*We open in a wide open room in a newspaper office. There's several desks scattered around. Some are currently occupied; some aren't. Chuck works at his desk, one of the closet to the editor's office.*

(As Chuck clacks away on the typewriter, the camera pulls up...and reveals Sach, Duke, and Myron hurrying towards his desk.)

Sach: Chuckie! Slip's gone!

Chuck: *Stops typing abruptly and looks up* What?

Myron: We can't find him!

Chuck: You can't FIND him? Shouldn't he be at work?

Sach: (Shakes his head) The real estate agency called...and boy, are they mad! Not only is he not there, but he's been drunk every time he's shown up for the past three days! They're gonna fire him if he doesn't get his act together!

Chuck: *Slumps back in his chair* Which means they're gonna fire him eventually. *sighs* Where could he be?

Duke: (Shrugs) We don't know. He's not at the boarding house. He's not at Mike's or any other bar on Canal Street. He's not at Sally's. She not only hasn't spoken to him for days, but apparently wouldn't speak to him if he were the last man on Earth.

Chuck: Alright. I'm gonna go talk to the editor and see if he'll let me out early. Then we'll all go look for him. I'll be right back. *Heads for editor's office*

Myron: *Sighs* Did you see the defeated look on Chuck's face?

Sach: (Nods) I feel so bad for him. Chiefy's really been bad ever since Louie left, and it's hurtin' Chuck.

Duke: (Slams his fist into his palm) When I get my hands on that asshole Slip, I'm gonna smack my fist so far into his face, he'll need to surgically remove it. He doesn't have to do this to his brother just because he can't handle him having a life of his own.

Sach: Duke, I don't think that'll make things any better. Chiefy just won't listen to reason.

Myron: He won't listen to anyone or anything.

Duke: I don't care about making him listen. Slip's being a poor brother and a lousy chief. And why? Just because Louie left and he actually has to be an adult for once.

Myron: Duke, punching won't make him realize what he's doing wrong.

Duke: Yeah, but it'll make ME feel better.

Sach: There has to be a way to make him understand how much he's hurting everyone...includin' him. Even I know this ain't right.

Chuck: *Comes out of the office* Okay, fellas, the editor gave me the rest of the day off. *shrugs* I gave him the whole honest story, and he's still gonna pay me for the afternoon. *sighs* Let’s get going while we still have daylight.

Duke: (As they head for the subway) Chuck, I can't believe you're letting your brother run all over you like this. It's obvious that what he's doin' is hurtin' you.

Sach: (Nods) We can all tell, Chuck. I think Butch could before he left, too.

Chuck: *Stuffs his hands in his jacket pockets* The problem isn’t that he’s running over me, but he IS my brother, and I care about him. *sighs* He used to be so strong. I really looked up to him. Now... *looks at his feet*

Sach: (As they line up to pay for their subway tickets) I know how you feel, Chuckie. Slip's my best friend. He's been my best friend practically since we were born. I can't stand seein' him like this. He's not my Chiefy anymore.

Duke: (As they make their way towards the turnstiles) He ain't no good to anyone like this, includin' us.

Chuck: No, he isn't. He isn't any good like this.

Myron: He's gotta know we still care about him and his well-being, right?

Chuck: *Shakes his head* I don't think he does anymore.

Myron: Then he really doesn't know what he's doing to us?

Chuck: No.

Duke: (As they get on the subway) No, and he doesn't care. All he cares about right now is that Louie is gone...and Louie leaving him pulled that rug of security out from under him.

Sach: (Shrugs) Yeah, I'm gonna miss Louie, too, but he's gettin' old. He deserved his retirement.

Chuck: Slip doesn't see it that way. All he sees is someone else leaving him behind. *sighs again* I just want to find him.

Duke: And say what? You guys can't keep mollycoddling him. He's going to destroy himself and take all of you down with him.

Chuck: *Turns to Duke, his face a complete mask of fear* I don't know. I just want to find him.

Duke: And what are we going to do when we do find him? (He sits next to Chuck) You can't let him do this to you. It's not fair. You have a life of your own. So do I. So do Myron and Sach and Whitey.

Chuck: I...I don't know. I've just been so afraid he's going to get himself killed or something. And now he's gone missing...

Duke: I'm sure he's fine. At least, I hope he is. I want to wallop him silly whether he is or isn't. He shouldn't be doing this to you guys. He's being a selfish ass.

Chuck: I would too, if I wasn't so damn worried about him.

Duke: I'll bet he's just drunk in some bar we don't know about.

Chuck: I hope so.

*We cut from the subway to the building that was Louie's Sweet Shop. It's still dark and vacant. Danny sits on the sidewalk, playing Jacks. Slip hobbles around.*

Slip: (Obviously drunk) Asses. Everyone's gone. They're leavin'. (Turns to Danny) Ain't you gonna leave, too?

