Murder One (1995–1997): Season 1, Episode 23 - Chapter Twenty-Three - full transcript

The verdict.

Will the defendant please rise?

We, the jury, in the charge
of murder in the first degree...

...find the defendant guilty.

You have shown absolutely
no remorse for this heinous crime.

You're a violent young man,
and a danger to our community.

Therefore I sentence you to life in prison,
without the possibility of parole.

Illness revealed.

I have this headache.
It just won't go away.

I'm going to have to excuse myself
for one second.

You just, you know-- You....



Richard. Richard.

Call 911.

The truth.

Richard Cross has AIDS.

If Richard Cross killed Jessica and really
is in the last stages of AIDS...

...he would have nothing
to lose by telling us.

The discovery.

Somewhere in Jessica Costello's
apartment is a camera.

Which means there's a VCR.

Which means that somewhere,
there may be a videotape of the murder.

The break-in.

Any way for us to get in short
of breaking and entering?

No way that's in time for us
to do any good.

Now we got us a game.



A plea for help.

Richard, Neil needs your help.

We found the video camera
in the apartment.

If there's anything you know
about the murder...

...now's the time to help him.

Tell me where the tape is.

It's in my safe,
in the floor under the desk.

We've got the videotape.
Everybody in my office.

It's Neil.

He didn't do it.

He didn't do it.

Jessica was still alive when Neil left.

Right here.

Oh, my God.

-Ted?
-Julie, thank you for coming.

-What's this about?
-The videotape.

By itself, it's not enough to free Neil.

We need Richard to testify.

-To what?
-To the authenticity of the tape.

-And to identify the people in it.
-You saw Richard at the airport.

-He isn't physically capable of testifying.
-They can change his medication, Julie.

There are drugs he can take that'll
make him temporarily more lucid...

...and physically stronger
than he is now.

-Then why isn't he already on them?
Because there's a downside.

They'll increase his risk of infection.

So he could die sooner.

The rest of Neil Avedon's life
is hanging in the balance.

I can't play God. I led you to him.
You got the tape.

-Don't ask me for anything else.
-Maybe you should see the tape.

I don't want to see it.

The tape shows your sister's murder.

That's Neil.

That's Neil leaving.

Jessi....

Turn it off.

Turn it off, please.

Good God.

Physically and mentally,
Mr. Cross is in an extremely fragile state.

The one thing he won't be able to do
is testify in court.

I was hoping you might be able
to rectify that, doctor.

Your hope is quite misplaced.

With all due respect, I understand there
are drugs which can enhance his lucidity.

If you're referring to Cytoxan,
AlT, and the others, you're right.

There can be some ephemeral
benefits within 24 hours.

That's all we need.
It isn't what he needs.

While it will decrease
the symptoms of dementia...

...it will greatly increase the risk of bone
marrow depression and cardiac necrosis.

...it will greatly increase the risk of bone
marrow depression and cardiac necrosis.

I didn't take the Hippocratic oath
to kill people.

He's gonna die.

Well, it won't be because I killed him.

This isn't your decision, doctor.

I'm taking this to my husband.

Richard.

Teddy.

-We found the tape.
-Good.

We're hoping the judge
will grant us a hearing tomorrow morning.

We need you there
to authenticate the tape.

No.
Listen to me, Richard.

If you are not in that courtroom,
there's a very good chance...

...Neil will spend the rest of his life
in prison.

I don't want that. And I know
you don't want that either.

There are drugs that will
allow you to testify.

-I can't do it.
-Mr. Hoffman--

You've said you're Neil's friend.
You told me you're not my enemy...

...and one day I would know that.
This is the day, Richard.

This is the day all the subterfuge,
all the lies end.

You owe this to me, Richard.

You owe this to Jessi.

You said you couldn't tell me
who killed her...

...because my life would be in danger,
because you were protecting me.

But the only one you were protecting
was yourself.

My God, she was 15.

We were supposed to be
taking care of her.

Okay.

Okay, Paul.

-Get me in that courtroom.
-Richard, I can't let you do this.

Do it.

-A videotape of the murder?
-Yes, Your Honor.

