past that , a thick black curtain was strung across the width of the room . i put my checkbook back in my purse and listened , silently asking him if he wanted more coke by pointing at his glass . he made me think of an army sergeant or something . 'and what do you say to the good king ? ' he had to open the case again and take out his boarding card but he was not quite as nervous . `` of course not , '' he said slowly . `` you 're not going to get it . 