Vyacheslav Igorevich was driving home to his country mansion after a tough day at work. He was quite pleased with himself, humming a simple tune and enjoying life. Everything was going more than well. The important negotiations went as well as they could have, and soon there was to be a merger of two huge corporations into one, promising additional profit. Outside the window was a true Russian winter: a heavy blizzard had started, everything around was whirling and blowing, beautiful firs were covered with snow, everything around was white as can be, visibility was zero. Fortunately, his powerful SUV was handling the ice and snow drifts well, and it was warm and pleasant inside the cabin.
Vyacheslav was a successful businessman, had a wife named Ksenia whom he loved dearly and sincerely. They had met when they were still students. Vyacheslav studied at the economics faculty, and Ksenia was studying to be a designer. The guy fell in love with her immediately: a slim, blue-eyed blonde with a cute, doll-like face reminiscent of Barbie. Unlike Vyacheslav, who came from a wealthy family, Ksenia was raised by her aunt, her biological parents having died too early. Therefore, the girl was quite modest, well-mannered, and not spoiled. A passionate romance ensued between them, and then they got married. They moved to a country mansion. Ksenia dreamed of a career as a designer, she liked doing complex projects. She had already been accepted for an internship at a prestigious company in the capital, with very promising prospects ahead. But soon, unexpectedly, the wife became pregnant. She was expecting triplets, a pleasant surprise that the man still couldn’t get over! Vyacheslav was very happy about the news, but Ksenia was shocked to the core. After all, she had mentally already seen herself as a famous designer, and now this! The husband was very worried about her health and well-being, the pregnancy was difficult, doctors claimed that a cesarean section would be necessary. Ksenia’s mood was now weepy, she was not ready to become a mother of three so soon and forget about her career. Therefore, the husband, worried, dialed the number of his beloved:
“Hello, my sunshine. How are you? How’s your health? I’m already on my way home. I’ll be there soon. Should I buy some treats? What does my girl want?”
Ksenia answered irritably:
“I’m out of strength, I can neither sleep nor walk properly. My legs are swollen, the babies push all day long. I wish I could give birth sooner. I feel like a clumsy cow! I can’t even see my own feet because of my huge belly. Come home faster, I’m waiting for you.”
“Okay, love, I’m close! Love you!”
Vyacheslav hung up the phone, when suddenly he noticed a small figure on the side of the road, looking more like a small snowdrift. He thought: “Seems like a person? Or am I seeing things, can’t tell? Would someone really go out in such a blizzard?” The man instinctively braked and decided to check his guess. Shivering from the strong wind, he got out of the warm cabin and looked around. Indeed, an old woman, chilled to the bone, was shuffling from foot to foot on the roadside, selling homemade pickles. Seeing the respectable businessman, she chattered:
“Young man, buy at least a couple of jars of cucumbers. Very tasty, crunchy, I canned them myself. You won’t regret it. I really need the money. I’m freezing to death here, no business in such weather. And I can’t carry them home, I have no strength.”
Vyacheslav suddenly felt so sorry for this granny, almost to tears. Life is such, some count millions, while others have to sell cucumbers in a blizzard. Apparently, she was really tight on money. He silently put her jars in the trunk, all of them wholesale, and nodded to her:
“Get in, I’ll give you a ride. Otherwise, you’ll freeze to death here. What a time to trade. You might get completely snowed in. Can’t see a thing.”
The old woman was so frozen that she did not argue or resist, she just wanted to warm up a bit. She quickly climbed into the warm and cozy cabin, and sighed blissfully:
“Thank you, kind man. You didn’t let me freeze. My name is Maria Zakharovna. You can just call me Grandma Manya. I live nearby, in a house on the outskirts. So, you’ll take the pickles? There’s also sauerkraut and homemade adjika.”
Vyacheslav smiled and handed her the money without counting:
“Will this be enough? Listen, Maria Zakharovna, I have an offer for you. Would you like to work as a cook for me? I live in a country mansion. My wife is pregnant with triplets, ninth month. It’s hard for her, poor thing, to manage everything. And I’m always away from home. You, I see, are a woman who knows how to cook. I’ll pay you well. Well, what do you say?”
The old lady was very pleased:
“I’d be happy to, why not help? I cook well, you’ll be satisfied. I’ll make such borscht, you’ll lick your fingers. And I really need the money now. My son got into trouble, needs help. Who else will help, if not a mother?”
