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[Ben Wade is exactly on time. Colin is already inside when he gets there. This makes an impression on Ben. He's already noted how easily Colin agreed to meet with him, knowing Colin's aware of his own criminal background. Speaks volumes to Ben Wade. Clearly, Colin's unconcerned at the prospect of getting in with something mildly illegal. So being in this new world hasn't totally tamed the Colin O'Brien he knows mainly through his film, which Maximus showed Ben.

And Colin obviously doesn't want others in the group to know his business too well -- or that he's got contacts in the criminal world here in this time.]


Well, well, Colin O'Brien. You and me just may be about to help each other out here. And I was just beginning to wonder when one of you was going to actually treat me as something other than the scum of the earth...





[Ben's brought along a bottle of whiskey. He sets it on a desk and then pulls two glasses from the bag as well.]


Join me in a drink? Let's discuss this matter like gentlemen, shall we?

Here's why I've come to you, Colin. I own a van that I'd like to get rid of in a way that's clean and that never can tie that van to me. It's the method of the van's disposal that appears will require the use of an illegal tactic.

Wanna hear more?

[Ben and Colin have made four runs to San Francisco and Sergei's shop in the last week. Each time, the items have fetched a good amount for Ben. He's paid Colin well.

Each visit Ben has made to steal the items he brings to Sergei have been into the same historical novel set in Washington D.C. It's a rich vein for Ben Wade. Lots of museums. Banks. Rich homes. All with the type of security he can work with. Few of the precautions that thwart a thief from making a quick in and out, such as in the modern times. And the one time he was caught in the act of a theft, at the National Gallery of all places, he simply walked around the corner, opened the book, disappeared.

This trip to Sergei, the van is once again loaded with items Ben has taken from the palatial home of a rich banker. Ben had quickly learned to be a great judge of the type of items that would be valuable to Sergei -- and profitable for him. As Colin drives them back, Ben counts out the amount he will pay Colin. They've agreed upon the amount -- but this time, Ben puts in a healthy extra amount.]


You showed me something new today, O'Brien. Liked what I saw, the way you faced up to Sergei's newest sidekick. Seemed to me, you might've even been willing to take a bit of a beating just for me. Glad it didn't come to that -- but you did me a good service that'll keep such threats at bay from here out.

That kind of loyalty goes a long way with me, Colin. This will show you how I reward those who understand their job is to protect me -- and protect my operations.

However ...





One thing we need to get straight between us, Mr. O'Brien.

I will kill you if endanger my operations. So, let's discuss exactly how you're going to help me with Max Skinner and his wish to bring me down.

Yes, I know about that. I know about a lot of things you wouldn't ever think I'd know.

What is it he wants you to do for him?

[Wade says nothing until they near the next exit on the interstate. He orders Colin to take it and to pull into the lot of a convenience store on the service road. Colin stares straight ahead for a long time. Ben waits him out. Once Colin looks over, Wade fixes him with a fierce stare.]

You need to learn two things, Colin. One -- listen better. Two -- show respect for what I've done for you.

Now, what I said was that I wanted to know about Skinner's plan to bring me down. I said nothing about me wanting to bring Skinner down. That's the difference between me and him, Colin. If I want to harm him, I'll do it myself. I don't need to hide behind others like a coward. See the thing is, Skinner's never going to get his pretty hands dirty or rough up his dandy suit of clothes. As for me, I've always believed a man needs to look to himself and take what he wants. That's the real natural order of being a man.

Just so you know, the only interest I have in Max Skinner is to stop his efforts to harm me. Seems a bit ungentlemanly, wouldn't you say, Colin? Here I've been in this world such a short time. You talk about all of "us" sticking together? Why is it Skinner doesn't make the same effort the rest of us do? You think he'd be trying to help me find my way. Instead, he's decided to do whatever he can to pay me back for winning that silly poker game. I was patient with him at first -- but now, he's trying to get you and others to give him the ammunition to harm me. All I'm doing, Colin, is what's called self-protection.

Time for you to choose sides, Colin. There's no sitting on the sidelines here. He knows you and I are close -- he's the one pulled you into this. Decide where your loyalty lies -- with Skinner, who's trying to rip our group apart, or with me, when I'm doing my own thing and not hurting anyone else. Frankly, I believe I've earned your loyalty.

I'm not asking you to do a thing against Mr. Skinner. Just report back to me every time you two make a new deal.