Chapter 13. The conflict escalates, what s next...

 - It's kind of weird. Egorov told her. — I look at you, how you rush, worry, try your best to get out of this, frankly, stupid situation, in which you found yourself due to your arrogance and the ardent passion of a sensitive nature... It's like Anna Karenina... You're trying to scare me. And believe me, I even felt sorry for you.
- Don't talk your teeth into me here. He feels sorry for me. The wolf pitied the mare. Lena exclaimed nervously.- And keep in mind if I only find out that you are planning to take revenge on me and make public what happened through third parties, and it gets to my husband, one way or another... I will destroy you. You should know that. So don't you dare do anything nasty to me. You got it. Actually, don't you think, my dear, that you're taking on too much? Didn't you realize who you were messing with? Yes, he has the head of our "Mtsensk district" himself, I have not forgotten the classics, he is a friend. And just one word from me. And you'll be pulverized. I wasn't scared because my husband would find out that I cheated on him. I don't give a damn about that, just like I don't give a damn about you. And the fact that if he finds out about it, he will make my life unbearable. And I will have to leave here urgently. He'll come after me right away. And I don't want that. For many reasons, and not even the one you're thinking about. I've been waiting for this freedom, this sea, for so long. This expanse of the sea, warmth, light, the feeling of flight after the stuffy atmosphere in which I live. I'm still young and beautiful. I want to turn the heads of my fans. I want to be admired, to be loved. They gave flowers. They carried me in their arms.
- Well, I can do that, even now. Just say the word.He said with a grin.
- Vulgar. You are not familiar with such feelings with your baser instincts. You should just take it or lick your lips with envy and do what you can to track down and sniff out women like a dog, who they sleep with there, and report this to the authorities and their husbands.
- But-but take it easy on the turns, Lenochka. Don't you think you're allowing yourself too much? I'd like to bite my tongue, darling. Oh, then I can...
- Or what? Lena interrupted him. - What can you do? What are you going to do to me? It's nothing. I'm scared, I'm shaking all over. If you only knew how tired I am of all of you. And I'm not afraid of anything anymore. Go report, tell your cops, your superiors, my husband, even the devil, even the devil. I don't give a damn about you all. Yes, I'll tell my hubby myself that I cuckolded him. Let him get mad. Maybe he'll get a divorce. And if he starts to raise his hand at me and creates unbearable conditions and a ban in the house, not letting me step a step, surrounded by guards. I'll shoot him like a dog. That's right, I'll get drunk and shoot drunk, like in that movie that I watched as a child, I forgot how his "Ass" seems to be where a friend slapped her lover. And don't show me your teeth here. I'll kill you first. I'll watch you crawl on your knees in front of me, begging me to forgive you and not do this. Yes, yes, don't laugh. He has a gun. And I can shoot. He taught me how to shoot it on my head. More than once, cans and bottles were shot with him in the woods at the cottage. I won't miss, don't be afraid. I'll plant the whole clip, just to be sure.
"And you're bragging here for nothing that you tracked me down yourself," Lena said, visibly nervous."It's not your doing at all, as you're trying to tell me here. Pinkerton. The blackmailer is unhappy. As I understand it, the local cops did it for you. Starting with this photographer, who hangs out all day on the beach, earning money by photographing vacationers, ripping off a lot of money for his pictures and at the same time completing the tasks of his masters, like a snitch, the unhappy six. I'll find him on the beach and thank him for the pictures you brought me. I'll punch him in the face a couple of times. And in the hotel, almost all the staff, as usual, are connected with the cops and inform on the guests they are pointed out to. And you'd be kicking your own legs, watching me, walking around all day, sniffing out where I am and with whom. And I don't think you would have tracked me down. He would have overslept and missed me, hoping to run after me. Besides, your Tamarka would make a scandal for you, where are you hanging out without her all day. I was only worried that I would end up in a golden cage after that. I would have had everything you wanted, and even more, but there was no way out of it. He's already jealous of every pillar. And he cries drunk that he loves me, but I don't. And after that, he would have given me a terrible life. He would have watched my every move and put guards on me and wouldn't let me meet anyone. He's very vindictive. I would have lost all my friends and girlfriends. If only I could hang myself or kill him. I wouldn't go to the resort like I do now. He has to let me go now, his heart creaking. After the scandals