They arrived home, Ksenia, waddling like a duck, joyfully rushed to hug her husband. Then she noticed the old woman and asked surprised:
“Darling, do we have guests? Who is this?”
Vyacheslav introduced the old lady:
“Meet, dear. This is Maria Zakharovna, you can call her Grandma Manya. She’ll work as a cook for us for now. Will help you with everything. I see how hard it is for you, with such a belly. And I’m not always around. And you rest more, everything will be easier.”
Ksenia frowned. For some reason, she didn’t like the old woman, too much like a witch from a fairy tale. And she irritably replied:
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. You know how I dislike strangers in the house. The woman herself is already of advanced age. How will she manage everything? You could have found someone younger!”
She snorted and went to her room, patting her huge belly, dissatisfied with her husband’s decision. The old woman hesitated at the threshold, not knowing what to do now, whether to leave or stay. Vyacheslav cheered her up:
“Don’t take offense at Ksenia. She’s already due, always on edge. Just do your job. Everything will be fine. And I’ll be more at ease. Settle in the far room. Meet the maid, Anya, and the chauffeur, Vasily. They are good people, simple, also of age, you’ll get along. I somehow don’t trust these young flibbertigibbets that the agency sends for the role of maids, or cooks. They only seem to want to snatch something for themselves. I always choose reliable, tested people. Take Vasily, for example, he worked all his life in the police. Clearly, such a person wouldn’t think of doing something bad or slack off on the job. If you quickly whip up dinner, I’ll be grateful. Don’t want to stand at the stove. And Ksenia, probably, has been surviving on pizza alone.”
The old woman washed her hands, put on an apron, and expertly set to work. About forty minutes later, she called the family to dinner. On the table was steaming delicious potatoes with meat, the tastiest cheese pancakes, and berry compote. She opened her signature spicy pickles for tasting.
Vyacheslav was gobbling the food, and Ksenia also enjoyed the cucumbers with pleasure. These were exactly what she wanted during her pregnancy. Everyone was satisfied, and Maria Zakharovna stayed to work in the Markov family. Although the old lady carried out all assignments conscientiously, everything in her skilled hands went smoothly, Ksenia still disliked her. She eyed this somewhat strange, reticent old woman and pursed her lips. But she didn’t want to contradict her husband, as it was the rule in their family that his decisions were not disputed. The woman hoped that after giving birth, this unpleasant person would no longer be in their home.
One day, an incident occurred. The chauffeur, Vasily, had a severe back spasm. The man was just fiddling under the hood when a hellish, unbearable pain pierced his entire body. He literally couldn’t straighten up. Barely limping to the house, he came in to take a day off. As working and driving were simply unthinkable. It was early morning, the family was having breakfast. Vyacheslav was about to go to negotiations. When the chauffeur apologized and reported the problem, the businessman was upset, as Ksenia was supposed to go for her last scheduled ultrasound before childbirth today. And he couldn’t possibly miss the important meeting, as the entire board of directors would be there. And then such a force majeure happened.
Grandma Manya, seeing the poor bent-over chauffeur, took off her apron, wiped her hands, and approached him, instructing him to lift his shirt. He was quite surprised but complied. The old lady ran her hands along his lower back and muttered something under her breath. Then she asked:
“Do you feel warmth? Well, how is it? It should let up now!”
The chauffeur cautiously and warily straightened up, he was stunned, but there was no pain, it had literally evaporated. The man thanked the cook:
“Indeed, it doesn’t hurt! Thank you, Maria Zakharovna. How did you do it? Incredible! Just ten minutes ago, I simply couldn’t straighten up! It hurt so much. You’re simply a magician!”
The old woman just waved her hand:
“Let it be, what magician. I’m a local healer. I know herbs. I can heal people with my hands. Where I got it from, I myself don’t know. You have sciatica. Buy an ointment made from cedar cones in the pharmacy, very effective. I only save myself with it, and try not to catch cold.”
Vyacheslav and Ksenia just gaped, watching this scene. But the old lady quickly returned to the kitchen and went about her usual business, indicating that she didn’t want to continue this topic. Ksenia whispered to her husband:
“And I told you, she’s a witch! Look what she’s up to! I don’t like her!”
Vyacheslav just smiled:
“And why are you so worked up about her? Dear old lady. She helped a person, didn’t make it worse? So what’s there to blame her for? Don’t wind yourself up, get ready to go to the doctor.” He got up from the table, and shouted to the old lady:
“Maria Zakharovna, thank you for the breakfast. The omelet is simply wonderful, beyond praise. May I ask you to prepare something dietetic for Ksenia for dinner, at your discretion, and healthy?”
