The Chicago Way

              
MALONE:- You said you wanted to know how to get Capone.
Do you really want to get him? You see what l'm saying?
What are you prepared to do?

NESS:- Everything within the law.
         
MALONE:- And then what are you prepared to do?
lf you open the ball on these people, you must be prepared
to go all the way. Because they won't give up the fight
until one of you is dead.

NESS:- l want to get Capone. l don't know how.

MALONE:- Here's how you get Capone: he pulls a knife, you pull
a gun. He sends one of yours to hospital, you send one of his
to the morgue! That's the Chicago way! And that's how you get
Capone. Now, do you want to do that? Are you ready to do that?
l'm making you a deal. Do you want this deal?
      
NESS:- l have sworn to put this man away, with any and all legal
means at my disposal, and l will do so.

MALONE:- Well, the Lord hates a coward.
Do you know what a blood oath is, Mr Ness?
         
NESS:- Yes.

MALONE:- Good. 'Cause you just took one.


- David Mamet, The Untouchables, 1987