We believe its contents will completely
exonerate Neil Avedon.

Judge, if I hadn't parked next to him,
I would've suspected...

...Mr. Hoffman rode over here
with the cavalry.

...Mr. Hoffman rode over here
with the cavalry.

Your point, Miss Grasso.

The spectacular timing of it all.

The defendant gets convicted
and sentenced in an exhaustive trial.

Now this tape shows up
from out of the blue?

Where was this bombshell
during the trial?

ln Richard Cross' possession.
We didn't acquire it till yesterday.

Awfully convenient.
Your Honor, I assure you...

...if we'd had the tape earlier,
we would've introduced it.

No one has suffered more from the late
appearance of this evidence than Neil.

As a court officer, you're sworn to an
oath of honesty in your representations.

Therefore, I'll accept your word.

I'm sure the people will want
to test the tape's authenticity.

-Oh, yes.
Your Honor, may I request...

...that this be done with
the greatest speed?

My client is under extreme
emotional and physical duress.

I'm sure the people will do their best
to expedite the process, Mr. Hoffman.

ln the meantime, I'll take your motion for
an evidentiary hearing under advisement.

-So do you play golf?
-No.

You should play golf.

Maybe I will one day.

It's a wonderful pastime.

Why did you want to see me,
Mr. Ferguson?

Please, I feel old enough the way it is.
Call me Pat.

Okay. What did you want
to see me about, Pat?

The other day, I'm playing the Valley
Club of Montecito with Bill Raouch.

Justice Raouch, I should say.
Anyway, after 18 holes...

...we're sitting out on the patio
having a drink.

And we got to talking about
the Avedon case.

He thinks your guy got a raw deal.

-Does he?
-Yes, he does.

He thinks there's reversible error.

-Why tell me this?
-The judge would like to...

...explore the possibility of being of
service to you in righting this wrong.

-ln what way?
-By voting to overturn the conviction...

...and convincing two of his colleagues
to vote the same way.

-ls the judge thinking of doing this?
-Let me put it to you this way:

For $100,OOO, he won't think about it.
He'll get it done.

And I know you're speaking
for the judge, how?

Well, I started working for Bill Raouch
when he was still a magistrate.

Do you know how many years ago
that is?

I worked for him when he was
a trial court judge in Fresno.

I worked for him after he got the
appointment to the Court of Appeal.

The judge and I are very close.
Ask around.

So you're soliciting a bribe
on behalf of the judge.

Well, that would be one interpretation.

Another equally valid interpretation
would be that...

...an appellate judge can call in
favors with other appellate judges...

...a finite number of times.

And those favors, like oil or giant
sequoia trees, are a limited resource.

All we're trying to do is maximize
the use of that resource.

My firm is not in the habit
of buying judges.

The last thing I want to do
is to drag you into...

...the commission of an act
you find morally repugnant.

If you're not so inclined, so be it.

File your appeal, and let the good judges
call it on the merits.

Nothing whatsoever wrong with that.
It's an imperfect system.

But sometimes the right result
still comes out.

One more thing I might mention...

...and then we can forget about ever
having had this conversation.

I understand that your guy is having
a hard time dealing with incarceration.

Should Justice Raouch get involved,
he'll see to it...

...that Bornstein's ruling on bail
is overturned.

Your client will get out
the very next day.

I'll talk to Ted Hoffman.

I doubt very much he'll be interested.

The age of innocence.

Nothing like it, is there?

Chris, where are we on the videotape?

Western Video says their preliminary
tests indicate the tape's for real.

No edits. No alterations.
l've set a meeting with Bornstein for 11.

Good.

Ted, there's something I need to
talk to you about.

A guy named Pat Ferguson
got in touch with me.

He's Justice Raouch's
former legal secretary.

-I know who he is.
-He said that for $100,OOO...

...he'd get Neil's
conviction overturned.

Pending that,
he said he'd get him out on bail.

-What did you tell him?
-We're not in the habit of bribing judges.

Good answer.

That's not something
we'd ever consider, is it?

It's a felony. There's no assurance
that you're not being set up.

