Aldo glared at the man polishing glasses and inserted a corner of the rag into his mouth, which he proceeded to suck like an alcoholic baby with a comforter.
“Who are you?” someone asked, and Aldo instinctively reached for a card, before realising that the pub was empty.
“Who said that?”
The barman glanced over his shoulder and rolled his eyes.
“What is it with you people?” the voice continued. “Just think the words and I will listen.”
Aldo concentrated and thought hard to form words in reply.
“To whom am I speaking please?”
“I am Mister Elephantine. I reside in the box. Who are you?”
“I am Aldo Kendrick, gentleman, entrepreneur and friend. I rescued you from the others.”
“You are indeed a friend, Aldo Kendrick. You may even be the chosen one.”
“Well I probably am, actually. I’ve
