 
Tri-Colored Cats

Published by Ilya Milyukov at Smashwords

Copyright 2018 Ilya Milyukov

Part 1: The Stripes

Chapter 1

I took a step through the ladder quickly and looked around the surrounding area out of the tail of my eye. Far away on the horizon, there were some buildings, interspersed with numerous sparse trees. Nearby, about half a kilometer, a large number of different-sized constructions, apparently belonging to this airport, was also located. And very close, at a distance of ten meters from the plane, there were a few people in strict dark clothes and three cars, two long ones, limousines and one sedan-type. And among them I saw her.

She was looking me straight in the eyes and smiling. Actually, all the others who were standing on the field next to her, were looking at me at that moment too, though maybe not only at me, but at all of us, because three more people were going down after me, but the first moment it seemed to me that these two, probably, dozen eyes were looking straight at my face. I also smiled broadly and raised my right hand, greeting them. The people, located below, five or six men of about the same, middle, age and a very young woman, of a short stature and delicate constitution, who looked twenty years old, also happily waved and walked in the direction of the airplane.

While my feet were taking a few steps through the metal stairs, I was trying to remember how many times I saw her exactly – only one or two yet. And exactly «I saw her» rather than «we saw each other», because I don't suppose that, but, on the contrary, I'm almost one hundred percent sure that she haven't even noticed me then – we were encountering for one or two seconds, not more. So, that, back in the headquarters great hall – I remember that exactly, but that, when guys and I were coming out to the street, and near the vehicles there were some, as we knew that, foreigners – here I don't know, it was she or not.

– Hello! – I said aloud, having finally stepped from the ladder onto the runway concrete.

– Hello, – uttered one of the men in response, a tall with grey hair.

«I can tell – he's a diplomat», I thought. And then it was resounded from all sides together, what is more, both in the Russian and English languages:

– Hello!

– Hello!

– Good afternoon!

– Hello!

– How are you?

We, who got off the plane, stood opposite people meeting us, I found myself very close to the chubby big man of an average height, shook the stretched hand strongly, and the grey-haired, still looking me in the face, immediately began to speak:

– My friends, meet. Andrey Mikhaylovich, this is Tom McPherson of the United Nations, – and then turning to the chonker, he said in English: – Tom, this is Andrey Mikhaylovich Polozkov, our expert.

– Yes, I've recognized him immediately, – a big man happily rumbled in response. Everyone laughed, and I, it seemed, was trying to smile even wider.

– Okay, that's good, – the diplomat continued. – Valentin Ivanovich, – he turned to Valya Pavlov, – this is – Michael Waters, the human rights organization «Amnesty International». Michael, – again in English, – this is – Valentin Ivanovich Pavlov, our expert also.

– Good afternoon, nice to meet you, – a tall, thin man, standing next to Valya, repeatedly shook with his and Valya's clenched hands.

– Okay. Alexander Petrovich, – the grey looked at Troechnik, and then he looked at an athletic handsome man who fixed that's wrist by his claw, – this is – Jeffrey Knox, the human rights organization «Human Rights Watch». Jeffrey, this is Alexander Petrovich Tugarinov, our expert.

The giant didn't say anything thus, and broke into a smile once again, and, it seemed to me, his hand has squeezed the Troechnik's one even stronger. «A former colleague, exactly», flashed through my mind.

– Finally, Andrey Ivanovich, – the grey-haired stood between Andrey Ivanov and the uncle with a thick hair combed back, – meet Lawrence Mikhaylowski, Princeton University. Larry, and this is – Andrey Ivanovich Ivanov, our expert.

– Pleased to meet you, Mister Ivanov, – happily replied he.

– And I'm very pleased, – said Andrey Ivanovich in English.

– Do you speak English?! – Lawrence Mikhaylowski was astonished.

– Well, very little, – Ivanov smiled.

Everyone laughed for a second again, and then our MID-man again quickly glanced at everybody, who was around him, and then he turned to the only member of an opposite sex standing among us:

– Gentlemen experts, – he said to us, – let me introduce you, though, this lady needs no introduction – Gina Robertson. A famous actress, as well as the human rights activist and philanthropist. Gina, meet Andrey Mikhaylovich Polozkov, a military expert from Russia, – he turned his head toward her and uttered that again in English.

Somehow, she found herself very close to me. I took her hand in mine and slightly squeezed it. Then I looked up again, said «Hello» in English, and then attentively looked at her.

I have never seen such a beautiful woman in my life, I was sure of it. She was just lovely, a blonde with a height of less than one hundred and sixty, not higher, probably, than one meter fifty-seven centimeters, of a type that I did always like. She had a lovely face, an oval one, but not too elongated, a slightly pale one, a thin, with not quite probably correct, but nonetheless charming girlish features, and, in my opinion, completely without any makeup. She had a lovely body, figure, which could be guessed without any work even under this strict suit – a thin one, but obviously athletic, a petite, but with marvelous hands, with long, slender legs and with large, high and round breasts, which were beyond praise. She had lovely long light brown hair more than shoulder-length, laid in a simple, but, in my view, in a really splendid hairstyle, just the one that has also always been to my liking – a straight hair, combed to the side. The smell, emanating from her, was lovely too, this scent of an expensive perfume, which I had probably never felt in my life, but now clearly understood that this is it indeed. Even the clothes, which she was dressed in, were lovely ones, and although I could never stand girls in suits, at least in jackets, this particular was just right to her, and the trousers were even more. But her eyes were the loveliest.

I also haven't seen such large, just huge, blue-grey eyes, before, and I couldn't ever imagine them. They were calling, luring, chaining and sinking, like in these stupid songs. That was something incredible. We were looking at each other like that, probably, not more than two seconds, I was smiling from ear to ear, she was responding me by even a broader smile, but her eyes had fascinated me first, last and all the time. She turned to the others, they also began shaking her hands, began saying something, apparently, exchanging greetings, but I didn't no longer hear anything at all. Her eyes still were in front of me. They were in front of me actually, because she hasn't disappeared anywhere, but has moved away from me for the only one, probably, step, being turned to me with her left profile, so I kept seeing her face, but it wasn't like that yet. I'd like to look in her irises again. From close. As they said in the classics.

– Very well, – uttered the grey again. – So you met. Now let me introduce you our staff: Sergey Anatolievich Makhov, our consul, Vladimir Sergeyevich Nikiforov, attache, Russian mission to the UN. Your humble servant, Dmitry Alekseyevich Kanev, secretary of the mission.

We shook hands with the fellow countrymen. Miss Robertson was moving her gaze from one to another, smiling and still standing half a meter from me.

– Please, – Dmitry Alekseyevich invitingly waved his hand, – it's time to go to the city. Valentin Ivanovich, Andrey Ivanovich, Alexander Petrovich, follow us. And you, – he addressed to me, – as a personal guest of Miss Robertson – please follow her.

– Please, – repeated attache Nikiforov after his chief, pointing at the sedan this time.

I was a little stunned, but, in fact, I had been waiting something like that. Of course, a personal invitation, especially from a famous person, a movie star, involves, probably, everything, but for all that time I somehow didn't occur that we'll go with her from the airport to the city in the car. That's it, a diplomatic move. They could think up anything yet!

We found ourselves around the car, my coeval tried to open a rear door on the left, but I beat him to it:

– No-no-no, thank you. I do it myself.

– Okay, – he smiled in response.

– How do you do, – I said to the driver.

– Hello, – the answer was.

I sat down in the seat, gently slammed the door, and from the right side of our car sat Miss Gina Robertson, a famous Hollywood actress and human rights activist, philanthropist, and just a heavenly beautiful girl – she settled in a back seat, and Vladimir Sergeyevich Nikiforov, attache of the Russian mission in the UN, who was the last person interesting me now – sat next to the driver. They both were half-turned toward me, as if they wished to ask something very much, and at the same time the car started and quickly began to pick up.

Gina gave me her hand and uttered in English slowly:

– Let's introduce each other again. Gina Robertson.

And her voice was rather high. But even that, hell yeah, seemed to me magnificent and wonderful.

– Let's introduce each other again. Gina Robertson. I will translate if you don't mind, – repeated Nikiforov and smiled, still looking me in the eyes.

– No, no, of course I don't mind, – I said, taking Gina's hand, – I just wanted to try to talk with Miss Robertson in English. I hadn't spoken English with anybody ever.

– Of course, please, – he agreed and immediately addressed to Gina in her words: – Miss Robertson, Mister Polozkov wants to talk to you in English.

– Oh, – she smiled broadly, – of course, sure!

– And you, – immediately interposed I, – help me then, please, if I'll have something I couldn't say.

– Of course.

– My name is Andrey Polozkov, – I pronounced in English, trying to speak very slowly, – nice to meet you, Miss Robertson.

– Please, – she laughed, – just Gina.

– Well, – I smiled in response, – I'm Andrey.

– How was your flight?

– Fine, thank you, – this phrase was uttered by me, in my opinion, the way it had been taught to say back in the second grade.

– Are you hungry? – she asked.

To be honest, I was very hungry. And thirsty too. But in response, I uttered for some the reason:

– So-so.

– So-so! – Gina laughed. – I like you, Andrey! And your English is very good! Where did you study English?

– Well, at school... And then at the institute. And I visited... – and then I've with horror realized that I don't know how to say «tutor» in English.

– «A tutor», – said Vladimir Sergeyevich.

– Right, – I uttered.

– Oh, that is very good. The reason I'm asking you whether you are hungry or not, – Gina continued, still grinning widely by all her thirty-two white teeth, – is because as soon as we arrive at the hotel, we will have lunch. You do not mind, do you?

– Of course not, – I shook my head, – I remember, they told me about this. My... experts.

– These men, who arrived with you? – she specified.

– Yes, – I agreed, – there're my friends. During the war. And now.

– No-no-no-no! – Gina raised her hand. – Not a word about the war now!

– Okay, – I said. I wasn't really going.

– We will discuss it later, – she added quickly, – but now let us discuss some other issues.

– Of course. With pleasure.

– That is very good. We will have lunch later, and now tell me – are you feeling okay? I mean, after the flight?

– All right, Gina, thank you, – then I smiled in my turn.

– Have you ever been on an airplane before? – she asked.

– Yes, I did. But... it was a long time ago. When I flew for the last time.

Her next question was a little strange:

– Is jet lag really bothering you?

– What jet lag? – I didn't understand.

– A time zone difference, – immediately explained Nikiforov.

– Oh, clear, – I uttered in Russian, and turned back to Gina. – No, I'm not worried, thank you.

– Fine, – she said, – and do you have a motion sickness? In a plane or in a car?

For some reason, I decided to smile broadly:

– No-o... It was a long time ago. Also. When I was in a kindergarten.

She grinned in response:

– Okay. I tell you honestly – I was collecting some information about you, so I'm asking all this. Are you visiting the United States for the first time?

– Yes, – I said.

– I see, – she squeezed and then released her hand. – Let me remind you what we shall have in the course of the day. First, as soon as we get, we will have dinner, – in fact, she said not «a dinner» but «a lunch», as far as I remember, again from the curriculum, but a general sense should be, of course, «a dinner». – Then we will go on a tour of the New York City, it shall be up to the evening. At eight o'clock in the evening there will be a press conference. After that, at ten o'clock in the evening, we will have dinner, and then, until two hours tomorrow – there will be a free time. I guess I did not miss anything. Right?

– Yes, of course, – I've remembered like the same.

Her next question again put me into a deadlock a little, because she uttered:

– What would you like for lunch?

I paused for a moment, hardly thinking about the answer, and then said blankly:

– What do you mean? Well... I don't know...

– I mean, – Gina made a calming gesture by her hand, – what would you prefer?

– Look, I really don't know... – a perplexity wasn't hurrying to let me go. – I think... nothing special. How to... Let it be a surprise, I guess.

She laughed again, squinting her eyes:

– I like you, Andrey! Definitely. Look, I still want to find it out from you fully – you said you have never been in the Yu-Es, right?

– Yes.

– And you did not go overseas up to this point, right?

– Correctly, – I affirmed.

– But you told me a few minutes ago that you had already flown on a plane, – so that took place within Russia, am I not mistaken? – it was beginning to look like a real interrogation a bit.

– All right, – I nodded, – that's right.

– You see, I was just very interested to know that, – she explained. – Do you actually like to travel, well, I mean, to go somewhere else and... so on. That is, how you feel about all that. Do you understand me?

– Yes, of course, – I said again, not thinking too much. – I like to travel and... I always liked it.

Gina lightly slapped her knee by her hand and exclaimed:

– You see! And did you want to visit the United States before that?.. The New York City?

– Yes, I did, – I confirmed.

– I knew that! – she rejoiced, raising her right hand. – I knew that you are interested in my country.

– And you are interested in my country, Gina, – I made a compliment in return.

– That is right. So what do you think – how are you here? – I wasn't sure that was what she said, and, generally speaking, the question was clearly with some trick, because for any such assessment there was, in my opinion, too little information, so I asked another question:

– What do you mean? Very good, I think.

– I mean weather, – she gestured out the window, – is it not too hot?

– No, not very hot, – I uttered, – but, if honest, I'd like that it was... less hot.

– That is what I thought, – Gina looked at me, – that you don't like the heat.

– I like the rain. Strong, – and then I remembered how will be «a hard rain» in English, – a hard rain.

– That is just great. I also like when there is a heavy rain.

With that, she laid her legs and looked me over. I, in my turn, also looked her over from the eyes to the chest, from the chest – to the feet, from the feet – to the hands, and from them – to the hair. And I was trying not to do it too fast.

– That is quite true. By the way, what was your weather like?

To tell the truth, I never mind talking about the weather, unlike the most people I know. Especially when my companion is just stunningly beautiful. So I said:

– Well, it was hot too. When we flew.

– It's interesting, it's also hot in your city. Actually, I should tell you, – Gina looked away, – I was very surprised, I thought there, in Siberia, is very cold, including the summer... Look, Andrey, you do surprise me – where did you learn English so well yet?

The greatest interest was written on her face again.

– Well... I already told you... – I looked down too, but then looked up, – at school... studied... by the way, the Amer... well, your movies helped, and computer games.

She laughed again, almost silently this time, and then continued to look at me expectantly, so I paused for a moment too, but then found the right word to say and resumed:

– Tell me, please, do I have this accent, about which I heard a lot – how is it called correctly, I don't remember – South? Or Texas?

Then my coeval Vladimir Sergeyevich, who had kept silence for a long time, broke out with a quiet laugh. Gina shook her head:

– You are absolutely right, Andrey. This accent is called southern. But your accent is not such, yours is probably British. What did you hear about it?

– That most of my... have got it, – hell with them, these linguistic swamps! Just as one classic put it!

– «Compatriots», – rescued Nikiforov.

– Yes, – I added.

– That is also true, that is right, – she reassured.

– Well. So here is... Look, Gina, – one more thought struck me, – so did you recently return too? I mean... from Russia?

– Yes, – she shook her head again, – a few days ago.

– Look, it's great.

Having uttered that, I've suddenly seen through the window, though, it seemed, I looked there before that already, that we're going not through the airport now, but through some very broad highway with a concrete fence along its roadsides and a green grass on both sides of it. The skyscrapers were still looming on the horizon, but now they seemed a little bigger.

– «New York, New York», – I said quietly.

– Do you know this song? – with some great surprise asked Gina.

– Of course. It is very well known.

– Listen, Andrey!.. Wow! – this time a real delight was written on her charming face. She was turning it from me to Nikiforov and back. Nikiforov spread his arms to the side and gave me a face like «We weren't born yesterday!».

– This song was just in the Ti-Vi series «ALF», – I uttered, – I heard it there.

– Do you know «ALF» too?!

At this point Vladimir Sergeyevich and I broke down and laughed out loud. Gina laughed after us, but her appearance was still expressing an extreme joy mixed with astonishment.

– That's awesome, – she said, if I understood that phrase right. – Andrey, why have you and me never met before?

– And we could, by the way, – I interrupted, – I think we met... in our city, right? If I'm not wrong.

– That's right. I saw you... – she uttered a word, and I was cold-shouldered for the third time, because I didn't absolutely know its meaning again!

– Where did you see me? – I decided to get out of cold water.

– At a military base there, in the Novosibirsk city, – explained Gina. – We met twice.

– That's right, – I said, – twice. But we decided not to talk about the war.

– No, of course not, – she smiled again. – Tell me: are you twenty-eight years old?

– Twenty seven. Twenty-eight will be soon.

– Yeah! – she was delighted again. – I am twenty-seven too! That is great!

– That's great, – I agreed, – and when is your birthday?

– In March, – she said. – On the third of March, – then again, it seems, that something happened to her, because she changed solemnity, which haven't hold on her face for even a couple of moments, to the widest smile in the world again and exclaimed: – Andrey, you are so sweet yet! Mister Nikiforov, he is so sweet, is not he?!

– Absolutely, – confirmed the attache.

And she was also very sweet. It's perfect that she is «Miss» but not «Mistress». I looked at her again and uttered:

– Gina, can I ask you a question?

– Please, – although what was said by her was «Be my guest» literally, – any.

– Are you really an actress?

– Oh, yeah.

– I ask because, – I continued, – that, unfortunately, I didn't see any movies with you.

And then I was engulfed with a cold wave for the fourth time during those few minutes, because she uttered a sentence, the meaning of which I didn't understand once again, but was ready to swear that in Russian that would sound like: «Oh, you lose nothing».

– And in what movies did you shoot?

– Various, – she said cheerfully, – comedies, dramas... thrillers.

– And science fiction? – I didn't stop.

– No, – then she grinned. – Andrey, let us talk about it later too. Better tell me: how do you feel about press conferences?

– Positively, – I said.

– That is very good, – Gina, it seemed, was looking me over from top to toe. – There will be a press conference today, at eight o'clock in the evening. With you and your friends. Do you remember about that?

– Of course, I remember, – I wasn't quite sure what she was trying to say.

– And are you ready for this? – I guess, for this exact press conference.

– What do you mean? – I haven't understood that, honestly.

Gina crossed her legs, looked at Vladimir Sergeyevich and again spoke very slowly, still looking at me searchingly:

– Let me try to explain this to you. There will be a lot of journalists. Some of them like to ask all sorts of silly questions. It can embarrass you and your friends, especially considering the fact that you are... you are from another country and you are not fluent in English. Do you understand? You should be ready for this.

It began a kind of coming home to me.

– Do you want to say that... I just can't please some of their questions?

– That is it, – she said, – you must be prepared for this fact.

– But now I don't know what questions I will be asked, – I smiled.

– Of course, you do not know. How could you know that? – she asked.

– Gina! – I laughed. – One day, a few years ago... Vladimir Sergeyevich, – I added quickly, in Russian, looking at Nikiforov, – now I may need your help again. So, a couple of years ago, I saw with my own eyes, how one man, my former... friend... Vladimir Sergeyevich, how to say «a colleague»?

– «A colleague», – said the latter in English.

– My former colleague from work, – I resumed, turning to Gina, who was still looking at me with great interest, – talking to a journalist, had to learn by heart not only all of that's questions, but all of his answers too.

– You are kidding me, – she shook her head.

– Seriously, – I continued to smile, – so stupid questions – it's not so bad, in my opinion. This, as we say in Russia ... Vladimir Sergeyevich, how to say «It happens»?

– «It happens», – with a smile, translated Nikiforov.

– That it happens, – I repeated, looking in the beautiful eyes. – Did you see the cartoons about Carlson?

– About Carlson? – Gina asked.

– Yes. Who lives on the roof. The writer Astrid Lindgren.

– Oh, yes, I remember, – she breathed in relief. – You are a very brave man, Andrey.

I smiled, deciding to specify nothing about this, but a moment later another idea came to my mind:

– Gina, may I ask one more question?

– Of course, Andrey, – she bared her sparkling white teeth again.

– Why... Why did you invite me? I mean... one me, particular me, – I found the right word.

– I have heard a lot about you lately, – she explained, – so I decided to meet you personally. You got me very interested, Andrey.

– Thank you.

– You are welcome, – she controlled herself well, but I blushed, in my opinion,.

We were definitely passing through a borough. Outside the car all that was like in the movies about this city, but the skyscrapers haven't become visible at all now. Houses were clustering, it seemed, close to the roadway, numerous passers-by were hurrying through sidewalks, and traffic lights were twinkling with all their lights.

– «The Big Apple», – I uttered.

– Yeah, – Gina looked through my window, – do not worry, we will reach the hotel soon.

– Is it in the center? – I asked.

Gina looked at me uncomprehendingly.

– Is the hotel located in the downtown? – asked my question Vladimir Sergeyevich.

Ah, that's it. That's right, a downtown, I forgot.

– Of course, – she said.

– This is where all the skyscrapers are? – I asked again.

– Of course, yes! – she again burst into laughter, shaking my right shoulder with her hand. – Andrey, you are just superb! You are so cool! Cool! Do you understand?

– Of course, I understand. Not «cool», but «cool».

She was laughing, throwing her head back.

– That's just awesome, listen, – she repeated, without weakening her hug.

– Thank you, Gina, – I said, squeezing her other palm, – I really like you too.

She left my collarbone alone and added:

– The place, where the skyscrapers are, is called Manhattan. We are going right there.

– Manhattan, of course, I've heard, – I fixed my eyes on her, – I also remember the Wall Street.

– It is not far from there.

– Do you know New York good? – in fact, I was probably going to say anything else.

– Well, pretty good, – she bared her teeth with a sly smile, – frankly, I would suggest we go for a walk around the city, after the lunch and before the start of the press conference. You have to remember, we were recently talking about that. What do you think?

– I'll be very happy.

– That is wonderful, Andrey. Where would you like to go?

– I... I think, in the Central Park? – not very confidently pronounced I.

– Well, – she nodded. – It is just near the hotel.

I looked at her sweet, white smile, and I thought that I'll want to even purr soon, probably. Yes, that was definitely not a concurrence – all of those accidental encounters, glances, gestures and other signs of destiny, which I never believed in and wasn't going to believe now. Though God knows, on the other hand, anything can happen – coincidences, of course, doesn't exist, but you're constantly amazed every day too. Perhaps.

We stopped at the next intersection, a sun beam, reflected from the glass, suddenly hit my face, and then some other idea struck me. At the same moment Gina said:

– I think that you have something to tell me. Am I not wrong?

– No, you're not wrong. I... want to say that I changed my mind.

– What did you change your mind about, Andrey? – she asked.

– No-no, don't worry, – I laughed, – I'm talking about... a walk in the Central Park.

– Don't you want to go there more? – Gina got upset.

– No, I do, – I looked down, and then back at her. – We'll go there for sure. But first we... I think, let's go somewhere else.

– Andrey, you don't cease to amaze me all the half an hour I've known you, – Miss Robertson again burst into her ringing laugh, – although, to be honest, that is why I decided to meet you. Where do you propose to go?

– I want to go to the place where the World Trade Center was.

Something changed in her face again. She immediately stopped laughing, and for a split second even smiling, but a smile, of course, not so wide, returned to her beautiful face a moment later. Then she folded her hands on her laps, and uttered softly:

– We'll go there. I don't know... I am so glad we met today, Andrey.

My English word-stock, apparently, began to come to an end, because I didn't know what to say about that. But then our car stopped, Nikiforov looked at Gina, she looked at him, then she turned to the window, and then she looked me over one more time and said:

– We have arrived. Once again, welcome to the United States of America. Let's go.

Chapter 2

Our transport was parked, it turns out, on a rather narrow roadway directly in front of a small concrete path, behind which there were a few stone steps, the platform-ramp and the entrance with a transparent glass door. Raising my head for a moment, I saw that this entrance belonged to a high building of a dark-grey stone, but it wasn't a hundred stories high at all. Apparently, it's all somewhere nearby, I thought, okay, finally, I was promised to show the city, so I'll see it later. Turning, I saw Andrey Ivanovich, Troechnik, Valya and meeting us Americans. Next to them there was a small truck.

– That's right, – I uttered.

– Here, you see, – I think, Tom McPherson, who was standing opposite Troechnik, was saying this moment, – is one of the oldest hotels in the New York City.

– Andy, look, – Troechnik appealed to me, – he buzzed me all my ears with this hotel while we were going. I heard from him the only – «houtel'», «houtel'».

– O-okay, don't worry, – I smiled. – How did you arrive in general?

– Fine. Yes, let us do that! – Troechnik turned to the man standing near the truck.

– Of course, – I agreed, – can't we carry our bags or something?

Nikiforov and the second mission's employee quickly translated our words to the hosts, we quickly grabbed our luggage, and the whole company walked across the sidewalk to the entrance – the original residents were in front of us, and we – after them. Americans and diplomats helped us to pass the doorman and an outlandish revolving door, and then we came into the hotel lobby.

It was a large room with high ceilings, the carpet in its middle and some large paintings on the walls. My three countrymen and I stayed in the center, looking back, and invited us locals, MID-men and Gina marched to the right. There they also exchanged probably a few words with the employees of this organization, and then they turned around and approached us.

– It's tough here, – pronounced Valya respectfully.

Gina looked at him with a smile. The second UN mission's employee (what's his name, eh?) translated to the Americans:

– Mister Pavlov said that it is tough here.

The residents laughed together. The MID-man looked around, stretched his hand to the side and uttered:

– Please. We should go upstairs, the tenth floor.

Again, very friendly, we strode to the elevators, and then Troechnik winked at me and said:

– Our room, probably, is some super-luxe one...

– Yeah, with such windows sized on the whole wall, – interjected Valya.

Andrey Ivanovich responded in a tick:

– Well, come on, dear guests. Knock it off.

We looked at each other, while the Americans with diplomats, it seemed, were gazing at us. The elevator was softly humming in the well.

– Your room is not «super», of course, but a usual suite, – quietly uttered a senior UN-man, – its windows aren't very big, but very solid. And the noise from the street is almost inaudible.

– Yes, they're just kidding so, Mister Makhov, – Andrey Ivanovich assured the consul (or counselor? Makhov, there who he is!). Then the elevator's doors opened, and all the standing started to move into it with their hand luggage, fortunately, there was, it seemed, no less room inside than in the lobby.

– Yes, I understand, of course, – he responded, adding in English: – Our guests say they would like to have big windows in their room.

«That's not quite what they say», I thought quickly, looking around the locals who were smiling in unison, but then the athlete and human rights activist boomed:

– You'll like it. We promise.

– Yes, they aren't going anywhere, Mister Knox, – Ivanov replied in English, – that was just such a Russian joke. By the way, I think you speak a little Russian. I'm not wrong?

Frankly, Andrey Ivanovich also never ceased to amaze me since the day I met him, but now he's just astounded me. When did he learn English so well? Or he always knew it, but didn't tell me? There are just some total mysteries of nature. I finally looked at Gina with pleasure and concluded that she understands nothing of that catchword interchange, but involves in a cultural rapprochement with a great interest. She noticed my gaze and smiled with her lips.

– Quite a little, – a big man agreed, – I know just a couple of sentences.

– Don't be modest, Mister Knox, – gravely uttered Troechnik, also in English, – you had been studying Russian at the Military Academy yet and then at the university.

I thought that I will get a heartbreak now. How does Sanya know English indeed?! He can't string a sentence together in Russian sometimes!

– That's right, – reiterated Knox, and then the elevator stopped. – How do you know all this, gentlemen?

– We're of intelligence, – articulated Troechnik cheerfully, – do you know this song – «Raz-vedka na-asha – ve-es' naro-o-od!..».

– Petrovich, become silent, – Andrey Ivanovich looked at him, and then added in English: – I'm sorry, Mister Knox. As you can see, Mister Tugarinov is a great joker. His enemies always hated him for all that.

We stopped in the middle of the corridor. The athlete was blinking with his eyes perplexedly. It was evident that he had never heard that song, and therefore didn't really understand what he was wanted to say by his recon-colleague. But Troechnik put his paw on that's shoulder and uttered, again in very good English:

– Yes, I'm joking, Mister Knox. Don't worry. As your folk song goes – «Don't worry, be happy».

The Americans and we broke into a smile together again, and Gina broke down and laughed.

– Yes, jesting is a great thing, – said Sergey Anatolievich, – and I'm very glad that you understand each other. Gentlemen, we're there. Your rooms are located next door. Andrey Ivanovich, – he looked at us, – please, be settled. Vladimir Sergeyevich will show you all there now. Mister McPherson, – he turned to the original residents, switching to English, – you, if that, will help our guests too. Miss Robertson, – he addressed to Gina, – I remember that we had agreed with you, so you say everything too, don't forget, please. Then you follow the gentlemen experts. Gentlemen, we should meet downstairs in fifteen minutes.

He walked back to the hall, and we nodded to each other and then murmured with the opening doors.

Our room was a pretty large apartment placed with the beds, televisions and tables. Presumably, there were several bedrooms, and, perhaps, even bathrooms and toilets. The windows were in situ.

– Cool, – said Valya.

– Please, come in, – Nikiforov made a gesture with his hand, – there is one bathroom and the other – over there, on the left. If you want, you can change your dress, but we don't, unfortunately, have much time at all, because they're waiting for us downstairs.

– In terms of? – Valya didn't understand.

– We'll have dinner, in the restaurant, Valentin Ivanovich. Just don't say that you aren't hungry.

– I'm more hungry than somewhat, – confirmed he, – I'm famished.

– That's exactly why we couldn't be late. And all the questions could be discussed over dinner.

– We'll discuss, discuss, – uttered Andrey Ivanovich, taking a bundle from his bag, – this is the bathroom?

– Yes, – pointed Nikiforov again.

– Good. So, Petrovich, come here, and you go to the second one and change clothes then for sure. Are you listening to me, Valentin?

– Yes, sir! – snapped Valya, and added quietly: – Come on, Andy. You'll show me everything. And will translate.

We followed to the other bathroom, and when we opened the door, we discovered that at least a whole squad of people like us could wash their hands here. Valya winked at me and asked:

– Well, what do you think about Gina Robertson?

– What do you mean? – I answered with a question.

– Well, how – how to communicate with her? Wait a minute – how turn it on properly?

– Like this, – I pointed with another tap, – I did like her very much.

– «Did like», – imitated Valya, – that's awesome how she's beautiful.

– You may say that, – I agreed, – but what do you want to say, you've heard a lot about her?

– Why «heard», Andy, what are you talking? She's a famous actress yet!

– And have you seen her movies?

– O-of course! – Valya shook his head as if in a puzzle. – Come on, man. All the girls I know were going crazy about her. And the boys too. How turn it off?

I showed again.

– Were they interesting movies? – I asked, taking the soap.

– Yes, – said Valya, – so what did she say?

– About what? – I asked again.

– Well, about everything! What were you talking about?

– Um, about, – I shifted my head, – weather, goddamn. Mostly she was asking, and I was answering.

– And asking what? – Valya wasn't calming.

– Well, all kind of general issues, Valka, – I looked at him, – nothing special. I asked her about movies, by the way, but she didn't answer.

– She's overmodesting, pain, – he said. – Just like you. You must introduce me to her, sure, okay? Tell her I'm a big fan of her. Only translate everything, okay? Cause I understand nothing of they say.

– Move, Valya, don't worry, – I smiled. – By the way, aren't you surprised that Andrey Ivanovich and Sanya speak English, it turns out?

– Damn, indeed! And didn't you know that?

– No, – I said. – Look, what can you say about how did you get here?

– Yes, normally, – uttered Valya, – The Americans were telling us about the city.

– Like we were, basically, – I hung the towel back. – Okay, let's go.

We came back and saw that Ivanov and Troechnik are already dressed and looking at us mindfully.

– Let's pace, – urged Andrey Ivanovich.

I reached into my bag, pulled out a change of clothes and quickly began to undress. Immediately I thought that now, at this moment, everything could happen as in stupid movies and anecdotes – the door opens, she looks in here and sees me without pants. Well, on the other hand, not only me, but Valya also, but the point is that if there wasn't anyone except me, I'd be very contrary – I would probably not mind it to happen... What the nonsense is crossing my mind, really.

Everybody was dressed in the new now. However, the men and Valya were in the shirts, and I, like, probably, the smartest one – in the T-shirt. Ivanov, I think, would like to say something about this, but the room's door opened, the head fortunately (or unfortunately?) – man's looked inside, and Vladimir Sergeyevich Nikiforov uttered:

– Are you ready? It's time.

– Yes, we are, – answered Andrey Ivanovich.

We went through the door, and then something happened to me. At first I thought that it was like when I've got my heart problem, but the feeling was much weaker. It was hard for me to breath in the same way, my head was spinning in the same way and millions of needles were pricking the whole body inside me. But it wasn't that, and it lasted only a second, and I was very happy of that, as I was glad that, thank God, no one noticed that, it seemed. Then I saw Gina ahead of us among the people in the hallway and understood everything immediately.

She clothed herself in the blue jeans and a white blouse or T-shirt either, with the short sleeves and a small tracery on it – clothes, which, in my opinion, are the perfect fit for girls. Especially with such a shape like hers.

– Please follow me, Miss Robertson, gentlemen, – said Vladimir Sergeyevich.

All of us moved to the elevator. I was about to tell Gina: «You look great», but Valya anticipated me, pushing my shoulder and saying quietly:

– Introduce me, damn.

– Gina, – I said to her, – let me introduce you... Valya Pavlov... I mean, Valentin Ivanovich Pavlov, my friend. Valya, meet Gina.

– Hello! – Valya shook her hand.

– Nice to meet you, Mister Pavlov, – Gina smiled.

– What did she say? – Valya turned to me quickly.

– She's pleased to meet you.

– I'm pleased too, tell her. Tell also that I'm a big fan of her. Tell!

– Valya... I mean, Mister Pavlov, is glad to meet you too, – I looked at Gina, who was looking up at Valya, – he is your big fan.

– Yeah! That's great, – she turned to me, – and what does «Valya» mean? Is it a diminutive?

– What did she say? – eagerly asked Valya again.

The three of us went into the car, where the rest were waiting for us.

– Gina asks what your name means, – I uttered, and then added in English: – «Valya» – is a diminutive of «Valentin». Do you remember this song, I don't know exactly who sang – «Let Me Be Your Valen-ti-i-ine»?

Gina burst into a loud laughter. Everyone stopped talking to each other and turned their heads to us, and Valya grabbed my arm and almost shouted:

– Did you tell her? Why is she heehawing?

– Nothing very much, – I smiled, – I remembered the song, in which your name was. Valka, don't worry.

– Yes, but why is she nickering?!

– Gina, why are you laughing? – I asked.

– Oh, sorry. I beg you pardon, Mister Pavlov, – she looked at Valya, who was red as a lobster, – your friend Andrey told me about your name, but I have recalled... something wrong. Excuse me.

– Sorry, Valya, Gina told she remembered some other thing, – I translated, – but in fact that's I confused her.

– Well, – got Valya, – tell her – «All right».

– All right, Gina, – I said in English, glancing at her once again.

Meanwhile we found ourselves in the lobby again and walked behind Vladimir Sergeyevich Nikiforov, who was stomping somewhere diagonally.

– Ask her, maybe she smokes? – Valya uttered quietly again.

– Valka, what are you talking about?

– Well, ask, damn!

– Gina, do you smoke? – I asked.

She looked at me with a puzzle, and then she looked at Valya.

– I've been trying to quit for a long time.

– Do you really smoke? – it was my turn to be surprised.

– Yes. Unfortunately, – she answered, and we went into the restaurant.

It was, as it, again, seemed, a huge hangar-like chamber, twice as much as the hall, and it was decorated with various furniture and bar as it was expected. Our company proceeded to the far left corner, in which a large covered dining table, being surrounded by the massive wooden chairs, was sparkling.

– Please, come in, sit down, – said Sergey Anatolievich Makhov who was standing here, – sit down where you see fit, however, we would prefer, Miss Robertson, gentlemen, Andrey Ivanovich, Alexander Petrovich, so that you and our American friends sat nearby. If you don't mind... I mean... yes, please... Andrey Mikhaylovich, – he looked at me, – pass here, sit down.

I found myself a seat on the chair, which was on the left edge of the table, next to me Gina sat down, which fact I wasn't surprised, and Valya sat next to her. The rest took their seats as, of course, they wanted to, but on my opposite side, still like at the first moment we arrived here, was a chubby blond Tom McPherson, and on the chair next to him – Andrey Ivanovich Ivanov.

– Gentlemen, – Makhov wasn't losing the initiative, – may I ask a minute of your attention – Mister McPherson wants to say a few words.

– Dear guests, guys, Miss Robertson, – he got up and looked us around. – I've got something to say. Don't worry, I'll be quick.

Makhov was translating his words.

– My respected guests from Russia, – resumed Tom, – we're very happy that you've come here today. Welcome to the United States, welcome to the New York City. We thank you that you could find time to come here in this difficult period for your country, and, what is the most important, that you've agreed to help us with our problems. We hope very much this assistance will be useful to you as well. That was on behalf of the United Nations, and on behalf of my colleagues and countrymen. And I'd like to say that I was very glad to see how finally a normal human communication begins between you and us, and I hope that's the only way how should it be in the future, ladies and gentlemen. Mister Ivanov and Mister Tugarinov have showed that us today very expressly. Thank you.

Sergey Anatolievich has translated the last sentence, and immediately after that the four of us, seemed to be, uttered at the same time:

– Thank you!

– Thank you, Tom, – said Gina.

– And now – good appetite, – uttered Makhov, – so, one more thing – then we'll go on a tour, don't forget it, till eight hours, then at eight – I hope, you remember, the meeting with press, well, and after that – we'll be here in an informal setting again.

All that was interesting, but I was retaining the last sentence, that Gina said. So I leaned to her ear and pronounced quietly:

– So do you really smoke?

– Yes, I told you, – she smiled, – why are you so surprised?

– Of course, surprised! – I said in a loud whisper, – you ask! I was sure that you don't smoke!

And why I was sure of that – it was difficult to say to myself now.

– Don't worry, Andrey, – uttered Gina soothingly, – I'll try not to poison you.

– I'm not about it! – I waved with my hand. – I just can't imagine that you... a girl like you smokes!..

Gina looked at me and laughed again. Here Valya asked, taking more meat:

– What are you talking about, Andy?

– Well, about our bad habits. It's all because of you, by the way, Valka.

– So she smokes?

– Smokes, smokes, goddamn, – I confirmed and asked Gina again, in English: – And do you drink alcohol?

Then she laughed out loud, for the whole hall:

– Andrey, you done well!

– So what about it? – I tried to find out.

– Well, sometimes I drink. Actually, sometimes I like to drink, frankly speaking. But you, – she turned her head in my direction, looking at me, – they say, don't drink at all. Is it true?

– It's right, – I affirmed.

– But why?

– I don't know, – I confessed, – I just... don't drink, that's all.

– And you will not drink in the evening too? After the press conference?

– No.

– Andrey, that's incredible, – articulated she, – I see that you aren't lying to me, but that can't possibly be true. Maybe you don't want to do it right now, and you will want to drink later?

I thought a moment and uttered:

– I don't think so.

– Well, that takes the cake, – she said, chewing, – Okay, we'll talk about it later. Let's eat. This is the thing I recommend you, – her hand pointed at the nearest large plate.

– Yes, what are you talking about again? – Valya edged into one more time.

– There was a discussion about alcoholic beverages, – I looked at him.

– Yes? Do you drink? – he, in his turn, looked at Gina.

– Drinks, don't doubt, Valya, – I said, and then uttered, again in English: – Valya would like to have a drink with you.

– I'll be very glad, Mister Pavlov, – she reassured, mopping the salad up, – we also surely need to make your friend have a drink with us, for not to put him in an awkward situation.

– What did she say? – Valya surprised.

– That she's very pleased to drink with you this evening and that she would like me to drink with you both.

– Come on, stop that! – that astonished him even more. – And you're not going, as usual? Or you will be? Come on, Andy!

– I can't promise anything, – I stated.

Generally speaking, I thought that Valka is somehow too much excited, and I have never, in my opinion, seen him like that. Well, I'm worried too, though quite a while yet. Oh, this Gina!

And Gina, meanwhile, apparently has finished the meal, and looked up at the sitting in front of her and lively talking men.

– Mister Ivanov, may I ask you a question? – blazed her smile.

Andrey Ivanovich looked at her and uttered in English:

– Please, Miss Robertson. Pour a juice to you?

– Yes, if you please, – she moved the glass closer to him. – I want to know from you – what does the phrase... – she turned her head for a moment and frowned, – «es...» «spe-tsnaz gru» mean... «spe-tsnaz gru», right?

– «Spetsnaz» means «special purpose», – Ivanov put the carafe back. – It's Russian Special Forces.

– Thank you. And what is «gru»? – she grabbed the glass with her fingers and raised it.

– It's – also an abbreviation, – explained Andrey Ivanovich. – It means... «The Main Intelligence Agency». It's an Office of the General Staff, which directs these forces.

– Um, okay, – Gina made a good sip from the glass and looked back at Ivanov. – You served there in due time?

– Yes, – he affirmed, – you're right.

– I see... – she drawled, and then suddenly exclaimed: – Here! I almost forgot one more thing! There was another abbreviation, I've heard that many times too... How – «de...» «...be»?

– «De-She-Be?», – asked Troechnik, who was looking at them with interest.

– Exactly! – Gina grinned. – Thank you, Mister Tugarinov! What does this mean?

– In English, it will be... – he paused, and then asked in Russian: – Ivanovich, help me out, I don't know!

– «An Amphibious Assault Brigade», – Sergey Anatolievich Makhov rescued the fellow countrymen, – or «battalion».

– «Battalion», – uttered Andrey Ivanovich instinctively. – This is rapid reaction forces. As a part of Airborne Troops and Marines.

– Thank you, gentlemen, – Gina gave them a smile again. – You helped me a lot.

– You are welcome, Miss Robertson, – Ivanov smiled in response. – Pour you more?

– Yes, please, – she said.

She's got strange questions, I thought.

– Andy, – Valya brought me out of my reverie, – so you won't go on a tour with us?

– No, I'll go with Gina.

– Will you go two? – he continued. – By the way – on foot or by car?

– On foot, it's not far from here, as I understood, – I said, – we've agreed so.

– Nope, I'm just asking...

– And you will go by car? – I took a sip from the glass of juice.

– Well, yes. We'll view sights and stuff...

– Same we are.

– What are you talking about, may I know? – asked Gina.

– About our upcoming trip, – I uttered in English.

– Oh, yes, we go now. Are you done, Andrey? – she asked, even though I wasn't exactly sure that what she said was «done» exactly.

– Yes, Gina, thank you.

– Very well, – she put her glass on the table, – Mister Makhov, Mister Polozkov and I will take a walk around the city.

– Of course, Miss Robertson, as agreed, – Sergey Anatolievich looked at her, and then at me, – Andrey Mikhaylovich, Miss Robertson will show you the city as you remember.

– Yes, – I got up from my chair, and Valya immediately stood up with Gina.

– Will we go to smoke? – he asked.

– Yes, c'mon, of course, – I pronounced, recalling something. – And I'll go for the camera whilst. Gina, – I addressed to her in English, – you go to smoke with Valya, and I must go upstairs for a photo camera.

– Of course, – she said.

I rounded the table, approached Makhov, uttered «Please, give me the key», took a small bundle, which he handed to me, and quickly left the room. When I was passing through the hall, stairs, some numerous doors, going to the wells, and pressing the call-button, a strange feeling didn't leave me – as if something is not quite as it should be. Maybe I'm really worried because of the evening meeting? Maybe. She told me to worry, so I began doing that. Or because I'm worried that we'll go somewhere for a walk with her? Around a large and unfamiliar city. Yes, that's some kind of stupidity. Hadn't I seen strange cities or something? But I'm definitely worrying because of something now, that's for sure, because even loosely putting my hand on the left side of my chest, I can feel a strong heartbeat – there're, probably, a hundred and forty beats.

The elevator downed, people went out of the cage towards me, I went in, pressed another button and the door slammed. Yes, that's so slow how it's creeping! I was about to jump now, if only this iron box flew up, yes, just flew with a ballistic missile speed. Come on, well, pull baker, man! What are you, just barely slowing, as a snail! And I'll begin to say all this aloud now, according to my old habit, I thought. Well, that's our floor, seems to be.

I rushed along the corridor briskly, almost dropping into a run. Where's that damn room, I guess, that's it. So-oo, we're trying the key, oh, perfectly, it fits. My bag's here, I'm not going to take off my shoes now, but where's my camera? Here it is! We grab it fast. OK, now we shut the door and run back. Maybe it's better on foot? So, if the elevator again isn't stay in place, then I'll probably walk, no, it left nowhere. Well, maybe will it go faster down though? Come on, ah!

– That's like just for me, – I uttered, grinning.

But the car was creeping and crawling. Where I am, in fact, hurrying, I thought. I don't know. Someone is waiting for me? Well, maybe. Or maybe I'll wait them there now. I looked at my wristwatch – it was showing thirty-four minutes past three. No, like I've done everything quickly. Well!.. Here the elevator has finally stopped. The valves opened, and I saw Gina standing a meter from me.

– Are you ready? – she asked.

– Yes, – I took a sip dry.

– Then let's move out.

Chapter 3

– So you say, you aren't afraid of the press conference? – Gina half-turned to me, holding the door.

– No, I'm not, – I replied.

We walked down the steps and turned to the right.

– But were you scared in the war?

– Of course, I was, – it seems, that was a trick question again. But she immediately added:

– Look, I'm talking nonsense. Then, perhaps, you were feeling nothing but fear? We go right.

– Yes, at that time I didn't feel differently, – I said, – I think no one of my friends didn't feel. Generally, if someone says you that he wasn't scared during the war – so he's lying. Eventually... – Gina looked at me. – Well, it's most probably.

– «Most likely», you were going to say? – she smiled.

– Yes, most likely. You see, my English isn't so good as you said.

We stopped at the traffic light.

– Your English is good, – Gina squeezed my hand, – better than some American's. Look, Andrey, before I forget, I must warn you about one thing. If I start to get angry – don't pay attention to it. It will take just a few moments.

– What do you mean? – I didn't understand.

– Well, – explained Gina, – sometimes strangers stop me in the street and ask... – then again she said a word, which was slightly familiar to me, but that was, of course, clear that it meant «an autograph», – ask to be photographed with me and stuff. So don't be surprised and get me right. Okay?

– Of course, – I looked at the pavement, – and can it be many people?

– One day it seemed to me that there were a hundred of them, – she laughed.

– Come on! – I didn't believe that. – And did you answer to all?

– No, I told you. I had to talk in a very rude way to some of them.

– Well, you're cool, – apparently, I caught her thought, because there were two girls of seventeen or eighteen in the middle of the sidewalk, in front of us, talking and taking a peek at us.

– Hi! – joyfully shouted one of them.

– Hello, – I uttered.

– Hi, girls, – said Gina. – How are you?

– Fine! – cried the same girl. – Is it really you, Gina Robertson?

– In the flesh, – she confirmed, looking from the first girl to the second one, – unfortunately, I have no time, so please, give me your notebooks quickly.

The seniors handed the colorful booklets, in which Gina readily made some notes. I hope, they weren't indecent, I caught a glimpse.

– Thank you, Miss Robertson! – they cried.

– You're welcome, – Gina smiled. – Bye.

– Bye! – the girls waved their hands.

– Oh, Andrey, – Gina shook her head, – you can see everything. Let's go.

– O-okay, – I gave way to a passer, – just don't tell me that you don't like it.

– Why, I like that, of course, – she raised her head, – especially at the beginning, ten years ago. Then I did like that.

– And now? – I didn't let up.

– Now?.. Yes, how to tell you... I think if a person is going somewhere on business, and every five seconds he is stopped and begin to be pestered with all sorts of stupid questions, anyone will get bored quickly. Besides, if they are such girls – that's one thing, but if they're some drunken morons – then it's something else. Do you get me?

– I get. Morons.

– Here, – she laughed, – so it depends. You can't love all the fellow creatures, that's the thing I've realized when I visited your place. Look o-over there.

I turned my head to the left. There was a beautiful panorama in front of my eyes – a sun-drenched wide river with a familiar bridge towering above in the distance.

– That's beautiful, isn't it? – Gina asked.

– Yes, very nice, – I agreed, – I think, that New York is a beautiful city.

– That's right, but Novosibirsk is also very beautiful! I mean, before... I've seen the photographs. There's the river, I'm so pleased which! That exact place where two bridges are nearby.

– Yes, I agree with you. I've always loved my hometown.

– Andrey, I was just amazed, – she resumed, – I didn't expect that! We're also taught back at school yet – that Yu-Es-Es-R has got the only military industry, people live in poverty, dirtiness, dumpiness, and so on. And last year I found some pictures, well, with the prospects of the Novosibirsk city, and I was just amazed! You had that great, that is, I mean nature and all that.

– You're right, I think, – I rubbed the tip of my nose with my fingers. – But people lived in poverty, it's also true.

– I'm not about that... – she didn't finish because I interrupted her:

– And the military industry was also... dominated.

– That's not what I was going to say, – she repeated. – You didn't get me. I always thought that you have got nothing at all in Russia, especially in Siberia,. Do you understand? We were told that there is nothing at all in Siberia, except of bears and missiles in taiga, and people live just in the ground. But I began to find that out, quite recently and I discovered that the longest metropolitan bridge in the world was built in Novosibirsk, for example. Of course, the hearing of something somewhere – that's not the same thing, but I visited, I spoke to the people!..

– Excuse me, are you, – Gina Robertson? – I heard a faint voice from the side.

I turned to the person who said that. It was a tall man in his forties, smiling at us pleasantly.

– Yes, – Gina looked at him. – Hello.

– Hello, – I nodded and smiled in response.

– Good evening. I'm very glad to see you, – he upped his hands, – I want to say that you're a great actress... and we like you. My family, my children. And me too, of course.

– Thank you, – Gina smiled again.

– No, thanks to you. I wish you luck. Sorry for distracting.

– No problem...

– Bill. Bill Landis, – he raised his right hand.

– All right, Bill, – Gina nodded.

– Bye. Once again, good luck.

– Goodbye, – I said.

We continued our steps and went to the next intersection.

– So, where was I? – she looked around. – Here, I came to Novosibirsk and looked at all with my own eyes. However, after the war.

– They didn't let foreigners to us, at all, until last month, – I was looking at the asphalt.

– No way! That was just a terrible thing yet! I wanted to come last autumn, not alone, of course, in the delegation of human rights organizations, but we weren't allowed anywhere at all. And those people who were responsible for that, they called themselves «diplomats», but they couldn't even speak with us properly. They spoke with us in their poor English and told us so... – then she cussed out, suddenly and unexpectedly but quite clear to me, in that meaning like, would you go, Mister-Twisters, somewhere very far away.

– Come on, stop it, it can't be! Although...

– That's it, although, – she uttered quietly, but with a kind of cold fury, – these people, in my opinion, thought too goddamn much of themselves. They didn't, I guess, understand what they were doing at all. Do you remember, recently I told you about the fact, that it's impossible to love all the mankind, and that it's connected with Russia, with the Novosibirsk city? I didn't mean, of course, that you're distracted by strangers in the street. I talked about what happened in your country.

– Not for the first time, by the way, – I said.

– That's absolutely right. These people can't be loved. They can't, in my opinion, even be tolerated, even for a brief period, – Gina shook her head. – It's a nightmare, Andrey. Fair to say that we've got such people too, but the fact what had happened to you... Your country, such people you've got, they're just wonderful... Okay, we're almost there, we'll talk about it for sure but later – I want to ask you a lot of things, but now let's change the topic, okay? Because... I want to smoke, don't you mind?

– No, please, – actually, I wanted to say: «As we say – smoke and bless you», but I couldn't remember this expression in English.

– Here you're absolutely right also, – she pulled the cigarette with the lighter out of her purse, – I must leave this stupid habit off.

– Well, you give a bad example for your young fans, – I uttered.

Gina burst into her loud laughter.

– Andryukha, I'm fond of you! – I have translated as «Andryukha» said by her English diminutive of my name.

– Thank you, – I laughed in response. – I'm fond of you too. Do you smoke for a long time at all?

– For ten years, – she breathed.

– By the way, – I remembered, – can you smoke on the street here?

– You can... I think so, – she uttered unsurely. – Drinking is banned exactly, I remember that.

– I see. So what were you going to say? You promised me a tour of the city, – at the moment we approached some vaguely familiar building-skyscraper.

– A tour of the city? – she asked. – Please, – then she started to show in different directions with her hands: – «The Empire State Building» – is there, the Statue of Liberty – is here, Wall Street – is there, and Broadway – is o-over there.

I giggled, she grinned in response too.

– But I do want to say about the place to where we're going. We have almost come – now we should go over there... Well, we didn't make it, – the traffic light turned red. – Now you'll see a memorial they made there.

– Memorial? – I asked.

– Yes. In that place where the Twin Towers were, – she glanced at my face by her enormous eyes.

– Is it beautiful?

– Yes, quite beautiful. Although I did like the monument in Moscow more. I mean the one on that street, I still can't exactly memorize its name – Gur'-ev?..

– Gur'yanov, – I proposed.

– Gur'yanov Street, – repeated Gina, – let's go.

We walked along the «zebra». I stepped aside, letting the passers.

– Look, where were you that day?

– At the Toronto Film Festival, – she turned away and spat into the box standing on the corner. – I was presenting my new film.

I said nothing, because a silly phrase was spinning in my mind – something like «What did you feel then?».

– We were all there watching television and didn't believe what was happening. At last, we have come. Please, the World Trade Center was at this point.

Gina and I were in a small park, around the perimeter of which there were the metal benches, the lawn was located behind them, and a small vertical pedestal was in the middle of it.

– Let's come? – I proposed.

– Of course, – she said.

We walked towards the monument at a leisurely pace.

– This is a temporary memorial, – uttered Gina, – they wish to make something else here.

– Restore the buildings? – I didn't understand.

– No, – she stopped and turned to me. – That is, they restore them, you're right, but not there. It seems to be, they wanted to build a new set of Double-Yu-Ti-Si, not far from here.

– And here?

– Some new memorial is designing, – though perhaps I should translate that word in a different way, not even translate, but leave it as well – «A memorial».

– I see, – I said.

– Let's go and sit over there, – she shook her head in the direction of the benches.

– Okay.

Most of them were empty, but I paid attention that there were people of various sex and age on some of them,. Yes, three thousand people died. That's never mind by our standards, but here that was certainly something hard. Although I don't know, I shouldn't probably call that never mind... Damn, I think something wrong.

– Andrey, are you okay? – Gina interrupted my thought process.

– Yes, everything is good, – I blinked.

We sat on a warm iron.

– I like when you do that, – she narrowed her eyes, – I'm a little worried about... that you don't much like to look me in the eyes.

– Yes, you're right, – I looked at her, – and will it be okay like that?

– Oh, come on! – she laughed. – I want to find out one thing from you.

– Please.

– Do you remember when we went up to our room, Alexander Tugarinov told Doctor Knox that he is from intelligence and then he sang something in Russian?

– Of course, I remember, – I replied.

– Do you know this song? – Gina again articulated all that with the same cold seriousness, like a few minutes ago.

– Yes, I know.

– This song is – from the time of Stalin, isn't it? – she specified.

– Right. Nineteen thirty-eight year, – I said.

– I thought so. Such songs were sung only under Stalin, – she shook her head. – Translate me those words, please.

– «Our intelligence – is the whole people», – I uttered.

– And what next, do you remember? In this song, I mean?

– «The enemy will not pass the borders...», – I started quoting inaccurately. – «But if he passes, he will be in the Yezhov's...». Damn!.. I don't know how to...

– In Yezhov's tight rein? – Gina asked.

– Exactly. How do you know that? – she didn't cease to amaze me, to put it mildly.

– You'll understand it soon. Yezhov, – Gina accentuated the last syllable correctly, – right? Nicholas?

– Yes, – I looked at her, – Nikolay Ivanovich Yezhov.

– Nikola-y Ivanovich, – she pronounced in Russian, – he was the head of the... En-Key-Vi-Di in Stalin's time, am I right?

– Yes, – I confirmed.

– As I recall, that means «People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs», right? – Gina licked her lips, and then added: – It's like ministries today? Here. Please, tell me how to put it in Russian.

– «Narodnyi Komissariat Vnutrennikh Del», – I pronounced in the native language.

– «Na-rodnyi», – Gina repeated with the accent on the second syllable, – «Komissariat...». «Vnutrenniy...».

– «Vnutrennikh», – I corrected.

– Well, «vnutrennikh», I see, «del». «Del»? – «Vnutrennikh» and «del» were also said by her in my words.

– «Del».

– So, about those particular internal affairs. Did you read Doctor Robert Conquest's book «The Great Terror»?

– Yes, – I was a little surprised again.

– I reread this book four times, – said Gina, – but I still can't understand how this could be. I asked Doctor Conquest...

– Do you know Robert Conquest?! – I was stunned this time.

– Yes. There is nothing special, Andrey, because he is a professor of that university, where I used to... tried to study. So, I decided to find out where he had been taking the material for his book. He explained that to me and advised to read the other books and articles on the same topic. But I still don't understand. I hope, maybe you do?

– What? – I couldn't, evidently, understand it yet.

– How... – she looked into her purse, but then she apparently changed her mind again and looked at me. – How can a government kill people in its own country?

– It's... – I stammered in turn, – I think, a very difficult question. For one, probably, hand.

– I can't grasp that at all, – she looked in front of me. – And no one of our people here, in my opinion, can't grasp. Doctor Conquest gives the information, you likely remember that, since nineteen thirty-six till nineteen thirty-eight, that particular People's Commissariat, working under direct orders of Joseph Stalin, shot seven hundred thousand people. But he specifies that this information may be incomplete. And another historian, I don't remember exactly who he was, writes that there were one million five hundred thousand of them. And he gives the calculation of that – it's two thousand people a day. And all those people weren't guilty of anything. Can you imagine that? I can't.

She looked at me again, but this time – without the slightest hint of a smile.

– Some, they say, were guilty... – I mumbled.

– Yes, yes, I've heard that, – Gina waved her hand, – the party leaders, the En-Key-Vi-Di-men themselves and so on. So. More people died in the death camps at the same time. And before that the collectivization occurred. By the way, – she pursed her lips, – «The Harvest Of Sorrow», I'm sure you read it too, would probably be more terrible book in some places, than «The Great Terror». And then – the Second World War was, where the Yu-Es-Es-R lost more people than all the other countries combined. What were you going to say?

– Nothing. I totally agree with you.

– Well, – her ravishing eyes were sparkling, and her cheeks were burning with paint. – what am I talking about, Andrey? I read a witty opinion in one book that your communists were not human beings, but some aliens, evil and bloodthirsty ones. Well, how they are portrayed in science fiction films, you asked me, remember? Cause they behaved just like that. Have you ever heard that joke?

– I heard, – I uttered. – Only this joke of those that... which includes a large part of the truth.

– Here! – she grinned. – That's what I wished to tell you. And there is one more here, the same author had an idea, but not so funny one – if communists behaved that way and ruled their own country, their own people, then how are they going to deal with people from other countries? When they will bring the battle there, as they are trying all the time?

We looked into each other's eyes, I smiled weakly, and she immediately shifted her lips in response.

– Look, Andrey, come on, let's talk about something else, – she patted my knee, – because I'm driving you into sadness, and I'm starting to feel sad also. Okay?

– No, why, – I said, – let's talk about this, I'm interesting.

– Well, come on, – she perked up, looking over my head. – But we have to wait now – the kids will cheer us up.

I turned around. A group of teenagers, boys and girls, stood nearby, they were, probably, a little bit younger than the seniors who were recently, and they were smiling to us widely and were shyly waving their hands. Gina got up from her seat, I stood after her.

– Hi, guys, – she said.

– Hello, – greeted I.

– Hello! Hi! – they screamed. – That's you! That's Gina Robertson! We have recognized you!

– Take a picture of us! Please!

– With pleasure! – she replied.

– Oh, great! That's cool! – exclaimed the schoolchildren.

– Sir, take one, please, – a pretty girl of about fifteen asked me.

– No problem, – I took a brand new camera from her hands. – Where to press here?

– That's here, – she showed the button.

– Okay, – I looked at the company and Gina standing in the middle. – Are you ready?

– Yes! Ready! – cried the guys.

I caught the image on a small LCD screen, squeezed my hands and pressed the shutter. The device made a clicking sound.

– Again! Again, please! – the young people weren't queting down. I made a shot again, and then another one. The girl came near me, took her camera and said:

– Thank you, sir.

– Thank you, sir! – several voices repeated. – Thank you, Miss Robertson!

– You're welcome, ladies and gentlemen, – enunciated Gina, bowing slightly.

– You're cool! – the girls cried again, laughing. – We'll send you pictures by e-mail!

– Agreed, guys, – she smiled.

– Goodbye, Miss Robertson!

– Bye! Goodbye, sir!

– Goodbye, – uttered Gina and I.

The boys and girls moved away, hailing excitedly, and we came back to the bench. The sun was shining on the windows of the skyscraper, which was on the other side, a warm breeze was blowing a little, and the number of people in the square, it seemed, became just a few times less.

– Good kids, – I stretched my legs forward.

– Hey, yeah! – she, on the contrary, placed her feet under the seat and turned her knees slightly left towards me. – I love such guys!.. However, when they are smaller, very small – that's even better. That's such a pleasure. That's just lovely!..

– Yes, probably... – I supposed.

– Yes, children... – Gina pronounced, it seemed, dreamily.

– Flowers of life, – I said.

– That's right. Andrey, let's do so, – she smiled broadly, – let me now torment you a little more, and then, in the evening, after dinner, we'll go for a walk in the Central Park, and will talk on any other topic. If you don't mind, of course.

– I don't mind, – I reassured.

– Very good. I'll tell you about myself, and you will tell me, where did you get this scar, – she touched my right cheek by the tips of her fingers brought together.

I closed my eyes, realizing that I turned red from top to toe. In her turn, she laughed softly, squeezing my foot in her warm hand.

– Okay, Andy? – asked she, looking at her watch. – You're shy, but I like that, then you're all right, you're doing right. We still have enough time, so let me torment you a little more.

– Gina, you don't really tormenting me, – I didn't agree again. – But... driving probably to the paint, this is true.

She threw her head back, bursting into laughter.

– Oh, sorry, please. Honestly, I didn't want to embarrass you.

– It's all right.

– Okay. No, if you still want to – let's change the topic, but we won't talk about you and me. Let's talk about it later, okay? – she stood her ground.

– Well, we agreed, Gina, – reminded I, – that we'll continue to talk about politics. And about the history.

– That's right, history, – she brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. – So, look. The Soviet Union existed for seventy-four years.

– Yu-Es-Es-R, – I interjected.

– Yu-Es-Es-R, – confirmed Gina, – «Back In The Yu-Es-Es-R». During all that time, the people who called themselves «communists», were slaughtering their people and all the others, whom they could reach to. But in nineteen ninety-one it has collapsed. It fell apart, right?

– It did, – I uttered.

– Precisely, – she stretched her hands out, – you started to create a market economy, you began to open your borders, you got the freedom of thought, finally. But that lasted only a couple of years...

– And – fifty-fifty, – I intervened in her reasoning again.

– That's about what I'm talking! – she winged the air by her hand again. – Nineteen ninety-three – shooting at the High... that...

– «Supreme», – I proposed.

– That's right, the Supreme Council – it wanted to restore the Yu-Es-Es-R. Its members didn't even dissemble that. Then, we go further. Nineteen ninety-four – the First War in Chechnya. Why, people asked? Your leaders answered – that's for Russia should not collapsed as the Yu-Es-Es-R. What kind of idiocy is it, who preserves a country in this way, who such a thought is aimed at? It can only fall apart quicker from this. Okay, your first President was... more or less normal person, despite the fact that... he had his problems – he stopped the war, though in two years. And then three years later – there you have it, gentlemen – Russia is falling apart, just like the Yu-Es-Es-R, you need to fight back. But no one has endless patience yet. Your country was holding for three years, but hadn't tolerated. And no one would have tolerated, I assure you, Andrey.

Once again I finely nodded and again looked at her face. The blush reappeared on her cheeks and earlobes, her pupils were huge and black, her lips – were tight, but not too tight, and the small wrinkles gathered on her high forehead. That's not the worst part, I'm more worried about that she was speaking pretty quickly, so I understood, most likely, only the general sense of what was told.

– Yes, the patience was over. Like you just said.

– No, Andrey! – she pointed her index finger at my knee. – You've just said that right – about the fact that everything was going fifty-fifty. After all, someone was permanently hampering all your reforms. Who? For example, all of us here in the United States were monitoring the activities of Boris Yeltsin. A lot of us regarded him with suspicion, and I also treated him with suspicion, because he was a high-ranking employee of the communist party during all his life. But when he became your president, he tried to be a real democrat. At least, he was trying. Most of those people around him didn't even try to do that, I think, well, to pose themselves as democrats. The trouble was that he was the only one. From all of your government, after nineteen ninety-one, he was the only one who really wanted to create a democratic society in Russia. The rest of your politicians, whether could not, or did not want to do that. But one man could succeed nothing ever, for sure, either in the Yu-Es, or even more so in the Yu-Es-Es-R.

I wanted to tell Gina a saying in her native language, but then I've realized that I don't know how, so I uttered in Russian:

– One is not a warrior.

– What do you say? – Gina didn't understand.

– One man... – I translated – is not a warrior in the field.

– Perhaps, you were going to say – «There is safety in numbers»?

– Yes.

– All right, – she lightly slapped my shoulder by her hand as if brushing some dust off it. – Who was in the Yeltsin's administration? Communists. They began to call themselves democrats, but that doesn't matter. Had they immediately changed all their creed indeed? Like Boris Yeltsin? But he proved that almost every day, at least in the first few years, but they always demonstrated the reverse. What good things could those people do? Nothing. Nothing, right?

– Right.

– I talk too much, huh? And too quickly, perhaps? – Gina asked politely, tilting her head sideways.

– No-no, what are you talking, – I protested, – I listen to you with pleasure.

– Thank you, Andrey. I do admire you, to be honest – I have never met such an attentive listener yet.

– Thank you, Gina. I tell you – I'm curious what you're talking.

– Yes, I'm almost done, – she smiled, – that's my second question, and it's stupid again, I guess.

– Come on, why stupid, – I said.

– Behold. Come on, I still speak slowly. Look, – she knocked on her right palm by the thumb of her left hand. – I told you that... I read the books of historians who wrote about Stalin's age. They described what happened to the innocent people who fell into the En-Key-Vi-Di – En-Key-Vi-Di-men terribly tortured them... beat them to death by their feet, shoved their faces into toilets and did other things, you could became sick after just reading about them. That's for me, at least. But the soviet people tolerated all that. Well, – she looked at me. – Maybe not all of them, but tolerated. By the way, you know, it always makes me laugh when I see some things like those ones in our films, well, I mean, as they shown in our films – it's generally something... unserious. All those things about which I... well, and you, too, read and heard about your country... – she shook her head. – None of actors will ever be able to play this. No one, even the most talented. Trust me – I do movies for almost fifteen years, and I know actors very well, – Gina looked towards again and then turned back to me. – So. Where were we? In the time of Stalin and... Here it is – that then not all people had endless patience. Someone tried to rebel then. When rebellions began – they were suppressed immediately. Well, they were the thirties, there were no telecommunications, and people did not know anything. But then came the nineties. The communists, who now call themselves former communists, hamper the reforms. They continue to blatantly deceive ordinary people. That is not so bad, that could be tolerated for long. But all that was not enough for them – they start the war in Chechnya. We were not so little with you at that time, and we remember all that well. The Russian army in Chechnya, which is the Russian land, commits... well, if not the same, but similar crimes – burns houses with people inside, pushes women by tanks, beats surrendering captives to death. The people are Russian now, but for some reason they are tolerating again. Not all of them, of course. Because there is a Ti-Vi now, and all these things are televised all day long. But soldiers, however, come from the war like heroes and receive honors. Well, the war ended, thanks to Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin. Although he started to make war yet. But then something quite incredible... Forgive me, please, Andy, but I have to say this. Hold on, please, I'm so glad you're listening to me.

