The scene opens in Harmond’s office, where his campaign poster, featuring the slogan “Hold Me to It. Harmond Wilks for Mayor” (47), is displayed. Roosevelt is on the phone with a woman, and when he hangs up, Harmond teases him, advising him to hold onto his wife, Arleen, because she is a good woman who tolerates him. The conversation shifts to their redevelopment project. Roosevelt suggests bringing Bernie Smith in as a partner if they fail to secure funding. Harmond argues that he doesn’t want Bedford Hills falling into Bernie’s control. Roosevelt insists, saying that the WBTZ radio station could be the campaign’s official media sponsor.

Harmond pulls out a file on the 1839 Wylie Avenue house, explaining that there’s a legal issue: The house was purchased illegally because the notice wasn’t published. Roosevelt dismisses this: “That’s a technicality. I don’t see where that makes a difference. The house was abandoned” (48). Harmond disagrees, asserting that it’s a serious issue and that Mr. Barlow, Old Joe, should be compensated. He also reveals that his father was paying taxes on the house, though he doesn’t know why. Harmond then asks about Roosevelt’s job at Mellon Bank. Roosevelt admits the president has reprimanded him for not meeting quotas and for never being at the office.