Original subtitles

There's money owed. Not me. I never saw you before. Oh, you're Papa Barton.

You won't make no more mistakes.

And don't you make none either, like talking to the police.

We can call on your mama anytime we want to. Well, he may be clean, but he is in

trouble. And he's a friend.

I am just trying to help a friend. Then be a friend and get off of my back and

stop leaning on me like a cop!

You will operate as a police officer on an undercover team.

Mark, I got some money. I don't care about no money. You're gonna get me

Oh

Does your friend own a watch?

Pops are either too early or too late. So well -known fact, lady.

Would you believe I've got butterflies?

Why? Because Mark's a policeman?

Don't be silly. He's a nice guy.

Right. A little physical, a little headstrong, but he's a nice guy. That's

enough out of you, Gil.

Say, brother, you got a cigarette?

Hey, man, I bet I want it.

Sugar's got a message for you.

Come on in.

I found this car parked down at Gary Street Garage. I parked it up front.

That was very thoughtful of you. Well, I'm just glad old horizontal Harry there

knows the right people.

Hey, blood, you awake?

It's sugary.

Sugary. You better catch up. It's sugary.

Afraid not, Mark.

Me too.

Both strong, both of them. Did you get a look at the other cat?

Just a glimpse here, a bit from behind.

Tastes like a fried rat.

I heard a woman screaming.

Was there a witness?

Yeah, yeah, there was.

She came inside the restaurant screaming that there were two men were killing a

black cat out in the alley, you know?

There weren't any more brothers around, so I figured I'd go out and take a look.

Girls do that?

Nah, man, I sent them home in a cab. You know, Maylene wanted to stay, but...

Tell her thanks.

I'm flat on my back. She looked like a winner.

Oh, yeah?

You want to see it again?

Oh, yeah.

Not tonight.

Poor baby. It hurts, huh?

I've gained middle line back how he feels Monday morning.

Uh, naturally, if you think of anything else. I'll let you know right away.

Hey, uh, kiddo.

Will you get Maylene's address and telephone number for me? Okay, man.

Hey, call me at the office tomorrow. I'll have them for you.

Apologies for messing up your evening, Chief. Yeah, I figured you could have

picked a different time.

From the moment the doctor told us you were all right, his evening was just

fine.

You know there was a witness.

Yeah, we had a little chat with her.

Your attackers ran before she really saw them.

You know, there was something out of shape, Chief.

The one who held me from behind said he had a message.

What is this? Who are you? I hold it.

Two things to do.

What are you doing here?

That's Gilbert Loggins. What happened?

China boy?

We just punched out the wrong dude. That's what happened.

Will you please tell me what you're doing here? We'll start over again.

I'm Jimmy Leakey.

I don't know you.

What do you want with me?

You've heard about the farmer that hit his mule with a two -by -four.

He said I can't teach him nothing until I get his attention.

Oh, for God's sakes, why?

There's money owed.

$2 ,000.

Not me. I never saw you before.

How are you?

Papa borrowed it, Gilbert. My papa's...

$2

,000. Mm -hmm.

Yeah, so now he's gone to his reward, and now you're getting yours.

I've just transferred the debt.

Your payment is $50 every Friday?

And you're out of your mind. I don't have $50 a month of...

Hey, I'm just a junior account executive.

We won't make no more mistakes.

And don't you make none either, like talking to the police.

We can call on your mama anytime we want to, you dig?

Ridiculous and impulsive.

I've been through shiggy, shuggy, shaggy, shaggy. You brought Lieutenant

up to date?

Yeah, but Chief, I want to go after this pair myself.

Indeed.

Some thought of getting even?

Oh, no.

They said they had a message. I didn't get it. You sure it was meant for you?

They were sure. And they know how to do their job. Didn't leave a scratch on me.

Oh, tell me you've been gambling and dealing with the mobs.

Oh, come on, Chief.

Wait a minute.

Gilbert?

Gilbert. Well, you sure don't look alike, but it is a possibility.

Chief, I swear.

Chief, I'm sorry. I swear that Gilbert Luggins is clean.

Oh, your instincts are pretty good. Sure, hold on.

For you.

Hello?

Yeah, Gilbert.

