Grigory Borzenko Classmates from Connagh Quay From the series “Detective from Flint”

Grigory Borzenko
Classmates from Connagh Quay
From the series “Detective from Flint”

Episode one
Harry Day was leisurely sipping coffee and watching a broadcast of a football match involving Everton, for which he had been a fan since childhood, when a familiar melody could be heard uncontrollably. Someone was ringing the doorbell. The owner of the apartment was not expecting anyone, so he hurried into the hallway with the thought, who did the difficult one bring, looking at the night.
The sight of people in police uniforms was a complete surprise to him.
Dey had recently led a calm and secluded life, he sincerely believed that he had no enemies, he had nothing and no one to fear. That's why he didn't even look through the peephole before opening the door.
The events that began to happen further became all the more unexpected for him. However, here it would be more appropriate to use the word not “occur,” but “rapidly develop.” For the confused Harry, even this second definition would have seemed too soft to him. After all, he suddenly plunged literally into a whirlwind, a whirlpool of events. Less than a minute ago he was peacefully sipping coffee, and now something unimaginable began to happen. It seemed to him that this was not happening to him. That he was dreaming all this. Dexterous and strong cops, with skillful movements, twisted his hands for writing off and snapped handcuffs on his wrists. They brought some charges against him and showed him a search warrant. He was seated on the sofa, and he, guarded by policemen standing nearby, watched with dumbfounded eyes as strangers rummaged through his things.
Harry didn't believe what was happening. He loved order and took special care in cleaning the apartment. Everything was always tidy with him, every thing was in its place, everything was quiet and orderly. And now these strangers are not just rummaging through things, but doing it so carelessly that every now and then he wanted to rush towards them shouting: “Be careful! These things need to be handled with care!” But he saw the cops guarding him, and he understood that as soon as he made a move, four strong arms would immediately hold him in place.
- Chief! It seems that I have found something that will be very, very interesting for us! - The voice of one of those who conducted the search was heard.
The policeman stood by the closet, holding Harry's jacket in one hand and his bulging wallet in the other. It was clear that he had just taken it out of his jacket pocket
“I remember,” the policeman continued, approaching the table, “that among Paul Ogden’s missing things was his wallet.” The victim's wife stated in a statement that the crocodile skin wallet had her husband's initials on it. Here they are, my dears! Look!
And with these words, the cop lowered a wallet with colorful letters “P” and “O” onto the tabletop.
Harry wanted to scream at the top of his lungs: “This is not mine! I don't know how this thing ended up in my jacket pocket! I have nothing to do with it!” But he knew very well that all this baby talk would be absolutely useless. He had watched films and read detective stories more than once, where there were similar scenes. No matter how much the poor fellow shouted “This is a misunderstanding!”, no one ever listened to him. There was only one answer, but indispensable for all situations: “We’ll figure it out!” Now we’ll go to the police station and sort it out there!”
Dey had no doubt that now the same fate would befall him. He will now take off his soft slippers, put on his shoes, get dressed and go to where his life will radically change from that moment on. Something had to be done! Definitely do it! But what?!
Three policemen approached the table and began to lay out the contents and lay them out on the tabletop. Cash, credit card.
- And here is a driver’s license in the name of Mr. Paul Ogden... - The voice of one of the policemen was heard. - Everything fits...
The TV continued to work at this time. Although the sound in it sounded very, very quiet. At that moment, Everton scored a goal. Harry caught himself thinking that this goal now interests him more than what was said a second earlier! But something very, very important was said! Supposedly confirming the guilt of the suspect. And, if it was clear to Harry that he had nothing to do with it, then the cops saw everything in a completely different light! The judges will look at this whole matter with the same eyes. If the case goes to court. And there will be no time for jokes. If at the end of the trial the judge announces a fatal verdict for Dey, then it will be impossible to object to anything later.
On the one hand, he was in a kind of prostration, not understanding what was happening now. On the other hand, his brain was working hard, trying to figure out: what to do?! It is clear that now, this very minute, he will not prove anything to anyone. You either need to come up with something incredible so that, like Baron Munchausen, you pull yourself out of the mess in which you find yourself. Or, realizing that it would be difficult for him to do this alone, find someone who could lend him a helping hand at such a difficult time for Dey.
And the fact that the time had now come for him was not just difficult, but catastrophically terrible, Harry began to understand this more and more clearly every minute. At first he didn’t understand what was happening. Now, with sobering clarity, I began to realize to myself that something terrible was happening, from which we needed to find a way out! While all this looks like a mess, he still hasn’t fully realized what charges the cops are bringing against him now and will bring in the future. But he understood that now a noose had begun to tighten around his neck, which, if nothing was done, could tighten completely and completely strangle him!
The search was completed. They started telling him something again, but he was thinking about his own things, as if he had not heard what they were saying to him.
- You have the right to a lawyer...
Perhaps the policeman wanted to tell Harry something else, to continue what he had started, but the words about the lawyer brought Dey back to reality!
- Yes! “Suddenly Dey blurted out loudly and decisively, as if waking up from a dream. “I want Mr. Jack Bradley to be my lawyer.” This is a private investigator from Flint. A town in North Wales.
At this time, the final whistle sounded in the match involving Everton. The celebrations began at Goodisne Park! The team from Liverpool in the last match of the season, thanks to a single goal and victory, retained their place in the English Premier League! The faces of the Leeds and Leicester spectators also flashed on the television screen. They were sad: their teams dropped to the Championship...
This contrast of emotions, shown in the body of the roll call between three cities, where some squealed with delight, while others sobbed with grief, aroused a range of feelings in our hero’s soul. He didn’t want to end this story, which had now so unexpectedly burst into his life, by crying like Leicester and Leeds fans. He wanted to get out of this mess and, in the end, rejoice. To rejoice at what “has passed”, just as his fellow Liverpool compatriots are now rejoicing.
But, if on the television screen he saw the denouement of the football intrigue, then for him, Harry Day, everything was just beginning...

Episode two
They say: you cannot enter the same river twice... Or: a shell does not fall into the same funnel twice... The fact is that these seemingly wise truths are not such at all, and in this sinful world everything can be repeated with amazing accuracy , Jack Bradley was now convinced...
Crossing the threshold of a dim prison cell, and plunging into the twilight that reigned there, he remembered how some time ago he had crossed the threshold of a similar cell in the same way. The only difference is that then it happened in Chester, and now in Liverpool. But the result was the same: both then and now now, he saw the same person sitting on a prison bunk. Harry Day...
The difference was also that then the prisoner met Jack as an enemy. Or rather, he had no intention of meeting him at all! Then he continued to sit silently on the bunk and glare at the uninvited guest with an incredulous gaze. Not understanding why he stuck around.
Now everything was happening exactly the opposite! Harry was waiting for this visit, and longed for it, and was sincerely glad to see the visitor! He rose to meet the guest, firmly shook his hand, and sincerely thanked him for responding to his request and coming here.
They both sat down. Both were gloomy. Both understood what was happening and why they were here. There was, of course, no reason for joyful greetings. They sat down. The tension was so great that both were silent for several seconds before starting a conversation.
