"RECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES"

 

                           by

 

                     Charles Deemer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     3550 SW Pomona St.

                                     Portland, OR 97219-7518

                                     (800) 294-7176

                                     cdeemer@yahoo.com


 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

 

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY

 

A plate glass office door reads:

 

"Knox and Atkinson Law Offices."

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - DAY

 

An arrangement of cubicles and offices in a busy law firm.

 

Moving through the office with a cart is a MAIL CLERK, teens.

He drops off mail to busy LAWYERS at their computers.

 

He comes to a CONFERENCE ROOM. The closed door has a small

window. Looking in, he sees a man and woman who are clearly

in an argument.

 

They gesture and wave their arms at one another, both

talking (inaudibly) at once. They are QUINN and KATE FENDER,

late 20s.

 

At the table between them sits their client (Cobb) with his

head in his hands.

 

The clerk's expression reads, "Here we go again." He pushes

the cart on.

 

A SECRETARY (Nancy) approaches.

 

                         NANCY

             Have you seen Quinn?

 

                         MAIL CLERK

             In the conference room. The

             Fenders are doing their thing.

 

                         NANCY

             Oh, no.

 

                         MAIL CLERK

                  (an old joke)

             "Fenders for the defense."

 

Grinning, the mail clerk moves on.

 

The secretary goes to the conference room and looks in. The

Fenders are still at it.

 

A LAWYER joins her.


                                                            2.

 

 

                         NANCY

             This can wait till later.

 

She moves off. The lawyer, with a last look, shakes his head.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

 

Quinn and Kate are finally silent. They glare at one another.

 

The client is ANTHONY COBB, 50s, who reeks wealth.

 

                         COBB

             How the hell do I know what to do

             if my lawyers can't even agree?

 

                         KATE

             We'll flip a coin.

 

                         QUINN

             Which is a 50-50 recipe to disaster.

 

She already has a coin out. She flips it, catches it, covers

it.

 

                         KATE

             Your call.

 

                         QUINN

             If we put him on, Jackson will

             eat him alive in cross.

 

                         KATE

             And we've already lost if we

             don't. Heads or tails.

 

                         QUINN

             There's always more than one way

             to cook a goose.

 

                         KATE

             Heads or tails.

 

Quinn looks at Cobb.

 

                         COBB

             Do it. I need closure here.

 

                         QUINN

             Heads.

 

Kate reveals the coin. Tails. She smiles.


                                                            3.

 

 

                         KATE

                  (to Cobb)

             You testify.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

Cobb on the stand. Kate is questioning him.

 

A JUDGE overlooks. A pretty court reporter, MICHELLE, 20s,

sits at a stenotype machine.

 

At one table, Quinn and Cobb. At the other, JACKSON, 40s,

looking cocky, with an ASSISTANT.

 

                         KATE

             Finally, Mr. Cobb, did you

             embezzle three hundred thousand

             dollars by transferring funds

             from the corporate retirement

             account to your own personal

             account in the Bank of Switzerland?

 

                         COBB

             I absolutely did not.

 

                         KATE

             Thank you.

 

                         JUDGE

             Defense will cross-examine after

             lunch.

 

He bangs his gavel.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Quinn, Kate and Cobb move down the hallway together.

 

                         KATE

             I'll see you at one.

 

                         COBB

             You're not eating?

 

                         KATE

             I have an errand to run.

 

She moves off.

 

                         COBB

             How'd I do?


                                                            4.

 

 

                         QUINN

             You were fine. The hard part will

             be facing Jackson.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - CAFETERIA - DAY

 

Quinn and Cobb at a table over lunch. Michelle comes by.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Hi, Quinn.

 

                         QUINN

             Michelle.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Where's Kate?

 

Quinn shrugs.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Well, good luck this afternoon.

 

She smiles flirtatiously at him before moving on.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - PHONE BOOTH - DAY

 

Kate on the phone.

 

 

INT. ARTIST'S STUDIO - DAY

 

On the other phone is CINNAMON MCAFFERY, 40s, in paint-

splattered work clothes. Nothing feminine about her.

 

Her painting in progress is a bright and busy abstract.

 

INTERCUT

 

                         KATE

             I need to find a new firm.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Haven't I been telling you that?

 

                         KATE

             Dad would kill me if I left. I

             just don't know how to get Quinn

             to leave.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I don't know what to tell you,

             Kate, that I haven't already said.


                                                            5.

 

 

                         KATE

             I know. I miss you.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I miss you, too. When can you get

             free?

 

                         KATE

             Probably not till the verdict's in.

 

                         CINNAMON

             And I thought I worked too hard.

 

                         KATE

             You're an artist. You have a

             calling. I'm here because daddy

             didn't have a son and sent me to

             law school instead.

