Working muscle...
Posted by: The Mamalukes on 01/16/2003 at 17:16
We open just outside the back entrance of Madison Square Garden in America's city, New York. The entrance is guarded by a pair of security guards, and it is apparent that one of the two possesses the authority as he is the one that does all the talking to whoever tries to sneak or weasel their way into the arena. Moments pass by before a black car squeals into the parking lot and screeches to a halt right in front of the two security guards. It sits motionless for a few seconds, and a puzzled look comes about the faces of the two uniformed officers. The tints on the car are surely illegal, for nothing of the interior of the automobile is visible. Numerous seconds pass before the two back doors simultaneously swing open. Johnny the Bull and Big Vito step outside the car and shut their doors. As soon as the doors shut, the car squeals off in as rapid a fashion as it arrived.
Johnny and Vito stand side by side for a few seconds, gazing at the security gaurd who is the apparent authority holder. The jaw of the security guard drops and his eyes gaze wildly at the two men. Johnny and Vito slowly approach the man, and as they reach him, his assistant steps in the way.
Gaurd #1: "Wait a minute, fellas! We have strict orders not to allow anyone around this entrance. It is strictly off limits. If you would like to enter the Gardens, you need to go around front and pay for the tour. Now if you would...OOOF!"
Johnny the Bull cuts the man off with a swift slug to the stomache. As the man slouches over holding his gut, Johnny grabs him and tosses him against a dumpster that is nearby. The guards lays in pain as Johnny turns his attention back to the other guard. Vito puts his arm around the man as he begins to tremble.
Guard #2: "Hey guys...long time no see!"
Johnny: "Been to the race track lately, Louie? Last we checked, you weren't having much luck with your bet placing."
Vito: "Enough with the small talk. Louie, you know why we are here..."
Louie: "Of course, of course. I havn't forgotten about you guys, and I havn't forgotten about your Boss. How is he doing by the way?"
Vito: "He's going to be doing a lot better once you pay back what you owe him. You dug yourself a mighty gambling debt, Louie. Our Boss got you out of it with the strict understanding that you were going to pay him back in full, with the interest rate he set included."
Johnny: "You've had more than enough time to raise that money, Louie. Today is pay day."
Louie: "You're right, I have had time to raise the money to pay back your Boss. That is why I've been working this second shift as a security guard for the Gardens, so I can pay him back. And I had the money...but you see...I lost it."
Vito: "Oh, that's not good my friend. Not good business at all. The Boss will not be pleased..."
Louie: "I had the money, but I wanted to be able to give your Boss a little something extra as a showing of my gratitude, so I went to the track to try and increase my earnings...only, I lost money instead of making it."
Johnny: "Well, the Boss has been extremely leniant on you up to this point Louie. But maybe his leniancy will continue...we may be able to work out some sort of deal."
Johnny pulls out a cell phone from his pocket and begins to dial.
Johnny: "How much money exactly did you lose on your bets?"
Louie hesitates before answering.
Louie: "...All of it..."
Johnny looks up, and quickly puts his phone away. Vito gives Louie a hard slap to the face. Louie rubs his cheek and begins to look even more nervous than he did before.
Johnny: "Oh, Louie...you've got a real problem, you know."
Vito tightens his grip around Louie, almost placing him in a headlock.
Vito: "We have been more than kind to you, even for the pathetic lump of gambling flesh that you are. The kindness ends now. You have been given extension after extension to pay out Boss back for the favor he did for you, and you have not come through. We have come to collect, Louie, and we are not leaving until we have, capice? Now there are two ways we can do this, the easy way...or the way that will give Johnny and me the most fun..."
Johnny: "You don't have the cash, fine...we have another proposition for you. Our Boss has done you a favor, now it is time you did him...and us...a favor as well. Let us in the building, and all your debts...all that you owe...will be forgotten."
Louie: "I would love to let you guys in, but you aren't on the card...you aren't officially in the FTR yet, you know. I would lose my job if I was to let you in."
Vito reaches into the man's pocket and pulls out a wallet. He begins to flip through it.
Vito: "This is a beautiful family you have here, Louie. What is your daughter's name?"
Louie: "Theresa."
Vito: "It would be a real shame for Theresa's father to return home in a wheelchair, you know. Especially for something as silly as this. The Boss is cutting you some real slack here. He is giving you the chance to erase thousands of dollars of debt in exchange for letting us into the arena. It is almost insane the offer he has presented you. Don't be a dummy. I hate when things are forced to get messy, dont you Johnny?"
Louie: "Ok, ok...I don't want no trouble, and I don't want no harm. You can go in...just try not to let anyone know it was me that let you inside."
Vito: "I knew you would see the light my friend. Your cooperation is appreciated. Here ya go..."
Vito stuffs the wallet back in the man's pocket. He gives him a hard pat on the back that almots knocks him down. He and Johnny the Bull enter the back entrance Madison Square Gardens. The scene fades to black.
