Original subtitles

If you want to know the truth about someone, find their dream and work backwards.

We're all chasing something.

I

don't know, maybe just one more chance.

What we're really looking for is more life.

Yes, sir.

But if you're not careful, you might go looking for more...

and wind up with less.

I know, I know, I know.

I know.

We'll talk about it later.

Half an hour, I'll be home.

Love you too.

Bye.

Welcome to Basketball Action, one of the better games you will see all season.

The Eagles of St. Francis taking on the Matadors of Loyola.

Wow!

Here we go!

Here we go!

Here we go!

Matadors!

Matadors!

Hut!

Hut!

Hut!

Hut!

Hut!

Bring it on in here.

A matchup featuring two of the premier guards

in the league, Godfrey Snow and Darius Jackson.

St. Francis on the breakaway.

There you go, good!

Godfrey Snow.

For the game!

Three!

Godfrey Snow, shit!

Darius Jackson.

Mad handles.

Through the lane.

No one can stop him.

Up to the lane.

It's good.

Godfrey Snow working through the fenders.

Come on, Godfrey, make it look easy!

Wide open in the corner.

For three.

It's good.

That's right, that's my little brother!

I need some more salt.

A little.

Dad, you know I eat salt with everything.

I know.

Mom's finally home.

You know, I never liked him anyway.

Dad, you told me you did.

You did good for him, Nicole.

You told me he likes this Rebecca Simons girl.

She's such a slut.

She's got pierced nipples.

What?

Why would someone do that to herself?

Pain's pleasure.

Haven't you ever heard that, Dad?

No, I have not.

Dad, do you think I'm pretty?

Tell the truth.

Nicole Carver, you are beautiful.

You have to say that.

I absolutely do not.

Hey, guys.

I'm sorry I'm late.

Thanks for waiting on me.

I'm starving, Mom.

I feel like an Ethiopian.

I know, baby, I know.

Please tell me you finished the great American novel already.

Almost, almost.

What are you doing?

It smells delicious.

It's African groundnut stew.

It's the recipe from the magazine section.

Oh, yeah.

I'm the best, aren't I?

I'll say.

Mom, do you want my advice?

What?

Put a lot of sex into it so that people

actually want to read it, not like the last one.

Nicole.

What?

Aren't we supposed to be honest in this house all the time?

That's the rule, right?

That's the rule.

I'm just trying to help you, Mom.

And I love you for it.

Ew, you smell like smoke.

Oh, that's the coffee shop.

Hey, come on, come on, come on, come on.

Snow finding room behind the 3.0.

It's good.

No one can stop Darius Jackson from getting to the hole.

Do something with the ball.

Back up.

What?

Back up.

Come on, Snowflake.

Do something.

Uh-huh.

What?

What you got?

High level.

Snow, nice to the defense.

Another dunk.

The Matadors down one.

58-57.

Jackson all the way to the basket.

What?

Oh, it takes the lead.

You know, they say big-time players make big-time plays.

Who's going to make the play now?

All right.

All right.

Keep going.

Keep going.

I think you know what I saw today.

I think?

Look at me when I talk to you.

Roberts on the inbound over to Snow.

He can't find anything.

Gives it up.

Snow working off the baseline.

Off the corner for the three and the win.

It's no good.

It's no good.

Loyola wins it.

A heartbreaking loss for St. Francis and, more specifically, for Godfrey Snow.

That's a little shock.

Rookies always choke on the pressure pump.

Ha ha.

To the newbie.

Ha ha.

Thank you.

Yeah, thank you.

How you gonna miss that shot?

You've been doing that shot a hundred times every day.

This ain't no game.

You got scouts looking at you.

This is what you've been working for.

What's going on?

I don't know, man.

You're gonna hit that shot next time, right?

Choked in there, Clyde.

I don't care about that game.

That game's over.

We can't get that back.

You're gonna run against these boys again in the next tournament.

And you know what's gonna happen?

It's gonna be about you.

It's gonna be about you.

And nobody in this world can stop Godfrey Snow but Godfrey Snow.

Nobody.

And you gotta own that.

Can I hear it?

Let me hear it.

Let me hear it.

Where's Godfrey Snow?

I'm sorry, does anybody see Godfrey?

Where is he?

Where's Godfrey Snow?

Godfrey!

Come on.

You see that boy Jackson?

He got pro scouts looking at him.

And you held your own.

What's that say about you?

You're gonna have to say something or I'm gonna slap you upside your head.

I own it.

Well, I'm sorry.

I didn't hear that.

I own it.

Can I just get a little bit of noise?

I own it.

One more time?

I own it.

That's what I'm talking about.

You own it.

You got me, Snow.

You got me, Snow.

All right?

Cool.

Cool.

Here, why don't you go get yourself something to eat with your friends.

I gotta roll because I got a call about a busted pipe.

I got you working overtime again.

I'm a black man.

I work all the time.

Yo, Clyde.

There ain't gonna be no more working once I get to the NBA.

That's what I'm talking about.

There he is.

I own it.

You own it.

That's a man.

Yeah.

Godfrey Snow.

No!

Hit him hard this time, Murph, so he finally understands, huh?

You know what the fucking doctor said?

Doctor said I suffer from stress.

Stress?

I don't feel any stress.

I hate doctors.

Maybe I have stress and I don't even know I have stress.

Is that even possible?

Is he here?

No.

Sky, we never should have taken this guy's action, man.

He's a pain in my ass.

He's all right, man.

I know him from way back.

I'm trying to run a business here, Murph.

Remember?

She's something, Aug.

I can't stop thinking about her, man.

Murph, what'd I say?

It's not going away.

I really love her, man.

No shit.

It'll pass.

It always passes, Murph.

This is different.

It's like... it's like in here, you know?

In here, you mean?

Oh, fuck you.

Fuck me.

You'll see, Murph.

It'll pass.

It always does.

Hey, hey, hey.

Hey, hey.

We'll both hit him.

I

told you I'd get you the money, Murph.

I don't get it, Clyde.

I pay plumbers a lot of money, so what's the fucking problem?

Murph, what'd you hit me for?

You're my boy.

Are you his boy?

Shut up, Clyde.

Hey, hey.

What is this?

We got history.

I think what Murph is trying to explain to you

is that we are running a fucking business here.

