CHARLEY
Listen to me Terry. Take the job. Just take it. No questions take it. Terry take this job, please. Please take it.
TERRY hushed, gently guiding the gun down toward Charley’s lap
Charley… . Charley… . ah Charlie, …. Wow…
CHARLEY (genuinely)
Look , … I, … Look kid I …. (gently)
How much you weigh slugger?
(nostalgically) When you weighed one hundred and sixty-eight pounds. You were beautiful. You could’ve been another Billy Conn. That skunk we got you for a manager … he brought you along too fast.
TERRY
It wasn’t him Charley. It was you.
(years of abuse crying out in him)
Remember that night in the Garden, you came down in my dressing room and says, “Kid, this ain’t your night — we’re going for the price on Wilson.”
You remember that? This ain’t your night. My night I could have taken Wilson apart.
So what happens he gets the title shot outdoors in a ballpark – and what do I get — a one-way ticket to Palookaville.
You was my brother Charley. You should of looked after me a little bit
You should have taken care of me just a little bit so I wouldn’t have taken them dives for the short-end money.
CHARLEY (defensively)
I always had a bet down for you. You saw some money.
TERRY (agonized)
You don’t understand!
CHARLEY
I tried to keep you in good with Johnny.
TERRY
You don’t understand!
I coulda had class.
I coulda been a contender.
I coulda been somebody.
Instead of a bum, which is what I am. Let’s face it …
It was you, Charley.
Charley takes a long, fond look at Terry. Then he glances quickly out the window.
CHARLEY
turning back to Terry, his tone suddenly changed
Okay — Okay. I’ll tell him … I couldn’t find you. Ten to one he won’t believe me. Here … Here take this (HANDS HIM THE GUN)
You’re gonna need it. Yo you pull over!
As Terry jumps out. A bus is just starting up a little further along the street.
Take me to the Gardens!