Jack McCoy: That escort's client, Al, the one who was in the room when she got the phone call, I recognized the voice. I think it's Shalvoy.
Michael Cutter: All right. Go on.
Jack McCoy: I went to see Shalvoy. I gave him a copy of a non-target letter I sent his lawyer. I told him about the tapes, that he might be called as a witness.
Michael Cutter: And when were you gonna tell me?
Jack McCoy: I'm telling you now. I told Shalvoy the feds want those tapes. That they're targeting him for a corrupt officials investigation. Now he's warning me if I don't protect him, I can forget about running for D.A. next year.
Michael Cutter: So you've decided to run?
Jack McCoy: I haven't decided not to run.
Michael Cutter: Well, maybe you shouldn't. I'm prosecuting a murderer, and you practically commit witness tampering.
Jack McCoy: He wasn't a witness when I talked to him.
Michael Cutter: Well, I'm not even sure I can use him now thanks to you. I mean, when this comes out, it's gonna make us all look bad.
Jack McCoy: Mike, get mad at me tomorrow. I can't fight you and the governor at the same time.
Michael Cutter: Well, you can win that fight! Just give the feds what they want. He's the one who hired a prostitute.
Jack McCoy: True. But the feds cut a deal with a violent mob punk to catch Shalvoy with his pants down. They have a history of bad blood with Shalvoy. It's payback time, and I refuse to do their dirty work.
Michael Cutter: And jeopardize your job.
Jack McCoy: Mike... give me a little credit.
Michael Cutter: Glad I'm not the one getting his nuts squeezed.