BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

TRIAL

Aired Episode

Transcript

ACT ONE

Opening Credits.

Scenes of NYC at night. Fade to Catherine’s apartment. Catherine sits at a table, her hands hovering over a yellow legal pad with notes started on State vs Richard Nolan. She reaches for photos of little boy who has been beaten. She looks at the photos with tear-filled eyes. There’s a tap at her window. She goes to open the French doors and steps out onto the balcony.

VINCENT

What is it, Catherine? What makes you so sad?

Catherine walks to the balcony wall.

CATHERINE

Sometimes I see things and I can't help but wonder if there's any hope left for any of us.

Vincent joins her at the balcony wall.

VINCENT

I have known that feeling.

CATHERINE

A father... who beats his child to death. What does that say about us?

Vincent takes pictures and walks slightly away.

CATHERINE

About our world and the way we treat each other?

Vincent puts his arms on the wall.

VINCENT

Evil exists. It's... real enough. But when it touches little children... it tells us that no one anywhere is safe.

Vincent turns and leans against the wall.

VINCENT

We have children living with us Below who have suffered more in their young years than anyone should be allowed in a hundred lifetimes.

CATHERINE

Where's the hope?

Vincent reaches for Catherine's hand.

VINCENT

Within you.

Vincent turns to face the city.

VINCENT

Within us. We must not let it die. We must protect it... for each other.

Scene fades to DA office building. Catherine and police officer pass through a doorway to the DA office.

POLICE OFFICER

She's inside with her lawyer

Catherine and officer work down hallway.

POLICE OFFICER

I'll be here, but I don't think you'll need me.

Mrs. Nolan and her lawyer are in the conference room as Catherine enters. Molly sits at the table. The lawyer stands and offers his hands to Catherine.

PETER RUNDLER

I'm Peter Rundler. Mrs. Nolan's lawyer.

CATHERINE (shakes his hand)

Catherine Chandler.

Catherine looks at Molly and walks to the table. She sets down her briefcase on it.

CATHERINE

Mrs. Nolan. You understand the DA's office is considering a grant of immunity for you to testify against your husband. Before I decide to recommend that course, I'll need to ask you a few questions.

PETER RUNDLER

My client doesn't want to answer any questions until she has immunity. She doesn't want to incriminate herself.

CATHERINE

Mr. Rundler, I already have your client's latest statements to the police. I'm only asking her to illuminate some points which are likely to be raised in court.

PETER RUNDLER

There are very sensitive issues with Mrs. Nolan.

MOLLY NOLAN

It was so quiet.

Catherine looks at lawyer then back at Molly.

MOLLY

That's how I knew it was bad. (sighs) Usually there was screaming or yelling.

Catherine pulls a chair our and sits next to Molly.

CATHERINE

Mrs. Nolan, in what condition was Jonathan when you found him?

MOLLY (shakes head slightly)

No... No.

CATHERINE

I'm sorry, Mrs. Nolan, but we're preparing a case for your husband's Grand Jury hearing. We need to know what your testimony will be.

Molly turns her head to look at Catherine and then turns away.

Scene fades to Joe's office.

JOE

Don't you get it? Prosecute her and we lose her testimony. Then all we have against Nolan is circumstantial.

CATHERINE

She is an accessory to her own child's murder. She should pay for that.

JOE

Maybe. Maybe she'll be paying for it for the rest of her life.

CATHERINE (scoffs)

This is not what I meant.

Joe rises then settles back in his chair.

JOE

Cathy, you're thinking with your heart.

CATHERINE (leans forward)

So will the Jury.

JOE

Look, I am not going to debate the ethics of granting Molly Nolan immunity because she is the key to this thing. That's what Moreno thinks, that's what I think and that's all there is to it.

CATHERINE (raises her arms in frustration and sits back)

How can you be so reductive, Joe? It's not that simple.

JOE

In a court of law and for our purposes, it is that simple. As simple as the fact that you and I both know Richard Nolan is guilty.

CATHERINE (sighs)

So... I'm just supposed to put aside my feelings?

JOE

If it interferes with your work? Absolutely. Tell me now, are you gonna work with me on this or not? Do you want me to get someone else?

CATHERINE (leans forward again)

I... wanna so this. I just... (sighs) It's hard for me to separate myself like that.

JOE (blows air softly)

I know.

Scene fades to tunnels. Vincent walks through various passageways. He stops and looks into a chamber where several children are sleeping. Vincent watches one young boy turning in his sleep.

Scene fades to Joe and Catherine entering the courthouse hallway. They are surrounded by reporters.

