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Meanwhile, Amir and Sultana were about to go to Laos— – My father will examine your legs, and I will feel safer this way.
– And what is the need to go? Let us just send a photo.
– Something tells me that I need to go. Especially since, we have not been home for so many years.
– Well, if you think so, and then let us go.
– Are you laughing at me?
– Not at all. When are we going?
– I bought tickets for the day after tomorrow.
– Very good. I will have time to get ready.
The arrival of Amir and Sultana was a surprise for everyone. Therefore, a festive table was set for such a solemn occasion. – How have you grown up! Nina and Sultana were setting the table and whispering about something. Amir and Rashid locked themselves in the office.
– What happened to you?
– What makes you think that?
– You arrived so unexpectedly, in the middle of the school year. What happened? Rashid asked this question in a firm tone.
– Yes, Dad happened. Arthur’s wife has returned to their joint business, and Sultana and I do not know what to expect. You know I cannot read her fate.
– Bring her here quickly.
– Lets not do it today.
– Okay, tomorrow morning.
Everyone sat down at the table. The dinner consisted of four family members, as the arrival was unexpected. – It seems to me it would be safer for you to move to live in our city. It would be better for everyone.
– Dad, we live well. Then we will see.
– Sultana, how do you look at it?
– To be honest, I feel better at home.
– I understand you, but it is better for Amir to be here. I can ensure your safety here.
– Not a fact. If there is a danger, then it is impossible to hide from it. It just needs to be eliminated, not run away.
– Lets not quarrel. The children have come to us.
– «You’re right. The next morning, Amir and Sultana went to their father’s office. Sultana sat down in a chair, Rashid carefully examined her feet.
– Dad, what is it?
– Wait. After a long pause, Rashid said softly. It is a pity that I cannot set deadlines, but there is a risk.
– Which one?
– There is a threat to life, but she will remain alive. It will last long enough. I do not even know what to do with it. It would not be bad to communicate with the Guilt itself.
– I have been thinking about it too. Only how?
– Sit down; I will examine your feet. Amir was sitting quietly; Sultana was standing next to him. Tell me are you inseparable?
– In general, yes! Amir replied with a smile.
– That is what I understood. It will be hard for you.
– What do you mean?
– Difficult trials are waiting for you ahead. I do not know how you will cope.
– Well, you will help us. Amir said with an idiotic smile.
– «We’ll see,» Rashid replied with the same smile.
Amir and Sultana stayed in Paksa for only two days and left back. Amir did not have time to visit his best friend and regretted it.
Rashid saw the danger, and did not know how to prevent it. All these dangerous games have gone too far, and Rashid saw only one-way to stop it all, is to kill the Guilt. He no longer saw the point of hiding, wandering, and even more so to conduct business negotiations. All this was meaningless. Rashid understood that he had the responsibility to take care of the safety of the lives of his son and his wife. In his heart, Rashid was secretly attached to Sultana, and realizing that his attachment was madness, he showed his dislike for this girl in every possible way. Sitting in his office, Rashid was thinking, what is the best thing to do? – Go with them and settle everything? Alternatively, fly to Moscow and settle everything. Or settle everything on the native land of this Indian woman?
– Who are you talking to?
– I will do it my way. With these words, Rashid got up from his chair and proudly walked out of the office.
– What happened? Won’t you tell me?
– You will find out later. The less you know, the more you sleep.
– What is wrong again? These secrets. I will find out anyway. Nina stood with a serious face and understood that something serious had happened.
Amir and Sultana were ready to go home. – We will come for the New Year!
– Don’t make any plans yet.
– Dad, do not scare me like that.
– What are you hiding from me all the time?
– You see. Worried Mom. Sultana stood silently and listened to the family speech. – Mom, nothing happened, you know Dad.
– That is for sure. Nina agreed with the words spoken, realizing that something was wrong.
These few days spent in Laos did not fly by noticeably. Adult children felt parental care and care, and relaxed for a moment. – Maybe Dad is right. Maybe it is worth living in my homeland for a while.
