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EXT. COURTHOUSE STEPS - DAY
MADISON HOWARD (31), powerfully elegant tempered with charm,
watches as GAIL SINGLETON basks in her FAMILY'S relieved,
happy hugs. Husband, JEROME plants a big kiss on what's left
of her disfigured lips and grins at Madison.
JEROME
How can we thank you enough?
MADISON
No thanks is necessary.
GAIL
Not necessary? $58 million is
more...
She grasps Madison's hand with her badly mangled ones as
tears well up in her eyes. Madison gives her a comforting
hug.
Jerome links his fingers with Gail's.
JEROME
Thank you, Madison.
Before he can break down as well, he hustles Gail to the
waiting SUV. The family piles in.
Alone, Madison smiles and waves.
INT. COURTHOUSE FOYER - DAY
STEVEN ANDREWS (35), ultra-slick and expensively dressed,
stands just inside the entrance watching Madison over his
CLIENT'S shoulder.
STEVEN
We'll wire the money today, but I
have to advise against it. We can
still appeal...
CLIENT
It's only $58 million. Did you see
that woman? Wire the money.
INT. LAW FIRM - CORRIDOR - DAY
PARALEGALS and other ATTORNEYS wait outside an office door.
JOANNE (25), dressed more to hit the clubs than a law firm,
presses her ear against the door. Shushes everyone else.
Suddenly, the door opens. BRADSHAW, stern faced, and KERNS,
pudgy, escort a dazed Madison out of the office.
Bradshaw authoritatively clears his throat. Silence is
immediate.
BRADSHAW
I'd like you all to greet the
newest partner in Bradshaw, Kerns
and...Howard.
A cheer ripples through the crowd.
Bradshaw half cracks a smile while Kerns' face splits with
delighted glee.
Madison looks at her colleagues, speechless.
Joanne throws confetti up. Bradshaw gives her an annoyed
look. She shrugs, unrepentant.
INT. LAW FIRM - CONFERENCE ROOM - EVENING
The party is in full swing. Cake and punch flow freely.
Madison steals a glance at her watch between congratulations.
Joanne sidles up to her. Surreptitiously walks her towards
the door. Madison gives her a sober look.
MADISON
You know what this means, right?
JOANNE
Just don't assign me to Krutcher
and we'll still be friends.
The women glance across the room where KRUTCHER (53), sniffs
each bite of cake before eating it.
Madison laughs.
MADISON
You're going to have to deal with
him some time. You just jumped a
tax bracket.
Joanne's hand freezes on the door knob. She eyes Madison.
JOANNE
I'm not the most experienced...
MADISON
You really think I'd take this on
without my right hand?
Joanne squeals and gives Madison a huge hug.
INT. MADISON'S LEXUS SUV - DRIVING - NIGHT
Madison heaves a frustrated sigh as she holds her cell to her
ear.
MADISON
Tell me you're not still at the
church. Call me the moment you get
a chance. You aren't going to
believe the day I've had.
She hangs up and turns in the driveway of a quaint house.
INT. FAITH TEMPLE OF GOD - WESLEY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Wesley hangs up his office phone and takes his cell phone off
the charger. Hits a speed dial button. Hooks his bluetooth to
his ear.
WESLEY
Okay. I'm not still at the church.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. MADISON'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Madison sprawls in a big arm chair, bluetooth on her ear. Big
grin on her face. Stack of mail on her lap.
MADISON
Liar.
WESLEY
So tell me all about this wonderful
day you've had.
MADISON
It was...wait a minute. I never
said anything about wonderful. You
already know, don't you?
WESLEY
I'm so proud of you.
MADISON
How do you find out this stuff?
WESLEY
Don't worry about it.
Madison frowns.
WESLEY (CONT'D)
And stop frowning.
MADISON
Anyway...it was fabulous. The money
is more than enough to cover Gail's
reconstructive surgeries.
WESLEY
Will you get it in time? They could
appeal forever.
MADISON
That's the thing. The money was in
Gail's account before I even got
back to the office.
WESLEY
Praise God.
MADISON
Say that! She can have the first
surgery immediately.
Wesley smiles as he stands to stretch his legs. Begins
packing up his briefcase.
WESLEY
That's so wonderful, Maddie. God is
still working miracles.
Madison fights tears.
Wesley pauses at the silence.
WESLEY (CONT'D)
Madison.
MADISON
Yeah.
WESLEY
What is it?
He waits for her answer.
MADISON
I'm...just...it's confirmation.
When you think of ministry, most
people think what you do. But I'm
ministering here, Wes. God is using
me.
Wesley smiles at her answer.
WESLEY
It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it?
True worship. Laying down your
plans so God can work His plans
through you.