Danny: *Shakes his head* Nope. I don't have to leave until my curfew.

Slip: Why not? Everyone else does. (Shows him the ring) See this? I gave it to Sally, but she left me. Chuckie left me. He's some big-shot reporter now. He don't need his brother. Butch left. Louie left. Louie was like my own father, and he left! (Grabs Danny) You gonna listen to me, or what?

Danny: *Tries to not noticeably tremble* I am listening. Playing Jacks helps me listen.

Slip: (Shakes him) You listen. I used to be somethin'. I used to have a whole gang. We used to hang out on the streets. We had a great time. I was prizefightin'. I was gonna be somethin' big. (He growls) Then I got hurt. Then the war came. Then everyone started leavin'. Duke left. Gabe left. When they came back, they were grown-ups. Didn't have time for kid stuff. Chuckie got big ideas. Everyone started leavin'. 'Cept Sach. He don't go nowhere.

Danny: *Gulps* But others have joined you! What about Myron and me? (Frowns) Besides, you and the others aren't kids anymore!

Slip: Ehh, who gives a shit? (He finally drops Danny) Louie left. Louie's gone. He's gone, Dan. He was our rock. He gave us money. He gave us his back room. He gave us...everythin'. (He leans against the store window, slamming his fist on it) Damn him! (Finally slams his fist so hard, it goes right through the window!) Damn him! Damn them all! (Growls at Danny) Damn you, too!

Danny: *Pulls a handkerchief from his pocket* Good thing I remembered it today! *grabs Slip's hand and wraps it with the handkerchief; in a low voice* Damn me all you want, Slip. I just want to help. Frankly, I'm scared out of my mind that you're gonna hurt me, but I don't want to see you hurt.*shrugs* I'm not expecting you to understand that right now.

Slip: (He tries to push Danny away) Knock it off, Dan. I don't need you playin' little mother.

Danny: *Comes right back up to Slip* You DO need it, whether you admit it or not. *looks down at Slip's hand; turns a little green at the sight of the blood* You've gotta clean this so it doesn't get infected.

Slip: I don't gotta do nuthin'.

Danny: Okay... *swallows down his nausea* will you please clean it?

Slip: No.

Danny: All right... *lets Slip's hand, leaving it wrapped with the handkerchief; he can't help his gag reflex* Ooohhh, I really don't do well with blood. *manages to compose himself enough to ask* What did you give Louie in return for all he did?

Slip: I dunno. Maybe that's why he left.

Danny: He left to go live somewhere better for his health, Slip.

Slip: Screw his health. I want him here. He's left me, Dan.

Danny: *Eyes widen slightly* That isn't fair to him! Would you rather him be in Florida, or dead?

Slip: Don't want him to be dead. I want him to be here. Him n' Scruno n' Chuck n' the guys. I don't want things to change.

Danny: Slip, you can't keep things exactly the same. Things change from day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute!

Slip: Don't want 'em to!

Danny: You have no control over them!

Slip: Control this! (He makes a clumsy swing at Danny)

*But the clumsy swing catches Danny off guard, clipping his chin. He staggers back a little, managing to stay on his feet.*

Danny: *Rubs his chin* What did I do!? *still holds his chin as he goes back up to Slip again* Slip, please, you have to listen to me! You just have to! Oh, the others are worried about you!

Slip: I want 'em here! (He slams against the windows again) They ain't here! They don't care!

Danny: *On the verge of hysterics* Slip, please stop that! They're looking for you! We were all looking for you, but I'm afraid of the subway, so I didn't go with the others. I'd call to let them know you're here, if I knew where they were going...

Slip: (At the top of his lungs) Then WHERE ARE THEY?

*Danny cringes, whimpering. He overs his head with his arms.*

*Slip's already drawing back a fist to strike the whimpering Danny again as Duke arrives first, shortly followed by Chuck, Sach, and Myron.*

(Duke doesn't say a word. He just hits Slip in the face as hard as he possibly can.)

*Chuck pulls Danny away and over to the other two, then steps up to flank Duke. Slip stumbles back and slumps into the doorway of the former sweet shop. He holds his jaw.*

Slip: Ya little shit!

Duke: I could say the same thing about you. Where in the hell have you been? You've worried all of us half to death!

Slip: I was at the bar, then got harassed here.

Chuck: Harassed?!

Duke: You're drunk! (Frowns) And what did you do to your hand?

Danny: *From between Sach and Myron* He punched the window!

Chuck: You punched the window?!

Sach: What did the window ever do to you?

Slip: Dunno, but at least it didn't leave me like the rest of ya did!

Danny: I tried to reason with him, fellas...