What do we look like, the Red Cross?

You people.

Fuck you.

Fuck you.

Enough.

Enough.

Listen to me, Clyde.

Just get the money.

You got to the first of the month.

Don't make things harder on yourself, Clyde.

Come on.

Is that the way this is going to be?

Is that the way this is going to be?

You're supposed to be my friend.

We go way back, and you are supposed to be my friend.

You already did that, baby.

No, this is something else.

I don't want to get wrinkles.

Wrinkles?

I don't see any wrinkles.

I just see a beautiful, sexy woman.

Come here.

Tom.

Yes?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

It's just the book.

I can't think of anything else.

Okay.

I'll soon buy it.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

I can't fail your class, Dr. Carver.

Will you promise me that I won't fail?

Jill, I can't pass you if you don't do the work.

You're not doing anything.

Look, my parents will kill me if I fail.

Isn't there anything I can do?

Do the work.

That's all you can do.

Do your best, and you'll be fine.

But you have to do something.

Isn't there anything else I can do?

Jill, just do the work.

Attaboy.

There you go.

Double jab.

Double jab.

Double jab.

Nice.

Ow.

Who wants my man?

He's ready.

Ready, brave.

Runner's here.

Mark, you better be careful.

You're gonna hurt yourself.

He doesn't care.

He's in love.

Congratulations.

Are you guys here?

Wing Lowe is dead.

Shit.

Yeah, we didn't do it.

I know you didn't do it, Mark.

I'm just wondering.

Nothing bookie.

Dead.

How does that happen?

Maybe somebody owed him a lot of money and wanted to clean the slate.

Yeah, maybe.

Any other ideas?

What about Ivan?

Does Ivan worry about a fella like Wing Lowe?

I don't think so.

Ivan's sitting someplace nice and warm right now, counting his gold.

Trust me.

King fucking Ivan.

He should pay his boy Victor a visit.

Might just do that.

Be in touch if you hear anything, okay?

And, uh, you guys watch yourselves, okay?

You especially, Merv.

In love and all.

Try them on sticks?

Pass.

Wing Lowe's dead.

You hear anything, Victor?

No.

When I stand outside alone at night, I hear voices.

But I think that's just the boys in the harbor.

Are you accusing Ivan of involvement in the death of Wing Lowe?

Ivan's smart enough not to bother.

Why are you here, then?

Just a hunch.

There's something for you on the coffee table.

No, thanks.

Well, I want you to know that's always there for you.

My friend.

Give it to Charity.

Why don't you give it to Charity?

Why don't you give it to one of those heartwarming

organizations that support war heroes such as yourself?

I'm no hero.

This was friendly fire.

I think you killed Wing Lowe.

You're a lousy detective, Sticks.

Ivan would never bother with a nothing like Wing Lowe.

No.

Ivan wouldn't.

What?

You're not Ivan.

It's game time, Murph.

Let's make some money.

Murph.

You got it.

Barry G.

100 on Utah.

Minus three and a half.

One ten wins one, Barry.

Hey.

Murph.

Hey, Jimmy.

How the hell are you, man?

No shit.

Enough with the chit-chat.

What color?

Murph.

Come on, Murph.

Please.

Please.

Who cares?

Come on.

Get this money.

What do you got?

300 on the red wings.

Minus two golds.

That's three to win three.

No juice.

Split line.

Later.

Hey, Og.

What?

You know what she said to me this morning?

Murph.

Come on.

Not now.

She said I am the best she's ever had.

What is she supposed to say?

You're still in the room.

The best.

The best, dog.

You're the best.

Fuck me.

Please.

Do me the favor.

After we're done making all this money.

You're just jealous.

Murph.

What's the matter?

It's Victor.

He wants you.

20.

20.

20 dollars.

Okay.

Here we go.

Right?

Here's the magic marker.

Here's your 20.

I'm gonna make a nice big X on that 20.

Okay?

I am starving.

I am starving.

Thank you, sir.

I have very expensive tastes.

Here we go.

Like that.

And hmm.

Michael.

Hey, buddy.

I want that 20 back.

Oh.

That was a loan?

Not funny, everybody.

You want it back?

Uh, hmm.

Uh, no.

Ma'am, could you please give the kind, generous gentleman his money back?

No.

Me?

In your purse.

Right there.

In your wallet.

That's it.

Yeah.

Oh.

Oh.

Yeah.

There you go.

There you go, sir.

Five.

Five.

That's a five for you, sir.

Ooh.

Remember, I have very expensive tastes.

All right.

Here's a 10.

Now, get the heck out of here.

Yeah.

Thanks.

You're a good sport.

Thank you very much.

Okay.

Appreciate it.

Bye.

All right.

Thanks.

Ah.

There you go.

Hey.

Hey.

Thanks.

Detective, what brings you to this glorious part of the world?

Certainly not the cuisine.

Walter.

Well, I'm absolutely fantastic.

Thanks for asking.

I couldn't ask for anything more out of this life.

You ever hear of a guy named Wing Lo?

No.

Never.

But I love Chinese food.

You hear any mention of that name, Wing Lo, I want you to listen real closely, okay?

For you?

Anything, detective.

Whoa, cowboy.

It's the best thing here.

The ice cream.

Mm-hmm.

You got a little schmutz right there.

Just a teeny bit.

Did I get it?

No.

Not yet.

It's a little...

Now?

Just missed.

It's like... Do you mind if I... Allow me to...

Ooh.

Ooh.

Ooh.

There's a lot of it.

Feel better?

Yeah.

That was cute.

That was really cute.

My name's Walter.

I married Walter.

What's the point?

No point.

Oh, what do you think?

Did I want to make love to you?

You're not my type.

Ditto.

I was just in the mood for a little conversation.

I thought you might be in the mood for a little entertainment.

But if you don't want it, I'm gone.

I'm out of here.

Woo.

Invisible man.

Woo.

You heard about the one with the horse?

You heard about the one with the horse?

The one in the bar and the bartender says... What's with the long face?

That's old.

And I'd really appreciate it if you'd just leave me alone.

Two cannibals eating a clown?

One cannibal says the other one just tastes funny to you.

I saw you at the slots.

You don't want to play the slots.

No, I do.

I have fun.

Fun how?

It's just fun for me.

I like it.

You gotta get the human element involved to win.

