Chapter 9. The game has started. The stakes are to

"What a bastard you are."
- But-but, take it easy, Lenochka, otherwise I can talk to you in another way. I don't advise you to make me angry. It's not in your best interest.
- Don't bully and bully me here. Scared already. And then. What you're telling me is just words. You haven't told me anything significant and you don't have any indisputable facts. You're bluffing, buddy. So get out of here as fast as you can to your Tamarka and leave me alone.
- Take your time, my dear. There are more serious facts that you can't get away from, dear. And you know what your main mistake is. Key. You forgot the key.  When you grabbed the bag you left at the desk and ran to your boyfriend for the night looking, you forgot to pick it up. He stayed there all night until you picked him up when you came to the hotel in the morning. And that gave you away. You were in such a hurry that you didn't even have time to change your clothes. That's why you were seen on the beach in the morning, when you left the repair base area, where you spent the whole night.Sheltering between boats pulled ashore for repairs and fishing boats. And what did you do there? They were fishing, or something. Couldn't find a better place. I wish he'd come to your room earlier. No one would have noticed anything. I wanted romance. So she let you down. It's probably superfluous to tell you that you were seen walking barefoot along the beach with him in a luxurious evening dress, and he trailed after you with this bag. And then she came to the hotel early in the morning in this evening dress and behaved very strangely, covering her neck with her hand, which drew attention and took the key, which hung there all night. Which clearly indicated that you didn't spend the night in your room. That there were traces of love on the neck from a stormy night.How inexperienced he is in such matters. At least you could have told him that. Of course, I could bring a doctor here now to examine you and prescribe treatment. But why bother you, dear, everything will go away by itself in a couple of days. But that's not all. But I'll spare your nerves and not give you the specifics of our work. What I've told you is, I think, quite enough for any court. During the divorce process. If it comes to that, of course. But I don't think you're in any danger. Don't worry too much. There was an uneasy silence. They were both silent. Then she said.      
- What do you want from me?
- You know perfectly well what I want from you, Lenochka. He said with a grin.
- That's not going to happen. Don't even hope. Is that the only reason you've been stalking me? I think there's something wrong with your head. To come here with Tamarka to keep an eye on me.
- A lot of honor for you, Lenochka. No, dear, that's not why I came here. And not to sunbathe at all, as my faithful thinks, and to track you down, as you think, and find out who you're messing with here. And just so you know, it's just a coincidence, it just so happened by chance. And I'm here on duty, dear. Although I shouldn't tell you this, but why should I hide it from you? And to tell you the truth, darling, you just happened to get caught in the distribution. She behaved too carelessly, so she lit up.- You have an interesting task: to keep an eye on the women. You couldn't have come up with anything smarter.
"Ha ha ha," he laughed. You know, you have no idea how right you are. There was a whiff of tobacco smoke, he must have lit a cigarette.
- And if I tell Tamarka everything?
- Tell me. I'll put it back in its place quickly. She's already afraid that I'll leave her. But I don't need it. I'm going to get another title. And I'm used to it. She is devoted to me. She's ready to blow the dust off me and the hostess is good. And she's good at herself. There is something to hold on to. It suits me perfectly. And the main thing is that she won't believe you. But he'll believe me if I tell him that's what you're trying to do, darling.
- So what are you missing if you have such a wonderful wife?
- One thing does not concern the other, Lenochka, my dear.
- Okay, I don't have time to waste time here with you. You're trapped tight, and you have no way out. You understand me, I hope, and I'm not rushing you, think about it, weigh everything carefully, and then we'll have another conversation, dear. I think you'll have enough time to think for a week. I will be waiting for your invitation. Do you really think you can get away with this so easily? You set me up like that, I almost got kicked out of work. What it cost me, only I know. Just the commission from the central committee was checking. I barely got out of it then. I even had to hang it on one poor guy, he was going to be sentenced anyway. It cost me a lot. Volodka, who led the case, was a bastard, he seemed to be friends, they drank together more than once. He bent me so hard that my eyes bulged. We barely agreed. But it still helped. That's what saved me. I also received thanks from my superiors. You have to pay for everything. And it's your own fault. You provoked me back then.
- Just look at him. What impudence. It turns out that I'm also to blame. Lena said angrily, breaking into a scream. I would have killed you, you bastard.
