Читать книгу Palmist. Books 1,2,3 - Tsvetana Alekhina - Страница 9

Arthur’s business was going well. The girls were delivered. Restaurants were preparing to open. Arthur himself showed no interest in them. His main restaurant was the Oriental Fairy Tale. This was his abode, where the villain spent his days and nights. All events that happened to him knocked him out of his rut, and he did not want to spend the night alone in his apartment. Moreover, he has awakened an interest in Wine. Perhaps it was just an interest, since he did not know what love was. Rather, it was an animal instinct, as Arthur was experiencing a frenzied attraction. Somehow, the guilt was stuck in his head, and he did not want to drive away this feeling. His health was completely in order, and Arthur was full of energy.

Vina was a gentle and romantic girl. She was sincere in her feelings, and felt remorse for not telling the truth about that incident with the police. She was so scared at that moment that she did not know what to say and therefore lied. She wanted to admit it so much, and Vina was waiting for the right opportunity.

Meanwhile, Arthur was not happy that Sultana’s father was still alive. They are just damn lucky. Her father literally manages to get away from bullets, and his daughter even manages to escape from the morgue. It is like a paradox. Well, how is it? Arthur was pacing around the office and smoking a pipe. «Bring me some coffee.» He bellowed through the door. —I’ll kill him myself.» I will settle things here and kill this father, this girl. I know whose handiwork it is. I will kill all three of them. No them, no problem. First her father, then him, and then her, when there will be no one to intercede for her. Coffee was brought to him, and he sat down in an armchair. I know how to pin this palmist to the wall. This predictor will get his.

Amir came as soon as he was invited. Arthur greeted him with a satisfied smile. And he behaved extremely politely. – How are you doing? Amir shrugged his shoulders in bewilderment, sensing something not good. He knew the man’s future steps, and so far, everything was going well, Amir was calm. The only thing he wanted to know was the location of Sultana. – How was your studies?

– Thank you, good. I like to study. Especially when the profession is a pleasure.

– You come from Laos, Pakse city. So? Amir silently agreed. And your father is here with you now. In Moscow. Amir went cold. – Sultana’s father is also still alive. You can go now. That is all I wanted to say. After hearing the words, Amir himself wanted to kill this man. But reason brought him to his senses, and he calmly left the office. Amir walked a long distance and took the subway in oblivion drove his stop. He came home late at night, and after looking at his father, he silently went to bed. His father was full of strength and patience, Rashid patiently waited for the next events.

– Father. You should not stay in Moscow anymore. You could get killed. Go home.

– You too. Do not forget that. That is why I’m here. Better, tell me his next steps.

– He is having a lull. The villain is preparing for the opening. He killed his man in Poipet. This is a minimal loss.

– Yes. This is a minimal loss. Then what?

– Then we will have to save Sultana’s father again.

– Why we have to save Sultana’s father. Let the police handle it. After all, this person knows that he is in danger. Let him save himself.

– Yes. But I know the exact date of the assassination attempt on him. And if I know, then I have to save. Her father is very important to her. Sultana has no mother; she is very attached to her father.

– OK. Let it be so. Did you come here to study or to save some father?

– Father. I inherited this gift from you. And I use it for its intended purpose. With these words, Amir left for the institute.

It was Friday night, Vina was preparing for a performance. The doorbell rang, and when she opened it, she saw Arthur, who, as always, unexpectedly came. – Wine, Vinochka. Are you going to dance? Vina looked at him in bewilderment.

– Yes. What happened?

– «You don’t have to dance anymore.

– Why? Am I a bad dancer?

– No. You are the best. And that’s the whole problem. Arthur was standing near the front door, not daring to go through. He was afraid not to keep control over himself. Vina looked up at him questioningly once more. – I do not want you to dance anymore. Guilt’s eyes filled with tears. She decided that this was the end.

– How do you mean? Arthur did not dare to utter these words, and hesitated.

– «Now you’re going to dance for me.» Vina could not believe what she had heard. She went crazy and approached him in a tight.

– How do you mean? Arthur could not help but kiss her. Guilt reciprocated his feelings.

Two twin sisters performed at the restaurant that evening. They just excited the whole hall, and the audience called them for an encore. From that evening, Vina stopped her performances; she tried on other outfits and was going to dinner with Arthur. Arthur waited patiently, and did not think about the time. He was just happy and did not think about anything else. Vina did not have a dress that could be suitable for dinner in a restaurant. Therefore, quickly sorting through the wardrobe, she picked up her best outfits and quickly dressed up and approached Arthur. Arthur was intoxicated by her beauty and did not pay attention to her clothes. – Let’s go. I am hungry. They left the entrance and got into the car.

