“Let’s get you on the payroll, then!” he shouts. We shake hands, and Lenny gives me a little wink. As I get ready to leave, he asks how much a taxi to Long Island will cost. Between $50 and $100, I say. Lenny pulls out his wallet, removes a crisp $100, and hands it to me. “You got $50 change?” he asks. I do.

The cab winds up costing $80.