

 

                         CINNAMON

             How come there's no picture?

 

                         KNOX

             Am I to understand you're doing

             this for the publicity?

 

                         CINNAMON

             They usually run it with a

             picture, is all.

 

                         KNOX

             The handwriting is on the wall.

             The media is going to go nuts

             with this. That's why I think we

             need to settle out of court.

 

                         QUINN

             Kate won't budge.


                                                           47.

 

 

                         KNOX

             Then we have to be flexible.

                  (to Cinnamon)

             How does fifty thousand dollars

             sound?

 

                         CINNAMON

             I'm not sure what you're saying.

 

                         KNOX

             I write you a check right here

             and now. You drop the suit.

 

Quinn's mouth drops open but he's silent.

 

                         CINNAMON

             You're supposed to be defending

             me. Why would you write me a check?

 

                         KNOX

             Because it's in everyone's best

             interest.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I don't know. LAFF is really glad

             I'm doing this.

 

                         KNOX

             Laugh?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Lesbian Alliance For Freedom.

             Suddenly I'm their poster child.

 

                         KNOX

             I see. Seventy-five thousand.

 

 

EXT. LAW OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn and Cinnamon come out.

 

                         QUINN

             I hope you're not making a mistake.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I'll take my chances.

 

Out of nowhere, a REPORTER and PHOTOGRAPHER appear.

 

                         REPORTER

             Miss McAffery!

 

A flash bulb flashes.


                                                           48.

 

 

Cinnamon smiles for the camera. Quinn retreats into the

building.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn returns.

 

                         QUINN

             No luck.

 

                         KNOX

             I don't know what looks worse,

             pulling out or letting the media

             have at us.

 

                         QUINN

             Pulling out would be worse.

             Definitely.

 

                         KNOX

             How do you and Kate get along

             these days?

 

                         QUINN

             To be honest, I have no idea.

 

                         KNOX

             She loved you once. There might

             be some feelings left. Take her

             out to dinner. Give her flowers.

             Get her to change her mind.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn on the phone, waiting.

 

                         QUINN

             I'll leave a message. Ask her to

             call Quinn at the office. She has

             the number.

 

 

EXT. HILTON HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Evening. Quinn enters the hotel.

 

 

INT. HILTON HOTEL - FRONT DESK - NIGHT

 

He goes to the front desk.


                                                           49.

 

 

                         DESK CLERK

             Help you, sir?

 

                         QUINN

             Yes. Please ring Kate Fender.

 

                         DESK CLERK

             One moment.

 

Quinn looks around.

 

A few old men in the lobby, reading newspapers.

 

A young couple waiting at the elevator.

 

                         DESK CLERK

             She doesn't answer, sir. Would

             you like to leave a message?

 

                         QUINN

             I already have.

 

 

INT. COURT ROOM - DAY

 

Getting ready for jury selection. The lawyers and clients

are just arriving.

 

Prospective JURORS fill the room.

 

Quinn walks by Kate's table and drops a folded message in

front of her.

 

She immediately crushes it and drops it into a waste basket.

 

At Quinn's table are Cinnamon and Sally. He joins them.

 

LATER

 

The JUDGE overlooks as a CLERK reads juror numbers. One by

one, the jurors come forward to sit in the jury box.

 

                         CLERK

             Juror #66 ... Juror #2 ... Juror

             #97 ... Juror #33 ...

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

Jury selection. A succession of jurors is asked the same

question.


                                                           50.

 

 

                         QUINN

             How do you feel about two people

             of the same sex living as man and

             wife?

 

                         JUROR #66

             I have nothing against it as long

             as they mind their own business.

 

LATER

 

                         JUROR #2

             Homosexuality is a sin. It says

             so right in the Bible.

 

LATER

 

                         JUROR #97

             To be honest, I haven't thought

             about it that much. I don't think

             I'd like it if there were children

             involved.

 

LATER

 

                         JUROR #33

             Let and let live is my philosophy.

             You can sleep with a goat as long

             as you keep it to yourself.

 

 

EXT. HILTON HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Kate approaches with MERILEE, 20s, a tall lanky model of a

young woman. They enter the hotel.

 

 

INT. HILTON HOTEL - LOBBY - NIGHT

 

Quinn has been waiting. He sees Kate enter and heads her off.

 

                         QUINN

             We need to talk.

 

                         KATE

             I don't think so.

 

                         QUINN

             I won't leave you alone till you

             talk to me.

 

                         KATE

                  (to Merilee)

             I'll be up in a minute.


                                                           51.

 

 

                         MERILEE

             Is everything okay?

 

                         KATE

                  (to Quinn)

             You can buy me one drink.

 

She hugs Merilee and whispers something. Merilee chuckles

and moves off.

 

                         QUINN

             After you, counselor.

 

 

INT. HILTON HOTEL - BAR - NIGHT

 

Kate leads the way to a back table. They sit down.

 

A WAITRESS is jane-on-the-spot.

 

                         KATE

             Blue Sapphire martini.

 

                         QUINN

             Two.

 

The waitress leaves.

 

                         QUINN

             LAFF wants to make Cinnamon a

             cause celebre. Are you sure you

             want to be made out as the bad guy?

 

                         KATE

             LAFF is a joke, and the pun is

             intended. They're all left-wing

             crazies.

 

                         QUINN

             You sound like a Republican.

 

                         KATE

             I am.

 

                         QUINN

             You changed parties?

 

                         KATE

             No. You never asked before. You

             assumed.

 

Quinn looks stunned.


                                                           52.

 

 

                         KATE

             Married those few years to a

             Republican dyke. What's the world

             coming to?