A month flew by quickly. Ksenia was due any day to go to the maternity hospital, preparing for the scheduled operation. Everything had already been arranged, Vyacheslav even rented a separate paid room and made arrangements with an excellent obstetrician-gynecologist. The man was very anxious for everything to go perfectly. Vyacheslav didn’t even entertain the thought that something bad could happen to his beloved wife or the babies. Therefore, he prepared thoroughly. But life made its adjustments to the businessman’s plans. Ksenia also packed everything for the maternity hospital and was on standby. Tomorrow morning, she was supposed to be admitted to the hospital.
But suddenly, in the middle of the night, a wild scream from the woman alarmed everyone! Ksenia’s labor started early, strong contractions and her water broke! Vyacheslav immediately called an ambulance, although he realized that in such weather and on such roads, it would not reach them soon! He was also afraid to try to take Ksenia to the maternity hospital himself, simply not having enough time! The woman was simply delirious, she screamed in a voice not her own and rolled around on the bed, all pale, sweat pouring down her forehead and back, the nightgown all wet!
The man was in wild panic, and ran to Maria Zakharovna, he simply didn’t know who else to turn to! The old lady was already awake and dressed. She listened to the master and immediately briskly rushed to their bedroom. Seeing the screaming, half-mad Ksenia, she sternly said:
“You won’t make it. The labor is in full swing. So, prepare boiled warm water, a bucket, a basin, clean sheets, alcohol. I’ll help as best I can, but it won’t be easy. Triplets, after all. Bring everything here, and you guys leave, you’re of little use anyway. You’ll faint any moment, looking at this.”
Ksenia, seeing the unpleasant cook, screamed even louder:
“Don’t come near me! I’ll wait for the ambulance! I don’t trust you! You’ll still kill my children! Oh, mommies! It hurts so much! Ouch-ouch!”
And the laboring woman again started screaming and rolling on the bed, curled up from the excruciating pain that pierced her entire body.
The granny didn’t react at all to her angry words, sat next to her, took her hand, and started whispering some prayers, then asked:
“Well, how is it? Is the pain less? Should be easier now?”
Ksenia indeed came to her senses a bit, the pain let up for a while. She looked differently at this strange old woman. Let her be a witch, let her be unpleasant, the main thing was that she helped.
Maria Zakharovna quietly and calmly, as if nothing had happened, continued:
“You, girl, don’t scream in vain, don’t waste your strength. You’ll need them soon. Women have been giving birth for ages, you’re not the first, you’re not the last. We’ll manage together, and then the ambulance will arrive. Doctors will help. When a new contraction starts, hold my hand tightly, and I’ll help you. God willing, everything will be fine. Well, is it starting? Let’s do as we agreed? Breathe, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, and now push, come on! Push, my good girl! Help your babies, it’s not easy for them either! And one! And two! There, I already see the baby’s head!”
Vyacheslav was guzzling cognac straight from the bottle, not knowing how else to calm his panic, and just listened fearfully as his wife sometimes screamed, and then suddenly heard a baby’s cry! He wasn’t mistaken! A child was crying! Then another, and another! Then the ambulance signaled at the gate, and the terrified man breathed a sigh of relief and ran to open it. When the paramedics entered the couple’s bedroom, they were simply amazed! The laboring woman was breathing heavily and coming to her senses, on the bed lay three twins in swaddles. The paramedic was amazed, reviewing the medical chart of the laboring woman:
“It’s just fantastic! Incredible! You were supposed to have surgery! Umbilical cord entanglement in one girl and a foot presentation in one of the boys! Plus a narrow pelvis! How, for goodness’ sake, did you manage to give birth on your own, and everything done so professionally! All the babies are alive and healthy! And this with such rapid labor! Who delivered the babies?”
The embarrassed old lady quietly replied:
“I did. I’m a healer, Maria Zakharovna. It was a difficult case, I admit, I was afraid I wouldn’t manage! The baby, with the entanglement, didn’t cry right away, turned all blue, I even spanked him on the bottom and prayed. I was so scared. Thank God, everything worked out!”
Ksenia was crying with happiness and thanking Maria Zakharovna:
“Thank you, darling! I didn’t believe, disliked you! Forgive me! You should open your own clinic! If it weren’t for you, I don’t even know what would have happened to me and the children! Scary to even imagine! I’ll name the daughter after you, Masha! Now I owe you! I won’t let you go anywhere! Work as long as you want! I thought I was going to die on this bed. I’ve never experienced such excruciating pain in my life.”