Look, I couldn't get Maylene's number. No, Ella was out.

Yeah, so later, okay?

Hmm? Yeah, man, everything is cool. You know, I just... Got to run, all right?

Okay. Yeah. Later, bro.

Hey, Gil.

Listen.

Well, he may be clean, but he is in trouble. And he's a friend.

The afternoon off? No.

If you go, you go in the line of duty.

So go.

Gilbert, you just got here. I didn't know that you... What's wrong? You hurt?

Gilbert, what happened?

I want to know.

Oh, I ran into some people that Pop sold some money to. That's all.

I don't know what you're talking about.

$2 ,000 is what I'm talking about, Mama.

Now, Mama, he swore he quit gambling four years ago. He did.

Now, don't you go thinking them things about your dead Papa. You need $2 ,000

for it, Mama.

Maybe he figured it was none of your business. Well, it is my business, Mama.

They're coming to me to collect.

Now, Gilbert, when your daddy got his stroke, we missed the payment.

I explained to the man about the doctor bills and all, and he done said to me

then, now, Mrs. Loggins, the shepherd ain't gonna bother you no more until

man gets well.

Of course, he never did get well.

Who's the shepherd, Mama?

That's the money man.

That's what he's called.

It's on Devisadero Street, a place that's called Dancing Waters.

I want you to go over there, son, and see him, because I know he will set

straight. Set everything straight?

I don't even know why the money was borrowed.

He done it to save our house, son.

They was fixing to foreclose on our second mortgage.

He never told me about his second mortgage, Mama.

Well, it used to be when a man only needed a strong back and apt hands.

That's what your daddy said.

And he said, now he's got to get an education, else he ain't gonna get on.

He did it for my education.

Never was a boy loved any more than your daddy loved you.

Yeah.

Why didn't you tell me, Mama?

Huh? I could have come home. I could have got a job, Mama. I could have quit

college. I could have done something to help out. No such thing.

I mean, your Papa and me, we survived, son.

But we wanted you to live.

Well, I sure hope I do.

Gilbert, I... Gilbert,

I... Wait a minute, Mama.

It's all right, Mama.

It's all right. Don't worry, Mama.

I just need to rest here for a little while. Then I'll work something out,

It's okay.

My land, you scared the daylights out of me.

I'm taking you in for the third time.

Unless you want to talk.

You got about ten seconds before I scream rape. Hey, not so loud.

Hey, come on, I'll drive you to work.

duty harassment, I didn't think it was wise to linger in the hall any longer.

Get out of here. Come with me.

Where? Chief Hunter's office.

For what? I... I talked to your mom, you know.

Thanks a lot, friend.

Look, she's too scared to make a complaint. Now, are you?

What complaint? I don't have a complaint.

Salonius Assault, she said the three men were here last night, and I can guess

who two of them were.

Yeah, well, look, Mark, they know they made a mistake, man, all right? I mean,

they don't know that you're a cop yet, and they don't know that we're friends,

so why don't you forget the badge and leave me alone, all right? Look, she

mentioned the shepherd, Jimmy Lee Gates.

No comment, officer. I appreciate the concern, but I can handle it, all right?

Do you think that you can just buy your way out?

No, you can't. They won't let you. Once they've made you, they have got you

made.

It's my problem, right?

With your mom for security?

Nobody's going to hurt my mother, Mark.

As long as you just keep your mouth shut and pay.

Keep your mouth shut and pay. Just pay. Get out of here!

Describe the third man for me and I am gone, all right?

Man, Mark, they'll kill me.

I mean, you know that.

Okay, I'm scared.

I'm scared.

Look, they're scared too, Gil. That's why they have to threaten. Now, if we

help from old people like you, we win. Now, they know we win.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

In other words, you don't want to do for me. You want me to do for you, right?

Look, if I do something wrong in my chest, you belong, okay?

I am just trying to help a friend. Then be a friend and get off of my back. Stop

leaning on me like a cop.

I don't want you. I do not. need you.

Can you dig it?

Now you stay away from me and stay away from my mama.

What does this say?

Friends?

Yeah, I hope so, Gil.

But it's just that those scum bums are gaffing a lot of good brothers and

sisters, man.

