Burden of Truth (2018–…): Season 1, Episode 8 - Hang Together - full transcript
You're giving up on the case?
I'm not giving up.
There is no case.
The court rules in favour of
the motion to strike.
The case is dismissed.
My stepdad used to call
David Hanley the Grim Reaper.
My ex is moving.
He's got a job in Winnipeg.
Our marriage was terrible,
but we're great at coparenting.
I can count on him.
All you need to do is sign this.
- A nondisclosure agreement?
- My dad's sins
caught up to him.
That's why we left.
If he finds out
I'm talking to you, I'm dead.
Just give me
something I can use.
Southvale Farms, you gotta
go back. Take a closer look.
- So why are we here?
- We have to find out
exactly what's in the ground
that made Amanda and Steve sick
without attracting
any attention.
And how exactly do we do that?
Ground penetrating radar.
I paid for law school
working summers for Jack's crew.
We'd see the pipe lines before
we even picked up a shovel.
Jack. Thanks for meeting
with us.
You're going
to have to make this quick.
We're already behind
on this job.
- We need a utility scanner.
- We don't think
that the athletic field
is the only place
where Matheson Steel dumped.
You really think
Ben knowingly did this?
We need to find out for sure.
For Georgia.
Hey! Luna, let me get that.
- I got it.
- We don't know
what's in this water.
Well, I wasn't gonna drink it.
Look, this has
been disproportionately
affecting young women. I don't
want you this close to it.
Thank you.
Damn it.
Jack, you find anything
over there?
- Nothing yet.
- Where does
this property end, exactly?
20 feet over that hill.
Then you're into the buffer:
The noman's land
between my property
and the neighbour's.
Nobody owns it.
OK.
That makes 23.
That's a lot.
This is way bigger
than we thought.
We need to get these samples
tested right away.
If it tests positive for benzene, then
we have a good chance at certification.
Before we can
have a class action,
we have to ask the court
to certify.
Certification determines...
Whether the proceeding should
be appropriately prosecuted
as a class proceeding.
Very good.
Certification is leverage,
which gives us bargaining power
when we try to settle.
- So that's our goal? Settling?
- I know it doesn't sound
like a win,
but if we go to trial,
then it's 21 that we lose.
And then we get nothing.
23 barrels in the field,
and we still can't tie it
to Matheson Steel.
- But our whistleblower can.
- Nate Dawson?
He's no help to us
unless he signs an affidavit
before the hearing.
I'm supposed to meet with him
in a few minutes.
Well, you better get going then.
Luna, you can help me
amend our argument.
All right!
Morning.
You're still here.
Aren't you late for work?
I called in sick.
I thought maybe we
could sleep in,
watch a movie in bed.
I have a job.
What's going on?
- Nothing.
- Spill it.
I... I didn't sign up for this.
I can't make a difference
from the copy room.
Mercer's making my life
a living hell.
But you think he's on the take.
Yeah. What do you
want me to do? Confront him
about a new set of golf clubs?
Would you ever...
consider going back to Winnipeg?
I think I'd consider
everything else first.
Then...
as far as I can see, you don't
have any option
but to settle your differences.
I can't work
with someone who picks
and chooses who he serves
and protects.
Be the better man,
so you can get back out there
and protect the ones he won't.
Wow.
Cozy.
Joanna's not here.
Unless you're looking
to go another few rounds?
I come in peace.
What did you have in mind?
Actually...
Matheson Steel has authorized me
to make a settlement offer.
Really?
$2 million, but only
for the named plaintiff.
- Molly.
- That's right.
It is an exclusive offer.
One that I would like to discuss
with her legal counsel
in private, please.
Give us a minute.
OK. Fine.
You can't make an offer
only to Molly.
I already did.
I'm actually surprised
that you're not more excited
that I just brought
this generous offer
to your niece.
I won't cut the other girls out.
Court won't allow it.
Forget about the court.
My client is gonna
give Molly $2 million,
and you just have to convince
the others to drop the suit.
Billy, your sister,
your niece...
they will be set for life...
or we'll crush you at trial.
We have new evidence.
How long are you
gonna keep fighting?
As long as it takes.
You got the bills.
They're already piling up,
and if I know Joanna,
she's probably hired
the best scientists,
expert doctors...
and you're the one
who's squeezing the space
on the credit card.
$2 million for Molly.
We'll give you 100 grand.
We walk away.
Out of the question.
Why? Because it's unethical?
That didn't stop you
with Houghton Hills.
Yeah.
We do our homework.
Does your cocounsel know
about your little gaffe?
You're not gonna blackmail me
into taking this offer.
Maybe not...
but as your niece's
legal counsel,
you are obligated to take her
all settlement offers.
Let's see what she has
to say to $2 million.
Taylor?
What're you doing?
Just getting used
to not going anywhere.
Honey...
Court?
- Work first, then...
- I should
be there with the girls.
Sweetheart,
we spoke about this.
I can't have
my own child suing me.
Joanna said that we're not
suing you. We're suing the mill.
I am the mill...
for better or for worse, honey.
So are you.
You... you don't remember
having this conversation?
I...
I remember you used
to want me to go off
and get a law degree,
come back and...
learn the steel business.
"Not enough strong women
"in steel, but Taylor...
you can change that."
- Well, you still can.
- Yeah.
Me and the hole in my brain will
take the steel world by storm.
All right. Listen, honey.
Um...
I'm your father, and you're
gonna let me take care of you.
Now, we have
some money set aside.
We have nothing to worry about.
What about my friends?
Right. That's what I thought.
- How much did she tell you?
- Just the...
$2 million part.
Luna, seriously, you cannot...
You kicked me out, OK?
I got bored.
That's a...
That's a lot of money.
Just think about what we could
do with that.
The places we could go,
the things we could buy.
We could get a boat.
OK, or we could get a house.
This money has
to last my whole life.
Fine, so let's get a houseboat
and become pirates.
Yes! And then we'll
save the rest.
Lisa's dad can teach me
how to make the money last
because he's a CPA.
Have you told her yet?
No.
