There's money owed. Not me, I never saw you before. Why are you papa-barded? 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. 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. Mike, I got the money. You're gonna get me killed! Did your friend own a watch? Cops are either too early or too late. It's a 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. Little physical, but he's a nice guy. He's a nice guy. He's a nice guy. He's a nice guy. He's a nice guy. Little physical, little headstrong, but he's a nice guy. That's enough out of you, Gil. Say, brother, you got a cigarette? I bet I'm going in. Come on in. I found this car parked down at Gary's Street Garage. I parked it out front. That was very thoughtful of you. Well, I'm just glad old horizontal Harry there knows the right people. Hey, blood, you awake? That's sugar, you. Sugar, you'd better catch up, it's sugar. I'm afraid not, Mark. Mean dude, bull strong, both of them. Did you get a look at the other cat? Just a glimpse here, a bit from behind. Faced like a fried rat. A woman screaming. Was that 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 you? No, man, I sent them home in a cab. You know, Maylene wanted to stay, but, you know. Tell her thanks. I'm flat on my back, she looked like a winner. Oh, yeah? You want to see her again? Oh, yeah. Not tonight. Poor baby, it hurts, huh? Ask any middle line back how he feels Monday morning. Naturally, if you think of anything else. I'll let you know right away. Hey, girl, 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. Okay. Ah. Apologies for lousing 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'm Holden. Just saying to do. What are you doing here? That's Gilbert Loggins. What happened? China boy? Well, we just pushed out the wrong dude. That's what happened. Will you please tell me what you're doing here? We'll start over again. Oh. Oh! Hi. I'm Jimmy Lee Gates. I don't know you. What do you want with me? You've heard about the farmer that hid 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. Why, your papa borrowed it, Gilbert. My papa's... $2,000. Mm-hmm. Yes, and 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 to pay. I'm just a junior account executive. We won't make any money. And don't you make none either, like talking to the police. We can call on your mama anytime we want to. You dig? Oh, now I'm in the right place. Oh, now I know what R&I means. Ridiculous and impulsive. I've been through shuggy, shuggy, shaggy, shaggy. You brought Lieutenant Reese 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 knew how to do their job. Didn't leave a scratch on me. Well, don't 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 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 late, 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. Oh, 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 pops off some money, too. 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. But we need $2,000 for him, 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 a 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 your 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 the visa. A place that's called Dancing Waters. I want you to go over there, son, and see him, because I know he will set things 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. You never told me about any second mortgage, Mama. Well, it used to be when a man only needed a strong back and apt hand. 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, well... Why didn't you tell me, Mama? 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. Me and your papa and me, we survived, son. But we wanted you to live. Well, I sure hope I do. I killed, but I... Wait, 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, Mama. It's okay. You want to come quietly? My, Lance, 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, all right? Hey, not so loud. Hey, come on, I'll drive you to work. Okay. Okay. What is this? A little off-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 Anton'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. Thelonious assault. She said the three men were here last night, and I can guess who two of them were. Yeah, well, look, Mark, they...they know they made a mistake, man, all right? I mean, they...they don't know that you're a cop yet, and they don't know that we're friends, so, um... why don't you free at the badge and leave me alone, all right? Look, Chief, mention the shepherd, Jimmy Lee Gates. No comment, officer. I appreciate the concern, but, uh, I can handle it, all right? Do you think that you can just buy your way out? Now, 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 gonna hurt my mother, Mark. Yeah, as long as you just keep your mouth shut and pay. Keep your mouth shut and pay. Just pay out 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...I'm scared. Look, they're scared, too, Gil. That's why they have to threaten. Now, if we get 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 and 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. Oh, that is fair. Oh, that is fair. What? 