Chapter 14 A victory that does not please

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-Well, now, perhaps, about the main thing," said Egorov. - Investigative actions aimed at clarifying the identity of your lover and his possible connection with the agency of interest to the investigation have been completed. It's all clear. And you are completely free now, madam. Your surveillance has been lifted. And now you can do whatever you want. No one will follow you and interfere with you anymore. Fly, have fun, tumble with your lover, cheat on your husband, even if you stand on your head — you no longer have any obstacles. The investigation is no longer interested in you. However, as well as me too. You are completely free. And what to do next is up to you, it's your own business. I have sent a report on the work done. Now I'm free, too, and I'll be able to take a little break from business, including from you.
— So you wrote everything there about all this, about... us, about me? Lena exclaimed in a voice trembling with indignation, confused in words. — Yes, I am, yes, you, you have no idea what I am with you, what will happen to you now after this. Scoundrel. What a scoundrel you are! She was almost shouting. I listened to their conversation with bated breath. What's going to happen now? So all our efforts are in vain, and she is exposed. That's right. Now the whole story will be made public and, of course, it will reach her husband. He still decided to take revenge on her, no matter what, for his failure, for her resolute refusal to obey him.
"You're so out of control." His voice was heard. — Nerves are playing tricks... You should get better, my dear. You are completely exhausted with your love affairs. Calm down, darling. Slow down by half a tone, why are you so upset, my dear.
— Don't shut my mouth. I warned you: if something of what happened, what happened, suddenly comes out, I will recognize you, you will still recognize me. I you. Are you thinking of getting away with it? Don't get your hopes up. You're not going to make it. You don't know me well. What a bastard you are after all.
— Wait, don't get angry, Lenochka, calm down a little... Egorov interrupted her.
— What are you talking about? About my report, or what? So what are you blaming me for? I just put it like it was. No more than that. This is my job and, moreover, my duty and my duty as a law enforcement officer who has received a certain order. You blame yourself for your questionable dealings and adventures. I have something to do with it. I honestly fulfilled my duty by fulfilling the task assigned to me.
— Don't play dumb. You know exactly what I'm talking about and what I mean.
— Lenochka, my dear, I am not obliged to report to you, especially in such a serious matter that is related to official secrets. But just for the sake of you and your beautiful eyes, I can reveal some of its contents to you. Or rather, what concerns you personally. So that you don't worry so much, my dear. And to calm you down. A woman I appreciate and admire... After these words, he fell silent and, flicking a lighter, lit a cigarette, smoke wafted out of the room. I ached to smoke, but I had to restrain my burning desire and endure it. After a short pause, he continued.
— So, just so you know, no one in this case is interested in your shenanigans. I didn't even mention it in my report. I briefly outlined the essence of the case and that's it. Yes, my darling, I wrote only what turned out to be the result of investigative actions. And your boyfriend passes by there as the boyfriend of one of his companions that you met. No more than that. And you were hanging out with him on the sly or not. I have no reason to say that. And it wasn't my job to find out if you were lovers or if you just slept together once while drunk. Everything happens in life. Only one person can know about this.
— Who is this? What kind of person? Who is he? Lena asked excitedly.
— Who is he, you ask, so you know it better. Can't you guess who we're talking about?
— About whom? Who do you mean? Lena said, visibly nervous.
Ha ha ha, he laughed. Holy simplicity. I see you're completely confused. I stopped thinking at all. You don't know who it is. Yes, it's all about the same thing, my darling, that's what we're talking about.  Only he can know what you had with him there or not. Understand. And I didn't keep a candle where you and him were floundering. And I can't say if you slept with him or not. Maybe he read poetry to you, and you told him the tales of Scheherazade. He laughed again. And make sure he doesn't blackmail you too. By extorting money from you. Maybe that's why he stuck to you. It hurts a lot. I decided to earn extra money on a rich fool, pretending to be a fool in love. Yes, and at the same time get pleasure for free. Well, if it comes to that, then I can help you in a friendly way. I'll straighten his brains out. If you ask me, of course. You can be sure of that. And I will do it with great pleasure. So contact us if you need anything... There was a long pause. Lena was silent, considering his words. Then she said, "I don't believe you." Then why did you start all this? There's something wrong here.