Why not?
Because the offer
is only for you.
You're the named plaintiff.
They wanna
pay you and convince the others
to drop the suit.
I would get rich,
and the others...
would get nothing?
I'd like to depose you.
Have you sign an affidavit
so we can use it in court.
You want me to go on the record?
I'll lose my job, my pension.
That is a risk,
but without you,
we may lose this case.
And nobody gets nothing?
I already pointed you
to where the barrels were.
That should be enough.
In cases like this, it's...
it's never quite enough.
The people in this town,
they talk.
I don't wanna be remembered
as the guy who killed the mill
in a place called Millwood.
To these girls, you'd be
remembered as the guy
who did the right thing.
Alan came to me
with a settlement offer.
Only for Molly.
How much?
- 2 mill.
- What'd she say?
She's thinking about it.
- What'd you tell her?
- As her lawyer,
to turn it down.
- And as her uncle?
- These things
can go on forever.
Look at the Love Canal.
I don't want her life to be over
before she ever sees a dime...
if she ever sees a dime.
Billy, this is good news.
If they're willing
to make an offer to Molly,
then they're willing to deal
with all the girls.
Exactly.
I need to talk to you.
- She knows.
- Good...
then you can both hear this.
I thought about it.
I can't take the money.
It isn't right.
We all get paid
or none of us do.
I've missed you at home.
I've been working on the case.
I know you're
testing your wings,
taking time on your own, but...
we only have
a few months left together
before you move to Montreal.
Could we...
try to be a family
a little longer?
Why did you lie to me about him?
Who is it
you think I lied about?
David Hanley.
Some things...
Some things I hope
you never have to understand.
So you let me figure them out
on my own.
- I was trying to protect you!
- Yeah, you have a funny way of showing it.
It hurts so much
to be abandoned
by someone you love.
And if you thought
it was just my fault...
just a onetime thing.
I wanted you to grow up
with the confidence
that your dad leaving
had nothing to do with you.
You understand me?
Nothing!
Does it ever get easier?
We have each other.
We're pretty great.
Come here.
Will you please come home?
Yeah.
- So what do we ask for?
- The conventional rule
is never be the first one to say
a number. But me, I go big.
So just how much
is a life worth?
Worst case scenario, these girls
are never able
to support themselves.
Worst case.
Joanna.
What a nice surprise.
At a negotiation meeting?
These are my clients too.
$5 million per girl.
Upfront.
OK. Let's get right into it.
Joanna, this is
a small town steel mill.
You can't expect them
to have that kind of money
just kicking around. Yeah, but
their parent company does.
P and I did 1.2 billion
in revenue last year.
Yeah, but you're
not suing P and I.
You can't pierce the corporate
veil and prove that they
had any knowledge
of your... allegations.
- You don't know that.
- OK, so what's your counter?
2 million... total
paid out over the next 20 years.
You really think
the livelihood of six girls
is worth that little?
It's five girls.
Taylor Matheson's no longer part
of your class proceedings.
Either way,
that offer is too low.
Samples from our new evidence
tested positive for benzene.
We're confident in our prospects
should this go to trial.
More unproven allegations.
We have someone
who is willing to testify
that they were dumped there
by your client.
Who?
1 million per girl
paid out over 5 years.
[I told you the offer
was only for the Ross girl,
I know, but...
they're willing to talk,
and I looked at the numbers.
Alan, the offer
was supposed to divide them.
You haven't done that. Instead,
you've weakened our position.
I stand by my play.
İt was the wrong one?
Look, all due respect,
if they certify their class,
their ask will be double.
Apparently, they have
a new find... eyewitness.
To the dumping of barrels?
- Fabulous.
- The evidence is starting
to fall less in our favour.
We'll destroy them
in certification.
- Do you hear me?
- Yes, sir.
I'm sorry. I can't
make those numbers work.
You say hi to my father for me?
You know, if you two would just talk,
it would make this a lot simpler.
Nothing is simple
with my father.
Job before personal.
Didn't you teach me that?
- You're going to regret this.
- I already do.
See you in chambers.
- Come on.
- I've been trying
to get in touch with you.
Yeah, well,
coffee time is my time.
Besides, I don't recall
clearing you for duty.
Look...
with everything
that's going on...
the town's been
turned upsidedown,
and so have I.
That's your apology?
You need me back out
on the street.
No, not if you're getting
in the way of honest folks
looking out for themselves.
I get it.
My stepdad worked
the mill 43 years.
He bled steel
until the day he died.
The town comes first.
You have my word.
OK, then.
Get in. You're riding
with me today.
- Great.
- Thank you.
See you later.
Foreman said
you wanted to see me?
Yeah.
Jeez, are you...
feeling OK, Nate?
I guess so. Did I
do something wrong?
Man, we go back
a long way, Nate, so let's not
beat around the bush.
I think we owe each other that.
OK. Yeah.
My lawyers tell me
that I have a problem.
- What kind of problem?
- Well, it seems
that somebody
who works here has been...
talking to the other side.
Are you accusing me?
No, no, no.
Accusing's for lawyers, Nate.
I'm just a working guy like you.
'Cause I don't know
anything about that.
Yeah, well, the thing is that
there's only a handful of people
that it could be.
And I'm one of them?
But you're the only one
of them that I trust.
Nate, I need to get
to the bottom of this.
My baby girl is sick.
They're coming after
my business.
They're coming after me.
I wish I could help you.
Well, you can.
And you will.
I need you to talk
to every man you used
on those runs.
And tell them what, exactly?
Well, you tell them
to be careful.
And if they are and...
and they do right
then this can all
go back to normal.
I'm gonna figure it out
one way or another, Nate.
All right. Get back in.
Hi.
Your mom let me in,
but if you're busy, I can...
No, no! That's OK. You can
help me pick out what to wear
to court. My uncle told me
to look smart...
but I have no idea
what that means.
- You should wear this.
- Yeah.
It's either that
or a pair of tearaways,
so that'll have to do.
Are you OK?
Yeah, I'm just...
I haven't been feeling
really great lately.
