Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014): Season 2, Episode 3 - A Dangerous Maid - full transcript

It was kicking again.

"The baby" was kicking. You said, "it."

I want to go out.

We've discussed this.

That neighbor lady came by yesterday.

- She invited us for dinner.
- She came here?

Well, it's not like we've got a phone.

I asked you not to allow anyone in here.
I pay you for it.

A simple dinner, some conversation,

some music, for God's sake.

They have a W-80.



I don't know what that is.

A Victrola.
You don't hear Jolson from across the alley?

I'll be working late.

This is a jail, Nelson.

I used to be out every night in the week.

Yes, I'm sure between
ordering murders and rigging elections,

Nucky Thompson showed you quite a time.

I can't live like this!

And once the child is born,
you won't have to.

That was the agreement.

Please make sure you eat.

Say what you want
about Nucky,

at least he was fun.

I've had Katy
return a few of my things to The Belle Femme.



The brocade coat,
the flower pendant necklace...

What? What for?

- I don't need them.
- But you wanted them.

Under the circumstances,

I thought it might be wise
to conserve our resources.

Under the circumstances,
it's more important than ever

for it to appear
as though nothing has changed.

Are you not invested
to the limit in your land deal?

I heard you
on the telephone with your lawyer.

I want you only in your finest things.

I sleep late, you know that.

I said nothing.
These are, after all, your finest silk pajamas.

Send the girl to get your things back.

We'll be fine, Margaret. We are fine.

Fucking Chinamen last night.
Spilled coffee all over the felt.

You let chinks play in here?

- What's this?
- It's light, I know.

Light? It's a fucking dirigible.

You're getting
a lot of use out of that line, I bet.

- What am I supposed to tell Nucky?
- Tell him I don't know.

But you can ask him
why I had to hire this mick

when I ain't got no booze to sell.

You're evading the issue, Lolly.

Let me tell you
about the casino business, Damien.

People gamble.

They lose, they get mad,

so we give 'em free drinks
so they keep gambling.

Sometimes they win, they get happy,
so we give 'em more free drinks.

Then they're drunk,

so they gamble even more
and eventually they lose it all.

The next night they come back
and do it all over again.

So the whole fucking equation
depends on what?

Alcohol.

You just got a load last month!

Of the cheap shit, the swill,
and I'm even running low on that.

The rollers want the good stuff.
We ain't got it, they play someplace else.

It's hard, Lolly. Nuck's fighting for his life.

We're all fighting for our lives.

He wants fat envelopes?
I'm gonna need the booze from him.

Or from somebody else.

Same route, same order.

Hell, it's even
the same fellas meeting you on shore.

- It's a passing of the mantle.
- Sure.

Back to the fella already passed it to Nucky.

I'll be buying my liquor somewhere, Captain.
Might as well be from Bill McCoy.

So it's not so much you want to buy from me
as you don't want me selling to Nucky.

That needn't concern you.

Ah, but the enemy of my friend...

I believe you have that backwards, Mr. McCoy.

- Feeling flush, are you?
- God bless Mr. Volstead.

Halibut and motor oil,
that's what he used to smell like.

Now he's a fucking big shot.

Your attempt at charm, Lou?

My attempt to talk sense to a jackass.

I thought you made a deal,

you and Nucky, years ago.

Didn't like the terms.

So he bested you in the bargain
and now you're fucking him over.

Let's keep the conversation civil, huh?

- Just politics, Bill.
- Or mutiny.

Depending which business you're in.

Giving me the stink-eye for?

Captain? That lighthouse out there,

the beacon that guides you?

Don't you forget who put it there.

That scotch in your hand
that warms your winter nights?

Don't you forget who put it there.

- Now what?
- All right, get on the phone.

Get Tony Dennehy at the Coast Guard.

Nucky, I am so sorry.
I was watering the plants.

- He let himself in.
- Who did?

Mr. Thompson.

Torrio's man.

- AI Capone.
- Right.

- Brew some coffee.
- Immediately.

I was not expecting you until later.

- No excuses, just coffee.
- Ja.

- Sorry for barging in.
- It's been a busy time.

