Cutting Butcher Shop

Five Points, Manhattan, New York - August 28, 1846 - Afternoon

Standing in a butcher shop, two men, father Jack Cutting and his son, William Cutting are chopping meat. Their surrounding is many corpses of animals with their blood drenching the floors. Bill and Jack wear aprons to guard their clothing of the mess.

"You know, I'm tired of working in a butcher shop all day," Bill breaks the silence of the shop. "Are you trying to make me into a monster? Addict me to blood? Throw me on the battlefield against the Irish?"

"There's more to life than this, Bill. All Cutting men have been fighters," Jack explains to his son. "You seem to be the one who wants to break our family heritage."

"I have no anger against the Irish," Bill ignores his father's words. "They never did anything to hurt me."

"There was a knife wound in your mother's belly. It was a day when we fought the Irish for control of the Points. An Irish bloodsucker is the reason your mother isn't here today, Bill," Jack places a hand on his son's own. "I will find the Irish-fucking-prick who slit her, mark my words, boy."

"There's more to life than revenge," Bill removes his father's hand. "There's love. You're not even certain that it was an Irishman who took her life."

"I'm more certain than fuckin' death is, Bill. Love," Jack laughs and scoffs off the thought. "Love is for the warriors without skill, for the bloodied bitches kicked down in the dirt."

"Love is for everyone, dad," Bill shakes his head in shame. "That's the whole point."

Bill removes his apron, grabs his hat and leaves the room. Jack shakes his head in dismay at his son. "When your lover dies, come back and tell me the same thing," Jack laughs.

Cutting Butcher Shop/Outside

Five Points, Manhattan, New York - August 28, 1846 - Afternoon

After brushing his hair back, Bill places his tall hat on his head. At this point, he is a 24 year-old man. He wears a long blue jacket, carries a small knife, has bushy sideburns and an otherwise clean-shaven face...and he still has both of his eyes. As he begins to take a step from the shop, he notices a beautiful woman across the street from him. Rachel McTeague, the daughter of his father's greatest rival.

A 22 year-old blond woman with blue eyes, much shorter than Bill, but this young lady has caught his eye. Despite her being Irish. She makes her way down the street, passing Bill, but doesn't forget to say a few words to him, just as most days of the year.

"Afternoon, Bill," Rachel says with an Irish accent. "I hope you're well."

"Indeed I am, Miss McTeague," Bill smiles at her. "Indeed, I am."

Bill tips his hat to her as she shares a smile. She walks down the street as Bill follows her with his eyes. After a moment, he turns in the opposite direction and begins a walk of his own.

Five Points Church

Five Points, Manhattan, New York - August 28, 1846 - Afternoon

Bill finally arrives at the Five Points Church, a new establishment, headed by Priest Thomas Vallon, who has taken his son under his wing to one day assume head Priest position. His son, Connor Vallon, who would later be known as "Priest" Vallon, is a tall young man with dark hair and a clean-shaven face. He and his father both wear the robes of Priests and carry with them symbols of God.

Bill removes his hat as he approaches Thomas. He nods at him and shakes his hand.

"Priest Vallon, I've come to you to question a great potential flaw in my life," Bill informs the Priest.

"Go ahead, my son, speak your peace," Thomas awaits Bill's story.

"I'm in love with a woman...an Irish woman," Bill moves his hand down his jaw. "My father would never approve of me dating a mick...excuse me father, an Irishwoman."

"Bill, though many in the Five Points see that there must be war between the Natives and the Irish, I for one think that if you're stricken by this fair lady, you should court her," Thomas smiles at Bill.

"Indeed, if were any other Irish lady, I would," Bill smirks. His smirk fades and a serious expression takes over his face. "This one happens to be the daughter of my father's greatest enemy."

"Oh dear, Rachel McTeague?" Thomas already knows of the lady Bill refers to.

"Indeed, it is," Bill sighs. "It is."

"I say, pursue this anyway," Thomas smiles at Bill. "I say, if I may, to Hell with what your father thinks. His opinions are of hatred."

"Are you telling me this as a Priest, or a man?" Bill questions the Priest.

"As a man, Bill," Thomas shakes Bill's hand. "I can't agree with your father here, but as a Priest, I must say, that you should also honor your father's wishes."

"Thank you, father," Bill smirks. "I'll court her. Thank you."

Bill nods at the Priest, turns and exits the Church, putting his hat on as he does.

"God be with you, William Cutting," Thomas crosses himself.

Cutting Residence

Five Points, Manhattan, New York - August 29, 1846 - Morning

Bill awakens to the smell of coffee and the sound of raised voices. He quickly gets up from his bed and ventures down the hall into the entrance of the house to the origins of the sounds. He peers around the corner and sees his father standing in front of Riley McTeague.

"You Irish pricks need to be taught a lesson in how to live in my Five Point!" Jack screams at McTeague.

"How about a little meeting in Paradise Square?" McTeague replies. "We'll settle this like men."

"A gentleman's gathering? Is that what you bring to me?" Jack likes the idea. "I like it. Done. Tomorrow. Daybreak."

"So be it, Cutting," McTeague pushes Jack back before heading for the door.

Jack turns away from McTeague, but McTeague notices Bill and nods at him. Bill nods in return and McTeague leaves. Bill enters the room.

"Hey Bill," Jack greets his son. "How are you?"

"Father, what was that?" Bill questions. "Rather, who was that?"

"An old friend, we're having a meeting tomorrow," Jack smirks.

"What kind of a meeting, dad?" Bill scratches his head.

Jack cocks his head to the side and lets out a joking smirk. "The usual meetin'."

Jack smacks Bill on the shoulder and leaves the room. Bill turns and notices a knife in a holster on the back of Jack's belt. His face is overcome with worry as he bows his head in silence.