Godfather of Harlem (2019) s03e02 Episode Script
Alzado
1
They wanna keep me in shackles.
To them, Harlem is a cotton field,
and I'm the house nigger.
How you doin'? Joe Colombo.
Hey.
Make up your debt to
the Families by working with me.
Otherwise the Families will
need to be paid in full by Friday.
Omar.
You betrayed me,
you betrayed this woman,
and you betrayed Islam.
I lost the woman I love,
the mosque I loved,
and the brother
I grew up with in this faith.
I just want your forgiveness
before I die.
As much as I want to, I can't
spill a Black man's blood.
Let Allah decide his fate.
With Chin up in Lewisburg,
everything has gone to shit.
They fuckin' got him
poppin' his own assoc
You have helped throw the Five Families
into total disarray.
I hope they all kill each other.
She'll fucking rat.
She put her own father away, Tommy.
This is your husband
Chin's fucking problem.
Why isn't he taking care of it?
You don't think that he knows
she should go?
Aaah!
The Reverend was just telling me
that he got government funding
for Harlem.
The Negro bank is going to receive
a huge influx of cash.
That's great.
Hands up!
Here's the money.
Harlem? It's mine.
We don't feel that in 1964
that we should have to sit around and
wait for some degree of civil rights.
No. We want it now,
or we don't think
anybody should have it.
- How goes it, Kev?
- It's all good.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Alright.
How my men been behaving?
Well, they scared
the mailman a few times.
The neighbors were upset.
Until they realized they now live
on the safest block in Queens.
Good, good.
Yeah, my neighbors
are almost as grateful as I am.
You know I won't be able to protect you
if you go on this foolish trip
to Africa, right?
The only reason I'm going
is because I know
your men will be here
to protect my family.
They will. You got my word.
And I'm going to want
to take Elise with me,
as my secretary.
She can join me after my trip to Mecca.
Elise?
Can't allow that.
She needs to be here,
look after Margaret.
I'm sure Mayme can handle things
for a week or two.
This is an incredible opportunity.
She has so much potential, Bumpy.
In many ways, she's just like you.
That a compliment?
My friend, the decision
should be hers, don't you think?
The reason for this trip is not foolish.
It's to seek alliances
with the African Leaders.
I need their help if we are
going to win our fight
for freedom here at home.
It's a good idea.
Maybe they can lend me a couple of men
to fight off the Italians.
What do you think?
Ah, I've come to realize
that you and I believe
we can solve
all our problems by ourselves.
We can't.
Thanks for everything,
Mrs. Allen. See you Sunday.
Excuse me. Mrs. Johnson.
My boss would be honored with
just a few minutes of your time.
And who are you? Who's your boss?
Don't worry. I assure you
you are in no danger.
Leg of lamb doesn't keep well
in the heat.
- I should really be going.
- We could give you a lift.
You live right over
in Lenox Terrace, right?
It's no trouble at all.
Mrs. Johnson.
I'm Joe Colombo. It's my
pleasure to meet you. Come on.
How's that butcher?
I hear they got the best
top round in Harlem.
Would you like a drink?
My husband is gonna have
something to say
about you picking me up
in broad daylight.
That's what I want to talk
to you about your husband.
Ain't a secret he confides in you.
I hear that you're,
uh, as we Sicilians say,
his "consigliere."
Hardly.
I figured you
could help him see the value
of the deal I'm offering.
I don't have that kind of influence.
My car-parts business
made $12 million last year.
I offered your husband a piece.
A real piece.
In return for sharing the
profits of narcotics in Harlem.
I got judges.
I got cops.
I can keep your husband out of jail.
Well
I'll have that drink.
Whiskey neat okay?
Just talk to him.
Tell him I want friendship
and not any kind of violence.
Salud.
He's dead!
Ellsworth!
My nerves are shot enough as it is.
The man is off the hinges, no
question, but he didn't hurt me.
I don't give a fuck
if he invited you to tea.
You are off-limits.
You're one to talk about limits.
You hid a gun under Margaret's piano?
It ain't loaded. But it will be.
You know, maybe you and this Colombo
are more similar than you think.
A man bold enough to yank
Bumpy Johnson's wife off the street
isn't so different than one
who's willing to rob his own people
to pay off a debt to a white man.
Yeah, I know what you did.
Do you think I'm stupid?
The bank won't miss a beat.
It's the government's money
to begin with.
They'll pay it back.
They owe us anyway.
Just call it reparations.
You robbed a federal institution,
plain and simple.
You are sliding down
a rap sheet to hell.
At least this Colombo guy
said he had enough pull
to get you out of prison.
And you believe that motherfucker?
Of course he said that.
He would say anything
to put me in his pocket.
I don't want you in anyone's pocket.
Hell, if I could put you
behind a desk, I would.
It would certainly reflect
better on me and my ambitions.
What the fuck is that supposed to mean?
Just think about it.
That is all I'm asking you.
You better cool down
before you go anywhere.
"The muddled whisper of one's soul
may finally be heard clearly
in the Holy Land."
Or so I've been told.
I'm sure Allah will speak wonders to you
while on the Hajj.
What a privilege to be going.
Does the idea of traveling
interest you, sister?
I could pick up three languages
just riding the A-Train.
I've never even been to Brooklyn.
I would love for you to come
with me to Africa
After my trip to Mecca.
I'll need an executive assistant
to coordinate my affairs.
Travel to Africa with you?
Who better than you?
We'll have to get you a passport.
You, me, and Betty in Africa.
Uh, Betty will be staying home.
Is everything okay?
Does she approve of this?
It was actually her idea.
Mm, maybe she knows
you'll keep a close eye on me.
Margaret and I just started geography.
She's doing really well.
I've been homeschooling her.
What better way of teaching Margaret
than visiting the places you've
been showing her on a map?
That fuck did what?
You got to be fucking kidding me!
Is this what you motherfuckers are now?
Snatching wives off
the goddamn sidewalk?
Bumpy, we don't get women
and children involved
with our fucking business.
That's part of our Get the fuck away!
Everybody, get the fuck out, everybody!
I am showing the commission
the respect to tell you
in advance that I'm gonna
kill this motherfucker.
Stop.
Nobody's gonna kill a fucking boss.
Come on. Sit down.
Do you really think we need
a fucking war right now?
We've got this scumbag heeb,
fuckin' Morgenthau,
with all his little toy soldiers
up our ass.
Do we need this now?
Till you get Colombo in line,
I'm gonna assume that the gloves are off
when it comes to you guineas.
Stop it. I'm on your side.
What Colombo did with your wife
is a fucking disgrace.
But as wrong as it was, he never
laid a hand on your wife, Bumpy.
Tommy, we've known
each other for decades.
Would you allow a man
to take your wife on a ride
against her will?
Bumpy, I promise you,
I will put the fucking
hammer down on Colombo.
That's not good enough.
Hey, I tell you what.
7:00 you be here Friday night.
You, me, and the Family heads
right here,
and we'll straighten
this whole Harlem thing out.
That's better.
