Early Edition (1996–2000): Season 1, Episode 8 - Gun - full transcript
When Gary reads that a young boy will unwittingly shoot and kill his brother with his mother's gun, he embarks on a mission to prevent it. Pretending to be from the school, he makes contact with the divorced mother and befriends her and her boys. When the ex-husband finds out about Gary, he becomes furious and causes untold trouble until Gary succeeds in getting him arrested. However, one of the sons is still in danger and Gary must find a way to prevent his untimely death.
CHUCK:
Veni, vidi, vici.
We came, we saw, we conquered.
Or, in Chicago-speak,
we went to work,
we had a bad day,
we took the El home.
Hey! Hey, what
are you doing?
There's no smoking here.
I'm not smoking.
It's not lit.
Yeah, but it still stinks.
Look around, pal.
It's a violent world.
It's been that way forever.
I told you,
it's your stinking pipe!
At least
since Cain whacked Abel.
Hey, did you hear what I said?
Hey, leave the guy alone,
will you?
Or vice versa,
whichever it was.
Stay out of this, okay?
Don't tell me what to do!
Go ahead and smoke it.
Violence.
There's practically
no stopping it...
MAN #1:
Okay, just keep
it up, pal!
MAN #2:
Is that a threat?
Yeah! Yeah,
it's a threat!
...even when
you know it's coming.
Quit telling me
what to do!
Listen, touch me and
you're asking for trouble!
You're asking
for it, pal!
Don't push me!
Why don't you mind
your own?
Hey! Hey!
(yelling)
Hey! Hey, wait a minute!
What's wrong with you?
You're adults.
You're acting like kids.
WOMAN:
So who's he?
You. You run a corporation.
And you, you got a wife
and kids at home.
And you, you're a...
Oh. Well... Well, at any rate,
can't you get along together
on an El train, for God's sake?
(murmuring, light chuckles)
What's wrong with you?
What?
Get off the train!
Next time, mind your
own business, buddy!
Get out of here, pal.
Yeah.
Which may be why Mother Teresa
always takes the bus.
(theme music playing)
♪ ♪
MAN (on radio):
Nothing but bright skies
and sunshine
for at least the next
three days. We'll have...
(radio turns off)
(cat meowing)
(paper thudding against door)
Don't tell me.
(meowing)
I said, don't tell me.
(meowing)
All right, well, come in.
(meowing)
MARISSA:
Guess even enigmatic cats
get fleas, huh?
GARY:
Yeah, well, my place
is full of them.
Yeah, well, I don't know why
that should surprise you.
I've been telling you for months
that that hotel you're in
is a fleabag.
None of this
would have happened
if you would have
stayed at the Ritz.
I wonder where they come from?
Do they came from here
or from there?
There where?
Wherever the paper
comes from.
Newspaper-land.
What you need
is a good vet.
Usually, you can find that
in the financial section.
Allow me.
MARISSA:
Nice try.
Just looking out for
old Felix over there. Meow!
(meowing)
Hey, I know a good vet.
We could go there
after breakfast.
Guys, I don't think
I'm going to make it.
Uh-oh. What now?
"Tragedy struck a suburban
Chicago home yesterday
"afternoon around 4:30 p.m.
"when an innocent game
between two young siblings
turned into a parent's
worst nightmare."
(distorted shouting)
"The boys,
11-year-old Bryce Porter
"and his eight-year-old
brother, Tommy,
"were playing
in their mother's bedroom
"when the incident occurred.
"Authorities aren't sure
how the pistol fell
"into the hands
of the younger Porter,
"or whether the boy
even knew it was loaded.
"Paramedics said
the 11-year-old died
"on the way to the hospital.
"After the incident, authorities
booked the mother, Nikki Porter,
on suspicion of criminal
storage of a weapon."
MARISSA:
That's awful.
How could that happen?
I don't know,
but I guess we'll find out.
All right. Well, I'm in,
I get the gun, I'm out.
Problem solved.
Just like that?
Yeah, just like that.
We'll see.
It may not
be that easy.
Uh, Chuck, do me a favor,
would you?
Name it.
Really?
Yeah. But then,
of course, you owe me.
Oh, Chuck.
What?
All right,
what do you need?
The cat.
(cat meowing)
He needs a flea bath. Thanks.
(dog barking)
Keep the screen door
closed, Tommy.
Tommy?
I'm not supposed
to open the door.
Can I speak
to your mom?
Mom!
Tommy,
who is it?
Hi. Uh... I'm, uh...
I'm Gary Hobson.
Hi. Can I help you?
Well, yeah.
I came to, uh...
Is this about Kurt?
I'm sorry?
My ex-husband.
No. No.
Actually, I came
here to talk to you
about your boys.
You're from the school?
Well, uh... I, uh...
You must be
the county guidance counselor.
They told me you
were going to call.
(Tommy whispering)
Oh. Uh... It's
somebody who helps
people figure out what their
future is, right?
Right. That's right.
(phone rings)
Sweetie, get the phone.
(sighs)
Look, Ms. Porter, uh...
I came here
because I think you
should know something about...
Bryce.
Well, uh...
Is he in trouble again?
Well, no. Not yet.
Mom, do I still
have to get my shot?
Yeah, why?
School called.
They want you to come.
Bryce is in trouble again.
(all yelling)
They're at it again.
Bryce!
Boys!
Bryce!
Stop this immediately!
Bryce, cut it out!
Are you okay?
Everybody, time
to go home.
Yeah. Yeah.
Bryce,
are you proud of yourself?
It's not my fault.
He got in the way.
I want an apology now.
I mean it.
No, that's all right.
I'm fine, really. I'm...
I'm, uh... from County.
Social?
Very.
Mrs. Porter, I'm sorry,
but this is the third
incident this month.
Your son won't be allowed
in after-school care anymore.
Wait a minute. Where
am I going to put him?
That is up to you.
But I don't get home
from work until 4:30,
and day care is
really more than I...
I'm sorry.
Wait, wait. So am I.
It seems to me
that you ought to be able
to handle these kids
around here.
I don't want to make
a big deal out of this,
so why don't you
give Bryce another chance?
Okay. One more chance.
Not bad for a
guidance counselor.
Want a cup of coffee?
Bryce...
It doesn't really hurt.
It's just... Ow.
You take your job
pretty seriously, don't you?
Well, yeah.
To tell you the truth,
I'm kind of new at it.
