JAMES CLAVELL

VRTEJUL
CUPRINS
Cartea I
Vineri, 9 februarie 1979 ............................................. 1
Smbt, 10 februarie 1979 ..................................... 43
Duminic, 11 februarie 1979 ................................. 87
Luni, 12 februarie 1979 ......................................... 121
Mari, 13 februarie 1979 ......................................... 171
Miercuri, 14 februarie 1979 ................................. 23
Cartea a II-a
Smbt, 17 februarie 1979 ................................. 283
Duminic, 18 februarie 1979 .............................. 33
NOTA AUTORULUI
!ce"te #ntm$%ri "e $etrec #ntre 9 februarie &i 3 martie 1979, #n 'ranu% cu$rin" (e re)*%uie,
cu mu%t #nainte (e a #nce$e cri+a *"tatici%*r.
!m #ncercat " $re+int %ucruri%e ct mai rea% cu $utin, (e&i t*tu% e (*ar ficiune, $*$u%at
cu mu%te $er"*na,e &i %*curi ima-inare. .ici * $er"*an "au firm (e"$re care "e )*rbe&te #n cartea
(e fa nu a %uat $arte "au nu a e/i"tat #n acea"t $eri*a( #n +*na (e c*nf%ict &i nici nu a "tat #n
intenia mea " fac )re* %e-tur "au a%u+ie %a )reuna (intre e%e.
De"i-ur, e/i"t umbre%e ce%*r (*i -i-ani care "e #nfrunt0 !%tea Sa im$eria%, 1a2u%
M*2ame( 3a2%a)i 4 &i tat% "u, 5e+a 1a2 4 &i imamu% 62*meini, umbre care $%anea+ a"u$ra
$er"*na,e%*r ima-inate &i care c*n"tituie un e%ement )ita% a% ace"tei i"t*rii.
7i nu fi-urea+ $rintre $er"*na,e%e crii, (e&i am #ncercat " $re+int * ima-ine 4 ficti), (ar
c*rect 4 a ace%*r )remuri, a (iferite%*r fe%uri (e *ameni care %e4au "trbtut, mu%ti$%e%e *$inii care
au e/i"tat &i ar fi $utut fi e/$rimate, (ar nimic (in t*ate ace"tea nu e"te $re+entat (e mine,
inteni*nat, cu %i$" (e re"$ect.
VINERI 9 februarie 1979
CAPITOLUL 1
8n munii 9a-r*": $e #n"erat. S*are%e atin"e *ri+*ntu% &i brbatu% tra"e *b*"it (e 2uri%e
ca%u%ui, bucur*" c "*"i"e )remea $entru ru-ciune.
Se numea ;u""ain 6*<i""i &i era un iranian (e trei+eci &i $atru (e ani, ma"i), cu $ie%ea a%b,
iar *c2ii &i barba f*arte #ntunecate. 3e umr #i atrna * arm aut*mat "*)ietic !647. 7ra bine
#nf&urat #n 2aine, ca " "e a$ere (e fri- 4 $urta un turban a%b &i un 2a%at (e cu%*are #nc2i", mur(ar
&i $rfuit, iar $e (ea"u$ra %*r un c*,*c -r*"*%an (in $ie%e (e *aie, (u$ *biceiu% tribu%ui n*ma(
6a"2=>ai, %e-at cu * curea, &i ci+me f*arte u+ate. 3entru c a)ea urec2i%e ac*$erite, nu au+i"e )uietu%
#n(e$rtat a% turbine%*r m*t*are%*r e%ic*$teru%ui ce "e a$r*$ia. 8n urma %ui, cmi%a (e $*)ar,
1
i"t*)it, "muci (e funie, nerb(t*are " mnnce &i " "e *(i2nea"c. ?r "4* ba-e #n "eam *
b%e"tem &i (e"c%eca.
Se af%a %a a$r*a$e (*u mii cinci "ute (e metri a%titu(ine &i aeru% era rarefiat &i rece, f*arte
rece. 3mntu% era ac*$erit cu un "trat -r*" (e +$a( $e care )ntu% * "$u%bera #n rafa%e, fcn(
(rumuri%e a%unec*a"e &i #n&e%t*are. De(e"ubt, $*teca $rea $uin umb%at "e #nc*%cea #na$*i ctre
)i #n(e$rtate &i, #n ce%e (in urm, ctre '"fa2an, (e un(e )enea. 8nainte, (rumu% "e r"ucea
$rime,(i*" #n "u", $rintre c*%uri%e (e "tnc, a$*i ctre ce%e%a%te )i%e care "e (e"c2i(eau ctre
@*%fu% 3er"ic &i ctre *ra&u% 6*<i"", un(e "e n"cu"e, un(e %*cuia acum &i (e %a care #&i %ua"e
nume%e cn( (e)eni"e mu%%a2.
.u4i $"a (e $rime,(ii "au (e fri-. 3rime,(ii%e #i a$reau %a fe% (e %im$e+i ca &i aeru%.
7 a$r*a$e ca &i cum a& fi (in n*u n*ma(, a%turi (e bunicu%, care ne c*n(ucea $e )remuri
cn( t*ate triburi%e 6a"2=>ai $uteau " 2%(uia"c (e %a $&uni%e (e iarn ctre ce%e (e )ar 4 un ca%
&i4* $u&c $entru fiecare brbat &i cire+i #n(ea,un", turme (e *i &i ca$re &i cmi%e nenumrate, cu
femei%e n*a"tre neac*$erin(u4&i faa cu )%uri, triburi%e trin( %ibere, a&a cum au trit #nainta&ii
n*&tri +eci (e "ec*%e, ne"u$u&i nimnui a%tcui)a (ect V*inei %ui !%%a2 4 ace"te )remuri care "4au
"fr&it abia cu &ai+eci (e ani #n urm, #&i "$u"e, "imin( mnia ri(icn(u4"e #n e%, &i cr*ra %e4a $u"
ca$t 5e+a ;an, "*%(atu% ri(icat (e ,*", care, cu a,ut*ru% )ic%eni%*r (e en-%e+i, a u+ur$at tr*nu%, "4a
$r*c%amat 5e+a 1a2, $rimu% (intre 1a2ii 3a2%a)i &i, a$*i, cu "$ri,inu% re-imentu%ui "u (e ca+aci, ne4
a "u$u" &i a #ncercat " ne &tear- (e $e faa $mntu%ui.
! f*"t V*ia %ui !%%a2 ca, cu tim$u%, 5e+a 1a2 " fie umi%it &i e/i%at (e #m$uiii "t$ni
en-%e+i &i " m*ar uitat: V*ia %ui !%%a2 ca M*2ame( 1a2 " fie *b%i-at " "ca$e cu fu-a cu cte)a
+i%e #n urm: V*ia %ui !%%a2 ca 62*meini " "e #nt*arc " c*ntinue re)*%uia Lui, V*ia %ui !%%a2 ca
mine "au $*imine " #mi $rime"c martiriu%, V*ia %ui !%%a2 ca " fim %uai (e Vrte,u% Su &i ca
acum " fie (at * u%tim %*)itur tutur*r %ac2ei%*r 1a2u%ui &i tutur*r "trini%*r.
7%ic*$teru% era mai a$r*a$e acum, (ar t*t nu4% au+i, &uieru% )ntu%ui care %*)ea #n rafa%e
ac*$erin( +-*m*tu%. Mu%umit, #&i "c*a"e c*)*ru% (e ru-ciune &i4% #ntin"e $e +$a(. S$ate%e #nc4%
(urea (in $ricina rni%*r $r*)*cate (e bici. 8&i um$%u $a%me%e (e +$a(, #&i "$% mini%e &i c2i$u%
(u$ ritua%, $re-tin(u4"e $entru cea (e4a $atra ru-ciune a +i%ei, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e cu faa ctre "u(4
)e"t, "$re *ra&u% "fnt, Mecca, af%at %a (*u mii (e >i%*metri (e$rtare, #n !rabia Sau(it, &i #&i
#n(re$t -n(uri%e ctre !%%a2.
4 !%%a24u !>bar, !%%a24u !>bar, %a i%%a2 i%%a !%%a2... Se $r*"tern re$etn( S2a2a(a, %"n(
cu)inte%e arabe "4% #n)%uie0
4 !%%a2 e mare, !%%a2 e mare, mrturi"e"c c nu e a%t Dumne+eu (ect !%%a2, iar M*2ame(
e"te 3r*fetu% Lui. !%%a2 e mare, !%%a2 e mare, mrturi"e"c c nu e a%t Dumne+eu (ect !%%a2, iar
M*2ame( e"te 3r*fetu% Lui.
Vntu% "e #ntri, "uf%n( &i mai rece. 3rin $"%a care4i ac*$erea urec2i%e $rin"e +-*m*tu%
turbine%*r. !ce"ta cre"cu &i cre"cu, #i $trun"e #n creier a%un-n(u4i $acea &i abtn(u4i -n(uri%e (e
%a ru-ciune. De"c2i"e furi*" *c2ii. 7%ic*$teru% "e a$r*$ia, abia %a &ai+eci (e metri (ea"u$ra
$mntu%ui, urcn( (re$t ctre e%.
La #nce$ut #i trecu $rin -n( c ar $utea fi un a$arat mi%itar &i bru"c #% n$(i teama c
)eneau (u$ e%. !$*i recun*"cu $e fu+e%a, cu%*ri%e r*&u, a%b, a%ba"tru a%e Marii Aritanii &i
cun*"cute%e #n"emne S4@ #m$re,uru% %eu%ui r*&u a% Sc*iei0 c*m$ania (e e%ic*$tere care *$era (e %a
ba+a aerian (e %a 6*<i"" (ea"u$ra #ntre-u%ui 'ran, &i teama #% $r"i 4 (ar nu &i mnia. 3ri)i
a$aratu% (e +b*r urn( ceea ce re$re+enta. !)ea " treac e/act $e (ea"u$ra ca$u%ui "u, (ar nu
$re+enta nici * $rime,(ie $entru e%. Se #n(*ia c cei (e %a b*r( #% )*r b-a #n "eam, aici, #n umbra
unui "tei (e $iatr, (ar re"imea cu t*at fiina $acea "a interi*ar tu%burat (e ace&ti intru&i &i ru-i%e
"a%e +(rnicite. 1i $e m"ur ce ur%etu% a"ur+it*r "e #nteea, furia %ui "e ri(ica *(at cu e%.
4 La i%%a2 i%%a !%%a2... #ncerc " "e #nt*arc %a ru-ciune, (ar curentu% (e aer $r*(u" (e $a%e%e
e%ic*$teru%ui #i arunc +$a(a #n fa. 8n "$ate%e %ui, ca%u% nec2e+ &i "e ri(ic #n"$imntat #n (*u
$ici*are, $ri$*nu% fcn(u4% " "e #m$ie(ice &i " a%unece. Bmi%a (e $*)ar, %a fe% (e #n"$imntat,
"muci (e funia %e-at (e &aua ca%u%ui, "e ri(ic #n $ici*are, r-i &i #ncerc " $*rnea"c #m$%eticit
#ntr4* $arte "au #n cea%a%t, numai $e trei $ici*are, r"turnn(u4&i $*)ara &i #ncurcn( %e-turi%e.
7/$%*( mni*"0
4 .ecre(inci*&i%*rC ur% ctre a$aratu% care "e af%a acum a$r*a$e (ea"u$ra bu+ei )ii.
2
D&ni #n $ici*are, #n&fac arma, tra"e $ie(ica &i "%*b*+i * rafa%, a$*i *c2i &i -*%i #ncrc4
t*ru%.
4 S!E!.C i$ iar&i #n tcerea ce "e %"a"e bru"c.
Bn( $rime%e -%*ane #m$r*&car e%ic*$teru%, tnru% $i%*t Sc*t @a)a%%an rma"e $entru *
c%i$ $ara%i+at &i "e 2*%b $r*"te&te %a -uri%e (in $arbri+u% (e $%a"tic.
4 Sfinte B2ri"t*a"eC &*$ti cu r"uf%area tiat, cci nu "e mai tr"e"e a"u$ra %ui nici*(at $n
atunci, (ar cu)inte%e #i fur ac*$erite (e brbatu% a&e+at %n- e% $e "caunu% (in fa, care reaci*na
iute &i 2*trt, ca un mi%itar0
4 3une4% ,*"C
B*man(a bubui #n c&ti.
4 3une4% ,*"C "tri- E*m L*c2art (in n*u #n %arin-*f*n, a$*i, $entru c nu a)ea c*men+i%e
$r*$rii, #ntin"e brau% $e"te mna "tn- a $i%*tu%ui &i #m$in"e #n ,*" maneta (e c*man(, re(ucn(
bru"c $uterea m*t*ru%ui &i #n%imea. 7%ic*$teru% "e %e-n ca un bei), $ier+n( bru"c (in #n%ime.
8n c%i$a aceea #i #m$r*&c cea (e4a (*ua rafa%. Dea"u$ra &i "$re c*a( "e au+i un tr*"net
amenint*r, #n a%t $arte un -%*n c2iui, ric*&n( (e meta%, turbine%e iuir &i e%ic*$teru% "e $rbu&i
(in #n%imi.
7ra un Fet 5an-er 20G, cu un "in-ur $i%*t &i $atru $a"a-eri 4 unu% #n fa, trei #n "$ate 4 &i era
$%in. Bu * *r #n urm, Sc*t #i %ua"e $e cei%a%i, care "e #nt*rceau (intr4un c*nce(iu (e * %un, ca (e
*bicei, (e %a aer*$*rtu% S2ira+, af%at %a *$t+eci (e >i%*metri "u(4e"t. !cum, *bi&nuitu% "e
tran"f*rma"e #n c*&mar, iar munte%e n)%ea ctre ei: * muc2ie (e $iatr "e r*"t*-*%i miracu%*" $e4
a%turi, %a un fir (e $r (i"tan, &i e%ic*$teru% "e cufun( #ntr4* (e$re"iune, (n(u4%e * fraciune (e
"ecun( $*"ibi%itatea "4&i tra- "uf%etu%, &i "4&i reca$ete #n $arte c*ntr*%u% &i ce)a (in $uterea
m*t*ru%ui.
4 !i -ri,, $entru Dumne+euC "$u"e L*c2art.
Sc*t )+u"e $eric*%u%, (ar nu reaci*na"e att (e iute. !cum, mini%e &i $ici*are%e fceau
a$aratu% " -%i"e+e #n "a%turi "mucite #n ,uru% c*%u%ui (e "tnc. 3atina "tn- a trenu%ui (e ateri+are
atin"e $iatra cu * %*)itur %atera%, meta%u% $r*te"t +-*m*t*" &i #nc * (at $%*n,ar #ntr4* $arte,
abia %a ci)a metri (e "u$rafaa nere-u%at a "tnci%*r &i (e c*r*ane%e c*$aci%*r, care "e a$r*$iau &i
"e (e$rtau #n "a%turi (e ei.
4 F*" &i re$e(e, "$u"e L*c2art. !&a, ac*%*, Sc*tC .u, (inc*%*C B*%*, #n ,*"u% cre"tei, "$re
ra)ine... 7&ti rnitH
4 .u, nu cre(C EuH
4 !cum e bineC B*b*ar #n ra)inC ;ai, -rbe&te4teC !"cu%tt*r, Sc*t @a)a%%an a$%ec
a$aratu%, (e$rtn(u4"e $rea ,*" &i $rea iute, cu mintea #nc r)&it. Mai "imea #n -ur -u"tu% (e
fiere, iar inima #i btea nebune&te.
Din "$ate%e $erete%ui care4% (e"$rea (e cabin, $e"te +-*m*tu% m*t*are%*r, "e fceau au+ite
"tri-te%e &i b%e"teme%e ce%*r%a%i, (ar nu $utea " ri&te " "e4nt*arc &i #ntreb ne%ini&tit $rin interf*n0
4 7 care)a rnit ac*%*, E*mH
4 La" a"ta, c*ncentrea+4teC !i -ri, %a c*a"ta munte%uiC M *cu$ eu (e ei.
E*m L*c2art #ncerc " cu$rin( (intr4* "in-ur $ri)ire t*tu%. !)ea $atru+eci &i (*i (e ani,
era cana(ian, f*"t *fier 5!?, f*"t mercenar &i acum $i%*t4&ef %a ba+a %*r, 9a-r*" Erei.
4 !i -ri, %a c*a"t &i $re-te&te4te " "a%i (in n*uC Din4te (e b*r( &i %a"4% ,*"C !i -ri,C
Muc2ia )ii "e af%a $uin (ea"u$ra %*r &i "e a$r*$ia $rea iute. @a)a%%an )+u c*%ii "tnci%*r
(re$t #n ca%ea %ui. !bia a)u tim$ " a%unece #ntr4* $arte, cn( un )rte, )i*%ent (e )nt #i a+)r%i
$ericu%*" (e a$r*a$e (e c*a"ta abru$t a $r$a"tiei. Era"e $rea mu%t (e man& &i au+i *b"ceniti #n
c&ti, (ar reca$t c*ntr*%u% a$aratu%ui. !$*i )+u (re$t #naintea %ui c*$aci &i $ietre &i, $e nea&te$4
tate, ca$tu% ra)inei &i &tiu c erau $ier(ui.
Aru"c, $entru e% t*tu% $ru " "e (e"f&*are cu * )ite+ mu%t mai re(u".
4 Sfinte Dumne+eu%e...
4 Mu%t %a (rea$ta, ai -ri, %a "tnciC
Sc*t "imi c mini%e &i $ici*are%e i "e "u$un &i )+u e%ic*$teru% fcn( * $iruet %a ci)a
centimetri (ea"u$ra b*%*)ani%*r, a$r*a$e atin-n( c*$acii, "rin( $e (ea"u$ra %*r &i "c$n( %a %*c
(e"c2i".
4 3une4% ac*%* ct (e re$e(e $*iC
3
4 BeH -fi e% ctre L*c2art, cu mruntaie%e ar+#n(u41.
4 Si-ur, mai bine " aruncm * $ri)ire, " )erificm, "$u"e L*c2art -rbit, nemu%umit c nu
$utea a)ea c*ntr*%u% a$aratu%ui. !m au+it ce)a.
4 1i eu, (a= cum "tm cu $atine%e, ar $utea fi ru$teH
4 Dine4% (in e%ice. !m " ie" afar " )erific &i (ac t*tu% e4n re-u%, #% $ui ,*" &i * " arunc
iute * $ri)ire. 7 mai "i-ur, numai Dumne+eu &tie (ac -%*ane%e n4au ru$t c*n(ucta (e u%ei "au
)reun cab%u.
L*c2art #% )+u $e Sc*t %un(u4&i *c2ii (e %a %umini ca " arunce * $ri)ire $a"a-eri%*r "i.
4 D4i (racu%ui, $entru Dumne+euC M *cu$ eu (e ei, "$u"e ti*". B*ncentrea+4te %a
ateri+areC
8% )+u $e ce%%a%t r*&in(, (ar "u$unn(u4"e, a$*i, #ncercn( "4&i "t$nea"c bru"c
ameea%a, "e #nt*ar"e: a&te$tn(u4"e " )a( "tr*$i (e "n-e &i mruntaie #m$r&tiate $e"te t*t &i $e
cine)a ur%n(, ur%ete #necate (e +-*m*tu% m*t*are%*r, &tiin( c n4ar fi $utut face nimic $n cn( n4
ar fi a,un" %a %*c "i-ur &i ar fi ateri+at, #nt*t(eauna $rima (at*rie fiin( " ateri+e+e #n "i-uran.
S$re nem"urata %ui u&urare, cei trei brbai (e $e %*curi%e (in "$ate, (*i mecanici &i4un a%t
$i%*t, $reau neatin&i, (e&i erau cu t*ii r)&ii, iar F*r(an, mecanicu% a&e+at c2iar #n "$ate%e %ui
Sc*t, era a%b %a fa &i "e inea (e ca$ cu amn(*u mini%e. Le #nt*ar"e "$ate%e.
Se af%au cam %a cinci"$re+ece metri acum, a$r*$iin4(u4"e c*rect &i re$e(e. Su$rafaa
%umini&u%ui era curat, a%b &i nete(, fr ca )re* tuf (e iarb "4&i arate cre&tetu% $rin +$a(a
-r*a", tr*ienit ctre mar-ini. 3rea * a%e-ere bun. 7ra #n(ea,un" %*c (e mane)r &i ateri+are. Dar
cum $*i a$recia a(ncimea +$e+ii &i f*rma a"cun" a "*%u%ui (e "ub eaH L*c2art &tia ce ar fi fcut
(ac ar fi a)ut e% c*men+i%e. Dar nu %e a)ea, nu e% era c$itanu%, (e&i era mai #n )r"t.
4 7 #n re-u% ac*%*, #n "$ate, Sc*t.
4 Mu%ume"c, D*amne, $entru a"ta. 7&ti -ata " ie&iH
4 Bum i "e $are "u$rafaaH
Sc*t "e"i+ #n-ri,*rarea (in -%a"u% %ui L*c2art. !ban(*n bru"c mane)re%e (e c*b*rre, mri
$uterea m*t*ru%ui &i rma"e "u"$en(at #n aer. B2ri"t*a"e, #&i +i"e, #ntrn( a$r*a$e #n $anic (in
$ricina $r*"tiei %ui, (ac E*m nu m4ar fi ateni*nat, a& fi c*b*rt ac*%* &i (*ar Dumne+eu &tie ct (e
a(nc $*ate fi +$a(a, "au ce4i "ub eaC Stabi%i+a a$aratu% %a )re* trei+eci (e metri &i cercet c*a"ta
munte%ui.
4 Mu%ume"c, E*mC Be +ici (e %*cu% %aH
.*u% %umini&, af%at %a cte)a "ute (e metri (e$rtare (e $artea cea%a%t a )ii, era mai mic,
mai ,*", cu * ca%e bun (e "c$are #n ca+ c "e i)ea ne)*ia, &i a$rat (e )nt. S*%u% era a$r*a$e curat
(e +$a(, (eni)e%at, (ar "ati"fct*r.
4 8mi $are mai bine ac*%*.
4 1i mieC
L*c2art #&i tra"e una (intre c&ti #ntr4* $arte &i $ri)i #na$*i.
4 ;ei, Fean4Luc, "tri- $e"te +-*m*tu% m*t*are%*r, e4n re-u%H
4 DaC !m au+it ce)a.
4 1i n*iC F*r(an, cu tine cum eH
4 Si-ur c &i i*4" #ntre-, ce Dumne+eu, "tri- F*r(an acru. 7ra un au"tra%ian #na%t, )n*" &i
"cutura ca$u% ca un cine. .uma= c m4am (at a% (racu%ui cu ca$u% (e $erei, ce $*rcrie, nuH
A%e"temate (e -%*ane, ce $*rcrieC Bic Sc*t +icea c %ucruri%e * " mear- afuri"it (e bine (e4acu=,
c afuri"itu= (e 1a2 a &ter"4* &i "4a4nt*r" afuri"im= (e 62*meini. Mai bineH Iite c b%e"temaii tra-
#n n*iC !"ta n4au fcut4* $n= acu=. Be $*rcria (racu%ui "e4ntm$%H
4 De un(e (racu= " &tiu euH 3*ate4i )reun icnit, fericit c are * $u&c. Dinei4) bine, am (e
-n( " arunc * $ri)ire. Dac $atine%e4" #n re-u%, ne a&e+m ,*" &i tu &i cu 5*( $utei " facei *
)erificare.
4 Bum "tm cu $*rcria aia (e $re"iune %a u%eiH "tri- F*r(an.
4 7 $e )er(eC
L*c2art "e "$ri,ini (e "$tar, aruncn( aut*mat * $ri)ire ca(rane%*r, %umini&u%ui, ceru%ui, %a "tn-a,
%a (rea$ta, #n "u" &i #n ,*". B*b*rau u&*r &i mai a)eau #nc &ai+eci (e metri. 8% au+i #n c&ti $e
@a)a%%an fre(*nn( fa%".
4 Ee4ai (e"curcat f*arte bine, Sc*t.
4
4 3e (racu=, "$u"e brbatu% mai tnr #ncercn( " $"tre+e un t*n e-a%. J #ncurca"emC !m
#ne$enit ca (racu= cn( ne4au %*)it -%*ane%e &i, (ac n4ai fi f*"t tu, a& fi (at m $rimire.
4 8n cea mai mare $arte4i )ina mea, am tra" (e man& fr " te $re)in. 'art4m, (ar trebuia
" ie&im iute (in %inia (e *c2ire a tic%*"u%ui %a. !m #n)at a"ta #n Ma%aKa.
L*c2art $etrecu"e un an ac*%*, cu armata britanic, #n r+b*iu% #m$*tri)a in"ur-eni%*r
c*muni&ti.
4 .4am a)ut tim$ " te $re)in. !&ea+4te ct (e iute $*i.
3ri)i a$r*bat*r cum @a)a%%an $%an cte)a c%i$e, cercetn( cu -ri, terenu% (e (e(e"ubt.
4 !i )+ut cine4a tra" #n n*i, E*mH
4 .u, (a= atunci nu m uitam (u$ a"ta. In(e )rei " ateri+e+iH
4 Iite c*%*, mai (e$arte (e c*$acu% %a c+ut. J>aKH
4 1i mie4mi $are4n re-u%. Bt (e iute $*i. Dine4% cam %a trei+eci (e centimetri #n%ime.
3%anau $erfect %a ci)a centimetri (ea"u$ra +$e+ii, %a fe% (e nemi&cai ca &i b*%*)anii (e
(e(e"ubt, (e&i )ntu% btea #n rafa%e. L*c2art (e"c2i"e u&a. ?ri-u% bru"c #% #nfi*ra. 8&i tra"e $n %a
-t ferm*aru% b%u+*nu%ui c$tu&it, (e +b*r, &i "e %" " a%unece u&*r #n afar, inn(u4&i ca$u% f*arte
,*", mu%t "ub %ame%e%e r*tit*are a%e e%ice%*r.
3artea (in fa a unei $atine era %*)it &i +(renuit ru &i c2iar u&*r r"ucit, (ar bare%e care
ineau trenu% (e ateri+are erau #ntre-i. Verific %a iuea% &i cea%a%t $atin, mai arunc * $ri)ire ce%ei
%*)ite, a$*i ri(ic (e-etu% mare #n "u". @a)a%%an "%bi u&*r maneta (e -a+e &i a&e+ e%ic*$teru% ,*" ca
$e un fu%- (e $$(ie.
8ntr4* c%i$, cei trei brbai (in "$ate ((ur bu+na unu% $e"te ce%%a%t, afar. Fean4Luc
Se""*nne, $i%*tu% france+, "e tra"e #na$*i ca " %a"e ca%e %iber ce%*r (*i mecanici "4&i #ncea$
in"$ecia, unu% (e4* $arte, ce%%a%t (e $artea *$u" a a$aratu%ui, (e %a ca$ %a c*a(. Burentu% (e aer
$r*(u" (e r*t*are %e f%utura 2aine%e &i %e biciuia faa. L*c2art era "ub e%ic*$ter, cutn( urme (e u%ei
"au ben+in, (ar nu -"i nici una, a&a c "e ri(ic &i "e %u (u$ 5*(ri-ue", mecanicu% "u american,
un *m f*arte $rice$ut, care, (e a$r*a$e un an, #ntreinea a$aratu% "u F5 212 cu care +bura (e
*bicei. 5*(ri-ue" (e&urub un $an*u &i $ri)i cu atenie #nuntru, #n tim$ ce )rte,u% (e aer #i f%utura
"m*curi%e cenu&ii (e $r &i 2aine%e.
S4@ ;e%%ic*$ter" a)ea ce%e mai ri(icate "tan(ar(e (e "i-uran (intre t*ate firme%e iraniene
care f*%*"eau e%ic*$tere, a&a c %abirintu% (e cab%uri, e)i &i c*n(ucte (e a%imentare era bine
#ntreinut, curat &i #n-ri,it, (ar bru"c 5*(ri-ue" art cu (e-etu%. 3e fu+e%a,u% e%ic*$teru%ui "e )e(ea
* urm a(nc, %"at (e un -%*n care ric*&a"e. Butar cu atenie ca " (e"c*$ere un(e "ri"e
-%*nu%. Din n*u mecanicu% art un(e)a #n %abirint, (e (ata a"ta f*%*"in( * %antern. Ina (intre
c*n(ucte%e (e u%ei era $erf*rat.
Bn( #&i tra"e mna, era mur(ar (e u%ei.
4 La (racu=, "$u"e.
4 S4* #nc2i(em, 5*(H "tri- L*c2art.
4 Drace, nuC !r $utea " mai fie tic%*&i (4&tia cu $u&c*ace $rin ,ur &i "ta nu4i un %*c "4i
$etreci n*a$tea.
5*(ri-ue" "c*a"e (e un(e)a * bucat (e cr$ &i4* &urube%ni.
4 Ve+i #n "$ate, E*mC
L*c2art #% %" "4&i )a( (e a%e %ui, cutn( #n ,ur, ne%ini&tit, un $*"ibi% a($*"t #n ca+ c ar
fi trebuit " #nn*$te+e ac*%*. De $artea cea%a%t a %umini&u%ui, cu * i-ar #n -ur, Fean4Luc urina
fr -rab %n- un c*$ac c+ut.
4 S nu (e-eri, Fean4Luc, "tri- L*c2art &i #% )+u $e ce%%a%t "%tn( )e"e% ,etu%.
4 ;ei, E*mC
De (ata a"ta era F*r(an.
Se a$%ec " treac $e "ub c*a( &i "e a%tur mecanicu%ui. 'nima i "e *$ri. F*r(an (e"c2i"e"e
&i e% un $an*u. #n fu+e%a,, c2iar (ea"u$ra re+er)*are%*r, erau (*u -uri (e -%*ane. 'i"u"eC J
fraciune (e "ecun( mai tr+iu &i re+er)*are%e ar fi f*"t %*)ite, "e -n(i. Dac n4a& fi #m$in" man&a
#n ,*", am fi #nca"at4* cu t*ii. ?r #n(*ia%. .e4am fi #m$r&tiat mruntaie%e $e (ea"u$ra muni%*r,
&i $entru ceH
F*r(an #% tra"e (e mnec &i4i art ce)a #nuntru, urmn( %inia -uri%*r. Se mai )e(ea *
%*)itur #n a/u% r*t*ru%ui.

4 S fiu a% (racu%ui (ac &tiu cum (e n4a nimerit nen*r*citu= $*rcria a"ta (e e%iceC "tri- e%,
cu cciu%it r*&ie (e %n, $e care * $urta #nt*t(eauna, tra" a(nc $e"te urec2i.
4 .u ne "una"e cea"u%C
4 BeH
4 .imicC !i mai -"it &i a%tce)aH
4 .u #nc, fir4ar... Eu e&ti #n re-u%, E*mH
In tr*"net bru"c &i t*i "e r"ucir #n"$imntai, (ar era (*ar * crean- (e c*$ac
"u$ra#ncrcat cu +$a( care "e $rbu&i"e %a $mnt.
4 7"$Lce (e c*n, "$u"e Fean4Luc &i $ri)i $rintre $%e*a$e %a cer, f*arte #n-ri,*rat (e %umina #n
"c(ere, a$*i ri(ic (in umeri, ca $entru "ine, a$rin"e * a%t i-ar &i * $*rni %a #ntm$%are $rin ,ur,
%*)in(u4&i (in cn( #n cn( $ici*are%e unu% (e ce%%a%t, ca " &i %e #nc%+ea"c.
De $artea %ui, F*r(an nu mai -"i nimic #n nere-u%. Minute%e treceau. 5*(ri-ue" #nc
m*rmia &i b%e"tema, cu un bra "trecurat inc*m*( #n mruntaie%e c*m$artimentu%ui. Bei%a%i
$ri)eau, "trn&i #n -ru$ #n "$ate%e %ui, %a * (i"tan bun (e e%ice. 7ra mu%t +-*m*t &i ne$%cut,
%umina bun, (ar nu $entru mu%t tim$. Mai a)eau #nc trei+eci (e >i%*metri (e mer", iar #n ace&ti
muni nu e/i"ta nici un "i"tem (e -2i(are #n afara micu%ui ra(i*emit*r (e %a ba+a %*r, care
cte*(at mer-ea &i cte*(at nu.
4 ;ai, $entru Dumne+eu, murmur cine)a.
La S2ira+, cei (*i $i%*i &i (*i mecanici (in ec2i$a $e care * #n%*cuiau %e fcu"er -rbii
"emn (e rma" bun &i a%er-a"er ctre 124u% c*m$aniei %*r, un a)i*n cu reacie cu *$t %*curi &i
(*u react*are, f*%*"it (e $entru tran"$*rt "au mi"iuni "$ecia%e, ace%a&i react*r care #i a(u"e"e $e ei
(in c*nce(iu, $e"te @*%f, (e %a !er*$*rtu% internai*na% (in Dubai. L*c2art &i F*r(an )eni"er (in
!n-%ia, Fean4Luc (in ?rana &i 5*(ri-ue" (e %a * )nt*are #n 6enKa.
4 De ce (racu= "e -rbe"cH #ntreba"e L*c2art #n tim$ ce micu% bireact*r #&i #nc2i(ea u&i%e &i
$*rnea ctre ca$tu% $i"tei.
4 !er*$*rtu% e #nc numai #n $arte *$erai*na%. E*i "unt #n -re), (ar nu4i face -ri,i,
"$u"e"e Sc*t @a)a%%an. Erebuie " (ec*%e+ #nainte ca "c*r*"u% %a, $iticania aia c$n*a" (in
turnu% (e c*ntr*%, care4&i #nc2i$uie c4i trimi"u% D*mnu%ui %a c*ntr*%u% traficu%ui (e +b*r a% Linii%*r
!eriene 'raniene, " ne anu%e+e (ec*%area. Mai bine "4*4ntin(em &i n*i #nainte "4&i )re na"u% &i $e4
aici.
4 Bu )ama cum rmneH
4 8nc #n -re), btrneC Dim$reun cu t*i cei%a%i bnci%e4" t*t #nc2i"e. .u4i face -ri,i, * "
ne #nt*arcem %a n*rma% #ntr4* "$tmn, ce% mu%t.
4 Mere%eC "$u"e"e Fean4Luc. 9iare%e (in ?rana "$un c 'ranu% e"te une cata"tr*$2e, cu
62*meini &i mu%%a2ii %ui $e (e4* $arte, armata -ata *ricn( " #ncerce * %*)itur mi%itar, cu
c*muni&tii care "e )r $e"te t*t, -u)ernu% %ui Aa>2tiar ne$utinci*" &i r+b*iu% ci)i% ine)itabi%.
4 Be &tiu ia (in ?rana, btrneH "$u"e"e Sc*t @a)a%%an, ne$"t*r, #n tim$ ce4&i #ncrcau
%ucruri%e.
4 ?rance+ii &tiu, m*n )ieu/. E*ate +iare%e "$un c 62*meini n4* " c**$ere+e nici*(at cu
Aa>2tiar $entru c4i numit (e 1a2 &i *ricine a a)ut )re* %e-tur cu 1a2u% e terminat. Eerminat.
Atrnu= Scui$4?*c a +i" (e cinci+eci (e *ri c n4* " %ucre+e cu nimeni $u" (e 1a2.
L*c2art +i"e"e0
4 L4am )+ut $e !n(K acum trei4+i%e %a !ber(een &i b-a mna #n f*c c 'ranu% "e )a
#nt*arce %a n*rma% curn(, acum, c 62*meini "4a #nt*r" &i 1a2u% a &ter"4*.
Sc*t "e %umin.
4 7i, )e+i, (ac e cine)a care " &tie cum "tau %ucruri%e, "ta4i Atrnu=. Be mai face, E*mH
L*c2art rn,i"e.
4 8n mare f*rm. 3%in (e ener-ie.
M!n(KM era !n(re< @a)a%%an, tat% %ui Sc*t, $re&e(inte, &i (irect*r e/ecuti) a% S4@.
4 !n(K a +i" c Aa>2tiar are armata, marina &i a)iaia, $*%iia &i S!V!6, a&a c 62*meini
trebuie " a,un- cum)a %a * #ne%e-ere. !%tfe% e r+b*i ci)i%.
4 'i"u"e, "$u"e"e 5*(ri-ue", ce (racu= cutm n*i aiciH
4 AaniC
4 Mer(eC 5a2atC
G
5"e"er t*i 4 Fean4Luc era un $e"imi"t #nn"cut 4 a$*i Sc*t "$u"e"e0
4 Be (racu= mai c*ntea+, Fean4LucH .imeni nu "4a %e-at (e n*i $e4aici, nuH Jrice neca+uri
au a)ut &tia, nimeni nu "4a %e-at (e n*i. .*i nu %ucrm (ect cu 'ran Ji%. .4are a face cine e %a
$utere, Aa>2tiar, 62*meini "au -enera%u% nu4&tiu4cine, "ituaia trebuie " re)in curn( %a n*rma%.
Jrice -u)ern are ne)*ie (i"$erat (e $etr*(*%ari, a&a c trebuie " aib e%ic*$tere, trebuie " ne aib
$e n*i. 3entru Dumne+eu, &tia nu4" $r*&tiC
4 .u, (ar 62*meini e fanatic &i nu4i $a" (e a%tce)a (ect (e '"%am 4 iar $etr*%u% nu4i
'"%amu%.
4 1i ce faci cu "au(iii, cu 7mirate%e, cu J37B, $entru Dumne+euH Sunt t*i i"%amici &i t*i
cun*"c ct face bari%u%C La (racu= cu a"taC !"cu%t4mC Sc*t mu"tci"e. @uerneK !)iati*n "4a retra"
(in munii 9a-r*" &i a re(u" %a +er* t*ate *$eraii%e %*r #n 'ran. La +er*C
!"ta4i fcu"e ateni $e t*i. @uerneK !)iati*n era * mare c*m$anie american (e e%ic*$tere
&i $rinci$a%u% %*r ri)a%. Dac @uerneK $%eca (e4ac*%*, a)eau (e %ucru (e (*u *ri mai mu%t, iar t*t
$er"*na%u% "trin a% S4@ (in 'ran era $%tit (u$ un "i"tem (e b*nificaii %e-at (e $r*fitu% acti)itii
(in 'ran.
4 7&ti "i-ur, Sc*tH
4 Si-ur, E*m. S4au circrit a% (racu%ui cu 'ran JI #n $ri)ina a"ta. L*)itura a f*"t c 'ran JI
a +i"0 Dac )rei " $%ecai, $%ecai, (ar t*ate e%ic*$tere%e "unt $e %icena n*a"tr, a&a c a"tea rmn.
1i t*ate $ie"e%e (e re+er). !&a c @uerneK %e4a +i" " &i %e ba-e &tii tu un(e, au #nc2i" ba+a (e %a
@a"2, au $u" t*ate e%ic*$tere%e %a $"trare &i au $%ecat.
4 .u cre( a"ta, "$u"e"e Fean4Luc. @uerneK trebuie " aib cinci+eci (e e%ic*$tere $e c*ntract.
.ici c2iar ei nu4&i $*t #n-(ui " re+i%ie+e un c*ntract att (e mare.
4 1i t*tu&i am +burat (e,a "$tmna trecut #n trei mi"iuni care fu"e"er t*ate e/c%u"i)
@uerneK.
Fean4Luc #ntreru$"e "tri-te%e (e bucurie.
4 1i (e ce "4a retra" @uerneK, Sc*tH
4 1efu= n*"tru ?r4(e4team (in Ee2eran cre(e c nu mai au +na-, nu mai "u$*rt ten"iunea
"au nu mai )*r. 3e bun (re$tateC Bea mai mare $arte (in )itri*%u% %ui 62*meini e c*ntra !mericii
&i firme%*r americane. Mc')er cre(e c #ncearc "4&i re(uc $ier(eri%e &i a"ta e "tra&nic $entru n*i.
4 M*n DieuC Dac nu4&i $*t %ua a$arate%e &i $ie"e%e (e "c2imb, "unt #n -%eat.
4 .u ne $ri)e&te $e n*i a"ta, btrneC .*i trebuie " ne facem treaba &i " +burm. Bt
)reme ne inem bine, $rimim t*ate c*ntracte%e %*r &i "rim (e (ub%u% %efii anu% "ta.
4 Eu en $ar%e" a m*n cui, ma tete e"t ma%a(eC 5"e"er cu t*ii. B2iar &i F*r(an &tia ce
#n"eamn a"ta0 MS i4* "$ui %u= MutuCM
4 .u4i face -ri,i, f%cu%e, "$u"e"e Sc*t. #ncre+t*r, L*c2art ((u (in ca$ ca $entru e%. ?ri-u%
muni%*r #nc nu4% $trun"e"e. !n(K &i Sc*t au (re$tate. E*tu% * " #ntre #n n*rma% curn(. Erebuie
" fie a&a. 9iare%e (in !n-%ia erau %a fe% (e "i-ure c "ituaia (in 'ran "e )a n*rma%i+a (e %a * +i %a
a%ta. !"ta (ac "*)ieticii n4au " #ncerce ce)a $e a"cun". 1i fu"e"er $re)enii. Se #ne%e"e"er #ntre
ei, &i americanii &i "*)ieticii, " nu "e ba-e nici unu%, a&a c acum iranienii $uteau "4&i re+*%)e
$r*b%eme%e %*r (u$ cum )r*iau. 7 a(e)rat c *ricine ar fi %a $utere are ne)*ie ur-ent (e "tabi%itate
&i (e )enituri. 'ar a"ta #n"eamn $etr*%. Da, t*tu% * " fie #n re-u%. 7a cre(e a"ta &i (ac ea cre(e c
t*tu% * " fie minunat, *(at 1a2u% r"turnat &i 62*meini #nt*r" %a $utere, (e ce n4a& cre(e &i euH !2,
1e2ere+a(a, ce (*r #mi e (e tineC
8i fu"e"e cu ne$utin "4i te%ef*ne+e (in !n-%ia. #n 'ran, %inii%e te%ef*nice nu fu"e"er
nici*(at $rea bune (at*rit "u$ra#ncrcrii "au in(u"tria%i+rii mu%t $rea ra$i(e, (ar #n u%time%e *$t
%uni, (e cn( #nce$u"er neca+uri%e, -re)e%e (in "ect*ru% te%ec*municaii%*r, care "e "ucce(au
a$r*a$e fr #ntreru$ere, fcu"er c*municaii%e interne &i e/terne (in ce #n ce mai (ifici%e, iar acum
erau a$r*a$e ine/i"tente. Bn( "e af%a"e %a "e(iu% c*m$aniei, %a !ber(een, $entru c*ntr*%u% me(ica%
"eme"tria%, reu&i"e "4i trimit un te%e/ (u$ *$t *re (e #ncercri re$etate. 8% trimi"e"e $rin -ri,a %ui
Duncan Mc')er %a Ee2eran, un(e era acum. .u $rea $*i "$une mu%te #ntr4un te%e/, #n afar (e M.e
)*m re)e(ea #n curn(. Mi4e (*r. Ee iube"c.M .u mai e mu%t, (ra-a mea &i...
4 E*mC
4 J, "a%ut, Fean4LucC Be4iH
4 J " nin- curn(.
7
4 Da.
Fean4Luc a)ea * fa "ubire, un na" mare, -a%ic &i *c2i c$rui, era "u$%u, ca t*i $i%*ii care
a)eau c*ntr*a%e me(ica%e "e)ere %a fiecare &a"e %uni, cn( nu era nici * iertare $entru >i%*-rame%e #n
$%u".
4 Bine4a tra" #n n*i, E*mH L*c2art ri(ic (in umeri.
4 .4am )+ut nimic. EuH
4 .ici euC S$er c4a f*"t (*ar un nebun. Jc2ii %ui Fean4Luc #% "fre(e%eau.
4 3entr4* c%i$ m4am cre+ut #na$*i #n !%-er 4 munii ia nu "unt $rea (iferii 4 %a a)iaie,
%u$tn(u4m cu fe%%a2ii i ?L.. Atu4i4ar Dumne+eu "4i batC Stri)i mucu% i-rii cu c%ciu%. !m
trecut $rintr4un r+b*i ci)i% &i (ete"t treaba a"ta. Be% $uin atunci a)eam b*mbe &i tunuri. .u )reau
" fiu ci)i%u% $rin" #n a%t r+b*i fr a%tce)a $e care " m ba+e+ (ect fu-a.
4 ! f*"t (*ar un nebun "in-uratic.
4 Bre( c4* " a)em (e4a face cu * mu%ime (e nebuni, E*m. De cn( am $r"it ?rana, am
a)ut * $re"imire urt. 7 &i mai ru (e cn( am a,un" aici. .*i am f*"t #n r+b*i, tu &i cu mine, cei
mai mu%i (intre cei%a%i, nu. .*i (*i a)em un mir*" "$ecia% $entru a"ta &i4i "$un c am #ntrat #n
mare be%ea.
4 .u, e&ti (*ar *b*"it.
4 !"ta e a(e)rat.
4 !n(K a fcut $e -r*+a)u%H
4 ?*arte tareC V trimite "a%utri%e %ui &i +ice "4* inem t*t a&a.
Fean4Luc r"e &i4&i #nbu&i un c"cat.
4 M*n Dieu, m*r (e f*ameC Be4a $re-tit Sc*t $entru #nt*arcerea n*a"trH
4 ! $u" un $an*u cu MAine ai )enitCM (ea"u$ra 2an-aru%ui.
4 La cin, m*n )ieu/, %a cinC
4 Sc*t a +i" c e% &i ni&te "teni au f*"t %a )nt*are, a&a c are * $u%$ (e c$ri*ar &i ci)a
ie$uri $re-tii, #n "c2imbu% mu%umiri%*r ta%e c%(ur*a"e, &i -rtaru% * " fie -ata $n a,un-em.
Jc2ii %ui Fean4Luc "e a$rin"er.
4 AunC !"cu%tC !m a(u" brie, u"tur*i 4 un >i%*-ram, &unc afumat, an&*a, cea$ &i cte)a
c2i%e (e $a"ta, cutii (e bu%i*n &i ne)a"t4mea mi4a (at * reet n*u (e matriciana (e %a @iani (in St.
Fean, care e (e4a (re$tu% incre(ibi%. 1i )in.
L*c2art "imi c #i %a" -ura a$. 3a"iunea %ui Fean4Luc era -titu% &i, cn( )r*ia, era (e4a
(re$tu% in"$irat.
4 !m a(u" (e %a ?*rtnum" c*n"er)e (in t*t ce mi4a trecut $rin ca$ &i ni&te <2i">K. ;ei, am
(u" (*ru% mncruri%*r ta%eC
1i eu i4am (u" (*ru%, #&i +i"e. Bn( "e4nt%ni"er #n Dubai #i "trn"e"e mini%e &i #% #ntreba"e0
4 Bum a f*"t #n c*nce(iuH
4 !m f*"t #n ?rana, "e #m$una"e Fean4Luc. L*c2art #i in)i(ia"e "im$%icitatea. .imic #n
!n-%ia nu fu"e"e cum trebuia0 nici )remea, nici mncarea, c*nce(iu%, c*$iii, ea, "au "rbt*ri%e
Brciunu%ui, *rict (e mu%t #ncerca"e.
1i ce (ac. M4am #nt*r" &i curn( * " fiu #n Ee2eran.
4 @te&ti (e"ear, Fean4LucH
4 De"i-urC Bum a& $utea tri fr * mncare ca %umeaH L*c2art i+bucni"e #n r". Ba re"tu%
%umiiC
8% $ri)ir $e 5*(ri-ue" care muncea (in -reu. M*t*are%e "unau #nfun(at &i $a%e%e e%icei #i
f%uturau 2aine%e. L*c2art ri(ic (e-etu% mare ctre Sc*t @a)a%%an, care a&te$ta rb(t*r #n cabin.
Sc*t #i r"$un"e %a fe%, a$*i art ctre cer. L*c2art ((u (in ca$, ri(ic (in umeri, a$*i #&i #n(re$t
(in n*u atenia ctre 5*(ri-ue", &tiin( c nu4% $utea a,uta a%tfe% (ect a&te$tn( cu "t*ici"m.
4 Bn( te (uci %a Ee2eranH #ntreb Fean4Luc. 'nima %ui L*c2art #&i #ntei bti%e.
4 !m (e trimi" un ra$*rt %ui Mc')er &i * "4% $un %a $*&t ac*%*. J " iau un 20G. J " (ure+e
t*at +iua (e mine ca " )erific t*tu%. Sc*t a "$u" c trebuie " fim -ata " #nce$em *$eraii%e %a
#ntrea-a ca$acitate.
Fean4Luc "e 2*%b %a e%.
4 ! "$u" .a"iri M#ntrea-a ca$acitateMH
8
.a"iri era *mu% (e %e-tur cu $artea, iranian &i mana-eru% ba+ei, un an-a,at a% %ui 'ran Ji%,
firma -u)ernamenta% care (einea m*n*$*%u% &i $r*$rietatea a"u$ra #ntre-u%ui $etr*%, (ea"u$ra &i
(e(e"ubtu% "*%u%ui, care urmrea &i aut*ri+a t*ate +b*ruri%e %*r. S4@ %ucra $e ba+ (e c*ntract cu
acea"t c*m$anie, "u$ra)e-2in(, $unn( %a (i"$*+iie $er"*na% &i a$r*)i+i*nn( cu a%imente &i
ec2i$ament "*n(e%e (e $etr*% #m$r&tiate $rin t*t inutu% munt*", &i *cu$n(u4"e cu ine)itabi%e%e
B!S7V!B 4 e)acuarea rnii%*r, acci(ente &i "ituaii (e ur-en.
4 M #n(*ie"c c4* " +burm $rea mu%t #n urmt*are%e "$tmni (in $ricina )remii, (ar ar
trebui " fiu #n "tare " "c*t un 20G.
4 Da. J " ai ne)*ie (e un #n"*it*r. Vin cu tine. L*c2art r"e.
4 .ici -n(, btrneC 7&ti a% (*i%ea %a c*man( &i (e "er)iciu $entru urmt*are%e (*u
"$tmni.
4 Dar n4* " fie ne)*ie (e mine. D*ar trei +i%e, eiH Erebuie " m a"i-ur c a$artamentu%
n*"tru e4n re-u%.
8n )remuri%e n*rma%e, Ee2eranu% era %*cu% un(e #&i in"ta%au fami%ii%e t*i $i%*ii care %ucrau
(*u "$tmni $entru * "$tmn %iber. Mu%i (intre ei, #n "$ecia% en-%e+ii, *$tau $entru (*u
%uni (e "er)iciu &i * %un %iber, aca".
4 7 f*arte im$*rtant " a,un- %a Ee2eran.
4 J " )erific eu a$artamentu%, (ac )rei, &i, (ac #mi $r*mii " -te&ti trei n*$i $e
"$tmn, am " te %a" " tra-i * fu- (*u +i%e cn( m #nt*rc. !bia ai )enit (intr4* %un (e
c*nce(iu.
4 !, (ar a"ta a f*"t aca"C !cum trebuie " m -n(e"c %a m*n amie. De"i-ur c e tare tri"t
fr mine, #n Ee2eran. ! "tat "in-ur * %un #ntrea-. ?r #n(*ia%C
Fean4Luc #i arunc * $ri)ire %ui 5*(ri-ue", a$*i "e uit (in n*u %a cer.
4 Mai $utem a&te$ta #nc +ece minute, E*m, a$*i ar trebui " ne $re-tim un fe% (e tabr,
ct mai e %umin.
4 Da.
4 Dar " ne #nt*arcem %a %ucruri mai im$*rtante. E*m...
4 .uC
4 Mer(eC ?ii france+ &i nu an-%*4"a/*nC J %un #ntrea-C @n(e&te4te ce "imte eaC
5*(ri-ue" #n&uruba $an*u% %a %*c &i4&i &ter"e mini%e.
4 ;ai " ie&im (racu%ui (e4aiciC "tri- &i "e urc #n cabin.
8% urmar -rbii. Mecanicu% #nc mai tr-ea (e centura (e "i-uran cn( "e ri(icar #n aer
&nin( $e (ea"u$ra $rimei #n%imi ctre ba+a %*r. !tunci #% )+u $e F*r(an 2*%bn(u4"e %a e%.
4 Be4i Bu tine, 3*rcrieH
4 Bum ai re$arat $*rcria aia (e ea)a, frate4meuH 7ra a (racu%ui (e -uritC
4 Bu -umC BeH
4 Bu -um (e me"tecat. Si-ur, fir4ar a% (racu%uiC ! inut #n b%e"tematu% %a (e Vietnam, (e ce
n4ar ine &i4aiciH S$erC ?iin=c e (*ar * nen*r*cit (e ci*bitur mic, (a= a"ta a f*"t t*t ce4am a)ut,
a&a c, %ua4)4ar (racu, ru-ai4)C 1i nu mai #n,urai, $entru Dumne+euC
!teri+ar cu bine %a ba+a %*r cn( +$a(a #nce$u " "e a&tearn. 3entru mai mu%t "i-uran,
$er"*na%u% (e %a "*% a$rin"e"e %umini%e (e ateri+are.
Aa+a era a%ctuit (in $atru ru%*te mari $e r*i, * buctrie, un 2an-ar $entru un 212 4 un
e%ic*$ter cu $ai"$re+ece %*curi $entru tran"$*rt (e mrfuri "au $a"a-eri 4 &i (*u 20G, $%atf*rme (e
ateri+are, &*$r*ane $entru $ie"e%e (e "c2imb, $entru "*n(e &i $*m$e &i $entru e)i%e (e f*ra,. Se af%a
%a (*u mii (*u "ute *$t+eci &i &a$te (e metri a%titu(ine, $e un $%at*u mic, #m$(urit &i f*arte
$it*re"c, a&e+at #ntr4un fe% (e (e$re"iune $e ,umtate #nc*n,urat (e )rfuri ac*$erite cu +$a(,
care "e4n%au %a $e"te trei mii &a"e "ute &ai+eci (e metri. La *$t "ute (e metri mai (e$arte "e af%a
"atu% Na+(e>. Stenii fceau $arte (intr4un trib mrunt % n*ma+i%*r 6a"2=>ai, a&e+ai cu un "ec*% #n
urm aici, #n $rea,ma ace"tei #ncruci&ri a (*u (intre (rumuri%e (e cara)ane mai $uin im$*rtante,
care tra)er"au 'ranu% (e trei, $*ate $atru mii (e ani.
S4@ a)ea ba+a aici (e &a$te ani, ca urmare a unui c*ntract cu 'ran JI, mai #nti $entru a
"u$ra)e-2ea * c*n(uct (e $etr*% &i a efectua ri(icarea t*$*-rafic a +*nei, mai a$*i ca " a,ute %a
ri(icarea &i #ntreinerea "*n(e%*r (e $e cm$uri%e b*-ate #n $etr*% (in a$r*$iere. 7ra un %*c
"in-uratic, "%batic &i minunat, mi"iuni%e (e +b*r intere"ante &i $%cute, *re%e (e "er)iciu u&*are 4
9
cci #n 'ran %e-i%e #n-(uiau +b*ruri%e numai #n cur"u% +i%ei. Veri%e erau #ncntt*are. Bea mai mare
$arte a iernii erau #n+$e+ii. 8n a$r*$iere "e af%au %acuri cri"ta%ine #n care "e $e"cuia bine, iar #n
$(ure )natu% era (in be%&u-. 5e%aii%e cu "tenii (in Na+(e> erau e/ce%ente. 8n afara "cri"*ri%*r, (e
*bicei erau bine a$r*)i+i*nai, &i nu %i "e cereau a%te%e #n "c2imb. 1i, (e mare im$*rtan $entru t*i,
"e af%au %a * bun bucat (e (rum (e "e(iu% (in Ee2eran a% firmei, %i$"ii (e %e-tur ra(i* mai t*t
tim$u% &i %"ai " "e (e"curce fericii cu ceea ce a)eau.
8n c%i$a #n care m*t*ru% "e *$ri &i r*t*ru% #ncet " "e mai #n)rtea"c, 5*(ri-ue" &i F*r(an
(e"fcur (in n*u $an*u%. 5ma"er cu r"uf%area tiat. 3*(eaua c*m$artimentu%ui era "c%(at #n
u%ei, &i #i i+bi mir*"u% $uternic (e ben+in. Eremurn(, 5*(ri-ue" cercet cu atenie interi*ru%, a$*i
fcu un "emn cu %anterna0 %a una (intre #mbinri%e muc2ii%*r unui re+er)*r (e $etr*% "e f*rma"e *
mic fi"ur $e care ar fi f*"t im$*"ibi% "4* (etecte+e ac*%*, #n muni. In firice% (e c*mbu"tibi% "e
"cur-ea (e4ac*%*, ame"tecn(u4"e cu u%eiu% (e (e(e"ubt.
4 'i"u"e, 3*rcrieC 'a uite, #m$uit b*mb cu cea"C #n "$ate%e %ui, F*r(an a$r*a$e %e&in.
4 J "cnteie &i... La naibaC D4mi un furtun, $entru Dumne+eu% J um$%u cu a$ acum,
#nainte " "rim #n aerC
4 Di4a(uc eu, "$u"e Sc*t, a$*i a(u- -tuit0 7i bine, cre( c "4a (u" una (intre )iei%e
n*a"tre. Mai a)em *$t.
4 Bre( c te4ai n"cut cu $r, c$itane, "$u"e 5*(ri-ue", "imin( c4i )ine " )er"e. DaC Bre(
c te4ai n"cut cu $r. Fucria a"ta... "e *$ri bru"c, a"cu%tn( cu atenie.
E*i cei (in a$r*$iere #% imitar 4 L*c2art &i Fean4Luc %n- cabana "taiei, #m$reun cu
.a"iri, ,umtatea (e (u+in (e iranieni, $er"*na% (e "*%, buctari &i muncit*ri. Se %" * tcere
a(nc. !$*i (in n*u, (in (irecia "atu%ui, a,un"e $n %a ei * rafa% (e $u&c mitra%ier.
4 DraceC m*rmi 5*(ri-ue", (e ce (racu= ne4am #nt*r" #na$*i #n c%*aca a"ta #m$uitH
CAPITOLUL 2
!ber(een, Sc*ia. ;e%i$*rtu% McB%*u(0 *ra ,30 "eara.
Mare%e e%ic*$ter c*b*r# (in n*rii ,*&i (e"$icn( aeru% cu $a%e%e e%icei &i ateri+a #n mi,%*cu%
2e%i$*rtu%ui a-%*merat, %n- 5*%%"4u% $arcat #n a$r*$ierea uneia (intre $%atf*rme%e mturate (e
$%*aie, $rintre a%te e%ic*$tere ce "*"eau &i $%ecau cu "c2imburi%e (e "*n(*ri, $er"*na% au/i%iar &i
$r*)i+ii, t*ate a$arate%e &i 2an-are%e afi&n( mn(re %a )e(ere "imb*%u% S4@. I&a cabinei "e
(e"c2i"e &i (*i brbai, #n "a%*$ete (e +b*r &i )e"te $neumatice (e "a%)are, c*b*rr $e "cara
2i(rau%ic, a$%ecn(u4"e ca " "e a$ere (e )nt &i (e $%*aie.
1*feru% %imu+inei (e"c2i"e u&a #nainte ca ei " a,un- %a ma&in.
4 @r*+a) +b*r, nu4i a&aH "$u"e )e"e% !n(re< @a)a%%an, un brbat #na%t, $uternic &i f*arte
+(ra)n $entru cei &ai+eci &i $atru (e ani ai "i. 8&i "c*a"e cu u&urin )e"ta (e "a%)are, #&i "cutur
$icturi%e (e $%*aie (e $e -u%er &i intr #n ma&in %n- ce%%a%t brbat.
4 7 * minunieC 3n %a u%tima bucic, a&a cum "$une c*n"truct*ru%.
4 Di4am "$u" c "untem $rimii "trini care4% #ncearc #n +b*rH
4 3rimii "au u%timii, $entru mine nu e nici * (iferen. ! f*"t a% (racu%ui (e +-*m*t*" &i
+(runcint*r, "$u"e Linbar Struan nemu%umit, %u$tn(u4"e cu )e"ta %ui (e "a%)are.
!)ea cinci+eci (e ani, un $r ni"i$iu &i *c2i a%ba&tri. 7ra ca$u% c*ncernu%ui Struan, un )a"t
c*n-%*merat cu "e(iu% #n ;*n- 6*n-, $*rec%it .*bi%a Ba", care (einea, #n "ecret, c*ntr*%u%
aciuni%*r c*m$aniei S4@ ;e%ic*$ter".
4 5mn mai (e$arte %a $rerea mea c e $rea mu%t (e #n)e"tit #ntr4un "in-ur a$arat. Mu%t
$rea mu%t.
4 O G3 e"te, (in $unct (e )e(ere ec*n*mic, * mi&care ct "e $*ate (e bun.M J " fie $erfect
$entru Marea .*r(u%ui, 'ran &i *riun(e a)em #ncrcturi -re%e, #n "$ecia% 'ran, "$u"e @a)a%%an
rb(t*r, ne(*rin( ca anti$atia %ui fa (e Linbar " "trice ceea ce fu"e"e un te"t (e #ncercare $erfect.
!m c*man(at &a"e.
4 .4am a$r*bat #nc tran+acia, e/$%*( Linbar.
10
4 .u e nece"ar a$r*barea ta, "$u"e @a)a%%an &i *c2ii %ui c$rui "e #ntunecar. Sunt membru
a% B*n"i%iu%ui intern a% Ba"ei Struan. Eu &i B*n"i%iu% ai a$r*bat ac2i+iia anu% trecut, (ac eu * "4*
rec*man( (u$ ce a$aratu% )a fi "u$u" unui te"t (e +b*r.
4 .4ai rec*man(at4* #nc.
4 J fac acum, a&a c terminm cu a"ta. @a)a%%an +mbi (u%ce &i "e %" $e "$ate, $e $erne%e
ma&inii. J " ai c*ntracte%e %a #nt%nirea B*n"i%iu%ui, $e"te trei "$tmni.
4 .4* " "e termine nici*(at, !n(re<, tu &i ambiii%e ta%e $r*"te&ti, nu4i a&aH
4 .u "unt * ameninare $entru tine, LinbarC ;ai "...
4 !"ta a&a4iC
?uri*", Linbar ri(ic rece$t*ru% interc*mu%ui &i "e a(re" &*feru%ui af%at (e $artea cea%a%t a
(e"$riturii (e "tic% in"*n*ri+ant0
4 F*2n, %a"4% $e (*mnu% @a)a%%an %a bir*u, a$*i mer-em %a Ba"te%u% !)i"Kar(.
De #n(at ma&ina c*ti ctre b%*cu% cu trei eta,e a% bir*uri%*r, af%at (e cea%a%t $arte a
cm$u%ui (e 2an-are.
4 Bum e !)i"Kar(u%H #ntreb @a)a%%an cu * int*naie ciu(at #n -%a".
4 Mai bine (ect #n )remea taC 8mi $are ru c, tu &i Maureen n4ai f*"t in)itai (e Brciun.
3*ate anu% )iit*rC Au+e%e %ui Linbar "e r"ucir. Da. !)i"Kar( arat mu%t mai bine. !runc * $ri)ire
afar $e ferea"tr &i fcu "emn cu (e-etu% mare ctre uria&u% e%ic*$ter. 1i ar fi bine " nu (ai -re& cu
"ta, a%tfe%, cine &tie...H
B2i$u% %ui @a)a%%an "e #nc*r(a. 'r*nia %a a(re"a "*iei "a%e #% $rin"e"e ne$re-tit.
4 B )eni )*rba (e"$re -re&e%i, ce mai e cu (e+a"tru*a"e%e ta%e #n)e"tiii (in !merica (e Su(,
cu rca ta $r*"tea"c cu E*(a S2i$$in- #n $ri)ina f%*tei %*r (e $etr*%iere, ce +ici (e $ier(erea
c*ntractu%ui tune%u%ui (in ;*n- 6*n- #n fa)*area %ui 3ar4B*n4E*(a, "au (e"$re fe%u% #n care ai
mani$u%at "t*cu% tu (e aciuni, #n&e%n(u4i )ec2ii $rieteni (in ;*n- 6*n-H
4 8n&e%atC 5a2atC MVec2i $rieteniM, ra2atC Sunt t*i ma,*ri &i n4au fcut mare %ucru #n u%tima
)reme $entru n*i. Se "$une c cei (in S2an-2ai "unt mai i"tei (ect n*i 4 cant*ne+ii, cei (e $e
c*ntinent, t*i, ai "$u"4* (e un mi%i*n (e *riC .u4i )ina mea c a f*"t * cri+ a $etr*%u%ui, c %umea
c%*c*te&te, c 'ranu% a ie&it #n fa "au c arabii ne4au $u" %a +i( a%turi (e ,a$*ne+i, c*reeni &i
tai<ane+i.
Linbar "e "uf*ca (e furie.
4 !i uitat c "untem #ntr4* %ume (iferit acumH ;*n- 6*n-4u% e "c2imbat. 8ntrea-a %ume "4a
"c2imbat. Sunt tai$an a% Ba"ei Struani%*r &i "unt 2*trt " am -ri, (e .*bi%a Ba" &i fiecare tai$an
a a)ut $arte (e rece"iuni, c2iar &i tic%*"u% b%e"temat (e Sir 'an Dunr*"", &i4* " mai aib, (in $ricina
(e%iru%ui "u cu c*m*ara (e $etr*% (in B2ina. B2i...
4 'an are ab...
4 B2iar &i ;u- Struan a a)ut rece"iuni. B2iar &i nen*r*citu% n*"tru f*n(at*r, mare%e Dir>
#n"u&i, $utre+ea"c4n ia(C .u4i )ina mea c %umea "4a tic%*&it. Bre+i c $*i " te (e"curci mai
bineH "tri- Linbar.
4 De (*u+eci (e *riC i4* trnti @a)a%%an. Linbar tremura (e furie.
4 Ee4a& c*nce(ia, (ac4a& $utea, (ar nu $*t. M4am "turat $n #n -t (e tine &i (e tic%*&ii%e
ta%e. Ee4ai c"t*rit #n fami%ie, nu faci cu a(e)rat $arte (in ea. Dac e un Dumne+eu #n ceruri, * "
te (i"tru-i "in-urC Sunt tai$an &i, $e Dumne+eu, tu n4ai " fii nici*(atC
@a)a%%an ci*cni #n (e"$ritura (e "tic% &i ma&ina "e *$ri bru"c. De"c2i"e u&a cu *
"mucitur &i ie&i.
4 De< n*2 %*2 m*2, Linbar, "$u"e $rintre (ini &i ie&i ca * furtun #n $%*aie.
Ira %*r "e n"cu"e #n u%timii ani ai (eceniu%ui cinci &i #nce$utu% (eceniu%ui &a"e, $e cn(
@a)a%%an %ucra $entru Struani #n ;*n- 6*n-, mai #nainte (e a )eni aici (in *r(inu% tainic a%
tai$anu%ui (e atunci, 'an Dunr*"", frate%e f*"tei "a%e "*ii, 6at2K. Linbar fu"e"e nebun (e -e%*+ie $e
e% $entru c Dunr*"" #i ac*r(a #ncre(ere, #n tim$ ce %ui nu, &i ce% mai mu%t $entru c @a)a%%an fu"e"e
#nt*t(eauna #n frunte #n cur"a ce%*r ce a)eau &an"a " (e)in #ntr4* +i tai$an, #n tim$ ce Linbar
fu"e"e c*n"i(erat ca %i$"it (e *rice &an".
7ra "tr)ec2ea %e-e a Ba"ei Struan ca tai$anu% " aib $uterea e/ecuti) t*ta% &i
ne(i"cutabi% &i (re$tu% in)i*%abi% (e a a%e-e m*mentu% retra-erii "a%e &i "ucce"*ru% 4 care trebuia "
fie un membru a% B*n"i%iu%ui intern &i (eci, #ntr4un fe%, (in fami%ie 4 (ar *(at (eci+ia %uat, trebuia
11
" renune %a #ntrea-a $utere. 'an Dunr*"" c*n(u"e"e #ne%e$t tim$ (e +ece ani, a$*i a%e"e"e ca
"ucce"*r un )r, Da)i( MacStruan. Bu $atru ani #n urm, Da)i( MacStruan, un a%$ini"t entu+ia"t, #n
f%*area )r"tei, muri"e #ntr4un acci(ent #n ;ima%aKa. B2iar #nainte (e a muri, "$re u%uirea tutur*r, #%
a%e"e"e ca "ucce"*r, #n faa a (*i mart*ri, $e Linbar. !tt $*%iia britanic, ct &i cea ne$a%e+
fcu"er cercetri $ri)in( cau+e%e m*rii. ?unii%e &i ec2i$amentu% (e crare fu"e"er "ab*tate.
Bercetri%e "fr&i"er cu )er(ictu% Macci(entM. 3erete%e munte%ui $e care urcau era f*arte
retra", c(erea bru"c, nimeni nu &tia e/act ce "e #ntm$%a"e, nici cei%a%i c*ec2i$ieri, nici c%u+e%e,
c*n(iii%e (e crare fu"e"er %a %imit &i "a2ib era "nt*" &i un *m #ne%e$t, nu4&i a"uma nici*(at
ri"curi $r*"te&ti, (ar, "a2ib, munii n*&tri (in Minuturi%eM #na%te "unt (iferii (e a%i muni. Munii
n*&tri au "uf%et &i "e #nfurie (in cn( #n cn(, "a2ib, &i cine $*ate $re)e(ea ce $*ate face un "$iritH
.imeni nu fu"e"e artat cu (e-etu%. S4ar fi $utut ca funii%e &i ec2i$amentu% " nu fie "ab*tate, ci
(*ar $r*"t #ntreinute. 6armaC
Bu e/ce$ia c%u+e%*r ne$a%e+e, t*i cei%a%i (*i"$re+ece membri ai ec2i$ei erau (in ;*n-
6*n-, $rieteni "au a"*ciai (e afaceri, en-%e+i, c2ine+i, un american, (*i ,a$*ne+i, ;ir*4E*(a, &efu%
firmei E*(a S2i$$in- 'n(u"trie", un )ec2i $rieten a$r*$iat a% %ui Da)i( &i unu% (intre a"*ciaii "i,
.*buna-a M*ri. Linbar nu fu"e"e $rintre ei.
!"umn(u4&i un mare ri"c, (*i brbai &i * c%u+ c*b*r"er $e * cre)a" &i a,un"e"er %a
Da)i( #nainte (e a muri. 3r*fitab%e B2*K, unu% (intre (irect*rii B*ncernu%ui Struan, nem"urat (e
b*-at, &i M*ri. !mn(*i (e$u"e"er mrturie c, c2iar #nainte (e a muri, Da)i( MacStruan #%
numi"e *ficia% $e Linbar Struan (re$t "ucce"*r.
La "curt tim$ (u$ ce -ru$u% "e #nt*r"e"e tu%burat #n ;*n- 6*n-, "ecretara e/ecuti) a %ui
Da)i(, cutn( $rin bir*u% %ui, -"i"e * $a-in btut %a ma&in &i "emnat (e e%, (atat cu cte)a
%uni #nainte &i $urtn( "emntura %ui 3r*fitab%e B2*K ca mart*r, care c*nfirma ce%e "$u"e.
@a)a%%an #i aminti"e ct (e &*cat fu"e"e e%, ca &i t*i cei%a%i 4 B%au(ia B2en, care era (e
-eneraii "ecretara e/ecuti) a tai$anu%ui, &i )ara $r*$riei "a%e "ecretare e/ecuti)e, Li" B2en, ce% mai
mu%t (intre t*i.
4 .u era #n firea tai$anu%ui, ma&ter !n(re<, #&i "$u"e"e ea, * (*amn btrn, (ar cu mintea
a"cuit ca un ac. Eai$anu% n4ar fi %"at nici*(at * 2rtie att (e im$*rtant ac*%*. !r fi $u"4* #n
"eif, #n Ba"a cea Mare, %a*%a%t cu... cu t*ate ce%e%a%te (*cumente $er"*na%e.
Dar Da)i( MacStruan nu fcu"e a"ta, iar u%tima (*rin &i 2rtia care4* $urta c$ta"er
caracter %e-a% &i acum Linbar Struan era tai$an a% .*bi%ei Ba"e &i a&a "e "fr&i"e t*tu%.
E*tu&i, (e< ne2 %*2 m*2, Linbar, ie &i #m$uitei (e ne)a"t4ta, (rc*aicei (e metre"
c2ine+*aic &i nen*r*cii%*r ti $rieteni. !& $une $rin"*are $e )iaa mea c, c2iar (ac Da)i( n4a
f*"t uci", %ucruri%e au f*"t aran,ate cum)a. Dar (e ce4ar mini 3r*fitab%e B2*K "au M*ri, (e ce4ar
face4*, cn( ei n4au nimic (e c&ti-at (in a"taH
J rafa% bru"c (e $%*aie "e abtu a"u$ra %ui &i e% "e *$ri * c%i$ a$r*a$e "uf*cat, tre+it (in
-n(uri. 'nima #i btea #nc $uternic &i "e b%e"tema $entru c "e $ier(u"e cu firea &i4% %"a"e $e
Linbar " "$un ceea ce n4ar fi trebuit " fie "$u".
4 7&ti un ner*(C !i fi $utut "4% "t$ne&ti ca #nt*t(eauna. Erebuie " te (e"curci cu e% &i ai
%ui ani (e aici #nainte. 7&ti %a fe% (e )in*)atC r*"ti cu -%a" tare. !$*i m*rmi0 Eic%*"u%, ar fi trebuit
"4&i in -ura #n $ri)ina %ui Maureen.
7rau c"t*rii (e trei ani &i a)eau * fiic (e (*i ani. 3rima "a "*ie, 6at2K, muri"e cu n*u
ani #n urm, (e "c%er*+ mu%ti$%.
Srman 6at2K, "e -n(i #ntri"tat, ce -2ini*n ai a)utC
8&i mi,i *c2ii, $ri)in( $rin $%*aie ctre 5*%%" 5*Kce4u% care %u curba (e %a ie&irea
2e%i$*rtu%ui &i (i"$ru. Mare ru&ine cu !)i"Kar(. Din %a %*cu% %a, #&i "$u"e, amintin(u4&i )remuri%e
bune &i re%e $e care %e tri"e ac*%* cu 6at2K &i cei (*i c*$ii ai %*r, Sc*t &i Me%in(a. Ba"te%u%
!)i"Kar( era "tr)ec2iu% (*meniu a% %ui Dir> Struan &i fu"e"e %"at (e e% tai$anu%ui care4% urma"e $e
t*t tim$u% ct #&i e/ercita"e $uterea, iar ace"ta trebui"e "4% treac mai (e$arte "ucce"*ru%ui, iar
ace"ta, %a rn(u% %ui, mai (e$arte, "%batic &i minunat, mai mu%t (e * mie (e 2ectare #n inutu% !Kr4
"2ire. 3cat c n4* " mer-em nici*(at ac*%*, Maureen, eu &i mica 7%ectra, cu "i-uran nu ct
)reme e Linbar tai$an. 3cat, (ar a&a e )iaaC
4 7i, tic%*"u% n4* " tria"c ct %umea, "$u"e e% )ntu%ui &i "e "imi mai bine, fiin(c *
"$u"e"e cu -%a" tare. !$*i trecu cu $a&i a$"ai $rin c%(ire ctre bir*u% "u.
12
4 Sa%ut, Li+, "$u"e.
Li+ B2en, "ecretara e/ecuti), era * eura"ian atr-t*are, (e cinci+eci (e ani, care )eni"e cu
e% (in ;*n- 6*n- #n =G3 &i cun*&tea t*ate taine%e firmei @a)a%%an ;*%(in-", firma "a *ri-inar (e
ac*$erire a S4@ &i a Ba"ei Struan.