Arthur and Vina were sitting at the table like a married couple. It was a surprise to everyone. They were served dinner, and they behaved as if they had known each other all their lives. In fact, Vina felt very constrained, and tried to hold on with all her might. The girl was certainly happy, and it was written on her face. This is what she dreamed of; this is what she has been striving for all this time. Arthur, on the contrary, he was uninhibited, and felt like a lion. He looked like a lion. Proud, self-confident, lazy and angry predator. And his lion’s mane, not well-groomed, complemented all these qualities.

This evening was eventful. Since the program was changed in the restaurant, and the guests were not happy with the change of the dancer, but it all calmed down and, like the first time, when the Wine changed the Sultan. Dissatisfied murmurs were replaced by ovations. This evening there were big changes not only on the restaurant stage. While Arthur and Vina were having a nice dinner, Arthur was watching the dancers work, Vina was watching Arthur, Sultana was escaping at that time. She started it a long time ago, and was considering a plan of action. As previously described, this girl had the dexterity of mind, and carefully studied all the elements of escape. He brought her groceries once a week; it was done on the same day, at the same time. This person always came into the apartment, put the package on the doorstep and went back without saying a word. She decided to run away, despite the fact that she does not know the language, the city, without money and autumn clothes. Fortunately, Sultana had old dishes in this old apartment and she could cook food. Most likely, Arthur knew about this that is why he delivered groceries once a week, it was convenient, since bringing ready-made food every day could attract attention. Sultana understood that if she was still being kept alive and fed, then she was needed for some reason. But she couldn’t live like this anymore and decided to run away.

The escape was planned, and Sultana was standing with an old cast-iron frying pan in her hands at the front door. She unscrewed the light bulb so that the driver could not turn on the light, and hid in the corner of the corridor by the front door, listening for footsteps. She had already studied these sounds and her heart stood still in anticipation. These few minutes lasted like an eternity and she was shaking from cold and fear. Here they are the long-awaited sounds. The elevator doors opened, footsteps approached, the sound of a key and the door lock opened. The door opened with him, and the foot crossed the threshold. The man came in and out of habit pressed the switch. He always did it for no one knows why. Only then, would I put the bag down and go out the door. The light did not turn on, and he turned his back to her, focusing his attention on the light bulb. Sultana hit him with all her might with a frying pan. The guy swayed from the unexpected blow, and continued to stand on his feet. Then came blow after blow, and Sultana got into the taste when the man had already fallen unconscious Sultana continued to beat him. Only the fear of killing a man stopped her, and she froze. After touching his pulse, the girl calmed down, and exhaling took off his jacket, and with it took his phone and money. Of the shoes, she was wearing were the slippers in which she was in the clinic. Sultana quickly put on her jacket, locked the apartment with a key and called the elevator. Her breathing quickened, the girl was afraid to go outside. Later it was already dark enough, but the most important thing was that it was no longer crowded, and almost no one saw her. Moscow was not a familiar city for Sultana, and she simply did not know where she was and where to run, especially in this form. Sultana ran into the neighboring yards and began to climb into her pockets, finding a small bundle of money and not knowing how much she put it back. Then she turned off the phone so that it would not ring and the battery would not run out and when she came to, she thought where to run next. She just needed a translator, but where to find one. She walked along the road and began to look for a store or a car with her eyes in the hope of meeting what she was looking for.

On the same evening, a plane took off with Amir himself on board. He personally flew after Sultana’s father to save him, and with his help to find the missing Sultana. He was not at ease; he foresaw trouble and tried to prevent it. Amir took the next flight after finding out the address from the investigator. He hoped that with the help of Ahmed’s fate lines he would be able to see Sultana’s location and was looking forward to landing the plane. There was so little time, and he was constantly nervous.

This evening was favorable for everyone. Everyone spent it with benefit for himself or herself. Sultana escaped, Amir flew away, and Arthur found peace for his soul and body. He was trembling with happiness. And this happiness contributed to Sultana’s escape. Arthur was not interested in how the food delivery went. He was sure that everything went fine. Although what could have happened? The time was so late that no one cared who and where he or she were and what he or she were doing. Sultana reached the bus stop and saw two people, they spoke Armenian, and she passed by so as not to attract attention. When she reached the shopping pavilion where pastries were sold, and went into the room, she wanted to buy food, but after saying a few words in her own language, Sultana realized that no one understood her and went back out. She walked on and tears welled up in her eyes. It had been over an hour, the time was late at night. A car stopped near the bus stop, and the passenger who got out was saying something in her native language. She heard the familiar words and started walking at a brisk pace. The passenger said goodbye to the driver, slammed the door, and the car set off. Sultana ran after her and shouted for help. The car drove away for a distance and, to her surprise, braked sharply. A passenger who had left earlier came up to her and, after carefully looking into her face, quietly asked, «What happened?» Sultana could not stand it and burst into tears. The driver got out of the car.