“Usually,” Jack began, “at the very beginning of the conversation I ask my clients to speak slowly, concentrate, and try not to forget to tell anything.” Mention even the little things. Which can then play a very important role in the matter. I don’t think it’s worth reminding you of this. You yourself understand that the more you tell me, the more complete information I will have. And the more I know, the more different options I can think of in my mind in order to somehow help you. You helped me at one time, and now I will try to respond in kind. It is clear that I do not guarantee anything yet. But I will definitely try to do everything I can. Believe me! I'm hearing you.
Dey sighed heavily and began:
- We are all sinners in this world... But I would never in my life stoop to the gravest of sins: murder. Alas, this is exactly what I am now accused of. I understand that I was set up. I am also aware that the murderer, who wanted to avert suspicion from himself and shift the blame onto someone else, could have the idea of making another person the goat of the omission. But I am tormented by the question: why did he choose me for this?! What is this? Coincidence? Or did he deliberately do everything so that I, instead of him, would be here now? Within these walls!
Annoyance showed in the narrator's voice. One got the impression that he wanted to burst into abuse, but he restrained himself.
- There was a murder. A plastic card was found at the crime scene. This is a harmless savings card from the Tesco store. Everything would be fine, but when I ordered this card for myself via the Internet, I indicated my data. Your email, your home address. This card was delivered to my home in an envelope in due time. Back then, even in my wildest dreams, I could not imagine what fatal role she would play in my life...
The narrator sadly shook his head and immediately continued.
- Personally, I find myself smiling ironically when thieves and murderers leave some important, incriminating things at the crime scene. And sometimes even personal documents. Agree that this looks implausible and even childishly naive. The criminal almost leaves a note at the scene of the crime, where he writes in black and white that it was he, so-and-so, living at such-and-such an address, who committed this crime! Come to my address and arrest me! This is nonsense! But that's what the police do...
Harry smiled sadly.
- I understand that the police have the right to do this. But, as for me, the cops should understand that this “evidence” was clearly planted! They should concentrate all their efforts not on seeking the truth during interrogations from a clearly innocent person, but on finding the real criminal!!!
Day clenched his fist, as if he wanted to hit it out of frustration, but he quickly pulled himself together again and continued.
- This is where we come to the main thing. Who did it? Who stole this card from me and planted it at the crime scene? Who could have taken it from me in the closet where I usually keep it. And I take it only when I grab my bags and go shopping. And who gave me the purse of the murdered man?! This cunning man definitely and definitely managed to secretly visit my house twice. The first time was when he was looking for some document of mine that he could plant at the scene of the planned crime. And then, having committed it, and taking with him his victim’s purse, he again quietly entered my apartment and planted it in my closet. Of course, the cops found it during the search... But I didn’t even know about it... I didn’t even realize that it was lying on the far shelf, under the clothes...
Harry looked thoughtful, as if wondering what to do next. Although it was not difficult to guess that this is exactly what he had been doing lately, being in this sad place for him.
“That’s why I asked for your help, Mr. Bradley, so that you could find this scoundrel.” What I need now is not so much a lawyer who would creak his pen and make some speeches in my defense, but rather someone who could do a specific job and find the real killer. I understand that the police may also be looking for him. But I don’t really believe that they will do this zealously and selflessly. They already have a suspect. They can calmly, without much effort, bring the case to court, where they will present everything in such a way that this, gentlemen of the judge, is a murderer! In front of you! All the evidence is against him! All you have to do is pass a fair and cruel sentence on this scoundrel! And I, Mr. Bradley, may end up committing a crime that I did not commit! I didn't! Believe me! I say this sincerely!
The narrator fell silent again for a long time. It would be a good time for Jack to ask him a question, but Bradley always and everywhere preferred to follow the example of his idol Ned Baxter. Give the interlocutor the opportunity to speak out completely, listen to everything that he planned to say, and only when the person puts an end to his story, only then ask him additional questions. Now Jack saw that Harry Day had not said everything he planned to talk about, and therefore patiently waited for the continuation of his story.
That's exactly what happened. After a pause and a little reflection, Dey, as if nothing had happened, as if there had never been this pause, continued his story.
- In order to facilitate your search, I would like to tell you about one of my tricks, which may lead you to the criminal. I came up with this trick a long time ago. When I was young, I studied music and organized a rehearsal facility for musicians. I rented a room, covered it with sound-absorbing material, bought sound reinforcement equipment, amplifiers, speakers, guitar combos, and a drum kit. This was very convenient for musicians of youth, youth and even teenage rock bands. Everything is! They just came with their guitars, connected to the equipment and played! Everyone was happy! Everyone thanked me. Later I also organized rock concerts and festivals for them. It was great for them! They idolized me, I was almost a legendary figure for them...
Harry smiled sadly, sighed heavily, and immediately continued.
“One day I walked into the rehearsal room and saw that the window had been broken in, the amplifiers and amps were gone...” Dey shook his head sadly. – Before calling the police, I called all the musicians, all the groups that rehearsed with me. And this is what I told them all. I say, anticipating that theft might happen, all this time, at the end of each day, before closing the base for the night, I left small pocket mirrors and other trinkets that at first glance looked harmless on amplifiers and other valuables. Thieves, if they come and begin to take away the stolen goods, before the son-in-law puts an amplifier or guitar amp under his arm, they will take the mirror lying on them, put it aside, and disappear with the stolen things. It would never even occur to them that they left their fingerprints on the surfaces of these pieces of glass!
The narrator looked slyly at his listener.
“I told them all about this, adding that I had no choice but to report to the police the names and contacts of all the musicians who entered the rep base where the theft took place. I explained to them that they should not be offended, but the police will take fingerprints from all the musicians who came to my rehearsals... And what would you think?! At night, someone rings my doorbell once, and then, after a long pause. I ask: “Who’s there?” There was silence in response... I didn’t open it. And in the morning I open the front door of the apartment, and I see that all the stolen things are on the floor in front of it...
Harry Day smiled.
- Later, the youth of my city will create a kind of legend about how all the musicians gathered and began to be indignant that Harry Day was doing so much good for us musicians. And we also rob him! That if the thieves do not return the stolen goods, then they themselves will find the scoundrels and “do the dark on them.” That is, the scoundrels will be punished. I don’t know... Perhaps that was the case too. But as for me, the whole point is not the awakened conscience of the thief. And the fact is that they realized that fingerprints would incriminate him. They simply had no choice but to get out of harm’s way and immediately return the stolen goods...
Harry rubbed his chin and continued in a more cheerful voice:
“I liked that incident so much that I continue to do something similar in my apartment now.” I always have mirrors in places where I store documents or savings. It may sound naive and even stupid, but this strangeness of mine can now help me a second time... Now I will say the main thing...
The narrator's voice began to sound louder. He now tried to pronounce the words more clearly, as if thereby emphasizing their importance.
- When I put the mirrors in their usual places, I don’t just take them by the sides so as not to leave my fingerprints on the surface, but I always leave them in a strictly defined place and specific position! Recently, when I came home, I noticed that one mirror was lying to the side of where they always lay! There was no doubt about it! I remembered that long-ago case of amplifier theft, when the thief simply put aside the mirror that was in his way, without thinking about what role it played. I'm sure it was the same now! I live alone! No one but me could put this mirror aside! Then I immediately realized that there was someone in my house!
There was excitement in the narrator's voice.
- Anticipating something was wrong, I carefully put this mirror in a plastic bag and left it on one of the shelves. In its place I put another mirror. I examined the doors and windows. Nothing was broken, no traces. Perhaps the attacker used a master key. I didn’t pay attention then, but now I understand that the mirror was put away in the exact place where, among the documents and other things, there was a Tesco roller... I didn’t even notice then that it was missing. I focused my attention on the documents, fearing that something was missing... But they were all there...
