Boiling Point (1993) Movie Script
Coffee. I'll have it here.
- Be with you in a minute.
- Sure.
Here you go, man. Two burgers,
two coffees. Six bucks.
- Fredrick, how's it been, man?
- 'Pretty good, man, thanks.'
Alright. Take care.
- 'Alright, you too.'
- See ya around.
- So?
- All set.
Did like I told you?
No problem.
The phone will ring
in ten minutes.
Put this on it.
- What time you got?
- 10:20.
That's what I got.
'Hey, Train.'
'He's getting there.'
'Better wake up Brady.'
Hmm, wise-ass.
- 'And all set for tomorrow?'
- What's tomorrow?
'Saturday, man,
we're taking little Train'
'on the pony rides, remember?'
Oh, shit, I forgot.
Ah, she wasn't gonna
go for it, anyway.
'Yeah, she want him
to grow up and be a pussy'
'like his old man?'
'Just tell her his godfather
is countin' on her.'
Alright, it's time. I think
you'd better make that call.
- Yeah.
- 'Hello, Ronnie.'
'This is Salvatore.
You together?'
'Room 105 at
the Hollywood Vine Motel.'
'Come alone.'
'Okay.'
'He'll be right over. He said
he's right down the street.'
'You know, he sounded a little
nervous over the phone.'
What's he carrying, Jimmy?
Two-inch in his ankle holster.
Here he is.
'I've got the paper in the case.
Let's see the real stuff.'
'Take it easy, ten grand's right
here in the paper bag.'
'Here, take a look.'
Shit!
Oh, Jesus.
'Yeah. Brady.'
'We got shots fired
an agent down.'
'1133 Vine Street.'
Requesting agent-in-charge
and police notification.
Yeah.
Never had a fuckin' chance.
'San Fernando, Oxnard,
San Bruno'
'Santa Barbara,
San Luis Obispo..'
Well, stage one is complete.
We're ahead of the game
by ten grand.
That's not bad for openers.
You know, I noticed
when he went down
he had an ankle gun on him.
I mean, if, if I hadn't
done him, he would've done me.
Right?
You did exactly the right thing.
That was a major leap.
I'm proud of you, kid.
Your old Red buddy is proud,
do you hear that?
Proud.
And you know what
the best part is?
There ain't gonna be
any heat from the cops.
When they find that stiff
the first thing they're gonna do
is take fingerprints.
Then they're gonna see that this
guy has got an arrest sheet.
Then they're gonna figure it was
just another thief's beef.
And that's as far as it goes.
Case closed.
I know how they think.
To them, a dead thief
is just less work.
'Your attention, please,
this is your first call..'
Come on.
First thing you do..
Dump the car.
You've got a good spot?
What about Central Avenue?
Cops will just think
an African-American stole it.
I like that.
What about the sawn-off?
Ah, it's okay there for a while.
Listen, what you want to do, kid
is take a few days off
and enjoy yourself.
See that broad
that you were always
talking about in the joint, huh?
How does that sound?
- What are you gonna do?
- Same thing.
I almost forgot.
Here's a grand for you,
right off the top.
Buy yourself some clothes
or somethin'.
I'm gonna need the rest of this
to start settin' up
that friend
I was telling you about.
These things take money.
You got to put the bucks in..
To get the bucks out.
The suckers are out there, kid.
They're just waiting
for your old Red buddy.
I'm telling you, kid,
if you trust me
you'll be set for life.
And that is no lie.
Go get him, kid.
Oh, it's you.
Yeah.
Listen, I just wanna
see JC for a minute.
Are you serious?
He's been asleep for hours.
Yeah, I know that.
I'm not gonna wake him,
I just wanna see him.
Why can't this wait
until tomorrow?
It's Saturday,
he'll be home from school.
Look, are you gonna let me
see him or not?
Alright, but don't wake him.
Where'd you find him?
Steven and I met in class.
If that's what you mean.
Well, you think you could
get rid of him?
- I wanna talk to you.
- I can't do that.
Besides, there's nothing
we have to talk about.
Russo got killed tonight.
Hi, Mona.
What the hell
are you doing here?
I just thought I'd stop by
now that I'm out.
I heard the bad news.
So, what do you want?
What do you mean,
what do I want?
I just got out and I came here.
'Doesn't that mean
anything to you?'
Yeah, trouble,
which I don't need.
Now, get the hell out of here.
I know what you probably
think about me.
'But that's what I want
to talk to ya about.'
This last stretch
has brought me to my senses.
I finally wised up.
And believe me, that is no lie.
No lie? That's all you can do.
That's your stock and trade.
You are not capable
of telling the truth.
You're sick.
Not anymore.
I mean, I used to be. But now..
Now, what, a new man?
- Yeah.
- Bullshit.
Listen, I just got out
a month ago myself
and there's no way in the world
I'm going back in there
unless I'm dumb enough
to let a piece of shit like you
back in my life.
His name is Steven.
And he happens to be
an extremely sensitive
and understanding person.
Yeah, well, then
he'll understand me
stayin' over tonight.
First of all,
you're not stayin' over.
And if you did,
he's secure enough to accept
whatever explanation
I choose to give him.
Well, then, you better
come up with a good one
because I'm stayin'.
That's not gonna
change anything.
That's right. I see you
living better than ever. Hmm?
Even better than
we did before.
I don't like to see you
slingin' hash.
It really hurts me.
Slinging hash hurts you.
But making your wife turn tricks
to pay off your debt..
...that you can live with.
Making me a whore
to save your ass is okay.
That somehow doesn't hurt.
For you to do what?
Pull another one
of your swindles?
One of your operations
and end up in prison anyway?
- Listen, Mona--
- Don't you dare touch me!
You are, without a doubt
the lowest piece of dog shit
on the face of this earth.
Does that mean that we won't
be seein' each other later?
I get off in an hour.
No more bullshit. I want you
outta here right now.
Okay.
That's not what you want.
Is it?
Maybe you're right about
this not bein' the life..
...for you and JC.
Of course I'm right.
Your way of life
makes no sense at all.
It never did.
And it's just too big
a price to pay, honey.
Yeah, well, Russo
didn't think so.
Russo didn't have
a wife and kid.
Ex-wife.
Listen, Red,
I'm gonna be serious.
No yelling, no screaming.
Just straight talk
from me to you.
Sure, babe.
I want you to get up,
put on your clothes
and get out of here.
I don't ever want to
see you again. Ever.
Is that straight enough?
Jesus, what the hell
brought this on?
Don't make me say it again.
Just do it.
You mean I can't even
call you to say hello
you know, just to make sure
that you're alright?
Don't start with the con,
not now.
Well, Jesus,
you could have fooled me.
What the hell was this
all about then, huh?
What is this,
a mercy fuck?
I don't know.
Maybe it was.
Maybe it was
more for me than you.
But that's something
you wouldn't understand.
Yeah, I know it's expensive,
but on the other hand
it's not exactly what
you've been getting at home.
Yeah, Tony Dio, please.
Well, you should have told that
to Frankie, the bell captain.
He would have told you
there's no exceptions.
So, it's up to you, honey.
You know what it is.
That's right.
'So, do I come up or not?'
I'll be right there.
That's great timing.
You tell Tony I'm in the lobby.
Right, right, I'll be right up.
- Hey.
- Penthouse?
- How did you know that?
- Tony Dio, right?
Oh, the phones.
Hey, my name is, uh,
Red Diamond. Huh?
- Ha-ha, what's your name?
- Vikki Dunbar.
Hey, you know, if you're not
doing anything tonight, uh
I could use
a little company myself.
- I'm busy tonight.
- Oh, yeah?
How about tomorrow, huh?
Why don't you talk
to Frankie, the bell captain?
Oh, yeah.
Just ask for Vikki.
He'll know what you want.
Okay, it's Vikki.
Jesus. No sleep, no shave.
Am I in that much trouble?
It's good to
see you again, Jimmy.
How long are you in town for?
We'll let the department
decide that.
- You had breakfast yet?
- No, I'm not hungry.
Come on, have some coffee.
We got a lot to talk about.
I mean, I'm-I'm just sayin'
all I need is another
couple of months.
You know, to sort of
get back on my feet.
Red..
In the old days
you know, when we were just,
uh, starting out to..
Ha-ha, hey, Tony.
There was no quibbling about
a couple of bucks here or there.
- Right.
- You know why?
We were young.
And when you're young
you got plenty of time.
Sit down, sit down.
Ah, but, now..
...we're not young anymore, huh?
So, time is very important.
In fact..
...it is the most important
thing we got
or haven't got, in your case.
Do you understand what I'm
trying to say to you, Red?
Do I understand?
You don't have to tell
the old redhead about time.
I just did a nickel
in Terminal Island.
And when you're over 50,
that's doing real hard time.
This is it for me, Tony.
My last shot.
So, when I tell you I got
a real big project all set to go
it's set to go.
So, what are you telling me?
I'm telling you..
I mean, I'm just sayin' that
as soon as this project
goes off
I'll be able to pay you off,
with interest
for the whole five years.
Anyway, what do you got
to worry about?
You know that I'm good
for a lousy 50 grand.
Now, first of all..
...I never worry
about getting paid.
He does.
And second, I know
you're good for it.
Ah.
That's why I let the debt ride
while you were in the joint.
Yeah, but now you're out.
So, we gotta talk about
how you'll make it good.
- But that's what I'm sayin'.
- Well, you see..
You're telling me
and you're sayin' again.
How much did you bring
with you today?
Eight grand.
Here, put it here.
So, what's the problem?
- Take your time with the rest.
- Ah, Tony.
Take another seven days.
I'll wait a week.
How 'bout another 30 days, huh?
I mean, you know, there's always
these last-minute details
to work out--
Thanks for dropping by, Red.
Tony, seven days, huh?
Alright.
Your operation
wasn't by the book.
It should've gone down
out in the open.
No one waved the book at all the
others that Russo and I busted.
Look, don't be naive.
This time, we lost one of ours.
So, what are they
gonna do to me?
They've done it.
You're transferred.
- To Newark.
- To Newark?
Oh, shit!
As of when?
As of when I left Washington.
I'll assign someone else
to this mess.
No, no, no. You can't do that.
Now, you gotta give me time,
you gotta delay this thing
until I can find the son
of a bitch who killed Russo.
The director'll
never go for it.
Fuck the director.
Look, you just tell him
that I'm the only one
that saw the killer
and can identify him.
He'll sit still for that.
You know it.
- Did you?
- Jerry, I need time.
You gotta give me two weeks.
Hell, give me one week.
I just need a little time
so I can find the guy.
I mean, have you got
anything to go on?
Not a goddamn thing.
But neither will anybody else
that you put in here
to try to replace me.
Look, Jerry,
Russo is my responsibility.
