American President

NT. THE BILLIARD ROOM - NIGHT

SHEPHERD has converted one of the rooms on the second floor

residence. His expert shot demonstrates that playing pool is

something he does almost as well as being President. A.J.

stands to the side with his pool cue.

A.J.

McSorley, McCluskey and Shane know

we're making our move on the crime

bill. They're circling the wagons on

the assault weapons.

SHEPHERD

Should I meet with them?

A.J.

Let Lewis take a pass at them first.

SHEPHERD

Fine. 2 in the side.

SHEPHERD sends the two-ball flying into the corner pocket.

A.J.

Nice shot, Mr. President.

SHEPHERD

Nice shot, Mr. President? You won't

call me by my name when we're playing

pool.

A.J. assesses the table.

A.J.

I will not do it playing pool, I will

not do it in a school, I do not like

green eggs and ham, I do not like

them Sam I am.

SHEPHERD

At ease, A.J., and get away from the

pocket. 9 in the corner.

SHEPHERD makes the shot.

A.J.

Leo Solomon phoned. He said he was

thrilled with the deal you made this

morning.

SHEPHERD lifts his cue for a moment...trying to think it

there was something he was supposed to tell A.J.

SHEPHERD

I forgot to tell you.

A.J.

It's a waste of time.

SHEPHERD

Not our time. GDC makes a big

push for the votes, and when they

come up short, we move in with the

softer bill, to get passed, we're

everybody's hero. 3 in the side.

A.J.

Also, Sydney Wade called.

SHEPHERD, a hair too excited by this news, misses by a mile.

SHEPHERD

Sydney Wade?

A.J.

(beat)

She wanted to apologize one more time

for her behavior. 3 in the side.

SHEPHERD

Did she say anything about me?

A.J.

(beat)

Sydney Wade?

SHEPHERD

When she called.

A.J.

Did she say anything about you?

13 in the corner.

SHEPHERD

No, it's just that we had a nice

couple of minutes together. She

threatened me and I patronized her

and we didn't have anything to eat,

but I thought there was a connection.

A.J. is staring at him in disbelief.

SHEPHERD

She didn't say anything about me?

A.J.

(quietly)

Well, no, but I could pass her a note

before study hall and--

SHEPHERD

...