See, the more human element, the more chance you got to win.

These are for you.

Looks like you need a breath mint.

That's hilarious.

Where you going?

None of your business.

Hey, my name is Walter Markowitz.

I'm a magician.

Bye, Walter.

I can't eat while you're looking at me like that.

I can't help it.

I need to.

Yeah.

No, no, no.

No, no, no.

Not again.

Please, I can't.

Amigos, something nice and romantic this time.

Salito lino.

Hey, Victor.

How you doing, buddy?

You never give up, do you?

I want to talk to Ivan.

He owes me.

Oh, Victor.

Throw me a bone.

Just a little something to tie me over.

Times are tough.

I did his kid's birthday party three years in a row.

I was working with Ivan when he was nothing.

I knew all the guys on the take.

All those cops.

I gave them that information.

I can help you guys.

Is that so?

I know there are people trying to take Ivan down.

Coming after Ivan.

That's important information, Walter.

Yeah.

Take a sip.

No...

No, really.

No, have a bite.

Sit down.

This steak...

It's a wonderful piece of meat.

It's...

like eating butter.

See the marbling?

It's dry-aged for six weeks.

And these fries...

They're perfect.

They're thin and they're crispy.

You know, I think I'm gonna have them put in a doggy bag.

No, it's your lucky day, Walter.

They're all yours.

Fuck you, Victor.

It's...

a wonderful steak, Walter.

It's just the way it should be cooked.

It's medium rare.

Fuck you, Victor.

Fuck you, Victor.

Hey, Walter.

Can you show me a magic trick?

Let me see a bunny wabbit.

Can you, uh...

Can you make a bunny wabbit appear?

Where's my wabbit?

Go to hell.

Wait a minute.

It is you.

Claudia.

Veronica Cruz.

Oh, my God.

It's been a long time, girl.

Only 12 years.

Oh, my God.

You look exactly the same.

And I have two kids.

Wow.

So, tell me about you.

What's going on with you?

Uh... Still stuck.

I'm stuck on zero.

Just haven't found the right guy yet.

Who's the guy you're having dinner with?

Maybe the right guy.

We're going on six months.

I've got my fingers crossed.

I hate to tell you this, but that guy's an asshole, Veronica.

He broke my husband's jaw last year.

I'm sorry.

I'll see you around, OK?

Shit.

Maybe he owed us a lot of money.

It's sick.

It had to be done.

That is bullshit.

Normal people don't beat people up because they owe them money.

Yeah, they do.

Wrong from?

Yes, they do.

No, they don't.

Yes, they do.

Yes, they do.

Listen, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Listen.

I love you, Cruz.

I want to be with you forever.

Don't touch me!

Fuck!

Fuck!

Wait!

Veronica, wait!

Wait!

Carolyn.

Jesus, you scared me.

Oh, it's 1 o'clock in the morning.

Where were you?

The coffee shop.

Coffee shops open this late?

No.

But after it closed, I wrote in the car.

What?

I don't know.

It's amazing.

I write really well in the car.

I was worried about you.

All you had to do was call me.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I didn't want to wake you.

I promise next time.

Just call.

Okay.

Okay.

Hey, you.

Getting in the car.

Good night.

I promise.

Yeah?

Let me hear it.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

You got to have tennis courts.

Tell you, hey, you got to have the putting green at the crib, all that heliport,

swimming pool.

What's up with the pool?

Olympic-sized one.

I want to put some fish in it.

Can you put fish in the pool?

Yeah, you can put fish in the pool.

What about the jacuzzi?

You know, because I'm not going to visit you if you don't got a jacuzzi.

That's what I do.

I'm a jacuzzi swimmer.

You mean this.

You're going to be there all the time.

They put a jacuzzi in your room for you.

You got to have our own chef.

Now you talking my language.

A white guy, right?

Hell yeah.

What, French?

French?

I don't know, because I don't know if French people can make collard greens.

Gays you got.

Come on, one more.

One more, come on.

All right, let's get out of here, man.

Rest in college Thursday night, you feel it?

Oh, yeah.

Because the Lions got you guys up by eight.

Boys getting some respect, huh?

About damn time.

What if you went by less than eight?

He can do that.

Win is a win, right?

What I'm saying is, what I'm saying... what if you win by less than eight?

Win is a win, right?

Clyde man, don't tell me you got money riding on a gang.

You're always accusing me of stuff.

Come on man.

Don't worry about me.

You need to focus on the game.

You need to concentrate.

Come on, Trey.

Clyde.

I believe in you, G.

Who else am I gonna bet on?

I gotta bet on you.

You said you was done.

I thought you were supposed to be clean.

I'm trying to get there.

That's what this is all about.

I'm not doing it.

You see this?

Do you see this?

I didn't get this from hitting my head on some fucking pipe.

These guys, they want their money.

And I'm in a hole.

I'm gonna get hurt really bad if I can't figure my way out of this.

Come on, Godfrey.

Come on.

Look, we'll borrow the money.

Who the fuck gonna lend us the money?

I'm the coach.

I'm down $12,000, all right?

$12,000?

How you down $12,000?

I don't know, man.

I just got out of control.

Just got out of control, you know?

You said you was done.

I'm done.

I'm trying, all right?

I'm trying.

You swore to me.

I guess your word don't mean shit then, huh?

You know what?

Fuck it, Godfrey.

Fuck it.

All right?

Fuck it.

I'm not perfect.

Look at me.

I'm not perfect.

Who is?

Who's perfect?

You perfect?

You make every shot you ever take?

You make that shot against Loyola the other day?

No.

You didn't hit that shot.

You fucked up.

You lost the game.

You.

You're not perfect.

I'm not perfect either.

You got me all messed up, man.

This is all messed up.

I'm sorry.

That's not right.

I shouldn't have said that.

Just...

I'm sorry.

You should never hate.

I'm sorry.

I'm just...

I'm just trying to get straight.

I'm just trying not to get hurt.

That's it.

What you need me to do?

Let's get it, all right?

Come on.

Come on.

Forget it.

No, no, let's go.

Let's go home.

Let's get out of here.

Clive, man, what you need me to do?

I just need you to win by listening.

Move your feet.

Move your feet, guys.

Come on.

Come on.

It's all right.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Oh, God damn it.

What's the matter?

I got this indigestion.