Chuck: Slip, where's your crutches? You know you're supposed to still be using them.

Duke: Leave you? Slip, have you lost what remains of your marbles?

Slip: *Ignores Duke; to Chuck* Whadaya care, Mother?

Duke: You lay offa him.

Slip: Yer all just gonna leave, so leave already!

Duke: We ain't leavin' ya. Not while you're like this.

Slip: Then ya will.

Sach: Chiefy, why do you think we'll leave you?

Slip: Cuz the others did. Louie did.

Duke: Slip, get it through your fat head. Louie retired. He either retired, or had a nervous breakdown.

Sach: And you wouldn't wanna see Louie do that, whatever that is.

Slip: But he'd be HERE, DAMMIT!

Danny: Not if it killed him!

Slip: *Makes a jerky motion toward Danny* SHUDDUP!

(Duke hits Slip again, this time in the gut as hard as he can.)

*The shot doubles Slip over with a loud "Oof!" as all the wind leaves him. He coughs, gasping.*

Duke: (Yanks him by the arm and pulls him close to him) We're gonna take you to Bernie Punsley to get that hand looked at, then to your place. We're gonna give you a gallon or so of black coffee...and you're gonna listen to us. All of us. We can't keep doin' it on the street. You'll be lucky if you don't get arrested for breakin' that window.

Sach: (Puts his arm around Slip) Come on. We'll flag down Billy Hallop. I think he's usually near Mike's at this time of day, driving drunks home.

(We fade out as the group leads Slip down the street to the cab with the familiar young man who's already running towards them.)

(Fade in on the apartment. It's much later in the evening. Everything looks the same, except for the very empty spot where Butch's piano was. The TV is also a bit larger and newer. Duke comes in first and turns on the lights in the living room and kitchen. He's followed by Myron with a still-scared-looking Danny.)

*Sach and Chuck follow, with Slip between them. Slip is more sedated now, his fist now medically wrapped. They set him down in his chair in the living room. Danny remains as far away from Slip as he can manage.*

Chuck: *Starts the coffee* What are we gonna do with him?

Sach: I guess puttin' him on a leash is out.

Duke: We're gonna talk to him. He might actually be more willing to listen while he's like this.

Chuck: Our best time to do it.

Sach: Chief, how do you feel now?

*Slip shrugs.*

Duke: Do you think you're up to talkin'?

Slip: 'Bout what?

Duke: (Pulls up a chair next to his) About how you acted down on Canal Street. You're lucky the real estate agency didn't press charges. They own the joint now.

Slip: *His eyes seem to look through Duke* They're good like that.

Danny: Why'd ya hit me!? I was just tryin' to help!

*Slip just shrugs again.*

Duke: Slip...listen to us. Louie didn't leave 'cause he didn't like you, or me, or anyone. He left 'cause of his health.

Slip: S'just an excuse.

Duke: Slip...why is this upsettin' ya so much?

Sach: (Shrugs) Yeah. I don't get it. Things happen. Even I understand that.

Slip: *Shakes his head* I ain't in control. We ain't what we used ta be. I ain't what I was.

Sach: Ok, so you ain't what you was. You can be even better! I know I am!

Slip: No. Bein' tough don't work no more.

Duke: That's what you're afraid of, ain't it? That's what has you so upset. You're afraid that you've lost control of the group.

Slip: I did lose control...can't stop 'em leavin'. Butch moved away. Whitey's gettin' married. Bud and Junior got good jobs. Chuckie's always workin'.

Duke: Slip, that's life.

Sach: You still have me, Chiefy!

*Slip groans.*

Slip: An' Louie...

Duke: Slip, Louie's gonna write us. He's gonna call us. Maybe we'll even get to visit him in Florida. It's not like he's dead.

Slip: It ain't the same! I can't talk to him at 2 AM when Mama's hogging the covers and Sach is keepin' me awake wit' his dreams of Cynthia.

Sach: Hey! I don't do that!

Duke: Sach, that's besides the point. First of all, Slip, I don't think he'd mind a call at 2 AM, especially if Mama still hogs the covers. Florida is on the same coast and has the same hours we do.

Slip: No, it don't mean the same thing if he ain't here!

Duke: Slip, have you ever considered lookin' for another mentor, like Mike or Ma Kelly?

Sach: Yeah, there's still a lot of great old people around here! Ma Kelly thinks you're wonderful!

Slip: Naw, she's not the right type. Louie always told me stories of stuff he got away wit' when he was younger. It was the same type-a things I'd try, but got caught.

*Chuck brings a mug of very black coffee to Slip and puts it in his hand. Slip seems to stare through it at first, then takes a long slug from it.*

Duke: You ever listened to Ma's stories? She used to be a comedienne on Broadway. She went on tours with big shows. She was the fourth female lead in one of the biggest hit musicals of the twenties. I think it was the one about the steam boat and the river.