And I am a cop.

By choice.

Well, Mark, you've done as much as you can do. The rest of it's undercover

Yeah, I know in the Fillmore District where I can blend in like an ant on a

Sunday picnic.

Ants get stepped on, you know.

Yeah, but it's my battle down there. I know the gangsters, I know the cons, I

know the chumps they run along.

Reach out your hand for a little hope, a bloodsucker like the shepherd is right

there to grab it.

Look, we got a chance to dig him up and wipe him out.

I like the job.

And at the cost of Gilbert's friendship?

Phil Fillmore is full of a whole lot of people worse off than Gilbert is.

And they're going to stay that way as long as they are cast like this long

or free to swing.

You know, Officer Reuben Turner, Undercover vice? We never met her. He's

He's the best. Except that I know she's face. I'm the only one who does.

Isn't that the quickest way to break this thing open?

If you go to Fillmore and lay your life on the line. I think that's where I laid

it when I let them swear me in.

Oh, I think it's a natural for undercover work. Most unnoticeable man

noticed. Oh, you're going to get yours one of these days.

Your new identity.

I borrowed Reuben Turner.

He'll be your backup. This is for you and this is for you.

You mind keeping an eye on my room? I got a million dollars under the

Yeah, and I sing tenet for the Jackson Five.

Well, a famous dude like you ought to know a whole lot of people.

You ever hear of a cat named Shooky?

Shooky? Yeah.

Shooky, an old buddy of yours?

You guess.

Never heard of him.

Biggie might be using pool now.

What do you want to see him for?

I owe him some. I want to pay him out.

Sugar, huh?

Yeah.

Not here.

Look, Shugie, why... That's me.

I know.

Hey, Matt!

That's just for openers, brother.

What do you want?

Now, look.

You just take a good look at me, Shugie. We met Denali, remember?

Yeah. Yeah.

Let me up out of here, will you?

Look, just don't try coming at me.

Okay?

Yeah.

You look kind of weird, ain't you, man?

What you doing in a flop like this?

You look so broke a couple of nights ago. A couple of nights ago, I had a $20

bill, a suit of straight threads, and a job at that restaurant.

As a busboy.

And I didn't show up.

So I lost a job.

And here's what you did to my threads.

You said you had a message, and I'll leave it on you.

No message, brother.

I got the wrong dude.

I'm sorry.

What can I say?

Hey, man.

Now you just tell me, what am I going to do for a job and a suit of clothes?

What am I going to eat up? That's what you can tell me. Brother, you had your

link. Yeah.

Let's get it on.

Because you ain't begun to pay me what you cost me.

Ain't gonna message you, son.

That's 10 so you don't get hungry.

We're even now. You dig?

Tell those men to shoot you.

You don't carry enough grudges, do you, brother?

Do what I can afford.

Find a job here?

No.

What line you in?

The line you knocked me out of. You're going to forget about that, ain't you?

All right. I'm what you might call unskilled, drained, unestablished. What

you do with that pen I left you?

Now, we're going to forget about that.

You better have, Ben. You know that.

Later. What do you want just now?

Man, I'm paid a full more day.

You don't know gas, can't you? Gas?

Yeah. Gasoline, yeah.

Yeah, gasoline.

You know that reference car wash you wanted to visit there on?

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, well, a fella's fixing to quit his job.

Sarge Henderson, he owns a place in case you care to look into it in the

morning.

Yeah.

Thanks. Okay.

Hey, Jason. Have no fear.

Jason's here.

Right on time. All is sublime.

What we got on the line?

Rudy Campbell's left his wheels over there. Wants to tune up. Wants the front

bearings checked.

Uh, yeah, I want you to meet our new attendant.

You know Jason?

Jerome Richards.

What's happening? Getting up in years, but good mechanic.

Gotta be sharp in the mind, Daddy. That's where it's at.

Get yourself a young kick, Sarge.

Wow, this is wonderful here.

He ain't had a woman since the woman had him.

You see this fine young thing walk over me and says, Is you Mr. Candy Apple?

They still call me that because I used to keep a shot in the car.

And man, she was a big fine hammer.

Make a blind man see.

I said, I can't talk to you now.