I wonder why?
Yeah. I'll be fine though.
I just want this to be...
over, you know?
Yeah, but my uncle says
these things can take years.
I'm not a part
of the suit. Remember?
- What?
- I texted you this morning.
- No...
- Or... yesterday?
I... I swear I did. I...
Well, does my uncle know?
I don't know.
My dad begged me
to pull myself out of it, so...
What?!
That's bull! I'm sorry,
but you're 18!
You can do what you want.
What do you want?
- I don't know.
- I'm sorry.
I can't imagine
how complicated all this
must be for you.
I just want you to know that...
whatever you decide,
I'm with you.
Are you OK?
My God! Taylor?
Most likely, she fainted from
the stress of the situation.
I keep telling you girls
to take it easy.
Can stress also
cause memory loss?
Stress can do pretty much
anything under the sun...
but her white blood cell
count is elevated.
- What does that mean?
- We'll do
more blood work
to rule some things out.
Thank you.
Don't worry. Doctors make
everything sound scary.
I'm not scared.
Well, you are certainly
braver than me.
Don't worry.
This'll all be over soon.
I promise.
I don't think this deposition
is a good idea. It's not safe.
- We can protect you.
- No, you can't.
Matheson knows. He confronted
me. I gotta get out of here.
- No. He's probably bluffing.
- No, he's not. I'm telling you,
he knows I came to you.
- And we're grateful for that.
- Look, I gave you
everything I got. I don't know
what else you want from me.
- We want your testimony.
- I can't do it.
Nate... Nate!
I'm sorry.
I wish we had the girls here.
We don't need them.
I think it helps.
Judges in this circuit,
they like to see faces.
It's more personal.
Well, it would help
to see them twitching.
I'm not saying that they
should exaggerate it,
but it wouldn't hurt us.
We'll just have
to stick to the facts.
I would feel much more
confident in those facts if we
had signed affidavit from Nate.
They don't need to know
that we don't.
They're gonna find out.
Not before we win certification.
We're gonna bluff.
Once we have certification,
we'll be in a better position
to negotiate.
It's not against the rules.
You'll be OK.
When I was at RossMcCann...
I broke a rule.
You?
I was suspended for violating
my professional ethics.
That's why I left the firm.
I wasn't fired, I just...
came back here,
tail between my legs.
What'd you do?
I took a gift
from the other side in exchange
for a lower sum.
You're lucky you didn't
get disbarred.
It was my first year.
I was young in a big city
for the first time.
I was an easy mark.
I took 10% off the ask.
What'd they give you?
A trip to Vegas.
I'm sorry.
Hey, I'd never been
anywhere before.
CTS knows and they're trying
to use it against me.
I just needed you to know.
Don't worry.
I know a lot about them.
Come on, Mr. Vegas.
Let's go bluff.
There you go.
Thanks for buying lunch.
You'll have to tell me
your secret.
Secret?
What do you mean by that?
Nothing.
Listen...
I know a cop in this town
can only make so much,
and we all have ends
we gotta meet.
You keep this conversation going, I'll
show you where you meet your end.
Relax!
I won big last week
playing poker. You know what?
I almost felt bad taking
all of McCurdy's money.
Almost.
It's all good.
We both do our jobs.
You do it your way.
I do it my way.
At the end of the day,
we're both good cops.
You don't think
I'm a good cop, Owen?
The young,
eagertoplease officer.
You were so good at blending in,
blue eyes. What happened?
Sir...
If you got something
you wanna accuse me of,
I'd rather you just say it
to my face already.
I think you accept
extravagant gifts
to look the other way.
And that eagertoplease officer
you're talking about?
He's been biting a hole
in his lip the entire time
trying to stomach your
smallminded, racist bullshit.
I can't do it anymore.
We have done extensive testing
of the girls' athletic field
at Millwood High
and the surrounding area
at Southvale Farms.
We have a witness who can link
both the barrels... Your Honour,
the plaintiff's counsel
has not submitted
an affidavit for any witness.
Defence is correct.
Please confine your arguments
to submitted materials.
If you will turn to
the submitted soil sample tests,
the chromatogram
yielded identical
chemical footprints
for both the field
and the area surrounding
Matheson Steel Mill.
Your Honour,
plaintiff's counsel is trying
to establish fault at a
certification hearing.
We request it be struck.
I am merely trying to assess
commonalities, and the defence
is trying to stall.
Please keep your interjections
relevant. You'll have your turn.
- We have no further arguments.
- Your Honour,
the allegations are based on
improper medical science.
There is no discernable proof.
In fact,
volumes of contrary medical
literature indicate no link
between benzene
and any of the symptoms
characterized by the plaintiff.
None of these "medical volumes"
have been submitted
to the court.
Stick to the materials
you submitted, Counsellor.
Your Honour, the plaintiff
has shown no direct link
between the benzene
found in the field
and my client's mill.
Further, certification should be
held to higher standards
to avoid an onslaught
of frivolous litigation.
Are you finished?
Yeah.
Given the specificity
of the symptoms,
and the applicants' established
and equal use
of the athletic field,
the requirements
for commonalities
has been satisfied.
Certification is granted.
You may proceed
as a class action.
She seems to be
doing much better.
My friends came to visit.
Taylor, we need to talk.
- That doesn't sound good.
- What's going on?
Her bloodwork's come back
and I would like to do
a bone marrow biopsy.
What does that mean?
You think she has leukemia?
I'd rather not
jump to conclusions.
That's not a no.
I don't understand.
I have cancer?
Sweetheart.
It's too early to say,
but all the signs are pointing
in that direction.
Leukemia is genetic, right?
Typically, but it is
known to develop
from exposure to radiation...
or toxic materials.
Given her age
and medical history,
if it is leukemia, her prognosis
is still quite good.
It seems early enough
that chemotherapy
followed by radiation
would be a strong first step,
but let's not
get ahead of ourselves.
I know this is a lot to digest.
I'll give you
some time together.
I have been saving this
for something special, but...
you know, I can't think of
anything more special than this.
You should save it
for when we win the case.