This acid reflux.

It burns.

It hurts like a son of a bitch.

That's... I did it.

Stress.

Yeah, I know.

That's what all the genius doctors keep telling me.

You know, Augustine...

the reason I invited you here tonight is because I think you're an astute guy.

And I like the way you do business.

I'm just trying to make a living.

I think we should work together.

Pool their resources, so to speak.

Well, that's quite an offer, Victor.

But, uh, Murph and I, you know, we got a good thing going now.

Murph's a liability.

You work with me, you'll retire before you're 40.

Did you offer anybody else this deal?

What do you mean?

I think wing low.

Now, why would you ask me that?

Well, if we're gonna work together, I should know about the operations.

Don't you think?

Wing low was offering better lines.

He was stealing from both of us.

I heard something about that, but it didn't really bother me.

I figured there was enough action for all of us, didn't you?

What do you think of my offer?

I think Murph and I, uh...

we're pretty happy as we are.

Well, I think you should think about it.

I think you should think about where you want to be in five years.

Oh.

Man.

Have a good night, Augustine.

You too, Victor.

Thanks for the game.

How's my boy Ivan doing?

Would you like me to say hello for you?

Actually, I don't know him.

I never met him.

I didn't think you did.

You know what?

I have a theory about Ivan, Victor.

Just hear me out.

There is no Ivan.

It's like the Wizard of Oz.

You're Ivan.

Good night, Augustine.

Walter the Magician.

Pretty loud, huh?

No.

Cute again.

That's for you.

Thank you.

And you are?

Carolyn.

Carolyn.

Carolyn?

Do you play Carolyn?

Yeah.

Come on.

Sit down.

This is my game.

I'll teach you.

Oh!

Oh!

Blackjack!

Blackjack!

It's our first time playing!

It's our first time!

All right.

What?

What?

Enough?

Again?

No, again.

Again.

Going again.

Wow.

Wow.

Okay.

Remember what I told you about the odds.

No, but... Let the deal bust.

I feel lucky.

Let the deal bust.

I feel lucky.

Odd.

You gotta play the odds.

I feel lucky.

Just...

One more.

Want to hit?

One more.

She wants a hit.

Hit it.

All right.

Well, I'll see you in a little while, okay?

Bye.

Hello?

Hey baby, where are you?

Hi, honey.

The coffee shop.

Are you gonna be home soon?

Yes, soon.

Well, I miss you.

I miss you too.

Bye.

Very good under pressure.

Hey Lady Luck, are you winning you out?

Are you gonna play this game or what?

No, I'm in.

I'm in.

I'm in.

I'm in.

That was so fantastic.

Thank you so very much.

Did I give you enough?

Oh yeah, I'm a simple guy.

Are you sure you want to quit?

Because, you know, when you're on a roll like that... No, I really have to go home.

Home is where the heart is.

Oh, okay.

Well, I'll be here, Carolyn Carver.

Okay.

I'm here.

Are you my lover?

Are you my angel man?

Did you finish?

Almost.

I'm just happy.

Can I be happy?

Carolyn, I decided on the way home from the game to get a Starbucks.

You weren't at the Starbucks.

I don't always go to Starbucks.

Portfolio on Main.

Did you?

Try there.

No.

I'm sorry.

I cannot work at the same place every day.

It would drive me crazy.

Where did you think I was?

I don't know.

We don't get to see much of you around here these days.

I'm almost finished.

I really am.

We just miss you, baby.

That's all.

How about the other guy?

Does he miss you?

Does he... Does he?

I don't know, let me ask him.

Oh, no, no, oh, oh.

Let me ask him.

How ya doing?

Keep it going.

Alright.

Let's finish strong!

Finish strong.

Come on, finish strong.

Push it out, push it out!

Yeah!

Alright!

Alright, good work, man.

Good work.

All right, y'all go and hit the showers.

Get back to your dorms, hit the books.

Fill your brains with knowledge, and you will succeed on this planet.

There he is!

Godfrey Snow!

Madison Square Garden!

One free throw from the World Championship!

And the crowd screams!

And he shoots!

And he hits it!

And he hits it!

You ready?

Yo,

I be doin' my thing.

The man!

I'm gonna need a little more help from you, all right?

Just a little bit, okay?

How much more?

I don't know, you know, I can't, uh...

get it all back in one time, right?

I mean...

they'll be all over me for that, right?

You know that, right?

Come on.

Hit.

Hit.

Hit me.

Mrs. Snyder.

Doctor will be right with you.

Cruz!

Mrs. Raven.

I got you something.

I don't want it.

Hey, hey, hey, hey!

How come you didn't call me back last night?

Excuse me.

Let's not do this here, okay?

Well, how come you didn't call me?

How come?

I wanna slow things down.

Why?

Because...

Because, Murph, I...

I need some time alone.

Look what I got you.

Look.

This is gonna look beautiful on you.

Look.

I can't.

I don't want it.

You love me, Veronica.

You said so yourself.

You're a bookie.

You hurt people.

But I love you.

I wanna be with a bookie for the rest of my life.

You know, I want... I want more.

All right, I'll quit.

You tell me to quit, and I'll quit.

Okay, then quit.

Okay.

Exactly.

Wait, wait, wait.

I wanna hear you say that you don't love me.

I don't love you.

Yes, you do.

No, I don't.

Cover up, Murph.

Come on, Murph.

Huh?

Come on, bitch.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Oh!

Ow!

No!

You got to tell her, Murph.

Come on, huh!

You want me, huh?

All right, hey, easy!

Let's get – Murph!

Murph!

Murph!

Murph!

Murph!

Come on!

Come on!

Break it!

Take it off!

Break it off!

It hurts like hell, Murph.

I've been there.

It'll be all right.

You'll get through it.

Pretty soon, you won't even remember her name.

I will always remember.

You'll see.

I want out.

I'm done with bookin' on you.

I know you don't.

I know you're not.

I made a decision.

I don't wanna do it anymore.

It's Veronica Cruz talking.

Oh, fuck you.

Fuck me?

Yeah.

Fuck you, man.

You know what?

This has gone on long enough.

This is crazy.

What are you gonna do, Murph?

Join a band?

Med school?

I love her.

She doesn't love you back.

Oh, you gotta say that?

Yeah, I do have to say it, man.

This is getting crazy now.