– Gina, continue please.

– The incredible thing happens, – Gina spread her arms to the sides. – The First War was stopped, but the Russian government for some reason starts the Second Chechen War. What for? For what reason? Who needs all that? Nobody answers these questions plainly. The war begins again, the troops start to perpetrate terrible things again, but Russian people tolerate again. And some of them are even beginning to rejoice. Because television no longer talks about the crimes of the army. Well, not all, okay, half the Ti-Vi channels. But the other half every day informs people that the war against their own people – this is right, because they are all terrorists. And you all had been tolerating that too. For three years. And then, last year, you stopped to tolerate that longer yet. Andrey, – she asked quietly, – how could you tolerate for so long?

Honestly, I didn't know what to answer here. Moreover, I thought, after everything she said she knows the answer indeed. Finding nothing smarter, I uttered:

– I don't know, Gina...

– Just don't tell me about the mystery of Russian soul! – she interrupted, – I had many Russian people to communicate to say exactly that there's not such mystery. You don't differ either from us, or from anybody else. And you know that better than me.

– Yes, probably, – I said unconfidently.

– Be sure about that.

For a moment we were silent. A weak gust of wind, very warm, almost hot, came and, seemed to be, stroked my face.

– Look, Gina, – I thought, – while we were talking...

– I was talking to you, and you were listening to me, – she interrupted me again. – For what I'm very grateful to you, Andy.

– Thank you. So, I... – and here I hesitated again – It was not somehow quite, shall we say, easy for me to tell her an anecdote in this place.

– Were you going to say something about that?

– Yes, – I stated. – I'd like to say that you just know... my country very good. To be honest, I'm very surprised. We have an opinion, in Russia, that the Americans don't understand... in our affairs, in our situation.

– So that's absolutely right, – Gina's eyes widened. – More so: we have half the people don't care about what's going on there, in your country. They aren't interested in it and they were never interested in it. I don't want to say, of course, that I'm some special, some kind of unique person, but as far as I can see, everything is like that. But that's only part of the problem, in my opinion. I believe, I mean, that's a quite widespread point of view, so I'm not alone here, of course – that all such everywhere. Do you agree with me? Everywhere, in every country, well, perhaps anywhere in the world there are people who don't care about some sort of global issues, about some war on the other side of the world, and, I think, about politics in general. They don't care about it until that very moment when it affects them personally. As one clever man...

– «People need to be interested in politics, or politics will begin to be interested in people»? – I quoted.

– Exactly! – she exclaimed. – Listen, you're just reading my mind.

And I thought it was necessary to recall that particular phrase a minute ago.

– Look, – she gestured with her hand around us, – you and me are at the place where the Nine-Eleven was. Nothing like that had happened in our history before. The Government immediately began to investigate, there were the other examinations, then «Al-Qaeda» took responsibility, but you still see the views of people who claim that crime was committed by the Yu-Es Government. But this is – not the same situation as yours. Evidence of these people is much weaker, even if it is given. And we make no secret about that – everything is open, everything is published, well, so far. Anyway, that's probably the most important thing, – she took a sip dry, – our politicians would not risk dealing with such matters. They are afraid of their people too much. They are afraid, you see?

– Of course, – I looked at her shoulder.

– They goddamn well know they can hide nothing, and when American people know it, and it will happen very quick, they will just tear them apart. And what's very likely – it will be literally. I bet. Okay, – she got up from the bench, – I think, it's time for us to come back. Mister Andrey Mikhaylovich Polozkov, I wish to tender you just the biggest thanks in the world indeed, – she gave me her hand, – for that fact you've listened to me. That was just super.

– You're welcome, Miss Gina Robertson, – I shook her little tough hand. – I really enjoyed it too. In my turn.

She laughed.

– Andrey, you're so good.

– You're good too. Just excellent, – a compliment was, of course, not so hot.

– Thank you very much, again and again. For everything. Frankly, – she, I thought, smiled a bit apologetically, – in the beginning of our conversation, I was very afraid of one thing, I'll try to explain...

– The fact that I won't understand all of what you say? – I responded.

– No, no, – Gina made a negative nod, – nothing like that, I was sure there. I was a little worried... – she was weighing her words. – Actually, to be honest, I was very worried that you – but please don't get me wrong – at some point you could... get into a rage. Well, because of some mental disturbance caused by participation in the war. But now I'm pretty sure you've got nothing like this. Although, of course, I'm not a doctor... in short, I wished to tell you that.

– I understand you, – reassured I, – and I also hope very much that I'm all right.

– You're all right, Andrey, – she smiled wider. – If something would be wrong with you, it would be seen now. Well, shall we go? – she smoothed her hair again.

– Come on.

We went to the same part of the park, from where we came here. The air, surrounding us, became surely warmer as compared with what was in the afternoon. I looked at my watch – they were showing fourteen minutes past six in the evening now. I should say, I thought. No, she's just amazing, Gina Robertson, a cinemactress. Of course, according to her appearance a person like me could probably conclude that she's – a clever, well-read woman, who was an excellent pupil at school, and was interested, most likely, in not only dolls, magazines and boys she knew during that time. But I couldn't ever imagine the fact we can talk about what we were just talking, that was just incredible. For some reason, a whole our just ended conversation was beyond belief, something was definitely irresponsible here. So much for an American naivety, I thought. Appearances are always, of course, deceptive, but she caught me off guard absolutely.

– You can take a picture, if you want to, – Gina addressed to me, interrupting an internal monologue. – Show me your camera, by the way.

She, it turns out, lit another cigarette and was shaking the ashes off into another box, and we stood opposite the waterfront with the bridge which was pointing at us. I pulled my camera from the bag and handed it to Gina.

– Yeah! – she pronounced respectfully. – I remember this model. Or... wait, no, not this, but like this.

– Yes, it's an old camera, – I took it back, – not the last generation.

Laughing, she extinguished the cigarette and threw it into the garbage can.

– Andrey, I may be repeating, but you've got an excellent sense of humor. On the one hand, you're such serious, but on the other one – you're just the best humorist in the world.

– Thank you for the... uh... – how to say «compliment»? Maybe it's the same word?

– You're welcome, – Gina smiled even wider.

The panorama was caught in the viewfinder, the picture was taken, another one followed it, after that – one more, and then we stomped on. As have been always happened to me in such cases before, the windows, intersections, sidewalks and traffic lights have become a little recognizable. The pedestrians hurried home through the narrow streets, the numerous yellow taxis, just like it is shown in a variety of films, filled all the roads, and the air was filled with not too, of course, loud, but very perceptible noise. We were now going towards the setting sun, but, of course, it wasn't seen, because the famous Manhattan skyscrapers were like the one big wall around us.

– Where did you say, is the «Empire State Building?», – I leaned toward Gina.

– Over there, – she stretched her hand out. – You want to go there?

– No, some other time. And where's the «Chrysler Building»?

– Not too far from here, over there, – showed she, – do you want me to explain you where is Wall Street?

– No, it's not necessary, I think. This is not my level, – I made way for the next passer-by.

– Ha, «level»! – Gina giggled.

– Besides, you have already explained it to me. When we were going here.

– Oh, yes. I forgot, – she gently tapped my shoulder. – By the way, what about that – aren't you too tired?

– Not at all.

We were crossing another roadway.

– This's very good, Andrey. Follow me, – she looked forward, – this is very good because soon you will need all of your powers.

– I remember it, – I said.

– That's perfect. Now, we're almost there.

She was fastly pacing through the right side of the asphalt, outrunning slowly marching men and women boldly. I was following her almost at heels, looking at the rear pockets of her light-blue jeans, then moving my eyes up and smiling her when she was turning around. The cars were still making beeps, the locals were still talking about their affairs near us, the heat, as it always happens with it, was subsiding very slowly, and the setting sun was reflecting in the windows and glaring right to the phizes of us all. «Yes, I certainly didn't expect a day like this», an idea occurred somehow. Although, to tell the truth, what is so special in it? For now, at this moment? Actually, there's quite a lot of that, and, on the other hand, nothing extraordinary. Nothing? Am I so sure of it? Of course, I have already had similar days, not much, but there was somewhat, and on the other hand again, a lot of surprises were presented to me today indeed, things like these haven't yet happened in such amounts and during such a short time in my life for sure, it's one hundred percent, and after all that the day is far or not far from it, but it isn't over yet too... Oh-oh, yes... That's, of course, yes.

– Andy, what are you thinking about? – uttered a merrily ringing voice next to me.

– Well, nothing special, – I opened my mouth.

– Don't think a lot – that deteriorates a brain. That's a joke, – Gina spread her left palm. – You already know better than me, I'm absolutely sure of it, you should always think. So, that's all, we have come.

The familiar stairs appeared after the turn.

Chapter 4

Again, she entered the door first, and I did that after her. The lobby was quiet, empty and light. In the same rapid pace as in the street, we proceeded to a familiar door. Gina pressed the button, and I asked:

– Do you think they have come?

The valves opened at once – the elevator was here.

– I think so, – she said.

Once again, I looked at her, smiled broadly and once again thought – how she is beautiful indeed. Just incredibly beautiful. And it's just incredible that such a beautiful girl can be so clever, well-read, and, most importantly, can be as interested in the same things as I.

She smiled back at me, and even more broadly, and, in her turn, asked me:

– What do you think – did you like our walk?

– Of course! – I shook my head eagerly. – It was very interesting.

– I thought, – her pretty face became looking even more cunning, – that you really like to walk quickly, as we did? Am I right?

– Honestly, – reassured I, – I really like to go fast. Even if I'm... not hurry.

Gina giggled with a quiet laugh again.

– I like when you say things like that so much, – she caught her breath a bit, stepping onto the corridor carpet.

– Thanks, – uttered I, – and... It's my pleasure.

– Mine – too, – she added. – Moreover, I'm in a hurry somewhere too all my life.

– Oh, yeah, – I pronounced, – as the ancients said – «hurry slowly». In Latin.

– Hell yes.

We approached our doors. I put my hand on the door handle and tried to turn it, but the lock was closed.

– They aren't here, – Gina looked at the door, then at me. – Let's go to my place.

She took the key out, opened the room and went inside. I followed her, for some reason, starting to get worried a little.

– Come on in, Andrey, and be welcome, – she uttered, taking off her shoes.

– Thank you, – as always, I started a long unlacing.

– Are you hungry? – Gina's voice came somewhere from behind the door.

For the second time today I thought that I must answer in the negative, although I wanted to eat in fact.

– I'm thirsty, – I told Gina who occurred right in front of my face.

– What would you like?

– Water, – I said, – cool.

– Maybe you'd drink juice? – she asked. – I have a cold juice in the refrigerator.

– Of course, – I left, finally, my sneakers alone, – and what juice do you have?

– So, orange, strawberry, lemon, pineapple, kiwi and mango, – she uttered quite seriously.

I refrained from laughing and looked at her:

– Big choice. I will be orange. Where is the bathroom?

– Over there, – she nodded.

Going in that direction, I found myself in a bathroom, sparkling with tiles, marble and snow-white enamel, with a huge mirror on the wall. Yes, it's cool here, I've recalled Valya's words. Everything glitters and shimmers. I washed my hands, dried them and hung the towel back. So, let's leave.

Gina stood near a small table located in the middle of the room, next to which the pair of small, very soft seeming chairs was situated. On the table there were two large and high transparent glasses filled with an orange liquid. Coming close, I discovered that in the glasses were the large pieces of ice. Then I caught myself and looked at my wristwatch.

– Have a seat, please... Don't worry, we still have time, – Gina made a small sip.

We sat down.

– It's good, – a cold glass burned my hand, the drink flew into my throat and at this point there was a knock from the corridor, and then the room door has immediately opened.

On the threshold appeared Sergey Anatolievich Makhov, Russian mission to the UN employee, who uttered, quickly glancing at us:

– That's good. You're already here. Andrey Mikhaylovich, we're waiting for you. Miss Robertson, – he added in English, – please, come back to us, when you will be ready.

– Of course, Mister Makhov, – Gina smiled, – we join you now.

– Very well, – the consul was out of sight.

– Hurry, but slowly, – she looked me over, – what do you think about juice?

– Thank you, very delicious, – I was swallowing an ice-cold drink very quickly.

– I think so also, – she set the glass down.

– I go.

– Okay.

Getting up from the chair, I went to the door, pulled my shoes on and heard her voice close to my head:

– See you in a couple of minutes, Andrey.

– Yes, – before my eyes again appeared the door, the carpet, the wall, one more door, and, finally, the familiar figures.

Andrey Ivanovich, who was dressed in the suit again, looked at me and uttered:

– Here he is.

– Yes, – I repeated.

– How was your walk?

– Good, – I stepped to the bag with my stuff. – And yours?

– Well, we were riding in a car yet, – Ivanov put his hands back on the chair, – but we looked the city pretty well.

– We were in the center, actually, – Troechnik tightened the knot of his tie.

– So that's a big city.

– That's just large, – Valya agreed, – As I understood, it's three times more area than Novosib.

– Well, really three, come on, – I half-turned to him.

– Three, three. Almost, – Ivanov smiled slightly. – But there're only five districts somehow. That's very strange. Where did you go, Andrey?

– To the place where the Twin Towers were, – I almost finished redressing.

– Oh, you done well, – respectfully articulated Andrey Ivanovich. – I'm also interested to go there. Well, is everybody ready?

In my opinion, we were ready for one hundred thousand percent. The shirts were white, the trousers, jackets, ties and shoes – were black, the three of their faces – were red (mine, as I hoped – was not), and they had the most maximum determination written on them.

A front door quickly opened again, but this time Makhov didn't have time to get inside, because Andrey Ivanovich, who was in the hall, said, looking out the doorway:

– We're going.

– Hey, will Gina be there too yet? – I heard Valya's voice from the side.

– Yes, – I turned around, stepping over the threshold and felt at this moment, that my heart starts to beat faster again, – by the way, how have you talked, normally?

– No way, – Valya smiled, – I tried to say something but I couldn't. And she told me something, but I didn't understand.

Gina, who changed her informal clothes to a strict dark dress, was just shutting her door. She saw us and smiled. I turned back to Valya:

– What were you going to ask?

– Yes, about when her new film will be released.

The whole our company was quickly walking towards the stairs, the Americans, the MID-men and Andrey Ivanovich with Troechnik were as usual – slightly ahead, talking animatedly, and the three of us – were in the tail.

– Gina, – I uttered quietly, switching to English, – tell me, please, when your new film... will be shown?

She was, it seemed, a little surprised:

– Soon. Very soon.

– And when exactly? – I tried to find out.

– In a month, – she smiled again.

– What are you talking about? – almost whispered Valya.

– About the film, – I turned my head to him, – it will be released in a month.

– Oh, that's cool! – he was very happy. – Listen, ask about what she told me then.

A fused reverberant echo noised from a couple dozen legs.

– Gina, please, remember, – again, I leaned to her ear, – what did you say to Valya... when you went to smoke.

– That's what you about, – her eyes were next to my chin, – I said that I'm glad he likes movies with me, but I love not all of them.

– So did you understand what did he say? – I was surprised.

– Like that, – she nodded, – the word «film» was clear immediately.

– Well, did you find that out? – Valya was breathing on my right.

– Yes, – I looked at him, – she was glad you like her movies, but she doesn't like them all.

– My conscience! And so what?

– And that's the way it is, – moderated I. – What did you think.

The car stopped and the doors parted to the sides, letting us into an unfamiliar corridor. It was very similar to ours, but the carpet on the floor seemed redder. Sergey Anatolievich Makhov bypassed all of us and said:

– My friends, please.

We followed him. I heard Vladimir Sergeyevich Nikiforov translated his phrase to the natives, glanced at them, and then I heard Gina's voice behind me, saying:

– Valya, don't worry. You're also a well-known man, believe me. And two hours later you will become even more famous – due the fact you will be seen by at least tens million of people in the United States. So don't worry.

– What did she say? – Valya was, in my opinion, dumbfounded.

– That you're a famous person, and two hours later you will become even more famous, – I pressed my index finger to the lips and winked them.

– Thank you! – Valya stopped and held out his hand to shake. – Thank you so much!

– You are welcome, – Gina put her hand in his claw.

– I understood that! – Valya uttered heatedly, and then Andrey Ivanovich turned to us and uttered the following words slowly:

– So, gentlemen. Listen up. You all remember, it's not the first time, but anyway. Listen to all the questions very carefully. Answer clearly and calmly, but don't wait too long. If you don't remember, you say you don't remember. If you don't know you say you don't know. If you don't understand a question, ask again mandatorily. All questions will be translated into Russian. In any case don't be rude and don't yell whatever they ask. Valentin, that concerns you very much. Petrovich, you remember that too. Is everything clear?

– Yes, – I replied. Troechnik looked at us, smiled and pronounced: «Okay, okay», and Valya frowned, but said nothing. Silent were both the Americans and the UN-men, gazing at him.

– Don't worry, my friends, – Gina sounded by her sonorous voice, – all will be fine.

– We, the Narkomvnudel's lighters, remember the Motherland's order, – claimed Troechnik.

– Here it is, – Ivanov stopped staring at Valya, and smiled broadly.

«What was that now?», – I opened my eyes, asking a question to myself at the same time. – «What the «lighters» – maybe, «fighters»?». Immediately I was about to ask it out aloud, but we have already moved into the hall.

Chapter 5

It, like all the previous rooms of this place, again was huge as an aircraft plant shop. In the distance there were rows of windows, curtained with the heavy dark drapes. The lamps were lighting brightly. On the right, near the entrance, on a small elevation there were two tables of a medium size, with four microphones on them, behind them – there were four chairs and they were flanked by a dozen, probably, tables with the cameras and even some lamps on the tripods. On the wall behind the chairs hung some banners, mostly white, but with the different images, emblems and inscriptions on them. Opposite all that the wide rows of seats were arranged, which occupied almost the whole room, there were, I thought, about fifty of them. My impression was that it was possible to invite all the world's journalists here. Well, or at least half of the world's media representatives. And, it seemed, the chairs were filled, if I should believe my eyes, by one third least. There were a young woman and the man of the same age near the table, who immediately appealed to the four of us:

– Come in, gentlemen, come in, and sit down.

Andrey Ivanovich, Troechnik, Valya, the MID-men and I followed him, and the other members of our company turned left and walked deeper into the room. At that moment the shutters began clicking loudly and a bright flash flared up. I don't know about others, but I grinned.

– Please, Mister Polozkov, sit down here, – the guy pointed to the second chair from the entrance for me.

– Thank you, – I moved to the seat.

– Mister Ivanov, – continued he, pointing to the next seat, on my right, – take a seat here.

– Mister Ivanov, have a seat here, – Makhov repeated for the guys.

– I understand, thank you, – Andrey Ivanovich nodded.

– Mister Tugarinov, please, – an inviting palm pointed to the last chair.

– Alexander Petrovich, please, – said Nikiforov.

The man quickly turned to Valya:

– Mister Pavlov, have a seat, please.

– Valentin Ivanovich, – Makhov also looked at him, – take a seat.

Valya found himself on my left. In addition to the microphones, as I've just noticed, the water bottles with the small glasses stood on the tables, and in front of them there were some plastic stands, but it was easy to guess that they contained the plates with our names. The seats provider uttered:

– Okay. Now we should put the headphones on you.

– What did he say? – whispered Valya, glancing at the camera, which was standing in the middle of the first row.

– They will put the earphones now. For translating, – I also looked at the closest object.

My right ear felt a touch of a warm plastic and by the corner of my eye I saw how a neared man's companion eliminates future language barriers to Valya, who was sitting beside. He of all people needs that, a thought flashed through my mind. OK, if what – we're all nearby, we'll translate.

– Everything is ready, Mike, – she said.

– Excellent, – repeated the voice behind me. – We have thirty seconds.

For some reason, I smiled to the lens, looked down, but then I suddenly remembered and stared at the camera again. The operators were calmly viewing my neighbors and me, the people, sitting behind them, were following the lead of them, and the phrase arose somewhere in my head – «You will get the answers for all your questions now».

– Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, – uttered a deep male voice in English, and then the translation started to sound in my headphones, – we begin our press conference.

The cameras began clicking again, the flare lights began flashing, I kept staring at the camera, and the anchorman said after that:

– We're pleased to welcome our guests here today, military experts from Russia. Mister Andrey Polozkov...

With those words, I raised my right hand and pronounced «Hello» in English. The voice continued:

– ...Mister Andrey Ivanov...

I glanced to the right – Andrey Ivanovich gave a short nod.

– ...Mister Alexander Tugarinov, – here Troechnik smiled and also bowed slightly.

– And Mister Valentin Pavlov, – I turned to the other side and looked at Valya, who also uttered «Hello», but quite far from the microphone.

– Our guests are ready to answer your questions, – affirmed the host after a pause. – Please.

Then, probably, twenty hands rose among the people sitting in the audience. I waited a moment and repeated into the microphone in English:

– Please.

Not far from me a dark-haired young woman stood up and uttered:

– Helen Gustafson, «The New York Times». I have a question for Mister Polozkov.

The Russian translation was sounding in my ears, but I have understood that. Interesting, will I understand the question, wondered I.

– Please, – I said again.

– How did you feel, – she pronounced slowly, – when Alexander Dedov was executed?

That was also understandable without translation. I looked at the man sitting next to her, then at the questioner again, and then began to speak in English:

– First of all I want to say that I'm pleased to be here today and to answer your questions, ladies and gentlemen, – I noticed that several people in the rows immediately looked at each other. – I'll try to answer your question, Mistress Gustafson. I felt at that time that... the work was finished. That we have done a great and important work...

– Thank you, Mister Polozkov, – she smiled.

– You are welcome, – I thanked, again in English.

The local newspaper reporter sat down, and immediately a tall, thin man got up from his chair, located in a couple of places from her:

– Roger Hills, «The Boston Globe», – he introduced himself. – I have a question for Mister Pavlov.

Everybody waited a bit, and then Valya uttered:

– Ask.

– Mister Pavlov, tell me, please, – the journalist said by a fast tenor, – is it true that you – are the only survivor after the carpet bombing the of Novosibirsk city?

Valya looked at him for a moment and then replied:

– No, that's not true.

The correspondents exchanged glances again, and Roger Hills asked then:

– Who were the other survivors? How many people were there?

We've listened to the translation, and then Valya uttered, looking at the table:

– There were several people... About ten or fifteen. I don't remember exactly.

The interpreter repeated that in English, and Hills immediately asked again:

– Tell us, please, Mister Pavlov, how you had survived that day.

– I was standing close to the next house, – began Valya, and then he waited. – Well, that one, where was my squad. Their basement was filled up, and they all died. When the next bombing was. And I saw that and ran to a nearby building... Well, I was just standing next to it and I did that. I didn't want to go to the basement, that was long to wade through there, in that house, – Valya stopped for a moment again, looking at the hall. – Well, here, I was just standing there and waiting. I was hoping I won't be hooked on. And then... it lasted, the bombardment, somewhere till the night, and when it stopped – I ran to ours. And I have got to ours.

– Do you think that was luck? – Valya was quickly asked by the girl, who lifted in a front row.

He listened to the translation issue and said:

– Of course. I was very lucky.

– Thank you, Mister Pavlov, – the voices were heard.

– You're welcome, – Valya looked at the journalists.

– Alexander Schneider, «The Washington Post», – uttered a loud bass. I turned around – that was a big man about fifty years old. – I want to ask Andrew Ivanov.

– I listen to you, – Andrey Ivanovich smiled.

– Tell me, please, Mister Ivanov, – the sturdy raised his right hand, – what was your role in the preparations and execution the mutiny in Russia in last October?

The sitting in the audience journalists began noising and talking aloud. Someone shouted furiously: «That wasn't a mutiny!». A middle-aged woman, located next to the reporter, who asked that question, turned to him and uttered quietly, as I thought, that:

– Al, what are you talking about, what the mutiny.

– I'm sorry, Mister Ivanov, – Schneider looked away, – I probably haven't put it quite right.

– But why, all right, – he grinned even more, – it's all right. You see, I'd like to talk to you in your language, but here I don't have enough vocabulary. So I will speak in Russian.

That came to the room in English, and then Andrey Ivanovich resumed.

– My role was fairly modest, – said he. – I was doing recruitment and registration of volunteers to the Resistance membership, and later I participated in forming of its troops. Of the Resistance, I mean.

The journalists were listening to the words of Ivanov and their translation with us.

– That was something like a work of Chief of Staff, – Andrey Ivanovich waited for a pause. – Actually, I was a chief of staff for a long time, the last time – the chief of staff of a battalion.

– Did you work closely with Mister Maslennikov? – Alexander Schneider looked at him.

– Yes, of course, – uttered Andrey Ivanovich.

The journalist made a gesture with his hands again:

– But, as his chief of staff, were you responsible for planning and carrying out of military operations?

Ivanov waited again and answered:

– Of course. That was my responsibility also. My comrades and me had been planning, how we can defend, with what forces we will do it and how we can organize supply routes for our troops. That looked so in general.

– Thank you, Mister Ivanov, – Schneider smiled after the translation has sounded in response.

– You asked me about the mutiny, Mister Schneider, – an even wider smile shone on the face of Andrey Ivanovich, – I'd just like to tell you on this occasion. Both to you and to all Americans who are watching us today.

The correspondent of the most famous paper-media in the United States, seemed to be, froze on the spot. I also found that very interesting. And Andrey Ivanovich, as always, didn't disappoint my expectations:

– Right here, next to me there is Andrey Mikhaylovich Polozkov, my colleague and my former subordinate, – Ivanov turned his head towards me. – He has a law degree. And therefore he can confirm to us now as a professional – was that the mutiny? Technically speaking?

The sitting in the front row were lighting with smiles, but it seemed to me, the others in the majority were showing their teeth also, listening to the English translation.

I met with a serious looking Andrey Ivanovich with my eyes and said, after a moment:

– Formally – yes, that was.

– Here, you see, – he looked into the room again, – thanks to Andrey Mikhaylovich. Formally speaking – that was a mutiny. But in fact that was a mutiny too.

The journalists were gradually ceasing to smile.

– That was a mutiny, – repeated Andrey Ivanovich. – A mutiny against the criminals who have seized the power. I'd like to express my opinion like that in brief.

– Thank you! – the several voices were heard. – Thank you, Mister Ivanov!

– You're welcome, – he nodded.

The figure rose in the hall again. It was the man with the glasses, middle-height and medium build.

– Bill Pickford, «Ci-En-En», – he introduced himself, – I have one more question for Mister Ivanov.

– Please, – uttered Andrey Ivanovich in English.

– Thank you, – grinned journalist. – Mister Ivanov, is it true that you had been serving in the Special Forces?

«Wow!», flashed across my mind.

– Yes, – confirmed Andrey Ivanovich, again in English, – We call it «the special purpose troops».

– Is it the same thing as «spets-naz»? – Bill Pickford asked, pronouncing Russian abbreviation with a strong accent.

– That's right, – Ivanov's look became a cunning one.

– Could you tell us more specifically, – the TV-journalist didn't stop, – where did you serve? If it's not a secret?

– No, it's not a secret. I'm a former major, – said Andrey Ivanovich. – Sixty-seventh special purpose brigade, Berdsk, Novosibirsk region. Ve-che six-four-six-five-five.

The CNN-man turned to someone in the hall, and then he again looked at Ivanov and asked:

– Have you ever committed any war crimes?

That is – a very interesting question, I wondered again. The journalists again began to rustle up, this time louder, someone shouted again, but I couldn't understand what that meant also, and then I turned to the right once again and looked Andrey Ivanovich with Troechnik over. The last one was sitting tight-lipped but Ivanov was looking absolutely not-worried.

– Gentlemen, please, don't worry, – uttered an invisible host's voice.

Andrey Ivanovich waited a moment and enounced:

– That's a good question, Mister Pickford. Thank you for asking. I answer – yes, I have.

A quiet male voice articulated among the sitting reporters clearly:

– Bill, that's not etiquette.

– Why, that's all right, dear journalists, – Ivanov switched to Russian. – I just won't speak your language again. Let's in Russian.

The translation has sounded above the hall again.

– I committed war crimes many times, – uttered Andrey Ivanovich. – To begin with – here's the smallest of them.

The reporters were once again sitting in their chairs quietly, but, I think, we froze in amazement too.

– On the fifth or sixth of January, nineteen ninety-five, I don't remember an exact date, – said Ivanov, – I was a member of the special purpose troops team, which had the mission of combating the illegal armed formations in Chechnya. We were given an objective to organize... can you keep up, Mister Pickford? Don't I speak too fast?

The employee of the CNN looked confused, to say the least.

– Yes, Mister Ivanov.

– So, – Andrey Ivanovich resumed his story, – we were given an objective to make an abatis by rocks... I mean, by improvised means, on a mountain road, passing a few kilometers from Grozny, the Chechen capital. Arrange it to create a traffic jam. A lot of refugees were moving to the south of Chechnya from Grozny and other towns that time.

He paused for the interpreter.

– Many of them rode cars. We knew about that, and the work had been done by us. After that we were waiting nearby to this abatis for a few hours. A quite large number of vehicles was gathered on the road during that time. Then I personally got through the base by radio and said a passphrase. Somewhere a minute later, an aircraft wing attacked that point, and it immediately eliminated almost the whole jam – shot it with the people with machine guns and rockets.

Ivanov was pausing again, until the last sentence was translated. All the rest were silent too.

– That was a criminal order, – muttered Bill Pickford. – Excuse me, Mister Ivanov.

– That's okay, Mister Pickford, – he reassured, – Why do you apologize, not you did that yet. And the order was criminal indeed. But I carried it out. Let me continue.

– No, don't, – the TV-man was looking somewhere sideways, – my colleagues want to ask questions. Thanks for your answer.

– You are welcome, – Andrey Ivanovich was still calmly looking around the room, and I was looking at the table surface, and I was thinking now that he's just about to say something like «I'm ready to stand trial» and it was in the air. But Ivanov haven't said anything else.

There was silence just for a short while, and then a very beautiful, in my view, girl got up and uttered in a low voice:

– Another question for Mister Polozkov, please.

– Of course, – I nodded.

– Anne Cavanaugh, «San Francisco Chronicle», – explained she. – Mister Polozkov, please tell me – have you witnessed any war crimes and, if so, tell us about that briefly.

– Thank you, I understand, – I again moved my head up and down. – Yes, I was a witness. For example, at November the twenty-third last year in the suburbs of Novosibirsk... I saw the bodies of eight people, eight civilians, whom I knew personally, they were shot by former federal forces... because... of the suspicion that they were members of the Resistance. Among them were two women. You know – people just came to their home and... By the way, – I added hastily, – there was another – in the place where we were, the former federal forces destroyed every... summer houses, for we couldn't... find a shelter from the cold.

– Thank you, – said the beauty.

– You're welcome.

– I have a question for Mister Tugarinov, – that was heard almost simultaneously in two languages.

I looked up and saw who uttered that – another young and pretty woman.

– Diane O'Hara, – she introduced herself, – «Chicago Tribune». Please tell me, is it true that you have the leading role in the liquidation of almost all of the high-ranking senior officers who were responsible for the war crimes?

Glancing at the Troechnik, who was still silent, I saw that he has listened to the translation carefully, then pronounced, nodding, «Thank you», and then he said:

– I'd like to please you today with my knowledge of English too, but you're asking me such questions... the complex ones, that I'll answer them in Russian.

He has waited until that sentence be sounded in English, and then uttered:

– You overstate my merits slightly. But in general, you're right, I took part in their elimination. We were able to liquidate many of them even during the war, and some of them – already after the surrender.

Diane O'Hara was looking at Troechnik with interest.

– And what about the fact that I had the leading role, – he stated good-naturedly, – I can't confirm anything here. I was creating some plans, yes, but there was nothing out of the top of my mind, all was according to theory and practice. And so... A lot of people were with me, all were doing something, and all were involved. Like that.

Mistress O'Hara ended listening to the translation and then she asked:

– Do you think all those people deserved to die?

– Yes, – Troechnik snapped out that in English, clearly having not listened to the words from the headphones till the end.

– Thanks, – said she.

– You are welcome.

The arm rose among sitting, and then a very young girl stood up.

– Jennifer Johnson, the «Time» magazine, – she sang in a melodious voice, – I want to ask Mister Valentin Pavlov.

A slight pause passed, and then Valya uttered:

– Of course.

– Mister Pavlov, tell me, please, – she smiled to him, – what were you and the other ordinary members of the Resistance victualed during the fighting with?

It's an interesting question, I thought again. No, really.

– Well, with what we were victualed... – thought Valya. – With the various products. What we could get. We have helped... we were helped by the people who were out of the city. They had been taking the food somewhere and had been giving it to us. But you said, – he touched the table surface by the edge of his hand, – about the ordinary members of our Resistance – we had soldiers and officers all ate together.

Someone of the sitting photographed Valya – a flash fire blazed.

– Is it true that the food was insufficient? – continued to find out the belle.

– Of course! – Valya's eyes widened. – But they were still helping. Particularly me didn't complain about hunger.

This sentence was translated to the reporters after what the rows blossomed with smiles. Jennifer Johnson said:

– Thank you, Mister Pavlov.

Well done, Valka, he declared that famously – I looked at his profile. Go for it.

Among the sitting there was a female voice again:

– Rita Archer, «Daily News». A question for Mister Tugarinov.

– I listen to you, – uttered Troechnik.

– Please, tell me, how do you feel about the fact that a substantial military casualties proportion both on the one and on the other side were young people? – Mistress Archer was a dark-haired middle-aged woman.

– Yes, I understand, thank you, – Troechnik again hasn't listened to the end. – As for me – of course, negative. That was bad too. We tried to capture the kids if we could.

– Thank you, – she said.

– Please. Thank you for your question.

– Bob Goldberg, «Yu-Es-Ei Today», – announced a male voice, and I looked at the first row at once. – I want to ask Mister Polozkov.

Yeah, I thought. Whether it was getting hot, or stuffy, or I started worrying for some reason, but two cold streams brazenly and at the same time have run from my shoulders through my arms to my elbows. The reporter's question has sounded in the headphones in my native language, but I pronounced in English:

– Please.

– Mister Polozkov, – coughed the questioner, a young man with a great hairstyle, – you've told us that after the execution of Alexander Dedov you felt that an important work was completed.

– Yes, that's right, – I said.

– How do you think, – the journalist moved his hand in the air, – was not the Alexander Dedov's trial conducted too quickly? Have you made your work properly or not, in other words?

This time I was listening to what was hearing in my right ear very carefully, because there was no certainty that Bob Goldberg was understood by me for one hundred percent. But I started to get sweat not because of it, that's for sure.

– It's a quite difficult... – I began, again in English, already knowing that I'm doing it to no purpose, – quite a difficult question. I probably will answer in Russian.

– Please, please, – nodded he.

– To begin, I must say, – I looked up to see the chair, which was standing closer to an opposite room wall, – I don't want to judge myself. There is another thing, the fact that naturally I didn't work alone – thousands of people were employed, and they, I think, have done their work very well.

The sweat was running in full hand, but I've suddenly felt a sense of joy.

– You see what was going on, – I again looked at a handsome man, who asked me that question, and then I looked from the left to the right thinking that's necessary to speak more slowly. – There's an opinion we got a jerk on that trial. And they constantly say it during the last month in our place, and probably in your place too. Maybe we really... rushed. Maybe. Or maybe not. So I personally think that not.

I made quite a deep breath and exhaled by my mouth.

– All... the whole trial took four weeks, – by couldn't resist more, I rubbed my forehead with the left palm yet. – Of course, we can say this's a very short period of time. But is it impossible to represent a large amount of evidence for four weeks, during this time? I think that's possible, if there's a large group of people to work as we had got.

The interpreter was following my words, it seemed, well, but I still had a feeling that, as always, I was pronouncing that very quickly.

– Look – after all the evidence has been collected, it should be only represented, I mean, just be shown on television. To show all the records, – I was breathing deeply and swallowing dry. – After all, almost all the orders were giving at the briefings – they were almost always filmed. The military operations themselves were also constantly broadcasted on the air. No one was not particularly doing a secret, and even denying, well, at first. The journalistic and judicial investigations have been prosecuting long ago yet, for many years. You see?

It seemed that everyone in the room stared at me.

– Maybe it is not quite right – to tell this, – I licked my lips, – but what did you know about the four of us a year ago, or six months, or even month ago? I think, not so much. But during the last month, you heard about us and saw us on television all the time. That is fairly for everybody, and for the accused too, you see? Well, we... – but Bob Goldberg interrupted:

– I understand your point, but some experts say that you've done everything not thoroughly enough.

– So I was just going to tell you about that, – I knocked at the table with my stretched hands, – maybe searching for some evidence, other evidence, I mean, was possible for a long time. We could come up with some other bureaucratic procedures, and that would certainly be unnecessary. Why should we do that? – I uttered separately. – Well, there was absolutely no need in that, ladies and gentlemen. As one of the great people said, I don't remember exactly – «a government... has not a presumption of innocence».

Several people in the front row shook their heads.

– They performed a lot of «feats», quote unquote, – I smiled, – and we do know all of those «feats». And they are known to you. I remember one more... I just wished to finish my thought about the trial – you could, of course, summon more and more new witnesses, but you couldn't summon the whole country and the whole world, moreover. Neither for four weeks, nor for four years. You know, I wanted to say, – this image has suddenly very clearly and prominently appeared in my head, – we have got a very good expression in Russia: «A long farewell – the more tears...».

After the English sounding of that phrase there was a burst of laughter in the hall.

– It's a song, blockhead, – Andrey Ivanovich said quietly, turning his head.

– A song, excuse me, a song, but not an expression, – I quickly recollected myself. – I have no idea how to say it in English, – I laughed for company, – I don't really know all that well, but I think this expression reflects the whole situation. And you have a great song too, I really like its name, I think, Frank Sinatra sang it – «Goodbye, My Love, Goodbye». Goodbye, you see? Our authorities were for many years claiming that our people love them, but that love, apparently, had gone yet. Fortunately. And if it had gone, then it was necessary to say goodbye. So we said goodbye.

Two journalists from the front row laughed out loud. Then a thought occurred to me that it would be de trop if they would clap me now yet due the fact I'm sitting and talking some nonsense.

– Excuse me, my friends, – however, I kept grinning on, – jokes aside, of course. Although many a true word is spoken in jest. I hope I answered your question.

– Thank you, Mister Polozkov, – they reassured from the audience and from the same place at the same time a voices were heard:

– Another question for Mister Polozkov!

– I have a question for Mister Tugarinov!

I quickly looked at the reporters and uttered, with my hands clasped in a lock:

– Please, ask Alexander Petrovich.

There was a mini-break, after which a middle-aged woman said:

– Lynn Hammer, «Ci-Bi-Es». Tell me, please, Mister Tugarinov why, after all, in your opinion, an elite unit as a Special Forces brigade, that used to carry out any orders from their command unquestioningly before, including criminal ones, had decided to go against it and to head your rebellion?

I was listening to the translation, but I got all at once. Such a long question. And such an easy one.

Troechnik shifted in his chair:

– Thank you for your question. I think that's the reason. Because we were all tired. Of those exact things, which were mentioned earlier. We – I mean the soldiers and officers who were in the ranks of the Resistance. You aren't quite right here... I mean, if you say that our entire team had made a stand against the government – not all of them made it. Somewhere... A little more than half the personnel. Both of the privates and the officers. But the fact that we had headed it – in the beginning, – he raised his index finger, – that's true.

– Thank you, – Mistress Hammer nodded.

A camera shutter cracked again, and I noticed one more very young person, a charming blonde, sparkling by makeup and jewelry, who was certainly going to say that she's from somewhere in Florida, arose from her chair in the second row:

– I want to ask Mister Andrew Polozkov. Natalie Sommers, the «Cosmopolitan» magazine, – I nodded. – Tell me, please, is it true that you are also invited to the United States of America by the Hollywood star Gina Robertson?

I thought that now I will open my eyes wide and that I shouldn't do it at all.

– Yes, it's true.

– What do you think, why did she invite you? – the girl squinted slyly.

And then I just barely restrained myself from saying «Why do you ask me something about that, you can ask her, there she's sitting, right behind you», but, of course, I chose the other words:

– I don't know why. She hasn't told me yet.

– Thank you, – the girl returned to her seat.

– You're welcome, – I touched to an upper lip by my tongue yet.

Immediately after that, another young woman appeared not far from her, only this time a dark-haired and not so brilliant:

– Samantha Matthews, «The Baltimore Sun» newspaper, – she introduced herself. – My question is for Valentin Pavlov.

– Please, – said Valya, slightly tilting to the microphone.

– Tell me, please, – she uttered in a pleasant low voice, – whether are you going to receive a university degree in the future and which exactly, if so?

Valya would like such a question just very much, I thought.

– I don't know, – he again took a concentrated look. – I thought to look for a job in my field. I have a vocational high education. But in the future – maybe.

– And which area in? – specified Mistress Matthews.

– In the same, in which I have it now, – said Valya a couple of moments later, – engines. In general, I'd like to expand my knowledge, so, probably, I will continue to study.

– Thank you, – she politely smiled.

– Please, – repeated Valya.

Valka totally got everybody of them today, he's just a good sport, occurred to me.

– I'd like to, – there was a male voice, – ask Mister Ivanov and Mister Tugarinov.

It was a tall man of about forty-five.

– Please, – uttered Andrey Ivanovich in English next to me.

– Philip Dudley, the «Newsweek» magazine. Please, tell me, how do you see the future of your army, and, in particular, the future of your Special Forces?

«Well, certainly not the same as their past», I thought, and I've got immediately scared that Ivanov will say exactly this here.

– Thanks for your question, – Andrey Ivanovich was still having control over his facial expressions perfectly. – Firstly, and that's the most important, an army won't be so large. Secondly, it will be absolutely professional one. And, thirdly, it will be composed by an absolutely different way.

– But will it exist? – asked the reporter.

– Most likely, – reassured Ivanov. – But it will take some time. Currently, as you know, our army is abolished, disbanded.

– Mister Tugarinov? – the journalist looked at Troechnik, after waiting to hear the translation.

– As for the future of our Special Forces, – the latter also looked at the questioner, and then at the microphone again, – probably, they will exist, but they will focus on the decision of defensive tasks solely. That's about what we have talked a lot lately.

– Thank you, gentlemen, – Philip Dudley waited and then sat down, and immediately his neighbor got up quickly:

– Anne Parker, «Double-Yu-Ti-En». I have one more question for Andrew Polozkov.

– Please.

– Tell me, is it true that you met the Colonel General Alexander Galaktionov many years before the war? – quickly uttered she.

– Yes, it's true, – I tilted my head slightly to the right. – But we saw each other only a couple of times.

– Was he only a colonel then? – she asked a clarifying question.

– A mayor, – reported I.

– What kind of person he seemed to you then? Did he seem to be a reckless and dangerous man then already? – she continued to pry out.

– That's right, – I confirmed. – I didn't like him. Even then, in the nineteen ninety-four year.

– Thank you, Mister Polozkov, – Mistress Parker was definitely pleased.

– Ladies and gentlemen, our time is running out. The last few questions, please, – an invisible voice rang out.

From the second row shouted «One more question for Mister Polozkov!», I nodded to that and said «Please».

– Mister Polozkov, please, tell us, what you do plan to do in the future, and is it true that engaging in political activities is prohibited to you? – someone pattered from there.

– Yes, it's true, – although this proposal rejoiced me, – it really is prohibited. I still don't know exactly. Actually I thought to engage in history.

– Good luck. Good luck, gentlemen! – repeated a hidden journalist loudly.

– Thank you, – I responded, and then the woman from the front row asked:

– Mister Ivanov, Mister Tugarinov, what are your plans for the future?

Troechnik reacted first, and Andrey Ivanovich – a moment later:

– Just something else. Anything peaceful.

– I think I'll also engage in scientific activities. Again, as you know, working in civil service is also prohibited to us.

The gathered has listened to the translation of those phrases, and then they started talking at the same time with the flashes began blinking again:

– Thank you, gentlemen! We wish you good luck! Thank you! Good luck!

– And you are welcome, – I raised my right hand in a greeting, and my neighbors became getting up from their chairs. An invisible man boomed again:

– Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your attention.

– You are welcome, – I repeated, gazing into the room corner which was opposite us in the search of Gina.

– Gentlemen, let me take a picture with you, – busily uttered some female voice.

– Of course, – said Andrey Ivanovich in English.

Next to us immediately appeared about five people, they were smiling and gesticulating animatedly. We stationed ourselves near the panels together, and again the patches of reflected light began sparkling around. The journalists were stretching out their hands to the guys and to me:

– Gentlemen, I wish you good luck!

– That was just great!

– Good luck, Mister Ivanov!

– Good luck, Mister Pavlov!

We were replying «thank you», both in Russian and in English, were nodding and were shaking the outstretched palms.

– Come here, please! – there was another request.

– Mister Polozkov, please!

Valya and I circled the people surrounding us and the camcorders from the one side of the elevation, and Andrey Ivanovich with Troechnik – from the other one.

– Excuse me, gentlemen! – there were sounds around us.

The correspondents surrounded us again, allowing their colleagues to take pictures. I turned my head and saw Gina, very close.

– Miss Robertson, please! Gentlemen! – someone wasn't calming.

– Of course, please, – I said instinctively. Gina smiled broadly with her dazzling smile, standing close to me.

– Gentlemen, another picture! – loudly uttered a young man I may recognize.

– You done just well, Andrey, – Gina quietly laughed. – You really kicked their ass.

– Come on, stop it, – I laughed too, – you ... what you're talking.

The camera shutters, it seemed, were clicking with a speed of rifle bolts now.

– Gentlemen, please, – said a familiar voice. I looked – that was a chubby blond Tom McPherson. – Gentlemen, Miss Robertson, please.

But what he begged – I didn't understand, because I felt a warm of Gina, who clung to me, and her voice, which confidently snapped to my ear:

– If you now refuse to drink with me, at least a little – I'll kick your ass.

Chapter 6

The reporters went into the corridor, the rest followed them, and I was smiling and, apparently, blinking by my eyes. In front of them there was Gina's back, covered with a dark dress cloth, something else was flashing in my sight, but really nothing and no one else was seen. I bent down to her head when we approached the front door:

– It was a very strong proposal.

– I'm serious, – she half-turned. – I'll get angry, if you refuse.

That also was pronounced in a tone which didn't make me the slightest bit objector. Again I leaned closer to her, opened my mouth for uttering another compliment and then I felt a familiar adrenaline formication started running all over my body. Hoo, I thought. We were slowly moving across the carpet, and a moment later she grinned more than ever and uttered quietly:

– Come on, I'm kidding, don't worry.

I smiled, bowed my head to the side and laughed. Several people from marching in front of us turned back and a tall young man said:

– Miss Robertson, I see you're in a good mood today.

– Yes, Mister Finnegan, thank you, – she was giggling with me, – that's really right. I was just explaining to our guest, Mister Polozkov now, why I had invited him to the United States.

A moment has passed before I got that, and then I broke down and burst out laughing loud. The journalist also laughed politely.

– You spoke fine, Mister Polozkov, – he looked at me, – both you and your friends.

– Thank you. Mister?.. – I looked at him questioningly.

– Just Jim, – he smiled. – I listened to your words with a great pleasure.

– Thank you. Thanks a lot.

Jim nodded and asked another question:

– How do you feel here?

– All is fine. I... looked at the New York City.

– And what do you think?

– It's very beautiful, – reassured I. – I liked it very much.

– Thank you for that review, Mister Polozkov, – the journalist looked forward. – And what about Russia?

– Yes, everything is fine too, I think, – I hesitated. – We have... no war more.

He shook his head:

– That's good news. For all of us, and I think, for you also.

– Yes, I think you're right, – I looked at my toes.

We all approached the corridor corner, the people, going behind us, halted, and all our big company began slowly turning to start going down the stairs. The replicas, which were continuously sounding in the air, became clearer – someone was stating: «Yes, I also remember that very well», another was asking: «What was his surname, I forgot – Kalinin or Malinin?», and a deep male voice at the same time with that was rolling out: «Here I disagree with you, Mister Ivanov». Jim turned to Gina:

– What's new, Miss Robertson?

– What do you mean, Mister Finnegan? – she grinned.

– Well, I mean your coming work, – his face was beaming with simplicity.

– Soon, Mister Finnegan, very soon, – she cheered Jim. – Within the next month.

– What about your long-awaited?.. – here he uttered a phrase, which wasn't quite clear to me, though the words were known well: «a box» and «an office».

– And you'll know this later, – calmly uttered Gina. – There will be an official press release, and everything will be written in it.

– Well, thanks for that, – the correspondent looked us over in course.

– You're welcome, – she looked at him intently and then she glanced at me and quickly brought her eyes to the nose bridge, gently shaking her head at the same time, and all that she smiled very broadly. We stepped from the last step onto the lobby marble floor and stopped again.

– Ladies and gentlemen, – articulated someone I knew loudly. – It's time to say goodbye. Good luck.

The journalists were shaking their hands with fellows and Americans, chanting «Goodbye» and «Good luck, gentlemen». Jim also stood in front of me and handed his wrist:

– Goodbye, Mister Polozkov. I was very glad to meet you. Good luck.

– Thank you, – I shook his hand, – goodbye. I wish you good luck too.

– Miss Robertson, – he turned to Gina, – bye.

– Goodbye, Mister Finnegan, – she said.

I waved my right hand high, saying «Goodbye!» in English loud, and then Sergey Anatolievich Makhov, who found himself in front of me, suggested immediately:

– Gentlemen, Miss Robertson, please, come in.

The correspondents, among whom I saw Vladimir Sergeyevich Nikiforov else, were leaving the lobby, the ours turned to a familiar side yet, Valya blinked at me, approached Gina and I, and then we strode to a recent, as I thought, restaurant table.

– What did that guy want, like to interview you? – Valya smiled.

– Yes, something like that, – I grinned back. – He was asking a lot of questions.

– What are you talking about, Valya? – wondered Gina.

– About the fact what did the journalist want, – I translated. – By the way, Gina, do you, as I understand, know him for a long time?

– Oh, yes, – she drawled. – He's just an old friend.

– Is he from television or a newspaper? – specified I.

– He is a Ti-Vi journalist, – answered Gina.

We passed the restaurant entrance. I quickly raised my head – that's it, the table was the same. Only now it was lined with the rows of wine glasses around its perimeter and the decanters with colored liquids in its middle.

– So – what are you talking about? – Valya asked weightily.

– This guy – is Gina's acquaintance, – I explained, – some Ti-Vi-man. In short, he's of that type of people you like most in the world.

– That's for sure! – Valya laughed.

– Here.

Gina stopped, looked at Valya and smiled gorgeously again. The people marching ahead also slowed their step, turned to us at once, and Tom McPherson, who was also laughing somewhy, assessed to me, looking Andrey Ivanovich with Troechnik and the other residents over:

– Mister Polozkov, please, – he made a wide sweep by his hand, – Please, take the top of the table.

«What the top?», I was going to think, but here Ivanov immediately explained:

– Andrey, take the top of the table, – he pointed to that place by his look. – You're the man of the hour today. And that's without demur.

– I thought you were man of the hour, – I smiled.

– Come on, don't argue, – uttered Andrey Ivanovich, and Michael Waters, who was standing beside him (I think, from the «Amnesty International») at the same time enounced, highly raising his eyebrows:

– Today you spoke just fine, Mister Polozkov, so take the top.

– With pleasure, – I nodded in response, and immediately after that Sergey Anatolievich Makhov said:

– Andrey Ivanovich, Alexander Petrovich, Valentin Ivanovich, please. Everything is already familiar to you. Gentlemen, Miss Robertson, please, – he repeated in English.

I came near the chair which was already waiting for me, Gina found herself on my right, in my old place, and on my left this time located Andrey Ivanovich, who gave me a quick glance. The whole company sat down, except Makhov, who looked around and uttered solemnly:

– Gentlemen! Miss Robertson. May I have your attention, please? I'll translate, Mister McPherson, – he turned his eyes to Tom, – I just wish to warn. To say it an old-fashioned way, expressing popular cry and by popular demand – Andrey Mikhaylovich, you spoke just brilliantly today at a recent press conference, and our fellow citizens with our dear American colleagues agreed with that, discussed all that together, – he couldn't finalize this mind flow, – decided that you should take the top of the table, and proposed that we should propose our first toast to you...

– No-no-no-no-no! – I protested, interrupting Sergey Anatolievich. – I disagree!..

– Andrey Mikhaylovich, – he interrupted me in his turn. – Please. Gentlemen, please, fill the glasses...

– No, I told you! – I raised my voice, almost shouting. – That doesn't matter what I did out there, let's not drink to that! Why should we drink to me – it's my birthday today, or something?

– And what do you propose? – Andrey Ivanovich was holding a bottle with some, presumably, very expensive wine.

– I propose... Firstly, – I looked at his bottle label again, – I don't want the wine indeed. And secondly, we must drink our first toast to other thing for sure... I propose – let's drink to the fact the war is over, finally, – it seemed, I moved my head skin, – that's it – let's drink to freedom.

– That's a right offer, – said Troechnik.

– Fine, – Makhov agreed, kept giving me a piercing glance. – Now I translate, – he switched to English, looking at the original residents: – Mister Polozkov proposes our first toast...

– Yes, and the second too! – I interpolated.

– To drink... not to him, but to freedom, – he finished.

– I totally agree, – uttered Tom McPherson.

– Of course, of course, – at the same time confirmed Michael Waters and Jeffrey Knox, and an elderly professor Mikhaylowski approvingly shook his head.

– Let's just drink whiskey! – I warned. – I can see here...

– And this is – even a better offer! – Troechnik laughed.

– Very well, – said Makhov and then addressed to the locals again: – Gentlemen, Mister Polozkov proposes...

– We got him, Mister Makhov, – McPherson grinned and turned to me: – Which one do you prefer, Mister Polozkov – an American or a Scotch?

– I prefer... perhaps Scotch, – I replied in English, – to be honest, I've never tried it, neither one nor the other.

– You should try it, – recommended the stalwart.

– Okay, – I took the bottle in my hand, opened the lid and looked those who were sitting on my right over. – Gina, will you?

– Of course I will, – she moved her glass up to me.

I filled it with iridescent amber liquid, poured the drink to Valya's one and looked at all the others:

– Gentlemen. Gentlemen, – I repeated in English.

– Let's stand, – suggested Andrey Ivanovich.

We stood up and stretched our hands forward.

– To freedom, – enounced Ivanov.

– To freedom, – I repeated.

– To freedom, – translated Sergey Anatolievich.

The members of our company reached out toward their neighbors, I clinked with Gina, then with Valya, then with Andrey Ivanovich, and then with Troechnik, but I failed to reach the Americans, so I aloud uttered in English again:

– Gentlemen!

Everyone clinked glasses and drank. The alcohol slightly burned my throat, it was cold and it had a sweet taste.

– Miss Robertson, gentlemen, – Makhov gestured, – please.

I took my seat back and looked at Gina, who immediately asked:

– Well, what do you think?

– Fine. Delicious, – I glanced at an orbed container. – Pour you else?

– Please, – she confirmed.

– Valya? – he smiled, replying:

– Come on.

– Gina, – I moved my hand, – and is it true that you in America... don't snack after drinking a strong liquor?

– What don't we do? – she turned her head.

– Well... don't eat, – I pointed at the nearest dish by my eyes. – How do we, in Russia.

– Oh, I got you, – she said. – Yes, we do so. Well, you see – I don't eat anything.

– Well, my friends, the second toast, – Makhov rose again and repeated in English: – The second toast. Andrey Mikhaylovich, – he addressed to me in our language – what do you propose?

– Yes, what do I propose... – I hesitated. – Well, not to me, I tell you. Let's to all of us... Let's to all of us, – I perked up, – and to mutual understanding between our nations, between our people. Mister McPherson, – I looked at him, switching to English, – let's drink to what did you say in the afternoon – to the understanding between the Russians and Americans.

– Oh, that's a great toast, – he agreed.

We stood up again.

– To understanding, – articulated Andrey Ivanovich.

– To understanding, – Sergey Anatolievich translated.

The participants again began to stretch their hands and to clink with their glasses, and this time they were doing that (or so I thought) more vigorously. My glass clinked with another glass again, and it turned back to my mouth, and then the whiskey poured inside for the second time, but now it was even warmer and sweeter. So, it's time to stop, I thought. But we're going to drink again now, it can't be helped.

– And don't you want to eat? – I heard a quiet Gina's questioning voice.

– In general, I want to, – I was still looking at the tablecloth, – but wait until.

– I've just noticed that's really something unusual for you, – the same quietly and somehow conspiratorially uttered she, – and food, especially fat one, really lowers an effect of an alcohol...

– What are you talking about, Gina? – Valya looked at her.

– She recommends me to chase this stuff with something, – I told him.

– So that's right, – agreed Valya. – Your face is already red.

I looked at him, and then I grinned and looked at Gina. Generally speaking, come to think of it, something was already gently humming in my head.

– My friends, – pronounced the voice. I looked up – Makhov was back on his feet. – We have the third toast. Now I explain it to our American colleagues, – he looked at the natives and spoke in their words: – Gentlemen, Miss Robertson. The third toast is drunk to fallen in Russia. I ask you to support our tradition. Let's have a drink, without clinking glasses.

– You're right, Mister Makhov, – straightened Tom McPherson.

– I agree, – confirmed Michael Waters.

– Of course, – said Jeffrey Knox, also getting up.

– Let's just, – I gave my tongue, – to all dead. To yours and ours.

– That's right, – added Andrey Ivanovich.

Everybody was slowly moving their heads from one side to another, and then they began to empty their glasses unhurriedly, somebody faster, somebody slower, but, I think, everyone drained them to the dregs. I listened to the feelings inside and made an unequivocal conclusion that the moment to slow down definitely has come.

– Gentlemen, I wish you good appetite, – announced the voice of Makhov. I uttered «Thank you» instinctively and looked at Gina with Valya. They were looking at me too. I raised my right palm:

– All right. Everything is fine, – I continued in English.

– Okay, – pronounced Valya.

– That's very good, Andrey, – said Gina. – By the way, I had heard about that third toast somewhere.

– Well, probably at our place, – I knocked with a spoonful of food on my plate.

– No, – she didn't agree. – I'm still going to find out something else. Andrey Ivanovich, – she addressed to Ivanov completely without an accent, – I wish to ask you, since you're an expert, one question for a long time.

– Please, Miss Robertson, – he put the knife away.

– Tell me, please, – Gina, as always, was looking her interlocutor straight in the eyes, – why do your soldiers in the war always tape gun clips with something?

«What the gun clips?», perplexedly flashed into my mind. «Ah, rifle magazines, that's it».

– This is for ammunition adding, – explained Andrey Ivanovich, – and also for easement of reloading. For... not to get a spare magazine too long, it is strapped to a first one.

– And you went that way too? – she looked at me.

– Yes, of course, – I smiled. – All did so.

– So, what, – she was looking at Ivanov again, – you were with only two magazines in combat?

– Sometimes – yes, – he agreed, – but mostly – more, of course.

– You ask interesting questions, Miss Robertson, – Troechnik smiled too.

– Thank you, Mister Tugarinov, – Gina threw a glance at him by her blue-grey irises.

Generally speaking, blush has quite distinctly appeared on her cheeks also, and her voice became a little higher.

– The war... this one, mystery, – in fact, I wanted to say «trick».

– Exactly, – Andrey Ivanovich grinned. – This is our military secret.

Gina laughed aloud.

– In general, your militaries, in my opinion, do so too, – I noted. – I saw in the movie.

– In which movie? – Gina asked, tilting her head.

– I think, in the «Full Metal Jacket»... I don't remember exactly.

– A-ah, yes, – she banged on the table by the edge of her hand. – The Vietnam War. By the way, thank you for reminding me one more thing.

– I'm sorry, – uttered Lawrence Mikhaylovsky, – I propose another toast.

Sergey Anatolievich Makhov said in Russian at once:

– My friends, Mister Mikhaylowski proposes another toast.

– Of course, of course, – that was heard in two languages.

«I'll have something non-alcoholic», I murmured, quickly filling a large glass of juice.

– You proposed us a drink to a very right thing, Mister Polozkov, – professor looked at me. – Let me add something else.

– Of course, sure.

– Let's raise our glasses, ladies and gentlemen, – he took his breath a little, – to what is also need for all of us very much now – to historical truth.

– To historical truth, – translated Makhov.

– That's for sure, – Gina gently knocked by the edge of her glass with the mine one.

– I agree, – I clinked glasses with her, and then with the others.

Gina sipped her whiskey, and then she put it aside and looked back at Ivanov.

– Andrey Ivanovich, may I ask you one more question? – she smiled.

– Yes, please, – he reassured also in English.

– Have you seen «The Green Berets» movie?

– I guess, yes, – he made a cut on his piece of meat. – Such, quite an old one, if I'm not mistaken?

– Yes, it is, – confirmed she. – Then explain to me: your Special Forces – is the same thing that they are or not? I mean the Green Berets? By the way, Jeff, – she raised her voice, – you know our army – please also answer this question.

Jeffrey Knox looked at her, then at Andrey Ivanovich, and then at me.

– As far as I remember, – Ivanov went on in the language of those, who were participating in this conversation, – it's almost the same thing. Both the Green Berets and our special purpose troops were created for sabotage actions on enemy territory.

– The invisible fighters, – Knox-sturdy grinned.

– Invisible, – Gina repeated. Whether an alcohol effect was beginning to affect her, or at this point she was keying herself up for some reason, or just half-face, when she was profiling, Gina looked less beautiful, but her lovely face, lovely until the last minute, has suddenly flushed, her eyes have become the saucer ones, her lower jaw has thoroughly stepped forward, and her lips began to quiver slightly, and all that didn't look so charming any more, as in the first moment of our meeting.

– Andrey Ivanovich, – she uttered emphatically, – what the hell have you confessed at the press conference for? Just don't ask me what I'm talking, you understand me.

– That's what you are about, – Ivanov put his fork on the plate.

– Yes, precisely, – she was giving him a piercing glance.

In my opinion, all of the sitting stopped eating and stared at her.

– You know, Gina, – Ivanov was calmly answering her scathing look, – I thought it shall be right – to dispel all doubts. For everyone – and you, including – didn't ask themselves whether these guys are murderers and torturers or not. I said – yes, I am. I'm not going to hide it more. And I admit that I'm guilty and what I did was very bad. And I'm ashamed of that.

She reverted her eyes, which became again wonderful, looked at the tablecloth, then at me, and then she slightly raised her lips:

– I didn't mean to offend you...

– That's all right, – reassured Andrey Ivanovich, – I'm not offended in any way, believe me...

– We talked with you today, remember, Andy, – she interrupted him, still looking at me. – You were supposed to fight with the Yu-Es army, but instead of that you killed children in Chechnya...

– Yes, – Ivanov agreed.

– Gina, let's talk about something else, – peacefully suggested Tom McPherson. – Whether you want it or not, but all the same you embarrass our guests.

– Let's have more drink, – she replied to that. – You're quite right, Tom, I apologize once again, Andrey Ivanovich, Alexander Petrovich...

– All right, – repeated Ivanov, interrupting her this time.

She rubbed her forehead with her left hand:

– I realize that I behave myself absolutely unfriendly, so let's just have a drink all now – I have a piece of toast. But before we do it, – she breathed, – I have to finish, so I wish to ask you, Andrey Ivanovich, something else. I apologize in advance if this will be something incorrect.

– Gina, for God's sake, – assured he, – ask any questions, I'll be happy to answer you, you're a great conversationalist.

– Thank you, – she smiled yet. – My question is for you, and for Alexander Petrovich.

– Ask, – uttered Troechnik in English.

Gina touched her lips by an index finger and said:

– Have you read or heard something about En-Key-Vi-Di-men? How they tortured people, and so on?

– Of course, – confirmed Andrey Ivanovich.

She's a little too obsessed over these NKVD-men, I thought, for what she banging on about them.

– Tell me, please, – she continued, – is it true or not: one man in his book argues that the spetsnaz could deal with people not a whit better. Namely – to torture people also. Is this true?

– Yes, it is, – Ivanov agreed again.

– Gina, I beg you, – Jeffrey Knox pleadingly looked at her.

– So I want to know, – it seemed to me, she didn't pay any attention to him, – such a thing. I don't ask you, did you torture someone. I ask you another – tell me, what does a man feel, who tortures another person? What feels somebody, when he is torturing someone else? And an innocent man? Just answer honestly, if you know about that, of course.

– Gina, you, in my opinion, shouldn't drink too, – I tried to make a joke.

– I know, Andrey, – she retorted.

– I think... – started Andrey Ivanovich, but she for some reason broke him one more time:

– You know, I'll explain it. A few years ago I had a small role in one movie. I was playing the protagonist's girlfriend, who was a killer maniac in fact. You see, – she widely spread her hands, – he is an ordinary man days, but nights he goes crazy and starts to cut... everyone, both men and women. But that was always interesting for me before – what does such a man feel when he is doing all this? What's inside his mind? Sorry, Andrey Ivanovich, I've interrupted you.

– No problem, – calmed Ivanov. – So that is my answer. Such a person doesn't feel nothing good.

– Nothing at all? – she was prying out.

– Nothing at all, I assure you, – he reasserted.

– Absolutely nothing, Miss Robertson, – added Troechnik. – And then such a person doesn't sleep well on nights. Or doesn't sleep at all. And that's for life.

Gina took a nice, deep breath, and then she was looking down for a few moments.

– I'm spoiling your evening, – she uttered slowly. – I... I'm sorry, gentlemen...

– Gina, don't apologize, I told you – everything's fine, – enunciated Andrey Ivanovich. – And you, in my opinion, asked everything right.

– You set the emphasises right, – interposed Troechnik.

– What the emphasises, – she smiled, – but I really wanted to ask you all that...

– They were good direct questions, – reasserted Ivanov again.

I was sitting, staring at the plate, and at this point a thought to say the following somehow came to my mind:

– There is an expression, I don't know exactly, you or we have – «Memory – is an executioner, oblivion – is a killer».

– I wonder, – she smiled, – I have never heard that. How?.. Say that again, please, Andrey.

– «Memory is an executioner, oblivion is a killer».

– And how did you say that at the press conference? – she asked again. – «A long...»? «For a long...»?

– «Goodbye...», – for some reason pronounced I, although the interpreter had said something other for sure then.

– «Goodbye», – she repeated, – that's it. The further I remember – «the more tears».

– All right.

– I think that's absolutely right, – her eyes sparkled with a healthy shine again. – Andrey, you're just an expression expert.