It's a felony. There's no assurance
that you're not being set up.

There's no assurance that it would work.
And it's wrong.

I'm not surprised that Bill Raouch
is proposing it.

Do I want to be a party to it? No.

Where are we, people?

I sent a copy of the tape to
Detective Polson at Parker Center.

I talked to the hospital. There's been
no change in Cross' condition.

I don't get it. If the tape's authentic,
why isn't this Res Ipsa Loquitur?

-The tape speaks for itself.
-Tell that to Rodney King.

There's also no timecode
to establish date and hour.

Come on. Jessica was only
murdered once.

Even so, we still need Cross
to place the tape in context.

There's nothing to prove that Neil didn't
come back and commit the murder.

Not to be a pessimist here, but what
happens if Richard Cross dies on us?

Sorry.

I saw the tape. Very provocative.
Bottom line, I'm not convinced.

What part of seeing
the actual murder doesn't convince you?

Your client's going to Folsom.
You produce your own lapruder film.

That isn't coincidence.
It's a miracle at Lourdes.

-The tape is authentic.
-You can prove that?

-I can and I will.
-Fine.

After, we'll run that part in forrest Gump
where Tom Hanks shakes J.F.K's hand.

Are you suggesting
I'd manufacture evidence?

Desperate men do desperate things, Ted.
You wouldn't be the first.

I was hoping to appeal to your sense
of fairness, Roger.

But since I obviously can't,
I'll try your sense of the political.

This tape is gonna free Neil.

You can join in our motion
and take the credit.

Or stand in the way
and take the blame.

All rise. The honorable
Beth Bornstein presiding.

As much as I appreciate your concern
over my political future, Ted...

...where I'm standing
suits me just fine.

You may be seated.

Mr. Hoffman, I've viewed your tape.

And while it raises serious questions as
to the people's theory of the crime...

...it does not in and of itself
exonerate your client.

Understood, Your Honor, which is why
we moved for a hearing...

...to place this evidence
in its full context.

Your Honor, when I first took
the Avedon case...

...Mr. Hoffman summed up the value
of evidence like this.

He said, "Miriam, they can do wonderful
things with film.

They can make Frisbees look like
flying saucers."

-The people stand by counsel's words.
As I recall, Miss Grasso...

-...disagreed with those words.
-l've come to see their wisdom.

Miss Grasso, have you satisfied yourself
as to the authenticity of this tape?

Not yet. We're still waiting for
the lab report from Sacramento.

Your Honor, we are prepared to offer
expert testimony...

...to establish authenticity as soon
as you authorize the hearing.

Uh, Your Honor, if I may?

This is pure speculation, Your Honor.

Mr. Hoffman, will Mr. Cross be available
to verify the authenticity of this tape?

lt is my hope that he will, Your Honor.
However, Mr. Cross is seriously ill.

Perhaps we should wait until
he recovers.

He won't.
He's in the final stages of AIDS.

Your Honor, I'm confused.

Can he or can't he testify?

Mr. Cross has agreed to alter
his medications so that he can.

Mr. Hoffman, I'm granting your motion.
A hearing is set for 3:OO this afternoon.

If Mr. Cross is available,
I will consider what he has to say.

If he is not, I will be compelled
to make my ruling...

...based on the evidence presented.

What is your occupation, Mr. Nagle?

I'm a senior engineer at Western Video.

What do you do as senior engineer?

I supervise the creation
of video special effects.

l've also developed new technology
in the field of video special effects.

-How long have you worked in this field?
-Fourteen years.

Isn't it fair to say you are current with
the state of the art in video technology?

Well, I don't like to blow my own horn,
but the fact is that we--

-It's a yes or no question, Mr. Nagle.
-Yes.

Have you had an opportunity
to review the videotape...

...made in Jessica Costello's bedroom
on the night of September 20th, 1995?

Yes, I have.
According to your opinion...

...was this videotape
edited in any way?

No, it was not.

On what do you base that opinion?

Edits can be detected by a spike
in the radio frequencies.

I examined the RF envelope. No spike.

Is it possible through
the use of special effects...

...to have removed or replaced...