– «I don’t know myself. I am sick of these threats to my life. We cannot just go outside; we could be killed at any moment. When will it all end?
– «I don’t know myself. Wherever we go, there will be danger everywhere. My father is up to something; let us wait for his actions.
Meanwhile, the Wine got into the taste; she realized what it means to have a business like hers. She was doing great, and she felt like a queen. Her blood was boiling, and she did not notice how her authority began to grow among Arthur’s former companions. Money and power overshadowed the eyes of this woman, and she did not think that this medal has a reverse side. Besides companions, friends and loyal dogs, Arthur also had enemies. Before his death, Arthur did not have time to distribute the debts, as he was not going to die. This criminal king was going to live forever, regardless of his lifestyle. He also had eternal problems with brothel owners. Since Arthur did not know how to run this business. All these unfinished business, and remained unfinished and, it would seem, they went with Arthur to the grave. But since Vina decided to resurrect the whole business, Arthur’s debts were resurrected along with the business. Vina was sitting at the bar next to Said and drinking the coffee he had prepared for her. – You have a special talent. Only you know how to make this kind of coffee.
– Of course. I am Moroccan. In our homeland, Arthur and I attach great importance to this drink.
– Tell me about Arthur’s native roots. You know for sure.
– Yes. It is you at the address.
– Me, Arthur and Jamal. We are our close-knit team. But the day came, and I was left alone. It is good that you decided to resurrect all this. That is why I’m happy to help you. This is a sacred thing for me. I have known Arthur since I was a kid. We were neighbors. His childhood was difficult; he grew up without a mother. Arthur had a brother, their father paid little attention to them, and Arthur often came to our family to hide from his father’s anger, or just to eat. When the children grew up, it was time to inherit the business, and Arthur showed cruelty. He got everything. Jamal and I have always been there. Then you know.
– No. I know such a little. It seems to me that there is something else that I do not know about. He talked so much on the phone. And I don’t know languages. He made so many flights, and I do not know why or where.
– «You don’t need to know. You have already achieved so much in such a short time. Wait, it is just getting started. Over time, you will be even stronger, and you will achieve even more. Vina knew she had not heard everything. Said, in turn, did not want to involve the Blame in the trade in human goods. It was their deal with the man who killed Diana.
– I wonder how it is in Morocco. I would like to see it.
– I am at your service. This is a mysterious country.
– Show me the house where Arthur was born and grew up!
– Donna Vina, I will be happy to arrange this tour for you. Just order it. The contact between Vina and Said was so well established that Said could calmly say you are to blame.
Increasingly, the guilt began to spend time in the apartment, the fear passed; the memories remained in the past. Vina lost track of time, and it seemed to her that an eternity had passed since those sad events that were present in her life. She was so engrossed in real problems that she simply had no time to remember the past. This girl even forgot that she was married, and in fact, it was the second marriage in her so young years. Phone calls, bills, flights, all this became a daily way of her life, she completely forgot about the people who were once there. Arthur’s men replaced these people.
As mentioned earlier, Vina’s husband agreed to the divorce voluntarily, but still he was saddened by the fate of his sweetheart after learning about what she decided to do. This man began to secretly monitor the affairs that she was conducting, fearing for her safety. Sergey understood that nothing good would come of it, and every day he waited for bad news.
The restaurant was a few weeks away from opening. The Oriental Fairy Tale was officially closed, and nevertheless men began to visit this institution and wonder if a dancer who once opened this institution would appear here. – We saw the video on the Internet, she should be here. Vina immediately realized that we were talking about the Sultan.
– Why do you need it? A man of very unpleasant appearance could not tell the truth to Vina, and his gaze shifted to Said. Said immediately recognized this man, and hesitantly made it clear that he knew what he was talking about.
– You can talk in front of me. There is no need to be afraid.
– I am flattered. With a nasty smile, the man said, looking at the Guilt. Said could not hide the purpose of this man’s visit, since this type was not a gentleman and opened his mouth in the presence of a woman. – Your husband Arthur promised me this girl for the night, and could not deliver. Moreover, this girl has created a lot of problems for me. And since you were the wife of the deceased, therefore, I have the right to recover from you what is due to me.