I already got somebody.

You see women like that, Jerome.

If you conform too quick, they'll play you on and off.

Hey, Jerome, bump and help him on the pump, will ya?

Give me that one.

Thanks.

Did you get some kind of trade?

Yeah, I did. I'm a full shot.

Oh, really?

Learn a trade, you got it made.

Yeah, I did aim to go to computer school, but it's too late now.

How come too late? Well, I was supposed to have a job last week, sign up on

credit, you know, but that fell.

I ain't got the cash and don't know where I can borrow it. I can let you

20. If 20 is pretty.

No way.

Pay me, brother, before you go any further.

Hey, could I wait for you to pay me?

You got it.

Press one there.

How much bread do you need?

No.

A ton, man. Ain't nobody even going to listen.

I'll listen.

Speak to me.

Tell me. Lay it on me.

Six hundred dollars.

Can't hear you.

Well, I might know somebody.

Theodore didn't tell me how much you want.

Whatever you want to lay out with yourself, two, three million will do me

fine.

Yeah, you ain't half bad.

You want to tell it like it is?

Six, yeah.

I speak to a friend of mine. Hey, I believe I met a friend of yours in the

attic. Ain't the same friend.

Is he the main man, or do I have to speak to a friend of his?

Well, you know, for a cat, because I'm trying to move $600, you ask a lot of

questions, brother.

It's just that I thought Theodore told me it was going to become a thing.

You want to meet the man, or don't you? I don't know. Maybe you're turning me on

to a believer.

We'll get your mouth bitten out.

You can meet me there.

Yes, sir.

At the dancing waters?

Tonight, 10 o 'clock, that's where I read it.

That's when I meet the shepherd, whoever he may be.

Dropped his name a couple of places. Nobody picked it up.

You know, we've attached a little too much fantasy to him, Mark.

We found him in the assessor's office, even to your billiard parlor, and the

dancing waters.

Alexander Shepard. It's his name.

Mm -hmm.

Caucasian type. Notice it's only the furniture and equipment that he owns.

What'd you make him? Four out of state arrests on Bunko and embezzlement.

He sent time only once, but if we can nail him, I think we'll have the

for a dozen Jimmy Lee Gates.

Now, what about your other contacts?

My other assailant that night was Davis, George, a .k .a. China Boy. They don't

know I've made him.

Theodore Jason, Mabry Shill, nothing more.

I think the desk clerk is on the take.

Sarge Henderson's clean. We checked him out.

You want me to go in wide, huh?

A recording of the man telling you his interest rates are within the range of

usury. Want to make the top 40?

But not tonight.

Chief, he said tonight.

Someone is banking laundered profits for Shepard. That means big -time

connection and protection, and he is lethal. I won't rumble. I'll just

the guy. You will operate as a police officer on an undercover team.

I need 24 hours to set up your support.

Isn't tomorrow your payday at the car wash? Yes, sir. All right, with a

in your pocket, you will feel more confident. You will decide to go ahead

take the loan. If he is still there. There is no sucker like a con man, Mark.

will be there, and so will you, and so will we.

Capone to the bone.

That's Mr.

Candy Apple.

Theodore Jason, Master McKinnon.

Chicken white at the door. Be thought with those folks that go through all

for the privilege of paying two bucks for a drink on the weekend.

I'd wager if Sugar can tell within 50 cents how much every customer has in his

pocket. Super duper fly.

Take policy, man.

Check the dealer.

We haven't proved it yet.

So she survives.

You get it.

You can work or you can hustle.

And if you're lucky, you survive.

Or maybe if you're lucky, you don't.

Sometimes I wonder.

Sorry, Bo.

All right.

Next time, make a reservation.

Hey, baby.

Yeah, what's happening, kid?

You got it?

How were you today last night?

I didn't quite make it with my hand. He's on the air again, Fran.

You think they'll catch him checking me out?

Hey, Jack.

Go on in. We should bar a crew.

The Fineside's office.

Let him enroll.

Tell Ed to monitor TAC -2 for my signal.

You still hear him?

Not propelled yet.

I hear the orchestration.

I hope they have a private room for heavy business.

Start recording.

Aiming to top the table tonight?

