"Dangerous Liaisons" - Transcript done by Wei Dong

Season Six Episode Nine
Dangerous Liaisons

-------------------- Disclaimer --------------------
I do not own the characters in this story, nor do I own any rights to the television show 'The Practice'. They were created by David E. Kelley and belong to him and David E. Kelley Productions.

This transcript was written by Wei Dong
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(In the office)
Bobby: We've all seen the famous video tape. It does look like you. That's the bad news.

Jimmy: The good news is it's only from the side and the back. The face is invisible.

Katie: Why is that good news, Jimmy? If the face were visible the jury would see it wasn't me.

Jimmy: Right.

Bobby: Are you ready?

Katie: Yes... Is a person ever ready to stand trial for murder?

Bobby: (Holds Katie's hand) We're going to get through this.

Katie: I'm know. I'm okay.

Bobby: You're sure?

Katie: Yeah.

Bobby: Then go home. Get a good night's sleep if you can. Tomorrow it starts.

(Both Bobby and Katie stand up)

Katie: (Hugs Bobby) Thank you, Bobby.

(Jimmy looks at them)

(After Katie had left)
Bobby: Okay, see you tomorrow.

Jimmy: Bobby, you don't think we should be looking at cut a deal here?

Bobby: There's no deal to be had. We get manslaughter. That's just out of the question.

Jimmy: Why is it out of the question? They've got motive, forensics put her at the scene, that video tape gives them timing.

Bobby: The case gets tougher, I agree. But how can we accept a homicide conviction on this? Even if it's manslaughter.

Jimmy: Bobby. You don't think she did it.

Bobby: I know she didn't do it. She's innocent.

Jimmy: Okay.

(Opening credits)

(In the office)

Lucy: (Putting down the phone) There's evidently some press out front. But they've agreed to let you come in through the back.

Bobby: I think it's best we do that.

Katie: Okay.

Bobby: (To Katie) Hey, confident, remember?

(Lucy's pager starts beeping)

Lucy: Oh, here they go. Great timing.

Elleanor: What's wrong?

Lucy: Rape crisis. Eugene, (Throws the keys to him) you're in charge.

(St Anne's Hospital)

Lucy: (To a nurse at the counter) Lucy Hatch, Rape Crisis.

Nurse: Through that door.

(Lucy walks into the room and is surprised to see an elderly woman lying on the bed with a bruise around her left eye and forehead)

Lucy: Ms. Walters, I'm Lucy Hatcher from Rape Crisis.

Ms. Walters: Thank you for coming.

Lucy: I'll, um, (Holds Ms. Walter's hand) I'll just explain to you some of the procedures.

(Ms. Walters nods)

(In court)

Coroner: The key thing here, is trajectory. (Pointing to a chart with a picture of a head and a red line passing through it) You can see it goes slightly backward. Typically in a suicide, when somebody puts a gun to his head, the line would be upwards.

Mr. Walsh (D.A.): Specifically, Doctor, what did the trajectory here indicate?

Coroner: That somebody was standing over him, and shot him point-blank, from slightly behind, which would also account for why he fell foreward.

Bobby: Typically contact wounds to the head are more times than not to suicides.

Coroner: That is correct but -

Bobby: Thank you Doctor, and Doctor can you state to a medical certainty this was not a suicide?

Coroner: We can't rule it out to medical certainty.

Bobby: Thank you Doctor. Now as I read the coroner's incidental report I see listed under cause of death, probable suicide.

Coroner: Yes, but we later concluded otherwise.

Bobby: Yes, and was that subsequent conclusion based strictly on autopsy findings, or did you take into consideration other circumstantial or physical evidence supplied to you by the police?

Coroner: We considered all other evidence as well.

Bobby: Thank you Doctor.

(Outside Mr. Potter's office)

Miss Farrell: I don't understand, you plan to put Mr. Potter's reputation on trial.

Rebecca: No, we don't, we just... If he had an affair with Miss Defoe, did he have any other affairs to your knowledge?

Miss Farrell: Not to my knowledge. But if not he would have told me.

Rebecca: No, but as his secretary, you wouldn't know the calls he got as he walked to his office?

Miss Farrell: Well the only person was Miss Defoe.

(In Ms. Walter's hospital room)

Helen: Hey.

Lucy: Hey Helen. Sybil this is Helen Gamble, she's a district attorney.

Helen: How're you doing?

