A lawyer's moral crisis when defending a man who admits to killing those responsible for his son's death
Story Structure — 3 Plot Phases
Tragedy and Retribution
Harry Fertig's son dies due to medical negligence, leading him to commit murder against those responsible.
Key Events
Son's Death — Stevie dies due to hospital negligence Characters: Harry Fertig, Sarah Fertig, Stevie Fertig, Dr. Mason Gillette, Nurse Jeanine CarrounboisLocation: Hospital
Murders — Fertig kills those responsible for his son's death Characters: Harry Fertig, Dr. Mason Gillette, Nurse Jeanine Carrounbois, Eric Malabar, Security GuardLocation: Hospital
The Unconventional Defense
Roy Bleakie takes on Fertig's case, only to discover his client intends to plead guilty, forcing a moral crisis.
Key Events
Bleakie Hired — Bleakie agrees to defend Fertig Characters: Roy Bleakie, Liam ClarkeLocation: Law Office
Guilty Plea Revelation — Fertig reveals intention to plead guilty Characters: Roy Bleakie, Harry FertigLocation: Jail Visiting Room
Moral Conflict — Bleakie questions his ethics and strategy Characters: Roy Bleakie, Harry FertigLocation: Law Office
Justice and Consequences
The trial unfolds as Bleakie grapples with his professional ethics while representing a man who admits his guilt.
Key Events
Trial Preparation — Bleakie prepares defense despite client's guilt Characters: Roy Bleakie, Harry Fertig, Judge CrosslandLocation: Courtroom
Courtroom Confrontation — Final arguments and sentencing Characters: Roy Bleakie, Harry Fertig, Judge Crossland, Sarah FertigLocation: Courtroom
Story Breakdown
Family Tragedy — The death of Stevie Fertig due to medical negligence
Hospital Negligence — Medical staff fail to provide adequate care
Parental Grief — Harry and Sarah's devastation over their loss
Vigilante Justice — Harry Fertig's revenge against those responsible
Target Selection — Identifying those involved in his son's death
Murders — Killing the doctor, nurse, and clerk
Legal Defense — Roy Bleakie's involvement in the case
Hiring — Bleakie is requested to defend Fertig
Strategy Development — Preparing a defense despite client's guilt
Moral Dilemma — Bleakie's ethical conflict
Professional Ethics — Questioning his usual tactics
Personal Morality — Grappling with right and wrong
Court Proceedings — The trial and its outcome
Arguments — Final courtroom presentations
Sentencing — The final judgment
After his young son dies from the negligence at a hospital, Harry Fertig takes matters into his own hands and kills the doctor, nurse and clerk responsible. Slick lawyer Roy Bleakie, looking only to win a case and not caring of the matters involved, is asked by Fertig's boss to defend him. Shocked to hear that his client wants to plead guilty, the case causes Bleakie to question his own morals by defending an honorable man.