...someone who was in the room at
the time that the videotape was made?

What you are describing is a technique
called compositing.

Again, there are telltale signs.
Pixel irregularities, visible matte lines.

I looked. I did not find.

ln your best expert opinion, has this
videotape been altered in any way?

-ln my opinion, no.
-Thank you, Mr. Nagle.

I have no further questions.

Is the alteration of a videotape
always detectable, Mr. Nagle?

Editing and compositing
are always detectable, yes.

And are editing and compositing the only
methods available for altering a video?

Are they the only methods?
Strictly speaking, they're not.

They are the only methods that could
change the face of someone in the room.

-Can you tell when this tape was made?
-No.

So this tape could've been made two
months before the murder, correct?

As I said, I don't know
when it was made.

Can you tell us if the woman
on that tape is Jessica Costello?

No.

Can you tell who the man is?

-No.
-So for all you know, this entire tape...

-...could've been staged for the camera.
-Objection.

-Withdrawn. No more questions.
You may step down.

Mr. Hoffman, do you have any
further witnesses?

At this time, Your Honor,
we call Richard Cross to the stand.

Here you go.

Richard, are you okay? Can I get you
anything? Do you need anything?

Mr. Cross, do you understand where
you are, and why you're here?

Yes, I do.

Then will you raise your right hand.

Do you swear to tell the truth...

...the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth, so help you God.

-I do.
State your name for the record.

-I do.
State your name for the record.

Richard Cross.

I am Richard Cross.

Mr. Cross, I realize the tremendous
sacrifice you've made...

...in appearing here today,
so I'll try to move this along.

You've previously testified
that you own...

...the apartment building in Hollywood
where Jessica Costello lived...

-...prior to her death. Is that correct?
-Yes.

Did you ever make any
unusual modifications to the apartment...

...in which Miss Costello resided?

Two years ago I installed
a video surveillance system.

-For what reason?
So I could watch...

...Miss Costello having sex.

Would you describe
for us how this system worked?

There was a camera hidden
behind the bedroom wall.

lt was wired to a VCR in the garage.

Was this system operational on the night
of September 20th of last year?

Yes.

Sir, I'm going to show you a tape now,
and I'd like you to identify...

...the individuals who appear in it.

Do you recognize the location,
Mr. Cross?

Yes. It's Jessica's bedroom at
1501 North Havenhurst Avenue.

Do you recognize the young woman?

Yes. The woman is Jessica Costello.

Do you recognize the young man?

Yes. The young man is Neil Avedon.

Mr. Cross, this is a portion
of the tape made later that same evening.

Can you identify the individual present
with Jessica now?

Roberto Portalegre.

Mr. Cross, do you have any doubt...

...that the man on the monitors
is Roberto Portalegre?

None.

When was this tape made, Mr. Cross?

September 20th, 1995.
-How do you know that?

Because I arranged for Jessica
to meet Mr. Portalegre that night.

Excuse me.

What is your relationship
with Mr. Portalegre?

Years ago I made the mistake
of going into business with him.

What business was that, Mr. Cross?

Mr. Portalegre is a cocaine dealer.

I agreed to set up a string of businesses
that would funnel the proceeds...

...from the drug sales.

Why would a man of your wealth
expose himself to that kind of risk?

l, uh....

The excitement, I guess.
I don't know.

So on the night of September 20th,
you arranged...

...for Jessica to be with Mr. Portalegre.

Yes. He was in town to consummate
a deal. And he asked me to set him up.

I knew that Jessica liked rich, older men.
And I knew that he liked young girls.

Had Jessica agreed to be
with Mr. Portalegre that night?

lnitially, yes. But at some point during
the evening she changed her mind.

How do you know this?

She called my cell phone at 1 a.m.

She told me that Portalegre
was roughing her up...

...and insisting that she take
ever-increasing amounts of cocaine.

She'd locked herself in the bathroom.
And she was clearly frightened.

What did you tell her?

I told her not to worry, to calm
down, and that I would be right there.

What did you find
when you got there?

I found Portalegre gone
and Jessica dead.

What did you do?

What did you do?