 

                         QUINN

             Is the woman the one you left

             Cinnamon for?

 

                         KATE

             What, you think I picked her up

             for the night?

 

                         QUINN

             Let's start over. The lesbian

             community is getting behind

             Cinnamon big-time. I thought

             maybe you'd want to rethink the

             political expediency of what

             you're doing.

 

                         KATE

             You think I give a damn what the

             lesbian community thinks? What I

             think, in case you're interested,

             is sexuality is a private matter.

             Not a public or political matter.

             Private. I owe Cinnamon a lot.

             She made it easier for me to

             become who I am. But once that

             purpose was filled, we found we

             actually have little in common. I

             left her five thousand dollars as

             a token of my gratitude.

 

                         QUINN

             Have you seen the paper? The news

             on TV? This is going to be a

             media circus.

 

                         KATE

             Don't think for a minute that I

             don't know daddy sent you here.

             You tell him if he has an opinion

             to express, to tell it to my face.

             Thanks for the drink.

 

Kate starts away.

 

                         QUINN

             Kate.

 

She turns.


                                                           53.

 

 

                         QUINN

             How have you been?

 

Kate laughs.

 

                         KATE

             Don't pretend you care.

 

                         QUINN

             I do.

 

But she's already turned again to leave -- and walks on.

 

 

INT. ANNABEL'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Annabel and Kate at a table.

 

                         ANNABEL

             Local character references.

 

                         KATE

             Oh boy.

 

                         ANNABEL

             You spent the first five years of

             your career here. Surely you made

             some good friends.

 

                         KATE

             Everybody took Quinn's side when

             I left him.

 

                         ANNABEL

             We need to establish that you're

             not the selfish manipulative

             bitch the prosecution's going to

             present.

 

                         KATE

             Quinn.

 

                         ANNABEL

             What about him?

 

                         KATE

             He'd be my best character witness.

 

                         ANNABEL

             You're not serious.


                                                           54.

 

 

                         KATE

             Very. He lived with me for three

             years. He knows me as well as

             anyone.

 

                         ANNABEL

             He's the prosecutor in this case!

 

                         KATE

             He won't lie under oath.

 

                         ANNABEL

             I don't even know if it's legal

             to call him. You go home and call

             me tomorrow with a list. I want

             three. I can't believe there

             aren't three people in your past

             who know how wonderful you are.

 

 

EXT. ANNABEL'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Kate comes out. Media are waiting for her.

 

                         REPORTER

             What's your defense going to be?

 

                         KATE

             I have no comment.

 

She hurries to her car, followed by yelling reporters.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - DAY

 

And more yelling REPORTERS follow Quinn to his car.

 

                         QUINN

             No comment means no comment!

 

 

INT. GYM - HANDBALL COURT - DAY

 

Quinn is playing with unusual fury. He plays like someone

who is angry at the world.

 

 

INT. CAFETERIA - DAY

 

Quinn and Adam over lunch.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't know if I can do this. I

             think I still care for her.


                                                           55.

 

 

                         ADAM

             That's not good, buddy. Think

             Michelle. Always Michelle. She

             thinks the world of you.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't mean romantically. I just

             don't want to see Kate made a

             fool of. She deserves better.

             Five grand is probably more than

             Spice Cake is worth.

 

                         ADAM

             Repeat after me: Spice Cake is my

             client. Spice Cake is my client.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Michelle in bed. She cuddles up to him. She kisses

his ear.

 

Her hand is under the covers. More aggressive foreplay --

but she's getting no response.

 

She slides away, disappointed.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm sorry. I have a lot on my mind.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

Quinn questioning Cinnamon on the stand.

 

                         QUINN

             Is this your signature on the check?

 

He hands her a document.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Yes, it is.

 

                         QUINN

             And the same signature is on

             thirty consecutive monthly checks

             written for the mortgage payment

             on the condo you shared with Kate

             Fender?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Yes.


                                                           56.

 

 

                         QUINN

             And the same signature is on

             checks written for utilities,

             phone, and garbage collection

             over the past thirty months?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Yes.

 

                         QUINN

             In other words, you wrote checks

             for all the household expenses of

             the condo.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Yes.

 

                         QUINN

             Can you tell us why you managed

             the business affairs of the condo

             and not Kate Fender?

 

                         CINNAMON

             She didn't like doing that sort

             of thing. She was usually too

             busy anyway.

 

                         QUINN

             Busy doing what?

 

                         CINNAMON

             She had just started her own law

             firm. It was very time consuming.

 

                         QUINN

             Would you say that the fact that

             you managed the mundane affairs

             of household management helped

             her establish her new career?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Yes, I would. I did everything.

             All she had to think about was

             her work.

 

LATER

 

Now Annabel is cross-examining.

 

                         ANNABEL

             Miss McCaffery, these checks you

             wrote for monthly expenses at the

             condo. On what account were these

             checks drawn?


                                                           57.

 

 

                         CINNAMON

             We had a mutual account.

 

                         ANNABEL

             In thirty months, how many

             deposits did you make to this

             mutual checking account?

 

No response.

 

                         ANNABEL

             Do I need to repeat the question?

 

Cinnamon clears her throat.

 

                         CINNAMON

                  (softly)

             One.

 

                         ANNABEL

             Speak up, please.

 

                         CINNAMON

             One.

 

                         ANNABEL

             Isn't it true that your one and

             only deposit was when the account

             was opened?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Yes.

 

                         ANNABEL

             And how much did you deposit?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Five hundred dollars. But I--

 

                         ANNABEL

             Thank you. Miss McAffery, does

             the name Metro Arts Supplies mean

             anything to you?

