Olga looked around, her eyes rested on Murkin, and she stared at him in astonishment.
"He has a wife and three children", warned I.
Murkin got red: "How do you know?"
I and Rogov exchanged glances and burst out laughing.
The door of the office burst open, a policeman with lieutenant's straps stormed into. "A skirmish at Moscow Avenue! Several people killed.' shouted he.
Murkin cursed and rushed to his safe. We left the office and went out.
When Olga sat in the car Rogov drew me aside and said: "Your idea about Smirnov's reluctance to leave for America proved true. I found out that he first rejected the offer and then suddenly agreed to accept it. As for his ex wife and the daughter. Seven years ago Vera Krotova and her daughter Glalina Krotova moved to Novoyarsk where Krotova's parents lived. In a year and a half Vera died; a thirteen-year-old Galina was supported by her grandparents. At the age of eighteen she married and assumed her husband's name – Filinova. Here is all information about them". He gave me a disk.
"I'm sure the murderer can be found at the University. I included also personal data about two suspects: Vladimir Timkin, Smornov's postgraduate, and Elza Goldberg, Vice President of the State University", added he. "And what happened to you head?"
I told him about the attack and my suspicions concerning Voronin.
"Tomorrow I'll take care of him myself", promised Rogov.
I thanked him and we parted.
6. The Murder Solved
In the morning using data on Rogov's disk I made appointments with Vladimir Timkin and Elza Goldberg who both worked at the State University.
The spacious lobby of the University was decorated with the large portrait of deceased professor with a crepe band in the corner. The inscription under the portrait informed that the funeral was to take place the next day at 1 p.m.
I went upstairs to the second floor where Dr. Goldberg's office was located. The secretary, a pretty looking girl, announced to her boss my arrival and I was admitted to the office without delay.
I introduced myself, explained honestly that I defended Olga's interests and recounted the same story about her sufferings from Smirnov's rudeness and disregard of her.
After listening to me Dr. Goldberg nodded her head:
"Nobody can overestimate Dr. Smirnov's scientific achievements. He was a good scientist who greatly contributed to the field. But he was also well known for his intolerance and rough manners. I am sure his murder can be accounted for by these features of his disposition".
"And you also suffered from his bad manners, didn't you?"
"Yes, he rudely insulted me in public at the meeting of the Scientific Board. I just suggested reducing support of his projects so that to finance other scientists".
"To tell the truth, Dr. Goldberg, I would have also been offended if somebody had attempted to reduce my financial support".
"But you don't have contracts with overseas firms. It was common knowledge Smirnov earned lots of money, dozens of thousands dollars. One hundred thousand rubles was a trifling sum for him and substantial support for any other researcher. And my responsibility is to promote research at this University. I understand he got offended but that doesn't justify him. I was preparing to bring an action against him".
"Thank you, Dr. Goldberg", said I. "I know Dr. Smirnov had a conflict with Vladimir Timkin. Where can I find him?"
"He works at Computational Engineering Laboratory. My secretary, Lina Frolova, will tell you how to find it".
I said goodbye and went out. The pretty girl secretary told that CEL was in the fourth floor. As I was talking to her I had a sense of deja-vu: it seemed to me I already saw her somewhere.
Timkin, a strong handsome fellow, explained: "Smirnov had done good work in Computer Science and began considering himself a genius. He decided to take up the problem of Brownian motion. He stated that particles' movements were subject to definite laws rather than being chaotic and he could discover the laws. I tried to persuade him to give up the idea because we must work at the orders from American firms not lose profitable contracts. He didn't want to hear anything and even charged at me!
"Really? And who won?"
Timkin didn't answer anything but flexed his muscles.
I nodded and asked: "Haven't we met before?"
"I am sure, we have not".
I took my leave and went downstairs. As I was approaching the entrance doors I cast another glance at Smirnov's portrait and stopped in my tracks. The solution of the crime dawned upon me. Separate facts (scenes at Ruchko's flat, Zilberman's statement, Smirnov's portrait) pieced together. I immediately phoned Rogov and asked him to make several inquiries.
"Judging by your questions you have found the murderer", said he.
"Yes, I have, if you get positive responses".
"And if they are positive what shall we do?"
"How much time will you need to get the information?"
"I think I'll get it by the end of the day".
"If the result is positive you should invite all of them to your office tomorrow at 10 a.m., before the funeral".
"No problem".
"Hope to see you tomorrow", said I and disconnected.
Now it was necessary to speak to Olga and I went to my place where she decided to stay until her flat is done after the robbery. Besides, as she said, she was afraid of staying there alone.
When I arrived Olga was cooking lunch. She was fond of housework and was always in need of taking care of a man.
"How are things, my super-puper-sleuth?" greeted she me ironically. She was in good mood; all troubles of the previous day vanished into thin air.
"I'd like you to answer some questions".
"Fie! Another interrogation. How trivial!" she curled her lip. "And I thought you had already found the murderer".
"Not yet. Everything depends on your answers".
"If so I'll answer all you questions. But first sit at table and help yourself to my risotto".
That was her favorite dish and it always tasted delicious. I suppressed desire to taste not only the dish but the cook as well since Olga looked very attractive in a dressing gown and without a bra.
"The first question", said I sitting at table and eating risotto. "What was stolen from your flat?"
"Jewelry and money. Fortunately, the sum was small, because Smirnov used to keep the money on his bank account. And I put on the most expensive jewelry before leaving for our rendezvous".
"And what about papers, documents?"
"Hard to say. In the flat everything was turned upside down, and on the floor were scattered with numerous papers. But passports, diplomas were not taken".
"Now, get concentrated and try to remember all about motives for Smirnov's divorce".
Olga became thoughtful. "The divorce was scandalous, and Nick never dilated upon it. Once he told that his ex was afraid of him. She was sure he had a paramour and they planned to get rid of her. She even brought a complaint to police about him stating he wanted to poison her. Smirnov had to go to police to justify himself".