- Barney Collier: Mayor Tallman, I want to make sure you understand. We have enough against you in conspiracy charges to put you away for ten years, but the Governor doesn't want to prosecute.
- Mayor Steve Tallman: Don't give me that. Why did he set me up if he doesn't want to put me away?
- Barney Collier: He wants Peck. Testify against him and you have your freedom. Don't be a fool. You don't owe Charlie Peck anything. He tried to kill you. Remember?
- James Phelps: All right. There will be a confrontation; there's no way to avoid it. What we have to do is control the violence, so that we're the only ones in danger.
- Doug Robert: You saw what happened. There isn't anyone who would believe that wasn't you out there.
- Mayor Steve Tallman: It's a frame. The whole thing's a frame.
- Paris: Who would ever believe it?
- Mayor Steve Tallman: You've been shot.
- Paris: Just a scratch. You've got one too.
- [first lines]
- Billy Walsh: Our demands are simple, reasonable. Basically all we're asking for is more control over our own education. Now, Protest Week starts next Saturday. That'll be our deadline.
- Person on Tape: [voice on tape] Good morning, Mr. Phelps. This man, boss Charles Peck, has determined to elevate his puppet, Mayor Steve Tallman, to the governorship of his state in the forthcoming election. Peck's plan calls for creating an image of Tallman as a strong man who knows how to deal with dissent, in contrast to his opponent, the incumbent Governor, who is to be blamed for the violence which this young man, professional provocateur Billy Walsh, will provoke. Jim, this kind of disorder is severely damaging the prestige and influence of the United States throughout the free world. Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to prevent bloodshed and to destroy Charles Peck for good. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Jim.
- [last lines]
- Mayor Steve Tallman: What about my daughter?
- Doug Robert: She wasn't real, either. That bother you?