RODICA OJOG-BRAOVEANU

ANONIMA DE MIERCURI
PROLOG Anunul apruse vreme de o sptmn n principalele cotidiane ale Capitalei: Universul, Adevrul, Cuvntul, Viitorul n dimineaa zilei de 10 noiembrie 1 !0 a "o#$ %&#i$ 'e B(le)ard(l Br&$ian(* 'rin$re r(inele blo+(l(i Carl$on* (n #(%a+i , #e- b&rb&$e#+ de +ir+a .-/ l(ni0 E#$e (ni+(l #('ra)ie(i$or +are 1n momen$(l +($rem(r(l(i #e a"la 1n in+in$a 2o$el(l(i0 Ori+ine 'oa$e da o in"ormaie a#('ra iden$i$&ii +o'il(l(i 3i a "amiliei #ale e#$e r(%a$ #& #e 'rezin$e de (r%en& la 4re"e+$(ra 4oliiei0 Co'il(l 'oar$& la %5$ (n medalion de a(r re'rezen$5nd(-l 'e 6"5n$(l Cri#$o"or 3i 'oa$e "i )&z($ zilni+ 1n$re orele 10 3i 17 la #ana$ori(l 6ain$-Vin+en$ de 4a(l0 Dire+$or(l %eneral al 4oliiei Ca'i$alei0 Pn la zece, mai avem puin, spuse sora pipindu-i aripile cornetului apretat. Vizitatoarea, preedinta uneia din cele mai cunoscute societi de ine!acere, i zise c seamn cu un !luture ostenit. Capul, cora ia de pnz al , te ateptai n orice clip s z oare. "n #eneral, vine mult lume$ Cu miile, surse lnd sora. Acum !ac rnd n curte. %in pcate, nici mcar unul dintr-o sut nu-i nc&ipuie c l-ar putea identi!ica... Atunci? Vin din curiozitate. Vizitatoarea se uit la lea#n. 'ra un coule ele#ant, nzorzonat, numai dantel !in i pan#lici de atlas leu. "n el !usese #sit copilul, dormind linitit, !r s i se !i clintit un !ir de pr. %ormea i acum, cu pumnii strni. Pleoapele strvezii, irizate, i zvcneau delicat. Este extraordinar( opti. Ce nseamn s ai zile... "i vine s crezi c a z urat pe !ereastr. )ora i atinse crucea de ar#int prins n ira#ul mtniilor. %umnezeu a avut oc&iul aintit asupra pruncului. *na +ui e cea care l-a purtat prin vzdu& i l-a depus neatins n mi,locul strzii. -opti cucernic: .iat voluntas /ua... Cealalt i strecur o privire sceptic: avea rezerve n privina minii nevzute care aladeaz ditamai lea#nul prin aer, dar diplomat, se mulumi s-i drea# #lasul. * ntre cine or !i !ost prinii lui... %esi#ur oameni nstrii. Poate... Precis( decise vizitatoarea i dup ton se simea c e o !emeie care tie s surprind imediat aspectul practic al oricrei pro leme. "n primul rnd nu oricine i poate permite s locuiasc sau s tra# la Carlton. Al doilea, se vede dup len,eria copilului, lucrat cate#oric la o cas mare, dup medalion... %omnul nu !ace distincii, suspin clu#ria i indi!erent cine ar !i !ost prinii lui, rmne un iet i srman micu. 0r!an nainte de a ti
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cum l c&eam... Avei vreo nde,de c i s-ar putea descoperi rude sau prieteni$ 1u prea... Au trecut aproape dou sptmni de cnd lumea se perind pe aici !r nici un rezultat. %e o icei, asemenea situaii #enerate de un mare dezastru se clari!ic imediat. "nclin s cred c prinii erau strini. Vizitatoarea se uit instinctiv spre su#ar. Cred c avei dreptate. %e alt!el, )!ntul Cristo!or nu-i... romn. ' mai de#ra de-al dumneavoastr... 2Papista2, vrusese s spun, dar i n#&iise cuvntul. Clu#ria surse ncet, plim ndu-i privirea n lun#ul pereilor al i. Ploaia de noiem rie, rece, piezi, nec,ea !erestrele perdeluite cu linon tranda!iriu. Ce se va ntmpla cu copilul? Clu#ria i ridic oc&ii. Prea s se !i ntors de la mii de kilometri. Poate se va #si un su!let carita il care s-l adopte. %ac nu, va !i ncredinat or!elinatului. Amndou i co orr reciproc privirile. -tiau ine ce nsemna asta... 0 copilrie mutilat, cenuie, cu educatoare lipsite de vocaie, n cea mai mare parte !ete trne. 0 copilrie !r *o Crciun i iepurai de Pati, !r primveri... Pe coridor se auzi tumult de #lasuri i pai. Clu#ria se ridic. Au nceput s vin. Printre ultimii vizitatori se a!la un r at nalt, ine m rcat, de vreo treizeci de ani. '3presia mo&ort, aproape crunt, ndrtnicia r iei i a #urii otoase atr#eau imediat atenia. "ntrzie mai mult dect ceilali curioi, prnd c nu se poate desprinde de lea#n, cercet atent medalionul de aur. /oat atitudinea, n #eneral, trda o tul urare ine stpnit i clu#ria se apropie surznd s!ioas: 1e-ai putea spune ceva despre ietul micu$ -tii... 0rice in!ormaie, ct de va#, ne-ar !i e3trem de preioas. )trinul ntoarse capul rusc. Avea o privire nea#r, direcionat i, instinctiv, sora !cu un pas napoi. 4osti nesi#ur, cu inima strns: *i s-a prut c... 5r atul ridic din umeri. 'u$( Ce idee( Adu# ceva mai domolit: 4e#ret, dar nu v pot !i de nici un !olos. 5un ziua! Clu#ria privi lun# n urma lui: 2Pcat. )unt convins c tie ceva.2 )e apropie de lea#n. 5ieelul se trezise i rdea !ericit. 1 6e '&rea +& in%iner(l Cri# Gre%orian n( )oia #& remar+e "emeia 1nal$& 'e +are de la (n $im' o 1n$5lnea a'roa'e zilni+ +5nd #e 1n$or+ea de la #er)i+i(* +&+i $5n&ra "&+ea 'ar$e din +a$e%oria 'er#oanelor +e n( 'o$ $re+e neob#er)a$e indi"eren$ de 'erime$r(l 1n +are ar "i e)ol(a$8 'e #$rad&* 1n$r-o #al& de #'e+$a+ol #a( re#$a(ran$* la o +oad& #a( 9mai ale#:; la de"ilare0 <oar$e 1nal$& , #$a$(r& a++en$(a$& 3i de o #('lee e-+e#i)& ,
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n( era "r(moa#& 1n #en#(l a+ademi+ al noi(nii* +i e-$rem de in$ere#an$&0 In$ri%a* mai ale# 1n%ri=ora* "a#+ina a$mo#"era 'ar$i+(lar& +e '&rea #& o de%a=e 3i de#'re +are 1i 1n+2i'(iai +& $reb(ie #& "ie o re)erberaie 'alid& a +lima$(l(i ei in$erior0 Cer+e$5nd(-i +2i'(l* '&rea lim'ede +& )oina* 2o$&r5rile nea3$e'$a$e 3i o #enz(ali$a$e %re( de #$&'5ni$ #(n$ +om'onen$ele de baz& ale 'er#onali$&ii a+e#$ei "emei0 Bizar& 1n#&* '5n& la 'er'le-* era in($a )e#$imen$ar& arbora$&* +&+i 1n$5lnind-o 'e #$rad&* 1n 'ei#a=(l B(+(re3$ilor +on$em'orani* 'ie$on(l #imea ne)oia #& #e "re+e la o+2i8 o #il(e$& de#'rin#& din Vo%(e#-(rile anilor >70 #$r&b&$ea Calea Vi+$oriei +a o "an$om&* iar (nii #e 1n$reba( da+& n( +(m)a ?#e "ilmeaz&? 'e (nde)a0 6$5rnea #$('e"a+ie mai +( #eam& )ara +5nd 'e#$e ro+2ii de m&$a#e na$(ral& , mi-$(r& de 'an%li+i* %ode(ri 3i 'li(ri , z)5rlea o 'ere+2e de )(l'i ar%in$ii* #a( +5nd iarna* 'e )remea +(m'li$& (mbla 1n e#+ar'eni +( $o+ de +ri#$al* "&r& "(lar la de+ol$e(ri ad5n+i* en-+oe(r-(ri de#'i+a$e '5n& a'roa'e de +en$(r&0 E)iden$* ma+2ia=(l 3i +oa"(ra '&#$ra( linia a+elora3i ani0 In$ere#an$ era 1n#& "a'$(l , 'oa$e din +a(za $inereii* a liniei de#&)5r3i$e 3i a l(+r(rilor de e-+elen$& +ali$a$e , +& n( #$5rnea z5mbe$e #ar+a#$i+e0 Cei mai m(li o #o+o$ea( doar e-+en$ri+&* iar dezin"ormaii 13i 1n+2i'(ia( +& de)an#eaz& moda0 N( o da$&* "emei 1n )5r#$& +are o 1n$5lni#er& 1n$5m'l&$or 'e #$rad& m&r$(ri#ea( en$(zia#ma$e 'rie$enelor8 ?6& 3$ii +& iar #e 'oar$& +ano$ierele de 'ai 1n "ebr(arie000 Am )&z($ azi 1n "a& la E)a o "emeie "oar$e bine* #$r&in& +red0 A)ea o bor#alin& oli)e #'lendid&0 Am '(r$a$ (na e-a+$ la "el +5nd m-am lo%odi$ +( 4e$ri+&0 6(n$ )reo +in+ize+i de ani de a$(n+i000 E-$raordinar +um se ntoarce moda!..." n reali$a$e era 'o#ibil +a Cri# Gre%orian #&-i i%nore 'er#oana 'en$r( +& "emeia #e m(l(mi#e ade#ea doar #&-l ob#er)e8 din #'a$ele (nei )i$rine* la )olan(l (nei ma3ini +are #$aiona#e 1n "aa blo+(l(i* #a( de 'e +el&lal$ $ro$(ar0 i ie3i#e 1n 1n$5m'inare doar de do(& ori* dar Cri# n( ob#er)a 1n %eneral 'e nimeni0 N( era 'ro'ri(-zi# (n $i' di#$ra$* +i $o$dea(na 'reo+('a$ de +eea +e 3a2i3$ii n(me#+ mi3+area imedia$ (rm&$oare* indi"eren$ +& #e d(+ea la (n #'e+$a+ol #a( 1n )izi$& la Coleta Miclescu. i a+(m* de 'ild&* ie3i$ la o #+(r$& 'limbare , 1i 'l&+ea )remea re+e* 'loioa#&* +( arom& de "lori de $oamn& (de 3i +i("(li$e ,* re"le+$a +& a)ea #& $ra)er#eze la +el&lal$ +a'&$ al +2ei(l(i* (nde $ra"i+(l mai red(# n( i #e '&rea a$5$ de enervant. O #m(+i$(r& br(#+&* de 'ar+& +ine)a l-ar "i a'(+a$ de 'oale* 1l in$(i lo+(l(i0 @5ner(l (nei (mbrele i #e 1n+(r+a#e 1n +ordon(l $ren+i(l(i de#+2eia$0 <emeia 1n$oar#& din dr(m 1n+er+& #&-l elibereze 1n%5n5nd +5$e)a +()in$e de #+(ze0 Gre%orian r5#e cu amabilitate: , Vedei000 Da+& )-a3 "i ?a%&a$? e(* )-ai "i #('&ra$0 l 'ri)i 1n o+2i* "&r& #& z5mbea#+&0 Ro#$i %ra)* +( o #eriozi$a$e de'la#a$& 1n +on$e-$(l in+iden$(l(i +are* #o+o$ea Cri#* '($ea "i +on#idera$ 1n "(n+ie de di#'oziie am(zan$* #a( 1n +el mai r&( +az imbe+il8 , N( m-a3 "i #('&ra$0 , In$ere#an$000* z5mbi Gre%orian* ne3$iind de "a'$ +e #& #'(n&0 N( era +eea +e #e +2eam& (n b&rba$ dire+$ 3i a"irmaiile* a$i$(dinile "&r& (n minim(m de ambala= 1l l(a( 'rin #(r'rindere0 6e (i$& mai a$en$ la "emeia din "aa l(i0 A)ea o+2i mari* 1n$(ne+ai* %(ra '($erni+& 3i #enz(al&0 4&r(l* "e(ille mor$e* 1l '(r$a #$r5n# 1n$r-(n +o+ +are-i l&#a liber& +ea"a0 n$rea%a "&'$(r& emana o arom& de Ar' !es. ?O 'er#oan& der($an$&000? 13i zi#e Gre%orian0 n %eneral* n(-3i
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'ierdea le#ne +(m'&$(l* dar a+(m 1n+er+a o #enzaie bizar&0 6e #imea nela1ndem5n& 1n 'rezena "emeii* "iind 1n a+ela3i $im' +on3$ien$ +& 'er#onali$a$ea ei +a'$i)a0 Ce #acem$ %u mer!em$ Gre%orian 'i+& din nori0 &nde$! Oriunde' mi(e indi#erent. Cri# 1n+er+& #&-i de#+i"reze +2i'(l8 %ra)* +on+en$ra$* "&r& (rm& de z5mbe$0 Viza)i* 'e 6'lai(l Inde'endenei* $re+ea $ram)ai(l 17* +( z%omo$ a#(rzi$or* me$ali+0 n l(mina %&lb(ie* din+olo de %eam(ri* #e )edea( "i%(ri anonime* indi"eren$e* (n 'arde#i(* 'oa$e balonzaid* ro3(0 , 6& 're#('(nem000* 1n+e'( Cri#0 , N( m& in$ere#eaz& i'o$ezele0 , 000+& e( m& d(+eam la #er)i+i(000 , N( la ora a#$a* n( +( aer(l &#$a* n( +( 'a#(l &#$a0 , 000#a( +& m& a3$ea'$& ne)a#$&-mea0 , N-ai ne)a#$&0 , De (nde 3$iiA , $i(0 Bai: )'roa'e +& 1l $r&%ea0 Gre%orian 1n+er+& #& r5d&8 , Re+(no#+* d(d(ie dra%&000 *+une(mi )dina. , 000+& m& #im$ de#+(m'&ni$0 6(n$ (n b&rba$ oare+are 3i nimeni n-a 1n+er+a$ '5n& a+(m #& m& 1n+redineze de +on$rari(* n( am ni+i (na* dar ab#ol($ ni+i (na* din +ali$&ile +are ar '($ea #ed(+e o "emeie +a d(mnea$a0 )sta o decid eu. , A=($&-m& #& 'ri+e'000 ,mi +laci. - de a.uns' nu$ Un #(r5# bl5nd* )a% maliio#* l(min& +2i'(l l(i Gre%orian0 , 6'(ne-mi* 'ro+edezi $o$dea(na , m& re"er la #i$(aii #imilare , la "el de... im+etuos$ , <ire3$e* re'li+& lini3$i$& Adina0 N( )&d de +e ?a++ro+2e?-(l* #&-i #'(nem 'e n(me* ar +on#$i$(i (n 'ri)ile%i( rezer)a$ doar b&rbailor000 Gre%orian 13i $re+( m5na liber& 'e#$e b&rbie* o l&#& #& l(ne+e* '5n& la nod(l +ra)a$ei0 /a... - un +unct de vedere. , Ce "a+emA @& in)ii la $ineA Cri# 1n$oar#e +a'(l r5z5nd 1n+e$i3or0 4o)e#$ea 1n+e'ea #&-l am(ze0 La urma urmelor' de ce nu$ Adina re#'ir& o#$en$a$i)0 , n #"5r3i$: n+e'(#em #& +red +& m-am 1n3ela$0 , Adi+&A , @i-e #("i+ien$ #& m& (i$ la (n b&rba$* +a #&-mi da( #eama da+& meri$& +ali"i+a$i)(l0 Uneori e de-a=(n# #&-l )&d doar din #'a$e0 %u te lau0i$ Adina #(r5#e )a%* #$r5n%5nd(-i bra(l0 , E3$i +el mai 1n m&#(r& #-o 3$ii0 , Ori+(m* (rm& Gre%orian 'e (n $on do+$* ab#$ra+$* +a 3i +(m* de la 1n&limea (nei +a$edre ar "i 1n+er+a$ #& dez)ol$e o $eorie* o le%e 3$iini"i+&* 1n#(3irea 're#('(ne o e-'erien&000 2m000 da000 o e-'erien& +on#iderabil&0 ?Ce )5r#$& #& aib&A #e 1n$reb& 1n a+eea3i +li'&0 N( 'are mai m(l$ de
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do(&ze+i 3i o'$* ma-im(m $reize+i000 Da+& a deb($a$ la +in3'e* 3ai3'e ani000 Da* are +e)a )e+2ime000? , N( e-'erien&* #'(#e Adina0 N( nea'&ra$0 /ar ce$ 2alent. , In$ere#an$: a're+ie Gre%orian* +&($5nd(-3i Calele 1n b(z(nar0 Adina 'ri)i 1n =(r0 Un blo+ mi+* +( 'ar$er 3i e$a=* 1n "(nd(l (nei %r&dinie nen!ri.ite. , Ia lo+ 3i #+(z&-m&0 Da mine n(-i ni+ioda$& ordine0 %u #i bur!3e0. 6e l&#& dezbr&+a$& de 'arde#i( , a#ime$ri+* "&r& %(ler 3i re)ere* +( na#$(ri mari +a ni3$e "ar"(rioare de +a"eaE Be$$e Da)i# 1n ?Corabia? an(l 1 77 , 3i #e a3ez& 1n$r-(n =il +( braele de lemn0 Gre%orian #e in#$al& 1n "aa ei +er+e$5nd-o de#+2i# 3i nedi#im(l5nd(3i +(riozi$a$ea0 <&r& #& "ie )re(n e-'er$ 1n ma$erie de )e#$imen$aie "eminin&* realiz& +& "emeia arboreaz& (n o($ o" "a#2ion 'lin de ra"inamen$0 Ro+2ia "(m(rie de $ri'le )oile +( +or#ele$& 3i de+ol$e( $&ia$ 1n $ra'ez , baza era '(n+$a$& de do(& +li'#(ri din d(ble , 'an$o"ii a=(rai* 'o3e$a de 'iele +re'ona$&* 1l +a$a'(l$a(* +( de+enii 1n (rm&* 1n$r(n B(+(re3$i +(no#+($ din 'o)e3$i de "amilie* "o$o%ra"ii* re)i#$e )e+2i '&#$ra$e 'en$r( +ine 3$ie +e ree$& +(linar& ori 'ra+$i+&0 4&#$ra$e* dar ne+on#(l$a$e )reoda$&* +&+i a3a #e 1n$5m'l& $o$dea(na* (i$a$e* r&#"oi$e azi +( an(me no#$al%ie 3i #(r5# 1n%&d(i$or0 @($rele* #"a$(rile* re+lamele* #$il(l 'ar nai)e* $o$(l $ran#'ir& o 1nd(io3&$oare li'#& de 'reo+('&ri #erioa#e0 Adina ar&$& +( b&rbia #'re o "o$o%ra"ie 1nr&ma$&8 o "a$& blond& +( o+2ii 1n+reii de #oare 3i r5#0 C2i'(l n( era "r(mo#* dar radia $ineree 3i '(ri$a$e0 Cine(i$ , 6oia mea0 C5nd era minor&: a'$e#'reze+e aniA , N(* do(&ze+i 3i +in+i0 4&rea $o$dea(na "oar$e $5n&r&0 , 4&reaA: ) murit acum 0ece ani. , mi 'are r&(0 Cris sur4se. , n #"5r3i$* 'rim(l a+$ +on)enional0 , Din +5nd 1n +5nd* mai da( 3i b(n& zi(a0 Gre!orian desc3ise un #+rin 3i #+oa#e do(& 'a2are )erz(i0 Cu ce te ocu+i' )dina$ <emeia 1l 'ri)i ironi+&0 , N( 'oi "olo#i dormi$or(l "&r& o "i3& de +adre +om'le$&A , n re%(l&0 N-am '(# 1n$rebarea0 Bei o )od+&A N-am al$+e)a 1n +a#&0 , Bea(000 Ar%in$&ria $a e "oar$e "r(moa#&0 N( m& omor d('& #"e3ni+e Adler* #+oa#e 1n #erie* dar #e$(l r(#e#+ are mare )aloare0 i )a#(l 6e+e##ion e #'lendid0 , Care-i &laA 1n$reb& am(za$ Cri# 1n$inz5nd(-i 'a2ar(l0 , Am"ora +( 'e3$i 1n relie" de 'e biro(0 Cere 1n#& o "loare mai nobil&0 F("&nelele #e #im$ "oar$e bine 1n$r-o oal& de '&m5n$ #a( e)en$(al o +erami+& olandez&0 5au act. 6e a3ez& 'e +ana'ea 3i 1n+e'( #&-3i +a($e i%&rile 1n b(z(nar0 Adina
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#e r&#(+i #&-l 'ri)ea#+& mai bine0 Era 'rezen$abil* +on)enional 1mbr&+a$ , +o#$(m 3i +ra)a$& , 'o$ri)i$ de 1nal$0 4e "aa br(n&* +( $r&#&$(ri a%reabile* dar li'#i$e de 'er#onali$a$e* #$&r(ia o e-'re#ie de melan+olie* #a( mai de%rab& re#emnare* im're#ie 1n3el&$oare 'oa$e* dar #en$imen$(l era +& om(l a+e#$a #("eri#e "oar$e m(l$0 O #("erin& +are 1i (+i#e#e 'en$r( $o$dea(na +a'a+i$a$ea de a "i "eri+i$0 G5mbe$(l l(i era $ri#$* r5#(l n-a)ea )e#elie* '&rea "&r& +(loare0 , 6'(ne-mi* $( ai #&ri$ )reoda$& 1n #(# de b(+(rieA Gre!orian ntoarse ca+ul amu0at. , E #in%(ra modali$a$e de a-i mani"e#$a en$(zia#m(lA $ii "oar$e bine +e )rea( #& #'(n0 E-i#$& 1n $ine o ne"eri+ire mo+ni$&* )e+2e0 4ar+& le-ai l(a 'e $oa$e 1n bern&000 Cri# l&#& 'a2ar(l0 6e "oi +&($5nd o 'oziie mai +omod& 3i 13i rezem& +o$(l 'e #'&$ar(l +ana'elei0 , Ni+i $( n(-mi 'ari din +ale a"ar& de )ioaie. Cu mine se +etrece altceva. Cri# $&+(0 Adina 1l +er+e$& in$ri%a$&0 , N( m& 1n$rebi +eA , H: "&+( Gre%orian +l&$in5nd +a'(l0 4o$ "olo#i dormi$or(l 3i "&r& #& +lari"i+ +2e#$i(nea0 <emeia 13i az)5rli (3or +a'(l 'e #'a$e0 4ri)irea era #"id&$oare* n&rile vibrau. , Do)ede3$e-o0 Cri# o +er+e$& +5$e)a +li'e +( a+ela3i z5mbe$ $ri#$0 n$in#e bra(l 3i 1i +('rin#e (merii0 C5nd Adina ie3i din dormi$or* Cri#* l5n%& 'ian* 13i 1nnoda +ra)a$a0 , 4ar+& ai "i "(n+ionar 1n Ci$C0 Co#$(m 1n+2i#* +ra)a$&0 i li'#e#+ melon(l 3i (mbrela0 %u(mi li+sesc )dina r4se: , Ai '(r$a$ )reoda$& bl(%iA , Ni+ioda$&0 , De +eA E3$i 1n+& $5n&r* #il(e$a i-o 'ermi$e0 , @i #e 'are aberan$ a$5$a )reme +5$ n( l(+rez 'e (n 3an$ier* n( iodlere#+ 1n"i%5nd(-mi +or$(l 1n +re3$e$ de m(n$e 3i n( dome#$i+e#+ m(#$an%i 1n Fe-a#* #& (mbl( 1mbr&+a$ +a (n #ala2or0 )i dre+tate... ,mi aduci +ardesiul$ Gre%orian d&d( din +a'0 n "aa o%linzii* +( +5$e)a #'el+i 1n$re dini* Adina 13i 1nnoda e-'er$& +o+(l0 , Ga$a: @(l(me#+000 4end(la 1n+e'( #& ba$&0 , E-$raordinar: #e mir& Adina0 a'$e 3i =(m&$a$e0 N-a3 "i +rez($0 %u(i t4r0iu... /e+inde. ,i ntinse obra0ul. La revedere' Cris. , mi 'ermii #& $e +ond(+A %u. , 6&-i +2em (n $a-iA %u. , Am #& $e mai )&dA <emeia 1i +&($& o+2ii0 %u' C3ris.
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888 n b(+&$&rie* b&$r5n(l $e"an 4o'a r('#e "oaia +alendar(l(i de 'ere$e8 @ier+(ri* IJ noiembrie 1 /10 Con#(l$& $e-$(l de 'e )er#o0 ?6ider(r%ia 3i )ii$or(l 'e$ro+2imiei000? 6e #$r5mb&* 3i az)5rli %2emo$o+(l de 25r$ie 1n %&lea$&0 C( 'a3i $5r3ii* $i+&i$* #e a'ro'ie de ma#& 3i 13i $re+( 'alma 'e#$e m(3ama(a de+olora$&0 N(* n( era( "irimi$(ri000 G5nda+ii &ia ro3ii* o ade)&ra$& +alami$a$e000 Da* %(noi(l 1l d&d(#e a"ar& la 'r5nz0 Veri"i+& a 'a$ra oar& "o+(rile de la ara%az 3i 1n #"5r3i$ 1n+2i#e l(mina0 ,n odaie era +ald , 'e#$e (n #"er$ de +ea# a)ea #& #+oa$& radia$or(l din 'riz& , 'a$(l a3$ern($* 1l "&+(#e 1nain$e de a +ina0 Fo$ a$(n+i 13i 're%&$i#e 'e lada #$(dio(l(i 'a2ar(l +( a'& 'en$r( 'ro$ez&* o+2elarii de le+$(r& l5n%& Biblie* +2ibri$(rile 3i i%ara0 Uni+a i%ar& 'e +are i-o 'ermi$ea en"izem(l '(lmonar0 O "(ma #eara* la $ele)izor0 De#+2iz5nd a'ara$(l* #e %5ndi +& a)ea #& 'e$rea+& o #ear& min(na$&0 De +5nd l(a#e 2o$&r5rea a+eea mare* $r&ia 1n$r-o #$are de +on$in(& 3i d(l+e m(l(mire0 @5n+a bine 3i +( a'e$i$(l de al$&da$& ?a$enie* $inere* #e amenina +( de%e$(l 1n o%lind&* la +ole#$erol:?* dormea ea'&n* iar +a#a* +are i #e '&r(#e al$&da$& #ordid& 3i re+e 9abia a3$e'$a #& ia#& 1n $5r% 3i #e 1n$or+ea #ilni+;* de)eni#e 1mbie$oare 3i 'rie$enoa#&0 -ra de #a+t o mo#$r& $i'i+& a %ar#onierei anilor >J08 (n #$(dio +( o mi+& )i$rin& dre'$(n%2i(lar& la lada 1n "orm& de D* do(& "o$olii en%leze3$i* ad5n+i 3i +on"or$abile 1mbr&+a$e 1n +re$on* o m&#(& ro$(nd&* neli'#i$a )eioz& '5n$e+oa#&* )5r"(i$& de (n aba=(r 'a%od&0 4e "eele de 'er%amen$ %ro#* e)ol(a( %2ei3e 3i mandarini0 $e"an 4o'a de#+2i#e $ele)izor(l0 4e#$e ze+e min($e a)ea #& 1n+ea'& "ilm(l0 Gin%er Ro%er#: Ce m(iere 1ndr&+i$&: De b&$ea 'e $oa$e000 Ri$a BaCKor$2* Vi)ien Dei%2* J(di$2 Garland n( 1n#emna( nimi+ 'e l5n%& ea* n(-i a=(n%ea( ni+i '5n& la +&l+5i000 6e d(+ea de +5$e $rei-'a$r( ori la "ilmele ei000 ?Ca (n li+ean* r5#e b&$r5n(l ad(+erii-amin$e0 i doar eram m&%ar 1n $oa$& "irea0 6&ri#em din $reize+i000 4e (rm&* +5nd am +(no#+($-o 'e ea000? 6e "&+(#e li)id* n(-3i mai %&#ea +()in$ele0 "Gin!er..." ?N(: Eliza0 6e #'(ne +& #em&n&m e-$raordinar:? E-$raordinarA 6(rori %emene: A+eea3i #il(e$& ml&dioa#&* #-o $re+i 'rin$r-(n +er+el* a+eea3i +oam& blond&* %(ra* r5#(l* 'ri)irea* iden$i+e0 E)iden$* Eliza e-'loa$a la ma-im(m a#em&narea* 1i +o'ia $oale$ele* +oa"(ra* %e#$(rile0 Din 'rima +li'& #e 1ndr&%o#$i#e +a (n neb(n0 ?De "a'$* eram %a$a 1ndr&%o#$i$* re"le+$& $e"an 4o'a0 6(n$ 1ndr&%o#$i$ 3i a#$&zi000 N-am 1n+e$a$ ni+ioda$& #-o i(be#+000? *emnalul mu0ical al "2elecinematecii? 1l #+($(r& de %5nd(ri0 6$in#e l(#$ra 3i #e a3ez& 1n "o$oli(* r&#(+ind 1n$re de%e$e i%ara0 ?Am #-o a'rind la 'rim(l ei +adr(000 Ce bine +& m-am de+i#: @& #im$ liber000 Diber +a la doi#'reze+e ani* +5nd aler%am +( 'la#a d('& "l($(ri000 Freb(ia #-o "i "&+($ mai dem(l$000 <red A#$aire: Bm: N-am 1nele# ni+ioda$& +e %&#ea( m(ierile la maim(oi(l &#$a a+roba$000? U3a de la baie #e de#+2i#e 1n+e$0 $e"an 4o'a n( ob#er)& nimi+0 6$&$ea +( #'a$ele* iar #onor(l* da$ a'roa'e la ma-im(m* a+o'erea ori+e z%omo$0 Ori+(m* n-a)ea o+2i 3i (re+2i de+5$ 'en$r( Gin%er* +are e)ol(a 'e 'i#$a de #$i+l& 1n$r-(n "(ro( de 'aie$e0 "-li0a... /ra!ostea mea..."
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@5na 1i $rem(ra* abia izb($i #& a'rind& +2ibri$(l0 Fra#e ad5n+ din i%ar&0 6e a(zi o b("ni$(r& 'ar+& ar "i +&z($ o +ar$e 'e +o)or 3i $e"an #e 1n$oar#e #'eria$0 O+2ii i #e l&r%ir& de %roaz&8 /umneata$! V&z( la(l 3i 1n a+eea3i #e+(nd& 13i #imi %r(ma=ii 'rizonieri0 A'oi #e "&+( 1n$(neri+0 2 @aior(l Cri#$e#+( ridi+& o+2ii din %aze$&0 O 1m'&$(ri +( z%omo$* in$ere#5nd(-#e8 Ce s(a nt4m+lat$ 6er%en$(l* $5n&r* b&lan +( "aa ro3+o)an&* '(#e 'li+(l 'e ma#&8 , 6-a 'rimi$ a+(m* +( meni(nea (r%en$0 Cri#$e#+( #e (i$& re"le- la +ea#0 Era (n Do-a )e+2i* e-$ra'la$0 l a)ea din li+e( 3i n( +on#imi#e #& #e de#'ar$& ni+ioda$& de el0 Dr&+iile moderne* (nde $reb(ie #& '(i o+2elari +a #& %2i+e3$i +& e miez(l no'ii 1l iri$a(8 ?oamenii do)ede#+ o "an$ezie ine'(izabil& +5nd e )orba #&-3i +om'li+e e-i#$ena000? , Bm: O'$ 3i =(m&$a$e000 C(i dra+(> 1i mai arde de +ore#'onden& la ora a#$aA: /esc3i#e 'li+(l +( #il& ne+am("la$&0 i re'(%na( anonimele* dar din ne"eri+ire $reb(ia #& in& #eama de ele0 n ma=ori$a$ea +az(rilor* reali$a$ea le +on"irma +onin($(l0 O 3$ia( $oa$e 'oliiile din l(me0 Astzi, miercuri, 67 noiem rie 89:8, a !ost ucis pensionarul -te!an Popa, la domiciliul lui din strada Plantelor nr. 87 A. Asasinul se numete Cristian ;re#orian, in#iner. Un cetean iu itor de adevr i dreptate. Cri#$e#+( 13i 1n%2ii 1n=(r&$(ra0 ?E)iden$* $reb(ia #& "i( e( de #er)i+i(0 i mai e o +2e#$ie 'en$r( +are n( e-i#$& ni+i o e-'li+aie 3$iini"i+& 'e l(mea a#$a0 De +e $oa$e dandanalele 1mi 'i+& mier+(reaA? @obiliz& e+2i'a o'era$i)& 'rin $ele"on 3i 13i 1mbr&+& $ren+i(l0 *** Foa$& l(mea era de a+ord +& la Cole$a @i+le#+( in$erior(l* ami+ii 3i a$mo#"era #(n$ "&r& e%al0 O#'i$ali$a$ea ei* de "a+$(r& #'e+ial&* $e +53$i%a #'on$an* Cole$a a)5nd )o+aia %azdei 'er"e+$e 3i 1n al$e +ondiii ar "i "&+($ o +arier& #$r&l(+i$& 1n ori+e domeni( +are 're#('(ne ?relaii +( '(bli+(l?0 Cine in$ra 1n +a#a ei #e #imea imedia$ la 1ndem5n& 3i 1n+er+a re+on"or$an$(l #en$imen$ +& da+& doamna @i+le#+( $5n=i#e 1n +li'a a+eea #& )ad& )re(n in# de 'e 1n$re% ma'amond(l a$(n+i a+ela era +2iar el* 4o'e#+(* Ione#+( #a( Va#ile#+(000 Ni+i o no$&* ni+i (n a++en$ n( r&#(na( "al# #a( +on)enional* 'l&+erea Cole$ei "iind a($en$i+&E #e b(+(ra #in+er de oa#'ei , n( +on+e'ea o zi "&r& o'$-ze+e )izi$e , 3i #'re deo#ebire de ali oameni 1n )5r#$&* era re+e'$i)& la noi +on$a+$e #o+iale0 @ere( ab&$5nd(-#e de la re%(lile #ene+$(ii* n( )orbea ni+ioda$& de#'re $en#i(ne* +ole#$erol #a( (rin&* 3$ia #& a#+(l$e +( in$ere# #in+er ori+e aberaie* r&m&#e#e +(lan$& 3i n(-3i a#a#ina in$erlo+($orii r&#+olind in$erminabile 3i nein$ere#an$e amin$iri0 <&r& 1ndoial&* 13i #'(nea mere( Cri# Gre%orian* (n(l din obi3n(iii +a#ei* +& a+ea#$& '($ere de #ed(+ie* "a& de +are nimeni n( #e
:

do)edi#e im(n* a#i%(ra a+el d(-$e )ino 'ermanen$ 3i e$ero%en din +a#a @i+lea#+&iE o )izi$a( oameni de $oa$e +ondiiile 3i #$r(+$(rile 3i* "enomen a'roa'e (ni+ "iind bine +(no#+($& re'(l#ia $inerilor "a& de #o+ie$a$ea +elor 1n )5r#$&* a+e3$ia n( n(mai +& n( o o+olea(* dar o "re+)en$a( a#id((0 Da Cole$a era #ear& de 'o+2er* 3i Gre%orian %&#i l(me '(in&0 @i+lea#+a 1l 'rimi "&r& #&-3i a#+(nd& mirarea , ne"iind ama$or de +&ri* in%iner(l 13i "&+ea 'ro%ram #e'ara$ mier+(rea 3i #5mb&$a* zilele de =o+ ,* dar realmen$e 1n+5n$a$&8 , Ce #(r'riz&* Cri#: In$r& mai re'ede +& #e "a+e "ri%000 @iro3i bine: 4ariez* ori+5$* +& )ii de la o +(+oan& di#$in#&: Ar' %e#: A#$a e: Cred +&-# 'a$r(ze+i de ani de +5nd n( l-am mai #imi$0 Co'ii: A )eni$ Cri#: n +i(da +or'olenei* era )ioaie 3i #'rin$en&0 m'lini#e 3aize+i 3i o'$ de ani* dar de +el '(in do(& de+enii ar&$a la "el* "&+ea im're#ia +& n( #e #+2imba#e delo+0 N( "(#e#e ni+ioda$& "r(moa#& , na#(l 'rea '($erni+* d(bla b&rbie e)iden$& 1n+& din $ineree* #il(e$a dolo"an& de "emeie +&reia 1i 'la+e #& m&n5n+e bine #e ar&$a#er& )r&=ma3i "ideli ,* dar r&m5nea a%reabil& da$ori$& $oni+i$&ii ei 3i "el(l(i +(m 3$ia #&-3i ?'oar$e? de"e+$ele8 Ca 'e (n #$indard0 Arbora ori+e "el de mod& "&r& #& in& #eama 1n +e m&#(r& o a)an$a=eaz&8 na#(l 'rea mare n-o 1m'iedi+a#e #& (mble +( "r(n$ea +2eal& #a( +( $(rban* 13i 'limba obezi$a$ea +( 1ndr&zneal&0 6're deo#ebire de ma=ori$a$ea "emeilor ma#i)e n( a'ela#e ni+ioda$& la $r(+(ri0 Babar n-a)ea de %2ene #a( +or#e$e (+i%&$oare +( balene* ade)&ra$e in#$r(men$e de $or$(r&* n( +&($a +(lori 1n+2i#e #a( im'rime(ri +( de#en mi+* #e an"i3a ?;+erdument" de deu<(+i +e-(rile +la#i+e0 Ba dim'o$ri)&* ro3(l #$riden$ 3i %alben(l +anar era( +(lorile 'redile+$e din %arderoba @i+lea#+&i* n( o+oli#e "(#$ele +ree #a( ro+2iile am'le a$(n+i +5nd a+e#$ea de"ila( 1n le%i(ni 'e Calea Vi+$oriei* iar da+& "a#oanele modei ad(#e#er& 1n a+$(ali$a$e #ari+ele* "e+ior(-#&( Valeri(* +on#$erna$ , #in%(r(l din in$imi$a$ea Cole$ei e-+eda$ de "an$eziile ei )e#$imen$are ,* o )&z(#e arbor5nd o (ndr& +iob&nea#+& de $oa$& "r(m(#eea0 O al$& +(riozi$a$e a @i+lea#+&i o +on#$i$(ia "a'$(l +& de diminea& '5n& #eara era %&$i$& +a de ora30 N-a)ea +a'oa$e* +&+i '(r 3i #im'l( n( 1nele%ea ($ili$a$ea lor0 A+(m* '(r$a o ro+2ie de lena= %alben& +( d(n%i orizon$ale la$e* albe* e#+ar'eni +( $o+ +(i* +er+ei l(n%i* "an$ezi* +are a'roa'e 1i dezmierda( (merii0 Vreo +in+i br&&ri-#+la)e 1i zorn&ia( la m5na #$5n%&0 , Ce dr&%( din 'ar$ea $a* Cri#* +& ai $re+($ #& ne )ezi* 1i z5mbi @elania D('(* 'limb5nd za(l 1n +ea3+a de +a"ea0 Era (na din ami+ele b(ne ale Cole$ei* o "emeie de 3aize+i 3i 'a$r( #a( 3aize+i 3i +in+i de ani* +( a#'e+$ deli+a$ 3i z5mbe$ 'l&+($0 Oamenii o $ra$a( +( +onde#+enden&* dar n-o 'rea l(a( 1n #eam&* #o+o$ind-o +am #&r&+(& +( d(2(l0 4rie$en(l ei +el mai b(n era (n mo$an ne%r(* @ir+i(li+&* de +are n( +on#imea #& #e de#'ar$& ni+i 1n )izi$e0 O ne#e+a$& b(n&)oin& 3i 'oli$eea %raioa#& 1i de#+2idea( $oa$e (3ile a#i%(r5nd(-i ami+iii de)o$a$e0 ?E 'ro#$(& bia$a @elania* dar "erme+&$oare000? 6'on$an 3i %eneral , "&r& #& #e +(noa#+& e-a+$ mo$i)(l , i #e #'(nea ?bia$a @elania?0 Cri#* +are a)ea oroare de 'i#i+i* #e a3ez& 'e o +ana'el(&* 1n +ol(l o'(#0 G5mbi lini3$i$8 , @& b(+(r +& )& )&d* doamn& D('(0 Ar&$ai min(na$0 6e 'are +& 3i 'rie$en(l(i no#$r( @ir+i(li+& 1i mer%e "oar$e bine0 , Fe +red 3i e(* r5#e Cole$a0 N(mai de +5nd a )eni$* a 2&'&i$
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1m're(n& +( mai+&-#a o Lil& de =ele(ri0 @elania D('( 13i ridi+& 'ri)irea0 Era l(minoa#&* 'alid alba#$r&E do(& )iole$e 're#a$e de m(l$* 1n$r-(n alb(m0 , E-a%erezi* dra%a mea0 N( era (n Lilo(* doar o'$ #($e de %rame0 Domni3oara de la +o"e$&rie +are e#$e o 'er#oan& "oar$e %en$il& 3i ine la @ir+i(li+& a #+o$o+i$ 3i 1n de'ozi$* dar din ne"ericire' stocul se e+ui0ase. , I-ai zi# indi)idei +& =ele(rile #(n$ 'en$r( mo$anA n )o+ea %roa#&* b&rb&$ea#+&* de "(m&$oare 1nr&i$&* #e de#l(3ea m(#$rare0 De al$"el* $oa$& 1n"&i3area Viole$ei Bordeian(* e-+e'$5nd +2i'(l +( $r&#&$(ri nobile 3i +are-3i '&#$ra#e "r(m(#eea la a'roa'e 3a'$eze+i de ani* era ma#+(lin&0 nal$&* imen#& , al$"el de+5$ Cole$a* doar %ra#& 3i '("oa#& ,* a)ea oa#e mari* #'a$e de a$le$* 'i+ioare enorme 3i %rele0 4(r$a n(m&r(l !7 la 'an$o"i 3i din +o'il&rie "(#e#e #ili$& #& #e 1n+ale doar la +omand&0 , De +e #& n(-i "i #'(#A #e mir& @elania D('(0 De la ea m& a'ro)izionez $o$dea(na 3i* i-am mai zi#* 1l a're+iaz& 'e @ir+i(li+&0 De +5$e ori 1i )ine +e)a mai #'e+ial* de 'ild& 3o+ola$& a(#$ria+&* 1mi o're3$e o +($ie #a( do(&0 >ioleta ?ordeian( $ra#e din i%ar&* 1n+2iz5nd o+2i(l #$5n%0 , N( 3$i( da+& 'ro+edezi +( $a+$0 E o #"idare #& +2el$(ie3$i a)eri 'e merindea dobi$o+(l(i0 @elania #e #$r5n#e 1n ea* )a% o"en#a$&0 , N( 3$i( +e )rei #& #'(i +( merindea dobi$o+(l(i0 @ir+i(li+& e#$e 'rie$en(l meu... , Ceea +e n(-i #+2imb& re%n(l0 D&-o 1n+olo* @elania* (neori 1mi )ine #& +red +& e3$i #min$i$& de-a binelea: , 4robabil +& #(n$* dar $e a#i%(r +& a+ea#$a n-a 1m'iedi+a$ 'e nimeni #& #e 'oar$e 'oli$i+o# +( mine000 i 'e (rm& +e 1n#eamn& a)ereA C( o #($& de lei n( +(m'eri o +a#& 3i ni+i (n $ram)ai0 Corect! r4se Gre!orian. Viole$a Bordeian( #e (i$& #emni"i+a$i) la Gre%orian8 ?E +a'ie r&(: N( meri$& #&-i '(i min$ea000? , C( +e #& $e #er)e#+* Cri#A #e in$ere#& Cole$a0 Da+& )rei +e)a de b&($* 1i iei #in%(r0 @i-a ad(# Vali (n +onia+ Na'oleon000 6&-i "a+ o +a"eaA , N( la ora a#$a: 1n#eamn& #& n( mai dorm $oa$& noa'$ea0 Din li+oarea l(i Valeri( 1n#& am #& 1n+er+0 @ai bea +ine)aA , Foarn& la $oa$& l(mea* +e mai 1n$rebi: Cris scoase +atru boluri dintr(un bu"e$ normand* $ran#"orma$ +5nd)a de do+$or(l @i+le#+( 1n bar0 <(#e#e (n mare b&($or 3i* 1ndr&%i$ de zei* m(ri#e a3a +(m 13i )i#a#e $oa$& )iaa8 l5n%& ne)a#$&-#a 'e +are o di)iniza#e* +( 'a2ar(l 1n$r-o m5n& 3i i%ara de "oi 1n +ealal$&0 , Cred +& n( m& 1n3el* Cri#* #'(#e z5mbind deli+a$ @elania* dar n-ai n(m&ra$ bine0 Vrea( #& #'(n* l-ai (i$a$ 'e @ir+i(li+&0 Am +on#$a$a$ +& '(in al+ool 1i #$im(leaz& a'e$i$(l 3i 1n %eneral di#'oziia0 Viole$a Bordeian( '("ni o#$en$a$i)0 6e m(l(mi #& ridi+e 'a2ar(l0 ?onsoar! , C5$ e +ea#(lA 1n$reb& Cole$a0 )+roa+e o+t. , C(rio#: $e"an n( 1n$5rzie ni+ioda$&000 , A#$&-noa'$e* #'(#e @elania D('( +( o+2ii a%&ai de (n $ablo( +( "lori albe* am a)($ (n )i# +i(da$0 Viole$a Bordeian( o 1n$rer('#e 'li+$i#i$&8 , 6e "&+ea +&000 3i $a-$a-$a 3i la-la-la000 Bai #& ba$em +5m'ii:
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, Da#-o: in$er)eni Cole$a +are 1n$indea +el '(in 'a$r( 'a#iene 'e zi 3i 13i 1n+2i'(ia 'rin$re al$ele +& e#$e (n medi( e-+elen$* +( )o+aie 'ar$i+(lar& 'en$r( +eea +e )a #& zi+& 3$iinele o+(l$e0 , N-o #& )& ma$(rizai ni+ioda$&A , Da )5r#$a noa#$r& n-ar mai a)ea 2az0 ?D&#ai +o'iii #& )in& la mine?* a zi# Cri#$o#0 /rum bun! r4n.i ?ordeianca. @elania +li'i #'eria$&0 3i d(#e m5na la 'ie'$* a#$5m'&r5nd(-3i b&$&ile inimii0 , @i #e 'are e-$raordinar +& a+e#$ea #(n$ e-a+$ +()in$ele 'e +are le-am )i#a$ azi-noa'$e0 Dra%(l de $e"an +&l&rea (n arm&#ar +a nea(a de o e-$raordinar& "r(m(#ee0 Bordeian+a '("ni 'e n&ri0 , I-ai 'o)e#$i$ l(i @ir+i(li+& Bara' Alb0 De ai+i i #e $ra%e0 , Ni+i %5nd0 A#ear& i-am #'(# <e$ia +( +2ibri$(ri0 Gonea %r&bi$000 Cine$ , $e"an: De#'re +ine )orbeamA000 3i la (n momen$ da$ a a=(n# dinain$ea (nei a'e mari* +( (nde ne%re e-$rem de 1n)olb(ra$e0 4&rea +& ezi$&* )5n$(l 3(iera* arm&#ar(l ne+2eza000 , 000'or+(l %(ia* )a+a Gimen$2al r&%ea* 3i @elania delira: 'a#$i3& Viole$a0 Ce naiba* ne +on"(nzi +( mo$an(lA Cri# Gre%orian 1n+e'( #& r5d&0 Cole$a am(za$&* dar 3i #$5rni$&* #$&$ea +( o+2ii 'e @elania0 A+ea#$a +on$in(& +( 1n#("leire8 , Din$r-o da$&* #-a a(zi$ (n %la# de 'e +el&lal$ mal8 ?D&#ai +o'iii #& )in& la mine:? Cal(l #-a ridi+a$ 1n do(& 'i+ioare* a'oi #-a a)5n$a$ )i$e=e3$e* #$r&'(n%5nd )al(rile ne%(roa#e0 $e"an a mai r&#(+i$ o da$& +a'(l 3i a "&+($ (n #emn de adio000 C5nd m-am $rezi$* $reb(ie #& )& #'(n +& m& #imeam e-$rem de emoiona$&... Aante0ii! res+inse >ioleta ?ordeianu. Doamna @i+le#+( #e 1n$oar#e din dormi$or* ad(+5nd o +&r$i+i+& "er"enii$&0 4a%inile era( %albene* mar%inile "r&n=(ri$e li'i$e +( scotch. n+e'( #-o r&#"oia#+&* (rm&rind r5nd(rile +( (n%2ia )o'#i$& )iole$0 Cal alb 3i %ra# 1n$ri#$are 1n#emneaz&000 E-'li+&8 Am +ar$ea de la b(ni+a0 Cred +& a 1m'lini$ 'e#$e o #($& de ani000 6$ai #& )edem +e zi+e 3i la a'& nea%r&000 Doamne #"in$e: 4(2oi 1n$(ne+a$ de )a )i#a +ine)a* moar$e de b(n 'rie$en )e#$e3$e000 ,i +rivea consterna$&* +( %(ra (i$a$& de#+2i#&0 C5$e)a +li'e domni lini3$ea0 @elania b&$( (3or 1n lemn0 i din$r-o da$&* $oi a)(r& a+eea3i #enzaie8 +& 1n odaie #-a "&+($ "ri%0 888 Era e)iden$ 3i 'en$r( (n a%eami( +& a#a#ina$(l "(#e#e +omi# de +el m(l$ do(& ore0 Cada)r(l abia #e r&+i#e* membrele 13i '&#$ra#er& "le-ibili$a$ea0 n$re de%e$ele +( 'e$e +ara+$eri#$i+e , "lori de morm5n$ , r&m&#e#e o i%ar& +e #e #$in#e#e 'robabil #in%(r&0 Cercet4nd micul a+artament' maiorul Cristescu se ntreba care ar +utea #i mobilul crimei0 $e"an 4o'a era (n b&$r5n anonim* "&r& ni+i (n "el de rele)an& #o+ial&* 'rezen$5nd din $oa$e '(n+$ele de )edere (n in$ere# limi$a$0 A'aren$* +el '(in a3a #$&$ea( l(+r(rile0 4en#ia de do(& mii 3a'$e #($e , %&#i#e $alon(l , 1i a#i%(ra o e-i#$en& 1nle#ni$&* dar era de'ar$e de a "i )re(n ri3i#im* ale +&r(i +omori #& #$im(leze a'e$i$(ri a#a#ine0 Ca#a '&rea bine 1n$rein($& 3i #'re deo#ebire de al$e lo+(ine o+('a$e de
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b&$r5ni* n( #(r'rindeai ni+i (n am&n(n$ +are #& deno$e del&#area* o an(me ne%li=en& #'e+i"i+& a 'li+$i#(l(i* a li'#ei de ener%ie #a( a)ariiei0 ?Foi me3$erii &3$ia #(n$ ni3$e bandii* ieri am da$ do(&ze+i 3i +in+i de lei +a #&-mi #+2imbe o %arni$(r&000? n +on#e+in&* n( e-i#$a( robine$e #a( +lane #$ri+a$e* a3+2ii #&ri$e din 'ar+2e$* %eam(ri 'le#ni$e* "o$olii de#"(nda$e* +olb de do(& de%e$e #a( #+rin(ri 3+2ioa'e* #$5l'i$e 1n +&r&mizi 1n)eli$e +( =(rnal0 Di'#ea( 1n#& +( de#&)5r3ire obie+$ele de )aloare 3i da+& ar "i "o#$ #& )inzi $o$ +e #e a"la 1n +ele do(& od&ie* n-ai "i 1n+ro'i$ ni+i ze+e mii de lei0 Ca am&n(n$ no$abil* Cri#$e#+( rein( +& b&$r5n(l $e"an 4o'a a)(#e#e 'robabil ob#e#ii mi#$i+e8 o biblio$e+& 1n$rea%& de +&ri reli%ioa#e , 4a$eri+(l* Biblia* Vieile 6"inilor* n)&&$(rile l(i A)ram 6ir(l e$+* e$+000* m(l$i$(dinea i+oanelor 9ie"$ine de al$"el; 3i a +andelelor* ba +2iar 3i o +&delni& )orbea( #in%(re 1ndea=(n#0 4e zid(ri* +2iar 3i 1n b(+&$&rie* era( in$(i$e (n #oi de $&blie a#em&n&$oare +( +ele m(#(lmane* +('rinz5nd $e-$e 'e $eme +la#i+e8 ?C(r&&-$e de $oa$& 1n$in&+i(nea #("le$(l(i 3i a $r('(l(i* "&+5nd #"inenie 1n$r( "ri+a l(i D(mneze(?000 ?Alear%& #'re ne)oina +ea b(n&* %ol #& "ii 3i neb(n 'en$r( mine 3i la m(l$e b(n&$&i )ei "i '&r$a3 1n zi(a 1m'&r&iei mele000? Iar 1n b(+&$&rie* dea#('ra "ri%ider(l(i8 ?E#$e bine +a 1n "ie+are zi #& #e m&n5n+e +5$e '(in* 'en$r( +& a+ea#$a e#$e +alea 1m'&r&$ea#+&* mai (3oar& 3i mai le#ni+ioa#&* +a min$ea #& n( #e $r("ea#+&000? , De* dom>le* a3a o "i* +(%e$& Cri#$e#+(0 Do+o$enen$(l Azimioar&* #(bal$ern(l 're"era$ al maior(l(i* #e a'ro'ie )eri"i+5nd(-3i +( o mi3+are ma3inal& nod(l +ra)a$ei0 , @or$ 'rin 3$ran%(lare +la#i+&* +( (n la de #5rm&0 A$5$ de +la#i+&* 1n+5$ a($o'#ia de)ine o #im'l& "ormali$a$e0 Cri#$e#+( #e #$r5mb&8 , Cla#i+&* dar &#$a a m(ri$0 n re#$* nimi+ n( m& dezmiard&0 )0imioar&* %ra#* =o)ial* de (n o'$imi#m or%ani+ ire"($abil* a++e'$5nd a'riori+ +( o 1nele'+i(ne #in%(lar& $oa$e +a'ri+iile de#$in(l(i* arbor& o min& de +ir+(m#$an&0 , A)ei dre'$a$e000 , @& 1n$reb* ro#$i maior(l +( 'ri)ire im're+i#&* +are ar '($ea "i mobil(l +rimei0 E-+l(d din$r-(n b(n 1n+e'($ (n(l ma$erial0 R&m5n , da$& "iind #$a$i#$i+a 1n ma$erie de $i+&lo3ii #'e+i"i+e #ene+$(ii 3i din +are li #e $ra%e ade#eori moar$ea , )ende$a 3i 3an$a=(l0 Do+o$enen$(l 1n$reb& din o+2i8 ?Adi+&A? Cristescu desc3ise +alma n +are inea i%ara0 , <ie b&$r5n(l 4o'a a #&)5r3i$ +5nd)a o mare ne$rebni+ie* iar 1n min$ea (nora +( memorie* a3a +e)a #e +ere 'l&$i$* "ie el 1n#(3i e"e+$(a (n 3an$a= 'eri+(lo#0 , 6're +are i'o$ez& 1n+linaiA @aior(l 1n+e'( #& r5d&8 , <i(le* n( m& +2eam& @a"alda 3i ni+i Daila0 Ne$ezi +o'er$a de m(3ama a (nei a%ende de#+o'eri$e 'e no'$iera b&$r5n(l(i 3i #e a'ro'ie de $ele"on0 <orm& (n n(m&r 3i lo+o$enen$(l a(zi d('& +5$e)a #e+(nde de+li+(l re+e'$or(l(i ridi+a$ la +el&lal$ +a'&$ al "ir(l(i0 Cu domnul avocat >aleriu Miclescu. *** Doamna @i+le#+( r&ma#e "&r& %rai0 @elania '&rea re#emna$&* Cri#
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ab#en$0 Viole$a Bordeian( +&#+& 'li+$i#i$&8 , Foa$e #(n$ aberaii de oameni "&r& o+('aie* iar $(* Cole$a* m-am +on)in#* $e-ai #+leroza$0 $e"an ne-a a)er$iza$ de #5mb&$& +& azi e n( 3$i( +e 'ro#$ie la $ele)izor* 'e +are n( )rea #-o #+a'e0 Fe-$(al: Ar&$& #'re ma#a de =o+ 're%&$i$&8 Credeam +& ai aran=a$ al 'a$r(lea 'ar$ener #a( +& #e #a+ri"i+& e)en$(al Valeri(0 Cole$a 13i 'o+ni de%e$ele 'e#$e "r(n$e* "eri+i$&8 -<traordinar +(m am (i$a$: Bine +&-i a3a: @-am l(a$ +( $reb(rile 3i mi-a ie3i$ +om'le$ din min$e000 , @ie-mi #'(i: #e #$r5mb& Viole$a0 Abia 1i $ra%i #("le$(l de a$5$a robo$eal&0 4r5nz(l la Ca'3a* #eara* )izi$e 3i #indro"ii* ba3+a #a(n&* +roi$orea#& 3i +oa"or0 @i+lea#+a 1n+e'( #& r5d&8 , Ia$& +i$a$e "idele din a%enda mea de l(+r(0 n reali$a$e* #(n$ o "emeie ne#erioa#&0 , Hi-a mer# "oar$e bine a3a* +iri'i @elania D('(* 3i n( )&d de +e ai 1n+er+a #& $e #+2imbi a+(ma0 >ioleta ?ordeianu interveni brutal: 5(a mer#* +& l-a a)($ 'e @i+le#+( 1n #'a$e* +are ad(+ea bani +( #a+(l0 Ia #& "i $r&i$ +olea* din$r-(n #alari(* +a mine* a$(n+i #& )&d da+& o mai aran=a #& "ie ne#erioa#&0 Doamna @i+le#+(* de3i obi3n(i$& +( ie3irile Viole$ei* o +er+e$& mira$&8 , Ce-i +( $ineA E3$i 'ro#$ di#'(#&A , Ai 2az: @& mai 3i 1n$rebi: Din +a(za $a* am ra$a$ #eara0 Crezi +& mi-e moale #& )in $o+mai din Ber+eniA Barem de-ar 'i+a Valeri(* #-o mai dre%em0 , $ii bine +& Vali n( #e a3eaz& la a+eea3i ma#& +( mine0 Gi+e +& n(-l in$ere#eaz& #& =oa+e +e banii lui. , Da* a'ro'o* $( de +e-l mai #$or+i de 'araleA N( i-a l&#a$ b&rba$($&( de#$(lA , Dra%a mea* nimeni n( are ni+ioda$& 'rea m(li bani* iar Vali da+& n( ar "i di#'(# de (n )eni$ +on"or$abil* n( mi-ar "i da$0 ) #ost totdeauna un co+il delicio#* in$er)eni @elania D('(0 Era (n 5n+ de 3a'$e ani +5nd mi-a d&r(i$ $ro$ine$a l(i0 Viole$a Bordeian( de3er$& (l$imele 'i+&$(ri 'e %5$ 3i 1n$in#e 'a2ar(l l(i Gre%orian +a #& i-l (m'le0 , i $( ai l(a$-oA Cri# 1n+e'( #& r5d&* dar @elania D('( r&#'(n#e +5$ #e 'oa$e de #erioa#&8 , N(* +&+i e( d('& +(m 3$ii* n-am "o#$ ni+ioda$& o #'or$i)& $alen$a$&0 Am a're+ia$ 1n#& %e#$(l* +are do)edea m(l$& %enerozi$a$e* 3i iam +(m'&ra$ (n ie'(ra30 , Fi+* #(r5#e Cole$a amin$irii0 Era (n iad 1n +a#&* 13i l&#a +ar$ea de )izi$& 'e#$e $o$0 45n& #-a ener)a$ @i+le#+( 3i l-a d(# la ar&0 Viole$a Bordeian( 13i 'i'&i +o+(l* 1n"i'#e mai ad5n+ o a%ra"&0 , 4e @elania a( +2in(i$-o $oa$& )iaa ideile "i#$i+2ii0 , E mai bine* re'li+& doamna D('(* de+5$ #& n-ai ni+i (na0 Cel '(in* a3a #ocotesc eu. , Ai a)($ 3i $( noro+ +( +olonel(l0 Al$(l da+& $e a(zea 'o)e#$ind(-i mo$an(l(i 6+("ia ro3ie* 13i l(a dem(l$ +5m'ii0 , De'inde de "el(l 1n +are 'o)e#$e3$i0 Con$eaz& enorm* iar e(* 1n 'ri)ina a+ea#$a* am (n $alen$ 1nn&#+($0 Uneori* +olonel(l era mai
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+a'$i)a$ +2iar de+5$ @ir+i(li+&0 Viole$a Bordeian( n-o mai a#+(l$a0 6e r&#$i la Gre%orian8 /ar dumneata de ce nu .oci$ Cri#* +( %5nd(l la Adina* $re#&ri8 , 4o"$imA: Ier$ai-m&* dar n( 3$i( 'oLer0 , 4&i #&-n)ei* domn(le: C( +e di#$rezi d(mnea$a o #ocietate$ , E o 'roblem& 'e +are n( mi-am '(#-o* dar )& "&%&d(ie#+ #& re"le+$ez0 , Ce-o "i +( $e"an de n( r&#'(ndeA #e mir& Cole$a @i+le#+(* l5n%& $ele"on0 De $rei ori am "orma$ n(m&r(l0 /ar ce(ai cu el$ , I-am "&+($ ro#$ de Di"rarel0 Voiam #&-l an(n0 6& n( mai (mble m5ine* de 'oman&* 'rin "arma+ii0 , Cine 3$ie +( +e $elelei+& #-o "i 1n+(r+a$ 3i ne-a '&+&li$ 'e noi +& )rea #& )ad& "ilm(l0 Ob#er)& +& mo$an(l 1i ad(lme+& 'an$o"(l $ro$$e(r 3i b&$( +( 'i+ior(l 1n d(3(mea8 G5$: , Vino 1n+oa+e* @ir+i(li+&* #e #e#iz& @elania D('(0 Freb(ie #& 3$ii +& n( $oa$& l(mea i-e 'rie$en&0 , E(* r5n=i Bordeian+a* 'o$ #&-i da( +()5n$(l de onoare0 @elania 13i (%(ie b(zele 3i #orbi +5$e)a 'i+&$(ri de +onia+0 ?N-o l(a 1n #eam&* dra%a mea0 Fo$dea(na a "o#$ %eloa#& 'e ori+e "emeie m&ri$a$&* 'e ori+e 'er#oan& de#'re +are i #e '&rea +&-i mer%e bine0 6&r&+(a a a)($ %2inion 3i ni+i m&+ar a+(m* la b&$r5nee* #$a$($(l de +eliba$ar& n-a 1n+e$a$ #-o (milea#+&0 6(n$ #i%(r& +& $reb(ie #&-i "ie mil& de ea0? Cole$a l&#& re+e'$or(l 1n "(r+&8 , Fo$(3i e +i(da$000 D(i $e"an n(-i 'la+e #& ia#& #eara0 /ar aici cum vine$ , A#$a-i al$+e)a0 n )iaa l(i n-a a)($ de+5$ o #in%(r& 'a#i(ne8 +&rile0 Da+& #$a( 3i m& %5nde#+* n-a e-i#$a$ ni+i o "emeie +are #& 1n#emne +e)a 'en$r( el000 /e 0!4rcit: de+re$& Viole$a Bordeian(0 A+(m )reo do(&ze+i de ani* #e 1n+(r+a#e +( o "(n+ionar& de-a mea* de la 4o3$&0 Ce-a '($($ #&-mi 'o)e#$ea#+& nenoro+i$a* e inima%inabil0 3i 'l&$ea( #e'ara$ bile$ele la +inema* $ram)ai(l* 1n%2ea$ele 'e b&0 N-ai )&z($ 3i la +&riA C5nd 'ierde (n 'ol* doi* #e "a+e li)id 3i i #e 1n+r(+i3eaz& o+2ii0 @i+lea#+a ridi+& re+e'$or(l0 , @ai 1n+er+ o da$&0 , In($il* #(#'in& @elania D('(0 4re#im$* de "a'$ am +er$i$(dinea* +& i #-a 1n$5m'la$ +e)a ne'l&+($* da+& n( +2iar "oar$e %ra)0 >iole$a o m&#(r& ironi+&0 &ite unde era PBt3ia! , @& +2eam& @elania-E)elina-Adelaida0 Am $rei n(me000 , i min$e 'en$r( "ie+are0 E3$i de'riman$&* #oro* +( 'ro"eiile a#$ea l(%(bre0 , 6(n$ doar lo%i+&0 Oamenii 1n )5r#$& n(-3i #+2imb& (3or $abie$(rile0 Da+& $o$(3i o "a+* 1n#eamn& +& a in$er)eni$ +e)a deo#ebi$ de im'or$an$0 i 'en$r( +& b(+(riile #(n$ '(ine 1n e-i#$ena b&$r5nilor* a+e#$ im'or$an$ e de obi+ei deza%reabil* da+& n( "a$al000 , Raionamen$(l n-are "i#(r&* a're+ie Gre%orian #(r5z5nd0 6& #'er&m 1n#& +& de a#$& da$& reali$a$ea )a in"irma lo%i+a0 n+e'(#e #& #e 'li+$i#ea#+&* dar 1i era lene #& #e ridi+e* #& #e (rnea#+&* #& #e d(+& a+a#&0
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Cole$a @i+le#+( ridi+& de%e$(l8 , 6$ai o #e+(nd&: Am a(zi$ (3a000 Da* e Vali0 Un b&rba$ de )reo $reize+i 3i +in+i de ani n&)&li 1n +a#& +( $ren+i(l 'e el0 Era 1nal$* bine "&+($* +( (n aer de de%a=are 3i ele%an& a'ar$e* 3i 'e +are (nii 1l n(me#+ )e#$i+0 Ui$& #& dea b(n& #eara* 'rad& (nei e)iden$e $(lb(r&ri0 @i+lea#+a 1l +er+e$& 1n%ri=ora$&8 *(a nt4m+lat ceva' >ali$ <i(-#&( ro#$i r&%(3i$8 , $e"an a "o#$ a#a#ina$0 ?n+& o da$& ai a)($ dre'$a$e* dra%a mea* #(#'in& @elania dezmierd5nd (re+2ile mo$an(l(i0 N( z&(* (neori mi-e 3i "ri+& #& #$a( de )orb& +( $ine000 @& 1n"ioar& a$5$a adre#&* mai ale# +5nd e )orba de nenoro+iri..." 6imi 'ri)irea o$r&)i$&* nea%r&* a Viole$ei 3i +li'i ned(meri$&0 , Vrei #&-mi #'(i +e)aA Bordeian+a ob#er)& +( $5l+* a'&#5nd 'e "ie+are #ilab&8 , Unii 3$i( al dra+(l(i de m(l$e: " 4i+&$(rile de 'loaie al(ne+a( 'e +2i'(l $(rna$ 1n bronz0 C&$&lina ob#er)& 1n)e#eli$&8 , Ui$e +& 3i #$a$(ile 'o$ 'l5n%e000 Cine eA Dorin* bo#(m"la$* #e (i$& 1n dire+ia #+(ar(l(i0 , Dobre En&+2e#+(0 %(am au0it de el. , N-ai 'ierd($ nimi+0 Era (n $i' din &la +( elan(ri edili$are0 4&#$orea $5r%(l0 , C(m adi+&A Primar... -i' ce #acem$ C&$&lina o"$&0 , Hi-am #'(# de ieri +& a#$&-#ear& #(n$ o+('a$&0 Dorin $ra#e de %(ler(l l(+io# al )india+(l(i0 De ener)are 1i $rem(ra( b(zele 3i b&rbia0 <&+ea im're#ia +& e %a$a #& 'l5n%&0 En(mer&* ridi+5nd din +e 1n +e mai m(l$ $on(l8 *+ecta+ol n-ai* re'e$iie n-ai* or& la den$i#$ n-ai: , E-i#$& 3i al$ele* #'(#e 1n+e$ "a$a0 Dorin o 'ri)i din$r-o 'ar$e0 Coada blond& 1n +are C&$&lina 1m'le$i#e $o$ "el(l de m&ri3oare #e +on"(nda +( balon(l a(ri(0 , Domn(l a)o+a$ Valeri( @i+le#+(* n(-i a3aA C&$&lina 13i m(3+& b(zele0 O '&'(3& blond&* dia"an& 3i '(in $ri#$&0 /e ce nu$ i era mil& de Dorin* 1n %eneral n(-i 'l&+ea #& "a+& 'e nimeni #& #("ere din +a(za ei* dar n-a)ea 1n+o$ro0 , Fai+&-$( 3$ieA , Am +re#+($ de#$(l de mare +a #& n(-i mai +er )oie #& m& 'limb +( (n b&ia$0 , E( a$5$a $e 1n$reb0 $ieA , N( +red +&-l in$ere#eaz& a#emenea 'robleme0 , $ie* in#i#$& Dorin* +& ?b&ia$(l? a 1m'lini$ doi 'oliA , Doar $reize+i 3i 3a#e0 , Ce mi-e $reize+i 3i 3a#e* +e mi-e 'a$r(ze+iA
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, Da )5r#$a l(i ai #& %5nde3$i alt#el. , Ob#er) +& $e-ai "amiliariza$ +( %5ndirea M(a$ra%enarilor libidino3i0 Ce m& #(r'rinde e +& n( i-e %rea&* +& n( in$ri 1n '&m5n$ de r(3ine0 <a$a +li'i mira$& 3i 1n$oar#e +a'(l0 Dorin #imi +& i #e $aie re#'iraia0 Ni+ioda$& n( i #e '&r(#e a$5$ de "r(moa#&0 D(minile ora3(l(i 'lo(a( li+(ri+i 1n o+2ii ne%ri0 , R(3ineA De +e naiba #&-mi "ie r(3ineA , 4en$r( +& $oa$& +2e#$ia a#$a e imoral& 3i 'er)er#&0 O "a$& de no(&#'reze+e ani n( are +e +&($a 1n 'a$(l (n(i +rai b&$r5n0 , N(-i 'ermi$000 Gla#(l r&#(na#e moale0 n %eneral* rea+iile C&$&linei n-a)ea( )i%oare* '&rea( de+olora$e0 Cine o )edea dan#5nd 1n ?Carmen? #a( $em'eramen$oa#ele +on+er$e ale l(i 4a%anini* +(no#+5nd-o (l$erior* 1n+er+a o #(r'riz& +are "riza #$('e"a+ia0 - un act m+otriva naturii: Un "l($(re '5n%&ri$ de (n +oio$* o "loare l&#a$& 1n labele in"e+$e ale (n(i000 (n(i000 C&($a di#'era$ +e)a nimi+i$or0 Izb(+ni8 obolan r5io#* a#$a-i: 6$ri%a#e 3i +5i)a $re+&$ori 1n$oar#er& +a'e$ele0 Jena$&* C&$&lina %r&bi 'a#(l* +( 'ri)irea 1n '&m5n$0 , Crezi +& 'one%rind(-l ai #& m& "a+i #&-l i(be#+ mai '(inA , N(-l 'one%re#+0 i de#+2id o+2ii0 , 4re"er #&-i in 1n+2i3i0 , 4en$r( banii l(iA 6'(ne: E-'li+&-mi 3i mie +( +e $e-a ai(ri$A n mod #in+er* Dorin n( 1nele%ea +e an(me ar 1ndr&%i o "a$& la (n b&rba$ +are-i 'oa$e "i '&rin$e0 4e de al$& 'ar$e* $eore$i+ian al dra%o#$ei ?in$eli%en$e? 13i 1n+2i'(ia +& a'el5nd la rai(nea ori+&r(i in# , bine1nele# da+& n( a)em de-a "a+e +( imbe+ili ,* ar%(men$5nd lo%i+ 3i do+(men$a$ o i(bire ne+ore#'(nz&$oare 'oa$e "i 1n"r5n$&0 i* $o$ 1n mod #in+er* n(-3i d&dea #eama +& a+ela3i $ra$amen$ a'li+a$ a#('ra l(i 1n#(3i #e do)edi#e =alni+ de ine"i+ien$0 2e credeam mai +resus de asemenea .osnicie. , E( n( #(n$ )ino)a$& +& i-ai 1n+2i'(i$ de#'re mine mai m(l$ de+5$ #(n$ 1n reali$a$e0 l i(be#+* Dorin* 3i $reb(ie #& a++e'i #i$(aia0 N( i-am 'romi# ni+ioda$& nimi+0 Am "o#$ doi 5n+i +are a( +o'il&ri$ 3i a( b&$($ min%ea 1n a+eea3i ma2ala0 Din +5nd 1n +5nd am )&z($ (n "ilm 1m're(n&0 Dorin 13i )5r1 '(mnii #$r5n3i 1n b(z(narele )india+(l(i0 Din 'ro"il* #em&na +( (n +an%(r0 , Bine1nele#: #+r53ni0 E( n( am lo)elele ma%i#$r(l(i 3i n( m& in de +i(b(+(ri =e%oa#e0 6(n$ (n #$(den$ 'r&'&di$* +are n(-i 'oa$e o"eri +5r'e* bibil(ri de a(r* me#e la Ca'3a , Ca'3a nea'&ra$:* d& bine* e di#$in%(i#2ed: , KeeL-end-(ri +r&ie3$i la Aro-Bra3o)0 , N( a#$a am )r($ #& #'(n* #(#'in& C&$&lina0 , Ba e-a+$ a#$a: C5nd $e-am r(%a$ 1n i(lie #& mer%em 1n +am'in% la @amaia mi-ai zi# +& n(-i 'la+e ?la '5nz&?0 , 6(n$ obi3n(i$& +( +on"or$(l0 , 6erio#A i da+& n( era( ?a$ene(rile? marel(i $rib(n* $o$ la <nternaional $r&%eaiA Obo#i$&* C&$&lina 13i $re+( 'alma 'e#$e "r(n$ea 1nal$&0 6'r5n+enele (de* +( ar+ 1ndr&zne* '&rea( de m&$a#e0 , C53$i% #("i+ien$ +a #&-mi 'o$ 'ermi$e o da$& 'e an (n +on+edi( +i)iliza$0 /orin $&+(0 n relaiile lor banii +on#$i$(ia( o 'roblem& d(reroa#&0 C&$&lina , balerin& bine +o$a$&* de=a )ede$& , +53$i%a e-+elen$0 Era
17

#oli+i$a$& "re+)en$ de $ele)izi(ne* a)(#e#e +5$e)a $(rnee mari 1n #$r&in&$a$e0 El* #$(den$* rezi#$a din b(r#& 3i mi+i +i('eli* ?a=(#$&ri de 'or$o"el?* +5nd "&+ea 'iaa 'en$r( mai+&-#a0 Uneori* re"le+$a 1n%rozi$ +& o #in%(r& ro+2ie +(m'&ra$& de C&$&lina la <ond(l 4la#$i+ +o#$a#e do(& mii do(& #($e de lei* adi+& )ii$oarea l(i lea"& d('& +5i)a ani de in%inerie0 Iar 1n ma$erie de zdrene* "a$a #e do)edea +ole+ionar& 1n)er3(na$&0 , Fo+mai de-aia: C53$i%i de#$(l +a #& n( a++e'i ba+3i3(rile mo3(l(i0 , <olo#e3$i $ermeni oribili0 Ce 1n#eamn& ba+3i3A D('& $eoria $a* (n b&rba$ n( 'oa$e "a+e (n +ado( "emeii 'e +are o i(be3$e "&r& #-o (milea#+&0 E3$i +ara%2io#0 , 4ardon: Una e o a$enie* (n +ado( "&+($ 'e m&#(ra 'o#ibili$&ilor din$r-(n #alari( +in#$i$000 , Fe ro%: 1l 1n$rer('#e "a$a0 N( m& in$ere#eaz& din ziar de+5$ r(bri+a 6'e+$a+ole0 De "a'$* +e )rei de la mineA 6& $e i(be#+ +( #ila$ , 6& 1n$rer('i relaiile +( @i+le#+(0 Hi-o +er +a 'rie$en0 C&$&lina +l&$in& $ri#$& din +a'0 3i d(#e m5na la %5$ de 'ar+& #-ar "i #("o+a$0 Dorin ob#er)& +( am&r&+i(ne #a"ir(l 'rin# 1n %2eare de le(* (n +ado( re+en$ al a)o+a$(l(i0 , Ni+ioda$&* Dorin0 Ni+ioda$&: Hin m(l$ la $ine 3i 1mi 'are r&( +& $e ne+&=e#+* dar n( 'o$ 3i n( )rea( #& min$0 Voi r&m5ne a l(i Valeri(* a$5$a $im' +5$ mi-o )a 'ermi$e el0 Dorin #e o'ri 1n mi=lo+(l dr(m(l(i0 6e in$ere#& +( %la# %5$(i$ de r&($a$e8 , C2iar da+& %en$leman(l mai 'ermi$e 1n 'rea=ma-i do(& +on$em'orane de-ale $aleA C&$&lina 1i #(#in( 'ri)irea0 Ro#$i 'alid&8 C3iar. , Fe in$ere#eaz& +(m)a #& 3$ii de#'re +ine-i )orbaA i 'o$ o"eri n(me* adre#&* o+('aie* ori%ine e$ni+&0 , N( m& in$ere#eaz&000 Am a=(n#* Dorin0 i m(l(me#+ +& m-ai +ond(#0 6& 3$ii +& n( #(n$ #('&ra$& 'e $ine000 , @er#i: 6e (i$& la blo+(l )e+2i* +( in$rare de marm(r& nea%r&* +on#$r(i$ 1nain$e de r&zboi8 Ce naiba +a(i ai+iA C&$&lina a)( (n %e#$ #+(r$ de r&ma# b(n 3i 1m'in#e +( (m&r(l (3a %rea 1n "ier 3i #$i+l&0 Ned(meri$* Dorin 'ri)i 1n =(r0 6e %5ndi #& in$re 1n 2ol #& +on#(l$e li#$a lo+a$arilor* dar ren(n&0 C2iar 1n "aa blo+(l(i #e a"la 'ar+a$& ma3ina , (n <ord @(#$an% ble(marin , a)o+a$(l(i @i+le#+(0 <(rio# 13i re'ezi 'i+ior(l 1n$r-(n(i din +a(+iucuri. ?@ama $a de e#+ro+: @&+ar de i-ai "r5n%e %5$(l +( ea:000? Ridi+& o+2ii #'re "ere#$rele l(mina$e* n&d&=d(ind +& ar '($ea-o z&ri 'e C&$&lina0 @&+ar o +li'&000 4loaia 1i #'&la la+rimile0 *** , De (nde 3$iiA #e in$ere#& #(%r(ma$& de emoie Cole$a @i+lescu. <i(-#&( #e az)5rli 'e 'rim(l #+a(n liber0 , N(-i ni+i (n #"er$ de or&* am 'rimi$ la biro( (n $ele"on de la miliie0 $e"an a m(ri$ #$ran%(la$0 , C(m de $e-a( #(na$ 'e $ineA 1n$reb& ned(meri$ Cri# Gre%orian0 N(-i e3$i r(d&* n(000 , Am ridi+a$ a+eea3i +2e#$i(ne0 @i-a( %&#i$ n(m&r(l 1n a%enda
19

nenoro+i$(l(i 3i m-a( +on$a+$a$0 n 'l(#* maior(l +are an+2e$eaz& m& +(noa3$e din $rib(nal0 Am +olabora$ , r5#e #ardoni+ , mai m(l$ #a( mai '(in one#$* n( o #in%(r& da$&000 Cole$a 13i 'le+& o+2ii0 C(no3$ea a"a+erile l(i Vali* e)iden$ 1n linii mari0 De al$"el* n( $reb(ia #& "ii )re(n in$(i$i) +a #& realizezi +& Valeri( +53$i%& m(l$ 'e#$e 'la"on(l #$abili$ de +ole%i(0 ?n "ond* 13i zi+ea @i+lea#+a* n( $e 'oi d(+e la o mode#$& a#i#$en$& medi+al&* "&r& #&-i dai 10-1J lei de in=e+ie0 Vali de'(ne o m(n+& #('erior +ali"i+a$&* 3i e normal #& "ie r&#'l&$i$ +a a$are:? , Vali* n( )rei #& $e a3ezi l5n%& mineA A)o+a$(l ridi+& o 'ri)ire +eoa#&0 Abia a$(n+i o ob#er)& 'e C&$&lina0 Era a3eza$& 'e a+eea3i +ana'ea +( @elania D('(* a#+(n#& 1n#& de o )i$rin& Do(i# NV0 A)( (n %e#$ de #5+5ial&8 , N( 'o$ #& #$a( =o# a+(m0 6(n$ 'rea a%i$a$000 C2e#$ia mi #e 'are #enzaional&000 D(%(br& 3i #enzaional&0 Alal$&ieri l-am 1n$5lni$ 'e #$rad&0 6e d(+ea la Ca'3a #&-3i +(m'ere 'a$e(ri0 , <a& de e)enimen$ele %ra)e* +omen$& @elania D('( )i#&$oare* +o$idian(l 'are $o$dea(na ab#(rd0 Viole$a Bordeian( 1i 1ndre'$& o 'ri)ire 1n$(ne+a$&8 , Fe a'(+& "ilozo"eala: Gre%orian #$in#e i%ara0 De%e$ele '&$a$e de ni+o$in& $rem(ra( (3or0 , N(-i )ine #& +rezi +& a#emenea l(+r(ri #e 1n$5m'l&0 De +i$e3$i 1n$ro +ar$e* #a( 1n )reo %aze$& #$r&in&* dar le e-+l(zi a'riori+ 3i +( de#&)5r3ire din e-i#$ena $a0 , n reali$a$e* oamenii n( a( "an$ezie* #(#(r& @elania0 @ie n( mi #e 'are nimi+ e-$raordinar000 O 'ri)ir& n&(+ii0 Valeri( @i+le#+( mim& #(r'riza %roa#&8 , C(m )ine a#$a* +oan& @elanioA @oare (n +re3$in #$ran%(la$ 3i i #e 'are +om(nA: A3a ne le'&d&m noi* )ala2ii* 'o$+oa)eleA Din3ai* #(%r(mai* %2ilo$inaiA B&$r5na re'li+& #enin&8 , $e"an n-a "o#$ %2ilo$ina$* de3i 'oa$e ar "i meri$a$-o0 Era de-a=(n# #& $e (ii la el +a #&-i dai #eama +& n( )a #"5r3i 1n mod obi3n(i$0 /ar ce(avea' soro$ o re+e0i ?ordeianca. , Era +r(n$0 Doar +ine)a +( (n $re+($ 1n%rozi$or* 'lin de '&+a$e* '($ea #& +a'e$e e-'re#ia a+eea de "iar&000 Freb(ie #& )& #'(n +& $e"an a "o#$ 'rezen$ 1n $oa$e +o3mar(rile mele0 Cred +& a+(m )oi dormi m(l$ mai lini3$i$&0 @i+le#+( 1n+e'( #& r5d&8 , E3$i mare* +(+oan&: , 6(n$ doar lo%i+&* 1l +ore+$& mode#$& @elania* m5n%5ind mo$an(l* 3i 1ndea=(n# de b&$r5n& 'en$r( a "i +on#$a$a$ +& oamenii $re+ 'rin )ia& +( o band& nea%r& 'e o+2i0 N( 3$i( #a( n( )or #& 'ri)ea#+& 1n =(r(l lor0 Viole$a Bordeian( 13i 'i'&i 'i+ior(l %re(* b&rb&$e#+0 Un )ari+e %ro# +5$ (n de%e$ 'al'i$a d(rero#0 4ro'(#e +a(#$i+&8 , n)a&-ne $(0 Mi-e $eam& +& #(n$ 'rea o+('a$& 'en$r( a3a +e)a0 i 'ri)ea #enin&* +( o+2i alba3$ri* +(mini0 A+eea3i 'ri)ire* a ele)ei de 'en#ion de a+(m +in+ize+i de ani 3i +are n( 1mb&$r5ni#e ni+i m&+ar +( o #in%(r& zi0 Da #erb&ri* in$er're$a rol(ri de #era"imi* ie'(ra3i* m&r%&ri$&rel #(a)000 C&$&lina o 'ri)ea "a#+ina$&0 i 'l&+ea b&$r5na* "&r& a '($ea de"ini e-a+$ +e an(me o +a'$i)a 1n 'er#onali$a$ea ei0 In+a'abil& #&-3i analizeze
1:

emoiile* balerina 'ra+$i+a r(bri+i in"an$ile* nen(ana$e8 1mi 'la+e* n(-mi 'la+e* m& 'li+$i#e3$e #a( n(000* m-am di#$ra$* am +&#+a$0 A+(m #e #imea der($a$&E 1i )enea #& r5d&* dar ne#i%(r&* +er+e$& in#$in+$i) +2i'(l a)o+a$(l(i0 G5mbea +( %5nd(rile e)iden$ 1n al$& 'ar$e0 Cris Gre!orian cerceta #undul +a3arului !ol. Rosti' ridic4nd din umeri a mare nedumerire: , B(n* domnilor* 1n re%(l&: 4o'a a "o#$ a#a#ina$0 6-a( mai )&z($ +az(ri din a#$ea* n(-i 'rim(l* n(-i (l$im(l000 Gla#(l a)ea rezonanele #'e+i"i+e ale %5nd(l(i +on$in(a$ +( %la# $are0 , DarA 1n$reb& @i+le#+(0 , Ori+e +rim& are (n mobil0 E-+l(d mania+ii000 D-am a+2i$a$ 'e &#$a a3a* 'en$r( +& am (n $i+ ner)o#0 Ce in$ere# '($ea #& 'rezin$e ne"eri+i$(l de 4o'aA , N( #e 3$ie ni+ioda$&* #'(#e me+ani+ Cole$a0 Viole$a Bordeian( in$er)eni +a$e%ori+&8 , Ba #e 3$ie: Era 'lin de bani0 , Banii: e-+lam& Coleta Miclescu. >ec3ea ta obsesie. )i tradus' totdeauna' totul n taleri. , Da> 1n +eA n bale%&A , 4en$r( +5$e)a mii3oare a+olo* +5$ o "i a)($ $e"an000 , 4e Cri#$o# l-a( r&#$i%ni$ 'en$r( ze+e 'arale000 Iar %2i(=(l #$&$ea 'e bani %rei000 De (nde 3$ii $u$ Bordeian+a r5#e +( #a$i#"a+ie8 , Neb(n +(m era* n( inea banii la C0E0C0000 /ar unde$ , 6(b #al$ea0 A (rina$ 'e ei , (n '(r+oi de 'e#$e o #($& de mii , 3i '-orm& a )eni$ #&-i #+2imbe0 @i-a 'o)e#$i$ o "o#$& "(n+ionar& de-a mea0 E +2e#$ie de )reo 3a'te(o+t luni. , N( +red +& a+e#$a ar '($ea "i mo$i)(l 'en$r( +are $e"an a "o#$ a#a#ina$* #'(#e (%(ind(-3i b(zele @elania D('(0 /ar care$ , Bine1nele#* emi$ #im'le #('oziii* dar 're#('(n +& moar$ea l(i a "o#$ %enera$& de rai(ni mai #'e+iale000 Da+& a3 an+2e$a e( a+e#$ +az a3 'le+a de la (n )e+2i a"ori#m8 de#$in(l om(l(i* 'e m&#(ra l(i0 E )alabil a+ela3i me$r(0 , Bine +& n( an+2e$ezi $(: ob#er)& Viole$a Bordeian(0 Da+& #$a( 3i m& %5nde#+000 O ntreru+se soneria. Micleasca +rivi instinctiv +endula. Cine o mai #i +icat' soro$ - 0ece. <i(-#&( ridi+& 'alma* o'rind-o8 , 6$ai* mam&* de#+2id e(0 A#+(l$a( $oi +( (re+2ile +i(li$e 3i r&#("l&rile $&ia$e0 A)o+a$(l #e i)i 1n 'ra% 1n#oi$ de (n b&rba$ +&r(n$* #('l( 3i ele%an$0 An(n& +( )o+e (3or r&%(3i$&8 Maior(l Cri#$e#+( de la @iliia J(di+iar&0 1 n mod +i(da$* 'rim(l 'e +are-l )&z( "( mo$an(l0 Re+(no#+( #'inarea 1n+o)ri%a$&* 'ar+& $ra#& +( +om'a#(l* +oada m5nioa#&* o+2ii
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#a3ii0 Inima l(i Cri#$e#+( 1n+e'( #& ba$& nelini3$i$&8 @ir+i(li+&: Iar 1n blana nea%r&* l(#$r(i$&* odi2nea( de%e$ele @elaniei D('(0 O +ea& "in& $(lb(r& 'ri)irea maior(l(i0 Rezem& o +omod& "loren$in& 3i 1n+2i#e o+2ii0 ?Bo$&r5$* e (n ble#$em: Ce are* domn(le* "emeia a#$a +( mineA Ce areA: E-'li+ai-mi* oameni b(ni: i e)iden$* da+& @elania e ame#$e+a$& 1n$r-o i#$orie* 1n#eamn& +& dandana(a $reb(ie #& "ie (na +o-lo-#a-l&:000? Cutremurat' i au0i !lasul #irav !4n!urind melodios: , O2: Ce #(r'riz& neb&n(i$&: Hi-ai "i 1n+2i'(i$* @ir+i(li+&A: E +2iar 'rie$en(l no#$r(* domn(l maior Cri#$e#+(0 Am 're#imi$ de diminea& +& azi )om a)ea o zi e-+e'ional de 'l&+($&: Cole$a @i+le#+( o +er+e$& (l(i$&8 ?@elania n(-i 1n $oa$e minile: Ne moare (n 'rie$en* (n om 'e +are-l +(noa3$em de $reize+i de ani 3i ea +on#ider& +&-i o zi e-+e'ional de 'l&+($&000? Maior(l* +a $o$dea(na de#+(m'&ni$ de "arme+(l 3i 'oli$eea de#&)5r3i$& a b&$r5nei* b5lb5i +5$e)a +()in$e de +ir+(m#$an&0 @elania d&dea din +a' radioa#&* obra=ii 1i 1n"lori#er&* )iole$ele 'alide din o+2i '&rea( 1n#$ela$e 3i* a3a +(m #e 1n3ela( m(li* C&$&lina 13i zi#e +& oda$&* +5nd)a* b&$r5na $reb(ie #& "i "o#$ #('erb&0 Ciri'ea +( r&#("larea 're+i'i$a$& 3i m5inile 1m're(na$e +a de r(%&+i(ne* 13i "l($(ra %enele* )ibra* era $oa$& n(mai emoie 3i b(+(rie #'on$an&* +o'il&rea#+&0 , N-a)ei idee* +5$ de de# m& %5nde#+ la d(mnea)oa#$r&0 Iar %5nd(rile 'e +are )i le adre#ez* )& a#i%(r* #(n$ doldora de re+(no3$in&0 Amei$* Cri#$e#+( 13i $re+( 'alma 'e#$e "r(n$ea a#(da$&0 ?3i ba$e =o+ de mine000 i da( la+rimile de re+(no3$in& +& am )5r5$-o 1n '(3+&rie000? 2rebuie #& )& #'(n* (rm& @elania D('(* +& "i+a$(l me( )& da$oreaz& "oar$e m(l$0 Po#tim$! B&$r5na r5#e 1n+5n$a$&8 , $ii* a a)($ 'o#ibili$a$ea #& #e odi2nea#+&0 Am 'e$re+($ a'roa'e (n an 1n000 n #"5r3i$* 1n 'en#i(nea a+eea (nde mi #-a admini#$ra$ (n re%im 3$iini"i+000 )rea( #& #'(n #obr(000 Realmen$e* 'o$ #& #'(n +& m-am #imi$ admirabil0 @aior(l Cri#$e#+( 13i m(3+& b(zele8 , 4oa$e +& da+& i-ai r(%a "r(mo#* ar "i di#'(3i #& )& mai in& o #$a%i(ne0 Din +5$e )& +(no#+* n( $reb(ie #& "a+ei e"or$(ri 'rea mari 'en$r( +a 'orile (nei a#emenea &000&000& 000 'en#i(ni #& )& "ie lar% de#+2i#e0 C( %enerozi$a$e +2iar* a3 zi+e0 , A* n(: d&d( din +a' @elania0 N-am "o#$ ni+ioda$& de a+ord +( e-a%er&rile0 i a'oi* n( +red +& @ir+i(li+& ar "a+e "a& (nei a do(a de#'&riri0 E ade)&ra$ 1n#& +& 3i a+olo am 1n$5lni$ 'er#oane deo#ebi$ de bine* +are mi-a( de)eni$ 'rie$eni 1i re)&d a#$&zi +( 'l&+ere0 Cri#$e#+( 13i #+&r'in& di#+re$ +ea"a0 C(no3$ea ?'er#oanele bine?* +ole%ele de 'en#i(ne ale @elaniei 3i +are bene"i+ia#er& o da$& +( ea de (l$ima amni#$ie0 Ci+i G(l(" , 'ro#$i$(a$& +( de%e$e e-$rem de 1ndem5na$i+e , Vanda Frai-D(l+e000 4o#eda (n a'ar$amen$ de 'a$r( +amere 1n +en$r(* 'e +are zi(a* +on$ra (nei +anio$e #(b#$aniale* 1l 1n+2iria (nor 'o+2eri3$i 'ro"e#ioni3$i* iar noa'$ea +('l(rilor 1n+(r+a$e 1n amor(ri +lande#$ine0 N( li'#ea( din %arni$(r& Ioana Ara%az , din e#+ro+2eria +( b($elii +53$i%a#e 'e#$e o #($& +in+ize+i de mii , 3i ni+i @irea#a0 Era 'ro$a%oni#$a a 'e#$e do(&ze+i de n(ni +( dar* o'er5nd 'ra+$i+ 'e 1n$rea%a 2ar$& a &rii0 n noa'$ea +( 'ri+ina* d('& #$r5n%erea
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dar(l(i* a=($a$& de (n +om'li+e* di#'&rea 'en$r( $o$dea(na0 Ginerii le"$eri 3i mo"l(zi b&$ea( d('& a+eea zadarni+ dr(m(l miliiilor0 <emeia a)ea 1n#& +a$e%ori+ (n "arme+ irezi#$ibil0 Da 'ro+e#* +5i)a din$re #oii '&+&lii ren(na#er& #& #e mai +on#$i$(ie 'ar$e +i)il&* iar (n(l de 'rin Vla3+a #e o"eri#e #-o ia 1n+& o da$& de ne)a#$&* dar de a#$& da$& ?de-ade)&ra$elea000? J(de+&$or(l(i in$ri%a$* indi)id(l 1i r&#'(n#e#e 'rom'$8 ?<a$& #&ra+&* a "&+($ 3i ea +e-a '($($: i are o '('elni&:000? , @da000 m& b(+(r +& ai a)($ o +om'anie a%reabil&0 3i dre#e %la#(l* ro$ind(-3i o+2ii 'rin 1n+&'ere8 4robabil +& a)o+a$(l @i+le#+( )-a in"orma$ de#'re a#a#inarea b&$r5n(l(i $e"an 4o'a0 , E 1n%rozi$or: e-+lam& Cole$a @i+le#+(0 n+& n(-mi )ine #& +red0 <i(-#&( 1i az)5rli o 'ri)ire de re'ro38 ?Ce naiba 1l 1n$rer('ei mere(A: n$5i +oana @elania +( #+r5n$elile ei* a+(ma $(000? , nain$e de a l(a al$e m&#(ri* (rm& maior(l* am in($ #& )in 1n +on$a+$ +( d(mnea)oa#$r&* 'rie$enii )i+$imei0 n+er+ #& de"ine#+ +lima$(l* 'arame$rii e-i#$enei #ale0 4o'a n-a)ea r(de* n( 1n$reinea relaii +( nimeni* ni+i m&+ar +( )e+inii0 E#$e 'o#ibil +a a+ea#$a #& "i "o#$ #in%(ra +a#& 1n +are in$ra0 , 4($ei 'aria 'e ori+5$* in$er)eni Viole$a Bordeian(0 l +(no#+ de $reize+i de ani0 C5$ era de +i("($ 3i ne%(ro#* nimeni n( #e %r&bea #&-l 1mbie d(mini+a la ma#&0 Cri#$e#+( +er+e$& +( in$ere# +a'(l #'lendid* +2iar la a'roa'e 3a'$eze+i de ani0 n o+2ii mi%dalai #e +i$ea r&($a$e 3i o indi"eren& +($rem(r&$oare "a& de $o$ +e n( a)ea le%&$(r& +( 'ro'ria-i 'er#oan&0 , In$ere#an$* m(rm(r& Cri#$e#+(0 C(m )& n(miiA Bordeian+a 13i 'ron(n& n(mele +( em"az& de 'ar+& a+e#$a ar "i a)($ +el '(in rezonane Can$a+(zine3$i0 A)o+a$(l @i+le#+( 1i 'rezen$& 'e +eilali0 4ri)irea maior(l(i z&bo)i o +li'& a#('ra C&$&linei* ?'rima balerin& 'e +are o )&d +om'le$ ne)o'#i$&?* #e a'rin#e , o "ra+i(ne de #e+(nd& , +5nd a(zi n(mele l(i Cri# Gre%orian0 l +er+e$& #+(r$* "&r& #& aib& aer(l +& o "a+e 1nadin#0 O 1n"&i3are banal& +( o #in%(r& $r&#&$(r& di#$in+$i)&8 $ri#$eea0 O $ri#$ee iremediabil&* 'e +are ne"eri+i$(l '&rea +ondamna$ #& o $5ra#+& (mbr& '5n& la +a'&$(l zilelor0 ?l )&d 1n #$are de ori+e: 13i zi#e maior(l0 6& +reeze o o'er& +elebr&* nem(ri$oare* #& a=(n%& mi#ionar 1n In#(lele 4olineziene #a( 'rin$re melan+oli+ii +are #e #"5r3e#+ 'e (n 'a$ de balam(+* dar n( +a'abil de +rim&0? $ia 1n#& +& a'arenele n( rimeaz& $o$dea(na +( reali$a$ea* n( $oi a#a#inii #eam&n& +( %an%#$erii "ioro3i din "ilmele de +a$e%oria a $reia0 2recu o#$5nd la 1n$reb&rile +la#i+e* de r($in&8 #$area ma$erial& a )i+$imei* )r&=m&3ii* e)en$(ale nelini3$i* #$&ri deo#ebi$e mani"e#$a$e de 4o'a 1n (l$ima )reme0 R&#'(n#(rile +on+orda( +( $(3e mai d(l+i #a( mai )eninoa#e 1n +e 'ri)e3$e +ara+$er(l deza%reabil al b&$r5n(l(i8 a'ri%* erme$i+* li'#i$ de %enerozi$a$e0 , De o z%5r+enie a'o+ali'$i+&* #(blinie Viole$a Bordeian(0 F&ia b&(l de +2ibri$ +( lama 'e l(n%ime* %5dila$ +& din$r-o +($ie a #+o# do(&0 O+2ii Cole$ei #e o'rir& la i+oana #'lendid& de dea#('ra +on#olei0 , De )reo +5i)a ani +&z(#e 1n mi#$i+i#m 3i 1n+er+a #& ne +on)er$ea#+& 'e $oi0 C(rio# e +& 1n 'rima $ineree 13i b&$ea =o+ de bi#eri+&0 N(-i a=(n%ea (n $ra$a$ de zoolo%ie +a #&-i e$i+2e$eze 'e $oi #"inii din +alendar(l or$odo-0 Maiorul' care inventariase 1n$rea%a +ole+ie de obie+$e bi#eri+e3$i ale b&$r5n(l(i* #e r&#(+i #'re doamna @i+le#+(0
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, Rein 're+izarea d(mnea)oa#$r&8 De )reo +5i)a ani000 Ce +redei +& a de$ermina$ a+e#$ re)irimen$A , Damblale de-ale b&$r5n(l(i: #&l$& din (meri +( di#'re Bordeian+a0 4e (n(l 1l a'(+& m&$&niile* al$(l o ia razna "ie +( m(ierile* "ie +( 'i#i+ile #a( +( 3oare+ii &ia in"e+i* 2am#$eri0 E la mod& #&-i mi3(ne 'rin od&i0 @elania D('( 13i (%(ie b(zele 1n "el(l ei +ara+$eri#$i+0 , E( n( +red delo+ +& ar "i )orba de#'re )reo000 ori%inali$a$e de-a l(i $e"an0 /ambla! sublinie ?ordeianca. , N( )&d de +e am "olo#i +()in$e ne'oli$i+oa#e* ro#$i +alm& @elania* a)5nd aer(l +& n( #e adre#eaz& nim&n(i0 C( $e"an #-a 1n$5m'la$ +( $o$(l al$+e)a0 6(n$ +on)in#&0 , Da +e )& %5ndiiA #e in$ere#& maior(l0 O 'ri)ea +ir+(m#'e+$ 3i #e 1n$reba +( inima #$r5n#& 1n +e m&#(r& era ame#$e+a$& b&$r5na 1n 'o)e#$ea a#$a0 Un do#ar 1n +are "i%(ra 3i n(mele @elaniei D('( #e an(na de la 1n+e'($ i#$eri+* ab#(rd* "an$a#$i+& b("onad&0 Nenoro+irea era +& b&$r5na a)ea idei* n( '($ea #&-3i )ad& de $reab&* #& ron&ie bomboane +( @ir+i(li+& 1n "aa $ele)izor(l(i 3i #& =oa+e +ana#$& de do(& ori 'e #&'$&m5n&* +a ori+e 'en#ionar normal +&r(ia n(-i )5=5ie %landele0 ?E-i#$&* domn(le* o ironie a de#$in(l(i 'e +are a3 )rea #& mi-o e-'li+e +ine)a diale+$i+0 Am a)($ $rei do#are +( neb(na a#$a , $oa$e $rei 'e +ale #& m& )5re 1n #'i$al , 3i a+(m 1mi 'i+& al 'a$r(lea0 De +e $o+mai mieA De +e $reb(ia #& "i( e( de #er)i+i( a#$&-#ear& 3i n( al$(lA? i #e %5ndea +ri#'a$ la +omen$ariile #(+(len$e* la z5mbe$ele (+i%&$oare ale +ole%ilor* m5ine diminea& +5nd #e )a a"la +& l(i Cri#$e#+( i-a 'i+a$ iar o dandana +( @elania 3i @ir+i(li+&0 ?6e an(n& (n do#ar000 zb(rdalni+000? , @& a#+(l$aiA O+2ii b&$r5nei 1l +er+e$a( #enini* do(& diminei de 'rim&)ar&0 Con$in(& z5mbind8 , Am a)($ im're#ia +& )& %5ndii la al$+e)a0 , V& a#+(l$000 , 4&rerea mea e#$e +& $e"an de)eni#e a$5$ de e)la)io# , 3i $reb(ie #& )& #'(n +& a "o#$ (n(l din e'i$ro'ii de n&de=de ai Bi#eri+ii 6"5n$(l Va#ile +el @are* iar o b(n& 'ar$e din )eni$ 1l +2el$(ia 1n "olo#(l a+e#$(i l&+a3000 , De (nde 3$iiA o 1n$rer('#e br($al Viole$a Bordeian(0 A#$ea le #+oi din +a'(l $&(: @elania 13i +obor1 'leoa'ele mode#$&8 , Am 'rie$eni 're$($indeni0 Un(l din$re ei #e 1n$5m'l& #& "ie $o)ar&3(l An$on* 'ara+li#er(l bi#eri+ii0 n $im'(l liber $(nde +&ei8 +ani+2e* "o--$errieri #a( +ara%2io3ii a+eia mi+i +( bre$on000 ?E +lar* o"$& Cri#$e#+(0 Am 1n+e'($ de=a #& in$r&m 1n i#$erii "an$a#ma%ori+e0 4ara+li#er* +oa"or de +5ini0 i 1n+& +eA D(mneze(le mare* +e 1n+&A:? , 000 dar 1n a"ar& de a+ea#$a e#$e 3i (n "oar$e 'ri+e'($ )e$erinar0 D-a 1n%ri=i$ 'e @ir+i(li+& a+(m +5$e)a l(ni* +5nd a %&#i$ de#+2i# "ri%ider(l doamnei Dobri+ean( de#'re +are $o$ blo+(l 3$ie +& %&$e3$e e-$rem de indi%e#$0 )vocatul Micle#+( 1n+e'( #& r5d&0 C&$&lina* 1n)e#eli$&* ar&$& (n r5nd de dini m&r(ni 3i #$r&l(+i$ori0 Bordeian+a #e (i$& +&'ia$& la @elania0
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, Doamne #"in$e: e-+lam& doamna @i+le#+(0 C(m 'oi "i a$5$ de +ara%2ioa#&A , Am +on#$a$a$* re'li+& mere( +alm& b&$r5na* +& e de a=(n# #& #'(i ade)&r(l 'en$r( +a oamenii #& r5d&0 De+i reali$a$ea e +ara%2ioa#& 3i n( e(0 Domn(l maior Cri#$e#+( m& +(noa3$e de m(l$ 3i 3$ie +&-i #("i+ien$ #& de#+2id %(ra 'en$r( +a l(mea #& #e di#$reze #$ra3ni+0 6-ar '($ea +a e( #& "i( o 'er#oan& #'iri$(al& de3i nimeni n( mi-a #'(#-o r&#'i+a$0 @aior(l* la+ de #(doare* 13i $am'on& obra=ii0 , Vrei #& +on$in(aiA , N(-mi dore#+ nimi+ al$+e)a0 De+i $o)ar&3(l An$on e#$e #(r#a mea de in"ormare0 Di#+($am 1n#& de#'re +( $o$(l al$+e)a0 $e"an a de)eni$ a$5$ de e)la)io#* 3i a+ea#$a e o 'o)e#$e "oar$e )e+2e* n(mai +& 1n (l$ima )reme "enomen(l #e a++en$(a#e* 'en$r( +& a)ea m(#$r&ri de +on3$iin&0 Nimi+ n(-i d& (n br5n+i mai )5r$o# +a #& +azi 1n mi#$i+i#m0 , Do%i+ e: +omen$& a)o+a$(l z5mbind0 Cri#$e#+( 13i 'i'&i b(z(narele* +&($5nd bri+2e$a0 , A)ei +ea mai )a%& idee de#'re mo$i)(l +are ar "i '($($ %enera a+e#$e m(#$r&riA %u. , A$(n+i +e )& de$ermin& #& "ii a$5$ de +a$e%ori+&A @elania D('( 13i ne$ezi %raio# 'oalele ro+2iei0 @&r%elele* do(& 3ira%(ri* de (n )erde oli)* '&rea( 'i+&$(ri de o$ra)&* 1n#("leind +en(3i(l e#&$(rii0 Ro#$i 'e $on de #en$in&8 , $e"an a)ea 'ri)irea +ara+$eri#$i+& a om(l(i +are #e #im$e )ino)a$0 , Bm: "&+( #+e'$i+ Cri#$e#+(0 Vrei #& mi-o de#+rieiA , C( 'l&+ere0 E#$e o 'ri)ire l&$(ri3&* +are "(%e $o$ $im'(l0 G5ndii-)& la o l&+(#$& 3i o #& 1nele%ei e-a+$ +e )rea( #& #'(n0 Cam a3a ar "i000 <&r& ni+i o =en&* 3i #'re +on#$ernarea Cole$ei* 1n+e'( #&-3i ro#$o%olea#+& o+2ii 1n $oa$e dire+iile* #$r&d(ind(-#e #& "ie +5$ mai #(%e#$i)&0 )i nneb(ni$A: #e 2olb& Bordeian+a0 De la o )reme bai +5m'ii mai re'ede de+5$ $oa$e l&+(#$ele0 @elania o i%nor&* (rm5nd im'er$(rbabil8 , n a"ar& de a+ea#$a* 'e mine in#$in+$(l n( m& 1n3eal& ni+ioda$&* iar domn(l maior a a)($ de#$(le o+azii #& #e +on)in%&0 "/in ne"eri+ire:? a'rob& 1n %5nd Cri#$e#+(0 Col(rile %(rii 1i z)5+nea(0 6e adre#& +elorlali8 , m'&r$&3ii a+eea3i '&rereA Cri# Gre%orian #e derob& +( (n %e#$ lar%8 , N( mi-a a$ra# a$enia 'ri)irea l(i 4o'a* dar #-ar '($ea +a e( #& n( "i( (n ob#er)a$or b(n , #a( #& n( m& (i$ 1ndea=(n# la oameni0 Adi+& #& $re+ 'e l5n%& ei "&r& #&-i )&d0 4re#('(n 1n#& +& ar '($ea e-i#$a 3i al$e mo$i)e +are #&-l $ran#"orme 'e (n indi)id din a$e( ori indi"eren$ 1n +redin+io# "er)en$0 Di'#a de n&de=di* #en$imen$(l de ne'($in&* +( a++en$e a+($e la b&$r5ni* dar mai ale# "ri+a de moar$e0 A)o+a$(l @i+le#+( #e ridi+& 1n 'i+ioare0 Ca mai $oi +ole%ii de brea#l& n( '($ea 'erora #$5nd a3eza$0 , Ca$e%ori+0 A3 '(ne 'e 'rim(l 'lan "ri+a de moar$e0 N( de iad* +i e"e+$i) #'aima de nean$0 A)eam (n +lien$* 1l ob#eda '5n& la demen& +(m a)ea #&-3i 'e$rea+& 'rima noa'$e 1n morm5n$0 , Ar mai '($ea "i +e)a* 1ndr&zni +( %la# 3o)&i$or C&$&lina0 O 'ri)ir& $oi #(r'rin3i0 Balerina era de obi+ei $imid& 3i +om'le-a$&
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1n$re oameni 'e +are-i b&n(ia mai in$eli%eni 3i mai in#$r(ii* l(a rar 'ar$e la di#+(ii* n-a)ea in$er)enii* +on)er#aia ei red(+5nd(-#e la r&#'(n#(ri #$ri+$e 3i "raze-#+2em&0 , Ce an(me* domni3oar&A Cel mai +(rio# o (rm&rea a)o+a$(l0 O +(riozi$a$e m(3+&$oare 1nd(l+i$& de (n #(r5# amabil0 Fr&ia +( dan#a$oarea de a'roa'e (n an0 i 'l&+ea , o =(+&rie #'lendid& 3i %raioa#& ,* dar n( +on$a 1n )iaa l(i0 C&$&lina* ain$i$& de $oi* ro3i* +( 'leoa'ele 'le+a$e0 n mod )&di$* 13i +&($a +()in$ele0 N( 'en$r( +& n( i-ar "i "o#$ lim'ede +e a)ea de #'(#* +i 'en$r( +& ar "i )r($ #& #e e-'rime +5$ mai ?in$ele+$(al?0 , E 'o#ibil +a domn(l 4o'a #& "i #("eri$ o an(mi$& in"l(en&0 D-am 1n$5lni$ a#$&-'rim&)ar& 'e b(le)ard 3i m-a +ond(# '5n& la O'er&0 Fo$ dr(m(l mi-a )orbi$ de#'re ?'rie$enii l(i I#(#?0 N-am 1nele# e-a+$ +e #e 1n$5m'l& +( a+e#$e000 'er#oane* dar mi-a #'(# +& de +5nd i-a de#+o'eri$* )iaa l(i a +&'&$a$ al$& 'er#'e+$i)&0 @i-a #(%era$ +& ar "i bine #&-i +(no#+000 , i $(A r5#e @i+le#+(0 C&$&lina #&l$& din (meri8 , Am de#$(le +(no3$ine0 N-am $im' de al$ele0 n "ie+are zi re'e$iii* #'e+$a+ol000 , @(l(me#+* domni3oar&* in$er)eni maior(l0 @i-ai "(rniza$ o in"ormaie "oar$e 'reioa#&000 n a+ea#$& 1n+&'ere )& a"lai +in+i 'er#oane* $oi 'rie$eni de-ai l(i $e"an 4o'a0 Fra#e ad5n+ aer 1n 'ie'$ 3i 1n$reb& br(#+8 Con#iderai +& (n(l din +ei de "a& l-ar "i '($($ a#a#inaA @i+le#+( 1l 'ri)i n&(+8 ?A 1nneb(ni$ Cri#$e#+(A Adi+&-l #(#'e+$ez 'e Cri# #a( 'e C&$&lina* #a( 'e @elania 3i o #'(n a3a* 1n %(ra mare* de "a& +( eiA: Ce naiba* 1l 3$iam mai diba+i:000? @aior(l 1i (rm&rea +( a$enie0 $ia +& "orm(la +on$ra)ine ori+&ror re%(li de an+2e$&* dar e-'eriena 1l 1n)&a#e +& (neori abdi+5nd de la +on)enie obii rez(l$a$e neb&n(i$e0 N( miza ni+i o #e+(nd& 'e r&#'(n#(ri dire+$e ?da* +riminal(l ar '($ea "i N?* +i 'e a+elea in+on3$ien$e0 4ri)irile re"le-e* #'on$ane0 C&+i 'rima 'ri)ire ine $andem %5nd(l(i a#+(n# 3i n( 'oa$e "i +on$rola$&0 nre%i#$r& +( in$ere# 3i oare+are #(r'riz& , +2e#$i(ne de #e+(nd& 3i a$enie +on+en$ra$& , rez(l$a$(l0 Oc3ii >ioletei ?ordeianu "i-ar& #il(e$a "ira)& a @elaniei D('(0 Ai @i+lea#+&i "(%ir& #'re Cri# Gre%orian* ai a+e#$(ia #e 1n+r(+i3& +( ai a)o+a$(l(i0 C&$&lina 3i-i ridi+& , #'aim& 3i dra%o#$e '&$ima3& , #'re @i+le#+(0 Doar alb&#$relele @elaniei n( '&r&#ir& +2i'(l maior(l(i0 Dezmierda s+inarea motanului care adormise' iar +e bu0e i #lutura un sur4s bl4nd. ?D('& +(m )ezi* dra%a mea* domn(l maior Cri#$e#+( 3i-a 1m'ro#'&$a$ $r(+(rile0 <ii a$en$&* "e$io:? Cli'e l(n%i #e a(zi doar re#'iraia 3(ier&$oare a Viole$ei Bordeian(* a'oi #+r53ne$(l +2ibri$(l(i 'e +are-l inea 're%&$i$ 1n m5n&0 A)o+a$(l @i+le#+( r('#e 'rim(l $&+erea0 n$reb& r5z5nd8 , i +2iar )& a3$e'$ai #& 'rimii )re(n r&#'(n# la 1n$rebarea d(mnea)oa#$r&A @aior(l 1i +er+e$& +2i'(l in$eli%en$* )iril* de b&rba$ +( #(++e# la #emei. *ur4se bl4nd. , D-am 3i 'rimi$0 V& m(l(me#+0 888
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, 6& re+a'i$(l&m de+i da$ele 'roblemei* #'(#e +olonel(l Iona30 n #eara zilei de IJ noiembrie a "o#$ a#a#ina$ 'en#ionar(l $e"an 4o'a000 Cri#$e#+( d&dea ma3inal din +a'* (rm&rind(-i %e#$(rile0 Colonel(l #&l$a +5$e (n de%e$ la "ie+are 'ro'oziie* 3i 1n ri$m(l &#$a* 13i zi#e maior(l* '5n& la #"5r3i$(l e-'oze(l(i* i-ar "i $reb(i$ a3a* +am la 3a#e 'ere+2i de m5ini0 , n de"ini$i)* +on+2i#e Iona3 +( #'r5n+enele ridi+a$e a mirare* n( 1nele% de +e e3$i a$5$ de ener)a$0 N( an+2e$ezi 'rima +rim& a'aren$ "&r& mobil0 C( (nele )ariai(ni 'ie#a e $o$dea(na a+eea3i0 Ce* ai 1n+e'($ #& ai ner)i de "e+ioar& 3i emoii de deb($an$:A 4e b(zele maior(l(i Cri#$e#+( 1n"lori (n #(r5# ambi%((8 #ar+a#m* iri$are* #a$i#"a+ie amar& a +el(i +are 3$ie +& )a a)ea de 1nd(ra$* dar +on3$ien$ +&-i de a=(n# #& de#+2id& %(ra 'en$r( a-3i l&#a 'er'lein$erlo+($or(l0 , Bm: Da* 2m000 N-am a'(+a$ #& )& #'(n +2iar $o$(l0 Ce ar mai #i$ Cri#$e#+( n(-l #+&'a +lin 'ri)iri0 Ro#$i* a'&#5nd 'e "ie+are #ilab&8 , 4re#('(n +& n(-i li'#i$ de in$ere# #& )& ad(+ la +(no3$in& +& din di#$rib(ie "a+e 'ar$e 3i 2m000 da000 )e+2ea noa#$r& 'rie$en& @elania D('(0 O+2ii l(i Iona3 +re#+(r& din$r-o da$& 3i maior(l 13i zi#e +&* 'en$r( (n indi)id +are l-a )&z($ br(#+ 'e om(l ne%r(* +olonel(l a)ea o "i%(r& e-$rem de re(3i$&0 %u se +oate!! Melania$ , Ea0 @ere( "erme+&$oare* 1n$r-o "orm& e-+elen$& 3i a+om'ania$& bine1nele# de ami+(l @ir+i(li+&0 <i%(ra +olonel(l(i #e #$r5mb& din$r-o da$&0 Izb(+ni 1n$r-(n 2o2o$ de r5# "an$a#$i+0 n biro(l de al&$(ri* z%omo$(l ma3inii de #+ri# 1n+e$&0 @aior(l ar "i '($($ 'aria ori+5$ +& #e+re$ara a r&ma# +( m5inile 1n aer 3i (re+2ea +i(li$&* 1n+er+5nd 1n%ri=ora$& #& de"inea#+& e-a+$ z%omo$ele0 Colonel(l #$ri%a li$eralmen$e de r5#* #e 1n)inei#e* 3i Cri#$e#+(* 're)eni$or* 1i (m'l( (n 'a2ar +( a'&0 , i @ir+i(li+&: e-+lam& #("o+a$ Iona3* izb(+nind 1n$r-o no(& +a#+ad& de 2o2o$e0 @aior(l a3$e'$& +alm #& #e lini3$ea#+&0 De+lar& $a+$i+o#* $amb(rin5nd +( (n%2iile 'e +ri#$al(l me#ei8 Mde* n( $reb(ie #& "ii 'ro"e$ +a #& in$(ie3$i +& n( )a "i (n do#ar &&&000 'li+$i#i$or000 , n 'ri)ina a#$a* di#'(i de $oa$e %araniile* a're+ie +olonel(l abia r&#("l5nd0 @&i b&ie$e* +e #&-i #'(n* 1n ma$erie de %2inion e3$i +am'ion0 <ormidabil: <emeia a#$a n( #e mai 'o$ole3$eA Abia a ie3i$ din '(3+&rie0 , 6-a #imi$ admirabil 1n a+el ?mi+ 2o$el dr&%&la3000?* 'e +are l-a '&r&#i$ +( '&rere de r&( 3i 'roa#'&$& +a (n $o'ora30 Iona3 13i $am'on& b(zele (de +( ba$i#$a0 , D&#5nd la o 'ar$e %l(ma* n( $e in)idiez delo+: C5nd or a(zi b&ieii 1n +e dandana ai 'i+a$000 n+e'( din no( #& r5d&0 Cri#$e#+( re'li+& 'e a+ela3i $on #(#'e+$ de lini3$i$8 , Am #("i+ien$& "an$ezie +a #&-mi 1n+2i'(i0 R5#e$e* 'ari(ri , +ine +53$i%& man3aA 4(n o #($& de lei 'e Cri#$e#+( e$+0 , 3i %l(me "inteli!ente". , A#+(l$&-m&* 2ai #& "im o'$imi3$i0 6-ar '($ea #& "ie o #im'l&
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+oin+iden&* iar b&$r5na #& n-aib& ni+i o le%&$(r& +( +rima0 , Da+& n( are* o #-o n&#+o+ea#+&0 )sasinatul nu e stilul ei. , Bine1nele#* e 'rea bine +re#+($& +a #&-l li+2ideze 'e (n(l +( o #5rm& de $ele%ra"0 Da+& mobil(l 1n#&-i in$ere#an$* de)ine 'e#$e noa'$e )ede$&* )ede$a in+on$e#$abil& a a"a+erii0 Amin$ii-)& +ir+(l de la m(ze(l C2i(zbaian +( '5nzele l(i GoCa 3i Rembrand$* balam(+(l din do#ar(l <e+ioarei de a(r0 Poate de a#$& da$& mobil(l e mai mode#$0 Cri#$e#+( o"$&* +l&$in5nd $ri#$ din +a'0 , n do(& de+enii de me#erie am 1n)&a$ +& li'#a a'aren$& a mizei +am("leaz& de obi+ei o miz& real&* (ria3&0 Colonel(l 1l +er+e$& am(za$8 Ce ai de !4nd$ , 6& 'reda( do#ar(l (n(i +ole% mai +om'e$en$ din '(n+$ de )edere 'ro"e#ional 3i ner)o#0 Iona3 #&ri 1n 'i+ioare0 )sta n nici un ca0! , 4ermi$ei-mi #& )& amin$e#+ , %la#(l maior(l(i +lo+o$ea de m5nie abia rein($& , +& n( mi-am l(a$ +on+edi( de doi ani* iar medi+ii mi-a( re+omanda$ re'a(# $o$al0 O +on"r(n$are a+(m +( "an$ezia* ideile 3i 'er#onali$a$ea $re'idan$& de (n ma+2ia)eli#m 'a$olo%i+ al @elaniei D('( ar "i $o$al +on$raindi+a$&0 Colonel(l 1l +er+e$& +( 'ri)irea "il$ra$&0 Ce-i dre'$* maior(l n( ar&$a "aimo#0 Era 'alid* 1n+er+&na$* n&rile 'ar+& #e #(bia#er&* m5inile nelini3$i$e 13i +&($a( 1n 'ermanen& de l(+r( +( +2eile* 'i-(l #a( bri+2e$a0 , Vrei #& 'le+i +2iar a+(m 1n +on+edi(A Vo+ea emana o bl5ndee nea3$e'$a$& 3i Cri#$e#+( #e #imi im're#iona$0 ,ntre o nt4lnire cu Melania D('( 3i o )a+an& 'e (n li$oral '(#$ii$ de noiembrie* $ri#$ 3i +en(3i( n( )oi ezi$a ni+ioda$& #& o'$ez 'en$r( a do(a )arian$&0 , @da* e lim'ede* 1nele#e Iona30 Ui$e* dra%(l me(* 2ai #& 1n+2eiem o +on)enie +are #& ne a)an$a=eze 'e $oi0 R&m5i deo+amda$& $i$(lar(l do#ar(l(i 3i 1n +li'a +5nd )ei dob5ndi +er$i$(dinea +& 'ar$i$(ra e #emna$& de @elania D('(000 , N( +red +& a #emna$-o* 1l 1n$rer('#e maior(l0 , 000#a(* 1n #"5r3i$* +& e marea #o'ran&* 'redai imedia$ an+2e$a l(i @a+ri0 n re%(l&A Cri#$e#+( 13i l&#& +a'(l 1n 'ie'$0 4re#imea +& 3i de a#$& da$& +olonel(l 1l '&+&li#e0 , n re%(l&* o"$&* dar 3$ia +& n(-i delo+ a3a0 6 <reziile de 'e 'ian (m'lea( odaia +( o arom& #(a)&* a +&rei d(l+ea& Dorin o #imea anin5nd(-i-#e de +er(l %(rii0 A3eza$ +53 'e $ab(re$(l 1nal$ +5n$a +( (n #in%(r de%e$* b5=b5ind "ir(l (nei melodii* +are '($ea "i bl(e# #a( di-ilend0 6e a=($a "l(ier5nd 3i000 'o$i+nind(-#e la "ie+are no$&0 D5n%& $ean+(l de 'ar$i$(ri #e a"la "o$o%ra"ia 1nr&ma$& a C&$&linei 1n ?Co'elia?0 <(l% de z&'ad& #(r'rin# 1n aer* 'e mare 3'a%a$0 @i3+area 'er"e+$&* de#&)5r3i$&* "erme+a o+2i(l +5$ de no)i+e* #$5rnea admiraia
27

?$e2ni+ienilor?0 C&$&lina in$r& 1n 2ala$ de baie +( '&r(l (d #$r5n# 1n$r-(n 'ro#o' 1nnoda$ +a (n $(rban0 , N( 3$i( de +e m-a obo#i$ a3a de $are s+ectacolul de a0i. Aba=(r(l 'or$o+ali( al l&m'ii 1i r(menea obra=ii 'alizi 3i l(i Dorin n( i #e '&r( mai o#$eni$& +a al$& da$&0 6e az)5rli 1n$r-(n "o$oli( 3i #e in$ere#& in+2izi$orial8 , Ce-ai "&+($ azi-noa'$eA 4e#emne iar ai dormi$ #+(r$0 Balerina 13i duse m4na la #runte. , A2: Iar 1n+e'i: 4en$r( D(mneze(* i#'r&)e3$e da+& )rei #&-i mai de#+2id (3a0 Dorin n-o l(& 1n #eam&0 , Cred +& '5n& la (rm& am #&-l ia( 'e $ai+&-$&( la o 'arol& #erioa#&0 C2iar da+& #-a 1n+(r+a$ +( o m(iere +( +in3'e ani mai $5n&r&* re#'on#abili$a$ea "a& de "ii+&-#a n( 1n+e$eaz&0 Diber$a$ea de +are di#'(i e inadmi#ibil&0 , Da+& ai "i bene"i+ia$ $( de ea* era 'er"e+$ admi#ibil&0 , E( a3 "i 3$i($ #& n( ab(zez0 n reali$a$e* 1l #("o+a odaia C&$&linei* +are 'rezen$a $oa$e a)an$a=ele (nei %ar#oniere8 izolare 'er"e+$&* (n d(3 3i in$rare #e'ara$eE doar b(+&$&ria era +om(n& 1n$re%(l(i a'ar$amen$0 , Fai+&-$&( n( e-er+i$& ni+i (n +on$rol a#('ra $a0 , E3$i ridi+ol* Dorin0 Ce +on$rolA 6& m& d(+& de m5n& la O'er& +a 'e 're3+olariA , i a#$a la ne)oie0 Fe-ar 1m'iedi+a #& +omii %re3eli +are-i 'o$ "i "a$ale0 , Am 1nele#0 Fo$ +e-i le%a$ de 'er#oana l(i Vali de)ine "a$al0 , E-a+$: #&ri Dorin 1m'(n%5nd a+(za$or aer(l +( de%e$(l0 Ai #'(# o )orb& mare: Indi)id(l a+e#$a e "a$al* #eam&n& nenoro+iri la $o$ +asul. C&$&lina* obo#i$&* 'li+$i#i$&* re#emna$&* 13i a'rin#e o i%ar&0 , E3$i 'enibil* ai 1n+e'($ #& )orbe3$i +a 1n ?<emei +elebre?0 , N(-i a=(n% #orboni#mele ma%i#$r(l(iA , Ba da 3i $o+mai de aia n( mai )rea( #& $e a#+(l$0 , Ai #& m& a#+(li* $o)ar&3a* 3i $e #"&$(ie#+ +a 1nain$e de a#$a #& iei lo+0 Balerina 1l 'ri)i 'rin$re %ene0 Dorin era 1n+orda$ ar+* o+2ii* 1n$rea%a "&'$(r& emana( o #a$i#"a+ie r&($&+ioa#&0 i %la#(l +&'&$a#e rezonane #'e+iale0 , 6'(ne* ro#$i C&$&lina +( inima %2em* +e m(rd&rie ai mai inventat$ , 6(n$ +(rio# +e o #& mai in)en$eze @i+le#+(0 i n( 1n "aa $a* +i a %en$lemenilor de la miliie0 , @iliieA Ce naiba +a($& miliia ai+iA , n$reab&-l a3a* de-o +(riozi$a$e* 'e (nde #-a 'limba$ ieri 1n =(r de ora o'$ #eara0 Balerina #+($(r& #+r(m(l* a"i35nd (n aer ne'&#&$or8 , Da+& )rei #&-mi +om(ni+i +& a "o#$ la o "emeie* a"l& +& n( m& in$ere#eaz&0 , Da#& gonzessele! Aia-i al$& r(bri+&0 , A#+(l$&* dra%(l me(* #(n$ o#$eni$&000 Dorin #e o'ri 1n "aa ei0 3i 1n+le3$& m5inile 'e #'&$ar(l (n(i #+a(n0 Ro#$i din$r-o r&#("lare8 , Ieri* mier+(ri* l-am )&z($ +( o+2ii mei ie3ind din$r-(n imobil de 'e #$rada 4lan$elor0
29

, Ei 3iA C( "lea+(ri din a#$ea )rei #& m& dai de-a d(raA O "i "o#$ la (n +lien$0 /orin r4n.i. , N( 3$i( da+&-# "lea+(ri 3i da+& a"a+erea e +2iar a$5$ de #im'l&0 D-am (rm&ri$ '5n& a+a#&000 , Ai a)($ bani de $a-iA #e in$ere#& ze"lemi$oare0 F5n&r(l ro3i* dar 'ar&8 , E( n( =e"(ie#+ )&d()e 3i or"ani0 Eram +( @obra l(i Fi$i0 , A2a: C( (n #emn de e-+lamaie: , Da#& #'ai( +& mai ba%i )reo $rei: D('& o or&* m-am 1n$or# 1n 4lan$elor0 Voiam #& +on#(l$ $abel(l lo+a$arilor* #& de#+o'&r e)en$(ala 3ori+(&0 B&rba$(l e +ole+ionar* iar e( am manii #$a$i#$i+e0 , iA , Am da$ 'e#$e miliie0 %einteresant! , A3a mi-am 1n+2i'(i$ 3i e(* r5n=i Dorin0 Caraliii #e 'li+$i#ea( 'robabil la #edi(* 3i a3a* 'en$r( )ariaie* )eni#er& #& +on#$a$e la "aa lo+(l(i +omi$erea (nei +rime0 Da+& $e in$ere#eaz&* 'o$ #&-i #'(n n(mele )i+$imei8 'en#ionar(l $e"an 4o'a0 4e al a#a#in(l(i 1l 3$ii000 C&$&lina #e +ri#'&0 @ier+(ri #eara n( a)(#e#e #'e+$a+ol 3i $o$(3i Vali re"(za#e #-o )ad&* 're$e-$5nd o 1n$5lnire de a"a+eri e-$rem de im'or$an$& la 4loie3$i0 Urma #& "ie o+('a$ d('&-amiaza 3i $oa$& #eara0 Dorin* +( a+ela3i r5n=e$ in#('or$abil* '(#e m5na 'e +lan&0 , Re"le+$eaz& la +2e#$ia asta' miladB. 2e(am +u+at +e Ceiss! 888 @aior(l Cri#$e#+( 're"era#e #&-l )ad& 'e a)o+a$ la el a+a#& , o+('a o %ar#onier& d(bl& 1n a+ela3i imobil +( mai+&-#a ,* 3i n( la biro(l l(i* (n mi+ a'ar$amen$ 1n+2iria$ 'e o #$rad& din a'ro'ierea Frib(nal(l(i0 Micle#+( 1l 'rimi a"abil* +( z5mbe$(l a+ela +(+eri$or , ?=ind(iam #& $e )&d* )izi$a nim&n(i n( mi-a "&+($ a$5$a 'l&+ere? ,* mo3$eni$ de la mai+&-#a0 In$erior(l* bo%a$* 're$enio#* e-$rem de ?l(+ra$? , i-l '($eai 1n+2i'(i 'e a)o+a$ #$(diind +ea#(ri 1n$re%i 'oziia (n(i )a# #+(m' #a( +en$ime$r(l* mai la #$5n%a ori mai la drea'$a* (nde $reb(ie b&$($ $ablo(l ,* era din$re a+elea +are obli%a im'erio# 'e )izi$a$or #&-3i mani"e#$e e-$az(l #a( +el '(in admiraia0 Cole+ia de i+oane 'reioa#e era de-a dre'$(l im're#ionan$&0 Bine1nele#* 'rezena #"inilor 'e 'erei a)ea +( $o$(l al$& #emni"i+aie de+5$ 1n lo+(ina l(i 4o'a0 4e b(zele maior(l(i $rem(r& (n #(r5#8 ?Fe 1n+2ini la ele* "i(leA? n +i(da "a#$(l(i 1n#&* a m(l$i$(dinii de obie+$e #imandi+oa#e , ab(nda ar%in$&ria* =ad(l 3i abano#(l ,* maior(l 're#imea +& n( i-ar "i 'l&+($ #& $r&ia#+& 1n$r-(n a#emenea de+or0 N-a)ea in$imi$a$e* iar a$mo#"era 'ar$i+(lar&* o ne+lin$ire de m(ze(* n( era de na$(r& #&-l 1mbie0 Un am&n(n$ +5$ de +5$ ?ne%li=en$? i-ar "i ad(# o $(3& de +&ld(r&8 "ran=(ri deran=a$e* o #+r(mier& +( (rm& de i%ar&* #$i+lele a+elea de 'e m&#(a )olan$& aran=a$e mai 1n$5m'l&$or 9're"erabil delo+ aran=a$e* iar e$i+2e$ele mai +am("la$e;* #$i+L#(rile din "ar"(ria de ar%in$ #& n( "ie alinia$e0 Indi#+($abil 1n#& +& r&m5nea ?o +a#&?* 3i Cri#$e#+(* zi+5nd(-3i +& ar "i #("i+ien$e +5$e)a $r(+(ri 'en$r( a o ?(maniza?* re+i$& a're+ierile de
2:

+ir+(m#$an&0 A)o+a$(l z5mbi* ar&$5nd(-#e ni+i 'e =(m&$a$e a$5$ de 1n+5n$a$* 'e +5$ #e #imea de "a'$0 , n reali$a$e* $oi (rm&m mai m(l$ #a( mai '(in +on3$ien$* a+ela3i $ra#e(0 45n& la $reize+i-$reize+i 3i +in+i de ani* $e ob#edeaz& "emeile 3i ma3ina0 O da$& +( )5r#$a mi=lo+ie $e 'reo+('& +a#a* iar d('& +e 1n+e'i #&-i iei #i#$ema$i+ $en#i(nea , lo+(l de )e+i0 Ce )& 'o$ o"eri de b&($A Fon(l era al barman(l(i de la re#$a(ran$(l I1 din NeK-OorL* a +&r(i #'inare reaz&m& (n zid de +ir+a ze+e me$ri blindai +( #$i+le0 Cri#$e#+(* am(za$* #e 1n$reb& +e i-ar '($ea +ere +a #&-l '(n& 1n 1n+(r+&$(r&0 De+lar& non3alan$* +( non3alana +lien$(l(i a+el(ia3i #$abilimen$ neKCorLez8 &n ?ourbon. , A)ei %(#$(ri ra"ina$e* #(r5#e @i+le#+( de#+2iz5nd (n ba2($ "an$ezi a%&a$ 'e 'ere$e0 , A3* (l+er: E #in%(ra b&($(r& +are n(-mi 'ro)oa+& ar#(ri000 i 1n$in#e #+ri#oarea anonim& 'rimi$& 1n a=(n8 A3 )rea #& +(no#+ '&rerea d(mnea)oa#$r&0 A)o+a$(l 1l 'ri)i +(rio#0 Hinea i%ara +i(da$* la r&d&+ina de%e$elor0 @aior(l r&ma#e +( o+2ii la (n $ablo( +are i #e '&r( emoionan$0 O "emeie $5n&r& +( (n +o'il 1n brae0 45nza era 'i+$a$& 1n maniera l(i Ra"ael* 1i '(r$a %5nd(l la <e+ioara +( 'r(n+(l0 A+eea3i d(l+ea&* a+eea3i de#&)5r3ire '(r&* +(min$e0 , Ce m5r3&)ie: e-+lam& @i+le#+(0 Hi #e "a+e %rea&0 N( 1nele% +(m '($ei ine #eam& de a#emenea "i(i+i m(rdare0 , A)ei #("i+ien$& e-'erien& 'en$r( a 3$i +& ori+e 'olii#$ din l(me e obli%a$ #-o "a+&* indi"eren$ de e"e+$(l 'e +are-l are a#('ra di%e#$iei0 , N-am #& m& 1m'a+ ni+ioda$& +( li+2eli#m(l #emenilor mei0 @aior(l #(r5#e 3$er#8 , Ci(da$000 ar "i "o#$ +az(l #& )& obi3n(ii0 , N( $e obi3n(ie3$i ni+ioda$&0 @oar$ea-i (n "enomen de "ie+are zi 3i $o$(3i im're#ioneaz&0 , Da+& e )orba de r(de #a( +(no3$ine a'ro'ia$e0 C5nd 'ar+(r%ei r(bri+a ?De+e#e? din ?@i+a '(bli+i$a$e? l&+rimai 'en$r( "ie+are re'a(za$A @i+le#+( de#+2i#e lar% bra(l8 ?Da+& o l(&m a3a0000? , N( a"irm +& Gre%orian ar "i (n #"5n$* 1n ori+e +az n(-l )&d 1nnod5nd(-i +(i)a o 'an%li+& de %5$ '5n&-i #ar o+2ii din orbi$e0 , l +(noa3$ei de m(l$A A)o+a$(l 13i 1nnod& de%e$ele #(b b&rbie8 , Din adole#+en&0 E (n(l din 'ro$e=aii mamei0 4ro$e=a$ 3i #('or$er0 O i(be3$e #in+er 3i ea 1l +on#ider& (neori mai a'roa'e* mai "i( de+5$ 'e mine 1n#(mi0 , O relaie in$ere#an$&0 , <r(moa#&* a3 zi+e0 Cri# a "o#$ (n +o'il or"an , n( +(no#+ e-a+$ am&n(n$ele , 3i 're#('(n +& a r&ma# n( +om'le-a$* 1n#& +( (n an(me dor din (nele '(n+$e de )edere0 @ama a a)($ $o$dea(na $alen$(l #& #e "a+& i(bi$&0 , @& 1n$reb* #'(#e Cri#$e#+( mi3+5nd m5na de 'ar+& ar "i +5n$&ri$ (n obie+$* +e "a'$& $eribil& #& "i +omi# Gre%orian 'en$r( a %enera a$5$a re#en$imen$ 1n+5$ #& i #e ar(n+e o +rim& 1n #'inare0 Mi+le#+( #&l$& din (meri 3i #'r5n+ene0 , N( )&d* n( )&d delo+0 E +(min$e* bl5nd* #er)iabil 3i +(m'li$ de indi"eren$0 D-am ad(# o da$& la o 'e$re+ere0 N( din milo#$i)enie #amari$2ean&* m&r$(ri#e#+* +i din +(riozi$a$e0 Din in$ere# '(r $e2ni+0
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, Adi+&A 1n$reb& am(za$ maior(l0 , @-a in$ere#a$ $o$dea(na na$(ra (man&0 Doream #&-l z%5l5i* 1n "ond #& m& edi"i+ da+& 'oa$e "i z%5l5i$0 Era (n 'ar$C )e#el* +( o m(lime de "e$e dr&%(e* din$re +are +el '(in $rei ar "i '($($ #$5rni in$ere# la BollCKood0 R5#e 3$ren%&re3$e8 Am o+2i(l "orma$000 , N( m& 1ndoie#+0 , @(l(me#+0 Una din 'ara3($e , #+(zai-m&* dar &#$a-i $ermen(l de #'e+iali$a$e ,* mon$a$& de mine* l-a a#al$a$ $oa$& noa'$ea0 V& #'(n "&r& #& e-a%erez* "a$a ar "i #+o# din mini ori+e b&rba$ 1n$re ze+e 3i no(&ze+i de ani* in+l(#i) #"inii z(%r&)ii 'e zid(ri de bi#eri+&0 , N( 3i 'e Gre%orian* in$er)eni Cri#$e#+(0 O 'ri+e' d('& $on(l d(mnea)oa#$r&0 A)o+a$(l b&$( indi%na$ bra(l "o$oli(l(i0 , Da* domn(le: Ai "i zi# +& l-am d(# la Cali#$ Ar2iere(l* n( la +2ermez&0 6$&$ea +a 'e +(ie 3i #-a a%&a$ de 'rim(l 're$e-$ +a #-o 1n$ind&0 , 4oa$e +& n(-l in#'ir& "emeile de000 2ai #& zi+em o an(me "a+$(r&0 @i+le#+( abandon& 'a2ar(l 3i #e a'le+& #'re maior0 , Ce 1n#eamn& an(me "a+$(r&A C5$e "emei +are a( a)($ (n #in%(r b&rba$ 1n )iaa lor +(noa3$eiA i +(m ar&$a(A A#$a* 1n #'e+ial* a3 )rea #& 3$i(0 E le#ne #& "ii )ir$(oa#& +5nd ai a+nee 3i 3old(ri +are 'lea+& de la #(bioar&: Dar +e mai $(ra-)(ra: Con#'e+$ai +alendar(l bi#eri+e#+: 6"in$e +( a+$i)i$a$e +(+erni+& #erioa#& , l(ai-le doar 'e @a%dalena* 'e @aria E%i'$ean+a #a( E(do-ia , a( a)($ le%i(ni de b&rbai0 Cristescu sur4se: , Con#$a$ +& ai a'ro"(nda$ +2e#$i(nea0 Ori+(m* $eoria d(mnea)oa#$r& n(-i de na$(r& #& 1n)ioreze0 n +on+l(zie* n(-l )edei 'e Gre%orian om(l +are ar '($ea #$im(la a'e$i$(ri de )ende$&0 , Ca$e%ori+: re$ez& @i+le#+( aer(l +( 'alma0 N(-i 1ndea=(n# de in$ere#an$000 6+(zai-m& +& )& 1n$reb8 Cri# e#$e in"orma$ de e-i#$ena a+e#$(i den(nA @aior(l r&#'(n#e "&r& 3o)&ial&8 %u. 6(r'rin#* @i+le#+( 1l +er+e$& #ur404nd nesi!ur: , n#eamn&000* 1n#eamn& +& di#+(ia noa#$r& are (n +ara+$er +on"idenial0 , V-a3 "i a$ra# a$enia* #'(#e maior(l0 @i-e#$e ab#ol($ e%al da+&-i )ei "a+e o dare de #eam& l(i Gre%orian #a( n(0 A)o+a$(l $ra#e ad5n+ din i%ar&0 i 1ndre'$& o 'ri)ire a$en$&* +ara+$eri#$i+&8 ?N( 3$i( (nde )rei #& a=(n%i* dar am im're#ia +& 're%&$e3$i o +a+ealma?0 G5mbi 1n +2i' de +on+l(zie8 , @da000 Am 1n+& o da$& o+azia #& +on#$a$ +& 'ra+$i+ai (n %en de an+2e$& #(i-%eneri#0 @& 1n$reb +e (rm&rii000 Cristescu r4se. &n r4s tineresc' care(i sc3imba com+let #i!ura. /ar e sim+lu! desco+erirea asasinului. , Ca #& )ezi: mar3& a)o+a$(l0 N(-mi $re+(#e 'rin min$e000 V& mai $ornA , N(* m(l(me#+0 V& mai rein "oar$e '(in0 Ce '&rere a)ei de#'re +eilali 'rie$eni ai l(i 4o+a$ , Vrei #& 3$ii da+&-i )&d 1n i'o#$aza de a#a#iniA -ventual. @i+le#+( #&l$& din (meri8 , Ce 'o$ #& )& #'(nA N( mi-o 1n+2i'(i 'e mama =(+5nd(-#e +(
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la##o-(l 3i ni+i 'e bia$a @elania* +2iar da+& a 'e$re+($ (n #e=o(r 1n a3ez&min$ele d(mnea)oa#$r&0 >i #e 'are '(in l(+r(A , N(* e)iden$0 V& m&r$(ri#e#+ 1n#& +& do#ar(l a+ela n( m-a +on)in# +( ade)&ra$ ni+ioda$&0 4rea era "an$a#$i+000 Pe +otriva +rota!onistei. @i+le#+( +l&$in& +a'(l a 1ndoial&0 Poate...' dar i+ote0a unei Melanii criminale' s4n!eroase* mi #e 'are de-a dre'$(l ilar&0 N-am +(no#+($ 'er#oan& +are #-o e%aleze 1n bl5ndee* %enerozi$a$e 3i 'oli$ee000 , n a+e#$ #en#* #(n$ de a+ord +( d(mnea)oa#$r&0 , 000iar (neori* o %&#e#+ dire+$ nai)&* +a #& n( #'(n 'ro#$(&0 ?Ai+i $e 1n3eli* %5ndi maior(l* #a( )rei #& +red e( +& $e 1n3eli000? , Da+& a3 "i 1n lo+(l d(mnea)oa#$r&000 , Ce ai "a+eA z5mbi maior(l0 , @i-a3 l&r%i aria +er+e$&rilor* din+olo de +er+(l de 'o+2er 3i $r&n+&neal& al mamei0 , Da+& )a "i +az(l* o )oi "a+e0 N( mi-ai #'(# nimi+ de Violeta ?ordeianu... @i+le#+( #e #$r5mb&8 , Baleniera: n( )& a#+(nd +& 'e a#$a o de$e#$0 N( o #('or$ or%ani+0 @ama are 1n#& #en$imen$ali#mele ei , a( "o#$ +ole%e de 'en#ion , 3i* +5$ o )edei de a%reabil& 3i (rban&* 3$ie #&-3i im'(n& +( "ermi$a$e '(n+$ele de )edere0 Iar e( n-am ni+i (n dre'$ #&-i +enz(rez relaiile0 , n de"ini$i)* +e-i re'ro3ai doamnei Bordeian(A , Fo$: 45n& 3i "a'$(l +& #-a n&#+($0 E 'ro$o$i'(l 'er#ona=(l(i ne%a$i)0 Fo$(l 1mi re'(%n& la ea8 r&($a$ea 3i 'i+ioarele de in"an$eri#$* a)ariia odioa#& 3i de%e$ele da$e 'e#$e +a'* moi* 'ar+& "&r& "alan%e* in)idia 3i #'inarea de di2anie000 Be#$iali$a$ea000 Cristescu l +rivi mirat: ?estialitatea$! , Ur&#+ dela$orii* domn(le maior* 3i n( #(n$ e( om(l* 'rin )o+aie 3i 'ro"e#ie* #& 1m'in% 'e +ine)a 1n 'r&'a#$ie0 A#'e+$(l la +are )rea( #& m& re"er n-are ni+i o le%&$(r& +( moar$ea l(i $e"an0 Adi+& n-o #(#'e+$ez ni+i o #e+(nd& 'e Viole$a000 Vrea( #& m& 1nele%ei000 , V& 1nele% "oar$e bine0 , 6'er* al$"el n-a3 $r&n+&ni0 Bordeian+a e li+enia$& 1n %eo%ra"ie 3i 3$iinele na$(rale 3i ani de zile a 'ro"e#a$ 1n 1n)&&m5n$0 Era $eroarea ele)ilor 3i a +an+elariei0 Vi+$imele #e +($rem(r& 3i azi +5nd 13i amin$e#+ de ea000 Cri#$e#+( ob#er)&8 , +olarii* mai +( #eam& +5nd de)in adole#+eni* a( $endine #& am'li"i+e0 n o+2ii lor* (n 'ro"e#or #e)er e (n +&l&( "ero+e* (n da#+&l +are ?n( 'oa$e "i d(#?* o be#$ie 3i a3a mai de'ar$e0 , Dar +e '&rere a)ei de (n 'ro"e#or +are 'en$r( o #im'l& omi#i(ne , o 'lan3& a 3+olii (i$a$& a+a#& , 13i ba$e ele)(l '5n& la #5n%e* )5r5ndu(l n s+ital$ Maiorul l +rivi nen+rez&$or8 , C2iar a3aA In+iden$(l a l(a$* b&n(ie#+* 'ro'orii 'enale000 @i+le#+( d&d( din m5n&8 , 6-a m(3amaliza$0 C2e#$ia #-a 1n$5m'la$ 1n >!/0 6i$(aia era 1n+& $(lb(re* $oa$& l(mea z&'&+i$& +( a'li+area re"ormei0 A "o#$ doar e-+l(#& din 1n)&&m5n$0 A3a a a=(n# la 4o3$&000
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, nele%000* 1l 'ri)i de#+2i# 1n o+2i0 Ai mai r&ma# d(mnea)oa#$r&* domn(le @i+le#+(000 A)o+a$(l $re#&ri8 Po#tim$ , 6'(neam +& ai omi# #&-mi )orbii de#'re d(mnea)oa#$r&0 , A3a e: e-+lam& d('& o +li'& de 3o)&ial&0 A)o+a$(l @i+le#+(8 =(ri#$ b(ni+el* "(#$an%i( 3i =o(i##e(r0 Olea+& #('er"i+ial* in+a'abil de #en$imen$e 'ro"(nde* +are #&-l 'oa$& 1m'in%e la +rim&0 Con#ider5nd +rima +a rez(l$an$& a (nor #$&ri e-+e#i)e0 , Crima 'remedi$a$&* 1l 1n$rer('#e Cri#$e#+(* n( im'li+& o #$are e-+e#i)&0 Ba* dim'o$ri)&* m(l$ #5n%e re+e0 D(mnea)oa#$r& )-ai re"eri$ la +rima 'a#ional& +5nd +ea +are a'a#& 'e $r&%a+i e inima0 A#a#inarea l(i $e"an 4o'a n( in$r& 1n a+ea#$& +a$e%orie0 @i+le#+( r&ma#e 'e %5nd(ri0 Ro#$i +( o )o+e #$r&in&8 , 6in+er000 #in+er #& "i( n( 3$i( da+& a3 "i 1n #$are #& ia( zilele +(i)a0 n ori+e +az* 1mi 1n+2i'(i +& miza ar $reb(i #& "ie "oar$e mare0 Uria3&0 Cri#$e#+( #e ridi+&0 , V& m(l(me#+000 6& n( (i$000 O 1n$rebare 'en$r(000 2ar$a an+2e$ei0 Ce ai "&+($ mier+(ri 1n =(r(l orei o'$ #earaA @i+le#+( r&#'(n#e "&r& #& +li'ea#+&8 , Di#+($am +( (n +lien$ la re#$a(ran$(l Berbe+(l din 4loie3$i0 @aior(l 13i +&($& din o+2i $ren+i(l8 "/e ce minte$" 7 4limb5nd(-#e 'rin li)in%-room* +( '&r(l bine #$r5n# 1n$r-o 'an%li+&* Adina 13i ma#a obraz(l (n# +( +rem& din ab(nden&0 4l($o* +o+Ler(l ro3+a$* '&rea li'i$ de +&min(l "al#0 O (rm&rea +( (n #in%(r o+2i* 'end(l5nd a 'li+$i# +oada "ran=(ri$&0 A"ar& nin%ea (3or )i#+oli$ 3i Adina #e %5ndea +( )ol('$a$e +& )a 'e$re+e o #ear& 1n$r-ade)&r "r(moa#&0 6in%(r& , de +5nd n( mai a)(#e#e o #ear& a ei* n(mai a eiA ,* doar +( m(zi+a l(i Na$ Pin% Cole* (n #+o$+2 d(bl( 9n( mai m(l$* +&+i a"e+$eaz& 'ro#'eimea obraz(l(i; 3i (l$im(l roman al l(i G;rard de >illiers: "La +ant3 re d>BollCKood?Q A2: 'l&+erea de a $e 1n$inde %oal& 1n$re +ear3a"(ri 'roa#'e$e 3i 'ar"(ma$e #(b 'la'(ma '("oa#& din a$la# ble(marin000 Nimeni 1n #$5n%a #a( 1n drea'$a* nimeni de +are #& ii #eama000 I(bea iarna* a$mo#"era de in$imi$a$e* de ?la mine?* 'e +are o dob5nde3$e ori+e lo+(in&* +5$ de #earb&d&* 1n l(ni +a noiembrie #a( de+embrie* b&ile "ierbini* 'rel(n%i$e* +( arom& de )anilie* +&'3(ni* l&m5ie #a( brad* +eai(l en%leze#+ Di'$on 're'ara$ 1n #amo)ar de F(la000 Fril(l e#$om'a$ al $ele"on(l(i 1i #$r5mb& $r&#&$(rile0 6e (i$& in#$in+$i) la mi+(l orolo%i( de 'e +&min* o =(+&rie "ran(zea#+&* 1n+&r+a$&* +are #$r&l(+ea +a (n 'om de Cr&+i(n0 "La naiba! )+roa+e 0ece..." )dina$ /a. Ce s(a nt4m+lat$ , E3$i in%ra$&0 Freb(ie #& #e 1n$5m'le +e)a +a #& $e #(nA 21 : Da ora a#$a e3$i o+('a$ +( ?le %rand ;+ar$?0 N(-i +az(l #& "lir$ezi0 Ce )reiA 2e iubesc. , A#$a #-a 1n$5m'la$ #&'$&m5na $re+($&0 Al$+e)a:
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 Mi(e n!ro0itor de dor... , n&l&$or* dar nein$ere#an$0 Ba%& al$ $e-$0 , Foa$& zi(a m-am %5ndi$ la $ine0 i da( )oie #& $e %5nde3$i 3i la noa'$e: , 4o$ #& )in #& $e )&dA %u! /e ce$ Adina re#'ir& ad5n+8 , A#+(l$&-m&* Vali: Hi-am #'(# o da$& 'en$r( $o$dea(na +& e( (na n(-mi 1m'ar$ b&rbaii0 , E3$i rea0 C&$&lina n( 1n#eamn& nimi+ 'en$r( mine0 O "e$i& 'ro#$(&* #+andalo# de +andid& 3i a$5$0 , N-ai de+5$ #-o iniiezi 3i 1n dan#(l de a3$ern($0 4en$r( n(mele l(i D(mneze(* Vali: n a"ar& de o 'ar$id& +( 'i+ioarele 1n aer mai )rei +e)aA , @5ine $reb(ie #& $e )&d nea'&ra$0 Do(& #($e de %rame0 , A2a: n+e'i #& de)ii mai in$ere#an$0 Da +e or&A , a#e: 2ot acolo$ , Bine1nele#0 De+i* 2o$&r5$ n( m& 'oi 'rimiA , Bo$&r5$: , Dar e-'li+&-mi de +eA C&$&lina e (n 're$e-$* $e +(no#+ 'rea bine +a #& n(-mi da( #eama0 6'(ne-mi* de +eA Adina re#'ir& (#+a$8 , N( m& mai $(lb(ri. n+2i#e br(#+0 Gla#(l l(i Na$ Pin% Cole r&#(na +ald* +a$i"ela$0 Adina 13i rel(& le+$(ra0 888 Pe unde ai umblat' craiule$ Cole$a @i+le#+( #(r5dea din $oa$& inima* #in+er m(l(mi$& +&-l )ede 'e Ba#ile Ni+ola(* (n b&rba$ #+(nd* bine le%a$* mai a'roa'e de 3aize+i de ani de+5$ de +in+ize+i0 6'il+(i$* lin# +a o 'i#i+&* amin$ea +e)a din ele%ana dandC-(l(i anilor de d('& r&zboi8 ra%lan +amel-2air* +o#$(m +ore+$* "(lar de +a3mir* 'an$o"i de an$ilo'& maro* dar "&r& #+5r0 C5nd 13i dezbr&+& 'arde#i(l* o arom& de C2C're in(nd& )e#$ib(l(l0 , Iar $e-ai 'ar"(ma$ +a o dam&: r5#e Cole$a0 Ce naiba* Ba#ile* d('& +e 'le+i $reb(ie #& aeri#e#+ do(& zile: B&rba$(l 13i ar&$& dinii* 1n+5n$a$8 , C(no#+ (nele +(+oane 'e +are n( le deran=eaz&000 Din 2ol* #e a(zi )o+ea %roa#&* +a $o$dea(na '(#& 'e 2ar&* a Viole$ei Bordeian(8 , Ce +(+oane +(no3$i $(A: , Ba 'ardon* +oan& Viole$o: , Ce 'ardon* +& doar +( $5r5$(ri $e-am )&z($0 @i+lea#+a* 1n$r-o ro+2ie +2imono "a#$(oa#&* in$er)eni )e#el&8 , Ia n( )& mai l(ai la 2ar&0 6$ai =o#* Ba#ile: 4o)e#$e3$e-ne +e-ai mai "&+($A Ai di#'&r($ de o #&'$&m5n&0 Ni+ola( 13i 'o$ri)i a$en$ d(n%a 'an$alonilor* $ra#e de man3e$ele +&m&3ii +( (n %e#$ de)eni$ $i+0 , Doar de $rei zile0 Am "o#$ la Fimi3oara0 , Ce D(mneze( ai +&($a$ a+oloA Mi(am comandat do(& 'ere+2i de 'an$o"i0 A( (n +izmar
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e-$raordinar* Nedel+(* ade)&ra$ ar$i#$: , E3$i +a'i(: e-+lam& Bordeian+a0 , De'inde0 N-am mai 'omeni$ a#emenea me3$er de la 62(ll 3i Ra(l @i+2&ile#+(0 4ie'$(l ma#i) 3i '5n$e+ele Cole$ei @i+le#+( #e #+($(ra( de r5#0 %u e3$i 1n $oa$e minile* Ba#ile0 C&m&3ile i le +omanzi la Br&ila* +o#$(mele la Cl(=000 , 0003i izmenele la C2i$ila* +om'le$& #+5rbi$& Viole$a0 Ui$e +e )a #& zi+& #& ai $im' 3i bani0 Om #erio# de* azi-m5ine* 3a'$eze+i de ani: , Cin+ize+i 3i o'$* +ore+$& niel o"en#a$ Ni+ola(0 Dar a3a e3$i d(mnea$a* %eneroa#&0 , E( zi+ +5$ 'ari 3i m(l$* da+& %re3e#+* (n an-doi0 Da o adi+&* b(le$in(l 'e ma#&: ?asile %icolau scoase din bu0unarul interior un +ortact de +lastic ne!ru. 5(l ntinse: Po#tim! C( o 'eri(& de dini 13i ne$ezi 3()iele de '&r #a)an$ ad(#e de la o $5m'l& #'re +ealal$&* 'e#$e +2elie0 ?Coa"(ra? era +om'li+a$&* 'enibil&* 3i 'ri)ind(-l n( $e '($eai 1m'iedi+a #& $e %5nde3$i +& 'en$r( Ni+ola( )5n$(l* +ea mai d(l+e briz&* +on#$i$(ie (n )r&=ma3 red($abil0 ?ordeian+a 13i '(#e o+2elarii* +on#(l$5nd +( a$enie "ie+are 'a%in& a b(le$in(l(i0 Ba#ile 13i 1ndre'$& nod(l +ra)a$ei* #m(+ind(-3i %5$(l #'re #$5n%a0 Un $i+ ner)o#* +a 3i "re+a$(l na#(l(i la r&d&+in& 3i a '&r(l(i la +ea"&0 Fra)er#& de +5$e)a ori 1n+&'erea a'oi #e a3ez& 'e al$ "o$oli(0 Ni+ola( #("erea de (n #oi #'e+ial de nomadi#m* +are 1l 1m'iedi+a #& #e "i-eze0 6+2imba %azdele , de +5nd i#'r&)i#e "a+(l$a$ea de $eolo%ie* +( $reize+i 3i +in+i de ani 1n (rm&* n( lo+(i#e de+5$ 1n +amere mobila$e ,* +ra)a$ele* "emeile 3i #+a(nele0 ?N( 3$i( da+& ai b&%a$ de #eam&* @ir+i(li+&* #e +on"e#a @elania D('( mo$an(l(i* 1n#& dra%(l de Ba#ile e#$e in+a'abil #& rezi#$e mai m(l$ de $reize+i 3i +in+i de min($e 1n$r-o )izi$&* dar +2iar 3i a$(n+i #+2imb& 'e '(in 'a$r(-+in+i #+a(ne..." , N( min$e: +on+2i#e Bordeian+a 1n+2iz5nd b(le$in(l0 <a+e 3aize+i la an(>: Ce "olo# da+& $e-ai $re+($: @(ierile 3i )iaa "&r& +&'&$5i $e-a( i#'r&)i$0 , A#$a-i '&rerea d(mi$ale* +oan& Viole$o: N( $e +on$razi+ "&+( o re)eren& ea'&n& ,* da$or5nd re#'e+$ )5r#$ei* dar e(* m(l(me#+ l(i D(mneze(* m& #im$ +a la $reize+i de ani* ni+i +( o #5mb&$& mai m(l$0 Cole$a @i+le#+( b&$( din 'alme8 , Dar a#$a-i #('erb* Ba#ile: Deii #e+re$(l $inereii )e3ni+eA , Fe (ii la elA: '("ni Viole$a0 O "i a+ro3a$ iar )reo '($oare* o ?+o$le$i#$&? +(m zi+e ne'o$(-me(* 3i a+(m 13i 1n+2i'(ie +& e Armand D()al: Domn(le: zbier& br(#+ 3i e-+lamaia 3(ier&$oare 1m'r&3$ie #+r(m(l din "ar"(rioara de ar%in$* da+& erai (n om #erio#* 1n 'rim(l r5nd 1i )edeai de 'ro"e#ie000 %(am avut c3emare* o 1n$rer('#e Ni+ola(* "re+5nd(-3i ner)o# na#(l0 @i #e 'are meri$ori( +& de3i i#'r&)ind "a+(l$a$ea ma%na +(m la(de* a)5nd de#+2i#e $oa$e dr(m(rile #'re o mare +arier& e+lezia#$i+&* am ren(na$ "&r& 3o)&ial&0 Din re#'e+$ 'en$r( D(mneze(* oameni000 0003i 3ez($ de m(iere: (rl& Bordeian+a0 , n "ond* +e-i 'a#& d(mi$aleA Bordeian+a re#'ir& ad5n+0 @5r5i +( (r& +on+en$ra$&8 , @& 1n$reb ade#eori da+& e-i#$& (n D(mneze(0 Izb($e#+ 1n )ia& nemerni+ii* min+ino3ii* +(r)ele 3i "(#$an%iii0
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, 4robabil +& #(n$ #im'a$i+i* #(%er& Cole$a @i+le#+(0 E3$i 1n%rozi$or de o$r&)i$&* Viole$o0 A'roa'e +& de)ii in"re+)en$abil&0 N(me3$e-mi (n #in%(r om 'e +are-l i(be3$i000 6a( n(* e 'rea m(l$0 Care-i 'la+e000 4e +arel a++e'i +5$ de +5$000 , N( e-i#$&: Cole$a 13i +on#(l$& (n!3iile: , 4e $ine $e a++e'iA E3$i m(l(mi$& de $ineA Viole$a Bordeian( 13i #&l$& na#(l #('erb8 , N( 'o$ a"irma +& #(n$ 'er"e+$&* dar 1n ori+e +az #(n$ mai b(n& de+5$ ori+are din$re )oi0 /e ce n(ai i0butit atunci mai mult$ )m i0butit tot ce mi(am +ro+us. Cole$a 13i 'i'&i #(r5z5nd '&r(l 'roa#'&$ +oa"a$8 Ce anume$ , O )ia& +in#$i$&* o b&$r5nee onorabil&* o e-i#$en& 1n +are n(-mi 'o$ re'ro3a nimi+0 Ni+ola( #e m($& 'e +ana'ea0 n$reb& 1n doi 'eri8 C3iar nimic$ , Nimi+* domn(le: #$ri%& mon$a$& Bordeian+a0 Am m(n+i$ din %re(* n-am 'rimi$ (n +a'&$ de a& 'e %ra$i#: Cole$a 1n$reb& +( $5l+8 , Hi #-a o"eri$A , N(: Urm& )5n&$& de m5nie8 N(* 'en$r( +& e( (na m-am re#'e+$a$ 3i "ie n-am 3$i($ #& "a+0 Iar a#$&zi* la '&r +&r(n$* #(n$ m5ndr& +& m& 'o$ (i$a 1n o+2ii ori+(i "&r& #& ro3e#+0 , Fo$ n-ai "i ro3i$* #(r5#e @i+lea#+a0 D('& $reize+i de ani* 'er"ormana e %re( de realiza$0 , E( 3$i( (na: N( re%re$ nimi+ din +eea +e am "&+($* +i doar +e nam "&+($0 , A3a e: a'rob&* d5nd )iolen$ din +a' Ni+ola(0 n >7/* am +(no#+($ o +on$e#& e#$onian& la Bal+i+0 A)ea ni3$e o+2i000 i o +r('&:000 mi m(3+ 3i azi m5inile: C5nd m& %5nde#+ la ea* am im're#ia +& mi-am 'ierd($ $im'(l0 C& 'ra+$i+ n-am +(no#+($ "emeie0 Cole$a +l&m'&ni din %enele da$e din %ro# +( rimei8 ,n #ond' de ce ai ratat(o$ , Eram 1n l(na de miere +( A(relia0 Ce dra+(> )roiai #& "a+A Viole$a Bordeian(* 1n+oli$& de in)idie , 1n +i(da +a'(l(i #'lendid* n( a)(#e#e ni+ioda$& #(++e#* n( #e 1n$5m'la#e 1n $oa$& )iaa ei #& "ie o #in%(r& da$& a%&a$& 'e #$rad&* la 'la=&* 3$rand #a( +inema ,* #e a)5n$& +( 'a$im&8 , 6(n$ei oameni imorali 3i li'#ii de ori+e '(doare0 C& &#$a-i (n +(r)ar b&$r5n* o 3$ie o l(me: Dar #& zi+em +& A(relia a "o#$ o "emeie #im'li#$&* +are n-a izb($i$ #&-l rein&0 Dar $(* Cole$oA Ce i-a li'#i$ ie al&$(ri de @i+le#+(A Ce i-a re"(za$A Ad(+ea #a+(l +( bani* 1i r5nd(ia 1n 3i"onier* n( n(m&ra ni+ioda$& +5$ 3i 'e +e ai +2el$(i$* 3i 1n )remea a#$a , 2ai +& n( m& "ere#+ de Ba#ile* 'rea era +2e#$ia de no$orie$a$e ,* 1n )remea a#$a* $( $r&iai +( mara"oi(l &la +( $reize+i de ani mai $5n&r* I(li( #a( I(lian* +(m dra+(-l +2ema: i 'l&$eai %azda* #'&l&$orea#a* +(r#(rile li$o%ra"ia$e* ma#a0 C5nd era @i+le#+( de %ard&* dormea ai+i0 6in%(r& m&r$(ri#eai +& =o+(l &#$a n( mai e de $ine0 Dimineaa a)eai %ri=& #& "ie #$or(rile +obor5$e* n( $e dema+2iai* dormeai $oa$& noa'$ea , mai bine zi# )e%2eai* +& i-era $eam& #& n( #"or&i , )o'#i$& +a o #or+o)&: A(zi* mi-e #il&:
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Cole$a @i+le#+( ro#$i +( b(zele '(n%&8 , 6(n$ +(r)&* 'er)er#& 3i ner(3ina$&0 De +e m& mai "re+)en$ezi$ Bordeian+a r&#'(n#e +( na$(ralee8 , De +(no#+ 'e al$ele m(l$ mai rele0 i* 'e (rm&* n-am #& 1ndre'$ e( l(mea +( (m&r(l000 Ba#ile Ni+ola( 13i m($& #edi(l 'e +ana'ea0 4(#e , +( in$enii de m(3amalizare , 'rima 1n$rebare +e-i $re+( 'rin min$e8 , D-ai mai )&z($ 'e $e"anA , CeA: #e min(n& Viole$a Bordeian(0 N( 3$ii +& a m(ri$A Ni+ola( $re#&ri8 , A m(ri$ b&$r5n(l 4o'aA C(mA: Im'o#ibil: C5ndA , A m(ri$* #("l& Cole$a0 Ca #& )ezi* +omen$& "ilozo"i+* +e '(in 1n#eamn& )iaa (n(i om: 6(n$ abia $rei zile de +5nd 3i-a da$ #("le$(l* iar noi ne ener)&m000 Viole$a Bordeian( 3(ier&8 2u te enerve0i. , 000ne o+('&m de ni3$e "lea+(ri0 $e"an a "o#$ a#a#ina$0 N&(+* in+a'abil #& realizeze nenoro+irea* Ni+ola( #e ridi+& br(#+ de 'e +ana'ea* $ra)er#& de do(& ori 1n+&'erea 3i 13i d&d( dr(m(l 1n "o$oli(0 , E-$raordinar: Ca #& )ezi000 Eram +on)in# +& a 1nneb(ni$000 Ui$e +eam %&#i$ 1n +($ia 'o3$al& +5nd m-am 1n$or# de la Fimi3oara000 6+oa#e (n 'li+ din b(z(nar(l de la 'ie'$ 3i-l 1n$in#e Cole$ei0 Era ne$imbra$* $e-$(l #+ri#orii* b&$($ la ma3in&0 @i+lea#+a 13i +&&r& 'e na# o+2elarii +( rame #(biri* a(ri$e8 %ra# 1icolau, vreau s tii, s se tie, c dac mi se ntmpl s mor ucis, vinovat este amicul nostru comun Cris ;re#orian. Am presimiri !uneste i ncredere n pro itatea dumitale. Ceva mi spune c nu ne vom mai vedea niciodat. 4mi cu ine. Ca un !rate. -te!an Popa. *ari 6= noiem rie 89:8. Cei $rei #e 'ri)ir& +on#$ernai0 Fi+-$a+(l 'end(lei %2ilo$ina lini3$ea 1n+&'erii0 9 D('& +e "(#e#e amni#$ia$&* @elania D('( 13i rel(a#e e-i#$ena obi3n(i$&* %ar#oniera din #$rada Foamnei 3i $abie$(rile0 Iar 1n zi(a +5nd 1l re+('er& 'e @ir+i(li+&* %&zd(i$ 'ro)izori( la ni3$e 'rie$eni* b&$r5na a)( #en$imen$(l +& )iaa e 1n$r-ade)&r "r(moa#&0 6e #imea $5n&r&* %a$a #& 1n"r(n$e )ii$or(l* n( 1n+er+a +om'le-(l dein($(l(i 'roa#'&$ elibera$* +on#ider5nd +( #enin&$a$e an(l 'e$re+($ 1n ?'en#i(nea a+eea dr&%&la3&? in$ere#an$ 3i in#$r(+$i)0 Da 1n+e'($ "&r& bani* )5nd(#e (n #e$ de ar%in$&rie #o+o$i$ (ni+a$ 3i 13i 1m'ro#'&$a#e 1n$rea%a %arderob&0 ?Da+& )reme de (n an n(-i +(m'eri #a( n(-i +o3i nimi+* #e re#im$e 3i a'oi n( +(no#+ +e)a mai 1n)ior&$or de+5$ o ro+2i& no(& arbora$& 1n$r-o diminea& de 'rim&)ar&0 i ridi+& imedia$ moral(l0? @elania n-a)ea ne)oie #&-3i #al$e moral(l* e-+elen$ +a $o$dea(na* dar 1i 'l&+ea #& #e 1mbra+e 3i '(#e#e $oa$& )iaa 're 'e in($a e-$erioar&0 Co+2e$&ria ei era de e#en& deo#ebi$& 3i $reb(ia (n o+2i a)iza$ +a #& ba%e de #eam& +( +5$& %ri=& era +5n$&ri$ "ie+are am&n(n$ al $oale$ei0 A'aren$ #im'l( 1mbr&+a$&* #im'li$a$ea a+eea a$5$ de +o#$i#i$oare 3i a$5$ de dra%& "ran(zoai+ei de %(#$* e)i$a #$ridena* o#$en$aia #a( )e#$imen$aia =()enil&0 ?Nimi+ n( 1mb&$r5ne3$e mai m(l$*
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dra%a mea 9era (na din $eoriile ei "a)ori$e;* de+5$ o 2ain& 'rea $inerea#+&0 Con$ra#$(l +( +2i'(l o"ili$ 1i $r&deaz& )5r#$a mai m(l$ de+5$ 1n#(3i b(le$in(l* i-o ara$& +( de%e$(l0 E +a 3i +(m mi-a3 '(ne a+(m #'il2ozen 3i +iora'i $rei #"er$(ri000? Era 1n#& nen$re+($& 1n ale%erea am&n(n$elor #(b$ile +are 1i 1n)iora( $oale$a8 (n 'a##e-'oile di#+re$* (n +ordon ori%inal* o ba$i#$& +olora$&* +a o "la+&r&* (n 3ira% de m&r%ele de +ri#$al000 D('& o #&'$&m5n& de 'ro%ram admini#$ra$i) , +roi$orea#&* +oa"or* 'edi+2i(ri#$&* +o#me$i+ian& , @elania "&+(#e o +(r& de "ilme* +am $rei 'e zi* 3i #$(dia#e +( +on3$iin+iozi$a$e la biblio$e+a de +ar$ier* r(bri+ile ?@i+ii '(bli+i$&i? din (l$imele +5$e)a l(ni0 De+e#ele , ?#& )edem +e 'rie$eni ne-a( mai '&r&#i$?* V5nz&rile 3i C(m'&r&$(rile ?+&+i nimi+ n( e#$e mai edi"i+a$or* n( +on#$i$(ie o o%lind& mai "idel& a "enomen(l(i )ia& +o$idian&0 E de a=(n# #& )ezi +eea +e oamenii )or #& a+2iziioneze* ori* dim'o$ri)&* #& 1n#$r&ineze000? @elania re"le+$a#e de m(l$e ori +& 'en$r( (n e#+ro+* le+$(ra ?@i+ii '(bli+i$&i? e#$e deo#ebi$ de in#$r(+$i)&0 Din +oloanele ei a"li 'rod(#(l de (l$im& or& #oli+i$a$ 'e 'ia&8 b($elii de ara%az* 'ie#e de #+2imb 'en$r( ?<ia$? ori ?Rena(l$?* lue !eans"i* $ri+o(ri +( $o$ "el(l de 3$am'ile 'e 'ie'$ #a( +a'e$e de '&'(3i din 'orelan0 ?Ce-o "i "&+5nd domn(l a+e#$a , 're#im$ +& e#$e (n domn ,* #e 1n$reba b&$r5na ned(meri$&* +( a#emenea =(+&rioareA? D('& +(m n( 1nele%ea ni+i 'a#i(nea (n(i al$ b(+(re3$ean 'en$r( a'ara$e de radio )e+2i* de +ir+(laie 1nain$e de r&zboi8 ?42illi'#?* ?Fele"(nLen?000 E)iden$* ni+i di#+(iile +( @ir+i(li+& n( l5n+ezea(0 n dimineaa a+eea de noiembrie* @elania 1i dez)ol$a $eoria ei 1n le%&$(r& +( a#a#inarea l(i $e"an 4o'a0 6e #imea e-$rem de bine di#'(#&0 A"ar& 'lo(a* ba 1n+e'(#e +2iar #& 3i "(l%(ia#+&* (n )5n$ re+e 3i $(rb(len$ z%5l5ia obloanele de lemn* iar a#emenea )reme mo2or5$& 1i #$im(la 1n mod #'e+ial 'o"$a de )ia&0 n +a'o$ +&ld(ro# de l5n& alb&* @elania 13i #a)(ra +ea3+a +( +a+ao "ierbin$e )5r"(i$& de do(& lin%(ri de "ri3+&0 @o$an(l* #obr( dimineaa* 13i +on#(ma#e la'$ele 'e#$e +are b&$r5na $(rna#e (n de%e$ de rom. ?Un %ro% b(n* ia$& +e-3i dore3$e (n b&rba$ 1n$r-o diminea& re+e de $oamn&0? A+(m* z&+ea 'e "o$oli(* a#+(l$5nd +( +eea +e @elania 13i #'(nea +& ar "i a$enie 1n+orda$&0 De "a'$* mo&ia0 , $ii* dra%(l me(* de $rei zile n( 1n+e$ez #& medi$ez la #oar$a bie$(l(i $e"an0 Cred +& ni+ioda$&* de +5nd 1l +(no#+* n( m-am %5ndi$ a$5$a de el0 @i #e '&rea* 1n a"ar& de al$e de"e+$e* $eribil de nein$ere#an$0 Una din '(inele l(i $r&#&$(ri ori%inale era "a'$(l +& )orbea e-$rem de m(l$ la $ele"on* +eea +e d('& +(m 3$ii +on#$i$(ie #'e+iali$a$ea doamnelor0 B&rbaii n-a( r&bdare #& $r&n+&nea#+&* #(n$ e-'edi$i)i000 Da* da000 $eribil de nein$ere#an$0 Da+&-i amin$e3$i* )orbea 1n #+2eme +a $oi +ei +&rora le e lene #& %5ndea#+&0 C()in$ele l(i "a)ori$e , ba%& de #eam&* @ir+i(li+&* am&n(n$(l mi #e 'are #im'$oma$i+ , era( ?+analie?* ?$oi ni3$e bandii?* a'ro'o de 'er#oanele +are l(+reaz& 1n +omer* ?nimeni n-o #& m& mai +on)in%& +&000? ?de-a3 a)ea e( o '($ere000? 6la)& Domn(l(i +& nimeni n( i-a da$-o:000 Ni #-ar "i (r+a$ 1n +a'000 Ar mai "i8 ?m-a in($ o a)ere?0 $ii* +5nd a da$ +in+ize+i de lei 'e #andale: i8 ?ai a(zi$A a +r&'a$ +($are000? Ni+ioda$& a m(ri$* +i a +r&'a$0 Cred +& b(n&)oina n( era 1n#(3irea +are #&-l +ara+$erizeze0 <razele 3i le 1n+e'ea $o$dea(na la "el8 ?Da+& )rei #& 3$ii +e +red e(000?* de3i nimeni n( o"$a #-o a"le0 n +on+l(zie* $e"an n( a "o#$ +eea +e a3 n(mi e( (n +am'ion al +on)er#aiei000 A+(m #& )edem*
"9

