UNTITLED
by Hank T.

Setting: New York City, New York 1938, Brooklyn- A bar on the east side of Brooklyn overlooking the Lower New York Bay.

Characters:

Joe Niro- Protagonist
Henry McClain- Niro’s good friend
Robert Wesson- Intelligent and quick with his wit
Donald Rink- Not spectacularly smart

Scene 1

Stage is dark and gradually illuminates as Niro starts speaking.

Glass Breaking

Niro- AND STAY OUT, YA GERMAN BUMS! NEXT TIME I SEE YOU HERE I CALL THE COPS!

Niro picks up a broom and walks over to the door to sweep up the broken glasses

Niro- I’m sick and tired of having to throw those bums out. I try to keep this place respectable but how am I going to manage that when I can’t even get respectable customers. They come in here in the middle of the day and expect me to just pour out the booze over their lunch break. Honestly, at 12:30 in the afternoon! And they’re angry at me when I refuse to sell them any! They should be grateful! If they went back to work drunk they’d be fired. I’m saving them the trouble. They have some nerve.

Finishes sweeping up the glass and empties the broom in a trash can. Sits down in a chair behind the bar and picks up a paper and begins to read.

Niro- The Dodgers lost again! Come on, guys, you’re gonna put me into an early grave.

Door opens and McClain walks in.

McClain- How’s it going, Joe?

Niro- Hey, Henry! Actually it’s not going so well today. The Dodgers lost for the third time this week and I had to throw out those German immigrants for a fourth time in the past two weeks!

McClain- Them Germans are still giving you trouble? Why don’t you call the cops on them?

Niro- That’s what I said I’d do next time I saw them around here, but you know how they are, not speaking English proper and what not.

McClain- I think that’s a front. I think they really do speak English and are just making fun of you, Joe

Niro- Making fun of me? HAH, NO ONE MAKES FUN OF OLD JOE NIRO, YOU HEAR!

McClain (Sitting Down at a stool) - Yeah, I hear you, Joe.

Niro- Hah, making fun of me. Haha, that’s a good one, Henry. Those German sons-of- beer maidens are too stupid to make fun of anyone.

McClain- I’m thirsty, Joe. How bout you get me a beer?

Niro- What, don’t you have beer over at your fancy bar in Manhattan? Why don’t you have one there?

McClain- Oh, come on, Joe, you know I don’t drink the beer I sell. It’s for selling only. Strict policy of mine. If I don’t stick to it how do you expect the people I’ve hired to run the place for me to? Lead by example, I always say.

Niro Pouring him a beer- Well, you could do it my way and run your own bar. Imagine that! That way you wouldn’t have to worry about setting an example for anyone.

McClain- Thanks. Except for the kids and Mrs., of course.

Niro- Oh, of course. By the way, how’s the family doing.

McClain- Oh, fine, fine. Henry Jr. has actually taken up baseball. Baseball! He’s playing with a bunch of kids down at the neighborhood field.

Niro- What position does he play?

McClain- Shortstop! Do you believe it! Just like his old man back in high school! Hah, you should come see him, Joe, he’s not bad. Not bad at all.

Niro- And how’s little Tommy doing? I can’t really see him being an all star athlete, to tell you the truth, he’s a little bit on the scrawny side.

McClain- Yeah, he’s not into playing baseball to much. He likes it, he’s a proper Dodgers fan and all, but you’re right, he’s a bit on the small side. He’s taken up music, actually. He’s big into the new swing stuff that’s coming out now.Niro- Well, music’s good. Everyone likes music. He play an instrument?

McClain- His mother and I were foolish enough to buy him a drum set for his birthday. Do you believe that? It’s a good thing we live in Queens were we can’t disturb our neighbors as much. Can you imagine if we still lived in Manhattan. But you should have seen his face. It lit up so bright we had to take him outside so the rest of us wouldn’t be blinded.

Niro- Sounds great. And how’s the wife?

McClain- Jane? Jane’s doing great, Joe, just great. She’s got everything she could possibly want. And she’s grateful for it, if you know what I mean. Haha. And how’s Gertrude doing?

Niro- Eck. I still don’t know why I married that woman. All she ever does is complain about how nothing’s right. “Joe, why are you home so late? Joe why are there leaves in the yard? Joe, why didn’t you shave this morning?” I mean, honestly, it’s my face and I’ll shave it when I see fit! There’s never peace in that house. You’re one of the lucky ones, Henry, you know that?

McClain- Yeah, I know it Joe. I got everything a man could want. I just hope I keep it.

Niro- Why wouldn’t you, Henry. Is someone out to get you?

McClain- I don’t know. I’m just getting paranoid about the back end business, that’s all.