– Come on, what are you talking... Gina, – I remembered, – you told that you have a piece of toast.

She slapped her knee:

– Yes, I want to drink to something. You're probably right, Andrey, perhaps, I drink the wine.

«Oh, that's even better», I thought, and asked immediately:

– Is it possible to do so?

– To do what? – she didn't understand.

– Well... – in a moment I've recalled, how will be «to decrease», but then I realized that I don't remember how to say «a degree», – decrease... damn...

– Degrees, – prompted Makhov.

– To decrease degrees? – Gina asked again, chuckling loudly. In English that has really sounded funny.

– I mean, – I explained, – to drink the weak alcohol after the strong?

– And don't you do so? – she laughed.

– We do that, we do. And how, – uttered Andrey Ivanovich.

– So that's all then, – Gina was holding a wine glass in her hand, waiting until Ivanov fills it. – But, don't worry, Andy, I know what I'm doing.

– If honest, – I smiled, – I'm worrying.

All sitting laughed, and Valya, who was widely baring his teeth, gawped at her.

– Valya, I said I'm worried about Gina, – I told him.

– That's right indeed, – he nodded.

– All right, – she pronounced, getting up. – Gentlemen, are you ready? I propose a toast – to wars always are waged according to the rules. That is, – she smiled, – I mean, wars will be waged always, that's, unfortunately, the fact, but let them be waged by the rules. Here, let's drink.

– Miss Robertson proposes us to drink to wars are waged according to the rules, – translated that Sergey Anatolievich into Russian.

– A good toast, – Valya agreed.

– Ho-ro-shiy, – Gina repeated with an accent, and then she turned to him and touched his liqueur-glass by her wine glass. – Spa-sibo, Valya.

He went into the uttermost raptures – that was clear of his mouth, stretched from ear to ear. The others were smiling too, clinking with their dishes, and I was screwing my eyes up, happily swallowing the juice and couldn't understand why she needed all that recent mise en scene yet.

– So, Andrey, – Gina took another sip and then put her glass on the table. – I suggest we go somewhere for a walk.

– I remember, – I looked at her, – we agreed.

– That's true, – she grinned, – you remember all. And you also do remember that, Mister Makhov, right?

– Of course, Miss Robertson, – he reassured.

– Here, – although she again uttered a phrase, which literally sounded as «Here we go». – Then we leave you. Goodbye, gentlemen. Andrey Ivanovich, Alexander Petrovich – I apologize once again for talking that rubbish here.

– Gina, that's all right, – Ivanov replied in English.

– Kein Problem, – delivered Troechnik in German.

She burst out laughing, touching the chair leg by her leg. I stood up too, uttering «Thank you».

– Goodbye, – she repeated, looking the sitting over. – Good night.

– Goodbye, – I said. – We go.

– Won't you get lost? – Andrey Ivanovich smiled.

– Oh, – I lifted my chin up, – there's such a guide here with me, that...

Gina grinned again, looking me in the face, slightly moved her head, and then she enounced softly: «Come».

Chapter 7

– Do what you want, but I need to go to the bathroom, – she turned to me.

We stopped in the middle of the hall, which was almost deserted now. «What the bathroom?», – I had time to think, but after a moment I've realized that.

– Yes, of course, – I agreed, nodding. – Where is it?

– Over there, – Gina shook her head in the opposite direction. – Follow me.

I followed. We crossed the rest of the lobby, passed a familiar door, and then went into the hallway and approached the international plastic plates.

– Meet me here, – said Gina.

– In five minutes, – I specified.

She giggled and disappeared from my sight. I entered the WC, thinking that the next shining and sparkling hangar will appear in front of my eyes here, but there was nothing like that – the room was very clean, but not a huge one.

Yes, that's interesting, of course, I thought. The total mysteries are being presented to me today. Well, not only to me, of course, and to the rest too. And not even surprises, but some things... Damn, I'm confused again. This is due an alcohol acting, that's for sure. I tried to determine whether I have spinning head much right now and what is my general feeling at the moment, but I couldn't say anything specific to myself. After a few moments of an intense reflection, as it seemed, just the same was clear to me as a few hours ago – this day isn't over yet, well, or rather, the day is almost over already, it's more than eleven pm now, but anything more can occur yet indeed.

I turned the faucet and began to wash my hands. The sink was some fancy, next to me was a bottle of liquid soap. In short, nothing but nonsense is striking me – everything is fine, everything is as it should be, and everything is taking its normal course. Presumably. I checked once again, whether I feel well physically, and again I concluded that everything seems to be OK. All systems are working normally, I thought, and laughed aloud, already turning the door knob.

– Why are you laughing? – Gina was already here.

– Yes, I remembered one thing, – I closed the door, – from movies... about the space, there is an expression – «All systems are...». No, wait, that's not right, because it should be said something different...

– «All systems go», – quoted Gina.

– Tha-at's right! – I was never at a loss.

– In my opinion, this is some very old phrase, – she smiled. – From the past century. Like your camera.

– Yes-yes-yes! – I really relished the way she uttered that.

– Don't you take it?

– I think, no. There is dark now.

– Yes, you're right, – she wasn't lagging behind me, stepping onto the ramp marble, – anyway – I took my camera, if you need to take a picture of something... Okay, – Gina turned her head to the left. – Let's go there.

There were two passers-by on the sidewalk and there weren't vehicles on the roadway at all. The street lamps were lighting the street very brightly, the air was calm and pleasantly cool, and some just soothing silence was here in general. We went down the low stairs and started walking to the side, to which she said to go, and opposite which we have followed in the afternoon.

– You said it isn't very far away? – I asked.

– Yes-yes, – reasserted Gina, – it's not far from here, in a few blocks.

– We'll walk, – I smiled again.

She laughed, turning to me on the move.

– It will be a great walk through a night empty city, – she stretched her hand to the side.

– Look, Gina, – after all, I've recalled that, – I want to ask you one thing.

– As you remember, we had told about that in the afternoon, Andrey, – she nodded, – so ask me anything you wish to ask.

We approached the crossroad, Gina uttered «We should go there» quietly, and then our legs put about left one more time.

– Only it's... – I hesitated a little. – That's about what happened a few minutes ago. At the dinner.

– Of course, please, – she didn't seem worried absolutely, – ask.

– I don't want to be... impolite...

– Andrey, – Gina looked at me. – Ask.

The alley, through which we were moving, was totally deserted.

– Gina, – I breathed, – why did you... uh... ask Andrey Ivanovich and Sanya all these things?

She rounded her face for a second.

– Because I couldn't restrain my temper, to be honest. I'm sorry.

– Okay, – I uttered automatically.

Our steps were sounding loudly in the silence, for some time, not too long one, nobody was saying anything, and then, when we went to the next road, which was running athwart us, and began to cross it through the yellow «zebra» stripes, I've detected that Gina is scrutinizing me with her big and the most beautiful eyes in the world again.

– You aren't satisfied with my answer? – she grinned.

– Of course, not, – I muttered.

– And that's right, – reported Gina, lowering her voice. – I wouldn't have been satisfied too. Let me explain all this to you. I'm sure you'll understand me.

– I think so, – I rubbed my nose with two fingers.

– Fine, – she nodded. – Do you remember, we were talking about the history of your country with you this afternoon?

– Of course, I remember, – I confirmed.

– So, – she fixed the strap on her shoulder. – We were talking about why, after the communists were ousted from power, an economic situation and all the other things wasn't getting any better for a long time in your place, in Russia. That's not my theory, of course, not I invented it, but it fully convinces me, Andrey.

– Yes, I remember, – I reassured her once again.

– Why had nothing changed really? – Gina made a gesture by her right hand, describing a half-circle in the air with it. – Because they weren't actually removed from power. They all stayed. And just as they didn't care for everyone else, so they continued to do that. Well, some of our experts believed they became to harm even more, but that's not the point, – she smiled faintly. – I'm talking too fast again, huh?

– Why, I understand, – I didn't agree.

– That's good, but I need to speak more slowly, – she reached into her purse and pulled out a small package. – Want?

This bundle was an open packet of mints.

– Yes, – I replied.

– I also like them, – Gina put the box back.

– And don't you want to smoke? – I suddenly remembered.

– Well, – smacked she. – Actually, of course, I want to, but I will try to keep. So. Regarding Mister Ivanov and Mister Tugarinov. How did you say – «Sa...»? «Nis...»?

– «Sanya».

– «Sa-nya», – she drawled. – That is, as I understand that, a diminutive of «Alexander». Like «Valya». You know, Andrey, just a very similar situation comes out. A very similar one, in my opinion. Yes – these people were fighting for your freedom with you. Yes – they were shedding their blood. Yes – they... Wait, I see what you are going to say, – she gently squeezed my hand. – They did much work. But personally, I can't fully trust them. I can't. Don't you agree with me?

– I think, they are quite deserved to trust them, – not very confidently uttered I.

– Don't ask me to treat them as heroes, – the metallic notes appeared in Gina's voice. – I don't like them not due their look, but cause of the particular actions. Our journalists had gathered the whole file on them, and I was interested in those things. Andrey Ivanov has been faithfully serving the communists for twenty years of his life. For twenty years! – she stretched her left arm out. – He was carrying out any orders which were given to him, he was committing any crimes, and then suddenly he had decided to fight for people's freedom! Ring a bell?

– Ring, – I smiled, – of course, this is true, I completely agree with you. But you do remember, and they said today that to all of them will be in the future... absolutely... denied access to state service. And to the politics too.

We passed another block and were stomping through the next crosswalk.

– They are not heroes, – she repeated stubbornly. – All what you're planning – that's right, I fully support it also, but people like them are still war criminals, though former ones.

– But no one treats them as heroes, – I tried to wriggle out.

– No, they do, – Gina snapped.

– There are no heroes in the civil war, – again objected I, beginning to understand something.

– Exactly. But anyway.

– So what do you suggest? – I lifted my eyebrows. – Also execute them?

– Why not, – she uttered coolly.

And then it dawned on me.

– Okay, wonderful, – I agreed, looking at her pursed lips. – In general, you're absolutely right. But it can be seen from the other hand. Look here. Everyone who lived under the soviet regime, worked for it. Well, with a few exceptions. And after the nineteen ninety-one year, all or almost all the people in our country continued to work on this system, and didn't fight against it. So now – all should be punished? The whole country? And then who will stay? I think... you understand, what I want to say.

She was holding her clenched right hand under the nose.

– Yeah, I guess you're right, Andrey. I said the wrong thing again.

– Well, why wrong, Gina, – I continued to admire her. She noticed my gaze, smiled broadly and turned her head. – The criminals must be punished for their crimes. But after a penalty... can he be a different person? I mean, I hope... no, I'm sure for one hundred percent – not all of them are criminals for life. Do you understand? People aren't the same, and the criminals too. Like Strugatsky brothers wrote – «And what, criminals – are not the people?».

– Yes, I read that, of course, – she brightened. – What you're saying makes sense.

– I understand that we have come, – there was a metal fence not far ahead, beyond which the myriad trees could be guessed in the darkness.

– Yes, we're almost there, – Gina looked around.

– And can we... go inside here? – I didn't see any entrance.

– We can, don't worry, – she uttered confidently.

We approached the traffic light, which was turned red. On the left side the car slowly drove up and stopped, and on the opposite sidewalk two more people came to cross the road. That took a few moments, the green light went on, and then we moved towards each other. When the passers neared us, they smiled.

– It's you? – asked the girl, looking at Gina.

– Yes, – answered she.

– Good night, Miss Robertson, – wished a young man.

– Thank you, – she glanced at him. – You too.

– Good night, – I said.

After crossing the street, Gina and I turned to the right.

– Cool, – pronounced I. – You're recognized even in the dark.

Her countenance has changed quickly – her eyes closed, her thin cheeks lifted up, her mouth stretched to the ears, and then she broke out into her loud and sonorous laughter. Besides, it was also very infectious now, in my opinion.

– Andrey, – she was shaking her sides, – I like when you're joking so much! That's just wonderful.

– And you... huh, – I was laughing with her, – you've got such a good laughter.

– Thank you, – tears were glistening out of her eyes. – You're so sweet.

– You too, Gina, – I reassured. – Are we there?

– Yeah, – she gasped loudly. – Come.

We stepped onto a brightly lit asphalt track on either side of which the colorful flower beds, shrubs and small trees were located.

– Welcome to the New York City Central Park, – half playfully, half solemnly declared Gina, – the most famous park in the United States of America.

– What way will we go? – I asked, looking left and then right.

– Well, to which you wish, – she also looked the vicinity over. – There are two and half miles long.

– You're kidding! – I didn't believe that. – It will be somewhere... three... no, exactly four kilometers!

– Yes, absolutely, – affirmed she, – there is enough space.

– Look, great! – I was encouraged. – And there is quiet now, I like it!

– I'm very glad to hear that, Andrey, – she nodded, smiling broadly. – My pleasure.

– My too, – I nodded in response. – Come here?

– Of course, – she agreed. – Just let's step aside for a while, I want to tell you one thing.

We turned to a rather wide alley, which was twisting by a daedal wavy line. Not far from us, being almost directly under a dazzlingly lighting street lamp, was a dark-brown iron bench, behind which some sculpture could be vaguely seen. The locals weren't around, but they were discernible on the horizon, along with another monument, some pavilion, and the variety of green spaces. I turned my eyes to Gina's bright irises.

– Listen to me, please, – quietly and clearly uttered she. – Don't you like, when I touch to you, do you?

– What are you talking, Gina? – I was surprised.

– So do you like it or not? – she was pressing. – Be honest!

– Like. Of course, I like, – I was a little confused, if not to mince matters.

– Okay, – continued Gina. – Now tell me – are you dating with somebody now there, in Russia?

We were closely to each other, I could hear her rapid breathing, I felt an extremely pleasant smell emanating from her, and I saw how her big breasts are rising and falling beneath her dress.

– No, Gina, – I gasped confusedly, – I'm not dating with anyone.

At these words, she slowly raised her hands and then embraced them at my waist, leaning closer to me.

– Put your hands, as I did, – she continued to drawl. – Please, Andrey.

I hugged her in return. Blush on her cheeks became more distinct, and on my ones, I suppose, too.

– You are a wonderful man, Andrey, – her teeth were white, and her lips – were bright red. – I really like you. I told you that before and I will go on telling. Tell me – don't you like me?

Right now I was really embarrassed.

– Gina, I'm not...

– Just don't tell me, – she grinned widely, – that I'm not your type. In this case, you will just kill me on the spot. But anyway – answer me honestly. I beg you. So – am I your type or not?

– No, you're it!.. – I muttered violently. – Gina! You are my type...

– Thank you, Andrey, – she looked down for a moment.

– I speak seriously! – I uttered eagerly. – You really... I like you very much! I... I, here, by the way, always liked... well, that is... E-moe! – I continued in Russian.

– Go on, Andrey, – she was gazing at me with ner enormous eyes again. – Don't rush.

– I like you, really, – I was a kind of found, – you are a very beautiful girl, Gina. In fact. Yes, you yourself... damn, damn!.. again talk something wrong...

She pulled me to herself, squeezing us too powerfully for her physique, in my opinion.

– What were you going want to add?

– I was going to... you know... – her head was directly under mine, and it was not very comfortable for me to turn. But I recalled the right word: – you are fabulously beautiful, Gina. You see, we just met today, so I think it's not quite right... well, get too close, at the first day we met.

Gina slightly loosened her bear hug.

– I talk to you with a big ple... – I began resuming yet, but she didn't let me finish:

– Most of all I like the fact you're doing the right thing.

She was looking at me almost from below.

– You are embarrassed by me, it seems to me, you are a shy person, I have already told you about that, but this is exactly what I do like about you. You're doing all right, Andrey. You do what you think is right. And so... I just admire you.

– Thank you, Gina, – I broke into a smile, – thanks.

– I should be thanking you, – she slowly raised her left hand and put her fingers on my cheek. – Tell me about the scar.

– With pleasure, – I removed my upper limbs from her belt, she stepped back a little, and then we turned around and took our first unhurried steps through the alley.

– Take my hand, if you don't mind, – Gina moved her left palm a little to the side, pointing down by its back. Without thinking twice this time, I squeezed it with my right one.

– It was... a piece of the wall, – uttered I. – A brick. Well, the part of the brick.

– And how did it hit you? – her hand was very warm.

– It... – I was confused. – Not far from the place where we were, either a bomb, or a shell from the artillery gun exploded... Apparently, the fragments that flew away, beat the wall of the house and broke off... broke down...

– I see, – she said quietly. – Maybe that was a fragment itself?

– No, come on, – I objected, – I'd have completely cut off my head then. Five people who were close to us were immediately killed that time.

– And when had that happened? – she specified.

– On the first day of the fight, – I replied. – On the first day, and in the first fight.

– Was that very painful?

– Yes, of course. And later.

She was silent, looking my face over.

– Look, Gina, – I thought, – all this time, I want to know something from you.

– Anything, – she reassured.

– Tell me, please, – the right word wasn't getting found again, – why are you... why are you so interested in the war, and all these things which are associated with it? Army, warfare and so on?..

She smiled broadly.

– My father was in the army at one time, – she explained, – he is a military doctor. Once upon a time he was in Vietnam, when there was a war going on. He told me he had seen such things... which, probably, could happen only in your place yet. You know, Andy, when I was little, he used to tell me the various horror stories, which seemed like terrible fairy tales...

– Fairy tales before the night, – I interjected.

– Yes, exactly! – Gina agreed lively. – Only instead of monsters there were more strange creatures which were called «communists». All that was in the eighties yet, when all that was in full swing... Well, a danger of a new war, and so on.

– We else had a struggle for peace that time, – I denoted.

– And we too, – she nodded. – I remember they were talking about all kind of meetings, conferences, briefings and any other stuff almost every day on television up until nineteen ninety, probably.

– That's right, – I completely agreed.

– So. My dad told me terrible things sometimes, – she licked her upper lip. – Later, when I became an adult, I began to ask him questions about that. He was always close to the soldiers, and he saw all those wounds... Do you want another candy?

– Yes, with pleasure.

Gina pulled a pack out of her luggage and handed it to me with an open side.

– Thanks, – said I.

– You're welcome. So, – she placed the candies back, – he spoke with the soldiers who were in captivity. And they sometimes saw such things there... Freddy Krueger with his blades compared to that – just a stupid little boy. And they, well, I mean, the North Vietnamese, who did all those things, they were fighting with the South to build a socialist society yet. By the way, – revived she, – do you know what else he told me about that?

– No, I think, I don't know.

– He repeated to me several times, – her eyes widened, – that phrase you had told me this afternoon. The fact if someone says he wasn't scared in the war, he lies. Just like you said, word for word.

– Cool. So you are interested in all that since childhood? – I went to find out.

– Yes. Of course! You know, Andy, – she narrowed her eyes for a moment, – I wished to become a true historian for a long time. And probably because of all that, then you're absolutely right. Even when I became involved in the film industry, I still wanted to go to the university for a few years and to study history seriously. Your history, the history of your country.

– Our country? – I was surprised.

– Yes, that's the whole point, – Gina raised her eyebrows, – I told you yet. And I became even more interested in what was happening in the Yu-Es-Es-R, and then in Russia, when those events occurred in nineteen ninety-one. I was very passionated about that.

– Wow, – I was really flattered. – So you studied for a historian at the university?

– I studied nowhere, – she bit a piece of candy in her mouth, – I was going to enter the university. And I was even taking exams. But then for some reason I've suddenly changed my mind – I decided the film industry is more interesting, and, besides, that job had become more time-consuming.

We got to the intersection of our road with the other one, which was twisting by waves also.

– You know, the matter is... Come here, – she didn't turn aside, so we struck into the center of the park territory. – I'm recollecting all that here now and I conclude that after all I don't regret a thing. I like my job, and I continue to believe it's more interesting. Actually, no – it could be nothing more interesting than your history, I said the wrong thing, but cinematography – is a great thing too.

– You said that you shoot almost fifteen years? – I wanted to know more about her.

– Yes, for fourteen, – she gently squeezed my hand. – But let me ask about you now, okay?

– Of course, – I was totally not against that.

Next to us showed another beds, sprinkled with the small white stones.

– You were born in the Novosibirsk city, right?

– Yes.

An intense interest was all over her face.

– And your parents were, as I recall, engineers? – she resumed.

– Yes, it's true, – but I got a feeling that I don't understand something. – Listen, Gina... – and then I've realized: – You recently said that your press gathered information about us... Exactly!

– Yes, indeed! – she grinned. – That's why I know all these things.

– Here we go! – I pronounced my favorite English phrase. – You told, that there is a whole file?

She shone and shook with our clenched hands.

– Precisely, Andy, – Gina reassured, – there is a lot of information there, but not everything is clear. So I want you to clarify some matters.

– Sure.

– Tell me, please, – she wrinkled her high forehead a little, – if I remember that right, you received your university degree in some other city. Why did you do that? You've got a lot of universities yet, haven't you?

– Yes, that's right, – I affirmed. – Look, it's a question... such, a philosophical. We decided that there was a better education... and so on. That's why I went.

– But then you came back? – she specified.

– Of course.

– Yes, I see, – Gina briefly looked away, and then she turned to me: – There's one more thing I didn't entirely understand – was the girl whom you were dating once with really the general Galaktionov's niece?

– Yes, that's true, – I agreed again, – I met him so.

– I thought, there was some mix-up, – her eyes have glistened, as it seemed to me, a little bit more than usual. – How long had you been with her?

– Two years.

– Ma-an! – Gina was surprised, although I wasn't sure she said «man» exactly. – But that was a few years ago?

– Yes, – reasserted I, – we stopped dating... nine years ago.

– And didn't you speak to her after that? – she decided, apparently, to find out all about that.

– No, – I lied, but then I changed my mind: – I mean, almost. At first try, and then... stopped.

– Don't you know where she is now? – Gina looked at me seriously, without a smile.

– No, – this time I answered honestly, and at that moment it struck me: – You reminded me a joke. Actually, no, – I laughed, – not even one, but two.

She immediately grinned from ear to ear again:

– Tell me, please.

We went to the next improvised intersection. Gina signalled with her head to go straight.

– Well, – I continued, – only the one is political anecdote, and the second – is not very pleasant...

– Not very pleasant! – she laughed. – Well put. But first, tell a political anecdote.

– It's pretty old, – I warned, – and you know it, I guess. I remembered it earlier this day. In short, somewhere in the nineteen forty-six. The Commission for Displaced Persons, Di-Pi. There are Russian who sits and an American he was questioned, he asks different questions. At the end American asks: «Why didn't you want to go back to the Soviet Union?». Russian replies: «Because there is Stalin». An American gives him... by the hand on his face, hard, and shouts: «Stalin – and what?! If you don't like him, go to the Soviet Union, and select another to yourself!».

Gina smiled in a little wry way and uttered:

– Yes, I heard that one. I like this anecdote less and less... But you told that fine, Andy.

– Listen to the second. There are... There are classes in medical institute, – I was peering at her beautiful face, – and the professor says: «So, today we're going to study sexual relations. In the beginning put your hands up those who have these relations every day». A few people raised their hands. The professor says: «Okay. Now those – who once a week». Raised their hands a few more people. Professor says after that: «Very good. Now those – who once a month», – it seemed to me either she also knew this anecdote, or she was guessing, what will be further there, – not much... many, but raised their hands. Then the professor said: «Excellent. And now let raise their hands, those who do it once a year». Then on the last row, one student quickly... well, just starts up and yells: «I am! I am!! This man – is me!!». Professor asks him: «Why are you so nervous, young man?». And he cries out even louder: «Because this day – is today!!!».

Gina closed her eyes, slightly shook her head and a moment later burst out into a ringing laughter, bending in the chest.

– Haven't you heard it before? – I asked.

– No! – she raised her eyebrows, still laughing. – Really, Andrey!

– That's good.

– I just guess, – she was casting her sparkling eyes over my cheekbones to my forehead and back, – this anecdote, as we say in cinematography, is based on actual events.

– Definitely, – I reassured. – I think so for many years too. Look, may I ask you something?

– Andrey, stop saying that! – Gina frowned. – Just ask.

We approached the next bench – even, perhaps, the ben, due it was such a monumental one.

– Why are you – «Miss» and not «Mistress»? Are you not married?

– I'm not married, – confirmed she. – Because I'm divorced.

– Are you divorced? – I repeated in surprise. – For a long time?

– No, not very long, – informed she cheerfully, – five months ago.

A lot of things are beginning to be born in to me, I thought.

– Very interesting, – I was fighting the urge for sticking my lips out. – And have you got children?

– Yes, – she nodded. – A girl. Four years old.

– What is her name?

– Debbie, – she narrowed her eyes slightly again. – Deborah.

– And... – I was muddled again. – She's... somewhere else now?

– Yes, she's with my parents now, – answered Gina.

No, really – that's more and more interesting, occurred to me. And it becomes darker else here, or something.

– And where were you born? – I continued. – I mean, in what city?

– Here, in the New York City, but then we moved to New Orleans, – her teeth flashed again, – you know where it is, I'm sure.

– Of course, – I affirmed. – I think so. I heard that there is a southern comfort.

Gina coughed with a laugh loudly, turning her head away for a moment.

– And there is the house of the rising sun too.

She licked her lips, keep smiling.

– You got straight to the point, Andrey. All of these things are really exist there.

– And did you live there for some time? – for some reason I was sure she no longer lives there.

– Yes, but quite a bit, – she looked down again, – then we moved to Britain. Then, in nineteen eighty-one, we went back to the Yu-Es and lived in Jackson. Where Jackson is – you also know, I'm sure.

– I think so, – not too confidently uttered I, – I remember it is in the southern part of the Yu-Es, but a state...

– Mississippi, – prompted Gina.

– Right, – I flapped by my left hand index finger. – But now do you live in Los Angeles?

– Mostly – yes, – she put her head slightly to one side. – Hollywood and stuff...

– Look, don't you have an Irish... m-m?.. – I wanted to say «roots».

– I have them much more serious, – she reported. – I have Scottish roots.

I laughed softly, and in a moment she caught up my laughter, waving with our hands once again. The lane, through which we were now moving, was definitely darker – whether the lights were lighting fainter, whether the trees were higher and more spreading here. That's romance, a thought crossed my mind.

– I wonder – is it hard to shoot in the movies? – I asked the next intimate question.

– Well... How to tell you... – she was musing. – Sometimes – probably, yes. Generally, that's an interesting question... I like it a lot, I think, sometimes it's easier, sometimes harder.

– Do you shoot in any movie now?

– I currently shoot in three movies, – Gina stunned me (maybe I misunderstood?). – I mean, two film's shootings are already finished, and the third's will start some time later. I have free time for a while.

– Something like a vacation, – I pronounced silently, though I wanted to ask something like «Do you have any vacation?», but then, instead of it another thing crossed my mind: – Look, Gina, you, I guess, a lot... you know many actors? That's right, you told me yet!

– That's true, – she grinned.

– Are you familiar with Schwarzenegger?

– Of course, – she pleased me. – He's a wonderful, a very kind man. And a great actor. I heard, by the way, he was very famous in your country.

– It's – one hundred percent! – I reassured. – He is – just a cult figure.

– A personality cult, – Gina giggled.

– Yeah, – I blinked. – But I understand that you don't like science fiction?

– Yes, – she rounded her eyes. – Unfortunately.

– And what, don't like «The Matrix» too? – I tried to find out.

– That is, by the way, – she pointed her index finger to the sky, – a very good movie. It has a very good idea.

– Here, and you're talking...

The trees, which were located on either side of us before, have suddenly parted. There was a whole small lake ahead, in which the water was reflecting the moon, a round, white and shiny one.

– Wow, – I stopped. – What a beautiful place.

– Yes, I like to be here too, – Gina again slightly squeezed my fingers.

– Let's come closer? – I suggested.

– Of course, – agreed she.

We made a few steps and approached the pond surface closely. Everything was dark around Gina and me – the buildings, the trees, the paths and the rocks, and a big white geometric shape was blinding the eyes almost under our feet.

– «Turn off the moon – it's much too bright», – I quoted.

At these words Gina let my hand go, leaned back, perhaps, even jumped back and then she stared at me with her huge black pupils:

– And you know this song too?

– Yes, – I turned to her.

– That's just incredible! – she gasped excitedly. – You're amazing me, Andrey! This song – is of nineteen sixty-two! I realize that you know the old soviet songs, but how... and where could you hear an American song of those years?

She was smiling broadly and her mouth was widely open.

– Yes, there is nothing special, – I started to explain. – I heard this song... because it was sung... by the actress who played Kubrick's «Lolita». Sue Lyon. I was once said about that by someone.

– Okay, yes, – she straightened the strap, which slipped off her shoulder. – So you do like movies by Stanley Kubrick?

– Not all, – I answered, – most of them. But «Lolita» is a masterpiece in general. After «Doctor Strangelove», of course.

Gina laughed again, stretching both hands out to me. Clutching them, I asked:

– And do you like Kubrick?

– You're kidding, Andrey, – she uttered seriously. – Of course. He was the best director of all time, and «Lolita» is one of my favorite movies.

– When I watched it for the first time, – her skin was very warm, – I laughed very much. Just like you now.

She released my left hand:

– Me too! It's very funny indeed! The scene I did like the most, is that one when John, Jean and Charlotte were standing near Humbert, you remember, at the prom, and they laid their hands on him – just like that, – Gina slapped my shoulder by her fingers.

– Oh, yeah! – I laughed. – But my favorite moment – is not this one, and the one where the main hero is dancing with Charlotte, well, when they have finished dancing, and then Lolita enters and tells them: «Cha-cha-cha!».

– Exactly! – she agreed gladly. – This episode is also very funny. Come on. Give me your hand. And did you like the music in this movie, Andrey?

We turned and walked on. The moon was still in the sky, a pretty strong smell was felt in a cool air, and someone's muffled voices were heard nearby.

– I really liked music in «Lolita», – I touched her elbow. – At first I even thought that there were the «Ventures» themselves.

– I'm not surprised you're a fan of the «Ventures», – Gina bowed her head in a smile again.

– Well, not the greatest, I think. By the way – is Tenth Avenue far from here?

– No, it's not very far, – replied she. – What's up?

– Well, there some slaughter was...

Gina propped her upper lip by the bottom one and uttered seriously:

– Yes, it was. Only a very long time, fifty years ago. Now the twothousandpound bee lives there.

Then it was my turn to burst out laughing, softly at first, and then – in a loud voice.

– Oh, yeah, – I pronounced and immediately started coughing. – Hmm-m... Yes.

– Do you want to go there? – she wondered.

– No-no, I don't want – I retorted quickly. – Thank you, Gina. I just... – Then I couldn't contain myself and broke out laughing again: – How cool did you say! I didn't expect! Bee. Ha-he-khee!..

– The two-thousand-pound, – she repeated three English words.

It turns out, that tears were flowing from my eyes, and I had to remove them to an unoccupied hand.

– I also like the way you laugh, – uttered Gina quietly. – Give you a handkerchief?

– No, – I refused, – thank you. I just wanted to ask – do you like the «Ventures»?

– Yes, of course, – she assured. – By the way, I heard that one of their most famous songs had been used in some soviet television program back in the seventies.

– It was so, – I confirmed, – in some news'.

– So, – the skin on her forehead tightened again, – you heard them there for the first time?

– Maybe, – I began to remember, – but most of their songs I heard later, in another television program. They were used there very often, in almost every episode. Tell me, what music do you like to listen else?

– Different music, – she stated. – Country, jazz, rock and roll, classical. Different styles and various performers. And you?

– I also like classical music, – I agreed, – but I don't like country music. I prefer instrumental. And rock – such... the hard, metal.

– And I don't like it, – noted Gina.

Our soles were knocking through a new crossing of the zigzag lanes which were laid among the tall thick trees. Naturally, what a great place, I thought, and then blurted:

– I think, it would be very strange if it was otherwise.

– I totally agree with you, – she shook her head.

– I've never met... – I hesitated, – a female person who would listen... just metal music. How, by the way, and the girl who like the «Beavis and Butthead».

– Precise-ely! – exclaimed Gina. – That's absolutely right. All of these things – are masculine appeals, in my opinion. Altho-ough... – she drawled, looking at the asphalt, – there is something interesting in «Beavis and Butthead». I and Matt, my ex-husband, were watching it when the series rerun already was, and I remind some things seemed a very... estimable to me, not even a noteworthy.

– That's it – you're the first woman who liked it.

– I'm serious, Andrey! – she squeezed my hand and increased volume of her lips. – You've just reminded me, and I'm telling you the real story. That really happened.

– Sure, of course, I see, – it was necessary, in my opinion, to turn the conversation. – I want to ask you now – do you like historical books, right?

– Yes, – she smiled broadly again, – I love them very much.

– And do you like fiction? I mean, excepting science fiction?

– You bet! – Gina, I had a hope, pronounced exactly that. – Of course I like it, Andy.

– You said you read the Strugatsky brothers, – I didn't let up, – what do you think about them?

She passed her right palm under her earlobe.

– I did really like some of their books – I didn't read all of them. Their best novel, in my opinion – it's «Prisoners Of Power». Um... I mean, «Inhabited Island». It's just amazing. But I remember the quote you've cited too – it is from... – and then Gina correctly indicated a recent phrase source – «Escape Attempt», the second noun of which, to my shame, was familiar to me for a long time.

– That's right, – I muttered. – Listen, I've probably bored you to ask these... this?

– No-no, come on! – Gina was looking at me with great interest. – Please, continue.

– Let's you, – suggested I.

She grinned.

– Do you like American fiction? What do you think about Philip Dick?

– I don't like him at all, – I confessed. – I haven't read... not a single his book to the end.

– Like me, – she waved by her free hand. – And do you like Scott Fitzgerald?

– I... – I hesitated again. – I haven't read his books. I just heard about him.

– That's good, – said Gina. – That you've heard about him. But the fact you haven't read it – that's not very good.

We laughed once again.

– Aren't you tired? – she asked. – I mean, of walking? Maybe we should sit down on a bench?

– No, Gina, I'm not tired. Thank you.

– Then let's walk on. I have a lot of what I want to ask you.

Part 2: Purity Of The Experiment

Chapter 1

She was going among rather big group of people, carrying a large case in her hands, keeping straight and, as usual, looking at me. When only a few meters left between us, I raised my right hand and waved by my palm. Gina smiled widely at once, and then she quickly approached to me.

– Hi, – I uttered in English silently.

– Hi, – she placed her luggage on the floor, and then she took straight quickly the same way and crossed her hands behind my back.

– I'm very glad to see you, – I hugged her in return.

– I'm very glad to see you too, – she raised her head, – I missed you very much.

– And me too.

She leaned her profile slightly to the shoulder:

– Happy Birthday to you, Andrey.

– Thank you, – grinned I.

– Well, we'll discuss it more detail when we arrive home, – she warned at once.

– Yes, sure. Let's go? – I suggested.

– Of course, – she nodded.

– Let me help you.

– Okay, – Gina glanced at the case, – it mustn't be too heavy.

– Fine, – smiled I, taking the handle.

We made two steps, and then she asked:

– Look, is it really too cold there or it seemed to me so?

– Well, – I lifted my eyebrows, – I don't know... yes, I think, it's pretty cold.

– I thought, – she rounded her eyes too, – that there was a very strong wind, what do you guess?

– Yes-yes. I think, you're right.

A high, roomy and noisy hall left behind our backs; we approached one of the entrance doors and then went out. I've just decided to ask her a question, but Gina uttered here:

– Andrey, do you remember, what we were talking about? Well, I mean, what you were telling me, and I got very interested?

– You are about... – I moved my head to the side.

– Yes, – nodded she, – when you've written me, that it goes almost to your house.

– So do you really want to take a bus?

– Yes, Andrey! – widely smiled she.

– Then let's go, – I shifted my head again. – I think, we should get in it over there.

– Sure, let's go, – it seemed, her face shone even more.

We stepped right, toward the public transport parking.

– I, if speak honestly, – I looked at the ground, – don't exactly understand, why you are so curious in it...

– Then I'll ask you one more time, Andy, – archly squinted Gina, – have you ever ridden by bus from an airport?

– No, never in my life, I've already told you.

– And I haven't ridden not a one time too, – she was viewing me by her big blue-grey eyes. – So I think it must be tried for sure. Moreover if it goes near that place, where you live.

– Well, I guess so, – not confident smiled I.

– Here. Is this case not too heavy? – she skewed at the luggage.

– No-no.

– That's good, – her irises were aimed at my face again. – Besides, there's one more thing. Firstly, I ride the public transport too little indeed, even when I come to... Listen, Andy, – stammered she, – I'm talking too quickly again, right?

– Why, not so quickly, – blinked I.

– Fine. So, and secondly, – Gina adjusted her hat, – since, as you remember, I'm interested in all... the changes, happening in your city and in Russia in general, I want to... make sure that a normal life is being established in your place and... so on. Well, you get me, Andrey.

She stopped and looked around, and I answered:

– Yes, sure. Just... we can wait long.

– And I'm not hurrying anywhere, – Gina measured me with her eye again. – I've just arrived.

– Okay, – I agreed, – me too, I guess.

Once that was uttered, and then out of the nearest vehicle, which was fencing the far away look, a small white bus with three numerals on the nameplate, denoting the route number, needed to us, appeared unhurriedly.

– It's our bus, right? – grinned Gina.

– Yes, – I laughed in response.

– That's great. You see, and you told that we'll have to wait it long, – she stepped forward, keep smiling with her charming wide smile.

– This is luck, Gina.

– That's right, Andrey, – she turned back to me, giving the road to the people coming into the passenger compartment. – Let me help you.

– No-no, I told you, it's not too heavy.

We went inside up the stairs, stepped through the compartment, put the valise for it wouldn't be too much interfering and settled into the back seat: Gina was near the window, and I – was on her right. The car engine was working noisily, and a few people, who were locating on the seats in front of us, were talking pretty loud too.

– By the way, – remembered I, – how was your flight?

– Good, thank you, – Gina stopped looking around in wonder and gazed at me again.

– Well, you were flying long, – I smiled.

– Yes. But that's all right, Andrey, don't worry, – she glanced somewhere sideways, – I got used to flights a long time ago.

– Yes, I remember, you have told me...

– Look, I'm so glad to see you yet! – she clasped me again, cuddling to my face by her cheek. – I missed you so much!

– I'm, – mumbled I, – glad to see you too...

– And I'm so glad, Andy, – uttered Gina silently, after what she moved over me quickly and gazed fixedly again: – And do you really feel yourself good? You're a kind of... pale a little, I think.

– I think... it's normally. But don't you want to sleep for sure?

– No, come on! – she again bared her sparkling white teeth. – I've slept in the plane, I had been flying for sixteen of how much hours and I had been sleeping almost all the time. Don't worry, Andrey, everything is really okay.

– Fine...

– Everything's good, – repeated she, nodding by her head and running her palm through my left cheek from up to down. – No, I guess, it seemed to me – everything is fine with you either.

– Thank you, – as always, I felt that I'm blushing.

The front door slammed with a noise, the engine roared more and then the bus started going, taxiing out of the parking. The passengers, who have just come in, were swinging and definitely heading our way. They were two young women, in black clothes except vermeil jacket and in the blue jeans and a beige hat respectively, the first one looked as Gina's and my coeval, and the second one seemed a few years younger. They were carrying, excepting the standard purses, not very big, but also the leather briefcases in their hands. The girls stopped, occupied the seat, which was athwart to ours, and then Gina glanced at them with curiosity.

– Gina, it's not good to stare, – chided I.

– Come on, Andy! – smiled she, turning one more time.

The young individuals looked us around with a kind of a little perplexity, then glanced at each other and then they gazed towards us again, smiling faintly.

– That's right, – nodded by her head Gina, – you've seen me somewhere... Ops! Sorry, please, – suddenly remembered her, again turning around swiftly, – Andrey, you, apparently, should be as my interpreter, you should excuse me too...

– Well, no problem, – assured I, and here the contemporary, who was dressed in black, asked:

– You're speaking English, yes?

– Yes-yes, – confirmed I, switching to the native words. – Excuse us, please.

– Tell them, please, that I mean no offence, – Gina continued scanning the women by her eyes wide open with her hand on my knee.

– She didn't want to insult you, – I stretched my lips to the sides, – and else she said that you've seen her somewhere.

The neighbors exchanged glances again, and then they again stared at us with the wide smiles at their faces.

– And I think... – uttered the black one, – she's Gina Robertson... Are you really Gina Robertson? – she moved forward.

– Yea-ah, – Gina broke into a smile.

– That's awesome! – the coeval raised her eyebrows and exchanged glances with her companion one more time. – Look, that is just incredible.

– So you, in turns out, were really speaking English? – she asked a question, baring her teeth.

– What did she ask? – impatiently said Gina. – Something about English language, yes?

– Yes, right, – I leaned to her head, – she... asked, were we really speaking... it.

– Well, of course! – grinned Gina. – I don't speak Russian at all indeed. Well, I mean, I know only a few words. Andrey, translate, please.

– Gina says, that she doesn't speak Russian at all, – I moved my eyes from one girl to another. – She knows only a few words in our language. Unfortunately.

– So that's nothing bad! – laughed the black-dressed. – I mean, how I should say... No problem, – reassured her in English.

With these words Gina shone extremely brightly yet, without stop turning her head hither and thither.

– We, everyone, had been studying it at school yet... – continued our coeval, again in Russian and again keep smiling, – come on, Kat', recall, what we've been taught, – she glanced at the neighbor. – You must remember that better.

– What is she saying? – Gina was curious again.

– She says, that they had been studying English at school and... m-m... asks her... – I made a nod toward a bright girl, who was looking at us with a great pry, – I mean, you, – interjected I in Russian, quickly turning back then, – to recall... all that.

– Well, that's just great! – exclaimed Gina. – Ladies, I beg you pardon for my discourtesy again. Gina Robertson, – she extended her right hand to them.

– Go... good, – not very confidently uttered the senior in English, shaking her palm. – My name is... Elena Zakharova. This... nice... nice to meet you, Mistress Robertson.

– That's magnificent! – Gina was in delight – she was slapping her and my knees. – I'm glad to meet you too, Miss Zakharova! And you know English language too! That's great!

– Thank you, – squinted Elena Zakharova. – This is my... How to say «junior»? – suddenly she switched to Russian, looking at me.

– «Junior», – prompted I.

– Right, thanks. And the word is a kind of familiar one, – pattered she and began to make sentence in English again: – This is my junior sister, Katya. Ekaterina Zakharova.

– Nice to meet you, Miss Robertson, – Katya Zakharova also shook Gina's hand, – hello.

– Hello, hello, – Gina kept shaking her hands. – No, that's just incredible, ladies and gentlemen. I don't cease to amaze, over and over again. I come to you for the umpteenth time, and the most people speak English, it turns out. Andrey, can you imagine yet, – she raised her head at me, – that a Russian came to the United States and everyone speaks Russian there?

– I can't at all, – I assured her firmly.

– What do you say? – Elena Zakharova screwed her eyes up again.

– Gina says, that she doesn't cease... to amaze, that a lot of people in our country know English language. She... compared that with the situation, as though local residents in America speak our language, – added I.

Zakharov sisters laughed in unison, and a moment later Gina burst out laughing too. Looking around, I saw through the window at a glimpse, that we are riding, as it turned out, through the freeway and approaching the city border at full speed yet.

– So, – proclaimed Gina, catching her breath a little, – how are you?

– Good, – answered senior Zakharova.

– Fine, – said motley Katya almost simultaneously with her. – And you?

– I'm fine too, thank you, – on Gina's face was written a very big interest. – Have you just arrived too?

– What do you say?.. – Elena Zakharova asked a counter question, but her junior sister uttered at once, apparently, understanding what Gina wanted to find out:

– Yes, you are right. She asked whether we've just arrived or not, – added she in Russian.

– Ye-es! – confirmed senior Zakharova to the echo, making a half-circle in the air by her hand. – We... how do you say?.. – she swiftly tilted her head to Katya.

– «Came», – reminded I. – Or «arrived».

– Thanks, – Elena Zakharova gave me a smile. – Andrey... Andrey, right?

– Yes-yes-yes, – I squinted at Gina. – Polozkov Andrey.

– So you're – that Andrey Polozkov? – surprised Zakharova-senior.

– Yes.

The bus was rushing through a straightforward street at full gallop, without halting on the empty stops.

– That's I see you're reminding me... – but Katya interrupted her:

– I did tell you, that Gina Robertson met him in America.

– Everything's right.

– What are you talking about? – Gina became widely smiling again.

– They asked me, who I am, – I clenched my palms to the lock, and then added, making a gesture to a junior Zakharova: – And Katya said, that we... met in the Yu-Es.

– You are absolutely right, ladies, all right, – Gina has rounded her lovely eyes once again. – Everything was just like that. And now Andrey invited me to your wonderful city. And may I ask, did you come home here or are you going on a visit too?

– This is, I'm sorry... – again timidly uttered Elena Zakharova, – I didn't understand your last phrase.

– And I understood all, – stated Katya. – Gina Robertson said, that he invited her and she asks whether we live here or not. Right?

– Absolutely, – declared I.

– Well, – pronounced Zakharova-junior, and then she switched to English, looking at Gina: – My sister was in Moscow for business, she... has come, and I was meeting her. We live here, in Novosibirsk. Welcome to us.

– Thank you, Miss Zakharova, – Gina was genuinely glad. – You are... E-ka-terina, right?

– Just Katya, – allowed that.

– Ka-tya, – Gina made the accent on the first syllable. – «Katya»? Or «Kate»? – she remembered an English version of her name.

– «Katya», – repeated Ekaterina Zakharova. – Though, I think... and so, and so it can be said.

– That's great, – Gina's mouth was opened widely, as well as her pupils, which continued with the equal, as it seemed to me, intervals of time move from the one of our fellow travelers to another. – That is, you're going home. Listen! – realized she. – If you've just come from Moscow, so, probably, we had been flying in the same plane together! Sure!

– What do you say? – senior Zakharova became confused again.

– That you were flying with her together, – translated her junior sister.

Our transport, at last, stopped and began to let the people out.

– Yes, all is properly, – agreed Elena Zakharova, nodding to Gina and adding in English: – All... right.

– That's just great, – rejoiced Gina. – Okay, look – I think, this is that place. About which we were talking a lot, Andrey. There's the park here yet, that particular one, right?

– Yes, – confirmed I.

– And all that has happened here? – she kept curiousing.

– Yes. And that was... slightly further. We'll pass it by now... soon.

The sisters were looking at us with interest.

– Show me necessarily, please – asked Gina.

– Of course, – nodded I. – This is over there... After the crossroad. This is that crossroad, – I moved my head to the left and to the right again.

– I can see it now, – she was peering at the landscape behind the glass. – You see – I want to visit this exact site very much. Where had been happening... you know, what, not me should tell you. Andrey, translate, please.

– Gina says, that she wants to visit this place very much, where... the memorial is.

– That's right, – agreed she. – The memorial. And to see more also, the rest. And we'll try, if time will let us.

– For sure, – affirmed I, and then added in Russian: – We'd like to walk here, if nothing will prevent us.

– I see, – uttered Elena Zakharova. – You mean, it's not too far for you?

– Well, in general, yes, – answered I, – a little closer than from Gorskaya.

– Wow – not far, – surprised she. – That's pretty far.

– Well... we like walking. Now, – I looked at blossoming Gina. – Elena says, that from that place, where we're going, will be pretty far... to walk, but we like this thing.

– Sure, and how! – warmed Gina. – By the way: tell me, please, girls – are you alright with the housing?

– What's with our house? – misunderstood Zakharova-senior.

– I think that she meant «home», – tried to explain I. – Generally.

– A-ah, – drawled she. – I... see. Yes, we're alright... How to say «Thank God»? – she turned to Katya again. That shrugged in perplexity.

– I think, «Thank God», – I made a hint.

– That's what I got yet, Andrey, – Gina patted me on the leg. – I did understand those words.

– Thank you for asking, Mistress Robertson, – smiled Elena Zakharova.

– You are welcome, Elena... – squinted Gina.

– She's – «Miss», – interjected Katya. – She had divorced not long ago.

I began translating, but Gina interrupted at once:

– Katya said...

– I got that, Andrey. That I got too.

Senior Zakharova broke into a smile again:

– Katya is... your big...

– Fan, – concluded a junior sister.

– Yes, – confirmed Elena. – But I like you too. I saw your films... with a great pleasure.

– Thank you, girls, – Gina was being thrilled with that – her face, to my surprise, blushed rather thick. – Thank you very much. You are so wonderful.

– Not... at all, – answered Zakharova-senior.

– Thanks to you, Miss Robertson, – leaned her head Katya.

– In my opinion, you are very good people, – Gina made a compliment again. – Do you remember, Andrey, we talked with you several times, about how many good people yet there are in your country, in Russia?

– Yes, I remember.

– Listen, that's just great... – drawled she. – Girls, give me your hands.

They shook their small palms.

– I'm very glad, that you are alright, – kept shining Gina, – as far as I'm very glad that a change for the better has really begun in Russia at last.

The bus reached the next stop, slightly twitching. We'll arrive soon, thought I.

– Thank you... Gina, – tilted her head Elena Zakharova.

– Thank you, – a junior sister gave thanks one more time, – that's you said right.

Gina squinted in a charming smile once again, turned to me for a moment, and then again addressed to our companions:

– And will you go to the election? You'll have the election soon, right?

– What do you say? – misunderstood the senior again.

– I think, whether we'll go to the election or not, – clarified Katya. – Of course, we will, I will.

– Oh, of course, yes, – assured Elena.

– And will you go? – Gina pointed her index finger at me.

– For sure.

– You all done well, – Gina's face became more serious. – That's what I'm talking about... And will you go to the concert? – she asked the girls suddenly. They exchanged glances, and then junior Zakharova uttered slowly:

– What... the concert?.. A-ah, which tomorrow?

– Yes-yes, – became nodding Gina, – tomorrow in the evening. Will you go?

– No, I won't go there surely, – snapped Katya out. – I... have got a lot of business, and besides I don't like... such music.

– No, – smiled Zakharova-senior. – I-i...

– «Won't go», – prompted her sister again.

– Won't go, – repeated Elena. – I this... don't like. Also. And you? Will go?

– Yes, we'll go, – declared Gina. – Andrey has invited me there. However, I'm not sure that I'll like it either, but I'll go there at least for a short time for sure. I heard... that this group has very good texts, although I have not heard their songs. How is it called, – she gazed at me, – you told me, but I still can't memorize it?

– «Fangman», – reminded I.

– «Fangman», right, – Gina slapped the seat surface by her hand. – And what, tell me once again, please, is the name of their leader?

– Mik Graf.

– Here, – she hit the dermatin with her palm a couple of times more. – Andrey knows the group leader, and he promised to pass us behind the scene... how did they say, that phrase – «with a bla...»? «with a bla-at»?

– But there, as I guess, everything must be free? – laughed Katya.

– Of course, I'm just kidding, come on! – Gina broke out laughing in response. – But we'll go there, I'm very interested anyway.

– No, we won't go tomorrow surely, – said junior Zakharova, – but today we'll be at the holyday, I think.

– Will you celebrate Halloween? – astonished Gina.

– Yes. Probably, – affirmatively nodded Katya.

– Wow! – Gina still didn't believe that, it seemed. – That's great yet, girls!

The sisters grinned together, and Gina was smiling broadly too, turning her head.

– A cultural exchange, – blurted I.

– Exactly, Andy, – emphasized Gina, – you're damn right, as always.

– You say, «change»? – specified Elena Zakharova.

– No, not «change», but «exchange», – expounded I. – Though, I think, you could say so.

The sentences were translated in English then, and after the last words Gina grinned like a Cheshire cat again, and then she bowed almost in two and burst into the loudest laughter, nodding down and up by her head and hitting her and my knees by her hands. A moment later we all were laughing yet, and the front passengers were looking back at us.

– Oh, sorry, please, – Gina wiped an appeared tear, – but I did like the way you said it so much! Sorry, girls – perhaps, it's not so funny, just...

– All right, – assured Katya, and her sister said nothing, keep smiling.

– I'm just pleased so much, when you're joking like that, – Gina looked at me fixedly again. – Andrey is the best joker in the world, in my opinion. I'm sure in it for one hundred per cent. When we met in the New York City this summer, I just... I was reacting just like that.

– It's... wonderful! – uttered a senior Zakharova, raising her eyebrows.

– I completely agree with you, Elena, – Gina rounded her eyes. – But the fact, that you are going to make time for Hallowmas, is wonderful too. I'm glad about it really.

– Thank you, Gina, – she gave the thanks again, although, frankly speaking, that was noticeably by her countenance, she didn't catch everything of what her interlocutress has said to her.

– Thanks, Miss Robertson, – slightly leaned Zakharova-junior.

I got by the landscape outside the window, that it's time to get ready for us, so I uttered:

– We... will go out soon.

– Yes, – nodded Gina. – Sure. Girls, I was very pleased to meet you, – she stretched her hand to our neighbors again. – I wish you good luck and thank you very much.

– Me... too, – shook her hand Elena. – I'm glad. Thank you.

– Good luck you too, – shook hands Katya with Gina in her turn, – and thank you. Come to us again.

– O-o – no doubt, – Gina said solidly, getting up from the chair. – You are right. Okay, goodbye!

The sisters uttered at first an incomplete, and then a complete variant of English valedictory with a little pause, after what I nodded to them, saying bye in our native language. Gina and I turned around and followed to the front part of the passenger compartment. The fare was passed, and then the bus stopped suddenly, the door opened with a silent hissing of the compressor and a jiffy after that we have finally found ourselves outdoors.

– Go-od, – pronounced Gina in a singsong, raising her lovely face. – It's very close now, right? I recognize this place fine, yes-yes-yes.

– That's right, – I lifted my forefinger.

– Let's do it together, – she looked at the valise.

– Well, it... isn't heavy.

– Let's carry it together anyway, – Gina tilted, taking one handle, – there're two grips yet. Or you are against women's rights, Andrey?

– I'm – completely pro, – noted I, walking in step with her.

– Andy, you're so... – grinned she. – Though those girls were cool too, huh?

– Yes, I think yes.

We passed the big crossing and rushed straight ahead. On our right the lakes, the forest and the river were ranged, they were further off, of course, and on our left there was a dead and rather high concrete wall.

– Yes, I remember all that very good, – repeated Gina, looking back. – But I still can't get, where's that big park, about which I've asked you a lot?

– It's over there, – I lifted my head up in my turn, – behind us. But there's not a park, there's just a forest. Trees and that's all.

– You've told me, – Gina looked down. – I remember, you told me there was very dirty earlier, because of trash.

– Well, there was a natural trashbin there, – smirked I.

– A trashbin! – repeated she. – That's very bad, Andrey. Generally, I'd like to walk there, but if there's really dirty there... Besides, as I can see, the weather... isn't dry now...

– We could try it, – I had a go at giving hope. – I just really think that you and I there... will be painted, – in fact, I wished to say «will soil ourselves», but I didn't know that expression in English, as always, – in a black color.

Gina burst out laughing.

– It will be like in that song, – added I. – «Paint It Black».

Gina burst out laughing louder.

– Well, the Ob River is near there yet, – she touched the corner of her mouth by the tip of her tongue, – we could wash fast.

– In general, yes, – nodded I.

– Without any problems, – Gina took a look around again. – Here is beautiful, and wide... I like it. Well, don't get me wrong... And everything is rebuilding, this fact pleases me too. But your house, you told me, is an old one?

– Yes, that's right.

– But all is fine there? – she began to worry.

– Sure, I've already told you. If... that wasn't so, I just haven't been allowed there yet.

– O-oh, Andrey, this your housing... – same anxiously uttered she. – You're... There's no Florida in your country yet, where people could live on the streets.

– You talk this phrase to me, – I leaned to her more, – for the third time. Or for the fourth.

– I think, for the fifth, – countered she. – Of course, I believe you, certainly, just... I've just a lot... Okay – I think it isn't the question yet, but the question is, that at least some part of your people... have had a very bad situation with their houses, with their quarters. And, they say, it always was like that, those were the eternal problems, and here's your recent happening else, the war... A horror, in short. No, – she slightly tilted her head, – what I had seen – that was really horribly. And about what I've heard – that's best forgotten. But it must be done. How was that... that kind of flats called, I still can't memorize that – «com-mu...»? «Com-muni-stic» ones, yes?

– «Communal», – corrected I.

– Yes, indeed, – her beautiful eyes were saucer ones. – That's the word. I shudder at mere it. And the house, that I visited, was made of stone, it wasn't so old... So... You must excuse me, if I upset you, Andy.

– No problem, come on, what are you talking about. You'll see everything now, – reassured I. – There it is, by the way – look.

I waved my hand to the side. We crossed the next road and were now just a few steps from the right building.

– Which one? – asked Gina. – This, an orange?

– Yes-yes.

– I see-e... – she drawled a vowel. – Look, by the way – have you bought those foodstuffs, about which we told?

– Yes.

– And won't you really mind to help me a little? It's just a little there, – she smiled faintly, but very nicely.

– Of course, not, what are you talking.

– That's fine, – assured she. – Great. Then I'll treat you... well, and everybody to our special dish.

– I think... We should go over here, – I made a movement to the side again, – I think we all will like it.

– You'll see, – promised Gina.

I opened the street door.

– I'll see, sure. And you'll see my neighbor soon.

– What the neighbor? – she didn't understand. – You told me you live alone?

– Well, yes. But not exactly.

We, mutely and quickly, have stomped upstairs and stopped next to one of the doors. I inserted the key, which was in readiness, in it and opened one lock, and then the other.

– Honestly, I've informed you about him earlier. Here, here he is. Come in, Gina.

Chapter 2

– Oh, he's so beautiful! – Gina leaned closer to the cat, which was joyfully rubbing against her leg. – Such a sweet kitten! You told me – he's four months old, yes?

– Yes, – I shut an inner door.

– Look, he is so sweet! – she stroked a small animal along his back, because of what the latter fell slightly to the side and began to purr even louder. – And you've told me its name for sure either, but I'm forgetting it all the time.

– Otto.

– Otto, that's right, – Gina proceeded to take her shoes off. – It's such a German name, right?

– Well, probably, I think.

– Look, he's a gem, – she gazed at me. – I love cats very much, especially like these... So, where we go?

– Over there, – I took the case. – Come on.

The kitten meowed barely audible and rushed into the room ahead of us.

– Yeah, it's not bad here, – Gina's voice was resounding behind me, – there's pretty warm and not so stuffy. So, Andrey, please, tell me or better show me where the bathroom is now.

– Sure, – I put the luggage on the floor. – Please – here I live. Welcome.

– Not bad! – repeated she. – Everything is in place, I guess... Wow! – she raised her eyebrows abruptly. – Is it about what you told me?

– Well, yes, – smiled I.

Gina quickly approached the right wall.

– May I?..

– Please.

She pulled an assault rifle off the racks carefully and leaned its butt against her shoulder.

– Andy, is it real indeed? – she screwed her eyes up, taking an aim.

– Indeed, Gina, – assured I.

– Ka-lashnikov, – suddenly she stopped aiming, replaced the weapon in her hands and began to sweep at it. – It's some kind of... scratched. Oh, I see. And it's not too heavy, I thought these things are heavier. Is it that?.. That's tough... That's tough, Andrey.

– I'm glad, – I grinned, – that you did like that.

– You don't cease to amaze me, – she hung the rifle back. – It's really amazing. Okay, let's go, show me your bathroom.

We turned around and stepped backwards. Otto was still running ahead of us, rumbling heatedly.

– Here, please, – I raised my hand. – The bathroom. Everything... is functional here, I guess.

– That's great, – Gina looked the chamber over, and then she quickly approached her case, got some things out of it and appeared in the corridor again. – Now I need some time to freshen myself up, so please, wait. Okay?

– Sure.

– That's fine, – she gazed at me and then smiled by her dazzling wide smile. – If I need anything, I'll call you.

– Okay, – agreed I, and then she disappeared behind the door.

«Sic – I should, probably, to feed the cat while», a thought flashed through my mind. I moved to the kitchen and saw Otto standing near his plates. When I opened the refrigerator, the kitten got up on his hind legs, outstretching the front ones and putting them on my leg.

– Wait, hold on, – I glanced at him. Otto took the legs off at once and rubbed my shin, arching his grey back strongly.

– Well, you, tomcat, – I leaned, pouring the sliced egg to his dish. The kitten started to chew in fiercely right off the bat, without stopping to vocalize the growls. I filled the second plate with milk, put it back and took a look at the food lying on the table. No, like I haven't forgotten anything what we've agreed upon, it crossed my mind. Then that's OK.

The water was noising in the bathroom, it was dark in the hall, and it was lighter in the room, but not much. I sat down on the bed, licked my lips and again inwardly repeated a tired, especially for the last time, thought – I can't believe, that such a person like Gina, could come to visit me, and moreover, I can't believe, that we're dating with her in all seriousness, because we fell in love with each other at first sight. No – to believe in that fact, that people begin to date after they fall in love at first sight, is easy, even very easy. It's just the left – it's simple... And people fall in love exactly at first sight in general, if you believe statistics and old films. Here, about films. I still can't quite believe rather that... point, if you think, that's just incredible yet, that I met and became intimate with Gina Robertson specifically – with that exact woman, girl, I always dreamed about, well, I mean, with that woman, who... for a start, looks precisely, as I can remember, like the woman I wanted to love and see by me, was always imagined to me... And what about the inside, here I don't remind indeed. One more time... Form and content. «A figure», it's correct to say... In short, I still don't believe it anyway. Although, like, all of it happens actually, it seems, that something is wrong with it. All this is like some fantastic luck, a kind of huge lottery winnings: if you supposedly wanted to win a pot of money – take it! On the other hand... Of course, some wise people like to say, that there're no accidents, but the others always object to it, that it's just all totally random, so go figure, who is right. At the moment I don't know whom I must bel...

– Andrey, you're puzzled with something, as usual, – a little quizzically, as it seemed to me, uttered a clear voice right over my ear. Although, maybe, I got the English words wrong again.

– No, everything's fine, – I turned my head. Gina was now even dressed in that exact clothes, which I saw in my thoughts yet – the light-blue skinny jeans and a white something-how-it-calls, I still can't memorize its right name, a sort of T-shirt, on her upper torso, which was also rather tightly clinging to her body and accentuating her slim physique and big bust. There was an impressive sized plastic bag in her hands.

– So, today is your birthday, – she leaned her head and took something off the bag, – and at that day people usually give gifts, by the way, either in your country, or in ours, so – here we go.

While Gina was uttering all that, I quickly stood up and came near her.

– Happy Birthday to you, – she was looking at me. – I wish you all the best.

– Thank you, – I shifted my gaze from her face to the things, that were passed to me – a small book in a hardcover and a plastic folder with some paper sheets inside it.

The author's name and the title of the book were written on the cover in English, but they were familiar to me. Yes, I've heard about this thing a lot and I'm wishing to read it for a long time, but, like, it haven't translated into Russian...

– Wait, Gina, – something flashed through my mind, – just don't tell me, that this...

– Yes-yes, you're right, – nodded she, smiling more widely, – in this folder – the Russian translation of this book.

– It can't be, – I was taken aback.

– Why, Andy, – laughed she. – There's nothing special. I just thought, although you speak English fine, I don't think you're going to be too comfortable to read in it, so I ordered this translation.

– Look, that's great, – I widened the eyes in my turn. – That's just awesome. Thank you, Gina!

– You are welcome, Andrey, – she squinted for a moment. – My pleasure.

– You... – I put the gifts on the table, – don't cease to amaze me too. This is... I don't even know...

– Thanks, Andy, – with a quieter and lower voice uttered she, and then she replaced her lovely hands behind my back, snuggling me to her. – I love you.

– I love you too, – the same quiet way answered I, after what I began to lean to her side, Gina, thereafter, leaned towards, getting up on her toes, the next moment our lips closed, and then she removed her hands from my spine at once and squeezed me by her palms, patting my cheeks as our kiss was continuing. It was lasting, probably, not less than half a minute.

– I've been waiting for that for so long, – breathed she, moving a little bit away and putting her limbs on my shoulders.

– And I've been waiting for it too, – I was looking into the huge pupils.

– Listen, – she tilted her head to the side, – when you and me kissed for the last time?

– That was the first one too.

– Yes-yes! – she broke out laughing. – That was the first one also, that's right! I think, three months have already passed.

– Well, a little more, than two and half, – retorted I.

– Come o-on, stop that, – disagreed Gina in her turn, – three damn months. That's very long, in my opinion.

– About long – I agree.

– I wanted to see you very much, – she was still blinding me by her lovely face, but then she suddenly moved her chin to the side: – Let's sit awhile, I want to tell you one important thing. I remember, that we have to start preparing – it won't take much time, I hope.

We sat on the bed, and here Gina swiftly leaned her face to me again, closing her eyes. I kissed her, and, while our tongues were intertwining in the mouth, she was caressing my forearm (beneath the sleeve) and my leg above the knee, and I was staying at her waist, without risking to move my palm up and to the right.

– This is so great, – whispered she, again slightly recoiling back, but without removing her wrist from my thigh.

– Agree, – smiled I, in my turn, holding my fingers direct under the right convex of her body upper half yet and short time later adding five pieces else under the left one.

– You still shy of something, – she showed her ivories, immediately covering the tail of my hand with her warm and strong palm.

– Well, you remember – I'm shy, – I gently passed along the top of her breast by my free phalanges.

– You are – normal, – she was watching the movement, lowering her head. – That's why I love you. Be yourself, Andrey.

– Thank you, Gina. I'll try.

– That's very good, – she was looking straight at me again. – And, as you know, I'm a plain dealer...

«Sometimes – even too», I thought right away.

– ...Sometimes – even too, – she added like in a low voice, but I had a feeling, as if a fist punched my forehead, – unfortunately. So I want to ask you plainly.

«About what?», flashed through my mind at once, though, probably, I knew what will be said soon.

– Sure, – my heart, nevertheless, began to pulse faster.

– Andrey, you and me are together for three months already, – she began to tell quietly. – Three, Andrey. Don't... Don't give me these... unnecessary clarifications. I beg you. Please. So. We're getting closer...

– Right at this moment, – interjected I.

– Exactly, – Gina kept scrutinizing me with her irises. – You're absolutely right, Andy. That's why right now, first and foremost, I want to ask you, but, please, answer me also right now and, of course, honestly – are you ready to have sex with me today?

I've strongly choked inwardly, although, strictly speaking, I was waiting for that particular question, and outwardly, perhaps, I have strongly blushed and lifted my eyebrows to the back of my head. A wonderful, in my opinion, phrase came to my mind – «To have what?», uttered inly with an emphasis on the last word, and I've even decided to pronounce this thing, but, despite all the circumstances, linked with the adrenaline, or whatever else, leveling up in my blood and with the flowing of that blood to the various parts of my body, probably, I think, I was realizing, that Gina asks seriously and that, probably, I shouldn't ask such a question yet.

– I just want to know it straight away, – added she, – to find out – can I expect it or not.

– I think... – I began thickly. – Okay – not like that. What am I... Yes, Gina. Of course, yes.

– Thank you, Andy, – she pressed on my bones, which were still resting on her ribs, by her small palm. – I did certainly hope so. You, I tell you right off, don't worry, – quieter, but even somehow more legibly uttered she, – about... safety and so on. I assume it. All is ready. Take it easy, please, okay?