 

                         CINNAMON

             I know the store if that's what

             you mean.

 

                         ANNABEL

             Isn't it true that you buy your

             art supplies there?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Sometimes, yes.


                                                           58.

 

 

                         ANNABEL

             Sometimes. According to credit

             card receipts I have here, in the

             30 months in question someone

             charged $8233.55 worth of supplies

             to Metro. Did Kate Fender make

             those purchases?

 

                         CINNAMON

             No, I made them.

 

                         ANNABEL

             With your own credit card?

 

                         CINNAMON

             No, with hers.

 

                         ANNABEL

             So isn't it accurate to say that

             Kate Fender was supporting your

             career as an artist by paying for

             the supplies you purchased?

 

Quinn is on his feet.

 

                         QUINN

             Objection! The issue of--

 

                         JUDGE

             Overruled.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - PROSECUTION ROOM - DAY

 

Quinn, Sally and Cinnamon at a table.

 

                         QUINN

                  (to Cinnamon)

             Sally's going to question Kate.

             It will look better to the jury

             if a woman does it. And especially

             not her ex.

 

                         CINNAMON

             What about the cunt she's with?

 

                         SALLY

             Her name's Merilee.

 

                         QUINN

             Who isn't on trial here. We keep

             the focus on Kate.


                                                           59.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - DEFENSE ROOM - DAY

 

Kate and Annabel at a table.

 

                         KATE

             I still think you should call Quinn.

 

                         ANNABEL

             Out of the question.

 

                         KATE

             I'm sure Terri and Clara will be--

 

                         ANNABEL

             Kate, this is my case. We do it

             my way.

 

                         KATE

             "Your way or the highway."

 

                         ANNABEL

             The case is theirs to win. I'm

             not making it ours to lose.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

TERRI on the stand. Annabel questions her.

 

                         ANNABEL

             How did you meet Kate Fender?

 

                         TERRI

             I work in the law library and we

             became friends because Kate was

             there so often. She's very

             sincere and trustworthy, in my

             opinion.

 

LATER

 

Quinn doing cross.

 

                         QUINN

             You and Kate are good friends?

 

                         TERRI

             Of course.

 

                         QUINN

             Before she moved, how often did

             you see her over the past several

             years? Once a week?


                                                           60.

 

 

                         TERRI

             Oh, no.

 

                         QUINN

             Once a month?

 

                         TERRI

             No.

 

                         QUINN

             Isn't it true that until you

             stepped into this courtroom, you

             hadn't seen Kate Fender in over

             three years?

 

                         TERRI

             Well, yes, but that doesn't mean

             I don't know her.

 

LATER

 

Annabel with CLARA.

 

                         CLARA

             We were in the same sorority at

             college. I always admired Kate.

             She was so bright. I just knew

             she was going to be successful.

 

                         ANNABEL

             Do you have any opinion about

             whether or not Kate is trustworthy?

 

                         CLARA

             Oh, I believe she is. She was the

             sorority treasurer. I voted for

             her. I wouldn't do that if she

             wasn't trustworthy.

 

LATER

 

Quinn doing cross.

 

                         QUINN

             Didn't you change schools between

             your sophomore and junior years?

 

                         CLARA

             Yes.

 

                         QUINN

             And didn't you lose track of Kate

             after that?


                                                           61.

 

 

                         CLARA

             Well...

 

                         QUINN

             Answer the question.

 

                         CLARA

             I never forgot her.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

Clara leaves the stand.

 

                         JUDGE

             Counselor?

 

                         ANNABEL

             This is our last character

             witness, your honor.

 

Kate leaps to her feet.

 

                         KATE

             Your honor, I want to fire my

             attorney.

 

Shock sweeps over the courtroom.

 

Quinn and Sally exchange a puzzling look.

 

                         KATE

             I request permission to represent

             myself.

 

The judge bangs the gavel.

 

                         JUDGE

             I want to meet in chambers!

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - JUDGE'S CHAMBERS - DAY

 

Quinn, Sally, Annabel and Kate.

 

                         KATE

             I'm thoroughly qualified to

             represent myself. I have a

             strategy in mind but my attorney

             disagrees with it. This is my

             reputation at stake here. I

             insist on the best defense

             available, which turns out to be

             my own.


                                                           62.

 

 

A silence.

 

                         JUDGE

             I'm granting your request and

             giving you the rest of the week

             to prepare. Be in court Monday

             morning at ten.

 

 

EXT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

Quinn and Sally come outside. Heading down the sidewalk.

 

Media swarm on them.

 

                         QUINN

             No comment!

 

They move into a secure underground parking lot.

 

UNDERGROUND LOT

 

                         SALLY

             You have a hunch what she's up to?

 

                         QUINN

             I have no idea.

 

                         SALLY

             Worried?

 

                         QUINN

             Actually, yes. She wouldn't do

             something like this unless she

             has a surprise in mind.

 

                         SALLY

             At least we have the weekend to

             think about it.

 

 

EXT. SCHOOL - TRACK - DAY

 

Quinn and Adam jogging.

 

They pass bleachers and stop. Start doing stretches.

 

                         ADAM

             Quinn, I think I got it. It's

             brilliant, actually.

 

                         QUINN

             Got what?


                                                           63.

 

 

                         ADAM

             What Kate is up to. She's putting

             you on the stand.

 

                         QUINN

             Go on.

 

                         ADAM

             She left you everything, right?

             She was reasonableness,

             unselfishness, personified.

             You're the only one beside Spice

             Cake who's ever been left by her.

 

                         QUINN

             Calling the prosecutor as a

             character witness...