I'm tired of it.

You're my best friend.

You're my business partner.

Look, man.

We got a really good thing going here.

We're on the rise, man.

We're on the rise.

And it is only gonna get better and better and better.

I promise.

It doesn't feel right anymore.

You love bookin', Murph.

Tell me you don't.

It's not good what we do, Hug.

I'm talking to Veronica Cruz's puppet.

It's not good what we do, Hug.

How could you say that, man?

Look at what these other guys do.

These bigwig, these hotshot businessmen and politicians.

They screw people up.

They go over for billions of dollars.

And then they go run behind their million-dollar lawyers and you get the

balls to tell me that what we do, that what we're doing is wrong?

Come on, Murph.

You...

Oh, fuck.

You all right?

Yeah, just...

Let me tell you something.

Oh, motherfucker.

What we do is good.

Okay?

Follow me?

It's good.

We provide a service.

People like to bet, we let them bet.

It's good.

It's good.

It's good.

It's good.

It's good.

Tell you something else, okay?

Ready for this?

Ivan's going down.

Ivan's never going down.

You told me.

Oh.

Ivan told Victor to kill Wing Lo.

That's conspiracy to commit murder.

Bye-bye, Ivan.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

How do you know Ivan did it?

Because I know.

That's how I know.

Because I know.

All right?

Now you envision a world with me and you booking.

No Ivan.

No Victor.

Wing Lo's already out.

Forget about it.

Added a park.

Nothing could stop us.

Undisputed.

Heavyweight champions of the world.

Put your hands up.

Put your hands up.

All right?

Here it is.

Thank you.

Oh, that's so generous.

Thank you very much.

That's very nice of you.

Oh, thank you so much.

Have a good night.

Oh, Carolyn.

My lucky lady.

Are you hungry?

I'm buying.

Walter.

I'm listening.

I lost everything we won last night.

I don't believe it.

No, I did.

I did.

I should have stayed like you said when I was on a roll.

You're only a beginner once.

Over the last six months, I lost my family's savings.

All of it?

Almost.

Don't worry.

You get it back.

No, I don't.

You get it back if you believe you get it back.

It's so much money, Walter.

You want to make some of that money back today?

No.

No, Walter.

I don't feel lucky today.

You don't have to be lucky for this.

This is guaranteed.

If you'd like to step into my office, I know it's not much, but I call it home.

We're gonna play a little game of hanky-poo.

One for me and two for you.

Here's the game.

Watch the lady.

Find the queen.

Okay?

Two black cards, one red.

Okay?

There she is.

Simple as that.

Easy game.

In?

Who's in?

Anybody?

No?

I'll tell you what.

Two for one.

Two for one.

What do you mean?

Well, madam, that means if you bet 20, you tell me where the queen is,

I give you 40.

You bet 40, you get 80.

80, you get 160, and so on and so forth.

In or out?

Yes or no?

Anybody?

Play or go?

I see green.

Okay.

The end.

Here?

Put it down.

Okay.

Is that your choice?

That's it.

Any other takers?

No?

Congratulations, madam.

I think I owe you $40.

There you are.

I think, uh... I think I kind of had enough.

No, no, no, no!

Here we go.

Keep your eye on the lady.

There she is.

Just keep your eyes on her, okay?

All right.

Make your bet.

Okay?

Here?

All right?

Everybody?

Okay?

Do you miss Mom?

She's your wife, you know.

Yeah, of course I miss her.

Your mother's an artist.

When artists are inspired, they must force the rest of the world out of their lives.

The way I see it, if Mom were so inspired, she'd be able to write at home.

There's too many distractions here.

Like us?

Yeah, like us.

I wouldn't want to take it anywhere.

I don't want to take it on the road or anything like that.

It's kind of stable.

It stays in one spot.

It is a mobile home, but it doesn't move.

I pray you look.

Thanks.

Home sweet home.

You were a natural.

You were great.

You were really something out there, Carolyn.

I mean it.

Yeah.

It's yours.

No, no, no.

I can't.

You earned it.

No, keep it, really.

We were partners out there.

I couldn't have done it without you.

Come on, we were a team.

The maid comes on Tuesday.

Oh, my gosh.

Walter, is that you?

The amazing Abraham?

That's me and the Catskills back in the day.

I did two shows a night, seven nights a week.

I packed them in.

There were 500 people in a show.

Wow.

I came this close to being a big star.

What happened?

Magic changed.

I'm a sleight of hand guy.

Everybody wanted bigger.

They wanted...

elephants disappearing.

I don't make elephants disappear.

Thank you.

That's really good.

I don't think that's magic.

But the amazing Abraham's day will come again.

The amazing Abraham's time will come.

Yeah, it's a hardware story.

That thing gave me a rash last time.

Stay cool.

You start getting nervous, you're a beach and away and a pretty brown woman.

I can do that.

Get her this right, Augie.

You're off the hook.

Quite a sudden change of heart.

I've thought it over, Victor.

Retired in a few years?

That sounds awfully good, man.

Besides, Murph wants out.

So I'm going to play ball with you.

Well, that's wonderful news, Augie.

I knew you'd come around.

You're a very smart man.

Victor, I need to know what you have in mind.

I need details about what I'm getting myself into here.

Of course.

Let's talk in the steam room.

You do wonders for your health.

Okay, guys.

This thing's about to get a bath.

You and I, we work together.

We carve out a business.

Ivan's not involved.

He'll kill us.

He never needs to know.

You're together, the two of us.

You'll be a millionaire.

That's an attractive offer.

Did you whack Wing Wong?

I'd understand if you did.

I mean, me and Murph, we couldn't stand a guy.

You did, right?

Somebody had to do it.

Got you, motherfucker.

Ha!

Okay, I'm ready.

Say something.

What?

Introduce me.

What do you want me to say?

You're the writer.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a warm welcome to this next performer.

The one, the only, the mystical, the magical, the amazing...

Abraham!

Ah, Karen.

My captive audience.

Ready for a shower of cards.

Ah!

Oh, hearts for you.

A heart, yes.

You are my dear.

I love it.

A pan of fire.

All that, please.

Thank you.

Gotta toast it a little bit.

Now, the lid on.

Say the magic words.

Oh, my gosh!

Oh, they're beautiful.

Oh, they are beautiful.