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 work. Yeah, I know, in the Fillmore district, where I can blend in like an ant on a sunny 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 them on. Reach out your hand for a little hope, a bloodsucker like the shepard is right there to grab it. Look, we got a chance to dig him up and wipe him out. I like the job. And the cost of Gilbert's friendship? Phil Fillmore is full of a whole lot of people, worse off than Gilbert is. And they're gonna stay that way, as long as they are cats like this longshark or free to swing. You know Officer Rubin Turner, undercover vice? We never met, I hear he's good. 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 sway me in. Oh, I think he's a natural friend at cover work. Most unnoticeable man I've ever noticed. Oh, you're gonna get yours one of these days. Your new identity. I borrowed Rubin Turner. He'll be your backup. This is for you and this is for you. Hey, you mind keeping an eye on my room? I got a million dollars under the mattress. Yeah, and I sing tenor for the Jackson Five. Well, a famous dude like you ought to know a whole lot of people. You ever have a cat named Shuggy? Shuggy? Shuggy, an old buddy of yours? You guessed it. Never heard of him. What'd you say that name was? Shuggy is all I know. I figured he might as well chill some pool time again. What'd you want to see him for? Oh, him, son. I want to pay up. Shuggy, huh? Yeah. Not here. Looking for Shuggy White? That's me. I know. That's just for openers, brother. What do you want? Now, look, you just take a good look at me, Shuggy. We met in an alley, remember? Yeah, yeah. Let me up out of here, will you? Look, just don't try coming at me, okay? Yeah. That's some kind of weird, ain't you, man? What you doing on the flop like this? You looked 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 now lay it on me. And I said, brother, you got the wrong dude. I'm sorry. What can I tell you? Hey, man, now you just tell me, what am I gonna do for a job and a suit of clothes? What am I gonna eat up? And that's what you can tell me. Brother, you had your licks. Yeah. Let's get it on. Because you ain't begun to pay me what you cost me. I ain't gonna mess with you, son. There's 10 so you don't get hungry. Well, even now, you did. I don't apologize. Beer. Hello, man, the sugar. You don't carry enough grudges, do you, brother? Do when I can afford it. Find a job yet? No, sir. What line you in? Line you knocked me out of. You're gonna forget about that, ain't you? All right. I'm what you might call unskilled drain on this tap, spiky, dig it? What did you do with that 10 I left? We gonna forget about that. You're about half bad, you know that. Later. What do you want your sandwich? Now. That's okay. Sure? Okay. 99. Finally work yet? Man, I'm paid up for more days. You can pump gas, can't you? Gas? Yeah. Gasoline, yeah. Yeah, gasoline. You know that veterans car wash cornered at the visit their own. Yeah, well, the fella's fixing to quit his job. Listen, he owns a place in case you can't look into it in the morning. Yeah. Thanks. Okay. Hey, Sarge. 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 a tune up, wants the front bearings checked. Here, I want you to meet our new attendant. You know her, Jason? Jerome Richards. What's happening, giller? Getting up in years, but good mechanic. Gotta be sure. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Jason. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. Hey, Sarge. 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 go for them too quick, they'll play you on and off. Hey, Jerome, go up and help them on the pumps, will ya? Give me that. Thanks. Did you get some kind of trade? Yeah, I'm a fool shot. Hooray! Learn a trade you got in me. 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 to sign up on credit, but that fell through. I ain't got the cash and don't know where I can borrow it from. I could at least have 20. If 20 is pretty. No way. Pay me, brother, before you go any further. Hey, could I wait till payday? You got it. Press one there. How much bread you need? A ton, man. Ain't nobody even gonna listen. I'll listen. Speak to me. Tell me, lay it on me. $600. Can't hear you. I might know somebody. Theodore didn't tell me how much you want. Whatever you owe me, Mr. Trump, two, three million and you need this fat. Yeah, you ain't half bad. You want to tell it like it is? Six yards. Now speak to a friend of mine. Hey, I believe I met a friend of yours in the alley. Ain't the same friend. Is he the main man or do I have to speak to a friend of yours? You know, for a cat that's been trying to moot $600, you ask a lot of questions, brother. I was just that I thought Theodore told me it was gonna become a few. You want to meet the man or don't you? I don't know. Maybe you turning