Five

The funeral took place on Thursday. Misha, standing in the cemetery, when everyone had already left, again recalled the moments from their friendship that left an indelible mark on his memory. The first meeting, going to the cinema together, entering first grade, a trip with the class to nature, graduation… Their meeting is here in America. Misha felt that he was drawn to his homeland. He wanted to be back where the best years of his life had passed. But he knew that first he had to avenge Roma. Their first meeting with the enemy was to take place the day after tomorrow, Saturday. *** On Friday evening, Misha learned a lot about Peskarev. It was written silently in several Internet resources. At the first glance at the photograph of this man, he felt disgust, he was so unpleasant. His life was truly interesting and unique. There were so many crimes on his account! Of course, they were hidden, but Misha thoughtfully read about his works and realized that his enemy was incredibly smart and dangerous. The police hushed up Kostylev’s case, apparently succumbing to Peskarev’s influence. Mikhail knew that he would never know how it all happened. Although he understood the general details, one question remained a mystery to him — why Roma, having a gift, could not subjugate Alexei? After all, he had seen many times how his friend influenced those around him, dictating his will to them! It was strange. At first, Osipov blamed everything on his friend’s condition, which caused his strength to decrease, but then he realized that Roma wouldn’t just give up. There was something else here. It’s just not clear what. The next day, Milena called him right in the morning. She told Misha the address of the event, the dress code and the start time. In the morning Misha came to his friend. They discussed “their” history in case they were asked about their relationship. They even came up with a profession for Misha — a lawyer, like his “sister”. Evening came quickly. At 18:00 they entered the hall full of guests. Mikhail had never seen so many people even during school breaks. The man realized that this was some kind of partially catered banquet. Yesterday he read about etiquette and types of banquets, so several signs allowed him to make this conclusion: people were seated as they wished, but waiters were scurrying around, and some dishes were already set out. Having chosen two places, the friends sat down. People had not yet started their meal, so Misha relaxed and looked around the hall. Peskarev was not visible. Well, he’s organizing a banquet, he’ll show up soon. Osipov tried to concentrate, but loud music and the noise of the guests did not allow him to do so. He was distracted by someone’s voice nearby: - Milena, who is this man next to you? Are you related? - Yes, Edward. He is my brother. He moved here about a week ago. Mish, meet my colleague. - Very nice, Mikhail. - Me too. - Tell,… Misha was afraid that this man would start asking questions, but the music died down, and everyone turned their gaze to the small stage at the end of the hall. Peskarev ascended it proudly and leisurely, swaying from foot to foot like a bear. He stood at the microphone placed in the center and looked around the crowd. — I welcome you all to my annual banquet. Glad to see each of you. I know many of them in person, but some of them are visiting us for the first time today. They are the ones I want to greet first. I am pleased to know that our society has been replenished with new members, I hope you and I will become good friends… Well, yes, he is glad to see us… -… Agreement. Unfortunately, the other day my colleague and friend Roman Kostylev died under unknown circumstances. He was familiar to all of you. He was a kind, purposeful young man. It’s a pity that death took him so early. Yeah, it’s a pity for him… -…Enjoy the banquet! The guests burst into applause. Like obedient dogs… And everything is so pretentious… Okay, we need to eat. And then somehow find this Alexey and bring him to talk. The dishes were very tasty. Misha especially liked the game. True, there was a slight problem with etiquette. On Friday, Mikhail read all the rules of conduct, but it turned out that they were not needed. When dinner was over, the guests got up and began to walk around the hall, finding friends and chatting. And Osipov began to look for Peskarev. Oh, if Roma were here, he would find anyone. Finally, the enemy was discovered. After waiting until he finished talking with some lady, Misha approached him. - Hello, Alexey. - Greetings. Do we know each other? - Not yet. Today I came to your banquet for the first time. — I hope you have a good impression of him? - Certainly. I was also impressed by your speech. - Really? I’m glad. For a diplomat, it is important that his words captivate his listeners. - Perhaps you are right. - So why did you like my speech? — There were many well-played moments, but most of all I remember how sincerely you talked about your friend. - He was very close to me. - Regret. - It’s not worth it. It happens. - Certainly. - What is your name? — Mikhail Vorobyov. You probably know my sister, Milena Vorobyova. - Are you related to her? Now it’s clear who you reminded me of. Well, nice to meet you. - Me too. — As far as I remember, your sister was supposed to marry Roman? - This is true. - Then perhaps you know him well? - Only from stories. I just recently moved here. - It’s clear. Do you have anything else for me? - No, what are you talking about? I just wanted to meet you. Hah, and with what relief he exhaled when I said that I didn’t know Roma. He’s clearly involved in all of this. Osipov met several more people, and an hour later the banquet ended. People began to gradually disperse. Mikhail found Milena, and together they moved towards the exit. He got into the girl’s car and drove off to her place. *** - It’s late, will you stay? - Yes, probably. - How do you like Peskarev? - As I expected, disgusting. But so cunning… It’s terrible. Such a person is capable of anything. Even for murder. They sighed. The loss did not let them go. - Misha, what are you going to do? - We need to find irrefutable evidence against him. - But Roma’s case was hushed up, the police and the government are clearly on his side! - Really. Then you just have to find him and kill him. - Can you do it? Do you want to denigrate yourself? - I must avenge Roma. Moreover, he has many crimes on his record. - Fine. Just don’t get caught, please. - I’ll try to think everything through. It was already late and the friends went to bed. We need to find out where he lives and where he works. And then it’s a matter of technology.