 

                         CINNAMON

             There should be a law against

             working for your parent.

 

                         KATE

             Tell me about it. I have to run.

             I just wanted to hear your voice.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I'm available whenever you are.

 

                         KATE

             I know. You're my rock, Cin. I'll

             call you tonight. I should know

             more about my schedule.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - COURTROOM - DAY

 

Cobb back on the stand. He's sweating.

 

Jackson closing in for the kill, leering at him.

 

                         JACKSON

             So the Swiss account with your

             social security number and your

             name was opened to hide your

             gambling winnings, and yet all

             this money from your place of

             employment magically disappeared

             on the very same day your

             clandestine account just as

             magically received--

 

Quinn to his feet.


                                                            6.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Objection! I--

 

                         JUDGE

             Overruled.

 

Jackson smiles at Quinn. Quinn glares back. Then he turns to

glare at Kate, who looks away.

 

                         JACKSON

             Mr. Cobb, enlighten us. Tell us

             how you won almost a third of a

             million dollars. Was it at Black

             Jack? The slots in Reno? The

             office Super Bowl pool?

 

Laughter from the audience. The judge bangs his gavel.

 

LATER

 

Tense moment as the jury files in.

 

Quinn looks at Kate, who stares down at the table. Cobb

fidgets.

 

LATER

 

                         JUDGE

             Please read the verdict.

 

                         JURY FOREMAN

             We find the defendant guilty.

 

At the defense table, Cobb swears under his breath. Kate

quickly gathers her things and leaves.

 

Quinn turns to Cobb, looking apologetic.

 

 

INT. COURT HOUSE - PHONE BOOTH - DAY

 

Kate on the phone.

 

                         KATE

             I hope you get this message. I'm

             on my way to get a room at the

             Hilton. I need you tonight. I'll

             wait till nine.

 

 

EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

 

Quinn enters a restaurant.


                                                            7.

 

 

INT. RESTAURANT - BAR - NIGHT

 

Quinn looks around the bar, finds ADAM, 20s, and other

LAWYERS at a table, including SALLY, 30s. He joins them.

 

                         ADAM

             Here's a guy who really needs a

             drink.

 

                         QUINN

             Many, many drinks.

 

                         SALLY

             Why on earth did you put him on

             the stand?

 

Quinn's expression says it all.

 

                         ADAM

             You and Kate have to change this

             dance you do.

 

                         QUINN

             Have you seen Barry since the

             verdict?

 

                         ADAM

             Yes. Better me than you. I'd

             prepare for the worst.

 

                         QUINN

             It was her goddamn idea, not mine.

 

                         SALLY

             But you're not the apple of his eye.

 

LATER

 

Quinn and Adam have left the noisy table for privacy at the

bar. They're both a little drunk.

 

                         ADAM

             You trust me, right?

 

                         QUINN

             Damn right. Do you have to ask?

 

                         ADAM

             So if I say something personal

             that you're not going to like,

             you know I'm only saying it for

             your own good. Right?


                                                            8.

 

 

                         QUINN

             What? You going to tell me I have

             bad breath?

 

                         ADAM

             Worse.

 

                         QUINN

             Fire away.

 

                         ADAM

             It's about Kate.

 

This gets Quinn's attention. He waits for more but it isn't

coming.

 

A light bulb.

 

                         QUINN

             No.

 

                         ADAM

             Yes.

 

                         QUINN

             Who is he?

 

                         ADAM

             She's not a he.

 

                         QUINN

             Who isn't a he?

 

                         ADAM

             Kate's lover.

 

Quinn looks like he's waiting for a punch line.

 

                         QUINN

             You're telling me Kate is a lesbian?

 

                         ADAM

             Switch hitter, I guess is the

             more accurate term.

 

Quinn studies him. Then breaks into laughter.

 

                         ADAM

             Well, I guess there are worst

             ways to take it.

 

Quinn has trouble speaking, he's laughing so hard.


                                                            9.

 

 

                         QUINN

             You're telling me ... Kate ...

             Homecoming Princess Kate ... Miss

             Whatever Dairy It Was of 1995 ...

             is butch?

 

And more laughter.

 

 

INT. HILTON HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Kate in the room. Waiting, nervous.

 

A knock on the door. She rushes to it.

 

It's Cinnamon. They fall into one another's arms.

 

 

EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

 

Adam with Quinn, who is the drunker of the two.

 

                         QUINN

             Where's the cab?

 

                         ADAM

             Right here, buddy.

 

The cab pulls up.

 

                         QUINN

             What about my car?

 

                         ADAM

             You can get it in the morning.

 

He opens the door for Quinn.

 

                         QUINN

             I want to go to a lesbian bar!

 

He stumbles into the back seat.

 

 

EXT. HILTON HOTEL - DAY

 

Early morning.