You are such
a buzzkill sometimes.
It's a big win, Billy,
but it's just a checkmark.
See? Buzzkill.
You know, growing up, I learned
to celebrate checkmarks.
That's why they call me
"PartMarks" Crawford.
You know, this whole
selfdeprecating, smalltown
dumb guy routine?
I'm not buying it.
You should go back to
a big firm, give it another try.
Don't let one mistake stop you.
No, I'm not cut out for that.
You saved us today.
That was nothing.
That was not nothing.
To not nothing.
You guys
are celebrating already?
Would you like some?
It's no ice wine, but...
It's only a checkmark.
Yes, but it is a checkmark
next to our names and not yours.
You argued well today.
- What do you want?
- Well, I just think,
given the circumstances,
we should...
resume negotiation.
OK.
We want double.
2 million per girl.
You're joking.
Give me something reasonable.
I'll take it back to my client.
We did. You rejected it.
If you won't take our new offer
to your client, then...
there's nothing to negotiate.
We'll take this to trial.
Then we will
drag this on for years...
and bankrupt you.
Ben.
Miss Hanley.
Ahem. Are you here
to see Taylor?
I'm sorry.
Yeah, well, it's...
It's not definitive, so...
Thank you.
If there's anything
that we can do...
You could drop the case.
Wait a minute.
You didn't come here
to see my daughter.
You came here
to speak to your client.
Yes.
In light of the new...
We were hoping
she'd consider rejoining.
And your case gets
bigger and bigger.
Lucky you.
- This is not what we wanted.
- But you'll use it
to your advantage?
She's my client.
And I will protect her
from anyone who hurts her.
Then protect her, Ben.
Hello, Your Honour.
Yes, I understand.
Right now?
Yes, I'm on my way.
Alan.
For a second, I was worried
you were having an exparte
with the judge. Care to explain?
I'm as in the dark as you are.
I got a cryptic call.
I think our judge
is a bit theatrical.
She's a judge in a small town.
This is pretty much
her Super Bowl.
She said opposing counsel
called the meeting. If it
wasn't you, then who did it?
- I did.
- David.
Alan.
We should get in there.
I think we've wasted
enough of the court's time.
Please, have a seat.
Counselor... David Hanley has
brought to my attention
his concerns
of your impartiality.
What are you talking about?
Joanna Hanley was
a partner at CTS
when this whole thing started.
I was partner very briefly
and in name only,
and have since tendered
my resignation.
Your Honour, her partner
position, however brief,
allowed her access to privileged
client information.
The McDonald Estate
v Martin verdict
says that she should be
disqualified as counsel
from these proceedings.
It is your obligation
to disclose any and all
conflicts of interest.
Your Honour,
during my time at CTS,
Matheson Steel
- was not a client.
- Yes...
but P and I Steel was,
and it so happens that they
own Matheson Steel.
Well, that's a bit of a reach.
R. V Neil. Unless I had
actual access
to confidential information
relevant to the current matter,
there is no conflict.
Except R. V Neil was
in regards to cases
that were factually unrelated.
Your Honour,
as an associate,
Joanna oversaw the paperwork
for P and I's acquisition
of Fenn Pulp and Paper.
At that time, she had access
to confidential financial
and organizational records
for P and I
and all of its subsidiaries.
What happened to job
before personal?
Given the circumstances,
I will require
a formal motion hearing
on the impartiality
of Counselor Joanna Hanley.
Until the hearing,
as to the matter
of Ross et al v. Matheson Steel,
Joanna Hanley
is hereby disqualified.
Thank you, Your Honour.
Why'd you wait so long
to play that card?
You don't want a fair fight?
I'm just representing
my client. It's business.
Gerrilyn, Luna?
That just business too?
How many times are we
gonna do this?
What about Erin Carr?
All right. You want
to know the truth?
- Yes.
- OK.
Joanna, your mother was a mess...
Don't you pin this on her!
- That's the truth!
- You cheated!
Yes. Yes, I cheated.
I cheated!
Which one are you talking about?
Gerrilyn.
Gerrilyn was there for me.
When we were together,
everything was simple.
It felt like love. It wasn't.
It... it was a mistake.
You had so many chances
to tell me the truth!
I was ashamed. OK?
I was... I was ashamed.
That's the first honest thing
I've heard from you.
Joanna...
I'm...
I'm really sorry.
Don't. Don't.
Brought you some comfort food.
Nothing says your life's
falling apart like a facefull
of cheese puffs.
Next time, I'll go
with quinoa then.
Are you thinking
about Taylor again?
It just keeps
playing over and...
over in my head.
When she collapsed,
I didn't even know
if she was still alive...
and all I could
think about was...
what if this happens to me?
How selfish is that?
No, not selfish. Just honest.
I'm so tired
and I'm totally
at the mercy of this thing.
At any time,
that could happen to me.
We're not in control
of the illness,
but we can choose
how we're gonna fight it.
I'm gonna defer school
until January.
Luna, you don't have to do that!
I want to. I wanna see
the case through,
and I wanna be here with you.
We'll weather
this storm together.
In our house boat?
I wish you would have called.
You called me, remember?
I told you to end this.
I can't just wave my hand
and make this go away.
No? I just did.
David, you and I both
already knew about this.
Joanna is gonna win her appeal.
You're missing the point.
Listen, you've done a...
fabulous job
getting us this far.
I'll take it from here.
That's unnecessary. I've got
everything under control.
Alan, CTS is
a prestigious law firm.
We have a reputation to protect.
Now, don't take this personally,
but we can't...
be losing motion hearings
to a couple of small town yucks.
You know, all due respect,
that's your daughter
you're talking about.
Joanna's made her decision.
I can't protect her from
herself, and neither can you.
I didn't think
I'd ever see you again.
I jumped in my truck and got
as far as the Duclos bridge.
- I know the place.
- Yeah, the team
used to go there
sometimes after a win.
Drink Slurpees,
toss stones in the river.
I'm not safe here,
but standing on that bridge,
thinking 'bout them...
I will be there
right beside you.