 

                         ADAM

             It has Kate's signature all over it.

 

 

INT. HILTON HOTEL - DAY

 

Quinn enters.

 

Heading toward the front desk, he glances into the bar. He

sees Merilee there.

 

 

INT. HILTON HOTEL - BAR - DAY

 

Quinn stands next to Merilee at the bar.

 

                         QUINN

             Can we get a table?

 

                         MERILEE

             I don't know if I should be

             talking to you.

 

                         QUINN

             I promise not to bring up Kate. I

             want to talk about you.

 

                         MERILEE

             What about?

 

Quinn smiles. The suspense pushes her over the edge. She

stands up.

 

LATER

 

At a table. Quinn has a drink in front of him.


                                                           64.

 

 

                         QUINN

             You look very familiar. Are you a

             model?

 

                         MERILEE

             I've done a little.

 

                         QUINN

             Movies?

 

                         MERILEE

             Nothing big. But I'm an actress.

 

                         QUINN

             How's the career going?

 

                         MERILEE

             It's very tough. Maybe you've heard.

 

                         QUINN

             You tried New York?

 

                         MERILEE

             As a matter of fact, that's where

             I live.

 

                         QUINN

             I thought you lived with Kate.

             Sorry. In D.C.

 

                         MERILEE

             Kate wants me to move, of course.

             There's no important directors or

             movie producers in Washington.

             Why are you suddenly interested

             in me?

 

Quinn is thinking about his answer when Kate appears.

 

                         KATE

             As sneaky as ever.

 

                         MERILEE

             We weren't talking about you.

 

                         QUINN

             I came here looking for you. I

             had this insight that you think

             I'd make you a terrific character

             witness.


                                                           65.

 

 

                         KATE

             You did, did you?

                  (to Merilee)

             Ready?

 

Merilee stands.

 

                         KATE

                  (to Quinn)

             But don't lose any sleep over it.

             What is it you used to say?

             There's more than one way to cook

             a goose.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn at his computer.

 

Sally enters with a manila envelope.

 

                         SALLY

             Look what the mailman brought. No

             return address, by the way.

 

Quinn takes the envelope. He looks inside. He brings out

four or five photographs and spreads them over the desk.

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHS

 

are nudes of Merilee. In each, she's with a man in an erotic

pose of lovemaking.

 

                         SALLY

             She makes porno movies. She's

             even won a Dicky.

 

                         QUINN

             A Dicky?

 

                         SALLY

             The porno Oscar.

 

                         QUINN

             I knew she looked familiar. I

             think I saw one of her films at a

             stag party.

 

                         SALLY

             We can run with guilt by

             association, but she's still

             Barry's daughter.


                                                           66.

 

 

                         QUINN

             We may not need to. But it's

             always nice to have something in

             the wings.

 

 

INT. BAR - NIGHT

 

Loud lawyers everywhere.

 

Quinn and Adam are playing darts.

 

A WAITRESS comes by.

 

                         ADAM

             Another round here.

 

                         QUINN

             Not for me.

 

He looks at his watch.

 

                         QUINN

             Shit, I'm late. I concede.

 

He immediately heads off.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - NIGHT

 

Quinn steps inside. The house is lit by candles everywhere.

 

Quinn looks puzzled.

 

                         QUINN

             Michelle?

 

He wanders into the KITCHEN. Candles.

 

Into the LIVING ROOM. Candles.

 

                         QUINN

             Don't you think this is a fire

             hazard?

 

Into the BEDROOM. Candles...

 

...and Michelle, spread out on the bed in a sexy nightgown.

An erotic pose. Waiting for a reaction.

 

                         QUINN

             If you're trying to get my

             attention, you got it.


                                                           67.

 

 

She starts writhing on the bed.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't know what you want from me.

 

Michelle sits up. Total change of mood.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You don't know--!

 

She throws a pillow at him.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You son of a bitch!

 

                         QUINN

             If you want to talk, I'll be in

             the kitchen.

 

Quinn backtracks to the LIVING ROOM. Blows out the candles.

 

Into the KITCHEN. Blows out the candles. Turns on the lights.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

Quinn nurses a beer at the coffee bar.

 

Michelle enters, dressed. She goes to the refrigerator and

takes out a bottle of wine. She sits down with a glass and

pours.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Are you having an affair with Sally?

 

                         QUINN

             What?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Or are you seeing Kate again?

             She's bi. She must still have

             feelings for you.

 

                         QUINN

             That's insane.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Then what is it? You don't want

             me any more. I know how strong

             your sex drive is.

 

                         QUINN

             Was.


                                                           68.

 

 

A silence.

 

                         QUINN

             I can't get this damn case out of

             my mind. It's become an obsession.

             I never should have taken it.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Can you quit?

 

                         QUINN

             Too late for that.

 

                         MICHELLE

             The news said she's representing

             herself now.

 

Quinn nods.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Why?

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

Kate stands.

 

                         KATE

             The defense calls Quinn Fender.

 

Strong reaction, murmurs. In the audience is Michelle.

 

Sally gets to her feet.

 

                         SALLY

             I object. The prosecution is

             being asked to jeopardize his own

             case.

 

                         KATE

             I have precedent if your honor

             would like--

 

                         JUDGE

             I know the precedent, counselor.

             I'm a step ahead of you. This is

             the only reason I could figure

             you'd take the case over yourself.

             Objection denied.

 

All eyes turn to Quinn. He stands up and approaches the

witness stand.

 

The clerk meets him.


                                                           69.

 

 

                         CLERK

             Do you swear to tell the truth,

             the whole truth, and nothing but

             the truth?

 

                         QUINN

             I do.