 

Kate and Cinnamon come out of the hotel. They embrace, kiss,

and move off in opposite directions.


                                                           10.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - DAY

 

Early morning.

 

The Fender home is in an upper middle class neighborhood.

Doctors, lawyers and fire chiefs.

 

A car cruises by, a newspaper flying out and onto the Fender

driveway.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BEDROOM - DAY

 

Quinn sprawled on the King-sized bed in his underwear.

 

The alarm goes off.

 

Quinn slaps it silent. He leans up and stares at Kate's

empty place beside him.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BATHROOM - DAY

 

Quinn scrubbing his tongue with a toothbrush.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Quinn on the phone.

 

                         QUINN

             This is Quinn. Is Kate there?...I

             thought she may have come in

             early. Thanks.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - HOME OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn on the computer. He's looking at their banking records.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - DRIVEWAY - DAY

 

A sports car pulls into the driveway. Kate gets out.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - FOYER - DAY

 

Kate enters. She stops and takes a deep breath before moving

on.


                                                           11.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - HOME OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn still at the computer.

 

Kate enters the doorway.

 

                         KATE

             What are you doing?

 

                         QUINN

             I was about to ask you the same

             thing.

 

                         KATE

             Before you start, considering the

             circumstances, I thought it best

             to spend the night in a hotel.

 

                         QUINN

             The Hilton, I assume. It seems to

             be your favorite.

 

She quickly comes forward.

 

                         KATE

             Are you snooping in my account?

 

                         QUINN

             Our account.

 

                         KATE

             I don't have energy to do this

             now. I need a shower, and I need

             some sleep.

 

                         QUINN

             Rough night?

 

Kate resists an urge to reply and departs.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn enters his office. His secretary, NANCY, is waiting

for him.

 

                         NANCY

             Mr. Knox wants to see you.

 

                         QUINN

             Tell him I--

 

                         NANCY

             As soon as you get in.


                                                           12.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn knocks on the door frame.

 

Behind a huge desk sits KNOX, 50s, the image of power.

 

                         KNOX

             Quinn, come in. Sit down.

 

                         QUINN

             It wasn't my idea. We flipped a

             coin, and I lost.

 

                         KNOX

             You flipped a coin?

 

                         QUINN

             We couldn't reach an agreement.

 

                         KNOX

             You don't have to be in the top

             ten percent of your law school

             class to know it's disastrous to

             put a crook like Cobb on the stand.

 

                         QUINN

             I tried to tell Kate that.

 

                         KNOX

             It's because she's my daughter,

             isn't it? You're afraid to take

             charge.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't think it's that. She can

             be too stubborn for her own good.

 

                         KNOX

             I don't have to tell you how much

             I hate losing cases.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't know what to tell you,

             sir. I did my best.

 

                         KNOX

             Which wasn't enough. I assume you

             wear the pants at home. The

             office is no different. Sometimes

             Kate needs to be reminded who's

             boss.

 

                         QUINN

             Yes, sir.


                                                           13.

 

 

                         KNOX

             I don't want this to happen again.

             In fact, I don't think you two

             should work together again.

 

                         QUINN

             I think that's an excellent idea.

 

                         KNOX

             Next time you want a female

             second, consider Sally.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn at his computer. Adam peeks in.

 

                         ADAM

             Still got a job?

 

                         QUINN

             Far as I know.

 

                         ADAM

             Good.

 

He starts away.

 

                         QUINN

             Adam. Come in and close the door.

 

LATER

 

Quinn and Adam sitting close, speaking quietly.

 

                         ADAM

             Did you find out who it is?

 

                         QUINN

             No. But I plan to.

 

                         ADAM

             It must be worse than if it was a

             man.

 

                         QUINN

             I don't know. I can't compute it.

 

                         ADAM

             You didn't get any idea by, you

             know, when you're in bed ...?

 

                         QUINN

             Not a clue. Not one.


                                                           14.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - CAFETERIA - DAY

 

Quinn takes his tray to an empty table.

 

Nearby is Michelle. She grabs her tray and comes to his table.

 

                         MICHELLE

             May I?

 

                         QUINN

             Please.

 

She sits down.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Sorry you lost. I was surprised

             you put him on the stand, frankly.

 

                         QUINN

             So was I.

 

Michelle looks puzzled.

 

                         QUINN

             It was Kate's idea. We flipped a

             coin.

 

Michelle laughs.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I'm sorry. It just sounds so ...

 

                         QUINN

             It does, doesn't it?

 

                         MICHELLE

             It's not something you see on

             Perry Mason.

 

LATER

 

Quinn and Michelle bussing their trays together.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I thought I'd step outside before

             going back. Do you have time?

 

 

EXT. COURT HOUSE - DAY

 

Quinn and Michelle strolling outside the courthouse.


