Benny - [sitting with his feet in metal wash-tub] <Okay, look. Let's just forget about the money. I don't know what the hell I was thinking. I've been so cuckoo these days. You know, please-- [large shovel of cement is dumped into tub] Oh, my. That's cold. Listen. I will leave town. I'll leave the city. I'll move off the continent, if you like.> CUT Hey, fellas, look, can't we at least talk about this, huh? I mean, what the hell did I do to deserve this?

Lang - In light of your current predicament, Mr. Carbassa, I'd say you tried to blackmail the wrong man.

Benny - Now, look, Syd--

Lang - Don't call me Syd! [backhands Benny] The name is Simon. Simon Lang.

Benny - I can respect that. Look, Mr. Lang. Honest to God, I swear... your secret is still safe.

Lang - Because I stopped you. And now you'll stay quiet. [has brief coughing fit] When your time is getting short, you find yourself thinking about the legacy you leave behind. Perhaps you know what I mean.

Benny - [as goon adds more cement to the tub] Look. Look, guys, it's very cold out. You guys don't want to be waiting around -- I mean, this cement'll take hours to dry, sir. Listen. Why don't you just shoot me instead? Or hey, how about a quick jab in the ear with an ice-pick? I mean, it was good enough for Trotsky, it's--

Lang - You brought up the past. You should be prepared to deal with its traditions. CUT

Benny - You don't have to do this. A guy like me, I'm not worth it. I mean, I'm nothing, I'm scum. I'm-- [spits] You know, but [snaps his fingers] maybe we can make a trade.

Lang - With what? What could you have that could possibly interest a man like me?

Benny - Duncan MacLeod?

Lang - MacLeod's been dead for fifty years.

Benny - Him, yeah... But his grandson's still alive.

Lang - So?

Benny - So? So, so, so, so the guy knows everything. He told me himself. <CUT He tells everybody. He's -- I see him on the street -- strangers, people -- he's like a mouth. I go around talking to people about you, who the hell's going to listen to me? I'm like a {shmenge} guy. But this guy, MacLeod... Oh, boy, he's -- he's like a real solid citizen.>

Lang - You're lying.

Benny - <[tries to stand up] I swear-- [Goons push him down again.] Hey -- hey, give me a break. Look, Mr. Lang. Mr. Lang -- Hey, you guys, easy. You guys, please, please. [Goons pick him up, buchet of cement included.] Oh, guys, come on. Hey, hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Maybe if I got out of the cement, it'd be a little easier to walk. [Goons carry him to railing.] Oh, please, guys, please. Not in the water. I'm not good in the water. I can't swim. Mr. Lang! Guys, please! No, guys! Please don't do it. Mr. Lang! Mr. Lang! Listen, Mr. Lang, Mr. MacLeod-- [Goons prepare to dump him into the water.] Oh, geez.> CUT Mr. Lang, look, the MacLeod thing is a no-lose proposition! I mean, if I'm right, your secret'll be safe forever. If I'm wrong... you can -- you can always buy another bag of cement.
 

Benny - [off screen] Hey, kid. Is MacLeod around?

RR - [off screen] That depends. Who's looking?

[DM exits elevator, hears Benny talking.]

Benny - [off screen] Hey, look, take it easy. <I'm not after anybody's head or anything.

RR - [off screen] Then you can leave a card. We'll get back to you.> CUT

Benny - [off screen] Yeah, me and Mac, we go back a long way. We're like that. [still off screen, presumably crosses his fingers to indicate a close bond. DM tries to sneak past without being seen.] Hey, MacLeod!

DM - [turns toward office] Benny!

Benny - In the flesh! <Hey, are you getting taller or am I getting shorter? Huh? CUT

DM - Shorter.> How much do you want?

Benny - Come on, does it always have to be about money? Huh? I'm loaded now.

DM - Oh!

Benny - I was on my way to Chicago for a little bit of action. I thought I'd drop in, see how you're doing.

DM - My lucky day.

Benny - Hey, all right. [looks at RR] <Hey, you gonna introduce me to this good-looking stud here or what?> CUT

DM - Richie, Benny. Benny, Richie.

Benny - [shakes RR's hand] Richie, how're you doing? Nice to meet you, kid.

RR - Nice to meet you, too. How're you doing?

DM - [to RR] Keep your wallet in your front pocket.

Benny - Hey. Oh, come on. I'm crushed.

RR - What's the problem, Mac?

Benny - Well, I guess he doesn't want you hanging out with a small-time hustler, you know, who's had his fingers in bootlegging, bookmaking, blackmail... Am I missing somthing here or what, Mac?

DM - Yeah, how about the part where you manage to lose money in every scam?

Benny - Well, okay, all right. So I'm not Michael Milken, right? But hey, he's no Al Capone, either, right?

RR - You knew Capone?

DM - Don't encourage him.

Benny - Did I know Capone? Capone, Lansky, Legs Diamond... I knew 'em all, kid.

RR - Oh, man. What was Capone like?