But if he takes the gloves off,
you've all taken the gloves off,
and I will fight you bare-knuckle
like a motherfucker.
Malcolm invited you to Africa?
I'd be his assistant.
Can't believe he'd trust me
that much, like a confidant.
Oh, it's an incredible opportunity,
but was Betty okay with it?
It was her idea that I go with Malcolm.
Pack your bags. You two and Margaret
got to go to your mother's
in South Carolina.
- What are you talking about?
- South Carolina?
I got a feeling that me
and the Italians
We're about to go to war.
What happened to Colombo's offer?
He's a loose cannon.
God knows what he'll do next.
It took weeks for Margaret
to get over the riots.
She just started sleeping
through the night.
We are not leaving, Ellsworth.
There is too much on my plate.
A man can just yanked you
off the goddamn street,
and you're worried about
playing Powell's secretary?
Reverend Powell and this
community are counting on me.
I am staying put.
Look, it's not a request, alright?
Last time we went down South,
I barely slept, Margaret either.
The nightmares we had.
And now now with a war,
one you could easily avoid
Alright.
Elise, why don't you take Margaret
down South to Mayme's mother's?
At least until things
cool off a bit, okay?
Malcolm has invited Elise to
join him on his trip to Africa.
Yeah, he told me.
But that ain't gonna fly right now.
How much manpower we got?
Fifty-five of our own, if you
including the warehouse guys.
Gangs?
We got the Comanches
and the East Side Boys in our pockets,
plus the 12 of our best
on Malcolm X's detail.
That's where they're gonna stay.
How about these other gangs?
Since we couldn't deliver on the duji,
they've been buckin' us.
We gettin' blowback from the Reapers,
the Savage Skulls, and the Gulleymen.
And Colombo's gonna promise them
a direct line to the duji
when it gets in from Marseilles.
If he gets to them, we're fucked.
Get the leaders down here.
Kingston, Bone, and Gerald
from the Skulls.
- I want to meet with them.
- What are you gonna do?
You say they're buckin' us
because of the duji, right?
Yeah.
I'm gonna give them what they want.
Hey.
I knew your father.
Oh, yeah.
The old man used to talk
about how you two were friends.
Friends? He was never my fucking friend.
He was a piece of shit.
He never followed fucking orders.
Eh, he was loyal and you know it.
Didn't deserve to die the way he did.
In a car with his pants
around his fucking ankles,
his goomah's head in his lap?
Too good of a death, if you ask me.
Tell that to my mother,
who grieves to this day.
Your mother's gonna have
something else to grieve for
if you're not fucking
careful. See, your father
He thought he knew more
than the fucking bosses.
I'm starting to see the apple
don't fall far
from the fucking tree.
I'm a boss now myself, don't forget.
What the fuck were you doing
with Bumpy's wife?
You trying to start a war
with these niggers?
I'm trying to prevent one.
Stay the fuck away
from Bumpy and his wife.
Otherwise, you can end up
like your father, capisce?
Here I am trying to bring you Harlem,
and all you do is criticize.
Colombo, I speak
for all the bosses, okay?
Just so you know, it was
a friendly conversation
between me and Mrs. Johnson.
Did you not fucking hear me?
Don't worry. I get the point.
Enjoy your lunch, Tom.
Just so you know,
I'm nothing like my father.
Why you got us down here, Bumpy?
You'll see.
Why we here, mon?
Take a look.
Made a deal with the Rizzuto
Family in Montreal for 300 keys.
This should make up
for the mishap with the duji.
Bumpy, you came through.
One more thing before I front
you as much as you want.
Kingston, I heard we have a problem.
Colombo promises a piece
of his next shipment
Wholesale.
That was before you came through.
So we're good.
Long as this shit's proper.
Yeah.
It's proper.
- Here's your duji.
- Oh, shit!
What the fuck?
Go back to your men.
You're either with me or you're dead.
Well, it looks good.
Looks like he got some sleep.
Where the fuck did you get this?
Some hotshot painter down in the village
owed Chin a couple of thousand,
so he gave me this instead.
Y-You think it was worth it?
No. He paid up after I broke his nose,
but I took the picture anyway.
Gentlemen, my time is limited.
Eh, these Jew lawyers
They get paid by the hour, you know?
All lawyers do.
Yeah, alright, uh, give us a minute.
Shut the door.
Did you give Mr. Gigante my message?
Yes. Chin understands your
problem with the other bosses
and your desire to secure Harlem.
So he knows that my interests
and his are the same.
He indicated as such, but
But what?
If he wants me to secure Harlem
and Bumpy Johnson,
I'm gonna need his influence
over the other bosses.
They know Harlem's a fucking gold mine.
Mr. Colombo, my understanding
is that Mr. Gigante
would be willing to give you
his support under one condition.
What's that?
That you protect his daughter.
His daughter? Why the fuck
would she need protection?
We are aware that there
is a threat to her life
from one of the other Families.
- Why?
- That's irrelevant.
She's gone missing.
You find her, keep her safe,
Chin will do what you ask.
Any idea where she is?
That's your job, Mr, Colombo.
But the last person who saw her
was Chin's wife, Olympia.
I thought it would take years
to get used to living in Philly,
but it ain't that much
different than Harlem.
- How so?
- Riots we got 'em.
The cops beat up a woman
not two blocks from here.
Odessa Bradford.
Folks started to protest, and
before you know it, the city's on fire.
That's terrible.
And we got the Italian mob, too,
but I'm sure you knew that.
Yep, it's just like home.
All the more reason why I need
to get away as soon as possible.
- And go where?
- Paris.
When I can scrounge up enough money.
The City of Light.
But why so far away?
Something horrible happened
back in Harlem.
I can never go home.
I gathered that, but what is it?
Please tell me, Stella.
My imagination is gonna be a lot worse
than whatever it is you say.
I killed a man.
There was a hit out on me,
and it was self-defense.
Your father did that?
My stepmother.
No shit.
That's a nice family, huh?
I thought Italians considered
family sacred or some shit.
Not mine.
That's why I need to get
as far away as possible,
start my life over.
I understand.
Although, you know what they say.
Wherever you go, you bring
yourself and your past.
- Is Daddy in trouble again?
- Daddy's not going anywhere.
He just wants to keep you safe
while he takes care
of some important business.
Am I in trouble?
Since when are you ever in trouble?
Your Mee-Maw said she'll have
your favorite,
biscuits and gravy, waiting
for us when we get there.
And they're your favorite, too.
Right, Mom?
Oh, I'm not going, sweetheart.
Your daddy really needs
my help this time.
But you'll have Elise with you.
Yeah. And we'll keep studying
the world's capitals.
We'll work on Africa next.
But I can help Daddy, too.
Oh.
We are gonna miss you terribly,
Margaret,
but we have to keep you safe.
Who's gonna keep you safe?
I'll be fine.
Please, Mom.
Please come with us.
Mee-Maw has an extra bedroom.
The guard out front said
two Italian-looking motherfuckers
just dumped them at the front gate.
They fucking whacked Bone and Stokes?
