Roman, with a concentrated look, quickly typed something on the keyboard. “I think I found something. The FSB has an online form for citizens’ requests. Of course, there is no question of anonymity here, but at least something. Or we can try to contact them personally. There is an address here , but it will be a bit far to get there, and you probably don’t need it.
- Let's start with online submission of information. - Alexander suggested, turning away from the window. - It will be safer, and for sure, they are unlikely to check anonymously. We can arrange a meeting later if they don't respond.
Roman nodded and got to work, while Alexander continued to watch the game on the street, feeling how the accumulated tension was gradually fading away. Now he was ready for the new chapter of his life that he had worked so hard to achieve.
After Roman sent some of the information to the FSB, Alexander and Roman returned to their experiments with soul power. Roman, still full of ideas, suggested trying to endow their souls with elementary properties.
- Let’s do it like in Avatar, not the one about blue men, but about the elements. Oh, exactly. I always forget about your amnesia. In general, listen...
Roman suggested starting with fire. He remembered yoga breathing techniques and suggested using them to control the flow of energy.
- Let's try rhythmic breathing to heat the energy in the lungs, and then release it in the form of fire. - he said.
- So, we already did this, trying to freeze water in a glass. - Alexander objected.
- Yes, that’s the point, what if it’s just not our internal element. Some kind of natural affiliation? What if you and I are so lively because the spirit of Fire is torturing us?!
- Well, okay, let it soar. Let's try.
They both closed their eyes, concentrating on taking deep breaths in and out. Each breath filled them with warmth, and when they exhaled, they tried to imagine how the energy of the soul bursts out, taking the form of a flame. But when they opened their eyes, at best there was only a flicker of warm light in front of them, but no fire.
“We should be able to group water molecules,” Roman suggested, looking at the vase of flowers. - Let's create a water vortex. Well, like, let’s transfer the power of the soul into the water, forcing it to work and move.
- Well, we already know that we can manipulate objects, although not for long...
- Listen, you won't please. Let's try different approaches!
They decided to try to cause the water in the vase to move, using their energy as a catalyst. Concentrating the energy in their hands, they slowly moved them around the vase, imagining how the forces of the soul create a current in the water. The water rippled slightly, but this had little practical use, and they abandoned the idea.
- Okay, let's try the ground. - Roman took a handful of soil from a pot with a plant. - We can try to make the earth pliable, to control it.
They both placed their hands on the floor and tried to direct the energy down into the depths of the earth to cause a vibration or even a small earthquake. They visualized the energy spreading under their fingers, but the ground remained motionless, and soon they only felt fatigue in their hands.
- Yes, it would certainly be interesting to create earthquakes, but I was thinking about an unexpected attack from underground, like a spear bursting out from below under an unsuspecting enemy.
- Listen, the idea is not bad, but, alas, the earth does not give in. - Roman sighed sadly.
- Okay, what are your next ideas?
- What if we could control the air around us? - Roman’s gaze was full of hope. They both raised their hands up, imagining how the forces of the soul gathered air currents around them.
They focused on feeling the air between their fingers, growing and moving according to their will. Surprisingly, Alexander thought there was something in this. The sensations of the ephemerality of the air and the strength of the soul were close. They imagined how spiritual energy became the wind blowing on their faces. How they manipulate the air as well as the power of the soul. With a sharp push of the palm, a small wind arose in the house, scattering things in its path.
- Interesting…
- Damn, I didn’t succeed. Let's practice some more? If you can do it, so can I!
Alexander, still feeling the wind in his fingers from his last attempts to manipulate the elements, when Roman stepped aside, looking at the screen of his phone in bewilderment. It vibrated. After a short pause, he accepted the call.
- Yes, hello... Yes, Roman Belov. I’m listening to you... - Alexander heard the beginning of the conversation. Roman's tone was cautious but polite. As the conversation continued, his eyebrows rose in surprise. Alexander could only hear a one-sided dialogue, but Roman’s tone and pauses suggested that the topic of the conversation was serious.
- Yes, that’s right, at this address... Of course, I understand, safety comes first... Yes, Alexander Stepnov will be with me. How soon can you be here?... Got it, we'll be waiting. - Roman ended the conversation and put the phone on the table.
Turning to Alexander, he seemed slightly agitated.
