— You can’t refuse, Yumatov, — my commander presses me. Quiet rage spreads inside, poisoning the soul.
— Serebryakov insisted on your candidacy, and the leadership approved it.
I know how he insisted! He poured out a whole pile of money—gifts to the pocket!
— I asked you to… — I squeeze out through my teeth, even though anger is something I should direct only at myself. I felt it—this isn’t something you should get involved in. Why did I step in?
— I did everything I could, but it didn’t work out to shake her father’s position. You saved the girl—you’ll have to deal with her…