DM - Here we go.

Benny - Hey, hey, come on, Mac. The kid wants to know. Let me tell him.

RR - Yeah, yeah. Come on. Come on.

Benny - Capone. Let me tell you about Capone. Capone had that thing we call a "shine". You know what I'm saying?

RR - Yeah?

Benny - This guy, when he cheated at cards, he was a master.

RR - All right.

Benny - [to DM] Those were the days, huh?

DM - I was just leaving.

Benny - Hey, perfect. How about lunch? I'm buying.

DM - This I've got to see. [walks toward exit, almost runs into Anne entering]

Anne - Bad timing?

DM - No. Not at all.

Benny - [steps forward] Wow. Nice to meet you. I'm, uh--

DM - Just leaving. [turns to RR] I'll catch up with you at Joe's.

RR - Right, right, right. [to Benny] So, anyway, you, uh, you were saying?

Benny - [as they exit] Well, Legs Diamond used to shave his legs under his pants to keep his legs smooth. [looks back] Nice looking chick.

RR - Yeah.

DM - [to Anne] So, how've you been?

Anne - Good. Busy, as usual.

DM - Yeah?

Anne - You?

DM - Oh, I've been good. Good. It's good. Yeah. I missed you, but...

Anne - All right, here's the thing. I've, uh -- [clears her throat] I've been doing a lot of thinking about this guy I know.

DM - Do you like this guy?

Anne - Yeah, I do. A lot.

DM - And?

Anne - And I think he likes me, too.

DM - So where's the problem?

Anne - Well, this guy is very different. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to get to the bottom of him.

DM - Maybe you should cut him a some slack... give him a little time...

Anne - Funny. That's exactly what I was thinking. Some people are just a little slower to open up.

DM - So...?

Anne - So... I've, uh, decided to -- not to push.

DM - And you're okay with that?

Anne - I figure I'd give it my best shot.

DM - So what's the next step?

Anne - Well, I was thinking maybe, um, we could go out some time?

DM - Well, how about tonight?

Anne - Oh, I'm on double rotation tonight.

DM - Tomorrow?

Anne - Well, um, I've got this really boring fund raiser to go to. Black tie, bunch of speeches. You don't want to go to that, do you?

[They kiss.]

Benny - So, Dillinger looks over at me, says, "Hey, Benny!" "Yes, Mr. Dillinger?" "I've got to go see the picture 'Manhattan Melodrama'." I said, "Well, why?" Because in it, Clark Gable plays a gangster that gets the electric chair, and Dillinger wanted to know what it was like to fry.

RR - At the Biograph Theater in Chicago.

Benny - Okey-dokey, smokey. The kid is smarter than he looks. AND it was my idea to take him there.

RR - So, so, Benny, so, Benny, what about the Lady in Red?

Benny - You mean Anna?

RR - Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Benny - Who the hell do you think introduced them?

RR - So you got John Dillinger killed?

Benny - [awkward pause] Well, my timing's not perfect.

<RR - I'd say.

Benny - Yeah. [laughs] Anyway, kid -- I'm sorry, I keep calling you "kid". You're at least, what, ten, twelve now?> CUT [stands up] I'm gonna make a quick call. I'll be right back.

DM - You're early {yet}. The check hasn't come.

Benny - Oh, you're such a kidder. <[to RR] He's always kidding me. I tell you, we should've done vaudeville. We'd have made a fortune. I'll be right back.> CUT [leaves]

<RR - CUT Guy's hilarious. Oh, come on, Mac. Give him a break, you know? He's having a good time.>

DM - Yeah. He's trouble.

RR - He's fun. And besides, I know he's full of it. Look, if he stiffs you with the bill, it was worth the price of admission. I've got to go. I'll see you later. [leaves]

DM - [suddenly realizes he is now alone with Benny] Richie!

Benny - [returns] All right, Mac. I got you in.

DM - In where?

Benny - There's an amazing poker game going down at the docks tonight. Okay? Invitation only. I wangled you an invite.

DM - Thanks, but no thanks, Benny.

Benny - Come on, Mac. What are you talking about? There are gonna be some serious players there, okay? We'll have a few drinks, all right? We'll smoke some of those big-mother Cuban cigars... It'll be just like the old days, you know what I'm saying? It'll be a blast. [pasts his pockets, feeling for his wallet] When was the last time you had a great poker game, huh? [DM melodramatically starts patting Benny's pockets, too.] Someone swiped my wallet!

DM - [laughs sarcastically] Yeah. Uh-huh.

Benny - I'm serious. Someone swiped my wallet. Hey! I'm gonna call the cops. I'll be right back.

DM - [puts some of his own money on the table] You do that.

Benny - [walks off] All right, who took my wallet?

[Benny exits, puts on his hat.]

Leg-breaker 1 - Afternoon, Benny.

Benny - Hey, what the hell's going on? Hey, guys. Guys! [Leg-Breaker 2 grabs his jacket, shoves him against the T-bird.] Hey, hey, hey. Come on. So how's Leon, huh?

