Greetings from the Other Side

— Come on, I’m not talking about that. You’re kind of a detective. And I… well, my sister-in-law’s got something like that going on recently… “Well, a week of rest at ‘New Wave’ has started,” I thought. With a new case, dear Tanya, with a new secret. The thought ran through me for a moment like a line on a teleprinter: “Let’s go step by step. What happened there?” Konstantin shook his blond head, and I thought that a serious expression—plus, of course, not so short a haircut “three days out of prison”—fit him perfectly. Wouldn’t it be great if he was always like that: not asking stupid questions and without an overly pressing masculine presence.

— So, about that…

Not knowing where to begin, Kostya looked at me inquisitively, as if wanting to know whether I could handle his rather delicate matter. A cigarette smoldered in his hand. Taking a long, satisfying drag, Kostya began his rambling story, noticeably nervous, like an offended child—only very strong and brave.

— I have a sister named Albena. Well, actually her name is Alla, by her husband’s surname Semenova, but for show she calls herself Albena. Two months ago, Max—my husband, that is—went on a trip with his friend to the Volga to go fishing. And he didn’t come back… Together with his Arif…