They're beautiful.

It's a big dime.

They're beautiful.

Go eat lunch.

Go, go.

They're beautiful.

Thank you, thank you.

I'm gonna need an assistant.

Not me.

You would be perfect.

Walter, no, no.

I am no magician's assistant.

I mean, they're...

They're alive and bubbly and happy and have big hair and big boobs and, you know.

..

Well, they do, okay?

Wait, time out.

Have you looked in the mirror lately?

You are gorgeous.

You are a knockout.

Walter, thank you so much.

Really, thank you.

But I am not that, okay?

Look, look, Carolyn.

I'm planning on being on top again.

And I am extending the offer to you.

And I'm very honored, Walter.

Really, I am.

But I am no magician's assistant.

This is so embarrassing.

I'm mortified.

Just come out.

Come on.

Come into the light.

I look like a moron.

You look spectacular.

This dress makes me look fat.

No, no, you look great.

I mean, the two of us, we're gonna be some team.

You're crazy.

I'll tell you something else.

I'm gonna get you your money back.

His name is Ivan.

He's big, Carolyn.

Powerful.

He's an old friend of mine.

And he's gonna help us.

The money, how do I get it back?

I have to find Ivan first.

But he owes me big.

Hmm.

Mom?

Mom, it's me.

No, honey, I can't right now.

Mom.

Is your dad at home?

Can you talk with him?

Mom, I don't want dad to know.

Know what?

I'm asking you to come home.

I can't just come home with the drop of a hat, Nicole.

It doesn't work like that.

Nicole?

Hello?

13-year-old daughter.

She's impossible.

Teenagers.

God's punishment for having sex.

Ivan.

What about him?

We're gonna find him.

He's gonna help us.

I just want to get the money back.

And then I'm finished.

I'm done.

We'll get your money back.

I promise.

Carolyn, I'm taking Nicole to the emergency room.

It's 10 o'clock.

Hello?

Where you been?

I'm at home.

Where are you?

What happened to Nicole?

We're pulling into the driveway right now.

What happened?

Just leave me alone!

What happened?

Is she okay?

She's fine.

What the hell happened?

I did it because of Jeff.

Did it because of Jeff?

Who?

Jeff!

Jeff!

Jeff!

The boy she's got a huge crush on.

The boy she talks about incessantly.

Jeff!

No, she doesn't.

Yes, she does, Carolyn.

You're just not listening.

Your daughter asked you to come home tonight.

Why didn't you?

She didn't mention anything.

She didn't say anything to me at all.

You know what?

I'm tired of it.

I'm tired of this bullshit, Carolyn.

I'm tired of it.

And what the hell does that mean?

What does that mean, Tom?

Are you having an affair?

Are you having an affair?

No.

Why would you ask me that?

I love you.

I loved you and Nicole more than anything in the world.

I loved you and Nicole more than anything in the world.

Carolyn!

I've reached Carolyn.

Please leave me a message after...

Oh my God.

Oh my God.

It's perfect.

Oh...

She waited, she waited for me to leave.

She watched me.

She watched me and then she took my machine.

I don't think she'd do that, Honey.

You don't think she'd do that?

Of course she would.

I've been working this machine all day long, and it's a winner.

I just know what's going to win.

I don't think she's going to win.

How do you know that?

Look.

Just take it easy, alright?

Calm down.

I don't want to calm down.

I don't want to calm down.

I'm gonna set you up with a nice meal.

I don't want a meal.

A bottle of wine.

I don't want any wine.

A filet on the bone.

I just want that woman off the machine.

Doesn't that sound good?

Um?

Where are you?

Working.

Where?

The coffee shop.

Which one?

Portfolio.

Bullshit.

I'm coming over.

Nicole, I'll be right back.

Dad, wait.

Where are you going?

I gotta get a coffee.

I'll be back in a jiffy.

Well, can I come?

Nicole, actually, I gotta talk to some colleagues.

About some students, okay?

Wait.

Nicole, I'm late.

What?

What?

Is Mom having an affair?

No.

Come on!

You're here.

Where did you think I'd be?

Could you stop typing for a minute?

Tom, I'm working.

Stop.

Don't shout at me.

I followed you.

I followed you today, Carolyn.

To the casino.

Really?

You followed me?

Really?

I followed you to the casino.

What were you doing in the casino?

What were you doing in the casino?

Well, Tom, I like to play the slots.

It's fun.

It's an adventure.

So what?

Shoot me.

I'm not perfect.

Nobody's perfect.

Except you, of course.

This has nothing to do with me.

Oh, he cooks.

He's a fabulous husband.

A distinguished professor.

And he tells his wife he loves her.

I'm a great advisor.

Every single day.

Oh, yes.

You are perfect.

And you know what, Tom?

It's boring.

I think you've got a gambling problem.

And I think you gambled away all of our money.

I loaned it to a friend.

Who?

He's an artist.

Yeah?

Are you fucking him?

Well, Tom, you'll meet him.

And then you can tell me if I'm fucking him.

Okay.

Who is this guy?

Wait.

What's this artist's name?

What's his name?

Abraham.

The American.

The amazing Abram.

He's a magician.

He's going to be a really big star.

What did you say?

He's a fucking magician?

Well, maybe he'll make our money reappear.

You're so cynical.

So critical.

No imagination.

What's that supposed to mean?

You don't have creative bone in your body and you

wouldn't know a real artist if you bitch in the ass.

Literally.

Fucking criticism.

It's a crock of shit.

Just watch it, Carolyn.

You sit around and analyze Shakespeare to death.

Nobody cares.

Nobody cares.

Don't you dare try to tell me that what I do is worthless.

I'm a teacher and I'm proud of it.

Those kids could care less about Milton and Shakespeare and fucking Dante.

It doesn't help them in this world.

It doesn't help them at all.

In this world, they need it more than ever.

What the hell has happened to you, Carolyn?

I woke up, Tom.

And I realized I don't want our perfect little life.

It's mind-numbing.

I want a home.

A life.

My life.

Let me remind you of something.

Your life is intertwined with my life and with your daughter's life.

Don't do this to our daughter.

I won't allow it.

You get together, the two of us, you'll be a millionaire.

That's an attractive offer.

Did you whack Wingwell?

I'd understand if you did.

I mean, me and Murph, we couldn't stand a guy.