Leg-breaker 1 - [hefts baseball bat] Leon's pissed, so say good-bye to your knee-caps.

CUT

Leg-breaker 2 - Get over here! [shoves Benny against side of van]

Benny - Come on, listen, guys. I told Leon I'd get him his money, okay?

DM - [exits bar] Well, well, well.

Benny - Hey, Mac! Help me reason with these guys, will ya?

Leg-breaker 1 - [to DM] Get lost.

Benny - Mac? Mac, please?

CUT

Leg-breaker 1 - [points bat at DM] I said get lost.

Benny - Mac? Please?

DM - I wouldn't do that. [grabs bat as LB1 swings at him, hits LB1 with bat, knocks him down, takes on LB2]

Benny - Watch it, Mac! He's got a bat! [DM disarms LB2, hits him with LB1's bat.] Oh, Mac! Way to go, Mac!

DM - [tosses LB1's bat to Benny] Catch, Benny. [exchanges blows with LB2, takes him down]

Benny - Oh, yeah! Yeah, Mac! All right! Oh, that was beautiful, Mac. That was beautiful. That was beautiful. Listen, Mac. The kick -- the "papoom" thing -- that was fantastic, Mac.

DM - [glowering] You have some explaining to do.

Benny - Listen, Mac--

DM - [opens passenger door] Get in the car.

Benny - Mac, I was gonna help you out, but my shoulder got banged on the thing--

DM - Get in.

Benny - --and I had to cover the bat thing. Mac, I had them lined up. I was gonna give them the Curly thing on the truck. [jabs his fingers at DM, ala 'The Three Stooges']

DM - In the car.

Benny - Mac, I'm not good with this stuff. Mac... [gets into car]

DM - In the car. [closes door, goes around to driver's side]

Benny - [jumps back out of car] Mac, he's moving! Let me get a shot at-- Where are the bats? Where's-- Give-- Whoa. Mac, he's up! He's up! Mac! Ho! [gets back into car as DM starts engine] ¹

Benny - Okay, so I owe a little money. Okay, so I -- I owe a lot of money.

DM - I don't know. Could it be, uh... gambling debts?

Benny - No, I bought the Queen Mary, and I couldn't make the payments. Listen, Mac, that's why I've gotta get down to this poker game tonight. There's gonna be a guy there that owes me a bundle.

DM - Oh, good. Problem solved.

Benny - Well, no, not really, Mac. See, I mean, Leon's boys aren't the type that are just gonna go away. Especially after what you just did to them -- for which I'm eternally grateful, you know. You know.

DM - What do you want, Benny?

Benny - [picks up large river rock from coffee table] Oh. I was kinda hoping that maybe you could walk me over there. [DM chuckles.] Please, Mac? For old time's sake?

DM - Benny, all that can happen to you is they can just kill you. [takes rock from him, puts it back on coffee table]

Benny - Yeah, but that involves pain, and I'm not good with pain. [gives DM puppy-dog eyes. DM looks at him a moment, then:]

DM - [sighs] All right.

Benny - Mac, you're a lifesaver! [grabs DM in a hug] I love ya, Mac! Thank you so much! I love ya!

DM - [pushes Benny away] Don't overdo it, Benny. CUT

<Benny - Yeah. Okay. One more. [moves to hug him again] Just--

DM - No, no, no more.

Benny - Okay. Fine.

DM - Sit down.

Benny - What's with the rocks, Mac?

DM - I like rocks.

Benny - Try art.>

[DM's car drives along dock, ² pulls in & parks.]

Benny - [gets out of T-bird] All right. All right, this has got to be the place. We'll just check around back here somewhere. <This is gonna be a great game. You're gonna love it.

DM - [follows Benny toward ferry] Yeah.

Benny - Nice, huh?

DM - Remember, it's just this once, Benny.

Benny - So, listen. Are you going to stick around for one game, or what?

DM - No games, Benny.

Benny - One game's not going to kill ya'.

DM - I'm not playing a game.> CUT

Benny - [as Lang approaches with his bodyguards] Hey, Syd, how're you doing?

Lang - [looks at DM] He looks just like him.

Benny - Yeah, well, didn't I tell you?

DM - What's this about, Benny?

Lang - What do you know about me and your grandfather?

DM - Benny?

Lang - What do you know?

DM - [steps forward] My grandfather?

Benny - [knocks DM unconscious from behind] Who cares what he knows. [holds up pair of handcuffs] Now he sleeps with the fishes, huh? [Lang nods to his bodyguards, who handcuff DM and toss him over railing into the water. Benny & Lang move to railing & look down.] Well, your problems are over, Mr. Lang.

Lang - We're square. But don't ever give me trouble again, Carbassa. I can always find you. [leaves]
 

Benny - MacLeod! MacLeod! ^A MacLeod! Are you out here? [stands on shoreline, looking out at water] MacLeod! MacLeod!

DM - [head rising out of the water] Benny!

