The Practice (1997–2004): Season 6, Episode 7 - Suffer the Little Children - full transcript
Are you sure
you're okay to do this?
Mr. Lowe,
you're telling me...
that my son
may be in there.
Are there any family members
or friends...
I'm here.
He was not in a gang.
He was wearing
Crip colors.
Mr. Lowe, I know--
I knew my son.
The jacket was a Christmas
present from an uncle.
He was not in a gang.
It is possible he was mistaken
for a Crip.
Do you know who shot him?
We think so, yes.
Please get this person,
Mr. Lowe.
I'm asking you
as his mother.
Please get whoever
did this.
I will.
(music playing)
It wasn't me.
LESTER: I think we should just
give a statement, Ellenor.
That is not
a good idea, Lester.
LESTER: But if we don't talk,
they'll just think
he's guilty.
Which I'm not.
FRUTT: What are you going
to tell them, Steven?
that you and Terrance
just happened
to be driving
through at the time?
It's the truth.
Why don't you believe me?
Steven, whether or not I do,
you will not be
believed by the police.
You've already been involved
in two prior drive-bys.
I was not involved.
I happened to be in the car,
but I had no part
in either of them.
What about me?
I got no record.
They're going to think you're
covering for your brother,
or even worse,
that you're involved.
Wait, whose side
are you on?
FRUTT: Guys, hold on.
At this point, you two
are the only suspects--
specifically you, Steven.
Now, they don't want to talk
to you to see if you can
join them in their search
for justice.
They want you to say something
incriminating
or nail you down to a story
that they can check out.
As your lawyer,
I am telling you both--
I am imploring you--
not to say a word.
You think I did it?
Once again, I don't know
what to believe at this point.
You told them you were
in the area
because you had a flat,
but no flat tire was found
in the back of your car.
STEVEN: That's because
I was scared.
and I just got out
as quick as I could.
I knew I was
on Crips turf.
I used to be a Blood.
Well, Terrance,
in his statement,
forgot to mention
the flat tire.
I also know
that ex-gang members
don't get the benefit
of the doubt.
You're talking
is not going to help,
so I will advise you
one last time not to.
WOMAN: The Commonwealth vs.
Frank Vaughan.
breaking and entering,
trespassing.
CARLTON: Jeff Carlton
for the Commonwealth.
His P. D.'s
a no-show again.
Ms. Dole, how delightful
to see you again.
I'm just filing some papers
with your clerk.
JUDGE: Step up, counselor.
take a moment.
Maybe we can conference this
and be done with it.
Lindsay Dole--
I'll be representing you.
I didn't do anything.
I'll get a trial date set,
then we can meet,
and you can tell me
all about it.
One second.
Your Honor?
This complaint doesn't even
allege a criminal act.
The door to the home
where Mr. Vaughan was found
had been open all day.
He was just sitting
in the doorway
of an empty house.
It was private property,
and the lock was broken.
I think we can infer
that the defendant--
We can infer?
The neighbors called the police
because they knew Mr. Vaughan
didn't belong there.
DOLE: Hello? According
to the incident report,
he was arrested
only because
the police thought maybe
he was on drugs,
which he wasn't,
according to subsequent tests.
CARLTON: Look, the guy
is sitting there in a house--
JUDGE: Come on, Mr. Carlton,
if that's all you've got--
Is it?
The charges against Mr. Vaughan
are dismissed without prejudice.
You can always refile
if you get anything more,
but please don't waste my time.
(gavel bangs)
Okay, you're free to go.
Not with me.
This way, pal.
I thought you said
you knew who did this.
We think we do,
but we don't have
any real evidence.
We can place the car
in the area--
But weren't there
any witnesses?
Only the brother,
and he's not saying anything.
with the gang shootings,
the witnesses usually
don't come forward.
I told you,
my son was not in a gang.
LOWE: I understand that,
but the shooter is or was.
You'll just have to be
patient, Ms. Fletcher.
You don't think you're going
to get him, do you?
It's still very early
in the investigation.
FLETCHER: Do you...
think you'll get him,
Mr. Lowe?
I don't know.
Mike, anything?
We combed the area.
We haven't been able
to scare up anybody
who saw anything,
but Steven Miller's
best friend was shot
and killed by a Crip
two weeks ago.
So he had motive.
Where is he now?
RANDALL: Both are still
in custody,
Although Ellenor Frutt's
all over us on that.
All right.
Release him.
Wait until they get home.
I'll get a warrant for Steven,
You can re-arrest him there.
Then you can do a protective
search of the house for weapons.
With any luck,
you turn up the gun.
Will that justify
searching the whole house?
LOWE: He's a gang member.
other gang members' weapons
could be present.
Just do it.
We'll worry about the fourth
amendment issues later.
FRUTT: Alan, what's going on?
You can't keep holding them
in perpetuity.
We're releasing your clients,
Ellenor. They're free to go.
Really.
What do you mean
he just showed up?
With Lindsay's card.
What's your name, sir?
Frank?
I want to hire you.
Well--
Who is he?
The Court appointment
I told you about.
You don't need me
anymore, Frank.
The charges were dropped.
No, no, I want you
to help me find Andrea.
I can--
I can pay you.
DOLE: Who's Andrea?
She's my daughter.
She's 3 years old.
I had a baby.
She's my daughter.
And she's gone?
Yeah.
Lindsay, he's got release
papers from Cedar Junction.
And a bus ticket from Walpole
dated November 12th.
Frank, have you been
in prison?
Yeah.
The police lied.
They lied
to everybody.
Hey, Lucy,
did you page me?
Yes. You got a call
from Lester Miller.
Lester?
Was there a message?
The police
are at his house.
Can you help me find
Andrea?
She's my daughter.
Say nothing.
Don't say a word.
That goes for both of you.
I'll meet you down
at the police station.
What the hell is this?
Arrest warrant.
murder for Steven,
possession of controlled
substance for Terrance.
Where's your
search warrant?
Exigent circumstances
to arrest, no time.
This arrest is a pretext
so you can search his house.
LOWE: We believe that the older
brother committed a murder.
You had him in your custody.
Why did you release him?
We decided not to press charges,
then we changed our minds.
I am going to have this
kicked so fast.
Do what you go to do,
Ellenor.
Why are your men
still in there?
Both of the suspects
are in your custody.
It's a protective sweep of
the house for officers' safety.
You are looking
for the gun.
This is prosecutorial
misconduct, Alan.
Ellenor, why don't you go back
to your office
and draft your motion
to dismiss?
That's what you do.
We'll do what we do, okay?
You know what?
If there is a gun,
I hope you find it.
Because then I can suppress,
and you can rest assured,
it will never
come into evidence.
There you go.
FRUTT: What he did was,
by bringing the arrest warrant
here to your house,
he could arguably look through
at least part of the house
without a search warrant,
which he probably couldn't
have gotten otherwise.
He was looking
for the gun.
But they arrested Terrance.
I know, but I'm--
Ellenor, Terrance has--
He has a right start
scholarship.
He could lose
his whole education
if he's busted on drugs.