– Yes, but.
– I am not interested, but. The interlocutor said in a menacing tone. It is better if you bring it to me yourself. And the sooner the better. Otherwise, you will find yourself in her place. For the first time in all this time, Vina felt fear. Her hamstrings were literally shaking. She involuntarily looked at Said and he nodded in agreement. The man casually adjusted his jacket and left loudly, slamming the door. His car could be heard leaving.
– Is it true?
– Really. Arthur was selling live goods. Sultana managed to escape. She turned them both in to the police.
– «So that’s what it’s all about. I will fix it. That is why my husband was so angry with this girl.
– And not only because of this. This girl certainly fought for life, but she had a lot of problems.
– So you need to put everything in its place. We will give the sharks food. Vina was smiling sweetly, and excitement shone in her eyes, the same as Arthur once shone. Said was fascinated by her courage, grip, passion, courage.
The couple returned home, where Ahmed and a delicious dinner were waiting for them. Tell me, what was the urgency to go to Laos? You were going to the New Year.
– Dad, we will tell you everything later. Sultana did not want to worry her father, and wanted to hide the impending danger.
– Well, if you do not want to, do not tell me. Ahmed carefully hid his resentment and began to eat dinner. Amir noticed this chagrin.
– My father has problems in the clinic; he called me to replace him during his absence.
– I see now. And I started to worry. I thought, what is it?
– It is okay. Do not worry. In the evening, in the Sultan’s bedroom, she combed her luxurious hair. Amir admired her beauty. – Your hair is so beautiful, and you hide it under a handkerchief.
– Don’t you like it?
– No. Conversely. I like the way you tie a handkerchief. You look mysteriously beautiful. Sultana smiled mysteriously, her smile matched her appearance. Marriage was becoming to her. She dressed beautifully; her Muslim clothes emphasized her beauty and at the same time made her inaccessible. The integral part of this oriental girl was the ability to tie a handkerchief beautifully. Sultana always wore a headscarf. Sometimes, she wore sunglasses and it made her look more solid. Sultana had many glasses; you could even say a collection. She picked them up under scarves, Ahmed brought her scarves, and as a result, this girl had a hobby, collecting glasses with scarves. These essential elements complemented the beauty of this girl-woman. – Your thoughts are so far away from me. Tell me, what are you thinking about?
– You do not understand. You have no idea what is about to start. Amir went up to his wife and hugged her to him.
– Don’t get depressed. Maybe nothing will happen. Maybe this Wine just opened a restaurant. She needs to live on something. She is also, after all, an ordinary person.
– Maybe you are right. I was just scared.
– To be honest, yes. I worry about everyone, including my parents. Sultana did not answer anything, and went to bed. The room in which Amir and Sultan lived could not be called a family nest; it was more like a family country. The room was quite spacious and well furnished. There was a lot of furniture, it stood in all corners, but at the same time, there was nothing superfluous. The house bought in Thailand had nothing to do with what was left in the past in the city of Poipet. Few people remembered about this hut, or spoke aloud. Of course, nostalgia lives in the soul of every person, but a person quickly gets used to luxury and rarely remembers poverty. Ahmed was so happy about this move that even Sultana was surprised to see her father so animated. It is possible that Ahmed simply rejoiced at his daughter’s happiness, and therefore was ready to do anything for her happiness. In addition, Ahmed managed to promote his business in Bangkok so that he hired a salesman and was engaged only in doing business. He opened his own store, which sold not only scarves, but also many other interesting goods. In addition, Ahmed knew how to cook deliciously, and he put his abilities into practice, realizing that students have no time to do cooking.
