The Legend of Drag Out Hollow
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The year is 1921 Prohibition has been enforced for a little over a year now.
Much to every one’s surprise the demand for alcohol is insatiable. Salvador
Andantino is setting in the corner of a small neighborhood restaurant. People
wave at him some stop to talk to the man. All who greet him are polite and eager
for his attention.
After a little time goes by Vito Pontero shows up. The two respectable gangsters
shake hands and set down to the table.
A waiter comes over to the table and asks them what they would like to order.
Salvador and Vito both ask for just coffee and nothing more.
The waiter takes their order.
The two gangsters make small talk until the waiter leaves them alone.
Salvador: “So veto how do you like Chicago you have been here for a little more than a year now. Do you like it?”
Vito: “Ya this is a fun town alright; and it’s a good time. But I did not come all the way from Brooklyn for a good time, if ya know what I mean.”
Vito makes a gesture with his hands indicating money.
Salvador smiles and takes a drink of his coffee.
A waiter comes back with a spoon and wipes the table. Salvador looks annoyed.
Salvador: “Well that’s why I have asked you to
meet with me. I have some good news.”
Vito: “Good news, Now that I like.”
Vito smiles, rubs his hands, and leans in a little closer to Salvador so that he can hear what Sal has to say.
Salvador: “I have a job for you Vito. It should be a very lucrative job to. It seams that Chicago has a drinking problem. The problem is that we cant smuggle enough boos out of Canada to meet the demand.”
Vito: “That’s a good problem to have isn’t it? You just raise the price on what you are bringing in.”
Salvador smiles and takes another drink of his coffee.
Salvador: “Well that’s what we thought, at first.
But the price of boos has gotten so expensive that a new cottage industry of
mom and pop brewers are starting to pop up all over the Midwest. Capone thinks
that he is loosing out on a lucrative black market business. And he ant happy
about it.
Vito: “How much does the big man think he is loosing
out of?”
Salvador: “We think there is easily a million dollars of homemade moonshine being delivered, and consumed, just in the city of Chicago alone. <pause> Capone wants a piece of that business.”
Vito: “So how can I help.”
Salvador: “Through our many contacts in the teamsters
union, we know of all of the trucks, and boats that come into and out of Chicago
that carry illegal boos. We know the names of the truck drivers and whom they
work for.”
Vito smiles
Vito: “So we going to go after some of these guy’s
break a few arm’s make them pay up?”
Salvador: “No nothing like that at all. Capone wants to become business
partners with these people.”
Vito: “Business partners?”
Salvador: “Capone’s privet investigators have compiled
a list of the top 50 bootleggers in the Midwest. He wants me to assign a represinitiv
to each of these bootleggers. We can offer union support, transportation, and
protection from other bootleggers. In return we take a cut of the profit”
Vito leans back in his chair and rubs his cheek while being deep in thought.
Salvador takes another sip of his coffee.
Vito: “So this is business?”
Salvador: “Yes its business, we don’t want no hot head going down state shooting up a bunch of moonshine stills, its bad for business.”
Vito: “Ok so were are you sending me?”
Salvador: “I’m sending you down state to a rule county called Calhoun County. It’s a natural panincila located between the banks of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. It is your job to make contact with these people and make them the offer for a partinership with Capones operation.”
Vito: “And what if they don’t want to become business partners?”
Salvador: “Then you shut them down!
Scene 2 Black Jack’s rant
The scene opens with Black Jack Terry pacing back and forth across the floor
at his gangs headquarters. He is un happy about finding out that some one else
has been selling moonshine in his territory. The other gang members look on
in silence as black Jack mumbles to him self.
Big Al: So boss what are you getting so worked up about?
Black jack looks at big Al and the rest of the gang in a mad and cross way.
Black Jack: what am I so mad about? Is that the question?
Is that what you are asking me?
Every one is silent, as Black jack looks at them through his beady little eyes
Black Jack: Look at this. You see what I am holding up?
Chester: It looks like a jar full of moonshine boss.
Black jack looks frustrated.
Black Jack: Ya it’s a jar full of moonshine, and do you know what the problem is with this jar full of moonshine? Do you?
Black jack throws the jar over to Chester. Chester opens it up looks at it, smells it and takes a sip. Chester looks pleasantly surprised, and passes it over to smiling John. Smiling John does the same before passing it over to Big Al. In which big Al finishes of the rest of the jar.