Benny - MacLeod! You're alive! You're still alive! Okay, listen. I've got a blanket and everything. And don't worry, I've got the keys. Oh, you're alive! You're alive! [laughs] Come on out, Mac. Listen, Mac, I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry.

DM - [splashes ashore] Take these cuffs off.

Benny - Okay. Listen, no problem. I can explain everything.

DM - NOW!

Benny - Mac, please, before I do... You're not going to kill me, are ya? You promise?

DM - Oh, I promise.

Benny - Okay. All right. [undoes the cuffs] I'm so sorry. Boy, you look cold. [Hands free, DM turns around & grabs Benny by the coat.] Mac, you promised...

DM - I lied. [gives him a shake] Why?

Benny - Listen, Mac, I had to do it! If I didn't, that guy was going to send me down to the bottom of the bay in cement sneakers. That's no place to spend the next two hundred years.

DM - [shakes Benny] What the hell are you talking about?

Benny - The guy at the ferry -- Simon Lang. I had to kill you for him.

DM - What the hell for?

Benny - So you wouldn't talk. You didn't recognize him, did you? That guy used to be Syd Lankovski.

[Super: Coconut Lounge 1938]

Cigarette girl - Cigars... Cigarettes...

Benny - [enters, senses buzz, sees DM at table, calmly takes off his hat, then trips on the stairs] Whoa!

Cigarette girl - Cigars... Cigarettes...

Benny - [walks over to DM] The name's Benny Carbassa. You looking for me?

DM - No, you're not my type. Duncan MacLeod. [They shake hands.]

Benny - Yeah? Well, I guess I'll let you go. [sits down] This time.

DM - Thanks for the reprieve.

Cigarette girl - [walks past] Cigars... Cigarettes...

Benny - Say, pal, how's about a drink?

DM - Why not?

Benny - Hey, waiter! [snaps his fingers] Couple of highballs over here.

Waiter - Yeah, yeah, yeah. [walks off]

Benny - Wise guy. [to DM] Haven't seen you around town before, pal. Looking to check out the local action?

DM - Just passing through.

Benny - Yeah? Well, listen. I've got this whole town in my back pocket, see? In fact, there's a great poker game down on the south side tonight. They don't usually take to strangers, but I can get you in.

DM - That's very kind of you.

Benny - Say, don't mention it, pal. You just put yourself in my hands, okay. 'Cause if you haven't seen Lucky Jim's, you haven't seen this town. ³

[Music changes & audience claps as Peggy walks onstage.]

DM - Who's she?

Peggy - [singing "Night and Day" by Cole Porter] "Night and day, you are the one."

Benny - Uh, no, no, no, no, no, my friend. You don't want to go messing around with that particular lady.

DM - Why not?

Peggy - [in background] "Only you beneath the moon..."

Benny - That's Peggy McCall. Joey Lankovski's girl.

Peggy - [singing] "...and under the sun."

DM - Who?

Benny - Joey. [points across room]

Peggy - [in background] "Whether near to me, or far..."

Benny - Joey over there's a born wise guy. Started out a small-time punk in the Purple Gang, knocking over candy stores.

Peggy - [in background] "It's no matter, darling, where you are..."

Benny - Then he graduated to hijacking booze.

Peggy - [in background] "I think of you."

<Benny - [raises his voise] Hey, waiter, where are those highballs?

Waiter - No credit.

Benny - Why, I oughta--

DM - That's all right. Put it on my tab.

Benny - Yeah? Say, you're all right, pal.> CUT

Peggy - [in background] "Night and day, why is it so?"

DM - He doesn't look like a small-time hustler now.

Benny - I guess you haven't heard, huh? This is the land of opportunity. He and his brother Syd opened up this place in the middle of Prohibition. A few bucks here, a few bucks there, nobody sees nothing.

Peggy - [in background] "That this longing for you follows wherever I go."

Benny - [nods toward man sitting at another table near the back, a ledger in front of him] That's Syd over there, cooking the books.

Peggy - [singing] "In the roaring traffic's boom, in the silence of my lonely room, I think of you."

Benny - I mean, I've never met him up close and personal-like, you know, but I hear he's all brains and no style, you know what I mean?

Peggy - [singing] "Day and night, under the hide of me."

Benny - Anyway, the two of them wound up the biggest whiskey runners in town, yeah? And now it's all legit. Boy, what a country, huh?

Peggy - [in background] "There's an oh such a hungry yearning burning inside of me."

DM - Only in America.

Benny - Yeah.

Peggy - [singing] "And this torment won't be through, 'til you let me spend my life making love to you. Day and night, night and day."

[As Peggy sings, DM sees Joey flirting with cigarette girl.]

Peggy - [singing] "You are the one. Only you, beneath the moon and under the sun."

[Syd also sees Joey flirting & frowns.]

Peggy - [singing] "Whether near to me, or far... It's no matter, darling, where you are. I think of you, ⁴ night and day."

