Murder One (1995–1997): Season 1, Episode 1 - Chapter One - full transcript
Courts Building - Los Angeles
Where is he?
I took him back to my place,
put him to bed at ten.
watched the news until eleven and
then went to bed myself.
Then you woke up this
morning and he was gone.
Sorry
This punk.
Will you ask for a continuance?
And hope the judge is in a good mood.
There was a murder in Hollywood last night
you could be interested in.
Why?
Fifteen-year-old blond named Jessica Costello.
Richard Cross had us represent
her older sister on a
solicitation charge a
couple of years ago
We beat it on entrapment.
How do we know the sister got murdered?
The cleaning lady found her. Naked, tied up,
strangled. Drugs all over the place.
Come with me
- Teddy
Uh, excuse me, guys.
I gotta talk to my Doberman. Ted
I'm gonna need a minute
Where the hell have you been?
- The gym.
You wanna go to Miami?
I'll make the call
Are you high?
- Ted, I'm fine.
Listen to me, Neil.
I worked my ass off getting you this deal.
And we still have to sell it to the judge.
- Otherwise you go to jail.
Hey, Ted. That's not gonna happen
I don't care if it happens or not.
A couple of Christmases in jail.
Teddy, watch this.
Your honor, I'm embarrassed and
sorry for this whole incident.
Let's go.
I want to get a clear
mental picture of this
You're at the Bel Air
Hotel for a wedding.
Yes.
Yes, your honor, my manager's.
And you decide to feed one of the hotel
swans a canape of gravlax and capers.
I guess that's right, your honor.
The swan bites you. You wade into the
pond and break its neck with your bare hands.
At which point a security
guard tries to restrain you
and you punch him in the face.
Have I misstated anywhere?
Your honor, I'm embarrassed and
sorry for this whole incident.
Mr. Avedon and the security guard, Mr. Velasquez,
have reached a civil settlement
As your honor is also aware, we've had discussions
with the People concerning a plea agreement
At this time Mr. Avedon is willing to enter a no contest
plea to the included misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals.
Hoffman, given the Defendant's
history of destructive and
irresponsible behavior as documented
in the probation report,
is there a compelling reason
why I should accept his plea?
Judge, as he has in court, Mr. Avedon has
expressed his remorse and apologies
as well as making as making restitution to both Mr.
Velasquez and to the management of the hotel.
I'm sure that's a great consolation to the swan.
Subsequently he has, uh, completed a drug and
alcohol rehabilitation and counseling program
under the supervision of Dr. Graham Lester.
documentation for which has
been submitted to the court
In light of my client's willingness
to plea to the lesser charge
the People's interests will not be
served by engaging him in
a protracted and costly trial.
A hung jury would probably
be a turn-on for this broad.
What did you say?
Your honor, I asked my lawyer a question.
your honor, may I
approach the bench.
I apologize on behalf of my
client for any perceived rudeness
to either these proceedings
or to you personally
If the court can find its way to show compassion
and understanding here, I am confident
Mr. Avedon will have learned
a very valuable lesson
that hopefully will inspire
him to attain the maturity.
Don't you sometimes
make yourself sick?
Sometimes, your honor
I'm through cleaning up after you,
you ungrateful little jerk.
You're fired.
- Hey, man, Miami.
I don't want to go to Miami with you.
I don't want to go to Oxnard with you.
The next time you trash your hotel
room or you punch your photographer or
you push some girl out of your car on Sunset
you know what,
you call somebody else
Morning, Lila.
- Good morning, Mr. Hoffman.
Excuse me, Ted.
- Bill. Sorry I'm late.
Maybe I don't have 400 million bucks
but I don't like waiting an hour
and then getting bumped by Richard Cross.
Bill, give me two minutes,
I'll find out what's going on
How did we do?
Tell Me whats going on
with Richard Cross.
Cross is in your office.
I thought you want to see him.
Hello, Teddy.
- Hello, Richard.
Thanks for seeing me.
- What's the problem?
There was a murder in
Hollywood last night.
Fifteen-year-old girl.
- Yeah. I heard about it.
I own the apartment building that she died in.
Anything else?
I have a relationship with her
older sister, Julie Costello.
Do you know anything about what
happened to the younger sister?
No, She'd been staying with Julie a month
We had a couple of casual conversations.
Where's Julie now?
She's on a modeling
assignment in Costa Rica.
I sent down my plane to bring her back.
Does your wife know about Julie?
She has a general sense of things.
I have apprised her of the current situation,
that I own the building.
I would be relieved and grateful if you
would represent me on this, Teddy
Police have been calling
my office all morning.
Have you spoken to them?
- No
I suppose I'll have to sooner
or later because I own the building.
Who called you?
- Detective Polson.
He asked me to go down there.
If your interests or theirs become
adversarial, I wouldn't let you go.
No, It shouldn't become adversarial
Louis.
- Yes?
Get me,Arthur Polson,
Robbery/Homicide.
Do you know him?
- Yes
Really appreciate you
coming down here, Mr. Cross.
I'm happy to cooperate.
- My wife and daughter go to the Philharmonic.
Have a seat.
I know you're the main supporter of that.
I'm glad they enjoy it.
How is it Mr. Cross can help you?
We would like some info about
that homicide at your building.
What kind of info?
- In connection with the ownership
That is your building,
am I correct?
It's owned by a
company that I control.
Would that give you occasion
to be in the building?
Not particularly.
- Because several tenants...
have seen you in the building.
Do you have any friends in there?
I have a relationship with the older
sister of the girl who was killed.
I see.
- We've been involved with each...
other for almost two years now.
Would this involvement
be an intimate nature?
Come on, Polson.
- We all understand romance.
How else can Mr. Cross help you?
- So this Julie Costello...
any idea where we could reach her?
She's out of the country.
She'll be back tomorrow.
She's a model?
- Yes.
And you've been in touch
with her since the homicide?
Yes, I told her what happened.
When she returns she will make contact
She will?
- Yes.
Jessica, how much contact
did you have with her?