I'm going to be in Court
at 3:00.
I am going to try
and get that kid.
They just think we're
a gang family, don't they?
We're not a gang family.
We're not.
LOWE: Unfortunately,
we didn't find anything
to connect him
to the murder,
but we did get some leverage
on the younger brother.
We'll try
to force him to talk.
Brothers don't talk,
Mr. Lowe.
We're doing everything
we can.
I wish
I could believe that.
See those children?
In addition to now
not having an older brother,
they don't have a father.
He was killed
in a hit-and-run.
The police never caught
who did it.
As far as I'm concerned,
they never really tried.
I know we're not a priority,
Mr. Lowe.
Ms. Fletcher,
I give you my word
I will do whatever I can.
He served 15 years
of a life sentence.
For what?
Rape and murder.
DNA tests just cleared him.
They expunged his record,
let him go.
What about--
Do we know where he lives?
BERLUTI: He's homeless.
He's been out of prison a week.
I contacted
his trial attorney.
He does have
a daughter Andrea.
Only she's not 3.
How old is she?
18.
I've got an address
on her.
The murder and rape
Frank was cleared of,
Andrea's mother.
FRUTT: If he had enough evidence
to get a search warrant,
why didn't he do so
while the suspect
was still in custody?
LOWE: As I explained
to Ms. Frutt, we first declined
to press charges, and then
thought better of that decision.
Yes, choosing
to re-arrest him at home
where you could conveniently
but illegally conduct a search.
Your characterization,
not mine.
WHITE: Mr. Lowe, why'd you
suddenly change your mind
after the suspect
was released?
I first thought we'd wait
to collect more evidence,
Your Honor, but then
I considered the threat
to society
letting him stay at large,
and I decided better
to continue the investigation
with him in custody.
And what exactly
is your evidence
that Steven Miller
committed murder?
LOWE: There's motive.
One of his best friends
was murdered in a drive-by
by a Crip two weeks ago.
And there's an M. O.
Steven Miller himself
is implicated
in two previous
drive-by shootings
for which he served time.
FRUTT: Two years
as an accessory.
LOWE: And there's opportunity.
Steven Miller's car was seen
speeding from the scene
immediately after shouts
were heard.
That's it?
LOWE: That's certainly enough
to get an arrest warrant.
I don't like it.
I'll let the charges
stand for now,
but if you don't get
anything more--
Your Honor--
WHITE: You can bring your motion
to dismiss down
the road, Ms. Frutt.
I'll be willing to hear you.
But for now,
he stays in custody, no bail.
As for the drug charges
against Terrance Miller--
WHITE: There again,
you can file a motion
to suppress
for Juvenile Court.
I'm sure they'll hear you
on fourth amendment grounds.
But for now,
those charges also stand.
Terrance is released
on personal recognizance.
We'll conference to set up
trial dates. Adjourned.
What happens now?
I don't know.
Go someplace and talk?
Ms. Dole,
I don't even know him.
He's your father.
Yeah, I understand,
but he went to prison
when I was three.
And since I thought
he killed my mother,
I've spent my entire
lifetime hating him.
But he didn't kill her.
Yes, I realize this.
He can't take care
of himself, you know. he's...
Retarded?
Yes.
Are you suggesting
I take care of him?
You're his only family.
What makes you think I can?
I don't know.
What's he like?
He's very sweet.
That's all I can do.
Would you like
to meet him?
Um, oh, no, he'd be--
No. Thank you.
If he testifies
against the older brother,
we drop the drug charges.
How very big of you.
LOWE: And all
the accessory charges
for the murder itself.
Alan, you don't have a case
against Steven Miller,
and you know it.
LOWE: Ellenor,
you have a conflict here.
I've advised my clients
of the conflict, thank you.
Mr. Miller, you live within
two blocks of the school.
That means the drugs we found
in Terrance's room,
that's possession with intent
in a school zone.
Mandatory two years.
For half an ounce of pot.
LOWE: He will lose
his right start scholarship,
guaranteed.
Your son has a future.
Is it worth sacrificing--
I'm shutting this down.
We got a bad kid here,
and we got a good kid.
You are letting the bad kid
take the good kid down.
FRUTT: Neither of them
are going down.
Your search was bogus,
and I will have this arrest
tossed within the week.
I don't think you will.
Let's go, Lester.
Did you find her?
Um,
No, I didn't, Frank.
I'm not sure I will.
VAUGHAN: Well,
maybe you could--
could put an ad
in the paper.
Let me think
about that, okay?
I found her.
She doesn't want him
in her life.
What are you going to do?
He can't stay here.
He stayed in a shelter
last night, and he got bullied.
Lindsay,
he can't stay here.
I'm going to talk to Helen.
Why?
I don't know. Maybe there's
some kind of restitution program
we're unaware of...
I can give you
the answer to that.
You don't need to go
to Helen.
I'm going to go
to Helen.
HELEN: I don't know
what to tell you.
LOWE: If this were a rich
white kid who had been shot,
we would have
triple the resources.
Because this is
gang violence
and we got a poor
black victim--
Well, I'm not sure
that's the case, Alan,
but I'll tell you this.
If Steven Miller
took out a 14-year-old Crip,
he should be thanking you
for the arrest.
Because out on the street...
Helen, you got a second?
Do I, Alan?
Yeah. Yeah, thanks.
You know anything
about the Frank Vaughan case?
Just cleared through DNA.
What about it?
Would you know why
he wasn't released
into a managed care
facility?
Uh, well, from what
I understand,
he was never officially
labeled mentally retarded.
Without that, the D. O. C.
has no obligation.
What about the fact that
he was wrongfully incarcerated
for 15 years?
I would think that would
trigger some legal obligation.
I'd think it, too,
but in Massachusetts,
that's not the case.
Are you telling me
your office feels
no responsibility here?
Lindsay, what I know
is it's the D. A.'s office
that requested the DNA test
on this one.
So let's not accuse us
of not caring, okay?
LOWE: Any murder, of course,
is a tragedy.
We hope to solve them all.
But this one--
a 14-year-old boy with
a bright future ahead of him
was killed because
he was wearing a blue jacket.
It appears that the suspect,
a member of the gang
known as the Bloods,
thought that Brian Fletcher
was a Crip.
If anybody has any information
regarding this crime
or the suspect Steven Miller,
we ask that you come forward,
because right now
we're dismissing this case
due to a lack of evidence.
What?
LOWE: At this time, he's deemed
innocent and faces no charges,
but do not approach
this man.
he is considered
to be possibly armed
and dangerous.
Simply notify the authorities
if you have any information.
Thank you.
REPORTER: Mr. Lowe,
can we please...
REPORTER (over TV):
In other local news--
Did he just do
what I think he did?
We've pulled some tactics,
but that there was nasty.
How'd you make out?
It didn't.
There's no automatic
restitution required
in the Commonwealth,
at least not without
a hard-to-win lawsuit.
How about appealing
to her conscience?
Helen's?
Talk about
your small targets.
DOLE: Evidently, the district
attorney's office is feeling
quite good about itself since
they requested the DNA test.