CHAPTER 3
Meanwhile, Igor was trying to find out about the Guilt cases, and the only thing he knew was that the restaurant would open on New Year’s Eve. Among other things, he found out about a guesthouse in Indonesia, and understood that this was not the limit. During these two years, Igor also managed to create a family, and was with his wife expecting a child. Life in Moscow has changed significantly, and it is impossible to say for the better or for the worse. There are fewer traffic jams on the roads, as the construction of a new modern transport system has been completed, which combined the metro, roads and railway lines into a single network. The main traffic was on the Big Ring Line (BCL) of the metro – the longest in the world, its length is 70 km. There were significantly fewer passengers in the cars during rush hours, and you can save up to half an hour on each trip. Robots, however, not only the drivers, replaced the drivers of the subway cars. Robots replaced the working staff wherever possible. Many businesses were cancelled, which led to mass unemployment. There was a crisis in many countries. These were not the times when Amir and Igor met for the first time. There was no such freedom, even for the indigenous residents of Moscow. Due to mass unemployment, the outflow of citizens from large cities to rural areas began. Igor was certainly not poor, his business was still thriving. He managed to successfully survive the pandemic and survive difficult times. Igor and Amir communicated quite often, making video calls. – Hi.
– Hi. You are on time as always! What is interesting to say?
– Nothing. I found out that this woman was able to rent a guesthouse in Indonesia, and that your cherished restaurant will be opening on New Year’s Eve.
– Something sluggish. I am sure that it has covered a lot more.
– «That’s all I’ve been able to find out.
– Thanks for that. Sultana, as always, silently listened to the conversation of two friends, and sat in an armchair.
– What happened again?
– You know what I am interested in.
– What?
– Who will perform in my place? She advertises my dance, and me but I will not be there.
– «You’re right. You are dancing just for me.
– «That’s not the point.
– And in what? How long have you been interested in this topic?
– No. But still interesting.
– Whoever performed there, it will not be you. And no one can copy you. Especially if she performs herself, this dried roach. Her style is the complete opposite of yours. A smile played on Sultana’s face, and she calmed down to some extent. But curiosity continued to live in her.
Vina was actually preparing for the opening, and tried to learn Sultana’s dance, but she could not do anything. Vina and Sultana were actually two different people. Sultana was life itself, her dances were rhythmic. Veena’s dances were Indian, and in order to learn at least one Sultana dance, it was necessary to make every effort. – What should I do? Vina was confused. – Sayid, what should I do?
– I think that at the opening you need to greet the guests yourself. Explain Sultana’s absence by not being able to fly. And you have two twins in reserve.
– A good option. But I will still try to deliver this New Year’s gift to his customer. First, she will dance for me. Vina decided to personally fly to Thailand to search for Sultana. Said flew with her, having previously made a phone call to the person who helped Jamal in the search.
– I will find out where she lives. It will not be difficult to steal it. If you want, I’ll bring it to you personally.
– No. It is too early for you to show your face.
– Who did you call?
– The person who is already waiting for us there. Consider that we have already found it.
– So much the better. I wish I had a private plane. I need him so much.
– You will have it very soon. The New Year in Indonesia will bear fruit, as well as the «Oriental Fairy Tale»; will also give a good result.
– Yes. I completely forgot about Indonesia. Vina was so worn out by work that she partially stopped looking after herself. She entered the role of Arthur, and together with him, she became somewhat similar in appearance to him. Gradually, femininity faded in her; Vina began to visit beauty salons less often, since she did not have time at all, daily jeans and a sweater replaced beautiful women’s clothes, she almost did not take off these things and washed occasionally. All these moments have turned this young beautiful girl into a not well-groomed woman.
Arrival in Thailand affected the Guilt on the positive side. – I like it here. It is so warm and colorful here. Vina went down the ladder not in the best shape, she was wearing warm clothes, and a careless look made this woman not so attractive. Said did not pay attention to these little things, most of all he thought about the safety of this woman, as he understood the danger she was in. For Vina, coming to Thailand was not something unusual, since she had lived in Indonesia all her life and swam in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
– What will be the orders?
– I want to rest and get myself in order. And tomorrow morning we’ll start looking.