 

                         CLERK

             Be seated.

 

Quinn sits. Kate approaches.

 

                         KATE

             Morning, Mr. Fender.

 

                         QUINN

             Good morning.

 

                         KATE

             How long were you married to the

             defendant?

 

                         QUINN

             I was married to you for three

             years.

 

                         KATE

             Please try and forget it's me

             asking the questions. I want to

             keep this impersonal. I want you

             to refer to the defendant in the

             third person. Can you do that?

 

                         QUINN

             I'll try.

 

                         KATE

             Were you happily married?

 

                         QUINN

             Yes. Ec--

 

He stops himself.

 

                         KATE

             I'm sorry?

 

                         QUINN

             Ecstatically so.

 

                         KATE

             You got to know your wife pretty

             well then.


                                                           70.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Apparently not well enough.

 

At the table, Sally smiles. The subtext is clear: this ploy

may backfire. Her satisfaction is interrupted by a LAW CLERK

who hands her a note. Sally puts it aside to listen.

 

                         KATE

             Would you call your ex-wife selfish?

 

                         QUINN

             No.

 

                         KATE

             Manipulative?

 

A pause.

 

                         KATE

             Manipulative?

 

                         QUINN

             No, not that. Secretive.

 

                         KATE

             Just answer the questions, please.

             When she left, did you find it

             hard to reach a property

             settlement with her?

 

                         QUINN

             On the contrary, she took hardly

             anything at all.

 

                         KATE

             Explain that in more detail.

 

                         QUINN

             By rights, she could have, should

             have, taken much more than she

             did. She left all the furniture,

             which she'd picked out. She left

             much more money in our joint

             account than I expected. Half was

             hers, as far as I was concerned.

             She only took her personal

             necessities.

 

                         KATE

             Thank you, Mr. Quinn.

 

LATER

 

Sally doing cross.


                                                           71.

 

 

                         SALLY

             Earlier you said your ex-wife was

             secretive. Would you expound on

             that.

 

                         QUINN

             When I learned she was gay, it

             came from left field. I

             was...stunned.

 

                         SALLY

             Were there other areas where your

             ex was secretive?

 

                         QUINN

             I'm not sure what you mean.

 

                         SALLY

             Did she have an interest in

             pornography, for example.

 

Kate to her feet.

 

                         KATE

             I object!

 

                         SALLY

             Your honor, this speaks to

             character!

 

Commotion, the judge banging the gavel.

 

                         JUDGE

             I'll allow this, counselor, but

             you need to get quickly to its

             relevance.

 

Quinn stands up.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't want to be a witness to

             this.

 

More commotion. More gavel.

 

                         JUDGE

             We're in recess for thirty

             minutes! Counselors, into chambers!

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - JUDGE'S CHAMBERS - DAY

 

The usual suspects.


                                                           72.

 

 

                         JUDGE

             Mr. Fender, tell me why I

             shouldn't put you in contempt of

             court.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm the lead prosecutor here,

             your honor. This new direction is

             not part of my strategy.

 

                         SALLY

             I received new information and

             made a judgment call.

 

                         KATE

             What new information?

 

                         SALLY

             It's privileged.

 

                         QUINN

             Your honor, I'd like a recess to

             discuss this with my assistant.

 

The judge enjoys the moment, letting them squirm.

 

                         JUDGE

             We'll reconvene after lunch. I

             let you take the stand, counselor.

             Part of the deal is you answer

             questions.

 

                         QUINN

             I understand.

 

                         JUDGE

             Recess until two.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - PROSECUTION ROOM - DAY

 

Quinn looking at the note Sally received.

 

                         QUINN

             Can you document this?

 

                         SALLY

             I have someone right on it.

             Shouldn't be long.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Will someone tell me what's going

             on?


                                                           73.

 

 

                         QUINN

             We're working in your best

             interests. Trust me.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

The judge bangs the gavel after lunch.

 

Quinn the witness, Sally standing near him.

 

                         SALLY

             Let me rephrase my question. If

             your ex was secretive about her

             sexuality, is it within the realm

             of possibility that she was

             secretive about other things as

             well?

 

                         KATE

             I object. Calls for speculation.

 

                         SALLY

             Calls for an assessment of

             character based on observation

             and experience.

 

                         JUDGE

             I'll allow it.

 

                         QUINN

             I suppose it's possible, sure.

 

                         SALLY

             That's all, your honor.

 

                         JUDGE

                  (to Kate)

             Counselor?

 

                         KATE

             No further questions.

 

                         JUDGE

             Next witness.

 

                         KATE

             The defense rests.

 

A reaction of surprise.

 

Quinn rises.


                                                           74.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Your honor, given the change for

             the defense, we would like to

             present one more witness.

 

                         KATE

             I object, your honor.

 

                         JUDGE

             Who is the witness?

 

                         QUINN

             The prosecution would like to

             recall Kate Fender.

 

More reaction.

 

LATER

 

Quinn questioning Kate.

 

                         QUINN

             Miss Fender, I'd like to suggest

             the same impersonal format that

             you requested from me. Can you do

             that?

 

                         KATE

             Yes, of course.

 

He hands her a document.

 

                         QUINN

             Is this your signature on a check

             for $50,000 written to Merilee

             Promise?

 

                         KATE

             It is. If you think you're going

             someplace sinister with this, let

             me say that this was to support

             her in New York while she

             auditioned for parts.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Double-dealing cu--!

 

Sally's hand quickly slams over Cinnamon's mouth.

 

The gavel.

 

                         SALLY

             Sorry, your honor.


                                                           75.

 

 

                         JUDGE

                  (to Quinn)

             Continue.