I haven't been able to get
the maid in here lately.

My office is in a cathouse.

What brings you to Atlantic City?

A message from Johnny Torrio.
He wanted you to hear it personally.

So he sends you.

I was coming this way anyhow.
My father died.

I'm settling his affairs.
He got a barbershop over...

What's the message?

With regret,

Chicago will no longer
be buying alcohol from Atlantic City.

Look, whatever Mr. Torrio may have heard
about my position here,

you can assure him that all is well.

- Meaning what exactly?
- That I'd expect a man of his caliber

not to cut and run at the first sign of trouble.

I don't know what you're talking about.
Truth is, this is nothing personal.

Torrio's got a new supplier.

What, did I say that?

Don't get cute.

New York? Philly? Is it Waxey Gordon?

Unless he's getting out of
the liquor business entirely,

- I'm gonna find out.
- He ain't.

So is he distilling it
from Lake Michigan, what?

You're getting warmer.

Some Jews across the lake,
they're shipping it direct.

- Canada?
- With your pal George Remus in Ohio.

He knew you'd be taking a hit.

A token of goodwill.

What should I tell him?

Tell him, "No, thank you."

Next time
he has something to tell me in person,

I'd like to hear it in person.

Fair enough.

How's Jimmy Irish?

If you're referring to Jimmy Darmody,
you'll have to ask him.

He's moving up in the world, huh?

Tough out there, Chicago? The liquor trade?

It's tough all over, I'd imagine.
There's a lot of dough at stake.

How's Torrio handling the competition?

We're killing 'em.

Did you have trouble finding me?

Why, I asked a fella for directions,
he said, "Leave town and don't look back."

Oh, no!

The good stuff, straight from Broadway.

It was a joke, peaches. I was kidding.
Ocean City's fine.

It's not that.

It's just seeing you
reminds me of everything I'm missing.

Missing? You're not missing a thing, kid.
A baby, that's the ticket.

I tell you,
Ida and the girls make life worth living.

Papa, whoever he is,
oh, wait till he gets a load of that kisser.

He's married.

Mr. Mueller?

- Who?
- The name on the mailbox.

That's not his name.
He's some prohi I met in a speak.

You met a prohi in a speak?

Oh.

After Nucky threw me over, I didn't care.

I wasn't careful.

Then the next thing I knew...

He said he'd pay me...

Good money.

Take care of me until the baby comes.

You should've written
you were short on dough.

No,

it's just...

Oh, it's just that I wanted to...

...be important to somebody.

I wanted...

I wanted to mean something
besides just whoopee.

You know?

Does Nucky know?

He knows about everything else,

I wouldn't be surprised.

So tell me about Vaudeville.

- What's the gossip?
- You mean besides you?

We're dead for winter

and MacGregor's coming into the Apollo
with this snoozer.

A showgirl wants to marry a society boy,

but his parents won't...

- Is it that bad?
- Huh, huh? What? Oh.

It's not that terrible, I suppose.

Hmm.

"A Dangerous Maid."

Ange?

- Daddy!
- Jimmy.

Here they are.

Mutt and mutt.

What are you doing here?

Hey.

- Thank heavens.
- Hey, watch the lamp!

Tommy, get him, get him! Get him!

Get him!

Tommy...

- All he's gotta do is step aside.
- Naturally.

Like Colosimo. Bang!

That's not how we're working it.
It's a political coup.

- A what?
- We're taking back the city.

My father used to run things here.

Fuck the city. What about the booze?

We got it all locked up. We got the...

The Coast Guard in our pocket
and Nucky will be in jail by fall.

Jail?

Just have Frankenstein
drill a hole in his noggin.

I won't do that.

What do you mean, "won't"?

So how about you?

You still at the Deuces?

Torrio gave me a piece. The brewery, too.
20% of each.

I bought a house.
I'm moving my brothers out from Brooklyn.

So we're both cooking with gas.

I wish I knew you were coming.
I would have baked something myself.

No, this is great. Perfetto.

Are you staying for dinner as well?

No, I got a train for Brooklyn.