4 Be mai e n*uH Ee4ai certat cu tai$anu%C J " treac, "$u"e ea cu )*cea4i cntt*are,
*ferin(u4i * cea&c (e ceai.
4 La (racu, (aC De un(e naiba &tiiH
7a r"e (*ar &i e% #nce$u " r( a%turi (e ea.
4 Lua4%4ar (racu=C L4ai $rin" $e MacH
7ra )*rba (e Duncan Mc')er, &efu% *$eraii%*r S4@ #n 'ran &i ce% mai )ec2i $rieten a% %ui.
4 !m $u" * fat " t*t f*rme+e numru% (e (imineaa $n "eara, (ar circuite%e (in 'ran t*t
"un *cu$at. .ici te%e/u% nu r"$un(e. Duncan trebuie " fie %a fe% (e nerb(t*r ca &i tine "4i
)*rbea"c. 8i %u 2aina &i * atrn $e umera&u% (in bir*u. ! "unat "*ia0 * ia $e 7%ectra (e %a cre& &i
)rea " &tie (ac * " a,un-i aca" $n4n cin. '4am "$u" c eu cre( c (a, (ar "4ar $utea t*tu&i "
#ntr+ii. !i c*nferina cu 7/Ee/ $e"te * ,umate (e *r.
@a)a%%an "e a&e+ %a bir*u &i "e a"i-ur c (*"aru% e"te $re-tit.
4 .u )rei, te r*-, " mai )erifici (ac funci*nea+ te%e/u% cu MacH
?r " "tea $e -n(uri, ea f*rm numru%.
8nc$erea er %ar- &i *r(*nat, cu fere"tre%e *rientate ctre terenu% (e ateri+are. 3e bir*u%
curat "e af%au cte)a f*t*-rafii (e fami%ie #nrmate0 6at2K cu Me%in(a &i Sc*t cn( erau mici, cu
mare%e ca"te% !)i"Kar( #n "$ate%e %*r, &i * a%ta a% %ui Maureen, inn( #n brae fetia %*r. B2i$uri
$%cute, +mbit*are. 3e $erete, * "in-ur $ictur #n u%ei (e !rti"t*t%e Puance, re$re+entn( un
man(arin c2ine+ c*r$*%ent, un (ar (in $artea %ui 'an Dunr*"" %a ce%ebrarea $rimei c*b*rri reu&ite
fcut (e Mc')er $e * $%atf*rm $etr*%ier (in Marea .*r(u%ui &i #nce$utu% unei n*i ere.
4 !n(K, "$u"e"e Dunr*"", #nce$n( a"tfe% t*tu%. Vreau "4* iei $e 6at2K &i c*$iii &i " $%eci
(in ;*n- 6*n- aca", #n Sc*iaC Vreau " te $refaci c (emi"i*ne+i (in Ba"a Struan. De"i-ur, * "
rmi #n c*ntinuare membru a% B*n"i%iu%ui intern, (ar a"ta * " fie "ecret, $entru * )reme. Vreau "
te (uci %a !ber(een &i " cum$eri, fr +-*m*t, cea mai "cum$ $r*$rietate, (*curi, fabrici, un mic
aer*$*rt, $*tenia%e 2e%i$*rturi. !ber(een e"te * +*n (*"nic, a&a c * " $*i *bine ieftin t*t ce4i
mai bun. 7 * *$eraiune "ecret, (*ar #ntre n*i. Bu cte)a +i%e #n urm am #nt%nit un ti$ ciu(at, un
"ei"m*%*- $e nume 6ir>, care m4a c*n)in" c Marea .*r(u%ui "t $e un en*rm cm$ (e $etr*%.
Vreau ca .*bi%a Ba" " fie -ata " furni+e+e "*n(e%e cn( ace% cm$ * " #ncea$ " fie e/$%*atat.
4 Dumne+eu%e, 'an, cum am $utea face a"taH Marea .*r(u%uiH B2iar (ac e $etr*% ac*%*,
ceea ce $are im$*"ibi%, marea aia e cea mai rea (in %ume mai t*t tim$u% anu%uiC !r fi cu ne$utin "
acti)m t*t anu% &i *ricum c2e%tuie%i%e ar fi $r*2ibiti)eC Bum am $uteaH
4 !"ta4i $r*b%ema ta, f%cu%eC
@a)a%%an #&i amintea r"u% &i #ncre(erea ra(i*a". Ba #nt*t(eauna, "e "imi"e #nc%+it, a&a c
$r"i"e ;*n- 6*n-4u%, iar 6at2K fu"e"e #ncntat " $%ece &i fcu"e t*t ceea ce i "e ceru"e. Dintr4*
(at, a$r*a$e ca $rintr4un mirac*%, cm$uri%e $etr*%ifere a%e Mrii .*r(u%ui #nce$u"er "
#nf%*rea"c, iar ce%e mai im$*rtante c*m$anii americane, #n frunte cu 7/Ee/, en*rmu% c*n-%*merat
te/an a% $etr*%u%ui, &i Ariti"2 3etr*%eum, "e re$e+i"er ac*%* cu #n)e"tiii uria&e. 7% "e af%a"e (e,a
am$%a"at #ntr4* $*+iie "u$erb, care4i #n-(ui"e " $r*fite (e n*u% 7% D*ra(*, &i $rimu% care
#ne%e"e"e c "in-ura ca%e eficient (e a (e"er)i )a"te%e e/$%*atri #n ace%e a$e a-itate era e%ic*$4
teru%, $rimu% 4 "$ri,init (e $uterea %ui Dunr*"" 4 care a(una"e uria&e%e f*n(uri nece"are $entru
#nc2irierea e%ic*$tere%*r, $rimu% care #i #m$in"e"e $e fabricanii (e e%ic*$tere ctre (imen"iuni,
n*rme (e "i-uran, ec2i$amente (e b*r( &i "tan(ar(e (e $erf*rman ne)i"ate $n atunci "i $rimu%
care (*)e(i"e c +b*ru% #n *rice c*n(iii, $e *rice )reme, #n ace%e mri a-itate era cu $utin. Mc')er
fcu"e a"ta $entru e%, cci ace"t fe% (e +b*ruri &i te2nica nece"ar erau %ucruri (e"tu% (e necun*"cute
$e atunci.
Marea, .*r(u%ui #i c*n(u"e"e ctre @*%f, 'ran, Ma%aKe"ia, .i-eria, Iru-uaK, !frica (e Su(.
'ranu%, -iu)aeru% (in c*r*ana "a, cu $*tenia%u% "u en*rm, cu )a"te%e4i $r*fituri, cu ce%e mai bune
c*ntacte #n ce% mai (e "u" %ca& a% $uterii, Burtea im$eria%, care, a&a cum #% a"i-ura"er $artenerii
"i iranieni, )a fi %a fe% (e $uternic, c2iar (ac 1a2u% )a c(ea.
13
4 !n(K, #i "$u"e"e cu * +i #n urm -enera%u% Fa)a(a2, ce% mai im$*rtant $artener, cu "e(iu% #n
L*n(ra, n4ai (e ce "4i faci -ri,i. Inu% (intre $artenerii n*&tri e"te ru( cu Aa>2tiar &i, ca m"ur (e
$re)e(ere, a)em c*ntacte %a ce% mai #na%t ni)e% cu a$r*$iaii %ui 62*meini. De"i-ur, n*ua er )a fi
mai c*"ti"it*are (ect #nainte.
@a)a%%an 4 +mbi "ar(*nic. Be im$*rtan are "ur$%u"u% (e c2e%tuie%i &i fa$tu% c #n fiecare an
$artenerii (e)in (in ce #n ce mai %ac*mi. ! mai rma" #nc (e"tu% ca " $"trm 'ranu% ca $e )a"u%
n*"tru amira% 4 #n(ea,un" ct " re)in %a n*rma%. 'an a mi+at &i .*bi%a Ba" a c&ti-at #nmiit. 3cat
c a (emi"i*nat atunci, (ar $urta"e "tea-u% Struani%*r tim$ (e +ece ani. !r fi f*"t (e a,un" $entru
*rice brbat 4 c2iar &i $entru mine. Linbar are (re$tate cn( "$une c r)ne"c %a bucica a"ta. Dac
n4am "4* iau eu, $entru Dumne+eu, are "4* ia Sc*t #ntre tim$, tin+n( mereu " fim #n frunte, O G3 *
" ne $%a"e+e cu mu%t #naintea %ui im$eria% &i @uerneK &i4* " ne fac una (intre ce%e mai mari
c*m$anii (e e%ic*$tere (in %ume.
4 8n ci)a ani, Li+, * " fim cei mai mari, "$u"e, cu #ncre(ere (e$%in. O G3 %e * %*)iturC
Mac * " %e&ine cn( * "4i "$un.
4 Da, +i"e ea a&e+n( rece$t*ru% te%ef*nu%ui #n furc, #mi $are ru, !n(K, circuite%e "unt t*t
*cu$ate. J " ne (ea (e )e"te #n c%i$a #n care "e e%iberea+. '4ai "$u" tai$anu%ui re"tu% )e&ti%*r buneH
4 .u $rea era m*mentu% $*tri)itC 5"er amn(*i.
4 !m %"at4* $entru #nt%nirea B*n"i%iu%ui.
In )ec2i *r*%*-iu (e c*rabie (e $e bir*u #nce$u " "une *ra &a"e. @a)a%%an "e #ntin"e &i
(e"c2i"e rece$t*ru% mu%tiban( care "e af%a $e raftu% (in "$ate%e %ui. Ai- Aen btu *ra....
Ee2eran 4 a$artamentu% %ui Mc')er. I%time%e ec*uri a%e cea"u%ui murir, )*%umu% era (at %a
minimum, * mu%ime (e $ara+ii0 M!ici AAB Q*r%( Ser)ice. 7"te *ra &a$te"$re+ece @MEM.
1a$te"$re+ece @ME #n"emna *ra *$t &i ,umtate "eara #n 'ran. Bei (*i brbai #&i )erificar
aut*mat cea"uri%e. ?emeia "*rbi * #n-2iitur (in c*c>tei%u% (e Martini cu )*(c. Bei trei erau
"trn&i #n ,uru% unui mare ra(i* cu baterii, trecut $e un(e "curte, a% crui "emna% era "%ab &i in"tabi%.
!far n*a$tea era #ntunecat. Se au+i * rafa% #n(e$rtat (e arm aut*mat. .u #i ((ur atenie.
7a mai %u * #n-2iitur, a&te$tn(. 8n a$artament era fri-, #nc%+irea centra% fiin( *$rit cu
"$tmni #n urm. Sin-ura "ur" (e c%(ur era acum un mic ra(iat*r e%ectric care, ca &i %umina
becuri%*r, nu funci*na (ect cu ,umtate (in ca$acitate.
M... La *ra cinci"$re+ece @ME )*m tran"mite * c*re"$*n(en "$ecia%, (e %a trimi"u% n*"tru
"$ecia% #n 'ran...M
4 Aun, murmur ea, &i t*i ((ur (in ca$. !)ea cinci+eci &i unu (e ani, (ar arta mai tnr.
7ra * femeie atr-t*are, "u$%, cu *c2i a%ba&tri &i $r b%*n(, &i $urta *c2e%ari cu ram #ntunecat.
Se numea @ene)ie)e Mc')er, $e "curt @ennK.
M... Dar mai #nti un "umar a% &tiri%*r internai*na%e, #n !n-%ia, n*u"$re+ece mii (e
muncit*ri au #ntrat (in n*u #n -re) %a fabrica Ariti"2 Lei%an( (in Airmin-2am, ce% mai mare
$r*(uct*r (e aut*m*bi%e (in ar, cern( "a%arii mai mari. .e-*ciat*rii "in(ica%i re$re+entn(
muncit*rii (in "er)icii%e $ub%ice au a,un" %a * #ne%e-ere #n $ri)ina cre&terii cu cinci"$re+ece
$r*cente a "a%arii%*r, (e i $rimu% mini"tru a% -u)ernu%ui %aburi"t, Fame" Ba%%a-2an, (*re&te "
menin ce%e *$t )ir-u% *$t $r*cente. 5e-ina )a $%eca %uni #n 6u<eit, $e ca%ea aeru%ui, #nce$n( *
)i+it (e trei "$tmni #n "tate%e (in @*%fu% 3er"ic. La Qa"2in-t*n, $re&e(inte%e...M
7mi"iunea "e $ier(u c*m$%et. Arbatu% mai #na%t #n,ur.
4 !i rb(are, B2ar%ie, "$u"e ea b%n(. J " re)in.
4 Da, @ennK, ai (re$tate, r"$un"e B2ar%ie 3eti>in. !%t rafa% (e mitra%ier #n (e$rtare.
4 Bam ri"cant "4* trimii acum $e re-in #n 6u<eit, nu4i a&aH "$u"e @ennK.
6u<eitu% e"te un &eicat (e * b*-ie inc*men"urabi%, $r*)enit (in $etr*%, af%at c2iar
(inc*%* (e @*%f, mr-inin( !rabia Sau(it &i 'ra>u%.
4 Bam $r*"tea"c 2*trre %a * )reme ca a"ta, nu4i a&aH
4 !% (racu%ui (e $r*"tea"cC .en*r*ciii ia (in -u)ern &i4au $ier(ut (e t*t mini%e, "$u"e
amar Duncan Mc')er, "*u% ei. Le4au %"at %a (racu4n $ra+nic, %a !ber(een.
7a r"e.
4 7 (e"tu% (e (e$arte, Duncan.
4 .u (e4a,un" (e (e$arte $entru mine, @enC Mc')er era un brbat mt2%*", (e cinci+eci &i
*$t (e ani, c%(it ca un b*/er, cu $ru% crunt.
14
4 Ba%%a-2an e a% (racu%ui (e #ne$at...
Se *$ri au+in( +-*m*tu% "%ab a% unui )e2icu% -reu ce trecea $e "ub fere"tre. !$artamentu% "e
af%a %a u%timu% eta,, a% cinci%ea, a% unei c%(iri m*(erne (intr4* +*n re+i(enia%, #n mar-inea n*r(ic
a Ee2eranu%ui #nc un )e2icu% trecu +-*m*t*".
4 Se $are c4" ni&te tancuri.
4 Sunt tancuri, @ennK, "$u"e 3eti>in.
!)ea cinci+eci &i &a"e (e ani, fu"e"e $i%*t #n 5!?, era *ri-inar (in !frica (e Su(, a)ea $ru%
#nc2i" &i #n"$icat cu cenu&iu, era $i%*t &ef #n 'ran &i &efu% $r*-rame%*r (e antrenament a% !rmatei
'raniene &i a% ?*re%*r 'raniene ;e%i$urtate, (in $artea S4@.
4 3*ate c ne $a&te #nc una rea, "$u"e ea.
De $atru "$tmni, fiecare +i fu"e"e rea. Mai #nti )eni"e %e-ea maria% (in "e$tembrie,
cn( fu"e"er inter+i"e a(unri%e $ub%ice, iar M1a2u% im$u"e"e inter(icia (e circu%aie (e %a n*u
"eara %a cinci (imineaa, %ucru care nu fcu"e a%tce)a (ect " +-n(re &i mai ru $*$u%aia, #n
"$ecia% #n ca$ita%, Ee2eran, #n $*rtu% $etr*%ier !ba(an &i #n *ra&e%e re%i-i*a"e P*m &i Me"2e(.
Muri"er mu%i. Irma"e e"ca%a(area )i*%enei, 1a2u% &*)i"e, a$*i bru"c, #n u%time%e +i%e a%e %ui
(ecembrie, anu%a"e %e-ea maria%, #% numi"e $e Aa>2tiar, unu% (intre m*(erai, $rim mini"tru,
fcu"e c*nce"ii, iar a$*i, incre(ibi%, $e &ai"$re+ece ianuarie, $r"i"e 'ranu% $entru M)acaneM.
Aa>2tiar #&i f*rma"e $r*$riu% -u)ern, iar 62*meini 4 #nc #n e/i% #n ?rana 4 #% (e+a)ua"e 4 $e e%, e
membrii -u)ernu%ui &i $e cei care4% "$ri,ineau. 5e)*%te%e "e #nmu%i"er &i numru% m*ri%*r cre"cu"e
(in n*u. Aa>2tiar #ncerca"e " ne-*cie+e cu 62*meini, care refu+a"e " "e #nt%nea"c cu e% "au "4i
)*rbea"c, mu%imea "e #nc$na"e, armata "e #nc$na"e, a$*i #nc2i"e"e t*ate aer*$*rturi%e
$entru 62*meini, a$*i #i #n-(ui"e " )in #n ar &i (u$ a"ta, %a fe% (e incre(ibi%, cu *$t +i%e #n
urm, $e #nti februarie, re#nt*arcerea 'ui 62*meini.
De atunci +i%e%e "unt f*arte $r*a"te, #&i +i"e.
8n (iminea aceea, ea, "*u% ei &i 3eti>in fu"e"er %a !er*$*rtu% internai*na% (in Ee2eran.
7ra ,*i, * )reme f*arte rece &i t*tu% era #n-2eat, $etice (e +$a( "e +reau ici &i c*%*, iar )ntu%
btea u&*r. !eru% era tare &i #n)i*rt*r. Btre n*r(, munii 7%bur" erau #m$*(*bii cu a%b, "*are%e
care r"rea #n"n-ern( +$a(a. 7i trei "tteau %n- un 212 "tai*nat $e $%at*u% (in ca$tu% $i"tei
aer*$*rtu%ui, %a mare (i"tan (e $i"ta (in faa termina%u%ui. In a%t 212 "e af%a %a ce%%a%t ca$t a%
terenu%ui (e ateri+are, $re-tit &i e% $entru (ec*%are ime(iat, amn(*u a$arate%e a(u"e ac*%* %a
*r(inu% "$ri,init*ri%*r %ui 62*meini. De $artea acea"ta termina%u% era $u"tiu, cu e/ce$ia a circa
(*u+eci (e *fieri ner)*&i, mu%i (intre ei $urtn( $i"t*a%e mitra%ier, a&te$tn( #ntr4un mare
Merce(e" ne-ru &i * ma&in cu ra(i*emit*r, care fu"e"e re-%at $e frec)ena turnu%ui (e c*ntr*%.
7ra %ini&te ac*%*.
In c*ntra"t )i*%ent cu interi*ru% termina%u%ui &i +*na (in afara -ar(u%ui #m$re,muit*r.
8nuntru% c%(irii "e af%a * (e%e-aie (e $rimire (e a$r*a$e * mie (e $*%iticieni, aKat*%a2i,
mu%%a2i, +iari&ti "$ecia% in)itai &i "ute (e $*%ii&ti #n unif*rm &i @r+i '"%amice cu ban(er*%e )er+i
$e bra 4 armata re)*%ui*nar $r*$rie, i%e-a% a mu%%a2i%*r. E*i cei%a%i fu"e"er #n(e$rtai (e
aer*$*rt, t*ate (rumuri%e (e acce" b%*cate, $+ite &i barica(ate. 'me(iat (u$ ace"te barica(e "e
af%au +eci (e mii (e *ameni (e t*ate )r"te%e, ne%ini&tii. Ma,*ritatea femei%*r $urtau c2a(*r, r*c2ia
%un- ca un )% care %e ac*$erea (in cre&tet $n #n t%$i. Din "$ate%e ace"t*r *ameni, mr-inin(
tra"eu% (e &ai"$re+ece >i%*metri $n %a cimitiru% Ae2e"2t49a2ra, un(e aKat*%a2u% urma " in $rima
"a cu)ntare, "e af%au +ece mii (e $*%ii&ti #narmai &i #n ,uru% %*r 4 #n-2e"uii #n ba%c*ane, %a fere"tre,
$e ac*$eri&uri &i $e "tr+i 4 cea mai mare a(unare (e *ameni $e care * cun*"cu"e )re*(at 'ranu%. J
mare (e *ameni, cei mai mu%i %*cuit*ri ai Ee2eranu%ui. !$r*a$e cinci mi%i*ane (e $er"*ane "e
-"eau #n *ra& &i #n $rea,ma %ui: t*i ne%ini&tii, t*i ner)*&i, t*i temt*ri c a)ea " "e i)ea"c *
#ntr+iere (e u%tim m*ment, "au $*ate c aer*$*rtu% )a fi #nc2i" #nc * (at #m$*tri)a, "au $*ate c
f*re%e aeriene #% )*r (*b*r# 4 cu "au fr *r(in.
3rimu% mini"tru S2a2$ur Aa>2tiar, membrii cabinetu%ui &i -enera%ii armatei nu "e af%au %a
aer*$*rt. De%iberat. .u "e af%a ac*%* nici unu% (intre *fierii "au "*%(aii %*r. !ce&tia a&te$tau #n
barci%e %*r "au %a aer*(r*muri "au $e na)e, t*i %a fe% (e ne%ini&tii &i nerb(t*ri " treac %a
aciune.
4 !& fi )rut " rmi aca", @en, "$u"e"e Mc')er #n-ri,*rat.
4 !& fi )rut " "tm t*i aca", "$u"e"e 3eti>in %a fe% (e ne#n%ar-u% %ui.
1
Bu * "$tmn mai #nainte Mc')er fu"e"e c*ntactat (e unu% (intre "im$ati+anii %ui
62*meini cu $r*$unerea (e a4i $une %a (i"$*+iie e%ic*$teru% care "4% (uc $e ace"ta (e %a aer*$*rt
%a Ae2e"2t49a2ra.
4 8mi $are ru, a"ta nu4i cu $utin. .4am #m$uternicirea " rac a&a ce)a, r"$un"e"e e% u%uit.
3e"te * *r brbatu% "e #nt*r"e"e cu @r+i%e Ver+i, um$%n( bir*u% %ui Mc')er &i ce%e a%turate cu
brbai tineri, (uri, cu $ri)iri furi*a"e, (*i (intre ei cu $i"t*a%e mitra%ier "*)ietice !6 47 $e umr,
iar unu% cu un M 1G american.
4 !i " $ui %a (i"$*+iie e%ic*$teru%, a&a cum am +i", #i "$u"e"e, ar*-ant, *mu%. 8n ca+ c cei
r"$un+t*ri (e c*ntr*%u% mu%imii #ntm$in (ificu%ti. Bu "i-uran c #ntre- Ee2eranu% )a fi
ac*%* ca "4% #ntm$ine $e !Kat*%a2, binecu)ntarea %ui !%%a2 fie a"u$ra %uiC
4 Jrict (e mu%t a& )rea " fac a"ta, nu $*tC %e r"$un"e"e Mc')er $ru(ent, #ncercn( "
c&ti-e tim$.
Se -"ea #ntr4* $*+iie f*arte (e%icat. Lui 62*meini i "e #n-(ui"e " "e #nt*arc, atta t*t.
Dac -u)ernu% Aa>2tiar af%a c S4@ $unea %a (i"$*+iia ce%ui mai a$ri- (u&man a% %*r un e%ic*$ter
$entru #ntrarea triumfa% #n ca$ita%, ar fi $utut fi #ntr4a(e)r f*arte iritai. 1i c2iar (ac -u)ernu% ar
fi #ncu)iinat, (ac ce)a ie&ea $r*"t, (ac !Kat*%a2u% era rnit, S4@ ar fi $urtat )ina, iar )iei%e %*r n4
ar fi )a%*rat * $ara.
4 E*ate a$arate%e n*a"tre "unt #nc2iriate &i eu nu am $uterea nece"ar (e a ...
4 7u #i (au $uterea nece"ar, #n nume%e !Kat*%a2u%ui, "$u"e"e brbatu% furi*", ri(icn(
-%a"u%. !Kat*%a2u% e"te "in-ura $utere #n 'ran.
4 !tunci ar fi f*arte u&*r $entru (*mnia4)*a"tr " *binei un e%ic*$ter a% armatei iraniene,
"au a% ?*re%*r !eriene 'raniene.
4 EaciC Vi "4a fcut *n*area (e a fi "*%icitaiC !i " faci a&a cum i "e "$une. 8n nume%e %ui
!%%a2, >*mite2u% a 2*trt c )ei $une %a (i"$*+iie un 212 cu cei mai buni $i%*i ai )*&tri, ca "4%
(uc $e !Kat*%a2 *riun(e )*m 2*tr#, cn( )*m 2*tr# &i cum )*m 2*tr# n*i.
7ra $entru $rima (at cn( Mc')er fu"e"e c*nfruntat cu unu% (intre membrii >*mite2u%ui 4
mici -ru$ri (e tineri fun(amenta%i&ti i)ite ca $rin minune #n m*mentu% #n care 1a2u% $r"i"e
'ranu%, #n fiecare "at, ctun, *ra& mai mare "au mai mic, ca " ia $uterea, atacn( "ecii%e (e $*%iie,
c*n(ucn( mu%imea #n "tra(, $re%un( c*ntr*%u% *riun(e $uteau. De ce%e mai mu%te *ri #i c*n(ucea
un mu%%a2, (ar nu #nt*t(eauna.
Se "$unea c, #n +*na cm$uri%*r $etr*%iere (in !ba(an, >*mite2uri%e erau f*rmate (in
fe(aini (e "tn-a 4 care #n"emna cei ce "unt $re-tii " "e "acrifice.
4 !i " (ai a"cu%tareC &i brbatu% #i a-it un re)*%)er #n faa *c2i%*r.
4 Sunt (e"i-ur *n*rat (e #ncre(erea (*mniei4)*a"tre, "$u"e"e Mc')er, #n-2e"uit (e cei%a%i,
#nc*n,urat (e mir*"u% -reu a% "u(*rii &i 2aine%*r ne"$%ate. !m " cer $ermi"iunea -u)ernu%ui.
4 @u)ernu% Aa>2tiar e i%e-a% &i nu e acce$tat (e $*$*r, mu-i"e brbatu%.
De #n(at cei%a%i $re%ua"er "tri-tu% &i atm*"fera (e)eni"e ne$%cut. Inu% (intre ei #&i
c*b*r"e $i"t*%u% mitra%ier (e $e umr.
4 !i " (ai a"cu%tare, a%tfe% >*mite2u% * " ia m"uri. Mc')er #i trimi"e"e un te%e/ %ui !n(re<
@a)a%%an %a !ber(een &i ace"ta #i ((u"e (e #n(at a$r*barea, "ub re+er)a unei a$r*bri (in $artea
$arteneri%*r iranieni ai S4@. 3artenerii nu $utu"er fi -"ii. Di"$erat, Mc')er c*ntacta"e amba"a(a
britanic &i ceru"e un "fat.
4 7i bine, btrne, $*i #ntreba, (e"i-ur, -u)ernu%, *ficia% "au ne*ficia%, (ar n4ai " $rime&ti
)re*(at un r"$un". .u "untem nici mcar "i-uri c * "4i #n-(uie #ntr4a(e)r %ui 62*meini "
ateri+e+e, "au c ?*re%e !eriene n4*r " ia $r*b%ema #n mna %*r. 8n (efiniti), tic%*"u% nu e (ect
un re)*%ui*nar $r*"cri", #n(emnn( $e fa %a re)*%t #m$*tri)a -u)ernu%ui %e-a% $e care t*at
%umea #% recun*a&te 4 &i #n $rimu% rn( -u)ernu% Ma,e"tii Sa%e. Jricum, (ac ai " fii (e"tu% (e
$r*"t " #ntrebi, -u)ernu% * "4&i a(uc *(at aminte, fr #n(*ia%, c i4ai "tn,enit cn()a &i ai
#ncurcat4* *ricum.
3n %a urm, Mc')er #ncr*$i"e un c*m$r*mi" acce$tabi% cu >*mite2u%.
4 8n (efiniti), "ub%inia"e e% cu * en*rm u&urare, ar arta f*arte ciu(at (ac $rea *n*ratu%
(umnea)*a"tr c*n(uct*r ar fi (u" #n *ra& (e ctre un a$arat britanic. .u m #n(*ie"c c ar fi mai
bine (ac a$aratu% ar fi iranian, c*n(u" (e un iranian. De"i-ur c * " $re-te"c $rin a$r*$iere unu%
1G
(intre a%e n*a"tre, (*u (e fa$t, #n ca+ (e nece"itate, cu cei mai buni $i%*i. Va fi "uficient " ne
c2emai $rin ra(i*C Berei un B!S7V!B &i * " r"$un(em ime(iat.
1i acum "e af%a ac*%*, a&te$tn(, ru-n(u4"e " nu "e i)ea"c nici un B!S7V!B %a care "
trebuia"c " r"$un(.
Fumb* Fetu% 747 a% c*m$aniei !ir ?rance a$ru"e (in ceaa r*&ietic. Se r*ti"e (ea"u$ra
aer*$*rtu%ui tim$ (e (*u+eci (e minute, a&te$tn( $ermi"iunea (e ateri+are. Mc')er a"cu%ta
tran"mi"ii%e turnu%ui (e c*ntr*% %a ra(i*emit*ru% (e $e 212.
4 Mai "unt ni&te $r*b%eme, %e "$u"e"e ce%*r%a%i (*i. !&te$taiC !re $ermi"iuneaC
4 !cu= " )e+i, murmura"e 3eti>in.
3ri)i"er a$aratu% )enin( %a ateri+are. 7ra (e un a%b "tr%ucit*r, cu%*ri%e france+e "tr%ucin(
c*ntra"tant $e fu+e%a,. Se a$r*$ia"e mi%imetru cu mi%imetru (e $mnt, #ntr4* ateri+are $erfect
cn(, #n u%tima c%i$, $i%*tu% $u"e"e m*t*are%e #n $%in, renunn( " ateri+e+e.
4 Be (racu "e ,*ac "ta ac*%*H "$u"e"e @ennK, tre"rin(u4i inima.
4 3i%*tu% "$une c a )rut " arunce * $ri)ire mai (e4a$r*a$e, #i r"$un"e"e Mc')er. Bre( c &i
eu a& fi fcut4*, a&a, ca " fiu "i-ur.
8i arunca"e * *c2ea( %ui 3eti>in, care trebuia " e/ecute +b*ru% #n ca+u% unei c2emri
B!S7V!B (in $artea >*mite2u%ui.
4 S (ea Dumne+eu ca a)iaia mi%itar " nu fac )re* nebunie.
4 IiteC e/c%ama"e @ennK.
!er*na)a "e a$r*$ia"e (in n*u &i atin"e"e "*%u%. De "ub cauciucuri ie&i"e fum, iar mari%e ei
m*t*are ur%a"er, trecn( #n r*taie in)er" ca " #ncetinea"c. 'me(iat, #n #ntm$inarea ei &ni"e un
Merce(e" &i, $e m"ur ce )e"tea "e #m$r&tia"e $rintre cei af%ai #n c%(irea termina%u%ui &i (e ac*%*
%a barica(e, &i (e ac*%* $e "tr+i, mu%imi%e #nnebuni"er (e bucurie. Se $*rni"e * cntare "aca(at0
4 !%%a24u !>bar... !-2a u2ma(C !%%a2 e mareC St$nu% "4a #nt*r".
3ru"e " treac * )e&nicie $n cn( "cara ru%ant "*"i"e &i u&i%e "e (e"c2i"e"er &i btrnu%
cu fa "e)er, turban ne-ru &i * barb b*-at c*b*r"e tre$te%e a,utat (e una (intre "te<ar(e"e.
Erecu"e $rin cu%*aru% a%ctuit (e -ar(a (e *n*are, f*rmat #n -rab (e ci)a mu%%a2i &i (e ec2i$a,u%
c*m$aniei 'ran !ir ?rance, &i fu"e"e #nc*n,urat (e *amenii %ui cei mai (e #ncre(ere &i (e *ficia%i
ner)*&i, &i #m$in" iute #n ma&ina care * $*rni"e ctre c%(irea aer*-rii. !c*%* #% #ntm$ina"e un
tumu%t #nnebunit*r (e "tri-te (e bucurie &i i$ete, *ameni care "e %u$tau cu frene+ie unu% cu ce%%a%t
ca " "e $*at a$r*$ia (e e%, "4% atin-, +iari&tii (in %umea #ntrea- #n-2i*ntin(u4"e $entru cea mai
bun $*+iie #n bara,u% (e f%a"24uri &i camere EV, t*at %umea "tri-n(, @r+i%e Ver+i &i $*%iia
#ncercn( "4% $r*te,e+e, " nu fie "tri)it. @ennK #% $utu"e )e(ea $entru * c%i$ 4 * "tatuie -ra) #n
mi,%*cu% ace%ei nebunii frenetice 4 a$*i fu"e"e #n-2iit (e mu%ime.
?emeia mai %u * #n-2iitur (e Martini, retrin( amintirea, cu *c2ii fi/ai $e a$aratu% (e
ra(i*, #ncercn( " fac emi"iunea " c*ntinue $rin $uterea )*inei &i " &tear- amintirea ace%ei +i%e
&i a (i"cur"u%ui %ui 62*meini (e %a cimitiru% Ae2e"2t49a2ra, %*c a%e" $entru c f*arte mu%i (in cei
ma"acrai #n F*ia Sn-er*a" 4 erau numii martiri 4 fu"e"er #n-r*$ai ac*%*: " &tear- amintirea
ima-ini%*r EV $e care %e )+u"er cu t*ii mai tr+iu, a *ceanu%ui furi*" (e tru$uri care #nc*n,ura
c*%*ana m*t*ri+at ce #i cr*ia (rum, centimetru cu centimetru, u%tima urm (e "ecuritate "e t*$i"e,
+eci (e mii (e brbai, femei &i tineri "tri-n(, +btn(u4"e, #m$in-n(u4"e ca " a,un- mai a$r*a$e
(e e%, crn(u4"e $e"te t*t $e micr*bu+u% B2e)r*%et #n care "e af%a, #ncercn( " a,un- $n %a e%,
"4% atin-, aKat*%a2u% "tn( $e %*cu% (in fa, "enin, ri(icn( (in cn( #n cn( mini%e ctre
a(u%at*rii "i. Jamenii "e atrnau (e ca$*ta &i (e ac*$eri&u% micr*bu+u%ui, $%n-n( &i "tri-n(,
c2emn(u4% $e nume, %u$tn(u4"e "4i in $e a%ii %a (i"tan, #m$ie(icn(u4% $e &*fer " )a(
#nc*tr* mer-e, *b%i-n(u4% une*ri " frne+e bru"c ca " "e "cuture (e *ameni "au a%te*ri "
acce%ere+e $ur &i "im$%u, *rbe&te: " #n%ture amintirea tnru%ui #ntr4* 2ain -r*"*%an, cenu&ie,
care "e arunca"e $e ca$*ta ma&inii, (ar nu $utu"e " "e $rin( cum trebuie &i %uneca"e u&*r #ntr4*
$arte, "ub r*i.
Du+ini (e a"tfe% (e tineri. 3n %a urm @r+i%e Ver+i #&i cr*i"er (rum (e ,ur #m$re,uru% &i
(ea"u$ra micr*bu+u%ui &i c2ema"er e%ic*$teru% &i ea #&i aminti fe%u% ne$"t*r #n care e%ic*$teru% "e
#m$%nta"e #n -%*ata ce "e #m$r&tia (e teama e%ice%*r, tru$uri a+)r%ite $e"te t*t, rnii *riun(e4i
aruncai $ri)irea, a$*i aKat*%a2u%, cu c2i$u% %a fe% (e im$a"ibi% &i "e)er, ie&in( #n mi,%*cu% -ru$u%ui
17
"u c*m$act (e @r+i '"%amice, care4% a,uta"er " urce #n e%ic*$ter, a$*i e%ic*$teru% ri(icn(u4"e #n
#n%imi, #ntr4un ne"fr&it t*rent (e M!%%a24uuuu !>bar... !-2a u2ma(...M
4 !& mai bea ce)a, "$u"e ea &i "e ri(ic $entru a4&i a"cun(e un fi*r. S4i fac &i ie ce)a,
DuncanH
4 Mu%ume"c, @enC
Se (u"e #n buctrie (u$ -2eat.
4 B2ar%ieH
4 74n re-u%, @ennK, m (e"curc euC
?emeia "e *$ri cn( emi"iunea ra(i*u%ui re)eni cu $utere.
M... B2ina c*munic cum c au a)ut %*c ci*cniri im$*rtante %a -rania cu Vietnamu% &i
(enun ace"te atacuri ca * (*)a( "u$%imentar a intenii%*r (e 2e-em*nie a Iniunii S*)ietice. Din
?rana...M
Semna%u% "e t*$i (in n*u, %"n( #n urm numai $ara+ii.
Du$ un m*ment 3eti>in "$u"e0
4 Bn( am )enit #nc*ace m4am *$rit %a c%ub, $entru un $a2ar. 3rintre ,urna%i&ti circu% un
+)*n c Aa>2tiar "e $re-te&te " ia m"uri. !%t +)*n c au f*"t %u$te -re%e #n Me"2e( (u$ ce
-%*ata i4a "$n+urat $e &efu% $*%iiei &i ,umtate (e (u+in (intre *amenii %ui.
4 @r*a+nicC "$u"e ea, re)enin( (in buctrie. Bine *are c*ntr*%ea+ -%*ate%e, B2ar%ieH Bine
*are %e $*ate c*ntr*%a #ntr4a(e)rH B*muni&tiiH
3eti>in ri(ic (in umeri.
4 .imeni nu $are " &tie $reci", (ar c*muni&tii tu(e2i "unt &i ei #n *a%a a"ta, c2iar (ac "unt
#n afara %e-ii, ca t*i cei (e "tn-a, #n "$ecia% mu,a2e(inii a%4>2a%R care cre( #ntr4un fe% (e
c*mbinaie #ntre re%i-ia i"%amic &i Mar/ &i "unt "$ri,inii (e ru&i. 1a2u%, State%e Inite &i ce%e mai
mu%te -u)erne (in Ve"t &tiu c ei "unt a,utai &i #n(emnai (e ru&i &i t*t a&a +ice &i cea mai mare
$arte a $re"ei iraniene &i $artenerii n*&tri, care "4au u(at #n $anta%*ni (e fric ne&tiin( #n ce $arte "4*
ia, #ncercn( "4% "$ri,ine &i $e 1a2 &i $e 62*meini #n aceea&i m"ur.
4 S (ea Dumne+eu " "e 2*tra"c *(at. 'ranu% e un %*c -r*+a) &i n4am (e -n( " $%ec (e4
aiciC
4 1i ce4i cu +iare%eH
4 3re"a "trin e (e"tu% (e #m$rit. Ine%e +iare americane "unt (e $rere c 1a2u% e ce% care
trebuie #n)in*)it, a%ii c numai 62*meini, t*tu% e $ur re%i-i*" &i c*n(u" (e e% &i (e mu%%a2i. !$*i
"unt cei care #i acu+ $e fe(ainii (e "tn-a "au $e fun(amenta%i&tii e/tremi&ti, ?ria '"%amic. ! f*"t
c2iar un ti$, cre( c era france+, care "4a %e-at (e Na"er !rafat &i (e J73...
Se *$ri. 5a(i*u% "e au+i $entru * "ecun(, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e #na$*i %a $ara+iii %ui.
4 7 (in $ricina $ete%*r "*%areC
4 De4a,un" " faci *ftic, "$u"e Mc')er.
?*"t $i%*t 5!?, ca &i 3eti>in, fu"e"e $rimu% $i%*t care "e a%tura"e S4@, iar acum, ca (irect*r
a% %ucrri%*r (in 'ran, era t*t*(at &i (irect*r e/ecuti) a% ';B 4 'ran ;e%ic*$ter B*m$anK 4 "*cietate
mi/t cu $artici$are e-a% iran*4en-%e+, cu *b%i-at*rii $arteneri iranieni, creia S4@ #i #m$rumuta"e
e%ic*$tere%e, c*m$ania care *binu"e &i #nc2eia"e t*ate c*ntracte%e %*r, (einea banii &i fr (e care
n4ar fi e/i"tat nici un fe% (e afacere #n 'ran.
Se a$%ec $entru a $*tri)i $uin %un-imea (e un(, a$*i "e r+-n(i.
4 J " "e4nt*arc, Duncan, "$u"e @ennK #ncre+t*are. Ba%%a-2an e cam "rit, a&a4iH
7% #i +mbi. 7rau c"t*rii (e trei+eci (e ani.
4 .4ari ru, @en, n4ari ru (e%*cC
4 3entru a"ta $*i " mai bei un <2i">KC
4 Mu%ume"cC Da=, (e (ata a"ta, $une t*tu&i ce)a <2i">K #n a$.
M...$urtt*ru% (e cu)nt a% De$artamentu%ui 7ner-iei a (ec%arat c n*ua "cum$ire cu 14
$r*cente (eci" (e J37B )a c*"ta anu% )iit*r S.I.!. cinci+eci &i unu (e mi%iar(e (e (*%ari $entru
im$*rtu% (e $etr*%. La Qa"2in-t*n, $re&e(inte%e Barter a anunat c, (in $ricina "ituaiei #n c*ntinu
(eteri*rare (in 'ran, un $*rta)i*n cu na)e%e aferente a $rimit *r(in " $*rnea"c (in 32i%i$...M
V*cea crainicu%ui fu #necat (e a%t "taie, a$*i amn(*u "e "tin"er. !&te$tar #n tcere,
f*arte #nc*r(ai. Bei (*i brbai #&i aruncar $ri)iri "curte, #ncercn( "4&i a"cun( "ur$ri+a.
18
@ennK "e (u"e (u$ "tic%a (e <2i">K care "e af%a $e bufet. E*t ac*%*, *cu$n( cea mai mare $arte a
"$aiu%ui, era &i emit*ru% ra(i*, %e-tura %ui Mc')er cu ba+e%e (e e%ic*$tere (in t*t 'ranu% 4 (ac *
#n-(uiau c*n(iii%e atm*"ferice.
!$artamentu% era mare &i c*nf*rtabi%, cu trei (*rmit*are &i (*u camere (e +i. 8n u%time%e
cte)a %uni, (e cn( "e in"taura"e %e-ea maria% &i #nce$u"er )i*%ene%e, 3eti>in "e muta"e ac*%* cu
ei 4 era "in-ur, (i)*ra"e (e un an &i ace"t aran,ament %e fcea tutur*r $%cere.
In )nt u&*r fcu " +n-ne -eamuri%e. @ennK arunc * $ri)ire afar. De %a ca"e%e (e $e"te
(rum r+bteau cte)a %uminie "%abe. 3e "tra( nu era nici un bec. !c*$eri&uri%e ,*a"e a%e uria&u%ui
*ra& "e #ntin(eau ct )e(eai cu *c2ii. 9$a(a "e a&ternu"e $e ca"e &i $e $mnt. Bea mai mare $arte
a ce%*r cinci4&a"e mi%i*ane (e *ameni care triau ac*%* %*cuiau #ntr4* mi+erie cum$%it, (ar +*na
acea"ta, (in n*r(u% Ee2eranu%ui, cea mai bun +*n, un(e %*cuiau cei mai mu%i (intre "trini &i
iranienii #n"trii, era bine #n-ri,it. 7 ru " %*cuie&ti #n cea mai bun +*n, (ac4i $*i #n-(uiH "e
#ntreb. Lumea a"ta4i un %*c f*arte ciu(at, *ricum ai #ncerca " $ri)e&ti. #&i fcu butura f*arte "%ab,
mai mu%t "if*n, &i )eni cu ea #na$*i.
4 J " fie r+b*i ci)i%. 7 im$*"ibi% " mai rmnem aici.
4 J " fie #n re-u%. Barter nu $*ate " #i... Aru"c, %umini%e &i ra(iat*ru% "e "tin"er.
4 8m$uiii, "$u"e @ennK. S%a) D*mnu%ui c a)em ar+t*ru% cu butanC
4 3*ate c #ntreru$erea (e curent * " fie "curt. Mc')er * a,ut " a$rin( %uminri%e (e,a
$re-tite.
Se uit ctre u&. Ln- ea "e af%a * cani"tr (e (*u+eci (e %itri cu $etr*%, c*mbu"tibi%u% %*r
#n ca+ (e ur-en. .u4i $%cea (e%*c i(eea (e4a a)ea $etr*% #n a$artament. E*at %umea a)ea, #n
"$ecia% (e cn( trebuiau " f*%*"ea"c %umnri a$r*a$e #n fiecare "ear. De "$tmni "e "ttea
#ntre cinci &i (*u+eci &i $atru (e *re %a c*+i%e (e %a ben+inrii &i c2iar &i4atunci era mai mu%t ca
"i-ur c "%u,ba&u% iranian te refu+a $entru c erai "trin. De f*arte mu%te *ri i "e fura"e $etr*%u% (in
re+er)*r. 8ncuiet*ri%e nu a,utau %a nimic. 7rau mai n*r*c*&i (ect mu%i a%ii (in $ricin c a)eau
acce" %a re+er)e%e aer*$*rtu%ui, (ar $entru * $er"*an *bi&nuit, mai a%e" un "trin, c*+i%e fceau
)iaa mi+erabi%.
3e $iaa nea-r ben+ina c*"ta $n %a * "ut &ai+eci (e ria%i %itru% 4 (*i (*%ari %itru%, *$t un
-a%*n 4 cn( $uteai " faci r*"t (e ea.
4 !)ei -ri, (e raia (e re+er), "$u"e r+n(.
4 Mac, $*ate c4ar trebui "4a&e+i * %umnare $e ea, a&a, ca4n )remuri%e )ec2i, "$u"e 3eti>in.
4 .u4% tenta, B2ar%ieC Be "$uneai (e BarterH
4 .eca+u% e c (ac "e "$erie Barter &i ba- c2iar &i numai ci)a "*%(ai "au a)i*ane ca "
"$ri,ine * %*)itur mi%itar, * "4arunce t*tu% #n aer. Jr " ur%e t*i ca $i"ica tra" (e c*a( 4 ru&ii ce%
mai tare (intre t*i 4 &i )a trebui " fac ce)a, iar 'ranu% )a (e)eni $rima mutare (in ce% (e4a% Erei%ea
5+b*i M*n(ia%.
Mc')er "$u"e0
4 Lu$tm #n !% Erei%ea 5+b*i M*n(ia%, B2ar%ie, (in =4G. 8% #ntreru$"e un )a% (e $ara+ii,
a$*i "e au+i (in n*u )*cea crainicu%ui0
M...$entru acti)iti (e "$i*na,. Suntem inf*rmai (in 6u<eit (e 1efu% (e Stat Ma,*r a%
?*re%*r !rmate, c 6u<eitu% a $rimit tran"$*rturi (e arme (in $artea Iniunii S*)ietice.M
4 'i"u"eC murmurar amn(*i brbaii.
M8n Aeirut, Na""er !rafat, %i(eru% J73, a (ec%arat c *r-ani+aia %ui )a c*ntinua " "$ri,ine
acti) re)*%uia aKat*%a2u%ui 62*meini. La * c*nferin (e $re" (in Qa"2in-t*n, $re&e(inte%e Barter
a reafirmat "$ri,inu% State%*r Inite $entru -u)ernu% Aa>2tiar &i =$r*ce"u% c*n"titui*na%=. 1i, #n ce%e
(in urm, &tiri c2iar (in 'ran0 aKat*%a2u% 62*meini a ameninat "4% are"te+e $e $rimu% mini"tru
Aa>2tiar (ac nu (emi"i*nea+ &i a c2emat $*$*ru% =" (i"tru- cum$%ita m*nar2ie &i -u)ernu% ei
i%e-a%= &i armata =" "e ri(ice #m$*tri)a *fieri%*r a"er)ii "trintii &i "4&i $r"ea"c uniti%e,
%un( cu ei arme%e=.
8n in"u%e%e Aritanice, nin"*ri (e*"ebit (e abun(ente, furtuni &i inun(aii au (e+*r-ani+at cea
mai mare $are a rii, (ucn( %a #nc2i(erea aer*$*rtu%ui ;eat2r*< &i b%*cn( %a "*% t*ate a$arate%e.
!ici "e "fr&e&te bu%etinu% n*"tru (e &tiri. Irmt*ru% "e )a (ifu+a %a *re%e *$t"$re+ece @ME.
!"cu%tai AAB Q*r%( Ser)ice. 1i acum, (e %a c*re"$*n(entu% n*"tru cu $r*b%eme%e a-ric*%e0 =De"$re
-ini &i $*rci=. #nce$em...M
19
Mc')er "e #ntin"e &i #nc2i"e a$aratu%.
4 Lua4%4ar (racu=C Lumea "e $rbu&e&te &i AAB4u% ne +ice (e $*rci.
@ennK r"e.
4 Be te4ai face fr AAB, fr te%e)i+iune &i fr meciuri%e (e f*tba%H ?urtuni &i inun(aiiC
5i(ic #ntr4* (*ar rece$t*ru% te%ef*nu%ui. 7ra m*rt, ca (e *bicei.
4 S$er c mcar c*$iii "unt bine.
!)eau un fiu &i * fiic, ;ami"2 &i Sara2, amn(*i c"t*rii (e4acum &i %a ca"e%e %*r, &i (*i
ne$*i, cte unu% (e %a fiecare.
4 Micua 6aren rce&te a&a (e ru, iar Sara2, c2iar &i %a (*u+eci &i trei (e ani, are ne)*ie (e
cine)a care "4* #n)ee " "e #mbrace cum trebuie. .4* " crea"c nici*(at c*$i%u% "ta H
4 8m$uit treab " nu $*i " te%ef*ne+i cn( ai ne)*ie, "$u"e 3eti>in.
4 Da. Jricum, e )remea " mncm ce)a. !"t+i $iaa era a$r*a$e -*a%. De trei +i%e %a rn(
e a&a, a"tfe% c am a)ut (e a%e" #ntre * "tr)ec2e fri$tur (e berbec, (in n*u cu *re+, "au ce)a
"$ecia%. !m a%e" ce)a "$ecia% &i am f*%*"it u%time%e (*u c*n"er)e. !)em $%cint cu carne,
c*n*$i( au -ratin, tart (e me%a" &i a$eriti) "ur$ri+.
Lu * %umnare &i intr #n buctrie, #nc2i+n( u&a (u$ ea.
4 M #ntreb (e ce #nt*t(eauna a)em c*n*$i( %a -rtarH
Mc')er $ri)ea ,*cu% (e %umini $r*(u" (e f%acra %umnrii $e u&a buctriei. Dete"t
-r*+)enia a"ta. '4am "$u" (e cinci+eci (e *ri. Aru"c atenia #i fu atra" (e ce)a #n n*a$te. Se
a$r*$ie (e ferea"tr. Jra&u% era %i$"it (e %umini $entru c ener-ia e%ectric era #ntreru$t, (ar ctre
"u(4e"t * "tr%ucire r*&iatic #nce$u"e " %umine+e ceru%.
4 Din n*u Fa%%e2, "$u"e e% "im$%u.
3e *$t "e$tembrie, cu cinci %uni #n urm, +eci (e mii (e *ameni ie&i"er $e "tr+i%e
Ee2eranu%ui ca " $r*te"te+e #m$*tri)a (ec%arrii (e ctre 1a2 a %e-ii maria%e. !)u"e"er %*c acte (e
)an(a%i"m &i (i"tru-ere #n ma", #n "$ecia% #n Fa%%e2, * "uburbie "rac, (en" $*$u%at, un(e fu"e"er
a$rin"e ru-uri &i ri(icate barica(e (in cauciucuri a$rin"e. Bn( "*"i"er f*re%e (e "ecuritate,
mu%imea #nfuriat &i a-itat "tri-a"e MM*arte 1a2u%uiCM &i refu+a"e " "e #m$r&tie. Bi*cniri%e
fu"e"er )i*%ente. @a+e%e %acrim*-ene nu a,uta"er %a nimic. 3u&ti%e, #n", (a. .umru% m*ri%*r
fu"e"e e"timat (e %a n*u+eci &i &a$te 4 numr "u"inut (e ctre *ficia%iti, %a (*u "ute cinci+eci 4
(u$ unii mart*ri, $n %a (*u "au trei mii 4 (u$ cum "u"ineau -ru$ri%e (e *$*+iie. 8n ra+ii%e
care urma"er F*iei Sn-er*a"e fu"e"er are"tai &i #nc2i&i un mare numr (e $*%iticieni (in *$*+iie,
(i+i(eni "au $ur &i "im$%u $er"*ane *"ti%e re-imu%ui. Mai tr+iu, -u)ernu% recun*"cu"e * mie * "ut
&a"e $er"*ane, $rintre care (*i aKat*%a2i, %ucru care #nfuria"e &i mai ru mu%imi%e.
3ri)in( "tr%ucirea, Mc')er "e "imi cu$rin" (e tri"tee. Dac n4ar fi f*"t aKat*%a2u%, +i"e, #n
"$ecia% 62*meini, nu "4ar fi $etrecut nici unu% (intre ace"te %ucruri.
Bu ani #n urm, cn( Mc')er "*"i"e $entru $rima (at #n 'ran, #ntreba"e un $rieten (e %a
!mba"a(a Aritanic ce #n"eamn MaKat*%a2M.
4 7 un cu)nt arab, aKaV!%%a2 "i #n"eamn M*-%in(irea %ui !%%a2M.
4 7 $re*tH
4 .ici(ecumC .u e/i"t $re*i #n re%i-ia i"%amic 4 nume%e re%i-iei %*r, "ta4i a%t cu)nt, care
4#n"eamn M"u$unereM, "u$unere %a V*ina D*mnu%ui.
4 BumH
4 7i bine, "$u"e"e $rietenu% "u r+n(, am "4i e/$%ic, (ar trebuie " ai $uin rb(are. Mai
#nti iranienii nu "unt arabi, ci arieni. Bei mai mu%i (intre ei "unt mu"u%mani &iii, * "ect "e$arat,
acti) &i f*arte a$%ecat "$re mi"tici"m. !rabii "unt (e *bicei "unii c*n"er)at*ri 4 care f*rmea+ cea
mai mare $arte a mi%iar(u%ui (e ma2*me(ani ai %umii 4 iar (e*"ebirea (intre "ecte e #ntruct)a ca
cea (intre $r*te"tanii &i cat*%icii n*&tri &i "4au %u$tat #ntre ei #n cur"u% )remuri%*r %a fe% (e "%batic.
Dar t*i #m$rt&e"c aceea&i cre(in ne"trmutat c e/i"t un "in-ur (umne+eu0 !%%a2 4 cu)ntu%
arab $entru Dumne+eu 4 &i c M*2ame(, un brbat (in Mecca ce a trit #ntre anii 704G32 (u$
B2ri"t*", a f*"t $r*fetu% %ui, iar cu)inte%e B*ranu%ui, r*"tite (e e% &i "cri"e (e a%ii #n (ecur"u% mu%t*r
ani (u$ m*artea %ui, )in (irect (e %a !%%a2 &i c*nin t*ate cun*&tine%e care "unt nece"are unui
in(i)i( "au "*cietii ca " e/i"te. E*ate.
4 !"ta nu4i cu $utinC
20
4 3entru ma2*me(ani e"te, Mac, a+i, mine, #nt*t(eauna. Dar MaKat*%a2M e"te un tit%u
"$ecific numai &iii%*r &i ac*r(at $rin c*n"en" &i recun*a&tere $*$u%ar (e c*munitatea (in ,uru% unei
m*"c2ei 4 un a%t cu)nt arab, care #n"eamn %*c (e #nt%nire, ceea ce &i e"te (e fa$t0 un %*c un(e "e
#nt%ne"c *amenii, " fie %im$e(e, nu * bi"eric 4 (eci un tit%u ac*r(at unui mu%%a2 care $re+int
ace%e caracteri"tici att (e cutate &i a(mirate #ntre &iii0 $ietate, "rcie, #n)tur 4 (ar numai
cri%e "finte. B*ranu% &i Suna 4 i "$irit (e c*n(ucere. 8n m*( (e*"ebit ace"ta (in urm. 8n rn(u%
ma2*me(ani%*r nu "e face (e*"ebire #ntre re%i-ie &i $*%itic, nu "e $*ate c*nce$e a&a ce)a, iar
mu%%a2ii &iii (in 'ran au f*"t (e %a bun #nce$ut "tr,eri fanatici ai B*ranu%ui &i Sunei, %i(eri fanatici
&i, *ri (e cte *ri a f*"t ne)*ie, %u$tt*ri #n re)*%uie.
4 Dac aKat*%a2u% "au mu%%a2u% nu e un fe% (e $re*t, ce eH
4 Mu%%a2 #n"eamn M%i(er, c*n(uct*rM, ce% care c*n(uce ru-ciunea #ntr4* m*"c2ee. Jricine
$*ate fi mu%%a2 (ac e brbat &i ma2*me(an. Jricine. .u e/i"t c%er #n rn(uri%e ma2*me(ani%*r: (e
nici un fe%. .u "t nimeni #ntre Dumne+eu &i tine, a"ta4i una (intre frumu"ei%e ace"tei cre(ine 4 (ar
nu &i $entru &iii. 7i cre( c, (u$ 3r*fet, $mntu% trebuie " fie c*n(u" (e un c*n(uct*r (e
*ri-ine "emi(i)in, infai%ibi%, "fnt 4 imamu%, care e un fe% (e interme(iar #ntre *ameni &i (i)initate.
1i a"ta e"te i(eea (e %a care a $*rnit marea "cin(are (intre "unii &i &iii, iar r+b*aie%e %*r au f*"t %a
fe% (e "n-er*a"e ca a%e $%anta-enei%*r. 3e cn( "uniii cre( #n c*n(ucerea c*%ecti), &iiii acce$t
aut*ritatea unui imam.
4 1i atunci cine #% a%e-e $e ce% care )a fi imami.
4 !"ta a f*"t t*at $r*b%ema. Bn( a murit M*2ame( 4 c )eni )*rba, e% n4a $retin" nici*(at
c, (e&i u%timu% (intre $r*fei, ar fi f*"t a%tce)a (ect un murit*r 4 n4a %"at nici fii &i nici n4a numit
un "ucce"*r, un ca%if. 1iiii cre( c c*n(ucerea trebuie " rmn #n fami%ia 3r*fetu%ui &i, (eci, ca%if
$utea fi (*ar !%i, )ru% &i -inere%e "u, care "e c"t*ri"e cu ?atima, fiica %ui fa)*rit. Dar "uniii *r4
t*(*c&i, urmn( * tra(iie i"t*ric triba% care "e mai a$%ic c2iar &i a"t+i, cre( c un c*n(uct*r
$*ate fi a%e" (*ar (e c*%ecti)itate. S4au (*)e(it mai $uternici, a&a c $rimii trei ca%ifi au f*"t a%e&i,
(*i au f*"t uci&i (e a%i "unii &i a$*i, #n ce%e (in urm, "$re mu%umirea &iii%*r, ca%if a (e)enit !%i 4
&i #n cre(ina %*r fierbinte, $rimu% imam. 7i $retin(eau c era (e *ri-ine "emi(i)in, in"$irat (e
(i)initate, Mac. !%i a re+i"tat cinci ani, a$*i a f*"t uci" 4 &iiii #% c*n"i(er martir. Be% mai #n )r"t
fiu a% %ui a Be% (e4a% (*i%ea fiu, $rea4re"$ectatu% ;u""ein, %a (*u+eci &i cinci (e ani a ri(icat *
armat #m$*tri)a u+ur$at*ru%ui, (ar a f*"t mce%rit 4 (in n*u "e "$une MmartiriuM 4 #m$reun cu t*i
*amenii %ui, inc%u"i) cei (*i fii mai mici ai frate%ui "u, $r*$riu% "u fiu (e cinci ani &i un "u-ar.
!"ta "4a #ntm$%at #n a +ecea +i a Mu2raramu%ui, #n anu% &a"e "ute cinci+eci (u$ B2ri"t*", (u$
numrt*area n*a"tr, &ai+eci &i unu (u$ a %*r &i #nc "e mai "rbt*re&te martiriu% %ui ;u""ein ca
cea mai "fnt +i a %*r.
4 !"ta e"te +iua #n care "e fac $r*ce"iuni &i "e f%a-e%ea+, #&i #nfi- cr%i-e #n tru$ &i "e
c2inuieH
4 Da. 7 * nebunie (in $unctu% n*"tru (e )e(ere. 5e+a 1a2 a inter+i" *biceiu%, (ar &ii"mu% e"te
* re%i-ie $tima& care are ne)*ie (e e/teri*ri+ri a%e "uferinei &i (urerii. !&a c i(eea martiriu%ui
e"te a(nc #nr(cinat #n &iii, iar #n 'ran c2iar )enerat, ca &i re)*%ta #m$*tri)a u+ur$at*ri%*r.
4 !&a(ar "4a $*rnit bt%ia 4 cre(inci*&ii #m$*tri)a 1a2u%ui.
4 J2, (aC &i fanatici "unt (e arabe%e $ri. 3entru &iii mu%%a2u% e"te "in-uru% care $*ate
inter$reta cu)inte%e %ui !%%a2, ceea ce #i ( * $utere uria&. 7% e"te c*n(uct*ru%, t%mcit*ru%,
%e-iuit*ru%, ,u(ect*ru% &i ce% mai mare (intre mu%%a2i "unt aKat*%a2i.
4 'ar 62*meini e"te Mare%e !Kat*%a2, #i +i"e Mc')er, $ri)in( (u" n*a$tea #n"n-erat (e
(ea"u$ra Fa%e2u%ui. 7"te &i, fie c4i $%ace "au nu, t*ate *m*ruri%e, t*ate )r"ri%e (e "n-e &i
"uferina &i nebunia trebuie a&ternute %a $ici*are%e %ui, $e (re$t "au nu.
4 J, iart4m, B2ar%ieC "$u"e, re)enin( %a rea%itate. M (u"e"em (e$arte cu -n(u%. Be4iH
!runc * $ri)ire "$re u&a buctriei. 7ra #nc #nc2i".
4 .u cre+i c ar trebui "4* "c*i $e @ennK (in 'ranH #ntreb cu )*ce c*b*rt 3eti>in. 8nce$e
" "e4m$ut treaba.
4 .u )rea, a (racu%uiC '4am "$u" (e cinci+eci (e *ri, am ru-at4* (e cinci+eci (e *ri, (a= e %a
fe% (e #nc$#nat ca un nen*r*cit (e catr, r"$un"e Mc')er %a fe% (e #ncet. 9mbe&te (*ar &i
"$une0 Mcn( $%eci tu, $%ec &i euM.
21
8&i i"$r)i butura, tra"e (in n*u * *c2ea( "$re u& "i4"i turn #n -rab a%ta. !$*i, cu -%a"
tare0
4 B2ar%ie, )*rbe&te tu cu eaC 3e tine * " te4a"cu%teC
4 3e (racu=C
4 !i (re$tate. !furi"it femeieC !furi"it (e #nc$#nat. E*ate "unt %a fe% (e afuri"ite.
5"er. Du$ * $au+, 3eti>in "$u"e0
4 Be face 1e2ere+a(aH Mc')er "e -n(i un tim$.
4 E*m L*c2art e un brbat n*r*c*".
4 De ce n4a $%ecat cu e% #n c*nce(iu, " "tea #n !n-%ia $n cn( "e %ini&te"c %ucruri%e #n 'ranH
4 .4are nici un m*ti) " $%ece. .4are fami%ie "au $rieteni ac*%*. Vr*ia ca e% "4&i )a( c*$iii,
" fie ac*%* (e Brciun &i t*ate c2e"tii%e a"tea. ! "$u" c mai ru ar tu%bura a$e%e &i i4ar "ta #n (rum
(ac4ar mer-e cu e%. Deir(re L*c2art e #nc #nt*ar" $e (*" (e cn( cu (i)*ru% &i *ricum fami%ia
1e2ere+a(ei e"te aici &i &tii ct (e $uternice "unt %e-turi%e #n fami%ii%e iraniene. .4* " $%ece $n
nu $%eac E*m &i nici atunci nu "unt f*arte "i-ur. 8n ce4% $ri)e&te $e e%, (ac a& #ncerca "4% e/$e(ie+
(e4aici, cre( c &i4ar (a (emi"ia. !r rmne $entru t*t(eauna, ca tineC 9mbi. De ce rmiH
4 7 ce% mai bun $*"t $e care %4am a)ut )re*(at #n )remuri n*rma%e. 3*t " +b*r ct )reau, "
"c2ie+ iarna, " ie" cu barca )ara... Da= " fim "inceri, Mac, B%aire a urt #nt*t(eauna %*curi%e a"tea.
De ani (e +i%e #&i $etrece )remea mai mu%t #n !n-%ia (ect aici, ca " $*at fi a%turi (e Fa"*n &i
Aeatrice, fami%ia ei &i ne$*tu% n*"tru. Mcar (e"$rirea a"ta a f*"t amica%. 3i%*ii (e e%ic*$tere n4ar
trebui " "e4n"*are. Erebuie " umb%e $rea mu%t (e c*%*4c*%*
4 7u "unt n"cut #n e/i% &i4am " m*r ac*%*. .u )reau "a m #nt*rc %a Ba$e E*<n, *ricum
abia mai #mi a(uc aminte (e %*curi%e a%ea, &i nu $*t " #n(ur afuri"ite%e a%ea (e ierni en-%e+e&ti.
'n"2=!%%a2, "$u"e, t*tu% e #n mini%e %ui !%%a2, &i -n(u% #i fcu $%cere.
Ee%ef*nu% "un $e nea&te$tate, fcn(u4i " tre"ar. De %uni (e +i%e %inii%e te%ef*nice
funci*nau a%eat*r, iar #n u%time%e cte)a "$tmni (e%*c, cu ne"fr&ite atin-eri, a$e%uri -re&ite,
t*nuri (e *cu$at "au (efeciuni care "e re$arau ca $rin minune, fr nici un m*ti) a$arent, $entru *
+i "au * *r, ca " re)in mai tr+iu (in n*u #n "tarea aceea, (e $arc, %a fe% (e nea&te$tat, "4ar fi
aruncat a"u$ra %*r * )ra,.
4 3ariu $e cinci %ire c4i )reun cre(it*r, "$u"e 3eti>in, +mbin( ctre @ennK care ie&ea (in
buctrie %a fe% (e u%uit %a au+u% c%*$*e%u%ui.
4 .u ine, B2ar%ie.
Anci%e erau #n -re), #nc2i"e (e (*u %uni, ca r"$un" %a c2emarea %ui 62*meini %a -re)
-enera%, a&a c nimeni, $er"*ane fi+ice, firme "au c2iar -u)ernu%, nu fu"e"e #n "tare " "c*at )reun
ban &i t*t mai mu%i iranieni f*%*"eau bani %ic2i+i &i nu cecuri.
Mc')er ri(ic rece$t*ru%, ne&tiin( %a ce 4 "au %a cine 4 " "e a&te$te.
4 !%*C
4 Sfinte Dumne+eu%e, afuri"enia funci*nea+C "e au+i * )*ce. Duncan, m au+iH
4 Da, (aC Ee au( "%ab. Bine4i ac*%*H
4 Ea%b*t, @e*r-e Ea%b*t, (e %a !mba"a(a Aritanic. 'art4m, btrne, (ar a e/$%*(at b*mba0
62*meini 14a numit $e Me2(i Aa+ar-an $rim4mini"tru &i a cerut (emi"ia %ui Aa>2tiar, a%tfe% e (e
ru. !$r*a$e un mi%i*n (e *ameni "unt $e "tr+i%e Ee2eranu%ui c2iar acum &i %ucruri%e "e
#nrute"c. !m au+it c "4au r"cu%at a)iat*rii (e %a D*"a2 Ea$e2 &i Aa>2tiar a +i" c (ac nu "e
$*t*%e"c * " *r(*ne #ntrarea #n aciune a .emurit*ri%*r...
.emurit*rii erau uniti%e (e &*c a%e @r+ii 'm$eria%e, "$ri,init*ri fanatici ai 1a2u%ui.
4 ... @u)ernu% Ma,e"tii Sa%e, #m$reun cu ce% american, cana(ian &i a%te%e "ftuie"c
$er"*na%u% care nu are funcii e"enia%e #n amba"a( " $r"ea"c (e #n(at ara...
Mc')er #ncerc "4&i a"cun( u%uirea (e $e c2i$ &i *$ti ctre cei%a%i0
4 Ea%b*t, (e %a amba"a(.
4... 'eri, un american (e %a 7/Ee/ JI &i un funci*nar *ficia% (in Mini"teru% 3etr*%u%ui au
f*"t atacai &i uci&i (e *ameni #narmai, nei(entificai, #ntr4* ambu"ca( %n- !2<a+, #n "u(4)e"tu%
rii...
'nima %ui Mc')er tre"ri.
4 V*i #nc mai facei +b*ruri $e4ac*%*, nuH
4 3rin a$r*$iere, %a Aan(ar4e De%am, $e c*a"t, "$u"e Mc')er fr "4&i "c2imbe )*cea.
22
4 Bi ceteni britanici a)ei ac*%*, #n afar (e fami%ii%e %*rH
4 3atru+eci &i cinci, (intr4un $er"*na% *bi&nuit (e &ai+eci &i &a$te. !(ic (*u+eci &i &a"e (e
$i%*i, trei+eci &i &a"e (e mecanici &i cinci #n a(mini"traie 4 cam "trictu% nece"ar $entru n*i.
4 Bine4" cei%a%iH
4 3atru americani, trei -ermani, (*i france+i &i4un fin%an(e+, t*i $i%*i. D*i mecanici
americani. J "4i c*n"i(erm $e t*i bieii n*&tri (re$t en-%e+i, (ac4* fi ne)*ie.
4 1i fami%iiH
4 3atru. E*ate "*ii, nici un c*$i%. !m e)acuat re"tu% cu trei "$tmni #n urm. @ennK e #nc
aici. In american %a 6*<i"" &i (*i iranieni.
4 !i face bine " (uci mine ambe%e "*ii iraniene #n amba"a(e%e "*i%*r %*r, #m$reun cu
certificate%e %*r (e c"t*rie. Sunt #n Ee2eranH
4 .umai una, una e %a Eabri+.
4 !r fi bine " %e faci r*"t (e $a&a$*arte n*i 4 ct (e iute $*i. Du$ %e-i%e iraniene, t*i
cetenii iranieni care "e #nt*rceau #n ar erau *b%i-ai " $re(ea $a&a$*arte%e %a Air*u% (e imi-rri
#n m*mentu% #ntrrii #n ar, un(e "e $"trau $n cn( (*reau " $%ece (in n*u. Ba " $*at ie&i (in
ar trebuiau " "e $re+inte $er"*na% %a bir*u% re"$ecti), cu * cerere $entru )i+ (e ie&ire, %ucru
$entru care a)eau ne)*ie (e un (*cument (e i(entitate )a%abi%, un m*ti) "ati"fct*r $entru a $r"i
ara &i, (ac $%ecau cu a)i*nu%, un bi%et )a%abi%, $%tit (inainte $entru un anume +b*r.
Jbinerea )i+ei (ura, (e *bicei, +i%e "au "$tmni.
4 Mu%ume"c D*mnu%ui c n4a)em $r*b%eme (e4a"tea, "$u"e Mc')er.
4 3utem " mu%umim D*mnu%ui c "untem en-%e+i, c*ntinu Ea%b*t. Din fericire, nu a)em
nici un frecu& cu aKat*%a2u%, Aa>2tiar, "au cu -enera%ii. E*tu&i, *rice "trin $*ate fi %uat #n f*curi,
a&a c #i rec*man(m *ficia% " trimii fami%ii%e afar ct (e iute &i " re(uci $er"*na%u% %a "trictu%
nece"ar, $entru * )reme. De mine, %a aer*$*rt * " fie un a(e)rat ba%amuc: (u$ e"timri%e
n*a"tre, mai "unt #nc cinci mii (e ceteni "trini, cei mai mu%i (intre ei americani, (ar i4am ru-at
$e cei (e %a Ariti"2 !ir<aK" " ne a,ute &i " mrea"c numru% +b*ruri%*r $entru n*i &i $entru
c*nai*na%ii n*&tri. B%enciu% e c t*i c*ntr*%*rii (e +b*r ci)i% "unt #nc #n -re). Aa>2tiar a *r(*nat
" #ntre #n aciune c*ntr*%*rii mi%itari (e +b*r &i ei "unt &i mai f*rma%i&ti, (ac "e $*ate a&a ce)a.
Suntem "i-uri c * " fie ce)a f*arte a"emnt*r e/*(u%ui.
4 J, (*amneC
Bu cte)a "$tmni #n urm, (u$ %uni (e ameninri (in ce #n ce mai #n"$imntt*are %a
a(re"a "trini%*r 4 ce%e mai mu%te #m$*tri)a americani%*r, $entru c 62*meini ataca fr #ncetare
materia%i"mu% american, numin(u4% MMare%e SatanM 4 * -%*at furi*a" "c$a"e (e "ub c*ntr*% #n
*ra&u% in(u"tria% '"fa2an, care cu$rin(ea un en*rm c*m$%e/ "i(erur-ic, * rafinrie $etr*c2imic, un
ar"ena% &i * fabric (e e%ic*$tere &i un(e %ucrau &i %*cuiau * mare $arte (in cei cinci+eci (e mii (e
ceteni americani &i fami%ii%e %*r. @%*ata incen(ia"e bnci 4 B*ranu% inter+ice #m$rumuturi%e cu
(*bn( 4, ma-a+ine (e buturi 4 B*ranu% inter+ice a%c**%u% 4 &i (*u cinemat*-rafe 4 %*curi (e
$*rn*-rafie &i $r*$a-an( )e"tic, #nt*t(eauna inte $re(i%ecte $entru fun(amenta%i&ti, a$*i ataca"e,
in"ta%aii%e in(u"tria%e, #m$r*&ca"e ce%e $atru eta,e a%e "e(iu%ui firmei @rumman !ircraft cu
c*c>tei%uri M*%*t*) &i #% ar"e"er $n #n teme%ii.
!"ta -enera"e un e/*( $reci$itat. Mii (e $er"*ane, #n ma,*ritate membri ai fami%ii%*r
muncit*ri%*r "trini, "e #n(re$ta"er ctre aer*$*rtu% Ee2eran, b%*cn(u41, #n -*ana %*r $entru ce%e
cte)a bi%ete %ibere, tran"f*rmn( aer*$*rtu% &i "%i%e (e a&te$tare #ntr4un fe% (e tabr (e refu-iai,
brbai, femei &i c*$ii (*rmin( ac*%*, temn(u4"e "4&i $iar( rn(u%, a)n( %*c abia #n(ea,un" "
"tea #n $ici*are, a&te$tn( rb(t*ri, (*rmin(, #m$in-n(u4"e, cern(, "cncin(, "tri-n( "au, $ur &i
"im$%u, a&te$tn( "t*ici. .u e/i"tau tabe%e, %i"te (e $ri*riti 4 %a fiecare +b*r "e )n(u"er +eci (e
bi%ete $entru ace%a&i %*c, nu e/i"ta e)i(ena c*m$uteri+at, ci (*ar ci)a funci*nari m*r*cn*&i,
cei mai mu%i *"ti%i &i necun*"cn( en-%e+a, #n curn( aer*$*rtu% (e)eni"e mi+er &i atm*"fera ten4
"i*nat.
8n (i"$erare (e cau+, cte)a c*m$anii #nc2iriar a)i*ane ca "4&i "c*at *amenii (in 'ran.
!)i*ane (e tran"$*rt a%e ?*re%*r !eriene !mericane )enir " ia fami%ii%e mi%itari%*r, #n tim$ ce
t*ate amba"a(e%e #ncercau " a"cun( a(e)rata #ntin(ere a e)acuri%*r, ne(*rin( " #%
nemu%umea"c mai mu%t $e 1a2, a%iatu% %*r "tat*rnic (e (*u+eci (e ani. Mii (e iranieni, t*i
"$ern( " $*at "c$a ct "e mai $utea, #&i a(uceau a$*rtu% %a "$*rirea 2a*"u%ui. Bei %i$"ii (e
23
"cru$u%e &i cei b*-ai reu&eau " treac #n faa. Mu%i *ficia%i "e #mb*-ir, (e)enin( &i mai %ac*mi
&i mai b*-ai. !$*i "*"i ca * %*)itur -re)a c*ntr*%*ri%*r (e trafic, care #nc2i"e c*m$%et aer*$*rtu%.