 

                         QUINN

             What about this?

 

He hands Kate another document.

 

                         KATE

             I don't know what this is.

 

                         QUINN

             What does it look like?

 

                         KATE

             It's an endorsed check.

 

                         QUINN

             And who endorsed it?

 

                         KATE

             Merilee signed it.

 

                         QUINN

             And that's all?

 

                         KATE

             No. Then it was endorsed by...

 

                         QUINN

             Read it, please.

 

                         KATE

             Big Unit Productions.

 

                         QUINN

             In other words, Merilee signed

             over your check to Big Unit

             Productions.

 

                         KATE

             This is the back of my check?

 

                         QUINN

             Very good, counselor. Have you

             ever heard of Big Unit Productions?

 

                         KATE

             No.


                                                           76.

 

 

                         QUINN

             They make movies. Maybe if I name

             some of their titles, I'll

             refresh your memory. "Virgins at

             Vassar." "The Kama Sutra Does

             Dallas."

 

These titles have elicited considerable reaction.

 

The judge is banging his gavel.

 

                         JUDGE

             Order! Order!

 

When it calms down, cherishing the moment...

 

                         QUINN

             In other words, you were a silent

             producing partner in Big Unit

             Productions, financing their

             development of pornographic films.

 

More noise, louder gavels.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Quinn emerges. The media is all over him.

 

Quinn rushes through the throng, disappearing into a "Staff

Only" Men's Room.

 

 

INT. STAFF MEN'S ROOM - DAY

 

Quinn enters. He doesn't look too well.

 

He goes to the mirror. He splashes cold water on his face.

 

He burps...looks like he might get sick.

 

Suddenly he turns and rushes to a toilet. He drops to his

knees and leans forward.

 

 

INT. BAR - NIGHT

 

All the usual lawyers.

 

Quinn finally joins the crowd.

 

                         ADAM

             The man of the hour!


                                                           77.

 

 

Everyone applauds as Quinn steps up to the bar.

 

Quinn looks recovered but not very enthusiastic.

 

                         ADAM

             Speech, speech!

 

Quinn waves the suggestion off.

 

                         QUINN

             Booze, booze ...

 

Everyone laughs.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Morning. Michelle in her robe, on the phone.

 

                         MICHELLE

             He isn't up yet....It may be a

             while. He put in a long

             night....I'll tell him.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BEDROOM - DAY

 

Michelle looks into the bedroom. Quinn, half-dressed, is

sprawled over the bed.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - PATIO - DAY

 

Michelle, still in her robe, reading the paper. Empty

breakfast dishes on the table.

 

Quinn stumbles out.

 

                         QUINN

             Is there coffee?

 

                         MICHELLE

             I'll make a fresh pot.

 

She stands.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Kate's called three times this

             morning. She wants you to call

             her at the Hilton.

 

                         QUINN

             Did she say what she wants?


                                                           78.

 

 

                         MICHELLE

             To murder you, I imagine.

 

She starts inside.

 

                         QUINN

             Whose side are you on?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Do you really think she knew

             anything about that?

 

                         QUINN

             It doesn't matter what I think.

             It matters what the jury thinks.

 

Michelle stares at him a moment.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Make your own damn coffee.

 

She's gone.

 

Quinn stands helpless and hungover.

 

 

EXT. HILTON HOTEL - DAY

 

Quinn approaches.

 

Merilee is standing outside with her bags.

 

A taxi pulls up. The CABBIE loads her bags. Merilee gives

Quinn the finger before stooping into the cab.

 

 

INT. HILTON HOTEL - BAR - DAY

 

Quinn at a back table. Kate arrives and sits down.

 

                         KATE

             Why the cheap shot?

 

                         QUINN

             I don't have enough information

             to know if it's a cheap shot or not.

 

                         KATE

             You know I don't do pornography.

 

                         QUINN

             Fat cats don't fight wars either

             but they still sell arms.


                                                           79.

 

 

                         KATE

             You're the last person I expected

             daddy to corrupt with his win-at-

             any-cost bullshit.

 

                         QUINN

             He had nothing to do with this.

             In fact, he may not be happy

             about it. And just because I do

             what's best for my client,

             doesn't mean I enjoy it.

 

Kate laughs.

 

                         KATE

             You love it. It's your belated

             revenge.

 

                         QUINN

             Two years ago, you would have

             been right. I finally realized

             I'm not responsible for your

             sexuality, that it was bound to

             happen sooner or later, so better

             sooner. It could have taken you

             ten or twenty years to come out.

             That would have been worse for

             both of us.

 

Kate is touched by this but looks away to hide her emotions.

 

An awkward silence.

 

                         QUINN

             Kate, I--

 

She abruptly stands and interrupts.

 

                         KATE

             I have to prepare my close.

 

She bolts away.

 

                         QUINN

                  (after her, but to

                  soft to be heard)

             I loved you so much ...

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

 

Quinn, Adam, and several other LAWYERS in a meeting around

the table. The door opens and Nancy looks in.


                                                           80.

 

 

                         NANCY

             They reached a verdict.

 

                         QUINN

             Already.

 

                         ADAM

             May the force be with you, buddy.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

The FOREMAN standing.

 

                         JUDGE

             Have you reached a verdict?

 

                         FOREMAN

             We have.

 

                         JUDGE

             You may read it.

 

                         FOREMAN

             We find in favor of the plaintiff,

             Cinnamon McAffery. We also

             recommend compensation in addition

             to the hundred thousand dollars

             specified in the suit.

 

                         JUDGE

             Noted and considered.

 

                         CINNAMON

                  (under her breath)

             Yes!

