Chapter 3. A steeplechase. Part 2. The teleportation.

          Albert woke at eight o'clock in the morning, repaying whole his debt to the need for sleep. However, as it usually occurs, after full sleeping a human being feels more wrecked. 
          How good it is yet to be able to teleport! If not so, It would be not even a thought to spend the night at home after the shooting in Sveta's apartment he did yesterday. Certainly, they know who shot, also, they likely know that it is impossible to catch him, so they don't come. Not only Albert, but they would be ready to let go even a hundred criminals if only receive the theirs they need. Especially since this is not an official service, but an unauthorized activity. However, for that reason it should expect not less, but more the lawlessness and cruelty than from legal officials. By the way, it is quite possible that higher bodies, long ago, had learned about these machinations and now they are watching them in order at the high time to intercept data gained by this company, but we must not let go such developments. It would be a loss, a hundred-percent defeat. If one loses, being with these abilities, it would be a shame in front of himself.
          Albert was relaxing, massaged his legs as he could, in unnoticeable manner opened windows to refresh up himself with an autumn-winter cold current of the air, drank some strong tea, and as soon as the interest for the documents gained by the old man, increased to a maximum, he began to learn them.
          Kashin and two his assistant -all of them lived in the same house near The Kutuzovsky avenue, the closest metro station was the Studencheskaya (Of students). From all indications, it looked, as well as these both had got in the KGB not without Kashin's patronage. In the 1959 in the early childhood Kashin moved with his parents in this just built house. Regarding the color of the house, to say yellow or pinkish, all the same it wouldn't be exact, in that epoch in Moscow built houses were of the same undetermined color. In the same year, the metro station was built nearby. Skolopendrin and Batogov, the first of them in two years, the second in four ones, they were born in this house. Also, Kashin remembered his home in an old wooden building in a very poor technical condition someplace in the lanes of Sretenka.
          Three photos of every one of them were annexed. Albert recognized the two: Batogov was checking his passport and Kashin stood nearby when he was coming out from the entrance with his wife. He thought, he still didn't meet Skolopendrin, because he didn't notice who was looking at him from the darkness, when he had the first date with Lena and he had teleported on the stairs of her house. In his appearance on the photo, one unlikely could find something "police". One might mistake him for a person who is executing analysis activities, for a mathematician, for example, he could teach at university where Albert long ago studied and had an experience of speaking with people of similar professions. Also, there were a few of addresses of safe houses in this stack of paperwork, which were prepared, either by the official security Service, or by Kashin himself. The information about Kashin's secret apartments, there were two of them, naturally, was classified from everyone colleagues who was outside the deal, including Lena. The racketeers whom Kashin presented as his personal snitches, used two service flats situated near the Filevskaya line of the metro. One of flats, which sometimes were visited by women gathering information, was situated in the near Zamoskvorechye District, in the Arsenevsky lane. Another one was in the New Cheryomushki district, near the metro. These three agents could use, either own cars, or cars of the Service, but equally because of different reasons, also, they could use the urban transport. Batogov and Skolopendrin had own cars "Zhiguly-6" in the personal garages. Kashin had "Zhiguly-9" and dreamed for a foreign-made car. Almost his whole illegal income he invested into his shady transaction, especially now, when he kept the luck almost in his pocket. There was not any doubt that the "object" possesses the valuable ability to teleport, but unfortunately this ability created an impossibility to capture and subdue the object.
          Albert was aware that the pursues try not to scare him, but there is an instant, when they will have to expose themselves and in that case they will act decisively, immediately and mercilessly. When will it occur? They must not get ahead of him. The quicker he evacuates his wife, the better it will be. He will have to think, how to evacuate the rest of girlfriends, but it will be after. Although they know from Lena, also, it's possible, through the listening devices, his mistresses are every one of the three. However, it is unlikely that an idea would occur in their minds to capture someone else earlier than the lawful wife. From his point, it would be equally hard to sacrifice any of them the four, but this fact still has not come till the persecutors. Now Albert was sorry that he has dissuaded old Paul to meet in the night New-York, and the meeting is planned there for six o'clock in the morning local time when in Moscow it will be 14.00, that's afternoon. During this time anything may happen. No, he must evacuate her by all means already today.
          In addition, the shots he had fired yesterday, it seemed, wouldn't cause any issue, it fact, they may force to move the events faster, and this is not good for him. At the meeting Paul will tell him, that fast decision making cannot be allowed without the extreme necessity. But he already understood it. It wasn't any necessity, just he wanted to shoot, and a cursory examining the situation, everything looked blameless. That's really, he yesterday refrained from "lying down between girlfriends" when he eavesdropped Nadya and Lena. Also, he might refrain from shooting in the same manner. Always and everywhere, now he has to behave like an intelligence officer, not like a simple man or even like a petty crook. Everything is much more serious.
          After working half an hour with the documents and trying to remember more, as far as possible, Albert, in the manner his old friend says, "has climbed over" on the stairwell near the garret in the Lena's house, then he walked downstairs till the apartment he needed and rang the bell. The two girlfriends were astonished from his unexpected appearing after the absence of the phone calls yesterday and today.
          Over tea, when Nadya didn't see, Lena started making eyes at him. He turned his look away and the only time, while it was guaranteed that Nadya can notice nothing, Albert smiled, put his finger on his lips, then he has wagged his finger at her and shew his fist her, joking. Catching a moment, as if to spite Lena, he began to molest his lawful wife in a manner of a street punk. He picked her up from her chair, beginning to kiss, to hug, to pull up her skirt.
          -Still, what is the matter with you? Do you need it right now? Do you really think this place is appropriate? Why you are going mad? You should feel shamed in front of my friend. What impatient you are! We still didn't finish the tea.
          Lena was looking at them. She quickly have understood that her situation is not quite nice, staring at the hugging couple, and abruptly turned away, she came out of the room. It was the same thing Albert needed. He carefully whispered in wife's ear already prepared words:
          -We have to go. In this home, it's more dangerous than at our one. She has betrayed us. Don't overreact, otherwise you will spoil everything. We have money, we have a place to hide, we have enough chance to be saved. The only thing may destroy everything, this would be your disobedience.
          Instead an answer, a puzzled and astonished look followed.
          -Do you think I joke? Today night, from this toy I had wounded two dudes, - carefully, in order no one would see, Albert shew her the pistol. - I don't know, whether they stay alive. You have to do the only thing: during about fifteen minutes, to sit still only for show. After this quietly and politely to leave. Is it difficult? This is the high time to depart.
          The last words "time to depart" were heard by Lena when she came in again. Soon after coming out, she guessed Albert intentionally might to play a love scene with his wife to report her something. Her chiefs read her the lectures, which sometimes took place in the safe house in a quiet and cozy atmosphere.
          -However, you are like a crazy, - said Nadya aloud. And it almost popped out "What the hell have you done?" But some feeling, which it is impossible to explain, stopped her at the high time and she has preferred prudently to keep silent.
          -Lena, we are leaving, - suddenly reported Albert, turning to her. He has guessed, that she heard ending of their conversation.
          -Let's Alik sit else a little about fifteen minutes.
          Albert took a look at his watch. It was afternoon, five minutes after one o'clock. 
          -No. We have better to come out right now, not to be late.
          -Where you are hurrying so?
          -We will return in the evening and tell.
          -Are you really going to roll me back and forth?
          -I'll explain everything later. We will have to return here.
          They hurriedly dressed. Nadezhda didn't calm down, but continued grumbling, annoying more and more. When they came out of the entrance, her annoyance reached the maximum and at this moment Albert told her in the ear:
          -We have not to return. Do you remember, yesterday in our yard three dudes were captured? Also, there is the pistol "Walter" in my pocket. However, Lena is afraid of something. She has the premonitions of death. All these things are connected each with other. I don't joke and don't play.
          -What is the matter. Did you have mixed-up with the cocaine traffickers, like Lena did? You have dropped selling newspapers, but there is money more and more, haven't you? You think as if I see nothing.
          -I earn this money in an honest way. If I begin to thieve, I'l have a few of billions, and because of this fact they hunt us. They cannot catch me. They still don't guess that we are bolting away. Otherwise, you will be taken hostage by them to detain me. If I tell now why they need me... do you know, how they are able to look at the face and to place the burden on the psychological state? They will understand at once that you know too much. Likely, you know, what happens to those who knows too much. I don't want to lose you, therefore do everything I say. Now we leave by metro.  I must meet someone. I will get off sooner than we reach, but you roll by the Circle Line till the station "Taganskaya", come out and wait for me there, in spite anything happens.
          He told her all this in the desert street, leading to the metro station. They walked with fast steps.
          -If all this turns out as a foolish joke, I'll not live together with you.
          -In both cases, either we will be in the security to live and prosper, or to perish together, all the same you will learn that it is not a joke. The end of this comedy depends on you 99%. There were enough beautiful and tragic histories in the world when lovers preferred to die together. I think, we have better not to increase their number.