Ms. Walters: Well all things considered, -----------------.

Helen: Yeah. Well, I do have some good news. We caught the man.

Lucy: You did?

Helen: He posed as a delivery boy. Listen um, do you think you can possibly look at him in a police lineup?

Ms. Walters: In a room with him?

Helen: No, a separate room and he wouldn't be able to see you.

Lucy: And we'll be right with you at all times.

Ms. Walters: Oh God, I don't know.

Helen: It'll only take a minute.

(In court)

(Mrs. Potter wheels herself past Bobby as he looks at her to the stand in a wheel chair)

Mrs. Potter: It was two nights before the accident that I've discovered them?

Mr. Walsh: Your husband and the defendant?

Mrs. Potter: Yes. I was waiting for the weekend to visit my sister. My flight was cancelled. I came back home. She was there.

Mr. Walsh: And what happened then, Mrs. Potter?

Mrs. Potter: Well, Bernard and I had a rather massive argument. We um, two days later we were still fighting, and it was during an argument while driving when the accident happened.

Mr. Walsh: As a result of this automobile accident, you lost the use of your legs?

Mrs. Potter: Yes.

Mr. Walsh: How did your husband react to your injury?

Mrs. Potter: He felt extremely guilty. Shortly after he terminated his relationship with Miss DeFoe.

Mr. Walsh: Did you ever talk to her?

Mrs. Potter: On a couple of occasions.

Mr. Walsh: Could you describe her demeanor?

Mrs. Potter: She just... seemed urgent, to the point of being frantic.

Mr. Walsh: So from your observation she didn't take the break up very well?

Mrs. Potter: No.

Mr. Walsh: Now Mrs. Potter, defense has speculated that your husband possibly took his own life.

Mrs. Potter: I can't believe he would commit suicide.

Mr. Walsh: On the day of his death, did he seem despondent or -

Mrs. Potter: I will not sit here and proclaim he was a happy man the day he died. But to the extent I can say I did know my husband, I cannot see him capable of suicide.

(In a room, probably in the office)

(Bobby is feeding a baby)

Bobby: You have to cross her easy, Jimmy, otherwise we'll completely alienate the jury.

Jimmy: I know.

Bobby: I don't think she hurt us too badly. Oops. (The baby food drips out of his mouth)

Katie: Here... (Wipes the baby's mouth)

Bobby: (To Katie, smiling) Is that enough?

(Katie carries the baby)

Bobby: Any word from Rebecca?

Jimmy: She's still doing the interviews. I'll see if she's called in. (Leaves the room)

Katie: This is how my life is supposed to turn out. I grew up in a family where family's everything. When people look at me like I'm a murderer, at least I can console myself with the fact that they had it wrong. When faced with the accusations of being a home-wrecker, it really hurts, cos' they have it right.

(Lindsay walks in)

Lindsay: Hey.

Bobby: Hi.

Lindsay: Sorry but I have to take -----------.

Lindsay: (Carries the baby) Hey buddy, come here. Hi. (To Bobby) How'd the first day go?

Bobby: Not so bad, but there're big guns coming tomorrow. Probably have a late night tonight.

Lindsay: Okay, late night for Jimmy too?

Bobby: Probably.

(Commercials)

(In court)

Jimmy: At the time of your husband's death, you testified these were not happy times. In fact, he was being treated for depression, wasn't he?

Mrs. Potter: Yes.

Jimmy: And you also spoke of his guilt for both the affair and the accident.

Mrs. Potter: Yes.

Jimmy: What is, or was, your favourite hobby?

Mrs. Potter: Walking.

Jimmy: I'm told you often drive to the city and walk for hours, is that correct?

Mrs. Potter: I wrote short stories, so walking, observing people...

Jimmy: And you also loved it.

Mrs. Potter: Yes.

Jimmy: Did your husband once said before he wished he was killed in the accident?

Mrs. Potter: He said he rather he lost his life than me lose my legs, yes, but I never took it to mean he was suicidal.

Jimmy: But he said he wish he'd been killed.

(In the police station for the line-up)

Helen: Now if at anytime you think it's too much.

Ms. Walters: Okay.

Detective McGuire: Bring them in.

(The suspects walk into the adjacent room)

Lucy: You okay?

Ms. Walters: Yes.

Detective: Number One, please step forward.

Ms. Walters: No.

Detective: Step back, Number One. Number Two, please step forward.