 

She turns and gives a V-victory sign to cheering LAFF

members. The judge's gavel bangs.

 

Quinn and Kate, at adjacent tables, look equally stunned.

 

                         SALLY

                  (to Quinn)

             You okay?

 

 

INT. BAR - DAY

 

Lawyers in celebration.

 

                         LAWYER

                  (to Adam)

             Where's Fender?


                                                           81.

 

 

                         ADAM

             He'll be here.

 

 

EXT. HILTON HOTEL - DAY

 

Quinn's car cruises past the hotel.

 

 

INT. CAR - DAY

 

Quinn stares out at the hotel. Should he stop or not?

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

--as Quinn passes the hotel several times.

 

 

EXT. HILTON HOTEL - DAY

 

Finally Quinn turns his car into the boarding area. A HOTEL

ATTENDANT races forward to park it.

 

 

INT. HILTON HOTEL - FRONT DESK - DAY

 

Quinn waiting. The clerk returns.

 

                         CLERK

             Miss Fender checked out about an

             hour ago.

 

 

INT. TAVERN - NIGHT

 

Quinn alone at a tavern. He looks up and sees the BARTENDER.

 

                         BARTENDER

             I think I'd better cut you off.

 

A MOMENT LATER

 

Quinn at the pay phone, waiting.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Michelle at the door. Two suitcases on the floor. She hears

the phone ringing. Making a decision, she opens the door.


                                                           82.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - NIGHT

 

A cab waits outside. Michelle comes outside. Seeing her bags,

the CABBY rushes forward to help.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOUSE - DAY

 

Early morning. A car cruises by, a newspaper flying from it

to the Fender driveway.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Quinn, dressed, stretched out on the divan. Empty beer cans

on a side table. He stirs. He groans.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BATHROOM - DAY

 

Quinn in the shower, letting the water beat on him.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Quinn enters and sees a note on the counter. He picks it up.

 

                         MICHELLE (V.O.)

             Quinn, I hardly know you any more.

             I know this case has been

             difficult for you. It's been

             difficult for me, too. I feel

             like we need some space apart so

             we can think. I'm staying at my

             sister's for a while. The number

             is in the phone memory, number 5.

             I do love you. I just don't know

             what our future is any more.

 

 

EXT. FEDNER HOME - DAY

 

Quinn comes out for the paper.

 

He sees the "For Sale" sign in the lawn. He stares at it. He

goes to the sign and pulls it up.

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

Quinn redecorating the house.

 

--He works in the basement.

 

--He paints the house.


                                                           83.

 

 

--He adds new paneling to the enlarged basement room.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

Quinn on the phone.

 

                         QUINN

             I want you to come home.

 

 

INT. MICHELLE'S SISTER'S HOME - NIGHT

 

Michelle on the phone.

 

INTERCUT

 

                         MICHELLE

             Are you sure?

 

                         QUINN

             Of course I'm sure. I love you.

             And I have a surprise for you.

 

                         MICHELLE

             What surprise?

 

                         QUINN

             I've decided what to do about

             Kate. But it's not something I

             can tell you on the phone.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You want to talk about Kate?

 

Quinn closes his eyes. He looks like a man who knows he said

the wrong thing.

 

                         QUINN

             Okay, stay put. I'm catching the

             first plane out of here.

 

 

EXT. AIRPORT - NIGHT

 

A cab lets Quinn off.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT - NIGHT

 

Quinn at a pay phone.


                                                           84.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Nancy, I'm taking a few days off.

             I'll be in touch when I know what

             I'm doing. Strike that. Just put

             me down for three days off. I'll

             be in first thing Monday morning.

 

He hangs up.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT - WAITING AREA - NIGHT

 

Quinn dozing in a seat. An AIRLINE CLERK gently shakes him.

 

                         AIRLINE CLERK

             Were you waiting for space

             available to Los Angeles?

 

 

EXT. LOS ANGELES AIRPORT - NIGHT

 

A jetliner landing.

 

 

INT. LOS ANGELES - AIRPORT - NIGHT

 

Quinn comes in. Traveling light.

 

He gets his bearings and heads for a car rental agency.

 

 

EXT. SANTA MONICA - NIGHT

 

A car cruises along the coast highway.

 

 

INT. RENTAL CAR - NIGHT

 

Quinn is behind the wheel. He's looking for something.

 

 

EXT. SANTA MONICA - BEACH FRONT MOTEL - NIGHT

 

The rental car pulls into the parking lot of a motel. A

bright "Vacancy" sign shines across the lot.

 

 

INT. BEACH MOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Quinn enters his room. He suddenly looks exhausted.


                                                           85.

 

 

EXT. SANTA MONICA - BEACH - DAY

 

Quinn strolls along the beach.

 

Ahead is a restaurant with a deck overlooking the beach. He

waves.

 

 

EXT. BEACHSIDE RESTAURANT - DECK - DAY

 

Quinn climbs up the stairs onto the deck. Michelle and MARY,

30s, sit at a table.

 

                         QUINN

             Good morning. Nice to see you, Mary.

 

                         MARY

             Don't worry, I'm not staying.

             Just came for moral support.

 

She stands.

 

                         MARY

             I'll be inside when you're ready.

             Be good to her, Quinn.

 

Mary leaves.

 

                         QUINN

             Michelle.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Quinn.

 

                         QUINN

             I've been doing a lot of thinking.

 

                         MICHELLE

             So have I.

 

                         QUINN

             I want us to make it.

 

                         MICHELLE

             So do I.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't want to be married to

             anyone else. Do you understand that?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Sometimes I think you miss the

             way it was with Kate before she--


                                                           86.

