Arnold Rothstein:
Meyer, Charlie, I believe you know Mr. Masseria.
Lucky Luciano:
Everybody knows Joe the boss.
Arnold Rothstein:
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.
Joe Masseria:
Not considers! Is mine.
Arnold Rothstein:
My thinking was, before any more blood is shed, that a compromise can be reached.
Meyer Lansky:
More blood?
Joe Masseria:
Tompkins Square Park, my two nephews?
[imitates throat-cutting]
Lucky Luciano:
I don't know what you're talking about.
Arnold Rothstein:
Apparently two of Mr. Masseria's emissaries to your establishment were murdered shortly after their visit.
Meyer Lansky:
We do operate a game in what might be termed a grey area territorially. But as to any violence in the neighborhood...
Joe Masseria:
They stab themself, eh?
Lucky Luciano:
A coincidence then. It happens.
Joe Masseria:
On my streets, no coincidence.
[indicates Charlie]
Joe Masseria:
This little prick, since he's 10 years old he causes problems.
Arnold Rothstein:
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?
Lucky Luciano:
Hold on a fuckin' second...
Arnold Rothstein:
Charlie.
Joe Masseria:
10% is okay. For now.
Arnold Rothstein:
Then we have an agreement?
[shake hands]
Joe Masseria:
[in Italian]
What are you doing with these Christ-killers? Come with me, I'll make you rich.
Lucky Luciano:
[in Italina]
With your other hand in my pockets.
Joe Masseria:
[in Italian]
I'm watching you, boy. Every fucking step.
[Luciano stands up angrily]
Arnold Rothstein:
Charlie.
Lucky Luciano:
A.R., two grand is bad enough, but 10% of the fucking game?
Meyer Lansky:
We already pay half the take on that game to you.
Arnold Rothstein:
Yes. And now you boys know why.