“And how about Mr. Peter Urbenin? What happened to him?”
“They say that he died on his way to prison, but this is not known for sure, and how and why.”
“What do you mean by ‘and how and why’? An innocent person was suffering, and you are asking me ‘and how and why.’”
“What was I supposed to do—go to the police and make a confession? They would like to me to do this—but they are all stupid.”
“You are disgusting.”
“And I am disgusting to myself. Perhaps I should go.”
“And Count Korneev? Where is he?”
“He is my chauffeur and personal assistant now. Mr. Kazimir—his ex-wife took his estate from him, and became rich. Look outside, you can see him! Over there.”
I looked outside and saw a small figure with a curved back, dressed in a worn-out hat and a shabby overcoat of no particular color. It was difficult to see the protagonist of the drama in this old man.
“I found out that Urbenin’s son lives in the Andreev Hotel. I would like to make a set-up so that the Count could take some money from the son of Mr. Urbenin. Thus, he would be avenged. I really must say good-bye. Adieu!”
Kamyshev bowed his head and walked out the door. I stared at my desk, lost in thought.
I did not have enough air to breathe.
A NIGHT IN THE CEMETERY
AND OTHER STORIES OF CRIME AND SUSPENSE
Pegasus Books LLC
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New York, NY 10005
Translation copyright © 2008 by Peter Sekirin
First Pegasus Books edition August 2008
Interior design by Maria Fernandez
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ISBN: 978-1-6059-8059-1
ISBN: 978-1-6059-8661-6 (e-book)
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