He was my friend.
You gotta do this for me,
as a personal favor.
Alright, I'll give you
one week, but that's it.
Seven days,
and you're outta here.
But you got to give me
your word on something.
What's that?
You keep your head.
Nothing crazy.
It's got to be by the book.
Do I have your word?
You got it.
And I give you my word
on something else, too.
When I find this motherfucker
I'm gonna put him in a box.
By the book.
I'll see you later.
I got us a week.
- What did you get?
- Zip.
I spent the morning
going through the mug book
like I know
what I'm looking for.
Good. I don't think
we got a good look.
- Anything overnight?
- Nothing at the motel.
No hair, no prints, no nothing.
All the internal reports
come up empty.
Well, now we won't
have to waste
valuable time on hard evidence.
'Shit!'
Jimmy, the guy must have
cased the motel.
That's why he wanted
Russo in 105.
Otherwise, it would have been
easy to park at a lot.
Wait a minute. I didn't
hear him start the car.
He just got in
and just drove away.
Getaway driver.
So, now, there's two of them.
Shit!
Tech room, Mercer.
'You sure?'
- Alright, thank you.
- What have you got?
Lab says the fifties come off
of an old Freddie Roth printing.
First time they showed up
in five years.
I was gonna approve the pass
until I find out
about his old lady.
- His old lady?
- She wrote him a Dear John.
We still read
all mail coming in.
One of our few
remaining privileges.
It seems she moved in
with her brother
since Freddie has been in here.
He thinks he smuggled
this out to her.
He says he's gonna
get out of here
and kill 'em both.
Long time, Freddie. Have a seat.
This place is a little different
from my old Malibu pad, huh?
- Remember those days?
- Yeah, I remember.
What do you want
to talk to me about?
Some of your old fifties
have shown up recently.
- Which old fifties?
- The ones that got you here.
- Remember?
- Yeah.
The plate had a bad key
on the treasury seal.
I should have burned
the whole bunch
before I put them out
on the street.
Who has the rest
of the notes, Freddie?
Now, wait a minute.
You come here to lay
a goddamn case on me
while I'm in the joint, huh?
What the hell do I know
about who has a few fifties
I printed five years ago?
How the hell do I know what's
happening on the street, man?
I'm in the cage.
I'm in a cage, man.
Thank you, Freddie.
Sorry to have bothered you.
What?
You can go back to D-wing.
I don't have any more questions.
No, wait-wait-wait, wait-wait,
wait a minute.
What if I was to remember
something about
a stash on the outside?
What's in it for me?
What do you want to be
in it for you, Freddie?
Well, it's like this, man.
I'm on the list for a gate pass
so I can work outside
on the grass.
I'm sick, man. I need a little
fresh air and sunshine.
Vitamin C, you know.
You talk to the captain, you get
my name moved up on that list
I might be able to remember
something about the fifties.
- 'Will you talk to him?'
- I already did.
But listen, man, if anybody..
...finds out that
I'm talking
to the Feds, I could end up
getting shanked.
There's guys in here that
actually like to do it.
Who has your stash, Freddie?
I gave it to a friend
to hold for me.
He got about 50 grand.
This friend have a name?
He's a real friend, man.
I don't wanna see him
drop behind a deal
when he's just doin' me a favor.
You know what I mean?
How bad do you want
this gate pass, Freddie?
Hmm?
What's his name?
'Virgil Leach.'
He deals in paper,
but he's just holding it.
He said he wouldn't pass any.
Where do I find him?
He used to hang out
at the Paradise Isle downtown.
Want another drink?
Yeah, Scotch and water.
Hey, look, you sure this Virgil
Leach guy's comin' in here?
He'll be here,
it's still early yet.
Alright, when he comes in,
tell him I'm sittin'
at that back table
there, alright?
'Okay. You got it.'
- Virgil.
- Yeah.
You're lookin' for me?
Yeah, if your name
is Virgil Leach, I am.
- Who are you?
- I'm Jimmy.
Sit down.
I'm a friend of Freddie Roth.
I spent some time
with him up in, the TI.
Really? Freddie told you
to look me up?
Yeah, you could say that.
Look, I'm looking to make
a couple of bucks
before I go back East.
You know, maybe score some paper
or some cashier's checks,
or something that'd go down easy
without an ID.
Sorry, I can't
help you there, pal.
Well, well, Freddie told me
that you could.
He said, I should tell you that
I got all the right connections
to come up with the buy money.
How fast could you deal?
Tonight fast enough for you?
Yeah.
You interested in some
really nice green stuff?
What flavor?
Numero50.
Ten different serial numbers.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
How much heat is on the batch?
Look, if the Feds are
onto the serial numbers
I don't wanna have
nothin' to do with it, alright?
I can't go back to TI.
No, no, no, no way, man.
This product is cool.
Hey, you prove otherwise,
you get your money back.
And that is no shit.
Well, maybe I'll see a sample..
...and then
we'll talk business.
How soon after
you see that sample
can you come up
with the buy money?
Five minutes.
I'll be back with the sample.
But you better be ready to deal
five minutes
after you eyeball it.
What do you say we, uh, take
this out to the parkin' lot?
There's too many people in here.
Too many for who?
What do you say we stay in here?
Let's go over there.
Not bad.
That's no shit.
Okay, you've seen 'em.
Now, go get the buy money.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait a minute.
Now, we haven't
even cut a deal yet.
That's right, and we ain't gonna
until I see the buy money.
How about seeing this,
motherfucker?
Federal officer.
And that's no shit.
Glad you could make it.
- Hi.
- Hi.
I was really
looking forward to this.
Then I'll try not to
disappoint you.
Well, I'm sure you wouldn't
have to try too hard.
Did you get a room,
or do you want me to?
No, you know, I don't think
we're gonna need one, um..
I've got something else in mind.
Oh, yeah? Like what?
Well, are your, uh
are your shoes comfortable?
What, are we gonna take
a walk in the park?
No, but for what we're gonna do
you really need
a good pair of shoes.
Wait a minute. I'm not very good
at this kind of thing, okay?
Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
You've got it all wrong.
I'm not that kinda guy.
Look. Would you just
be a sport, trust me?
Huh?
This might just be
the time of your life.
Hey.
What do you got,
a two-way mirror back there?
A couple of peepers there?
Sit down.
Hey, aren't you gonna warn me
of my constitutional rights?
No need to. You already been
bought and paid for.
So, you deliver four
counterfeit fifties to the man.
And that is that.
You wanna know what I think?
I think I was entrapped
into this whole thing.
And I think that
we should cut the shit
and see if we can cut a deal.
Now, what I want
is the names of everybody
you dealt the fifties to
and the location
of the rest of the stash.
That's what I want.
Now, you tell me what you want.
Doesn't matter
what I want or don't want.
'Cause I ain't saying
a fucking thing.
And that's no shit.
You must be one of them
freaks that actually
likes the joint, huh?
- Is that it?
- Yeah, that's it.
I like the joint about as much
as I like looking at your face.
'But I've been around
long enough to know'
'that since I'm on parole'
'I'm gonna be violating.'
'Which means I pick up
another 18 months'
'of which
I'll only have to do six.'
Or, in your case, uh,
with the four fifties?
That will be dropped
by the US Attorney
in the interest of justice
'so as not to
clog up the court.'
'Since I'm already
going back to prison'
I mean, what the hell's four
fifties anyway, right? Huh?
Hey, I'm lookin' at four months.
Maybe only three.
Seeing as how the joint
is so overcrowded
they're giving early out time.
So, for 90 days
you want me to become a snitch?
Take a chance at getting
a shiv stuck up my ass?
No way, man. No fucking way.
Yeah, but there's one thing
you're forgetting.
What about your old lady?
Let me tell you something.
If I find the stash in your pad
and she's there
I'm gonna bust her ass.
You wanna get her involved?
What the fuck do I care?
She's a dumb junkie bitch.
A friend of mine gave her to me.
When you guys go there
and you find counterfeit money
it's hers, not mine.
Counterfeit possession with
priors, Connie, is very serious.
Very serious.
So?
So, we want you to tell us
who Virgil was peddling to.
I'm not a snitch.
You know, Connie,
you don't look so good.
When is the last time
you had a fix, huh?
Ah! Ah, you're
making me throw up.
You'll have plenty of time
for that in jail tonight, Connie
to give yourself the dope.
Who did Virgil give some
of the counterfeit money to?
- Nobody.
- Bullshit!
He's holding it for a partner
who went to the joint.
He didn't wanna pass it
'cause the Feds had
the serial numbers or some shit.
I don't know.
I don't know!
Well, I think
you better get dressed.
Man, the bag is Virgil's,
not mine.
Connie, thinking back,
did you ever see Virgil
give even one of these
counterfeit fifties to anyone?
Huh? Talk!
Virgil's the only man
who ever showed me respect.
I'm not rollin' over on him
or none of his friends.
Go ahead and put
my ass in prison.
I'll just sit there.
'What the fuck do I care?'
'She's a dumb junkie bitch.'
'A friend of mine
gave her to me.'
'When you guys go there
and you find counterfeit money'
'it's hers, not mine.'
You call that respect, Connie?
Fine. Fine.
Virgil told me to deliver
some samples to a guy
who'd be in front
of the Palace.
When was that?
Well, a guy came by
a couple days ago.
He said he needed 'em
for a scam or somethin'.
What kind of scam?
He didn't say
and Virgil didn't ask.
Who is the man?
What was his name?
Virgil called him Red.
- Hi.
- Hey. Hey.
You'll never believe
in a million years
what I've been doing.
I don't think I have that long,
so you might as well tell me.
The happy hooker
plays Ginger Rogers.
'Could you believe
I've been dancing?'
Was that Fred Astaire
who just kissed you goodnight?
He was actually a sweet man.
You'd like him.
'Vikki, what are you drinking?'
Um, the usual. Thanks.
Well, this makes it
the perfect evening.
I get to see
my favorite T-man.
'So, how are things
back at the mint?'
Russo got killed Friday.
There goes the perfect evening.
You wanna talk about it?
No.
You wanna go
get something to eat?
I'm not hungry.
Well, if we're not gonna talk,
and we're not gonna eat..
...what are we gonna do?
Why don't you get the drinks
and the rest
of the night's on me?
Anyway, you saw that John
that I was with before.
Yeah, from a distance.
What does he have to do with it?
Well, that's how
it all started.
Turns out, all he wanted
was someone to go dancing with.
You know me. Anything to please.
So, away we went.
And of all places,
we went to the Palace.
It seems
the poor guy was dumped
by his old lady or something.
So, all he could talk about
was how he used to get off
dancing to all those bands
that used to be so popular.
Anyways, he starts getting heavy
into this nostalgia trip
and I thought the poor guy
was gonna break down and cry.