– Okay. Sure. Only let's not now, – quickly added I. – Let's do it later.

– Of course, later! – grinned Gina, and then she passed over the back of my palm a couple of times by her thumb. – Look, Andrey, that's what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle all your life – your skin is so soft in this place, any little girl would envy, much less an adult woman...

– Thank you, – I casted a look there. – But I think you're... a little... to me.

– Flattering? – prompted she.

– Right.

– No-o! – drawled Gina. – Believe me, that's really so. Okay, let's go cooking?

– Sure, – I straightened my arms and stood up.

– By the way, your cat was watching us all the time, – she nodded toward the windowsill, with the kitten sprawled on it, by her head. – And, I'm sure, he was overhearing all our conversation.

– He can, – assured I. – He's got such a manner.

– Andy, – Gina half-turned to me in motion. – I love your jokes.

– You have got an excellent sense of humor too, Gina, – retorted I. – I won't get tired of repeating it. By the way, it's all funny, of course, but... Well, if we try to close from him, he will shout. Under the door.

– Oh, yes, – remarked she. – I know that. I think, we'll put to bed him first, that's all... As it behooved to act with such beings at such an age yet. Dammit! – she froze at the kitchen threshold suddenly.

– What do you mean? – misunderstood I.

– Andrey, you've got a very nice flat, – Gina wiggled her nose, – but this is – no good. How do you cook in such a small kitchen?

– Well... I'm alone yet.

– And I did never need a lot of space either, – she looked the chamber around one more time, – but here's no room at all indeed. And here a family should... Okay, – she turned her head to me swiftly. – Sorry, I guess, I'm talking something wrong again...

– All right, – smiled I. – Here is tight really, I completely agree with you. I hope, that two of us can... successfully... be installed.

Gina laughed out loud, grabbing my hands, snug nestling to me by all of her body and beginning to fidget on my chest by her forehead.

– You see – I couldn't remember the right word again .

– Well, that was unnecessary at all, cough-hum, – babbled she. – I'm just fond of you, Andrey. You're so... Kha-hmm-m!

– Thanks, – I thought her body is too warm, even hot yet. – And I'm fond of you. Look, Gina, let's start.

– Sure, – nodded she. – Aren't you hungry, by the way?

– No, I'm not. I ate recently.

– That's okay then, – she moved her head slightly again. – Is it in the fridge?

– Yep, – I throw opened the refrigerator door and began to extract the cans, boxes and bags from it. – Here. Well, and vegetables too. And the potatoes – are over there, in the pan.

– I see, that's fine, – Gina came near the dinner wagon. – Look – now open, please, this... and this can. And give me a knife, please.

– Here.

– Excellent. And have you got another?.. – once again she uttered some unknown word, which should mean, in my opinion, a device for tin cans opening.

– Do you mean this thing? – I hefted the opener.

– Right, – confirmed she.

– Over there, in the table.

– Very good, – Gina ran an eye over the food quickly again. – We'll do it now, and then I ask you to do something else.

– Of course, sure, – I stepped to the dining table and screwed in the first hull.

Gina moved a part of the food aside and asked:

– May I take this plate?

– Listen – of course, you can, – I stared at her. – And, generally speaking, I must tell you, as you've told me a time ago, stop asking me about it... well, I mean, that you cook. Just take – all, what you need. A big saucepan, a propos, is up, and the pan – is over there.

– And where's the vegetable oil? – she pried out.

– Now, – I piled in the fridge again. – Here. Do you need anything else from here?

Gina turned around and leaned to the same side as me.

– Get this, please.

The box was extracted and was put on the table. It was over with the second can, and then it suddenly occurred to me to utter:

– You say I have good skin...

– Very good one, Andrey, – Gina squinted to me. – Trust me. Okay, give it here, and, please, loose this thing from the wrapping.

– Take it, – I passed her an open cylinder. – To remove all, yes?

– Yes-yes, all, – nodded she.

Otto appeared on the threshold. Proceeding to the kitchen middle, he arched his tail, and then he stepped to his sector of the room.

– He's beautiful, – said Gina.

– He is. Listen, may I ask you something else about healthy lifestyle? – I was with admiration looking at her agile and accurate manipulations with the dishes but then I recollected at once: – Look – if only I won't interfere you... with a conversation... um... under the hand?

– I got you, Andy, – smiled she. – You won't interfere me by no means, so, please, ask.

The kitten looked us over with his big eyes, stomped to the radiator and in two jumps found himself on an overlying mat. There he settled on his hip and put his paws towards, and I put the membrane aside and uttered:

– Did you really quit smoking?

– Yes, that's right, – Gina emptied the mixture from the plate to the pot. – This is true, Andrey.

– But you wanted to do that... and earlier?

– Of course! – she kept wielding at a frantic pace. – I've told you yet.

– Yes, I remember... – I threw the next piece of polyethylene on the surface. – Just wondering – that's great yet...

– Definitely, that's great, – agreed she.

– I'm just really in this... this subject interested, – one more protective pellicle appeared next to me, – because... um, well, I don't know... well, because in my life the girls, whom I... saw, never smoked. Such girls like you, I mean.

– Oh, that's very good, – assured she.

I began to understand, that I'm talking something wrong now, but, nevertheless, I followed this line of thought:

– For example, I mean, at school... When I studied at school. Well, and later, at the institute – too, by the way. We had smoking some... some punks – look, if I said that right...

– Right, right, – Gina smiled slightly.

– Look – and can I say «hooligans»? – wondered I. – Like, remember, in the movie?..

– With your favorite actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, – she pinned down. – You can, sure, this word exists in English also.

– So, hooligans, – a plastic mount near my hand increased a little more. – Or, as I like more – «hooligan'yo».

– «Hooligan'-yo»? – asked Gina again.

– Yes-yes, – clarified I. – With... this...

– «Emphasis», – prompted she.

– That's right, emphasis, – coughed I. – Which does on the last... Oh, damn!

– «Syllable», – she helped out again.

– Thank you, Gina, – I glanced at her, continuing to move my fingers.

– You're welcome, Andrey, – she squinted her eyes, noticing my look.

– We learn English together. And with dictionary.

Gina burst out laughing, but not too loud, leaning her head down.

– So, – remembered I, – the hooligan'yo always smoked, both male, and female, but the intelligence wasn't, like, interested in it. I've done, I guess.

– Fine, give it to me, – she reached her hands out. – And now, please, cut first this, like that, and then this and this, to the same slices, thin. Okay?

– Sure, – I got. – Cut it all?

– Yes-yes-yes, – she made a small wave by her palm.

– Okay, I see, – the blade impacted with the onion. – So...

– Oh, yeah, – Gina was operating just masterly, in my opinion. – And what do you think, there was something different in our place? Just the same, Andrey. While I was in the junior high, I didn't care about that at all too, and I wasn't at the university, so I can't say anything here. But, there's something else again, – she bent her elbows, set her hands to the sides and began making the fast movements, – after graduating a school, how shall I put it mildly, I changed my mind a little.

– I guess so... – I pressed on the knife handle one more time.

– Here it is, – she kept rushing. – So what can I add here? And here also a film career, a fame... What can I say in my defense? I was guilty, sir.

– So, in your defense, – chuckled I. – You, by the way, reminded me one more thing, about which I wanted to ask you.

– And you reminded me something too, – she gazed at me by her irises, – and this is something, what I wished to find out before we met yet.

«It must be extremely important information», thought me, but then I've realized at once.

– Ask you now.

– I can see by your face, – she bared her teeth, – that you've already guessed what will be discussed.

– Sure, – I finished the last vegetable off. – You want to ask me about healthy lifestyle too.

– Andrey, come on, – Gina turned back, lighting with a bright smile. – Although, on the other hand, that can be called so – yes, that's the question about healthy lifestyle. Just the contrary.

I broke down and laughed rather loudly.

– Exactly, – noted she. – So be with me, please. And explain to me as well, I'll say, what exactly, in a second, though, I think, I won't get it anyway... Okay?

– Sure, no problem, – agreed I, – but are you sure, that I won't interfere?

– Andrey, – she emptied a sliced raw material on the pan, whereupon that started to hiss and to snort in a tick. – I do want you to stay here. You will only help me, not interfere.

– And won't I interfere to you by the conversation too?

– No, – she shut the pot with the lid and impaled me with her pupils again. – Listen – I earn a living by that everyone and their dog act as backseat-drivers all the time, so I got used to that a long time ago and don't worry about that at all.

Suddenly she quickly closed to me, sat on my knees, put her palm on my collarbone and uttered gently:

– You're just ducky, Andrey.

– Thanks, – I was a little dumbfounded.

– You're blushing again, – she looked my cheeks over, smiling. – I love it.

I kept silent this time, feverishly thinking, with what compliment I should respond her to that, but nothing came to my mind even in native words, more so in English. Gina meanwhile returned to her post yet, continuing to conjure near the stove.

– I won't get tired of repeating it to you, – she faced to me again. – As far as I won't get tired of repeating, that I'm extremely glad of the fact we met also.

– Thank you very much, Gina, – I said once again and then realized, about what I wished to say else: – I think, that's just great too, and, you know... I've already told you about that either, I think, but anyway – I want to say it one more time, I hope...

She again began to mix the dish, which was popping in the pan, saying at the same time:

– Tell me, please. I've explained you – everything's alright. What do you hope for?

– I hope, – I was watching her carefully, – that I won't get tired too... well, and that you won't get tired of it too... Generally, I wanted to say, that I always dreamed about... – the preamble was over – I looked at the floor, and then I decided to talk turkey: – In short, I was just thinking about that, when you came... a few minutes ago into the room and asked me, about what I'm thinking. And I was just thinking about you – of course, about you, and I had a thought, which appears every time I think about you – that you are that exact woman, with who I would like to be. In all... Well, for example... I mean, that in you for me just everything... has matched. And this is something... To begin with... your appearance, your hair color – I did always like a natural light-brown color – and to end with all the big things, in which you and me are interested.

Gina mixed the roast once again, and I paid attention, her face blushed too.

– Andrey, – she raised her lips. – That's so nice. Believe me – I'll never get tired, if you will tell me such nice words.

– Fine. But you wanted to find out an important thing from me, and I keep distracting you.

– You aren't distracting me at all, – stressed she, beginning the next turn near the burner. – Okay, at first let's talk about less important one – about our schedule.

– Let's, – I nodded.

– As I remember, you suggested, – the spoon was dancing in her palm, – we walk to the park today, after the dinner – won't it really be a problem?

– Well, I hope, that it won't. If the guys wouldn't mind.

– I wouldn't for sure, – she clanked by the cap. – So, we'll walk there in the evening, then we'll go to the right shore tomorrow afternoon, by transport, and then we'll go to the concert right after that, by feet? You told me, it's nearby, right?

– Yes, very close, – notified I.

– Fine, – Gina opened the pan again. – That's all so, we made a deal. Now we can go back to that thing. I wanted to know about your study at the university. How do you say here – «an institute», yes?

– Yes, you're right.

– So, – she surely knew yet, what to do with the dish, which, deciding of the smell, was coming out by her in set terms. – Did you want to go studying to another city or not?

After that words Otto suddenly jumped from his bed, run up to Gina, purring, stretched the front paws and then put them on her leg.

– Is he hungry again? – she looked at the kitten. – Are you hungry, baby? Kitty-kitty!

I stood up and ascertained that the pet craves spiritual benefits, but not material wealth, because there still was a previous food ration in his plates.

– He wants to converse, I think. Interferes?

– No-no! – Gina tilted her head. – Not at all, come on.

– I didn't want to go at all, – I answered the question, coming near her. – Look, the smell is just fabulous.

– Thanks, – she didn't stop a cooking process for even a moment. – But in that case it has been very hard for you there? At least, for the first time? I remember, I've already asked you about that in that letter and you've answered me, but tell me, please, now personally.

– Exactly. You're absolutely right.

– I just keep thinking about that, – she took something from an adjacent dining wagon. – You reminded me about that. This is not the same, that... Your city is a big one yet, there're a lot of universities in it! At least, as I know. So for what the hell you should do that, if you could take a bus and be in the institute half an hour later? Or, as I remember, to walk yet – you told you had been living near some other one?

– Yes, all right, I think...

– Tell me one more time, please, – demanded she, – where you had been living there. You told me, you've changed five such places, right? The flats?

– Yep, – I stood again and began to pace the kitchen. – At first I was living with the relatives, well, you remember...

– I remember that fine, – she tinkled with iron again.

– Then – with one granny, she was... well, generally, a relative too, but mot mine.

Gina pshawed, stroking Otto, who was scurrying between us, by her foot.

– She, that woman, – continued I, – helped me to find that place, which I... call «the first flat». There I had been living for a long – for three years.

– You wrote, – Gina became close to me, – it was fairly well there? Right there?

– Yes, – confirmed I, – because that place has reminded me our country at once.

– Here we go! – she waved by her hand. – I'll surely ask you about that country. And now, please, describe me the first flat.

She mixed the roast one more time.

– Well... – estimated I. – There were three... rooms, divided by the corridor, two were on the one side, on the middle was the bathroom, the kitchen and the third room – were on the other one, that was empty. On the first floor of the two-storey house, wooden. My room – was the biggest, the hostess's was smaller. In general, there were a lot of place for two men, that was very good... A high ceiling, by the way.

– And is it true, that all heated by the stove heating there? – asked she.

– Yes! – confirmed I. – You see, the house was an old one... But that thing worked well, we weren't cold. On the contrary.

– Tha-at's great... – she moved the content in the pan with a spoon again, looked at all carefully, and then raised her head: – Okay, all is done here – let's go to set the table.

– Let's go, – nodded I, and we stepped from the kitchen. Otto, as always, instantly caught wind of the situation and rushed ahead of us with not loud, but joyful mewing.

– You have a cool cat, – commented she.

– Damn right.

There was a big dining table, covered with the grey synthetic tablecloth, in the second room, where Gina and I have moved.

– Listen, and here's not so bad too, – she looked the apartment over. – Okay, I won't say anything more about these flats, but it's really rather snugly here.

– O-okay, – drawled I. – You may say, we've got the freedom of speech.

– No, really! – Gina broke into a lovely smile. – Never mind. You were telling about your first flat in that city, but I've interrupted you.

– No problem, – I put the last plate on the sheet and began to lay the cutlery out. – Yes, so, I had been living for long there. Well, with a two and half month break for the hostel. There was really unsnugly indeed, believe me.

– Oh, I believe you, Andy, – she rounded her eyes. – I believe you. You told me, there were four of you in one room?

– Yep, – I walked the table around. – And then else the fifth... was added. But that was after me already. And the room was one and half time, probably, smaller than this.

Gina cussed out, saying something like «Well, it seems a bit steam».

– You... do that in some male way, – I smiled slightly.

– Hmm, – she lowered her lips, but then she spread them to the sides again. – I'm told about that constantly. Sorry, please.

– That's alright.

– Let's go for the rest? – suggested she.

– Sure.

– So, – she made a turn to me, – you had broken out of that paradise and came to that flat back?

– Yup, – blinked I. – What shall we take?

– We shall take, – she lifted her chin, – this, this and ri-ight this. Take it.

– Okay, – my hands became full again. – Well – I came back there and stayed there. But then we moved out from there either.

– But why? – Gina's voice sounded quieter.

– Because some fool said that house was demolished. And we've believed that. We had to look for a new flat.

– And you had been living there?.. Give it here, – she took a big bowl.

– A year and half. And then I returned to that flat again, by the end yet.

– That's incredible, – stated Gina. – In my opinion, that's just some mockery. This is... Look, and how much time do we have still?

– Well, they can come right now.

At this moment the doorbell rang, and Otto, as if scalded, dashed to the hall.

Chapter 3

Valya Pavlov, who was holding a dark plastic bag in his hand, was on the entryway. I clicked with the lock and moved an outer door to the side.

– Hi, – smiled I.

– Howdy, – Valka bared his teeth in return, loudly stomping by his boots.

– Valya! – shouted Gina, spreading her hands wide. – Hi! Andrey, translate, please!

– Gina says «Hi».

– But I've got that yet, – Valya put his bag against the wall. – I've been trying to learn their language... Hel-lo, Gina, – he uttered in English.

Gina raised her eyebrows, glanced at me, and then she gazed at Valya again, stretching her mouth from ear to ear:

– Well done! You done well, Valya! Andrey, how to put it in Russian?

– «Molodets».

– Molo-dets, Valya. «Dobb-ry mo-lodets», yes?

Valya began to blush.

– Big thank, – he said not quite correctly. – How... how are you?

– I'm fine! – the same loud way assured she. – Thank you!

– So, okay, – uttered I, addressing to Valya, – come on in. Yes-yes, let it stay here.

– Wow, Valya, – Gina opened her eyes widely once again.

– She says – «You, Valentin, are a good man», – I turned back.

– Come on – she didn't utter my name yet, – disbelieved he.

– Actually, yes, – I lifted my forefinger. – How are you doing?

The three of us stopped near the desk.

– Yes, Valya, – winked Gina, – how are you yet?

– She asked... – began I.

– Well, I got that, – interrupted Valya. – I'm alright. So, Andy. Happy Birthday...

A thunder of the ring and a little bit quieter cat fingers' tramp on the linoleum were heard from the hall again.

– Your tomcat stamps like an elephant, – noted Valya. – Though he's so small.

– It's a new breed, – explained I, turning my head, and then I switched to English: – Gina, Valya says, Otto... walks loudly, like an elephant.

The three of us replaced back to the flat exit, Gina bent at her waist, picking the kitten up from the floor and the same time uttering «Come on, Valya, he is so sweet», Valya planted himself slightly aside, and I began to fumble with the locking devices again. At last, the way out was opened, and it turned out, that Andrey Ivanovich Ivanov with Sasha Tugarinov also known as «Troechnik» joined us.

– Hello, – I grinned. – Hi, Sanya.

– Hi, Andryukh, – greeted he, edging his huge body inside.

– Hi, Andrey, – Andrey Ivanovich reached his hand out. – I've been telling you for long – it's time to set «no misters» for us.

– We'll, surely, Andrey Ivanovich, – nodded I. – I just don't know, when... Come in.

– I see, – Troechnik looked sideways, – that all the guests are here. Howdy, Valka.

– Cheer, – stretched his hand the latter.

– Miss Robertson, hello. I'm very glad to see you, – switched Troechnik to the language of my guest. – You... look great.

– Hello. Thank you, Alexander Petrovich, – Gina loosened Otto and gave her hand for shaking too.

– Valentin, hi, – Ivanov changed a handshaking with Valya, and then also uttered in English: – Hello, Gina. That's very good you're here.

– Hello, Andrey Ivanovich, – slightly bowed she. – I'm glad to see you.

Ivanov quickly kissed her hand, and then he and Troechnik same quickly got fid of their outerwear.

– Let's go, – instinctively said I.

The quarters filled with the sounds of the various steps, after what there were five people in a small room already. The kitten was sitting on the bed and was pointedly grooming.

– Andy, Happy Birthday, – Troechnik took the bull by the horns, scouring by the sleeve in his luggage.

– Wait, – I pulled him up. – Valya hadn't had time to congratulate me, you've rang right then.

– Ah, okay, – Sasha stopped readily.

Valya handed a small thin box to me:

– Happy Birthday to ya.

– Thank you, – I descried the present and clenched Valka's claw. – Look, that's great.

– So, – Troechnik took something off. – Take it, birthday boy.

I did justice to the thing, rather, to the two things, and said «Thank you» to him yet. Then Andrey Ivanovich intervened, we also exchanged the prescribed courtesies, but given by him was rather unusual yet, at all events, it was what I didn't expect to get from him.

– My friends, you surprise me, – concluded I, – but you, Andrey Ivanovich, surprise me very much. How do you... know about that?

– That's all the old habits, – smirked he.

I looked at Gina.

– I say, guys presented me a surprise now. As you did.

– Great, – she nodded her head with authority. – You tell about this?

– Yes.

– And what did she give you? – Troechnik glanced at the table, and then asked Gina: – What did you give, Miss Robertson?

Almost together we uttered:

– A curious thing...

– A book about En-Key-Vi-Di-men in English.

– O-o, – drawled Valya in a singsong. – Again.

Gina laughed in a flash, patting him on the shoulder.

– Yes-yes-yes, you got each other right, – I grinned. – Gina, Valya...

– Said all right, – she was smiling at him.

– Hum, – Andrey Ivanovich was watching the cover of Gina's gift. – What is this work? I've never heard.

– Well, I've heard about it not much too. Okay, – I thought, this ceremony had to be shut down, – please, sit at the table, ladies and gentlemen. Gina, le...

– I see, – interrupted she.

– Very good, – I blurted in English. – Let's go.

Our procession again reached out of the room to the corridor, through it – to the bathroom, and out of it – to the other room towards the table, chairs and plates with the forks and glasses. Ivanov was quietly asking Gina about something, Troechnik was taking a look at them in rotation, squinting serially and opening his mouth up to the forehead, and Valya asked me, almost leaning to my ear also:

– Look, Andy. Help me, please. I understand goddamn nothing anyway.

– What do you mean? – it didn't come home to me.

– Well, when you speak English! – he slightly raised his voice. – I can say only two words.

– Come on, don't worry, – I let him pass, – I'll translate yet.

– No-o, – he shook his head right-left. – I want to ask her myself. Without it... In short, you tell me now, and I'll memorize it.

– Well, okay, – I immediately remembered the eighth or ninth grade of the school. – Which word?

– Not a word, – clarified he. – But a question. How to ask: «What actors and actresses did you like to shoot with and what would you like to shoot with?».

– Look, maybe you shouldn't ask this?

– Well, where are you? – Troechnik looked out of the doorway.

– Wait, just a few seconds, – I lowered my voice almost to the whispering: – Remember: «Whom actors and actresses did you like...».

– «Whom...»? Does it pronounce like «boom» or not? – processed Valya.

– What are you whispering there? – wondered now Andrey Ivanovich yet.

– Valka has an important question, – I went outside. – A personal one. So, you go, and I'll quickly now. Come in and sit down.

I rushed back to the bedroom, caught a pen, extracted a sheet from the notebook and at a pace wrote what was needed to Valya on it, in Cyrillic characters, noticing and correcting my solecism in passing. A small paper placed in the jeans pocket at once, and then I finally moved to the guests. They were standing near the table, and there was Otto under the table.

– Sorry, – smiled I. – Sorry, Gina.

– Andrey, why are you excusing yourself, – she was still shining. – Just guys and I were guessing, will you agree or not.

– Everything's clear, – I uttered weightily. – A liquor again – an old... song.

Gina immediately laughed out, slapping her knee, and Ivanov said in a low voice:

– You're celebrating a birthday today, so you're in charge of us.

– Exactly, – confirmed I. – I suggest that thing: let's drink one time, and then we'll stop. Okay?

– Okay, – agreed Troechnik.

– Sure, Andrey, – Gina sparkled by her teeth.

– I told you – as you say, – repeated Andrey Ivanovich.

– Fine then. Valya, – I shoved my palm in the pocket, groped the sheet there and removed my hand: – We were talking that we'll drink only one toast. Okay?

– Okay, – he grabbed my fingers and took the message. I skewed there and waved my chin up just in case, but, I guess, there was no longer special need in that.

– Let's start then.

As usual, history repeated itself over and over again – Gina sat on my right, Valya – sat near her, and the men occupied the opposite side of the table. Inwardly I shook my head.

– Everything looks very beautiful, – noted Troechnik. – Miss Robertson, you cooked, of course?

– Yes, Alexander Petrovich, – Gina flushed up, – thank you. But you haven't tasted it yet. And I want to ask you – just Gina. Although to drink to «no misters» with you I'm not ready for now.

– We-e know that, – Andrey Ivanovich put the bottle cap on the tablecloth. – The whisky, by the way, is fine too.

– Thanks, – she was just glistering, as it seemed to me.

The kitten didn't think twice as well – he soft meowed beneath and then climbed on Gina's knees. I focused at Valya and uttered:

– They had been exchanging pleasantries about food...

– So I got, – Valya was grinning conspiratorially.

– Okay, Valentin, – Ivanov shifted an alcohol bottle from his glass to mine. – Let's. Enough? Okay. I've got a toast, I was thinking over it for a long time, – he smiled widely. – Maybe, it will be a little long, but you'll have to be patient.

– With pleasure, – said Gina.

– I'll try to say all in English, and then I'll translate to you, – Andrey Ivanovich looked at Valya again.

– No, I think, I must do it, – objected I.

– Agreed, – Ivanov rose from the chair, and we all stared at him in expectation. – So. Andrey, you celebrate twenty eight years today, and that's why I envy you sincerely. Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a film – «The Hot Snow». You've probably watched it...

– I have, – I said.

– ...That's very good. What about you, Gina, – he made a move toward her head, – I'm not sure, though, because you are closely related to cinema, you may also know about it.

– Yes, I've heard about it, – agreed she, smiling, – but not so long ago – when I've been gathering information about your city.

– Well, – assured Andrey Ivanovich. – It was filmed near here. So, there was an episode – the action takes place during the Battle of Stalingrad – the main character, the general, asks a young man: «How old are you, colonel?». He replies: «Twenty-eight», – Gina turned to me, – and then the general tells him: «I want you to be twenty-nine!». Here I also want you, Andrey, to be twenty-nine, and all that follows then. I wish you all the best – health and long, long life. To you!

– Thank you, – I said.

– An excellent toast, – noted Gina.

– So wait, please, – I cautioned. – Valya – Andrey Ivanovich remembered «The Hot Snow» movie, I don't know whether you saw it or not, and led...

– I didn't see, – Valya snapped out.

– ...Well, that's bad, but okay, – I went on quickly, – and quoted a phrase from there, there was one hero... who was wished by the other hero to live till his next birthday, and it's up to twenty-nine years. And then Andrey Ivanovich wished me all the best.

– Clear, – he raised his hand and extended it forward. – I'll watch this film surely. Come on, to you.

Gina immediately giggled, saying «Happy Birthday», Troechnik, as Valya did, outstretched his sleeve and said «To you», and then we rang with our glasses above the middle of the table.

– Please, gentlemen, – Gina pointed to the dish. – Taste it.

– Gina tells us to taste, – I translated to Valya.

– Of course, – he confirmed, and the kitten immediately, making a long stride, moved to his knees.

– A little traitor, – reproachfully uttered Gina.

– She says that the cat – is a traitor, Valya.

– Yes, – chewed he. – And may I give something to him?

– Yes, just watch that he doesn't put his paws on the table, I'm trying to wean him.

As soon as I've translated the sentence to Gina, Andrey Ivanovich said:

– Very tasty, Gina. Just extra-class. I understand this is an American... um-m... traditional salad?

– Thank you, Andrey Ivanovich, – blinked she. – Yes, that's a very common thing in our country.

– In fact, Gina, – Troechnik put the fork. – It's just... Andrey, how will be «yum-yum»? – he asked in Russian.

– Listen... – I hesitated. – I don't know. Whether «very delicious», or «yummy».

– «Yummy», – Gina glanced first at me and then she looked at Troechnik. – Thank you, Alexander Petrovich. Well, what do you think? – she looked right.

– What do you think, Valya? – I duplicated the question.

– Super, – he unclenched his jaws. – Cool. Say – «that's cool».

– Thank you, Valya, – grinned Gina. – I understood.

– So, my friends, – Troechnik moved a large glass up to him. – I want to say about too. But I'll be in Russian, Andy, Gina, I do apologize.

– Sanya said he will tell his toast in Russian, Gina.

– All right, – she raised her palm, – no problem.

– Since we agreed not to drink more, – he shook the package with the juice, – then let's...

– Okay! – I conceded a point. – Let's have a drink one more time, so be it.

– That's our way, – he changed the bulk in his paw. – Everyone will be, right?

No one refused. Troechnik finished pouring whiskey, and then he arose to the ceiling and began:

– Andrey, I congratulate you on your twenty-eight years and I must say that I envy you too. With a vile, malignant envy. Why so? Because you met a girl like Gina.

– Thank you, Alexander Petrovich... – she was thrilled.

– You are welcome, – winked he. – So I look at you two, and I'm just bursting with envy. But at the same time – with joy also. I'm happy either for you or for her, and... So let's have a drink right now to everything to be fine both with you, and with you two in the future. C'mon.

– Thank you, – I again leaned slightly sideways. – Gina, Sasha says he is happy and wants to drink to us, to all to be fine with us, – then I turned my head back, – but, my friends, in my opinion, we need to drink not only to us with Gina, but to all of us. Valya, – the words has once again switched to ours, – come on – to us, to everyone. To everything to be excellent.

– I agree, – the latter pursed his lips.

– As they said in our place in the old days, – continued Andrey Ivanovich, – «To you, to us and to spetsnaz».

– O-o-oh, – drawled Gina. – Yes.

– You remember that, – I shook my chin.

– De-She-Be, – said she.

Troechnik chuckled and summarized:

– Let's.

We clinked glasses again and the drink again seemed me rather sweet than alcohol-containing. Gina put herself a little of second, and the rest took the large portions of it, after what Ivanov said:

– Well – what will we talk about? What are we proposing?

– Yeah! – I straightened one of my index fingers. – Exactly. About proposing. Let's just about our walk...

– Since this is my idea, – interrupted Gina, – so I have to say...

– What the walk? – smiled Andrey Ivanovich.

– No, Gina, never mind, I'll say, – I didn't agree. – We want to go to the park – if you don't mind, I propose you to go with us, on the way back.

– With pleasure, – assured Ivanov.

– No problem, – snapped Troechnik.

– Let's go back together? – I once again looked at Valya. – Through the park?

– Come on, – he loosened his jaws. – Of course.

– Well, okay, – I grinned.

– There's one more thing I still want to find out, – a little impatiently said Gina, – before I forget yet. Today, as you probably know, is All Saints Day, Halloween, we won't specially point on it, I just would like to... find a bit of time for it. Well, when we go for a walk. I have prepared the masks. And there's one for you, Andy.

– Thank you, – smiled I.

– I like Halloween too, – said Troechnik.

– Helo?.. – Valya frowned. – Exactly – it's today yet!

– That's right, Valya, – Gina was shining.

Andrey Ivanovich waited a little and asked again:

– So after all – who knows the topic of conversation? Will be here any proposals or not?

– It seems that there is one, – I began blinking to Valya.

– Ah, yes, – he responded and reached into his right pants pocket. – Gina. Uh-h...

– «Let me ask you», – I did hint in English.

– Andrey, stop that! – indignantly said she. – Valya, speak Russian, do me a favor.

– No, – he snapped out. – I... lat mi usk yu, – he said with a pretty strong accent, and then he bowed his head: – Uh... Wat actors and actry... actrysses dyd you like to shyut wis and wat would you like to shyut wis?

– Valya, that's so cute, – Gina bowed her head too, but not forward, and to her shoulder. – And the handwriting in your note is some strange one... Listen, I enjoyed working with all of them. Everyone is good. But if to choose one of them, well... – I guess, I really don't know about the actresses, but what about the men – this is, you probably remember him, the actor who played... the heir, a young emperor in the «Gladiator» film.

– Gina says she enjoyed working with everyone, but most of all...

– I've already got that, – broke Valya. – And how is the film called, where he starred with you?

– Valya asked in what?.. – but Gina also interrupted me:

– It hasn't been released yet. It will be ready only in about a year – a year and half, unfortunately.

– The movie is only shooting, Valya, – disappointed I. – It will be ready in a year. Or more.

– Or more, – confirmed Gina. – All right.

Andrey Ivanovich pronounced:

– Yes, cinema – is a terrific force.

– A great power of art, – Gina led another quotation, and then she asked, watching at those who were present: – What do you think, gentlemen? About the roast?

– Excellent, – answered Ivanov. – Just excellent, Gina.

– Thank you, – she flashed by her teeth once again.

– It's – as you said... – Troechnik raised his chin. – «Yammy», huh?

– Well, in general, yes, – I made a snicker. – Nearly. Gina, don't look at me, I won't criticize anything anyway.

She waved and laughed:

– Come on, Andrey!

– Your food, – sipped Andrey Ivanovich, – is as good as your questions. I mean...

– I got you, – nodded she.

– Maybe we won't? – I decided to prevent this from happening.

– I'm not going to, – assured Ivanov.

– Andrey, don't worry so much, – grinned Gina. – I haven't it on my mind yet.

– What are you talking about? – asked Valya.

– Do you remember what was in the summer? – I explained. – That's about it.

– I've really relished the way you said then, – Gina's irises were shining brightly. – Well, that saying. «Memory – is an executioner, forgetfulness – is a murderer».

– Yes, – I shook my head, – I was going to say just about that.

Andrey Ivanovich put the flatware on his plate:

– Guys, don't worry. I just wanted to ask you, Gina, one question regarding your profession, because we are talking about cinema here...

– Just wait, first, – not very politely interrupted I. – Here is just about what you've said earlier – about what we will talk... Just like they say – you shouldn't talk about weather, about work and about women, right? And by the way, Gina, I still want... to say you something... in the same way.

Valya was staring at me, so I raised my left hand in the most soothing gesture.

– Well, – Gina rounded her lips, – I'd happy to talk about weather, and about cinematography, probably, too, without going into minor particulars, and – yes, I think, we shouldn't discuss women. So, don't worry, Andy. What did you wish to know, Andrey Ivanovich? – she moved her head.

– Have you watched the film entitled «Purgatory»? – Ivanov smiled a little slyly, in my opinion.

– Oh, yes, – Gina for some reason wiggled in her chair. – A great movie.

– You mean, you did like it? – pressed Andrey Ivanovich.

– Well, in a good sense, – laughed she. – It was made just inimitably. It was made just the way a film about war should be done. I heard they even used real blood in it...

– That's right, – said Troechnik.

– ...But unfortunately, – resumed Gina, – Again, I heard, from a historical point of view everything is distorted there. Or... how to say, I don't know...

– What are you talking about again? – Valya started worrying.

– All right, Valka, – I repeated a calming motion with my wrist, – we're talking about the «Purgatory» movie.

– Yes, you can't find another topic, – Valya frowned.

– That's for sure.

– I guess I'm really... – hesitated Ivanov. – I just really wished to know that from you, Gina, since you're a specialist.

She grinned again:

– I think, I'm not the biggest specialist. But thank you.

– You are welcome, – answered Andrey Ivanovich. – And what did you wish to ask?

– Let's talk about that later, – she was looking something up on the table. – First, I have a toast. Andrey, where is the drink?

– Here, – I lowered my hand to the floor. – What do you want – juice or soda?

– Juice first, and then we'll see, – she said mysteriously, though, maybe, I misunderstood her again.

– And you, Andrey Ivanovich? Sasha, Valya?

– Come on, I'll it pour myself, – suggested Ivanov.

– No, really, let me, – my fingers rocked with a two-liter Tetra Pak carton.

– I want the same as Gina, – said Valya.

– And me, – squinted Troechnik.

– Okay, – I reached out to the cup.

Gina waited for all, stood up, pushing the chair with her free hand and then she began to speak, looking at me carefully, even attentively, and beaming with something to which I couldn't even choose a name at the first onset. A kindness, respect and peace of mind, I guess. She said:

– Let's drink to your great country, which I respect and which I admire, no matter what. Let's drink to your wonderful, great people who live in Russia and who had gone through all the hardships suffered by them... horrible, terrible, bloody hardships. And let's drink to the future of your country, Russia, which I hope, I hope very much, will be better and decent. Here. Let's. Once again, Happy Birthday to you, Andy, – then she didn't bear – she got closer to me, holding her glass at arm's length, I tried, of course, to get upright, but that didn't work out, because Gina immediately nuzzled by her lips to mine, however, just for a moment, and then she moved her head a little back and covered my scar with her ablaze left palm.

– Thank you, – timidly muttered I, getting out of the chair yet.

– You are welcome, Andrey, – she, apparently, didn't even think to take her hand off.

– That's what I'm talking about, – with a chuckle in his voice pronounced Troechnik, standing up. Andrey Ivanovich with Valya, who gently shifted the kitten to the seat, straightened also.

– Yes... Wait... – I was muddled. – Gina, let me... Valya!

– Of course, – allowed she.

– Valya, Gina offers a toast to our country, – explained I. – For the future of Russia and its citizens... She wants to have a drink to all to be good.

– Thank you, – smiled Valya, – that's right.

There was a chime above the table again, whereupon Otto, which has just begun to groom, speedily jerked his small head at the sound, opening his round eyes widely. We took our seats back.

– Yes, Gina, – breathed Andrey Ivanovich, – thank you very much indeed. And... Can I have more?

– Please, – I eagerly grabbed the box and removed the cap. – You, San'?

Troechnik nodded, smiling, and then I poured an orange drink for the rest.

– You, Gina, – Troechnik leaned back, – are really an extraordinary person.

– Thank you, Alexander Petrovich, – she stopped a sip.

– No, I'm serious, – he looked at the tablecloth. – Because I'm... watching your work for a long time, I respect it very much, but only now beginning to understand that if we had... in due time all... or at least some people... powerful... well, big...

– Of the authorities, you mean? – she tried to resolve the linguistic differences.

– Yes, that's it, – Troechnik gestured toward by his opened palm-claw. – And then there's another word, like... Well, you are – a famous person...

– «A celebrity»? – prompted she.

– Exactly, – he put the glass down. – In general, I want to say that if we had more of them normal, like in your country, then maybe and the war would not happen.

– That's right, – agreed she, licking her lips.

For some reason it occurred to me that Gina wished to add something like «Another thing is that until nineteen ninety-one I have no complaints about you, but after that you did elect them» to his words, but instead of it, she said, apparently appreciating the expression of my face by her peripheral vision:

– Andrey, stop gazing at me with your hard stare.

– That's for sure! – immediately perked Troechnik. – He has a very hard stare. When we, or rather when Ivanovich, Andrey Ivanovich, was dragging him unconscious, I was afraid to look him in the eyes yet.

– Petrovich, – uttered Ivanov sotto voce.

– Okay, okay, – he shook hands apologetically. – I'm becoming silent.

– Yes, all right, Andrey Ivanovich, – I agreed. – I really wasn't in the best shape then.

Gina burst out laughing.

– Perhaps, I've already bored you, – began Valya. – But your tone again... sounds suspiciously.

– Well, we... – I laughed too. – Remembered the war. How Sanya and Andrey Ivanovich were carrying me from that field and how I looked bad then.

– Ah, that's it, – Valya stroked Otto, hereupon the cat instantly became purring twice louder.

– Gina, Valya said... our tone was some kind of suspicious.

– Good job, Valya! – laughed she.

– Gina, – Ivanov started speaking again, – what did you want to ask?

She gave me a fetching, even an engaging smile, and then she immediately turned her attention to Andrey Ivanovich and Sasha:

– First, I want to find out something from you, Alexander Petrovich.

– Anything, – assured he.

– I heard from many people and even, I think, in some official source of information, – she wasn't blinking, – they used to call you «Troechnik». I found the several translations of this... expression, but the most common of them, if I'm not mistaken again, it's – a person who gets «troikas» within the schooling, that's three grades on a five-mark grading system. Please, tell me, is it all related to you or not?

– Of course, – he grinned. – All right. I was called so since school yet. I studied really bad, not so good, and in my certificate were only these exact «troikas». This nickname is from there.

– Thank you, – smiled she. – And I wish to ask about one more thing, a serious one.

– Please, – Ivanov has finally finished with his glass.

Gina pulled her cheeks in:

– Tell me – did you really have a prohibition during the war? I mean, did you really adhere to it strictly?

– Yes, – easily answered Ivanov. – That was so, believe it or not.

– I believe you, I believe... I just... – she paused. – Soldiers, on the contrary, are ordered to drink before a fight so that they wouldn't be afraid so much. At least, as far as I know.

Andrey Ivanovich and Troechnik looked at each other, and the latter once again smiled some mischievously.

– We... – hesitated Ivanov. – We decided to change that.

– You know, Gina, – Troechnik was beaming, – that was always so here before. Soldiers who are always drunk and officers who falls under the table...

She burst out laughing loudly once again.

– ...But we realized that we won't achieve anything this way, – Troechnik weighed his jaw down even more. – We need to change that. And what about fear... The difference is little. Just someone who is slightly drunk, is still afraid a lot, and who... um... well, is drunk much – there's may be more harm from him, he understands nothing yet.

– I see, Alexander Petrovich, – she stuck her bottom lip out.

– Besides, – said Ivanov, – we didn't have too much vodka. There was no problem with it on the other side.

– Indeed, – as if thinking aloud, said she. – Yes, that's difficult to do it another way... Come on, guys, let's look at the pictures? Andy, you told me they're ready?

– Yes, of course, – it completely went out of my mind. – Now, wait a second.

I got up, took two steps to the closet and pulled the album out. The voices behind me were uttering in the interim: « – You mean the ones that we were making in the summer? – Well, certainly you remember». Turning, I approached Gina, handed the cover to her and looked at the men sitting across the table:

– Probably, better come here...

They came near us, settled behind my back, and Valya pushed his chair slightly to the left. Gina turned the first page and exclaimed:

– That's great, Andrey! Listen, it looks fine!

– Yes, a nice view, – agreed Andrey Ivanovich.

– It will be... more nice next, – promised I.

– You see – isn't it really splendid? – Gina wouldn't be satisfied.

To tell the truth, landscape photos I did always like more than any others either.

– Yeah, cool pictures, – said Valya.

– Really, that looks awesome, – Troechnik joined us.

– This is where you went for a walk... on the first day? – verified Ivanov.

– Yes, – confirmed I.

Gina kept flipping through:

– And here you're at that meeting... Oh, Andrey – you looked so good there, huh! I love looking at you in a suit! So, here you are all again... Lo, I remember that too! Do you remember that?

– Gina, of course, we remember that, – assured Andrey Ivanovich. – We had a drink after that yet.

She burst into a loud laughter, and Valya looked at me questioningly again. I didn't delay:

– Gina asked me whether I remember... those events, and Andrey Ivanovich answered, that of course, because we were drinking later yet.

Valya twisted into a smile, and then he turned back.

– Yes, yes, yes... – Gina was noising with cells plastic. – The Park... Andrey, you do remember this, of course...

– Sure.

– ...Yes, that's for sure. Well, here you are again, gentlemen... Look – that's cool, yes? – she pointed her finger.

– Very well, – emphasized Ivanov.

She giggled softly.

– So, that's all, I think... Yes, it's the last, – she got to the end. – Oh – what a pity, Andrey, all of your children's photos were lost: I would like to see them so much!.. I mean, not only very old, but also any others, of course.

– Well, I have several times had this idea, – shared I, – to go and look for them near my former house.

– That's not a bad idea, by the way... – she was looking at the album with an instant more, and then she recollected, – Okay – let's take pictures. If you don't mind, my friends, perhaps, sit down there, and I'll snap you. Take it, Andrey.

I got a photograph album and returned it to the shelf. The guests, meanwhile, were gradually moving towards the door.

– Come with me, – once again commanded Gina. – And, by the by, didn't you bring cameras?

Troechnik smiled and said «No», Andrey Ivanovich shook his head, and Valya was looking all of us over.

– We'll be photographed, Valya, – reasserted I. – Didn't you take your photo camera yet?

– Ah, no, – he spread his hands slightly.

– Well, no big deal. We set it now.

Gina and I went to the corridor, passed the opposite door and divided: she turned to the left, and I stepped right, then I uncovered my compact and clicked with the switch. The muzhiks with Valya meantime settled on the couch.

– Excellent, – Gina quickly approached me. – You should be seated too.

– And you shoot with my camera then, okay?

– Sure, of course, – assured she.

I sat between the men, and we began. After a few moments, we traded places with Gina, then we selected a different angle, then another one, and then she came back to me and uttered:

– Now, please, snap the two of us.

– No problem, – responded Troechnik. – Just... let's... kissing.

– Petrovich, you will get some now, – quickly said Andrey Ivanovich in Russian at once.

– I'm sorry, – he stopped baring his teeth.

Gina thrusted her weight upon my body and, apparently, put on a polite smile on her face:

– That's okay, Alexander Petrovich. But, in general, what about me – I'd love to.

– Let's take another time, – objected I.

– Well, – she leaned against me stronger and then she switched her head round: – And can you hold me at least?

– To hold I can.

The pictures were finally made.

– Thank you, Alexander Petrovich, – Gina expressed her gratitude to him. – What do you think, my friends – you would like a cake now or later?

– I think, now, – answered Andrey Ivanovich.

– I agree, – immediately said Troechnik.

– Valya, – I addressed to him, – what do you think about tea? With a cake?

He grinned:

– Only positively, Andrey.

– That's fine, gentlemen, – Gina turned back to me. – Let's start, Andy.

– May we help? – politely asked Ivanov.

– Oh, Andrey Ivanovich, – I began to grab the things that have to be carried to the kitchen, – thank you. We can do it ourselves.

Through my mind flashed «You know Gina yet, she's got so much energy», but, of course, I didn't say that. Instead of it, we gathered a mountain of dishes and removed them there, from where they were taken, and then we put the small cups, saucers and shiny steel spoons on the table. The kettle was already rustling behind the wall.

– That's a pity there're no candles, – I hoisted the box to the center of the tablecloth.

– Oh, yes, – lively agreed Gina. – But that's okay, I think.

She did another passage, I ended using the knife, then all sat back on their seats, and then our tea party has begun.

– A delicious... cake, – noted Troechnik. – But you bought it, yes? That's not you, Gina?

– Of course not! – laughed she. – Really, Andrey, it's very tasty. With a strawberry filling, just the way I like.

– Thank you, my friends, – and then I remembered: – Gina, let me say again, before I forget.

She looked at me.

– Andrey, you are in charge. You can say anything you want at all.

– This is a very good suggestion, – I retorted, – and I will use it for sure. But not now. And I remembered... and immediately another issue appeared. In general, I decided to watch some of your films...

Gina extremely widely smiled and tilted her head slightly.

– Well, I'm serious! – I didn't back down. – It was just interesting, really, very interesting for me. So, I addressed to Valya – Valya, – I switched to Russian, – I'm telling how you had helped with the film, two months ago...

– Right you are, – confirmed Valya.

– In short, Valya had recommended me the movie entitled «The Road».

– Oh, yes, – Gina put a new piece on her tongue. – Well, have you watched it?

– Of course, I have! – I raised my voice, but immediately said louder: – Gina! It's a super film! I don't know how to say!..

– I like it too, – reassured she. – And doing it was cool.

– Yes, you!.. – I resumed sounding exclamations. – Listen, that's incredible! It's definitely the best thriller I've ever seen!

– Thank you, Andrey, – she made a motion with her profile to her left shoulder.

– And you, that's the most important thing, looked so great there! And all present here today could tell you that, right, guys? Is it true, Val', – I asked him in the native language, – that Gina looks superbly in «The Road»?

– So that's what I told you in the beginning yet, – reminded he.

Gina squeezed my knee with her hand:

– Thank you, Andrey. Thank you, gentlemen.

– I fully agree with the birthday boy, – said Troechnik. – I did also like this movie. I did like other your films too, Gina, but this one – is just a masterpiece, all right. You are a brilliant actress.

– Thank you, Alexander Petrovich, – she moved the cup.

– And now, Gina, – I resumed my press, – in connection with all that... Tell me – are all the actors really... on a very strong diet? You specifically?

– This cake, – nodded she, – reminded you that, right?

– Yep.

– That's clear, – she took a sip. – This is the last piece, Andrey... But if seriously, you're right. A diet is essential. We have to both eat in a special way, and do exercises; of course, it concerns men more, but us too. Otherwise you'll fail your first screen test yet.

Andrey Ivanovich and Troechnik started laughing together, Valya – in a moment, but for some reason I just snorted softly, but inwardly I was nickering with a vengeance. Well, Gina, huh. She was looking us over with a polite pattern on her lips, winking at me by the blue-grey lights.

– Gina, you are wonderful, – uttered Ivanov.

– Thank you, Andrey Ivanovich, – she bowed slightly.

– Well, I think it's time to go, – he rose. – Thank you. We have celebrated excellent.

– Yes, that was very nice, – Troechnik joined him. – Thank you, Andy. Gina, and you absolutely well done.

– I'm grateful to you, Alexander Petrovich, – assured she.

Everybody stood up and walked to the exit.

– Don't you certainly need help? – again asked Ivanov.

– All right, Andrey Ivanovich, – smiled I.

– I don't worry about you, – he took his jacket off the coat hanger.

– By the way, Gina, – Troechnik clasped another button, – are you not too worried about our weather?

– No, everything is okay. These are warm clothes, Alexander Petrovich, – she buzzed with the lock. – Besides, severe frosts haven't come yet.

– And we have recently had snow, – he had an answer. – That's just... melted.

– I really like the snow, – explained Gina.

– Are you ready? – I like finished to dress.

The guests answered in the affirmative, and then our company entered the stairwell.

– And how do you bear cold? – boomed Andrey Ivanovich.

– Well, not bad, I think, – she was half-turned to the next step. – I'm cold not so much, I guess.

– But you have never been in our place in winter? – Ivanov was pressing, keeping pace with her.

– No, I haven't, you're right, – Gina loudly stamped on a concrete slab. – But I was in Alaska, and there is cold in winter too.

– Oh, Alaska – yes, – mused Troechnik, looming over them both.

– What are they talking about again? – softly asked Valya in my ear.

– Yes, never mind, – I assured him. – About weather, about frosts, how cold is there in Alaska...

– Look, Gina, I suppose, will be cold, they're not accustomed to winter, – he pointed. – Now I'll ask her.

– Well, Andrey Ivanovich has already asked, – I disappointed Valya.

– Damn it! – he slowed down. – Then tell me, how will...

We passed through the vestibule entrances and found ourselves in the open air of the street.

Chapter 4

– ...«Show me the mask?», – he requested a translation again.

– «Show me your mask», – almost in a whisper said I.

At the same time the voice of Gina was loudly explaining:

– ...You know, there was a real polar night! Dark, can you imagine that?

– Yeah, I wonder, – Ivanov shook his head. – And how did you live there that time?

– Everything was provided, – she stood on tiptoe, seeing Valya and me. – The most important thing, as I was told by the locals then, is to prepare a sufficient amount of fuel for power plants. And everything else, of course, too.

– Diesel, – noticed Troechnik.

– Yes, everything's right! – smiled she. – Well, and coal. Andrey, are we going in the right direction?

– Yeah, – confirmed I.

We were walking to the west briskly. The neighbor houses were yellowing with the few windows, the road was slightly rustling with the not numerous passing cars and pedestrians haven't been seen at all yet. Gina took her purse off the shoulder, put her hand it in and pulled out a small object:

– Want? It's candy.

– With pleasure, – Andrey Ivanovich brought the palm.

– Thank you, Gina, – Troechnik reached into the pocket in his turn, – I have a gum. Boobl' goom. Especially for fume wasn't felt.

«This Sanya – he plays dumb all the time, but he knows even this word in English», I thought. And then said else to myself: «If I understood, what he said, right yet».

The guests and I rounded the building and found ourselves on a wide sidewalk, to the left of which were located the tram tracks, which were twisting parallel to it. Ivanov quietly pronounced together with Gina:

– We should cross the road, I think.

– Well, we'll cross it over there at the traffic light, – I raised my hand.

– Why, can't we walk through this side? – inquired Gina, handing the pack to me.

– There... is no road further, – explained I. – Thank you, I have my own. By the way, I wanted to offer it you, Gina.

– Come on, – willingly responded she.

I pulled a cylindrical packaging out of my pocket, dropped the candy on her wrist, put the other one on my tongue, and at this moment Valya uttered:

– Gina, I... Let me...

– Of course, Valya. Please, – she turned attention to him.

– Show me your... – he hesitated. – Please, show me... a mask.

– Yes, with pleasure, Valka! – she screwed her eyes up.

– Gina says – with pleasure, – translated I.

– Okay, – grinned Valya.

Gina searched and hand over fist found in her luggage something round and white, and same quickly arranged it on her head, placing an elastic band on her nape.

– What do you think? – asked she.

– Cool, – praised Troechnik. – This... killer-maniac just takes a rest.

The mask could really scare, at least, a human of about eight or nine – there were the mouth from ear to ear, the narrow eye slits, the ears sticking out the sides and the red stripes on the cheeks.

– What do you think, Andrey Ivanovich? – she addressed to Ivanov by a changed voice.

– Pretty scary, – smiled he, – but, unfortunately, not too originally.

– Well, – agreed Gina, – and what if like that?

Again she reached into the purse for a second, stirred over her hat by her hands, and then she stood up straight again. Ivanov chuckled, Valya snorted a little louder, and Troechnik with me laughed out loud – the medium-sized, dark brown and very real horns towered over Gina's head.

– Yes, that's much better, – said Andrey Ivanovich through laughter.

– You told, there's one more, for me, – reminded I.

– Here, – she leaned forward.

The second souvenir was in my hands, and I immediately snickered louder – that was the mask of a grey rabbit with drooped ears, like those that were popular in our kindergartens. I secured a festive device on my face, caught my breath and said:

– This – is really funny, Gina.

– I'm very glad to hear that, Andrey, – she wheezed out of the plastic.

– And scary too, – I added quickly.

She squeezed my arm, and we all immediately stopped – the crossroad wound away in front of us. I hurriedly took my mask off:

– I'm afraid it will interfere during the walking.

– Yes, you're absolutely right, – Gina instantly followed me, removing all her infernal attributes, and our company began stamping through the «zebra» – the green light went on.

– Explain to me again, please, – asked Gina, – why is there no road? Was it before?

– And it wasn't there before, – I squeezed her outstretched palm, as always, a dry and hot. – There trams go.

– Hmm, I wonder, – she stroked my fingers with hers. – Generally speaking, I know this place well. There was a really great battle, isn't it? Before the bombing, I mean?

– That's right, – confirmed Andrey Ivanovich.

– As they say in the movies – «It was pretty hot», – added Troechnik.

– Tell us, please, my friends, – Gina continued to find out, but then she immediately made a reservation: – But first tell me – were all three of you here? You weren't, – she smiled at me, – I do remember that.

– That's right, – reassured Ivanov.

– Valya, – glanced Gina at him, – tell me, please, have you been exactly here?

I turned my body to the left:

– Gina asks if you had taken part in the battle in these parts?

– Yes, – he raised his eyebrows, – participated. Say «yes».

– Valya says...

– I got that, – interrupted she. – So, Andrey Ivanovich, Alexander Petrovich?

Ivanov slightly bowed his head, and Troechnik a little dropped his lower jaw.

– Well, where to begin... – Andrey Ivanovich rubbed his chin with the fingertips. – In principle, there was everything about what you've probably heard many times. A convoy of armored vehicles was sent here – tanks and fighting vehicles with infantry. They, those convoys, there were a lot of them, all of them were going at the same time, well, rather their command tried to do so, that they were going at the same time, but that, of course, didn't work out... But those vehicles were marching in file through this exact street, just towards us, – he raised his hand straight forward, – from there. As you know, they were attacking from that side, from the west. From out of the city. They wished, of course, to besiege all of us, but, as that had always happened in such cases in the past, they had surrounded themselves.

– But they appeared here not for the first time? – clarified Gina.

– We let them go exactly here for the first time then, – Ivanov didn't agree. – The first... well, in the first few days the encirclements occurred to the west of this place, you surely remember that...

– Yes, of course, I remember, – Gina caught up, – I just thought... it would be better just to lure them away, I think, am I not wrong?

– You're right, Gina, that's right, – Andrey Ivanovich spread his hands. – Yet you have a strategic talent, it's seen at once...

– That's what the father – is a military, – interpolated Troechnik.

– Come on, you speak in superlatives, that isn't a talent, – she waved away, – I've interrupted you.

– That's all right, – answered Ivanov. – That was a substantive question. I just wanted to say that this place... is appropriate, I suppose. Relatively, of course. There are no buildings for several blocks here, neither residential, nor administrative, and they never were here, I mean this side of the street, the construction began – he pointed to the right and back, – only over there, but quite recently. By then, I mean. And so there was generally a wasteland. In short, there was far from the nearest houses. That's why, I think, they wished to get here.

The path, through which we were moving, was lit quite dimly, but I saw well that Gina was watching Andrey Ivanovich's face with great curiosity, looking forward to the continuation of his story. Not far ahead of us the next intersection was visible.

– I see, – nodded Gina.

– What about the fight particularly, – resumed Andrey Ivanovich, – then... They surrendered, went to our side, you know? Fortunately, very fortunately. How to say... not all the officers were complete idiots, and about the soldiers I don't even say. So... even when they were approaching, the vehicles, one of the battalion commanders got in touch with us and explained that he ordered his people hold their fire in any case. A serious man, rest in peace...

– He died? – asked Gina.

– Yes, soon after that, – Ivanov glanced to the side. – When he was with us already. So, he immediately said that we'll negotiate and that in general the whole this scheme – is complete nonsense. Although he, for example, even wasn't a local, well, as we are, and I didn't know him before. He was just a clever man. He couldn't understand what his chief is trying to do here, and what these idiots want, in Moscow.

Just when I thought about that, Troechnik said that aloud:

– And I still don't understand what they wanted.

Gina laughed and Valya quietly asked me:

– What you took so long? What does that mean, the last phrase?

– Andrey Ivanovich was talking about the fight, about the fact Gina asked, – the marking white stripes were flashing underfoot, – and he just said that Nikolay Vladimirovich Vakhrushev couldn't understand then, what his commander and the stupid people above demanded from him.

– Yes that's, damn it, not the word, – Valya snapped out. – You're right. I join this point fully.

– Gina, Valya says we are all right and he joins us.

She showed me her teeth, and Andrey Ivanovich said, turning once again:

– They really were fools. Well, how else should we call... I don't know – great generals, who for the umpteenth time in a very short time, repeat the same mistake, and for all the world? If they were smart people, even a little, they, for a start, wouldn't do the same at all. Because all their city captures came to the same thing, to jam all the streets with tanks, from top to bottom.

Troechnik hemmed, looking at us.

– I'm serious, Gina! – Ivanov sneered after. – Here they look at a map – a street is wide, yeah, that means vehicles will pass through it. Well, they will – and what? What next? All the problems will be solved at once, or what? And that happened, I'm going to finish all this story, that infantry battalion stopped and didn't commit suicide, but the vanguard that has passed ahead – you, probably, saw that, there's such a large intersection onwards there, where the rails are turned at an angle yet...

– Yes, – Gina shook her head, – we went with Andrey there today.

– That is, you know, – he was pleased, – several machines approached the bridge yet in this place – and that's all. Where to go? The road to the bridge is closed. We started talking to them – they are not authorized, you see. They have an order. And what the order – this reconnaissance company commander really doesn't know. In short, we had to shoot there. And they too, of course. It looked like that. I mean... I've already promised to finish this story... but it's impossible, – he smiled slightly again, – and if I will tell about that in detail, Gina, it will be, probably, quite long...

– Andrey Ivanovich, I'm listening to you with great pleasure, – reassured she. – You tell very interesting, so please, let's resume. I'm not in a hurry.

Frankly, I was also following the narrative with great curiosity, although I was listening to this story not for the first time. The trees, occasionally illumined by headlights flashes, darkened on both sides of the sidewalk – we were moving on.

– So, – Ivanov took a deep breath, – what I saw personally. I was near the last of the nine-storey houses, which are... located on the left side of the street, on the north side. Those two convoys met directly opposite the entrance to the bridge. The one that went from the south side – that was another unit, but ahead of them also were the recons. In total I saw three tanks, nine or ten infantry fighting vehicles, four or five armored troop-carriers, and about a hundred infantrymen...

– Wow! – blurted Gina.

– ...Yes, – agreed Andrey Ivanovich, – but they were mostly sitting on the armor... Well, I mean, on the vehicles, on the machines. They were apparently convinced that there're no enemies there, none of them didn't see any signs of the enemy for two days, their intelligence reported them that the Left shore is empty, in sum, afraid of nobody. This is what we expected. When I spoke to them, began to say into my loudspeaker, they were surprised very much, and we should still give them their due, they responded quickly. One of the tanks... was standing on a straight line in relation to the spot where I stood. There weren't our soldiers around me, of course. Just a few seconds after I started, it fired. It's clear that I walked out of there... before that. The other armored vehicles immediately began to fire too, the soldiers began to dismount and to shoot at this house also, I mean, and at the same time they were covering the group of infantrymen who began to surround that building and several neighboring ones, – he made a gesture with his palms as if he passed round an invisible obstacle. – And we, meanwhile, were trying as quickly as possible get to the other side of that junction, where the rollercoaster park was. That was the most dangerous part of that area, because they outnumbered us greatly and could just shoot us in the open range. In general, we had reached that park. There was their avant-garde inside – twelve to fourteen men with only one officer. We had, unfortunately, to shoot at them at once, because we would be gone otherwise.

– And did they notice you? – Gina decided to clarify again.

– Some of them did, – explained Ivanov. – Well, look: there is roar, not from all sides, but fairly strong, a smoke right before your eyes, you can't see anything. It's clear that you can fire there, and they were firing, but we hadn't already been there yet. And everyone screams, but it's not clear, what. In short, we've just caught them off guard, that's all.

– Did you shoot them? – she was prying out.

– Yes. Unfortunately, – nodded Andrey Ivanovich. – Then – the tanks. One of them, as I mentioned, was standing right in the middle... or rather, not in the middle, but near the road, on the sidewalk, and the second was further, on the house corner, there was such a large office building, a former research institute. So, we broke into the park. Two men stayed to cover me, one lieutenant and one ensign of my team, as more experienced, and the rest again quickly ran... moved, rather, down the street. And the three of us moved forward a bit too and stopped next to the garage, located near the main entrance. So, the boys with me carefully looked out of that garage and saw that the tank was really quite close, and it stands by its stern to us. Beside it also was a covering infantry. Well, what is «we looked out and saw» – of course, we immediately started shooting. We laid six people there. Then we shot at the tank with a grenade launcher, it caught fire and exploded a second later, and the guys and me were thrown to the ground, – he paused. – At the same time behind us the whole our squad began to shoot at the other machines, well, and at everyone who was close there, they were just firing everything they had, in order that we could shoot the second tank down. That was more difficult – the target is farther, there's armor on it, and most importantly, we have been probably detected. Therefore, we all shot and, I guess, we hit it, because that tank was destroyed too... It exploded, the turret teared off it.

It turned out that the five of us were already on another street, having passed the T-junction and turned to the left after it.

– Behind it stood a command vehicle, – Ivanov went on, – it was hit too, the others began to go... both back, and forward, in short, they stopped to fight. And then happened the following – our another squad, located in the courtyard of the building, inside the block, attacked them from the other side, and two, in my opinion, machines they shot down, but their crew had time to evacuate there, and that didn't last long, because they stopped shooting. And in the meantime me personally – I didn't see that – with two my covering ran back to the other side. All was developing in a very similar way there – as soon as their infantry has reached the buildings, our soldiers, being on the opposite side, began to shoot at the vehicles, well, and at them too, and from this side of the street, – he briefly pointed at the ground, – our soldiers started moving also, Alexander commanded them, – Andrey Ivanovich skewed his head towards Troechnik even for a single moment. – We also wanted to surround the enemy. Well, there, fortunately, we had to fight less because they had realized everything much faster. The only thing, I repeat, their company commander was some... stupid, he didn't get that they were fully surrounded by us until the end yet. He had about twenty... injured and dead, we counted them later yet... In general, the three of us ran to the house, which was the nearest to these high-rise buildings, that was a very small house, a wooden one, I again started to speak... my treatment, and the guys ran further, to flank them. While I was speaking, I saw them and heard, although the noise was awful, of course. That captain was yelling all around, he was committing his company to attack, what was left of it. He wasn't going to listen to me, of course. Five to ten seconds more passed, they started to shoot at me, at that house, and then at that moment my colleagues and Sasha came from behind and laid them all. I mean, who was behind the front shelters, ten people together with the company commander. After that the fight stopped.

Gina was silent, looking down. Troechnik and Valya, as it turned out, were smoking, and I was listening to those foreign words, which were sounding indistinguishable from native ones, and was, apparently, somewhere very far away.

– And you... – Gina sipped dry. – What were your casualties?

– Seven dead and eleven injured, – Ivanov look her up and down again. – Please, understand me – I don't feel any pleasure about what happened, neither that time nor now. I had been already tired of these things by then.

– Of course, Andrey Ivanovich, – she steamed a jet out of her mouth. – I understand. At least, I hope so very much... Thank you for your story. Thank you so much.

– You are welcome, Gina, – he barely stretched his lips.

– By the way, – she perked up, – I want to ask you – don't you smoke, or what?

– No, – he shook his head in the negative. – I never used to smoke. And you? You are a smoker, as I recall...

– I quitted, – reported Gina. – This's a very bad habit, I've realized that just recently. The most important thing now is not to get other such habits, especially after what you've just said.

– I think, – Ivanov turned his body stronger and expressively looked at me – you'll stop it, right?

– O-oh, I don't know, Andrey Ivanovich, – I expanded my eyes. – I'm not sure.

– And that's right, – Troechnik put a replica and the butt to the trash.

Gina burst into laughter, and Valya also smiled and asked:

– What did he say?

– That I'm right, if I don't sure about the fact we would start getting drunk together with Gina, – I grinned in response. – In light of the story Andrey Ivanovich told.

– Yes, – coughed Valya.

– Should I recount it to you briefly?

– No, don't, – he didn't accept my offer, disposing of his cigarette residue. – I do remember all that.

– All right, lady and gentlemen, – pronounced Ivanov peacefully. – Everything will be alright. Gina, you will now see the new park they have established here.

– Almost like you have in New York, – added Troechnik.

Another block was behind us. Right after a wide, several car lanes in width, roadway there was a metal fence, consisting of high thin rods. The traffic signal was prohibiting, and there were no cars on the road.

– We're almost there, as I understand it? – Gina was viewing the vicinity.

– Yes, that's right, – Andrey Ivanovich rubbed his face by the edge of his hand. – Almost there.

– Valya, – she turned her attention to my neighbor, – did you tell about this place?

– Gina asked whether you told her about this place, – I repeated to him.

– Yeah, about this, – Valka's chin became some kind of square.

– Valya says this is it, – actually, I was sure Gina will interrupt me again, saying, «I got that», but she only nodded, biting her bottom lip. The green light went on.

– Valya, if you don't want to tell, I won't ask you about anything, – promised she.

– What did she say? – asked he.

– She won't ask you anything if you don't want to tell.

– Yeah, I didn't really wish... – he thought. – Let's talk, indeed, about something else.

– Gina, – it seemed to me I began to blink frequently, – Valya offers to talk about something else.

– Okay, – she was still looking past me. – Valya, are you alright?

– Valya, is it all right?

– Yes, probably, – suddenly he widely smiled to Gina, exposing his sharp fangs. – You, Gina, excuse me, just let's will talk about the war no longer.

– Valya says he's alright, – it was still hard to breathe for me, – he apologizes and offers not to talk about the war more.

– Valya, come on! – she stretched her right hand to him. – I'm the one who should apologize.

They exchanged with a shaking, and then Andrey Ivanovich said:

– Right, right, guys. Let's have... Because I have misled you a little.

– Well, Andrey Ivanovich! – resented she. – Why do you say so? I started all this conversation yet!

– As you say, – soothingly uttered he.

Troechnik smiled slightly, looking at all of us in turn.