Eim$ (e (*u +i%e, nici un a)i*n nu ateri+a &i nu (ec*%a. Mu%imi%e "e #n&iruiau $%ecn( &i
)enin(. !$*i unii (intre c*ntr*%*rii (e trafic "e #nt*ar"er %a %ucru, &i t*tu% "e re%u (e %a ca$t0
+)*nuri (e +b*ruri re%uate: fu-a %a aer*$*rt cu c*$ii &i ba-a,e, cu t*t ce "trn"e"er (e ani (e +i%e "au
fr nici un fe% (e ba-a,, $entru un %*c "i-ur care nu e/i"ta (e fa$t: #nt*arcerea #na$*i %a Ee2eran,
"ute (e *ameni a&te$tn( #n faa ta %a c*a( $entru un ta/i, ce%e mai mu%te ta/iuri #n -re): #n ce%e
(in urm re)eneai #na$*i %a 2*te% ca " (e"c*$eri camera ta (e mu%t #nc2iriat a%tuia, t*ate bnci%e
#nc2i"e, a&a c n4a)eai (e tin(e "c*ate bani ca " un-i mini%e )e&nic #ntin"e.
8n ce%e (in urm, cei mai mu%i "trini care )*iau " $%ece, $%eca"er. Bei care rm"e"er ca
" menin afaceri%e #n $ici*are, " (e"er)ea"c e/$%*atri%e (e $etr*%, rafinrii%e, +b*ruri%e
a)i*ane%*r, centra%e%e nuc%eare #n c*n"trucie, " fac " $%utea"c tancuri%e $etr*%iere &i ca "4&i
a$ere -i-antice%e #n)e"tiii, "e "tr(uiau " treac ne*b"er)ai, #n "$ecia% (ac erau americani.
62*meini "$u"e"e0 MDac "trinu% )rea " $%ece, %a"4% " $%ece. Materia%i"mu% american e"te
Mare%e SatanM.
Mc')er a$" mai tare te%ef*nu% (e urec2e, cci au(iia "e #nruti"e * c%i$ &i e% "e temu"e
c %e-tura "4ar fi $utut #ntreru$e.
4 Da, @e*r-e, ce "$uneaiH Ea%b*t c*ntinu0
4 S$uneam, Duncan, c "untem a$r*a$e "i-uri c $n= %a urm t*tu% * " ia" bine. .u e/i"t
nimic #n %umea a"ta care " $*at face buba a"ta " $%e"nea"c (e t*t. J "ur" ne*ficia% "$une c
e/i"t (e,a * #ne%e-ere ca 1a2u% " ab(ice #n fa)*area fiu%ui "u, 5e+a 4 un c*m$r*mi" $e care #%
"$ri,in &i @u)ernu% Ma,e"tii Sa%e. Eran+iia ctre un -u)ern c*n"titui*na% ar $utea fi $uin
*"ci%ant, (ar n4ai (e ce "4i faci -ri,i. 'art4m, trebuie "4* &ter-. D4mi (e &tire ce4ai 2*trtC
Ee%ef*nu% muri.
Mc')er #n,ur, tra"e (e fire fr nici un "en", a$*i %e $*)e"ti ce%*r%a%i ce%e i"t*ri"ite (e
Ea%b*t. @ennK +mbi (u%ce0
4 .u te uita %a mine, r"$un"u% e MnuM. Sunt (e ac...
4 Dar, @en, Ea%...
4 Sunt (e ac*r( c cei%a%i ar trebui " $%ece, (ar acea"ta rmne. Ma"a e a$r*a$e -ata.
Se #nt*ar"e #n buctrie &i #nc2i"e u&a, #ntreru$n( *rice a%te (i"cuii.
4 S fiu a% naibii, afuri"ita * " $%eceC "$u"e Mc')er.
4 3e %eafa mea $e un an c n4* "4* fac #naintea taC Eu (e ce nu $%eci, $entru Dumne+euH J
" m4n-ri,e"c eu (e t*tu%.
4 .u, mu%ume"c, (a= nu. Mc')er +mbi #n "emi#ntuneric. De fa$t, e ca &i cum am fi #na$*i #n
tim$u% r+b*iu%ui, nu4i a&aH 8n tim$u% afuri"itu%ui (e camuf%a,, n4ai (e ce "4i faci -ri,i. Erebuie
(*ar " te *bi&nuie&ti cu a"ta, " ai -ri, (e tru$ &i " te "u$ui *r(ine%*r.
3ri)i un tim$ %a 3eti>in, #ncercn( "4&i #nc2i$uie ba+a (e %a Aan(ar4e De%am.
4 8% cun*&ti $e Stan"*n, americanu% care a f*"t uci"H
4 Da. Ei$u% *bi&nuit (e in(i)i(. In (irect*r %*ca% a% 7/Ee/. L4am #nt%nit *(at. Imb%a
)*rba c %ucra $entru B'!, (a= cre( c erau (*ar +)*nuri.
Mc')er "e #ncrunt %a $a2ar. Ea%b*t a)ea (re$tate #n $ri)ina unui %ucru.
4 Suntem a% (racu%ui (e n*r*c*&i c "untem en-%e+i. 7 ru $entru Kan>ei. .u4i cin"tit.
4 Da. Dar tu i4ai ac*$erit $e ai n*&tri ct (e bine ai $utut.
4 S$er.
Bn( 1a2u% $%eca"e &i )i*%ena %ua"e am$%*are $e"te t*t #n ,ur, Mc')er e%ibera"e cri (e
i(entitate britanice tutur*r americani%*r.
4 !r trebui " in, (*ar (ac @r+i%e Ver+i, $*%iia "au S!V!6 nu %e c*m$ar cu %icene%e.
Du$ %e-ea iranian, t*i "trinii erau *b%i-ai " aib * )i+ )a%abi%, care trebuia anu%at
#nainte (e a $utea $r"i ara, * carte (e i(entitate care " "$ecifice c*r$*raia $entru care %ucrau &i,
t*i $i%*ii, * %icen anua%, iranian, (e +b*r. Ba * m"ur "u$%imentar (e $re)e(ere, Mc')er
*binu"e cri (e i(entitate e%iberate &i "emnate (e &efu% $arteneri%*r iranieni #n Ee2eran, -enera%u%
Va%i>. 3n atunci nu fu"e"er $r*b%eme. Mc')er %e "$u"e"e americani%*r0
4 !r fi bine " %e $urtai %a )*i, ca " %e $utei arta (ac e ne)*ie.
1i ((u"e *r(in #ntre-u%ui $er"*na% " $*arte f*t*-rafia %ui 62*meini &i a 1a2u%ui.
24
3eti>in #ncerca " c2eme Aan(ar4e De%am cu ra(i*te%ef*nu%, (ar fr "ucce".
4 J "4ncercm mai tr+iu, "$u"e Mc')er. E*ate ba+e%e * " a"cu%te %a 8,30. !"ta ne ( ce)a
tim$ " 2*trm ce a)em (e fcut.
4 B2ri"t*a"eC J " fie afuri"it (e -reuC Be cre+iH Statu"4Ru*, cu e/ce$ia fami%ii%*rH
?*arte #n-ri,*rat, 3eti>in "e ri(ic &i %u * %uminare, #ncercn( " (e"%u&ea"c 2arta $rin" $e
$erete. 3e ea era marcat "ituaia tutur*r ba+e%*r %*r0 ec2i$a,e%e, $er"*na%u% (e "*% &i a$arate%e. 7rau
#m$r&tiate $rin t*t 'ranu%, (e %a ba+e%e armatei &i a)iaiei (in Ee2eran &i '"fa2an, %a ba+e%e (e
(e"er)ire a%e "*n(e%*r (e #na%t a%titu(ine (in 9a-r*", * e/$%*atare f*re"tier #n Eabri+, ctre n*r(4
)e"t, * ec2i$ (e cercetare a minereuri%*r uranifere #n a$r*$ierea -raniei af-ane, #ntreinerea unei
c*n(ucte (e $etr*% %n- marea Ba"$ic, $atru +*ne (e e/tracie #n "au %n- @*%f &i u%tima, (e$arte
#n "u(4e"t, %a Len-e2, "$re "trmt*area ;*rmu+. Dintre ace"tea, numai cinci mai erau acum
*$erai*na%e0 Len-e2, 6*<i"", Aan(ar4e De%am, 9a-r*" &i Eabri+.
4 !)em cinci"$re+ece 212, inc%u+n( (*u ne*$erai*na%e, af%ate #n )erificri%e (e (*u mii
(e *re, &a"e 202 &i trei !%*uette, care "e $re"u$une c funci*nea+ acum. 1i t*ate "unt #nc2iriate $e
c*ntracte %e-a%e, nici unu% (intre e%e n4a f*"t re+i%iat, (ar nici unu% (intre e%e n4a f*"t ac2itat, "$u"e
Mc')er ner)*". .4a)em cum " %e "trn-em $e t*ate %a 6*<i"", nu $utem nici " %e retra-em %e-a%,
fr a$r*barea beneficiaru%ui "au a (ra-i%*r n*&tri $arteneri. D*ar (ac am $utea (ec%ara f*rce
ma,eure.
4 !&a ce)a #nc nu "e $*ate. Erebuie " fie "tatu"4Ru* ct (e mu%t $utem.
Ea%b*t $rea #ncre+t*r. Statu"4Ru*C
4 !& )rea " fie a&a, B2ar%ieC Dumne+eu%e, anu% trecut $e )remea a"ta a)eam a$r*a$e
$atru+eci (e 212 %a %ucru, fr a mai "*c*ti re"tu%.
Mc')er #i mai turn <2i">K.
4 !r fi bine "4* iei #nceti&*rC "$u"e #n &*a$t 3eti>in. @ennK * " "ar iar cu -ura $e tine. 1tii
c i4a cre"cut ten"iunea &i nu trebuie " beiC
4 !"ta4i cu "c*$ me(icina%, $entru Dumne+euC
J %umnare $%$i &i "e "tin"e. Mc')er "e ri(ic, a$rin"e a%ta &i "e #nt*ar"e %a %*cu% %ui ca "
$ri)ea"c iar&i 2arta.
4 Bre( c ar fi bine "4i a(ucem #na$*i $e !+a(e2 &i $e ?in%an(e+u% 9burt*r. !$aratu% %ui
are * mie (e *re (e +b*r, a a c am $utea " ne %i$"im (e e% $entru cte)a +i%e.
7ra )*rba (e c$itanu% 7ri>>i N*>>*nen &i "*ia %ui iranian, !+a(e2, iar ba+a %*r "e af%a
%n- Eabri+, #n e"tu% $r*)inciei !+erbai(,an, (e$arte, #n n*r(4)e"tu% rii, %n- -rania "*)ietic.
4 De ce " nu %um un 20G "4i a(ucem aiciH !"ta %4ar "cuti (e cinci "ute cinci+eci (e
>i%*metri (e c*n(u" $e (rumuri $r*a"te &i *ricum trebuie "4i (ucem &i ni&te $ie"e (e "c2imb.
3eti>in "e %umina"e.
4 Mu%ume"c, mi4ar $rin(e bine * ie&ire. !m " c*m$%ete+ un $%an (e +b*r, $rin ra(i*, %a
n*a$te, * " $%ec #n +*ri, rea%imente+ %a Aan(a,e 3a2%a)i &i4* " cum$r &i ni&te ca)iarC
4 Vi"t*ru%eC Dar %ui @en n4* "4i $%ac. Eu &tii ce cre( eu (e"$re c2e"tia a"ta. Mc')er "e
#nt*ar"e cu "$ate%e %a 2art. Suntem f*arte e/$u&i, B2ar%ie, (ac %ucruri%e "e #ncurc.
4 Bum ne4* fi "cri"C
Mc')er ((u (in ca$. !b"ent, $ri)irea %ui c+u $e te%ef*n. 8% ri(ic. !u+i t*nu%. 8nfierbntat,
#nce$u " f*rme+e0 00 4 internai*na%u%, 44 4 Marea Aritanie, 224 4!ber(een, Sc*ia, 7G8080.
!&te$t, a&te$t, a$*i c2i$u% %ui "e %umin.
4 B2ri"t*a"eC !m %e-turaC
4 S4@ ;e%ic*$ter", rmnei %a te%ef*n ) r*-, "$u"e centra%i"ta #nainte ca e% "4* $*at
#ntreru$e, &i4% %" #n aer.
!&te$t ener)at. 4S4@ ;e%ic*...
4 Sunt Mc')er, (in Ee2eran. D4mi4% $e Atrn, te r*-C
4 7 %a a%t te%ef*n, (*mnu%e Mc')er, "u"$in fata. J " )4* (au $e "ecretara %ui.
4 ;e%%*, Mac, "$u"e a$r*a$e $e (at Li+ B2en. Stai a&a * c%i$, am " i4* (au $e #n%imea
Sa. 7 #n re-u% %a )*iH 8ncercm " (m (e )*i (e +i%e #ntre-i. Stai a&aC
4 74n re-u% , Li+.
In m*ment, a$*i "e au+i -%a"u% bucur*" a% %ui @a)a%%an.
2
4 MacH B2ri"t*a"e, cum (e4ai nimeritH 7 minunat " te4au(C !m un ti$ care f*rmea+
#ntruna +ece *re $e +i numere%e ta%e 4 (e %a bir*u, (e %a a$artament... Be face @ennKH Bum ai reu&it
" "uniH
4 .*neu%, !n(K. Sunt aca". !r fi bine " fim "curi, #n ca+ c "e4ntreru$e iar.
8i i"t*ri"i ce%e "$u"e (e Ea%b*t. Erebuia " fie f*arte $ru(ent, $entru c umb%a +)*nu% c
S!V!6, $*%iia "ecret iranian, a"cu%t (e"e*ri c*n)*rbiri%e te%ef*nice, #n "$ecia% a%e "trini%*r.
8n u%timii (*i ani #ntra"e #n rutin $entru membrii c*m$aniei " $re"u$un c cine)a %e
a"cu%t c*n)*rbiri%e 4 S!V!6, B'!, M', 6@A, *ricine.
Irm un m*ment (e tcere.
4 Mai #nti a"cu%t4i $e cei (e %a amba"a( &i "c*ate afar t*i membrii fami%ii%*r. 3re)ine
!mba"a(a ?in%an(e+ $entru $a&a$*rtu% %ui !+a(e2. S$une4i %ui E*m L*c2art "4* e/$e(ie+e $e
1e2ere+a(a 4 %4am $u" acum (*u "$tmni " cear un $ermi", #n ca+ c "e4ntm$% ce)a. !re
ni&te "cri"*ri $entru tine, c )eni )*rba.
Lui Mc')er #i btu inima mai re$e(e.
4 Aun. J " a,un- aici mine.
4 !m " iau %e-tura cu A! " )( (ac $*t "4i a"i-ur un %*c. 3entru *rice e)entua%itate * "
trimit &i react*ru% c*m$aniei. 7 $%anificat " +b*are mine %a Ee2eran. Daca ai )re* $r*b%em cu
A!, trimite t*ate fami%ii%e &i ce mai e cu e%, #nce$n( (e mine. Ee2eran e #nc (e"c2i", nuH
4 !+i era, "$u"e $ru(ent Mc')er.
8% au+i $e @a)a%%an "$unn( %a fe% (e #nc*r(at0
4 !ut*riti%e, "%a) (*mnu%ui, au t*tu% "ub c*ntr*%.
4 Da.
4 Mac, ce #mi rec*man+i #n $ri)ina $er"*na%u%ui iranianH
Mc')er tra"e a(nc aer #n $ie$t.
4 Statu"4Ru*C
4 Aun. 3e4aici, $n %a ce%e mai #na%te ni)e%e, "unt in(icaii c #n curn( %ucruri%e *r "
reintre #n n*rma%. 7 *n*area n*a"tr #n ,*c, &i )iit*ru%C !"cu%t, Mac, +)*nu% (e"$re @uerneK "4a
a(e)erit.
Mc')er +mbi abia $erce$tibi%.
4 7&ti "i-urH
4 Da. Bu cte)a minute #n urm mi4a "*"it un te%e/ (e %a 'ran Ji%, c*nfirmn( c * " $rimim
t*ate c*ntracte%e @uerneK (e %a 62ar-, 6*<i"", 9a-r*" &i Len-e2, $entru #nce$ut, #n a$aren,
*r(inu% a )enit f*arte (e "u" &i a trebuit " c*ntribui cu un $e&c2e& -ener*" %a f*n(u% un-t*ri%*r.
Du$ "tr)ec2iu% *bicei iranian, $e&c2e&u% "e ((ea #nainte $entru * fa)*are care ar fi $utut
fi ac*r(at. !ce%a&i "tr)ec2i *bicei "ti$u%a c *rice *ficia%itate a)ea (re$tu% " $"tre+e $e&c2e&u%
ce i "e ((u"e #n tim$ ce4&i e/ercita funcia. Din ce a%tce)a ar fi $utut triH
4 Da= %a" a"taC J " ne cua(ru$%m $r*fituri%e #n 'ran, bieteC
4 !"ta4i minunat, !n(KC
4 1i a"ta nu4i t*t, Mac. !m c*man(at #nc (*u+eci (e 212 &i a"t+i am c*nfirmat c*man(a
$entru &a"e O G3.
4 7 * -r*+)ieC B2ri"t*a"e, !n(K, a"ta4i fanta"ticC Da= nu "ari $e"te ca%H
4 'ranu% ar $utea " treac $rin... 2m, (ificu%ti tem$*rare, (ar re"tu% %umii n4are "*mn t*t
cutn( a%te "ur"e (e $etr*%. Nan>eii "unt u+i #n c2i%*i, biea&C V*cea #&i "c2imb t*nu%. !m
a$r*bat &i * a%t #ne%e-ere cu 7/Ee/, $entru ni&te c*ntracte #n .i-eria, !rabia Sau(it "i A*rne*,
a%tu% cu !%%4@u%f Ji% #n 7mirate. 8n Marea .*r(u%ui nu "untem (ect n*i, @uerneK &i 'm$eria%
;e%ic*$ter".
'm$eria% ;e%ic*$ter" era un "ub"i(iar a% %ui 'm$eria% !ir, cea (e4a (*ua %inie aerian "emi
-u)ernamenta% ce c*ncura Ariti"2 !ir<aK".
4 7 e"enia% " $"trm %ucruri%e "tabi%e #n 'ran: c*ntracte%e, e%ic*$tere%e, $ie"e%e (e "c2imb
$entru n*i%e a$arate. 3entru Dumne+eu, ine4i "trn" $e $arteneriiS n*&tri (ra-iC Be mai fac "cum$ii
n*&triH
4 Ba (e *bicei.
@a)a%%an &tia c a"ta #n"eamn M"unt %a fe% (e #m$uiiM.
4 M4am #nt%nit (e curn( %a L*n(ra cu -enera%u% Fa)a(e2.
2G
Fa)a(e2 $%eca"e (in 'ran, cu t*at fami%ia, cu un an #n urm, c2iar #nainte (e a #nce$e
tu%burri%e. 8n u%time%e trei %uni, (*i (intre cei%a%i $arteneri iranieni &i fami%ii%e %*r "e af%au #ntr4*
)i+it %a L*n(ra M$entru m*ti)e (e "ntateM. !%i $atru erau #n !merica 4 (e a"emenea, cu fami%ii%e.
Erei rm"e"er #n Ee2eran.
4 7 tare b-re, (ar c*"ti"it*r. Be "e au(e cu 62ar-H 3utem " ne #nt*arcem ac*%*H
'n"u%a 62ar- era un ne"$u" (e im$*rtant &i en*rm termina% (e $etr*%, af%at #n %ar-u% @*%fu%ui,
$rin care 'ranu% e/$*rta cea mai mare $arte a $etr*%u%ui "u 4 anu% trecut, cam %a aceea&i )reme,
a$r*a$e &a"e mi%i*ane (e bari%i $e +i, cantitate ce "e re(u"e"e acum %a abia &a"e "ute (e mii (e bari%i
$e +i. 62ar- fu"e"e * "ur" uria& (e )enit $entru S4@, (ar, cu trei "$tmni #n urm, ec2i$a,e%*r &i
a$arate%*r (e "ub c*man(a c$itanu%ui 5u(i-er Lut+ i "e *r(*na"e (e ctre c*man(amentu% mi%itar
" $r"ea"c in"u%a &i " "e4n(re$te ctre $*rtu% a$r*$iat (e $e c*a"t, Aan(ar4e De%am.
4 !)em )re* &an" " ne4nt*arcemH
4 .u #nc, (ar )*m $utea c*ntinua " acti)m $e t*ate "*n(e%e marine (e %a Aan(ar4e De%am
4 cn( )a #nceta -re)a.
Mc')er ar fi (*rit " a(au-e0 !n(K, %4am )+ut $e 5u(i-er &i mi4a +i" #ntre $atru *c2i c e
bucur*" c4a &ter"4* (e $e in"u%, c era ca * b*mb cu cea" -ata4-ata " e/$%*(e+e, att (e "im$%u
era " fie "ab*tat. 8n %*c (e a"ta, "$u"e m*r*cn*"0
4 J "4i trimit un ra$*rt cu membrii fami%ii%*r. !ut*riti%e au t*tu% "ub c*ntr*%.
4 DaC Be face tnru% Sc*tH
4 Se (e"curc bine. J "a fie *$erai*na% cu un 212 #n cte)a +i%e.
Mc')er +mbi. ?u"e"e $rimu% in"truct*r a% %ui Sc*t.
4 AunC S4ar $utea "4% a(uc aici "4% $re-te"c $entru O G3.
4 .u, mai (a4i tim$, !n(K. 7 bun, (ar #i trebuie tim$C La"4% " +b*are $e 212 un an.
4 Bum +ici tu. Bum "tau %ucruri%e %a Len-e2H
7ra ba+a %*r ce% mai (in "u(4e"t, care ac*$erea #ntrea-a "trmt*are ;*rmu+.
4 AineC Scra--er ra$*rtea+ c "4au in"ta%at "*n(e n*i (e ti$ Siri, c re+er)*are%e %*r "unt
$%ine *c2i &i c (u$ u%time%e ra$*arte -re)e%e nu i4au afectat (e%*c. Anuim c (in $ricin c
"*n(e%e "unt fcute (e france+i care %4au a($*"tit $e 62*meini cn( a f*"t e/i%at (in 'ran, acum
cte)a %uni.
4 Aun, * " tran"mit &i a"ta. Bn( #% )e+i $e $ct*"u% %a btrn (e Scra-, tran"mite4i t*ate
ce%e (in $artea meaC
4 !n(K, nu cre+i c4ar fi )remea " )*rbe&ti cu e% (e $en"ieH
4 Bum "t cu "ntateaH
4 3erfectC Dar...
4 ?ace c*ntr*a%e %a fiecare trei %uni, ct (e amnunite &i "eri*a"e $utem n*iH
4 Da, (ar...
4 !tunci +b*ar $n4*r " ia" ne-ati)e.
4 Da, (ar are &ai+eci &i trei (e ani &i e )rem...
4 Bt tim$ e %e-a%, rmne c$itan 4 a&a i4am $r*mi".
4 74n re-u%, (a= cum * $utea cur)aru% "ta btrn, ar-*", %ibi(in*" &i ne"u$u" " rmn
$erfect "nt*", " fiu a% (racu%ui (ac4ne%e-C Fur c t*t mai cre( c tri&ea+ cum)a, (ar nu )( cum
ar $utea " tra- "f*ri%e #n $ri)ina e/amenu%ui me(ica%. .4are cumC Bre(e4m c am +burat cu e% &i
n4am -"it nici un m*ti) ca " nu4% (ec%ar a$t.
Mc')er %" $r*b%ema (e*$arte, #n fa)*area a%t*ra mai im$*rtante.
4 !n(K, trebuie " fac r*"t (e ni&te bani. Aani -2ea. Di4am $u" %a $*&tC
Mc')er au+i r"u% +-*m*t*" &i "imi c%(ura %ui.
4 3e m4ta, B2ine+*iu%eC "$u"e.
MB2ine+*iu%M era $*rec%a %ui $entru @a)a%%an care #nainte (e a )eni %a !ber(een, #&i
$etrecu"e cea mai mare $arte a )ieii ca ne-u"t*r #n B2ina, mai #nti %a S2an-2ai, a$*i cu Struanii,
#n ;*n- 6*n-, un(e "e4nt%ni"er $entru $rima (at. 3e )remea aceea Mc')er a)ea #n c*%*nie un
mic "er)iciu (e e%ic*$tere care "e +btea " ia" (in -reuti.
4 3entru Dumne+eu, "untem #n urm cu $%i%e $er"*na%u%ui (e "*%, "unt (e ac2itat t*ate
c2e%tuie%i%e $i%*i%*r, a$r*a$e t*tu% trebuie " fie cum$rat %a...
Se *$ri %a tim$, #n ca+ c cine)a a"cu%ta. 7ra ct $e ce " "$un Mne-ruM.
27
4 ...!furi"ite%e (e bnci "unt #nc #nc2i"e &i $uin mruni& $e care4% a)em #% $"trm $entru...
?*%*"i"e e/$re"ia cant*ne+ #n"emnn( %iterar Mu%ei $arfumatM 4 bani f*%*"ii $entru a
Mun-eM. Fa)a(e2 i4a $r*mi" %a Ee2eran, -enera%u%ui Va%i>, c mine * "4i (ea * ,umtate (e mi%i*n
(e ria%i. !m c*nfirmarea $rin te%e/.
4 Dar a"ta #n"eamn abia &a"e mii (e (*%ari, iar n*i a)em (e ac2itat n*te (e $%at $entru *
"um (e (*u+eci (e *ri mai mareC
4 1tiu a"ta, biete, (ar e% a "$u" c &i Aa>2tiar &i !Kat*%a2u% )*r ca bnci%e " fie (e"c2i"e,
a&a c * " "e (e"c2i( #n cur"u% "$tmnii. De #n(at ce * " "e #ntm$%e a"ta, ,ur c ';B4u% * "
ne $%tea"c t*tu%, t*t ceea ce ne (at*rea+. 8ntre tim$ ai e%iberat "t*cu% !H
7ra c*(u% $e care Mc')er &i @a)a%%an #% f*%*"eau $entru "ume%e (einute (e ';B afara
'ranu%ui, a$r*a$e &a"e mi%i*ane (e (*%ari.
';B rm"e"e #n urm cu $%i%e fa (e S4@ cu a$r*a$e $atru mi%i*ane (e (*%ari.
4 .u. 3retin(e c trebuie " aib ac*r(u% *ficia% a% $arteneri%*r. !&a c t*tu% e4n-2eat.
Mu%ume"c, D*amne, "e -n(i Mc')er. 3entru a face *$eraiuni #n ace"t c*nt era ne)*ie (e
trei "emnturi0 (*u (in $artea $arteneri%*r iranieni &i una (in $artea S4@, a&a c nici una (intre
$ri nu $utea " atin- ace"te "ume fr a$r*barea ce%ei%a%te.
4 7 (e"tu% (e #ncurcat, !n(K, cu $%ata $e care trebuie "4* faci %a n*u% a$arat, cu ce%e (e %a
ec2i$amentu% n*"tru (e aici, e&ti cam $e muc2ie (e cuit, nu4i a&aH
4 E*at )iaa am "tat $e muc2ie (e cuit, MacC Dar )iit*ru% e r*+C
4 Da, #i +i"e Mc')er, $entru afaceri%e cu e%ic*$tere, (ar aici #n 'ranH
Bu un an #n urm, $artenerii iranieni #% f*ra"er $e @a)a%%an " acce$te ca t*ate a$arate%e S4
@ &i $ie"e%e (e "c2imb af%ate #n 'ran " a$arin %e-a% ';B. @a)a%%an acce$ta"e cu c*n(iia ca "
$*at cum$ra t*tu% #na$*i #n c%i$a #n care "e )a $utea, fr ca cei%a%i " $*at refu+a, ca ace&tia "
efectue+e %a tim$ t*ate $%i%e %e-ate (e c2iria ec2i$amentu%ui &i " ac2ite (at*rii%e af%ate #n
#ntr+iere. De cn( #nce$u"e cri+a &i "e #nc2i"e"er bnci%e, ';B rm"e"e #n urm cu $%i%e &i
@a)a%%an efectua"e t*ate c2e%tuie%i%e $entru e%ic*$tere%e (in 'ran (in f*n(uri%e S4@ (in !ber(een,
cci $artenerii $retin"e"er c nu era )ina %*r c bnci%e "e #nc2i"e"er, Fa)a(e2 &i Va%i> "u"inn(
c, (e #n(at ce t*tu% a)ea " reintre #n n*rma%, ei a)eau " $%tea"c t*t, fr #n(*ia%.
4 .u uita, !n(re<, n*i i4am a(u" ce%e mai bune c*ntracte (e ani (e +i%e. .*i %e4am a(u",
n*iC ?r n*i, S4@ nu $*ate " funci*ne+e #n 'ranC De #n(at ce t*tu% intr #n n*rma% ...
@a)a%%an "$unea0
4 ... B*ntracte%e n*a"tre (in 'ran "unt #nc f*arte $r*fitabi%e, nu $utem "4i #n)in*)im $e
$artenerii n*&tri (e a"ta, iar (e cn( cu @uerneK, ne4a $u" Dumne+eu mna4n ca$.
Da, "e -n(i Mc')er, c2iar (ac ne "t*arce (in ce #n ce mai tare &i #n fiecare an $artea
n*a"tr (e)ine (in ce #n ce mai mic, iar a %*r (in ce #n ce mai mare...
7i au c2eia rii "teia, #nt*t(eauna au a)ut4*, &i "e ,ur #ntruna c ce fac ei e "fnt, c4i
aran,at, c a&a e cin"tit. Erebuie " aib e%ic*$tere ca "4i $*at e/$%*ata cm$uri%e $etr*%ifere. E*at
%umea (e4aici "$une c * "4* (ucem ca #n rai 4 mini"tru%, amba"a(*ru%, *amenii n*&tri.
1i (e ce n4ar fi a&aH 1a2u% a fcut t*t ce4a $utut ca "4 i m*(erni+e+e %ucruri%e, )enituri%e
*ameni%*r cre"c, ana%fabeti"mu% "ca(e, #nca"ri%e (e $e $etr*% "unt uria&e &i * " "a%te &i mai mu%t *
(at ce $*rcria a"ta "e termin. ! a +ice mini"tru%, a&a "$un &i *amenii mei (in Qa"2in-t*n, c2iar
&i btrnu% Qi%%ie (e %a 7/Ee/, $entru Dumne+eu, &i e% trebuie " &tie mai bine ca *ricine a%tcine)a.
1an"e%e "unt cinci+eci %a unu c t*tu% re)ine %a n*rma% #n &a"e %uni, c 1a2u% * " ab(ice #n fa)*area
fiu%ui "u, 5e+a, &i a unei m*nar2ii c*n"titui*na%e. 8ntre tim$ eu cre( c ar trebui...
Linia "e4ntreru$"e. Mc')er btu nemu%umit #n furca te%ef*nu%ui. cn( au+i (in n*u un "unet,
nu era (ect "unetu% c*n"tant (e *cu$at. ?uri*", trnti rece$t*ru%. Lumini%e "e a$rin"er bru"c.
4 ?ir4ar " fie, "$u"e @ennK, cu %umnri%e era mu%t mai (r-uC
3eti>in +mbi &i "tin"e %umini%e. 8nc$erea $rea mai $%cut, mai intim, iar ar-intria
"c%i$ea $e ma"a $re-tit.
4 !i (re$tate, @ennK, (in n*u ai (re$tate.
4 Mu%ume"c, B2ar%ieC J " $rime&ti * $*rie #n $%u". Bina4i a$r*a$e -ata. Duncan, $*i "
mai bei un <2i">K, nu a&a tare ca %a $e care %4ai furat. Ee r*- " nu m $ri)e&ti a&a ne)in*)at, (ar
(u$ ce )*rbe"c cu .e#nfricatu% 1ef, c2iar &i eu am ne)*ie (e ni&te #ntrit*are. !i "4mi $*)e"te&ti
%a cin ce4a "$u". 8i %" "in-uri.
28
Mc')er #i i"t*ri"i %ui 3eti>in cam t*t ceea ce af%a"e (e %a @a)a%%an. 3eti>in nu era (intre
(irect*rii S4@ "au ';B &i (eci, (ac c*n"i(era nece"ar, Mc')er $utea " $"tre+e $entru e% * $arte
(intre )e&ti.
!(ncit #n -n(uri, mer"e $n %a ferea"tr, bucur*" c )*rbi"e cu )ec2iu% "u $rieten. !u
trecut mu%i ani, #&i +i"e. 3ai"$re+eceC
8n )ara %ui =G, cn( B*%*nia era inun(at (e re)*%uia %ui Ma* E+e Dun, a%e crui @r+i 5*&i
r"c*%i"er t*at B2ina, "f&iin(4*, &i acum #ncercau " "e re)er"e $e "tr+i%e ;*n- 6*n-4u%ui &i
6*<%**n4u%ui, "*"i"e "cri"*area %ui @a)a%%an. 3e )remea aceea afacerea cu e%ic*$tere era a %ui.
Mc')er era #n $ra-u% (e+a"tru%ui. 5m"e"e #n urm cu c2iria e%ic*$teru%ui "u, iar @ennK
#ncerca " "e (e"curce cu (*i c*$ii #n $ra-u% a(*%e"cenei #ntr4un a$artament #n-2e"uit &i +-*m*t*"
(in 6*<%**n, un(e tu%burri%e erau ce%e mai re%e.
4 Dumne+eu%e, @enC Iita4te %a a"taC
8n "cri"*are "e "$unea0 MDra- (4%e Mc')er, "4ar $utea "4i a(uci aminte c ne4am #nt%nit *
(at "au (e (*u *ri %a cur"e, acum ci)a ani. !m c&ti-at * a)ere $e un arm"ar numit
MB2ine+*iu%M. Eai$anu%, 'an Dunr*"", mi4a "u-erat "4i "criu, cci am mare &i ur-ent ne)*ie (e
"fatu% (*mniei ta%e. 1tiu c %4ai #n)at " c*n(uc e%ic*$teru% &i te rec*man( cu f*arte mu%t
c%(ur. 3etr*%u% (in Marea .*r(u%ui a (e)enit rea%itate. !m * te*rie c "in-ura ca%e (e a a$r*)i+i*4
na "*n(e%e $e *rice )reme e"te cu e%ic*$teru%. 8n $re+ent, a"ta nu e cu $utin, cre( c (in $ricina a
ceea ce nume&ti (*mnia ta '?5. !m $utea face a"ta cu $utin. 7u #i $*t *feri tim$u%, (umneata,
$rice$ereaC J mie (e %ire $e %un, un c*ntract $e trei ani ca " *bii un re+u%tat $*+iti) "au ne-ati), *
b*nificaie #n ca+ (e "ucce", c2e%tuie%i (e tran"$*rt $entru (umneata &i fami%ie $n %a !ber(een &i *
cutie (e <2i">K L*c2 VaK (e Brciun. Ee r*-, te%ef*nea+4mi ct (e curn( cu $utinCM
?r un cu)nt, @ennK #i ((u"e #na$*i "cri"*area &i ie&i"e (in camer, #n)%uit (e
+-*m*tu%, c*ntinuu a% mare%ui *ra&0 traficu%, c%a/*ane%e, )n+t*rii ambu%ani, )a"e%e, a)i*ane%e,
mu+ica c2ine+ea"c (i"c*r(ant, ur%n( $rin fere"tre%e care +(rn-neau #n )nt.
4 In(e (racii= te (uciH
4 S #m$ac2ete+C
7a i+bucni"e #n r", a%er-a"e #na$*i "i i "e atrna"e (e -t.
4 7 un (ar cere"c, Duncan. 'ute, te%ef*nea+4iC Ee%ef*nea+4i c2iar acumC
4 Dar !ber(eenC '?5 $e *rice )remeC Dumne+eu%e, Ken, nu "4a mai fcut )re*(atC .u e/i"t
nici un fe% (e in"truciuni. .ici nu &tiu (ac e cu $utinC
4 3entru tine e"te, biete, nu m4n(*ie"cC !cum un(e naiba *r fi $%ecat ;ami"2 &i Sara2H
4 !+i e "mbt, "4au (u" %a fi%m.
J crmi( trecu"e $rintr4una (intre fere"tre "$r-n(4*, &i tumu%tu% #ncierri%*r (in "tra(
#nce$u"eC !$artamentu% %*r "e -"ea %a eta,u% (*i &i "e (e"c2i(ea "$re * "tra( #n-u"t #n f*arte
$*$u%atu% cartier M*n- 6*>, (in 6*<%**n. Mc')er * tr"e"e $e @ennK %a a($*"t a$*i $ri)i"e cu
-ri, afar. F*", #n "tra(, cinci $n %a +ece mii (e c2ine+i, t*i "tri-n(0 MMa*, Ma*, 6<ai L*2,
6<ai L*2M, *bi&nuitu% %*r "tri-t (e a"a%t, "e re)r"au ctre $*"tu% (e $*%iie af%at %a * "ut (e metri
mai (e$arte, un(e un mic (eta&ament (e $*%ii&ti c2ine+i #n unif*rm &i trei *fieri britanici a&te$tau
tcui #n "$ate%e unei barica(e.
4 Dumne+eu%e, @en, au armeC &*$ti"e u%uit Mc')er. De *bicei $*%iia a)ea (*ar ba"t*ane. Bu
* +i #n urm, c*n"u%u% e%)eian &i "*ia %ui ar"e"er (e )ii #n ma&ina %*r, cn( -%*ata %e r"turna"e
aut*m*bi%u% &i #i ((u"e f*c. .*a$tea, %a $*"tu% (e ra(i* &i %a te%e)i+iune, -u)ernat*ru% a)erti+a"e c
*r(*na"e $*%iiei " ia *rice m"uri c*n"i(erate nece"are ca " *$rea"c t*ate ace"te tu%burri.
4 F*", @enC La"4te ,*"C
Bu)inte%e #i fur ac*$erite (e (ifu+*are%e $rin care "u$erinten(entu% $*%iiei (in 6*<%**n
*r(*na ce%*r a(unai, #n cant*ne+ &i en-%e+, " "e (i"$er"e+e. @%*ata i nu4i ((u"e atenie &i
ataca"e barica(a. 1i a% (*i%ea *r(in (e a "e *$ri fu"e"e (i"$reuit. !tunci "e (e"c2i"e f*cu%, iar cei
af%ai #n $rime%e rn(uri "e $ier(ur cu firea &i fur c%cai #n $ici*are (e cei (in "$ate%e %*r, care *
ru$"e"er %a fu-. 8n curn( $e "tra(a $u"tie nu mai rm"e"er (ect * (u+in (e tru$uri +cn( #n
$raf. !ce%a&i %ucru "e #ntm$% #n ;*n- 6*n-. 8n +iua urmt*are, #ntrea-a c*%*nie re(e)eni"e ca%m,
nu mai a)ur %*c %u$te (e "tra(, iar ce%e cte)a -ru$uri (e @r+i 5*&ii care #ncerca"er "
#mb*%(ea"c mu%imea " ia" #n "tra( fur iute #m$r&tiate. 8n cur"u% "$tmnii, Mc')er #&i
29
)n(u"e aciuni%e c*m$aniei "a%e (e e%ic*$tere, +bura"e %a !ber(een #naintea %ui @ennK &i "e
cufun(a"e cu mu%t (ruire #n n*ua "a munc.
?emeii #i trebui"e * %un ca " #m$ac2ete+e, " re+*%)e treburi%e cu a$artamentu% %*r &i "
)n( t*t ceea ce nu a)ea " %e mai trebuia"c. Bn( a,un"e, e% -"i"e (e,a un a$artament i(ea% %n-
2e%i$*rtu% McL*u(, %a care ea renuna"e ime(iat.
4 3entru Dumne+eu, Duncan, e %a un mi%i*n (e mi%e (e cea mai a$r*$iat &c*a%C In
a$artament #n !ber(eenC !cum, c e&ti %a fe% (e b*-at ca Dunr*"", n*i, biete, * " #nc2iriem *
ca"C
9mbi #n "inea %ui -n(in(u4"e %a ace%e +i%e (e #nce$ut. @ennK bucur*a" c e"te #na$*i #n
Sc*ia, cci ei nu4i $%cu"e nici*(at ;*n- 6*n-4u%, )iaa fiin( att (e -rea ac*%*, cu bani $uini &i
c*$iii (e care trebui"e " aib -ri,, iar %ui $%cn(u4i mu%t munca, @a)a%%an fiin( un brbat (e*"ebit
$entru care merita " munce&ti &i a%turi (e care era $%cut "4* faci, (ar urn( Marea .*r(u%ui, fri-u%
&i ume+ea%a &i (ureri%e $e care i %e ((ea aeru% b*-at #n "are. Bei cinci ani btui $e muc2ie $e care4i
$etrecu"er ac*%* merita"er. 5e#nn*i"e &i e/tin"e"e %e-turi%e )ec2i (in %umea #nc mic a $i%*i%*r
(e e%ic*$tere, cei mai mu%i (intre ei f*&ti $i%*i #n 5!?, 5B!?, 5!!? &i IS!? T5*Ka% Bana(ian
!ir ?*rce, 5*Ka% !u"tra%ian !ir ?*rce, Inite( State" !ir ?*rceU &i a%te "er)icii a%e a%iai%*r,
$re-tin(u4"e $entru +iua #n care "4ar fi $utut e/tin(e: #nt*t(eauna e/i"t * b*nificaie -ener*a" (e
Brciun $u" cu -ri, (e4* $arte $entru $en"ie &i4nt*t(eauna cutia (e L*c> VaK0
4 !n(K, a"ta a f*"t c*n(iia care #ntr4a(e)r m4a $rin".
@a)a%%an era #nt*t(eauna ce% care $unea %ucruri%e #n mi&care, tran"f*rmn( #n rea%itate
m*tt*4u% c*m$aniei "a%e0 M?ii #n(r+neCM. Lui @a)a%%an i "e "$unea MA*ieru%M #n Sc*ia r"ritean
(in ace%e +i%e, (e %a !ber(een %a 'nKerne"" &i #n "u( $n %a Dun(ee, cu tentacu%e care atin-eau
L*n(ra, .e< N*r>, ;u"t*n, *riun(e "e #ntre+rea $uterea $etr*%u%ui. Da, btrnu% Mc2ine+*iM e
-r*+a) &i te $*ate ine $e tine &i $e cei mai mu%i %a (e-etu% mic, #&i +i"e Mc')er fr ranc2iun. Iite
cum ai a,un" aici...
4 !"cu%t, MacC #i "$u"e"e !n(re< @a)a%%an #ntr4una (in +i%e, "$re "fr&itu% (eceniu%ui &a"e,
m4am #nt%nit (e curn(, %a * )nt*are, cu unu% (intre -enera%ii "u$eri*ri (in B*man(amentu%
Su$rem 'ranian, -enera%u% Aeni4;a""an. Aun tr-t*r, a %*)it (e (*u+eci (e *ri &i eu (*ar (e
cinci"$re+ece. !m $etrecut mu%t )reme cu e% %a "fr&itu% "$tmnii &i i4am )n(ut ni&te e%ic*$tere
$entru "$ri,inu% infanteriei &i re-imente%*r (e tancuri, #m$reun cu #ntre-u% $r*-ram (e antrenament
$entru infanterie &i a)iaie, &i e%ic*$tere $entru e/$%*atri%e $etr*%iere. Aiete, "untem...
4 Dar nu "untem ec2i$ai " facem nici ,umtate (in a"taC
4 Aeni4;a""an e un ti$ -r*+a), iar 1a2u% e #ntr4a(e)r un m*nar2 cu )e(eri #naintate, cu
$%anuri mari (e m*(erni+are. 1tii ce)a (e 'ranH
4 .u, B2ine+*iu%e, "$u"e"e Mc')er, bnuit*r, recun*"cn( fa%"a e/uberan. De ceH
4 !m %uat bi%ete ,*i $entru Aa2rain, $entru tine &i $entru @ennK. !cum... ia "taiC Mac, ce &tii
(e"$re S2ei> !)iati*riH
4 @ennK e fericit %a !ber(een, nu )rea " "e mute, c*$iii abia termin &c*a%a, n*i abia am
terminat $%ata unei ca"e, nu ne mutm, iar @ennK * " te *m*are.
4 De"i-ur, "$u"e"e "ua) @a)a%%an. S2ei> !)iati*nC
4 7"te * c*m$anie (e e%ic*$tere mic, (ar bun, care (e"er)e&te @*%fu%. !u trei 20G &i cte)a
a)i*ane (e a$r*)i+i*nare, cu ba+a #n Aa2rain. Aine #n-ri,ite &i fac * -r*a+ (e treab $entru !ranc*,
7/Ee/ &i cre( c &i 'ran JI. 3r*$rietar &i (irect*r e"te F*c> ?*r"Kt2, f*"t $ara&uti"t &i $i%*t, care a
$u" c*m$ania $e $ici*are $rin anii =0 cu un )ec2i amic (e4a% meu, Scra- Scra--er, un au"tra%ian.
Scra- e a(e)ratu% $r*$rietar, f*"t #n 5!!?, (ec*rat (e (*u *ri, acum un fanatic a% e%ic*$tere%*r.
Mai #nti "e a&e+a"er #n Sin-a$*re, un(e %4am #nt%nit $rima (at $e Scra-. .*i... ei... ne4am cam
ci*cnit nie%, nu $rea4mi a(uc aminte cine4a #nce$ut4*, (a= cei%a%i "$uneau c a ie&it %a e-a%itate.
!$*i "4a mutat #n @*%f cu un e/ecuti) (e %a 7/Ee/ care "4a #ntm$%at " aib un c*ntract mare care
i4a %an"at aici. De ceH
4 '4am cum$rat. !i "4* $reiei %uni, ca (irect*r e/ecuti). Scra--er &i t*i $i%*ii %ui &i
$er"*na%u% $*t " rmn "au nu, (u$ cum ai " $r*$ui tu, (ar cre( c * " a)em ne)*ie (e
cun*&tine%e %*r. '4am )+ut 4 "unt biei buni. ?*r"Kt2 e mu%umit " "e retra- %a De)*n. Buri*",
Scra--er na +i" nimic c te cun*a&te, (ar (e fa$t n4am $etrecut cu e% (ect cte)a m*mente, iar (e
(i"cutat am (i"cutat cu ?*r"Kt2. De acum #nainte "untem S4@ ;e%%ic*$ter" Lt(. Vinerea urmt*are
30
)reau " a,un-i %a Ee2eran... !"cu%t... $entru Dumne+eu, )ineri in"ta%e+i "e(iu% ac*%*, i4am aran,at
* #nt%nire cu Aeni4;a""an, ca " "emne+i 2rtii%e $entru c*ntractu% cu ?*re%e !eriene. ! +i" c i4ar
face $%cere " te $re+inte *ameni%*r $*tri)iii (e $e"te t*t. J2, (aC !i +ece %a "ut (in t*at
afacerea, +ece %a "ut (in aciuni%e n*u%ui "ub"i(iar iranian, e&ti (irect*r e/ecuti) $entru 'ran 4 ceea
ce inc%u(e &i re"tu% @*%fu%ui, $n una4a%ta...
De"i-ur c Mc')er $%eca"e. .u i4ar fi $utut re+i"ta %ui !n(re< @a)a%%an &i "e bucura"e (e
fiecare c%i$, (ar nu (e"c*$eri"e nici*(at cum * c*n)in"e"e @a)a%%an $e @ennK.
Bn( a,un"e"e aca" #n n*a$tea aceea, ea a)ea <2i">K cu "if*n $re-tit $entru e% &i un
+mbet (u%ce $e c2i$.
4 ;e%%*, (ra-C !i a)ut * +i bunH
4 Da, ce "e4ntm$%H #ntreba"e e% "u"$ici*".
4 Bu tine ce "e #ntm$%H !n(K "$une c "4a i)it * *ca+ie minunat $entru n*i #ntr4un %*c
numit Ee2eran (intr4un %*c numit 3er"ia.
4 'ran #nainte "e c2ema 3er"ia, @en, cu)ntu% m*(ern e"te 'ran. 7u... ei, eu...
4 Be intere"antC cn( $%ecmH
4 7i bine, @en, m4am -n(it " (i"cutm $r*b%ema a"ta &i (ac i4ar $%cea, am aran,a #n a&a
fe% #nct a& $utea %ucra (*u %uni ac*%* i a" a)ea * %un %iber 4 cn( m4a #nt*arce aici.
4 1i ce4ai (e -n( " faci (*u %uni, n*$i%e "i (uminici%eH
4 7u, ei... * " muncim #n (raci &i ac*%*...
4 S2ei> !)iati*nH Eu &i btrnu% Scra--er, bei)nin(u4) &i (e"trb%n(u4) #m$reun %a
e"t (e Sue+H
4 Bine, euH ;ai(e, * " a)em att (e mu%te (e fcut c n4* "...
4 .u, n4ai "4* faci, f%cu%eC ;a, (*u ac*%* &i una aiciC .umai $e"te ca(a)ru% %ui !n(K &i
cn( "$un a"ta #ne%e- ca(a)ruC Mer-em ca * fami%ie, $entru Dumne+eu, "au nu mer-em, $entru
Dumne+eu. !$*i mai (u%ce0 .u e&ti (e ac*r(, inimi*ara meaH
4 !cum, a"cu%t aici, @en...
3e"te * %un * %uau #nc * (at (e %a ca$t, (ar fu"e"e f*arte $%cut &i c2iar cea mai bun
$eri*a( (in )iaa %*r. 8nt%ni"e t*t fe%u% (e *ameni intere"ani, "e )e"e%i"e cu Scra- &i cu cei%a%i, #%
(e"c*$eri"e $e B2ar%ie &i $e L*c2art &i $e Fean4Luc &i $e 7ri>>i, tran"f*rmn( c*m$ania #n cea mai
eficient &i mai "i-ur *$eraie aerian (in 'ran &i @*%f, m*(e%n(4* #n fe%u% #n care numai e% "in-ur
2*tra. B*$i%u% %ui. .umai a% %ui.
S2ei> !)iati*n fu"e"e $rima (intre mu%te%e ac2i+iii &i #n)rte%i $e care %e fcu"e @a)a%%an.
4 De un(e (racu= "c*i t*i banii &tia, !n(KH #ntreba"e *(at.
4 Anci%e, (e un(e a%tun(e)aC Suntem #n cate-*ria (e ri"c tri$%u &i "c*ieni $n4n c%cie.
De"c*$eri"e (*ar mu%t mai tr+iu &i (*ar (in #ntm$%are c S, (e %a S4@ ;e%ic*$ter",
$r*)enea (e %a Struan, care era (e a%tfe% &i "ur"a "ecret a #ntre-ii %*r finanri &i a inf*rmaii%*r
ec*n*mice, iar S4@ era "ub"i(iaru% Ba"ei Struan.
4 Bum ai af%at, Mac, #ntreba"e @a)a%%an m*r*cn*".
4 In )ec2i $rieten (in Si(neK, f*"t $i%*t #n 5!?, care acum "4a b-at #n minerit, mi4a "cri"
c 14a au+it $e Linbar %u(n(u4"e c S4@ e"te $arte a .*bi%ei Ba"e. .u &tiam c Linbar "e *cu$ (e
Struan #n !u"tra%ia.
4 8ncearc. Mac, #ntre n*i fie )*rba, 'an a (*rit ca t*t ame"tecu% Ba"ei Struan " fie inut "ub
tcere. Da)i( )rea " c*ntinue i(eea, a&a c ar $refera " $"tre+i t*ate a"tea $entru tine, "$u"e"e cu
)*ce "c+ut @a)a%%an.
Da)i( era Da)i( MacStruan, tai$anu% (e atunci.
4 De"i-ur, nici mcar %ui @ennK n4am "4i "$un. Dar a"ta e/$%ic mu%te &i m face " m "imt
-r*+a) %a -n(u% c .*bi%a Ba" ne ac*$er. M4am #ntrebat (e"e*ri (e ce4ai $%ecat.
@a)a%%an +mbi"e, (ar nu4i r"$un"e"e.
4 Li+ &tie (e"$re Struan, (e"i-ur, (e B*n"i%iu% intern &i... cam a"ta e"te.
.u "$u"e"e nici*(at nimnui. S4@ #nf%*ri"e &i cre"cu"e, *(at cu afaceri%e cu $etr*%. 1i t*t
a"tfe% &i $r*fituri%e, ca &i )a%*area aciuni%*r "a%e #n c*mbinaia iranian. Bn( "e )a retra-e, $e"te
&a"e "au &a$te ani, )a fi un *m in"truit.
4 .u4i tim$u% " te *$re&tiH "$unea @ennK #n fiecare an. !)em bani mai mu%i (ect
"uficient, DuncanC
31
4 .u4i )*rba (e bani, r"$un(ea #nt*t(eauna.
Mc')er $ri)ea $ier(ut %a -eana r*&ie (e %umin #ntin" ctre "u(4e"t, $e"te Fa%e2, care acum
"e %i"e &i "e e/tin"e"e. 8n mintea %ui era un a(e)rat )rte,. Fa%e2 * " fie b*mba care4* " arunce #n
aer t*t Ee2eranu%, #&i +i"e.
Mai %u * #n-2iitur (e <2i">K. .u4i ne)*ie " mai $ui &i tu -a+ $e"te f*c. Sunt (e"tu%e -ri,i
care te4a$a"C Be (racu= "$unea B2ine+*iu% cn( am f*"t #ntreru$iH Mi4ar fi trimi" )*rb (ac era
ce)a im$*rtant. 3n acum n4a (at -re& nici*(at. @r*a+nic ce4am au+it (e Stan"*n, "ta e a% trei%ea
ci)i%, t*i americani, (*i (e %a 7/Ee/ &i unu% (e %a @uerneK, uci&i (e atacat*ri nei(entificai #n
u%time%e cte)a %uni. M #ntreb (ac4*r " #ncea$ &i cu n*i. 'ranienii #i ur"c $e en-%e+i %a fe% (e mu%t
ca $e Kan>ei. De un(e " mai fac r*"t (e baniH .u $utem " funci*nm cu * ,umtate (e mi%i*n (e
ria%i $e "$tmn. Bum)a trebuie " m ba+e+ $e $arteneri, (ar "unt %a fe% (e &mec2eri ca t* i
cei%a%i i a(e)rai e/$eri #n a4&i "c2imba "t$nu%.
Au u%tima $ictur (in $a2ar. ?r "$ri,inu% $arteneri%*r, am (at (e (racu= c2iar (u$ atia
ani. 7i "unt cei care &tiu cu cine " )*rbea"c, #n $a%ma cui &i ct " $un, $e cine " f%ate+e, $e cine
" r"$%tea"c, ei "unt cei care )*rbe"c far"i, ei au %e-turi%e. 1i t*tu&i, B2ine+*iu% a)ea (re$tate0
*ricine ar c&ti-a, 62*meini, Aa>2tiar "au -enera%ii, au ne)*ie (e e%ic*$tere.
8n buctrie, @ennK "ta " i+bucnea"c #n $%n". B*n"er)a (e 2a--i" $e care * $"tra"e
a"cun" cu atta -ri, * ,umtate (e an &i $e care abia * (e"c2i"e"e Ma)u"e"e un (efect, iar c*ninutu%
ei era "tricat. Lui Duncan #i $%cea att (e mu%t... Jare cum $utea "4i $%ac un a"emenea ame"tec
ne(efinit (e buci (e inim, ficat, $%mni &i carne (e *aie, cea$, "eu, )er(euri, t*tu% #n-2e"uit
#ntr4* trai"t fcut (in "t*macu% "rmanei *i, a$*i fiart cte)a *reH
4 I2C La naiba cu t*ateC
8% $u"e"e $e tnru% Sc*t @a)a%%an, care ,ura"e " $"tre+e taina, " a(uc cutia cn( "e
#nt*r"e"e (in u%timu% "u c*nce(iu, $entru acea"t *ca+ie "$ecia%. 8n +iua aceea era ani)er"area
c"t*riei %*r &i acea"ta era "ur$ri+a ei $entru Duncan.
La (racu=, nu4i )ina %ui Sc*t c afuri"ita (e cutie a f*"t "tricat, "e -n(i nen*r*cit. E*tu&i,
%a naiba, %a naiba, %a naibaC !m -n(it t*at cina a"ta afuri"it (e %uni (e +i%e &i acum "4a (u" $e a$a
"mbetei. Mai #nti nen*r*citu% (e mce%ar m %a" ba%t, (e&i i4am $%tit (e (*u *ri mai mu%t (ect
(e *bicei, #nainte, #n-2ii4%4ar 'a(u% cu 'n"2a=4!%%a2u% %ui cu t*t, &i (u$ a"ta, $entru c afuri"ite%e (e
bnci "unt #nc2i"e &i n4am nici un $ic (e mruni& ca "4% mituie"c $e #m$uitu% (e c*ncurent a%
tic%*"u%ui "ta ca "4mi )n( un $ici*r (e mie% $r*a"$t, nu $u%$a )ec2e (e berbec $e care4a
$r*mi"4*, a$*i bcnia intr bru"c #n -re), a$*i...
?erea"tra micii buctrii era $e ,umtate (e"c2i" &i au+i * a%t rafa% (e mitra%ier, mai
a$r*a$e (e (ata a"ta. !$*i, $urtat (e )nt, )eni (in (e$rtare "unetu% r-u&it a% mu%imii0 !%%a2224u
!>barr... !%%a22224u !>barrrr... re$etat mereu &i mereu. Se cutremur, (e"c*$erin( * curi*a"
ameninare #n e%. 8nainte " #ncea$ tu%burri%e -"ea %ini&tit*are ce%e cinci c2emri +i%nice a%e
mue+inu%ui (in )rfu% m*"c2eii. .u &i acum, nu re)r"n(u4"e (in -t%e,uri%e -%*atei.
Ir"c %*cu% "ta acum, #&i +i"e, ur"c arme%e &i ameninri%e. Mai -"i"e una 4 a (*ua 4 #n
cutia $*&ta%, ca &i cea%a%t $r*"t btut %a ma&in &i c*$iat $e cea mai ieftin 2rtie. M3e 1
(ecembrie i4am (at ie &i fami%iei * %un ca " $r"e&ti ara n*a"tr. 7&ti #nc aici, e&ti acum
(u&manu% n*"tru &i * " ne %u$tm cu )*i fr r-a+M. .4a)ea nici * "emntur. !$r*a$e fiecare
cetean "trin (in 'ran $rimi"e una.
Ir"c arme%e, ur"c fri-u% &i %i$"a (e #nc%+ire &i (e %umin, ur"c t*a%ete%e %*r #m$uite $e
care "tai cu -enunc2ii %a -ur ca un anima%, ur"c t*at )i*%ena a"ta "tu$i( &i (i"tru-eri%e a ce)a ce
a f*"t #ntr4a(e)r f*arte frum*". Ir"c "tatu% %a c*+i. Lua4%e4ar (racu=C 3e e%e &i $e #m$uiii care au
-urit cutia (e 2a--i", #m$uita a"ta (e buctrie minu"cu% &i "$urcata (e $%cint cu carne
c*n"er)at. 3e )iaa mea, nu #ne%e- (e ce %e $%ace brbai%*r. 7 ri(ic*%C Barne t*cat (in c*n"er),
ame"tecat cu cart*fi fieri, $uin cea$, unt &i %a$te 4 (ac4% ai 4 cu $e"met mcinat (ea"u$ra &i
c*a$t $n "e rumene&te. !2C ct (e"$re c*n*$i(, numai mir*"u% m face " )r". Dar am citit c
e bun $entru (i)erticu%it &i t*at %umea $*ate " ba-e (e "eam c Duncan nu "e mai $*ate " m
(uc $e mineC L4* fi aiurit $e B2ar%ieH M4n(*ie"c. Bt (e"$re B%aire, ce $r*"tie " %a&i un brbat
att (e bunC M #ntreb (ac B2ar%ie a af%at )re*(at (e"$re a)entura $e care a a)ut4* cu $i%*tu% (e %a
@uerneKC Bre( c nu4i nici un ru #n a"ta 4 (ac nu te $rin(e cine)a 4 e -reu " "tai att (e mu%t
32
)reme "in-ur, cn( #i (*re&ti a&a ce)a. Dar m bucur c "4au (e"$rit $rietene&te, (e&i t*tu&i "unt
(e $rere c4a f*"t (*ar * cur) e-*i"t.
8&i "ur$rin"e cu c*a(a *c2iu%ui ima-inea #n *-%in(, #&i #n(re$t aut*mat buc%e%e $ru%ui &i
$ri)i #ntr4ac*%*. In(e4i tinereea taH .u &tiu, (ar "4a (u". Be% $uin a mea, cci a %ui Duncan, nu, e
#nc tnr. Enr $entru )r"ta %ui, mcar (e4ar a)ea -ri, (e e%. !furi"itu% (e @a)a%%anC .u, "imte %a
fe% (e bine cn( cre(e c !n(K are (re$tate. M bucur c "4a rec"t*rit cu * MfatM att (e treab.
Maureen * "4% in #n f*rm, ca &i mica 7%ectra. Mi4era att (e team c a)ea " "e c"t*rea"c cu
"ecretara aia c2ine+*aic a %ui. J2C Bu !n(K e4n re-u% &i t*t a&a a f*"t &i cu 'ranu%. ! f*"t, acum e
)remea "a $%ecam &i " ne bucurm (e banii n*&tri. ?r #n(*ia%= Dar cumH
5"e. De"c2i"e cu -ri, cu$t*ru%, c%i$in( (in $ricina c%(urii &i mir*"u%ui, a$*i #nc2i"e (in
n*u u&a. .u $*t " "u$*rt $%cinta cu carne t*cat, #&i "$u"e iritat.
Ma"a a f*"t f*arte bun, $%cinta cu carne, rumenit e/act ct trebuie, a&a cum %e $%cea.
4 De"c2i+i "tic%a (e )in, DuncanH
4 8mi $are ru, e"te iranian, (ar e u%tima "tic%.
De *bicei erau bine a$r*)i+i*nai cu )inuri franu+e&ti &i iraniene, (ar mu%imea, #ncura,at
(e mu%%a2i, "$r"e"e &i incen(ia"e t*ate ma-a+ine%e (e buturi (in Ee2eran, urmn( *rientarea
"trict fun(amenta%i"t a %ui 62*meini, butu% *ricrui fe% (e a%c**% fiin( $r*2ibit (e B*ran.
4 Jmu% meu (in ba+ar mi4a "$u" c nu e/i"t nici * $ictur %a )n+are *ficia%, nicieri, &i
c2iar &i #n 2*te%uri%e c*m$anii%*r )e"tice e"te inter+i" acum c*n"umu% (e a%c**%.
4 !"ta n4* " in. Lumea n4* " "u$*rte. .ici a"ta &i nici fun(amenta%i"mu%, "$u"e 3eti>in.
.u "e $*ate, nu #n 3er"ia. De4a %un-u% i"t*riei, 1a2ii au f*"t #nt*t(eauna t*%erani, &i (e ce nuH De
a$r*a$e trei mii (e ani 3er"ia a f*"t faim*a" $entru frumu"eea femei%*r "a%e 4 uit4te %a !+a(e2,
"au 1e2ere+a(a 4 &i $entru $*(-*rii%e &i )inuri%e "a%e. Bum rmne cu 5ubaKat4e%e %ui Jmar
62aKKamH .u e un imn #nc2inat )inu%ui, femei%*r &i cntecu%uiH Eria"c 3er"ia, +uC
4 3er"ia "un mu%t mai bine (ect 'ranu%, B2ar%ie, mu%t mai e/*tic, a&a cum era cn( am
)enit $entru $rima (at aici, mu%t mai $%cut, "$u"e @ennK.
3entru * c%i$a atenia #i fu abtuta (e f*cu% (e arme, a$*i c*ntinu, #ncercn( "4&i a"cun(
$rin )*rbe ner)*+itatea0
4 1e2ere+a(a mi4a "$u" c #nt*t(eauna i4au +i" 'ran, iar ei &i4au "$u" arieni. Se $are c 3er"ia
a f*"t nume%e $e care i %4au (at )ec2ii -reci, !%e/an(ru ce% Mare &i t*i &tia. Bei mai mu%i (intre
$er"ani au f*"t mu%umii cn( 5e+a 1a2 a (ecretat c 3er"ia a)ea " "e numea"c 'ran. Mu%ume"c,
Duncan, "$u"e ea $rimin( $a2aru% (e )in, a(mirn(u4i cu%*area &i +mbin(u4i.
4 E*tu% e -r*+a), @en, "$u"e e%, &i4* #mbri&a "curt. Sa)urar )inu% &i $%cinta, (ar nu erau
)e"e%i. !)eau $rea mu%te %a care " "e -n(ea"c. !%te tancuri care treceau $rin a$r*$iere. ?*curi (e
arme. Str%ucirea r*&iatic "e #ntin(ea (ea"u$ra Fa%e2u%ui. Stri-te%e cntate a%e -%*atei #n (e$rtare.
!$*i, %a ,umtatea (e"ertu%ui 4 trufe, * a%t $referin a %ui Mc')er 4, unu% (intre $i%*ii %ui, .*--er
Lane, intr c%tinn(u4"e, cu 2aine%e ferfeni, cu faa +-riat $r*fun(, "$ri,inin( * fat. 7ra #na%t,
brunet, cu *c2ii ne-ri, cu 2aine%e m*t*t*%ite, cu * mnec a $ar(e"iu%ui a$r*a$e "mu%" &i
#n"$imntat, murmurn( ru-t*r ce)a #n ita%ian. !)ea #mbrcmintea, faa, mini%e &i $airu%
$%ine (e mur(rie, (e $arc "4ar fi t)%it #n -un*i.
4 .e4au $rin" #ntre... #ntre $*%iie &i * -%*at (e tic%*&i, "$u"e e% (intr4* "uf%are, a$r*a$e
inc*erent. In nen*r*cit mi4a "c*" ben+ina (in re+er)*r, a&a c... Dar -%*ata... erau mii, MacC Stra(a
$rea n*rma%, cn(, (e*(at, t*at %umea a #nce$ut " fu- &i mu%imea a ie&it (intr4* "tra(
%atera% &i mu%i a)eau arme. Scan(au b%e"temia aia, #ntruna, !%%a24u !>bar, !%%a24u !>bar,
fceau "4i #n-2ee "n-e%e #n )ine, nici*(at n4am... &i (u$ aia $ietre, "tic%e incen(iare, -a+e
%acrim*-ene, t*t cn( au "*"it $*%iia &i armata &i tancuri%e. !m )+ut trei &i am cre+ut c tic%*&ii *r
" tra-. Du$ aceea cine)a a #nce$ut " tra- (in mu%ime, &i $e"te t*t "e au+eau $u&ti, &i... tru$uri
(e ,ur #m$re,ur... am fu-it ca " "c$m cu )ia, a$*i ne4a )+ut * &%ea2t (e tic%*&i &i4au #nce$ut
" i$e M!merican SatanCM. S4au %uat (u$ n*i &i ne4au #n-2e"uit #ntr4* a%ee. !m #ncercat " %e e/$%ic
c "unt en-%e+ &i 3au%a ita%ianc &i nu... Dar m #n-2e"uiau &i (ac n4ar fi f*"t un mu%%a2, un tic%*"
#na%t cu barba nea-r &i turban ne-ru... "ta, b*&*r*-u% "ta, i4a c2emat #na$*i &i, B2ri"t*a"e ne4au
%"at #n $ace. V%a ne b%e"tema &i ne4a "$u" "4* &ter-em...
3rimi $a2aru% (e <2i">K &i4% -*%i (intr4* #n-2iitur, #ncerc "4&i reca$ete re"$iraia.
Mini%e &i -enunc2ii #i tremurau nec*ntr*%abi%, (e&i nu $rea #&i ((ea "eama (e a"ta.
33
Mc')er, @ennK &i 3eti>in #% a"cu%tau #n-r*+ii. ?ata "u"$in #nnebunit.
4 .ici*(at, nici*(at nu am trecut $rintr4un c*&mar ca "ta, B2ar%ieC c*ntinu cu )*ce
tremurat. S*%(aii erau %a fe% (e tineri ca 2u%i-anii ia &i $reau cu t*ii, #n"$imntai (e m*arte.
3rea mu%t (e #n(urat, n*a$te (u$ n*a$te... Mu%imea care ur% &i arunc $ietre... In c*c>tei%
M*%*t*) a i+bit un "*%(at #n fa &i *mu% "4a #n)%uit #n f%cri. Stri-a (intre f%cri fr... &i a$*i
tic%*&ii iar ne4au #n-2e"uit &i4au #nce$ut "4* $i$ie $e 3au%a. 8ncercau "4* #m$in-, #i ru$eau
2aine%e, cre( c mi4am $ier(ut $uin mini%e &i %4am a$ucat $e unu% &i i4am +(r*bit faa... &tiu a"ta
$entru c i4am "$art *a"e%e feei &i i "4a turtit na"u% &i (ac nu era mu%%a2u% %a...
4 'a4* u&*r, f%cu%e, "$u"e #n-ri,*rat 3eti>in, (ar tnru% nu4i ((u atenie &i c*ntinu (intr4*
"uf%are0
4 Dac n4ar fi f*"t mu%%a2u% care m4a tra" (e*$arte, %4a& fi %*)it $n n4ar fi rma" a%tce)a
(ect carne )ie (in e%. Vr*iam "4i "c*t *c2ii cu un-2ii%e... 'i"u"e B2ri"t*a"e, am #ncercat, &tiu c am
#ncercat " fac a"ta... 'i"u"e B2ri"t*a"eC .4am uci" nici*(at nimic cu mini%e me%e... &i nici n4am
)rut )re*(at "4* fac $n #n n*a$tea a"ta, (ar acum am "imit ne)*ia &i a& fi fcut4*C
Mini%e #i tremurau cn( #&i #n(e$rt $ru% b%*n( (in *c2i, -%a"u% era #nc*r(at &i #ntr4un
c*ntinuu cre"cen(*.
4 Eic%*&ii, n4a)eau nici un (re$t " $un mna $e n*i, (ar *4n&fca"er $e 3au%a &i...
Lacrimi%e #nce$ur " "e a(une, bu+e%e %ui articu%ar ce)a, (ar nici un cu)nt nu "e f*rm, *
urm (e "$um #i a$ru"e %a c*%uri%e bu+e%*r.
4 ...&i " uci(, )*iam " uciii(...
Aru"c, 3eti>in "e a$%ec #nainte &i4% $%e"ni cu (*"u% $a%mei $e"te fa, trntin(u4% $e "*fa cu
brae%e &i $ici*are%e aruncate #n %turi. Bei%a%i a$r*a$e &nir #n $ici*are (in cau+a -e"tu%ui
im$re)i+ibi% &i )i*%ent. .*--er rma"e cte)a c%i$e ameit, a$*i "e c2inui " "e ri(ice4n $ici*are,
$re-tin(u4"e " "e arunce a"u$ra a-re"*ru%ui.
4 Stai a&a, .*--er, ur% 3eti>in.
B*man(a #% $ara%i+a $e tnr. inn( $umnii #nc "trn&i, "e uit $r*"te&te %a brbatu% mai #n
)r"t (ect e%.
4 Be (racu= "4a4ntm$%at cu tineH !$r*a$e mi4ai ru$t fa%ca, "$u"e furi*", (ar %acrimi%e "e
*$ri"er &i *c2ii #i erau (in n*u %im$e+i. 7iH
4 'art4m, biete, (ar * $*rni"e&i %a )a%e. !m )+ut...
4 3e (racu=C "$u"e Lane amenint*r, re)enin(u4&i #n fire, (ar %e %u t*tu&i ce)a tim$ "4#i
e/$%ice &i "4% %ini&tea"c $e e% &i $e fat.
7a "e numea 3au%a @iancani, * fat #na%t, "te<ar(e" %a %inii%e !%ita%ia.
4 3au%a (ra-, mai bine ai "ta aici %a n*a$te, "$u"e @ennK. ! trecut (e *ra "tin-erii, #ne%e-iH
4 Da, #ne%e-. Da, )*rbe"c en-%e+e&te. Da... eu...
4 ;ai(e, am "4i (au cte)a %ucruri. .*--er, tu ai "a iei #n $rimire "*faua.
Mai tr+iu, @ennK &i Mc')er, #nc tre,i, *b*"ii, (ar fr c2ef (e "*mn, a"cu%tau f*curi%e (e
arm un(e)a #n n*a$te, "can(ri%e cntate #n a%t $arte.
4 Vrei ni&te ceai, DuncanH
4 Aun i(ee.
Se ri(ic (in $at *(at cu ea.
4 J, (race, am uitatC
Se a$%ec $e"te bir*u &i %u * cutie $r*"t #m$ac2etat.
4 Mu%t fericireC .u4i cine &tie ce, (*ar * brar $e care am -"it4* #n ba+ar.
4 J, mu%ume"c DuncanC
8n tim$ ce * (e"fcea, #i $*)e"ti (e"$re 2a--i".
4 Be $*rcrieC
4 La"4* ba%tC !nu% )iit*r * "4% $etrecem #n Sc*ia. Arara era fcut (in ameti"te brute,
m*ntate #n ar-int.
4 J, e4att (e (r-uC 7/act ce4mi (*ream #i mu%ume"c, (ra-u%eC
4 1i eu ie, @en.
8i trecu un bra #n ,uru% umeri%*r &i * "rut ab"ent.
7a nu b- $rea mu%t #n "eam -e"tu%. Mu%te "rutri, a%e %ui &i a%e ei, (e)eni"er (e %a *
)reme (*ar "emne (e afeciune. !&a cum ai mn-ia $e cre&tet un (ine (ra-.
34
4 Be te nec,e&te, (ra-H E*tu% e #n re-u%C
8% cun*&tea $rea bine.
4 BeH Be (in ceea ce nu &tiu #ncH
4 Se #ncurc %ucruri%e (in ce #n ce mai tare, cea" (e cea". Bn( ai ie&it (in camer cu 3au%a,
.*--er mi4a "$u" c )eneau (e %a aer*$*rt. !)i*nu% !%ita%ia, #nc2iriat (e -u)ernu% ita%ian ca "
e)acue+e c*nai*na%ii, e"te inut %a "*% (e (*u +i%e. 3rimi"e $ermi"iunea " (ec*%e+e %a $rn+, a&a c
e% "e (u"e "4&i "$un %a re)e(ere. De"i-ur c (ec*%area a f*"t amnat &i iar amnat, ca (e *bicei,
a$*i, c2iar #nainte (e a$u"u% "*are%ui, +b*ru% fu"e"e (in n*u anu%at, #ntre-u% aer*$*rt #nc2i" &i
tutur*r %i "e "$u"e"e " $%ece. 3er"*na%u% iranian (i"$ru"e $ur &i "im$%u. !tunci, a$r*a$e ime(iat,
un -ru$ (e re)*%ui*nari f*arte bine #narmai 4 &i a "ub%iniat Mf*arte bine #narmaiM 4 a #nce$ut " "e4
m$r&tie $e"te t*t. Bei mai mu%i $urtau ban(er*%e )er+i $e bra, (ar unii a)eau #n"emne%e J'73,
$rime%e $e care %e4a )+ut .*--er 4 Jr-ani+aia 'ranian a 7%iberrii 3a%e"tineiC
4 J, D*amne, "$u"e ea. !tunci e4a(e)rat c J73 #% a,ut $e 62*meiniC
4 Da, &i (ac ei (au un a,ut*r, "ta e a%t ,*cC 5+b*iu% ci)i% a #nce$ut &i n*i ne af%m, fir4ar "
fie, c2iar #n mi,%*cu% %ui.