Tonight or never.

Man, I still hate anyone who did.

Brother, every working step within 20 blocks of here is dead up to his

Except the cat that owns the pawn shop.

He don't wear no natural.

At the table, it's when you're able.

Cool.

Is that all right?

Yeah, except for the cat cat.

Three dollars.

It's ten earlier.

I told you we were even.

You were even.

Now I'm even.

You're pretty bad.

Hey, how about meeting Superbad now that I'm here?

Bring your beer.

Going in now, Ed. We're ready, Chief.

It's Brown.

All units, turn them over and stand by.

Everything's cool.

Yeah, as long as I don't turn my back.

Jerome Richards, China Boy Davis.

Sit down.

Press your beer?

This will do.

It's like the Mardi Gras out there. Oh, wow.

Looks pretty good.

Jimmy Lee Gates.

Jerome.

Jerome Richards.

I saw you down the street the other day. Bet you were just thrilled.

Sit down, Jerome.

By men, they tell me that you need $600.

Do you mind telling me why?

I thought I might retire to the Riviera.

Take the chip off your shoulder, Jerome.

Well, look, it's just that I got no trade, Mr. Gates.

I like to learn computers.

Now, they got this night course at Adelaide Trade School.

Placement services after you graduate, $500.

Oh, why do you need six?

Well, I'm wearing the ass, so only a decent piece of thread's got left.

Work days, study at night. Yes, sir, six months.

Ambitious.

Uh, what's the name of the book?

600 American dollars.

Well, that's something. I was afraid I was going to have to deal with a

shepherd. I assume you're pleasantly surprised.

A shepherd didn't show.

How's $15 a week?

Right on. Where did I sign it? Oh, no, no. Nothing formal.

Why don't you just sign an IOU for the record?

Yeah, do I put out how much interest?

No, it's not that kind of a loan, Jerome.

I mean, we'll work out something fair for the both of us.

after you're to school.

All right, call it off.

To me, they won't commit himself.

Eh, back off. We blew it. Come on, Mark.

Come on, get out of there.

Thank you.

Hey, you two are just a couple of little old pussy cats, ain't you?

You know, this, uh,

L .I. Trade School is?

Make sure he does.

Sound like you said.

Let's go eat.

Is this where I sign off to class?

Let's have a quick show of hands, all those who think he has class.

You don't look so bad.

That bad is good.

Sorry the Dancing Waters party fizzled.

If you don't get milked by saying please to the cow.

Anyhow, here is my tuition.

It's each month evident, which brings us to plan B.

Okay, what do I do?

Failure entrance examination. Your tuition will be refunded with regrets.

Go to the Dancing Waters to buy back your IOU.

And Jimmy Lee Gates will have to show his hands. I wonder, how much profit

he make on his loans?

A hundred percent is the figure I hear.

So instead of accepting you as his problem, or his loss, the probability is

Gates will call Mr. Shepard in to handle you in person.

Yeah, I'll watch that you get out of here.

You want out?

No, not as long as you catch the bad guy.

Yeah.

Ron?

Hi, yeah, sure.

Fran?

Yes, Fran?

Chief, I have Gilbert Loggins on the other line.

It's the second time he's called.

Where is he?

I see.

All right, get a number, Fran. We'll hold.

Gilbert Loggins. He wants to talk, says the surgeon.

What kind of speech is that?

It's fine, Dad. I'm fast.

Where's Mark?

It's all right.

I want you to come with us.

Where's Mark?

Take it easy, okay?

Mark's interest in your problem has created a climate of danger for him.

You aware of that? Why ask him to stay away from you? Today you called and

him to meet you. Care to say why?

No.

Care to trade?

I can promise round -the -clock protection for both you and your mother.

Advertisement? It's a bad ad, Chief, for me and for her.

One slip and what happens?

Today, tomorrow, a year from now, a house burns down, a body floats up on

bay. A tyranny affair.

Don't try to tame me with it.

It's not for me. I'm only thinking of my mother.

Nobody's tailing him, Chief, except me.

You want to let him out? Yes, I'll do that.

Thank you.

You're going to try to swing it along.

I have a solution, I think.

A way to work it out and no one gets hurt.