- That's what I believe in. You'd have the temperament.
- I was drunk then. And you, bastard... She didn't finish. He laughed and told her:
- And when you get angry, you become so sexy, you can just admire you. Why don't we go into the bedroom and have a little fun with you? Or are you hiding someone there? Has your boyfriend left yet? I was dumbfounded, waiting for what would happen next.
- Yes, and here's another thing. I want to warn you, he said in a serious tone. Of course, I have no right to tell you this now, since it has to do with official secrets, and what's there. We're our own people. According to operational data, your friend may not have accidentally stuck to you. It is likely that he was well paid. A check is being conducted on it, what kind of goose it is and who it is associated with. Some interested parties have decided to take care of you, they need to arrange everything so that you, my dear, can be compromised. but it is not yet clear what this is related to and for what purpose. But it's probably related to your husband. Or rather, with his work. He is overseeing the construction of some important strategic facility there. So they started this game. It's not done that easily, so you know. You were studied, your habits, your behavior, your character and your preferences were analyzed. Your weaknesses and strengths have chosen the best option. Lover. And as you can see, we were not mistaken. Although it could be something else. Whatever the setup on the bricks there or the drugs would have been slipped to you or you would have burned yourself on something else. But it was the best option. That's it, dear. They want to use you in some way to get some information they need through you. Do you understand where you've got yourself into, my dear? And I can help you and hide this fact of your adultery. Now everything depends on you. Otherwise, I may soon make your hubby very happy by telling him about the modest behavior of his wife. If she doesn't come to her senses and pay off my debts. That's all I can tell you. But you keep quiet for now and don't tell your friend anything, so as not to scare him off. You can even have a little more fun with him for show and for your own pleasure.Before you turn him down. And you'll have to do it anyway, but in such a way as not to arouse suspicion.Don't think about it, we'll arrange it ourselves. And I think he's going to leave you soon. His task has almost already been completed. Now you won't need to hide much. The surveillance on you will now be lifted. So, it's in your best interests to help the investigation in this case and at the same time calmly continue to enjoy love games with your ward in bed. You understand me, my darling... In general, you're in trouble, my dear, for these, what's their name, gogoshars," he laughed, mockingly saying: "Bye, Lenochka, I have to go, they're waiting for me, don't miss me here, dear. Well, we probably won't kiss goodbye for now. This is all still ahead of us." Having said that, he left. The door could be heard closing behind him. I sat as if stunned and could not move from my place. That's the number. The law enforcement agencies got interested in me, and now she thinks I'm the last scumbag hired for money by someone. Soon Lena came in, frowning at me. We were silent for a while. From the surprise and this terrifying and incomprehensible situation, neither she nor I knew what to say. Then I got up and said, "My mouth is dry, I'm thirsty, let me drink some water," and went into the bathroom. After drinking water directly from the tap and rinsing my flushed, flushed face, I returned to the room. She stared at me in silence.

- And did you believe in all this nonsense? What kind of money, who hired me, it's just some kind of nonsense. He made it up on purpose to force you to do what he wants. Excitedly, I began to prove to her that I was not involved in all this...
- I don't understand what's going on at all. It's not enough for me to have this scoundrel, it turns out that you are also... Then she stopped talking. It's hard to believe all this. But he won't lie. Such things are not joked about, and anyway it will come out one way or another. No matter how scoundrel he is, he is a professional, and he is in good standing there, in his service, I know that. And if he's clinging to something, he won't let go until he puts an end to it.
- And you, is it really true? How could you, how disgusting.- Lena, I do not know how to prove it to you, but you are deeply mistaken. I am shocked by all this myself. Why don't you believe me.
- I would like to, yes, something is not working. I don't trust anyone anymore.
- And why did he suddenly cling to you so much, what happened to you with him?
- It's none of your business, I get it. She suddenly raged at me.- You'd better tell me how much you were hired for. Maybe I'll pay you more to tell me who sent you to me and get you off my back. I don't want to see anyone, she cried out in despair."You're such a goofball," she got more and more worked up. - And pretended to be so modest. He sang so sweetly. You see, he explained his love to me. Scoundrel, what a scoundrel you are.
