The Bluebird Club. VINNIE is complaining to POLLY about how much he has to pay to the local don for protection. PORK is drinking with a drunken SOCIALITE while IVES looks on.
VINNIE
Thirty percent. That’s a ten percent increase. I told him I couldn’t survive it, but he doesn’t give a shit. And what’s it for? I still got coppers busting me twice a month. You think Mac could have a word?
POLLY
No. Mac won’t get involved in any of that nonsense you Italians do to each other.
VINNIE
But he kinda owes me … The reason that fat-assed Gaspardi’s being so unreasonable is because I get my booze from Mac and not him. Look, I know they got a few joint ventures goin’, so just a word or two might –
POLLY
I’ll put it to him, but like I said –
JENNY comes running in.
JENNY
They got Mac!
POLLY
(standing) They shot him?
JENNY
No, they took him. We were outside talking and … all of a sudden they just jumped him, threw him in a car, and took off.
PORK and IVES rush over.
IVES
(leaving) What kind of car …
JENNY
Black.
PORK
Black. Yeah, that helps. Jesus … (to IVES) Let’s go …
PORK and IVES hurry off. POLLY has been staring at JENNY. JENNY just now notices.
JENNY
What?
POLLY
(approaching) Just like that, eh? They just appeared outta nowhere and took him …
JENNY
Yeah …
POLLY
That means they must have been waiting.
JENNY
No, I told you they just pulled up …
POLLY
No, they’d be waiting. Waiting for you to bring him out.
JENNY
I think you better watch what you’re saying …
POLLY
(getting close to her) How much they pay you?
JENNY
I told you to watch –
POLLY
(closer) What do they want with him?
JENNY
I don’t know what you’re talking about. So back off before I –
POLLY
(very, very close) If they hurt him, you’re dead. You got that, you pathetic slut? I’ll find you and slit your friggin’ throat!
POLLY pushes JENNY hard. JENNY crashes into the table and falls. POLLY hurries out.
JENNY
You think you scare me, little girl? You think you’re any match for me?!
Blackout.