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– What a horror. I do not want to fight a woman.
– «We’re all going to have to do it. Rashid, being ready for murder, was not yet mentally ready for this, and just like his son, he hoped to solve this case peacefully.
Vina walked around Bangkok at night and admired its beauties. She realized that she was breathing much easier here than in Indonesia. Not only is it warm and sunny here, but also nothing hurt from the past. There were no memories of my sister, husband, tears of parents, remorse, here you could just enjoy life and breathe clean, warm, southern air. A thought flashed through her mind; did Arthur not have a business in this beautiful country? And she was right. Arthur had a business in this beautiful country, but for some reason he did not tell her about these wonderful details.
Arthur’s business actually flourished in this country. It was not for nothing that he looked after the Sultan in Poipet, since this city borders with this country. Sultana was taken to Moscow, and some girls from gambling houses were taken to Bangkok. In addition to the girls, Arthur easily transported repainted cars with redesigned license plates across the border. Vina returned to her room and flopped down on the bed. It was the first time she had had a good night’s sleep. Said was waiting for her for lunch in the same cafeteria. – Sound sleep is the key to health.
– Yes, I have not slept so soundly for a long time. What news?
– Rashid has arrived. What will we do?
– That is the news. The morning is never good.
– So it is already lunch. We went to investigate and found out about the interference.
– This hindrance will fly to Moscow for us. Well, do not bring him down. What would Arthur do?
– He would have failed.
– Yes. You are right. Vina sat in confusion. – And maybe in honor of the memory of the late husband, it is worth eliminating the guilty. Vina remembered how this Rashid interfered with the deal and stole it from the hands of her beloved husband. She remembered this episode well.
– «I know what you’re thinking. It is only necessary to order and the order will be executed. Our sniper is already here, he is waiting.
– Then let us not delay. Go ahead. Said made the call.
There was a car parked outside Ahmed’s family’s house. It did not seem noticeable at all; nothing could be seen through the tinted windows. Among other cars, it did not stand out in any way. The residents of the house did not know about the danger that awaits them. The good-natured Ahmed was glad to have a guest and did not go to his store. This outburst of joy literally saved his life. No one left this house during the whole day. Night was falling; the man sitting in the car was nervously fiddling with the key chain in his hand, and was looking forward to the morning. The morning was crucial, but no one was in a hurry to leave the house, it seemed that the house was empty. And so it was. The residents of the house and its guests learned about the danger that lies in wait for them and left their abode early in the morning through a window that looked out on the opposite side. – Let’s go to my store, we will decide everything there. – We need to report it to the police. What is it?
– Dad, you do not need to go anywhere. Amir will decide everything himself. Rashid and Amir were whispering about something.
– The situation is such that you need to catch the Blame. There is no other way to do it.
– Yes. Only how? How to find out where she is. How are we going to get home?
– So you are going to Laos instead of me, and I am flying to Moscow and I’ll settle everything.
– What are you up to? Dad, you cannot fly to Moscow like this.
– Why? What is going to stop me? She will definitely appear there, and I even know where.
– «What am I supposed to do?»
– Go with them to Laos, stay with us.
– Well, whatever you say.
– I will have to leave my car here until better times. You will take the bus; it will be safer this way.
– You are a genius. But I don’t like your trip to Moscow.
– Me too. It will be safer for everyone. In the evening, everyone was on his or her way. Vina was furious.
– «Where could they all have gone?»
– That is the whole point of Sultana. It does not burn in fire; it does not sink in water.
– First I will drown her, and then I will set her on fire.
– That is exactly why there were many problems from her. She ruined the best. But we will fix it. That is why we came back.
– «I need her now. Take it wherever you want. Said made the call.
– Give me exactly ten days. I know where to look for this couple. I will bring them to her personally as a gift for the New Year.
– We are returning to Moscow, the couple in love will arrive later as a present.
– Very good.
– There is one more question. Would you like to get acquainted with the part of your husband’s business that remained here in Thailand?
– Interesting? How long would you have kept silent? Is there anything else I am not aware of?