CAPITOLUL 3
Eabri+ Inu. Jra 11,0 n*a$tea. 7ri>>i N*>>*nen +cea -*% #n "auna $e care4* c*n"trui"e cu
$r*$rii%e "a%e mini, Eem$eratura (in ,ur a$r*a$e (e G0W B: "u(*area #i cur-ea &ir*aie $e tru$. S*ia
%ui, !+a(e2, "e af%a %n- e%, %a fe% (e t*r*$it (e c%(ur. Seara fu"e"e -r*+a), cu mu%t mncare &i
(*u "tic%e (in cea mai bun )*(c ru"ea"c 4 $e care e% * cum$ra"e (e $e $iaa nea-r #n Eabri+ &i
* #m$ri"e cu cei (*i mecanici en-%e+i ai "i &i cu &efu% ba+ei, !%i DaKati.
4 !cum mer-em %a "aun, "$u"e"e c2iar #nainte (e mie+u% n*$ii, (ar ei refu+a"er ca (e
*bicei, abia a)n( (e"tu% $utere ca " a,un-, c%tinn(u4"e, $n %a $r*$rii%e %*r cabane.
4 ;ai, !+a(e2C
4 .u #n n*a$tea a"ta, te r*-, 7ri>>i. 7% "e mu%umi"e " r(, * ri(ica"e #n brae%e %ui mari, *
#nf&ura"e #n 2aina (e b%an &i * "c*"e"e $e u&a cabanei, $rintre $inii #ncrcai (e +$a(, #n aeru%
(*ar cu $uin "ub $unctu% (e #n-2e. 7ra u&*r (e $urtat &i #ntrar a"tfe% #n mica c*%ib af%at #n
"$ate%e cabanei %*r, #n c%(ura )e"tiaru%ui, &i a$*i, e%iberai (e 2aine, #n "aun: iar acum "e af%au
ac*%*, #ntin&i, brbatu% re%a/at, #n %ar-u% %ui, femeia, c2iar &i (u$ un an (e c"t*rie, #nc nu
#n(ea,un" (e *bi&nuit cu ritua%u% (in fiecare n*a$te.
7ri>>i "e ri(ic #ntr4un c*t &i * $ri)i. Sttea #ntin" $e un $r*"*$ -r*", $e banc2eta (in faa
%ui. Dinea *c2ii #nc2i&i &i e% #i $ri)i "nii ri(icn(u4"e &i c*b*rn(, frumu"eea tru$u%ui 4 $ru% ne-ru
c*rb, "cu%$tura%e%e tr"turi ariene, c*r$u% -rai*", cu $ie%ea a%b ca %a$te%e 4 &i ca #nt*t(eauna "e
"imi $%in (e acea"t minune a e/i"tenei, att (e mic fa (e cei * "ut n*u+eci &i trei (e
centimetri ai "i.
9ei ai "trm*&i%*r mei, ) mu%ume"c c mi4ai (at * a"tfe% (e femeieC #&i +i"e. 3entru
m*ment nu4&i ((u "eama #n ce %imb -n(ea. 3utea )*rbi $atru0 fin%an(e+, "ue(e+, ru" &i
en-%e+. Be c*ntea+C #&i +i"e, %"n(u4"e (in n*u $ra( c%(urii, #n-(uin( iar&i -n(uri%*r "
a%unece *(at cu aburii ce "e ri(icau (in $ietre%e $e care %e a&e+a"e cu atta -ri,. 8% mu%umi"e
ne"$u" (e mu%t c #&i c*n"trui"e e% #n"u&i "auna 4 cum ar trebui " fac *rice brbat 4 (*b*rn( &i
ci*$%in( bu&tenii, a&a cum fcu"er (e "ec*%e "trm*&ii 'ui.
?u"e"e $rimu% %ucru $e care #% #nf$tui"e cn( $rimi"e ace% $*"t ac*%*, cu $atru ani #n urm0
a%e"e"e &i (*b*r"e c*$acii. Bei%a%i #% cre+u"er nebun. 7% ri(ica"e (in umeri fr "u$rare.
4 ?r "aun, )iaa nu #n"eamn nimic. Mai #nti #i faci "auna, a$*i ca"a. ?r "aun, * ca"
nu e"te * ca". V*i, en-%e+ii, nu &tii nimic, nimic, (e"$re )iaC
Se "imi"e tentat " %e $*)e"tea"c cum c fu"e"e n"cut #ntr4* "aun, ca mu%i (intre
fin%an(e+i. 1i (e ce nuH Dac "tai " te -n(e&ti, e un %ucru (e bun "im0 e"te ce% mai ca%( %*c (in
ca", ce% mai curat, ce% mai %ini&tit, ce% mai #n(r-it. .u %e "$u"e"e, t*tu&i, a"ta nici*(at: (*ar %ui
!+a(e2, iar ea #ne%e"e"e.
J, (a, #&i +i"e ne"$u" (e mu%umit, ea #ne%e-e t*tu%C
3
!far, (in"$re %i+iera $(urii nu r+btea nici un +-*m*t, ceru% n*$ii era %i$"it (e n*ri,
"te%e%e "tr%uceau, +$a(a era ne#nc2i$uit (e curat. Sin-uru% (rum $rintre muni "e af%a %a *$t "ute
(e metri mai (e$arte. Drumu% #&i r"ucea mean(re%e "$re n*r(4)e"t, ctre *ra&u% Eabri+, af%at %a
&ai"$re+ece >i%*metri mai (e$arte (e ac*%* ctre n*r(, "$re -rania "*)ietic, af%at &i ea %a #nc )re*
ci)a >i%*metri. Btre "u(4e"t, "e #nc*%cea $e"te muni, ca " a,un- #n ce%e (in urm %a Ee2eranu%
af%at %a *$t "ute cinci+eci (e >i%*metri (i"tan.
Aa+a Eabri+ Inu "er)ea ca %*cuin $entru (*i $i%*i 4 ce%%a%t "e af%a acum #n c*nce(iu, #n
!n-%ia 4, (*i mecanici en-%e+i, re"tu% iranieni0 (*i buctari, *$t +i%ieri, un *$erat*r ra(i* &i un
a(mini"trat*r. Dinc*%* (e (ea% "e af%a "atu% !bu4Mar(, iar ,*", #n )a%e, fabrica (e $a"t ce%u%*+ic,
$r*$rietate a 'ran4Eimber, c*m$ania care (einea m*n*$*%u% f*re"tier &i $e care ei * (e"er)eau "ub
c*ntract.
7%ic*$teru% F5 212 (ucea #n $(ure tiet*ri (e %emne &i ec2i$ament, a,uta %a ri(icarea
cam$amente%*r &i %a tra"area ce%*r cte)a (rumuri care $uteau fi tiate, a$*i a"i-ura (e"er)irea cu
ec2i$e (e "c2imb &i ec2i$ament &i tran"$*rta rnii. 3entru mu%i (in ace%e tabere i+*%ate, e%ic*$teru%
era "in-ura %*r %e-tur cu %umea (e afar &i $i%*ii erau )enerai. 7ri>>i iubea #ntr4att )iaa &i
$mntu% (e ac*%*, att (e a"emnt*are cu ?in%an(a, #nct, une*ri, #&i #nc2i$uia c "e af% (in n*u
aca".
Sauna (e")r&ea t*tu%. Micua c*n"trucie cu (*u #nc$eri era a&e+at #n "$ate%e cabanei,
ferit (e )e(erea ce%*r%a%te c%(iri &i c*n"truit tra(ii*na%, a)ea %ic2eni #ntre brne $entru i+*%aie,
iar f*cu% (e %emne care #nc%+ea $ietre%e era bine aerat. Ine%e (intre $ietre, "tratu% (e (ea"u$ra, %e
a(u"e"e c2iar (in ?in%an(a. Le $e"cui"e bunicu% "u (e $e fun(u% unui %ac, (e un(e $r*)eneau ce%e
mai bune $ietre (e "aun, &i i %e ((u"e cn( fu"e"e u%tima (at aca", #n urm cu un"$re+ece %uni.
4 'a4%e, fiu%e, &i *(at cu e%e, a&a cum "e cu)ine, un t*nt* bun $entru * "aun fin%an(e+ Tmic
"$iri(u& cafeniu care e"te "$iritu% unei "auneU, (e&i (e ce )rei tu " te c"t*re&ti cu una (intre
"trine%e a%ea, &i nu cu una (in neamu% tu, cre(e4m, nu #ne%e-C
4 Bn( ai "4* )e+i, bunicu%e, ai "4* )enere+i &i (umneata. !re *c2i )er+i4a%b"trui &i un $r
ne-ru4ne-ru &i...
4 Dac4* "4i (ruia"c mu%i fii... ei bine, atunci * " )e(em. In brbat -r*+a), ca tine,
trebuia (e mu%t tim$ " fie #n"urat. Dar cu * "trinH S$ui c e #n)t*areH
4 7 membr a B*r$u%ui #n)t*ri%*r 'ranieni 4 *ameni tineri, brbai &i femei, care "4au *ferit
)*%untar " "er)ea"c "tatu% &i care mer- (in "at #n "at ca "4i #n)ee $e *ameni &i $e c*$ii " "crie &i
" citea"c. Mai mu%t $e c*$ii. 1a2u% &i #m$rtea"a au *r-ani+at ace"t B*r$ cu ci)a ani #n urm &i
!+a(e2 %i "4a a%turat cn( a #m$%init (*u+eci &i unu (e ani. Vine (in Eabri+, un(e %ucre+ eu, &i
$re( #n "atu% n*"tru, #ntr4* &c*a% #ncr*$it (e "teni.
M #nt%ne"c cu ea (e &a$te %uni &i trei +i%e. Bn( am )+ut4* $rima (at a)ea (*u+eci &i
$atru (e ani.
7ri>>i "e #nc%+i amintin(u4&i (e $rime%e c%i$e #n care * )+u"e, att (e c*c2et #n unif*rma
ei, cu $ru% re)r"n(u4"e $e umeri, a&e+at #ntr4* $*ian (in $(ure #nc*n,urata (e c*$ii, a$*i
c2i$u% ei ri(icn(u4"e "$re e% +mbit*r, &i mirarea (in *c2ii ei %a )e(erea (imen"iuni%*r "a%e. 1tiu"e
(e #n(at c acea"ta era femeia $e care * a&te$ta"e t*at )iaa. 7% a)ea trei+eci &i &a"e (e ani.
4 !2, "e -n(i $ri)in(4* %ene&, binecu)ntn( #nc * (at "$iritu% $(urii care #% c*n(u"e"e #n
$*iana aceea #nc trei %uni (e %ucru, a$*i (*u %uni (e c*nce(iu. J " fie minunat "4i $*t arta
Su*mi 4 ?in%an(a.
4 7 tim$u%, !+a(e2, (ra-a mea, "$u"e.
4 .u, 7ri>>i, nu #nc, nu #ncC r*"ti ea $e ,umtate a(*rmita, ameit 4 (e c%(ur, nu (e
a%c**%, $entru c ea nu bea. Ee r*-, 7ri>>i, nuC
4 3rea mu%t c%(ur nu4i face bine, "$u"e e% ferm, #nt*t(eauna f*%*"eau en-%e+a cn(
)*rbeau #ntre ei, (e&i ea $utea c*n)er"a f%uent #n ru", cci mama ei fu"e"e $e ,umtate -e*r-ian,
$r*)enin( (intr4* +*n (e -rani un(e era uti% &i #ne%e$t " fii bi%in-). V*rbea, (e a"emenea, turca,
%imba cea mai f*%*"it #n acea"t $arte a 'ranu%ui 4 !+erbai(,an &i, (e"i-ur, far"i. Bu e/ce$ia
ct*r)a cu)inte, e% nu )*rbea far"i "au turce&te.
8m$cat cu "ine &i cu %umea, "e ri(ic &i4&i &ter"e "u(*area, a$*i "e a$%ec $e"te ea &i *
"rut. 8% "rut %a rn(u% ei, #nfi*rn(u4"e cn( mini%e %ui * cutar, #ntin+n(u4&i brae%e ca un
r"$un".
3G
4 7&ti ru, 7ri>>i, "$u"e, a$*i "e #ntin"e #n t*at "$%en(*area ei.
4 @ataH
4 DaC
Se a- (e e%, iar brbatu% * ri(ic cu u&urin #n brae, a$*i * "c*a"e (in "aun #n )e"tiar,
(e"c2i"e u&a &i ie&i #n aeru% #n-2eat. ?ri-u% * i+bi, tin(u4i re"$iraia, fcn(4* " "e -2emuia"c %a
$ie$tu% %ui, iar e% ri(ic +$a( #n $umni &i #nce$u " * frece, fcn(4* " "imt #ne$turi $e t*t
tru$u% &i $ie%ea "4i ar(, (ar (e%*c (urer*". 8n cte)a "ecun(e "imi * ciu(at &i $%cut c%(ur
ra(iin( #n ea &i (in ea. 8i trebui"e * iarn #ntrea- " "e *bi&nuia"c cu baia (e +$a( (u$
fierbinea%a (inuntru. !cum, fr ea baia (e aburi era neterminat. ?cu %a iuea% ace%a&i %ucru
$entru e%, a$*i a%er- )e"e% #na$*i %a c%(ur, %"n(u4% " "e r*"t*-*%ea"c &i " +bur(e #n +$a(
)reme (e a%te cte)a "ecun(e. 7ri>>i nu *b"er)a"e -ru$u% (e brbai &i mu%%a2u% ce "tteau "can4
(a%i+ai $e * ri(ictur, %a cinci+eci (e metri mai (e$arte, $e ,umtate a"cun&i (e c*$acii (e %n-
crare. 8i )+u abia cn( #nc2i(ea u&a. 8% inun( un )a% (e furie. Ernti u&a.
4 !far "unt ni&te "teniC Bre( c ne4au $ri)it. E*at %umea &tie c aici "untem #n afara
(*meniu%ui "atu%uiC
7a era %a fe% (e furi*a" &i "e #mbrcar -rbii. 8&i tra"e ci+me%e (e b%an &i $u%*)eru% -r*" &i
$anta%*nii, #n&fac t*$*ru% uria& &i "e re$e+i afar. Arbaii "e af%au #nc ac*%* &i "e re$e+i a"u$ra %*r
rcnin(, cu t*$*ru% ri(icat. 7i "e #m$r&tiar, a$*i unu% (intre ei ri(ic $u&ca mitra%ier &i "%*b*+i #n
aer * rafa% care "trni ec*uri #n muni, a$*i * #n(re$t ctre $ie$tu% %ui. 7ri>>i #ncremeni, iar mnia
i "e t*$i ca "uf%at (e )nt. .u mai fu"e"e nici*(at ameninat cu arma.
4 3une ,*" t*$*r, "$u"e *mu% #ntr4* en-%e+ $*ticnit, "au eu uci( $e tine.
7ri>>i e+it. 8n c%i$a aceea, !+a(e2 "e re$e+i #ntre ei &i i+bi $u&ca, (e$rtn(4*, "tri-n( #n
turce&te0
4 Bum #n(r+ne&ti " )ii aiciHC Bum #n(r+ne&ti " $*ri armeHC Be "untei, ban(iiHC !ce"ta e
$mntu% n*"truC 'e&ii (e $e $mntu% n*"tru "au am " ) trimit #n temniC
Se #nf&ura"e $e"te r*c2ie cu 2aina ei -r*a" (e b%an, (ar tremura (e mnie.
4 !ce"ta e"te $mntu% $*$*ru%ui, "$u"e mu%%a2u% iritat, inn(u4"e %a (i"tan. !c*$er4i
$ru%, femeie. !c*$er4i ...
4 Bine e&ti tu, mu%%a2u%eH .u e&ti (in "atu% meu. Bine e&tiH
4 Sunt Ma2mu(, mu%%a2u% m*"c2eii ;a,"ta (in Eabri+. .u unu% (intre %ac2eii ti, "$u"e e%
furi*", "rin( #ntr4* $arte cn( 7ri>>i "e re$e+i "4% #n&face. Arbatu% cu arma rma"e (e"cum$nit,
(ar un a%tu%, af%at %a * (i"tan "i-ur, tra"e $ie(ica.
4 8n nume%e %ui !%%a2 &i4a% 3r*fetu%ui, *$re&te $*rcu% "trin "au ) trimit $e amn(*i #n 'a(u%
$e care4% meritaiC
4 7ri>>i, a&tea$tC La" cinii &tia #n "eama meaC "tri- !+a(e2 #n en-%e+, a$*i "e r"ti0 Be
cutai aiciH !ce"ta e"te $mntu% n*"tru, $mntu% tat%ui meu, !b(u%%a2 ;an, ;an a% @*r-*ni%*r,
neam (in neamu% Pa,ari%*r, care au (*mnit aici (e )eacuri.
Jc2ii ei "e *bi&nui"er acum cu #ntunericu% &i #i $utu cerceta. 7rau +ece cu t*ii, t*i tineri,
t*i #narmai, t*i "trini (e ace%e %*curi, cu e/ce$ia unuia 4 6a%an(ani%, &efu% "atu%ui %*r.
4 6a%an(ar, cum #n(r+ne&ti " )ii aiciH
4 8mi $are ru, #n%imea )*a"tr, "$u"e e% cu )*ce ru-t*are, (ar mu%%a2u% a "$u" c trebuie
"4% a(uc aici $e crarea a"ta &i nu $e (rumu% mare &i (eci...
4 Be )rei, $ara+itu%eH #ntreb ea, #nt*rcn(u4"e ctre mu%%a2.
4 5e"$ect4m, femeie, "$u"e ace"ta &i mai mni*". 8n curn( n*i * " $*runcim aici.
B*ranu% are %e-i $entru -*%iciune &i $entru $urtri (e&nate0 biciu% &i $ietre%e.
4 B*ranu% are %e-i $entru #nc%carea $r*$rietii &i $entru ban(ii &i $entru ameninarea
*ameni%*r $a&nici &i $entru cei ce "e r"c*a% #m$*tri)a c*n(uct*ri%*r &i "t$ni%*r %*r %e-iuii. .u
"unt unu% (intre ana%fabeii ti #n"$imntaiC 1tiu ce e&ti &i ce4ai f*"t #nt*t(eauna0 $ara+itu% "ate%*r
&i a% *ameni%*r. Be )reiH
Din"$re ba+ "e a$r*$iau -rbii *ameni cu %anterne. 8n fruntea %*r, cu *c2ii #nc #nce*&ai
(e "*mn, "e af%au cei (*i in-ineri, Dibb%e &i !rberrK, urmai $ru(ent (e !%i DaKati. E*i erau
ciufu%ii, #mbrcai #n -rab &i #n-ri,*rai.
4 Be "e4ntm$%H #ntreb DaKati, #ncercn( " (e"%u&ea"c ce)a #n #ntuneric $rin %enti%e%e
-r*a"e a%e *c2e%ari%*r.
37
?ami%ia %ui "er)i"e ;anii @*r-*ni &i "e af%a"e "ub $r*tecia ace"t*ra (e ani (e +i%e.
4 Bine "unt...
4 !ce&ti cini, #nce$u #nfierbntat !+a(e2, au )enit (in n*a$te...
4 Dine4i -ura, femeieC "$u"e furi*" mu%%a2u%, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e ctre DaKati. Bine e&ti tuH
Bn( *b"er) c *mu% era mu%%a2, #&i "c2imb bru"c atitu(inea &i (e)eni re"$ectu*".
4 Sunt... "unt a(mini"trat*ru% c*m$aniei 'ran4Eimber, aici. 7/ce%en. Be "4a #ntm$%at, )
r*-H Be $*t " fac $entru (*mnia4)*a"trH
4 7%ic*$teru%C 8n +*ri am ne)*ie (e e% ca " +b*r $e %a tabere.
4 8mi $are ru, 7/ce%en, ma&ina e (e"fcut buci $entru )erificarea te2nic. 7"te $*%itica
"trini%*r...
!+a(e2 #ntreru$"e furi*a"0
4 Mu%%a2u%e, cu ce (re$t #n(r+ne&ti " )ii aici #n mi,%*cu% n*$ii &i " ...
4 'mamu% 62*meini a (at *r(in ...
4 'mamu% re$et ea ca un ec*u, u%uit. Bu ce (re$t #i "$ui a"tfe% aKat*%%a2u%ui 62*meiniH
4 7"te imam. 7% a (at *r(in.
4 In(e "$une, #n B*ran "au #n S2aria, c un aKat*%a2 $*ate $retin(e c e imam &i $*ate
$*runci unuia (intre cre(inci*&iH In(e "$une...
4 .u e&ti &iitH #ntreb mu%%a2u% "c*" (in "rite, c*n&tient c cei ce4% #n"*eau a"cu%tau #n
tcere.
4 Da, "unt &iit, (ar nu * $r*a"t ana%fabet, mu%%a2u%e 4 r*"ti"e cu)ntu% ca $e * ,i-nire 4
r"$un(e4miC
4 V r*-, #n%imea V*a"tr, "$u"e DaKati ru-t*r, ) r*- %"ai acea"t $r*b%em #n "eama
mea. V r*-, ) im$%*r.
Dar ea #nce$u " "tri-e r"tit, iar mu%%a2u% #i r"$un"e %a fe%, %i "e a%turar &i a%ii &i
atm*"fera (e)eni (in ce #n ce mai ten"i*nat $n cn( 7ri>>i, #nfuriat c nu $utea #ne%e-e ce4&i
"$uneau, ri(ic t*$*ru% &i %" "4i "ca$e un mu-et. Se a&ternu bru"c tcerea, a$*i un a%t brbat tra"e
$ie(ica $i"t*%u%ui mitra%ier
4 Be )rea tic%*"u% "ta, !+a(e2H #ntreb 7ri>>i. 7a #i "$u"e.
4 DaKati, "$une4i c nu $*ate *bine a$aratu% meu &i " $%ece (e $e $mntu% meu "au trimit
(u$ $*%iie.
4 V r*-, c$itane, ) r*- #n-(uii4mi " m *cu$ eu (e a"ta, c$itane, "$u"e DaKati, a"u(at
(e #n-ri,*rare, mai #nainte ca !+a(e2 "4% $*at #ntreru$e. V r*-, #n%imea V*a"tr, ) r*-, $%ecai
acumC
!$*i, #nt*rcn(u4"e ctre cei (*i mecanici0
4 74n re-u%, $utei " )4nt*arcei #na$*i #n $at. M *cu$ eu (e a"taC
!bia atunci b- (e "eam 7ri>>i c !+a(e2 era #nc (e"cu%. J ri(ic #n brae.
4 DaKati, "$une ace"t*r matKerKebKet", tutur*r, c (ac mai )in aici n*a$tea, * " %e ru$
-tu% &i (ac cine)a atin-e c2iar &i un fir (e $r (e4a% femeii me%e, * " m tr"c &i4n ia( (u$ e%,
(ac4i ne)*ie.
3%ec, uria& #n furia %ui, urmat (e cei (*i mecanici. 8% *$ri * )*ce #n ru"e&te.
4 B$itane N*>>*nen, a& $utea "c2imba * )*rb cu (umneata, * c%i$H
7ri>>i arunc * $ri)ire $e"te umr, "imin(4* $e !+a(e2 #nc*r(n(u4"e #n brae%e "a%e.
Arbatu% "ttea #n urma -ru$u%ui, -reu (e (e"%u&it, #n a$aren cu nimic (iferit (e cei%a%i,
$urtn( * "curt )tuit, c*mun.
4 Da, #i r"$un"e #n ru"e&te, (ar n4a(uce )re* $u&c #n ca"a mea "au )reun cuit.
3*rni cu $a&i mari.
Mu%%a2u% "e a$r*$ie (e DaKati $ri)in(u4% cu *c2i #n-2eai.
4 Be4a "$u" (ia)*%u% "trin, aiH
4 ! f*"t *bra+nic, t*i "trinii "unt *bra+nici, #n%imea Ea... femeia a f*"t &i ea *bra+nic.
Mu%%a2u% "cui$ #n +$a(.
4 3r*fetu% a (at %e-i &i $e(e$"e #m$*tri)a unei a"tfe% (e $urtri. 3*$*ru% are %e-i #m$*tri)a
a)eri%*r ere(itare &i a furtu%ui (e $mnturi. 3mntu% a$arine 3*$*ru%ui. 8n curn(, %e-i (re$te &i
$e(e$"e (re$te ne )*r c*n(uce $e t*i, #n "fr&it, &i 'ranu% )a tri #n $ace. Se #nt*ar"e ctre cei%a%i.
@*i #n +$a(C 8m$unn(u4"e cu -*%iciunea ei, #n )+u% tutur*r, #n ciu(a tutur*r %e-i%*r bunei4
38
cu)iine &i a%e m*(e"tieiC ErfaC Be "unt @*r-*nii (ect %ac2eii 1a2u%ui tr(t*r &i ai cine%ui "u,
Aa>2tiar. Jc2ii %ui "e4nt*ar"er ctre DaKati. Be minciuni "$ui tu (e"$re e%ic*$terH
8ncercn( "4&i a"cun( teama, DaKati r"$un"e $e ner"uf%ate c )erificarea (e * mie cinci
"ute (e *re era #n c*nc*r(an cu re-u%i%e internai*na%e im$u"e a$aratu%ui &i, ca atare, $*runcite (e
1a2 &i (e -u)ern.
4 @u)ernu% i%e-a%, #% #ntreru$"e mu%%a2u%.
4 De"i-ur, (e"i-ur c i%e-a%, #ncu)iin (e #n(at DaKati &i #i c*n(u"e ner)*" #n 2an-ar &i
a$rin"e %umini%e, ba+a a)n( $r*$riu% -enerat*r e%ectric, fiin( a"tfe% in(e$en(ent ener-etic.
M*t*are%e e%ic*$teru%ui erau a&e+ate $ie" cu $ie", #n-ri,it, mi%itre&te, #n %inii re-u%ate.
4 .4are nici * %e-tur cu mine, 7/ce%enC Strinii fac ce )*r, a$*i a(u- iute0 1i (e&i t*i
&tim c 'ran4Eimber a$arine 3*$*ru%ui, 1a2u% ia t*i banii. .4am nici * $utere a"u$ra %*r, a"u$ra
(ia)*%i%*r "trini "au a re-u%i%*r %*r. .u $*t face nimicC
4 Bn( * " $*at +buraH #ntreb #ntr4* turcea"c $erfect brbatu% care )*rbea ru"e&te.
4 Mecanicii au $r*mi" c4n (*u +i%e, r"$un"e DaKati, ru-n(u4"e #n "inea %ui, f*arte
#n"$imntat, (e&i #ncerca (in r"$uteri " n4* arate.
7ra %im$e(e $entru e% acum c ace&ti brbai erau mu,a2e(inii (e "tn-a, care cre(eau #n
te*ria 4 "$ri,init (e "*)ietici 4 c '"%amu% &i Mar/ erau (*u %ucruri c*m$atibi%e.
4 !"ta e4n mna %ui !%%a2. D*u +i%e. Mecanicii "trini a&tea$t ni&te $ie"e (e "c2imb care au
#ntr+iat.
4 Bare "unt a"teaH
.er)*", %e "$u"e. 7rau une%e c*m$*nente min*re &i e%icea r*t*ru%ui (e %a c*a(.
4 Bte *re are #nre-i"trate e%icea a"taH DaKati )erific re-i"tru% cu (e-ete tremurn(e0
4 J mie &a$te+eci &i trei.
4 !%%a2 e cu n*i, +i"e brbatu% #nt*rcn(u4"e ctre mu%%a2. 3utem " * f*%*"im fr -ri, $e
cea )ec2e ce% $uin #nc cinci+eci (e *re.
4 Dar (urata (e funci*nare a e%icei... certificatu% (e +b*r e in)a%i(at, "$u"e DaKati fr "
"tea $e -n(uri. 3i%*tu% n4* " +b*are $entru c re-u%amentu% (e +b*r ...
4 5e-u%amentu% %ui SatanC
4 !(e)rat, #ntreru$"e ce% ce )*rbea ru"e&te. Ine%e (intre e%e. Dar %e-i%e $entru "i-urana
+b*ru%ui "unt im$*rtante $entru 3*$*r &i, c2iar &i mai im$*rtant, !%%a2 a fcut %*c #n B*ran %e-i%*r
$entru cmi%e &i cai &i cum " %e4n-ri,im, iar ace"te %e-i "e $*t a$%ica %a fe% (e bine &i a$arate%*r (e
+b*r care, (e a"emenea, "unt (aruri%e %ui !%%a2 &i ne $*t (uce ac*%* un(e4i ne)*ie " #n(e$%inim
%ucrarea %ui. Erebuie, (eci, " %e urmm #nt*cmai, nu4i a&a, Ma2mu(H
4 De"i-ur, "$u"e mu%%a2u% nerb(t*r, "fre(e%in(u4% cu $ri)irea $e DaKati, care #nce$u "
tremure. !m " m4nt*rc #n (*u +i%e, #n +*ri. 7%ic*$teru% " fie $re-tit, ca &i $i%*tu%, "4n(e$%inim
%ucrarea %ui !%%a2 "$re bine%e 3*$*ru%ui. !m " )i+ite+ fiecare tabr (in muni. Mai "unt &i a%te
femei aiciH
4 D*ar (*u femei a%e muncit*ri%*r &i "*ia mea.
4 3*art c2a(*r &i )%H
4 De"i-ur, mini (intr4* "uf%are DaKati.
3*rtu% )%u%ui era #m$*tri)a %e-i%*r 'ranu%ui. 5e+a 1a2 "c*"e"e )%u% #n afara %e-ii #n 193G &i
fcu"e ca c2a(*ru% " fie *$i*na%, iar M*2amme( 1a2 emanci$a"e &i mai mu%t femei%e #n =G4.
4 AineC !minte&te4%e c !%%a2 &i 3*$*ru% )e-2ea+ c2iar &i #n b%e"tematu% fief a% "trini%*r.
Ma2mu( "e #nt*ar"e $e c%cie &i ie&i cu $a&i mari, urmat (e cei%a%i.
5ma" "in-ur, DaKati #&i &ter"e fruntea, mu%umit c era unu% (intre cre(inci*&i i c acum
"*ia %ui )a $urta c2a(*r, )a fi "u$u", "e )a $urta ca &i mama ei, cu m*(e"tie, &i nu )a umb%a #n
b%u-i ca #n%imea Sa. Bum #i "$u"e"e *are mu%%a2u%, c2iar fa (e eaH !%%a2 " ne a$ere (ac
!b(u%%a2 ;an au(e a"ta. De&i, fr #n(*ia%, mu%%a2u% are (re$tate &i, fr #n(*ia%, 62*meini are
(re$tate, !%%a2 "4% a$ere.
8n cabana %ui 7ri>>i: *re%e 11,23 n*a$tea. Bei (*i brbai "tteau %a ma", fa #n fa, #n
#nc$erea $rinci$a% a cabanei. Bn( "trinu% btu"e %a u&, 7ri>>i * trimi"e"e $e !+a(e2 #n
(*rmit*r, (ar %"a"e u&a (intre ce%e (*u #nc$eri (e"c2i", #n a&a fe% #nct ea " $*at au+i ce "e
)*rbea. 8i ((u"e $u&ca (e )nt*are.
39
4 S4* f*%*"e&ti fr teamC Dac intr #n (*rmit*r, eu "unt (e,a m*rt, "$u"e"e, a"cun+n(
cuitu% $u>*2 #n teaca %ui, %a bru, %a "$ate. 3u>*2u% era un cuit cu mner %un-, arma fin%an(e+i%*r.
7ra "*c*tit (e ru au-ur &i c2iar $rime,(i*" ca un brbat " nu aib unu% a"u$ra "a. 8n ?in%an(a,
%e-ea inter+icea " fie $urtat %a )e(ere, cci a"ta ar fi $utut fi c*n"i(erat * $r*)*care, (ar t*at
%umea $urta a&a ce)a &i #nt*t(eauna #n muni. Be% a% %ui 7ri>>i N*>>*nen era $e m"ura
(imen"iuni%*r "a%e.
4 Deci, c$itane, #mi cer iertare $entru (eran,. Arbatu% era brunet, cu $uin "ub un metru
*$t+eci, trecut (e trei+eci ani, cu c2i$u% a"$rit (e )reme, cu *c2i ne-ri &i tr"turi care tr(au un
ame"tec "%a)*4m*n-*%, un(e)a #n %inia "trm*&i%*r "4i.
4 M nume"c ?e*(*r 5a>*c+K.
4 5a>*c+K a f*"t un re)*%ui*nar un-ur, "$u"e "curt 7ri>>i, &i, (u$ accent, e&ti -e*r-ian.
5a>*c+K nu e un nume -e*r-ian. Bare i4e nume%e a(e)rat 4 i -ra(u% #n 6@AH
Arbatu% r"e.
4 74a(e)rat c accentu% meu e -e*r-ian &i c "unt ru" (in @e*r-ia, (in Ebi%i"i. Aunicu% meu
a )enit (in In-aria, (ar n4are nici * %e-tur cu re)*%ui*naru% care $e )remuri a (e)enit $rin a%
Eran"i%)aniei, &i nici n4a f*"t ma2*me(an, ca tat% meu &i ca mine. Iite, )e+i, amn(*i &tim cte
ce)a (in i"t*ria n*a"tr, "%)it fie !%%a2, "$u"e e% cu )*ce $%cut. Sunt in-iner mecanic %a c*n(ucta
iran*4"*)ietic (e -a+e natura%e, c2iar (inc*%* (e -rani, %a !"tara, $e rmu% Ba"$icei 4 (e $artea
'ranu%ui &i a %ui 62*meini, binecu)ntat fie e%, #m$*tri)a 1a2u%ui &i anti4american.
7ra f*arte mu%umit c fu"e"e in"truit #n $ri)ina %ui 7ri>>i N*>>*nen. J $arte (in acea"t
i"t*rie (e ac*$erire era a(e)rat. Aine#ne%e" c $r*)enea (in @e*r-ia, (in Ebi%i"i, (ar nu era
ma2*me(an &i nici nu4% c2ema #n rea%itate 5a>*c+K. .ume%e "u a(e)rat era '-*r M+KtrK> &i era
c$itan 6@A, "$ecia%i"t ata&at Di)i+iei !er*$urtate 11G care fu"e"e am$%a"at c2iar (inc*%* (e
-rania, %a n*r( (e Eabri+, unu% (intre "ute%e (e a-eni "ecrei #nfi%trai #n n*r(u% 'ranu%ui (e %uni (e
+i%e, care *$erau acum a$r*a$e %iberi. !)ea trei+eci &i $atru (e ani, era *fier 6@A (e carier, ca &i
tat% "u, &i "e af%a #n !+erbai(,an (e &a"e %uni. V*rbea en-%e+a bine, $er"ana &i turca f%uent &i, (e&i
nu $utea " c*n(uc un e%ic*$ter, cun*&tea mu%te (e"$re e%ic*$tere%e mi%itare (e "$ri,in, "*)ietice,
cu m*t*are cu $i"t*n, a%e (i)i+iei "a%e.
4 8n ceea ce $ri)e&te -ra(u% meu, a(u- cu cea mai b%n( )*ce a "a, e"te ace%a (e $rieten.
.*i, ru&ii, "untem buni $rieteni ai fin%an(e+i%*r, nu4i a&aH
4 Da, (a, a"ta4i a(e)rat. 5u&ii, nu c*muni&tii "*)ieticiC Sfnta 5u"ie a f*"t un $rieten #n
trecut, (ar cn( eram un mare (ucat a% 5u"iei. 5u"ia S*)ietic, atei"t, a f*"t $rieten*a" (u$ 1917,
cn( am (e)enit in(e$en(eni. 5u"ia S*)ietic e"te &i acum. Da, acum, (ar nu #n =39C .u #n
5+b*iu% (e 'arn. .u, nu atunciC
4 .ici )*i n4ai f*"t #n =41, "$u"e ti*" 5a>*c+K, #n =41 ai $*rnit r+b*iu% #m$*tri)a n*a"tr
a%turi (e #m$uiii (e na+i&ti, ai trecut (e $artea %*r #m$*tri)a n*a"tr.
4 !(e)rat, (ar numai ca " ne %um #na$*i $mntu% n*"tru, 6are%ia, $r*)incia $e care ai
furat4* (e %a n*i. .*i n4am mr&%uit "$re Lenin-ra(, a&a cum am fi $utut "4* facem.
7ri>>i "imea a$"area cuitu%ui #n &ira "$inrii &i era bucur*" (e a"ta.
4 7&ti #narmatH
4 .u. !i "$u" " nu )in #narmat. !rma mea e afar, %a u&. .u am $u>*2 &i nici n4am ne)*ie
" f*%*"e"c a&a ce)a. 3e !%%a2, "unt $rietenC
4 Aun. In *m are ne)*ie (e $rieteni.
7ri>>i #% cntri (in $ri)iri, urn( ceea ce re$re+enta0 5u"ia S*)ietic, cea care, ne$r*)*cat,
in)a(a"e ?in%an(a #n =39, #n m*mentu% #n care Sta%in "emna"e 3actu% (e .ea-re"iune S*)iet*4
@erman. Mica armat fin%an(e+ %u$ta"e (e una "in-ur. St)i%i"er 2*ar(e%e "*)ietice tim$ (e *
"ut (e +i%e #n 5+b*iu% (e 'arn, a$*i fu"e"er c*$%e&ii. Eat% %ui 7ri>>i fu"e"e uci" a$rn(
6are%ia, $r*)incia (e "u(4e"t, un(e N*>>*nenii tri"er (e "ec*%e. 5u"ia S*)ietic ane/a"e $e (at
$r*)incia. De #n(at t*i fin%an(e+ii $%eca"er. E*i. .ici unu% nu (*rea " "tea "ub un "tea- "*)ietic,
iar re-iunea rm"e"e un $mnt $r"it (e fin%an(e+i. 7ri>>i a)ea (*ar +ece %uni $e atunci. 8n
e/*(u% ace%a au murit mii (e *ameni. 3rintre ei, mama %ui. ! f*"t cea mai rea iarn (in cte #&i
amintea. 1i atunci, #n =4, "e -n(i 7ri>>i, "t$nin(u4&i mnia, #n =4, !merica &i !n-%ia ne4au
tr(at &i4au (at $mnturi%e n*a"tre a-re"*ru%ui. Dar n*i n4am uitatC Bum n4au uitat nici e"t*nienii,
%ituanienii, %et*nii, -ermanii (in e"t, ce2ii, un-urii, bu%-arii, "%a)ii, r*mnii 4 &i %i"ta e ne"fr&it. Dar
40
*(at )a )eni +iua "*c*te%ii cu "*)ieticii, *, (a, fr4n(*ia% c )a )eni *(at * +i a "*c*te%i%*r cu
"*)ieticii 4 #n(e*"ebi $entru ru&i, care "imt ce% mai tare ,u-u% %*r.
4 3entru un -e*r-ian, &tii mu%te (e"$re ?in%an(a, r*"ti ca%m.
4 ?in%an(a e"te im$*rtant $entru 5u"ia. 3actu% (e #ne%e-ere (intre n*i "e (e"f&*ar bine,
e"te "i-ur &i * %ecie $entru %ume c $r*$a-an(a american anti"*)ietic e"te un mit im$eria%i"t.
7ri>>i +mbi.
4 .u4i )reme (e $*%itic. 7i, e tr+iu, ce )rei (e %a mineH
4 3rietenieC
4 !C !"ta4i u&*r (e cerutC Dar, a&a cum &tii, $entru un fin%an(e+ e mai (ifici% (e ac*r(at.
Se #ntin"e ctre (u%a$ (u$ "tic%a a$r*a$e -*a% (e )*(c &i (*u $a2are. 7&ti &iitH
4 Da, (ar nu unu% bun, !%%a2 " m ierteC Aeau cte*(at )*(c, (ac a"ta )rei " "$ui..
7ri>>i turn #n4(*u $a2are.
4 SntateC
Aur.
4 !cum, te r*- treci %a "ubiect.
4 8n curn( Aa>2tiar &i %ac2eii %ui americani *r " fie aruncai afar (in 'ran, #n curn(
!+erbai(,anu% * " fie cu$rin" (e frmntri 4 (ar tu n4ai (e ce " te temi, e&ti bine )+ut aici, ca &i
"*ia ta &i fami%ia ei 4 &i am (*ri c**$erarea ta $entru in"taurarea $cii #n ace&ti muni.
4 Sunt (*ar un $i%*t (e e%ic*$ter care %ucrea+ $entru * c*m$anie britanic $e un c*ntract a%
%ui 'ran4Eimber i "unt a$*%itic. .*i, fin%an(e+ii, nu facem $*%itic, nu4i a(uci aminteH
4 Suntem $rieteni, (aC intere"e%e n*a"tre $ri)it*are %a $acea %umii "unt ace%ea&i.
3umnu% (re$t a% %ui 7ri>>i i+bi ma"a, -e"tu% nea&te$tat, )i*%ent fcn(u4% $e ru" " c%i$ea"c,
iar "tic%a " "e r*"t*-*%ea"c $e $*(ea.
4 Di4am cerut $*%itic*" (e (*u *ri " )ii %a "ubiect, "$u"e e% cu aceea&i )*ce ca%m. !i +ece
"ecun(e.
4 ?*arte bine, "$u"e *mu% $rintre (ini. 8i "*%icitm "er)icii%e ca " tran"$*ri ec2i$e%e
n*a"tre #n tabere, #n urmt*are%e cte)a +i%e. .*i...
4 Be ec2i$eH
4 Mu%%a2ii (in Eabri+ &i cre(inci*&ii %*r. 8i ce...
4 3rime"c *r(ine (e %a c*m$anie, nu (e %a mu%%a2i "au re)*%ui*nari "au *ameni care umb%
n*a$tea cu arme, #ne%e-iH
4 !i " (e"c*$eri c e mai bine " ne4ne%e-i tu $e n*i, c$itane N*>>*nen. Ba &i @*r-*nii,
t*iC "$u"e 5a>*c+K a$"at &i 7ri>>i "imi c i "e urc "n-e%e #n *bra,i.
4 'ran4Eimber e (e,a im$%icat &i a trecut (e $artea n*a"tr. Jr " #i (ea *r(ine%e nece"are.
4 AunC 8n ca+u% "ta am " a&te$t " )( care "unt ace"te *r(ine.
7ri>>i "e ri(ic #n t*at #n%imea %ui.
4 .*a$te bunC
5u"u% "e ri(ic &i e% &i #&i fi/ a"u$ra %ui $ri)iri%e mni*a"e.
4 Eu &i "*ia ta "untei mu%t $rea inte%i-eni ca " nu #n e%e-ei c fr americani &i b%e"temata
%*r (e B'!, 'ranu% e"te $ier(ut. .ebunu% %a afuri"it (e Barter a *r(*nat infanteriei marine
americane &i e%ic*$tere%*r " "e (e$%a"e+e #n Eurcia, iar f%*tei (e r+b*i " #ntre4n @*%f,
0 f*r (e a"a%t cu un $*rta)i*n nuc%ear &i )a"e (e e"c*rt, cu infanterie &i a)i*ane cu armament
nuc%ear %a b*r(, * f%*...
4 J f%*t (e r+b*iH .u cre(.
4 Aa " cre+iC 3e !%%a2, fii "i-ur c #ncearc " $*rnea"c un r+b*i. 3entru c bine#ne%e" c
n*i )a trebui M" r"$un(em #ntr4un fe%. Erebuie " r"$un(em unui -e"t a-re"i) cu a-re"i)itate,
cci, fr4n(*ia%, #ncearc " f*%*"ea"c 'ranu% #m$*tri)a n*a"tr. 74* nebunieC .*i nu )rem r+b*i
nuc%earC
5a>*c+K "$unea a"ta (in t*t "uf%etu%. 5*"tea cu)inte%e a$r*a$e fr " -n(ea"c. Dar cu
cte)a *re #n urm "u$eri*ru% %ui #% $re)eni"e $rintr4un me"a, ra(i* c*(ificat c t*ate f*re%e
"*)ietice (e %a -rani, ca &i rac2ete%e nuc%eare, erau #n a%ert -a%ben 4 %a un $a" (e cea r*&ie 4 (in
cau+a $*rta)i*nu%ui &i a f%*tei care4% #n"*ea: &i ce% mai ru (intre t*ate, mari mi&cri (e tru$e
c2ine+e fu"e"er ra$*rtate (e4a %un-u% #ntre-ii fr*ntiere (e *$t mii (e >i%*metri cu B2ina.
41
4 Eic%*"u% (e Barter, cu afuri"itu% %ui (e 3act (e 3rietenie cu B2ina, * " ne (ea a% (racu%ui
(e furc (ac i "e ac*r( mcar ct (e ct * &an".
4 Dac4* fi, * fiC +i"e 7ri>>i.
4 'n"2aX!%%a2, (a, (ar (e ce " fii cine%e (e %an a% americani%*r "au a% a%iai%*r %*r, en-%e+iiH
3*$*ru% * " c&ti-e. .*i * " c&ti-mC !,ut4ne &i n4ai " re-rei, c$itaneC !)em ne)*ie (e
$rice$erea ta $entru cte)a...
Se *$ri bru"c. !far "e au+eau $a&i a$r*$iin(u4"e #n fu-. 'n"tantaneu #n mna %ui 7ri>>i
a$ru cuitu%, iar e% fcu un "a%t ca (e $i"ic, a&e+n(u4"e #ntre u&a (e %a #ntrare &i cea a (*rmit*ru%ui,
c2iar #n c%i$a #n care $rima "e ((u cu +-*m*t (e $erete.
4 S!V!6, -fi un brbat abia (e"%u&it #n #ntunericu% (e afar, &i "e r"uci $e c%cie,
(i"$rn( #ntr4* c%i$.
5a>*c+K &ni %a u&, #n&fcn( $i"t*%u% mitra%ier.
4 !)em ne)*ie (e a,ut*ru% tu, c$itane, nu uitaC Di"$ru #n n*a$te.
!+a(e2 ie&i #n "ufra-erie cu arma $re-tit "i c2i$u% a%b.
4 Be "$unea (e $*rta)i*nH .4am #ne%e". 7ri>>i #i "$u"e. ?emeia era u%uit.
4 !"ta #n"eamn r+b*i, 7ri>>i.
4 Da, (ac "e4ntm$%C #&i $u"e "curta. Stai aici.
8nc2i"e u&a (u$ e%. 3utea )e(ea %umini%e un*r ma&ini ce "e a$r*$iau #n )ite+ (e4a %un-u%
(rumu%ui f*re"tier care %e-a ba+a (e (rumu% $rinci$a% Eabri+4Ee2eran. 3e m"ur ce *c2ii i "e
*bi&nuiau cu #ntunericu%, $utu " (e"%u&ea"c (*u aut*m*bi%e &i un cami*n mi%itar. Ve2ic*%u% (in
frunte "e *$ri ime(iat &i $*%ii&ti &i "*%(ai "e #m$r&tiar #n n*a$te. Jfieru% care4i c*n(ucea "a%ut.
4 !2, c$itane N*>>*nen, bun "earaC !m au+it c au f*"t $e4aici ni&te re)*%ui*nari "au
c*muni&ti Eu(e2. S4au ra$*rtat f*curi (e arm, "$u"e e% #ntr4* en-%e+ $erfect.. #n%imea Sa e
bineH .u "unt $r*b%emeH
4 .u, acum nu, mu%ume"c c*%*ne%e Ma+ar(i. 7ri>>i #% cun*&tea (e"tu% (e bine0 brbatu% era
)r cu !+a(e2 &i &efu% $*%iiei (in re-iune. Dar S!V!6H !"ta4i a%tce)a, #&i +i"e ne%ini&tit. Dac
e"te, e"te &i eu nu )reau " &tiu.
4 #ntr.
!+a(e2 "e bucur "4&i )a( )ru% &i4i mu%umi $entru c )eni"e, i"t*ri"in(u4i ce%e
#ntm$%ate.
4 5u"u% a +i" c "e numea 5a>*c+KH ?e*(*r 5a>*c+KH #ntreb e%.
4 Da. Dar era e)i(ent * minciun, "$u"e 7ri>>i. 7 cu "i-uran (e %a 6@A.
4 1i n4a $*menit nici * c%i$ (e ce )rea " )i+ite+e tabere%eH
4 .u.
B*%*ne%u% "e -n(i un m*ment, a$*i *ft.
4 Deci mu%%a2u% Ma2mu( )rea " +b*are, (aH In -n( necu-etat $entru un a&a4numit *m a%
%ui !%%a2 &i f*arte $rime,(i*". 8n "$ecia% (ac e"te mar/i"t i"%amic0 a"ta4i "acri%e-iu. Din e%ic*$tere%e
#n +b*r $*i u&*r " ca+i, a&a mi "4a "$u". 3*ate c am $utea "4i (m * mn (e a,ut*r.
7ra #na%t &i atr-t*r, trecut (e $atru+eci (e ani, iar unif*rma era imacu%at.
4 .u4i face -ri,i, +(renr*&ii &tia *r " "e #nt*arc #n curn( #n c*ci*abe%e %*r $(uc2i*a"e.
8n curn( Aa>2tiar * " ne (ea *r(inu% " $*t*%im cinii &tia. 'ar -*%anu%ui (e 62*meini ar trebui
"4i $unem re$e(e ea)a4n $ie$t. ?rance+ii trebuiau "4* fac #n c%i$a #n care a a,un" ac*%*. Sunt ni&te
$r*&ti fr )%a-. Stu$i(C Dar au f*"t #nt*t(eauna "%abi, #nt*t(eauna "4au )rt #n treburi%e a%t*ra &i
#nt*t(eauna #m$*tri)a n*a"trC ?rance+ii au f*"t #nt*t(eauna in)i(i*&i $e 'ran. Se ri(ic. Dai4mi (e
&tire cn( e -ata (e +b*r a$aratu% "ta a% )*"tru. Jrice "4ar #ntm$%a, ne #nt*arcem $e"te (*u +i%e, #n
+*ri. S "$erm c mu%%a2u% &i $rietenii %ui, #n "$ecia% ru"u%, *r " "e4nt*arc.
3%ec.
7ri>>i $u"e ceainicu% " fiarb a$a $entru cafea. @n(it*r, "$u"e0
4 !+a(e2, #m$ac2etea+C
7a "e *$ri $ri)in(u4% ne(umerit.
4 BumH
J " %um ma&ina &i4* " $%ecm %a Ee2eran. 3%ecm #n cte)a minute.
4 .4a)em (e ce " $%ecm, 7ri>>iC
4 Dac e%ic*$teru% era -ata (e +b*r, %4am fi f*%*"it, (ar nu "e $*ate.
42
4 .4ai (e ce " te4n-ri,*re+i, (ra-u% meu, ru&ii au r)nit #nt*t(eauna !+erbai(,anu%. Dari&ti,
"*)ietici, nici * (iferen. 8nt*t(eauna au )rut &i4*r " )rea 'ranu% &i #nt*t(eauna i4am inut (e$arte
&i4a&a * " fie &i (e4aici #nainte. .4ai (e ce " te #n-ri,*re+i (in $ricina ct*r)a fanatici "i a unui
"in-ur ru", 7ri>>iC 7% * $ri)i %un-.
4 Sunt #n-ri,*rat (in $ricina marinei americane i a "*%(ai%*r americani (in Eurcia. Din
$ricina f*rei na)a% americane &i a ceea ce a "$u" a-entu% 6@A0 Eu i "*ra, "untei mu%t $rea
inte%i-eniM. De ce era att (e ner)*" (e &tia att (e mu%te (e"$re mine "i (e"$re tine "i (e ce mi4a
cerut "er)icii%eH Du4te &i #m$ac2etea+, (ra-a mea ct mai e tim$C
SM!"T" 1# februarie 1979
CAPITOLUL $
Aa+a !erian 6*<i"", *ra 3,32 (imineaa. B*n(u" (e mu%%a2u% ;u""ain 6*<i""i, -%*ata
#m$in-ea ur%n( $*arta $rinci$a%, #nt*cmit (in bare (e fier &i inun(at (e %umin, &i -ar(u% (in
"rm -2im$at care #nc*n,ura uria&a ba+. .*a$tea era #ntunec*a", f*arte rece, $%in (e )rte,uri
(e +$a(. Se af%au ac*%* trei "au $atru mii (e *ameni, cei mai mu%i tineri, unii #narmai, cte)a
tinere $urtn( c2a(*r &i )%, unin(u4&i "tri-te%e #ntr4un a(e)rat tumu%t0
4 !%%a2 e mare... !%%a2 e mare.
Dinc*%* (e $*art, cu faa ctre mu%ime, "e af%au r"$n(ite $%ut*ane (e "*%(ai ner)*&i, cu
arme%e $re-tite. !%te $%ut*ane "e af%au mai #n "$ate, #n re+er). E*i *fierii $urtau re)*%)ere. 8n
mi,%*cu% &*"e%ei a&te$tau, cu m*t*are%e (u(uin(, (*u tancuri Benturi*n $re-tite (e %u$t, iar #n
a$r*$ierea %*r "ttea c*man(antu% taberei &i un -ru$ (e *fieri. 8n "$ate%e %*r "e af%au cami*ane
#ncrcate cu a%i "*%(ai, cu ref%ect*are%e (e $e cabine #n(re$tate ctre $*art &i -ar(: "*%(aii erau
(e$&ii ca numr (e (*u+eci "au trei+eci (e *ri. Dinc*%* (e cami*ane "e af%au 2an-are%e, c%(iri%e
ba+ei, barci%e &i $*$*ta *fieri%*r &i $e"te t*t #n,ur, -ru$uri (e mi%itari #n)rtin(u4"e ne%ini&tii (e
c*%*4c*%*, t*i #mbrcai #n -rab, cci mu%imea "*"i"e abia (e * ,umtate (e *r, cern( " i "e
$re(ea ba+a #n nume%e !Kat*%a2u%ui 62*meini.
Din n*u "e au+i #n (ifu+*are )*cea c*man(antu%ui ba+ei0
4 8m$r&tiai4) ime(iatC
@%a"u% r"una a"$ru &i amenint*r, (ar "can(ri%e -%*atei #% ac*$erir.
4 !%%a24u !>barrr...
Beru% era ac*$erit, n*rii a"cun+n( $ri)irii c2iar &i $*a%e%e muni%*r 9a-r*" ce4&i ri(icau #n
"$ate%e ba+ei, ctre "u(, $i"curi%e ac*$erite cu +$a(. Aa+a era $rinci$a%u% "e(iu a% c*m$aniei S4@
#n "u(u% 'ranu%ui &i, (e a"emenea, am$%a"amentu% a (*u e"ca(ri%e a ?*re%*r !eriene 'raniene (*tate
cu ?4 &i, (e %a (ec%ararea %e-i maria%e, a unui $%ut*n (e tancuri Benturi*n &i infanteri&ti. Dinc*%* (e
-ar(, ctre e"t, -i-antica rafinrie (e $etr*% #&i #ntin(ea $e"te "ute (e 2ectare #na%te%e c*&uri ce
)*mitau fum, mu%te (intre e%e trimin( ,eturi (e f%cri #n n*a$te cn( erau -a+e%e a$rin"e. De&i
rafinria era #n -re) &i #nc2i", $arte (in ea era "c%(at #n %umin. Inei ec2i$e minime (e $er"*na%
eur*$ean &i iranian #i fu"e"e #n-(uit, (e ctre c*mitetu% (e -re), " "e "tr(uia"c " $"tre+e #n
"i-uran rafinria, c*n(ucte%e (e a%imentare &i re+er)*are%e (e (e$*+itare.
4 !%%a2 e mareC "tri- (in n*u ;u""ain &i (e #n(at mu%imea $re%ua "tri-tu% &i (in n*u
cu)inte%e $trun"er #n mini%e &i #n inimi%e "*%(ai%*r.
Inu% (in cei af%ai #n $rime%e rn(uri era !%i Ae<e(an, un recrut ca t*i cei%a%i, tnr ca t*i
cei%a%i, nu cu mu%t )reme #n urm un "tean ca t*i cei%a%i, (e (inc*%* (e -ar(. Da, #&i +i"e, "imin(
c4i $%e"ne&te ca$u% &i inima #i bate ca un ci*can #n $ie$t, "unt (e $artea %ui !%%a2 &i $re-tit " fiu
martir a% Bre(inei &i 3r*fetu%ui, fie4i nume%e %u(at. J2, !%%a2, f4m martir &i ia4m (irect #n
3ara(i", a&a cum "4a f-(uit cre(inci*&i%*rC 8n-(uie4mi "4mi )r" "n-e%e $entru '"%am &i
62*meini, nu $entru a4i a$ra $e $ct*&ii "er)it*ri ai 1a2u%ui. Bu)inte%e %ui 62*meini erau )ii #n
mintea %ui, %e au+ea %*)in(u4i tim$ane%e, cu)inte%e #nre-i"trate $e ca"eta $e care mu%%a2u% %*r #i
$u"e"e " * a"cu%te #n m*"c2ee, cu (*u +i%e #n urm0 MS*%(ai, a%turai4) frai%*r )*&tri &i "ur*ri%*r
)*a"tre #ntru %ucrarea %ui !%%a2, $r"ii barci%e %un( cu )*i arme%e, nu ) "u$unei *r(ine%*r
i%e-a%e a%e -enera%i%*r, (*b*ri -u)ernu% i%e-a%C Irmai $*runca %ui !%%a2C !%%a2 e mareCM inima
43
#nce$u "4i bat mai re$e(e, au+in( (in n*u #n #nc2i$uire )*cea aceea a(nc, -r*a", (e ran, a
B*n(uct*ru%ui B*n(uct*ri%*r, care fcea ca t*tu% " fie %im$e(e.
4 !%%a2 e mare, !%%a2 e mare...
Enru% "*%(at nu rea%i+ c #nce$u"e " "tri-e *(at cu mu%imea, cu *c2ii ne(e+%i$ii (e
mu%%a2u% af%at (inc*%* (e $*art, (e $*arta %ui !%%a2, afar, cu mini%e #nc%e&tate (e bare%e (e fier, #n
fruntea ce%*r $e care4i &tia fraii &i "ur*ri%e %ui, #ncercn( "4* (*b*are. ?raii %ui, "*%(aii (in
a$r*$iere, "e f*ir &i mai ne%ini&tii, $ri)in(u4% ne(umerii, ne#n(r+nin( " +ic nimic, ur%etu%
"aca(at $trun+n( #n aceea&i m"ur &i #n mini%e &i #n inimi%e %*r. Mu%i (intre cei af%ai (e acea
$arte a -ar(u%ui ar fi )rut " (e"c2i( $*arta: mu%i ar fi fcut4* (ac n4ar fi f*"t *fierii &i "er-enii
&i ine)itabi%e%e $e(e$"e, c2iar m*artea, $e care * &tiau cu t*ii ca r"$%ata $entru re)*%t. De $artea
%ui !%%a2, (inc*%*...
Enru% "imi c4i $%e"ne&te ca$u% (e n)a%a cu)inte%*r &i nu4% au+i $e "er-ent "tri-n(, nu4%
)+u, )e(ea (*ar $*arta #nc2i", *$rin(u4i $e Bre(inci*&i. 8&i %e$( carabina &i a%er- ctre4intrarea
af%at %a cinci+eci (e metri (e e%. 3entru * c%i$ "e %" * tcere -rea, t*i *c2ii (inuntru% &i (in afara
incintei fi/n(u4"e 2i$n*ti+ai a"u$ra %ui.
B*%*ne%u% M*2amme( 3e"2a(i, c*man(antu% unitii, un brbat mrunt, $e ca%e (e a
#ncruni, #mbrcat #ntr4* unif*rm imacu%at, "ttea %n- tancu% (in frunte. 8% urmri (in $ri)iri $e
tnru% ce "tri-a M!%%a24u !>barM ri(icn(u4&i )*cea "*%itar (ea"u$ra tcerii. Bn( ace"ta a,un"e %a
cinci metri (e -ar(, c*%*ne%u% fcu un "emn "er-entu%ui ma,*r af%at %n- e%, &*$tin(0
4 Ici(e41C
Irec2i%e "er-entu% )uiau (e "tri-tu% tnru%ui, care acum "mucea #ncuiet*area. Bu * "in-ur
mi&care f%ui(, "mu%"e carabina ce%ui mai a$r*$iat "*%(at, ri(ic $ie(ica, "e "$ri,ini * c%i$ (e
f%ancu% tancu%ui, fi/ ctarea $e ceafa tnru%ui &i a$" $e tr-aci. 8i )+u faa e/$%*(n(,
#m$r*&cn(u4i $e cei af%ai (e $artea cea%a%t a $*rii, a$*i tru$u% "e nrui &i rma"e atrnn( *b"cen
(e "rma -2im$at.
3entru * c%i$ tcerea "e %" &i mai a$"t*are. !$*i, ca un "in-ur *m, cu ;u""ain #n frunte,
-%*ata "e arunc #nainte a"emeni unei fiine ur%t*are, ne"imit*are, %i$"ite (e raiune. Bei af%ai #n
$rime%e rn(uri #nce$ur " tra- (e "rme, fr " %e $e"e (e -2im$ii care %e "f&iau $a%me%e,
#m$in&i (e cei (in "$ate #nce$ur " "e care $e -ar(.
In $i"t*% mitra%ier c%nni ctre ei. 8n aceea&i c%i$a c*%*ne%u% #&i #n(re$t artt*ru% "$re
*fieru% af%at #n tanc.
De #n(at, * %imb (e f%cri &ni (in ea)a tunu%ui (e $atru *ii. Eunu% era #n(re$tat $e
(ea"u$ra ca$ete%*r mu%imii &i fu"e"e #ncrcat cu un $r*iecti% *rb, (ar )i*%ena e/$%*+iei #i fcu $e
atacat*ri " "e r*"t*-*%ea"c #n $anic (e $e $*art, * ,umtate (e (u+in (e "*%(ai "c$ar arme%e
(in $ricina &*cu%ui, ci)a * ru$"er %a fu- &i mu%i (intre $ri)it*rii ne#narmai "e #m$r&tiar
#n"$imntai. Era"e &i a% (*i%ea tanc, cu ea)a mai c*b*rt, %imba (e f%cri &nin( mai a$r*a$e (e
$mnt.
Mu%imea "e #m$r&tie. Arbai &i femei * ru$"er %a fu- (e %n- $*art &i -ar(, c%cn(u4
"e #n $ici*are #n -raba %*r. Din n*u tancu% (in frunte tra"e &i (in n*u &ni %imba (e f%cri &i
bubuitura a"ur+it*are &i mu%imea #&i (ub% ef*rturi%e #n n+uina ei (e a "e (e$rta (e ace% %*c. D*ar
mu%%a2u% ;u""ain rm"e"e %a $*art. Se c%tin beat $e $ici*are, a$r*a$e *rbit &i a"ur+it, a$*i
mini%e i "e $rin"er (e "t%$ii $*rii &i rma"e a-at ac*%*. 'me(iat, in"tincti), mu%i "e re$e+ir "4%
a,ute. S*%(ai, "er-eni &i un *fier.
4 5mnei $e %*curi%e )*a"treC mu-i c*%*ne%u% 3e"2a(i, a$*i %u micr*f*nu% &i ((u
(ifu+*are%e %a ma/imum.
V*cea %ui e/$%*( #n n*a$te0
4 E* i "*%(aii rmn $e %*curi%e %*rC 3unei $ie(ica %a armC 3I.7D' 3'7D'B! L! !5MVC
E*i *fierii &i "er-enii 4 )erificai4) *ameniiC =Ser-ent, )in* cu mineC=
8nc #n "tare (e &*c, "er-entu% $*rni ctre $*art #n $a" cu c*man(antu%. 8n faa ace"teia "e
af%au #m$r&tiate trei+eci "au $atru+eci (e tru$uri c%cate #n $ici*are. Ma"a (e r"cu%ai "e *$ri"e %a *
"ut (e metri mai (e$arte &i #nce$ea " "e re-ru$e+e. Bi)a (intre cei mai +e%*&i "e $re-tir (e un
n*u atac. Een"iunea cre"cu (in n*u.
4 SEJ3C E*at %umea 5VMY.7 I.D7 S7 !?LVC
44
De (ata acea"ta c*man(a fu a"cu%tat. 'me(iat. 8&i "imea "u(*area cur-n( $e "$ate &i inima
btn(u4i nebune&te #n $ie$t. !runc * $ri)ire ca(a)ru%ui a-at (e "rma -2im$at, bucurn(u4"e
$entru eC 4 nu muri"e tnru% ca un martir, cu nume%e %ui !%%a2 $e bu+e &i nu era e% (eci, (e,a #n
3ara(i"H 4 a$*i )*rbi a"$ru #n micr*f*n0
4 V*i trei... Da, )*i treiC !,utai4% $e mu%%a2C !cumC #ntr4* c%i$, *amenii (in afara -ar(u%ui
ctre care arta"e a%er-ar " #n(e$%inea"c *r(inu%. 8m$un"e furi*" cu (e-etu% ctre ci)a "*%(ai.
4 V*i, (e"c2i(ei $*artaC Eu, ia tru$u% (e4ac*%*C Din n*u i "e ((u in"tantaneu a"cu%tare. 8n
"$ate%e %ui, cte)a -ru$uri (e *ameni #nce$ur " "e mi&te &i e% ur%0
4 !m "$u" 5VMY.7 ' 37 LJBC 35'MIL B!57 M'1BV ?V5V BJM!.D! M7! 7
MJ5EC
E*i #n-2ear. E*i.
3e"2a(i a&te$t * c%i$, a$r*a$e $r*)*cn(u4i, (ar nu mi&c nimeni. !runc (in n*u *
$ri)ire ctre ;u""ain, $e care4% cun*&tea f*arte bine.
4 Mu%%a2, "$u"e cu )*ce c*b*rt, te "imi bineH Sttea acum #n "$ate%e %ui. 3*arta era
(e"c2i". La ci)a metri mai #n urm, cei trei "teni a&te$tau ca ni&te "tane (e $iatr. ;u""ain era
"t$nit (e * m*n"tru*a" (urere (e ca$ &i urec2i%e #% (ureau cum$%it, (ar $utea au+i &i $utea )e(ea
&i, (e&i mini%e "a%e erau #n"n-erate (e -2im$ii (e "rm, &tia c nu4i rnit &i nu era #nc martir, a&a
cum a&te$ta"e &i cum "e ru-a"e.
4 Ber... "$u"e e% "%ab, cer acea"t... acea"t ba+ #n nume%e %ui 62*meiniC
4 !i " )ii ime(iat #n bir*u% meu, #% #ntreru$"e c*%*ne%u%, cu c2i$u% a"$ru &i )*cea "e)er. La
fe% &i )*i treiC Ba mart*riC J " "tm (e )*rb, mu%%a2C 7u am " te4a"cu%t &i (u$ aceea ai " m4
a"cu%i tu $e mineC
D(u (rumu% (in n*u am$%ificat*ru%ui &i e/$%ic ce4a)ea (e -n( " fac, cu * )*ce &i mai
a"$r, cu)inte%e "trnin( ec*uri, (e"$icn( n*a$tea.
4 7% &i cu mine * " "tm (e )*rb. J " (i"cutm $a&nic &i a$*i mu%%a2u% "e )a #nt*arce %a
m*"c2ee &i )*i t*i ) )ei #nt*arce %a ca"e%e )*a"tre " ) ru-ai. 3*arta )a rmne (e"c2i". 3*arta
)a fi $+it (e "*%(aii mei &i (e tancuri%e me%e &i, $e !%%a2 &i 3r*fetu% Su, fie nume%e Lui %u(at,
(ac )reunu% (intre )*i trece (e $*art nec2emat "au #ncearc " "ar -ar(u%, "*%(aii mei *r "4%
uci(. Dac mai mu%i (e (*u+eci (intre )*i (ai bu+na #n unitatea mea, am "4mi c*n(uc tancuri%e
#n "ate%e )*a"tre &i am " ) ar( ca"e%e, cu )*i #nuntru% %*rC Eria"c 1a2u%C
Se #nt*ar"e $e c%cie &i "e (e$rt cu $a&i mari, urmat #ncet (e ctre mu%%a2 &i (e cei trei
"teni #n"$imntai. .imeni a%tcine)a nu mi&c. 3e )eran(a $*$*tei *fieri%*r, c$itanu% B*nr*e
Star>e, c*man(antu% -ru$u%ui c*m$aniei S4@, *ft.
4 Sfinte 'i"u"e B2ri"t*a"eC murmur cu nermurit a(miraie, fr " "e a(re"e+e cui)a
anume. Be c*,*ne"C
Jra .21, (imineaa. Star>e "ttea %a ferea"tra $*$*tei *fieri%*r, $ri)in( $e"te (rum, %a
c%(irea #n care "e af%a bir*u% %ui 3e"2a(i. Mu%%a2u% nu ie&i"e #nc. !ici, #n 2*%u% $rinci$a% a% $*$*tei,
era f*arte fri-. ?re((K !Kre "e cufun( &i mai a(nc #n "caunu% $%iant (e $n+, tr-n(u4&i "curta
(e +b*r mai "trn" #n ,uru% %ui, &i $ri)i #n "u" %a #na%tu% te/an ce "e %e-na #ncet $e c%cie.
4 La ce te -n(e&tiH #ntreb #n-ri,*rat, #nbu&in(u4&i un c"cat.
4 M -n(e"c c $e"te e/act * *r * " r"ar "*are%e, amiceC r"$un"e Star>e ab"ent.
3urta &i e% * "curt (e +b*r &i ci+me (e $i%*ta, #mb%nite. Bei (*i $i%*i "e af%au %n-
ferea"tra (in c*% a unei #nc$eri (e %a $rimu% eta,, (e un(e "e $utea )e(ea cea mai mare $arte a
unitii. 3rin camer erau #m$r&tiai * (u+in (e *fieri "u$eri*ri iranieni cr*ra %i "e "$u"e"e, (e
a"emenea, " rmn ac*%*. Bei mai mu%i a(*rmi"er #n "caune%e $%iante, +-ribu%ii #n "curte%e (e
+b*r "au #n manta%e%e mi%itare, cci #nc%+irea (in #ntrea-a unitate era *$rit (e "$tmni, ca " "e
ec*n*mi"ea"c c*mbu"tibi%. Bte)a *r(*nane *b*"ite, #mbrcate #n manta%e, curau u%time%e
re"turi (e %a $etrecerea $e care "*"irea mu%imii * #ntreru$"e"e.
4 M "imt "t*r", tu nuH
4 .u #ncC Da= cum "e face c4nt*t(eauna nimere"c (e "er)iciu #n +i%e%e im$*rtante "au (e
"rbt*ri, ?re((KH
4 7"te $ri)i%e-iu% &efu%ui ?r4(e4Eeam, btrne, "$u"e !Kre, ( un bun e/em$%u tru$ei.
4
7ra a% (*i%ea %a c*man( #n c*ntin-entu% S4@, f*"t $i%*t 5!?, un brbat atr-t*r (e
(*u+eci &i *$t (e ani, cu *c2i a%ba&tri ca $*rumbe%e &i )*rbin( en-%e+e&te cu un $r*nunat accent (e
J/f*r(.
Star>e arunc * $ri)ire ctre $*arta $rinci$a%, rma" (e"c2i". .ici * "c2imbare. 7ra #nc
bine $+it. !far, cinci "ute (e "teni a&te$tau #nc, "trn i unu% #n ce%%a%t ca " "e #nc%+ea"c. Se
#nt*ar"e (in n*u " $ri)ea"c c%(irea. .ici aici nu "e "c2imba"e ce)a. La eta,u% "u$eri*r, un(e #&i
a)ea bir*u% 3e"2a(i, %umini%e erau #n c*ntinuare a$rin"e.
4 !& (a %eafa $e4* %un " c2ibie+ &i eu $e4ac*%*, ?re((KC
4 BumH Be )rei " "$uiH
4 S a"cu%t ce )*rbe"c 3e"2a(i i mu%%a2u%.
4 !2C
!Kre $ri)i $e"te (rum, %a c%(irea bir*uri%*r.
4 1tii, m -n(eam c4am #ncurcat4* cn( mi+erabi%ii ia au #nce$ut " "e care $e -ar(. !
(racu%ui treabC 7ram -ata4-ata "4mi iau $ici*are%e %a "$inare, " (au (rumu% %a m*ri&ca btrnei
.e%%K &i "4i +ic a(i* %ui 6ub%ai 62an &i 2*ar(e%*r "a%e ttareC
B2ic*ti c $entru e%, ima-inn(u4&i cum ar fi a%er-at $n %a e%ic*$ter.
4 De"i-ur, a(u- "ec, te4a& fi a&te$tat, Du>e.
?*%*"i"e $*rec%a %ui Star>e, te/an ca &i F*2n QaKne, c%(it %a fe% &i t*t att (e c2i$e& ca
ace"ta. Star>e r"e.
4 Mu%ume"c, btrneC Dac "tau " m -n(e"c, (ac ar fi (at bu+na &tia, a& fi a,un"
#naintea ta.
B*%uri%e *c2i%*r %ui a%ba&tri "e #ncreir &i +mbi, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e #na$*i ctre ferea"tr ca
"4&i a"cun( #n-ri,*rarea. 7ra a treia c*nfruntare a $er"*na%u%ui ba+ei cu -%*ata, #nt*t(eauna
c*n(u" (e un mu%%a2, fiecare #nfruntare mai "eri*a" (ect cea (inainte. 'ar acum $rima m*arte
(e%iberat. 1i ce a)ea " mai urme+eH !cea"t m*arte a)ea " (uc %a a%ta &i %a a%ta &i %a a%ta. Dac
n4ar fi f*"t c*%*ne%u% 3e"2a(i, ar fi $*rnit &i a%i ctre $*art &i4ar fi f*"t #m$u&cai, &i4acum $e"te t*t
$rin ,ur ar fi f*"t r"$n(ite ca(a)re. J2C 3e"2a(i ar fi #n)in" (e (ata a"ta. Dar curn( e% )a fi ce%
#nfrnt, (*ar (ac nu reu&e&te " "$u%bere #nc$narea mu%%a2u%ui. Ba "4* fac, a"ta #n"eamn "4%
uci( $e ;u""ain. .u $*ate "4% #nc2i(0 mu%imea "4ar c%ca #n $ici*are ca "4% e%ibere+e 4 iar (ac4%
uci(e "au #% e/i%ea+, mu%imea * "4% ca%ce $e e% #n $ici*are, a&a c "4a )rt #ntr4un ,*c fr "c$are.
Be4a& face euH .u &tiuC
3ri)i #n ,uru% %ui $rin #nc$ere. Jfierii iranieni nu $reau #n-ri,*rai. 8i cun*&tea $e cei mai
mu%i (intre ei (in )e(ere, $e nici unu% mai #n(ea$r*a$e. De&i S4@ #m$rea acea"t ba+ cu armata
(e cn( fu"e"e c*n"truit, #n urm cu )re* *$t ani, a)u"e"er $rea $uin (e4a face cu mi%itarii "au cu
$er"*na%u% ?*re%*r !eriene. De anu% trecut, (e cn( $re%ua"e c*man(a ca $i%*t &ef, #ncerca"e "
e/tin( c*ntacte%e %*r cu re"tu% ba+ei, (ar fr "ucce". 'ranienii #&i menineau re%aii%e (*ar #ntre ei.
!"ta e4n re-u%, "e -n(i, e ara %*r. Dar t*t ei * "f&ie &i n*i "untem %a mi,%*c &i acum
Manue%a e aici. ?u"e"e c*$%e&it (e fericire cu cinci +i%e #n urm )+n(u4&i "*ia "*"in( cu
e%ic*$teru% 4 Mc')er n4a)ea #ncre(ere #n (rumuri 4 (e&i fu"e"e $uin "u$rat c ea reu&i"e " c*n4
)in- $e cine)a (intr4un a)i*n a% %ui Ariti"2 !ir<aK" care efectua"e un +b*r "*%itar &i reu&i"e " "e
"trec*are $n %a Ee2eran.