Not much, She'd been visiting
Julie for about six weeks
I might have had four or five
casual conversations with her.
This girl didn't look
to you for guidance.
You've no idea who
might have done this?
No
No idea why it might
have happened?
No.
Have you been in
the building recently?
Not for several days.
We appreciate your
cooperation, Mr. Cross.
You're a busy man but if
anything comes to mind...
we could sure use the help.
Here's my card.
If you think of anything,
just give me a call.
If you have any further
need for my client, contact me.
Why, certainly counselor
Thank you.
I got a good feeling for
you on this one, Hoffman.
Your guy's in this up to his hips.
You get to soak him plenty.
If he's in it, he's lucky
you caught the case.
Kiss my ass, pal.
Well. That seemed to go fine.
Richard Cross has met with police
investigators as a courtesy.
He is not a suspect.
He is cooperating fully with...
the LAPD to help solve this murder.
Mr. Cross is acquainted with the...
victim's family and would like to express his
heart-felt sympathy over this senseless tragedy.
Thanks guys.
Your calls. The one from Sidney Wellman's
urgent and Dave Blalock is in your office.
Everyone in the conference room in ten
minutes. What's this?
From Gary Blondo for keeping
Neil Avedon out of jail.
They're sweet. Take it home if you want.
- I think not.
Hey, Dave.
I always hope those news
copters will crash into each other.
Does that make me a bad person?
Are they over that dead
girl's building in Hollywood?
Probably. How come Polson's
sniffing around Richard Cross?
He owns that building. He's been
having an affair with the sister.
Polson like him for the murder?
- He said that Cross was very deep in it.
If they've got anything it'd be
too early to be from the autopsy.
Well let me call around,
see what I can find out.
Look at the mistress too. We beat a
prostitution beef for her two years ago.
You wouldn't think she'd be going out the
back door on a guy like Richard Cross.
Course maybe that's not on her job
description, her needing to be bright.
How come Belchimer recused
himself from Molina?
Prosecution found out one of
his clerks brought harassment
charges against him.
It doesn't ring a bell. I probably
haven't seen her paperwork.
But you couldn't have missed her
though. Great ass. Killer boobs.
- They're fake
You're jealous.
She works out at my gym.
Busy day, folks. For the record,
we no longer represent Neil Avedon.
I just closed out the file and sent
the final bill to his business manager.
Lisa, what's the story
with Sidney Wellman?
His daughter shoplifted a raincoat at Nordstrom.
- A raincoat?
It was raining. I have a call in to Jack
Ryan at the city's attorney's office.
Who took Bill Weingart
for me this morning?
I practiced my posture for him.
He'll be all right.
Arnold, how's it going on Schaffer?
Motions to suppress luggage
search are almost done.
It better work. They found
three kilos in his underpants.
Case law's with us.
They didn't have a warrant...
and the guy doesn't fit
the courier profile.
Ted, are you going to tell us abou
Richard Cross or do we have to beg?
It's more sizzle than steak.
Plenty of sizzle though. You got
your naked fifteen-year-old victim.
You got your presence of drugs.
Your rumors of sexual depravity.
And your gorgeous older sister and former
alleged prostitute linked romantically to the rich,
powerful and married, Richard Cross
which could all just be sizzle.
The press'll beat it to death for
three days and move on.
Anything else?
We're out of here.
Ted, Ted?
- Yeah?
I get the feeling there's more to come
of this Richard Cross situation.
Well, I'm not expecting it though.
Okay, point being if there
should be further developments,
I would like you to consider
me for the second chair
Because I think I've more
than earned my shot.
I'd be surprised if any
more were to come of it.
Excuse me, Arnold.
- Life's full of surprises.
Mr. Cross.
Richard.
Detective Polson called me,
he needs to ask me more questions.
We're not going back down there.
I told him to meet me here.
Real fast, detective.
-We need to firm up a couple of things
you told us in your last
visit to that building.
When was that again?
- Saturday.
You sure on the day?
- He answered you.
Do you know a Paul McGalion, Mr. Cross?
- No, I don't
He manages your building.
A real estate company
oversees the property.
They hire those people.
Your garage has a camera in it and
when we opened it the tape was missing
Little while ago the manager
admitted he lifted it
Can I put this in?
- We don't need visual aids.
What'd ya got?
We got one of these.
Not as expensive.
This was taken last night in the
parking garage of your building.
The manager was going to
blackmail you with this.
Is Mr. Cross under arrest?
What were you doing in
that building, Mr. Cross?
That's it. If you're not arresting
him, you're through here.
If you can make us understand
this tape, Mr. Cross.
Not a word, Richard.
Mr. Hoffman's my attorney and
I'm going to follow his advice.
There's the door. Use it.
A lawyer always wants you to
think it's us against you, Mr. Cross.
Doesn't have to be that way.
I'm not your confessor and
I'm not your judge.
But if you withhold the facts I need
to deal with as your lawyer.
I'm not going to represent you.
Facts are I was in that apartment
for less than a minute and...
she was dead when I walked in.
Why were you there if your
girlfriend was out of town?
When Julie went out of town she
asked me if she'd give Jessica...
my phone number and
I said of course.
Jessica called me last night on my
cell phone, very frightened...
and asked me to come
over to the apartment.
Why was she frightened?
- She wouldn't say
I got there about
forty-five minutes later.
When I walked in, she was dead.
Where were you when she called?
- I was out clubbing with a friend.
I dropped her off at her place
before I went to see Jessica.
Who was the friend?
- Beverly. She's a model.
Did you touch the body, Richard?
- No
They're going to do every kind
of test on that girl's body.
Listen to me, Teddy.
I did not touch her!
And I never had sex with her!
So, where do I stand with the police?
- You're a suspect.
Well, can they arrest me?
- Of course they can.
Please help me.
It's hard for me to help you
when I'm being handled.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you the
whole truth before, Ted.
The whole truth's a pretty
ambitious goal, Richard.
But do tell me the truth
I need to know.
Hi honey.
- Hey.
Daddy, look, you're on tv.
Son of a bitch leaked the videotape.