Especially when
they started playing
one of those slow, mushy ones.
So, then, he just clams up,
closes his eyes
and I know he's not
with me anymore.
Well, he never
really was, anyways.
So, there he is,
thinking about his old lady
like I wasn't even there.
So, I figure
I'd do the same thing.
I'll think about someone
that I'd like to be with.
And what do you know, folks?
I come up with you.
Hello?
- Hmm.
- Mr. Excitement.
Well, how did I do?
Better than I thought.
Good.
You ever take your old lady
dancing like that?
Nope.
Would you take me
someday, maybe?
Yeah, if you let me
go to sleep.
It's a deal.
Hey, Max.
Good to see ya.
I heard you were out.
Yeah. Last week, huh?
Thought I'd drop by
to say hello.
Glad you did.
Listen, um,
I'm right in this building.
You drop by and see me sometime.
Anytime, Red.
Uh, what about now, huh?
No time like the present, huh?
Can't do it, Red. There are
people waiting in the office.
Uh, this'll just take
a minute, Max, listen.
I'm onto something
really big here, you know?
It's a monster. It's gotta be
my biggest score yet.
Listen, it's an oil lease deal
with a structure
that's foolproof, and
all I need is a little backin'.
- And not a whole bunch..
- Red, please.
I know you just got out
and all that
and how tough it was.
I'm sorry.
But there are
too many people involved
in this kind of thing.
The cops are onto you.
You've been down too many times.
Now, you take my advice,
you forget about this.
You won't raise a nickel
with another scam.
- Hey, you didn't let me finish.
- Oh, I'll finish it for you.
The answer is no, nothing, nada.
- Hey, Max--
- Don't touch.
Please. Okay?
How 'bout you loaning me,
personally?
Fifty grand. Hey, now,
you know I'm good for it, huh?
See, this is what you said
to my people five years ago
and you leave them sucking wind.
Hey, I ended up
in the stinking, fucking joint.
Don't you do that to me. You
know how sorry I am about that.
How sorry you are?
You'd be sorry if I'd have
handed you up to the grand jury.
What is this, Red? What?
You tell me. What is this?
Is, this is a shakedown?
You think you're gonna muscle
a lawyer with a beef
where the statute's
already run out?
Don't be a schmuck.
No, you owe me.
For keeping my mouth shut.
And for walking
that fucking yard alone.
That's what I think.
Well, your thinking's all wrong.
You come to me for bucks.
Don't you bring me some scam,
some daisy chain bullshit.
You bring me something tangible.
Coke, grass, papers, stocks,
bonds, I don't know.
Now, you have my card...use it.
This is everyone from LAPD
and sheriff's records.
- Great job.
- You got a minute?
Yeah.
- Okay, what have we got?
- Just what ya asked for.
We got a photo of every
red-headed male adult
ever arrested in Los Angeles
County in the last 15 years.
Nine hundred
forty-six of 'em.
- Good luck.
- Alright.
Help me get these together
so I could take 'em down
to lock-up and show Connie.
'Forget it, Jimmy.'
Connie was released on her own
recognizance at 07:00 hours.
I don't believe it.
Connie!
'Connie!'
Connie, no!
No, don't!
What do you
think about this?
I just got this today.
You cannot tell the difference
between this and a real one.
What do you mean?
It's your lucky piece, right?
No, not this one.
That was an earlier sample.
Wasn't perfect.
Now, I went to the guy
that makes these, huh?
To redo it.
Now, it's a winner. Huh?
This is a dummy?
Dummy? No, it's real.
I mean, it-it's not real.
It looks real, huh?
How many you got?
Well, that's the problem.
Guy doesn't have
enough cash, you know?
To go into full production.
The way I got this mapped out is
we need another score
to make this move..
Well, what about the money
from the hotel?
It's already bein' used,
uh, you know
to set up the front
I was telling you about.
I've even got a firm
doing market research
just to make sure
that the suckers are there.
Huh? Old Red, buddy,
does not miss a trick.
Market research?
Like I said..
...we need another score.
You pull this off, partner
we're on our way to Vegas
and that is no lie.
So, you say you got
my name from Stimey?
- Yeah, I met him in TI.
- Oh.
Stimey.
He's a good man. I got a letter
from him a week ago.
He's doin' his time real easy.
Did you?
Well, the letter must've
come by pony express
'cause Stimey got iced
in a fight six weeks ago.
You can't blame me
for being too careful.
No.
Difficult time
for this sort of thing.
Mm-hmm.
So, do we talk or what?
What quantity
are we talkin' about?
Two hundred and fifty grand.
Well, I've seen better.
I can offer you
ten points on the package
that's 25,000 for you.
Thirty points
is the usual price.
Where is that, Poland?
Fifteen, that's it.
I oughta get 20 or I walk.
Okay, tough guy, 20.
I don't have time to quibble.
Okay, so..
Twenty into 250.
That's 50 grand for you,
you get it in $100 bills.
I get to see
the buy money first.
- Oh, you do?
- Yeah.
Well, that's customary,
don't you worry about it.
And it's gotta be tonight.
- How's 9:00 PM?
- Okay.
You go to the north side of the
parking lot at Union Station.
You know Union Station?
- Yeah.
- You wanna write this down?
- No.
- There's a phone booth there.
I suggest you get there early
to avoid any problems.
At 9:00 PM, exactly 9:00 PM,
the phone will ring.
When you answer it, you'll get
your final instructions.
Now, Ronnie. Is it Ronnie?
You make the delivery
five minutes
after you get the phone call.
If it doesn't ring exactly
at 9:00 PM, the deal is off.
There's somethin' gone wrong.
Hey, you, you understand me?
Yeah.
'Any questions?'
Yeah.
Who's gonna do the deal
at the station?
Well, Ronnie, the one thing
I guarantee is
it's not gonna be me.
Well, that's a, that's a shame.
Kinda feel better
if it was.
- Yeah.
- 'Ronnie, the deal is on.'
'You're together?'
Who the fuck are you?
I work for Max,
I'm here to do some business.
Why didn't you say so?
Yeah, I'm together.
Let's see your buy money.
Max doesn't buy anything
without seein' the full package.
Max said I could see
the buy money first.
'No, that's not
the way it works.'
This is safer for everybody.
You know what I'm saying?
Look, I don't wanna get
ripped off any more than you do.
So, I'll show you the papers
same time you show me
the buy money.
Otherwise we stand here
jerkin' each other off
about who's gonna show first.
Right?
Right.
So, you have no objection to me
pattin' you down first, right?
Go ahead.
I ain't packin'.
You got nothin'
to worry about from me.
Paper's nearby.
All I gotta do
is give the come ahead.
Alright, good, you stand
right there where I can see you.
Give your mule a come ahead.
Fifty grand's right here.
If anything goes wrong,
I'm gonna kill you first.
Take it easy.
Nothing's gonna go wrong.
Call the mule.
Nothin' at all.
Alright, open the trunk
of the car
and lay the case down in there
and show me the paper.
I wanna count it.
While I'm doin' that, you can
count the money in my belt.
Sounds fair enough.
Take off the belt.
- Red, man!
- Hey.
Huh? Any problem?
Not for our side.
Attaboy. Huh?
Well, where's the money?
Under the seat.
Jesus.
Dear God.
Got a little messy.
Oh, shit!
What?
What's wrong?
I'll tell you what's wrong.
You got dealt
a fuckin' gypsy bankroll.
Let me see.
You know...we got fucked.
That prick Waxman,
tradin' paper for paper.
I can't fuckin' believe it.
Now, I'm really glad
I wasted that fucker.
We can recover from this.
We just gotta use our heads.
Yeah..
Yeah, you'll think of somethin'.
I mean, you always do.
Yeah.
You can bet on it, kid.
You can bet
on somethin' else, too.
That whatever it is..
...next time, it's gonna be
for all the fuckin' marbles.
Intelligence lists him
as a transaction man
for an attorney
named Max Waxman.
Oh, yes, Waxman, I know him.
He's a money man.
Usually has somebody else
to do his dirty work.
Uh-huh.
- Any witnesses?
- No good witnesses.
A Japanese tourist saw two men
talking by the car,
but it was too dark.
She can't give a description.
You think it's the same guy
who did your man, Russo?
I know it is.
- Mr. Waxman.
- Yes.
Like to ask you a couple
of questions about the murder
of your investigator.
I've already talked
to the police.
I have no knowledge
of Michael's private affairs.
Yes, sir, I understand that,
but I would like to
talk to you privately.
Oh, good, you can talk to me
in my office in the morning.
It's very private.
Sir, I'd rather not.
I'm very pressed for time.
Yes, sir.
This won't take long.
Oh, Jesus Christ.
It's stuffy down
in the garage.
Much better out here,
don't you think?
Where the hell
have you taken me?
You know, I really
don't understand
the need for this secrecy.
And what do you people
have to do with this anyway?
I was interviewed by the robbery
homicide people last night
and if you'd bothered to check,
we wouldn't be wasting
all this time.
They seemed more than satisfied
with what I had to say.
A week ago, a treasury agent
was murdered
with a sawed-off shotgun
while he was working undercover.
Someone using the name Ronnie
another man with red hair,
about the age of 50
were the ones who did it.
I think they were
the same ones that dumped
your stooge last night.
So?
So I want you to tell us
who they are.
And I guarantee that
what you say to us
won't go any further.
Do you gentlemen
really expect me to sit here
in the back of this car,
and give you a statement
about something I know
absolutely nothing about
thus incriminate myself?
Did you know
I was an attorney at law?
May I offer you one
of my cards, either of you?
We already got
your card downtown.
It says that you're a money man.
And that you never
dirty your hands.
Then I should keep 'em
that way, don't you think?
I'll tell you what I think.
I think that they came to you
with a counterfeit sample.
You made the arrangements,
and you agreed upon the price.
Then, they met your man
in the train station
and ripped him off.
That's what I think.
Michael was not acting
on my behalf.
You don't understand.
See, I don't care.
I mean, it's, it's history.
It's over, forgotten.
That is, if you wanna tell us
who they are.
I mean, you have
my word on that.
Look, you have nothin' to lose
by helping us.
On the other hand
I have nothing to gain, do I?
- Oh, yes, you do.
- And what would that be?
Our word that we won't
completely ruin your business.
What does that mean,
now, what does that mean
you'll ruin my business?
I'll tell you what it means.
It means that if
you don't help us
then we turn the heat up
full blast
the minute you step
outside this car.
And that tomorrow morning,
your whole office is subpoenaed
by the federal grand jury.
And I guarantee you,
TV cameras will be there
just when you appear.
I'll contact all your clients
ask 'em the same questions
that I'm asking you.