Black Jack: The Problem with that jar of moonshine is that it is not my jar, the moon shine in side of it does not smell like my moonshine, it does not taste like my moonshine, and most importantly of all is that I did not make any money from it.
Smiling John: Hey boss I don’t mean to be insensitive but this is some of the best moonshine I have ever tasted where did you get it?
Black Jack gives a dirty look and walks over to Big Al and retrieves the empty jar.
Black Jack: I bought this moonshine from some back alley bootlegger
in a town that I am supposed to have exclusive control of the bootleg liquor.
Its stuff like this that makes me mad, really mad, so after I pistol-whipped
the poor dumb bastard for selling me some on else’s moonshine he told
me he bought it from a farmer over in Calhoun County.
Smiling John: So let’s go over there and get their recipe, start making this stuffs our selves.
Black Jack: Why the hell would I want to do something like that? Do you know how hard, and how long it takes to make something this good? It ant worth it, people just want to get drunk they don’t need stuff like this. In fact they’re lucky to get any thing at all.
Big Al: So what do you want us to do boss?
Black Jack: I want you to go to Calhoun County, find these country moon shiners and shoot them down like dogs. I want you to make a example out of them.
Chester: Don’t you think that is a little harsh there boss?
Black jack gives an evil eye at his gang and then goes into his song and dance.
After the song and dance black jack turns to his gang of hoods
Black Jack: Alright men I want you to get out on the street, if you find any one who is selling any one else’s moonshine shoot them up, and shut them down. Now get going.
Every body picks up there guns, puts on there hats, and leaves
Scene 3
Big Al and Chester stop at a few local speakeasy ruffs up some customers and get some information on the whereabouts of the rival moonshine still. The informant tells them the approximant location of the moon shiners they have been looking for.
Scene 4
Big Al, and Chester stop off on a country road some were in north Calhoun County.
Chester has been sipping on some of the moonshine that they have liberated from
the drunks that they have been roughing up.
Chester: Ok here it is, this is supposed to be the road that
they described to us.
Big Al gets out of the car and looks around.
Chester: Do you want me to drive us up in there and shoot up the place from the car?
Chester stumbles as he gets out of the car and spills some moonshine that he has been sipping on.
Big Al looks him over and shakes his head
Big Al: Are you Drunk?
Chester: Who me? No man I’m not near as drunk as I am usually by this time in the day. I have been pacing my self.
Big Al: Ok Chester look here I am going to go around that ridge over yonder and see if I can get in behind them. Any body other than me comes running out of there you let them have it here.
Chester: Ok big Al that sounds good to me. I will set back here and guard the car and some of the moonshine we collected.
Big Al gives Chester a dirty look
Big Al: don’t let any one get past you, and don’t be shooting at me.
Jed is playing the banjo while Cousin Willy is looking over the moonshine still.
Willy: Jed don’t you think we have been pushing our luck
here lately. We have had a pretty good run of luck I would hate to spoil it.
Jed: Spoil it? There ant nothing to spoil, we are doing just fine.
Willy: What about that black Jack fellow? He seams pretty mean and nasty to me.
Jed: I ant to worried about him. He is to busy pushing people around in the city. He ant going to bother us back here in the country.
Willy: Ya you might be right Jed. But it might be a good idea to move the still a little further back. In the hollow, or maybe even shut it down for a while. You never know what a psycho like this black Jack Terry can be capable of.
Jed: My family has been doing this for hundreds of years. I come from a long line of brewers and it is my god given right to make moonshine when ever I feel like it. You just don’t worry about that Black Jack Terry. If he comes any where around here I will let him have it with my old shot gun.
Just then Jed, and Willy hear a sound coming from the woods behind the still.
Jed and Willy pick up there guns. Willy runs for cover behind a tree. Jed wheels
his shotgun around just in time to see Big Al coming at him with a Tommy gun.
But before Jed can get a shot off Big Al lets him have it. Jed falls to the
ground dead.
As the smoke clears from the gun Big Al walks up to Jed’s lifeless body
and kicks the gun away from it. He does not see Willy peering out from around
a tree. Willy takes careful aim and shoots Big Al dead.
Back to Scene 4
Chester who has been sipping on a new jar of moonshine is starting to feel the effects of it. He hears all the shooting and the distinct sound of Big Als Tommy gun.
Chester: Whooo ya Go get em Big Al. Ha ha ha.
Chester stagers to the front of the car and takes another sip of his drink. Just then a hail of bullets come from the tree line were Willy and his young cousin Abraham are shooting from. In a panic Chester reaches for his gun accidentally spills his drink and then shoots himself in the foot. But before Willy and Abraham can shoot him dead Chester gets in the car and speeds away.