@ir+i(li+&* +e ded(+em din $oa$& #ala$a a+ea#$a: @o$an(l +&#+& (n o+2i #omnoro#0 <i-* l(+io#* im'ene$rabil0 @elania 1n+e'( #& r5d&8 , 4ar+& ai a)ea (n mono+l( )erde:000 Da+& )rei #& dormi* 'oi #& mio #'(i* +&+i e( n( "a+ 'ar$e din 'er#oanele +are #e "ormalizeaz&000 A2: e3$i +(rio# #& a"li +on+l(ziile mele re"eri$oare la 'er#onali$a$ea l(i $e"anA Ei bine* n( $reb(ie #&-mi #+o$o+e#+ 'rea m(l$ b(z(narele0 N( #(n$ m(l$e 3i ni+i m&%(li$oare0 Cred +& a "o#$ (n om de (n e%oi#m "ero+e* a)ar 3i ran+2i(no#0 Cr(d* "&r& ni+i (n 'i+ de dra%o#$e #a( 1nele%ere 'en$r( #emenii #&i0 Iar (n a#$"el de om a)ea $oa$e 3an#ele #& moar& 1n$r-(n "el mai '(in +om(n0 Fe-ai #+(la$* @ir+i(li+&A @o$an(l #e 1n$in#e +( )ol('$a$e* l&#5nd(-3i $oa$& %re($a$ea 'e labele din "a& 3i #&l$5nd(-3i m(l$ 3ez($(l ar+(i$0 6&ri de 'e "o$oli(* 13i #+($(r& blana +a de a'& 3i #e o'ri 1n "aa (3ii 1n+2i#e0 @elania i-o de#+2i#e re"le+$5nd am(za$&8 , @a=ori$a$ea 'er#oanelor 'e +are le +(no#+ ar +on#idera +& n(-i o )reme ideal& de 'limbare000 A: O )izi$&: A#$a-i +( $o$(l al$+e)a0 De000 $ineree: n $rea+&$* +(le#e +5$e)a =ele(ri din$r-(n +o3(le de 'orelan0 A"ar&* )5n$(l #e 1n$ei#e* n(-i rezi#$a ni+i o (mbrel&0 @elania 13i +on#(l$& +2i'(l 1n o%lind&* 'i'&ind(-l deli+a$ +( de%e$ele "ra%ile0 , N( ar&i $o+mai r&( 'en$r( o doamn& de 3aize+i 3i 'a$r( de ani0 Colonel(l a m(ri$ de a'roa'e +in+i#'reze+e000 @& 1n$reb da+&* 1n$5lnind()& a+olo #(#* $e-ar re+(noa3$e0 n #"5r3i$* o )ei a"la 1n$r-o b(n& zi0 N( e-i#$& ni+i (n mo$i) de %rab&000 De#'re +e )orbeam* dra%a meaA Fe ro% +on+en$reaz&-$e: Da* de+i moar$ea , moar$ea )iolen$& ar #'(ne domnii a+eia 'oli$i+o3i de la miliie , l(i $e"an n( $e #(r'rinde0 Ceea +e a3 dori %roza) #& a"l( e#$e mo$i)(l 'en$r( +are a "o#$ (+i#0 Ce in$ere# '($ea oare #& 'rezin$e (n b&$r5n 'o#a+ 3i ne'($in+io#A De +e m& 'reo+('& 'e mine 'roblemaA C2i+o$i 3$ren%&re3$e8 Ei bine* dra%a mea* n(-i a#+(nd +& m& +am 'li+$i#e#+ 3i mi-e $eam& +& 3i domn(l maior Cri#$e#+( n( #e di#$reaz& mai bine0 D-am %&#i$ +am #+2imba$* li'#i$ de )ioi+i(ne000 i a'oi* 're#im$* n( m& 1n$reba de +e* +& a"a+erea a+ea#$a 1i de#+2ide 'er#'e+$i)e in$ere#an$e0 Bai* "e$io* #("le+&-i m5ne+ile , )orba )ine +&+i e de#$(l de r&+oare 1n +a#& , 3i '(ne-$e 'e l(+r(: 6e 'limba 'rin 1n+&'ere* 1n+er+5nd #& (rm&rea#+& de#en(l arabe#+(rilor de 'e +o)or0 Din 'ri+ina +on+en$r&rii* alb&#$relele din 'ri)ire* dil(a$e de obi+ei* de)eni#er& neobi3n(i$ de )ii0 , N( $e-a 1n3ela$ ni+ioda$& in#$in+$(l* dra%a mea0 R&m5ne-i "idel&0 Ai in$(i$ $o$dea(na +& $e"an $reb(ie #& "i a)($ (n $re+($ (r5$* 'lin de amin$iri "ioroa#e0 O+2i(l a+ela )i+io# n( '($ea #& a'arin& de+5$ (n(i om r&(0 i %en(n+2ii indi#+rei +are #e 'ro"ila( 'rin #$o"a 'an$alonilor0 Era( dire+$ an$i'a$i+i 3i rima( 'er"e+$ +( 'ri)irea0 Unde +i$eai +& indi)izii +( 'ro$(berane o#oa#e 'ron(na$e #(n$ 'rime=dio3iA000 Da* "e$ia mea* $reb(ie #& #+o$o+e3$i 1n $re+($(l l(i0 n $re+($(l l(i 1nde'&r$a$ +&+i de do(&ze+i 3i +in+i de ani 1l +(no3$i $(0 6e o'ri br(#+* #(b l(#$ra de bronz8 (n ar2an%2el %raio#* +( ari'ile 1n$in#e* 1n e+2ilibr( 'e (n %lob din +are 53nea( +in+i brae0 C2i'(l 1i #$r&l(+ea +a (n "ar8 , $i( +ine $e 'oa$e a=($a* "e$io: Vezi* am #(#in($ $o$dea(na +& e bine #&-i a#i%(ri 're$($indeni 'rie$eni* iar Vanda* Vanda Frai-D(l+e* e#$e o 'er#oan& ab#ol($ "erme+&$oare0 6(n$ #i%(r& +& i-ai no$a$ n(m&r(l de $ele"on0 Da* da* "e$io* +iri'i 1n+5n$a$& 1n $im' +e-3i r&#"oia a%enda* #(n$
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#i%(r& +& i-ai "&+($ o im're#ie b(n& 3i n( o da$& 3i-a mani"e#$a$ de)o$amen$(l "a& de $ine000 A#$a e: 4e#$e (n #"er$ de or&* @elania D('( '&r&#ea lo+(ina* a)5nd %ri=& #& la#e de#+2i# 'en$r( @ir+i(li+& oberli2$(l de la b(+&$&rie0 Oamenii $re+ea( ne'&#&$ori 'e l5n%& doamna mi+(&* #(biri+&* de o ele%an& #obr&0 Da+& ar "i '($($ %2i+i +e #e 'e$re+e #(b $o+a ble(marin +are-i re$eza +o+2e$ "r(n$ea* ar "i "l(iera$ l(n%* +a )ardi3$ii de odinioar&0 888 @aior(l Cri#$e#+( 13i +on)o+a#e +olabora$orii la ora no(& dimineaa0 6e #imea 'li+$i#i$* "&r& +2e" de l(+r(* 3i* r&#"oind nea$en$ re)i#$a ?<la+&ra?* 13i zi#e +& de +5nd #e $rezi#e* de+i 1n mai '(in de $rei +ea#(ri* #e ener)a#e de 'a$r( ori0 n$5i 1l #+o#e#e din #&ri$e +a"ea(a 'rea re+e0 C5$eoda$& #e 1n$reba* +5$ #e 'oa$e de #erio#* da+& ne)a#$&-#a n( +(m)a 'ro+edeaz& a3a* (rm&rind +( $o$ dinadin#(l #&-l )ad& ie3i$ din "ire0 Vara 1i o"erea "ier$(ri de iad* 1n )reme +e iarna 1i d&dea im're#ia +& "a+e e+onomie de %aze #a( +2ibri$(ri0 n+&'&5na$&* o"erea in)ariabil a+eea3i e-'li+aie8 e (n #i#$em +2ineze#+ de e+2ilibrare a $em'era$(rii or%ani#m(l(i* de no$orie$a$e "iind +& o+2ii obli+i #e #+ald& 'e ar3i& 1n a'& +lo+o$i$&0 n bazinele 3$rand(rilor 'oi "ierbe "&r& d(reri de +a' ra+i #a( o(& de #$r(0 Iar +2inezii or "i 3$iind ei +e)a* de )reme +e a( o +i)ilizaie milenar&000 A do(a oar& #e 1n"(ria#e +&($5nd(-3i (mbrela0 Cri#$e#+( 13i 1n+2i'(ia +& n( are 're$enii ne#&b(i$e +er5nd +a di"eri$ele mobile #a( obie+$e din +a#& #&-3i '&#$reze de#$inaia iniial&0 Adi+&* d('& '&rerea l(i* normal era +a 1n +a#e$ele in"erioare ale biblio$e+ii #& #e '(n& +&ri* di#+(ri* e)en$(al di"eri$e 25r$ii mai im'or$an$e 3i n( mald&re de izmene* "ee de ma#& #a( #er)i+i(l ?+el b(n? de Bo2emia* d('& +(m n-a)ea( +e +&($a 1n biro(l l(i do(& 'ere+2i de "oar"e+i* +($ii +( a+e de #i%(ran&* a& 3i +(ie0 Fo$ a3a* %&#ea normal +a (mbrela* indi"eren$ de ano$im'* #& a$5rne 1n +(ier(l din )e#$ib(l0 Ori+5$ 3i-ar "i zdrobi$ min$ea* n-ar "i '($($ #& 1nelea%& ni+ioda$& rai(nea 'en$r( +are ne)a#$&-#a o +am("la +a 'e (n +or' deli+$ 1n debara* 'rin$re m&$(ri +( +oad&* din$re +are (na d(-$e-)ino <eli-* 'eria de $a)an* "&+&le* b&$&$or 3i do(& ba#$oane r&ma#e de la (n (n+2i r&'o#a$0 Fo$ ne)a#$&-#a 1l 1n"(ria#e 3i a $reia oar&0 Era( de do(&ze+i de ani 1m're(n& 3i $o$ n( 1n)&a#e +& el are (n 'ro%ram ai(ri$* +( ore "i#$i+2ii* +& &#$a-i #'e+i"i+(l m(n+ii l(i* +& l(+reaz& 1n miliie 3i n( e +on$abil la +oo'era$i)a ?A)5n$(l 1n+&l&min$ei?0 i $o$(3i* de do(&ze+i de ani* 1l #oma in)ariabil8 ?Vezi #& n( 1n$5rzii +( ma#a0 N( 'o$ #& #$a( $oa$& zi(a la di#'oziia $a: C2iar 3i 'en$r( o b(+&$&rea#& 'l&$i$& ai mai m(l$& +on#ideraie000? De "ie+are da$&* maior(l #+r53nea0 Ne)a#$&-#a n(-l a3$e'$a ni+ioda$& +( +r&$iile in($e la +ald* 1n +('$or* ma#a a3$ern($& 3i o "lori+i+& %raioa#& 1n$r-(n 'a2ar de +ri#$al0 C( rare e-+e'ii* m5n+a #in%(r* din oale #lei$e* +el mai ade# dire+$ din "ri%ider 3i #$5nd 1n 'i+ioare0 n #"5r3i$* #e ener)a#e 'e dr(m0 Era a $reia zi de +5nd z&l(da aia +( o+2i imen3i 3i 2aine "l($(r5nde , e3ar"e* 'elerine lar%i* 3al(ri +( "ran=(ri de do(& 'alme 'e#$e 'arde#i( +roi$ 'e +or' 9zi+eai +& 1n+on$in(( ba$e )5n$(l; , 1i ainea +alea0 n+er+a#e #&-l a+o#$eze dire+$* +( na$(ralee* "&r& 'i+ de =en&0 @aior(l n( era obi3n(i$ +( a#emenea 'ro+edee dire+$e* "&+5nd
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o+na3* dar +&'i$an(l Vlad e (n a# 1n ma$erie0 4ariez +& 1n +el m(l$ do(&ze+i 3i 'a$r( de ore o #& ne 'rezin$e (n ra'or$ +om'le$000 , A)ei im're#ia +& 4o'a e (n "o#$ +lien$ al 'oliieiA , 4oliiei #a( 6i%(ranei0 N( 3$i(* #in+er n( 3$i(0 Dar 'en$r( +& 'rezen$(l e m($* n( ne 'oa$e #(%era ni+i (n mobil +are #& "i 'ro)o+a$ moar$ea l(i 4o'a* #'er +a $re+($(l #& "ie mai %enero#0 n "ine* )om )edea0 De "a'$ d(mi$ale 1i rezer) al$& 'ar$i$(r&* #('ra)e%2erea l(i Cri# Gre%orian0 , Credei +& el e a#a#in(lA , N(* #'(#e moale maior(l* 1n 'rin+i'i( n( +red* dar #(n$em obli%ai #& )edem 1n +e a'e #e #+ald&0 Freb(ie #& "ii 1n#& "oar$e a$en$* dra%(l me(0 Ni+i o im'r(den&* "ila= (l$radi#+re$* #& n( #im$& ni+i o #e+(nd&000 l 1n$rer('#e $ril(l $ele"on(l(i0 @o3oian( 3i Azimioar& ob#er)ar& +(m +2i'(l maior(l(i #e #+2imb& +( "ie+are #e+(nd&* +&'&$5nd o e-'re#ie de #"53ie$oare #("erin&0 , Da000 6&r($ m5inile000 @& +o'le3ii* dar mi-e im'o#ibil000 @(l(me#+* bine1nele# +& am #&-i +om(ni+0 Oma%iile mele000 N(* n(* nam #& (i$0 D&#& re+e'$or(l 1n "(r+& 3i-i 'ri)i r&$&+i$0 , N-ai %2i+i$A000 @& #(r'rinde: @elania: A(ziA i #e adre#& lo+o$enen$(l(i Azimioar&0 i $ran#mi$e #al($&ri0 4e mine m-a in)i$a$ la o 'r&=i$(r& +( n(+i 3i alb(3 de o( +are #e n(me3$e ?<i%aro? 3i n( i-a ie3i$ a$5$ de bine de 'e )remea +5nd $r&ia b&rba$(-#&(0 6-a %5ndi$ #&-i "a+& o mi+& 'omenire* la +are bine1nele# 'o"$e3$e 'rie$eni dra%i000 Azimioar& 3i @o3oian( izb(+nir& 1n r5#0 @aior(l +l&$in& $ri#$ din +a'8 , E +lar* b&iei: A 1n+e'($ +ir+(l0 : C5nd ie3i de la 4oli$e2ni+&* Dorin 4o'e#+( l(& $ram)ai(l 1I 3i +obor1 la O'ere$&0 Re$ez& 4od(l 6ena$(l(i 1n"ri%(ra$* '&$r(n# '5n& la oa#e de (mezeal&0 V5n$(l #e 1n&#'ri#e 3i Dorin 13i ridi+& %(ler(l +anadienei alba#$re0 Umbla , #$il lan#a$ 1n+& de #$(denii anilor >J0* 'rel(a$ 3i de %eneraiile (rm&$oare 3i abandona$ oda$& i#'r&)i$e #$(diile , +( (merii #&l$ai '5n& 1n dre'$(l (re+2ilor* b&rbia 1n 'ie'$ 3i m5inile 1n+r(+i3a$e =o# de $o$* 'e 'oalele +anadienei0 6(b bra inea (n +(r# 3i (n +aie$ #(birel0 G&ri din +a'(l #$r&zii <ord-@(#$an%(l a)o+a$(l(i0 V5n$(l de)eni#e a$5$ de '($erni+* ai+i 1n 'rea=ma Frib(nal(l(i* 1n+5$ Dorin "( #ili$ #& #e 1n$oar+& +( #'a$ele0 ?E o )reme +rea&: 6$r5n%e al naibii0? Az)5rli o 'ri)ire 1n$5m'l&$oare #'re re#$a(ran$(l ?B(+(r?0 D(minile #+li'ea( +ald* 1mbie$or 3i Dorin 13i zi#e +& i-ar "i "&+($ 'l&+ere #& #$ea a+(m la o ma#&* #& m5n%5ie m5na C&$&linei* #& bea (i+& "iar$& 3i #&-i e-'li+e 'e 1ndele$e 3an#ele ?Ra'id(l(i? de a rein$ra 1n A0 Bine1nele#* C&$&lina #-ar "i %5ndi$ la +( $o$(l al$+e)a000 4e ?@o3ilor? e o $i'& +are "a+e ni3$e +er+ei "oar$e 3oLin%* #a( +5$e 'ere+2i de +izme $reb(ia #&-3i ia 1n $(rne(l din @oldo)a000 C5nd a)o+a$(l @i+le#+( +obor1 din blo+* era e-a+$ ora o'$ 3i ze+e0 Biro(l l(i #e a"la la e$a=(l al doilea* 1n$r-(n a'ar$amen$ ele%an$ de 'a$r( 'ie#e0 4ro'rie$&rea#a* )&d()a (n(i den$i#$* 1i +eda#e do(& +amere 3i 1n 're(l +2iriei* #(b#$anial* in$ra( 3i (nele o"i+ii de =('5nea#&8 +(r&enia* +a"elele* mi+i #er)i+ii000
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@i+le#+( #e 1ndre'$& +( 'a# #i%(r 3i %r&bi$ #'re ma3in&0 Cer+e$5nd(l #+(r$* %alben de in)idie* Dorin a're+ie +&-i de-a=(n# #& $e (ii la el +a #& #imi imedia$ ?bo##(l?0 A)ea dezin)ol$(ra indi)id(l(i +are a izb($i$* m(l(mi$ de el 1n#(3i* #imind(-#e admirabil 1n 'ro'ria 'iele0 4(r$a (n ra%lan be= #('erb* +a'(l %ol 3i o +ra)a$& a+2iziiona$& 'e mal(l dre'$ al 6enei. ?Banii: +on+2i#e Dorin0 A#$a-i $o$(l* re#$(l )ra=&: A3 )rea #&-l )&d +( o b(r#& de 3a#e #($e de lei0 C5nd a=(#$ez 'or$o"el(l b&$r5nei +( ze+e +reiari* zi+e +& e-a%erez000? V&z5nd(-l 'e Dorin* a)o+a$(l* #(r'rin#* "&+( o+2ii mari* a'oi 1n+e'( #& z5mbea#+&0 B&ia$(l a)ea (n aer +r(n$* b&$&io#* 1n +on$ra#$ +( a#'e+$(l adole#+en$in al +2i'(l(i* +are mai '&#$ra +e)a din ro$(n=imile d(l+i ale +o'il&riei0 , B(n& #eara* $inere: #'(#e bine di#'(#0 A'roa'e +& m-ai #'eria$0 Ai o e-'re#ie de +on$rabandi#$0 Ce mai #aci$ Dorin morm&i +e)a de +ir+(m#$an&0 6$&$ea ea'&n 3i* din 1n+ordarea 3i ne+lin$irea l(i* a)o+a$(l #e#iz& +& 1n$5lnirea n(-i 1n$5m'l&$oare0 , @& a3$e'$ai +(m)a 'e mineA /a. , 4re#('(n +& )rei #&-mi )orbe3$i0 , Ai %2i+i$* r5n=i Dorin0 Per#ect. Pro'(n #& mer%em (nde)a #& ne 1n+&lzim0 Ce zi+i de ?Ca'3a?A A)ea (n $on a"abil* b&rba$ de l(me , de +l(b ai "i #'(# 'e al$ meridian ,* 'oli$i+o#* a%reabil 3i $o$dea(na* 're$($indeni* la 1ndem5n&0 , Ai+i* #(blinie Dorin r&#$i$0 Ce aici$! , Di#+($&m ai+i0 Mi+le#+( 1l 'ri)i #+(r$0 I #e '&r( +& a )&z($ #("i+ien$ 3i #&l$& din (meri0 , C(m )rei0 N(-mi 'la+e #& #$ri+ +2e"(l nim&n(i0 De#'re +e e )orbaA A'rin#e o i%ar& 4all-@all0 Bri+2e$a ele+$roni+& #'lendid&* 'la+a$&* "(n+iona "&r& %re30 Am&n(n$e de 'ro#'eri$a$e #$riden$& 'e +are Dorin le 1nre%i#$ra +ri#'a$0 3i amin$i de $eoria (n(i do+$rinar b(r%2ez #$(dia$ la #o+iali#m 3$iini"i+8 ?Da baza $($(ror re)ol(iilor #$& in)idia000? @ai 3$iiA 4oa$e +& a)ea dre'$a$e000 2e ascult' tinere. , Am (n n(me* #e o&r1 Dorin0 6'(nei-mi domn(le* $o)ar&3e #a( '(r 3i #im'l( 4o'e#+(* dar #+($ii-m& de "amiliari#me0 @i+le#+( 1n+e'( #& r5d&* #in+er am(za$8 , N( #(n$em ni+ioda$& m(l(mii +( )5r#$a noa#$r&0 4e#$e do(&ze+i de ani* o #& $e deran=eze +5nd "i(l d(mi$ale o #&-i #'(n& ?baba+(le?000 n re%(l&* domn(le 4o'e#+(* am l(a$ a+$0 , D&#ai-o 'e C&$&lina 1n 'a+e: izb(+ni Dorin0 A+a#&* la "a+(l$a$e* 1n $im'(l +(r#(l(i de Rezi#$en&* 13i 're%&$i#e o in$rod(+ere )ir(len$&* ad(+5nd a "ili'i+&* dar a+(m n(-i mai )enea( 1n min$e +()in$ele0 De emoie* 1i $ran#'ira#er& m5inile0 A)o+a$(l #e in$ere#& +alm* +( oare+are bl5ndee +2iar8 , Fe-a r(%a$ ea #&-mi )orbe3$iA , N(0 O "a+ din 'ro'rie iniia$i)&0 , 6+(z&-m& +& $e 1n$reb0 n +e +ali$a$eA , De 'rie$en #in+er 3i de)o$a$0
12

 %umai at4t$ , A#$a n( )& 'ri)e3$e0 , De+i o i(be3$i* ro#$i 'e %5nd(ri @i+le#+(0 i000 eaA , i ea: O #'(#e#e +( )iolen&0 Violena om(l(i n( "erm +on)in# 1n "or(l #&( in$erior de +eea +e a"irm&* dar +are #e mi#$i"i+&* l(5nd dre'$ "a'$ +eea +e ar dori el #& "ie reali$ate. , A$(n+i* #(r5#e @i+le#+(* +2e#$i(nea mi #e 'are "oar$e #im'l&0 I'#o-"a+$o* e( ie# din +om'e$iie0 , N(-i a3a 3i d(mnea)oa#$r& 3$ii "oar$e bine0 C&$&lina $r&ie3$e (n momen$ de r&$&+ire0 E#$e in+a'abil& #&-3i analizeze #en$imen$ele0 De m(l$e ori am im're#ia +&-i 1n $ran#&0 , Ia $e (i$&: 6e 'are +& e3$i (n "in '#i2olo%0 , Ironiile d(mnea)oa#$r& n( m& a$in%0 6& )& "ie lim'ede (n l(+r(0 Ea n( )& i(be3$e* e doar amei$&0 Ai amei$-o +( 'oziia 'e +are o a)ei* +( @(#$an%(l* +( re#$a(ran$ele* +ado(rile* KeeL-end-(rile 3i +elelal$e0 @i+le#+( 13i +i('i b&rbia 2o$&r5$&* de#'i+a$&0 Ar(n+& 1n$r-o b&l$oa+& i%ara din +are n( "(ma#e ni+i m&+ar =(m&$a$e0 , Dra%& domn(le 4o'e#+(* +eea +e-mi #'(i d(mnea$a m& 1n$ri#$eaz&000 , A#$a-i reali$a$ea* "ie +& )& 'la+e #a( nu! , 000'en$r( +& %5nde3$i 1n%rozi$or de (r5$ de#'re "a$a 'e +are o i(be3$i0 A"irmaiile "&+($e 1nain$e de d(mnea$a n( $e 1nnobileaz&* iar 'e ea o (mile#+0 O +on#ideri de+i 'e C&$&lina o %5#+(li&* 'e +are o 'oa$e ?amei? o 'limbare +( ma3ina #a( o "ri'$(r& +on#(ma$& 1n$r-(n re#$a(ran$ b(n0 n (nele +er+(ri* a#$a #e n(me3$e +o$le$i#$&* mi #e 'are0 N(-i 'rea m&%(li$or 'en$r( bia$a "a$&0 Dorin #e ro3i de "(rie0 n+e'( #& %e#$i+(leze dezordona$ 3i a)o+a$(l 1i a$ra#e a$enia8 , Ai #& #+a'i +aie$ele0 %(am vr($ #& #'(n +&-i o 'ara3($&: Dim'o$ri)&: Fo+mai 'en$r( +& n-are e-'erien&* a 1m'lini$ abia no(&#'reze+e ani* 3i* '5n& a+(m ze+e l(ni* +5nd i-ai ie3i$ 1n +ale* 'ra+$i+* n-a +(no#+($ 'e nimeni* n-a "o#$ ni+&ieri* e $o$al dezarma$&0 Iar d(mnea)oa#$r& n-o i(bii0 V& di#$rai +( ea a3a +(m $e-ai di#$ra +( o =(+&rie dr&%&la3&0 Miclescu' din ce n ce mai amu0at' l +rivi dintr(o +arte: , De (nde 3$iiA , V-am (rm&ri$0 A"ar& de C&$&lina mai 1n$reinei $rei le%&$(ri0 Vrei n(meA Vi le da(0 Doamna O$ilia @ardare* +&#&$ori$& +( medi+(l de la Colea* Viorela Done* +ole%& +( C&$&lina* +eea +e mi #e 'are +(lmea #adi#m(l(i 3i 1n+& o $i'&* %en #$ar BollCKood #a( a#$a ar )rea ea #& 'ar&0 N( 3$i( +(m o +2eam&* dar ai "o#$ +( ea a+(m do(& #&'$&m5ni la 6na%o)0 Ai 'e$re+($ $rei 0ile la motel. Mint$ A)o+a$(l n(-l #l&bea din 'ri)iri0 Dorin era dr&%(* +2iar "r(m(3el* 1n#& +2i'(l n-a)ea 'er#onali$a$e0 E-i#$a( mii de $ineri iden$i+i +are-3i 'limba( bl(%ii 3i raniele #a( +(m #e n(mea( %enile a+elea (l$rab(rd(3i$e , +e dra+(> or "i +&r5nd la ori+e or& din ziA ,* a%&a$e de (m&r0 i-l '($ea le#ne 1n+2i'(i la 'a$r(ze+i de ani* $a$& de "amilie +( b(r$i+i+& 3i "i%(ra 3$ear#&* de+olora$& a blonzilor a=(n3i la )5r#$a mi=lo+ie0 Dar a+(m a)ea $ineree* o an(me %raie 3i $em'eramen$0 Min$A re'e$& Dorin0 )vocatul surise ambi!uu: , Ai "i "&+($ +arier& 1n 'oliie* dra%(l me(0
1"

, De+i re+(noa3$ei: @i+le#+( 13i de#"&+( braele8 , N( #(n$ 1ndea=(n# de dobi$o+ 'en$r( a ne%a 1n#&3i e)idena0 6'(ne-mi* ai in"orma$-o 3i 'e C&$&lina de#'re e-i#$ena doamnelor 1n +a(z&A , Bine1nele#0 E( =o+ +( +&rile 'e "a&0 , iA C2i'(l l(i Dorin #e ad(mbri0 F&+( +5$e)a +li'e0 @i+le#+( in#i#$&8 , iA , V-am #'(# +&-i amei$&0 N(-i mai 'a#& de nimi+0 Ad&(%& +( %re($a$e8 Va a++e'$a ori+e +om'romi# n(mai #-o 1n%&d(ii 1n 'rea=ma d(mnea)oa#$r&0 , @da: "&+(* o"$5nd* a)o+a$(l0 3i 'rin#e b&rbia 1n 'alm&0 Ia$& o #i$(aie al dra+(l(i de ne'l&+($&* n(-i a3aA , E la la$i$(dinea d(mnea)oa#$r& #&-i '(nei +a'&$* mai ale# +& n( a)ei 'en$r( ea ni+i (n #en$imen$0 )sta n(ai de (nde #-o 3$ii* dra%(l me(0 /orin a0v4rli o +rivire bat.ocoritoare: , Vrei #&-mi #'(nei +& i(bii +on+omi$en$ 'a$r( "emeiA , 4e "ie+are 1n al$ "el0 E3$i 'rea $5n&r +a #& 1nele%i l(+r(rile a#$ea0 , Bm: De +5$e ori +ine)a n-are ar%(men$e* 1mi #'(ne +& #(n$ 'rea $5n&r0 >aleriu Miclescu r4se: , E +e)a ade)&r ai+i* doar +& e( n( $e min$0 Hin #in+er la C&$&lina0 , A$(n+i de +e n( )& 1n#(rai +( eaA , N( $oi b&rbaii a( bo#a +&#&$oriei0 Vrea( #& #'(n* )o+aie ma$rimonial&0 , A#$ea #(n$ #(b$er"(%ii0 N-o i(bii 3i +omi$ei o +rim& "a& de C&$&lina0 De al$"el000 'oa$e +& n( e 'rima #a( #in%(ra0 Miclescu l +rivi sur+rins: , Ce )rei #& #'(iA Dorin $ra#e ad5n+ aer 1n 'ie'$0 A3$e'$& o 'ere+2e 1n$5rzia$& #& in$re 1n blo+0 <emeia #+($(ra (mbrela de a'&* 1n )reme +e b&rba$(l zorn&ia +2eile ner&bd&$or0 , V& amin$ii (nde ai "o#$ mier+(rea $re+($&A 4re+iz&8 6eara: 6e (i$& 1n+orda$ la a)o+a$* +( 'ri)irea #(bia$&0 @i+le#+( 13i 1n+rei "r(n$ea* '&r5nd +& 1n+ear+& #&-3i ad(ne %5nd(rile8 , N( 1n mod #'e+ial* dar a3 '($ea #&-mi consult a!enda. , N( e ne)oie0 V-o #'(n e(0 4e #$rada 4lan$elor000 Ai ie3i$ din imobil(l re#'e+$i) la ora o'$0 n =(r(l a+eleia3i ore* 1n a+ela3i imobil* a m(ri$ a#a#ina$ b&$r5n(l $e"an 4o'a0 A)o+a$(l +li'i de +5$e)a ori0 Izb(+ni 1n r5#0 Un r5# "ora$ i #e '&r( l(i Dorin0 , @on ami* ai 2al(+inaii0 , n ni+i (n +az* re'li+& lini3$i$ $5n&r(l0 V-am )&z($ +( o+2ii mei0 , 4er"e+$0 i la +e +on+l(zie ai a=(n#A C& l-am omor5$ e(A , A#$a )a de+ide miliia* @i+le#+( 13i )5r1 m5inile 1n b(z(nare0 l m&#(r& 'e Dorin din +a' '5n& 1n 'i+ioare* +( +&($&$(r& de %eamba38 , Da (rme (rmelor* +e (rm&re3$iA 4ra+$i+* +e )reiA , 6-o l&#ai 1n 'a+e 'e C&$&lina0 n +az +on$rar* )oi in"orma or%anele de an+2e$& +& )-am )&z($ mier+(ri '&r&#ind la o or& in$ere#an$& , r5#e
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din %5$ , ?+a#a %roazei?0 A)ei 'a$r(ze+i 3i o'$ de ore $ermen de %5ndire0 @i+le#+( 13i 1n"i'#e (n%2iile 1n 'od(l 'almei* 1n+er+5nd #& #e #$&'5nea#+&0 n+& '(in 3i #imea +&-l )a l(a 'e 'r&'&di$(l* bro#+oi(l* 'i%me(l &#$a la '(mni0 Ro#$i +( %la# r&%(3i$* a'roa'e sacadat: , Ui$e +e #e 1n$5m'l&* mon +2er: C( mine n( ine 3an$a=(l0 Da+& ai "i a)($ mai m(l$ $a+$* 'oa$e +& a3 "i "o#$ di#'(# #& i-o +edez 'e C&$&lina0 n "ond* e3$i (n ne"eri+i$ +are #$5rne3$e mil&0 @il& 3i nimi+ al$+e)a* #&-i in$re bine 1n +a'0 A+(ma* a$5$a-i #'(n8 4a##e 'arole: D(-$e la miliie* den(n&-m&* "& +e 'o"$e3$i0 Fe #"&$(ie#+ (n #in%(r l(+r(8 n(-mi mai ie3i 1n +ale: R5mele 1mi re'(%n& 3i n( mai r&#'(nd de mine0 6e 1ndre'$& "(rio# #'re ma3in& 3i de#+2i#e 'or$iera0 Dorin #$ri%& 1n (rma l(i0 , Voia d(mnea)oa#$r&* mae#$re0 E( )-am a)er$iza$0 , Bai #i+$ir: m5r5i 'rin$re dini Valeri( @i+le#+( 3i demar&0 888 Gar#oniera Viole$ei Bordeian( era a$5$ de im'er#onal&* 1n+5$ 1n mod 'arado-al +&'&$a #emni"i+aii ab#+on#e0 Era im'o#ibil +a din banali$a$ea in$erior(l(i #im'$oma$i+&* 13i zi#e maior(l Cri#$e#+(* #& n( $ra%i an(mi$e +on+l(zii 1n +e 'ri)ea( indi)id(ali$a$ea 3i #$il(l de )ia& al b&$r5nei0 Cer$ r&m5nea "a'$(l +& n( 'reo+('&rile de ordin e#$e$i+ 1i r&'ea( +ea mai mare 'ar$e din $im'* d('& +(m* +er+e$5nd(-i biblio$e+a ie"$in&* '($eai +on#$a$a de la 'rima 'ri)ire +& n(-i o +i$i$oare 1n)er3(na$&0 Cri#$e#+( n(m&r& +on#$erna$ ze+e )ol(me 1n $oa$& +a#a* din$re +are 'a$r( +( 'ro"il %a#$ronomi+0 Celelal$e* +5$e)a romane #$r&ine* '(bli+a$e 'e )rem(ri 1n $rad(+erea l(i J(l Gi(r%ea* #e r&$&+i#er& a+olo 1n$5m'l&$or0 C( m5inile 1n 'oale* Viole$a Bordeian( #e (i$a la maior* r&#("l5nd 'e o #in%(r& nar&0 6em&na +( (n r(me%&$or (ria3* #&$(l* #a)(r5nd(-3i #ie#$a0 Cri#$e#+( 13i zi#e +& 'en$r( "emeia a+ea#$a 'i+ioarele +on#$i$(i#er& $o$dea(na o +alami$a$e 3i 1nele#e br(#+ +e izbea din 'rim(l momen$ +a anormal* a'roa'e de mon#$r(o#* la b&$r5n&8 +a'(l #'lendid +( $r&#&$(ri nobile '&rea 1m'r(m($a$* "(ra$ de la al$ $r(' 3i a3eza$ 'e %r(ma=ii de di2anie ai Viole$ei Bordeianu. Contrastul era at4t de strident' nc4t devenea obscen. , N( +red* 13i +on$in(& b&$r5na ideea* #&-l "i omor5$ Gre%orian0 E 'rea ble%* n-a3 da do(& 'arale 'e #+ri#ori+a aia0 @aior(l 1n$reb& de "orm&8 , Cine ar '($ea "i d('& d(mnea)oa#$r& a($or(l crimei$ Era obo#i$* b&$r5na 1i re'(%na din $oa$e '(n+$ele de )edere* iar di#+(ia o an%a=a#e n( 'en$r( +& l-ar "i in$ere#a$ 'an#e(rile Viole$ei* +i 'en$r( a-l der($a* a-l in$ri%a 'e Gre%orian0 6$&$(#e de )orb& +( $oa$e +elelal$e 'er#ona=e ale dramei* n( le a#+(n#e#e e-i#$ena #+ri#orii anonime* "iind 1n+redina$ +&-l )or in"orma 'e in%iner de#'re a+ea#$a* iar el* Gre%orian* deo+amda$& +a' de a"i3 +a 'rin+i'al #(#'e+$* era i%nora$ +( de#&)5r3ire0 Viole$a Bordeian( 13i #("le+& b(za in"erioar&* 1m'in%5nd-o +( (n di#'re ne=(#$i"i+a$ 1nain$e0 , Ca #& "i( #in+er&* 'e doi 1i )&d +a'abili #& in& +(i$(l 1n m5n&8 'e @elania 3i 'e @i+le#+(0 Ea e neb(n& de le%a$* m& 3i mir& +-o l&#ai #& (mble #in%(r& 'e #$rad&* 3i de la #min$ii $e a3$e'i la ori+e* Valeri( n-are #+r('(le0 A "&+($ $oa$& )iaa +e a 'o"$i$ 3i n(-i obi3n(i$ #&-i #$ea +ine)a 1n
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+ale0 Dar* da+& $o$(3i #-ar 1n+(me$a* l-ar di#$r(%e "&r& 3o)&ire0 , A"irmaia d(mnea)oa#$r& e #(%era$& de "a'$e +on+re$e #a( de in$(iieA Bordeian+a 13i a'rin#e o i%ar&0 Ca $oi z%5r+iii* inea de%e$ele #$r5n# li'i$eE mi3+area de a'rindere a +2ibri$(l(i 'le+a din a"ar& #'re 1n&(n$r(0 , 4e @elania o +(noa3$ei* 3$ii de +e e 1n #$are0 , @& re"eream la a)o+a$(l @i+le#+(0 )sta' de dra!ul banilor' e n stare de orice. 5(am recomanda$ +5nd)a (n +lien$* o )e+2e +(no3$in& de-a mea0 Ade)&ra$ +& a"a+erea era %ra)&* 'er#oana "(#e#e $rimi#& 1n =(de+a$& 'en$r( dela'idare* dar 3i #& +eri +in+ize+i de mii +a #&-l a#i3$i* 3i a#$a a+(m doi#'reze+e ani:000 , Unii a'&r&$ori* ob#er)& maior(l 'e (n $on ne($r(* +on#ider& "ire#+* moral* re+omandabil +2iar #&-i =e+m&ne3$i 'e 2oi 3i e#+ro+i0 Un a+$ de re5m'&rire mai =(#$& a (nor )alori #o+iale0 , O "i: N(mai +& nenoro+i$(l n( era ni+i m&+ar )ino)a$* 2r&nea no(& %(ri 3i d('& (n an* #-a 'r&'&di$ de inim& rea0 V5nd(#e $o$ din +a#&0 N-am #& (i$ ni+ioda$&8 dormea( +a 1n $im'(l re"(%i(l(i* 'e #al$ele '(#e dire+$ 'e d(3(mea000 Bine +& mi-ad(#ei amin$e: Ai )orbi$ +( Ni+ola(A <r(n$ea maior(l(i #e 1n+rei8 %icolau$! , Da* Ba#ile0 Craidon(l: F&(ra3(l ma2alalelor... , N( 3$i( la +ine )& re"erii0 , E (n 'rie$en de-al no#$r(0 n "ine* )orba )ine0 Cine i-e 'rie$en 1n zi(a de aziA000 A 'rimi$ 3i &#$a (n r&)a3000 Ci+& l-ar "i #+ri# +2iar 4o'a 1n a=(n(l morii0 ?Da+& mor a#a#ina$* #& 3$ii +& Gre%orian e +riminal(l0? 4ar+& a3a zi+ea0 @aior(l 13i +('rin#e b&rbia 3i %(ra 1n 'alm&* 'ri)ind-o l(n%0 De "a'$* n-o )edea0 ?Ci(da$000 Gre%orian000 N(mele #e )e2i+(leaz& 'rea de#000 Unde-i +a+ialma(aA000 i +ine o #emneaz&A? Fele"on(l #(n&0 B&$r5na 1n$in#e m5na 3i ridi+& rece+torul. , DaA: <r(n$ea i #e 1n+rei a mirare0 6e (i$& la maior8 E 'en$r( d(mnea)oa#$r&0 Cri#$e#+( re+(no#+( )o+ea lo+o$enen$(l(i @o3oian(8 , 0001mi 'are r&( +& )& deran=ez000 6(n de la 6'i$al(l de Ur%en&0 6$(den$(l Dorin 4o'e#+(* +amarad(l balerinei* #e a"l& 1n #$are %ra)&0 , A++iden$A 1n$reb& %5$(i$ maior(l0 , N(0 Fen$a$i)& de +rim&0 = Vanda Frai-D(l+e a)ea (n a'ar$amen$ 'e #$rada @aria Ro#e$$i* +in+ize+i 3i +in+i de ani* o'$imi#m 3i (n "arme+ 'er#onal irezi#$ibil0 <&+ea 'ar$e din$re "emeile +( #(++e# "(l%er&$or la b&rbai 3i 'en$r( +are , indi"eren$ de )5r#$& , dra%o#$ea +on#$i$(ie 'ol(l +en$ral al e-i#$eneiE %en(l de "emeie* e-$rem de rar* +are 3i la 3a'$eze+i de ani r&'(ne inimi* a)5nd $o$dea(na 1n rezer)& +el '(in doi-$rei adora$ori di#'(3i #-o ia de ne)a#$& 1n (rm&$oarele +in+i min($e0 N( 'rea 1nal$&* 1m'lini$&* 'e '(n+$(l de a de)eni %ra#&* +5rn& 3i +( o+2i 1n#e$ai* )e3ni+ r5z&$ori* +53$i%a #'on$an #im'a$iile0 O i(bea( )5nz&$oarele de la Alimen$ara* 'o3$a3(l* 1n+a#a$or(l de la I0D0E0B0* 3o"erii de $a-ime$re 3i +2iar an+2e$a$orii* )e+2i
17

+(no3$ine* 1i rezer)a( (n z5mbe$ #'e+ial0 In$ere#an$ 'en$r( (n ob#er)a$or a$en$ era "a'$(l +& Vanda n( "&+ea ni+i (n e"or$ #& 'la+&0 E-i#$a 3i #(r5dea0 6e '&rea +&-i #("i+ien$0 O 1mbr&i3& +&ld(ro# 'e @elania a'oi #e d&d( +5i)a 'a3i 1na'oi* m&#(r5nd-o +( m5inile 1n 3old(ri8 , C(+oan&* ar&i #('erb: , O2* n( +ine 3$ie +e* "&+( mode#$& @elania0 n reali$a$e* am 1n+e'($ #& +on#(m %az de )reo do(& l(ni 3i +on#$a$ +& are (n e"e+$ bine"&+&$or0 >anda i0bucni n r4s: Ga0$! , Da0 Ia( +in+i lin%(ri 'e zi0 n a"ar& de a#$a* 1mi $orn +5$e)a 'i+&$(ri 1n o+2i 3i* bine1nele#* m& #'&l $o$ +( %az0 @-a 1n)&a$ 'or$ar(l de la +imi$ir(l Bell( , o 'er#oan& 1n+5n$&$oare* +( o ima%ine o'$imi#$& de#'re e-i#$en& , 3i +red +& are $o$ dre'$(l #&-i "i( re+(no#+&$oare0 *+lendid! a+recie >anda' amu04ndu(se co+ios. C('rin#e (merii b&$r5nei 3i o +ond(#e #'re (ni+(l "o$oli( din 1n+&'ere0 Camera era a'roa'e %oal& 3i @elania #e in$ere#& +( ne)ino)&ie8 Renove0i' dra!a mea$ , 4oi #&-i #'(i +(m 1i 'la+e0 D('& 'ro+e#* mi-a( +on"i#+a$ $o$0 A+(m 1n+er+ #& m& dre%0 , i #(n$ 1n+redina$& +& )ei izb($i* dra%a mea0 E3$i o 'er#oan& a$5$ de ener%i+&:000 3i ro$i o+2ii 'rin odaie0 Unele indi+ii de 'ro#'eri$a$e imedia$& do)edea( +& Vanda n( $r5nd&)e3$e0 n +ol(l de l5n%& "erea#$r& era( de'ozi$a$e +ar$(3e de Pen$* #$i+le de K2i#LC* do(& na)e$e de bere Radeber%er* 3o+ola$& a(#$ria+& 3i +2inezea#+&* m(l$e* "oar$e m(l$e 'a+2e$e a(rii +( +a"ea boabe0 , 4oi #& $e #er)e3$i +( +e ai 'o"$&: #'(#e Vanda* (rm&rind(-i 'ri)irea0 Fi'(l me( e an%ro#i#$000 @elania "&+( o+2ii mari* +li'ind de#8 , Fe-ai +&#&$ori$A O2* $e "eli+i$ din $oa$& inima0 , Da )5r#$a mea n( $e mai +&#&$ore3$i: r5#e Vanda0 4ro#$iile a( 2az '5n& $e la3i de "(ma$0 , E3$i +ea mai 1n m&#(r& #& 2o$&r&3$i0 4re#('(n 1n#& +&-i (n domn "oar$e bine0 , Da+& n-ar a)ea 2emoroizi* )a$& 1n (re+2i 3i 'an$aloni 'rea 1n$in3i de bre$ele* +a #& m& e-'rim 1n #$il(l $&(* #(n$ $rei am&n(n$e +are n(-i da( (n aer )iril0 n re#$* 'lin de +ali$&i0 N( 'oa$e #& )ad& o 'ere+2e de "e#e no#$ime "&r& #& i #e a'rind& o+2ii +a (n(i $a(r +om(nal0 @elania ro3i0 3i 1n$oar#e '(di+& 'ri)irile0 , N( #(n$ delo+ #i%(r& +& am 1nele# +e )rei #& #'(i0 Voi $inerii* "olo#ii (n limba= +am e-$ra)a%an$0 Vanda Frai-D(l+e o +er+e$& z5mbind0 Do(& br&&ri* (na #(bire* de =ad* +ealal$& de a(r* 1i 1n+&$(3a( 'oi%ne$(l0 , Ai 1nele# 'er"e+$0 $ii bine* @elania* +& 'e mine n( m-ai '&+&li$ ni+ioda$&0 Hi-am zi#-o din 'rima zi +& "a+i 'e $oan$a* dar 1n reali$a$e ai o min$e e-+e'ional& 3i 1i bai =o+ de $oa$& l(mea0 4e#emne 1i 'la+e =o+(l &#$a* iar 'en$r( $ine a de)eni$ a do(a na$(r& #& #im(lezi o i+neal&* #or& %eam&n& +( #+leroza0 Cred +& 1n+er+i deli+ii #(b$erane '(in +om(ne0 , @i-e $eam& +& ai o '&rere m(l$ 'rea m&%(li$oare de#'re mine* dar m& )oi #$r&d(i #& n( $e de+e'ionez0
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, 6$r&d(ie3$e-$e0 Vrei (n K2i#LCA @elania 13i ridi+& 'ri)irile alba#$re8 , D(mneze(le: N-am b&($ 1n )iaa mea0 , Oda$& 3i oda$& $o$ $reb(ie #& 1n+e'i0 , N(mai o 'i+&$(r&0 $ii* n-a3 )rea #& +a'&$ (n aer 1ndr&zne0 De$e#$ "emeile m(l$ 'rea inde'enden$e0 n ori+e +az n-ar $reb(i #& la#e im're#ia +& #(n$0 4re"er +2iar o "i%(r& mai demoda$&* 3$ii* %en(l +are #e 'limb& +( o +ar$e la #(bioar& 3i (n +rin 1n m5n&* de+5$ d(d(ile a+elea 'ar+& $ra#e la -ero#8 b(ri 'la$e* #$r5n#e 1n 'an$aloni de r5nda3000 ?lu!i' r4se >anda. , 000'robabil* mai ad&(%&8 $ri+o(ri de b(mba+ 3i 'edi+2i(r& nen%ri=i$&0 i $oa$e )orbe#+ 'rea $are000 Vanda Frai-D(l+e 13i $ra#e "(#$a 'li#a$& 'e#$e %en(n+2i0 , Ei bine* ni+i (na n( "a+em 'ar$e din #'e+ie* a3a +& $o$(l e 1n re%(l&0 , Da* +iri'i @elania* 3i +on#ider a+ea#$a dre'$ (n 'ri)ile%i(0 Vanda ro#$i bl5nd ironi+&8 , Ai dre'$a$e* n(-i ni+i o #+o"al& #& ai do(&ze+i de ani0 6'(ne-mi* @elania* +e ai mai "&+($A 4o)e#$e3$e-mi de#'re $ine0 %(am nimic interesan$ de i#$ori#i$0 @& d(+ "oar$e de# la +inema* iar #erile le 'e$re+ +( @ir+i(li+&0 Ca #& "i( "oar$e #in+er& , +( $ine )orbe#+ de#+2i# , mi-e dor de +e)a 'i+an$0 , De aia m-ai +&($a$A B&$r5na +l&$in& din +a' +( m(l$& )ioi+i(ne0 , @000 O e-i#$en& mono$on& m& de'rim&0 E3$i "oar$e $5n&r&* dra%a mea* dar +( )remea ai #& +on#$ai +& da+& $e 'li+$i#e3$i* 1n+e'i #& ba%i de #eam& +& ai (n "i+a$ #a( $en#i(ne0 Vanda* a3eza$& 'e o lad& de 'or$o+ale* #e a'le+& 1nain$e0 N( #e #&$(ra (i$5nd(-#e la @elaniaE 1n o+2i* b(+(ria de a o )edea a'rin#e#e "o+(ri ben%ale0 Hinea la b&$r5n&* o 1ndr&%i#e din 'rim(l momen$ 3i 3$ia +&* da$ori$& ei* (l$im(l an 'e$re+($ 1n 'eni$en+iar $re+(#e m(l$ mai (3or* de)enind +2iar #('or$abil0 i 'l&+ea( 'oli$eea +( =abo( a @elaniei 3i +alm(l in"ailibil* 1i admira #'iri$(l de a)en$(r&* 1i 're#imea $oa$e a+ele dar(ri 'en$r( +are 1i $reb(ie m(l$ $im' +a #& le de$ermini )eri$abila e#en& 3i )aloare0 4ri)ind(-i "i%(ra im'o#ibil de "i-a$ 'e o '5nz& , 'ra+$i+ @elania n-a)ea $r&#&$(ri8 $o$ +2i'(l '&rea al+&$(i$ din (mbre 3i adieri d(l+i 9bl5ndee* %raie (3or o"ili$&* #(r5# de +a#& b(n& 3i 'ri)ire ne)ino)a$& )o'#i$& +( #ineal&; ,* era %re( #&-i "a+i radio%ra"ia #("le$ea#+&0 Vanda 13i 1n+2i'(ia +& b&$r5na e o "an$a#$& a e-i#$enei* o indi)id& #elenar&* $o$ a$5$ de #elenar& +a 3i no+$(rnele l(i C2o'in0 O am(za( 1n#& %ra#* '5n& la an$olo%i+* +eea +e maior(l Cri#$e#+( ar "i n(mi$ ?%an%#$eri#mele? @elaniei0 Din '&+a$e* b&$r5na era 'ar+imonioa#& +( %en(l a+e#$a de +on"idene 3i o idee )a%& de#'re n&zdr&)&niile ei n(3i '($(#e "a+e de+5$ din z)on(ri0 Vanda #e ridi+& 3i l(& o #$i+l& de K2i#LC0 i r('#e #i%ili(l 3i $(rn& 1n do(& re+i'ien$e de 'la#$i+ 1n +are "(#e#e li'i+i0 , Ce ori%inal: +2i+o$i b&$r5na0 De "a'$* ador miro#(l de ?4eli+anol?0 , @& 1n$reb* #'(#e Vanda %5ndi$oare +e $e-ar '($ea in$ere#a0 n ma$erie de bi3ni& 'o#ibili$&ile #(n$ nelimi$a$e0 Do-a #e o+('& a+(m +( +oloniale 3i deli+a$e#e0 @elania "&+( o+2ii mari8 /o<a$ , R#$a-i indi)id(l de +are-i )orbeam* r5#e Vanda0 C5nd)a ?l(+ra? 1n
1:

#e+$or(l +ea#(ri0 De l(a +( Lilo%ram(l de la )a'oreni 3i 'e (rm& le )indea +( b(+a$a0 De ai+i i-a r&ma# 'ore+la0 Do-a #a( Fi+-Fa+0 , Bm* +red +& e( n( m-am "amiliariza$ +( e-'re#iile a#$ea noi0 Ce 1nele%i 'rin +oloniale 3i deli+a$e#eA Vanda 1i ar&$& mar"a de'ozi$a$& l5n%& 'ere$e8 , Fo$ +e )ezi a+olo0 @ai ada(%& al(ne* +a"ea Co$a-#'or$* (n$delemn de m&#line* +i('er+i la +($ie0 @ai #(n$ 3i al$ele000 A"a+erea e ren$abil& , bani de +o3ni& ,* dar n( #enzaional&0 n a3$e'$area (n(i $ren 1n#&* 3i +a #& n( 3omezi 1n$re $im'... Ridi+& din (meri +( #en#(l ?a#$a-i #i$(aia:? @elania 13i (%(ie b(zele8 , $ii* e( n( +red +& &#$a ar "i %en(l me(0 @& %5ndeam la +( $o$(l al$+e)a000 , Adi+&A , Hi-ad(+i amin$e000 n$r-o noa'$e* mi-ai 'o)e#$i$ (n e'i#od din )iaa $a0 @-am %5ndi$ m(l$ la el* mai +( #eam& 1n (l$ima )reme0 Vanda o +er+e$& in$ri%a$&* (i$5nd #& #+($(re i%ara0 6+r(m(l 1i +&z( 'e "(#$& 3i b&$r5na i-l #("l& %raioa#&0 Care e+isod$! Re#eritor... la... la +rima ta dra!oste. , A: A're+iez $ermenii deli+ai* dar 'e mine n( $reb(ie #& m& mena=ezi mai m(l$ de+5$ o "a+ e( 1n#&mi0 n +e m& 'ri)e3$e* n-a "o#$ dra%o#$e* +i o #im'l& a"a+ere0 Hi-ai ad(# de+i amin$e de +omi#ar000 , C2iar a3a0 Am rein($ +& ai $r&i$ 1m're(n& )reme de ze+e ani0 Do+(iai ai+i0 Vanda 1n+e'( #& dea din 'i+ior* ner&bd&$oare0 , Ai o memorie 'er"e+$&* dar n( 1nele% (nde )rei #& a=(n%i0 , Imedia$* dra%a mea* #(r5#e @elania* )oi $inerii #(n$ei a$5$ de %r&bii: Domn(l a+ela* am rein($* a)ea #l&bi+i(ni de ar2i)ar 3i '&#$ra $oa$e do#arele +az(rilor 'e +are le anc3etase. Co+ii sau re0umat. , Bine1nele#* ni+i n( mi-am 1n+2i'(i$ al$"el000 6'(ne-mi* dra%a mea000 Emoia '5l'5ia 1n o+2ii 3i 'e b(zele @elaniei8 25r$iile a+elea mai e-i#$&A , Da0 D('& +e a m(ri$ An$on 1n >J0* le-am e-'edia$ 1n bo-a 'e +are o am la demi#ol0 Cred +& #(n$ )reo $reize+i de ani de +5nd n( m-am mai %5ndi$ la 25roa%ele alea0 B&$r5na "&+( o+2ii mari8 , C(m de ai in($ bo-a a$5$a )reme blo+a$&A , E( n-am "o#$ ni+ioda$& +eea +e #e n(me3$e 1n mod +(ren$ o %o#'odin&0 N(mai %5nd(l de a m& d(+e a+olo #& "a+ ordine , +red +&-i ne)oie de (n b(ldozer , 1mi d& ameeli0 i 'e (rm&* a'ar$amen$(l &#$a di#'(ne de do(& bo-e0 , Da* 1n+e' #& 1nele%000 6'(ne-mi* Vanda* mi-ai 1n%&d(i #& ar(n+ o 'ri)ire 'rin$re 25r$iile a+eleaA <emeia ridi+& ne'&#&$oare din (meri. , Na$(ral* de3i n( )&d +(m ai #& $e de#+(r+i 1n 2arabab(ra aia0 , De#$(l de #im'l(* #(r5#e b&$r5na0 Ori+e +ole+ionar '&$ima3 ine (n inde- +on3$iin+io# al +omorii #ale* indi"eren$ +& e )orba de $imbre* +&ri rare* monede #a( do'(ri0 Fo$(l e #& %&#e#+ +atalo!ul res+ectiv. , n de"ini$i) +a +a(iA O+2ii @elaniei #e 1ndre'$ar& #'re "erea#$r&0 /osarul unei +ersoane e<trem de nen#emna$e* dar al +&rei $re+($
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#e 'are +& a "o#$ in$ere#an$0 3i (%(ie b(zele* d5nd #& #e 1nelea%& +& n( e di#'(#& #& #'(n& mai multe. >anda r4se: , 4oa$e +& 1n$r-o zi* )ei "i mai '(in mi#$erioa#& 3i ai #&-mi 'o)e#$e3$i $o$(l0 E( 1i (rez #(++e#0 Da#&-mi 1n#& o zi* do(&* #& %&#e#+ +2eile0 Fele"on(l* a3eza$ dire+$ 'e 'ar+2e$* #(n& #$riden$0 @elania D('( #e ridi+&0 3i +&($& din o+2i m&n(3ile 3i (mbrela0 Vanda* +( re+e'$or(l la (re+2e* 1i "&+( #emn #& mai a3$e'$e +5$e)a +li'e0 , 000C5nd )rei #& )iiA000 Di#ear&* 'e la +e or&A000 4er"e+$* Adina* $e a3$e'$0 Din +(riozi$a$e* #'(ne-mi +5$A Micro#onul' +esemne #oarte +uternic' aduse n n+&'ere %la#(l de la +el&lal$ +a'&$ al "ir(l(i8 ?Do(& #($e de %rame:? 6'r5n+enele "ine ale @elaniei de#enar& (n #emn de 1n$rebare8 ?Do(& #($e de %rameA Ce 'oa$e #& 1n#emne a#$aA000 A(rA000? , Fe %r&be3$iA , <e$io dra%&* #(r5#e @elania $r&%5nd(-3i m&n(3ile* b(ni+a mea a)ea o $eorie +are mi #-a '&r($ $o$dea(na 'lin& de miez0 ?4en$r( +a o )izi$& #& "ie +( ade)&ra$ re(3i$&* iar $( dori$& 3i al$& da$&* ea n( $reb(ie #& d(reze mai m(l$ de o or&* +5nd $e d(+i la 'rie$eni 3i ni+i 1n$r-(n +az 'e#$e =(m&$a$e de +ea# +5nd mer%i la r(de0? De al$"el* #(#inea +& e bine #& lo+(ie3$i 1ndea=(n# de de'ar$e de neam(ri 'en$r( +a* da+& le )izi$ezi* #& "ie ne)oie #& '(i '&l&rie0 , Ce $e "a+i azi* r5#e Vanda* +5nd '&l&riile n( mai +on#$i$(ie (n a++e#ori( obli%a$ori( al $oale$eiA @elania re'li+& #enin&* 1n+2eind(-3i na#$(rii 'arde#i(l(i8 , 6& "ii obli%a$& #& a3$e'i 'a$r(ze+i 3i +in+i de min($e a($ob(z(l 17!0 888 6$area l(i Dorin 4o'e#+( era 1n$r-ade)&r %ra)&0 <(#e#e 1n=(n%2ia$ 1n 'lin& #$rad&* #eara +&$re orele no(&* la ni+i +in+ize+i de me$ri de lo+(ina l(i0 l %&#i#e (n 'en#ionar +are aler$a#e ?6al)area? 3i* e-$rem de orien$a$* imedia$ d('& a+eea* @iliia0 @edi+(l de la reanimare 1i e-'li+& maior(l(i +& #$ile$(l #e o'ri#e la doi +en$ime$ri de mio+ard* dar 'rime=dia +on#$a 1n +an$i$a$ea (ria3& de #5n%e 'e +are o 'ierd(#e $5n&r(l0 6$rada era rela$i) izola$&* "&r& $ra"i+* )remea (r5$& 1i 1n+(ia#e 'e oameni 1n +a#&0 De a+eea "(#e#e de#+o'eri$ $5rzi(* la +ir+a o or& d('& a$en$a$0 A+(m* #e a"la #(b 'er"(zie* i #e admini#$ra( in$en# $ran#"(zii* dar 1n+& n(-3i re)eni#e0 Da #'i$al* maior(l o +(no#+( 'e mama l(i Dorin* o "emeie de )reo 'a$r(ze+i 3i 3a'$e-'a$r(ze+i 3i o'$ de ani* "(n+ionar& #('erioar& 1n @ini#$er(l Ind(#$riei U3oare0 O "emeie 1nal$&* drea'$& +a (n i* de-o ele%an& #obr&* ener%i+&0 <oar$e #i%(r& 3i #$&'5n& 'e ea* re'rezen$a 'ro$o$i'(l #alaria$ei +a'abile* (nanim a're+ia$&* dar n( din +ale a"ar& de 1ndr&%i$&0 Gen(l* 13i zi#e maior(l +5n$&rind-o #+(r$* 'rob* 'rin+i'ial '5n& la (#+&+i(ne 3i* 1n +on#e+in&* in+omod0 Glasul am'l(* "&r& #emne de 1n$rebare #a( e-+lamaie* era al "emeii obi3n(i$e #& +ond(+& 1n "amilie 3i la #er)i+i(* 'en$r( +are "ie+are "raz& re'rezin$& o #en$in&0 , Con)in%erea mea* $o)ar&3e maior* e#$e +& a+e#$ a$en$a$ n( 'oa$e a)ea de+5$ o #in%(r& +a(z&8 dra%o#$ea ne#&b(i$& a "i(l(i me( 'en$r( o "e$i3+an& +are n(-l meri$&0
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, V& re"erii la C&$&lina Dra%o3A /a. ,ntr(un #el sau altul' ea a +rovocat nenorocirea. Cri#$e#+( re)&z( +2i'(l dia"an al balerinei0 D(i 1i 'l&+(#e0 Fimidi$a$ea 3i mode#$ia a'roa'e ine-'li+abile 'en$r( o "a$& +are #e 3$ie "r(moa#& 3i (na din )ede$ele O'erei din Ca'i$al& 1l +a'$i)a#er&0 6e in$ere#& 'lin de mena=amen$e8 , De "a'$* +e-i re'ro3ai C&$&lineiA D(+reia 4o'e#+( n( $reb(ia #&-3i +a($e ni+ioda$& +()in$ele* r&#'(n#(rile i #e "orm(la( de la #ine* lim'ezi 3i +on+i#e0 , Fo$(l* in+l(#i) e)en$(ali$a$ea de a de)eni 1n$r-o zi #oia l(i Dorin0 4ro"e#ie* "amilie* ed(+aie* "izi+0 , 4ro"e#ieA #e mir& maior(l0 Adi+& )& deran=eaz& "a'$(l +& e balerin&A000 Bine* dar a#$ea #(n$ 're=(de+&i dem(l$ de'&3i$e0 Ni+i m&+ar '&rinii no3$ri n( le mai l(a( 1n #eam&0 D(+reia 4o'e#+( 13i ridi+& o"en#i) b&rbia* amin$ind(-i l(i Cri#$e#+( de $ini+2el(iii +are 'ar$i+i'a( la $(rnir(rile de a+(m 'a$r(-+in+i #($e de ani0 6$ar$(l* +5nd d&dea( 'in$eni +ailor* era mar+a$ de a+ela3i z)5+ne$ al b&rbiei0 Cel '(in* a3a )&z(#e 1n "ilme0 , E( %5nde#+ al$"el0 4re(ie#+ "enomen(l ar$&0 , 000dar mai '(in 'e +ei +are o 'ro"e#eaz&* #(r5#e maior(l0 , N(0 6o+o$ 1n#& +& n( $reb(ie #& #e ame#$e+e +( +eea +e ei +on#ider& a "i oameni de r5nd0 n %eneral* ar$i3$ii indi"eren$ de ram(ra 1n +are e)ol(eaz& #(n$ e%oi3$i* a+a'ara$ori* #e +on#ider& 'ri)ile%iai* +&+i a( 2ar 3i* 1n +on#e+in&* li #e +()ine $o$(l 3i 13i 'o$ 'ermi$e ori+e0 C5$ de#'re mora)(ri* n( mai di#+($0 4ar$enerii lor n( #(n$ ni+ioda$& "eri+ii0 , 4robabil* "&+( maior(l zi+5nd(-3i +& e in($il #&-i demon#$reze +( #a+i de 'ilde +on$rari(l* e (n '(n+$ de )edere0 , <i(l me( a "o#$ +re#+($ 1n +( $o$(l al$& men$ali$a$e0 D-am ed(+a$ 1n #'iri$(l m(n+ii* al +ore+$i$(dinii* al a(#$eri$&ii din $oa$e '(n+$ele de )edere0 , 6-a #imi$000 &&&000 "eri+i$A 1n$reb& Cri#$e#+( "&r& n(ane* min(n5nd(-#e 1n a+ela3i $im' de '($erea de #$&'5nire a "emeii0 Viaa l(i "e+ior(-#&( era 1n +(m'&n&* iar ea dez)ol$a* 'e $on do+$oral* 'rin+i'ii 'eda%o%i+e0 , Ce 1n#eamn& "eri+i$A A "o#$ (n +o'il m(l(mi$* +( o e-i#$en& normal&0 N( i-a li'#i$ ni+ioda$& nimi+* dar m-am 1m'o$ri)i$ r&#"&(l(i0 Din +li'a 1n#& 1n +are "a$a a+ea#$a a in$ra$ 1n )iaa l(i* #-a #+2imba$000 , 4($ei #&-mi dai +5$e)a e-em'leA , Nen(m&ra$e0 n 'rim(l r5nd* a 1n+e'($ #&-mi +ear& #(me #('limen$are de bani0 Are o b(r#& de 3a#e #($e de lei* din +are =(m&$a$e d& 1n +a#&* +&+i mi #e 'are "ire#+ #& 'ar$i+i'&m +( $oii la +2el$(ieli0 @-am o'(# +a$e%ori+ #&-i red(+ din +on$rib(ie0 Maiorul i cer+e$& linia '($erni+& a ma-ilarelor* %(ra d5rz&* 2o$&r5$&0 , Cei $rei #($e de lei )& #(n$ indi#'en#abiliA , N(0 E( 3i #o(l me( a)em (n )eni$ 1nde#$(l&$or0 )tunci$ , N-am "o#$ de a+ord +( de#$inaia 'e +are o d&dea a+e#$or bani0 n #emn de 'ro$e#$* "a+e 2amal5+ 1n Gara de Nord0 D(+reaz& +a zilier la de#+&r+a$ +ar$o"i* "r(+$e* )arz& 3i +e-o mai "i0 , A#$a mi #e 'are "oar$e "r(mo#* a"irm& maior(l0 , 6& )& "ie lim'ede (n l(+r(0 @& b(+(r +& m(n+e3$e 3i mi-e indi"eren$ da+& d& la 'ia$r&* +oboar& 1n min& #a( +(le%e 'or(mb0 Ceea +e deza'rob 2o$&r5$ 3i m& 1n)er3(neaz& e#$e #+o'(l (rm&ri$0
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De3i b&n(ia de#'re +e e )orba* Cri#$e#+( 1n$reb&8 Care$ , 6-o #+oa$& 'e bale$i#$& la re#$a(ran$e* la bar(ri #a( #&-i "a+& di)er#e +ado(ri* "lea+(ri +o#$i#i$oare* 'e +are o "a$& de b(n #im #-ar r(3ina #& le 'rimea#+& din 'ar$ea (n(i #$(den$0 Bm: '("ni0 BarA Am "o#$ o #in%(r& da$& 1n )iaa mea 3i a$(n+i obli%a$&* 1n +adr(l (nei re+e'ii o"i+iale0 @aior(l +omen$& moale8 , A#emenea lo+al(ri a( "o#$ $o$(3i n&#+o+i$e 'en$r( +ine)a000 , C( a#$"el de #'e+imene "i(l me( n( are ni+i 1n +lin ni+i 1n m5ne+&0 Con#ider dezm&(l dre'$ +a(za (ni+& a $($(ror relelor0 Cri#$e#+( o +er+e$a din +e 1n +e mai #(r'rin#0 I #e '&rea "an$a#$i+ #& a(d& 1n an(l 1 /1 o "emeie* e-+elen$& $e2ni+ian&* di'loma$& a (nei (ni)er#i$&i* )orbind +a o b&$r5n& '(ri$an& a 6(##e--(l(i #a( Bi%2land>#(l(i anilor 1/000 , 4omeneai mai 1nain$e de "amilia C&$&linei000 , O +alami$a$e: 1l 1n$rer('#e "emeia0 <a$a a "o#$ li'#i$& de ori+e #('ra)e%2ere* r&m5n5nd or"an& de mam&0 Da doi#'reze+e ani* $ai+&-#&( o $5ra 'rin e-'re#(ri 3i re#$a(ran$e* neim'(n5nd(-i ni+i o di#+i'lin&0 O %o#'od&rie dezor%aniza$& 1n +are #e m5n+a 'e #'on+i* din 'a+2e$e de b&+&nie* "&r& me#e "i-e0 Dra%o3 )enea a+a#& d('& miez(l no'ii* (neori 1n#oi$ de "emei 3i o %&#ea 'e C&$&lina =(+5nd(-#e #in%(r& a"ar& +( +5inele #a( a#+(l$5nd m(zi+&0 , Da$& "iind #i$(aia* n-a ie3i$ delo+ r&(* a're+ie maior(l0 , Falen$(l* a#$a a in($-o 'e linia de 'l($ire0 Dar +e #oie 'oa$e de)eni o "a$& +are n-a )&z($ 1n )iaa ei o +ra$i& "ierb5nd 'e 'li$&* +are "(meaz& de la +in3'e ani 3i ba$e di#+o$e+ile de la a+eea3i )5r#$&A , Cred +& #(n$ei "oar$e #e)er&* +on+2i#e Cri#$e#+(0 , 6(n$ mam& 3i )rea( +a "i(l me( #& "ie "eri+i$0 D(i 1i $reb(ie o "a$& +(m#e+ade* a3eza$&* e)en$(al o +ole%& de "a+(l$a$e0 mi +(no#+ b&ia$(l0 De'ar$e de a "i (n e-em'lar e-+e'ional e (n $5n&r +5$ #e 'oa$e de obi3n(i$0 C&$&lina n(-i de el* din ori+e (n%2i ai 'ri)i l(+r(rile0 , Am rein($* ob#er)& Cri#$e#+(* din +e 1n +e mai z&'&+i$* +& ni+i "izi+(l balerinei n( )& en$(zia#meaz&0 @&r$(ri#e#+ +& #(n$ "oar$e #(r'rin#0 Am 1n$5lni$ rareori $inere la "el de re(3i$e0 D(+reia 4o'e#+( e-+lam& $ri(m"&$oare8 , 4&i a#$a e: Unde ai )&z($ d(mnea)oa#$r& o "emeie +are #& +(m(leze ambele +ali$&i8 "r(m(#ee e-+e'ional& 3i #oie ideal&0 Am a'roa'e +in+ize+i de ani* $o)ar&3e maior* 3i n-am $re+($ de%eaba 'rin )ia&8 "emeile #'lendide #(n$ $o$dea(na ne)e#$e 1n%rozi$oare 3i in"idele0 N( le la#& +ei din =(r #& "ie al$"el 3i* 1n +el mai b(n +az* 1nre%i#$reaz& 'a$r(-+in+i +&#&$orii la activ. , V& dorii de+i o nor& (r5$&* +on+2i#e maior(l ai(ri$0 D(+reia 4o'e#+( 1i d&r(i 'rim(l z5mbe$0 , N-am #& #(#in* +a b&$r5nii no3$ri +&8 ?nora b(n& are %2eb 3i 'ri)ire +r(+i3&?000 , N( )& #('&rai: Din +e re%i(ne e 'ro)erb(l &#$aA ...dar' urm& "&r& a ine #eama de 1n$rer('ere* o +adr& de "emeie e #i%(r m(l$ mai rea0 Un +2i' dr&%&la3 3i 'roa#'&$* a#$a-i $o$ +e-i $reb(ie l(i Dorin0 , @da000 C2e#$i(nea e #& "ie 3i el de a+ord0 , N-a "o#$ 3i +on#e+inele n-a( 1n$5rzia$ #& #e ara$e0 Cred +&-i )a "i 1n)&&$(r& de min$e0
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?Bra)o ei: 13i #'(#e maior(l0 Are (n o'$imi#m de "ier0 N( 1n+ear+& ni+i +ea mai mi+& $emere* n-are ni+i o 1ndoial& +& "i(-#&( #e )a redre#a000? , 4en$r( o "e$i& oare+are* n-ar "i #+o# nimeni =(n%2er(l* 13i +on$in(& D(+reia 4o'e#+( $eza0 6(n$ #i%(r& +& (n(l din a'a3ii C&$&linei* (n barbar m5na$ de in#$in+$e 'rimi$i)e* a re+(r# la #ol(ia e-$rem& 'en$r( a #+&'a de (n +on+(ren$0 , V& %5ndii la +ine)a an(meA , E( n(-i +(no#+ +er+(l* dar 1n lo+(l d(mnea)oa#$r& i-a3 +on#(l$a a%enda0 $i( +& Dorin 'omenea (neori de ?'iraii? +are roie#+ 1n =(r(l ei0 , N(-i +on+l(den$0 Finerii "olo#e#+ +( )ol('$a$e ar%o(l* +are ade#eori* #-o re+(noa3$em* n(-i li'#i$ de 'i$ore#+0 Aemeia l +rivi #i<: , CredeiA Era lim'ede +& ea n( +redea delo+0 Ad&(%&8 Cu b&rba$(-me(* Dorin #e 1nele%e mai bine0 I-a 'o)e#$i$ 1n%ri=ora$ de#'re (n "o#$ +lien$ al 3+olii de +ore+ie0 C( ani 1n (rm&* 'e +5nd era adole#+en$ #-a "&+($ )ino)a$ de $en$a$i)& de +rim&0 A'&#& #ilabi#ind8 o'era#e +( (n '(mnal0 , Ai rein($ +(m)a n(mele +ersoanei$ /a. Cris Gre!orian. 1@ C5nd o )&z( , #il(e$& de ne+on"(nda$ , a'&r5nd la +ol(l #$r&zii* a)o+a$(l @i+le#+( +obor1 din ma3in& 3i-i ie3i 1n 1n$5m'inare0 Adina* 1n 'elerin& mo) 3i o '&l&rie 1nal$& +a (n $ri+orn 'e#$e +are le%a#e (n )oal* al(ne+a 'e $ro$(ar* d5nd #enzaia +& 'l($e3$e0 A)ea (n mer# 'rin+iar , %raie 3i 're#$an& ,* izbi$or de la 'rima )edere0 ?Ai '($ea #-o re+(no3$i din #'a$e* n(mai d('& 'a#* a)5nd de ale# 1n$re al$e o mie de "emei?* obi3n(ia #& a"irme a)o+a$(l0 Adina 1i 1n$in#e o m5n& "erm& 3i re+e0 @i+le#+( i-o #&r($&* a'oi 1i 'rin#e bra(l* #$r5n%5nd-o l5n%& el0 , A2* n(: Fe ro%* "&+( "emeia 'li+$i#i$&0 6+($e3$e-m& de e"(zi(ni liri+e0 /e ce$ , Ia %2i+i: N-am a(zi$ 1n )iaa mea o 1n$rebare mai ab#(rd&0 @i+le#+( 13i re$ra#e bra(l0 *+une(mi' de #a+t ce s(a nt4m+lat$ i #+&'& (n o"$a$ 'lin de am&r&+i(ne0 <emeia 1l 1nre%i#$r& +( o $re#&rire a (merilor8 ?N-am +e-i "a+e?0 , i da( )oie #&-i ima%inezi ori+e0 )dina' eu te iubesc. , 4&+a$(l $&(* mon +2er* e#$e +& 1n+e'i #& i(be3$i 1n momen$(l 1n +are 1n+e$ezi #& mai in$ere#ezi0 De al$"el* $e 1n3eli0 F( n-ai i(bi$ 1n )iaa $a0 N-ai )o+aie 1n #en#(l &#$a0 N( e3$i )ino)a$0 A3a $e-ai n&#+($0 @i+le#+( 1i 'rin#e din no( bra(l8 , D&-mi )oie #&-i demon#$rez +on$rari(l0 , De +e #&-mi demon#$rezi +e)a +are n( m& in$ere#eaz&A E +a 3i +(m mi-ai )orbi de#'re "enomen(l Coand&0 Ia 'e al$+ine)a 1n +olima$or* Vali0 C( mine n( mai e nimi+ de "&+($0 , A in$er)eni$ +ine)a 1n )iaa $aA /a. , i e000 #erio#A
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, Fo$(-i #erio# la 1n+e'($0 i +( $ine a "o#$ #erio#0 Dar i-am mai #'(#0 N-am #('or$a$ ni+ioda$& #& "a+ 'ar$e din$r-o +ole+ie0 Iar $( a#$a e3$i* +ole+ionar0 O #'(n $oi000 n+on=(rar& a do(a oar& '&r+(le(l de 'e D(i%i Cazza)illan0 Da %eam(ri li+&rea l(mina alb&#$r(ie a $ele)izoarelor* #$a$(ia din mi=lo+(l #+(ar(l(i '&rea 1n%rozi$or de #in%(r&0 , N( mi-am 1n+2i'(i$ ni+ioda$&* ro#$i 1n+e$ a)o+a$(l* +& $( ai '($ea "i "emeia +are #& dea im'or$an& (nor "lea+(ri0 , <lea+(ri: N( +(no#+ nimi+ mai im'or$an$ 1n relaiile din$re (n b&rba$ 3i o "emeie de+5$ 'a$(l0 n $im' +e erai +( mine* $r&iai +( 1n+& 'a$r( m(ieri0 E-'li+&-mi $( +e-i mai im'or$an$0 , Ceea +e #imi 'en$r( "ie+are din ele0 , 6'e+(laii0 Vali* m& 'li+$i#e3$i0 De al$"el* mi #e 'are de 'ro#$ %(#$ #&-i "a+ re'ro3(ri0 n+ear+& #& 1nele%i +& momen$(l Adina din )iaa $a #a +on#(ma$0 6'(ne-mi* ai ad(#A @i+le#+( r&#("l& ad5n+0 6+oa#e (n 'a+2eel mi+ din b(z(nar(l in$erior al $ren+i(l(i0 Adina 1i d&d( dr(m(l 1n 'o3e$&* ro#$ind +( na$(ralee8 , @(l(me#+0 C(m am )e3$i* 1i da( $ele"on0 )dina: n+er+& #&-i 'rind& m5na0 @ai o"er&-mi o 3an#&0 <emeia d&d( din +a' 3i-i 1n$oar#e #'a$ele0 A)o+a$(l #e (i$& l(n% d('& ea0 888 Do+o$enen$(l(i @o3oian( i #e '&r( +i(da$& 're"erina l(i Gre%orian 'en$r( re#$a(ran$(l ?6+oi+a?0 ?4er#ona=(l n(-i 1n $oa$& "irea: 6& #+2imbi (n a($ob(z 3i (n $roleib(z* +a #& bei (n )in e-e+rabil la +el&lal$ +a'&$ al B(+(re3$i(l(i +5nd #$ai 1n 'lin +en$r( 3i ai +el '(in $reize+i de bir$(ri la 1ndem5n&* %&#e#+ +& demon#$reaz& o ima%ine de#'re e-i#$en& +el '(in ori%inal&0? Era a $reia zi de +5nd lo+o$enen$(l 1l (rm&rea 'a# +( 'a#* dar '5n& 1n #eara a+eea* n( ob#er)a#e nimi+ +are #& ia#& din +om(n0 D('& orele de #er)i+i(* in%iner(l de=(na 1n$r-o +an$in& ie"$in& din 'a#a=(l Vi+$oria* a'oi o l(a "&r& %rab& #'re +a#&* (nde 'robabil #e odi2nea (n +ea#-do(&0 n$re 3a'$e 3i 3a'$e 3i =(m&$a$e ie3ea obli%a$ori(0 <&+ea o 'limbare , $o$dea(na a+ela3i i$inerar , #a( #e d(+ea 1n )izi$& la Cole$a @i+le#+(0 Da miez(l no'ii* #$in%ea l(mina0 n lo+al , m(l$& l(me* m(l$ "(m* m(l$& %&l&%ie* m(l$e #$i+le 'e l5n%& me#e 9de +e naiba #-or "i de#"iina$ "ra'iereleA; ,* lo+o$enen$(l %&#i lo+ 1n a'ro'ierea l(i Gre%orian0 6e a3ez& +( "aa #'re in%iner 1n+redina$ +& nimi+ n( $e de#+on#'ir& mai #i%(r de+5$ o 'oziie "ora$&* (n o#$en$a$i) ?mi-e ab#ol($ e%al +ine e3$i* +e "a+i* 3i +e '&rere ai de#'re 'ro%ram(l N0A060A0? n %eneral* lo+o$enen$(l n( a$r&%ea a$enia0 6+(nd* e-$rem de #(bire* +( o+2elari 1n rame de #5rm& +are-i al(ne+a( mere( #'re )5r"(l na#(l(i* '&rea (n adole#+en$ #erio#* #$(den$ la o "a+(l$a$e (nde $reb(ie #& 3$ii ma$ema$i+&0 Nea'&ra$ ma$ema$i+&0 C5nd era 1n#& l(a$ 1n #eam&* +(+erea #'on$an0 A)ea 2ar(l de a #e "a+e imedia$ #im'a$i+ 3i maior(l 13i #'(nea +& a+ea#$a e#$e (na din +ele mai im'or$an$e +ali$&i 'en$r( (n b(n ?'olii#$?0 C5$ ar "i de m(n+i$or 3i de $alen$a$* miliian(l +&r(ia 1i )ezi e'oleii 'e obraz 93i +el mai de# 1n 'ri)ire; n( "a+e doi bani 1n m(n+a o'era$i)&0
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In$ere#an$ i #e '&r( l(i @o3oian( +& in%iner(l #e a3eza#e l5n%& ma#a bi3niarilor0 E ade)&ra$ +& o "&+(#e "ire#+* nea)5nd aer(l +& ar ale%e* $o$(3i* =(de+5nd d('& #$il(l 3i 'er#onali$a$ea , di#+re$e , ale l(i Gre%orian* a+e#$a ar "i 're"era$ 1n mod normal o ma#& re$ra#&* +5$ mai de'ar$e de (n %r(' %&l&%io#0 Era de (l$im& or& 1n in"ormaiile miliiei +& bi3niarii de +a$e%oria a II-a 3i-a( m($a$ "ie"(l de la ?Gorile? la ?6+oi+a?0 6're deo#ebire de 2i%2li"e-(l $a%mei* +( #edi(l la ?@ed(za?* $oi %omo3i* im'or$ani* de o ele%an& bri$ani+& #a( 'laC-boC* )ede$e ale Ri)ierei "ran+eze* b&ieii b(ni de la ?6+oi+a? "&+ea( 'ar$e din al$& "a(n&0 n$5lneai ai+i "i%(rile d(bioa#e* de o +lande#$ini$a$e %ro#olan& +are mi3(n& de obi+ei 'e #$rada ?Co)a+i?* 3o'$ind(-i din mer# ?Ia Pen$(l* neam(le:? #a( ?Fe "a+ (n bl(% im'eriali#$:00?* a#emenea ?#ezoni3$ilor? +( de)er 9o+2elari de 'la#$i+* +o+o3ii-'(3+(li& din l($* bro3e de lemn e$+0; )ara 'e li$oral0 4rin$re me#eni* doi b&rbai 3i o "a$& anemi+&* @o3oian( 1l re+(no#+( 'e Gi%i Cim'oier(* 1nnobila$ Gi%i 6on%0 De)eni#e 1n (l$ima )reme (na din "i%(rile 'roeminen$e ale B(+(re3$ilor de %an%* +( 'er#'e+$i)e "r(moa#e0 Vizi(nea ar$i#$i+& a +ole%ilor de brea#l& 1n le%&$(r& +( a+e#$e 'er#'e+$i)e di"erea +er$ de +ea a miliiei0 Era (n b&rba$ de )reo $reize+i de ani* bine* +( +2i'(l mar+a$ de do(& +i+a$ri+eE n(-l m($ila(* +i* dim'o$ri)&* 1i ad&(%a( o $(3& de )irili$a$e* #ed(+&$oare 'en$r( (n an(mi$ %en de "emeie* +are #e 'la+e domina$&0 Un )india+ alb 1i #+o$ea 1n e)iden& 'ielea bronza$& 1n+&0 , 000 de +5nd i-a b&%a$ 3$i"$(rile &l(ia* n( mai are a++e# 1n +ar$ier* #'(#e (n $inerel +( 3a'+& e+o#ez0 Gore #-a =(ra$ +&-l "a+e ar3i+e* #&-l ad(ne m&-#a +( 'i'e$a0 Gi%i 13i l&#& +a'(l 'e #'a$e $rimi5nd "(m(l #'re $a)an0 , Cre$in: N( $e '(i +( Gore: Cin+i 'ere+2i de bl(%i "al3i* ba3+a "i%(ra +( "(me%an$ele: Ce o "i "o#$ 1n =oben(l l(i Fi$iA Cel&lal$ r5#e8 5-o "i da$ +ine)a 1n %2io+ +& Gore n( #e 'rinde0 Ce mai: I-a( +&z($ o+2ii 1n %(r& 3i a+(m #e (i$& 'rin$re dini0 <a$a in$er)eni )i#&$oare8 L(a nnebunit Mar!a' s3o+ista. )re nevoie de lovele. Era blond&* "&r& )la%&* 'ar+& 'ro#$ 2r&ni$&0 n '&r a)ea doi 'ie'$eni )erzi 3i o $arab& de m&ri3oare0 Gi%i 6on% +2em& o#'&$ar(l 'o+nind din de%e$e0 , A(zi: @5n+ai-a3 o+2ii +& lea"a-i mi+&: @ai ad& o ba$erie 3i o +($ie de %r&(ne de la 'rie$enii +2inezi0 Do+o$enen$(l @o3oian( #orbi din 'a2ar0 6e (i$a la in%iner +( +oada o+2i(l(i0 Gre%orian inea %5ndi$or 'alma 'e#$e %(r&0 4ri)irea '&rea #& #(r5d& +(i)a +are n( #e a"la 1n lo+al0 D&dea im're#ia +& n(-l in$ere#eaz& nimi+0 Un b&rba$ $ri#$* 'li+$i#i$* 1n$r-o #ear& de $oamn&0 De+5$ #in%(r a+a#&000 &ite(l +e C3evrolet! e-+lam& $5n&r(l +( 3a'+&0 Un blond )oini+ #e a3ez& la ma#&* d5nd(-3i dr(m(l #& +ad& 'e #+a(n0 Era 1n mod e)iden$ $(lb(ra$0 , Ce-i +( &#$aA #e mir& Gi%i0 D-a )&z($ 'e ?Godzilla?A , A "o#$ la 1nmorm5n$area l(i Fri+&0 Do+o$enen$(l 3$ia de#'re +ine-i )orba0 Cei doi* C2e)role$ 3i Fri+&* era( $o)ar&3i de bi3ni&0 D(+ra( 1n $oa$e bran3ele8 a(r* +on"e+ii* "(r$ de ma3ini* medi+amen$e0 C( +5$e)a zile mai 1nain$e* Fri+& m(ri#e 1n$r-(n a++iden$ de mo$o+i+le$&0 Gi%i 6on% (m'l( (n 'a2ar8
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, C( a'&A , Vir%in* r&#'(n#e #+(rt C3evrolet. Ci! Cum a #ost$ C2e)role$ #(#'in& z%omo$o#0 A)ea o+2ii ro3ii0 , Ce #& )& #'(n* "railorA: Na#ol momen$(l* mi3$o +oli)a: , Ce $e a3$e'$aiA 4ar$C la Bell(A 6& )in& +( +a#e$o"on(lA C2e)role$ n(-l l(& 1n #eam&0 , Do(&ze+i 3i $rei de ani: i n( era( ni+i ze+e in3i0 Neam(rile* +5i)a )e+ini* milo%ii din +imi$ir0 , A#$a e: +on+2i#e Gi%i0 C( mi$in% #a( "&r&* $o$ a+olo a=(n%i: Ce "a+i* Va#ile* n( $orniA F5n&r(l +( 3a'+& a'(+& #$i+la8 , N(-# ni+i ze+e zile de +5nd 3i-a +(m'&ra$ biliard(l0 , A3a e* "&+( C2e)role$ 3i-l 'odidir& la+rimile0 6e b(+(ra +a (n neb(n: Gi%i 6on% 1i 'rin#e (m&r(l0 , Da#&* nei+&* n( mai "i a3a #en$imen$al0 D(mneze( #&-l odi2nea#+&* ad&(%& 3i )&r#& +5$e)a 'i+&$(ri 'e mo+2e$&0 i la o (rm&* +eA Noi l-am l&#a$ 'e elA El ne-a l&#a$ 'e noi... <a$a +on#$a$& )i#&$oare8 ,n #ond' ai dre+tate... Gre%orian +2em& o#'&$ar(l8 , O +a"ea 3i no$a )& ro%: D(i @o3oian( i #e '&r( +& de#l(3e3$e 1n a$i$(dinea in%iner(l(i o )a%& nelini3$e0 Un "a'$ 1l in$ere#a 1n#& +( +er$i$(dine8 (rm&ri#e +( $oa$& a$enia +on)er#aia +elor $rei0 Va#ile* $5n&r(l +( 3a'+&* #e ridi+& de la ma#& 3i #e 1ndre'$& #'re $oale$&0 , 6& )in& o #$i+l& de )od+&* #'(#e C2e)role$0 Vrea( #& m& 1mb&$0 , A#$a-i +el mai +(min$e* a'rob& Gi%i0 n a+eea3i +li'& $oa$e l(minile din re#$a(ran$ #e #$in#er& br(#+0 Gla#(ri )a% alarma$e 53nea( din $oa$e +ol(rile #&lii* i+i +olo #e a(zea( +2i+o$eli ner)oa#e0 @o3oian(* 1n+orda$ ar+* 1n+er+a #& ob#er)e +e #e 1n$5m'l& la ma#a l(i Gre%orian0 4rin "ere#$rele +( 'erdele de 'l(3 n( '&$r(ndea ni+i o a& de l(min&0 I #e '&rea +i(da$ (n am&n(n$0 Gi%i 6on%* "(m&$or* a)ea bri+2e$a la 1ndem5n&0 De +e n( a'rindea: Ar "i "o#$ (n %e#$ in#$in+$i)0 De al$"el* 1n $o$ lo+al(l #e a(zea &+&ni$(l #'e+i"i+* me$ali+* #+r53ne$(l beelor de +2ibri$0 &n scurtcircuit' anun& 3e"(l de #al&0 A)ei )& ro% r&bdare* #e rezol)& imedia$0 C5nd l(mina #e a'rin#e* Cri# Gre%orian* "&r& #&-3i "i b&($ +a"ea(a* a+2i$& no$a 3i #e ridi+&0 6're #$('e"a+ia lo+o$enen$(l(i* #olnia +are #e a"la#e 'e ma#& doar +( +5$e)a min($e 1nain$e* a+(m di#'&r(#e0 4rin#e 'ri)irea l(i Gi%i 6on% +are-l +er+e$a +( o amabili$a$e z5mbi$oare* 'lin& de #ar+a#m0 888 Bilan(l i #e '&rea der($an$0 A)ea 1n "a& ra'oar$ele l(i Azimioar& 3i @o3oian(* e-'er$iza #+ri#orii $rimi#& de )i+$im& 1n a=(n(l morii #ale l(i Ni+ola( , al$ &+&ni$* de (nde mai r&#&ri#e 3i &#$aA ,* rez(l$a$(l +er+e$&rilor l(i Vlad de la ar2i)&0
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Cri#$e#+( 13i zi#e +& rar 1n$5lni#e (n amal%am de "a'$e 3i 'er#ona=e mai e$ero%en0 N( rima nimi+* n( e-i#$a( in$ere#e +are #& +oin+id&* iar mobil(l* r&ma# o eni%m&* 1i d&dea d(reri de +a'0 Azimioar&* de 'ild&* '&rea +&-3i 'ierde )remea de 'oman& #('ra)e%2ind o @elanie +(mini$& 9oareA; +are #e 'limba 'rin Ci3mi%i( #(r5z5nd "lorilor 3i #$a$(ii @ai+ii 6mara* )edea $rei "ilme 'e zi* iar 1n re+reaii $ra)er#a B(+(re3$i(l l(5nd (n $roleib(z #a( al$(l0 Da +a'&$(l liniei* ni+i m&+ar n( +obora* m(l(mind(-#e #& +om'o#$eze al$ bile$0 C2e#$i(nea 1n #ine '&rea #-o di#$reze ne#'(# 3i a=(n#e#e b(na +(no3$in& a 3o"erilor 'e +are-i #al($a %raio#0 n$5m'larea rela$a$& de @o3oian( '&rea in$ere#an$&* dar n(-l a=($a +( nimi+0 Iar #olnia di#'&r($& , $i$l( +la#i+ de 'oli+ier ie"$in ,* ei bine* &#$a a)ea #& r&m5n& +a$e%ori+ +el mai ab#(rd in+iden$ de +are a(zi#e )reoda$&0 n +e-l 'ri)e3$e 'e +&'i$an(l Vlad* n( izb($i#e #& de'i#$eze nimi+0 Ar2i)a era m($&* n(mele l(i $e"an 4o'a n( "i%(ra 1n ni+i o "i3&0 Un #in%(r r&#'(n# "erm8 E'i#$ola adre#a$& l(i Ni+ola( "(#e#e e-'edia$& 1n$r-ade)&r de )i+$im&0 G&#i#er& ma3ina de #+ri# 1n 3i"onier(l l(i 4o'a* 1m're(n& +( al$e $e-$e 9+i(da$e: de (n mi#$i+i#m "(rib(nd;* iar b&$aia* +om'ara$& +( a+eea din #+ri#oarea de r&ma# b(n* a'arinea a+eleia3i m5ini0 @aior(l #$r5mb& $o$(3i din na#0 E-'erii #$abili#er& +& 4o'a l(+ra* +a $oi ama$orii* doar +( do(& de%e$e* re#'e+$i) ar&$&$oarele0 Or* a+ea#$a era b&$aia +el mai (3or de imi$a$* di"erenele din$re o m5n& #a( al$a "iind a'roa'e im'o#ibil de de'i#$a$0 n #$il(l +el mai +ara+$eri#$i+ al l(i 4o'a era 1n#& "a'$(l +& #+ri#oarea n( "(#e#e "ran+a$&0 4en$r( a e+onomi#i doi lei* +o#$(l $imbr(l(i* b&$r5n(l #e de'la#a#e '5n& la lo+(ina l(i Ni+ola(* de'(n5nd 'er#onal 'li+(l 1n +($ie0 Cri#$e#+( 13i 'rin#e $5m'lele 1n$re 'alme0 Cel mai m(l$ 1l 1n%ri=ora( a$en$a$(l 1m'o$ri)a l(i Dorin 4o'e#+( , a%re#or(l do)edind o 1ndr&zneal& '(in +om(n& 3i o li'#& de #+r('(le 'e 'o$ri)& , 3i ineria @elaniei0 Iar am&n(n$(l* o 3$ia din e-'erien&* n( 're)e#$ea nimi+ b(n000 G5nd(l* a'aren$ "&r& le%&$(r&* 53ni de la #ine8 , A #o#i$ momen$(l #& )orbe#+ +( Gre%orian0 Ridi+& re+e'$or(l0 11 In%iner(l '&$r(n#e 1n biro(l l(i Cristescu sur404nd amabil. N-a)ea nimi+ a%re#i) 1n in($& ,* 'ro$o$i'(l indi)id(l(i 'oli$i+o# 3i 1n "aa %2ilo$inei , n( $r&da nelini3$e #a( $imidi$a$e0 Era +alm 3i bine+re#+($0 A$5$0 Da in)i$aia maior(l(i #e a3ez& 3i r&ma#e +( '&l&ria 'e %en(n+2i0 Probabil* #'(#e +on)enional Cri#$e#+(* in)i$aia noa#$r& n( )& #(r'rinde0 , N(0 O a3$e'$am0 @-am mira$ doar de +e 1n$5rzie000 @i-am zi# +& d(mnea)oa#$r& 3$ii mai bine +e a)ei de "&+($0 @aior(l 1i 1n$in#e #+ri#oarea anonim& 'e#$e ma#&0 In%iner(l o 'ar+(r#e +alm* a'oi o 1m'&$(ri 3i o 1na'oie +( a+ela3i #(r5# de+on+er$an$0 , Eram in"orma$ de#'re e-i#$ena a+e#$(i den(n0 , A* daA "&+( mira$ Cri#$e#+(0 A#$a #im'li"i+& #i$(aia0
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n #inea l(i* re"le+$& 1n#& +& indi)id(l a)ea (n #i#$em ner)o# de in)idia$0 4(ini* a(zind din mai m(l$e #(r#e* +& #(n$ #(#'e+$ai de +rim& ar "i rezi#$a$ 're##in%(l(i '#i2olo%i+0 In#(l obi3n(i$ #-ar "i 'rezen$a$ #in%(r la miliie* a%i$a$* #'eria$* +( (n #a+ de =(#$i"i+&ri 3i alibi(ri0 , De +5nd 1l +(noa3$ei 'e $e"an 4o'aA Gre%orian 13i +(l+& +a'(l 'e (m&r* '&r5nd #& re"le+$eze8 , Cred +& #(n$ o'$ #a( no(& ani0 D-am 1n$5lni$ 1n +a#a doamnei @i+le#+(0 @&r$(ri#e#+ +& n( i-am a+orda$ ni+ioda$& 'rea m(l$& im'or$an&0 N( 'en$r( +& n( meri$a* n( 'en$r( +& e( m-a3 #o+o$i mai 're#(# de a#emenea relaii* +i 'en$r( +& '(r 3i #im'l( 'er#oana n( m& in$ere#a0 Cri#$e#+( #e (i$& la i%ara #$in#& , ?2o$&r5$* SAmiral(lT a de)eni$ im'o#ibil* $re+ la SBe%aT? , 3i o ar(n+& 1n #+r(mier&0 , De "a'$* +e )& in$ere#eaz&A 6a(000 mai bine zi#* )orbii-mi de#'re d(mnea)oa#$r&0 In%iner(l z5mbi #$in%2eri$0 D(i Cri#$e#+( i #e '&r( +& $oa$& "&'$(ra l(i $r&deaz& o an(me dezarmare 1n "aa )ieii* o )(lnerabili$a$e de 'rad& (3oar&* de +are ar '($ea 'ro"i$a ori+ine* +2iar 3i (n +o'il0 ?4ro$o$i'(l de b&rba$ +are n( rezi#$& la la+rimile (nei "emei000? , Ce an(me )rei #& 3$iiA , Am #& )& de#$&in(ie#+ (n #e+re$* #'(#e maior(l* =(+5nd(-#e +( bri+2e$a0 Nimi+ n( e#$e mai edi"i+a$or de+5$ "i3a 'er#onal& a (n(i indi)id0 6in+er* e)iden$* 3i n( m& 1ndoie#+ de #in+eri$a$ea d(mnea)oa#$r&000 Cris Gre!orian 04mbi: , E( m-a3 1ndoi0 , 000de+i mai edi"i+a$or de+5$ 'ro'ri(l do#ar 'o)e#$i$ de el 1n#(3i0 N( )& a#+(nd +& am +er($ in"ormaii la #er)i+i(l d(mnea)oa#$r& de +adre000 , iA @aior(l #&l$& din (meri0 Ceea ce am a#lat nca+e ntr(o ba$i#$&0 , Ce )rei #& 3$iiA , Fo$(l0 D(ai-o +( zi(a na3$erii0 , N-o +(no#+0 C5nd)a* 'en$r( mine am&n(n$(l era e-$rem de d(rero#0 C2iar la or"elina$* "ie+are a)ea ani)er#area l(i0 N( #e 1n$5m'la mare l(+r(* "e#$i)i$&ile #(n$ (n $ermen ne+(no#+($ 1n a#emenea a3ez&min$e* dar #e "&+ea o 'r&=i$(r& +( ma%i(n* iar "eri+i$(l 'rimea +5$e)a "lea+(ri8 o +&limar&* (n $o+* do(&-$rei +&ri #(birele* o 'l(mier&000 4robabil +& #(n$ei in"orma$* e( am "o#$ #in%(r(l #('ra)ie(i$or al blo+(l(i Carl$on000 @& re"er la +utremurul din D1@. , Da000 Freb(ie #& )& m&r$(ri#e#+ +& 'o)e#$ea 1n #ine mi #-a '&r($ $(lb(r&$oare0 Ce #-a 1n$5m'la$ 'ra+$i+ d('& a+eeaA O+2ii in%iner(l(i* de (n +&'r(i 1n$(ne+a$* +er+e$ar& 'e#$e (merii l(i Cri#$e#+(0 C5nd +&dea 'e %5nd(ri a)ea (n aer (3or n&$5n%0 , De)eni#em o mi+& )ede$&0 Caz(l* "oar$e 'ar$i+(lar 3i #'e+(la$ in$en# de %aze$ele $im'(l(i* #$5rnea "an$eziile 3i in#$in+$ele '&rin$e3$i0 @(l$e "amilii #-a( o"eri$ #& m& ado'$e0 A "o#$ 're"era$& o 'ere+2e de oameni n( 'rea $ineri* "oar$e 1n#$&rii8 An$on 3i Eli#abe$a Gre%orian000 Da ze+e ani* eram din no( la or"elina$0 /e ce$ , De#$in(l* #(r5#e in%iner(l* ne+r(&$or(l* ine)i$abil(l i#$oriei* de'inde +(m )rei #&-i #'(nei000 B&$r5n(l a m(ri$ 1n 1n+2i#oare* iar ne)a#$&-#a i-a #('ra)ie(i$ doar un an.
6:

, E-i#$a o a)ere* am 1nele#* ob#er)& maior(l0 n a#emenea +ondiii* #e %&#e3$e le#ne (n $($ore0 , C(noa3$ei la "el de bine +a 3i mine 1m're=(r&rile anilor >J00 Ceea +e a 1n+e'($ naionalizarea a de#&)5r3i$-o Fal+io+(l 3i Con#i%naia0 V& amin$ii a)alan3a a+eea de mobile 3i ar%in$&rie 3i $a'i#erii 3i 'orelan(ri* m& ro% n-are #en# #& le 1n3ir 'e $oa$e* obie+$e 'reioa#e +are #e '($ea( obine la 're(ri derizoriiA C( o #($& de lei* l&'$&rea#a noa#$r& a a+2iziiona$ de la mama o bro3& #'lendid&* (n #+arabe( +( ari'ile #$ro'i$e de brilian$e0 Hin bine min$e 'ie#a 'en$r( +& 1mi 'l&+ea 3i a "o#$ (l$im(l obie+$ 'e +are l-a )5nd($ 1nain$e de a m(ri0 @aior(l +l&$in& din +a' a ad(+ere-amin$e0 <(#e#e +( $ai+&-#&( 1n $al+io+ 'rin >J1 #a( >JI0 Era im'o#ibil #& (ii babilon(l a+ela de oameni 3i obie+$e0 n$in#e 'e 25r$ii #a( #a+i* z&+ea( laolal$& 'an$o"i de bal 3i +(ie* doa%e de b($oi* =obene* 'rim(#(ri* m&n(3i %la#a$e* mobile de 're* #er)i+ii de 'orelan* $r(#e medie)ale* +&ri de =o+* +ola+i de #5rm& 3i dan$ele )e+2i* r(lo(ri de $abl& 3i =(+&rii me+ani+e* UC-(ri 3i +ole+ii de "l($(ri* +r&$ii* 'li$e* bi=($erii000 <a(na* la "el de "an$a#$i+&* #'(nea de#'re re)ol(ie mai m(l$ de+5$ ori+e man(al de i#$orie000 , Uneori* re"le+$& Cri# Gre%orian* +5nd n-am +e "a+e* m& 1n$reb +are ar "i "o#$ )iaa mea da+&* 1n #"5r3i$* #oar$a Gre%orienilor ar "i "o#$ mai %eneroa#&0 , E 're"erabil #&-i #'(i +& +eea +e n( #-a 1n$5m'la$ n( #-ar "i 1n$5m'la$ ni+ioda$&0 Da+& e#$e (n +()5n$ 'e +are l-a3 e-+l(de a$(n+i +5nd "a+i bilan(l (nei e-i#$ene0 Re%re$ele n( #er)e#+ nim&n(i0 /a' 0ise Gre!orian. &n +unct de vedere comod' n orice ca0. , n "ond* d(mnea)oa#$r& )-ai realiza$0 , Da+& o di'lom& (ni)er#i$ar& e+2i)aleaz& izb5nda* #(n$ de a+ord0 , n +e +ondiii )-ai "&+($ #$(diileA La #eral0 i li+e(l 3i "a+(l$a$ea0 Am "o#$ m(n+i$or la (zinele V(l+an000 @aior(l 13i #(bie 'ri)irea0 , n$rea%a d(mnea)oa#$r& "&'$(r& $r&deaz& (n #+e'$i+i#m +roni+* (n #oi de demobilizare* de li'#& de 1n+redere0 Ce #e 1n$5m'l& de "a'$A Ce )& nem(l(me3$e 1n e)ol(ia d(mnea)oa#$r&A Ier$ai-mi indi#+reiile* dar 1n+er+ #& )& 1nele%0 , E m(l$* o"$& in%iner(l* e %re( de e-'li+a$0 Am #& m& o're#+ la (n #in%(r a#'e+$0 N( 3$i( +e '&rere a)ei d(mnea)oa#$r& de#'re 3an#&* dar am #& )& #'(n e( '&rerea (n(ia +are #-a n&#+($ 1n$r-o zodie ne"a#$&0 n )iaa 'er#onal&* am "o#$ (n +ondamna$ a'riori+ 3i "&r& dre'$ de a'el0 @iam 'ierd($ '&rinii na$(rali* a'oi 'e +ei ado'$i)i0 Foa$& +o'il&ria 3i adole#+ena mea am $5n=i$ d('& +eea +e #e +2eam& (n +&min* +&ld(r& 3i $andree0 Ce #'(n e banal* dar n( )& '($ei 1n+2i'(i +5$ de #(mbr( 3i +en(3i( 'oa$e "i (n Cr&+i(n* +5nd #$rada* +2i'(rile oamenilor* #a+o3ele 'line miro# a #&rb&$oare0 Aroma de +ozona+000 R5#e +2in(i$8 1n a#emenea zile* 1mi +(m'&ram +5$e)a 'a+2eele de bi#+(ii ?E(%enia? 3i m& 1n"(ndam 1n$r-(n +inema$o%ra"0 A)eam emoii +a n( +(m)a #'e+$a+ol(l #& #e #(#'ende din li'#& de '(bli+0 Ge+e-+in+i#'reze+e in3i 1n $oa$& #ala000 C5nd m-am +&#&$ori$* mi-am 1n+2i'(i$ +&* 1n #"5r3i$* mi-a )eni$ r5nd(l #& "i( n( "eri+i$ , $ermen(l m& 1n#'&im5n$a 'rin +olo#al* iar e( 1n)&a#em #& n( n($re#+ 're$enii ne#&b(i$e ,* dar m&+ar #& m& #im$ bine* #&-mi "ie +ald000 , iA Cri# Gre%orian 13i $re+( de%e$ele 'e#$e b(ze0 Obraz(l +&'&$& o
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e-'re#ie (3or +ri#'a$&0 , N-a3 )rea #& +omi$ o im'ie$a$e* #(n$ l(+r(ri +are n( #e #'(n ni+i m&+ar 1n 3oa'$&* dar ai zi# +& dorii #& m& 1nele%ei000 A "o#$ o "a$& b(n&* +eea +e +(me$rele n(me#+ +(m#e+ade* 1n#& 3$ear#& 3i $o$al li'#i$& de a#'iraii0 N( +red +& am i(bi$-o0 @-am +&#&$ori$ din dra%o#$e de dra%o#$e* da+& m& 1nele%ei000 Per#ect. , D(+r(rile $o$(3i a( mer# 'en$r( +& )iaa m& 1n)&a#e #& n( "i( 're$enio# 3i ori+e "lea+ m& '($ea emoiona8 o m5n+are '&#$ra$& la +ald #a( "a'$(l +& 3i-a amin$i$ +&-mi 'la+ +&'3(nile +( za2&r '(dr&0 C5nd a r&ma# 1n#&r+ina$&* mi-am 1n+2i'(i$ +& 1n #"5r3i$ e-i#$ena mea a l(a$ (n +(r# "eri+i$0 A in$er)eni$ d('& a+eea a++iden$(l000 , N-ai 1n+er+a$ #& )& re"a+ei e-i#$enaA In%iner(l 1l 'ri)i #(r'rin# a'oi 1n+e'( #& r5d& 1n+e$i3or0 , 6+(zai-m&* dar n-ai 1nele# nimi+0 , 4o#ibil0 E-'li+ai-mi d(mnea)oa#$r&0 , Fo$(l #e red(+e la o #in%(r& "raz&8 N( n(mai +& m-am n&#+($ 1n$ro zodie ne"a#$&* dar e( 1n#(mi #(n$ (n indi)id ne"a#$0 Cri#$e#+( #e l&#& 'e #'a$ele "o$oli(l(i0 E-+lam& a'roa'e indi%na$8 , A+ea#$a e#$e o aberaie: , E( 1i #'(n al$"el0 G5ndii-)&: n $oa$& )iaa mea a( e-i#$a$ doar +in+i oameni +are a( 1n+er+a$ 'en$r( mine (n #en$imen$ #a( al$(l0 Foi +in+i a( 'ieri$0 , n+er+ai +( al 3a#elea0 6(n$ei 1n+& $5n&r0 Cri# Gre%orian +l&$in& +a'(l8 %u mai am ener!ie. )m ostenit. , N( #e 3$ie +e )& rezer)& )ii$or(l0 D(& #+ri#oarea anonim& 3i o b&$( +( m(+2ia (3or de biro(0 V& m(l(me#+ 'en$r( #in+eri$a$e000 A3 )rea #& )& '(n +5$e)a 1n$reb&ri le%a$e de a+e#$ den(n0 Bine1nele#* e o #im'l& "ormali$a$e000 Gre!orian surise: , N( $reb(ie #& )& #+(zai0 , V& amin$ii +(m)a +e ai "&+($ mier+(ri* IJ noiembrie* 1n$re orele 1 3i I0A , n de$ali(* "&r& #&-mi +on#(l$ a%enda0 , C(m a3aA , n #eara re#'e+$i)& am +(no#+($ +ea mai #$ranie "emeie 'e +are am 1n$5lni$-o )reoda$&0 Dar +e #'(n 1n$5lni$-o: N-am )&z($* n-am a(zi$ 3i n-am +i$i$ ni+ioda$& de#'re a#emenea e-em'lar0 , @& "a+ei +(rio#0 , A)ei 3i de +e0 <izi+(l* "el(l ei de a "i* 'er#onali$a$ea* maniera de a+o#$are $oa$e #(n$ neobi3n(i$e0 Neobi3n(i$e* e-$raordinare +( ma=(#+(l&: Cri#$e#+( 1l a#+(l$a re"le+$5nd +& n( e-i#$a nimi+ +are l-ar mai '($ea #m(l%e din a'a$ie 'e Gre%orian0 4oa$e (n e)enimen$ de e-+e'ie000 Dar +areA C2iar )orbind de#'re a+ea#$& "emeie* 1n$r-ade)&r deo#ebi$& #e '&rea* "olo#ind $ermeni mari* r&#(n&$ori , e-+e'ional* neobi3n(i$* e-$raordinar ,* era la "el de +alm 3i blaza$E ni+i (n li+&r n(-i anima 'ri)irea* %la#(l r&m&#e#e a%reabil* dar 'alid* e%al* "&r& a++iden$e0 , mi '($ei da da$ele 'er#oaneiA A'(+& re"le- 'i-(l +&($5nd #'re obraz(l in%iner(l(i0 Cris Gre!orian 04mbi ne+utincios: /in ne#ericire' mi(e im+osibil.
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 /e ce$ , A re"(za$ #&-mi "(rnizeze +el mai mi+ am&n(n$ de#'re 'er#oana ei0 $i( +& o +2eam& Adina 3i a$5$0 Da 'le+are* mi-a de+lara$ lim'ede +& n( m& )a mai +&($a0 @aior(l 1n+e'( #& ba$& +( de%e$(l 1n ma#&0 6+r($& "aa oa+2e3& a in%iner(l(i "&r& #& de#l(3ea#+& nimi+0 Om(l #(r5dea amabil* =ena$0 ?mi 'are r&( +& n( )& 'o$ #er)i000? , Bm: N( )& a#+(nd +& #i$(aia e de#$(l de ne'l&+($&0 Da +e or& )ai de#'&ri$A , n =(r de ora 3a'$e0 Am "&+($ '(in& ordine 1n +a#& 3i m-am d(# la doamna @i+le#+(0 Cri#$e#+( o"$& 3i 13i 1m're(n& 'almele +( %e#$(l l(i +ara+$eri#$i+8 , <oar$e +i(da$000 O mier+(ri +( do(& anonime000 Po#tim$! , Do(& anonime8 o #+ri#oare 3i o "emeie ne+(no#+($&0 , A)ei dre'$a$e* r4se in!inerul. %u m(am !4ndit. , 6e 'are +& #(n$ei )i+$ima (n(i ade)&ra$ +om'lo$0 n a=(n(l morii #ale* b&$r5n(l 4o'a000 , $i(* 1l 1n$rer('#e Gre%orian0 I-a #+ri# l(i Ni+ola(* 1n)in(ind(-m& de e)en$(ala l(i a#a#inare0 , C(m )& e-'li+ai #i$(aiaA Gre%orian ridi+& din (meri0 , n ni+i (n "el0 6in+er* n( 3$i( +e #& +red0 N(-mi amin$e#+ #& "i #+2imba$ 1n o'$ #a( no(& ani +in+ize+i de "raze +( 4o'a0 Da+& m-a (r5$ , de +eA 2abar n-am , n-am #imi$-o ni+ioda$&* n-am 3$i($ ni+i m&+ar +&-i #(n$ an$i'a$i+0 6en$imen$(l me( era +& ni+i n( m& )ede0 i a'oi* de +e #&-l "i li+2ida$A n +e #+o'A , N( 3$i(* m&r$(ri#i maior(l0 E#$e 'rim(l +az din +ariera mea 1n +are de#+o'erirea mobil(l(i #e a"l& 'e 'rim(l 'lan000 6'(nei-mi* 1n$reb& br(#+* +e '&rere a)ei de#'re Dorin Po+escu$ Gre%orian "&+( o+2ii mari8 , Dorin 4o'e#+(: Cine-i &#$aA , Un(l din000 'rie$enii C&$&linei Dra%o30 Re!ret' dar nu(l cunosc. Cri#$e#+( n( in#i#$&0 N( 'o#eda ni+i (n elemen$ +are #&-i demon#$reze +on$rari(l0 n min$e* 1i #$&r(ia in+iden$(l de la re#$a(ran$(l ?6+oi+a?0 l "r&m5n$a mai m(l$ de+5$ $oa$e +elelal$e +2e#$i(ni aborda$e0 , O (l$im& 1n$rebare* domn(le in%iner* admi5nd +& a#a#in(l l(i 4o'a ar "i o 'er#oan& din an$(ra=(l d(mnea)oa#$r&* 'e +ine ai #(#'e+$a 1n 'rim(l r5ndA Gre%orian r&#'(n#e 2o$&r5$8 , 4e nimeni0 Oamenii &3$ia n(-# 1n%eri* a( '&+a$e* (neori me#+2in&rii* dar n(-l )&d 'e ni+i (n(l 1n i'o#$aza de +riminal0 ?Ce dra+( n( mi-a 'l&+($ la indi)idA? @aior(l 1n+er+a (n #en$imen$ de nem(l(mire* de ne-1n-re%(l& 'e +are n(-l '($ea de"ini0 Era +e)a im'al'abil* +a o (mbr& "(%ar&* adiere de o +li'&* im're#ie nede#l(3i$&000 O n(an& din %la# #a( 'ri)ire000 Un +()5n$ 'oa$e0 Dar +areA A)ea #&-l de#+o'ere m(l$ mai $5rzi(0 888
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, Ce noro+ +& m-ai %&#i$ #in%(r&: e-+lam& a"abil& Cole$a @i+le#+(0 De +5nd n-am mai #$a$ de )orb& noi am5ndo(&A C&$&lina 1n+er+& #& z5mbea#+&0 Era 'alid&* '&rea 'rad& (nei $(lb(r&ri e-+e#i)e0 @i+lea#+a o 'ri)i +( a$enie8 , Ce #-a 1n$5m'la$ +( $ine* "e$ioA Da+& Vali a "o#$ +(m)a m&%ar* #'(ne-mi (n #in%(r +()5n$ 3i am #&(l tra! de urec3i. N( era 'rima da$& +5nd "a$a )enea 'l5n%5nd 3i 1n #inea ei o +om'&$imea0 l +(no3$ea 'e "i(-#&( 1ndea=(n# de bine 'en$r( a 3$i +& n( )a izb($i ni+ioda$& , ni+i m&+ar n( 1n+er+a , #& "a+& "eri+i$& o "emeie0 n ori+e +az* C&$&lina +on#$i$(ia o 'rad& m(l$ 'rea "a+il&0 ?Doar o m(iere in$eli%en$& 3i )er#a$& i-ar '($ea )eni de 2a+* 1i e-'li+a#e @elaniei0 N(mai +& din a#$ea #e na#+ '(ine0 4ar+& din +e 1n +e mai '(ine0 Are noro+ +analia:? O #'(nea 1n#& +( $andree* zi+5nd(-3i +&* la (rma (rmei* e-i#$& $i+&lo3ii mai mari de+5$ #& (mbli 1n +or#a=(l (nei "emei0 Una #a( ze+e* +e +on$eaz&A000 @elania D('( +on#$a$a#e am(za$&8 , Un am&n(n$ mi #e 'are e'a$an$ 1n relaiile l(i Vali +( "emeile8 el e#$e +el +are 're$inde di#+reie0 Ce cara!3ios ve0i tu l(+r(rile* r5#e Cole$a0 De "a'$* a3a-i0 C5nd 1n)5ri 'a$r(-+in+i +ombinaii #im(l$an* #i%(r +& n-ai ne)oie #& an%a=ezi "an"ara mili$ar&0 , mi 'are 1n#& r&( 'en$r( bie$(l b&ia$0 Freb(ie #& "ie e-$rem de obo#i$or #& #('ori a$5$ea "emei +5nd +ei mai m(li b&rbai n( #e 'o$ de#+(r+a ni+i m&+ar +( (na #in%(r&0 , El 're$inde +& n( #e #im$e #(rmena$0 , A$(n+i #(n$ 3i e( +( m(l$ mai lini3$i$&0 @i+lea#+a o 'ri)i#e l(n%0 N( 3$ia ni+ioda$& da+& @elania 13i ba$e =o+ de ea #a( n(0 , n$5i ai #& #$ai =o#* ai #& bei (n +eai +ald 3i 'e (rm& 1mi 'o)e#$e3$i $o$(l0 Fe ro%* C&$&lina0 E3$i 1n%2ea$& +a (n i+eber%: N( +red +& )rei #& "a+i ro#$ de (n %($(rai0 Balerina 13i a#+(n#e "aa 3i izb(+ni 1n 'l5n#0 Doamna @i+le#+( o 'ri)i +on#$erna$&0 , Bai* "e$io* "ii +(min$e0 N( 'oa$e #i c3iar at4t de !rav. , 000ni+i n( )rea #& #$ea de )orb& +( mine0 , V-ai +er$a$A <a$a +l&$in& +a'(l0 Abia re#'ira0 %u. /in cau0a lui /oru... , Vali %elo#A: Dar a#$a $reb(ie #& $e b(+(re* i(bi$o: @i #e 'are de-a dre'$(l e-$raordinar: ?alerina str4nse +umnii0 3i ridi+& obraz(l 'l5n# 3i doamna @i+le#+( #e %5ndi +&-i "r(moa#& +a o +adr&0 , N( 1nele%ei delo+000 Dor( l-a amenina$ 'e Vali* ro#$i 'rin$re #(%2i(ri0 D-a )&z($ ie3ind din lo+(ina domn(l(i 4o'a000 n #eara +rimei0 A #'(# +&-l den(n& la miliie. Cole$a o b&$( (3or 'e m5n&8 , N(-i "a+e #5n%e r&(* dra%a mea0 Vali e a)o+a$ 3i de#$(l de ma$(r +a #& n( "a+& 'ro#$ii0 6(n$ +on)in#& +& n( e-i#$& ni+i (n mo$i) +a #& "ii 1n%ri=ora$&0 C&$&lina o 'ri)i "i-0 4l5n%ea +a madonele* "&r& +a la+rimile #&-i #+2imono#ea#+& "i%(ra0 , Alal$&ieri #eara* Dor( a "o#$ 1n=(n%2ia$0
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, CeA: e-+lam& Cole$a 1n%rozi$&0 N( #e 'oa$e: A m(ri$A , E la #'i$al* 1n +om&0 Doamna @i+le#+( #imi ne)oia #& #e a3eze0 , 6(n$ +on#$erna$&: Bie$(l +o'il000 Dar n( )&d +e le%&$(r& are Vali +( $oa$& 'o)e#$ea a#$a oribil&0 , C(m n( )edeiA i'& a'roa'e de i#$erie C&$&lina0 Dor( l-a amenina$ 3i 'e (rm&* d('& ni+i o zi* 'rime3$e (n +(i$ 1n #'inare0 , Doar n(-i 1n+2i'(i +& Vali a "&+($-oA Balerina 13i 1n"i'#e (n%2iile 1n '&r8 , A3 )rea din $o$ #("le$(l #& n( mi-o 1n+2i'(i0 Alal$&ieri #eara m-a l(a$ de la #'e+$a+ol0 6e 1n$rer('#e 1n+er+5nd #&-3i $ra%& #("le$(l0 Cole$a @i+le#+( #e in$ere#a ner&bd&$oare8 , i +e-i +( a#$aA )vea +anto#ii +lini de var. , C&$&lina* am im're#ia +& 1n+e'i #&-i 'ierzi minile0 Ce naiba +a($& )ar(l ai+iA , 4e #$rada l(i Vali #e "a+ ni3$e re'araii0 E a+olo o roab& +( )ar000 N( 3$i( +ine a r&#$(rna$-o000 Fo$ $ro$(ar(l e m5n=i$000 Cizmele mele000 la "el000 abia le-am +(r&a$0 Cole$a 13i amin$i , inima 1n+e'( #&-i ba$& , +&-l )&z(#e 'e "i(-#&( d5nd(-3i +( +rem& 'ere+2ea de %2e$e +a"enii0 N-o "&+(#e 1n )iaa l(i0 ?Oameni +a noi* a"irma +5nd n(-l a(zea de+5$ mai+&-#a* #(n$ n&#+(i +a #&-3i 'oa$& 'l&$i #l(%i000? n+er+& #& 'ar& +alm&8 , Cred +& dai im'or$an& (n(i "lea+0 Fe 1n$reb 1n#& din +(riozi$a$e8 C(m ai de %5nd #& 'ro+edeziA O #& 'o)e#$e3$i la miliie 'ro#$ia a#$aA <a$a ridi+& o+2ii8 , D(mnea)oa#$r& +e m& #"&$(iiA Doamna @i+le#+( 3o)&i o +li'&0 De+lar& #e+8 , Con#(l$&-i inima* dra%a mea0 n a+eea3i +li'& 13i re%re$& r&#'(nsul. 12 C5nd 1n$oar#e +a'(l* Ba#ile Ni+ola( r&ma#e +( %(ra +&#+a$&0 <emeia +are +er+e$a +ra)a$ele de 'e a-(l mobil era li$eralmen$e #('erb&0 C( a'roa'e o 'alm& mai 1nal$& +a el* "(#ela$&* de o ele%an& o#$en$a$i)& , do(& )(l'i ar%in$ii la (n 'arde#i( #$r5n# 'e $r(' +a (n +or#e$ , emana o #i%(ran& 'rin+iar& 3i o arom& de Ar' %e0 Ni+ola( a)( ima%inea Roll#RoC+e-(l(i +ond(# de (n 3o"er #$ila$ 3i a 'almierilor re%ali +are reazem& "aleza din Ni#a0 Ul$ima oar& )&z(#e <rana 1n >7.0 <(#e#e la marea E-'oziie din 4ari#* a'oi +obor5#e 'e Ri)iera000 6e $rezi in#$an$ane(0 n "aa ma%azin(l(i ?Adam?* 'ar+a#e o ?Da+ie? ro3ie* iar 'e#$e dr(m* o +(+oan& %ra#& 13i 'limba 'e+2inez(l0 N( era la Ni#a0 n+er+& #-o a+o#$eze0 Ni+ola( a)ea (n #$il dire+$* de a +&r(i e"i+a+i$a$e n( #e 1ndoia8 +om'limen$e %roa#e* a'ela$i)e 'rin+iare +are 1n+orona( +a'(l )i+$imei , domni& 9+el mai "re+)en$;* +on$e#&* mar+2iz& , 3i obli%a$ori( in$er'elarea 1n e-$az8 ?E3$i o ladC: n )iaa mea n-am 1n$5lni$ "emeie +a $ine?0 )dina i a0v4rli o 'ri)ire 'e#$e (m&r 3i ro#$i din mer#8 , n#eamn& +& ai a)($ noro+0 Ba%& de #eam& #& n( $e '&r&#ea#+&0 Ni+ola( n( era b&rba$(l +are #& #e la#e +( (na* +( do(&0 Adina
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m&ri#e 'a#(l 3i b&$r5n(l* #+(r$ de 'i+ioare* "&+ea e"or$(ri +a #& n( r&m5n& 1n (rm&0 Aemeia +o$i 'e #$rada Brezoian(0 n #$5n%a* Ci3mi%i(l +&#+a (n 2&( de ne%(r&0 , N( "i r&($&+ioa#&* domni&0 O 'er#oan& %in%a3& +a d(mnea$a n( 'oa$e a)ea de+5$ (n #("le$ de 1n%er0 , Adi+& a3a* de inim& milo#$i)&* #& m& +(l+ +( $oi minorii n&#+(i 1nain$e de 'rimul re0bel$ %icolau se i0bi cu +alma +este obra0: , Vai: Vai: Vai: 1n+er+& #& r5d&8 Ba% de #eam& +&-i 'la+e #& %l(me3$i: N( $e #('&ra* (nde l(+reziA La 5ntercontinental. , <(n+ionar&A , C(r)&0 R&#'(n#(l +&z(#e #+(r$* +a o %2i(lea0 Ni+ola( #e 1n+o)oie* 'ar+& lo)i$ #(b +en$(r&0 P... +o#tim$ , C(r)&0 Ai a(zi$ 'er"e+$0 C5nd #$a( 'ro#$ +( banii* "a+ 3i Gara de Nord0 Ni+ola( #e 2olb& #$('e"ia$0 3i #imi %(ra (#+a$&* n( '($ea ar$i+(la +()in$ele0 , i000 +5$A C4t' ce$ , 0004&i* 3edina000 , Da mo3ne%i $rei mii0 Bai* +ar&-$e* n-ai banii &3$ia: Ni+ola(* #("o+a$* 13i (mezi b(zele8 ?Ce "emeie "an$a#$i+&* domn(le:? , N( #e 3$ie000 N( #e 3$ie0 4a3i a'&#ai r&#(na( 1n #'a$e0 Ni+ola( n(-i a(zi* 'ierd($ 1n +al+(le 're+i'i$a$e ?0006ar +2iria 3i 1n$reinerea000 De 'l&$e#+ l(na )ii$oare000 mai 1m'r(m($ o mie de la Cole$a000 @eri$&: E e-$raordinar&:000? , 4er"e+$* domni&: 6(n$ de a+ord0 Unde000 O lo)i$(r& '($erni+& 1n +ea"& 1i re$ez& )orba0 4e +2i' i #e a3$ern( o e-'re#ie de #$('oare0 6imi +(m i #e moaie %en(n+2ii 3i 13i 'ierd( +(no3$ina0 Adina m(rm(r&8 Cara!3iosul!... 888 @elania D('( #im(l& #(r'riza0 , Vai* domn(l lo+o$enen$ Azimioar&: Ni+i n( )& 1n+2i'(ii +e 'l&+ere 1mi "a+e #& )& 1n$5lne#+000 Era 1mb(=ora$& 3i emoiona$&0 Fo+a +en(3ie #e aran=a +o+2e$ 'e b(+lele +&r(n$e0 ?Bm: re"le+$& Azimioar&0 Ai zi+e +& #e $o'ea de dor(l me(000? , $ii* am a)($ 3i #en$imen$(l +& )-am )&z($ 3i ieri* dar n( eram #i%(r&0 Comen$am +2iar +( @ir+i(li+&0 Cred +& domn(l a+ela dolo"an 'e +are l-am +(no#+($ a+(m doi ani #-a m($a$ 1n +ar$ier(l no#$r(0 A+e#$a )a "i (n )e3ni+ mo$i) de #a$i#"a+ie 'en$r( noi0 , @& b(+(r* #$ima$& doamn& 3i m& #im$ onora$0 B&$r5na +li'i m&r(n$ +a o '&'(3& #+($(ra$&0 ?E lim'ede* "e$io* domn(l maior Cri#$e#+( 3i-a #+2imba$ me$odele0 Fe (rm&re3$e 'a# +( 'a# "&r& #& a#+(nd& o #e+(nd& +& o "a+e0 6i$(aia
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a+ea#$a no(& n( 'oa$e a)ea de+5$ o #in%(r& e-'li+aie8 1n+ear+& #& $e imo-bi-li-ze-ze000? Azimioar&* "a& =o)ial& 'e (n $r(' de (r#* $re+( nea3$e'$a$ de a%il 1n #$5n%a @elaniei0 %u v(am ntrebat... ,mi +ermi$ei #& )& 1n#oe#+A , O* bine1nele#: e-+lam& "erme+a$&0 $ii* noi* b&$r5nii* a)em a$5$ de '(ine b(+(rii* iar a$enia $inerilor ne emoioneaz&0 @& d(+ la o 'rie$en&* o 'er#oan& e-$rem de bine0 Cred +& o +(noa3$ei000 Do+o$enen$(l 1i ar(n+& o 'ri)ire in$ero%a$i)&0 , Doamna Vanda Frai-D(l+e0 Un n(me ori%inal* $reb(ie #& re+(noa3$ei0 ?A2a: "&+( Azimioar&0 Vanda e#+roa+a0 4ro-ene$&* mi$(i$oare* $ra"i+an$& 3i000 mai +eA? , n$r-ade)&r* o 'er#oan& "oar$e bine0 N( i #e 'oa$e re'ro3a nimi+ de+5$ )reo 3a#e +ondamn&ri0 @elania D('( 13i (%(ie b(zele* )a% o"en#a$&0 , Freb(ie #& "im 1n%&d(i$ori (nii +( +eilali0 E-i#$& +ir+(m#$ane 1n )ia& +5nd n( '($em a+iona a3a +(m am dori0 6(n$ei 'rea $5n&r +a #& 1nele%ei000 , C& doamna 1n +a(z& a "o#$ obli%a$& #&-3i $ran#"orme a'ar$amen$(l 1n $ri'o( 3i +a#& de $oleran&A , A+e#$ea #(n$ am&n(n$e 'e +are n( le +(no#+000 , Vi le 'o)e#$im noi0 A)em ma$erial 'en$r( o noa'$e 1n$rea%&0 , 0003i ni+i n( m& in$ere#eaz&0 C5nd 1ndr&%e#+ 'e +ine)a* "a+ ab#$ra+ie de a#'e+$ele +are-l "a)orizeaz& mai '(in0 Cred +& #-ar b(+(ra #& )& o"ere o +ea3+& de +eai000 Azimioar& 1n+e'( #& r5d&8 -u nu sunt deloc convins. )m a.uns' mi se +are... B&$r5na #e o'ri#e 1n "aa (n(i blo+0 l 'ri)ea de =o# 1n #(#* +( o+2ii lar% +&#+ai* a3a +(m #e (i$& +o+iii. , Ai "o#$ e-$rem de amabil000 Am #&-i #'(n 3i l(i @ir+i(li+&0 Do+o$enen$(l #e 1n+lin& re)erenio# 3i #e 1nde'&r$&0 n 2ol(l blo+(l(i* @elania D('( r&ma#e +5$e)a +li'e 1n%5nd(ra$&0 4rin m&n(3a #(bire* #imea r&+eala bal(#$radei de me$al0 "- interesan$* dra%a mea000 Cred +& ai b&%a$ de #eam&: A in$er)eni$ o #+2imbare 1n $on(l domn(l(i Azimioar&0 Ni+ioda$& n( $e-a +on$razi# a$5$ de dire+$000 br($al a'roa'e000 6im$ +&000 Da* n(-mi 'la+e0 N(-mi 'la+e delo+000 Fe ro%* ai %ri=&0? La eta.ul doi' Melania #e o'ri* a#$5m'&r5nd(-3i b&$&ile inimii0 Era (n blo+ de 'a$r( ni)ele* "&r& a#+en#or* iar b&$r5na n( 1nele%ea rai(nea +on#$r(+$orilor0 ?Da+& i-e (3or #& (r+i "&r& li"$ $rei e$a=e* n(-i li'#e3$e ni+i la 3a#e000? 3i amin$i #(r5z5nd +& b(ni+&-#a lo+(i#e '5n& la #"5r3i$(l )ieii 1n$r-o +a#&* 'e #$rada 4ar"(m(l(i0 O+('a (l$im(l +a$* man#arda$ de (n "oi3or0 m'lini#e 3a'$eze+i 3i o'$ de ani 3i mai a)ea adora$ori000 @elania 3i-l amin$ea bine* de 'ild&* 'e domn(l Ana#$a#e @an(* "o#$ +on#ilier la C(r$ea de Ca#aie000 Un +2i' de im'era$or roman* ba#$on de bamb(#* (nde-3i +am("la (mbrela* %2e$re albe0 Ur+a din +e 1n +e mai %re( #+&rile '5n& la a'ar$amen$(l b(ni+ii0 , Na$ali&* 'en$r( n(mele l(i D(mneze(* da+& )rei #& m& mai )ezi* demena=eaz&0 C(no#+ e( (n r5nd de +a#e 'e 4le)nei* n(mai bine +e-i
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$reb(ie0 Fre'$ele a#$ea m& r&'(n0 B(ni+a z5mbi#e +( bl5ndee0 , N(-i dai #eama +& la )5r#$a mea e (l$im(l mi=lo+ 'e +are l-am %&#i$ 'en$r( a mai "a+e inima b&rbailor #& ba$&A Vanda 1i de#+2i#e radioa#&0 <emeia era 1n %eneral bine di#'(#&* dar @elaniei i #e '&r( +& a+(m '&rea #$&'5ni$& de o )e#elie a'ar$e0 i* din$ro da$&* 1nele#e #e+re$(l 'er#onali$&ii ei0 Vanda* (na din "emeile +ele mai $oni+e 'e +are le +(no#+(#e )reoda$&* era ?(ni)er#al )alabil&?0 Da* )alabil&* la 1ndem5n&* la ea a+a#&* a+eea3i* indi"eren$ de medi(l 1n +are e)ol(a0 ?E-i#$& oameni 1n+5n$&$ori a$5$a $im' +5$ #e mi3+& 1n +lima$(l lor "a)orabil0 De e-em'l(* Cole$a0 R('$& 1n#& de medi(l ei "amiliar 13i 'ierde a'roa'e $o$ "arme+(l000? La +enitenciar' >anda 13i '&#$ra#e $on(#(l )i$al* #e ada'$a#e imedia$ +on"or$(l(i 3i ele%anei lo+(rilor* #e +om'or$a la "el de de%a=a$ +a 1n$r-(n +l(b "eminin000 A)(#e#e o )ia& +i(da$&0 <ii+a (n(i 'ro"e#or de 'ro)in+ie* ea 1n#&3i ab#ol)en$a Di+e(l(i de "e$e @o$ean( , de (nde 3i lan%a=(l #'&la$ 'e +are n( ezi$a #&-l a#ezoneze +( 'i+an$erii ar%o$i+e ,* "(%i#e de a+a#& +( (n a)ia$or0 A=(n#e#er& 1n @aro+000 , De +e @aro+* n-a3 '($ea #&-i #'(n ni+i a#$&zi0 i +&3(na#e 'e 'ei#a=e e-o$i+e0 D('& o l(n&* m-a abandona$ 1n$r-o +amer& de 2o$el +( 'lo3nie0 N( l-am mai )&z($ 3i n-am mai a(zi$ ni+ioda$& +e)a de#'re el0 @i-ar 'l&+ea #&-l re5n$5lne#+0 , Da* +red +& ai a)ea o #(medenie de l(+r(ri in$ere#an$e #& )& #'(nei0 i +e-ai "&+($ d('& a+eea* dra%a meaA , Ce #& "a+A Eram le"$er&* 1mi #("la m(#on(l 1n 'o3e$&000 @-am 1n+(r+a$ +( (n %re+* +&'i$an de )a#* +are m-a ad(# '5n& la Con#$ana0 Ai mei n( m-a( mai 'rimi$ a+a#& 3i o )reme am "&+($ $ro$(ar(l0 A3a m-a %ini$ +omi#ar(l me(0 N-a)eam +ondi+(&000 Am +rez($ +& m& d(+e la 1n$ri#$are000 A3: Da el a+a#&0 @i-a $ra# (n $o+ de b&$aie 3i 'e (rm& m-a )5r5$ 1n 'a$0 Ge+e ani* 'o$ #& #'(n +& am admira$ mai m(l$ l(#$ra din dormi$or0 @elania D('( 13i #+oa#e 'arde#i(l 3i #e li'i de +alori"er0 , Ai %&#i$ +2eile a+elea* "e$ioA Vanda 1i ar&$& din o+2i m&n(n+2i(l de 'e 'er)az(l "ere#$rei0 6'(#e r5z5nd8 , Fare a3 "i +(rioa#& #& 3$i( +e-i de"ileaz& 'rin man#ard&000 6&-i "a+ o +a"eaA , N(* m(l(me#+0 4re#('(n +& )oi a)ea m(l$ de l(+r( 3i n( 'rea am $im'0 , Bine* +obor #& $e +ond(+0 ,n urma lor' tele#onul s(n& l(n%0 Do+o$enen$(l Azimioar& +er( 1n+& (n +orn 3i al doilea ia(r$* 'rin )i$rina l&'$&riei #e )edea 'er"e+$ in$rarea blo+(l(i0 Fre+&$orii era( rari0 C&l+a( a$eni la b&l$oa+e* z%rib(lii #(b (mbrele0 O "emeie $5n&r&* 1nal$&* #e i)i la +a'&$(l #$r&zii0 4(r$a (n $ren+i #$r&l(+i$or , Azimioar&* ne"amiliariza$ +( $ermenii* i-ar "i zi# lame , 3i o '&l&rie +( %ardini lar%i0 I #e '&r( +& #eam&n& +( Gre$a Garbo0 A+eea3i #il(e$&* a+eea3i in($&* a+ela3i mer# 'rin+iar0 Gre$a Garbo* a3a +(m o 3$ia din "ilmele $(rna$e 1nain$e de r&zboi0
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?Ca #& )ezi +e 1n#eamn& #& "ii +elebr( +( ade)&ra$: medi$& 'lin de no#$al%ie0 C5nd ea $(rna SAna PareninaT #a( SCon$e#a UaleK#LaT $ai+&me( ni+i n( #e n&#+(#e0 Iar e(* Azimioar&-"i(* a3 re+(noa3$e-o din$r-(n milion de "emei000? 24n&ra di#'&r( 1n blo+(l Vandei Frai-D(l+e0 ?In$ere#an$:? 13i zi#e Azimioar&0 D&#& o ban+no$& 'e ma#& 3i "&r& #& a3$e'$e re#$(l '&r&#i )er$i%ino# l&'$&ria0 6e o'ri 1n +a'(l #+&rii0 Fo+(rile "emeii r&#(na( 'e $re'$e0 ?000+in+ize+i 3i o'$* +in+ize+i 3i no(&* 3aize+i000 C( 1n+& do(&ze+i (r+a$e 1nain$e de a a=(n%e e( 3a'$eze+i0 E +lar: 6-a o'ri$ la e$a=(l 'a$r(000? 6e 1n$oar#e %5ndi$or la l&'$&rie 3i $ele"on& la mini#$er0 O#'&$&ria 1i az)5rli o 'ri)ire indi"eren$&0 n&b(3ind(-3i +&#+a$(l #e adre#& (nei +ole%e8 Ce tim+ ur4t! , Da000 E o )reme d(r&0 888 C5nd Ba#ile Ni+ola( '&$r(n#e 1n biro( %5"5ind* maior(l 13i zi#e +& indi)id(l ar $reb(i #& ren(ne la #are* 3'ri 3i* 1n %eneral* ori+e "el de e-+e#e0 4e +2i'(l +on%e#$iona$* a'roa'e de )5n&$* e-'re#ia era +om'le-&8 #$('oare* #'aim&* re)ol$&0 6+2i& (n #al($ 3i izb(+ni "&r& 'reamb(l8 , E inadmi#ibil000 A%re#i(ni 1n 'lin +en$r(l B(+(re3$ilor: 4en$r( +e mai e-i#$& o ordine 1n ara a#$a* o miliieA Cri#$e#+(* obi3n(i$ +( re'ro3(rile , e-i#$& o $endin& a$a)i+& a +e$&ean(l(i de 're$($indeni de a '(ne 1n +5r+a 'oliiei ori+e nea=(n#E n-o alin$& ni+ioda$&* dar o blameaz& 1n %(ra mare 'en$r( ori+e "lea+ ,* 1l +on#ider& +( o +(riozi$a$e +alm&8 , D(ai lo+ 3i "ii mai a$en$ +( $en#i(nea ar$erial&0 , @& ironizaiA 6e (i$& la maior su#ocat de indi!nare. )cesta sur4se. %ici !4nd. - un s#at amical... /es+re ce e vorba$ , A#ear&* 'e #$rada Brezoian(* #-a a$en$a$ la )iaa mea0 V& 'la+eA , N(0 De#+riei-mi* )& ro%* 1m're=(r&rile0 Ba#ile Ni+ola( 13i dre#e %la#(l0 B&rbia d(bl& #e l&"&ia 'e (n "(lar +( arabe#+(ri #$a+o=ii* +are i #e '&r( maior(l(i demoda$ ,?de 'e )remea armi#$ii(l(i? , 3i 1n ori+e +az 'rea $inere#+0 , @& l(a#em d('& o +(+oan&* domn(le* de+lar& "&r& ni+i o =en&* 1i "&+eam +on)er#aie000 , nele% +& ai a+o#$a$-o00. - inter0is$ , Dar ni+i re+omandabil0 @& ro%* +on$in(ai0 Cri#$e#+( 1l +er+e$a +(rio#0 Ni+i +5nd era "oar$e $5n&r n( 1ndr&zni#e #& ?a%ae? o "emeie0 C2iar azi a)ea reineri* o re'(l#ie or%ani+& #& abordeze ne+(no#+(i* #oli+i$5nd )reo in"ormaie oare+are8 +5$ e +ea#(l #a( (nde )ine #$rada ?Fri$onilor?* 'e +e linie $ra%e $ren(l de Ba+&(000 , De+i "&+eai +on)er#aie 'er#oanei000 "Em! "i #a te3te, ar "i zi# lo+o$enen$(l @o3oian(?000 re"le+$& Cri#$e#+(0 , E-a+$: <&r& mo$i)* #e m($& 'e #+a(n(l al&$(ra$0 6e a3ez&* a$en$ la d(n%a 'an$alonilor0 Di#+($am n(-i a3a* "lea+(ri* +a la 1n+e'($ de
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+(no3$in&* +5nd* deoda$&* m& $reze#+ 'o+ni$ 1n +ea"& 3i #+o# din +ir+(laie0 i a#$a (ndeA 4e #$rada Brezoian(* domn(le* 1n inima $5r%(l(i: , n$r-ade)&r* re%re$abil0 , 4&i da+& a( da$ %an%#$erii iama 1n +en$r(* +e #-o "i 1n$5m'l5nd 'rin +ar$iereA n ?Dr(m(l Faberei?A000 ?Voie de Foblerone?* #(r5#e maior(l +( %5nd(l la @o3oian(0 , 0001n ?Bal$a Alb&?000 "F3ite LaGe" ...n ?erceni$ "*an ?erHan..." , 4en$r( +e 'l&$im im'ozi$e* $o)ar&3eA Gla#(l l(i Ni+ola(* 1n +re#+endo* a=(n#e#e 'ii%&ia$8 4en$r( +e 1n$reinem a$5$ea (ni"orme alba#$reA , n ori+e +az* n( +a #& a#i%(re 'ro$e+ia #e-a%enarilor ama$ori de a)en$(ri %alan$e* re'li+& 'li+$i#i$ maior(l0 De obi+ei* e)i$a )iolenele de limba=* n( o"en#a* an+2e$ele , +2iar +5nd 'ro$a%oni3$ii era( in"ra+$ori 'eri+(lo3i , le +ond(+ea +( $a+$* r&bdare* bl5ndee 3i (mor0 Ni+ola( 1n#&* +rai b&$r5n 3i 'enibil* 1l a%a#a* 1l a%a#a 3i (l+er(l0 n+e'(#er& +rizele de $oamn&000 , N( mi-ai rela$a$ +(m ar&$a "emeia0 O+2ii b&$r5n(l(i #e a'rin#er& br(#+ 3i +5nd 1n+e'( #& )orbea#+&* maior(l 1i #imi %(ra 'lin& de #ali)&0 , Di)in&* domn(le: Di)in&: Un e-em'lar (ni+0 F5n&r&* #'lendid&* ele%an$&* de mare al(r&0 N-am 1n$5lni$ ni+ioda$& o "emeie mai000 #(r'rinz&$oare0 @ai nea3$e'$a$&0 <r(n$ea maior(l(i #e 1n+rei im'er+e'$ibil0 ?6(r'rinz&$oare000 nea3$e'$a$&000?0 Gre%orian "olo#i#e a'roa'e a+eia3i $ermeni 1n le%&$(r& +( ne+(no#+($a +are-l a+o#$a#e 'e +2ei000 6im'l& +oin+iden&A , Ce 1nele%ei 'rin nea3$e'tat$ 4ri)irea l(i Ni+ola(* +&($5nd #&-3i de"inea#+& #enzaia* 'end(l& +a o+2ii '&'(3ilor din ni3ele orolo%iilor "ran(ze3$i0 i 6eba#$ian* +ea#orni+ar(l de l5n%& Fele"oane* a)ea +5nd)a (na 1n )i$rin&0 , Vedei d(mnea)oa#$r&* e-'li+& m($5nd(-#e la lo+* 'e #+a(n(l iniial* e-i#$& di"eri$e 'ei#a=e0 Al #$r&zii* +el (man000 <emeia a#$a n( #e 1n+adreaz& 1n B(+(re3$i(l de azi0 E al$+e)a: Din al$& l(me* n( 3$i( +are* dar al$a0 4(r 3i #im'l( "a+e no$& #$riden$&* 1n #en# 'ozi$i) de#i%(r0 Al(ra* $oale$a* mer#(l #(n$ a$5$ de 'er#onale* a$5$ de #in%(lare* 1n+5$ 'er#ona=(l de)ine o eni%m&0 N(-l 'oi #i$(a ni+&ieri* n( 3$ii de (nde #&-l iei0 ?@da000* %5ndi Cri#$e#+( 'ri)ind(-l +( oare+are #(r'riz&0 I'o+2imen(l(i n(-i li'#e3$e $alen$(l 'or$re$i#$i+0? )m admirat totdeauna "r(mo#(l "eminin* +on+2i#e Ni+ola( 3i a3 '($ea a"irma +& am (n o+2i +are n( #e 1n3eal&0 C5nd)a am )oia=a$ m(l$* am b&$($ 'la=ele la mod& ale $im'(l(i8 Ni#a* Canne#* @on$e-Carlo* 6an 6eba#$ian0 Am )&z($ "emei #('erbe* ma%ni"i+e* o b(+(rie doar #& le 'ri)e3$i0 Ei bine* n-am 1n$5lni$ ni+i (na +are #&-i #emene: , 4(nei m(l$& +&ld(r& 1n de#+rierea d(mnea)oa#$r&* #(r5#e maior(l0 Ni+ola( re+(l& (3or8 , Ne e-$aziem 1n "aa (nei #$a$(i* a (n(i $ablo(0 De +e am i%nora "&'$(rile )iiA
7:

, 4re#('(n +& a)ei dre'$a$e* ro#$i ma3inal Cri#$e#+(0 Da* )om "a+e +er+e$&ri000 6& n( (i$* domn(le Ni+ola(0 Da 'rima noa#$r& di#+(ie* mi-ai #'(# +& 'e IJ noiembrie* zi(a a#a#in&rii l(i $e"an 4o'a* )& a"lai la Fimi3oara0 B&$r5n(l* 1n+orda$* 1n$in#e %5$(l0 ,ntocmai. Mi(am comandat do(& 'ere+2i de 'an$o"i* la Nedel+(0 , 000+izmar 'ar$i+(lar* +( 'r&)&lie 'e #$rada Vol$aire0 Am rein($0 Ai #$a$ $rei zile 1n Fimi3oara0 Ni+ola( d&d( a"irma$i) din +a'8 , Unde ai lo+(i$A , Da000 o doamn& 'e +are am 1n$5lni$-o 1n %ar&0 , Iniial* #(#ineai +& la 2o$el0 , @in+i(na mi #-a '&r($ ino"en#i)&* iar doamnei 1n +a(z& 1i da$oram a+ea#$& ele%an&0 , V& a#i%(r&m +& )om 'ro+eda +( 'r(den& 3i di#+reie0 @& in$ere#eaz& n(mele 3i adre#a0 O+2ii )erz(i ai b&$r5n(l(i +&($ar& 1n l&$(ri0 , Cred +& mi-e im'o#ibil #& )i le '(n la di#'oziie0 /e ce$ , Am +on#$a$a$ de la 1n+e'($ +& 'er#oana mani"e#$& rezer)e* +& e)i$& #& "ie iden$i"i+a$& 3i mi #-a '&r($ nedeli+a$ #& in#i#$0 $i( doar +& o +2eam& Ginia000 de la Vir%inia0 , Bine* e-+lam& +on$raria$ maior(l* dar ai #$a$ $rei zile la ea0 Unde lo+(ie3$eA Ni+ola( ridi+& din (meri0 , Am ie3i$ din +a#& doar +a #& m& d(+ la +izmar 3i 1n$r-o #ear&* (l$ima* am "o#$ la re#$a(ran$(l DoCd0 , 6("i+ien$ +a #& re'erai adre#a0 , N(* #(r5#e b&$r5n(l0 De "ie+are da$&* m-a +ond(# doamna +( ma3ina ei 'er#onal&0 N( +(no#+ 1ndea=(n# ora3(l +a #& m& "i '($($ orien$a0 @aior(l 1l #+r($& +( a$enie0 Ro#$i a'roa'e 1n 3oa'$&* ar$i+(l5nd rar8 , E +i(da$ 3i $o$oda$& de#$(l de ne'l&+($ 'en$r( d(mnea)oa#$r&0 Am l(a$ in"ormaii la Fimi3oara0 Nedel+( e#$e +a$e%ori+* de al$"el ine (n re%i#$r( "oar$e #$ri+$* de+lar5nd +& ai "o#$ la el 1n l(na #e'$embrie* 'e zi(a de 1.0 De a$(n+i n( )-a mai )&z($000 1" C5nd '&$r(n#e 1n bo-a de la #(b#ol* @elania D('( #e #imi nea3$e'$a$ de emoiona$&0 Era o 1n+&'ere dre'$(n%2i(lar& +( $a)an(l abr('$0 ?Ca 1n man#ardele a+elea #$(dene3$i* 'line de 'i$ore#+* din +ar$ier(l la$in?* %5ndi b&$r5na +are n( +&l+a#e ni+ioda$& 1n 4ari#0 6$&r(ia (n aer 1n+2i#* a'roa'e #("o+an$* 3i n&rile @elaniei $re#&rir&0 ?@iroa#e a 'ra"* '&ian=eni 3i 25r$ie000 b&$r5n&?0 Ra"$(ri ad5n+i* $i+#i$e +( ziare )e+2i* +aie$e 3i do#are %albene 3i ro3ii 1mbr&+a( '5n& 1n $a)an +ele 'a$r( la$(ri ale bo-ei0 @elania 13i $re+( de%e$ele 'e#$e )ra"(l de %aze$e +( (n #en$imen$ de no#$al%ie0 C4nd te !4nde3$i* 3o'$i 1n"iora$&* nimeni n( le-a a$in# de $reize+i de ani0 D('& domn(l a+ela* An$on 'ar+& a #'(# Vanda ,* +red +& a "o#$ o 'er#oan& "oar$e +on3$iin+ioa#& 3i ordona$& , #(n$ 'rima "iin& +are000 deran=eaz& lini3$ea a+e#$ei ar2i)e0 Bm* ?Uni)er#(l?* ?C()5n$(l?*
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?Dimineaa?000 Ui$e 3i ?C(ren$(l?0 4ar+& domn(l Hei+an( era dire+$or000 Ce no#$im mi #e 'are #&-mi amin$e#+ de $oa$e 'ro#$iile0 Hei+an( era o 'er#oan&* 1n #"5r3i$* +am000 in+omod&0 $ia #& de#+o'ere #e+re$e* iar a+e#$ $alen$ 1i "(rniza )eni$(ri +on"or$abile0 3i +on#$r(i#e o %r&mad& de imobile000 Hii min$e* dra%a mea* +(m i #e #'(neaA000 an$a=(l 3i e$a=(l000 ?Vii$or(l?* ?Dre'$a$ea?* ?Ade)&r(l?000 O #&-mi "a+ )reme 1n$r-o zi #& le r&#"oie#+0 E a$5$ de 'l&+($ #& re5n$5lne3$i )e+2i +(no3$ine0 @a=ori$a$ea domi+iliaz& a#$&zi la Bell(* iar e( n( am 1n+er+a$ ni+ioda$& )re(n000 a)5n$ 'en$r( )iaa 1n mi=lo+(l na$(rii0 Un mi+ d(l&'ior de 'ere$e 1i a$ra#e a$enia0 Fra#e de (re+2ea de alam& a (3iei* amin$ind(-3i +& a)(#e#e (n(l iden$i+ 1n b(+&$&rie* 'e )remea +5nd "(#e#e +&#&$ori$& +( +olonel(l D('(0 O e-'re#ie de 1n+5n$are 1i 1n#("lei obraz(l0 Ob#er)& imedia$ re%i#$r(l , (n +aie$ %ro# +( +o'er$e de +ar$on* )5r#$a$e 1n ne%r( 3i )erde , l5n%& (n "la+on '5n$e+o# de Coin$rea(* a'roa'e 'lin0 Al&$(ri* #e mai a"la( o #$i+l& de @ar$ell* )ir%in&* 3i (n Co%na+ de# D(+#0 ?D('& +(m )ezi* "e$ia mea* domn(l An$on a)ea %(#$(ri ra"ina$e0 Cred +& n( i-ar #$ri+a 3i ie o 'i+&$(r&000 $ii* doar a$5$ +5$ #& $e 1n)ioreze0? n"iora$& de emoie* 1n+e'( #& r&#"oia#+& re%i#$r(l 3i 1nele#e re'ede +& %&#i#e +eea +e +&($a#e0 @a$erial(l era 'er"e+$ 3i +lar or%aniza$* 1n ordine al"abe$i+&* 'e n(me* ani* n(m&r de do#ar 3i $i'(l de in"ra+i(ne0 6e a"la( a+olo #($e de +az(ri* #'ee 'enale din +ele mai di)er#e* de la #im'le %&in&rii '5n& la deli+$e in$ernaionale0 ?6($e de de#$ine* dra%a mea* 13i zi#e @elania (rm&rind +( de%e$(l n(mele 1n3ir(i$e la li$era 40 @& 1n$reb oare da+& domnii a+e3$ia #-or "i 1ndre'$a$000 4a'azo%l(* 4&$ra3+( , Ban+a @armoro#2-BlanL , "al#i"i+a$or bani* 4l&$&rean( , #'ar%ere* 4od%orean( , e#+ro+2erie* 4oloni , de$(rnare de "ond(ri* 4o'e#+( , +rim& +( 'remedi$are , 4o$ra , "(r$ +( e"ra+ie , 4rede#+(000? n+2i#e 1n+e$ re%i#$r(l* m5n%5ind(-i ma3inal mar%inile* +ol(rile de '5nz& +en(3ie0 C5$e)a +re(ri boir& "r(n$ea de obi+ei lim'ede a b&$r5nei0 6e #imea )a% de+e'iona$&0 <(#e#e a'roa'e #i%(r& , in$(iie* o b(n& +(noa3$ere a na$(rii (mane* an(mi$e +on+l(zii lo%i+e , +& )iaa* mai bine zi# $inereea l(i $e"an 4o'a +o+2e$a#e +5nd)a +( a+($ele Cod(l(i 4enal0 "2reb(ie nea'&ra$ #& m& +on#(l$ +( @ir+i(li+&0 4oa$e #& 'ar& ori%inal* dar momen$ele +5nd +ade 1n $ran#& m& in#'ir& %roza)000? n a+eea3i +li'&* inima 1n+e$& #&-i ba$&0 Ideea 1i )eni#e 'e nea3$e'$a$e* "(l%er #'in$e+5nd +er(l +( "oar"e+e de ar%in$0 "/a' dra!a mea* a#$a $reb(ie #& "ie0 Domn(l $e"an 4o'a 3i-a #+2imba$ n(mele0 4re#im$ +& n( $e 1n3eli000 Vei l(a re%i#$r(l a+a#& 3i-l )ei #$(dia 'e 1n-de-le-$e0 E#$e im'o#ibil* +( min$ea $a lim'ede* #& n( de#+o'eri $o$ +e $e in-$e-re-#ea-z&000 Ai %ri=&* "e$io: @i #e 'are +& de)ii +am 1n%5m"a$&0? , mi 'are bine +& )& +(noa3$ei: e-+lam& Vanda Frai-D(l+e0 Voi do(& #(n$ei 'rie$enele mele +ele mai b(ne0 Adina o 1n)&l(i 'e b&$r5n& 1n$r-o 'ri)ire la+om&* +('rinz&$oare* +are 1n "ond n( 1n#emna nimi+0 ?A+ea#$& $5n&r& doamn&* $rad(#e @elania* 1i %ra$(leaz& 'e $oi +( a+eea3i a$enie* indi"eren$ +&-i )orba de $o)ar&3(l
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%(noier* 'o3$a3* #a( +raini+(l de la $ele)izor0 B&rbaii 1n#& 13i 1n+2i'(ie +& le e adre#a$& 'er#onal0 4are o "emeie ori%inal& 3i bizar&0 6im'l& '&-re-re* dra%a mea: E (n #$il +on#$r(i$* dar 1i %aran$ez +& are #(++e#0 Am a)($ o $oale$& a#em&n&$oare 1n 1 7J000 Ce-ar "i #& m& 1mbra+ +a @aria An$oane$aA A3 da m(l$ #& )&d +a'(l domn(l(i maior Cri#$e#+(000? C2i+o$i 1n+e$i3or 3i Vanda o 'ri)i am(za$&8 Pari m(l(mi$&0 Hi-a ie3i$ 'a#ienaA , n+& n(-mi da( #+ama0 $ii +& n(-mi 'la+e #& m& 'ri'e#+ ni+ioda$&0 Hi-ad(+i amin$e* +red* +& la000 3i +obor1 'leoa'ele* a)ea obra=ii 1mb(=orai8 000mi #e 'are +& $( 1i #'(i '5rnaie* n( %(#$am ni+ioda$& 'orrid%e-(l a+ela deli+io# de la mi+(l de=(n* de+5$ d('& +e +on#$a$am +& $( n( ai +ram'e0 Adina o +er+e$& mira$&* a'oi 1n+e'( #& r5d&0 ?@& +rede +o'il #a( %a%a* +eea +e n( +on#$i$(ie (n mod 'rea 'oli$i+o# de a %5ndi de#'re +ine)a?* +on+2i#e b&$r5na* 1mbr&+5nd(-3i 'arde#i(l0 , Ce "a+eiA 1n$reb& Vanda0 4le+ai am5ndo(& oda$&A @elania D('( )5r1 re%i#$r(l 1n #a+o3a de '5nz&0 , @& $em +& am li'#i$ +am m(l$ de a+a#& 3i 3$ii +&-i de a=(n# (n "lea+ 'en$r( +a @ir+i(li+& #& #e nelini3$ea#+&0 Adina o a=($& #& +oboare #+&rile* #(#in5nd(-i (3or bra(l0 , n reali$a$e* #(r5#e b&$r5na* m& #im$ 1n+& de#$(l de #i%(r& 'e 'i+ioarele mele* dar a+ea#$a n( m& 1m'iedi+& #& a're+iez (n %e#$ de %en$ilee* mai +( #eam& +5nd )ine din 'ar$ea $inerilor0 Adina z5mbi +on)enional* +( %5nd(rile 1n al$& 'ar$e0 6e de#'&rir& 1n "aa blo+(l(i 3i @elania o (rm&ri l(n% +( 'ri)irea0 4e#$e dr(m (n b&rba$ $5n&r* 1n #+(r$& de 'iele* +( aer de 'ierde )ar&* 13i l(& r&ma# b(n de la (n b&rba$ 1n )5r#$& +are-i #$r5n#e m5na 'lin de en$(zia#m0 A'oi o l(& #'re 4o'a 4e$re0 B&$r5na z5mbi8 ?4oi 'aria 'e ori+e +& $5n&r(l e de la mi-li-ie 3i +& o (rm&re3$e 'e Adina0 De#'&rirea de domn(l a+ela e-$rem de di#$in# a "o#$ 'rea br(#+&0 A( rea+iona$ am5ndoi +a la (n #emnal* "&r& #&-3i mai 'romi$& m&+ar +&3i )or $ele"ona0 O idee de#$(l de b(n&* dra%a mea* +5nd S"ileziT , +on#$a$ +& )o+ab(lar(l $&( #-a 1mbo%&i$ +( $ermeni =(ridi+i , o 'er#oan& 'e o #$rad& "&r& ma%azine 3i (nde n( 'oi #$a (n +ea# "&r& $reab&* doar da+& n( $e +rezi #$a$(ie000? , A2: n #"5r3i$* domn(le Azimioar&000 V& a3$e'$ de a'roa'e (n #"er$ de +ea#0 Do+o$enen$(l z5mbi* o"erind(-#e #&-i d(+& #a+o3a0 , V& 1n3elai* doamn&0 Doar do(& min($e0 , 6e 1n$5m'l&* 1n$r-ade)&r* o"$& b&$r5na* +a e( #& e-a%erez +5$eoda$&0 @& 1n$reb da+& )ino)a$& e #+leroza #a( doar ner&bdarea de a )& )edea000 A'ro'o* +e '&rere a)ei de#'re moda lan#a$& an(l a+e#$a de O)e# 6ain$-Da(ren$A 6e 'oar$& 'arde#iele $ri+o$a$e 1n bob de orez000 Azimioar& +are 2abar n-a)ea +ine-i $i'(l 3i +a $oi oamenii %ra3i de$e#$& lena=(rile , bob de orez #a( o+2i de +ro+odil #(b$il* 1i era ab#ol($ e%al , o a#i%(r& +& are o '&rere "oar$e b(n&0 B&$r5na '&r( 1n+5n$a$&0 O ob#eda( +5$e)a 1n$reb&ri8 ?De +e o (rm&re#+ 'e AdinaA Oare 3i Vanda e #('ra)e%2ea$&A 6-o a)er$izezA E-i#$& )reo le%&$(r& Adina-Vanda-$e"an 4o'aA $i( +& ai la +e re"le+$a* "e$io:? De+lar& z5mbi$oare8
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, Cred* $o$(3i* domn(le Azimioar&* +& e( )oi r&m5ne la ra%lan(l de +amel-2air0 N( +(no#+ nimi+ mai ele%an$ 'en$r( o diminea& de $oamn&000 888 Abia la al +in+ilea a'el #e 2o$&r1 #& ridi+e re+e'$or(l0 6e #imea 'li+$i#i$ ,* n( ener)an$ 'li+$i#i$* +i moale* d(l+e* lene3 , 3i a'oi de m(li* m(li ani* $ele"on(l 1i o"erea a+ela3i re'er$ori(8 +om(ni+&ri de la #er)i+i(* in)i$aii +on)enionale* (neori #oli+i$(dine de +ir+(m#$an& din 'ar$ea (nor 'er#oane e-$rem de 'oli$i+oa#e +a @i+lea#+a 9?mi-era $eam& #& n( "ii bolna)* n( $e mai )ede om(l +( anii* e3$i #i%(r +& $e #imi bineA?;* dar +el mai ade#ea8 ?Bo$el Ca'i$olA N(* %re3eal&000 6+(zai000? Cris$ i re+(no#+( imedia$ )o+ea0 R&#'(n#e lini3$i$8 /a' )dina. Aemeia r4se. , mi )ine #& +red +& mi-ai a3$e'$a$ $ele"on(l0 , N( $e 1n3eli0 , Hi-am #'(# a$(n+i +& n-am #& $e mai +a($0 , Con#$a$ +& $e-ai r&z%5ndi$000 6+(z&-m& o #e+(nd&* )rea( #&-mi a'rind o i%ar&0 , n #"5r3i$: 4rim(l #emn de emoie* a#$a +a #& $e 'a#$i3ez0 , Da+&-i "a+e 'l&+ere000 Cri# Gre%orian l(& 'a+2e$(l 3i bri+2e$a de 'e +omod&0 Ob#er)& am(za$ +& de%e$ele 1i $rem(r& (3or0 2e ascult. Mi(e dor de tine. C()in$ele r&#(nar& 3oa'$& "ierbin$e 3i in%iner(l 13i d&d( #eama +& "emeia )orbi#e +( b(zele li'i$e de mi+ro"on ?+oal& 1nal$&:? 6e #imea $o$(3i $(lb(ra$0 , C(m '($em rezol)a 'roblemaA A3$e'$ 'ro'(neri +on+re$e0 , Fe a3$e'$ 1n$r-o =(m&$a$e de or& 'e #$rada Gabriel 4;rC000 C(no3$i* l5n%& A$2;n;e Palace... Cunosc. /e ce nu vii la mine$ Pre#er +eisa.e mai e<otice. , @& d(+i 1n BaleareA , Ai #& )ezi0 mi 'la+ #(r'rizele0 , @ie* n(0 n #"5r3i$* am #& "i( a+olo0 , Ai %ri=&* Cri#0 E3$i (rm&ri$0 Gre%orian r&ma#e +( re+e'$or(l 1n m5n&0 l '(#e 1n "(r+& 1n+e$* +( %ri=&* de 'ar+& ar "i +on#$i$(i$ (n obie+$ de 're "ra%il0 ?6&-l an(n 'e Cri#$e#+(A? n$in#e m5na #'re $ele"on a'oi #e r&z%5ndi0 6e #imea 'rea 'li+$i#i$0 3i $re+( m5na 'e#$e barba a#'r&0 @ai a)ea $im' #& #e b&rbierea#+&0 888 , V& ro% #& m& 1nele%ei* $o)ar&3e maior0 Era 1n$in# ea'&n 1n mi=lo+(l $ro$(ar(l(i0 N( '($eam #&-l la#0 , nele%* @arine#+(le0 De#ena di#$ra$ 'e mar%inea +alendar(l(i (n +a' de %ira"&0 l admir& din $oa$e '&rile* +ore+$& (re+2ile n( 1ndea=(n# de a#+(i$e0
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, @i-am zi# +& 'oa$e mai $r&ie3$e* +on$in(& lo+o$enen$(l0 2r&ia 're+i#0 , Fr&ia* re+(no#+( ne+&=i$0 D-am z%5l5i$ de (meri 3i oda$& a #&ri$ 1n 'i+ioare0 ?Ce "a+i* dom>le ai+iA? ?Bine mer#i: @a$aleA? ?Ai +&'ia$A Fe ii de ban+(riA? ?Da> +e-i in$erzi#A? , i a)ea dre'$a$e* +on#$a$& maior(l Cri#$e#+( 'e $on(l om(l(i +are n( 'oa$e +on$e#$a e)idena0 N(-i in$erzi#0 i 1n$re $im'* 'robabil Co#5nzeana a di#'&r($0 Do+o$enen$(l d&d( din +a'0 )m +ierdut(o. , @da* "&+( maior(l* $rimi5nd 'i-(l +( (n bob5rna+ #'re 'l(mier&0 Un $r(+ )e+2i* +la#i+* dar e$ern )alabil0 C5nd )ezi +& om(l $ra%e #& moar&* ?1i la3i bal$& $oa$e in$ere#ele000? Umani#m(l ne m&n5n+&* @arine#+(le: F5n&r(l 1l 'ri)i +ir+(m#'e+$0 N(-i '($ea de"ini e-a+$ #$area de #'iri$0 , C(m zi+i +& ar&$a di)aA 4(nea 1n$reb&rile indi"eren$* di#$ra$* de 'ar+& n( ar "i a+orda$ im'or$an& +2e#$i(nii #a( ar "i +(no#+($ r&#'(n#(rile dinain$e0 , nal$&* #'e+$a+(loa#&* neobi3n(i$&0 E +a (n "ar0 <emeia im'o#ibil de +on"(nda$0 N( 'oa$e $re+e neob#er)a$&0 Cri#$e#+( z5mbi maliio#0 , 6e 'are +& $e 'ri+e'i bini3or 1n ma$erie0 Un "a'$ mi #e 'are +er$0 4er#oana +are l-a a+o#$a$ 'e Gre%orian* +are n( #-a l&#a$ a+o#$a$& de Ni+ola( 3i 'e +are ai (rm&ri$-o d(mnea$a , $o$dea(na mi#$erioa#& , )-a #(%era$ $($(ror +am a+elea3i ad=e+$i)e8 neobi3n(i$* #$rani(* +( $o$(l #in%(lar&0 Pesemne e vorba de#'re (na 3i a+eea3i indi)id&0 , n+lin #& +red +& da000 @ai e de rein($ (n elemen$ e#enial8 Indi)ida ine 1n le#& (n #oi de %oril&* +are "olo#ind (n 'ro+ede( #a( al$(l o debara#eaz& de (mbre0 4e Ni+ola( l-a "&+($ P0O0* d(mi$ale i-a $ra# o +a+ialma de 'ro"e#ioni#$* a3 zi+e0 , R5nd(l )ii$or n-o #&-i mai mear%&* )& %aran$ez0 Cri#$e#+( 1l 'ri)i l(n% , ?1n lo+(l $&( n-a# "i +2iar a$5$ de #i%(r? ,* dar $&+(0 Finerii n( $reb(ia( de#+(ra=ai0 n a+eea3i +li'&* (3a #e de#+2i#e 3i n&)&li 9?b&ia$(l &#$a n( 'oa$e ni+ioda$& in$ra* $o$dea(na d& b(zna?; lo+o$enen$(l @o3oian(0 @aior(l 1l +5n$&ri #+(r$ 3i +on+2i#e +alm8 ?E +lar: n+& (n(l +are a "e3$eli$-o?0 O+2ii i #e 1n%(#$ar& 1n$r-(n #(r5# de o ironie bl5nd&8 , Ia zi* b&ie$e: C(m ai 1n+(r+a$-oA Locotenentul cli+i de#+(m'&ni$ 1n #'a$ele o+2elarilor0 i-i ridi+& #'re r&d&+ina na#(l(i* a3a +(m "a+ +o'iii* 13i $re+( de%e$ele 'rin '&r(l $(n# 'erie0 , Cin+i min($e* $o)ar&3e maior* +in+i min($e* a$5$a am li'#i$ 3i a 3i di#'&r($0 @aior(l l(& din no( 'i-(l 3i 1n+e'( #& (m'le oc3ii !ira#ei. , C(no#+ 'e dina"ar& 'ro%ram(l l(i Gre%orian* (rm& @o3oian( a%i$a$0 N( ie#e ni+ioda$&* dar ni+ioda$&* 1nain$e de ora 3a'$e0 Am 'le+a$ la 3a#e 3i +in+i #& da( (n $ele"on (r%en$ 3i la ze+e eram 1na'oi0 Cri#$e#+( #e in$ere#& "&r& #&-3i ridi+e +rivirea: , Barem ai %&#i$-o a+a#&A Do+o$enen$(l @arine#+( z5mbi #ardoni+0 @o3oian(* "5#$5+i$* 13i m(3+& b(zele0 , Am #(na$-o 'e mama000 O 'roblem& de "amilie* )& ro% #& m&
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#+(zai0 @aior(l #(r5#e din no(0 3i 'rin#e b&rbia 1n 'alm&* +( %e#$(l l(i +ara+$eri#$i+0 De+lar& 'e (n $on '&rin$e#+8 , Am #&-i da( (n #"a$* b&ie$e0 6& n( mini ni+ioda$& mai m(l$ de o #in%(r& da$& 'e zi* da+& n-ai o memorie al dra+(l(i de b(n&0 45n& a+(m* ai $r5n$i$ do(&0 4rimo: C& ai li'#i$ doar +in+i min($e0 Uni+(l $ele"on '(bli+ din 'erime$r(l lo+(inei l(i Gre%orian #e a"l& la o di#$an& de 700 de me$ri0 C2iar 1n 'a# aler%&$or* d(# 3i 1n$or#* 'l(# d(ra$a +on)orbirii* +on#ider5nd +& era liber 3i $o$ $reb(ie #& 1nm(le3$i +ele +in+i min($e +( $rei #a( 'a$r(0 6e+(ndo: Fo)ar&3a @o3oian(-#enior n( #e a"l& 1n B(+(re3$i* d('& #o+o$elile mele* de +el '(in o l(n&0 Do+o$enen$(l "&+( o+2ii mari0 n$r-ade)&r mai+&-#a #e a"la la o )eri3oar& din 4ia$ra Neam0 n +(r5nd* a)ea( #& #e 1m'linea#+& 3a#e #&'$&m5ni0 N( di#+($a#e 1n#& +( nimeni +2e#$i(nea* 'en$r( +& 'e nimeni n( in$ere#a +e "a+e mama l(i* +e %5nde3$e 1n %eneral de#'re e-i#$en&* #a(* 1n #'e+ial* de#'re realiz&rile din n( 3$i( +e ram(r& a ind(#$riei naionale0 , Ai e'(iza$ $o$ #$o+(l de +&m&3i +(ra$e* +on#$a$& bla=in Cri#$e#+(0 A#$a alba#$r& a "o#$ (l$ima 3i e a +in+ea zi de +5nd o 'ori0 N( $e =ena* b&ie$e* am $re+($ $oi 'rin #i$(aii a#em&n&$oare0 A'ro'o: Cel '(in $e-ai a#i%(ra$ +& Gre%orian a 'le+a$ realmen$e de a+a#&A O l(min& #$in#& e 1n$r-ade)&r (n indi+i(* dar 1n a+ela3i $im' 'oa$e +on#$i$(i 3i (n $r(+ 'en$r( a 1nde'&r$a "ila=(l din melea%0 Cate!oric a +lecat. , De (nde 3$iiA , @i-a( +on"irma$-o ni3$e '(3$i +are b&$ea( min%ea 1n +(r$e0 , A2a: A$(n+i 1n#eamn& +& a3a e000 Ia $e (i$&: Azimioar&: Arbor& o e-'re#ie 1n+5n$a$&8 Azi am 1nre%i#$ra$ n(mai #(++e#e0 D('& +2i'* ai )e3$i b(ne0 Ardem de ner&bdare #& le a(zim: Do+o$enen$(l* %ra#* $ran#'ira$ 3i 'leo3$i$ #e 2olba la +ole%i* )r5nd 'ar+& #& 1nelea%& +e #e 'e$re+e 1n l(me* 1n biro(l l(i Cri#$e#+(* +( el 1n#(3i0 , Ia lo+: 1i #("l& @o3oian( +( (n li+&r #ardoni+ 1n +&($&$(r&0 , @elania000* b5lb5i Azimioar&0 De a#$& da$&* "i%(ra l(i Cri#$e#+( #e +ri#'& ?A+(m 1n+e'e ade)&ra$a dandana:? , 4en$r( n(mele l(i D(mneze(: Ce )reaA Ce-a "&+($A Ce a mai n&#+o+i$A , A di#'&r($ '(r 3i #im'l( din "aa mea000 11 Doamna @i+le#+(* 1n mod e-+e'ional 1mbr&+a$& 1n ro+2ie de +a#& , de al$"el #om'$(o# ele%an$&* din$r-o m&$a#e ble(marin +( dra%oni ,* 'i+ior 'e#$e 'i+ior* =(+5nd(-3i 'a'(+(l +( $o+ 1nal$* 13i 'ri)ea %5ndi$oare "i(l0 De'ar$e de a "i 1n no$a obi3n(i$&* '&rea obo#i$* 'reo+('a$* +('rin# de o nelini3$e a'ar$e* 1n#& bine #$&'5ni$&0 4en$r( +ine n(-l +(no3$ea* r&m5nea a+ela3i b&rba$ +( in($& im'e+abil& 91n$5lni$ 'e al$ meridian l-ai "i l(a$ dre'$ "(n+ionar #('erior al (nei "irme 'ro#'ere;* bine* di#$in# 3i #i%(r de el0 Cole$a @i+le#+( a +&rei +a'a+i$a$e de analiz& era de#$(l de "ira)&* o#+il5nd #'re zero* 'ar$e da$ori$& (nei li'#e de do$are +on%eni$ale* 'ar$e*
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din +omodi$a$e #("le$ea#+& , ?de +e #& #+ormone#+ d('& deza%reabil* mi-a=(n%e 'l&+($(l a'aren$? ,* in$(i de a#$& da$& +& +e)a 1n )iaa l(i Vali* +e)a e#enial* n( e#$e 3i n-a "o#$ ni+ioda$& 1n re%(l&0 N( #e #imea 1n +(l'&* dar 13i amin$ea a+(m 1n mod #(r'rinz&$or , de +e $o+mai a+(mA , +& are "oar$e '(ine amin$iri de#'re +o'il&ria 3i adole#+ena b&ia$(l(i0 A2$ia$& de )ia& monden& 9iar b&rba$(-#&( o #e+onda 'er"e+$;* #e m(l(mea #& 1nre%i#$reze ra'oar$ele %()ernan$ei 3i #& +on#$a$e +( #a$i#"a+ie* (neori la +5$e)a zile o da$&* +& are (n b&ia$ "r(m(3el* +are #e dez)ol$& min(na$0 C4nd ai +u# 'en$r( 'rima oar& 'an$aloni l(n%i* ValiA n$rebarea* oda$& ro#$i$&* i #e '&r( de (n ab#(rd #min$i$0 <i(-#&( #e (i$& la ea +a 'i+a$ din l(n&0 B(zele i #e #$r5mbar& 1n$r-(n ri+$(#0 , E3$i #i%(r& +& $e #imi bineA Doamna @i+le#+(0 +( $a+$ 3i %raie* dar "erm* 3$i(#e $o$dea(na #& #e im'(n&0 , N( ai ni+i (n mo$i) #& "ii %ro#olan* Vali0 Ai a#$&zi +e)a +are-mi amin$e3$e de zilele +5nd $reb(ia #&-l an(ni 'e $ai+&-$&( +& ai r&ma# +ori%en$0 4ari000 nea=($ora$* #'eria$000 A)o+a$(l @i+le#+( #e ridi+&0 3i )5r1 m5inile 1n b(z(narele 'an$alonilor 3i #e a'ro'ie de "erea#$r&0 Vorbi 1n$or# +( #'a$ele8 , Freb(ie #&-i amin$e#+ +& am mai +re#+($ de-a$(n+i 3i +& am 1n)&a$ #& m& a=($ #in%(r0 , OareA #e 1n$reb& Cole$a* )i#&$oare0 Hi-a mer# $o$(l din 'lin* n-ai a)($ ob#$a+ole0 n "ond 'e +ine* +e ai 1n)in# $( 1n )ia&A <i(-#&(* iri$a$* #e r&#(+i br(#+8 Ce te(a a+ucat$ 2u +e cine ai nvins$ , E( #(n$ "emeie* dra%(l me(* am a)($ noro+ 3i #(n$ la #"5r3i$(l )ieii* a3a +& 'roblema n( mai +on$eaz&0 , n re%(l&: Ce $e "a+e #& +rezi +& #(n$ (n mamel(+A Doamna @i+le#+( o"$&8 , Nimi+ an(me* Vali0 N( $e #('&ra* dar +a #& "ii mere( )i+$orio# 1i $reb(ie ori #& ai o 3an#& "an$a#$i+&* ori #& 1n)ei #& "ii* adi+& #& l('i 'en$r( a#$a0 A3a 1mi 1n+2i'(i000 A)o+a$(l #e de#'rin#e de "erea#$r&: I #e 'ro&'i dinain$e* +( 'i+ioarele de'&r$a$e 3i %en(n+2ii 1n+ordai0 , A#+(l$&-m&* mam&* ob#er) +& $e a"li azi 1n di#'oziie "ilozo"i+&0 E( n-am )o+aie 1n #en#(l &#$a0 Ni+i azi* ni+i al$& da$&0 4ra+$i+* +e )reiA Cole$a 1l ob#er)& +( (n #(r5# ma$ern0 ?Ce o+2i "r(mo3i* %5ndi0 O+2ii l(i Gri%* dar000 mai +a$e%ori+i000? , 6(n$ 1n%ri=ora$& din +a(za $a0 , 4oi #&-mi e-'li+i de +eA , Ui$&-$e 1n o%lind& 3i ai #& +on#$ai #in%(r0 ,mi cunosc #oto!ra#ia. )ltceva! Motive concrete! , Fon(l $&( n( "a+e de+5$ #&-mi a++en$(eze im're#ia0 6'(ne-mi* Vali* n( ai nimi+ #&-i re'ro3eziA Ce)a000 %ra) )rea( #& #'(n0 A)o+a$(l 13i a'rin#e ner)o# i%ara0 , Ce 1n#eamn& %ra) 1n +a'(l $&(A /oamna Miclescu +ocni din de!ete e<act ca la +artidele de +oc3er' c4nd' neav4nd carte' se ntreba da+& #& $ra%& +( do(& 'i+i la +(loare ori +( $rei +&ri la M(in$&0 , Gra): Bine1nele#* +e)a +are #&-i a$ra%& ne'l&+eri #erioa#e0 Miclescu r4n.i: , Hi-e "ri+& #& n( "i +on$ra+$a$ (n #i"ili#A
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, E3$i odio# de )(l%ar0 , A$(n+i la +e $e %5nde3$iA Da '(3+&rie* n(A , De )reme +e-i "a+e 'l&+ere* n( )&d de +e n-a3 #'(ne l(+r(rilor 'e n(me0 Da* mi-e $eam& #& n( "i "&+($ o 'ro#$ie0 <i(-#&( re#'ir& ad5n+* +a om(l e-+eda$* e-a#'era$ de aberaiile al$ora0 , 4ro#$ii: Ai "o#$ 3i e3$i ne)a#$& 3i mam& de liber 'ro"e#ioni#$0 Fo$dea(na ai d(#-o 1m'&r&$e3$e* na$(ral* ra'or$a$ la +ir+(m#$anele 1n +are $r&im* 3i m-a3 mira da+& ai "&+($ )reoda$& di"eren& 1n$re o 25r$ie de ze+e lei 3i (na de o #($&0 , Am oroare #& mi #e #+oa$& 'e na#000 , Nimeni n(-i #+oa$e nimi+ 'e na#0 Ai 3$i($ $o$dea(na +are e#$e #alari(l l(i 'a'a 3i +are e 'la"on(l me(0 Cabine$ele medi+ale 'ar$i+(lare #-a( 1n+2i# 1n >J/ 3i $o$(3i noi am d(# $o$dea(na a+eea3i $ren&0 Cam de (nde i-ai 1n+2i'(i$ $(* a3a* a$(n+i +5nd 1i '(i '&r(l 'e moae* +& a ie3i$ e-+eden$(lA Vrei #&-i 'o)e#$e#+ +& "ie+are #($& de lei 'e +are i-o 'a#eaz& 'a+ien$(l #a( +lien$(l e o ?'ro#$ie? +are $e )5r& la '5rnaie 1nain$e de a a'(+a #& #$r&n(i de do(& oriA N-ai 3$i($ l(+r(rile a#$eaA N( le-ai a"la$ 1n do(&ze+i 3i +in+i de aniA Da+& n(* d&-mi )oie #& n( #$a( de )orb& +( o debil& min$al0 Da+& da* e-'li+&-mi +e )rei de la mineA Ce )rei* doamn&A Urla#e* 3i doamna @i+le#+(* realmen$e neobi3n(i$& +( )iolenele de limba= 3i $on* a)( o mi3+are de re+(l0 N( )oia #& #e +er$e +( "i(-#&( 3i 1n+er+& #& r&m5n& +alm&0 , @i #e 'are +i(da$* de+lar& +( %la# ne#i%(r din 'ri+ina e"or$(l(i de a #e #$&'5ni* +& nimeni n( mi-a )orbi$ '5n& a+(m 1n "el(l a+e#$a0 n ni+i (n +az n( m-a3$e'$am #-o "a+& "i(l me(000 A)o+a$(l d&d( din m5n& 'li+$i#i$0 /e!eaba m& iei la #en$imen$0 @& #+oi '(r 3i #im'l( din #&ri$e0 Ob#er)& la+rimi 1n o+2ii Cole$ei 3i #e #imi im're#iona$0 n reali$a$e* o i(bea 'e mai+&-#a* $o$dea(na #e #imi#er& bine 1m're(n&* 3i 13i 1n+2i'(ia +&-i #in%(ra 'er#oan& +are-l 1nele%e +( ade)&ra$0 O"$& b&$5nd-o (3or 'e (m&r8 , 6+(z&-m&0 Cred +& #(n$ '(in obo#i$0 , Nimi+ al$+e)a* ValiA E3$i #i%(rA , @am&* noi am "o#$ $o$dea(na #in+eri (n(l +( al$(l0 Fe im'lor* #'(ne-mi r&#'i+a$ +e-mi re'ro3ezi0 Da+& o "&+eai de la 1n+e'($* ne-ai "i #+($i$ 'e am5ndoi de #+ena a#$a 'enibil&0 )i dre+tate... *+une(mi' dra!ul meu' n +ovestea cu /oru... 6e 1n$rer('#e* m(3+5nd(-3i b(zele0 N(-3i %&#ea +()in$ele* 1i era $eam& de $ermeni $ari* "&r& 1n$oar+ere0 @i+le#+( in$er)eni ner&bd&$or8 , Ce-i +( limbri+(l &laA )i vreun ame#$e+ 1n000 i#$oria a+eea nenoro+i$&A A)o+a$(l 13i 1n+le3$& '(mnii 1n b(z(nare0 , Cine i-a )5r5$ 1n +a' $5m'enia a#$aA 6'(ne: Cine: , A000 a $re+($ C&$&lina 'e ai+i000 , A2a: O mi+& imbe+il& ne(ra#$eni+&0 , Fe ro%* Vali* n( )orbi a3a de#'re om(l 'e +are-l #$r5n%i 1n brae0 @i #e 'are odio#* nedemn de (n %en$ilom0 , Adi+& ea m& 'oa$e $ra$a de a'a3* r&m5n5nd o ladC000 , De#$(l* Vali: 1l 1n$rer('#e Cole$a0 6'(ne-mi (n #in%(r l(+r( 3i-i 'romi$ +& n-am #&-i mai 'omene#+ ni+ioda$& de a"a+erea a#$a0 Unde i97