Ms. Walters: No.

Detective: Number Two step back. Number Three, step forward.

(Ms. Walters looks at him for a long time with tears in her eyes)

Helen: Ms. Walters. Do you recognize this man?

Ms. Walters: No.

Helen: Are you sure?

Ms. Walters: It isn't him. (Turns and walks out of the room quickly)

Detective: I'll check on her. (Follows Ms. Walters)

Helen: She recognized him, Lucy.

Lucy: She must still be in trauma. It's probably too soon to do this.

Helen: Maybe but here's our problem. The rape kit didn't give us anything. He's likely wearing a condom which we have yet to find. Our ability to put this guy away depends on her. Without the IC I can't even file.

Lucy: You didn't find any forensic evidence?


(In court)

Detective Whiteson: We found three hairs in the victim's office. All belonging to the defendant.

Mr. Walsh: Now the defendant certainly admits to being in that office in the past.

Detective Whiteson: But the cleaning crew informed us that the floors are vacuumed every single night.

Mr. Walsh: Which led you to conclude...

Detective Whiteson: Miss DeFoe was there that night.

Mr. Walsh: Any other evidence pointing to that?

Detective Whiteson: Telephone records showed that Mr. Potter placed a telephone call to her 40 minutes prior to the murder and of course, the video tape. (A picture of the back of a long-haired woman wearing an overcoat appears on the television screen) This is the clearest image we have.

Mr. Walsh: This was taken when?

Detective Whiteson: 3 minutes after the gun shot was heard.

Mr. Walsh: Now Detective, is there any footage of this person going into this stairwell?

Detective Whiteson: No. Our theory is she probably went off in the elevator.

Mr. Walsh: So you think it's likely that this person went up the elevator and down the stairwell.

Detective Whiteson: Correct.

Mr. Walsh: Detective, are you able to tell from this video, how tall this person is?

Detective Whiteson: Yes. Bringing it down to scale, we determined that this person is 5 feet 4 inches tall.

Mr. Walsh: How tall is the defendant, if you know?

Detective Whiteson: 5 feet 4 inches tall.


(Michelle Farrell on the stand)

Miss Farrell: The two weeks before, she would come in unannounced, demand to see Mr. Potter. She also called a lot.

Mr. Walsh: Could you describe Katie DeFoe's demeanor during these visits?

Miss Farrell: She was upset. She seemed hurt.

(In a room in the courthouse)

Katie: Why do you look so doomed? You know about all these evidence.

Bobby: We're not doomed. But Katie, if you went into that building that night, I'm not accusing you of the murder, but if you went into that building at all, I prefer we, we admit it and deal with it.

Katie: I did not go into the building.

Bobby: I'm sorry. I had to ask.

Katie: Please do not speak that. (?)

Bobby: Jimmy could you give us a second?

(Jimmy goes out of the room)

Bobby: I think I need to explain. Over the last few months, I've... I've grown fond of you Katie, but we um, I tell you this not as some kind of advance, I'm very happily married. I love my wife totally. But since I do have feelings, I have to be conscious of the reality or my judgement could be coloured. It's for that reason I just asked you that question. So these distrustful feelings aren't so much for you as it is for my own judgement.

Katie: Do I need to get a different lawyer?

Bobby: No.

(In Ms. Walter's apartment)

Ms. Walters: When I saw him, the sudden thought of having to sit through the trial, looking at him everyday... I just can't do it.

Lucy: You don't have to apologize for being afraid.

Ms. Walters: It's not just fear, Lucy, I'm eighty-three, I haven't many years to live, I don't want to spend one of them in brawl. I think I could survive this best if I could somehow bring myself to forgive him, and move on.

Lucy: Okay. Anyway I could help you?

Ms. Walters: You could make him apologize.

(In court)

Criminologist: I've being a police criminologist for 11 years.

Bobby: Any what findings if any did you make, Doctor?

Criminologist: This was not a suicide.

Bobby: Can you tell the court what psychological evidence led you to this conclusion?

Criminologist: In the days leading up to the death, Mr. Potter was very driven at work, even productive. He was meeting deadlines. This kind of efficiency belies the notion of a man intending to end his life. He was getting therapy both personally and marital counselling. This again suggests that he was looking to heal, move ahead, not die. The main thing, he left no note. If guilt is the motivating factor for suicide, in my experience, there's almost always a note.