Harry rubbed his chin, deciding what to do next.
- I will now tell you in detail, Mr. Bradley, where, on which shelf, this mirror is located. And he saw that the cops didn’t pay attention to him during the search. Take it. Take his fingerprints. Perhaps this criminal's fingerprints are stored in police databases. I hope that you, as a detective, albeit a private one, have access to this data. If we can identify this type, then... That will be great! This is the main thing I wanted to tell you about. These prints, and this person, will be like the first step towards solving this amazing mystery! I can’t call her anything else...
The narrator fell silent, looking confidently at the listener, but immediately caught himself.
- Oh yes! I forgot to say! It is important! How do you get into my apartment? It's simple. The fact is that my neighbor on the right also lives alone and alone. You could say we are kindred spirits. I left a duplicate key to my apartment with him. Well, you never know... Just in case... I’m telling you what if something happens to me, so you can look after my apartment. So here it is. I'll write a note to my neighbor now. You will go with her to him. It's here in Liverpool. 12 Gros Avenue. Do you have paper and pencil? At the same time, I’ll draw a plan of the room and a shelf where I hid that mirror...
- Yes, sure! I can’t do my work without a notepad and a pen! Here, take it!
Jack handed Harry a notepad and a pen.
He wrote and drew for a long time, while explaining the details of what was hidden behind this information.
- Well, here... That seems to be all I wanted to tell. Now, as they say, the cards are in your hands...
Day fell silent, looking questioningly at Bradley. He realized that his time had come. That the narrator has said everything. Now the time has come not to listen, but to speak.
- Thank you, Mr. Day. - Jack started. - All clear. So far everything is clear. It is very correct that you have given me a thread that can lead me to the final solution to this mystery. But let's not dismiss other paths that can lead to our intended goal. Yes, it is possible that an attacker secretly entered your apartment using a master key. But let’s not forget that practice, which cannot be ignored, suggests that often the victim suspects anyone, but not his friends and relatives. And in the end, it is among them that this notorious Mr. X refuses. Therefore, I ask you very much! Don't deny everything at once! Think! Even if you have a narrow circle of people who entered your home, still indicate them. This may make your search easier! Do not hurry! Here's a notepad and pen! Write down everyone who visits your home. If someone came under the guise of a plumber, plumber, social services worker, etc., write about that too. And indicate the date when this happened.
Day, taking the notepad from Jack's hands, sadly shook his head.
- No locksmiths or other strangers have come to me for a long time. And my circle of friends is really very, very limited. I told you that I lead a reclusive lifestyle. But someone actually visits me sometimes. Even if it's rare. Now I will write everything.
Watching how long and diligently Harry thinks, remembers something or someone, and then carefully writes everything down in a notebook, Jack remembered what criminal case first brought him together with this man. Then Bradley was internally glad that, after a series of boring and ordinary affairs, he, thanks to Dey, took up a truly interesting business related to an expensive ring. That diamond was so attractive to Jack back then! He wanted to unravel the case just as much as Ned Baxter had once been fascinated by the story of the “Cursed Diamond.”
Now Bradley understood that this man, who was now diligently writing something in a notebook, could give him, Jack, a new, real, exciting business! Not “everyday life”, not spying on someone’s unfaithful wife or other little things. We're talking about murder here! This is already serious! There is also a setup here! That the crime will come with additional meanness and cynicism.
Now Jack began to understand that from now on he will not feel peace until he unwinds this mysterious ball...

Episode three
- Come in, Mister Goodman! Have a seat! The secretary reported to me that you personally want to offer our company some interesting proposal. Sounds really tempting. I can only listen to what you have to say.
- Thank you, Mr. Taft! Thank you - The guest said, sitting down more comfortably on the chair. – And not only will I tell you, but I will also show you! How do you like this little thing?!
And with these words, he took a cigarette case out of his pocket and handed it to the owner of the office. He purely instinctively took the thing offered to him, began turning it over in his hands and carefully unraveling it.
- I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the item is completely unique. Usually all antique things, including cigarette cases, were decorated with an incredible number of all kinds of drawings, bas-reliefs, and so on engraved on them. On the walls of all the cigarette cases that I saw were all kinds of coats of arms, lion heads with their lush manes, and other decorations. Here the walls of the cigarette case are perfectly clean! Not a single drawing, initials, not a single dot or scratch! The walls are almost polished, shining in the salt lick like a mirror! Agree that this makes this rarity even more impressive!
The owner of the office listened attentively to the guest, continuing to twirl the object given to him in his hands, admiring it.
“The thing is really interesting,” he finally answered. “But I can’t understand why you’re showing it to me?”
- What do you mean why? – The guest radiated sincere surprise with his whole appearance. – This is a sample of what I could supply to your company. I have been dealing with antiques for a long time. I can obtain and provide you with many such rarities.
Taft raised his eyebrows. Now it was his turn to show his surprise.
- Allow me! What does my company have to do with antiques?! Why did you decide that we would be interested in this?
It was as if the two were playing a child's game, showing each other which of them would show a higher degree of surprise. Now it was the guest’s turn to make his eyes even bigger in surprise.
- So this is not what I decided... It was suggested to me... That your company has extremely many forms of activity. That man... I don’t even remember who advised me... So he advised me to turn to you. He says maybe they also deal in antiques. And, you know, I'm obsessed with this! I'm crazy about antiques! From such wonderful things! I'm ready to do them day and night! It brings me pleasure!
- Sorry, Mr. Goodman, but your offer, contrary to your promises, was not tempting for me. It didn't interest me. I can't imagine what to do with all this. Sorry.
And with these words, the owner of the office handed the cigarette case back to the guest. He hurriedly took it, put it in his pocket, and stood up, suppressing awkwardness.
- Excuse me... - Sincere confusion was visible on his face. - It turns out that I disturbed you in vain, took away your time. Please forgive me, for God's sake! I just became a victim of a misconception... Sorry...
With these words, the extremely embarrassed visitor left the office.

Episode four
Dr. Oliver Raleigh rubbed his chin, his temples, and pressed his fingers to his lips. And he was silent. It was completely clear that he was not just lost in thought, but was tormented by thoughts. From the expression on his face it was clear that contradictions were tormenting him, that the notorious “for” and “against” were struggling within him. He made a decision.
Jack Bradley, sitting in the doctor's office, also remained silent. He understood that his proposal was unusual, that the doctor needed to be given time to make a decision. But he also understood that sometimes silence plays to the detriment of the cause. That for the benefit of this very matter, it is often more useful not to remain silent, but to give timely advice to the doubter. Push him to make the decision you need. And it would be stupid not to use such tricks to achieve the final result. That's why Jack allowed himself to continue the conversation.
- I understand that you, doctors, have the Hippocratic Oath and other rules that you must follow. I understand everything and have nothing against it. But I don’t interfere in the patient’s treatment process. I don’t recommend giving him any unnecessary pills or anything like that. Treat your patient as you see fit. I'm just suggesting the following. I repeat. You call your patient, Jones Taft, supposedly for a thorough examination, where you need to completely examine his body. He takes off all his clothes in one room, and comes into the second to examine you. Either in just shorts, or stripped to the waist. This is exactly what I did more than once when I underwent fluorography. First, he undressed, exposed the hummock, and left his clothes in a special room. Then I went into a room with a regency unit, they took an X-ray of my chest, and recorded all my data. And only then did I return to the previous room and get dressed again. This is approximately the time I need to have the opportunity to inspect his clothes secretly from this gentleman. Just his clothes!