– It is possible that yes there is. But it’s better for you not to know about it yet. Too much information. Vina and Said each went up to their rooms to pack their bags and go to the airport.
The man with the scar promised to deliver Amir and the Sultan personally; to some extent, this case became his goal. He remembered the last days of the deceased Jamal, his extinct look, and the fact that this faithful dog could not cope with the task, and settled on this particular girl. He decided at all costs to finish what he had started and avenge Zhamal. —I will avenge us both. Sleep well. Only first, I will finish one very important thing. This man has long dreamed of getting rid of his scar on his face. And for some reason, this case dragged on. – As soon as I do this, I will finish our unfinished business together. Guntur dreamed of appearing before Vina with a perfect face, and becoming her faithful dog. This woman literally captivated him. He did not count on something mutual. He just wanted to be her patron, guardian, and mentor. This man understood that a woman like Vina would not pull such a thing alone, and whenever she had to sort out everything that she had brewed. Left alone, the scarred man was finishing his cigarette and looking at the slowly dissipating smoke. Tomorrow was very important for him, an appearance to the doctor for an examination before the upcoming operation.
It was difficult for Vina to part with the things she had bought and put on what she had flown from Moscow to these warm lands. Said understood the reason for her psychoses, and behaved like a true gentleman. – Madame Vina, do not be sad, we will arrive again! Vina had always liked her ally’s subtle approach.
– You know how to cheer up. Vina was standing with a small bag waiting for a taxi.
– Such a small bag and so much sadness in your eyes? What is the reason?
– I do not want to fly away.
– You have not been to Morocco yet. This is a real oriental fairy tale. That is where you definitely will not want to go back to everyday life.
– You intrigued me. I already want to go to Morocco and I do not want to go back to everyday life.
– Don’t be sad. The holidays begin there in Moscow. We need to decorate the hall. A miracle will happen soon. Said’s words cheered up the guilt, the sadness on her face was replaced by a cheerful smile. The taxi arrived, the plane left Bangkok airport.
Rashid arrived a day before the murderers. This time he decided to become a murderer himself, it was his firm intention. He understood that only death could stop this woman. Unless, of course, a miracle happens and this woman does not stop herself. Accordingly, Rashid stopped at Igor’s dacha and waited for the appearance of Guilt. Rashid did not like the new life in Moscow and he dreamed of leaving here as soon as possible. – I remember you did not like it here before.
– Yes. Now even more so. Robots replaced people. And people are like robots themselves. All of them are soulless, tired, and angry. These are not the same times as before.
– Yes. These are not tea plantations in Paksa.
– But we have people like people.
– Have you been affected by the economic crisis?
– He touched everyone. But it has not affected us as much as other more developed countries. Sometimes it seems to me that nothing has changed. It was like that. Quiet city, quiet residents.
– Perhaps you rarely leave your city.
– Maybe. It is all thanks to Amir and his soulmate. If it had not been for his choice of profession, then none of this would have happened.
– Still do not like the Sultan. Rashid was hurt by these words. He just fell for the Sultan, and continued to hide it carefully.
– There is a little. If it were not for her, my son would not have moved to live in this Bangkok.
– What is wrong with Bangkok?
– This city is not so favorable in terms of crime compared to Laos. I would feel safer if my son was with me.
– Perhaps this is the reason for his move. Excessive guardianship, this is unnecessary. For Rashid, these words sounded like a bolt from the blue. He had always been so sure of his rightness, and now, hearing an objection, he hardly endured what he heard.
– I would like to do what I came for faster and leave your beautiful city.
– Yes, Moscow obviously did not please you. And what do you need to do urgently?
– The purpose of my visit is Wine. It is necessary to get rid of it. If this is not done, the consequences will be simply terrible. Rashid uttered these words like a robot, there was nothing human in his voice, and Igor felt uneasy.
– Hmm. That is, how to get rid of it?
– Literally. I do not know how yet. But if this is not done, then she will get rid of my children and unborn grandchildren. This woman is a monster. There was a long pause.
– Maybe there is another way?
– Which one? Do you have an option?
– No.