- Your data aroused interest. - he said. - They sent a task force to discuss the information and further actions. They'll be here within the hour.
Alexander nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and tension.
“It’s good that they reacted so quickly.” - he said. - But we must be ready. We don’t know who exactly will come and what their intentions are.
Roman looked out the window.
- We have an hour. Maybe we should prepare for their arrival? Can make a copy of all data... In case something goes wrong.
-Yes. - Alexander agreed.
They exchanged glances of determination and began to prepare for the upcoming meeting. There was a tense atmosphere of anticipation in their home as the clock slowly counted down until the arrival of unknown guests.
As the clock hands converged, marking the approach of the appointed time, Roman was clearly working on his old laptop, diligently transferring the latest files to an external hard drive. He quickly scanned the list of files, making sure all the data was saved. After that, with the press of a couple of keys, the last traces of Internet searches disappeared.
“It wasn’t enough for them to know where I go in my free time.” - he muttered under his breath.
Alexander, in turn, went out into the backyard. He quickly looked around, making sure no one was watching his actions, and carefully disguised the gun under the old, dilapidated barn.
- It's better to play it safe. - he thought, returning to the house.
As soon as everything was ready, they both took positions at the window, from which the entrance to the house was clearly visible. The silence in the room was filled with anxious anticipation, while both of their attention was riveted on the path leading to the gate.
And so, when the time came, a black car appeared behind the wooden boards of the gate and into their field of vision. The car, a black minivan, parked neatly outside the house and two men got out.
The first was tall, wearing a formal dark blue suit that gave him an official look. His hair was neatly styled and he wore black glasses that hid his eyes. There was confidence and professionalism in his gait.
The second man was shorter, wearing a light jacket over a turtleneck, which made him look less formal, but no less serious. His gaze was attentive, and he took in the surroundings with the gaze of an experienced agent who was accustomed to the unpredictability of his work.
They both walked slowly towards the house, exchanging brief phrases that sounded soft and inexpressive. Alexander and Roman exchanged glances, their bodies tense, preparing for a meeting that could change their destinies.
Alexander and Roman met the arriving agents at the entrance to the house, introducing themselves and shaking hands. They led the men into the living room, where there was a computer with information on. The agents looked through the files carefully, occasionally glancing at each other and taking notes.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
While reviewing the files, one of the FSB agents, a man in a dark blue suit, became distracted and turned to Alexander.
- Your last name is familiar to me... Are you not the same Alexander who worked with Major Markov? - he asked, giving his voice a neutral tone.
Alexander tensed, but nodded, choosing his words carefully.
- Yes, we worked together for some time.
The agent smiled.
- Yes, I remember, your work was excellent. There were so many arrests that week that it is inconceivable that a whole network of corruption could be hiding in our country. Support for organized crime groups and assistance in closing cases. It’s mind boggling... I hope that this cooperation will be just as productive and we will cleanse our region of this dirt.
The conversation continued, and Alexander, carefully watching the agents’ reactions, asked:
- Do you think that based on this information it will be possible to pin down Dusk?
- We will study all the materials. - the FSB agent answered, moving away from the monitor. - If the information is confirmed, this will give us a solid basis for further action. We will contact you. Also, we will have to remove the computer, but this is temporary. Here, sign the documents and we'll go.
After the agents thanked them for their help and warned them to stay in touch, they left, leaving Alexander and Roman.
- Well, they took the computer... Do you think they will really do something? - Roman asked when the sound of the car engine slowly died down.
- Hope. - Alexander sighed. - But we must be prepared for any outcome. The main thing is that the information is in safe hands.
Deciding that that was all, the guys continued their experiments, sometimes being distracted by food. Over time, they got better and better at working with the power of their souls. For a good job, four days passed.
Alexander was in Roman's small workshop, planning to repair an old radio that he found in the mountain of things left over from the previous owner of the house. His hands were busy as he carefully examined the insides of the device, trying to unravel the intricacies of wires and microcircuits.
The phone rang in the next room, and Roman, breaking the silence, answered the call. Alexander interrupted his work for a moment and went out to his friend, observing the expression on his face, which became more and more serious with every second of the conversation.
“Turn on the TV,” said Roman. - Second channel.
Alexander put down his tools and moved into the living room, where there was an old but functional TV. The young man clicked the remote control and the screen came to life, showing a live report. Roman came to this point, ending the conversation.