[Song ends, audience applaudes. Peggy steps away from the mike, sips from a glass of club soda, looks around & sees Joey still flirting with the cigarette girl. She sees DM looking at her & walks determinedly over to him as the band starts playing a lively tune. DM stands as she approaches.]

Peggy - [offers him her hand] Like to dance?

DM - I hear you're dangerous to know. [takes her hand, kisses it]

Peggy - Afraid of a little danger?

DM - Hm-mm.

Peggy - Well, then?

DM - [to Benny] Excuse me. [leads Peggy out onto dance floor]

[Benny watches them dance, finishes his drink, then picks up DM's and gulps it down, too.]

Peggy - So what is it that you do, Mister--?

DM - MacLeod. Duncan MacLeod. I'm in antiques.

Peggy - Uh-huh? [as they continue dancing] Well, uh, Duncan MacLeod, that's not too shabby...

DM - Thank you.

Peggy - For an antique.

[DM laughs, continues dancing, spins her around, dips her. Joey is still obliviously flirting with cigarette girl. Syd finally has had enough & gets up from his table.]

DM - Is he looking yet?

Peggy - What do you mean?

DM - Your boyfriend. Is he jealous?

Peggy - Shut up and dance.

Syd - [interrupts Joey & the cigarette girl] Joey, get a load of the action on the dance floor.

Joey - Syd, I've got better things to do than look at some floozie kicking up her skirts.

Syd - It ain't some floozie. It's Peggy.

Joey - [looks up, sees DM & Peggy dancing, quickly goes over and separates them. Band stops playing.] Just what do you think you're doing, pal?

DM - Dancing.

Joey - With my girl?

DM - Well, if she's your girl, maybe you should dance with her.

Joey - Maybe you should stay out of what ain't your business!

DM - Careful, boy.

Syd - Hey, Joey, take it easy. We don't want to make a mess in here.

Joey - [to Peggy] Who is this guy?

Peggy - This is, uh, Mr. Duncan MacLeod. He's in antiques.

Joey - Antiques? Get rid of him. [snaps his fingers. Band starts playing again.] Dance, everybody. Come on, dance. Dance. Have fun. Come on.

Peggy - Look, I appreciate the dancing, but you see how it is.

DM - You don't have to explain. [kisses her hand again] You're a true beauty. [walks past Joey] You can relax. She's all yours. CUT <[goes back to his table, where multiple glasses are lined up in front of Benny, half of them empty] Where did all these drinks come from?

Benny - [thinks fast] Uh, that dame over there. [jabs his thumb over his shoulder] She likes ya.>

[DM checks pocket watch, puts on suit jacket.]

RR - So, uh, Benny's downstairs.

DM - Uh-huh?

RR - Mac, he's really sorry. I mean, he's like -- he's crying, for Pete's sake.

DM - Well, he's probably got an onion in his pocket.

RR - Oh, come on, Mac. Can't you just give the guy a break?

DM - He killed me.

RR - Oh, Mac, he didn't really kill you. I mean, I know it's not fun, but it's not like it's permanent either.

DM - Yeah, well, that's Benny's whole problem. He can't get killed. Every time he screws up, he starts over. And then he screws up all over again. [gets into elevator with Richie]

Benny - [as DM & RR exit lift] Mac! Mac, forgive me, will ya? Please. I was way out of line, all right? I should've checked with you first, Mac. I'm sorry. You know I'd never let you get hurt, not really. I mean, it was just one of those really awkward situations you can't get out of without doing something really impulsive, like killing a good friend. Listen, Mac, the great thing is that it worked! Lang thinks you're dead. And as long as you don't run into him, everything is copacetic.

DM - Benny?

Benny - Yeah?

DM - Get one thing straight. I have a life here. I'm not about to run and hide from this guy.

Benny - No, no, no, no. That's the beauty of it, Mac. You don't have to. See, Lang has got cancer. He's gonna be dead himself within three months, tops! It's beautiful!

DM - Oh, you're all heart, Benny.

Benny - No, well, Mac, that's not what I meant. What I'm saying is that the chances of you running into him are next to nil. Next to nil. CUT <Let me get some of this. [brushes at DM's shoulder] What, you going on a hot date, huh? You look great. [as DM leaves] Look at you, you sexy, long-haired Immortal, you. You stud-man, you. Good luck! [to RR] I love him. He's, like, the best, isn't he? He's like a brother to me, you know that?> ⁵

[Placard reads:

Lang - That clumsy waiter could use a little straightening out.

Margaret - I'm sure you're just the man to do it, dear.

Lang - We're here to dedicate our new wing for the hospital. All you have to do is keep smiling and be your usual gracious self.

Margaret - Just try to keep your speech under an hour. Some of these folks might actually like to get some dancing in.

Grey-haired Man - Excuse me. Aren't you Peggy McCall?

Margaret - Oh, a long time ago. I'm Margaret Lang. It's so good of you to remember.

Grey-haired Man - I heard you sing in the old Palace Ballroom in Chicago -- New Year's Eve, 1939.

Margaret - That's the year I retired.