Slip: Yeah, I heard 'em.

Chuck: But they aren't Louie's, right?

*Slip nods, then drains more of coffee.*

Duke: All of these changes are scarin' ya shitless, ain't they? Not just Louie, either. Everythin' that's goin' on in New York. All the new construction. The new people. There's more Hispanics than Jews on the Lower East Side now.

Slip: *Nods* I can't keep up.

Duke: Maybe Louie's not the only one who needs a change of scenery, Slip. Have you ever considered livin' somewhere else 'sides New York?

Sach: (Smiles a little) Maybe it's time you got that farm, Chiefy.

Slip: I dunno. Sally won't go wit' me.

Chuck: So talk to her. Tell her you now realize what you need to do and that you have a problem. She can help you.

Slip: No, she won't.

Chuck: You don't know that.

Duke: She's taken you back before. She'll do it again.

Sach: We'll help you talk to her.

Slip: I pushed her too far and too hard this time.

Sach: Chiefy, she loves you. She always has. She probably always will. She always takes you back.

Slip: *Shakes his head* No... *the dazed look in his eyes is replaced by a harsh realization that's he thinks he's lost her for good; groans and puts his head in his hands* What the hell have I done!?

Duke: You got drunk and said things you shouldn't have. You were never really fun to be around when you were drunk, even when we were kids.

Slip: *Glares up at Duke* Don't you know a rhetorical question when ya hear one?

Chuck: *Kneels next to Slip's chair* Slip, you need to stop drinking, or at least cut back. It's hurt all off us through you.

Sach: (Nods) Yeah. We can't trust you anymore. You're not the Chiefy we used to know.

Duke: You sure as hell ain't the guy I admired and respected when I was a kid.

Slip: *Frowns at their words* I... *glances at Chuck and just catches him swiping at an eye* Shit. *groans* When did I become such an asshole?

Sach: I dunno, Chief. Maybe it was when the moon was high and love was in the air...

Slip: *Blinks, then motions for Sach to come to him* C'mere, Sach...

Sach: (He goes over to Slip) Yeah, Chief?

*In one swift motion, Slip pulls his hat from inside his jacket and wallops Sach over the head with it*

Slip: *Slight grin* If anything or anyone could stay the same, I'm glad it's you, Sach.

Sach: (He pulls away, but he's grinning) I guess you're feelin' better now, Chief.

Slip: No, but I'm dealin' wit' it a little better.

Sach: I'm glad to hear that. I hate it when you're upset, Chief. You're like another brother to me. (Grins) And considerin' how many brothers I have, that's sayin' a lot.

Duke: Slip, we've all pretty much agreed that you need help. You need to talk to someone. Talk to Mike. Talk to Ma. And I know you hate it, but you might even want to find a reliable psychiatrist.

Slip: Yer right, I do hate it... *sighs* but I'll do it.

Danny: *Suddenly appears laying on the couch, holding his hands up like he has a notepad; with a German accent* Zo tell me all about your problemz...

(Sach bursts out laughing.)

Slip: *grins* Ya jerk...

*Chuck starts laughing, to the point of hiding his face against the side of the chair. Myron just bursts out laughing as well. Danny chuckles as he sits upright again.*

(Duke grins and slaps Danny on the back.)

Duke: Good thinkin'. We needed that, man.

Danny: *Still grinning* Always glad to help.

Slip: Danny, yer a nut, but I'm glad ya are. *sighs* Hell, ya prob'ly kept me from doin' som'en a lot dumber than puttin' my fist through a window down on the street.

Danny: *Shrugs* I wasn't gonna just leave you.

Slip: *To the others* This nut was there for nearly an hour before the rest of ya showed up.

Danny: And I was playing Jacks for most of it. I almost got my sixies.

Duke: Danny, we owe you more than we can ever repay.

Sach: (He puts his arm around Danny) That's my pal!

Danny: Aw, I was just being a friend.

Chuck: Thank you, Danny, very much.

Danny: *Turns several shades of red* Gee...

Duke: I think we ought to pay a visit to Sally. All of us. Slip is gonna need our support.

Chuck: *nods* Definitely.

Slip: You guys are real pals to help a jerk like me.

Sach: 'Cause we know that somewhere in there is our Chiefy.

Duke: And we value your friendship.

Chuck: And that deep down you still love us, even if you might not seem like you do.

Slip: *Claps Chuck's shoulder* I couldn't ask for a better brother.

Danny: Wait, I got an idea! *disappears down the "hallway" briefly, then returns with a guitar* How about a round of Kumbaya?

(Now everyone bursts into laughter at once...even Slip.)

Danny: *Snickering* But I was serious! *busts all-out laughing*