“A very interesting way of looking at the situation, Mrs. Cool. May I ask specifically what is your proposition?”
“You can’t get the whole twenty thousand. But you could get some of it. I could settle that case if I had a free hand. You’ll have to knock off some.”
“How much?”
“A lot — and then I’ll take my cut.”
“I think not, Mrs. Cool.”
“Think it over. As it is, it’s costing you money. I can make Belder pay a sizeable chunk of money. You get yours and the thing’s all finished.”
“How much can you get?”
“Five thousand.”
Nunnely’s eyes remained steadily fixed on Bertha Cool, but he slowly lowered and raised his eyelids. There was no other trace of emotion or expression on his face. “Net to me?” he asked.
“Gross,” Bertha said.