Why Peter asks Beson for a number

[melaneycb]

Can anyone explain why Peter asks Beson to whisper a number into his ear after he beats him up in the Needle. I have re-read this book at least 20 times and I simply cannot figure out the relevance.

[GNTLGNT]

Gotta be "19"...just sayin'

[tlh2b]

Because Peter is wanting him to do him a favor. As a prisoner Peter has to bribe Beson. So when he asks him to whisper a number, it is the amount Benson wants to be paid for him to the favors.