me on to a believer. You know where the dancing water is in is that? I might find it. But if you get your mouth straightened 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. I dropped his name a couple of places. Nobody picked it up. You know, we have attached a little too much fantasy to him, Mark. We found him in the assessor's office. He's into your billiard parlor and the dancing water. Alexander Shepard. It's his name. Caucasian type. Notice it's only the furniture and equipment that he owns. What'd you make him? Four out of state arrests on Banco and embezzlement. He sent time only once, but if we can nail him, I think we'll have the anchorman for a dozen Jimmy Lee Gates. Now, what about your other contacts? My other assailant that night was Davis, George, aka Channabour. They don't know I've made him. Theodore Jason, maybe a shill, nothing more. I think the desk clerk is on the take. Sergeant Henderson's clean. We checked him out. Ed, 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 operate 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 paycheck in your pocket, you will feel more confident. You will decide to go ahead and take the loan. If he is still there. There is no sucker like a con man, Mark. He will be there, and so will you, and so will we. Capone to the bone. That's Mr. Candy Apple. Theodore Jason, master mechanic. Sugar white at the door. Beats all with some folks that go through all week for the privilege of paying two bucks for a drink on the weekends. I'd wager Sugar you can tell within 50 cents how much every customer has in his pocket. Super duper fly. Big policy man. This chick's a 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 folks. Hold out. Next time make a reservation. Hey baby. Yeah, what's this having, shit? You got it? How were you today last night? Couldn't quite make up a man. He's on the air. Get fired. Listen, you think they'll cash a check in the air? My paycheck. Go on in, I'll meet you at the bar. Cool. She finds our office. Load him and roll. Tell Ed to monitor TAC-2 for my signal. You still hear him? Not the solos yet. I hear the orchestration. Hey, Piller. Hey, Piller. Hey there, baby. How you doing, Piller? Super fine. I got two fine projects at my table. One for you and one for me. I'm gonna smack a dude. Five patients here, please. Hey, you think you can get him to cash a check in? He's the thing in the world, a dude. Hope they have a private room for heavy business. I'll go record him. Aiming to tap the tail with it, eh? Tonight at 11. Man, I sure is going to do it. Brother, every working step within 20 blocks of his and dead oak tree is natural. Except the cat that owns the pawn shop, he don't wear no natural. At the table when you're able. Look. Is it all right? Yeah, except for the check cash. I'll charge you $3. Here's $10, Olya. I told you he was even. You is even, man. Now I'm even. Yeah, you're pretty bad. Hey, how about meeting super bad now that I'm here? Dude, bring your beer. It's going in now, Ed. We're ready, Chief. This is 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. Precious beer? This will do. It's like the Mardi Gras out there. Full house. Looks pretty good. What's your name? Jerome Richards. I saw you down the street the other day. I bet you were just thrilled. Sit down, Jerome. My 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. No, sir, computers. Now, they got this night course at Adlai Trade School. Placement services after you graduate? $500. Oh, why do you need six? Well, I'm wearing the asshole. Only a decent piece of thread's got left. Work days, study at night. Yes, sir, six months. Ambitious. What's in the envelope? $600. Well, that's something. I was afraid I was going to have to deal with the shepherds. I assume you're pleasantly surprised. A shepherd didn't show. How's $15 a week? Right home. Where do I sign? 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 your school. All right, call it off. Jimmy Lee won't commit himself. Ed, back off. We blew it. Come on, Mark. Come on, get out of there. Thank you. Hey, you two just a couple little old pussy cats, ain't you? You know where this allied trade school is? Make sure he does. Here comes Jerome. We're going to get it all together now. How'd you make out? I made out, man. Yeah, come on, I got this fine thing I really want you to meet, man. Oh, wow. Look, Dickie, that's cool, but I'm holding kind of every hand kind of news. Tell him anything. Tell him I'm shy. I can do it, okay. Hey, killer, you ain't getting no overtime. Hey, I'm coming, man. About to be late for the day. Well, done like he said. Let's go eat. Is this where I sign up for class? Let's have a quick show of hands, all those who think he has class. You don't look so bad. Tell him that bed is good. Sorry, the dancing waters party fizzle. Yes, you don't get milk by saying please to the cow. Anyhow, here is my tuition. Teach Mark evidence. 