- Daddy, you owe me a quarter for swearing.
Honey, here's a quarter
and a kiss.
why don't you take
the puppy upstairs.
I'll call you when
dinner's ready.
Did he kill that girl?
He says no.
Do you believe him?
I think so.
He had a reason to
be in that building.
Everyone who knows
him knows him, Ted.
The cocaine.
The hookers he cheats on her with,
while Francesca makes a life
out of looking the other way.
It's a long way from cheating on
your wife to killing a fifteen-year-old.
Are they going to arrest him?
Not off what they have now.
And he says there's nothing else.
I hope it's true.
'Cause if it's not,
it's going to turn into a
circus around here.
I'm sorry we're meeting again
under these circumstances, Julie.
Where's Richard?
He wanted to be here but I
didn't think it was a good idea.
The media's all over this.
- I'll bet.
He asked me to tell you his car
and driver will pick up your parents
at LAX later today and he's gotten
a suite for you at the Bel Air Hotel
under the name Mary Abbot.
All right.
Do you want to go there now?
You look exhausted.
No. What do I have to
do with the police?
A family member needs
to identify Jessica.
Do I have to look at her body?
It's a photo ID.
Then, when you're ready,
the police will interview you.
Let's get it all over with.
It's her. That's my sister.
- I'm sorry for your loss
Appreciate you letting
her make the ID here.
No problem.
I want to ask you some questions,
Ms. Costello. Do you need to
take a minute?
- No
Can you help us out with who
might have done this, Ms. Costello?
You don't think it was a prowler,
somebody from the street?
We don't. There's no
indication of forced entry.
Maybe someone from the clubs.
She went to a lot of them.
Was she involved with drugs?
- She was trying to stop
She would go to meetings
But she still used.
My parents sent her out her
because she kept in trouble in Minneapolis.
Maybe I should have been
more involved in her life.
I guess I thought she'd just
figure it out on her own like I had to.
You had some difficulties
yourself a few years ago.
And?
Any chance your sister was
involved in that regard?
In prostitution?
No. Neither was I
Ms. Costello, there were
some sexual aspects
to your sister's murder
I can't say exactly what.
Then why mention it?
What's your point?
Ms. Costello, what kind of
relationship did Richard Cross
have with your little sister?
He was like a second father to her
I told Jessica to call him if
she had any problems while
I was out of town. If he
was over there that
must have been why.
So you're a big Richard Cross
supporter?
And of course he's a
big supporter of yours.
We're done here.
Let's go.
Teddy. Good to see you.
Come on in.
You know Miriam Grasso?
- A long unrequited love.
It never would have worked.
He'd have kept me barefoot...
and pregnant.
You're doing a hell of a job
on that Keller trial, Miriam.
Isn't she? Old Mike Swainey's gonna
need an ego transplant by
the time she's through with him.
- Aw, come on, guys
Hey, Teddy, that client of yours is very
photogenic in that garage film.
Miriam, you know they
can do wonderful things
with videotape these days.
Off to dismember Swainey.
Toodles
Teddy, I'm as mad about that
tape getting out as you are.
Richard Cross is my friend and
one of my most generous supporters.
The cops just heard from Cross'
mistress about why he was in
the apartment that night.
Very innocuous.
Keep embarrassing this man and
you're gonna stink all over.
I hear you, Ted. I'll make a call
and try to put a leash on Polson.
I can't imagine there's
anything substantive that
will link Richard
to this mess.
Whatever you imagine, Roger, let's
just keep things civil. No surprises.
No surprises, Teddy. I promise.
Ted, could we just have a quick chat?
- I'm stacked up, Justine.
I know. If I could just talk to
you over here for one second.
Look, I'm not going to be
shy about this.
I want to be part of this
case so bad I can taste it.
There is no case.
- So far, But when there is
you're never going to go with
Arnold for obvious reasons.
So it's either Chris,
me or Lisa.
I'm as good as Chris is.
I know you well enough.
you're going to want a
woman on this one.
Between me and Lisa,
I'm the better attorney
And when it comes to courtroom
experience we both know it's
my ass you're going to
want in that second seat.
I'll take it under advisement.
Gary Blondo wants you to call ASAP
with regards to Neil Avedon
and Richard Cross is in reception.
He seems distraught.
- Richard.
Neil Avedon was busted two hours ago.
- For what?
He was popped in a drug buy.
Ted, this kid could hurt me.
How?
- Well, one of my sources...
told me right after he was arrested,
Polson went in to talk to him.
In here.
Mr. Hoffman?
Hello there, counselor. I have
a warrant for Mr. Cross' arrest.
What the hell for?
- Murder.
I have to take you
into custody, sir.
It's okay, Richard. Stay calm.
How the hell am I supposed
to find a judge at a quarter
to five on a Friday afternoon?
Not my problem, counselor.
Put the cuffs on him.
Hold it. You want to tell me
how your case got...
so compelling all of a sudden?
- Unless you want to get
arrested too, counselor, back off.
Turn around for me please.
You can come down
with me, Teddy?
`Teddy' can meet you downtown
after you've been booked and
fingerprinted. Let's take a
ride, Mr. Cross.
Teddy?
Stay calm, Richard. Don't say anything.
Up to his hips, counselor.
Find Francesca Cross and bring her
down to Parker Center.
Francesca.
- Did he do it, Teddy?
Richard's adamant he wasn't involved.
He's going to need all your
understanding and support
to get through this.
With all of his ass-kissing cronies'
understanding and support?
And all the understanding and
support of his girlfriends.
Now he has yours.
What does he need mine for?
Francesca, you have every reason
to be hurt and upset. But right now...
things are very delicate and very public.
I'd like you to wait with Ms. Appleton.
In a little while I'm going to be giving
a statement to the press...
and I'd like you by my side.
Can I count on you for that?
Yes.
- Good.
Would you give Richard a message for me?
- Ofcourse.
Tell him this is going
to be very expensive.
No surprises, huh?
- I honestly didn't know about this.
Miriam Grasso signed off on the warrant.
I wasn't notified of the arrest until after
they'd already picked him up.