My father passed a few weeks back.
I'm settling his affairs.

Oh, I'm sorry.

He was a barber, had his own shop.

Not like your father, but he did okay.

Thought I'd be a barber, too.

Can you see that?

It's an honest living.

And it worked him to death like a chump.
But he was my father, right?

I marry a mick, you marry a dago,

and we both got sons. What's that about?

- Daddy, my shoes won't tie.
- What?

My shoes won't tie!

I'll be right back.

They won't tie, huh?

You don't remember what I showed you?

Watch Daddy's leg.

- Looped.
- Loop, okay.

- Wrap, put it through, pull it tight.
- Like that?

- Yes.
- Okay.

- Looped, wrap it around...
- One? Two?

- No, one loop.
- Two loops?

- No, one loop!
- Three loop. Then...

Wrap it around. No.

How is Odette?

Who?

- Put the string in between.
- In between.

- And pull tight.
- Pull it tight.

She's a whore. That's how she is.

You know how to do it
better than I do.

You just like... You just like it when I do it.

Daddy, Daddy!

- Hey, hey!
- Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!

- I need your help...
- Daddy, Daddy!

Can I just get my coat off at least?

Your father's agitated or something.
He won't let me shave him, change his bed.

Leave him be, he's comfortable.

It's days now he's sleeping in his clothes.
He'll get bedsores.

Hey, Pop.

Time to go to sleep.

Look who's here. The big shot.

Come on, let's get you changed, okay?

Here, this bullshit.

What they're trying to do?

You shouldn't read that. Here.

It's a lot of goddamn bullshit.

- I know.
- What?

- Let's get you cleaned up, okay?
- I gotta be ready in case he needs me.

- Who?
- Your brother!

Well, to do that
you're gonna need your rest, okay?

So here, come on.

What'll become of him?

He's a big boy, Pop. He'll take care of himself.

Bullshit.

- Pop, come on. Quit squirming.
- You need to help him.

You can handle things, but Eli?
He has no goddamn idea what he's doing.

Mr. Thompson.

Good night.

You're up.

I am. How was your day?

It was good.

Chalky White's gonna make bail.
He'll be home very soon.

Oh. His family must be thrilled.

You all right?

I'm fine.

You look... I don't know.

The book maybe.

So are you going to tell me
what's going on or not?

Is it only me who has to share their troubles?

What do you mean?

You walk around,
the weight of the world on your shoulders,

yet you pretend nothing's wrong.

I'll do the worrying for the both of us.

I want to help you.

You do. You are.

I've told you of
my brother and sisters in Ireland.

Yes?

They're here now, in Brooklyn.

There's a resemblance.

There's a telephone number.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

It wasn't a happy parting of the ways.

This business, when it all blows over?
I'd like to take you away.

Have you seen Paris?

No.

Then that's where we'll go.
The kids, too, if you like.

We'll book a suite at the Meurice.

- I'm quite happy here, you know.
- I'm very glad to hear that.

But it's important
to always have something to look forward to.

The whole encounter
will be balanced on a razor.

Take your father's lead,
but be your own man as well.

So I shouldn't let him cut my meat for me?

I'm glad you're so cavalier.

- It's just a dinner, Ma.
- With the governor, dear.

Your father's worked very hard
to solidify this relationship.

And you know
what they say about first impressions.

You used to call him "the Letch."

- Who?
- My father.

I did not.

You did. I had to look it up.

Well, it must have been when
I was still angry with him.

And what's changed?

I grew up.

I learned forgiveness.

It is a virtue, you know.

By that logic I should forgive Nucky.

Forgive Nucky for what?

Nothing.

It means everything
that you stood up for my honor, dear.

I was a mere child
when Nucky brought me to your father.

You're certainly right about that.

- What's with his hair?
- Getting old is no picnic, believe me.

It looks foolish.

To you, maybe.

To the outside world,
he just looks like the Commodore.

A friend of mine buried his father.

He was a barber.

Oh?

Sometimes I think
I'd be better suited to a simpler life.

Well, that's ridiculous.
You're a natural leader.

And what are you?

I'm just a woman who loves her family.

