Out of the crowd of girls Fan suddenly pressed forward. “Hey, bastard,” she said, “let me tell you something. Since you’ve taken over, we girls ain’t had any breaks. We don’t get money. We don’t know how much we’ve earned. Now you say you’re just giving us commission.”
Grantham looked her over. “Who do you think you’re talkin’ to?” he said.
“Heel number one,” Fan returned. “I for one ain’t goin’ to take any more from yousee?”
Grantham turned to Madam. “What you waitin’ for? That’s one of ’em who wants handlin’.”
Madam walked over to Fan, who stood her ground, her eyes flashing dangerously. She said, “Lay off, or you’ll get hurt.”
There was a long pause, then the door jerked open and Lu came in with a rush. His face was covered with livid bruises and his collar and tie were missing.
Grantham stared at him. “What the hell?”
“Come on, boss,” Lu panted, “I’ve got a car outside. The lid’s blown off. Let’s go.”
“You mad?” Grantham said, forgetting that the girls were listening curiously.
“I tell you we’ve got to beat it. That swine Ellinger’s got the Perminger dame. She’ll spill everything.”