This quote from Dennis Lehane's '(Live by Night)' captures a raw and visceral moment of interaction, highlighting themes of identity, defiance, and societal roles. The exchange between characters reveals a gritty underworld where names and titles are more than mere identifiers—they're statements of power, belonging, or rebellion. Emma Gould's question, followed by the cryptic and intense response 'Wanted,' suggests a narrative imbued with tension and a sense of urgency. It hints at characters who are defined as much by their desires and pursuits as by their given names. The phrase 'By all the girls or just the law?' introduces a layer of ambiguity and challenges the societal expectations or judgments placed upon individuals, especially women, in a rugged setting. Lehane's storytelling employs sharp, concise dialogue that immerses readers into a world where words carry weight and subtlety. This exchange prompts reflection on how identities are constructed in marginalized spaces—are they granted by society or claimed by the individuals themselves? The quote invites us to consider the ways people navigate their environment, forging identities amid chaos, love, danger, and the law. It also underscores the resilience and complexity of characters in Lehane's universe, offering a glimpse into their inner worlds where trust and recognition are often transactional and layered with meaning. Such moments propel the narrative forward, showing that in a world governed by rules and survival, the truth about oneself is often a matter of perception and assertion rather than mere words.