The man said, “I want to talk to you.”
“Yes, sir?”
“You’re new here, aren’t you?”
Simon nodded.
“Yes, sir. A friend told me this was a good corner — and the man who had it died just lately—”
“That’s right,” the clipped, harsh voice said. “He died, sure enough. Know why he died?”
“No, sir.”
“He wasn’t smart. That’s why he died. Maybe you’re smarter. Think so?”
“I... don’t quite understand.”
“I’m telling you. Ever hear of the Metropolitan Benevolent Society?”