                                                           15.

 

 

                         MICHELLE

             God, this is so hard. I have

             something I want to say to you

             but I don't know where to begin.

 

                         QUINN

             Just say it.

 

A pause for courage.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I think Kate is involved with a

             woman.

 

                         QUINN

             I think so, too.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You do?

 

                         QUINN

             How long have you thought so?

 

                         MICHELLE

             For several months.

 

                         QUINN

             You're ahead of me there. I have

             no idea who it is. Do you?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Yes.

 

                         QUINN

             Who?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Let's meet after work and I'll

             show you.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - ADAM'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Adam at his computer. Quinn appears in the doorway.

 

                         QUINN

             I know who it is.

 

                         ADAM

             Who?

 

                         QUINN

             I mean I find out after work.

             Meet you around six-thirty?


                                                           16.

 

 

                         ADAM

             You're on.

 

 

EXT. GALLERY ROW - DAY

 

Quinn and Michelle walking along an area filled with art

galleries.

 

                         MICHELLE

             A girl friend and I were making

             the galleries on First Thursday.

             That's when I saw her. With an

             artist, it turns out.

 

                         QUINN

             Kate does the art thing a lot

             more than I do. But that's no

             reason to--

 

                         MICHELLE

             They were in the corner in a lip

             lock, Quinn. It wasn't a little

             peck, congratulations on your

             opening. It's this one here.

 

They step into a gallery.

 

 

INT. ART GALLERY - DAY

 

Only a few patrons looking at the art on the wall.

 

Michelle stops in front of a large, bright abstract.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Here she is.

 

                         QUINN

             The one who painted this?

 

Michelle nods.

 

                         QUINN

             Is she here?

 

                         MICHELLE

             There's a bio and photo.

 

Michelle leads the way several paintings down. On the wall,

a photo and bio of Cinnamon McAffery.

 

Quinn stares at THE PHOTO OF CINNAMON. Short hair, looking

more feminine than before.


                                                           17.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Nobody's named Cinnamon. Maybe

             she's called sin for short. I

             can't believe I said that.

 

 

EXT. GALLERY ROW - DAY

 

Quinn and Michelle back outside, strolling the scene.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Are you getting hungry?

 

                         QUINN

             Actually I'm supposed to be

             somewhere. I really appreciate

             this, Michelle. I guess I do.

 

                         MICHELLE

             If you want to know more, my

             brother might help. He's an

             artist. He's also gay.

 

                         QUINN

             Really?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Don't let Kate turn you into a

             homophobe.

 

                         QUINN

             It's just so hard to compute. I

             thought we were happy.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Quinn, you go at it like cats and

             dogs. You should hear the stories

             they tell about you. Benedict and

             Beatrice.

 

                         QUINN

             Who?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Shakespeare's "Much Ado About

             Nothing." A couple always battling

             wits. I guess that's part of the

             attraction, isn't it?

 

                         QUINN

                  (ignoring this)

             Maybe I'll get back to you about

             your brother. I told Adam I'd

             meet him.


                                                           18.

 

 

INT. BAR - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Adam in a noisy bar.

 

                         ADAM

             You have two choices, buddy. Let

             her go, or fight to get her back.

             You sound like you want her back.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm trying to understand her.

             Maybe talking to a gay artist

             will help. Hell, I don't know. I

             feel like I'm in a nightmare.

 

                         ADAM

             What does Kate want?

 

 

INT. ARTIST'S STUDIO - NIGHT

 

Cinnamon in work garb, on the phone.

 

                         CINNAMON

             What do you want, Kate?

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Kate, dressed, sprawled on the bed. On the phone.

 

INTERCUT

 

                         KATE

             I don't want to be drilled.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Pardon me, but I need information

             before I can make choices in my

             life.

 

                         KATE

             What choices? What are you

             talking about?

 

                         CINNAMON

             You're the married woman, not I.

 

                         KATE

             What is that supposed to mean?


                                                           19.

 

 

                         CINNAMON

             I don't like talking about this

             on the phone. I'm going back to

             work.

 

                         KATE

             Let's meet tonight.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I said, I'm working.

 

                         KATE

             Later tonight. Any time. Tell me

             when.

 

 

INT. TAVERN - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Adam shooting pool

 

                         QUINN

             Know what I think? It's a phase.

             It's curiosity. She's dealing

             with an early mid-life crisis.

 

                         ADAM

             You don't have a mid-life crisis,

             early or otherwise, at twenty

             what? Seven?

 

                         QUINN

             If she's really a dyke, I would

             know. How could I not know?

 

                         ADAM

             Good question, buddy. Can I be

             ruthlessly personal?

 

                         QUINN

             Fire away.

 

                         ADAM

             Does she like you to go down on her?

