Mumford Page #39

JUDGE OTTO (O.S.)

Sit down, Lionel.

Lionel sits down, squelched again. We see JUDGE OTTO for the

first time, a tough guy in his sixties.

JUDGE OTTO:

Clarence Norman White, do you

understand how serious are the crimes

with which you have been charged?

MUMFORD:

I do.

JUDGE OTTO:

Do you realize how insidious it is

to invade the most private thoughts

and secret lives of unsuspecting

people?...

WE SEE there's a pretty big turnout for this hearing.

Prominent among the onlookers: Lily and Skip, sitting

together; Nessa and Martin, holding hands; Dr. Delbanco and

MRS. DELBANCO. Gilroy, from the State Certification Board,

sits with the PROSECUTOR.

JUDGE OTTO:

...People who have come to you with

the faith that you know what you're

doing... and that you are who you

say you are?

MUMFORD:

Yes, your honor.

JUDGE OTTO:

It means absolutely nothing to me

that so many of your patients have

come forward with praise for you and

your therapeutic skills. You

understand that?

MUMFORD:

Yes.

Follett is sitting in one of the back rows, apparently alone.

But now he looks down the row. Althea is sitting down at the

end in a stylish suit, completely appropriate, but a size

too small.

She gives Follett a sidelong glance, then crosses her legs

provocatively. Whatever fantasy they're currently enacting

is working really well for both of them.

JUDGE OTTO:

Mr. White, I am frustrated that the

criminal code in this state allows a

maximum sentence of only six months

and a maximum fine of only $2000.

MUMFORD:

I'm sorry, your honor.

JUDGE OTTO:

What?

MUMFORD:

I'm sorry you're frustrated.

JUDGE OTTO:

Are you disrespecting this court,

Mr. White?

MUMFORD:

No, sir. I was empathizing. Sorry.

JUDGE OTTO:

Maybe you can empathize with this --

Maximum fine. Three months in jail,

three months house arrest. Sentence

to begin immediately at the Orchard

Valley Correctional Facility. Case

closed. This court is adjourned.

The judge slams down his gavel, stands up and stalks out. A

DEPUTY moves in to take custody of Mumford. Lionel stands up

and leans in --

LIONEL:

It's a country club. Don't worry

about it.

MUMFORD:

Thanks for your help, Lionel.

Mumford turns to face the Cooks. Mr. Cook and Ben shake his

hand like he's just won something. Lionel addresses them all

with his usual self-satisfaction --

LIONEL:

I'll have him out in half the time.

WE PUSH IN on Mumford and Sofie, who embrace.

SOFIE:

You got off easy.

MUMFORD:

Will you wait for me?

SOFIE:

We're only talking about six weeks.

MUMFORD:

Will you be here?

SOFIE:

Of course... I haven't got the energy

to get out of town that fast.

They kiss. The Deputy takes Mumford's arm, and we --

CUT TO:

INT. STATE CORRECTIONAL SEDAN - DAY

Mumford is alone in the backseat, handcuffed to a metal

restraint. A lone COUNTY CORRECTIONAL OFFICER is up front,

driving. There's a heavy security screen divider between

front and back.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Better make yourself comfortable. We

got a three hour drive here.

MUMFORD:

I'm fine.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

You're the shrink, aren't you?

MUMFORD:

No, not really.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

But you do therapy?

MUMFORD:

Not any more.

They ride along in silence. At peace, Mumford watches the

town go by. Finally --

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

I'll tell you, Doc, the wife and I,

we got a little bit of a problem.

Would you mind if I just ran it by

you?

The Correctional Officer watches Mumford in the rear view

mirror, waiting hopefully. Mumford ponders the question a

long time, then gives a "what the hell" shrug.

MUMFORD:

Go ahead.

EXT. MAIN STREET, EDGE OF TOWN - DAY

The State Correctional Sedan heads out of the business

district toward the highway, leaving the town of Mumford

behind.

FADE OUT.

THE END:

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