Make no mistake,
we're on the edge of war.
This this is Colombo.
- Why?
- He's been talking to the gangs.
Kingston said so himself.
Probably found out
what I did to Kingston,
so he's making his own play
to intimidate.
Even if we could keep the gangs in line,
we still wouldn't have a chance
against all five Families.
We're losing our grip on Central Harlem.
We got to go outside.
Set a meet with Jose Battle.
Spanish Harlem?
Jose Battle don't want nothing
to do with us,
especially after you had
to knock off his boy Guapo.
Besides, don't he work with the guineas?
They got a peace agreement.
He probably pays a percentage
to be left alone.
But he's got men. He's got guns.
He can help us change
the balance of power.
Boss, is it possible we'd be better off
striking a deal with the guineas?
I mean, if Jose Battle did it,
why can't we?
Just set the fucking meet.
No.
This cannot be true.
I mean, who would want
to hurt my Stella? You tell me.
Your husband believes it
was one of the other families.
He doesn't know which one.
For all we know, your life
could be in danger, too.
Oh, my God. Are you sure?
According to his lawyer.
Oh, my God. I can't believe this.
I mean, what is happening in this world
when families are not even off-limits?
Yeah, no one respects
the rules anymore, I guess.
Oh, my God. But you do, right?
Of course.
No, that's good. That's good.
That's good. Good.
I mean, this is why I turned a blind eye
to my husband's business, you know?
I never ask him any questions,
because I don't want
to know for nothing.
Mm-hmm.
That's how it should be.
Mrs. Gigante, you have any idea
where Stella could have went?
Oh, my God. That is a good question.
I mean, this kid She has no friends.
I love her to pieces, but she's like
She's so awkward
around people, you know?
Mm.
Can I see her room?
Who's Delia Greene?
Yeah, go ahead, you take
the corner, alright?
It's like I wasn't even in the room.
In Margaret's eyes,
Mayme's still her mother.
I'm just a bonus.
At what point does it switch over?
Margaret's just trying to make
sense of a world that keeps changing.
You have to be patient.
I wish I could forgive myself
as freely as Allah forgave me.
What would you do as a mother?
When I sent the girls up to Boston,
I cried the moment that bus rolled away.
Then I went home and slept for hours.
I finally had a moment of peace.
Sometimes, a little separation
is necessary.
I think you should go to Africa.
Boston is four hours away.
I can't phone Margaret from Ghana.
Ghana will be breathtaking.
The lush, green mountains,
the flowing rivers,
all the beautiful black faces
in bright fabrics.
I wish I was going.
Why aren't you?
I have enough to worry about here.
And Malcolm needs to focus.
You'll be a great blessing
To us both.
Jose.
Thanks for giving me a meet.
Long time.
You remember my men
Chance, Pettigrew?
A gift.
I've been told that
it's a Cuban tradition
to keep a horseshoe by the door.
To ward off the devil.
I see you got that covered already.
I have many doors,
and there are many devils.
I can always use another one.
Thank you.
Government-issue M16s.
It looks like they come
from the U.S. Army.
It's hard to get. I'm impressed.
You have a good eye.
And I have friends in high places.
Come. We'll go upstairs.
We talk, have coffee.
You make good money,
but the Italians get
the better end of the deal.
Why do you care so much
about my business?
I think we can help each other.
The Italians got East Harlem.
I got Central.
You got Spanish Harlem.
But they got their fingers
in everything,
all of our businesses that we built.
They leave me alone.
That's worth a percentage.
What if I offered you
half of my operations?
You want to be partners with me?
Equal partners.
And that's something that
the Italians would never allow.
You ever wonder why?
Because my skin is brown,
and yours is black.
And our blood is red, just like theirs.
Blood is gonna flow.
There's gonna be a war in Harlem.
Over narcotics. But this is not my war.
Maybe not now, but trust me
They'll call on you
for your men and your guns,
whether you like it or not.
The only war I'm interested in fighting
is the one to take back
my country, Cuba.
I'd give my life to kill Castro.
I care nothing for heroin.
We're both fighting to take
back our homelands.
Mine is Harlem.
In Cuba, we call somebody
like you an Alzado.
Uh, the Cuban fighters who died
kicking out the Spaniards, right?
You're very knowledgeable.
And as Alzados, together,
we'll be so strong
that the Italians
won't even dare start a war.
Hopefully no blood will be spilt,
and you'll be a hell of a lot richer.
It's a very tempting offer.
Before I can accept, I have
to consult with my adviser.
Santería is my religion.
In my faith, it is customary
to consult the Orishas
before making any important decisions.
Have a seat, my friend.
She is asking the Orishas for guidance
regarding our union.
She's saying those three have
landed with their mouths up,
representing Ogunda.
Ogunda we see as problems
and resolving conflicts.
So this is positive, I assume.
Patience.
Ogunda tetura.
That's Ogunda tetura.
We see that as negative.
Police. Legal issues. Problems.
I've had plenty of those.
That ain't no reason to worry.
Madrina.
Osogbo.
That
is bad energy.
I'm sorry. I cannot accept your
proposal. Gracias, Madrina.
You make all your business
decisions based on seashells?
Only the important ones.
I guess these Orishas
They're never wrong.
Listen, my brother,
maybe the spirit of my friend
Guapo that you killed
has entered and influenced the outcome.
Regardless, I have to obey the shells.
I'm sorry.
Guapo was a snitch.
The shells should have factored that in.
A white girl acting like the help.
If that don't beat all.
It's the least I can do.
I'll take care of it.
I want to give you something.
This enough for a plane ticket
to France.
Delia, I can't take your money.
It's Gigante money.
That crazy white boy you married
give it to me
with a gun to my head.
I got plenty more.
I've already taken too much
from you. I
You're all I got left of my son.
Teddy would want you to be safe.
I want you to be safe.
Thank you.
Maybe in a different time,
you could have been my daughter-in-law.
You might as well go on
and see all the things
Teddy never got to see for us both.
Thank you.
Stella Gigante? Come with me.
She ain't got to go nowhere with you.
I'm afraid she does.
Hey.
I'm not turning down Malcolm's offer.
I'm going with him to Africa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
You're not going anywhere
but down south with Margaret.
She's a big girl.
She can take care of herself.
Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity. I'm going.
You and Malcolm have
lost your damn minds.
I can barely keep him alive in Queens.
Now he wants to go speak
to the kings of the world,
where anybody could be hiding
in the bushes?
I can't protect either of you in Africa.
Africa, Harlem,
Queens, South Carolina
anywhere I go your
shit can catch up to me.
You have never kept me safe, Daddy.
And you are not gonna get
in my way now pretending to.
Hey! Come back here.
Do you know why
I barely slept in Alcatraz?
Because you were surrounded
by men who were just like you?
'Cause I didn't know
what happened to you.
I dreamt the worst
Raped, beaten, killed.
Now I'm about to lose Harlem,
and if there's a war
I can't protect any of us.
Do you see?
I see you, Daddy, all too clearly.
It's okay if you hate me.
As long as I keep you alive.