MADISON
Yeah, it's...wow.
WESLEY
You sure have a way with words,
Councilor.
MADISON
You're one to talk, Preacher. I
seem to recall...
WESLEY
So...um...What did Bradshaw and
Kerns say? Were they shocked? They
said the case was a loser from the
beginning.
Madison grins.
MADISON
They were shocked enough to make me
partner.
INT. FAITH TEMPLE OF GOD - WESLEY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Wesley drops his keys as he tries to lock the door.
WESLEY
Seriously?
MADISON
You mean you didn't know everything
after all?
WESLEY
Smarty pants. Tell me everything.
INT. MADISON'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Still on her bluetooth, Madison grabs a bottle of water from
the refrigerator. Takes a long drink.
MADISON
And that's everything.
WESLEY
This case was some battle.
MADISON
And now it's over. What's going on
with you? How's the new building
coming?
INT. WESLEY'S ESCALADE - DRIVING - NIGHT
Wesley rolls his eyes and slumps in the drivers seat.
WESLEY
Delayed. Again.
MADISON
Which is why you were still at the
church at...two o'clock...in the
morning.
WESLEY
Everything's back on track, now,
though. It's just...it couldn't
have happened at a worse time.
Wesley climbs out of his vehicle and heads up to his house.
INT. MADISON'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Madison selects a suit from the walk in closet. Drapes it
across the ironing board.
MADISON
Meaning?
WESLEY
Your dad was there. My dad was
there. Rev. Peterson was there.
Rev. Carlisle...
MADISON
Ah. The old guard. And Cliff
was...?
WESLEY
Called away on his own emergency.
MADISON
Oh, Wes. I'm sorry.
WESLEY
It's not your fault they still see
me as the little kid hanging on
Daddy's coattails.
Madison pauses in her ironing.
MADISON
Nope. It's yours.
WESLEY
Excuse me.
INT. WESLEY'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Wesley savagely yanks off his tie and tosses it across a
chair.
WESLEY
The congregation has grown 57%
under my leadership. We're in the
middle of building a $25 million
facility. And yet...They've had
three years to adjust!
MADISON
On both sides. You've known those
preachers all your life, too. Have
you adjusted how you approach them?
Wesley flops on his bed and takes a moment to let that sink
in.
WESLEY
If I act like a grown up, they'll
treat me like one. When'd you get
smarter than me?
MADISON
I always have been. You were just
too dumb to notice.
WESLEY
Oh I was, was I?
Madison grins and shrugs.
WESLEY (CONT'D)
Yeah, I suppose that's why I was
the one who got my tongue stuck...
MADISON
I fell.
WESLEY
How do you fall tongue first on a
tether ball pole?
MADISON
I don't have to put up with this
abuse. I'm hanging up.
Wesley laughs as he pulls on his pajama bottoms and turns
down the bed.
WESLEY
Have you finished ironing?
MADISON
Just now.
Madison unplugs the iron and lets it cool. Turns down her own
bed.
They both kneel beside their beds.
WESLEY
Our Father, we humbly come before
you now with all praise and
thanksgiving...
INT. MADISON'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - MORNING
Madison rolls over to stare at the ceiling. She looks at the
lonely expanse of bed and sighs. She shakes it off and gets
up.
INT. LAW FIRM - MADISON'S OFFICE - DAY
Madison reads a thick file and takes notes.
Joanne opens the door to bring in a huge bouquet of roses.
Madison barely looks up, then does a double take.
MADISON
What's all this?
Joanne leaves the office without a word.
Madison gets up to look for the card.
Joanne returns with another huge bouquet.
JOANNE
The card's in this one.
Madison digs it out. Reads.
MADISON
Keep celebrating. Love Wes.
JOANNE
That man adores you.
Madison shrugs and tucks the card in her purse.
MADISON
We're just friends. Don't go
getting any ideas.
Joanne nods at the flowers.
JOANNE
I didn't have to go. They marched
right up to me in the arms of the
cutest delivery man EVER! Hmmmp.
Hang around you long enough and
I'll have gorgeous men sending me
flowers, too.
MADISON
(laughs)
Do not ever tell him that. It took
Momma G and me the latter part of
his teens and most of his twenties
to disabuse him of that notion.
Joanne laughs as she leaves.
Madison stares wistfully at the roses. Plays with her bare
left ring finger. She shakes her head and determinedly
focuses on the case file in front of her.
INT. LAW FIRM - PARKING GARAGE - EVENING
Madison heads for her SUV. Her steps hesitate as she spots
Steven leaning against her driver side door.
MADISON
Mr. Andrews. The case is over.
Aren't you glad to see the back of
me?
STEVEN
The front ain't too shabby, either.