I wasn't in much of a position
to guilt them.
What do you mean
they requested the DNA test?
That's what Helen told me.
YOUNG: Well, why would
the D. A.'s office ever do that
on their own accord?
Did you ask Helen that?
No.
I would.
Lindsay, look. I found
another picture of her
in my wallet.
It was in a secret place.
I forgot.
DOLE: Frank, Andrea doesn't look
like this anymore.
She's all grown up now.
I-I know,
but won't this help?
I bet she still smiles
like that.
I was told
you never knock.
You just ordered
his execution.
I did no such thing. I put out
a call for information.
You put his face on the screen
and made an announcement
that he was a Blood
who murdered a Crip,
and then you freed him
from custody.
I had no case,
just like you said.
FRUTT: You set him up
to be killed.
You issued a death sentence,
and it's vile!
LOWE: Tantamount to
a death sentence, perhaps,
but again,
not my intent.
I'll grant you,
looking at the circumstances
the way they are now,
your client is safer in jail
than he is out.
So let's make a deal,
and I'll do my best
to swiftly get him
into protective custody.
I am going to go to the judge
and report this little act
of extortion.
And if anything happens
to Steven Miller,
I will personally see to it
that murder accessory charges
are brought against you.
Fine.
Go to the judge.
And on your way home,
perhaps you can
swing by the morgue
and take a look
at Brian Fletcher.
Bingo.
The D. A.'s office
ordered investigations
and some DNA tests
in 43 different cases
involving
a bad police officer.
What?
In Frank's case,
the cop lied on the stand,
and he allegedly
corrupted an eyewitness
whose husband
was in jail.
Whose husband?
HATCHER: A prosecution witness.
I mean, basically,
this rogue cop
coerced witnesses
into lying.
All his cases
are under review.
Bobby, I'd like to bring
a civil rights action
against the state.
Lindsay--
Have you seen
those homeless shelters?
Frank deserves
to get some money.
False imprisonment
for 15 years?
DONNELL: It'll take years
in discovery.
Even if you survive
a summary judgment--
I have to be able
to get something.
Rebecca, could you start
filing the complaint for me?
Sure.
Look, Lindsay--
Let me spend
one day on it.
one day.
He's trying to coerce my client
with the threat of death.
Mr. Lowe?
Ms. Frutt's client
is a gang member.
Ex-gang member.
LOWE: His car was seen
speeding from the scene.
I was putting out
a call for information,
which I am entitled to do.
You declared him a killer
on television.
I called him the suspect.
MAN: Mr. Lowe, you're beginning
to get a reputation.
Great.
Maybe the defense lawyers
will be more inclined
to plea bargain.
No, it's not great.
Your reputation
is anything but great.
But, Ms. Frutt,
technically, he hasn't stepped
outside of the boundaries here.
I would like the Court
to put my client
into protective custody.
That's a D. A.'s call,
and I'm not asking for that.
To remove the coercion,
I need my client safe.
Your Honor, if we're going
to put every suspect
into protective custody--
How about just the ones
who have televised bounties
on their head?
I'm not putting him in
protective custody, counselor.
Why not?
JUDGE: Because you haven't shown
me any tangible threat.
When you get one,
let me know.
We're talking about gangs.
The first warning
is often a bullet to the head.
If you get a threat,
bring it to me.
Until then,
I can't do anything.
ANDREA: Why do you need me?
I don't, technically,
but, well, you know,
you might have a claim, too,
Andrea.
You lost your father.
They took him from you.
He's not my dad.
He's my biological father.
And how does it help him
if I sue?
You don't have to sue,
but if I had you on board
as a witness...
A witness to what?
To what he lost.
You're all he's thought about
for 15 years.
I don't need this.
I'm sorry.
I'm here because
of what he needs.
I'm going to have to
ask you to leave now.
I don't understand why
you don't want to meet him.
Oh.
You don't understand that.
I guess that means
you can otherwise
understand my life,
Ms. Dole.
My very first memory
was finding my mother dead.
I thought
she was just play-acting.
I was crawling on her,
laughing,
like it was all a game,
until...
I've lived in seven different
foster homes.
I'm sorry
you don't understand things,
but let me see if I can
get you to understand this--
My life,
for the first time,
is moving forward.
It's even normal.
I've got a job,
a boyfriend, I--
You're in here
asking me to go backwards
to a place...
I can't do it,
and it's not...
that I don't want
a father.
I've wanted nothing more.
But I can't do it.
I can't.
I don't know
what else to tell you.
It isn't good.
They're not even looking
for anybody else.
I've never put the question
to you before, Lester,
did Steven do this?
Obviously,
you think he did.
His best friend
was killed,
he's seen speeding
from the scene,
he's been involved
in two drive-bys before.
I would be lying to you
if I told you
I didn't have some doubts.
Given everything
we're up against,
this may be the time
to consider a deal.
Add to the mix
the D. A. setting him up,
Steven is probably safer
in jail.
I can get the drug charges
dropped on Terrance.
I hate to let the D. A. win
on this,
but there are other things
I am more afraid of.
You're asking me
to advise my son
to plead guilty
to a murder
he didn't commit.
I-I have to go to Court?
It's possible, but--
But I didn't do anything.
Frank--
I didn't do anything.
Okay.
Don't make me go to Court.
Frank, Frank, listen.
You don't have to
go to jail.
This isn't about that.
This is about getting
the state to pay you money
for putting you
in prison before.
But I didn't do
anything before.
I know that.
All right, please
don't make me go to Court.
Please don't make me.
Please.
Okay, we won't.
They think I killed her,
you know?
No, no, they don't
think that anymore.
Everybody knows
you didn't do anything wrong.
Does Andrea know?
We need to find her
to tell her.
I did find her, Frank.
You did?
She wishes you well,
and, um...
she told me to tell you
she loves you.
Is she coming over?
No.
Her life has been
very difficult.
It's going well now,
but she thinks it's best
if she doesn't see you just yet.
W--
Why?
Well...
it's complicated.
She still thinks I did
what they say I did.
No, no. she doesn't think
you did anything wrong.
Then why doesn't she want
to come over?
Well, maybe in time,
she will,
but for now...
WASHINGTON: Hey.
Let's look
at what is good here.
Lindsay is going
to take this complaint
to the attorney general's
office,
and we're going
to file our claim,
and hopefully
we're going to get you money
so you can get
a place to live.
You won't have to sleep
at the shelter.
Isn't that great?
One day
she will come over?
I don't need
a lecture, Helen.
I think you do.
Least of all from you.
GAMBLE: The way
you are behaving,
your opinion doesn't
much matter to me.
Well, nor yours
to me, so...
GAMBLE: So fine,
but considering mine reflects
an office consensus,
you might want to listen
for the fun of it.
Look,
you've gone too far.
Busting the younger brother
for leverage,
calling a press conference
for the purpose
of creating a death threat.
I made a promise
to Brian Fletcher's mother
that I would--
This isn't keeping promises.
You've never played
hardball before. Is that--
GAMBLE: Nor is this hardball.
It goes beyond that.
