- Nothing says battle of wills quite like lunch at a Chinese restaurant. Okay, maybe it's not the typical setting for two opposing forces to meet, but that's where we start. Levene and Williamson sit at a booth, talking. Get used to talking—it's kind of what Mamet is about.
- Levene is a salesman, and Williamson is the office manager and in charge of giving out the leads.
- Luck hasn't been on Levene's side as of late, and he can't seem to close any deals. But he recounts his past glories to Williamson to demonstrate that he's still a closer.
- Talk all you want Levene, Williamson's not buying it. Williamson tells Levene he's out—if he can't make sales and get on the board, he's going to lose his job.
- Desperate times call for desperate measures. Levene begs Williamson to give him the "good leads," even offering Williamson a 10% cut of his sales if Williamson will help him out.
- Williamson wants 20%. Oh—and he wants fifty bucks a lead.
- Remember that thing about desperate times that we just talked about? Yep, Levene eventually agrees.
- Of course, Williamson isn't one for playing games, and he wants $100 for two premium leads on the spot. Levene doesn't have the money; Williamson backs out of the deal (this won't be the first time Williamson backs out of a deal with Levene).
- If you can't get the good stuff, you got to get something right? Levene asks for "B" leads. They might not be any good, but they're better than nothing.
- The two head out of the restaurant. Levene has conveniently left his wallet at the hotel.