MADISON
That is completely inappropriate
and unwanted.
He blinks, but quickly feigns hurt.
STEVEN
I didn't mean to offend. You have
to know you are a beautiful woman.
MADISON
I see.
Steven stares deeply into her eyes.
STEVEN
Do you? See how much you intrigue
me, I mean?
Madison leans closer. Lowers her voice seductively to match
his.
MADISON
What I see is...an agenda. What is
it you think you can charm out of
me, Mr. Andrews?
STEVEN
I'd thought we agreed to drop the
formalities.
Madison turns to head back inside the office building. He
grabs her hand.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Wait. I'm sorry. It's just...
Stares at her pleadingly.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
This is so...difficult.
MADISON
What is difficult?
STEVEN
Asking...for your help.
He begins caressing her hand subtly and gives her a big,
helpless doe-eyed expression.
MADISON
Does that actually work on anyone?
Steven withdraws his hand and steps back to study her. His
face becomes expressionless as he tries to regroup.
MADISON (CONT'D)
And there he is. The real Steven
Andrews. At least the one he'll
allow us to see.
STEVEN
Perhaps this wasn't such a good
idea...
MADISON
Here's a novel idea. Why don't you
just...ask me?
STEVEN
(smirks)
What? Just like that?
MADISON
Just like that.
Steven studies her for a long moment. Madison patiently lets
him.
STEVEN
Can I buy you drink? There's a cozy
little bar over on...
MADISON
There's a well lit restaurant
across the street.
STEVEN
That's a little too...public.
MADISON
Exactly.
STEVEN
What I want to discuss
is...sensitive.
Madison studies his earnest expression.
MADISON
There's a cafe on the corner...
STEVEN
Perfect.
INT. TRINI'S CAFE - NIGHT
Madison and Steven sit at a table near the back of the almost
empty cafe. Paperwork and files are stacked between them.
MADISON
They're trying to pull a fast one.
STEVEN
That's what I thought, too. But I
can't figure it out. Everything
looks legit.
Madison frowns and picks up a file from the table they've
pulled up.
MADISON
'Cause it's not just one. You're
going to need a team on this.
STEVEN
We can't put a team on a loser like
this. And I'm usually the guy on
the other side.
MADISON
So how is it you got stuck with it?
Not because of...
STEVEN
No. Nothing like that.
Surprisingly. But I...the
client...he camped out in our
lobby. The only way to get him to
leave was to look at the case.
Madison studies Steven with a smile small.
He glances up at her. Frowns.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
He just looked so pathetic. He was
dropping the value of the place.
MADISON
So why bring this to me? I can't
take this case.
STEVEN
You're the queen of the little guy.
You cut through my bullshit without
even breaking a sweat. I'm hoping
you can help me do that here.
Madison studies him a moment longer. She starts packing up
the files.
MADISON
Guidance only. I have a huge case
backlog. I can't give you more than
that.
STEVEN
(grins)
As long as we can meet once in a
while. I work best when I have a
sexy woman nearby.
Madison cocks an eyebrow his direction as she stands.
MADISON
These little comments could easily
become a deal breaker.
STEVEN
I'm sorry. I'll behave. I promise.
Madison studies him for moment.
MADISON
Go interview his roommates again.
STEVEN
Why? They're not even relevant.
MADISON
They're not telling the truth
either. Their statements sound far
too similar. Call me when you're
finished.
She heads for the door. Steven hurriedly grabs up the files
and springs after her.
STEVEN
I'll walk you back to your car.
Madison gives him a surprised look.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
What? Perhaps underneath the
leering exterior lurks the heart of
a true gentleman.
Madison fights her smile. Allows him to open the door for
her. He checks out her butt as she exits.
EXT. SIDEWALK - NIGHT
Steven takes his time catching up to her. Enjoys the view.
Madison rolls her eyes up.
MADISON
You know I can see you in the
window.
Steven looks at their reflection in the storefront. He shrugs
unrepentant and falls into step beside her.
STEVEN
Can't blame a guy for looking.
MADISON
Yeah. I can.
STEVEN
What do you want from me? I'm a
healthy, red-blooded American male.
MADISON
A little respect would be nice.
Steven takes her elbow. Turns her to face him.
STEVEN
I do respect you. I've never seen a
lawyer quite like you. You're...
amazing.
MADISON
I'm not...really. It's just...
A car slams on its brakes. Skids to a halt just inches from
the tail of a car who ran the red light.
Madison reflexively grabs Steven's arm.
MADISON (CONT'D)
Oh, sweet Jesus.
STEVEN
(snorts)
He's probably busy. If he existed,
I mean.
Madison turns her attention back on Steven.