For every step of this.
All right.
Good.
Let's get started.
I'm not giving up.
There is no case.
The court rules in favour of
the motion to strike.
The case is dismissed.
My stepdad used to call
David Hanley the Grim Reaper.
My ex is moving.
He's got a job in Winnipeg.
Our marriage was terrible,
but we're great at coparenting.
I can count on him.
All you need to do is sign this.
- A nondisclosure agreement?
- My dad's sins
caught up to him.
That's why we left.
If he finds out
I'm talking to you, I'm dead.
Just give me
something I can use.
Southvale Farms, you gotta
go back. Take a closer look.
- So why are we here?
- We have to find out
exactly what's in the ground
that made Amanda and Steve sick
without attracting
any attention.
And how exactly do we do that?
Ground penetrating radar.
I paid for law school
working summers for Jack's crew.
We'd see the pipe lines before
we even picked up a shovel.
Jack. Thanks for meeting
with us.
You're going
to have to make this quick.
We're already behind
on this job.
- We need a utility scanner.
- We don't think
that the athletic field
is the only place
where Matheson Steel dumped.
You really think
Ben knowingly did this?
We need to find out for sure.
For Georgia.
Hey! Luna, let me get that.
- I got it.
- We don't know
what's in this water.
Well, I wasn't gonna drink it.
Look, this has
been disproportionately
affecting young women. I don't
want you this close to it.
Thank you.
Damn it.
Jack, you find anything
over there?
- Nothing yet.
- Where does
this property end, exactly?
20 feet over that hill.
Then you're into the buffer:
The noman's land
between my property
and the neighbour's.
Nobody owns it.
OK.
That makes 23.
That's a lot.
This is way bigger
than we thought.
We need to get these samples
tested right away.
If it tests positive for benzene, then
we have a good chance at certification.
Before we can
have a class action,
we have to ask the court
to certify.
Certification determines...
Whether the proceeding should
be appropriately prosecuted
as a class proceeding.
Very good.
Certification is leverage,
which gives us bargaining power
when we try to settle.
- So that's our goal? Settling?
- I know it doesn't sound
like a win,
but if we go to trial,
then it's 21 that we lose.
And then we get nothing.
23 barrels in the field,
and we still can't tie it
to Matheson Steel.
- But our whistleblower can.
- Nate Dawson?
He's no help to us
unless he signs an affidavit
before the hearing.
I'm supposed to meet with him
in a few minutes.
Well, you better get going then.
Luna, you can help me
amend our argument.
All right!
Morning.
You're still here.
Aren't you late for work?
I called in sick.
I thought maybe we
could sleep in,
watch a movie in bed.
I have a job.
What's going on?
- Nothing.
- Spill it.
I... I didn't sign up for this.
I can't make a difference
from the copy room.
Mercer's making my life
a living hell.
But you think he's on the take.
Yeah. What do you
want me to do? Confront him
about a new set of golf clubs?
Would you ever...
consider going back to Winnipeg?
I think I'd consider
everything else first.
Then...
as far as I can see, you don't
have any option
but to settle your differences.
I can't work
with someone who picks
and chooses who he serves
and protects.
Be the better man,
so you can get back out there
and protect the ones he won't.
Wow.
Cozy.
Joanna's not here.
Unless you're looking
to go another few rounds?
I come in peace.
What did you have in mind?
Actually...
Matheson Steel has authorized me
to make a settlement offer.
Really?
$2 million, but only
for the named plaintiff.
- Molly.
- That's right.
It is an exclusive offer.
One that I would like to discuss
with her legal counsel
in private, please.
Give us a minute.
OK. Fine.
You can't make an offer
only to Molly.
I already did.
I'm actually surprised
that you're not more excited
that I just brought
this generous offer
to your niece.
I won't cut the other girls out.
Court won't allow it.
Forget about the court.
My client is gonna
give Molly $2 million,
and you just have to convince
the others to drop the suit.
Billy, your sister,
your niece...
they will be set for life...
or we'll crush you at trial.
We have new evidence.
How long are you
gonna keep fighting?
As long as it takes.
You got the bills.
They're already piling up,
and if I know Joanna,
she's probably hired
the best scientists,
expert doctors...
and you're the one
who's squeezing the space
on the credit card.
$2 million for Molly.
We'll give you 100 grand.
We walk away.
Out of the question.
Why? Because it's unethical?
That didn't stop you
with Houghton Hills.
Yeah.
We do our homework.
Does your cocounsel know
about your little gaffe?
You're not gonna blackmail me
into taking this offer.
Maybe not...
but as your niece's
legal counsel,
you are obligated to take her
all settlement offers.
Let's see what she has
to say to $2 million.
Taylor?
What're you doing?
Just getting used
to not going anywhere.
Honey...
Court?
- Work first, then...
- I should
be there with the girls.
Sweetheart,
we spoke about this.
I can't have
my own child suing me.
Joanna said that we're not
suing you. We're suing the mill.
I am the mill...
for better or for worse, honey.
So are you.
You... you don't remember
having this conversation?
I...
I remember you used
to want me to go off
and get a law degree,
come back and...
learn the steel business.
"Not enough strong women
"in steel, but Taylor...
you can change that."
- Well, you still can.
- Yeah.
Me and the hole in my brain will
take the steel world by storm.
All right. Listen, honey.
Um...
I'm your father, and you're
gonna let me take care of you.
Now, we have
some money set aside.
We have nothing to worry about.
What about my friends?
Right. That's what I thought.
- How much did she tell you?
- Just the...
$2 million part.
Luna, seriously, you cannot...
You kicked me out, OK?
I got bored.
That's a...
That's a lot of money.
Just think about what we could
do with that.
The places we could go,
the things we could buy.
We could get a boat.
OK, or we could get a house.
This money has
to last my whole life.
Fine, so let's get a houseboat
and become pirates.
Yes! And then we'll
save the rest.
Lisa's dad can teach me
how to make the money last
because he's a CPA.
Have you told her yet?
No.
Why not?
Because the offer
is only for you.
You're the named plaintiff.