– Well, – concluded I, – as I invited you to me today, so – it is my duty to show you the local sights, and I didn't start doing it yet, though we... have passed almost all the way already. Here, please – our wonderful park, – I made a wide circle in the air, – not the Central one, the Central we have in another place – in the center, respectively, and this one is called the Park of Memory. Now it isn't as good here as in the summer, and dark yet, but, nevertheless, there are very beautiful... and wide... lanes, well, we're going through one of them now, you see, and there is a lot of space indeed, because there was a park in this place before, rather, it was a square, but it was smaller and... so to speak... more simple. Although many trees were planted then too, just like in a real forest...

I was twaddling, but I couldn't help myself, probably, for the reason that, frankly, I didn't really want to do that – I did always like this condition.

– Yes, these trees, though small, but beautiful, – agreed Gina.

– And there were such large and... how to say...

– Thick? – questioningly prompted she.

– Yes, exactly, – I let her hand go and brought my palms together, fingers spread. – Like these ones. Paws.

– As in taiga, – she said a Russian word.

– That's right, – we clasped our limbs again. – There were different trees – m-m, pines...

– That was a good park, – said Ivanov. – It was always pleasure to walk there.

– So where exactly it was? – wondered Gina. – Right here, where we are going?

I raised my head towards Valya and Andrey Ivanovich:

– Over there. Here was a street already. Right here, – my chin was lifted in the opposite direction, – was a school, behind it were dwelling houses, and there, from where we entered – was a stadium. Oh, and next to it were common... multi-storey, if I said...

– You said right, I got that, – laughed she. – We have agreed to close this topic, as I recall, but I start it again... Tell me, gentlemen – do you know about tomorrow concert?

Our footsteps were sounding boomingly above the alley, which was flooded by an electric light. There still weren't passers nearby, the brightly painted benches, the bare stems of shrubbery and the leaves behind the decorative fence were glinting. Andrey Ivanovich with Troechnik slightly slowed down and turned to us.

– Of course, – said Ivanov.

– Yes, – responded Troechnik. – Especially if they regularly remind about that.

– I see, – Gina shifted her black irises to Valya. – And do you know?

– Valya, do you know yet, that tomorrow will be the «Fangman» concert?

– I know, of course, – he took a look at us with some amazement. – And will Gina go? Will you go, Gina?

– Valya, do you ask whether I'll be there? – she asked again. – Yes, I will. At least in the beginning.

– Gina said that she will go, at the beginning – for sure.

– That's cool, – grinned Valya. – I'll go too.

– Gina, Valka is with us.

– Very well, – she stated, and then she again appealed, as I understood, to the elders: – And you, my friends? Will you go?

– I – will definitely not, – voice of Ivanov rumbled from the left flank. – I guess, I have outgrown this music.

– Unfortunately, I must agree with this opinion, – declared Troechnik, being on the right of Gina and I. – The above...

– The aforesaid, – giggled Gina. – And the aforecited.

– Yes, – nodded Sasha. – Aye, aye. I like rock music very much, but not so heavy. Although I did like that guy, when we saw him.

– I'm talking just about that... – Gina has suddenly stumbled. – Wait. Wait, guys.

I glanced in the same direction, where she looked and, it seemed, I got that. Towards us, being already a few steps away, four young men in dark clothes and with different, but some pale and sinister masks on their faces were going. Gina immediately reached into her purse, pulled out the recent holiday accessories and began to set them in position, handing the extra to me:

– Here you go, Andrey.

– Give me better, – suggested Troechnik. – If you don't mind.

– Take it, please, – smiled I.

The teenagers approached us, and then Troechnik gasped loudly:

– Hi!.. Congratulations with this!..

– The Day Of All Saints, – prompted I. – Hello.

– Hello, my friends, – Gina addressed to them also.

– Hi, – said one of the schoolboys, and then the rest immediately repeated that after him.

– How are you? – Gina asked.

– And you said that... in what language? – surprised the other, a taller and thicker one. – In English?

– Yes, – hastily reassured I. – She asked, how are you doing.

– Okay, thank you, – he croaked, and his companion at the same time breathed out hollowly: «Yeah, I thought so, I just didn't understand that was in English», turning a masked face to his friend.

– Okay, Gina...

– I understood, – echoingly uttered she. – Happy Halloween, guys. Good luck to you.

– Thank you, – immediately responded the well-fed in her language. – You too.

The members of his company snapped up:

– Thank you!

– Many thanks!

– You are welcome, – murmured Gina, Troechnik blurted «Bye, guys», Andrey Ivanovich with Valya saw the boys by polite looks, and I said «Later, bye». They said goodbye in reply, waved their hands and then they began sonorously stamping behind our backs.

– Good boys, – Gina got rid of her mask and took the second one from the right.

– Yes, probably, – reacted Ivanov.

– I'm sure of it, – she gazed at me slyly. – Although they broke me. And I wanted to know about your meeting with the group leader that performs tomorrow. Alexander Petrovich, you said you've talked to him personally?

– Yes, I have, – explained Troechnik. – The three of us met with him, except Valya.

– You told he made a very good impression on you? – continued she.

– Not the word, – Troechnik raised his eyebrows. – Especially when I heard he speaks Russian better than me.

– Come on, do tell, – Gina didn't believe that. – Wow. He's, like, Swedish?

– «The more... degree of Swedish», – quoted I.

– What does that mean? – she still hasn't caught my meaning.

– That's – «Hotel «By A Dead Mountaineer».

– And, well, that's great, – she smiled with relief. – But is he actually fluent in Russian, or you are kidding?

– Why, seriously, – I fixed the hat which has slipped down onto my forehead.

– Andrey, tell us, please, again, – impressively asked she, – what that meeting was like. How did he get it touch with you?

I made a strong dry sip:

– I don't know that, by the way. But he called me, that's true. That was back in the summer, shortly after our arrival from the United States. You know, Gina, as jokes begin – «My phone rang...».

She burst out laughing, and Valya immediately grinned, looking at us.

– I'm telling, Valya, about Mik Graf.

– How you met with him? – specified he.

– Yes, – said I, and switched back to English, – so, some man phoned me and introduced himself as Mik Graf, the soloist of the «Fangman» Swedish band. And, besides, he did that in Russian, so I, of course, didn't believe him. At first. I heard he knows our language, but I thought a bit, I... didn't even suspect he speaks it just fine. So then the conversation went... as it should, he was speaking very... convincing, and we agreed he will come to our city, because he wished to give a concert here and, as he claimed, to talk with me else. I have immediately suspected something – first of all, he wants to... sue us for copyright violation, well, because we were playing his songs here in public and without permission.

– But did he explain anything about this on the phone? – Gina wouldn't be satisfied.

– No-no. We arranged only about the time, that's all. And, just in a few days he really came, and the four of us met. And I listen to his music for eight years, so that was very interesting for me to talk to him, even more so in our language. And he, in fact, started the whole conversation saying he heard about the fact we had used his songs without permission, but he's not only outraged by this, on the contrary – he's happy, even honored, because he was much worried about all these our events and so on. That's why he and the group decided to give a concert in our place. Well, that's... And we, of course, asked him about his knowledge of our language, and he explained he had been studying it at the university, and even himself, for himself, because he was always interested in Russia. Apparently, like you.

– That's amazing, – she was contracting the brow without stopping.

– He made an impression of such a... motivated person on me, – mused Andrey Ivanovich, – but, unfortunately, rather a fanatic.

– Well, in my opinion, every fanatic in his own way, – asserted Gina. – The main thing is he not to be a fanatic of theory and practice of mass murders, for instance. Well – as I understand it, we have come?

A park area has been completely overpassed by us, and before our eyes was another big roadway, now two times wider than the previous one. There was a long concrete wall on the other side of the street, which was ranging to the right, and on our left there were the rows of tall thin trees with a small aperture, being at a right angle to the road in their midst. We went a green light and were making our steps in silence. I don't know about the others, but no clever thoughts were crossing my mind.

– I... may be, I expressed that somehow roughly, Andrey Ivanovich... – began, at last, Gina.

– No, you are fully right, – instantly responded he.

– I just wished to say, – she uttered in a more conciliatory tone, – that... he's a musician, a creative person, like my colleagues, actors...

– Gina, I told you – everything is good. I totally don't argue with you, – Ivanov raised his right hand and smiled broadly. – More – I absolutely agree with you.

– Thank you, Andrey Ivanovich, – she grinned in response. – Just, in my turn, I heard this group has excellent poems, many people even call them the best of the best, that's that. So, I know that, we're here...

We passed the seedlings and then our company turned to the right together. Right before our eyes emerged a small pedestal, with a high, body-length, wooden cross on it. Gina came close, quickly pulled something out of her purse and put it down on the stone; the guys and I meanwhile were standing still.

A bit of time has passed, after what she said quietly:

– Let's go, my friends.

We started to turn around, and I was looking into the thing she left. That was not a single thing, but the few ones – a bunch of small, but, no doubt, natural flowers.

Chapter 5

– Well, gentlemen, – Andrey Ivanovich looked at all of us, – Gina. Let's probably go home?

Several cars swept near us, one after another.

– Yes, I think it's time, – agreed she.

– Well, – I joined and then added in Russian: – Valya, there's a proposal to say goodbye.

– I don't like goodbyes, – grimly pronounced Valya.

– What did you say? – Gina stared at him immediately.

– Valya says he doesn't like goodbyes.

– You done well! – laughed she. – Well done, Valya. But we can see each other tomorrow at the concert yet?

He nodded, confirming the foresaid, although, in theory, he shouldn't understand half those words.

– Gina said that tomorrow we'll probably meet again, – translated I. – There, where we agreed?

– I understood so, – he moved his head one more time.

– So, goodbye, – Ivanov stretched his arm to Gina. – I was glad seeing you and talking to you, Gina.

– Goodbye, Andrey Ivanovich, – she shook his wrist.

– Goodbye, Gina – Troechnik repeated the gesture made by his former commander.

– See you, Alexander Petrovich, – she smiled wider.

– Goodbye, – repeated Valya after them, in English, and then he added: – Bye.

– Bye, Valya, – she narrowed her eyes, squeezing his fingers. – You're a good sport. Later, see you tomorrow.

Then it was my turn for handshakes and polite phrases, Gina and I waved our hands to my guests and then we started walking down the sidewalk in the opposite direction.

– How do you like to say, – she began as soon as we passed five to seven steps, – «A long goodbye – the more tears», huh?

– Yeah, – I looked over her pretty face, which was very satisfied and wasn't dissembling that.

– I like this expression, but now it was also very topical, – Gina stabbed the air by her forefinger. – But that's okay, never mind. I wished to say another thing – you told me you had been living just about here at the time, right?

– Yes, everything is right.

– Look, could we go there awhile? – she slightly bowed her head, whereupon her face became even more beautiful. – Andrey, I understand we didn't agree on this, but I really would like to take a look at this place very much. If it's really close?

– It's over there, – I showed up and left, – and I don't mind, I thought about that myself. Only, you see, I don't know whether we can go... bypass the fences. There's one big construction site yet.

– We can try it, – Gina made saucer eyes. – We'll do all quickly – we'll look, and that's all. Like that, huh?

– Yes, – we have directed from the intersection almost diagonally, I admired her lovely countenance again and for the umpteenth time concluded that's possible to move all the mountains in the world, and perhaps even on other planets too, with her.

– Wha-at? – she drawled musically. – Maybe we could find some photo yet?

– Yes, I... – I looked away and shook my head, having time to think: «So, that's the way, like it is». – I mean not that. You... you look very good. You are beautiful, Gina. I love you.

She immediately stretched forward and up, putting her free hand on my shoulder, then she dug into my lips, she was doing it for a while, and then she even more quietly said:

– I love you, Andrey. And thank you for everything.

– W... uh... – I hesitated. – What do you mean?

We resumed our motion.

– Well, for everything, – lucidly explained she. – At least for everything had already happened to us. I've never had as much interest and fun with someone, as I had with you, I tell you honestly.

– Thank you, Gina...

– And, – grinned she, – if to think what else may happen to us today, so to speak, in the future...

– ...Close – interjected I.

– ...That's right, very close, all the more you've promised me, and you are not going anywhere from it, – she raised her eyebrows to the top of her high forehead, – so today could be just a damn-super-incredible event, at least, for me. I hope for you too. Well, for me – that's for sure, I guarantee you, Andrey. Believe me.

«I guess we're here», thought I, and then said aloud:

– I believe you, I believe. That's all, we have come. Thanks again for your wonderful compliments, Gina.

She again straightened on her toes, grinned and kissed me on my lips.

– You're the sweetest, Andy. So, this exact place was your house once in?

– Yes, right here.

– You told it was an old one also? – she specified.

– Well... by our standards. You probably heard about these buildings – five stories, rectangular...

– Oh, of course, – she replied lively. – «Khrushchevs». Or am I wrong?..

– «Khrushchev-kis», – I corrected. – Yes, that's the same thing. The same design.

Gina burst into a leaping laughter, clapping me on my hip a couple of times and at the same time saying something inarticulate.

– Oh, Andy, – she wiped the tears. – You're making such cool jokes. I've told you about that many times, but I will repeat and repeat it. Okay, let's go. We won't find a damn thing here, in such darkness.

– Come, – agreed I. – I also like your sense of humor, very much. At first it was strange for me, because I had never talked to anyone in English, but then... I began to understand more. Especially when you write something like that in a letter...

– Hmm, a correspondence – is a great thing, – she reassured in her turn. – And paper one is a thousand times better than electronic one, you've said absolutely right at the time. That's a pity they take so long. Yea-ah... Look, how will we go home now – as we came here or there is any other way?

– We have got a lot of ways, – I remembered some great phrase. – And... there is always another way.

– That's very good, – Gina again raised her index finger, – but I meant we could go through more places, without, of course, any hooks? I just really want... to see the neighborhood, I've never been here yet.

– I guess so, – I thought about that. – If we now cross the road, where we had just crossed it, and then will go either to the right, or to the left... just a little. And it would be like we'll just go through neighboring lanes of the park. But we could go down the street, to the left too, but farther, – I showed by my fist with an unfolded thumb, – but it will definitely last longer. While not too much, perhaps.

– No-no-no, – firmly objected she. – It's not necessary. Let's go through a parallel lane.

– You don't like to hurry yet? – smiled I.

– O-oh, I don't like that, – she shifted her head down and away for a moment. – In general, I can't stand it. But not now.

Again I looked into her face and again thought – how beautiful she is. Another sentence, a quotation, recurred to me, and my mouth unwittingly stretched from ear to ear. Meantime, we have already found ourselves on a familiar T-junction for the third time, there still wasn't a single pedestrian around, on any of the horizons, only cars were speeding by us, and only across – no one of them didn't turn toward us.

– And there's nothing funny, Andrey, – there wasn't, however, even the slightest resentment in her voice. – But I think you have something to say.

– Yes, – now I recalled Ivan Zhilin, – and I'm not laughing at you...

– Well, I'm kidding, come on, – she kept looking up at me.

– I... once again wished to say you're a very beautiful girl, and...

We walked down the road marking stripes.

– Thank you. And? – she repeated.

– I just remembered something else here, from one book, – I became confused, – but the phrase... is not quite... well, is not quite what I thought.

– Hey, that's cool! – she was delighted. – What phrase? Tell me, Andrey!

– That was about... Well, it doesn't matter, – I hesitated. – In general – «...And... And... by their... scary burning eyes was clear they were extremely sincere». But it, I must say at once – is not about you. You have got it on the contrary, Gina! Your eyes are very... are burning very good, I would say.

She laughed, even, rather, nickered for the hills again, fortunately there was only one car nearby, and that was behind us.

– Andrey, today you, probably, have already made me laugh, making up for all those three months we haven't seen each other, – she was breathing the words out with gurgling. – Ha-ah-ah!.. Well, that takes the cake, listen. Where is this from, huh? That's a cool phrase yet!

– Yes, I fully agree, – confessed I, also starting to laugh. – He-he, um-hmm. There was a writer... Wait –where we turn?

– Here, – Gina made a nod. – So which writer? A modern one?

– Yes, – I turned ninety degrees to the right after her. – He was... in the past decade, a writer and historian. Igor Bunich, you probably heard.

– I know about him, but I didn't read, – confirmed she. – As I see now, unfortunately. Well?

– He, by the way, – blinked I, – there is a book written... from the point of the Si-Ai-Ei resident in Russia, I still don't understand, whether it's fiction or documentary, the... events in which take place at the beginning of nineteen ninety-three.

– This is what I will definitely read, – she was scanning me by her irises, – but that quote isn't from there, right?

– No, – again agreed I, – it's from another one, but also, by the way, about ninety-three, about the shooting at our White House, you remember, we were talking about that.

Our feet reached the park gate, the dark bars and red bricks flashed close, the constant coniferous trees were planted and growing nearby, and the angular obelisks were discernible in the distance.

– Of course, I remember that, – she reassured in her turn. – So who was it about, whose eyes were burning?

– Generally speaking, the whole book consists of such phrases yet, – I shed some light. – But in that context... Context?..

– Never mind, – Gina brushed invisible crumbs with her free palm, gazing at me by the shiny dots.

– «Nevermind», – I joined her for the third time. – «Nirvana» album, nineteen ninety-one, – she made a quacking sound. – And in that book it was about governors, to whom... there was a vice president Rutzkoy, Alexander Vladimirovich, and he was coming to governors in various regions to... get their support. Most of them promised him... kind of nothing, but some of them, by the way, one of ours mentioned, of our region, at once said they will help him. Then – was that phrase.

– That's awesome, listen, – Gina has finally shut her mouth. – I must read it surely. How was it called?

– «Sword Of The President».

– Do you have it? Oh, excuse me – stupid question...

– That's okay, – calmed I. – I never had it, I took it from friends.

– Why did you say he was? – Gina wondered on. – The author, I mean? He died?

– Yes, three years ago.

– That's bad, – condoled she. – Only a good man could joke so. Generally, Andrey I must tell you, – her tone became respectful and deferential, – only now I begin to understand why you are so proud of your literature and your writers. That's truly a global fact. We were talking about that a lot, it's our favorite topic, I think, but now I just wish to tell you once again we have excellent writers in the Yu-Es, and, let's say, in Britain, they're great ones, but in general your literature – is at the top uniquely. This's what everyone is obliged to admit.

– I think so either, – responded I. – And you also remember I never mind talking about it, so repeat, I'm all for it.

The pine trees gave way to an empty plot, paved with the door-stones, and Gina exclaimed with admiration:

– Andy, you're so polite! I love that very much.

– Thank you, – seemed to be, I began blushing.

– You're welcome, – she grinned. – I really love, when you say like that. And that's not a compliment. That's true. You done well. Look, so that square was here, right? I recognize these things. How was it called exactly, you told me?

– «The Square Of Glory», – reminded I. – But most of people called it «The Monument».

– The Monument, right, – she was eagerly peering at the ruins. – And there was... as it was called – «a quenchless flame», right?

– Yes.

– I remember about «The Unknown Soldier» well, – she kept looking around, – that's what only the communists could think up with... Look, here also was the fight yet? Oops!.. I... Damn, we've agreed, I'm sorry, Andy.

– All right, come on, – winked I. – I will talk to you about the war more with pleasure, please.

– Thank you! – Gina suddenly jumped up and pecked me on the cheek. – I adore you! Well, I suggest we resume going. Just, you know, it really was like that – when Andrey Ivanovich was telling about what happened there, I was watching you and Valya, and I felt fear after a while. Your complexion changed then, Andrey.

– To green? – I asked.

Instead of answering, she doubled over again, slapping the knee by her hand. A moment later I shut my eyes because of laughing too.

– Gyghh-h, – pronounced she.

– And it seemed to me else, – as calmly as possible uttered I, – you were going... to ask something about that, even when we were standing there, on the other side.

– That's right, that's right, – Gina was rubbing under the eye by her fist.

– Because everything had happened in this place yet, – I went on the same, like, measuredly and quietly. – I thought you wished to know from Andrey Ivanovich, well, and from Sanya, about these events very much, and even your dialogue appeared in my mind.

– Wow! – she roused herself. – Come on, Andrey! Tell me, please.

– So, – I took a deep breath, – such thoughts. You: «You were here too yet, Andrey Ivanovich?». Andrey Ivanovich: «Yes, Gina». You, further: «And you saw everything with your own eyes?». He: «I did, of course». You then: «I saw everything too... even the same day, but on the screen, you probably remember that, we were talking in the summer». He on this: «I remember well». You: «So, have you personally eliminated all those scumbags?». Andrey Ivanovich in reply: «Yes. But not only me. Alexander too». You: «I hope that was painful for them». He: «That was so». Here.

– Listen, that's incredible, – her jaws were separated again. – You haven't surprised me, I surprise nothing with you for a long time, but that's just incredible – I was going to say something like that. You... umm, I don't know what... Perhaps, you have telepathic abilities, Andy.

I bowed my head, and a moment later I recalled:

– Well, they say people in love can easily read each other's thoughts. «Amantes – amentes», – I added in a dead language, and then switched to English: – Yes, I think, there's no need to be a strong telepath – you're aware of all our events yet.

– «Amantes – amentes»... – a little distractedly repeated she. – Damn right. Look, so what do you know about all that? You were lying in a hospital, but anyway!.. And the bombing! It was the hardest here, right? And – that record, with Valya, you should remember that well, we were watching all that together yet – that was right in this place? Okay, I guess, I'm asking a lot of questions again.

A strong embarrassment, even stronger puzzlement and a great, keen, just a passionate interest was written on Gina's pretty face.

– Don't worry, everything is fine, – I tried to ease her anxiety again. – I tell you. Especially you said that right. They were sitting over there, – my hand and chin lifted to the left, – and here, yes, indeed, all was bro... scorched. As for the fight... Well, as I heard, it was much more violent... than that one, about which Andrey Ivanovich was telling. They say everything was very... hard. All that was at night yet. Well, in the dark, I mean.

– That's what I remember, – quietly uttered she.

– Here, you see, – another thing struck me, – how that was happening. That was November the seventh, the most important holiday here in the old days – you mentioned about the communists – so a whole bunch of people was celebrating. They were celebrating, I mean, not we. In general, because of that spirit rose on that side, and here we are seriously losing else. Naturally, it's a double celebration – they were seriously thinking they had already won. That's probably why they took themselves so. Well, and then, when we gave them to the teeth, their bosses really... uh... went mad, – I wished to use the phrase «went daft», then, having realized, that I don't know, how – «freaked out», but then I understood at once, that I've never heard that one in English too, and then I decided that translation of the expression «slipped their trolley» is certainly known to me, but a moment later I confessed to myself that it's also unknown yet, and, therefore, I have a complete fiasco with slang words, and all this starts to bore me a lot, – and then had happened about what you... and all know well.

– I guess, yes, – she uttered again, almost in a whisper. – It's a nightmare, Andrey. Really, nothing was sacred to these people indeed... Whatsoever. How are you feeling, okay?

– Yes, everything is fine, – reassured I. – And how are you? Aren't your hands cold?

At these words, Gina put her fingers between mine and held them tightly.

– That's all right, Andy, – smiled she. – We'll be there soon.

– It's not very close for now.

– Let's press on then, – she steamed a new jet out of her mouth.

We increased our speed and kept quiet for some time. Underfoot the small yellow leaves, the same color needles and something white and shiny was flashing, on the sides – there were the plant-trees, the shrubs, the new sparkling benches and the brightly burning streetlights, atop was a black sky with faintly discernible clouds, and ahead of us something bright, but still non-descriptive, was looming too. Gina was curiously moving her head, periodically switching the vision organs to me, and some countless fragments go through my skull, which couldn't form a single whole, but which, undoubtedly, were necessary at the moment. An idea flashed – to say: «Look, it's good to keep silence sometimes», to say it just this way, fortunately, I could easily play that in English, without false modesty, and then choose a topic for conversation, however, I didn't know what exactly, but here Gina grinned and said:

– Your friends told us the truth. It's a great place, I like it – though it's not the Central Park, as compared with it. But here's great too. And there's no one here.

– At one time this place had a pretty bad reputation, – noted I. – In the past decade. They say... they said there could easily kill, that's about... at night, for example. And there were really a lot of people here before, even at nights, it seems to me, more.

– Well, that's, I think, logical, – she was footslogging heatedly. – And what about murders – you know...

That immediately came home to me, and I also grinned.

– Hmm, – I had a feeling I'll start to lag behind her now. – It's, yes. But once I was here late at night, in the summer, just in the past decade, of course, I was shaking with fear, and in those few minutes, I met, probably, fifteen women with baby carriages.

– Come on! – she smiled slightly again.

– Yes, I do tell you!

– So much for a dangerous place, Andrey, – Gina put her other hand over our clasped palms and shook them lightly.

– And I thought the same thing at that moment.

And at this moment I again thought we've accelerated too much.

– So – I guess, there it is, the fence, – her lungs definitely were all right. – Let's run a race to it?

– I run bad, – warned I.

– Then let's run together, – she changed her suggestion and blurted out: – Come on!

We started with a jerk and, waving our limbs, darted to the exit, which was not far already. Before my eyes were now flashing quite vague dark spots, except for the hands, twitching up and down, and toecaps. The gateway, which was finally reached, was almost the same as the one through which we were coming in here a few minutes ago.

– This way now, right? – Gina looked left.

– Yep, – nodded I. – The intersection is there.

– Listen, – she touched her bridge, – and did you often go like that, as we're going now, at the time when you lived here?

– Very rarely, – confessed I. – Maybe once or two a year.

– Wow, – she was surprised. – And through that, second way? Seldom also? You told me, there was only one block?

– Yes, over there, – I glanced forward, – straight ahead. There's... not too far away. That's it, all right, seldom. There just wasn't a particular need, I think...

Gina also briefly looked away, then drew her attention to me, and then the following happened, or rather, the following events, because we both looked at each other, grinned the broadest way and started constructing sentences:

– You know, Andrey... – this is, respectively, she.

– You know, Gina... – it's clear, that I.

She immediately broadened her smile from ear to ear, made not quacking, but some very strange and disparate whoop, squinted strongly, for a moment looked down, and then she fixed her irises at me, saying in a hoarse, low voice:

– Finally, we have reached this stage, Andy. That was inevitable. What were you going to say?

– You first, – I was bursting with laughter.

– Well, – she rubbed her forehead fast, pushing her cap. – Tell me, please – how did this Mik Graf seem to you?

– I did really like him, – replied I. – A great guy, we were speaking then... just with a great pleasure.

– I'm curious about his texts yet, – deepened she. – Did you talk with him about that?

– Yes, of course.

– Does he write them? – she did an emphasis on the second word. – Did you find that out?

– I did, – nodded I. – He writes the texts of his songs. His work.

– And you, by the way, – Gina was devouring me by her fixed eyeballs, – what can you say about them? Now, in particular, you know?

– Yes, – I raised my cheekbones. – These lyrics – are super.

– Everyone for some reason says so, Andrey, – stated she. – Everyone I asked. Not to mention various music critics. This is strange, in my opinion. Plus, the second thing – I got the impression that absolutely everyone likes this group, everyone who listens to heavy metal music, and who is even slightly familiar with their oeuvre. I remember we were talking about that, but again – it turns out only those who know nothing about them speak ill of them. I see in the papers that their albums each one better than the last. Something is... strange here. I don't say that is bad. But... I was tempted to find at least one song and listen to it very much, but, as we've agreed, that's what we'll do with you. Just if this is so, the «Fangman» group should be inscribed in the Guinness Book of Records.

– And they are already there, I guess, – carefully uttered I. – Just because of their album ratings.

– You're kidding yet, right? – she inquired about.

– Why, no, – however, I wasn't sure about that, – I heard something like that recently...

– But, what do you think, – Gina's pupils were narrowing gradually, – are they – a unique in?

– One hundred percent, – I wasn't lost in thought.

– And at least part of their songs based on rap? – about changes in her pupils size, apparently, I got an error yet.

– That's right, – again confirmed I, and then, trying to speak very quietly, bent down to her ear and said: – Gina, have you read the Strugatsky brothers tale «Escape Attempt» yet?

– I have, of course, – she also lowered her tone to almost a whisper.

Her blue eyes were burning in front of me.

– Do you remember there was such a phrase in the beginning, – I had, unfortunately, no certainty that in the translation, which was got to her, this was written exactly as I was about to play, – «envying is bad»? I'm kidding either, of course, you know.

Gina opened her mouth wider, joyfully grinned, moved her head and then eagerly dug into my lips. I returned the kiss and hugged her around the waist by my second hand, we stopped, and then she immediately put her limbs to my ribs. We were kissing for a while, then she leaned back, holding my hips, licked herself, blinked, again pursed up her mouth, and then asked:

– And may I... again?

– Please, – I blinked also.

We hugged and kissed again, but this time she pressed me to her much stronger. In the air there was some very, very suspicious silence.

– Thank you, – quietly uttered Gina.

– You're welcome, – responded I. – And thank you. But I still say that was a joke.

– But I really envy! – she made a big step, and I began walking after. – At least a little! So you said all that right.

– Listen, – I decided to make it clear, – what's the difference what and who consider someone. Well, that's... It's a matter of taste. Like poetry, and music, and movies, by the way. Maybe those people who like his songs, aren't mistaken, I personally believe they aren't, but – if just compare – many people consider you one of the most talented actresses of your generation too, for example...

Gina closed her eyes without saying anything.

– ...And someone calls the most talented one, and, in my opinion, they are right for sure. I'm serious.

– Thank you, Andrey, – whispered she.

– You are welcome, – I suddenly felt cold palpably. – By the way, he, Mik Graf, was greatly surprised we know each other too, and said he also would like to meet you very much because... he extremely respects your works in his turn. Here.

– We'll try, – she took a sip dry. – Personally, I'm very curious. Listen, what were you going to say yet, Andy?

– You mean, when we were crossing the road, then?

– Yes, – slightly smacked she.

– Yeah, I just... – I lost the wording. – I just had a thought... well, when we... accelerated, that, if there was a car now... m-m... at hand, so we would have been at home already.

– That's a good point, – stressed she. – By the way, please tell me again – do you drive a car?

– Yes, – I left no doubt, – but I have no license.

– So it was hard in your country, right? – wondered she. – People told me getting it took a long time and stuff.

– Yes, I always thought so, – agreed I. – Besides, you see, I've never had my own car, so I wasn't in a hurry to get it... And do you drive?

– Yes, – she slightly rolled her eyes. – I do. Since high school.

– Do you at school, I heard, learn it yet?

– All right, – once again confirmed Gina. – In senior high. And all without exception... have to obtain it. Kidding. What is the phrase in Russian language, – she grinned swiftly, – I still can't memorize that, but I do remember its translation has just... knocked me for six – «voluntary and...» uh...? Well, that was about manner there, you know that surely!

– «Dobrovol'no-prinuditel'nyi»? – proposed I, however, almost in a hundred-percent assurance.

– That's right! – exclaimed she. – How, please, repeat the second word?

– «Prinuditel'nyi», – I complied with her request.

– «Pri... nu... di-tel-ny», – pronounced she. – It's translated as «compulsory» into English, as far as I know, but this idiom, I was finding that out from the linguists, has no meaning in our words at all. That's amazing, Andrey. You think so too, I'm sure.

– You're right, – I joined her opinion again. – And I heard the point, that in Russian language it doesn't make sense too.

– Exactly! – happily cried she. – I'm telling you just about that! Tell me – is that nonsense?

– Yes, that is complete nonsense.

– Absolutely! – she revolved her right palm. – Any person, even not too... intelligent, even just silly, will say there can be no any voluntary-compulsory manner – or you do something, voluntarily, or someone forces you, so you do it compulsorily, but it can't occur simultaneously. Someone who concocted that, gorblimey, huh, – Gina covered her hair.

We took a little bit to the right.

– So then, you know, – I tried to explain, – that meant... not strictly. I mean this expression belonged... to a new language, or something...

– Yes, I remember that, I remember, Andy, – reassured she, – it's a communist jargon, yes, I just wished to say the man who invented this... – she paused with a frozen smirk, – pearl of philology, made me personally laugh very much. Almost like you, well, you do it all the time, and he – did that once.

– Thank you, Gina.

– You're welcome, – giggled she. – But we have strayed from the topic – we were talking, as I recall, about the procedure of driver's licenses obtaining.

– About the manner, – it was my turn to chuckle.

– A-alright, – drawled she. – So, you've never specially learned driving a car?

– No.

– But, nonetheless, you can operate a car? – pressed Gina.

– I can, – nodded I.

– You told me one was in your family, – she reminded and asked again: – So, your parents had taught you?

– Well, yes.

– And did you drive after that, at the wheel? – she wouldn't let it go.

– I've never driven in the city, – objected I. – Sometimes, outside the city, in the country... So... But once I was driving a Bi-Em-Pi. Well, an infantry fighting vehicle.

– I know what it is, – she eagerly waved by her free hand. – You tell me the whole story!.. Look, it, probably, will be more interesting than the story of Andrey Ivanov.

– Hardly! – laughed I. – There... Well, that was when we were retreating outside the city. At the end, when... well, when the defense of the city almost ended. You know.

We skipped the transverse driveway and at the same pace rushed to the small junction which was already seen nearby.

– Of course, – assured she.

– Here, – I scratched my head under the cap. – We were running. The most real way, because they were trying to surround us all the time, and... the closer was the countryside, the better they did that. So, November the twenty-third last year, early in the morning, eight hours, I think. The south-eastern suburbs of our city, the edge... it is five hundred meters from there to the administrative border in a straight line, even less. We were on the territory of... a truck stop or something, in short, it was a final stop of the public transport, buses, and at the same time there was that exact park. In a word, that... that facility was called «A Department Of Mechanization», I don't know is there a synonym in English language...

– I think I understand you, – judiciously pronounced Gina. – I suppose that's something like Em-Ti-Es?

– That's right, all right, – answered I. – Yeah, you're familiar with that term yet. Imagine – a small piece of land located between the railway and the road, fenced from... the first two sides, and from the other two – with the buildings standing close. And it's all placed with the various... trucks, trailers and other... cranes. So we hid our captured vehicles there – we had two Bi-Em-Pi and one armored personnel carrier, Bi-Ti-R in short, you also may know that...

– Of course, I heard, – reasserted she.

– Well, – I took a sip dry, we turned to the other side of the street. – We were there at that date, and it was the morning after that... battle, about which we had also quite in detail talked in the summer – the final assault in the city, when...

– I remember, – interrupted she. – Inskaya.

– You're a good sport, – I let her wrist go of my hand and then pressed it to Gina's body, clutching her waist. She immediately buried her face into my cheek, breathing by a steam. – There were about fifty people from the different groups, were the prisoners else, but I do remember in that place there were thirty-five seriously injured. They couldn't neither walk at all... and it was urgent to take them away to the hospital, which was located in a nearby village. But we had to go about three kilometers to it – even if you want it very much, you can't carry an injured through this distance. That's why the armored vehicles were. We ended loading them, the injured, looked around, clarified the situation with our neighbors, in short, we got ready – and the shelling started. And not around, as they always did, but right to us. Personally, I had a feeling that everything is flying me straight to the head. Well, we, who were covering – began to run to the shelters, and those who had to go – they pressed, respectively, on the accelerators, but the guy, a driver of one of the cars, was killed on the spot. In front of me. Rather, in front of Troechnik and me, – I uttered the nickname in Russian, without hesitation, and immediately checked myself: – I mean, with Sanya, Alexander Tugarinov.

– We had just today found that out from him, why he was called so, Andy, – smiled she. – I understood that.

– I guess... – I widely spread my jaws, – I forgot a little. So. He immediately shouted to me – get in, say, and drive. And they had been showing me how to drive... all these things, earlier. I, as quickly as I could, jumped into that machine, threw my rifle somewhere aside there and pressed on... that thing. There's no wheel, in these vehicles, and not levers, as in the tank, but this thing like a plane steering wheel. You push on it, and you go. But you need to watch a road else somehow – for this driver has such a... small piece of glass. It was seen just disgusting, if honestly. Well, maybe the weather was cloudy.

Gina snorted lightly, reverting her beautiful eyes for a moment.

– There were clouds for sure then, – I hastened to justify myself. – At least small ones. So, I was sitting, in that chair, just shaking, just very scared, but I had to go. I gripped this damn steering wheel, the Bi-Em-Pi rolled, and the road there, directly from that place, was pretty steepy... from the hill, well, down, too, and I thought that's all – now I'll come. Not there. The biggest irony at that moment was that exact highway – was the road through which I went, probably, a million times, we went through it to our country, but I always was in a passenger seat. And now – for the first time at the wheel, and under such circumstances. How do you... like to say, by the way, I also really like this expression – that's just incredible.

– Yes, Andrey, – agreed she. – This is really something amazing. But you got to the hospital safely?

– Of course, – I shook my head, – I was lucky again. We were rushing like crazy there... Honestly, I don't know how I didn't hit any house, for example, after we reached the village streets, and we had to go through them about the same as through the highway, but a couple of times it seemed to me – I'm about smashing. God knows, Gina. And, you know, – I laughed, remembering, – I told you right now there was a hill at the beginning of the road – so there immediately after it were two more ones, and... higher. The asphalt was exactly like that, – my left hand made a sine wave in the air. – When I was smaller, I always had my breath intercepted in a car when we were going through this place, and at that moment yet I thought that... I'll just fly. In the air.

Our feet left behind the next block, the intersection was the last on our way home. There were several cars, including, as an illustration to about what we were just talking, a huge truck with a trailer, and, to my relief, a few passers-by – both on the one side and on the other.

– I remember, we should go in that direction, – Gina glanced at the roadway at an angle, and then we rushed to the nearest green – through the crosscut street. As soon as we moved, the second road became free too.

– A Green Street, – blurted I.

– Kind of, – she snapped up. – Yes... So you don't like to be in the driving seat?

– I don't like it at all, – confided I. – I'm, rather, a passenger, not a driver.

– And you, it turns out, – she concerned on, – didn't drive a car since that?

– No, Gina, – smiled I. – Look, and have you got your own car? Damn, what a stupid question from me – of course you have...

– Yeah, – she bared her teeth.

– Some... very expensive one? Tough? «Ferrari»?

– C'mon! – chuckled she. – Actually, we wished to buy something like that once, but we changed our mind then, fortunately. I have two cars – «Golf» and «Corvette».

– Wow! – appreciated I. – «Golf» – you mean?..

– Yeah, such a small one, – Gina shook her head, – for going shopping and so on... A touring one.

– I see, – not all was clear to me, – and what «Corvette»? Fifth? «Zed-R-One»?

– So you know about that yet! – she exclaimed with surprise. – Wow! Why did you pretend you don't know about cars, Andrey?

– ...I didn't pretend, I think, – I began to make excuses again. – A driving... well... probably didn't attract me to it...

– Yeah, that's because your bureaucrats were tormenting you, issuing licenses for you during ten years, – instantly responded she. – If you would have that opportunity back at school yet, you would have a different attitude on that, that's for sure.

– I guess, I think so, – here I was fully in sympathy. – It's just, I think... well, that's like trains and... some small cars – that's just curious. Especially when you're little.

– I don't intend to argue with this indeed, – she screwed her eyes up.

Finally, our entrance has appeared – first from the corner, emerging from the darkness.

– No, have you really got «Chevrolet Corvette»? – I apparently decided Gina made a joke.

– Yes, Andy, – she squinted even more. – It's in my garage. As soon as you come to visit me, we'll certainly take a ride on it, I promise you.

– And what kind of model? – I didn't want to back down.

– «Si-five», – she satisfied my curiosity. – «Zed-ou-six».

– What color is it?

– Blue, – notified she. – Dark blue.

– Wow, – I was pleased and stunned. – It's a tough car yet, cool. And when have you bought it?

Along with the question I creaked with the front door and made a lane for Gina.

Chapter 6

– A couple of years ago, – she stamped with her soles. – Look, Andrey, as I can see, you're quite interested in this subject. Just don't get me wrong, okay?

Instead of answering, I laughed with wheezing sounds.

– Okay, – I reassured as convincing as possible. – That's just my favorite, probably, car. I'm sorry that I'm boring you...

– Come on! – she spun around. – What are you talking about, don't be absurd – you aren't boring me, Andy, stop that. Everything is fine. I give you my word – the first thing we'll do, when you will be visiting me – we'll have a ride on it. A fast ride, – she added, in my opinion, although there was no certainty again.

– So you... chase? – I was looking for a word again.

– Oh, I'll say, – she pulled her hat from the top. – I chase not half. Two hundred miles per hour.

– Well, it's the top speed somewhere... – muttered I.

A plangent high meow was heard behind the flat door. «He wants to eat, an animal», thought I, opening the lock. Gina smiled broadly, as if in answer, I let her pass into the hall, closed, turned around, at the same time getting rid of the headdress in my turn, and at this point she immediately caught the back of my head by her hands and clung to my lips. We were kissing a little fiercely, huddling by our corpuses, it was getting hotter with every second, and that damn kitten was squealing louder and louder.

– We are at home at last, – said she, slowly raising her eyelashes.

– Yes, very good, – I agreed and remembered: – Look, I want to say – your pupils... are so big, black, it's very beautiful. Although, by the way, they should become less yet – here is, like, a light...

– That's not because of lighting, Andy, – she took a sip dry and exposed her fangs again. – Yours are big too. This is because a body is excited. Also a voice must lower, lips must turn bright red and boobs must stick, – she spread her index and middle fingers in the shape of a «V», pleasing me with a neologism very much, – so. Okay, let's brush up, and you – first. Don't try to tell me you don't need to use the bathroom.

– I need, of course, – I took my jacket off, – but you, probably, also...

– I can hold out longer, – snapped Gina, however, very good-naturedly. – Go ahead.

We finished undressing, I went into the bathroom, and then something started hammering in my chest. A sigh abruptly stopped and fell somewhere to the feet, my fingers, biting by invisible mosquitoes, began dancing on my jeans belt, they, the jeans, strongly squeezed my stomach, and my T-shirt, which was displeasingly sticking both to the chest, and to the back already, suddenly became even hotter and wetter. I even thought I saw two parallel jets of steam, rising both on the right and left sides by my peripheral vision, but my eyes felt themselves funny too, so God knows. Uh-oh-oh, flashed across my mind. Worst I can do is lose my balance, break me something here now, and farewell to a romantic date. And she won't accept any excuses yet – she will finish me for such an attitude. It's dollars to doughnuts. She will find where the five and forty-five caliber rounds are hidden here, she will load a magazine – and can recite the last sentence. And, in principle, she will be absolutely right, I summed up privately and laughed loudly. Bells in my head and a pile-driving-in machine under my ribs, like, settled down a little. I shifted my upper body to the sides a couple of times, took a deep breath and opened the door.

Otto flew towards me like a bullet, purring loudly. I bent at my waist, making sure that, like, I'm not getting any kind of prolonged syncope, patted him on the back, said «Good kitty, good» quietly, and then I walked into the small room.

– Your turn, – I unstuck my mouth.

– Okay, – Gina quickly disappeared in the hallway.

I approached the windows, shut the window leaf, then, a moment later, unfolded it widely and proceeded to the kitchen. The cat dish was almost empty, only in the deep platter was a bit of water. I opened the refrigerator and took the half of the egg out, cut it properly and poured into the flat bowl. Otto immediately began working by his jaws – he was already waiting for it. I was watching him for a few seconds, and then I didn't abstain yet – opened the fridge again, extracted the pack of cherry juice, poured it into a glass and began to guzzle it – however, in small sips. Yes, I thought.

Gina appeared from the bathroom, saw me, smiled and uttered:

– Here I am. Are you hungry a lot?

– How do you say... – confused I, setting my cup aside. – Maybe later.

– We'll eat later, – she pulled her palms forward.

– And don't you want to drink?

– That's later also. Come on.

We brashly moved back, Gina, without reducing her long stride, faced to me, clasped her hands at my loin and toppled onto the bed backwards, pulling me along. Still in the flight she tilted her head, bringing it closer to mine, and I responded to an extremely demanding and eager kiss once again. Below me was very soft and warm, and I felt Gina's hair, it seemed, by my entire scalp.

– Wait, – I came off. – Wait, please. I need to close the window.

– Of course, – she skewed. – Come on. Look, that's so cool cherry flavor – that was necessary, perhaps, to take a sip.

– Please, – I squeaked with the frame.

– No-no-no, – sniffed she. – That's all right. Next time.

I froze in front of her, getting on her feet also.

– Are you okay, Andy? – she asked gently. – Do you feel normally?

– Yes, I think, all is good.

– I beg you – please, don't worry, – Gina smiled a little, but very seductively. – Are you really all right? Didn't you change your mind now?

– No, what are you talking, – reasserted I.

– O-okay, – she arched her red lips again. – I really want to do this for God knows how long, – she put her palms on my sides and began to pull the edge of my T-shirt out of the jeans belt. – I love you, Andrey. I fell in love with you at first sight I saw you. And I wished... well, I wished, and I still wish to do... you understand, what. And, finally, we can do that. You...

– Me too, Gina, – in my turn, I touched her thighs by my hands, – I love you too... and you too... you're so beautiful.

– Thank you, dear, – she looked up at me, pulling my singlet. I carefully bowed my head, releasing the collar, and then said:

– You just don't surprise very much now.

– What do you mean? – she carefully put my rag on the chair.

– Well, you like scars yet...

Gina turned back, looked at my belly and exclaimed:

– Ho-oly shit! Wow, Andrey! I-i should say!

– Looks good, right?

– Come on, man! That's... Why didn't you tell me anything? – she ran her finger through a long cicatrix.

– I decided to make a surprise, – squinted I.

– Well, sakes alive, – she shook her chin. – Okay. Let's resume.

She speedily reared her T-shirt and put it near my clothes, on the seat, and I, meanwhile, divested my feet as agile as possible. Gina undid her jeans and took them off, putting them on the same chair. Beautiful and perfectly fitting white underwear was on her, and a very delicious smell, emanating from her body, as I thought, became much more perceptible.

– I'll take it, let me, – she grabbed my pants and pulled them down. I unwittingly grinned and sighed loud.

– Let me also, – I whispered and reached behind her back.

– Yes, – she fixed her irises on me.

The bra clasp was found and opened. We threw the objects, that were in our hands, aside, and looked at each other again. Gina took a sip dry, and I was naturally staring at, at least, probably, ninety-nine-centimeter breast, topped with the small and erected nipples.

– I want...

– Wait, – interrupted she. – Now.

Again she stretched her small palms along her body, stuck her thumbs between her waist and the cloth, then she raised and immediately lowered first one her leg, and then the other – and the last component of her vestments glided on the chair. Obviously, I noticed all that by my peripheral vision, because I couldn't revert my eyes from her – Gina looked just stunning. Her physique was lean, but at the same time it was distinctively sporty, as I actually always assumed: her hands had the most proper, in my opinion, development for female, her abdomen was a bit sunken and rigid, with a beautiful muscle definition, her legs were long and slender, but, again, not thin, her skin was taut, of warm tones and soft seemingly, but her big roundnesses, which were in the upper part of her body, aka the attractive, rather, attracting, convexities were, of course, beyond all comparison. In that place yet, which her panties were just hiding, all was glistening, red and smooth. My heart started pounding again.

– Come to me, Andy, – Gina smiled broadly and put her hands on my shoulders.
Chapter 7

Looking into the room, I saw Gina sitting on the bed edge, and Otto sitting on her lap. She flashed by her teeth and asked:

– Well, how are you, alright exactly?

– Yes, of course, alright, – I started to get dressed hurriedly, dancing between the chairs. – And how do you feel?

– Andrey, come close, please... – she drew near me too, holding my waist by her hands and cuddling the right side of her face against my stomach. – You're so cool... I... I hadn't what we've just made, for nine and half months, I could have another child within that time. So at this moment I feel as if my lifelong dream came true, – she pecked me on a bottom right corner of my body, whereupon the drawers tissue began to strain even faster – it was straining before. – I don't know when you made love last time, I don't ask you, though I want to ask you about that very much, but for me, my break was very long. Too long. Therefore I'm – the happiest individual in the world now, believe me. And I want to have with you... this one more time very much. At least one more time. Or two. Better, two yet. Come on? I talk a lot, huh? But you also want it, in my opinion, am I right?

Gina raised her head and gazed at me with her huge, shiny and slightly moistened eyes.

– O-of course, – by a hoarse and a kind of not my voice pronounced I.

– Sorry to interrupt your dressing, – she grinned.

– No problem, come on, – I managed my vocal cords. – So, to have. A sexual intercourse.

Then she started cackling from the rooftops, bending almost to the floor. The kitten rushed to the side in a fright, and I have, finally, buckled my belt, laughing in turn.

– And you, Andy, – exhaled she, – constantly pretend your English is not so good.

– Well, I heard that in some movie, I did like the word.

– Y-yes!.. – frantically nodded she.

– The word «intercourse», I mean, – specified I.

– Mkh-heh, – coughed she. – Vyh-h, ha. Hmm. Andrey, I love you, but for that I'm just fond of you. How do you get so, huh?

– Probably, because, – I gave my palm to her, – I watched a lot of humor shows... when I was at school. Let's eat something.

– Let's, – she squeezed my fingers and jumped. – I want a little – you remember, I'm on a diet. So, humorous Ti-Vi shows. Comedians.

– A kind of, – I stroked her sensitive skin, hot as a boiling water.

– I love you, – a little breaking, uttered Gina.

– I love you too.

A couple of moments later we were behind the wall again. My hands once again opened the refrigerator, moved its contents there, and then took out a large plate.

– Excellent, – replied Gina. – Let me serve up.

– No, – I protested. – Let me.

– Andrey, stop... – she began, but I interrupted her:

– No way. You're my guest, so...

She radiantly and somehow slyly grinned but said nothing, and I, meanwhile, apportioned our food to the smaller pots, put the bread and the forks on the table, and then we began to eat, sitting close to each other.

– Here I've just remembered one such a funny program, – I blurted out on a whim.

– What exactly? – chewed she.

– Yes, you most likely don't know it, – a quagmire was definitely getting me, I had to turn back. – Never mind. Let's talk about it later. Let me tell you an anecdote instead.

– Oh – sure! – she gawped for a moment. – I'll be happy to listen.

– In a word, someone is reading a newspaper, – posted I. – Reading and immediately commenting to himself. So... «Pig orgasm lasts thirty minutes». In my next life I want to be a pig. «Seawater contains fifty million tons of gold». In my next life I still want to be a pig. «A fusion reactor of an average power will replace half of existing nuclear power plants in the world and... will provide the mankind almost free energy for two hundred years into the future». In my next life I still want to be a pig».

Gina's shoulders and all the upper part of her body began trembling along with the table.

– An actual story, – chaffed I.

– Hmm, yes, – she recollected herself. – The most interesting thing is that I've also heard about that. About pigs, I mean. I don't remember, whether in a newspaper or not, but I read that... boars have this thing lasting fifteen minutes, fifteen, not thirty, but they can immediately do it again. So everything is right, as always.

– Based on a true story.

– Sure, of course, – agreed she. – I want to know: how are you now yet? I mean, what do you feel?

– I feel... – I hesitated and then laughed softly: – You know, the music is playing in my head. Marilyn Manson, well, you remember I like metal. And actually, that's pretty weird, because usually I have playing «Breaking The Law» by the «Judas Priest» group.

Gina made an attempt to laugh once again, but she couldn't do that loud because of the food stuffed her mouth.

– Well, quotha, – gasped she. – So, Marilyn Manson. Listen, Andy, you're just an incurable romantic.

– I really hope so.

– I'm just a little hazy about, – she squinted roguishly again, – how should I understand the word «usually»?

– You are, – I caught that, in my opinion, – about when I... last time... um... had...

– Yes, – she widened her eyes. – A sexual intercourse.

– You said you really want to ask me about it? But you won't?

– Oh, I won't, – she put her fork down. – Well, I'm kidding, Andy. So, – she pointed her index finger at me, – I'll pour a drink myself. If you try to interrupt me – you will get some.

– Okay, – I didn't argue. – And what about the «usually» – I mean not necessary sex exactly, but... so to speak... all what is associated with relationships with... – of course, I tripped over the word «girls», – well... with a soul rising which is called by all these matters, and all of that kind, here. I speak seriously...

– I do believe you, come on, – she returned to her seat, holding a full cup aweigh, and patted me on the leg. – And have you any records... here now, probably you have got them?

– Of course, I have. On cassettes, though.

– Yeah, that's... – Gina sipped a drink. – So let's have a little? I'd love to listen to it with you.

– Look, now, I think, it's too late...

– Ah, yes, – she instantly caught on. – Yeah, you're right. About what I'm talking.

– Let's tomorrow, – I suggested and added, livening up, – I'll be, honestly, happy either to give you one song to rate, which I really like...

– Not those you told me you like the most? – wondered she. – I don't like them...

– No-no, – calmed I. – Another group. It's called «Extremum». They have a song... based, as they say, on a poem of the fifteenth century, such a poet – François Villon...

– Wow! – she raised her eyebrows for a moment. – Andy, you've intrigued me again.

– Thank you, – I got up speedily and went to the sink. – There is, however, also in German.

– Well, that doesn't matter, – said she. – Look, let me help you clean up.

I turned and gazed into a shining pretty face:

– Gina, come on. That's what I... do myself for sure. You, please, do a moral support for me... You can play with the cat now, if you want.

– Okay, – broadly smiled she.

The tap was turned, the water started running, and I set to work. My hands were making habitual movements, the plates were thumping and a stainless steel was ringing. At that moment a famous anecdote came to my mind, about how one couple had dinner together, apparently, as we had now, I don't know why I thought so, and then she announced her intentions to a man, but he thought she was trying to compel him to do the same thing I'm doing now. That was noticed very, very subtly. I must tell it Gina... damn, she doesn't understand Russian, it will come out not funny yet... Anyway. Gina, in my opinion, didn't cease to scrutinize me, even being back-turned to me – when she was petting the kitten sprawled on the radiator. That's right, I thought. She's just a good sport. We are, indeed, on the same wavelength – I didn't ask her to keep quiet now yet, I had nothing like that on my mind, although, unlike her, I can't stand, when somebody talks when I do something, even during washing-up – but she has somehow guessed. Hoity-Toity. No, I'm pleased positively. Okay, like that's all – I wipe my hands and it's time.

– Here we go! – I pronounced three of my favorite English words. – Done.

– Otto tried to bite me here. Just kidding, – she smiled.

– He shouldn't strongly... – I uttered slowly. – I have him not too wild, fortunately.

– Yes, I tell you – that's a joke, – she walked out of the room. – That was cats' idea of a joke.

– Wait, – stopped I. – It's necessary to brush teeth.

– Of course, – instantly replied she. – You first.

– No, you.

– No, you, Andrey, – stubbornly repeated she.

– Gina, – I didn't want to argue with her overwhelmingly now. – Let's... we won't. Please. You came to visit me, we very, very much... we have just a wonderful time, I don't even know how to say, and I'm not going to put pressure on you... even a little. In addition, there's another point – I have a great respect for equality between men and women, I appreciate very much that you... stick to these... this theory... uh... well, I didn't mean that, don't look at me like that...

Gina was listening with politely parted lips, but then she refrained and closed her eyes for a moment, making a nod.

– Don't laugh, I beg you, – scarcely suppressing a spasm in my throat, resumed I. – Look, I really don't want to read to you... well, these... notations...

– «Lectures», – she presented me the word of new mintage.

– They exact, – I waved the hand and then put my arm around her waist. – But you... you gave place to me several times today, not to mention the fact you had helped me just extremely with my birthday, and I'm very grateful to you... for all that. Nevertheless, you – are my guest, I repeat myself, I'm sorry, and you're a woman, but even if not to... pay attention to it, at least because of the first reason I must let you pass forward, but not you. That's when I'll be in your house – then I'll always go first, okay? I'm kidding, of course. Come in, please. Especially since you've already got the toothbrush, I noticed that.

The skin on her face turned pink, but her pupils remained black and bottomless.

– Thank you, Andy, – uttered she. – You're, probably, right. You've got eloquence, listen.

– Ooh-hh, eloquence, – I shook my head. – Damn it. I won't bother you?

– Stay here, drat, – threateningly-naturedly ordered she. – Sorry.

– That's okay, – I spread my hands. – Then I will be prompting you something, well, how to move it... the... up, down there...

She snorted jauntily, and then she began the process of brushing, glancing at me previously, and I was looking at her and, to be honest, I couldn't stop to admire. Such a beautiful girl. No, «beautiful» – is the wrong word, if to tell, again, the truth, I like the epithet «pretty» more, but that's not exactly so in our case too. She is – lovely. Superb. Delightful. Delighting. No, «delightful» and «delighting» – it's, like, almost the same thing... But whatever. Posh. Splendid. No – I like these adjectives less, besides, I had them always associated with something big, such... a voluptuous body, but my Gina is small, thin and with narrow hips. What I do need. Posh and splendid she is in her breast – again, in the only place where it's required. I totally have a crush on her, that's what is right, what definition. Because she's not only beautiful, but also intelligent. That's the way it is.

– Your move, orator, – Gina hung the towel. – What were you thinking about?

– Not «what», – I let her out, and went to the bathroom, – but «who». About you, of course.

– Thanks, – she said and then added, a kind of confusedly: – Listen, I begin fretting again, huh? Excuse me, Andy. Sorry. I can't help it, a bad temper. Forgive me, for God's sake. Let's do this: if this happens again – you make a fist of your right hand and wipe my nose! – it seemed to me, she stuck her lower jaw out and goggled for a moment.

– Gina, – turned I. – Come on. What nose... then a butt better, – I punched the air with my hand, – a-tat-tat! Don't worry, please. Everything is fine. You told me – Scottish roots. The guys are hot there, everyone knows that. Duncan McLeod, for example, of McLeod clan...

She began cackling again, but not loud, and low, stilly, because she was brimming over with laughter thoroughly.

– Besides, I done well too – began... to flood demagogy. Don't worry, – I glanced at the enamel.

– Thank you, Andy, – affectionately said she. – You're so sweet. So... cool. I love you so much.

– Me ch... – I tried to snuffle, but she interrupted:

– I know. Be silent. You know, I'm... I'm watching you now – and I take pleasure from it. Since you and me started hanging out, to talk, I mean, then, in the summer, I... I wanted to look at you, to talk... well, just talking with you – that's generally a special subject, and I'm not talking about that now... Of course, I wanted not only that – I wanted to kiss you, of course, I wanted you to hug me, to touch me, I wanted to fall into some grass as this stupid song goes... actually, no, on the contrary – the song's good, I like it either... never mind; and make love with you for hours and hours, but for a start I was happy just to look at you, at your face and... just to see you close, – she sighed, slightly panting again, it seemed to me. – I wanted to touch you, and I did that... Well, you remember that well. For some reason it seemed to me then you're a little... haywire, you didn't like that for some reason, but then I realized I just embarrass you since I'm a stranger, and this is absolutely right, and I concluded – what a fool I am. But anyway – then both in the room of that hotel, and in the park a few times I wanted... well, at least just to touch you. And in general, I tell you, I wished to see happen what we had just been having. Desperately. I just honestly... and I talk turkey. I fell in love with you, and I had the hots for you. And today, at last, that happened and that's so cool... I repeat myself again, yes?

– Only just a little, – I finished a hygienic procedure. – But no problem. Thank you for your wonderful words.

– You are welcome, – quietly uttered she. – Thanks to you.

We walked back to the room. She stopped and planted her hands on my clavicles, crossing her palms on my neck.

– Andrey, – Gina was looking at me from the bottom up with eyes wide open, – I love you.

– I love you too, Gina, – smiled I.

Chapter 8

I moved my eyelids and realized that I woke up. The room was dark. The blanket, contrary to custom, wasn't hanging down to the floor, and a very short time later I got, why – turning my head to the right, I saw Gina carefully looking at me.

– Good morning, – I said in English.

– Hi, – she bared her white teeth.

– You... – I wished to utter «How long did you wake up?», but understood that I don't know how, and instead of it I asked: – When did you wake up?

– A few minutes ago, I guess, – she kissed me to the corner of my mouth.

– And how... did you sleep in general, okay? – continued to worry I.

– Yes, very well, – Gina stretched her mouth even more, – thank you. How are you feeling, Andy?

– Everything seems alright... – actually I was feeling some discomfort in the abdomen area. – Wait... Wait a minute, please.

– Andrey, – she put her hand on my cheek. – I understand. Go to the bathroom and don't worry.

– And you?

– And I don't want now, – slyly squinted she, bowing her head.

Having quickly slipped the trunks on my waist, I moved to an adjacent room. In my sight emerged Otto, which began purring, rubbing against my legs and definitely begging something. I stroked him, and then I apparently realized what he wanted – I threw out the contents of his tray, turned water on and began to wash a plastic container. Yes, I thought. Yes, yes, yes. Oh, yes. It seems everything is fine, as I said, but I'm worried for some reason. So to speak, a bit. Well, I hadn't had a birthday like this for sure yet. And I will never have, I guess. Okay, right now it's necessary to be careful... Don't make promises you can't keep, right? Right. Never say «never», and here I have some inflammation... Well, in my opinion, this thing can be corrected like this... We-e know that... I suppose, I see what I have inflamed there and I would like it, of course, to inflame less, but I think this desire won't be fulfilled within today. Probably, at the concert too, close to the first row, I grinned. Well, we'll just talk about this soon, I'm sure. Actually, that's all complete nonsense, in my opinion. Come on, what it is, my hands, get wiping.

I strode back and bumped into Gina's gaze. She immediately grinned and moved her chin.

– Here I remembered... – I began and broke off.

– What did you remember, Andrey? – low and quietly asked she.

– Yes, never mind, – I sat on the bedsheet. – Look, Gina...

– Andy, – she ran an eye over my face by her pupils, – if you want to ask me about whether I'd like to make love right now or not, considering our conversation yesterday, I'll tell you first – because I'm your guest – I don't really want to. And you?

I wanted to kiss her on the lips, which I did, instead of answering. To make this she was not against, judging by her reaction.

– Me too, – I slightly moved my head. – I mean, I don't want now... this. Let's just lie now.

– With a great pleasure, – gasped she, glancing toward my thighs for a moment.

– Let me get undressed... – responded I. – For some reason it seemed to me yo...

– This is true, – interrupted she, – that didn't seem to you. I like to look there just as you like to look at the breast. Well... and below.

– So, to look, – I began passing across the top of her torso by my fingers, – at the breast...

– And to touch too, – Gina reached her hand under the blanket.

– Listen, – I perked up. – Here I'm about morning yet... these morning cases. It's interesting, really – that's a kind of illusion, I mean, I don't know exactly what about you, about women, but I... well, it seems in the morning you always want to do this thing, but this is not so, right?

– All right, – she gently squeezed the skin on my stomach. – And there's the same for women. Maybe a little less. This is the same thing as with exercises – that's not recommended in the morning, especially if do it early. Actually, I don't know exactly, just... I don't really. Want.

– And we won't, – nodded I, pressing the tip of her body part, which is meant to attract my eye, by my thumb.

– And may the second one? – she again lowered her voice, and I didn't answer again, clinging to her left mammary gland by my mouth.

– Cool, – she threw her head back. – Let's one more time. Please.

– You see, – I let one more time, and something rang inside my skull, – I tell you – I just want to. But we don't need to.

– O-oh, we don't need to, – Gina sipped dry. – I suggest we do some other thing – let's now wait a little and then go to the shower together. I promise you I will do nothing like that with you there, I want to say... Or so – if we don't change our mind by that time. Okay?

– Good, – smiled I, lying down on the back and removing my right hand under her head, – agreed.

– Fine, – smacked she, also moving her upper limbs: placing one of them on my shoulder and raising the other up to the ribs. – Tell me something, Andy. I listen with such a pleasure, when you talk something. From time to time I have a real hard-on.

A faint meowing sound came from the doorway, and a moment later Otto was already stamping on our ankles, obviously going to sit on them and to purr for the whole room, what he has immediately done.

– A hard-on? – clarified I.

– Yes! – she raised her head. – I'm serious! I tell you – a joy, in two senses.

– Thank you, – I showed my teeth to her glistening irises again, also feeling another wave of blood at my bottom. – I was... At first I wanted to ask you – did you really sleep well? This bed, it... you see – is not very big...

Gina gently kissed me on the cheek and then nuzzled to my collarbone:

– Andrey, stop worrying. I slept well, all right. Well, since you asked... Do you know that you kick in your sleep?

– Kick? – I asked again.

– Yeah, you kick! – she looked at me once more. – Well, not much, of course, but... Okay, I'm kidding, come on.

– So, no... – I hesitated, and then coughed slightly. Gina fixed her blue eyes on me. – I thought you'd say I talk. In my sleep, I mean.

– Well, I didn't hear anything, – she still hadn't blinked. – Tell me something now.

– And what would you like to talk about?

– Okay, – she slightly raised her eyebrows. – First of all explain to me... No. First of all, explain to me, please, I wish to ask you about that for a long time – what is a diminutive of your name in Russian. I still can't understand this.

– Exactly in Russian? – I asked again.

– Yes, – firmly said she.

– «Andryukha» or «Andryusha» – there're two of them. Like. You can also say, «Hey, Andryush!..», – I added. – This's from the second one.

– «Andryusha», – repeated Gina. – I like it – it sounds just fine. Okay, thank you for the explanation. Actually, I really wanted to know that. By the way, here's another thing – how do you feel about such words like «dear» or «honey»? I mean, if I call you so accidentally? Cause if believe to statistics most of men just go mad about this.

– I think... – I tensed up, if honestly. – Fine.

– Well, that's good, – she gently tickled me just below the ribs. – C'mon, don't worry – here I'm... also trying to make fun. I mean not this diminutive, but the epithets... So, better tell me that – what the thing is on your stomach? This's that last battle, right?

– Yes, – her awareness was at the appropriate level, as always. – There, you know... I still don't know exactly. They say... that there were splinters, they passed through and didn't hit anything, just scratched. And one of them, right this, – I lifted the blanket and shook my head from side to side, while Gina immediately withdrew her hand, – like... just cut. Cut the skin. Apparently, I was lying at that moment. Or falling. The devil knows.

– I see, – she licked her lips. – You told you remember nothing of that. Only what was before that explosion.

– Right, – I took a dry sip in my turn. – I remember we were sitting in that... trench, there was one shell burst, behind us, and then – that's all. I became conscious many hours later.

– That's about what Alexander Tugarinov said yesterday, right? – specified Gina. – They had dragged you off there?

– Yup, – I covered her palm with mine. – All right. I mean, they came, of course, for all of us, but... I'm, I think, very lucky. Just like... I don't even know. I was, probably, more lucky when I met you, Gina.

– Come on, stop that, – quietly objected she. – We could easily meet with you, compared to that.

– Yeah, in New York.

– Well, so what, – she moved her knee above. – You could go there, as an ordinary tourist, you could decide to take a walk in the Park, and I go there all the time either... Thanks, of course, for the compliment, An-dryush. Did I say right?

– You're welcome, – I pressed on her phalanges a little. – Right, right. No, Valya, I think, is luckier yet. How he had survived then yet – that's really... natural fantastic. There – you just remember, you do remember these videos – well, just, how those shells craters... what distance between them...