- At a quarter to five on a Friday...
so Polson can keep him
inside over the weekend.
Teddy, if I'd been in the loop
I'd have called you myself to
arrange his surrender. And it
wouldn't have been on a Friday.
This afternoon all you
had was a videotape.
Now we've got more.
Other than what I've already
told you I can't comment...
on an ongoing investigation.
I'm going to a judge tonight to
get my client out on a writ.
I hope you're not
going to oppose me.
I've known Richard Cross
for fifteen years.
As a personal matter I
hope to God he's innocent.
So cutting through all your
feelings of guilt and remorse...
you're going to oppose the writ?
- I'm sorry, Ted. My hands are tied.
Mr. Hoffman? You can
talk to your client now
Get me out of here.
I'm gonna try to get a writ
but the DA's gonna fight me.
And no judge is gonna want to look
like he's caving in to your influence.
Get me out!
What's Neil Avedon telling the cops?
I have no idea.
When Jessica called me she
said that she and Avedon...
had done a lot of coke and they'd
gotten into some kind of argument.
Things got violent. Then she
went into the bathroom...
and locked herself in.
How did she know him?
- How did she know him?
They met at a club. She
became one of his groupies.
And you went over to the
apartment after she called.
The door was open. There was
only light from some candles
When I called her name
she didn't answer.
I walked up to her bedroom.
She was lying there.
She was naked
Her wrists were tied to the
bedpost. Her eyes were open.
It was like she was staring right at me.
I didn't know what to
do so I got the hell out of there.
That's it, Teddy.
Were you having a sexual
relationship with the girl?
She was fifteen years old.
- That's a plus for some people.
Not for me.
What was your relationship to Neil Avedon?
Did you take drugs with him?
Understand this, Richard.
What you're involved in now,
facts are weapons. I can be
the best lawyer in the world...
but if I go in unarmed I'm
going to get my ass kicked.
I'll get over that.
But you'll get executed.
I understand.
- I'm not sure you do.
But at some point
it's going to sink in.
Can I get out of here?
- Not tonight.
I'll see you in the morning.
Try to get some rest.
There is no foundation whatsoever
for the outrageous charges made
against Richard Cross.
he precipitous action of the LAPD
and the District Attorney's office...
shows a reckless disregard
for the rights of one of this
community's most distinguished citizens.
Mr. Cross has every confidence
justice will prevail and that he...
will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
Thank you very much.
I am here tonight to be with my husband.
I know the kind of man that he is.
I stand by him.
And I'm confident that...
he'll be home soon.
Thank you.
No judge would touch the
writ so we're looking at...
a Monday morning arraignment.
The prosecution's going to
oppose bail because
it's a death penalty case.
By noon tomorrow
I want case law on the...
possibility of bail for murder one.
Arnold's in charge. Any questions?
the DA's making it murder one
as a deliberate premeditated act?
Also homicide during the
commission of a rape.
Can sex with a fifteen-
year-old be consensual?
Doesn't matter, it's illegal.
Besides to raise a consensual...
defense we'd have to admit
the act and we've got a client...
that says he
didn't do it
All right, everybody, work with
Arnold. Arnold, can I talk to you?
Does this mean I'm you're guy?
- You're my guy for tonight.
What about Monday morning?
Who's going to be the second chair?
Arnold, I know how badly you want it.
But I need you for motions.
You're the best legal writer I know.
And I'm not exactly commanding
courtroom presence.
Chris Dochnovich is and
I'm not going with him either.
Oh yeah, female victim,
allegations of sexual assault.
`Arnold, you know we're
gonna need the added credibility...
a woman brings to the
team.' Yep.
I appreciate your understanding
in that spirit, Arnold.
There's no one in
the firm I value more.
Lisa, have a drink with me.
I want every one of those jurors
to trust you like a sister.
To feel like you've heard Cross'
story and you believe it...
and they should too because you
wouldn't invest your integrity in a guilty man.
How many business
suits do you own?
Four.
- Buy three more.
I'll shoot you an advance
if you need it.
I don't want you in the
same outfit twice in a week.
Okay, I can go
shopping tomorrow.
Ted, could I have a moment
- What's up?
We dug up some promising
cases on the bail issue
Is she second chair?
- Yes.
You're going to be working
on motions with Spivak.
I'm sorry Lisa. Teddy,
don't make that decision now.
You were out of line with the press
and you're out of line now.
Teddy, come on.
Turn around, keep a smile on
your face as you walk out...
of here and go back
to work with Arnold.
Ready?
- If you think I am
I know you're ready for the case.
I meant are you ready to go?
Can I have a word with you?
- Call my office.
Here's, eh, fifty bucks.
Jump up on the bar and dance.
A local wit.
Come on, Hoffman.
You know this guy's guilty.
I'm not interested in
talking with you.
You know what I think?
I think hookers on Sunset
got more scruples than you got.
Do you think anyone in this bar
believes you've got a head of hair?
We all know that's a comb-over.
But till you get so obnoxious you forfeit
your right to civil treatment,
no one in here points it out.
Think of the trial system like that.
We know accused people aren't always
innocent. Maybe not even usually innocent.
Now start to twist things around, huh.
And even though we know that,
we treat people like they're
innocent until they've had their shot
in court because it makes us better people.
It civilizes us to treat them that way.
Civility's important.
That's why no one in here called
you a self-deceiving fool until
you opened your drunken mouth.
I'm not gonna dance for you but...
I'll put up fifty bucks of my own,
you put up yours and the bartender'll hold the stakes.
Are you betting your guy didn't
do it or you're gonna get him off?
Never bet against me on that.
CNN and Hard Copy called five times.
Every local station, the wire services...
and Nigel... somebody, from the London
Times needs you to call him back ASAP
Is the machine on?
- Yeah.
I'll have Louis change the
number in the morning.
How's Elizabeth?
- Good.
You missed one of my better halibuts.
- Sorry.
How's Richard Cross?
- Owh he loves it down there.
Now do you think he did it?
- I don't know, Annie.
Circus is in town, huh?
