CLOSED DOORS

Mark finds more than money at the bank. Sydney and Violette are exiled in very different ways.  A failed negotiation yields unexpected results.  

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In a city bank, one armed bank robber keeps customers face down and watches the door while another robber empties cash drawers into his laundry bag.  Jim Malloy, the bank security guard is caught creeping up on the watching robber who forces him onto the floor. But when the robber goes to kick Jim in the face, he’s ready and catches his foot and pulls him to the floor.  He quickly knocks him out then takes his gun and shoots the other robber dead.

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At the Bennet Ariel auto plant in Detroit, Mark attempts to sell tires to automaker Frank Bennet, a scripture-quoting man of faith.  Frank is under the weather, sneezing endlessly into his hanky while Mark tries to set a price. Their meeting is interrupted by an irritating phone call from Frank’s wife. Frank finally explains that doing business with The Mann Rubber Company would result in boycotts by the clincher tire pool.  So Frank counters with a price well out of Mark’s range and sends him away.

Rather than rush back to Ohio, Mark decides to spend the night in Detroit. He visits a local bank for a cash withdrawal where he learns of Jim Malloy. The security guard is swarmed by the press buzzing about his heroics. Mark is impressed by the story and leaves Jim with a lucrative offer to join him in Ohio to head security at The Mann Rubber Company.

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In NYC, the socialites are stunned to learn that Riley Baker is acquitted of murder charges due to lack of evidence. Most were already convinced of his guilt. Armen Silver struggles to watch good things happen to bad people. Especially when there are people like Violette Rothman in the world.

Armen gives Sydney $1m and exiles him and his lover Richard Goldmark to Europe. Violette slowly recovers. Armen treats her like his own daughter as he arranges the divorce and a generous settlement equal to Sydney’s transaction. She is hesitant but finally accepts the money and moves into the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, independent but lonely.

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Needing a boost after the results of the Bennet meeting, Mark visits “Lillian’s”, an out-of-the-way but expensive Detroit brothel. A place that serves steak dinners in their private rooms. He is immediately recognized by Lillian herself. She is happy to see him and sets him up with the stunning young Gabrielle.

It’s a relaxing and familiar evening at the brothel when Mark is suddenly startled by a noisy sneezing fit coming from another room. It’s an unmistakeable sneeze and Mark is quick to investigate.  Following the sound, he enters another room where he finds Frank Bennet in bed with a whore. Mark capitalizes on the situation, blackmailing the very righteous and married Frank into a tire deal with Mann Rubber Company, at Mark’s price.