- It's just not fair.
- I know.
I'm sorry.
But, please, we got
to do better for Margaret.
She's both our second chance.
In a small town, word gets around fast.
You must know, growing up in Cuba.
Well, Cuba's actually a very big island,
but keeping secrets is difficult
no matter where you live.
Of course. No-No disrespect.
I hear Bumpy Johnson paid you a visit.
He did.
No doubt to make you an offer.
Am I wrong?
A very generous one.
What did you say?
He seems to think a war is
coming to Harlem over narcotics.
Here's what you need to know.
I gave Bumpy Johnson a square deal.
He turned me down.
He's right about something.
There is gonna be a war
if he doesn't make a deal.
A war in Harlem
is not good for business.
It's one he can't win.
Unless he tries to get someone
like you and your guns
and your men on his side.
Relax.
I told him no.
There's gonna be a sit-down
with Bumpy Johnson
and the Families tomorrow night.
You should be there, too.
I'll talk to the Families
about cutting you a better deal.
Eh?
Fuck.
You Cubans really make a great cigar.
Pardon me.
Madrina.
Mayme said Mee-Maw's gets cold at night,
so I washed all
your warm socks and pajamas.
You think it gets cold in Ghana?
I imagine it's always sunny.
Kings live there.
In the capital, Accra.
My friend Malcolm says
that the great kings of Africa
meet in Ghana to discuss
how to unify their nations.
Hmm.
You think if Harlem had a king,
everybody get along?
Well, that's what Malcolm wants to do.
He wants to get
the African kings' advice
so he can bring unity here.
Malcolm sounds pretty smart.
Smartest man I know.
I can see why you'd want to go with him.
I'd want to go, too.
I'd rather be with you than all
the kings and queens of the world.
We're gonna have the best time
at Mee-Maw's.
Maps are cool.
You can take them anywhere.
But it's not the same
as actually being there.
When you're really there,
the ground remembers your feet.
So I want to walk on
as many places as I can
so that the whole world will know me.
Stella Gigante?
No one told me you were this beautiful.
Joe Colombo, a friend of your father's.
- What do you want from me?
- I want to help you.
By kidnapping me?
Eh, it's only kidnapping
if you try to run away.
Come on.
So, until your father
can assure your safety,
you'll stay under my care.
My father told you this?
Through Fineman, his lawyer.
- What do you get out of it?
- Your father's goodwill.
He's a very powerful man, your father.
And you're happy to take advantage
of his weakness while he's in jail.
- I want him to like me.
- And you, too.
Well, if you want that,
you should let me go.
I'd be a lot safer in Europe.
Can't do that.
You need to stay in Harlem with me.
Please, Joe.
You don't understand my family.
I think I do.
We don't get to pick
our parents, Stella.
My father was a violent man,
a drunk.
He never loved me.
He even tried to rat me out to the cops
for a crime he committed.
I'm still paying for his foolishness.
But that's life.
Why don't you tell my father
you didn't find me?
I can just leave the country.
But I want him to know I found you
and that I'm keeping guards on you,
giving you a place to live.
You mean keeping me prisoner.
No.
Keeping you safe
and treating you with respect.
It's very important
your father trusts me, Stella.
So I'm gonna need you to trust me, too.
Somebody's favorite treat
with extra cherries and chocolate sauce.
Is that a sundae or a fruit salad?
I'd like to fit in my suit in the
morning, thank you very much.
Someone here wants ice-cream soup.
Need some help with that, little one?
You still full from lunch, Margaret?
Mm-hmm.
She's just making room
for Mee-Maw's good cooking.
We're all packed and ready for the bus.
All that good Southern food
and green grass,
you're hardly gonna miss us.
I am gonna miss you.
And Mama.
And Elise.
I'm going with you, Margaret.
You should go to Africa with Malcolm.
And go see all
the African kings and queens.
I told you, you are way more
important to me than any of that.
I'll be here when you get back.
Then you can tell me all their secrets.
You'll be safe with Malcolm.
I'll be safe with Mee-Maw,
and Mama and Daddy won't have
to worry about us.
Worry less until you are safe
in South Carolina.
We Johnsons do best when we're together.
But Johnsons are tough. Like you, Daddy.
You said we're born
with iron in our ankles
and that nothing can knock us down.
I can take the bus by myself,
keep up with my schoolwork,
and make my own bed.
And Elise can get on a plane
and fly across the world.
We're Johnsons.
We can do anything.
Yes, we can, sweetheart.
Well, pardon me for getting
in the way of Johnsons
doing Johnson things.
Oh, no, there's three cherries in there.
I knew it.
Every time.
I can't believe Margaret's
leaving in the morning.
She'll be a grown woman
before we see her again.
I hate it, too.
But we got to protect her.
Shit's about to explode.
And whose fault is that?
What are you talking about?
You could consider Colombo's offer.
You could prevent an all-out war,
a war that is set up for you to lose.
My men are ready for what's to come.
You are sending them
on a suicide mission.
Is that what you want?
Are you ready to die, too?
Of course not.
The solution's been right
in front of your face,
and you keep on running from it.
- What solution is that?
- Partnership.
You can't run Harlem alone, Ellsworth.
You need an alliance.
Someone else needs to be
fighting these battles with you.
Seashells tell you to be here?
Well, well, well. He showed up.
Of course he did. He isn't stupid.
Bumpy, thank you for gracing us
with your presence.
Let's put all those
unpleasantries behind us.
Let's focus on our deal and
the next shipment of narcotics
from Marseilles.
Yeah.
Hey, a smart businessman, right?
This man tried to intimidate my wife!
That can never happen again!
Agree, Joe?
For that, you have my sincere apologies.
Bumpy, let's talk terms.
When the French dope comes in,
myself and the rest of the Families
will charge Bumpy Johnson
25% of his profits
for the right to distribute in Harlem.
Now, as a special favor
for our friend Jose Battle,
I would suggest the Families
kick him a percentage. Say 10%.
Hold on. Colombo, wait.
Wait just a second.
Battle ain't in the dope.
Times have changed, Don Carlo.
We need to be more magnanimous.
We need Jose Battle to keep the peace.
We need Bumpy Johnson
to sell our dope in Harlem.
I think the terms are fair.
Are we all in agreement?
The Luccheses agree.
On behalf of the Bonanno Family, yes.
Gambino's a yes.
I obviously speak for Chin
while he's away, so yes.
Bumpy, I think this is a very
generous deal for all of us.
What do you say?
I appreciate you gentlemen
sitting down to a meet.
I should say yes to this deal.
It's fair.
And if I say no, there'll be a war.
They say a lion doesn't know
that he's caged until he's let out.
I got a taste of that
on the last shipment
when I was made an equal partner.
I got a taste of freedom.
Now I just can't go back into the cage.
So to this deal
I respectfully say
go fuck yourselves.
That was some speech in there.
Your friends ask you to come
and try to change my mind?
I'd rather be friends with an Alzado.
What about the shells?
Not always right.
They told me to marry my two ex-wives.
Alzado?
Alzado.