Bobby: Doctor, you have known cases which suicides have not been planned out. The victim acts on a sudden decision.

Criminologist: Yes.

Bobby: Even the case when the people were on their meds, getting help, productive at work.

Criminologist: Not the usual.

Bobby: But it's been known to happen. People just snap.

Criminologist: Those cases usually involve schizophrenia or chemical problems. Neither is indicated in Mr. Potter.

Bobby: But it's happened.

Criminologist: Of course. There's anecdote evidence for almost everything. But -

Bobby: Thank you.

Criminologist: I'll like to finish my response -

Bobby: You've answered my question.

Criminologist: No, I'm telling you I've haven't answered it. Is suicide possible here? Of course it is. Anything's possible. But based on my 17 years as a trained professional dealing with this question, I am adamant in my belief that this man is murdered. It's not even a difficult call.

(In a room in the courthouse)

Katie: I'm scared, Bobby.

Bobby: We haven't even put on our defence yet.

Katie: But our whole defence is basically my word, the way the jurors are looking at me.

Bobby: What did we say about panic? We can't have panic.

Katie: What if I get scared during my testimony, it might make me look guilty. What if I get nervous I can't remember?

Bobby: (Pulls Katie towards him and hugs her) Hey hey hey, come on. (Strokes Katie's hair)

(Jimmy walks into the room. Katie and Bobby look at him. Jimmy looks a little shocked)

Bobby: Jimmy tell Rebecca to revisit Potter's therapist, remind him privilege doesn't survive his patient's death.

Jimmy: I think she did that.

Bobby: Tell her to try harder. This man was treating the guy for depression he's bound to have something we can use! If he doesn't agree slap him with a summon! I want him in that chair.

Jimmy: Okay.

(Commercials)

(In court)

Katie: The break-up was very painful. I don't deny that.

Bobby: We heard testimony that you repeatedly tried to change his mind. That you will show up at his office, unannounced.

Katie: I did. I was hurting.

Bobby: In the days leading up to Bernard's death, did you notice any suicidal tendencies?

Katie: The only strange thing was the phone call.

Bobby: What phone call was that?

Katie: About 40 minutes prior to his death, he telephoned me. He said he would never see me again. He said goodbye, and he hung up. It seemed very odd that his voice sounded slightly erratic.

Bobby: What did you do then?

Katie: I tried to call him back. The call never got through and I never got him. And the next thing, I'm told he's dead.

Bobby: Miss DeFoe, did you go to Bernard Potter's building that night?

Katie: I absolutely did not.

Bobby: Did you go anywhere, that night?

Katie: No, I stayed at home.

Bobby: You're sitting in this courtroom today, accused of murder.

Katie: I commited adultery, with Bernard Potter for which I'm very much ashamed. And as I said, I feel guilty. And I take responsibility for what happened to his wife but I didn't kill him. I can never be capable of such a crime to anyone, especially someone that I love.

(In Helen's office)

Helen: So it was him.

Lucy: Yes. And maybe in time she'll change her mind but, for now she just doesn't want the ordeal of a trial.

Helen: She'll only have to be there for her testimony.

Lucy: But he'll have to be in the room right?

Alan Lowe: And she wants him to apologize?

Helen: What are you hatching up?

Alan: We get that apology on tape, we don't need her ID. Go tell him he'll be --------- by a woman unless he apologizes.

Lucy: Whoa, I'm a rape counsellor, not a police agent.

Alan: I think that your client will feel comforted if we can put the rapist in jail.

(In court)

Mr. Walsh: So you just happen to get a very strange call from Bernard Potter, shortly before his death, never gonna see you again, goodbye.

Katie: Yes.

Mr. Walsh: And you tried to call him back.

Katie: Several times.

Mr. Walsh: Why are there no phone records of any such return calls?

Katie: Because the message sent picks up after the sixth call, and I typically hang up after five.

Mr. Walsh: I see. Ever take a lesson, in how to shoot a gun?

Katie: Yes.

Mr. Walsh: When?

Katie: About a month before Bernard Potter's death.

Mr. Walsh: Just thought it might be wise to know how to shoot a gun.

Katie: A lot of woman look into personal protection, Mr. Walsh.

(A picture of the woman in the stairwell appears on the television screen)

Mr. Walsh: You say that isn't you.

Katie: It isn't.