"You're wrong, my dear, that's right. Egorov said. No one except your hubby, whom you cuckolded, is interested in your innocent pranks. I've already explained to you that this is a very serious matter with far-reaching consequences. And I was given the task to find out whether you were the victim of blackmail by unknown persons or not, and to protect you from their encroachments. And very delicately, so that you don't guess anything yourself. I completed the task at this stage, and sent a report about it. Now I'm waiting for instructions on what I should do next. And it's not my job to find out who you're messing with. Especially to report to your hubby. These are your personal matters, my dear. And I have no intention of invading your privacy.I don't see any need for that. Why would I ask that? Now let your cuckold worry about that. And you're good for putting them on him, he deserves it.
- Okay, so be it. But still I can't understand, explain to me why you harassed and harassed me so much. And then suddenly he became so kind, soft and fluffy. There's something behind it. I don't believe you. You must be up to something. You're lying. I saw how lustfully you looked at me. He stared at me as if undressing me with his gaze. But that's not the point, you tell me why, I wonder, you had to fool me and yourself for so long, by the way, too. You almost lost your temper a couple of times and didn't take me drunk, but I managed to get away, thank God. And why did you spend so much time blackmailing me into agreeing to go to bed with you? And now here you are, for no reason at all, such a broad gesture. "I came to tell you that you are free, madam. You are completely free from my claims." Isn't that strange? Or maybe you were just scared. That's the whole point. It's gone too far. And you found yourself in a very unpleasant position because of your arrogance and sense of impunity in front of me. Like, I got a bird — you can't go anywhere now. Having talked a lot too much drunk, which I managed to record on a dictaphone. And what are you afraid of now. And he has to leave me alone and retreat.
- I have to disappoint you, Lenochka.Of course, you have the right to think what you want. I'm not going to dissuade you from anything. And of course, no matter what, it's still more pleasant for you to think that someone feels an irresistible passion for you than to find out the truth that it was just a game and you were wrong to think that they were madly in love with you and wanted you madly. But in fact, you were a toy in someone else's hands and they just decided to laugh at you and make fun of you out of a sense of revenge. That's it, my dear. Did you really think that I was losing my head like some madman was chasing you to sleep with you. What naivety and arrogance. I looked like some kind of idiot and didn't understand who I was dealing with, who your husband was and how all this could end for me. Or I don't have enough women, if I want to. And Tamarka is right next to me. And you think that I can't live without you and that's why I'm chasing you. The point here is actually quite different. Or rather, it's not about that at all. You can trust me. Of course, it costs a lot to get the favor of such a woman. There are no words. By the way, I can tell you that not all married men are so greedy for other women. Just talking. A wife, anyway, is a wife and she regularly cools your passion. And it's not like that after that he pulls on other women. The desire disappears for a while. Of course, everyone is not averse to going out on occasion. But it doesn't happen so often that you completely lose your head. Too many very serious problems immediately arise. This sobers up many hotheads. These are the unmarried and especially the young ones who jump on one leg just to sleep with someone. Well, as for you, of course I admit that I went a little too far. I was too angry with you. I could have lost everything then. And I'm getting a solid promotion and another title. Employees are already jokingly congratulating me on my new appointment, and many are secretly angry and jealous. And on you. Everything could go wrong. Because of some nonsense, an accident. Why did you silently hit me on the head with that ashtray for no reason at all? After all, I could humanly tell you to back off, and that my husband is there in the hall with his friends, my superiors are sitting at a concert and, probably, they have already missed you and are looking for you. Otherwise, she jumped on my neck half naked after I knocked out that idiot lover of yours or whoever he is, and snuggled up to me all undressed, who can resist here. But against your wishes and consent, I would never have dared to do this. I had no such thoughts, knowing who you are. Here we both made a mistake and did not understand each other, because both were under the shafe, as they say. I'm not some kind of psycho or a maniac, so I don't understand how this could end for me. At least she didn't start yelling drunkenly there, otherwise she would have been in trouble like the last idiot. His whole face was covered in blood. I barely stopped it under the tap with cold water and sealed it with a plaster. It's good that at least I