You're built "Johnson tough,"
little one.
They wanna keep me in shackles.
To them, Harlem is a cotton field,
and I'm the house nigger.
How you doin'? Joe Colombo.
Hey.
Make up your debt to
the Families by working with me.
Otherwise the Families will
need to be paid in full by Friday.
Omar.
You betrayed me,
you betrayed this woman,
and you betrayed Islam.
I lost the woman I love,
the mosque I loved,
and the brother
I grew up with in this faith.
I just want your forgiveness
before I die.
As much as I want to, I can't
spill a Black man's blood.
Let Allah decide his fate.
With Chin up in Lewisburg,
everything has gone to shit.
They fuckin' got him
poppin' his own assoc
You have helped throw the Five Families
into total disarray.
I hope they all kill each other.
She'll fucking rat.
She put her own father away, Tommy.
This is your husband
Chin's fucking problem.
Why isn't he taking care of it?
You don't think that he knows
she should go?
Aaah!
The Reverend was just telling me
that he got government funding
for Harlem.
The Negro bank is going to receive
a huge influx of cash.
That's great.
Hands up!
Here's the money.
Harlem? It's mine.
We don't feel that in 1964
that we should have to sit around and
wait for some degree of civil rights.
No. We want it now,
or we don't think
anybody should have it.
- How goes it, Kev?
- It's all good.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Alright.
How my men been behaving?
Well, they scared
the mailman a few times.
The neighbors were upset.
Until they realized they now live
on the safest block in Queens.
Good, good.
Yeah, my neighbors
are almost as grateful as I am.
You know I won't be able to protect you
if you go on this foolish trip
to Africa, right?
The only reason I'm going
is because I know
your men will be here
to protect my family.
They will. You got my word.
And I'm going to want
to take Elise with me,
as my secretary.
She can join me after my trip to Mecca.
Elise?
Can't allow that.
She needs to be here,
look after Margaret.
I'm sure Mayme can handle things
for a week or two.
This is an incredible opportunity.
She has so much potential, Bumpy.
In many ways, she's just like you.
That a compliment?
My friend, the decision
should be hers, don't you think?
The reason for this trip is not foolish.
It's to seek alliances
with the African Leaders.
I need their help if we are
going to win our fight
for freedom here at home.
It's a good idea.
Maybe they can lend me a couple of men
to fight off the Italians.
What do you think?
Ah, I've come to realize
that you and I believe
we can solve
all our problems by ourselves.
We can't.
Thanks for everything,
Mrs. Allen. See you Sunday.
Excuse me. Mrs. Johnson.
My boss would be honored with
just a few minutes of your time.
And who are you? Who's your boss?
Don't worry. I assure you
you are in no danger.
Leg of lamb doesn't keep well
in the heat.
- I should really be going.
- We could give you a lift.
You live right over
in Lenox Terrace, right?
It's no trouble at all.
Mrs. Johnson.
I'm Joe Colombo. It's my
pleasure to meet you. Come on.
How's that butcher?
I hear they got the best
top round in Harlem.
Would you like a drink?
My husband is gonna have
something to say
about you picking me up
in broad daylight.
That's what I want to talk
to you about your husband.
Ain't a secret he confides in you.
I hear that you're,
uh, as we Sicilians say,
his "consigliere."
Hardly.
I figured you
could help him see the value
of the deal I'm offering.
I don't have that kind of influence.
My car-parts business
made $12 million last year.
I offered your husband a piece.
A real piece.
In return for sharing the
profits of narcotics in Harlem.
I got judges.
I got cops.
I can keep your husband out of jail.
Well
I'll have that drink.
Whiskey neat okay?
Just talk to him.
Tell him I want friendship
and not any kind of violence.
Salud.
He's dead!
Ellsworth!
My nerves are shot enough as it is.
The man is off the hinges, no
question, but he didn't hurt me.
I don't give a fuck
if he invited you to tea.
You are off-limits.
You're one to talk about limits.
You hid a gun under Margaret's piano?
It ain't loaded. But it will be.
You know, maybe you and this Colombo
are more similar than you think.
A man bold enough to yank
Bumpy Johnson's wife off the street
isn't so different than one
who's willing to rob his own people
to pay off a debt to a white man.
Yeah, I know what you did.
Do you think I'm stupid?
The bank won't miss a beat.
It's the government's money
to begin with.
They'll pay it back.
They owe us anyway.
Just call it reparations.
You robbed a federal institution,
plain and simple.
You are sliding down
a rap sheet to hell.
At least this Colombo guy
said he had enough pull
to get you out of prison.
And you believe that motherfucker?
Of course he said that.
He would say anything
to put me in his pocket.
I don't want you in anyone's pocket.
Hell, if I could put you
behind a desk, I would.
It would certainly reflect
better on me and my ambitions.
What the fuck is that supposed to mean?
Just think about it.
That is all I'm asking you.
You better cool down
before you go anywhere.
"The muddled whisper of one's soul
may finally be heard clearly
in the Holy Land."
Or so I've been told.
I'm sure Allah will speak wonders to you
while on the Hajj.
What a privilege to be going.
Does the idea of traveling
interest you, sister?
I could pick up three languages
just riding the A-Train.
I've never even been to Brooklyn.
I would love for you to come
with me to Africa
After my trip to Mecca.
I'll need an executive assistant
to coordinate my affairs.
Travel to Africa with you?
Who better than you?
We'll have to get you a passport.
You, me, and Betty in Africa.
Uh, Betty will be staying home.
Is everything okay?
Does she approve of this?
It was actually her idea.
Mm, maybe she knows
you'll keep a close eye on me.
Margaret and I just started geography.
She's doing really well.
I've been homeschooling her.
What better way of teaching Margaret
than visiting the places you've
been showing her on a map?
That fuck did what?
You got to be fucking kidding me!
Is this what you motherfuckers are now?
Snatching wives off
the goddamn sidewalk?
Bumpy, we don't get women
and children involved
with our fucking business.
That's part of our Get the fuck away!
Everybody, get the fuck out, everybody!
I am showing the commission
the respect to tell you
in advance that I'm gonna
kill this motherfucker.
Stop.
Nobody's gonna kill a fucking boss.
Come on. Sit down.
Do you really think we need
a fucking war right now?
We've got this scumbag heeb,
fuckin' Morgenthau,
with all his little toy soldiers
up our ass.
Do we need this now?
Till you get Colombo in line,
I'm gonna assume that the gloves are off
when it comes to you guineas.
Stop it. I'm on your side.
What Colombo did with your wife
is a fucking disgrace.
But as wrong as it was, he never
laid a hand on your wife, Bumpy.
Tommy, we've known
each other for decades.
Would you allow a man
to take your wife on a ride
against her will?
Bumpy, I promise you,
I will put the fucking
hammer down on Colombo.
That's not good enough.
Hey, I tell you what.
7:00 you be here Friday night.
You, me, and the Family heads
right here,
and we'll straighten
this whole Harlem thing out.
That's better.
But if he takes the gloves off,
you've all taken the gloves off,
and I will fight you bare-knuckle
like a motherfucker.