Then I'll put the word out on
the street that you're a snitch
'and that you're ready
to roll over'
'on every major dealer in
town.'
I will dedicate my life
to fuckin' you over so bad
that no one in his right mind
will ever wanna put you
behind a deal again.
You'd be back
to chasing ambulances.
Stop the car now.
I want outta this car,
right now!
Get your hand off of me,
you miserable cock sucker
before I break it.
If you don't take me back
to my office
I'm calling
the United States attorney
and having you brought up
on charges of kidnapping
and threatening my life.
Do you understand?
Why wait until we get back?
'Why are you stopping this
car?'
Don't you wanna
make your phone call?
Either you tell us what you know
or we're all gonna take a walk
over to that phone booth.
'It's your choice.'
What makes you think there's
a red-headed guy involved?
You first.
There's a fellow
named Red Diamond
just out of Terminal Island.
'A con man, he came by
to see me a few days ago'
and wanted me to lend him
some money.
The only redhead
I can think of.
Ronnie's a walk-in,
he came by yesterday.
I've never seen him before.
I would've never guessed
the connection with Red Diamond.
It's the right house alright.
His name is on the mailbox.
- Anything doin'?
- No.
No lights, no TV,
no noise at all.
Unless he's sleeping,
I'd say he's out.
'Are you telling me
you don't have'
'what you're supposed to have
by tomorrow?'
No, no, that's not
what I'm sayin' at all.
All I'm sayin' is
that for the moment..
...the money's tied up
in somethin'.
'Tomorrow is your deadline.'
'I'll be open for business
at my hotel suite.'
'You be there after 6:00 PM
with the cash.'
'If you're not'
'you'll have visitors.'
What's up?
You want a drink?
Nah.
Anybody know you here
besides me?
No. Why?
We got trouble, baby.
There's paper on ya.
For what?
Who put a contract out on me?
You know the dago
that you offed at
the Hollywood Vine Motel?
He was connected, man.
- Yeah.
- Says who?
A friend of mine
who knows the people.
That's bullshit.
You and me were
the only ones there.
No.
There was a backup man
outside the motel,
recognizes you from the joint.
This is no lie.
Do you think
these people are for real?
I'm talkin' plugged in.
- The guy that put the paper..
- Mm-hmm.
You know, he's a juice man.
Tryin' to make himself
look good.
Nah.
We put him away,
that's the end of it.
No baby brothers.
- And Ronnie's home free.
- Hmm.
How will you do it?
I already talked to him
on the phone.
The juice man.
I told him
I wanna talk about it alone.
This juice guy's got backup.
Yeah. But they always got
hard cash layin' around, too.
- That's true.
- Hey, now, look.
There's no other way.
Who's this guy?
Guy's name is Tony Dio.
He's nothin',
he's a piece of shit.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Well, tomorrow he won't
even be that.
All good things come
to those that wait.
Yeah, but no Ronnie.
Shit!
We can't wait much longer.
Tomorrow's our last day,
remember?
Jimmy, we could take him,
squeeze the son of a bitch
and hope he hands up Ronnie.
No way he will.
If he has half a brain,
he knows we can't even hold him
based on what we got.
Then the ballgame's
really over.
Listen, Sam, um, this guy's
probably gonna stay in
the rest of the night.
I got somethin' I wanna do.
You know, if Red meets up with
anybody and they split
you go with the other one.
We know where to find him.
Alright, okay.
I'll contact you on your radio
when I get in the car.
I'll be here.
I don't know whether it's you
or the night or the music..
But I feel like
gettin' romantic tonight.
Does that mean a soda
with two straws
or we're gonna get down
to business?
Why don't we go over
to my place, hmm?
And uh, talk about it.
Why don't we go to your place
after we talk about it?
Okay.
Let's talk.
How much?
Costs the same for that
as it does for this.
You sure that's all?
I mean, we're not gonna
be dancing.
Honey, in my business
you don't think of what you do
just the time it takes
to do it.
Who am I to tell you
how to run your business, huh?
Let's get outta here.
- 'Who is it?'
- It's me, open up.
Are you crazy?
You know what time it is?
Yeah, I gotta talk to you.
It's important.
This isn't the time.
You can call me in the morning.
No, no, I can't talk to you
in the morning.
- I gotta talk to you now.
- No!
Look, now, hear me, Sal.
Don't do this to me!
Now, I wanna talk
and I wanna talk now--
Would you keep your voice down
or you're gonna wake Jessie.
What's goin' on?
Alright, the damage
has been done.
Well, aren't you coming in?
- How much is it?
- Six seventy-five.
Here, keep the change.
Vikki.
Hi.
Look, let's, let's walk.
Which means let's talk, right?
Right.
So, what're we gonna talk about?
I just wanted to say goodbye,
that's all.
That's all? Where are you going?
Tch. Any place except Newark.
I'm turnin' in my badge.
- Just like that?
- Yeah, just like that.
Soon as I get even
for Russo, I'm outta here.
Well, what about your kid?
Yeah, well, I thought about
taking him with me.
Matter of fact,
I even went over there tonight
to ask if I can have him.
What'd she say?
I never asked.
Figure he's better off
with them
and I'm better off alone,
you know?
That is...unless..
...unless you wanna come along.
Christ, I was willing to settle
for just going dancing
you remember?
So, is that a yes or a no?
It doesn't work. I tried it.
- What doesn't work?
- Running away.
- We're not running away.
- No?
What would you call it,
a fresh start?
Honey, there's no such thing.
We are what we are,
we gotta do what we gotta do
and that baggage travels
with you wherever you go.
So, I open up a cathouse
in Des Moines.
Make you a star.
How's that?
Make it Newark
and you gotta deal.
I told you, I'm packin' it in.
Come on, you know
you'll never be happy
unless you're crawling through
sewers and catching rats.
What's the difference
where it is?
You don't get it, do you?
Look, it's already cost me
my wife, my kid, and now Russo.
That's it. I can't pay anymore.
Well, at least...with me it
wouldn't have cost you anything.
Good luck.
Vikki!
Thanks.
- Hello..
- Hi, Vikki.
Jesus Christ.
Do I look that bad?
Hell, it's only been 24 hours.
The way we're goin',
be ready for another 24 hours.
Guess your old man's back there.
Hello, Red.
Oh, glad I caught ya. I was
just rushin' off for a meeting.
- I thought we said that--
- I know, I know.
Come on, now.
Ahem. Sit down.
It's just that
I've been thinkin'..
...this whole week
that I haven't seen ya..
You know, about us
and everything.
We can make it, Mona.
I swear,
this time it can't miss.
If this meeting tonight
goes the way I think it will
I'll be free as a bird.
Red, you're gonna be late.
Yeah, Mona..
...I gotta tell ya somethin'.
Somethin' that happened
to me last night
and I don't know how to say it.
But, uh..
...it's somethin'
that you gotta know.
I'll only know if you tell me.
I was with someone last night.
A woman?
Yeah.
But nothin' serious.
You know, just, uh..
Well, just someone to, um..
To go to bed with.
You know what I'm sayin'.
It's just that
I'm no good with anyone else.
Now, I don't wanna believe that.
You know,
a man's got to feel that, uh
he can do it on his own.
But after last night..
...I know that I can't..
...that I'm no good without you.
You're gonna be late.
You already said that.
What do you want me to say?
I want you to say that
you'll give me another chance.
I'll give you another chance.
Well, that's great.
Now, you won't be sorry,
and that's a promise.
- You better go.
- Listen, we gotta celebrate.
Later, you know,
after this meeting.
'Cause we're gonna have
a new beginning.
And I know
how to kick this thing off.
Listen, tonight is
the last night
of dancing at the Palace.
We gotta be there.
It'll be just like old times.
What do ya say, huh?
Alright.
I'll meet you there
after I get off work.
I have to do some things
and I wanna get dressed.
So, where will you be?
You just look for the happiest
redhead in the whole world.
I'll catch this later.
Let's go.
'Thank you, God.'
That's gotta be Ronnie.
Yep, briefcase and all.
Sawed-off's gotta be
in the case, Jimmy.
We could bust 'em
right now.
Not enough.
They're in possession,
that's enough to put 'em away.
Yeah, but it's not
enough for Russo.
Something's going down.
I know it.
Listen, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy.
We'd better bust 'em now
before that freak goes crazy
and kills somebody
or else you're lookin'
for trouble.
You don't want ear plugs, right?
What?
Ear plugs.
Had my ears running
for two days when I did
that guy in the motel.
Shotgun's a loud
motherfuckin' piece, man.
Okay, now.
When it's done
wipe the shotgun, drop it.
Then we're gonna split up, okay?
What about the money?
No, I'll-I'll take the money.
Uh..
I want you to meet me
at the Palace now.
In one hour, that's 9:00 PM.
Then we'll cut up the pie.
Drinks are on the red guy.
Huh, how's that?
You wanna get in on the fun?
Huh, no, I don't get
in your way, kid.
You said they'd be two of 'em.
You might need it.
Ah, I hope not.
US treasury.
You seen this guy?
Yeah. I checked 'em out.
They said they were goin' up
to the penthouse.
Jimmy, let's go.
Take it slow, take it slow,
take it slow.
- Alright.
- Don't say anything.
Kick in the door.
Then you do your number.
Alright, remember,
I'm gonna be right behind you.
- You ready?
- No, I need this for the money.
Remember we're going
off the roof, huh?
- Yeah.
- Okay, kid.
Now kick in the door.
Fuck you.
Fuck you, huh? Fuck you.
Wipe it and drop it,
Ronnie. Huh?
Just wipe it
and drop it, Ronnie.
How many times
I gotta tell ya, huh?
Come on, kid.
Okay, I got the money.
Come on, kid, let's go.
Let's go!
Wait, the door's here.
Get in there, just get in.
Check the roof.
Here, it's clean. Go.
Take the stairs,
we'll split this later.
- Okay.
- Huh?
- Don't shoot.
- 'Out.'
- I'm out. I'm out.
- 'Out!'
Ronnie's gone. He must've taken
the other stairway.
That's okay.
'Cause Red is going to
tell us where he is.
Right now, motherfucker.
The Palace.
That was the plan,
meet him at 9 o'clock
split the money.
But if I'm not there..
...he's gonna know
something's wrong.
In that kind of crowd, heh-heh,
you're never gonna find him.
He's right. We still don't know
what the fuckin' guy looks like.
Okay, get up there.
Okay, this is Mercer.
Friendly's moving
into position.
Suspect is moving
up the north staircase.
Wearing a yellow sport jacket.
'Sam, don't take him.
Wait for back up.'
- You okay?
- Got your piece with you?
- What's wrong?
- You brought the cops, look.
Let's get outta here, baby.
You lead the way, okay?
- Hmm?
- Okay, go!
He's got a gun.