– I am tired. Tomorrow is a difficult day. Igor left without saying anything. He was stunned by what he heard. By his nature, Igor was a harmless man and could not even imagine that Rashid was capable of murder. Especially women. Returning to his apartment, he quietly sat down on the sofa. He did not want to involve his wife in these dirty affairs, and he, referring to the arrival of a guest from another country, plunged into his thoughts. Igor, to his surprise, felt sorry for this girl, and he began to look for a way to get out of this situation in another way. —If not her, then they are. What should be done?
– What are you talking about?
– Nothing. Sleep. This Asian guy is so problematic. Igor uttered these words in order not to arouse suspicion, and to show his innocence to the guest who arrived.
– Why does he live with you?
– It is a business. He will be leaving soon.
Moscow was shining with lights. The winter was cold, but this did not prevent the residents of the city from preparing for the holiday. Storefronts were emptied in stores, queues with overflowing baskets of food and Christmas decorations stood at the cash registers. People were so happy about the holiday, no one was in a hurry, everyone was polite, and it seemed that they liked to stand in line to chat with each other.
For Vina, the arrival in the capital was not so joyful. These three days spent in the capital of Thailand had sunk into her soul, and she just did not want to leave these places. Sometimes she asked herself, «Why all this?» Why did she start all this? You can just be happy without all these dirty things. You can go to any other country and start from scratch. But a person who once dived into the ocean will never be able to be satisfied with the local freshwater reservoir. Having felt the storm, a person will wait for it repeatedly to plunge into it with his head. The same thing happened with Guilt. She realized that she would never be able to live an ordinary, normal, measured life. Sometimes she lacked the warmth and comfort of home; she wanted to cuddle up to a man’s shoulder. Only which one? She loved no one but Arthur. It is possible that she just was not ready for a new relationship, and she did not even think about a child. All these thoughts about family and children have gone into the background, or even into the background.
In fact, nothing held the Blame in Moscow. She had no friends here, no family; she did not even have a best friend. Her only close person was said. Vina mentally understood her situation, and to some extent, she hesitated. Should she go forward, or stop there. «Oriental fairy tale» vegetated in anticipation of the holiday, the team was happy to decorate the hall. Vina walked with her head bowed between the low tables. Mentally she sought refuge, asking herself: «Where would she like to live? In which country?» Without receiving an answer to her question, she regained consciousness. Picking up the tinsel, Vina joined the team and began to decorate the hall for the holiday.
CHAPTER 4
The unexpected arrival of the guests took Nina by surprise, she was so happy to see her son, and immediately surrounded him with care, ran into the kitchen. Amir’s welcoming smile corrected the situation. – Come in. Make yourself at home. Sultana has long been accustomed to the role of a family member, and boldly walked into their room with Amir. Ahmed continued to stand at the entrance. Amir escorted him to the guest room and placed him as befits the customs. Sultana went to the kitchen to help Nina.
– What happened to you? You have come so unexpectedly. Why didn’t Rashid come? He did not even call.
– I do not know. Ask Amir.
– I see. So there’s something wrong here.
– It is possible that it is nothing terrible. Maybe it is just business. I do not know. Sultana was afraid to stir up too much and decided to entrust everything into the hands of Amir.
– Excuse my modesty. I was not ready for such a stream of guests. Rashid and I have a completely different preference in food. Now Amir has joined your ranks of Muslim cuisine. Try our dishes Paeng Pet, Lap. Sultana is already familiar with them.
– «I’ll enjoy it.» I have always eaten modestly, and Amir and Sultana spoil me. With their appearance, I began to eat much more rationally. Nina knew that Ahmed’s family lived modestly. With the advent of Amir, their financial situation has improved, and, accordingly, their food, too.
– Yes. Amir is a fan of eating here. He even taught his best Moscow friend to our food.
– And not only taught him, but helped him move to our country. By the way, how is he?
– By the way, you should have seen him. He turned into an indigenous Pakse. Put on weight and are expecting a second child.
– I know about the baby. I wish I could see him.
– You will see. You have plenty of time.