MADISON
What do you mean if?
STEVEN
(groans)
Oh don't tell me you're some kind
of religious zealot.
MADISON
And if I am?
STEVEN
Nothing. I just don't feel like
getting into some irrational
religious debate. Not tonight. And
not with you.
MADISON
Why not me?
STEVEN
You just kicked my ass in court.
Where there're rules. I shudder to
think what you'd do to me on a
street corner.
They continue walking. Madison deep in her own thoughts.
Leaving Steven to his.
INT. LAW FIRM - PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT
Steven holds the door for Madison to climb inside.
MADISON
How far away are you parked? Do you
need a ride?
STEVEN
Oh. So you're not giving me the
silent treatment.
MADISON
No. Why would I?
STEVEN
I just thought...After what I
said...
MADISON
Care to narrow it down? Between the
sexual innuendos and the name
calling I've lost track.
She can't hold on to her grin.
He heaves a relieved sigh.
STEVEN
So our deal is still on?
MADISON
It's still on. Although I did think
of something you could do for me.
Steven smirks.
STEVEN
I can think of a lot of things I
could do to you.
MADISON
You're not going to even try to
control those comments are you?
STEVEN
What?
MADISON
No matter. They'd probably work in
my favor anyway.
STEVEN
What are you talking about?
MADISON
If you say no, I'll understand. And
I'll still help you with your case.
But I'm hoping you won't because
I'll have to find someone else. And
you're...well...perfect.
Steven straights his spine importantly.
STEVEN
The lady thinks I'm perfect. What
am I'm perfect for?
Madison gives him an innocent smile.
MADISON
To marry me.
Steven takes a huge step back.
STEVEN
Whoa, now. I knew you was too good
to be true.
MADISON
Not for real. I have a
little...say...experiment I want to
run. I need a fake fiancé to do it.
He eyes her warily.
STEVEN
This isn't some kind of trap is it?
MADISON
For you? No. After we're done,
you'll be free to go on your merry
little way.
INT. UNIVERSITY GYMNASIUM - AFTERNOON
A huge banner proclaims: Welcome to the 23rd Annual All-State
Science Competition.
PARENTS, ELEMENTARY STUDENTS and JUDGES all bustle around
rows and rows and rows of science projects.
Wesley strolls through the booths.
MOTHERS, single and not-so-single, all take notice of him.
The more bold ones stare without shame.
Wesley stops by a booth announcing COLD FUSION with a huge
blue ribbon hanging on the side. He beams proudly.
An attractive WOMAN slides over to the booth.
WOMAN
Cold fusion. Wow. That's quite
advanced for elementary students,
isn't it?
WESLEY
It's quite advanced for adults. I
don't have a clue what it's about
and I've been lugging this thing
around for weeks.
LARRY GERARD (10), a miniature version of Wesley, pops his
head out from under the booth.
LARRY
Dad. It's...
(sighs)
Nevermind.
He ducks back under the table.
The mercury in a thermometer begins to inch upward.
Larry pops out completely. Dusts his hands off.
LARRY (CONT'D)
That should get it.
WOMAN
You're quite the little scientist
aren't you?
Larry starts to smile at the compliment until he sees her
glance slyly at Wesley. Larry rolls his eyes instead.
Wesley's cell phone RINGS. He looks at the display.
WESLEY
I've got to take this. Why don't
you explain your project to her?
Wesley moves off a little ways.
Panic settles on the woman's face.
Larry gets a devilish glint in his eye and starts explaining
in great detail.
Wesley frowns, absorbed in the phone call.
WESLEY (CONT'D)
You want me to do what? In your
what?!
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. MADISON'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MORNING
Madison sighs and rolls her eyes. Flops on her couch.
MADISON
You're always so over dramatic., I
want this wedding to be drama-free.
WESLEY
You have the nerve to ask me to be
in your wedding when I didn't even
know you were seeing anyone and I'm
causing drama?
MADISON
Okay, okay. Point taken. I'm seeing
someone. Now will you be in the
wedding?
Wesley lurches towards the bleachers, looking very pale. He
sits heavily. Injects some cheer in his voice.
WESLEY
Of course I'll be in your wedding
party. Like you'd have to ask.
MADISON
What are you doing? You sound
funny.
WESLEY
Just so much good news. Larry just
took first prize in the state
science fair.
MADISON
That's wonderful. Give him a big
kiss for me and tell him congrats.
WESLEY
When is this wedding supposed to
happen? To get my schedule cleared
and all.
MADISON
Six weeks.
WESLEY
Six weeks? Are you nuts? What's the
rush?
MADISON
We're in love. That's the rush.
Wesley struggles to breathe. Not hearing another thing
Madison says.
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Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.