FIRST REPORTER

Did the Grand Jury indict? Is the case going to trial?

JOE

Yes, it is.

SECOND REPORTER

Is it true Mrs. Nolan lied to the police several times before blaming her husband?

Reporters follow Joe and Catherine down the hall, asking questions.

JOE

I'm afraid I can't comment on substantive details of the prosecution, gentlemen.

FIRST REPORTER

Why was Nolan the only one accused? What about his wife?

JOE

C'mon fellas, you know how it works. All I can tell you is that the Grand Jury found probable cause to believe that a felony was committed by the defendant. Richard Nolan will be tried by a Jury of his peers.

FIRST REPORTER

Isn't this a political ploy by the DA... grabbing after headlines by going after a Wall Street celebrity?

Joe turns to face the reporters in front of the elevators

JOE

The District Attorney works for the people. You, me and everyone else in this city. He believes Richard Nolan committed a crime against the people. If the man is guilty, we intend to make him pay. That's our job.

FIRST REPORTER

What about the culpability of his wife?

SECOND REPORTER

What about his alibi?

Reporters continue to fire questions as the elevator doors close. Joe sighs and turns toward Catherine.

CATHERINE (laughing)

Wow! Do I know you?

JOE (grins and laughs)

I don't know.

Scene fades to Catherine and Joe in Joe's office.

JOE (walking past Catherine to his desk)

So, what do you think about them letting cameras into the courtroom?

CATHERINE (sitting on couch)

The truth?

JOE (turns towards Catherine)

Yeah.

CATHERINE

I think it's intrusive, voyeuristic and completely unnecessary.

JOE

I'm sorry you feel that way.

Moreno opens the door and leans in.

MORENO

Can I bother you two a minute?

JOE

Sure, boss. Come on in.

Moreno closes the door behind him.

JOE

Why don't you have a seat?

MORENO

No. I'll just be a minute. (shakes Joe's hand) By the way, you did a great job with the Grand Jury.

JOE

Thanks.

MORENO (hands in pockets)

Uh, I just got word that, uh, Virginia Sheets is defending Nolan.

JOE (hands on desk)

From Boggs and McMillan?

CATHERINE

Who's Virginia Sheets?

JOE

One of McMillan's pitbull proteges. She's out of Yale. An incredible strings of wins.

CATHERINE (rolls eyes)

Oh.

MORENO

Yeah. Between Sheets and this whole media thing, this case is becoming very emotional. (sighs) This was a tough call for me.

Joe nods his head.

MORENO

Really a tough one. Uh, I've decided I want Catherine to head up the prosecution.

JOE (shocked)

What?

MORENO

Sorry, Joe.

CATHERINE

Sir, I... I'm very flattered, but... do you think that's such a good idea? (points to Joe) I mean... Joe has all the trial experience.

MORENO

I know that. He's been after me for months to give you more.

Moreno looks from Catherine to Joe.

MORENO

Look, you're gonna have to trust me on this. I've been in this game longer than both of you. It doesn't hurt matters at all that people still identify with Catherine Chandler.

CATHERINE

Because I was a victim?

MORENO

Well, maybe you don't like to see that exploited, but that is strong stuff to a jury and it may be the one advantage we need if we really want to put this guy away. (gestures) Which is the bottom line (points to Catherine) Anyway, we gotta speak.

Moreno leaves the office and closes the door.

CATHERINE

Joe, I'm... (sighs) I'm really sorry. I know how much you wanted this case.

JOE (his back to Catherine)

Hey, come on, Radcliffe. I'm a team player, but I gotta tell ya, I think Moreno's logic stinks.

CATHERINE

So do I.

JOE (turns toward Catherine)

I'm not blaming you. (grabs jacket) I'm just wondering what the hell I've been doing around here for the past seven years.

Joe storms out of the office.

CATHERINE (rising from couch)

Joe!

Scene fades to Vincent standing on the bridge in the Whispering Gallery. He listens to sounds of music and overlapping voices.

CHILD'S VOICE

Please... Daddy.

Crying in the distance.

CHILD'S VOICE (faintly)

Help me.

More crying from overhead and music.

CHILD'S VOICE (faintly)

Help me.

PASCAL (enters from doorway)

Vincent?

VINCENT (raises arm)

Here.

Pascal enters and Vincent pulls him to stand in front of him. There’s the sound of music.

PASCAL (glancing back at Vincent)

What is it?

VINCENT

Can't you hear it? A child crying. Listen.

Pascal shakes his head. Vincent scoffs and turns away.