- All this is understandable, Mr. Bradley. But... Well, you yourself understand...
- Of course I understand! But you also understand that I am a private detective, and what kind of cases I have to deal with. I could come up with something to deceive you. But I told you everything honestly. I ask one thing: to give me time to examine this man's clothes. You must understand: I never do anything to ensure that evil triumphs! Vice versa! All my work is to ensure that justice is done! So that goodness may triumph! Help me with this!
It was clear that the doctor still had doubts, but at the same time it did not escape Jack’s attention that he was on the verge of agreeing. It was necessary, as they say, to “finish off” the doubter. Convince him completely. Which is what Jack did.
- I don’t want to speculate on this... But still... Please remember how we met. You and your family, who lived in Liverpool, and I, a private detective, from the small town of Flint, which is located in North Wales. Then it’s not me who came to you, but you and your father who came to me. They said that they had heard about my reputation as a detective who solves almost every case he takes on. I was investigating your case then. Then I helped you. Help me now too...
It was clear from the doctor's face that he had already given up. But he still remained silent. Jack realized that a “control shot” was needed. He did so, saying quietly:
“I remember how at the end, when everything was resolved successfully, and your father, immensely rejoicing that I had saved his good name, had solved a case that even the police could not solve, in a fit of emotion he wanted to kneel before me. He tried to kiss my hands... I could barely restrain him... He often repeated that, out of gratitude, in the future he could help me with everything I turned to him with... To me and turning...
- Enough! – Oliver Raleigh answered sharply. - You're right. I really, really value my reputation. But... In memory of my father, and in gratitude for the fact that then you did something truly incredible for our family, I will do it! I will agree with the patient on the date and time of his visit to me, and I will inform you. Of course, you must come to me earlier. About an hour or half an hour before his visit.

Episode five
Harry Day looked at Jack Bradley with hopeful eyes. He understood that only Bradley could be his salvation now. Only he can find a way out of this monstrous impasse in which he finds himself.
It is clear that Harry himself did not sit idly by during this time, while he was waiting for Jack’s visit. However, no. The author clearly used words here that are not entirely appropriate for this situation. All Harry did now was sit! Exactly, he was sitting! He was sitting in a pre-trial detention cell, where, apart from sitting and pacing this limited space, he had nothing else to do.
But then, when he was called in for interrogation, he tried to use this time and this opportunity to justify himself. He sincerely and selflessly, using all his eloquence and charm, tried to prove to the investigators that he had nothing to do with the murders of which he was accused. Harry couldn't understand why they didn't understand him! It's all so obvious! Well, Dey could not, in any way, be involved in that murder! I couldn’t and that’s it! What do these investigators want from him?! Why do they look at him from under frowned eyebrows with such distrust? Why don't they believe him?!
Harry saw that in the version of the official investigation he was running into a wall of indifference and misunderstanding. That’s why I expected that things would be completely different with Bradley! That’s why now, when Jack finally came to him, Day hoped that he came, if not with good, then with encouraging news.
They sat down and were silent for a while. Although everything was clear and without words. Harry showed with all his appearance that he was burning with impatience to hear something comforting from his guest, and Jack leafed through the pages of the notebook lying in front of him, collecting his thoughts. Finally, Bradley spoke.
“I am grateful to you, Harry, that on our first date you provided me with the largest and most useful amount of information.” Based on what I heard, it was easier for me to understand what I would do. And, of course, as I promised you, I immediately got down to business. Firstly. I took advantage of your note, took the key from your neighbor, examined your apartment, and, most importantly, took prints from the mirror you indicated. I left the mirror itself in place so that you may be able to use it in some way in your business. Well, for example, if you didn’t tell the police about him, you can tell him.
- I told you about him, Mr. Bradley! What do you have? Nothing succeeded?!
Jack smiled and shook his head reproachfully.
- There is a very important quality that not all people have. This is the ability to listen... - The narrator looked meaningfully at the listener and added. “First of all, I gave these prints to a person who specializes in this in our detective agency. I myself also spent a lot of time rummaging through police archives, where the fingerprints of criminals of all stripes and levels are stored. Alas, neither my efforts nor the searches of my colleague yielded any results...
Jack noticed how Harry took a deep breath and was about to burst into a storm of joy, but after hearing the last phrase, he exhaled in disappointment and went limp.
Jack shook his head again reproachfully.
- I understand, Mr. Day, that you have a hard time here. That you want to get out of here as quickly as possible. That’s why you perceive my story so emotionally. You hope that I will now say something that will allow you to leave with me right now, away from these walls that you hate. But miracles don't happen. Everything needs to be achieved gradually. The fact that you react so emotionally to my every phrase confuses me. Have you noticed how I listen to my clients? I can listen for almost hours without uttering a single word. And then, when they speak out completely, I emphasize, completely, I start asking questions. Let's do the same. When I tell everything, absolutely everything that I know about, then we can show emotions and discuss what we should do in the future.
- Yes, yes, Mr. Bradley! You're right! I'm listening to you! Sorry.
- So... Since among the criminals there were no owners of fingerprints from the mirror, I decided to check your friends. Those about whom you told me in more detail, and whose names and addresses you wrote down in the notebook. Here the circle of suspects was much smaller, but, contrary to this, there was, on the contrary, more hope for success. I assumed that the owner of these prints could be someone you knew who had visited you before. I noticed that during his first visit to your apartment, the attacker did not penetrate your other hiding places, where you also set traps, like a mirror. He only went to where the documents were! And this card is from Tesco. Perhaps, once upon a time, while seeing off your guest, you decided at the same time to go to the store and do some shopping. You opened the drawer in front of him, took out this plastic card, and he could notice the place where you had it.
The listener's face brightens. It was clear that, most likely, this had happened, and he wanted to say about it now. But, remembering the detective’s words, he decided to remain silent. He can always say what he remembered. Now the most important thing for Harry was not what he himself would say, but what he would hear from Jack.
- It was necessary to collect fingerprints from everyone who was on your list. It wasn't easy. I also involved the guys from our agency in this. But still, by hook or by crook, with the help of tricks and tricks, we did it. I gave all this data back to Matthew. Well, to the one who does our prints. He checked them against those on the mirror. AND…
Jack looked at Harry slyly.
- This is the first moment in my story where you, Mr. Day, can really sit, as they say, on pins and needles, waiting for my answer. After all, a lot, if not everything, depends on this! There really is some intrigue here!
Jack looked at Harry slyly again, as if he wanted to intrigue him even more. And he really sat as if on a red-hot frying pan.
- So I'll tell you what, Mr. Day. Some of the prints actually matched those on the mirror!
Harry clenched his fist. He turned white. The blood drained from his knuckles. But Dey was silent. He, intrigued, longed for the continuation of the story. And it followed.