          Then he shew her the photos of the three possible persecutors. Also, he taught her what to say if they attempt to capture her, wrote a few of names and phone numbers, she can use. 
          They were traveling by metro long and had time to change to the Circle line. Albert looked at the watch. Arriving to the station "Dobryninskaya", it was two without five. He could not accompany her further.
          -I come out now. I don't know, how long you will have to wait for me there, but be standing, otherwise it would be our end. No matter what hole I will pop out of, immediately run to me. And be aware, what decent people they would seem you, in fact, they are worse than now deceased Tolik's all bandit "roofs" and the only thing consols, they are smarter, more predictable and are afraid of the higher rank authorities. I'll try to do faster.
          In the station he came out, waited till train have gone. There was a narrow door in front of the entrance into the dark tunnel. The door was a silver color painted and a red inscription on it: "Danger. No entry". Albert came up and overstepped on right, holding to the door, above the rails. After entering, he disappeared in the darkness.
          Nadezhda travelled two stops else and got out where they agreed. Her heart was troubled, but also she wanted to learn what is the matter and what the end will be. One might assume everyone is nonsense, but a pistol in husband's pocket is this a nonsense? And what about these people on the photos. She already saw someone of them, but could not remember where it was. And what about this referring to general Paukov? Is is possible that a general in addition would be a coke dealer? That's some kind of devilry, but, also, not a hogwash. This is some part of a truth, although it is strange.
          She came up to a newsstand. Is it worth buying "Crime reporting" or it is not?However, there is a lot of own problems and one have to ponder about them. It would be better not to look aside. What if I have to wait long? Maybe, buy it to kill time?   
          -Are you missing? I'm going to tell you one thing ant it will be interesting even without the "Crime reporting".
          -I guess, we aren't familiar.
          -However, look at me more attentively. They say there was such a movie long ago: "You and I met together somewhere".
          Nadezhda unwittingly has taken a look at the intrusive stranger. He was one of the men from the photos Albert showed her. Also, he was one of those whom she saw somewhere.
          -I remind, together with a colleague, we checked your documents, when you were coming out of the entrance yesterday in the morning. 
          He didn't lie. She recognized him. There was something very unpleasant in this person, in spite of his manners seemed polite ones.
          -What is a kind of connection between me and the events taking place yesterday in the yard?
          -Yesterday no connection, but today you have it. At night, your husband penetrated in the Svetlana Izmailova's apartment by unknown us way and wounded with a pistol "Walter" (as analysis showed), to our two colleagues. They both are in a hospital now, also, one of them is in a severe condition. Your husband was traveling in the metro together with you, got off in the station "Dobryninskaya" and tried to penetrate into the tunnel, where are the trains go, but not normal people. They had to detain and cuff him. So, if you are waiting for him, that's in vain. You may stand till the tomorrow morning. Here I've trapped you! You have believed me. You believed Albert shot a gun to people. Therefore, he inducts you in his deals. But you can help him, being frank with us.
          Suddenly, Nadya remembered Albert told her: "No matter, they would tell you, as if I am detained, arrested, killed or as if I am giving evidence - this will be a lie not 90%, not 99%, but whole 100%. Be stalling. Regarding Kovalev, general Paukov, their phone numbers these are trump cards you'll play it as a last resort".
          -Why I would have to believe you? What did your colleagues in the Izmailova's apartment?
          -Your friendess was not there. She left for the settlement "Behests of Ilyich" to Valya Zhuchenko. You see, we know everything. And by unknown way, your husband and coke dealers penetrated into the apartment, - Batogov lied, regarding the last who weren't "specialists" in the drugs, - And when our people attempted to detain them, your husband shot and ran away, climbing down on the drain pipe. Perhaps, then rolled away by taxi, thinking as if he cannot be caught. Do you really think, as if he succeeded to go away, especially in the subway? The subway is a trap. Now all the exits are over us and in the tunnel every one must be detained, even in spite his stellar reputation if such a thing is in fact. There are always our guys from the anti-terrorist department and every entrance is covered by surveillance cameras. Do you trust in fables? You have better to follow us and to give testimony in a calm atmosphere.
          -You have neither an arrest warrant, nor a judgement, nor a subpoena.
          -These things soon will be. And now, your husband will be interrogated. It is our will, to whom to bring him. If I don't get enough of the data I need, I'll bring him to the comrades of the people he shot. They just dream to get him. Are you imagining, what they can do with him while they will beat out of him testimony?
          -So what a data you need?
          -About all his friends and connections lately. We are interested in them, not in him. We know that your husband had cut off all his former connections. If he is so frank with you, to such a point that you are known about his night crime...
          -I have not told this! I see you are known. By the way, before, you could be jailed because of the failure to report crimes. You may stand on yours, but I am keeping up with developments. It cannot be as if he never, at least once, said about his friends, connections, hobbies.
          -Even I never heard from him the words: "coke, drugs".
          -I ask you not about the coke.
          -At our home no one was, excepting a strange old man who already is not living. Unlikely, you are interested.
          -We are interested in everything. How old he was?
          -He was something like more than sixty, but not more than seventy years old.   
          -His name? How he looked?
          -Once Albert said that he had died in unknown circumstances.
          -Did you check this? Did you see the cadaver?
          -Neither checked, nor saw.
          -So, your husband invented this story about his death and brought home this type, likely, when they just made acquaintance. When they expanded their activities, your husband learnt what trouble he has got into, then he decided to hide from you the continue of the contact with him.
          -I don't understand, what for you need an old vagabond, an odd, also, he trusts in God and likes to reason. It seems, you are in the wrong business.
          -How, as have you said? An old vagabond, an odd person who trusts in God, philosophizes, reasons, doesn't he? So he is wanted by the militia. We know about this. It's quite possible, it is himself. You said he is odd. An odd person, this is a rare one. Do you see in the street a lot of old vagabonding philosophers? However, he doesn't similar to an usual tramp, does he?
          Saying so, Batogov took headphones from a small case and put them on; not on his ears, but nearby. After this he took a long tube, vaguely, what purpose to serve.
          -Do you know what a thing is this? This is a stunner. If I direct it at you and switch on it, you will lose consciousness immediately. Then you will come to yourself in a place which will not be too comfortable and you will be spoken not so politely. I am sure, you are telling not in full.
          -However, how it will be considered by your chiefs, for example, by general Paukov?
          -Who would let you come up to him?
          -If I disappear, other people will call him. And if he is not in his seat, they will call to Kovalev. Any of them would be glad to get an information what are you dealing with Kashin and Skolopendrin. They would let me come in with open arms. So quit flattering yourself, lord... oh, excuse me, comrade Batogov!
          Batogov had to apply whole his knowledge to hide, in what a shock into he has been thrown by the words of the disobedient "client", but he only partly succeeded to hide his state of mind. The attempt "to switch off" all the emotional channels provoked a stupefying effect. Nadezhda saw the trump cards given her by Albert are working. It added her a self-confidence.
          -You have to do the only thing: don't limit my freedom to move.
          -And how long are you going to stand here? Now it is cold. We are standing here about an hour. I was not going to limit your freedom to move. Your husband's freedom to move already was limited. Nobody comes. Why so?
          -If you are cold, go to warm.
          -I obey the wise counsel, - saying this, Batogov headed to the doors of the metro, but before reaching them, he took from the pocket a radio set and adjusted the telescopic aerial.
          -I am Rosemary, I am Rosemary, Eagle and Lightning, reception, - hearing an answer, he continued:
          -Object-2 knows Ruler and Pecker, I repeat: object-2 knows Ruler and Pecker. It seems, she waits the object-1 in order to flee. We have to involve all the groups for surveillance. We cannot let them get away. Reception.
          -I am Lightning, - Batogov heard in the answer. To involve all the groups is impossible. I have no right to remove them from the assignment. Otherwise, I will be put on trial, not you. Let's try to handle with the only group. What makes you think that they flee? Reception.
          -She knows about night shooting and a little knows the rest things. I guess, he told her that he has the pistol, otherwise, unlikely she would believe. When I started to ask her and bluff, she has named correctly Ruler, Pecker and their phone numbers. Reception.
          -I am Lightning. This is the last thing we need. I'm leading the whole group now to support. They will lead us to the next objects, perhaps, they have laboratories. Let's be patient. It must not be, everything depends on the only object. We have to seek the rest. Reception.
          -I am  Eagle, I am Eagle. Lightning and Rosemary, listen me attentively. I feel, the object is going to flee in the Kazan or Gorky railway direction. I'm heading to the station Perovo. Under it, there is the station Chukhlinka. Both ways there cross each other. If they use an electric train, I will follow them and report their itinerary. Reception.
          -I am Lightning. Eagle, I support your plan. Stick to it.