Niro- Ah, right. I wouldn’t worry too much about it. The both of us have been running our own for the past seven years and we ain’t got no trouble yet. Half our customers are probably cops anyway.

McClain- I’m not worried so much about the cops as I am the competition.

Niro- Yeah, I’ll bet it’s more stiff for you being that your operation is down town and whatnot, but still, you don’t run your own shop and you aren’t dumb enough to leave any record of your ownership, are you?

McClain- All the evidence against me to that place that I have is the deed, and that isn’t even in my real name.

Niro- So you should be pretty safe, Henry. I wouldn’t worry about it.

McClain- Well, I can’t help it Henry. I’m turning forty next month. I’ll be middle aged! Middle aged men worry about things.

Niro- Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being middle aged. I’ve been middle aged for about two months now.

McClain- Yeah and you should be worried. We’re in an illegal business, Joe. There’s usually violence in illegal businesses. If not with the cops then with each other. Ever since prohibition ended the larger gangs have been getting restless. The cops are less violent and tend to let things slide. The gang leaders are becoming more and more blood thirsty. And the only people that will satisfy them when dead is their competition. That’s us. That concerns me.

Niro- I see. I also see that you’ve finished your beer. Now unless you want another, which would not be free. Then get out.

McClain- You’re way too kind, Joe. You’re almost an angel. But I suppose angels are better looking.

Niro- Hardy-har-har.

McClain- Thanks for the beer, Joe. Take care of yourself.

Niro- Yeah, you too, Henry.

Henry leaves. Joe lights a cigarette and sits back down in his chair. Picks his paper back up. Enter Rink and Wesson.

Niro- Afternoon, gentlemen. Care for a drink?

Wesson- Yeah, sure.

Rink- Two beers.

Niro- Coming right up.

Niro takes out two pint glasses and begins to pour beer in them. Rink lights a cigarette while Wesson reaches into his jacket and takes out a picture and sets it on the table . Niro finishes pouring the beers and brings them over. Looks at the picture and makes an obvious expression of surprise.

Wesson- Thanks.

Rink- Cheers.

Niro goes back and sits down in his chair. He begins to pick up his newspaper.

Wesson- Hey, mister, uh

Niro- Joe, call me Joe.

Wesson- Alright. Hey, Joe, do you know this guy. Holding up picture

Niro- Maybe, what’s it to you?

Wesson- We work for a guy who, uh, wants to get to know this guy a bit better. He has a business interest in the guy. His name’s…

Niro- Henry McClain. I know him.

Wesson- Yeah, McClain. Well, our boss wants to meet this guy McClain and talk business with him. I take it you have no idea what I’m talking about?

Niro- Should I?

Wesson- No, I guess not. Anyway, do you ever see this guy?

Niro- Maybe? Why?

Wesson- Well if you do I’d appreciate it if you’d give him my card so I could get in touch with him and arrange a meeting between him and my boss. Do you think you could do that for me if you see him again?

Niro- I could, yeah, but why should I?

Rink- Hah! Hey, Rob, he asked why! He must not know that we…

Wesson- Shut up, Donny. He knows everything he has to know.

Niro- Actually I don’t know anything. You two haven’t even told me your names.

Wesson- Ah, yes, how rude. My name is Robert Wesson and this is my partner…

Rink- Donny Rink. Nice to meet you, Mr. Joe. My real name’s Donald, but you can call me Donny, that’s what everybody calls me. That’s what everybody has called me since the day I was born. Except my mother when she was mad at me. “Donald S. Rink get down here and tell me why there’s a baseball through my freshly cleaned window!” Hah, I miss that old woman. I’ve never gotten so much love from one person in my life.

Wesson- That’s, nice Donny. Anyway, you asked him why you should do something like this for us, correct?

Niro- Yeah, that’s right.

Wesson reaches into his jacket and takes out a stack of money.

Wesson- Five thousand dollars. You can count it if you like but I’ve never cheated a man in my life and I would feel offended if you did.

Niro- A bribe? Why would I accept that? It’s illegal.

Rink- Yeah, but not quite as illegal as what you’ve got there in the back.

Wesson- Donny!

Niro- What did you say?

Rink- You heard me, I think. That little business you’ve got in the back that allows you to keep this place open and your wife happy.

Wesson- Thank you, Donny. You’ve said quite enough today.

Niro- How did the two of you know about the back end of my bar?

Wesson- Well, if you haven’t figured it out then I’ll just flat out tell you. You see, our boss is in the gambling business himself. It’s his business to know who his competition, or potential allies are. If he didn’t he wouldn’t be at the top of it all.

Niro- And who is your boss?

Wesson- Sorry, can’t tell you that.