They wanna
pay you and convince the others
to drop the suit.
I would get rich,
and the others...
would get nothing?
I'd like to depose you.
Have you sign an affidavit
so we can use it in court.
You want me to go on the record?
I'll lose my job, my pension.
That is a risk,
but without you,
we may lose this case.
And nobody gets nothing?
I already pointed you
to where the barrels were.
That should be enough.
In cases like this, it's...
it's never quite enough.
The people in this town,
they talk.
I don't wanna be remembered
as the guy who killed the mill
in a place called Millwood.
To these girls, you'd be
remembered as the guy
who did the right thing.
Alan came to me
with a settlement offer.
Only for Molly.
How much?
- 2 mill.
- What'd she say?
She's thinking about it.
- What'd you tell her?
- As her lawyer,
to turn it down.
- And as her uncle?
- These things
can go on forever.
Look at the Love Canal.
I don't want her life to be over
before she ever sees a dime...
if she ever sees a dime.
Billy, this is good news.
If they're willing
to make an offer to Molly,
then they're willing to deal
with all the girls.
Exactly.
I need to talk to you.
- She knows.
- Good...
then you can both hear this.
I thought about it.
I can't take the money.
It isn't right.
We all get paid
or none of us do.
I've missed you at home.
I've been working on the case.
I know you're
testing your wings,
taking time on your own, but...
we only have
a few months left together
before you move to Montreal.
Could we...
try to be a family
a little longer?
Why did you lie to me about him?
Who is it
you think I lied about?
David Hanley.
Some things...
Some things I hope
you never have to understand.
So you let me figure them out
on my own.
- I was trying to protect you!
- Yeah, you have a funny way of showing it.
It hurts so much
to be abandoned
by someone you love.
And if you thought
it was just my fault...
just a onetime thing.
I wanted you to grow up
with the confidence
that your dad leaving
had nothing to do with you.
You understand me?
Nothing!
Does it ever get easier?
We have each other.
We're pretty great.
Come here.
Will you please come home?
Yeah.
- So what do we ask for?
- The conventional rule
is never be the first one to say
a number. But me, I go big.
So just how much
is a life worth?
Worst case scenario, these girls
are never able
to support themselves.
Worst case.
Joanna.
What a nice surprise.
At a negotiation meeting?
These are my clients too.
$5 million per girl.
Upfront.
OK. Let's get right into it.
Joanna, this is
a small town steel mill.
You can't expect them
to have that kind of money
just kicking around. Yeah, but
their parent company does.
P and I did 1.2 billion
in revenue last year.
Yeah, but you're
not suing P and I.
You can't pierce the corporate
veil and prove that they
had any knowledge
of your... allegations.
- You don't know that.
- OK, so what's your counter?
2 million... total
paid out over the next 20 years.
You really think
the livelihood of six girls
is worth that little?
It's five girls.
Taylor Matheson's no longer part
of your class proceedings.
Either way,
that offer is too low.
Samples from our new evidence
tested positive for benzene.
We're confident in our prospects
should this go to trial.
More unproven allegations.
We have someone
who is willing to testify
that they were dumped there
by your client.
Who?
1 million per girl
paid out over 5 years.
[I told you the offer
was only for the Ross girl,
I know, but...
they're willing to talk,
and I looked at the numbers.
Alan, the offer
was supposed to divide them.
You haven't done that. Instead,
you've weakened our position.
I stand by my play.
İt was the wrong one?
Look, all due respect,
if they certify their class,
their ask will be double.
Apparently, they have
a new find... eyewitness.
To the dumping of barrels?
- Fabulous.
- The evidence is starting
to fall less in our favour.
We'll destroy them
in certification.
- Do you hear me?
- Yes, sir.
I'm sorry. I can't
make those numbers work.
You say hi to my father for me?
You know, if you two would just talk,
it would make this a lot simpler.
Nothing is simple
with my father.
Job before personal.
Didn't you teach me that?
- You're going to regret this.
- I already do.
See you in chambers.
- Come on.
- I've been trying
to get in touch with you.
Yeah, well,
coffee time is my time.
Besides, I don't recall
clearing you for duty.
Look...
with everything
that's going on...
the town's been
turned upsidedown,
and so have I.
That's your apology?
You need me back out
on the street.
No, not if you're getting
in the way of honest folks
looking out for themselves.
I get it.
My stepdad worked
the mill 43 years.
He bled steel
until the day he died.
The town comes first.
You have my word.
OK, then.
Get in. You're riding
with me today.
- Great.
- Thank you.
See you later.
Foreman said
you wanted to see me?
Yeah.
Jeez, are you...
feeling OK, Nate?
I guess so. Did I
do something wrong?
Man, we go back
a long way, Nate, so let's not
beat around the bush.
I think we owe each other that.
OK. Yeah.
My lawyers tell me
that I have a problem.
- What kind of problem?
- Well, it seems
that somebody
who works here has been...
talking to the other side.
Are you accusing me?
No, no, no.
Accusing's for lawyers, Nate.
I'm just a working guy like you.
'Cause I don't know
anything about that.
Yeah, well, the thing is that
there's only a handful of people
that it could be.
And I'm one of them?
But you're the only one
of them that I trust.
Nate, I need to get
to the bottom of this.
My baby girl is sick.
They're coming after
my business.
They're coming after me.
I wish I could help you.
Well, you can.
And you will.
I need you to talk
to every man you used
on those runs.
And tell them what, exactly?
Well, you tell them
to be careful.
And if they are and...
and they do right
then this can all
go back to normal.
I'm gonna figure it out
one way or another, Nate.
All right. Get back in.
Hi.
Your mom let me in,
but if you're busy, I can...
No, no! That's OK. You can
help me pick out what to wear
to court. My uncle told me
to look smart...
but I have no idea
what that means.
- You should wear this.
- Yeah.
It's either that
or a pair of tearaways,
so that'll have to do.
Are you OK?
Yeah, I'm just...
I haven't been feeling
really great lately.
I wonder why?
Yeah. I'll be fine though.