          -I am Rosemary, I am Rosemary, an additional report. In the summer, an old man visited the object-1. A few of his signs are similar ones said in a report by a cop from the area of the Three Railway Stations. Have you understood me? Reception. 
          -I am Lightning. I've understood. Attaboy, Rosemary! We go to support you. Any questions...  End of connection.
          -I understand, - Batogov answered quietly and put the radio in his pocket. After this he came up to Nadya, who already stagnated in long waiting, and pronounced exulting:
          -Doesn't it seem that your husband is absent very long?
          -What makes you think as if I'm waiting only for him?
          In this instant at a high speed, breaking the monotony of the car noise by the squeal of brakes, a car "Volga" approached to the pavement and its door opened. A man wearing dark glasses, sitting near the door gave a cry to the crowd:
          -Nadya! To me! Faster! - After this, raising himself a little, he opened the back door, where she should sit down, himself, ran to the back door, closing the front one and turning to the driver said quietly:
          -As we have agreed, in Novo-Gireevo.
          However, Batogov succeeded to attach the strange tube, which he before took from the small case and using it to scare Nadezhda, to the wires running from the headphones and to direct it at the car, which suddenly appeared out from nowhere. Nadya has recognized Albert from afar, wearing the dark glasses, but in the first instant only by his voice. Running, she flopped onto the back seat, the door blew shut and the car has rushed off.
          -Alik, he is going to shoot us with something.
          -No, - Albert quietly answered, turned back and put his finger to the lips. 
          Her shout as if spurred the driver. And just for a short while the roadway turned out free from cars, stopped at the crossroads by the traffic light. The driver used this, breaking a lot of the rules, he rushed right on the other side of the square to move in the opposite direction. By the rule, one had to roll along this side till a place where U-turn was allowed. Just when the car turned onto the street Entuziastov, Albert clarified:
          -It was not a weapon, but a listening device.
          -He, scoundrel, has scared me with this device and I had to play all the trump cards.
          -Now they will follow us more active. How you failed to guess that no weapon would be attached to the headphones?
          -The tube he kept in his hand without attaching anywhere, although he had put the headphones before.
          -You, guys, aren't fleeing from the militia? In such a case they throughout will bother me.
          -We are fleeing from a criminal organization, something similar the mafia, but worse, - saying this, Albert took out of the pocket the electric train schedule, took a look at the watch, then at the street running against. Now he was sure, when he put his wife in the car, Batogov heard "Novo-Gireevo". They will be near the intricate underpasses in three minutes. Albert decided to attempt to command the driver without a pistol. Now it was seen from every sign that the driver was a typical scoundrel. Old Paul named this kind of people "Soviet pettifoggers". A mitigation of conversation could give more time to stay on the track. Aggravation of conversation immediately could provoke a conflict with demanding to pay the part of the way and go out of the car.
          -Nobody tells bad about himself, - the driver parried Albert's explaining this is not the militia who follows them. - But if dig deeper, one can find something to jail you for a half of the life.
          -To get two hundred dollars for nothing, is it a little?
          -I'm not for sale and I don't provide services for the criminals. If I knew from beginning whom I deal with, I already would bring you into the militia, we were rolling by, but not to Taganka.
          -You yourself, don't believe you said. Because if you believe, you would be afraid of saying such things to criminals.
          -I am a strong working muzhik. It's you cowards, intellectuals.
          -Say this your chief, at work.
          -It's none of your business, what and to whom I say. And I can beat anyone like you. I am ready to come out right now and to break your face.
          -I am not a fighting dog to do similar nonsense. If you don't touch me, I'll just come past you, as well as past a pile of shit, - suddenly Albert changed a speak tone, immediately having transformed. - But if you, billy goat, touch me, I'll tear your guts out and put them around my hand. Understood?
          -What!
          -Keep your hands on the steering wheel if you don't want to crash into something.
          Getting angry, the driver started to move to the right lanes and soon stopped near the pavement.
          -So listen to me now, turnkey's son, - Albert continued. - I speak your crappy thieves' language in order it would be more understandable for you. In any case I would defeat you, because you are stupid and it is easy to prepare any surprise for an idiot. Even if I cannot defeat you, I would get you, using my purposefulness you have not. I could persecute you for a bloody insult for a few of years, and one day I would catch you and bleed you! I am a friend of the Chechen people and I estimate and consider acceptable their custom of revenge. Especially, against such a pig like you. But I am more dangerous for you than a Chechen, because I am set free from any customs and prejudices. I am a warrior, not a criminal, and I will persecute your red ass kind, Bolshevik curse, whole my life!
          Albert's unexpected utterances one by one retarded the outcome, making the enemy stagnate for a while, either because of the astonishing, or because of the ponder. This didn't fit with the experience of his former altercations. Finally, he concluded as if a man who quarrels with him is a poseur and psycho, that's one of those who recklessly and presumptuously gets into fights and always stays beaten or jailed. The driver returned back, swang his arm as a collective farmer and... stagnated, being horrified, seeing a gun directed at him. Also, no heartbreaking hesitation was seen on the face of the man who kept the gun in the deadly grip. It was a joyful hunting excitement who long sought and finally has found a victim he needed.
          -What... What for so chafe? We have talked like men... I told you... You told me... There are people around us. Let's be reasonable. What unrestrained you are. You cannot take a joke.
          In fact, Albert didn't lose his cool at all. He was able so well to manage the beast who is hidden inside of every one of us. If it was necessary, he kept him on a short chain, but when they were near the railway station Novaya, he unleashed him, without forgetting to look at the watch. Right here he had to stop, and there was a rest of a little time for this quarrel and walking to the station.
          -The matter is not about me. I am able to stay without being offended. The matter is that every communist or fascist regime is supported by people like you. If your sort of people disappear, maybe a paradise will not be as a result, but at least, it will be a good normal life as in the West. While you are alive, you have a chance to change your mind. Regarding the payment, I was going not to pay at all, after this, but all right: I throw onto your seat one hundred bucks, it's enough. All the same, for me, it's easier to make them than you would drive seven miles. If you want to live, put your head and hands on the steering wheel... faster! Using my words, I stopped you in the district I needed. I am not alone here. Sit still, till the cops or my persecutors will come up to you. Otherwise, you even will not learn, what a point from, you were shot. A Dieu!
          Nadezhda heard and was astonished. She used to have conflicting feelings. How little she knew her husband, although she spent three years with him! Here now he showed her his strong side, because of which it was awful, a macabre cold came from his words. Yes, he turned out a stronger person than she supposed. He is able to hold his own, her own, if he loses, he will inevitably revenge. She failed to understand, why she is not joyful for this reason. In fact, she didn't because he was not a dream boy on the white horse, but a warrior from the quite real modern life. To be a warrior, it is not to have to win three or four enemies with the only hit. It is enough to have inside a warrior spirit, and then, as it is told in the Scripture, feet become swift to shed blood. A warrior is a participant of war, but there is not a beautiful thing in the war. The Grim Reaper always follows it or someone may imagine another form, but provoking the same feelings. Nadezhda just didn't want now that his husband would kill someone, especially in front of her. Maybe they right act to flee? Whether for a long while?
          Two cars with task groups subordinates to Kashin speeded down the street Entuziastov to meet the fugitives. They already have learned from Batogov the number of the grey car "Volga". A few times, either one, or other of them, without succeeding to see quickly the car numbers, they turned in the opposite direction, breaking the rules and sometimes almost making a car accident, avoiding it by a miracle, but the numbers turned out wrong, also, the passengers were the wrong ones. Finally, by chance, they saw the "Volga" they needed. It was parked near the pavement. The driver was sitting, holding the steer wheel and putting his head on it. At first he was scared, then started to resent and threaten to the "objects", even he proposed his services to help to detain the persecuted persons, but they ignored him, but rushed to the station Novaya. Just an electric train left for the station Kurovskaya. The fact was reported to Skolopendrin, and he rushed running from Chukhlinka to Perovo higher. There a subordinated partner was waiting for him who had the second degree in running at medium distances.
          A part of people stayed to patrol the platform, whether Albert with his wife would appear. Everyone had the photos of the "objects". They were going to check the electric trains from Moscow and to Moscow. Another part of the group returned into the cars. One car rushed to Novo-Gireevo. Kashin was in it. Another car arrived in Taganka, Batogov got into it and they went along the Ryazansky avenue, farther from the Center. Those who stayed in the cars, they were waiting impatiently the reports from the railways. If there is not a report, the only hope stayed that sooner or later the "objects" will return to any of the known addresses. And the whole trouble was that the "object-1" was completely unaware, as it seemed, and nobody was prepared for his unexpected actions. At the time of their possible fleeing, the cars which were free from the work, they were very far, so they couldn't, neither to catch the "object", nor to follow him.