Malcolm invited you to Africa?
I'd be his assistant.
Can't believe he'd trust me
that much, like a confidant.
Oh, it's an incredible opportunity,
but was Betty okay with it?
It was her idea that I go with Malcolm.
Pack your bags. You two and Margaret
got to go to your mother's
in South Carolina.
- What are you talking about?
- South Carolina?
I got a feeling that me
and the Italians
We're about to go to war.
What happened to Colombo's offer?
He's a loose cannon.
God knows what he'll do next.
It took weeks for Margaret
to get over the riots.
She just started sleeping
through the night.
We are not leaving, Ellsworth.
There is too much on my plate.
A man can just yanked you
off the goddamn street,
and you're worried about
playing Powell's secretary?
Reverend Powell and this
community are counting on me.
I am staying put.
Look, it's not a request, alright?
Last time we went down South,
I barely slept, Margaret either.
The nightmares we had.
And now now with a war,
one you could easily avoid
Alright.
Elise, why don't you take Margaret
down South to Mayme's mother's?
At least until things
cool off a bit, okay?
Malcolm has invited Elise to
join him on his trip to Africa.
Yeah, he told me.
But that ain't gonna fly right now.
How much manpower we got?
Fifty-five of our own, if you
including the warehouse guys.
Gangs?
We got the Comanches
and the East Side Boys in our pockets,
plus the 12 of our best
on Malcolm X's detail.
That's where they're gonna stay.
How about these other gangs?
Since we couldn't deliver on the duji,
they've been buckin' us.
We gettin' blowback from the Reapers,
the Savage Skulls, and the Gulleymen.
And Colombo's gonna promise them
a direct line to the duji
when it gets in from Marseilles.
If he gets to them, we're fucked.
Get the leaders down here.
Kingston, Bone, and Gerald
from the Skulls.
- I want to meet with them.
- What are you gonna do?
You say they're buckin' us
because of the duji, right?
Yeah.
I'm gonna give them what they want.
Hey.
I knew your father.
Oh, yeah.
The old man used to talk
about how you two were friends.
Friends? He was never my fucking friend.
He was a piece of shit.
He never followed fucking orders.
Eh, he was loyal and you know it.
Didn't deserve to die the way he did.
In a car with his pants
around his fucking ankles,
his goomah's head in his lap?
Too good of a death, if you ask me.
Tell that to my mother,
who grieves to this day.
Your mother's gonna have
something else to grieve for
if you're not fucking
careful. See, your father
He thought he knew more
than the fucking bosses.
I'm starting to see the apple
don't fall far
from the fucking tree.
I'm a boss now myself, don't forget.
What the fuck were you doing
with Bumpy's wife?
You trying to start a war
with these niggers?
I'm trying to prevent one.
Stay the fuck away
from Bumpy and his wife.
Otherwise, you can end up
like your father, capisce?
Here I am trying to bring you Harlem,
and all you do is criticize.
Colombo, I speak
for all the bosses, okay?
Just so you know, it was
a friendly conversation
between me and Mrs. Johnson.
Did you not fucking hear me?
Don't worry. I get the point.
Enjoy your lunch, Tom.
Just so you know,
I'm nothing like my father.
Why you got us down here, Bumpy?
You'll see.
Why we here, mon?
Take a look.
Made a deal with the Rizzuto
Family in Montreal for 300 keys.
This should make up
for the mishap with the duji.
Bumpy, you came through.
One more thing before I front
you as much as you want.
Kingston, I heard we have a problem.
Colombo promises a piece
of his next shipment
Wholesale.
That was before you came through.
So we're good.
Long as this shit's proper.
Yeah.
It's proper.
- Here's your duji.
- Oh, shit!
What the fuck?
Go back to your men.
You're either with me or you're dead.
Well, it looks good.
Looks like he got some sleep.
Where the fuck did you get this?
Some hotshot painter down in the village
owed Chin a couple of thousand,
so he gave me this instead.
Y-You think it was worth it?
No. He paid up after I broke his nose,
but I took the picture anyway.
Gentlemen, my time is limited.
Eh, these Jew lawyers
They get paid by the hour, you know?
All lawyers do.
Yeah, alright, uh, give us a minute.
Shut the door.
Did you give Mr. Gigante my message?
Yes. Chin understands your
problem with the other bosses
and your desire to secure Harlem.
So he knows that my interests
and his are the same.
He indicated as such, but
But what?
If he wants me to secure Harlem
and Bumpy Johnson,
I'm gonna need his influence
over the other bosses.
They know Harlem's a fucking gold mine.
Mr. Colombo, my understanding
is that Mr. Gigante
would be willing to give you
his support under one condition.
What's that?
That you protect his daughter.
His daughter? Why the fuck
would she need protection?
We are aware that there
is a threat to her life
from one of the other Families.
- Why?
- That's irrelevant.
She's gone missing.
You find her, keep her safe,
Chin will do what you ask.
Any idea where she is?
That's your job, Mr, Colombo.
But the last person who saw her
was Chin's wife, Olympia.
I thought it would take years
to get used to living in Philly,
but it ain't that much
different than Harlem.
- How so?
- Riots we got 'em.
The cops beat up a woman
not two blocks from here.
Odessa Bradford.
Folks started to protest, and
before you know it, the city's on fire.
That's terrible.
And we got the Italian mob, too,
but I'm sure you knew that.
Yep, it's just like home.
All the more reason why I need
to get away as soon as possible.
- And go where?
- Paris.
When I can scrounge up enough money.
The City of Light.
But why so far away?
Something horrible happened
back in Harlem.
I can never go home.
I gathered that, but what is it?
Please tell me, Stella.
My imagination is gonna be a lot worse
than whatever it is you say.
I killed a man.
There was a hit out on me,
and it was self-defense.
Your father did that?
My stepmother.
No shit.
That's a nice family, huh?
I thought Italians considered
family sacred or some shit.
Not mine.
That's why I need to get
as far away as possible,
start my life over.
I understand.
Although, you know what they say.
Wherever you go, you bring
yourself and your past.
- Is Daddy in trouble again?
- Daddy's not going anywhere.
He just wants to keep you safe
while he takes care
of some important business.
Am I in trouble?
Since when are you ever in trouble?
Your Mee-Maw said she'll have
your favorite,
biscuits and gravy, waiting
for us when we get there.
And they're your favorite, too.
Right, Mom?
Oh, I'm not going, sweetheart.
Your daddy really needs
my help this time.
But you'll have Elise with you.
Yeah. And we'll keep studying
the world's capitals.
We'll work on Africa next.
But I can help Daddy, too.
Oh.
We are gonna miss you terribly,
Margaret,
but we have to keep you safe.
Who's gonna keep you safe?
I'll be fine.
Please, Mom.
Please come with us.
Mee-Maw has an extra bedroom.
The guard out front said
two Italian-looking motherfuckers
just dumped them at the front gate.
They fucking whacked Bone and Stokes?
Make no mistake,
we're on the edge of war.