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 I.O.U. And Jimmy Lee Gates will have to show his hands. I wonder how much profit does he make on his loans? 100% is the figure I hear. So instead of accepting you as his problem or his loss, the probability is that Gates will call Mr. Shepherd in to handle you in person. Yeah, watch me get at it. You want out? No, not as long as you, Katz. You better back me up. Brown. Hi, young sir. 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 switch is that? Let's find out, and fast. Gilbert? Fran Belding? Where's Mark? It's all right. I want you to come with us, please. Where's Mark? Just 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 asked him to meet you. You here to say why? No. Care to trade? I can promise round-the-clock protection for both you and your mother. It's 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 the bank? But they're an affair. Don't try to shame 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 this way in alone? 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. Gilbert, come on. What's happening, Gil? You set me up with your boss. Yeah, that's right. Here's the idea. So what does that make me, just one more brother for the man to mess with, right? Hey, I have the nasties to have to make, 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 do you pay the finance company? Well, it works out to $55 a month, and 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 the cash and they deal. They deal, not you. Well, Mark, it's $2,500, man. That's $500 more than the loan. Gil, you're digging in deeper and deeper, man. They won't let you out. Will you just please sign the paper, man? Give me a chance. Shiggy White, Jimmy Lee Gates, Chattaboy Davis. Oh, Mark. Look, man, there's too many people suffering. Please? Don't let him stomp on you like this. Gil. Gil. Yeah. Yes, sir. Now he thinks he's going to go in and pay off the loan. He has a better chance of getting himself killed or following it up for us. Shiggy's busy. So I laid it right on the line. I said, honey, you just try it. Look, uh, Jimmy Lee Gates. They're an amigie. So I said, you don't know who you're talking to. Miss, miss, miss, miss, uh, Chattaboy. I ain't seen no Chattaboy. Well, thank you, lady. Hey, man. I'm in a hurry, brother. Look, I got that red tea bag blown. Now, look, I've been waiting for over an hour. That is not my problem. Yeah, but you can get me in to see Mr. Gates. Later. Hey, killer. Sit down by yourself. Can't you find a sweet companion? Maybe two, me and you. Now, I got to look this instead of splitting. You uptight about something? No, just concentrate. Now, you know how it is for us big business tycoons. We better move the car again. Circle the block and park across the street. What is it? Uh, cat right over there at the bar. I think he's looking for me. His name's Gilber. He don't look like much. Well, he's a little old uptown hustlin'. We gotta beat him. Hey, will you do me a favor? See if you can get him into one of those bag booths so I can get out of here. Right on. What's happening, brother? Don't you come on back and sit with me. I'm fine. Come here, I said it. Come on, just get him out of here. Hey, please, skip. Wow, looks like he was just joggin', huh? That's how. What's the trouble? There ain't no trouble. Well, just come and go. Hey, Shuggy, dig. I've been waiting around. I can get loose in a minute. It's gonna work. All units, it's going down. Let's roll. Well, Jerome, what happened to our agreement? Well, I just want to pay back, you know, make good. The school tearin' me down. Now, that's five refund checks in here. Rest I never did spend. So here. Six hundred dollars. Jerome, this is Mr. Shefford. Alexander Shefford. Been looking forward to meeting with you. Prompt, boy. Appreciate that. Now, let me tell you what I'm going to do. I'm gonna hold your check until banking hours tomorrow. The boys here will take you to the bank, you cash the check, they bring me the money. Then I'm going to cut your debt to just three hundred dollars. Three hundred dollars? At fifteen dollars a week is what we agreed on, isn't it? Yeah, but I've already paid you your six hundred dollars back. All I could owe you is a little interest. Bad risk interest. Three hundred dollars. You mean you're charging me fifty percent? One more crack out of you and I'm gonna double it. I got one more thing I want to see. You say nothing. Look, we don't want no... Hey, he's bonked. Go. Start this car and get me over there. Freeze! Freeze! Get him up. Back, back. 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, I inside, I'd like to go see my mother first, but... I'd like to thank her. Yeah, if there's anything else you can say to him. Yeah, Gil, I'm sorry. Yeah, Gil, remember that dinner date we had the other night? Yeah, with Maylene and Ella. Maylene, right. Did you ever get a telephone number from her? Gil, I don't want him going undercover again, at least not for a while. This time, will you please give him the information?