How about you?
You're pretty good at this.
You didn't happen to be a nurse
by any chance, did you?
Hmm. Started out to be.
Then kids, you know.
Anyway, no.
I work for a medical
supplies company.
Shouldn't you
be writing this down?
(doorbell rings)
Oh, no. I've got
a pretty good memory.
Mom, Dad's here!
Bryce.
Hey, babe.
I'm just here
to pick up the Bryce man.
Tonight? Bryce
didn't tell me.
I did, too.
I told you.
And what is tonight?
Hockey night.
And where are we sitting?
Two on the glass.
Guess I forgot.
Only two?
It's the best I could do.
Tommy can go another time.
Yeah. Come on.
Wait out by the car, champ.
Okay.
(sighs)
Here.
Kurt, you don't have to.
No, really.
I want you to have them.
I just want you
to know I'm real sorry
about the other night.
Just go, okay?
No. No, really. I...
I just want you to know
that this... this new job is...
I just had
a few too many beers and...
Oh, who's this?
He's from the school.
Oh, yeah.
Kurt, please.
Just go.
All right.
It's none of my
business who's here.
And, uh... this
is not my house.
Hey, Mom?
What's up big man?
Huh? What do you say?
You a magician
today? Huh?
Kurt.
Well, we got to go.
You're late
on your payments again.
The kids need things.
Well, I don't think
now's the time
to discuss that.
Can I give you a hand
with anything?
No, I got it, thanks.
Sorry about Kurt.
Mm.
It's pretty rough, huh?
Yeah.
We've been divorced for two
years now, married for ten.
Actually, it's been rougher
on the boys.
On Bryce, mostly.
I think Tommy's okay.
Charlie O.'s coming down
the right side.
He's at the blue line!
He looks! He shoots!
He scores!
The biscuit's
in the basket, baby!
(shouting continues
indistinctly)
(empty firing)
NIKKI:
It all started to fall apart
when he lost his job.
It wasn't just the money.
He'd been at that plant
for almost 15 years.
He'd just been promoted
to director of sales,
and out of nowhere
he gets a letter.
"Downsizing"
they call it.
Well, it's hard
to get a good job today.
Hmm. He sent out
hundreds of résumés.
He started drinking.
We fought.
Then he really
started drinking.
Got pretty ugly--
lots of fights.
I got a divorce.
I got a restraining order...
but I still got him.
Well, we're here.
Hey, thanks
for walking us.
If you call me tomorrow
after work,
I'll have more time
to talk about Bryce.
He's really a good kid.
All right.
Come on, Tommy.
I don't wanna.
Tommy, don't start.
You're getting your shot.
You're not the boss
of me.
And I'm not going.
I am the boss of you
and you are going.
I'm counting to five.
But it hurts.
Whoa, Tommy.
Hey, it, uh, just stings
a little bit.
Don't worry.
Have you ever had one?
Sure.
Okay, but he goes first.
I-I had my shot a couple,
a couple years ago.
I really don't like doctors
very much.
(laughing)
I don't remember
shots hurting that much.
I didn't feel a thing.
At least you won't
get the flu.
Yeah.
Hey, this shot's on me.
You get the next one.
Okay, here are Tommy's
forms and, um, are you sure
you don't want me
to take a look at your arm?
I'm fine, really.
I'll just take
it as a sign
that some people aren't
meant to Rollerblade.
(phone rings)
Okay, so what do we do?
"Place cat in water.
Start at nape of neck
and work your way down."
Sounds easy enough.
Piece of cake.
Okay.
Come here, puss.
Come here.
(cat yowls)
Well?
Here, kitty, kitty, kitty,
kitty.
Here, kitty.
(cat yowls)
Come to Papa.
Come to Uncle Charlie.
Good kitty.
(cat hissing)
Did you ever think
about getting a dog?
I got a gun.
Took lessons
from a retired cop
down at the police station.
What?
Nothing. It's...
I mean, you got kids.
Yeah, and my kids still have
a mom 'cause I got a gun.
Don't you,
don't you ever worry
about them finding it?
I mean, when I was a kid,
everything my mother hid,
it seemed like I found.
I appreciate your concern,
Gary, thanks.
It's just in the,
in the papers
you hear a lot about kids
and guns and...
I'm not one of your students
from school, Gary.
No, I...
You think I'm happy
about living the kind of life
that means I have
to keep a gun in the house?
No. I was just saying
that I think you have a choice
if you want..
No, I don't have a choice.
Last time he broke in,
it took the cops 20 minutes
to get there.
Time before that,
911 never even picked up.
I'd move if I had the money,
but I don't.
So don't tell me to get a dog,
Gary.
(kids shouting in distance)
Tommy?!
Uh, Nikki, wait.
You read my file.
You think you can tell me
how to run my life?
No.
Look, I'm sorry. I...
(ice cream truck music playing)
TOMMY:
Mom, can I?
Can I? Can I?
Can I buy you
an ice cream?
No, thank you.
Ice cream? Yes!
Look, blame it on
force of habit.
Habit?
Being a guidance counselor
has its problems,
like being too nosey.
I apologize.
I'll have a Creamsicle.
Creamsicle.
Creamsicle?
I'll have a double
chocolate Drumstick
and a giant rainbow icepop,
and, uh, you got any sundaes?
Uh...
Let me check.
Uh, just one, champ.
Just like Mom.
I'll have the Drumstick.
Uh, Drumstick
and two Creamsicles.
All right.
Why were you and my mom
fighting?
We weren't fighting;
we were just talking.
Don't be mad at my mom.
I'm not mad at your mom.
I like your mom.
Here you go.
Here, kitty, kitty.
Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.
Didn't I see this in Alien?
I know you're here somewhere.
(cat yowls)
(paw swipes)
(screams)
NIKKI:
You don't look like a guy
who's recently been divorced.
What am I supposed
to look like?
(laughs)
Damaged. Guilty.
Well, I was the dumpee,
not the dumper.
No gray hair,
no loss of hair,
no wrinkled brow.
As far as I can tell,
you're not nursing an ulcer.
And where
are the broken knuckles
from punching your fist
through a wall?
Well, believe me, I wanted to.
I...
But you didn't.
That's the difference between
you and men like Kurt.
So, who got the house?
Uh, she, uh, she got the house.
I got a hotel room
at the Blackstone.
Mom, I'm starving.