4 La (racu=, Manue%a, e&ti #n $eric*% aiciC
4 .u mai mu%t (ect #n Ee2eran, B*nr*e (ra-. 'n"2a=!%%a2, "$u"e"e ea +mbit*are.
4 Bum (e %4ai c*n)in" $e Mac " te %a"e " )ii aiciH
4 '4am +mbit (*ar, (ra-u%e, &i i4am $r*mi" " m urc #n $rimu% a)i*n (i"$*nibi% care "e4
nt*arce #n !n-%ia. 3n4atunci, (ra-u%e, 2ai #n $atC
9mbi #n "inea %ui &i4&i %" -n(uri%e " +b*are. 7ra a treia *ar cn( a)ea un c*ntract #n
'ran &i a% cinci%ea an #n S4@. In"$re+ece ani buni, #&i +i"e. Mai #nti !ber(een i Marea .*r(u%ui,
a$*i 'ran, Dubai &i !% S2ar-a+, c2iar (inc*%* (e @*%f, &i a$*i (in n*u 'ran, un(e $%nui"em "
rmn. Bei mai buni ani, aici au f*"t. Dar nu &i acum. 'ranu% "4a "c2imbat (in =73, cn( 1a2u% a
ri(icat (e $atru *ri $reu% $etr*%u%ui, (e %a un (*%ar %a $atru, "au $e4ac*%*C 3entru 'ran e ca &i cum ai
"*c*ti #nainte &i (u$ 'i"u". 8nainte erau bine)*it*ri &i "rit*ri, * $%cere " trie&ti $rintre ei &i "
%ucre+i cu ei. Du$H Din ce #n ce mai ar*-ani, (in ce #n ce mai $%ini (e ei (in $ricina nec*ntenite%*r
a%u+ii a%e 1a2u%ui %a Minerenta "u$eri*ritate a iranieni%*rM, (at*rat ce%*r trei mii (e ani (e ci)i%i+aie,
4G
&i a $r*iecte%*r %ui $*tri)it cr*ra $e"te (*u+eci (e ani 'ranu% a)ea " fie unu% (intre %i(erii %umii,
a&a cum era (re$tu% %ui (i)in, a)ea " fie a cincea $utere in(u"tria% $e 3mnt, "in-uru% "tr,er a%
r"crucii (e (rumuri (intre e"t &i )e"t. Bea mai bun armat, cea mai bun f%*t, cea mai bun
a)iaie, cu mai mu%te tancuri, e%ic*$tere, c*n-e%at*are, fabrici, te%ef*ane, (rumuri, &c*%i, bnci &i
#ntre$rin(eri (ect *ricine a%tcine)a (e aici, (in mi,%*cu% %umii. 1i, "$ri,inin(u4"e $e t*ate a"tea,
re"tu% %umii a"cu%tn( cu atenie, "ub c*n(ucerea "a, 'ranu% a)ea " fie un a(e)rat arbitru #ntre e"t &i
)e"t, a(e)rata fntn a #ntre-ii #ne%e$ciuni 4 #ne%e$ciunea %ui.
Star> *ft. !,un"e"e " #ne%ea- t*ate a"tea f*arte %im$e(e #n cur"u% ani%*r, (ar * binecu)n4
ta $e Manue%a care acce$ta"e " "e arunce #m$reun cu e% #n fe%u% (e )ia iranian, #n)n( far"i,
mer-n( $e"te t*t &i )+n( t*tu%, $ri)e%i&ti n*i &i -u"turi &i mir*"uri, #n)n( (e"$re c*)*are%e
$er"ane &i ca)iar, )inuri &i %e-en(e, fcn(u4&i $rieteni, netrin(u4&i )iaa #nc2i&i #n ca" ca mu%i
(intre $i%*ii &i in-inerii "trini care 2*tr"er "4&i %a"e fami%ii%e aca", " %ucre+e aici (*u %uni &i
" aib * %un %iber, care "tteau %a ba+e%e %*r #n +i%e%e %ibere, ec*n*mi"in( bani &i a&te$tn(
c*nce(ii%e ca " mear- aca", *riun(e era ca"a acea"ta a %*r.
4 De4acum ca"a e aici, "$u"e"e ea. !ici * " fim eu &i c*$iii, a(u-a"e, cu ace% +)cnet a%
ca$u%ui $e care e% #% a(mira att (e mu%t, a-itn(u4&i )a%uri%e #ntunecate a%e $ru%ui cu $a"iunea
m*&tenirii "$ani*%e.
4 Be c*$iiH .4a)em c*$ii &i nu ne $utem #n-(ui #nc a&a ce)a, cu c&ti-u% meuC
Star>e +mbi. !"ta "e4ntm$%a"e c2iar #n(at (u$ ce "e c"t*ri"er, cu +ece ani #n urm.
3%eca"e aca", #n Ee/a", ca " "e c"t*rea"c cu ea ime(iat ce $*"tu% %ui %a S4@ fu"e"e c*nfirmat.
!cum a)eau trei c*$ii, (*i biei &i4* fat, &i #&i $utea #n-(ui "4i crea"c. 1i4acumH !cum ce4are
" "e4ntm$%eH 3*"tu% (e aici e ameninat, cei mai mu%i (intre $rietenii n*&tri iranieni au $%ecat, #n
ma-a+ine%e #n care $n ieri fu"e"e #n(e"tu%are erau numai rafturi -*a%e 4 &i team un(e fu"e"e $n
atunci )e"e%ie. !furi"it 62*meini &i afuri"ii mu%%a2ii %ui, #&i +i"e. ! #nt*r" $e (*" * )ia -r*+a) &i
un %*c minunat. Eare a& )rea ca Manue%a " ia c*$iii &i " +b*are aca", %a Lubb*c>, " "tea ac*%*
$n cn( "e "tabi%i+ea+ %ucruri%e aiciC
Lubb*c> e"te un mic *r&e% (e $r*)incie #n (i"trictu% 3an2an(%e (in Ee/a", un(e tat% %ui
#nc mai inea un ranc2 4 cinci "ute (e acri, cte)a )aci, ci)a cai, ce)a a-ricu%tur, (e a,un" ca
fami%ia " tria"c c*nf*rtabi%. !& )rea " fie (e,a ac*%*, (ar n4am mai $rimit nici * "cri"*are (e
"$tmni #ntre-i &i te%ef*ane%e "unt m*arte.
A%e"temat 62*meini, care a #n"$imntat4* cu (i"cur"uri%e %uiC M #ntreb ce4* "4i "$un %ui
!%%a2 &i ce4* "4i +ic !%%a2 %ui cn( *r " "e4nt%nea"c. Se #ntin"e &i "e a&e+ $e "caunu% $%iant. 8%
)+u $e !Kre $ri)in(u4% cu *c2i "*mn*r*&i.
4 !i fcut4* %at, +u a&aC
4 7ra +iua mea %iber, (e fa$t (*u +i%e, &i nu $%anifica"em nimic %e-at (e 2*ar(e%e a"tea.
Mai e/act, inteni*nam " beau $n a& fi c+ut %at. 8mi %i$"e&te ,umtatea mea, Dumne+eu "4*
binecu)nte+e, &i *ricum ;*-manaK e im$*rtant $entru n*i, "c*ienii, &i...
4 M;*-manaKM #n"eamn M!,unu% !nu%ui .*uM, iar a+i e +ece februarie &i nu e&ti mai "c*ian
(ect mine.
4 Du>e, trebuie " te #n&tiine+ c !Kre e un "tr)ec2i c%an, iar eu &tiu " cnt %a cim$*i,
amice.
!Kre c"c (e4i tr*"nir f%ci%e.
4 B2ri"t*a"e, ce *b*"it #"C
Se #n-r*$ &i mai a(nc #n "caun, #ncercn( " "e aran,e+e mai c*nf*rtabi%, a$*i arunc *
$ri)ire afar $e ferea"tr. De #n(at *rice urm (e *b*"ea% i "e t*$i. In *fier iranian ie&ea -rbit
(in c%(ire, tra)er"n( a%eea ctre %*cu% un(e "e af%au ei. 7ra mai*ru% B2an-i+, c*man(antu% a(,unct
a% ba+ei. Bn( intr #n #nc$ere, c2i$u% %ui era "e)er.
4 E*i *fierii "e )*r $re+enta %a c*man(ant %a *ra &a$te fi/, "$u"e #n far"i. La *ra *$t )a a)ea
%*c #n $ia * $ara( a #ntre-u%ui $er"*na% mi%itar &i a a)iat*ri%*r. Jricine %i$"e&te 4 *ricine, a(u-
e% #ntunecat, cu e/ce$ia ce%*r #n)*ii me(ica% (e mine #n $rea%abi% 4 "e $*ate a&te$ta %a $e(e$"e
ime(iate &i "e)ere.
Jc2ii %ui cercetar #nc$erea $n #% (e"c*$erir $e Star>e.
4 Ee r*- urmea+4m, c$itane. 'nima %ui Star>e +)cni.
4 De ce, (*mnu%e mai*rH #ntreb #n far"i.
47
4 B*man(antu% (*re&te "4i )*rbea"c.
4 3entru ceH
Mai*ru% ri(ic (in umeri &i ie&i. Star>e #i "$u"e #n &*a$t %ui !Kre0
4 !i face bine "4i $re)ii $e bieii n*&tri &i $e Manue%a.
4 S4a fcut, "$u"e !Kre &i murmur0 B2ri"t*a"eC 8n tim$ ce Star>e tra)er"a "tra(a &i urca
"cri%e #n c%(irea cea%a%t, "imea *c2ii ce%*r%a%i aintii a"u$ra %ui ca $e * -reutate fi+ic. S%a)
D*mnu%ui c "unt ci)i% &i %ucre+ $entru * c*m$anie britanic &i nu #n armata american, #&i +i"e.
4 ?ir4ar " fie, murmur, amintin(u4&i (e anu% "u (e )*%untariat #n Vietnam, (e +i%e%e ace%ea
(e #nce$ut cn( ac*%* nu erau mi%itari americani, ci M(*ar ci)a c*n"i%ieriM.
5a2atC 1i tic%*"u% %a c$n*", c$itanu% 5itman, maniac cu curenia, care a *r(*nat ca
t*ate e%ic*$tere%e ba+ei n*a"tre 4 * ba+ #n ,un-%, %a un mi%i*n (e >i%*metri (e *rice %ucru ai fi )rut 4
" fie )*$"ite cu r*&u, a%b &i a%ba"tru "tr%ucit*r, cu%*ri%e americane.
4 Da, %a (racu=, $e"te t*tC S &tie &i -%be,iii &tia cine "untem &i "4&i +(runcine buci%e
fu-in( fr " "e *$rea"c $n #n b%e"temata aia (e 5u"ieC 3arti+anii (in Viet B*n- ne $uteau
)e(ea )enin( (e %a *$t+eci (e >i%*metri, $e mine m4au fcut "it &i4am $ier(ut trei e%ic*$tere ;ueK,
cu ec2i$a,e cu t*t, #nainte ca tic%*"u% %a " fie mutat %a Sai-*n, a)an"at #ntr4un $*"t mai mare. .u4i
(e mirare c am $ier(ut afuri"itu% %a (e r+b*i.
'ntr #n c%(ire &i urc "cri%e $e %n- cei trei "teni care #n%emni"er %a u&, ne#n-(uin(u4
%i4"e " #ntre #nuntru, #n br%*-u% c*man(antu%ui unitii.
4 Aun (imineaa, c*%*ne%eC "$u"e e% #n en-%e+, $ru(ent.
4 Aun (imineaa, c$itane Star>eC 3e"2a(i trecu %a far"i.
4 !& )rea " i4% $re+int $e mu%%a2u% ;u""ain 6*<i""i.
4 3acea fie cu tine, "$u"e Star>e #n far"i, f*arte c*n&tient (e $ete%e (e "n-e $r*)enin( (e %a
tnru% m*rt, $ete care #nc mai $tau turbanu% a%b &i 2a%atu% ne-ru a% mu%%a2u%ui.
4 3acea fie cu tine.
Star>e #ntin"e mna ca "4% #ntm$ine $e ce%%a%t cu * "trn-ere (e mn, a&a cum era
*biceiu%. A- (e "eam %a tim$ rni%e a(nci, abia c*a-u%ate, (in $a%me%e brbatu%ui, $r*)*cate (e
"rma -2im$at. Strn"e mna ce%ui%a%t cu -ri,. E*tu&i )+u * -rima" (e (urere $e c2i$u% %ui.
4 8mi $are ru, "$u"e #n en-%e+.
Mu%%a2u% nu "$u"e nimic, ci4% $ri)i (*ar nec%intit &i Star>e re"imi $uternica ur a ce%ui%a%t.
4 M4ai c2emat, c*%*ne%eH
4 Da, te r*- ia %*c.
3e"2a(i fcu un "emn ctre "caunu% -*% af%at (e $artea cea%a%t a bir*u%ui. 8nc$erea era
m*bi%at "$artan &i (e * *r(ine (e")r&it. J f*t*-rafie a 1a2u%ui &i a "*iei %ui, ?ara2, #n inut (e
cerem*nie, era "in-ura $*(*ab. Mu%%a2u% "e a&e+a"e cu "$ate%e ctre ea. Star>e "e a&e+ $e "caunu%
af%at #n faa ce%*r (*i. 3e"2a(i a$rin"e * a%t i-ar &i +ri $ri)irea (e+a$r*bat*are a %ui ;u""ain
c*b*rn( "$re ea, a$*i ri(icn(u4"e &i fi/n(u4i c2i$u%, nu4&i %u *c2ii (e %a *c2ii %ui. Du$ une%e
inter$retri, fumatu% era inter+i" (e B*ran. Se c*ntra+i"e"er a"u$ra "ubiectu%ui "ta tim$ (e * *r,
a$*i e% "$u"e"e cu 2*trre0
4 ?umatu% nu e"te inter+i" #n 'ran, nu #nc. Sunt "*%(at. !m ,urat " m "u$un *r(ine%*r. 8n...
4 B2iar &i *r(ine%*r i%e-a%eH
4 5e$et, *r(ine%*r Ma,e"tii Sa%e 'm$eria%e, 1a2in&a2u% M*2ame( 3a2%a)i, "au a%e re$re+en4
tantu%ui %ui, $rimu% mini"tru Aa>2tiar, care "unt #nc %e-a%e, c*nf*rm %e-i"%aiei iraniene. 'ranu% nu
e"te #nc un Stat '"%amic. .u #ncC cn( * " fie, am " m "u$un *r(ine%*r *ricui )a c*n(uce ace"t
"tat i"%amic.
4 !i " te "u$ui imamu%ui 62*meiniH
4 Dac aKat*%a2u% 62*meini (e)ine c*n(uct*ru% n*"tru %e-a%, cu "i-uran.
B*%*ne%u% #ncu)iina"e (in ca$, bine)*it*r, (ar #n "inea %ui -n(i"e0 #nainte ca a"ta " "e4
ntm$%e, *r " cur- ruri (e "n-e.
4 Dar (umneata, (ac am " fiu a%e" c*n(uct*r a% ace"tui $*"ibi% Stat '"%amic, ai " mi te
"u$uiH
;u""ain nu +mbi"e.
4 B*n(uct*ru% Statu%ui '"%amic )a fi imamu%, ?urtuna %ui !%%a2, &i (u$ e% un a%t aKat*%a2 &i
a$*i a%tu%...
48
Jc2ii 2*tri, (e *e%, nu "e (e+%i$eau (e c2i$u% %ui &i 3e"2a(i ar fi )rut "4% trntea"c $e
mu%%a2 %a $mnt &i "4&i ia tancuri%e &i " +(r*bea"c $e *ricine nu "4ar fi "u$u" *r(ine%*r
1a2in&a2u%ui, c*n(uct*ru% (at (e !%%a2. Da, #&i +i"e, c*n(uct*ru% n*"tru (at (e !%%a2, care )i "4a
#m$*tri)it )*u ca &i tat% "u, )*u, mu%%a2i%*r, &i %c*miei )*a"tre $entru $utere, care a (*m*%it
(*-mati"mu% )*"tru #n)ec2it &i a "c*" 'ranu% (in #ntunecatu% 7) Me(iu #n mreia (re$t4meritat (e
acum. Bare, (e unu% "in-ur, a reu&it " "a%te J37B4u% #n $*+iia (e acum, (e uria& $utere ca$abi%
" fac fa c*m$anii%*r $etr*%iere "trine, care i4a aruncat $e ru&i afar (in !+erbai(,an (u$ a%
(*i%ea r+b*i m*n(ia% &i i4a inut c2iar &i $e ei %a (i"tan, fcn(u4i "4i %n- mini%e ca ni&te
ce%u&i.
3e !%%a2 &i 3r*fetu% Lui, #&i "$u"e #nfuriat, ne(e+%i$in(u4&i $ri)iri%e (e $e c2i$u% %ui ;u""ain,
nu $*t "4ne%e- (e ce mu%%a2ii &tia %ibi(in*&i nu recun*"c a(e)ru% #n ce4% $ri)e&te $e "eni%u% "ta
btrn, 62*meini, care4&i "tri- minciuni%e (e $e $atu% (e m*arte, care nu rea%i+ea+ c "*)ieticii
"unt cei care4% "u"in cu bani, #% 2rne"c, #% a$r, -ata "4i incite $e ei, "4i #ntrte $e rani, "
ruine+e 'ranu% &i "4% tran"f*rme #ntr4un $r*tect*rat "*)ietic. !)em ne)*ie (*ar (e un "in-ur *r(in0
M#nbu&ii ime(iat re)*%taCM Bu *r(inu% "ta, $e !%%a2, #n trei +i%e a& tran"f*rma 6*<i""4u% &i * "ut
(e >i%*metri #n ,ur #ntr4* +*n $a&nic &i $r*"$er, cu mu%%a2i mu%umii #n m*"c2eie%e %*r, un(e4&i
au %*cu%, cu cre(inci*&i ru-n(u4"e (e trei *ri $e +i, &i #ntr4* %un armata ar a(uce 'ranu% a&a cum a
f*"t anu% trecut, iar $r*b%ema 62*meini ar fi re+*%)at (efiniti).
La cte)a minute (e %a $rimirea *r(ine%*r %4a& are"ta, %4a& "c*ate #n faa mu%imii &i i4a& ra(e
,umtate (in barb, %4a& %"a -*% $u&c &i %4a& $urta $e "tr+i #ntr4* cru cu -un*i. !& arta
*ameni%*r a(e)rata %ui fa 4 btrnu% ne$utinci*", #nfrnt 4 tran"f*rmn(u4% #ntr4un ratat, &i t*t
$*$*ru% "e )a #nt*arce cu "$ate%e &i4&i )a a"tu$a urec2i%e %a cu)inte%e %ui. Du$ a"ta aKat*%a2ii, care
a(*r )iaa &i iube"c $uterea &i $mntu% &i ne"fr&ite%e $a%a)re, #% )*r $*t*$i cu acu+aii, ca &i
mu%%a2ii &i $r*$rietarii ma-a+ine%*r (in ba+ar &i c2iar &i *amenii (e rn(, &i cu t*i %a*%a%t #i )*r
"tin-e -%*ria a&a cum "uf%i #ntr4un muc (e %umnare. 74att (e "im$%u " termini cu ace"t 62*meini
"au cu *ricare a%t mu%%a2i. 3e !%%a2, (ac ar fi f*"t (u$ mine, %4a& fi trt (in ?rana cu %uni #n
urm.
Era"e (in i-ar &i "e "tr(ui cu mu%t -ri, " nu4&i %a"e -n(uri%e "4&i cr*ia"c (rum #n
$ri)ire "au $e c2i$.
4 7i bine, mu%%a2u%e, c$itanu% Star>e e"te aici. !(au- ca &i cum ar fi f*"t un %ucru %i$"it (e
im$*rtan0
4 3*i " )*rbe&ti #n far"i "au #n en-%e+, cum (*re&ti. V*rbe&te far"i a&a cum &i tu )*rbe&ti
en-%e+a. ?%uent.
Mu%%a2u% "e #nt*ar"e ctre Star>e.
4 !&a, "$u"e, #ntr4* en-%e+ cu accent american, e&ti (e %a B'!.
4 .uC r"$un"e Star>e, (e)enin( bru"c atent. !i f*"t %a "tu(ii #n S.I.!.H
4 !m f*"t "tu(ent ac*%*, (a, "$u"e ;u""ain, a$*i (in $ricina (urerii &i4a *b*"e%ii ner)ii "i
ce(ar. Erecu %a far"i &i )*cea %ui "e #n"$ri. De ce4ai #n)at far"i (ac nu " "$i*ne+i $entru B'!
"au $entru c*m$anii%e )*a"tre $etr*%iereH 7iHC
4 3entru curi*+itatea mea, (*ar $entru curi*+itatea mea, re$%ic Star>e $*%itic*" #n far"i, cu
un accent c*rect &i un )*cabu%ar #n(e"tu%t*r. Sunt *a"$ete #n ara )*a"tr, in)itat aici (e -u)ernu%
)*"tru " %ucre+ $entru -u)ern, #n t*)r&ie cu iranienii. 7 $*%itic*" (in $artea *a"$ei%*r " ia
cun*&tin (e tabuuri%e &i *biceiuri%e -a+(e%*r, " #n)ee %imba, #n "$ecia% cn( "e "imt bine #n
acea"t ar &i "$er " fie *a"$ei aici $entru mu%i ani.
S$u"e mai a$"at0
4 1i nu "unt c*m$anii%e me%e.
4 Sunt americane. Eu e&ti american, B'! e american. E*ate $r*b%eme%e n*a"tre )in (e %a
!merica. Lc*mia 1a2u%ui e"te american. E*ate $r*b%eme%e n*a"tre )in (in !merica. De ani (e
+i%e americanii au "cui$at $e 'ran.
4 3r*"tiiC "$u"e Star>e #n en-%e+, acum %a fe% (e furi*", &tiin( c "in-uru% fe% #n care te
$uteai $urta cu cine)a a-re"i) era " %*)e&ti tu $rimu%.
'me(iat #% )+u $e ce%%a%t r*&in(. 8% $ri)i #n *c2i netemt*r, %"n( tcerea " "e a&tearn
mu%t )reme. Secun(e%e treceau. .u4&i %u $ri)irea (in *c2ii mu%%a2u%ui, (ar nu4% $utu (*mina.
49
.e%ini&tit, (ar #ncercn( " $ar ca%m, arunc * $ri)ire ctre 3e"2a(i, care a&te$ta &i4i $ri)ea fumn(
tcut.
4 De"$re ce4i )*rba, (*mnu%e c*%*ne%H
4 Mu%%a2u% a cerut unu% (intre e%ic*$tere%e ta%e ca " )i+ite+e t*ate in"ta%aii%e $etr*%iere (in
+*na n*a"tr. Du$ cum &tii, nu n*i #i c**r(*nm +b*ruri%e &i nici nu $artici$m %a *$eraii%e
)*a"tre. S $re-te&ti unu% (intre cei mai buni $i%*i ai (umita%e $entru a"ta. !"t+i, #nce$n( (e %a
$rn+.
4 De ce nu f*%*"e&te unu% (intre a)i*ane%e (umita%eH !& $utea "4i $un %a (i"$*+iie un
na)i-at*r.
4 .uC Inu% (intre e%ic*$tere%e )*a"tre, cu $er"*na%u% )*"tru, %a amia+.
Star>e "e #nt*ar"e ctre mu%%a2.
4 8mi $are ru, (ar $rime"c *r(ine numai (e %a 'ran Ji% $rin mana-eru% ba+ei n*a"tre &i (e %a
re$re+entantu% re-i*na% 7")an(iarK. Lucrm "ub c*ntract cu ei &i...
4 !$arate%e cu care +b*ri "unt iraniene, #% #ntreru$"e mu%%a2u%, "imin(u4"e cu$rin" (e
*b*"ea% &i (urere "i (*rin( " i"$r)ea"c *(at. !i " $ui unu% %a (i"$*+iie, a&a cum i "4a cerut.
4 Sunt #nre-i"trate #n 'ran, (ar "unt $r*$rietatea S4@ ;e%ic*$tere Lt(., (in !ber(een.
4 Sunt #nre-i"trate #n 'ran, +b*ar $e ceru% iranian, a%imentate cu $etr*% iranian, aut*ri+ate (e
iranieni $entru #ntreinerea "*n(e%*r iraniene care $*m$ea+ $etr*% iranian... 3e !%%a2, "unt iranieneC
Au+e%e "ubiri a%e %ui ;u""ain "e "trmbar.
4 7")an(iarK * "4i (ea *r(ine%e (e +b*r nece"are $n %a amia+. Bt * "4i ia ca " treci $e
%a t*ate am$%a"amente%e )*a"treH
Du$ * $au+, Star>e "$u"e0
4 8n +b*r, $*ate &a"e *re. Bt tim$ ai (e -n( " "tai %a fiecare ateri+areH
Mu%%a2u% abia arunc * $ri)ire.
4 Du$ a"ta )reau " urme+i c*n(ucta $etr*%ier %a !ba(an &i " ateri+e+i un(e4* "4i "$un.
Star>e fcu *c2ii mari. Era"e cu c*a(a *c2iu%ui %a c*%*ne%, (ar ace"ta $ri)ea *"tentati)
"$ira%e%e (e fum ce "e ri(icau (in i-ara %ui.
4 Mai e * (ificu%tate, mu%%a2u%e0 a)em ne)*ie (e a$r*bri (e +b*r. 5a(aru% nu funci*nea+
&i cea mai mare $arte a "$aiu%ui (e +b*r e"te c*ntr*%at (e B*ntr*%u% Eraficu%ui !erian (e %a 6i"2, &i
a"ta e"te... 2m, armata.
4 Vei $rimi *rice fe% (e $ermi" ai ne)*ie, +i"e 2*trt ;u""ain &i4&i #nt*ar"e *c2ii "fre(e%it*ri
ctre 3e"2a(i. 8n nume%e %ui !%%a2, m )*i #nt*arce %a amia+. Dac #n" #mi "tai #n ca%e, )*r )*rbi
arme%e.
?iecare (intre cei trei brbai #&i "imea inima btn( $uternic #n $ie$t. .umai mu%%a2u% era
mu%umit. 7% nu a)ea (e ce "4&i fac -ri,i. 7ra #n mini%e %ui !%%a2, fcn( %ucrarea %ui !%%a2.
"u$unn(u4"e $*runci%*r0 M.u "%bi (u&manu% nici * c%i$. ?ii ca a$a cur-n( %a )a%e $e"te +-a+.
!$a" a"u$ra +-a+u%ui u+ur$at*ru%ui 1a2, a% %ac2ei%*r %ui &i a% armateiC Va trebui "4i #nfrn-em
$rin cura, &i "n-e. .u %e (ai r-a+ #n nici un fe%, cci #n(e$%inii %ucrarea %ui !%%a2...M
J $a% (e )nt fcu ferea"tra " +n-ne &i in)*%untar t*i trei #&i #nt*ar"er $ri)iri%e ctre ea
&i ctre n*a$tea (e (inc*%*. !far era #nc #ntuneric, "te%e%e "tr%uceau, (ar ctre e"t a$ru"e *
u&*ar %ucire a +*ri%*r, cci "*are%e "e af%a c2iar "ub muc2ia *ri+*ntu%ui.
4 J " m4nt*rc %a $rn+, c*%*ne%e 3e"2a(i. Sin-ur "au cu mu%imea. Eu a%e-i, "$u"e #n
&*a$t ;u""ain &i Star>e "imi cu t*at fiina %ui ameninarea 4 "au f-(uia%a. Dar acum, acum a
"*"it tim$u% $entru ru-ciune.
Se c+ni " "e ri(ice #n $ici*are. 3a%me%e #nc #% ar(eau (e (urere, "$ate%e &i ca$u% &i urec2i%e
#% (ureau #n-r*+it*r. 3entru * c%i$ cre+u c * " %e&ine, (ar "e %u$t " "ca$e (e ameea% &i (urere &i
ie&i cu $a&i mari.
3e"2a(i "e ri(ic.
4 !i " faci cum cere e%, te r*-C !(au- ca * mare c*nce"ie0
4 7 un armi"tiiu &i un c*m$r*mi" tem$*rar, $n cn( )*m $rimi *r(ine (efiniti)e (e %a
-u)ernu% %e-a% a% Ma,e"t ii Sa%e im$eria%e &i )*m $une ca$t aiure%ii "teia.
Bu mini tremurn(e, a$rin"e * i-ar (e %a re"tu% ce%ei%a%te.
4 .4* " #ntm$ini nici un fe% (e $r*b%eme. J "4i $un %a (i"$*+iie t*ate $ermi"e%e
nece"are, a&a c * " fie un +b*r *bi&nuit. De"i-ur c trebuie " fii (e ac*r( $entru c, bine#ne%e",
0
eu nu $*t " #n-(ui unuia (intre a$arate%e me%e mi%itare " "e $un %a (i"$*+iia unui mu%%a2, #n
"$ecia% a %ui ;u""ain, care4i renumit $entru aciuni%e %ui "ub)er"i)e. Si-ur c nu. ! f*"t * "ubti%itate
"tr%ucit (in $artea mea, &i n4ai "4* nrui.
8nfuriat, "tri)i i-ara #n "crumiera $%in )rf 4 aeru% (in #nc$ere era #ncrcat (e nic*tin 4 &i
a$r*a$e "tri-0
4 !i au+it ce4a "$u"C La amia+, "in-ur "au cu mu%imeaC Mai )rei "n-eH 7iH
4 Si-ur c nuC
4 Aun, atunci f ce i "e "$uneC
3e"2a(i ie&i ca * furtun. 8ntunecat, Star>e "e #n(re$t ctre ferea"tr. Mu%%a2u% #&i re%ua"e
%*cu% %n- $*art, ri(ica"e brae%e &i, ca *ricare a%t mue+in (in *ricare minaret (in inuturi%e
i"%amice, c2em cre(inci*&ii %a $rima ru-ciune #n araba "tr)ec2e, ca #n fiecare +*ri.
4 Venii %a ru-ciuneC Venii %a ru-ciuneC 7 mai bine " te r*-i (ect " (*rmi. .u e/i"t a%t
(umne+eu (ect !%%a2...
1i #n tim$ ce Star>e $ri)ea, 3e"2a(i #i %u $i*" %*cu% #n fruntea tutur*r brbai%*r (e t*ate
-ra(e%e (in unitate, care, "u$u&i "i cu e)i(ent bucurie, "e re)r"a"er (in barci, "*%(aii a&e+n(u4
&i arme%e ,*", $e $mnt, %n- ei, "tenii #n afara -ar(u%ui, cu aceea&i $i*&enie. !$*i, urmn(
#n(emnu% mu%%a2u%ui, "e #nt*ar"er t*i ctre Mecca &i #nce$ur -e"turi%e *b%i-at*rii, mtnii%e &i
%itania S2a2a(ei0 MMrturi"e"c c nu e/i"t a%t (umne+eu (ect !%%a2, iar M*2ame( e"te 3r*fetu%
%ui...M
Bn( "e "fr&i ru-ciunea, "e a&ternu * tcere a(nc. E*i a&te$tau. !tunci mu%%a2u% #&i
ri(ic -%a"u% $uternic0
4 !%%a2, B*ranu% &i 62*meiniC
!$*i ie&i $e $*art ctre 6*<i"". Su$u&i, "tenii #% urmar.
?r " )rea, Star>e "e cutremur. Mu%%a2u% "ta e"te att (e $%in (e ur, c $are " i "e
re)er"e $rin $*ri. 1i att (e mu%t ur... #ntr4* +i * " "trnea"c ce)a "au $e cine)a. Dac am "
c*n(uc eu +b*ru%, $*ate c * "4% +-n(r &i mai ru. Dac nume"c $e cine)a "au cer un )*%untar, e
ca &i cum m4a& feri (e * re"$*n"abi%itate care4mi re)ine.
4 Va trebui " +b*r eu cu e%, m*rmi. ErebuieC
CAPITOLUL %
8n #m$re,urimi%e Len-e2u%ui: *ra G,42 (imineaa. 7%ic*$teru% (e ti$ F5 212, cu (*i $i%*i &i
t*ate ce%e trei"$re+ece %*curi $entru $a"a-eri *cu$ate, efectua un +b*r (e rutin, #n(re$tn(u4"e
ctre %ar-u% "trmt*rii ;*rmu+, (in"$re ba+a S4@ e%e %a Len-e2, $e (ea"u$ra a$e%*r $%aci(e a%e
@*%fu%ui, ctre cm$uri%e $etr*%ifere, e/$%*atate cu "$ri,inu% france+i%*r, (e %a Siri. S*are%e abia "e
"%ta"e $e"te *ri+*nt cu $r*mi"iunea unei a%te minunate +i%e "enine, (e&i ceaa, ca (e *bicei #n @*%f,
c*b*ra )i+ibi%itatea $n %a ci)a >i%*metri.
4 B2*$$er 734;SE, aici B*ntr*%u% ra(ar 6i"2, #nt*arce %a 2G0.
!"cu%tt*r, a$aratu% urm n*u% cur".
4 2G0 %a 1000, r"$un"e 7( V*""i.
4 Menine 1000. B*munic atunci cn( treci $e (ea"u$ra +*nei Siri.
S$re (e*"ebire (e cea mai mare $arte a 'ranu%ui, #n +*n ra(aru% era f*arte bun, cu "taii $e
in"u%a 6i"2 &i La)an, (e"er)it (e *$erat*ri ai ?*re%*r !eriene 'raniene, e/ce%ent $re-tii (e IS!?,
cci ambe%e ca$ete a%e @*%fu%ui erau %a fe% (e "trate-ice &i %a fe% (e bine (e"er)ite.
4 ;SE.
7( V*""i era american, f*"t $i%*t mi%itar, a)ea trei+eci &i (*i (e ani &i era #n(e"at ca un
fun(a& (e f*tba% american.
4 5a(aru% e cam ner)*" a+i, nu, Scra-H "$u"e ctre ce%%a%t $i%*t.
4 Aa bine c nu. 3*ate c4i "u$r 2em*r*i+ii.
4 B2iar #n faa %*r "e af%a micua in"u% Siri. 7ra $u"tie, i+*%at &i ,*a", cu * mic $i"t (e
$mnt, cte)a barci $entru $er"*na%u% e/$%*atrii &i * mu%ime (e re+er)*are uria&e a%imentate (e
e)i a&ternute $e fun(u% mrii, )enin( (e %a "*n(e%e af%ate #n )e"tu% @*%fu%ui. 'n"u%a "e -"ea %a )re*
&ai+eci (e mi%e #n %ar-u% c*a"tei iraniene, c2iar $e -rania internai*na% ce (e"$rea #n (*u
1
"trmt*area ;*rmu+ &i "e$ara a$e%e iraniene (e ce%e a%e Jmanu%ui &i 7mirate%*r !rabe Inite. B2iar
(ea"u$ra re+er)*are%*r (e $etr*%, e%ic*$teru% "e #nc%in u&*r #n(re$tn(u4"e "$re )e"t, ctre $rima
*$rire $r*-ramat %a ci)a >i%*metri, $e $%atf*rma $etr*%ier Siri trei.
8n m*mentu% ace%a, +*na a)ea &a"e $*m$e funci*na%e, t*ate (e"er)ite (e un c*n"*riu
france+ "emi4-u)ernamenta%, 73?, care (*ta"e e/$%*atarea $entru 'ran Ji% #n "c2imbu% un*r )iit*are
%i)rri (e $etr*%.
4 B*ntr*%u% 6i"2, ;SE, "ur)*%e+ Siri %a trei "ute (e metri, "$u"e 7( V*""i #n %arin-*f*n.
4 5ece$ie, ;SEC Menine 1000C )eni ime(iat r"$un"u%. 5a$*rtai #nainte (e a ateri+a. !)ei
trafic #n faa )*a"tr %a *ra 10,00, #n urcare.
4 8i )e(em.
Bei (*i $i%*i urmrir +b*ru% unei f*rmaii "trn"e (e $atru a)i*ane (e )nt*are ce "e
ri(icau #n #n%imi trecn( $e %n- ei, ctre -ura "trmt*rii.
4 Se -rbe"c, "$u"e ce% mai #n )r"t &i "e f*i #n "caun.
4 3*i "4* mai +ici * (atC 'a uite, 'i"u"e, "unt IS!?, ? 1C
V*""i era u%uit.
4 DraceC .u &tiam c e/i"t a&a ce)a $e4aici. !i mai )+ut, Scra-H
4 .u, camara(eC "$u"e Scra- Scra--er %a fe% (e #n-ri,*rat, a,u"tn( $uin )*%umu% c&ti%*r
"a%e.
La &ai+eci &i trei (e ani, era ce% mai btrn $i%*t (in S4@, (ecanu% $i%*i%*r %a Len-e2, un
brbat mrune%, u"ci) &i +brcit, f*arte "%ab, f*arte #nc$nat, #ncrunit &i cu *c2i a%ba&tri
(e"c2i", a(ncii #n *rbite, care $reau #nt*t(eauna " cercete+e *ri+*ntu%. V*rbea cu un intere"ant
accent au"tra%ian.
4 Mi4ar $%cea " &tiu ce (racu= "e c*ace. V&tia (e %a ra(ar #" %a fe% (e a-itai ca ni&te can-uri
#n c%(uri, &i4i a treia $atru% $e care4* )e(em (e cn( "untem #n aer, (e&i e (*ar $rima Kan>ee.
4 Ere= " fie * -ru$are (e inter)enie, Scra-, "au $*ate "unt a$arate%e (e e"c*rt $e care %e4au
trimi" americanii #n !rabia Sau(it, cu !V!BS4u%.
Scra--er "ttea $e "caunu% (in "tn-a, $e $*"t (e c$itan4in"truct*r. De *bicei ti$u% F5 212
era c*nfi-urat $entru un "in-ur $i%*t, cu "caunu% #n (rea$ta, (ar Scra--er $u"e"e " fie (*tat ace"t
a$arat cu c*men+i (ub%e, $entru $re-tirea $i%*i%*r.
4 7i bine, "$u"e r+n(, ct )reme nu (m cu *c2ii (e M'@4uri, "tm bine.
4 5*&ii n4*r "4&i trimit a$arate aici, *rict ar )rea ei " aib "trmt*area.
V*""i era f*arte "i-ur $e e%. .4a)ea nici $e ,umtate )r"ta %ui Scra--er &i era a$r*a$e (e
(*u *ri ct e% #n #n%ime.
4 .4*r "4* fac, ct )reme %e "$unem c ar fi a% (racu%ui (e bine "4&i )a( (e a%e %*r, &i4* "
a)em a)i*ane &i )a"e &i $uterea " %e f*%*"im. 8&i mi,i *c2ii, #ncercn( " "tr$un- ceaa. 7i, Scra-,
ia te uitC
Iria&u% "u$er$etr*%ier era #ncrcat (in -reu, mu%t a(ncit #n a$, (e"$icn( -re*i )a%uri%e
ctre ;*rmu+.
4 3arie+ c are cinci "ute (e mii (e t*ne "au c2iar mai mu%tC
8% $ri)ir * )reme. 1ai+eci %a "ut (in $etr*%u% %umii %ibere trecea $rin acea"t ca%e maritim
$uin a(nc &i #n-u"t 4 abia (*u+eci &i $atru (e >i%*metri #n &ena%u% na)i-abi% 4 (intre 'ran &i
Jman, (*u+eci (e mi%i*ane (e bari%i #n fiecare +i.
4 Bre+i c *r " c*n"truia"c )re*(at un $etr*%ier (e un mi%i*n (e t*ne, Scra-H
4 Si-ur c4* "4* fac, (ac )*r. Va"u% trecu $e "ub ei.
4 !re $a)i%i*n %iberian, "$u"e ab"ent Scra--er.
4 !i *c2i (e )u%tur.
4 Dat*rit )ieii me%e *r(*nate, $rietene. Scra--er arunc * $ri)ire "curt #n cabin. E*i
$a"a-erii "e af%au $e %*curi%e %*r, cu centuri%e (e "i-uran $rin"e, cu Mae Qe"t 4 )e"te%e (e "a%)are
re-u%amentare $e ei, cu c&ti%e (e $r*tecie %a urec2i, citin( "au $ri)in( $e fere"tre. E*tu% e n*rma%,
#&i "$u"e. Da. 1i in"trumente%e arat )a%*ri n*rma%e, "unete%e "unt a&a cum trebuie, eu m "imt
n*rma% i t*t a&a "i e%. !tunci (e ce "unt #nc*r(atH
Se #ntreb, #nt*rcn(u4"e (in n*u cu faa #nainte. Din $ricina ace%ei f*re (e inter)enie, (in
$ricina ra(aru%ui (e %a 6i"2, a $a"a-eri%*r, a +i%ei ta%e (e na&tere &i ce% mu%t (intre t*ate, $entru c
e&ti #n aer &i, "in-uru% m*( (e a rmne #n )ia cn( +b*ri e"te " fii #nc*r(at. !mir r"e.
2
4 Be i "4a n+rit, Scra-H
4 Die i "4a n+rit. Ee (ai $i%*t, a&a4iH
4 Si-ur, Scra-C "$u"e $ru(ent V*""i.
4 J>aK. !i -init Siri EreiH
V*""i rn,i &i art cu (e-etu% #n (e$rtare * "*n( ce abia "e )e(ea $rin cea, $uin mai
ctre #n afar fa (e -ru$u% ce%*r%a%te. Scra--er +mbi.
4 !tunci #nc2i(e *c2ii.
4 ;ai, %a"4* m*art, Scra-, "i-ur c "ta4i un +b*r (e )erificare, (a= cum "...
4 !m %uat c*ntr*%u%, "$u"e Scra--er )e"e%. 'n"tantaneu, V*""i ((u (rumu% man&ei.
4 !cum #nc2i(e *c2ii, fiin=c a4nce$ut antrenamentu%.
Si-ur $e e%, tnru% arunc * u%tim $ri)ire atent %a "*n(a care %e era inta, #&i $*tri)i c&ti%e,
#&i "c*a"e *c2e%arii fumurii &i "e "u$u"e. Scra--er #i $u"e #n mini $erec2ea "$ecia% (e *c2e%ari
ne-ri $e care i4* c*nfeci*na"e e% #n"u&i.
4 Iite, $une4i $e &tia &i nu (e"c2i(e *c2ii $n nu4i "$un eu. 3re-te&te4te " $reiei
c*ntr*%u%.
V*""i #&i $u"e *c2e%arii &i #ncet &i cu -ri,, cu *c2ii #nc #nc2i&i, #ntin"e mini%e &i $ici*are%e,
abia atin-n( manete%e &i $e(a%e%e, a&a cum &tia c4i $%ace %ui Scra--er.
4 J>aK. @ata, Scra-C
4 'a*4n brae.
V*""i a$uc man&a fr " "tea $e -n(uri, cu mi&cri ferme &i "u$%e, mu%umit c tran+iia
fu"e"e %in, a$aratu% rmnn( (re$t &i fr " "e c%atine.
9bura fr ba%an"ri, c*n(u" (*ar (e urec2i%e %ui, &i e% #ncerca " antici$e+e cea mai u&*ar
)ariaie #n t*nu% m*t*ru%ui, "c(eri "au cre&teri care i4ar fi artat c "e ri(ica "au c*b*ra. J u&*ar
"c2imbare. !ntici$ bine, a$r*a$e "imin( mai #nainte ca acea"ta " "e4ntm$%e, c r*t*ru% $rin"e"e
* n*t a"cuit, (eci turbine%e acce%erau, iar e%ic*$teru% c*b*ra. ?cu c*recii%e nece"are i a(u"e
a$aratu% (in n*u %a *ri+*nta%.
4 Aine, $rietene, "$u"e Scra--er a$r*bat*r. !cum (e"c2i(e *c2iiC
V*""i "e a&te$ta"e %a *c2e%arii *bi&nuii (e antrenament, care te4m$ie(icau " )e+i afar $rin
$arbri+, (ar #i #n-(uiau " )e+i a$arate%e (e b*r(. Se tre+i #ntr4un #ntuneric t*ta%. Aru"c, intr #n
$anic, atenia %ui )*%ati%i+n(u4"e * (at cu ca$acitatea (e c**r(*nare a mi&cri%*r. 3entru *
fraciune (e "ecun( fu c*m$%et (e+*rientat, "imi un -*% #n "t*mac, a&te$tn(u4"e ca a$aratu% "
#ncea$ " "e ba%an"e+e, (ar nu "e4ntm$% a"tfe%. Manete%e rma"er nec%intite ca * "tnc #n
mini%e %ui Scra--er, $e care nu %e "imi"e $n atunci $e c*men+i.
4 'i"u"e, -fi V*""i, %u$tn(u4"e cu ameea%a, #ntin+n( aut*mat mini%e ca "4&i "c*at
*c2e%arii.
4 La"4i a&a, 7(C !"ta e * "ituaie %imit. 7&ti "in-uru% $i%*t %a b*r( &i4ai (at (e neca+. Be4ai
" faciH 'a c*men+i%e, 2ai(eC
V*""i "imi #n -ur -u"t (e fiere &i "cui$. 8&i "imea mini%e &i $ici*are%e cu$rin"e (e un
tremur ner)*". !$uc c*men+i%e, tra"e $rea mu%t (e e%e &i a$r*a$e i$ #n"$imntat cn( "e
ba%an"ar $uternic, $entru c "e a&te$ta ca Scra--er "4% c*ntr*%e+e #n c*ntinuare. Dar n4* fcea.
E*ta% (e+*rientat, tra"e (in n*u $rea tare (e c*men+i. De (ata a"ta Scra--er minima%i+a -re&ea%a.
4 Lini&te&te4te, 7(C !"cu%t afuri"itu% %a (e m*t*r. St$ne&te4i mini%e &i $ici*are%e. !$*i,
mu%t mai b%n(0 I&ure% acum... Ee (e"curci bine. I&ure%... J " )er&i mai tr+iu. 7&ti #ntr4* "ituaie
%imit, trebuie "4% $ui ,*" &i ai trei"$re+ece $a"a-eri #n "$ate. 7u =" aici %n- tine, (a= nu4" $i%*t, a&a
c ce4ai (e -n( " faciH
V*""i #&i "imi mini%e &i $ici*are%e re)enin( %a %*curi%e %*r &i urec2i%e au+ir iar&i "unetu%
m*t*are%*r.
4 7u nu $*t " )(, (ar tu $*i.
4 ! a4i.
4 !tunci ai $utea " m c*n(uciC
4 !&a4i.
V*cea %ui Scra--er c$t * n*t (e #nc*r(are.
4 Si-ur c trebuie " $ui #ntrebri%e c*recte. 6i"2 B*ntr*%, c*b*rm (e %a 1000 "$re Siri Erei.
4 5ece$ie. ;SEC
3
@%a"u% %ui Scra--er #&i "c2imb t*na%itatea.
4 De4aici #nainte m c2eam MAurtMC Sunt un f%cu (e $e una (in "*n(e. ;abar n4am (e
+b*r, (a= $*t " cite"c un ca(ran... (ac4mi "$ui ca %umea un(e " m uit.
V*""i "e arunc bucur*" #n ,*c &i $u"e #ntrebri%e $*tri)ite, Aurt *b%i-n(u4% "4&i f*%*"ea"c
%imite%e cun*&tine%*r "a%e (e +b*r, a%e a$arate%*r (in cabin, *b%i-n(u4% " $un #ntrebri%e a"tfe%
#nct ur# necun*"ct*r " $*at #ne%e-e &i r"$un(e. Din tim$ #n tim$, cn( nu era #n(ea,un" (e
$reci", MAurtM i$a a"cuit, cu$rin" (e i"terie0
4 'i"u"e, nu -"e"c cea"u=, care4i, $entru Dumne+eu, t*ate "unt, a%e (racu%ui, %a fe%C 7/$%ic
mai #ncet, *2, Dumne+eu%eC J " murim cu t*iiC
3entru V*""i #ntunericu% "e 2rnea cu #ntuneric. Eim$u% "e (i%at. .u e/i"tau ca(rane%e
cun*"cute "au ace%e in(icat*are att (e %ini&tit*are. .u e/i"ta nimic, (*ar )*cea care4% f*ra " atin-
-rania ca$aciti%*r "a%e. Bn( a,un"er %a cinci"$re+ece metri (e $%atf*rm, MAurtM #nce$u " (ea
in(icaii (e ateri+are. V*""i era ameit, #n"$imntat (e #ntuneric, &tiin( c minu"cu%u% cerc (e
ateri+are (e $e $untea $%atf*rmei "e ri(ica #n #ntm$inarea %ui. Mai ai #nc tim$ " renuni, "
mre&ti turaia, " ie&i (racu%ui (e aici &i " a&te$i un(e)a "u", (ar ct )remeH
4 !cum e&ti %a trei metri (ea"u$ra &i trei #ntr4* $arte, a&a cum ai )rut.
Simin( "u(*area i+)*rn(u4i (in $ie%e, V*""i $u"e ime(iat a$aratu% #n $ica,.
4 7 $erfectC 7&ti fi/ %a centru, a&a cum ai )rut. .ici*(at #ntunericu% nu fu"e"e mai
at*t"t$nit*r &i nici teama $e care * "imea. Murmur * ru-ciune. 5e(u"e $uin (in turaie. 3ru
" treac * )e&nicie, a$*i a%ta &i a%ta &i #n ce%e (in urm $atine%e atin"er ce)a &i a$aratu% "e a&e+
im*bi%. 3entru un m*ment nu4i )eni " crea(. Simea * u&urare att (e inten" c a$r*a$e #i )enea
" $%n- (e bucurie. !$*i, (e %a mare (e$rtare, au+i )*cea a(e)rat a %ui Scra--er &i4% "imi
$re%un( c*men+i%e.
4 !m %uat4* eu, $rieteneC ! f*"t a% (racu%ui (e bine, 7(, +ece (in +ece. !m $re%uat eu acum.
7( V*""i #&i "c*a"e *c2e%arii. 7ra u( %e*arc, a)ea fata a%b ca )aru% &i "e %" m*a%e #n
"caun, abia %un( #n "eam acti)itatea (in faa %ui, $%a"a -rea (e frn-2ie #ntin" $e"te $%atf*rma (e
ateri+are care n4a)ea nici trei+eci (e metri #n (iametru.
4 'i"u"e, am c*b*rtC !m c*b*rt &i "untem teferiC Scra--er %"a"e m*t*ru% #n ra%anti. .u era
ne)*ie "4% *$rea"c (e t*t, cci era (*ar * "curt *$rire. ?re(*na MQa%t+in- Mati%(aM, ceea ce i "e
#ntm$%a (*ar cn( era f*arte mu%umit. 3u&tiu% "e (e"curca"e, #&i +i"e. 9bura"e ca f*cu=. Da= ct (e
iute a)ea "4&i re)inH Bn( +b*ri cu cine)a #nt*t(eauna e bine " &tii ct #% in +ur-%ii.
Se #nt*ar"e &i ri(ic (e-etu% mare ctre brbatu% care "ttea $e "caunu% ce% mai (in fa a%
cabinei, unu% (intre in-inerii france+i care )eni"e " )erifice ec2i$amentu% e%ectric (e $*m$are abia
in"ta%at $e $%atf*rm. 5e"tu% $a"a-eri%*r a&te$tar rb(t*ri. 3atru erau ,a$*ne+i, *a"$ei ai
*ficia%iti%*r france+e &i ai in-ineri%*r (e %a 73?. Scra--er nu "e "imea #n a$e%e %ui tran"$*rtn(
,a$*ne+i, cci #i r"c*%eau amintiri (in +i%e%e r+b*iu%ui, amintiri a%e $ier(eri%*r au"tra%iene (in
r+b*iu% (in 3acific, mii%e (e m*ri #n tabere%e (e $ri+*nieri ,a$*ne+e &i %a ca%ea ferat birmane+.
Mai (e-rab crime, #&i "$u"e #ntunecat, #n(re$tn(u4&i atenia ctre $%atf*rm.
'n-ineru% (e"c2i"e"e u&a &i #i a,uta $e muncit*rii ucraineni " "c*at cutii%e (in ca%a (e
mrfuri. 7ra * )reme fierbinte &i ume(, ener)ant, aeru% mir*"ea -reu a $etr*% i -a+e. 8n car%in-
era #nbu&it*r ca (e *bicei, umi(itatea cum$%it, (ar Scra--er "e "imea c*nf*rtabi%.
Era"e cu c*a(a *c2iu%ui %a V*""i, #nc m*a%e #n "caunu% %ui, cu mini%e $u"e (u$ ceaf,
#ncercn( "4&i re)in. 74un biat bun, #&i +i"e Scra--er, a$*i )*cea (*minat*are (in cabin, (in
"$ate%e %ui, #i atra"e aten ia. 7ra @e*r-e" (e 3%e""eK, &efu% *ficia%i%*r franceH 5e"$*n"abi%u% +*na% a%
73?. Sttea $e brau% unuia (in "caune, "er)in( unu% (intre ne"fr&ite%e "a%e (i"cur"uri, (e (ata a"ta
,a$*ne+e%*r. Mai bine %*r (ect mie, #&i "$u"e Scra--er amu+at. 8% cun*&tea $e 3%e""eK (e trei ani i
#i $%cea *mu% $entru meniuri%e franu+e&ti $e care %e *ferea &i $entru ca%itatea ,*cu%ui "u (e bri(-e,
,*c care %e $%cea amn(*ura, (ar nu &i $entru fe%u% #n care "u"inea * c*n)er"aie. @+arii &tia "unt
t*i %a fe%. .4are 2abar (ect (e $etr*% &i nici n4are c2ef (e a%tce)a &i, #n ceea ce4i $ri)e&te, t*t re"tu%
%umii nu4i $e 3mnt (ect ca " c*n"umm c2e"tia a"ta &i " * $%tim muncin( $n ne ( b*r&u%
$e na" &i cr$m: ba c2iar &i atunci, ce%e mai mu%te (intre cremat*rii f*%*"e"c $etr*%. ?ir4ar ai
(racu%uiC 3reu% %a -a+ a "rit %a 14,8 bari%u%. 7ra 4,80 cu ci)a ani #n urm &i 1,80 (*ar cu a%i
ci)a ani #nainte (e a"ta. !furi"ii t%2ari (e (rumu% mareC @a&ca (racu%ui 4 J37B, Be%e 1a$te
Sur*ri, ba &i -+arii (in Marea .*r(u%ui.
4
4 E*ate ace"te $%atf*rme "e "$ri,in $e ni&te $i%*ni a&e+ai $e fun(u% mrii, "$unea (e
3%e""eK. E*ate "unt c*n"truite &i (e"er)ite (e france+i. Bte una %a * "in-ur e/$%*atare.
3urta * #mbrcminte >a>i &i a)ea un $r rar, ni"i$iu &i faa ar" (e "*are. Bei%a%i france+i
$%)r-eau &i "e certau #ntre ei. !"ta fac t*at )remea, #&i "$u"e Scra--er. D*ar (in cn( #n cn( "e
#ntreru$ ca " mnnce &i " beai )in &i " "ucea"c -tu% )reunei feti&cane care n4are a "e a&te$ta (e
%a ei %a mai mu%t (e Ma(i* &i n4am cu)inteM. Ba $ric*$"ititu% (e Fean4Luc, re-e%e fu"tan-ii%*r. 1i
t*tu&i, fiecare are $er"*na%itatea %ui. ?iecare. .u ca amrii &ti%a%i. Fa$*ne+ii "unt t*i "cun+i,
"u$%i, (ic2i"ii, t*i #mbrcai %a fe%0 cma& a%b cu mneci "curte, cra)at nea-r, $anta%*ni ne-ri,
$ant*fi ne-ri, ace%ea&i cea"uri (i-ita%e, aceia&i *c2e%ari fumurii. Sin-ura (iferen e )r"ta. Ba
"ar(ine%e #ntr4* c*n"er).
4 !$a (e4aici, ca $e"te t*t #n @*%f, e $uin a(nc, (*mnu%e 6a"i-i, "$unea (e 3%e""eK. !ici
n4are nici trei+eci (e metri. Se ( u&*r (e $etr*% cam %a trei "ute (e metri. !)em &a"e $uncte (e f*ra,
#n $artea a"ta a cm$u%ui care4% numim Siri Erei. Sunt t*ate %e-ate, a(ic c*nce$t #ntre e%e cu e)i &i
$*m$ea+ $rin e%e $etr*%u% #n re+er)*are%e (e $e in"u%a Siri. Ba$acitatea (e "t*care (e $etr*% e"te (e
trei mi%i*ane (e bari%i &i t*ate re+er)*are%e "unt acum $%ine.
4 Si c2eiuri%e (in Sin, (*mnu%e (e 3%e""eKH #ntreb 6a"i-i. Fa$*ne+u% -ri+*nat care )*rbea *
en-%e+ %im$e(e "i #n-ri,it. .4am $utut " )( cn( am trecut $e"te in"u%.
4 3entru m*ment #ncrcm #n %ar-. !nu% )iit*r am $%anificat " c*n"truim un c2ei, #ntre tim$
nu4i nici * $r*b%em $entru #ncrcarea $etr*%iere%*r (e ca$acitate me(ie, (*mnu%e 6a"i-i. V
-arantm * (e"er)ire ra$i(, * #ncrcare ra$i(. 8n (efiniti), "untem france+i. J " )e(ei mine.
5i>*maru a #ntr+iatH
4 .u, * " a,un- %a amia+. Bare e ca$acitatea fina% a cm$u%uiH
4 .e%imitat, "$u"e r+n( france+u%. !cum $*m$m (*ar &a$te+eci &i cinci (e mii (e bari%i
$e +i, (ar, m*n Dieu, "ub fun(u% mrii e un %ac (e $etr*%.
4 7/ce%en c$itanC
La ferea"tra %atera% a e%ic*$teru%ui, #n (re$tu% "caunu%ui %ui Scra--er, "e #n%a"e c2i$u%
"ur+t*r a% tnru%ui !b(u%%a2 Euri>, unu% (intre c*m$*nenii ec2i$ei (e $*m$ieri.
4 7u f*arte bine, f*arte bine, (umneataH
4 3rima4nti, tinereC Bum mer-e treabaH
4 7u bucur*" )( (umneata, c$itan 7/ce%enC
Bu un an #n urm, ba+a (e %a Len-e2 #n care "e af%a Scra--er fu"e"e a%ertat $rin ra(i* c
e/i"ta un B!S7V!B $e acea"t $%atf*rm. 7ra * n*a$te -r*a+nic &i (irect*ru% iranian "$u"e"e c
$r*babi% $*m$ieru% a)ea $erit*nit &i ar fi bine " #ncerce " a,un- ac*%* ct mai (e)reme cu
$utin #n +*ri, +b*ru% (e n*a$te fiin( inter+i" #n 'ran, cu e/ce$ia ca+uri%*r (e ur-en. Scra--er era
*fier (e "er)iciu &i $%eca"e ime(iat. 7ra $*%itica c*m$aniei " aci*ne+e ime(iat #n a"tfe% (e "ituaii,
c2iar &i #n c*n(iii (e*"ebit (e -re%e, (ar fcea $arte &i (in "er)iciu% %*r "$ecia%. 8% (u"e"e $e tnr
(irect %a S$ita%u% .a)a% 'ranian (in Aan(ar4e !bba" &i #i c*n)in"e"e $e cei (e ac*%* "4% $rimea"c.
Dac n4arii fcut4*, tnru% ar f murit.
De atunci, ace"ta #% #ntm$ina (e fiecare (at cn( a,un-ea %a "*n( &i, * (at $e %un, %a
ba+ "*"ea * $u%$ $r*a"$t (e ca$r, *rict "e "tr(ui"e Scra--er " #m$ie(ice a"ta, (in $ricina
$reu%ui e/*rbitant. J (at )i+ita"e "atu% (e ba&tin a% tnru%ui, af%at un(e)a #n +*na Len-e2, %a *
(i"tan bun (e c*a"t. 7ra * %*ca%itate *bi&nuit, fr in"ta%aii "anitare, fr e%ectricitate, fr a$
curent, $*(e%e (e $mnt btut, $erei (e c2ir$ici, #n afara *ra&e%*r, iranienii triau cu "trictu%
nece"ar, (ar c2iar &i a&a * (uceau mu%t mai bine (ect mu%i (intre %*cuit*rii ce%*r%a%te "tate (in +*na
@*%fu%ui. ?ami%ia %ui !b(u%%a2 era ca t*ate ce%e%a%te 4 nici mai bun, nici mai rea. Mu%i c*$ii, n*ri
(e mu&te, cte)a ca$re &i -ini, ci)a acri (e mrcini&uri. 1i tat% tnru%ui "$u"e"e0
4 Burn(, #ntr4* +i, * "4a)em &i &c*a%a n*a"tr, 7/ce%en $i%*t, &i re+er)*ru% n*"tru (e a$ &i
#ntr4* +i e%ectricitate &i, (a, e4a(e)rat, * (ucem mu%t mai bine muncin( $entru $etr*%u% $e care #%
e/$%*atea+ "trinii, mu%umim %ui !%%a2 c ne4a (at $etr*%. Ainecu)ntat fie !%%a2 c fiu% meu
!b(u%%a2 trie&teC ! f*"t V*ia Lui ca !b(u%%a2 " tria"c, V*ia Lui c 7/ce%ena )*a"tr "4a
#n-ri,it #ntr4atta (e e%, !%%a2 fie binecu)ntatC
4 Bum mer-e treaba, !b(u%%a2H re$et Scra--er, cci tnru% #i $%cea, $entru c -n(ea #n
$a" cu )remuri%e, nu ca tat% "u.
4 AineC

!b(u%%a2 "e a$r*$ie, b-n(u4&i ca$u% $e ferea"tr.

4 B$itan, "$u"e *$intit, (e (ata a"ta fr +mbet &i cu )*cea c*b*rt att (e mu%t #nct
Scra--er trebui " "e a$%ece #nainte ca " au(, curn( mu%te neca+uri. Eu(e2ii c*muni&ti,
mu,2a(inii $*ate fe(ainii, $u&ti &i e/$%*+i)e, $*ate un )a$*r %a Siri, $rime,(ieC Ee r*-, te r*-, nimic
nu "$une cine +i", (aH
!$*i #&i a&e+ (in n*u +mbetu% $e fa &i "tri-0
4 !teri+ri bune &i )in* (in n*u, curn(, a-aC
?%utur (in mn * (at, a$*i, #ncercn( "4&i a"cun( ner)*+itatea, "e #nt*ar"e %a cei%a%i.
4 Si-ur, "i-ur, !b(u%%a2, m*rmi Scra--er.
3rim$re,ur "e af%a un numr (e iranieni care #i urmri"er, (ar a&a "e #ntm$%a (e *bicei.
3i%*ii erau a$reciai $entru c erau "in-ur %e-tur #n ca+ (e ur-en. 1efu% $%atf*rmei ri(ic
(e-etu% mare #n "u". !ut*mat, Scra--er "e r"uci, )erificn( (ac t*tu% era #n re-u% i fiecare "e
a&e+a"e $e %*cu% %ui. 8% "a%t, 7(H
4 Da, "i-ur, Scra-.
La trei "ute (e metri, Scra--er trecu %a *ri+*nta%, #n(re$tn(u4"e ctre Siri Inu, un(e
trebuiau " (ebarce re"tu% $a"a-eri%*r. 7ra f*arte tu%burat.
Lua4%e4ar (racu= (e ci*ri, #&i +i"e. J "in-ur b*mb ar #m$r&tia in"u%a Siri $rin t*t @*%fu%.
7ra $entru $rima (at cn( au+ea )reun +)*n (e fe%u% "ta. 9*na Siri nu fu"e"e nici*(at
inta )reuneia (intre -re)e%e care #nc2i"e"e t*ate ce%e%a%te cm$uri, #n "$ecia% 4 (u$ cum cre(eau
muncit*rii "trini 4 (in cau+ c france+ii #i ((u"er a($*"t %ui 62*meini. Sab*ta,H .u "$unea
,a$*ne+u% c4* "4i )in un $etr*%ier mineH Da, a&a "$uneaC Be4i (e fcutH .imic, $entru m*ment.
3une4% (e*$arte $e !b(u%%a2 $entru * )reme, acum nu e tim$ (e a&a ce)a. .u ct e&ti #n +b*r. Era"e
cu c*a(a *c2iu%ui %a V*""i. 72, "4a (e"curcat bine, f*arte bine, mai bine (ect... mai bine (ect cineH
Erecu #n re)i"t c2i$uri%e tutur*r $i%*i%*r $e care #i $re-ti"e (e4a %un-u% ani%*r. Sute.
9bura (e cn( #m$%ini"e cinci"$re+ece ani. 'ntra"e %a &a$te"$re+ece #n ?*re%e !eriene
5e-a%e !u"tra%iene, #n 1933, $i%*ta"e un S$itfire #n =39 ca %*c*tenent, (u$ care trecu"e %a e%ic*$tere
#n =4, +bura"e #n =49 #n 6*reea &i 3r"i"e armata (u$ (*u+eci (e ani (e "er)iciu, #nc %*c*tenent
%a trei+eci &i &a$te (e ani. 5"e. Bt tim$ fu"e"e #n armat, "trn"e"e #ntruna caracteri+ri $r*a"te.
4 3entru Dumne+eu, Scra--er, ce i4a c&unat $e -enera%H De (ata a"ta ai #ncurcat4*C
Inu era #nc %a * (i"tant bun. !teri+a"e ac*%* (ar, Qin-c*, en-%e+*iu% a #nce$ut4*C
Eic%*"u% mer-e ac*%* (e *ri $e "$tmn tim$ (e mai bine (e un an. Sunt ni&te 2*i ce au urme (e
ctu&e i #i $re-tea (e fiecare (at a$r*$ierea ca &i cum ar fi f*"t ,uru% #nc2eieturi%*r &i c ne tra-em
(in $u&cria&iC
4 !&a a +i"H =Eu4i mama %uiC 7n-%e+*ii &tia4" t*i %a fe%, Scra-C De&i, #n ca+u% tu a)ea
$r*babi% (re$tate. B fami%ia ta e ac*%* (e(e"ubt (e %a #nce$uturi, (a= t*tu i te4ai #nc*ntrat (in n*u c4
un "u$eri*r &i, (ac nu4n)e i " te $*ri, te %a" %a "*% (e t*t.
Dar n4* fcu"e nici*(at. Bum ar fi $ututH Dec*rat (e (*u *ri, &ai"$re+ece a)i*ane
(*b*rte &i (e trei *ri $e attea mi"iuni #n(e$%inite cu $%cere, cu mai mu%t $%cere (ect *ricine #n
#ntre-u% 5!!?. 8nc mai +bura cci a"ta era t*t ceea ce4&i (*rea mai mu%t $e %ume, #nc mai #ncerca
" fie ce% mai bun &i mai "i-ur &i #nc mai (*rea " ia" (in #ncurctur cu t*i $a"a-erii #ntre-i.
E*tu% trebuie " fie $re-tit (in )reme.
4 !+i * " ne a$r*$iem frumu&e% ,*", Scra-.
4 Da, ?iu%eC M4ai "$eriat a% (racu%uiC !"ta4i Lecia .r.1. Be a%tce)a ai mai #n)atH Bre( c
am #n)at ct (e a% naibii (e u&*r e " #ntri #n $anic, ct (e "in-ur te "imi &i ne$utinci*" &i ct (e
im$*rtani "unt *c2ii.
V*""i a$r*a$e e/$%*(0 Bre( c am #n)at c "unt murit*r. ?ir4ar " fie, +b*ri $e e%ic*$tere,
e cu ne$utin " nu i "e #ntm$%e ce)a, Scra-, tare m4am "$eriat, mai " m "ca$ $e mine. Vre*
(efeciune #n a$aratur, #&i +i"e, &tiin( c fu"e"e f*arte, f*arte n*r*c*", nu ca a%ii, $i%*i %a fe% (e
buni, $e care4i $r"i"e n*r*cu%. Erebuie " ai n*r*c ca " fii un $i%*t bun. Din n*u tra"e cu c*a(a
*c2iu%ui %a V*""i, bucur*" c nu "e af%au #n r+b*i, c a)ea (e fa$t ce% mai bun cm$ (e #ncercare a
unui $i%*t. .u mi4ar $%cea "4% $ier( $e tnru% 7(. 7 unu% (intre cei mai buni (in S4@. !cum, ia "
)e(em cine4i ce% mai bun (intre cei cu care ai +burat. B2ar%ie 3eti>in, (e"i-ur. Da, e% trebuie " fie,
$entru c a f*"t $i%*t (e uti%itare. 1i E*m L*c2art.
G
3utre+i4i4ar *a"e%e cu in)enia aia a %ui (e c*ntr*a%e me(ica%e %a trei %uni, (ar a& fi %a fe% (e4a%
(racu%ui &i %a fe% (e -ri,u%iu (ac eu a& fi ,*" &i e% ar +bura %a &ai=&trei (e ani ca * $"ric. !mrtu%.
Scra--er "e cutremur. Dac c*mi"ia "trec*ar re-u%amente n*i #n $ri)ina )r"tei &i $en"i*nrii, am
#ncurcat4*. 8n +iua #n care * " m (ea ,*", #n iau catrafu"e%e ctre @r(ina 5aiu%ui.
4 Duncan 4 cn( mi "4a #ntm$%at mie, eu m4am "c$at. ;aH
4 9buram #n 6u<eit, $e un 47@2, #n )remuri%e )ec2i, $rin =G0.
47@2 era un e%ic*$ter mic, (e trei %*curi, cu cabina ca * bu% tran"$arent, cu m*t*r Ae%% cu
$i"t*n, ca%u% (e $*)ar a% ce%*r mai mu%te uniti aeriene (e c*ntr*% a% circu%aiei &i a% $*%iiei.
4 9buram cu un (*ct*r &i un mecanic (e %a 7/Ee/. Vr*iau " a,un- #ntr4* *a+ (inc*%* (e
Vafra2, un(e Mc')er e ce% mai bun (intre t*i, (e&i nu mai +b*ar, a)eau un B!S7V!B 4 un amrt
#&i #ncurca"e $ici*ru% #n "a$a (e f*ra,. 7i, &i +buram cu u&i%e "c*a"e ca (e *bicei, fiin=c era )ar.
Bam %a * "ut (*u=, (e -ra(e, )reme u"cat &i #m$uit &i $entru *ameni &i $entru e%ic*$tere, a&a
cum numai #n (e&ert $*a= " fie, (e (e$arte mai ru ca $e c*c%auri%e n*a"tre, #n $u"tiu. Da= mi "e
$r*mi"e"e $%at (ub% &i * b*nificaie, a&a c btrnu= meu $rieten ?*r"Kte m4a (at )*%untar. 7ra * +i
nen*r*cit, cum numai #n (e&ert $*ate " fie, 7(. Vntu% ri(ica ni"i$u% r*&u, #ncin" #n rafa%e &i4&i
fcea (e ca$, &tii, ca (e *bicei 4 $a%e bru&te care ri(ic ni"i$u% #n n*ri (e&i, )rte,uri%e "unt *bi&nuite
#n %*curi%e ,*a"e. 7ram $e %a )re* "ut (e metri &i )eneam %a ateri+are, cn( am (at $e"te un n*r (e
$raf 4 * $u%bere (e fin c nu $uteai "4* )e+i. Bum mi4a #ntrat #n *c2e%ari (e $r*tecie, numai
Dumne+eu &tie cum, (a= acum era #n re-u% &i4n c%i$a urmt*are tu&eam &i "cui$am b*,*cii (in mine
&i a)eam *c2ii $%ini (e ni"i$ &i eram %a fe% (e *rb ca * crti btrn.
4 .u -%ume&tiH
4 .u, e4a(e)rat, +uC .u $uteam " )( nimic, nu $uteam "4mi (e"c2i( *c2ii &i eram
"in-uru% $i%*t 4 cu (*i $a"a-eri %a b*r(.
4 'i"u"e, Scra-, amn(*i *c2iiH
4 !mn(*i *c2ii &i ne b%n-neam ac*%* #n aer ca (racu=, $n am reu&it " "t$ne"c mai
mu%t "au mai $uin b%e"temia a"ta &i inima (in $ie$t. D*ct*ru% n4a $utut "4mi "c*at ni"i$u% (in
*c2i &i (e fiecare (at cn( #ncerca, "au #ncercam eu, a$r*a$e c ne ((eam cu cracii #n "u" 4 &tii ce
"en"ibi% e @2. 7rau t*t att (e #n"$mntai ca &i mine &i a"ta nu m4a,uta ctu&i (e $uin. 1i4atunci
mi4a (at $rin ca$ c "in-ura &an" $e care * a)eam era " ateri+e+ *rbe&te. 9ici c era " faci $e tine.
7i bine, cn( am $u" $atine%e $e ni"i$, nu mai rm"e"e #n mine nici * $ictur, nici mcar (e
"mnC
4 'i"u"e, Scra-C L4ai $u" ,*", $e buneH Ba a+i, (a= (e4a(e)rate%ea, cu amn(*i *c2ii $%ini (e
$rafH .u -%ume&tiHC
4 '4am $u" "4mi (ea in(icaii a&a cum am fcut cu tine. De fa$t (*ct*ru% a fcut4*, amrtu=
%%a%t a %e&inat.
Jc2ii %ui Scra-- nu $r"i"er nici * c%i$ $%atf*rma (e ateri+are.
4 Bum i "e $areH
4 ?r $r*b%eme.
Siri Inu "e af%a (re$t #n fa, $%atf*rma (e c*b*rre #ntin" (ea"u$ra a$ei. Se +rea
re"$*n"abi%u% cu ateri+area &i ec2i$a *b%i-at*rie (e $*m$ieri a&te$tn( %n- e%. Mneca (e )nt era
$e ,umtate umf%at &i f%utura "tabi% #n aceea&i (irecie. De *bicei, Scra--er c*b*ra tre$tat, ime(iat
(u$ ra$*rtu% *bi&nuit ctre "taia ra(ar. De (ata a"ta, #n %*c (e a&a ce)a "$u"e0
4 !"t+i * " rmnem "u", frate4meuC J "4ncercm a$r*$iere %a #n%ime &i * "4% $unem
,*" (re$t.
4 De ce, Scra-H
4 S "c2imbm un $ic.
V*""i "e4ncrunt, (ar nu "$u"e nimic. Lu %a rn( fiecare ca(ran, cutn( ce)a #n nere-u%.
.u -"i nimic, Bu e/ce$ia c*m$*rtrii ciu(ate a btrnu%ui. Bn( a,un"er c2iar (ea"u$ra "*n(ei,
Scra--er (e"c2i"e circuitu% (e emi"ie.
4 6i"2 ra(ar, aici ;SE, c*b*rm (e %a 1000 $entru Siri Inu.
4 J>aK, ;SE, c*municai cn( "untei -ata (e (ec*%are.
4 ;SE.
Se $re-ti"er (e * a$r*$iere %a #n%ime, f*%*"it (e *bicei cn( %*cu% (e ateri+are e"te
#nc*n,urat (e c%(iri #na%te, "t%$i "au $i%*ni. Scra--er re(u"e (in $uterea m*t*ru%ui e/act att ct
7
trebuia. 7%ic*$teru% #nce$u " "e a&e+e u&ure%, $erfect c*ntr*%at. .*u "ute, *$t "ute, &a"e "ute, $atru,
trei... !mn(*i "imir #n aceea&i c%i$ )ibraia c*men+i%*r.