ai m(rd&ri$ alal$&ieri 'an$o"ii de )arA Ce dracu ai cu varul$ , 4e #$rada (nde a "o#$ lo)i$ b&ia$(l* #-a r&#$(rna$ o roab& +( )ar0 , A2a: De+i e( #(n$ a%re#or(l0 n+e'( #& #$ri%e8 Dar* bine* doamn&* #e +on#$r(ie3$e 1n $o$ ora3(l: N( dai +ol(l "&r& #& dai de o bina* de o #+2el&* de (n 3an$ier* (n blo+ 1n +on#$r(+ie #a( de mama dra+(l(i: Cre$ina aia mi+&* ba% de #eam&* a 1n+e'($ #& "a+& 'e de$e+$i)a* dar de la $ine m& a3$e'$am la mai m(l$0 A(zi #oneria 3i 13i izbi 'alma 'e#$e +oa'#e de ener)a$8 Cine 'a3$ele m&-#i $e +a($& la ora a#$aA 4ar+&-i $ra+$ir* n( +a#&: Cole$a #e ridi+&0 , Dini3$e3$e-$e n( 'rime#+ 'e nimeni0 6e 1ndre'$& #'re )e#$ib(l0 A)o+a$(l 13i a'rin#e o i%are0 Izb($i abia la al 'a$r(lea +2ibri$0 4e +elelal$e* "r5n$e din +a(za ener)&rii* le ar(n+& 'e +o)or0 , A )eni$ C&$&lina0 @i+le#+( #e r&#(+i +a (n 3ar'e0 3i (i$& "(ria z&rind +2i'(l balerinei0 Era li)id0 n o+2i* %roaza ardea +a (n "ar0 , Ce-ai '&i$A C&$&lina 13i d&d( dr(m(l #& al(ne+e 1n "o$oli(8 ) murit /oru. 888 6$rada* de3i 1n 'lin +en$r( al Ca'i$alei* era a'roa'e '(#$ie0 4e $ro$(ar(l +el&lal$* doi $ineri #e inea( de m5n&0 R5dea( m(l$* )orbind 1n %(ra mare0 , C5nd Ge$a a a(zi$ +& a "o#$ +( o 'iele blond& la di#+o$e+&* i-a +er($ 1na'oi $oa$e benzile +( @ireille @a$2ie(0 Are o "ire +rea&000 ?Bm* #(r5#e Cri# Gre%orian0 S4iele blond&000T Am r&ma# 1n (rm&0 4e )remea mea 1i zi+ea +oa=&0 A "&+($ $al'a +( o +oa=& '5n& la 'ie$roi(l +r&+&na$0 Adi+& 'limbare +( o $i'& la Ar+(l de $ri(m"000 De:000? 6e #imi br(#+ l(a$ de bra 3i $re#&ri0 Adina 1i 1n$in#e obraz(l0 Gre%orian o #&r($& din )5r"(l b(zelor* ami+al0 , Hi-a "o#$ dor de mineA , Ui$e o 1n$rebare 'e +are e( n-a3 ri#+a-o ni+ioda$&* z5mbi Gre%orian0 /e ce$ , N(-mi 'la+e #& '(n 'e nimeni 1n 1n+(r+&$(r&0 , A$5$ de '(in i(bi$ ai "o#$ 1n )iaa ta' Cris$ n %la# )ibra#e o d(io3ie nea3$e'$a$& 3i +2iar da+&* 1n #inea l(i* Gre%orian #e 1ndoia de #in+eri$a$ea Adinei* #e #imi $o$(3i im're#iona$0 l i(bi#e DiliA Babar n-a)ea 3i #e 1n$reba#e de m(l$e ori da+& "emeia a+ea#$a a)ea +a'a+i$a$e de a"e+i(ne #a( '(r 3i #im'l( n( 1n$5lni#e b&rba$(l +are-i $reb(ia0 N-a)ea elan* era de'ar$e de a "i o en$(zia#$& a dra%o#$ei0 A+(m* d('& ze+e ani de )&d()ie* Cri# 13i d&d( #eama* +alm* dar +( #$('oare* +& n( re(3ea #&-3i amin$ea#+& o #in%(r& "raz& de-a ei0 Una din "razele a+elea memorabile +are r&m5n 1n ar2i)a ori+&rei "amilii* d('& de+e#(l (nei r(de #a( al$a8 Fa$a a)ea o )orb&000 Un+2i(l mare obi3n(ia #& zi+&000 De la Dili 1i r&m&#e#er& doar +5$e)a 'ro'oziii me#+2ine* demobilizan$e8 ?C5$ a +o#$a$A 6-a( #+(m'i$ lemnele000 A* n( a+(m000 Fe ro%* #(n$ obo#i$&000? 6(#'in& im'er+e'$ibil 3i Adina 1i #$r5n#e bra(l +( $andree8
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, Bie$(l b&ia$: Gre%orian #e #+($(r& r5z5nd8 , N-o l(a 1n $ra%i+0 @& %5ndeam la al$+e)a0 , A3 're"era +5nd #(n$em 1m're(n& #& $e %5nde3$i la mine. , Rein0 Unde mer%em* i(bi$oA , A#$a #(n& +e)a mai bine0 Am ma3ina 'ar+a$& la E)a0 , <r(mo# +al* a're+ie Gre%orian +5nd o )&z( a'ro'iind(-#e de (n ?@er+ede#? alba#$r(* +( +2eile 1n m5n&0 %u(i al meu. , Fo$(3i n( mi-ai #'(# (nde mer%em0 )dina 04mbi. Cond(+ea +( di#$in+ia #$(dia$& a $($(ror "emeilor a"la$e la )olan* imi$aie 'er"e+$& a #$il(l(i o#$en$a$i) lan#a$ de mon3$rii #a+ri ai BollCKood(l(i8 1nm&n(3a$&* "oar$e drea'$&* +( na#(l 'rea ridi+a$ 3i a"e+$5nd o ne'&#are re%al& +( arom& de di#'re "a& de $oi +eilali m(ri$ori0 , Ce im'or$an& are a$5$a )reme +5$ e3$i +( mineA , Adi+&A , Fo+mai de a+eea 1n$reb0 Fe-ar #(r'rinde da+& i-a3 #'(ne +& mi-ai +om'li+a$ 1n%rozi$or e-i#$enaA O 'ri)i 'iezi30 Adina 1i #(#in( 'ri)irea z5mbind0 , N(0 Adi+& n( m& #(r'rinde0 Dar 1mi 'are r&(0 , E #im'l( #&-i 'ar& bine0 D& o de+laraie la miliie0 , Dra%(l me(* am de$e#$a$ $oa$& )iaa (ni"ormele0 Dar 'en$r( $ine* #(n$ 1n #$are #& m& #a+ri"i+0 In%iner(l Gre%orian o +er+e$& mira$0 , N( $e r&z%5nde3$i '5n& m5ineA )dina l +rivi n oc3i. , N(0 E-'li+&-mi $o$(3i de#'re +e e#$e )orbaA , i bai =o+ de mineA , Ni+ioda$& de (n b&rba$ +are m& in$ere#eaz&0 4e +are-l +a($0 , De "a'$ +e 3$iiA , C& e3$i (rm&ri$0 , C(m ai a"la$A E( n( mi-am da$ #eama* de3i m& a3$e'$am #& "i( #('ra)e!3eat. , Am #&-i 'o)e#$e#+ al$& da$&0 n "ond* +e #-a 1n$5m'la$A @&r$(ri#e#+* e3$i (l$im(l om de#'re +are 1mi 1n+2i'(iam +& ar '($ea a)ea 1n+(r+&$(ri +( miliia0 ,n seara c4nd ne(am cunoscut... ,l ntreru+se 04mbind: , 000+5nd $e-am a%&a$* )rei #& #'(i* 1l +ore+$& Adina0 N( $e #"ii* mie n( mi-e $eam& de +()in$e0 , Ei bine* #-a +omi# o +rim&* iar e( #(n$ #(#'e+$a$ +& a3 "i a($or(l ei0 , De#$(l de ne'l&+($0 mi 'are r&( 'en$r( $ine* Cri#0 , @i-e $eam& #& n( "ie +e)a mai m(l$0 Ori+(m* e3$i amabil&0 , A3a m-a 1n)&a$ %()ernan$a0 N( +er( am&n(n$e0 In%iner(l 13i zi#e +& ori a 1n$5lni$ 'rima "emeie din )iaa l(i +are n(-i +(rioa#& ori Adina di#'(nea de o #(r#& #'e+ial& de in"ormaii0 i #+&'& o 1n$rebare nea3$e'$a$&8 , 6'(ne-mi* Adina* e3$i +&#&$ori$&A Aemeia r4se: )m aerul$ , 6in+er )orbind* n(0 Di)ora$&A
9:

 %ormal. /e ce(i normal$ , N( 3$i( da+& ai +on#$a$a$* dar no(&ze+i la #($& din "emei , m& re"er la +ele 1n$re $reize+i 3i +in+ize+i de ani 9re#$(l n( mai ine de re%n* de)in an$i#e-* +a 3i b&rbaii #&rii din 3aize+i; , #(n$ di)ora$e0 Am "o#$ m&ri$a$& e-a+$ o'$ l(ni* iar b&rba$(l re'rezen$a 'rima mea dra%o#$e0 Cris r4se amabil: , Hi-a $re+($ +am re'ede0 , Ni+ioda$&0 Fon(l era %ra) 3i Gre%orian* de+on+en$ra$* 1i de#'rin#e m5na de 'e )olan0 , Iar$&-m&* 3o'$i #&r($5nd(-i m&n(3a0 , N( $reb(ia #&-i +eri #+(ze0 Am #&-i #'(n de#'re +e e#$e )orba0 @eri$& #& a#+(li* 'o)e#$ea e , #a( +el '(in a3a mi #e 'are mie , inedi$&0 4e b&rba$(-me( 1l adoram0 A)eam 3a'$e#'reze+e ani* el do(&ze+i 3i 'a$r(0 Era a)o+a$0 Do+(iam la Fimi3oara* 1n$r-o +a#& )e+2e* 'e a+ela3i 'alier +( (n $i' +( relaii 'e#$e $o$000 *e ntreru+se. , 6'(ne mai de'ar$e* o r(%& Gre%orian0 A)ea #en$imen$(l +& )izioneaz& (n "ilm +( #(#'an# +are #e 1n$rer('e e-a+$ +5nd a#a#in(l #+oa$e re)ol)er(l0 )dina #(#'in&8 , @& %5ndeam la "e$ia adorabil& +are eram a$(n+i0 C(m (n momen$* o #in%(r& +li'& de )ia& $e 'oa$e m($ila000 Fi'(l m& dorea0 Am #imi$-o +2iar de la 1n+e'($0 Odio#: Un b&rba$ bine* dar 'ri)irea000 Doamne: N-am #& (i$ ni+ioda$& 'ri)irea a+eea de "iar&: <i-&* la+om&* oribil&0 4e mine m& de#'(ia +( o+2ii0 Da 3a#e l(ni de la +&#&$oria noa#$r&* 'e #oa+r&-mea a( are#$a$-o0 O +2e#$ie +( +o+o3ei000 6e mai '(r$a 'e a$(n+i000 , 6e 'oar$& 3i azi* remar+& in%iner(l Gre%orian0 , Din(* )rea( #& zi+ b&rba$(-me(* inea enorm la m&-#a0 E ade)&ra$ +& b&$r5na #e #a+ri"i+a#e 'en$r( +o'ii , )&d()& de la IV de ani* 1i dai #eama ,* dar 3i el era %en(l ?b&ieel(l? mamei0 De la (n dein($ elibera$* a a"la$ +& 'e mai+&-#a o ba$ +r5n+en0 6("erea +a (n animal0 N( #('or$a ideea* a)ea +o3mar(ri noa'$ea* (rla 3i #e $rezea la+ de #(doare0 n$r-o zi000 Cri# a)( din no( #enzaia "ilm(l(i 1n$rer('$0 *+une! , Bre": Fi'(l a )eni$ la noi* +( o 'ro'(nere +on+re$&8 mai+&-#a )a "i elibera$& +on$ra +o#$0 "C4t$" "Pi+erat." ?Adi+&A? "O noa'$e +( ne)a#$&-$a 3i m5ine doamna 4o'o)i+i e a+a#&0? , iA 6e #imea de-a dre'$(l 1n%rozi$0 , 6im'l(0 B&rba$(-me( m-a +eda$0 , N( #e 'oa$e0 A#$"el de l(+r(ri #e 1n$5m'l& doar 1n +&ri0 , A )eni$ la noi 1n$r-o #ear&0 6-a( 'ili$ am5ndoi +( Fri'le-6e+0 Hii min$e* era la mod&000 Da (n momen$ da$* Din( #-a ridi+a$* ad(+5nd(-3i amin$e br(#+ +& are de "&+($ (n(i +ole% o +om(ni+are (r%en$&0 Noi na)eam $ele"on* #e obinea "oar$e %re( 'e a$(n+i0 D-am 1n#oi$ 1n )e#$ib(l 1n#'&im5n$a$&8
9=

?E3$i neb(nA @& la3i +( &#$a ai+iA i 1n+& bea$A? ?E o +2e#$ie (r%en$&0? ?Animal(l m& )rea0 Ai +2e" #& #ar& 'e mineA? A 1n+er+a$ #& r5d&0 ?N( "i +ara%2ioa#&* Adina0 N( +on$e#$ +& e3$i irezi#$ibil&* dar $reb(ie #& ii #eama de "a'$(l +& mai e-i#$& 3i b&rbai +are n( +ad 'e #'a$e +5nd $e )&d0 @ai e-i#$& 3i din &3$ia* 1n ori+e +az0? A 'le+a$0 , i $(A 1n$reb& Cri#0 , Era iarn&0 4(r$am ni3$e 'an$aloni )erzi de +a$i"ea* 'ar+& m& )&d 3i a+(ma* 3i o bl(z& de 'i=ama din m&$a#e ro3ie0 Am #&ri$ 'e %eam(l de la baie 'e 'alier 3i am "(%i$ 1n 'a'(+i 'e #$rad&0 Am&n(n$ele n( mai in$ere#eaz&0 A)eam o 'rie$en&* o b(+(re3$ean+& , #+(l'$ori& , +are lo+(ia 1n a'ro'iere0 @i-a 1m'r(m($a$ 2aine 3i bani de $ren0 A do(a zi i-am $rimi# o $ele%ram& l(i Din(0 Cine m& 'oa$e +eda 'en$r( o noa'$e* m& 'oa$e +eda 'en$r( $oa$& )iaa0 l )&z( im're#iona$ 3i r5#e8 N( $reb(ie #& 'l5n%i* dra%(l me(0 Nenoro+irea e000 %enorocirea... /e ce nu continui$ , C&-i #in%(r(l b&rba$ 'e +are l-am i(bi$ 1n )iaa mea0 l i(be#+ 3i azi0 %u se +oate! , Ba da0 4oa$e +& $( )ei "i al doilea0 n+& n( #(n$ #i%(r&0 Bai* Cri#* am a=(n#0 Gre%orian* $rezi$ br(#+* #e 1n$reb& da+& n( +(m)a Adina "ab(la#e ar$i#$i+ +a #&-i aba$& a$enia0 Ca'$i)a$* n( "(#e#e a$en$ la dr(m0 Babar na)ea 1n +e +ar$ier #e a"l&0 &nde suntem$ )dina r4se. ,n ?aleare. C5nd 1i #imi b(zele* 13i d&d( #eama +& de "a'$ n(-l mai in$ere#eaz& nimi+0 16 , E#$e #$rani(* de+lar& @elania D('( +( o+2ii ro$(n=ii* +li'ind 're+i# 3i ri$mi+ +a '&'(3ile +are #'(n ?mama?:* dar mi #e 1n$5m'l& a do(a oar& 1n )ia& #& "i( r&'i$&0 @& 1n$reb da+& am&n(n$(l a+e#$a n( )a d&(na re'($aiei mele000 De la o an(mi$& )5r#$&* (nele000 da* +red +& le 'o$ #'(ne e-+en$ri+i$&i* 'ar de'la#a$e0 $ii* domn(le* oamenii n( #(n$ 1n%&d(i$ori0 Am a)($ 'rile=(l #-o +on#$a$ de-a l(n%(l anilor* +&+i* )& m&r$(ri#e#+* am a=(n# la o )5r#$& re#'e+$abil&* de3i l(mea 13i 1n+2i'(ie de#'re mine +& #(n$ m(l$ mai $5n&r&0 Cred +& a+e#$ am&n(n$ #e da$oreaz& "a'$(l(i +& am o "a& ro$(nd&0 Cel '(in* a3a 're$indea b(ni+a mea* +are 1n$5m'l&$or era o 'er#oan& ori%inal&* "&r& +a a+ea#$a #& deran=eze 'e +ine)a0 ?Un obraz ro$(nd 3i o+2i z5mbi$ori* ia$& #e+re$(l $inereii )e3ni+e0? A+e#$ea era(* +()5n$ +( +()5n$* )orbele ei 3i 're#('(n +& n( #-a 1n3ela$0 Gi%i 6on%* 1n bl(%i* +en$(r& +( +a$aram& o#$en$a$i)& 3i +&ma3& #emna$& , (n m(+ de ri'# ie3i$ din $i)(l b(z(nar(l(i i#+&li$ +( "ir de a(r C2ri#$ian Dior , o 'ri)i ai(ri$0 ?Ce-i +( a#$a* $&$i+(AA: A 'i+a$ din romanele alba#$re ale l(i 4a(l Bo(r%e$A? Va%* "&+5nd ab#$ra+ie de "izi+* 1i amin$ea de m&$(3a 4i$$C0 ?4e ari'ile )5n$(l(i?* 6+arle$$ O>Bara* Re$2 B($$ler000 A)ea +in+i#'reze+e ani +5nd +i$i#e +ar$ea0 Do+(ia la $an$i Viole$a0 @ai+&-#a m(ri#e* iar $ai+&-#&( #e 1n+(r+a#e +( o ?$ram)ai#$&?0 <emeia l(+ra la I0F0B0* iar Bordeian+a* #olidar& din 'rin+i'i( +( "amilia*
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re'(dia $o$ din 'rin+i'i( ori+e e)en$(al& +ombinaie a #o(l(i )&d()0 4o#e#i)& la mod(l a%re#i)* #o+o$ea +& Va#ile* +(mna$(-#&(* da$oreaz& "ideli$a$e Nelei* +2iar 3i 'o#$-mor$em0 ?O a)en$(r& a+olo* 1nele%* e b&rba$: Dame* )orba aia* 'e $oa$e dr(m(rile0 Dar de +e #& ad(+& m(iere 1n b&$&$(r&* om #&ri$ din +in+ize+i de aniA 4ild& 'en$r( "e+ior(-#&(A? <&+5nd +az de morali$a$e* dar 1n "ond li'#i$& de ori+e #en$imen$* 3i "&r& ni+i (n "el de )o+aie ma$ern&* 1l l(a#e 'e Gi%i la ea0 C(mna$(-#&( i-l +eda#e "eri+i$0 Fram)ai#$a n( %(#$a %en(l ?bo( +( )iel? 3i o da$& +( 'le+area +o'il(l(i #e 1mbl5nzi#e0 Doar la +2enzina a do(a* +5nd Va#ile )&r#a Viole$ei Bordeian( o 'en#ie alimen$ar& modi+& #e #$r5mba* a+(z5nd o mi%ren& br(#+&0 n +on#e+in&* +a re're#alii* "olo#ea +2eia de la dormitor... Gi%i* +on3$ien$ +& ?'(ria? ba%& $e-$e , +(no3$ea de la Viole$a am&n(n$ele 'ro+e#(l(i 1n +are "(#e#e im'li+a$& @elania +( a'roa'e doi ani 1n (rm& ,* o#+ila 1n$re am(zamen$(l %ra# 3i 1n+5n$are0 Ca $oi oamenii +are )enea( 1n +on$a+$ +( b&$r5na* e-+e'ie "&+5nd imbe+ilii 3i indi)izii +om'le$ li'#ii de ima%inaie* #e #imi #'on$an +a'$i)a$ de 'er#onali$a$ea ei0 Emana din $oa$& "&'$(ra @elaniei (n "arme+ a'ar$e* 'e +are Gi%i 1l #imi imedia$* +2iar da+& n(-i '($ea de"ini e#ena0 C5nd)a* o "&+(#e maior(l Cri#$e#+(* al$& ?)i+$im&? a b&$r5nei8 ?@elania D('( , e%al min$e de %an%#$er al$oi$& 'e a'e$i$(ri 3i obi+ei(ri de "e$i&0 Ada(%& o amabili$a$e "irea#+& 3i manierele de#&)5r3i$e* +a lian$* 'l(# mo$an(l @ir+i(li+&* 3i-i #("i+ien$ +a #im'la ei 'rezen& #&-i $aie r&#("larea0 E3$i +&'ia$ 3i )r&=i$* 1n a+ela3i $im'?0 , Freb(ie #& )& mai #'(n* (rm& @elania %raioa#& 3i lini3$i$& +a 1n$r(n #alon (nde #e +ro3e$eaz& b5r"& #(bire de +(+oane 3i #Kea$ere de mo2air* +& "&r& #& m& da( 1n )5n$ d('& a)en$(ri* le #e#izez $o$(3i a#'e+$(l "olo#i$or0 i da( 'rile=(l #& +(no3$i o #(medenie de 'er#oane in$ere#an$e de la +are 'oi 1n)&a m(l$e l(+r(ri noi0 De 'ild&* n( 3$i( da+& ai a)($ 'rile=(l #-o 1n$5lnii 'e domni3oara Dili B(ri+000 Gi!i *on! i0bucni n r4s. "Ga!ica" i se '&rea (n n(m&r "ormidabil* 'rima b&$r5n& +are n( )orbea de U060B0* +ole#$erol 3i analiza (rinei0 i +(lmea* o +(no3$ea 'e Dili B(ri+: n+2i'(ind(-3i-le doar al&$(ri* Gi%i #imea +& #e #("o+& de r5#0 @elania* di#$in#&* "ra%il& , bibelo( 3i de#(e$& +a (n %ramo"on* Dili B(ri+ , (n zdra2on de (n me$r( o'$ze+i* )(l%ar&* )o'#i$& 3i %&l&%ioa#& +a o "an"ar& mili$ar&0 , n reali$a$e* e( am m(l$ (mor* de+lar& @elania* 'ar+& 1n+5n$a$& de e"e+$(l a"irmaiilor ei* 3i #(n$ obi3n(i$& +a oamenii #& #e am(ze 1n +om'ania mea0 4or$ar(l no#$r(* de +5$e ori m& )ede o ia la %oan&0 /e ce$ , Om(l(i a+e#$a n(-i 'la+e #& #e di#$reze0 Cel mai b(n 'rie$en al l(i e#$e (n domn +( ade)&ra$ di#$in#* %ro'ar la 6"5n$a Vineri0 B&n(ie#+ +& am&n(n$(l a+e#$a #'(ne m(l$e0 ,n tim+ ce vorbea' oc3ii i alunecau discret' studiind interiorul. ?O +amer& #$ranie* dra%a mea0 C5$ #e 'oa$e de +om(n& 3i $o$oda$& bizar&0 @obila e#$e ie"$in&* +(m'&ra$& a+(m $reize+i de ani* aran=amen$(l* $o$al li'#i$ de %(#$0 No$a de bizar o d& "a'$(l +& e#$e ne-lo+(-i-$&0 i a#$a de +el '(in 3a'$e-o'$ ani0 Ce $e "a+e #& "ii a$5$ de #i%(r&A Dar e lim'ede* "e$io* 3i 3$ii +& n(-mi 'la+ 1n$reb&rile nai)e0 4e lada #$(dio(l(i #e a"l& (n 'a+2e$ de i%&ri %ol* "&+($ %2emo$o+0 SVir%iniaT* ro3ii0 Era( i%are$ele 're"era$e ale +olonel(l(i 3i 'e +are n( le-ai mai )&z($ 1n debi$e de 'e#$e do(& +in+inale0 Iar #(b )aza odioa#&* #e a"l& re)i#$a S6&'$&m5naT 1n "orma$ mare* a3a +(m a'&rea la 1n+e'($0?
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, Ce #'(neai* domn(leA Ier$ai-m&* mi #e 1n$5m'l& (neori #& n( a(d 'rea bine0 4rie$ena mea* doamna <loren+e @i%a* 're$inde +& a+ea#$a #-ar da$ora #+lerozei0 E( n( +red* +&+i abia am 1m'lini$ 3aize+i 3i +in+i de ani 3i 'a$r( l(ni0 4re#('(n +& a+ea#$& mi+& me$ea2n& mi #e $ra%e de la "a'$(l +& (re+2ea e 'rea #oli+i$a$&0 Am obi+ei(l , n( 1nele% de +e 'er#oanele +are m& )izi$eaz& #e #im$ ener)a$e , #& (rm&re#+ 1n a+ela3i $im' emi#i(nile de la radio 3i ambele 'ro%rame FV0 Freb(ie #& )& #'(n +& am do(& $ele)izoare0 nele%ei* mi-ar "i im'o#ibil #& (rm&re#+ (n "ilm #a( )arie$&ile de 'e +anal(l (n(* 3i #& #+a' o r(bri+& e+onomi+& in$ere#an$& de 'e +anal(l doi0 N(* )& a#i%(r* ar "i 'e#$e '($erile mele0 6e (i$& la Gi%i $ri(m"&$oare8 ?(i$e +e "el de "emeie #(n$ e(:?* $re+5nd(-3i de%e$ele 'rin b(+lele de la +ea"&0 Gi%i 6on% r5dea de#+2i#* +( o+2i l(+io3i* "&r& #& o #+a'e din 'ri)iri0 A)ea #en$imen$(l +& ni+ioda$& 1n )iaa l(i n( #e di#$ra#e a$5$ de bine0 O #$5rni* "iind(-i 'ar+& $eam& +a b&$r5na #& n(-3i i#'r&)ea#+& n(m&r(l 'rea re'ede0 , 4omeneai 1nain$e de Dili B(ri+0 O +(noa3$ei bineA /esi%(r0 O 'er#oan& "in& din $oa$e '(n+$ele de )edere 3i e-$rem de000 +om'e$en$&0 Ea m-a 1n)&a$ +(m #e de#+2ide ori+e broa#+& "olo#ind doar o a%ra"&* 3$ii* din a+elea ie"$ine* #e )5nd 'a$r( la le(* 3i la danse du ventre in5nd 1n +re3$e$ (n 'a2ar de )in0 Bine1nele#* n( m& 'rod(+ de+5$ 1n +er+(ri in$ime0 n$r-(n re#$a(ran$* a$i$(dinile e-+en$ri+e $e '(n 1n$r-o l(min& ne"a)orabil&0 A'ro'o* domn(le000 6+(zai-m&* n-am rein($ +(m )& +2eam&0 Gi!i. , A* Gi%i: 4er"e+$0 Un n(me e-$rem de dr&%&la30 Am a)($ +5nd)a (n mo$an Gi%i0 D-a +&l+a$ $ram)ai(l 3i 1n$5m'larea m-a a"e+$a$ enorm0 Din #('er#$iie* 'e mo$an(l me( de a+(m l-am bo$eza$ @ir+i(li+&0 Un n(me m&n(3&* #e 'o$ri)e3$e 'er"e+$ +( 'er#onali$a$ea l(i0 n+e'(#em #& )orbe#+ de#'re al$+e)a0 V-a3 "i re+(no#+&$oare da+& mi-ai e-'li+a mo$i)(l 'en$r( +are am "o#$000 "ora$& #&-l '&r&#e#+ 1n 'lin& #$rad&* "&r& a-mi l(a m&+ar r&ma# b(n* 'e 'rie$en(l me(* domn(l lo+o$enen$ Azimioar&0 Bine1nele#* +om'ania d(mnea)oa#$r& e#$e 1n)ior&$oare 3i in#$r(+$i)&* dar a3 "i '($($ 'ro+eda 1n a3a "el* 1n+5$ #&-mi %&#e#+ $im' 'en$r( am5ndoi0 , Foa$& re+(no3$ina din 'ar$ea mea* r5#e Gi%i* 'eriind(-3i in#$in+$i) limba=(l0 i da+&-mi 1n%&d(ii* mi-ar "a+e mare 'l&+ere #& )& )izi$ez000 @elania D('( d&d( din 'alme +a (n +o'il "eri+i$0 O#er $o$dea(na +( b(+(rie (n +eai 'rie$enilor mei 3i dai-mi )oie #& )& +on#ider +a a$are0 4re#im$ +& noi doi ne )om #imi 1n+5n$&$or 1m're(n&0 V-a3 r(%a doar #& "i-ai zi(a 3i ora 'en$r( +& de$e#$ #&-mi $ra$ez m(#a"irii dra%i +( (n cake care nu e #oarte +roa#'&$ #a( o "ri3+& $rezi$&0 @5ine* d('&-amiaz& de e-em'l( )-ar +on)eniA Gi!i o +rivi ncurcat: , Cred +& 'o$ di#'(ne de $im'(l me(* dar n( 3i de al d(mnea)oa#$r&0 , 6(n$ #i%(r& +& n( )& 1nele% de#$(l de bine0 , E(000* +(m #& )& #'(n* n( re'rezin$ de+5$ (n #im'l(000 in$ermediar0 Al$+ine)a ia de+iziile 1n +eea +e )& 'ri)e3$e0 ?E-a+$ +eea +e b&n(iai* "e$ia mea0 Gi%i e (n b&ia$ "oar$e dr&%(* +are 'romi$e* dar n( are 1n+& #("i+ien$& ma$(ri$a$e 3i e-'erien& 'en$r( a "i (n bo##0 A+(m* n(-i r&m5ne de+5$ #-o #aci +e )cu!ia roie #'eria$& de ba(-ba(0? Cli'i m&r(n$* +( o+2ii l&r%ii de #'aim& 3i %(ra ro$(n=i$& 1n "orm& de
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O0 , N&d&=d(ie#+ +& e#$e o 'er#oan& bine +re#+($&* +&+i am oroare de nenele%eri0 N( b&n(ii $o$(3i de#'re +e ar '($ea "i )orbaA Gi!i *on! 13i 'le+& in#$in+$i) 'ri)irea0 , mi 'are r&(* dar n-am ni+i +ea mai mi+& idee0 6ar+ina mea era doar #& )& ad(+ ai+i0 , i000 +are )a "i 'ro%ram(l me( 1n +on$in(areA $ii* #(n$ 1n%ri=ora$& 'en$r( @ir+i(li+&0 C5nd am 'le+a$ de a+a#&* el era la 'limbare0 A+(m* #e #im$e 'robabil dezola$ 3i m& a3$ea'$& "l&m5nd 1n "aa (3ii0 Da+& d(mnea)oa#$r& ai "i di#'(#000 , Ce an(me* doamn&A , Doar a$5$: 6&-i dai dr(m(l 1n +a#& 3i #&-i #+oa$ei m5n+area din "ri%ider0 E 'e ra"$(l de #(#* 1n$r-(n +a#$rona3 ro3( +( b(line albe0 Am +on#$a$a$ +& a+ea#$a e#$e +(loarea +are-i #$im(leaz& a'e$i$(l 3i b(na di#'oziie0 Gi!i *on! o +rivi +rintre !ene. ?O "i %a%i+a i#+(#i$&* dar 'rea m& ia de $oloma+0 Adi+& o (m"l( de l5n%& (n %abor 3i 3me+2erii de la miliie n-a( rea+ii* #(n$ ane#$eziaiA Un ba$alion de #$i+lei 1i #('ra)e%2eaz& a+(m lo+(ina0? , Credei* 1n$reb& b&$r5na +( la+rim& 1n o+2i 3i %la#* +& )-ai '($ea %&#i $im'A , Bine1nele#* doamn&* r&#'(n#e 'rom'$ Gi%i0 mi #'(nei doar +(m $reb(ie #& 'ro+edez0 @elania 13i d(#e m5na la inim&0 , O2: 6(n$ a$5$ de "eri+i$&: mi l(ai o %re($a$e de 'e inim&0 A+e#$ea #(n$ +2eile0 I le 1n$in#e +( m5na $rem(r5nd&0 Gi%i i-o #&r($& +( o ele%an& +am ea'&n&0 n relaiile l(i +( "emeile era de obi+ei mai ?'i$ore#+?0 ?Ura* 'ii'oan+a: 6'or 1n ram(r& 3i 'or$o"el:? , @& l&#ai #in%(r&A , Din '&+a$e0 V& a)er$izez +& n( '($ei '&r&#i lo+(ina* ori+5$ 3i ori+e ai 1n+er+a0 n lo+(l d(mnea)oa#$r&* m-a3 odi2ni0 ?Da* re"le+$& @elania d('& ze+e min($e0 B&ia$(l 3$ie +e )orbe3$e0 E o +a#& +on#$r(i$& 1n 'lin +5m'* 'robabil la 10-1J Lm de B(+(re3$i0 4o$ #$ri%a '5n& r&%(3e#+* n( m& a(de nimeni0 Camer& la e$a=* %ra$ii "loren$ine la "ere#$re* (3& de #$e=ar bine a#i%(ra$&0 i $o$(3i* dra%a mea* $reb(ie #& e-i#$e o #o-l(-ie: Nimi+ n(-i im'o#ibil 'en$r( $ine0 De3i a3 "i $eribil de +(rioa#& #& a"l( +e )rea Sbo##(lT0 4en$r( ori+e e)en$(ali$a$e 1n#&* #$(diaz& 'o#ibili$a$ea (nei e)ad&ri0 C(m #(n& 'ro)erb(l a+elaA nain$e de a in$ra* ai %ri=& #& 3$ii 'e (nde ie3i0 De)ii ab#(rd&* 'ro#$(o: Doar n-ai )eni$ ai+i de b(n&)oie0 A+(m $e ro% +on+en$reaz&-$e 3i %5nde3$e-$e0 Va "i de#$(l de +a'$i)an$0 $ii* +a 1n S@i#$er(l +amerei %albeneT0 Bai* #("le+&-i m5ne+ile* 3i la $reab&: Al$& 'ro#$ie: Ce-i +( $ine* @elaniaA Doar n-ai de %5nd #& #'eli r("eA? C5n$e+(l 1nde'&r$a$ al (n(i +o+o3 o '(#e 'e %5nd(ri0 888 ?C5nd $e %5nde3$i* n( 'oi #&-i re'ro3ezi nimi+ 3i $o$(3i "emeia a#$a e 'ro"(nd an$i'a$i+&0? @aior(l Cri#$e#+( o 1n$5m'ina#e +( (n a+($ #en$imen$ de dez:"

a%reabil 3i 13i zi#e +& ni+i m&+ar d(rerea n( izb($ea #-o (manizeze0 Era $o$ a#'r&* ma#+(lin&* de-o #i%(ran& a%re#i)& 3i 'rin+i'ial&0 Ve#$imen$aia o#+ila 1n$re in($a obi3n(i$& 3i doli(0 4(r$a (n 'arde#i( 1n+2i#* iar dede#(b$* (n deux"pi#ces ne%r( +( o bl(z& alb&0 Al&$(ri de ea* mi+&* 'ierd($& 1n$r-(n balonzaid ar%in$i(* +( +roial& am'l&* dar mere( %raioa#&* C&$&lina Dra%o3 '&rea (n +olibri #'eria$0 Cri#$e#+( 1i 'rezen$a#e 1n+(r+a$ +ondoleane , +a $oi oamenii #en#ibili* 1n a#emenea #i$(aii ar "i 're"era$ #& #e a"le la al$ +a'&$ de l(me ,* la +are D(+reia 4o'e#+( r&#'(n#e ea'&n&* +( b(ze #$r5n#e* d5nd din +a'0 N( #+o#e#e o #in%(r& la+rim&* ni+i m&+ar (n #(#'in 3i maior(l 1n+e'( #& #e (i$e la ea* +( "a#+inaia +ara+$eri#$i+& 'e +are o %enereaz& e-+e#(l de oroare0 Da in)i$aia +a$e%ori+&* ad(+5nd a ordin a D(+reiei 4o'e#+(* C&$&lina rela$& 1n "raze +i(n$e* #(%2ia$e* i#$oria 'an$o"ilor m(rdari de )ar ai a)o+a$(l(i @i+le#+( 3i #(#'i+i(nile ei le%a$e de "el(l 1n +are a+e#$a 13i "olo#i#e $im'(l 1n #eara +5nd Dor( 4o'e#+( "(#e#e mole#$a$0 D(+reia #(blinia z%omo$o# "ie+are am&n(n$* +ori=a indi%na$& ori+e omi#i(ne0 , @i-ai #'(# +& #$abili#er&i 1n mod 're+i# #& )& )edei 1n #eara a+eea0 , Da000 E ade)&ra$0 Dar000 n(-i 'rima oar& +& n( )ine la 1n$5lnire0 , 4e mine n( m& in$ere#eaz&* "e$io* +e-ai "&+($ 3i ai dre# al$& da$&0 Vorbim des+re luni "@ noiembrie. @aior(l o (rm&rea +a'$i)an$* zi+5nd(-3i +& #+ena n(-i li'#i$& de (mor0 n biro(l l(i* D(+reia 4o'e#+( 'rel(a#e de "a'$ +ond(+erea an+2e$ei0 Doli(l "emeii 1i im'(nea 1n#& (nele mena=amen$e0 , Freb(ie #& )& a$ra% a$enia* in$er)eni 'e (n $on 1m'&+i(i$or +& 1n #i$(aii in"ra+ionale* oamenii obi3n(ie#+ #&-3i ia minime m&#(ri de 're+a(ie0 3i 're'ar& alibi(ri #erioa#e 3i 1n ni+i (n +az n( li'#e#+ de la 1n$5lniri0 D(+reia 4o'e#+( 1l 'ri)i ironi+&8 , N( $oa$& l(mea e la "el de i#+(#i$&0 , De-a l(n%(l (nei 'ra+$i+i de 'e#$e do(&ze+i de ani* de+lar& maior(l +( am&r&+i(ne* am a)($ 'o#ibili$a$ea #& +on#$a$ +&* 1n "a'$ele #o+iale )alabile* oamenii n( de'(n ni+i m&+ar =(m&$a$e din i#+(#ina 3i 'ri+e'erea 'e +are o do)ede#+ a$(n+i +5nd e )orba #& #&)5r3ea#+& (n deli+$* indi"eren$ de na$(ra l(i0 i a'oi* omi$ei (n a#'e+$ e#enial8 @i+le#+( e =(ri#$ 3i 1n+& din +ei mai bine +o$ai0 n +on+l(zie* +(noa3$e +el '(in al"abe$(l in"ra+i(nii0 D(+reia 4o'e#+( 13i #&l$& b&rbia8 )cestea sunt s+eculaii li'#i$e de rele)an& 'en$r( mine0 E-i#$& $oa$e indi+iile +& @i+le#+( a a$en$a$ la )iaa l(i Dor(* +& l-a (+i#* +e #& ne mai "erim de +()in$e000 5ndicii' dar nu +robe. , 0003i 1n +on#e+in& $reb(ie #& di#'(nei imedia$ are#$area l(i: Maiorul o cercet&* #(r5z5nd8 - un ordin$ C&$&lina #e "&+(#e 3i mai mi+& 1n "o$oli(0 Hinea (merii ridi+ai* 'ar+& z%rib(li$& de "ri% 3i-i (rm&rea #'eria$&* d5nd im're#ia +& n( 1nele%e +e #e 'e$re+e 1n =(r(l ei0 , O #(%e#$ie de b(n #im0 Com'le$& $&ioa#&8 $i( +& @i+le#+( e (n a)o+a$ %roza)* +eea +e 'en$r( mine e+2i)aleaz& +( o mare +analie000 , 6$ima$& $o)ar&3&* o 1n$rer('#e Cri#$e#+( dida+$i+* '($ei a+(za (n indi)id* dar n( 1n$rea%a brea#l&0 In#$i$(ia a'&r&rii #e b(+(r& de 're#$i%i(
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3i $o$ re#'e+$(l la noi* +a de al$"el +retutindeni. , R&m5n la '&rerea mea 3i #(n$ %a$a #& #('or$ ori+e +on#e+ine 1n +az(l +& n( am dre'$(l #& %5nde#+ +e 'o"$e#+0 De+i* o mare +analie +( relaii in$ere#an$e 3i mai ale# "olo#i$oare0 Com'le$& 'ri)ind(-l 1n o+2i8 N( m& "a+ei #& +red +& a+e#$e relaii 'o$ in"l(ena 3i +ond(i$a miliiei0 @aior(l 13i #+oa#e o+2elarii 3i o"$&8 , nele% +& )& a"lai 1n$r-o #$are de #'iri$ deo#ebi$& 3i )& ro% #& m& +redei +& )& b(+(rai de $oa$& +om'a#i(nea mea0 Fo$(3i* l(ai-o +a (n #"a$ 'rie$ene#+ 'er#onal* 1n lo+(l d(mnea)oa#$r&* mi-a3 +enz(ra +()in$ele0 , Dar +e 'o$ #& +red* i'& D(+reia 4o'e#+(* 3i C&$&lina $re#&ri* a'roa'e #& +ad& din "o$oli(* +e al$+e)a 'o$ #& +red de+5$ +& a( in$ra$ 1n "(n+i(ne $ele"oaneleA Dor( l-a amenina$ 'e domn(l a)o+a$ Valeri( @i+le#+( +&-l den(n&* iar d('& do(& zile moare0 De3i #-a a"la$ la lo+(l +rimei* d(mnea)oa#$r& 1l $ra$ai de ino+en$0 , N( ino+en$* dar ni+i +(l'abil0 n 'ro"e#i(nea noa#$r&* ideile 're+on+e'($e #(n$ 'rime=dioa#e0 N( am in$enia #& )& in (n +(r# de dre'$ 'enal0 V-a3 amin$i* 'rin$re al$ele* +& n(-# $rei zile de +5nd 1l a+(zai la "el de "erm 'e in%iner(l Gre%orian0 D(+reia 4o'e#+( 13i 1n+le3$& de%e$ele 1n "ermoar(l 'o3e$ei0 , N( re$ra+$ez nimi+0 Am +er$i$(dinea +& @i+le#+( 3i Gre%orian +olaboreaz& #$r5n#0 , n #"5r3i$* o"$& maior(l 1n+2iz5nd do#ar(l 3i ne$ezind(-i +o'er$a a'&#a$* 'o$ #'(ne +& n( "an$ezia )& li'#e3$e0 , Ironia d(mnea)oa#$r& n( m& a$in%e* iar a"irmaiile mele )i le )oi do)edi 1n +(r5nd0 , V& a3$e'$ +( ner&bdare0 n+& (n #"a$8 e)i$ai in)e#$i%aiile 'e +on$ 'ro'ri(0 N( o da$& 'ro$a%oni3$ii (nor a$ari 1n$re'rinderi #-a( ale# +( ne+az(ri #erioa#e* iar +5$ 'ri)e#+ $reb(rile noa#$re* a( izb($i$ $o$dea(na #& le 1n+(r+e #'lendid0 V& m(l(me#+ 'en$r( b(n&)oin&0 Con+edia$&* D(+reia 4o'e#+( #e ridi+& az)5rlind(-i o 'ri)ire nea%r&0 D&d( #+(r$ din +a' 3i #e 1n$oar#e #'re balerin&0 , Bai* "e$io: C&$&lina #e ridi+& amei$&0 A)ea o e-'re#ie de $o$al& n&(+eal& 3i* 1n al$ 'ei#a=* ai "i '($($-o l(a dre'$ dro%a$&0 @aior(l 13i 'rin#e b&rbia 1n +&(3(l 'almei0 C( +ealal$& m5n& $amb(rina biro(l0 ?<irma @i+le#+( e$ Gre%orian000 Bm: O i'o$ez& in$ere#an$&000? 17 C5nd a(zi #oneria* Viole$a Bordeian(* 1n +a'o$ +&ld(ro# de zanana 3i +( 'a$r( bi%(di(ri 1n '&r* #e (i$& in#$in+$i) la +ea#0 ?Cine m-o +&($aA? Ca 3i Cri# Gre%orian* era o 'er#oan& ne#oli+i$a$&* dar din rezoane di"eri$e0 4e in%iner* (n #oli$ar 'rin +on#$r(+ie* n(-l in$ere#a( relaiile 3i #o+ie$a$ea* re"(z5nd delibera$* "erm* dar +( deli+a$ee ori+e imi-$i(ne 1n )iaa l(i* 1n )reme +e Bordeian+a era a)id& de l(me , 1n $ineree #e d&dea 1n )5n$ d('& b5l+i 3i mo3i ,#in%(r& #e 'li+$i#ea mon#$r(o#* "iind di#'(#& la o adi+& #& 1n$rein& +on)er#aii 3i +( 'or$&rea#a* l&'$ar(l #a( %(noier(l0 De la 3ai#'reze+e ani n($rea (n #in%(r dor8 #& #e m&ri$e0 B&rbaii 1n#& o o+oli#er& 1n mod +on#$an$ 3i Cole$a @i+le#+(* de 'ild&* #e 1n$reba#e ade#eori 1n +e +on#$a mi#$er(l li'#ei $o$ale de #(++e# a Viole$ei0
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Ade)&ra$* $r('(l era m&$&2&lo#* o namil& 'ro'$i$& 1n doi b(l(ma+i* dar +a'(l* de o real& "r(m(#ee +la#i+&* $e "&+ea #& (ii +e #e 1n$5m'l& de la %5$ 1n =o#0 n 'l(#* era $i$ra$&* a)ea o lea"& b(ni+i+&* de +are di#'(nea liber* ne"iind %re)a$& de ni+i (n "el de i'o$e+i* dome#$i+e #a( #o+iale0 i $o$(3i nimeni 3i ni+ioda$& n(-i "&+(#e +(r$e 1n ade)&ra$(l #en# al +()5n$(l(i 3i* +5$ #-ar "i #$r&d(i$ Cole$a #&-3i amin$ea#+&* 1n )iaa Bordeian+&i n( e-i#$a#e ni+i +ea mai ino"en#i)& le%&$(r&8 (n b&rba$ +are #-o #+oa$& la (n "ilm #a( #&-i dea m&+ar (n $ele"on0 Da+& @i+lea#+a o #('or$a $o$(3i* a+ea#$a #e da$ora (n(i an(me #en$imen$ali#m* (nei no#$al%ii a anilor 'e$re+(i 1n 'en#ion 3i $alen$(l(i de a a#+(l$a "&r& #& a(d& 3i de a a(zi n(mai +eea +e 1i "&+ea 'l&+ere0 Ceilali , +ole%i de #er)i+i(* )e+ini* +(no3$ine , o o+olea( 1n mod #$a$orni+* (nii de+lar5nd(-i r&#'i+a$ Cole$ei8 ?Dra%&* n( )rea( #& m& im'(n* dar da+& )ine Viole$a* e( 'arolez0 Fre+ m5ine 'e la $ine0 Viaa e 'rea 'lin& de deza%reabil 3i am a=(n# la o )5r#$& +5nd )rea( #& "a+ doar +eea +e 1mi 'la+e +( ade)&ra$?0 Viole$a +on#(l$& )izor(l* de#+2i#e Cala 3i $ra#e +ele 'a$r( z&)oare0 A)ea ob#e#ia 2oilor* de3i 1n +a#& n( '&#$ra ni+ioda$& mai m(l$ de $rei #($e de lei 3i &ia a#+(n3i 1n$r-o za2arni& din b(+&$&rie0 , Bani n-am: "( re'li+a #'on$an&* 1nain$e +a ne'o$(-#&( #&-i dea binee0 Gi!i *on! r4n.i: , n +az +on$rar a3 "i 1n+er+a$ +ea mai mare #(r'riz& din )iaa mea0 Bordeian+a $ra#e la lo+ z&)oarele0 Ce vrei$ Gi%i 6on% #e az)5rli 1n "o$oli(l +el mai a'ro'ia$ , #$o"& )erde 1n+2i# +( 'i+o(ri ne%re 9e 'ra+$i+* n( #e m(rd&re3$e* d(+e la $&)&leal&;* brae 3i 'i+ioare de lemn* o mie 'a$r( #($e b(+a$a 1n anii 1 V0 , 3i o +er+e$& ironi+0 Mi(a #ost dor de matale' tanti >ioleta. Bordeian+a 1i #$re+(r& o 'ri)ire b&n(i$oare0 D(& 'a+2e$(l de @&r&3e3$i* 13i ale#e $a+$i+oa#& o i%ar& 3i 1n+e'( #& '("&ie0 <(ma +a bir=arii +( +a'&$(l a'rin# al i%&rii orien$a$ #'re 'alm&0 Ce vrei$ Gi!i *on! i sur4se sera#ic. Ce mai #aci$ *ictir! Ce vrei$ 3i 1n"i'#e m5inile 1n 3old(ri 3i n(-l #l&bea din 'ri)iri0 O+2ii era( ai Nelei* "r(mo3i* +am 'rea "r(mo3i 'en$r( (n b&rba$* na#(l dre'$ , al mi$o+anilor* Cim'oierii ,* b&rbia 1n#& a lor* a Bordeienilor0 N(-3i '(#e#e ni+ioda$& 1n$rebarea da+& ine +( ade)&ra$ la ne'o$(-#&(* mai bine zi# n(-3i analiza#e #en$imen$ele0 n %eneral +a'a+i$a$ea de a-3i de+an$a #$&rile de #'iri$ 1i li'#ea +om'le$* #e m(l(mea +( +ali"i+&ri %enera$e de a+el ?1n "irea l(+r(rilor? 3i 're=(de+&i8 ?in la Gi%i* 1i b&ia$(l #or(-mi000? 6a(8 ?m&-#a )i$re%&* +e 're$enii #& aiA? C5nd a++e'$a#e $($ela l(i ne'o$(-#&(* Gi%i a)ea (n#'reze+e ani* era 2&rni+(* #&ri$or 3i do$a$ +( (n rar 'o$enial a"e+$i)* 'e +are Viole$a +on%eni$al %ro#ier&* #en#ibil& +a o "oaie de %la#'a'ir* 1l i%nora +om'le$0 6e +redea e-$rem de %eneroa#& , b&ia$(l #e #&$(ra din blidele ei* a)ea (n a3$ern($ 'rimeni$ 3i mer%ea la 3+oal&* ?n( la me#erie? , 3i de +5$e ori 13i amin$ea de a+e#$e am&n(n$e* #imea +(m +re3$e 1n 'ro'riii ei o+2i0 <a'$(l 1n#& +&-i $ra$a +( indi"eren& ab#ol($ $oa$e dorinele* +& b&ia$(l na)(#e#e m&+ar o min%e 1n +ei 3a#e ani 'e$re+(i la ea* #a( bani de (n
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+inema* +& 1n "ond 1l $ran#"orma#e 1n #l(%& "&r& #imbrie era( a#'e+$e a#('ra +&rora n( z&bo)i#e ni+ioda$&0 Dim'o$ri)&* +5nd #imi#e +& o +i('e3$e la +o3ni& , "a$al: , +(%e$a#e la +e )a #& zi+& "enomen(l eredi$ar8 ?De: 6oi(l r&(* Cim'oerii:? Da 3a'$e#'reze+e ani* Gi%i "(%i#e de a+a#&0 Viole$a +omen$a#e #+(r$8 ?Neam de )a%abonzi: Da +e re+(no3$in& $e 'oi a3$e'$aA? n "ond* #e #imi#e m(l(mi$& 3i de $eam& +a b&ia$(l #& n( #e 1n$oar+&* #+2imba#e a'ar$amen$(l +( o %ar#onier&0 Fo$(3i +om(ni+a( 3i* din +5nd 1n +5nd* Gi%i 1i "&+ea +ado( #(me de#$(l de im'or$an$e* de#'re a +&ror 'ro)enien&* Bordeian+a* 'r(den$& 3i +( o +on3$iin& +omod&* n( #e in$ere#a0 , V&d +& e3$i %r&bi$&* +on#$a$& Gi%i* '(n5nd 'i+ior 'e#$e 'i+ior0 6&-i e-'li+ de#'re +e e )orba8 'rie$ena d(mi$ale* @elania D('(* $e roa%& #& $e d(+i la ea a+a#&0 N( $reb(ie de+5$ #& la3i mo$an(l 1n&(n$r( 3i #&-i dai de m5n+are0 n+e'( #& r5d& +5nd )&z( mina #$('e"ia$& a Bordeian+&i0 C&#+a#e %(ra +( o dan$(r& 'er"e+$& la 3a'$eze+i de ani* 3i de mirare* o+2ii +&($a( #'re )5r"(l na#(l(i0 C5nd izb($i #& )orbea#+&* Gi%i 13i "re+& m5inile de #a$i#"a+ie0 n )iaa l(i n( )&z(#e +e)a mai +ara%2io#0 , Ce $o$ b&lm&=e3$i $( a+oloA @elania* 'o$aie000 Ai +&'ia$A , N(* $an$i* o 1n+redin& Gi%i 6on%* am(z5nd(-#e ne#'(#0 Da+& )rei 'o$ #&-i re'e$0 Doamna @elania Lu+u... ?ordeianca l ntreru+se cu brutalitate: , De (nde o +(no3$i $(A , Din 4ar+(l Diber$&ii000 , Ui$e* m&i b&ie$e* #+r53ni Viole$a* #$r5n%5nd (n #+a(n +( #'&$ar(l 1n "orm& de lir&* da+& ai )eni$ la mine +a #&-mi $orni obr&zni+ii* 'oi #& 'le+i0 U3a-i 1n #'a$e* o ii $o$ la )ale: Ai 1nele#A Gi%i 6on% 13i a'rin#e +( non3alan& (n $arl oro. , C(m #& n(: Adi+& #&-mi 'limb ana$omia* +& n-ai 'er#'e+$i)&0 <ii bl5nd&* n-am de %5nd #& #$&r(i 'rin 1m're=(rimi0 Ui$e* a#$ea #(n$ +2eile0 Din +5$e am rein($* 'e indi)id 1l +2eam& @ir+i(li+&0 E e#enial0 Care individ idiotule$ , 6+(i'i #5mb(ri* $an$iA Ce naiba* $e 3$iam +(+oan& #alon0 i* 1n de"ini$i)* n( )&d de +e $e o"$i+i0 N(-i 'rie3$e la +ole#$erol0 B&$r5na* "(rioa#& la +(lme* abia #e #$&'5nea #& n(-l +5r'ea#+&0 Doar +& anii +5nd ar "i '($($ #-o "a+& #e +&l&$ori#er& dem(l$* n( era delo+ #i%(r& +(m ar "i rea+iona$ ne'o$(-#&( 3i* 1n 'l(#* la+om& 3i a)ar&* n( )oia #& 'iard& o #(r#& #('limen$ar& de )eni$(ri0 n$reb& +( %la# %5"5i$8 , 4e (nde (mbl& neb(na aia de n(-3i 'oa$e 2r&ni #in%(r& animal(lA , A* 1n #"5r3i$: e-+lam& #a$i#"&+($ Gi%i 6on%0 n+e'em #& +on)orbim +i)iliza$0 Dra%& $an$i* doamna 1n +a(z& m-a 1n$5lni$ 'e #$rad& 3i m-a r(%a$ #&-i "a+ a+e#$ mi+ #er)i+i(0 E(* +a %en$leman* m-am e-e+($a$ de (r%en&* iar ma$ale* +a o ladC de la +are am l(a$ m(l$e 'ilde "r(moa#e* n( m& 1ndoie#+ +& )ei 'ro+eda la "el de 'rom'$* a3a +& ba%& +&rb(ni* #+2imb&-i +oa=a000 , Ce +oa=&* bezme$i+(leA , Fe d(+i 1n +a'o$A De: l mai 3$i( 'e (n(l +are $o$ a3a* ie3ea 1n #li' 'e #$rad& 3i d&dea b(n& zi(a 'rin $ram)aie0 i-a #+2imba$ de +(r5nd domi+ili(l0 N( mi-a +om(ni+a$ 1n+& adre#a* dar 'ariez +& admir& realiz&rile noa#$re de d('& %ra$ii* (nde)a 'rin Ber+eni0 Ca #& n( rea+ioneze* b&$r5na 13i m(3+& b(zele8 , N-am +2e" #& ie#: De +e nu te duci tu$ , N(-mi 'rie3$e +lima din zon&* r5n=i Gi%i0 Dar ma$ale 'oa$e +& $e
:9

r&z%5nde3$i0 6+oa#e (n 'li+ din b(z(nar(l +anadienei 3i-l '(#e 'e ma#&0 Ai ai+i +in+i A$ene(ri0 6$im(leaz& al dra+(l(i a'e$i$(l0 O+2ii Bordeian+&i #$r&l(+ir&* (n %ro2&i$ de #a$i#"a+ie i #e #$re+(r& 'rin$re b(zele 1n+& #('erbe0 , Bine* m& 1mbra+: A#$a 'en$r( +& in#i3$i $(0 E3$i (n derbede(* dar am a)($ #l&bi+i(ne 'en$r( bia$a m&-$a0 Gi%i 6on% $ra#e (l$im(l "(m 3i #$ri)i i%ara 1n #+r(miera de bronz0 , @ie-mi #'(i: Inim& blea%& +( +ardio'a$ie la neam(ri0 Ni+i B&l+e#+( n( le $re+e 'e dinain$e0 , Ce B&l+e#+(* z&'&+i$(leA: Care B&l+e#+(A Ai +&'ia$A &n sur4s !ras ntinse bu0ele lui Gi!i *on!: , A3a 1l +2eam& 'e $o)ar&3(l de 'e )er#o(l alba#$rei0 @ai 1n)a&* $an$i: 888 De o #&'$&m5n&* 1n$re 3a'$e 3i no(& dimineaa* maior(l Cri#$e#+( #$(dia ?ar2i)a? b&$r5n(l(i $e"an 4o'a0 Fo$ala li'#& de mobil a +rimei 1l #5+5ia '5n& la ob#e#ie* iar 'e de al$& 'ar$e* 'o#eda #("i+ien$& e-'erien& , 1n de"ini$i) in$(iia 3i 1n b(n& m&#(r& +2iar $alen$(l 1n$r-o me#erie i le d& 'ra+$i+a , 'en$r( a "i 1n+redina$ +& a#a#ina$(l re#'e+$i) n( e#$e #emna$ de (n #adi+* +2in(i$ de $i+(ri ner)oa#e0 Iniial* n( a+orda#e mare im'or$an& Lilo%ramelor de ma+(la$(r& %&#i$e 1n lo+(ina b&$r5n(l(i , 'a%ini 1n$re%i* +oli +omer+iale* "ile de +aie$* "i(i+i* #im'le adno$&ri , $oa$e* dar ab#ol($ $oa$e* $r&d5nd o ob#e#ie mi#$i+& de=a +&z($& 1n 'a$olo%i+0 nre%i#$r5nd 'a#i(nea reli%ioa#& a l(i 4o'a la r(bri+a #min$eli de #enil* #e m(l(mi#e doar #& r&#"oia#+&* +i$ind 'e dia%onal&* #($ele de $e-$e 1n +are ne"eri+i$(l* 1n "(n+ie de di#'oziie* +(%e$a +re3$ine3$e 'e di)er#e $eme emi5nd 'ro"eii #ini#$re #a( mai $randa"irii a#('ra "enomen(l(i )ia&0 ?Com'(nerile? 9ar "i zi# lo+o$enen$(l @o3oian(; ab(nda( de 'ilde din )iaa #"inilor m(+eni+i* a)er$i#men$e 3i amenin&ri l(%(bre8 ?'edea'#& +(m'li$& )& a3$ea'$&?* ?'re%&$ii-)& #& #("erii m(+eni+ia?* ?ar%ini #'(r+ai dob5ndii la $araba l(i @amon?* ?o#5nd& +e n( )a "i ni+i dare de $aleri* ni+i boli3$e* ni+i mazilire* +i $r(' mistuit n cu+toarele G3eenei..." ?Bm* de+i n( nemii a( in)en$a$ m&%&ria a#$a* re"le+$a Cri#$e#+(* #e#iz5nd 1n a+ela3i $im' +& 'an#e(rile l(i 4o'a $r&da( o do+(men$are #erioa#& 3i +& d('& $oa$e a'arenele* 'reo+('&rile bibli+e ale b&$r5n(l(i da$a( de (n n(m&r +on#iderabil de ani0 3i 1n#(3i#e 'er"e+$ limba=(l bre#lei* iar +(no3$inele 1n le%&$(r& +( )iaa #o+ial& 3i in$im& a )ede$elor era de-a dre'$(l im're#ionan$&0 De 'ild&* maior(l a"la a+(m +on#$erna$ +& 6"5n$(l Gri%orie De+a'oli$(l a #&l&3l(i$ )reme de 3a'$e ani 1n bordei de de#"r5na$&* ba +2iar 1n a+ela3i 'a$* nend(r5nd(-#e #-o a$in%&* #a( +& 6"5n$(l Va#ile al C2e#ariei Ca'ado+2iei* manda$ar(l l(i Cri#$o# 'e Ferra* #e 2r&nea doar +( dra%o#$ea de a-l #l(=i 'e D(mneze(* i%nor5nd +(r+anii 'e )arz&* +5rnaii #a( al$e +2e#$ii indi%e#$e0 6a( +& oare+5nd* Ioan al No)%orod(l(i* +are-i 'or(n+i#e dra+(l(i #&-l d(+& 1n +5r+& '5n& la Ier(#alim* #e 1n%ri=ea mai m(l$ de +ele #("le$e3$i de+5$ de +ele $r('e3$i 3i a+ea#$a din #"inenie 3i n( 'en$r( +& a)ea +ar+2in la #icat. Con$in(5nd #& +i$ea#+& a$en$ el(+(braiile b&$r5n(l(i* Cri#$e#+( realiz& +& o mare 'ar$e din ma$erial 1l +on#$i$(ie +iornele (nor #+ri#ori al +&ror de#$ina$ar r&m5nea 1n#& ne+(no#+($0 C5$e)a "raze mai +( #eam& 3i +are re)enea( "re+)en$ 1l '(#e#er& 'e %5nd(ri8 ?000min$ea mi-e ne)olni+&*
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%la)a-i de n&rod* dar dar(l l(i D(mneze( l(+reaz& +( #'or la 1n$rea%a mea "&'$(r&0 6merenia 3i +redina 'or(n+&-mi da( #& "a+ 'rob&l(irea a+e#$(i dar +( "a'$& 'rea 'l&+($& Domn(l(i0 n $r(dni+ia mea* $o$ d(+5nd(-m& %5nd(l la (nii +a Arie* @a+2edonie* A'olinarie 3i Ori%2en 3ia 1n+oli$ dor de (ria3 al '(#$iei 3i an(me #& 1nal #"5n$ l&+a3 1n$r( #l&)irea Gidi$or(l(i000? Ideea re)enea* dar 1n ali $ermeni8 ?000din $alerii 6a$anei* +arele #e +2eam& a "i 3i )oie)od(l "iarelor* 'ia$r& 'e#$e 'ia$r& )oi '(ne 1n$r( +in#$ea @5n$(i$or(l(i 3i a o#$a3ilor #&i?0 Fe-$(l 1n#& +are i #e '&r( +el mai #emni"i+a$i) , din '&+a$e +i(n$i$* %ri"on&ri 'e man3e$a (nei re)i#$e de 'ro)in+ieE b&$r5n(l* medi$& maior(l* era br(#+ +('rin# de in#'iraie 3i a$(n+i 13i a3$ernea %5nd(rile 'e +e-i )enea la 1ndem5n& , era (rm&$or(l8 ?Cei din +ea$a l(i Cri#$o#* d('& +(m m& #o+o$* #(n$ mai bo%ai la min$e de+5$ $oi +ne=ii o3$ilor dr&+e3$i 're+(m A)e#$ia* Ga3'ar ori I(lian A'o#$a$(l0 @i-# i#+(#i$ 1n $&lm&+irea #+ri'$(rilor* dar 3i 1n r5nd(ielile #a$ani+e3$i0 Falerii +ei m(li* i vei mpri cu mine 1n$r( #l&)irea @5n$(i$or(l(i0 Vredni+ a3ez&m5n$ l(i Cri#$o# )rea( 3i n( b(n(ri ale "alei de3ar$e000? @aior(l 13i $re+( de%e$ele 'rin '&r (l(i$0 D&#5nd la o 'ar$e dorina ori%inal& a l(i $e"an 4o'a , a#$a "olo#ind $ermeni bl5nzi , de a 1n&la o bi#eri+&* #e 1n$reba +ine era nabab(l* 'er#oan& "izi+&* 1n #$are #&-i "(rnizeze +a'i$al(l ne+e#ar0 Cri#$e#+( n-a)ea de+5$ idei )a%i 1n ma$erie de +on#$r(+ii* dar (n elemen$ar b(n #im 1i #'(nea +& o a#emenea 1n$re'rindere 're#('(nea +2el$(ieli de milioane0 Or* 'rin$re +ei +are mi3(na( 1n orbi$a b&$r5n(l(i* n( "i%(ra ni+i (n )oie)od al marilor "inane0 Da o $re+ere 1n re)i#$& +5$ de #('er"i+ial&* $oa$e 'er#ona=ele #e e-+l(dea( de la #ine0 6in%(r(l +are #e b(+(ra de +on"or$ 'e+(niar era @i+le#+(* dar +2iar 3i a+e#$a n( di#'(nea de a)erile l(i Cre#(# 3i* ori+5$ de %enero3i #ar "i ar&$a$ +lienii* $o$ n( era #("i+ien$ 'en$r( a 1n&la +a$edrale0 @aior(l 1n+(ie ar2i)a b&$r5n(l(i 1n "i3e$0 Era 1n+redina$ +& a in$(i$ =(#$ 'i#$a +e d(+ea la rezol)area mi#$er(l(i le%a$ de moar$ea l(i 4o'a0 Feb(ia 1n#& re'era$ 'er#ona=(l nabab a#('ra +&r(ia b&$r5n(l "&+ea 're#i(ni 'en$r( a obine o imen#& #(m& de bani0 n$in#e m5na d('& 'a+2e$(l de i%&ri0 R&ma#e +( ea 1n aer* #$r&"(l%era$ de o idee0 ?N( 'o#e#or(l (n(i imen# +on$ 1n lei $reb(ie +&($a$ +i 1n )al($&0 Da000 a#$a e#$e: Freb(ie #&000? l 1n$rer('#e $ril(l $ele"on(l(i0 Re+(no#+( %la#(l nazal al l(i Azimioar&0 9i )ine #&-i o"eri mere( o ba$i#$&* a"irma @o3oian(0; In)e#$i%aiile le%a$e de r&'irea @elaniei n( d(#e#er& la ni+i (n rez(l$a$0 , Con$in(ai #('ra)e%2erea lo+(inei* di#'(#e 'li+$i#i$ Cri#$e#+( 3i '(#e re+e'$or(l 1n "(r+&0 6&l$& din (meri 3i 1mbr&+& $ren+i(l0 ?@&+ar de-ar "i "(ra$-o de"ini$i): 4ariez 1n#& +& 1n$r-o zi-do(&* #e 'rezin$& la domi+ili(* $ea"&r& 3i bine di#'(#&* n( de al$a* dar +a #& n(-l indi#'(n& 'e @ir+i(li+&0 Are stomahul deran=a$* 1nele%ei000? 4&r&#i biro(l* ima%in5nd(-3i +( )ol('$a$e ideile +are )5=5ia( a+(m 'rin min$ea b&$r5nei* 'ar$i$(ra +e a)ea #-o o"ere a($or(l(i a+e#$(i bizar kidnap. @aior(l n-a)ea ni+i o 1ndoial& +& ne"eri+i$(l )a "i P0O0 din 'rima r(nd&0 19
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6're #(r'riza @elaniei D('(* l(mina "(n+iona* +eea +e o de$ermin& #& +on+2id& +& de3i nelo+(i$* imobil(l , d('& $oa$e a'arenele o )il& , n( "(#e#e abandona$0 Cine)a #e o+('a de o rela$i)& 1n$reinere* a+2i$a im'ozi$ele 3i $a-ele ineren$e0 , E 3i "ire#+* dra%a mea: @edi$& +( )o+e $are #emn5nd(-#e +( de%e$(l 'e 'ra"(l de 'e lada #$(dio(l(i0 O +a#& n( 'oa$e "i '&r&#i$& "&r& #& a$ra%& 1n +ele din (rm& a$enia a($ori$&ilor0 6e 'limba 'rin 1n+&'ere in)en$ariind "ie+are mobil& 3i obie+$0 Era( l(+r(ri banale* ie"$ine* li'#i$e de #emni"i+aie0 C5$e)a ra"$(ri +( +&ri , $rad(+eri din limba r(#& din 'erioada anilor >J0* 'rimele )ol(me a'&r($e 1n ?Biblio$e+a 'en$r( $oi?* (n )ol(ma3 +( )er#(ri de A0 Foma ,* o ma#& la mi=lo+* (n 3i"onier +( o%lind& in$erioar&0 4rin$re (mera3ele %oale* a$5rna o ro+2ie de #$amb& alba#$r& +( b(line albe 3i @elania 13i amin$i +( no#$al%ie +& $re+(#er& $reize+i de ani de +5nd '(r$a#e o ?$oale$&? a#em&n&$oare0 ?@a$erial(l 3i model(l =('ei #(n$ iden$i+e0 Hii min$e* dra%a mea* era( en vogue "(#$ele +ree000 Colonel(l +5nd $e-a )&z($* a #$r5mba$ din na#8 Ar&i +a o b(mb&+&rea#&000 De +e nu +ui roc3ia ta de voile"%eorgette? Cel '(in* 1n aia #emeni +( $ine000 Bo$&r5$* +olonel(l n-a)ea #'iri$ de ob#er)aie0 Voile"%eorgette +5nd la mod& era( #$amba* do+(l 3i lodenele0 mi 1n+2i'(i +& din mo$i)e de ordin 'ra+$i+000? 6e a'ro'ie de "erea#$r& 3i 13i li'i na#(l de #$i+la re+e0 6e 1n#era#e dea binelea* 1n +(r5nd a)ea #& "ie 1n$(neri+0 4ei#a=(l '(#$i( , i+i* +olo +5$e (n +o'a+ r&zle* mo)ilie de '&m5n$* 3(iera$(l +( z)5r+oliri de 3ar'e al )5n$(l(i 3i +ron+&ni$ de +ioar& 1ne'a( mono$onia 'ri)eli3$ii , 1i '(r$a %5nd(l #'re landele 'e +are n( le )&z(#e ni+ioda$&0 De +(no3$ea* 13i 1n+2i'(ia +& le +(noa3$e* le ?#imi#e? 1n romanele #(rorilor Bron$e0 , Ele a( "o#$ 3i a( r&ma# +ele mai b(ne 'rie$ene ale $ale* 3o'$i 1n"iora$&0 Ele 3i doamna a+eea 'lin(& 'e +are ai remar+a$-o la Amara 1n >JJ0 A)ea (n mod #im'a$i+ de a #e (n%e +( n&mol* +a 3i )o+ea* 'el$i+&0 D(+ra la $oale$ele '(bli+e de la ?Uni)er#i$a$e? 3i #e #imea +5$ #e 'oa$e de m(l(mi$&0 @& 1n$reb da+& a "o#$ a)an#a$&000 C( o mi3+are 1ndem5na$i+&* 13i 1n"i'#e a+(l de '&l&rie 1n $o+&0 n+er+a#e #& de#+2id& (3a* dar broa#+a n( +eda#e0 ?4robabil* 13i 1n+2i'(i#e* doamna Dili B(ri+ n( +(noa3$e +2iar $oa$e #i#$emele #a( n( 3ia e'(iza$ +(r#(l0? De'ar$e de a "i dezam&%i$&* @elania +on$in(a#e #& #e 1n)5r$e 'rin 1n+&'ere* o#+il5nd a#('ra 2o$&r5rii +e (rma #-o ia0 G&#i#e modali$a$ea de a '&r&#i imobil(l* dar +eea +e o reinea 1n+& ai+i era +(riozi$a$ea8 Cine o #e+2e#$ra 3i de +eA De+i#e 1n +ele din (rm& #& a3$e'$e '5n& 1n zori0 ?Cin+i #a( 3a#e dimineaa* +el mai $5rzi(* "e$io* +&+i d('& a+eea #e "a+e l(min&* iar $( ai ne)oie de 1n-$(-ne-ri+0 45n& a$(n+i* n( )&d de +e n( ai r&#"oi '(in +a$alo%(l domn(l(i An$on0 $i(* 1i li'#e3$e @ir+i(li+&* dar 'oa$e +& n( e r&( #& +a'ei 1nain$e de a )& +on#(l$a 1m're(n&* o +rivire de ansamblu." 6+oa#e re%i#$r(l din #a+o3& 3i orien$& ma#a +2iar #(b l(#$ra +( $rei brae0 A)ea aba=(r(ri )erzi* +a ni3$e "ar"(rioare* 3i "(#e#e +(m'&ra$& de#i%(r +( de+enii 1n (rm&0 Era (n model ar2i+omer+ializa$* +are la )remea re#'e+$i)& '($ea "i 1n$5lni$ 1n #($e de mii de +a#e0 4erdea(a* a#or$a$&* la "el de +la#i+& 9(n +rem )a%* +( d(n%i orizon$ale )erzi la 'oale; "(#e#e a+2iziiona$& 'robabil 1n ideea (n(i ra'el la lam'& +5$ #e 'oa$e de ra"ina$0
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C( %e#$(ri 1n+e$e* de 'ar+& ar "i "o#$ "ilma$&* b&$r5na 13i #+oa#e $o+a* o '(#e 'e (n #+a(n* 13i #+($(r& +( o mi3+are in#$in+$i)& a +a'(l(i b(+lele ar%in$ii0 ?n+ear+& #& re"le+$ezi 1n$5i* "e$io0 Da+& i-amin$e3$i* 1nain$e #& "ii #m(l#& din #o+ie$a$ea a$5$ de in#$r(+$i)& a domn(l(i Azimioar&* a=(n#e#e3i la +on+l(zia +& bie$(l $e"an 3i-a #+2imba$ n(mele0 Ai #("i+ien$ +(ra= #& $e a)5ni 'e a+ea#$& '5r$ieA DaA 4er"e+$0 A+(m #& raion&m0 4en$r( a i #e 'ierde (rma , )om )edea mai $5rzi( mo$i)(l , n( e de a=(n# #& #+2imbi n(mele* +i #& e-)a-dezi din 'ro'ri(l $&( #$a$($0 6& $e de#'rinzi de+i de (n $re+($* de 'rie$eni* de o +a#&* de ora3(l 1n +are ai $r&i$ '5n& la (n momen$ da$0 Reine* dra%a mea: O-ra-3(l: Do%i+* da+& domn(l 4o'a a 1n+er+a$ #& #e a#+(nd& 1n B(+(re3$i* 1n#eamn& +& )enea din 'ro)in+ie0 E#$e o 'rim& +on+l(zie +are meri$& no$a$&0 Vei a+orda de+i 'riori$a$e 1n +er+e$&rile $ale 'er#oanelor al +&ror domi+ili( la da$a +5nd a( +omi# o in"ra+i(ne #a( al$a #e #i$(a ori(nde 1n a"ar& de Ca'i$al&0 Un 'ri2or b(im&+i$ de )5n$ , b&$r5na remar+a#e (n +a#$an +2iar 1n drea'$a "ere#$rei , #e izbi +( +io+(l de %eam0 @elania 13i ridi+& 'leoa'ele 3i #(r5#e +( 1n%&d(in&0 , B(n& #eara* dra%(l me(000 Da* #(n$ a+a#&0 n #"5r3i$* n( +2iar a+a#&000 mi da( #eama +5$ $reb(ie #& "ie de ne'l&+($ #& 1nno'$ezi a"ar& 'e )remea a+ea#$a0 Crezi +& a3 '($ea #&-i "i( +( +e)a de "olo#A000 6(#'in& 3i ne$ezind me+ani+ +o$or(l de '5nz& al re%i#$r(l(i* 13i r&#(+i %5nd(rile0 n+er+a* le%a$ de 'er#onali$a$ea l(i $e"an 4o'a , ?+e '&+a$ +& n( i-ai da$ mai m(l$& a$enie* "e$io:? , #& in$(ia#+& om(l de a+(m 'a$r( de+enii* #& "i-eze +oordona$ele indi)id(ali$&ii $5n&r(l(i 4o'a8 +(m ar&$aA +e #imeaA +(m %5ndeaA , n+& (n elemen$ +are n( $reb(ie i%nora$* dra%a mea0 <a+$or(l )5r#$&0 Vei e-+l(de din$r-(n b(n 1n+e'($ $oa$e 'er#oanele +are la )remea re#'e+$i)& era( $re+($e de $reize+i de ani0 Va#&zi+& n( (i$a8 Freb(ie #& +&($&m (n $5n&r 'ro)in+ial0 Fo$ e +e)a: O al$& 'o#ibili$a$e de iden$i"i+are ar "i 'ro-"e-#i(-nea0 Da+& n( $e 1n3eli* domn(l 4o'a a "o#$ +on$abil0 Bm: N(-i %roza)0 A'roa'e ori+ine 'oa$e "a+e +on$abili$a$e* da+& bine1nele# +(noa3$e +ele 'a$r( o'eraii0 Un =(ri#$* (n 'ro"e#or* (n medi+* (n mili$ar* adi+& 'ro"e#i(nea a+ea#$a e#$e +a o man$a e-$rem de +omod&0 6e 'oa$e a#+(nde ori+ine #(b 'oalele ei0 B&$r5na 1m'in#e #+a(n(l de-a-nd&ra$elea* 'ro'$ind(-3i m5inile 1n mar%inea me#ei0 D(3(mea(a %em( 3i @elania* z5mbind la "el de 'oli$i+o#* 13i 1m're(n& 'almele0 , Vai* #+(z&-m&* dra%a mea0 N( mi-am da$ #eama +& $e doare0 Era o animi#$& 1n)er3(na$&* +on)in#& +& 9nemaidi#+($5nd de 'lan$e 3i animale; $oa$e obie+$ele a( (n #("le$ al lor0 n %o#'od&ria ei +o)oarele n( "(#e#er& ni+ioda$& b&$($e 9+e barbarie:;* +i a#'ira$e* n( +on#imi#e ni+ioda$& +a 'ar+2e$ele #& "ie ra3+2e$a$e 9oroare: Ca 3i +(m ai =('(i 'ielea de 'e om;* n( a)ea 1n +a#& de+5$ mobile 1n+leia$e0 C(iele* ori(nde #-ar "i a"la$* 1i #(%era( ima%inea l(i I#(# r&#$i%ni$ 'e +r(+e0 , Cred* +on$in(& #& %5ndea#+& +( %la# $are* 'limb5nd(-#e 'rin 1n+&'ere* +& da+& o 'er#oan& e #ili$& #&-3i ia al$ n(me* +el no( 1l )a ale%e 1n "(n+ie de +ir+(m#$ane* de +ara+$er(l #&(* dar bine1nele# 3i de (nele a#'iraii a#+(n#e0 De 'ild&* $(* "e$io* +are e3$i o roman$i+&* #(n$ +on)in#& +& n( $e-ai o'ri la o 6e)a#$a #a( <ilo"$eia0 Hi-ar "i 'l&+($ #& $e +2eme Rozalinda* de3i n-ai nimi+ din$r-o ia'&* D(minia , a$5$ de %in%a3: , #a( Odille0 C5nd 'ron(n Odille* a(d #(#(r de '5r5(0 Ni+ioda$&* dar ni+io-da-$& An$i%ona: 4ar+& )&d (n $an+ #a( a(d Di+Le Ber$2ele a+elea
=1

oribile din +el&lal$ r&zboi0 Dar n( de#'re $ine era )orba a+(m* +i de domn(l 4o'a* (n b&rba$ 'rozai+* de#'re +ara+$er(l +&r(ia n-a3 '($ea %aran$a mare l(+r(0 i-a ale#* 2ai #& zi+em +a '#e(donim* +e)a +5$ #e 'oa$e de banal0 Am +on#$a$a$ 1n#& +& de obi+ei* 'er#oanele +are-3i +am("leaz& iden$i$a$ea re+(r%5nd la al$ n(me* r&m5n la a+elea3i iniiale0 De 'ild& Va#ile R&d(le#+( )a de)eni Vi+$or Radian* #a( Vladimir Ro$ar(0 Unii +2iar 13i '&#$reaz& 'ron(mele0 Deo+amda$& 1n#& $e )ei m(l(mi #& +a(i (n 6040 ori m&+ar (n 6 'en$r( n(mele +el mi+0 De+i 6orin* 6and(* 6o"ronie* 6er%i(* 6$an* 6)er* 6eba#$ian* 6olomon000 De a=(n#: n +on+l(zie* $reb(ie #& re'er&m (n $5n&r 'ro)in+ial al anilor 7J-!0 #& zi+em* al +&r(i n(me mi+ 1n+e'e +( 60 6e a3ez& din no( la ma#& 3i 1n+e'( #& #$(dieze 'rima 'a%in& a +a$alo%(l(i0 Da o di#$an& de do(&ze+i de Lilome$ri* maior(l Cri#$e#+( d&dea $5r+oale a+eleia3i 'i#$e0 A)ea( #& #e 1n$5lnea#+&0 888 C( +ear3a"(l $ra# '5n& la b&rbie* @i+le#+( (rm&rea %e#$(rile Adinei +are #e aran=a 1n "aa $oale$ei0 Era doar 1n #($ien 3i biLini 9n( '(r$a ni+ioda$& "(ro( ?de +e n( 3i +&ma3& de noa'$e +( r5(riA?; 3i a)o+a$(l 13i zi#e +& era "emeia +( +el mai de#&)5r3i$ $r(' 'e +are-l )&z(#e )reoda$&0 I(bea +( 'a$im& marea 3i 1n a"ara li$oral(l(i rom5ne#+* a)(#e#e o+azia #& 'e$rea+& (n n(m&r +on#iderabil de )a+ane 1n #$ai(nile ren(mi$e ale Ri)ierei "ran+eze ori ale Coa#$ei 6oarel(i0 Admira#e m(l$e "emei #'lendide* e-em'lare (ni+e* de l(-* dar $oa$e* +on+2i#e#e a)o+a$(l* #("erea( de a+ela3i '&+a$8 din #'a$e* era( m(l$ mai '(in "r(moa#e* iar +(#(r(ri 'en$r( o+2i(l nea)iza$* im'er+e'$ibil* al$era( linia (n(i $r('* +are )&z($ din "a& '&rea de#&)5r3i$0 Da Adina* $o$(l #e a+orda 'er"e+$ 3i +( +5$e)a Lilo%rame 1n 'l(#* adi+& re#'e+$5nd %(#$(l e'o+ii* '($ea "i +on#idera$& #ora %eam&n& a a+elei min(na$e Venus desnuda a lui >elasIue0. , Ai +&z($ 1n e-$azA )dina i az)5rli 'rin o%lind& o 'ri)ire ironi+&0 3i 1ndre'$a +( 'en#on(l m(ia$ 1n $(3 o %ean& rebel&0 6e +on#(l$& +5$e)a +li'e* a'oi #e #$re+(r& 1n a3$ern($ 3i #e li'i $andr& de a)o+a$0 @i+le#+( 1i 1mbr&i3& (merii 3o'$ind $rem(ra$8 , N( re(3e#+ #& $e 1nele% delo+' dra!a mea. , A#$a-i "oar$e bine0 Da+& m-ai 1nele%e* $e-a3 'li+$i#i0 A3a +(m #e 1n$5m'l& +( %5#+(lia aia mi+(&* +are d& din 'i+ioare 'e ri$m de 'izzi+a$o 1n re ma=or0 Miclescu i str4nse mai tare umerii. , Iar C&$&linaA n+e' #& +red +& a#$a de)ine o idee "i-&0 , N( #(n$ %eloa#&* $e a#i%(r0 , $i(* o"$& a)o+a$(l0 Din '&+a$e0 6e #imea (3or o#$eni$E o#$eneala a+eea d(l+e +are (rmeaz& +li'elor de $r&ire in$en#& +5nd $r('(l* inima* min$ea #-a( +on"(nda$ +( 1n#&3i )iaa* +( iad(l 3i 'aradi#(l* +( (ni)er#(l* cu totul' cu nimic... Un z5mbe$ in+er$ al(ne+& 'e b(zele Adinei0 , A#$a $e-ar 'li+$i#i +el mai $are0 Ce-a( izb($i$ +elelal$e m(ieri din )iaa $a +are-i re+i$a( din O$2elloA , Ni+i (na n( i-a #em&na$* i(bi$o: , Fe-$(l &#$a 1l a(d de +5nd '(r$am +odie +( "(nde 3i m& +(l+am #&r($5nd "o$o%ra"ia l(i Alain Delon0 A'ro'o de +o'ilie: C(m #e #im$e
=2