Gilbert, if the roof caves in on you, if you make that fatal mistake on your

own, we'll try to get there in time.

I'm supposed to meet Mark.

You will.

Good night, Gilbert.

He's not going to help us.

Is he going to hurt Mark?

Not tonight.

Ed, let's circle and stay behind him just in case.

All right.

Gilbert, come on.

Yeah, what's happening again?

Setting me up with your boss.

Yeah, that's right. Here's the idea.

So does that make me just one more brother for the man to mess with, right?

I... Having NASA's after me, Gil. What you got on your mind?

Hey, come on. Now, let's get it together.

I found a finance company that'll loan me $2 ,500.

All I need is one more co -signer.

How much you pay the finance company?

Well, it works out to $65 a month.

With a lump sum at the end, I can handle that.

Paying the shepherd $50 a week is $200 a month. Plus $55 is $255.

No, no, no.

I'm going to pay the shepherd off.

He agreed to that.

Well, he will when he sees the money, man. I called him, and he said, bring

cash, and they deal.

They deal, not you.

Well, Mark, it's $2 ,500, man. That's $500 more than the loan. Bill, you're

digging in deeper and deeper, man. They won't let you out.

Man, will you just please sign the paper, man? Give me a chance.

Shiggy White, Jimmy Lee Gates, Shadow Boy Davis. Oh, Mark.

Look, man, it's too many people suffering.

Please. Don't let him stomp on you like this.

Gil.

Gil.

Yes.

Yes, sir.

Now he thinks he's got to go in and pay off the loan.

Stands a better chance of getting himself killed.

Or following it up for us.

I ain't seen no China boy.

Well, thank you, lady.

Hey,

man, how you doing? Hey, brother. Look, I got that bridge paid back the loan.

I've been waiting for over an hour.

That is not my problem. Yeah, but you can get me on the scene with Giggs

Hey, killer.

Sitting there all by yourself?

Did you find a sweet companion?

Maybe two of me and you?

No, I got a little business with Clinton.

You up to it about something?

No, I'm just talking to you. You know how it is with us being business type.

Circle the block.

What is this?

Uh, this cat's right over there at the bar.

I think he's looking for me. His name's Gilbert.

He don't look like much.

Well, he's a little old uptown hustler.

We ought to beat him.

Hey, will you do me a favor?

See if you can get him into one of those back boots so I can get out of here.

Right on.

Why don't you come on back and sit with me? I'm fine.

I

don't

care about anybody. You're going to get me killed.

Now, please, just get up and run.

Come on, come on.

Hey, please, get moving.

Looks like he's just jiving, huh?

That's all.

What's the trouble?

Ain't no trouble.

We'll just come and go.

Hey, Shiggy, dig.

I've been waiting around. Can you get me to the map?

It's going to work.

All units, it's going down. Let's roll.

to our agreement.

Well, I just want to pay back, you know, make good.

The school's tearing me down. Now, that's fine.

Refund checks in here.

Rest in evidence spends.

So here.

$600.

Jerome, this is Mr. Shepard.

Alexander Shepard. Been looking forward to meeting with you.

You're a prompt boy.

Appreciate that.

Now, let me tell you what I'm going to do.

I'm going to hold your check until banking hours tomorrow.

My boys here will take the money, cash, check. They bring me the money.

Then I'm going to cut your debt to just...

$300. $300?

At $15 a week is what we agreed on, isn't it? Yeah, but I've already paid

your $600 back. All I could owe you is a little interest.

Bad risk interest.

$300. You mean you're charging me 50 %?

One more crack out of you and I'm going to double it. I got one more thing I

want to see. We don't want to take his boat.

Go.

Charge this car and get me over there.

Now balance on that and don't move.

Give me this one.

All right, now come right this way.

Easy does it.

Stand right there.

Now get in.

Chief Ironside, I'd like to go see my mother first, but

you'd like to thank us.

Yeah. If there's anything else, you can say it to him.

Yeah, Gil, remember that dinner date we had the other night?

Yeah, with Maylene and Ella.

Maylene, right.

Did you ever get a telephone on the phone? No, Gil.

I don't want him going undercover again, at least not for a while.

This time, will you please give him the information?