Ksenia was taken to the maternity hospital with the children by ambulance, Vyacheslav was told to come to her tomorrow. The man sincerely hugged the old lady, and chattered with tears in his eyes:
“Thank you for everything, our savior! What do you want, I’ll do it for you! I was completely desperate and panicked when Ksyusha started giving birth. I don’t understand these matters at all. It’s heartbreaking to see my beloved in such a state, and I can’t do anything. Scary to think what could have ended, if you hadn’t been in our house! God must have sent you to me, there, on the road! You said something bad happened with your son? And you need money to help him? Will you tell me what happened? I’ll definitely help, however I can.”
The old lady sighed heavily and began her story:
“Well, alright, so be it. My husband, Sergey Petrovich Karyakin, worked all his life as a PE teacher at the local school. We lived like everyone else, not wanting for anything. We didn’t have kids for a long time. My husband was busy with kids at school, I helped people, healed them. But then finally I miraculously got pregnant when we had already stopped waiting. We raised our son, Maxim. He’s a good boy, kind, responds to other people’s troubles. When our son was finishing university, three years ago, my husband suddenly passed away. Just like that, came home from work, sat in the chair, groaned, and died! His heart stopped. How I grieved, words can’t describe. We lived soul to soul, like a needle with thread. Where he went, I went. My son supported me a lot during this tough time, if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have crawled out of that hole. Maxim got a good job at a warehouse, at a decent company, the name was something like, ah yes, ‘Potential.’ I was so happy for him. But two months ago, he didn’t come home, that had never happened before. I was beside myself, then he called and said only a few words: ‘Mom, I’m in detention. I was framed. I need five million rubles to get out of here. Help! Know that I didn’t steal anything and I’m not guilty of anything.’ And that’s it. I don’t know anything else. What happened? How did this happen? I only know one thing. My son is not a thief, he would never take someone else’s. I believe him. That’s why I’m collecting money, penny by penny. I know the amount is huge. But who else will help him? I thought about selling the house, I placed an ad, but so far there aren’t many takers. The house is modest, and it’s in a village. And time is running out. They might put my son in prison for nothing!”
Vyacheslav shook his head and said:
“Yes, these are grim matters indeed. The amount is truly enormous. Even for me. I can’t just take that much money out of circulation. But I’ll try to figure everything out, investigate, and help. Especially since I knew your husband well. Sergey Petrovich was a golden man. And a teacher with a capital ‘T.’ I had a terrible stutter in my childhood. My mother took me to all sorts of doctors and psychologists to no avail. I was skinny, had a bunch of complexes. Many teased and mocked me, calling me ‘the weak stutterer.’ But your husband managed to reach me. Sergey Petrovich once saw how boys were beating me in the hallway, and I was covering up with my hands, crying, and not even trying to fight back. Then he scolded the bullies, dispersed them, and invited me to his gym. The words he told me then stuck in my memory for life: ‘Remember, Slavik, that you were born a boy. And that means you are a man. We men also feel pain and fear, but we must never show weakness or let it show. You must always fight and go all the way. Why have you resigned yourself and not tried to fight back? You can’t do that. You will grow up and must be able to protect your bride, children, family. You won’t just cover up with your hands and cry like now, right? To learn this, you must believe very strongly in yourself. Every morning, get up with the thought that you can do everything! I agree to stay after lessons for free and work with you. Trust me, you can become strong, brave. And easily handle your offenders. But you must want it yourself. Understand? I believe in you. And you believe too!’
He convinced me that I wasn’t a wimp and persuaded me to try martial arts. At first, I didn’t believe that anything would come of it. It was hard, nothing worked. I was tired, my fists bled, my muscles ached terribly. But Sergey Petrovich was always there, supporting, encouraging me. And you know what? I really gradually grew stronger and became a confident guy. And over time, the stuttering went away. Now I wasn’t afraid of my classmates, I knew I could stand up for myself and for my bride if needed. Just like that, without a single pill, Sergey Petrovich cured me. I still haven’t forgotten him and am immensely grateful to him. So don’t worry, I’ll deal with your son’s problems and try to help.