VINCENT (turns back)

I must find this child.

PASCAL

I'm sorry, Vincent. No one knows where these voices come from.

VINCENT (looks around)

Where are you? (insistently) Where are you?

Fade to black.

ACT TWO

Scene opens to the outside of Catherine's apartment building. Fades to Catherine sitting at her vanity table, writing notes on a yellow legal pad. She gathers her notes together, clears her throat, pushes a strand of hair behind her ear and looks in the mirror.

CATHERINE

By his own admission, we know that Richard Nolan has... on a number of occasions, physically abused his wife, Molly. Ladies and gentlemen, the state will show that Mr. Nolan also abused his son, Jonathan.

Scene fade to courtroom. Catherine continues her opening statement. Catherine looks at defendant then starts walking toward the jury box.

CATHERINE

On Februrary the 6^th, Richard Nolan carried his pattern of abuse too far. On that night, he beat his 5-year-old son Jonathan, to death. What makes Mr. Nolan's crime so reprehensible... is that it was not just a single act of violence, but rather a sequence of acts.

Camera pans the jury as they listen to Catherine.

CATHERINE

All of which display a cold and complete disregard for human life. The sequence began (pacing in front of Jury) when Mr. Nolan savagely beat his son for interrupting a telephone conversation. The coroner will testify that just one of the many blows, was powerful enough to snap the child's neck.

Mr. Nolan then ordered his wife to call for help, only after he had left the apartment, to establish an alibi. She was expected to lie, to claim that the child had fallen. But when the police arrived, Molly Nolan was so distraught over the death of her son, that she couldn't keep the story straight. And when the police became suspicious, Mr. Nolan had no choice but to blame his wife.

Mr. Nolan expects you to set him free. (continues pacing) He expects you to recognize him as a man of prominence and respectability. A man who could never commit a crime like this. Ladies and gentlemen, the state will show that on February the 6th, Mr. Nolan brutally beat his five-year-old son to death, then coerced his wife into lying to the police... and then Mr. Nolan... met his daughter, Amy... for a pleasant dinner.

Catherine returns to the prosecution table and Virginia Sheets rises to make her opening statement.

VIRGINIA SHEETS

The great irony in this trial is that my client arrives here today after having spent the last five years of his life helping his desperately sick wife, Molly. Mrs. Nolan... is a highly unstable woman and an admitted alcoholic. Now... if there were any sense... in these proceedings, in my opinion? We wouldn't be trying Richard Nolan at all for this crime. But since Richard Nolan is the one on trial, we must consider the merits of the prosecution's case against him.

And our defense is very simple. Mr. Nolan cannot have committed this crime because he was not there when it happened (pacing in front of jury) He was with his teenage daughter from a previous marriage, Amy Nolan, as she will testify. Look at the facts, and the facts will indicate:

 (leaning on jury box) Mr. Nolan is an innocent man.

Scene fades to Joe sitting at a bar paying for a drink. A TV plays in the background.

TV ANNOUNCER

Now we join our Live at Five news team with the latest on the Nolan case.

Joe turns to look at the TV. Catherine walks down a hallway followed by clamoring reporters and camera crews.

REPORTER

So, how do you think Mr. Nolan is taking the pressure? You think you have him on the run?

CATHERINE

Nobody is chasing Mr. Nolan. All we're after is the truth here. (stops) And another thing, it would be nice if you people would stop treating this case like a celebrity divorce.

Joe smiles to himself as he watches.

CATHERINE (continues)

This trial is not about Wall Street or high society. It is about the victims...

Scene changes to night and a window with Catherine on TV still talking to reporters. Vincent sits in an alley watching.

CATHERINE

The victims of a crime too many of us pretend isn't there.

REPORTER'S VOICES (all clamoring questions)

Is there a chance Mr. Nolan could get a retrial? What message is that sending to the city? Miss Chandler. Is Mr. Nolan testifying? What about the security guard? Miss Chandler.

Scene fades to daylight over the city then switches to the courtroom.

CORONER

Well, in addition, he had numerous contusions on his face and chest as well as a cut on his scalp, above the temple.

CATHERINE (standing next to the witness stand)

And the cause of death?

CORONER

Fractured spinal column.

CATHERINE

It would take a great deal of force to break a bone like that, wouldn't it, doctor?

CORONER (nods)

Oh, yes.

CATHERINE

Would a woman... of my size and strength, let's say... have trouble doing it?

CORONER

In my opinion... it would be very difficult, yes.

VIRGINIA SHEETS (sitting at defense table)

Be honest with me, doctor. There is no way that you can estimate with certainty whether one individual can or cannot inflict a certain degree of bodily injury to another. Am I right?