- You know what, Lena, cool down a little and stop insulting me. You'll regret it when it all comes out. And I didn't even think that you would fall for this nonsense so easily. Your words, which you lavished on me, are worthless. He doesn't even want to figure anything out. How quickly she classified me as scoundrels and scoundrels in order to get rid of me as soon as possible, hypocrite.
- what? You're going to call me a hypocrite here, you scoundrel. Hysterically, she grabbed a thin, elegant ashtray from the table and threw it at me. I dodged, and it crashed against the wall with a clang, crumbling into small fragments.
- Get out of here. I don't want to see you here anymore, you bastard. She screamed at me in a hysterical fit, losing her composure. The liquor that we drank with her, and the stress that she experienced from this scoundrel, clearly added to her emotions and, apparently, somewhat clouded her mind, causing such strong aggression. She's already lost her mind, I thought with annoyance and regret. But unfortunately, I couldn't do anything in this situation.
- Calm down and drink some water, Lenochka, I'm leaving. But mark my words. If you don't regret that we broke up with you, when everything turns out. I've just realized exactly what I mean to you. But trust me, you'll be ashamed of your behavior later. And those unfair words and insults that you just allowed yourself and showed me.
"Good riddance," she called after me.
When I went outside, it was already completely dark. The lanterns were on in the park, and I walked along one of the alleys to the embankment. It was still stuffy after a hot day, and I wanted to walk along the shore, where a fresh breeze was blowing from the sea. Depressed and extremely annoyed by what had happened, I suddenly thought that I was being thrown from side to side, up and down. It's like the volleyball we played with Masha. And we were being watched by this, frankly, too eccentric woman. With her very changeable nature and inconstancy. She is constantly radiating heat and cold. And most importantly, she hears only herself and does not consider anyone. Yes, I've completely lost her. What this friend of hers said about me being checked by the authorities now didn't bother me much. Let them check it out. If they have nothing else to do. It makes me neither hot nor cold. The only thing that can happen is that they can, of course, stick with the question of whether I am connected with any of these interested parties, as he put it. It's even funny. I haven't been here long enough for anyone to be interested in me. And besides Lyosha and Vasya, I haven't managed to get any acquaintances yet. I didn't have time to get acquainted with it while drinking with my neighbors. I don't need it at all. Who do I need here? Unless Vasya could turn out to be this agent. I laughed to myself. He promised to supply me with a bottle if I agreed to this case. He immediately drank it with me. That's what I'll tell them if they ask. All this is true, of course, but it's all over with her. How she got all worked up and looked at me with such hatred. I believed this idiot. It's a pity, it's a pity. How well it all started and ended so unexpectedly. It was like I was shot down on takeoff. I thought, remembering how she had asked me mockingly.- What are you, a pilot? Yes, now I'm a downed pilot, I thought sadly. I'm wandering home after finishing my flight. And maybe it's for the best. She was right to tell me then.- See that you don't have to regret it too much. That's the moment she was talking about. And how stupid it all turned out.If she had told me anything earlier, this might not have happened. Although, what can I say. She didn't know anything herself. And what happened between them if she hates him so much. He openly harasses her. Everything is clear with him. But why is she acting like this with him? Although everything is not clear with him either. They had some kind of conflict with very unpleasant consequences for him. Although, what's there to guess. He exposed her, and she's leaving here one of these days. And I won't know anything more about her. It's a pity, a great pity, of course. In a depressed mood, I walked along the embankment, not noticing the beauty around me. The sea was lapping nearby. The full moon has risen, shining brightly in the night sky, reflecting an iridescent silver path on the surface of the sea. Small waves were quietly rolling onto the shore. Lights from ships going far out to sea shone in the sea. The lanterns on the embankment burned brightly, casting mysterious shadows on the large trees of the park located along it. Advertisements for cafes and numerous shops and boutiques with various souvenirs and goods shone and flashed with colorful lights all around. Numerous people strolled along the embankment. the audience in colorful colorful outfits. Women in short seductive shorts and elegant dresses. Men also often wore shorts, and some of them sported souvenir navy caps with gilded edging and sea crabs on the rims. Music was playing. It was noisy and fun. The laughter of vacationers and the joyful cries of children scurrying between adults were often heard. The smell of kebabs and grilled meat delicacies was in the air. The brightly lit stalls and bars facing the embankment were crowded with people. Buying yourself a variety of food, delicacies, fresh pastries and drinks. Waiters scurried between the tables set up right at the parapet of the embankment, serving food and fulfilling customers' orders. Music was playing, and the audience enjoyed relaxing by the sea in the evening hours.