Can we have hot dogs?
You betcha.
Can Gary stay
for dinner?
Well, sweetie, I'm sure
Gary has more important things
to do then...
Well, no, if, uh,
if you don't mind.
If it's not a
problem, I'd like to.
If you don't mind.
Please?
It wasn't always like this.
See that tree house?
Kurt built it
for the boys.
GARY:
Tree house?
Well, it would have been a tree
house if we'd had a tree.
Kurt and the boys
planned it together.
It meant a lot to them.
(Tommy grunts)
Hey, buddy, can I come up?
I guess so.
Yeah?
(Tommy makes explosion sounds)
Wow...
Not bad, huh?
What have you got?
What's this?
That's a magic box.
Oh, yeah?
This is a sword from the Knights
of the Round Table.
I challenge you to a fight.
Ah!
Ah!
(laughs)
Bryce used to play with me.
I was Lancelot, and he
was the Black Knight.
Oh, yeah?
Do you want to play?
Oh, I don't think I'm...
You're Merlin,
the magician.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
How come I can't be
the Black Knight?
'Cause you're Merlin,
the magician.
You can do anything.
You can see the future.
I can see the future, huh?
All you got to do is look
into your crystal ball.
And what do I do when I find out
what the future holds?
I don't know.
So, you gonna marry my mom?
What?
You said you liked her.
Well, I do like her, but I...
You've been hanging around
with us all day.
Uh-huh.
'Cause she's a great cook,
you know.
She slices up the hot dogs
and puts cheese in them.
She's real funny, too.
She makes up great stories,
not even from a book.
She makes them up.
Well, you know what?
You're lucky to have
such a great mom.
NIKKI:
Dinner's ready!
You guys hungry?
So, you'll think about it,
right?
Marrying her?
Yeah.
Careful now.
How you guys doing?
Good. I think he's
gonna marry you.
Oh, is he?
(clears throat)
I'm gonna go,
gonna go wash up.
Through the kitchen.
First door to the right.
Coward.
What?
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
He's nice.
I'm just trying to help.
When I need your help,
I'll ask for it.
Don't eat so fast.
NIKKI (calling out):
Gary?
Gary?
Gary, you all right?
Yeah. You didn't wait
on me, did you?
No. Dinner's ready.
Okay.
(clears throat softly)
(clears throat)
Here, kitty.
Come here.
Come on, red.
(meows)
I'm gonna get you.
Yah...!
(yowls loudly)
I know you promised Tommy
you'd marry me,
but I'm not gonna
hold you to it.
(chuckles)
Well, that's good,
'cause I don't think
I could afford a ring
right now, anyway.
KURT:
Well, well, well.
Isn't this a cozy little scene?
Are we, uh, playing
husband tonight?
Mom, it's okay.
Kurt,
just turn around now and leave,
or I will call the police.
What else are we
gonna play tonight?
Dad, just come
on, leave...
Bryce, not now.
That's it!
BRYCE:
Dad, just... come on.
Mom, don't!
You know... this
is still my house.
Dad, come on!
I paid for
this house.
And let's not forget,
you're still my wife.
Yes, this is Nikki Porter.
I have a restraining order
against my ex-husband
Go on, go on!
who is in my house!
Can't get rid of me forever.
Yes! Yes.
Come on, Dad!
KURT:
This is my house.
This is still my house!
Dad! Dad!
NIKKI:
Kurt, get out of here!
Leave! Please!
Bryce, get
away from him!
Come on, Dad!
I'll walk you
to your car.
It's all right, Bryce.
Come on!
(door slams)
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir,
he's gone now.
Yes, sir, we're fine.
Thank you.
(sighs)
(TV turns on)
Let me out! I'm suffocatin'!
(changes channel)
Bryce, are you okay?
(TV narrator talking)
Bryce, do you want dinner?
(changes channel)
I'm not hungry.
Bryce, your mom
made a good meal.
You're not my dad!
You can't tell me what to do!
I'm not trying to tell you
what to do, it's just...
Why don't you just
mind your own damn business?!
Bryce, I will
not tolerate...
Why'd you have
to call the police?
He wasn't doing anything!
Why do you ever...
(TV clicks off)
(sighs)
(door slams)
He blames me.
Thanks for trying.
Well, I-I didn't exactly
hit a home run-- I'm sorry.
I guess even guidance counselors
strike out sometimes, huh?
Yeah.
I guess I better be going, huh?
Crazy kind of day, huh?
Good night.
Good night.
(cat meows)
(paper thudding against door)
(cat meows)
(yowls)
(echoing):
No...!
(grunts)
(grunts)
(Kurt crashes against door)
(grunts)
(grunts)
(grunts)
(echoing):
No...!
You're going where?
I asked him to meet me--
he suggested CJ's Tavern.
Oh, that's great.
And what are you
gonna say to the guy?
"Excuse me, uh, are you planning
on killing
your ex-wife tonight?"
Well, I got to do
something, don't I?
MARISSA:
You know he's gonna look at you
like you're nuts,
shocked that you even
accused him of
something like that.
Look, I don't have a choice--
she's like a sitting duck,
and it's my fault.
Here you go.
Gary, you did what you
could to save those kids.
Yeah, and because of that,
I've put her life on the line.
Well, guns aren't the answer.
(chuckles)
Well, that's a nice
bumper sticker, Marissa.
But tell me this,
what's the answer
when some guy's coming after you
with a baseball bat, huh?
Yeah.
I don't know, I'll...
just go to the guy and...
And what?
What are you
thinking, Gare?
I'm thinking
I give her the gun back.
Then what good are you?
That's where she was yesterday.
Well, I don't know-- either
of you guys got a better idea?
Give me eight bucks.
(rock music playing
over speaker)
How you doing?
So, how's my boy, huh?
How's my boy Bryce,
he okay?
Uh, he's, uh, you know,
he's fighting a lot in school.
You know how kids are.
That'd be my fault, right?
No, I didn't say
it was your fault.
Just 'cause I, uh, taught him
not to run away from a fight.
(clears throat)
Look, I know you and
your wife are divorced...
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Uh, you said you
wanted to come here
to talk about Bryce.
Well, I just want to get
an idea what goes on.
(chuckles)
So, what'd she
tell you, hmm?
I'm a lousy dad, right?
No.
I can't provide
for my family, right?
No, she didn't
say that at all.
Look, I just think
that the both of you...
