Made Man

(without turning)

Tony: You just gonna stand there? Frank cautiously moves a little closer. Beat.

Tony: Look at ‘em all. Puppets in boxes. Mice on wheels... They keep running in place, in their little boxes, on their little wheels, day in and day out, workin, but never really gettin anywhere. That’s life, kid. For most, that’s life. Tony turns his head again, waiting for Frank to join him. Frank walks right next to Tony now. Tony looks at him for the first time.

Tony: That’s the life you were headed for. The life I saved you from.

Frank: I know, Tony, I -

Tony: No you don’t know! You don’t know shit! What do you know?! Do you know after your little fuck up last night, I’m the only reason you’re still standing here? I’m the reason you’re still breathin. Do you know that?!

Frank: I know, Tony. I do, believe me. And I’m so grateful, really. But you don’t understand, I had no choice.

Tony: What do you mean, you had no choice?!

Frank: It’s Gabrielle, Tony. They had Gabby. They showed me a live feed of her sleepin on their phone.

(in disbelief)

Tony: They had my Gabby?

Frank: I dunno how they got to her, but they did. And if I didn’t run with their crew that night they were gonna... God I dunno what, but I had to. Can’t you see, I had to? Tony cuts Frank off and grabs him into a strong hug.

Tony: You did the right thing, my boy. You did the right thing. Frank takes a deep breath of release into Tony’s embrace. Tony looks over Frank’s shoulder, worried.