knew where their first-aid kit was. And there are plenty of bosses around. Holiday. It was lucky that the concert dragged on, and then everyone quickly left And I was so annoyed then. I would have killed you in the wrong place. You grabbed your dress in time and ran away. Well, I think I'll give you a fun life, my dear. You're freaking out with fat, you bitch. She's got another lover for herself. And she set me up like that.And for nothing. You'll jump at my place. I will shorten your arrogant temper. You'll come crawling to me. I'm going to force you into my bed, and then I'm going to ridicule you and drive you away like a whore, and most importantly, I won't even touch you. And I would just tell you mockingly, when you undressed and lay down, that you were lying here like a cow. Get out of here, you dirty whore. I don't need you for nothing, slut. I'm sorry for being so frank, I just wanted to see you humiliated, nothing more, and knock you down. And you wouldn't have anything to complain about afterwards. I would wash you in this way to the fullest.  She would have bypassed me by the tenth way after that. That was my plan of revenge. But the more I got to know you, the more I respected you. I was surprised and touched by how courageously and steadfastly you defended yourself and withstood my claims.  She didn't give up, she fought like some kind of fury. And she turned out to be so resourceful. It was easy for me. I knew the ending of this story. And he could have stopped this comedy at any moment. And you took everything seriously. That's why I was amused by how you freaked out and twisted. And I was not at all moved by your insults. On the contrary, I was surprised by your eloquence and resourcefulness. That's why it took so long. But to tell the truth, my bitterness and sense of revenge were melting away by the hour. And I was just amused by this story and I was ready to confess everything to you for a long time. I like you, what can I do about it. That's what disarmed me. There was silence after his words. After a short pause, he continued
- And after that, when you told me about your life, I was even happy at first. I realized that your life is not even fun. But even then I decided that it was time to stop this too long story, which, to tell the truth, although it amused me, it also began to bother me. And it's gone too far. What can I say, you defended yourself staunchly. And then came sobering up and comprehension. You rushed to me then, looking for protection in me. She was sincerely glad to see me and how I quickly calmed down the idiot who was chasing you. And after your story about your unhappy life, I even felt sorry for you. Why would I mock a woman who is already unhappy? So excuse me if you can. I was wrong. It was too cruel to you. You don't deserve this.
There was another long silence. After his words, I was completely confused. And I couldn't understand anything. It's all so unexpected. But intuitively, I knew that it looked like he was telling the truth. That's a U-turn. It was over before it even started. But what about Lena. How will she treat me after all? She was so shocked by all this that I probably didn't mean anything to her anymore.
- So calm down, - his voice was heard, - I won't bother you anymore, and I don't have any claims against you anymore. It was just a game. After a short pause, Egorov said.
"I wish you hadn't told me that." Lena answered him thoughtfully
Ha ha ha. He laughed. Well, women will understand you damn well. You will squeeze you so that you squeak, and you are ready to grab your claws in your face like an angry cat, and you are bursting with hatred. And when they tell you that it was just a joke. We're not happy either. It turns out that it's better for you when you are really harassed than to admit that it's not serious and show indifference. This, apparently, somehow humiliates you. Okay, Lena. I've been staying with you too long. I think I'll go. I'm only asking for one thing. I don't know what the authorities will decide there and whether they will recall me or not. But for now, I'm here. If you see something suspicious. If someone else starts hanging around you. Tell me about it right away and don't do anything without my knowledge.And don't reject the new suitor. So as not to scare him off. I'll deal with him myself. Understood.
"Do you take me for a whore?" Not having time to finish with one, will I start spinning with the other right away? No, Lenochka. Don't get me wrong, this is a very serious matter, no one knows what to expect from them. I don't want to scare you, you're safe as long as you're under my protection. Just help the investigation, since you are already aware of the events. And it's in your best interest. I'm asking you. And let's forget what happened between us. I'm really very sorry about this.
- That's how you started talking. What if I decide to take revenge on you too for all that you've done to me? Why should I forgive you? And I don't believe in your nobility. You're not one of those. He is too cruel and calculating. He was just afraid of me, or rather, for his career, which I can ruin for you even at the cost of myself suffering in some ways and losing in some ways.