          Skolopendrin passed the train back and forth. He would recognize everyone who was under watching, no matter, with the dark glasses or without them. However, Albert had put on the dark glasses in Taganka only to win a second, maybe a split second. But there were not of them in the train.
          -Did you check the toilets in the middle of the train, - Skolopendrin heard from the radio.
          -We haven't a trihedral key with us. Zounds! We already have reached Lyubertsy.
          -Along the Ryazan direction all the trains are checked now. The comrades turned out more provident than you are. They had the keys with them and have checked all the places.
          Skolopendrin was a little offended, but has preferred not to be distracted. 
          -So, maybe I would leave this train? However, I can lend the keys from the train driver.
          -Don't leave. Check everything. If they need the Kurovskaya direction, this is the only train. Regarding the next train, they would have to wait for it very long.  
          Skolopendrin spoke through the radio in the observation platform, sticking out the aerial into the little window without a glass. The subordinate partner who could run well, was looking at him, waiting for the next command. If he looked not at him, but aside, he would see beyond the glass of the door, which opens the space between the carriages, at first a man, then a woman, they looked at him in turn and recoiling and running through one carriage, in the next carriage they locked the door with their own trihedral key.
          -We must reach the station "Platform 41 kilometer". Now, either he will be commanded "Cancellation", or they will demand to check every toilet. As you see, it is impossible to capture me, including the tunnel of the metro. I wasn't joking, telling this. Why so, I cannot say it now. I am going to hide myself and you have to be inconspicuous for a while. Join any group, for example, the tourists, a group of women, at worst, card players. If they even notice you, unlikely come up to you, just they will follow where you go. If they attempt to detain you, call for help the passengers, pull the time till a station and break a window at the station you will arrive. It would be a sign to me, however, only at the station. I just don't want to open fire in the train, especially ahead of time. If you reach the "Platform 41 kilometer", come out in the same instant when the doors are closing and run, run forward in the direction of the moving train. We have a little of time.
          -What you are up to? Are you going to be hanging outside the train? You may fall down! You may be electrocuted if on the roof. This is a nightmare! Don't leave me!
          -I try my best only because of you. If I am alone, I wouldn't need this train. If you ever know all the truth, you will know that I don't a mistake now. What did say to you that devil in Taganka? But we have won! Now we will win too. You have better to tell now, what have you understood. Faster, please.
          -Quickly to join a group of people. If I'am attacked, to break window at any station. If all right, to come out in the "Platform 41 kilometer", when the doors are closing and to run forward.
          -Smart girl! - saying this, Albert pecked her on the lips and ran along the train in opposite of Skolopendrin direction.
          In a half of an hour, the train passed the "Platform 41 kilometer" with untouched windows. And in fifteen minutes else, a shot has sounded in the forest, two miles from the station.

Next chapter: http://la-flagellation.blogspot.ru/2018/02/chapter-4-never-part-2-teleportation.html

Chapter 2. In the role as a night ghost. Part 2. The teleportation.

          Albert has "surfaced" in the district of Moscow, situated close from his home and stretched out right beyond the ring road divided the huge megalopolis into the region and the regional center. Here he had not anyone and if he can be watched and followed anywhere, but not in this district. He started walking by foot. The wind blew in the daytime, now it has died away, however after being in New-York, it seemed, it is cold, however it didn't oppressed, but excited. Also, the momentary relocation after a light midday into the autumn darkness of the night city, but still without snow, this added some fabulousness to the whole environment. He was looking at the old usual world with some new eyes. Partly everything was familiar, but partly it was seen as at the first time. In such moments, ideas are drawn easy, also plans, which then are realised not so easy already. The main thing now, to reach the home and if he is watched, let them see, how nobody knows from where, he has come by foot, and his direction is traced from the closest district of Moscow. Let them be puzzled over who lives here near the railway station "Elk", either his friends, or a mistress, or unaccounted distant relatives. Also, there is a possibility to travel from the home, because he wanted not to sleep at all and although the time was dark, but still not late. 
          Just coming home, he put the papers, which were got from old Paul, in the pile of clothes, ready for washing in the bathroom. Trying to be careful, he didn't switch on, because during his absence, the flat might be equipped with hidden cameras. Without undressing, he went into the toilet and without switching on, he has locked from inside. One instant, and he is in the toilet of Sveta's flat. Not loud male voices coming from the room, made clear to him that he has to listen, not come out. ... 
          -Actually! Without problem! She's not going anywhere. We had taken bigger than her, but even we will haven't to force her.
          -Men, shiver me timbers, I've forgotten again, what is her name?
          -Whether you are stricken with sclerosis? She is Sveta. Izmailova. Drink the beer else, you. Otherwise, every of us have drunk already, but you still are sitting. And your bladder is almost full, only without one sip, no, not a bladder, but a bottle. Wet your brain with the beer, and it will work. If on dry, my noggin will be jammed too. So, I'm saying, the wench is ours. Mityai, if she is not your type, I and Lyoha will receive more, no offense. And the flat is ours. No. I didn't say that I'm going to take it away. Regarding the money, we will gain them after. Already we have been taught something by Colonel. The thing is, we could always come in here to warm up in all the senses, to be sitting, to be hidden if it is necessary. Only one thing interferes.
          -I know. The "object" who is under KGB observing. Perhaps, this nerd hangs out often here, but forbidden to touch, otherwise the jail.
          -Then, Bratva, let's think, how have we to do, in order he wouldn't hang out here. We aren't allowed to touch him. The rest is to do so, in order she herself would banish him. First: one can scare her, but this is a bad way.
          -Why?
          -What if this "subject-object" wants to show his knightly manners? It's forbidden to touch him.
          -Are you sure? However, he is a nerd, a student...
          -Remember what Colonel said. Also the people say: still waters run deep. KGB observes him, is it because of his pretty face? "Our object, damn, he is under our surveillance". Did you hear it?
          -Till now these words in my ears are standing.
          -Regarding me, I have something is standing for Sveta. However, joking aside. What for he visits here? Do they play chess? But he has a wife. So, the second way: let his wife know. Is this approach to him again?
          -Not us, but the old women who sit on the bench and gossip in the yard. Let them report her that there is a reason her husband hangs out at Sveta Izmailova's home. That's matter of time and of technique. What taught us Colonel in such a case? To find a local dude, to show that we, being bandits, respect him. He will do the best he can, in order the old women spread the gossip. Otherwise, these pensioners are yearned; formerly in the soviet epoch everyone were afraid of them, but now it is a democracy, the people value them as nothing and suddenly a possibility appears to harm, to plot, to open wife's eyes to the immoral behaviour of the husband. As a last resort to bribe the most avid gossip in the yard.
          -Do you need this apartment so much?
          -What makes you think that all this is expensive? They are pauper. They will dance how you tell them for ten bucks. Continue to drink the beer. I see your bottle ran out. Let's open else. After beer, it is unlikely we do something stupid.
          -Let', let's open it, - approving voices sounded.
          Then there was an usual talk, similar to the everyday gossips of the narrow persons.
          Albert was itching for shooting. He wanted to pop out and to shoot every one of the Bratva from his "Walter", but in the given moment to do so he could only because of a lack of intelligence. Regarding the intelligence, he didn't lack, in spite of his carelessness, taking place in the last months. Just for a while, as if he had switched off his vigilance and prudence. However, the data he received from his mature friend in New-York, it made him further to keep these properties on in readiness. An interesting parallel occurred to him in mind. The alpinists in the mountains to climb using hands and feet. However, if you climb using only the hands, soon you will be tired and lose your powers. Also, to fight against the world by oneself, you may as a knight, a warrior, also, one may say a samurai. Also, you may do it like a spy, that's ninja. To fight against the world in the samurai manner is a suicidal thing. So, the most of the people follow society saying: "It's impossible to go against them. They have the power in their hands". However, because of their narrow mind, which stayed at a low level thanks to incorrect bringing up, they don't guess that besides samurai style, also, there is ninja style when a warrior may be alone. This circumstance dismisses at all a poet Mayakovsky's shout, as if "Unit is zero!" No. A thinking individual can be an awful force even if he doesn't possess the ability to teleport. The clicking lock and the opening exit door have interrupted his pondering. Two men in camouflage uniform came into the flat. Unceremonious, they switched on and came into the room. The drinking companions became scared and quiet.
          -It seems, you were warned not to approach to our object. What the hell, you have invaded into other people's flat?
          -But this is not him. He doesn't live here. One wench lives here and we like her. We have stolen nothing. You can check our pockets.
          -We know all the same, there are pistols TT in your pockets and you aren't allowed to carry them. To say brief, in this flat, you must not appear too. You know, sometimes the object comes here, however, you are here! We never ever wanna see you again near his relatives or familiars! And now rearrange everything, as if you weren't here, and go away!
