Episode 96 - On Your Own

AJ Soprano sits in an empty diner, a waitress has just taken his order of French toast with a side of bacon. We hear ringing sound which indicates the door opening. It's Patsy Parisi.

Patsy - Hey kid!

AJ - How'd find me? Did you follow me?

Patsy - Not exactly hard to find, your car sticks out like a fucking sore thumb.

AJ - Listen, I know my dad wants me to come home. But I'm an adult and the decision is mine.

Patsy - Until you get a real fucking job, a house, family...that shit then no decision is yours.

AJ - I'm not going home.

Patsy - Why you wanna make this hard? Bring your food, I don't give a fuck.

AJ - I can call the cops, another legal right.

Patsy - Why you wanna do that? Don't be such a fucking idiot all the time, huh?

AJ begins eating his breakfast and not even acknowledging Patsy's presence.

Patsy - In my pocket...I have a gun. A 9mm to be exact, it would blow your fucking head off. If you wanna keep this shit up and not get in my car then I will pull it out and shoot that poor girl in the head. Then I will shoot you in the leg and drag your lazy ass into my car. Tony wants you home...then I bring you home. Understand?

AJ has a scared look to his face. He believes what Patsy says, Patsy can tell he gave up.

Patsy - Now call that girl over and wrap that shit up.




Now at the NJ FBI Headquarters. Agent Harris is looking at the picture of the Vinny Lombroso murder scene. Agent Grasso notices.

Grasso - Good shit, huh?

Harris - Not exactly Galante, but not bad. Any potential suspects?

Grasso - The informant, Ferreti, says it was most likely Gualtieri...but he's not a 100%.

Harris - An Underboss involved in a double murder in broad daylight? Not sure if I buy that.

Grasso - That's what he said.

Harris - What's the new riff between Tony and Brooklyn?

Grasso - Who knows, Ferreti says it's over the casinos in AC...but there has to be more.

Harris - Tarese backs Carmine, he would have the leverage.

Grasso - From the information we get, seems that war could imminent. Doubt that NY lets the Lombroso shit slide.

Harris - Third year in a row?

Grasso - With Tony and the Lupertazzi's, anything is possible.



Tony, Sil, and Ray Jr. are now in the bing. Tony's cell goes off, it's Patsy.

Tony - You got him?

Pasty - Yeah, we're coming home now.

Tony - How does he look?

Patsy - Looks about the same as I last saw him. Not a fucking scratch on him.

Tony - Bring him home, I'll be there shortly.
Tony hangs up

Sil - Patsy get AJ?

Tony - Yeah

Ray - That's great, probably takes some stress off ya.

Tony - I'm sure Carmine will pile it back on after what Paulie did.

Sil - Carmine contact you yet?

Tony - Yeah, he wants us up there asap. This is gonna be a big fucking mess.

Ray - They want Paulie?

Tony - Yeah, they want him bad. I don't how I can give him a pass.

Sil - They cut his dog's fucking throat, disgusting.

Tony - That poor fucking thing was innocent. If Vinny wanted Paulie to pay him then he should have came to me.

Ray - True, but Paulie whacked a Capo, and I doubt Carmine gives a fuck why.



Fancy restaurant in Brooklyn. 20 of Carmine's Capos are there dining. Carmine is flanked by his Underboss, Nick Navarra and his Consigliere, Mike Zumpano. One of the Capo's, Joe Borgesi speaks up.

Joe - What's this hit with NJ, again?

Nick - Gualtieri clipped Vinny.

Joe - It never ends between us.

Nick - Hopefully, with Tony being level headed, it will.

Joe - Paulie had a right to do what he did. Vinny cutting a fucking dog's throat over soem fucking money? Deserved what he got! Always was a piece of shit and this shit proves it.

Mike - He also kicked up twice as much as you did, Joe. He was an important member of our organization.

Joe - Paulie is Tony's Underboos. Pretty equal to me.

Another Capo speaks up, Frank Lucibello.

Frank - Yeah, a fucking Jersey Underboss.

The causes many of the men to laugh, including Carmine. Joe doesn't find it so funny.

Joe - We've been digging our dicks into their territories since old man DiMeo was around. Difference is, Tony has balls, and guys like Phil and others (looks at Carmine) weren't prepared for it.

Carmine - Tony has always been a little thorn, but has been a great business partner for the most part.

Joe - Never a thorn when Johnny was around, fuck even Butch dealt with him. We need to recognize Tony the same way we recognize Tarese or Mangano.

Carmine - Little bit of a difference if you ask me, Joe.

Joe - I just think we universally fucked this up.

Nick - Just finish your food, Joe.



Tony now walking into his home, Patsy sitting by the door. Patsy points in the direction in which AJ is. Tony walks in, Carmela is already there.

Tony - You're home! Patsy told me how excited you were.

AJ - I don't need to be mocked.

Tony - Might as well listen, you won't be talking much.

Carm - Relax, Tony.

Tony - Relax? You couldn't fucking sleep at night remember?
Because your your son ran off.

AJ - I needed to get out for a while.

Tony - Give me a fucking break. If you had a problem with a teacher then you come to me!