- So why would you lose? And for what? Because of some kind of belated revenge. Because of nothing, in principle, to get yourself into trouble and take revenge on a person who has become devoted to you. Perhaps now to the most loyal of all your entourage, and on whom you can always rely. Because I sincerely respect and appreciate you, and besides, as you know, I'm not indifferent to you. Tell me how I can make it up to you. I am always happy to help you in any matter and fulfill your every request selflessly. Because, I repeat, I really like you. I've always admired you.
- I admired it so much that it gave me so much trouble with great pleasure. And now, after everything, I have to believe you. Isn't that strange?
"I've already told you that I'm sorry about this. I really behaved in an inappropriate way. But now you can count on me. And you can always contact me if you need to. I repeat to you that I will gladly fulfill any of your wishes. And of course, our relationship is also reinforced by our common, so to say, not very pleasant secrets for both of us, which are not subject to publicity.
- What can I say? You sing so sweetly that I can only hug you and kiss you.
"I would love to be in your arms."
- You'll do fine. It's all so unexpected and strange that I don't even know what to do or how to react to it all. Has this whole nightmare come to an end?
What a cruel and cunning Kolenka you are. The wolf is simple. And how you can subtly get into the soul and find a way out of any situation, get out of any situation. And even charm when you need it. It's better not to mess with you. It's more expensive for yourself. And it's probably better to be friends than to be enemies. And it's probably better to swallow your grievances or shove them somewhere far away.
— I've always admired you, Lenochka. For all your beauty, you are also an intelligent woman with a strong character and very pragmatic besides. That's why I love you and always get a lot of pleasure communicating with you.
Well, a flatterer, downright master of the light genre. Do you think I'm going to melt right now from your oil? You're wrong, Kolenka. I haven't decided anything yet. And for all that, I'm not inclined to trust you. You're a good psychologist. And this is your profession — to get into the soul of people, to fish out and inspire them with what you need. And get them to trust you. But I won't fall for your bait. And what do you think you're going to get away with all this? He loves me. Love is good. How many nerves have you rubbed on me. Don't let this love go sideways for you. I don't know anything yet and I haven't decided anything, and I need to think about it. Everything has changed too dramatically.
- I understand you well, Lenochka. And I can't object to anything. Think. Decide. I will accept any decision you make. This once again confirms that you are an extraordinary woman, worthy of respect.
- Go already. Lena laughed. How can you fool women? What a subtle approach. And everything is so easy, effortlessly. And you have a ready answer for everything, and it's so pleasant and flattering. You look a lot like what's-his-name, the tempting serpent. You get into people's souls like that unnoticeably. And you look at your victim like a boa constrictor at a rabbit, paralyzing his will. Why are you still a major? Oh, yes, the lieutenant colonel already, count it. Worthy, you can't say anything. With your habits, you will certainly reach the rank of colonel, and then, look, you will jump higher.
- It's nice to deal with such an intelligent and insightful woman.
- I'm glad of that too.
- What, that you are smart and perceptive? Egorov asked ironically.
- Of course. You understand everything right off the bat... Lena laughed.
- You're just a smart girl, Lenochka.  I am glad that we understood each other correctly and there is no more ambiguity and understatement between us. And the main thing is that we can trust each other now. And I really wanted you and me to become friends in the future. Well, I'll go, perhaps, with your permission. Be healthy, Lenochka. Release your recluse. Where are you hiding it there? Is it in the closet? Don't let him suffocate there. And I'll have to help you out and carry him out wrapped in a carpet. Egorov laughed and left. The door could be heard closing behind him.
I sat as if stunned in my ambush, puzzled by such an unexpected turn of events and their rather strange conversation. She had defeated him. Thanks to the strength of her character and perseverance, she forced him to stop pursuing her. He could not break her will and carry out his plan. There is also my merit in her victory, but I was no longer happy about it. It's over, the thought flashed. She doesn't need me anymore. We have nothing more to talk about. I have to leave. I must have lost her completely. I came out of my hiding place. Lena looked at me in silence. I also stared at her beautiful face and didn't know what to say to her. Is this the last time we meet, and I won't see her again? I didn't want to believe it. I couldn't believe it was over between us. And something told me that this was not all...
               
                For the continuation, see Chapter 15.