This this is Colombo.
- Why?
- He's been talking to the gangs.
Kingston said so himself.
Probably found out
what I did to Kingston,
so he's making his own play
to intimidate.
Even if we could keep the gangs in line,
we still wouldn't have a chance
against all five Families.
We're losing our grip on Central Harlem.
We got to go outside.
Set a meet with Jose Battle.
Spanish Harlem?
Jose Battle don't want nothing
to do with us,
especially after you had
to knock off his boy Guapo.
Besides, don't he work with the guineas?
They got a peace agreement.
He probably pays a percentage
to be left alone.
But he's got men. He's got guns.
He can help us change
the balance of power.
Boss, is it possible we'd be better off
striking a deal with the guineas?
I mean, if Jose Battle did it,
why can't we?
Just set the fucking meet.
No.
This cannot be true.
I mean, who would want
to hurt my Stella? You tell me.
Your husband believes it
was one of the other families.
He doesn't know which one.
For all we know, your life
could be in danger, too.
Oh, my God. Are you sure?
According to his lawyer.
Oh, my God. I can't believe this.
I mean, what is happening in this world
when families are not even off-limits?
Yeah, no one respects
the rules anymore, I guess.
Oh, my God. But you do, right?
Of course.
No, that's good. That's good.
That's good. Good.
I mean, this is why I turned a blind eye
to my husband's business, you know?
I never ask him any questions,
because I don't want
to know for nothing.
Mm-hmm.
That's how it should be.
Mrs. Gigante, you have any idea
where Stella could have went?
Oh, my God. That is a good question.
I mean, this kid She has no friends.
I love her to pieces, but she's like
She's so awkward
around people, you know?
Mm.
Can I see her room?
Who's Delia Greene?
Yeah, go ahead, you take
the corner, alright?
It's like I wasn't even in the room.
In Margaret's eyes,
Mayme's still her mother.
I'm just a bonus.
At what point does it switch over?
Margaret's just trying to make
sense of a world that keeps changing.
You have to be patient.
I wish I could forgive myself
as freely as Allah forgave me.
What would you do as a mother?
When I sent the girls up to Boston,
I cried the moment that bus rolled away.
Then I went home and slept for hours.
I finally had a moment of peace.
Sometimes, a little separation
is necessary.
I think you should go to Africa.
Boston is four hours away.
I can't phone Margaret from Ghana.
Ghana will be breathtaking.
The lush, green mountains,
the flowing rivers,
all the beautiful black faces
in bright fabrics.
I wish I was going.
Why aren't you?
I have enough to worry about here.
And Malcolm needs to focus.
You'll be a great blessing
To us both.
Jose.
Thanks for giving me a meet.
Long time.
You remember my men
Chance, Pettigrew?
A gift.
I've been told that
it's a Cuban tradition
to keep a horseshoe by the door.
To ward off the devil.
I see you got that covered already.
I have many doors,
and there are many devils.
I can always use another one.
Thank you.
Government-issue M16s.
It looks like they come
from the U.S. Army.
It's hard to get. I'm impressed.
You have a good eye.
And I have friends in high places.
Come. We'll go upstairs.
We talk, have coffee.
You make good money,
but the Italians get
the better end of the deal.
Why do you care so much
about my business?
I think we can help each other.
The Italians got East Harlem.
I got Central.
You got Spanish Harlem.
But they got their fingers
in everything,
all of our businesses that we built.
They leave me alone.
That's worth a percentage.
What if I offered you
half of my operations?
You want to be partners with me?
Equal partners.
And that's something that
the Italians would never allow.
You ever wonder why?
Because my skin is brown,
and yours is black.
And our blood is red, just like theirs.
Blood is gonna flow.
There's gonna be a war in Harlem.
Over narcotics. But this is not my war.
Maybe not now, but trust me
They'll call on you
for your men and your guns,
whether you like it or not.
The only war I'm interested in fighting
is the one to take back
my country, Cuba.
I'd give my life to kill Castro.
I care nothing for heroin.
We're both fighting to take
back our homelands.
Mine is Harlem.
In Cuba, we call somebody
like you an Alzado.
Uh, the Cuban fighters who died
kicking out the Spaniards, right?
You're very knowledgeable.
And as Alzados, together,
we'll be so strong
that the Italians
won't even dare start a war.
Hopefully no blood will be spilt,
and you'll be a hell of a lot richer.
It's a very tempting offer.
Before I can accept, I have
to consult with my adviser.
Santería is my religion.
In my faith, it is customary
to consult the Orishas
before making any important decisions.
Have a seat, my friend.
She is asking the Orishas for guidance
regarding our union.
She's saying those three have
landed with their mouths up,
representing Ogunda.
Ogunda we see as problems
and resolving conflicts.
So this is positive, I assume.
Patience.
Ogunda tetura.
That's Ogunda tetura.
We see that as negative.
Police. Legal issues. Problems.
I've had plenty of those.
That ain't no reason to worry.
Madrina.
Osogbo.
That
is bad energy.
I'm sorry. I cannot accept your
proposal. Gracias, Madrina.
You make all your business
decisions based on seashells?
Only the important ones.
I guess these Orishas
They're never wrong.
Listen, my brother,
maybe the spirit of my friend
Guapo that you killed
has entered and influenced the outcome.
Regardless, I have to obey the shells.
I'm sorry.
Guapo was a snitch.
The shells should have factored that in.
A white girl acting like the help.
If that don't beat all.
It's the least I can do.
I'll take care of it.
I want to give you something.
This enough for a plane ticket
to France.
Delia, I can't take your money.
It's Gigante money.
That crazy white boy you married
give it to me
with a gun to my head.
I got plenty more.
I've already taken too much
from you. I
You're all I got left of my son.
Teddy would want you to be safe.
I want you to be safe.
Thank you.
Maybe in a different time,
you could have been my daughter-in-law.
You might as well go on
and see all the things
Teddy never got to see for us both.
Thank you.
Stella Gigante? Come with me.
She ain't got to go nowhere with you.
I'm afraid she does.
Hey.
I'm not turning down Malcolm's offer.
I'm going with him to Africa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
You're not going anywhere
but down south with Margaret.
She's a big girl.
She can take care of herself.
Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity. I'm going.
You and Malcolm have
lost your damn minds.
I can barely keep him alive in Queens.
Now he wants to go speak
to the kings of the world,
where anybody could be hiding
in the bushes?
I can't protect either of you in Africa.
Africa, Harlem,
Queens, South Carolina
anywhere I go your
shit can catch up to me.
You have never kept me safe, Daddy.
And you are not gonna get
in my way now pretending to.
Hey! Come back here.
Do you know why
I barely slept in Alcatraz?
Because you were surrounded
by men who were just like you?
'Cause I didn't know
what happened to you.
I dreamt the worst
Raped, beaten, killed.
Now I'm about to lose Harlem,
and if there's a war
I can't protect any of us.
Do you see?
I see you, Daddy, all too clearly.
It's okay if you hate me.
As long as I keep you alive.
- It's just not fair.
- I know.