Mr. Walsh: You've been seen wearing that type of overcoat many times, haven't you Miss DeFoe?

Katie: Thousands and thousands of woman in Boston wear that style of overcoat.

Mr. Walsh: What happened to yours? We couldn't find it.

Katie: I, I threw it out.

Mr. Walsh: When?

Katie: I have no idea. I buy a lot of new clothes and I throw out the old ones.

Mr. Walsh: Where did you throw it out?

Katie: Just... in the garbage.

Mr. Walsh: Didn't give it to a friend, or the Salvation Army? You just threw it away.

Katie: Yes.

Mr. Walsh: There are witnesses that have seen you wearing that coat as recently as a few weeks before the shooting. I would think you were wearing that recently, it had to be in decent shape. But you just threw it out.

Bobby: Asked and answered.

Mr. Walsh: You had a coat like that shortly before the murder, it couldn't be found after the murder.

(In the hall of the courthouse)

Jimmy: I'll say it one more time. We have to plead this.

Bobby: What else did Potter's therapist say?

Rebecca: Just that if we call him he will reject the idea of suicide. I don't think he's worth it.

Bobby: I'm going to call him.

Jimmy: It's too dangerous.

Bobby: Look what happened in there.

Jimmy: Even so, you don't start winning halfway through a trial. Come on!

Rebecca: Bobby, I agree with Jimmy.

Bobby: I'm calling him.

(In Ms. Walter's apartment)

Ms. Walters: I have to let him back into my home?

Lucy: With me here and the police will in adjoining apartments, also in the hall, I promise you'll be safe.

Ms. Walters: Oh, I don't know.

Lucy: It's totally your decision, and I understand if you say no, but I'm just saying if your fear really is a long trial, it'll only take a few minutes. You'll get your apology and you'll put him in jail.

Ms. Walters: And you'll be here with me.

Lucy: Every minute. Could lose my job but...

Ms. Walters: Why would you lose your job?

Lucy: This isn't exactly what a rape counsellor is supposed to be doing.

(In court)

Dr. Papp: He was extremely guilt-riddened over the fate (?) he caused his wife.

Bobby: Let's be candid. You don't think it was a suicide.

Dr. Papp: I don't think it was remotely suicide.

Bobby: Dr. Papp, during your therapy with Bernard Potter he discussed his affair with Katie DeFoe.

Dr. Papp: He did.

Bobby: Did he ever discuss having an affair with anybody else around the time of his death?

Dr. Papp: Yes.

Bobby: Who?

Dr. Papp: His secretary, Michelle Farrell.

(Miss Farrell closes her eyes. Mrs. Potter and Mr. Walsh appears surprised)

Bobby: When did this affair end, if you know?

Mr. Walsh: Objection, heresay.

Judge: Overruled.

Bobby: When did Mr. Potter's affair with Miss Farrell end?

Dr. Papp: About a week before his death.

Bobby: Thank you.

Judge: Mr Walsh.

Mr. Walsh: I have no questions, but reserve the right to recall.

Judge: The witness may step down.

Bobby: The defence recalls Michelle Farrell.

Mr. Walsh: Your Honour, I would like some time in light of this new information.

Judge: We'll break for the day. Resume tomorrow with Miss Farrell.

(On the way to the shop where Ritchie Macklin, the rapist, is working)

Mike: If anything happens, we'll be in in three seconds.

Lucy: Okay, well, I'll be out in three seconds, don't worry.

Mike: Good luck.

(Lucy enters the shop)

Lucy: Mr. Macklin, my name is Lucy Hatcher, I'm from Rape Crisis. I'm a counsellor for the elderly woman you raped.

Ritchie: I don't know what you're talking about.

Lucy: We think you do. She --------- you at the police line-up yesterday, only so far she's keeping it to herself since as a Christian woman she believes in forgiveness. You got lucky. But she only plans to forgive you if you repent. You know her address. Show up tomorrow at noon, tell the woman you are sorry and be sorry, or she goes to the police. (Leaves as Ritchie looks at the namecard she gave him)

(In Lindsay and Bobby's bedroom, on the bed)
Lindsay: So you're going to accuse the secretary?

Bobby: I'm going to throw it out there. She doesn't have a complete alibi, so who knows.

Lindsay: You seem a little desperate.

Bobby: Well we are desperate Lindsay, and Katie didn't do so well. And the business with the overcoat.

Lindsay: Well did you ask her what she did with the overcoat?