And I was immersed in my sad thoughts and I didn't even want to drink out of frustration. I sat down on a bench and lit a cigarette, looking at the sea stretching out in front of me, at vacationers and night swimmers walking along the shore, splashing in the water in the brightly lit coastal strip of the beach, disappearing further into the dense darkness of the night.
I sat and thought about what to do next. Should I leave here? What should I do here and what should I look for? What about Masha? She's a good girl, but she won't replace Lena for me. After what I had with Lena, I didn't want to kiss Masha under the moon anymore.  And to touch this young, inexperienced, as Lena called me then, I didn't even have a thought. You really have to be a scoundrel to do this to this pretty, innocent girl. Have fun with her and then leave her and go in different directions. What can connect us ? It's nothing. I have a completely different feeling for Lena, which did not let me go, no matter how hard I tried to drown it out. Go out for a drink or something. I thought listlessly. It's unlikely to help, but I'll get more upset.But still, I went into a small cafe and ordered vodka for myself. After drinking a decent portion, I wandered home, feeling that I was getting drunk. Vodka caused a backlash in me. I started to get angry at her. She's a bitch, a real bitch. She had fun using me and threw me out the door. Without even figuring out what's what. I wanted to humiliate her too and express my contempt for her. A hypocrite. But there was nothing I could do. She was beyond my reach. Well, nothing would humiliate her with this scoundrel. He'll get his way. She will have to give in to him so that her husband doesn't find out anything and doesn't throw her out the door like she did me. But then, to my surprise, our jealousy of this scoundrel suddenly came upon me. Such a bastard. Look what you want, you bastard. And it's because of me that she's in such a mess. If I hadn't bothered her then, none of this would have happened. How can I neutralize it? To stuff his face and threaten him not to climb up to her. This is not an option. He can easily put me away. But what can I do? How to help her out. Even if we broke up with her. I was thinking and couldn't think of anything. Finally, I reached my apartment and, without undressing, fell into my bunk. Lyosha was not there. I lay there wondering what I should do. And I couldn't find a way out. Gradually, sleep overcame me and I fell asleep unnoticed.
When I woke up in the morning in rumpled clothes, I decided to put myself in order and go to breakfast and suddenly noticed her bag in the corner, which she left for me. And what should I do with her now, I thought. Throw it away, or something. There was nothing particularly valuable there. Hers, a bathrobe, a towel, bedspreads, some dishes and a swimsuit that she didn't even wear. Preferring to do without it. Looking at this bag, I clearly remembered that night. I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach and a nagging longing. I didn't want to believe that I would never see her again. But then a saving thought flashed through . But this is a good reason to see her again. Maybe she's calmed down already. And when I come to her, I will be able to talk to her and we will discuss how we can find a way out of this situation and neutralize this scoundrel.He may threaten him that I will roll a paper on him for his service, that he is brazenly accosting a woman. They won't pat him on the head for such things. Yes, and she can tell you what happened to him there, it can also give something. Maybe give him some money. We need to think about all the options. I cheered up and had a timid hope. I had her phone number and I immediately wanted to call her. But then he changed his mind. What if she says she doesn't need this bag? Or for me to leave her at the desk. In short, I need to go there myself and hand her the bag right into her hands. It will be the best ariant. She does not expect this and will be confused at first. And this will help me get her to talk and try to make peace with her. You just have to be patient a little bit. She'll still be here in a week. He gave her a week to think about it. Let him cool down and come to his senses. I'll always have time to carry the bag. The main thing is that she calms down and doesn't slam the door in my face. Or maybe find the girls and arrange for them to call her themselves and find out what's what and how she's in the mood. I searched hard for a way out. Encouraged by this good idea. And on the other hand, if you think carefully about why I need it. She will leave in a few days and that will be the end of it. Calm down dear and don't mess with yourself or her. It will be better for both of them. Without coming to any decision, I went to the dining room, and after breakfast I decided to go to the beach. find your girlfriends. It will be more fun with them. After breakfast, I came to my room. Lyosha was at home.