 

                         QUINN

             Totally. Any time, anywhere.

             Practically an addict.

 

                         ADAM

             There you have it. Think about it.

             You're not giving her something a

             woman can't give her just as well.

             Right? How do you know she isn't

             fantasizing that you're Spice

             Cake or whoever the hell it is.


                                                           20.

 

 

                         QUINN

             Cinnamon.

 

                         ADAM

             Cinnamon. Think about it. All

             dicks are different, right? But

             all tongues are more or less the

             same. You could be anyone slurping

             around down there.

 

                         QUINN

             You really know how to depress a

             guy.

 

                         ADAM

             Once the scientists figure out

             how to get the tongue to secrete

             sperm, the male gender is dead in

             the water.

 

                         QUINN

             I never thought of that. We'd

             become extinct.

 

                         ADAM

             Not that far. They still need

             someone to take out the garbage.

 

 

INT. GAY BAR - NIGHT

 

Kate and Cinnamon at a table.

 

                         KATE

             I made a decision. I'm giving

             notice at the firm.

 

Cinnamon nods.

 

                         KATE

             I expected a hint of celebration.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I made a decision, too. I can't

             do this anymore.

 

                         KATE

             What are you saying?

 

                         CINNAMON

             I need a sense of the future. I'm

             not getting any younger. I don't

             get that with you.


                                                           21.

 

 

                         KATE

             Are you breaking up with me?

 

                         CINNAMON

             I can't live in the closet. Not

             even a little.

 

                         KATE

             That sounds like an ultimatum.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I suppose it is. I do love you,

             Kate, and of course I believe you

             should leave your father's firm.

             But I believe even more strongly

             that you need to leave your

             marriage. You have to stop living

             a lie.

 

A silence.

 

Cinnamon stands. Kate grabs her arm.

 

                         KATE

             Please don't go.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Quick is painless. I speak from

             experience.

 

                         KATE

             What if I get a divorce?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Call me when you do.

 

She leaves. Kate looks stricken.

 

 

EXT. GAY BAR - NIGHT

 

A cab pulls up.

 

 

INT. CAB - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Adam in the back seat.

 

                         ADAM

             Maybe this isn't such a good idea.

 

                         QUINN

             I need to do this.


                                                           22.

 

 

INT. GAY BAR - NIGHT

 

Not visibly different from any other bar -- except that same

sex couples outnumber mixed couples. And here, women

outnumber men.

 

Quinn and Adam enter.

 

A jukebox is playing. Several FEMALE COUPLES dance on a

small dance floor.

 

                         ADAM

                  (under his breath)

             Oh, boy.

 

                         QUINN

             Relax. Pretend I'm your date.

 

                         ADAM

             Your--

 

But Quinn is already heading toward the bar.

 

They slip onto two stools.

 

The BARTENDER comes over. The way he looks them over, he

probably knows they're straight.

 

                         BARTENDER

             What would you like, gentlemen?

 

LATER

 

Quinn and Adam huddled at the bar. Nursing their first drink.

 

                         ADAM

             Actually it's sort of erotic in

             here, isn't it?

 

                         QUINN

             You're kidding me.

 

                         ADAM

             I mean, some of them are

             so...feminine.

 

                         QUINN

             Oh, boy...

 

Quinn sees WALTER, 30s, approaching. Lots of jewelry. A beret.

 

He smiles at Quinn.


                                                           23.

 

 

                         WALTER

             Are you a lawyer?

 

                         QUINN

             Me?

 

                         WALTER

             You work at Knox and Atkinson. I

             think I've seen you in the

             cafeteria.

 

                         QUINN

             I think you have me mixed up with

             someone else.

 

                         WALTER

             You don't know Michelle Weaver?

 

                         ADAM

             You know Michelle?

 

A dirty look from Quinn.

 

                         WALTER

             She's my sister.

 

LATER -- AT A TABLE

 

The three sit at a table over drinks.

 

                         WALTER

             I know it's hard for you right

             now, man, but in time you've got

             to realize how incredibly life-

             affirming this is for her. What's

             more important in this world than

             being who you are? It shouldn't

             be any different for you than if

             she ran off with a guy. If it is,

             then you're buying into all the

             homophobic bullshit. She's

             spreading her wings. Feel the

             pain of being left but applaud

             her as well. Better now than

             later, right? What if she did

             this five, ten, years from now?

             Wouldn't it be worse?

 

                         QUINN

             I thought of that.

 

                         WALTER

             Good, good.


                                                           24.

 

 

Walter stares at Adam and smiles.

 

                         ADAM

             What?

 

                         WALTER

             You're kinda cute.

 

 

EXT. GAY BAR - NIGHT

 

Adam rushes out with Quinn behind him. Adam's cell phone is

out.

 

                         ADAM

             I need a cab at--...where are we?