– I understand you, – interrupted she, same quietly, but very clear. – Okay, let's a little... Let's change the topic. As I remember, you told me all those events took place just a few steps from your country. By the way, let's immediately find it out here now, I still can't fully get it, – Gina began speaking louder and more animatedly, – what are these countries you have? Is it not the same thing as «a village»? «A village» – this is, in my opinion, as «a farm» in our place, well, both in our place and in Europe, but «a country» – this is a kind of suburban apartment, right?

– Well, all right, – I tried to move my right limb, although it hasn't started to flow yet, and Gina again responded just instantly – she raised her trunk, smiled brightly, looking down at me, and then she closed her face to me, of course, for a kiss, at the same time planting her left hand under my occiput. I had a thought that her reluctance passes fairly quickly. Our lips, teeth and tongues were intertwined for not so little time, and then she opened her lovely eyes, keeping them inches from me and still sparkling with joy, and articulated:

– I didn't mean to ruin your train of thought, I'm sorry. I just couldn't restrain my temper.

– Stop it, all right, – I grinned in my turn and stroked her thigh. – And you didn't ruin me.

– Okay, – hoarsely uttered she. – Don't remove your hand in any case. Because you're not confusing me too... That seems not.

For the second time in the last half a day I recalled a classic.

– I see, – blinked I. – We were talking about countries.

– Right, – Gina thudded on my chest by her chin without moving her pupils to the side.

– Well, our countries, – it seemed to me that I came up with an answer, – weren't the countries of the Si-Key Key-Pi-Es-Es members...

She burst out laughing, striking with her bone sharply, and then immediately raised her irises back.

– ...Yes. Usually, this country, of all of them I saw, both inside and outside, – to be honest, I was receiving an ineffable pleasure, listening to her close and strong breathe, – is a... pretty simple building, wooden, in which you can live only in the summer, that's why they're located out of the city. I saw... a brick, stone ones, too, but that's rare. Such a house consist of two, maximum – three rooms, but there's a second floor else, that's often yet, a kitchen and... uh...

– «A terrace», – prompted Gina.

– Yes, that's right, – now I wanted to scratch the back side of my head, but there was no way to do so. – Such a room... a summer one. All of this is located on a piece of land called «six sotkas», about that you have, of course, heard.

– Yup, – she smacked again. – But I still don't understand how much it is.

– Hr-mm, – the tip of my nose began to itch now. – Do you sure... can you imagine a meter?

– I can, I think, – she contracted the forehead. – Of course.

– So – we had... a standard piece, sixty by ten meters in size, – I didn't really believe at the moment, that she had a boner every time I was telling something – I suppose, she meant that rather metaphorically, – all this together – is a six hundred square meters, well, «a sotka» – is «a hundred», and that... it turns six. There are many of them, next to each other... Look, let me put the hand to some other place, because...

– I'll put you now, – Gina threateningly moved her jaw. – I mean, if you're okay, Andryush. Is it okay, do I squeeze nothing to you? You say it right now.

– No-no-no, everything is fine, – honestly reassured I. – Just... let's this way.

My fingers moved to her thigh, again finding a smooth, warm and just velvet skin, delicious by touch.

– And do you feel okay? – asked I.

– And how do you think? – she grinned.

– I think, – blurted I, – that you're now in... how it's in English – «high spirits»?

– «High» exactly, – literally, she said, «High» exactly», so I thought if we were talking in Russian, the situation would be even clearer. Although everything was kind of obvious. – Please, go on.

– Well, I think, you can ask, – positively, I was bewildered, – what exactly you want to know... Look, Gina, I repeat myself, but – how cool skin you have! Here... I touch it with such a pleasure... It is very soft.

– Andrey... – began she, but I for some reason interrupted:

– This is because of that diet, which we discussed, right? Oh, I have already asked you, I guess... Well, right food, good physical form, healthy lifestyle. Sorry – I think, probably, I talk too much. Excuse me. I didn't want to say anything, – I was twaddling again, it was necessary to stop urgently. – So. What was the question you wished to ask?

Instead of answering immediately, suddenly Gina with a sweep raised herself upon her elbows, burying them in the bed surface, leaned her body to the left and straightened her knees, so a second later her body was resting on mine and her head, respectively, was hanging directly over my face. The kitten, of course, couldn't stand and jumped to the floor, lifting his tail up and without ceasing to hum, and I crossed my palms at the bottom of her waist.

– No, Andy, – rapped she, – first you should speak out.

– I'm telling, – I made another dry sip, and very hastily, – I'm here now, when I... well, touched your... although I have already told about that for sure... – I broke down and, it seemed, grinned very silly. – No, I seriously think your skin is wonderful; actually, I don't understand much in this... Well, for me it's a great pleasure.

Otto was spinning and loudly purring under my ear.

– Thank you very much, Andryush, – she only slightly extended the corners of her mouth. – I'm very glad to hear that.

– Let's further, about my country, – proposed I, breathing a little heavily.

– Let's, – she arched her upper corpus and her breast immediately swayed. – So, here is my question. Was that really a beautiful place?

– Yes! Of course! – I reassured in a loud whisper. – Well, imagine – a fresh air, river... forest... These... – in a moment I recalled: – Nightingales sing. In the mornings.

– Come on, – her mouth began to twist, – real nightingales?

– I tell you! – I went on with the same fervor. – Natural. Well, in recent years, they weren't there, because they dirtied all, all the air, but when I was ten years old, they for sure were... there. My grandfather told me about that specifically. And you imagine, how great it is – you sleep in the summer, in the morning and suddenly, at six o'clock sharp – bang! Pi-i-pi-pi! Pi-i-i!..

Gina sounded «Kh-hh-hrr-r!» audibly, turned her head to the side and collapsed onto the pillow next to me, rhythmically convulsing into spasms, which were choking her. Her whole body was bobbing up and down, and I got a mouthful and an eyeful of her bristled hair.

– Yes, I'm serious, – I smiled again, trying to tilt my chin back, and she responded with all possible speed for the third time – she straightened the hair by her left palm. – Thank you. They really shouted loudly in the mornings. Besides next to my window. Very close.

– I see, I understand, – she forcefully inhaled the air. – H-heh! Um-mm. So you did like not all there?

– Well, why, – thought I. – It's I... I'm kidding more. I... for a long, a very long time thought that was the best place on earth. That was... nice. In the summer, of course. In the winter there was nothing to do, well, you remember, but in the summer – yes. In the heat – compared with the city, but even better – in the rain, in the... storm, I do remember, that was about the same time as with nightingales: a hard rain begins – I immediately take off my clothes, I mean, a T-shirt, pants, – it occurred to me I had, probably, to cease dropping these unwitting and innocent hints to her yet, – and in one... shorts run to the meadow, it was near the house, on the south side, so we called it the South meadow, and start... to circle there... under raindrops. And to yell at the same time.

– Listen, that was, probably, very cool, – Gina gave me a sweet smile. – You told me when we first met you like thunderstorms, hard rains and... all that.

– And I really love these things... such weather. Even now I can walk in the rain.

She laughed softly again:

– So you had a rain often there...

– By the way, you said, it's interesting... – I looked away. – You reminded me, by the way – once, during a storm too, I was about five, I was afraid of thunder, ran somewhere, stumbled and hit my knee on the path, we had there... such concrete paths. And I looked at my leg, and there was blood sa... there was, how that seemed to me, a lot of blood, so I got scared even more and started to cry, very loudly. Although I still remember well I almost wasn't hurt. In short, the same old story... – I spread my jaws. – You, by the by, for sure have noticed the scar on... my right knee.

– Yes, – Gina narrowed her eyes, – I've noticed.

– In general, you're right, – the best place in the world, but at the same time, an extremely dangerous one.

– Come on! – giggled she. – So, you had been breathing fresh air, walking, swimming in the river... What did you do else?

– Well... – I collected my thoughts again before saying something. – In general, it seems to me now we had a lot of what to do there. For example, we rode bicycles. We played with the water pails on the seventh of July. Just talked, I mean, guys, there were... a lot of us. That's also... cards, for example, we were playing them all the time. Crazy Eights, you know. Then... on a fishing trip, but there... I didn't like them for very long, because I had to get up early. Some mushroom picking, we had a forest there, was much more interesting. A Ti-Vi, by the way, we also watched it very much, but that was later.

– And why did you play with the pails on the seventh of July exactly? – she moved her palms away from me in different directions: – Please give me your hands... Wait, are you okay? Aren't I pinching you for sure?

– No, I tell you, – I pulled my limb from the shelter and grabbed her hand, while Gina again slightly fell upon me, nearing her face, and slowly touched my mouth by her lips, closing her eyes.

At this point more than one feeling came to me at once, most of them had a high temperature, and one – had low for some reason. I pondered a moment, and then I've realized Otto is poking into my skin by his nose.

– You... are not so heavy, – I opened my eyelids, and she bent her and, accordingly, my elbows and lifted them up, locating them along my head. I added: – It's the cat there.

– Yes, I see him, – whispered Gina. – Why doesn't he climb back, by the way? Kitty-kitty...

The kitten reacted as befits – put his front paws on the sheet edge, meowed softly, and then he quickly disappeared from the sight, leaping to our feet. A short time later his snout appeared on our right.

– Look, how nice he is, – Gina grinned, casting a glance at him.

– I agree completely, – I continued to admire. – You know, by the way, when he was smaller, he couldn't... jump here, so I had to... push him... Well, you know. That just looked a little funny. Okay, never mind, – her mouth began stretching to the sides. – You asked me about the seventh of July. That was such a... a pagan holiday, Ivan Kupala...

– Exactly! – exclaimed she. – I remember I have somewhere heard about that!

– Here, – nodded I. – On this day all go and pour each other. Well, we sometimes poured on other days too. If it was hot.

– I se-e-e... – she showed the tip of her tongue and immediately removed it. – Look, I think that was great.

– Yes, that was. And you tell me – did you often visit countryside when you were little?

Gina slightly squinted again and squeezed my fingers at the same time:

– Yes, quite often. But I had nothing like this. We, Andy, had everything much more boring as that seems to me now.

– Come on, stop that... – I didn't agree.

– Honestly! – at this point she, on the contrary – stared her organs of sight. – After what you've just said, and before too... I would really like to be in this place just to look at it – to begin with. Listen, you told me there was a railway fast beside it, right?

– Yeah, – breathed I. – We with it... and... got. If not by car. That was called «elektrichka».

– «I-le-ktrichka»... – repeated she.

– This comes from the words «an electric train». By the way, here I want to say – all that time, about what we were now talking, we were out there not alone, but with our grandfather.

– Oh yeah, I remember, you told me, – she smiled politely. – Look, Andryush, that was really good, the fact you could spend every summer like that at the time. That's really cool. If you were... in the wild, in a beautiful place, and most importantly, in the place you like – that's wonderful. And you had never wasted your time with... I read somewhere – something like that... some camps you've had...

– Concentration ones, – finished I.

– Well, basically, yes, – bowed Gina. – Schoolchildren worked there, trooped and sang songs, as I recall. But that's terrible, agree?

– Well, I had never been in a place like this, but I agree with you completely.

– Look, I remember for sure, you told me yet, – she contracted the brow, – a camp like this was almost next door to your country colonies, right?

– Yes, you're right.

– And what can you say about it?

– Well, what I can say, – I vowed myself to hold her piercing glance once again. – They took a piece of the forest and fenced it. They built a couple of houses, of a barrack type, but stone. These, you know... That all was in a pair, again, kilometers away from our house, at a nearby railway station. And that has abandoned for long now, since nineteen ninety, I guess. Like that.

Gina beamed from ear to ear without saying anything, and then she suddenly bowed again and sucked to the top of my neck with her lips, to the spot directly below the bone and where is, if I was not mistaken, my carotid artery. I felt her whole body shuddered and strained again, her hands pressed my limbs into the pillow even stronger, her legs slightly bent at the knees, and besides I realized I'm blushing of a flushing blood.

– Oi-ei-ei, – some time later I pronounced in Russian.

She immediately snorted, burning me with the blue-grey rays somewhere from above and from the side.

– It...

– I know what that means, – stated she. – Look, I suggest doing so... Wait a second.

She let my wrists go, then fully straightened up, leaning on her knee and foot, and, while I was for a very short time with great pleasure watching her slim and elastic naked body, removed Otto from the surface, shifting him to the lower edge of the bed, and then she lied down on a cleared place, covering with half a blanket again, placing her left hand under her cheekbone, the right one – over my ribs, and her huge black pupils, of course, staring straight into my brain.

– I want to give us a rest a little, – grinning, mouthed Gina.

– That's right decision, – I also turned my torso, turning on the sheet by my body side, like her. – Although I'm, like, not tired yet.

– Are you sure? – she leered more.

– I am, – giggled I. – For now... not of what. To be tired.

– Well, we still have time for that, – reassured she.

– Of course, – I agreed and suddenly remembered right away: – Don't you think... to get up now?

She glanced at the clock by her irises:

– No, probably, not yet... And what time do you usually get up? On weekends, I mean?

– I have a whole system, – explained I. – I get up somewhere at nine o'clock, but I go to eat for some reason at ten or ten-thirty.

– Hey, so I don't go breakfast after I get up either! – rejoiced she. – That's great, Andryush! So that's... Let me torment you with some more questions then, okay?

– Please, Gina, – I smiled, and then put my hand on her cheek. – And you don't torment me, come on.

She closed her eyes and slightly tilted her head up:

– Don't remove it, please... That's such a cool feeling... Wait... Wait a little. Okay, c'mon.

I ran my fingers over the bottom of her chin on the way back and said:

– I also really like when you do that very much.

– Thank you, dear, – she enfolded the middle of my radius by both her small palms with a clear intention not to let it go for a long time. – I love you.

– I love you too, Gina.

– You're so cute, Andrey, – she moved her falanges to my carpus and back. – You're so cool.

– You're good too and very beautiful.

– Thank you... – Gina pulled our clenched limbs to her neck. – So... So, I think I need to collect my thoughts...

– Okay, – and I was blinking my eyes over and over and over again, in my opinion. – I don't hurry you.

– Stop that! – laughed she. – So, you never went to these concentration camps in childhood and you did the right thing... Listen, – she livened, – what were you like when you were little?

– Exactly the same as now, – I reacted instantly. – Only smaller.

– I take that on trust, by the way! – she broke out laughing. – I believe that on bare word. You told me once you were a good student at school, right? And at the university – that was already different...

– Yep, – I stroked her once more. – But I liked books that time too.

– What else were you interested in? – Gina replaced her hand back to the pillowcase.

– I think, a lot of what... – here I froze, because no «a lot» wasn't coming to my mind, as ill luck would have it. – Hmm... Some... I think... Toy cars... Toy trains...

– Toy guns, – continued she. – Come on. You can't stand trains yet, I do remember that.

– All right, – I snapped up, – but that only concerns real ones. And toy ones I do like.

She burst out laughing, looking down.

– And guns – are on the contrary, – it seemed, I get a solid lead, – real. Well, jokes aside, but I was always... attracted by various technical equipment. Any. And all sorts of... information about it, how all it works and stuff. Right up to nuclear weapons.

Gina was still broadly smiling.

– I tell you seriously!

– I do believe you, Andryush, – calmed she. – What else? That was, I'm sure.

– Yes, like everyone else, I suppose, – I was raking my memory again. – Ti-Vi. Cinema. Music... But music – that was later, at the end of the school. Just as various... well, computers and so on. And then... just to run somewhere. Or to take a walk – that's what I always loved. And, for example, some children... uh... holidays, well, you know, back at school there – this I did never like. I mean some dancing and other.

– For some reason I've thought so even in the summer, – she drew a streak across my hand to the shoulder. – Tell me – and what did you want to be then?

– A traveler, – not thinking of any single moment, answered I. – That's what I do remember.

Gina burst into blossom once again.

– My first dream was to be him exactly, – I repeated, nodding. – Then I wanted to be an inventor, I also remember that very well, but that was not very long, and after that I wanted to be a scientist. A physicist. Or an astronomer, I hadn't decided then. And that lasted almost until the end of the school.

– Interestingly, – stated she. – That's just great.

– The most important thing, – speedily added I, – I can tell you, is the fact that... crap, which I did, I certainly never wanted to do. I didn't hear about that education yet till the ninth grade, I guess. That it exists at all. The only thing I remember like that – like somewhere at the same time when I wanted to be an inventor, the adults a couple of times... noticed they wished to see me – just don't laugh – a diplomat.

– I'm not laughing, Andrey, – slowly uttered she. – You would have made a good diplomat, and you would make a great scientist in a normal country, I'm sure of it, but what you had... Yes.

I sneered:

– Yes, all of our, I think, people wished their children to be diplomats, I mean, to be some officials. All seventy-four years, and then too.

– That's right, – she took a sip dry. – Okay – I still would like to talk with you, to discuss precisely this subject, but I think it's time for us to wake up. How do you think?

– Of course, – I nodded again. – Come on. And what about discussing – we'll discuss it later, don't worry.

Chapter 9

– By the way, Andryush, – Gina stopped and turned around. – We talk about food from time to time, we were talking about that yesterday, and I want to ask you – what do you usually eat for breakfast? Normally, I mean?

– Normally, – I went ahead and opened the cupboard lower door, – I eat... either some cookies, or... sandwiches. With butter.

– Oh, that's fine, – she, probably, smiled, being behind me. – I'm asking cause I'll have what you're having, if you don't mind.

– No, of course not, – I put the pack on the table and reached into refrigerator for the rest.

– What kind of cookie is it? – she uttered close to my ear.

– Well, God knows... Some very common. I... eat it all my life. A square one.

– I see, – she looked at me with curiosity again. – How will you?..

– And now look.

I spread the cookie with a butter layer and put the second one above.

– Wow! – surprised Gina.

– Cool, right? – I turned to the next lobules.

– Yes! – she was watching the process with wide eyes.

– That looks like... your hamburgers, in my opinion, – I raised my head and looked at her again, wincing a little. – You see, I just have not... an omelet with bacon...

She silently squinted, leaning forward.

– I mean, there're a few eggs but no bacon, – I quickly finished the explanation, increasing the pile of ready-made cookies.

– An orange juice needs else, but it's available, – she snapped up. – Hey, so you're very hungry probably, after all? And I'd better keep quiet, I think...

– Come on, – I've once again passed with the knife through what was lying on the board, and then turned my eyes back to her face. – Moreover, I'm almost done. And I don't want to eat a lot. Probably because... exercises spoil appetite for a while, for me, at least... – here a thought struck me: – And are you very hungry? Honestly?

– Yea-ah! – gasped she, nodding and beaming from ear to ear.

– So let's eat something else! There's full of it since yesterday yet!

– No-no, – Gina shook her head with deicision. – We will act as agreed. This time, for sure.

– Well, – I lifted the food in my hands, – that's true. You said that all right.

– Thank you, Andryush, – she slightly narrowed her lovely irises again. – And do you drink tea with this thing?

– Yes, of course.

– Immediately or later? – specified she.

– Later.

– That's what I thought, – she sat on the stool. – Then me either.

We settled at the table in the same order and together began to tuck into the soft dual pieces.

– So, Gina, – chewed I, – you again wished to talk about politics, as I recall.

Her pretty face began to beam even more.

– Well, yes, – she licked herself. – When you were talking about what you wanted to be in childhood, and then you said there about what the adults wanted to see you... I just wished to know, this may sound a little... silly.

– Come on, – I grabbed the next portion. – Not silly, I'm sure. You have normal, reasonable questions. Please.

– So, wait, – Gina stopped smiling for a moment, averted her eye, and then she drew attention to me again and began making a move. – When you say so, and, moreover, look at me so, I want to sit on your lap, if you don't mind.

– Of course not... – muttered I.

She got settled over my legs, put her left hand on my shoulders, took the food in her right one, took a bite and uttered:

– Tell me if I start crumbling, okay?

I opened my mouth to answer with another catchphrase, and at this moment some thought very quickly flashed in my mind. This thought was quite familiar to me, because it had already appeared a few years ago, and was the following: all that is happening to me now, seemed unreal to me. All that isn't real yet. I was fully feeling the weight of her body, the warm, the heat, rather, emanating from it, some massaging, perhaps, effect produced by the charming fingers, resting on my left clavicle, as well as an extremely pleasant smell coming from her clothes, hair, and neck, but... But. What if she will disappear, will vanish into thin air or in some other way, and I'll regain consciousness, will come to myself? Or another option – no magic and mysticism, she will just bundle and leave? Tomorrow, for example. Or tonight. Or in an hour. Or in five minutes. She will say that she didn't understand, that she was kidding, that we're not right for each other, that there's no love between us and there has never been, because it couldn't appear yet. And I had another feeling else – that I'll never see her. This is what emerged in my mind.

– ...I say, tell me at once if I began to litter? – uttered Gina as if through a fog. It came home to me that only a couple of seconds had passed, and then I saw the face, which was bending over me, which was still blossoming in a wide smile, and which was gradually taking on a disquieting expression. She uttered anxiously, without any giggles and squints: – Andrey, are you okay?

– All is good.

– Nothing is good, – she frowned. – You've changed your countenance somehow... Let me get back to my place?

– No-no, sit, please, – I now wanted her to go anywhere least of all. – I beg you.

– I'm disturbing you a little for sure yet, – she put the cookies aside again and asked, still not smiling: – Can you tell me what were you thinking?

– Yes... this's nonsense...

– Tell me, please, Andryush, – the rays slightly turned down their power. – I think it's very important.

I was all abroad, without knowing how to put it.

– I... was afraid that you will suddenly... disappear. And that now all – is unreal. But please, don't laugh.

– I don't think, – she, it seemed, kept scanning me all.

– That's... something like that.

– I have the same damn thing, – Gina leaned her cheek against my temple. – Everything will be fine, don't worry. You and me have a whole day ahead of us, and a whole bunch of things to do.

– What, for example? – giggled I.

– That's exactly the kind, – she raised her voice. – By the way, how are you feeling in this respect, okay? Anything hurts?

– No, – I lied a little. – And you?

– Well, what I can have hurt... – incomprehensibly drawled she.

– Any organs? – supposed I.

Gina made a continuous sound, resembling of quacking snicker, moved aside, tapping on my shoulder by her palm, and began glittering with her sharp teeth again:

– That's right, Andryush. It's these. I think, I'm right as rain for that matter either, thank you. Let's drink some tea? If you're done? I'm done. These cookies, by the way, are very tasty. Let me let you go yet...

– Yeah, – she got to her feet agilely, I went after her, watching her head, then the trunk, and then I recalled something: – Listen, you also drink... not too strong one?

– Yes, that's right, – responded she.

– I just wanted to make the bag... an old one.

– That's okay, – nodded she. – Come on.

– The water isn't very hot too, – quickly blurted I.

– Okay, I told you, – retorted Gina. – Who will drink boiling water, honestly?

I filled the cups, extracted the tea leaves and brought our tea onto the other surface.

– You want sugar too, as far as I remember? – I asked again, but then again realized: – Oh, there's a cake yet.

– Yeah, – she pointed her index finger up.

– Then no sugar?

– Of course, – reasserted she.

The sweet, about which it was said, appeared on the table, and then we at last sat down in our seats and began a long-awaited ceremony.

– What were you going to ask? – the cut eighth, as always, fell on the plate sideways.

– Well, I tell you, it's nonsense too, – instantly responded Gina, – but I wonder. At a time, when you were nine or ten years old, did you think about... well, about politics, including? About how it works in your country or in other countries?

– You, please, again, don't laugh, – I answered and cleared my throat.

– I won't laugh indeed, Andryush, – she clinked with her spoon.

– ...But at that time I thought about that quite a lot. Rather, of course, we talked with my grandfather. He did like to talk on this topic.

– And what did you consider? – she took a sip of tea, gazing at me.

– Hoo! – I lifted my eyebrows. – That our country is the best in the world, of course. We are ahead of everybody, and you, Americans, want to start a nuclear war. And before you start it, you constantly make against us some... conspiracies. And do you know what was the funniest thing in that?

– What? – she smiled slightly.

– That my grandfather regularly listened to western radio stations, – I unclenched my jaws, – the «voices», you know. And I sat next to him and listened too. In the summer, in the country. However, I understood nothing, but that, in my opinion, shouldn't be so scary... Such a dialectic of nature.

Gina closed her eyes, exhaled by the nose, put her glass down and then asked again, making a swig:

– You told me, if I didn't get that mixed up, he was a dedicated and... an old communist, right?

– Yes.

– And you, again, as I remember, – she licked the corners of her mouth, – were very fond of his stories? When he was telling you something?

– That's not the word, Gina, – I raised my cup again. – That was... the best for me in those days. By the way, here – you reminded me – his best story, in my opinion. It's the shortest one at the same time. I was in elementary school yet. I asked him once: «Grandpa, what is hyperbole?». He replied: «I'll tear a head off». This is a hyperbole».

She immediately giggled.

– ...Yeah! You should understand, that those were the people in our country, well, in those old times. How... If to paraphrase one person, all of them were good, but they had a bad work, and they were surrounded by bad Americans, – the tea was finally drunk up. – I tell you – a complete dualism. As a philosopher said.

– I think, Lev Tolstoy said that. Oh, these philosophers... – she patted me on the knee. – Are you done? I mean, the breakfast?

– Of course.

– Then I'll go to the bathroom, – rose she, – while you're cleaning up. Okay?

– All right, – I got from my seat also. – To us not to debate for half an hour here again.

She once again burst out laughing, tapping on my thighs by her palms:

– Exactly.

I grinned, she did that too, and then she turned and disappeared into the doorway, and I began tidying. My hands were automatically raising utensils, pulling handles and turning ventils, and under the bones of my skull were for some reason no thoughts at all, except a reminder of that fact the most beautiful woman in the world is behind the wall right now. After a few moments I thought the cat hadn't been seen for long yet, but he was near my feet as soon as I gave them a glance. So, it's necessary to put some food for him. But this – will be then, at first it's necessary to do so, so, and so now. Yep. And the last action.

That's where Gina emerged in the hallway. I gaily opened my mouth, she reciprocated and said:

– Here you are. Excellent.

She had time to pinch my lower torso gently while my legs were doing the steps to the bath, and then she became, as yesterday, attentively watching me – as I unscrew the cap and squeeze the toothpaste out. I was trying to do my part as quickly as possible and to forget nothing at the same time – in general, and here to the fore was a total duality of personality. Of course, I recalled Victor Banev, but his situation was worse – he was shaving, so everything was normal.

A hygienic formality was finally completed, the instruments were set back and then we followed to the furniture, which was more comfortable for communication, if I may say so... I did, probably, really like this phrase, uttered to myself, because I broke down and smirked aloud.

– What? – grinned Gina, bending her head to the side.

– Well, I just thought that the furniture in the room, – cheerfully began I, – is more comfortable for... for... – and then I with horror realized that I'm blushing, and after that already – that I have absolutely no idea, not even don't remember, but exactly don't know how to say a word «communication» in English, – hrm-m... for...

Gina continued to wait, thinking, apparently, not to interrupt me and not to finish the sentence herself.

– ...I wanted to say – «for talking»... But I meant another thing, – I blurted hastily and then, it seemed, blushed even more. – In general... In short, to talk.

– But you were going to say, – slowly nodded she, – for something else. Right?

– Yep, – I made a convulsive gulp dry. – I just forgot the word.

– So let's, – she planted her hands on my shoulders, folded her hands on my neck and began nearing her face, – remember. I'm sure you will remember.

– I...

We clashed with our lips and began to kiss with great fervor. Our eyes were closed, she was clinging to me all over, a moment later pronouncedly starting in to push, even not to push, but to bend, and quite successfully, my whole body back, onto the bedcover. I took a step, then I sat down, or rather, slumped on it, and she, grabbing my fingers and squeezing them into the locks, naturally rode me with an extremely satisfied look of a winner of a battle.

– Gina, wait, please, – I pleaded in a patter. – I just had a thought, which seemed me very funny, I don't know why, that this, this thing is more... suitable for something that I know, of course, in Russian, and when I began to tell you, I've realized I don't know how to translate that. Here.

– I think, – absolutely scary, up to her forehead, grinned she, – you wished to say «for communication», Andryush.

– Yeah! Right! This word!

– You've told me yesterday yet, – she leaned forward, reclining to my wrists, – we can read each other's thoughts, as do all who are in love.

– Exactly.

– And I must tell you either, – her smile became even more predatory, – I want both to talk and to have sex with you at the same time. But, unfortunately, that wouldn't be good – we'll be out of breath, and so on...

– Yes, yes, yes... – I was sure my skin now has a crimson color and the fact I've sweat in ten to fifteen places, I think, Gina saw too. – Look – maybe «make love» yet?

She suddenly became serious:

– We are adult people, Andrey. A lovemaking – that's fine for teenagers and some romantic... – her next word was translated by me as «young ignoramuses». – And for you and me, as I would like, that's sex exactly. Well, I'm kidding, Andryush!

– That's what I understood, – muttered I, imagining, in the process, my favorite characters for the third time.

– How are you feeling, okay? – she bent down to me with an old, more human expression. – You're all a kind of flaming, or it seems to me...

She suddenly put the back side of her right palm on my forehead.

– Why does it seem – flaming, I suppose... – I was gawping at being extremely close to me top half of her body. – Me either yet... wa... don't object to this case. Of which you've just said. On the contrary. So let's, – and here this word came to hand (or to tongue?), – commence.

Gina closed her eyelids and laughed, turning away for a couple of seconds. Her eyes filled with tears, and then she uttered with a trembling lower jaw:

– Listen, Andrey!.. No, well, how you?.. Heh-heh-heh... Well, that takes the cake. Even when I was tickled in childhood, it wasn't so funny yet. Really, you – as if you went to school for it. I think I've already...

– No, you haven't told, – in turn, a thought crossed my mind: she had somehow inexplicably tumbled to that and purposely reminds me a beloved program. – And who tickled, may I know, by the way?

– Come o-on! – squinted she. – They were not the ones to whom you need to be jealous...

– I'm just kidding.

– And you're doing it great, – she bent her corpus again, snuggled to me very close and clung by her lips: – I love you, Andrey.

– I love you too.

– I won't get tired of repeating it, – she licked my cheek with the tip of her tongue. – Every single second.

– Thank you, Gina...

– You are welcome, – her human eye, as it seemed to me, became glassy. – But, unfortunately, I still wish having a talk with you about something else again, to ask you some questions. Before we commence, as you put that quite right. Do you agree to stand a little?

– Of course, sure, – I shook my head a few times, – come on. And stop, please, to say «unfortunately» – a conversation with you gives me pleasure too, believe me. As you said here recently also. What did you want to know?

– Let's change first, – suggested she.

Gina straightened up and then sat down next to me, on my right, and I moved my legs off the floor and leaned back on the wallpaper.

– No, let's differently, – with these words she changed her position again – she bent at the waist, lifting her feet up, turned her body clockwise and then laid her head on my thigh, quickly laying on her back and stretching out her legs through the bed. After a moment's thinking, I put my hand on her tummy.

– That's right, – noted she. – Only upper. If you don't mind, of course.

I smiled and shifted my limb above.

– Now – there's an apple-pie order yet, – concluded she, flashing by her irises. – As you remember, it helps me think... I wished to talk about your institute.

– Please, – under my fingers was very something warm and round, and my thoughts, rather, the contrary – were confusing. Not so much, but they were confusing definitely.

– I mean, – she raised the nape, fixing her hair with an already familiar accurate movement, – that exact university... How, you told me, it was called in fact – «a university» yet or?..

– «An academy».

– Academy, right, – Gina hugged my waist by the one of her hands and wrapped my bangle around by the wrist of her second one, lying on her chest. – The name, as everybody knows, doesn't matter, but the title is of importance. Sometimes. So, about this institute in particular, but not just about the time you had spent there... although, of course, about that too, that's inseparable yet. We'll talk about this surely, but later... In short, – she widened her eyes, – I was just very interested to find out more about this... these institutions, in which a world-famous, perhaps, personnel was trained, and even more, to find it out directly from you – the man who had spent five years there. From start to finish. Right? – she moved her chin.

– Exactly.

– So what... kind of educational institution it was? – after these words she pecked me on the fold between my fingers, thumb and forefinger.

– If... – I felt a jolt inside, but I was somehow quick to answer at once: – In short, it is – none. It's like nothing... Even from the outside, by the way. An ordinary four, even five-storey, brick box, like all our houses, about which we recalled yesterday, – Gina smiled and nodded slightly. – Not the Em-Ge-U at all.

She started hooting.

– Concerning what was inside it, – I went on, – there... You see, that at school it was interesting to study for me, but there – no. Starting from the second year, the first more... more or less – and the subjects were better, and... the teachers too, by the way.

She was scrutinizing me, slightly raising her lips.

– We... were studying then, – I twisted my mouth, and she immediately grinned, then blinked a couple of times and then caressed me on the vertebrae, – a history... of laws and a theory. Also, of laws, I mean. And there was such a subject «logics», that was the most interesting thing for me then. But all that was like the school, and then, since the next year, began... well, just boring death. Not all, of course, there was, for example, a philosophy in the second year, which I did like ve-ery much too, although, I expected there will be a little bit different – various theoretical things, because we had not a philosophy, but, rather, a history of philosophy, you, I'm sure, know the difference, – she made a move by her head, straightening the lines of her mouth for a moment, – but that was still great, I even wanted to write my diploma on that subject then. However, she, the professor, absolutely... clear stated to us then, that for the exam we will need to learn... well, what we wrote on her lectures, by heart, like a poetry...

– The same old story, – interrupted Gina.

– Yes, – agreed I, – just, you know – all those teachers wanted to do so but to say about that... honestly only she could yet...

Gina once again broke my stream of consciousness, bursting into loud laughter.

– I tell you seriously!

– I trust you one hundred per cent, – she pressed on my hand and my hip, respectively, by her pretty palms, – but I can't hold back at all when your jokes are well-spoken... all your jokes are well-spoken, Andrey, what I'm talking. Especially such as this. A black humor.

– Thank you, – I ran my thumb over a white cloth under it several times and quickly, – the funniest humor, as you know. So, I was learning then, that was a great... an excellent information, I did like it very much, but didn't get «five» anyway. And then went such... nonsense, bullshit, to learn what was just impossible. For me, at least. All these laws... Not they were nonsense – of course, we must know our laws, I'll never argue with that – but the subjects. Although the situation with laws was, on the other hand, too... You do remember, what we had at that time.

– I remember, – reasserted she, – a pretty funny time.

– That was, – confirmed I, – well, we always have fun... Everybody didn't care about all laws then. About normal ones, I mean. That is, again, we've always had all don't care about them, but particularly then was something... special, so to speak. Although, I don't know...

– No, – she raised her eyebrows, – I think you said all right. Just at that time. Then, in a year or two, it was a little better.

– I think so, – nodded I. – And do you recall, what was at least a year before?

Gina blinked, slowly running her fingers through my arm from my elbow.

– Or a year and half, more? – I asked once again. – If I entered then, maybe I would have a different attitude to all that yet, but, on the other hand, I, probably, would have been even more disappointed then... Well, never mind. I, you know, the most important thing, had... a very strong feeling that I was wasting my time. To some garbage. Here, like this.

– I see-e, – stated she. – So the good teachers were only at the beginning of your education, and then not? I'm interested to find out about them more here, to, so to say... to confirm some rumors.

– Uh, clear, – smiled I, – well, almost. I did like the doctors.

– What doctors? – surprised she, flashing by her teeth in response.

– We had two of them, – explained I, – the coroner and the psychiatrist. We all did like the first one, because he was telling us very interesting stories from his practice, and then, most importantly, he gave us a grade, to the whole course... without passing, just... And the psychiatrist – he was just a cool uncle, well, apparently, like all psychiatrists, the more, soviet ones, I hadn't seen any of them before, and that was just curious... to meet him. About the soviet psychiatrists, by the way, I think, you had also heard a lot of things.

– Yeah. Several times more than about teachers, – gloomy uttered she.

– Ya-ya.

– So, that turns out, – Gina turned my wrist back down and covered it with her small hand, – that, after all, they hadn't been cultivating your respect for persons, for human beings, for human rights, not to mention about all sorts of various laws too much, right? – she looked down. – It just seems to me, Andryush, just like they said a lot about that – what could those soviet lawyers teach children, young people, what good?

I touched her earlock by my free hand.

– I agree with you completely – nothing, of course. I just think you're a lit...

– Wait, – she suddenly cut me short. – Excuse me, please...

– No problem, – I interposed in my turn.

– Please... – she smiled even wider, – put your hand...

Now I didn't let her finish, placing my left hand on her cheek.

– That's right, – she blushed. – Listen, you're quite right – that's really some mind reading!.. But I'm sorry, I interrupted you, go on, please.

– All right, – again assured I, bent over, deciding to do everything in a flash and then to resume narrating, but Gina eagerly dug at me and didn't let me go for ages – our kiss was lasting, probably, ninety seconds or even a hundred. I opened my eyes, still keeping, as it seemed, a distorted condition of my face, returned to my home position and coughed: – I'm not about that a little... Well, it doesn't matter. I wanted to tell that you, in my opinion... have a little bit mixed our institute and what was happening after that. Our job. That was there – yes, indeed. Those people who were there... although they were different there too yet, not all of them were the same, I mean, but they really couldn't give anybody anything good. For them that was just... You know, – I smirked, – an expression, a wonderful one – «It's just a job...»? That's exactly what the situation was. Those people didn't think about any laws, or about good, or about evil, they, in my opinion, thought nothing at all – a job... a position, a respected one, highly paid. A hard one. But – it's power. That's – the most important thing. And plus prospects ahead. Such ones, what no one else has. This is probably the most important thing, I said wrong... And something there, – I lifted an eyebrow, and my right hand made a small flip, – some conversations about various human rights there, about respect... for some person – that was just really funny, not serious for them, at least, most of their labour activity. Their logic was the following – you understand it fine either, I'm sure: we sit in offices, work with paper... we never get involved in politics and don't touch anyone close. That's all. And try to argue here. So... Basically, you're right, because most of our teachers originated from them... Both in terms of education, and in terms of job, a former one. You said that right here –lawyers, in our old days – they were natural... I don't even know how to say...

– Public enemies? – she innocently rolled her eyes.

– So – let's... let's not, – strongly nodded I, and Gina immediately squinted, stretching her mouth into a smile from ear to ear. – Let's not repeat... you know, after whom. Nonetheless... There were good people at that institute too. In general, older ones, because young...

– Hoo! – declared she. – You may not to tell that. About such a youth all is clear for me.

– Yes, – I nodded again and pushed a stray curl from her forehead. – Although on exams, by the way, they gave them rare... – it suddenly dawned on me: – Look, tell you an anecdote? And then – another one?

– Of course, – she straightened her lips into a line for a moment again. – Only if indecent ones, about sex.

– Well, one – yes, and the second... on the topic of our conversation, about institute.

– Then let's the second first, – clarified she.

– There's an exam at some institute, – I was sure this story is unknown to her. – A... guy comes in a classroom, approaches a professor, with... an unstable walking, and asks him...

– ...In a trembling voice, – elaborated Gina.

– ...That's right, in such voice asks: «Professor, will you give an exam from a drunken student?». He replies: «Of course not! Go away and come back the next time». A guy again: «Professor, well, please, please!». A teacher again replies: «No, I told you!». An asking for the third time, almost pleading: «Professor, well, please give an exam from a drunken student!». Professor thinks a bit and says: «Okay, fine». A guy immediately turns his head to the door and shouts: «Guys, carry him inside!».

Gina closed her eyes, lifted the angles of her mouth without baring her teeth and shook my hands. I took a cautious dry sip:

– Have you heard it, or what?

– No-o! – she flashed by her black irises. – Here's my hand on it, Andryush! Just... uh-hhe... that's, probably, about those people you... What were your classmates like, by the way, I'd also like to know? You, remember, told me you had a good friend there.

– Yeah, a great guy, – affirmed I. – And besides him a few more people. But most of them I didn't like yet. They were... the very people about who we were just talking, just... the next generation. Since... childhood, since birth they wanted to be appointed and to lead, and that's all, and they needed nothing more. With the words «a law» and «the human rights» they began to feel sick, well, as their parents too, in general, they learned those laws by heart only to pass exams, to get «fives», and after that all that was forgotten instantly. Kids of soviet lawyers, shorter. So... With some of them it was impossible to communicate at all. But there were, again, and good, kind guys.

– That's great, actually, – she bowed her head. – It's never that all is lost. Go the second anecdote.

– So, some young people are having sex, – I broke down and grinned, and she immediately smiled broadly after. – On some couch. At this moment a door opens, and guy's parents come home and immediately into a room. Neither he nor a girl didn't have time to do anything. Then to all the four of them the following thoughts come to mind – a girl: «I don't want my mom and dad know!»; a guy: «Well, finally they know!»; a father: «Well, finally, we know!»; and a mother of a guy: «Well, how... how she's lying – a boy is uncomfortable!».

Gina squinted more than ever, moving her head forward, shaking it several times, but still without uttering any loud sounds.

– So, – I removed my left hand from her face and touched her middle ribs, – this one, as I understand that, is known to you?

– Right, – confessed she, sticking out the tip of her tongue. – That was, in fact, our anecdote. But thanks anyway, Andrey. Okay, come here.

Chapter 10

She looked at me intently, reached out and hugged my shoulders:

– I want to ask you again yet – how do you feel? Still not tired?

– No, everything is fine, – quite frankly replied I. – Although you said right recently – this's a real physical training. But... I positively take it, so... Not tired yet. And you?

– I'm fine, – Gina's eyes widened. – All is full well. Thanks to you. Thank you, Andryush.

– You're welcome... I look you're just a kind of... iron-concrete in this respect.

Gina laughed:

– Thanks for the compliment! I still want to ask you else: why your veins are swollen here? – she lowered her limbs, catching my elbows by her palms. – Or it seems to me?

– I think, it doesn't seem – they're actually a bit...

– Swollen, – repeated she, glancing from one bend to another. – Do you exercise? – she suddenly waved her head in the direction of a horizontal bar.

– Sometimes, – I smiled wider. – When I have free time.

– I bet you can easily do twenty pull-ups, – she drew attention to the blue strips under my skin once again. – By the way, at one time, at school, I was going in for all sorts of such things either, but I could do that ten high... Look, Andrey, that's a scar also?

Her finger was pointing exactly to the place where my hand was split in two.

– Yes.

– That's something too close... – in Gina's voice reappeared the notes of solicitude. – That also was at the war or not?

– No. That was – at the institute.

– Oh! – she raised her eyebrows to the forehead. – I want you to detail me about that now. But first tell me – did you schedule doing exercises today?

Frankly, the idea of whirling on the bar in front of her came to my mind about fifty times, probably, during these months. I uttered:

– Yes, I was going.

– And won't you mind if I try either? With you? – she continued to find out.

– What are you talking about, please. I'd love to.

– Excellent, – she broke laughing. – We'll see what I can remember... So! – she slapped my shoulder. – I recall, we had agreed to listen to the music...

«Exactly!», flashed into my mind.

– ...But first, Andryush, tell me, please, about that thing on your vein, – she was looking at me searchingly. – Let's sit down.

– Of course.

I sat on the bed edge, and Gina stationed herself close, but this time laterally. However, she put her wrists over mine.

– That was all... accidentally, – I winced for some reason. – Almost ten years ago precisely, when I lived in the hostel, you remember.

– With those neighbors, – added she.

– Yep. I... – some important thought was pronouncedly striking me, – scratched. One of those guys has a lamp on the top of his bed... well, placed it there, – I looked her pretty face over, skewed at the shirt neckline and, it seemed, started thinking faster. – And that was my place at the same time. Well, the bunk bed, I mean. That lamp had such... an iron thing, which had one of its corners folded. And it was thin, sharp and stuck out right in front of me. I was going down from the bed without noticing it once, I do remember that was in the evening, well, and hurt. Here... – a phrase like «Look, Gina, if you want, you may sit on my lap» was ready to pass my lips, but at this second I realized, that she, as a really smart and considerate person, doesn't want to give me an additional load before our upcoming training, that's all.

– Did you cut yourself badly then? – wondered she, and then, without waiting for an answer, she uttered, white-toothed grinning: – Andryush, I just don't want to strain you once again, we're going to exercise yet...

– Yes, I understand, – I chuckled, – I've just thought about that, all right.

– Hey, you are so cute yet! – she fell upon me, snatching my shoulders and neck by her arms again with a clear intention to kiss me strongly, what was executed a moment later. – If you don't mind, of course...

– No-no-no, that's right, – blurted I, – alright. About that fact – slightly at all. A blood was just a little. But the funny thing was that I fainted.

– C'mon! – exclaimed she. – You don't say so.

– I'm serious. Neighbors raised me from the floor.

– Well, that takes the cake, – her eyeballs were bugging out and in.

– It's because of fear, I suppose... I was afraid that... damaged a vein.

– Hmm, – Gina disflared her nostrils back. – You, as always, never cease to amaze me. It's a nightmare with institute.

– It's not the word... – interjected I.

– No, the story is very interesting, – she flashed by her fangs again. – Really. But I'm ready to listen to the music. And then we'll talk again, okay?

– No problem.

I got up, neared to the opposite wall, removed my tape recorder from the shelf and put it on the table.

– In general, the song is such...

– Medieval, – interrupted she. – You told me.

– Yes, – nodded I. – And it's about vampires.

– Wow, – she was delighted.

– It's called «Schein». Well, that's...

– I understand. «The Shining».

The cassette had been prepared before, so I just inserted it and pressed play. The intro, which I did like so much, sounded from the speaker, and I hurried back.

A heavy octave broke out along with the vocal. Gina raised her eyebrows and the corners of her mouth, but said nothing. The singer began to read a couplet:

«S toboy my vmeste v etot vecher,

Davno pora nam vse zabyt'!..»

She was attentively listening to every word, and the instruments started rattling again. I caught myself thinking maybe she was right last night, and we really should better listen to this song in the dark, and even better at night, on a full moon, about which, in fact, the text was narrating now yet, but you have to be able to find that moon, and this, unfortunately, is very difficult for me. In addition, there could be clouds or something else in the night sky, you could possibly strongly want to sleep, and you have to get up early...

The vocalist was thundering again:

«...Menya sdelala bol'nym tvoya lyubov',

A tebya p'yanila moya krov'!..»

The second chorus ended and the next solo came on. On Gina's face was written if not an admiration, then at least a joy for sure. She noticed my gaze, turned her head and shook our hands. I moved my shoulder a little to the side, and then she immediately parted her hands and hugged my waist, shifting the interfering limbs, and here the chorus began sounding once again, for the last time. Gina was listening, closely pressing her cheek to me and blinking, it seemed to me, more often than usual. The stanzas repeated, the musicians finished playing on strings and keys, and, finally, the song was sung.

– Here, – I softly uttered in her wonderfully smelling hair.

– Yes, – she recollected, letting me go from an embrace.

I rushed to the recorder, clicked a button and turned around:

– What do you think?

– A great song, – she was holding her wrist on the coverlet as a jamb. – Only very sad. A little loud for me, but the rest – is just superb.

– That's great. I wanted to turn you another one if you don't mind...

– Please, I'd love to hear, – reassured she.

– ...Only on what... Here, I think, – I grabbed a small plastic box, took out the object which was inside it and changed it with the cassette recorder contents. – This song you know exactly, it's famous – Betty, «Losing Control», just another... performance.

– A cover version, – specified Gina.

– That's right.

– So, it's interesting, – she moved her head.

Another tune was heard from the speakers, and we were sitting again, arms around each other, and we were hearing. Gina was so hot, that I thought in all seriousness, whether she caught a cold, because that's quite possible in different climates, such as mine. Of course, a few moments later I whisked this nonsense away from my mind, but this issue still hasn't changed much. A heavy guitar at this point stopped, the male vocals gave way to a female one, and Gina smiled broadly and joyfully, glancing at me by her pupils. I grinned in response, lightly scrunched up her left hip, whereat she responded with lightning speed, giving me a loud and juicy kiss on the cheek. The songstress, meanwhile, ceased to complain about heat, and the man intervened again. Here it occurred to me, that our situation, in principle, is identical to their one, just on the contrary – he asks her to talk to him yet, and in our case Gina asks me various questions all the time. I also should ask her something, certainly, and I even understood I know about what, but then my brain realized, that in fact these heroes have no trace of uniformity with us – he asks, rather, begs yet his friend to talk, so that's implicit the girl is not so keen to communicate with him, apparently, having some reasons, but we have all precisely the opposite yet... So, I thought. I mused on fall to thinking somehow. And Gina is looking at me somehow too closely. I distorted my face up to the nape of my neck, and she squinted in response, nipping her upper lip by a lower one. The final chords of the chorus, the notably violent ones, rang out, and then the composition ended.

– Well, what do you think? – immediately asked I.

– Very well, – eagerly reported she. – But that one was better.

– I agree, – I did another movements in the direction of the sound source, and Gina followed me. Quickly switching the device off, I turned around. She was sitting on the edge, bringing her knees together and settling her hands on the bedspread fold.

– Sit down, Andryush, – invited she.

– Of course, – I've suddenly grasped my throat is completely dry.

– A good music, but too loud, – cheerfully uttered she. – But I can see why you like it. «Extremum», I should remember. So I wished to find out one more thing from you.

– Wait, please... – seeked I.

– Andrey, – she tilted her face. – I'm always ready to wait.

With these words, she abruptly pressed on my chest by her splayed palm and capsized my upper torso onto a springy surface beneath us. Then, while one of my hands automatically grabbed the coverlid and the other grabbed her by the outside of her pelvis, she moved her bunch of fives and everything else above, so again successfully riding me like some horse.

– Wait, please, Gina, – repeated I.

She froze, opening her mouth slightly, but keeping an immeasurably polite expression on her face.

Straining, I turned her body, trying to squeeze her elbows gently, disposed Gina on the back, and straightened, also holding my right wrist on her thigh now and looking at it, at blue denim. Moving my eyes a little down, I looked her knees and calves over, recalling, what legs are hidden under these clothes. Then I began to look up at her hip girdle, also calling to memory, what is there. Then I looked at her tummy and the softest skin and so good-looking perfectly developed press muscles immediately popped into my mind. Then my sight rushed to what was after that: her highnesses, aka roundnesses, aka convexities, which didn't decrease too much even in this posture. Her hands are lying close to them, such a graceful, tender and strong, with the long silken fingers, half of which are slowly stroking my carpus by their tips now, whereupon I want to close my eyes, bare my teeth and throw my head back... Her blonde hair... Long... Straight... Finally, I looked at Gina's face. She was pinking, flashing with a dazzling smile, and her eyes were big and blue-grey. Here it was formulated inwardly once again – I also love her very much, and I also want her very much.

– Andryush, – blinked she, – you, really, have a hard stare yet, but when you're looking at me like this, it makes me feel weird. In a good sense, I mean. We will postpone our conversation, right?

– Yes, – exhaled I.

Chapter 11

– Tell me, please, – she gently tapped me on the knuckles, – how was usually your day going during your first year and half at the institute.

– Do you mean?..

– Yes, – nodded Gina. – After classes, of course, it's clear about them.

– Well... I came home... – I strongly rubbed my forehead. – Depending on that exact home. In the beginning, a month and half, I came, sat down and watched Ti-Vi. The good thing was there was something to watch, even series were showed. Here. And that's all, and besides that I did nothing. Ah – no! – I got excited. – Lying. In September, me and a couple of guys quite often, I think, even every day... had been doing pi-ti not far from the institute, there was a school yard, a small stadium, you know. Then, when I moved to the first flat, when I came back, almost every time, as I recall, I started to cook something to eat, because I was always hungry, like I don't know who, and there wasn't a Ti-Vi. Rather, it was, but it didn't work. Going to a store – cooking – eating, – I hesitated. – After that I was either reading something, or was listening to the music, but there almost weren't books at first, and the hostess, on the contrary, had a recorder, and a very good one in those days, so... And since the spring, of the next year, I got some books – they were sent from home, and I bought, so basically I was sitting there and reading. That lasted, therefore, for almost a year. Well, an academic, I mean, till... the end of an academic year, eight months, in fact. And then... that was also need to cook there, and a Ti-Vi set by those, who were there except me, was, but... I had no interest in that. Although something was possible... and that was necessary to watch. But I, instead, mainly... – I rubbed again, but my bridge now, – well, I mean, I was reading and cooking there too – especially a lot at first, and was listening to the music, but mostly, of course, I was nervous.

Gina smiled slightly.

– Yes! – assured I. – With those neighbors... That were just the typical... um... representatives of the category of people about what we were talking recently, – I smirked, recalling: – And yesterday too, by the way.

– I remember that, – she fidgeted, snuggling to me stronger. – Hooligan'-yo.

– That's right, – I also made a small maneuver on the bedspread, slightly raised back. – But then, as you remember, I went back to my first flat, and everything became much better, I stopped to be nervous. Well, almost, I mean.

– And then you had been living there for another eighteen months, right? – she slightly pulled back without removing her hands, so I recollected and turned my head to the right, seeing, of course, a close, but a warm glow of her most beautiful eyes. – Even more, I think?

– Yes, a little more. That was a good place.

– Yeah, you've also told me about that... – she kept looking at me warmly, but still very carefully, and with no intention, apparently, blinking within the next minutes. – But that was all relative, right? Did you still think you would have been better at home?

– Oh, that's not the word, – I took a sip dry, and then smiled faintly. Her face has immediately blossomed, the irises have flashed with a blue flame, her lips have puffed out and the teeth began dazzling me by enamel luster. – I... – began I, and at the same time she uttered:

– But... I'm sorry, Andryush, you were saying.

– Please, you tell.

– I was just going to say, – she suddenly became serious, – I still can't figure that out. Maybe I... well, I fixate much on that, – she said quite clear, – and don't cease to ask you the same over and over again...

– It's all right, – interposed I.

– ...That's fine, if so, and I'm very grateful to you indeed, – she roguishly squinted for a moment, – but I can't make sense of such things, no matter how hard I try. Maybe, of course, I don't try hard enough, or something else, maybe it is beyond my powers at all, but, please, Andrey, tell me again... Actually, no, – now she swallowed dry, – let's this way – you've just told me you did like that first flat more than any other of those places, despite the fact there wasn't even a hot water and a toilet was almost on the street, and, I don't know... But it was better there?

– Yes.

– Because people were better there? – she stopped to smile at all.

– Yes. My hostess.

– And you told me – I remember that very well, you wrote about that in one letter, – right now she blinked several times and frequently, – that, some time later, you got used to that, and had even stopped counting days, remaining till returning home, every day? So you continued to do that, but you became less worried about that. Right?

– Right.

– Here I don't understand at all, how you could do that, – she was wincing, and getting that stronger and stronger. – And I will never understand, I'm sure of it. This's just... I guess, it's necessary to sit in jail for that. For a short time, obviously... What's that, that saying, – a smile or not a smile, but something like that returned to her face, – I've heard that many times, and we've recalled that with you either, but I still can't memorize it – «It will be really hard the first ten... months», right?

– Yep, – I opened my mouth. – Only not «months» but «years».

– ...That's very funny, – immediately commented she, nodding.

– «And then you get used to it», – finished I.

– Just like that, – Gina again strained her forehead, – nice and easy. «You get used to it», you're not going anywhere, right? And you got used too, that turns out? That's incredible, Andrey. That's just incredible for me. I repeat – this is some bad dream, a nightmare.

– «On Elm Street».

– You're still kidding, – she licked herself. – On the other hand, this's probably absolutely right, and, to paraphrase a famous person, this's, probably, the only thing you can do, if there's no other way out of this situation... Look, excuse me, for God's sake, Andryush – I don't want... hmm... to bore you too much with these conversations, though you all the time speak, that all is right, I...

– No, everything is really okay with that, – smiled I.

– ...I still see, – stubbornly uttered she, however, immediately grinning in response, – you already fed up with that, so let's, please, change the topic, the more you wished to ask something, and, generally speaking, I think, it's our workout time, but I really want to ask you one last question... of this kind. The last, I promise you.

– Please.

– Tell me again, – she pressed down by her palms, – because... I remember, but I want to hear that from you personally: on the whole – on the whole exactly – had all that time, about which I'm questioning you for half a day already, been wasted or not?

– Yes, – I didn't think for a single moment.

– Really... how?.. – Gina sighed. – I don't know... – at this point she for the first time since I've known her seemed me truly confused. – Look, Andrey – I'm sorry. Your turn, ask, please.

She removed her left wrist from my leg, shifted it back and carefully placed it along my neck. I rather instinctively began pressing her to myself more, and she immediately fidgeted once again, pushing me by her waist, bringing her legs tighter, and a moment later she lowered her head on my shoulder. There still was great, some fruity odor from her light-brown hair.

– This is... What I want to say is from other... field at all, – softly uttered I.

– That's what we need, – her words, it seemed, were materializing right in the air near my ones, which were just uttered, – we've agreed to change the topic yet. And I should control my temper yet, I think...

– Okay. We talk about physical training here, – my breathing became a sort of agitated, – and yesterday talked about... healthy lifestyle... and so on. So tell me, please – and did you exercise recently?

She lifted her cheek off my bones, put her head upright and pointed her face at me:

– To be honest – yes.

– I just, you know, I ask because... – here I shuddered – my heart reminded about itself, – I just thought...

– So, – Gina started to leer at me again, – I think I know what you're about to say.

The devouring lasted a few moments, after what she grinned dreadfully.

– Shortly, I'm telling this to the fact that, it seems to me, your breast became bigger, – saying that, I nearly coughed.

She closed her eyelids, raised them and licked her lips again, and I pattered more:

– I mean, it had never been small, at all, don't get me wrong, but now it has become, in my opinion, even bigger, and that's just great.

Gina quite mightily switched her head round, fixing her eyes on me:

– Andrey, you are so... I like you so much in such moments!.. But you're absolutely right – I've a little built my body up, including them. And how... – tenderness on her pretty face gave way to astonishment, – how did you realize that, I mean, how exactly?

– Well... – blurted I. – That just seemed to me, I told you. I can see... we... uh... I, generally, look at you... close and so I did such a conclusion. That's, specifically, I realized that by the shape of your body.

– Wow, – inferred she. – I didn't want to overburden you, but I can't help myself.

Gina squeezed my physiognomy in her tenacious hands with an imperceptible movement and clung to me by her lips once again, really, pressing with her corpus, and how it seemed to me, in particular – with that its area, which we've just discussed. The feeling was like the same, but, at the same time, something beyond that added to it. In any case, I pulled my limbs up, wherewith I enraptured her, in my opinion, even more.

– I love you, – she stopped our kiss. – I have told you many times about that, but I still say – you don't cease to amaze me... and to please me, Andrey, and I... I don't know... Thank you so much. That's just amazing, really.

– You're welcome, Gina, – murmured I. – I love you too. I...

She was faintly smiling by her glistering mouth.

– Never mind, I think, – chattered I. – Let's go... to do chin-ups. It's time.

– Yes, you're right, – blinked she. – Sure, let's go.

– Actually, I wanted to ask you about something else.

– Ask me anything you want, – she sprang onto the floor, startling Otto, entering the room. – Any question.

– In principle, – I was on my feet behind her, and we stepped to the exit, – it's linked to the previous one. So... – at this moment I was struck by something inside me quite clear saying it's necessary to minimize and ideally – to stop all this discussion about female mammary glands size changing, – that's about physical trainings. What we actually wish to try doing now.

– Why «to try»? – giggled Gina.

– Well, yes, – I laughed in response, spinning with my sleeves. – I just want to ask, because they... told me... a lot about it... In short, did you really study karate in childhood else?

– Not for long – yes, – confirmed she, quite accurately repeating my movements. – But there was not actually karate – I took jujutsu lessons. But this should be good for... the punching too.

– I'm sure you punch properly, – I continued to prepare my skeleton.

She dropped her hands and laughed for the whole apartment:

– Damn!.. Bche-ha-ha!..

– Okay, let's begin.

– Okay, – she was blowing her cheeks. – Just try not to make me laugh for some time, okay?

– I agree. Go.

– No, you go first, – retorted she. – And I will count.

I hung on the bar and began to do the exercise. From the first moment it was clear I'm not in very good shape today, what, however, was obvious, but I wanted to impress a girl, especially to impress Gina, just really bad. Moreover, this absolutely stupidly went through my mind, it was her idea. So, I must already collect my thoughts, that's for sure. Fortunately, I was losing my breath slowly, so I could last, of course, by my standards, for long. Having floated down for the final time, I stomped by my feet.

– Twenty-six, – sounded Gina. – I should damn say. And your system is interesting.

– Thank you, – I was trying to calm down. – But you have to make five times like that...

– How many?! – she didn't believe.

– At least.

– Come on, man, – she gripped the tube. – That's hard.

– Well, I can't yet!

She giggled a little quieter:

– Okay, no kidding, please. Count.

The picture, to be honest, was tremendously appealing – she was like some kind of Amazon. First I wasn't counting, but, like, probably, any more or less sane male person in my place, was admiring by all her curves, wriggles, bulges and dimples, which I've seen before, but which were now somehow differently striking the eye. In a word, she was brave.

– Ten, – said I, as soon as she touched down.

– And I counted nine, – she noisily sucked the air.

– That's good anyway, Gina. Well done.

– Thank you, – she grinned. – But I can tell you right now I couldn't do five of these, that's for sure.

– And don't, probably, – I snapped up. – Let's go to lunch?

– No-no! – she raised the back of her head. – I want to try more. I just need a break.

– You should go – it's better so, in my opinion. Only slowly.

She approached the far window, which was opposite our position, came back and uttered:

– Hey, right! Let's do it once again.

We strolled through the second room together, smiling at each other, leisurely inhaling air through our noses and exhaling it through our mouths, raising and lowering our shoulders and chins, but without saying anything, and then we froze in the doorway bis.

– Yes, that's better indeed! – she admitted over. – Are you ready?

– I guess, – I answered to the carefully watching irises, and then grabbed a sports apparatus again. As always, it was harder the second time, so I decided to think about Gina's skin, about her long, slender legs, strong hands, wonderful soft fingers on these hands, how she likes to kiss, and how I also like it (at that thought it seemed to me something tinkled nearby), then, of course, about what else we had been doing in the last few hours – I was recalling about that, trying not to squeak with my teeth, and immediately after that I was interrupted by the phrase «Twenty-one. Just super, Andy», pronounced by the voice, which was so familiar and reminiscent of all above. Then, after the words «O-okay, let's...», said by the same voice, her turn came again, without any apparent difficulties she did eleven pull-ups, and then she glided on my joints. A blood in my body was throbbing, violating all standarts of decency.

– Thank you, – low uttered she, grabbing my waist and clinging to it with her thighs. – I started thinking the same thing. Let's go to the room.

– And won't we be late? – my voice floundered.

– We will not... – she abruptly turned her face and repeated: – Come, I said.

– You're going to show me jujutsu techniques? – plumped I.

– Yeah, – she was pulling my fingers. – Including them.

Chapter 12

Gina got a steaming plate and said «Thank you». Stepping back to the stove, I put the food from the pan to myself, neared the table again and sat down in my place. Even by my peripheral vision I could see that she was smiling. I took the bread, jabbed in the contents of my dish by the fork and grinned in my turn, hoping that was not too foolish. Or even stupidly.

– I think, nothing should happen, – articulated she. – To this food, I mean.

– Come on, – I raised my head, – one day... just passed. That's okay with it, I'm sure. If only... there's something with the fridge...

– Yes, there's nothing wrong with it, I guess, – she looked to the left and right, – don't worry. But nonetheless – try, please, and tell me, what do you think, you didn't answer me yesterday yet. Well, I mean... Your opinion is just very important for me, Andrey.

– Of course, – I chewed, doing that with great pleasure. – All right. Very delicious, as yesterday. You done just well.

– Thank you, Andryush, – she glanced down this time. – Taste the meat, please, anyway.

I made sure about mentioned, finding out that has been subjected to nothing too, and then uttered:

– Just great. Look, you cooked that cool, me too... I have to admit. Really.

– Thank you very much, – she openly watched me eating. – I'm very pleased to hear that.

– This is a cool thing... By the way, you know how to cook it for a long time? I mean, exactly... this thing?

– Oh, of course, – informed she. – Since school, as I recall.

– But you should eat too, – suddenly remembered I.

– Of course, – she reached her hand out to the hunches of bread. – I just think you're hungry as a pumpkin right now.

– Yes, – avowed I. – But you either, probably, don't mind to snack a little, right?

Gina slightly smiled, closing her eyes and puffing out her bottom lip:

– You made a good point, Andy.

– Well, there's no need to be... a genius...

– Yes, – she snapped up. – What – I've heard that again – a wonderful expression you have on this subject, I remember its translation very well: «You don't need to have seven... meters...».

– «Pyadey», – I notified in Russian. – A word «pyad'». I don't know how to put it in English.

– That's some old linear measure, I understand that, – she was detailing. – And then something, like, about a brain... «Pya-adey...» Of a brain, yes?

– Of a forehead, – I brought my fist with the fork clutched in it to that part of my body which was under consideration. – «In a forehead».

– Here it is, now everything's clear, – she beamed. – That's such a huge skull. Hole in one.

– As you and I have, by the way, – noted I and then proceeded to chew.

– Well, – she narrowed and expanded her mouth, – I'm not talking about myself, but you look great in this respect, Andrey. I like it.

– Thank you, – blinked I.

– You're welcome, Andryush.

She also, however, looked great, and her brow was high too, as would be befitting of an intelligent and educated person. Here I neither here nor there recalled Gina has no higher degree, but then immediately laughed privately – she can run rings round, I think, any historian or some political scientist, specializing in our country, with her existing knowledge. It's easy, it's not even a question. But in these moments she was beautiful primarily yet. Outrageously beautiful... So, okay, maybe I should better focus on feeding while, because I've got some muddle again.

– So, I'm, probably, done, – Gina had the plate empty.

– Umgu, – reassured I. – Nau I...

– You shouldn't hurry, I think, – her pupils flashed again. – You want more, yes?

– No-no! – I was hardly using my teeth and cutlery. – Now, that's left a little here for me.

– Nonetheless – don't hurry, – squinted she. – We'll have enough time either way, we won't be in that place for too long yet. So... How you have told me once, I did like that very much, – she smiled even wider, tilting her head to the right shoulder – there, back at the institute, you come home, it's evening, it's dark, it's winter, you go into the kitchen and sit down at the table to eat. And you're eating for a long time, not in a hurry, because you have... plenty of time...

That sheet of paper with all that handwritten, that she's just almost word for word quoted, distinctively jumped in front of my eyes.

– Yes, that was once... – I muttered, and then it struck me: – Look, Gina, please. I want to tell you one thing. That's about what we were talking recently – about the institute.

– Of course, – she was looking forth with my so favorite polite-attentive mien.

– You've reminded me apropos now... – a chewed-up food rushed somewhere inside. – Rather, you have in the first place reminded me about our correspondence, which we have already... several times... well...

– Yea-ah! – she grinned. – That's what I meant! I tell you, I was so happy reading it!.. But you wish to talk about something else.

– Yes, – till the end of my portion was already quite a bit. – Don't worry, please, too much about this. Don't worry. That's not the...

– I won't, – agreed she, – you're right. I won't worry too much about this. But, by the way, I realized here too, – she pointed her index finger forward, – this is only the second time by now, when I really want to argue with you – I will never agree... I shouldn't worry about this at all. Just like anybody else. You understand me, Andryush, I'm sure.