Alan, you came to me
asking for advice.
Now I am giving it
to you.
Your integrity
is at stake.
The integrity of this office
is at stake.
Mr. Lowe?
I'm Lance Miller--
Steven's brother.
What can I do for you?
I did it.
I shot that kid.
LANCE: I have a friend.
His name's Billy.
I was going to see him.
That's why I was there.
You went to see
your friend Billy.
Yes.
Two miles from your house.
You walked.
Yes.
With a gun.
I was going
to show Billy the gun.
Where'd you get the gun?
LANCE: I found it.
Where?
In a ditch
behind the projects.
So I was going
to show Billy,
then that kid--
he started punking me.
The Fletcher boy?
LANCE: Yeah.
He was going
to beat me up and stuff,
and I got scared,
so I shot him.
GAMBLE: What kind of gun
was it, Lance?
A handgun.
What's going on?
Ellenor,
you know Lance Miller?
FRUTT: Of course I know him.
what are you doing here, Lance?
LOWE: He just confessed
to killing Brian Fletcher.
Excuse me?
That's why we called you.
Give me just a second.
Lance,
will you come with me?
(door closes)
LOWE: Now, if Steven
isn't the shooter,
why would his kid brother
be down here
trying to save him?
I'm not defending
the policeman.
I'm just saying
we don't know for sure
he lied
in Frank Vaughan's case.
He's known to lie.
DNA cleared Frank Vaughan.
The likelihood is
this cop is responsible.
Obviously, I'm not about
to comment on the merits.
You haven't even filed
your complaint yet.
My client isn't looking to win
a lottery here, Mr. Jenkins.
All I'm asking for
is to make sure
he's taken care of.
I want to establish
a trust,
I want temporary housing
in a private group home.
I don't have authority
to do that.
You have the authority
to make the recommendation.
Look,
the liability on this
isn't in question here.
We both know it.
Frank Vaughan
is mentally handicapped.
I'm just asking
that we not drag this out.
I'm giving you the chance
to settle this quickly
and cheaply.
I know you don't want this
in the hands of a jury.
Let's just do something here
because it's
the right thing to do.
All right.
He didn't shoot
the Fletcher boy.
He decided
to confess to it since--
Look, he figured
since he was 10,
the punishment
would be less for him
than Steven.
Well, that's very astute,
Ellenor.
Whose idea was it?
FRUTT: He says it was his,
and I believe him, Helen.
Lester would have never
sent down his 10-year-old
to fall on a grenade.
Well, then,
why would he--
FRUTT: He was just convinced
that Steven was going
to get arrested for it.
He's scared, Helen.
That's all.
His father's home crying,
He's got two brother--
He just got scared.
Where is he now?
He's right outside.
Could you bring him in,
please?
FRUTT: Lance?
Michael, place the boy
under arrest for murder, please,
and transport him
to Juvenile Court.
What?
LOWE: Read him his rights.
FRUTT: For God's sake,
you know he made it all up.
LOWE: You tell Mr. Miller
that if he has
any information
on this crime,
he should come forward.
Otherwise, his 10-year-old
will be indicted
as a youthful offender.
FRUTT: First of all,
any confession you got--
He's 10 years old.
without counsel present--
LOWE: That confession
is not custodial.
He just walked in
and announced that he did it.
State of mind.
LOWE: You can try to suppress it
if you want, Ellenor,
but he will
be indicted.
Read him his rights,
detective.
Detective.
MCGUIRE: Lance Miller,
you're under arrest
for the murder
of Brian Fletcher.
You have the right
to remain silent.
Anything you say
can and will be used
against you in a Court of law.
You have the right
to an attorney.
If you cannot afford one,
one will be appointed to you.
There's a lot of details
to still work out.
We haven't agreed
on how much money,
but in the meantime,
we have a place
for you to live,
and soon
you'll be able to move
to an even better place,
and you'll have enough money
for rent, groceries...
We can move you into
your temporary housing today.
And--and Andrea.
Can she come?
Frank...
I told you.
Andrea's not coming.
We explained this,
remember?
You lied to me.
I didn't lie.
You said you did not find her
when you did.
Well--
And now I don't believe you
when you say she won't come.
Why would I say that--
You lied.
The police lied before,
and you're lying now.
Nobody wants me
to be with her
because I am retarded.
You--you think
that I am bad for her
because I'm retarded.
You think that I will--
I will hurt her.
That is not the case.
Where is she, then?
Tell me where she is.
I can't really do that.
But why?
I promised her I wouldn't.
This is...
just too painful
for her, Frank.
She needs time to adjust.
The only thing
that I ever did
was make a baby...
A beautiful,
beautiful baby.
Why can't I be with her?
Maybe in time.
Let's get you
to your new home, okay?
I really think
you're going to like it.
Okay.
FRUTT: Don't tell me
this isn't your case, Helen.
You've seen enough firsthand
to step in.
I can't just step in.
Even if--
He's using this
to turn the screw,
and as an officer
of the Court,
You have an obligation
to report him.
For what?
Bad faith.
Even Richard Bay wouldn't
have pulled this kind of crap.
You have to step in.
(cell phone rings)
(sighs)
Ellenor Frutt.
What?
When?
Steven Miller
was just stabbed.
He's in surgery
at Brigham's.
WOMAN (over PA):
Dr. Evans to ICU.
Dr. Evans to ICU.
On-call cardiologist, 3148.
On-call cardiologist,
3148 stat.
They think
he's going to be okay.
Was it a retaliation hit?
No.
It was one of the Bloods--
the gang he used to be in.
I don't understand.
LESTER: His name
is Lennard Stewart.
He's also the one
who shot the Fletcher boy,
Mr. Lowe.
He evidently thought that Steven
would eventually find out
that it was him,
and that Steven would
turn him in to save himself,
so he decided...
He tried to shut Steven up
for good.
Come on, come on.
The doctor says
you can come in now. Come on.
Come on.
Feeling pretty good, Alan?
Are you?
I take my cues
from defense attorneys, Ellenor.
They come to me
saying one of two things--
"My client's innocent"
or "You got no case."
You were telling me
that I had no case.
Your bathroom
is nicer than mine.
(chuckles)
It's really all mine?
You don't own
the apartment,
but it's all yours
to use.
Eventually, you'll probably
move to another place
which will also be yours,
but for now...
Have you lived alone
before?
Oh, yes.
Before the police took me,
but, oh, this is--
this is so much nicer
than--than--
Hi, dad.
(gasps)
Andrea?
How--
How are you?
I am good.
How are you?
I'm great.
Oh.
You--you--
you're so beautiful.
Oh.
She is so beautiful.
ANDREA: Listen...
All these years,
I...
They lied to you.
Yeah.
I--
I've always wanted
to meet you.
I have missed you
so, so much.
(sobbing)
I do not want
to let go.
Okay.
Oh.
Ms. Fletcher.
They just arrested
the man who killed my son,
not the man
you were after.
But I know
it never would have
come about
if you had not pushed
the way you did.
You kept your promise,
Mr. Lowe.
Thank you.
