“Paddy isn’t running this territory any more.” Benny sat down on one of the tables. He lit a cigarette and watched the smoke.

“I know,” Louie said. “I was just saying. Paddy always-”

“Come on, come on. Forget about Paddy and get the dough.”

Louie got the safe open and brought a cashbox to the table. “Kind of in a hurry, huh?”

“Open the box and let’s have the receipt book.”

“Here. Wanna count the cash?”

“You’re damn right I’m going to count the cash.”

Benny opened the small ledger and looked at the week’s entries. Then he got off the table, put his hands in his pockets, and walked up close to Louie. “It says five-ten from numbers and eight hundred from protection.”

Louie took a small step backward, looking confused. “Sure, about the same as always.”

“What did I tell you last week, Louie?”

“You mean about raising the take?”

“About raising the take.”

Louie frowned and ran a hand through his thin hair. His scalp showed white between the black strands. “Christ, Benny, I thought you were kiddin’. How am I gonna double the take? All the time Paddy was here-”

“Forget Paddy! I got the territory now and I set the quota. Why do you think I got the job? Why do you think I run myself ragged doing flunky errands and doing my own collecting? To get you guys on the ball!”

“But, Benny-”

“Shut up. I want a thousand from the numbers and sixteen hundred from the rest.” Louie stepped back.

“I’m waiting, Louie.” Benny’s voice was short and matter-of-fact.

“Look, Benny, let’s be serious. How can I double-”

“Get your runners on the ball. If that doesn’t do it take it out of your percentage. I told you last week and that’s all the telling I’m going to do. Now pay up.”