C&$&linaA A)o+a$(l #e +ri#'& im'er+e'$ibil0 , Adi+&A , @& 1n$rebam* #'(#e )i#&$oare Adina* +(m a #('or$a$ 3o+(l000 B&ia$(l o i(bea din $o$ #("le$(l0 -a nu. Ce im+or$an& areA O "emeie n( r&m5ne indi"eren$& 1n "aa (nei dra%o#$e de)o$a$e +2iar da+& n( #-ar )5r1 ni+ioda$& 1n 'a$(l indi)id(l(i re#'e+$i)0 E "la$a$& 3i a'oi '&3e3$e al$"el 3$iind(-3i o rezer)& #i%(r&000 @i+le#+( #e 1nde'&r$& '(in* +a #&-i )ad& obraz(l0 , n de"ini$i)* de (nde +(no3$i $( am&n(n$eA , $i( $o$ 1n le%&$(r& +( om(l +are m& in$ere#eaz&0 , N( 1nele% de +e i-ar "i #$5rni$ in$ere#(l C&$&lina0 N-am 1n$5lni$ 'e +ine)a mai #earb&d 3i 'li+$i+o#0 Adina 1i #&r($& b&rbia8 , 4ro#$(le: F( m& in$ere#ezi0 A)o+a$(l #imi +&-i ba$e inima0 n+er+& #& bra)eze 3i 1n$reb& 'e (n $on (3(rel8 , De +5nd* i(bi$oA R5nd(l $re+($ m& a#i%(rai* n( 1n $ermenii +ei mai d(io3i* de e-a+$ +on$rari(l0 , 6& #'(nem +& e( #(n$ o "emeie +a'ri+ioa#&0 Fe-am i(bi$* mi-a $re+($* $e i(besc iar. , Am #& 1n+er+ #& m& obi3n(ie#+ +( #$il(l $&(* o"$& a)o+a$(l0 6'(nemi* dra%a mea* n( $e-ai %5ndi$ ni+ioda$& #& $e +&#&$ore3$iA Adina 1n+e'( #& r5d&0 Cald* din 'ie'$* #enz(al0 , C(no3$i )reo 'ar$id&A , 21 : F5n&r* 1n$re'rinz&$or* #('erb* )iril 3i +are $e i(be3$e +a (n neb(n0 Adina a++e'$& =o+(l0 , Ci(da$0 <o$o%ra"ia mi-e +om'le$ #$r&in&0 l +(no#+A , N( 1ndea=(n# de bine0 6e ridi+& 1n +oa$e 3i-i 'rin#e +a'(l 1n$re 'alme0 Fe ador* Adina* 3i #(n$ 1n #$are de ori+e +a #& "ii a mea0 , Ce 1n#eamn& ori+eA Crim&A Bold-('A N(-mi 'la+ +()in$ele mari* 'oliele "&r& a+o'erire0 , I(bi$a mea* de +e )rei #& 'ari mai rea de+5$ e3$iA , 4en$r( +& #(n$ "oar$e rea0 O "la+&r& 1i a'rin#e o+2ii 3i* o +li'&* a)o+a$(l(i 1i "( "ri+& de #$r&l(+irea lor0 -i bine' sunt !ata #& $e a++e'$ +2iar da+& $e-ar +2ema mar+2iza de Brin)iller#0 , N-o +(no#+ 'e $o)ar&3a0 Unde l(+reaz&A @i+le#+( 1n+e'( #& r5d&0 , N-ai 'ierd($ nimi+0 i-a o$r&)i$ a+(m )reo do(& #($e de ani '&rinii* "raii* b&rba$(l* m& ro%* 1n $o$al o %(bernie: A)ea (n $i+ ner)o# 3i )o+aie 'en$r( %eno+id0 6'(ne-mi* i(bi$o* m& ieiA %u. /e ce$ , A'ro'o de )o+aii* e( 'er#onal n-o am 'e +ea ma$rimonial& 3i 1n a"ar& de a#$a n-am 1n+redere 1n $ine0 E3$i #lab0 @(l$ 'rea #lab 'en$r( mine0 A)o+a$(l #e l&#& 'e #'a$e o"$5nd0 3i d(#e m5inile #(b +ea"&8 , Am a're+ia$ $o$dea(na "a'$(l +& )orbe3$i de#+2i#* +& #'(i l(+r(rilor 'e n(me0 Con+re$* +e )reiA
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 )+recie0 amabilitatea. Gla#(l Adinei #e #+2imba#e br(#+* de)enind $&io#0 Era $o$(3i +alm& 3i a)o+a$(l a)( 're#imirea +& n( )rea #& #e +er$e +( el0 ?Bm* 'robabil in$ere#(l e imen#000? , 000A+(m* +on$in(& Adina* m& $ra$ezi e-a+$ +a 'e o $5r"& $ari"a$&0 De +e n( ?+5$?A ?n$r-ade)&r* a3a ar "i #(na$ +ore+$* 1i r&#'(n#e 1n %5nd @i+le#+(* 3i 'ro+edezi 1n $oa$e +a o 'ro#$i$(a$&0 De +la#&* dar $o$ 'ro#$i$(a$&000? 6e abin( 1n#& de la +el mai mi+ +omen$ari(0 O i(bea 'rea m(l$* o de$e#$a 3i 1n a+ela3i $im' o adora0 N( #('or$a ideea #-o 'iard& 3i ar "i "o#$ +el mai "eri+i$ om de 'e '&m5n$ da+& ar "i a++e'$a$ #&-i '(n& (n inel 1n de%e$0 <eri+i$ 3i $o$(3i +on3$ien$ de deza#$r(l +are l-ar "i dezl&n(i$ 1n )iaa l(i0 Adina era o "iar& din$re +ele mai 'rime=dioa#e0 Da in#$in+$ele 3i a'e$i$(l de =i)in& ad&(%a o in$eli%en& '(in +om(n& 3i o amorali$a$e +are 'e @i+le#+(* el 1n#(3i (n ar2an%2el* iar 'rin 'ro"e#i(ne obi3n(i$ #& #+o$o+ea#+& 1n +ele mai ab=e+$e +o$loane ale e-i#$enei* '(r 3i #im'l( 1l +($rem(ra0 De'ar$e de a "i (n om al )ir$(ilor +omode +( 1n+linaie 'en$r( b(+(riile lini3$i$e 3i )ia& 'a$riar2al&* !ouisseur& +ini+ 3i +( (n +on#iderabil #'iri$ de a)en$(r&* r&m5nea $o$(3i in$erzi# 1nain$ea Adinei0 6e 1n$reba ade#eori +( o +(riozi$a$e +are "riza 'er)er#i$a$ea* +(m ar $reb(i #& ara$e b&rba$(l 1n #$are #-o 1n%en(n+2eze 'e Adina0 Adi+& , 1n men$ali$a$ea a)o+a$(l(i , #-o "a+& #&-l i(bea#+&0 , Da+& $e 'li+$i#e3$i* ro#$i $&io# Adina* 'o$ #& 'le+0 %u #i rea' te im+lor. %u merit. , Fa+i de +in+i min($e0 6(n$ obi3n(i$& +( 'ar$eneri mai )orb&rei0 , De#'re +e )rei #&-i )orbe#+A Doar de#+2id %(ra 3i $e #('eri0 , mi "&+eai adinea(ri o 'ro'(nere de +&#&$orie0 Din +5$e mi #-a 'o)e#$i$* 1n$re doi 1ndr&%o#$ii* a+e#$a +on#$i$(ie (n #(bie+$ ine'(izabil0 A'ar$amen$ 1n ra$e 1n @ili$ari* mobila "(n+ional& D&n(* (nde "a+em n(n$a* +ine n&3e3$e* +( )remea 3i r&bdare (n Fr&b&nel000 Miclescu i m4n!4ie "r(n$ea* a'oi de%e$ele al(ne+ar& mai de'ar$e #'re +re3$e$* 'rin$re 'le$ele r(%inii0 , De +e-i bai =o+ de mineA , Gl(me#+0 @-a mini$ +ine)a oda$& +& a3 "i #'iri$(al&0 6e li'i de a)o+a$ +are 1n"iora$ 1i #imi r&#("larea 'e 'ie'$0 /ra!a mea... >ali..0 i da+& a3 a++e'$a #& m& m&ri$ +( $ineA ?C5$ m-ar +o#$aA? 3i m(3+& b(zele0 Era 'rea "eri+i$0 $ia +( +er$i$(dine +& )a da ori+5$* $o$(l '5n& la ab#(rd(l #a+ri"i+i(l(i0 n+er+& #&-3i #$&'5nea#+& emoia0 , Gl(me3$i 3i a+(mA , N(0 3i +(l+& +a'(l 'e bra(l ridi+a$ 3i de+lar& )i#&$oare8 Da (rma (rmelor* +red +& a #o#i$ momen$(l #& m& +azez0 Ni+i n( mai #(n$ "oar$e $5n&r&0 $ii +5i ani amA @i+le#+( realiz& #(r'rin# +& n( #e 1n$reba#e ni+ioda$& +5i ani are0 G5ndind(-#e a+(m* 13i zi#e +& "a+e 'ar$e din$re "emeile +are 1n 'rima $ineree 'ar m(l$ mai ma$(re de+5$ #(n$ 1n reali$a$e* a)5nd 1n #+2imb a)an$a=(l de a '&rea ani de zile de a+eea3i )5r#$&0 Adina n(-i a3$e'$& r&#'(n#(l0 , m'line#+ $reize+i 3i (n(0 , @i-am 1n+2i'(i$ $o$dea(na +& a+ea#$a $reb(ie #& "ie +ea mai "r(moa#& )5r#$& la "emei0 A'o%e(l0 , A'o%e(l 're#('(ne im'li+i$ de+lin(l0 n+e'($(l l(i0 Dar a#$a-i
=1

%ar%ar& de 3(e$& #$(denea#+&0 Bre"* #(n$ di#'(#& #& m& +&#&$ore#+0 A)o+a$(l 1n$reb& #("o+a$ de emoie8 Cu mine$ ,3 ... Cu tine. O cu+rinse n brae #$r5n%5nd-o di#'era$0 C()in$ele de $andree #e #$re+(ra( ane)oie 'rin 'loaia de #&r($&ri0 Adina #e l&#& 1mbr&i3a$& +( o lini3$e d(l+e* +ald&0 , Ar '($ea #& i #e 'ar& nedeli+a$* ro#$i 1n$r-(n $5rzi(* n(-i momen$(l +el mai diba+e ale#* dar000 )vocatul 1i #imi ezi$area0 O 1mbie* bea$ de "eri+ire8 *+une' iubito! , Fe ro% #&-mi "a+i (n #er)i+i(0 , 4or(n+&: ro#$i +( em"az& @i+le#+(* realiz5nd +&-i 'rima oar& +5nd o a(zea #'(n5nd $e ro%0 - vorba des+re un m+rumut. *uma i(ar +utea s+eria +e unii' nu n#& 'e (n bo## de +a$e%oria $a0 De al$"el* in#i#$* e )orba de#'re (n 1m'r(m($0 C4t$ &n milion. Cash 3i ra'id0 Ci"ra 1l 'o+ni 1n moalele +a'(l(i0 6e a3$e'$a#e la o #(m& d(r& , Adina n( mer%ea +( lin%(ria 3i doar +ele $rei 'a+2e$e de Pen$ zilni+e o +o#$a( +on#iderabil ,* 1n#& milion(l 1i $&ia#e re#'iraia0 , Fe-ai #'eria$* ie'(ra3(leA A)o+a$(l #imi ironia0 3i (mezi b(zele* +&($5nd(-3i #("l(l0 , @& 1n$rebam +(m 'o$ "a+e ro#$ imedia$ de bani li+2izi0 Nimeni n( ine (n milion #(b 'a$0 , E-i#$& o in#$i$(ie +are #e +2eam& C0E0C0 @i+le#+( ri'o#$& +( iri$are bl5nd&8 , N( "i +o'il* Adina0 N-a3 de'(ne la C0E0C0 ni+i m&+ar do(& #($e de mii0 C(m dra+(> #&-i =(#$i"i+* la (n )eni$ le%al de 'a$r( mii 3a#e #($e l(narA000 A#+(l$&* 'oi #&-mi #'(i de +e 1i $reb(ie banii &3$iaA , 4re+onizez o lo)i$(r& +are 're#('(ne o in)e#$iie de +a'i$al0 n ma-im(m do(& #&'$&m5ni* 1i re#$i$(i banii0 ?C( alii* '(i3or:?* %5ndi @i+le#+(* '(n5nd a'riori+ +r(+e 3i (l$im(l(i le(* dar #'(#e al$+e)a8 , mi 1n+2i'(i#em +& a"a+erea +ealal$& e mai ren$abil&0 Da ze+e %rame* +53$i%i000 , <lea+(ri: 1l 1n$rer('#e Adina0 Da+&-i +er bani* 1n#eamn& +& am ne)oie de ei0 , C5nd 1i $reb(ie , $ermen limi$&A /eci ai s+us da... Gla#(l o#+ila 1n$re in$ero%aie 3i a"irmaie0 , Da* i(bi$o* o"$& @i+le#+(* 'entru tine. C4nd$ ,n trei 0ile' nce+4nd de m4ine. ,i vei avea. Cal+(l& "ebril +& )a )inde do(& din +ele mai 'reioa#e i+oane0 Hinea m(l$ la ele* era (n +ole+ionar '&$ima3* iar 1n $oa$e 1n$re'rinderile l(i a#'e+$(l ?in)e#$iii? #e 'la#a 'e lo+ #e+(nd0 n$5m'l&$or a)ea +(m'&r&$or imedia$0 Do+$or(l Radian 1l '5ndea de m(l$ +( r&bdare 3i $ena+i$a$e de "iar& +are-3i '5nde3$e 'rada0 Ei bine* +53$i%a#e0 Fril(l $ele"on(l(i 1i 1n$rer('#e +al+(lele0 Adina* ne'&#&$oare* 'ar+& #(rd&* #e 1n$indea +( )ol('$a$e0 Ce "a+iA o 1n$reb& in$ri%a$0 N( r&#'(nziA
=6

 %(am c3e#. Mi(e bine... )vocatul str4nse tare +leoa+ele. ?D(mneze(le: n %2earele +(i am 'i+a$: Un bordel 1n$re%* +( madam& +( $o$ n(-i a=(n% ni+i '5n& la +&l+5i000 N(-mi 'a#&0 O i(be#+0? Adina 'ri)ea in$& l(#$ra0 O+2ii 1i #+&'&ra(8 ?Cre$in(l: I-am #'(# #& n( #(ne a#$&-#ear&000? 6e r&#(+i #'re a)o+a$ 1n$inz5nd(-i b(zele8 2e iubesc' dra!ul meu. i #('or$& #&r($area #im(l5nd 'a#i(ne 3i en$(zia#m0 ?De-ar 'le+a 3i imbe+il(l &#$a oda$&: @i-i #omn0? A'oi 1i )eni #& r5d&0 ?O mi+& 'ar$id& de 'i+ioare 1n aer (n milion: Cred +& #(n$ SdamaT +ea mai bine +o$a$& din Rom5nia #o+iali#$&0 Bra)o ie* "&:? , Ce-ai #'(#* dra%(l me(A000 Bine1nele#0 Foa$& )iaa000 N(mai a $a000 La #erestre' +l4n!ea toamna. 1: )scult4nd ra+ortul lo+o$enen$(l(i Azimioar&* Cri#$e#+( re"le+$& la (n "enomen +are i #e '&rea l(i +& 'rezin$& $rei 'o#ibili$&i de in$er're$are0 'inerii sunt izari era a#eri(nea de la +are 'le+a0 4roblema #e '(nea 1n#& da+& , 'rimo , #(n$ bizari 'en$r( +& '(r 3i #im'l( o'$i+a b&$r5nilor* 2ai #& zi+em ma$(rilor* +are (i$5nd ori%inali$&ile 'ro'riei lor =()enili$&i* #-a #$r5mba$ , #e+(ndo , #(n$ realmen$e bizari da$ori$& (n(i ri$m biolo%i+ a'ar$e #a( , $erio , doar "a+ 'e bizarii* +( $eribili#m(l 'ro'ri( )5r#$ei0 /e+arte de a "i )re(n ?1n+(ia$?* maior(l* $o$dea(na ele%an$ , ele%ana a+eea di#+re$&* 'lin& de ra"inamen$ +( $r(+(ri in#e#izabile ,* mai a)ea (n 'rin+i'i( 'e +are-l +on#idera a-iom&8 (n indi)id n( $reb(ie #&-3i +on#idere +(#(r(rile "izi+e dre'$ in"irmi$&i* n( $reb(ie #& #e #im$& +om'le-a$* dar 1n a+ela3i $im' i #e '&rea aberan$ #& 3i le ara$e #in%(r +( de%e$(l0 @o3oian( era (n $5n&r e-+elen$* realmen$e do$a$* amabil 3i +(m#e+ade* dar d('& +(m #'(nea "o#$(l l(i 3e"* +olonel(l D&ne* ?bia$a m(m&-#a n( "(#e#e o z5n&?0 Era 'ir'iri(* m&r(l l(i Adam #e zb(+i(ma +a o n(+& z%5nd&ri$& de (n 3oare+e* a)ea $r&#&$(ri a#ime$ri+e* iar 'e ma-ilare +o3(ri a#"i-ia$e de $al+ mai z)onea( de#'re ?nelini3$ile adole#+enei?0 , A(zi* 1l 1n$rer('#e la (n momen$ da$* #(n$ '(r 3i #im'l( +(rio#8 +e $o$ +ari* domn(le* 1n %2iozdan(l &laA Do+o$enen$(l +li'i b(im&+i$ 3i 13i a'&#& o+2elarii +( de%e$(l la r&d&+ina na#(l(i0 , 4o"$iiA: , 6'(neam +& $5r&3$i $oa$& zi(a o $olb& de 'o3$a30 Ce ii 1n eaA @o3oian( 1n%2ii 1n #e+0 , Co#$(m(l de =(do* +&ri 3i000 #andKi+2(rile 'en$r( #er)i+i(000 , i ai ne)oie de ele 1n $o$ momen$(lA Do+o$enen$(l $&+(* d5nd im'er+e'$ibil din (meri0 6$ai 3i-i e-'li+& ?b&$r5n(l(i? +& a3a e ?mi3$ola+2e? a+(m* #& (mbli +( $a3+a0 Vezi* Doamne* 1n zori #a( la miez(l no'ii* 1n $ram)ai* la +inema #a( 1n 'ar+ +( i(bi$a* $oi #(n$em #'or$i)i0 Ne d(+em #a( )enim de la an$renamen$0 Cri#$e#+(* 'e de al$& 'ar$e* 1n di#'oziie medi$a$i)&* 13i amin$ea +& 'robabil ni+i %eneraiile 're+eden$e n( "(#e#er& mai breze0 n $inereea
=7

l(i* de 'ild&* 'e )reme +5$ de a'ri%&* da+& '(r$ai %alo3i #a( '&l&rie n( mai )orbim de +&+i(l&* erai +om'le$ de#+ali"i+a$* (mbrela +on#$i$(ia o r(3ine* b&ieii a#+(ndea( "lorile de#$ina$e i(bi$ei #(b 2ain& #a( 1n #er)ie$&* #'re a n( "i $ra$ai de "raieri0 , @da* o"$&* e 1n re%(l&* 'oi #& +on$in(i0 , A=(n#e#em la +on+l(zii* amin$i lo+o$enen$(l* 1n+& de+on+er$a$ de 1n$rer('erea l(i Cri#$e#+(0 D('& o'inia mea* in%iner(l Gre%orian e#$e ino+en$* )i+$im& a (nor mane)re ma+2ia)eli+e0 - o certitudine$ /a. Ce te #ace s& "ii a$5$ de #i%(rA @o3oian( 13i dre#e %la#(l* 1n+er+5nd #&-3i ad(ne %5nd(rile0 , l (rm&re#+ de o #&'$&m5n& 'a# +( 'a#* 1i +(no#+ 'ro%ram(l 'e dina"ar&0 E-i#$ena l(i e +a o +ar$e de#+2i#&0 i n(-mi ie#e din +a' (n am&n(n$8 ni+ioda$& n( $ra%e dra'eriile #a( obloanele0 6eara* $e (ii la el 1n +a#& +a 1n$r-o )i$rin&0 , @da* "&+( maior(l +er+e$5nd(-l +( a$enie* +i(da$& ?indi#+reie?000 , E( a3 +ali"i+a-o al$"el0 Cred +& om(l a+e#$a n( are nimi+ de a#+(n#0 In#$in+$i)* +5nd +ine)a d(+e o e-i#$en& d(bl& #a( #e ine de ma$ra'azl5+(ri* #e +am("leaz&* 1n+e'e #& 1m'r(m($e din men$ali$a$ea +5r$iei000 , O ob#er)aie in$ere#an$&* a're+ie Cri#$e#+(0 Ar mai "i o )arian$&8 +a Gre%orian #& #im(leze o a#emenea a$i$(dine de$a3a$&* in$(ind raionamen$(l d(mi$ale0 Dar #in+er #& "i(* i'o$eza mi #e 'are "an$ezi#$&* 'rea #o"i#$i+a$& 3i 're#('(n5nd o 'er)er#i$a$e 1n mod(l de a an$i+i'a =(de+&i +( $o$(l 3i +( $o$(l #in%(lare0 6'(ne-mi e #in%(r(l ar%(men$ +are $e de$ermin& #&-l #+oi 'e in%iner din +a(z&A Pe !4tul locotenentul(i* m&r(l l(i Adam "&+( do(& #al$(ri #'e+$a+(loa#eE rea+ie $i'i+& 3i +are #$5rnea $o$dea(na am(zamen$(l l(i Cri#$e#+(0 , A3 'leda 1n "a)oarea l(i Gre%orian din +on#ideren$e de ordin #(bie+$i)0 $i( +& a+e#$ea #(n$ +ele mai 'rime=dioa#e 3i ridi+& $o$dea(na #(#'i+i(ni 1n$r-o an+2e$&* dar n( m& 'o$ debara#a de im're#ia e-+elen$& 'e +are mi-a "&+($-o indi)id(l0 Re'rezin$& 'ro$o$i'(l om(l(i +(m#e+ade* b(n '5n& la ab#(rd* milo#0 n +ar$ier* l(mea 1l ador&0 Ve+inii* )5nz&$oarele de la +om'le-(l alimen$ar* +o'iii* %(noierii 1i n($re#+* "&r& e-a%erare* (n ade)&ra$ +(l$0 i a#$a* 1n +i(da "a'$(l(i +& Gre%orian e (n mare #in%(ra$i+000 Cri#$e#+( z5mbi0 @o3oian( a)ea #en$imen$ali$a$ea 'ro'rie $inereii0 Bm* b(n000 bla=in000 milo#0 C( ani 1n (rm&* +er+e$a#e (n +az 1n +are 'ro$a%oni#$(l "&+ea danii %eneroa#e bi#eri+ii 3i azilelor de b&$r5ni* a)ea )e3ni+ b(z(narele 'line de +o"e$(ri 'en$r( +o'iii din +ar$ier* d(+ea 'or$o+ale d(mini+a la #'i$al )e+inilor #a( +(no3$inelor in$erna$e* 1n "ond $eri #$r&ini 'en$r( el0 6-a do)edi$ a'oi* d('& (n an de +er+e$&ri* +& 6amari$2ean(l a+e#$a +( +2i' 3i $rai#$& de @o3 Cr&+i(n era (n #adi+* ob#eda$ #e-(al* +( +in+i#'reze+e +rime ab=e+$e la a+$i)0 6e rein( de la ori+e ob#er)aie0 B&ia$(l a)ea $im' #& #e 1n&#'rea#+&0 N( 'ro"e#a 1n$r-o #er& de "lori* ni+i 1n$r-o rezer)aie de ie'(ra3i 3i +ine n(-i #en$imen$al la do(&ze+i de ani* la 'a$r(ze+i 'oa$e o+('a 'er"e+$ 'o#$(l a+el(i mi#$erio# @on#ie(r de 4ari#* %5dele +ali"i+a$ al %2ilo$inelor "ran+eze0 , Cine)a* remar+& 'e %5nd(ri* mai 're+i# mama l(i Dor( 4o'e#+(* 1mi #(%era +& Gre%orian ar +onl(+ra +( @i+le#+(0
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 Pe ce anume se bi0uie$ , Babar n-am0 4robabil 1i 'la+e #(#'en#(l* n( mi-a da$ ni+i (n "el de l&m(riri0 Vezi* #(n$ 1n+redina$ +& 1n )iaa a+e#$ei "emei n( e-i#$& ni+i (n momen$* a+$ #a( %e#$* 'e +are n( l-ar '($ea m&r$(ri#i0 i $o$(3i* +5nd o )&d* n-am de+5$ (n #in%(r dor8 #& '&r&#ea#+& +5$ mai re'ede biro(l0 , C(m )& e-'li+aiA , De* o"$& maior(l* 'are 'arado-al* dar li'#a $o$al& de +(#(r(ri e la "el de odioa#& +a 3i #('ran(merar(l lor0 ?Iad(l e 'a)a$ +( b(ne in$enii?000 Cred +& a"ori#m(l 'oa$e +on#$i$(i (n mo$$o de )ia& 'en$r( D(+reia 4o'e#+(0 $ii000 4o+ni din de%e$e* #&rind br(#+ la al$& idee* 1n$r-(n mod +are-i era +ara+$eri#$i+0 De "a'$* ideile mo+nea( 1n #(b+on3$ien$(l maior(l(i* n( le abandona o #e+(nd& 3i di#+($5nd de#'re +( $o$(l al$+e)a* ele #('ra)ie(ia(* "(ndal de 'reo+('&ri0 , Frei 1n$reb&ri m& ob#edeaz&8 De +e a di#'&r($ #olnia de 'e ma#a l(i Gre%orian* +ine e de#$ina$ar(l #+ri#orilor l(i 4o'a 3i* $rei* +ine 3i +e in$ere# a)ea #-o r&'ea#+& 'e @elania D('(0 @o3oian( z5mbi #(bire8 , N-a e-i#$a$ 1n+& do#ar 1n +are #& "ie ame#$e+a$& b&$r5na* "&r& #& ridi+e 1n$reb&ri-+2eie0 , Dra%(l me(* +red +& 1n biro(l a+e#$a n( #-a 'ron(na$ ni+ioda$& (n +()5n$ mai ade)&ra$0 )vei )re(n 'rono#$i+ 1n 'ri)ina eiA , n$rebarea #(n& a +on"erin& de 're#&* r5#e Cri#$e#+(0 N(* n-am ni+i (n 'rono#$i+* "an$ezia mea n(-i 1ndea=(n# de n&r&)a3& 'en$r( a 're)edea rea+iile 3i ideile doamnei 1n +a(z&0 Am 1n#& o +er$i$(dine8 +a $o$dea(na* )om r&m5ne +( %(ra +&#+a$&0 888 Ar&$a +a de obi+ei bizar&* #'e+$a+(loa#&* nelini3$i$oare* 3i Vanda Frai-D(l+e 13i zi#e +& de "a'$ 'e "emeia a#$a o +(noa3$e "oar$e '(in0 Da+& #$&$ea #& re"le+$eze* n( 3$ia nimi+ de#'re e-i#$ena ei* i%nora 'arame$rii a+eia de ordin #o+ial elemen$ari +are-i 1n%&d(ie #& #i$(ezi (n indi)id 1n$r-(n an(me +adr(E +adr( +are la r5nd(l #&( 1i d& 'o#ibili$a$ea (nei iden$i"i+&ri m&+ar #('er"i+iale8 Babar n-a)ea (nde #e n&#+(#e* 3i +ine-i era( '&rinii 9(nele z)on(ri 'rea "an$a#$i+e n( "(#e#er& +on"irma$e;* da+& 3i +e #$(dia#e* "(#e#e #a( n( +&#&$ori$&000 4e Vanda* a)en$(rier& +( e-'erien& , +e n( 3$ie ea de#'re )ia&* #'(nea ade#eori* ni+i n( meri$& #& "ie 3$i($ ,* n-o +on)in#e#e ni+ioda$& +ali"i+a$i)(l de "emeie "a$al&0 ?B&rbaii #(n$ +a oile 3i da+& d('& (n "(nd mai im'er$inen$ 1n+e' #& o"$eze 'a$r( in3i din$re +are (n(l moare de %ri'&* #e )a %&#i o le%i(ne de imbe+ili %a$a #&-i #a+ri"i+e lini3$ea 3i 'or$o"el(l000? n "aa Adinei 1n#&* n( #e mai #imea a$5$ de #i%(r&* realiz5nd +( #(r'riz& +(m )e+2i +on)in%eri 1n+e' #& #e +la$ine0 Adina* 1n$r-o ro+2ie alb& de l5n& +( na#$(ri de +ri#$al )iole$* 13i m5n%5ia di#$ra$& m&r%elele de la %5$0 Foa$e a++e#oriile* 'an$o"i* 'o3e$&* m&n(3i '&#$ra( a+eea3i n(an&0 4arde#i(l* ar(n+a$ ne%li=en$ , ne%li=ena a+eea 'e +are i-o da( banii 9bani m(li 3i din$o$dea(na; 3i obi3n(ina l(+r(rilor #+(m'e , era +( o $(3& mai 1n+2i#* b&$5nd #'re mo)0 ?De (nde naiba le 'ro+(r&A #e 1n$reb& Vanda0 Foale$ele ei era( a$en$e* dar ni+ioda$& #o"i#$i+a$e0 Ori+5$ ai "i di#'(#& #& +2el$(ie3$i 'e +5r'e* #(n$ l(+r(ri 'e +are n( le %&#e3$i?0
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 Cii' l(ai aiurit! Adina 13i r&#(+i 'ri)irea* #m(l%5nd(-#e %5nd(rilor0 4&r(l bine 1n$in# 'e#$e +a' 3i #$r5n# 1n$r-(n +o+ %re( 1i #+o$ea 1n e)iden& nobleea %5$(l(i* 'ro"il(l 'er"e+t. , Ce #'(neaiA000 A* da0 A mer# mai (3or de+5$ mi-am 1n+2i'(i$0 C4t$ &n milion. , Era )orba doar de 3a'$e #($e de mii0 Adina ridi+& din (meri0 , Am a)($ ne)oie de m&r(ni30 Vanda r5#e #$in%2eri$& +(m)a0 O admira* dar 1n a+ela3i $im' #e #imea nela5ndem5n& 1n 'rezena ei0 <emeia a+ea#$a* +( "ero+i$a$ea ei* 1i "&+ea "ri+&0 , N-a 're$in# #& in$re 1n +ombinaieA %ici nu s(a +us c3estiunea. , Fe "eli+i$000 De ani de zile mi-am 1n+2i'(i$ +& n( mai am de 1n)&a$ nimi+* de la nimeni0 @-am 1n3ela$0 Aleacuri! , N( +2iar0 @i+le#+( n(-i ori+e 'e3$i3or m&r(n$0 , @ai m&r(n$ de+5$ 1i ima%inezi0 E #("i+ien$ #&-l iei $are0 Br(#+2eea* r('$(rile n(-# #$il(l l(i0 De 'ra+$i+&* +e-i dre'$* +( alii* dar 1l de+on+er$eaz& o #in%(r& )orb& mai r&#$i$&0 3i (d& izmenele0 Un mi+( d(r de #alon0 , Am #&-mi 'ermi$ din +5nd 1n +5nd #& ia( le+ii de la $ine0 C5$ $e +o#$& milion(l &#$aA , O )eri%2e$&0 R5#e +ini+8 mi-a l(a$ 3i m&#(ra0 Vanda o +er+e$& +(rioa#&8 , C2iar ai de %5nd #&000 , 6& m& m&ri$ +( elA 4ar bea$&A De al$"el* m& 1ndoie#+ +& 1n do(& #&'$&m5ni )a mai "lana liber 3i )ioi 'e Calea Vi+$oriei0 Vanda 13i $re+( de%e$ele 'rin '&r(l 'roa#'&$ +oa"a$0 Era #('l(* m&$&#o# 3i eau d(argent"(l 1i d&dea re"le-e alba#$re-ar%in$ii0 Un +a' de mar+2iz&* a3a +(m ne-am obi3n(i$ #& )edem 1n minia$(rile de a+(m do(& #e+ole0 6(r5#(l 3i 'ri)irile 'oa$e n( era( 'rea ien")lev)... A#+(l$&* n-am d(# o )ia& 'rea one#$&* +a #& "olo#e#+ (n $ermen d(l+e* dar 1i #'(n #in+er +& (neori m& 1n#'&im5ni0 N( i-e mil& de nimeniA Adina 1i ar(n+& o 'ri)ire de %2ea&8 , Nim&n(i n(-i e mil& de nimeni0 , E( 1n lo+(l $&( a3 "i $o$(3i 'r(den$&0 Am a(zi$ 'e +ine)a )orbind de#'re mai+&-$a0 N( 3$i( da+& e ade)&ra$000 , Da+& ai a(zi$ 1ndea=(n# +a #& r&m5i 'er'le-&* o 1n$rer('#e Adina* e ade)&ra$ #($& la #($&0 A "o#$ +ea mai "r(moa#& $5r"& din Cr(+ea de 4ia$r&0 i o +analie de m5na 1n$5i0 , 6e 'are +&-i #emeni* r5#e Vanda0 Cel '(in* a3a am "o#$ a#i%(ra$&0 , N( +ine 3$ie +5$0 Da+& a3 "i $r&i$ 1n a+elea3i +ir+(m#$ane* m& re"er la +ondiiile de +r(n$& a#('rire ale re%im(l(i b(r%2ezo-mo3iere#+* 'oa$e +& a3 "i re(3i$ #& m& a'ro'ii de 3$a+2e$a ei0 6-o e%alez* ni+ioda$&: , @i #-a #'(# +& a m(ri$ #'in$e+a$&0 Do(&ze+i de lo)i$(ri de +(i$ a'li+a$e de (n ibo)ni+ dezam&%i$0 4ar+& a)o+a$000 4robabil +&-l #o+o$ea $o$ ?(n mi+( d(r de #alon000? , i 'o$ +om'le$a 'or$re$(l* de+lar& lini3$i$& Adina0 4er#ona=(l era ble%* dr&%(* in#$r(i$* de "amilie0 i +e-i +( a#$aA
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, Ai %ri=&0 De#$inele #(n$ (neori #ime$ri+e0 Adina 1n+e'( #& r5d&0 R5#(l era a($en$i+* i-o +i$eai 1n o+2i0 Dinii lai* albi* #$r&l(+ea( 1n $oa$& #'lendoarea lor0 , Ai 2az* Vanda: Ia a#+(l$&* (nde a( m(ri$ '&rinii $&iA , Dra%&* e( #(n$ r(3inea "amiliei0 4&rinii mei a( "o#$ oameni onorabili* +e$&eni +( )az&* o +in#$e a (rbei0 Fe a#i%(r +& a( m(ri$ 1n 'a$(l lor0 Ei bine* ai %ri=& #& n( $e mai +(l+i ni+ioda$&0 Bai #& "im #erio3i* "e$io: , C5nd 1i d& baniiA , @5ine e-'ir& $ermen(l0 4robabil +& o #&-i am +2iar di#ear& 3i +( a#$a e'i#od(l a)o+a$ @i+le#+( #e 1n+2eie de"ini$i)0 Vanda 13i ne$ezi me+ani+ 'oalele "(#$ei +lisate. , Da+&-l (m"l& %aborii* #-ar '($ea #& +iri'ea#+& de#'re 'o)e#$ea +ealal$&0 N( ne-ar "i moale0 , 6la)& Domn(l(i* 1n+e' #& $e re+(no#+* r5#e Adina0 Foa$& #eara $eai e-'rima$ a+ademi+0 <ii lini3$i$&* n-o #& +iri'ea#+&0 E 1ndea=(n# de b(n a)o+a$ +a #& realizeze +e 1n#eamn& +om'li+i$a$ea 1n$r-o i#$orie le%a$& de a(r0 O "i el nein$ere#an$* dar n( +re$in0 , n "ond* +ine $e in$ere#eaz&A Adina r&ma#e +5$e)a +li'e 'e %5nd(ri0 De+lar& +( z5mbe$(l om(l(i +are #e mir& de 'ro'riile l(i #l&bi+i(ni8 , Cel&lal$0.. , Care +el&lal$A Cris. Vanda d&d( din m5n& ?"lea+(ri?0 Cu Gre!orian e altceva. , N(-i delo+ +e-i 1n+2i'(i $(0 mi 'la+e0 i-mi 'la+e m(l$0 4ri)irea Vandei de)eni (r&0 i %la#(l +&'&$& al$e rezonane8 , @ie 1n #+2imb n(-mi 'la+e: Inima 3i a"a+erile n( 1n$o+me#+ ni+ioda$& bordei 1m're(n&0 Adina #(r5#e )i#&$oare0 1= C5nd Viole$a Bordeian( #e 1n$oar#e a+a#&* +on#$a$& +( ne'l&+($& #(r'riz& +& 1n "aa blo+(l(i #e 'limba Ba#ile Ni+ola(0 4a$r(la +( aer(l a+ela #'e+i"i+ al om(l(i o#$eni$ de a3$e'$are* dar re#emna$ 3i de+i# #& r&m5n& 1n +on$in(are0 B&$r5na #e #imea mai m(l$ de+5$ 'li+$i#i$&0 A)(#e#e o zi 'roa#$& din $oa$e '(n+$ele de )edere0 n$5lnirea +( ne'o$(#&( o iri$a#e* iar e-+(r#ia '5n& la lo+(ina @elaniei o #+o#e#e de-a dre'$(l din "ire0 6("erea de re(ma$i#m 'oliar$i+(lar 3i 'i+ioarele , 'a+o#$ea ei din$o$dea(na , o d(rea( +r5n+en de 'ar+& +ine)a i-ar "i 1n"i'$ dr(%i de "ier 1nro3ii la "o+ 1n '(l'ele bolna)e0 Ce o iri$a la +(lme era +& #a+ri"i+i(l 1l "&+(#e 'en$r( (n mo$an a"(ri#i$* o =i%anie in"e+$&* 'en$r( +are n( n($rea ni+i (n "el de #im'a$ie ?3i ni+i 'en$r( #min$i$a de #$&'5n&-#a?* de al$"el0 6e r&zb(na#e de#$(l de me#+2in* arz5nd(-i (n 'i+ior 1n$re +oa#$e* #+(i'5nd(-i 1n m5n+are 3i l&#5nd(-l 'e 1n$(neri+* +eea +e @elania n( "&+ea ni+ioda$&0 ?@ir+i(li+& e#$e $ra(ma$iza$* bezna 1l 1n%roze3$e0 C5nd #(n$ #ili$& #& 'le+ "&r& el* 1i la# $ele)izor(l de#+2i# 3i a'li+ele din an$re( a'rin#e000? nain$e de a '&r&#i %ar#oniera @elaniei* Bordeian+a "&+(#e o in#'e+ie %eneral&0 I%nora#e bibelo(rile* alb(mele*
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"o$o%ra"iile , ?izmeneli de "a$& b&$r5n& +2i$ +& a $r&i$ 'e#$e $reize+i de ani +( +olonel(l* al$ mamel(+? ,* 13i )5r5#e na#(l 1n +&mar& , ?2m* ma+aroane* #('e 1n 'li+* bi#+(ii 3i a+adele* 'ro)izii de '($oare? ,* in)en$aria#e $oa$e #er$arele8 ba$i#$e* dan$el(ri* m&n(3i de#'ere+2ea$e* monede +( e"i%ia l(i @i2ai* $imbre )e+2i de 'e )remea l(i <erdinand0 ?Ca'ie:?* "( +on+l(zia Viole$ei 3i 'le+a#e $r5n$ind (3a0 De +(m o )&z(* Ba#ile Ni+ola( 13i d&d( #eama +& a 'i+a$ 'ro#$0 B&$r5na morm&i (n deli+a$ ?n( dai 'e la mine +( anii* a+(m 1i +&3(n&* in$r& da+& $o$ ai )eni$?* 3i o l(& 1nain$e* le%&n5nd(-3i 3old(rile de )a+&0 , Coan& Viole$o* 1n+e'( Ni+ola(* 1m're(n5nd(-3i m5inile 1n +2i' de r(%&0 Vin la domnia $a000 B&$r5na* de#+&l5nd(-3i 'an$o"ii +omozi* de"ormai de mon$(ri 9a'&#& +( bo$(rile 'e 3$ai"* e)i$5nd +a $oi oamenii %ra3i a'le+a$(l 'e#$e #$oma+;* 1l re'ezi8 , Ia-o 'e #+(r$&$(r& +& m& in 3alele* 'i+ioarele 3i obo#eala0 Ni+ola(* de+on+er$a$* #e "&+( mi+ 1n "o$oli(0 , Da+& $e deran=ez* 're"er #& )in al$& da$&0 , Care )a #& zi+& do(& deran=(ri0 4re"er #& $e 1nd(r a+(ma0 , Dra%& Viole$o* rel(& Ba#ile Ni+ola(* dre%5nd(-3i in($il )o+ea0 6(n$em 'rie$eni de 'e#$e $reize+i de ani0 , I-a(zi: #e 2lizi Bordeian+a0 Azi mi-o #'(i 1n$5ia3i da$&0 Ni+ola( ridi+& de%e$(l* 'ar+& )r5nd #& 1ne'e $a)an(l8 Marile sentimente sunt mute! 4e +2i'(l "r(mo# al b&$r5nei #e l&i (n z5mbe$8 , @& i(be3$i* "e+iorA , Dar* bine1nele#0 Noi* +ei +are "a+em 'ar$e din$r-o an(mi$& +la#&* $reb(ie #& "im000 a* #olidari* lian$(l "iind a"e+i(nea 3i #en$imen$(l +& a'arinem (n(i an(me +lan0 A "o#$ de#$r&ma$ de e)enimen$e* de i#$oria +are* n(-i a3a* e nemiloa#&* dar 1n +i(da )i+i#i$(dinilor* r&m5nem (n $o$* (n 1n$re%0 Cei '(ini +are am #('ra)ie(i$ $reb(ie #& "im 1m're(n&0 n+2eie 'a$e$i+8 Ca un 0id! , n "aa +(i zidA i din +e +la#& "a+em noi 'ar$eA Noi am5ndoi: E(* Viole$a Bordeian(* "ii+& de boieri )e+2i 3i $(* (n Ni+ola( oare+are* "e+ior(l (n(i nimeni* )&$a" , +& a#$a a "o#$ $a+>$( , 'e mo3iile noa#$re: B&$r5n(l #e $am'on& +( ba$i#$a nelini3$i$0 n+er+& #& r5d&0 , A'ri%& limb& ai* +oan& Viole$o* dar 1i +(no#+ inima 3i $o$ +($ez #&i 1ndre'$ r(%&+i(ne0 , A3a: z5mbi #a$i#"&+($& Bordeian+a0 D&-i dr(m(l* $e a#+(l$ +( am5ndo(& (re+2ile0 , Cred +& am in$ra$ 1n$r-o 1n+(r+&$(r&000 Muiere$ @& a3$e'$am0 , A* n(* n(: C( $o$(l al$+e)a0 Un "lea+* nimi+ #erio#* n(-i a3a* dar e bine #& "im 'r(deni0 , Da+& era "lea+* n( mi $e "oiai 1n izmene0 Ba#ile Ni+ola( 1n%2ii 1n #e+0 , <ie +(m zi+i d(mnea$a* +oan& Viole$o0 C2e#$ia e le%a$& de a#a#i000 C()5n$(l 1l "ri'#e 'ar+& 3i #e +ore+$&8 De moar$ea l(i $e"an0 Am "&+($* da000 am da$ la miliie (nele de+laraii ine-a+$e0 B&$r5na de)eni a$en$&0 6e a'le+& 1nain$e +( o+2ii #ali)5nd de +(riozi$a$e0 , Ci zi oda$&: , Am a"irma$ +& 1n zi(a +( 'ri+ina am "o#$ la Fimi3oara000 , 6&-i +omanzi 'an$o"i* 3$i(0
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 /e #a+t' n(am #ost. )sta(i +roblema. R&#("la (3(ra$ de 'o)ar& 3i a+(m #e (i$a la b&$r5n& +( o in$en#i$a$e +are o#+ila 1n$re #'aim& 3i n&de=de0 , A2a: 'ri+e'( Viole$a Bordeian(0 i &ia a( +er+e$a$* bine1nele#0 ?a#ile Ni+ola( d&d( din +a'0 , De +e i-ai mini$A , N( 3$i(* +oan& Viole$o0 O+2ii 1i =(+a( 1n la+rimi0 @i-a l(a$ D(mneze( minile: A'(+a#em #& )& #'(n a+ela3i l(+r( 3i )o(&* a$(n+i la Cole$a* 3i a3a am in($-o0 N-am l(a$ 'roblema 1n #erio#* mi-am zi# +&-i o #im'l& "ormali$a$e000 , Ca' de n&$&r&(: Vroiai #& $e "&le3$i* #& "a+i 'e dandC-(lA , Da000 Cred +& da000 Iar$&-m&000 Adi+&* 1n #"5r3i$000 A+(m* +e #& "a+A 4l5n%ea de-a binelea 3i Bordeian+a 1l m&#(r& +( di#'re0 ?Craidon b&$r5n* de ma2ala 3i 'e dea#('ra +&+&+io#0? Da+rimile 1i "&+ea( #il&* +a 1n %eneral $oa$e do)ezile de #l&bi+i(ne0 N( 'l5n%ea ni+ioda$&0 , i de "a'$ (nde ai "o#$A Ni+ola( d&d( din (meri* z5mbind 'rin$re la+rimi0 , A+a#&* 1n 'a$0 Crizele mele de #'ondiloz&000 Ni+i n( '($eam #& m& mi3+0 Em: Adi+& $e inea( 3alele0 i mai (mbli d('& dame0 Balal aman$: De la mine +e )reiA Ni+ola( 1n+e'( #& #e a%i$e0 3i 'i'&i "ebril b(z(narele 3i #+oa#e din b(z(nar(l de la 'ie'$ (n 'li+0 , 0006& n( (i$0 4ermi$e-mi* +oan& Viole$o* #&-i o"er (n mi+ +ado(* n(-i a3a* +a 1n$re 'rie$eni0 Fe a(zii r5nd(l $re+($ la Cole$a +& e3$i +am #$r5m$ora$&000 , @& mi$(ie3$i: r5n=i b&$r5na0 , A* n(* ni+i %5nd0 6o+o$e3$e-l* da+& )rei* (n 1m'r(m($0 4o$ a3$e'$a ori+5$* n( m& %r&be#+0 , Ba 're"er #&-l #o+o$ +ado(0 i a+(m* #loboade-i %5nd(l0 @i-ai da$ 'e3+2e3* +e )rei #& "a+A , 6& le zi+i &#$ora de la miliie +& am "o#$ ai+i* la d(mnea$a0 Ca ibovnic$ B&$r5n(l* ne+on$rola$* #e +($rem(r&0 O #in%(r& +li'& a)( #enzaia +& ine 1n brae #a+(l &#$a de o#5nz&* +( oa#e de +&mil&0 &ra a+rin#e "&+lii 1n o+2ii Viole$ei Bordeian(0 C(no3$ea 'ri)irea* rea+ia* mi3+area #'e+i"i+& de re+(l0 O 1n$5lni#e la $oi b&rbaii 'e +are 1n+er+a#e #&-i ademenea#+& 1n a3$ern($(l ei0 , N(000 N( 1ndr&zne#+* +oan& Viole$o0 Adi+& eram 1n )izi$&* +a )e+2i 'rie$eni... , A2a: i +e le e-'li+iA Care-i rezon(l 'en$r( +are i-ai mini$A De +e ni+i (n(l din noi n-a 'omeni$ de )izi$a $a* 1n de+laraiile de '5n& a+(mA N( e3$i 'rea i#$e* b&ie$e: B&$r5n(l o 'ri)i #'eria$0 , N( 3$i(* #& +&($&m 1m're(n&0 Hi-am zi# +& n( 1ndr&zne#+000 Dar 'oa$e +& a#$a-i ideea +ea mai b(n&0 @in$ea d(mi$ale* bine1nele#000 Da+& le-am #(%era +&000 n #"5r3i$: Noi doi000 Am 're$inde +&-i )orba de o le%&$(r& mai )e+2e* dar ne-am =ena$ #&000 E-'lod&8 6& m&r$(ri#im: Viole$a Bordeian( 13i 1n+r(+i3& m5inile 'e#$e '5n$e+e0 O+2ii 1i #$r&l(+ea( de #a$i#"a+ie 3i era lim'ede 'en$r( ori+ine , n( 3i 'en$r( Ni+ola(* #'eria$ 3i emoiona$ , +& #e di#$ra +o'io#0 , Care )a #& zi+& doi %(%(3$i(+i: N&$5n%* ne$o$* dar $o$ mai d& +e)a din +a'(l $&(0 Bai #& ba$em 'alma0 Bazili+&* $a$&* a3a r&m5ne: Da+& n(
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m-am +om'romi# la do(&ze+i de ani* #-o "a+ barem la =(m&$a$ea #($ei 3i (n 'ol0 Ni+ola( #e ridi+&0 Era +ara%2io#* 1ndoi$ de 3ale 3i +( %en(n+2ii e'eni0 Hinea m5inile 1m're(na$e 1n dre'$(l b(zelor8 , @(l(me#+* +oan& Viole$o: Ni+i n( 3$ii +5$ 1i #(n$ de 1nda$ora$0 , A+ea#$a om )edea-o d('& +e $re+e 'rime=dia000 Ad&(%& 1ndoi$&8 Da+& o $re+e000 D&m(re3$e-mi 1n#& o +2e#$i(ne8 Ce naiba +&($ai 'e do(&3+in+i noiembrie* #'re +ea#(rile o'$ din#'re #ear& la 'orile l(i $e"anA 6e (i$& +( #a$i#"a+ie #adi+& la Ni+ola( +are 1n+e'(#e #& $rem(re8 N( de al$a* dar 1n a+eea3i #ear& 3i la a+eea3i or&* m& a"lam 'rin 'rea=m&0 888 ?Dra%a mea* +red +& a #o#i$ $im'(l #& $e 1n$or+i a+a#&0 E#$e ora 3a#e "&r& (n #"er$ dimineaa , +e or& im'o#ibil&: N-ai 're$e-$ #& bei (n 'a2ar de 3am'anie* 3$ii* e inde+en$* iar 'e #$rad&* n( 'o$ #&-mi da( #eama de +e* dar $oa$& l(mea e e-$rem de ner)oa#& 3i 'are %r&bi$& , 3i 're#('(n +&-i +az(l #& $e 1n$or+i a+a#&0 @ai 're#(# +& 'er#oana +are $e-a000 m& ro%* in)i$a$ ai+i* n(-i 'rea 'oli$i+oa#&0 @i #e 'are inele%an$ din 'ar$ea (n(i b&rba$ #& $e "a+& #& a3$e'i0 De#i%(r +& n(-i (n mon#ie(r 3i n( )&d de +e i-ai "a+e #+r('(le0 @ai amin$e3$e-i +& l-ai in)i$a$ la +eai 'e domn(l Azimioar&* iar domn(l Cri#$e#+( #-ar '($ea #& "ie 1n%ri=ora$ din 'ri+ina $a0? @elania D('( #e a'ro'ie de o o%lind& ie"$in&* 1nr&ma$& 1n lemn bronza$0 6'5nz(ra 1n$re 3i"onier(l +( $rei (3i 3i (n $ablo( 'i+$a$ 1n maniera l(i Go%( Ga2are#+(* a+(m )reo +in+i#'reze+e ani* +elebr( 3i +( de)er mare 'rin$re 'iearii din Obe(r 3i ma2ala%iii +( %(#$ #(bire0 ?Oroare* '(r 3i #im'l(* "e$io: Cine #e 'oa$e e-$azia dinain$ea (n(i +ra' r&'o#a$ 'e o "ar"(rie de la Borez(A i de +e #e )ede 1n "(nd o +oloan& %re+ea#+&* n-am #& 'ri+e' ni+ioda$&000? 3i '(#e din no( $o+a* d&d( (n "(l% de '(dr& 'e obraz 3i "&+( (n 'a# 1na'oi* +er+e$5nd(-#e +( o+2i +ri$i+i0 3i m5n=i de%e$(l +el mi+ 1n %&oa+ea e$(-(l(i de r(=* a'roa'e e'(iza$0 ?Un #$ro' de ro3( 'e b(ze 1n)ioreaz&* "e$io* iar dimineaa* 1n zori* d('& o noa'$e nedormi$&* n( ar&i e-$raordinar* ni+i +2iar da+& $e +2eam& 6o'2ia Doren0 C( a$5$ mai m(l$ da+& ai 1m'lini$ 3aize+i 3i +in+i de ani000 n reali$a$e* oamenii 1n )5r#$& ar $reb(i #& "ie m(l$ mai %ri=(lii +( in($a lor de+5$ +ei $ineri0 C5nd 1i )&d +( )a$& 1n (re+2i 3i '&r(l 1n 3()ie 1n%&lbeni$e , +odie de 3obolan , 3i 'an$o"i de+('ai la mon$(ri* mi-e r(3ine +& #(n$ +on$em'oran& +( 'a+ea de la Ver#aille#0 C5nd #e de#'rin#e de o%lind&* o+2ii , )iole$e 're#a$e 1n$r-(n alb(m , #$r&l(+ea( +a 1n#$elai0 6e #imea 1n$r-o di#'oziie e-+elen$&* 'roa#'&$& +a zorii (nei zile de mai 3i '(#& 'e 3o$ii0 ?$i( +e +2e" ai a)ea* dra%a mea0 6& $e dai +( $ro$ine$a000 l ii min$e 'e F(dorelA Era (n n&zdr&)an 3i =(m&$a$e0 Fo$dea(na '(nea o #"oar& la +ol(l #$r&zii 3i $( )eneai de-a berbelea+(l0 Am a(zi$ +& a a=(n# 'om'ier* de3i n( m& a3$e'$am #& e)ol(eze a3a de bine0 A)ea )e3ni+ +oa$ele 3i %en(n+2ii =(lii000? 6+oa#e a%enda din 'o3e$&* r('#e o "il& 3i 1n+e'( #& %ri"oneze +( +reion(l derma$o%ra"0 Hinea )5r"(l limbii a"ar&* +(m "a+ +o'iii +5nd $r(de#+ la $emele de +ali%ra"ie* a3a +(m "&+(#e 3i ea a+(m a'roa'e 3aize+i de ani* #+(l'$5nd bee 3i +5rli%e 'e $&blia de ardezie +( 3n(r 3i b(re$e +a o 'or$o+al& de 3)aier0
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)timate domn, v mulumesc pentru #raioasa dumneavoastr ospitalitate& dar guvernanta mea * o domnioar trn din +i##es cu o sl iciune irezisti il pentru #uleraele de dantel i evantaiele spaniole >o&( avea o sumedenie(? @ m-a nvat c nu-i !rumos s a uzez. "n consecin, atept s-mi ntoarcei vizita. V asi#ur c suntei scutit de !ormalitatea crii de vizit cu colul ntors i c v atept oricnd v !ace plcere la o ceac de ceai i o !elie stranic de caAe. A dumneavoastr, *elania +upu. Rezem& 25r$ia de o )az& )e+2e 3i 13i "re+& #a$i#"&+($& de%etele #ra!ile. ?Cred +& ai "&+($ o +om'(nere de#$(l de "r(m(3i+&* "e$io0 n ori3i+e +az* e +lar&* iar domn(l a+e#$a ne+(no#+($* +are inea #& #$ea de )orb& +( $ine* )a 'ri+e'e de la b(n 1n+e'($ +& e3$i o 'er#oan& 'oli$i+oa#& 3i +& n( ai nimi+ de-a "a+e +( +i("(ii a+eia +are $ra% z&)or(l 3i #$in% lam'a +5nd le ba$ m(#a"irii la (3&0 B(n* a+(ma n( $e mai "&li* doar 3$ii +& n(-mi 'la+ oamenii #emei000? 6e %5ndi $o$(3i* "&+5nd %2emo$o+ 'a%inile )e+2ii re)i#$e ?6&'$&m5na? 3i +&($5nd din o+2i al$e 25r$ii* e)en$(al o +5r'& 9n( ezi$& #& ia "aa de ma#&; +& in"a$(area* de#i%(r di#+re$&* 1n limi$ele b(n(l(i #im 'rezin$& 3i a#'e+$e 'ozi$i)e0 ?n "ond* (n indi)id 1n+rez($ e#$e (n om m(l(mi$ din $oa$e '(n+$ele de )edere de #oar$a l(i0 De 'ild&* e( n-a3 )rea #& m& #+2imb +( nimeni0 i* da+& ar "i #& m& mai na#+ o da$& 3i m-ar 1n$reba b(n(l D(mneze( +ine a3 )rea #& "i(* i-a3 r&#'(nde +& $o$ e(0 D&-mi )oie* @elanie* #&-i #'(n +& a+ea#$a n(-i o 'rob& de 1n%5m"are* +i dim'o$ri)&0 Cred +& i-am e-'li+a$ #i$(aia de#$(l de +lar* +&+i* #la)& Domn(l(i* n( "a+i 'ar$e din$re a+eia +are da+& n( 1nele% din 'rim(l momen$ (n l(+r(* n(-l mai 1nele% ni+ioda$&000? 6e +2in(i +5$e)a min($e* 1n+er+5nd #& de#+2id& %eam(l0 E#'aniole$a* ne"olo#i$& ani de zile* 1ne'eni#e0 ) ru!init' dra%a mea* #'(#e $are* )5r5nd(-3i de%e$(l lo)i$ 1n %(r&0 A2: n #"5r3i$* o %(r& de aer 'roa#'&$0 Ce bine +& n( e3$i (n "ri%(ril& +a @ir+i(li+&000 Ca(i +e)a* i(bi$o: )3' da' !3emotocul de 34rtie! l #$re+(r& 1n$re "erea#$r& 3i '5n$e+ele %ra$iilor de "ier "or=a$* 1m're(n& +( "aa de ma#& 3i* idee de (l$im& +li'&* o 'ern& broda$& +2ilim +( +2enar de +a$i"ea0 , Cred +& D(mneze( r&#'l&$e3$e "a'$ele b(ne* "e$io0 Da+& n( $e-ai "i d(# #&'$&m5na $re+($& la +imi$ir , morm5n$(l ar&$a #+andalo#* "ie )orba 1n$re noi* dra%a mea* iar +olonel(l* #(n$ 1n+redina$&* 1n+e'(#e #& #e #im$& ne%li=a$ ,* n( a)eai a+(m +($ia de +2ibri$(ri la $ine000 <re+& (n b& 3i 1n +li'a (rm&$oare o "la+&r& '($erni+& 53ni #$re+(r5nd(-#e 3er'e3$e 'rin$re %ra$iile "ere#$rei0 @elania D('( 1n+e'( #& r5d& b&$5nd din 'alme "eri+i$&0 , Ce #'e+$a+ol min(na$* dra%a mea: N( 3$i( de +e* dar 1mi amin$e3$e de 'om(l de Cr&+i(n0 O+2ii alba3$ri #+li'ea( de $ineree0 6e #imea <e$ia +( +2ibri$(ri0 888 , Ia $e (i$&: r5#e Gi%i 6on%* m&#(r5nd balerina din +a' '5n& 1n 'i+ioare0 D(me no(&0 4o$ #&-i #'(n +& n( ar&i "aimo#0 C&$&lina 13i ridi+& 'ri)irea0 Era "ierbin$e 3i* 1n +2i' +i(da$* iri#(l '&rea
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+& #e dila$a#e* 1n%2iea +orneea 3i $5n&r(l a)( im're#ia +& obraz(l "e$ei e %&(ri$8 do(& %(ri de %2een&0 ,i m+inse (n #+a(n 3i +( %e#$(ri nea3$e'$a$ de %in%a3e o a=($& #& #e a3eze0 Era( 'rie$eni dem(l$* +o'il&ri#er& 'e a+eea3i #$rad& 1m're(n& +( Dor( 4o'e#+(* Vl&d(* AndC000 4e la +in+i#'reze+e ani* 13i 1n+2i'(i#e +& e 1ndr&%o#$i$ de ea0 i 1m'le$ea +(n(nie de mar%are$e* o l(a de la 3+oal& d('& orele de #$(di(* 1i $&ia#e oda$&* "&r& #& #im$&* o 3()i& de '&r 3i-i "&+ea* #a( 1i ada'$a* $o$ 'e a#+(n#* )er#(ri8 ?E3$i o "loare* W e3$i (n +rin W e3$i 'ar"(m(l +el mai "in000? 6a(* +5nd 'le+a#e 'en$r( doi ani la In#$i$($(l de +ore%ra"ie din Denin%rad0 ?<oaie )erde m&r&+ine W C5$ de m(l$ in e( la $ine W <oaie )erde de m&rar W 6& ne de#'&rim e amar?0 O +er+e$& #+(r$ 3i +ol(rile %(rii 1i z)5+nir&0 C&$&lina ar&$a +( ade)&ra$ 'ro#$* '&rea 1mb&$r5ni$& 3i 'ierd(#e +eea +e l(i Gi%i 6on% i #e '&r(#e $o$dea(na a "i 1n#(3irea ei +ea mai de 're8 o '(ri$a$e 'lin& de #$r&l(+ire0 n reali$a$e* n( 1n+e$a#e ni+ioda$& #& in& la ea 3i +2iar +5nd #e 1ndr&%o#$i#e de Andreea , o 'a#i(ne mi#$(i$oare* +r(d&* #min$i$&* de +are Gi%i 're"era #& n(-3i ad(+& amin$e , +on$in(a#e #& #e %5ndea#+& la ea0 Un #en$imen$ bizar* mi-$(r& de a"e+i(ne* +amaraderie* ne)oie im'erioa#&* #'on$an&* ni+ioda$& #oli+i$a$&* de a o 'ro$e=a0 i 'rin#e m5na 3i o m5n%5ie 'e "r(n$ea bol$i$&0 , Ce-i +( $ine* "a$&A N( $e-am )&z($ ni+ioda$& 1n$r-o di#'oziie mai na#oal&0 C&$&lina* la +a'&$(l '($erilor* 1n+e'( #& 'l5n%&0 Gi%i o l(& 1n brae0 , N( meri$& #& 'l5n%i 'en$r( nimi+* C&$&: Ia zii l(i $e$ea: Cine $e-a )5r5$ 1n bern&: Care mo+o"anA ?alerina se !3emui la +ie+tul lui Gi!i' izb(+nind 1n 2o2o$e0 4l5n%ea +( di#'erare* di#'erarea a+eea #'e+ial&* drama$i+&* a momen$elor %ra)e din )iaa (n(i indi)id0 O #imeai +& )rea #& moar&* 1n #$are de a+$ele +ele mai ne#&b(i$e0 , @i+le#+(A 1n$reb& Gi%i* m5n%5ind(-i (3or '&r(l0 <a$a d&d( din +a'0 6e l&#& a3eza$& 'e +ana'ea(a $a'i#a$& 1n$r-(n +re$on +( "lori 'or$o+alii0 Era o %ar#onier& obi3n(i$&* 'e +are Gi%i o mobila#e 'ar+& in$eniona$ 1n +2i'(l +el mai banal 'o#ibil0 Ori%inal& era doar biblio$e+a* 1n +are #(r'rindea e$ero%en(l* a#o+iaiile bizare $r&d5nd "ie a($odida+$(l +( le+$(ri li'#i$e de di#+i'lin&* "ie 'ro$o$i'(l de indi)id ri#i'i$* +( nen(m&ra$e #$ar$(ri* +ole+ionar de +(r#e abandona$e0 4e (n #in%(r ra"$* +on)ie(ia( de 'ild&* o re)i#$& de 3a2* (n $ra$a$ de brid%e* (n man(al de i#$orie a m(zi+ii* do(& romane din +elebra +ole+ie ?@a#+a?* o ?Biblie?* (n )ol(m de #o+iali#m 3$iini"i+0 , A#+(l$&* C&$&lina* b&rba$(l &#$a e o be#$ie 3i $e-am a)er$iza$ +2iar de la 1n+e'($0 Fe-a a)er$iza$ 3i bie$(l Dor(000 Balerina 13i ridi+& obraz(l r&)&3i$ de +l4ns. , N(-mi 'a#&0 l i(be#+0 , n re%(l&0 n+er+ #& m& obi3n(ie#+ +( ideea +& ai %2inion 3i idei "i-e0 Care-i +2e#$ia a+(mA Umbl& d('& al$& damez&A Nimi+ no(* 'er#ona=(l e ob#eda$0 , l i(be#+ 1ndea=(n# de m(l$ +a #& m& b(+(r de "eri+irea l(i0 Gi!i 6on% "l(ier& "al# admira$i)8 , Ni+i 'rin min$e n(-mi $re+ea +& ai o inim& a$5$ de #'aioa#&: 4ra+$i+* +e $e "r&m5n$&A , 6'(ne-mi $o$ +e 3$ii de#'re el0 Fo$* ab#ol($ $o$0 Fe im'lor: 3i #$r5n#e#e '(mnii la 'ie'$* iar 1n 'ri)irea dila$a$& i #e +i$ea o
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a3$e'$are 'lin& de $eam&0 Gi%i* +ir+(m#'e+$* 13i #(bie 'ri)irea0 , Vrei o +ara+$erizare0 Ei bine* %a%i(l e#$e +ea mai mare +analie 'e +are am +(no#+($-o )reoda$&0 Fi+&lo#* i'o+ri$* la3* $(rn&$or* $ri3or: O r5m& ab=e+$&0 Balerina 13i #+($(r& 'le$ele blonde0 N( m& in$ere#eaz& ad=e+$i)ele0 6'(ne-mi +e le%&$(r& e 1n$re Vali* moar$ea l(i Dor( 3i ble#$ema$ele alea de 'a+2eele000 Gi%i 6on% n(-3i re'rim& $re#&rirea0 6+oa#e o i%ar& 3i o a'rin#e +( mi3+&ri )oi$ len$e* de 'ar+& ar "i )r($ #& +53$i%e $im'0 , 4a+2eelele: Ce 'a+2eele* dra%a meaA , A2: i'& C&$&lina izbind(-#e +( '(mn(l 1n %en(n+2i0 N( #(n$ +2iar a$5$ de 'roa#$& 'e +5$ +redei0 $ii bine la +e m& re"er 3i #(n$ in+a'abil& #& n( "a+ +orelaii 1n%rozi$oare0 , Ca de 'ild&000 , Dor( e )i+$ima +ombinaiilor )oa#$re #+5rboa#e0 F( 3i Vali l(+rai de (n an de zile +( a(r: , Il(#$r(l no#$r( a)o+a$ i-a 'o)e#$i$ +2e#$ia a#$aA , ndr&zne3$i #&-mi #'(i +& n(-i ade)&ra$: Ui$&-$e 1n o+2ii mei: , Ai 2al(+inaii0 , N(: V-am )&z($ 1m're(n&0 C(no#+ 'a+2eelele %&lb(i0 Vali le ine 1n #er$&ra3(l #e+re$ de la biro(0 D-am de#+2i# 1n li'#a l(i000 C&($am #+ri#ori000 >orbea sacadat' +rintre sus+ine' oc3ii i ardeau. , Cre$in(l: #+r53ni Gi%i 6on%0 , F( e3$i mai breazA Am )&z($ a+elea3i 'a+2e$e la $ine: , Ia $e (i$&: De (nde 3$ii +& era( a+elea3iA , Am m(rd&ri$ do(& din nea$enie +( derma$o%ra" )iole$0 @& %r&bi#em d('& #'e+$a+ol 3i n( a'(+a#em #& m& dema+2iez0 4robabil am d(# m5na la o+2i 3i m-am m5n=i$* 1n "ine* n( are im'or$an&0 Gi%i 6on% #$ri)i ner)o# i%ara0 , i #-a 1n$5m'la$ demult c3estia asta$ , A+(m do(& l(ni0 , A: in min$e: C5nd am "&+($ )iroza aia000 @i-amin$e#+ +& n( #e %&#ea +2inin& 3i000 , I#'r&)e3$e: (rl& C&$&lina0 6(n$ %5#+&* in+(l$&* n( 3$i( de+5$ #& da( din 'i+ioare* dar n( oarb&: ,n de#initiv ce vrei$ ?alerina re#'ir& ad5n+* $re+5nd(-3i 'alma 'e#$e "r(n$ea 1n"ierb5n$a$&0 , A)eam 1n+redere 1n Dor(0 O+2ii i #e (m'l(r& din no( de la+rimi0 El a "o#$ #in%(r(l me( 'rie$en ade)&ra$* #in%(r(l om +are m-a i(bi$ #in+er0 *unt de acord cu tine. /e ce l(ai #entat$ <a$a d&d( din +a' +( $ri#$ee0 /e ce mai ntrebi$ , 6+(r$: I-ai 'o)e#$i$ 'robabil $oa$& $&r&3enia 3i +(m nenoro+i$(l a)ea o "an$ezie z(rba%ie a a=(n# la +on+l(zia +& ne o+('&m +( $ra"i+ de a(r ?en %ro#? 3i a 1n+e'($ #& "a+& 'e de$e+$i)(l0 Unde $e +rezi* i(bi$o* la C2i+a%oA i 1n+& +e)a: Admi5nd +& m-a3 o+('a de +o+o3ei* 3i al$e +2e#$ii zorn&i$oare* m& +rezi a$5$ de imbe+il* 1n+5$ #& m& 1n+(r+ 1n$r-o +ombinaie +are m& 'oa$e +o#$a +a'(l +( o 2a2aler& +a @i+le#+(A , 6o+o$elile i le-ai "&+($ "&r& mine0 Am +on)in%erea +& l-ai li+2ida$ 'e Dor( +a #& n( )orbea#+&0 A "&+($ 'ro#$ia #&-i #'(n& l(i Vali +e 3$ie* l-a amenina$ 'robabil0
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Gi%i 6on% o 1n$rer('#e* #+($(r5nd(-i (m&r(l +( )iolen&0 , E3$i neb(n&A: Ce 1n#eamn& l-ai li+2ida$A , D-ai (+i#: i'& C&$&lina #+oa#& din mini0 Voi* 1m're(n&* +a #&-i 1n+2idei %(ra0 Gi%i 6on% "&+( (n 'a# 1na'oi0 De+lar& nea3$e'$a$ de +alm8 , Fe 1n3eli* dra%a mea0 n a"a+erea a#$a* @i+le#+( a l(+ra$ "&r& +om'li+i0 4rin$re al$ele* $reb(ie #&-i #'(n +& #(n$ m&%(li$ +& m& )ezi 1n i'o#$aza de a#a#in0 4en$r( lini3$ea $a* $e in"ormez +& di#'(n de (n alibi in"ailibil0 n zi(a +( 'ri+ina* la ora "a$idi+&* d&deam o de+laraie la miliie* 1n le%&$(r& +( o %&in&rie oare+are0 C&$&lina 1l 'ri)i 1n#'&im5n$a$&0 , Ce )rei #& #'(iA Adi+& Vali l-a000 E-a+$ +e ai 1nele#* dr&%(&: @ae#$r(> @i+le#+( l-a a#a#ina$0 2@ , Ce "a+i* Cri#A Ai 1n+e'($ #& m& ne%li=ezi000 Cole$a @i+le#+( 1i ar&$& +( m5na (n "o$oli( 3i #e 1ndre'$& in#$in+$i) #'re bar0 Gre%orian o +er+e$& a$en$0 4&rea "oar$e b&$r5n& 3i din +5$e 13i '($ea ad(+e amin$e era 'en$r( 'rima oar& +& o )edea ne+oa"a$&0 Un $i) alb r&#&rea di#+re$ la r&d&+ina '&r(l(i* dar* 1n mod obi3n(i$* '5n& #& a=(n%& la +oa"or* Cole$a 3i-l ma#+a* '(n5nd(-3i 'er(+a #a( (n $(rban0 Cris se o+ri circums+ect. , A#+(l$&* $e deran=ezA n$re noi n( 1n+a' "a#oane0 Am 3i e( zile din a#$ea alba#$re 1n +are n-am +2e" #& )&d 'e nimeni* a3a +& n( $e "ormaliza0 E-'loziile de en$(zia#m* de al$"el #in+ere* ale @i+lea#+&i +5nd 13i 1n$5m'ina m(#a"irii "&+ea( 'ar$e din no$a obi3n(i$&* +on#$i$(ind (na din $r&#&$(rile +ele mai #ed(+&$oare ale 'er#onali$&ii ei0 , N( m& deran=ezi* Cri#0 F( n( m& deran=ezi ni+ioda$&0 De +5nd $e +(no#+* $e-am +on#idera$ +o'il(l me(0 Gre%orian 1i #&r($& m5na 3i 1n$reb& #(r5z5nd +( bl5ndee8 , 6en$imen$al&A Plicti#i$&0 n+& o no($a$e* re"le+$& in%iner(l0 Cole$a a)ea %ri=& #& n( #e 'li+$i#ea#+& 3i era de ne+on+e'($ #& 'e$rea+& o #ear& #in%(r&* "ie +& ie3ea 1n ora3* "ie +& 'rimea )izi$e0 *(a nt4m+lat ceva cu >ali$ Cole$a $re#&ri a$5$ de )izibil* 1n+5$ Gre%orian de#+(m'&ni$* a)( #en$imen$(l +& a omi# o %a"& de +are n(-3i d&dea #eama0 , Ce #& #e 1n$5m'leA , N( 3$i(000 Am 1n$reba$000 Iar$&-m&* dar 1mi 'ari "oar$e #+2imba$&0 Crezi +& $e 'o$ a=($a +( +e)aA /oamna Miclescu 04mbi c3inuit: Can 5 3el+ Bou$ Ce n!ro0itor de +on)enional 'o$ #(na (nele 1n$reb&ri000 , E( n( #(n$ +on)enional0 , $i( Cri#0 6'(ne-mi* 1l )ezi 'e Vali 1n #$are de +e)a r&(A C( ade)&ra$ r&(A , Ce-i $re+e 'rin min$eA , Am +on#$a$a$* (rm& )i#&$oare* +& ne +(noa3$em "oar$e '(in (nii 'e alii0 N(-i de a=(n# #& "ii mam& +a #&-i in$(ie3$i "i(l 1n 'arame$rii #&i
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reali* #a( #&-i 1nele%i $oa$e a+$ele000 6$rani( mi #e 'are +& a $reb(i$ #& 1m'line#+ 3a'$eze+i de ani +a #& 'ri+e' (n l(+r( elemen$ar000 Al$& no($a$e: Cole$a n( 3i-ar "i m&r$(ri#i$ )5r#$a 1n r('$(l +a'(l(i 3i a=(n#e#e (n ade)&ra$ a# 1n e)i$area da$elor de re"erin&0 4er"orman&* +&+i +on)er#aia ei era )ol(bil& 3i #'on$an& 3i arareori #e +enz(ra0 Ni+ioda$& n( a"irma de 'ild&* ?m-am +&#&$ori$ 1n an(l >7! #a( >7J?* 'en$r( +a 1n al$& 1m're=(rare #& m&r$(ri#ea#+& ?m-am m&ri$a$ la do(&ze+i de ani000? , $ii* Cri#* am 1n+redere 1n #in+eri$a$ea 3i 1n =(de+a$a $a000 4e de al$& 'ar$e* ineren$ +(no3$i mai m(l$e de#'re Vali de+5$ mine000 B&rbaii n( #e a#+(nd (nii de alii* +el '(in 1n 'rin+i'i(000 3i "r5n#e de%e$ele 3i 'o+ne$(l (#+a$ al "alan%elor 3o+& (re+2ea l(i Gre%orian0 Doamna @i+le#+( 1i +&($& 'ri)irea 3i in%iner(l izb(+ni a'roa'e r&#$i$8 , N( $e mai (i$a a3a la mine: 4(r 3i #im'l( n( 'o$ #& 1nd(r0 6'(nemi lim'ede +e #e 1n$5m'l& 3i e)en$(al 'o$ #& $e a=($0 A3a* b5=b5im0 A(zi: 4&rerea mea de#'re Vali: B(n&* na$(ral* al$"el 1l o+oleam* n( eram 'rie$eni0 , 6in+er000 Dar $e ro% "oar$e #in+er* +rezi +& ar "i 1n #$are de +rim&A In%iner(l #e 2olb&* ne)enind(-i #&-3i +read& (re+2ilor8 , Cole$o* e3$i neb(n&: , OareA @i-e a3a de $eam&000 , n#eamn& +& adinea(ri ai a)($ dre'$a$e0 N(-i +(no3$i delo+* dar delo+* 'ro'ri(l "i(0 6e a3ez& l5n%& ea 3i-i 'rin#e m5na 1n$re 'almele (#+a$e 3i r&+oroa#e0 A#+(l$&* dra%a mea* n-am #& a"irm ni+ioda$& de#'re Vali +& ar "i o 'ild& de morali$a$e #a( +& mi l-a3 '($ea 1n+2i'(i z(%r&)i$ 'e zid(ri de bi#eri+&0 6"5n$(l Vali000 <e+ior(-$&( e#$e (n !ouisseur e%oi#$ +are 1n %eneral 'ro"e#eaz& 'rin+i'i(l ?$r&ie3$e* dar la#& 3i 'e alii #& $r&ia#+&?* iar da+& a#$a n( e 'o#ibil* a$(n+i $r&ie3$e 3i an"i3eaz&-$e de +eilali0 Are %&in&riile l(i 3i $reb(ie #&-i #'(n +& 1n relaiile +( "emeile e de'ar$e de a "i (n %en$leman0 D(+r(rile a#$ea le 3$ii 3i $(* e( n( )in +( ni+i o no($a$e0 Doamna @i+le#+( $&+ea* 'ri)ind in$& la "ran=(rile +o)or(l(i* (n i#'a2an 1n n(ana miez(l(i de 2arb(z0 , n +on+l(zie* (rm& Cri#* Vali )a 3$i $o$dea(na #&-3i +ond(+& 1ndem5na$i+ bar+a* nein5nd 'rea m(l$ #eama de +ei din =(r* dar a+$e de +anali#m 'ro'ri(-zi# n( )a +omi$e ni+ioda$&0 E 'rea +omod* 'rea 'r(den$ 3i ine 'rea m(l$ la e-i#$ena +on"or$abil& 'e +are o d(+e 'en$r( a o =(+a la zar(ri0 6(n$ ab#ol($ 1n+redina$ de $o$ +e i-am #'(#0 , @er#i* Cri#* o"$& @i+lea#+a0 In%iner(l o +er+e$& #(r5z5nd8 , i a+(m d&-i dr(m(l* dra%a mea0 Ce $e de$ermin& #& +rezi +& Vali a 1n+e'($ #&-l "a+& 'e zme(l zmeilorA 6a( 'e +a)aler(l &la din ba#mele en%leze3$i* (n $i' male"i+0 n "ine* am (i$a$ +(m 1l +2eam&000 , D&-l 1n m&-#a: A(zi* n-a3 m&r$(ri#i nim&n(i l(+r(rile a#$ea* Cri#0 Am 1n+redere 1n $ine0 Vali are +o3mar(ri 1n%rozi$oare0 l )&d +(m #e +2in(ie3$e* +ine)a 1l $or$(reaz&* iar 1n $im'(l &#$a m&r$(ri#e3$e l(+r(ri $eribile000 , A#+(l$&* #'(#e Gre%orian* e3$i #i%(r& +& n( e-a%ereziA Doamna @i+le#+( d&d( din +a'8 , 6(n$ #i%(r&0 i mai e +e)a000 Am %&#i$ 1n biro(l l(i Vali a%enda de an(l &#$a a l(i $e"an0 6e a%&& de bra(l in%iner(l(i8 C(m a a=(n# la elA Ce 'oa$e #& 1n#emne a#$aA
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Gla#(l a)o+a$(l(i in$ra$ "&r& +a +ei doi 1n"ierb5n$ai de di#+(ie #&-l "i #imi$ r&#(n& lini3$i$ din #'a$ele lor8 , C& $(-mi dai br5n+i #& +ad 1n 'r&'a#$ie0 @(l(me#+* mam&0 888 C5nd Azimioar& d&d( b(zna 1n biro(* 3iroind de #(doare 3i a%i$a$* maior(l Cri#$e#+( #e 'ro'$i +( n&de=de 1n ma#a de l(+r(0 n$rebarea e-'lod& 1nain$e +a lo+o$enen$(l #& "i a'(+a$ #&-3i reia #("l(l8 , Re'ede: Ce-a mai "&+($A A "(ra$ #$a$(ia Diber$&iiA Un $ram)aiA Ne $rimi$e +om'limen$e 3i o "elie de +aLe din @ar$eA A "o#$ alea#& @i## N(d Canne# 1 /1A Azimioar& #+($(r& )iolen$ din +a'0 *(a ntors. Cri#$e#+(* #lei$ de emoie* #e l&#& 'e #'&$ar(l #+a(n(l(i0 , @& a3$e'$am0 Ca #& "i( #in+er* n-am "o#$ ni+i o #e+(nd& 1n%ri=ora$0 N( #-a n&#+($ 1n+& &la +are #-o #e+2e#$reze 'e @elania D('(0 Hi-a 'o)e#$i$ +(m a 'e$re+($ 1n e-+(r#ia* +2ermeza* 'i+ni+(l , 1n "ine* %&#e3$e ea (n $ermen dr&%&la3 , re#'e+$i)A , N-am #$a$ de )orb& +( ea0 No($a$ea mi-a +om(ni+a$-o a+(m @arina30 El #('ra)e%2eaz& lo+(ina0 @i-a #'(# +& 'rim(l l(+r( a "o#$ #&-l #+oa$& la 'limbare 'e @ir+i(li+&0 n le#&* bine1nele#0 D('& )o+e* am a)($ im're#ia +& #e #im$e '(in z&'&+i$0 , Ei bine* b&ia$(l 1n+& n(-i oeli$0 Din 1n$5m'lare* noi am mai )&z($ +5$e +e)a000 De "a'$* m&r$(ri#ind(-3i-o ane)oie +2iar l(i 1n#(3i* #e #imea (3(ra$0 B&$r5na a+ea#$a e-er+i$a a#('ra l(i (n "arme+ irezi#$ibil 3i +2iar da+& 'rimea +( +ram'e an+2e$a +az(rilor (nde era ame#$e+a$&* (l$im(l l(+r( de 'e l(me 'e +are 3i l-ar "i dori$ "iind noi me+i(ri @elania , Cri#$e#+(* 1n+er+a 'en$r( ea (n bizar* dar 'ro"(nd #en$imen$ de a"e+i(ne0 n reali$a$e* n-o $ra$a#e ni+ioda$& +a 'e o in"ra+$oare 3i era 1n+redina$ +& ?n&zb5$iile? ei #(n$ %enera$e de ima%inaia zb(rdalni+& a (nei 'er#oane +( )o+aie +er$& 'en$r( a)en$(r& 3i "ar#&0 6(b m(l$e a#'e+$e* @elania r&m&#e#e o "e$i& , #imeai ne)oia #&-i '(i o '&'(3& #a( (n ie'(ra3 1n brae , 3i* +a mai $oi indi)izii r&ma3i '(ri +2iar la ma$(ri$a$e* adora 'o)e3$ile +( z5ne0 Con$ra#$(l , in"an$ili#m(l 'lin de "arme+ 3i %raie 3i min$ea #+5n$eie$oare +($reier5nd mere( +&r&ri ne(mbla$e , realiza o 'er#onali$a$e din$re +ele mai ori%inale* +are "a#+ina0 C5nd @elania "(#e#e +ondamna$&* Cri#$e#+( #e #imi#e #in+er ne+&=i$* 1n $im'(l e-e+($&rii 'ede'#ei 1i e-'edia#e +5$e)a 'a+2e$e ?anonime? 3i #e b(+(ra#e din inim& +( o+azia amni#$ierii0 6e %5ndea la ea +( d(io3ie 3i #'era , +( +redin& "oar$e debil& , +& an(l 'e$re+($ la ?1n$ri#$are? 1i )a )5r1 minile 1n +a'0 Al$eori* 1n +li'e de no#$al%ie* re"le+$a +& moar$ea ei la (n momen$ da$ 1l )a a"e+$a #erio#0 C( @elania a)ea #& di#'ar& (na din "i%(rile +ele mai di#+re$ 'i$ore3$i ale B(+(re3$ilor +on$em'orani0 ?n "ond 13i #'(#e +er+e$5nd(-l ma3inal 'e Azimioar& 3i +on#$a$5nd $o$ ma3inal +& #-a mai 1n%r&3a$* deo+amda$& n-a "&+($ nimi+* n(-i 'o$ re'ro3a nimi+0 Gi 1n#& +& am +&'&$a$ (n $i+ ner)o# 3i +& mi-e im'o#ibil +5nd 1mi ie#e 1n +ale* #&-mi ima%inez o @elanie 'o$oli$&* +are #& n( r&#(+ea#+& #im(l$an )reo ze+e +ombinaii $r&#ni$e +are la r5nd(l lor #& n( %enereze al$e +in3'e dandanale0?
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, A( #+&'a$-o 'om'ierii* ar(n+& br(#+ Azimioar& #i%(r de e"e+$ , 4om'ierii: #e 2olb& maior(l0 Ei* da* +e-i dre'$* 'e &3$ia 1i #+&'a#e '5n& a+(m0 <a)oriii eram noi0 C(m #e #im$ b&ieiiA A( a)($ (n 3o+A , C&'i$an(l e+2i'ei d&dea #emne +& #e )a re#$abili0 Eai' s+une cum s(a nt4m+lat! , Azi-diminea& la 3a#e* a( 'rimi$ (n $ele"on +& 1n$r-o )il& la 'ai#'reze+e Lilome$ri de B(+(re3$i a izb(+ni$ (n in+endi(0 4ra+$i+* e )orba de o +a#& +( do(& ni)ele* ridi+a$& 1n 'lin +5m'* de "a'$ +om'le$ izola$&* n( 3$i( +e-o "i "o#$ 1n +a'(l 'ro'rie$ar(l(i iniial0 <o+(l a "o#$ ob#er)a$ de (n )e+in , +el mai a'ro'ia$ , +are-3i are %o#'od&ria la )reo +in+i-3a#e #($e de me$ri de'&r$are0 B&ieii a( )5r5$ +&rb(ni* dar '5n& #& a=(n%&* "o+(l +('rin#e#e a'roa'e =(m&$a$e din imobil0 , Bm: "&+( maior(l0 4robabil +& @elania a 1n$5m'ina$ #i$(aia +( m(l$ +alm0 Do+o$enen$(l 13i m5n%5ie obraz(l %ra# de 'ar+& ar "i )r($ #&-i de"inea#+& e-a+$ +on$(r(l0 , Cred +& nimeni n( #e 'oa$e a3$e'$a la al$+e)a din 'ar$ea ei0 A( %&#i$-o +i$ind )er#(ri de A0 Foma ?(n 'oe$ de#$(l de dire+$ d('& '&rerea mea?* d('& +are #-a #+(za$ amabil&0 V& re'rod(+ $e-$(al 93e"(l e+2i'ei are o memorie remar+abil& 3i 1n 'l(# #e 'are +& 1n$5lnirea +( @elania n-o )a (i$a 'rea +(r5nd;8 ?V& ro% #& m& #+(zai +& )-am deran=a$* dar am im're#ia +& domn(l +are m-a in)i$a$* m-a (i$a$* iar e( am 1n+e'($ #& m& 'li+$i#e#+0 $ii* "a+ 'ar$e din$re 'er#oanele in+a'abile #& n( de'(n& o a+$i)i$a$e* iar ai+i n( era 'rea mare l(+r( de "&+($000? , i #eam&n& lei$: e-+lam& maior(l* ridi+5nd(-#e br(#+0 N( mai am r&bdare* m& d(+ #-o )&d0 Azimioar& 1l (rm&ri 1n $im' +e-3i 1mbr&+a 'arde#i(l0 Cri#$e#+( era "ebril* de%e$ele i #e 1n+(r+a( 1n na#$(ri 3i 1n +ele din (rm& ren(n& #& #e mai 1nc3eie. Ridi+& din #'r5n+ene* +am("l5nd(-3i z5mbe$(l0 ?Ai zi+e +&-i e dor de ea000? N( #e 1n3ela 'rea $are0 888 A)o+a$(l @i+le#+( ad(#e banii 1n$r-o )ali=oar&0 O de'(#e 'e +on#ola din 2ol(l Adinei* o de#+2i#e o#$en$a$i) 3i a'rin#e a'li+ele de +ri#$al0 6e #imea obo#i$* mar+a$ de emoiile (l$imelor zile* dar +2i'(l 1i era a'rin# de o #a$i#"a+ie "ebril&* 1n +are (n "izionomi#$ a$en$ ar "i '($($ de#+o'eri o doz& +on#iderabil& de ne#i%(ran&0 Adina 1n 'ei%noir de m&$a#e +2en&r(i$ +( 'ene de #$r( +er+e$& +onin($(l $r(#ei +( o 'ri)ire indi"eren$&0 O a%a#a aer(l =alni+ $ri(m"&$or al a)o+a$(l(i8 ?Ui$e de +e #(n$ e( 1n #$are* #& )edem +e mai #'(i a+(ma:? 3i ob#er)& +a(#$i+8 , Fe #imi de 'ar+& ai "i Bar(n-Al-Ra3id* n(-i a3aA #a( Aladin* adi+& n(* &la era +( ele+$ri+i$a$ea* n( +( +reiarii0 @i+le#+(* din$r-o da$& 'leo3$i$* 1n+er+& #-o ia 1n brae0 , @& #im$ e-a+$ +eea +e #(n$0 Un m(ri$or de r5nd +are ador& o z5n& 3i 1n+ear+& d('& '($eri $o$(l +a #-o m(l(mea#+&0 , De#$(l de '(in0 B&rba$(l r&ma#e +( %(ra +&#+a$&0 ?E #min$i$&A Ce )reaA 6& #'ar% Ban+a An%lieiA? %u... nu veri#ici$
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Adina #e (i$& la el de 'ar+& a$(n+i l-ar "i )&z($ 'rima oar&0 , Vali* e( +red +& $( $e-ai $5m'i$0 N(-i mai 'rie#+ e-+e#ele ero$i+e #a( +lima0 Vrei #& m-a'(+ a+(m #& n(m&r (n milion de B&l+e3$iA Am +5n$ar* 3$i( e-a+$ +e %re($a$e $reb(ie #& aib& +onin($(l '(3+(liei0 )' da' +er#ect' r4se silnic Miclescu. %u(mi trecuse +rin ca+. , n %eneral* am im're#ia +& $ra"i+(l de a+olo e +am anemi+0 A)o+a$(l 1i 1ndre'$& o 'ri)ire r(%&$oare0 /e ce e3$i rea* AdinaA N( mai izb($e#+ delo+ #& $e 1nele%0 , De$e#$ b&rbaii 'enibili0 mi ad(+i (n ba+3i3 3i-i 1n+2i'(i +& 'en$r( a#$a am #& #'ar% $a)an(l +( +a'(l #&rind 1n #(# de b(+(rie0 De a#$& da$&* ner)ii l(i @i+le#+( +edar&0 Alb +a )ar(l* e-'lod& +( %lasul necat de #urie: , i bai =o+ de mineA Un milion , (n mi-li-on e ba+3i3A Dre'$ +ine m& ieiA Unde 1i 1n+2i'(i +& $r&ie3$iA Ce )roiaiA 6&-i (m'l( 'i#+ina +( a(rA Aemeia 04mbi. &n 04mbet cinic: /e ce nu$ La valoarea mea... @i+le#+( 13i a#+(n#e "aa n m4ini. /umne0eule! Ce #emeie! Ce #emeie!! , A3a zi+ $oi b&rbaii +are m& )&d0 4re#('(n +& o #'(i +( admiraie0 , E3$i in"ernal&: n )iaa mea* dar +e a mea* ia (n milion de in3i 3i 1n$reab&-i da+& a( 1n$5lni$ o be#$ie +a $ine: &n sur4s sardonic str4mb& b(zele Adinei0 , $ii* #-ar '($ea #& m& +on#ider o"en#a$&0 i +2iar m& #im$0 Cred +&-mi +on)ine i'o#$aza0 6$&$ea 'i+ior 'e#$e 'i+ior 3i 'rin 2aina de +a#& #e #$re+(ra %en(n+2i(l %ol* l(#$r(i$* +a o bil& de biliard0 O ima%ine "(%ar& $re+( 'rin min$ea a)o+a$(l(i ?Gen(n+2ii ei* do(& 'i#i+i lene3e000? Unde dra+(> +i$i#e +2e#$ia a#$aA Din$r-(n #al$* "( la 'i+ioarele Adinei8 , Iar$&-m& i(bi$a mea000 , N( m& +2eam& 6"5n$(l 4e$r(0 , Adina* n( da( (n #in%(r #(r5# de al $&( 'en$r( do(& mii de #"ini 3i m(+eni+i0 Fe ador 3i n( a3$e'$ de+5$ #& ne +&#&$orim0 R&m5ne #& #$abile3$i $( da$a0 C5nd* i(bi$a meaA R&#'(n#(l "emeii 1l izbi +a (n "o+ de re)ol)er8 , Ni+ioda$&: O+2ii a)o+a$(l(i* 1n$5i dila$ai de #$('oare* al(ne+ar& in#$in+$i) #'re +on#ol&* #'re )aliza $i+#i$& +( bani0 Im'er$(rbabil&* Adina #(r5#e di#'re(i$oare0 Un di#'re nimi+i$or8 , 4oi #&-i iei 1na'oi0 @i+le#+( a)( (n momen$ de ezi$are0 C( obraz(l #"53ia$ de emoii +on$radi+$orii* l&#& 'ri)irea 1n '&m5n$0 , N(* 2o$&r5$* n( $e 1nele%0 )m mai au0it c3estia a#$a0 Ce D(mneze(* #+2imb& re'er$ori(l: l '5ndea +a 'e o 'rad&0 ?B&rba$(l $reb(ie 1n%en(n+2ea$* #&-i #im$& +ar5mbii +izmelor0 6& "ii 1ndea=(n# de de3$ea'$& +a #&-l #$&'5ne3$i0 Doar +a #+la) e #('or$abil000? Era o a-iom& 'en$r( Adina 3i* +2iar da+& @i+le#+( n-o mai in$ere#a 9(rma +a 3i Gre%orian #& "ie #a+ri"i+a$ 1n +el mai #+(r$ $im'* dar a+olo +( al$e +on)(l#ii de a"e+i(ne;* 'ro+eda +a a$are 1n )ir$($ea ineriei0 Gdrobi$* +( #("le$(l 'lin de (r&* dar +on3$ien$ 1n a+ela3i $im' +& Adina e "emeia* +r(+ea )ieii l(i* +2iar da+& l-ar +ond(+e #'re %2ilo$in&*
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a)o+a$(l #e ridi+&* ne#i%(r 'e 'i+ioare0 , Freb(ie000 $reb(ie #& 'le+0 , C(m +rezi* +&#+& Adina0 n o+2ii l(i @i+le#+( #e a'rin#e (n "iri+el de n&de=de0 , 4o$000 Vrei #& mai r&m5nA )dina sur4se ceva mai 1n%&d(i$or0 N( $reb(ia a#m(i$ 'rea $are0 Ar "i "o#$ 1n #$are de +ine 3$ie +e ne%2iobie0 Iar $oa$& +ombinaia 're#('(nea +5$e)a zile de r&%az 1n+&0 %u m(ar deran.a. B(zele l(i @i+le#+( 1n+e'(r& #& $rem(re0 Inima i #e (m"l& de %ra$i$(dine* o #imea %a$a #& 'le#nea#+&0 Ni+i da+& i-ar "i in#$ala$ o +oroan& 'e +a'* n( ar "i "o#$ mai re+(no#+&$or0 D('& (n #+(r$ momen$ de ezi$are* Adina #e 1ndre'$& #'re dormi$or0 888 >anda$ Cine altcineva ar +utea #i$ ?6-a 'ili$* %5ndi Adina0 De obi+ei* '(ne 1n$reb&ri mai inteli!ente." , 6-a "&+($: Milionul$ Vo+ea era )a% al$era$& de nencredere. /a. , E3$i "ormidabil&0 Adina re'li+& im'a#ibil&8 , $i(0 , n +on#e+in&000 , In$r&m 1n li+2idare0 , D(mneze(le: C5$ 'oi "i de ne+r(&$oare0 $i( +& a3a $reb(ie* $o$(3i m& +($rem(r000 , Ai %ri=&* n( #$a 'e bal+on0 >anda r4se: , @-a mini$ +ine)a +& mi-e #+ri# #& mor +( +a'(l 'e 'ern& 3i 'o'& la +&'&$5i0 i +red0 C2e#$ia a#$a a=($& la $en000 C( +ine 1n+e'iA Adina 3o)&i o +li'&0 , n+& n( m-am 2o$&r5$0 , Gr&be3$e-$e: Freb(ie #& a+ionezi ra'id0 Cu vite0a luminii. 21 , Doamne* +e #(r'riz&: @elania D('( #e e-$azie +a de obi+ei* b&$5nd din 'alme0 i $o$ +a de obi+ei* Cri#$e#+(* 'ri)ind(-i m5inile "ra%ile* 1n+er+& $emerea +& de%e$ele #(biri* a'roa'e de#+&rna$e* #-ar '($ea 're"a+e 1n a3+2ii0 , @ir+i(li+& )a "i %roza) de emoiona$0 @aior(l $&+(0 Era %en(l de a"irmaii , $i'i+ 'en$r( b&$r5n& , +are-l in$erzi+ea(0 ?n #i$(aii din a#$ea* 13i zi+ea* n-ai de+5$ do(& 'o#ibili$&i8 ori #& #i+$ire3$i* ori #& #(r5zi +on)enional , $ermenul u0ual de #a+t' t4m+..." 6e de+i#e 'en$r( a do(a )arian$& 3i +2iar mar3& 'e m5na b&$r5nei0 , 6'er +& 1n %eneral #e #im$e bine0
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, O2* domn(le maior* 3$ii* )ine o )5r#$& +5nd 're$eniile n( $reb(ie #& "ie +2iar a$5$ de mari0 E de#$(l* 3i 1n 'rim(l r5nd +re3$ine3$e #& n( +&dem 1n #'inarea al$ora0 @ir+i(li+&* 're#('(n +& )-am mai #'(#-o* 1m'line3$e $oamna a#$a 3a'$e ani0 O )5r#$& re#'e+$abil&* dar 'o$ a"irma +& #e 1n%ri=e3$e 1ndea=(n# de +on3$iin+io# de #&n&$a$ea l(i000 6(n$em doi oameni ma$(ri* domn(le maior* 3i 1n +on#e+in&* +a'abili #& a're+iem a+e#$ am&n(n$ la =(#$a l(i )aloare0 @aior(l* in+a'abil #& n( +al+(leze +& era +( +el '(in do(&ze+i de ani mai $5n&r de+5$ @elania* #e %r&bi #& a'robe8 , Bine1nele#0 De al$"el* +e mai "a+eiA Colosal s+re #ormidabil. Cri#$e#+( r&#(+i +a'(l orien$5nd(-3i (re+2ea #'re b&$r5n&* +a 3i +(m n-ar "i a(zi$ bine0 @elania* 1n$o$dea(na de o 'oli$ee ire'ro3abil&* +( (n limba= #'&la$* deli+io# 'rin 1n$or#&$(rile amabile de "raz& 3i de#(e$(dinea l(i , aroma #(l"inei din #+rin(l b(ni+ii ,* "olo#ea din$r-o da$& e-'re#ii +are inea( de bl(%i* di#+o$e+&* 3(3anea0 , Bm* da000 <olo#ii $ermeni nea3$e'$ai0 @elania D('( #(r5#e "erme+&$or8 , @-am %5ndi$ +& e bine #&-mi 1m'ro#'&$ez lan%a=(l0 N( )&d de +e a3 r&m5ne 1n (rm& 1n 'ri)ina a#$a0 Am $ele)izor* "ri%ider* +i$e#+ 1n %aze$e de#'re e-+(r#ii +are #e "a+ $o$ mai "re+)en$ 1n l(n&* l(+r(ri de#'re +are n( #e 'omenea 1n $inereea mea0 N( )&d de +e )o+ab(lar(l me( ar r&m5ne +on$em'oran +( +el al domnilor A)ere#+( 3i Car'0 A+ea#$a ar "i o do)ad& de m&r%inire din 'ar$ea mea0 Cri#$e#+( d&d( din m5n& +a om(l +are re+(noa3$e +& n( are ar%(men$e0 - un +unct de vedere. , Am #imi$ $o$dea(na +& m& 1nele%ei0 V& 'o$ o"eri o +ea3+& de +eaiA @aior(l ar "i 're"era$ o )od+& , a"ar& era "ri%* (med* miro#ea a $("&nele 3i a ora3E $o$dea(na +on#idera#e $oamna dre'$ ano$im'(l +el mai (rban ,* dar obi3n(ia #& ia ?a'eri$i)e? 1n +om'anii mai '(in %in%a3e0 6e (i$& la @elania0 Era ne#+2imba$&* mere( 'roa#'&$& 3i* +a $o$dea(na* +( o no$& 3i+ 3i 1n)ior&$oare 1n in($&0 Da ro+2ia #obr&* de (n +en(3i( in$ermediar* a#or$a#e (n +ordon 1n%(#$* mo)0 Frei )iole$e* de +a$i"ea* r&#&rea( di#+re$ din b(z(nar(l de la 'ie'$0 , Am a(zi$* 1n+e'( Cri#$e#+(* realiz5nd +& #e #im$e #+andalo# de bine 1n +om'ania b&$r5nei* +& ai a)($ o a)en$(r& de#$(l de ne'l&+($&0 , Da000 E#$e #$rani( +(m 'er#oane +a mine* +are n(-3i dore#+ de+5$ lini3$e* o #ear& a%reabil& la $ele)izor* o +on)er#aie in#$r(+$i)& +( 'rie$eni b(ni* o 'r&=i$(r& %(#$oa#& #a( $a+lale +( @ir+i(li+&* #e $reze#+ din$r-o da$& eroii (nor 1n$5m'l&ri in#oli$e0 N-am i(bi$ ni+ioda$& a)en$(ra* iar la )5r#$a mea o i(be#+ 3i mai '(in0 l 'ri)ea 1n "a&* de#+2i#* +( o+2i de "e$i&0 @aior(l* +a $o$dea(na in+a'abil #-o re'ead&* 13i +obor1 'ri)irea0 , C5nd)a* )& 'l5n%eai de mono$onia zilelor +are n( )& ad(+ nimi+ no(0 , 4robabil* n( 3$iam +e )orbe#+0 Vedei* oamenii a're+iaz& "oar$e %re( #a( 'rea $5rzi( +eea +e a(0 N( a"irm +&000 e#+a'ada de alal$&ieri n( mi-a "&+($ oare+are 'l&+ere000 "-sca+ada! !4ndi Cristescu. 2reb(ie #& re+(no#+ +& e ine%alabil& 1n
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%&#irea $ermenilor amabili0 O r&'e3$e (n %an%#$er 1n 'lin& #$rad&* o #e+2e#$reaz& 1n$r-(n Sran+2T '&r&#i$* o al$a +2iar $5n&r&* ar "i "&+($ in"ar+$ #a( +el '(in o #('erb& +riz& de i#$erie* iar 'rie$ena mea @elania +on#ider& $oa$& +2e#$ia dre'$ o e-+(r#ie la iarb& )erde000? , 0003$ii* +on$in(& b&$r5na* e ne+e#ar& o #+2imbare din +5nd 1n +5nd* iar e( n( mai ie3eam dem(l$ din B(+(re3$i0 De#i%(r* n( m& re"er la #e=o(r(l 'e$re+($ 1n$r-(n(i din ?+am'in%-(rile? 'e +are le admini#$reaz& in#$i$(ia* 'oa$e 1n$re'rinderea , n( #(n$ obi3n(i$& +( $ermenii , (nde l(+rai0 Cri#$e#+( 13i dre#e %la#(l0 , 6$ima$& doamn&000 , O2: 1l 1n$rer('#e b&$r5na0 C5$ '($ei "i de o"i+ial: Da$ "iind+& ne +(noa3$em de a$5$a )reme* ai '($ea #&-mi #'(nei #im'l(* @elania0 n ni+i (n +az $an$i0 @i-amin$e#+ +& 'e )rem(ri* #o(l me( "re+)en$a o000 an(mi$& +a#&0 N(* n(* 1n$re noi n( e-i#$a( #e+re$e* 3i mai +on#ider +& $o$ +e e omene#+ e 3i "ire#+0 Ei bine* a+ea#$& +a#& era 'a$rona$& de o doamn& "oar$e di#$in#& 1n 'ar$i+(lar0 Doar +& ?#alaria$ele? 3i000 in)i$aii* m& ro%* 1i #'(nea( $an$i0 N-am nimi+ 1m'o$ri)a ni+i (nei 'ro"e#i(ni* $o$(3i #im$ +& 'en$r( (nele din ele* n( am ni+i o )o+aie0 ?@elania 'a$roan& de bordel: #e min(n& Cri#$e#+(0 Bea$& n(-i , @ir+i(li+&* de* +a b&rba$* e #in%(ra 'er#oan& +are bea 1n +a#a a#$a ,* #+leroza$& n(-i0 Ce dra+(> a '&i$A:? 6e 2o$&r1 #&-3i '&#$reze +(m'&$(l8 , E( #(n$ din$re oamenii a+eia +are-3i #+2imb& mai %re( obi+ei(rile0 45n& (na al$a* 1n%&d(ii-mi #& )& )orbe#+ +a 3i '5n& a+(m0 6$ima$& doamn&* de+i* in$er're$&rile 1n %eneral 'o$ di"eri0 Din '(n+$(l me( de )edere* e#+a'ada d(mnea)oa#$r& de alal$&ieri* n-a "o#$ 'rea "eri+i$&0 , O: 6erio#: N-a3 "i zi# ni+ioda$&0 mi 'are bine +& n( mi-a $re+($ 'rin min$e a#emenea idee* +&+i +( #i%(ran& m-a3 "i #'eria$0 Da )5r#$a mea* 3o+(rile #(n$ 'eri+(loa#e* 're+(m bine 3$ii0 @aior(l* +( m5na la %(r&* o a3$e'$& #& i#'r&)ea#+&0 O +er+e$& , +a $o$dea(na , mai am(za$* mai a%a#a$0 ?Fe-ai "i #'eria$ 'e dra+(>: Vrea( 3i e( #&-l +(no#+ 'e &la 1n #$are #-o "a+& 3i m5ine 1i "re+ 'ar+2e$(l +( %la#'a'ir:000? O a3$e'$& #&-3i +on#(me ?n(m&r(l? 3i 13i rel(& ideea8 , N( are im'or$an& +(m de"inim #i$(aia0 @& 'reo+('& al$+e)a8 +ine 3i de +e a)ea in$ere# #-o "a+&: V-a3 "i in"ini$ re+(no#+&$or da+& m-ai '($ea a=($a 1n #en#(l &#$a0 @elania '&r( +on#$erna$&0 A)( (n %e#$ de ne'($in&0 @aior(l in$er)eni* '(n5nd* +eea +e +on#idera el a "i (l$ima +ar$e 1n =o+8 , Ne +(noa3$em de $rei ani000 , i do(& l(ni* +iri'i )e#el& b&$r5na0 Ar $reb(i +2iar #& #&rb&$orim e)enimen$(l0 Cred +& mai am 'e (nde)a o #$i+l& de 3am'anie000 , 0003i )rea( #& )& #'(n* +& de3i m-ai '(# n( o da$& 1n 1n+(r+&$(r&* #a( $o+mai de a+eea* )-am a're+ia$ in$eli%ena "in&* +a'a+i$a$ea +orelaiilor #(b$ile* lo%i+a imba$abil&0 V& ro% +a m&+ar o #in%(r& da$& #& ren(nai la =o+(l de-a )-ai a#+(n#elea0 6'(nei-mi one#$ +e %5ndii0 G(#$ enorm %en(l "e$i& +( #(r'rinz&$oare izb(+niri de in$eli%en& , 1l arborai +( in"ini$& %raie ,* dar de da$a a#$a )& +er 1n mod +in#$i$ a=($or(l* )& ro% #&-mi 1n$indei m5na0 @elania* #in+er im're#iona$&* ?da* dra%a mea* a+e#$a e#$e domn(l maior Cri#$e#+(* n(mai #("le$ 3i #'on$anei$a$e?* 1l +er+e$& +( bl5ndee0 , Credei 1n$r-ade)&r +& o b&$r5n& ne'($in+ioa#& +a mine )-ar '($ea
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"i de "olo#A , $ii la "el de bine +a 3i mine +& n( #(n$ei 3i n( )ei "i ni+ioda$& b&$r5n&0 V5r#$a , mini* +&+i era de '&rere e-a+$ +on$rarie , n(-i o +2e#$i(ne de b(le$in* +i de $on(# biolo%i+0 C5$ de#'re ne'($in+ioa#&* d(mnea)oa#$r& r5dei 1nain$ea mea de o a#emenea e)en$(ali$a$e0 A+e#$ea #(n$ amabili$&i* dar re+(no#+* mie-mi 'la+e %en$ileea 3i ador +om'limen$ele0 n +on#e+in&000 , @& in$ere#eaz& '(n+$(l d(mnea)oa#$r& #in+er de )edere0 Ce '&rere a)ei de#'re a#a#inarea l(i $e"an 4o'a 3i +e le%&$(r& are +( r&'irea d(mnea)oa#$r&A O+2ii b&$r5nei al(ne+ar& #'re re%i#$r(l "o#$(l(i +omi#ar0 l '(#e 'e no'$ier& +( %5nd(l #&-l #$(dieze $emeini+ mai $5rzi(0 3i r&#(+i 'ri)irea #'re maior 3i e-'re#ia i #e 1nd(l+i8 Smi 'are r&( 'en$r( el000 Vezi* dra%a mea* da+& i #-ar 1n%&d(i #&-i ale%i )5r#$a 're"era$& , r5nd(l $re+($ $e %5ndeai la iden$i$a$e , 3i #-o mai $r&ie3$i o da$&* (l$ima 'en$r( +are ai o'$a* ar "i +ea mi=lo+ie* 2o$&r5$ 3i +ea mai im'o#ibil&0 N( mai e3$i $5n&r* n( e3$i b&$r5n0 Re%rei +e-ai l&#a$ 1n (rm&* i-e "ri+& de +e )a )eni0 6ene+$($ea o #im$ +( ade)&ra$ oamenii +e n( i-a( $re+($ 1n+& 'ra%(l 3i a+ea#$a din 'ri+ina "ri+ii0 V5r#$a mi=lo+ie , +red +& domn(l Cri#$e#+( a 1m'lini$ 'a$r(ze+i 3i 3a#e #a( 'a$r(ze+i 3i 3a'$e de ani , e +(m'li$&: 4re#('(ne %ri=ile +ele mai mari* obli%aii +om'le-e* 'ani+a ambiiilor000 ?Ne)a#$&-mea are ne'l&+eri +( +ole+i#$(l* b&ia$(l d& $rea'$a a do(a* am a(zi$ +& #(n$ +in+i 'e (n lo+* am #'ondiloz& +er)i+al&* $reb(ie nea'&ra$ #& m& d(+ la <eli-: i +5nd $e %5nde3$i +& abia a+(m doi ani "&+eam 'la=& la @amaia 3i #+o$eam limba &lora +are "re+a( %2iol(l la E"orie Nord000 $reb(ie #-o o'erez 'e mama* are 'ia$r& la )ezi+&* 3i $a$a a 1n+e'($ #& #+5r5ie000 Freb(ie #& m& in$ere#ez de lo+ de )e+i000 N(-i deli+a$* dar a#$a-i #i$(aia000 Am 1m'lini$ 'a$r(ze+i 3i o'$ de ani000 Alii* ?m(l$ mai $ineri?* 1mi #(n$ 3e"i0 Da+& '5n& la +in+ize+i n( #al$* adio:? A#$a e* dra%a mea0 V5r#$a de mi=lo+ +are $e #i$(eaz& 1n$re obli%aii $re+($e* 'rezen$e 3i #'aim& 'en$r( )ii$or0 C5nd a=(n%i 1n#& la )5r#$a mea* de obi+ei n( mai +on$eaz& nimi+0 Ambiii* 'o"$e* nerealiz&ri a( di#'&r($0 Fe in$ere#eaz& doar rez(l$a$(l analizei (rinei 3i #& n( $e 1n3ele admini#$ra$or(l +5nd "i-eaz& 'la$a 1n$reinerii0 De#$(l de $ri#$ 3i a#$a* dar +el '(in n( mai e3$i a$5$ de o+('a$000T ,ncerc' d('& +(m m-ai r(%a$* 1n+e'( @elania +( o )o+e +are-i amin$ea l(i Cri#$e#+( +lin+2e$(l orolo%iilor "ran(ze3$i* #& "i( e-$rem de000 de#+2i#&0 n+& n(-mi da( #eama de +e domn(l a+ela a a)($ in$ere# #& m& in)i$e la d(mneal(i000 Maiorul' m+otriva tuturor +rin+i'iilor de an+2e$&* o 1n$rer('#e8 , Ce )& "a+e #& +redei +& e#$e )orba de (n domn 3i n( de o doamn&A B&$r5na #(r5#e a3a +(m 3$ia ea +&-i #$& bine8 , N( +(no#+ ni+i o +(+oan& , m& re"er la +er+(l me( , +are #& aib& a$5$a +($ezan& 3i #'iri$ de 1n$re'rindere. , <a+ei )reo le%&$(r& 1n$re +rim& 3i r&'ireA /a. Care$ B&$r5na #+2i& (n #(r5#8 , De%&$(ra e-i#$&* e o +er$i$(dine 'en$r( mine0 6en#(l* 1n#&* #+o'(l 1mi #+a'&0 N( re(3e#+ #& 1nele% 1n +e 3i 1n$r(+5$ 1l deran=ez 'e000 a#a#in(l l(i $e"an0 Considerai de+i +& e#$e )orba de#'re (na 3i a+eea3i 'er#oan&A
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N&rile @elaniei 'al'i$ar&8 , n a+ea#$& 'ri)in&* n( am ni+i (n d(bi(0 @aior(l* +( 'ermi#i(nea b&$r5nei 9o 1n+linare 1mbie$oare a +a'(l(i;* 13i a'rin#e i%ara0 , Cine +redei +& l-a (+i# 'e $e"an 4o'aA N( )& +er al$+e)a de+5$ o #im'l& '&rere0 @elania D('( 1l +er+e$& #+(r$0 O 'ri)ire "(%ar&* +ara+$eri#$i+&* zbor de r5nd(ni+& re$ez5nd o "elie de +er0 ?Ar '($ea #& "ie "i(l me(000 Da+& n( m& #'eriam a$(n+i* la Con#$an$ino'ol* a3 "i a)($ azi000 Co'il&rii* @elanio: Ce D(mneze(: Doar 3$ii +& +eea +e n( #-a 1n$5m'la$* n( meri$& ni+i m&+ar 'omeni$000? , CineA re'e$& Cri#$e#+(0 Era +(rio# #& +(noa#+& '&rerea @elaniei0 C2iar "al#&* per a contraria* 1i '($ea #(%era o 'i#$&0 , N( 3$i(0 , Freb(ie $o$(3i #& a)ei un +unct de vedere. @elania D('( 13i m(3+& b(za in"erioar&0 A)ea (n roz de +o'il #(%a+i0 , E o #im'l& #('oziie* 'e +are n-ar $reb(i #-o l(ai 1n +on#ideraie de+5$ +( $i$l( de in)en$ar000 n lo+(l d(mnea)oa#$r&000 /a$ , @i-a3 1ndre'$a +er+e$&rile #'re Cris... , Credei +& in%iner(l Gre%orian e a#a#in(lA , N-am #'(# a#$a0 Dar a$(-(l #e a"l& 1n man3e$a l(i0 <ie +& o 3$ie #a( n(000 6+(zai-m&* dar @ir+i(li+& #-a 1n$or#0 6e a(zea 1n$r-ade)&r (n z%5nd&ri$ de %2er(e , maior(l #e %5ndi la za2&r $o# #$ri)i$ #(b $al'a %2e$elor 1n$r-o b(+&$&rie , 3i b&$r5na +r&'& (3a0 @ir+i(li+&* din$r-(n #al$* #e in#$al& 'e "o$oli( 3i #e 1n+o)ri%&* adormind a'roa'e in#$an$ane(0 A#$a n( mai are ne)oie de SNoa'$e b(n&* +o'ii:T %5ndi maior(l0 Bm: Cri# Gre%orian* +i(da$000 22 Cine e de#$ina$ar(l el(+(braiilor mi#$i+e ale b&$r5n(l(i 4o'a* +ine e ma2ara=a2(l* mi#$erio#(l mandarin 1n #$are #& #(b)enioneze +on#$r(+ia (nei bi#eri+i* m5n&#$iri* e)en$(al Ca$edral&A 9n 'ri)ina a+ea#$a #e 'are +& $e"an 4o'a n( #e de+i#e#e* 1n #+ri#ori re"erind(-#e la $oa$e $rei %en(rile de l&+a3e0; C2e#$i(nea 1l ob#eda 'e Cri#$e#+( '5n& la #enzaia de %rea& "izi+&* iar ideea +& ne+(no#+($(l nabab e dein&$or de )al($& "or$e* de)eni#e o +er$i$(dine0 Vreme de o #&'$&m5n& "&+(#e +er+e$&ri 1n $re+($(l +elor +in+i 'ro$a%oni3$i ai dramei* 1n+er+5nd #& de$e+$eze +ir+(m#$ane #'e+iale da$ori$& +&rora (n(l #a( al$(l din 'er#ona=e ar "i '($($ de)eni 'o#e#or de "ond )al($ar0 Ca mai '(in #(#'e+$ din a+e#$ '(n+$ de )edere #e #i$(a 1n 'rim(l r5nd Ba#ile Ni+ola(0 N( o+('a#e "(n+ii im'or$an$e , de al$"el n( a)(#e#e #er)i+i( ni+ioda$& ,* iar medi$aiile de ma$ema$i+& de3i 1i ad(+ea( (n )eni$ +o+2e$ 1n $im'(l )erii* adi+& 1n 'lin #ezon* +53$i%5nd +2iar #(me +on#iderabile* n(-l "&+(#er& milionar0 Nimeni n( 3i-a +on#$r(i$ 'ala$e din 'redarea e+(aiilor di"ereniale* a +al+(l(l(i in$e%ral #a( a al$or +2e#$ii mi#$erioa#e , Cri#$e#+( n( era "amiliariza$ +( $ermenii* iar 'e $inerii ne"eri+ii 1i +om'&$imea din $o$
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#("le$(l ,* +2iar da+& 're(l medi$aiilor a$in#e#e +i"re de-a dre'$(l aberan$e8 $rei #($e de lei 3edina0 4ro)izori(* $reb(ia e-+l(#& 3i Viole$a Bordeian(0 D(#e#e o e-i#$en& mode#$&* "(n+ionar& mi=lo+ie* n( +&l&$ori#e ni+ioda$&* iar Cri#$e#+( #e 1ndoia +& )&z(#e n( F(rn(l Ei""el* dar m&+ar m5n&#$irile din Nord(l @oldo)ei* #a( C2eile Bi+az(l(i0 Ol&ne3$i 3i Co)a#na era( 'en$r( b&$r5n& #in%(rele +en$re #(blinia$e +( ro3( 'e 2ar$a l(mii0 @ai in$ere#an$& '&rea din a+e#$ '(n+$ de )edere Cole$a @i+le#+(0 <(#e#e #oia (n(i e-+elen$ medi+* +( mare )o%& 3i 1nain$e 3i d('& r&zboi* iar in)e#$iiile 1n a(r 3i )al($& +on#$i$(ia( (n 'ro+ede( +(ren$ de a#i%(rare a a)erii 'rin$re 'ro"e#ioni3$ii de #(++e#0 i $o$(3i* re"le+$a maior(l* ?n(-mi da( #eama +(m (n +abine$ medi+al* ori+5$ de bine ar mer%e* doar da+& 'e "irm& n( #+rie C2ri#$ian Barnard* ar '($ea +on#$i$(i #(r#a (nei a)eri de milioane?0 N( $reb(ia e-+l(#& ni+i i'o$eza +& 4o'a* #min$i$* #& "i e-a%era$ dimen#i(nile 'rez(m$i)(l(i "ond0 A+elea3i +on#ideren$e era( )alabile 3i 'en$r( a)o+a$0 Valeri( @i+le#+(* "&r& 1ndoial& +53$i%a "oar$e bine* dar +2el$(ia 'e 'o$ri)&* iar +ea mai mare 'ar$e din )eni$ o in)e#$ea 1n obie+$e de ar$&0 R&m&#e#e Cri# Gre%orian 3i o idee nea3$e'$a$& 1l de$ermin& 'e maior #&-l +on#idere da+& n( "a)ori$* +el '(in e-$rem de in$ere#an$* +a e)en$(al dein&$or de )al($&0 l +on)o+& la biro( 3i din no( r&ma#e #(r'rin# de lini3$ea , re#emnare 3i bl5nd #+e'$i+i#m ,a+e#$(i b&rba$0 Ca $o$dea(na era 1mbr&+a$ e-$rem de +ore+$* o +ore+$i$(dine '(in ea'&n& 1n 'ei#a=(l )e#$imen$ar +on$em'oran* +5nd oameni 1n $oa$& "irea +( '5n$e+e 3i +2elie #e 1mbr&+a( la "el +a "iii lor8 'an$aloni +ambrai 3i 3$am'ilai* bl(ze $r&#ni$e* 3e'+(e =oLe( de (n e+o#ez #$riden$0 D('& +5$e)a "raze +on)enionale* Cri#$e#+( in$r& dire+$ 1n 'roblem&0 , Am )r($ #& di#+($&m de#'re o 1m're=(rare mai000 deo#ebi$& din )iaa d(mnea)oa#$r&0 6(n$ei (n(l din '(inii #('ra)ie(i$ori ai +a$a#$ro"ei de la Carl$on0 5n!inerul Gre!orian sur4se: , Din '&+a$e 3i +ea mai in$ere#an$&0 @& re"er la 1m're=(rare0 D('& (n a#emenea ?deb($?* a)eai dre'$(l #& $e a3$e'i la (n i$inerar de )ia& mai #'e+$a+(lo#0 , O #'(nei +( in"ini$& $ri#$ee0 , E de'riman$* domn(le maior* #& realizezi +& 1n 'a$r(ze+i de ani* $o$ +e i #-a 1n$5m'la$ mai '(in +om(n #e da$oreaz& (nei +a$a#$ro"e* +& 1n re#$ n-ai ab#ol($ nimi+ de 'o)e#$i$* 3i +& 'e +ei din =(r n(-i in$ere#eaz& le%a$ de )iaa $a de+5$ o #in%(r& 1n$5m'lare* (nde de "a'$ a a+iona$ m5na de#$in(l(i0 A+ea#$& m5n& a de#$in(l(i le a#m($e ima%inaia 3i o +(riozi$a$e +are n( #ea+& ni+ioda$&0 @aior(l l(& 'i-(l o'ri$ la mar%inea do#ar(l(i 3i m5z%&li +e)a de 'ar+& ar "i )r($ #& )eri"i+e mina0 , N( din +(riozi$a$e am aborda$ +2e#$i(nea 3i n( )& a#+(nd +&* 1nain$e de a )& "i +(no#+($* am #$(dia$ ar2i)a "o#$(l(i #ana$ori( 6ain$Vin+en$ de 4a(l* a'oi +ea a or"elina$(l(i (nde ai "o#$ ?%&zd(i$? '5n& la 1n"ierea d(mnea)oa#$r&0 Din '&+a$e* re"erinele #(n$ #&ra+e* li'#a de$aliilor a'roa'e #+andaloa#&0 In%iner(l 13i dre#e %la#(l8 , n%&d(ii-mi o 1n$rebare* domn(le maior0 N( )&d le%&$(ra din$re o 1n$5m'lare* +2iar #in%(lar&* 'e$re+($& a+(m 'a$r(ze+i de ani 3i a#a#inarea l(i $e"an 4o'a0
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, Vei 1nele%e mai $5rzi(0 Deo+amda$&* r&m5nem la l(na noiembrie 1 !00 , Ce an(me )& in$ere#eaz&A , Ori+e am&n(n$* +5$ de mi+* +are ne-ar '($ea +ond(+e la re"a+erea iden$i$&ii d(mnea)oa#$r& reale0 5n!iner(l +&#+& o+2ii 3i Cri#$e#+( 13i zi#e +& om(l 1l +rede neb(n0 , E ab#(rd: 4e )remea a+eea n( 1m'lini#em (n an* iar d('& +(m 3$ii* in)e#$i%aiile am&n(ni$e ale a($ori$&ilor* alimen$a$e 3i de roman$i#m(l +az(l(i me(* n-a( d(# la ni+i (n rez(l$a$0 Ce )& 'o$ #'(ne e( a#$&zi 1n 'l(#A , 6-o l(&m me$odi+0 Analiz5nd $oa$e +ir+(m#$anele* #e im'(n do(& +on+l(zii8 4&rinii d(mnea)oa#$r& na$(rali era( la )remea re#'e+$i)& oameni a)(i* 'oa$e +2iar "oar$e bo%ai0 Rez(l$& din "a'$(l +& lo+(ia( la Carl$on* (n 2o$el e-$rem de +o#$i#i$or 3i din* 2ai #&-i zi+em ?o'(lena? lea%&n(l(i 1n +are ai "o#$ %&#i$0 , Da* "( de a+ord Gre%orian0 6('oziia a "o#$ emi#& +2iar 1n e'o+& 3i* 1n 'rin+i'i(* +red +&-i )alabil&0 ) doua conclu0ie' care mi se +are a+roa+e certitudine' con$in(& Cri#$e#+( ridi+5nd ar&$&$or(l* ar "i +& '&rinii d(mnea)oa#$r& era( +e$&eni #$r&ini0 , i a+ea#$& i'o$ez& a "o#$ l(a$& 1n +on#ideraie0 45n& a+(m* nimi+ no(0 , @da* "&+( maior(l 'ri)ind(-l 'e %5nd(ri0 @-am 1n$reba$ da+& n( +(m)a d(mnea)oa#$r& n-ai a"la$ +e)a 1n 'l(#0 n a#emenea #i$(aii #e "a+ in)e#$i%aii 'er#onale* de m(l$e ori m(l$ mai e"i+a+e de+5$ +ele ale or%anelor +om'e$en$e0 E-i#$& o +(riozi$a$e le%i$im&* 1n+&'&5na$&* de)oran$& a indi)id(l(i "&r& iden$i$a$e de a 3i-o de#+o'eri0 C(no#+ 'er#oane , #i$(aia era "re+)en$& mai ale# d('& r&zboi , +are a( +on#(ma$ ani de zile* neb&n(i$e re#(r#e de ener%ie 3i in$eli%en&* Lilo%rame de $imbre e-'ediind #+ri#ori 1n $oa$e +ol(rile l(mii 3i la $oa$e or%ani#mele 1n #$are #& le 1n$ind& o m5n& de a=($or* 'en$r( a-3i de#+o'eri mama* (n "ra$e #a( +2iar (n )e+2i +ole% de ban+&0 @-a3 mira +a d(mnea)oa#$r& #& n( "i 'ro+eda$ la "el0 Cri# Gre%orian #(r5#e +( $ri#$ee0 6+oa#e 'a+2e$(l de i%&ri 3i bri+2e$a0 @aior(l +on#$a$& +& o mane)ra +( m5na #$5n%&0 i nod(l de la +ra)a$& 3i-l aran=a#e +( a+eea3i m5n&0 ?n reali$a$e* #(n$ mai m(li oameni #$5n%a+i de+5$ ne-am '($ea 1n+2i'(i000? , 6+(zai-m&* +e #'(neaiA , Unde #& m& "i adre#a$* domn(le maiorA Ce #& +er Cr(+ii Ro3ii In$ernaionaleA N-a)eam ni+i m&+ar (n n(me de +are #& m& "i le%a$0 Bine1nele#* m-a "r&m5n$a$ 3i 'e mine +2e#$i(nea* mai ale# 1n adole#+en&* 1mi )i#am '&rinii , de obi+ei oameni "&r& +2i'(ri , 1i 1n$rebam* 1i im'loram #&-mi #'(n& +(m 1i +2eam&0 A+ela3i )i#* ani de zile* +are re)ine (neori 3i azi0 C5nd (rma( #&-mi r&#'(nd& ori m& $rezeam* ori e( a#(rzeam #(bi$* eram in+a'abil #&-i a(d0 Vorbeai de in)e#$i%aii000 Dea3 "i "&+($ da+& a3 "i a)($ +el mai mi+ indi+i( de la +are #& 'le+0 4oa$e +& e( #(n$ (n b&rba$ li'#i$ de ima%inaie* dar o"erii-mi d(mnea)oa#$r& (n #in%(r e-em'l( de +eea +e a3 "i '($($ 1n$re'rinde0 @aior(l o"$&* +a om(l +are nu +oate contesta lo!ica interlocutorului. , Ade)&ra$* #i$(aia n( era #im'l&0 E-i#$& $o$(3i mii 3i mii de +az(ri +5nd 'er#oane +on#idera$e 'en$r( $o$dea(na di#'&r($e a( "o#$ re%&#i$e0 3i amin$ea mai ale# de o #i$(aie drama$i+& 3i $o$oda$& ilar& 'rin ab#(rd(l ei0 Doi "rai %emeni de#'&rii de r&zboi +are #-a( +&($a$
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"rene$i+ )reme de $reize+i de ani a( de#+o'eri$ +& lo+(ie#+ 1n a+ela3i ora3 3i a+ela3i +ar$ier* la o di#$an& de +5$e)a #$r&zi0 , Am a(zi$ 3i e(* #'(#e Gre%orian* dar oamenii a+eia a)ea( (n n(me* (n #$a$($* +5nd)a o adre#&0 E( n( 'o#edam nimi+ de+5$ (n medalion0 3i 'i'&i in#$in+$i) 'ie'$(l 3i Cri#$e#+( 're#('(#e , "ire#+ , +&-l 'oar$& 3i azi0 ,n cadr(l Cr(+ii Ro3ii In$ernaionale e-i#$& o #e+ie (nde #(n$ de+lara$e $oa$e 'er#oanele di#'&r($e000 , 6(n$ de a+ord* 1l 1n$rer('#e in%iner(l* dar ne +io+nim de a+ela3i im'edimen$8 C(m 1i +2ema 'e '&rinii mei0 , D(mnea)oa#$r& n-o 3$ii* dar n( omi$ei +& oamenii a+e3$ia* #&-i 're#('(nem de naionali$a$e #$r&in&* )enea( $o$(3i de (nde)a0 A)ea( o 'a$rie* o +e$&enie* +(no3$ine* r(de0 Di#'ariia lor a "o#$ +a$e%ori+ #emnala$&* mai ale# +&* d('& a'arenele lo%i+e* di#'(nea( de o #olid& 'la$"orm& #o+ial&0 6-ar "i '($($ "a+e di)er#e +orelaii000 , 6+(zai-m& +& )& 1n$rer(' iar000 N( (i$ai +& 1n E(ro'a izb(+ni#e r&zboi(l* l(mea era +on"r(n$a$& +( 'robleme m(l$ mai %ra)e0 Iar (l$erior , 1n+e'( #& r5d& , 2ai #& "im #erio3i* $o)ar&3e maior: Hi-era $eam& #& 3i z5mbe3$i 1n "aa an(mi$or 'or$re$e* n( di#+($a( doi ami+i 'e #$rad& "&r& #& #e 1n$oar+& mere( #& )ad& da+& n(-i a(de +ine)a* iar 'en$r( (n(l +a mine o e-+(r#ie la 4ari# era de ne+on+e'($0 Vrea( #&-l )&d 'e &la +are 1n +ondiiile a#$ea #e a'(+a #& 'oar$e +ore#'onden& +( di)er#e in#$i$(ii domi+ilia$e 1n )e#$0 , N-a3 )rea #& )& 1n+2i'(ii +& )& "a+ re'ro3(ri 'en$r( +& n-ai in)e#$i$ mai m(l$ 1n +er+e$&rile d(mnea)oa#$r&* de+lar& maior(l0 Am 'le+a$ 1n#& de la ener%ia +on#(ma$& 1n +az(ri #imilare 3i-mi 1n+2i'(iam +&* de-a l(n%(l anilor* ai izb($i$ $o$(3i #& a"lai +5$e +e)a0 n +on#e+in&* n(-mi '($ei o"eri ni+i (n '(n+$ de re'er000 /in ne#ericire... Cri#$e#+( #imi 1n %la#(l in%iner(l(i o (mbr& de 3o)&ial& 3i in#i#$&8 Orice detaliu' c4t de nesemni#icativ a+arent' mi(ar +utea #i de un imens #olos... , N( 3$i(000 mi )ine 1n min$e a+(m o 1n$5m'lare* dar n( +red #& #+oa$ei mare l(+r(0 4rin >V0 #a( >V1 eram in%iner #$a%iar 3i lo+(iam la +&min(l 'en$r( ne"amili3$i0 , n B(+(re3$iA , Da0 n$r-o #ear&* +5nd m-am 1n$or# a+a#&* 'or$ar(l mi-a da$ (n 'li+0 @-a izbi$ a$(n+i (n am&n(n$8 de#$ina$ar(l e#$e in%iner Cristo+or Gre%orian 3i n( Cri#$ian +(m #(n$ $re+($ 1n a+$e 3i +(m m-a( bo$eza$ de "a'$ #(rorile de la #ana$ori(0 , Ci(da$* 1n$r-ade)&r* a're+ie maior(l* a'le+5nd(-#e 'e#$e ma#&0 iA , n 'li+* e)iden$ o "oaie de 25r$ie* r5#e Gre%orian 3i +5$e)a r5nd(ri0 De in min$e ad-li$$eram8 /inere cunosc !apte i situaii care presupun c te vor interesa. %ac eti curios, mine sear, la ceasurile opt sunt la ode#a Clu,, de pe Calea 4a&ovei, a doua mas din stn#a. Asta-i tot. Cine semna$ , Nimeni0 In$ri%a$* a do(a zi m-am d(# la bir$0 Am a3$e'$a$ de%eaba '5n& la ora 1n+2iderii0 , B&n(ie#+ +& ai 1n+er+a$ #& l(ai in"ormaii de la 'or$ar0 , Bine1nele#: N-a '($($ #&-mi "(rnizeze ni+i o in"ormaie 1n le%&$(r& +( ad(+&$or(l 'li+(l(i0 l %&#i#e 1n"i'$ 1n #$a$i)(l 'en$r( +ore#'onden&0
11=