I'm sorry.
But, please, we got
to do better for Margaret.
She's both our second chance.
In a small town, word gets around fast.
You must know, growing up in Cuba.
Well, Cuba's actually a very big island,
but keeping secrets is difficult
no matter where you live.
Of course. No-No disrespect.
I hear Bumpy Johnson paid you a visit.
He did.
No doubt to make you an offer.
Am I wrong?
A very generous one.
What did you say?
He seems to think a war is
coming to Harlem over narcotics.
Here's what you need to know.
I gave Bumpy Johnson a square deal.
He turned me down.
He's right about something.
There is gonna be a war
if he doesn't make a deal.
A war in Harlem
is not good for business.
It's one he can't win.
Unless he tries to get someone
like you and your guns
and your men on his side.
Relax.
I told him no.
There's gonna be a sit-down
with Bumpy Johnson
and the Families tomorrow night.
You should be there, too.
I'll talk to the Families
about cutting you a better deal.
Eh?
Fuck.
You Cubans really make a great cigar.
Pardon me.
Madrina.
Mayme said Mee-Maw's gets cold at night,
so I washed all
your warm socks and pajamas.
You think it gets cold in Ghana?
I imagine it's always sunny.
Kings live there.
In the capital, Accra.
My friend Malcolm says
that the great kings of Africa
meet in Ghana to discuss
how to unify their nations.
Hmm.
You think if Harlem had a king,
everybody get along?
Well, that's what Malcolm wants to do.
He wants to get
the African kings' advice
so he can bring unity here.
Malcolm sounds pretty smart.
Smartest man I know.
I can see why you'd want to go with him.
I'd want to go, too.
I'd rather be with you than all
the kings and queens of the world.
We're gonna have the best time
at Mee-Maw's.
Maps are cool.
You can take them anywhere.
But it's not the same
as actually being there.
When you're really there,
the ground remembers your feet.
So I want to walk on
as many places as I can
so that the whole world will know me.
Stella Gigante?
No one told me you were this beautiful.
Joe Colombo, a friend of your father's.
- What do you want from me?
- I want to help you.
By kidnapping me?
Eh, it's only kidnapping
if you try to run away.
Come on.
So, until your father
can assure your safety,
you'll stay under my care.
My father told you this?
Through Fineman, his lawyer.
- What do you get out of it?
- Your father's goodwill.
He's a very powerful man, your father.
And you're happy to take advantage
of his weakness while he's in jail.
- I want him to like me.
- And you, too.
Well, if you want that,
you should let me go.
I'd be a lot safer in Europe.
Can't do that.
You need to stay in Harlem with me.
Please, Joe.
You don't understand my family.
I think I do.
We don't get to pick
our parents, Stella.
My father was a violent man,
a drunk.
He never loved me.
He even tried to rat me out to the cops
for a crime he committed.
I'm still paying for his foolishness.
But that's life.
Why don't you tell my father
you didn't find me?
I can just leave the country.
But I want him to know I found you
and that I'm keeping guards on you,
giving you a place to live.
You mean keeping me prisoner.
No.
Keeping you safe
and treating you with respect.
It's very important
your father trusts me, Stella.
So I'm gonna need you to trust me, too.
Somebody's favorite treat
with extra cherries and chocolate sauce.
Is that a sundae or a fruit salad?
I'd like to fit in my suit in the
morning, thank you very much.
Someone here wants ice-cream soup.
Need some help with that, little one?
You still full from lunch, Margaret?
Mm-hmm.
She's just making room
for Mee-Maw's good cooking.
We're all packed and ready for the bus.
All that good Southern food
and green grass,
you're hardly gonna miss us.
I am gonna miss you.
And Mama.
And Elise.
I'm going with you, Margaret.
You should go to Africa with Malcolm.
And go see all
the African kings and queens.
I told you, you are way more
important to me than any of that.
I'll be here when you get back.
Then you can tell me all their secrets.
You'll be safe with Malcolm.
I'll be safe with Mee-Maw,
and Mama and Daddy won't have
to worry about us.
Worry less until you are safe
in South Carolina.
We Johnsons do best when we're together.
But Johnsons are tough. Like you, Daddy.
You said we're born
with iron in our ankles
and that nothing can knock us down.
I can take the bus by myself,
keep up with my schoolwork,
and make my own bed.
And Elise can get on a plane
and fly across the world.
We're Johnsons.
We can do anything.
Yes, we can, sweetheart.
Well, pardon me for getting
in the way of Johnsons
doing Johnson things.
Oh, no, there's three cherries in there.
I knew it.
Every time.
I can't believe Margaret's
leaving in the morning.
She'll be a grown woman
before we see her again.
I hate it, too.
But we got to protect her.
Shit's about to explode.
And whose fault is that?
What are you talking about?
You could consider Colombo's offer.
You could prevent an all-out war,
a war that is set up for you to lose.
My men are ready for what's to come.
You are sending them
on a suicide mission.
Is that what you want?
Are you ready to die, too?
Of course not.
The solution's been right
in front of your face,
and you keep on running from it.
- What solution is that?
- Partnership.
You can't run Harlem alone, Ellsworth.
You need an alliance.
Someone else needs to be
fighting these battles with you.
Seashells tell you to be here?
Well, well, well. He showed up.
Of course he did. He isn't stupid.
Bumpy, thank you for gracing us
with your presence.
Let's put all those
unpleasantries behind us.
Let's focus on our deal and
the next shipment of narcotics
from Marseilles.
Yeah.
Hey, a smart businessman, right?
This man tried to intimidate my wife!
That can never happen again!
Agree, Joe?
For that, you have my sincere apologies.
Bumpy, let's talk terms.
When the French dope comes in,
myself and the rest of the Families
will charge Bumpy Johnson
25% of his profits
for the right to distribute in Harlem.
Now, as a special favor
for our friend Jose Battle,
I would suggest the Families
kick him a percentage. Say 10%.
Hold on. Colombo, wait.
Wait just a second.
Battle ain't in the dope.
Times have changed, Don Carlo.
We need to be more magnanimous.
We need Jose Battle to keep the peace.
We need Bumpy Johnson
to sell our dope in Harlem.
I think the terms are fair.
Are we all in agreement?
The Luccheses agree.
On behalf of the Bonanno Family, yes.
Gambino's a yes.
I obviously speak for Chin
while he's away, so yes.
Bumpy, I think this is a very
generous deal for all of us.
What do you say?
I appreciate you gentlemen
sitting down to a meet.
I should say yes to this deal.
It's fair.
And if I say no, there'll be a war.
They say a lion doesn't know
that he's caged until he's let out.
I got a taste of that
on the last shipment
when I was made an equal partner.
I got a taste of freedom.
Now I just can't go back into the cage.
So to this deal
I respectfully say
go fuck yourselves.
That was some speech in there.
Your friends ask you to come
and try to change my mind?
I'd rather be friends with an Alzado.
What about the shells?
Not always right.
They told me to marry my two ex-wives.
Alzado?
Alzado.
You're built "Johnson tough,"
little one.