Yeah? What do you know?
I love my kids, man.
I wouldn't hurt them
for the world.
She's turning them
against me.
You know, I...
I got to stay outside
when I come pick them up.
You know, my kids,
they look at me
like-like I'm some
sort of monster.
(sighs)
Just don't tell me
what to do, all right?
Stay away from my kids,
you stay away from my wife.
(door creaks open)
(door closes)
Put the Popsicles back.
But, Mom!
Okay, then put the cookies back.
Please?
Pick one, Tommy--
we're only keeping one of 'em.
Shoot!
Gary.
What are you
doing here?
Uh... well,
I was looking for you.
Uh, the neighbor
told me you were here.
Are you coming
over for dinner?
We got Popsicles.
NIKKI:
Tommy, put 'em back.
Shoot!
Uh, Bryce,
why don't you get some cereal--
real cereal: no Loops,
no Smacks, no Captains.
Go.
Uh, look, I was, uh...
well, I was hoping I could
take you out to dinner.
I mean, the four of us.
A little above and beyond
the call of duty, isn't it?
Well, I...
What is it, Gary?
Why are you here?
I was worried
about you.
Mm-hmm.
You don't have to do this,
you know, take us out.
No, no.
Look, I know.
I... I really want to.
Is this about Kurt?
I have it under control.
Look, Nikki, if...
Coming over for dinner?
(chuckling):
Hey, buddy.
I'll tell you what,
how about I take you out
to dinner tonight?
Sure.
How about I
take you out
to dinner tonight
around... 7:00?
Okay.
Okay. (laughs softly)
7:00. And you
bring the Popsicles.
(grunts)
(laughs)
You lunkhead! I ought to...
(loud boom)
(whistling through air)
(explosion)
(Three Stooges laughing)
(calling):
Tommy, Bryce?
You been in my room?
(kids laughing)
MAN:
They'll probably shoot us.
Who has something
they want to tell me?
Mom, I can't see the TV.
Turn it off.
You guys,
this is really important.
I'm gonna ask you one more time
and you're gonna tell me.
Who took something
from my closet?
(bell dings)
Where is it?
What did you think
you were doing?
I was trying to help.
By stealing from me?
I could have you arrested,
you know that?
You went upstairs
into my room,
you went through
my stuff,
and you stole my gun.
Look, I know it sounds
bad, but you...
you got to understand...
I don't even know who you are.
I checked with the school.
They never heard of you.
Who are you, Gary?
Look, I'm a guy that knows
if you take that gun
back in your house, one of
your kids is gonna get shot.
Where is it?
It's in a safe place.
That's not what I asked you.
I asked you where it is.
Now, give me the gun
or I will call the police.
Believe me, I know the number.
It's in my room.
Look, I know you don't know me,
but you got to trust someone.
If you could just trust
me now, Nikki.
I did trust you, Gary.
But it turns out
you're just another guy
who thinks he knows better.
Please don't take this gun home.
Nikki?
You want to protect me?
You want to be
my guardian angel?
Forget it.
No one can protect
me but me.
That's the way it is.
You're wrong.
Really?
Tell you what.
When you get a couple of kids
and an ex-husband
who's trying to kill you,
you call me.
♪ ♪
(loud crash)
(dog barking in distance)
(metal clacking lightly)
(gun cylinder snaps)
(doorbell ringing)
Mom, door.
(doorbell ringing)
(knocking)
Just a second.
Hey, buddy.
Um, I'll get Mom.
No. Hold on.
I got something for you...
(laughs)
Where is your mom?
Dad, you're not
supposed to...
NIKKI:
Bryce, did
you finish
your home...
Dad, stop!
Where is he?
Bryce, call the police!
You sent him to lecture
me about fatherhood?
What? You don't think
I'm a good parent, huh?
Come on. Tell me what
I'm doing wrong?
You know, I really
want to know.
Come on, let's hear how
bad a dad I really am.
I don't read them stories, and I
don't coach the little league.
Oh, I know.
I'm really not around
often enough, right?
(siren wailing)
GARY:
Let her go, Kurt. Kurt!
Let her go.
Hey, Mr. Guidance Counselor,
why don't you come on
over and join the party?
That's enough.
There he is!
Police! Let her go! Now!
Hands over your head!
Over your head!
KURT:
Hey, hey, hey, we're
just conducting
a little family business here.
Hey.
Move it!
There's no problem here.
Are you all right?
We're okay.
Get your hands off me.
That's it. Come on, buddy.
You can't do this.
This is my house.
It's fine. We're okay.
(garbled radio transmission)
Detective Alexander will
be in touch with you.
You guys gonna hold onto him
for a while this time?
He's not going anywhere.
How you doing?
You're really pushing for
that guardian angel
position, aren't you?
Thanks for showing up.
(engine starting)
How you doing, Bryce?
I'm okay.
Hey, where's Tommy?
Probably hiding.
I'll go get him.
Hey, you might want to get
some more ice on that.
BRYCE:
Tommy?
We're a full-time job
for you, aren't we?
Tommy?
You can come out now.
It's okay.
Dad, don't come up here.
I'm warning you,
don't come up here.
Tommy?
Leave me alone, Dad.
Bryce?
Leave us alone.
Bryce!
Bryce!
Bryce!
Bryce?
Bryce?
Bryce, are you okay?
Yeah, I'm okay.
Tommy?
Tommy, I'm coming up, son.
Tommy, it's Gary, I'm coming up.
Easy, son.
Easy now.
Tommy?
Tommy?
Easy.
Easy, Tommy.
Tommy, hand me the gun.
Where's Mom?
It's all right, your mom's
right down here.
Come on, hand
me the gun.
Tommy, give me the gun.
Give me the gun.
Attaboy.
Attaboy.
You all right?
That's it.
Okay. Okay.
You're okay.
Okay.
CHUCK:
Maybe it's nobody's fault.
Maybe, it's everyone's.
Once things go wrong,
it's hard to remember why.
Sometimes it takes
almost losing
the thing you love most
to bring you to your senses.
'Cause sometimes, if you're
lucky, time and patience...
can bring things
together again.
Trust me, I know.
(door opening)
What are you doing here?
Little guy was lonely.
He missed me, so
I came right over.
He missed you?
All right, I missed him.
I kind of got attached
to the little furball.
What happ...?
You want something to eat?
No, we're fine.