CORONER

Oh, in many cases, one could possibly say...

VIRGINIA SHEETS (stands up)

But in this case... can you determine such a thing with any certainty?

CORONER

Well... not with absolute certainty.

VIRGINIA SHEETS

No further questions.

Virginia Sheets returns to the defense table and sits. Catherine questions another witness.

CATHERINE

When Mrs. Nolan showed you her son, was he still alive?

OFFICER ALBURG

Not as far as I could tell. I couldn't find a pulse.

CATHERINE

And what did you do?

OFFICER ALBURG

I... gave him CPR. It was no good. I.. decided to wait... for the ambulance guys.

CATHERINE

And this is when you questioned Mrs. Nolan?

OFFICER ALBURG

Right.

CATHERINE

Officer Alburg, you have stated that it was when you questioned Mrs. Nolan, that you first became suspicious of her husband. Was he there at the time?

OFFICER ALBURG

Not in the beginning.

CATHERINE

Then why did you become suspicious?

OFFICER ALBURG

Well, all I did was ask her where he was and she got all crazy.

CATHERINE

What did she say?

OFFICER ALBURG

First, she said she didn't know where he was. Then she said he'd be back soon. Then she got all confused, and finally she said I should just ask him what happened.

VIRGINIA SHEETS (standing near witness stand)

You said you found it suspicious when Mr Nolan reacted calmly when he found out about his son's death?

OFFICER ALBURG

It didn't seem to come as a surprise to him.

VIRGINIA SHEETS

If you were responsible for your child's death, officer, would you be calm? Or... would you perhaps more likely, be upset... like Mrs. Nolan?

CATHERINE (rising to her feet)

Objection. Hypothetical. The witness is not an expert.

JUDGE SWENSON

Sustained.

VIRGINIA SHEETS (sighs)

Withdraw the question.

Catherine returns to her seat.

Scene fades to Catherine and Mrs. Nolan in a conference room.

CATHERINE

Mrs. Nolan, I understand it's...

MOLLY NOLAN (arms crossed in front of her; she looks utterly defeated)

I... I don't think I can stand it. (sighs) Talking about it.

CATHERINE

I know, but we have to get these details clear in your mind. Tomorrow your husband's attorneys will do everything they can to make you contradict yourself.

MOLLY NOLAN

Do I have to go up there? There's no other way?

CATHERINE (shakes head)

I'm afraid not. Their best defense is to make you appear guilty.

MOLLY NOLAN

Make me appear guilty, hmm? (Leans forward, slides her hands across the table beside the paper cup that sits on it. She looks at Catherine) What if I am guilty?

Catherine looks away, Molly laughs softly.

MOLLY NOLAN

You're just like everybody else.

Catherine turns back to look at Molly.

MOLLY NOLAN

You think I should be up on the stand there with him.

CATHERINE (shakes head)

No. No, of course not.

MOLLY NOLAN

I should just get used to it. Nobody will ever understand.

CATHERINE

Molly... I want to understand.

MOLLY NOLAN

You know how he did it? He told me he loved me. When he hit me, he used to tell me that it was for my own good, and he did it because he loved me. (sighs) Just to hear him say it was worth the pain. (shrugs) So I let him. And it kept getting worse, and I... (shrugs and shakes her head) kept letting him.

CATHERINE

You never fought back?

MOLLY NOLAN (shakes head)

I couldn't.

CATHERINE

You never... thought you deserved better?

MOLLY (shakily)

No. (voice breaking) Oh my...

Molly starts to sob and puts her head in her hands on the table.

CATHERINE

You do, Molly.

Molly raises her head and looks at Catherine.

MOLLY NOLAN

Oh, I don't think so. (sobs and looks at Catherine) I don't think so, Cathy.

CATHERINE

It wasn't you. You didn't hurt him. You never touched him.

MOLLY NOLAN

I didn't help him. I didn't help him.

CATHERINE

You were afraid for your life. Everyone knows that.

MOLLY NOLAN

Do they?

CATHERINE

They will. I promise. Molly, make your husband pay for what he did. You can do that tomorrow when you speak in court.

MOLLY NOLAN (sniffles ,sighs, nods)

I'll try.

CATHERINE

Okay. Let's get back to what happened when the police...

MOLLY NOLAN

Thank you, Cathy. Thank you.

Catherine nods.