Scene 6
Smiling Johan walks out of the door of a popular speak easy with a beautiful
lady friend named Jezebel Drake. They are smiling and laughing. They have spent
most of the afternoon drinking and gambling. Not being very productive at the
task that Black Jack Terry has given Smiling John.
A car with a driver sets next to the curve waiting for Smiling John to get into
the car. The drivers name is Same Quick but every body calls him lightning.
Lightning Sam: Come on Smiley it’s getting late and I want to be back in time for my card game tonight.
Smiling John: Ok Lightning I will be there in a minuet.
Smiling John: <while laughing> Ok Jezebel I got to get to work now, but I did have a good time. Let’s do it again some time
Jezebel: No smiley you can’t go yet. Let’s go back in and play some more craps. You never know you might get lucky again.
Smiling John: No I would live to honey but my boss is going to be really upset if I don’t get going. I’ve got a job to do.
Jezebel: what is it where are you going?
Smiling John: I’ve got to go up into Calhoun County and find some guy’s selling some one else moonshine and shoot them up.
Jezebel: Oh that sounds like so much fun can I come along?
Smiling John: Ok honey I will do all the shooting and you can bring the boos.
Jezebel and Smiling john laugh and then get into the car.
Smiling John: Ok Lightning were in let go.
Lightning puts the peddle to the metal and the Ford model T takes off down
the road.
Scene 7
Vito Pontero is driving down a country road in search for the elusive and mysteries
moon shine still. As he scans the surrounding country side he grumbles to him
self about what a lousy job this is. He rather be back in Brooklyn. Just then
he spots two men selling watermelon along side the road. He decides to stop
and ask them for directions and to see if they might know of any one around
the area who might be able to make moonshine.
Vito pulls over his car and gets out. The two men look at him suspiciously, while Vito slowly walks over to them.
Vito: Hello friends <Vito smiles really big>
Man #1: Hello
Man#2: howdy stranger
Vito: It’s a beautiful day isn’t it?
Man #1: Ya its nice
Man#2 :It’s a little hot for me.
Vito: Hot? Ya you could say it’s a little hot. But I swore I would never complain about the heat again after spending a winter in Chicago.
Veto smile broadly but the other two men just look back at him with blank stairs. There is a awkward moment of silence.
Man #2: Chicago?
Man #1: Did you stop to by some of our fresh produce; we have vine ripe tomatoes and sweet watermelon.
Vito: ah ya I’ll buy some of this fresh produce.
Vito: walks over to there make shift roadside stand and picks up a few tomato and squeezes them. Then he smells them.
Vito: Boy I tell you I’m glad I seen you guys I’ve been lost out here for some time now. I was wondering if I could get directions back to town.
Man #1: You follow this road to the east until you run into the river road. Turn south and follow the river until you reach Kampsville. Say how did you get this far out in the country any way?
Vito looks up and grins
Vito: You know that was the same thing I was going to ask you why would you set up a vegetable stand out in the middle of know were.
Man #1: You just keep your self to your own business buddy.
Vito: These look really nice I think I will buy them all, every
thing you have.
Man #2: You want to buy it all
Vito: Ya I think I will have me a party at my beach house I rented.
The two men look at each other.
Vito: Ya I’m going to throw a party you guys are invited of course.
Man #2: a party, which beach house do you live at?
Man #1: No thanks we will stick to our own business.
Vito: You know fellows It’s hard to have a party with out any boos. Do you know what I mean? Do you know where a guy might find some home made moonshine?
The two men look at each other man #2 smiles then man # 1 speaks up
Man #1: You ant no law man are you cause I don’t take to kindly to law men who ant wearing no badge.
Vito: Law? No I ant got nothing to do with the law. I’m just a guy who wants to throw a party and have a good time.
The two roadside vegetable venders look at each other then at Vito.
Man #2: what do you think?
Man #1: Show it to him.
The first man reaches under the make shift vegetable stand and pulls out a jar
of white lightning moonshine, and sets it up on the table in front of Vito.
Vito rubs his chin then smiles.
Vito: Can I taste it?
Man #1: Sure go ahead.
Vito smells it, then takes a sip. He is pleasantly surprised by the texture and taste of the moonshine.
Vito: This is some good stuff. I can’t believe it is a homemade brew. Who makes moonshine of this quality?
Man # 1: It ant none of your business mister If you want some it is $2.00 for a jar.