You're a man of your word.
(music playing)
WOMAN: You stinker!
you're okay to do this?
Mr. Lowe,
you're telling me...
that my son
may be in there.
Are there any family members
or friends...
I'm here.
He was not in a gang.
He was wearing
Crip colors.
Mr. Lowe, I know--
I knew my son.
The jacket was a Christmas
present from an uncle.
He was not in a gang.
It is possible he was mistaken
for a Crip.
Do you know who shot him?
We think so, yes.
Please get this person,
Mr. Lowe.
I'm asking you
as his mother.
Please get whoever
did this.
I will.
(music playing)
It wasn't me.
LESTER: I think we should just
give a statement, Ellenor.
That is not
a good idea, Lester.
LESTER: But if we don't talk,
they'll just think
he's guilty.
Which I'm not.
FRUTT: What are you going
to tell them, Steven?
that you and Terrance
just happened
to be driving
through at the time?
It's the truth.
Why don't you believe me?
Steven, whether or not I do,
you will not be
believed by the police.
You've already been involved
in two prior drive-bys.
I was not involved.
I happened to be in the car,
but I had no part
in either of them.
What about me?
I got no record.
They're going to think you're
covering for your brother,
or even worse,
that you're involved.
Wait, whose side
are you on?
FRUTT: Guys, hold on.
At this point, you two
are the only suspects--
specifically you, Steven.
Now, they don't want to talk
to you to see if you can
join them in their search
for justice.
They want you to say something
incriminating
or nail you down to a story
that they can check out.
As your lawyer,
I am telling you both--
I am imploring you--
not to say a word.
You think I did it?
Once again, I don't know
what to believe at this point.
You told them you were
in the area
because you had a flat,
but no flat tire was found
in the back of your car.
STEVEN: That's because
I was scared.
and I just got out
as quick as I could.
I knew I was
on Crips turf.
I used to be a Blood.
Well, Terrance,
in his statement,
forgot to mention
the flat tire.
I also know
that ex-gang members
don't get the benefit
of the doubt.
You're talking
is not going to help,
so I will advise you
one last time not to.
WOMAN: The Commonwealth vs.
Frank Vaughan.
breaking and entering,
trespassing.
CARLTON: Jeff Carlton
for the Commonwealth.
His P. D.'s
a no-show again.
Ms. Dole, how delightful
to see you again.
I'm just filing some papers
with your clerk.
JUDGE: Step up, counselor.
take a moment.
Maybe we can conference this
and be done with it.
Lindsay Dole--
I'll be representing you.
I didn't do anything.
I'll get a trial date set,
then we can meet,
and you can tell me
all about it.
One second.
Your Honor?
This complaint doesn't even
allege a criminal act.
The door to the home
where Mr. Vaughan was found
had been open all day.
He was just sitting
in the doorway
of an empty house.
It was private property,
and the lock was broken.
I think we can infer
that the defendant--
We can infer?
The neighbors called the police
because they knew Mr. Vaughan
didn't belong there.
DOLE: Hello? According
to the incident report,
he was arrested
only because
the police thought maybe
he was on drugs,
which he wasn't,
according to subsequent tests.
CARLTON: Look, the guy
is sitting there in a house--
JUDGE: Come on, Mr. Carlton,
if that's all you've got--
Is it?
The charges against Mr. Vaughan
are dismissed without prejudice.
You can always refile
if you get anything more,
but please don't waste my time.
(gavel bangs)
Okay, you're free to go.
Not with me.
This way, pal.
I thought you said
you knew who did this.
We think we do,
but we don't have
any real evidence.
We can place the car
in the area--
But weren't there
any witnesses?
Only the brother,
and he's not saying anything.
with the gang shootings,
the witnesses usually
don't come forward.
I told you,
my son was not in a gang.
LOWE: I understand that,
but the shooter is or was.
You'll just have to be
patient, Ms. Fletcher.
You don't think you're going
to get him, do you?
It's still very early
in the investigation.
FLETCHER: Do you...
think you'll get him,
Mr. Lowe?
I don't know.
Mike, anything?
We combed the area.
We haven't been able
to scare up anybody
who saw anything,
but Steven Miller's
best friend was shot
and killed by a Crip
two weeks ago.
So he had motive.
Where is he now?
RANDALL: Both are still
in custody,
Although Ellenor Frutt's
all over us on that.
All right.
Release him.
Wait until they get home.
I'll get a warrant for Steven,
You can re-arrest him there.
Then you can do a protective
search of the house for weapons.
With any luck,
you turn up the gun.
Will that justify
searching the whole house?
LOWE: He's a gang member.
other gang members' weapons
could be present.
Just do it.
We'll worry about the fourth
amendment issues later.
FRUTT: Alan, what's going on?
You can't keep holding them
in perpetuity.
We're releasing your clients,
Ellenor. They're free to go.
Really.
What do you mean
he just showed up?
With Lindsay's card.
What's your name, sir?
Frank?
I want to hire you.
Well--
Who is he?
The Court appointment
I told you about.
You don't need me
anymore, Frank.
The charges were dropped.
No, no, I want you
to help me find Andrea.
I can--
I can pay you.
DOLE: Who's Andrea?
She's my daughter.
She's 3 years old.
I had a baby.
She's my daughter.
And she's gone?
Yeah.
Lindsay, he's got release
papers from Cedar Junction.
And a bus ticket from Walpole
dated November 12th.
Frank, have you been
in prison?
Yeah.
The police lied.
They lied
to everybody.
Hey, Lucy,
did you page me?
Yes. You got a call
from Lester Miller.
Lester?
Was there a message?
The police
are at his house.
Can you help me find
Andrea?
She's my daughter.
Say nothing.
Don't say a word.
That goes for both of you.
I'll meet you down
at the police station.
What the hell is this?
Arrest warrant.
murder for Steven,
possession of controlled
substance for Terrance.
Where's your
search warrant?
Exigent circumstances
to arrest, no time.
This arrest is a pretext
so you can search his house.
LOWE: We believe that the older
brother committed a murder.
You had him in your custody.
Why did you release him?
We decided not to press charges,
then we changed our minds.
I am going to have this
kicked so fast.
Do what you go to do,
Ellenor.
Why are your men
still in there?
Both of the suspects
are in your custody.
It's a protective sweep of
the house for officers' safety.
You are looking
for the gun.
This is prosecutorial
misconduct, Alan.
Ellenor, why don't you go back
to your office
and draft your motion
to dismiss?
That's what you do.
We'll do what we do, okay?
You know what?
If there is a gun,
I hope you find it.
Because then I can suppress,
and you can rest assured,
it will never
come into evidence.
There you go.
FRUTT: What he did was,
by bringing the arrest warrant
here to your house,
he could arguably look through
at least part of the house
without a search warrant,
which he probably couldn't
have gotten otherwise.
He was looking
for the gun.
But they arrested Terrance.
I know, but I'm--
Ellenor, Terrance has--
He has a right start
scholarship.
He could lose
his whole education
if he's busted on drugs.
I'm going to be in Court
at 3:00.
I am going to try
and get that kid.