 

 

                         QUINN

             --became honest with herself.

             Which means whatever it was, was

             based on a lie. That's no way to

             live.

 

He offers his hand across the table. Michelle takes it.

 

                         QUINN

             I want Kate to be my friend. Can

             you deal with it?

 

                         MICHELLE

             I think so. But you really hurt her.

 

                         QUINN

             I know. I have to do something

             about that. Right after I do

             something about you.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - DAY

 

A cab pulls in front of the house.

 

Quinn and Michelle get out. The CABBY gets their bags from

the trunk.

 

                         MICHELLE

             What did you do to the house?

 

                         QUINN

             Increased its value, I hope.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BEDROOM - DAY

 

Quinn and Michelle make love in the afternoon.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

And make love at night.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

They sit in their robes at the coffee bar.

 

                         QUINN

             I'd better get started. I have a

             long day.


                                                           87.

 

 

                         MICHELLE

             Call me as soon as you check in.

 

They kiss.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Barry behind his desk. Quinn walks in without knocking.

 

                         QUINN

             This is my letter of resignation.

 

He sets it on the desk.

 

                         KNOX

             Who is it and how much did they

             offer you?

 

                         QUINN

             You wouldn't believe it if I told

             you.

 

He's heading away.

 

                         KNOX

                  (after him)

             Try me!

 

 

INT. AIRPORT - TERMINAL - DAY

 

Quinn in line to board a plane.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Quinn on the phone.

 

                         QUINN

             How can I miss you when I was

             making love to you twelve hours ago?

 

                         MICHELLE (FILTERED)

             I bet you say that to all the girls.

 

                         QUINN

             Anyway, if all goes well, I'll be

             home tomorrow night.

 

                         MICHELLE (FILTERED)

             Do what you have to do, baby.

             This is important.


                                                           88.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Thanks.

 

                         MICHELLE (FILTERED)

             I'll take out what you owe me in

             flesh.

 

                         QUINN

             I can't wait.

 

 

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - DEPT. OF LABOR - DAY

 

A cab pulls up in front of the Department of Labor.

 

 

INT. DEPT. OF LABOR - UPPER FLOOR - DAY

 

Quinn steps off an elevator. He carries a bouquet of flowers.

 

He gets his bearings.

 

 

INT. DEPT. OF LABOR - KATE'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Kate is working behind a huge desk.

 

Quinn appears in the doorway.

 

                         QUINN

             Couldn't you find a bigger desk?

 

Kate looks shocked to see him.

 

                         QUINN

             For you. I'm here to do three

             things. The first, make a peace

             offering.

 

Kate regards him suspiciously.

 

                         KATE

             What are you up to, Quinn?

 

                         QUINN

             I'm trying to earn your friendship.

 

                         KATE

             What for?

 

                         QUINN

             Because I miss our arguments.


                                                           89.

 

 

                         KATE

             Right.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm serious. I haven't encountered

             a decent devil's advocate since

             you left. I'm suffering here. My

             mind is rusting. My vocabulary of

             pejorative insults is diminishing

             every day. I don't insult anybody

             worth a damn any more.

 

It's working. Kate can't help but smile. She takes the

flowers. She buzzes her secretary.

 

                         KATE'S SECRETARY (ON INTERCOM)

             Yes?

 

                         KATE

             Find me a vase for flowers.

 

                         QUINN

             That's better.

 

 

INT. DEPT. OF LABOR - CAFETERIA - DAY

 

Quinn and Kate at a table over coffee and donuts.

 

                         QUINN

             I meant to ask you. Is Spice

             Cake's art any good?

 

                         KATE

             Spice Cake?

 

                         QUINN

             Her nickname in the office where

             I used to work.

 

                         KATE

             I can't believe you quit.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't think I ever liked the

             job. I liked the money.

 

                         KATE

             It's not easy putting up your

             shingle alone.

 

                         QUINN

             I know. That's why I'm looking

             for a partner.


                                                           90.

 

 

Kate studies him.

 

                         KATE

             Is that an offer?

 

                         QUINN

             My second thing. When I asked you

             how you liked it here, the first

             thing you said was, the money's

             good. The second thing...wasn't

             anything at all.

 

                         KATE

             I don't know. I could come to

             love this city. Very international.

 

                         QUINN

             That's what vacations are for.

             Think about it. It's an open

             offer. I already have a lead on

             my first case. A transexual wants

             to sue his health provider.

 

                         KATE

             You have changed.

 

A silence.

 

                         KATE

             What's the third thing?

 

 

EXT. PARK - DAY

 

A wedding in the park.

 

PEOPLE seated in folding chairs.

 

A STRING QUARTET playing the Wedding March.

 

Michelle, wearing red, is being escorted down the aisle by

her FATHER.

 

Waiting are Quinn, Kate and the PREACHER.

 

Michelle takes her place beside Quinn.

 

                         PREACHER

             Do you have the re-commitment ring?

 

                         QUINN

             My best man has it.

 

Quinn turns to Kate. She hands him the ring.


                                                           91.

 

 

Quinn puts the ring on Michelle's right hand.

 

 

INT. PARK - COMMUNITY CENTER - DAY

 

The reception. The string quartet has been replaced by a

small band.

 

A crowded dance floor. On it are Quinn and Michelle.

 

Michelle notices something and points it out to Quinn.

 

Kate and Sally are dancing together.

 

                         QUINN

             I'll be damned.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You didn't know?

 

                         QUINN

             Not a clue.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You're not very perceptive in

             this area, are you?

 

Quinn, smiling, shakes his head.

 

The party goes on.

 

FADE OUT