Part 1: Act 1, Scene 2 Summary

Roy Cohn is at the desk in his office, with Joe seated opposite. According to the character notes, Roy is based on the flamboyant and powerful figure of Roy M. Cohn, who was a prominent New York Lawyer and power broker. Joe is a legal clerk who seems to have a history of acquaintance with Roy. The stage direction describes Roy's desk as the hub of frantic telephone business negotiations. Joe waits for a gap in Roy's many conversations. Roy's personality is animated and overwhelming. He comically insults and criticizes his clients either directly or whilst pressing the "hold" key on his telephone.

Between calls, Joe and Roy talk about Joe's job as a clerk in the New York Hall of Justice. The phone jams with calls, and Roy swears. Joe objects to his swearing, telling him he is...