They just think we're
a gang family, don't they?
We're not a gang family.
We're not.
LOWE: Unfortunately,
we didn't find anything
to connect him
to the murder,
but we did get some leverage
on the younger brother.
We'll try
to force him to talk.
Brothers don't talk,
Mr. Lowe.
We're doing everything
we can.
I wish
I could believe that.
See those children?
In addition to now
not having an older brother,
they don't have a father.
He was killed
in a hit-and-run.
The police never caught
who did it.
As far as I'm concerned,
they never really tried.
I know we're not a priority,
Mr. Lowe.
Ms. Fletcher,
I give you my word
I will do whatever I can.
He served 15 years
of a life sentence.
For what?
Rape and murder.
DNA tests just cleared him.
They expunged his record,
let him go.
What about--
Do we know where he lives?
BERLUTI: He's homeless.
He's been out of prison a week.
I contacted
his trial attorney.
He does have
a daughter Andrea.
Only she's not 3.
How old is she?
18.
I've got an address
on her.
The murder and rape
Frank was cleared of,
Andrea's mother.
FRUTT: If he had enough evidence
to get a search warrant,
why didn't he do so
while the suspect
was still in custody?
LOWE: As I explained
to Ms. Frutt, we first declined
to press charges, and then
thought better of that decision.
Yes, choosing
to re-arrest him at home
where you could conveniently
but illegally conduct a search.
Your characterization,
not mine.
WHITE: Mr. Lowe, why'd you
suddenly change your mind
after the suspect
was released?
I first thought we'd wait
to collect more evidence,
Your Honor, but then
I considered the threat
to society
letting him stay at large,
and I decided better
to continue the investigation
with him in custody.
And what exactly
is your evidence
that Steven Miller
committed murder?
LOWE: There's motive.
One of his best friends
was murdered in a drive-by
by a Crip two weeks ago.
And there's an M. O.
Steven Miller himself
is implicated
in two previous
drive-by shootings
for which he served time.
FRUTT: Two years
as an accessory.
LOWE: And there's opportunity.
Steven Miller's car was seen
speeding from the scene
immediately after shouts
were heard.
That's it?
LOWE: That's certainly enough
to get an arrest warrant.
I don't like it.
I'll let the charges
stand for now,
but if you don't get
anything more--
Your Honor--
WHITE: You can bring your motion
to dismiss down
the road, Ms. Frutt.
I'll be willing to hear you.
But for now,
he stays in custody, no bail.
As for the drug charges
against Terrance Miller--
WHITE: There again,
you can file a motion
to suppress
for Juvenile Court.
I'm sure they'll hear you
on fourth amendment grounds.
But for now,
those charges also stand.
Terrance is released
on personal recognizance.
We'll conference to set up
trial dates. Adjourned.
What happens now?
I don't know.
Go someplace and talk?
Ms. Dole,
I don't even know him.
He's your father.
Yeah, I understand,
but he went to prison
when I was three.
And since I thought
he killed my mother,
I've spent my entire
lifetime hating him.
But he didn't kill her.
Yes, I realize this.
He can't take care
of himself, you know. he's...
Retarded?
Yes.
Are you suggesting
I take care of him?
You're his only family.
What makes you think I can?
I don't know.
What's he like?
He's very sweet.
That's all I can do.
Would you like
to meet him?
Um, oh, no, he'd be--
No. Thank you.
If he testifies
against the older brother,
we drop the drug charges.
How very big of you.
LOWE: And all
the accessory charges
for the murder itself.
Alan, you don't have a case
against Steven Miller,
and you know it.
LOWE: Ellenor,
you have a conflict here.
I've advised my clients
of the conflict, thank you.
Mr. Miller, you live within
two blocks of the school.
That means the drugs we found
in Terrance's room,
that's possession with intent
in a school zone.
Mandatory two years.
For half an ounce of pot.
LOWE: He will lose
his right start scholarship,
guaranteed.
Your son has a future.
Is it worth sacrificing--
I'm shutting this down.
We got a bad kid here,
and we got a good kid.
You are letting the bad kid
take the good kid down.
FRUTT: Neither of them
are going down.
Your search was bogus,
and I will have this arrest
tossed within the week.
I don't think you will.
Let's go, Lester.
Did you find her?
Um,
No, I didn't, Frank.
I'm not sure I will.
VAUGHAN: Well,
maybe you could--
could put an ad
in the paper.
Let me think
about that, okay?
I found her.
She doesn't want him
in her life.
What are you going to do?
He can't stay here.
He stayed in a shelter
last night, and he got bullied.
Lindsay,
he can't stay here.
I'm going to talk to Helen.
Why?
I don't know. Maybe there's
some kind of restitution program
we're unaware of...
I can give you
the answer to that.
You don't need to go
to Helen.
I'm going to go
to Helen.
HELEN: I don't know
what to tell you.
LOWE: If this were a rich
white kid who had been shot,
we would have
triple the resources.
Because this is
gang violence
and we got a poor
black victim--
Well, I'm not sure
that's the case, Alan,
but I'll tell you this.
If Steven Miller
took out a 14-year-old Crip,
he should be thanking you
for the arrest.
Because out on the street...
Helen, you got a second?
Do I, Alan?
Yeah. Yeah, thanks.
You know anything
about the Frank Vaughan case?
Just cleared through DNA.
What about it?
Would you know why
he wasn't released
into a managed care
facility?
Uh, well, from what
I understand,
he was never officially
labeled mentally retarded.
Without that, the D. O. C.
has no obligation.
What about the fact that
he was wrongfully incarcerated
for 15 years?
I would think that would
trigger some legal obligation.
I'd think it, too,
but in Massachusetts,
that's not the case.
Are you telling me
your office feels
no responsibility here?
Lindsay, what I know
is it's the D. A.'s office
that requested the DNA test
on this one.
So let's not accuse us
of not caring, okay?
LOWE: Any murder, of course,
is a tragedy.
We hope to solve them all.
But this one--
a 14-year-old boy with
a bright future ahead of him
was killed because
he was wearing a blue jacket.
It appears that the suspect,
a member of the gang
known as the Bloods,
thought that Brian Fletcher
was a Crip.
If anybody has any information
regarding this crime
or the suspect Steven Miller,
we ask that you come forward,
because right now
we're dismissing this case
due to a lack of evidence.
What?
LOWE: At this time, he's deemed
innocent and faces no charges,
but do not approach
this man.
he is considered
to be possibly armed
and dangerous.
Simply notify the authorities
if you have any information.
Thank you.
REPORTER: Mr. Lowe,
can we please...
REPORTER (over TV):
In other local news--
Did he just do
what I think he did?
We've pulled some tactics,
but that there was nasty.
How'd you make out?
It didn't.
There's no automatic
restitution required
in the Commonwealth,
at least not without
a hard-to-win lawsuit.
How about appealing
to her conscience?
Helen's?
Talk about
your small targets.
DOLE: Evidently, the district
attorney's office is feeling
quite good about itself since
they requested the DNA test.
I wasn't in much of a position
to guilt them.