Niro- Well then, I’m sorry myself! Henry is my friend and I won’t do anything for you that might turn out bad for him!

Wesson- So he’s your friend, is he. That’s interesting.

Rink- Heh, yeah, real interesting, right Rob? Heheh.

Niro- I don’t see what’s so funny.

Wesson- You don’t need to either. Don’t worry though, Donny is a bit crazy.

Rink- Hey, and the same to you, Rob! Sheesh.

Wesson- You don’t need to worry about anything bad happening to your friend. Our boss just wants to talk with him.

Niro- I kinda figured that out when you told me your boss wanted to talk business with Henry. And if you know our business then talking about it could be a big mistake.

Wesson- Alright, I don’t see you agreeing with me unless I tell you all I know. My boss wants to talk with McClain because he’s been to McClain’s operation and he really likes what he’s seen. He wants to talk about a possible partnership between the two. There would be no harm done to McClain, even if he’s not interested. My boss just wants to talk.

Niro- I’m still not totally convinced.

Wesson- Well, I’ve told you all I know. Any other convincing has to be done on your own.

Silence. Rink finishes his beer and Wesson shortly after. Wesson puts the picture back in his jacket but leaves the card and the money on the table. Wesson takes out a cigar and lights it.

Wesson- Well, thanks for the beer. Throws some coins on the table. Think about it.

Rink- Yeah, real hard like.

Niro- Yeah, I’ll think about it.

Wesson- Have a nice day.

Wesson and Rink leave. Niro walks over to the table and picks up the business card. He sits down at a chair and puts his head in his hands. Curtain closes

Scene 2

Same scene later that night. Niro is behind the bar cleaning out shot glasses. McClain walks in.

McClain- Evening, Joe.

Niro- Yeah, evening to you too, Henry.

McClain- Busy shift over?

Niro- Yeah, everyone’s moved to the back. It’ll be quiet out here until people decide that they’ve either won or lost enough money tonight. Then it’ll be hell, again. Just like it is every night.

McClain- Yeah, well, if you would just hire an extra hand maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, huh?

Niro- Maybe, but why waste the time and money it takes to hire someone. I just take out my shotgun and everybody rushes out, like its loaded or something. Haha, it’s a sight.

McClain- I’ll bet it is, Joe. Drunk and broke people running every which way thinking you might shoot them. Hah, I’d like to see that myself.

Niro- Well, why don’t you stay here for the evening and see the spectacle, huh?

McClain- Sounds like fun. Yeah, actually, I think I will. Let me just call home to let Jane know not to wait up. Where’s your phone?

Niro- It’s been broken for the past four days. Probably some prank for those Germans pulled. The nearest one is two blocks down to the left.

McClain- Thanks, Joe.

Niro- Oh, and Henry, there’s something I have to tell you before you leave.

McClain- Yeah, what is it?

Niro- I don’t know for sure but I think you were right to be worried about the competition. I got a visit from two guys today. Names were Wesson and Rink. They were asking about you, Henry. Wesson left me his card, said their boss wanted to get in touch with you. Said their boss like your operation and wanted to make you a business offer. I don’t know what that means but I don’t like it.

McClain- What do you mean by they liked my operation?

Niro- He had been there and like what he saw, I guess. But I don’t know, Henry. Theses guys are in our business, Henry. The gambling business! They might be dangerous!

McClain- Oh my God. This isn’t good, Joe, this isn’t good!

Niro- No, it isn’t, Henry. Here’s what you have to do. You have to get out of town. It doesn’t matter where you go so long as it isn’t here.

McClain- No, Joe, that won’t fix it. It would just delay the inevitable. The best thing to do is deal with it now.

Niro- Yeah, but Henry, how are you going to do that? Chances are they don’t want to talk business with you. Chances are they are going to kill you.

McClain- Yeah, and there’s only one way to guarantee that that won’t happen, isn’t there.

Niro- The only way I can see was if they died first. But how would that happen?

McClain stares coldly at Niro for a few seconds.

Niro- Oh my God, you can’t be serious, Henry. Please tell me you aren’t serious!

McClain- Why not, Henry, they plan on doing the same thing to me.

Niro- But we don’t know that, Henry. For all we know they might actually be trying to talk business with you. They might have been telling the truth.

McClain-You don’t honestly believe that, do you Joe. Do you really think they were telling the truth?

Niro pauses and starts pacing with his head down for a few seconds. Stops and looks up at McClain.

Niro- How do you want to do it, Henry?

McClain smiling- Thank you, Joe. Ok, you know that shotgun you keep under the bar, its normally unloaded, right?

Niro- Yeah.

McClain- But you do have a box of shells somewhere, don’t you?