Vito reaches into his pocket and takes out a wad of cash.
Vito: I’ll take a whole case.
Just then a car appears in the distance. It drives by the vegetable stand were
Vito is talking to the two men. It drives past them and goes down the road a
ways, then turns around and comes back toward Vito and the two men.
Man # 1: I don’t like the looks of this.
Just as the car gets to the spot in the road were it is parallel to Vito and the two men Smiling John leans out of the car with a Thompson machine gun and starts to blast away with it.
Vito and the two men dive for cover in a small roadside ditch as a hale of bullets burst all around them. Vito is hit in the arm and grimaces in pain. Then the Car with Smiling John speeds down the road.
The 3 men lay in the ditch for a short time all they can hear is the sound of the car speeding away and Smiling John’s laughter in the distance.
The camera does a close up on Man #1 face while he is still laying in the ditch
Man #1: That’s it I’ve had enough of this shit were getting out of here.
Man #1 and Man #2 get up fast, get into there car, and speed away
Vito: Hey wear are you guy’s going? Aren’t you going to help me I’ve been shot.
As they drive away man # 2 leans out the window.
Man #2: Sorry there brother but we got’s to go. Maybe we will see you at your party.
Vito gets up from the ditch holding his bleeding arm. Then he turns around
to his car but only to find that it has been shot up also. After inspecting
the car he finds him self stranded in the backcountry of Calhoun County. He
picks up his coat and stars walking to town.
Shortly after he has been walking he sees another car coming up the road. He
try’s to flag it down but the car does not stop and he has to jump out
of the way so that he is not run over. It turns out to be Chester who is rushing
back to Black Jack Terry’s to tell him that Big Al is dead and that he
has been shot in the foot.
Scene 8
Willy and Abraham finish cleaning up after they just buried Jed. Jed’s wife is sobbing in the background. Jed’s younger brother James is consoling her. A prayer is read and every one walks away.
When they reach the humble farm house Willy and James are talking about what to do. James seams to be really up set.
James: We are not giving up just like that!
Willy: you know Jed is dead now. He did not want to give up ether. Maybe we should just stop for a short time. Maybe start it up agine next year.
James: No, no way. My family was making spirits long before prohibition and I don’t intend to stop making it now.
Willy: Yea but know one ever tried to kill us before. This is becoming really dangerous.
James looks at Willy as he digs through a old chest that set’s on the floor. Then pulls out a wad of cash and holds it up in the air.
James: Ya but with this I can buy us some guns that are bigger and better than there’s.
Willy: I don’t know. <Pause> This black jack Terry seams to be a pretty mean fellow.
James: He doesn’t scare me.
Just then Abraham comes running up to the house and yells an alarm.
Abraham: Some one is coming!
Scene 9
Willy and James jump up and run down the lane. Both of them are armed to the teeth with both gun’s and knives. They take cover behind a row of trees and look out up on the road were a stranger is walking up the lane.
Vito Pontero walks up a country lane in hopes of finding a farmhouse were some
one would help him. A bullet has wounded him in the arm. He grimiest with pain
as he holds his arm in the attempt to stop the bleeding.
James: Stop! Stay were you are, don’t come no closer
Vito stops in his tracks and looks up to try to see who is talking to him.
James: state your business what brings you here?
Vito who is looking very tired and raged clears his dry throat
Vito: My name is Vito Pontero and I need help. I’ve been shot. I need some one to help me.
Willy and James look at each other then James gets ready to speak but Willy interrupts him
Willy: Are you armed?
Vito hesitates before he answers
Vito: Ya I have a small pistol with me.
Willy: throw it on the ground and walk slowly to words me.
James gives Willy a dirty look as Vito digs for his pistol. After a short moment
he throws it on the ground and walks forward. James walks out from behind the
tree picks up Vito gun and then frisks him. James nods ok and then the 3 of
them walk to the old farmhouse.
Scene 10
In a simple looking room with little comforts of home sets Vito. Jed’s
widow Sally is attending to his arm. She wraps Vito’s arm with a clean
bandage James and Willy set across the room. James has his pistol lying on his
lap.
Vito: ouch
Sally: There that should do it. I did not see a bullet in the wound but the bleeding has stopped and I think you will live.
Vito: thank you
Willy and James look at each other then at Vito. James lookes worried and upset. Willy is calm.
Willy: So ah Vito that’s your name isn’t it?
Vito: Yeah Vito Pontero.
Willy: Are you from around here Vito?