Scene fades to street level. Vincent walks down a dark street. There’s a moaning sound. He sees what looks like a child lying in an alley. A car pulls into the street. Vincent ducks behind some boxes and furniture piled on the sidewalk. The car drives by and Vincent sees a pile of clothing but no child.

CHILD'S VOICE

Help me...

Vincent walks toward a storefront window. He hears the voice again. Is that a child in the window?

CHILD'S VOICE

Help me...

Vincent looks again and now sees a large doll or child mannequin lying in the window.

CHILD'S VOICE

Help me...

Vincent turns and sees the child's face in second story window.

CHILD'S VOICE

Help me...

Vincent runs into the building. He reaches the window but child isn’t there.

CHILD'S VOICE

Help me...

Vincent sees the child at street level now, standing. He runs back down to the street and sees the child's shadow in an upper floor window.

CHILD'S VOICE

Help me...

Vincent sees child standing in doorway. Hears voice again.

CHILD'S VOICE

Help me...

Vincent turns and sees the same child behind him in a doorway.

CHILD'S VOICE

Help me...

Vincent hears the voice from above him. He sees the child standing on a fire escape.

CHILD'S VOICE

Help me...

Vincent looks all around him as the voice continues. The child is missing from all the places now.

CHILD'S VOICE

Help me... Help me... Help me... Help me... Help me... Help me...

Vincent growls and roars in frustration then wakes in his chamber and realizes it was a dream.

Fade to black

ACT THREE

Scene fades to the courthouse.

CATHERINE

Mrs. Nolan, when you and your husband were first taken into custody (scene switches to courtroom) you told the police that your husband had been away from the apartment when your son sustained injuries in a fall. Was this true?

Molly drops her gaze and shakes her head.

JUDGE SWENSON

Mrs. Nolan, I have to ask you to speak up. What is your answer?

MOLLY NOLAN (softly)

No. (clears throat then answers in a louder voice) No.

Joe quietly enters the courtroom and finds a seat in back of room.

CATHERINE

Why would you lie to the police like this, Molly?

MOLLY NOLAN

I’d already lost my son, Jonathan, and I was afraid of losing Richard too.

Molly looks at Richard Nolan who is staring intently at her.

CATHERINE

You loved your husband, and you wanted to protect him.

MOLLY NOLAN (nods)

Yes.

CATHERINE

Was there another reason?

MOLLY NOLAN

Yes.

CATHERINE

And what was that?

MOLLY NOLAN

He told me that...

Catherine moves in front of Molly to block Richard's line of sight to Molly.

CATHERINE

He told you what, Molly?

MOLLY NOLAN

He told me... that... (bows her head and whimpers)

CATHERINE

Molly, you said that the first story was a lie, but later you went on to tell the truth. You did the right thing. Tell us the truth now.

MOLLY NOLAN (crying)

I can't.

CATHERINE

Did your husband hit Jonathan that night?

Molly sniffles but doesn't answer.

CATHERINE

Did he?

VIRGINIA SHEETS

Your honor, she's harassing her own witness.

JUDGE SWENSON

Mrs. Nolan, do you intend to answer the question?

MOLLY NOLAN (shakes head)

I can't. I can't.

Joe raises his eyes to the ceiling, disappointment on his face.

JUDGE SWENSON

If you don't answer the question, I'll have to ask you to step down.

CATHERINE

Answer the question, Molly. Answer for Jonathan.

Molly glances over at her husband and still refuses to answer.

JUDGE SWENSON

I'm sorry. The witness will have to step down.

Molly silently leaves witness stand. Catherine tries to compose herself.

VIRGINIA SHEETS

Your honor, her testimony must be disallowed. I can't cross-examine if she can't speak.

Catherine whirls around, an angry tone in her voice.

CATHERINE

She can speak. She won't speak. For the same reason she kept quiet the night her son was killed.

 (pointing at Mr. Nolan) because she is scared to death of him!

VIRGINIA SHEETS (rising)

Your honor...

JUDGE SWENSON

Miss Chandler, another word and you'll be in contempt.

VIRGINIA SHEETS

Your honor, if the witness won't testify, I move that this case be dismissed on the grounds of insufficient evidence.

JUDGE SWENSON

Miss Chandler? I have to rule on this. Do you have other witnesses to call?

Catherine composes herself and steps before the judge's bench.

CATHERINE

Under the circumstances, I move that my witness be allowed to testify on videotape. There have been other precedents in abuse cases where the victims were allowed–

VIRGINIA SHEETS

Those precedents were for testimony by children only. They don't apply here. My client deserves the right to face his accuser.

JUDGE SWENSON

I'm sorry, Miss Chandler. Your motion is denied.