– What happened?

Sultana was so glad to hear her native language that she began to tell everything that happened to her in the choke, asking for help. She told everything so quickly that the listeners did not have time to understand the words that Sultana blurted out. She was ready to call her father and he could prove that her words were true. That he wrote a missing daughter report and the police are looking for her in her home country. – We believe you. Get in the car. Sultana did not resolutely get into the car, although she had nowhere to go. In her position, it was a great chance for salvation.

Early in the morning, a taxi was driving to Ahmed’s house. Amir counted the minutes until his arrival. His premonition of trouble was growing by the minute. This is the same feeling that has been growing in him since childhood. —What’s going to happen?» He thought. What the sky wants to warn me about. The car drove up to Ahmed’s house. Amir paid for the taxi and got out. The door slammed shut. Ahmed, hearing the slamming of the door and the sound of a car leaving, looked out the window. He was already so scared of these arrivals that he was no longer happy with the guests. Amir walked up to the house and knocked on the door. Ahmed looked at him out of the window and wondered if this man had come with good, or wanted to kill him? —He does not look like a murderer. And who knows, maybe this politeness is fake? Ahmed reasoned. And seeing that the man sat on the threshold decided to let him in. – Allah has saved me from death so many times, maybe this man came with good. He opened the door and waved his hand in greeting. Amir entered the house. After greeting him, he carefully examined Sultana’s father, trying to find similar features. Sultana was more like her mother, but she inherited many qualities from her father. Height, character, greatness. From her mother she inherited beauty and dexterity of mind.

Amir told the purpose of his visit. And that he needs to help find the Sultan. He could not do it without her father’s help. Ahmed was glad to hear such words, and agreed without hesitation. Most of all, he was glad to see a guy like Amir next to her. Ahmed thanked heaven that Allah had heard his prayers and sent him such good news. While Ahmed was running around the house and fussing, a phone call rang, this call was from Sultana. – Dad, I ran away. Ahmed couldn’t believe his ears.

– How? Where are you? She ran away! Amir approached him and wanted to talk to her. But Ahmed didn’t give me the phone. – I am flying to Moscow. Amir came for me. I will see you soon.

– Do you have Amir? What is he doing there?

– He came to help you. He wants to bring me to Moscow.

– It will be great. Sultana fell silent. Her silence indicated that she could not speak.

– Daughter. I heard you. Stay in touch. Ahmed ended the conversation.

– How is she? Where is she?

– I do not know. She cannot talk. Her voice is cheerful.

– How did she manage to escape? Your daughter is doing well. Amir said these words with such a kind smile; Ahmed could not help but notice it.

Early in the morning, Arthur was notified that Amir had flown to Poipet. «So that’s how it is. He is not afraid of me. Good. I will act in my own way. Let it fly. That is when it arrives, and then there will be a surprise. With these words, Arthur leaned back on the pillows and hugged Vina. Now his permanent place of residence has become the apartment of Guilt. In the restaurant, this news became the main topic of discussion. No one expected this. This topic did not even relate to Wine, but had a direct relationship to it. No one expected this from him. Everyone is used to seeing him angry and lonely. Arthur was always untidy, angry and constantly swearing. With her appearance, he became extremely polite and did not pay attention to what was happening around, his attention was completely absorbed by this woman. All the employees of the restaurant were happy about this event, as their chef left the restaurant and showed up only occasionally. It was a good morning, and Arthur did not want to overshadow it with anything. He did not know about Sultana’s escape yet, and that his man was lying in an apartment with a punctured head. Exactly a day has passed since these events took place.

The plane that took off from Poipet Airport arrived in Moscow, and Ahmed and Amir were descending the ramp. Meanwhile, the driver came to his senses and lay down on the sofa. His head hurt terribly and he could not remember anything. So he lay for another day. Sultana was waiting for her father and Amir. She considered him her friend and could not even admit the thought that a guy like Amir would pay attention to a girl like her. The people who picked her up at the bus stop sheltered sultan. It turned out that they were from the same city, and they had something to talk about.

– If you managed to escape so many times, then you will be saved now. Especially since your father is coming. It will be much easier for you.

– Yes. God is kind to me. The main thing is that this Arthur does not kill my father.

«Your father is as lucky as you are. Therefore, you will be fine. Wait for your happiness, and it will come soon. Sultana actually felt safe. Her soul was calm, and she was waiting for her father’s arrival.

Meanwhile, Jamal tried to break down the door to the apartment from which Sultana escaped. He could not do it and had to cut out the lock. The workers opened the door, and Zhamal saw a terrible picture. The walls of the corridor were stained with blood, and a man with half-open eyes was lying on the sofa in the room. He died of bleeding, and his dead body lay for a day.