4 'i"u"e, "uf% V*""i, (ar Scra--er a$%eca"e (e,a f*arte mu%t b*tu% e%ic*$teru%ui #n ,*" &i
a$"a"e man&a $n %a $*(ea. !$aratu% #nce$u bru"c * c*b*rre f*arte iute 4 (*u "ute, * "ut... &i
)ibraii%e cre&teau. 3ri)iri%e %ui V*""i "reau (e %a ca(ran %a ca(ran, ctre $unctu% (e ateri+are &i (in
n*u %a a$arate%e (e b*r(. 8n-2ea"e #n "caunu% %ui, iar -n(uri%e ur%au0 S4a (u" e%icea anticu$%u "au
tran"mi"ia e%icei anticu$%uC
3%atf*rma (e ateri+are "e re$e+ea ctre ei, ec2i$a (e "er)iciu "e #m$r&tie #n $anic, $a"a-erii
"e a-ar (e mnere, #nfric*&ai (e nea&te$tatu% $ica,.
V*""i "e inea (e ambe%e %atera%e a%e "caunu%ui, #ntre-u% $an*u (e b*r( )ibra, iar +-*m*tu%
m*t*ru%ui "e "c2imba"e. 8n fiecare c%i$ "e a&te$ta " $iar( (efiniti) e%icea (in c*a( &i atunci nu ar
fi mai a)ut "c$are. !%timetru% arta &ai+eci metri, cinci+eci, $atru+eci, trei+eci, (*u+eci &i mini%e
%ui "e #ntin"er " a$uce manete%e ca " #ncea$ frnarea, (ar Scra--er #i antici$ mi&carea cu *
fraciune (e "ecun( mai (e)reme, #m$in"e maneta (e -a+e %a ca$t &i *$ri $erfect. 3entru *
"ecun( a$aratu% $ru " atrne cu m*t*are%e ur%n(, nemi&cat %a un metru (ea"u$ra $%atf*rmei, a$*i
atin"e $%atf*rma %a mar-inea cercu%ui, )i*%ent, (ar nu att (e )i*%ent ca " fie $ericu%*", a%unec
#nainte &i "e *$ri %a (*i metri (e centru.
4 =Eu4i... murmur Scra--er.
4 'i"u"e, Scra-C
V*""i abia era #n "tare " )*rbea"c.
4 ! f*"t $erfectC
4 .u, n4a f*"t. L4am $u" cam %a un metru ,uma= #ntr4* $arte.
Bu un ef*rt, Scra--er #&i (e"$rin"e mini%e (e $e manete.
4 Eaie r*t*ru%, 7(, re$e(e, ct (e re$e(e $*i. De"c2i"e $*rtiera (in $artea %ui, "e %" "
a%unece iute afar #n curentu% &fic2iuit*r (e aer a% e%icei &i (e"c2i"e u&a cabinei.
4 5mnei $e %*c un m*ment, "tri- ac*$erin( +-*m*te%e m*t*ru%ui care "e *$rea, a"u(n(
(e u&urare c t*at %umea era cu centuri%e (e "i-uran #nc $u"e &i nimeni nu fu"e"e rnit.
!"cu%tt*ri, *amenii rma"er a&e+ai, (*i (intre ei )er+i %a c2i$. Bei $atru ,a$*ne+i "e
2*%bar %a e% im$a"ibi%i.
5cituri%e (racu%ui, #&i +i"e #n -n(.
4 M*n Dieu, Scra-, "tri- @e*r-e" (e 3%e""eK, ce "4a4ntm$%atH
4 .u &tiu, cre( c4i anticu$%u%. 8n curn( * "4i "ca( turaia &i * "...
4 De4a ce (racu te ,*ci, V*""iHC
7ra @afari, re"$*n"abi%u% iranian (e +b*r care #&i )r"e c2i$u% (e"fi-urat (e furie $e
ferea"tra $i%*tu%ui.
4 Bum #n(r+ne&ti " faci un e/erciiu (e +b*r $e $%atf*rma a"taHC !m "4i fac ra$*rt $entru
mane)r $ericu%*a"C
Scra--er "e r"uci "$re e%.
4 7u $i%*tam, nu c$itanu% V*""i.
Aru"c, nemr-inita u&urare c reu&i"e " a$unte+e cu bine, ame"tecat cu $r*fun(u% "enti4
ment (e (i"$re $e care4% a)ea $entru ace"t *m, #% fcu "4&i ia" (in fire.
4 Bar4te, @afari, car4te "au #i "ca$ una (e n4ai "4* uii t*at )iaaC
Strn"e $umnii &i "e $re-ti.
4 Bar4teC
Bei%a%i $ri)eau u%uii. V*""i "e a%bi. @afari, mai #na%t &i mai )*inic (ect Scra--er, #&i
"cutur artt*ru% ctre faa %ui Scra--er, b%e"temn(u4% #n iranian, a$*i "tri- #n en-%e+, #ncercn(
"4% $r*)*ace0
4 3*rc "trin, cum #n(r+ne&ti " m4n,uri, " m ameniniHC !m " cer anu%area $ermi"u%ui
tu (e $i%*ta, $entru mane)re $ericu%*a"e &i am " te a+)r% (in 'ran. Bini%*r, cre(ei c ceru%
n*"tru ) a$arineHC
Scra--er "e arunc #nainte, (ar V*""i "e a&e+ ime(iat #ntre ei &i *$ri %*)itura cu $ie$tu% "u
%at.
4 ;ei, 2ei, $rietene, ce faciH ;ei, iart4m, Scra-, "$u"e %ini&tit, (ar mai bine ne4am uita %a
e%ice. Scra-, Scra-, $rietene, e%iceaC 7iHC
8
Lui Scra- #i trebuir cte)a "ecun(e ca $ri)iri%e " i "e %im$e+ea"c. 'nima #i btea nebune&te
&i4i )+u $e t*i 2*%bn(u4"e %a e%. Bu un ef*rt uria&, #&i "t$ni furia.
4 !i... ai (re$tate, 7(. Da.
!$*i "e4nt*ar"e ctre @afari.
4 ! f*"t... a f*"t * "ituaie "$ecia%.
@afari #ncerc "4% ia $e"te $ici*r &i Scra--er #nce$u (in n*u " "e ener)e+e, (ar (e (ata a"ta
reu&i " "e "t$nea"c. Mer"er ctre e%ic*$ter. Mu%i (intre $etr*%i&tii eur*$eni &i iranieni "e
"trn"e"er #n ,uru% r*t*ru%ui (in c*a(. 7%icea "e *$ri"e (in r*taie. Dintr4una (intre $a%e %i$"eau
cam +ece centimetri, iar ru$tura era +(renuit. Bn( V*""i #ncerc a/u% $rinci$a%, era a$r*a$e %iber.
7n*rmu% cu$%u (e f*r e creat (e mi&carea (e"centrat a $a%e%*r #% (i"tru"e"e. 8n "$ate%e %ui, unu%
(intre $a"a-eri "e re$e+i ctre mar-inea $%atf*rmei &i #nce$u " )*me+e )i*%ent.
4 'i"u"e, m*rmi V*""i. ! $utea "4% ru$ cu (*u (e-eteC
@afari "$ar"e tcerea cu )*cea %ui r"unt*are.
4 7 %im$e(e0 #ntreinere $r*a"t, $eric%itn(
4 Eaci, @afariC "$u"e (e 3%e""eK furi*". Mere%eC Suntem t*i #n )ia &i4i (at*rm a"ta c$ita4
nu%ui Scra--er. .imeni n4ar fi $utut " $re)a( a"ta. Stan(ar(e%e S4@ "unt ce%e mai ri(icate (in
'ran.
4 J " ra$*rte+, (*mnu%e (e 3%e""eK...
4 Da, te r*-, f c2e"tia a"ta &i aminte&te4i c am "4% $r*$un $entru citare $entru ca$acitate
$r*fe"i*na%.
De 3%e""eK era im$*+ant #n mnia %ui. 8% (ete"ta $e @afari, c*n"i(ern(u4% un neci*$%it care4%
"u"inea $e 62*meini fi&, incitn( muncit*rii %a -re) (ac nu "e af%a $rin $rea,m )reun mi%itar
"au $*%ii"t %*ia% 1a2u%ui ca #n c%i$a urmt*are " "e4m$une+e cu %*ia%itatea "a fa (e fami%ia
im$eria% &i "4i $e(e$"ea"c $e "*n(*ri $entru * infraciune min*r. 3*rc "trin, aiH
4 !minte&te4i &i a"ta0 aici e"te * "*cietate franc*4iranian &i ?rana nu e"te... cum "e "$une...
?rana nu a f*"t nici*(at #m$*tri)a 'ranu%ui cn( ace"ta a trecut $rin c%i$e -re%e.
4 !tunci ar trebui " in"i"tai ca Siri " fie (e"er)it numai (e ctre france+i... &i nu btrni.
!m " ra$*rte+ fr #ntr+iere inci(entu%.
@afari "e #n(e$rt #nainte ca Scra--er " $*at face "au "$une ce)a, (e 3%e""eK #i $u"e
$a%me%e $e umeri, #% "rut $e amn(*i *bra,ii, (u$ care #i "cutur mna cu e-a% c%(ur.
4 8i mu%ume"c, m*n c2er amiC
Din rn(u% france+i%*r "e au+ir "tri-te $uternice (e bucurie &i "e #n-2e"uir #n ,uru% %ui
Scra--er, #mbri&n(u4% cu efu+iune, a$*i 6a"i-i #nainta.
4 D*m*C "$u"e e% *fici*" &i, "$re &i mai marea "tn,enea% a %ui Scra--er &i mai marea
bucurie a france+i%*r care4&i #n(e"ir "tri-te%e &i bti%e $e "$ate &i $e umeri, cei $atru ,a$*ne+i "e
#nc%inar #naintea %ui %a uni"*n.
4 Mu%ume"c, (*mnu%e c$itanC "$u"e (in n*u 6a"i-i cu )*ce *ficia%. Da, n*i #ne%e-em &i
) mu%umim.
9mbi &i4i *feri cartea %ui (e )i+it $e $a%me%e #ntin"e, #n"* it (e * a%t u&*ar #nc%inare.
4 N*"2i 6a"i-i, E*(a S2i$$in- 'n(u"trie". V mu%ume"c.
4 .4a f*"t c2iar a&a -ra), (*mnu%e 6a"ee-eeC "$u"e Scra--er. . .
8ncerc " treac $e"te "tn,enea%a care4% cu$rin"e"e, $e"te furia care4% "t$ni"e, &i "4&i )in
#n fire, (e&i #&i $r*mi"e #n "inea %ui c #ntr4* +i, ct (e curn(, * " #ncerce "4% -"ea"c $e @afari,
"in-ur $e rm.
4 .*i, e2, a)eam ec2i$ament (e $%utire, a)eam "$aiu (e"tu% &i %4a& fi $utut $une $e a$. 7
me"eria n*a"tr " a,un-em ,*" cu bine. 7( "ta...
8i +mbi )e"e% %ui 7(, &tiin( c, $unn(u4"e #n faa %ui, tnru% #% "a%)a"e (e %a * #nfruntare $e
care n4ar fi $utut "4* c&ti-e.
4 ... B$itanu% V*""i ar fi fcut ace%a&i %ucru cu u&urin. !m )rut (*ar " ) "ca$ (e4*
u(tur, (e&i a$a e $%cut &i c%(u, (ar nu &tii %a ce " te4a&te$i (in $artea %ui ?%ci.
8nc*r(area "e "$ar"e &i r"er cu t*ii, (e&i $uin ner)*&i, $entru c cea mai mare $arte a
@*%fu%ui &i a -uri%*r care "e )r"au #n e% erau $%ine (e rec2ini. !$e%e ca%(e &i abun(ena (e re"turi
a%imentare &i -un*aie ne$r*ce"ate $e care naiuni%e ri)erane @*%fu%ui %e re)r"au #n e% (e mi%enii
9
fa)*ri+au (e+)*%tarea $e&ti%*r (e t*ate fe%uri%e, #n "$ecia% a rec2ini%*r. 1i $entru c t*ate -un*aie%e
(e $e $%atf*rme%e $etr*%iere treceau $e"te b*r(, rec2inii erau (e *bicei $rin $rea,m.
4 !i )+ut )re*(at unu% mare, c$itaneH
4 Aa bine c nuC 7 un rec2in ca$4(e4ci*can care $n(e&te #n %ar-u% in"u%ei 62ar-. !m "tat
ac*%* ci)a ani &i %4am )+ut... &tiu eu, * (at "au (e (*u *ri $e %un. !re cam *$t4+ece metri
%un-ime. !m )+ut * mu%ime (e rec2ini cenu&ii mari, (a= "ta4i "in-uru% #ntr4a(e)r mare.
De 3%e""eK "e cutremur.
4 Mer(e $e t*i rec2inii. 7ra ct $e4aci " m #n&face unu= * (at, %n- Siri. 7u, cum "$unei
)*i... !C M b%ceam %a a$ mic &i rec2inu% "4a re$e+it %a mine att (e re$e(e c a a,un" cu burta
$e ni"i$. !)ea cam (*i metri ,umate. !m tra" #n e% (e &a"e *ri, (ar t*t "4a +btut #ntruna &i a #ncercat
" a,un- %a n*i &i i4au trebuit *re #ntre-i ca " m*ar &i nici c2iar atunci n4am #n(r+nit )reunu%
(intre n*i " ne4a$r*$iem (e e%. 72ei, rec2inii... Era"e cu c*a(a *c2iu%ui %a e%icea ru$t.
4 8n ce m $ri)e&te "unt f*arte fericit aici, $e "*n(, #ncu)iinar cu t*ii. ?rance+ii #nce$ur
" $%)r-ea"c #ntre ei, -e"ticu%n(. D*i $*rnir " (e"carce ni&te c*&uri, iar a%tu% "e (u"e " (ea *
mn (e a,ut*r ce%ui care #nc mai )r"a $e"te b*r(.
S*n(*rii "e (e$rtar. Fa$*ne+ii rma"er #n a&te$tare, $ri)in( ateni #n ,ur. Su$er"tii*",
V*""i atin"e e%icea.
4 Ba " $*arte n*r*c, ei, Scra-C
4 De ce nuH Bt )reme tu &i $a"a-erii $utei " ie&ii (in a$arat $e $ici*are%e )*a"tre, a f*"t
* ateri+are bun.
4 De ce "4a4ntm$%atH #ntreb (e 3%e""eK.
4 ;abar n4am, frate4meu, "$u"e Scra--er. !m trecut $rintr4un "t*% (e $"ri (e mare, une%e
micue, $e"cru&i $*ate, $e (rum (in"$re Siri Erei. Ina (intre e%e ar fi $utut " #ntre #n e%ice &i "
$r*)*ace * mic ru$tur. .4am "imit nimic, (a= cine &tieC 1tiu c r*t*ru% era $erfect #n (imineaa
a"ta, $entru c amn(*i am )erificat e%ic*$teru%, ca (e *bicei. 5i(ic (in umeri0 V*ia D*mnu%uiC
4 Jui. 7"$ece (e c*nC Mie nu4mi $%ace " fiu att (e a$r*a$e (e )*ia D*mnu%ui.
Se #ncrunt ctre $%atf*rma (e ateri+are.
4 !r $utea un 20G "au un !%*uette " a,un- aici &i " ne ia $e rn(H
4 J " trimitem (u$ un a%t 212 &i * " tra-em $"rica n*a"tr (inc*%*.
Scra--er art ctre interi*ru% $%atf*rmei, #n a$r*$ierea "c2e%riei #na%te a "*n(ei.
4 !)em r*i #n c*m$artimentu% (e ba-a,e, a&a c n4* " fie cine &tie ce &i n4* " te4ntr+ie.
4 Aun, bun. !tunci %a" a"ta #n -ri,a ta. Bei%a%i, )enii cu mine, "$u"e 3%e""eK $%in (e
im$*rtan. Bre( c tutur*r ne4ar trebui ni&te cafea &i4a$*i un $a2ar (e B2ab%i" (e %a -2ea.
4 Bre(eam c $e "*n(e nu "e bea, "$u"e 6a"i-i. S$rncene%e %ui (e 3%e""eK "e arcuir.
4 !&a e, m*n c2er, (e"i-ur 4 $entru iranieni &i $entru cei care nu "unt france+i 4 (e"i-ur. Dar
"*n(e%e n*a"tre "unt franu+e&ti &i "e "u$un B*(u%ui .a$*%e*nian, a(u- $%in (e mreie. Erebuie
" "rbt*rim "*"irea n*a"tr #n "i-uran aici, a&a c a"t+i "untei *a"$eii frum*a"ei ?rane, (eci
ne $utem c*m$*rta ca ni&te *ameni ci)i%i+ai, *c*%in( re-u%i%e. De ce "unt fcute (ac nu ca " fie
*c*%iteH De"i-ur. ;ai(ei, a$*i * " #nce$em )i+ita $r*$riu4+i" &i * " ) e/$%ic t*t.
8% urmar cu t*ii, cu e/ce$ia %ui 6a"i-i.
4 1i (umneata, (*mnu%e c$itan, #ntreb, ce4ai " faciH
4 J " a&te$tm. 7%ic*$teru% * " a(uc $ie"e (e re+er) &i mecanici, r"$un"e Scra--er.
.u "e "imea #n a$e%e %ui fiin(c nu4i $%cea " "e af%e att (e a$r*a$e (e )reun ,a$*ne+,
nefiin( #n "tare " #n%ture amintirea att*r $rieteni $ier(ui #n r+b*i, att (e tineri, iar e% #nc #n
)ia, &i )e&nica #ntrebare #nnebunit*are0 De ce ei &i nu euH
4 J " a&te$tm $n * " fie re$arat, a$*i * " ne #nt*arcem aca". De ceH
4 Bn( * " "e #ntm$%e a"taH
4 3e #n"erat. De ceH
6a"i-i arunc * $ri)ire iute ctre e%ice.
4 Bu #n-(uina (umita%e, mi4ar $%cea " m #nt*rc t*t cu (umneata.
4 !"ta 2*tr&te c$itanu% V*""iC Jficia%, e% e c$itanu% #n ace"t +b*r.
6a"i-i #&i #n(re$t atenia ctre V*""i. Enru% $i%*t cun*&tea "entimente%e %ui Scra--er #n
$ri)ina ,a$*ne+i%*r, (ar nu %e $utea #ne%e-e. B2iar #nainte (e (ec*%are "$u"e"e0 MLa (racu=, Scra-,
G0
5+b*iu% M*n(ia% a f*"t acum un mi%i*n (e ani. Fa$*nia e"te a%iata n*a"tr #n $re+ent, "in-uru% a%iat
im$*rtant $e care4% a)em #n !"iaM, iar Scra--er #i r"$un"e"e0 MLa"4* ba%t, 7(.M !&a c * %"a"e.
4 Dumnea)*a"tr, 2m, mai bine ai $%eca cu cei%a%i (*mnu%e 6a"i-i. .u $utem &ti ct (e
mu%t * " (ure+e.
4 7%ic*$tere%e #mi (au * "tare (e ner)*+itate. !" $refera " +b*r cu (umneata, (ac n4ai
nimic #m$*tri)C
6a"i-i #&i #nt*ar"e (in n*u *c2ii ctre Scra--er. Jc2i $trun+t*ri, $e * fa a"$r.
4 !m f*"t #n mare $eric*%. !$r*a$e n4ai a)ut tim$ &i t*tu&i te4ai r*tit %a nici n*u+eci (e
metri ca " faci * ateri+are $erfect $e $ata a"ta (e mu"c. ! f*"t un +b*r incre(ibi%, incre(ibi%C In
"in-ur %ucru nu #ne%e-0 De ce ai a%e" * a$r*$iere %a #n%imeH
3rin"e (in +b*r $ri)iri%e %ui V*""i fi/ate $e c2i$u% %ui Scra--er. !%i, #&i +i"e, &i $e tine te
mir.
4 .4a)eai nici un m*ti) $e * +i ca a"ta, nu4i a&aH Scra--er #% $ri)i #n(e%un- &i mai
nemu%umit.
4 !i +burat $e e%ic*$tereH
4 .u, (ar am +burat cu (e"tu%e ca " &tiu cn( e )*rba (e un neca+. M *cu$ (e $etr*%iere &i
(eci (e cm$uri $etr*%ifere 4 aici #n @*%f, #n 'ra>, #n !%a">a, *riun(e, c2iar &i4n !u"tra%ia.
6a"i-i %", " treac $e"te e% e/$%*+ia (e ur $e care * intuia. 7ra *bi&nuit cu a"ta, &tia
m*ti)u%, $entru c fcu"e mu%te afaceri $n acum #n !u"tra%ia. ?*arte mu%te.
J $arte a ace"tei uri e meritat, #&i +i"e. J $arteC $n %a urm, au"tra%ienii *r " "e "c2imbe.
V*r fi ne)*ii "4* fac. 8n (efiniti), n*i cum$rm * $arte c*n"i(erabi% (in materii%e %*r $rime,
acum &i #n anii care4*r " )in, &i #n curn( * "4a)em &i mai mu%t. 7 curi*" ct (e u&*r $utem *bine
$e ca%e ec*n*mic ceea ce n4am reu&it " facem $e ca%e mi%itar.
4 Ee r*-, (e ce ai a%e" * a$r*$iere %a #n%ime, a"t+iH 8n m*( n*rma% ar fi trebuit " fim $e
fun(u% mrii acum. De ceH
Scra--er ri(ic (in umeri, )rn( " $un ca$t $*)e&tii.
4 1efu%e, "$u"e V*""i. De ce4ai fcut4*H
4 Din n*r*cC 6a"i-i +mbi $uin.
4 Dac4mi #n-(ui, mi4ar face $%cere " +b*r cu (umneata %a #nt*arcere. J )ia $entru *
)ia, c$itane. Ee r*-, $"trea+ cartea mea (e )i+it. 3*ate c #ntr4* +i a4 i $utea "4i fac )reun
"er)iciu.
Se #nc%in $*%itic*" &i #i $r"i.
Jra 11,G (imineaa.
4 7/$%*+i)e $e Siri, Scra-H De 3%e""eK era u%uit.
4 .u4i e/c%u", re$%ic Scra--er %a fe% (e #ncet.
Se -"eau #n ce% mai #n(e$rtat $unct a% $%atf*rmei, %a * (i"tan bun (e *rice fiin
*menea"c, &i c$itanu% abia i"$r)i"e (e i"t*ri"it ceea ce #i &*$ti"e !b(u%%a2. Be% (e4a% (*i%ea 212
"e af%a (e mu%t )reme ac*%*, a&te$tn(u4% $e (e 3%e""eK care trebuia " (ea *r(inu% (e (ec*%are ca
"4i (uc $e e% &i ec2i$a %ui $e Siri, un(e erau a&te$tai $entru $rn+. Mecanicii (e"fcu"er (e,a cea
mai mare $arte a "eciunii (in c*a( a e%ic*$teru%ui %ui Scra--er &i erau a(ncii #n re$araii, V*""i
"u$ra)e-2in(u4i atent. 5*t*ru% ce% n*u &i tran"mi"ia erau (e,a %a %*cu% %*r. Du$ * c%i$, (e 3%e""eK
"$u"e nea,ut*rat0
4 7/$%*+i)e%e ar $utea fi *riun(eC B2iar &i * cantitate mic ar $utea " afecte+e #ntre-
"i"temu% n*"tru (e $*m$are. M*n DieuC !r fi * ca%e $erfect (e a nrui &i mai mu%t &an"e%e %ui
Aa>2tiar 4 "au a%e %ui 62*meini 4 (e a "e #nt*arce %a n*rma%.
4 Da. !i -ri, cum f*%*"e&ti inf*rmaia &i, $entru Dumne+eu, $"trea+4* $entru tineC
4 Si-ur. Jmu% "ta a f*"t $e Siri EreiH
4 La Len-e2.
4 7i, &i4atunci (e ce nu mi4ai "$u" (e (imineaH
4 .4am a)ut tim$. Scra--er arunc * $ri)ire iute #n ,ur, a"i-urn(u4"e c nu $utea "4i au(
nimeni. !i -ri, cu *rice faci. ?anaticii &tia nu (au un ban $e nimeni &i nimic &i (ac %e trece $rin
ca$ c cine)a a "c$at * )*rb, "e um$%e marea (e ca(a)re (e aici $n %a ;*rmu+.
4 !&a4i.
De 3%e""eK era f*arte #n-ri,*rat.
G1
4 !i mai "$u" &i a%tcui)aH
4 .u, $rieteneC
4 M*n Dieu, ce4a& $utea " facH 3a+a e... Bum ai $utea a)ea * $a+ "i-ur #n 'ranH Vrei, nu
)rei, "untem #n $uterea %*r. 8i mu%ume"c #nc * (atC Erebuie "4ti mrturi"e"c c m a&te$tam %a
"ab*ta,e "eri*a"e $e 62ar- "au %a !ba(an, e4n a)anta,u% ce%*r (e "tn-a (ac "e creea+ &i mai mu%t
2a*", (ar nu m4am -n(it c * " a,un- $n aici.
8ntunecat, "e "$ri,ini (e ba%u"tra( &i $ri)i %a marea (e (e(e"ubt care "$%a %ene& $ici*are%e
$%atf*rmei. 5ec2inii ((eau trc*a%e, cutn( re"turi. !cum ne amenin ter*ri&tii. 5e+er)*are%e &i
$*m$e%e (e $e Siri "unt * int bun $entru "ab*ta, &i (ac "e #ntm$% ce)a ac*%*, $ier(em ani (e
$r*iectare, ani (e $etr*%, (e care ?rana are (i"$erat ne)*ie. 3etr*%u% $e care "4ar $utea "4%
cum$rm (e %a #m$uiii (e en-%e+i &i (in #m$uita %*r (e Mare a .*r(u%ui. Bum *r #n(r+ni " fie
att (e n*r*c*&i cu e/tracia %*r #n cre&tere 4 ce% $uin 1,3 mi%i*ane (e bari%i $e +iH
De ce nu e $etr*% %n- c*a"te%e n*a"tre "au a%e B*r"iciiH !furi"ii (e en-%e+i, cu fee%e &i
inimi%e %*r #n&e%t*are. De @au%%e a)ea (re$tate cn( "$unea c trebuie inui afar (in 7ur*$a. 1i
acum cn( n*i, cu buntatea inimi%*r n*a"tre, i4am acce$tat, (e&i &tim cu t*ii c "unt ni&te tic%*&i
mincin*&i, nici nu %e trece $rin ca$ " #m$art n*r*cu% cu n*i, $artenerii %*r. Se $refac (*ar c "unt
cu n*i #n 3iaa B*mun. !u f*"t #nt*t(eauna #m$*tri)a n*a"tr &i *r " fie #nt*t(eauna. Mare%e
B2ar%e" a)ea (re$tate #n t*t ceea ce4i $ri)e&te, (e&i "4a #n&e%at cum$%it #n $ri)ina !%-eriei. Dac am
a)ea #nc !%-eria, $mntu% &i $etr*%u% ei, am fi b*-ai, mu%umii, iar en-%e+ii &i nemii &i t*t re"tu%
ne4ar %in-e $ici*are%e.
8ntre tim$, ce4i (e fcutH
Ee (uci %a Siri &i $rn+e&ti. Du$ a"ta ai " -n(e&ti mai bine. Mu%ume"c, D*amne, c #nc
mai $rimim $r*)i+ii (in Dubai, S2arKa2 &i !% S2ar-a+, %*curi ci)i%i+ate &i cu bun "im. 9i%nic brie,
camembert, b*ur"in, u"tur*i $r*a"$t &i unt (in ?rana &i )in a(e)rat, fr (e care am muri. 7i,
a$r*a$e, a(u- e% cu *arecare reinere, *b"er)n( c Scra--er #% $ri)e&te atent.
4 Da, m*n bra)eH
4 9iceam0 ce4ai (e -n( " faciH
4 !m " (au *r(in " #ncea$ un e/erciiu (e a)arie, "$u"e e% maie"tu*". Se $are c am (at
uitrii c%au+a GZ97G a c*ntractu%ui n*"tru *ri-ina% franc*4iranian, care "$une c %a fiecare &a"e %uni,
$e * $eri*a( (e cte)a +i%e, trebuie )erificate m"uri%e (e "ecuritate 4 #ntru -%*ria ?ranei &i, 2m, a
'ranu%ui.
Minunaii *c2i ai %ui (e 3%e""eK "e a$rin"er (e frumu"eea -%umei.
4 De"i-ur c "ub*r(*naii mei au uitat "4mi amintea"c, (ar acum * " ne aruncm cu t*ii
#n ace"t e/erciiu, cu un a(e)rat entu+ia"m franu+e"c. 3e"te t*t0 %a Siri, $e $%atf*rme%e (e f*ra,, $e
rm, c2iar &i %a Len-e2. Le" cretin"C Bum #n(r+ne"c " crea( c ar $utea "ab*ta munca n*a"tr (e
ani (e +i%eH
!runc * $ri)ire #n ,ur. 8nc nu "e a$r*$ia"e nimeni. 5e"tu% -ru$u%ui "e "trn-ea acum %n-
ce% (e4a% (*i%ea F5 212.
4 Va trebui "4i c*munic %ui 6a"i-i, cci are un $etr*%ier $rin $rea,m, c*munic e% cu )*ce
c*b*rt, &i "ta ar $utea fi * int.
4 3*i " te #ncre+i #n e%H Vreau " "$un c * " fac t*tu% $e a"cun"H
4 Da, )a trebui, m*n amiC Va trebui "4% $re)in, trebuie "4* fac.
3%e""eK #&i "imi "t*macu% r"ucin(u4"e. Dumne+eu%eC #&i "$u"e f*arte tu%burat. S$er c e
(*ar f*ame &i c nu m $a&te a%t atac, )re* cri+ bi%iar. De&i nu m4ar mira, cu t*t ce "4a4ntm$%at
a+i. Mai #nti am f*"t a$r*a$e (e un acci(ent, a$*i ce% mai bun $i%*t a% n*"tru era ct $e ce " "e
#ncaiere cu "crb*"u% (e @afari &i acum a&te$tm " ne %*)ea"c re)*%uia.
4 6a"i-i a #ntrebat (ac ar $utea ca %a #nt*arcere " +b*are cu tine. Bn( ai " $*i $%ecaH
4 8nainte (e a$u", (ar nu4i ne)*ie " m4a&te$te, $*ate " $%ece cu )*iC
De 3%e""eK "e #ncrunt.
4 8ne%e- (e ce nu4i $%ac ,a$*ne+ii. 7u, ce% $uin, t*t nu $*t "4i "ufr $e nemi, (ar trebuie "
fim $ractici. 7 un c%ient bun &i, (e*arece a cerut4*, i4a& fi recun*"ct*r (ac, "e +icem, %4ai ru-a $e
V*""i " $i%*te+e, m*n c2er ami. Da, acum "untem $rieteni a$r*$iai, ne4ai "a%)at )iei%e &i am f*"t
t*i #n )*ia D*mnu%ui. !cum $utem... "e %umin %a fa. Da, &i (ac +b*ar cu tine, * " ai * *ca+ie
$erfect (e a4i "$une ce mi4ai "$u" &i mie. Sunt "i-ur c ai " te (e"curci f*arte bine.
G2
4 Dar e...
4 7 unu% (intre cei mai buni c%ieni ai n*&tri, "$u"e ferm (e 3%e""eK. ?*arte bine, #i mu%u4
me"c $rietene, am "4% %a" %a Siri. Bn( e&ti -ata, ia4% (e ac*%*. 7/ce%ent. !tunci e 2*trt. 1i fii
"i-ur c am "4i fac un ra$*rt f*arte fa)*rabi%, aut*riti%*r &i c2iar #n"u&i MA*ieru%uiM @a)a%%an.
9mbi (in n*u.
4 !cum $%ecm, ne )e(em mine.
8n,urn( $rintre (ini, Scra--er #% $ri)i (e$rtn(u4"e. De 3%e""eK era &efu% $e"te t*i, a&a c
nu $utea " fac nimic &i #n acea (u$ amia+, #n (rum ctre Siri, "ttea $e %*cu% (in "$ate, #n cabin,
tran"$irn( (e +*r &i (ete"tn( fa$tu%.
4 'i"u"e, Scra-, +i"e"e V*""i &*cat cn( #i "$u"e"e c a)ea " "tea #n "$ate, $a"a-er. Ee "imi
bineH
4 Si-ur c (a. Vreau (*ar " )( cum e cn( "tai ac*%*, r"$un"e"e iritat. Mut4i fun(u% $e
%*cu% c$itanu%ui, ia4% $e nen*r*citu% %a (e %a Siri &i $un4te (racu%ui ca $n %a Lan-e2 "au te ia
(racu= %a ra$*rt.
6a"i-i a&te$ta %a 2e%i$*rt. .u era $ic (e umbr &i "e4ncin"e"e, era $%in (e $raf &i a"u(at.
Dune%e "e4ntin(eau #n (e$rtare $n ctre c*n(ucta $etr*%ier &i c*m$%e/u% (e re+er)*are, t*ate (e
un cenu&iu mur(ar (in $ricina $rafu%ui. Scra--er $ri)ea (ia)*%ii (e&ertu%ui 4 mici )rte,uri (e )nt
care (an"au (ea"u$ra "*%u%ui 4 mu%umin( "te%ei "a%e n*r*c*a"e c $utea " +b*are &i nu trebuia "
muncea"c #ntr4un a"tfe% (e %*c. Da, e%ic*$tere%e "unt +-*m*t*a"e &i #nt*t(eauna )ibrea+ &i4" -reu
(e "t$nit, #&i +i"e, &i "i-ur c #mi %i$"e&te +b*ru% %a #n%ime, +b*ru% "in-ur #n car%in-a a)i*nu%ui,
"u", "u" (e t*t, $ica,uri%e &i t*n*uri%e &i $%anarea ca un )u%tur, (ar +b*ru% e +b*r &i nu4mi $%ace (e%*c
" "tau #n #m$uita a"ta (e cabin. 3entru Dumne+eu, e mai ru c2iar (ect #ntr4un a)i*n *bi&nuit.
.u4i $%cea " +b*are fr " fie e% %a c*men+i &i nu "e "imea nici*(at #n "i-uran &i a"ta "e
a(u-a nemu%umirii "a%e cn( #i fcu "emn %ui 6a"i-i " "e a&e+e %n- e%. Ernti u&a. De $artea
cea%a%t a cabinei, cei (*i mecanici m*iau $e "caune, #n "a%*$ete%e %*r a%be, $tate (e "u(*are.
6a"i-i #&i $*tri)i )e"ta (e "a%)are &i4&i "trn"e centura (e "i-uran. J(at ri(icai #n aer,
Scra--er "e a$%ec "$re e%.
4 .4am cum "4i "$un a%tfe% (ect %a iuea%, a&a c a"cu%t aici. S4ar $utea " aib %*c un
atac ter*ri"t %a Siri, $e una (intre $%atf*rme%e (e e/tracie, "au $*ate c2iar $e )a$*ru% (umita%e. De
3%e""eK m4a ru-at " te $re)in.
6a"i-i tra"e a(nc aer #n $ie$t.
4 Bn(H &uier $e (ea"u$ra +-*m*tu%ui $uternic (in cabin.
4 .u &tiu, &i nici (e 3%e""eK, (ar e mai mu%t (ect $r*babi%.
4 Bum, cum * " #ncerce " "ab*te+eH
4 ;abar n4am. Bu arme%e "au cu e/$%*+ibi%e%e, $*ate * b*mb cu cea"... !&a c ar fi bine "
#ntre&ti m"uri%e (e "i-uran.
4 Sunt mai mu%t (ect #ntrite, re$%ic ime(iat 6a"i-i, a$*i )+u * "trfu%-erare mni*a" #n
*c2ii %ui Scra--er &i $entru * "ecun( nu $utu #ne%e-e (e ce, a$*i #&i aminti ce%e ce abia %e "$u"e"e.
4 !2, te r*- " m ieri, c$itane, n4am )rut " $ar %u(r*", atta (*ar c am meninut
#nt*t(eauna "tan(ar(e (e "ecuritate f*arte ri(icate, iar #n a$e%e a"tea )a"e%e me%e "unt...
7ra ct $e ce " "$un M$e $ici*r (e r+b*iM, (ar "e *$ri %a tim$, "t$nin(u4&i iritarea %a
"en"ibi%itatea ce%ui%a%t.
4 8n a$e%e a"tea t*at %umea e mai mu%t (ect -ri,u%ie. Ee r*- iart4m.
4 De 3%e""eK a )rut " &tii. 1i (e a"emenea c nu trebuie " (ai $e4afar 4 c trebuie "
$"tre+i t*tu% $entru (umneata 4 &i " nu "ca$i ce)a )reunui iranian.
4 8ne%e-C E*tu% )a fi inut #n "ecret. Din n*u #i, mu%ume"c.
Scra--er #ncu)iin "curt (in ca$ &i "e a&e+ mai bine #n "caunu% "u.
6a"i-i #&i (*rea (in t*t "uf%etu% " fi $utut &i e% " (ea "curt (in ca$ &i " "e "fr&ea"c t*tu%
a&a, (ar, fiin(c au"tra%ianu% "a%)a"e )iaa #n"*it*ri%*r "i &i a "a &i (eci %e $ermi"e"e " fie (e f*%*"
mai (e$arte c*m$aniei &i &efu%ui %*r, ;ir* E*(a, "imea c e (e (at*ria %ui " #ncerce * #m$care.
4 B$itaneC "$u"e e% ct (e #ncet $utea $e"te tunetu% m*t*are%*r, #ne%e- (e ce n*i ,a$*ne+ii,
"untem att (e uri (e au"tra%ieni &i #mi cer iertare $entru t*ate B2an-i4uri%e, t*ate (rumuri%e ctre
Aurma &i t*ate atr*citi%e. 3*t "4i "$un (*ar a(e)ru%. !ce"te #ntm$%ri "unt f*arte %im$e(e
G3
(i"cutate #n &c*%i%e n*a"tre &i nu "unt uitate. 7"te ru&inea n*a"tr nai*na% c a"tfe% (e %ucruri "4au
#ntm$%at.
74a(e)rat, #&i +i"e furi*" #n "inea %ui, a f*"t * $r*"tie c*miterea un*r a"tfe% (e atr*citi,
c2iar (ac nebunii ia nu #ne%e-eau ce fceau 4 #n (efiniti) cei mai mu%i (intre (u&mani erau ni&te
%a&i, "4au $re(at "u$u&i cu +eci%e (e mii &i a"tfe% &i4au $ier(ut t*ate (re$turi%e %*r ca fiine umane,
(u$ %e-i%e c*(u%ui n*"tru Au"2i(*, care "ti$u%ea+ c $entru un "*%(at $re(area e"te cea mai rea
(e+*n*are. Bte)a -re&e%i fcute (e ci)a "a(ici, ci)a rani $r*"t4e(ucai $rintre -ar(ienii
#nc2i"*ri%*r, cei mai mu%i (intre ei fiin( Mnct*ri (e I"tur*i, c*reeni, &i t*i ,a$*ne+ii trebuie "
"ufere a"ta $e )ecieC 7 ru&inea Fa$*niei. 1i cea%a%t, cea mai rea (intre t*ate0 c*man(antu% n*"tru
"u$rem nu &i4a #m$%init (at*ria &i %4a f*rat a"tfe% $e #m$rat " #nc2eie ru&in*" r+b*iu%.
4 Ee r*-, $rime&te4mi "cu+e%e #n nume%e tutur*rC Scra--er #% $ri)i %un-. Du$ * $au+, "$u"e
"im$%u0
4 'art4m, (ar nu $*t. ?*"tu% meu $artener, ?*r"Kt2, a f*"t $rimu% care a #ntrat #n B2an-i. .4
a reu&it nici*(at " uite ce4a )+ut. 8n a% (*i%ea rn(, $rea mu%i (intre camara+ii mei, nu (*ar
$ri+*nieri (e r+b*i, au #nca"at4* (e %a )*i. 3rea mu%i. .u $*t " uit, &i mai mu%t (ect att, n4am "4
* fac. .4am "4* fac $entru c, (ac "e4ntm$% a"ta, ar #n"emna "4i tr(e+ eu. '4am tr(at $rin $ace
4 ce $aceH '4am tr(at $e t*i, a"ta4i ceea ce cre(. 'art4m, (ar a&a e.
4 8ne%e-. B2iar &i a&a am $utea face $ace. Dumneata &i cu mine. .uH
4 3*ate. 3*ate cu tim$u%.
!2, tim$u%, #&i "$u"e 6a"i-i amu+at. !"t+i am f*"t (in n*u #n $ra-u% m*rii. Bt tim$ mai
a)emH Eu &i cu mineH Be4i tim$u% a%tce)a (ect * i%u+ie, iar )iaa (*ar * i%u+ie #n a%t i%u+ieH 1i
m*arteaH 8&i amintea, cu mn(rie, $*emu% (e m*arte a% unuia (intre "trm*&ii "i "amurai, care
#n"uma"e t*tu% (e")r&it.
Be "unt n*rii, Z !%tce)a (ect un m*ti) $entru cerH Z Be e )iata, Z !%tce)a (ect e)a(are (in
m*arteH
Strm*&u% "u era Nabu 6a"i-i, (aiKm* (e '+u &i Aa>a &i "$ri,init*r a% %ui N*"2i E*rana-a,
$rimu% &i ce% mai mare (intre "2*-uni. E*rana-a care, (in tat4n fiu, c*n(u"e"er Fa$*nia (in 1G03
$n #n 1871, cn( #m$ratu% Mei,i (e"fiina"e "2*-unatu% &i "c*"e"e #n afara %e-ii #ntrea-a c%a" a
"amurai%*r. Dar Nabu 6a"i-i nu rm"e"e #n amintire $entru cre(ina fa (e "t$nu% "u "au $entru
cura,u% #n %u$t, a&a cum "e #ntm$%a"e cu faim*"u% "u ne$*t, Jmi 6a"i-i, care %u$ta"e $entru
E*rana-a #n marea bt%ie (e %a Se>i-a2ara, un(e, (e&i $ier(u"e un bra, c*n(u"e"e atacu% care
+(r*bi"e (u&manu%. J, nu, Nabu #% tr(a"e $e E*rana-a, "au #ncerca"e "4% tr(e+e &i a"tfe% i "e
$*runci"e "4&i fac "e$$u>u 4 "inuci(erea ritua% $rin (e"$icarea $ntecu%ui.
Nabu era )enerat $entru ca%i-rafia $*emu%ui "u (e m*arte, $entru cura,u% "u cn( #&i
fcu"e "e$$u>u. 8n acea +i, #n-enunc2n( #n faa "amurai%*r a(unai, e% #n(e$rta"e bat,*c*rit*r $e
ce% (e4a% (*i%ea "amurai care ar fi trebuit " "tea #n "$ate%e %ui cu "abia cea %un- &i " $un ca$t
a-*niei, iute, rete+n(u4i ca$u% &i #n%turn( a"tfe% ru&inea (e a i "e au+i "tri-tu% (e (urere. Lua"e
$umna%u% "curt &i &i4% #nfi$"e"e a(nc #n $ntece, a$*i fcu"e %ini&tit ce%e $atru tieturi, ce% mai
(ifici% "e$$u>u (in cte fu"e"er )re*(at0 (e4a curme+i&u% &i #n ,*", (in n*u (e4a curme+i&u% &i #n
"u", a$*i #&i ri(ica"e mruntaie%e cu mini%e, ca #n ce%e (in urm " m*ar fr " "c*at un "unet.
6a"i-i "e cutremur %a -n(u% c ar fi $utut face ace%a&i %ucru, &tiin( c n4ar fi a)ut )re*(at cura,u%.
5+b*aie%e m*(erne nu "eamn (e%*c cu ace%e +i%e cn( i "e $utea $*runci " m*ri a"tfe%, %a
"im$%a (*rin a "t$nu%ui.
8% )+u $e Scra--er $ri)in(u4% cu atenie.
4 1i eu am f*"t #n r+b*i, "$u"e e% in)*%untar. 3e a)i*ane. !m +burat $e 9er*uri #n B2ina, #n
Ma%aKa, #n 'n(*ne+ia &i4n .*ua @uinee. Bura,u% #n tim$ (e r+b*i e (iferit (e cura,u% #n "ine. Vreau
" "$un, nu #n tim$ (e r+b*i, nu4i a&aH
4 .u #ne%e-.
.u m4am -n(it %a r+b*iu% meu (e ani (e +i%e, #&i +i"e 6a"i-i, "c%(at bru"c (e un )a% (e
team, amintin(u4&i )e&nica "$aim (e a fi uci" "au rnit, "$aim care4% mcina &i a"t+i, cn( era
"i-ur c a)eau " m*ar cu t*ii, e% &i cu #n"*it*rii "i #n-2eai (e "$aim. Da, &i t*i am fcut a"t+i
ceea ce am fcut #n t*i acei ani (e r+b*i0 ne4am amintit m*&tenirea n*a"tr, 3mntu% 9ei%*r, ne4
am #n-2iit "$aima a&a cum am f*"t #n)ai (in c*$i%rie, ne4am $refcut ca%mi, ne4am $refcut
ec2i%ibrai ca " nu ne facem (e ru&ine #n faa a%t*ra, am +burat #ntr4* mu%ime (e mi"iuni $entru
G4
#m$rat, #m$*tri)a (u&manu%ui, ct (e bine am $utut &i a$*i, cn( e% a "$u"0 M3unei ,*" arme%eM, %e4
am $u" recun*"ct*ri, *rict (e mare ar fi f*"t ru&inea.
Bi)a -"i"er acea"t ru&ine (e ne"u$*rtat &i "e "inuci"e"er (u$ tra(iia "tr)ec2e,
*n*rabi%. Mi4am $ier(ut *are cin"tea $entru c n4am fcut4*H .ici -n(C M4am "u$u" #m$ratu%ui
care a $*runcit " #n(urm ceea ce nu "e $utea #n(ura, a$*i m4am a%turat firmei )ru%ui meu, a&a
cum ne cerea (at*ria, &i %4am "er)it cu cin"te "$re &i mai marea -%*rie a Fa$*niei. !m a,utat %a
ri(icarea c*m$aniei E*(a S2i$$in- 'n(u"trie" (in ruine%e N*>*2amei, tran"f*rmn(4* #ntr4una (in
ce%e mai mari firme (in Fa$*nia, am c*n"truit na)e uria&e, in)entn( "u$er$etr*%iere%e, t*t mai mari
#n fiecare an, &i a&te$t #n curn( ca " fie a&e+at c2i%a $rimu%ui tanc $etr*%ier (e4un mi%i*n (e t*ne.
!cum )a"e%e n*a"tre "unt $e"te t*t, $urtn( materii $rime #n Fa$*nia &i (ucn( (e4aici $r*(u"e
finite. Suntem, $e bun (re$tate, minunea %umii, (ar, *, att (e )u%nerabi%iC Erebuie " a)em $etr*%
"au * " $ierim.
V+u $e una (intre fere"tre un $etr*%ier #n(re$tn(u4"e ctre @*%f &i un a%tu% ctre ;*rmu+.
In $*( ne#ntreru$t, #&i +i"e, ce% $uin un $etr*%ier %a fiecare "ut (e mi%e $e t*t (rumu% (e aici ctre
Fa$*nia, +i (e +i, ca " 2rnea"c fabrici%e n*a"tre, fr (e care am muri (e f*ame. J37B4u% * &tie,
ne "t*arce ct $*ate &i4&i freac mini%e bucur*", ca a"t+i. !"t+i mi4a trebuit t*at $uterea )*inei
me%e ca " m $refac c "unt ca%m #n tim$u% t*cme%ii cu france+u% "ta *(i*", $uin( a u"tur*i &i a
"crb*&enia aia +emuin(, b*rtura aia numit brie, care4mi cerea, bti*", (*i (*%ari &i *$t+eci (e
ceni $e"te $reu% (e,a "can(a%*" (e $ai"$re+ece (*%ari &i *$t+eci (e ceni, iar eu, (intr4* "tr)ec2e
%inie (e "amurai, a trebuit " m t*cme"c cu e% ca un c2ine+ (in ;*n- 6*n-.
4 Dar, m="ieur (e 3%e""eK, (e"i-ur c $utei )e(ea c %a ace"t $re, %a care "e a(au-
tran"$*rtu% ...
4 8mi $are ru, m="ieur 6a"i-i, (ar am &i eu *r(ine%e me%e. !&a cum "4a c*n)enit, ce%e trei
mi%i*ane (e bari%i (e $etr*% (e %a Siri trebuie *ferite mai #nti (umita%e. 7/Ee/ a cerut * $arte &i a%i
$atru $arteneri im$*rtani "*%icitat (e a"emenea cantitatea. Dac (*re&ti, $*i renuna....
4 .u, (ar c*ntractu% "$ecific M%a $reu% curent a% J37B &i...
4 Da, (ar (e"i-ur &tii c t*i furni+*rii J37B cer * b*nificaie. .u uita c "au(iii $%nuie"c
" re(uc $r*(ucia %una a"ta &i c "$tmna trecut t*i $r*(uct*rii mai im$*rtani au 2*trt un
a%t )a% (e re(uceri (e f*rce ma,eure, c Libia #&i re(uce &i ea $r*(ucia. A3 4 Ariti"2 3etr*%eum 4 a
c*ntinuat re(uceri%e $n %a $atru+eci &i cinci (e $r*cente...
6a"i-i ar fi )rut " ur%e (e furie cn( #&i amintea c $n %a urm c+u"e (e ac*r(, cu
c*n(iia " aib t*ate ce%e trei mi%i*ane (e bari%i %a ace%a&i $re, iar france+u% +mbi"e (u%ce &i
"$u"e"e MDe"i-ur, cu c*n(iia " #ncrcai #n &a$te +i%eM, amn(*i &tiin( c a&a ce)a era cu ne$utin.
1tia (e a"emenea c * (e%e-aie (e "tat r*mnea"c "e af%a #n ace%e m*mente #n 6u<eit, cutn( trei
mi%i*ane (e t*ne (e $etr*% brut, nu trei mi%i*ane (e bari%i, ca "4&i c*m$en"e+e re(ucerea
a$r*)i+i*nrii cu $etr*% iranian care a,un-ea %a ei $rin c*n(ucte%e iran*4"*)ietice, &i c mai erau &i
a%i cum$rt*ri, cu (u+ine%e, care a&te$tau %a rn( $entru $etr*%u% (e $e Siri, &i $entru t*ate ce%e%a%te
tran"$*rturi a"u$ra cr*ra a)ea (re$tu% $rimei *$iuni 4 $etr*%, -a+ natura% %ic2i(, nafta &i a%te
$r*(u"e $etr*c2imice.
4 ?*arte bine, &a$te"$re+ece &ai+eci un bari%, "$u"e"e cu )*ce $%cut 6a"i-i, (ar #n "inea %ui
"e ,ur " e-a%e+e "c*ru% cum)a.
4 3entru #ncrctura ace"tui $etr*%ier, m="ieur.
4 De"i-ur c $entru #ncrctura ace"tui $etr*%ier, "$u"e"e &i mai amabi%.
1i acum ace"t $i%*t au"tra%ian #mi &*$te&te c c2iar &i ace"t $etr*%ier "4ar $utea " nu fie #n
"i-uran. Atrnu% "ta ciu(at. 3rea btrn ca " mai +b*are &i t*tu&i att (e $rice$ut, att (e bine
$re-tit, att (e (e"c2i" &i att (e $r*"t. 3r*"tC 7 * $r*"tie " fii att (e (e"c2i", $entru c a"tfe% e&ti
#n $uterea ce%ui%a%t.
4 S$uneai c $*ate cu tim$u% am $utea face $ace. !"t+i amn(*i era " "fr&im ace"t tim$.
.e4a "a%)at (*ar $rice$erea (umita%e &i n*r*cu%, $e care n*i #% numim >arma. 8ntr4a(e)r, nu &tiu ct
(e mu%t tim$ mai a)em. 3*ate c )a"u% meu )a "ri #n aer mine. V*i fi %a b*r(u% %ui. 5i(ic (in
umeri. 6armaC ;ai " fim $rieteniC .umai (umneata &i cu mine. .u cre( c ne tr(m a&a camara+ii
n*&tri (in r+b*i, ai (umita%e &i ai mei.
8ntin"e mna.
4 Ee r*-.
G
Scra--er $ri)i $a%ma #ntin". 6a"i-i "e "tr(uia " a&te$te. !$*i Scra--er ce(, #ncu)iin
u&*r (in ca$ &i "trn"e mna cu $utere.
4 74n re-u%, amiceC ;ai "4i (m (rumu%C
8n acea c%i$ #% )+u $e V*""i #nt*rcn(u4"e &i fcn(u4i "emn.
8ntr4* c%i$, Scra--er a,un"e #n cabin.
4 Da, 7(HC
4 Se anun un B!S7V!B, Scra-C De $e Siri Erei. Inu% (intre cei (e ac*%* a c+ut $e"te
b*r(.
3*rnir %a iuea%. Eru$u% $%utea %a $ici*ru% "*n(ei, #% ri(icar %a b*r( cu un )inci. 5ec2inii #&i
%ua"er (e,a $artea (in $ici*are, iar unu% (intre brae %i$"ea. Ba$u% &i faa erau %*)ite ru &i
(e"fi-urate ciu(at.
Ba(a)ru% era a% %ui !b(u%%a2 Euri>.
CAPITOLUL &
Ln- Aan(ar4e De%am: *ra 4,2 (u$4amia+.
Imbre%e "e %un-eau. De4a %un-u% (rumu%ui, inutu% era $%in (e mrcini&uri, iar %a *ri+*nt "e
#n%au (a%e%e $ietr*a"e a%e muni%*r ac*$erii (e +$a(, ca$tu% n*r(ic a% %anu%ui 9a-r*". De $artea
acea"ta, (inc*%* (e $ru% &i m%a&tini%e ce "e #ntin(eau $n %a $*rtu% af%at %a ci)a >i%*metri
(e$rtare, "e af%a una (intre numer*a"e%e c*n(ucte (e $etr*% care tra)er"au re-iunea #n t*ate
(irecii%e. B*n(ucta (e *e% a)ea cinci+eci (e centimetri #n (iametru &i era a&e+at $e ca$re (e bet*n,
trecea $e "ub un mic $*(, tra)er"n( (rumu%, a$*i #ntra #n $mnt. La un >i%*metru ctre e"t "e af%a
un "at a%ctuit (in %*cuine ,*a"e, ac*$erite (e $raf, cu $erei ne+u-r)ii, (in c2ir$ici, &i (irecia
aceea "e a$r*$ia un aut*m*bi%. 7ra )ec2i &i u+at &i "e (e$%a"a #ncet, (ar m*t*ru% "una bine, $rea bine
$entru a"$ectu% car*"eriei.
8n ma&in "e af%au $atru iranieni. 7rau tineri &i $r*a"$t brbierii &i mai bine #mbrcai (ect
(e *bicei, (e&i t*i erau a"u(ai &i f*arte ner)*&i. 8n a$r*$ierea $*(eu%ui, ma&ina "e *$ri. Inu%
(intre tineri, care $urta *c2e%ari, "e ri(ic (e $e %*cu% (in fa &i "e $refcu c urinea+ %a mar-inea
(rumu%ui, #n tim$ ce *c2ii %ui "crutar ateni (e ,ur #m$re,ur.
4 7 %iber, "$u"e.
De #n(at, cei (*i (in "$ate ie&ir cu a-erime afar (ucn( #ntre ei un "ac -r*"*%an, -reu, &i
"e "trecurar a$%ecai, (e4a %un-u% ta%a+u%ui (e $mnt, "ub $*(e.
Enru% cu *c2e%ari #&i #nc2eie na"turii (e %a $anta%*ni, a$*i, ca #ntr4* (*ar, "e #n(re$t ctre
ma&in &i ri(ic cu -ri, ca$*ta $*rtba-a,u%ui. Sub * bucat (e $re%at +(renuit "e +rea ea)a
b*ant a unui $i"t*% mitra%ier (e fabricaie ce2*"%*)ac. Se mai %ini&ti *arecum. 1*feru% ie&i &i e% &i
urin #n &an cu un ,et $uternic.
4 !m )rut &i eu, Ma"2*u(, (ar n4am $utut, "$u"e tnru% cu *c2e%ari, in)i(i*".
8&i &ter"e "u(*area (e $e fa &i #&i #m$in"e *c2e%arii #n "u" $e na".
4 .u $*t "4* fac nici*(at #nainte (e e/amen, "$u"e Ma"2*u( &i r"e. ?ac !%%a2 " "e
(e"c2i( (in n*u Ini)er"itatea.
4 !%%a2C !%%a2 e *$iu% ma"e%*r, +i"e tnru% cu *c2e%ari #n (irecia %ui, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e ctre
(rum.
7ra #nc $u"tiu #n ambe%e (irecii, ct "e $utea )e(ea cu *c2ii. La "u(, un(e)a #n (e$rtare,
"*are%e "e ref%ecta #n a$e%e @*%fu%ui. !$rin"e * i-ar. De-ete%e #i tremurau. Eim$u% trecea f*arte
#ncet. Mu&te%e r*iau, fcn( tcerea " $ar &i mai $r*fun(. !$*i *b"er) un n*r (e $raf $e (rum,
(inc*%* (e "at.
4 3ri)e&teC
!mn(*i tinerii #&i mi,ir *c2ii $ri)in( #n (e$rtare.
4 Sunt fur-*nete "au cami*aneH
4 Bami*ane mi%itare, "$u"e ne%ini&tit Ma"2*u(, a$*i a%er- ctre mar-inea $*(eu%ui &i
"tri-0 @rbii4), )*i (*iC Se a$r*$ie ce)aC
4 74n re-u%C "tri- * )*ce (e (e(e"ubt.
4 Suntem a$r*a$e -ata, "$u"e cea%a%t )*ce.
GG
Bei (*i tineri (e "ub $*(e (e"c2i"e"er "acu% &i #n-2e"uiau %a #ntm$%are, (e4a %un-u%
c*n(uctei (e *e%. Scu%eii turtii (e e/$%*+ibi%. B*n(ucta era ac*$erit cu * teac (e $re%at &i
"m*a% $entru a * $r*te,a (e ru-in.
4 D4mi (et*nat*ru% &i fiti%u%, !%i, "$u"e r-u&it ce% ai mare (intre ei.
!mn(*i erau acum mur(ari, iar "u(*area %"a"e (re $rin "tratu% (e mur(rie.
4 IiteC
!%i i %e ((u cu -ri,, "imin( cma&a %i$it (e $ie%e.
4 7&ti "i-ur c &tii cum "4* faci, Ai,anH
4 D*ar am "tu(iat in"truciuni%e *re4ntre-i. .4am e/er"at &i cu *c2ii #nc2i&iH
Ai,an "e "tr(ui " +mbea"c.
4 Suntem ca 5*bert F*r(an #n M3entru cine bat c%*$*te%eM. B2iar a&aC
Be%%a%t "e cutremur.
4 S$er c c%*$*te%e nu bat $entru n*i. B2iar (ac e a&a, ce mai c*ntea+H 3arti(u% )a #n)in-e,
&i ma"e%e )*r *bine )ict*ria.
De-ete%e nee/$erimentate a%e %ui Ai,an #nfi$"er ne#n(emnatice (et*nat*ru% cu nitr*-%ice4
rin #ntr4unu% (intre "cu%eii cu e/$%*+i), #nfi$"er un ca$t a% fiti%u%ui (e(e"ubt &i #n-rm(ir
u%timii "cu%ei $e"te e%, ca "4% in %a %*cu% %ui. V*cea %ui Ma"2*u( "e au+i &i mai ne%ini&tit0
4 @rbii4)C Bre( c "unt cami*ane mi%itare cu "*%(ai.
3entru un m*ment amn(*i tinerii $ara%i+ar, a$*i (e"f&urar fiti%u%, #m$ie(icn(u4"e unu%
(e ce%%a%t #n ner)*+itatea %*r.
3e ne*b"er)ate, ca$tu% fiti%u%ui $rin" #n (et*nat*r "c$. !&e+ar a$r*a$e trei metri (e fiti%
$e $mnt, $rin"er ca$tu% %ui "i4&i %uar $ici*are%e %a "$inare, Ai,an arunc * $ri)ire fu-ar #na$*i,
ca " )erifice t*tu%, )+u c $artea a$rin" ar(ea frum*", cu "cntei, &i rma"e cu -ura c"cat cn(
*b"er) ce%%a%t ca$t b%n-nin(u4"e %iber. D&ni #na$*i, #% #nfi$"e cu mini tremurn(e #n
(et*nat*r &i a%unec. .itr*-%icerina e/$%*( &i a$rin"e "cu%eu% (e e/$%*+i) (e %n- ea &i ace"ta #%
a$rin"e $e urmt*ru% &i $e urmt*ru% &i #ntrea-a -rma( e/$%*(, ru$n(u4% $e Ai,an #n buci,
%a*%a%t cu &a"e metri (in %un-imea e)ii, aruncn( #n aer $*(eu% &i r"turnn( ma&ina, uci-n( (*i
(in cei%a%i tineri &i "mu%-n( un $ici*r u%timu%ui (intre ei. 3etr*%u% #nce$u " "e re)er"e (in
c*n(uct. Sute (e bari%i $e minut. !r fi trebuit " "e a$rin(, (ar nu "e #ntm$% a"ta 4 e/$%*+ibi%u%
fu"e"e $r*"t am$%a"at i (et*nat 4 &i cn( ce%e (*u cami*ane mi%itare "e *$rir cu $ru(en %a * "ut
(e metri mai (e$arte, "cur-erea (e $etr*% atin"e"e (e,a $ru%. ?raciuni%e mai u&*are, -a+*a"e,
)*%ati%e, $%uteau %a "u$rafa, iar ce%e mai (en"e #nce$ur " "e afun(e #n ma%uri, #n m%a&tini &i "*%,
tran"f*rmn( #ntrea-a +*n #ntr4* $*riune e/trem (e $ericu%*a".
8n ce%e (*u cami*ane rec2i+ii*nate "e af%au (*u+eci (e @r+i Ver+i, $r*462*meini, cei
mai mu%i (intre ei brb*&i, re"tu% nebrbierii, t*i $urtn( ban(er*%e%e caracteri"tice, rani, ci)a
muncit*ri $etr*%i&ti, un &ef $re-tit (e J73 &i un mu%%a2, t*i #narmai cu arme mi%itare, ci)a
rnii. In c$itan (e $*%iie, #n unif*rm, %e-at &i cu c%u& #n -ur &i #nc #n )ia, +cea $e $*(ea.
!taca"er &i c*$%e&i"er $rin numr un $*"t (e $*%iie (in n*r( &i "e #n(re$tau acum ctre Aan(ar4e
De%am ca " c*ntinue r+b*iu%. Sarcina %*r era "4i a,ute $e a%ii " $reia c*ntr*%u% a"u$ra
aer*$*rtu%ui ci)i% af%at %a ci)a >i%*metri "$re "u(.
Bu mu%%a2u% #n frunte, a,un"er %a mar-inea $*(eu%ui (i"tru". 3entru un m*ment $ri)ir
$etr*%u% care "e re)r"a, a$*i un -eamt %e atra"e atenia. 8&i c*b*rr arme%e (e $e umr &i "e
#n(re$tar $ru(eni ctre ma&ina r"turnat.
Enru% cruia e/$%*+ia #i "mu%"e"e un $ici*r +cea $e m*arte, $e ,umtate $rin" "ub ma&in.
Mu&te%e r*iau, "e a&e+au &i "e ri(icau (in n*u $e "n-e%e &i mruntaie%e #ntin"e $e"te t*t.
4 Bine e&tiH #ntreb mu%%a2u%, +-%in(u4% bruta%. De ce ai fcut a"taH
Enru% (e"c2i"e *c2ii. ?r *c2e%ari, t*tu% $rea #nce*&at. 3i$i *rbe&te (u$ ei. S$aima (e
m*arte #% inun(. 8ncerc " "$un S2a2a(a, (ar nu reu&i " "c*at (ect un i$t a(nc. Sn-e%e #i
n)%i #n -t, "uf*cn(u41.
4 ?ac4"e )*ia %ui !%%a2, "$u"e mu%%a2u% #nt*rcn(u4"e cu "$ate%e.
Jb"er) #n rn *c2e%arii "$ari &i #i ri(ic. J %enti% era "$art, iar cea%a%t %i$"ea.
4 De ce *r fi fcut a"taH #ntreb unu% (intre ei. .4a)em *r(in " "ab*tm c*n(ucte%e. .u
acumC
4 Erebuie " fie c*muni&ti, "au "crn)ii i"%amic4mar/i"teC
G7
Mu%%a2u% arunc *c2e%arii. !)ea faa +-riat, 2a%atu% %un- ru$t #n cte)a %*curi &i era
f%mn(.
4 3ar a fi "tu(eniC ?ie ca !%%a2 "4&i *m*are t*i (u&manii %a fe% (e iute.
4 ;ei, ia uitai4) aiciC "tri- ce%%a%t.
Sc*t*ci"e ma&ina &i -"i"e trei $i"t*a%e mitra%ier &i cte)a -rena(e, t*ate (e fabricaie
ce2*"%*)ac.
4 D*ar cei (e "tn-a "unt att (e bine #narmai. Binii &tia "unt #ntr4a(e)r (u&mani.
4 !%%a2 fie binecu)ntatC AunC .e "unt (e f*%*" arme%e a"teaC 3utem " *c*%im -r*a$a cu
cami*ane%eH
4 Da, u&*r. Mu%umit %ui !%%a2, "$u"e &*feru%, un brbat #n(e"at, brb*".
7ra muncit*r #ntr4unu% (intre cm$uri%e $etr*%ifere &i &tia cte ce)a (e"$re c*n(ucte%e
$etr*%iere.
4 !r fi bine " c*municm cui)a (e"$re "ab*ta,, a(u- ner)*". 8ntrea-a +*n ar $utea "
e/$%*(e+e. !& $utea " (au un te%ef*n %a "taia (e $*m$are, (ac -"im )reunu% care " funci*ne+e,
"au " trimitem un me"a,. !r $utea atunci " #nc2i( c*n(ucta. !r fi bine " ne -rbim, t*at +*na e
#n $eric*% (e m*arte, iar "cur-erea )a $*%ua t*tu% #n ,*"u% ru%ui.
4 !"ta e4n mini%e %ui !%%a2. Mu%%a2u% $ri)i $etr*%u% care "e #m$r&tia.
4 E*tu&i nu e (re$t " ri"i$im b*-ia $e care !%%a2 ne4a (at4*. Aine. !i " #ncerci "
te%ef*ne+i (e %a aer*$*rt.
In a%t i$t -%-it (e a,ut*r ie&i (in -ura tnru%ui. 8% %"ar ac*%*, " m*ar "in-ur.
!er*$*rtu% Aan(ar4e De%am, *ra ,30 (u$4amia+.
!er*$*rtu% ci)i% era ne$+it, aban(*nat, &i nu era *$erai*na% (ect $entru c*ntin-entu% S4@
care a,un"e"e ac*%* cu cte)a "$tmni #n urm, )enin( (in in"u%a 62ar-. !)ea (*u $i"te "curte,
un turn "cun(, cte)a 2an-are, * c%(ire cu un eta, $entru bir*uri &i cte)a barci. 'ar acum &i cte)a
ru%*te m*(erne 4 $r*$rietatea S4@ 4 (re$t %*cuine tem$*rare &i $unct (e c*man(. 7ra ca *ricare a%t
aer*$*rt (in (u+ine%e $e care 1a2u% %e c*n"trui"e $entru %inii%e aeriene %*ca%e care (e"er)eau t*t
'ranu%. MV*m a)ea aer*$*rturi &i tran"$*rturi m*(erneM, (ecreta"e e%, &i "e fcu"e. Dar (e cn(
#nce$u"er tu%burri%e, cu &a"e %uni #n urm, &i t*ate %inii%e interne #ntra"er bru"c #n -re), a)i*ane%e
rm"e"er %a "*% #n t*t 'ranu%, iar aer*$*rturi%e fu"e"er #nc2i"e. Mecanicii (e "*% &i $er"*na%u%
(i"$ru"er. Be%e mai mu%te (intre a)i*ane fu"e"er %"ate #n aer %iber, fr nici un fe% (e #ntreinere
"au #n-ri,ire. Dintre ce%e trei bim*t*are react*are $arcate $e &*ru% $i"tei, (*u a)eau r*i%e
(e+umf%ate, iar unu% * ferea"tr (e %a car%in- "$art. E*ate a)eau re+er)*are%e -*%ite (e 2*i. E*ate
erau mur(are a$r*a$e ni&te e$a)e. 1i tri"te.
8n mare c*n"tra"t cu ace"tea erau ce%e cinci e%ic*$tere "tr%ucit*are a%e S4@, trei 212 &i (*u
20G, a%iniate meticu%*", "$%ate &i c*ntr*%ate %a "fr&itu% fiecrei +i%e.
S*are%e c*b*r"e (ea"u$ra *ri+*ntu%ui &i arunca umbre %un-i. B$itanu% 5u(i-er Lut+, $i%*t
&ef, "e #n(re$t ctre u%timu% e%ic*$ter &i4% in"$ecta cu aceea&i -ri, ca &i $e ce%e%a%te.
4 ?*arte bine, "$u"e #n ce%e (in urm. 3utei " %"ai treaba.
Su$ra)e-2e mecanicii &i ec2i$a (e "*% iranian care #m$in-ea a$arate%e #na$*i #n 2an-are%e
%*r, &i e%e fr $at. 1tia c mu%i (intre an-a,ai r(eau (e e% $e %a "$ate (in $ricina meticu%*+itii
"a%e, (ar a"ta nu c*nta atta )reme ct #% a"cu%tau.
!"ta4i cea mai (ifici% $r*b%em a n*a"tr, "e -n(i, cum "4i facem " ne (ea a"cu%tare, cum
" %ucre+e #ntr4* "ituaie (e r+b*i, cn( nu "untem -u)ernai (e re-u%i mi%itare, ci $ur &i "im$%u
nec*mbatani #n mi,%*cu% unei bt%ii, in(iferent (ac Duncan Mc')er )rea, "4* a(mit $e fa "au
nu.
8n (imineaa aceea, Du>e Star>e #i tran"mi"e"e $rin ra(i*, (e %a 6*)i"", me"a,e%e
#n-ri,*rt*are a%e %ui Mc')er, af%at %a Ee2eran, (e"$re +)*nuri%e atacu%ui a"u$ra aer*$*rtu%ui (in
Ee2eran &i r"c*a%a (e %a una (in ba+e%e aeriene (e ac*%*, $entru c, (in $ricina (i"tanei &i a
muni%*r Aan(ar4e De%am, nu "e $utea )*rbi (irect cu Ee2eranu%ui nici cu ce%e%a%te ba+e a%e %*r,
numai cu 6*<i""4u%. 8n-ri,*rat, 5u(i a(una"e t*t $er"*na%u% %*r neiranian, $atru $i%*i, &a$te
mecanici 4 &a$te en-%e+i, (*i americani, un -erman &i un france+ 4 #ntr4un %*c (e un(e nu $uteau fi
au+ii &i %e "$u"e"e0
4 Du>e n4a +i" $rea mu%te, (ar fe%u% #n care a fcut4*, mi4a t*t +i" 5u(i-er, cn( e% (e fa$t #mi
"$une (e *bicei 5u(i... 3rea a-itat.
G8
4 .u4i #n firea %ui Du>e Star>e " "e a-ite (ect (ac "untem #n $*m, "$u"e"e ne%ini&tit F*n
EKrer, a(,unctu% american a% %ui 5u(i. Bre+i c a (at (e -reuH Bre+i c ar fi mai bine " aruncm *
$ri)ire %a 6*<i""H
4 3*ate. Da= "4a&te$tm $n %a n*a$te, cn( * " )*rbe"c cu e%.
4 8n ce m $ri)e&te, cre( c4ar fi mai bine " ne $re-tim " tra-em * fu- %a mie+u% n*$ii,
5u(i, "$u"e"e 2*trt mecanicu% ?*<%er F*ine". Da, (ac btrnu% Du>e e ner)*", ar fi mai bine "4*
&ter-em, " "$%m $utina.
4 7&ti nebun, ?*<%er.
4 .*i n4am a)ut nici*(at ne$%ceri, "$u"e"e EKrer. E*at +*na a"ta e mai mu%t "au mai $uin
%ini&tit, $*%iia &i tru$e%e "unt (i"ci$%inate &i bine c*ntr*%ate. La (racu=, a)em cinci ba+e aeriene $e *
ra+ (e trei+eci (e >i%*metri &i "unt t*i mi%itari (e e%it &i fi(e%i 1a2u%ui. ?r #n(*ia% c * " fie *
%*)itur mi%itar %*ia%i"t ct (e curn(.
4 !i f*"t )re*(at #n mi,%*cu% )reunei %*)ituri mi%itare, $entru Dumne+euHC Era- ca c2i*rii
unu4ntr4a%tu% &i eu "unt ci)i%C
4 J>aK, " +icem c "untem #n $*m. Be $r*$uiH
Di"cuta"er t*t fe%u% (e $*"ibi%iti. @rania 'ra>u%ui $e $mnt, $rin aer "au $e a$ "e af%a %a
cte)a "ute (e >i%*metri (e$rtare, iar #n 6u<eit era u&*r (e a,un".
4 J " af%m (in tim$, "$u"e"e 5u(i f*arte #ncre+t*r Mc')er * " af%e (ac "e $re-te&te
)re* %*)itur.
4 !"cu%t, fiu%e, "$u"e"e ?*<%er mai acru (ect (e *bicei, &tiu f*arte bine cum "unt firme%e
a"tea 4 %a fe% ca tic%*&ii ia (e -enera%i. Dac #ntr4a(e)r "e #m$ute treaba, *r " ne %a"e ba%t. S fiu
a% (racu%ui (ac n4* fi a&aC !&a c mai bine " $unem ce)a %a ca%e. .4am (e -n( "4mi %a" ca$u%
-urit $entru 1a2, 62*meini "au c2iar $entru @a)a%%an ce% Mare. 7u +ic "4* &ter-em 4 " -*%im
c*tineaaC
4 ?ir4ar a% (racu%ui, ?*<%erC e/$%*(a"e unu% (intre $i%*ii en-%e+i. Vrei " +ici " furm unu%
(intre $r*$rii%e n*a"tre a$arateH .e %a" %a "*% $e )ecieC
4 3*ate4i mai bine (ect %a $*ri%e 5aiu%uiC
4 .e $*t (*b*r#, $entru Dumne+euC .4* " ne reu&ea"c nici*(at 4 &tii cum "unt urmrite
t*ate +b*ruri%e n*a"tre, ce ner)*&i "unt ia (e %a ra(ar $e4aiciC 7 mai ru (ect %a Len-e2... .u
$utem " ne ri(icm fr " cerem mai #nti $ermi"iunea (e4a $*rni m*t*are%e.
8n ce%e (in urm #i ru-a"e "4i $re+inte "u-e"tii #n e)entua%itatea c ar fi f*"t nece"ar *
e)acuare bru"c $e $mnt, $rin aer "au $e mare &i #i %"a"e " "e certe.
4 E*at +iua #&i "t*r"e"e creierii ce " fac, ce nu era #n re-u% %a 6*<i"" "au %a Ee2eran. Ba
$i%*t4&ef, "e "imea re"$*n"abi% $entru ec2i$a %ui 4 %"n( %a * $arte (u+ina (e muncit*ri iranieni &i
$e Fa2an, *$erat*ru% "u ra(i*, $e care nu fu"e"e #n "tare "4% $%tea"c (e &a"e "$tmni, ca &i t*ate
a$arate%e &i $ie"e%e (e "c2imb.