– I think so, – nodded I.

– Yes, I'm sure, I tell you, – Gina's look was very happy. – All those things... What we've already discussed many times... And what, in my view, should be of concern. We can argue hither and thither about that, if desired.

– I, by the way, remember when the first time was, – I got up and carried the plates to the sink. – About the arguing, I mean, ours. Then, the first day, in the evening...

– Yes-yes, – she shook her hair. – After dinner. I remember this, even all the words, perhaps.

– Oh, I remember that very good too, – I poured beverage into the glass. – And, in my opinion, I haven't convinced you then yet.

– Of course you haven't convinced me! – she raised her eyebrows. – Is it possible to convince someone in something? A person always convinces himself.

I poured the second mug, put the box back into the fridge, handed the plumper cup to Gina, and then returned to my stool.

– Yes, I've heard this point of view, – I looked at her, – and I think, I totally agree with it.

She bowed her head again:

– Look, is this a quote? But I don't know what it is. Tell me, Andrey!

– And... I don't know too, – honestly answered I. – Maybe... it's a Latin expression?

– No-no-no, – she used her index finger again. – I think, it isn't. This's something modern, I think, quite new.

– Maybe, – I cautiously sipped from my glass. – And maybe I've just invented that. A wonderful phrase, – the corners of her mouth began raising. – Then you need, probably, to start writing down after me.

Gina turned her face down and burst out laughing loud.

– I'm kidding, of course, – I tried to calm my companion.

– Yes, I see! – laughed she. – But I still like it so much! Hhe-heh-heh! Bh-h... By the way, I'm going to say it for some time yet, – she sipped in her turn, – and I don't forget it for sure now – what humorous show, from your television, you've written to me in a letter and yesterday, I guess, have mentioned about? I think, that's... associated with it. Can you cite something from it?

– So I've just did that, – for some reason I wasn't surprised.

– Come on, – she also began speaking more tranquilly. – You don't say so.

– Why? I tell you – I didn't invent that. Nothing could be invented, as I recall.

– Stop that, Andryush! – she gently nudged me by her toe under the table. – Where is this saying from? And tell me about the show, please. How was it called?

– Um... «Beware Of Modern!».

– A great name, – emphasized Gina, sipping. – So is the quote really from there or not?

– Really, seriously, – I tried to bare my teeth not too much. – And in that... name else... in the end of it was, how... a sign.

– An exclamation mark? – specified she.

– Yes.

– Well, yes – not a question mark indeed, – she giggled. – What I'm asking... So what was that? As you told me, that programme was very interesting.

I put my glass on a wooden surface:

– Yes, it was. It was the best, in my opinion... Do you want more?

– No, Andryush, thank you, – she hastily knocked over the remains of her cup contents into the throat, handing it to me then: – Here. We should go.

– That's right, – I laid the dishes down near the sink.

– Will you clean up right now? – wondered she.

– No-no. Later.

– Let me help you then at least? Oh, please! – she joyfully grinned again with her palms in her jeans hip pockets.

– Well... – I paused, recalling something, and then called two things to memory – a yester anecdote and something else, – I think... something like that. We'll see. Now, one second – it's necessary to pour water to the cat.

– Sure, come on, – nodded Gina.

I made a circle between the refrigerator and the window, saying on the move:

– To eat, I think it will be enough... Now, that's it... And about... our... topic... So, ready. Let's go. So – about what you asked...

We walked out of the kitchen.

– ...Are you sure you're full? – I decided to make certain, stepping behind her now.

– Yes, Andryush, – she half-turned. – Thank you so much. All is fine. So, «Beware Of Modern!». As a warning.

– Yes, – concluded I. – The program, to be honest, is just excellent. Well, because of political jokes.

– Oh, that's great, – she quickly pulled her sweater on, picked up her elegant handbag and immediately reported: – I'm ready.

– Fine, – I was thinking a few moments and deduced that, like, I forgot nothing, and then I passed Gina.

– We're rolling out? – giggled she, striding by me.

– Yep, – I moved and grabbed my jacket. – So. There are two seasons. In the first one in each episode were shown the different situations with the various characters, and the second one is closer to series, because the characters, main, are the same.

– It is currently on, right? – she shook her sleeves. – The second season?

– Everything's right.

– And can we watch it? – clarified she.

– Nope. Unfortunately, – ducked I.

– So, it's been shown on weekdays? – Gina has already put her shoes on.

– Yes.

Chapter 13

I pressed the lock knob, pulled the door, then snapped with the second locking mechanism, cleared the doorway to the end, and then again let Gina pass forward to the stairway, at the same time looking at the kitten. This time, all appearances, he had no intention of running away. Gina, having moved out, stopped exactly at such a distance that allowed interfering nothing yet, and said:

– That's a pity.

– Of course, – I turned the key in the slot. – You'd like it, I think. Even... without a translation... Let's go, – habitually blurted I.

– Okay, – she turned around. – Then, please, Andryush, if you don't mind, tell me about it more detail.

– No, I don't mind.

We were quickly going down the stairs, staccato knocking by our soles on the concrete.

– So, – I rounded the next railing, – this Ti-Vi show is in the genre, as I said, of a political... satire. Mainly, because there are other jokes too, including... well, various.

– I see, – she held her head athwart.

– No, of course they have all beyond the bounds of decency, – I hastened to explain, raising my right palm. – None of them... swear obscenities and so on. Here, and else it consists of such... thing like grotesque. So, these situations, in my opinion, in principle one hundred percent... could be real, at least, most of them, but it seems it's something brought to the point of absurdity. That's, you know, – I laughed, – I've realized that just now – you do the right thing when you give a lot of your attention to various anecdotes, expressions and so on, because they, the creators of «Beware Of Modern!», I mean, – the last flight of stairs was on a straight line, – do like a screen version of all these things indeed, a very real one.

– That's really great, I think, – remarked she, stretching her hand out.

– Well, – I caught a creaky entrance door, – you, probably, have realized that, so you've asked that. So, in the first part, in an old one, were shown a variety of people, mostly, of course, our home, soviet ones, – a dampish fresh air rushed into my, and into her, I suppose, lungs, – well, you know...

– I know, – repeated she, looking at me with interest. We joined hands and slapped along the footpath.

– ...Under these exact... circumstances yet, for example, – I made a small circle in the space by my free hand, and Gina went curiously watching me by her beautiful blue eyes, – in a hotel, a restaurant, on exam... at the university, at a construction site, or at home, in a usual flat. Like the one we've just left, – I smiled at her harking irises. – For instance. Generally, in the first season in about half the episodes... action took place in... the apartments, there were several of them, not very much, and in the second one – in the other places, here, but... the current episodes show almost the only apartments, of the same house, – I took a sip dry. – Well, sometimes a little in the yard else.

She closed her eyes, opening them instantly, but without making a sound.

– Really, it is, Gina, – added I.

– I'm sorry, Andryush, – she grinned.

– All right, come on, – winked I.

– Do you want a candy? – she hastened to find out.

– C'mon.

She swiftly removed the parcel from her carryon and gave me a grey cube.

– Thank you. M-m-m... So that's why the second «Modern» is more like a television series. But there... is great too, however. All sorts of... adventures, all that, by the way, with the music of «Ventures», «Shadows» and Paul Mauriat, and other, also instrumental one. Here... – I hesitated, turning on the sidewalk, and then it finally dawned on me: – I forgot to tell you the most important thing – there can be any number of heroes in this program, but in frame are always two people maximum, because there're only two actors! Damn, I had to start with that...

– That's interesting, – Gina pursed her lips for a moment, – but, frankly, I've something heard about this idea.

– So, probably, because that's your idea, – supposed I, turning about and making a lane for the passer-by, – I was too... I have somewhere read about that. Well, when they were popular.

– And were they, really? – she didn't believe that, in my opinion.

– Ye-es! – I lifted my eyebrows. – When they have just appeared.

We approached the junction and froze. The green had to go on soon.

– And when was that? – she was looking at me with curiosity.

– Six years ago, – for some reason this time I didn't really want to smile wider.

The cars stopped, and we started stamping to the other side.

– Well... and two years ago also. Almost three, rather, – added I.

– I see, – affirmatively nodded she. – You told me you watch since the beginning, right?

– Yep, – sniffed I. – That's, rather, since that time when they began to be shown on Ti-Vi, in our city, I mean – that was then, but in general they began to do it eight years ago. If... I'm not mistaken.

– That's awesome, – she said softly. – Cool. Honestly, Andrey, I would be very interesting to watch at least one episode. Even without a translation.

– Yes, I'd explain it to you, I think, – assured I, – at least the main points... But do you know what would be the most important thing? That you would them, I'm pretty sure, immediately recognize.

We crossed with another passer, and then Gina immediately pronounced:

– What do you mean? Who are they?

– Do you remember, – gasped I, – we remembered about the film «Purgatory» with the guys yesterday, about the war?

– Of course, what are you talking about, – confirmed she, livening up: – Wait, are they its heroes, really? But who?

– Do you, it turns out, remember it well?

– Yeah, I think so! – confidently uttered she. – So what did they play there yet?

– This is the main... negative character, a commander of the Chechens, – I took one more sip dry, – and... the second tanker. Who had survived.

– Hey, that's great! – she flashed by her teeth. – Although, as you know, that movie wasn't, probably... well, in general, I didn't like it yet – due the other things I've read and watched about that... never mind, because there... all is shown the way that should cause the only correct reaction – disgust. But the actors, the stars, I did like them all very much, and the rebel leader – he done well yet. Everything makes perfect sense right now, – she slightly shook our hands.

– They are pretty well-known actors in our country, – denoted I. – Dmitry Nagiyev and Sergey Rost.

– Of course, I had heard about them. Yes-yes... they played great, – Gina again dropped her lips for half a second. – They're doing great. Look, so, it turns out, they play both men and women in this show, if families are shown there?

– Yes, – I grinned. – And children too.

– Children also? – she laughed after. – Small ones?

– Well, in those episodes, which are on now, – I kept baring my teeth, – already big – twenty years... plus or minus, but in the old... – various ones. If I'm not mistaken, there was one... toddler.

– Awesome, – her lovely eyes were rounded. – I repeat myself, of course, but I really want to see this show.

– That's good. By the way, – recalled I, – have you really watched our cartoons about Carlson?

– Oh, yes, – drawled she. – That was also very... instructive.

– And have your daughter really liked it?

– Honestly, I tell you! – she raised her voice. – Andrey, I wasn't kidding.

– I believe you, I believe, – I touched our clenched wrists by my free hand. – Just wondering where you've found... records with an English translation.

– Well, – Gina's eye became somehow a bit measuring again, – there's nothing complicated with those, I think. We are – the world leader of film industry yet, come hell or high water...

I broke out laughing, what is more, not being sure I understood her last five words.

– ...Yeah, sometimes I... feel funny about that too, – nodded she.

– Excuse me, Gina, please. I didn't... I meant not that.

– No problem, – her mouth curved politely.

– I laughed not because of that. You just... said that cool...

– Thank you, Andryush, – she tilted her pretty face.

– And besides I don't think I got your phrase right yet, – confessed I.

She burst out laughing loud.

– Yep, – continued I, smirking more.

– Well, I didn't mean myself, of course, – she pointed her irises at me again. – Kh-hh, hm-m. No, Andrey – you're still better at joking. Hrm-m-m!

– Thank you very, very much.

A straight line of the sidewalk ended, changing the direction of our movement.

– Here, that's a wonderful view, – she assessed the area appeared around the turn. – Very nice, even though the clouds.

– But I like clouds, – declared I.

– And I also like them, just when I was here last time, there was a bright sunshine – you remember, we talked about that – and it... was lighting all that... so perfectly, – she was eagerly gazing at the landscape. – I did like that very much. But you're absolutely right, by the way, – in the summer all that looks much better yet.

I reacted quickly:

– Thank you for such good reviews about my hometown.

She reacted even faster – twirling on her heels, she rose, stretched out her free hand towards my hindhead and kissed me.

– You are here, that's the most important thing for me, – the huge pupils were burning with a blue flame. – We have to move on.

– We're almost there.

The trees were close to the left, the concrete slabs – to the right and the stop was dead ahead, inexorably approaching. Gina was sweeping – looking, rather – at my face, without embarrassment, and, probably, doing the right thing.

– Now... – mumbled I, – you see our trolleybuses... how to say...

– With my own eyes, – claimed she, without changing the position of her head.

– I wan... never mind, – I resolved. – Wait, please.

She froze, and I hugged her to me – strong, warm, strong and confident.

– I did really like the way you've just said, – I was looking down, at her, – and you are very dear for me too.

– Thank you, Andryusha, – she quietly uttered in response, saying the third word in Russian.

I pronounced same softly:

– I love you, Gina.

– I love you too, honey, – for a while, just a little, her head was resting in the same position as mine, and then she again leaned against my body strongly – by her cheek to my chest. Her long blonde hair, covered with a black knitted cap, was extremely close, and else I clearly heard the rhythmic beat of my and, apparently, of her heart.

A big square cab suddenly appeared in my sight, and I enunciated:

– Here it is.

– Holy moly, – she roused herself, – maybe it's not ours?

– It's one here.

– Then – run, – commanded Gina, making almost fencing lunge, simultaneously turning her body ninety degrees and abruptly pulling my fingers. We rushed like crazy-cats.

Sprint has always been liked by me, relatively, of course, so I was trying to swing my limbs with pleasure, moreover, a thought flashed through my mind, I haven't run having company for a long time, that is, I have never run in the company with a person like Gina, even though cross-country... The «zebra», fortunately, was free, so I failed thinking too much. The transport was waiting with the open doors.

«With open arms», it flashed through my mind along with our feet stamping up the steps.

– Pooh, – I made a sound as quietly as possible.

– We didn't miss, – stated Gina.

The passenger compartment was almost empty, there were heaps of empty seats – people were sitting just in the front, one or two, the air was warm, and the floor – was clean. I've just decided to offer her sitting down on a seat, which I usually take in such cases, but Gina was following right in this direction with unfaltering steps, then she approached the handrails and leatherette, and then she turned and sat down on this exact seat. Locating close to her, I looked up.

– How are you? – smiled she.

– Everything's fine, – I broke into a smile.

She gave me a peck on the cheek and once again found herself in the same position, expanding the corners of her mouth to the ears.

– I usually... sit here yet, – I grinned.

– Believe it or not, but that's what I thought, – explained she.

– I believe you. «Amantes – amentes».

Gina narrowed her eyes with pleasure, and the trolley moved, driving to the left.

– We'll probably go fast now? – wondered she.

– Maybe, – I batted by my lids. – But... I think we won't get too long anyway...

– I'm sorry, – sounded a voice behind me. – Are you really talking in English?

I've forgotten where I am at all, I concluded to myself, turning to the conductor and unbuttoning the lock on my pocket.

– Yes, – I replied in Russian. – Now, wait a second... Please.

– Are you from America? Or England? – an electric transport worker continued to pry out.

– She is, – I made a motion with my forehead. – From America.

The conductor looked at Gina:

– You look, by the way, familiar to me. I think I saw you on Ti-Vi. Take it, please, – she handed me the change and tickets. – Welcome to our city.

– Spasibo, – said Gina in our language, and her accent was less than the last time.

– Thank you, – I smiled again.

– Godspeed, – wished the woman.

After a pause for a few moments, I said, staring at Gina's right leg:

– She sa...

– It seems to me I got that, Andryush, – as usual, interrupted she. – Thanks. «Schet-livo» means «good», right?

– «Happy».

– Oh, I see, – enounced she. – By the way, here I want to say about some national parting words: you know, what I think – your people almost don't say «Take care». Right? That, – her pretty face was beaming with curiosity, – «Good luck» – they do say, I've heard that, and what about this?

– Yes, you're right, I think, – agreed I. – This expression can't be heard. Rather, it was used, but, unfortunately, in my opinion, in all sorts of... unserious series.

Gina giggled, squeezing my hips.

– Here is abo... – began I.

– I want to clarify... – at the same moment uttered she. – Come on, you say.

– No, you, please.

– Okay, – she didn't argue. – You've just mentioned we'll go almost in a straight line... Really?

– Right, – I agreed again. – Straight now yet, and then we will turn right and that's all.

The machine, by the by, has really picked up quite a high speed already, full swing approaching the bridge over the river through the causeway. Passenger cars, trucks and buses were tearing along towards us.

– We're going a bit fast, – Gina glanced out the window. – Please, Andryush, what were you going to say?

– About quotes, – I enjoyed watching her. – But you reminded me something else here.

– Come on, – willingly responded she.

– As for the place where we're going, – added I. – When we... were running here now, I thought that then, you know, the same thing had happened to us, only vice versa.

– I see, – she pronounced that neutrally.

– So, as for that phrase, about... – I drawled «e-e-e» inwardly, – writing down – that really was a quote from «Beware Of Modern!», and from one of my... brothers. You, probably, remember too, I told a lot about him.

– Of course, – confirmed she. – Your second cousin, right?

– Yes. So, he said once – that, by the way, took place in our country, in the summer – as a response to that some of us praised him for successfully said... said few words... – I rubbed my chin with the finger, – here I, probably, have memorized that word for word forever: «You, probably, should already start to write down after me». I think, nevertheless, he was joking... Look, – I bucked up. – Our bridge. The Ob River. A local sight you like.

– Oh, yes, – she watched an offered view. – But I think here is really nice, why are you...

– Now – not like in the summer. Yet again.

– I guess so, – Gina appreciated the panorama once more. – Anyway, Andryush. The river's giant... How long is here?

– Eight hundred meters, – enlightened I. – As long as I remember. This is... about nine hundred yards.

– Co-me o-on! – laughed she. – You're so!.. I just adore you.

– Thank you.

– Look, so people, probably, go swimming here in the summer? – she turned her head to the left. – If it's hot like it was then?

– Yes, they do.

– And have you ever gone swimming here?

– Never in my life.

– We-ell, sakes alive, – she again diverted attention to me. – Okay, but have you gone swimming in the Ob River sometime?

– Of course, I have, – reassured I. – To the north. Over there. We also have a sea... well, on the other side...

– Ye-es, yeah-yeah-yeah!..

– So, there we swam a lot of times yet, and this is, in fact, the same river.

– Cool, – summed she. – Super. So, well, then I still... So, it turns out, your second cousin thought that up, but not... them?

– I suspect, – sneered I, – he neither, even though that was before.

– When exactly? – she wouldn't be satisfied. – I'm sure, you remember that, as well as what he spoke so genius.

– You're right, – I thought I'll cease wondering of this fact for sure soon. – That was ten years ago. And the expression was the following: «Endshpilit'sya». From the word «endspiel».

– That's a chess term, right? – Gina was giving me a piercing look by her pupils.

– Yes. We were... at the beach, were just swimming here, something began to happen ba... Well, in my opinion, on the contrary – there was nothing bad, we had just decided to go home, and he decided to say... so. You see, we, in fact, had been playing chess quite a lot, well, among other things. By the way, this is my grandfather taught me, and even for some time...

– Got you interested, – she introduced me to a new expression.

– Exactly. But in the «Modern», – I decided to pursue this idea, – that was better anyway – there in one episode the protagonist's son must become the president of Russia by lottery...

Gina immediately burst out laughing.

– ...Yes-yes, and he didn't know that, because that had to happen after some time, but all the neighbors, of course, have immediately heard about that from somewhere. And to him, to this guy, everybody began to give more attention in this regard, he certainly began... to think too much of himself, and including it – to talk all kind of nonsense on the radio. Here he, – I looked at a small palm on my thigh, – and said once: «Life is life»... the neighbors were at this moment listening to him, a husband and his wife, a husband said: «Really – how deep that sounds... if you think about it – «Life – is life?», and a wife – such a nervous woman – after that: «Don't interrupt, but better write down after the clever man!». Here.

– Look, that's great, – she bared her teeth. – That's off the chain. In my turn, I suspect they were canceled after that episode then yet.

– And that's it.

The transport stood at the traffic light already.

– They done definitely well, – uttered she. – Like I thought once... Look, I still wish to ask you about sights more – what is it? You know all here for sure!..

– Well, now, I think, slightly more than you, – cautiously supposed I. – Here, like, something office is built, and farther – there're dwelling houses.

– And the railway, which was just below us – you told me about it? – she pried out.

– Yes.

– So your old house falls almost on a direct line from here? – Gina, apparently, decided to find everything out.

– Nearly. Over... that way, – I placed my palm at an acute angle to this imaginary line.

– That's great, – excitedly uttered she. – I remember... this street more or less... that library is there now, right?

– Right, – confirmed I. – It's here... close.

– Yes, yes... Look – well... – she shouldered me. – Tell me something else except that, how you... excepting the war memories – I remember that fine.

– Um... – I was confused. – And... what... do you want to know? Well, I mean...

– Anything, – she was pressing.

– We... For example, we went home here, – I, like, took something. – And there, of course. I mean, after the move. And before it too. Here. What else... By public transport, I mean, by car, on the contrary – almost didn't go. We were turning right... where the stop was right now. As for the sights... particularly here in this place... I don't even know. This boulevard, probably only. And so... here always were ordinary houses, five-storey, as I can remember. Here, look – now you see it. The library.

Gina loosened her visual grip and looked in the direction of our travel.

– By the way, when I was little, – resumed I, – I couldn't remember the abbreviation... which it was shortened with for a long time.

– What abbreviation? – she didn't understand.

– Ge-Pe-En-Te-Be, – explained I. – This means «State... Public Scientific and Technical Library», that's it. Library of the Academy of Sciences, in fact.

– This's something really... complicated... – winced she. – This reminds me R-Es-Ef-Es-R, to be honest. Oh, now I see it well.

– A monumental building, in my opinion, – I commented on. – It was. It has... had the same number of floors below ground, oh – you, probably, remember that fine...

We slowed down and began turning to the right.

– Yes, I do, – she didn't deny, at the same time examining the object. – They're doing pretty well here, I should say... Well, we do remember that. Those famous pinpoint strikes – and they got straight to the point. We'll smash though the whole city to f... Um. Sorry, Andrey.

A crushed leviathan and a crane passed by and then the trolley stopped.

– Hmm. So – I haven't here been yet, – proclaimed she. – About what, however, I've already said a thousand times... Your street is down there – we agreed you will show it to me, and right here was some other munition factory, right?

– Yep, – I lifted my skull.

– And what is right over there? – she glanced at the opposite direction. – That's something... Judging by this minimum damage, for some reason I think, if it wasn't restored yet, something valuable for the old authorities was in this place, am I not mistaken?

– Hr-r-r! – I smiled slightly. – You are, as always, prepared very well. This's... a facility for... gold cleaning.

The bus stop was behind us, we drove on. The road seemed to be completely free.

– Come on! – her vision bodies popped out of her head. – Walker!

– Well, like, it is...

– As always, it all fits, – Gina lingered on an important plant fence, clicking by us. – We'll bomb residential areas into ruins, the library is also... – she used foul language, – useless, into asphalt it, but objects of a military industry and of any other one, from what we can make money – don't touch them, we'll find them ve-ery useful... Excuse me, Andrey. Again.

– Nothing, no problem, – calmed I. – You're saying it right.

– Yes, here I want to apologize not for that, – she didn't change the position of her neck, – I'm telling you all this – I also think I'm right. I want to ask your forgiveness because I start to get nervous, to swear and to spoil your mood as a result again, but I have no regrets about these thoughts.

– And you done well, I think.

She turned to me briskly, smiled, squeezing her hands and leaning by the cheek.

– And what is here? – quietly asked she, meaning the quarter on the nearest half of the street.

– This is an institute. A university, – I licked myself.

– Technical or humanities? – whispered she.

– Technical, – I extended my hand along the back of the seat, hugging her waist. – Telecommunications, connection.

In her turn, she also removed her limb from the jeans and put it on my shoulder.

– We're not bothering anybody, I hope... – being lowered, her voice was just lulling me. – Tell me, Andryush, something else, please. About this area and your childhood.

We lightly bounced on the rails, and then the vehicle stopped, opened the doors, almost immediately closed them and, again jerking slightly, went in the same direction. Somehow I blurted:

– I... I didn't like to go here, to be honest... Well, here in this place...

– You speak frankly, – she was blossoming. – I love it.

– Yes-yes, «frankly speaking», – and I was feasting my eyes on her pretty face, being in a couple centimeters from my nose. – Here just a market always was, and I for some reason... didn't hate – just didn't like it. We went there occasionally... And so... in this neighborhood... A shop one, a universal... – I've recalled an English equivalent yet: – A department store.

Gina squinted with delight.

– ...That was also... so to speak, a sight, at the time, – I wanted to cough, one or two times. – And we were often there too, but it also wasn't to my liking. I have no idea why. Such a huge store, very long, let me show you... where it was.

– Well, – crooned she. – And don't forget about your street, please.

– And it's... in the next block. Look over here.

We gazed at the right row of windows just at the moment of crossing another intersection by our transport, all the more so the seats were empty there. Of course, a construction site rose to our view.

– Now there's something else, – commented I. – And I meant... three nine-storeys – they stood near to each other, they consisted of only one entrance... not here, not close to this road, but a little aside and to the bottom of them was attached... so... how to say... one floor, shorter.

– I see, – her voice came from the back.

– In short, we have a continuous repair here, – I sat up straight. – A capital one. Over there, by the way, where we passed... in the previous block, a clothing factory was.

– Come on, – Gina looked into our window. – It's restored, apparently...

– I tell you – a capital repair, – I harped on the same string again. – But not just everywhere. Okay, now you will see my street, however, there's nothing special... – suddenly I felt something like a bee stung me: – But about it... I can tell you pretty much. Even, I think, too much.

She grinned broadly:

– I'll listen with pleasure.

– Okay, – I nodded in reply and immediately – to the side: – Here it is.

– I see, – Gina moved her head. – And your house was... there, huh?

– Yes.

– Clear, – winked she. – We'll have to get off soon, right?

– Right. After... the next one.

The driver braked, obviously grudgingly – after a recent green light, at the same time opening the doors. A few passengers quickly went off, and then we rushed on.

– You now, by the way, reminded me a couple of things, – I grinned. – About addresses and swearing. Let me try to tell you quickly?

– Sure, go ahead, – she smiled after me, squinting.

– In a word... During my practice once I had to bring a piece of paper to some flat, and the head tells me before this: «You go over here, there lives one...» you know... and then he paused a little just the same way and immediately said: «Well, I mean, I don't know, maybe he is not this word, maybe he's a normal guy...».

Gina laughed softly. We left behind a penultimate bus stop, and I hastened to add:

– It wasn't here, it was on the other shore...

– I see. Yeah, topography... But you were right either, here's another thing about it, by the way, – she did justice. – We're going fine, just excellent, without any delay. Would that we had such transportation... Shall we?

– Of course, – I got up. – Maybe that's because of weekend yet.

– Well, maybe, – she swung after. – But I still think this's just great.

– You can't argue with that, – I chuckled.

– That's right, – Gina grinned again. – Where's the best place for us to get off?

I turned ninety degrees to the left, toward the stern:

– Over there.

– Fine, – reassured she. – Lo-ok, so here they are, those houses?

– Exactly.

– Well, sure! – she was eagerly gazing at the former private housing, clicking by. – That's it!..

The trolleybus again slowed and then stopped, hissing with pneumatics.

Chapter 14

After jumping to the ground, rather, to the asphalt, I turned around and, having just decided to stretch my arms forward, changed my mind and spread them to the sides. Gina, obviously, having got all correctly, also touched the surface by her feet, repeated my gesture and a moment later tightly hugged me, but then she moved over, uttering with a benevolent smile:

– Let's go?

– Of course, – I nodded, making a U-turn. – We should go over there. This block.

– Look – here's lots and lots of them, they're short? The blocks, I mean? – wondered she. – As long as I... remember.

We stepped onto the narrow road, moving our feet quickly.

– Well... – I was thinking. – Yes, you said right, only like that, – I winged the air by my hand in the direction of our movement. – Parallel... to this street. If I also don't mix that up.

– I see, – said she.

– On that side, – I decided to continue the tour, waving my head to the right and forward, – all is really so, that's for sure. Because we were there quite often – visited our relatives. So, now we should go over here.

– You told me they were living in their own house, like the ones were here? – specified she, turning after me. – Nearby?

– Yes! Tell you – here's very close! – for some reason I perked up. – There were a lot of streets, really... – at that moment it seemed to me I know, what else I can apprise to Gina: – By the way, that's about it – do you know, how a previous stop used to be called, not that one on which we went out? I'm sure it will... amuse you.

– N-no, – slyly grinned she, – I have no idea. Come on.

– But, please, don't make a mistake, – warned I, – «Kom-mun-stro-ev-skaya». It's also such street, Kommunstroevskaya. It... is placed somewhere here, I actually don't know, where.

Gina sneered faintly, and then asked:

– But this name is somehow linked with communism yet? «Commun...».

– Well, I think so, – I rubbed the skin between my eye and my nose. – This is, like, from words «a commune» and «to build», such as «to build a commune». Well, «a commune» and «a communism» – are almost...

– Twins, – concluded she. – Like Lenin and the party. But really, someone concocted that... Look, there's something strange...

– Yes, I don't know what will be here too, – I looked the neighborhood around. – You see, I... almost never be in these places now. So, unfortunately... But there is a passage – if nothing is blocked in the last days, then we may go.

– That's good, – she smacked and grinned: – The main thing they wouldn't start building another communes again.

– Oh, yes, – I rolled my eyes. – That's for sure. I remember well yet when I've first heard this word, I think, already at school, elementary, so I haven't even understood what it means. Despite the fact that was in the days, you know what. By the way, here's something else, associated with streets, – it was necessary, in my opinion, to cease viewing the road and switch to my companion. – With local ones. Now we'll meet next to each other: Nizhegorodskaya, Tret'yego Internatsionala, Devyatogo Noyabrya and Dekabristov...

Gina stuck her tongue tip out.

– ...What is the situation now, I repeat, I don't know exactly, – added I. – But I mean these titles. So, «Nizhegorodskaya» and «Dekabristov» – that's understandable, «Nizhegorodskaya» is from the Nizhny Novgorod city, you know, of course.

– Of course, – reassured she. – Not far from Moscow.

– Who were the Decembrists, you, I'm sure, know too...

– I call to mind, Andryush.

– ...Here, «The Third International» – is also a well-known term, – I swallowed dry, – but concerning Devyatogo Noyabrya Street – even kill me, but I don't know, in honor of what the ninth of November it was called.

Gina laughed merrily.

– So I tell you! – exclaimed I. – We will meet it, soon. If, again, they have changed nothing.

– That's still cool, – breathed she. – However, that name... well, that one, long, about which you announced me a minute ago, was, in my opinion... tougher.

– A toughness, – I pinned down. – But there's something else. Even tougher.

– Even tougher? – the skin of her forehead ridged again.

– Exactly. Do you know, how the street was called in the second «Beware Of Modern!»? Where lived all those... neighbors? «Krasivykh Moldavskikh Partizan».

The industrial buildings on our left and the brick storage on our right were behind us, but that was seen by me in passing, because Gina burst into a thunderous laughter again, now bending almost to the ground.

– I haven't translated to... – I started, but she interrupted me, waving her small palm:

– I got that, Andrey. Ha-ha-ha-ha!..

– «Krasivyi», – explained I, nonetheless. – Means «beautiful». And then, perhaps...

– Hmm, yes, – she blinked and pulled herself together. – Yea, that's great. Just great. But you... khe... wanted to tell me about that particular one you lived on at the time.

We crossed the next alley and found ourselves in a real forest, planted with young trees.

– Jeez! – rated she. – Wow. So what's the story, Andryush?

– Well, first, – I proceeded informing, – I went to school through it. The school was... a little more than a kilometer away from home, the first time it seemed very far away. And then for a long time I told everyone that I went to school in a kilometer and half. Secondly, those roads, where we've passed now yet, it was possible to cross diagonally – I don't know whether you have that, but in our city, well, and others in which I have been, I have seen nothing ever. Thirdly, it, this street, ended... or rather, began, well, and now begins from a railway station, it was very close, and on the other side it becomes a highway which is an exit from the city. And fourth, something was always going on with this place, – looking around by force of habit, and, turning our heads somehow synchronously, Gina and I smiled at each other and continued walking, passing another roadway. – That's how there's nothing going on now.

She moved the lines of her mouth, without relaxing her attention.

– Accidents happened... as it seemed to me, one after another, – for some reason it occurred to me that sounds somehow not too plausibly, – at least, I saw a lot of them. Once I saw a truck was burning, that was, however, far, near the fire station building. Then there all the time... cars poured with water, in the spring – just don't laugh.

– No, what are you talking about, – responded she.

– ...Well, maybe it seemed to me so, again. And one day I was walking home, in the spring also, and plopped down into a puddle, a dirty one, in a new jacket. Then... I was got. So... Also there, on that side, next to the school, there were two such large houses, common panel nine-storeys – so in those two almost all my class lived.

– Interesting, – said she.

– And half the school else, – quickly continued I. – By the way – although I've told you about that, in my opinion, before – my best friend lived opposite me, of course, my classmate, and so, once we were going home after school, in the winter, and it was pretty cold... I forgot... my gloves, – my left hand dangled along the axis. – So he, without thinking twice, gave me his ones, saying that he has two more, although he hadn't them surely. Can you imagine that?

– Yeah, listen, – there still was a mix of curiosity plus wonder on the face of Gina. – He did the right thing. Well done. You told me, you were going to enter the institute with him, right?

– Yes.

– But he had changed his mind somehow... Look, we're almost there, as I understand it? – she casted an eye at the sidewalk end.

– Right, – confirmed I.

Having approached with the former last row of the quarter, we stepped from asphalt to gravel, which began loudly crunching under our shoes. The trees were also behind us, giving way to the concrete blocks, pallets, some metal pails, and after all this – to the railroad. Gina immediately asked again:

– So it's here, right?

– Yep.

The same picture was to the right of us.

– Yes, economic recovery – that's good, – in her voice felt a slight, such a little insecure. – I hope you will succeed this time... Let's go.

– Let's, – I agreed, and we stamped on. – Well, there is a point that an economic must be economical... well, that's an old theory, but one of the newer states we had no economics at all...

– For sure... Oh, how huge this is! – she suddenly raised her voice.

We made just a few steps, coming out from behind a mountain of inventory. Indeed, a not bad view greeted our eyes.

– Yes, – affirmatively nodded I. – This is also... a famous building for us. You've heard, I'm sure. This's such... warehouse. For grain.

– A granary, – Gina was looking at it a moment more, then she shook her head, and then I did the same thing. Nobody was going to run us over, and we walked across the rails. – Only they were calling it something else, I couldn't memorize yet...

– «The elevator».

– Exactly!

– As in Stalingrad.

She pointed her pretty face at me. I began to grin in response.

– That would be okay, Andrey, – uttered she. – You better show me right now exactly, where that explosion had happened.

– Over there, – I lifted my palm. – We come right there, it's... to pass only this and that's all.

The railway was left behind, and our destination was, what you call, at arm's length.

– I don't see anything like this... – muttered I. – But just in case, Gina, watch your step, please – stones and everything else...

– Of course, – she reacted. – I think, everything is in order, all is removed.

Indeed, there weren't any obstacles on our home stretch. Gina was with a research interest examining everything that was in our way in that last minute, asking no questions – apparently, she got my warnings a little wrong again, I was thinking feverishly yet, but I also didn't know what to say. Finally, the segment was passed and then we froze.

– Andrey, tell me, please, – she stopped looking around the empty area surrounding us and set her eyes on my phiz again, – how many of your injured died then yet? Only them, I mean.

– Twenty-five people, – it came back to me in a flash. – Twenty-four – here and one who was with us.

– Twenty-five... – repeated she. – And what were the total casualties, on your part?

– Thirty three.

– I see, – she squinted, and then stretched her palm to me: – Let's come there.

I squeezed the warm fingers.

– I still don't understand, – articulated she, – why they did so. Look, I wish to share with you now what I've decided.

We were steadily stepping through the former yard.

– You told me, – Gina resumed her reasoning, – they did so all the time. And I heard that not only from you – a lot of people confirmed that. But it doesn't make any sense at all. Rather, if to sit and think about it, with a little imagination, perhaps, you could make some sense of it, but that... This is some inhuman logic, in my opinion. So. What was the situation at that moment? Well, as I understand that? Your forces have been already profoundly embattled. You are under bombing and shelling around the clock. Half the city has been already destroyed, and they are clearly going to turn the second half into the same. So you're falling back. You're abandoning almost everything, including weapons and ammunition, which you need so much. In short, you're running.

– Running away, – interpolated I.

– You are running away, that's right! – she agreed with fervor. – All right, there we go! If these enemies are going away, are getting the hell out of here, so let them get out! Well, is that true, Andryush?

– For sure.

– Then why, for what the... – she took a deep breath and then again said the word «hell», only its obscene variant, – I don't understand that at all, would they do stuff like this? These... well, waste shells, after all? Although there're a lot of shells, they got them to spare, yes... – her irises were blazing. – All the same in a short few hours here'll be no one yet, so for what... You know, I remember that well, how one of our well-known journalists said already after the end of the assault, that if those, former yours, how they were called correctly, would behave at least a little better, and most importantly, would at least a little understand the situation and, perhaps, would know something about human psychology, then the human costs wouldn't have been much so bad, and all wouldn't have been destroyed so extensively and, – smirked her, – they would have stayed in power longer. And now they are definitely finished, sooner rather than later. And he wasn't wrong, as we can see. He totally called it.

Gina steamed a long, long jet from her mouth.

– What can I add to you... – I fixed the cap on my head. – Everything was like that.

– You promised to tell me how you tried to capture some other unit the same day, – stated she, suddenly raising her wrist to the face and sliding her jacket sleeve: – Hey, what time is it now? Wouldn't we be too late?

– Seventeen minutes past four, – I looked at my watch. – I think, not, but we, probably, should move out.

– Of course, – said she.

We waited a few seconds, watching the elevation, which was seen on the south side of the site, and the dump truck, crawling up it, and then we turned around and rushed to where we need to go.

– Oh – the river's there, – she clapped her eyes on it and then smiled broadly: – Really, it looks nice. Please, Andryush, tell.

I started another story.

– All that happened on the same day, in the evening, rather late at night. I mean, most likely, already the next day came – November the twentieth. The location – that exact, at which we were just looking now, it was called «The Instrumental Plant». It's... a few hundred meters away. So, we were retreating that day. Personally, I didn't certainly know then, where we were going to stop, but after that, already in the suburb, I found out they intended to leave the city at all, entirely, for not to get surrounded. I think, here you have mentioned... about that.

– Perhaps, – she was treading.

– Only later, when, again, all mankind found out that they can only surround themselves, – resumed I, – we began to sleep more calmly. Or rather, not to sleep, but... Whatever. Here, and there were the following events, I think... just to be reminded. Until late in the evening there were firings, with a few interruptions – that's about what we were just remembering. Then they decided to attack, to take this entire place, – I made a circular motion by my head, – and, in principle, they could easy do that. But we decided... to meet them, to fight, I mean, and fought. You see, I saw nothing actually then, you, again, know, we told about that, I only heard, and then a little bit, though, I was, by the way, o-over there, – twirling on my heels back, I pulled the chin up and bent my left elbow, holding the fingers, pointing deep into the territory, almost at the place we've just left, near my neck. Gina also moved her body, looking back. – We have to give them their due – that time they falled back quickly, so all pretty soon... calmed down, and we had some time to sleep. There, where we sat, three men, was a very old wooden house, two-storied, all... well, in a bad condition, you probably saw these...

– Of course, – she moved her shoulder. – For some reason they insisted on calling them «barracks».

– That's right, – I swayed rhythmically on the go also, – so it fell apart in a second. When it was hit, I mean. In general, we settled somehow, in a couple of buildings away from us – more guys and bombs... like, don't fall. Everything is quiet. The guys went to sleep, and it's my turn to be on duty. The most interesting thing – I do remember I didn't want to sleep for some reason. Generally, – I smiled slightly, – with a sleeping... with dreams... that was entertaining there.

– I suppose, – assured she.

– Yep. So, I'm sitting in that wreck, looking – and there was such a hole in the wall – at some small lights in a distance, at the neighboring ruins, but I hear nothing. Suddenly, – I again raised my free hand, leaning back a little at the same time, – there was a muffled sound, like falling, as if a sack of potatoes was dropped to the ground, and such a faint ringing else. Well, I had already used to hear such sounds by then, so I took aim at once and immediately began to wake the men, to kick, lightly, I mean. Then again nothing was happening for a few seconds. The guys woke up, grabbed their rifles too – still silence. I only want to go to the toilet.

Gina low but clearly snorted, narrowing her eyes.

– Ya-ya, – giggled I. – Then we can see – out of one fallen tree, it was laying quite close, Troechnik waves to us and at the same time... put a finger to his lips. Like, don't make a noise. We wave to him, and he already shows that he will come now. They quietly came near us, he and else two of ours, spetsnaz-men also. They show us – let's, like, go here. We carefully go out and see – near the western wall of our shelter, from the side of this road yet, – I moved my bent limb over the sidewalk once again, – lie two corpses. Rather, one is killed, and the other's twitching, convulsions. And most importantly – they aren't in a... standard uniform, they aren't in uniform at all, like ours, well, the part of ours. Do you understand?

– Saboteurs? – she replied with a question.

– That's it, – I licked my lips. – Why I hadn't heard them, from where they came – it's all, such a special case. The main thing that Troechnik with his colleagues spotted and shot them. They did everything very quickly next – that, who was in agony, with a knife, removed magazines from rifles, pulled other ones out of their pockets, then pulled grenades out of there also and gave all that to us, and then show us to follow them, and at a pace too. I saw a plastid brick in an inner pocket of one of the dead, well, its edge was sticking out of there, – added I. – I had seen them earlier too, so I've memorized that. So. We all moved down the street, over there, – the thumb pointed behind my back, – not through the road, of course, but through the yards, the same ones. When we approached the first five-storey building, we ran hard. We run on. I'm, as always, running out. We reached the next houses, crossed their yards, and stayed near «the candle», that was the last building. Sanya commanded us, already in words, to settle, watch the neighborhood carefully and shoot at anyone who appears, and then he went forward with those two guys.

Another fence with another construction crane passed by aside.

– We located, the good was all the shelters were familiar. However, the dark, we can't see a damn thing, but that's not the point. For a few seconds it was quiet again, then there was a long burst-fire, and then immediately appeared a glow – they launched a flare, and then again the shooting was, from different barrels yet, but, apparently, almost point-blank, because the bursts were long too. All that lasted about a minute. I sit and I understand nothing – I thought, that someone from... the enemies is trying to break through, back, to his – but how were they able to go through all of us then? In short, I was waiting they will now run right to us and, maybe, even somebody sat down somewhere in these houses, well, in the ruins, and then it will be absolutely funny... In general, a lot of such assumptions flashed in my mind, but no one man hadn't appeared yet, and then they began to talk. Andrey Ivanovich and that one, who... was in charge on the other part. For some a very short time I still didn't understand, what was happening, then I remembered those two dead and then it came home to me.

Something else began coming home to me, but it remained a mystery so far.

– You probably heard about that either, – I sniffed again, – but I still repeat. I've memorized that for life. They weren't even shouting, they were just uttering loudly, and that's all, but you could hear them as if you stand next to them. So, that's the scene:

Andrey Ivanovich: «Come on, Grigorievich, come out. We won't let you go back».

He: «You better get out of here, because the... will for all of you now». Well, the end, like, kill everyone.

Ivanov: «There's nobody yet. If there would be an opportunity, I would be happy to give you time to verify this. Come out and surrender, we promise you – we'll leave you alive».

Grigorievich: «And you're dead either way, you're a traitor, Ivanov, you better surrender, with all your... insane, went crazy all. You don't have long yet.

Andrey Ivanovich: «Don't have long, you mean. I ask you one last time – will you go out?».

That man: «You go!..». Well, it's clear, where.

Ivanov: «So, we are traitors. And, presumably, you have a lot of explosives».

And immediately after that it exploded so hard, that it threw me on the wall, and I thought at first, that for sure... my skull was broken. The good, a helmet was on my head and my cap was thick, and I didn't bang on anything sharp, just hit strongly. That's how it was.

– I think, – quietly uttered Gina, – in fact they all got the wind up thoroughly. When they realized, what is what.

– Yes... one hundred percent. Of course. They just didn't want to believe that.

– And you?.. – not fully formulated she.

– We withdrew from there at once and went-went-went... At a run. We left that place. As the entire area, by the way. There, less than ten minutes later, such bombing began, that completely smashed all, what was there, – I was stubbornly trying not to be distracted of the flashback, but something was stinging inside me, like a splinter.

– I see. You know, Andrey, what did I like the most of what you've just told? – she asked suddenly. – That you didn't repeat f-words.

– Thank you, – I was a little confused.

– You're welcome, – faintly smiled she.

– Well, I... I don't really know them. In English, I mean, – then I straightened, looked into the distance, and I put two and two together yet, although, having inspected the horizon, lying in front of us, at first I couldn't believe my eyes.

– Look, Gina, do you see?

It turns out, that a large group of young people was going through the carriageway, close to us. The crossroad, on which we stopped, was also crowded with men and women of, mainly, again, not of old age. In the middle of the road there was a patrol car with two policemen near it. Boys, girls and teens were located both on the even side of the street, and on the stairs, leading to the pier, but they weren't walking about in different directions, as it usually happens, and they were either, in general, standing still or were moving slowly, but only in one direction, north, facing there in unison. And, it seemed, all the space, starting from the point, at which Gina and I came to a halt, to the bridge yet, was occupied with standing close to each other townspeople and, probably, guests of the city.

Chapter 15

– Hoo, – commented Gina. – Wow. So where did you and Valya arrange to meet?

– Over there! – I smiled desperately and immediately stated: – Where there is for sure no space, and where we surely won't be.

– Well, let's try, – suggested she.

– Okay.

We smiled at each other and strode on, steering clear of companies, and, more rarely, single passers-by. Of course, we couldn't move quickly, because a crowd or not a crowd, but a concourse on a not so large area, certainly, took place. Now it turns out how many people in our city like heavy music, I wouldn't have thought. And girls too... Well, maybe they're here for company, as Gina. Maybe they won't listen to anything at all, maybe they decided to take the air on the waterfront. And maybe, by the way, some mass merrymaking is happening here now – especially for a non-working day, a first day of the month and blocked traffic, like in the old times with those fatuous races or whatever they were called. And the concert is a small matter for everybody at all. No, come on – this's humbug. These people came to the performance, I'm sure of it.

Gina and I moved, in the meantime, onto the parallel sidewalk, closer to the stage, which was already visible behind the bare trees, but was still remaining at a respectful distance. With each step our speed was steadily decreasing, and soon we froze again, running slap into a real human wall. Valka, of course, wasn't near us, there were strangers and a decorative stone fence on our left. I had an idea to turn around, go back, approach the slope and try to skirt all this assembly below, but I looked in that direction and immediately discarded this idea. First, numerous comers have already gathered behind us, although it's, probably, possible to get through them. Secondly, we won't find Valya this way surely. And third, even if we could reach those paths, so there, on the one hand, should be a lot of people too and, on the other hand, all will be seen and heard even worse, in my opinion.

– Listen, – I bent down to her ear, – let's, probably, stay here for now. If what – maybe we could get closer.

– Of course, – agreed she. – We'll act as we agreed anyway then.

– Exactly. Wait, – I thought suddenly, abruptly leaning back, – stand here, from this side.

– Andrey, you're so sweet, – grinned Gina.

Trying not to touch anyone, we swapped places. I crossed my hands on her solar plexus, and then Gina turned her head back immediately:

– I'm just a little worried... about... sound.

– Oh, yes, – I rustled through an ambient buzz. – As far as I remember, there usually all turns on... very loudly.

Just a moment later, as if in support of these words, there was a stentorian low voice in the air:

– Hello, my dear friends. My name is Mik Graf, we are – the «Fangman». I am very glad that you could come here today...

Everyone suddenly began hissing and whistling around us.

– ...Thank you, thank you very much, – the bass continued pealing. – We are pleased to see so many interested people, this is just fine. I hope that we will not disappoint you too. Exactly one year ago the tragic, terrible events were taking place in your city. Fortunately for everyone, they are over now. We would like to remind you about that just because that should serve as a very important lesson to all of us, and we are sure that you have learnt these lessons. This is what I was going to to say at the outset. And now – there's our first song. Let's start.

The space was shaken bis, at that even stronger, and a familiar opening solo started rattling. I cringed somehow instinctively, and Gina again politely smiled and asked:

– Oh, really... It's that particular song, huh?

– Yeah!

– How is it called? – her lips curved.

– «Return The Favor».

Suddenly she kissed me on the cheek angle, and then turned around same briskly. Mik began to read a couplet, and I was attentively listening to the lines, which I knew, but which were sounding slightly different yet.

Gina's face, being in profile in my sight, as one verse moves to another, was falling kind of weird. Well, maybe, it seemed to me so, but, I think, she was a bit disappointed. The musicians proceeded playing an instrumental part one more time.

– You just, please, get it right! – in my opinion, too loud uttered I in her eardrum.

– I can't quite catch it... yet, – explained she, and I vigorously shook my head at once, having got the following in my mind: «She should like the second one more». A metal part gave way to a softer one, and then Graf began speaking again:

«...Ne nuzhno mne rasskazyvat' pro zhiznennye slozhnosti –

U nas s toboy, voobshe-to, est' real'nye vozmozhnosti...»

The recitative was sounding on, but Gina was definitely not glad. She was harking to it, she really wasn't missing a single word and syllable, but her reaction wasn't the same, was absolutely not the same as mine – and when I was just listening to this song at home, and when it was being heard from battle speakers, and this moment. Frankly, I hoped that was because of the instruments yet, and not due the text, with which she wanted to see so much. Finally, the group reached the chorus. The young people, half-encircling us, were trying to sing along, but Mik's voice was roaring, probably, about ten times more powerfully.

The poem continued. Repeating to myself after the performer, having on my physiognomy, of course, embarrassed expression, I hugged Gina a little tighter. She immediately turned her head back to look over her shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. I winked, and the chorus, meanwhile, began sounding once more, raining the imperative moods on all of us, and then it ended and was replaced by the third verse.

Stretching my neck to the side once again, I took a view of the half of a lovely, focused pretty face. Gina was straining her eyelids and puffing her lips out. I was hoping she at least just a little surprised by the plot twist, and, apparently, it was that. Mik Graf was toning up and increasing the emotion of the narrative, and then, having hit us with a rhetorical question, which was the composition last line, he moved to the final chorus. Then it began seeming to me, that not only the air is buzzing around Gina and me, but also the ground on which we stand. Mik left his cry dangling in mid-air, as it should be, and then the gathering burst into applause. Gina also slapped, and then she turned to me.

– Well, what do you think?

– That's fine... – I began, but a megaphone thunder interrupted me:

– Thank you. Thank you very much, my friends. We are pleased to see that you like this song. I hope you will also like the next one, though it concerns, fortunately, the events in your history, which are already behind. Thus, forward.

– ...That's fine for me yet, – repeated I, clinging to her closely again and at the same time hoping that Mik Graf won't disappoint my expectations. The first shrill chords rang, and I realized he didn't. We heard this composition:

«Ty kogda-nibud' valyalsya, druzhishe, cherti-gde,

Odezhda vsya v krovi i dyrka v zhivote?

Tebya ne zaryvali, sluchayno, nikogda

V tu yamu, gde der'mo i krasnaya voda?

Byval li v tvoey zhizni avtomat vozle bashki,

A ti mechtal pri etom byt' razorvannym v kuski

Chut' ran'she, chtob ne muchat'sya i smert' seychas ne zhdat'?

Ty dazhe ne pytaysya zuboskali't, tvoyu mat'!..»

If it wouldn't sound good to her either, I smiled to myself slightly, then I don't know what to do. But Gina was already satisfying my doubts – turning her body clockwise, she was gaping at me by her black irises, sparkling like a razor blade and giving me the thumbs-up by her left hand.

– It's great you did like that! – I shouted, bowing my head once again.

– Andrey, that's really cool! – exclaimed she in response. – Just great!

This time I got a squint on my face, the more she, on this occasion, rubbed by her cheek, and then we continued to drink in. The second verse was going.

I started getting a familiar tingling feeling inside, it was impossible to breathe through my nose, my eyes were hurt and they were watering. This sensation, although I experienced it regularly, was, of course, weird, but I did always rather like it for some reason – it gived me some weird rush. Gina, apparently, also felt something like that, because she pressed on me by her back and by the body part lower it, whereupon I've got another chills. I thought, it was better, perhaps, to pull together, but instead of it I pulled my hands off Gina's delightful tum to her no less beautiful solar plexus, in motion running against the most wonderful part of her physique, after her eyes, of course. A thought that she would miss something flashed through my mind like a lightning – I knew the lyrics anyway.

«...Ty po-chuv-stvu-esh'?..»

– Mik was asking, and then he went on this rant about suffering and girls of easy virtue. Here Gina shook her head.

Graf moved to the stanzas again. They were sounding staccato, like single shots, then they were rolling, like waves. Well, that's such style of music, not much can be done. Finally, my most favorite phrase was uttered:

«...Est' tzena svobody,

Tzena eta – krov'...»,

And then like I was being stabbed – I've suddenly realized that he, they, the «Fangman», mean not what I do, they put quite a different thought into this sentence. Rather, even the exact opposite one. Wow, I thought, this is for sure. Yea-ah! Perhaps, as into the whole song... Yes, total mysteries and insights, listen...

The lines of the last verse rang out above us, they were ordering, threatening and demanding obedience, Gina was listening to them, and, as it seemed to me, memorizing them, and I was, honestly speaking, a bit restless, as if I was naked, or looking somehow brutish else. Yes, indeed, precisely, I was repeating to myself, dropping my jaw and shaking it.

The chorus was completed for the last time, the public finished to join and gave a standing ovation. My companion, in her turn, also raised her hands upright and started beating with her palms, after what I, letting her ribs go, moved my limbs back and started clapping along with everyone. A second or two later Gina ceased to do it abruptly, spun on the soles and stared at my face, planting her pretty arms on my shoulders:

– How was this song called, Andryush?

– «Medal Of Grave».

– I-i... – she broke into a smile, – expected something like that yet... So, okay. Now I will definitely be here till the end. No matter what they sing next.

She turned back, Mik was informing something loudly, and I still wanted jumping, but with joy now. Of course, not because of the fact we decided to stay here and not even owing to that she loved their poetry yet, like she initially wanted, but, probably, for the simple reason, that for the one hundred thousandth time since I've known her I realized, that Gina feels the same as me.

A relatively unhurried melody was sounding in the air – it was «To Give The Right». In the terms of music this song never was my very favorite, but I was always fond of its lyrics immensely. Probably, that's clear, I've suddenly realized, why they decided to perform particularly it now, right after what have just been sung. I wonder, what she would say. I guess, she's already beginning to like it. And that's just great.

«S chego my berem,

Chto nam podhodit eto ili podhodit to?

S chego my berem,

Chto ch'ya-to pesnya speta, a kto geroy zato?..»

– Graf was chanting.

The people, standing next to us, men and women, boys and girls, it seemed, were slowly grooving to the beat. Apparently, this was happening all over the seafront. I was about removing one hand from Gina's trunk to touch her cheekbone, but she squeezed our fingers stronger, instead of it tilting her head onto my chest and starting to squint a little to the right. Of course, I grinned.

The musicians were playing further – about surprise and incomprehension, conviction and confidence, courage and hope. Then the chorus was heard again, this time it wasn't bending, wasn't tearing, but was just asking. Only this question, as I knew with certainty, was absolutely not rhetorical. The answer to it existed.

The gathered burst into ovation once more, nobody whistled, hooted and crowed – cultural citizens and visitors were correctly, worthily and very powerfully expressing their feelings to the «Fangman» group. That – is something, came into my mind.

– Thank you! – boomed Mik. – Thanks, my friends. As you know, unfortunately... or fortunately, I am not sure here, we have more fast songs, than slow ones...

– Yeah-yeah-yeah-eah-ea! – shouted someone in front.

– ...This is so, – an enhanced bass chuckled, – and... I hope that's all right with it. Are you ready?..

– A-aaaaa!!! – it was heard from all over the area now.

A split second passed in silence, and then they struck a chord, keyboards and drums on the stage so hard, that Gina and I jumped involuntarily. «Oh, it's – a sure thing», I recognized the octave. My lovely neighbor was standing facing me again and was silently laughing, showing her straight teeth. I grimaced in response.

This composition also was one of my favorites. It was voicing global allegations with great aplomb, it was making indisputable and peremptory conclusions, it was opining absolutely correct and well-composed judgments, it was drawing logical and, of course, irreversible inferences. For example, such as:

«Ya – otvet na vse voprosy, net somneniyam tvoim!

Ya osnovan na skazan'yah, suschestvuyu na slovah,

Menya vryad li kto-to trogal, vse popytki terpyat krah!..»

After that they started piercing our ears with the chorus, which was equally rhythmic. The artists were still putting cosmic proportions, mighty enterprises, wise prophecies and... vociferous... probably, expressions in their message, and then they did it again and again. No, I love this song. Exactly because of all these, so to speak, maxims, of course, with the music. Though, probably, that's not true yet: I don't love it for the text, most of it, as much as for the way it ends – it will be soon. The main point here, I think, is that all these the most brilliant and splendiferous adages conclude with a short little question. With just one. But – with the most important one. Which all of this... to kingdom come... That's it, now... Yes!

Gina reached out, finding my eyes, stretching her mouth and giving me two thumbs-up now yet. I ducked:

– A great song, right?

– Oh, it's very good, – she agreed feelingly. – How is it called?

– «The Most Important».

– O-oh, yes, – drawled she.

The instruments have just stopped. The audience waited a moment, and then began applauding, including, of course, Gina and I. Mik said into the microphone:

– Much obliged to you. Thank you very much. And now we have for you... I think it is time for a new song...

Those who were present began rustling again.

– ...Thank you, thanks. So. It's one of our new songs, which, by the way... has something to do with your recent events – of course, not... literally...

– In a figurative sense! – shouted someone in the front row.

– Yes, – reasserted Graf. – You're absolutely right. So...

The vaguely familiar chords started ringing in the air. This piece was known to me, but its name has completely slipped my mind, because I liked a couple of other things in their last album more. Although this one, as I remember, too. So, okay – let's listen.

The lyrics of this composition were, as might be expected, awesome – it was a story of fisticuffs. Mik Graf was narrating us this time not about something sublime, planetary and abstract, but about very particular and earthly phenomenon, about a street fight, however, not dirty one – hand-to-hand. Some hooligan'yo, a tramp, tried, like they do, think of something nice to do, hanging around in the streets of his hometown, and couldn't, of course, find anything but hassling passers-by and provoking them into a variety of gestures. And he even got a little handsy first. A man, who should be subject to riffraff vital activity, at first, of course, lost his courage. He wasn't thinking real straight and he was feeling dizzy. A corner boy has immediately, the way a dog, sensed that and was off his crust more. But a main character pick himself up, stopped shaking and fought the latter back – first one time, and then, to sum up the situation – the second one. A lumpenproletariat element came into own and consigned to the dustbin of history, only a hero then realized there's no turning back. Exactly – that's how it's called. But really – it's about us, he was right to say that.

The stanzas were rumbling again and again, repeating, that from now on, most likely, everything will be different, and that all his bridges are burned. Finally, the guitars and drums went quiet, and then we raised our hands up.

– Well, what do you think? – I uttered in her ear veiled with the hat.

– Thank you, ladies and gentlemen! – bellowed megaphone Mik at the same moment.

– That's excellent!.. – glanced Gina.

– ...We are very happy that you did like this thing, – resumed the bass of the «Fangman» singer, – and now we would like to propose... for your consideration some old-school stuff again. Please.

Right after that we were showered with discords again. Oh-h, well, we know that, a thought crossed my mind. That's classic. I-i like this song. I'd like to hope very, very much Gina would enjoy it either. The intro beat a little more, and then was the verse:

«Mne ne vri,

Ty chestno govori!..»,

That sort of thing. A character warned his companion, who he, apparently, had some very strong and very old beef with, he'd better not to trick, to admit his fault nicely and generally to free himself of past practices. I always thought this dialogue is between a voter and a politician, and I kept thinking so. Even, perhaps, a little more. And what about Gina, I wonder?.. Well, knowing her, you can be sure she might think a lot more than that. So – as I recall, the profanity must be after the quatrains. Ah, here it is – the chorus has begun. I broke down and bowed my head:

– Listen, you're feel normally... about unprintable words?

– Andrey, stop that! – twitched she. – We've just talked about that. All right.

– Well, it's loud yet...

Mik stopped cussing for the hills out and resumed the recitative. The fact, that public servant in question should switch to peaceful activities, and stop snagging in the near future, was a focus of discussion. The advice and suggestions were being hurled at us thick and fast, and then the soloist got to my favorite:

«...Ty lyubish' slovo «mir» –

Vesch' eta moschna

O nei vse govoryat, ona lish' ne slyshna...»

I don't know about the others, but I was always glad to hear such locutions. And she, all appearances, was of the same opinion – she again started crowding me. Maybe, that's because of... What a goofball I am yet! I've realized that only now!

– Gina, are you not cold? – I noised, hunching.

– No, Andryush, – she immediately turned one hundred eighty degrees around, blossoming by her face. – Thank ya. All is fine. And how are you?

– Well, like normally, – in fact it seemed to me, it's getting real cold here.

She suddenly pulled me to her, apparently, no longer paying any attention to the song, and laid her head onto my chest. The light brown curls blocked my view. The music was blaring on.

In a short time it was finished with the rudenesses of the chorus last line, and the seafront once again clapped in unison. Gina pressed on my poor spine with even greater force, but immediately, of course, receded and glimpsed at my phiz by her irises, joining to the standing next to us citizens then.

– Thank you, my friends, – thundered Mik Graf. – Thank you. We think, that was also relevant...

The people instantly began buzzing again.

– ...I agree with you. And now we would like to perform another new song, if you don't mind.

The plaza increased its volume, the «Yeah-ah-ah-ah!..» came from a distance.

– Fine.

The musicians commenced playing their instruments once again, but for some reason quietly. It was distinctly an interlude, it was perceptible, but it obviously didn't belong to a group like «Fangman». The melody was very similar to a high-quality, but instrumental music – not to metal one and not to heavy in general, it was reminding those situations, when someone tries to portray a wind in mountains or something like that by a keyboard. But in a second the remaining members of the band intervened, and they hit so hard, that Gina and I were again thrown up against the roof, that didn't exist.

As, apparently, a result of contact between these sound waves with my auditory nerves was the fact I recalled the name of this composition. Yes-yes-yes, this song was one in that exact couple in the new album, it was called «Time To Come To Terms». It's a very, very good thing, I was repeating, fighting an awful urge to scratch my ears, tearing them apart. I remember, I was very attracted to one stanza in the chorus there...

Mik was reading the verse quatrains now. They were describing some rather abstract situation, but at the same time it could have been real events either – a protagonist was remembering, that he already several times in his life lost, when he could and should win, relented when he could and should not to relent and gave up when he should to work hard and it surely was necessary not to give up. Then the march changed slightly, and we received the longed-for phrase:

«...Nikakoy zhizni zrya!..»

That's said absolutely right, I thought. This has gone on long enough, even very much, even too much, even a bit thick, I guess. Both life, and lives, what is more important. An industrial-metal thunder continued to rattle around the surrounding area, but my thoughts disconnected my eardrums from the brain. And that is true indeed, it was floating around my skull next. Just because it should not be different. And if it should not be, then it can not be. And if it can not be, then it will not be. Because otherwise – it's curtains. I don't know about the end of mankind, much less, about the end of history, but the fact this will be the end of evolution – that's for sure. This is – as sure as a gun, and I dare swear for one hundred thousand million percent, I'm convinced of it completely and without reservation. Well, again – «an evolution» not in the sense of some sort of progress, let alone «a scientific and technological progress», but just of life itself. As we know it. A wise man said right once upon a time – «An individual must have no purpose in life, a purpose in life – is life itself». And that's the most important thing.

I found I'm squeezing the fabric under my fingers and, consequently, the tummy of Gina, and more – that the song is over, the people are applauding, and Mik Graf is saying something.

– I'm sorry, – I made a nod, – I was thinking...

– That's okay, – calmed she.

– How did you like the song?

– Super! – she just rapped that.

– ...Let us move, – it was heard from the stage.

The artists, and we all moved, and I've immediately identified to what – I adored this composition, without exaggeration. Its solos, both the opening one, and the final one, were quick, the octaves – were rhythmic, well, and the lyrics, of course – were just fantastic. By the way, it's quite related to all that, about what I was just pondering... But, probably, it's possible to say so about a lot of what, all these unspecified things... Well, never mind. This thing – is super too, I believe. I hope Gina would believe so too in a short time.

A low clang was toned down a bit, and then Mik began reciting:

«Im tochno nuzhno

Mne ne sbezhat', tak kak okruzhen ya,

Pytalis' vmeste –

Ne vyshlo iz-za toy prostoy

Prichiny, chto ya

Mogu kak raz stoyat' na meste

Kogda drugie steny proshibayut golovoy...»

The chorus, which followed after the number of stanzas, proceeded from the same point of view. As in the previous song, one its, the chorus's, line caused me concern, but not with the fact what it gave and suggested, but rather the opposite – that I, honestly, didn't understand about what it is... But anyway – it was, in my opinion, very similar to the main part, the music just got even louder. As if not a melody was sounding above the quay at this moment, even if very heavy, but a cannonade of a field and anti-aircraft artillery barrels, and as if guns stayed close and were persistently trying to out-scream each other. Yes, I smiled to myself, now, probably, many people have something to remember here, if they tend to associate it with something like that.

The musicians slightly slowed down, and I again closed to the ear of my companion, being struck by another unexpected thought yet:

– That's a kind of dance song!.. «Let's dance!..».

– Kh-h, huh-huh, – replied Gina. – Apparently, it's necessary moving very quickly.

After these words I burst out laughing. Hmm, really... Shaking my head a few times, I clearly heard, how they're trying to say English words with Mik in the first rows and, I must admit, they were not so bad at it. Mik was elaborating further about a man and catching him again, apparently, politicians, politicos, who were being keen to get their mitts on a protagonist, but who were being content, of course, to rightly indications to know their place and do their job yet. He didn't want to contribute, a hero. Contributing to politicians, I thought. Assistant deputies. Well, the main thing they're not «contributing to contributing». The choir near the scene barked here:

«...Nikto ne znaet – znachit, net!!!..»,

And the guns immediately started thudding again. Shells were exploding, the boys-girls-teenagers were swaying and waving their hands, the first rows were still trying to yell over the group leader, and we, also, apparently, involuntarily, were tapping our toes, bending our knees, well, Gina's knees were charming and they were bending very beautiful also. I looked down through her right shoulder; she immediately moved the neck and curved her mouth.

– I like to look at...

– I know, – interrupted she, clinging by her protruding lips to my parted ones. – I like it too.

– I... – I started talking about something again.

Gina was scrutinizing me by her pupils.

– Nothing, – it was better to back off, I guess. – Did you like the song?

– Yes, it's very good. Only loud, – admitted she.

– There is. This's their most well-known one, as I know.

