A chilled summer breeze blew an old newspaper across the deserted street. Looking left and right and up steep hill, Norman scanned the empty doorways for nosy pedestrians. Chip lit a cigarette with his car’s lighter. Norman worried if the red hot glow would be seen, attract attention.

“Keep your dress on Mary. I wouldn’t have left that message for you at the club if it wasn’t important. We ain’t friends,” Chip said in a cloud of smoke.

“Who are you George Raft? Save the tough guy talk for the skirts in the typing pool. I told you meeting is too dangerous. I have done my part. Chevy and Ford are in as of this afternoon. Studebaker and Freed-Lamont are kicking in extra funds. But this only works if the press never gets wind we are all working together. We got this tied up—“ Norman said, his voice going higher and faster with every word.

Chip was sick to death of the cloak and dagger and the back room deals. He’d called in favors. Like a low down dirty skunk, Chip had secretly bought Michelin, U.S. Tire, Shell, and Exxon in under the same stinking umbrella. Chip was sick of Norman’s face. Lightning fast, he banged the dashboard to stop his payola partner’s prattle. The smaller man yelped and quieted.

“Some damned society broad, Friedel Something Foreign, is trying to save them. She had a tea with a bunch of other rich broads with time on their hands, had a pow wow and some such and she is trying to save them.” Chip said.

Spluttering, Norman stared out at the lonesome street bug-eyed. Chip thought he looked like a dying goldfish. He laughed at the thought of spearing Norman fish.

“But we have paid off every council member, greased the palm of every politician from the mayor’s office to JibJab the rat catcher and you’re telling me a stuck up housewife can scuttle our plans. No way. No sir. I’d bet my bottom dollar. What can she do? What could she do?”

Norman chuckled and fished in his breast pocket for a handkerchief. He patted his sweaty upper lip. Gladys told him he sweated when he was nervous and that made him look common. Norman dabbed his forehead.

“No, you’re making mountains out of molehills, Chip. We stand to make millions once the city expands the lines. This lady what’s her name will squawk and flutter about then have a daiquiri and go on to the next thing. That’s all these ladies can do. I should know my missus is Junior League and all they do is—“

“Build museums and parks and hospitals. Screw you and your missus. I got a call from one of my contacts at the Daily. The paper is doing a full spread on saving San Francisco’s Most Beloved Icon. She interviewed conductors and passengers and celebrities, Norm. She has the Tourism Board and the Chamber of Commerce on her side, Norm. She has a petition, Norm, with 10,000 signatures. And she is just getting started.”

Chip took a long drag and exhaled. His car’s interior filled with smoke. They sat there quietly.

“She is going to preserve the cable cars, isn’t she? Get them all restored spic and span. And the expanded bus lines will be …” Norman said slowly.

Chip blew smoke in Norman’s face.