Erin Brockovich Page #17

ERIN:

(looks at label)

Armani?

(Ed shrugs)

You think we scared'em, don't you?

ED:

Well, they're taking the time to

send someone. It sure as hell sounds

like they're sitting up and taking

notice. Now do me a favor, and let

me handle this. Lawyers have a way

of talking to each other.

ERIN:

(humoring him)

Oh, I know.

Brenda pops her head in, ignores Erin -- though clearly takes

notice of her tying Ed's tie.

BRENDA:

David Baum from PG&E is at reception.

Erin feels the chill Brenda's sending her way. Erin decides

to tease her by speaking to Ed in a sultry voice:

ERIN:

Oh Mr. Masry, we better learn how to

dress faster. People can come in so

suddenly...

(giggles)

Brenda leaves without acknowledging Erin. Ed grimaces;

ED:

Is that... necessary? Brenda's gonna

open her mouth all over the offi --

ERIN:

Oh come on. I'm teasing. Who gives a

sh*t...

INT. MASRY & VITITOE - BRENDA'S DESK - CONTINUOUS

Jane is delivering paychecks, spots Brenda exiting Ed's office

and whispers:

JANE:

What's she doing here?

BRENDA:

He hired her back. With a raise.

JANE:

What?? Why?

BRENDA:

He's a man... She's a woman.

JANE:

What are we -- office supplies?

INT. MASRY & VITITOE - MAIN ROOM - DAY

Ed and Erin come out and see DAVID BAUM waiting at reception.

Forget law school, this kid looks like he's just out of

twelfth grade. Not a hair on his chin. His suit and shoes

look brand new.

Ed stops suddenly, before being seen. Erin stops too.

ERIN:

What?

Ed's expression upon seeing the "young" representative tells

us he's none too happy.

INT. MASRY & VITITOE - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

Ed and Erin are seated across the table from Baum. To say

this kid lacks authority is a gross understatement. He doesn't

talk; he squeaks.

BAUM:

...in the interest of putting this

whole thing to rest, PG&E is willing

to offer the Irvings 250,000 dollars

for their home.

Ed laughs a little in disbelief.

ED:

250,000?

BAUM:

In terms of land value out in Hinkley,

Mr. Masry, we feel it's more than

fair price.

ED:

What about in terms of medical

expenses? 250,000 doesn't come close

to what this family's gonna have to

spend on doctors.

BAUM:

I understand they've had a bad run

of luck, health-wise, and they have

my sympathies. But that's not PG&E's

fault.

ED:

You're kidding, right?

Baum doesn't answer.

ED:

Look at these readings for Christ's

sake. Pg&E's own technicians

documented toxic levels of hexavalent

chromium in those test wells on

numerous occasions.

Ed shoves them across the table. Baum doesn't look at them.

ED:

Everything the Irvings have had is

proven reaction to exposure to

hexavalent chromium. They've had...

He stalls a moment. Erin jumps in.

ERIN:

-- breast cysts, uterine cancer,

Hodgkin's disease, immune

deficiencies, asthma, chronic

nosebleeds.

Despite their persuasiveness, Baum parrots what is obviously

the party line:

BAUM:

A million things could have caused

those problems. Poor diet, bad genes,

irresponsible lifestyle. Our offer

is final and more than fair.

ED:

Wait a minute -- I thought we were

negotiating here.

BAUM:

250,000 is all I'm authorized to

offer.

Ed looks across at this pissant little kid. Then stands.

ED:

I will present your offer to my

clients. I doubt they'll accept it.

As Ed starts out, Baum tries to take a stand;

BAUM:

Mr. Masry, before you go off on some

crusade, you might want to remember

who it is you're dealing with here.

PG&E is a twenty-eight-billion-dollar

corporation.

ED:

(smiles, acting

excited/greedy)

Twenty-eight billion dollars! I didn't

know it was THAT much! WOW!

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