Vito: No I came down here from Chicago, but I am originally from Brooklyn.
Willy: So what brings you to our neck of the woods Vito?
Vito looks uneasy. He looks at the two men setting across from him. After a long pause he speaks.
Vito: My bosses in Chicago have sent me down here to find a master moon shiner by the name of Jed McDonald.
James picks up his pistol and stands up from his chair. Willy stands up also but only to calm James down.
Willy: You are about 12 hours to late Jed was killed today and we have just finished burring his body.
Vito: I am sorry.
James: What is it that you want with Jed any way? What brings you here?
Vito: Listen I’m very sorry It looks like I am to late.
Willy: To Late for what?
Vito: I represent powerful men in Chicago. They sent me down here because they wanted to become business partners with Jed.
James: What kind of business partners.
Vito: If you could guarantee us a certain quantity and quality of liquor we would buy all that you could make. We would take care of the transportation, and distribution of your product. We would also guarantee you top dollar for your product and most importantly of all we could offer you protection from the law and other bootleggers who might try to mussel in on your operation.
Willy: Why us?
Vito leans over and pick up a glass of moonshine that was offered to him while sally was tending to his wound. He takes a drink and holds up the glass.
Vito: Because of this. This is some very high quality liquor. It’s not like most of the crap that we find out there. This is just as good as the stuff we are smuggling out of Canada.
Willy and James set back down. James puts his gun away and Willy seams to be in deep thought.
Vito: But it looks like I am to late.
James: No. No you’re not to late.
Willy looks over at James and gives him a strange look
Willy: What do you mean it not to late? Jed is dead and that nut Black Jack Terry is going to be coming back with more guns and more thugs.
James: Yeah but he said he could offer us protection.
Vito: woo wait a minute. I said my boss’s could offer you protection. I can’t protect you. I am just a businessman.
Willy: I think we need to pack up and leave I don’t think it is worth it.
James then turns to Vito and stare at him with a intense look on his face.
James: What if I could deliver this moonshine to you in as much quantity as you like. I’ve watched my dad and my brother make moon shine all of my life, I know how to do it. I know the secrets to the recipe. Would you still be willing to make the deal?
Vito leans back in his chair
Vito: I don’t know guys. I was under instructions to make the deal with a guy named Jed McDonald. And we did not know anything about a moonshine war. I would have to talk to my bosses up in Chicago, and see what they want to do. And even if all of that is ok’d by the bosses in Chicago it would take at least a week to get armed guards down hear.
James: We can do this deal. I can deliver on all the boos you want.
Willy: Yeah but what about black Jack Terry.
James: We will move to the other side of the county until Vito here can get the deal done. Then once Black Jack Terry is taken care of we move back and start it back up.
Willy: If you can get that done I will do it. But if we are going to get out of here with out any one else getting killed to night we need to get going.
James: Ok but let’s stop off in town. Vito can use the phone at the general store to call his boss in Chicago.
Vito: Listen fellas I will give it a try but if I can’t get it done don’t hold it against me. I will do the best I can.
James: You do that mister.
Every one begins to hurry around the home packing things up and getting ready to leave. The camera fades to black.
In a small corner of a country store in the town of Mozer Vito picks up a phone
and asks the operator for a Chicago Number. On the other end of the phone a
familiar voice of Salvador Andantino answers hello.
Vito: Hello? Salvador!
Vito: Ya this is Vito. Hay I found what you were looking for down hear.
Salvador: You found the Calhoun moon shiner Jed McDonald.
Vito: Well ya I did but unfortunately for Jed I found him dead.
Salvador: Dead?
Vito: Ya I tell you Salvador there if a freaking war going on down hear. Some bootlegger by the name of Black Jack Terry shot the place up.
Salvador: Black Jack Terry? What’s he doing down there? I hate that guy.
Vito: I don’t know who he is but some of his gang shot up the moonshine still killed Jed McDonald and on the way home they shot me in the arm.
Salvador: So are they still in business?
Vito: I’m all right thanks for asking. But ya I think they are still willing to produce the boos but they are going to need protection. And fast.
Salvador: Ok I will send you down some protection right away he will leave tonight. I will eliminate this troublemaker black Jack Terry and we will use him to make a example to any one else who might want to interrupt our operations in the future.
Vito: wait a minuet did you say he. You are sending more than just one person aren’t you?
Salvador: Don’t worry he is really good at what he does. His name is Clyde Duvall and he is a professional assassin. He will be all you need.
Vito: Ok Sal but please hurry. Things are getting pretty dicey down hear.