- I understand that you want to hear this name as soon as possible. After all, we are talking about your friend. You know him for sure. But let me call him Mr. X for now. I repeat: for now! Of course, at the end of this conversation I will tell you all the names. So here it is. This fact, of course, is amazing in itself. But if I immediately ran to the police with him, this could not be a confirmation of anything for them. This is what I believe in you. But it’s not a fact that they would believe you either. Let's imagine... I repeat: let's imagine the situation. Having conceived a murder, you also came up with the story of the mirror. Ostensibly in his own defense. When meeting this person, you could simply give him this mirror to hold, and then tell the police that these are supposedly the prints of the criminal. But the police might consider that it was not someone who set you up, but that you yourself, with this invented story with a mirror and prints on it, want to set someone up. Understanding that these prints are only the first step, and you definitely need to come up with something else to make sure that there really is some kind of secret behind this person. So in order to follow this man, I came up with the following. Took the third step...
The narrator fell silent, took a breath, but immediately continued.
- At first I just kept surveillance on this man. But this took a lot of time and brought little results. I understood that I would not see the main secrets when I was chasing him on the street. The secrets are there, in the quiet of offices, rooms where he met with possible accomplices. There, in their personal conversations, something useful for our cause could be revealed. Of course, there was no way I could push through at these meetings. I could neither see nor hear anything that would throw any light on your case. And then I came up with this...
For some unknown reason, the narrator flipped through the pages of the notebook and then folded it in.
- I noticed that this Mr. X, although he was a young man, about the same age as you and me, but, apparently, imitating venerable businessmen or gangsters, liked to wear hats. He also had a favorite suit, in which he preferred to flaunt almost constantly. It was precisely in the hat and in the lapel of his jacket, as well as in another detail of his clothing, that I quietly installed, secretly from him, microscopic video cameras and microphones!
Jack closed the notebook and slapped the top of it with his palm.
- Yes! Although it was difficult for me, I'm glad I did it! Now I knew what this rogue was doing. I could tell you now about many of the machinations that his office pulls off, but that’s not what we’re talking about right now. We are interested in exactly the case that concerns you. This is where something very interesting was discovered...
Jack rubbed his chin, as if he was gathering his thoughts again, as if he was again deciding where to start, what to talk about first.
- It is clear that this rogue had many different conversations, which indicated that he was clearly not on friendly terms with the law. But this conversation attracted my special attention. Our hero went to Manchester, where he met a man whom he often called “chief” in his conversation. Let's call him Mister Igrek. I then dug into the biography of this man, and noticed that the law may also have many questions about the activities of this gentleman. As I understand it, it was he, Mr. Igrek, who founded the company in Liverpool, where he placed Mr. X in the director’s chair. This filthy office, like “Horns and Hooves”, was created by this Mister Ygrek, apparently, only for laundering dirty money. Mr. X could be satisfied with the role of director of this seedy office. But he wanted more... He decided to blackmail his boss...
Both looked into each other's eyes almost simultaneously. The listener quickly turned his gaze to the narrator, realizing that he might now say something important. And he, in turn, looked at his interlocutor for the same reason. As if he wanted to emphasize with this, they say, listen more carefully! Now I will talk about the main thing!
- During the last meeting in Manchester, this rogue spoke a lot, for a long time and meaninglessly. I immediately realized that there was something hiding behind this verbal diarrhea. Eavesdropping on their conversation, I understood that Mr. X wanted to say the main thing, but couldn’t bring himself to do it. Finally, he plucked up courage and timidly said that he really needed ten thousand pounds sterling for his personal needs. Seeing that his interlocutor fell silent, that he clearly did not like the guest’s request, he decided to pity him. And he said a phrase that is key in our history!
At these words, Jack raised his index finger, emphasizing the importance of what he was about to say. Harry, who had been burning with impatience before, now even stood up. He became all ears.
- To appease Mr. Y, Mr. X said this... He says that if you help me with this amount, then I can continue to help you in solving such cases as I helped you in solving the case with Harry Day...
Harry's eyes widened in surprise.
- Yes, Mr. Day! I understand your reaction! I reacted the same way! And no matter how sweetly Mr. X later sang, assuring that he simply gave an example of what could help in the future, I had no doubt that this was precisely blackmail. What did this rogue hint to his boss, saying, I know your secret. Better lend me this sum, away from sin. He didn't ask for a loan. The point, as I understand it, was that he would simply give him this amount... But that’s not what we’re talking about! We're not talking about these ten thousand! The main thing is that Mr. Ygreek ordered his friend from Liverpool to help him in some matter where the name of Harry Day is involved...
Harry looked at Jack with wide eyes in surprise. He hasn't fully realized everything yet. He wanted to rethink everything and understand what was behind it all.
“That’s what I think about it,” Jack continued. “Behind all this, primarily behind the murder, is Mr. Igrek.” Maybe he himself is a killer, maybe he is the customer. Maybe Mr. X was the executor of the assassination order. But this is unlikely. Otherwise, this rogue would immediately blackmail his boss with murder. But he only mentioned your name. Most likely, he knows about everything, including the murder. But we only know one thing for sure! That in this whole story it was he who later played the role of the one who set you up. Who, in order to shield his boss, to divert suspicion from him, first stole a Tesco card from your apartment, which was deliberately left at the crime scene during the murder. For a false trail, a kind of mark for the police. And then he planted the murdered man’s wallet in your apartment...
Both thought for a long time. They were silent.
- Yes... I agree... - Jack continued as if waking up from thoughts. – We have our first clue. I have a recording of these words. This is important evidence! You could go to the police with her now. But then I’m unlikely to have the opportunity to solve this case to the end. After all, this is not all, Mr. Day, that I told you. Major shocks await you ahead! You will be incredibly surprised to hear the names of Mr. X and Mr. Y, and others who are involved in this matter. And, most importantly, the work itself! It is so suspicious, dirty, confusing that in order to unwind it, I myself will have to use methods that... I don’t know how to say this... Yes... It’s really interesting... The more I delved into it, the more it amazed me ... I suspect that the most important thing in this cynical and vile story is not in the past, but in the future... My heart feels that this bastard is up to something even more terrible...

Episode six
- Speak up, Mr. Bradley! Why are you silent?! We stopped at the most interesting part!
Jack sighed heavily.
“Soon I will have to tell you, not me.” About the days of your youth. After all, all the threads, all the paths of this case lead exactly there! I suspect that this is where we need to look for the origins of what has become the result of current events. If at the end of our conversation you tell us in more detail about those events, then perhaps they will shed light on what is happening now. But let's take things in order. So, I'm telling you what I know...
Jack flipped through the pages of the notebook again, thought, and then continued.
- I’m telling you the names of those who are involved in this whole story. So... Mister X. I think you already guessed who it is. After all, during my story, you probably remembered which of your friends, and of those on your list, always wears a hat and prefers to wear their favorite suit. This is Jones Taft. It's clear with him. But the name Mr. X will most likely surprise you. You would hardly have guessed his involvement in this case. His name is Anthony Sykes!
What was said was not just a surprise for Harry! It amazed him! He didn't just stand up. He got up! And he froze in place, looking at Jack with a scorched look.
“I expected such a reaction...” Bradley sadly shook his head. – This is not the last thing that will surprise you... I will continue. Of course, you know the name of the murdered man. Paul Ogden. After all, you are accused of his murder. I paid attention to what I consider a very, very important detail! You all once went to college together in Connagh Quay! But that's not all! It turns out that the widow, the wife of the murdered man, also studied there! Jane Ogden! Nee Carroll! Does this name mean anything to you?