that I regularly arrange for him, and then he also apologizes for the fact that I was so nervous because of him. And I'll say more, I would have run away from him long ago, but I can't. My child is weak, he was often ill. And, to give him his due, he loves his son very much and tries to do everything possible for him. The best doctors, the best imported medicines and consultations in Moscow. Doctors say that after long-term treatment, good medicines, he has already got stronger and recovered. There is nothing so terrible about him and he is already practically healthy. After all, I also seriously studied with him when he was ill, that's why I didn't finish my studies, I didn't get a diploma. There was just a little bit left. But now it's over, thank God. I miss my son already. My joy.And he threatened me that if I filed for divorce, he would do everything to deprive me of parental rights, or even put me in a mental hospital. His influential friends will undoubtedly help him in this. Until I submit to him... he won't let me destroy my family for the sake of a child who should have a mother. And he even dreams of an heiress. And he won't let them destroy his family and ruin his career. Everything should be top-notch for him. Immaculate. He is a great pedant in everything. And my parents are very happy for him. At that time he already had a large cottage in the woods on the riverbank, a car, a good apartment and he boasted that he had started building his house, showed an impressive project. And he has a good career ahead of him. He has a big hand at the top and with the help of his dad's friends, he will quickly rise to prosperity and wealth. His dad holds a good post in Moscow and pulls his son until he retires, which he will soon get.  Well, he just charmed my parents. They doted on him. He knew this and generously fed them then and now, he refuses nothing. That's why I married him. She was still a stupid girl. They piled on top of me.  Of course, he is rich in a prestigious position and with great prospects. If it is tolerated, it will be loved. So I gave up under their pressure. I also liked their perspective and love, along with their tolerance and love...   My eyes wouldn't see them. They feel that they are to blame for the troubles in my family, and now they are silent as if they have filled their mouths with water. She was stupid, in fact, when she was just a girl.I didn't have enough character then to send them all. Then the child appeared, scandals and quarrels began and a gray life with a man to whom I am indifferent and have never loved. And I can't forgive him for ruining my life. I've been relaxing here with you, I've been too open with you, like in confession. Listen, you'd make a good father. Look how big you are, like a bull. You'd look good in a cassock with a big gold cross on a chain and a beard. And you're so prominent yourself, you can even say you're cute. He's so portly. And you would live like a god in your bosom, and not run after some woman, tracking her down, hiding behind garbage cans. I would have had a solid income, I would have found a white-bodied and plump priest for myself and would have grown a belly myself. He would feel the parishioners, somewhere in a dark corner and count the money. And I would come to you like a submissive lamb, repent of my sins and kiss your hand. And blinded by your imposing appearance, affectionate word and your greatness, maybe I would have succumbed to temptation, sinned with you, and then you would have absolved me of all sins. She laughed. - So you missed a lot, my dear. Although it's probably not too late yet. You're not old yet. And with your grip, you could get a good job and move on in your new life. I would live for myself and not grieve, drinking sweet church wine.Kagorchik is a vintage or cognac.He is his own boss and boss. I listened to her and marveled at the strength of her character.How could she, quite calmly and frankly, talk to her strong and intelligent ill-wisher who threatened her, and talk to him as if to her subordinate, mockingly and demanding, and at the same time tell her enemy, and, apparently, not only him, about her difficult fate, completely not caring about the impression, what it produces. Without complaining or crying, and without embellishing anything. Without making yourself look like an unhappy victim... This is characteristic of either strong personalities, or, conversely, narrow-minded people due to their thoughtlessness. Not everyone can behave like this in a similar situation. Being essentially on the verge of exposure, threatening her with very big troubles.
- I got distracted from the main topic, Kolya. I heard her voice again. Enough of the lyrics, perhaps, closer to the body, as you like to say. It's time to start questioning the suspect. Isn't it? Come on, tell me everything you know, without hiding it. And keep in mind, if you decide to set me up and start fooling around, you won't be lucky. Do you understand me? And now tell me, my friend Kolenka, did Pavlov send you to follow me at the request of my husband?