Salvador: He will be down there tomorrow night. Stay low until he gets there. Good by.
Scene 12
Black Jack Terry is piecing the floor when Chester finally arrives. Smiling
John is laughing and having a good time retelling the story of how he shot up
a bunch of moon shiners selling some one else’s boos along side the road.
Chester comes limping in the door
Chester: Boss, Boss I’ve been shot. I’ve been shot in the foot.
Every one in the room stops talking and black Jack Terry eye’s Chester as he comes limping in.
Black Jack: Where’s Big Al?
Chester: I don’t know I think he is dead.
Black Jack: Dead? How?
Chester: I don’t know boss. I was set up at the front
lane while Big Al worked his way back around the place. I heard Big Al’s
tommy gun open up, and then I heard another gun being fired. Then it all went
quiet. I was getting ready to go in through the front gate when a hail of bullets
came down on me. They shot up the car and my foot before I was able to escape.
Black Jack: So you left big Al there?
Chester: I had no choice there were to many of them. I was lucky to get out of there alive.
The news of Big Al’s death seemed to rattle Black Jack and the rest of the gang. After a moment of silence Black jack goes into a fit of rage, then speaks.
Black Jack: Ok if it’s a war they want it will be a war they get. I want you guy’s to round up all the manpower you can find, arm them all to the teeth, and then we will go down and level the place. Kill any one who stand’s in our way. No mercy will be given. You hear me No Mercy!
Scene 13
Willy, James and Vito wait patiently for the arrival of there promised protection from Chicago. Vito has not told them that it is only one man.
Willy: So how many guys are they sending down?
James: I would think at least a dozen.
Vito: Oh I don’t think it will be that many.
James: If they count on any help from us they are mistaken
we ant killers we are moon shiners.
James looks at Willy and Willy looks away. Willy’s nerves are still on edge after he shot and killed Big Al.
Willy: So how many half dozen?
Vito: No less tan that.
Willy: well then how many are they sending?
Just then a tall stranger walks into the building where James, Vito, & Willy have been waiting for reinforcement from Chicago. Vito stands up and walke over to the stranger.
Vito: Hello you must be Clyde Duvall?
Clyde: Yes and you must be Vito Pontero.
Vito: It is good to meet you we have been anxiously awaiting your arrival. This here is William McDonald and this over here is James McDonald.
Both James and Willy walk over to meet and greet Clyde.
James: So where’s the rest of your gunmen?
Clyde: There is no more.
Willy: What? No one else, just you?
Clyde: That’s right. Just me.
Willy and james look at each other. There is a short moment of silence.
Vito: Look fellas I’m sure that clyde can handle the situation on his own. Ant that right Clyde.
Clyde: Well let’s see now.
Clyde walks over to a wall and leans up against it while he fishes a small notebook out of his breast pocket.
Clyde: I was hired to come down here to handle a violent situation. It seams that there is this guy by the name of Black Jack Terry who has been causing trouble.
James: He killed my brother!
Clyde: My boss in Chicago has hired me to come down hear and make sure that this Black Jack guy does not bother or kill any more moonshiners who are working with our organization.
Clyde: Is that about right?
Vito: Ya Ya that’s good?
James: I thought you were supposed to come down hear and kill that murderers thug.
Clyde: Not if I have to.
James: What about my brother?
Clyde: I am sorry about the death of your brother. But I have been hired for protection, not revenge killing.
James steps forward about ready to say something when wily stops him.
Willy: Stop!
Willy: Protection is good enough. Just as long as all of us are safe. Besides their ant knows way Black Jack is going to go away with out a fight.
Vito: I am very glad to see that you made it down here in such
quick time. But Salvador did tell you that there was more than just one guy.
Didn’t he?
Clyde: Ya he told me. I have all the information that I need.
How many gang members, were they live, who they are, and a list of there criminal
enterprises.
Vito: So how are you going to handle this by your self?
Clyde: I’m not. You’re going to help me.
Vito: Me? I’ve already been shot in the arm. I can’t
hold a gun and shoot.
Clyde: If all goes well you may not half to. But if there is going to be any shooting. I will be the one doing the shooting. All you have to do is stay out of the way.
Vito: I don’t think I can help you I’ve been shot in the arm. They will have to send down some one else.
Clyde: I was told by Salvador Andantino that you would be happy to accommodate any request that I may have. And the only request that I have is that you walk into Black Jack Terry’s head quarters and deliver to him a message and ultimatum
Vito wipes away the sweat that is starting to form on his forehead. He is looking a little nervous.