What's the use?
You can't fuckin' win.
- Be with you in a minute.
- Sure.
Here you go, man. Two burgers,
two coffees. Six bucks.
- Fredrick, how's it been, man?
- 'Pretty good, man, thanks.'
Alright. Take care.
- 'Alright, you too.'
- See ya around.
- So?
- All set.
Did like I told you?
No problem.
The phone will ring
in ten minutes.
Put this on it.
- What time you got?
- 10:20.
That's what I got.
'Hey, Train.'
'He's getting there.'
'Better wake up Brady.'
Hmm, wise-ass.
- 'And all set for tomorrow?'
- What's tomorrow?
'Saturday, man,
we're taking little Train'
'on the pony rides, remember?'
Oh, shit, I forgot.
Ah, she wasn't gonna
go for it, anyway.
'Yeah, she want him
to grow up and be a pussy'
'like his old man?'
'Just tell her his godfather
is countin' on her.'
Alright, it's time. I think
you'd better make that call.
- Yeah.
- 'Hello, Ronnie.'
'This is Salvatore.
You together?'
'Room 105 at
the Hollywood Vine Motel.'
'Come alone.'
'Okay.'
'He'll be right over. He said
he's right down the street.'
'You know, he sounded a little
nervous over the phone.'
What's he carrying, Jimmy?
Two-inch in his ankle holster.
Here he is.
'I've got the paper in the case.
Let's see the real stuff.'
'Take it easy, ten grand's right
here in the paper bag.'
'Here, take a look.'
Shit!
Oh, Jesus.
'Yeah. Brady.'
'We got shots fired
an agent down.'
'1133 Vine Street.'
Requesting agent-in-charge
and police notification.
Yeah.
Never had a fuckin' chance.
'San Fernando, Oxnard,
San Bruno'
'Santa Barbara,
San Luis Obispo..'
Well, stage one is complete.
We're ahead of the game
by ten grand.
That's not bad for openers.
You know, I noticed
when he went down
he had an ankle gun on him.
I mean, if, if I hadn't
done him, he would've done me.
Right?
You did exactly the right thing.
That was a major leap.
I'm proud of you, kid.
Your old Red buddy is proud,
do you hear that?
Proud.
And you know what
the best part is?
There ain't gonna be
any heat from the cops.
When they find that stiff
the first thing they're gonna do
is take fingerprints.
Then they're gonna see that this
guy has got an arrest sheet.
Then they're gonna figure it was
just another thief's beef.
And that's as far as it goes.
Case closed.
I know how they think.
To them, a dead thief
is just less work.
'Your attention, please,
this is your first call..'
Come on.
First thing you do..
Dump the car.
You've got a good spot?
What about Central Avenue?
Cops will just think
an African-American stole it.
I like that.
What about the sawn-off?
Ah, it's okay there for a while.
Listen, what you want to do, kid
is take a few days off
and enjoy yourself.
See that broad
that you were always
talking about in the joint, huh?
How does that sound?
- What are you gonna do?
- Same thing.
I almost forgot.
Here's a grand for you,
right off the top.
Buy yourself some clothes
or somethin'.
I'm gonna need the rest of this
to start settin' up
that friend
I was telling you about.
These things take money.
You got to put the bucks in..
To get the bucks out.
The suckers are out there, kid.
They're just waiting
for your old Red buddy.
I'm telling you, kid,
if you trust me
you'll be set for life.
And that is no lie.
Go get him, kid.
Oh, it's you.
Yeah.
Listen, I just wanna
see JC for a minute.
Are you serious?
He's been asleep for hours.
Yeah, I know that.
I'm not gonna wake him,
I just wanna see him.
Why can't this wait
until tomorrow?
It's Saturday,
he'll be home from school.
Look, are you gonna let me
see him or not?
Alright, but don't wake him.
Where'd you find him?
Steven and I met in class.
If that's what you mean.
Well, you think you could
get rid of him?
- I wanna talk to you.
- I can't do that.
Besides, there's nothing
we have to talk about.
Russo got killed tonight.
Hi, Mona.
What the hell
are you doing here?
I just thought I'd stop by
now that I'm out.
I heard the bad news.
So, what do you want?
What do you mean,
what do I want?
I just got out and I came here.
'Doesn't that mean
anything to you?'
Yeah, trouble,
which I don't need.
Now, get the hell out of here.
I know what you probably
think about me.
'But that's what I want
to talk to ya about.'
This last stretch
has brought me to my senses.
I finally wised up.
And believe me, that is no lie.
No lie? That's all you can do.
That's your stock and trade.
You are not capable
of telling the truth.
You're sick.
Not anymore.
I mean, I used to be. But now..
Now, what, a new man?
- Yeah.
- Bullshit.
Listen, I just got out
a month ago myself
and there's no way in the world
I'm going back in there
unless I'm dumb enough
to let a piece of shit like you
back in my life.
His name is Steven.
And he happens to be
an extremely sensitive
and understanding person.
Yeah, well, then
he'll understand me
stayin' over tonight.
First of all,
you're not stayin' over.
And if you did,
he's secure enough to accept
whatever explanation
I choose to give him.
Well, then, you better
come up with a good one
because I'm stayin'.
That's not gonna
change anything.
That's right. I see you
living better than ever. Hmm?
Even better than
we did before.
I don't like to see you
slingin' hash.
It really hurts me.
Slinging hash hurts you.
But making your wife turn tricks
to pay off your debt..
...that you can live with.
Making me a whore
to save your ass is okay.
That somehow doesn't hurt.
For you to do what?
Pull another one
of your swindles?
One of your operations
and end up in prison anyway?
- Listen, Mona--
- Don't you dare touch me!
You are, without a doubt
the lowest piece of dog shit
on the face of this earth.
Does that mean that we won't
be seein' each other later?
I get off in an hour.
No more bullshit. I want you
outta here right now.
Okay.
That's not what you want.
Is it?
Maybe you're right about
this not bein' the life..
...for you and JC.
Of course I'm right.
Your way of life
makes no sense at all.
It never did.
And it's just too big
a price to pay, honey.
Yeah, well, Russo
didn't think so.
Russo didn't have
a wife and kid.
Ex-wife.
Listen, Red,
I'm gonna be serious.
No yelling, no screaming.
Just straight talk
from me to you.
Sure, babe.
I want you to get up,
put on your clothes
and get out of here.
I don't ever want to
see you again. Ever.
Is that straight enough?
Jesus, what the hell
brought this on?
Don't make me say it again.
Just do it.
You mean I can't even
call you to say hello
you know, just to make sure
that you're alright?
Don't start with the con,
not now.
Well, Jesus,
you could have fooled me.
What the hell was this
all about then, huh?
What is this,
a mercy fuck?
I don't know.
Maybe it was.
Maybe it was
more for me than you.
But that's something
you wouldn't understand.
Yeah, I know it's expensive,
but on the other hand
it's not exactly what
you've been getting at home.
Yeah, Tony Dio, please.
Well, you should have told that
to Frankie, the bell captain.
He would have told you
there's no exceptions.
So, it's up to you, honey.
You know what it is.
That's right.
'So, do I come up or not?'
I'll be right there.
That's great timing.
You tell Tony I'm in the lobby.
Right, right, I'll be right up.
- Hey.
- Penthouse?
- How did you know that?
- Tony Dio, right?
Oh, the phones.
Hey, my name is, uh,
Red Diamond. Huh?
- Ha-ha, what's your name?
- Vikki Dunbar.
Hey, you know, if you're not
doing anything tonight, uh
I could use
a little company myself.
- I'm busy tonight.
- Oh, yeah?
How about tomorrow, huh?
Why don't you talk
to Frankie, the bell captain?
Oh, yeah.
Just ask for Vikki.
He'll know what you want.
Okay, it's Vikki.
Jesus. No sleep, no shave.
Am I in that much trouble?
It's good to
see you again, Jimmy.
How long are you in town for?
We'll let the department
decide that.
- You had breakfast yet?
- No, I'm not hungry.
Come on, have some coffee.
We got a lot to talk about.
I mean, I'm-I'm just sayin'
all I need is another
couple of months.
You know, to sort of
get back on my feet.
Red..
In the old days
you know, when we were just,
uh, starting out to..
Ha-ha, hey, Tony.
There was no quibbling about
a couple of bucks here or there.
- Right.
- You know why?
We were young.
And when you're young
you got plenty of time.
Sit down, sit down.
Ah, but, now..
...we're not young anymore, huh?
So, time is very important.
In fact..
...it is the most important
thing we got
or haven't got, in your case.
Do you understand what I'm
trying to say to you, Red?
Do I understand?
You don't have to tell
the old redhead about time.
I just did a nickel
in Terminal Island.
And when you're over 50,
that's doing real hard time.
This is it for me, Tony.
My last shot.
So, when I tell you I got
a real big project all set to go
it's set to go.
So, what are you telling me?
I'm telling you..
I mean, I'm just sayin' that
as soon as this project
goes off
I'll be able to pay you off,
with interest
for the whole five years.
Anyway, what do you got
to worry about?
You know that I'm good
for a lousy 50 grand.
Now, first of all..
...I never worry
about getting paid.
He does.
And second, I know
you're good for it.
Ah.
That's why I let the debt ride
while you were in the joint.
Yeah, but now you're out.
So, we gotta talk about
how you'll make it good.
- But that's what I'm sayin'.
- Well, you see..
You're telling me
and you're sayin' again.
How much did you bring
with you today?
Eight grand.
Here, put it here.
So, what's the problem?
- Take your time with the rest.
- Ah, Tony.
Take another seven days.
I'll wait a week.
How 'bout another 30 days, huh?
I mean, you know, there's always
these last-minute details
to work out--
Thanks for dropping by, Red.
Tony, seven days, huh?
Alright.
Your operation
wasn't by the book.
It should've gone down
out in the open.
No one waved the book at all the
others that Russo and I busted.
Look, don't be naive.
This time, we lost one of ours.
So, what are they
gonna do to me?
They've done it.
You're transferred.
- To Newark.
- To Newark?
Oh, shit!
As of when?
As of when I left Washington.
I'll assign someone else
to this mess.
No, no, no. You can't do that.
Now, you gotta give me time,
you gotta delay this thing
until I can find the son
of a bitch who killed Russo.
The director'll
never go for it.
Fuck the director.
Look, you just tell him
that I'm the only one
that saw the killer
and can identify him.
He'll sit still for that.
You know it.
- Did you?
- Jerry, I need time.
You gotta give me two weeks.
Hell, give me one week.
I just need a little time
so I can find the guy.
I mean, have you got
anything to go on?
Not a goddamn thing.
But neither will anybody else
that you put in here
to try to replace me.
Look, Jerry,
Russo is my responsibility.
He was my friend.