CATHERINE

Well then... I'll need a... I... I would like to request a continuance.

JUDGE SWENSON

Does defense counsel have any objections?

VIRGINIA SHEETS

My client deserves the right to a speedy trial.

JUDGE SWENSON

Motion for dismissal is denied. A continuation is granted for twenty-four hours.

Catherine nods and returns to the prosecution table as the judge bangs his gavel.

Scene fades to Catherine exiting the elevator in her apartment building. Sees New York Day paper in front of another doorway with headline: 'DA SUCKER FOR A PRETTY FACE' with a photo of Catherine after her face was slashed. She picks it up. Byline: 'SYMPATHY PLOY BACKFIRES. CHANDLER FUMBLES CASE'. Catherine throws the paper down and heads to her apartment.

Scene switches to Catherine exiting her kitchen carrying a dinner plate and heads for the couch in front of the TV. TV news is playing on the screen.

TV ANNOUNCER

The city council is still at a standstill on the Battery Park low income housing development. Also coming up on the news at ten, a setback for the prosecution in the Nolan case as DA's prosecutor Catherine Chandler loses control of her star witness on the stand. We'll have more after this.

Catherine picks up the remote and changes the channel.

VIRGINIA SHEETS (on TV)

No, I think Miss Chandler is doing a fine job. If the prosecution's having problems, it says more about the strength of their case than the strength of their legal help.

REPORTER'S VOICE

Will the continuance...

Catherine turns off the TV. Vincent's shadow appears and he taps on the window. Catherine gets up goes out on balcony, sighs and throws her harms around Vincent who embraces her back

CATHERINE

I'm glad to see you.

VINCENT (still hugging Catherine)

Tell me.

Catherine sighs again, releases Vincent and steps away.

CATHERINE

It's not going well.

VINCENT (slightly confused)

But the Helpers bring glowing reports...

CATHERINE (crosses arms)

No, not anymore. We've had a setback.

VINCENT

What happened?

CATHERINE

I underestimated the power of the man we're prosecuting. I underestimated his control. He sits in that courtroom with the best defense lawyers money can buy, listening to the atrocities that he's committed with cold, dead eyes. He's making a mockery of this trial and of a child's death, and I can't do anything.

VINCENT

You must continue fighting.

CATHERINE

I know.

VINCENT

Even if there is nothing you can do, you must do it for the child, for his memory. And for all of us who refuse to accept that child's death alone... in a room. That child's suffering must not be forgotten.

CATHERINE

It won't, Vincent.

VINCENT (vehemently)

It must not be forgotten! (sighs, continues in normal tone) Because that child stands in silent judgment of us all.

Vincent sighs as he stands at the balcony wall. Catherine looks at him.

Scene fades to darkened District Attorney's office. Catherine in the law library, jots notes from a book. Someone approaches in the background. Catherine pours a thermos cup of coffee.

JOE'S VOICE

Got enough there for two?

CATHERINE (jumps slightly, sighs)

You scared me.

JOE (walking up behind her)

Sorry. (pause) I really am sorry, Cathy.

CATHERINE (slightly sarcastic)

If you're here to offer your help, I think it's a little late.

JOE

You don't need my help. You never did.

CATHERINE (scoffing)

Now you're being sarcastic.

JOE

I've been watching you, kiddo. Every move. I've been like every other New Yorker these past few weeks– glued to the tube. I gotta tell ya, I've never felt so proud.

CATHERINE

Thank you, Joe. I never expected that.

Joe sits next to Catherine.

JOE

So, tomorrow's the big day. What's the new game plan?

CATHERINE

The daughter. Amy Nolan.

JOE

Sounds good to me. Go after the credibility of Nolan's alibi.

Catherine hands Joe a thick folder.

JOE

What's this?

Joe starts looking through the file and realizes what he's looking at, then looks at Catherine.

CATHERINE

I'm not sure the judge will allow it.

JOE (looks at Catherine)

You gotta use this.

CATHERINE (reluctantly)

Yeah, I guess so.

JOE

Cathy, the verdict is gonna ride as much on emotions as facts. When the dust settles, you'll realize you did Amy Nolan the greatest favor of her life.

Catherine looks at Joe silently.

Scene fades to courtroom.

VIRGINIA SHEETS

So, just to clarify the facts one last time. You were with your father constantly between the hours of seven-thirty and nine pm on the evening of February the 6th?

AMY NOLAN

Yes.

VIRGINIA SHEETS

And at no time did he leave your company for more than a few minutes. Is that right?

AMY NOLAN

Yes.