"Hi," he said to me.- How are you feeling?
- The mood is cheerful, we are going to the bottom.
"That's our way," Lyosha replied cheerfully.

- Well, what can I tell you, against such weighty arguments, how can you stand here.
- I'll have to run to the store. Until they drowned in cold water. Ha-ha-ha, the pleased Lech laughed.
- You're thinking right.Just don't run anywhere. While you're running, the ship may sink.I have a new one for such a case.
- Well, then pour it and let's go fix the hole. We will fight to the end for the survivability of the ship. Lech laughed merrily again.
- That's what you said well. You should never lose your spirits and you have to fight to the end.
- With drunkenness and alcoholism, - I added. Ha-ha-ha Lech burst out laughing.
- Well, you give. He obviously liked my humor. 
- Well, if that's the case, pour it, we will fight to the end with bad habits. To go to the service sober and cheerful. Lech laughed merrily again.
- Golden words! Let's drink to that.
Having drunk a couple of glasses of wine with Lech, am I cheerful? In high spirits, I went to look for my girlfriends. Yes, what can I say, I had a thought. It looks like a new game has started. And the stakes are high. But who knows if I'm going to win or lose. And the gambler's excitement seized me again. The girls were there.
- Hello beauties.  I exclaimed, and kissed them both on the cheek, noticing that Masha blushed slightly, not expecting such an impulse from me. Well, as for the teachers, what will you teach me today? I did all my homework at home and came to your lesson. What subject should I answer?
- Oh, where are your notebooks? Tatiana asked in the same tone as me. How to check that you have completed your homework.
- So I left my briefcase at home.
- That's not an excuse. You forgot it on purpose because you didn't learn your lesson. Two for you.
- And I will answer verbally.
- No, you're not going to make it. How can I check how many mistakes you made in your homework?
- Well, two, maybe three.
- In every word. Tatiana said and laughed. I laughed merrily at her joke. Masha also laughed with us.
- Well, Tanya, there are no words. She caught me. And if I go and buy you some ice cream, maybe you can give me a C. Well, I'll think about it. Or maybe I will, but only when you bring me your essay and on the condition that you get an ice cream for every mistake. Goes. I said. Which do you prefer: cream, ice cream or chocolate. Both that and the other and the third. Tatiana laughed.
- And you won't feel bad, like one of your friends, who also ate a lot of ice cream. I successfully cast a fishing rod. - By the way, what have you heard about her, has she recovered or is she still ill.
- I don't know, we didn't call her. I should actually call to see how she's feeling. Maybe we can go dancing. She invited me.
- Okay, bring the ice cream, I'll have a chocolate one, you two. You said you were going to put a three, I'll also bring you a sundae.
- Okay, so be it, bring it.
- And you are easy to buy, Masha told her. - It sold out for ice cream. Ha ha ha, Tanya laughed,
"It's a good thing I didn't give in," she said through laughter, looking at me defiantly.- And you should at least thank me.
- That's for what.
- And for not giving in, she continued to laugh. For the ice cream, of course. She was clearly amused by this sensitive topic. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be eating it today. Well, well. Lena was right when she said that you shouldn't put a finger in her mouth and that she was experienced. Women understand each other quickly.
- So which one do you like? I asked Waving,
"I don't care," she replied. I quickly ran to get ice cream and we began to eat it with pleasure. And suddenly I noticed that  Tatiana occasionally glances at me, looks at me somehow intently and scrutinizingly. There was something in her gaze that made me uneasy. It seemed to me that there was some kind of hidden desire and appeal in him...
- Really, the thought flashed. But that would be too much. Although who knows...
But at the moment, I'm only interested in this insidious trump lady with her bag. Indeed, the game is just beginning and the stakes are rising.
Until recently, I was a free and carefree guy and I got into such a stupid mess.
and suddenly into this strange, depressing and incomprehensible story to me even before the end. Because of this fatal woman for me. Indeed, she reminds me of My Lady in some way. How will she get out of this story? And I suddenly thought that she would find a way out of this situation. That's why she's My Lady...


© Copyright: Vladislav Koptsev, 2024