Jesus, hey, slapping on a kid? That's low. Even for us. So what, you don't like kids?
Nah, they're noisy, they're messy, they're expensive. Cheap, cheap. They smell. Do not
smell. Some of them smell. I'll give me a break. Baby smell. Besides, they're not
any kids, that's Thompson's forte. What the hell is that supposed to mean? Hey, hey,
enough topic. So you get your face kicked in. I woke up several hours later from a
black, dreamless abyss, cold and alone. When I moved a shock of pain, razor sharp shot
through my body, telling me at least I was still alive. Though my head felt three
sizes too big, there was a throbbing in my ears that threatened to knock me over
after every step I took.
Instinct took me where I went next.
I want to know where Leo is.
I need a drink. Why didn't you say so? Geez, Addy. Let's get you inside before the
rucksus, yeah. You ought to learn to fight back. Seeing the other guy, you wouldn't
think this was so bad. Pal, Mr. Castello is actually a little timmy. Why'd you go
picking a fight with him? Didn't you know the name was ironic? Man, that must really
smart. Only when I breathe. You got a little black in the green part of your eye?
Oh, that's a flaw in the iris. It's never about me. Listen toots, I got business
with your boyfriend. Never switch off, do you, Addy? All this time you don't even
pretend to ask how I'm doing. You need any cash or anything? Get yourself killed,
prick. Whatever happened to us? We used to be a pair and a half. I just want to ask
him some questions. I might have to ask kind of hard, though. I don't take too
kindly to people killing kids in my kitchen. Why are you protecting him? Who
says it's him I'm protecting? You know what he'd do if he found out about us.
Yeah, he'd beat my teeth in and then kick me in the stomach for mumbling. For
starters. Oh, I see. You're just protecting your investment. You've been
working Leo over a while now. You got a good thing going. Brad, I'm gonna show up
and kill the golden cow. Goose, and that's not what I'm worried about. You know me
better than that. Nobody knows anybody, not that well. Maybe that's why I like you,
Addy. I've never met anyone who makes being a son of a bitch such a point of
pride. I'll always love you, baby.
So you was putting it to Leo's girl behind his back. Don't wonder he was sore at you.
Explains a lie. Finds out you were messing with his girl. Sends a guy around to
kill you. In case the mistaken identity is what it is. Nah, you boys are jumping to
conclusions too fast. It weren't so simple. But you got part of it, right?
I'm sorry, doll.
Gotcha. I headed back to my place to get my bearings and a little insurance. What I
found waiting for me was not exactly what I was expecting. Jesus, Ed, you look
terrible. Another dead body. Yeah? You looking pretty good though, Bob. The guy
is supposed to be dead. Evening, Eddie. How you doing? Benefue. So your former
dead partner is sitting in your living room eating a sub. Yes, that's a prize
ya? What is September? You're right. It is. So what are you doing here, Bob? Better
yet, I want you dead. Listen, Eddie, this whole thing's a big misunderstanding. I
had to fake my own death just to get myself out of the hole I was in with
Leo. I'm trying to make things right. I'm here to give you a warning. Leo's
convinced you helped me steal his money. He's aiming to kill you. That's what
happened here the other night. Lucky for you, you were out. Lucky for Jimmy. Well,
what can you do? So why the warning now? Why not three days ago before my kitchen
tile got stained? I was supposed to be dead. I mean, can you imagine what
happened if Leo saw me hanging around town? I was still in hiding. Just got back
in town tonight. I'm going to see him tomorrow. Who? Leo? You know where he's at?
Nice work. Fast, Eddie.
You should probably watch your back. Rumor around town is he's aiming for a
fall. He's probably on edge. You best go in healed. Thanks for the tip. Night, Bob.
Oh, and, uh, just one more thing. What happened to the money? It's what I like
about you, Ed. Nothing gets passed, yeah. I'll be in touch. And just like that, a
whopper of a puzzle piece just fell in my lap. I couldn't quite put it all
together yet, but Jesus. Hallearn was still alive. Come on, Eddie. This is my only
chance. I know you says I shouldn't play the cards, but I was so hot. I couldn't
lose. I need the money. Go my coat, Bob. You're dragging me down with you. I'm your
partner. They could kill me, too. I ain't putting up with that. It's the perfect
score, man. Nobody will even know it was us. We do this this one time. We're set
for life. This detective thing sure to pay Jack. Can't help you, Bob. You do this,
you do it alone. Fine. Ten years of partnership, a friendship down the
wall. I will do it myself. Take a deep breath, Hallearn. Settle down, think
straight. You're pushing 30 and you got a bum ticker. You ain't pulling off no
scores. It's not in you. Help. I know it ain't in me. Maybe you're right. Jesus.
I love a way to end a partnership. The more I look, the less it all made sense. I
had to stay focused. Now Leo owns his fair share of restaurants, bars, and strip
joints, so determining which one he'll be at at any given moment is like finding
a needle in the Serengeti. The Hobart and Arms Club was one such dive. I slip past
the doughboy at the door. I was none too keen on having an instant replay of our
last dance. I had to do this quiet. No matter what was true, Leo wouldn't take
too kind to a snoopstop and buy for a chat. My only hope was to get the drop on
him.
Better not be giving me the high hat! Evening boys. How about you grab some air?
Who the hell is this son of a bitch? I'm your fairy godmother. You here to kill me
little man? Who the hell is this blooker? I'm hurt you don't recognize me. The name's
Gunnison. Edward Gunnison. Private investigator. I've been hearing some nasty
rumors about you, Leo. Yeah, well I ain't her dick about you. What the hell do you
want with me anyway? Information, but first hang your lackey out to dry.
Otherwise I might get the impression he doesn't like me and have to ventilate it.
I don't got time for this. Oops sorry I got a bit of a nervous twitch. Alright
you got 30 in my fucking seconds, but the rook stays. No dice. Your muscles seem
plenty cool putting his fist in my head. I want him out. Look here. The eight blows
or I clam. So clam. We got bigger. Alright just give us just a minute. Listen Leo. Hey I better not
have to repeat myself. Fucking walk. Dust. Peace. Seeing you. Giving me
butterflies. You're a pretty asshole. That's what my mother always tells me. So
what do you want? I want to know why you want me dead. Are you stupid? You busting
in my club and waving a gat in my face? Nah I'm talking about before. You sent
someone around my place and tried to be whacked but your mugs made a mistake and
killed the wrong sack. Listen fuck stick if I wanted you dead you wouldn't be
standing above ground right now. So what did you cross me or maybe you're the one
moving in on my turf. I thought the ignorance was just an act but now I'm
not so sure. Listen you better get your facts straight before you break into
somebody's club since the wrong impression. Leo may be a butcher but
he's got ethics and he don't kill someone unless he deems it necessary.
Plus he's got nothing to gain from lying to me. Everything was going inside out
in topsy-turvy. Up was down, black was white. Sorry about the hole in the wall.
Send me a bill. Sure sure. Hey Seamus. If you ever come in here waving your
heater again, fill you full of daylight. Hey Rook. Now we're square.
But if Leo didn't do it that means someone's been spreading false rumors
or Halloran was lying to me. Now I can't think of one reason big enough for him
to lie about that's small enough not to matter. Hey Dal. Miss me? Drop dead. What
did you tell Leo? I told him you were a tramp and he should dump you. You are a
son of a bitch Ed. Can I tell you kid you're right and when you're right you're
right and you're right. I needed some time to think.