– That is for sure. Along the way, we are here for a long time.
– What about you are training?
– We will figure it out. Nina did not say anything. But she understood that something was wrong.
Paksa was preparing for the New Year according to the Chinese calendar. The most colorful celebrations take place in the major cities – Vientiane, Pakse and Savannakhet. The streets of local Chinese and Vietnamese neighborhoods are simply strewn with flower girls with orange bouquets, alleys are full of red lanterns and ribbons with golden symbols, and golden figures of the symbol of the year are installed on street altars. The celebrations last for three days, during which family celebrations take place, temples are visited, noisy parties are organized and a huge number of firecrackers are launched into the sky. Also in Laos, this holiday is called Tet. The Tet holiday is celebrated in Laos by large Vietnamese and Chinese communities, which close their shops for several days. For many of them, it is an opportunity to meet with each other, share the news that has been happening throughout the year, and remind the younger generation about the national culture.
In every Asian country, the New Year is celebrated in its own way, but the meaning remains the same – it is time to give gifts, and the calendar time is calculated. Here in Thailand, for example, the New Year began to be celebrated in a European way relatively recently. This tradition originates in the 40s of the last century. Thais are happy to decorate trees with toys, bright garlands and balloons at home, arrange fairs and sales, prepare gifts for family and friends. In Cambodia European New Year, it is not a significant event and is celebrated modestly enough. If you are on vacation in this country on December 31, it is better to go to famous resorts where you are guaranteed to organize a holiday. Most often, the festive program includes excursions, dinner at a restaurant, an entertainment show and visits to bars, discos or clubs.
«Imlek» is the Chinese New Year in Indonesia celebrated by the inhabitants of the islands of Kalimantan and Java, as another New Year that has the right to exist! Indonesians arrange torchlight processions and fire-swallowing performances. They give homemade gold postcards with calligraphically printed red hieroglyphs of wealth, good luck and health. Indian traditions were added to Chinese traditions, creating unique New Year’s dances, using huge masks of the gods Devi Sri, Shiva, Dragons. Red Balinese masks with a lion’s mane and toothy fangs symbolize evil spirits, with whom Heroes in light masks, bright rainbow colors, fight.
«Hari Natal» – Indonesian Christmas is usually celebrated according to European customs on December 25. But in Indonesia, the winter holiday turns into a bright extravaganza! Instead of Christmas trees – decorated palm trees! Instead of snow – a riot of flowers! Boring dim suits have been replaced by rippling in the eyes of iridescences of clothes, from the styles of which European classic designers would be horrified. Wayang Theater gives puppet shows. This is a rather dangerous sight, since the inhabitants of Indonesia are convinced that illiterate possession of dolls can lead to the «summoning» of spirits, who are not always happy about it and can harm both those who show the performance and those who watch.
The second day of Christmas in Indonesia is called Shared Holiday («Shared Holiday»). On this day, fairs are organized where you can not only watch folk dances, taste Indonesian dishes, but also get yourself a prize by climbing a 6-meter pole! You can compare it with a Christmas tree, but you still need to get to the gifts, because they do not lie at the bottom, but are suspended at the top of this unusual «New Year tree». So that everyone can participate in this «tree climbing», in Indonesia, a whole «grove of pillars with gifts» is being installed. In all South Asian countries where Buddhism flourishes, New Year is celebrated several times a year. Holding these holidays is quite a colorful and fascinating spectacle.
In Moscow, everything was completely different. In every family, in every organization, there was a stormy preparation for this magical holiday. Since the New Year is a time of miracles, everyone believed in a miracle, even an adult, and everyone dreamed of getting the desired gift. This winter was snowy, snowmobiles cleared the streets of Moscow, citizens hurried to hide from the snow, running into the subway crossings, and hiding their faces from the snowy wind. This weather was only to Rashid’s advantage, he thought it would be much easier this way get rid of the Guilt. Early in the morning, Rashid left his place of residence and went to the house of Guilt. Igor decided to stop this madness and went after Rashid. Said, in turn, ensured the safety of his so-called mistress, realizing that she was in danger. Guilt did not follow anyone, she just dreamed of revenge, and waited for its immediate execution.
