Manuel fumbled in the darkness until he found the box, then handed it to Defoe. The latter waved it toward the Voice behind him.
“My guest first, Manuel,” he corrected.
The Cuban stood motionless. “I see no one else,” he insisted.
The Voice interrupted:
“Tell him I don’t care to smoke, Mr. Defoe.”
“I can see no one, senor,” the Cuban repeated.
“But didn’t you just hear him?” Defoe cried, leaning forward nervously.
“No, senor, I hear no one speak but you.”
Defoe stared up at his valet, then half rose from his chair.
“Sit down, Defoe!” commanded the Voice sharply.