 

 

INT. CAB - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Adam in the back seat. Adam staring out the window,

lost in his thoughts.

 

                         QUINN

             Just because the mind understands

             something doesn't mean that the

             heart feels any better.

 

                         ADAM

             What?

 

                         QUINN

             Nothing.

 

A silence.

 

                         ADAM

             What do you think he sees in me?

 

 

EXT. LAW OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn enters the building.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Kate sitting across the desk. Knox reads a letter.


                                                           25.

 

 

                         KNOX

             Katey, I'd give you an

             extraordinary letter of

             recommendation but I fear it

             would be dismissed as the ranting

             of a proud father.

 

                         KATE

             I'm going to do fine.

 

                         KNOX

             I know you are. Your mother would

             be so proud. Have you told Quinn?

 

                         KATE

             I'm getting a divorce, daddy.

 

                         KNOX

             What?

 

She gets up to leave.

 

                         KNOX

             You sit back down and explain

             yourself, young lady.

 

                         KATE

             I don't have to write you a

             letter for this one, daddy.

 

And she's gone.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Quinn meets Kate in the hallway. She passes without a word.

 

                         QUINN

             Good morning to you, too.

 

                         KATE

             I want a divorce. My lawyer will

             be in touch.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn sitting across the desk.

 

                         KNOX

             I don't understand lesbians. I

             think it's some sort of mental

             illness.


                                                           26.

 

 

                         QUINN

             If it's who she really is ...

 

                         KNOX

             Nobody is "really" a fag. It's

             against human nature. Thank God

             her mother isn't alive to see this.

 

Quinn looks sad.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - DAY

 

A rental truck in the driveway. WORKERS moving Kate's

possessions out of the house.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Kate supervising the workers. Quinn sits, observing.

 

                         QUINN

             You picked out the furniture.

             Don't you want to take it?

 

                         KATE

             Please don't turn this into an

             issue. I'm taking only what I

             absolutely need.

 

                         QUINN

             I'd just sell it at a garage sale.

             I never really liked it.

 

                         KATE

             You never liked it?

 

                         QUINN

             Not that I disliked it. Furniture

             is furniture. Decorating was your

             thing, not mine.

 

                         KATE

             Fine. Sell it at a garage sale.

 

She leaves the room.

 

                         WORKER

             What else in this room goes?

 

                         QUINN

             Ask the boss.


                                                           27.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Quinn pouring coffee.

 

Out the window he sees Kate talking with Cinnamon, her car

at the curb.

 

 

EXT. FINDER HOME - DAY

 

At Cinnamon's car.

 

                         KATE

             I'm doing fine. I'm sure it could

             be worse.

 

Quinn comes out of the house.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Looks like we're getting company.

 

                         KATE

             Terrific.

 

She heads out to intercept him. They meet on the lawn.

 

                         KATE

             What are you doing?

 

                         QUINN

             I want to meet Spice Cake.

 

                         KATE

             Who?

 

Quinn continues on, a flustered Kate behind him.

 

                         QUINN

             You must be the lucky lady. I'm

             the unlucky husband.

 

His hand is outstretched. Cinnamon takes it.

 

                         CINNAMON

             Cinnamon.

 

                         QUINN

             No thank you. Never touch the stuff.

 

                         KATE

             Cin, you'd better get home to

             meet the truck.


                                                           28.

 

 

                         CINNAMON

                  (to Quinn)

             Nice meeting you.

 

She climbs into the car.

 

                         QUINN

             Home? You two already have a home?

 

                         KATE

             We rented a house.

 

                         QUINN

             And don't need furniture?

 

                         KATE

             Why do you insist on making this

             more difficult?

 

                         QUINN

             I didn't know this was difficult

             for you.

 

                         KATE

             Of course it's difficult for me.

             And I realize it's even more

             difficult for you. Just don't

             take it as an insult to your

             manhood or something. Here are my

             keys. I took five thousand

             dollars out of the joint account,

             which is what I put into it when

             we were married.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm sure you have more than--

 

                         KATE

             I don't want more. So. Maybe one

             day we can talk more sanely about

             this.

 

                         QUINN

             Just one question.

                  (moving close,

                  whispering)

             When I went down on you, were you

             fantasizing I was a woman?

 

                         KATE

             I refuse to do this.

 

She storms back to the house. Two workers are carrying out a

couch.


                                                           29.

 

 

                         KATE

             No, that stays!

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - NIGHT

 

A dark house.

 

A car pulls into the driveway. Adam gets out.

 

He goes to the porch. He hears music inside -- the blues.

Deep down-home my-baby-left-me blues. A moaning harmonica.

Someone like Little Walter, "This is a mean old world, try

living by yourself."

 

Adam rings the doorbell. Knocks.