Harry's face changed. It was scary to look at him. It is clear that the detective touched on a topic that is sore for him.
Jack looked long and intently at the emotions seething on his client’s face, sighed heavily, and added:
“I understand that I may be touching on a topic that is painful for you, but now you must definitely tell me about things that happened long ago.” If you want me to fully understand the essence of the matter, and ultimately help you get out of the mess you got into. This is not just idle curiosity. I'm just sure that this is the answer to everything. Everything will become clear if it turns out that behind all this there is a notorious love triangle...
- “Not a triangle, but a square...” Harry’s voice sounded as if from the underworld. – The three of us were in love with Jane... Me, Paul and Tony... After college, our paths diverged... I didn’t hear anything about many of my classmates after that. It turns out that Paul won this invisible battle of ours. I didn’t even know about it... Nobody told me about it. Yes... Things... Tony, apparently, did not accept defeat...
Harry sat down, lowered his head, wrapped his arms around it, rocked it for a long time, and was silent...
-Paul was a nice guy! No wonder Jane chose him! Everyone respected Paul! He had no enemies! He never said a bad word to anyone! When I learned about his death, I sincerely regretted it. And here I am also accused of his murder! It’s impossible to think of a greater paradox! This is precisely why everything that’s happening upsets me... But I didn’t know that Tony was involved in this... Good God! Maybe he killed Paul in order to try to get her again?!
- And not only her... I'm afraid that he wants to get his hands on both the widow and her money...
What he heard paralyzed Harry.
He quickly raised his head and glared at Jack with a questioning, almost angry, look.
- What did you say?!
- You heard right, Harry. I said exactly what I said. There's still a lot I don't know. After that conversation between Jones Taft and Anthony Sykes, where your name was mentioned, I began to follow Sykes too. I repeat: I just started surveillance. But what I saw already alarmed me. Anthony literally hovered around Jane. Helped her organize and attend the funeral. He really spent his money on a lot of things. At first glance, this evokes respect and affection for him. But let's not forget that the widow inherited a considerable fortune from her husband, a successful businessman! This is where his attempts to help the widow manage the affairs of her husband’s company in every possible way look strange. Referring to the fact that she does not understand management matters, he goes out of his way to offer his modest candidacy for the role of director of the company. My heart senses, and my premonition never deceives me, that the cunning man is playing a double game. Perhaps he is driven by the remnants of a past love. But, most likely, this rogue wants to take over the widow’s company. Perhaps even herself. But so that it doesn’t happen that at some point she, the widow, turns out to be superfluous... That the rogue will only be interested in her company...
- Jane is in danger! – Harry blurted out. - Jane is in great danger! I have never seen a bigger scoundrel like Tony! She needs to be saved, Mr. Bradley! You don't need to save me! Save her!!!
Jack buried his hands in his open palms and was silent for a long time. Then he raised his head, looked somewhere up at the ceiling, and said thoughtfully.
- In my old age, I may start writing memoirs. I will write about many things. There was a lot of interesting, mysterious and fascinating things. But there will be dry facts. And in this story there will be a soul... A big, noble, broad soul... When a person in captivity, suffering hardships, who must first of all think about himself personally and about his salvation, begs the detective, uttering amazingly strong words: “You don’t need me save! Save her!
Jack sighed heavily. Harry thought he saw a tear glisten in the corner of the detective's eyes.
- This thrice-sinful world is cruel and imperfect... But... As long as there are such moments, as long as there are those who are ready to sacrifice themselves, if only it would be good for someone else, until then the sacrament, whose name is - will continue on this sinful earth. life…

Episode seven
James Neal, chief of the Flint Police Department, was sincerely glad to see the young man who crossed the threshold of his office.
- Who do I see! Jackie! My boy! Come in! Have a seat! I'm sincerely glad to see you! What winds?!
- Yes, still the same! Those winds that once brought me to you when we were investigating the case of our Flint Jack the Ripper. I want to talk about a story that, probably, is not a continuation of the Ripper case, but there is still some echo of that old story.
- Oh, you! This is interesting! Intrigued! I'm listening! Tell us!
And Jack Bradley began to talk. Everything that was mentioned above in this story, which you and I already know. Neil listened to the narrator very carefully, only occasionally making some notes on a piece of paper. The policeman did not yet know why the guest was telling him all this, but professional habit told him that he could and should not only listen, but also, to the extent possible, document what he heard. Yes, just in case. What if it comes in handy? It was not for nothing that this private detective came to him. After all, for some reason he is telling him all this. The experienced cop understood that this case might require his, James Neal's, participation.
“This is the story, Mr. Neal,” Jack summed up at the end of the story, “the main character of which is the familiar Harry Day. The one thanks to whom you and I then solved the case of Paul Thomson. Whom the press called Jack the Ripper of Flint. Frankly, I believed him from the very beginning, and understood that Harry had nothing to do with the murder of Paul Ogden. And now the latest video and audio recordings that I received thanks to the wiretapping of conversations between Jones Taft and Anthony Sykes have finally clarified everything. It not only confirms that Harry has nothing to do with it, and that he himself is a victim of these cynical scoundrels. This recording clearly indicates who Ogden's real killer is. And what is he, the bastard, up to next? In this regard, I have an idea.
Jack looked at the owner of the office with a sly look, as if apologizing to him in advance for what he would ask.
- I understand that my proposal may seem strange. Even those that are contrary to the law. But, if we act according to the letter of the law, and I now go to the police in Liverpool and explain to them everything that I just told you about, I’m afraid that various paperwork and other red tape may drag on for a long time. And all this time, Day will remain behind bars. But we can’t stand the matter. From the recording I know the date when that bastard Sikes wants to take the unsuspecting Jane down the aisle. And when they planned to take him to the notary. You and I know what this scoundrel has planned, and what an unenviable fate awaits Mrs. Jane Ogden. But she doesn’t know this! I want her saviors not to be us, the police, but for him... Him, Harry Day. The one who once loved Jane, and who, as I understand, is not indifferent to her to this day. Harry once helped us in the Ripper case. Let's help him now too. He told how, while studying in college, he dreamed of making her fall in love with him. I dreamed that he would perform some heroic act for her, and she would fall in love with him. Let's help him realize his youthful dream...
Jack fell silent, looking at Neil questioningly. He thought about it and rubbed his chin in indecision.
- Well... What do you suggest?
- I’ll tell you what I propose now. But in any case, it is necessary for Harry Day to do this. To do this, it is necessary that he is not behind prison bars, but can freely meet with Jane. I understand that the police cannot let him go so easily. But I remember cases when even convicted dangerous criminals who were in prison and serving long sentences, accompanied by machine gunners, were released to attend their mother’s funeral. In our case, everything is simpler. As for me, Dey can be released now, because the proof of his innocence is clear. Including these recordings that I just showed you. If this is impossible, then we can and should give him the opportunity to get out of prison at least for a while. For a couple of hours. Give Harry the opportunity to visit Jane's house, at least accompanied by escorts. I'm not suggesting letting him go completely. Which, however, can also be done and it would be correct. But taking him, I repeat, under escort, to Manchester, bringing him to the house where Jane lives, letting him go for literally an hour, continuing to watch the house, is quite possible. I know what excellent connections you have with the police leadership in Chester and Liverpool, which is why I turned to you with this request.
Neal smiled and shook his head reproachfully.