          An impulsive thought entered Albert's head. He thought during only a few second. A disposition seemed irreproachable. He got already enough bored because of these three types. In the morning they could shoot him, his Nadya, they could scare and insult Svetlana who is loved by him too, offence such a meek and harmless girl, like a child. And these two dappled fiends. There are so a lot of them now! Of any suit, of any color! A lot of times those who were dressed in a similar manner, extorted his money, when he sold newspapers! The reason is not in pennies, but they are inclined to trample on feelings. Such types are able to shoot women and children without blinking somewhere in a "hotspot", after this to return and hang out here, pretending to be heroes. Now he is going to kill two birds with one stone: to shoot dappled types and to frame the bandits. Albert released the safety on the "Walter" and came out from the toilet. Two thunderous shots at once forced these both representatives of the authorities to begin to twitch then to fall. The bandits with horror stared at Albert and in the same moment the shaking the door kicks and fearsome demand to open sounded.
          -Don't be afraid and don't interfere! - Albert had time only to say, but his words were drowned in the noise of the kicks in the door and shouts:
          -Open right now! We have the machine guns. Open and get down!
          Albert opened the door of the balcony. He might teleport at once, but decided not to show his ability in front of the probable witnesses. He saw a drain pipe, carefully came to it two steps along the cornice and started to climb down on the drain pipe.
          -Don't shoot. That is not us. That's him, the object. We are going to open, don't shoot - sounded from the room.
          -Bitches, everyone get down! - It seemed these fearsome shouts already sounded in the room.
          Albert continued to climb down on the drain pipe, but in a few seconds he heard the sound of glass breaking with the butts of the guns. A few submachine gunners popped onto the balcony and he was given no other choice, but to teleport into the forest, to calm down and ponder.
          In the forest a loud crackling sounded and in an instant Albert understood that he has troubled a big animal because of his appearing. The crackling removed, and soon a nocturnal wild silence fell around, which in his ears transformed in something romantic sense, as never before.
          So, the action is done. Examining the bullets after removing from the bodies of the wounded or killed low-skilled servants of the FSB officers, even a child would understand that not bandits shot from their TT. Now Kashin inevitably has to report that there is an object who shot two junior officers and this object is under surveillance, to confess the reason, because of which the surveillance takes place, it means, to deliver such a valuable object who can teleport to anyone another. It would be as well as to give a treasure, what he himself has found to the first passerby in the street. Why he would go for that? He will continue to follow him, hoping to acquire the ability to teleport at any cost for his own purposes, it is unlikely that for harmless ones. Regarding the shots, the bandits will be charged with them. The bullets from the "Walter" will be prudently "lost" and the bandits will be handed over to the militia and jailed. And no matter, what they will talk about the FSB in the prison camps. Now it is a fashion and no one will be astonished. The criminals will hear them, laughing in spirit, considering the story as an usual showing off. The jail exists to fib, because it is impossible to check.
          Certainly, because of the shot officers other among them will be angry with Albert very much! But they will not be allowed. An explanatory conversation will be held with them. To make them understand that they cannot touch the object, it will be easier than it would explain this to the cops. Because the school still differs. The only problem has aggravated: now he has to evacuate his wife more urgently.
          Albert teleported in Lena's flat into the toilet and harkened. The lights were off. He came out of the toilet careful and sat down near the opened door of the room. Two friendesses lay together on the wide bed. He wanted very much to lie down between them, to caress them both, to tell about his adventures, to show his pistol, which have belched its lethal content recently. But as usual, in the life one cannot go directly. Every purpose one can reach, according to the appropriate rules, and one may go to it only according these rules. It is as in the mountains: fans who are tempted to go directly, they often turn out at the bottom of the chasm.
          Albert decided to sit during ten minutes, then to go away if he doesn't hear something interesting thing, but even three minutes still not passed and his patient waiting was rewarded.
          -Nadya, have you thought really, as if I am a lesbian? If so, I wouldn't hide it from you. Just I attempted to check you.
          -I wouldn't hide it from you too. It's possible, I would be first of us who begin to flirt, but it is not like this.
          -You could be in the dark on this. Do you know yourself well? Your desires, inclinations? You don't have to confess it to me. At least, confess it to yourself. -
          -However, what about you, do you know yourself?
          -Before, I didn't know, but now I know and compassionate, almost to everyone, because the most of people don't know themselves in sex, because from childhood they had banished their desires deep down.
          -Then how did you recognize yourself?
          -I read in a newspaper about this thing, but I don't remember what a newspaper in. There were very use recommendations. I didn't see this article, neither before, nor after. They suggest to imagine every possible way of the coition with every possible partners by age and sex, also, to imagine himself, trying out every perversion, which are possible and when he finds the own one, he will feel it. It just is impossible not to feel.
          -Interesting idea. Maybe I would get a little pleasure if you screw me, but it is not full joy, but a surrogate.
          -Certainly, now I see you aren't this, otherwise, if it is your hidden fantasy, you couldn't hide it from me, I would see. But I just advise: examine yourself. No one follows your dreams and with yourself, you can always be in accord. In your dreams, you may cheat on your husband, coition with a few partners, do everything.
          -However, why are you so interested in my desires, as if hidden.
          -Because when I started to do these exercises, I learnt so much about myself..., although I was not shocked, however, astonished very much, in spite of the fact, than my inclinations don't go beyond the limit of the public opinion. For example, I had discovered that I myself like hitting on men, to kiss and hug first, that is in the active role, these actions excites me well. I was therefore pleased to execute that mission... - suddenly Lena stopped talking, understanding, that she is blabbing, but in a few seconds she found an appropriate plot:
          -No. Not mission, but a task, at school, in eight grade, the teacher gave me a task and ordered to change my seat from my friend girl to a pretty classmate and I began to touch him under the desk...
          "You have failed to hide, what a mission you said about. You were executing Kashin's mission, but I am patsy, I thought, as if the love was taking place. Why, bitch, I enjoyed with you more than with anyone? And what kind of punishment for you it would better to choose? - Albert lamented mentally. You are already going over the edge. Maybe, to throw her down?" But because of this thought, Albert felt, even if nobody has never recognized, he would judge himself for this during all the rest of the life. However, even she herself didn't realize in full, what a harm's way she put herself in, agreeing to work for this Kashin's diabolic illegal department. His pondering was interrupted by the continuing conversation of the two women friends.
          -You say, it didn't occur to you an idea to cheat on Albert? Didn't it occur to you that he himself could cheat on you and more than once?
          -Who with? In the street, he is not able to find. The intellectuals scare off the sluts more than the tramps do. Usually, the women become familiar with men like Albert at work, but he don't work in the classical sense, that is in the soviet one. Maybe only for money, but I cannot name this as a real cheating. Also, the drinking takes place in such a case, and the whole situation... I would feel.
          -So cannot. Do you read the newspapers about the anomaly? I wouldn't believe you if you say, as if you know nothing about a teleportation. That's phenomena, one disappears and immediately appears in another place. Do you believe that it is possible?
          -I don't know... - Nadezhda pondered. - The pause already lasted a few minutes. Finally, she began to speak:
          -There are treasures buried in the ground and they cost very much. Is this meant that one of them is buried at a depth of three feet in the yard of your nine-floor house, in the playground under the sandbox. Let's go to dig.
          -What are you talking about?
          -And what are you talking? It is the same thing. But it's even worse. If one suspects the spouse of cheating, using extreme rare anomaly, which either exists or no, as an argument, it is a clear sign that one brick short of a full load. Do you want to make me quarrel with Albert? Invent something more clever. Otherwise, you will obtain that I'll quarrel with you. However, do you keep at home the jump-rope from childhood?
          -Yes, it is somewhere.
          -Perhaps, also you have clotheslines, haven't you?
          -And what? What does that have to do with the matter, we spoke about? - Just a little more here and Lena would guess what is it about, but Nadya turned out ahead of her:
          -So let's I tie you reliably, then thrash you with the jump-rope as a Sidorov's goat so that tomorrow it will be hurt to sit. Maybe the masochist inclination will come to light inside you, which was hidden in the subconscious, will not do it?
          -It will not come to light. I already did it in my mind. This is not my scene.
          -It's good that it's not yours. Precisely in such a manner I would act with a friendess who dare to seduce my husband. If because of his cheating I feel the mental pain, then let her feel the physical pain for this. I would feel sorry to kill or to cripple my friendess, scratching her eyes, but I gladly would cause her a severe pain without any harm to the health.
          -Are you scaring me? But I am a brave one. Do it, otherwise I'll prevent you from sleeping.
          -Do you really say this?
          Instead an answer, Lena switched on. Albert almost was late to change the hideout In about five minutes she has found the jump-rope and clotheslines.
          -Everything is ready, my friendess.
          -Do it! Otherwise, I continue to bother and interfere your sleeping.
          -Well then hold on! And don't offence.
          -I myself wanted it, - Lena answered a little diffidently.
