In the Bodyguard's Arms

“Why are you baring your teeth, you bastard?!” Kamardos raised a hand with five spread fingers.

“How long?”

“The sixth minute is starting. You should pull over a little, or—if he hits—there won’t be much left.”

Kamardos reluctantly started the engine, moved off, and stopped about thirty meters from the front of the limousine.

“Well, where did you stop?” Sivyi looked at him dismissively.

“And what if he speeds off when he passes by us?”

Apparently realizing his mistake, Kamardos pressed his lips together, but didn’t move.

“We’ll wait here,” he said stubbornly, turning his powerful neck and looking into the side mirror.

“The main thing is that he manages to get into the car. Four hours, damn it, we’ve been standing guard!”

“There’s less than two minutes left,” Sivyi stuck his head out the window and began watching the arch.

“Well, where are you?” Kamardos got nervous.

“One minute,” Sivyi counted.

“Shut up, you damn—” Kamardos brusquely cut him off.

Sivyi leaned back and lit another cigarette.

“Maybe he decided to drink a cup of tea on the way—or something stronger,” he exhaled smoke through the window.

“Let’s go, twenty seconds left.”

“Well, go on then, you bitch—faster,” Kamardos almost pleaded.