Niro- Of course.

McClain- I want you to load it tonight, just as a precaution. So I’m going to go to that phone you said is a block or so down and I’m going to call Jane, just like I said I would, just so she doesn’t worry. But I’m also going to call this guy Wesson and tell him to meet us here at …what time is it, Joe?

Niro looking at watch- It’s almost nine thirty.

McClain- Ok, I’m going to call Wesson and tell him to meet me here at ten thirty. That gives him an hour to get over here and for you to get the people in the back out, ok?

Niro- Yeah, ok Henry. But I don’t want to be the one to kill them.

McClain- Hopefully you won’t have to, Joe, you’re just a precaution here. Hopefully I won’t have to kill them either. Hopefully they really do want to talk business and that will be the end of it. But there’s no telling what is going to happen.

Niro- Yeah, you’re right.

McClain- I’m going to go make those calls now. Afterwards I’m going to sit in my car across the street and wait for them to come in first. You sure you’re alright with this, Joe?

Niro- Yeah, I’m fine, I’m fine.

McClain- Alright then, Joe, I’ll see you in about an hour.

Niro- See you, Henry.

McClain leaves. Joe stares off at the door McClain just left from for a little while, then turns and heads of towards the door on the other side.

Niro opening door, lights dimming- Alright, ladies and gents, sorry to be the party pooper, but I’m closing shop early tonight. Close curtain

Scene 3

An hour later. Niro is behind the bar loading the shotgun. Finishes loading the shot gun and places it under the bar. Takes out a rag and begins to wipe down the bar as Wesson and Rink walk in.

Wesson- Hello, Joe.

Niro- Wesson

Wesson sitting down- I was glad when your friend McClain called me. I was glad you made the right choice.

Niro- Well, I would have hated to find out what would have happened if I didn’t.

Rink standing next to Wesson- Wow, he is smart, isn’t he Rob.

Wesson- Yeah, Donny, he is. I’m glad we came to him first. So, where is he?

Niro- He’s coming. He had to go out and take care of some stuff. He’ll be here.

Wesson- I don’t doubt that he will be. How about a drink, Joe.

Niro- Do I have a choice?

Wesson- Of course you do, Joe. It’s your bar, you don’t have to serve anyone you don’t want to.

Without saying anything Niro takes down two pint glasses and fills them with beer. As he takes them over to Wesson and Rink McClain walks in. Rink turns around and looks at him while Wesson just half glances over his shoulder. McClain slowly walks into the room.

McClain nervous- You Wesson?

Wesson- Yes sir, and I assume you’re Mr. McClain?

McClain sitting down across from Wesson- Yeah, and who is this? pointing at Rink

Rink- Names Rink, Donald Rink. But you can call me Donny, just like everyone else.

McClain- Alright, then, lets get down to it. You said you have a business proposition for me?

Wesson- That’s right. As I told you on the phone, we work for a man who is higher up in our business. He likes your operation. He just has one problem with it. The location. You see two blocks away is one of our boss’s biggest operations.

McClain- So? Am I supposed to care?

Wesson- It would be nice if you did. You see, we’re about to make it so that you can’t refuse us.

At this point Rink draws a nine millimeter and points it at McClain. McClain sits up in his seat and looks over at Niro. Niro is stone faced staring at Rinks pistol.

Wesson- Ok, now that I’ve got your full and undivided attention, it’s down to business. I have a contract here. It says that you will surrender all rights you have relating to your business over to me. You will no longer have control over the operation but you will be given a fifty percent cut of all profits. And being that this conversation never happened, that makes it tax free money.

McClain- And if I refuse you shoot me?

Wesson- I should hope it doesn’t come down to that. Donny here, on the other hand, doesn’t share my thoughts on that matter.

Rink smiles and pulls back the hammer on the gun. Niro snaps out of his stare. He brings out the shot gun and points it at Wesson.

Niro- Don’t do it, Henry, chances are they’ll shoot you anyways.

Wesson- Well, look who decided to butt in. I fail to see how this concerns you Joe. This is a business transaction between your friend and me. And it would be a lot easier if you didn’t try to get yourself involved.

Niro- Don’t do it, Henry.

Rink- Yeah, don’t do it. See what happens.

McClain- Alight! I’ll sign it. Just shut up. Joe, put the gun down. You too, Rink.

Wesson- Do it, Donny.

Rink and Niro lower their guns.

McClain- Where do I sign?

Wesson taking out a sheet of paper- Right here on the dotted line.

McClain- Alright, let me get my pen.

McClain takes the contract and reaches into his pocket, but pulls out a revolver instead.

McClain- Sorry, I don’t agree to the terms of this contract.

The lights go off as two shots are heard.