You gotta do this for me,
as a personal favor.
Alright, I'll give you
one week, but that's it.
Seven days,
and you're outta here.
But you got to give me
your word on something.
What's that?
You keep your head.
Nothing crazy.
It's got to be by the book.
Do I have your word?
You got it.
And I give you my word
on something else, too.
When I find this motherfucker
I'm gonna put him in a box.
By the book.
I'll see you later.
I got us a week.
- What did you get?
- Zip.
I spent the morning
going through the mug book
like I know
what I'm looking for.
Good. I don't think
we got a good look.
- Anything overnight?
- Nothing at the motel.
No hair, no prints, no nothing.
All the internal reports
come up empty.
Well, now we won't
have to waste
valuable time on hard evidence.
'Shit!'
Jimmy, the guy must have
cased the motel.
That's why he wanted
Russo in 105.
Otherwise, it would have been
easy to park at a lot.
Wait a minute. I didn't
hear him start the car.
He just got in
and just drove away.
Getaway driver.
So, now, there's two of them.
Shit!
Tech room, Mercer.
'You sure?'
- Alright, thank you.
- What have you got?
Lab says the fifties come off
of an old Freddie Roth printing.
First time they showed up
in five years.
I was gonna approve the pass
until I find out
about his old lady.
- His old lady?
- She wrote him a Dear John.
We still read
all mail coming in.
One of our few
remaining privileges.
It seems she moved in
with her brother
since Freddie has been in here.
He thinks he smuggled
this out to her.
He says he's gonna
get out of here
and kill 'em both.
Long time, Freddie. Have a seat.
This place is a little different
from my old Malibu pad, huh?
- Remember those days?
- Yeah, I remember.
What do you want
to talk to me about?
Some of your old fifties
have shown up recently.
- Which old fifties?
- The ones that got you here.
- Remember?
- Yeah.
The plate had a bad key
on the treasury seal.
I should have burned
the whole bunch
before I put them out
on the street.
Who has the rest
of the notes, Freddie?
Now, wait a minute.
You come here to lay
a goddamn case on me
while I'm in the joint, huh?
What the hell do I know
about who has a few fifties
I printed five years ago?
How the hell do I know what's
happening on the street, man?
I'm in the cage.
I'm in a cage, man.
Thank you, Freddie.
Sorry to have bothered you.
What?
You can go back to D-wing.
I don't have any more questions.
No, wait-wait-wait, wait-wait,
wait a minute.
What if I was to remember
something about
a stash on the outside?
What's in it for me?
What do you want to be
in it for you, Freddie?
Well, it's like this, man.
I'm on the list for a gate pass
so I can work outside
on the grass.
I'm sick, man. I need a little
fresh air and sunshine.
Vitamin C, you know.
You talk to the captain, you get
my name moved up on that list
I might be able to remember
something about the fifties.
- 'Will you talk to him?'
- I already did.
But listen, man, if anybody..
...finds out that
I'm talking
to the Feds, I could end up
getting shanked.
There's guys in here that
actually like to do it.
Who has your stash, Freddie?
I gave it to a friend
to hold for me.
He got about 50 grand.
This friend have a name?
He's a real friend, man.
I don't wanna see him
drop behind a deal
when he's just doin' me a favor.
You know what I mean?
How bad do you want
this gate pass, Freddie?
Hmm?
What's his name?
'Virgil Leach.'
He deals in paper,
but he's just holding it.
He said he wouldn't pass any.
Where do I find him?
He used to hang out
at the Paradise Isle downtown.
Want another drink?
Yeah, Scotch and water.
Hey, look, you sure this Virgil
Leach guy's comin' in here?
He'll be here,
it's still early yet.
Alright, when he comes in,
tell him I'm sittin'
at that back table
there, alright?
'Okay. You got it.'
- Virgil.
- Yeah.
You're lookin' for me?
Yeah, if your name
is Virgil Leach, I am.
- Who are you?
- I'm Jimmy.
Sit down.
I'm a friend of Freddie Roth.
I spent some time
with him up in, the TI.
Really? Freddie told you
to look me up?
Yeah, you could say that.
Look, I'm looking to make
a couple of bucks
before I go back East.
You know, maybe score some paper
or some cashier's checks,
or something that'd go down easy
without an ID.
Sorry, I can't
help you there, pal.
Well, well, Freddie told me
that you could.
He said, I should tell you that
I got all the right connections
to come up with the buy money.
How fast could you deal?
Tonight fast enough for you?
Yeah.
You interested in some
really nice green stuff?
What flavor?
Numero50.
Ten different serial numbers.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
How much heat is on the batch?
Look, if the Feds are
onto the serial numbers
I don't wanna have
nothin' to do with it, alright?
I can't go back to TI.
No, no, no, no way, man.
This product is cool.
Hey, you prove otherwise,
you get your money back.
And that is no shit.
Well, maybe I'll see a sample..
...and then
we'll talk business.
How soon after
you see that sample
can you come up
with the buy money?
Five minutes.
I'll be back with the sample.
But you better be ready to deal
five minutes
after you eyeball it.
What do you say we, uh, take
this out to the parkin' lot?
There's too many people in here.
Too many for who?
What do you say we stay in here?
Let's go over there.
Not bad.
That's no shit.
Okay, you've seen 'em.
Now, go get the buy money.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait a minute.
Now, we haven't
even cut a deal yet.
That's right, and we ain't gonna
until I see the buy money.
How about seeing this,
motherfucker?
Federal officer.
And that's no shit.
Glad you could make it.
- Hi.
- Hi.
I was really
looking forward to this.
Then I'll try not to
disappoint you.
Well, I'm sure you wouldn't
have to try too hard.
Did you get a room,
or do you want me to?
No, you know, I don't think
we're gonna need one, um..
I've got something else in mind.
Oh, yeah? Like what?
Well, are your, uh
are your shoes comfortable?
What, are we gonna take
a walk in the park?
No, but for what we're gonna do
you really need
a good pair of shoes.
Wait a minute. I'm not very good
at this kind of thing, okay?
Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
You've got it all wrong.
I'm not that kinda guy.
Look. Would you just
be a sport, trust me?
Huh?
This might just be
the time of your life.
Hey.
What do you got,
a two-way mirror back there?
A couple of peepers there?
Sit down.
Hey, aren't you gonna warn me
of my constitutional rights?
No need to. You already been
bought and paid for.
So, you deliver four
counterfeit fifties to the man.
And that is that.
You wanna know what I think?
I think I was entrapped
into this whole thing.
And I think that
we should cut the shit
and see if we can cut a deal.
Now, what I want
is the names of everybody
you dealt the fifties to
and the location
of the rest of the stash.
That's what I want.
Now, you tell me what you want.
Doesn't matter
what I want or don't want.
'Cause I ain't saying
a fucking thing.
And that's no shit.
You must be one of them
freaks that actually
likes the joint, huh?
- Is that it?
- Yeah, that's it.
I like the joint about as much
as I like looking at your face.
'But I've been around
long enough to know'
'that since I'm on parole'
'I'm gonna be violating.'
'Which means I pick up
another 18 months'
'of which
I'll only have to do six.'
Or, in your case, uh,
with the four fifties?
That will be dropped
by the US Attorney
in the interest of justice
'so as not to
clog up the court.'
'Since I'm already
going back to prison'
I mean, what the hell's four
fifties anyway, right? Huh?
Hey, I'm lookin' at four months.
Maybe only three.
Seeing as how the joint
is so overcrowded
they're giving early out time.
So, for 90 days
you want me to become a snitch?
Take a chance at getting
a shiv stuck up my ass?
No way, man. No fucking way.
Yeah, but there's one thing
you're forgetting.
What about your old lady?
Let me tell you something.
If I find the stash in your pad
and she's there
I'm gonna bust her ass.
You wanna get her involved?
What the fuck do I care?
She's a dumb junkie bitch.
A friend of mine gave her to me.
When you guys go there
and you find counterfeit money
it's hers, not mine.
Counterfeit possession with
priors, Connie, is very serious.
Very serious.
So?
So, we want you to tell us
who Virgil was peddling to.
I'm not a snitch.
You know, Connie,
you don't look so good.
When is the last time
you had a fix, huh?
Ah! Ah, you're
making me throw up.
You'll have plenty of time
for that in jail tonight, Connie
to give yourself the dope.
Who did Virgil give some
of the counterfeit money to?
- Nobody.
- Bullshit!
He's holding it for a partner
who went to the joint.
He didn't wanna pass it
'cause the Feds had
the serial numbers or some shit.
I don't know.
I don't know!
Well, I think
you better get dressed.
Man, the bag is Virgil's,
not mine.
Connie, thinking back,
did you ever see Virgil
give even one of these
counterfeit fifties to anyone?
Huh? Talk!
Virgil's the only man
who ever showed me respect.
I'm not rollin' over on him
or none of his friends.
Go ahead and put
my ass in prison.
I'll just sit there.
'What the fuck do I care?'
'She's a dumb junkie bitch.'
'A friend of mine
gave her to me.'
'When you guys go there
and you find counterfeit money'
'it's hers, not mine.'
You call that respect, Connie?
Fine. Fine.
Virgil told me to deliver
some samples to a guy
who'd be in front
of the Palace.
When was that?
Well, a guy came by
a couple days ago.
He said he needed 'em
for a scam or somethin'.
What kind of scam?
He didn't say
and Virgil didn't ask.
Who is the man?
What was his name?
Virgil called him Red.
- Hi.
- Hey. Hey.
You'll never believe
in a million years
what I've been doing.
I don't think I have that long,
so you might as well tell me.
The happy hooker
plays Ginger Rogers.
'Could you believe
I've been dancing?'
Was that Fred Astaire
who just kissed you goodnight?
He was actually a sweet man.
You'd like him.
'Vikki, what are you drinking?'
Um, the usual. Thanks.
Well, this makes it
the perfect evening.
I get to see
my favorite T-man.
'So, how are things
back at the mint?'
Russo got killed Friday.
There goes the perfect evening.
You wanna talk about it?
No.
You wanna go
get something to eat?
I'm not hungry.
Well, if we're not gonna talk,
and we're not gonna eat..
...what are we gonna do?
Why don't you get the drinks
and the rest
of the night's on me?
Anyway, you saw that John
that I was with before.
Yeah, from a distance.
What does he have to do with it?
Well, that's how
it all started.
Turns out, all he wanted
was someone to go dancing with.
You know me. Anything to please.
So, away we went.
And of all places,
we went to the Palace.
It seems
the poor guy was dumped
by his old lady or something.
So, all he could talk about
was how he used to get off
dancing to all those bands
that used to be so popular.
Anyways, he starts getting heavy
into this nostalgia trip
and I thought the poor guy
was gonna break down and cry.
