The Sting Page #5

JIMMY:

You gonna have a go here?

(pointing to the

betting board)

How 'bout a ten spot on the line

here. The 4-9 been lookin' good

today. Lotsa action on 28th Street

down there, too. Pay ya 10-1.

As Jimmy finishes his spiel, he starts the wheel spinning

and drops in the ball. Betting is allowed to continue until

the ball drops from the outer ring into the center.

HOOKER:

(taking out his wallet)

Three grand on the black.

Jimmy is stunned. The others at the table, used to dollar

bets, look at Hooker like he's some kind of foreign dignitary.

JIMMY:

(worried)

You sure you wanna start off that

big? Bet like that could put a

real dent in us.

HOOKER:

I feel lucky tonight.

JIMMY:

Aw, come on, Hooker, why don't you

just...

HOOKER:

Three grand on the black, Jimmy.

Jimmy wants to argue some more, but the ball is getting

ready to drop into the center. We see Jimmy quickly press a

hidden lever under the table with his foot. The ball falls

and settles into red 27 with a motion that is not quite

right. The others at the table fail to notice, but Hooker

is not fooled. He stares venomously at Jimmy, who knows

that Hooker is on to him.

JIMMY:

Sorry, Hooker.

(making an attempt at

levity, in order to explain)

Good thing that ball came up red.

Guy could get in trouble around

here, losin' a bet that big.

Jimmy reaches for Hooker's money. Hooker stops him by

putting his hand on it.

HOOKER:

Spin it again.

Jimmy doesn't know what the hell to do. He gives Hooker a

little head motion to indicate a small window high up in one

of the walls. Behind it, we see a pair of eyes. Suddenly,

Hooker understands why Jimmy had to cheat him, but it

doesn't change his demand.

HOOKER:

Spin it anyway, Jimmy.

Jimmy is beside himself. If he doesn't spin again, Hooker

may expose him. If he does spin, and loses, his management

will fire him. He pleads to Hooker with his eyes, but it's

no use. Jimmy spins the wheel and reluctantly drops in the

ball. This time there is no foot on the lever, and it

settles into black 15. Hooker stares at the ball a second

and then looks up at his terrified friend.

HOOKER:

Don't worry, pal. I knew it was my

night.

Hooker pushes the money over to Jimmy and walks out of the

room. He's lost $3,000, but he's still working on a lucky

night.

CUT TO:

EXT. GAMBLING JOINT

Hooker and Crystal out on the street.

CRYSTAL:

(irritated)

Thanks for the evening, Hooker. I

can still make the 10 o'clock. If

you wanna spend 50 bucks on me

again, mail it.

She walks off down the street.

HOOKER:

(going into his

pocket for more money)

Hey wait a minute.

(he comes up with 30›)

Aw, the hell with ya.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE WATERFRONT PROCESSING PLANT - LATE AFTERNOON

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