I phoned Graham Lester.

This was the call made to
lephyr House at 1 :45...

-...previously attributed to Neil Avedon?
-Yes.

What, if anything, did Dr. Lester suggest
as a course of action?

He suggested that we frame Neil Avedon
for Jessica's murder.

Did you take his advice?

-Yes.
-How did you go about carrying out...

...this course of action?

I induced Susan Dominick
to lie about the phone call...

...that came in at 1 :45,
and say that it came from Neil.

Dr. Lester agreed to supply
a false confession.

You had no compunction...

...about setting up a man
you considered to be a friend.

I felt as if I had no choice.
-Why did you feel that way?

Because Mr. Portalegre made it clear
that I was responsible...

...for what had happened,
and that I was to clean up the mess.

Were you afraid of Mr. Portalegre?

Oh, yes.
-Why?

Roberto Portalegre is a killer.

I know he sent Rusty Arnold to kill
Dave Blalock and Freddy Carello...

...when the tape
exposing my alibi surfaced.

I believe that he had Holly Gerges killed
when she was in police custody.

And I know, Ted, that he was behind
your daughter's kidnapping.

He told me that he was
doing these things to help me.

But I knew.

They were warnings.

Why are you coming forward now,
Mr. Cross?

Because I'm dying, Mr. Hoffman.

And...

...l have no reason to fear...

...Mr. Portalegre's retributions
any longer.

-And for no other reason?
That. And the hope that this...

...will earn me some small measure
of forgiveness from my wife.

Thank you.

Your Honor, the defense requests that
under Section 1385 of the penal code...

...the court, of its own motion,
vacate the conviction...

...and dismiss the case
against Neil Avedon.

Miss Grasso?

No.

Your Honor, the people join in
Mr. Hoffman's request to dismiss.

Your Honor, the people request an
immediate conference in chambers.

This is highly unusual, Mr. Garfield.

Your Honor, Miss Grasso contravened
my instruction to conduct...

...a cross-examination of this witness.

She's no longer in charge of the case.

-You're not serious.
-I'm completely serious, Miriam.

I didn't fight for a conviction
to have you roll over.

Your Honor, I've made a motion.
Miss Grasso has joined in that motion.

Mr. Garfield's actions
are totally inappropriate.

I'm the district attorney
of L.A. County, Ted.

lnsofar as my duties are concerned,
I'll decide what's appropriate.

Mr. Garfield, you've heard testimony
that the tape has not been altered.

Mr. Cross has corroborated its
authenticity. What more do you require?

The constitutional right of the DA's
office to conduct its case, Your Honor.

Fine, Mr. Garfield. Let's go.

-Good afternoon, Mr. Cross.
Roger.

Weeks ago, you testified as a witness
for the prosecution, correct?

-Yes.
Was this your testimony...

...on cross-examination made
by Mr. Hoffman?

And I'm reading from
the transcript now.

"Question: You found the girl dead.
But you didn't call the police.

Did you call anyone else?
No.

Are you sure you didn't place
a call to lephyr House at 1 :45 a.m.?

I I
I'm quite certain.

That was my testimony
at the time, yes.

However, I was not telling the truth.

Then you're someone who lies
depending on circumstances?

I think we all do from time to time.

Being a politician, you should
understand that better than anyone.

How do we know...

...this latest version of events
you've testified to isn't a lie?

Because I no longer have
any reason to lie.

I recently found out I don't have
much longer to live.

For the record, tell us the name of the
disease with which you are afflicted?

AIDS. I have AIDS.

Have you been experiencing
symptoms of dementia...

...as a result of the disease?

-Yes.
-ln fact, the last time you testified...

...you made some rather bizarre,
even delusional remarks.

Was that behavior caused
by the dementia?

I imagine so, yes.

Isn't it possible
you're delusional right now?

That testimony you've given here
has no basis in reality...

...but is a product of your
worsening dementia?

Roger, I am as clear-headed today
as I was three weeks ago...

...when you asked me to contribute
$50,OOO to your re-election campaign.

...when you asked me to contribute
$50,OOO to your re-election campaign.