"I know what
everybody says about me behind my back.

"That I'm just some flibbertigibbet
with cotton wool between the ears.

"Well, I'm wise to a thing or two, I guess.

"You think I'll fall
for any old bean with pomade in his hair

"and the keys to a coupe?

"And maybe I would have last month,

"but now I'm in love with Harry.

"So what if I don't know how to hit a ball
with a stick on a horse,

"or laugh without showing my teeth?

"I love him and he loves me.

"And whether we wind up
in some swank mansion

- "or just in a tarpaper shack..."
- What are you doing?

Nothing.

Please.

What is this?

What's it look like? A script.

Why were you reading it?

My friend Eddie came over today...

Eddie Cantor.

He's a performer. I've seen his name.
What did you discuss?

Only that there's a musical trying out in town.

And he thinks... Eddie...

He thinks I'd be good for the part.
A chorus girl.

In the story, she's a chorus girl
who gets jammed up with the wrong guy.

Everything written here
is what the actors are supposed to say?

Ain't you ever seen a show?

Hey, give that...

I was taken by an aunt
to a Christmas pageant in 1894.

When my parents found out,
they broke off all relations

and never spoke to her again.

Well, you don't know what you're missing.

You wish to appear in this spectacle?

Please speak up.

Yes! Yes, I wish to appear.

I need something,

something or I'm going to go crazy.

But you realize that's not possible.

You're carrying a child.

That is a sacred charge from the Lord
and a financial agreement between us.

So what you might want can't be allowed.

I'm sorry.

I told him, Nuck. I hollered and everything.

And he said what?

That without the hooch,
people don't gamble as much.

We got three boats coming in tonight.
Scotch, rum and rye.

Tell him to keep his shirt on.

The Attorney General is on the line.

This isn't to be critical, but you need to start
picking up on people's signals.

Okay, Nuck.

I need to take this call, Damien.

Right. Yes, I'm so sorry.

So sorry.

Mr. Attorney General.

Why so formal?
The only thing new is the title.

How are you settling in, Harry?

Warren had to have the place fumigated.
Seriously,

the White House? It's filthy.

Not nearly as dirty
as when you fellas get through with it.

What can I do for you, Nuck?

Well, speaking of messes, I'm in one myself.

You hear about this election nonsense
they're throwing at me?

I read the papers, sure.
At least my clerk does it for me.

Well, not to put too fine a point on it,

but if you were ever
planning on making good on a certain debt,

now would be the time.

Hey, you leave a case of wine
on top of a radiator?

- Come on.
- What?

- Sorry, Nuck.
- I say I'm calling in a favor.

- I heard you, I just... I don't know.
- You don't know what?

I hope it's how to thank me

and not whether a bastard kid
would've cost your boy the election.

Don't get me wrong, Nucky,
we're all very grateful,

but yours was a state election.

- So?
- So, I have

no standing to intervene on federal level.

- You can't get Harding to pull some strings?
- Tell you what,

how about you come down for a visit?

My guest, you and your gal,

dinner at the White House.
Stay over if you like.

I know Warren would love to see you.
How does that sound?

It sounds like you're fucking me over.

Let me unpack my socks at least, will you?

Swell, Harry.
In the meantime, I'll try to stay out of jail.

Meyer, Charlie,

I believe you know Mr. Masseria.

- Sure...
- Everybody knows Joe The Boss.

Then perhaps you also know,

though it is, of course, news to me,

that a card game you operate
is located in territory

that Mr. Masseria considers to be his.

Not considers! Is mine.

My thinking was,

before any more blood is shed,
that a compromise can be reached.

More blood?

Tompkins Square Park, my two nephews?

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

Apparently two of Mr. Masseria's emissaries
to your establishment

were murdered shortly after their visit.

We do operate a game

in what might be termed
a gray area territorially,

but as to any violence in the neighborhood...

They stab themself, huh?

It's a coincidence, then. It happens.

On my streets,

no coincidence.

Now this little prick,

since he's 10 years old he causes problems.

It seems to me you boys ought to extend
a token of goodwill towards Mr. Masseria.