A week later, Kseniya was discharged home with three little ones. It was simply impossible for her to keep track of Misha, Masha, and Vladik alone. As soon as one quieted down, another would start, and so on in a circle. While she was dressing all three of them for a walk, she was already drenched in sweat. Vyacheslav hired a nanny so his wife wouldn’t go insane, and together, they took turns caring for the infants. After childbirth, Kseniya changed a lot. Now she looked at her sleeping kids with tenderness and affection, no longer being whimsical or nervous. She tried to devote all her time and energy to the little ones. She turned out to be an excellent and caring mother, forgetting about her career as a designer for a while, completely immersing herself in motherhood. Grandma Manya also helped her mistress as best she could, took over the kitchen and the entire house with maid Anichka. When the kids had stomach aches, she brewed dill water to make them feel better and did massages. She made special bags with lavender and eucalyptus, which they hung in the cribs. Thus, the kids slept better and were not sick. Kseniya now fully trusted the old woman, and often ran to her for advice.
And Vyacheslav, as he promised, began to collect the necessary sum, and at the same time began to find out what really happened in the “Potential” firm, and why Maxim Karyakin ended up behind bars. He decided to involve his longtime acquaintance from school, investigator Kostya Lavrov, who agreed to help Maxim and unofficially dig into this dark case.
And here is what he found out a couple of weeks later. It turns out the “Potential” firm emerged as if from nowhere, owned by a young wealthy newcomer. The young and early. The owner’s name was Marat, he was a dark horse, and it was unknown in business circles where and how he had managed to amass a fortune at such a young age. Officially, the company dealt with the manufacturing and sale of office equipment, and Maxim was in charge of the warehouse. So, one day, a huge batch of goods disappeared from the warehouse, as if it evaporated. The owner simply did not bother to investigate and pinned the entire amount on Maxim, since he was the materially responsible person. Therefore, the blame was on him. The case was stitched with white threads, there were no real proofs against the guy. But the case was led by a thoroughly corrupt investigator, Ivantsov. Everyone knows that he is a master at either destroying a case for money and letting a person go or, conversely, locking them up for nothing. So, the guy was marinating in detention, being blackmailed with money by his elderly mother.
Vyacheslav was shocked, he stroked his chin, and said to his friend:
“You know what, Kostya, I can’t just leave it like this! We need to help the guy! He has no one but his old mother. So, he’s supposed to rot in prison for nothing? This is some kind of lawlessness. It’s not like the nineties anymore to be dealing with such matters. I’ll take a dictaphone, and meet with these bandits who demand the money. I’ll say that I found the necessary sum, and arrange a meeting. And I’ll find out the truth from them and record it on the dictaphone. Then can you pin them down if there’s a recording with a confession?”
Kostya waved his hands:
“Slava, what are you doing? Decided to play detective? Who is this guy to you? Yes, it’s a pity for him, but don’t get involved. Such people are involved that it definitely won’t end well! I don’t have any free staff right now, everyone’s busy. You know, it’s a dog’s work, on your feet all day. Tons of tasks. Let’s wait, I’ll arrange everything, we’ll develop a special operation, and then.”
Vyacheslav just waved his hand:
“Alright, friend, thank you for your help! I’ll think about it. Well, bye then!”
But he had firmly decided: “Can’t delay! Time is passing, and the guy is suffering for nothing! Need to find out the whole truth. And punish the criminals. He promised to help Maria Zakharovna. She wasn’t afraid, took the risk of giving birth at her mistress’s house and saved the children! And could have responded that she didn’t know how.
The man said nothing to anyone about it neither at home, to not upset his wife, nor at his work. And started preparing. He stocked up on a dictaphone and a small bug at a specialized store. The recording obtained from eavesdropping was output to a special system. Such equipment was quite expensive. Then he found out how to meet Marat, the owner of that mysterious “Potential” firm, and arranged a meeting with him. At the appointed time, Vyacheslav entered Marat’s office, where two burly bouncers stood nearby, looking more like huge wardrobes. The owner of the “Potential” firm, lounging in his chair, said reluctantly:
“Good day. Who are you and what do I owe?”
Vyacheslav replied:
“I’m a businessman, Vyacheslav Igorevich Rastorguev. I want to help Maxim Karyakin and get the guy out of detention. I’ve found the sum you’re asking for. But first, I want to know why he’s sitting there? I’m sure Maxim is innocent!”
Marat burst into laughter, exchanged glances with the bros, and replied:
“And what business is it of yours? Found a defender! Well, since you’re so interested, not five million, but seven you’ll owe now! You’re not short of money anyway, you won’t get poorer. Since your buddy’s sitting in detention, he’s guilty. Bring the money the day after tomorrow, at the same time here. Then Maxim will be released. I’ll arrange it. If not, let him rot in prison.”