n+& (n de$ali(* #+ri#oarea era ne$imbra$&0 , O mai a)eiA A3a +e)a #e '&#$reaz& de obi+ei0 , C5nd $r&ia ne)a#$&-mea* ne-am m($a$ de do(& ori0 A)ea #l&bi+i(nea ?$ria$(l(i?* +a#a i #e '&rea )e3ni+ 'lin& de boar"e 3i 25roa%e0 Cred +& a$(n+i a ar(n+a$-o0 n ori+e +az* #-a 'ierd($0 , 4&+a$000* #(#'in& Cri#$e#+(0 Credei +& da+& ai )edea azi (n $e-$ #+ri# de a+eea3i 'er#oan&* l-ai iden$i"i+aA 5n!inerul l +rivi ncurcat. , N( 3$i(0 N( m-a 'reo+('a$ ni+ioda$& #+ri#(l oamenilor de+5$ 1n m&#(ra 1n +are e lizibil #a( n(0 4o$ 1n+er+a 1n#&000 , O #& )& ro% mai $5rzi(0 6'(nei-mi* +e ai %5ndi$ d(mnea)oa#$r& de#'re a+e#$ in+iden$A Gre%orian #(r5#e 3i 13i a'rin#e o i%ar&0 , @-am l&#a$ '(r$a$ 'e ari'ile "an$eziei 3i mi-am 1n+2i'(i$ +& om(l a+e#$a mi-a +(no#+($ '&rinii0 i mi #-a '&r($ mai m(l$ de+5$ 'robabil +& de "a'$* n(mele me( de bo$ez real e#$e Cri#$o"or0 D-a #+ri# 'e 'li+ din nea$enie* me+ani+ , ani de zile #-a %5ndi$ la mine* +a la Cri#$o"or , #a( in$eniona$0 @aior(l d&d( din +a'8 Corect. , @i-a mai "o#$ lim'ede +& e-'edi$or(l e#$e (n om 1n )5r#$&0 A'ela$i)(l $inere a'arine 3i +a limb& 3i +a "re+)en& (nei an(mi$e %eneraii0 , A3a e0 Bizar mi #e 'are +& a a3$e'$a$ a$5ia ani +a #& in$re 1n #+en& , "a+e im're#ia +& 1n $oa$& a+ea#$& )reme )-a (rm&ri$ , 3i +& 2o$&r5nd(-#e 1n #"5r3i$ #& )orbea#+&* #e r&z%5nde3$e a'roa'e #im(l$an0 , @-am %5ndi$* #'(#e Gre%orian* la e)en$(ali$a$ea +& indi)id(l #& "i m(ri$ 'e nea3$e'$a$e* de#$in(l "iind +( mine 1n +az(l a+e#$a de o +on#e+)en& "ero+e0 @i-a "o#$ #+ri# #& n(-mi +(no#+ 1n )e+i ade)&ra$a iden$i$a$e0 , 4o#ibil* #'(#e Cri#$e#+( ma3inal0 l 'reo+('a (n am&n(n$8 'li+(l era ne$imbra$000 V& mai rein doar +5$e)a +li+e' domnule in!iner... D(& din biro( (na din +iornele b&$r5n(l(i 4o'a 3i o #$re+(r& 1n$re al$e 3a#e 25r$ii #+ri#e de el 1n#(3i* Azimioar&* @o3oian(* +olonel(l Iona30 De r&#"ir& dinain$ea in%iner(l(i8 , Da+& ar "i #& iden$i"i+ai #+ri#(l ne+(no#+($(l(i* ori+5$ de )a% )& amin$ii de el* la +are din$re mo#$re )-ai o'riA Gre%orian 13i '(#e o+2elarii 3i #$(die 1ndel(n% "ie+are "oaie de 25r$ie0 G&bo)i* ezi$5nd +5$e)a +li'e* a#('ra +ali%ra"iei +olonel(l(i Iona3 , l(i Cri#$e#+( 1i )eni #& r5d& ,* a'oi indi+& "i(i+a b&$r5n(l(i 4o'a0 , N( am +er$i$(dinea* dar +red +& n( m& 1n3el a"irm5nd +& a+eea3i m5n& a #+ri# bile$(l* a+(m do(&ze+i de ani0 888 , Da* +2iar el* #'(#e Cri#$e#+( b&$5nd +( +a'&$(l 'i-(l(i 1n ma#&0 Bine1nele# +& )-am re+(no#+($000 Gla#(l r&%(3i$ al Viole$ei Bordeian( b(b(ia 1n mi+ro"on 3i maior(l 1nde'&r$& re+e'$or(l de (re+2e0 , Vrea( #& )& in"ormez +& alal$&ieri a )eni$ la mine Ba#ile Ni+ola( 3i m-a r(%a$ #& )& de+lar +& #eara de IJ noiembrie am 'e$re+($-o 1m're(n&0 5ar realitatea este +robabil alta' +resu+use maiorul.
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, De#i%(r0 n zi(a re#'e+$i)&* ni+i m&+ar n( l-am )&z($0 Am #o+o$i$ de da$oria mea* o da$orie +e$&enea#+&* n(-i a3a* #& )& ad(+ #i$(aia la +(no3$in&0 Vo+ea b&$r5nei emana #a$i#"a+ia 'lin& de )ani$a$e a indi)id(l(i +are a3$ea'$& da+& n( o de+oraie +el '(in "eli+i$&ri +&ld(roa#e0 , V& m(l(me#+* doamn&0 Ai 'ro+eda$ +5$ #e 'oa$e de bine000 , A3a mi-am 1n+2i'(i$ 3i e(0 Freb(ie #& 3$ii +& )& #$a( $o$dea(na la di#'oziie0 ?Di$era 3i #'iri$(l le%ii?* 13i amin$i ea de o r(bri+& radio' sunt +entru mine s#inte... Cri#$e#+( '(#e re+e'$or(l 1n "(r+&* a'roa'e $rem(r5nd0 i era %rea&0 888 A)o+a$(l o 'rimi 1n 'i+ioare* +( m5inile 1n b(z(nare , #e )edea( 'rin #$o"a 'an$alonilor '(mnii 1n+le3$ai* %a$a #& $abere ,* "&r& in)i$aiile de ri%oare8 ?Ia lo+?* ?#& $e a=($ #& $e dezbra+i?000 C&$&lina* z%rib(li$& 1n 'arde#i(l de)eni$ 'rea lar%* 1l 'ri)ea +( o+2ii #$or3i de 'l5n#0 Im're#iona$& era mai +( #eam& +ri#'area d(reroa#& a %(rii0 @i+le#+( o m&#(r& #+(r$0 ?C(m dra+(> a '($($ #& m& in#'ire )reoda$& +re$ina a#$aA i ni+i m&+ar 1n 'a$ n(-i mare l(+r( de +a'(l ei0 C2i' de 1n%er: 're"er demonii000? 6e %5ndi la Adina +( o d(reroa#& #$r5n%ere de inim&0 De do(& zile n( 'rimi#e ni+i (n #emn de )ia&* a'el(rile $ele"oni+e 9a=(n#e#e #-o #(ne din or& 1n or&* +2iar 3i la =(m&$a$e de +ea#; r&m5nea( "&r& r&#'(n#0 , Ce )rei #&-mi #'(iA o 1n$reb& br($al0 Re'ede* "&r& i#$erie* +i3mea de la+rimi 3i #(#'ine ar$i#$i+e: Balerina 1l 'ri)i 1n#'&im5n$a$&* m(3+5nd(-3i b(zele0 , N( meri$* Vali* #&-mi )orbe3$i a3a0 Fe i(be#+ mai m(l$ de+5$ 'e mine 1n#&mi000 Cunosc litania' altceva$ C&$&lina #e "r5n#e* +&z5nd 1n %en(n+2i0 Cum te(ai sc3imbat! /oamne' cum te(a +utut sc3imba! Aemeia aceea e un diavol... 4e a)o+a$ 1l #(r'rin#e ima%inea0 C( +5$e)a +li'e 1nain$e doar o )&z(#e 'e Adina 1n a+eea3i i'o#$az&0 , Un dia)ol: re'e$& "a$a l&#5nd(-3i "r(n$ea 'e +o)or0 , C&r(ia n( merii ni+i #&-i le%i 3ire$(rile0 <iind+& e o %eneroa#&* $o$(3i #-ar '($ea #&-i 'ermi$& #&-i #'eli U0C0-(l0 O r&nea +on3$ien$* "&r& #& "ie ni+i m&+ar 'rea "(rio#* din '(r& 'l&+ere0 O 'l&+ere #adi+&0 >ali! , Ni+i (n Vali: n de"ini$i)* +e )reiA N( $e i(be#+* #&-i in$re bine +2e#$ia a#$a 1n +a'(l $&( de '&#&ri+&0 Hi-am 'romi# +e)aA @i-am l(a$ )reo obli%aieA 4e m&#(r& +e )orbea* #e mon$a $o$ mai m(l$ ridi+5nd %la#(l* +are a$in%5nd a+($e 13i 'ierdea $imbr(l 1n %eneral 'l&+($0 Nimeni* $(* $ai+&-$&( #a( Cri#$o# n(-mi '($ei re'ro3a +e)a: E3$i ma=or&* ai (mbla$ d('& mine +( limba #+oa#&* iar e(* #la)& Domn(l(i , a'&#& +(i(l 1n ran& ,* i-am 'l&$i$ 3i r&#'l&$i$ #erviciile. <a$a $re#&ri bi+i(i$&* #$r&"(l%era$& 'ar+& de o re)elaie0 , Fe 3$iam +r(d* in+ore+$* li'#i$ de ori+e #en$imen$000 , C5$& 'er#'i+a+i$a$e: , 000dar n( me#+2in 3i odio#0 N( i-am +er($ ni+ioda$& nimi+:
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, Ai 'rimi$ $o$(3i* +eea +e e a+ela3i l(+r(0 Am #&-i re#$i$(i $o$(l000 Vali* n-am )eni$ 'en$r( mine* adi+&000 n( +a #& m& 'rime3$i 1na'oi0 O+2ii i #e (m'l(r& iar de la+rimi0 Era +on3$ien$& +& da+& ar l(a-o a+(m 1n brae* ar (i$a* ar ier$a $o$(l0 n+e'( #& $rem(re doar la %5nd(l +& i-ar '($ea #imi din no( braele 1nl&n(ind(-i $r('(l0 /e ce ai venit$ , 4en$r( $ine0 E3$i 1n 'rime=die* i #e ar(n+& do(& +rime 1n #'inare0 @i+le#+( #e in$ere#& #ar+a#$i+8 , A( 1n+e'($ miliienii #& i #e de#$&in(ieA i "a+ +on"ideneA , Am )r($ #& $e a)er$izez0 Gi%i mi-a #'(# $o$ 3i* la o adi+&* n( $e )or +r(a0 Fe de$e#$& 3i )a "i "&r& mil&0 , Da+& am a=(n# la mila (n(i limbri+000 Aii atent' >ali' te im+lor! , n "ond +e-i 'a#&: 6(n$ in+ore+$* me#+2in* odio#0 6o+ie$a$ea $reb(ie a#ana$& de a#emenea 'er#ona=e0 2e i(be#+* Vali* +2iar da+& e3$i +analie0 l 'ri)i l(n%* +on+en$ra$* 1n$i'&rind(-3i 1n min$e* +a de r&ma# b(n* $oa$e $r&#&$(rile +2i'(l(i a#'r( al a)o+a$(l(i0 n$oar#e #'a$ele 3i '&r&#i 're+i'i$a$ a'ar$amen$(l0 n (rma ei* @i+le#+( #+(i'& +a (n #(r(%i(* a'oi 3$er#e +o)or(l +( $al'a %2e$ei de an$ilo'&0 2" C5nd 5r5i #oneria* Vanda Frai-D(l+e )i#a +& #e a"l& la Veneia0 A(zea )5#lele %ondolierilor '&lm(ind a'a* iar (nde)a* 1n la%(n&* (n %la# #'e+i"i+ +5n$a +( a'li+aie 3i +redin& ?O* #ole mio:? Ul$erior* a)ea #& +on#$a$e* +& la e$a=(l #('erior #e +2e"(ia 1ndr&+i$* iar )e+inii* (i$5nd robine$(l de la +ad& de#+2i#* 1i in(nda#er& baia0 A'rin#e in#$in+$i) )eioza 3i $o$ in#$in+$i) #e (i$& la +ea#0 Do(& noa'$ea0 6&ri #'eria$& din 'a$ 3i $ra#e +a'o$(l 'e ea* 1n+(r+5nd(-#e 1n m5ne+&0 ?@iliia:? "( 'rim(l %5nd* a'oi* 'er#oan& a)iza$&* 13i amin$i +& de#+inderile d('& +ea#(rile 3a#e #eara era( in$erzi#e0 C5nd d&d( o+2ii +( Adina* r&ma#e 'er'le-&8 , Ai +&'ia$* #(rioar&A Da ora a#$a i-ai %&#i$ #& d&r5mi (3ile oamenilorA , N-am d&r5ma$ ni+i o (3&* re'li+& am(za$& Adina* am #(na$ 3i a$5$0 , De +e n-ai $ele"ona$A Da+& eram +( (n +raiA Adina 1n+e'( #& r5d&* #+o5nd(-3i 'elerina nea%r&0 , N( $e-am )&z($ ro3ind ni+i 1n #i$(aii mai 'i+an$e0 Vanda l(& o %(r& din 'a2ar(l de )od+& 're%&$i$ la 1ndem5n&* l5n%& 'a$* 3i #imi +& 1n+e'e #& #e dezme$i+ea#+&0 )dina sur4se ironic: , A3a i-a re+omanda$ medi+(lA , Ai %2i+i$0 Iar #$i+lele %oale #& le #'ar% 1n +a'(l oa#'eilor de or& mi+&0 i* a+(m* e-'li+&-mi 3i mie +e i-a +&3(na$0 Ar&i , indi+& $oale$a nea%r&* +izmele +( +ar5mbi* '&l&ria 9(n +lo3 $o$ ne%r( +are-i a#+(ndea +om'le$ o+2i(l #$5n%; , +a (n a'a30 6& dea dra+(>* da+& eram #$i+le$e* $e a%&am doar 'en$r( moa+& #(#'e+$&0
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, Dra%a mea* "&+( Adina m5n%5ind(-3i braele '5n& la +o$* r&m5n la ideea mea +& da+& $o$ e3$i "ila$* e mai bine #-o 3$ii0 i* +a #-o 3$ii* ideale-# #$r&zile '(#$ii0 , E( am 1n)&a$ al$"el la 3+oal&0 Ce-ai a+oloA Adina ar(n+a#e ne%li=en$ )ali=oara l(i @i+le#+( de 'ar+& 1n&(n$r( #ar "i a"la$ #+2imb(ri 'en$r( dele%aie #+(r$&* 'eria de dini 3i +o#me$i+ele0 ?anii. O+2ii Vandei #e a'rin#er&0 N(-i )enea #& +read&0 , FoiA ,3. , E-$raordinar: N-a3 "i zi# +& o #& mar3eze '5n& la (rm&0 l +(no#+ de m(l$000 , N( m& +(no3$i 'e mine0 Vanda #+2i& o re)eren&8 , <e$io* 1mi #+o$ '&l&ria0 Da+& a3 a)ea mai m(l$e000 , Ai de#+2ide (n raion la B(+(r-Obor0 Ui$e +e )oiam #&-i #'(n* Vanda0 E( a+(m o #& m& +am da( la "(nd0 @i-am "&+($ n(m&r(l* +e (rmeaz& e $reaba )oa#$r&0 @i-a3$e'$ onorari(l la (mbr& 3i ba#$a: Fe a)er$izez 1n#& +& ?d(l&ii? $reb(ie #&-i am 1n ma-im(m o #&'$&m5n&0 , i +( 'ro3$ii &ia doi +e "a+iA , @i+le#+( #-a )5r5$ #in%(r 1n 2azna* e in$ra$ '5n& la %5$* n( mai are ne)oie de br5n+i0 Iar +( Cri#* #& n(-i "a+i 'robleme0 N-o #& )& deran=eze0 Vanda o #+r($& 1n+orda$&* 1n$reb5nd(-#e 1n +e m&#(r& '($ea a)ea 1n+redere 1n ea0 Valiza +( bani 1n#&* "a'$(l +& Adina n-o dezam&%i#e ni+ioda$& 1i #$5rnir& (n '(#e( de o'$imi#m0 , n re%(l&* "e$io0 @er% 'e m5na $a0 , N( (i$a* o #&'$&m5n&* #(blinie Adina0 , N( (i$ ni+ioda$&0 6'(ne-mi* #'re +e melea%(ri 1n#ori$e $e 1ndre'iA )dina 04mbi: , C5$ mai #'re )e#$0 V& #"&$(ie#+ #& "a+ei a+ela3i l(+r(0 , i 1n+2i'(i +& n-am in)en$a$ $o$ +ir+(l &#$a +a #&-mi +2el$(ie#+ banii la E)a0 F( ai )reo $reab& aran=a$&A C(m a=(n%i000 din+oloA Ne-ai +utea da eventual o idee$ O+2ii 1n$(ne+ai ai Adinei #+li'ir&0 o)&i o #in%(r& #e+(nd&8 , mi 'are r&(* Vanda0 4er#oana e di#'(#& #& m& #er)ea#+& n(mai 'e mine0 , N(-i nimi+0 i (rez noro+0 888 n"&3(ra$& 1n$r-(n +a'o$ de l5n& alb&* @elania D('( +iri'ea )e#el& 1n b(+&$&rie0 B(din+a de $&iei abia #+oa#& din +('$or aromea a'e$i#an$ 3i @ir+i(li+&* $rezi$ din #omn* #e #$re+(r& 'rin (3a 1n$rede#+2i#&0 , @iroa#e a Cr&+i(n* dra%(l me(* n(-i a3aA A#$a 1mi ad(+e amin$e de 'ar"(m(rile +o'il&riei8 'or$o+ale* #$a"ide* )anilie* ieniba2ar000 Oare de +e o "i di#'&r($ ieniba2ar(l din b(+&$&ria modern&A000 Ai r&bdare* @ir+i(li+&* ai #& "ii m(l(mi$ de 'oria $a0 Fe ro% doar #& n( $e l&+ome3$i 3i #& ai r&bdare0 $ii +& m5n+area 'rea "ierbin$e 1i 'ro)oa+& indi%e#$ii000 Bai 1n +a#&0 n+&'erea era #'aioa#&* mobila$& 1n #$il(l b&$r5nei0 Din )e+2ea lo+(in&* '&#$ra#e doar $ablo(rile* +5$e)a bibelo(ri* do(&-$rei 'ie#e #$il 3i
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'end(la0 i 'l&+ea( #+2imb&rile 3i nimi+ n-o anima mai m(l$ de+5$ #& 'limbe mobila de +olo-+olo0 A+ea#$a 1i d&dea #enzaia de no($a$e 3i* "&r& a $r&i +om'le-e de )5r#$&* o "&+ea #& #e #im$& m(l$ mai $5n&r&0 6+oa#e din #+rin o #$i+l(& de Jamai+& 3i (m'l( (n '&2&r(* )&r#5nd o +an$i$a$e a'ro-ima$i) e%al& 3i 1n "ar"(rioara mo$an(l(i0 )i !3icit' Mirciuli+&* a#$&zi a)em o mi+& #&rb&$oare0 4rie$ena $a* d&-mi )oie #& i-o #'(n la (re+2e* e#$e o i#$ea& 3i =(m&$a$e 3i 1n+& o da$& n( #-a 1n3ela$ 1n 're#('(nerile ei0 3i z&ri +2i'(l 1n o%lind& 3i #e amenin& +( de%e$(l8 , @elanie* 3$ii bine +& n(-mi 'la+e #& $e "&le3$i: <ie* 'en$r( o #in%(r& da$& am #& $e ier$* dar ba%& de #eam& #& n( de)in& (n obi+ei000 Vai* @ir+i(li+&: D-ai 3i b&($A Ce #'(iA: Ai mai )rea o 'i+&$(r&0 4en$r( +& a#$&zi e o o+azie deo#ebi$&* 1i 'ermi$ #& ab(zezi* dar n( mi-ar 'l&+ea #& $e )&d $urmentat. Ridi+& ea 1n#&3i 'a2ar(l 1n "aa o%linzii* 13i $rimi#e o #&r($are ?Fe "eli+i$* "e$io? 3i 1n+e'( #& bea +( 1n%2ii$(ri mi+i0 @ir+i(li+&* $(r$i$* o 'ri)ea de 'e #o"a +( (n #in%(r o+2i0 , Da* dra%(l me(* ni+i de da$a a#$a n( m-am 1n3ela$ 3i a+ea#$a 'en$r( +& am "olo#i$ o b(n& me$od& de l(+r(0 D('& +(m 3$ii* +5nd am 1n+e'($ #& #$(diez re%i#$r(l domn(l(i An$on , +onine do(& #($e +in+i#'reze+e n(me ,* mi-am 'ro'(# #& +a($ o 'er#oan& +are #& 1n$r(nea#+& $rei 'ar$i+(lari$&i8 #& "i "o#$ $5n&r 1n =(r(l anilor >!0* din 'ro)in+ie* iar iniialele )e+2i(l(i n(me #& "ie (n 6 3i (n 40 Freb(ie #& 3$ii +& am %&#i$ (n#'reze+e 'er#oane +are #e 1n+adra( 1n a+e3$i 'arame$ri0 4ro+ed5nd 'rin $riere* l-am de#+o'eri$ 'e $e"an 4o'a +are '5n& 1n 1 !V '(r$a n(mele de 6$an 4ie$rar(0 6emnalmen$ele "izi+e din +a$alo% +ore#'(ndea( , n(* n( e-i#$& 3i "o$o%ra"ii 1n re%i#$r( ,* iar %en(l de deli+$ 'en$r( +are "(#e#e 'ede'#i$ rimeaz& 'er"e+$ +( 'er#onali$a$ea l(i 4o'a0 A "o#$ le%ionar 3i 1n+& (na din +&'e$enii* 'ar$i+i'5nd dire+$ la a#a#inarea l(i Armand C&line#+(0 De "a'$* mi-am 1n+2i'(i$ $o$dea(na +& 1n $re+($(l l(i #e a#+(nde +e)a 1n%rozi$or000 Cine-# le%ionariiA Ade)&ra$* e3$i m(l$ 'rea $5n&r +a #& "i a(zi$ de ei000 Ni3$e 'er#oane e-$rem de )(l%are* dra%(l me(* 3i +( in#$in+$e an$ro'o"a%e0 C(m #'(nea +olonel(l* ?o ad(n&$(r& de animale* +are d('& +e +&-# +analii mai #(n$ 3i mi$o+ani000? n ori+e +az* era (n b&rba$ abil 3i +( 3an#&000 N(* n( +olonel(l* @ir+i(li+&* +i $e"an 4o'a0 n+ear+& #& $e +on+en$rezi0 A izb($i$ #& e)adeze din 1n+2i#oare* iar 're#('(nerea domn(l(i An$on era +& "(#e#e a=($a$ de doi 'azni+i +are +o+2e$a( +( @i3+area0 C( (n a#$"el de $re+($* e)iden$ +& 1i #+2imbi n(mele000 Da* am +er$i$(dinea +& e#$e )orba de (na 3i a+eea3i 'er#oan&0 n +ara+$erizarea de#$(l de de$alia$& a 'er#ona=(l(i* "i%(reaz& do(& am&n(n$e e-$rem de #emni"i+a$i)e8 le%ionar(l 6$an 4ie$rar( a)ea 'reo+('&ri mi#$i+e* '(r$a +( o#$en$aie o +r(+e la %5$* iar 'ore+la l(i era000 <&+( o 'a(z&* %(#$5nd #(#'en#(l0 C()5n$(l e-'lod&* +&#+5nd 3i +el&lalt oc3i al motanului: -ra... era... Printele( @ai $reb(ie #& amin$e#+ +& bia$a +&'&5n& a l(i $e"an zorn&ia de li$(r%2ii* #"ini* +&delnie* 1n #"5r3i$ (n 1n$re% ma%azin de obie+$e bi#eri+e3$iA Bm: Ai adormi$: <r(mo#* n-am +e zi+e* +5nd $e a"li 1n #o+ietatea unei doamne. Fra)er#& odaia 1n 'a# de dan# 3i #e o'ri la %eam0 n+e'(#e #& "(l%(ia#+&* 'e #$rad& a'&r(#er& +5$e)a (mbrele0 B&$( din 'alme "eri+i$&8 %in!e! 6+oa#e +a'(l 'e "erea#$r&* 1n+er+5nd #& 'rind& +( limba "(l%ii de
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z&'ad&0 888 O da$& +( 'a+2e$(l de i%&ri* lo+o$enen$(l @o3oian( #+oa#e (n 'li+(le "orma$ +ar$e de )izi$&0 l r&#(+i ned(meri$ ?+(m dra+(> a a=(n# &#$a la mineA:? 3i #e re"(%ie l5n%& (n #$5l' #'re a n( 1m'iedi+a $ra"i+(l 'ie$onilor0 In#$in+$i)* 13i a'&#& o+2elarii la r&d&+ina nasului. Avocatul *iclescu a vndut dou icoane n valoare de un milion. "ntre ai-l ce a !cut cu anii. Ned(meri$ re+i$i $e-$(l0 6+ri#(l era "in* +(l$i)a$ 3i d('& $oa$e a'arenele* ne+on$ra"&+($0 n+er+& #&-3i amin$ea#+& "i%(rile +are #e a"la#er& 1n 'rea=ma l(i 1n $roleib(z(l #('ra-a%lomera$ , ?a+olo mi l-a( 'a#a$* 're+izamen$e? ,* dar 13i d&d( #eama +& e in($il0 B&%& 1n b(z(nar 'li+(l 3i #e 1ndre'$& %r&bi$ #'re 'rima #$aie de $a-ime$re0 888 Cri#$e#+( #e (i$& la a)o+a$* 1n+er+5nd #&-i de#+i"reze "i%(ra0 A+(za o obo#eal& mar+a$&* iar $r&#&$(rile a%reabile +&'&$a#er& a+(m (n relie" no(* +are era de'ar$e de a-l a)an$a=a0 Al$"el* #e +om'or$a +( a+eea3i na$(ralee* era de%a=a$* e-$rem* a'roa'e o#$en$a$i) de #i%(r 'e el0 n b(z(nar(l #a+o(l(i +en(3i( 1n"lorea* +( $oa$e +ol(rile a"ar& +a ni3$e (re+2i +i(li$e* d('& moda anilor >70- !0* o ba$i#$& alb& +( +2enar la$* ble(marin0 Cer( 'ermi#i(nea #&-3i a'rind& o i%ar& 3i maior(l 1l in)i$& +( (n %e#$0 De+li+(l "in al bri+2e$ei $r&da o mar+& b(n& +are #e a#or$a +( 'ac3etul Pall"$all. <&r& #& "ie ade'$(l me$odelor de in$imidare* de a#$& da$& Cri#$e#+( 'e de o 'ar$e 'li+$i#i$* 'e de al$a 1n+er+5nd #&-l ia 'rin #(r'rindere* 1l abord& "&r& mena=amen$e8 , @& 1n$reb +e mo$i) ai "i a)($ #&-l a#a#inai 'e $e"an 4o'a0 )sta m& 1n$reb 3i e(0 Con+2id 1n#& +& #(#'i+i(nile d(mnea)oa#$r& m& )izeaz& 1n mod #erio#0 , 6("i+ien$ +a #& )& #imii 1n%ri=ora$0 V& en(m&r doar +5$e)a din ?ned(meririle? 'e +are le %enerai0 n #eara a#a#in&rii l(i 4o'a n( erai la 4loie3$i* ba dim'o$ri)&* ai "o#$ )&z($ ie3ind din lo+(ina )i+$imei* iar 1n noa'$ea +5nd a "o#$ a$a+a$ Dor( 4o'e#+(* #e 'are +& )& %&#eai 'rin 1m're=(rimi0 , De+i do(& +rime0 N( )i #e 'are 'rea m(l$A , <oar$e m(l$0 A do(a ar "i 1n#& +on#e+ina +elei din$5i0 B&ia$(l a+ela 3$ia +am m(l$e de#'re d(mnea)oa#$r&0 A)o+a$(l #$in#e i%ara 1nain$e de a "i a=(n# la =(m&$a$e* 13i re)iz(i in($a* de 'ar+& #-ar "i a"la$ la bar&* 3i +2iar 13i dre#e %la#(l +a 1nain$ea (nei 'ledoarii0 , 4omeneai de ?ned(meriri? $o)ar&3e maior 3i $ermen(l e 'r(den$0 $ii "oar$e bine +& ni+i o in#$an& din$r-o ar& +5$ de +5$ +i)iliza$&* o in#$an& drea'$& 3i ne'&r$ini$oare n( 'oa$e +ondamna o 'er#oan& 'e baza ?ned(meririlor? (n(i an+2e$a$or0 , N(-mi "a+ei $eoria 'robelor0 6(n$em am5ndoi =(ri3$i* a+ea#$a e o +2e#$i(ne lim'ezi$& 1n$re noi mai de m(l$0 Deo+amda$&* e( 'er#onal nam "orm(la$ ni+i o 1n)in(ire0 , Freb(ie #& 1nele% +& a( "&+($-o alii0 Iar a+(zaiile emi#e de 'er#oane 'ri)a$e n( m& in$ere#eaz&0 Cri#$e#+( 1l 'ri)i l(n%0 6(r5#e 3er'e3$e8
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, C2iar da+& a+e#$e 'er#oane 'ri)a$e 'o$ de)eni mar$ori ai a+(z&riiA @i+le#+( ridi+& din (meri 3i 1n+e'( #& r5d&0 , Admi5nd +& a3 "i +omi# do(& +rime* +red +& a3 "i "o#$ de#$(l de in$eli%en$ #-o "a+ "&r& a#i#$en&0 , Omi$ei "a+$or(l 1n$5m'lare 3i mai (i$ai , #(n$ dezola$* dar e o +on#$a$are "&r& e+2i)o+ , +& #(n$ei +ole+ionar de re#en$imen$e0 Un indi)id +are de$e#$& de'(ne ener%ia 3i 1n+&'&5narea (n(i ba$alion de 'olii3$i +5nd 13i (rm&re3$e )i+$ima0 , V& re"erii 'robabil la ne"eri+i$(l a+ela000 F5n&r(l 4o'e#+(0 Re%re$ #in+er +e i #-a 1n$5m'la$* dar n( +red +& '($ei l(a 1n #erio# a"irmaiile (n(i b&ieandr( ai(ri$* #("o+a$ de %elozie0 , Din '&+a$e* de+laraiile l(i Dor( 4o'e#+( +oin+id +( ale al$ora0 , Cine ar mai "iA Balerina* o ne)ro'a$&0 , Iar D(+reia 4o'e#+( are (n ne% 'e obraz(l #$5n%0 C( e'i$e$e n( '($ei #'(lbera m&r$(rii +are mi #e 'ar +el '(in im'or$an$e0 n #"5r3i$* 'en$r( a $re+e la al$& 'roblem&* 1n+er+ai )& ro% #& )& amin$ii e-a+$ (nde )& a"lai 3i +(m )-ai 'e$re+($ $im'(l 1n #eara a#a#in&rii lui Po+aJ de asemenea n noa+tea c4nd /oru Po+escu a #ost !rav molestat. Miclescu sur4se sarcastic. , @& )oi o+('a de +2e#$i(nea a+ea#$a +2iar m5ine diminea&0 Cri#$e#+( 1l +er+e$& l(n%0 3i m&r$(ri#i #in+er %5nd(rile8 , V& admir #$&'5nirea de #ine 3i m& 1n$reb 1n a+ela3i $im' 'e +e mizai a$5$ de #i%(r0 Ori+(m* a+el +e)a $reb(ie #& "ie de bronz0 , A+el +e)a #e n(me3$e ino+en&0 @& 3$i( $o$al #$r&in de ambele a"a+eri* nen$ina$ +a (n +rin0 Am #& )& "a+ $o$(3i o m&r$(ri#ire0 E#$e ade)&ra$ +& 1n #eara a#a#in&rii l(i 4o'a* am $re+($ 'e la el0 @& r(%a#e in#i#$en$ #& )in* )r5nd #& m& +on#(l$e 1n$r-o an(mi$& 'roblem&0 @i-am 1n+2i'(i$ +&-l in$ere#eaz& (n +on#ili( =(ridi+0 C5nd l-am %&#i$ mor$* am 1nele# +& 'robabil +2e#$i(nea era m(l$ mai %ra)&0 , De +e ai omi# '5n& a+(m #&-mi rela$ai a+e#$ "a'$A Miclescu r4se. , Feama de 1n+(r+&$(ri* 3i +rima n( e din$re +ele mai ne)ino)a$e* n( +on#$i$(ie (n mono'ol0 C5$ 'ri)e3$e $5n&r(l 4o'e#+(* mi #e 'are de-a dre'$(l aberan$ #& #e "a+& +ea mai mi+& +orelaie 1n$re a+e#$ e)enimen$ ne"eri+i$ 3i 'er#oana mea0 A 1n+er+a$ #& m& 3an$a=eze 'e $eme "an$ezi#$e* dar n( i-am da$ ni+i +ea mai mi+& im'or$an&0 6(n$ obi3n(i$ #& m& l('$ +( re+2ini0 4e3$i3orii m&r(ni 1mi #$5rne#+ mila0 ?<an"aronad& $i'i+&* $rad(#e maior(l0 <raze mari* rotunde' !oale." i din no( #e #imi 'li+$i#i$0 , Am 1nele#0 6& $re+em la +ealal$& +2e#$i(ne0 6(n$em in"ormai , d(mnea)oa#$r& 1n3i)& 1n +on"ormi$a$e +( di#'oziiile le%ale ai 1n3$iina$ or%anele 1n dre'$ , +& ai )5nd($ do(& i+oane de 're0 Per#ect ade)&ra$* re+(no#+( a)o+a$(l0 Ce)a im'er+e'$ibil '5l'5i #+(r$ 1n )o+ea l(i @i+le#+(0 @aior(l #e l&#& 'e #'a$e +i('ind(-3i (3or b&rbia0 , 4re(l obin($ a "o#$ de (n milion0 , Da+& +i"ra )-a "o#$ "(rniza$& de do+$or(l Radian 1n#eamn& +&-i (n min+ino#0 %u(i min+ino#* +l&$in& din +a' maior(l* 3i de al$"el* #(ma +ore#'(nde 're(rilor 'ra+$i+a$e la b(r#a nea%r& a ar$ei* +5nd a( lo+ a#emenea 1n#$r&in&ri0 Dar n( a+ea#$a "a+e obie+$(l di#+(iei noa#$re0 C( $i$l( in"orma$i)* n(-i a3a* 1n +e ai in)e#$i$ a+ea#$& #(m&$
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Fon(l a)o+a$(l(i #e ridi+& de)enind )a% a%re#i)8 , 6(n$ obli%a$ #& )& r&#'(ndA , $ii bine +& n(0 mi e-'li+ 1n#& ane)oie a#emenea di#+reie0 , Cred +& am dre'$(l #& "a+ +e )rea( +( banii de +are di#'(n0 @ilion(l l-am o"eri$ (nei "emei0 4&rea anima$ de o 2o$&r5re br(#+& 3i Cri#$e#+( 1n+er+& #& 'ro"i$e de #i$(aie0 6(r5#e0 , O noro+oa#&* 're#('(n000 n$reb& miero#8 @i-ai '($ea #'(ne 3i +(m o +2eam&A @&#elele a)o+a$(l(i '5r5ir&0 De $rei zile o +&($a zadarni+8 a+a#&* la $ele"on* 'e #$r&zi0 6imi +&-3i 'ierde minile 3i abandon& ori+e 'r(den&0 ?4($oarea: Barem #& +la+&m am5ndoi:? , De +e n(: Adina Varlam0 6$rada Do+$or B&lean(* nr0 1J0 Cri#$e#+( 13i +obor1 'ri)irea 3i n( #'(#e nimi+0 888 C( a($orizaia 4ro+(ra$(rii* lo+(ina Adinei Varlam "( de#+2i#&0 Era (n a'ar$amen$ ele%an$ 1n +are* "enomen e-$rem de rar* #im'li$a$ea #e 1n#oea 1n mod de#&)5r3i$ +( ra"inamen$(l0 n +i(da ordinii 'er"e+$e* d('& o #+(r$& in)en$ariere* maior(l Cri#$e#+( realiz& +& "emeia '&r&#i#e 1n mod de"ini$i) +a#a0 C&min(l era 'lin de #+r(m , "(#e#er& 'robabil ar#e $oa$e 25r$iile +on#idera$e +om'romi&$oare ,* 1n #e+re$er(l "loren$in n( #e %&#ea ni+i (n do+(men$ +are r&m5ne 1n %eneral a+a#& +2iar +5nd de'la#area e 're+oniza$& 'e $ermen l(n%8 +arne$e de C0E0C0* +er$i"i+a$ de na3$ere* di+lome etc. Garderoba (l(i$or de bo%a$& 9$e '($eai +rede 1n ma%azia (n(i $ea$r(; '&rea in$a+$&0 ?<ire3$e* z5mbi maior(l* +5nd ai '(# m5na 'e (n milion n( $e mai 1n+(r+i la dr(m +( %eaman$ane baro#ane 3i +("ere0? i-o '($ea le#ne 1n+2i'(i 'e Adina '&r&#ind lo+(ina +( o )ali=oar&8 (n #+2imb* $r(#a de +o#me$i+e* bi=($eriile0 De 'e +on#ol&* #(r5dea eni%ma$i+& 9$o$dea(na ni #e 'are eni%ma$i+ z5mbe$(l (nei "emei "r(moa#e 'e +are n( o +(noa3$em; "o$o%ra"ia "orma$ $ablo( a Adinei0 A$5$ Azimioar&* +5$ 3i @arine#+( o re+(no#+(r& le#ne0 Era #$rania ne+(no#+($& +are izb($i#e #& #e debara#eze de (mbra lor0 21 Vanda Frai-D(l+e 1l 'rimi 'e maior +( en$(zia#m de zile mari* +a 'e o )e+2e +(no3$in&0 , Ura* 3e"(le: Ar&i +am 'leo3$i$0 /e' >ando' se0onul +loios. /umneata cum o mai duci$ , Cea+-'a+: Am $ra# la (mbr& 3i admir 'ei#a=(l0 Cri#$e#+( 13i ro$i o+2ii 'rin 1n+&'erea #'aioa#&* "&r& mobil&0 Ar&$& +( b&rbia #'re ma#a 3i #+a(nele im'ro)iza$e din l&zi 3i 1n+e'( #& r5d&8 %ecGermann$ , A3: Naionalizarea0 , N( +2iar a3a de r&(* #(r5#e Cri#$e#+(* o'rind(-#e 1n "aa #$i)elor de +ar$(3e Pen$* l&zilor de K2i#LC 3i a (nei d(zine de '(n%i a(rii de +a"ea0 , 4rod(#e im'eriali#$e* re'li+& Vanda0 N( "a+e #&-i #'(r+i o+2ii0
129