Shall we say

a one-time fee of $2,000
for the families of those gentlemen

and a tax of 10% on the game going forward?

Hold on a fucking second...

Charlie.

10% is okay...

...for now.

Then we have an agreement?

What are you doing with these Christ-killers?

Come with me, I'll make you rich.

With your other hand in my pocket.

I'm watching you boy.

Charlie.

A.R., two grand is bad enough,
but 10% of the fucking game?

We already pay
half the take on that game to you.

Yes.

And now you boys know why.

There's another speak off Baltic.

Right time of night,
you'll be good for 100 cases.

What kind of security, Mr. Cusick?

The usual...

Shotguns, pistols.
And the name is Doyle now.

Your file says "Cusick."

Then it's wrong,

'cause I already
been arrested under the new moniker.

I can arrest you again if you like,
see if it sticks.

Cusick'll be dandy.

Cash up front, Officer.

You wanna dance, you pay the piper.

Any chance you wanna sell back
any hooch you might happen to confiscate?

Are you admitting to me
that you're a bootlegger, Mr. Cusick?

Jesus, I can't get a bead on you.

So, that's what you like.

Can't fault you there.

I'm a married man.
I have no interest in women of that sort.

"Treat a queen like a whore

"and a whore like a queen."

That's what my Uncle Louie used to say.

Let me ask you, Mr. Doyle,

would you consider Nucky Thompson fun?

- For whom should I ask?
- Any occupant of apartment 2A.

- I don't often speak on the telephone...
- Just relax.

I told you what to say.

Hello.

Yes. Any occupant of apartment 2A, please.

Yes, very good. He'll fetch someone.

- Is it a friend you're looking for?
- A relation.

In America? Are they...

Yes, hello.

I am attempting to locate Miss Peggy Rohan,

and I wondered if I...

Yes, I see.

And you're quite sure of this?

I'm terribly sorry.

A second man...
The man the first man went to fetch?

He says...

I'm sorry,

but he says Peggy Rohan is dead, ma'am.

He said she died 12 years ago.

Mayor Bader dropped by.

He invited you
to join him and Mrs. Bader for dinner.

- Tell him I'm busy.
- Anything specific?

- Just make something up.
- Ja.

Oh!

I was wondering why the phone had not rung.

Just leave it.

Mr. Thompson, I do hope I'm not intruding.

What do you want?

A word, if you've time, sir.

Have a seat.

Thanks.

As you know, sir, I've...
And I'm eternally grateful...

I've been tending bar
for Mr. Steinman at the casino there.

Tonight.

- Sir?
- The booze.

There's a shipment tonight.

Yes, sir.

- That's actually not why I'm here.
- Why are you here?

- What's your name again?
- Owen Sleater.

I'm here, sir, 'cause I read the papers.

More importantly I read between the lines.

And you've concluded what?

That my talents
are being wasted behind a tap.

What are your talents, Mr. Sleater?

Making people stop.

Stop what?

Whatever it is
you don't want them to be doing.

What makes you think
I need a man with those skills?

Well, if you need me to tell you, sir,
you need me more than I thought.

Nucky, I just received a call.

A ship-to-shore message from Bill McCoy.
The Coast Guard is seizing his ships.

I thank you for your time, sir.

Hello?

Hello? Hello.

Delivery for Mueller.

So you set the record.

You wind her up.

You place the needle...

And you're all set.

Hmm.

Excuse me.

Who sent this?

That would be Mr. Mueller.

The girl's being coy
with you, Lilian.

Oh, yes, him.

"Oh, yes, him," she says.

I saw the way you looked at him. We both did.

- You were giddy as a schoolgirl...
- Is this a private party?

Ma'am, I'm so sorry.

Sit. Pour me a drink.

- More for yourselves as well.
- Are you sure, ma'am?

It's the first drop kills you.
So there's no harm in the last.

Were you born in Ireland, Katy?

No, ma'am. Here, ma'am.

Please stop calling me that.

If you had been, you'd have left the place.

And far be it from anyone
to begrudge you that escape.

Am I right?

Yes, ma'am... Missus.