          Albert didn't see, but heard very well what it was occurring. The preparations were lasting during about three minutes else. Finally, he heard his wife's voice again:
          -Don't you have changed your mind?
          -Note I do nothing mindlessly.
          -Well. Then hold on!
          The first whistle and swats onto the bare body sounded. Then the swats rained one by one. That was whistling like Nadya spanked without any compassion for her, and Lena was patient like a spartan girl. Just Albert has been ready to appreciate this patience, but suddenly a complaining shout sounded. Lena thirty years old yelped and howled like any schoolgirl under the switch.
          -It's enough. I see you don't like it. Why did you ask to do it?
          At once, Lena became quiet, took a deep breath a few times and hurriedly wiped away her tears. Just Nadya untied her, she began to stare at Nadya.
          -What an angry woman you are, Nadya! Angry, but not a sadist. Just you got tired of me.
          -Forgive me. What we are actually doing?
          -Come on. Just you have serviced me according to my asking. I am worrying because of another thing. The punishment is childish, but so it hurts. What if I would be really tortured? I could not stand it. What a scary living! How terrible!
          -Look, you need a psychiatrist. Why you're scared? Who needs to harm you? Who will torture you?
          -Don't you see? Is it me who has invented the murder of Sveta's boyfriend? Who from are you hiding in my home?
          -What you got to do with them? This is not a part of your deal.
          -If you turned out in the danger, why the same thing cannot occur me? Just you believe, a little, in presentiment, don't you?
          -Everything is good in moderation, but you exaggerate everything. What occurs to you the last half year? From a shy and demure girl you transform in a psychopath. On the other hand, your erudition, your intellect now has become very visible. Before, thanks to your shyness, to say frankly, you were like a countrified woman. But now soon you will be like my Albert. It would be good, however, with this, the evil, cruelty and fear was added. I feel them inside you. What's going on with you?
          -You ask me as during interrogation, but even I myself cannot understand.
          -I advise you like a friend, keep your mind under the control. I may not advise you seriously to go to a psychiatrist. They are botchers from the soviet power. They spoiled a lot of human lives! However, yourself, do something. Take some anti anxiety pills. Meet with us more often.
          Lena knew that there is no psychic disease was ahead of her, but quite real fear provoked by quite real dangers. Already she has begun to guess, that she "knows too much". Three persons know about it: Kashin, Skolopendrin and Batogov. However, they have learned this through her. She had betrayed Albert, whom yet she loved before. She had betrayed him once more, when she incited the neighbors against him. Now she betrays her friendesses, reporting all the details about them, all their desires and thoughts. Soon she will exhaust everything and her chiefs will not need her anymore. Then they will kill her. In what a manner? If a childish punishment made her shout because of the pain, then how she will meet the death?
          At the expense of the felt pain from the spanking with the jump-rope, she was going to ascertain, whether her friendess possesses the sadistic inclination. The friendess is all right, but what about herself? She was astonished, how some people can enjoy from this, although recently he has learned to understand the nature, its great diversity, mutually exclusive needs of different kinds: something useful for one may be lethal for another. After the trial under the jump-rope, the fear and the premonition of death only became greater. The death of a small number of the cells and the panic signals to the brain about it, which are considered like the pain, these things have reminded her more clearly about the quite probable and soon death of the whole body, also, it's possible, including the soul. She have merited all this. Like Judas, she had betrayed the friends and the lover. She doesn't know what she has brought upon them. The Lord saw everything, and the unavoidable retribution  is around the corner. But He is merciful. She heard about this. He is able to forgive. 
          Finally, the boil, which drew to a head in the soul, now it has been burst. Lena leaped out of the bed and fell to her knees, hysterically yelling and repeating: 
          -Oh Lord, forgive me! Forgive me, I am so unworthy. Lord! Do something. Say, what I must do. Show me the right way. Teach me what to do.
          Nadezhda leaped out of the bed after her to console her. Lena's shoulders were shuddering with crying. She didn't pay attention to the friend, but lamented loudly and unskillfully tried to pray. She would like to confess everything to all the friends and Albert and this wasn't a drunken escapade. The consciousness was clear and she knew that their conversation is tapped with a high probability, and fully appreciated, if the friends know too much, they will be killed too. When she got calm, but still stood on her knees, Nadezhda's voice at first scared, then almost made laugh her and Albert, who was hiding and heard everything:
          -I've understood, what is the matter with you. You got involved with the drug trafficking. You not only sold, but also tasted something because of the curiosity. You are in withdrawal now. Abstinence syndrome. What do you need? However, perhaps, you cannot say it.
          -Cocaine.
          -Though better than the heroin or morphine. I heard somewhere that in is almost impossible to quit being on drugs of the opium.
          -Don't worry about me. God will help me. Although I don't know in what manner, but I must believe.
          -I worry about Albert and suppose then he goes in for the same things. Now he has more money and he takes the rucksack only to travel, not to sell newspapers. He takes trips he says that leaves for some cities.
          -What cities for?
          -Different. He says as if he visited a lot of cities in the European part of Russia. For my point, there isn't a difference, he leaves whether for Voronezh or Arkhangelsk, for your point all the more, I think.
          -Likely, he made new friends. Did he bring home someone?
          Yet two minutes before, he felt, perhaps, he will have to interrupt the conversation. A few times he still changed hiding places and now he was staying hidden in the kitchen. There was tweezers on the table with an old-fashioned mirror. This tweezers reminded him an incident in his far childhood. An electrical outlet, being situated near, came just in time.
          -It depends, whom to name a friend. Those who sold the newspapers, they never came. Former friends were told to go away, because he became disappointed... 
          In this instant a loud crack sounded in the apartment and the sparks flew from the outlet. The women became quiet, but in a minute Lena's voice explained:
          -Nadya, don't be afraid. This is only the short circuit. Tomorrow I will change the fuses and if it repeats, I will have to call an electrician. Now let's sleep.
          -I want to sleep too. Good night.
          -Good night.
          In a few minutes, ensuring that the girlfriends fell asleep, Albert teleported into Sveta's apartment again. Strange, but everything was on their places if disregard the broken glass in the window of the balcony. No traces of the fight. Also, the exit door was not broken, therefore the bandits opened the door for the submachine gunners and surrendered voluntarily. He was going to look at the door from outside, in what degree it is broken, but looking in the peephole he saw the two agents with the headphones and antennas. Certainly, they heard not the "heavy metal" or something similar one. Albert decided to go away,   mainly not to give an additional information to the enemy.
          In the Valya's flat the apartment mistress and her guest in the chaste manner slept in the different beds. He got worried because of the stayed at home documents, but after appearing at home in the bathroom, he made sure that all right. No agents were, neither at home, nor near the apartment. Only now he felt he wanted to sleep very much. After putting the documents in different pockets, Albert lay down on the sofa, being just in a cloak, and took off only his shoes. In his dreams he killed enemies, saved innocents and gained victories one by one.

Next chapter: http://la-flagellation.blogspot.ru/2018/01/chapter-3-steeplechase-part-2.html

Chapter 1. Restless news. Part 2. The teleportation.

          Albert decided to rest alone in his apartment, to be sitting, to be daydreaming. At first he thought what to put on himself to appear in the Broadway. But immediately he remembered at any time he can "have climbed" home to change clothes. Let it is New-York, let it is Kamchatka - now all these areas are closer than the kitchen if in it he goes walking, not by this wonderful way. It seems, he sat on the sofa long; one thought was following another one. The sky, being a little covered with a transparent veil was becoming darker, but in spite of this fact he felt relieved. The probability that Nadya is in the security was more than 99%.  His friend being as if perished, he is found alive and today without moving from this place, he will go to him in the huge city, which he likes very much and which he dreamed to visit still from childhood, being eleven years old. Accumulating the life experience, the longer Albert lived, the more he felt repugnance over large cities. If someone told him, as if he will rush into such one like a boy rushes in a park with a lot of the wonderful attractions, he wouldn't believe. Here is why the dark grey sky with his heavy clouds as in winter, it couldn't overwhelm his excited and joyful mood. Finally, he was bored to sit longer in the same place. He has looked at the clock. The only hour has passed.
          Collecting his thoughts, Albert did a barely perceptible move and came out as if through an invisible door directly into Valya's flat. The flat was empty. Only Sveta remained. He teleported on the stairs of her entrance and rang doorbell. She opened the door, her eyes were full of tears.
          -How well it is, you have come. So sad!
          -I understand you. Of course, it' pity. Damned country! If a man deals with Russian business, it is the same thing as a moth flies into the flame.
          -I'm not going to go to the funeral. His parents look at me so arrogantly and contemptuously. I've better to visit the grave with friends or with you. I cannot believe in that. No one is being with me again.
          -There is myself. Only just now it would be impossible, because it is a sin. We have to wait, at least forty days.