– ...again and again, – it rang out from hardware. – We are also very pleased, my friends. Let us play for you one more new thing – if there are no objections...

The meeting instantly began applauding – say, what these objections could be. It flashed through me as quick as thought, that, maybe, the song will also turn out to be of those ones now, and a moment later it was found out, Mik this time didn't disappoint me too. Well, certainly, I think, not only me.

We were listening to a wonderful recitative that a man can lose faith in all of his ideals, if the circumstances warrant – but he will do it himself. He might even want to go to war – of course, to defend and not to attack. To defend his family and his country. He might even dream about it since childhood. Anyway, when he get there in reality, and not in his mind, sooner or later he will understand it's better not to get into this state yet, and he will understand it sooner rather than later. It will not always work out to do it later. Or, most likely, it won't work out at all. Therefore it's better, perhaps, to be a friend to your head and not to make a fuss, though, everyone, of course, has a choice – to live or to die. It's a personal decision.

Yes, I thought, Mik definitely knows our old anecdote that there will be no war, but instead of it there will be the struggle for peace. This composition reminds me it too much. On the other hand – it doesn't matter what something reminds to someone. Anyone could have his own opinion on this issue, and personally for me the «Fangman» songs, in truth, always evoke something like that...

A strong gust of wind, even colder, came in from the side, and this time I realized it getting real dark here. It blew to us again, and then a heavy snow began falling to the square. I hugged Gina tightly and smiled.

– «Zhivi-i!», – concluded Mik Graf, and then he added in a normal voice, a little, of course, distorted by speakers: – Thank you! Thanks, my friends.

We cheered to the echo all together. The singer uttered «Thank you» once more, and then he said:

– Our time, unfortunately, is almost up. On the other hand – this snow wasn't bothering us so far, as you can see. Although I do not know, what about you, but we like snow in our country...

The participants started slapping their palms again and started buzzing at a fairly high pitch.

– ...Very well, that is great, – I was sure Mik smiled. – I do not doubt that you hear us well now either. So. We want to sing you one more song, the last one. We had been thinking long, and we had been even arguing, what it should be, and... as some people used to say at one time, our opinions were divided in two...

A few people laughed loud in the front rows. Gina half-turned, squinting, including, presumably, also because of the flakes sinking on her pretty face, and I grinned too:

– He says that...

– ...this thing to you, – Graf finished his explanation.

– ...they, the musicians, were arguing for long, what song to choose for performing the last time, – I chattered.

Gina rushed, reaching her fingers under my nape, and began to kiss, and the music, meanwhile, began to play. At first I, to tell the truth, paid a little attention to it, then I didn't recognize it, and then, having recognized it, I didn't believe.

The audience, apparently, had a similar reaction. During the first seconds, until the keys were beating and warbling an easy intro, it was listening almost in silence, but then, after the end of octave and the beginning of sounding of the second instrumental part people just exploded. They lifted their hands above their heads, started bashing by their wrists and screaming like crazies, maybe, of course, not all, but most of them, both among located near to Gina and I, and among standing out of range, on the other walkways. Men, women, and, most likely, teenagers were also yelling «Yeah-ah-ah!!!», «E-e-e-e!!!», just «A-a-a-a-a!!!» and, unfortunately, «U-u-u-u!!!», well, maybe, it seemed to me so, but some of them started whistling, again, unfortunately, too. Okay, I said to myself soothingly, now you can do it, but it nonetheless messes my ears.

– What song is it, Andryush?! – cried Gina. – Everybody got so excited!

– You bet! – I shouted back. – It's «Kino»!

– «Kino»? – she didn't understand.

– Yes! – I made a dry sip and added: – Well, Tsoy! Victor Tsoy! You must have heard!

– Of course! – she expanded her blue eyes. – So this's their song? How is it called?

– «A Song Without Words», – I said along with Mik Graf in different languages at the same time, and townspeople along with visitors instantly took it up:

«...Noch' bez sna-a!!

Vse v svoe vremya! Zima i ve-esna!!

Kazhdoy zvezde! Svoy neba kusok!!

Kazhdomu moryu! Dozhdya glo-to-o-ok!!!..»

– Let me try to translate?! – offered I, bowing.

– No-no! That's not necessary, – immediately calmed she.

Thousands of people were roaring, wheezing, and, perhaps, even crying at the top of their lungs, and this time they were successfully competing with the vocalist as regards of the playback volume indeed:

«...Kazhdomu-u! Yabloku-u! Mesto upa-a-st'!!!

Kazhdomu voru! Vozmozhnost' ukra-st'!

Kazhdoy!! S-sobake!!! Palku-i-i-kost'!

I kazhdomu volku – zuby i zlost'!..

Snova za o-k-okknami! Belyi denn'!!

Den' vyzyvaet... menya na boy!..

Ya chuvstvuyu... zakryvaya glaza!..

Ves' mir!! I-det!!! Na menya-ya v-oy-no-o-oy!!!!!»

– Tough, right? – wondered I.

– That's just awesome! – she reassured with her mouth wide open. – Even though I got only the last word! Anyway it's mad cool! I like it!

The musicians again rained at us down their version of a classic solo, and we continued to rampage, trying, and very accurate, to beat a famous rhythm with our upraised palms, and some of us, as it seemed to me – even stomping with their shoes and boots on the ground. The din was just infernal, but I was rather in the mood for it.

Mik Graf went to the second half of the composition, and the people around began to spout the words and lines along with him in the same way, still in unison, vociferously and very loud. «E-eeh, if we had such a national unity, but a year ago!», I deduced suddenly. Not that stupid unity of old... and of not too old ones, by the way, of all those trashy slogans or wherever they were hanging, but at least like this. Well, we also had that kind of it, when everyone bawls and squalls some song in chorus, and many times, and in some places that occurred, probably, every day, and, maybe, it also happens now, but that's not it. A joke, of course, is a joke, it's sacred, but why not, on the other hand? It would be nice for sure, in my opinion.

«...Esli est' s-shaggg!! Dolzhen byt' sledd!!

Esli est' t'ma-a!! Dolzhen byt' svettt!!!..»

– it was rumbling over the embankment.

And, besides, here's the one more thing. No, they're still bringing me out of the wisdoms!.. Ooh, I'll give ya, I grinned. So – of course, a unity is something that we can only pursue. Either in a way, or in many ways. There's no such thing as a united mankind, a united nation. A united people. There's no such thing, because it's impossible. All people around the world will never completely agree on all points. So many men, so many minds, that's said right yet. But there are some things... there is, in short, something, when there is right way of thinking and wrong one yet. Whether it's called objectively, or subjectively, whether absolutely or relatively, maybe, of some instance there, or, perhaps, even something else – this is not so important. It's not about calling. It's not about terms, but about facts. And facts are facts. They never really go away. A fact, as, once again, someone said absolutely right once – is a stubborn thing. The most stubborn thing in the world. What it is – anyone can understand it, I think. Anyone of the many, many millions of people. And just, I guess, when a bunch of other, far from being the most intelligent and the kindest people (of course, they believe themselves intelligent, kind and, generally speaking, just wonderful people), armed with the only true, in their questionable opinion, doctrine, begins turning all these people, various ones, all of who has his own opinion on any matter, into that exact united people by the only true method in this case – the method of mass killings, mass destruction – this is exactly wrong. And exactly in this instance it's necessary to have a united opinion – to oppose.

The hum subsided, the last ovation, in which, as it turned out, I participated too, fell silent. A low-frequency and amplified Mik Graf addressed to us again:

– Thank you, my dear friends. Many thanks. We are very pleased that you enjoyed this concert, the songs that were sounding today, especially the latter one, apparently...

The standing ones immediately began hammering over again.

– ...Thank you, thanks, – in the voice of the group leader even an added joy was heard. – We were also very impressed. You – are well done. Now, let us say goodbye to you. Bye. I wish you all the best. We promise you that we will definitely come to you again, and wish you that you all will be okay and that everything will pan out. This is how it will be, I'm sure. Goodbye!

– A-a-a-a-a-a-a!!!!! – proclaimed the audience.

– And we don't say goodbye for now, – asserted I, and immediately asked Gina: – Let's go?

– Yes-yes, – she shook her head.

Chapter 16

A thick snow kept on falling, but the wind stopped completely. It's much better, I thought, I like this weather too, but now we need to, probably, elaborate a whole strategy of how the two of us get through all this throng yet. Well, or not to elaborate it, let it be an old strategy – a collision one. The people around us were talking excitedly. I made a half-turn by my body again, looked at carefully gazing at me Gina, and then we started walking down the pavement, attaching behind some company.

– Slowly, yes? – I giggled. – Not the way we like?

– Yeah, – she grinned. – And, I think, Valya won't there, of course... And is it far to go?

– No-no! – assured I. – In... the distance is very short. Now here... there will be the road – there it is, you see it, the turn? After that a little bit more to go, and there will be such a wide staircase, it leads down, right to the river – so we should go there. Look, we won't meet Valka for sure, it's a pity!..

– I agree. And then we'll find ourselves... almost on the bank, as I understand it, – stated she. – And could we go down to the water there?

– I think so, – supposed I. – Now. Some time ago, some... smart guys, let's say, had decided to close everything there, to lock it, and there wasn't any passage for sure. Now, I hope, they removed it.

– That's good, – Gina put her head to one side: – Look, Andryush – since you lived near here, you, probably, came here often, right? In your time?

We were going across the drive, which was twisting at the wrong angle, increasing our speed.

– Of course, – I admitted. – You asked me about the bank – so we often were on it. Well, I mean, on the contrary, rarely, about once or twice a year, but we came. We came – I mean, with my family, with my friends – here to salute, that was also regularly, and else – for... to see, how the ice breaks.

– Wow! – exclaimed she. – I'd like to see it too...

– It's only in the spring, – blinked I.

The steps were inexorably approaching us, and then they finally were wounding away in front of us. Or below us, it sounded inside me. An ice drift will be only in the spring. «All in good time –winter and spring», I repeated to myself. And the people in this area have already started, and that's very good, except they are going mostly towards us, what is, of course, logical, but Gina and I – must go other way... So-o... Well, like, we can pass. We began stamping to the edge, and the rising ones, apparently, weren't going to prevent us. That's fine, I concluded.

– What – kind of going? – I wheeled round to look over my right shoulder.

– Yes, damn it, – Gina agreed, watching her step.

That's right, I thought once again. So, now we must push our way through this queue, push, push, and squeeze into it... Excellent. Now again a steep descent... here it is, we slipped down it like on a sled, and here is another column. We must get through it either... we must-we must-we m-must!.. Fine, here is already quite... we're almost there... h-here, there's someone else, so-o... It's done. Amazing. We arrived. I stopped, turned back and looked at my companion, being close to me, again. She had a very pleased look. A couple of moments later we were the same course, moving along the scene now, and a moment later we saw Mik, who was also walking towards us and waved his hand at this point.

He brought us to the end of the stage, turned to the left, took a few steps in the direction of the fence, and then he speedily turned around.

– Hi, Andrey! – he outstretched his palm-claw forward. – We finally meet again.

– Hi! – I shook the strong fingers.

– Let me hold you, – he broke down.

We enfolded each other, or rather, he locked me in a real boxing clinch or how it's correctly called. The ribs practically started cracking, I thought, grinning.

– Mik, meet, please, – I switched to English, exhaling furtively and turning in the opposite direction. – My friend Gina Robertson. Gina, this is Mik Graf.

– Nice to meet you, Mister Graf, – Gina gave him a small palm.

– I'm delighted to meet you too, Miss Robertson, – Mik covered her fingers with his glove, and then instantly let go of her wrist and kissed its back side. – You're just adorable. I'm a big fan of yours. You, Andrey, – he glanced at me, – introduced Miss Robertson to me, but as soon as I looked at you, I recognized this young and very beautiful girl at once...

– Thank you, Mister Graf, – Gina grinned in her turn.

– Please, Miss Robertson, – boomed he. – Just Mik.

– In this case, I'm – just Gina, – retorted she.

– Excellent, – said Mik, and immediately uttered: – Guys, unfortunately, I can't give you much time, don't get me wrong...

– All right, Mik, – Gina assured.

– No problem, of course, – I joined. – We've agreed yet.

– ...Yes – he nodded in response. – The guys are waiting for me, we really have to go. But you, Gina, – he lifted his eyebrows, – should hear that you're just an excellent actress. I'm really a big fan of yours!

– Thank you, Mik, – she raised the corners of her mouth high again.

– ...You are – just super, – speedily continued he. – And one of your movies, «The Road» – is a real masterpiece.

Gina and I, as if on cue, looked at each other, baring our teeth even wider.

– Yesterday we, – I hastened to explain, – were just talking about it with my friends, and with exactly the same words.

– Cause this is it! – rumbled Mik.

– Everyone just digs this film for some reason, – chuckled Gina, and then she raised her index finger: – and I dig it too.

– That's definitely true! – laughed Graf in his turn. – One hundred percent. So, Andrey. I have something for you. Wait a second.

– Of course, – answered I.

– Let me take a picture of you, – in the meantime offered Gina.

– No problem, – Mik rumbled out already on his way to the parapet. – Sure.

She quickly extracted the camera from her purse, and the leader of the «Fangman» group meanwhile picked some object up off the ground and returned to us.

– Get ready, – Gina stepped aside. – Are you ready?

– Yes, – said I.

– Yes, – Graf rumbled forth.

There was a click, and then Mik, without a delay, appealed to me once again:

– Andrey. Happy belated Birthday to you. This is for you from me.

He handed me a medium-sized rectangular bag.

– Thank you, Mik, – said I, frankly, being taken aback a little. – I...

– Take it, Andrey! – he increased an already clearly sounding voice. – Don't dare to refuse. Cause I know you. You see what's inside it, later – let it be a surprise for now. Okay?

– Okay, – I smiled.

– That's fine, – he also bared his big white teeth. – I wish you good luck and all the best, that everything will pan out in your life. This is how it will be, as far as I know you. The most important thing – is making efforts.

Once again, we shook hands very strongly.

– Gina, – he turned attention to her. – Won't you mind to take a picture with me?

– No, of course not, – assured she.

– And won't you? – Mik glanced at me.

– Yes, what are you, no-no.

– Then come on! – commanded Graf.

I took Gina's camera, stabilized the viewfinder image, blowing on the screen, and then pushed a plastic disc.

– And you, please, take a picture of us also, – immediately asked Gina. – Only of us in front of the river, here.

– No problem, – Mik took the device handed by me.

Gina and I neared the fence and clung to each other. The singer took aim and pressed the shutter button.

– Thank you, Mik, – said Gina, coming closer.

– You're welcome, – he grinned. – Thank you. Well, my friends. I got to go, unfortunately. I want to know – what do you think about the concert?

– Super, – quickly answered I.

– Just great, – Gina moved her head. – I did really like it, despite the fact your music, after all – is not of the kind I love, it's too heavy for me, but I was listening with great pleasure yet. Especially the second song you've sung – that's something incredible. Well, and the last one, Andrey briefed me. So I'm pleased.

– I'm pleased with your comment very much either, Gina, – Mik cupped her hand again. – But I'm even more pleased to have known you. It's a great honor for me. Thank you.

– You are welcome, – she shook their hands.

– You are just lovely, – he made another compliment, and then summed up: – Well, guys. Later. Good luck and take care. Bye. Goodbye, Gina.

– Goodbye, Mik, – she flashed by her irises.

– Bye, – I raised my hand.

He waved to us, hit the ground sprinting and quickly disappeared into a white shroud. Gina uttered after a short pause:

– A good man. And he really... stands up for what he believes in, I thought so too. The right thing has been said.

– Come on, – I didn't agree, – he just doesn't want to make his friends wait for long.

– Andryush, I'm talking not about that, – a faint laugh sounded in her voice. – Although I understand perfectly that, in your turn, you know perfectly well what I'm saying, and you're doing what you love to do.

– Yes.

– Well, that's exactly my point, – giggled she. – I'm thinking about the first song he was singing, and it all make sense now – he's from Sweden, and they're still building socialism there, so... – Gina sighed. – I'm kidding.

– Yes, I see.

– That's right, – she snapped back. – Let's try to go down to the Ob River? The ladder – here it is, if I don't get it mixed up?

– All right.

– Then let's go?

The snow on her beautiful face was melting because of her breath and the warmth of her skin. «The right thing has been said...». People say many things. For instance, I do believe that she is good. Without any instruction. I believe that she is good, that she is beautiful and that she is smart. To put it mildly. She is, in my opinion, the most wonderful person in the world. And I think so, while many say about that too and repeat that constantly. Now it's Mik here, and yesterday it was Troechnik, for example... At this moment I had an idea that, indeed, if all the people, or at least half of our people were the same at the time... well, I mean, of course, not «the same», not identical, I've just considered that to myself! I can't think straight, when I look at her, especially when she smiles like this!.. Of course, I mean, as nice, kind, sympathetic as Gina. At least, to start with, just polite. And attractive too. Very, very cute. That would be... I don't know exactly what that would be, of course, but that would be, in my opinion, just great.

Part 3: The Great Power

Chapter 1

– So, honey, – Gina smiled at her daughter once again, – we made a deal – you will watch it only for a while, and then you will go to bed. Okay?

– Yes, mum, – Debbie moved on the seat, setting her small palms against it. – But I want to know... what happened to those cats!

The cat appeared on the floor in front of us at this point. She jumped on the couch, arched her back and then began purring loudly.

– You will know it another time, – promised the mother. – Here's Daisy, our real cat, you see. You love it either.

The girl enveloped the animal paws closer to the cat's corpus. The pet squinted her eyes and, it seemed to me, smiled.

– I love, you, kitty, – said Debbie quietly, and a moment later she added: – And I love you, mum.

– I love you, darling, – Gina uttered, breaking into a wider smile and fixing the baby's sleeve. – Now you will see me on the screen. Once again.

– Okay, – pronounced the daughter same quietly, raising her blue eyes. The cat was lying and humming in her hands with the lids closed.

– Well, are you ready? – Gina addressed to me.

– Of course, sure, – confirmed I, stretching my lips to the sides instinctively.

– Here we go, – nodded she and pressed a button on the remote control.

Some big, multi-colored and very brightly-illuminated room emerged on the television screen. There were the stage in its middle, a leather sofa in its left and a wooden table in its right, and for some reason all this seemed pretty familiar to me. A tall, black-haired and handsome young man stood in the center of the stage, and I recognized our beloved television host Pyotr Vitman at once. I recognized him and then I suddenly remembered:

– Look, let me translate, probably!..

– No-no, come on, – Gina interrupted me instantly, giving a jerk of her head. – That's not necessary at all, I remember everything very good.

– Okay, – I blinked in response.

– Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, – uttered Vitman in Russian, grinning broadly. – A very special episode of our «Tonight Show» is on the air. I'm glad that you tuned in today, now in particular, and at first I must say, that I'm worrying very much this moment.

The anchorman was talking rather fast, as usual, but it was clear he's really ill at ease.

– Mummy, who is this man? – Debbie turned her small head.

– It's a showman from Ti-Vi, – explained Gina, – I was telling you about today.

– And what is he saying? – continued to wonder the girl.

– He greeted us, – my second neighbor also tilted her head. – He is from Russia, so he talks in Russian. But I'll talk in English, after that.

– Ru-ssian, – repeated the baby.

Pyotr Vitman went on saying and gesticulating. He enounced:

– Today we have a very special guest. I would say, that he, she, properly speaking, is a very special person. Apart from she is young, beautiful, very talented and engaged in charity all over the world, but and on top of all that she respects and likes Russia either! In a word, I won't talk too much – ladies and gentlemen, meet: a famous... and, honestly, my favorite actress – Gi-ina Robertson!

The orchestra boomed again, even louder, as it seemed to me, and this march reminded me «The March Of The Moscow Defenders» somehow. I have no idea, why. The curtains in the left part of the studio shifted to the sides, and my girlfriend appeared in the hall and on the screen. She looked gorgeous indeed: there was a nice dark-blue dress on her, elegant shoes with a pretty high spike heels, but the opened part of her legs, her hairstyle and, especially, her charming and smiling face were the best definitely. Gina bowed to the audience slightly and then she turned to the presenter, stretching her palm to him.

– Hello, Miss Robertson, good evening, – he shook her hand, – I am... I'm extremely... I'm very glad to see you! Sorry, excuse me, please – I'm worrying very much now...

– Hello, Mister Vitman, – Gina nodded one more time. – Don't worry, everything is alright. Hello, my dear friends, – she glanced at the people in the auditorium and at the camera which was in the same direction. The public burst into applause again.

– Thank you very much, – blinked she.

Debbie asked in her turn:

– Mum, you were at this show in Russia?

– Yes, honey, – Gina pressed the «stop» button immediately.

– So you spoke Russian there? – the child kept asking.

– No, darling, – the mother broke into a smile again, – I didn't speak Russian. It's interpreter speaks here, I mean, there, on this show we're watching now.

– I see, – the tiny wiggled on the surface, fixing her gaze on the display and rather skillfully preventing attempt by the cat to leave her lap.

Meanwhile, the image began to move again.

– Please, – pronounced a televisual Pyotr Vitman, pointing with his hand, – sit down.

– Thanks, – Gina made a couple of steps and settled in the left corner of the couch, next to the table and the anchorman's chair. He occupied it a moment later, keeping his saber-toothed tiger's grin:

– Miss Robertson, you look just terrific.

– Thank you very much, Mister Vitman, – Gina made another bow, – over and over again. It's my pleasure.

– And I can't believe yet, – he resumed his patter, – that you really came on my show today, I mean, that I met you really... That's, I want to say, that I see you, my favorite actress, in the real life, in the flesh, at last... and that, of course, our spectators who are in the studio and our television viewers see you and they could enjoy it...

– Mister Vitman, – interrupted Gina, but he broke her instantaneously:

– Please – just Pyotr...

– ...Okay... – nodded she.

– ...Or, it would be better – Petya, – the showman couldn't get enough.

– Petya, – repeated Gina affirmatively.

– How – maybe you don't know, but maybe you know, there was a popular film once upon a time in our country, – Vitman blurted all that, trying not to cease scrutinizing his companion, – it was called «Operation «Woo», – Gina licked her lips at this point, – so, that was a phrase there: «Petya... e-e-e, Sasha».

– Yes-yes-yes, – confirmed she, slapping her knees by her palms, – I know that. You may not believe me, but I had watched this movie just a few days ago. And I remember that phrase very good.

The people in the auditorium began applauding, without any instructions for sure.

– Thank you, – Gina turned her head to the right.

– That's incredible, – Vitman grinned from ear to ear once again. – How can you not believe in coincidences after all that, my friends?

– Oh... Petya, – she smiled at him politely. – That's an understatement.

The public burst out laughing together here. Vitman looked at the table wood.

– So, – he uttered a second later. – How are you?

– I'm fine, – assured she. – Thank you very much. And you?

– Fine, thanks. Keep worrying... How... – the host hesitated. – How was your trip? I mean... your flight and so on?

– Everything is alright, – assured Gina again. – There were no problems.

Vitman nictated, skewing down for some reason:

– How is your daughter? I know, that you have a daughter...

Here the following happened: the frames froze, the sound muted and we, as if on command, turned our heads to the sides – Gina glanced right, and I, respectively, looked left, in doing so I realized something. Debbie was surely sleeping, leaning on her mother's ribs, and Daisy the cat was perching next to me, purring quietly. While I was thinking what to say, my neighbor removed the baby's hand from her stomach and picked up the kid by her arms.

– Do you need help? – I found the right word to say.

– No-no, – answered she at once. – I'll do all, don't worry. Just give me one minute.

– Okay.

Gina stood up, took a glance at me, squinted and wheeled round. I stroked the kitty.

There was the image on the screen, and I kept thinking about Pyotr Vitman and that show of his. I never liked that kind of television broadcasts. Never. Maybe they have good ones there, I mean, here, in America, but our analogues were sucks and crap always, as long as can I remember. A high and loud music, silly laugh track, those hosts with their constant stupid questioning... well, no, this's wrong – a laugh track was in series, but whatever. Why should people come on this circus – in a bad way – and make themselves feel shame and ever disgust, I mean, after that? But, maybe, both and during their participation in a programme? I can understand, if a person attends some serious... well, something tele one, with real journalists, answers some good questions – they could be tough sometimes, I agree...

– So, what's up, uncle Andryusha? – Gina put her palm on my knee, bringing her lips very close to my face. – What's the story? Or... – suddenly she stopped. – I didn't say it right, yes? It's not «uncle Andryusha», it isn't that what you told me?

– Why, you may say that also, – pronounced I quietly. – But I told «uncle Andrey», you're right.

– «Uncle Andrey», – repeated she, moving her hand upper.

– Yes.

We kissed gently. Gina shifted back a little, opened her charming eyes and whispered again:

– Well – are we watching? Or... – she sipped dry, and I broke down and bared my teeth very and very widely. – Or we would make something meaningful? Debbie's sleeping, we wouldn't be disturbing her, – she smiled broadly in response, scrutinizing me.

– Let's... – I hesitated in my turn, – continue watching.

– Okay, – she stepped fast and then finally sat down. The set began to play for the second time.

– ...Yes, I have, you're right, – nodded TV-Gina.

– How old is she? – wondered Vitman and immediately folded his hands close to his chest: – If all is fine, I mean, if you don't mind me asking you those questions, Miss Robertson.

– No-no, please, – she shook her head one more time. – Please, I don't mind.

– And may I call you Gina? – pleaded he very naturally. – Please? You'd be doing me the greatest favor... I wanted to say, I would really appreciate it, very, very much.

Her screen copy blossomed into a smile, and the real she snuggled to me, hugging my waist by her warm palm.

– Petya, – the twin of my beloved blazed with her teeth. – You may call me Gina. Do feel free.

– Thanks a lot, – the host pronounced that in English and began blushing. – Thank you very much indeed. So...

– She is four, – assured Gina. – My daughter, Debbie.

– I see, – Vitman looked at the floor. – I just wanted... Well, that's nothing, never mind. You know, I-i... – he stretched his lips to the sides broadly and chuckled. – I wish to know – do you really like metal music? I mean, I was told about that recently, and it was just hard for me to believe, that's something... I don't know...

– Yes, I like it, – reassured she, – lately. Not all of it, of course. And why are you so surprised?

– Well... – the showman continued to delay. – I told you, I don't know, maybe there's nothing unusual, but I was very surprised, you're quite right, Gina... And what do you like, probably, something like this?

The most famous part of the most famous song, performed by the most famous, perhaps, of the world rock-bands sounded in the studio.

– No-o! – laughed Gina loud. – I don't like it.

– But what exact groups do you like then? – Petya wasn't giving up.

– «Extremum», – the guest answered instantly. – Have you listened to it?

Vitman's smile became fixed, and his head turned red even more.

– N-no, – confessed he cautiously. – I haven't. Maybe Vova knows? – suddenly he glanced somewhere to the side, lifting his chin, and the camera, respectively, moved and caught a young man, standing at some musical instrument with a keyboard, kind of a synthesizer or like that. The guy also smiled very politely and said:

– No, I don't know either.

– I know! – absolutely clear was heard from the audience. Some people laughed in the rows, and then Gina squinted after them.

– He said «I know», didn't he? – she addressed to Petya.

– Yes, – admitted he again.

– Thank you, – she licked her lips quickly. – I did like their last album very much... But that was just an example, I like not only them, if we talk about heavy music. I like «Fangman» else, they're just great.

– Ooh, well, I know «Fangman» for sure, – the host breathed a sigh of relief. – This group is very famous, they visited us here.

– And I even saw their concert in the Novosibirsk city, – Gina raised her index finger, bowing.

Vitman was baring his teeth now again:

– I suggest we talk about it, about Novosibirsk and everything that goes into it, later, if you don't mind, of course...

– ...I don't mind... – Gina shook her head slowly one more time, and there was a pleasing expression on her pretty face.

– ...That's fine, and now I propose to discuss some other topics, – he stopped his patter for a second with his mouth rather widely opened. – I know, that you do like these subjects, talking about politics, about history and so on, and I like it too, but let's later, okay?

– No problem, Petya, – she was gazing at him. – Or «kein Problem», like one of my friends says.

– That's good, – the host stretched his jaws once more and then giggled: – No, Gina, you are so... You're my idol, really, I've realized that right now.

– Come on, stop it, – she squinted in her turn. – So. What did you wish to ask?

My neighbor quickly moved on the couch seat, shifting her cheeks onto my shoulder.

– Okay, – Vitman skewed at the table in front of him yet again. – Tell me, please, Gina: what is it like – to be a living legend at the age of twenty-seven?

A thought like «What sort of a question was that, damn?» flashed through my mind, while the real she pecked on my skull bone and whispered: «Keep watching, keep watching».

– Petya, – TV-Gina also glanced down and covered the leather with her palm. – Stop talking that way, I beg you...

– No-no-no! – he rounded his eyes at once. – Nothing, nothing of the kind!.. I mean, this's not only my view alone, I was quoting, if I can say so... People say so, Gina, don't get me wrong, please, and many have written of it!

It seemed to me he turned white as a sheet this time.

– I understand you, – articulated she. – Thank you very much for your compliment, Mister Vitman, but let's just... Let's just not push it for not putting ourselves and all the others in an awkward situation.

The public in the studio started clapping loudly, but then even louder.

– Do you agree with me? – Gina raised her eyebrows.

– Sure, – the host's organs of sight were wandering now. He repeated: – Sure. This... How did that... What did you say – «kein...»? «Nine»?

– «Kein Problem», – reminded she. – Don't mention it. We were talking about fame and popularity, as I remember.

– Yes, – nodded Vitman. – Exactly, and I wanted to talk about your films.

– Please, – Gina was still looking at him attentively.

– I was really pleased by your last work, – began Petya with a serious countenance, – it was very interesting and... very instructive, despite the fact that it was a comedy, nevertheless, the film is very good, it's not just my opinion, I say that with authority, but... – his lips curved, – I must to admit yet, that the first part was better. What do you think?

– I totally agree with you, – Gina was left alone in frame finally. – That one was much better.

– The previous movie was just great, and... – the announcer pointed his raised palm in the direction of her, – and «Home, Sweet Home», your last year film, was just superb, – everyone present in the room began to applaud, and Vitman grinned again: – You see? What I said is right. So...

She interrupted, being in the crosshairs once again:

– Thank you, my friends. Thank you.

– So, – resumed Petya, – you cannot deny, that people like your films, your acting, both in your country, and in our one, and all over the world, I suppose, where they can watch them, and enjoy them – without false modesty, like they say, and this is true, that's why you shouldn't deny your success and...

– But that doesn't make these movies legendary, – interpolated Gina with a smile. – They were released this year, last year and the year before last. They couldn't become that, even if you want it to be.

– Okay, – the showman waved his hands a little again. – You win. You're absolutely right, Gina. I just wanted to say, that you... that you're doing really well. No matter what word, what expression we use for that, you're in the excellent films, you keep up...

The people immediately started clapping their palms.

– Thank you very much, – she blinked.

– ...And it's... – Vitman exposed his front teeth again. – And it's just the way it is. That's why we have the right to admire you, really, and, okay, I repeat myself, you're completely right here too. I mean, – he caught his breath, – that there's one film, I mean, your film, of course, which I just adore. And I respect it very much at the same time, because it is both very interesting and very... serious, moving picture. I tell you about the «Dangerous Liaisons», the famous adaptation of an old book, of the nineteenth century, if I'm not mistaken.

– I think so, – Gina agreed. – Yes, that film was not bad.

– It was a real masterpiece, – enunciated the anchorman. – I watched it many times, but I like to do it over and over again... And you were ever so good there.

– Thank you, Petya, – she lifted the corners of her mouth.

– When I've watched it for the first time, it made some... incredible impression on me, an extremely strong impression, – he was saying all that perceptibly slower, than the previous sentences, – you looked just... wonderful, well, that's not the right word, you looked brilliant there, you were... the best, and I think, – something just changed in his face once again, – rather, I'm sure one hundred per cent, that you deserved your «Golden Globe» and an «Oscar» for that film more than anyone. You've won a «Golden Globe» that time, I remember that, but you were only nominated for an «Oscar» for that, right?

Suddenly the real Gina pressed the stop button.

– You remember that for sure, we were talking about that, – she sneered, – but I tell you nonetheless – I wasn't even nominated neither for a first thing he said, nor for anything else for that movie. He knows nothing, that Pyotr Vitman! He pretends he heard and read about me, he's my biggest fan and stuff, but he couldn't memorize even such a simple thing, when he was preparing for his show! It's a goddamn shame!

– Maybe he wasn't preparing, – supposed I.

– It is very probable, – she shook her head, – looks that way, you're right. You're so!.. – she threw the remote control and embraced me tightly, fixing her huge pupils on me within a couple centimeters. – I love you. And I love you so much.

– I love you too, – I caressed her hip.

– Let me kiss you, – she stretched her lips from ear to ear. – Dear...

We clung to each other even tighter, our tongues crossed, and I thought meanwhile – she's doing really well indeed.

– Yummy, – smacked my interlocutor. – Super, – she screwed her eyes up and winked. – So – do we keep watching?

– Sure, – confirmed I. – The show. «The Show Must...». Like that.

– Exa-actly! – she burst out laughing. – Like going on. «My makeup maybe flaking, but my smile still stays on». Okay, let's on.

The record sounded one more time.

– You almost nailed it, Petya, – TV-Gina slapped her knee, – I've won a «Golden Globe» in that year, but not for that film.

The camera turned to Vitman. He didn't seem astonished or even much surprised, though his lower jaw was a little falling again.

– There was another movie, – resumed she, – and you could just have mixed them up. You have seen that one either, I'm sure, the film opened the same year, about one school.

– Of course, – Petya didn't blush in the slightest. – But I want to ask you about «Dangerous Liaisons» again.

– Please, – her chin was down and then up quickly.

– You worked with your former husband there, Matthew Gilbert, right?

– Yes, that's right, – affirmed Gina.

– What was that like – to do a film with your husband, with your beloved person? – the host's irises glinted mischievously.

– That was cool, – answered she, and the audience began to chuckle and applaud a moment later. – Yeah, really – that was cool and that was very interesting. You know, cinematography – it's more of a job to me, rather, it's a kind of job, it's a work, of course, I do like it, sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's easy... And, besides, despite the fact a wise man was absolutely right when he said, that a cinema – it's not real life, it is a copy of a copy of a copy of real life, nevertheless, every time you need to imagine, I mean, I think so, that I need to imagine and then I need to be some other person, some other woman – I haven't played men yet, – Gina smiled slightly, Vitman laughed louder, glancing down, but the public started cackling after the translation, – and I have to go like her, to talk like her, and to think like her – you see? But there we... well, we were acting, because Matt wasn't like his character, fortunately, very fortunately, and my heroine wasn't a version of me also, although she's... she has some of my features, certainly, so we didn't have to use some great, unique skills and to invent something. We loved each other both onstage, and in the real life. I guess so.

– Thank you, Gina, – uttered Vitman, and then he pronounced that in English one more time: – Thanks a lot.

– You are welcome, – nodded she.

There was an ovation in the studio right after those phrases, the showman and his guest were on the screen together, they were smiling, and Pyotr Vitman was also nodding his head over and over again and very good-naturedly.

– I still have a... just a bunch more questions to ask you, Gina, I must tell you about that, – stated he.

– Please, – assured she. – I'd love to talk more.

– Me either, very much, for sure, but, unfortunately, our time is running short, – the announcer sipped dry, – and, besides, we've got a surprise for you.

– What's the surprise? – a look of alarm appeared on Gina's pretty face.

– I'll explain it to you now, but I just can't help but wonder you some other things after your story you've just told, – the host began to talk fast again. – I think, and, I hope our audience will accept that, these questions must be asked. I'll do it quick, don't worry.

– Okay, – said she.

– Like a pop quiz, – continued he for some reason. – So. What kind of films do you like? I mean, both what type of them and what particular?

– Oh, I like a lot of films, – informed Gina. – I like well-made movies of all types, and what about... A lot of them also, but if to choose... «Apocalypse Now». «A Nightmare On Elm Street». «A Clockwork Orange». «Lolita». «Doctor Strangelove».

– Three of the five ones – it's Stanley Kubrick, – interjected Vitman.

– Oh, yeah, – drawled she. – That's it. But not just him, of course. «The Terminator». «The Matrix». And many others. And, surely, «The Operation «Woo» and another adventures of Shurick».

The men and women, who were near them, clapped their palms.

– Thank you, – Gina turned to the right a little.

– I see, – Petya waited a few more seconds. – Tell me, please – what are your creative plans?

It seemed to me here, the display-Gina frowned for a part of a moment, and the real she squeezed my shirt cloth and my skin, which were under her fingers.

– I'm doing two films now, – she uttered briskly, – they will be released next year, I think so. I'm going to start a new project... I mean, the next film, in the forthcoming year also, and... – her gaze changed again. – In the same vein. If producers will call me – I will be in movies. If they won't – I will produce them myself.

A couple or three men of sitting in the hall broke laughing, but the emcee just squinted.

– I see, – repeated he. – And one more question, the last, for now – what do you want to pe-a... what exact film would you like to do?

– And to produce as well, you say right, Petya, – grinned she. – I don't know. Yet, again. Some good one. Well, of course, with some strong female character, a heroine, who can... – Gina looked at the floor, – fight and like that...

– Tha-a-at's it! – cried Vitman all of a sudden. – That's it! That's what I'm talking about and that's what our surprise about! Thank you very much, Gina, for your answers, they were just... magnificent and brilliant, both I and our audience have really enjoyed this conversation, – she thanked in a whisper one more time, but the showman wouldn't stop nonetheless: – And now let's stroll on down to long-awaited by me, and not only me, of course, segment, which is related to your last words the most directly, but in the beginning I must ask you one more question again. Are you ready?

– Yes, Petya, – winked she, – but may I ask you first? Quickly? You reminded me something too.

– Sure, – the host began opening his mouth.

– Have you seen the movie «The Road»? – Gina tilted her head. – Of nineteen ninety-six?

– No, – his head jerked in response.

– Okay, – nodded she.

Pyotr Vitman glanced right to his camera objective, grinning, and then he turned back to his guest:

– Gina. Miss Robertson. Please, tell us – have you really studied martial arts once?

– Yes, – she also smiled broadly. – But I had been doing that just a little, quite a bit.

– That makes no difference absolutely, – claimed he, – the length of that, of course, because thing like don't ever forget. You studied tae kwon do, right?

My neighbor paused the video.

– Again, you see, Andryush? – she chuckled, almost quacking. – A fool. A dummy. A booby. He may get that mixed up, but I'm sure he doesn't want to know that.

I giggled in my turn, and my beautiful companion leaned against me at the same moment. She's so warm, thought I. And where is the cat, by the way? Probably, she went about her business.

– Not exactly, – Gina's voice was heard from the TV-set speakers half a minute later. – That was jujutsu.

– Ops, – Vitman blurted out, – I did that one more time... Jujutsu. You do remember some techniques yet, don't you? Just don't tell us you don't!

A look of understanding appeared on her face now.

– Petya, – appealed she, – I remember something, but don't...

– Everybody asks you! – pronounced the emcee in Arkady Sempleyarov's tone, and people in the studio began clapping once again, but, however, a little quieter than earlier.

– Petya, please, – articulated Gina. – I don't want to, and it surely won't work... You could have at least warned me!

– It's a surprise, Gina! – he bared his molars greedily. – Try to understand! I suggest we do the following – I had planned this whole thing – you change quickly, by the way, we've got you a kimono, I change too, and then we come back here and engage in a very exemplary and the most exclusive single combat in the world. I promise you, though I had been studying something either, that you can hit me as you wish and... and to throw me down at all, – he said «to lay me on my both blades» verbatim, – you will win anyway.

– I'm not sure what kind of single combat that'll be, – mumbled she. – No, Petya. Excuse me. I think I'll pass.

– Gi-ina, – the host rounded his mouth scarier, – please...

– No, I'm telling you «please», – she shifted on a black leather. – I appreciate your request and I don't want to disappoint you and our audience, but no. Sorry.

– It's a pity, – Vitman pursed his lips. – I hoped that you will accept it very much, but... – suddenly he looked at the camera again: – You know, my friends, maybe, it's not so bad, really, because my guest turned out to be a person of principle even more, than I just expected. And I'm very glad about that definitely. We'll be right back. Stay tuned.

Chapter 2

There was a moment of stillness on the screen, after what shining and grinning Pyotr Vitman appeared in front of us again.

– Hello, good evening one more time, ladies and gentlemen, my dear friends, – some monotone was in his voice now yet, – I remind you that you're watching a very special episode of the «Tonight Show» programme, and it is happening because my guest today is a very unique individual. A popular... – the showman surely tripped up a word «a legend», – individual...

– ...Thank you, Petya, – interposed an invisible Gina.

– ...You're welcome, – squinted he. – A famous individual. An individual of distinction. Regardless of her attitude to this fact. The most beautiful and the most talented actress in the world, whom I personally respect very much and I'm a big fan of her. A famous public figure, plus to. An extremely interesting interlocutor. And, finally, an individual who had done much for our country – Gina Robertson.

– Thank you very much, – said she in Russian.

– Wow! – exclaimed Vitman. – Come on! You speak Russian!

– No-no, – she shook her head. – No. I know only that and a few more words.

– That's great anyway, – he moved some papers on his table and then resumed gazing at Gina, smiling wider: – It had occurred that I've just mentioned Russia and you have uttered a phrase in our language. You never know what can happen, and I do believe in coincidences, of course, but don't try to tell me, that you've done that on purpose. I mean... – he raised his right hand, but Gina interrupted him:

– Of course, not, Petya. Well, you're absolutely right about that I've said that after your words. That is, when you said that – and I remembered something from my vocabulary of Russian words. Which is very limited.

The host smiled slightly, bowing, and the public applauded loudly.

– Well, that's all right, I think, – added he. – So. Gina. You had refused to show us all your jujutsu skill level, which is, – he screwed his eyes up very joyfully, – I'm sure of it, much more higher than you've just told... A propos – is it true, that your ex-husband also studied tae kwon do? And even ranked a black belt? – wondered he suddenly.

– Yes, that's right, – confirmed she, grinning.

– And haven't you ever fought with each other? – pronounced he in a low voice, and then he began to distend his physiognomy in a very real way – his eyes rolled under his forehead, his cheeks became more round and beneath all that there was something, that looks like an excavator bucket.

– No-o-o! – she burst out laughing. – Come on! Although, there was one thing...

– I see, thanks, – Vitman shrank his face to its old status. – Sorry. I was just asking, take no notice, well, I didn't mean anything by it, don't misunderstand me, I just want to say, that, maybe, the fact that we had cancelled our fight is for the best, because we now have more time to talk, and I enjoy talking to you, as I've already seen, almost as much as watching your films.

– Thank you, – repeated she, in English now.

– You're welcome, – thanked he in response, – and, I hope, it's the same for our audience, so let's resume our conversation, the more so I've promised you to talk about... some events in our country, the recent ones, and... so on. But at first I want to know some other... well, maybe, not quite other thing, but... well, never mind. I think that it will be interesting for other people also.

– Please, – Gina was listening to him very carefully.

– So, – the anchorman glanced at his sheets once more. – When have you decided to run a charity?

That's a hard one, thought I. For the second time yet.

– Oh, – she was a little bit distracted, obviously, – this's a really interesting question, I guess...

– I mean, – interfered he at once, – your assistance to people, including people in other countries, your statements, these campaigns and so forth.

– I see, sure. I think, it started quite a long time ago. Well, that is, – she suddenly remembered, – not statements and campaigns, of course, and not collection, but that exact thing about which you noted – a will to take part in this activity. I think I felt something like that, at least... always, I guess. You know, it feels like you want to do something for everyone's sake, and joy, and happiness, I think, that's quite a childlike belief, when you, – she grinned broadly, – concerned about all the country, and, maybe, about all of humankind then, and... And then, – she waved her palms in the air, – when you're older, but you nonetheless can't get these thoughts out of your head, you began to think what you could do in particular, a kind of things above. Maybe I'm telling that in a little funny way, – continued she hastily, – and I'm not quite clear, but this is true. I hope so.

I broke down:

– C'mon. Well done.

Gina, without saying a word, instantly stopped the record, let the remote drop and raised her arms, placing them behind my neck.

– Thank you so much, darling. It's such a pleasure for me... Your compliments are so... good, so nice, I do love them so much, – she was staring at me by her huge and lovely eyes. – When you tell me such things, I mean.

– Thank you.

– You're welcome, honey, – she pulled my head to her face, closing it at the same time.

Yeah, that's just great, kept thinking I, being sure she was repeating something like that to herself.

– Whoo, – sounded she. – Cool. Okay, get back.

Vitman began uttering, staying in the frame with Gina:

– You gave us just... a wonderful answer, Gina. Thank you. You know, – he wasn't grinning for some reason now, – I remembered the word now – «a devotee».

– Thanks a lot for your compliment, Petya, – reassured she with a polite smile, on the contrary, – although, I think, rather, I'm sure of it, I'm not really... I do what I can do, let's just say. Here.

– And that is very good, nevertheless, – the host blinked. – That's, can we say, that you like helping people?

A third one, flashed in my mind.

– Petya, – enunciated Gina, – what, isn't there someone, that doesn't like helping people?

– Hmm-m, – he blinked a couple of times more. – Yes. Sorry. I said something... – he began to grin and suddenly his face kind of lighted up: – And, generally speaking, I heard, there's a tradition doing a philanthropy in your country? I mean, making donations, about what you were talking, well, for example, and so on? Is it true?

– Yes, of course, that's true, – she nodded. – But it's not just our country. It's all over the world. And in your country, in Russia, as well. It was so, at least, as I heard, in my turn. I hope it will be so in the future. There're some people everywhere... – she paused. – Let me spin it other way. A little. So, for example, you work... or I work and I've earned some money, and then I've earned more money, and then, when, like one man said, I have earned a couple, three million, – there was a slight laughter in the studio, and Gina smirked also, – well, maybe even more, but that's not the point, and after that, because I do know, some people really need help, I can donate some part of this money to them. It could be any trouble, anything, and it could happen to anyone – everyone gets a second chance. Especially it concerns children, I mean them first of all. Who knows, right? But now we have to help them, if we can. That is so...

The sitting ones interrupted her with applauds.

– ...Thank you, thanks, – she took a sip dry. – And this's not some kind of selfless devotion or something, I wouldn't name it that, because it's not unique – lots of people do it. So you were absolutely right now – this is precisely a tradition. But all over the world, I'm sure.

– I see, – for some reason Vitman removed his great big grin again. – Thank you very much for your answer...

– You're welcome, – Gina swallowed one more time.

– And now I'd like to ask you about your human rights activity, public activity and their connection with the events in Russia, the recent events in Russia, many people call that «a civil war» and by many other names, – the showman was uttering all that, bowing his head above his desk with the papers, – but, anyway, those things already belong to the past...

– Fortunately, – the guest interrupted him again.

– Fortunately, of course, – agreed the anchorman speedily, – no doubt, and I want to know from you – why did you turn your attention to Russia?

The hell you are, thought I.

– Petya, – tilted she, – I understand your show is a humorous one, but...

– I'm asking quite seriously now, – retorted he.

– But I don't mind telling you one thing: not only me turned attention to Russia – the whole world turned. Every normal person turned his attention to Russia, you see? – she raised her palms and then suddenly rubbed her nose bridge with the left one, glancing at the floor. – I'm a hundred percent sure, that every normal man and woman in every country began thinking about those recent events, to say the least, after what they had seen on their Ti-Vi. And on your Ti-Vi either, no matter what they had been showing there. And if they weren't watching Ti-Vi that time, they were reading newspapers...

– Gina, excuse me...

– No problem.

– ...Maybe, I said something wrong, – conciliatively and bringing it down a notch articulated Pyotr Vitman, – but this wasn't quite what I had in mind...

– Maybe. I must apologize in my turn too, – blush was draining from her cheeks, if that wasn't some image quality problem, of course.

– I wanted to say – generally? In principle? – clarified the host.

Gina casted a look down again, moving her head to the right and to the left at the same time.

– Okay, – she returned to her previous posture. – Let me tell you another story then.

– Sure, please, yes, – Vitman lifted his eyelids high and again opened his jaws widely. – I just ask you – please, don't worry. Don't be so worried.

– Okay, I won't, – affirmed Gina, but then she raised her voice, almost shouting, at once: – Of course, I was worried! Especially when you said, that some people just name those terrible things «a civil war»!

– But this is true, – again nearly whispered the showman, quietly and softly. – A lot of our citizens... think so.

– What do you think: five hundred thousand dead – that was not a civil war? – pressed she. – Or one million? During the nine months?

– Well, you're exaggerating, I think, – he didn't give up. – Nobody's talking about million of people.

– They do. Maybe you didn't hear, – she held her ground too.

Petya continued to seem like a nice fellow:

– Gina – like you say. I may hear the wrong thing. You told that you've got some story for us.

– Yes. I also very much hope they're mistaken, – resumed she. – So, it's not a story, it's, rather, theoretical situation, and it is very short...

– An introduction, – supposed the host.

– That's right, – she changed her position on the seat a little, – that's right...

– Would you like some water? – Vitman kept his head.

– No-no, thank you, – she upped her right palm. – Maybe later. But what I'm going to say is linked both to the subject of our conversation directly, and to what was said right now, including, – the announcer went on smiling widely. – I tell you: it's not my idea, but I like it very much.

– I see, – squinted Petya.

– So, you're going down the street, and you see some man beating another man, – Gina was wrinkling her forehead. – You must intervene here. You can just pass by without paying any attention on them, but you must intervene. Whether you have any weapons on you or not. If you see a man, who beats, is big and strong one, you may either call for help, or call the police, or something, but you must stop him. Because it's not an option, it's your responsibility. And if you see that a dozen big men kick a woman or a kid, you can do anything except thinking too much – if you feel you don't have the physical strength for a fight, you must grab the first heavy thing you see on the ground, a stick, a bottle or some stone, and hit them, right in the head, a first one, then a second one and then rest, until they stop. That's it.

Nobody was clapping now, and, maybe, it was the best decision.

– Ohh, my friends, – the showman was in close-up on the screen. – You see now, that these political disputes always lead us somewhere... into the darkness, perhaps...

– Y-yeah, – chuckled Gina nearby. – Damn bingo.

– ...But I have promised my charming guest, that we will talk about our events, our sae... – he winced for a moment, – bel-m-m... um-m... well, never mind – about what was in our country last year and about what is now, let's say like this. And in this connection I want to ask you, Gina, – he turned to his interlocutor, and the camera switched to another one instantly, – but I must warn you, that you might not appreciate this question at all. Nonetheless, I have to spell it out. Okay?

– Sure, please, – Gina readily agreed.

– You have presented us with a very... brilliant and powerful metaphor, – there was something wrong with Vitman's facial expression yet, it seemed, – we may, of course, understand it literally, but I'm sure you meant that in another sense, in the sense of geopolitics, assistance to some countries by other countries and so forth. Here. A lot of... specialists, experts on these problems, including the ones from your country, from the United States of America, say, and, in principle, I agree with them, they fully convince me, that, while paying tribute to the positive aspects, paying tribute to all the advantages of your society and state, your country systematically, especially in recent years, interferes in the internal affairs of certain countries, and... – in this moment I thought he'll look at his notes again, but that didn't happen, fortunately – he just glanced away, – and even try to control them, to dictate its will. What do you think about it?

Gina quickly and strongly pressed on my hip by her fingertips, shaking her head in the periphery of my vision. And her screen double, as the translation sounds, was becoming to look like she was struck with a log pretty hard and she has no common sense now.

– What do I think? – her countenance returned to normal. – And what do you prefer – me to tell you the truth or to lie?

Petya stretched his mouth muscles from ear to ear for the umpteenth time:

– Of course, to tell us the truth. The lie is not acceptable for me and for our audience either.

– And you can tell immediately, that I'm lying, right? – added Gina. – I think, this is all bullshit. All this is complete nonsense, in my opinion. And I can explain my thinking, if you need it.

– Please, – bowed Vitman.

– So, – she wrapped her palms and looked at them. – You know, I have also heard those... statements from those very specialists living in the Yu-Es. And I'm sure, that every one of their conclusions – is small talk without any proof. Of course, if they're not some Key-Dji-Bi agents, or whatever it was called, before it was crushed to hell – then the situation is clear, it's the clearest, I'd say. Because people in our country really help other people, including people from other countries. They send them clothes, food, medicine, they transfer money to them – I know that because I'm involved in this. That's one way of looking at it. On the other hand – yes, of course, the United States Government sends troops to many countries. Maybe even to war, – she was gazing at the host. – But, as I know, we always do that according to the accepted international rules and laws, if the people and the country government call us. Or they may not to call us, that's right, – she nodded, – but, anyway, that's not the... You know, I think, I do believe, when a government massacres their own people – it's not an internal affair of a state. It's an affair of the world yet. Just like I said a minute ago. Because we think we can't ignore it. This's in respect to some «certain countries».

– Iraq, for example, – uttered Petya. – The recent facts.

– Have you ever visited Iraq? – Gina raised her eyebrows at once.

– No, I haven't, – confessed the showman.

– And I haven't either, but I know some people, who had lived under that particular regime, – she unlocked her hands and put her palms on her legs near the knees, raising the fingers a little. – Not journalists or militaries. Those men and women told me some things, and I do believe them. Some of those stories closely remind me of stories about your Nineteen Thirty-Seven and stuff. That's that.

– I see, – Vitman grimaced politely, and the public started to applaud.

– Thank you, – Gina turned right and looked at the sitting ones, nodding again. – Now about Russia. You know, and everyone knows, that during all that months our Government has several times approached both the Russian Resistance, and your former government offering various forms of assistance, – suddenly she blinked and broke into the sweetest smile: – You must forgive me for being so formal...

– No-no-no, come on! – exclaimed the host. – Gina, what are you talking about! Quite the reverse, you're telling it just great now, just... extremely breathtakingly, I'd say, and I think that our audience would agree with me – we're listening to you with a great pleasure, personally, I'm just... fascinated...

It's no wonder, struck me in the twinkle. The gathered in the studio began to noise again, but Gina half-turned to them, waved her opened palm and shook her head.

– Thank you very much, my friends and you, Petya, – resumed she, – but I must apologize anyway, because... You're quite right – it's extremely interesting to listen to these things, I just love it, when my boyfriend tells me that, – the real Gina screwed her chin into my collarbone a little and pressed on my stomach by the fingers of her left hand at this point, – but it couldn't... and, maybe, it shouldn't be interesting so much to everyone, I guess.

– I see, – assured Vitman, – but you're absolutely entitled to do so, and no one will object – we're talking about the serious things yet.

– Exactly. So, we keep talking about the assistance, – Gina fidgeted on her seat one more time and then sat up straight. – The assistance, offered at that time to Russia by the Yu-Es and by many other countries, European ones. It could be – as you know, of course – a humanitarian aid, observers in the conflict zones, negotiators for both parties, peacemakers, finally. Maybe, someone and something else. At first. All of those offers were rejected both by the one party and by the other. They told us they would handle the situation, – she breathed out. – We saw, how your former authorities were handling the situation on our television sets every day on every newscast, and we didn't want... You know, Petya, – her voice became grating for a second, – all people get news, an information, from Ti-Vi. Ti-Vi is showing you and me now. But this Ti-Vi can tell us and even show us anything, right? So why should we believe it? This is all true. You may not believe our news outlets about Russia, and I, for example, may not believe you news outlets about Iraq. And we're doing the right thing, by the way, this is exactly the right approach. And that's exactly why, for example, I had decided to go to Russia last year and to at least try to see – I don't want to say «everything», «the war», «the whole truth» – I say «something», just for myself, despite the fact I trust our journalists, our television, my friends and my colleagues from «Human Rights Watch», another of my friends, who were in Russia earlier, and, except them – the historians, who wrote about the soviet times... Excuse me, – she pulled herself together. – Of course, we couldn't even cross the Russian border. But that's not the point. Yes, we had offered a direct military intervention to the Russian Resistance later, – her big blue irises were aimed at Vitman's eyes. Vitman was silent and red. – Yes, our Government did that. But that was done after your former government had broken off diplomatic relations with us, after Russia had been excluded from the United Nations, and from the other international organizations, after a number of your cities have been left in ruins, – she wasn't bending her fingers, but was simply bopping on the fist of her left hand by only one of them, – and, most importantly, after a huge number of people had died, victims, the hundreds of thousands of them, most of whom were civilians, I don't care what they say. And that was the most foolish move, probably – this is where I do agree with these experts. The Russian Resistance was smart enough not to accept that. They absolutely didn't want their enemies to start a global nuclear war, like they started the war against their own people. Rather, they had just continued that war, which they, the communists, I mean, fought from the beginning, for almost a hundred years. The Resistance couldn't know their «government», quote unquote, would be brave enough only to drop atomic bombs on their own cities, and not on foreign ones. And those «orders», quote unquote again, weren't carried out by the normal people, the normal militaries. Surely, again and again.

The host, apparently, wasn't going to smile anymore, I had a hunch. He declared:

– You're talking about some kind of heroes, who saved the world. But I find them ordinary traitors, at least, those militaries, okay, let it be not those civilians, you like so much for some reason. They disobeyed their legal authorities and shot their friends and comrades, battle comrades, during the martial law, by the way. So you're wrong. I can imagine, how much buzz this could create, if militaries of your army did so, violated their military oath.

I thought Gina will goggle and shout at him loudly, but instead of it she burst out laughing:

– The history of our nation began with a violation of the military oath! Come on, Petya, what are you talking about! Give me a break-kh! – she touched the skin under her left eye. – Stop that. The United States had been independent, when they raised a mutiny against the Britain, and the British Empire, by the way, – she pointed her right index finger at him, – for the several hundred years of its existence hadn't committed even, probably, one thousandth part of those crimes against its own people, that your communists had committed in less than a century. But our founders didn't want to live with them anyway.

Vitman moved his cheat sheets a little, then he glanced at the objective, but he was still silent.

– And if we talk about the present time, – Gina was pursuing her thought, – I do assure you, that if our bureaucrats, or Em-Pis, or the President would do anything like that your so-called «government» and «authorities» had been doing – because I stress, they weren't legal authorities, they were murderers and gangsters, criminals, maybe, no ordinary, of course – not a few thousand, but a few million of our citizens will take to the streets, find the members of that government and hang them from every streetlight in the Washington and other cities and towns. And they're absolutely right...

– True! – cried someone from the auditory.

– What is he saying? – wondered she, but then shook her head: – Yes-yes, I see, thank you... All right. There was a time, the Wild West, you may have heard of that. And I will take to the streets either and I will hang them. Like all the others, – she rounded her lovely burning eyes. – I will kill a bureaucrat, who depends on me and who got just to maintain peace, to keep order, but who has decided, instead of carrying out his official duties, that all men must serve him, that he could do anything he wants to anybody at anytime. And...

She failed to add more words, because those who were present began clapping and slapping their palms, perhaps, the strongest way ever. But Gina didn't thank or nod this time, she didn't even turn to them – she just slightly swung by the fingers of her right hand, which were squeezed tight and were at the right angle to her elbow, so all that was not so polite, in my opinion, but it became quiet in the studio very quickly. She uttered then:

– That was just an example, so you shouldn't get me... wrong. Okay. Now for heroes and traitors. Of course, there's nothing heroic about killing your friends, relatives or neighbors, you were right, Mister Vitman, that's absolutely right. Even when you really defend yourself, when you have to kill them. So I don't find them heroes as well. Although I think they had been really fighting for their freedom yet, but not had been carrying out criminal orders, like their battle comrades. You know, militaries take their oath to people – not to a state or to a government, or even to a country, but to people, – Gina slouched for a moment again, – It's not my idea also, it's an old phrase, but it reflects the situation, I think... And when an army is given an order to shoot at these people, unarmed people – what is so heroic about it? Both at their own, and at foreign ones. And to give an order to drop a fusion bomb on your own city, with a million population – this's not just a criminal order, this is... – she tilted her head, jerking it, as if flapping a fly away, – I don't know how to say it, this is insanity, madness, this's... an unthinkable thing. And those people, who had disobeyed that order, who had done their best for not to turn their country into a radioactive desert and who had died, doing that – they are the real heroes. I mean Generals Yakov Savchenko and Stanislav Dyatchin, colonels Anatoly Platonov, Ivan Polyakov, Sergey Mishin and the others, sorry to anyone I missed. And who had been ordering such things, – Gina stabbed the air by her forefinger, bulging her eyeballs a little, – being sure, they will be done – he is a real traitor. A traitor to his people, to his nation.

– It turns out, you think, all of tho... – the host began saying, but they shouted from the rows again:

– She speaks the truth!

– Everything's right!

– Shut up, Vitman, let Gina say next!

The announcer parabolically waved his arms, nodding, but his guest uttered, having finished listening the translation in her phones:

– I'm almost done. Now I'd just like to tell you one more thing, I'll be short. About treachery. Imagine some gang, responsible for dozens of murders, in addition to the other crimes. When someone decides to leave it – I don't mean becoming a police informer or something – just to leave them and, maybe, to start fighting them after that. Will we find him a traitor or not? And what's a person supposed to do, when this gang responsible not for dozens, but for dozens of millions of killings? The only problem I have with all those people, – she pronounced more calmly, – they had been waiting too long. They had been tolerating too long. Here.

– I see, – the showman moved his cheekbones a little.

– Our time is almost up now, right? – asked Gina at once.

– Yes, it is, – Pyotr Vitman awakened from his stupor, finally, – and I have one last question for you, if you don't mind...

– No-no, – pattered she same lively.

– So, you're sure these authorities will last long? – blurted he.

– Petya! – the beauty in a blue dress got laughing out loud again. – Come on! Not «authorities»! Democracy, do you understand? Democracy! It should last long, I hope very much. I wonder – could you ask me such a question, for example, a year ago? Under that authorities? Okay, no-no, don't answer, I... – she shook her small palm with a familiar motion yet. – Never mind. But now you can do it – that is democracy at work. When you may ask any questions you wish. It's all only beginning now, but that's not for the first time, so... People, or nation, like we say, can do anything. And your people, fortunately, came to their senses and made up their minds. You reminded me, – she squinted, – of another quote, I give it in Russian: «V slove «my» – sto tysyach «ya». That's it.

– You should have said «Kogda my ediny – my nepobedimy», – Vitman didn't refrain.

– Yes-yes, thank you, I got that, – she beat the interpreter one more time. – I know that, it was just a Spanish expression, I think. Yes, it was some... bad guys' slogan, another communist mob's, I guess, of course, so I haven't recalled it. And I do like that one which I have. Petya, – she stretched out her hand to the anchorman, – no hard feelings. Let's do this: I know I was telling all that... belligerently, and I'm sorry about that. Okay? Everything's fine.

– Okay, – the host shook her fingers. – Ladies and gentlemen – Gina Robertson!

The auditorium applauded goodbye, chanting «Gi-na! Gi-na! Gi-na!» perceptibly.

My neighbor described an arc with the remote control and articulated:

– Okay – let's watch «Modern» now.

Chapter 3

We stood up, made a few steps, and then she squatted near the TV-set and began changing the disks. A moment later she uttered, looking up at me:

– So, what do you think?

– That was just... horror, – announced I, but, of course, continued at once then: – He, I mean. You were excellent. A good sport.

– A horror film, you're damn right, – Gina put the box aside and began moving the things, that were on the shelf, rustling by them, – where is it... I do remember, I saw it quite recently! Or we, – she raised her head one more time, – won't watch it for a while? And we'll do something else, huh? Come to me, – she stood up hotfoot, making a token gesture by her fingers – she was flexing them in the air over and over again.

– To Butt-Head, – I hugged her tightly, and then she placed her arms on my shoulders, as she, and me either, did like to do very much. Her wide smile was brighter than, perhaps, a light of some blue giant.

– I thought, we'll watch one or two episodes high, and that stuff will be after, – explained she, keeping to blaze by her white teeth and to screw her eyes up, – but we may really be out of time. So... As you wish, Andryush.

– As I wish, – repeated I for some reason.

– Co-me on! – she pressed on my neck, laughing. – You're so sweet!

– Thank you. You too.

– You're my... – she suddenly became higher and removed her palms to my cheeks. – I love you so much...

Our lips touched each other, but only for a moment – she tilted her head back and looked at me by her lovely eyes again.

– I love you too, Gina, – exhaled I. – Let's watch yet.

– Then fine, – she leaned against me one more time, kissing the skin of my face, and then turned back to the stand: – It couldn't just disappear, right? It must be here, I'm... Yes – here it is! Okay, give me a second, Andryush... There we go... – she was masterfully manipulating with the keys and buttons. – Everything's ready. Let's start. Let's now put on that episode, which had become my favorite one – that's just... awesome. Come on, – Gina moved her chin towards the couch.

We crossed the room once again and flopped down onto soft leather.

– That was very cool, – clarified she, stroking my upper leg. – When I was watching it for the first time, I was laughing like a... I don't know – like a crazy, my daughter can verify that, she thought I went wild. Those funny phrases, that news concept, that microphone, – she burst into suppressed laughter, – which was in front of the camera, you remember that!..

– Yeah, yes-yes, – I chuckled in response. – The best moment.

– In-deed! – Gina squinted even more. – That was super. And, you do remember that too, those titles at the beginning – there was no need in translation yet, they were in English, and I was just... just enjoying that. Just like real news outlets in your country... – it was as if she stumbled. – Look, Andryush. I still would like to tell you something, about that show.

– Sure, of course.

– That was just incredible also, you were right, – uttered she quickly. – That Pyotr Vitman asked his questions, like an En-Key-Vi-Di interrogator – «when have you decided to start your activity?», a philanthropic one or a human rights one – it's the same thing for him; «why... would you want to do it in Russia?» and so on, I'm not even talking about the last ones. You remember, we were discussing your higher education once – so I conclude, no matter what institute you enter and study, I mean, earlier, in the old times, you'll still be an interrogator. That was just like...

– ...Yes, – realized I.

– ...In that joke, that's right, – she finished saying, – about rifles. Or machine guns, I don't remember exactly. He's like such a young man... Yeah, people are different. Igor Lvovich Bunich was completely right about that – I mean those words about one of your former officials, who was... closer to the communists' ideas, than to some... unclear reasoning about democracy he have never seen and, therefore, he didn't want to know it.

– You quoted absolutely correctly, – praised I.

– Thank you very much, honey, – Gina stretched her mouth, grinning again. – You know, I was thinking – maybe, I should agree to that fight with him? Maybe, I could break him something... I mean, at least it would give me some kind of satisfaction.

– Come on, – I objected. – You... had fought him without that, you had just... eradicated him. Don't worry about that.

– Thank you, – she pressed on my waist stronger.

– You're welcome.

– So, let's move on to a normal show, – stated Gina and then put her head to the right shoulder: – Why didn't you, dammit, tell me about the programme your fellow townspeople did, the ones, who are from the Novosibirsk city, by the way? Get over here... – she began to rumple my torso again. – It's great also. I did like it very much.

– You mean?.. – asked I.

– Yes, it is, – assured she.

– Wow, – I was just stunned. – When?.. How did you find it?

– Never mind, – Gina snapped out. – Not now. That thing first.

She took the remote control, got to the right menu item and hit play.

September 28, 2014 – August 24, 2015, May 10 – July 5, 2016.