I never figured you
for an animal lover.
You kidding?
What's not to love?
(whispering):
I told you.
North Harbor Terrace,
Apartment 1203.
And if you tell, I'll kill you.
(cat meows)
You...
Don't forget.
(meowing)
(grunts)
Veni, vidi, vici.
We came, we saw, we conquered.
Or, in Chicago-speak,
we went to work,
we had a bad day,
we took the El home.
Hey! Hey, what
are you doing?
There's no smoking here.
I'm not smoking.
It's not lit.
Yeah, but it still stinks.
Look around, pal.
It's a violent world.
It's been that way forever.
I told you,
it's your stinking pipe!
At least
since Cain whacked Abel.
Hey, did you hear what I said?
Hey, leave the guy alone,
will you?
Or vice versa,
whichever it was.
Stay out of this, okay?
Don't tell me what to do!
Go ahead and smoke it.
Violence.
There's practically
no stopping it...
MAN #1:
Okay, just keep
it up, pal!
MAN #2:
Is that a threat?
Yeah! Yeah,
it's a threat!
...even when
you know it's coming.
Quit telling me
what to do!
Listen, touch me and
you're asking for trouble!
You're asking
for it, pal!
Don't push me!
Why don't you mind
your own?
Hey! Hey!
(yelling)
Hey! Hey, wait a minute!
What's wrong with you?
You're adults.
You're acting like kids.
WOMAN:
So who's he?
You. You run a corporation.
And you, you got a wife
and kids at home.
And you, you're a...
Oh. Well... Well, at any rate,
can't you get along together
on an El train, for God's sake?
(murmuring, light chuckles)
What's wrong with you?
What?
Get off the train!
Next time, mind your
own business, buddy!
Get out of here, pal.
Yeah.
Which may be why Mother Teresa
always takes the bus.
(theme music playing)
♪ ♪
MAN (on radio):
Nothing but bright skies
and sunshine
for at least the next
three days. We'll have...
(radio turns off)
(cat meowing)
(paper thudding against door)
Don't tell me.
(meowing)
I said, don't tell me.
(meowing)
All right, well, come in.
(meowing)
MARISSA:
Guess even enigmatic cats
get fleas, huh?
GARY:
Yeah, well, my place
is full of them.
Yeah, well, I don't know why
that should surprise you.
I've been telling you for months
that that hotel you're in
is a fleabag.
None of this
would have happened
if you would have
stayed at the Ritz.
I wonder where they come from?
Do they came from here
or from there?
There where?
Wherever the paper
comes from.
Newspaper-land.
What you need
is a good vet.
Usually, you can find that
in the financial section.
Allow me.
MARISSA:
Nice try.
Just looking out for
old Felix over there. Meow!
(meowing)
Hey, I know a good vet.
We could go there
after breakfast.
Guys, I don't think
I'm going to make it.
Uh-oh. What now?
"Tragedy struck a suburban
Chicago home yesterday
"afternoon around 4:30 p.m.
"when an innocent game
between two young siblings
turned into a parent's
worst nightmare."
(distorted shouting)
"The boys,
11-year-old Bryce Porter
"and his eight-year-old
brother, Tommy,
"were playing
in their mother's bedroom
"when the incident occurred.
"Authorities aren't sure
how the pistol fell
"into the hands
of the younger Porter,
"or whether the boy
even knew it was loaded.
"Paramedics said
the 11-year-old died
"on the way to the hospital.
"After the incident, authorities
booked the mother, Nikki Porter,
on suspicion of criminal
storage of a weapon."
MARISSA:
That's awful.
How could that happen?
I don't know,
but I guess we'll find out.
All right. Well, I'm in,
I get the gun, I'm out.
Problem solved.
Just like that?
Yeah, just like that.
We'll see.
It may not
be that easy.
Uh, Chuck, do me a favor,
would you?
Name it.
Really?
Yeah. But then,
of course, you owe me.
Oh, Chuck.
What?
All right,
what do you need?
The cat.
(cat meowing)
He needs a flea bath. Thanks.
(dog barking)
Keep the screen door
closed, Tommy.
Tommy?
I'm not supposed
to open the door.
Can I speak
to your mom?
Mom!
Tommy,
who is it?
Hi. Uh... I'm, uh...
I'm Gary Hobson.
Hi. Can I help you?
Well, yeah.
I came to, uh...
Is this about Kurt?
I'm sorry?
My ex-husband.
No. No.
Actually, I came
here to talk to you
about your boys.
You're from the school?
Well, uh... I, uh...
You must be
the county guidance counselor.
They told me you
were going to call.
(Tommy whispering)
Oh. Uh... It's
somebody who helps
people figure out what their
future is, right?
Right. That's right.
(phone rings)
Sweetie, get the phone.
(sighs)
Look, Ms. Porter, uh...
I came here
because I think you
should know something about...
Bryce.
Well, uh...
Is he in trouble again?
Well, no. Not yet.
Mom, do I still
have to get my shot?
Yeah, why?
School called.
They want you to come.
Bryce is in trouble again.
(all yelling)
They're at it again.
Bryce!
Boys!
Bryce!
Stop this immediately!
Bryce, cut it out!
Are you okay?
Everybody, time
to go home.
Yeah. Yeah.
Bryce,
are you proud of yourself?
It's not my fault.
He got in the way.
I want an apology now.
I mean it.
No, that's all right.
I'm fine, really. I'm...
I'm, uh... from County.
Social?
Very.
Mrs. Porter, I'm sorry,
but this is the third
incident this month.
Your son won't be allowed
in after-school care anymore.
Wait a minute. Where
am I going to put him?
That is up to you.
But I don't get home
from work until 4:30,
and day care is
really more than I...
I'm sorry.
Wait, wait. So am I.
It seems to me
that you ought to be able
to handle these kids
around here.
I don't want to make
a big deal out of this,
so why don't you
give Bryce another chance?
Okay. One more chance.
Not bad for a
guidance counselor.
Want a cup of coffee?
Bryce...
It doesn't really hurt.
It's just... Ow.
You take your job
pretty seriously, don't you?
Well, yeah.
To tell you the truth,
I'm kind of new at it.
How about you?
You're pretty good at this.
You didn't happen to be a nurse
by any chance, did you?
Hmm. Started out to be.
Then kids, you know.
Anyway, no.
I work for a medical
supplies company.
Shouldn't you
be writing this down?
