9بخش

Nothing. Not a hint. Absolutely nothing.

Even Sollozzo’s people don’t know where the meeting’s gonna be held.

How much time do we have?

They’re going to pick you up in front of Jack Dempsey’s joint in an hour and a half.

Exactly an hour and a half.

We could put a tail on them. See how that turns out.

Sollozzo would lose our ass going around the block.

What about the negotiator?

He’s over at my place playing pinochle with a couple of my men.

He’s happy. They’re letting him win.

It’s too much of a risk for Mike. Maybe we ought to call if off, Sonny.

The negotiator keeps on playing cards until Mike comes back safe and sound.

So why doesn’t he just blast whoever is in the goddamn car.

It’s dangerous. They’ll be looking for that.

Sollozzo might not even be in the car, Sonny!

I’ll get it.

Yeah.

Okay.

Louis’ restaurant in the Bronx.

Is it reliable?

That’s my man in McCluskey’s precinct.

A police captain has got to be on call 24 hours a day.

He signed out at that number between eight and ten.

Anybody know this joint?

Yeah, sure, I do. It’s perfect for us.

A small family place, good food.

Everyone minds his business. It’s perfect.

They’ve got an old-fashioned toilet.

You know, the box and the chain thing.

We might be able to tape the gun behind it.

All right. Mike, you go to the restaurant,

you eat, you talk for a while, you relax. You make them relax.

Then you get up and you go to take a leak.

No, better still, you ask for permission to go.

Then you come back, you come out blasting.

And don’t take any chances. Two shots in the head apiece.

Now listen.

I want somebody good, and I mean very good to plant that gun.

I don’t want my brother coming out of the toilet with just his dick in his hands, all right?

The gun will be there.

All right, listen. You drive him and you pick him up after the job is done.

Come on. Let’s move.

Did he tell you to drop the gun right away?

Yeah, a million times.

You don’t forget.

Two shots apiece in the head as soon as you come out the door, all right?

Let’s go.

How long do you think it will be before I can come back?

At least a year, Mike.

Listen, I’‘ll square it with Mom, that you’re not seeing her before you leave and…

I’ll get a message to that girlfriend

when I think the time is right.

Take care, huh?

Take care, Mike.

I’m glad you came, Mike.

I hope we can straighten everything out.

I mean, this is terrible. It’s not the way I wanted things to go at all.

It should never have happened.

I want to straighten everything out.

I don’t want my father bothered anymore.

He won’t be, Mike. I swear on my children that he won’t be.

But you got to keep an open mind when we talk.

I mean, I hope you’re not a hothead like your brother Sonny.

You can’t talk business with him.

Nah, he’s a good kid.

I’‘m sorry about the other night, Mike.

I’ve got to frisk you, so turn around, huh? On your knees, facing me.

I guess I’m getting too old for my job.

Too grouchy.

Can’t stand the aggravation. You know how it is.

He’s clean.

Going to Jersey?

Maybe.

Nice work, Lou.

How’s the Italian food in this restaurant?

Good. Try the veal. It’s the best in the city.

I’ll have it.

I’m going to speak Italian to Mike.

Go ahead.