INT. HONKYTONK - NIGHT

HARDIN

What do you want, Winer? Winer approaches the bar.

WINER

I want to talk to you a minute. By yourself.

HARDIN

Anything you got to say can be said right here. (indicates Jiminez) I believe you met this feller. His name is Jiminez. I brought ‘im up from Memphis to help with some of the light work. He used to bust heads in the meanest whorehouse on Beale Street. (to Jiminez) Winer used to be a pretty good feller till he got ‘im a little pussy. Then he just flew all to pieces, forgot who his friends were anymore. Just can’t keep off that ol’ thin ice.

JIMINEZ

Pussy warps a man’s head worse than codeine ever did. 96. (MORE)

WINER

(determined) I want to see you outside.

HARDIN

I look jus’ the same in here. He pours another glass of Jack Daniels and sits twisting it, watching the patterns of dew it leaves on the counter top.

WINER

(glancing at Amber) I’m goin’ to see her.

HARDIN

Goddamnit, Winer! Does it really have to be spoonfed to you like this? I’ve got money tied up here. I’ve bought her clothes and fed her and by God raised her and now you think you’ll get her off somewhere thinkin’ about dishes and baby buggies and such shit, and it all goes out the winder. Like hell it does! Folks around here beginnin’ to think they can shove me this way and that, and I reckon I’m gonna have to start bangin’ some more heads together. Now pick up that long face and draggy ass and `get out of my place. You n’ your money ain’t no good in here.

WINER

I’ll tell you what, Hardin - why don’t you put me out? Hardin slams the whiskey glass hard on the counter top.

HARDIN

(yelling) No, you won’t tell me what! You won’t tell me jackshit! I’ll tell you what - I don’t have to put you out. I got Jiminez... He’ll have you out of here so fast, all you’ll remember about it was how bad it hurt. Winer turns to Jiminez. 97.

JIMINEZ

WINER

Take me out, Jiminez.

JIMINEZ

The man pays me off on Friday gives my orders. Hardin looks almost weary.

HARDIN

Then take him out.

JIMINEZ

(downing his shot glass) Easy money... He gets up and approaches Winer. Winer throws first, but Jiminez ducks expertly and the punch slides right off his greasy hair. He responds with a one-two punch to Winer’s gut that sends him flying back into a table, scattering DRINKS, DRUNKS and CARDS everywhere. Gasping, on the verge of passing out, Winer struggles to his feet as Jiminez comes after him again. Winer hurls a CHAIR, which Jiminez easily deflects. Winer slams his fist into Jiminez’ gut with all his strength, then does a cross with his other fist across the Mexican’s jaw. His head jerks back a bit, but Jiminez responds with a punch that lands full in Winer’s face, sending him sprawling. He lies there, stunned, as Hardin watches impassively from behind the bar. He pours himself another drink.

HARDIN

Mark him up a little. Mess them smooth jaws up. Ever’ time he looks in a shavin’ mirror, I want him to remember how sweet that pussy was.

JIMINEZ

Then let him get up. I don’t like hittin’ a man when he’s down.

HARDIN

He’ll get up. You couldn’t keep ‘im down with a fuckin’ logchain. He ain’t got sense to lay down and quit. Winer once again is struggling to get up.

WINER

(gasping) You better make him kill me. 98. (MORE)

HARDIN

(sipping his whiskey) I know the words to that old song - I’ve heard it often enough.

JIMINEZ

You gettin’ up or stayin’ down? Winer finally does get to his feet and makes a last-ditch flight at Jiminez who swings, but whose bulk now works against him. Winer ducks under the Mexican’s fist and hits him square in the gut, knocking him backwards into the bar. As Jiminez lands on the floor, Winer turns toward Amber.

WINER

If you wanna go, now’s your chance. Amber hesitates only a moment before nodding. She gets to her feet.

FAT FARMER

Now, see here... She tosses the man’s DRINK in his face.

AMBER

(to Winer) Let’s go. She and Winer run out the door as Jiminez, back on his feet, begins pursuit.