Grey-haired Man - Oh, you were wonderful. You were the queen of the ballroom.

Margaret - There were so many wonderful singers then.

Grey-haired Man - Not like you. You were magic. Let me get my wife. She'll be so thrilled to meet you.

Lang - I'm afraid we can't. It's time for my speech.

Grey-haired Man - [disappointed] Oh.

Margaret - Sorry. [Lang leads her away.]

Anne - [walking nearby with DM] I promise, we'll mingle a little, we'll sip a little, we'll hear one more speech, and we're out of here in half an hour, tops. Sound good?

DM - No. There's plenty of champagne, plenty of music. So why waste it? [pulls her to him]

Anne - [laughs] Oh, my. [DM hums a waltz as he dances with her.]

Margaret - [notices them] It can't be.

Anne - You're so sweet!

[Flashback to Peggy dancing with DM at the Coconut Lounge.]

DM - [dips Anne, sees Margaret watching him] Maybe we DO want to go home early after all.

Lang - [sees him] YOU!

DM - [awkwardly] Hi.
 

Lang - The son-of-a-bitch is alive!

Sal - But, boss, we saw the guy--

Lang - You saw a damned illusion. The little bastard tricked me.

Sal - Mr. Lang, the guy drowned.

Lang - How the hell did he do it?

Sal - I thought for sure he was dead.

Lang - He was at my charity ball tonight.

Sal - The guy must've had a diver waiting for him.

Lang - I don't care what he had. I want him dead. I want that little weasel dead, too. Now you find them, and you kill them!

[Sal & Herschel exchange a look, leave the room.] ⁶

Anne - [in bed with DM] Stop. [laughs] You said it wouldn't be a dull evening.

DM - We aim to please.

Anne - Well, not that I minded leaving early, but, uh, what did you do to totally piss off the biggest philanthropist of the city?

DM - He must have mistaken me for somebody else.

Anne - I don't buy that.

DM - You're pushing, Anne.

Anne - I am not pushing.

DM - You're not going to push, right?

Anne - Right. Right. Of course, if I was going to ask a question, it'd be something a lot more interesting, like, "How come you don't have any scars?" No vaccinations. No appendectomies.

DM - [smiling] Anne... You're pushing.

Anne - I am not!

DM - Yes, you are.

Anne - Oh, stop. I still don't know anything about you, except for the fact that you have secrets and Simon Lang doesn't like you very much, and that's not a lot to go on, is it?

DM - It's enough. [kisses her]

Benny - Hey, hey, MacLeod! MacLeod! [runs to catch up to him] Listen, I'm heading over to that poker game on Front Street. You sure you don't want to join me?

DM - Well, I haven't played high-stakes poker in years.

Benny - Hey, all the better to take your money with, pal. Come on, it's not like you forget how.

DM - Well, I suppose it'll come back to me.

Benny - All right. Hey, listen, I'll get us a cab, all right? [leaves to hail a cab] Taxi!

DM - [turns as Syd taps him on the shoulder] I told your brother I'm not looking for trouble.

Syd - I'm just here to deliver a message.

DM - I'm listening.

Syd - Peggy wants you to come back to the club to see her after the last show.

DM - What for?

Syd - Hey, I'm just the delivery boy. You gonna be there or what?

DM - Tell her I'll be there.

<Joey - CUT Don't you know I love you?>

Peggy - So then why do you make me crazy with all those bimbos?

Joey - So I flirt a little. A guy in my position's gotta keep up appearances. It's just business. [kisses her] What about that guy you were hanging onto?

Peggy - Aw, hell -- I was only dancing with him to make you jealous.

Joey - You make me crazy. CUT

Peggy - Well, in that case, I forgive you. [They kiss again.]

Syd - [enters room] Joey? Business.

Joey - I'm a little involved here, Syd. Can't it wait?

Syd - No, it can't.

Joey - [to Peggy] He's great with the books, but his timing stinks. [joins Syd in hallway]

Syd - That guy MacLeod's out front in a booth.

Joey - And I should care about this because?

Syd - He says he's supposed to meet Peggy.

[Joey looks back into dressing room. Peggy sees him & blows him a kiss. Joey leaves.]

Peggy - Syd? What's going on?

Syd - It's just business.

Peggy - Joey's cool when it comes to business. That was not his business face.

Syd - He's going after MacLeod.

Peggy - Because I danced with the guy? I told him that meant nothing.

Syd - You know what Joey's like.

Peggy - Syd, please. You've got to go after him... before he hurts somebody.

Syd - Don't worry... I'll take care of it. [Peggy kisses him on the cheek. He leaves.] ⁷

Joey - You know, I thought you were smart enough to be out of town by now, MacLeod.

DM - I thought I'd just stick around and see the sights.

Joey - Well, maybe that wasn't such a good idea. It's a dangerous town. People who don't mind their own business have been known to get hurt. [sets his gun on the table, a clear threat]

Syd - [joins them] Hey, Joey, stay calm. We don't want to make a mess in here.