– «I’ll kill her myself. He shouted, the workers came out to the site in horror and waited for instructions. – I will avenge you, and he covered the eyes of the deceased. Jamal dialed Arthur’s number and reported the situation.

Arthur, so carried away by his love, completely forgot about his problems and has not called anyone for exactly a day. The phone call completely turned the whole morning upside down. Arthur was angry. – She managed to escape again. He was clenching his hands into fists and shaking with anger. His face turned red and the veins on his forehead bulged. «Damn the day I didn’t kill her. Vina looked at him with eyes full of fear. She still could not figure out whom it was about. But I understood that about the murder and the woman who was supposed to be killed. – Jamal. You are the only one I can rely on. Find her and kill her. Without any ceremony.

These conversations fully confirmed the words of the person who came to her for a conversation. The guilt could not open up to Arthur, the time was gone, and the words not spoken in time were in the past. Now Vina saw everything with her own eyes. These words turned out to be true, and she made a great effort to keep her outward calm. – Who is he talking about? She thought. And trying not to annoy him even more, the girl sat quietly under the blanket and was afraid to look into her lover’s eyes.

– I would not be surprised if this girl runs away from the other world. She even ran away from the morgue. Vina began to understand that the conversation was about the Sultan, and waited for confirmation of these words. Vina, who had never seen Sultana, initially considered her rival. Now she understood how difficult it was for Sultana, but the feelings she felt for Arthur were stronger than her mind, and they covered all his crimes. She did not care who he was. A murderer or a thief. Alternatively, even the devil himself. The fault was entirely on his side, and whatever happened, she decided to go with him to the end. – I know what to do. Get my plane ready, we are flying to Pax. I will not leave you for long. Arthur turned to Vina with all the tenderness that he practically did not have. Still, he tried his best to be as courteous to her as possible.

Ahmed and Amir came to the apartment that they once rented with Lesha. This apartment has long lost its peace, and it has turned from a quiet bachelor retreat into a guesthouse. Lyosha quietly tolerated these guests and did not show his displeasure. Of course, he did not like it, but he could not do anything and patiently waited for this story with the Sultan to finally end. – It is all because of this girl, he thought to himself. How good it was before she appeared. I am afraid I am going to have to move into a dorm soon.

– Dad, this is Ahmed. Sultana’s father.

– Very nice. Rashid said dryly. And he shook Ahmed’s hand. Rashid was by nature a strict person, even if he was very happy about something.

– Dad, Sultana ran away.

– «That’s what I was afraid of. He also said dryly.

– And what exactly is so terrible. It is good. We will find her ahead of Arthur and that is it.

– Yes. You are right. Rashid did not object to Amir, and took up the arrangement of the guest, who was standing in the doorway and did not dare to pass. Lyosha went to the institute with a dissatisfied look, as always before the usual time. – Come in. Do not be shy. Ahmed hesitantly walked into the apartment and sat on the edge of a chair, feeling embarrassed. Ahmed understood that he was not welcome here, but he was willing to put up with it for the sake of his daughter. He constantly apologized to Rashid, explaining everything by the fact that he had such a situation.

– Well, understand me. I just want to save my daughter.

– No need to apologize. Soon everything will be settled, and you will see her. I am a father myself and I understand you. Ahmed calmed down and drank coffee with pleasure.

– I want to see my daughter as soon as possible.

– We are going to see her today.

– I would like to go to her right now.

– No, you are not going anywhere. It is not safe. It will be quickly calculated because of your visits. At first, it is better to call on the phone.

– We are going right now. Amir said and, despite his father, began to get ready. Meanwhile, the father dialed the investigator’s number and informed him about the arrival of Sultana’s father.

– Rashid is right. If they find her, they will kill her. It is better to wait. And Ahmed sat down on a chair with sadness in his eyes.

Sultana called herself. She was talking from the phone of the woman she lived with. – Dad, take me away from here. I don’t want to stay in this country anymore.

– It is impossible until you have documents. I will go to the police today and make you a temporary ID. You do not have a flight permit, all this needs to be processed. There was silence on the phone, and Ahmed realized what his daughter’s soul was silent about. «Oh, if only I could take you and carry you away like a little girl. But this is impossible, and you and I will have to realize the reality. Sultana silently agreed with her father. The investigator who came interrupted their conversation.

The investigator listened attentively to Ahmed. – Your testimony coincides with the Sultan. As for the documents, I cannot help you, and I need her herself. She had better be safe right now. As soon as something can be done, I will let you know. The investigator went out. Silence reigned in the apartment.

Ahmed, as well as Sultan, did not know Russian. Amir accompanied him wherever his help was needed.