          -You are married. You with Nadya would be angry with each another because of me.
          -Is it you who would tell her? No. If a secret can be kept one day, it can be kept during one hundred years. All of you don't understand that it is possible to live on love and agreement not only by two, so one has to hide.
          -What a good thing is there? If you are my husband and go away with another woman, I would lose you.
          -No one is able to understand somehow. Why such a dilemma: either, or? Who has ordered? Who does dare to forbid to live by three together? By four? The people are fools and these are their prejudices. Also, I would ask you: "what a good thing if one pinches you, cauterizes?" However, I understand you.
          -This is not so noticed, easier to hide it.
          -And why is it any of their damn business, of these miserable people with a monkey mind, who comes to who, who rings in whose door? Be frank with no one and stop being afraid of them... - Albert was going to add something, but the doorbell rang. Don't go. I go to open.
          After returning from Moscow, Albert still didn't take his cloak off, the pockets of which were full of the knives and gas cartridges. Knowing about the possibility of the attack with pistols, he was fully armed. He didn't set his eye up, but covered the peephole with his finger of the left hand. No shot followed. He pushed the door open abruptly and suddenly. At the doorstep a guy stood dressed in the leather jacket, with crew cuts in the bandit manner, but there was no any aggression in the all his look. It seemed, either he feels shy, or he is afraid of something.
          -Ah, that's you again, - he said, lowering eyes bewildered. What does it mean: "me again"? Whom did you go to?
          -To Sveta... there is a deal, but if you are here, I'll come at the next time.
          Albert was going to say: "Now I'm always here", but he stopped at the high time, realizing, he can attract very bad guests to this flat with these words.
          -Sveta, who is he who has come to you?
          Looking in her eyes, he understood that the guy is not known by her. Albert watched his hands with attention to grab at the high time, but there was no any attack. 
          -I'm from Tolik's work. Sveta, are you going to go to the funeral?
          -Excuse me, but there is some reason, because of which nobody must know, who, when and where will go. Firstly, his death was an enforced one. Secondly, near my home OMON detained some three guys who were dressed in the same leather jackets and were with the same hairs. The cops have a lot of the work now, and they seek whom it is possible to blame for these crimes. So refrain from visits this flat. Also, say to others, let them not disturb. If she needs someone, she will call you or come to your work office.
          -In such case I'm leaving. Sorry for having disturbed. Have a nice stay. - And hearing in answer: "have a nice trip", the doubtful guest started going downstairs. Albert closed the door.
          -Prepare some tea, I go to the toilet now.
          Sveta took up for preparing tea, and Albert teleported from the toilet into Valya's apartment. This time he has encountered her.
          -Ah, you have scared me! Do you have a passkey, don't you? - shouted the mistress of the apartment, coming up after hearing a rustle in the corridor.
          -I practice the Ninjutsu, this is a science to move, not to be seen or heard. I was at your home a half hour ago, but I didn't encounter you. Unfortunately, we cannot make love now, Sveta is threatened. Go to her and bring her here. They don't need her, but Albert. He came to console her, but he has much to do and you would do it better. 
          -Still have I to name you Albert the Second?
          -Name me Renald.
          -Lord! There are foreigners around! I hope, this name is a real one, isn't it? 
          -What does it matter to you? When an electric train goes now?
          -At 14.23. To leave at 13.50 I have no time.
          -Go there quicker, and I have to hurry. I'll explain it later. Call her and say that you will arrive.
          -So, let's go together.
          -I cannot. I'm sorry, I have to run. Good bye, my love!
          -In fact, you are a madman.
          -Let it be so. See you later.
          -See you soon.
          As last time, Albert ran downstairs, making sure no one sees him, he teleported in the toilet.
          -Have you hung yourself there?! - Sveta shouted, being angry already.
          -Excuse me, I've fallen asleep.
          -Good night!
          -Soon I come out, - he rustled with a paper, flushed the toilet and came out in a minute. The phone rang. Sveta picked up it. That's Valya called. She was going to arrive in an hour. Asked, whether Sveta is alone. Albert was here really.
          Valya arrived at half past three. Albert was hastening them. The friendesses wondered. If Anatoly wasn't perished, likely they would disobey. Every of them kept from another one the secret of the love either with him, or with his double and every of them guessed that this man was aware of some secret developments and they had better not to resist against his advices.
          By three, they went by train till the already known settlement, then walked to the place. Albert said them good-bye at the doorstep. Valya was sure that Albert has some secret deal with his double Renald, as if he is a twin brother, and Albert tries to hide him. Maybe this deal is connected with the reciprocal substitution of these look-alikes each other.
          "What if they exchange each other when Renald makes love with me?" - a "guess" flashed through her mind. One day I have to mark this Renald somehow. 
          When Albert separated from the women, it began the sixth hour. If someone follows him, let him lose the trace closer to Moscow. He has already calculated the place of meeting in the Broadway.
          He succeeded to arrive, only till the station "Losinoostrovskaya". Running, he came in the first seen entrance of a house, and invisibly governing his consciousness, he turned out not far from the place of meeting in the Broadway. After Moscow, where it got dark already, the bright sunlight hit him in the eyes. Walking, he has arrived at the place already, but he still had to cover the eyes with his hands.
          -Are you all right, sir? - he heard the known voice in English.
          -Hello, my dear friend! I'm very glad to see you alive.
          -Hello, Alik, - Paul switched to Russian. - Don't be afraid of speaking Russian. Here are a lot of the foreigners.
          -However, do you understand one thing? I'd like to look like a real American.  
          -Let's find another time to play Americans. There is a lot of an information. Your situation is grave, but we will beat them.
          -Whom?-I'm going to explain. I have the subway tokens. We have to ride a few stops by local underground. After coming out, there is a handy bench and the place is seen around. The main thing, the compatriots must not hear us. The subject is delicate, you understand.
          -Go!
          The metro was nearby and in fifteen minutes already they were walking to the bench.
          -I accomplished nothing. Of course, excuse me for the bad joke I've played on you, however, I know now how right I was. Ah, how right I was! But still, I've really accomplished something. Before the putsch they distributed the weapon. I hope, you read newspapers. I pretended to be a Bolshevik scoundrel and after receiving a weapon, I climbed away through the space. Then there was a quite complicate kind of deals, almost I have become a victim of deceit, but as a result, I got two pistols "Walter" and now I'm going to give you one of them as a gift. This is a reliable machine, believe me, also, it's convenient to carry it in the pocket.
          -Since long ago I dreamt of the weapon. I thank you beforehand!
          -It is not about dreams, neither a chivalry, nor a bravado. The situation really is very serious and if you kept yourself spellbound, it is able to turn out very dangerous one like today.
          -However, what has taken place today?
          -However, what do you think? Didn't take place something unusual today around you?
          -Only OMON has captured some dudes in our yard and when I with my wife were coming out from the entrance, cops in plain clothes have checked our identities.
          -How were dressed these ones who were captured? In leather jackets, short haircuts, the sweater collars were raised...
          -They were people who had arrived to kill you.
          -Are they the same tail?
          -No, the tail had saved you from the attempt.
          -What for they need me so? I cannot recollect a case the cops worked so well.
          -They aren't cops. They are guys from the parallel institution.
          -I've understood. However, how have they learnt?
          -Have you an idea, how expensive you are from their point?
          -It's clear. Now I see, they couldn't allow these bastards to shoot me. But you climbed over a hundred times more than me and without problems. Where have I made a mistake?
          -You've made a mistake in your life position. You were happy, enjoyed with your life and overlooked that our world is in the condition of the permanent war. The war, neither began, nor finished, it is going on. When we say about the beginning of a war, that's not beginning, but a transition from the latent phase into the open one. There are interesting lines in the Chechen folklore. They say they have grown on the stone, in the severe conditions, and they don't have to peaceful sow their fields and graze sheep, but instead this they are forced to fight. This constant readiness for war repeatedly gave them victories. Just you have forgotten what world you are in. I esteem your liberty, you did right enjoying with the beautiful friendesses of your wife, knew happiness with them, however, you have better not to overlook, but sometimes check the situation around you.
          I acted like a prudent parent, which let out a little child from home through a quite dangerous city to buy something. The child thought as if he is alone, but the parent unnoticeably followed behind, securing him. And one instant when the child was standing and counted flies, suddenly a car appeared, turning that corner, but the parent succeeded to grab his child from the imminent disaster.
          Yet you exposed because of  a reason, possessing the invaluable treasure, you walked the path of life, looked around and counted flies. If you was a soldier in the war, you would be condemned by the military tribunal for the heedlessness creating the dangerous situation, but you are not a soldier and I'm not a strict commander. You are my successor and my moral duty is to look after your security. You counted flies and suddenly unfortunately for you, one of your wife's friends, perhaps you like her the most, she turned out strange in her actions very much, but you did not notice it.