Bobby: She was asked three times. She threw it out.

Lindsay: No I don't mean on the stand, I mean after, in private. You didn't ask?

Bobby: I believe she threw it out.

(Lindsay stares at Bobby)

Bobby: What?

Lindsay: Are you involved with her, Bobby?

Bobby: What?

Lindsay: Look, I, it must be my hormones, I'm sorry but I just get this weird feeling something's going on. I mean the way you just believe her...

Bobby: You believe something's going on?

Lindsay: I'm just...

Bobby: Wondering, Lindsay? (?)

Lindsay: I'm sorry.

Bobby: You know me better than that.

Lindsay: I know, I'm just... Maybe I'm just fried. Goodnight. (Kisses Bobby on the cheek and goes to sleep while Bobby stares ahead)

(Commercials)

(In court)

Bobby: Why didn't you tell the police about your affair with Mr. Potter?

Miss Farrell: It wasn't relevant.

Bobby: You break up with him a week before he's found dead, it wasn't relevant?

Miss Farrell: No.

Bobby: You were asked point-blank by Miss Rebecca Washington sitted right over there whether Mr. Potter was having any other affairs and you answered to the best of your knowledge, no.

Miss Farrell: It's my private life.

Bobby: Miss Farrell, did you kill your boss?

Miss Farrell: What?

Mr. Walsh: Objection!

Bobby: You have the opportunity, the motive, how tall are you?

Miss Farrell: This is ridiculous!

Bobby: How tall are you?

Miss Farrell: I'm five four.

Bobby: Your Honour, with the court's permission I'd like the witness to step out of the witness chair for a demonstration.

Mr. Walsh: I object!

Judge: Miss Farrell, please step out.

(Miss Farrell steps out of the chair)

Bobby: Stand just like this please. (She stood with her back to the jury) Could you put this on please. (Hands her an overcoat similar to that in the video tape)

Mr. Walsh: I object to this grand standing.

Judge: Overruled. Miss Farrell, put the coat on.

Bobby: And these glasses please. (She puts them on) And the wig. (She puts it on too) Katie. (She's dressed in a similar overcoat) I'll like you to stand just like this. (Stands next to Miss Farrell and puts on the glasses. The picture of the woman in the overcoat comes on the TV. The jury looks at Katie and Miss Farrell's back, looking exactly alike)

Bobby: From where I'm standing, I see reasonable doubt.

(In a room in the courthouse)

Katie: What happens now?

Bobby: They cross her, establish her alibi.

Katie: She has one?

Bobby: She was at a movie, can account for most of the night, not all of it. (To Jimmy) How did we play?

Jimmy: Honest? A little desperate. It can blow up in your face.

Bobby: All I need is one juror.

Jimmy: You and Perry Mason (?).

Bobby: Jimmy, (in a low voice) I don't want to hear that crap in front of the client.

Jimmy: You asked my opinion in front of the client.

Bobby: You have a problem?

Jimmy: Do I have a problem? I've got big problem. I think you have feelings for this woman and you're not seeing straight. That's my problem.

(There's a knock on the door. Jimmy opens it and Mrs. Potter wheels herself into the room)

Mrs. Potter: Is it just a game to you Mr. Donnell? Somebody died here. That was real. It's not a game. (Wheels herself out of the room)

(In Ms. Walter's apartment)

(A knock on the door)

Lucy: You sure you're ready?

Ms. Walters: I'm fine.

(Lucy opens the door and Ritchie walks in)

Lucy: Are you okay?

Ritchie: (Clears his throat) Look, I know you think I did it, but I didn't do it. I'm sorry for what happened to you.

Ms. Walters: Is that your idea of seeking forgiveness? You don't think I know? I looked you in the eye.You don't think I know the man who raped me?

Ritchie: I'm sorry.

Ms. Walters: (Starts to cry) You're sorry. My husband was a minister. Bet you didn't know that. Did you ever think you were raping a minister's wife? (Pulls out a gun and shot Ritchie in the head)

(Lucy screams)

(Mike and the police rushed in with guns raised, then saw Ritchie's body. Mike bends over to feel for a pulse)

Ms. Walters: (Sigh) I know you would have liked to have a confession first, but I just didn't see a need for it.