AJ - So you can break his legs?

Tony - You beat him half to death, don't fucking patronize me. If you had cared that bad about school before you wouldn't be here.

Carm - Tony, lets try and be reasonable. This has been stressful for all of us.

Tony - Mainly for you, I knew he'd be back. Like a fucking genital wart, I come to expect these things out my son.

AJ - If I told you would have went nuts!
Tony - No, I would have surprised you actually went to me for help. I'd be too fucking stunned.

Carm - Meadow will be home any minute, can we finish this later?

Tony - Fine. In two weeks I want you to find a job. After you've
had this job for....two months I want out of the house. Have a place to live like most adults....prepare yourself for the real world. We can't hold you hand forever.

AJ - You're kidding? Move out in two months.

Tony - Well this is my house, you just live in it. I run the house so I decide who fucking lives in it...got it? Welcome to the real world, AJ.

Carm - Tony!

Tony - Patsy, start the car. I'll be lat for dinner, incase you forgot AJ, dinner is at 6:30 sharp.

As Tony is walking out of the house, Meadow is walking in.

Tony - Hey, sweetie. Your mom and brother are in the living room.

Meadow knowing something's up heads to the living room to find Carmela consoling a teary eyed AJ.

Meadow - Told you this would happen.



Paulie is sleeping in a bed, clearly not in his house. Little Paulie walks in to check up.

LP - Paulie!

Paulie - What the fuck? I was sleeping.

LP - Sorry, you shouldn't sleep, you never know (Paulie cuts him off)

Paulie - You think this is the first time I've done this shit?

LP - I hear Carmine has two of his crews hunting you down.

Paulie - That dumb fuck couldn't find his dick if he was taking a piss. Any word from Tony?

LP - Tony, Sil, and Ray are heading up to Brooklyn soon to talk to Carmine.

Paulie - Ray?

LP - Yeah...

Paulie - Ray is taking my fucking spot? He just grew hair on his fucking balls. Larry and Patsy have the seniority over him.
LP - Does it even fucking matter?

Paulie - I guess not. You...bury Barry yet?

LP - Yeah.

Paulie - Where?

LP - Behind the garage, easier to dig.

Paulie - Behind the fucking garage? That's a disgrace to him, move him next to the tree in the backyard.

LP - It's been four days, he's starting to rot.

Paulie - Wear some fucking gloves.

LP - Fine, try not to sleep. I won't be back for a few days.

Paulie - Whatever


Paulie lays back down, as Little Paulie leaves. He pulls a gun out of a drawer, loads it and puts on a night stand. He starts to stare at the door, waiting for someone.



Joe Borgesi walks into a room where Nick Navarra is waiting for him.

Nick - Joe please sit.

Joe - Is this about those contractors in Midtown, look I told the fucking guy (Nick cuts him off)

Nick - It's not that Joe...you were running your mouth last night. Carmine didn't like it.

Joe - He's a big boy, sorry I presented a harsh reality for him.

Nick - He's the boss, Joe. Whether you like it or not.

Joe - Butch was leading this family back to where that dumb fuck's father left it.

Nick - Please, Joe. I don't wanna hear it.

Joe - Sorry, Nick, it's just the way I feel.

Nick - Are you the only who feels this way?

Joe - No, I'm just the only one with the fucking balls to speak up.

Nick - How many other Capos are of your opinion?

Joe - Well I know of six or seven, I ain't saying who.

Nick - Yo Bruno, get us a drink, huh?

Bruno - Yeah, boss no problem.

Nick - Thanks Joe.

Bruno pulls out a silenced pistol and fires into Joe's head. Bloods splatters onto Nick's nice suite.

Nick - What the fuck? I said what till I get up. You know much this fucking cost? I outta shoot you in the fucking head you dumb fuck. You can move the body yourself.




Tony is walking around in a graveyard at night, stops to look at Junior's grave.

Voice - He was a good guy

Tony turns around to see who it is. It's a bullet riddled Bobby wearing his conductor hat.

Tony - Jesus christ.

Bobby - Didn't Johnny talk to you?

Tony - Johnny's dead.

Bobby - I guess I'm not. I just have 13 bullets lodged in my chest.

Tony - Why are you here?

Bobby - I was gonna give it to you.

Tony - Give me what?

Bobby - It doesn't matter now.

Bobby starts walking away. Tony chases after him.

Tony - Give me what, Bobby. Don't walk away. Johnny said....my enemy has yet to reveal himself.

Bobby stops, turns around.

Bobby - Too late now, Tony. I'll see you again.

Voice - Hi, T.

Tony turns around again. It's Chris with a gun to Tony's head. He fires it. Tony wakes up.


Carmela - You okay?

Tony - Yeah, trouble breathing.




Abandoned section of a boardwalk in Atlantic City. Tony, Sil, and Ray are waiting for Carmine.

Ray - How much fucking longer? Wind is killing me.

Tony - Should be soon.

Sil - You guys hear about Joey B.?

Tony - That wife finally divorce his ass?

Sil - He was found in a dumpster in Queens.

Ray - Holy fuck, what for?

Sil - No idea. He was a Capo for that crew before I got my fucking stripes. Surprised he didn't go after the big seat when Carmine died.