Vito: So what do I have to do?
Clyde: All I need is a little help from William and James, I will do the rest. Hear is the plan.
Scene 14.A
Vito walks with confidence down a empty street alone. Just before he arrives
to the secret speakeasy Vito stops say’s a small prayer, makes the sign
of the cross and then walks up to the door, then gives the secret knock.
The door opens up a crack and a man looks Vito over
Doorman: Who are you?
Vito: My name is Vito Pontero I have business with Black Jack Terry.
The doorman closes the door then opens it again. Two men come out and frisk Vito down then let him in. Vito walks into a crowded room were people are drinking, Gambling, and having a good time. Vito looks around the room and then walks up to the bar and orders him self a strong drink. Vito takes the drink then makes a bitter face.
Vito: Woo this is some really bad shit. It taste as bad as it smells.
Bar tender: Don’t tell me pal I don’t make I just serve it.
Vito: Whom do I complain to then?
Bar tender: You can complain to that guy over there. But if you were smart you would keep your mouth shut or just leave.
Vito walks over to a table were Black Jack Terry is playing cards with the rest of his gang. Chester, and Smiling John are also setting down at the table. Black Jack slips a card out of his sleeve then raises the bet. Every one at the table folds their hands and Black Jack wins agine.
Vito: Excuse me my fine fellow. You must be Black Jack Terry?
Black Jack: Why yes I am sir. I am the! Black Jack Terry.
Vito: Well I must say you are a impressive looking gentleman. Greater than I expected. I have been waiting a long time to meet you.
Black Jack: Yes well I get that a lot. But I’m afraid that you have me at a disadvantage. Who are you?
Vito: My name is Vito Pontero I am from Brookland but have recently been living in Chicago.
Black Jack: Well well you are a well-traveled man. What brings you to this part of Illinois?
Black jack gestures to Vito to set down, and Vito obliges.
Vito: Business. That’s what brings me here.
Black jack gives Vito a hard look before he asks the next question.
Black Jack: And what business is it that you do.
Vito: Well you see I don’t really do just one thing in just one particular industry. What I do is represent powerful people who have interests in many industries.
Black Jack: Powerful people hu. The funny thing about powerful people is that they are never around when you need them. So what powerful person do you work for?
Vito: I work for Al Capone.
Black Jack: All right lets get to it. Why has Al Capone sent you down state to find me?
Vito: Mr. Capone has heard of you and your operation. He respects you as a businessman and commends you for your hard work and success. He would like to offer you a partner ship. In return you would receive protection from us against other rival bootleggers that may try to squeeze in on you.
Black Jack begins to laugh, then the other members of his gang laugh out loud also.
Scene 14.B
Mean while Clyde Duvalle is standing out side black Jacks speak easy. He turns to James and Willy.
Clyde: Ok it’s time. I’m going to walk up to the front door now. When I give you the signal you will know what to do.
James and Willy are holding ropes. They shake their head yes as Clyde turns to walk to the door. But before he goes he turns back to James and Willy.
Clyde: If every thing is going well and Vito gives me the
ok sign I will be back in 5 minuets. If things are not all right then you will
probably here some gunfire and it might take me 10 or 15 minutes to walk back
out.
Remember if you here some gunfire there will probably be a lot of people leave
in a hurry. But don’t panic. If things go right Vito, and I will be out
shortly after the crowd runs out.
Clyde turns away and walks to the front door of the speak easy. He gives the secret knock and the doorman opens the door like before he asks Clyde to state his business, and his name.
Clyde: My name is Clyde Duvalle. I want to come in and spend some money and have a drink.
The doorman opens the door and he and the 2 guards walk out side to frisk
Clyde. But before they can get their hands on him Clyde takes out a bat and
beats the 3 men until they are lying in the street unconscious. Clyde signals
James and Willy.
James and Willy run up to the front door and drag off the 3 unconscious men
and begin to tie them up.
Clyde turns and walks in the door.
Clyde inters the room and walks up to the bar and asks for a drink. He surveys the room until he spots Vito. He will wait there until Vito gives him the ok sign or the, I am in trouble sign. If Vito is in trouble Clyde will take action.
Scene 14.A
Vito sets at a table were Black Jack is playing poker. Also at the table is
Smiling John, and Chester Nuts. Chester is still nursing a wounded foot, but
like smiling John he is feeling no pain. The cheep rot gut whisky that black
Jack is selling at his bar is starting to take effect.