Rashid was ready to kill this woman, but he did not want to do it, fearing the consequences. These hesitations weighed on him, and finally he made a decision and here he was standing at the entrance of the house of Guilt and waiting for the door to open, a hand was laid on his shoulder, startled by an unexpected touch, Rashid looked around sharply, Igor was standing in front of him. – Don’t do that.
– Why?
– Let’s solve everything differently.
– Whose side are you on? If not her, then my family.
– I know. But, it is better not to do this. She can just be framed. Catch him red-handed.
– Maybe you are right. I could not have done it myself anyway, and you are in the way. Go. Let this Guilt live for now. While. Said recognized Rashid and got out of the car.
– What are you doing here? This boorish manner of communication was an attribute of this company.
– We came on business.
– «At this early hour?»
– We have the right. Who are you?
– Do you know who I am?
– I guess. But we have our business?
– I hope nothing to do with ours.
– We also hope for it very much. With these words, Rashid got into Igor’s car, and they drove away. Vina came out of the entrance.
– Who is this?
– Amir’s father.
– What is he doing here?
– I came for your soul. Vina’s eyes glittered angrily. A blush played on her cheeks.
– Why did you let them go?
– They will show up again. Do not worry. Vina got into the car. Said did not like her annoyance. He did not like impulsive women. – Your gifts will be delivered by the holiday. And we’ll figure that out later. Vina did not answer anything, understanding the situation of her case. Igor and Rashid arrived at the dacha.
– Igor, tell me, what would you do?
– I propose to establish surveillance. We will bring her to the surface.
– How. She will not do anything by herself. Everything will be done through someone. My kids just have an accident and that is it. Igor was silent.
– I understand you. But, I have a feeling that it is not necessary to do this. Everything will resolve itself.
– And I saw Sultana’s legs. I saw the danger.
– OK. Remember what happened the first time. There was danger, there was a threat, but there was no murder.
– Yes. Only my son was almost killed. Igor did not know what to answer and, lowering his eyes to the floor, put on a warm jacket and was about to leave. – Maybe you are right, let us wait. I will book a ticket for tomorrow; I need to go home to the kids. Igor hugged Rashid and silently left. Rashid sat in thought. – I will do everything in my own way, and having dialed the phone number, I ordered a killer. After meeting with Rashid drove straight to the airport as a hitman and flew to Laos without waiting for Igor. All his thoughts were occupied with the safety of his family, and he was looking forward to a call with a notification of a job well done. Vina, in turn, was waiting for news from Said about the successfully done work.
Life in Laos proceeded smoothly. No one was in a hurry, the homely atmosphere created a festive mood. Amir and Sultana felt relaxed, and did not think about returning to Thailand. Ahmed liked life in Paksa, but he was worried about his business, left unattended, and could not find a place for himself. – Dad, what are you worried about. You know that everything is fine there.
– How to say. It is the trade right now. The flow of tourists. Ahmed’s business was thriving, and he treasured it very much. He had never left his store unattended before, and the feeling of anxiety did not leave him. Sultana was not used to seeing her father as a businessman, and she tried in every way to support him. It was already late in the evening, Amir went to visit Lyosha, the remaining family members were sitting at a peaceful tea party. Unexpectedly, Rashid appeared in the living room.
– Where is Amir?
– Darling, say hello, we have guests.
– I see. I need Amir.
– What is the urgency?
– I will explain everything later.
– Sit down to dinner.
– Dinner is fine. Let me clean myself up. Nina did not know what was going on, and she patiently watched what was happening. Rashid returned in a good mood and joined the family feast.
Amir was visiting Lyosha and did not know about his father’s arrival. Lyosha was happily married and lived quite well. He became a worthy member of the family, and lived with the parents of his young wife in their house. During this period, they had a daughter, and Lilya was expecting her second child. Lyosha had an internship at Rashid’s clinic, and he was not bad at it. – Well, how do you like it here? Drawn to Moscow? Lyosha shrugged his shoulders in confusion.