- Oh, my dear. He doesn't do that kind of stuff. Not his level. It sits too high. Yes, and a lot of honor for you. Egorov said, apparently surprised at her naivety in such matters and to once again prick her. - I could certainly fill you in on the essence of the matter concerning you in general terms. but this is classified information, and there is no guarantee that you will not use it against me again.

- You and I are in the same boat, Kolenka, my dear, and neither you nor I are interested in it capsizing, otherwise we may both end up in the water and risk both drowning, dragging each other to the bottom, trying to escape. You've already talked too much, it'll be enough to drown you, but it won't be good for me either. You know that perfectly well. I give you my word to forget about everything and destroy the recording in front of you, and the recorder itself, which I will absolutely no longer need.

- It's a very strange conversation we're having. Don't you think so, Lenochka.? For valuable advice and a pleasant assessment of my appearance and my potential, of course, thank you. You're saying everything right and you're looking for a way out of the situation you've put yourself in. The reasons are clear. But I'm still interested. Are you seriously involved in an affair with your admirer, or is this your next bliss. Of course, you don't have to answer, it's your own business. And I'm not insisting. I'm just curious. Is it possible for a woman like you to have sincere feelings for anyone?.. Especially to yesterday's student, one might say, who has neither a stake nor a yard. You, a wealthy, beautiful woman, accustomed to luxury and wealth. What can you have in common with him? Although I understand perfectly well what you need it for. Apparently, he's doing a good job of what you got him for. By the way, I received a response to my request. What a bastard, I thought, and I felt a rush of heat after his words. What a scoundrel and scoundrel he is. Out of envy, he threw mud at me and humiliated me in front of her. My fists clenched in rage and I wanted to rush out of the room and punch him in the face, but I had to restrain myself. And yet, strange as it may sound, we must honestly admit that he was right in principle. I thought with regret. There was silence. Lena was silent, apparently considering his words. Look at that, she didn't even object, even out of decency, knowing that I could hear everything. Silence is a sign of agreement. And she didn't even ask what the request said. The last thing I cared about was its contents, there couldn't be anything special there. But she is. How so . It turns out that she is not interested in this at all. That's what it means. Well, Lenochka, everything is clear with you now. That's the end of our story. You didn't give a damn about me from the very beginning. You only think about yourself and how to cover yours... After his words, I, as if floating in the clouds, finally sank to the ground. My illusions are over. I didn't want anything else and I didn't need anything else. No Lena, no Masha, no Dasha. The scales fell from my eyes. I wanted to just leave here and leave this city altogether.  They'll figure it out fine without me. They will find a common language. None of them need this scandal. Neither him nor her. And no one needs me here anymore. I thought bitterly...
 
- What are we talking about, Lena. - his voice was heard, after a rather long silence.I think we've both come very far. Of course, I understand you perfectly, yes, any action you take against me turns into big trouble against yourself. And what is the conclusion from all this? Well, we'll figure out the conclusions later. I can tell you one thing straight out. Why do we have to fight with you? And first of all, I will answer your questions, the answers to which you are so eager to hear. And not because you forced me to do it, as you think, no, my dear, for a completely different reason. Which I'll tell you about, of course, but a little later. Our conflict began, as you understand, for a reason that is well known to you, and which I have already told you many times. I was too angry with you. You've caused me a lot of trouble protecting your innocence. He grinned, unable to resist pricking her again. Well, you've already heard about your husband's adventures, let's not touch on this unpleasant topic for you. These are your personal matters. One thing I can say, to satisfy your curiosity, he does not have a permanent mistress, according to the information I have. So, meaningless episodic meetings with different young ladies. It's a common thing for many men. We docked and ran away so as not to bother and then not have hemorrhoids from a long-term relationship. Yes, you're probably right, he loves you and has repeatedly spoken about it. Well, okay, that's all clear, let's talk about the main thing. I see that I was right about your attitude towards this young man after all. You didn't even ask about the content of the response to my request about him. Lena remained silent without saying a word. So, the check showed that everything is clean there. His father is a former career military man. Now he holds a fairly high position in one of the ministries. He has a brother who also works in the ministry in a decent position, a family one. My mother worked as an accountant, recently died after a serious illness. He is not married and has not been married. After graduating from a technical university, he served in the army. He is currently on leave after the service. I haven't found a job yet. The characteristics of GRT are positive everywhere. In terms of relations with the organization we are interested in, the answer is negative. He's clean. You can be happy. The issue with him has been resolved. The case is closed.  You can archive it and forget it. Doesn't that make you happy? Well, that's your business. Now I'm going to tell you how it all started and why you were being monitored. You will be very surprised, but this was done in order to protect you. So that they don't use violent actions against you. The fact is that I was unexpectedly summoned to the central committee to one of the deputies, over the head of my superiors, which of course surprised me, and he briefly initiated me into the essence of the matter. He said that they needed the candidacy of an experienced operative to perform one task, of a rather delicate nature. And after going through several candidates, the choice fell on me. He told me that on the scale of a large operation that is classified as secret, and in which even he is not fully privy and knows only certain details concerning our department, one of the available versions of this case should be worked out.  Your immediate superior Kuzmichev has been warned that you are temporarily placed at our disposal.
