- Mike Hammer: [narrating] Somehow, in daylight, a nightclub always reminds me of a tired old woman relaxing without her makeup.
- Laura McDevitt: I've been out of touch lately, Mr. Hammer. What's the going price for theories these days?
- Mike Hammer: No, this isn't for sale, but I'll tell you what I'll do; I'll trade ya. I'll trade you my theory for Frank.
- Laura McDevitt: It doesn't make sense.
- Mike Hammer: Oh, I think it does. I think it makes a lot of sense. You see, I want Frank McDevitt for very personal reasons and I don't think that you and Huey want him at all.
- Huey Gallagher: Laura said there was something about the accounts that you didn't understand.
- Frank McDevitt: That's right.
- Huey Gallagher: Well, any question, why just ask me. I know the answers.
- Frank McDevitt: Okay, Huey. Tell me how much you figured you could steal before I found out.
- Frank McDevitt: Okay, Huey, you're through. Take what you stole and get out.
- Huey Gallagher: Frank...
- Frank McDevitt: Yeah?
- Huey Gallagher: I don't think you understand...
- [Huey pulls his pistol and points it at Frank]
- Huey Gallagher: I'm not leaving - you are.
- Frank McDevitt: It won't work, Huey. I'll sing a song that'll put you and Laura away for life.
- Huey Gallagher: You know something, Frank - we saw to that. That's why we're leaving you locked in a room with a gun. When Hammer comes you can go out any way you want. I'm bettin' on feet first.
- Captain Pat Chambers: Look, Mike, when McDevitt was killed we figured there'd be a struggle for control - but there wasn't!
- Mike Hammer: Yeah, well, maybe he never took his hand off the switch. Didja ever think of that?
- Captain Pat Chambers: Mike, if you should be right - and I said if - don't try to be a hero. McDevitt can play plenty rough.
- Mike Hammer: C'mon now - McDevitt's dead. You told me so.
- [Mike laughs derisively]