VIRGINIA SHEETS

Thank you, Amy. I have nothing more, your honor. The defense... rests.

JUDGE SWENSON

Miss Chandler, your witness.

Ms. Sheets returns to her seat as Catherine rises and approaches the witness stand. Joe is sitting at the prosecution table.

CATHERINE

Thank you, your honor.

CATHERINE

Hello, Amy. My name is Catherine Chandler and... ,y job is to find the truth. I just want you to know that whatever happens, I don't mean to hurt you.

Catherine paces back towards the table and turns.

CATHERINE

On the evening of February sixth, your father took you out for dinner. Is this correct?

AMY NOLAN

Yes.

CATHERINE

What restaurant did your father take you to that night, Amy?

AMY NOLAN

A little Thai place near my apartment.

CATHERINE

Do you go there often?

AMY NOLAN (shrugs)

I guess.

CATHERINE

So... you would say it's one of your favorites?

AMY NOLAN

Sure.

CATHERINE

How nice that your father remembers some of your favorite things. So you would say you and your father are very close?

AMY NOLAN

Yes.

CATHERINE

Did you know your father physically abused your step-mother?

VIRGINIA SHEETS (rising)

Objection, your honor. She's harassing the witness for irrelevent information.

CATHERINE

Your honor, I am trying to establish the credibility of the most important witness in this trial.

JUDGE SWENSON

Objection overruled. The witness may answer the question.

Amy looks at the judge then back down at her hands then looks at Catherine.

AMY NOLAN

No. I didn't know.

CATHERINE

Do you know if your father was physically abusive to your step-brother, Jonathan?

AMY NOLAN

No.

CATHERINE

Do you think this kind of physical abuse is wrong, Amy?

AMY NOLAN

I don't know. I guess so.

CATHERINE

Did your father ever abuse you?

AMY NOLAN

No.

Catherine walks to the prosecution table and picks up the thick folder.

CATHERINE

Amy, I have here your medical records for the past several years.

VIRGINIA SHEETS (rising)

Objection. Irrelevant.

JUDGE SWENSON

Overruled.

CATHERINE

Two years ago you were treated for a fractured wrist. Do you remember how that happened, Amy?

AMY NOLAN (slightly hesitant)

I'm not sure.

CATHERINE

It says here that you tripped and fell. Is that what happened?

AMY NOLAN

I guess.

CATHERINE

And one month later, you were at the hospital again. This time you needed stitches in your ear. Do you remember how this happened?

AMY NOLAN (hesitates)

I... I think I fell down again.

CATHERINE

Are you certain? Is that how you recall it?

AMY NOLAN

I'm not positive.

CATHERINE

These are serious accidents, Amy. Don't you think it's strange that you don't remember how they happened?

AMY NOLAN

I remember.

CATHERINE

Well then... Can you explain these injuries to us?

AMY NOLAN (glances at her father)

No, I can't.

CATHERINE

The file goes on and on. Would you like me to read it to the court? What about... this fractured rib? And this infected bruise over your right eye? And this broken finger? Can you explain these injuries?

AMY NOLAN (chokes up; she is clearly in pain)

No.

CATHERINE

Amy, your father did these things to you, didn't he?

AMY NOLAN (cries)

Yes.

CATHERINE

And you also knew that he beat Molly and your brother, Jonathan. Isn't that true?

Amy nods.

JUDGE SWENSON

We have to hear your answer, young lady.

AMY NOLAN (sobbing)

Yes.

CATHERINE

Isn't that why you testified that you were with your father at seven-thirty that night? Because you were afraid that he would hurt you if you didn't?

AMY NOLAN

No.

CATHERINE

Amy, are you saying that he was with you that night?

AMY NOLAN (sniffles)

Yes.

CATHERINE

Your step-brother Jonathan is dead. (slams the file down on the edge of the witness stand) Are you certain that this is your answer?

Amy looks at her father then at the jury.

AMY NOLAN

Yes.

CATHERINE

No more questions, your honor.

JUDGE SWENSON

You may step down.

Amy leaves the stand and walks behind Catherine.

Fade to black.

ACT FOUR

Scene opens on Jury with Virginia Sheets giving closing arguments first.

VIRGINIA SHEETS

This case is as simple as the facts presented in this courtroom: Mr. Nolan was not present at the scene of the crime, so he must be innocent. Even if you doubt the testimony that places him elsewhere, you must remember that the prosecution has given no conclusive evidence to incriminate him. No means, no motive, and most important, no witness to the crime.