Joey - Stay out of this, Syd! This isn't one of those deals where you can negotiate everything to death.

Syd - Sure it is. [picks up Joey's gun] Everything's negotiable. [shoots DM in the chest]

Joey - What the hell did you do that for? CUT

[Syd pulls second gun from his coat, shoots Joey with it, wipes it off & sets it on DM's side of the table, then wipes & tosses Joey's gun on the floor next to him.]

Peggy - Syd, what happened? I heard shots.

Syd - I couldn't stop them. I tried... I was too late.

Peggy - What happened? Did Joey shoot him?

Syd - They shot each other, Peggy. They're dead. They're both dead.

Peggy - Joey's dead?

Syd - I was too late. It's my fault. I'm sorry, Peggy.

Peggy - No. It's my fault. If I hadn't tried to make him mad... ⁸ [Peggy cries, in shock]

Syd - I'll take care of you, Peggy. I'll take you home and I'll get the boys to clean up.

Peggy - What? Oh! [sobs]

Syd - Syd'll take care of everything. [comforts Peggy as she cries] I'll take care of you.

Anne - I think I've done a pretty good job of not pushing.

DM - You think that entitles you to a bonus?

Anne - Yes. Maybe. You know, something small. Like, um, like where are you from?

DM - Well, let's just say my family's Scottish.

Anne - [feigning enthusiasm] Really.

DM - Mm.

Anne - [dryly] What a revelation.

[As they exit dojo, they meet Sal entering.]

Sal - You Duncan MacLeod?

DM - Usually.

[Sal pulls out a gun. DM pushes Anne down & kicks the gun out of Sal's hand. Sal takes off running.]

DM - [runs back to check on Anne] Are you okay?

Anne - I'm fine. I'm fine. And I am "not pushing" as hard as I can.
 

Benny - Listen, Mac, it was just bad luck. I mean, how the hell was I supposed to know it was his party?

DM - Yeah, but why does this always happen, Benny?

Benny - I -- I don't know. I mean, at least there was no harm done, Mac. I mean, they didn't get you, and even if they did, it wouldn't be permanent.

DM - No, they didn't get me, but they almost got Anne.

Benny - [sobered] Listen, I -- ⁹ I'm sorry, Mac. I guess I just didn't think this whole thing through very well.

DM - Well, this has gone way too far.

Benny - Hey, look, Mac, I'm gonna fix it, okay? I'll tell you what, man. I'm gonna go over there. I'm gonna talk to them. I'll tell them something. I'll-- [sees DM's glare] No?

DM - No. You're going to stay here, and you're going to stay out of trouble. And I mean it, Benny. [leaves]

[DM drives down long, curved driveway, across estate grounds, ¹⁰ looks over at mansion as he parks. Camera shot of sidewalk in front of mansion. DM gets out of car, ¹¹ goes to front door, rings doorbell. A butler answers door.]

DM - I've come to see Mr. Lang.

Butler - Ah.

DM - The name's MacLeod.

Butler - Yes.

Margaret - [comes down stairs] Let him in, James.

DM - [enters] I'm sorry to bother you, but I thought it was necessary.

Margaret - That was you last night at the ball, wasn't it?

DM - Yes.

Margaret - You remind me very much of someone.

DM - Duncan MacLeod?

Margaret - Your grandfather?

DM - Uh, Mrs. Lang, I need to see your husband.

Benny - What about Alvin "Creepy" Karpus? Did you ever hear about him?

RR - [working out, doing chin ups] I don't care.

Benny - He was a Canadian gangster, you know. Not too many of those. Maybe two. But, you know, even he -- yeah, I mean, he had a chip on his shoulder about being a canuck.

RR - [interrupts] Benny, I said I don't care, all right?

Benny - <Hey, listen, Maybe you're working out too much. You shouldn't have to, you know. Just get yourself a nice jacket and you're set.> CUT Hey, look, I guess Mac's a little pissed off at me, isn't he?

RR - Well, Benny, do you blame him?

Benny - Hey, look, it was an angle that went a little haywire, okay? It happens.

RR - Benny, you ever thought about going through life and just taking what it deals you without trying to work some angle?

<Benny - Oh, yeah? Like what? I mean, like get a real job? CUT

RR - Wouldn't be a bad idea.> I'm taking a shower.

Benny - Yeah, well, I've thought about it, you know? [calls after him as RR goes toward the showers] It's not like it hasn't occurred to me. But I mean, even if I wanted to... [quietly, to himself] What the hell would anybody want to hire me for? [turns, punches at hanging bag half-heartedly]

Sal - Nice punch, Benny. [knocks Benny out]

DM - [takes peppermint candy from bowl offered by Margaret] Thanks.

Margaret - Why do you want to find Simon?

DM - I need to clear up some history.

Margaret - About your grandfather? It's all so long ago. What happened, happened. Accept it, like I did. CUT It took him decades to become a respectable businessman. Now he's acting like a cheap hoodlum. I guess the past always comes back to haunt you. ¹² [looks at their reflections in mirror] You look just like he did, over fifty years ago... but who is this dried-up old woman beside you?