Especially when
they started playing
one of those slow, mushy ones.
So, then, he just clams up,
closes his eyes
and I know he's not
with me anymore.
Well, he never
really was, anyways.
So, there he is,
thinking about his old lady
like I wasn't even there.
So, I figure
I'd do the same thing.
I'll think about someone
that I'd like to be with.
And what do you know, folks?
I come up with you.
Hello?
- Hmm.
- Mr. Excitement.
Well, how did I do?
Better than I thought.
Good.
You ever take your old lady
dancing like that?
Nope.
Would you take me
someday, maybe?
Yeah, if you let me
go to sleep.
It's a deal.
Hey, Max.
Good to see ya.
I heard you were out.
Yeah. Last week, huh?
Thought I'd drop by
to say hello.
Glad you did.
Listen, um,
I'm right in this building.
You drop by and see me sometime.
Anytime, Red.
Uh, what about now, huh?
No time like the present, huh?
Can't do it, Red. There are
people waiting in the office.
Uh, this'll just take
a minute, Max, listen.
I'm onto something
really big here, you know?
It's a monster. It's gotta be
my biggest score yet.
Listen, it's an oil lease deal
with a structure
that's foolproof, and
all I need is a little backin'.
- And not a whole bunch..
- Red, please.
I know you just got out
and all that
and how tough it was.
I'm sorry.
But there are
too many people involved
in this kind of thing.
The cops are onto you.
You've been down too many times.
Now, you take my advice,
you forget about this.
You won't raise a nickel
with another scam.
- Hey, you didn't let me finish.
- Oh, I'll finish it for you.
The answer is no, nothing, nada.
- Hey, Max--
- Don't touch.
Please. Okay?
How 'bout you loaning me,
personally?
Fifty grand. Hey, now,
you know I'm good for it, huh?
See, this is what you said
to my people five years ago
and you leave them sucking wind.
Hey, I ended up
in the stinking, fucking joint.
Don't you do that to me. You
know how sorry I am about that.
How sorry you are?
You'd be sorry if I'd have
handed you up to the grand jury.
What is this, Red? What?
You tell me. What is this?
Is, this is a shakedown?
You think you're gonna muscle
a lawyer with a beef
where the statute's
already run out?
Don't be a schmuck.
No, you owe me.
For keeping my mouth shut.
And for walking
that fucking yard alone.
That's what I think.
Well, your thinking's all wrong.
You come to me for bucks.
Don't you bring me some scam,
some daisy chain bullshit.
You bring me something tangible.
Coke, grass, papers, stocks,
bonds, I don't know.
Now, you have my card...use it.
This is everyone from LAPD
and sheriff's records.
- Great job.
- You got a minute?
Yeah.
- Okay, what have we got?
- Just what ya asked for.
We got a photo of every
red-headed male adult
ever arrested in Los Angeles
County in the last 15 years.
Nine hundred
forty-six of 'em.
- Good luck.
- Alright.
Help me get these together
so I could take 'em down
to lock-up and show Connie.
'Forget it, Jimmy.'
Connie was released on her own
recognizance at 07:00 hours.
I don't believe it.
Connie!
'Connie!'
Connie, no!
No, don't!
What do you
think about this?
I just got this today.
You cannot tell the difference
between this and a real one.
What do you mean?
It's your lucky piece, right?
No, not this one.
That was an earlier sample.
Wasn't perfect.
Now, I went to the guy
that makes these, huh?
To redo it.
Now, it's a winner. Huh?
This is a dummy?
Dummy? No, it's real.
I mean, it-it's not real.
It looks real, huh?
How many you got?
Well, that's the problem.
Guy doesn't have
enough cash, you know?
To go into full production.
The way I got this mapped out is
we need another score
to make this move..
Well, what about the money
from the hotel?
It's already bein' used,
uh, you know
to set up the front
I was telling you about.
I've even got a firm
doing market research
just to make sure
that the suckers are there.
Huh? Old Red, buddy,
does not miss a trick.
Market research?
Like I said..
...we need another score.
You pull this off, partner
we're on our way to Vegas
and that is no lie.
So, you say you got
my name from Stimey?
- Yeah, I met him in TI.
- Oh.
Stimey.
He's a good man. I got a letter
from him a week ago.
He's doin' his time real easy.
Did you?
Well, the letter must've
come by pony express
'cause Stimey got iced
in a fight six weeks ago.
You can't blame me
for being too careful.
No.
Difficult time
for this sort of thing.
Mm-hmm.
So, do we talk or what?
What quantity
are we talkin' about?
Two hundred and fifty grand.
Well, I've seen better.
I can offer you
ten points on the package
that's 25,000 for you.
Thirty points
is the usual price.
Where is that, Poland?
Fifteen, that's it.
I oughta get 20 or I walk.
Okay, tough guy, 20.
I don't have time to quibble.
Okay, so..
Twenty into 250.
That's 50 grand for you,
you get it in $100 bills.
I get to see
the buy money first.
- Oh, you do?
- Yeah.
Well, that's customary,
don't you worry about it.
And it's gotta be tonight.
- How's 9:00 PM?
- Okay.
You go to the north side of the
parking lot at Union Station.
You know Union Station?
- Yeah.
- You wanna write this down?
- No.
- There's a phone booth there.
I suggest you get there early
to avoid any problems.
At 9:00 PM, exactly 9:00 PM,
the phone will ring.
When you answer it, you'll get
your final instructions.
Now, Ronnie. Is it Ronnie?
You make the delivery
five minutes
after you get the phone call.
If it doesn't ring exactly
at 9:00 PM, the deal is off.
There's somethin' gone wrong.
Hey, you, you understand me?
Yeah.
'Any questions?'
Yeah.
Who's gonna do the deal
at the station?
Well, Ronnie, the one thing
I guarantee is
it's not gonna be me.
Well, that's a, that's a shame.
Kinda feel better
if it was.
- Yeah.
- 'Ronnie, the deal is on.'
'You're together?'
Who the fuck are you?
I work for Max,
I'm here to do some business.
Why didn't you say so?
Yeah, I'm together.
Let's see your buy money.
Max doesn't buy anything
without seein' the full package.
Max said I could see
the buy money first.
'No, that's not
the way it works.'
This is safer for everybody.
You know what I'm saying?
Look, I don't wanna get
ripped off any more than you do.
So, I'll show you the papers
same time you show me
the buy money.
Otherwise we stand here
jerkin' each other off
about who's gonna show first.
Right?
Right.
So, you have no objection to me
pattin' you down first, right?
Go ahead.
I ain't packin'.
You got nothin'
to worry about from me.
Paper's nearby.
All I gotta do
is give the come ahead.
Alright, good, you stand
right there where I can see you.
Give your mule a come ahead.
Fifty grand's right here.
If anything goes wrong,
I'm gonna kill you first.
Take it easy.
Nothing's gonna go wrong.
Call the mule.
Nothin' at all.
Alright, open the trunk
of the car
and lay the case down in there
and show me the paper.
I wanna count it.
While I'm doin' that, you can
count the money in my belt.
Sounds fair enough.
Take off the belt.
- Red, man!
- Hey.
Huh? Any problem?
Not for our side.
Attaboy. Huh?
Well, where's the money?
Under the seat.
Jesus.
Dear God.
Got a little messy.
Oh, shit!
What?
What's wrong?
I'll tell you what's wrong.
You got dealt
a fuckin' gypsy bankroll.
Let me see.
You know...we got fucked.
That prick Waxman,
tradin' paper for paper.
I can't fuckin' believe it.
Now, I'm really glad
I wasted that fucker.
We can recover from this.
We just gotta use our heads.
Yeah..
Yeah, you'll think of somethin'.
I mean, you always do.
Yeah.
You can bet on it, kid.
You can bet
on somethin' else, too.
That whatever it is..
...next time, it's gonna be
for all the fuckin' marbles.
Intelligence lists him
as a transaction man
for an attorney
named Max Waxman.
Oh, yes, Waxman, I know him.
He's a money man.
Usually has somebody else
to do his dirty work.
Uh-huh.
- Any witnesses?
- No good witnesses.
A Japanese tourist saw two men
talking by the car,
but it was too dark.
She can't give a description.
You think it's the same guy
who did your man, Russo?
I know it is.
- Mr. Waxman.
- Yes.
Like to ask you a couple
of questions about the murder
of your investigator.
I've already talked
to the police.
I have no knowledge
of Michael's private affairs.
Yes, sir, I understand that,
but I would like to
talk to you privately.
Oh, good, you can talk to me
in my office in the morning.
It's very private.
Sir, I'd rather not.
I'm very pressed for time.
Yes, sir.
This won't take long.
Oh, Jesus Christ.
It's stuffy down
in the garage.
Much better out here,
don't you think?
Where the hell
have you taken me?
You know, I really
don't understand
the need for this secrecy.
And what do you people
have to do with this anyway?
I was interviewed by the robbery
homicide people last night
and if you'd bothered to check,
we wouldn't be wasting
all this time.
They seemed more than satisfied
with what I had to say.
A week ago, a treasury agent
was murdered
with a sawed-off shotgun
while he was working undercover.
Someone using the name Ronnie
another man with red hair,
about the age of 50
were the ones who did it.
I think they were
the same ones that dumped
your stooge last night.
So?
So I want you to tell us
who they are.
And I guarantee that
what you say to us
won't go any further.
Do you gentlemen
really expect me to sit here
in the back of this car,
and give you a statement
about something I know
absolutely nothing about
thus incriminate myself?
Did you know
I was an attorney at law?
May I offer you one
of my cards, either of you?
We already got
your card downtown.
It says that you're a money man.
And that you never
dirty your hands.
Then I should keep 'em
that way, don't you think?
I'll tell you what I think.
I think that they came to you
with a counterfeit sample.
You made the arrangements,
and you agreed upon the price.
Then, they met your man
in the train station
and ripped him off.
That's what I think.
Michael was not acting
on my behalf.
You don't understand.
See, I don't care.
I mean, it's, it's history.
It's over, forgotten.
That is, if you wanna tell us
who they are.
I mean, you have
my word on that.
Look, you have nothin' to lose
by helping us.
On the other hand
I have nothing to gain, do I?
- Oh, yes, you do.
- And what would that be?
Our word that we won't
completely ruin your business.
What does that mean,
now, what does that mean
you'll ruin my business?
I'll tell you what it means.
It means that if
you don't help us
then we turn the heat up
full blast
the minute you step
outside this car.
And that tomorrow morning,
your whole office is subpoenaed
by the federal grand jury.
And I guarantee you,
TV cameras will be there
just when you appear.
I'll contact all your clients
ask 'em the same questions
that I'm asking you.
Then I'll put the word out on
the street that you're a snitch
'and that you're ready
to roll over'
'on every major dealer in
town.'