(doorbell rings)
Oh, no. I've got
a pretty good memory.
Mom, Dad's here!
Bryce.
Hey, babe.
I'm just here
to pick up the Bryce man.
Tonight? Bryce
didn't tell me.
I did, too.
I told you.
And what is tonight?
Hockey night.
And where are we sitting?
Two on the glass.
Guess I forgot.
Only two?
It's the best I could do.
Tommy can go another time.
Yeah. Come on.
Wait out by the car, champ.
Okay.
(sighs)
Here.
Kurt, you don't have to.
No, really.
I want you to have them.
I just want you
to know I'm real sorry
about the other night.
Just go, okay?
No. No, really. I...
I just want you to know
that this... this new job is...
I just had
a few too many beers and...
Oh, who's this?
He's from the school.
Oh, yeah.
Kurt, please.
Just go.
All right.
It's none of my
business who's here.
And, uh... this
is not my house.
Hey, Mom?
What's up big man?
Huh? What do you say?
You a magician
today? Huh?
Kurt.
Well, we got to go.
You're late
on your payments again.
The kids need things.
Well, I don't think
now's the time
to discuss that.
Can I give you a hand
with anything?
No, I got it, thanks.
Sorry about Kurt.
Mm.
It's pretty rough, huh?
Yeah.
We've been divorced for two
years now, married for ten.
Actually, it's been rougher
on the boys.
On Bryce, mostly.
I think Tommy's okay.
Charlie O.'s coming down
the right side.
He's at the blue line!
He looks! He shoots!
He scores!
The biscuit's
in the basket, baby!
(shouting continues
indistinctly)
(empty firing)
NIKKI:
It all started to fall apart
when he lost his job.
It wasn't just the money.
He'd been at that plant
for almost 15 years.
He'd just been promoted
to director of sales,
and out of nowhere
he gets a letter.
"Downsizing"
they call it.
Well, it's hard
to get a good job today.
Hmm. He sent out
hundreds of résumés.
He started drinking.
We fought.
Then he really
started drinking.
Got pretty ugly--
lots of fights.
I got a divorce.
I got a restraining order...
but I still got him.
Well, we're here.
Hey, thanks
for walking us.
If you call me tomorrow
after work,
I'll have more time
to talk about Bryce.
He's really a good kid.
All right.
Come on, Tommy.
I don't wanna.
Tommy, don't start.
You're getting your shot.
You're not the boss
of me.
And I'm not going.
I am the boss of you
and you are going.
I'm counting to five.
But it hurts.
Whoa, Tommy.
Hey, it, uh, just stings
a little bit.
Don't worry.
Have you ever had one?
Sure.
Okay, but he goes first.
I-I had my shot a couple,
a couple years ago.
I really don't like doctors
very much.
(laughing)
I don't remember
shots hurting that much.
I didn't feel a thing.
At least you won't
get the flu.
Yeah.
Hey, this shot's on me.
You get the next one.
Okay, here are Tommy's
forms and, um, are you sure
you don't want me
to take a look at your arm?
I'm fine, really.
I'll just take
it as a sign
that some people aren't
meant to Rollerblade.
(phone rings)
Okay, so what do we do?
"Place cat in water.
Start at nape of neck
and work your way down."
Sounds easy enough.
Piece of cake.
Okay.
Come here, puss.
Come here.
(cat yowls)
Well?
Here, kitty, kitty, kitty,
kitty.
Here, kitty.
(cat yowls)
Come to Papa.
Come to Uncle Charlie.
Good kitty.
(cat hissing)
Did you ever think
about getting a dog?
I got a gun.
Took lessons
from a retired cop
down at the police station.
What?
Nothing. It's...
I mean, you got kids.
Yeah, and my kids still have
a mom 'cause I got a gun.
Don't you,
don't you ever worry
about them finding it?
I mean, when I was a kid,
everything my mother hid,
it seemed like I found.
I appreciate your concern,
Gary, thanks.
It's just in the,
in the papers
you hear a lot about kids
and guns and...
I'm not one of your students
from school, Gary.
No, I...
You think I'm happy
about living the kind of life
that means I have
to keep a gun in the house?
No. I was just saying
that I think you have a choice
if you want..
No, I don't have a choice.
Last time he broke in,
it took the cops 20 minutes
to get there.
Time before that,
911 never even picked up.
I'd move if I had the money,
but I don't.
So don't tell me to get a dog,
Gary.
(kids shouting in distance)
Tommy?!
Uh, Nikki, wait.
You read my file.
You think you can tell me
how to run my life?
No.
Look, I'm sorry. I...
(ice cream truck music playing)
TOMMY:
Mom, can I?
Can I? Can I?
Can I buy you
an ice cream?
No, thank you.
Ice cream? Yes!
Look, blame it on
force of habit.
Habit?
Being a guidance counselor
has its problems,
like being too nosey.
I apologize.
I'll have a Creamsicle.
Creamsicle.
Creamsicle?
I'll have a double
chocolate Drumstick
and a giant rainbow icepop,
and, uh, you got any sundaes?
Uh...
Let me check.
Uh, just one, champ.
Just like Mom.
I'll have the Drumstick.
Uh, Drumstick
and two Creamsicles.
All right.
Why were you and my mom
fighting?
We weren't fighting;
we were just talking.
Don't be mad at my mom.
I'm not mad at your mom.
I like your mom.
Here you go.
Here, kitty, kitty.
Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.
Didn't I see this in Alien?
I know you're here somewhere.
(cat yowls)
(paw swipes)
(screams)
NIKKI:
You don't look like a guy
who's recently been divorced.
What am I supposed
to look like?
(laughs)
Damaged. Guilty.
Well, I was the dumpee,
not the dumper.
No gray hair,
no loss of hair,
no wrinkled brow.
As far as I can tell,
you're not nursing an ulcer.
And where
are the broken knuckles
from punching your fist
through a wall?
Well, believe me, I wanted to.
I...
But you didn't.
That's the difference between
you and men like Kurt.
So, who got the house?
Uh, she, uh, she got the house.
I got a hotel room
at the Blackstone.
Mom, I'm starving.
Can we have hot dogs?
You betcha.
Can Gary stay
for dinner?
Well, sweetie, I'm sure
Gary has more important things
to do then...
Well, no, if, uh,
if you don't mind.
If it's not a
problem, I'd like to.
If you don't mind.