The screen showed a street cordoned off by police, surrounded by people in uniform. The reporter spoke with a tense face about a large-scale operation.
- This morning one of the largest operations against organized crime was carried out. - the reporter announced. - As a result, more than fifty people were detained, allegedly associated with the well-known Twilight criminal group. Investigators also detained police officers suspected of links to organized crime.
The camera cut to a shot of the suspects being detained, one by one, as they were led out of the building, handcuffs gleaming on their wrists. Many of them tried to hide their faces from the cameras, but in vain.
- At the moment, it is unknown whether the leader of the group, known under the nickname Twilight, was detained. - the reporter continued. - However, our sources report that all the accounts of the leader of the Saratov organized crime group were frozen.
Roman turned off the TV and turned to Alexander.
- FSB officers said that Twilight disappeared from under their noses. They think he may have received information about the upcoming raid in advance.
Alexander felt the tension return.
“This means he is still at large and will likely be trying to regain his strength.” And the only place where he can be and which we know is the dacha where his sister lives... - he said quietly.
“We must be prepared...” replied Roman, his voice decisive. - If he was warned, perhaps our location is also known...
At that moment, the creaking of a floorboard was heard from the yard. Alexander and Roman exchanged glances full of bewilderment and tension when the door suddenly opened and the figure of Major Markov appeared in the opening. The man who killed Alexander stood with a pistol in his hands, a smile crossed his lips, but there was seriousness in his eyes.
- Good evening, gentlemen. - Markov nodded before throwing the handcuffs on the floor in front of them. - Please put them on. Behind your back, please.
His every movement was filled with authority and confidence, which the two friends could not help but feel. Synchronously, they raised their bracelets and obediently fastened them behind their backs, exchanging quick but helpless glances.
Major Markov stepped inside, listening to the click of metal as the cuffs locked around their wrists. He glanced around the room, making sure everything was under control, and calmly holstered the gun.
- Great, guys. - he said, approaching them. “You did a good job, but now it’s time for you to die.” Especially to you Alexander.
Alexander looked at the major with contempt.
- Whether last time or now, you want to kill me! Why? Why are you pestering me? Dusk is a criminal. How are you even connected to him?
Markov smiled, his gaze cold and calculating.
- How am I connected to him? Eh, Sasha, everything is a little more complicated than it seems. You really helped us with the Twilight, but you also became a bit of a... Problem. First of all, you know too much. And secondly, you still can’t die! You're confusing all my cards. By your grace, even from your ignorance, I almost died twice during this time. You've honestly got me sick!
Markov, without lowering his vigilance, slowly walked towards the kitchen, looking over his shoulder at Alexander and Roman, as if reminding them of their helpless position. With every step he took, the atmosphere in the room became more and more tense, so much so that it seemed like it could give an electric shock.
- You managed not only to survive, or rather to be resurrected, which is beyond the bounds of fantasy, but you also set the FSB against our business partner. This is, of course, good for us, but the fact that you have such information is strange. It seems to me that killing you again would be stupid on my part, since I am sure that you lied about amnesia. He probably has a couple of nasty things in store that will ruin my life even without your participation. - Markov stopped in the kitchen doorway and turned to Alexander. - You'll have to tell me everything. Show all your secrets, all your secrets.
Alexander felt like Markov's every word echoed in his mind.
- I already told you everything I know. I have nothing. No secrets, no past. - he said firmly, meeting the major’s gaze. - And Roman is not to blame for anything. Let him go.
- Let me go? - Markov grinned sarcastically. - You understand that I can’t do this. He's your accomplice, isn't he? Young, smart. After all, it was he who contacted the FSB. No, this shot also hides something, and I will find out everything!
Markov entered the kitchen and, already standing with his back to them, said:
- You know, I don't like torture. But sometimes... They help people remember things they didn't even know about. Oh, interesting, broken fingers. And with this I can squeeze your balls. Damn, what scope for torture in an ordinary kitchen.
Alexander and Roman sat on the floor with handcuffs behind their backs, feeling how with every word Markov said their chances for a favorable outcome of this meeting were fading before their eyes.
- Think carefully, Alexander. - Markov added, standing with his back turned. - Suddenly you remember something else that could help us. Believe me, I am a merciful person, an easy death is also possible.