I will dedicate my life
to fuckin' you over so bad
that no one in his right mind
will ever wanna put you
behind a deal again.
You'd be back
to chasing ambulances.
Stop the car now.
I want outta this car,
right now!
Get your hand off of me,
you miserable cock sucker
before I break it.
If you don't take me back
to my office
I'm calling
the United States attorney
and having you brought up
on charges of kidnapping
and threatening my life.
Do you understand?
Why wait until we get back?
'Why are you stopping this
car?'
Don't you wanna
make your phone call?
Either you tell us what you know
or we're all gonna take a walk
over to that phone booth.
'It's your choice.'
What makes you think there's
a red-headed guy involved?
You first.
There's a fellow
named Red Diamond
just out of Terminal Island.
'A con man, he came by
to see me a few days ago'
and wanted me to lend him
some money.
The only redhead
I can think of.
Ronnie's a walk-in,
he came by yesterday.
I've never seen him before.
I would've never guessed
the connection with Red Diamond.
It's the right house alright.
His name is on the mailbox.
- Anything doin'?
- No.
No lights, no TV,
no noise at all.
Unless he's sleeping,
I'd say he's out.
'Are you telling me
you don't have'
'what you're supposed to have
by tomorrow?'
No, no, that's not
what I'm sayin' at all.
All I'm sayin' is
that for the moment..
...the money's tied up
in somethin'.
'Tomorrow is your deadline.'
'I'll be open for business
at my hotel suite.'
'You be there after 6:00 PM
with the cash.'
'If you're not'
'you'll have visitors.'
What's up?
You want a drink?
Nah.
Anybody know you here
besides me?
No. Why?
We got trouble, baby.
There's paper on ya.
For what?
Who put a contract out on me?
You know the dago
that you offed at
the Hollywood Vine Motel?
He was connected, man.
- Yeah.
- Says who?
A friend of mine
who knows the people.
That's bullshit.
You and me were
the only ones there.
No.
There was a backup man
outside the motel,
recognizes you from the joint.
This is no lie.
Do you think
these people are for real?
I'm talkin' plugged in.
- The guy that put the paper..
- Mm-hmm.
You know, he's a juice man.
Tryin' to make himself
look good.
Nah.
We put him away,
that's the end of it.
No baby brothers.
- And Ronnie's home free.
- Hmm.
How will you do it?
I already talked to him
on the phone.
The juice man.
I told him
I wanna talk about it alone.
This juice guy's got backup.
Yeah. But they always got
hard cash layin' around, too.
- That's true.
- Hey, now, look.
There's no other way.
Who's this guy?
Guy's name is Tony Dio.
He's nothin',
he's a piece of shit.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Well, tomorrow he won't
even be that.
All good things come
to those that wait.
Yeah, but no Ronnie.
Shit!
We can't wait much longer.
Tomorrow's our last day,
remember?
Jimmy, we could take him,
squeeze the son of a bitch
and hope he hands up Ronnie.
No way he will.
If he has half a brain,
he knows we can't even hold him
based on what we got.
Then the ballgame's
really over.
Listen, Sam, um, this guy's
probably gonna stay in
the rest of the night.
I got somethin' I wanna do.
You know, if Red meets up with
anybody and they split
you go with the other one.
We know where to find him.
Alright, okay.
I'll contact you on your radio
when I get in the car.
I'll be here.
I don't know whether it's you
or the night or the music..
But I feel like
gettin' romantic tonight.
Does that mean a soda
with two straws
or we're gonna get down
to business?
Why don't we go over
to my place, hmm?
And uh, talk about it.
Why don't we go to your place
after we talk about it?
Okay.
Let's talk.
How much?
Costs the same for that
as it does for this.
You sure that's all?
I mean, we're not gonna
be dancing.
Honey, in my business
you don't think of what you do
just the time it takes
to do it.
Who am I to tell you
how to run your business, huh?
Let's get outta here.
- 'Who is it?'
- It's me, open up.
Are you crazy?
You know what time it is?
Yeah, I gotta talk to you.
It's important.
This isn't the time.
You can call me in the morning.
No, no, I can't talk to you
in the morning.
- I gotta talk to you now.
- No!
Look, now, hear me, Sal.
Don't do this to me!
Now, I wanna talk
and I wanna talk now--
Would you keep your voice down
or you're gonna wake Jessie.
What's goin' on?
Alright, the damage
has been done.
Well, aren't you coming in?
- How much is it?
- Six seventy-five.
Here, keep the change.
Vikki.
Hi.
Look, let's, let's walk.
Which means let's talk, right?
Right.
So, what're we gonna talk about?
I just wanted to say goodbye,
that's all.
That's all? Where are you going?
Tch. Any place except Newark.
I'm turnin' in my badge.
- Just like that?
- Yeah, just like that.
Soon as I get even
for Russo, I'm outta here.
Well, what about your kid?
Yeah, well, I thought about
taking him with me.
Matter of fact,
I even went over there tonight
to ask if I can have him.
What'd she say?
I never asked.
Figure he's better off
with them
and I'm better off alone,
you know?
That is...unless..
...unless you wanna come along.
Christ, I was willing to settle
for just going dancing
you remember?
So, is that a yes or a no?
It doesn't work. I tried it.
- What doesn't work?
- Running away.
- We're not running away.
- No?
What would you call it,
a fresh start?
Honey, there's no such thing.
We are what we are,
we gotta do what we gotta do
and that baggage travels
with you wherever you go.
So, I open up a cathouse
in Des Moines.
Make you a star.
How's that?
Make it Newark
and you gotta deal.
I told you, I'm packin' it in.
Come on, you know
you'll never be happy
unless you're crawling through
sewers and catching rats.
What's the difference
where it is?
You don't get it, do you?
Look, it's already cost me
my wife, my kid, and now Russo.
That's it. I can't pay anymore.
Well, at least...with me it
wouldn't have cost you anything.
Good luck.
Vikki!
Thanks.
- Hello..
- Hi, Vikki.
Jesus Christ.
Do I look that bad?
Hell, it's only been 24 hours.
The way we're goin',
be ready for another 24 hours.
Guess your old man's back there.
Hello, Red.
Oh, glad I caught ya. I was
just rushin' off for a meeting.
- I thought we said that--
- I know, I know.
Come on, now.
Ahem. Sit down.
It's just that
I've been thinkin'..
...this whole week
that I haven't seen ya..
You know, about us
and everything.
We can make it, Mona.
I swear,
this time it can't miss.
If this meeting tonight
goes the way I think it will
I'll be free as a bird.
Red, you're gonna be late.
Yeah, Mona..
...I gotta tell ya somethin'.
Somethin' that happened
to me last night
and I don't know how to say it.
But, uh..
...it's somethin'
that you gotta know.
I'll only know if you tell me.
I was with someone last night.
A woman?
Yeah.
But nothin' serious.
You know, just, uh..
Well, just someone to, um..
To go to bed with.
You know what I'm sayin'.
It's just that
I'm no good with anyone else.
Now, I don't wanna believe that.
You know,
a man's got to feel that, uh
he can do it on his own.
But after last night..
...I know that I can't..
...that I'm no good without you.
You're gonna be late.
You already said that.
What do you want me to say?
I want you to say that
you'll give me another chance.
I'll give you another chance.
Well, that's great.
Now, you won't be sorry,
and that's a promise.
- You better go.
- Listen, we gotta celebrate.
Later, you know,
after this meeting.
'Cause we're gonna have
a new beginning.
And I know
how to kick this thing off.
Listen, tonight is
the last night
of dancing at the Palace.
We gotta be there.
It'll be just like old times.
What do ya say, huh?
Alright.
I'll meet you there
after I get off work.
I have to do some things
and I wanna get dressed.
So, where will you be?
You just look for the happiest
redhead in the whole world.
I'll catch this later.
Let's go.
'Thank you, God.'
That's gotta be Ronnie.
Yep, briefcase and all.
Sawed-off's gotta be
in the case, Jimmy.
We could bust 'em
right now.
Not enough.
They're in possession,
that's enough to put 'em away.
Yeah, but it's not
enough for Russo.
Something's going down.
I know it.
Listen, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy.
We'd better bust 'em now
before that freak goes crazy
and kills somebody
or else you're lookin'
for trouble.
You don't want ear plugs, right?
What?
Ear plugs.
Had my ears running
for two days when I did
that guy in the motel.
Shotgun's a loud
motherfuckin' piece, man.
Okay, now.
When it's done
wipe the shotgun, drop it.
Then we're gonna split up, okay?
What about the money?
No, I'll-I'll take the money.
Uh..
I want you to meet me
at the Palace now.
In one hour, that's 9:00 PM.
Then we'll cut up the pie.
Drinks are on the red guy.
Huh, how's that?
You wanna get in on the fun?
Huh, no, I don't get
in your way, kid.
You said they'd be two of 'em.
You might need it.
Ah, I hope not.
US treasury.
You seen this guy?
Yeah. I checked 'em out.
They said they were goin' up
to the penthouse.
Jimmy, let's go.
Take it slow, take it slow,
take it slow.
- Alright.
- Don't say anything.
Kick in the door.
Then you do your number.
Alright, remember,
I'm gonna be right behind you.
- You ready?
- No, I need this for the money.
Remember we're going
off the roof, huh?
- Yeah.
- Okay, kid.
Now kick in the door.
Fuck you.
Fuck you, huh? Fuck you.
Wipe it and drop it,
Ronnie. Huh?
Just wipe it
and drop it, Ronnie.
How many times
I gotta tell ya, huh?
Come on, kid.
Okay, I got the money.
Come on, kid, let's go.
Let's go!
Wait, the door's here.
Get in there, just get in.
Check the roof.
Here, it's clean. Go.
Take the stairs,
we'll split this later.
- Okay.
- Huh?
- Don't shoot.
- 'Out.'
- I'm out. I'm out.
- 'Out!'
Ronnie's gone. He must've taken
the other stairway.
That's okay.
'Cause Red is going to
tell us where he is.
Right now, motherfucker.
The Palace.
That was the plan,
meet him at 9 o'clock
split the money.
But if I'm not there..
...he's gonna know
something's wrong.
In that kind of crowd, heh-heh,
you're never gonna find him.
He's right. We still don't know
what the fuckin' guy looks like.
Okay, get up there.
Okay, this is Mercer.
Friendly's moving
into position.
Suspect is moving
up the north staircase.
Wearing a yellow sport jacket.
'Sam, don't take him.
Wait for back up.'
- You okay?
- Got your piece with you?
- What's wrong?
- You brought the cops, look.
Let's get outta here, baby.
You lead the way, okay?
- Hmm?
- Okay, go!
He's got a gun.
What's the use?
You can't fuckin' win.