And if I am delusional, we are all sharing
the same delusion, since we all saw...

...the exact same thing
on that videotape.

Let's talk about that tape, Mr. Cross.

You've repeatedly testified that you
consider Neil Avedon a friend, correct?

Yep.
Then how do we know...

...you haven't used your resources
and connections in the film world...

...to manufacture this tape in order
to exonerate your dear friend?

Well, you heard what the expert said.
He said the tape is genuine.

He said it hadn't been tampered with.
He couldn't determine if the tape...

-...is a Richard Cross production.
-Objection.

-Counsel is supplying testimony.
-Sustained.

You are a client
of Ted Hoffman's, aren't you?

Was a client.

You also bankrolled Neil Avedon's
defense, didn't you?

Yes, yes, yes.

As someone with a terminal disease,
you don't have much to lose...

...by saying anything that would
exonerate your friend, do you?

Roger, are you so afraid of looking bad
in the eyes of the people...

...that you're willing to put
an innocent man in prison? Come on.

Ask that the last remark be
stricken as nonresponsive.

And that he be instructed
to answer the question.

Mr. Cross.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

Mr. Garfield, if you're asking...

...if I'm dying for Neil's sins,
the answer is no.

I can assure you,
I'm dying for my own.

Ted Hoffman didn't spoon-feed
you this scenario to help his client?

-No.
He didn't beg you to get off...

...your deathbed and fly one last
kamikaze mission to help Mr. Avedon?

Objection. Asked and answered,
Your Honor.

Sustained. Mr. Garfield.

I have no further questions
for this witness.

-Mr. Cross, you may step down.
-Yes. Thank you very much.

If you have nothing further, Mr. Hoffman,
I'm going to review this new evidence.

We'll reconvene tomorrow morning at 9,
at which point I'll make my ruling.

I'm sorry, Neil.

Do I at least have
your forgiveness, Teddy?

Of course you do, Richard.

My heart is lighter for the knowledge.

I'll see you around, Teddy.

All rise. The honorable
Beth Bornstein presiding.

You may be seated.

Before I rule on the motion,
I want to warn everyone...

...this is a court of law.
I will tolerate no outbursts.

Based on the new evidence presented,
it is this court's order...

...that Mr. Avedon's conviction of
murder in the first degree be vacated...

...pursuant to Section 1385 of
the penal code. This case is dismissed.

This court, on its own motion, is issuing
a factual declaration of innocence.

Mr. Avedon, while I can't make up
for the hardship you've endured...

...l hope you accept my apology
for remarks I've made...

...which contributed to your ordeal.

Bailiff will release Mr. Avedon
from custody.

Sir, you are free to go.

Chris.

From the beginning, my only objective
in this has been justice.

After conducting an examination of
Mr. Cross, I'm convinced justice is done.

Will you be prosecuting Mr. Portalegre?

Officers of the Los Angeles P.D.
are moving to arrest him as we speak.

How will this loss affect
your bid for governor?

I think that "loss" is the wrong word.

If justice is served,
that's all one can ask...

...with the exception of Mr. Portalegre.

-Mr. Hoffman!
-Ted! Ted!

Do you have a statement for us?

Teddy, congratulations. A job well done.

Sign here, please.

This feels awfully good, Teddy.

lt'll feel even better
to walk out of here.

If it's not too much trouble, Mr. Avedon,
could you sign an autograph for my boy?

Sure. What's his name?
Billy.

He wants to talk to you.

I'll be back in a minute, Neil.

I must applaud your skills,
Mr. Hoffman.

To get a murder conviction overturned
is truly remarkable.

Unfortunately,
it has resulted in my arrest.

You'll forgive me, Mr. Portalegre,
if I remain dry-eyed.

No, I understand.
You think I'm a terrible man.

I think you killed my investigator
and abducted my daughter.

Yes. The ravings of Richard Cross.

I allowed the man the privilege of moving
in my company. He betrays me with lies.

-Convince someone else of that.
-Let me convince you.

Now that your responsibilities
to Mr. Avedon are concluded...

...l am prepared to offer you
$20 million to represent me.