 

Tries the door. It opens.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - NIGHT

 

Adam enters.

 

                         ADAM

             Quinn?

 

The cry-in-your-whiskey blues comes from the living room.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Quinn sits on the carpet in the middle of the dark room. A

whiskey bottle his only company. A swig from the bottle.

 

The blues, the blues.

 

Adam approaches, kneels down.

 

                         ADAM

             You okay, buddy?

 

                         QUINN

             Never been better.

 

                         ADAM

             Was the bottle full when you

             started?

 

                         QUINN

             Which bottle?

 

                         ADAM

             You actually sound pretty sober.


                                                           30.

 

 

                         QUINN

             It's all attitude.

 

                         ADAM

             You didn't answer your phone. I

             was worried about you.

 

No reply.

 

Quinn grimaces to a line in the blues, as if some lyric had

stabbed his soul.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - CAFETERIA - DAY

 

Michelle looking for a table. She sees Adam.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Hi. May I?

 

                         ADAM

             Please do.

 

She sits.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I haven't seen Quinn this week.

 

                         ADAM

             He's taking some time off.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Sick?

 

                         ADAM

             At heart. He's charging vacation

             time.

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

Quinn in mourning.

 

--working out in a gym.

 

--feeding pigeons in a park.

 

--eating at home alone, a solitary figure at a large table.

 

--in bed alone, reading.


                                                           31.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - NIGHT

 

Early evening. Still light outside.

 

Quinn mowing the back yard with a push reel mower.

 

Michelle comes around the corner of the house. She's carrying

a paper sack.

 

Quinn notices her and stops.

 

                         MICHELLE

             I can't remember the last time I

             saw someone use a push mower.

 

                         QUINN

             I have a monster but couldn't get

             it started.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Adam told me you were taking the

             week off.

                  (indicating the bag)

             I thought maybe you were up to

             Chinese take-out.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Michelle at the table. Cartons of food spread around.

 

                         MICHELLE

             You hear anything from Kate?

 

                         QUINN

             I heard from her lawyer.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Wow.

 

                         QUINN

             That was my reaction. I kept

             thinking she'd get over it.

 

                         MICHELLE

             It's not something you get over.

             It's something you own up to.

 

                         QUINN

             That's what they tell me. I can't

             figure out why I was the last to

             know.


                                                           32.

 

 

EXT. FENDER HOME - NIGHT

 

Quinn walks Michelle to her car at the curb.

 

                         QUINN

             I appreciate the dinner. And

             especially the company.

 

                         MICHELLE

             My pleasure. Do you dance?

 

                         QUINN

             Pardon me?

 

                         MICHELLE

             Move in time to music in a public

             place. It's a very old tradition.

 

                         QUINN

             I haven't lately. Are you asking

             me out to dance?

 

                         MICHELLE

             I suppose I am.

 

                         QUINN

             Yes, we could do that.

 

 

INT. BALLROOM - DAY

 

On stage, a band playing a dance number.

 

SUPER: "Three years later."

 

On the dance floor, couples dancing at a wedding reception.

 

And the bride and groom are dancing: Michelle and Quinn.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - HALLWAY - DAY

 

The office window now reads "Knox, Atkinson and Fender Law

Office."

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn's secretary dropping mail into a small box. Quite a

bit has accumulated.

 

Into the office walks Quinn himself.


                                                           33.

 

 

                         NANCY

             There he is! Don't you look

             happy -- and tan.

 

                         QUINN

             Hawaii does that. How bad is the

             damage?

 

                         NANCY

                  (gesturing to the box)

             See for yourself.

 

LATER

 

Quinn going through his mail. Adam appears in the doorway.

 

                         ADAM

             You came back to the rat race. I

             half-expected to hear you'd

             become a professional surfer.

 

                         QUINN

             I have an expensive honeymoon to

             pay for.

 

                         ADAM

             You look great, buddy. Time for a

             drink after work?

 

                         QUINN

             I'm meeting Michelle. Please join

             us.

 

LATER

 

Quinn at the computer. The intercom buzzes.

 

                         QUINN

             Yes?...Put her on.

 

He picks up the phone.

 

                         QUINN

             This is Fender....Of course I

             remember you....Run that by me

             again....I'll be there.

 

 

EXT. GALLERY ROW - DAY

 

A coffee shop in gallery row. Quinn enters.


                                                           34.

 

 

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

He sits down at a table across from Cinnamon.

 

                         QUINN

             Except for Jesus Christ himself,

             you're the last person in the

             world I expected to hear on the

             other end of a phone line. I

             suppose my first question is, Why

             me?

 

                         CINNAMON

             Two reasons. First, when I

             checked around, your firm has the

             best reputation in town for this

             sort of case. Two, I thought you

             might provide personal insight

             that would be helpful to me.