Somebody had to do it.

Is this the only copy?

Yep.

Promise?

Absolutely.

Where's my money?

How about if I double your money?

What do I have to do?

Just take Augustine to dinner.

I know a lovely little restaurant where the food won't upset his stomach.

What are you doing here?

Murph.

Augie's dead.

He died in his sleep.

Oh, my God.

I'm so sorry.

You okay?

I gotta know.

Yes or no.

Are you with me or not?

Let's not do this right now, okay?

You don't want to do this right now.

Please, I need to know.

No.

No.

Why not?

I'm going inside.

Why not?

Because you hurt people.

No.

Veronica, without me, they got nothing.

At least with me, they got...

Maybe a dream.

Yeah, I give them dreams.

No, Murph.

You take their dreams away.

That's what you do.

It's all right.

It's all you, baby.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Push that.

Push that.

That's all you.

Push that.

That's what I'm talking about.

I need a shower.

All right.

Coach.

Coach.

I need you to get it.

I figured it out, boy.

All on my own.

Something was bothering me.

Itching at me.

Now I know.

See, I'm a wise old man.

And you're not.

See?

See, you are a stupid little boy.

Now, do we agree on that point?

Huh?

Do we agree on that point?

Hmm?

Huh?

Huh?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

See, listen.

I have seen it all in this life.

More than you will ever know or could even imagine.

But the one thing I've seen more than anything

is men fucking up their lives all by themselves.

And I tell you, that's the one thing that really makes me angry.

Coach.

Just shut the fuck up.

Now listen, boy.

You listen to me.

Now, you're shaving points.

Now, if you ever get it in your stupid little head to do

something like that again, I am not your coach no more.

I'm not your friend.

I am your enemy.

And boy, so help me God, don't make me your enemy.

What's going on, man?

Your brother's going to lose the conference championship game, Clyde.

It doesn't matter by how much.

The line's even.

But he's going to lose.

Come on.

I mean, just leave my little brother out of this.

This is a championship game.

It's everything he's ever lived for.

Do I need to pay a personal visit to your brother, Clyde?

No.

Maybe I should just pop in, say hello, wish him luck.

No.

Just so we understand each other.

What's your brother doing on Sunday?

Losing.

Say it again.

He's...

losing.

Good boy.

Beautiful day out, huh?

You know, I know who you are.

You're Carolyn Carver.

I've read your book.

You're the one.

It was terrific.

Yeah, you're very talented.

You have a gift.

Well, thank you.

Tell me if, like, I'm out of line here, but could you, like, just give me a little

hint about what your next book's going to be about?

I don't have a next book.

Okay, I understand.

It's a... It's about... a magician.

It's about a magician.

A washed-up magician.

He's a...

He's a big dreamer.

And he's searching for this mysterious man named Ivan

because he believes that Ivan holds the key to his future.

He's a really, really talented magician.

It's his story.

The amazing Abraham.

You're unbelievable.

I want to be in business with Ivan.

So now what's your step?

You can trust me, Victor.

I promise.

Well, this is very important to me, Walter.

You won't be disappointed.

All right, well, the rags are in here, and I want this car spotless.

Walter, I want it to shine.

I want to see my, quite frankly, beauty.

A beautiful face reflected in every surface.

Now, do you think you can handle this, Walter?

I mean, who knows, it may lead to bigger things.

Perhaps the SUV.

You think you're funny.

You're a fucking asshole.

I'm offering you work, Walter, and you're declining.

In this economic climate?

You're a piece of shit.

You're nothing like Ivan.

Ow!

You are such a pain in the ass, Walter.

Look what you made me do.

Get up.

Sunday.

St. Francis versus Loyola, a championship game.

St. Francis is losing.

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

Wait, you don't speak fucking English?

St. Francis is losing.

Get it?

Sunday.

Bet on Loyola.

Or don't.

Your choice.

Now get up.

And fuck off.

What are you doing here?

You shouldn't be here.

I came to tell you something.

Something you're going to find out anyway.

But before I tell you, I need you to promise me that you will do nothing.

The fuck you looking at?

Promise me.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, promise.

Can you do that?

Can you do nothing for me?

Yeah.

It's in the paper.

Augie didn't die of natural causes.

He was poisoned.

What the fuck you talking about?

He was poisoned.

That's what happened.

Tom, I've got it.

I've got the novel.

You were right.

There never was a novel.

But I've got it now.

I really do have it.

It will be the best thing I've ever done.

By far.

It will be.

Feels like we've spent our whole lives together, doesn't it?

Yes.

And it hasn't always been perfect.

No.

No, it hasn't.

Sometimes we can't stand each other.

But the one thing we always had, Carolyn, was trust.

Right?

Right.

We don't have that trust anymore, Carolyn.

Yes, we do.

No, we don't.

Yes, we do.

We spent... That's not true.

We spent all of our savings.

I know I did, Pat.

You lost Nicole's college fund.

I know.

Her college fund.

But you're right.

I have a problem.

I'm a gambling addict.

I'm an addict, Tom.

You were right.

I need help.

And I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Stop.

Stop.

No, Tom.

Look, I need... I need... I need you.

I need... I need your help.

Mary.

I do.

I need your help.

Carolyn.

Help me.

Carolyn.

I want a divorce.

No, you don't.

Yeah, I do.

No, Tom.

You don't.

No you don't.

No you don't.

You don't want a divorce.

Where are you going?

I don't know.

Tom?

Get over here as soon as possible.

I've got the answer.

What happened?

Oh, nothing.

What happened to your hand?

I burned it cooking.

Talk to me.

Who am I, Carolyn?

Tell me who I am.

Don't fuck with me, Walter.

I am the amazing Abraham.

And you're gonna get every penny of your money back.

Do you like sports?

What?

There is a basketball game between St. Francis and Loyola.

And the game is fixed.

St. Francis is gonna lose.

How do you know?

I got a tip.

I got a very reliable tip from an outstanding source.

And you're betting?

Everything.

Totally.

Everything.

No.

Yes.

No.

Everything.

My camper, my equipment, my costumes, my magic.

Everything.

Walter, no.

You gotta spend money to make money.

I don't know.

I... Maybe I can borrow from my agent.

I just want my savings back.

Yes, Carolyn.

You gotta get even.

That's it.