, O l(a3i 'oli$i+0 C( bi3ni& din a#$a $e o+('i a+(mA ,mi 'are r&(* 3e"(le* dar n( m& a3$e'$am #& m& iei 1n bombe(0 Ce-# minor&* #&-mi r(inez e#+ar'enii 'e #$rada Co)a+iA /e unde le(ai rostuit$ , D&r(ial& de la +raii mei0 Hi-oi '&rea +omi+&* dar m& mai 'o"$e#+ (nii de m5ndr(&0 O+2ii Vandei #+&'&ra( maliio3i 3i maior(l r5#e0 6e +(no3$ea( de +el '(in do(&ze+i de ani* o an+2e$a#e de )reo +in+i-3a#e ori* 3i de "ie+are da$& 1l am(za#e +a'a+i$a$ea e#+roa+ei de a #e e-'rima 1n do(& limbi0 @5n(ia +( a+eea3i (3(rin& ar%o(l 3i limba +(l$&0 , n re%(l&* Vando0 A3$e'$ #& m& +2emi la n(n$&0 , i m5ine* da+& mi-e3$i n&na30 @aior(l 1n$reb& br(#+8 &nde(i )dina >arlam$ 4ri)irea "emeii #e +on+en$r&0 A)( (n #+(r$ momen$ de 3o)&ial& 3i Cri#$e#+( 1i %2i+i %5nd(l0 N( 3$ia +(m #& 'ro+edeze8 6& re+(noa#+& ori #& +on$e#$e +& are 2abar de e-i#$ena ei0 Ridi+& din (meri0 %u mi s(a s+ovedit. ?@da* %5ndi maior(l0 Vanda n-a "o#$ ni+ioda$& "a$& 'roa#$&0 De )reme +e am aborda$-o dire+$* 1n#eamn& +& 3$i( de#$(le 3i ar "i "o#$ in($il #& 're$ind& +& n-a a(zi$ ni+ioda$& de ea0? C4nd ai )&z($-o (l$ima oar&A , A+(m o #&'$&m5n&0 , Hi-a #'(# (nde 'lea+&A , N(0 Adina n(-i din "emeile +are "a+ +on"idene0 n #$il(l +are o +ara+$eriza* #+2imba#e din$r-o da$& 3i $on(l 3i limba=(l0 , Ce #oi de a"a+eri 1n)5r$eai 1m're(n&A Vanda ridi+& din (meri8 , Ni+i (n "el de a"a+ere0 Adina di#'(ne de 'rea m(l$ +a #&-3i ba$& +a'(l +( +e 'l&$e3$e m5ine 1n$reinerea0 N-o in$ere#eaz& +ombinaiile0 , C( +e #e o+('&A <emeia 1n+e'( #& r5d&8 , O )ezi 'e Adina 1n#+riind(-#e la ?Braele de m(n+&? 3i #emn5nd +ondi+a la 3a'$e dimineaaA Ai 2az* 3e"(le: /ar$ , N(-# 'a$(ri 1n $o$ B(+(re3$i(l &#$a 'en$r( +5i b&rbai ar )rea #-o aib&0 E de-a=(n# #& 'o+nea#+& din de%e$e0 , Am 1nele#0 6'(i +& n( 3$ii 1n+o$ro #-a 1ndre'$a$000 %u. Poate o #i av4nd rude +rin +rovincie... >ando* "emeia a#$a 3i-a '&r&#i$ de"ini$i) +a#a0 -scroaca +resu+use moale: , A$(n+i 'rin #$r&in&$a$e000 888 @aior(l Cri#$e#+( d&d( di#'oziie +a #emnalmen$ele Adinei Varlam #& "ie $rimi#e $($(ror or%anelor de miliie din ar&0 n a#emenea #i$(aii* (n in"ra+$or in$eli%en$* iar Adina #e '&rea +& "a+e 'ar$e din #'e+ie* #e d& o )reme la "(nd* a3$e'$5nd #& $rea+& momen$(l "ierbin$e0 4roblema e#$e %&#irea (n(i ad&'o#$ #i%(r0 Cei mai m(li 're"er& +a#e 'ar$i+(lare* a'arin5nd de obi+ei (nor 'rie$eni +on#iderai de n&de=de* alii #e a#+(nd 1n lo+(ine de )ar&0 Gre3eal&* +&+i a+e#$ea #(n$ 1n %eneral '&r&#i$e 1n
12:

$im'(l an(l(i* iar i)irea (n(i lo+a$ar a$ra%e imedia$ a$enia lo+alni+ilor0 Cei mai abili 're"er& 'ere%rinarea din ora3 1n ora30 Cri#$e#+( d&d( di#'oziie #& "ie #('ra)e%2ea$e %&rile $($(ror lo+ali$&ilor $r&%5nd n&de=de +& Adina n( #e +aza#e 1n+&0 3i '&r&#i#e lo+(ina doar +( o zi 1nain$e0 O $r&da a%enda de biro( r&ma#& la mari 1 de+embrie8 azi era mier+(ri I000 n le%&$(r& +( Adina* maior(l mai "&+(#e o de#+o'erire in$ere#an$&0 Cer+e$5nd "i3ele mini#$er(l(i* +on#$a$a#e +&* 1n (rm& +( +in+i ani* "(#e#e ame#$e+a$& 1n$r-o a"a+ere +( )al($& 3i a(r0 6'e+iale i #e '&rea( da$ele bio%ra"i+e8 6e n&#+(#e 1n 1 !J* "iind "ii+a (n(i +a"e%i( $(r+* 6elim 6e'$ar0 Urma#e li+e(l la Con#$ana* a'oi ab#ol)i#e o 3+oal& de ar$& de+ora$i)&0 A)(#e#e 3a#e +&#&$orii 9a#$a abia '5n& 1n 1 .J* +on$abiliza#e Cri#$e#+( 1n$reb5nd(-#e +5$e #-or mai "i ad(na$;0 6oii "&+(#er& 'ar$e din +a$e%oriile #o+iale +ele mai di)er#e* al+&$(ind (n 'almare# bizar8 3e" de #al& la re#$a(ran$(l Dido* (n 'ro"e#or (ni$ar* (n medi+ den$i#$* (n me+ani+ a($o* (n re+e'ioner* iar (l$im(l "(#e#e in%iner0 D(+ra#e (n #in%(r an +a de+ora$oare de )i$rine0 ?Bm: +on+2i#e maior(l0 N( #-ar '($ea a"irma +& "emeia a+ea#$a a d(# o )ia& mono$on&000? n +(r#(l a+eleia3i zile* Cri#$e#+( mai 'rimi o +om(ni+are in$ere#an$&0 Do+o$enen$(l @o3oian( ra'or$& +& Vanda Frai-D(l+e l(a#e le%&$(ra +( 6ile* #'e+ializa$ +5nd)a 1n "a+ili$area $re+erilor "ra(d(loa#e de %rani&0 ")lta care vrea #& #'ele '($ina0 Am #en$imen$(l +& ne a'ro'iem de deznod&m5n$(l a"a+erii000? 6're #ear&* 'rimi $ele"on(l @elaniei D('(0 Ba$r5na #e #+(z& bine1nele# +&-l deran=eaz& 3i +&-l roa%& da+&* din no( bine1nele#* are $im'* #&-i "a+& o )izi$&0 6-ar "i de'la#a$ ea* dar 1i e#$e im'o#ibil* +&+i din +a(za (n(i 'an$o" in+omod 9?ier$ai-m& +& )& da( am&n(n$e a$5$ de in$ime?;* i #-a (m"la$ (n 'i+ior* iar +e-i mai %ra)* l(i @ir+i(li+& i #-a rede#+2i# bron3i$a0 Cri#$e#+(* de3i +o)5r3i$ de l(+r(* a++e'$&0 O +(no3$ea 'rea bine 'e @elania +a #& n(-3i dea #eama +& n(-l #oli+i$& 1n mod %ra$(i$8 o b&$r5n& +are n-are +e "a+e* ama$oare de +on)er#aie 1n$r-o #ear& 'loioa#& de noiembrie0 i iar&3i* n( era "emeia +are #& in)en$eze im'or$an& (nor "lea+(ri0 ,l +rimi n stilul ei inimi$abil* mar+2iz& 9a3a +(m ni le 1n+2i'(im 1n +on"ormi$a$e +( ima%inea 'o'(lariza$& de $ea$r( 3i +inema; din #e+ol(l al NVIII-lea0 i o"eri +eai(l +( %raia ei +ara+$eri#$i+&* #e in$ere#& +( +on)in%ere de#'re #&n&$a$ea maior(l(i* de b(na di#'oziie a lo+o$enen$(l(i Azimioar&* da+& la mini#$er le da( +&ld(r&* +e '&rere are de#'re +&#&$oria 'rin(l(i C2arle# +( DadC Diana0 Cri#$e#+( 1nd(r& +( $alen$ $o$ 'rel(di(l* 1n$reb5nd(-#e +e (rmeaz&0 C5nd 1n #"5r3i$* @elania 1n+e'( #& #e =oa+e +( m&r%elele de la %5$* 13i d&d( #eama +& )a in$ra 1n #(bie+$0 , Domn(le maior* 1n+e'( +( %la# (3or )oala$ de emoie* la )5r#$a mea* #e admi$ (nele m&r$(ri#iri0 Freb(ie #& )& #'(n +& in "oar$e m(l$ la d(mnea)oa#$r&0 Cri#$e#+( #imi +&-i )ine ameeal&0 ?Da+& m-a +2ema$ #&-mi "a+& o de+laraie* +red +& m& 'o+ne3$e dambla(a:? , 6(n$ei o 'er#oan& di#$in#& 3i $reb(ie #& 3$ii +& e( am a)($ $o$dea(na o #l&bi+i(ne e-$raordinar& 'en$r( a+ea#$& 1n#(3ire0 De al$"el*
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noi doi ne-am 1nele# "oar$e bine 3i* da+& a( in$er)eni$ (neori mi+i nenele%eri* a+e#$ea #-a( da$ora$ (nor +ir+(m#$ane +are n-a( ni+i o le%&$(r& +( #en$imen$ele noa#$re0 ?Doamne #"in$e: #e +r(+i Cri#$e#+(0 Un Rembrand$ 3i (n GoCa #(b$ilizai* o #$a$(ie de a(r %a$a #&-3i ia zbor(l 'e#$e %rani&* (n an de '(3+&rie* a#$a n(me3$e ea mi+i in+iden$e: C(m or "i ar&$5nd 1n +a'(l ei alea mariA:? , Am a're+ia$ de a#emenea deli+a$eea d(mnea)oa#$r& 3i +ara+$er(l de e-+e'ie0 De a+eea m-am %5ndi$* d('& mode#$ele mele "ore* #& )& da( o m5n& de a=($or0 Maiorul i +rivi instinctiv braele "ra%ile 3i morm&i +e)a +are ad(+ea a m(l(miri0 , n$5m'l&$or* +on$in(& @elania* d('& +(m bine 3$ii* am "o#$ ame#$e+a$& 1n i#$oria deza%reabil& de +are )& o+('ai a+(m0 @i-a "&+($ o ne#'(#& 'l&+ere #& )& re)&d 3i* +2iar de la 1n+e'($* mi-am 'ro'(# #& )& "i( de "olo#0 6$r&d(ind(-m&* +red +& am izb($i$ oare+(m0 Cri#$e#+(* +ir+(m#'e+$ , ?+e dr&+ie o mai "i n&#+o+i$A? , 13i #(bire 'ri)irea0 @elania* #i%(r& de #(++e#* 1l +er+e$a +( o+2i #+&'&r&$ori0 ?N( +rede (n #in%(r +()5n$ din +e #'(i* dra%a mea0 El 3i b(ni+a #(n$ #in%(rele 'er#oane din )iaa $a +are a( %2i+i$ +& e3$i o min+inoa#&0 Ei bine* 1i )ei o"eri o #(r'riz&000? , n$5i )rea( #& )& '(n o 1n$rebare0 , V& a#+(l$* doamn&0 , 6(n$ei in"orma$ +& n(mele de $e"an 4o'a e#$e "al#A @aior(l 13i 1n+rei #'r4ncenele. , Adi+&A , N(mele real al bie$(l(i b&$r5n* +&+i 1n reali$a$e $oi oamenii r&i #(n$ ni3$e ne"eri+ii* +el '(in a3a 1i #o+o$e#+ e(* era 6$an 4e$re#+(* o +&'e$enie le%ionar&0 , De (nde deinei a+ea#$& in"ormaieA @elania D('( o"$& m(l(mi$& 3i 1n+e'( #&-i rela$eze $oa$e am&n(n$ele le%a$e de de#+o'erirea ei0 Cri#$e#+( o a#+(l$a +( a$enie* 1n$reb5nd(-#e +ri#'a$ +e (rm&re3$e 1n "ond0 In"ormaia '($ea "i )eri"i+a$& 9da+& #e do)edea real&* de#+2idea o 'i#$& no(& an+2e$ei;* in$ere#an$ era 1n#& (nde )oia b&$r5na #& a=(n%&0 , Cred* rel(& @elania 1n+5n$a$& de m(l(mirile l(i Cri#$e#+(* mere( 're)&z&$or* dar 'oli$i+o#* +& )& mai 'o$ o"eri o idee0 N( 3$i( 're+i# +ine m-a r&'i$ de l5n%& domn(l Azimioar&000 A'ro'o* $reb(ie #&-i #'(nei +& lam %&#i$ 1n a)an$a=* a #l&bi$ 3i +red +& #e 'oa$e m5ndri +( #il(e$a d(mneal(i0 Col(l b(zei l(i Cri#$e#+( z)5+ni0 C2iar ieri 1l a(zi#e lamen$5nd(-#e +& die$a do+$or(l(i A$Lin# e ?)ra=&?0 Re(3i#e #& #e mai 1n%ra3e +( +in+i Lilo%rame 1n (l$ima #&'$&m5n&0 , 4&rerea mea e#$e 1n#& +& m-a( "(ra$ 'en$r( +& #-ar '($ea +a e( #& +(no#+ (nele am&n(n$e +are000 n #"5r3i$* in+omodeaz&0 @aior(l n-o #l&bea din 'ri)iri8 ?Care-i reali$a$eaA @in$eA De +eA N( min$eA i* iar&3i* de +eA? $ia +& @elania e o "emeie deo#ebi$&* de o b(n&$a$e 1n%erea#+&* dar +( "an$ezii de %an%#$er0 n+& n(-i '($ea #e#iza =o+(l0 , Care ar "i a+ele am&n(n$eA , $ii* m-am %5ndi$ 3i e(000 4e $e"an l-am +(no#+($ a+(m do(&ze+i 3i +in+i de ani 1n +a#a Cole$ei0 Ca #& "i( ab#ol($ #in+er&* n( l-am 1ndr&%i$
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ni+ioda$&0 N-a)ea +on)er#aie* era (r#(z* iar la 'o+2er de)enea de-a dre'$(l im'o#ibil0 N-a)eai )oie #& #+oi o #ilab&* 1n $im'(l =o+(l(i0 m'&ri$ +&ri* 'e $rei* 'e 3a#e* 'e no(&* de+ar$a$* +5$e b(+&iA 4er#onal* domn(le maior* n( 1nele% de +e $reb(ie la o ma#& de =o+* #& $e +om'ori +a la (n 'ara#$a#000 <iind+& )eni )orba* ieri )e+inii mei a( a)($ o 'omenire0 4a$r(ze+i de zile de la de+e#(l #o+r(l(i000 A( '(# 3i +a#e$o"on(l0 B&n(iala mea e#$e +& a "o#$ (n 'ara#$a# dan#an$0 Cri#$e#+( 1n+e'( #& r5d& 3i @elania* indi%na$& de "a#on* +on$in(&8 , A "o#$ de+i m(l$ mai )e#el de+5$ la 'ar$idele noa#$re obi3n(i$e000 Ce)a mi #-a '&r($ $o$dea(na +i(da$* domn(le maior: )nume$ , C(m de n(-3i da( #eama (nele 'er#oane +& #(n$ indezirabile0 E(* (na* +5nd m& a"l( 1n$r-o )izi$&* #im$ doar d('& re#'iraia %azdei +5nd #(n$ de 'ri#o#0 , N-am ni+i +ea mai mi+& 1ndoial&* #(r5#e maior(l0 , Ei bine* 'robabil +& $e"an era +om'le$ li'#i$ de in$(iie0 De al$"el* Viole$a000 C(m +are Viole$aA Bordeian(: i #eam&n& 'er"e+$* dar n( de#'re ea di#+($am a+(m0 <&r& #& 're$ind +& l-am de$e#$a$ 'e $e"an* 1n ori+e +az n( era (n 'er#ona= d('& +are #& $5n=e#+0 Din +5$e 1mi amin$e#+* i-am "orm(la$ 1n $oa$& )iaa mea o #in%(r& in)i$aie , a3a m-a 1n)&a$ %()ernan$a +&-i "r(mo# , 3i $o$(3i m& )izi$a +el '(in o da$& 'e l(n&0 Un #('li+i(* )& a#i%(r: n$r-o zi000 A2: mi-amin$e#+* #&rb&$oream ani)er#area l(i @ir+i(li+& 3i i-am o"eri$ o +('& de 3am'anie ?Garea?0 n reali$a$e* a "o#$ mai m(l$ de o +('&* +&+i a do(a zi 1n +2i()e$& am %&#i$ do(& #$i+le %oale0 $ii* +a #& #+o$ e$i+2e$ele0 Uneori* +5nd r&m5nem "&r& bani* e( 3i @ir+i(li+& re+(r%em la a+e#$ 'ro+ede(0 Vindem $oa$e #$i+lele din +a#&0 $e"an #e amei#e* #(n$ 1n+redina$&* +&+i 'e om(l a+e#$a e( n( l-am )&z($ ni+ioda$& z5mbind0 Or* a$(n+i r5dea din ori+e "lea+ 3i +( a+e#$ 'rile= am +on#$a$a$ +& 'ro$eza l(i n( era +eea +e ar "i $reb(i$ #& "ie0 Adi+&* )rea( #& #'(n +& +l&m'&nea0 @elania "&+( o demon#$raie +on+re$& 3i Cri#$e#+( r5#e +( 'o"$&0 Realmen$e* b&$r5na era ine%alabil&0 , mi 'are bine +& #(n$ei bine di#'(#0 n bolile de #$oma+* #$area de #'iri$ +on$eaz& enorm0 @aior(l* din +e 1n +e mai am(za$* #e in$ere#& #(r5z5nd8 , De (nde 3$ii +& am (l+erA , O2: r&#'(n#e b&$r5na0 Dar e "oar$e #im'l(0 Ne +(noa3$em de $rei ani000 , iA , Am +on#$a$a$ +& de +5$e ori )& ener)ai #a( 1n+er+ai o emoie oare+are* d(+ei a($oma$ m5na la #$oma+0 A+e#$a e#$e (n %e#$ #'e+i"i+0 Cardia+ii 13i 'i'&ie inima* 2e'a$i+ii "i+a$(l0 E( de 'ild&* +are am a)($ oreion +5nd eram +o'il de +in+i ani* +&+i n(-mi amin$e#+ #& "i "o#$ )reoda$& bolna)& de al$+e)a* 1mi +i('e#+ (re+2ea0 $ii* mi #-ar '&rea ine+2i$abil +a $oa$& l(mea #& #("ere de +e)a* iar e( #& "i( #&n&$oa#& $(n0 , 4re#('(n +& 'ro+edai "oar$e +ore+$0 Vorbeai de )izi$ele l(i $e"an 4o'a0 , N( (i$ ni+ioda$& de#'re +eea +e )orbe#+0 A+ea#$a n( 'en$r( +& n( am #+leroz&* +i 'en$r( +& 'robabil #(bie+$ele mele de +on)er#aie #(n$ e-$rem de red(#e0 E)iden$* #e alin$a* dar Cri#$e#+(* ner&bd&$or* n( 1n+er+& #& o +on$razi+&0 , 6'(neam de+i +& la ani)er#area l(i @ir+i(li+&* $e"an #-a amei$0 I1"1

am 'ro'(# la (n momen$ da$* 3$ii* +a di)er$i#men$* +&+i era de'ar$e de a "i (n +a(#e(r am(zan$* #& =(+&m 4o'a-'ro#$(l0 Am "i-a$ +a miz& (n Lilo%ram de =ele(ri0 6e o'ri (i$5nd(-#e "i- la maior8 ?Ce '&rere aiA? Cri#$e#+( n-a)ea ni+i o '&rere 3i b&$r5na (rm&0 , A 'ierd($ 3i i-am zi#8 ?A3$e'$ =ele(rile?0 ?Care =ele(riA? 4&rea +&z($ 1n $ran#&0 ?4&i 'e +e am =(+a$A Fe-am b&$($* e3$i 4o'a-'ro#$(l 3i 'l&$e3$i000? 6-a (i$a$ la mine +( o 'ri)ire de neb(n8 ?N(* n( e( 'l&$e#+?0 ?Dar +ineA? A r5n=i$8 ?Ber 6$en%el =(nior?0 ?Cine-i &#$a* 6$en%elA? Din$r-o da$& #-a redre#a$* 3i-a #+($(ra$ $o$ $r('(l0 ?Nimeni* nimi+* 'ro#$ii de-ale mele0? @elania "&+( o 'a(z&* $re+5nd(-3i de%e$ele albe 'rin blana mo$an(l(i* +are i #e (r+a#e 'e %en(n+2i0 , 4oa$e +& in+iden$(l mi-ar "i ie3i$ din min$e* dar 1n$5m'larea "a+e +a 'edi+2i(ri#$(l b(ni+ii mele* +are era (n b&rba$ "oar$e demn , '(r$a "a)orii K la <ranz Jo#e" 3i %2e$re albe +( na#$(ri de #ide" , #& #e n(mea#+& $o$ 6$en%el000 6'er +& n( )& 'li+$i#e#+* domn(le maior0 ")cum iar #e r&#"a&?* %5ndi Cri#$e#+( 3i #e %r&bi #-o a#i%(re8 , Dim'o$ri)&* doamn&* )& a#+(l$ +( +el mai mare in$ere#0 , 6(n$ 1n+5n$a$&0 N(-mi 'la+ oamenii +are a#+(l$& "&r& #& a(d&* de3i* re+(no#+* (neori am 3i e( obi+ei(l a+e#$a de$e#$abil0 Din ne"eri+ire* n( $oa$& l(mea are l(+r(ri in$ere#an$e de 'o)e#$i$000 Cam la )reo do(& #&'$&m5ni d('& ani)er#area l(i @ir+i(li+&* eram la Cole$a 1n )izi$&0 Bine1nele#* n( li'#ea( ni+i Viole$a* $e"an* Ba#ile* iar mai $5rzi( a )eni$ 3i Cri#0 Comen$am oroarea a+eea de "ilm +are #e n(me3$e 2olo+a(#$0 A )eni$ )orba de#'re do+$or(l @en%ele* medi+(l de la A(#+2Ki$z* a'oi de#'re Comandan$(l la%&r(l(i000 Cole$a* +are +i$e3$e "oar$e m(l$* a)ea (n la'#(# 3i n( izb($ea #&-3i amin$ea#+& n(mele 'er#oanei0 N( 3$i( +e mi-a )eni$ 3i am #(%era$ la 1n$5m'lare8 ?4oa$e 6$en%el000? Ei bine* domn(le maior* ni+i da+& a3 "i $ra# +( '(3+a* a3a 'e nea3$e'$a$e* $e"an n-ar "i rea+iona$ mai000 +(m #& )& #'(n* 1mi li'#e3$e $ermen(l* m& ro%* )iolen$0 A $re#&ri$ de era #& +ad& de 'e #+a(n 3i da+& o 'ere+2e de o+2i ar '($ea (+ide* ei bine* e( dem(l$ a3 "i "o#$ moar$&000 , Da* e-$rem de in$ere#an$* #'(#e Cri#$e#+(0 i d('& a+eeaA Melania sur4se: , N( e-i#$& ni+i (n d('& a+eea0 4oa$e +& +eea +e )-am 'o)e#$i$ e( e li'#i$ de im'or$an&* $o$(3i n( m& 'o$ 1m'iedi+a #& "a+ o le%&$(r& 1n$re moar$ea l(i $e"an* a+e#$ n(me 3i r&'irea mea0 R&m5ne +a d(mnea)oa#$r& #& a're+iai000 ?Da* re"le+$& Cri#$e#+(* ridi+5nd(-#e* #-ar '($ea #& e-i#$e o le%&$(r&000? De al$"el* a)ea 1n+redere 1n in$(iia @elaniei* 1n di#+ern&m5n$(l 3i +a'a+i$a$ea ei de a +orela am&n(n$e a'aren$ li'#i$e de rele)an&* 1n "ineea ob#er)aiei0 6e de#'&rir& 1n $ermeni deo#ebi$ de +&ld(ro3i* @elania in#i#$5nd +a maior(l la (rm&$oarea )izi$& #&-l ad(+& nea'&ra$ 3i 'e lo+o$enen$(l Azimioar&0 ?@ie 3i l(i @ir+i(li+& ne 'la+ oamenii +are m&n5n+& +( 'o"$&0 Ne #$im(leaz& a'e$i$(l000? D('& 'le+area l(i Cri#$e#+(* b&$r5na $re+( 1n baie* (nde 13i "&+( $oale$a de noa'$e0 n $im' +e-3i dema+2ia obraz(l* 13i $rimi$ea bezele 1n o%lind&8 , n reali$a$e* @elanie* $( e3$i o "a$& +(m#e+ade* iar zi(a i-e 'lin& de "a'$e b(ne0 Cred +& merii a+(m (n +orn(le +( n(+&000 A2: E3$i o
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(i$(+& 3i =(m&$a$e: Freb(ia #&-i )orbe3$i domn(l(i maior de 4an%a#$rin0 E#$e (n medi+amen$ admirabil0 Doar d('& $rei 'a#$ile* @ir+i(li+& a de)eni$ m(l$ mai )ioi0 Hii min$eA 6e (r+a 'e 3i"onier 3i #e ar(n+a 1n +a'000 Un 'lon=on de $oa$& "r(m(#eea000 26 Azimioar& a3$e'$a 1n 'i+ioare* %5ndind(-#e +& ne)a#$&-#a 1i 'romi#e#e 'en$r( 'r5nz +iolan +( "a#ole0 Era m5n+area l(i 're"era$& 3i* '5n& a #e 1n#(ra* "(#e#e 1n+redina$ +& +iolan(l +( "a#ole* +a 3i +iorba de b(r$& 3i $(#lama(a n( 'o$ "i 're'ara$e +(m#e+ade de+5$ la bir$0 , @elania D('(* z5mbi maior(l* 're$inde +& ai #l&bi$0 Cred +& $reb(ie #&-i $rimii "lori 'e +2e#$ia a#$a000 n #"5r3i$: Ia le%&$(ra +( Nea%( de la ar2i)&0 @& in$ere#eaz& re%i#$rele de #$are +i)il& de la $oa$e 'rim&riile din Ca'i$al& 'e 'erioada 1 !0-1 !10 Vezi da+& n( e 1nre%i#$ra$& )reo +&#&$orie #a( na3$ere 'e n(mele de 6$en%el0 6'er +& a)ei noro+* al$"el $reb(ie #& l(ai 3i 'ro)in+ia... 888 Adina Varlam "( re'era$& 1n %ara Con#$ana0 Cri#$e#+( in#i#$a#e +a ai+i #('ra)e%2erea #& "ie "oar$e #$r5n#&* miz5nd 'e mai m(l$e +on#ideren$e0 n 'rim(l r5nd* (n in"ra+$or +are 1n+ear+& #& di#'ar& ale%e +en$re #('raa%lomera$e* 1m'e#$ria$e de $(ri3$i da+& e 'o#ibil , Con#$ana o"erea din 'lin a+e#$ a)an$a= ,* in#$in+$i) 're"er& lo+(ri +(no#+($e* (nde #e de#+(r+& $o'o%ra"i+ 3i 'oa$e re+(r%e la #er)i+iile r(delor #a( 'rie$enilor0 n 'l(#* 'or$(l 'rezin$& $en$aia (nei e)en$(ale "or&ri de "ron$ier&0 Adina 13i #+2imba#e +om'le$ %en(l 3i Azimioar& abia o re+(no#+( 1n biro(l maior(l(i0 Ren(na#e la #$il(l #o"i#$i+a$ 3i la moda re$ro* 13i $(n#e#e '&r(l 3i-i 1n$(ne+a#e n(ana0 R&m&#e#e bine1nele# o "emeie in$ere#an$&* dar era de'ar$e de a'ariia #'e+$a+(loa#& +are #$5rnea )5l)& 'e Calea Vi+$oriei0 ?Ni+i (n ele"an$ +&l&ri$ de (n +im'anze( n-ar 1n$oar+e a$5$ea +a'e$e?* obi3n(ia #& #'(n& de#'re ea Vanda Frai-D(l+e0 Ceea +e (3(ra +on#iderabil l(+r(rile* %5ndi Cri#$e#+(* +er+e$5nd-o +( m(l$ in$ere#* era "a'$(l +& la 'er+2eziie* 1n )aliz& #e %&#i#e ma$erial +om'romi&$or #("i+ien$ 'en$r( 1n$o+mirea a $rei do#are 'enale* n( (n(l8 #(me +on#iderabile 1n lei* )al($& 3i a(r0 A+(m ar&$a lini3$i$& , "emeia a#$a* a're+ie Cri#$e#+(* 3$ie #&-3i #$&'5nea#+& min(na$ ner)ii ,* "r(moa#& "&r& o#$en$aie 3i =(de+5nd d('& ma+2ia=(l di#+re$ 3i 1mbr&+&min$ea a'roa'e a(#$er&* #e #imea lim'ede +& #e #$r&d(i#e #& 'ar& +5$ mai nen#emna$&0 , V-ai '&r&#i$ lo+(ina mari 1 de+embrie 3i ai a=(n# la Con#$ana abia 'e I0 Care e mo$ivul$ , N-am %&#i$ bile$ de $ren0 Ni+i m&+ar la 'er#onal0 A "o#$ me+i(l &la nenoro+i$8 <ar(l +( n( 3$i( +e e+2i'& din @Lnc3en. , 4($eai $o$(3i #& )& (r+ai 3i #& 'l&$ii o amend&0 , Am )r($ #& e)i$ ori+e +om'li+aii* +5$ de m&r(n$e* +( a($ori$&ile0 "Core+$* a're+ie Cri#$e#+( 1n #inea l(i* de3i 'en$r( (n "lea+ din &#$a n( #e a=(n%e la miliie0? Adina r&#'(ndea #obr(* n( '&rea delo+ in$imida$& 3i d('& o e-'erien& de do(&ze+i de ani* Cri#$e#+( realiz& imedia$ +( +e "el de
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in"ra+$or are de-a "a+e8 'rea in$eli%en$ +a #& n(-3i dea #eama +& a 'ierd($ 'ar$ida0 n +on#e+in&* #(b$er"(%iile* ine-a+$i$&ile* #lalom(l 1n$re min+i(n& 3i ade)&r de)in in($ile* '(n zadarni+ la 1n+er+are ner)ii 'ar$enerilor0 , 6(#inei +& n( +(noa3$ei 'er#oana +are )& d&dea di#'oziii. , N(* dar "&r& 1ndoial&* da+& n(-i )orba de#'re (n in$er'(#* era (n b&rba$0 Cum v(a racolat$ , 4rin $ele"on0 D('& +(m )-am mai #'(#* $oa$& le%&$(ra noa#$r& a "(n+iona$ n(mai 1n a+e#$ mod0 Practic ce v(a +ro+us$ , Iniial* #& "i( (n #oi de +(rier0 De %&#eam* m& re"er la 'a+2eelele re#'e+$i)e* 1n lo+(rile +ele mai nea3$e'$a$e0 Eram doar an(na$& +& ?mar"a? #e %&#e3$e 1n +($ia 'o3$al&* 1n (rna de+ora$i)& de 'ia$r& de la in$rare* 1n #'a$ele (nei an(mi$e i+oane din$r-o bi#eri+& #a( al$a 3i a3a mai de'ar$e0 De "ie+are da$&* lo+(l #e #+2imba0 4a+2eelele re#'e+$i)e 'l(# +e-mi "(rniza @i+le#+( 3i Gi%i 6on% le 'redam Vandei0 , @da00* a're+iez #in+eri$a$ea d(mnea)oa#$r&0 )dina >arlam r4se scurt: , n %eneral n( a+ea#$a e#$e 1n#(3irea mea de +&'&$5i0 A+(m n-am al$& #ol(ie0 , Ai de+lara$ +& erai 'l&$i$& 1n )al($&0 , Da* banii 1i %&#eam 1n 'li+ 1n+2i#* $o$dea(na la +($ia de #+ri#ori0 Cri#$e#+( "( #$r&"(l%era$ de o idee +i(da$&8 , Ai '&#$ra$ din 1n$5m'lare )re(n 'li+A Adina 1l +er+e$& ned(meri$&0 , Cred +&-l am 'e (l$im(l* 1n )aliz&0 , @& 1n$reb* #'(#e maior(l b&$5nd (3or +( +o('e-'a'ier(l 1n #$i+la de 'e biro(* de +e ai a++e'$a$ o +ombinaie a$5$ de ri#+an$&0 6(n$ei o "emeie +are di#'(ne de mi=loa+e* 2m000 #'e+iale 'en$r( a-3i a#i%(ra o )ia& mai m(l$ de+5$ +on"or$abil&0 N-ai l(+ra$ de+5$ (n an 1n $oa$& )iaa 3i* din +5$e am '($($ e( b&%a de #eam&* ai d(#-o ma%ni"i+0 , mi 'la+e* z5mbi Adina* a+el mi=loa+e* 2m000 #'e+iale0 Ade)&ra$* nam d(# li'#& de %en$ilomi di#'(3i #&-mi 'l&$ea#+& din lar% 1n$reinerea 3i +2iar mai m(l$ de+5$ a$5$a0 A++en$(&8 Dar 'l&$ea( 1n lei0 , Ce a)eai de %5nd #& "a+ei +( )al($aA , 6& 'le+ 1n O++iden$0 , Con+(rena 1n %en(l de000 a+$i)i$a$e 'e +are-l 'ra+$i+ai e +am mare a+olo0 Aemeia r4se. , Cred +& #(n$ei (n +am'ion al e("emi#melor0 In$enionam #& m& re'ro"ilez0 Am $reize+i 3i +in+i de ani* o )5r#$& la +are* +a "emeie 1n$rein($&* +a #& n( "olo#e#+ al$ $ermen* n( mai e3$i +om'e$i$i)&0 De+i n&de=dile mele #e 1ndre'$a( #'re al$+e)a0 , Adi+&A , Am ab#ol)i$ o 3+oal& de ar$& de+ora$i)&0 @& %5ndeam #& de#+2id a+olo (n #oi de 1n$re'rindere 'e 'ro"il* dar 'en$r( a#$a a)eam ne)oie de +a'i$al0 , E o 'a#i(ne br(#+&A Ai+i n-ai 'ra+$i+a$ de+5$ (n #in%(r an0 Adina Varlam d&d( din m5n&8 l(+r(ri a$5$ de #im'le n( mai $reb(ie e-'li+a$e0 )i+i: Ce #& "a+ +( ar$a de+ora$i)& ai+iA 6& aran=ez +2iloi de dam& 1n$r-o )i$rin& #a( 'ano(ri +( '(r+el(3i 'ro#'eri in5nd (n mor+o) 1n %(r&
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'en$r( a'rozareA Cine an%a=eaz& la noi (n de+ora$or +a #&-3i amena=eze +a#aA , i din+oloA , 6(n$ de#$(i* iar da+& ai de)er* a"a+erea de)ine e-$rem de ren$abil&0 N(-i $o$(l #& di#'(i o mobil& 1n$r-(n +ol #a( al$(l0 Freb(ie #& de+orezi lo+(ina 1n "(n+ie de 'er#onali$a$ea indi)id(l(i0 Un(ia i #e 'o$ri)e3$e (n in$erior #$il D(do)i+ al NIV-lea* al$(ia %en b(#ine##man ameri+an* iar +el(ilal$ #$il F(dor0 4e d(mnea)oa#$r& de 'ild&* )& )&d "oar$e bine 1n$r-(n in$erior Geor%e al III-lea0 A)ei di#$in+ie 3i m(l$& al(r&0 , Ia( a+$* z5mbi maior(l* +&r(ia n(-i $re+(#e ni+ioda$& 'rin min$e #& #e 1n$rebe +(m i-ar #$a 1n$r-(n +astel din *usse< sau ntr(un ranc3 din )ri0ona. , Foa$e a+e#$ea* +on+l(zion& Adina* 're#('(n o +(l$(r& #erioa#&* m(l$ b(n %(#$ 3i #im '#i2olo%i+0 Or* a3a +e)a #e 'l&$e3$e0 , Am 1nele#000 6& ne 1n$oar+em deo+amda$& 'e melea%(ri a($o2$one 3i an(me la in%iner(l Gre%orian0 Ce )i #-a +er($ 'ra+$i+ 1n le%&$(r& +( elA , 6&-i "a+ +(no3$in& +( ori+e +2i' 3i #&-l rein blo+a$ mier+(ri IJ noiembrie 1n$re orele 1/ 3i 1 *700 A#$a a "o#$ +el mai #im'l(0 , Ai mai 'rimi$ 3i al$& da$& di#'oziii 1n a+e#$ #en#A Adina 13i #+($(r& '&r(l $&ia$ #+(r$0 N(-i )enea r&(* o 1n$inerea* dar 1n #+2imb 'ierd(#e din ?deo#ebi$?0 Ca ea* a3a +(m ar&$a a+(m* #e mai )edea( de#$(le 'e #$rad&0 , N(0 A do(a oar& l-am +on)o+a$ din 'ro'rie iniia$i)&0 B&rba$(l a+e#$a 1mi 'la+e #in+er0 Cristescu ?re+a'i$(l&? "i%(ra in%iner(l(i0 6im'a$i+* a%reabil* maniera$0 n #'e+ial (l$ima din$re +ali$&i e#$e a're+ia$& de "emei* +a d('& aia #& #'(n& +& ?$i'(-i 'rea ble%?0 Ori+(m* d('& '&rerea maior(l(i* Gre%orian "&+ea 'ar$e din +a$e%oria 'er#oanelor 'e +are n( le ob#er)i* #a( le (ii imedia$0 Adina re'e$& +( )o+e +ald&8 ,mi +lace c3iar #oarte mult. , N( #("i+ien$ $o$(3i +a #&-l #+($ii de ba#me0 A)ei o "an$ezie bo%a$&0 , N( 3$i( la +e )& re"erii0 , Da ?)5nzarea? a +&rei )i+$im& ai "o#$ a+(m do(&ze+i de ani0 <e$ia ino+en$& +eda$& (n(i #adi+000 De a#$& da$&* Adina r5#e +( $oi dinii0 Era( #'lendizi* lai* o dan$(r& +are n( '($ea #& a'arin& de+5$ (nei "emei in$eli%en$e0 C4nd ai de(a #ace cu sentimentali' trombonul mer!e la si!ur' e#ectu(i !arantat. )m veri"i+a$-o 1n nen(m&ra$e r5nd(ri0 Do+o$enen$(l Azimioar& 13i )5r1 +a'(l 'e (3&0 V&z5nd(-i e-'re#ia* maior(l #imi +& n( mai are r&bdare #& a3$e'$e0 6e adre#& Adinei* ridi+5nd(-#e 1n 'i+ioare8 , Deo+amda$& a$5$: 6(n& #(bo"ier(l de #er)i+i( 3i* 1nain$e de a #e 1n+2ide (3a* e-+lam&8 , EiA Ce-ai "&+($A , Am %&#i$: #'(#e "eri+i$ lo+o$enen$(l0 A'roa'e +& n(-mi )ine #& +red0 Ce$ Azimioar& #+oa#e o 25r$ie din ma'& 3i 1n+e'( #& +i$ea#+&8 , @(ni+i'i(l B(+(re3$i , Rom5nia* 4rim&ria 6e+$or(l(i I 9Galben; O"i+i(l #$&rii +i)ile0 E-$ra# din re%i#$r(l #$&rii +i)ile 'en$r( noi n&#+(i0
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Cri#$o"or* #e- b&rb&$e#+* de reli%ie +a$oli+&* lo+(l na3$erii B(+(re3$i 1n #ana$ori(l 6"5n$a Eli#abe$a din o#ea(a Pi##ele" nr0 / 'e da$a de I/ a'rilie 1 !0 ora 1 *7J0 De+lara$i(nea a "o#$ "&+($& de $a$&l +o'il(l(i , B(%o 6$en%el0 @ama , Valen$ina 6$en%el* +a#ni+&* e#$e n&#+($& Ra+o)i+ean(0 O+2ii maior(l(i #$r&l(+ir&8 , Bra)o* b&ie$e: 888 In$ero%a$oriile Vandei Frai-D(l+e 3i al l(i Gi%i 6on% 1i l(ar& maior(l(i mai '(in $im'0 <a'$a lor a)ea #& al+&$(ia#+& obie+$(l al$(i do#ar* (nde a)ea #& "i%(reze 3i a)o+a$(l @i+le#+(* $an%en$5nd doar 1n$5m'l&$or +az(l b&$r5n(l(i $e"an 4o'a0 Vanda* "emeie 1n+er+a$&* +( )a#$& e-'erien& in"ra+ional&* 13i 'ri)ea #i$(aia +( re#emnare0 ?Calm(l marel(i deza#$r(?* $rad(+ea Cri#$e#+( 1n %eneral a#emenea #$are de #'iri$* dar Vanda n( a)ea #im(l $ra%i+(l(i* a3a +& e-'re#ia n( i #e 'o$ri)ea0 , Credeam +& $e-ai a#$5m'&ra$* +omen$a#e Cri#$e#+( +( oare+are am&r&+i(ne0 N( era (n an+2e$a$or ran+2i(no# 3i-i '&rea #in+er r&( 'en$r( Vanda0 <emeia a+ea#$a a)ea reale +ali$&i 3i ar "i '($($ %&#i de#$(le mi=loa+e +a #& d(+& o )ia& +omod& "&r& a ne+&=i 'ara%ra"ele Cod(l(i 4enal0 , Da+&-mi in)en$ai ma$ale o ren$&* 3e"(le* $r&%eam 'e drea'$a 3i m& 1n#+riam la Uni)er#i$a$ea 4o'(lar&* #e+ia bale$0 , Hi-ai "i '($($ %&#i +e)a de l(+r(0 , CeA: 6& )5nd loz 1n 'li+ 'rin bir$(riA 6a( l(m5n&ri 3i #& da( +( a#'ira$or(l 'rin bi#eri+iA De "a'$* 1nele#e Cri#$e#+(* Vanda re'rezen$a o +(rea de $ran#mi#ie 1n$re "(rnizor 3i bene"i+iar0 Ceea +e 'rimea de la Gi%i 6on% 3i Adina 9de+i im'li+i$ 3i a)o+a$(l @i+le#+(; 1i 'reda +on+(bin(l(i ei* Do-a* zi# 3i Fi+-Fa+0 A+e#$a* la r5nd(l l(i* $ran#mi$ea 1n$rea%a mar"& (n(i +&'i$an de )a# "ran+ez +are "&+ea +(r#e re%(la$e @ar#eille , Con#$ana0 Indi)id(l re+e'iona mar"a* rem(neraia "&+5nd(-#e 1n )al($&0 N(* milion(l de +are-l $a'a#er& 'e @i+le#+( era +ombinaia lor* adi+& a Vandei* a Adinei 3i a l(i Fi+-Fa+0 Banii (rma( #& "ie in)e#$ii 1n$r-o a"a+ere de +ea#(ri0 "Em! re#lectase Cristescu. ,n reviens tou!ours au premier amour...Care era #(r#a a(r(l(i n( 3$ia ni+i Vanda* ni+i Gi%i0 F5n&r(l* +a 3i Adina 9'e +are n-o +(no3$ea;* 'rimea ?ma$erial(l? 1n +2i' a#em&n&$or8 (n %la# b&rb&$e#+ 1l a)iza a#('ra ?adre#ei? +are e)iden$ era $o$dea(na al$a0 A+ela3i %la# 1i d&d(#e di#'oziie #-o r&'ea#+& 'e @elania D('( 3i #-o #e+2e#$reze 1n imobil(l '&r&#i$ din 1m're=(rimile Ca'i$alei0 l a=($a#e (n ami+* 6i+& Hambal , +5n$& la re#$a(ran$(l @area Nea%r& ,* +are +ond(#e#e ma3ina0 6+ri#ori+a rela$i)& la milion(l obin($ de @i+le#+( din )5nzarea i+oanelor* el o )5r5#e 1n b(z(nar(l l(i @o3oian(0 O iniia$i)& 'ro'rie0 ?i-a b&$($ =o+ de C&$&lina 1n mod barbar0 @&%ar(l $reb(ie #& 'l&$ea#+& 1n$r-(n "el000? )+oi !4ndul i se ntoarse la Melania Lu+u. Cum se simte$ Oc3ii lui Gi%i 6on% #+5n$eia( de 'l&+ere0 ?ine. , @& b(+(r* 3e"(le: n )iaa mea n-am 1n$5lni$ (n n(m&r mai #enzaional0 C5nd o )edei* #'(nei-i +&-mi 'are r&( da+& am #('&ra$-o 3i
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+&-i mai )alabil& de+5$ o #($& de =a'ie neda$e 1n '5r%000 Cri#$e#+(* obi3n(i$ +( #(++e#ele b&$r5nei* #(r5#e8 ?@elania: 6min$i$a* "erme+&$oarea* ine%alabila @elania000? 888 n dimineaa (rm&$oare* maior(l* 1n$r-o di#'oziie e-+elen$&* 13i +on)o+& la 'rima or& +olabora$orii0 ?D-a l&#a$ (l+er(l 3i )iaa e iar 'or$o+alie?* 're#('(#e lo+o$enen$(l @o3oian(E ?a #+o#-o 'e z&'&+i$a de @elania din zar:?* 13i 1n+2i'(i Azimioar&0 C5nd 1l )&z(r& a'rinz5nd o i%ar& , l(- de zile mari , %5nd(rile li #e 1n+r(+i3ar& 1n e$er8 ?E +lar:? , B&iei* azi a)ei 'ro%ram de )izi$e0 Freb(ie #&-i )edei 2acas la ei** 1n+e'( #& ridi+e +5$e (n de%e$ , 'e Viole$a Bordeian(* Ba#ile Ni+ola(* @i+le#+(* Cole$a @i+le#+(* Gre%orian* C&$&lina Dra%o3000 , Ai omi#-o 'e @elania* ob#er)& Azimioar&0 Cri#$e#+( 1n+e'( #& r5d&0 , Ai dre'$a$e0 N-ar "i r&( #& $re+i 'e la ea0 Fe 'omene3$e mere(* are m(l$& a"e+i(ne 'en$r( d(mnea$a* 3i* a#'e+$ im'or$an$i#im:* $e a"li 1n %raiile l(i @ir+i(li+&0 Da0 Ce )& #'(neamA000 De+i )izi$ai-i 'e $oi , 1i 1m'&rii 1n$re )oi +(m )rei , 3i )& "a+ei l(n$re 3i '(n$e #&-mi ad(+ei de la "ie+are o 'rob& de #ali)&0 De (imire* o+2elarii l(i @o3oian( #e re'ezir& #'re )5r"(l na#(l(i0 Azimioar&* 'la+id* #e m(l(mi #& +on$em'le $ablo(l din #'a$ele l(i Cri#$e#+(0 l 3$ia 'e dina"ar&* '5n& la +el mai mi+ am&n(n$* dar $o$ n( izb($ea #& 'ri+ea'& de#'re ce este vorba. , @& m(l(me#+ +( m(+(ri de i%ar&* +om'le$& maior(l0 @ai +om'li+a$ e +( ne"(m&$orii* re#'e+$i) balerina 3i Ni+ola(0 Dar %&#ii )oi (n $r(+: 6(n$ei b&iei de3$e'i: ?0003i "iri #en$imen$ale: +om'le$& 1n %5nd @o3oian(0 Fr(+: Am #&-l ro% "r(mo# 'e Ni+ola( #&-mi 1m'r(m($e 'ro$eza000? 27 A"ar&* noiembrie 'lo(a +( $ri#$ee* arom& de $("&nele 3i m(l$ %ri0 @aior(l $r&#e#e dra'eriile de la biro( 3i a'rin#e lam'a* obi+ei +are a+a#& o #+o$ea din #&ri$e 'e ne)a#$&-#a0 ?N( #('or$ l(min& ele+$ri+& 1n tim+ul 0ilei..." Cri#$e#+(* 1n+redina$ +& o "a+e din #'iri$ de e+onomie 9e-a#'eran$a e+onomie +are de "a'$ era z%5r+enie +(ra$&;* de 1nda$& +e ne)a#$&-#a 'le+a de a+a#&* a'rindea $oa$e l(minile 1n+er+5nd #a$i#"a+ii de +o'il n&zdr&)an0 ?Ce-mi 'a#& +& e ze+e dimineaa* da+& a"ar&-i bezn&A? n "aa l(i* Cri# Gre%orian* mere( #$&'5ni$* dar 'ar+& mai 1n%5nd(ra$* 'ri)ea "i- (n mi+ %lob '&m5n$e#+ 1n+a#$ra$ 1n$r-(n +(b de +ri#$al0 @aior(l* $ri#$ , n(-i "&+ea( 'l&+ere a#emenea #+ene 3i n( 1n+er+a ni+ioda$& #a$i#"a+ia )5n&$or(l(i $ri(m"&$or ,* 1l +er+e$a* zi+5nd(-3i +& in%iner(l era (l$im(l om de#'re +are 3i-ar "i 1n+2i'(i$ +& ar '($ea +omi$e o +rim&0 ?Ori e( #(n$ le%a$ la o+2i 3i in+a'abil #& de#+i"rez o "i%(r&* ori Dombro#o ba$e +5m'ii la mod(l +el mai )oio#: De al$"el* da+& $e-ai l(i d('& $eoriile ami+(l(i* n-ar mai "i ne)oie de 'oliie0 Din ze+e #(#'e+i*
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1n$r-o +rim&* '(n de%e$(l 'e &la +( "al+a mai abr('$& 3i +(ie 1n 'ri)iri0 E-a+$ +a 1n "ilmele 'roa#$e: A#a#in(l 3i #'ion(l a( m($re )r&=ma3e 3i-i %2i+e3$i d('& 'rimii me$ri de 'eli+(l& +on#(mai000? , C5nd ai a"la$ +& )& n(mii Cri#$o"or 6$en%elA Gre%orian $re#&ri* dar n( #'eria$* +i +a (n om $rezi$ din #omn0 , Da000 E-a+$ a+(m (n#'reze+e l(ni0 @i-a "&+($ o )izi$& , ne +(noa3$em de la @i+le3$i , 3i a "o#$ 'rim(l l(+r( +are mi l-a #'(#0 ?Fe +2eam& 6$en%el0 Fa$&-$&( a "o#$ re'rezen$an$(l "irmei Pr('' 1n Rom5nia* iar mai+&-$a000 Ei* +( mai+&-$a* e o 'o)e#$e mai $ri#$&0 4en$r( mine000? <&+( o 'a(z& 3i re#'ir& ad5n+0 @aior(l a3$e'$& 1n $&+ere0 6(n$ momen$e +5nd anc3etatul nu trebuie mboldit. , Frei #a( 'a$r( "raze* #'(#e Gre%orian* al +&ror #en# n( l-am 'rin# la 1n+e'($0 Fo$(l )enea 'e nea3$e'$a$e* era( ani de zile de +5nd eni%ma* mi#$er(l iden$i$&ii mele n( m& mai 'reo+('a0 4o'a a )&z($ +&-# +om'le$ z&'&+i$ 3i a l(a$-o 'e 1ndele$e0 De "a'$* 'o)e#$ea 1n+e'e +( mama000 A +(no#+($-o 1n 1 7V la B5rlad* ora3(l ei na$al* 3i din 'rima +li'& a i(bi$-o +a (n neb(n0 <olo#e#+ 'ro'ria l(i e-'re#ie 3i +red +&* 1n$r-ade)&r* a di)iniza$-o* +&+i )orbind a+(m* d('& 'a$r(ze+i de ani* de#'re ea* o+2ii 1i era( 1ne+ai 1n la+rimi* %la#(l r&#(na +a (n )aie$0 N( "a+ li$era$(r&* domn(le maior* 3i +redei-m&* e( +are l-am +(no#+($ 'e $e"an 4o'a* 1n "ond o be#$ie* (rla +r(zimea 1n $oa$& "&'$(ra l(i* m-am #imi$ im're#iona$0 Izb($i#e #&-mi $ran#mi$& 1n +()in$e #earb&de* +( in+oeren& , n-a "o#$ (n ora$or , $oa$& in$en#i$a$ea 'a$imii 1n+er+a$e +5nd)a 3i a +&rei "la+&r& a)eam im're#ia +& 1n+& 1i '5r=olea #("le$(l0 Cri#$e#+(* (n roman$i+* #e in$ere#& 1n 3oa'$&8 , Era "r(moa#&A ,ntrebarea i #+&'a#e0 Fr&ia +( im're#ia de ireal* a)ea #en$imen$(l +& a#+(l$& (n ba#m0 , @i-a ar&$a$ o "o$o%ra"ie de 'e )remea +5nd mama #e a"la 1n (l$im(l an de li+e(0 @i #e 'are +i(da$ +& n-am #imi$ nimi+0 Bo$&r5$* na$(ra (man& 'rezin$& mi#$ere de ne'&$r(n#0 @& (i$am la ea +a la o #$r&in&* 1mi re'e$am ?e mama? 3i n( #imeam nimi+000 A3a* +a #$rani( am&n(n$ '#i2olo%i+0 ?N( +2iar a$5$ de #$rani(* medi$& maior(l0 C5nd $e obi3n(ie3$i #& n( ai +e)a #a( 'e +ine)a* n( 'oi #&-l re+(no3$i #a( #& )ibrezi0 Ca 3i +(m ar )eni (n(l a+(m la mine +( o 'oz&* S(i$e-l 'e "i(-$&(T* 'e +are n(-l am* 3i e( #& 1n+e' #& 'l5n%0 De3i 'oa$e n(-i +2iar a+ela3i l(+r(0 n #"5r3i$* di)a%2ez000? , N( 3$i(* 1l a(zi 'e in%iner* da+& azi ar $re+e dre'$ "r(moa#&* dar a$(n+i 'robabil +& da0 Era 1n %(#$(l a+elor ani* o "i%(r& dr&%&la3&* d(l+e a la Norma 62earer* "emeia bibelo( +e #e +ere o+ro$i$&0 Cred +& $ran#mi$ea o '(ri$a$e 'lin& de %raie* (n +e #(a)* +are-i amee3$e 1ndeob3$e 'e b&rbaii "oar$e )irili 3i am im're#ia +& &#$a a "o#$ %en(l l(i 4o'a0 I-a "&+($ +(r$e )reme de doi ani* $im' 1n +are mama '&rea ne2o$&r5$&0 Cu ce se ocu+a Po+a$ , N( 3$i( e-a+$* dar +am 1n 'erioada re#'e+$i)& a in$ra$ 1n @i3+are0 Fo$ a$(n+i a a'&r($ 3i B(%o 6$en%el* +are 'rezen$a o 'ar$id& #$r&l(+i$&0 Bine #i$(a$* +2i'e3* $5n&r0 A +(no#+($-o 'e mama la (n bal 3i 1n zori i-a +er($ m5na0 @ama a a++e'$a$ imedia$0 4o'a , 3i l-am +rez($ , a 1n+er+a$ #& #e #in(+id&0 <a'$ e#$e +&* 'e#$e noa'$e* dra%o#$ea l(i #-a $ran#"orma$ 1n$r-o (r& nimi+i$oare0 Ur& 'e "ond de adoraie* dar n( mai '(in +r5n+en&0 @aior(l 1l (rm&rea +ri#'a$ de a$enie0 C( do(& +ea#(ri 1nain$e* 'e
1":

+5nd mai +on$e#$a a "i a($or(l a#a#in&rii l(i 4o'a* "(#e#e al$ om0 De#i%(r* a+ela3i b&rba$ bine +re#+($* +alm , a+ea#$a '&rea a "i 1n#(3irea "(ndamen$al& a in%iner(l(i ,* "&r& e-+e#e )erbale* dar #(++in$* 1n de"en#i)& in$eli%en$& 3i a+(z5nd o )ioi+i(ne a #'iri$(l(i 'e +are a#'e+$(l #a$(rnian 3i "al#a melan+olie , 1n "ond indi"eren& $o$al& "a& de $o$ +e n( in$ra 1n #"era in$ere#elor #ale , n( $e-ar "i l&#a$ #-o b&n(ie3$i )reoda$&0 ?n de"ini$i)* +e 'robe a)ei 1m'o$ri)a meaA? ?6(n$ei #$5n%a+i* n(-i a3aA? ?iA? ?4e $e"an 4o'a l-a a#a#ina$ o 'er#oan& #$5n%a+e0 65rma-la din =(r(l %5$(l(i a "o#$ r&#(+i$& #'re #$5n%a* de+i in)er# de+5$ ar "i 'ro+eda$ marea ma=ori$a$e a oamenilor." ")bsurd! %u(s sin!urul st4n!aci din Rom4nia!" "/ar sin!urul din antura.ul lui Po+a." ?E#$e (ni+a d(mnea)oa#$r& 'rob&A? Gre%orian #e 1n$rer('#e (i$5nd(-#e re"le- la 'end(la mi+& din biro(l maior(l(i0 B&$ea de ora 1I000 Re+roduc strict relatarea lui 4o'a0 D('& +&#&$oria '&rinilor mei 9+red +& #(n$ei 'rima 'er#oan& "a& de +are "olo#e#+ a+e#$ $ermen;* le-a (rm&ri$ )iaa 'a# +( 'a#0 Cam 3a'$e-o'$ l(ni 'e an +&l&$orea( 'rin E(ro'a* 1n "(n+ie de a"a+erile l(i B(%o 6$en%el* re#$(l an(l(i 1l 'e$re+ea( 1n Rom5nia0 <iind o 'ere+2e monden& 3i de o an(mi$& 'roeminen& #o+ial&* l(i 4o'a 1i era (neori de a=(n# #& (rm&rea#+& r(bri+a de ?#'e+iali$a$e? din ziarele $im'(l(i0 A3a a a"la$ de#'re na3$erea mea* le +(no3$ea $oa$e de'la#&rile 3i* (neori* r&zbi$ de #("erin& ie3ea 1n +alea mamei0 Ca #-o ble#$eme: ?Era 1n#&r+ina$& +( $ine* #e )edea de la o 'o3$&* $reb(ie #& "i "o#$ +el '(in 1n 3a'$e l(ni0 Am a3$e'$a$-o la o#ea* 'e Aleea Franda"irilor0 Am 'rin#-o de m5n&8 6&-i dea D(mneze( l(i "e+ior(-$&( ,'ar+& 3$iam +& ai #& "ii b&ia$ , noro+(l me(0 Iar de $ine 3i 3oa+&* 'ra" 3i '(lbere #& #e alea%&:? Gre%orian )orbea +( 'a$im&* re$r&ia d('& 'a$r(ze+i de ani %roaza "emeii* emoiile* $(lb(rarea ei0 De rememora#e 3i 1n momen$(l #$ran%(l&rii b&$r5n(l(i0 ?i r&#(+eam +abl(l 1n =(r(l %5$(l(i +( )ol('$a$e* +( o 'l&+ere 'er)er#&* a'roa'e #e-(al&000? Sn %eneral* +on#$a$a#e Cri#$e#+(* a)ei* 2ai #& le zi+em* a++e#e de 'er)er#i$a$e0 De e-em'l(* d(mnea)oa#$r& #(n$ei a($or(l anonimei $rimi#e la miliie 1n +are )& de#emnai dre'$ a#a#in(l l(i 4o'a0 Ra"inamen$ , #(n$ ne)oi$ #& m& re'e$ , 'er)er#* +&+i )& #imeai in)(lnerabil0 Ai mai a)($ %ri=& #& n( )& "abri+ai (n alibi 'le+5nd de la ideea +& (n indi)id +5nd 13i 'remedi$eaz& +rima* are %ri=& #&-3i 're%&$ea#+& +in3'e mar$ori 3i 1n+& )reo do(&ze+i de 'robe +on+l(den$e +are #&-l #+oa$& din +a(z&0 D(mnea)oa#$r&* anima$ 'robabil de a+ela3i )i+i(* i-a3 zi+e (n +ini#m al +(ra=(l(i* 3i #(b#$i$(ind(-)& =(de+&ii an+2e$a$or(l(i ?+ine n-are alibi* 1n mod normal* n( e )ino)a$? , +5nd a)em de-a "a+e* re'e$* +( o +rim& 'remedi$a$&* ?in$ele+$(al&? ,* ai 1m'in# "ar#a 3i mai de'ar$e0 Ai mobiliza$-o 'e Adina Varlam #& )& ?o+('e? #eara di#+re$ 3i de a3a manier&* 1n+5$ #& )& "ie im'o#ibil #& demon#$rai )ii$oarei an+2e$e +( +e )& o+('ai 1n momentul crimei.M ?N( )rea( #& de)in& (n re"ren* r5n=i#e Gre%orian* dar a)ei 'robeA? ")m!" , C5nd #-a 1n$5m'la$ +a$a#$ro"a de la Carl$on* '&rinii mei $o+mai #e
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1n$or+ea( din$r-(n )oia= mai l(n% 1n #$r&in&$a$e0 B(ni+a m(ri#e +( (n an 1n (rm&* iar b(ni+(l doar de +5$e)a l(ni0 @ama a a)($ (n 3o+ 3i B(%o 6$en%el , de +e oare n(-mi )ine #&-i #'(n $a$aA , #-a %5ndi$ +& e bine +a mama #& #+2imbe 'ei#a=(l0 De a+eea nimeni n( #-a in$ere#a$ de mine (l$erior0 4ra+$i+* n( mai a)eam ni+i (n "el de r(de0 O 1n$5m'lare +are #e lea%& de al$& +a$a#$ro"&* 1n$5m'la$& +( ze+i de ani 1nain$e000 n (rma an(n(rilor din ziare* 4o'a a )eni$ la #ana$ori( #& m& )ad&0 Di#'(nea de #("i+ien$e da$e* +(no3$ea de#$(le am&n(n$e 'en$r( +a #& n( aib& ni+i o 1ndoial& +& #(n$ +o'il(l #oilor 6$en%el0 A 'le+a$ de la #ana$ori( "&r& #& dea +ea mai mi+& de#l(3ire0 <(ria l(i nea%r& era +& +ei doi* m(rind* #+&'a#er& 'rea ie"$in0 A)ea #& #e r&zb(ne 'e mine $&+5nd000 i a $&+($000 6in%(r(l om din l(me +are '($ea #&-mi de+id& de#$in(l0 Ce l(a determinat to$(3i '5n& la (rm& #& )orbea#+&A C2iar d('& 'a$r(ze+i de aniA , 4are bizar* dar* in5nd #eama de +ara+$er(l 'arado-al al l(i $e"an 4o'a 3i de e)ol(ia l(i* "enomen(l #e #im'li"i+&0 6(n$ei 'robabil in"orma$ de a+$i)i$a$ea b&$r5n(l(i 1n #5n(l mi3+&rii le%ionare0 E( +(no#+ am&n(n$ele de la el0 n a"ar& de 'ar$i+i'area #a la a#a#inarea 'rim(l(i mini#$r( Armand C&line#+(* mai a)ea o #erie de +rime la a+$i)0 mb&$r5nind* a#edia$ de ob#e#ii mi#$i+e +are o#+ila( #'re 'a$olo%i+* l-a( a'(+a$ rem(3+&rile 3i i-a $r&#ni$ ideea +& (ni+(l mi=lo+* "an$a#$i+* de a-3i r&#+(m'&ra '&+a$ele 1n "aa l(i D(mneze( e#$e #& +on#$r(ia#+& o bi#eri+&0 <ond(rile a)eam #& i le 'ro+(r e(* "i(l om(l(i de a"a+eri B(%o 6$en%el0 n +on#e+in&* a 1n+e'($ #&-mi e-'edieze o 'loaie de #+ri#ori* ade)&ra$ #erial* (nde* ame#$e+5nd a"a+erile +( 're+e'$ele reli%ioa#e* 1mi e-'li+a ne+e#i$a$ea im'erioa#& a (nei a#emenea 1n$re'rinderi0 , De +e #-a %5ndi$ $o+mai la d(mnea)oa#$r&A , D('& +(m )-am 're+iza$* #e 'are +&000 n "ine* $a$&l me( era (n om +( o e-+elen$& #i$(aie ma$erial&0 A+(m doi ani* 4o'a a "&+($ o e-+(r#ie 1n R0<0G0 A+olo a l(a$ le%&$(ra +( 'rie$eni )e+2i de-ai "amiliei mele* +are i-a( e-'li+a$ +& a)erea l(i 6$en%el za+e 1n$r-(n #a"e la o ban+& din GLric3. *ocotind dob4n0ile acumulate n +atr(ze+i de ani* +on$(l $reb(ie #& "i a$in# o +i"r& +el '(in in$ere#an$&0 n +on#e+in&* 4o'a #-a %5ndi$ +& o 'ar$e din a+e3$i bani ar '($ea "i )&r#ai 1n +on$(l l(i D(mneze(0 A#$"el* d&dea +(m #'(ne "ran+ez(l* do(& lo)i$(ri +( a+eea3i 'ia$r&0 3i r&#+(m'&ra %re3elile $inereii le%ionare 3i* 'e de al$& 'ar$e* #e +om'en#a 1n$r-(n "el 3i "a& de mine0 Genero#* mi-a e-'li+a$ +& n( are 're$enie de+5$ la o #(m& #("i+ien$& 'en$r( a ridi+a (n l&+a3 bi#eri+e#+ ?im'ozan$?0 @aior(l #e (i$& la i%ara +are i #e #$in#e#e 1n$re de%e$e0 O +li'& #e %5ndi #-o rea'rind&* dar #e r&z%5ndi 3i o '(#e 1n #+r(mier&* #$ri)ind-o in($il0 , Fo$(l mi #e 'are de domeni(l "an$a#$i+(l(i: C(m ai "i izb($i$ #& a#i%(rai re#'e+$i)a ban+& a#('ra a($en$i+(l(i iden$i$&ii d(mnea)oa#$r& 3i +(m )-ar "i '($($ #ili 4o'a #&-i +edai o 'ar$e din #(m&A , N( a)ea im'or$an& iden$i$a$ea mea0 Banii a( "o#$ de'(3i 1n$r-(n +on$ +( n(m&r #e+re$0 Cine +(noa3$e a+e#$ n(m&r 1n+a#eaz& banii0 4o'a 1l +(no3$ea0 /e unde$! Gre%orian #&l$& din (meri8 )sta nu mi(a #'(#-o ni+ioda$&0 6e e#+2i)a* iar e( n-am in#i#$a$0 4e mine* 1n "ond* m& in$ere#a n(m&r(l0 , i l-ai a"la$A
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, N( 1nain$e de-a "i 1n+2eia$ (n a+$ 'rin +are m& obli%am #&-i ?re#$i$(i? o #(m& +on#iderabil& de m&r+i0 O+2ii l(i Gre%orian #+li'ea( 3i Cri#$e#+( realiz& +& 'e b&rba$(l a+e#$a* a'aren$ 'la+id* #in%(r(l l(+r( +are 1l '($ea anima era( banii0 Nimi+ al$+e)a* dra%o#$ea* o idee* (n ideal* n-a)ea rezonan& 1n "iina l(i0 A+eea3i #+li'ire 'ar$i+(lar& a o+2ilor ?a'roa'e l(bri+&?* o +on#$a$a#e +5nd in%iner(l 1i d&d(#e am&n(n$e +( 'ri)ire la bene"i+iile +e #e 'o$ obine din $ra"i+(l +( a(r0 ?Cine )i-l "(rnizaA #e in$ere#a#e maior(l0 Di#'(nei de +an$i$&i +on#iderabile0? Da 'er+2eziia lo+(inei l(i Gre%orian* doar 1n +o3(l de %(noi , o '(bel& de me$al +( "(nd d(bl( , %&#i#er& 'e#$e (n Lilo%ram de bi=($erii0 ?Un +e$&ean 'or$(%2ez #$abili$ 1n Gre+ia0 i +on)enea #& realizeze $ra"i+(l 'rin Rom5nia* a+e#$ #oi de a+$i)i$a$e in"ra+ional& la #+ara re#'e+$i)& "iind la noi a'roa'e ne+(no#+($& 3i 1n +on#e+in&* a$enia 'ro'riilor a($ori$&i 3i a In$er'ol(l(i mai mode#$&0? ?C(m l-ai +(no#+($A? ?I-am "o#$ re+omanda$ dre'$ o 'er#oan& de 1n+redere de +&$re (n 'rie$en din +o'il&rie +are a emi%ra$ 1n Gre+ia0? ?De +e )-ai +om'li+a$ e-i#$ena in$rod(+5nd 1n +ombinaie a$5ia +(rieriA De obi+ei* #e l(+reaz& mai di#+re$000? ?Can$i$a$ea de mar"& era 'rea mare 'en$r( a ri#+a0 Da+& m-a3 "i m(l(mi$ +( #er)i+iile (nei #in%(re 'er#oane* iar a+ea#$a ar "i "o#$ 'rin#&* 'ierdeam enorm0 De al$"el* Adina* Ni+ola(* @i+le#+( 3i Gi%i n( #e +(no3$ea( 1n$re ei0 Coin+idena a "&+($ +a a)o+a$(l 3i Adina #& #e 1n+(r+e (l$erior* iar #(b 'la'(m& , #(r5#e#e +( re#emnare , n( mai e-i#$& $aine000? 4ri)irea in%iner(l(i #e "i-& din no( a#('ra %lob(l(i de 'e ma#a l(i Cri#$e#+(0 A)ea a$i$(dinea 3i e-'re#ia (n(i indi)id +are a3$ea'$& +( r&bdare #o#irea $ren(l(i0 4li+$i#i$* dar n( a%i$a$ #a( ner)o#0 , N( 1nele% (n l(+r(* #'(#e maior(l0 De )reme +e b&$r5n(l 4o'a #e a"la 1n 'o#e#ia n(m&r(l(i #e+re$* +are-i mo$i)(l +& n-a a+iona$ #in%(rA 4($ea 1n+a#a 1n$rea%a #(m& "&r& +a d(mnea)oa#$r& #& a)ei 2abar +& a e-i#$a$ )reoda$& 'e l(me (n 6$en%el 3i +on$(l #&( ban+ar0 Gre%orian r5#e 1n+e$i3or0 , N( i-o 1n%&d(ia +on3$iina: Ai+i e 2az(l: Foa$& 'o)e#$ea a#$a i#$eri+&* ab#(rd&* +are-i 'oar$& #emn&$(ra* a "o#$ in)en$a$& de o +&in& #in+er&0 , i da+& d(mnea)oa#$r& ai "i 'le+a$ #in%(r* "&r& #&-l a)er$izaiA , Im'o#ibil0 Era +( o+2ii 'e mine 3i m-a amenina$ +& la +ea mai mi+& $en$a$i)& de ?a #'&la '($ina? "&r& el* m& den(n& a($ori$&ilor noa#$re0 4ra+$i+* 3an$a=! ?i de ai+i la +rim&* e (n #in%(r 'a#? re"le+$& Cri#$e#+(0 l omor5#e 'e b&$r5n* +( #5n%e re+e0 D('& +e #e de#'&ri#e de Adina l(a#e (n $ram)ai 3i #e de'la#a#e la lo+(ina b&$r5n(l(i0 6e #$re+(ra#e 1n %ar#onier& 'rin "erea#$ra b&ii +are d&dea 1n +(r$ea in$erioar&* a'oi 1n #'a$ele b&$r5n(l(i 3i-i 'rin#e#e %r(ma=ii 1n la(l de #5rm&0 Fre+(#e d('& a+eea 'e a+a#& #& #e #+2imbe 3i la "el de +alm #e d(#e#e la 'ar$ida de 'o+2er a Cole$ei @i+le#+(0 C( +ronome$rarea $im'(l(i , (na din 'reo+('&rile ma=ore ale (n(i in"ra+$or* 1n #'e+ial 1n ma$erie de +rim& , ni+i m&+ar n(-3i b&$(#e +a'(l* de )reme +e e"or$(l l(i +on#$a#e 1n a n(-3i +on"e+iona (n alibi0 n$5lnirea +( Adina o 're+oniza#e +a rezer)&* 1n #i$(aie limi$&0 6$r5n# +( (3a de o e)en$(al&
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an+2e$&* ar "i %&#i$ mi=lo+(l #& #(%ereze n(mele 3i adre#a "emeii000 Fo$ el 1l mole#$a#e 3i 'e Dor( 4o'e#+(* "&r& in$enia 1n#& de a-l (+ide* +i doar 'en$r( a 1ndre'$a +er+e$&rile 'e o 'i#$& "al#&0 Din $oa$e '(n+$ele de )edere* @i+le#+( ar "i a)($ in$ere#(l #& #e debara#eze de $5n&r0 Ine-a+$i$&ile din de+laraiile "&+($e era( meni$e #& +am("leze al$e ma$ra'azl5+(ri0 In#i#$5nd a#('ra "el(l(i 1n +are o 'er#oan& #a( al$a din ?+er+(l? Cole$ei @i+le#+( "(#e#er& im'li+ai 1n +az(l $e"an 4o'a* maior(l +er(#e e-'li+aii 'ri)ind r&'irea @elaniei D('(0 ?4e mine (n(l* n( m-a 1n3ela$ ni+ioda$& "emeia a+ea#$a0 Foi o +on#ider& n&$5n%& 3i ramoli$&0 De'ar$e de a3a +e)a: E 'lin& de 'er#'i+a+i$a$e 3i are o in$(iie ie3i$& din +om(n0 n (l$ima )reme* #e (i$a +am m(l$ la mine 3i +( o an(mi$& 'ri)ire0 n 'l(#* mi #-a '&r($ +& 3$ie 'rea m(l$e0 Da o 1n$5lnire 1n +a#a Cole$ei* a 'ron(na$ n(mele 6$en%el0 i era lim'ede +& n( o "&+(#e 1n mod 1n$5m'l&$or0 4o'a a a)($ (n 3o+ a$(n+i* e( am re(3i$ #& m& #$&'5ne#+ mai bine0? 5mobilul n care a #ost se+2e#$ra$& @elania D('( a'arine (n(i oare+are G2eor%2e De'&da$0 , Da* (n "o#$ +ole% de li+e(* +are a de+eda$ a+(m +in+i ani0 @o3$eni$orii 1n+& n( #-a( %5ndi$ #&-l "r(+$i"i+e0 Da mod(l +on+re$ e '&r&#i$* n( 3i o"i+ial0 Fa-ele 3i im'ozi$ele #(n$ 'l&$i$e la 0i. ?Ce #+o' (rm&reai r&'ind-o 'e b&$r5n&A? Gre%orian 3o)&i#e8 ?6-o #e+2e#$rez +ir+a 3a'$e-o'$ zile* '5n& a)eam #& di#'ar000? "Cum$" ?@i #-a 'romi# (n 'a3a'or$ "al#000? ?6(n$ 1n+redina$ +& ai "i li+2ida$-o000? ")' nu' de ce$ Aemeia aceasta mi(e realmente #im'a$i+&000? , n+& o +2e#$i(ne: #'(#e Cri#$e#+(0 Erai* 1n 'rin+i'i(* 'o#e#or(l (nei a)eri +on#iderabile0 De +e )-ai mai b&%a$ 1n$r-o +ombinaie a$5$ de ri#+an$& +a $ra"i+(l de a(rA , n 'rim(l r5nd* +( a(r(l m& o+('a#em 1nain$e +a 4o'a #& in$re 1n aren&0 n al doilea r5nd* mi-era $eam& +a n( +(m)a re#'e+$i)a ban+& din El)eia* a3a +(m a( 'ro+eda$ 3i al$ele* #& n(-mi "i ?+on"i#+a$? +on$(l* da$& "iind 'erioada "oar$e mare de $im' 1n +are nimeni n(-l re+lama#e0 Adi+& mi-era "ri+& de 're#+ri'ie* de3i b&$r5n(l* +are 're$indea +& #e in$ere#a#e* m& a#i%(ra de +on$rari(l0 Con$in(a #& #e (i$e la %lob(l 1n+a#$ra$ 1n #$i+l& 3i la (n momen$ da$* l(i Cri#$e#+( 1i $re+( 'rin min$e +& in%iner(l ar a)ea 'o"$& #& i-l "(re0 C5nd 1l 1n$reba#e a#('ra rai(nii 'en$r( +are #(b$iliza#e #olnia de la re#$a(ran$(l ?6+oi+a?* r&#'(n#e#e #im'l(8 ?6(n$ +le'$oman?0 Cle'$oman* in)en$aria#e maior(l* 'er)er#* +( o 'a$im& 'a$olo%i+& 'en$r( ?ar%ini? 3i e-$rem de abil0 Abil 3i $o$(3i %re3i#e000 nain$e de a $re+e la m&r$(ri#iri* Gre%orian 1i in(#e 'ie'$ +( (n +alm d5rz0 ?Da(l 1n"&3(ra$ 'e #$5n%a n( +on#$i$(ie o 'rob& #("i+ien$&0? ?V& 'o$ o"eri mai m(l$e* dar m& m(l(me#+ +( +eea +e n(mim noi 'roba P0O0 6+ri#oarea $rimi#& b&$r5n(l(i 4o'a era im'e+abil&* n( 'rezen$a ni+i (n "el de am'ren$e* ma3ina la +are "(#e#e b&$($& a'arinea b&$r5n(l(i0 Ai %re3i$ 1n#& +( 'li+(l0 C5nd l-ai 1n+2i#* re"le-* a3a +(m 'ro+edeaz& marea ma=ori$a$e a oamenilor* ai "olo#i$ 'ro'ria d(mnea)oa#$r& #ali)&0 <ie +& ai m(ia$ de%e$(l 1n %(r&* "ie +& )-ai $re+($ limba 'e#$e $i)(l de +lei0 A+eea3i %re3eal& ai re'e$a$-o +( 'li+(rile
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de#$ina$e Adinei Varlam 3i +( #+ri#oarea adre#a$& b&$r5n(l(i Ni+ola(0 Gre%orian $re#&ri#e* a'oi z5mbi#e* =(+&$or +are 3$ie #& 'iard&0 <air'laC000 ?Ai +53$i%a$:? ?A3a mi #e 'are000" Dar #e #imea $ri#$0 29 , Freb(ie #& )& #'(n* domn(le maior* +& m& #im$ o 'er#oan& "oar$e im'or$an$&* +iri'i @elania D('(0 6e 'limba( la o#ea0 Cri#$e#+(* %alan$* 1i inea deli+a$ +o$(l* 'ri)ind(-i +( d(io3ie 'ro"il(l di#$in#0 Vorbea +( 1n#("leire 3i era de-a dre'$(l 1n+5n$&$oare* +( obra=i 'roa#'ei , %er(l 1i "arda#e +( (n roz de bomboan& "ondan$& , o+2i #+5n$eie$ori 3i o $o+& de l($r(* a3eza$& +am 3$ren%&re3$e 'e b(+lele ar%in$ii0 C5nd 3i-o aran=a#e* la o%lind&* #e #"&$(i#e +( @ir+i(li+&0 "Ce cre0i* dra%(l me(A N( 'ar +am "ri)ol&A $ii* am #o+o$i$ $o$dea(na +& a+e#$ %en de 'er#oane n( #(n$ 'rea in$eli%en$e0 C5nd (n b&rba$ #e (i$& la o "emeie $reb(ie #& "ie a5a$ de 're#('(neri* n( #& aib& +er$i$(dini000 Dar $( e3$i 1n+& 'rea $5n&r +a #& 1nele%i a3a +e)a000? , Freb(ie #& )& m&r$(ri#e#+ +& a$(n+i +5nd m-ai in)i$a$ la o 'limbare* m-am #imi$ e-$rem de emoiona$&* +5$ 'e-a+i #& )in de-a ro#$o%ol(l* +(m #e e-'rim& 'or$&rea#a noa#$r&0 @aior(l 1n+e'( #& r5d&0 , C5nd )ei +(noa3$e 'er#oana 1n #$are #& )& +lin$ea#+& m&+ar* )& ro% #& mi-o 'rezen$ai0 mi 'la+ (ni+a$ele0 , @i-e $eam& +& d(mnea)oa#$r& a)ei o '&rere 'rea b(n& de#'re mine0 A#$a di#+($am +2iar 3i +( @ir+i(li+&0 A'ro'o* re%re$& +& n( ne-a '($($ 1n#oi* dar "ri%(l 1l indi#'(ne0 Cri#$e#+( 13i ima%in& o +li'& #+ena8 @elania* el 3i mo$an(l 1n le#&0 @o3oian( 3i Azimioar& ar "i "o#$ 1n #$are #& a3$e'$e o #&'$&m5n&* b&$(i de +ri)&* n(mai +a #& le 1nre%i#$reze $re+erea0 , N( 3$ii +5$& 'l&+ere 1mi "a+e #& m& a"l( 1n +om'ania d(mnea)oa#$r&0 De "ie+are da$& m-am 1n$reba$* adi+& de +e noi doi n( am '($ea "i b(ni 'rie$eni0 Maiorul 04mbi. , E( mi-am 1n+2i'(i$ +& #(n$em0 Iar a+(m* mi-ai do)edi$-o +( 'ri#o#in&0 , O2: N( $reb(ie #& "a+ei +az de (n mi+ #er)i+i( li'#i$ de 1n#emn&$a$e* al$"el n( mi-a3 mai '($ea 1n+2i'(i +& #(n$em +amarazi0 @i #e 'are +& am o idee0 D(mnea)oa#$r&* domn(l Azimioar& , e a$5$ de dr&%( 3i de dolo"an , @ir+i(li+& 3i +( mine am '($ea al+&$(i o e+2i'& "oar$e )e#el&0 Freb(ie #& ne %5ndim #erio# la a+ea#$& 'o#ibili$a$e0 2receau +rin #aa re#$a(ran$(l(i ?Bordei? 3i Cri#$e#+( o in)i$& la (n a'eri$i) +ald0 , Dar a#$a-i ade)&ra$& e#+a'ad&: #e b(+(r& b&$r5na0 De "a'$* 1n+e'(#em #& #im$ "ri%(l000 Con#iderai +& da+& a3 +omanda o (i+& "iar$& a3 '($ea "i #o+o$i$& +am 'rea000 eman+i'a$&A %u' maiorul nu considera. Cobor5r& $re'$ele re#$a(ran$(l(i0 @elania #e o'ri br(#+* $r&%5nd ad5n+ aer(l 1n 'ie'$0 N&rile "ine 'al'i$ar&* +a ari'ile (n(i "l($(re0
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, N( +redei +& )iaa e "r(moa#&* domn(le maiorA Am +on#$a$a$-o din zi(a 1n +are am 'rimi$ 'rima '&'(3&0 O +ioar& 53ni din$e ram(rile (n(i +o'a+ 'i$i+* #'in$e+5nd 'ei#a=(l de ar%in$ +( (n +ron+&ni$ #+(r$0 @elania %&#i +&-i 'oli$i+oa#& 3i o #al($& +( amabili$a$e8 , B(n& zi(a* dra%a mea0 A'oi in$rar& 1n re#$a(ran$0 ((((((((((((((((((((

111