Margaret. Why put on airs?

If you wish.

What's this?

Leave it.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

I'd like you to dress for dinner.

What?

Get dressed, please. I'm taking you out.

- Governor Edwards.
- How are you, Babette?

- It's been too long.
- Yes, it has, yes, it has.

- There they are.
- Governor.

- Hey, how are you?
- Good.

Oh, after you, my dear.

Hey, you son of a bitch.

- Louis, how are you?
- How are you?

- Good to see you.
- Shake hands with my son, Jimmy.

- A pleasure.
- Sir.

Governor Edwards, sit down.

I took the liberty of ordering
you a little appetizer.

Don't look so uncomfortable, Ed.

You're not the biggest crook
I've been seen in public with, Louis.

Wish I could say the same about you.

Are we shocking your youthful sensibilities?

I've heard worse, sir.

Jimmy went up
against the Kaiser for two years.

Oh, that's a rough patch of road.

That was only war. This is Atlantic City.

Well done, boy. Well done.

Nucky. Good evening.

It is. Four please.

I wasn't expecting you.

I'm sorry.

It's fine. Relax.

- Let's go to the Blenheim.
- We're eating here.

So you intend
to follow in your papa's footsteps?

I'd like to think I'm my own man.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

But I am eager to learn everything I can.

Yeah? What have you learned so far?

Nothing's free.

You know,
I never thought Volstead was a good idea.

You will after you open that envelope.

The partisan nonsense it caused.

You and I will be a lot closer, Ed.

Republicans, Democrats,
all fucking meaningless

as soon as Nucky Thompson is...

When he's brought to justice.

Right.

We'll have a gala fucking party.

I'll be looking forward to it.

I love this kid...

I'd be happy to eat elsewhere.

Didn't someone mention the Blenheim?

Any questions about the menu?

I think we're all set.

The lady will have the veal chop.

- I'll have the rib-eye.
- Very good, sir.

- Mr. Thompson?
- Lobster Thermidor for the lady.

Center-cut pork chops for me.

I'm so sorry, sir, we're just out of the lobster.

No.

My apologies. Not a minute ago.

- What would you recommend?
- We have chicken cordon bleu

or a poached salmon.

The chicken, then.

Nuck.

You've had your last meal in this place.

Nucky.

Get your fucking hand off me.

Governor, what brings you
to our seaside resort?

You have my sympathy
for your troubles, Nucky.

And you have my undying wish
for a long political career.

You're looking very respectable, James.

Meet his eyes, boy.

I'd say we're both
putting up a pretty good front.

What did he promise you?

More than you ever did.

I keep my promises, James.

And I'll make you one now. I will ruin you.

All of you.

You act more like a fucking child.

You're the expert on children, aren't you?

He never even asked her name.

Just pointed to the one he wanted.
The rest was understood.

Jimmy! Hey, hey, hey, hey.

You're stronger than that. Jimmy!

Have a nice dinner, gentlemen.

Jimmy.

No, no, no, wait. Scratch that.

Better yet, give me 10 rum,
then 20 each of the rye and whiskey.

Hey,

peddle your goods elsewhere.

We'll not be needing your services.

- The fuck you talking about?
- We work for Mr. Thompson.

These are not Mr. Thompson's men.

You want this order or not?

He does not.

Take you for a soldier, lad.

- I was.
- Uh-huh?

And who is it you're fighting for now?

Right. Back on the truck now, like good lads.

I don't take orders from no fucking paddy.

Of course you don't. This is America.

Why did you not shoot me?

I may yet.

I've got no quarrel with you, sir.

We're just not buying any liquor.

You're home.

For a while now.

How was dinner with your father?

Which one?

What was that for?

I don't ever want to see you sad again.

Katy,

would you lay out a suit for the morning?

Yes, Mr. Thompson.

Charcoal pinstripe, please,

double-breasted.

Oh, and tell Teddy not to dig in the front lawn.

What happened at that dinner?
He's certainly in better spirits.

Good night, Katy.

Peggy Rohan...

That's you, isn't it?

I'll never tell, don't worry.

That will be all, Katy.