Promise me, we'll keep Elizabeth
as far away from this as we can.
I promise.
Where is he?
I took him back to my place,
put him to bed at ten.
watched the news until eleven and
then went to bed myself.
Then you woke up this
morning and he was gone.
Sorry
This punk.
Will you ask for a continuance?
And hope the judge is in a good mood.
There was a murder in Hollywood last night
you could be interested in.
Why?
Fifteen-year-old blond named Jessica Costello.
Richard Cross had us represent
her older sister on a
solicitation charge a
couple of years ago
We beat it on entrapment.
How do we know the sister got murdered?
The cleaning lady found her. Naked, tied up,
strangled. Drugs all over the place.
Come with me
- Teddy
Uh, excuse me, guys.
I gotta talk to my Doberman. Ted
I'm gonna need a minute
Where the hell have you been?
- The gym.
You wanna go to Miami?
I'll make the call
Are you high?
- Ted, I'm fine.
Listen to me, Neil.
I worked my ass off getting you this deal.
And we still have to sell it to the judge.
- Otherwise you go to jail.
Hey, Ted. That's not gonna happen
I don't care if it happens or not.
A couple of Christmases in jail.
Teddy, watch this.
Your honor, I'm embarrassed and
sorry for this whole incident.
Let's go.
I want to get a clear
mental picture of this
You're at the Bel Air
Hotel for a wedding.
Yes.
Yes, your honor, my manager's.
And you decide to feed one of the hotel
swans a canape of gravlax and capers.
I guess that's right, your honor.
The swan bites you. You wade into the
pond and break its neck with your bare hands.
At which point a security
guard tries to restrain you
and you punch him in the face.
Have I misstated anywhere?
Your honor, I'm embarrassed and
sorry for this whole incident.
Mr. Avedon and the security guard, Mr. Velasquez,
have reached a civil settlement
As your honor is also aware, we've had discussions
with the People concerning a plea agreement
At this time Mr. Avedon is willing to enter a no contest
plea to the included misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals.
Hoffman, given the Defendant's
history of destructive and
irresponsible behavior as documented
in the probation report,
is there a compelling reason
why I should accept his plea?
Judge, as he has in court, Mr. Avedon has
expressed his remorse and apologies
as well as making as making restitution to both Mr.
Velasquez and to the management of the hotel.
I'm sure that's a great consolation to the swan.
Subsequently he has, uh, completed a drug and
alcohol rehabilitation and counseling program
under the supervision of Dr. Graham Lester.
documentation for which has
been submitted to the court
In light of my client's willingness
to plea to the lesser charge
the People's interests will not be
served by engaging him in
a protracted and costly trial.
A hung jury would probably
be a turn-on for this broad.
What did you say?
Your honor, I asked my lawyer a question.
your honor, may I
approach the bench.
I apologize on behalf of my
client for any perceived rudeness
to either these proceedings
or to you personally
If the court can find its way to show compassion
and understanding here, I am confident
Mr. Avedon will have learned
a very valuable lesson
that hopefully will inspire
him to attain the maturity.
Don't you sometimes
make yourself sick?
Sometimes, your honor
I'm through cleaning up after you,
you ungrateful little jerk.
You're fired.
- Hey, man, Miami.
I don't want to go to Miami with you.
I don't want to go to Oxnard with you.
The next time you trash your hotel
room or you punch your photographer or
you push some girl out of your car on Sunset
you know what,
you call somebody else
Morning, Lila.
- Good morning, Mr. Hoffman.
Excuse me, Ted.
- Bill. Sorry I'm late.
Maybe I don't have 400 million bucks
but I don't like waiting an hour
and then getting bumped by Richard Cross.
Bill, give me two minutes,
I'll find out what's going on
How did we do?
Tell Me whats going on
with Richard Cross.
Cross is in your office.
I thought you want to see him.
Hello, Teddy.
- Hello, Richard.
Thanks for seeing me.
- What's the problem?
There was a murder in
Hollywood last night.
Fifteen-year-old girl.
- Yeah. I heard about it.
I own the apartment building that she died in.
Anything else?
I have a relationship with her
older sister, Julie Costello.
Do you know anything about what
happened to the younger sister?
No, She'd been staying with Julie a month
We had a couple of casual conversations.
Where's Julie now?
She's on a modeling
assignment in Costa Rica.
I sent down my plane to bring her back.
Does your wife know about Julie?
She has a general sense of things.
I have apprised her of the current situation,
that I own the building.
I would be relieved and grateful if you
would represent me on this, Teddy
Police have been calling
my office all morning.
Have you spoken to them?
- No
I suppose I'll have to sooner
or later because I own the building.
Who called you?
- Detective Polson.
He asked me to go down there.
If your interests or theirs become
adversarial, I wouldn't let you go.
No, It shouldn't become adversarial
Louis.
- Yes?
Get me,Arthur Polson,
Robbery/Homicide.
Do you know him?
- Yes
Really appreciate you
coming down here, Mr. Cross.
I'm happy to cooperate.
- My wife and daughter go to the Philharmonic.
Have a seat.
I know you're the main supporter of that.
I'm glad they enjoy it.
How is it Mr. Cross can help you?
We would like some info about
that homicide at your building.
What kind of info?
- In connection with the ownership
That is your building,
am I correct?
It's owned by a
company that I control.
Would that give you occasion
to be in the building?
Not particularly.
- Because several tenants...
have seen you in the building.
Do you have any friends in there?
I have a relationship with the older
sister of the girl who was killed.
I see.
- We've been involved with each...
other for almost two years now.
Would this involvement
be an intimate nature?
Come on, Polson.
- We all understand romance.
How else can Mr. Cross help you?
- So this Julie Costello...
any idea where we could reach her?
She's out of the country.
She'll be back tomorrow.
She's a model?
- Yes.
And you've been in touch
with her since the homicide?
Yes, I told her what happened.
When she returns she will make contact
She will?
- Yes.
Jessica, how much contact
did you have with her?
Not much, She'd been visiting
Julie for about six weeks
I might have had four or five
casual conversations with her.
