Transcript of conversation between Veena Lion and Philadelphia district attorney Eliott K. Mostel
ELIOTT K. MOSTEL: So, to be clear, you’re prepared to swear on a Holy Bible that you don’t have a tape recorder on you? Like, anywhere?
VEENA LION: Do you see a recording device anywhere, Eliott?
MOSTEL: I’m not falling for that again, Veena. You tape everything. I found out the hard way, if you recall. I’m thinking of the Gillespie case specifically.
LION: I recall the Gillespie case. Specifically. And I never used the tape in court.
MOSTEL: I just want to make it clear that if you do have such a device and this conversation is being recorded right now, it’s a felony. Pennsylvania takes privacy law seriously.
LION: Do you want to send me to jail or do you have a job for me?
MOSTEL: At times I find you needlessly infuriating, Veena. Do you know that?
LION: How about we skip the flattery and get down to it.
MOSTEL: Can you at least take off the sunglasses? I’d like to see your eyes as you insult me.
LION: No.
MOSTEL: You drive me [unintelligible].
LION: That makes two of us, Mr. District Attorney. Please continue.
MOSTEL: As you know, we’re going to have to eventually prosecute the son of a bitch who killed Archie Hughes. I want an airtight case, and I’d like your help.
LION: I’ll do it on one condition. Just a simple question, but I want the truth.
MOSTEL: Ask away.
LION: Was I your first call or was Cooper Lamb?
MOSTEL: Veena, how long have we worked together? You know you are my first and only choice when it comes to these kinds of cases.
LION: Eliott, there’s never been a case like this. And I want to know where your head is at. If Lamb turned you down and I’m merely your backup—
MOSTEL: I swear to Jesus, you were my first call.
LION: You’re Jewish.
MOSTEL: Can we please focus on the murder of one of our most beloved and high-profile citizens?
LION: Fine. I’ll take the assignment. I’m going to need a direct line to your office, someone on call twenty-four/seven, preferably one of your top ADAs. Real-time updates, with my executive assistant blind-copied on every piece of correspondence.
MOSTEL: Done, done, and done. And naturally you’ll have access to everything the police know in real time.
LION: I’m more interested in what the police don’t know.
MOSTEL: What a coincidence. That’s what interests me the most too.
LION: Afraid I’m not following you, Eliott.
MOSTEL: (Pause) I’m going to be frank with you. Mickey Bernstein pushed his way onto this case and I don’t like that. Frankly, I don’t like him.
LION: Sounds a little personal.
MOSTEL: No, what I mean is, I don’t trust him. He’s dirty, just like his old man. Everything he touches is tainted. He and his family are symbols of how corrupt this city used to be. We don’t live in that city anymore.
LION: So prosecute him.
MOSTEL: Yeah, you try getting past the big blue wall. Especially when it’s led by Her Majesty the commissioner, who is too focused on her path to the mayor’s office to care about the carnage on the streets.
LION: You don’t think the commissioner is keeping her eye on the ball?
MOSTEL: Look, forget I said anything—and see, this is why I’m paranoid about you taping every single conversation. Let’s keep this about Archie Hughes.
LION: Agreed. (Pause) Oh, and Janie, you can stop the transcription here.
MOSTEL: What? Who are you talking to? You said you weren’t recording this!
LION: Just a little joke, Eliott. Tell me what you have.