Please?
It wasn't always like this.
See that tree house?
Kurt built it
for the boys.
GARY:
Tree house?
Well, it would have been a tree
house if we'd had a tree.
Kurt and the boys
planned it together.
It meant a lot to them.
(Tommy grunts)
Hey, buddy, can I come up?
I guess so.
Yeah?
(Tommy makes explosion sounds)
Wow...
Not bad, huh?
What have you got?
What's this?
That's a magic box.
Oh, yeah?
This is a sword from the Knights
of the Round Table.
I challenge you to a fight.
Ah!
Ah!
(laughs)
Bryce used to play with me.
I was Lancelot, and he
was the Black Knight.
Oh, yeah?
Do you want to play?
Oh, I don't think I'm...
You're Merlin,
the magician.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
How come I can't be
the Black Knight?
'Cause you're Merlin,
the magician.
You can do anything.
You can see the future.
I can see the future, huh?
All you got to do is look
into your crystal ball.
And what do I do when I find out
what the future holds?
I don't know.
So, you gonna marry my mom?
What?
You said you liked her.
Well, I do like her, but I...
You've been hanging around
with us all day.
Uh-huh.
'Cause she's a great cook,
you know.
She slices up the hot dogs
and puts cheese in them.
She's real funny, too.
She makes up great stories,
not even from a book.
She makes them up.
Well, you know what?
You're lucky to have
such a great mom.
NIKKI:
Dinner's ready!
You guys hungry?
So, you'll think about it,
right?
Marrying her?
Yeah.
Careful now.
How you guys doing?
Good. I think he's
gonna marry you.
Oh, is he?
(clears throat)
I'm gonna go,
gonna go wash up.
Through the kitchen.
First door to the right.
Coward.
What?
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
He's nice.
I'm just trying to help.
When I need your help,
I'll ask for it.
Don't eat so fast.
NIKKI (calling out):
Gary?
Gary?
Gary, you all right?
Yeah. You didn't wait
on me, did you?
No. Dinner's ready.
Okay.
(clears throat softly)
(clears throat)
Here, kitty.
Come here.
Come on, red.
(meows)
I'm gonna get you.
Yah...!
(yowls loudly)
I know you promised Tommy
you'd marry me,
but I'm not gonna
hold you to it.
(chuckles)
Well, that's good,
'cause I don't think
I could afford a ring
right now, anyway.
KURT:
Well, well, well.
Isn't this a cozy little scene?
Are we, uh, playing
husband tonight?
Mom, it's okay.
Kurt,
just turn around now and leave,
or I will call the police.
What else are we
gonna play tonight?
Dad, just come
on, leave...
Bryce, not now.
That's it!
BRYCE:
Dad, just... come on.
Mom, don't!
You know... this
is still my house.
Dad, come on!
I paid for
this house.
And let's not forget,
you're still my wife.
Yes, this is Nikki Porter.
I have a restraining order
against my ex-husband
Go on, go on!
who is in my house!
Can't get rid of me forever.
Yes! Yes.
Come on, Dad!
KURT:
This is my house.
This is still my house!
Dad! Dad!
NIKKI:
Kurt, get out of here!
Leave! Please!
Bryce, get
away from him!
Come on, Dad!
I'll walk you
to your car.
It's all right, Bryce.
Come on!
(door slams)
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir,
he's gone now.
Yes, sir, we're fine.
Thank you.
(sighs)
(TV turns on)
Let me out! I'm suffocatin'!
(changes channel)
Bryce, are you okay?
(TV narrator talking)
Bryce, do you want dinner?
(changes channel)
I'm not hungry.
Bryce, your mom
made a good meal.
You're not my dad!
You can't tell me what to do!
I'm not trying to tell you
what to do, it's just...
Why don't you just
mind your own damn business?!
Bryce, I will
not tolerate...
Why'd you have
to call the police?
He wasn't doing anything!
Why do you ever...
(TV clicks off)
(sighs)
(door slams)
He blames me.
Thanks for trying.
Well, I-I didn't exactly
hit a home run-- I'm sorry.
I guess even guidance counselors
strike out sometimes, huh?
Yeah.
I guess I better be going, huh?
Crazy kind of day, huh?
Good night.
Good night.
(cat meows)
(paper thudding against door)
(cat meows)
(yowls)
(echoing):
No...!
(grunts)
(grunts)
(Kurt crashes against door)
(grunts)
(grunts)
(grunts)
(echoing):
No...!
You're going where?
I asked him to meet me--
he suggested CJ's Tavern.
Oh, that's great.
And what are you
gonna say to the guy?
"Excuse me, uh, are you planning
on killing
your ex-wife tonight?"
Well, I got to do
something, don't I?
MARISSA:
You know he's gonna look at you
like you're nuts,
shocked that you even
accused him of
something like that.
Look, I don't have a choice--
she's like a sitting duck,
and it's my fault.
Here you go.
Gary, you did what you
could to save those kids.
Yeah, and because of that,
I've put her life on the line.
Well, guns aren't the answer.
(chuckles)
Well, that's a nice
bumper sticker, Marissa.
But tell me this,
what's the answer
when some guy's coming after you
with a baseball bat, huh?
Yeah.
I don't know, I'll...
just go to the guy and...
And what?
What are you
thinking, Gare?
I'm thinking
I give her the gun back.
Then what good are you?
That's where she was yesterday.
Well, I don't know-- either
of you guys got a better idea?
Give me eight bucks.
(rock music playing
over speaker)
How you doing?
So, how's my boy, huh?
How's my boy Bryce,
he okay?
Uh, he's, uh, you know,
he's fighting a lot in school.
You know how kids are.
That'd be my fault, right?
No, I didn't say
it was your fault.
Just 'cause I, uh, taught him
not to run away from a fight.
(clears throat)
Look, I know you and
your wife are divorced...
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Uh, you said you
wanted to come here
to talk about Bryce.
Well, I just want to get
an idea what goes on.
(chuckles)
So, what'd she
tell you, hmm?
I'm a lousy dad, right?
No.
I can't provide
for my family, right?
No, she didn't
say that at all.
Look, I just think
that the both of you...
Yeah? What do you know?
I love my kids, man.
I wouldn't hurt them
for the world.
She's turning them
against me.
You know, I...
I got to stay outside
when I come pick them up.
You know, my kids,
they look at me
like-like I'm some
sort of monster.