Black Jack deals another hand of cards. Vito see Clyde walk into the room. He
now takes a more aggressive tone with black jack.
Black Jack: Does it look like I need protection? No! I’m not the pray I am the predator around here. I have worked hard at consolidating my power. I control all of the illegal boos in 5 counties, and if I wanted to make it 6 counties I will.
Vito: Hay look I am just the messenger.
Black Jack: So how much money does Capone want me to pay up for this so-called protection?
Vito: Nothing. Not one dollar. All that he asks in return is that you give up one small county to Capone. Calhoun County!
Black Jack becomes visibly angry. He slams his fist on the table and looks into the camera.
Black Jack: You tell Capone that if he ever sends any one down here againe I will kill them. You got that.
Vito: Hay like I said before I am just the messenger here.
Black Jack: We shoot messengers around here.
At that time Vito looks over to the bar wipes his forehead with his handkerchief and pulls on this right ear. With that signal Clyde walks over to the table were Black Jack is setting.
Clyde: So you must be Black Jack Terry.
Black Jack: What makes you think that?
Clyde: Because you are the only one at the table who is cheating and nobody is saying any thing about it.
Black Jack: What did you just say?
Clyde: I say you’re a no good lousy cheat at cards. Every one in here sees you do it, and every one is too scared of you to say something to you about it.
The room becomes silent, Smiling john stops smiling, and Chester is slowly
moving his trigger finger a little closer to the revolver in his coat pocket.
Vito is starting to squirm a little more, he is trying to make him self as small
as possible.
Black Jack: you will die with words like that.
Black Jack stands up while flipping the table over. The cards and money go
flying in the air. Black Jacks pulls his gun from his holster and fires wildly.
Clyde is quicker and gets a shot off before Black Jack. But with so many things
flying through the air it distracts both of them and they miss each other.
Chester is the next to draw his gun but before he can get his gun out of his
pocket Clyde shoots him in the chest.
Smiling John has no gun on him only a knife. He stands up and lunges for Clyde.
Clyde nocks the knife from John, and pistil whips him across the face knocking
him to the ground.
Clyde spins back around and looks for black Jack. But much to his surprise when he takes aim on him black Jack has a hold of Vito and is using him as a shield.
Black jack raises his pistil up to shoot but when he does Vito cracks him in his rib cage with his elbow. And falls to the floor. Black jack misses Clyde again but this time Clyde takes careful aim shoots black Jack in the chest.
Smiling John finds Chester’s gun on the floor he picks it up and from a knelling position on the floor he aims the gun at Clyde. Vito yells to look out. Clyde spins around kicks the gun from John’s hand and shoots him back down.
Scene 14.B
James and willy are standing out side looking around the corner of another building, when they hear gun shots, The doors of the club come flying open and a host of drinkers come running out.
Scene 14.A
Clyde and Vito stands in the middle of a almost empty bar. Only a hand full
of people who are to afraid to run are left in the smoke filled room, and the
3 dieing gangsters.
Black Jack is on his knees holding his hand over the whole in his chest. He
looks up at Clyde with a tear running down his cheek.
Black Jack: Look at me. What have you done? The world has lost
a great and talented artist.
Black Jack pulls his hands away from his chest and looks at the blood on his
hands.
Black Jack: And I was a good dancer too.
Black Jack Collapses on the floor in a pull of his own blood. A eerie silence falls on the room only to be broken by the sound of Clyde’s voice.
Clyde: All right people listen up and listen good, from now
on no one goes into Calhoun County unless you have business or family there.
If I find out that any one has been going over their causing trouble. I am going
to come back, find you, and shoot you down.
If I find out that any one has been going over to Calhoun County and snooping
around the back hollows looking for moonshine stills I am going to shoot you
and drag you out feet first.
Don’t cause any trouble in Calhoun unless you want to be dragged out dead.
Clyde and Vito turn step over Smiling John’s dead body and walk out the door still holding their guns.
Scene 15
Down next to a ferry landing Vito and Clyde are holding their suet cases and are waiting for a riverboat to come and pick them up for the ride north to Chicago. James Willy and Jed’s widow Sally are there to bid them good by and to thank them for all of their help.
Vito: Good luck to you all. Stay in touch. If every thing goes well I will see you again in the spring.
Clyde: I hope you don’t have to see me again but if have any more problems call Vito and he will send for me.
A few more good lucks and some good buy’s then Vito & Clyde turn and walk away.
Fade to Black
The End.