- You're incorrigible, Jackie. You are still the same boy as when I came to visit your father. But in this boyishness, romanticism, your zest, your strength. Here in management, I have a lot of routine things to do, the so-called “everyday tasks”. You manage to choose things for yourself that later, in your old age, you will be able to write memoirs and detective novels that will really attract readers with some kind of romance... Yes... Your proposal is truly unusual. I think you understand that not everything depends on me. If Day had been in jail here in Flint, with me, where I decide everything, it would have been easier. But he is located in Liverpool... True, we closely cooperate with our neighbors. We have really good connections. But in this case, my proposal will be unusual for them... I don’t know how they will react to this...
Neil thought again, rubbed his chin again, and then the bridge of his nose.
Jack didn't take his eyes off him. James felt the gaze of his friend’s son on him, and understood that he could not hide from the boy’s inquisitive eyes now.
- Of course, today, as always, is very tightly scheduled. But this is what I'll probably do. I’ll forward all these matters to my deputy, and I’ll go with you to Liverpool! There is a proverb: “If you want someone to help you, call!” Wise proverb! In personal communication, a person, looking into your eyes, is less tempted to refuse you. I will ask for Harry personally! And as a token of gratitude for helping us with the Jack the Ripper case. And as a sign of respect for you, Jackie. And in memory of your father.
The owner of the office reached for the telephone receiver, but at the last moment added:
- And also with the hope that when you write your memoirs, you will mention my modest role in this matter. Let my grandchildren read and understand that their grandfather was not a callous cracker who only punctually fulfilled his duties, but also showed warmth and compassion where it was required.
With these words, Neil picked up the phone.

Episode eight
The bell from the front door sounded loud and shrill in Jane Ogden's apartment.
The hostess was expecting this call, but expected it to happen a little later. At that time she was spinning around the mirror, putting the last touches of beauty on her pretty face, and now she was a little embarrassed that the guest she was expecting appeared before she had time to finish the preparations. But, realizing that it was impossible to keep such an invited and welcome guest in front of a closed door, she immediately rushed into the hallway.
In the bustle, she didn’t even look through the door peephole. However, why did you need to look? She already knew who was supposed to come now.
Opening the door and straightening her hair, she, not yet having time to see the guest, said loudly and cheerfully:
- And I was expecting you, Tony, a few minutes later. I haven't had time to completely put myself in order yet. Come in, darling, come in...
She stopped herself mid-sentence. Because she saw that the person standing at the door was not the one she was expecting...
She was confused...
- Harry? - She squeezed out with the greatest surprise in her voice. - You?
- Yes, I... Will you let me come in?
Jane looked completely confused.
“I’m glad to see you, Harry...” She didn’t know what to say. It was clear that she was struggling to find the right words. - I’m always glad to see you, Harry... At any time... But... But not now... I’m waiting for a guest... He should come any minute... Well... I don’t know how to say... Your meeting is undesirable...
“I know...” the guest said quietly but decisively. - I know that he will come now, I know who will come. And for what reason will he come? That is why I am here... I give my word of honor that I will stay with you for at least a minute. But still, invite me into the house. At least for a minute. We haven’t seen each other for so many years... It confuses me that you keep me in the hallway, near the front door... We have so much in common. I think I deserve better than to be turned away right out of the door.
- Oh! Yes! Certainly! Come in! But you understand me too! Now the person with whom we will go will come... But I’m not ready yet. Will you allow me to complete the preparations? In the meantime, tell me in a few words, how are you doing? How are you doing? But briefly, please! I invite you to visit at any other time, but not now.
Jane led the guest into the apartment, and she rushed to the mirror, continued to paint her lips and powder her cute nose. The guest looked at her, and a lump rolled into his throat... How beautiful she was at that moment! Sweet, cheerful, happy. Infinitely happy. With eyes glowing from an overabundance of emotions. She was in a festive mood.
“I understand, Jane, that you would like to hear everything now, but not what you will hear.” But you just have to hear it! Because tomorrow may already be too late. What you have planned... Or rather, what Anthony Sykes, our former classmate Tony, has planned, will happen today. Once on the relevant documents. you, Jane, will put all the signatures, everything can already be decided... And then nothing can be changed. That’s why I allowed myself to come right now, so that you understand what’s happening. What an unenviable role you have in the diabolical game Tony has in mind.
The playful movements of the apartment owner’s hands became more and more slow, the smile, carefreeness and complacency began to gradually slide from her face.
- I understand that any words I say will be unnecessary. Because you simply won’t believe in them. This is impossible to believe. But the recording of Tony's conversation with his accomplice will tell you everything. You can easily recognize his voice. Listen to the recording to the end! And then decide what to do. I promised that I would be with you for no more than a minute. I keep my word. I'm leaving. No need to accompany me. I saw that the castle was English, I would leave and slam the door. For now, listen. Listen carefully, Jane! Very carefully…
The guest took out a voice recorder and pressed the “Play” button.
The voice of Sikes was heard, speaking quietly, furtively, but expressively disdainful and cynical.
His first words made Jane forget about her lipstick and freeze in a daze.
Harry slowly lowered the recorder onto the table in front of her and quietly walked away.
A few seconds later she heard the front door slam, but that was the least of the girl’s interests right now. All her attention was absorbed by what was sounding from the speaker of the recorder. She didn’t believe in the reality of what was happening... This couldn’t happen! This defies the common mind!
The more she listened, the more clearly she realized that she wanted to live less and less...

Episode nine
- Jane! Darling! What happened to you?! Today is our day! You should shine with joy! Like me! Look at me! And you told your nose! Who hurt you, baby?! Show me this bastard! I'll twist his head!
Anthony Sykes looked truly impressive! A shiny suit, a rosebud in his buttonhole, a radiant smile. He would look right off the cover of a glossy magazine. With all his appearance, he showed that he was waiting for the moment when his beloved would throw herself on his chest and he would embrace her in his arms.
But Jane was in no hurry to rush towards the guest. She pressed the “Play” button, and Anthony heard his voice...
The very first words made him shudder with horror...
One moment was enough to understand everything. Everything! He knew perfectly well what would be said next on the recording. He was aware that the girl had already listened to this recording to the end. There was no doubt that she now knew everything...
The radiant smile slowly faded from Tony's face. A grimace of anger and indignation replaced it. How beautifully everything was planned! How smoothly everything went according to plan! How close the final result was! He, Tony, tried so hard to get to his former classmate’s money! He conceived such a complex combination and brought it to life! It took me so long to reach my goal! And then, when the result was close, everything suddenly collapses...
Sykes wanted to break and destroy everything in his path. Scatter abuse, tear and throw! But for now he restrained himself. He made a decision quickly. He understood that he could explode with anger and then something irreparable would happen. But if he manages to resolve everything peacefully, then it would be a sin not to use this opportunity. That's why Tony decided to play simpleton.
“I don’t understand at all,” he said in an innocent and carefree voice, “who and why needed to fake my voice and falsify this recording.” Perhaps I have a competitor, another admirer of yours? But we don’t have time to find out! Get ready, baby! You know, we need to visit many places today. Lots of things to do. Come on! Get up, honey!
- You and I are not going anywhere... Go away...
In the psyche of many people lies something, let's call it a button, some kind of red, nuclear button, when pressed, an emotional explosion occurs inside a person. He can endure for a long time, put up with a lot, but sooner or later there comes a moment, a certain point of no return, when a person explodes. He understands that by doing this he is cutting off his path to reconciliation and burning bridges behind him. But emotions and anger take precedence over common sense.