And what makes you think
I would take it?

Besides the money, you are a man who
is drawn to the battle, Mr. Hoffman.

And once the joy of your victory
has passed...

...you will require a new challenge,
one that will test you to the utmost.

I am that challenge.

You brutally strangled
a 15 year-old girl.

And you were perfectly prepared to see
an innocent man go to prison for it.

There's no amount of money
on earth...

...that would convince me
to represent you.

Good day, Mr. Portalegre.

You should know, Mr. Hoffman, that
killing that girl was not difficult for me.

On the contrary...

...l took pleasure in it.

Some free advice.

Don't make that the cornerstone
of your defense.

-Let's get something to drink.
-Okay.

Arnold?

-You bet.
-Neil?

No. I'll stick to my Diet Coke.

I couldn't get any higher
if I wanted to.

I'm sure. Congratulations.

-Well, thanks.
-To a hard-fought victory.

One that would not have been
possible without you, Justine.

Well, I just appreciate you giving me
a second chance, Ted.

As someone hoping to get
a second chance himself...

-...l was happy to give you one.
Where is he?

Where is the prodigal son
returned from the fires of hell?

There he is. Girls, give me a hand.
I'm losing my grip.

-Hi, Gary.
-Hello, my friend.

You clean out an orchard?

Small measure of my happiness
at Neil's good fortune.

I see big things happening, Neil.
Huge things.

The bottom-feeders in this town will
be all over you with movie offers.

All I ask is that you do nothing until we,
meaning you and me...

-...have an opportunity to talk.
-Gary, right now...

...offers are the last thing
on my mind.

Please do not respond at present.
This is a moment of pure happiness...

...not to be sullied in any way.

-Congratulations, Ted.
-You did a terrific job, Ray.

I know it wasn't easy stepping into
Dave Blalock's shoes.

To Davey.

To Davey.

It's hard to believe.

We'll come here tomorrow,
and the first order of business...

We'll come here tomorrow,
and the first order of business...

...won't be the Avedon case.

Don't come in tomorrow.

Take a week in Hawaii,
Acapulco, wherever.

-You think I should?
-It's on the firm.

And you might want to take a friend.

Thanks.

You know, if this thing
had gone the other way...

...l was prepared to bang on your
door with an impassioned argument...

...for taking Pat Ferguson
up on his offer.

Bribe or no bribe,
I wanted to win this case.

It's a good thing that you're the moral
center of this firm, and not me.

Are we catching a flight
to Las Vegas?

Not tonight, Louis. Heading home?

After I stop off at an all-night drugstore
to pick up a 30-gallon drum of aspirin.

Oh, and Chris, Lisa said she's ready
to go home when you are.

Right.

Guess I'd better be going.

-Thanks, Ted.
-Good night, Chris. And thank you.

Am I the only one who didn't know
about Chris and Lisa?

I think there's a temp in Bookkeeping.

Go home, Louis.

And take a cab.

Ted?
-Neil.

I thought you'd left.

I didn't want to go
without saying thank you.

You saved my life, Ted.

All those times I wanted to give up,
and you told me to hang on.

I don't know where I'd be
without you.

I had a client I believed in.

Well, I should've believed in you
more than I did.

-That other day when I went off on you--
-Don't apologize, Neil.

Just remember it's easier to
ruin a life twice than to save it once.

Teddy, I promise you,
I won't need saving again.

Congratulations, Neil.

Thanks, Mrs. Hoffman.

lt looks like a hell of a party.
Sorry I missed it.

I'm glad you came anyway.

You did it.

-I prefer to think of it as a group effort.
-lt was you, Ted.

Your passion, your single-mindedness.

That's the only reason Neil won't be
spending the rest of his life in prison.

And all it cost me was you.

Annie, I won't tell you that I'm prepared
to walk away from what I do.

I'm not sure I can.

But at this moment,
l've never felt more in need of you.

If there's a chance
you'd consider a reconciliation....

I'm not sure if this is the best time
for us to be deciding that.

Well, I should go.

After all you've been through,
you're probably exhausted.

Congratulations, Ted.

I'm proud of you.

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