Vyacheslav was stunned by such impudence:
“Are you out of your mind! Such money, and where are the guarantees that Maxim will even get out? Why should I believe you?”
Marat said evilly:
“None. Only my word. Don’t like the terms, then leave. That’s it, the reception is over. Goodbye.”
Vyacheslav recorded all this on the dictaphone, and secretly attached a bug to the back of the table. The recording of the conversation also remained in the memory of the dictaphone. The man left and sat in the car. He was literally shaking with anger and audacity of this scoundrel. It felt like this skinny guy fancied himself the owner of the city! Vyacheslav set up the purchased equipment, and then heard the most important thing:
“Man, we’re just ridiculously lucky! I didn’t know what to do with this fool. His mom isn’t stirring, and they can’t keep him for long for nothing. And here’s such luck. I found out this businessman has income oh-oh-oh! Not seven, but all ten million is just dust for him! Let him shell out. Good profit. And sold the equipment at a profitable price, pinned everything on this idiot, and will get just as much on top of it! Need to quickly find a new sucker for this position. And pull the same thing again. The scheme is too profitable!”
Vyacheslav rubbed his hands, smiling:
“That’s it, Maratik, you’ve blabbed! Now you’re finished!”
The excited businessman called his friend Kostya:
“Hello! I have great news. I managed to catch the scoundrel Marat red-handed. I’ll hide the dictaphone with the recording of the entire conversation in a bank locker, just telling you, number two hundred forty. And I’ll pin down the bastard myself! You’ll help me, right? I don’t like this impudent fellow, and his goons are tough.”
Kostya jumped up and shouted:
“Why did you get involved in all this? Slava, you were always stubborn in school to the impossible, and you still are! I’m on a business trip, will be back in a week. Don’t do anything without me! I’m asking you. Or you’ll mess things up! Alright, I got you, will catch up! I’ll come back, we’ll organize the capture of the scoundrels, don’t worry.”
But Vyacheslav could no longer be stopped. Encouraged by such success, he couldn’t resist and the next day hurried to assure Maria Zakharovna:
“I’ve figured everything out. Your son is really innocent. They just framed him. Sold all the equipment on the black market, and pinned the disappearance on your son. I’ll deal with the bandits soon and Maxim will be free!”
The old lady smiled:
“Thank you, Vyacheslav Igorevich, just be careful, since these scoundrels weren’t afraid to so boldly slander a person, they are capable of anything! Maybe it’s better to report it to the police? I’m scared for you.”
Kseniya heard a snippet of their conversation and started begging her husband not to get involved in anything:
“Slavik, I beg you, don’t get involved! For me and the kids! I beg you! I’m afraid for you!”
Her husband hugged Kseniya, and replied:
“There’s nothing to worry about, everything will be fine. I’m just helping an innocent man get out. That’s all! You shouldn’t be nervous at all, or the milk will go bad. Let’s go, I’ll kiss my sweethearts before I leave.”
Vyacheslav watched as his treasures amusingly wrinkled and waved their hands, inhaled the scent of childhood, and tenderly kissed all three and waved to them.
Having resolved the main issues in his holding, the businessman called Marat:
“Well, you’ve jumped too far! I have a recording of your confession in my hands, you just framed Maxim! So, I’m giving you three days. Either you release the guy nicely, or I’ll put the recording to use! Your time is ticking!”
The man hung up and contentedly rubbed his hands:
“Well, scoundrel, you’ll have to release Maxim, you simply have no other choice!”
Everything turned out to be much simpler than he had imagined. Vyacheslav was in excellent spirits all day. He had no doubt that Marat would chicken out and agree to his terms. After work, the man stopped at a children’s store, bought new rattles for his kids, then fresh beautiful roses for Kseniya, and drove home, anticipating what delicious thing Grandma Manya had cooked for dinner. He was terribly hungry.
It was already ten o’clock in the evening, and Vyacheslav had still not returned home! This had never happened before! Kseniya was frazzled, hung up the phone, but it was also turned off! She, like a tigress, paced back and forth in the bedroom, unable to concentrate on anything.
Then she couldn’t stand it, went downstairs, and asked the chauffeur Vasily:
“Vasenka, I beg you, drive around the area, go to my husband’s office, who knows, maybe something with the car on the road. I can’t, there’s a stone on my heart. I feel a disaster! Slavik has never been so late! Inside everything is churning. I can’t find my place.”