I just want this to be...
over, you know?
Yeah, but my uncle says
these things can take years.
I'm not a part
of the suit. Remember?
- What?
- I texted you this morning.
- No...
- Or... yesterday?
I... I swear I did. I...
Well, does my uncle know?
I don't know.
My dad begged me
to pull myself out of it, so...
What?!
That's bull! I'm sorry,
but you're 18!
You can do what you want.
What do you want?
- I don't know.
- I'm sorry.
I can't imagine
how complicated all this
must be for you.
I just want you to know that...
whatever you decide,
I'm with you.
Are you OK?
My God! Taylor?
Most likely, she fainted from
the stress of the situation.
I keep telling you girls
to take it easy.
Can stress also
cause memory loss?
Stress can do pretty much
anything under the sun...
but her white blood cell
count is elevated.
- What does that mean?
- We'll do
more blood work
to rule some things out.
Thank you.
Don't worry. Doctors make
everything sound scary.
I'm not scared.
Well, you are certainly
braver than me.
Don't worry.
This'll all be over soon.
I promise.
I don't think this deposition
is a good idea. It's not safe.
- We can protect you.
- No, you can't.
Matheson knows. He confronted
me. I gotta get out of here.
- No. He's probably bluffing.
- No, he's not. I'm telling you,
he knows I came to you.
- And we're grateful for that.
- Look, I gave you
everything I got. I don't know
what else you want from me.
- We want your testimony.
- I can't do it.
Nate... Nate!
I'm sorry.
I wish we had the girls here.
We don't need them.
I think it helps.
Judges in this circuit,
they like to see faces.
It's more personal.
Well, it would help
to see them twitching.
I'm not saying that they
should exaggerate it,
but it wouldn't hurt us.
We'll just have
to stick to the facts.
I would feel much more
confident in those facts if we
had signed affidavit from Nate.
They don't need to know
that we don't.
They're gonna find out.
Not before we win certification.
We're gonna bluff.
Once we have certification,
we'll be in a better position
to negotiate.
It's not against the rules.
You'll be OK.
When I was at RossMcCann...
I broke a rule.
You?
I was suspended for violating
my professional ethics.
That's why I left the firm.
I wasn't fired, I just...
came back here,
tail between my legs.
What'd you do?
I took a gift
from the other side in exchange
for a lower sum.
You're lucky you didn't
get disbarred.
It was my first year.
I was young in a big city
for the first time.
I was an easy mark.
I took 10% off the ask.
What'd they give you?
A trip to Vegas.
I'm sorry.
Hey, I'd never been
anywhere before.
CTS knows and they're trying
to use it against me.
I just needed you to know.
Don't worry.
I know a lot about them.
Come on, Mr. Vegas.
Let's go bluff.
There you go.
Thanks for buying lunch.
You'll have to tell me
your secret.
Secret?
What do you mean by that?
Nothing.
Listen...
I know a cop in this town
can only make so much,
and we all have ends
we gotta meet.
You keep this conversation going, I'll
show you where you meet your end.
Relax!
I won big last week
playing poker. You know what?
I almost felt bad taking
all of McCurdy's money.
Almost.
It's all good.
We both do our jobs.
You do it your way.
I do it my way.
At the end of the day,
we're both good cops.
You don't think
I'm a good cop, Owen?
The young,
eagertoplease officer.
You were so good at blending in,
blue eyes. What happened?
Sir...
If you got something
you wanna accuse me of,
I'd rather you just say it
to my face already.
I think you accept
extravagant gifts
to look the other way.
And that eagertoplease officer
you're talking about?
He's been biting a hole
in his lip the entire time
trying to stomach your
smallminded, racist bullshit.
I can't do it anymore.
We have done extensive testing
of the girls' athletic field
at Millwood High
and the surrounding area
at Southvale Farms.
We have a witness who can link
both the barrels... Your Honour,
the plaintiff's counsel
has not submitted
an affidavit for any witness.
Defence is correct.
Please confine your arguments
to submitted materials.
If you will turn to
the submitted soil sample tests,
the chromatogram
yielded identical
chemical footprints
for both the field
and the area surrounding
Matheson Steel Mill.
Your Honour,
plaintiff's counsel is trying
to establish fault at a
certification hearing.
We request it be struck.
I am merely trying to assess
commonalities, and the defence
is trying to stall.
Please keep your interjections
relevant. You'll have your turn.
- We have no further arguments.
- Your Honour,
the allegations are based on
improper medical science.
There is no discernable proof.
In fact,
volumes of contrary medical
literature indicate no link
between benzene
and any of the symptoms
characterized by the plaintiff.
None of these "medical volumes"
have been submitted
to the court.
Stick to the materials
you submitted, Counsellor.
Your Honour, the plaintiff
has shown no direct link
between the benzene
found in the field
and my client's mill.
Further, certification should be
held to higher standards
to avoid an onslaught
of frivolous litigation.
Are you finished?
Yeah.
Given the specificity
of the symptoms,
and the applicants' established
and equal use
of the athletic field,
the requirements
for commonalities
has been satisfied.
Certification is granted.
You may proceed
as a class action.
She seems to be
doing much better.
My friends came to visit.
Taylor, we need to talk.
- That doesn't sound good.
- What's going on?
Her bloodwork's come back
and I would like to do
a bone marrow biopsy.
What does that mean?
You think she has leukemia?
I'd rather not
jump to conclusions.
That's not a no.
I don't understand.
I have cancer?
Sweetheart.
It's too early to say,
but all the signs are pointing
in that direction.
Leukemia is genetic, right?
Typically, but it is
known to develop
from exposure to radiation...
or toxic materials.
Given her age
and medical history,
if it is leukemia, her prognosis
is still quite good.
It seems early enough
that chemotherapy
followed by radiation
would be a strong first step,
but let's not
get ahead of ourselves.
I know this is a lot to digest.
I'll give you
some time together.
I have been saving this
for something special, but...
you know, I can't think of
anything more special than this.
You should save it
for when we win the case.
You are such
a buzzkill sometimes.