Suntem a% (racu%ui (e n*r*c*&i c am "c$at (e 62ar- att (e bine, #&i +i"e, "imin( c i "e
"trn-e "t*macu%. 5etra-erea a mer" u&ure%, cu t*ate a$arate%e, cu t*ate $ie"e%e (e "c2imb
im$*rtante, iar * $arte (in e%e fu"e"er a(u"e c2iar (e a$arate%e %*r #n $atru +i%e, fr " "e ame"tece
cu #ncrcturi%e -re%e "au cu +b*ruri%e "ub4c*ntractate "au "ituaii%e (e ur-en.
?u"e"e u&*r " $%ece (in 62ar-, $entru c t*at %umea )*ia " $%ece ct (e curn( cu $utin.
B2iar &i #nainte (e a #nce$e tu%burri%e, 62ar- era * ba+ ne$*$u%ar, un(e nu a)eai a%tce)a (e fcut
(ect " munce&ti &i " a&te$i +i%e%e %ibere $entru a mer-e %a Ee2eran "au aca". Bn( #nce$u"er
neca+uri%e, t*at %umea &tia c 62ar- era * int $rimar $entru re)*%ui*nari. ?u"e"er * mu%ime (e
%u$te (e "tra( &i #m$u&cturi. De curn(, fu"e"er +rii $rintre r"cu%ai * mu%ime (e $urtt*ri (e
ban(er*%e a%e J'73 4 Jr-ani+aia 'ranian $entru 7%iberarea 3a%e"tinei &i c*man(antu% in"u%ei
amenina"e c * " #m$u&te fiecare "tean (e $e in"u% (ac nu "e $*t*%e"c ci*cniri%e. De cn(
$%eca"er, cu cte)a "$tmni #n urm, in"u%a fu"e"e tcut, amenint*r (e tcut, iar retra-erea nu
fu"e"e (e fa$t * ur-en, #&i aminti e% #n"u&i. Bum " ne (e"curcm #ntr4* a"tfe% (e "ituaieH
Bu * "$tmn #n urm +bura"e %a 6*<i"" c " ri(ice cte)a $ie"e (e "c2imb mai
(e*"ebite &i4% #ntreba"e $e Star>e cum $%nuia " "e (e"curce ac*%* (ac "e i)eau, #ntr4a(e)r,
neca+uri.
4 La fe% ca tine, 5u(i. !i #ncerca " te (e"curci #n ca(ru% re-u%i%*r c*m$aniei, care atunci nu
"e )*r $utea a$%ica, "$u"e"e te/anu% ce% #na%t. !)em cte)a %ucruri #n fa)*area n*a"tr. !$r*a$e t*i
G9
bieii n*&tri "unt f*&ti mi%itari, (eci e/i"t un fe% (e %an (e c*man(, (ar, %a (racu=, $*i $%nui t*t
ce )rei &i $*i " nu (*rmi cu n*$i%e, $entru c atunci cn( t*at &an(ramaua "are #n aer * " fie ca
(e *bicei0 * $arte (intre ti$i *r " ce(e+e, a%ii nu, &i n4ai " &tii nici*(at (inainte care ce4* " fac,
"au nici mcar cum ai " reaci*ne+i tu #n"ui.
5u(i nu fu"e"e nici*(at $e cm$u% (e %u$t, (e&i cn( #&i fcu"e "ta-iu% mi%itar #n armata
-erman, $rin anii =0, fu"e"e %a -rania cu @ermania (e 7"t, iar #n @ermania (e Ve"t e&ti
#nt*t(eauna c*n&tient (e 9i(, (e B*rtina (e ?ier &i (e t*i fraii &i "ur*ri%e ta%e (in $artea cea%a%t &i
(e %e-iuni%e "*)ietice &i (e ce%e a%e "ate%ii%*r %*r, a&te$tn( amenint*are, cu +eci%e %*r (e mii (e
tancuri &i rac2ete #n "$ate%e %*r, %a ci)a metri: &i c*n&tient (e $rea +e%*&ii nai*na%i&ti -ermani (e
fiecare $arte a -raniei )enern(u4&i Me""ia %*r care "e nume&te Lenin, &i (e mii%e (e "$i*ni care
#ncearc " ne mur"ece $e (inuntru. Eri"t.
Bi *r fi f*"t (intre cei (e %a mine (e4aca"H
Se n"cu"e #ntr4un mic "at (e %n- 3%auen, #n a$r*$iere (e -rania ce2*"%*)ac, acum $arte
a @ermaniei (e 7"t. 8n =4 a)ea (*i"$re+ece ani, frate%e %ui &ai"$re+ece &i "e af%a (e,a #n armat. !nii
(e r+b*i nu fu"e"er ri $entru e%, $entru "*ra %ui mai tnr &i $entru mama %ui. La ar "e -"ea
mncare (e a,un", (ar #n =4 fu-i"er (in faa 2*ar(e%*r "*)ietice $urtn( cu ei t*t ce $uteau,
a%turn(u4"e )a"tei mi-raii -ermane ctre )e"t0 (*u mi%i*ane (in 3ru"ia, a%te (*u (in n*r(, $atru
(in +*na centra% &i a%te (*u (in "u(, #m$reun cu mi%i*ane (e ce2i, $*%*ne+i, un-uri, r*mni,
au"trieci, bu%-ari, (in t*at 7ur*$a, #nf*metai, #n-r*+ii, +btn(u4"e " rmn #n )ia.
!2, "u$ra)ieuirea.
8&i amintea cum mer-ea cu mama %ui, cu * cru, %a * -r*a$ (e -un*i, #nfri-urat, i"t*)it &i
a$r*a$e (*b*rt (e f*ame, un(e)a #n a$r*$ierea .urnber-u%ui, $rin inutu% r)&it (e r+b*i &i $rin
*ra&e%e tran"f*rmate #n ruin, mama %ui cutn( (i"$erat un ceainic 4 a% %*r fu"e"e furat $e"te
n*a$te. 7ra cu ne$utin " cum$eri unu%, c2iar (ac ai fi a)ut bani.
4 Erebuie " facem r*"t (e un ceainic ca " fierbem a$a, "au * " murim cu t*ii. J "
c$tm tif*" "au (e+interie ca cei%a%i. .u $utem tri fr a$ fiart, i$a"e ea.
!&a c $%eca"e #m$reun cu ea, "c%(at #n %acrimi, c*n)in" c era $ier(ere (e )reme, (ar
-"i"er unu%. 7ra )ec2i &i ru-init, cu )rfu% #n(*it &i fr mner, (ar a)ea ca$ac &i nu cur-ea. !cum
ceainicu% era curat &i "tr%ucit*r, a&e+at %a %*cu% (e cin"te $e "*ba (in buctria ca"ei (e ar (e %n-
?reibur-, #n 3(urea .ea-r, un(e %*cuiau "*ia, fiii &i mama %ui. 1i * (at $e an, (e fiecare !n
.*u, mama %ui fcea ceai cu a$a fiart #n ace% ceainic. 1i atunci cn( era ac*%*, +mbea *(at cu ea.
Dac cre+i #n(ea,un", fiu%e, &i #ncerci, "$unea ea #nt*t(eauna, cu )*ce a$r*a$e &*$tit, $*i
" -"e&ti un ceainic. .u uita, tu %4ai -"it, nu euC
!u+i bru"c "tri-te (e a%arm. Se r"uci $e c%cie &i )+u trei cami*ane mi%itare &nin( $rin
$*art, unu% #n(re$tn(u4"e #n )ite+ ctre turn, ce%e%a%te ctre 2an-are%e %ui. Bami*ane%e frnar
(era$n( &i re)*%ui*nari cu ban(er*%e )er+i "e #m$r&tiar $rin #ntrea-a ba+, (*i (intre ei
re$e+in(u4"e %a e% cu arme%e c*b*rte, "tri-n( #n far"i, %imb $e care e% n4* #ne%e-ea, #n tim$ ce
cei%a%i #nce$ur " #i "trn- *amenii #n 2an-ar.
8m$ietrit, ri(ic mini%e, cu inima btn(u4i nebune&te. Bei (*i atacat*ri, brb*&i &i a"u(ai
(e a-itaie &i team, #&i #nfi$"er e)i%e arme%*r #n (re$tu% feei %ui &i 5u(i tre"ri.
4 .u "unt #narmat, -fi. Be )reiH 7iHC
.ici unu% (intre ei nu r"$un"e, (ar c*ntinuar "4% in "ub ameninarea arme%*r. 8n "$ate%e
%*r $utu " )a( re"tu% ec2i$ei "a%e mnat (in barci ctre $i"ta bet*nat. !%i atacat*ri "c*t*ceau
$rin e%ic*$tere, r"turnn( ne$"t*ri ec2i$amentu%, unu% (intre ei aruncn( )e"te%e (e "a%)are,
-ri,u%iu #m$ac2etate #n bu+unare%e %*r (e %n- "caune. ?uria #i #n)in"e teama.
4 ;ei, Sie )err[c>ten Dumm>*$fe% "tri-. La""=n Sie meine )err[c>ten ?%u-+eu-e a%%einC
Mai #nainte (e a4&i (a "eama ce face, #m$in"e arme%e %a * $arte &i a%er- ctre ei. J c%i$, $ru c cei
(*i iranieni )*r tra-e, (ar nu fcur a%tce)a (ect " a%er-e (u$ e%, #% a,un"er (in urm &i #%
#mbrncir. Inu% ri(ic $atu% armei ca "4% %*)ea"c #n fa.
4 J$re&teC
Jmu% #n-2e. Be% care "tri-a"e c*man(a #n en-%e+ era abia trecut (e trei+eci (e ani, )*inic,
$urtn( 2aine -r*"*%ane cu * ban(er*% )er(e $e mnec, * barb (e cte)a "$tmni, $r ne-ru,
*n(u%at &i *c2i ne-ri.
4 Bine e &efu% aiciH
70
4 7u "unt.
5u(i "e "mu%"e (in mini%e atacat*ri%*r.
4 Be facei aiciH Be )reiH
4 Lum #n "t$nire aer*$*rtu% #n nume%e '"%amu%ui &i a% 5e)*%uiei.
!ccentu% *mu%ui era en-%e+e"c.
4 Bi "*%(ai (in a)iaie "unt $e4aiciH
4 .ici unu%. .u e/i"t tru$e, nu e/i"t *$erat*ri #n turn, nimeni #n afar (e n*i, "$u"e 5u(i
#ncercn( "4&i reca$ete "uf%u%.
4 .u "unt tru$eH
V*cea *mu%ui atin"e * n*t $rime,(i*a".
4 .u, nimeni. !u trecut $atru%e $e4aici, (e cn( am )enit, (e cte)a "$tmni. Vin (in tim$
#n tim$, (ar nu e nimeni "tai*nat aici, &i nu e/i"t a$arate mi%itare.
5u(i art cu (e-etu% ctre 2an-ar.
4 S$une4%e ace%*r *ameni " aib -ri, (e a$arate%e me%e. Mu%te )iei (e$in( (e e%e. 1i
iraniene &i a%e n*a"tre.
Jmu% "e r"uci &i )+u ce "e #ntm$%a. Stri- * a%t c*man(, b%e"temn(u4i. Jamenii #i
r"$un"er %a fe%, ne$"t*ri, a$*i, (u$ * c%i$, ie&ir #n %umina #n"errii, %"n( 2a*" #n urma %*r.
4 Ee r*- "4i ieri, "$u"e brbatu%. M nume"c 9ata>i. Sunt &efu% >*mite2u%ui (in !ba(an. Bu
a,ut*ru% %ui !%%a2 am $re%uat acum c*ntr*%u% #n Aan(ar4e De%am.
5u(i #&i "imea "t*macu% ar+n(. E*t $er"*na%u% %ui "trin &i ce% iranian era "tan (e $iatr
%n- c%(irea "cun( a bir*uri%*r, #nc*n,urai (e *ameni #narmai.
4 Lucrm $entru * c*m$anie britani...
4 Da, &tim (e S4@ ;e%ic*$ter".
9ata>i "e #nt*ar"e &i "tri- (in n*u. !%ene, ci)a (intre *amenii %ui "e #n(re$tar ctre
$*art &i #nce$ur " *cu$e $*+iii (e a$rare. Se #nt*ar"e ctre 5u(i.
4 Bum te c2eamH
4 B$itanu% Lut+.
4 .4ai (e ce te teme, c$itane Lut+, (umneata &i *amenii (umita%e. !)ei arme aiciH
4 .u, cu e/ce$ia $i"t*a%e%*r VereK $entru "emna%i+ri %umin*a"e, (in (*tarea a$arate%*r.
3entru "emna%i+ri. Semna%i+ri #n ca+ (e $eric*%.
4 S mi %e a(uci.
9ata>i "e #nt*ar"e &i "e a$r*$ie (e -ru$u% ce%*r (in S4@. 5ma"e ac*%* cercetn( c2i$uri%e.
5u(i citi teama $e fee%e iranieni%*r "i 4 buctarii, mecanicii (e "*%, ec2i$a (e #ntreinere, Fa2an &i
Nemeni, mana-eru% (e %a 'ran Ji%.
4 !ce&tia "unt t*i *amenii mei, "$u"e, #ncercn( "4&i fac -%a"u% " "une ferm. E*i an-a,ai
ai S4@.
9ata>i #i arunc * $ri)ire, a$*i "e a$r*$ie &i mai mu%t &i 5u(i trebui " (e$un mu%t ef*rt ca
" nu c%i$ea"c (in n*u.
4 1tii ce #n"eamn Mu,2a(in4a%462a%RH ?e(ainH Eu(e2H #ntreb cu )*ce "c+ut, (*minn(u4
% cu $uterea i cu arma.
4 Da.
4 Aine.
Du$ * $au+, 9ata>i "e #nt*ar"e " $ri)ea"c tcut, (in n*u, $e rn(, iranienii. Se a&ternu
tcerea. Aru"c art cu (e-etu% $e unu% (intre brbaii (in ec2i$a (e #ntreinere. Jmu% tre"ri, a$*i *
ru$"e %a fu- #nnebunit, i$n( #n far"i. 8% $rin"er cu u&urin &i #% btur $n %a %e&in.
4 6*mite2u% * "4% ,u(ece &i * "4% c*n(amne #n nume%e %ui !%%a2.
9ata>i #i arunc * $ri)ire %ui 5u(i.
4 B$itane, "$u"e, cu -ura tran"f*rmat #ntr4* %inie "ubire, te4am ru-at "4mi a(uci
$i"t*a%e%e VereK.
4 Sunt #n "eif &i (e"tu% (e #n "i-uran, "$u"e 5u(i %a fe% (e a"$ru, #n" fr " "e "imt $rea
bra) #n "inea %ui. 3*i " %e iei *ricn( (*re&ti. Se af% #n a$arate (*ar #n tim$u% mi"iunii. Vreau "4%
e%iberai $e *mu% ace%a.
?r )reun a)erti"ment, 9ata>i #&i #nt*ar"e $i"t*%u% mitra%ier &i i+bi cu $atu% #n ca$u% %ui
5u(i, (ar ace"ta, cu ref%e/e $erfecte, #% $rin"e cu * mn, #% #n(e$rt, #% "mu%"e (in mini%e *mu%ui
71
&i, mai #nainte ca arma " i+bea"c $mntu%, muc2ia ce%ei%a%te $a%me c*b*r# cu * %*)itur
+(r*bit*are ctre -tu% nea$rat a% %ui 9ata>i. L*)itura m*rta% "e #ntreru$"e %a tim$, abia atin-n(
$ie%ea ce%ui%a%t. 5u(i "e tra"e un $a" #na$*i, #nc*%it0 t*ate arme%e erau #n(re$tate "$re e%. Din n*u "e
a&ternu tcerea.
Jamenii %ui a&te$tau #m$ietrii. 9ata>i "e 2*%ba furi*" %a e%. Imbre%e "e %un-i"er &i mai mu%t
&i * bri+ b%n( "e ,uca cu mneca (e )nt, fcn(4* " $*cnea"c u&*r. 0 5i(ic armaC
8n tcerea &i mai a(nc, 5u(i #ne%e"e ameninarea &i $r*mi"iunea (in ea &i &tiu c )iaa %ui
&i a%e ce%*r%a%i "e af%a #n cum$n.
4 ?*<%er, f4*, *r(*n e%, &i "e ru- " fi a%e" c*rect. 1*)it*r, ?*<%er "e a$r*$ie.
4 Da, (*mnu%eC Vin c2iar acu=C
3ru c trece * )e&nicie $n ce *mu% "trbtu cei (*u+eci (e metri, (ar nimeni nu4% *$ri &i
unu% (intre re)*%ui*nari "e ((u c2iar %a * $arte (in (rum. 5i(ic arma, $u"e aut*mat $ie(ica &i *
#ntin"e $recaut %ui 9ata>i, cu $atu% #nainte.
4 .u "4a #n(*it &i, ei bine, e ca &i n*u, fiu%eC B*n(uct*ru% -ru$u%ui %u arma, tra"e (in n*u
$ie(ica &i t*i $erce$ur ace"t "unet ca $e un tunet.
4 1tii " umb%i cu * armH
4 Da... "i-ur c (a. .*i... t*i mecanicii a... t*i a trebuit " facem un cur" #n 5!?... 5*Ka%
!ir ?*rce, r"$un"e ?*<%er, $"trn(u4&i $ri)iri%e ne(e+%i$ite (e *c2ii ce%ui%a%t &i -n(in(u4"e0 MBe
(racu= caut eu aici, #n faa #m$uitu%ui "ta (e $ui (e trfHM 3utem " $%ecmH Suntem ci)i%i, fiu%e,
nec*mbatani, ne ru-m (e iertare, neutriC
9ata>i +)cni (in (e-et ctre -ru$u% ce%*r%a%i.
4 8nt*arce4te ac*%*. !$*i "e r"uci ctre 5u(i.
4 In(e ai #n)at >arateH
4 8n armat. #n armata -erman.
4!2C @ermanH 7&ti -ermanH @ermanii au f*"t buni cu 'ranu%, nu ca en-%e+ii "au americanii.
Bare "unt $i%*ii tiH .ume%e &i nai*na%itatea %*rC
5u(i e+it, a$*i art cu (e-etu%0
4 B$itan Dub*i", france+, c$itan EKrer, A%*c> &i ?*r"Kt2, en-%e+i.
4 .ici un americanH
Simi #nc * (at "t*macu% "trn-n(u4i4"e. F*2n 'fKrer era american &i a)ea acte (e
i(entitate fa%"e. !$*i urec2i%e %ui $rin"er +-*m*tu% unui e%ic*$ter a$r*$iin(u4"e, recun*"cn(
"unetu% #nfun(at, re-u%at a% unui 20G, &i cercet aut*mat ceru% %a*%a%t cu t*i cei%a%i. Inu% (intre
re)*%ui*nari %" "4i "ca$e un i$t &i art #n "u", #n tim$ ce cei%a%i "e re$e+ir " *cu$e $*+iii (e
a$rare, #m$r&tiin(u4"e cu t*ii, cu e/ce$ia $i%*i%*r. E*i recun*"cu"er #n"emne%e.
4E*at %umea #n 2an-ar, $*runci 9ata>i.
7%ic*$teru% a,un"e (ea"u$ra aer*$*rtu%ui &i #nce$u " "e r*tea"c %a trei "ute (e metri.
4 7 unu% (intr4a%e )*a"treH
4 Da, (ar nu (e %a ba+a a"ta.
5u(i #&i mi,i *c2ii $ri)in( #n "u". 'nima4&i iui bti%e cn( (e"%u&i #n"emne%e.
4 7"te 734;OE (e %a ba+a n*a"tr (in 6*<i"".
4 Be )reaH
4 7)i(ent0 " ateri+e+e.
4 Ve+i cine4i %a b*r( &i nu #ncerca )re* &mec2erieC 8m$reun mer"er %a "taia ra(i* (in
bir*u.
4 ;OE, m au+iH ;OEC
4 ;OE. Ee au( bine. !ici c$itanu% Star>e (e %a 6*<i"". B$itane Lut+H
4 Da, c$itanu% Lut+, c$itane Star>e, "$u"e, &tiin(, (u$ fe%u% f*rma% #n care i "e a(re"a"e, c
a)ea %a b*r( "trini 4 $*ate (u&mani 4 &i c &i Star>e #&i ((u"e "eama c ce)a era #n nere-u% ac*%*.
4 Ber $ermi"iunea " ateri+e+. Mai am $uin carburant &i am ne)*ie (e a%imentare. !m
$ermi"iunea ra(aru%ui (e %a !ba(an.
5u(i arunc * $ri)ire ctre 9ata>i.
4 8ntreab cine e #n a$arat, "$u"e *mu%.
4 Bu cine e&ti %a b*r(H Irm * $au+.
4 3atru $a"a-eri. Bare4i $r*b%emaH
72
5u(i a&te$t. 9ata>i nu &tia ce " fac. Jricare (intre ba+e%e mi%itare $utea " a"cu%te
c*n)er"aia.
4 S c*b*are %n- 2an-ar.
4 !i $ermi"iunea (e ateri+are, ;OEC 3une4% In- 2an-aru% e"tic. @4;OE.
9ata>i "e a$%ec &i #nc2i"e a$aratu%.
4 3e )iit*r ai " f*%*"e&ti emit*ru% numai cu $ermi"iunea mea.
4 Sunt ra$*arte (e rutin care "e tran"mit %a !ba(an &i %a ra(aru% (in 62ar-. J$erat*ru% meu
ra(i*...
Sn-e%e #nr*&i *bra+u% %ui 9ata>i, care "tri-0
4 3n %a a%te *r(ine, ace"t a$arat )a fi f*%*"it numai (ac "e af% )reunu% (intre n*i aici. .ici
un e%ic*$ter n4* " "e ri(ice "au n4* " ateri+e+e fr a$r*bare. 7&ti re"$*n"abi% $entru a"ta.
!$*i furia "e e)a$*r %a fe% (e iute cum a$ru"e. 5i(ic arma. 3ie(ica era #nc tra".
4 Dac i4ai fi c*ntinuat %*)itura, mi4ai fi ru$t -tu% &i4a& fi murit. !&a4iH
Du$ * $au+, 5u(i ((u (in ca$.
4!&a4iC
4 De ce te4ai *$ritH
4 .4am uci" $e nimeni &i nu )reau "4nce$ acumC
4 7u am uci" mu%i, #n "%u,ba %ui !%%a2. Mu%iC Ainecu)ntat fie !%%a2C Mu%i. 1i am " mai
uci( mu%i (u&mani ai '"%amu%ui, cu a,ut*ru% %ui !%%a2.
9ata>i $u"e $ie(ica.
! f*"t )*ia D*mnu%ui c %*)itura "4a *$rit. .imic mai mu%t. .u $*t "4i (au $e *mu% %a. 7
iranian. !ici "untem #n 'ran &i e% e (u&manu% 'ranu%ui &i4a% '"%amu%ui.
3ri)ir (in 2an-ar e%ic*$teru% ce "e a$r*$ia. La b*r( erau $atru $a"a-eri, t*i ci)i%i, t*i
#narmai cu $i"t*a%e mitra%ier. 3e "caunu% (in fa "e af%a un mu%%a2 &i * $arte (in #nc*r(area %ui
9ata>i "e ri"i$i. .u #n" &i mnia. 8n m*mentu% #n care e%ic*$teru% atin"e "*%u%, re)*%ui*narii %ui
n)%ir (in a"cun+t*ri cu arme%e c*b*rte &i #nc*n,urar a$aratu%. Din e% ie&i mu%%a2u% ;u""ain.
B2i$u% %ui "e a"$ri %a )e(erea %ui 9ata>i &i a (u&mniei afi&ate (e ace"ta.
4 3acea fie cu tine. Sunt ;u""ain 6*<i""i (in >*mite2u% 6*<i"".
4 Aine ai )enit #n re-iunea mea, #n nume%e %ui !%%a2, mu%%a2u%e, +i"e 9ata>i &i mai #ntunecat.
Sunt c*%*ne%u% 9ata>i (in >*mite2u% !ba(an. .*i c*n(ucem re-iunea a"ta &i nu ne $%ac *amenii
care "e a&ea+ #ntre n*i &i !%%a2.
4 Suniii &i &iiii "unt frai, '"%amu% e '"%am. Mu%umim frai%*r n*&tri "unii (e %a cm$uri%e (e
$etr*% (in !ba(an $entru a,ut*ru% %*r. !)em (e )*rbit. 5e)*%uia n*a"tr i"%amic #nc nu a #n)in".
Bri"$at, 9ata>i ((u (in ca$, #&i c2em *amenii &i #% in)it $e mu%%a2 "4% urme+e. 'me(iat
5u(i a%er- "ub $a%e%e e%icei.
4 Be (racu "e4ntm$%, 5u(i, #ntreb Star>e (in cabin, "fr&in( $r*ce(ura (e ateri+are &i
mi&cn(u4&i umerii care #% (ureau.
5u(i #i $*)e"ti.
4 EuH
La fe% (e re$e(e, Star>e #i i"t*ri"i ce%e #ntm$%ate #n tim$u% n*$ii #n bir*u% c*%*ne%u%ui
3e"2a(i.
4 Mu%%a2u% &i 2u%i-anii %ui "4au #nt*r" %a $rn+ &i erau " cra$e cn( am refu+at " (ec*%e+ cu
*ameni #narmai %a b*r(. Jmu%e, " fi murit ac*%*, $e %*c, (a= nu (ec*%am cu *ameni #narmaiC !"ta
ne face un fe% (e une%te a%e re)*%uiei &i re)*%uia #nc n4a $rin" $e nicieri. Venin( #nc*ace am
)+ut "ute (e "*%(ai &i barica(e $e (rumuri. Jc2ii %ui $trun+t*ri cu$rin"er ba+a &i -ru$uri%e (e
@r+i Ver+i af%ate ici &i c*%*, re"tu% ec2i$a,u%ui rma" %n- barci, "ub $a+, iar mecanicu% #nc
+cn( #n ne"imire.
4 Eic%*&iiC "$u"e &i c*b*r#.
Se #ntin"e (in n*u &i "e "imi mai bine.
4 3n %a urm am a,un" %a un c*m$r*mi"0 ei &i4au $"trat arme%e, iar eu #ncrct*are%e &i %e4
am (e$*+itat #n c*m$artimentu% (e ba-a,e.
Se *$ri. Mu%%a2u% "e a$r*$ia (e ei $e "ub e%icea ce "e #n)rtea %ene&.
4 B2eia (e %a c*m$artimentu% (e ba-a,e, te r*-, c$itane, "$u"e.
Star>e i4* #ntin"e.
73
4 .4a)em tim$ " ne #nt*arcem #na$*i %a 6*<i"" &i " a,un-em %a !ba(an.
4 .u $*i " +b*ri n*a$teaH
4 3*t, (ar e4m$*tri)a re-u%i%*r )*a"tre. !i a)ut ca"c &i ai au+it ct e (e ru $e4aici. J " ne
b+ie e%ic*$tere%e &i a)i*ane%e mi%itare ca a%bine%e, #nainte (e4a a,un-e %a ,umtatea (rumu%ui. J "
rea%imente+ &i * " rmnem $e"te n*a$te aici, ce% $uin eu. Dumneata $*i *ricn( " ca$ei )reun
mi,%*c (e tran"$*rt (e %a amicii (e4aici, (ac4i ne)*ie "4a,un-i #n *ra&.
;u""ain r*&i.
4 !i $uin tim$, americanu%eC "$u"e #n far"i. Eu &i t*i $ara+iii ti im$eria%i&ti.
4 Bum * )rea !%%a2, mu%%a2u%e, cum * )rea !%%a2C Sunt -ata (e $%ecare (u$ $rima
ru-ciune, &i4atunci $%ec cu "au fr tine.
4 !i " m (uci %a !ba(an, &i4ai " a&te$i &i4a$*i ai " te #nt*rci %a 6*<i"", a&a cum )reau &i
a&a cum a *r(*nat c*%*ne%u% 3e 2a(iC
Star>e i+bucni #n en-%e+0
4 Dac ai " fii -ata (e $%ecare (u$ $rima ru-ciuneC Dar 3e"2a(i n4a *r(*nat, nu4" "ub
*r(ine%e %ui "au a%e ta%e "au a%e 'ran Ji%. 'ran Ji% m4a ru-at " te iau #n cur"a a"ta. Erebuie "
rea%imente+ $e (rum %a #nt*arcere.
;u""ain "$u"e ner)*"0
4 ?*arte bine, * " $%ecm #n +*ri. Bt (e"$re rea%imentare... "e -n(i * c%i$...* " facem
a"ta %a 62ar-.
5u(i &i Star>e rma"er cu -uri%e c"cate.
4 Bum * " $rimim $ermi"iunea %a 62ar-H 62ar- e"te %*ia%, ... a(ic #nc "ub c*ntr*%u%
mi%itari%*r. J " ) +b*are creieriiC
Mu%%a2u% #% $ri)i fr " c%i$ea"c.
4 !&te$tai aici $n cn( >*mite2u% )a 2*tr#. 8ntr4* *r )reau " )*rbe"c cu 6*<i""4u% $rin
ra(i*.
Se #n(e$rt ca * furtun. Star>e &*$ti0
4 Eic%*&ii &tia "unt $rea bine *r-ani+ai, 5u(iC Suntem #n ra2at $n4n -t.
5u(i #&i "imea $ici*are%e m*i.
4 Mai bine ne4am *r-ani+a &i n*i, " ne $re-tim "4* ter-em (racu%ui (e4aici.
4 J " facem a"ta (u$ ma". Eu ce faciH
4 Bre(eam c4" m*rt. J " ne *m*are $e t*i, Du>eC
4 .u cre(C 3entru un m*ti) *arecare "untem #nc im$*rtani $entru ei. !u ne)*ie (e n*i &i
(e4aia ;u""ain ( #na$*i, ca &i 9ata>i a% tu. S4ar $utea " ne #n-2i*ntea"c $uin ca " ne in #n
f*rm, (ar cre( c, ce% $uin $entru )iit*ru% a$r*$iat, "untem im$*rtani #ntr4un fe% "au a%tu%. 7i nu...
Star>e #ncerc "4&i (*m*%ea"c (urerea $e care * "imea #n "$ate &i umeri.
4 Mi4ar $rin(e bine "auna %ui 7ri>>i.
8&i #nt*ar"er $ri)iri%e cn( un -ru$ e/uberant (e @r+i Ver+i %" "4i "ca$e #n aer * rafa%
(e mitra%ier.
4 !furi"iii &tia "unt "rii. Din ce4am au+it, *$eraia a"ta e"te $arte a unei re)*%te -enera%e
#m$*tri)a armatei. !rme c*ntra arme%*r. Bum "tai cu rece$iaH AAB "au V*cea !mericiiH
4 3r*"t "$re f*arte $r*"t &i bruiat #n cea mai mare $arte a n*$ii. Si-ur c 5a(i* 'ranu% Liber
"e au(e tare &i %im$e(e ca #nt*t(eauna...
7ra )*rba (e "taia (e ra(i* "*)ietic am$%a"at c2iar (inc*%* (e -rani, %a Aa>u, $e ma%u%
Mrii Ba"$ice.
4 ...iar 5a(i* M*"c*)a "e au(e (e $arc ar fi c2iar #n curtea n*a"tr, ca #nt*t(eauna.
CAPITOLUL 7
Ln- Eabri+: *ra G,0 "eara.
8n munii ac*$erii (e +$a(, (e$arte #n n*r(, #n a$r*$ierea -raniei "*)ietice, e%ic*$teru%
F5 20G a% %ui 3eti>in urca iute. 8n %un-u% trect*rii: +bur ra+ant $e"te * crea"t, $e (ea"u$ra
c*$aci%*r, urmn( &*"eaua.
74
4 Eabri+ Inu, ;?B (e %a Ee2eranC M au+iiH B2em (in n*u. .ici un r"$un". Lumina era
#n "c(ere, "*are%e tr+iu a% (u$ amie+ei era a"cun" (u$ n*rii -r*&i, af%ai %a numai ci)a +eci (e
metri (ea"u$ra %ui, cenu&ii &i #ncrcai (e +$a(. #ncerc (in n*u " $rin( ba+a. 7ra f*arte *b*"it,
cu faa $%in (e %*)ituri "i (urer*a" (e %a btaia $e care * $rimi"e. Mnu&i%e "i $ie%ea cr$at a
(e-ete%*r #% "tn,eneau cn( a$"a but*nu% (e emi"ie.
4 Eabri+ Inu, ;?B (e %a Ee2eranC M au+iiH
Din n*u nici un r"$un", (ar a"ta nu4% #n-ri,*ra. 8n muni, c*municaii%e ra(i* erau
#nt*t(eauna $r*a"te, nu era a&te$tat: (eci 7ri>>i N*>>*nen "au mana-eru% ba+ei n4a)u"e"e nici un
m*ti) ca " $un $e cine)a (e "er)iciu %a emit*r. 3e m"ur ce (rumu% urca, $%af*nu% (e n*ri "e
a$r*$ia, (ar *b"er) mu%umit c crea"ta (in fa era #nc )i+ibi% &i, *(at trecut (e ea, (rumu%
c*b*ra, &i ac*%*, * ,umtate (e >i%*metru mai (e$arte, "e af%a ba+a.
8n (imineaa aceea #i trebui"e mu%t mai mu%t (ect "e a&te$ta"e ca " a,un- cu ma&ina %a
mica ba+ mi%itar aerian (e %a @a%e- M*r-2i, nu (e$arte (e !er*$*rtu% 'nternai*na% Ee2eran, &i,
(e&i $r"i"e a$artamentu% #naintea +*ri%*r, a,un"e"e ac*%* cn( "*are%e $a%i( "e ri(ica"e (e"tu% (e
"u" $e ceru% $*%uat, $%in (e fum.
?u"e"e ne)*it " fac mu%te *c*%uri. 8nc "e mai (uceau %u$te (e "tra( &i mu%te (intre
(rumuri erau b%*cate, une%e (e%iberat, cu barica(e, (ar ce%e mai mu%te cu re"turi%e car*"erii%*r
incen(iate a%e aut*m*bi%e%*r "au aut*bu+e%*r. Mu%te ca(a)re +ceau r"$n(ite $e tr*tuare%e &i
"tr+i%e ac*$erite (e +$a(, mu%i rnii, iar (e (*u *ri $*%ii&ti furi*&i #% #nt*r"e"er #na$*i. Dar
$er"e)era"e &i a%e"e"e un tra"eu &i mai *c*%it*r. Bn( a,un"e"e, "$re "ur$ri+a %ui, $*arta %*r (in"$re
acea $arte a ba+ei un(e ineau cur"uri%e (e antrenament era (e"c2i" &i ne$+it. !c*%* trebuiau "
"e af%e "antine%e%e a)iaiei. 8&i $arca"e ma&ina %a a($*"t #n 2an-aru% S4@, (ar nu -"i"e %a (at*rie $e
nimeni (in ec2i$a minim (e #ntreinere (e +i "au (in $er"*na%u% (e "*%. 7ra * +i rece, &i e% era
#mbrcat #n ec2i$ament #mb%nit (e +b*r. 9$a(a ac*$eri"e cm$u% &i cea mai mare $arte a $i"te%*r
(e (ec*%are. !&te$tn(, #&i )erifica"e e%ic*$teru% $e care a)ea (e -n( "4% ia. E*tu% fu"e"e #n re-u%.
3ie"e%e (e "c2imb (e care era ne)*ie %a Eabri+, r*t*ru% anticu$%u &i (*u $*m$e 2i(rau%ice,
"e af%au #n c*m$artimentu% (e ba-a,e. 5e+er)*are%e erau $%ine, ceea ce4i ((ea * aut*n*mie (e (*u
*re &i ,umtate "au trei, $atru 4 cinci "ute (e >i%*metri, #n funcie (e )nt, a%titu(ine &i )ite+.
Erebuia t*tu&i " rea%imente+e #n (rum. 3%anu% (e +b*r #i ceream4* fac %a Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i, un $*rt
%a Marea Ba"$ic. 8m$in"e"e e%ic*$teru% $e $i"ta (e ciment fr mare -reutate. !$*i $*ri%e 'a(u%ui
"e (e"c2i"e"er &i "e tre+i"e #n mi,%*cu% unei bt%ii.
Bami*ane #ncrcate cu "*%(ai &ni"er $e $*art, tin( cm$u% (e4a curme+i&u%,
#ntm$inate (e * -rin(in (e -%*ane tra"e (in 2an-are%e, barci%e &i c%(iri%e a(mini"traiei unitii
mi%itare. !%te cami*ane -*neau #n %un-u% (rumu%ui (e centur, tr-n( (in mer", a$*i %i "e a%tura"e
un tran"$*rt*r b%in(at Aren, $e &eni%e, re)r"n( f%cri $e ea)a mitra%ierei. I%uit, 3eti>in
recun*"cu"e $e umeri &i $e c&ti #n"emne%e .emurit*ri%*r. 8n urma %*r )eni"er aut*bu+e b%in(ate
#ncrcate cu $*%ii&ti &i a%i *ameni #narmai, ce "e4m$r&tia"er $rin $artea (e ba+ un(e "e af%a e%,
$unn( "t$nire $e ea.
8nainte (e a4&i (a "eama ce "e4ntm$%, $atru (intre ei #% #n&fca"er &i4% tr"er ctre unu%
(in aut*bu+e, "tri-n( %a e% #n far"i.
4 3entru Dumne+eu, nu )*rbe"c far"iC "tri-a"e %a rn(u% %ui, #ncercn( " "e "mu%- (in
"trn"*are.
Inu% (intre ei #% i+bi"e #n "t*mac &i e% icni"e, "e "mu%"e"e &i #&i %*)i"e a-re"*ru% #n fa. 8n
aceea&i c%i$, ce%%a%t "c*"e"e $i"t*%u% &i tr"e"e. @%*nu% trecu"e $rin -u%eru% "curtei (e +b*r,
ric*&n( )i*%ent (e %atera%a unui aut*bu+, %"n( "cntei (e c*r(it ar" #n urma %ui. 8n-2ea"e.
Bine)a #% i+bi"e $uternic $e"te -ur cu (*"u% $a%mei, iar a%ii #nce$u"er "4% %*)ea"c cu $umnii &i
$ici*are%e. #n c%i$a aceea "e a$r*$ia"e un *fier (e $*%iie.
4 !mericanH 7&ti americanC "$u"e"e furi*" #ntr4* en-%e+ $r*a"t.
4 Sunt en-%e+, -fi"e 3eti>in cu -ura $%in (e "n-e, #ncercn( " "e e%ibere+e (e *amenii
care #% #m$in"e"er cu "$ate%e (e ca$*ta unui aut*bu+. Sunt (e %a S4@ ;e%ic*$ter" &i a"ta e"te...
4 !merican, "ab*t*r.
Jmu% #i $r*$ti"e ea)a re)*%)eru%ui "ub na" &i 3eti>in )+u"e (e-etu% #nc*r(n(u4"e $e
tr-aci.
4 .*i, (e %a S!V!6, &tim c )*i, americanii, "untei cau+a tutur*r neca+uri%*rC
7
8nnebunit (e -r*a+, au+i"e * )*ce "tri-n( #n far"i &i "imi"e brae%e (e fier care #% ineau
"%bin( "trn"*area. ?r "4i )in a cre(e, +ri"e #n faa %ui un tnr c$itan (e $ara&uti&ti, en-%e+,
#mbrcat #ntr4* "a%*$et (e camuf%a, &i cu * beret r*&ie $e ca$, &i (*i "*%(ai "cun+i, cu c2i$uri
*rienta%e, #narmai $n4n (ini, cu -rena(e a-ate (e (ia-*na%e%e (e $ie%e &i ranie #n "$ate.
.*n&a%ant, c$itanu% arunca cu mna "tn- #n "u" &i4n ,*" * -rena(, ca $e * $*rt*ca%. La centur
$urta un re)*%)er &i, #ntr4* teac, un cuit cu * f*rm curi*a". Se *$ri"e bru"c &i arta"e ctre
3eti>in, a$*i "$re e%ic*$ter, "tri-n( furi*" %a $*%ii&ti #n far"i: fcu"e un "emn im$eri*" (in mn
(u$ care #% "a%uta"e $e 3eti>in.
4 3entru Dumne+eu, #ncearc " ari im$*rtant, c$itane 3eti>in, "$u"e"e re$e(e, cu un
$%cut accent "c*ian.
'+bi"e $e"te mn un $*%ii"t care4% a$uca"e (e bra $e 3eti>in.
Inu% (intre cei%a%i "e $re-ti"e " ri(ice arma, (ar "e *$ri"e cn( c$itanu% "mu%"e"e cuiu%
(e "i-uran (e %a -rena(, "trn-n( #n" bine %e)ieru% #n mn. 8n aceea&i c%i$ *amenii %ui #&i
arma"er $i"t*a%e%e mitra%ier, cu mi&cri ne$"t*are, (ar f*arte ateni. Be% mai #n )r"t (intre cei
(*i +mbi"e, mi&cn(u4&i u&*r cuitu% #n teac.
4 7%ic*$teru% e -ata (e +b*rH
4 Da, (a, e"teC "e b%bi"e 3eti>in
4 Sa%t4% "u" ct (e re$e(e $*i, %a" u&i%e (e"c2i"e &i cn( e&ti -ata " $%eci f4mi "emn cu
(e-etu% &i4* " "rim t*i #nuntru. 3re-te&te4te " te (e$rte+i ,*" &i iute. Een+in-, (u4te cu e%.
Jfieru% fcu"e un "emn "curt cu (e-etu% ctre e%ic*$teru% af%at %a $atru+eci &i cinci (e metri
mai (e$arte &i "e #nt*r"e"e cu "$ate%e, trecn( (in n*u $e far"i. 8i #n,ura"e $e iranieni, *r(*nn(u4%e
" $%ece #n cea%a%t $arte, un(e bt%ia "e (*m*%i"e $uin. S*%(atu% numit Een+in- #% #n"*i"e $e
3eti>in, care era #nc ameit.
4 V r*-, -rbii4), "a2ib, "$u"e"e &i "e "$ri,ini"e (e una (intre u&i, cu arma $re-tit.
3eti>in n4a)u"e ne)*ie (e a%t #ncura,are. !%te ma&ini b%in(ate trecu"er #n -*an $e %n-
ei, fr " %e (ea atenie, ca &i ce%e%a%te -ru$uri (e $*%ii&ti "au mi%itari care #ncercau (i"$erai "
$re-tea"c a$rarea ba+ei #m$*tri)a -%*atei care $utea fi au+it a$r*$iin(u4"e. 8n "$ate%e %*r,
*fieru% (e $*%iie "e certa furi*" cu $ara&uti"mu%, #n tim$ ce cei%a%i aruncau $e"te umr $ri)iri
ne%ini&tite ctre %*cu% (e un(e "e au+eau a$r*$iin(u4"e "tri-te%e (e M!%%a24u !>barCM. !me"tecate
cu e%e, "e au+eau f*curi (e arm &i cte)a e/$%*+ii. La (*u "ute (e metri mai (e$arte, $e (rumu% (e
centur, a)an-ar(a mu%imii incen(ie * ma&in $arcat &i acea"ta e/$%*(. M*t*are%e e%ic*$teru%ui
"e tre+i"er %a )ia &i "unetu% %*r #% #nfurie $e *fieru% (e $*%iie, (ar * fa%an- (e tineri ci)i%i
#narmai ataca"e $*arta (in cea%a%t (irecie. Bine)a "tri-a"e0 mu,2a(iniiC ime(iat, t*i cei af%ai (e
$artea acea"ta a ba+ei "e -ru$a"er ca " #i interce$te+e &i #nce$u"er " tra-. ?*%*"in(u4"e (e
(i)er"iune, c$itanu% &i ce%%a%t "*%(at a%er-a"er ctre e%ic*$ter, "ri"er #n e%, iar 3eti>in tr"e"e
maneta (e -a+e %a ma/imum, $*rnin( ca * "-eat %a ci)a centimetri (ea"u$ra ierbii, +i-+a-n( ca
" "e ferea"c (e un cami*n #n f%cri, a$*i urca"e -%*n, c%tinn(u4"e ca beat, "$re #na%tu% ceru%ui.
B$itanu% a%uneca"e, -ata4-ata " "ca$e -rena(a (in mn, ne$utn( " $un %a %*c cuiu% (e
"i-uran (in $ricina mi&cri%*r bru&te a%e e%ic*$teru%ui. Se a&e+a"e $e "caunu% (in fa &i, inn(u4"e
(i"$erat (e e%, (e"c2i"e"e u&a, aruncn( -rena(a cu -ri, afar, urmrin(u4i curba $re%un- ctre
$mnt. 7/$%*(a"e fr " rnea"c $e nimeni.
Minunat, "$u"e"e. 8nc2i"e"e u&a &i4* a"i-ura"e, #&i $u"e"e centura, "e c*n)in"e"e c cei (*i
"*%(ai erau #n re-u% &i ri(ica"e (e-etu% mare ctre 3eti>in. !ce"ta abia #% b-a"e #n "eam. J(at
ie&it (in "$aiu% aerian a% Ee2eranu%ui, a&e+a"e e%ic*$teru% #n mrcini&uri, (e$arte (e *rice (rum "au
"at, &i cuta"e -uri (e -%*ane #n fu+e%a,. Bn( "e c*n)in"e"e c nu era nici una, re"$ira"e u&urat.
4 B2ri"t*a"eC .u $*t "4i mu%ume"c #n(ea,un", c$itaneC "$u"e"e, #ntin+n(u4i mna,
c2inuit (e * mi-ren cum$%it. La #nce$ut am cre+ut c e&ti un afuri"it (e mira,, c$itane...
4 5*"". !ce"ta4i "er-entu% Een+in- &i ace"ta, ca$*ra%u% @uen-.
3eti>in "trn"e"e mini%e tutur*r &i %e mu%umi"e. 7rau *ameni mruni, )e"e%i, )n,*&i &i
"u$%i. Een+in- era mai #n )r"t, trecut (e cinci+eci (e ani.
4 Beru% )4a trimi"C
5*"" +mbi"e cu (ini f*arte a%bi $e c2i$u% ar" (e "*are.
4 .u $rea &tiam cum * " "c$m (e ac*%*. .4ar fi f*"t * "*%uie $rea bun " ne batem cu
$*%iia 4 cu *ricine, c )eni )*rba, c2iar &i cu cei (in S!V!6.
7G
4 !&a4iC
3eti>in nu mai )+u"e )re*(at *c2i att (e a%ba&tri %a un brbat. !$recia"e c a)ea a$r*a$e
trei+eci (e ani.
4 Be (racu= "e4ntm$%a ac*%*H
4 Se r"cu%a"er ni&te a)iat*ri &i ni&te *fieri, iar %*ia%i&tii )eni"er " $un ca$t re)*%tei.
!u+i"em c "e a$r*$iau "im$ati+ani (e4ai %ui 62*meini &i (e "tn-a ca "4i a,ute $e r"cu%ai. Be
ba%amucC
4 .4am cum "4i mu%ume"c mai mu%tC De un(e4mi &ti nume%eH
4 7i, au+i"em )a- %a Eabri+ (e $%anu% (umita%e (e +b*r $rin Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i &i4am fi )rut "
ne iei &i $e n*i. 8ntr+ia"em &i ne -n(eam c te4am $ier(ut. !m a)ut * -r*a+ (e $ie(ici. Jricum,
"untem aici. Mu%umim %ui Dumne+eu $entru a"taC
4 Suntei -ur>a H
4 D*ar, ... cum " +ic... ctane btrne, ca " +ic a&a. Eru$e c*%*nia%e en-%e+e (e e%it,
recrutate #n +*na in(*4ne$a%e+.
3eti>in ((u"e -n(it*r (in ca$. A-a"e (e "eam c, #n afar (e 5*"", care $urta -ra(e%e (e
c$itan, &i (e berete%e r*&ii, nici unu% (intre ei nu a)ea #n"emne (e arm $e umr.
4 Bum af% Mctane%e btrneM (e a$r*bri%e (e +b*rH
4 De fa$t nu $rea &tiu, "$u"e"e ne)in*)at 5*"". 7u (*ar m "u$un *r(ine%*r.
!runca"e * $ri)ire #n ,ur. Eerenu% era $%at, $ietr*", (e"c2i" (in t*ate $ri%e &i ac*$erit cu *
+$a( rece.
4 .u cre+i c4ar trebui " $%ecmH Suntem cam e/$u&i aici.
3eti>in "e #nt*r"e"e #n cabin.
4 Be "e4ntm$% %a Eabri+H
4 De fa$t, am )rea " ne %a&i #nainte (e Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i, (ac nu te (eran,ea+.
4 Si-ur.
3eti>in #nce$u"e aut*mat $r*ce(ura (e (ec*%are.
4 Be "e #ntm$% ac*%*H
4 S +icem c trebuie " #ntrebm un *m ce)a (e"$re un cine.
3eti>in r"e"e, cci #i (e)eni"er "im$atici.
4 Sunt * mu%ime (e cini $rin ,ur. Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i " fie &i n4am " mai $un #ntrebri.
4 'art4m, (ar &tii cum e. !& a$recia, (e a"emenea, (ac mi4ai uita nume%e &i c am f*"t %a
b*r(.
4 1i (ac m #ntreab aut*riti%eH !u f*"t mu%i (e fa %a $%ecarea n*a"tr.
4 .4am (at nici un nume. Di4am *r(*nat (*ar 4 5*"" rn,i 4 cu ameninri #n-r*+it*are.
4 !%% ri-2t. Dar n4am "4i uit nume%e.
3eti>in ateri+a"e %a ci)a >i%*metri, (e $eriferii%e $*rtu%ui Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i. 5*"" a%e"e"e
%*cu% (e ateri+are $e * 2art $e care * a)ea cu e%. 7ra * $%a, ac*$erit (e (une (e ni"i$, %a bun
(i"tan (e *rice "at, %n- a$e%e a%ba"tre, $%aci(e, a%e Mrii Ba"$ice. Arci (e $e"cuit $unctau
marea, cumu%u&i mari $%uteau $e ceru% #n"*rit. Dinutu% $rea tr*$ica%, aeru% era ume( &i $%in (e
in"ecte, nu erau urme (e nin"*are, (e&i, (inc*%* (e Ee2eran, Munii 7%bur" erau ac*$erii cu +$a(.
7ra f*arte nere-u%amentar " ateri+e+i fr a$r*bare, (ar 3eti>in c2ema"e (e (*u *ri aer*$*rtu%
Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i, un(e trebuia " rea%imente+e, &i nu $rimi"e nici un r"$un", a&a c4&i +i"e"e c era
(e"tu% (e ac*$erit. 3utea *ricn( " acu+e * "ituaie (e ur-en.
4 Mu%t n*r*c &i mu%ume"c (in n*u, "$u"e"e, "trn-n(u4%e (in n*u mini%e. Dac )re*(at
a)ei ne)*ie (e )reun "er)iciu, *rice, e4a"i-urat.
Se (e$rta"er %a iuea% #n "u"u% (une%*r, cu ranie%e $e umeri. ?u"e"e u%tima (at cn( #i
)+u"e.
4 Eabri+ Inu, m au+iH
Se r*tea ne2*trt %a #n%imea re-u%amentar (e (*u "ute (e metri, a$*i c*b*r# mai ,*".
.ici un "emn (e )ia &i nici * %umin a$rin". !teri+a #n a$r*$ierea 2an-are%*r, cu$rin" (e un
"entiment ciu(at. 5ma"e un tim$ ac*%*, $re-tit $entru (ec*%are ime(iat, ne&tiin( %a ce " "e
a&te$te. 1tiri%e (e"$re a)iat*rii care "e r"cu%a"er %a Ee2eran, #n(e*"ebi cei (in $re"u$u"a e%it a
f*re%*r aeriene, #% tu%bura"er f*arte mu%t.
77
.u )eni nimeni. .u "e #ntm$% nimic. ?r $rea mare tra-ere (e inim, #ncuie cabina cu
mu%t -ri, &i ie&i, %"n( m*t*are%e " mear-. 7ra f*arte $rime,(i*" &i #m$*tri)a re-u%amentu%ui.
?*arte $rime,(i*", $entru c (ac c*men+i%e "c$au era $*"ibi% ca e%ic*$teru% " "a%te &i " "ca$e (e
"ub c*ntr*%. Dar nu )reau " fiu %uat $rin "ur$rin(ere, #&i +i"e ne%ini&tit. Verific c*men+i%e &i "e
#n(re$t re$e(e $rin +$a( ctre bir*uri.
Air*uri%e erau $u"tii, ca &i 2an-are%e, cu e/ce$ia unui F5 212 (e+a"amb%at. 5u%*te%e erau
-*a%e, nici urm (e *ameni "au )reun "emn (e4%u$t. Be)a mai %ini&tit, "trbtu ba+a ct (e iute
$utu. 8n cabana %ui 7ri>>i N*>>*nen "e af%a * "tic% -*a% (e )*(c. 8n fri-i(er era una $%in. 1i4ar fi
(*rit f*arte mu%t * #n-2iitur, (ar $i%*ta,u% &i a%c**%u% nu fceau ca" bun.
Mai -"i ac*%* * "tic% cu a$, ni&te $ine iranian &i &unc u"cat. Au mu%umit a$a.
J " mnnc numai (u$ ce am " in"$ecte+ %*cu%, #&i +i"e. 8n (*rmit*r, $atu% era fcut, (ar *
$erec2e (e $anta%*ni +cea aruncat %n- e%. Ere$tat (e"c*$eri &i a%te "emne (e $%ecare -rbit.
Be%e%a%te ru%*te (e+)%uir &i e%e a%te urme. .ici un mi,%*c (e tran"$*rt nu "e af%a $e terit*riu% ba+ei
&i 5an-e 5*)eru% r*&u a% %ui 7ri>>i (i"$ru"e &i e%. 7ra %im$e(e c ba+a fu"e"e $r"it *arecum #n
-rab. Dar (e ceH Scrut ceru%. Vntu% "e #ntei"e &i #% au+ea &uiern( $rin $(urea #ncrcat (e
+$a(, ac*$erin( m*rmitu% #nfun(at a% m*t*are%*r e%ic*$teru%ui. Simi rcea%a $rin ,ac2eta (e +b*r
&i $anta%*nii mat%a"ai &i ci+me%e #mb%nite. Eru$u% %ui ,in(uia (u$ un (u& fierbinte "au, &i mai bine,
(u$ * baie (e aburi #n "auna %ui 7ri>>i: (u$ ma", un $at curat, un -r*- fierbinte &i un "*mn (e
*$t *re.
Vntu% nu4i #nc * $r*b%em, #&i +i"e, (ar mai am * *r (e %umin, #n ce% mai bun ca+, ca "
rea%imente+ &i " m4nt*rc, $rin trect*are, ,*" #n cm$ie. Sau " rmn $e"te n*a$te aici.
3eti>in nu era un *m a% $(urii &i nici a% munte%ui. Bun*&tea (e&ertu%, "a)ana &i ,un-%a,
)e%(u% &i Dinutu% M*rt a% !rabiei Sau(ite. 8ntin(eri%e )a"te, (e"c2i"e, a%e cm$iei nu4% amei"er
nici*(at. ?ri-u% #n" (a, &i +$a(a.
Mai #nti " rea%imente+, "e -n(i, (ar #n (e$*+it nu era nici un $ic (e c*mbu"tibi%. De%*c.
7rau mu%te but*aie (e * "ut cinci+eci (e %itri, (ar t*ate -*a%e.
!"ta e, #&i "$u"e, #ncercn( "4&i "t$nea"c $anica. Mai am (e"tu% #n re+er)*are $entru cei
(*u "ute $atru+eci (e >i%*metri $n %a Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i. !& $utea mer-e $n %a aer*$*rtu%
Eabri+ *ri " #ncerc " #n)rte"c ce)a %a (e$*+itu% 7/Ee/ (e %a !r(abi%, (ar e a% (racu%ui (e a$r*a$e
(e -rania "*)ietic.
Bercet (in n*u ceru%. ?ir4ar a% (racu%uiC !" $utea *$ri aici "au un(e)a $e (rum. Be " facH
!ici e mai "i-ur. J$ri m*t*are%e &i #m$in"e a$aratu% #n 2an-ar, #ncuin( u&i%e. Ecerea (e)eni"e
a"ur+it*are. 1*)i, a$*i ie&i &i #ncuie u&a. 3a&ii %ui fceau +$a(a " tr*"nea"c. 5afa%e%e )ntu%ui #%
i+bir t*t (rumu% ctre cabana %ui 7ri>>i. La ,umtatea (rumu%ui "e *$ri cu un n*( #n "t*mac. Simea
c #% $ri)e&te cine)a. Se uit #n ,ur, "c*rm*nin( cu *c2ii &i urec2i%e $(urea &i ba+a. Mneca (e )nt
(an"a #n btaia )ntu%ui care mi&ca )rfuri%e c*$aci%*r, fcn(u4i " tr*"nea"c, &uiern( $rintre
trunc2iuri%e $(urii, &i bru"c #&i aminti (e E*m L*c2art "tn( %n- f*cu% (e tabr %a 9a-r*", #ntr4
una (intre e/cur"ii%e %*r (e "c2i, i"t*ri"in( %e-en(a cana(ian a %ui Qen(i-*, (u2u% ru a% $(urii
a(u" (e )ntu% "%batic, care $n(e&te #n )rfuri%e c*$aci%*r &uiern(, a&te$tn( " te $rin(
ne$re-tit &i4a$*i, $e nea&te$tate, "e4arunc a"u$ra ta, iar tu te4n"$imni &i #ncerci " fu-i, (ar nu
$*i "c$a &i "imi r"uf%area #n-2eat #n ceaf &i a%er-i &i a%er-i cu $a&i (in ce #n ce mai mari $n
cn( $ici*are%e nu mai "unt a%tce)a (ect ci*turi #n"n-erate &i4atunci Qen(i-* te $rin(e &i te (uce
#n )rfuri%e c*$aci%*r, un(e m*ri.
Se cutremur. Dete"ta "in-urtatea. Biu(at, nu m4am -n(it nici*(at %a a"ta, (ar n4am f*"t
a$r*a$e nici*(at "in-ur. 8nt*t(eauna e cine)a #n $rea,ma mea, mecanic "au $i%*t "au $rieten, "au
@ennK, Mac *ri B%aire, $e )remuri.
3ri)ea #nc inten" $(urea. In(e)a, #n (e$rtare, #nce$ur " %atre cini. Sen+aia c "e af%a
cine)a ac*%* $er"i"ta, f*arte $uternic. Bu un ef*rt, #&i a%un- ne%ini&tea, "e #nt*ar"e %a e%ic*$ter &i
cut $i"t*%u% (e "emna%i+are VereK. 3urt $i"t*%u% cu ea)a b*ant, "u$ra ca%ibrat, *"tentati) %a
)e(ere, $e t*t (rumu% (e #nt*arcere ctre cabana %ui 7ri>>i &i "e "imi mai mu%umit a)n(u4% &i c2iar
&i mai mu%umit cn( #ncuie u&a &i tra"e $er(e%e%e.
.*a$tea c*b*r# re$e(e. 8n #ntuneric, anima%e%e $*rnir (u$ $ra(.
Ee2eran: *ra 7,0 "eara. Jb*"it &i f%mn(, Mc')er trecea $e bu%e)ar(u% re+i(enia% $u"tiu,
mr-init (e c*$aci. E*ate %umini%e (e $e "tra( erau "tin"e &i e% #&i cr*ia (rum cu -ri, $rin
78
"emi#ntuneric, $rintre tr*iene%e (e +$a( )i"c*%ite $e %n- $ereii ca"e%*r (e $e fiecare $arte a
"tr+ii. 8n (e$rtare "e au+eau f*curi (e arm &i )ntu% rece $urta cu e% "tri-tu%0 !%%a2224u !>barrrC
D(u c*%u% &i a$r*a$e "e i+bi (e un tanc Benturi*n, $arcat $e ,umtate $e tr*tuar. Bte)a "ecun(e
fu *rbit (e %umina unei %anterne.
.i&te "*%(ai ie&ir (intr4* a"cun+t*are.
4 Bine "untei, a-a, "$u"e #ntr4* en-%e+ bun un tnr *fier. Be facei aiciH
4 Sunt c$itanu% Mc')er... Duncan, Duncan Mc')er... Mer- "$re ca" (e %a bir*u &i... &i
a$artamentu% meu e"te (e $artea cea%a%t a $arcu%ui, (u$ ce%%a%t c*%.
4 D*cumentu% (e i(entitate, ) r*-C
Bu mi&cri atente, Mc')er "trecur mna #n bu+unaru% interi*r. Simi ac*%*, a%turi (e
ce%e%a%te acte (e i(entitate, ce%e (*u mici f*t*-rafii 4 una a 1a2u%ui, cea%a%t a %ui 62*meini 4 (ar
(in $ricina +)*nuri%*r (in cur"u% +i%ei nu "e $utu 2*tr# care ar fi f*"t $*tri)it (e (at %a i)ea%.
Jfieru% e/amina acte%e %a %umina %anternei. Mc')er "e ac*m*(a"e cu #ntunericu% &i "e"i+ *b*"ea%a,
barba nera" &i unif*rma &if*nat a *mu%ui. S*%(aii #% $ri)eau #n tcere. .ici unu% nu fuma, ceea ce i
"e $ru curi*". Eancu% "e #n%a amenint*r (ea"u$ra %*r, (e $arc ar fi a&te$tat " i+bea"c.
4 Mu%ume"c.
Jfieru% #i #na$*ie (*cumentu% u+at. !%te f*curi (e arm, mai a$r*a$e (e (ata a"ta. S*%(aii
a&te$tau, $ri)in( n*a$tea.
4 !r fi bine " nu ie&ii (u$ %"area #ntunericu%ui, a-a. .*a$te bunC
4 Da, mu%ume"c. .*a$te bunC
Mc')er $*rni mai (e$arte u&urat, #ntrebn(u4"e (ac erau %*ia%i&ti "au r"cu%ai. B2ri"t*a"e,
(ac une%e uniti "e re)*%t &i a%te%e nu, * " fie #ncurctura (racu%uiC
!%t inter"ecie, "tra(a acea"ta &i $arcu% %a fe% (e #ntunecate &i $u"tii, %*curi care nu cu mu%t
)reme #n urm fu"e"er %uminate feeric, a%te %umini i+)*rn( (in fere"tre%e c%(iri%*r (in ,ur,
"er)it*ri &i %ume &i c*$ii -rbin(u4"e #nc*%* &i4nc*ace, t*i )e"e%i, mu%t +ar) &i r"ete.
!"ta4i ceea ce4mi %i$"e&te ce% mai mu%t, "e -n(i. 5"u%. M #ntreb (ac "e )*r mai #nt*arce
)re*(at ace%e )remuri.
9iua #nce$u"e $r*"t, fr te%ef*ane, fr c*ntact ra(i* cu 6*<i"" &i nu reu&i"e " c*munice
cu nici una (intre ce%e%a%te ba+e. Din n*u nu "e $re+enta"e %a %ucru nici unu% (intre an-a,aii
bir*u%ui, ceea ce #% irita"e &i mai mu%t. De cte)a *ri #ncerca"e "4i trimit un te%e/ %ui @a)a%%an, (ar
nu $utu"e *bine %e-tura.
4 Mine * " fie mai bine, r*"ti cu )*ce tare, -"in( $u"tietatea "tr+ii ne$%cut.
A%*cu% %*r a)ea $atru eta,e, ei *cu$n( unu% (intre a$artamente%e (e %a u%timu% ni)e%. Ba"a "cri%*r
era %uminat )a-, ten"iunea "c+u"e (in n*u %a ,umtate, iar %iftu% nu funci*na (e %uni (e +i%e. Irc
*b*"it tre$te%e, %umina $a%i( fcn( urcu&u% &i mai "umbru. Dar #n a$artament, %uminri%e erau (e,a
a$rin"e &i m*ra%u% %ui "e #mbunti.
4 Sa%ut, @ennK, "$u"e #nc2i+n( u&a &i atrnn(u4&i #n cuier )ec2iu% $ar(e"iu en-%e+e"c. 7
)reme (e4un <2i">K.
4 Duncan, "unt #n "ufra-erie. Vin* aici * c%i$C Strbtu cu $a&i mari c*ri(*ru%, "e *$ri #n u&
&i rma"e cu -ura c"cat. Ma"a era #ncrcat cu * (u+in (e fe%uri (e mncare iraniene &i b*%uri cu
fructe &i, $retutin(eni, %uminri. @ennK &i 1e2ere+a(a +mbeau )e"e%e.
4 J, D*amne, 1e2ere+a(aC !"tea4" (e %a tineH M bucur " te )(C
4 1i eu m bucur " te )(. Mac, ari mai tnr #n fiecare +i, amn(*i, (e fa$tC 'ertai4m c
) (eran,e+, "$u"e (intr4* "uf%are cu )*cea ei -%-it*are &i )e"e%, (ar mi4am amintit c ieri a f*"t
ani)er"area nunii )*a"tre, $entru c e cu cinci +i%e #naintea +i%ei me%e (e na&tere &i &tiu ct (e mu%t
#i $%ac 2*ri"2tu% cu carne (e mie% &i $*%* &i ce%e%a%te %ucruri, a&a c %e4am a(u", ;a""an, De)a &i cu
mine, "i %uminri%e...
.u era mai #na%t (e un metru &ai+eci, -enu% (e frumu"ee $er"an $e care Jmar 62aKKam *
im*rta%i+a"e #n )er"uri. Se ri(ic.
4 !cum, c te4ai #nt*r", eu $%ec.
4 !&tea$t * "ecun(, (e ce nu rmi " mnnci cu n*i.
4 J, (ar nu $*t, *rict (e mu%t a& )rea. Eata ( * $etrecere (i"ear &i eu trebuie " $artici$.
V"ta e"te (*ar= un mic (ar &i * "4% %a" $e ;a""an " "er)ea"c &i " "trn- (u$ a"ta &i eu "$er "
$etrecei minunatC ;a""anC De)aC
79
8i #mbri& $e @ennK &i $e Mc')er &i a%er- %a u& un(e * a&te$tau cei (*i "er)it*ri. Inu%
(intre ei #i inu 2aina (e b%an. Se4mbrc, a$*i #&i #nf&ur )%u% ne-ru a% c2a(*ru%ui #n ,uru%
tru$u%ui. 8i trimi"e #nc * be+ea %ui @ennK &i $%ec -rbit, #n"*it (e ce%%a%t "er)it*r.
;a""an, un brbat (e 30 (e ani, #na%t, $urtn( * tunic a%b &i $anta%*ni ne-ri &i un +mbet
%ar- $e fa, #ncuie u&a.
4 S "er)e"c cina, (*amnH #ntreb #n far"i.
4 Da, te r*-, $e"te +ece minute, "$u"e ea fericit. Dar mai #nti "t$nu% ar )rea un <2i">K.
De #n(at ;a""an "e #n(re$t ctre (u%a$, turn butura &i a(u"e a$a. !$*i "e #nc%in &i
$%ec.
4 3entru Dumne+eu, @en, e ca $e )remuriC "$u"e Mc')er %uminn(u4"e %a fa.
4 Da. 74* $r*"tie nu4i a&a, (ar a"ta a f*"t acum (*ar cte)a %uni...
3n atunci a)u"e"er un cu$%u #ncntt*r0 * buctrea" e/em$%ar, $rice$ut %a mncruri
eur*$ene &i iraniene, &i "*u% ei, un i$*2*n(ru %ene&, $e care Mc')er #% $*rec%i"e !%i Aaba. !mn(*i
(i"$ru"er (intr4* (at, ca a$r*a$e t*i "er)it*rii ceteni%*r "trini, fr nici * e/$%icaie, fr nici
un a)erti"ment.
4 M #ntreb (ac "unt bine, DuncanC
4 Si-ur c (a. !%i Aaba a f*"t un &mec2er &i cre( c4a $u" (e"tu% (e*$arte ca " %e4a,un-
$entru * %un (e trn()ea%. 3au%a a $%ecatH
4 .u, rmne &i n*a$tea a"ta. .*--er nu. !u f*"t %a * ma" cu * $arte (in ec2i$a,u% ei (e %a
!%ita%ia.
S$rncene%e i "e arcuir.
4 .*--er a% n*"tru e "i-ur c e c*a$t $entru #n-2e"uia%M, "$er c "e #n&ea%. 8mi $%ace
3au%a.
!"cu%tar +-*m*te%e fcute (e ;a""an #n buctrie.
4 7 ce% mai minunat "unet (in %ume. Mc')er rn,i &i ri(ic $a2aru%.
4 Mu%umim D*mnu%ui $entru 1e2ere+a(a, c ne4a "c$at (e "$%at )a"e%e.
4 !"ta4i cea mai bun $arte (intre t*ate, *ft @ennK. 1e2ere+a(a e * fat att (e (r-u &i (e
-ri,u%ie: iar E*mmK e att (e n*r*c*"C 1e2ere+a(a +ice c trebuie " "e4nt*arc mine. S "$erm c4
* "4a(uc ce)a "cri"*ri. !i (at (e !n(KH
4 .u, nu #nc.
Mc')er "e 2*tr# " nu $*menea"c (e tanc.
4 Bre+i c %4am $utea #m$rumuta $e ;a""an "au $e unu% (intre cei%a%i "er)it*ri ai ei cte)a
+i%e $e "$tmnH Ee4ar a,uta f*arte mu%t.
4 .4a& )rea "4i cer a"ta, &tii cum e...
4 Bre( c ai (re$tate, e4a% (racu%ui (e "tn,enit*r. De %a * )reme (e)eni"e a$r*a$e im$*"ibi%
$entru cetenii "trini " af%e a,ut*r #n ca". 3n #n urm cu cte)a %uni fu"e"e u&*r " -"ea"c
"er)it*ri minunai, -ri,u%ii, cu a,ut*ru% cr*ra #ntreinerea unei ca"e, cum$rturi%e (e)eneau (e
*bicei * ,*ac.
4 !"ta a f*"t unu% (intre ce%e mai bune %ucruri #n 'ran, "$u"e ea. 8n"emna att (e mu%t. E*t
c2inu% unui trai #ntr4* ar att (e "trin...
4 Eu #nc te mai -n(e&ti %a ea ca "trin, (u$ atta )remeH
4 Mai mu%t ca nici*(at. !m "imit #nt*t(eauna c t*at amabi%itatea, $*%iteea ce%*r ci)a
iranieni $e care i4am #nt%nit a%ctuie"c (*ar un fe% (e $*,-2i, c a(e)rate%e %*r "entimente "unt
ce%e care "e (au acum $e fa. .u )reau " "$un t*at %umea, (e"i-ur, nu $rietenii n*&tri: !nn*u"2,
(e e/em$%u, e una (intre ce%e mai (r-ue &i mai bine)*it*are $er"*ane (in %ume.
!nn*u"2 era "*ia -enera%u%ui Va%i>, ce% mai im$*rtant (intre $artenerii (in Ee2eran.
4 Ma,*ritatea "*ii%*r "imt a"ta, Duncan, a(u- ea, $ier(ut #n nemu%umirea ei. 3*ate c (e4
aia t*i "trinii "e "trn- unii %n- cei%a%i, &i t*ate $etreceri%e a"tea 4 (u$4amia+a teni", "au ie&iri%e
#m$reun %a "c2i, "au cu arca, "au <ee>en( %a Marea Ba"$ic, "er)it*rii $urtn( c*&u%ee%e cu
mncare &i fcn( curenie... 8mi #nc2i$uiam c * " trim ca %a 5i%eK, (ar "4a i"$r)it...
4 Jr " "e4nt*arc )remuri%e a%ea, "$er (in t*t "uf%etu%, att $entru ei, ct &i $entru n*i. 8n
(rum "$re ca" am rea%i+at bru"c ce4mi %i$"ea ce% mai mu%t0 r"ete%e. Se $are c nu mai r(e nimeni.
Vreau " "$un, $e "tra(. .ici mcar c*$iii.
Mc')er #&i bea <2i">K4u% cu #n-2iituri mici &i rare.
80
4 Da, &i #mi %i$"e&te r"u% f*arte mu%t. 8mi %i$"e&te &i ;ui. 8mi $are ru c a f*"t ne)*it "
$%ece 4 t*tu% era $u" f*arte bine #n *r(ine #n ceea ce ne $ri)e&te, $n nu (emu%t. Srmanu%, #n ce
"ituaie #m$uit %4am b-at, $e e1 &i minunea aia (e ne)a"t a iui, (u$ t*at $rietenia $e are ne4a
artat4*C M "imt (e"tu% (e ru&inat 4 cu "i-uran c a fcut t*t ce a f*"t #n "tare $entru $*$*ru% %ui.
Din nefericire, @ennK, $entru cei mai mu%i (intre ei e $are c n4a f*"t #n(ea,un".
4 1tiu. Eri"t. Viaa4i f*arte tri"t cte*(at. 7i, n4are r*"t " $%n-i (u$ %a$te%e (at #n f*cC
Di4e f*ameH
4 Se $are c (a.
Lumnri%e fceau #nc$erea " $ar ca%( &i $%cut &i #n(e$rtau rcea%a a$artamentu%ui.
3er(e%e%e tra"e #i a$rau (e n*a$te. ;a""an a(u"e ime(iat ca"tr*ane%e aburin(e cu (iferite fe%uri (e
2*ri"2t 4 #n"emnn( %iterar "u$, (ar $rn( mai (e-rab * t*can -r*a" (e mie%, $ui &i %e-ume,
"tafi(e &i mir*(enii fe%urite 4 &i $*%*, (e%ici*"u% *re+ iranian, *$rit &i a$*i (at %a cu$t*r #ntr4un )a"
un" cu unt, $n cn( f*rmea+ * cru"t tare, -a%ben4aurie, una (intre mncruri%e %*r fa)*rite.
4 Ainecu)ntat fie 1e2ere+a(a. 7 ca * bucurie $entru *c2ii #n%crimai.
@ennK +mbi.
4 Da, e"te. 1i 3au%a %a fe%.
4 .ici tu nu e&ti rea, @enC
4 .u te cre(, (a= te %a" t*tu&i "4i $ui b*neica %a n*a$te. 1i4acum, (u$ cum ar +ice Fean4
Luc, b*n a$$etitC
Mncar cu $*ft $re$arate%e e/ce$i*na%e ce %e aminteau amn(ur*ra (e me"e%e $e care %e
"er)i"er #n ca"e%e $rieteni%*r %*r.
4 @en, am (at %a $rn+ $e"te tnru% B2ri"tian E*%%*nnen. 8i a(uci aminte (e $rietenu% %ui
7ri>>i, (e %a !mba"a(a ?in%an(e+H Mi4a "$u" c $a&a$*rtu% %ui !+a(e2 e -ata. !"ta4i bine, (ar ce
m4a +-u(uit a f*"t c a +i", #n trecere, c a$r*a$e *$t (in +ece (intre $rietenii "au cun*&tine%e "a%e
iraniene nu mai "unt #n 'ran &i, (ac ace"t n*u e/*( * )a ine t*t a&a, #n curn( n4*r " mai rmn
$e aici (ect mu%%a2ii &i turma %*r. !tunci am #nce$ut " "*c*te"c &i am (e"c*$erit a$r*a$e aceea&i
$r*$*rie $rintre cei $e care i4am numi c%a"a (e mi,%*c.
4 .u #i c*n(amn c $%eac. !& face ace%a&i %ucru. !(u- a$r*a$e in)*%untar0 .u cre( c
1e2ere+a(a ar $%eca.
Mc')er "e"i+ * t*na%itate (e*"ebit #n )*cea ei &i4* cntri (in $ri)iri. 9uCH
@ennK "e ,uc cu * bucic aurie (e c*a,. Se r+-n(i 4 mai (e)reme "e 2*tr"e " nu4i
"$un nimic.