(sighs)
Just don't tell me
what to do, all right?
Stay away from my kids,
you stay away from my wife.
(door creaks open)
(door closes)
Put the Popsicles back.
But, Mom!
Okay, then put the cookies back.
Please?
Pick one, Tommy--
we're only keeping one of 'em.
Shoot!
Gary.
What are you
doing here?
Uh... well,
I was looking for you.
Uh, the neighbor
told me you were here.
Are you coming
over for dinner?
We got Popsicles.
NIKKI:
Tommy, put 'em back.
Shoot!
Uh, Bryce,
why don't you get some cereal--
real cereal: no Loops,
no Smacks, no Captains.
Go.
Uh, look, I was, uh...
well, I was hoping I could
take you out to dinner.
I mean, the four of us.
A little above and beyond
the call of duty, isn't it?
Well, I...
What is it, Gary?
Why are you here?
I was worried
about you.
Mm-hmm.
You don't have to do this,
you know, take us out.
No, no.
Look, I know.
I... I really want to.
Is this about Kurt?
I have it under control.
Look, Nikki, if...
Coming over for dinner?
(chuckling):
Hey, buddy.
I'll tell you what,
how about I take you out
to dinner tonight?
Sure.
How about I
take you out
to dinner tonight
around... 7:00?
Okay.
Okay. (laughs softly)
7:00. And you
bring the Popsicles.
(grunts)
(laughs)
You lunkhead! I ought to...
(loud boom)
(whistling through air)
(explosion)
(Three Stooges laughing)
(calling):
Tommy, Bryce?
You been in my room?
(kids laughing)
MAN:
They'll probably shoot us.
Who has something
they want to tell me?
Mom, I can't see the TV.
Turn it off.
You guys,
this is really important.
I'm gonna ask you one more time
and you're gonna tell me.
Who took something
from my closet?
(bell dings)
Where is it?
What did you think
you were doing?
I was trying to help.
By stealing from me?
I could have you arrested,
you know that?
You went upstairs
into my room,
you went through
my stuff,
and you stole my gun.
Look, I know it sounds
bad, but you...
you got to understand...
I don't even know who you are.
I checked with the school.
They never heard of you.
Who are you, Gary?
Look, I'm a guy that knows
if you take that gun
back in your house, one of
your kids is gonna get shot.
Where is it?
It's in a safe place.
That's not what I asked you.
I asked you where it is.
Now, give me the gun
or I will call the police.
Believe me, I know the number.
It's in my room.
Look, I know you don't know me,
but you got to trust someone.
If you could just trust
me now, Nikki.
I did trust you, Gary.
But it turns out
you're just another guy
who thinks he knows better.
Please don't take this gun home.
Nikki?
You want to protect me?
You want to be
my guardian angel?
Forget it.
No one can protect
me but me.
That's the way it is.
You're wrong.
Really?
Tell you what.
When you get a couple of kids
and an ex-husband
who's trying to kill you,
you call me.
♪ ♪
(loud crash)
(dog barking in distance)
(metal clacking lightly)
(gun cylinder snaps)
(doorbell ringing)
Mom, door.
(doorbell ringing)
(knocking)
Just a second.
Hey, buddy.
Um, I'll get Mom.
No. Hold on.
I got something for you...
(laughs)
Where is your mom?
Dad, you're not
supposed to...
NIKKI:
Bryce, did
you finish
your home...
Dad, stop!
Where is he?
Bryce, call the police!
You sent him to lecture
me about fatherhood?
What? You don't think
I'm a good parent, huh?
Come on. Tell me what
I'm doing wrong?
You know, I really
want to know.
Come on, let's hear how
bad a dad I really am.
I don't read them stories, and I
don't coach the little league.
Oh, I know.
I'm really not around
often enough, right?
(siren wailing)
GARY:
Let her go, Kurt. Kurt!
Let her go.
Hey, Mr. Guidance Counselor,
why don't you come on
over and join the party?
That's enough.
There he is!
Police! Let her go! Now!
Hands over your head!
Over your head!
KURT:
Hey, hey, hey, we're
just conducting
a little family business here.
Hey.
Move it!
There's no problem here.
Are you all right?
We're okay.
Get your hands off me.
That's it. Come on, buddy.
You can't do this.
This is my house.
It's fine. We're okay.
(garbled radio transmission)
Detective Alexander will
be in touch with you.
You guys gonna hold onto him
for a while this time?
He's not going anywhere.
How you doing?
You're really pushing for
that guardian angel
position, aren't you?
Thanks for showing up.
(engine starting)
How you doing, Bryce?
I'm okay.
Hey, where's Tommy?
Probably hiding.
I'll go get him.
Hey, you might want to get
some more ice on that.
BRYCE:
Tommy?
We're a full-time job
for you, aren't we?
Tommy?
You can come out now.
It's okay.
Dad, don't come up here.
I'm warning you,
don't come up here.
Tommy?
Leave me alone, Dad.
Bryce?
Leave us alone.
Bryce!
Bryce!
Bryce!
Bryce?
Bryce?
Bryce, are you okay?
Yeah, I'm okay.
Tommy?
Tommy, I'm coming up, son.
Tommy, it's Gary, I'm coming up.
Easy, son.
Easy now.
Tommy?
Tommy?
Easy.
Easy, Tommy.
Tommy, hand me the gun.
Where's Mom?
It's all right, your mom's
right down here.
Come on, hand
me the gun.
Tommy, give me the gun.
Give me the gun.
Attaboy.
Attaboy.
You all right?
That's it.
Okay. Okay.
You're okay.
Okay.
CHUCK:
Maybe it's nobody's fault.
Maybe, it's everyone's.
Once things go wrong,
it's hard to remember why.
Sometimes it takes
almost losing
the thing you love most
to bring you to your senses.
'Cause sometimes, if you're
lucky, time and patience...
can bring things
together again.
Trust me, I know.
(door opening)
What are you doing here?
Little guy was lonely.
He missed me, so
I came right over.
He missed you?
All right, I missed him.
I kind of got attached
to the little furball.
What happ...?
You want something to eat?
No, we're fine.
I never figured you
for an animal lover.
You kidding?
What's not to love?
(whispering):
I told you.
North Harbor Terrace,
Apartment 1203.
And if you tell, I'll kill you.
(cat meows)
You...
Don't forget.
(meowing)
(grunts)