This girl didn't look
to you for guidance.
You've no idea who
might have done this?
No
No idea why it might
have happened?
No.
Have you been in
the building recently?
Not for several days.
We appreciate your
cooperation, Mr. Cross.
You're a busy man but if
anything comes to mind...
we could sure use the help.
Here's my card.
If you think of anything,
just give me a call.
If you have any further
need for my client, contact me.
Why, certainly counselor
Thank you.
I got a good feeling for
you on this one, Hoffman.
Your guy's in this up to his hips.
You get to soak him plenty.
If he's in it, he's lucky
you caught the case.
Kiss my ass, pal.
Well. That seemed to go fine.
Richard Cross has met with police
investigators as a courtesy.
He is not a suspect.
He is cooperating fully with...
the LAPD to help solve this murder.
Mr. Cross is acquainted with the...
victim's family and would like to express his
heart-felt sympathy over this senseless tragedy.
Thanks guys.
Your calls. The one from Sidney Wellman's
urgent and Dave Blalock is in your office.
Everyone in the conference room in ten
minutes. What's this?
From Gary Blondo for keeping
Neil Avedon out of jail.
They're sweet. Take it home if you want.
- I think not.
Hey, Dave.
I always hope those news
copters will crash into each other.
Does that make me a bad person?
Are they over that dead
girl's building in Hollywood?
Probably. How come Polson's
sniffing around Richard Cross?
He owns that building. He's been
having an affair with the sister.
Polson like him for the murder?
- He said that Cross was very deep in it.
If they've got anything it'd be
too early to be from the autopsy.
Well let me call around,
see what I can find out.
Look at the mistress too. We beat a
prostitution beef for her two years ago.
You wouldn't think she'd be going out the
back door on a guy like Richard Cross.
Course maybe that's not on her job
description, her needing to be bright.
How come Belchimer recused
himself from Molina?
Prosecution found out one of
his clerks brought harassment
charges against him.
It doesn't ring a bell. I probably
haven't seen her paperwork.
But you couldn't have missed her
though. Great ass. Killer boobs.
- They're fake
You're jealous.
She works out at my gym.
Busy day, folks. For the record,
we no longer represent Neil Avedon.
I just closed out the file and sent
the final bill to his business manager.
Lisa, what's the story
with Sidney Wellman?
His daughter shoplifted a raincoat at Nordstrom.
- A raincoat?
It was raining. I have a call in to Jack
Ryan at the city's attorney's office.
Who took Bill Weingart
for me this morning?
I practiced my posture for him.
He'll be all right.
Arnold, how's it going on Schaffer?
Motions to suppress luggage
search are almost done.
It better work. They found
three kilos in his underpants.
Case law's with us.
They didn't have a warrant...
and the guy doesn't fit
the courier profile.
Ted, are you going to tell us abou
Richard Cross or do we have to beg?
It's more sizzle than steak.
Plenty of sizzle though. You got
your naked fifteen-year-old victim.
You got your presence of drugs.
Your rumors of sexual depravity.
And your gorgeous older sister and former
alleged prostitute linked romantically to the rich,
powerful and married, Richard Cross
which could all just be sizzle.
The press'll beat it to death for
three days and move on.
Anything else?
We're out of here.
Ted, Ted?
- Yeah?
I get the feeling there's more to come
of this Richard Cross situation.
Well, I'm not expecting it though.
Okay, point being if there
should be further developments,
I would like you to consider
me for the second chair
Because I think I've more
than earned my shot.
I'd be surprised if any
more were to come of it.
Excuse me, Arnold.
- Life's full of surprises.
Mr. Cross.
Richard.
Detective Polson called me,
he needs to ask me more questions.
We're not going back down there.
I told him to meet me here.
Real fast, detective.
-We need to firm up a couple of things
you told us in your last
visit to that building.
When was that again?
- Saturday.
You sure on the day?
- He answered you.
Do you know a Paul McGalion, Mr. Cross?
- No, I don't
He manages your building.
A real estate company
oversees the property.
They hire those people.
Your garage has a camera in it and
when we opened it the tape was missing
Little while ago the manager
admitted he lifted it
Can I put this in?
- We don't need visual aids.
What'd ya got?
We got one of these.
Not as expensive.
This was taken last night in the
parking garage of your building.
The manager was going to
blackmail you with this.
Is Mr. Cross under arrest?
What were you doing in
that building, Mr. Cross?
That's it. If you're not arresting
him, you're through here.
If you can make us understand
this tape, Mr. Cross.
Not a word, Richard.
Mr. Hoffman's my attorney and
I'm going to follow his advice.
There's the door. Use it.
A lawyer always wants you to
think it's us against you, Mr. Cross.
Doesn't have to be that way.
I'm not your confessor and
I'm not your judge.
But if you withhold the facts I need
to deal with as your lawyer.
I'm not going to represent you.
Facts are I was in that apartment
for less than a minute and...
she was dead when I walked in.
Why were you there if your
girlfriend was out of town?
When Julie went out of town she
asked me if she'd give Jessica...
my phone number and
I said of course.
Jessica called me last night on my
cell phone, very frightened...
and asked me to come
over to the apartment.
Why was she frightened?
- She wouldn't say
I got there about
forty-five minutes later.
When I walked in, she was dead.
Where were you when she called?
- I was out clubbing with a friend.
I dropped her off at her place
before I went to see Jessica.
Who was the friend?
- Beverly. She's a model.
Did you touch the body, Richard?
- No
They're going to do every kind
of test on that girl's body.
Listen to me, Teddy.
I did not touch her!
And I never had sex with her!
So, where do I stand with the police?
- You're a suspect.
Well, can they arrest me?
- Of course they can.
Please help me.
It's hard for me to help you
when I'm being handled.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you the
whole truth before, Ted.
The whole truth's a pretty
ambitious goal, Richard.
But do tell me the truth
I need to know.
Hi honey.
- Hey.
Daddy, look, you're on tv.
Son of a bitch leaked the videotape.
- Daddy, you owe me a quarter for swearing.