Now it happened and Tony. His face was distorted with anger.
- What?! Leave?! And you would say this to me?! To me?!
Sykes's voice sounded more than just menacing. He was such that the intonation of his voice chilled your soul.
-Are you throwing me out? Me? Who spent so much money on your hubby's funeral! Who paid generously for your trinkets! No! You won't get rid of me so easily! Don't be stupid! Get up! Went! Yes, rising!
Jane continued to sit, paralyzed by what she heard. How sweet and gentle Tony's previous speeches were. His sweet voice sounded like a stream. Now the furious anger and blatant impudence on the part of yesterday’s friend seemed to her savagery beyond common sense.
- We are going to be late! Get up!
And he grabbed her hand so roughly and tightly that she cried out in pain.
- Let me go! It hurts me!
- Get up, you fool! Stern ordered! I'm counting to three! Once! Two..
“Three…” a voice sounded quietly behind Tony. Literally next to his ear.
Everything was so unexpected that he turned sharply and...
And I saw in front of me... Harry Day...
If the Virgin Mary had now descended from heaven and entered this room, or a Martian had appeared, Sykes would have been less surprised. He was firmly convinced that Harry was now sitting behind thick metal bars in one of the prison cells in Liverpool, and there was no way he could be in this room. The presence of Dey here was such a big surprise for Tony that even for some time he was frozen in a daze. This was enough time for Harry to say:
- And that’s why I didn’t leave, but only pretended to leave, slamming the door, and for the time being hid in the next room, because I knew that this could happen. After all, in college you always solved everything with the help of meanness. You do the same now. Let's now end that argument that we couldn't resolve in college, when we fought you until you bled over Jane. Let's decide everything now in a fair fight. Honest! I could now quietly sneak up behind you and snap the handcuffs on your hands. But I want a fair fight! Shall we get started?
While Harry was speaking, Tony managed to come to his senses, and now, in response to the words of his former friend, he broke into a malicious grin.
- I'll kill you, bitch... I'll smash you all over the floor...
Not a muscle moved on Harry's face. They glared at each other with angry looks, as boxers do on the eve of a fight. From the expression on his face and the determination in Dey’s gaze, it was clear that he was absolutely not afraid of his opponent.
- Yes, Tony, you will not be an ordinary opponent. I understand it. But lately all you have been doing is bringing meanness and grief to others. You didn't have time to take care of yourself. Look, my belly is already growing... And I... In the prison cell, which I ended up in because of your meanness and by your evil will, all I did was do push-ups from the floor, sway, prepare myself for such a moment. Here it is...
When a fierce fight began, Jane sat for the first few minutes, paralyzed by what she saw, not knowing what to do. But she quickly came to her senses, rushed to the phone, and began frantically dialing familiar numbers.
- Hello! Police? Come immediately! My address…


Episode ten
- Goodbye, Miss Jane. Or goodbye... As you wish. Sorry to bother you…
- Have mercy! What a worry! I called the police myself! Thank you for coming so quickly! I myself wished that you would come here as soon as possible and remove this terrible man from my house! I'm afraid of him... Lord! And I was going down the aisle with him... And he, it turns out, is the murderer of my husband... But is that all there is to it...
Jane's legs gave way, she sat down, clasped her head in her hands. Feelings overwhelmed her.
- Well... You should say thank you not to us, but to this person. It was he who neutralized the criminal and handcuffed him. The police had no choice but to take away the already captured villain. True, your defender, Miss Gina, pretty much spoiled our goods. Made a complete mess out of his face. But I think Sykes deserved it. Therefore, we will not hold Harry Day accountable for assault...
The girl smiled bitterly. She appreciated the policeman's joke.
He headed towards the door, but stopped halfway.
- It's none of my business, Miss Gina, but I want to tell you this...
The narrator took a significant pause to emphasize the importance of what he was about to say, and continued:
- The scoundrel Sikes framed Dey so cynically that all the evidence was really against Harry. He was facing capital punishment. A person should take care of himself, think about how to save his life. And he is there. In the prison cell, when he heard from me what Tony was up to regarding you, he cried out: “You don’t need to save me! Save her!
Jack looked expressively at the landlady.
- Do you understand, Miss Gina, what we are talking about? This person doesn't just love you. He is ready to sacrifice himself for you! This is none of my business, but... I think that such a companion should be in your life next to you. Such a person will protect you from all adversity. He has a big, kind soul...
Jack Bradley quietly left the room.
For some time Jane sat in silence, without raising her eyes.
Harry stood nearby, also silent, but did not take his eyes off the girl.
Finally, she raised her eyes and looked at him very intently.
- You know, Harry, what my idea is...
Her voice sounded unusual, in a special way, one might say mysterious.
Dey was silent, realizing that she herself would now say what she was going to say.
- Tony and I had a lot planned today... Very important... I understand that we are now probably hopelessly late for all these events. But I could beg them... Pay them generously... So that they accept us. True, I don’t know if it’s possible now, at the last moment, next to my name and signature in the documents to put not the name of Anthony Sykes, but Harry Day. And for him to put his signature next to mine... I want this... Let's be reckless! Just like in my youth! Just like college these days! Now let's pack up and go! I want this! And you?
Seeing that he was standing indecisively, she stood up, walked up to him, hugged him, and began to kiss him...
He was intoxicated by the mere proximity of her body. And when she started kissing him, it seemed to him that the ground was disappearing from under his feet...
He wrapped her in his tight embrace and began to kiss her passionately...
“You never answered me, Harry...” Her voice broke. - We may be late... Make up your mind...
The guy kissed the girl more and more passionately. It seemed to him that there was nothing more important in the world now, and could not be.
- And I have another proposal... - He said in pauses between kisses. – You asked me if I minded. And now I'm asking you about this. Are you okay with this?
And he began to slowly but very gently undress her...
He felt her body begin to tremble. He understood that the reason for this was not the cold...
“Don’t tempt me...” she whispered. – I want this myself... But if we make love, we will definitely be late for everything. For the sake of what I propose, Tony committed a crime. And I offer you all this myself, right away... Make your choice... Think carefully...
- But I have nothing to think... I have only one choice... You... Lord... How I dreamed about this... Even then, in college... Looking after you with admiration... You are so beautiful... Tender... You... You...
Soon all the clothes were taken off and lay on the floor. Here, on the floor, they made love... There was no strength to go to the bedroom... They were overwhelmed with feelings... They suffered enough to do it right here and now...
Moans of voluptuousness were heard, gentle voices that every now and then broke the silence... “Darling...” “Beloved...”
How much the intonation of these voices differed from the evil voice that sounded an hour earlier in the recorder... In the recorder, which now continued to lie on the table, next to the powders and lipsticks...
That recorder, and that cynical voice that sounded in it, will now be something distant for these two, from a past life. Now they were both sure that a long, happy, bright life awaited them ahead...

Closing date for this story: November 28, 2023
Place of birth of the story: Great Britain, North Wales, Flint, Bolingbroke Street 135.



You are provided with the text of the next story of the new detective series, the author of which translated from Russian into English using the usual Google translator. We really need a literary editor for the English texts of these detective book series. I am ready to pay for the work of an editor and translator. Respond! Thank you! Best regards, author.
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