The chauffeur nodded and left, he himself had learned the master’s habits over many years and understood that most likely something really happened. Vyacheslav Igorevich could not have been detained so long without informing his loved ones. And just fifteen minutes later, a flustered Vasily ran into the house and yelled like a cut:
“Kseniya Anatolyevna! Quick, come here! Disaster has struck us! I found the master! Near the house. The car is open, and he, poor thing, with his head bashed in! Blood everywhere! I didn’t even understand from the fright whether he’s alive or not! Shaking all over. I got scared, called an ambulance, the police, and to you! Quick! Let’s go there!”
The woman shrieked piercingly, and in her indoor slippers and robe, she rushed outside. A terrible commotion ensued. An ambulance arrived, Vyacheslav was alive but unconscious, his skull was fractured with something heavy. No documents were found on him, no money either! The businessman was taken to the ICU. The police questioned all the neighbors and family members for a long time. The old lady cried and repeated like a broken record:
“It’s all my fault! Everything because of me! He took on helping my son get out of prison. They framed the guy. And he himself suffered! Oh, I can’t be forgiven! Find these scoundrels, I beg you!”
The police replied:
“Don’t worry, we’ll figure everything out. But this looks more like ordinary robbers. They hit him on the head, took the money, valuables, and documents. Such crimes, unfortunately, are not rare. It doesn’t look like an attempt at a contract killing. We’ve recorded your statements. Thank you. We’ll check everything.”
Vyacheslav underwent a complex surgery, but unfortunately, he never regained consciousness and fell into a coma! Kseniya turned black with grief! She couldn’t imagine how she would live alone with three twins without her Slavik! The woman cried day and night, and only then did she realize that Slavik had been literally everything in her life! The whole family depended on him! Without him, everything was collapsing like a house of cards. She didn’t want to live, caring for the babies only irritated her, she wanted to fall asleep and never wake up. Kseniya was very angry at Maria Zakharovna and yelled at her in her heart:
“It’s all because of you! If Slavik hadn’t gotten involved in your bad business, he would be alive and well now! You deprived me of a husband, and three children of a father! Are you satisfied? Leave immediately! I can’t see you! What did I deserve all this for? How will I raise twins alone?”
And the woman sobbed, shaking her frail shoulders. Maria Zakharovna understood, Kseniya was right in everything, and there was nothing to cover up, so she apologized, gathered her simple belongings, and went home. The very next day, she was up at dawn, at the ICU ward, and begged to be let in to the sick man:
“Young lady, dear, please let me in. I’m a local healer. I heal with hands and prayer. Vyacheslav Igorevich did so much good for me, and he suffered because of me. Let me at least try to get him back on his feet? Well, it won’t get worse just because I sit next to him, will it?”
The nurse at first resisted for a long time:
“God, woman. What are you talking about? What kind of healer are you? Yes, he’s between life and death, the countdown is on days. What can you help with? And in general, this is an ICU, not a thoroughfare! I’ll be the first to get kicked out if I let you in!”
But the granny didn’t give up and begged to be let in, even for a short time. She promised to sit quietly, and if anything, she would say that she sneaked into the ward on her own.
And the nurse took pity, let the old woman in while the doctors weren’t looking. Every goddamn day, Maria Zakharovna came to Vyacheslav like to work. She held his hand and fervently prayed about something, crossed herself, and cried, waving her hands over him. She raised her hands to the sky and asked for something up there. As if someone was listening. The staff laughed at her:
“Look at the lunatic! She might as well have brought a drum, like a shaman! His readings are almost like a dead man’s, how he’s even still alive is unclear! No chances! Another day or two, and it’s all over! And she’s waving her hands! Blessed, what can you take from her!”
But a week later, Vyacheslav gradually began to feel better, the life support indicators stabilized and became consistent, and during one of such healing sessions by Maria Zakharovna, he unexpectedly regained consciousness! In fact, all this time, he had been between heaven and earth. It wasn’t painful, nor scary, he saw himself from the outside, his body. And Maria Zakharovna, who was conjuring over him! He clearly heard her voice every day: “My darling, my little one, come back to earth! Your wife is grieving, the kids are crying. You are needed by the family! They are bad without you! It’s not your turn yet to go to heaven. Lord, merciful, help, do not leave in a difficult moment!”
