“Nogtev gave an illegal order. The commission will return and he will have nothing again, and they’ll bury you on Sekirka,” said Galia, drawing in air. By the time she said “Sekirka”, her voice returned and almost rang out.
The Chekist who was standing and who hadn’t spoken yet, looked at Galina with a long look and answered impartially and heavily: “No need to scare anyone here. Or you’ll be the first to get to Sekirka.”
Galia suddenly looked at Artiom: helpless, like a woman, open. It was so unexpected. “Can it be true?” that’s what her glance said.
“What about him?” asked the seated Chekist, nodding at Artiom.
Artiom felt his blood rush to his head — just as stupidly and furiously as the snow in the window, only it was hot, hot.
The second Chekist, waiting very briefly, decided: “H