But since the issue has been raised, and I'm sure it will be present in your minds when you deliberate, let me address the issue of Richard Nolan's humanity. It is true that Mr. Nolan has abused members of his family. And frankly, knowing that he is a man of education and great accomplishment, we must wonder why. The answer is, like so many in our society who abuse others, Richard Nolan was as a child abused himself. It's... a tragic reality that people who are abused often become abusers themselves.

Whether this is because they retain some vestige of aggression that needs to be vented, or simply that they become conditioned to communicating with violence, we don't know. All we know is that these victims become like... carriers of a deadly disease. But ladies and gentlemen my client did not kill his son. Whatever else you may think of Richard Nolan, you be sure when you deliberate this charge. You remember. There is far more than a shadow of a doubt that he was even present.

Spectators murmur after she finishes.

VIRGINIA SHEETS

Thank you.

Ms. Sheets returns to the defense table. Catherine gets up to give her closing arguments.

CATHERINE

You've just heard that Richard Nolan is a man suffering from a disease. He passed that disease to his wife, we're told. She passed it to their son, and the boy died from it. Very simple. And the name that's been given this disease is abuse. Well... I will agree that there is a disease here, and I'll agree that Richard Nolan suffers from it. But I won't agree that it's contagious, and I won't agree that it's fatal, and I won't even agree to its name.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to tell you about a place. It's a special place I know, where this disease does not exist. It is a place that many people go to when they've been in pain, when they've been abused. So the disease does come there, but it never stays. It is in our hearts, in that room where hatred and cruelty do not belong.

I have told you that Richard Nolan's disease needed a different name. The name that I would give it is heartlessness. Only a man with an empty heart could brutalize and terrorize the ones that loved him. I believe that Richard Nolan has no heart.

And I believe that the proof of that is on Molly Nolan's lonely face. And we also know why that woman could never have hurt her child. She sat on that stand, when all of us knew what Richard Nolan had done to her, and still she could not speak against him. Because she knew that to do so would bring pain to someone that she loved. Molly Nolan has a heart.

 (Catherine sighs.)

I am asking you to go to that place in your hearts to find justice for a brutally murdered little boy. That place is where the truth lives. That place is where each of us carries the cure to this terrible disease. (sighs)

Catherine looks at each member of the jury, then returns to the prosecution table where Joe is waiting.

Scene switches to the jury returning to the courtroom after deliberating the case.

JUDGE SWENSON

Have you reached a verdict?

JURY FOREMAN (rising)

Yes, we have, your honor.

The bailiff takes the paper from the jury foreman and and hands it to the judge. The judge reads it. He returns it to the bailiff who returns it to the foreman.

JURY FOREMAN

We find the defendant guilty of murder in the second degree.

Catherine sits up very straight when the verdict is read, both hands to her mouth. Catherine and Joe look at each other, pleased and relieved. They take one another’s hands. The crowd murmurs in the courtroom. Nolan blinks and brings his fist to his mouth.

Scene switches to the hallway outside the courtroom where many reporters wait with cameras and microphones.

CATHERINE

Let me just make a brief statement. We are very happy that justice was done in this courtroom today. A guilty man will pay for his crime. But... justice will not be served in thousands of other places in this city, until we all confront the fact of a crime that happens everywhere, and every day. It's not just my job to stop it. It's our job.

Joe pushes his way through the reporters with Catherine.

JOE

Excuse us. Excuse us.

Scene fades to Vincent standing on the bridge in the Whispering Gallery. Catherine enters from a passageway.

CATHERINE (walking toward Vincent)

It's over. We won.

VINCENT

Good.

CATHERINE

It's a beginning. (looks around) Where are the voices? It's all so quiet.

VINCENT

Sometimes when the wind shifts, the voices, the echoes are lost.

CATHERINE (looking at Vincent)

Are you sad, Vincent?

VINCENT

More than once I've heard a child's voice crying out. There was no way I could reach it, no way I could even find it. All I could do was stand here and listen to it cry, and wonder... how can we begin to love life? How can we accept its gifts? How can we forget even for a moment, when children suffer the way they do? (sighs)

CATHERINE

We can only start with ourselves, I guess, with our own lives. To try to touch... the ones that cross our paths. That's what you did for me... the night you found me. It's everything you've given me from that moment on. We won today... because we had the truth... and it touched people. People recognize it in their hearts. It can't be denied... and there is a great power in that. So we keep fighting.

VINCENT

Yes, we keep fighting.

Vincent pulls Catherine to him, her back to his chest, and puts his arm around her neck. She reaches up to hold his arm and kisses his hand.

Fade to black.

End credits