You are included in the working group on this area, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Dorokhov. You'll get all the instructions from his people. Briefly about your immediate task. Information has been received through certain channels that some relatives of prominent officials involved in the construction of strategic facilities may be blackmailed by various methods and means in order to attempt to recruit and obtain through them certain information constituting a state secret. One of such personalities, as he told me, who is interested in someone's agents is a woman you know. And he showed me your picture. It all fits together. You know her. She's from your city and it won't arouse anyone's suspicions. Therefore, the choice fell on you. She is currently on vacation at sea in one of the resort towns. He named this city. You must provide covert supervision of her in order to protect her and identify their agent who will try to discredit her in a certain way. In short, she may be given her agent in the form of a lover. In order to compromise her, and then they will deal with her closely, forcing her to cooperate. They may even resort to violence. But the important thing here is that she must not know that she is under our control. She's still a woman, you know. She can lose her temper or go along with them, succumb to blackmail or behave inappropriately in a hurry, and break our game and then we will not be able to get on the tail of the blackmailers, and the operation will fail. In general, in my opinion, the probability of such a development is unlikely. Her husband, in general, is not such a big shot on the scale of the region that they could be interested in him. Nevertheless, he oversees the construction and has certain information on the construction of strategic facilities. So, who knows how events will develop. They know better up there and they need to work out this version. However, it is impossible to exclude such an option, he laughed, that she can find a lover there without any recruitment. She is a beautiful, young woman. The devil take them apart, these women, what's in their heads. And she and her husband have some kind of conflict situation in their family, as we know. So, don't get too excited there and deal with the situation calmly and carefully. If he suddenly turns out to be innocent. Don't take any action. Let them have fun. It's their business. He will even be an additional protection for her from their encroachment. Your secret assistant, he laughed unknowingly. It will be more difficult for them to get to her. But in this case, they might try to get rid of it. Although it is unlikely. After all, this will break their whole game, and they will most likely either try to intimidate him or just buy him to leave her himself, and try to slip her their agent, some irresistible handsome man hired for money, who will have to become her lover, and she, losing her head, will jump herself to his bed, and there is already a matter of technique. In short, it turns out such a mess. I don't believe much in all this myself. But you're an experienced operative and you'll figure out what's what. Well, that's about it," he said and asked.- There are questions. I asked him if I could contact the local authorities in case of unforeseen circumstances. Yes, they know about you there. You will contact the head of the regional department directly. They will provide you with all possible assistance. You and your wife will receive business trips and vouchers from our employee, who will deal with organizational issues. I tried to explain to him that my wife would not be released from work. She was already on vacation. But he waved his hand and said.- Don't worry, it's not your concern.- Your immediate supervisor will provide you with the details. He will resolve all issues in this case and keep in touch with you. Just don't pull the locals there too much and call them here less for various trifles. People are already overloaded. Take reasonable initiative. He called the officer I was supposed to work with and instructed him to bring me up to speed. Well, that's about it. I listened to him with my mouth almost open in amazement and interest. And I even involuntarily respected him a little, as much as possible in such a situation. How he clearly and professionally outlined the contents of the conversation with his superiors, as if he were reading a transcript. A real operative. Out of habit, he reported everything to her in detail, not missing the little things, as if Lenka were his boss. What's going to happen next, I thought? Then he said, "And now, my dear, I want to tell you the most important thing..."
               
                For the continuation, see Chapter 14.