Setting: A dimly-lit back booth at The Gemini Lounge. The smell of stale beer and cigars hangs in the air. Tony the Chop is methodically cleaning his fingernails with a switchblade. Yugo Joe slides into the booth across from him.
Yugo Joe: We’re goin’ out tomorrow night.
Tony the Chop: (Doesn’t look up) Yeah? Where? The docks? That thing with the Poles?
Yugo Joe: Nah. Something cultural. We’re goin’ to a concert.
(Tony’s knife stops. He slowly raises his head, his expression flat.)
Tony the Chop: A what? You gettin’ soft on me, Joe? I don’t do ballet.
Yugo Joe: (Chuckles, lighting a cigarette) Ballet. That’s good. Nah. It’s Thin Lizzie.
Tony the Chop: Thin… who? That a new strip club over in Bay Ridge?
Yugo Joe: It’s a band, you philistine. Rock and roll. Irish guys. Good stuff. “The Boys Are Back in Town.”
Tony the Chop: (Squints, processing) I think I heard that on the radio. In the car. So what, you had a spiritual awakening? You want me to be your… concert buddy?
Yugo Joe: It’s a business thing. Relax. The promoter, Mickey Shines, he’s into us for a lot. Tickets are part of the earnest money. Gotta use ‘em or it looks weak. So we’re goin’. We’ll have a few beers, listen to the music, make an appearance. Shows we’re… approachable. Sociable.
Tony the Chop: (Snorts, flipping the knife closed) Approachable. Right. So we’re just two regular guys at a rock show. Not a pair of collectors who might have to break a guy’s legs later for Mickey Shines if he comes up short again.
Yugo Joe: Exactly. Blend in. Be civilians for a night. Think of it as reconnaissance. You see how people act when they’re happy. It’s educational.
Tony the Chop: (A slow, thin smile spreads across his face) Okay. Okay, I see it. We look like normal Joes. Nobody thinks business. It’s smart.
Yugo Joe: That’s the spirit. Wear a nice shirt. Not the one with the… stains.
Tony the Chop: This is a good shirt.
Yugo Joe: The concert is at eight. I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty. Don’t be late.
Yugo Joe starts to slide out of the booth.
Tony the Chop: Hey, Joe. This band… “The Boys Are Back in Town.” That’s them?
Yugo Joe: Yeah. That’s them.
Tony the Chop: (Nods to himself) Fitting. Alright. I’m in. But if the music sucks, we’re leavin’ and going to a real club.
Yugo Joe: (Walking away) Whatever you say, Tony. Whatever you say.