It's a big win, Billy,
but it's just a checkmark.
See? Buzzkill.
You know, growing up, I learned
to celebrate checkmarks.
That's why they call me
"PartMarks" Crawford.
You know, this whole
selfdeprecating, smalltown
dumb guy routine?
I'm not buying it.
You should go back to
a big firm, give it another try.
Don't let one mistake stop you.
No, I'm not cut out for that.
You saved us today.
That was nothing.
That was not nothing.
To not nothing.
You guys
are celebrating already?
Would you like some?
It's no ice wine, but...
It's only a checkmark.
Yes, but it is a checkmark
next to our names and not yours.
You argued well today.
- What do you want?
- Well, I just think,
given the circumstances,
we should...
resume negotiation.
OK.
We want double.
2 million per girl.
You're joking.
Give me something reasonable.
I'll take it back to my client.
We did. You rejected it.
If you won't take our new offer
to your client, then...
there's nothing to negotiate.
We'll take this to trial.
Then we will
drag this on for years...
and bankrupt you.
Ben.
Miss Hanley.
Ahem. Are you here
to see Taylor?
I'm sorry.
Yeah, well, it's...
It's not definitive, so...
Thank you.
If there's anything
that we can do...
You could drop the case.
Wait a minute.
You didn't come here
to see my daughter.
You came here
to speak to your client.
Yes.
In light of the new...
We were hoping
she'd consider rejoining.
And your case gets
bigger and bigger.
Lucky you.
- This is not what we wanted.
- But you'll use it
to your advantage?
She's my client.
And I will protect her
from anyone who hurts her.
Then protect her, Ben.
Hello, Your Honour.
Yes, I understand.
Right now?
Yes, I'm on my way.
Alan.
For a second, I was worried
you were having an exparte
with the judge. Care to explain?
I'm as in the dark as you are.
I got a cryptic call.
I think our judge
is a bit theatrical.
She's a judge in a small town.
This is pretty much
her Super Bowl.
She said opposing counsel
called the meeting. If it
wasn't you, then who did it?
- I did.
- David.
Alan.
We should get in there.
I think we've wasted
enough of the court's time.
Please, have a seat.
Counselor... David Hanley has
brought to my attention
his concerns
of your impartiality.
What are you talking about?
Joanna Hanley was
a partner at CTS
when this whole thing started.
I was partner very briefly
and in name only,
and have since tendered
my resignation.
Your Honour, her partner
position, however brief,
allowed her access to privileged
client information.
The McDonald Estate
v Martin verdict
says that she should be
disqualified as counsel
from these proceedings.
It is your obligation
to disclose any and all
conflicts of interest.
Your Honour,
during my time at CTS,
Matheson Steel
- was not a client.
- Yes...
but P and I Steel was,
and it so happens that they
own Matheson Steel.
Well, that's a bit of a reach.
R. V Neil. Unless I had
actual access
to confidential information
relevant to the current matter,
there is no conflict.
Except R. V Neil was
in regards to cases
that were factually unrelated.
Your Honour,
as an associate,
Joanna oversaw the paperwork
for P and I's acquisition
of Fenn Pulp and Paper.
At that time, she had access
to confidential financial
and organizational records
for P and I
and all of its subsidiaries.
What happened to job
before personal?
Given the circumstances,
I will require
a formal motion hearing
on the impartiality
of Counselor Joanna Hanley.
Until the hearing,
as to the matter
of Ross et al v. Matheson Steel,
Joanna Hanley
is hereby disqualified.
Thank you, Your Honour.
Why'd you wait so long
to play that card?
You don't want a fair fight?
I'm just representing
my client. It's business.
Gerrilyn, Luna?
That just business too?
How many times are we
gonna do this?
What about Erin Carr?
All right. You want
to know the truth?
- Yes.
- OK.
Joanna, your mother was a mess...
Don't you pin this on her!
- That's the truth!
- You cheated!
Yes. Yes, I cheated.
I cheated!
Which one are you talking about?
Gerrilyn.
Gerrilyn was there for me.
When we were together,
everything was simple.
It felt like love. It wasn't.
It... it was a mistake.
You had so many chances
to tell me the truth!
I was ashamed. OK?
I was... I was ashamed.
That's the first honest thing
I've heard from you.
Joanna...
I'm...
I'm really sorry.
Don't. Don't.
Brought you some comfort food.
Nothing says your life's
falling apart like a facefull
of cheese puffs.
Next time, I'll go
with quinoa then.
Are you thinking
about Taylor again?
It just keeps
playing over and...
over in my head.
When she collapsed,
I didn't even know
if she was still alive...
and all I could
think about was...
what if this happens to me?
How selfish is that?
No, not selfish. Just honest.
I'm so tired
and I'm totally
at the mercy of this thing.
At any time,
that could happen to me.
We're not in control
of the illness,
but we can choose
how we're gonna fight it.
I'm gonna defer school
until January.
Luna, you don't have to do that!
I want to. I wanna see
the case through,
and I wanna be here with you.
We'll weather
this storm together.
In our house boat?
I wish you would have called.
You called me, remember?
I told you to end this.
I can't just wave my hand
and make this go away.
No? I just did.
David, you and I both
already knew about this.
Joanna is gonna win her appeal.
You're missing the point.
Listen, you've done a...
fabulous job
getting us this far.
I'll take it from here.
That's unnecessary. I've got
everything under control.
Alan, CTS is
a prestigious law firm.
We have a reputation to protect.
Now, don't take this personally,
but we can't...
be losing motion hearings
to a couple of small town yucks.
You know, all due respect,
that's your daughter
you're talking about.
Joanna's made her decision.
I can't protect her from
herself, and neither can you.
I didn't think
I'd ever see you again.
I jumped in my truck and got
as far as the Duclos bridge.
- I know the place.
- Yeah, the team
used to go there
sometimes after a win.
Drink Slurpees,
toss stones in the river.
I'm not safe here,
but standing on that bridge,
thinking 'bout them...
I will be there
right beside you.
For every step of this.
All right.
Good.
Let's get started.