Honey, here's a quarter
and a kiss.
why don't you take
the puppy upstairs.
I'll call you when
dinner's ready.
Did he kill that girl?
He says no.
Do you believe him?
I think so.
He had a reason to
be in that building.
Everyone who knows
him knows him, Ted.
The cocaine.
The hookers he cheats on her with,
while Francesca makes a life
out of looking the other way.
It's a long way from cheating on
your wife to killing a fifteen-year-old.
Are they going to arrest him?
Not off what they have now.
And he says there's nothing else.
I hope it's true.
'Cause if it's not,
it's going to turn into a
circus around here.
I'm sorry we're meeting again
under these circumstances, Julie.
Where's Richard?
He wanted to be here but I
didn't think it was a good idea.
The media's all over this.
- I'll bet.
He asked me to tell you his car
and driver will pick up your parents
at LAX later today and he's gotten
a suite for you at the Bel Air Hotel
under the name Mary Abbot.
All right.
Do you want to go there now?
You look exhausted.
No. What do I have to
do with the police?
A family member needs
to identify Jessica.
Do I have to look at her body?
It's a photo ID.
Then, when you're ready,
the police will interview you.
Let's get it all over with.
It's her. That's my sister.
- I'm sorry for your loss
Appreciate you letting
her make the ID here.
No problem.
I want to ask you some questions,
Ms. Costello. Do you need to
take a minute?
- No
Can you help us out with who
might have done this, Ms. Costello?
You don't think it was a prowler,
somebody from the street?
We don't. There's no
indication of forced entry.
Maybe someone from the clubs.
She went to a lot of them.
Was she involved with drugs?
- She was trying to stop
She would go to meetings
But she still used.
My parents sent her out her
because she kept in trouble in Minneapolis.
Maybe I should have been
more involved in her life.
I guess I thought she'd just
figure it out on her own like I had to.
You had some difficulties
yourself a few years ago.
And?
Any chance your sister was
involved in that regard?
In prostitution?
No. Neither was I
Ms. Costello, there were
some sexual aspects
to your sister's murder
I can't say exactly what.
Then why mention it?
What's your point?
Ms. Costello, what kind of
relationship did Richard Cross
have with your little sister?
He was like a second father to her
I told Jessica to call him if
she had any problems while
I was out of town. If he
was over there that
must have been why.
So you're a big Richard Cross
supporter?
And of course he's a
big supporter of yours.
We're done here.
Let's go.
Teddy. Good to see you.
Come on in.
You know Miriam Grasso?
- A long unrequited love.
It never would have worked.
He'd have kept me barefoot...
and pregnant.
You're doing a hell of a job
on that Keller trial, Miriam.
Isn't she? Old Mike Swainey's gonna
need an ego transplant by
the time she's through with him.
- Aw, come on, guys
Hey, Teddy, that client of yours is very
photogenic in that garage film.
Miriam, you know they
can do wonderful things
with videotape these days.
Off to dismember Swainey.
Toodles
Teddy, I'm as mad about that
tape getting out as you are.
Richard Cross is my friend and
one of my most generous supporters.
The cops just heard from Cross'
mistress about why he was in
the apartment that night.
Very innocuous.
Keep embarrassing this man and
you're gonna stink all over.
I hear you, Ted. I'll make a call
and try to put a leash on Polson.
I can't imagine there's
anything substantive that
will link Richard
to this mess.
Whatever you imagine, Roger, let's
just keep things civil. No surprises.
No surprises, Teddy. I promise.
Ted, could we just have a quick chat?
- I'm stacked up, Justine.
I know. If I could just talk to
you over here for one second.
Look, I'm not going to be
shy about this.
I want to be part of this
case so bad I can taste it.
There is no case.
- So far, But when there is
you're never going to go with
Arnold for obvious reasons.
So it's either Chris,
me or Lisa.
I'm as good as Chris is.
I know you well enough.
you're going to want a
woman on this one.
Between me and Lisa,
I'm the better attorney
And when it comes to courtroom
experience we both know it's
my ass you're going to
want in that second seat.
I'll take it under advisement.
Gary Blondo wants you to call ASAP
with regards to Neil Avedon
and Richard Cross is in reception.
He seems distraught.
- Richard.
Neil Avedon was busted two hours ago.
- For what?
He was popped in a drug buy.
Ted, this kid could hurt me.
How?
- Well, one of my sources...
told me right after he was arrested,
Polson went in to talk to him.
In here.
Mr. Hoffman?
Hello there, counselor. I have
a warrant for Mr. Cross' arrest.
What the hell for?
- Murder.
I have to take you
into custody, sir.
It's okay, Richard. Stay calm.
How the hell am I supposed
to find a judge at a quarter
to five on a Friday afternoon?
Not my problem, counselor.
Put the cuffs on him.
Hold it. You want to tell me
how your case got...
so compelling all of a sudden?
- Unless you want to get
arrested too, counselor, back off.
Turn around for me please.
You can come down
with me, Teddy?
`Teddy' can meet you downtown
after you've been booked and
fingerprinted. Let's take a
ride, Mr. Cross.
Teddy?
Stay calm, Richard. Don't say anything.
Up to his hips, counselor.
Find Francesca Cross and bring her
down to Parker Center.
Francesca.
- Did he do it, Teddy?
Richard's adamant he wasn't involved.
He's going to need all your
understanding and support
to get through this.
With all of his ass-kissing cronies'
understanding and support?
And all the understanding and
support of his girlfriends.
Now he has yours.
What does he need mine for?
Francesca, you have every reason
to be hurt and upset. But right now...
things are very delicate and very public.
I'd like you to wait with Ms. Appleton.
In a little while I'm going to be giving
a statement to the press...
and I'd like you by my side.
Can I count on you for that?
Yes.
- Good.
Would you give Richard a message for me?
- Ofcourse.
Tell him this is going
to be very expensive.
No surprises, huh?
- I honestly didn't know about this.
Miriam Grasso signed off on the warrant.
I wasn't notified of the arrest until after
they'd already picked him up.
- At a quarter to five on a Friday...
so Polson can keep him
inside over the weekend.