DM - I still see a beautiful woman.

Margaret - When I think of myself, I always see me as I was then: young, fresh, happy. Joey standing by my side. CUT

DM - Real beauty never fades, Peggy. [kisses her hand]

Margaret - CUT So, what do you want to know?

DM - I need to know where to find your husband.

[The furniture & decorations are still there, but covered in dust & cobwebs. The club has obviously been closed for a long time.]

Lang - [coughing] I'm done wasting my time on low-life scum like you.

Benny - I know what you mean, Mr. Lang. I'm a loser. But listen, you don't have to kill me. I'm sure you've got more important things to do. You're not feeling well.

Lang - I've done great things for my country.

Benny - You sure have.

Lang - I deserve a little peace of mind in my final days. This time I'll do it myself. [points revolver at Benny]

Benny - Syd. Syd, please. Don't!

Lang - [shoots Benny] I told you, don't call me Syd.

DM - [off screen] Lang!

Lang - [turns, sees DM] What a nice surprise. Now it's your turn. [raises gun]

DM - I'd really like to talk.

Lang - Any famous last words?

DM - Nothing that's not a cliché.

Lang - [to henchmen] Get rid of him.

[DM takes out both henchmen, then ducks behind the bar as Lang shoots at him.]

DM - Why are you doing this? You've been Simon Lang for fifty years. Why risk it all?

Lang - Duncan MacLeod and Joey Lankovski killed each other... and that's the way it's going to stay. [fires more shots]

DM - We both know you did it, Syd.

Lang - So the little weasel was right. You do know. [shoots again]

DM - Is that what it was? You wanted Joey's girl?

[Margaret stands at entrance, watching them.]

Lang - Joey got everything -- the press, the girl. I put it all together. It was time for him to retire.

<Margaret - You bastard! CUT

DM - Peggy, get out of here!

Margaret - You shot your own brother! You took away the best thing that ever happened to me. Joey was my life!

Lang - Margaret.

Margaret - You killed him! [She attacks him. He pushes her away.]>

DM - [to Peggy] Stay out of this. [to Lang] You should have left the past alone.

Lang - And you -- you should've stayed dead at the ferry. [raises his gun again, is shot by Peggy (with henchman's gun) before he can fire]

Margaret - [shoots him twice more before DM takes gun from her] What happens now?

DM - [wipes gun off & drops it by Lang's body] I'll take you home. [escorts her up the steps and out. ^B]
 

[DM ^C starts record playing on turntable.]

Peggy - [on record, singing] "Night and day..."

Benny - She was a class act, huh? They sure don't make dames like that anymore.

DM - They never made 'em like that, Benny. She was one of a kind.

Benny - Yeah, well. She's gonna be okay, Mac. I mean, with Syd gone, she's free and she's loaded.

Peggy - [on record, singing] "Night and day..."

DM - She's lost a little time, Benny.

Benny - Yeah, that's true, too. I'm sorry. You're right.

Peggy - [on record, singing] "You are the one."

DM - Talking about starting a new life...

Benny - Absolutely, Mac. It's a brand-new leaf for me, I tell ya. I mean, you know, as soon as I can get a little bit of a stake. [DM hands him an envelope.] Oh, Daddio, what the heck is this? Is this the stake?

DM - No, it's a ticket to Chicago.

Benny - What? What are you talking-- Hey, come on, MacLeod. I thought we'd patched things up. What the hell?

DM - Bye, Benny.

Benny - Aw, come on, Mac. I was gonna still check out some of the local action. I thought you and I could go down to a craps game tonight.

DM - [firmly] Bye-bye, Benny.

Peggy - [on record, singing] "I think of you."

Benny - [opens envelope] This is a bus ticket!

DM - Yeah. Bon voyage. Hasta la vista. Write when you get work.

Benny - Oh, come on, Mac. Chicago's two thousand miles away! <I mean, it'll take -- it'll take thirteen years to get there by bus.> CUT What the hell am I supposed to do about food?

DM - Oh! [tosses him a roll of quarters]

<Benny - Quarters? You're giving me quarters? I'll be dead before I even get there, Mac. Come on, Mac, please, do me a favor. [DM glares at him.] Okay, you're right. I'm an ungrateful son-of-a-gun. Listen, thank you so much, but couldn't you spring for an airline ticket, Mac? [DM herds him into elevator.] It's like a dog kennel on those buses. There's, like, a lot of sweaty people. I'm an Immortal! CUT

DM - Benny? Benny?

Benny - Yeah?

DM - [pushes lift button] Shut up. [closes grate]

Benny - Listen, I'll call you when I get back into town. Maybe you can introduce me to some of those Immortal babes of yours.

DM - Bye, Benny.

Benny - [as lift disappears] Bye.>

Peggy - [on record, singing] "I think of you. Day and night, under the hide of me..." [DM sits on chair, listens to record.] "There's, oh, such a hungry yearning burning inside of me."