What do you mean
they requested the DNA test?
That's what Helen told me.
YOUNG: Well, why would
the D. A.'s office ever do that
on their own accord?
Did you ask Helen that?
No.
I would.
Lindsay, look. I found
another picture of her
in my wallet.
It was in a secret place.
I forgot.
DOLE: Frank, Andrea doesn't look
like this anymore.
She's all grown up now.
I-I know,
but won't this help?
I bet she still smiles
like that.
I was told
you never knock.
You just ordered
his execution.
I did no such thing. I put out
a call for information.
You put his face on the screen
and made an announcement
that he was a Blood
who murdered a Crip,
and then you freed him
from custody.
I had no case,
just like you said.
FRUTT: You set him up
to be killed.
You issued a death sentence,
and it's vile!
LOWE: Tantamount to
a death sentence, perhaps,
but again,
not my intent.
I'll grant you,
looking at the circumstances
the way they are now,
your client is safer in jail
than he is out.
So let's make a deal,
and I'll do my best
to swiftly get him
into protective custody.
I am going to go to the judge
and report this little act
of extortion.
And if anything happens
to Steven Miller,
I will personally see to it
that murder accessory charges
are brought against you.
Fine.
Go to the judge.
And on your way home,
perhaps you can
swing by the morgue
and take a look
at Brian Fletcher.
Bingo.
The D. A.'s office
ordered investigations
and some DNA tests
in 43 different cases
involving
a bad police officer.
What?
In Frank's case,
the cop lied on the stand,
and he allegedly
corrupted an eyewitness
whose husband
was in jail.
Whose husband?
HATCHER: A prosecution witness.
I mean, basically,
this rogue cop
coerced witnesses
into lying.
All his cases
are under review.
Bobby, I'd like to bring
a civil rights action
against the state.
Lindsay--
Have you seen
those homeless shelters?
Frank deserves
to get some money.
False imprisonment
for 15 years?
DONNELL: It'll take years
in discovery.
Even if you survive
a summary judgment--
I have to be able
to get something.
Rebecca, could you start
filing the complaint for me?
Sure.
Look, Lindsay--
Let me spend
one day on it.
one day.
He's trying to coerce my client
with the threat of death.
Mr. Lowe?
Ms. Frutt's client
is a gang member.
Ex-gang member.
LOWE: His car was seen
speeding from the scene.
I was putting out
a call for information,
which I am entitled to do.
You declared him a killer
on television.
I called him the suspect.
MAN: Mr. Lowe, you're beginning
to get a reputation.
Great.
Maybe the defense lawyers
will be more inclined
to plea bargain.
No, it's not great.
Your reputation
is anything but great.
But, Ms. Frutt,
technically, he hasn't stepped
outside of the boundaries here.
I would like the Court
to put my client
into protective custody.
That's a D. A.'s call,
and I'm not asking for that.
To remove the coercion,
I need my client safe.
Your Honor, if we're going
to put every suspect
into protective custody--
How about just the ones
who have televised bounties
on their head?
I'm not putting him in
protective custody, counselor.
Why not?
JUDGE: Because you haven't shown
me any tangible threat.
When you get one,
let me know.
We're talking about gangs.
The first warning
is often a bullet to the head.
If you get a threat,
bring it to me.
Until then,
I can't do anything.
ANDREA: Why do you need me?
I don't, technically,
but, well, you know,
you might have a claim, too,
Andrea.
You lost your father.
They took him from you.
He's not my dad.
He's my biological father.
And how does it help him
if I sue?
You don't have to sue,
but if I had you on board
as a witness...
A witness to what?
To what he lost.
You're all he's thought about
for 15 years.
I don't need this.
I'm sorry.
I'm here because
of what he needs.
I'm going to have to
ask you to leave now.
I don't understand why
you don't want to meet him.
Oh.
You don't understand that.
I guess that means
you can otherwise
understand my life,
Ms. Dole.
My very first memory
was finding my mother dead.
I thought
she was just play-acting.
I was crawling on her,
laughing,
like it was all a game,
until...
I've lived in seven different
foster homes.
I'm sorry
you don't understand things,
but let me see if I can
get you to understand this--
My life,
for the first time,
is moving forward.
It's even normal.
I've got a job,
a boyfriend, I--
You're in here
asking me to go backwards
to a place...
I can't do it,
and it's not...
that I don't want
a father.
I've wanted nothing more.
But I can't do it.
I can't.
I don't know
what else to tell you.
It isn't good.
They're not even looking
for anybody else.
I've never put the question
to you before, Lester,
did Steven do this?
Obviously,
you think he did.
His best friend
was killed,
he's seen speeding
from the scene,
he's been involved
in two drive-bys before.
I would be lying to you
if I told you
I didn't have some doubts.
Given everything
we're up against,
this may be the time
to consider a deal.
Add to the mix
the D. A. setting him up,
Steven is probably safer
in jail.
I can get the drug charges
dropped on Terrance.
I hate to let the D. A. win
on this,
but there are other things
I am more afraid of.
You're asking me
to advise my son
to plead guilty
to a murder
he didn't commit.
I-I have to go to Court?
It's possible, but--
But I didn't do anything.
Frank--
I didn't do anything.
Okay.
Don't make me go to Court.
Frank, Frank, listen.
You don't have to
go to jail.
This isn't about that.
This is about getting
the state to pay you money
for putting you
in prison before.
But I didn't do
anything before.
I know that.
All right, please
don't make me go to Court.
Please don't make me.
Please.
Okay, we won't.
They think I killed her,
you know?
No, no, they don't
think that anymore.
Everybody knows
you didn't do anything wrong.
Does Andrea know?
We need to find her
to tell her.
I did find her, Frank.
You did?
She wishes you well,
and, um...
she told me to tell you
she loves you.
Is she coming over?
No.
Her life has been
very difficult.
It's going well now,
but she thinks it's best
if she doesn't see you just yet.
W--
Why?
Well...
it's complicated.
She still thinks I did
what they say I did.
No, no. she doesn't think
you did anything wrong.
Then why doesn't she want
to come over?
Well, maybe in time,
she will,
but for now...
WASHINGTON: Hey.
Let's look
at what is good here.
Lindsay is going
to take this complaint
to the attorney general's
office,
and we're going
to file our claim,
and hopefully
we're going to get you money
so you can get
a place to live.
You won't have to sleep
at the shelter.
Isn't that great?
One day
she will come over?
I don't need
a lecture, Helen.
I think you do.
Least of all from you.
GAMBLE: The way
you are behaving,
your opinion doesn't
much matter to me.
Well, nor yours
to me, so...
GAMBLE: So fine,
but considering mine reflects
an office consensus,
you might want to listen
for the fun of it.
Look,
you've gone too far.
Busting the younger brother
for leverage,
calling a press conference
for the purpose
of creating a death threat.
I made a promise
to Brian Fletcher's mother
that I would--
This isn't keeping promises.
You've never played
hardball before. Is that--
GAMBLE: Nor is this hardball.
It goes beyond that.
Alan, you came to me
asking for advice.