– «As my lady commands!» Vina was already used to Sayid’s expressions, for her these phrases sounded like a colloquial expression. After closing herself in the room, the girl came up for the first time in a long time, went to the mirror and looked at her reflection.
– Get yourself cleaned up! What I have come to. After standing for a while, I went outside and bought a sundress without fitting, in the first counter stall. Arriving at the room, she took a shower and wrapped in a towel went out onto the balcony. There was one thought in her head—Sultana. She no longer thought about anything, and did not pay attention to the neighbor standing on the next balcony, who was greedily examining her figure. After standing on the balcony for a while, Vina went into the room and put on a sundress. This sundress was bright yellow, and long to the floor. Vina bought herself such a bright thing for the first time in a long time, especially without fitting, and she liked it to her face and soul. After combing her not-so-long hair, the girl went down the hall and headed to the cafeteria to drink coffee. Sitting down at a table, she saw Said sitting not far from himself and next to him a man who, despite the heat, covered his face with a hood over his head. Only her eyes were visible, a thought flashed through her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. – It is not him. Why would he be here? Their eyes met, and he quickly averted them, and slowly got up and left the room. Said sat down to the Wine.
– You look good! That is better.
– Who is this? There was a direct question in her eyes and in her voice.
– This is your man. He is needed for business. He knows where Sultana is.
– That is how. I think I know him.
– You do not know him. Said confidently lied. Although he perfectly remembered their meeting at the bar in the Oriental Fairy Tale. He knew about the murder of Diana, but still he understood that they could not do without this man.
– «And where is she?»
– We did not come here for nothing. She is a student of a very prestigious university, and you will see her soon.
– Well, if so. Well settled. Vina hated Sultan with all her heart and soul, just because she was lucky in life. For the fact that Sultana got married successfully and for love, received a good education, and she danced better than she did. Vina just could not come to terms with it, and decided to get rid of her no matter what. Moreover, it was because of her that unpleasant things arose in her husband’s life. – My husband stumbled on this girl, if it was not for her, we would have been happy. Vina forgot that her husband killed her sister, and she killed him. Sultana overshadowed her mind. – What university does she study at?
– Mahidol. Vina tearfully listened to the name, and ordered coffee.
– We will start tomorrow.
– No. Tomorrow is just preparation. After tomorrow. Do not forget that we still have to take her to Moscow. Vina listened to Said, realizing that he was speaking correctly, and feelings of resentment and envy clouded her mind.
– OK. Said calmly went outside, and Vina stayed to finish her coffee. After sitting for a while, she decided to take a little walk before going to bed. A man with a covered face was watching her from afar. Each of these men found this woman attractive, and each kept his distance, realizing that she was the wife of the late boss.
Amir and Sultana, who were not separated, always returned home together. – It will be more difficult with this. They are always together. So we’ll take two. The boss dreamed of flunking this boy. We will sell the girl, we will fill this one up, and that is it. Two students were slowly returning home, Rashid was waiting for them at home.
– Dad, what happened?
– What makes you think that?
– There is still time before the New Year, and especially since, you came without your mother.
– You are observant. They want to kidnap you two, and I have to stop it.
– How? When? Are they here already?
– Yes. She came for both of you. Stay at home for now.
– How did you know?
– I learned to calculate deadlines. By the way, this is interesting.
– I know. It is a pity that I do not see my fate, and the fate of my wife.
– That is not the worst thing.
– What’s the worst part?
– «I don’t know myself. It seems to me that I have already seen a lot.
– A lot, but not all.
– It is impossible to see everything.
– «You’re right. So what are our next steps?
– We need to get in touch with this Guilt. Accordingly, you will be the prey.
– «I knew it. Rashid secretly looked at Sultana and devoured her with his eyes. At these moments, he was ready for anything, even for the murder of Guilt. – Dad, what do we need a conversation with this Guilt?
– I do not know myself. Your suggestions.
– I think we need to hand her over to the police.
– We tried to do it with her husband, and what came of it.
– Yes, but it is her. She is not as active as he is.
– «You’re wrong. She is worse than he is. She has a great team behind her.