Tony - He's whacking people left and right up there. Joey always had a big fucking mouth, that's probably what did him in.

Black SUV pulls up. Carmine, Nick Navarra, and Mike Zumpano emerge.

Tony - About fucking time.

Carmine - You know the traffic around here, Tony.

Tony - What happened to Joey B.?

Carmine - Joey had a problem with one of the other families, it had to be done.

Tony - Not what I hear.

Carmine - Well one thing you do know is that Paulie murdered Vinny and that poor bartender in broad daylight.

Tony - I don't condone what he did, but fucking Vinny never should have done what he did.

Carmine - A fucking dog? Paulie could have gotten another one for cheap.

Tony - He loved that fucking thing, Vinny cut his fucking throat over what? Some fucking money.

Carmine - A made guy should not be whacked over a dog, Tony.

Ray - Vinny also attacked me a week before, no fucking reason.

Nick - Who the fuck is talking to you?

Carmine - Guys, please! We're hear to clean the slate not to stir the pot.

Tony - What do you want, Carmine?

Carmine - Paulie...and a piece of AC, we're thinking 30%. Trust me, you won't go hungry.

Tony - No Paulie, the 35%...I can live with that.

Carmine - Well if we don't get Paulie then it's 50%. There is no third option here, Tony.

Tony - What is this? The fucking trade deadline? Paulie and Vinny were both wrong and both suffered. Killing Paulie won't solve a fucking thing.

Carmine - A lot of people were very sorry to hear about Vinny. Popular guy, made me a lot of money. Paulie deserves what he gets.

Tony - This is bullshit

Tony, who was smoking a cigar, yanks it out and tosses it. Lands at the feet of Carmine. Nick looks shocked by the lack of respect.

Tony - Get me when you have a real fucking offer.

Tony, Ray, and Sil drive off leaving Carmine and company alone on the boardwalk.



AJ is watching TV, Meadow comes in wth Patrick.

Meadow - What's up?

AJ - Nothing really.

Pat - We just saw Atonement, you might wanna check it out.

AJ - Mom home?

Meadow - Yeah sleeping as usual, I think we're going out to eat.

AJ - I think I'll hang in, dad's made at me.

Meadow - No shit, he was just as worried as mom was. He'd never say it.

AJ - They watch me every fucking second, I barely got to leave before I left because of this new curfew shit. They don't trust me.

Meadow - Why should they, you give them no options.

AJ - I busted my ass to get through highschool. They didn't even come to fucking graduation because of mom's spec house. They only care when it's in their best interest.

Meadow - Please...

AJ - They wouldn't even let me join the army.

Pat - The army? The way Iraq, plus you Iran coming up.

AJ - Someone's gotta fight or else no one will.

Meadow - You sound like a true american, wanting to kill terrorists.

AJ - You want to wait for another 9/11?

Meadow - Oh jesus, forget it.

Pat - So...where we eating tonight?




Tony is at Satriales, waiting for George Paligieri. Terry opens up the door.

Terry - George is here.

Tony - Send him.

George walks in, Terry closes the door.

George - North Jersey smells like shit, this is why I never drive down here.

Tony - You egt use to it after twenty years.

George - What's the problem kid?

Tony - Carmine

George - What else is new?

Tony - He talks to me like he's my fucking boss, he's been the boss for what....four months? Fuck you guys almost whacked him.

George - I regret not giving the okay, believe me.

Tony - This is why I wanted you, George.

George - What?

Tony - He talking about killing Paulie and taking a gigantic share of my casino shit. Benny told me he has made guys walking around his casinos trying to bait him. He is leaving me few options here, George. Something might have to be done.

George - Sorry, Tony. You can't touch him. He is basically a pon for fucking Tarese, and you don't want to deal with him.

Tony - Why the fuck not?

George - Tony, if you kill him...then they'll assume I took part in it. They know we talk and they'll kill me even before you.

Tony - You can't convince Tarese?

George - It'd be like talking to wall.

Tony - Jesus fuck, you couldn't give me any pass?

George - Pass? I bailed you out before remember...'89?

We see a younger, thinner Tony walk into a night club and until a clip into a young wiseguy.

Tony - Mikey Spags...still?

George - Tarese wanted you dead then, he never liked you jersey guys. Fuck he almost whacked the old man for defending you.

Tony - What do I do? Carmine probably is thinking about doing the same thing.

George - Do nothing, don't give him anymore reasons.

Tony - Wait for him to hit my crew? No fucking support from nobody.

George - Trust me, Tony...I want to help, but there's nothing I can do. You're on you own for now. I'll do what I can, but you and your top guys might wanna lay low for a while. Let the situation cool down, understand?

Tony - That's what he wants, he wants to intimidate me.

George gets up and pats Tony on the shoulder.

George - Bye, kid. Be safe, huh?

Tony - Have a nice drive.

Tony now alone in the back room of Satriales. He looks puzzled, eyes moving around. He gets up and walks outside. Patsy and Benny are at the table.

Patsy - How was it?

Tony shakes his head, lights up a cigar. He starts staring off into the sky.


The End