.»
Holding the pillow and a blanket, he slowly returned to the living room.
She was asleep, curled on the couch like a homeless kitten under makeshift shelter. Remembering her neurotic awaking in the police car, Jeff carefully shoved the pillow under her head and covered her with the blanket.
After turning the overhead lights off, he lit a small lamp in the corner, then sat down in an armchair to watch his sleeping sweetheart. Jeff had already decided to wait for Oleg and talk to him.
His eyes searched the room. It looked so cozy and peaceful. Jeff sighed.
«I’m only a guest here,» he thought, upset.
His radio transmitter hissed to life, and he answered.
«Jeff?» He heard the voice of his superior. «Where are you? I need you here.»
«I’m…» Jeff did not know what to say. «I’m busy right now. Is it an emergency?»
After a pause, the chief asked, very calmly, «Are you with that lady?»
«No!» Jeff replied angrily, feeling ashamed. «I’m on my way.» He hung up.
Glancing for the last time at Vera, he turned off the light and left the apartment.
* * * * *
Of course, Oleg went to Lana. Her bodyguard, Tom, already knew Oleg and allowed his entry without question.
«My sweetheart,» Oleg uttered, kneeling in front of a smiling Lana. «Today is a special day. In Russia…»
«I know,» she interrupted him. «Ruslan already greeted me this morning.»
Oleg lowered his eyes. He was afraid his hatred would be too clear.
He glanced around and seeing three pink carnations in a vase on her coffee table, he understood. He barely restrained himself.
Without additional words, Oleg gave Lana a box. The girl opened it and gasped with delight. It was a golden necklace, a chain with her name, hearts, and number eights made with rubies. It was a very expensive, exclusive item, and knowing the price of jewels, Lana could only shook her head. «You shouldn’t have done this. You’re crazy.»
«I am crazy,» he whispered with an erotic voice. «I’m crazy about you, my goddess. If you would like, I’ll tear my heart from my chest just to decorate your necklace.»
«Oh, Oleg.» Lana kissed him, and putting on the chain, she went to the mirror to look at it.
She did not know that, for Oleg, this jewelry cost only postage. A businessman from India working in Moscow made this necklace by order of Oleg’s men, as a protection racket payment.
Suddenly Lana heard a sound as if something very massive fell. Even the floor shook. She spun around. Her bodyguard, Tom, dashed into the salon and Lana saw her housekeeper looking from her room.
Oleg was lying on the floor, and got up with a confused smile.