(In court, closing statements)

Bobby: None of the police experts can rule out suicide. The man was profoundly depressed. He crippled his wife, a woman who loved walking as she loved life. He was being clinically treated for this depression. None of us, none of you, can eliminate the possibility that Bernard Potter took his own life. The only reason the police arrested Katie DeFoe was because she seemingly had motive. Hairs of hers were found at the scene. A woman who looked like her was seen leaving the building. But Michelle Farrell would also have motive. She too was having an affair, and how easy, would it've been for her to frame Katie DeFoe. She could've collected hair from my client's hairbrush, and planted them, dressed up to look like her. We all just saw the resemblance. And she can't account for her whereabouts for the hour immediately preceeding Mr. Potter's death. She said she was home, just like Katie insist she was home. But we can't know. Add to the fact we can't even know it was homicide at all! You certainly got reasonable doubt.

Mr. Walsh: Our detectives, our forensic specialists, our psychological experts, all of our witnesses, all of them were unequivocal in their consensus, this was a homicide. There was no gunshot residue on the victim's hands, the trajectory shows he was shot from above, slightly behind, which is totally inconsistent with suicide. Bernard Potter was murdered. It's obvious and the defence knows it, that's why they resorted to that ridiculous last second cloak-and-dagger stunt of getting Mr. Potter's secretary to dress up in the courtroom. True, we did not know of Miss Farrell's affair with the victim, but she is not a suspect in this case. Mr. Donnell is throwing a rap as a red herring because he struck out on the suicide pitch. The evidence here, is overwhelming. Miss DeFoe had motive. She had been acting urgently, frantically, showing up at the victim's office desperately trying to continue the relationship. Her hair samples placed her at the scene. She had an elevator access key, she knew how to get in and get out. And what of the overcoat? Where did it go? She just happened to throw it away around the time of the murder? Like she just happened to take shooting lessons, three weeks before the murder. A woman bearing her resemblance just happens to be leaving the building, three minutes after the shooting, wearing a coat just like one owned by the defendant which coat just happens to be thrown away that very week. Come on. That's just a few too many coincidences, don't you think?

(In a room in the courthouse)

Bobby: Katie, remember what I said, my objectivity...

Katie: It's okay Bobby.

Bobby: No I'm afraid I may have blown it. I suddenly point my finger at the secretary. I'm worried I may have sent a message to the jury, I don't believe it was suicide.

Katie: (Holds Bobby's hands) Hey, Bobby, you tried an incredible case, you got everyone of their witnesses to admit it could be suicide. Plus you went to another possible scenario that the jury determined to conclude a homicide. I don't questioned you at all.

(Jimmy walks into the room)

Jimmy: Jury's back.

(In court)

Judge: The defendant will please rise. (Bobby and Katie stands up, Lindsay walks into the courtroom) Madam foreperson, the jury has reached an unanimous verdict?

Foreperson: We have, Your Honour.

Judge: What say you?

Foreperson: In the matter of Commonwealth of Massechusetts versus Katherine DeFoe on the charge of murder first degree,
(Bobby holds Katie's hand) we the jury find the defendant Katherine DeFoe, guilty.

(Everyone in the courtroom sound surprised. Mrs. Potter looks relieved)

Judge: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you are dismissed with the thanks of the court. We are adjourned.

(Katie starts to cry, and Bobby hugs her as Lindsay and Jimmy look at them)

Bobby: We'll appeal. We'll appeal. (Putting his hand on Katie's head) We'll appeal.

(The guard takes Katie away. Bobby turns around and sees Lindsay staring at him)

(In a restaurant)

Lindsay: (With tears in her eyes) Are you in love with her Bobby? I'm not accusing you of being unfaithful. I trust you completely, it's just that, sometimes people fall in love whether they want to or not.

Bobby: I'm not in love with her. Something about her that's... made me feel protective of her. And I'm devastated I lost. I'm in love with you. And only you.

Lindsay: Okay. (Leaves the restaurant. Bobby follows her)

(Just outside the restaurant)

Lindsay: Would you be upset if I said I didn't want you to handle her case?

Bobby: Would you be upset if I said I had to?

Lindsay: Yes.

Bobby: Okay then. I won't.

Lindsay: There's just something about her, Bobby, I just don't want you with her.

Bobby: And that's that then. I love you.

Lindsay: I love you too, but I don't feel like saying it tonight.

Bobby: Come on, let's go home.

(Mrs. Potter is walking on the streets, with a slight smile on her face)

The End

 



 

 


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