The Twelfth Department by William Ryan Page A

doubtful he’d have seen Mishka even if he had.
    “Well,” he said, “I’m listening.”
    “This investigation of yours—into the Azarov killing. I’ve some things to tell you about it.”
    Korolev felt the muscles in his shoulders tense at the mere mention of the Azarov business—he’d almost forgotten about the aborted investigation, not without effort, and yet here it was, rearing its ugly head again already.
    “I’m off the case, Kolya—it’s nothing to do with me.”
    “Really?” Kolya said. “Is that how it is with you, these days?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “It’s not the Korolev I know, is all. You’re the Ment who always gets his man, come hell or high water.”
    “I’m also the Ment who keeps my nose out of anything to do with State Security.”
    That made Kolya smile, understandably—his thick mustache curving upward in what Korolev suspected was something close to mockery. It struck Korolev, not for the first time, how similar Kolya was in appearance to Stalin. It made him wonder, sometimes.
    “Really, Korolev? Every time I meet you you’re up to your neck in Chekists.”
    “Well, I’ve learned my lesson.”
    Kolya came closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Listen, Korolev, if you knew what went on at that institute—believe me, it would interest you.”
    “You think so, do you?”
    “I’m certain of it, or I’ve misjudged you. And I don’t misjudge men often.”
    Kolya pulled at his mustache with his tattooed hand. Korolev saw the circled crown of a ranking Thief on one of the fingers and remembered who he was dealing with.
    “Kolya, even if I did give a damn about this institute—I’d have to ask myself why you of all people would come and tell me about it. In my experience you’ve never done anything that hasn’t been for your own benefit—in some way or another.”
    “You see, I knew you’d be interested. And why shouldn’t I assist the forces of law and order when we both seek the same thing?”
    “The forces of law and order are looking into the matter, believe me—I’ve seen them at it.”
    “No, they’re not, Korolev. The men who’ve taken over your investigation have no interest in law or order, and certainly not in justice. You, on the other hand? You there’s hope for.”
    Korolev shrugged his shoulders.
    “There’s nothing I can do, Kolya. Even if I hadn’t been ordered off that investigation, I’d still avoid it. That case is trouble.”
    “Oh—it’s trouble all right. I don’t deny that—but a man like you doesn’t mind such things. You’ve a son, Korolev—other men do too. And men’s sons have died there. Don’t you owe something to them? What if your son ended up in such a place?”
    “I owe no one anything when it comes to Professor Azarov and his institute, and even if I did I couldn’t do anything about it, Kolya. That’s all there is to it.” Korolev nodded a farewell and turned away. “Put Mishka in with the wolves before you go.”
    Kolya said something in response that sounded like it might be a threat, or perhaps a curse. Korolev wasn’t sure which and didn’t much care—it was true what he’d said. There was nothing Korolev could do. Nothing at all.
    *   *   *
    “Someone you know?” Valentina looked at him inquiringly as he rejoined the others.
    “Unfortunately,” Korolev said, deciding to forget about the conversation, even as another part of his brain couldn’t help but wonder what it might have been that Kolya had gone to such lengths to try to tell him.
    “You’re worried about something.” Valentina slipped her hand inside his elbow again, as naturally as if they’d been together for a lifetime. He felt his whole being fizz at her touch and he was sure he was blushing. He must be.
    “I was worried the elephant would lose his tusks the way that idiot kept tugging on them,” he said, coming out with the first thing that came to mind.
    Valentina’s peal of laughter made everyone turn to look