          -Redhead Lena?
          -She the same! A few months ago, she was recruited into an illegal intelligence department, which collects data about the paranormal phenomena. This department was created by an opportunist who works in the FSB and uses possibilities of his office.
          -But where have you learnt all this from?
          -It's more astoundingly you haven't learnt it till now. Do you remember how I had found a dangerous object, that's Colonel, and eliminated him, using other hands? I told you how I had acted. In the same manner I acted here, but you didn't. You sought to get laid, this is not your mistake, I approve this. One should experience joy of life, the troubles themselves will find us. You could enjoy, however, you had better do it, looking around, what yet does take place around you. But you continued to play, counting flies as a little child. If I could learn all this, I am telling you now, therefore you could too. One may, even should play, but during the game to check, whether aimed someone on you a gun from a dark corner? You want to be a good lover, also you have better to be a good counterspy. One doesn't exclude the other.
          -Well... The human mind is paradoxical. I'm sure I'm not a fool, also you're sure of it. However, as the saying goes, I didn't notice an elephant.
          -Such a thing could occur to a genius. You are differ from a fool, I believe in it, because you will learn from your mistakes. But the most of people don't learn from their mistakes. What do you think, what do you have to do now?
          -Do they firmly believe that I CAN?
          -Now, listen me: When Lena invited you at the first time, you promised to arrive and arrived at the exact time with German punctuality not into the flat, but on the stairs, their observers were standing the floor above and saw with their own eyes as you had appeared "from nothing". This data is from a conversation I overheard. Sometimes, I penetrate to them, there are more than ten very delicate interiors in my memory. Lena was recruited a half year before you invaded at her place for the first time. Kashin is this the same opportunist's surname, he is the chief of the illegal department. At the beginning, he attracted her as a lover, in the bed, he is a skillful master. The money appeared, that's a temptation else. The gifts, then payment for delicate missions, this intrigued. Then showing of the certification FSB, but this did not repulse her at all, but on the contrary. Reasoning about a few sayings from conversations I overheard, she started to understand now that she is screwed. But that time before, what for she would need a newsvendor Albert while she imagined herself as a star of the espionage?
          -But she continues to be friends with all of us.
          -But why would she quarrel with your company? She collected data everywhere it is possible. The paranormal is an extremely rare thing, and one has to probe millions of people before something appears. If there are only two of us on the Earth, then the probability to find our ability to be one from three billions. This is too big for any alone man, even if he is very communicative and interviews one hundred persons in a day, but it's impossible. It's necessary a lot of agents, whom without getting them up to speed, they entrust to collect any information without explaining what for. Do you imagine, what a treasure Kashin has found in the form of yourself after Lena reported him how you had disappeared out of her toilet? Through that part of the mafia, which finances his department, he was informed about the events in your locality. Anatoly, being drunk, he told how he transmitted some information to you, and you are the last link what FSB knows about. Then the information is transmitted in a next link and some Caucasians, whether Chechens, or Ingushes, kill Colonel. They can only conjecture, what is the next link, that is me. Maybe there is a hotbed of the super abilities. However, even if the next link is unattainable, they have already a bird in their hand, that's you. Then a fact becomes known, at first someone is going to kill Tolik, and you have to be the next victim. They are allowed to do the first crime, and the boys become to be on the hook. But can they allow them to kill you? It would be as well as to throw a lot of the diamonds from the bridge into the Yenisei. So they were tied in the yard in front of you.
          And what about, whether they firmly sure you are able to do it, see yourself: at your first visit to Lena, when she had you rejected. The eyewitness is their ordinary agent. Kashin has two faithful assistants, their surnames Skolopendrin and Batogov. He informs them in details, including about your abilities. Regarding the others KGB officers and the rest people, they are blind executors who know nothing. And so: at the second your visit, you were seen by Skolopendrin, he is Kashin's "right hand", and the same Kashin. Also, Valya was at Lena's home and told her, as if you have a twin brother whom you hide. Certainly, Lena had understood something, but her chiefs had understood even better.
          -I named him Renald.
          The old man laughed.
          -So, I think, - Albert continued, - before to get to move at full power, they will make the finishing check to dissipate all the doubts about me. To do it, it is necessary to capture me, it doesn't matter, how it would look and what the pretext under. They are able pretend as anyone, cops, bandits, scoundrels. In the captivity, they would try to create unbearable conditions, to make me apply my abilities in front of them.
          -So, what can you say about this? Just you can climb out of any trap.
          -In that case they would do so, in order I myself would want to return to them. There is the only thing they have: to take my wife as hostage. Here is my weakness! I must urgently evacuate her.
          -You are right, and one must do it before they will be sure in full about your abilities. Now tell me, where were you heading with your wife, when the assault crew was working in your yard and your passport was checked?
          Albert considered it would be superfluous to ask, where the old man knows this from. He told how he spent the day, with all the details. Also, he told about yesterday. 
          -Why did you suspect nothing, after she had rejected you in a vile manner, suddenly she literally began to climb on you?
          -According to the statistics, the irrational behaviour takes place more often among women than among men.
          -You might think like this when you sold the newspapers and had nothing of value, besides the Diploma of the MSU. If a woman banishes you, after this she flings herself at you, it would look like a paranoia if you suspect her as if she is an acting person in espionage passions around you. It would look so in THAT EPOCH, but NOT NOW. If she acts so with a person who has completed a spy school, her people would disqualify her in the best case and enemies, either before the death, would learn from her the target of the mission, using the tortures, or without any interrogating, silently and prudently they would set up an accident. Regarding the evacuation your Nadya, I agree in full. I called you here only to suggest this action, but you yourself have guessed. But... you both must not to speak about this aloud. Your apartment and apartments of your friends' may be full of the bugs, and I would be surprised very much if it is not so. You have better to communicate in the wild, in a field where one can see clearly around. In order no fiend could climb a tree and hiding between branches, direct at you his device, either to overhear, or to oversee, because there were cases when deaf-mutes were engaged, who could read on the lips.
          By the way, they talk not in vain that every cloud has a silver lining. You behaved so jauntily recently, there is a large advantage in it. What do you think, what is the advantage?
          -It must lull their vigilance. They will act, counting on a simple dude who has spellbound.
          -And how do you think, what a type came to Sveta today?
          -I guess, he is one of those three who had killed Tolik. As the people say: even a mangy sheep has a tuft of wool. If they must not hurt me, at least, to screw Sveta. At first, one of them came to find out, is not it possible peaceful to screw her, then to bring her to his friends.
          -Right. Also, it's right, you have brought her to Valya. They will not invade in other bandits' area. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a big deal if they one time use one of your actual wives, but because it is not known, how this may finish. Don't forget, they are remnants of the Colonel's gang, who are scoundrels, capable of any villainy. Regarding Kashin and company, we are stronger, only don't do anything stupid and gross miscalculations. And if so, they will swallow a sharp hook, upon which they will choke. And now, just in case, if the police trouble us, let's climb through the space to Sveta's empty apartment.
          Albert was surprised  because of these words, but has asked nothing. Old Paul, looking around, he reached inside his pockets. As unnoticeable as possible, he gave to Albert firstly the pistol, then two plastic bags full of some papers.
          -The pistol is loaded, but the safety is on. Click this thing and you may shoot. The machine is good, compact, made in Germany, the misfire almost never happens. And there is the data in these plastic bags about our "fishermen", let's name them so, that are Kashin, Skolopendrin and Batogov, and someone else, there it's written all about them. Eliminate my comments, when you will learn them by heart and hide better the rest. Have you a plan, how to evacuate Nadezhda?
          Albert told his plan. Old Paul liked it.
          -Now the most difficult thing is to persuade her. She will not believe and will think, either I've gone mad, or I pretend and deceive her.
          -Show her all the money you got, then the pistol. Let her understand the level of your activities. If this doesn't impress her, you will have to tell and show her your able to "climb over".
          The conversation continued. The friends discussed the time and place of meeting for the evacuation of Nadezhda, according to Albert's plan, then they clarified the details.
          -How do you think, - old Paul asked. - Will they leave the women alone besides your wife and if no, then who of the women is the most threatened with dangers?
          -Lena is.
          -You think right. Try to act in the same manner. We have to see each other every day, to clarify your plan if it is necessary. Any surprise is possible.
          They agreed about the time and place the closest meetings and numbered these points. All of them were situated in the United Stations. After this, hiding from passersby, each one alone disappeared in his own direction. 

Next chapter: http://la-flagellation.blogspot.ru/2018/01/chapter-2-in-role-as-night-ghost-part-2.html?zx=8e45f9f6e0637bc5

The original Russian text: https://www.proza.ru/2010/02/01/379

To the beginning of the novel: http://la-flagellation.blogspot.ru/2017/09/the-teleportation-part-1-chapter-1-metro.html