 

                         QUINN

             You want to compare dirty notes

             about Kate? Sorry to disappoint

             you but I've always thought the

             world of her. Well, once her

             transition made sense to me.

 

                         CINNAMON

             We live in a common law state.

             Under the law, we were legally

             married. Therefore, I'm entitled

             to a settlement. I did not

             terminate the marriage. She did.

 

[Note: common law states are Alabama, Colorado, Washington

D.C., Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode

Island, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. A quasi-common law

status has been upheld in Washington state.]

 

                         QUINN

             It gets more complicated than that.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I gave up my studio so I could

             spend more time at home, which

             helped her career considerably. I

             did the cooking. I hired and

             scheduled the house cleaners. I

             sacrificed my own career goals

             and income in the interests of

             our life together as a couple.

             When she left, she took everything.

                         (MORE)


                                                           35.

 

 

                         CINNAMON (CONT'D)

             If she were a man, and I a

             housewife, there would be no

             doubt about justice here.

 

                         QUINN

             There's still a problem. You're

             both the same sex.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I've done my homework. Some

             courts have accepted a "quasi-

             common law" status for same-sex

             couples. My case could further

             expand this precedent. It's the

             kind of case that makes careers.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm not worried about my career.

 

                         CINNAMON

             I have more: we had a ceremony.

             There were several dozen witnesses.

             We filed our last tax return

             jointly. In every way, we acted

             as man and wife. The bitch can't

             just walk out and leave me high

             and dry. Will you represent me?

 

 

INT. BAR - PAY PHONE - NIGHT

 

Quinn on a pay phone near the men's room.

 

                         QUINN

             Honey, would you pick up?...I'm

             running a little late. I left a

             message at the restaurant. I hope

             you get it. I won't be long,

             promise. Wait for me! I love you.

 

 

INT. BAR - TABLE - NIGHT

 

He joins Adam.

 

                         QUINN

             I think Michelle's on her way to

             the restaurant. I've got to boogie.


                                                           36.

 

 

                         ADAM

             The case is a hornet's nest.

             That's all I can tell you. And

             Barry would have a fit. The firm

             suing his own daughter?

 

                         QUINN

             They had a falling out after she

             went public.

 

                         ADAM

             Can you picture yourself

             questioning Kate on the stand?

 

                         QUINN

             Actually I can.

 

 

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Michelle at dinner. Quinn looks tense.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Something happen at work? You

             look upset about something.

 

                         QUINN

                  (ignoring this,

                  drinking wine)

             Umm...remind me to get a bottle

             of this.

 

Michelle stares at him.

 

                         QUINN

             Work is good.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - QUINN'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Quinn at the computer.

 

The intercom buzzes.

 

                         QUINN

             Fire away.

 

                         NANCY

                  (on intercom)

             Mr. Knox will see you now.


                                                           37.

 

 

INT. LAW OFFICE - KNOX'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Knox stares out the window, his back to Quinn, who sits

across the desk.

 

                         KNOX

             Have you heard from her?

 

                         QUINN

             No.

 

                         KNOX

             I heard through the grapevine she

             accepted a position in Washington.

 

                         QUINN

             With the Department of Labor.

 

Knox turns back to Quinn.

 

                         QUINN

             Same grapevine.

 

                         KNOX

             I made you a senior partner,

             Quinn, so I wouldn't have to

             babysit you. I trust you to know

             what cases are good for the firm.

 

                         QUINN

             Given the circumstances, I still

             didn't want to take this on

             without your approval.

 

                         KNOX

             I appreciate that. What are the

             chances of settling out of court?

 

                         QUINN

             I'll know when I talk to her, I

             expect.

 

                         KNOX

             Kate had everything going for her.

 

                         QUINN

             The Labor Department ain't bad.

             It's also one point for our side.

             She had a significant support

             system that got her there.


                                                           38.

 

 

                         KNOX

             Do it. Be sure to put Sally on

             the team. A real woman will look

             good to the jury.

 

                         QUINN

             Thanks, Barry.

 

 

INT. GYM - HANDBALL COURT - DAY

 

Quinn and Adam in a hot game.

 

 

INT. GYM - LOCKER ROOM - DAY

 

Getting dressed after the game.

 

                         QUINN

             I'm taking the case.

 

                         ADAM

             You told Barry?

 

                         QUINN

             I have his blessing.

 

Adam looks surprised.

 

 

INT. FENDER HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Quinn and Michelle at dinner. A formal setting, candlelight,

wine.

 

                         MICHELLE

             Did Kate get a hold of you?

 

Quinn looks surprised.

 

                         MICHELLE

             She called here this afternoon.

 

                         QUINN

             Why didn't you tell me?

 

                         MICHELLE

             I'm telling you now. I told her

             to try you at the office. What's

             the matter?