We should all be even in life.

What a world.

That's all that would be.

I don't know.

Yes.

I don't know.

This is it.

I feel it.

We can make a fortune.

Okay.

Maybe.

Okay.

Okay.

So he let you off?

Did I just say that?

Ivan set me free.

I got nothing right in tonight's game.

All bets are off.

I'm out of it.

I don't know.

It just...

Why would he set you free?

Godfrey.

Truth.

I don't mean nothing to him.

I'm out of it.

You're free.

Are you feeling nervous?

Yeah, a little bit.

It's a good thing.

It's good to be nervous.

I mean, only fools aren't nervous.

But the question is...

are you gonna own it?

Hell yeah.

Exactly.

I'm Godfrey Snow.

You're Godfrey Snow?

Ahhh!

Godfrey!

This is God... you are bad.

You sure you're free?

What I gotta say to you?

I'm free, alright?

I'm free.

Listen to me...

I'm trying to figure out how to say this.

Guys, you know what?

I don't really say it enough to you, all right?

So I'm going to say it.

I love you.

My little brother, you know, it doesn't matter what happens tonight.

I don't give a shit if you win.

I don't give a shit if you lose.

I love you.

I need you to know that.

I love you.

You're my man.

Although I know you're going to win, right?

Yeah.

I love you too, bro.

I'm telling you.

I ain't going to win.

We're going to win.

Me and you, Clyde, we're going to the big day.

Going to the big day.

Godfrey Snoop.

College basketball at its very best.

Welcome everybody to Peterson Arena.

I'm Larry.

I'm Terry Burnett.

We've got Loyola and we've got St. Francis battling

for the conference championship here today.

These two teams battled tooth and nail all through the regular

season and now the season has come down to this one game.

Relax, Carol.

The Rams here tonight will go on to the NCAA tournament.

We've got a great match at Stone for St.

Francis.

Two top players to keep an eye on in our game here tonight.

We're just about set.

We're on the other side of the court.

Championship game.

Don't choke.

Yeah, okay.

We're going to win.

We're going to win.

We're going to win.

Blo booking.

Ola controls it.

Peterson will bring it up for the Matadors to San Francisco.

Jackson's got it.

Over to the free throw line.

Pull-up jumper.

Two.

Middle will bring it up.

It's across the timeline.

Takes it down the right side.

It's picked up by Washington.

Pass goes to Snoop.

Works off the pick.

Speeds in the paint.

It's up into the air.

Godfrey!

The inside move and a sweet shot with a bucket!

Goal!

The slam dunk!

There's the catch, the turn, the goal!

We're on time!

We're on time with time running out at the end of the first half!

Ralph, make him cold.

It's so close.

You gotta make it look close.

Let's go.

It's in the bag.

Second half action here in the conference championship game.

Take it to him, Jeffrey!

Looks out top, gets it to Snow.

To the storm?

Boy, that Snow and Jackson matchup has just been intense throughout this game.

Snow finds a seam, gets inside and scores!

He's throwing it left!

Jackson's going against Snow, finds some room into the paint.

The dish and the jam by Washington!

Wow, what a pass by Jackson!

Snow from three-point range!

And St. Francis fired him up and nailed him down!

Tie game in the final seconds.

Who's gonna get it?

Who's gonna win it?

Jackson wants it.

Battle going on now with Snow.

He's inside, gets it.

Oh, the fake!

The move inside!

And the easy bucket!

And that puts Loyola up by two!

Coach Washington wants a timeout, and he needs one!

It's 85-83.

Matadors with less than...

It's done, Cal.

Are we clear?

They have the ball out there.

He's not hitting it.

It's a sure thing.

Now, we're going for the win, okay?

We're going for the win.

Now, Godfrey, come off the single-double and hit the shot, all right?

Look, hey, listen, we worked all year for this, all right?

All right, now, look, set solid screens, okay?

All right, win on three.

One, two, three, let's win!

Let's go!

Let's go, let's do it!

Hey, Godfrey, come here.

Listen.

Take the three, okay?

It's all right.

What are you doing?

Come on, now.

Snow comes back out on the court.

You know St. Francis wants to get the ball to

him, but they've got to get the ball inbound.

I think I remember this from before.

They're down by two with 9.4 seconds remaining in this game.

The conference championship is on the line.

Snow tries to free up, still battling with Jackson.

They've got to get it in!

They've got to get the ball in!

The highest flying eagle tonight.

Godfrey Snow!

Haha!

You own the G.

You own the...

Big Clyde going to catch us some rays and some love in the sunshine.

Oh, yeah!

Oh, yeah!

Da-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na

Da-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na That sticks.

A pleasant surprise.

I just got a call.

Clyde Snow is dead.

Really?

That's my bird.

You're under arrest.

You got nothing on me.

You killed Wing Lo.

You killed Augustine.

And now you killed Clyde Snow.

I'll be out of jail in two hours.

Turn around.

First one to the gun is a winner.

Winning runner.

What the fuck are you doing here?

You do this, you're dead.

Ivan will hunt you down.

Go on, get out of here, Walter.

Before I change my mind.

Stupid motherfucker.

Like I said...

We're all chasing something.

More money.

What we're really looking for... is more life.

But sometimes...

you go looking for more...

with less.

It's a beautiful world.

We ought to be satisfied.

But the truth is...

we all want more.

Ivan, it's a man.

Come here.

Ivan knows this.

He knows... that if you give a man his dream...

he might just do anything for you.

My angel... I'll be with you in a moment.

I'll be waiting on the terrace.

You have to hurry.

Victor's replacement is working out, huh?

So far.

That's wonderful.

Well...

it's time for my nap.

Chess is four?

Absolutely.

I'm gonna beat your ass.

You probably will, Ivan.

Why do I work for Ivan?

Because I want more.

Like everyone else.

Some take a chance... for the rush of winning.

Some... Sorry.

Just get my stuff.

...for love.

What are we gonna eat?

Oh, Chinese.

So, what do you want?

Great.

I'm starving.

Uh-oh.

But you can't have your dream...

without laying something on the line.

Who do I make this out to?

Me.

You can't promise anything.

Okay.

The key is...

not to risk what you can't afford to lose.

You might think you're different.

But someday...

you're gonna want more too.

The question is...

what are you willing to lay on the line?

To be continued.