“Thanks,” I said.
He said, “My business office is on the second floor. There’s a flight of stairs back of that door behind the cash register. How about coming up and taking a look at the safe?”
I said, “I wouldn’t want to run out on Carmen.”
“Oh, I can send word to Carmen.”
“No. I would prefer to handle it my way. Suppose I come up in about ten minutes? I think I’m going to get Carmen s telephone number.”
“I can give you her telephone number,” he said, “and see that she’s there when you call.”
“Thanks. I’d prefer to handle it my way — the personal touch, you know.”
The waiter brought our drinks. I said, “Here’s how,” and raised my glass. I didn’t drink it all, just sipped a bit off the top.
He thought for a minute, then pushed back his chair and gave me his hand again. “All right, I’ll be seeing you in about ten minutes. You climb the stairs. It’s the first door on the right. Just walk in.”
“Thanks. I will.”