You gotta be starving

That would be the essence of my current problem, I suppose. Maybe getting out of here isn’t necessary, but I could use a fresh perspective on this case I’ve been working on for a while.

Maybe I could help.

Perhaps they have. This man, however, will not.

You certainly wouldn't be the first to tie me up, if that's what you're looking for.

What do you think?

Well, you seem more like a giver than a receiver, but men have surprised me in the past.

You make a valid point. At least with Chicago one knows what to expect, right?

I think we could all use a little of that. A clear head just isn't real easy to come by, I guess.

Hmm, what do I want…

Would you be giving or receiving this rough treatment?

"Honey." It really is a fuckin’ habit.

That depends on what you want.

You’re a wise woman.

Honey, I've been in this game longer than a lot of those other girls. They still get squeamish about certain things, think there are lines they don't have to cross. Me? If you pay the right price, I'll do whatever you want. I'll take care of you real good.

I never thought I’d say this, but I feel as though it might actually be good for me to escape Chicago for little a while. Just to… get a fresh perspective. It’s quite strange how things start festering when you’re stuck in the same place for too long, isn’t it?

Don't I know it.

Fuckin’ apparently. That usually work in your favor?

I would, but I suspect a man such as yourself can't be persuaded to do anything if he doesn't want to.

Sunshine. Of all the fuckin’ nicknames you could pull out of that brain of yours, you pick sunshine.

Sorry, the pet names sort of have become a habit, I guess.

You could fry an egg on the sidewalk.

Thanks, sunshine.

“It really is none of my beeswax,” Stella began tentatively, wondering if she was finally about to overstep her boundaries, “but it does seem a bit silly that you should have to be bothered by frequent nosebleeds. Have you been to see a doctor? I’m sure something could be done, y’know, if you wanted to.”

Nat looked down at the business card in surprise, studying the delicate text printed there. If Stella had been a man, Nat would have suspected the offer of the phone number and friendship to be a proposition for sex (as it was generally the only time such things were offered to her), but she doubted Stella would ever be interested in anyone right her. Women weren't exactly supposed to be attracted to other women, and even if Stella was, she was far too beautiful and classy for a girl like Nat.

Cause it ain’t right. Ain’t nobody no one from the police station or work or any other place we think it should feel safe is going to help. That’s why.

They're capable of a lot more than hitting, I assure you...  I appreciate the offer though. I knew you weren't as mean a guy as you were trying to be.