Teddy, if I'd been in the loop
I'd have called you myself to
arrange his surrender. And it
wouldn't have been on a Friday.
This afternoon all you
had was a videotape.
Now we've got more.
Other than what I've already
told you I can't comment...
on an ongoing investigation.
I'm going to a judge tonight to
get my client out on a writ.
I hope you're not
going to oppose me.
I've known Richard Cross
for fifteen years.
As a personal matter I
hope to God he's innocent.
So cutting through all your
feelings of guilt and remorse...
you're going to oppose the writ?
- I'm sorry, Ted. My hands are tied.
Mr. Hoffman? You can
talk to your client now
Get me out of here.
I'm gonna try to get a writ
but the DA's gonna fight me.
And no judge is gonna want to look
like he's caving in to your influence.
Get me out!
What's Neil Avedon telling the cops?
I have no idea.
When Jessica called me she
said that she and Avedon...
had done a lot of coke and they'd
gotten into some kind of argument.
Things got violent. Then she
went into the bathroom...
and locked herself in.
How did she know him?
- How did she know him?
They met at a club. She
became one of his groupies.
And you went over to the
apartment after she called.
The door was open. There was
only light from some candles
When I called her name
she didn't answer.
I walked up to her bedroom.
She was lying there.
She was naked
Her wrists were tied to the
bedpost. Her eyes were open.
It was like she was staring right at me.
I didn't know what to
do so I got the hell out of there.
That's it, Teddy.
Were you having a sexual
relationship with the girl?
She was fifteen years old.
- That's a plus for some people.
Not for me.
What was your relationship to Neil Avedon?
Did you take drugs with him?
Understand this, Richard.
What you're involved in now,
facts are weapons. I can be
the best lawyer in the world...
but if I go in unarmed I'm
going to get my ass kicked.
I'll get over that.
But you'll get executed.
I understand.
- I'm not sure you do.
But at some point
it's going to sink in.
Can I get out of here?
- Not tonight.
I'll see you in the morning.
Try to get some rest.
There is no foundation whatsoever
for the outrageous charges made
against Richard Cross.
he precipitous action of the LAPD
and the District Attorney's office...
shows a reckless disregard
for the rights of one of this
community's most distinguished citizens.
Mr. Cross has every confidence
justice will prevail and that he...
will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
Thank you very much.
I am here tonight to be with my husband.
I know the kind of man that he is.
I stand by him.
And I'm confident that...
he'll be home soon.
Thank you.
No judge would touch the
writ so we're looking at...
a Monday morning arraignment.
The prosecution's going to
oppose bail because
it's a death penalty case.
By noon tomorrow
I want case law on the...
possibility of bail for murder one.
Arnold's in charge. Any questions?
the DA's making it murder one
as a deliberate premeditated act?
Also homicide during the
commission of a rape.
Can sex with a fifteen-
year-old be consensual?
Doesn't matter, it's illegal.
Besides to raise a consensual...
defense we'd have to admit
the act and we've got a client...
that says he
didn't do it
All right, everybody, work with
Arnold. Arnold, can I talk to you?
Does this mean I'm you're guy?
- You're my guy for tonight.
What about Monday morning?
Who's going to be the second chair?
Arnold, I know how badly you want it.
But I need you for motions.
You're the best legal writer I know.
And I'm not exactly commanding
courtroom presence.
Chris Dochnovich is and
I'm not going with him either.
Oh yeah, female victim,
allegations of sexual assault.
`Arnold, you know we're
gonna need the added credibility...
a woman brings to the
team.' Yep.
I appreciate your understanding
in that spirit, Arnold.
There's no one in
the firm I value more.
Lisa, have a drink with me.
I want every one of those jurors
to trust you like a sister.
To feel like you've heard Cross'
story and you believe it...
and they should too because you
wouldn't invest your integrity in a guilty man.
How many business
suits do you own?
Four.
- Buy three more.
I'll shoot you an advance
if you need it.
I don't want you in the
same outfit twice in a week.
Okay, I can go
shopping tomorrow.
Ted, could I have a moment
- What's up?
We dug up some promising
cases on the bail issue
Is she second chair?
- Yes.
You're going to be working
on motions with Spivak.
I'm sorry Lisa. Teddy,
don't make that decision now.
You were out of line with the press
and you're out of line now.
Teddy, come on.
Turn around, keep a smile on
your face as you walk out...
of here and go back
to work with Arnold.
Ready?
- If you think I am
I know you're ready for the case.
I meant are you ready to go?
Can I have a word with you?
- Call my office.
Here's, eh, fifty bucks.
Jump up on the bar and dance.
A local wit.
Come on, Hoffman.
You know this guy's guilty.
I'm not interested in
talking with you.
You know what I think?
I think hookers on Sunset
got more scruples than you got.
Do you think anyone in this bar
believes you've got a head of hair?
We all know that's a comb-over.
But till you get so obnoxious you forfeit
your right to civil treatment,
no one in here points it out.
Think of the trial system like that.
We know accused people aren't always
innocent. Maybe not even usually innocent.
Now start to twist things around, huh.
And even though we know that,
we treat people like they're
innocent until they've had their shot
in court because it makes us better people.
It civilizes us to treat them that way.
Civility's important.
That's why no one in here called
you a self-deceiving fool until
you opened your drunken mouth.
I'm not gonna dance for you but...
I'll put up fifty bucks of my own,
you put up yours and the bartender'll hold the stakes.
Are you betting your guy didn't
do it or you're gonna get him off?
Never bet against me on that.
CNN and Hard Copy called five times.
Every local station, the wire services...
and Nigel... somebody, from the London
Times needs you to call him back ASAP
Is the machine on?
- Yeah.
I'll have Louis change the
number in the morning.
How's Elizabeth?
- Good.
You missed one of my better halibuts.
- Sorry.
How's Richard Cross?
- Owh he loves it down there.
Now do you think he did it?
- I don't know, Annie.
Circus is in town, huh?
Promise me, we'll keep Elizabeth
as far away from this as we can.
I promise.