And so day after day. And today he suddenly finally felt himself in his body again. He felt a terrible headache, all his bones were stiff, and he wanted to move at least a little. The man made an incredible effort, and tried to open his eyes as if they were sealed with tape. The unusually bright light literally blinded the man, and he began to blink frequently, a tear ran down his cheek. He tried to say thank you to the old lady, for she had saved him again, brought him back to earth, but only unclear hoarse sounds escaped his throat! A commotion ensued, doctors rushed in, a consultation was held. Tired from the strain and healing session, the old lady went out into the corridor and leaned back on the couch. Grandma Manya felt exhausted, worn out, but very satisfied. Everything worked out. It wasn’t in vain. With her last strength, she called Kseniya:
“Kseniya Anatolyevna, it’s me, your cook. Vyacheslav has come to himself. I did everything I could. I won’t interfere in your life anymore. Once again, forgive me for everything.”
And she hung up. Then she gathered herself and went home by train.
Kseniya immediately rushed to the hospital with the nanny and kids. She hugged and kissed Slavik, and thanked the doctors:
“Lord! Thank you! I’ve cried all my tears! My dear, what happiness that you’ve woken up.”
The chief doctor coughed and replied:
“Actually, you should thank one strange old lady. She conducted some kind of rituals and prayed every day. And during one of these sessions, your husband woke up. We all laughed at her, considering her a weirdo, but she performed a miracle. Because all your husband’s indicators were on the brink, and he had no chances of surviving.”
Kseniya felt ashamed, she ran out into the corridor, but there was no one there. Then she repented to her husband:
“I’m so guilty before Grandma Manya, Slavik. I’m so ashamed. When they found you with a fractured skull, I went mad. I said nasty things to Maria Zakharovna. I thought it all happened because of her! Oh, how I yelled at that poor woman, blamed her for everything, and kicked her out of the house. But you know, I regretted it a hundred times. It turned out, Grandma Manya is an irreplaceable person! Without her, the house just felt orphaned. I’m ready to apologize to her personally and say thank you. You know my fiery temperament, I act first, think later.”
Vyacheslav didn’t scold his wife, on the contrary, he hugged her tightly and whispered:
“Don’t worry. I’ll get stronger, and I’ll sort everything out! We’ll bring back Grandma Manya, and I’ll still help her son. Now it’s a matter of honor! Can you imagine how terrifying it is to end up in prison for nothing and understand that absolutely no one can help you and it’s the end?”
And the man dialed Kostya’s number:
“Hello, buddy! Well, how’s my case going? I survived despite the grim doctors’ predictions. These bastards ambushed me when I was already driving home, and hit me on the head from behind. They simulated a robbery, took the money and documents, and thinking they had killed me, left me. Thanks to my wife, she raised the alarm and started looking for me! I’m ready to give any statements, but we need to punish the scoundrels!”
Kostya was glad for his friend:
“Slava, I’m very glad that you’ve recovered. But I asked you to wait just a week! No, you’re restless, dived right into the thick of events! Don’t worry. I took your recording from the locker, the scoundrels are already in prison. They released Maxim today. All charges against him have been dropped. And if your statements are added to all this, then Marat’s lawyers won’t be able to help him! He’ll be locked up far and long, for sure!”
Vyacheslav exhaled and told Kseniya:
“Maxim was released today, so it wasn’t in vain! All that’s left is to bring back the irreplaceable Grandma Manya! Well, where are my little bunnies? Bring them here! I’ve missed them so much!”
The nanny brought the little ones, and Vyacheslav hugged each one individually and all together, he couldn’t hold back tears. They, in response, babbled and smiled! Kseniya couldn’t hold back and also burst into tears:
“My dear! Good man! My own! You know, during these terrible days, I thought about everything! And I realized one thing! How much I love you! I don’t need a career, nothing, just you and our children! And I’ll no longer yell at you, or anyone else!”
Vyacheslav stroked her head, and whispered:
“Don’t promise. Just try. I’m not perfect either. But I’m glad you realized it yourself! It’s important. I love you. I love you all. Now I know for sure what is most important in life! And it’s not money at all!”
And the couple hugged tightly, crying tears of happiness.
And Maria Zakharovna, standing near the window at home, also cried, listening to Kseniya’s voice, and looking at her little house. After all, now she didn’t have to worry about her son! He was free! Her mistress had called and apologized profusely for her harsh words. Maria Zakharovna, of course, forgave her, how could she not forgive a child? She was grateful to God that everything ended well. And maybe one day, she would return to her beloved Kseniya Anatolyevna, her children, and Vyacheslav Igorevich. For now, she needed rest. She looked up at the sky and whispered:
“Thank you, Lord! Thank you for saving my son! And for bringing back my master!