Now I am giving it
to you.
Your integrity
is at stake.
The integrity of this office
is at stake.
Mr. Lowe?
I'm Lance Miller--
Steven's brother.
What can I do for you?
I did it.
I shot that kid.
LANCE: I have a friend.
His name's Billy.
I was going to see him.
That's why I was there.
You went to see
your friend Billy.
Yes.
Two miles from your house.
You walked.
Yes.
With a gun.
I was going
to show Billy the gun.
Where'd you get the gun?
LANCE: I found it.
Where?
In a ditch
behind the projects.
So I was going
to show Billy,
then that kid--
he started punking me.
The Fletcher boy?
LANCE: Yeah.
He was going
to beat me up and stuff,
and I got scared,
so I shot him.
GAMBLE: What kind of gun
was it, Lance?
A handgun.
What's going on?
Ellenor,
you know Lance Miller?
FRUTT: Of course I know him.
what are you doing here, Lance?
LOWE: He just confessed
to killing Brian Fletcher.
Excuse me?
That's why we called you.
Give me just a second.
Lance,
will you come with me?
(door closes)
LOWE: Now, if Steven
isn't the shooter,
why would his kid brother
be down here
trying to save him?
I'm not defending
the policeman.
I'm just saying
we don't know for sure
he lied
in Frank Vaughan's case.
He's known to lie.
DNA cleared Frank Vaughan.
The likelihood is
this cop is responsible.
Obviously, I'm not about
to comment on the merits.
You haven't even filed
your complaint yet.
My client isn't looking to win
a lottery here, Mr. Jenkins.
All I'm asking for
is to make sure
he's taken care of.
I want to establish
a trust,
I want temporary housing
in a private group home.
I don't have authority
to do that.
You have the authority
to make the recommendation.
Look,
the liability on this
isn't in question here.
We both know it.
Frank Vaughan
is mentally handicapped.
I'm just asking
that we not drag this out.
I'm giving you the chance
to settle this quickly
and cheaply.
I know you don't want this
in the hands of a jury.
Let's just do something here
because it's
the right thing to do.
All right.
He didn't shoot
the Fletcher boy.
He decided
to confess to it since--
Look, he figured
since he was 10,
the punishment
would be less for him
than Steven.
Well, that's very astute,
Ellenor.
Whose idea was it?
FRUTT: He says it was his,
and I believe him, Helen.
Lester would have never
sent down his 10-year-old
to fall on a grenade.
Well, then,
why would he--
FRUTT: He was just convinced
that Steven was going
to get arrested for it.
He's scared, Helen.
That's all.
His father's home crying,
He's got two brother--
He just got scared.
Where is he now?
He's right outside.
Could you bring him in,
please?
FRUTT: Lance?
Michael, place the boy
under arrest for murder, please,
and transport him
to Juvenile Court.
What?
LOWE: Read him his rights.
FRUTT: For God's sake,
you know he made it all up.
LOWE: You tell Mr. Miller
that if he has
any information
on this crime,
he should come forward.
Otherwise, his 10-year-old
will be indicted
as a youthful offender.
FRUTT: First of all,
any confession you got--
He's 10 years old.
without counsel present--
LOWE: That confession
is not custodial.
He just walked in
and announced that he did it.
State of mind.
LOWE: You can try to suppress it
if you want, Ellenor,
but he will
be indicted.
Read him his rights,
detective.
Detective.
MCGUIRE: Lance Miller,
you're under arrest
for the murder
of Brian Fletcher.
You have the right
to remain silent.
Anything you say
can and will be used
against you in a Court of law.
You have the right
to an attorney.
If you cannot afford one,
one will be appointed to you.
There's a lot of details
to still work out.
We haven't agreed
on how much money,
but in the meantime,
we have a place
for you to live,
and soon
you'll be able to move
to an even better place,
and you'll have enough money
for rent, groceries...
We can move you into
your temporary housing today.
And--and Andrea.
Can she come?
Frank...
I told you.
Andrea's not coming.
We explained this,
remember?
You lied to me.
I didn't lie.
You said you did not find her
when you did.
Well--
And now I don't believe you
when you say she won't come.
Why would I say that--
You lied.
The police lied before,
and you're lying now.
Nobody wants me
to be with her
because I am retarded.
You--you think
that I am bad for her
because I'm retarded.
You think that I will--
I will hurt her.
That is not the case.
Where is she, then?
Tell me where she is.
I can't really do that.
But why?
I promised her I wouldn't.
This is...
just too painful
for her, Frank.
She needs time to adjust.
The only thing
that I ever did
was make a baby...
A beautiful,
beautiful baby.
Why can't I be with her?
Maybe in time.
Let's get you
to your new home, okay?
I really think
you're going to like it.
Okay.
FRUTT: Don't tell me
this isn't your case, Helen.
You've seen enough firsthand
to step in.
I can't just step in.
Even if--
He's using this
to turn the screw,
and as an officer
of the Court,
You have an obligation
to report him.
For what?
Bad faith.
Even Richard Bay wouldn't
have pulled this kind of crap.
You have to step in.
(cell phone rings)
(sighs)
Ellenor Frutt.
What?
When?
Steven Miller
was just stabbed.
He's in surgery
at Brigham's.
WOMAN (over PA):
Dr. Evans to ICU.
Dr. Evans to ICU.
On-call cardiologist, 3148.
On-call cardiologist,
3148 stat.
They think
he's going to be okay.
Was it a retaliation hit?
No.
It was one of the Bloods--
the gang he used to be in.
I don't understand.
LESTER: His name
is Lennard Stewart.
He's also the one
who shot the Fletcher boy,
Mr. Lowe.
He evidently thought that Steven
would eventually find out
that it was him,
and that Steven would
turn him in to save himself,
so he decided...
He tried to shut Steven up
for good.
Come on, come on.
The doctor says
you can come in now. Come on.
Come on.
Feeling pretty good, Alan?
Are you?
I take my cues
from defense attorneys, Ellenor.
They come to me
saying one of two things--
"My client's innocent"
or "You got no case."
You were telling me
that I had no case.
Your bathroom
is nicer than mine.
(chuckles)
It's really all mine?
You don't own
the apartment,
but it's all yours
to use.
Eventually, you'll probably
move to another place
which will also be yours,
but for now...
Have you lived alone
before?
Oh, yes.
Before the police took me,
but, oh, this is--
this is so much nicer
than--than--
Hi, dad.
(gasps)
Andrea?
How--
How are you?
I am good.
How are you?
I'm great.
Oh.
You--you--
you're so beautiful.
Oh.
She is so beautiful.
ANDREA: Listen...
All these years,
I...
They lied to you.
Yeah.
I--
I've always wanted
to meet you.
I have missed you
so, so much.
(sobbing)
I do not want
to let go.
Okay.
Oh.
Ms. Fletcher.
They just arrested
the man who killed my son,
not the man
you were after.
But I know
it never would have
come about
if you had not pushed
the way you did.
You kept your promise,
Mr. Lowe.
Thank you.
You're a man of your word.
(music playing)
WOMAN: You stinker!