4 3entru Dumne+eu, nu4i "$une nimic %ui E*m, * " fac un infarctC .u &tiu ct (e mu%t (in
ce%e ce "$un "unt a(e)rate &i cte "unt (*ar ni&te n+re%i a%e unei fetie i(ea%i"te, (ar mi4a &*$tit
fericit c &i4a $etrecut cea mai mare $arte a +i%ei %a D*"2an Ea$$e2, un(e, "$unea ea, a f*"t *
a(e)rat in"urecie, cu arme, -rena(e &i t*t re"tu%...
4 B2ri"t*a"eC
4 ... &i a f*"t acti) (e $artea ce%*r $e care i4a numit M-%*ri*&ii n*&tri %u$tt*ri $entru %ibertateM
4 care "4au (*)e(it a fi r"cu%aii (in ?*re%e !eriene, ci)a *fieri &i @r+i%e Ver+i, "$ri,inii (e mii
(e ci)i%i 4 #m$*tri)a $*%iiei, tru$e%*r %*ia%i"te &i a .emurit*ri%*r...
CAPITOLUL '
!er*$*rtu% Aan(ar4e De%am, *ra 7,0 "eara. J(at cu a"finitu% "*"i"er a%i re)*%ui*nari
#narmai &i acum %a t*ate 2an-are%e &i $e t*ate (rumuri%e ce (uceau ctre aer*$*rt erau $*"tate
"antine%e. 9ata>i #i "$u"e"e %ui 5u(i Lut+ c nici un membru a% $er"*na%u%ui S4@ nu $utea "
$r"ea"c +*na fr * a$r*bare $rea%abi% &i c trebuiau " c*ntinue ca &i $n atunci treburi%e &i c
unu% "au mai mu%i (intre *amenii "i )*r #n"*i fiecare +b*r.
4 .u "e )a #ntm$%a nimic (ac ) )ei "u$une *r(ine%*r, "$u"e"e 9ata>i. 7"te * "ituaie
tem$*rar, $e $arcur"u% trecerii (e %a -u)ernu% i%e-a% a% 1a2u%ui %a n*u% -u)ern a% 3*$*ru%ui.
Dar ner)*+itatea %ui &i a a(unturii "a%e ne(i"ci$%inate (e+icea t*at acea"t #ncercare (e a
$rea #ncre+t*r.
81
Star>e au+i"e une%e murmure &i #i "$u"e"e %ui 5u(i c "e a&te$tau " "*"ea"c #n *rice
m*ment tru$e %*ia%e 1a2u%ui, care " $*rnea"c un c*ntraatac $n cn( 5u(i, e% &i un a%t $i%*t
american, F*2n EKrer, reu&ir " a,un- %a "taia ra(i* (in ru%*ta %ui 5u(i, cea mai mare $arte a
bu%etinu%ui (e &tiri "e i"$r)i"e. 3uin (in ce mai au+ir erau numai )e&ti $r*a"te.
M... &i -u)erne%e !rabiei Sau(ite, 6u<eitu%ui &i 'ra>u%ui "e tem c tu%burri%e $*%itice (in 'ran
)*r (e"tabi%i+a #ntrea-a +*n a @*%fu%ui 3er"ic. .i "e tran"mite c "u%tanu% Jmanu%ui ar fi afirmat c
$r*b%ema e mai mu%t (ect * "im$% r"$n(ire a un*r i(ei "au curente $*%itice, ci * a%t ac*$erire
c*n)enabi% ca 5u"ia S*)ietic "4&i $*at f*%*"i %anu% (e "tate "ate%it ca " cree+e un im$eriu
c*%*nia% #n @*%f, cu e%u% fina% (e a "t$ni "trmt*area ;*rmu+. Din 'ran "e c*munic cum c #n
tim$u% n*$ii "4au $urtat %u$te -re%e #ntre *fierii &c*%ii (e a)iaie $r*46*meini, (e %a ba+a aerian
D*"2an Ea$$e2 (in Ee2eran 4 "$ri,inii (e mii (e ci)i%i #narmai, &i $*%iie, tru$e %*ia%i"te &i uniti
a%e .emurit*ri%*r, e%ita @r+ii 'm$eria%e a 1a2u%ui. Mai tr+iu "4au a%turat in"ur-eni%*r $e"te cinci
mii (e "im$ati+ani ai -ru$u%ui mar/i"t Sai2>a%, (intre care * $arte au $trun" #n (e$*+itu% (e
muniii a% ba+ei &i au "c*" (e ac*%* arme &i muniie.M
4 'i"u"e, "$u"e Star>e.
M 8ntre tim$, !Kat*%a2u% 62*meini a cerut (in n*u (emi"ia #ntre-u%ui -u)ern &i a c2emat
$*$u%aia "4% "$ri,ine $e $rimu% mini"tru a%e" (e e%, Me2(i Aa+ar-an cern( infanteriei, a)iaiei &i
marinei "4i ac*r(e a,ut*ru%. 3rimu% mini"tru Aa>2tiar a (e+minit +)*nuri%e (e"$re * %*)itur
mi%itar iminent, (ar a c*nfirmat e/i"tena unei mari f*re mi%itare "*)ietice %a -rani.
!uru% a a,un" %a ce% mai ri(icat $re (e $n acum, (e (*u "ute cinci+eci &i $atru (e (*%ari
uncia, iar (*%aru% "4a $rbu&it bru"c fa (e t*ate ce%e%a%te m*ne+i. !ici "e #nc2eie bu%etinu% n*"tru
(e &tiri (e %a L*n(ra.M
5u(i #nc2i"e a$aratu%. Se af%au #n "ufra-eria ru%*tei "a%e. 8ntr4unui (intre (u%a$uri "e -"ea
un a$arat (e ra(i* $e #na%t frec)en, (e re+er), $e care, ca &i ra(i*u%, #% c*n"trui"e e% #n"u&i. 3e *
m"u, %n- $erete, "e af%a un te%ef*n c*nectat %a reeaua ba+ei. Ee%ef*nu% nu funci*na.
4 Dac 62*meini ie"e #n)in-t*r %a D*"2an Ea$$e2, atunci f*re%e armate )*r a)ea (e a%e",
"$u" Star>e cu 2*trre, %*)itur (e "tat, r+b*i ci)i% "au " ce(e+e.
4 .4* " ce(e+eC !"ta ar #n"emna "inuci(ereC De ce (racu= ar face4*HC "$u"e EKrer.
7ra un american "%bn*- &i "tn-aci (in .e< Fer"eK.
4 1i nu uita c a)iaia e * tru$ (e e%it, ce% $uin cei $e care4i cun*a&temC 3entru Dumne+euC
5"cu%aii4" (*ar * -rma( (e %*ca%nici cu ca$ete tu%buri. De fa$t, b*mba e c "4au %i$it &i mar/i&tii
%a c2e"tia a"taC Binci miiC 'i"u"eC Dac au ie&it %a i)ea% cu arme%e, e -r*a"C .u $rea "untem #n
t*ate mini%e (ac mai "tm $e aici, nuHC
Star>e "$u"e0
4 D*ar c "untem aici %a cererea n*a"tr: c*m$ania "$une c nimeni n4are ce)a (e $ier(ut
(ac cere #nt*arcerea #n ar. 7 $u" $e 2rtie. Vrei " te retra-iH
4 .u, nu #nc, "$u"e iritat EKrer. Dar ce4* " facemH
4 8n $rimu% rn( , fere&te4te (in ca%ea %ui 9ata>i. Eic%*"u% "ta e "*nat.
4 Si-ur, "$u"e EKrer, (ar trebuie " $unem ce)a %a ca%e.
Se au+i un ci*cnit bruta% &i u&a "e (e"c2i"e. 7ra M*2amme( Nemeni, mana-eru% iranian, un
brbat (e $atru+eci (e ani, atracti), $r*a"$t ra", af%at $rintre ei (e un an (e +i%e. !%turi (e e% "e
af%au (*u -r+i.
4 !-a 6Kabi e $e #na%t frec)en. Vrea " ) )*rbea"c ime(iat, "$u"e cu )*ce im$eri*a".
6Kabi era re"$*n"abi%u% (e +*n a% c*m$aniei 'ran Ji% &i ce% mai im$*rtant *ficia% (in "u(u%
'ranu%ui. 5u(i c*mut ime(iat a$aratu% care fcea %e-tura cu bir*uri%e %ui 6Kabi (e %n- !2<a+, %a
n*r( (e Aan(ar4e De%am. S$re u%uirea %ui, a$aratu% nu funci*na. Scutur c*mutat*ru% (e cte)a *ri,
a$*i Nemeni "$u"e cu bat,*cur fi& #n -%a"0
4 B*%*ne%u% 9ata>i a *r(*nat " fie #ntreru$t curentu%, iar a$aratu% (ec*nectat. J " f*%*"ii
emit*ru% (in bir*uri. 'me(iatC
.ici unuia nu #i $%cu t*nu% )*cii "a%e.
4 S*"e"c cn( funci*nea+, "$u"e 5u(i.
Nemeni "e #ncrunt &i "$u"e ctre $a+nici #ntr4* far"i r-u&it0
4 'uii4% $e cine%e "trinC
Star>e i+bucni &i e% #n far"i0
82
4 !ce"ta e"te c*rtu% c*n(uct*ru%ui n*"tru. Sunt %e-i anume #n B*ran, care )*rbe"c (e"$re
a$rarea c*n(uct*ru%ui tribu%ui tu #n c*rtu% "u, #m$*tri)a *ameni%*r #narmai.
Be%e (*u "tr,i "e *$rir (e"cum$nite. Nemeni rma"e cu -ura c"cat, cci nu "e a&te$ta
ca Star>e " )*rbea"c far"i, a$*i "e tra"e #na$*i un $a" cn( ace"ta "e ri(ic (e $e "caun ct era (e
#na%t, c*ntinun( 0
4 3r*fetu%, fie4i nume%e binecu)ntat, a %"at %e-i (e"$re buna cu)iin #ntre $rieteni &i t*t a&a
#ntre (u&mani &i a "$u" c t*i cinii "unt -un*i. .*i "untem 3*$*ru% Brii &i nu -un*aie.
Nemeni r*&i, "e #nt*ar"e $e c%cie &i $%ec. Star>e #&i &ter"e "u(*area (e $e $a%me $e
$anta%*ni.
4 5u(i, 2ai " )e(em ce4i cu 6KabiC
3*rnir #n urma %ui Nemeni (e4a curme+i&u% tarmacu%ui, #n"*ii (e -r+i. .*a$tea era
%im$e(e &i4a)ea un -u"t $%cut (u$ #n-2e"uia%a (in micu% bir*u.
4 Be4i t*at c2e"tia a"taH #ntreb 5u(i.
Star>e #i e/$%ic cu -n(u% #n a%t $arte, (*rin(u4&i " fie #na$*i %a 6*<i"". .u4i $%cea "4*
%a"e $e Manue%a "in-ur, (ar "e -n(i ea c era mai #n "i-uran ac*%* (ect %a Ee2eran.
4 Dra-a mea, #i "$u"e"e c2iar #nainte (e a $%eca, am " te "c*t (e aici ct (e curn(.
4 Sunt #n "i-uran aici, (ra-u%eC E*t att (e bine ca &i4n Ee/a". !m * mu%ime (e tim$,
c*$iii "unt #n "i-uran %a Lubb*c>, n4am $%ecat (in !n-%ia $n n4am $rimit (e )e"te c4au a,un"
aca" &i &tii c bunicu% Star>e n4* " %a"e " %i "e #ntm$%e )reun ru.
4 Si-ur, cu c*$iii * " fie #n re-u%, (ar )reau " te &tiu $%ecat (in 'ran ct (e curn(
$*"ibi%.
8% au+i $e 5u(i "$unn( 0
4 Bine4i M3*$*ru% BriiMH
4 Bre&tinii &i e)reii, r"$un"e, #ntrebn(u4"e cum ar $utea "4&i "trec*are e%ic*$teru% #n
6*<i"". Ma2*me( c*n"i(era Aib%ia n*a"tr &i E*ra2u% %*r cri %a fe% (e "finte ca &i B*ranu%. Mu%te
(in ce -"e&ti ac*%* "e re-"e"c &i #n B*ran. Mu%i "a)ani 4 "a)anii n*&trii 4 "e -n(e"c c $ur &i
"im$%u %e4a c*$iat, (e&i %e-en(e%e ma2*me(ane "$un c Ma2*me( nu &tia " "crie "au " citea"c. 7%
a recitat B*ranu% #ntre-, $*i "4i #nc2i$ui a"taH c*ntinu, #nc mirat (e ceea ce reu&i"e " fac. L4au
"cri" a%ii, ani (u$ ce e% a murit. 8n arab e ne#nc2i$uit (e frum*", ca un $*em \ ce% $uin a&a "e
"$une.
8n faa %*r "e -"ea acum ru%*ta *fieru%ui, #nc*n,urat (e -r+i care fumau &i, #n "inea %ui,
Star>e "e "imi bine &i mu%umit c "e (e"curca"e acum cu Nemeni &i +iua #ntrea- cu mu%%a2u%
;u""ain 4 cinci"$re+ece ateri+ri, t*ate $erfecte, a&te$tn( %n- fiecare "*n(, #n tim$ ce mu%%a2u%
$re(ica muncit*ri%*r #n nume%e %ui 62*meini, fr ca #n )remea a"ta " "e )a( $rin ,ur $ici*r (e
"*%(at, $*%ii"t "au a-ent S!V!6, (ar a&te$tn(u4i t*tu&i #n fiecare c%i$ &i %a fiecare ateri+are.
Nemeni e un -ina #n c*m$araie cu ;u""ainC "e -n(i.
9ata>i &i amn(*i mu%%a2ii #% a&te$tau #n ru%*ta ce "er)ea (e bir*u. Fa2an, *$erat*ru% ra(i*,
"e af%a #n faa emit*ru%ui. 9ata>i "ttea %a bir*u% %ui 5u(i. 8nc$erea, f*arte #n-ri,it (e *bicei, era
acum un a(e)rat ba%amuc, cu (*"are (e"c2i"e &i 2rtii #m$r&tiate $e"te t*t, ce&ti mur(are, mucuri
(e i-ar #n ce&ti &i $e $*(ea &i $ac2ete (e mncare $e ,umtate c*n"umate $e bir*uri 4 *re+ &i carne
(e ca$r, 4 iar aeru% $utea a fum (e i-ar.
4 Mein @*ttC i+bucni 5u(i #nfuriat. 7 * )erruc>te c*cin &i...
4 E!B'C e/$%*( 9ata>i. Suntem #n r+b*i, trebuia " cercetm. !$*i a(u- mai %ini&tit0
3*i "... $*i trimite unu% (intre *amenii ti " fac curenie. .4ai "4i "$ui nimic %ui 6Kabi (e"$re
n*i. !i " te $*ri ca (e *bicei &i4ai " a"cu%i in"truciuni%e me%e, ai " te uii mereu %a mine. !i
#ne%e", c$itaneH
5u(i ((u (in ca$, cu c2i$u% #m$ietrit. 9ata>i fcu un "emn ctre *$erat*ru% ra(i* care r*"ti
#n micr*f*n0
4 7/ce%en 6Kabi, aici e"te c$itanu% Lut+. 5u(i %u micr*f*nu%.
4 Da, A*""C "$u"e, f*%*"in( $*rec%a $e care * &tiau t*i. 1i e% &i Star>e #% cun*a&te $e Nu"uf
6Kabi (e ani buni.
6Kabi fu"e"e $re-tit %a Ee/a" ! ] M, a$*i %a 7/Ee/, #nainte (e a $re%ua "ect*ru% (e "u( &i
erau #n re%aii bune cu e%.
83
4 Aun "eara, 5u(iC "e au+i )*cea, #ntr4* en-%e+ cu $uternic accent american. !)em *
"$rtur %a una (intre c*n(ucte%e $rinci$a%e, un(e)a %a n*r( (e )*i. 7 una rea. Mi4am (at "eama abia
%a "taia (e $*m$are. !%%a2 &tie ct (e mu%i bari%i "4au $*m$at $n acum #n -*% (e,a, "au ct (e
mu%i au mai rma" #n c*n(uct. .u cer un B!S7V!6, (ar )reau #n +*ri un e%ic*$ter ca "4*
i(entificm. 3*i " m iei #n +*riH
9ata>i ((u (in ca$ a #ncu)iinare a&a c 5u(i r"$un"e0
4 J>aK, A*""C J " fim ac*%* ct (e curn( $*"ibi%, (u$ ce r"are "*are%e. Vrei un 20G "au
un 212H
4 In 20G. J "4% iau cu mine $e in-ineru% &ef. Vin* i tu, te r*-, $*ate fi un "ab*ta,, $*ate *
"$rtur. !i a)ut )re* $r*b%em %a Aan(ar4e De%amH
5u(i &i Star>e erau f*arte c*n&tieni (e arme%e (in #nc$ere.
4 .u mai mu%t (ect (e *bicei. .e )e(em mine. D*rea " #ntreru$ %e-tura fiin(c 6Kabi
era (e *bicei f*arte %iber %a -ur #n ceea ce4i $ri)ea $e re)*%ui*nari. .u a$r*ba in"urecia "au
fanati"mu% %ui 62*meini &i ura *rice ame"tec #n treburi%e c*m$%e/u%ui %*r $etr*%ier.
4 Stai * c%i$, 5u(iC !m au+it c au f*"t &i a%te tu%burri #n !ba(an &i "e au( f*curi (e arm
#n !2<a+. 1tii c un $etr*%i"t american &i unu% (e4ai n*&tri au f*"t $rin&i #ntr4* ambu"ca( &i uci&i
ieri, %n- !2<a+H
4 Da. E*mmK Stan"*n. Be $*rcrieC
4 DaC !%%a2 "4i b%e"teme $e t*i uci-a&iiC Eu(e2, mu,2a(inii, fe(ainii "au cine (racu= *r fi.
4 'art4m, A*"", trebuie " $%ec, ne )e(em mineC
4 Da, $utem " )*rbim mine. 'n"2a=!%%a2, 5u(iC
4 'n"2a=!%%a2C
7mi"ia muri. 5u(i r"uf% u&urat. .u cre(ea c 6Kabi "$u"e"e ce)a care ar fi $utut "4i
(une+e, (ect (ac ace&ti *ameni erau #n tain tu(e2 4 "au unii (intre cei%a%i e/tremi&ti 4 &i nu
"$ri,init*rii %ui 62*meini, a&a cum $retin( ei.
E*i e/tremi&tii n*&tri f*%*"e"c mu%%a2i (re$t ac*$erire, "au #ncearc "4i f*%*"ea"c. Din
$cate, cei mai mu%i mu%%a2i "unt "raci, nee(ucai, * $ra( u&*ar $entru in"ur-enii $re-tii,
!%%a2 "4% b%e"teme $e 62*meini, #i "$u"e"e mai (emu%t 6Kabi.
5u(i "imi "u(*area $e "$ate.
4 Inu% (intre *amenii mei * " mear- cu tine &i (e (ata a"ta n4* "4i iei #ncrct*ru%, "$u"e
9ata>i.
5u(i #&i #m$in"e brbia #nainte &i ten"iunea (in #nc$ere cre"cu.
4 .4am " +b*r cu *ameni #narmai. 7 #m$*tri)a tutur*r re-u%i%*r c*m$aniei, traficu%ui aerian
&i #n "$ecia% #m$*tri)a *r(ine%*r c*ntr*%u%ui (e +b*r iranian. Dac nu ne "u$unem ace"t*r re-u%i ne
$ier(em %icena...
4 S4ar $utea "4m$u&c unu% (intre *amenii ti (ac nu te "u$ui.
?uri*", 9ata>i trnti * cea&c $e bir*u &i ci*buri%e ei "e #m$r&tiar $rin t*at camera. Star>e
#nainta %a fe% (e furi*".
!rma %ui 9ata>i +)cni ctre e%.
4 Bei ce "e a%tur aKat*%a2u%ui 62*meini "unt *are uci-a&i, a"ta " fie %e-ea '"%amu%uiH
3entru un m*ment, Star>e cre+u c 9ata>i, )a a$"a $e tr-aci, a$*i mu%%a2u% ;u""ain "e
ri(ic.
4 !m " mer- eu cu ei.
!$*i ctre 5u(i0
4 Furi c n4ai " f*%*"e&ti nici * #n&e%ciune &i ai " te #nt*rci aici ne"mintitH
Du$ * $au+, 5u(i r"$un"e cu )*ce tremurt*are0
4 DaC
4 7&ti cre&tinH
4 DaC
4 Fur $e (umne+eu% tu c n4ai " ne4n&e%i.
Din n*u 5u(i fcu * $au+.
4 !%% ri-2t. Fur $e Dumne+eu c n4am " ) #n&e%C
4 Bum $*i " te4ncre+i #n e%H #ntreb 9ata>i.
84
4 .u m4ncre(, "$u"e "im$%u ;u""ain, (ar (ac #% #n&ea% $e !%%a2, !%%a2 * "4% $e(e$"ea"c.
3e e% &i $e t*)ar&ii %ui. Dac nu m #nt*rc "au (ac e% ne a(uce neca+uri...
5i(ic (in umeri.
!ber(een. D*meniu% @a)a%%an. Jra 7,23 "eara. 7rau %a te%e)i+*r, $ri)n( $e un ecran mare
* re%uare a meciu%ui (e ru-bi (in +iua aceea, Sc*ia 4 ?rana. @a)a%%an, "*ia %ui, Maureen, F*2n
;*--, care $i%*ta (e *bicei, a)i*nu% 12 a% c*m$aniei, &i ci)a a%i $i%*i. Sc*ru% era 17 %a 11 #n
fa)*area ?ranei, mu%t #n a (*ua re$ri+. E*i brbaii -emur cn( un "c*ian "e #ncurc, un #nainta&
france+ recu$era min-ea i c&ti- trei+eci &i cinci (e metri.
4 9ece %ire c Sc*ia t*t )a c&ti-a, +i"e @a)a%%an.
4 Mer- %a $ariu, "$u"e "*ia %ui &i r"e. 7ra #na%t, r*&cat &i $urta un )er(e e%e-ant care "e
$*tri)ea *c2i%*r ei.
4 8n (efiniti), "unt $e ,umtate franu+*aic.
4 In "fert. Aunica ta era n*rman(, Rue%%e 2*rreur, i...
In "tri-t uria& (e bucurie "trni ec*uri $rin #nc$ere ac*$erin(u4i c*m$%imentu%. In
mi,%*ca& "c*ian (e $e trei "ferturi ,uc min-ea (in re$unere, * arunc unei e/treme care * trecu
a%tuia care "e (e"$rin"e (in #n)%m&ea%, trnti (*i a()er"ari #n ca%ea %ui &i "e n$u"ti ctre %inia (e
fun( af%at %a $atru+eci &i cinci (e metri (e$rtare, +i-+a-n( , "c2imbn( inte%i-ent (irecia, ca "
&nea"c (in n*u #nainte: "e #m$ie(ic, (ar rma"e cum)a #n $ici*are, $entru ca, #ntr4un u%tim ef*rt,
cu $ie$tu% tre"%tn( #ntr4* "$ectacu%*a" a%er-are, " fina%i+e+e cu un $%*n,*n $e %inie, ac*$erit
ime(iat (e tru$uri%e ce%*r%a%i &i (e a$%au+e tunt*are. Marca"eC 7ra 17 %a 1.0 %*)itur reu&it a)ea
" fac 17 e-a%.
4 ;ai Sc*iaC
I&a "e (e"c2i"e &i #n ca(ru% ei a$ru un "er)it*r. @a)a%%an "e ri(ic ime(iat. 3ri)i #nc*r(at
%*)itura care fu reu&it &i re"$ir (in n*u u&urat.
4 Dub%u "au nimic, MaureenH * #ntreb rn,in( $e"te +-*m*tu% (e ia( ce "e (e+%nui"e &i
$%ec -rbit.
4 S4a fcut, "tri- ea #n urma %ui.
! $ier(ut (*u+eci (e bi&tari, #&i +i"e f*arte mu%umit (e e% &i tra)er" c*ri(*ru% ca"ei )ec2i
&i mari, bine aran,at cu m*bi% #mbrcat #n $ie%e )ec2e, $icturi (e bun ca%itate &i *biecte antice (e
art, mu%te (intre e%e (in !"ia, &i intr #n bir*u% "u. !c*%*, &*feru% %ui 4 #n ace%a&i tim$ -ar( (e
c*r$ &i *m (e #ncre(ere 4 care #ncerca (e trei *re " (ea (e Mc')er #n Ee2eran &i urmrea te%ef*ane%e
$rimite, inea ri(icat rece$t*ru% unuia (intre ce%e (*u te%ef*ane.
4 'ertai4m c ) #ntreru$, "ir, (ar...
4 L4ai $rin", Qi%%iam"H Minunat 4 "c*ru% e 17 %a 17C
4 .u, circuite%e "unt t*t *cu$ate, (ar am cre+ut c a"ta e (e"tu% (e im$*rtant0 "ir 'an Dunr*"".
De+am-irea %ui @a)a%%an "e t*$i. Lu rece$t*ru%. Qi%%iam ie&i &i #nc2i"e u&a.
4 'an, m bucur " te au(, e * "ur$ri+ $%cutC
4 Sa%ut, !n(KC 3*i " )*rbe&tiH V*rbe"c (in S2an-2ai.
4 Bre(eam c e&ti #n Fa$*nia: te au( f*arte bine. Bum mer-eH
4 @r*+a)C Mai bine (ect m a&te$tam. Erebuie " fiu "curt. !m au+it un +)*n 4 (*u (e
fa$t. 3rimu%, c$itanu% are ne)*ie (e ce)a "ucce"e financiare ca " "e im$un &i c firma Struan a
ie&it bine anu% "ta. Be4i cu 'ranu%H
4 E*at %umea "$une c * " "e %ini&tea"c, 'an. Mac are %ucruri%e "ub c*ntr*%, $e ct e cu
$utin, &i ni "4au $r*mi" t*ate c*ntracte%e %ui @uerneK, a&a c ar trebui " fim #n "tare "4* "c*atem
mu%t mai bine %a ca$t, ba c2iar " (ub%m $r*fitu%, (ac nu a$are )re* "ituaie ne$re)+ut.
4 3*ate c ar trebui " iei #n c*n"i(erare &i a"ta. Auna (i"$*+iie a %ui @a)a%%an (i"$ru. De
nenumrate *ri )ec2iu% "u $rieten #i ((u"e, c*nfi(enia%, a)erti"mente "au inf*rmaii care mai
tr+iu "e (*)e(i"er a fi u%uit*r (e a(e)rate. .ici*(at nu &tia (e un(e *binea Dunr*"" ace%e
inf*rmaii 4 "au (e %a cine 4 (ar rare*ri "e #n&e%a.
4 !m " m -n(e"c %a a"ta c2iar acum.
4 !%tce)a. !m au+it c (e curn( "4a (at #n mare tain (i"$*+iie %a f*arte #na%t ni)e%, $*ate
c2iar %a ni)e%u% cabinetu%ui mini"teria%, " "e fac un aran,ament financiar &i (e c*n(ucere $entru
'm$eria% !ir. Ee4ar afecta a"taH
8
@a)a%%an e+it. 'm$eria% !ir (einea $r*$rietatea a"u$ra c*m$aniei 'm$eria% ;e%ic*$ter",
$rinci$a%u% %ui c*m$etit*r #n Marea .*r(u%ui.
4 .u &tiu, 'an. 8n *$inia mea, arunc #n )nt banii c*ntribuabi%i%*r: ar $utea, (e"i-ur, "
*r-ani+e+e cte ce)a. 8i batem cu mini%e %a "$ate #n fiecare (*meniu %a care m $*t -n(i0
"i-uran, #ntreinere, ec2i$ament. !m c*man(at &a"e O G3, a$r*$*C
4 Eai$anu% &tieH
4 Ve"tea i4a +(r*bit a$r*a$e "fincteru%. @a)a%%an au+i r"u% &i $entru * c%i$ "e af% #na$*i #n
;*n- 6*n-, #n )remuri%e (e (emu%t, cn( Dunr*"" era tai$an &i )iaa atrna (e un fir (e $r, (ar era
"%batic (e $a%$itant, cn( 6at2K era 6at2K &i nu b*%na). F*"", #&i +i"e &i (in n*u "e c*ncentra
a"u$ra (i"cuiei.
4 Jri ce are %e-tur cu im$eria% e im$*rtant. !m " )erific ime(iat. 5e"tu% &tiri%*r #n
%e-tur cu afaceri%e (e $e aici "unt f*arte bune. M $re-team " anun c*ntracte%e cu 7/Ee/ %a
urmt*area #nt%nire a B*n"i%iu%ui (e B*n(ucere. Ba"a Struan nu e4n $rime,(ie, nu4i a&aH
Din n*u r"u%.
4 .*bi%a Ba" e #nt*t(eauna #n $rime,(ie, biete. V*iam (*ar "4i (au un "fat 4 trebuie "
$%ec 4 tran"mite4i (ra-*"tea mea iui Maureen.
4 1i tu 3ene%*$eiC Bn( te )(H
4 Burn( C J " "un cn( $*t, tran"mite4i t*ate ce%e bune %ui Mac, cn( #% )e+i, $aC
3ier(ut #n -n(uri, @a)a%%an "e a&e+ $e mar-inea bir*u%ui. 8nt*t(eauna $rietenu% %ui "$unea
Mcurn( M &i a"ta $utea " #n"emne * %un "au un an, ba c2iar (*i ani. Sunt $e"te (*i ani (e cn( m4
am #nt%nit cu e% u%tima (at, #&i +i"e. 3cat c nu mai e tai$an. Mare $cat c "4a retra", (ar #n
(efiniti) t*i trebuie " ne "c2imbm "au " "c2imbm cte ce)a, *(at.
4 Mi4a a,un", !n(K, "$u"e"e Dunr*"". Ba"a Struan "t +(ra)n $e $ici*are, (eceniu% =70
$r*mite " fie * er f*rmi(abi% $entru e/tin(ere &i, ei bine, nu "e mai #ntm$% nimic $a%$itant.
!"ta "e $etrecu"e #n =70, ime(iat (u$ ce $rinci$a%u% "u ri)a%, Pui%%an @*rnt, tai$an a% Ba"ei
5*t2<e%%4@*rnt, "e #neca"e #ntr4un acci(ent nautic, #n %ar-u% c*a"tei S2a Ein, #n ;*n- 6*n-.
'm$eria% !irH @a)a%%an arunc * $ri)ire %a cea", "e #ntin"e (u$ te%ef*n, (ar "e *$ri cn(
au+i un ci*cnit u&*r #n u&.
Maureen #&i "trecur ca$u% #nuntru, %uminn(u4"e %a fa cn( #% )+u c nu )*rbe&te %a
te%ef*n.
4 !m c&ti-atC 21 %a 17C 7&ti *cu$atH
4 .u, intr, (ra-a mea.
4 .u $*t, trebuie " )( (ac e -ata cina. 3e"te +ece minuteH Dac )rei, $*i " #mi $%te&ti
acumC
7a r"e. J $rin"e #n brae &i * "trn"e %a $ie$t.
4 Du$ cinC 7&ti (at naibii, (*amn @a)a%%an.
4 Aun, " nu uii.
Se "imea bine #n brae%e %ui.
4 E*tu% e4n re-u% cu MacH
4 7ra 'an. ! "unat (in S2an-2ai " "$un M2e%%*M.
4 Iite a%t brbat (r-u. Bn( #% )e(emH
4 Burn(.
Din n*u r"e *(at cu e%, cu *c2ii ,ucu&i &i $ie%ea ca "$uma %a$te%ui.
Se #nt%ni"er $rima (at cu &a$te ani #n urm %a Ba"te%u% !)i"Kar(, un(e Da)i( McStruan,
tai$anu% (e atunci, ((ea ba%u% (e ;*-manaK. 7a a)ea (*u+eci &i *$t (e ani, abia (i)*ra"e &i n4
a)ea c*$ii. 9mbetu% ei #i "$u%bera"e $n+e%e (e $ian,en (in ca$ &i Sc*t &*$ti"e0
4 Eat, (ac n4* tr&ti $e aia %a a%tar, e&ti nebunC ?iica %ui, Me%an(a, "$u"e"e ace%a&i %ucru &i
a"tfe%, cu trei ani #n urm, fa$tu% "e $etrecu"e &i fiecare +i (e4atunci fu"e"e * +i fericit.
4 9ece minute, !n(KH 7&ti "i-urH
4 DaC Erebuie (*ar " (au un te%ef*n. @a)a%%an * )+u #ncruntn(u4"e &i a(u- iute0
4 3r*mit, (*ar unu%, &i4a$*i Qi%%iam $*ate " "e *cu$e (e e%eC
8i ((u un "rut fu-ar &i $%ec. @a)a%%an f*rm numru%.
8G
4 Aun "earaC 7 %iber "ir 3ercKH Sunt !n(re< @a)a%%an. Sir 3ercK Sme(%eK EaK%*r era
(irect*r a% Struan ;*%(in-", $ar%amentar &i can(i(at $r*babi% $entru Mini"teru% !$rrii 4 (ac
a)eau " c&ti-e c*n"er)at*rii urmt*are%e a%e-eri.
4 Sa%ut, !n(KC M bucur " te au(. Dac4i )*rba (e )nt*area (e "mbta )iit*are, mer-C
'art4m c nu i4am "$u" mai #nainte, (ar %ucruri%e au f*"t (e"tu% (e c*m$%icate cu ace"t a&a4numit
-u)ern care tr&te ara (e r$ 4 &i amrte%e a"tea (e "in(icate %a fe%, (ac &i4ar (a "eama.
4 !"ta cam a&a4iC Ee (eran,e+H
4 .u, eram $e $ici*r (e $%ecare. M (uc %a 3ar%ament $entru * &e(in (e n*a$te. .er*+ii
&tia )*r " ne "c*at (in .!EJ, $rintre a%te%e. Bum a ie&it %a te"te O G3H
4 S$%en(i(C Mai bine (ect +iceau ei. 7 ce% mai bun (in %ume.
4 Mi4ar $%cea "4% #ncerc &i eu, (ac4ai $utea aran,a. Be $*t face $entru tineH
4 !m au+it un +)*n c "4ar $re-ti #n tain * re*r-ani+are %a ni)e% #na%t a c*m$aniei im$eria%
!ir. !i au+it ce)aH
4 3entru Dumne+eu, btrneC !i ni&te c*ntacte a% (racu%ui (e buneC 7u am au+it c2e"tia abia
#n (u$4amia+a a"ta. Mi4a f*"t &*$tit #n mare "ecret (e * "ur" (e #ncre(ere a *$*+iiei. !% (racu%ui
(e curi*". .4a #n"emnat $rea mu%t $entru mine %a )remea aia. M #ntreb ce4au (e -n( H !i ce)a
c*ncret %e-at (e a"taH
4 .u, (*ar +)*nuriC
4 J " )erific. M4ntreb... m4ntreb (ac t%2arii &tia nu )*r " aran,e+e ca im$eria% " fie
nai*na%i+at *ficia% 4 &i (eci &i im$eria% ;e%ic*$ter", &i (eci tu &i t*at Marea .*r(u%uiH
4 Sfinte Dumne+eu%eC
8n-ri,*rarea %ui @a)a%%an cre"cu. @n(u% nu4i trecu"e $rin ca$.
4 !r $utea "4* fac (ac )*rH
4 Da, t*t att (e "im$%u $e ct * "$ui.
(UMINIC" 11 februarie 1979
CAPITOLUL 9
8n #m$re,urimi%e Aan(ar4e De%am4u%ui: *ra G, (imineaa. 7ra ime(iat (u$ r"ritu%
"*are%ui &i 5u(i ateri+a"e %a bun (i"tan (e $*(e, iar acum t*i $atru "tteau $e bu+a -r*$ii.
S*are%e (imineii era $%cut &i $n atunci nu "e i)i"e nici * $r*b%em. Din ea)a "$art #nc mai
cur-ea $etr*%, (ar fr $re"iune.
4 7 (*ar ce4a mai rma" $e ea)a, "$u"e 6Kabi. J " "e *$rea"c c*m$%et #ntr4* *r.
7ra un brbat cu tr"turi "e)ere, #n (e$%intatea ce%*r cinci+eci (e ani ai "i, $r*a"$t ra",
$urtn( *c2e%ari, * "a%*$et >a>i u+at &i * ca"c (e $r*tecie. Se uit nemu%umit #n ,ur. 3mntu%
era #mbibat cu $etr*%, iar mir*"u% &i -a+e%e ce "e (e-a,au, in"u$*rtabi%e.
4 8ntrea-a +*n e m*rta%.
J %u #naintea %*r ctre ma&ina r"turnat, #m$re,uru% ei +ceau trei ca(a)re r"ucite -r*te"c,
care #nce$u"er (e,a " mir*a".
4 !mat*ri, "$u"e 5u(i, a%un-n( mu&te%e. 7/$%*+ie $rematurH
6Kabi nu r"$un"e. B*b*ri "ub $*(e. 7ra (ifici% (e re"$irat ac*%*, (ar cercet +*na cu mu%t
atenie, a$*i urc #na$*i $e (rum.
4 !& +ice c ai (re$tate, 5u(iC
!runc * $ri)ire ctre ;u""ain, fr " i "e mi&te un mu&c2i (e $e fa.
4 !i )*&triH
Mu%%a2u% #&i (e"$rin"e *c2ii (e $e ma&in.
4 'mamu% n4a *r(*nat " "e "ab*te+e c*n(ucte%e (e $etr*%. !cea"ta e"te %ucrarea (u&mani%*r
'"%amu%ui.
4 Sunt mu%i (u&manii '"%amu%ui care $retn( a a"cu%ta (e 3r*fet, care i4au %uat cu)inte%e &i
%e4au r"t%mcit, tr(n(u4% $e 7% &i tr(n( '"%amu%, "$u"e amar 6Kabi.
4 !&a4i, &i !%%a2 * "4i af%e &i * "4i $e(e$"ea"c. Bn( 'ranu% * " fie c*n(u" (u$ %e-ea
'"%amu%ui, * "4i cutm &i * "4i $e(e$"im #n nume%e Lui.
87
Jc2ii ne-ri ai %ui ;u""ain erau %a fe% (e (uri.
4 Be $*i " faci ca " #m$ie(ici ri"i$a a"taH
Le trebui"er (*u *re ca " (e"c*$ere "$rtura. 9bura"er #n cercuri %a cte)a +eci (e metri,
u%uii (e cantitatea (e $etr*% ri"i$it care inun(a"e micu% ru i m%a&tini%e #m$re,muit*are &i, (u" (e
curent, a,un"e"e (e,a %a ci)a >i%*metri #n ,*"u% %ui. J m+- nea-r, -r*a", ac*$erea "u$rafaa
a$ei (in ma% #n ma%. De*cam(at numai un "in-ur "at "e af%a #n ca%ea "ini"tru%ui. La ci)a >i%*metri
"$re "u( "e mai af%au &i a%te%e. 5u% %e *ferea a$ (e but &i (e "$%at &i era #n ace%a&i tim$ %atrin.
4 Dai4i f*c ct mai re$e(eC
6Kabi arunc * $ri)ire ctre in-ineru% "u.
4 7iHC
4 Da, (a, (e"i-ur, (ar ce facem cu "atu%, 7/ce%enCH in-ineru% era un iranian ner)*", #ntre
(*u )r"te, care arunca $ri)iri ne%ini&tite mu%%a2u%ui.
4 7)acuai "tenii. S$unei4%e " $%ece ct )reme mai "unt #n "i-uran.
4 1i (ac "atu% ia f*cH #ntreb 5u(i.
4 'a f*c, e )*ia %ui !%%a2C
4 Da, "$u"e ;u""ain. Bum * "4i (ai f*cH
4 In c2ibrit ar face t*at treaba, (ar (e"i-ur c4ai ar(e &i tu.
6Kabi "e -n( i * )reme.
4 5u(i, ai $i"t*%u% VereK %a b*r(H
4 Da.
5u(i in"i"ta"e " ia $i"t*%u%, "$unn( c era ec2i$ament "$ecia% #n ca+ (e ur-en. E*i $i%*ii
#% "$ri,ini"er, (e&i &tiau c nu era e"enia%.
4 Bu $atru rac2ete (e "emna%i+are. Vrei "....
E*i $ri)ir ceru%, au+in( +-*m*tu% m*t*are%*r ce "e a$r*$iau. D*u a)i*ane (e )nt*are,
+burn( ,*" &i f*arte iute, "-etar $e (ea"u$ra %*r, #n(re$tn(u4"e ctre @*%f. 5u(i a$recie (irecia
ca fiin( (re$t "$re 62ar-. 7rau a)i*ane (e a"a%t &i )+u"e #n "u$*rturi%e (e "ub ari$i u&i%e aer4"*%. Jr
fi rac2ete%e a"tea $entru in"u%a 62ar-H "e #ntreb, "imin( c4% -tuie ce)a. !,un"e"e re)*%uia &i
ac*%* "au era (*ar un +b*r (e rutinH
4 Be cre+i, 5u(iH 62ar-H #ntreb 6Kabi.
4 8nc*%* e 62ar-, A*"", "$u"e 5u(i, ne)rn( " "e ame"tece. S4ar $utea " fie un +b*r (e
rutin. 7rau +eci (e (ec*%ri &i ateri+ri #n fiecare +i cn( m af%am ac*%*. Vrei " f*%*"e&ti rac2ete%e
ca " (ai f*cH
6Kabi abia4% au+i. ;aine%e #i erau #mbibate cu "u(*are, iar ci+me%e "$ecia%e $entru (e&ert "e
#nne-ri"er (in $ricina $etr*%u%ui care mu"tea $e"te t*t. Se -n(ea %a re)*%ta a)iat*ri%*r (e %a
D*"2an Ea$$e2. Dac cei (*i $i%*i "unt &i ei rebe%i &i atac in"u%a &i "ab*tea+ am$%a"amentu%
n*"tru (e ac*%*, "e -n(i a$r*a$e #necat (e furie &i fru"trare, 'ranu% "e #nt*arce #na$*i cu (*u+eci
(e ani.
Bn( 5u(i "*"i"e "4% ia, (e)reme #n +*ri, 6Kabi rm"e"e u%uit %a )e(erea mu%%a2u%ui.
Beru"e * e/$%icaie. Bn( mu%%a2u% "u"inu"e furi*" c 6Kabi ar fi trebuit " #nc2i( t*ate $uncte%e
(e %ucru &i " "e (ec%are ime(iat (e $artea %ui 62*meini, rm"e"e a$r*a$e fr -%a".
4 Dar a"ta4i re)*%uie, a"ta #n"eamn r+b*i ci)i%, "$u"e"e.
4 7 )*ia %ui !%%a2C 7&ti iranian, nu %ac2eu% "trini%*r. 'mamu% a $*runcit c*nfruntarea cu
f*re%e armate ca " %e "u$unem. Bu a,ut*ru% %ui !%%a2, #n cte)a +i%e )a %ua fiin $rima re$ub%ic cu
a(e)rat i"%amic (e $e 3mnt, (in +i%e%e 3r*fetu%ui 4 !%%a2 "4% binecu)nte+e 4 &i $n a+i.
6Kabi )*i"e " "$un ceea ce "$u"e"e (e mu%te *ri a%t*ra, #ntre $atru *c2i.M 7 un )i"
nebune"c, iar 62*meini a% tu e un maniac, un btrn "eni% mnat (e * )en(et $er"*na% #m$*tri)a
ce%*r (in fami%ia 3a2%a)i 4 5e+a 1a2, a crui $*%iie cre(e c i4ar fi uci" tat% &i M*2amme( 1a2, a
crui $*%iie "ecret cre(e c i4ar fi uci" fiu% #n 'ra>, acum ci)a ani. .u4i a%tce)a (ect un fanatic
#n-u"t %a minte, care )rea " ne a(uc $e n*i, $*$*ru% &i #n "$ecia% femei%e, #na$*i #n 7)u% Me(iu.
Dar nu "$u"e"e nimic (in t*ate a"tea mu%%a2u%ui, #n "c2imb "e f*ra"e "4&i #nt*arc -n(uri%e
#na$*i, a"u$ra $r*b%emei "atu%ui.
4 Dac "atu% ia f*c, $*t "4% rec*n"truia"c u&*r. Aunuri%e %*r "unt mai im$*rtante.
8&i a"cun"e ura.
4 !i $utea " ne a,ui (ac )rei, 7/ce%en. !& a$recia a"ta. 8ncearc " %e )*rbe&ti.
88
Stenii refu+ar " $%ece. 3entru a treia *ar 6Kabi %e art c f*cu% era "in-ura ca%e (e a %e
"a%)a a$a &i ce%e%a%te "ate.
!$*i %e )*rbi ;u""ain, (ar ei t*t nu )*ir " $%ece. S*"i )remea ru-ciunii (e amia+ &i
mu%%a2u% "e ru- #m$reun cu ei &i4i "ftui (in n*u " $r"ea"c rmuri%e ru%ui. Atrnii "e
c*n"u%tar #ntre ei &i r"$un"er0
4 7"te )*ia %ui !%%a2, n4* " $%ecm.
4 7 )*ia %ui !%%a2, #ncu)iin ;u""ain.
Se #nt*ar"e $e c%cie &i $%ec "$re e%ic*$ter. !teri+ar (in n*u #n a$r*$ierea $*(eu%ui.
!cum $etr*%u% abia "e "cur-ea (in ea)a, (*ar * (r #ntunecat.
4 5u(i, "$u"e 6Kabi, ia4* #n (irecia )ntu%ui ct $*i (e (e$arte &i tra-e * rac2et (e
"emna%i+are "$re $*(e, a$*i mai trnte&te una c2iar #n mi,%*cu% curentu%ui. 3* i "4* faciH
4 !& $utea #ncerca. .4am tra" nici*(at cu un $i"t*% VereK $n acum.
5u(i $*rni %i$in( ctre (e&ertu% $%in (e mrcini. Be%%a%t "e #nt*ar"e %a e%ic*$ter, $e care4%
$arca"e #n "i-uran %a * (i"tan a$reciabi%. Bn( "e af% #ntr4* $*+iie $*tri)it, $u"e cartu&u% -r*"
#n $i"t*%, inti &i a$" $e tr-aci. 5ecu%u% $i"t*%u%ui fu mai mare (ect "e a&te$ta"e. !me"tecu% (e
f*"f*r ar+n( tra" un $re%un- arc (e cerc, ,*", $e (ea"u$ra $mntu%ui, "e %*)i (e "*% mu%t $rea
a$r*a$e, ric*& r"ucin(u4"e &i c+u #n cr$tur. J c%i$ nu "e4ntm$% nimic, a$*i $mntu%
e/$%*( &i f*cu% i+bucni ctre #n%imi &i #n %turi, tran"f*rmn( ma&ina r"turnat #ntr4un ru-
funerar.
In(a (e &*c, (e aer "u$ra #ncin", #% #n)%ui, (ar trecu (e e% fr "4i $r*)*ace neca+uri.
?umu% #necci*", ne-ru, "e #n)*%bur ctre cer. ?*cu% #nce$u " "e #ntin(, -*nin( #n ,*"u% ru%ui.
! (*ua rac2et r*&ie "e #n% #ntr4un arc #na%t, a$*i "e $rbu&i #n ru. 5u% %u f*c. tiur
mai mu%t (u$ "unet, (ar, $e cn( "e af%au #n aer tra)er"n( $ru% #n (irecia )ntu%ui, )+ur
f*cu% r"$n(in(u4"e cu )ite+ #n ,*"u% ru%ui. .*ri #ntin&i (e fum ne-ru marcau (rumu%. Ln- "at
#nce$ur (in n*u " "e r*tea"c. Arbai, femei &i c*$ii fu-eau cu ceea ce $utu"er a$uca %a iuea%.
#n tim$ ce $ri)eau, "atu% ar"e $n %a teme%ii.
Bei $atru brbai "e #n(re$tar "$re ca".
3entru 6Kabi, ca"a era "e(iu% 'ran Ji%, c2iar %a mar-inea !2<a+u%ui, un c*m$%e/ curat &i
#n-ri,it, cu c%(iri a%be (in bet*n, cu $e%u+e bine u(ate &i * $i"t (e ateri+are $entru e%ic*$tere, t*ate
#nc*n,urate (e un -ar( #na%t.
4 Mu%ume"c, 5u(i, "$u"e cu inim -rea.
8n ,uru% e%ic*$teru%ui "e af%a un ine% (e brbai #narmai care &ni"er (in a"cun+t*ri #n c%i$a
#n care ateri+a"er, "tri-n( &i ameninn( cu arme%e. 8n "$ate%e %ui 6Kabi, mu%%a2u% "e ,uca cu
&ira-u% (e mtnii.
6Kabi #&i (e"fcu centura (e "i-uran. 7 )*ia %ui !%%a2, #&i +i"e. !m fcut ce4am $utut, m4
am ru-at (u$ cu)iin &i &tiu c nu e a%t (umne+eu (ect !%%a2, iar Ma2*me( e"te 3r*fetu% Lui.
Bn( am " m*r, am " m*r b%e"temn( (u&manii %ui !%%a2 &i $e ce% af%at #n fruntea %*r, 62*meini,
3r*fetu% Mincin*", uci-a&, &i $e t*i cei care4% urmea+.
Se #nt*ar"e. 'n-ineru% era cenu&iu %a fa &i #n-2ea"e #n "caunu% %ui (in "$ate%e %ui ;u""ain.
4 !%%a2 " te ,u(ece, mu%%a2u%e. 6Kabi ie&i.
8% #m$u&car $e 6Kabi &i4% trr cu ei $e in-iner. !$*i, $entru c mu%%a2u% * ceru"e,
#n-(uir e%ic*$teru%ui " $%ece.
CAPITOLUL 1#
Aa+a aerian 6*<i"", *ra ,09 "eara. Manue%a trecea -rbit $rin curtea c*m$aniei S4@ ctre
c%(irea cu un "in-ur eta, a bir*uri%*r, care "tr%ucea curat "ub "*are%e (u$4amie+ii, turnu% (e
tran"mi"iuni #n%n(u4"e (ea"u$ra ei ca un a% (*i%ea eta,. 3urta "a%*$et (e +b*r cu emb%ema S4@ $e
"$ate, iar $ru% ei r*&cat era #n-2e"uit #ntr4* &a$c (e +b*r cu c*+*r*c mare, (ar mer"u% ei tr(a (e
(e$arte feminitatea.
8n #nc$erea (e %a intrare "e af%au trei iranieni (in $er"*na%u% %*ca%. Se ri(icar $*%itic*&i &i4i
+mbir $ri)in(4* $e "ub -ene%e %un-i.
89
4 Aun +iua, 7/ce%en 3a)*u(C "$u"e ea #n far"i cu un +mbet. B$itanu% !Kre )rea " m
)a(H
4 Da, (*amn %a(K. 7/ce%ena "a e"te #n turn, "$u"e mai4mare%e funci*nari%*r. 3*t a)ea
*n*area (e4a ) #n"*iH
7a refu+, mu%umin(u4i, &i "e (e$rt #n %un-u% c*ri(*ru%ui $*rnin(, " urce "cara #n "$ira%
(e %a ca$tu% ace"tuia.
Bn( * )+u a,un" ac*%*, 3a)*u( "$u"e (i"$reuit*r0
4 7 "can(a%*" fe%u% #n care "e #m$unea+ #n faa n*a"tr. J face (*ar ca "4&i bat ,*c (e
n*iC
4 Mai ru ca * femeie (e "tra( (in Bartieru% Vec2i, 7/ce%enC "$u"e un a%tu%, %a fe% (e
(e+-u"tat. 3e !%%a2, (intre t*i necre(inci*&ii, americanii "unt cei mai ri &i #ntre ei, femei%e %*r, ce%e
mai re%e: iar a"ta, a"ta caut neca+u% cu %umnarea.
4 Baut un m(u%ar +(ra)n, iranian, "$u"e un brbat mrunt, "cr$inn(u4"e #ntre $ici*are.
3a)*u( a(u-0
4 !r trebui " $*arte c2a(*r, " "e ac*$ere &i " umb%e cu m*(e"tie. !ici "untem t*i brbai,
t*i am +mi"%it c*$ii. .e cre(e eunuciHC
4 !r trebui biciuit c ne bat,*c*re&te a&a. 3a)*u( "e "c*bi (e%icat #n na".
4 Bu a,ut*ru% %ui !%%a2, #n curn( * " fie 4 #n $ub%ic. E*i )*r trebui " "e "u$un %e-i%*r
i"%amice &i $e(e$"e%*r.
4 Se +ice c femei%e americane n4au $r ,*".
4 .u, nu4i a&a. D*ar c "e ra( ac*%*.
4 Bu $r "au fr, 7/ce%en &ef (e bir*u, mi4ar $%cea "4*4nfi- #n ea $n4ar #nce$e "
"c2e%%ie (e $%cere, "$u"e brbatu% mrunt &i r"e %a*%a%t cu cei%a%i.
4 A%e-u= %a (e brbat4"u * face #n fiecare n*a$te (e cn( a )enit a"ta aici. Jc2ii &efu%ui
"c%i$ir. '4am au+it -emn( n*a$tea.
!$rin"e * i-ar (e %a c2i&t*cu% ce%ei%a%te, a$*i "e ri(ic &i $ri)i afar $e ferea"tr. 3urta
*c2e%ari &i4&i mi,i *c2ii "$re cer $n cn( )+u e%ic*$teru% #n (e$rtare, %un( )ira,u% fina% (e
a$r*$iere. M*arte "trini%*r, #&i +i"e &i a(u- #n a(ncu% "uf%etu%ui0 &i m*arte %ui 62*meini &i
$ara+ii%*r %uiC Eria"c tu(e2ii &i 5e)*%uia Ma"e%*r.
Eurnu% era mic, cu fere"tre (e "tic% $e t*ate $ri%e &i bine ec2i$at. !ici fu"e"e ba+a %*r
$ermanent tim$ (e mu%i ani, a&a c S4@ a)u"e"e tim$u% " * (*te+e cu (i"$*+iti)e m*(erne $entru
+b*ru% $e *rice fe% (e)reme.
?re((K !Kre, $i%*t4&ef #n ab"ena %ui Star>e, a&te$ta.
4 ;OA face turu% fina%, t*cmai "$unea cn( Manue%a a,un"e "u". 7%...
4 J, minunat, #% #ntreru$"e ea fericit, #ncerca"er "4% c*ntacte+e $e Star>e t*at +iua, fr
"ucce".
4 .u4i face -ri,i, "$u"e"e !Kre, emit*are%e %*r "e (efectea+ (e"e*ri, ca &i a%e n*a"tre.
Bu * n*a$te #n urm, ime(iat (u$ c(erea #ntunericu%ui, "in-uru% %*r c*ntact fu"e"e "curtu%
ra$*rt a% %ui Star>e $rin care #i anuna c rmnea $e"te n*a$te %a Aan(ar4e De%am &i c a)ea " ia
%e-tura cu ei a"t+i.
4 8mi $are ru, Manue%a, (ar Du>e nu4i %a b*r(. Marc Dub(i" $i%*tea+.
4 S4a4ntm$%at )reun acci(entH i+bucni ea, "imin( c t*tu% "e4n)rte #n ,uru% ei. 7 rnitH
4 J, nuC .u ce)a (e -enu= "ta. Bn( am %uat %e-tura cu Marc, acum cte)a minute, a "$u"
c Du>e a rma" %a Aan(ar4e De%am &i i "4a "$u" " +b*are cu mu%%a2u% &i ec2i$a %ui $e (rumu% (e
#na$*iere. !"ta4i t*t.
4 7&ti "i-urH
4 Da, uite, "$u"e !Kre artn( afar $e ferea"tr, uite ac*%*C
7%ic*$teru% "e a$r*$ia c*rect (in"$re "*are. 8n "$ate%e %ui, munii 9a-r*" "e #n%au ctre cer.
Mai ,*" "e )e(eau c*&uri%e uria&ei rafinrii, "cui$n( (re%e (e fum a%e -a+e%*r (e e)acuare ce
ar(eau #ntruna. !$aratu% c*b*r# e/act #n centru% $%atf*rmei (e ateri+are .r.1.
4 ;OA, *$re"c m*t*are%e, "$u"e Marc Dub*i", $rin ra(i*.
4 8ne%e", ;OAC r"$un"e Ma""i% Eu-u%, *$erat*ru% (e "er)iciu (in turn, un $a%e"tinian, )ec2i
an-a,at a% c*m$aniei.
B*mut $e frec)ena $rinci$a% a ba+ei.
90
4 Aa+a, n4a)em nici * $a"re #n circuit acum. B*nfirm c ;VI &i ;B? "e )*r #nt*arce
#nainte (e a$u".
4 J>aK S4@.
Irm un m*ment (e tcere, a$*i $e $rinci$a%a frec)en a ba+ei au+ir * )*ce #ntr4* far"i
a"$r, tran"min( ce)a (in 20G. J inu a&a cam ,umtate (e minut, a$*i "e4ntreru$"e.
Ma""i% murmur0
4 'n"2a=!%%a2C
4 Bine (racu= a f*"t "taH #ntreb !Kre.
4 Mu%%a2u% ;u""ain, a-aC
4 Be (racu= a +i"H #ntreb !Kre, uitn( c Manue%a $utea " )*rbea"c far"i.
Ma""i% e+it. Manue%a #i r"$un"e, cu c2i$u% a%b ca )aru%0
4 Mu%%a2u% a "$u" M#n nume%e %ui !%%a2 &i #n nume%e furtunii %ui !%%a2, %*)iiCM. ! re$etat
t*ate a"tea mereu.
Se *$ri. De cea%a%t $arte a aer*$*rtu%ui "e au+ir $*cnete #nfun(ate (e arme. 8ntr4* c%i$,
!Kre %u micr*f*nu%0
4 Marc, a %a t*ur, )ite, imme(iatement, *r(*n e%, cu un accent e/ce%ent, a$*i #&i mi,i *c2ii
ctre ba+, af%at %a * ,umtate (e >i%*metru (e$rtare.
Din barci &neau *ameni, unii $urtn( arme. Bi)a c+ur, cci a%i *ameni %e ie&i"er #n
#ntm$inare. !Kre (e"c2i"e una (intre fere"tre ca " au( mai bine 4 "tri-te "%abe (e M!%%a24u
!>barrM, ame"tecate cu r$itu% #nfun(at a% arme%*r aut*mate.
4 Be4i a"taH %n- $*art, %n- $*arta $rinci$a%C "$u"e Manue%a.
Ma""i%, af%at #n "$ate%e ei, era %a fe% (e u%uit &i "$eriat. !)re a$uc bin*c%u% &i4% (u"e %a *c2i.
4 Sfinte Dumne+eu%e, ni&te "*%(ai au (e"c2i" f*cu% a"u$ra ba+ei mi%itare &i... ni&te cami*ane
atac $*arta... * ,umtat= (e (u+in... @r+i%e Ver+i &i mu%%a2i &i "*%(ai "ar (in e%e.
3e cana%u% (e emi"ie a% ba+ei "e au+i * )*ce "tri-n( #nfierbntat #n far"i. Eran"mi"ia fu
bru"c #ntreru$t, (in n*u.
Manue%a tra(u"e0
4 M #n nume%e %ui !%%a2, uci(ei t*i *fierii care "e *$un imamu%ui 62*meini &i %uai #n
"t$nire...M. 7 re)*%uieC
3ri)in( #n ,*", #% )+ur $e mu%%a2u% ;u""ain &i cei (*i #n"*it*ri cu ban(er*%e )er+i (n(
bu+na unu% $e"te ce%%a%t $e u&a e%ic*$teru%ui, cu arme%e4n mini. Mu%%a2u% #i fcu "emn %ui Dub*i"
" ia" (in car%in-, (ar $i%*tu% "e mu%umi " "cuture (in ca$ &i, artn( cu (e-etu% ctre $a%e%e
e%icei care "e4n)rteau (ea"u$ra, c*ntinu $r*ce(uri%e *$rire a m*t*ru%ui. ;u""ain e+it.
8n #ntrea-a +*n *cu$at (e S4@, %ucru% #nceta"e. Jamenii "e a$%eca"er $e fere"tre "au
ie&i"er $e tarmac &i rm"e"er ac*%* #n -ru$uri mici, tcute, $ri)in( $e"te cm$. 9-*m*tu%
f*curi%*r (e arm "e #ntei. Fee$u% &i cami*nu% ci"tern care trebuiau " ac*r(e a"i"ten e%ic*$teru%ui
"e *$ri"er &i e%e. 8n a$r*$iere, #n m*mentu% #n care "e fcu"er au+ite arme%e, ;u""ain c2em ,ee$u%
&i %" un *m " $+ea"c e%ic*$teru%. 1*feru% #% )+u )enin(, "ri (in ma&in &i * ru$"e %a fu-.
Mu%%a2u% b%e"tem &i urc #n ma&in, #n"*it (e unu% (intre *amenii "i cu ban(er*% )er(e, "e
a&e+ar $e %*curi%e (in fa, $*rnir m*t*ru% &i (emarar #n )ite+ $e (rumu% care %e-a ce%e (*u
terenuri (e +b*r, #n(re$tn(u4"e "$re barci%e (in (e$rtare.
Dub*i" urc "cri%e cte trei *(at. !)ea trei+eci &i &a"e (e ani, era #na%t &i "%bn*-, cu $r
ne-ru &i +mbet &mec2er $e c2i$. Se re$e+i ime(iat %a !Kre &i4i "trn"e mna.
4M*n Dieu, ce +iC ?re((K. 7u... Manue%aC J "rut $e amn(*i *bra,ii, $rietene&te.
4 Du>eH
4 74n re-u%, c2erieC S4a certat cu mu%%a2u%, care i4a "$u" c n4* " mai +b*are cu e%C Aan(ar4
e De%am nu e
Se *$ri, f*arte c*n&tient (e $re+ena %ui Ma""i%, #n care n4a)ea #ncre(ere.
4 Mi4ar $rin(e bine acum ce)a (e butC ;ai %a cantin, eiHC
.u a,un"er %a cantin. Marc #i c*n(u"e afar, #n umbra uneia (intre c%(iri, (e un(e $uteau
$ri)i #n "i-uran &i nu $uteau fi au+ii.
4 .4am cum " &tiu (e $artea cui e Ma""i%, nuH Sau c2iar &i cea mai mare $arte a
$er"*na%u%ui n*"tru 4 (ac mcar #&i (au "eama $e ce %ume "unt, "raciiC
91
De $artea cea%a%t a cm$u%ui "e au+i * e/$%*+ie $uternic. Dintr4una (in barci &nir
f%cri &i fumu% "e ri(ic #nc*%cin(u4"e..,
4 M*n DieuC J fi (e$*+itu% (e c*mbu"tibi%H
4 .u, (ar a$r*a$eC
!Kre era -r*+a) (e ne%ini&tit. !%t e/$%*+ie #i abtu atenia, a$*i, $rintre f*curi (e arm
"$*ra(ice, "e au+i bubuitura -rea, a(nc, a tunu%ui unui tanc.
Fee$u% #n care "e af%a mu%%a2u% (i"$ru"e #n "$ate%e barci%*r. Bami*ane%e mi%itare "e
*$ri"er %a #ntm$%are0 #n a$r*$ierea $*rii $rinci$a%e, "*%(aii &i @r+i%e Ver+i (i"$ru"er #n
2an-are &i barci. Bte)a tru$uri +ceau #n $raf.
Eanc2i&tii care $+eau c%(irea #n care "e af%a bir*u% c*man(antu%ui 3e"2a(i "e cu%ca"er $e
burt #n a$r*$ierea intrrii, cu arme%e $re-tite. !%ii a&te$tau %a fere"tre%e (e %a eta,. Inu% (intre ei
%" "4i "ca$e * rafa% (e $i"t*% aut*mat cn( * ,umtate (e (u+in (e infanteri&ti &i "*%(ai (in
?*re%e !eriene &nir %a atac $e"te (rum. J a%t rafa% &i fur cu t*ii m*ri, "au $e m*arte, "au
-ra) rnii. Inu% (intre cei rnii $*rni " "e tra"c "$re un a($*"t.
Eanc2i&tii #% %"ar " a,un- a$r*a$e $n ac*%*, a$*i #% ciuruir cu -%*ane.
Manue%a -emu &i amn(*i brbaii * %uar (e bra &i "e %i$ir mai mu%t (e $erete%e c%(irii.
4 74n re-u%, "$u"e ea. Marc, cn( "e4nt*arce Du>eH
4 5u(i "au Du>e * " "une %a n*a$te "au mine, -arante+ euC 3a" (e $r*b%emeC Le @ran(
Du>e e4n re-u%. M*n DieuC !cum a& bea ce)aC
!&te$tar * c%i$ ca f*curi%e (e arm " "e (*m*%ea"c.
4 ;ai(e, "$u"e !Kre. J " fim mai #n "i-uran #n bun-a%*<.
!%er-ar (e4a curme+i&u% $e%u+ei $n #ntr4unu% (in bun-a%*<uri%e $%cute care #nc*n,urau
-ar(uri%e )ruite &i -r(ina meticu%*" #n-ri,it. La 6*<i"" nu e/i"tau %*cuine $entru fami%i&ti. De
*bicei, (*i $i%*i #m$reau #ntre ei un bun-a%*< (e (*u camere.
Manue%a #i $r"i ca " a(uc (e but.
4 !cum "$une4mi ce "4a #ntm$%at cu a(e)rat, #ntreb #n &*a$t !Kre.
?rance+u% #i i"t*ri"i %a iuea% (e"$re atac, (e"$re 9ata>i &i (e"$re bra)ura %ui 5u(i.
4 Var+a aia btrn merit #ntr4a(e)r * me(a%ieC c*ntinu e% a(mirati), (ar a"cu%t, n*a$tea
trecut re)*%ui*narii au #m$u&cat unu% (intre %ucrt*rii n*&tri. L4au ,u(ecat i %4au #m$u&cat #n $atru
minute, acu+n(u4% c e fe(ain. 8n (imineaa a"ta, a%i tic%*&i %4au #m$u&cat $e 6Kabi.
!Kre fcu *c2ii mri.
4 Dar (e ceH
Dub*i" #i i"t*ri"i (e"$re "ab*ta,u% (e %a c*n(uct, a$*i a(u-0
4 Bn( 5u(i &i mu%%a2u% "4au #nt*r", 9ata>i i4a #n&irat $e t*i #n ,uru% %ui &i a "$u" c 6Kabi
fu"e"e #m$u&cat $e (re$t, c era, un "$ri,int*r a% 1a2u%ui, un "u$*rter a% Satanei americane &i
en-%e+e care "$*%ia+ (e ani (e +i%e 'ranu% &i, $rin urmare, un (u&man a% %ui !%%a2.
4 Sracu= A*""C B2ri"t*a"eC #mi $%cea -r*+a). 7ra un biat (e treabC
4 Da. 1i $e fa #m$*tri)a %ui 62*meini. 1i4acum tic%*&ii &tia au arme. .4am )+ut att (e
mu%te $u&ti $n acum. 1i "unt t*i "tu$i(e", "rii.
4 Dub*i" "e cri"$a.
4 Atrnu% Du>e a4nce$ut " ur%e #n far"i %a ei. !)u"e"e (e,a * c*nfruntare cu 9ata>i &i cu
mu%%a2u% #n n*a$tea trecut. .u &tim ce4a "$u", (ar atm*"fera "4a4m$uit, tic%*&ii au "rit $e e% &i4au
#nce$ut "4% %*)ea"c cu $ici*are%e &i " ur%e. Si-ur c am "rit cu t*ii, a$*i "4a au+it * rafa% (e
arm aut*mat &i4am #n-2eat 4 &i ei, $entru c era 5u(i0 %ua"e cum)a * arm (e %a unu% (intre ei. !
mai "c$at * rafa% #n aer. ! "tri-at0 ML"ai4% #n $ace "au ) *m*r $e t*iCM cu arma #n(re$tat ctre
9ata>i &i -ru$u% (e %n- Du>e. '4au (at (rumu%. Du$ ce i4a #n,urat 4 ma f*i, Rue% 2*mme 4 au c+ut
%a #ne%e-ere: ei trebuiau " ne %a"e #n $ace &i n*i #i %"am cu re)*%uia %*r: eu trebuia " +b*r cu
mu%%a2u% aici &i Du>e " rmn ac*%*, iar 5u(i #&i $"tra arma. '4a $u" $e 9ata>i &i $e mu%%a2 "
,ure $e !%%a2 c nu )*r ru$e #ne%e-erea, (ar t*t n4a& a)ea #ncre(ere #n ei. Mer(e, "unt t*i mer(e,
m*n amiC Da= 5u(i, 5u(i a f*"t fanta"tic, ar merita " fie france+ biatu= "ta. !m #ncercat "4i c2em
t*at +iua, (ar n4am $rimit nici un r"$un"...
De $artea cea%a%t a cm$u%ui, un tanc Benturi*n ie&i #n )ite+ (intre barci, "e r"uci #n
cm$ (e"c2i" &i $*rni $e "tra(a $rinci$a% (in faa Bartieru%ui @enera% a% ba+ei &i a $*$*tei
*fieri%*r. Se *$ri ac*%* cu m*t*are%e m*rmin(, -ra", turtit &i uci-t*r. Dea)a %un- a tunu%ui "e
92
ba%an"a cutn( * int: a$*i, $e nea&te$tate, &eni%e%e "e #n)rtir, tancu% "e r"uci #n ,uru% a/ei &i
tra"e, iar $r*iecti%u% (em*%a eta,u% un(e #&i a)ea c*%*ne%u% 3e"2a(i bir*uri%e.
!$rt*rii fur %uai $rin "ur$rin(ere (e nea&te$tata tr(are. Eancu% tra"e (in n*u. Auci
mari (e +i(rie +burar $rin aer &i ,umtate (e ac*$eri& "e $rbu&i. B%(irea #nce$u " ar(.
!tunci, (e %a $arteru% c%(irii &i (in $artea rma" (in eta,, * $%*aie (e -%*ane #n)%ui tancu%.
#n aceea&i c%i$, (*i (intre "*%(aii %*ia%i&ti atacar $rin u&a $rinci$a% cu -rena(e%e #n mini, %e
aruncar $rin (e"c2i+turi%e tancu%ui &i fu-ir "$re a($*"t. !mn(*i brbaii "e frn"er #n (*u
"ub rafa%a (e f*c aut*mat tra" (e $e"te (rum, (ar urm * e/$%*+ie teribi% #nuntru% tancu%ui &i
f%cri &i fum i+bucnir (in e%. Ba$acu% (e meta% a% ture%ei "ri #n "u" &i un *m #n f%cri #ncerc " "e
tra- afar. Eru$u% %ui fu a$r*a$e "eci*nat #n (*u (e -rin(ina (e -%*ane $*rnit (in c%(irea
(rmat.
Vntu% care btea (in"$re ba+ $urta cu e% un mir*" (e c*r(it, f%cri &i carne ar+n(.
At%ia c*ntinu mai bine (e * *r, a$*i %u "fr&it. S*are%e ce c*b*ra ctre a$u" arunc un
)% #n"n-erat $e"te #m$re,urimi &i $e"te m*rii &i muribun+ii ce +ceau #n cu$rin"u% ba+ei.
'n"urecia nu reu&i"e (in $ricin c c*%*ne%u% 3e"2a(i "au *fierii "i "u$eri*ri nu fu"e"er uci&i #n
cur"u% atacu%ui $rin "ur$rin(ere, $entru c (e $artea in"ur-eni%*r nu trecu"er #n(ea,un" (e mu%i
a)iat*ri "au infanteri&ti &i fiin( c a)u"e"er (e $artea %*r numai unu% (intre ce%e trei ec2i$a,e a%e
tancuri%*r.
3e"2a(i fu"e"e #n tancu% care c*n(u"e"e atacu% &i a$ra"e turnu% (e c*ntr*% &i c*municaii%e
ra(ar. !(una"e f*re%e %*ia%e &i c*n(u"e"e a"a%tu% necrut*r care4i +(r*bi"e $e re)*%ui*narii (in
2an-are &i (in barci. De #n(at ma,*ritatea ce%*r $re)+t*ri, ce%*r care "ttu"er (e*$arte, ne"i-uri
4 #n ace"t ca+, $i%*i &i infanteri&ti 4 "imin( c r"cu%aii erau $ier(ui, nu mai e+ita"er. 'me(iat &i
$%ini (e +e%, #&i (ec%ara"er ne#ncetata &i i"t*rica %*r cre(in $entru 3e"2a(i &i 1a2, ri(ica"er arme%e
aruncate &i %a fe% (e +e%*&i, #nce$u"er " tra- #n (u&man, #n nume%e %ui !%%a2, (ar $uini tr-eau cu
-n(u% (e a uci(e &i, (e&i 3e"2a(i * &tia, %" * ca%e (e "c$are (e"c2i" &i #n-(ui unei $ri (intre
atacat*ri " "ca$e $e ac*%*. Sin-uru% "u *r(in "ecret ctre cei mai (e #ncre(ere *ameni ai "i fu"e"e
MIci(ei4% $e mu%%a2u% ;u""ainM.
Dar, #ntr4un fe% "au a%tu%, ;u""ain reu&i " "ca$e.
4 !ici c*%*ne%u% 3e"2a(i, "e au+i $e frec)ena ba+ei, #n t*ate (ifu+*are%e. S4i mu%umim %ui
!%%a2 c (u&manu% e"te m*rt, $e m*arte "au ca$turat. Mu%ume"c tutur*r "*%(ai%*r %*ia%i. E*i
*fierii &i "*%(aii #i )*r ri(ica $e cei c+ui -%*ri*" "au $e cei care au murit #n(e$%inin( %ucrarea %ui
!%%a2 &i )*r ra$*rta numru% ace"t*ra 4 &i (e a"emenea &i ce% a% (u&mani%*r uci&i. D*ct*ri &i ca(re
me(ica%e, ac*r(ai a"i"ten tutur*r rnii%*r, fr (e*"ebireC !%%a2 e mare, !%%a2 e mareC 7"te
a$r*a$e )remea $entru ru-ciunea (e "ear. 8n n*a$tea acea"ta "unt mu%%a2 &i am " c*n(uc
ru-ciunea. Vei $artici$a cu t*ii ca " #i mu%umim %ui !%%a2.
8n bun-a%*<u% %ui Star>e, !Kre, Manue%a &i Dub*i" a"cu%tau c*municatu% %a 'nterc*m. 7a
i"$r)i (e tra(u" ce "$u"e"e c*%*ne%u% #n far"i. Se mai au+eau (*ar $ara+iii. In n*r (e fum atrna
(ea"u$ra ba+ei &i aeru% era -reu (e re"$irat (in $ricina mir*"u%ui. Bei (*i brbai beau cu #n-2iituri
mici )*(c cu "uc c*n"er)at (e $*rt*ca%e, iar ea "if*n. In ar+t*r $*rtabi% cu bute%ie #nc%+ea $%cut
#nc$erea.
4 7 curi*", "$u"e -n(it*are, #ncercn( "4&i fac cura, &i " nu "e -n(ea"c %a t*ate ace%e
m*ri "au %a Star>e care "e af%a #nc %a Aan(ar4e De%am, e curi*" c 3e"2a(i n4a terminat cu Mtria"c
1a2u%M. Suntei "i-uri c $entru e% a"ta e * )ict*rieH Erebuie c e m*rt (e fricC
4 !& fi &i eu, "$u"e !KreC 7...
Ere"rir cu t*ii cn( "un interf*nu%.
4 !%*C
4 !ici mai*ru% B2an-i+C !, c$itane !Kre, au )enit &i $e4ac*%*H Be "4a4ntm$%at $e %a )*iH
4 .imic, nici un in"ur-ent n4a (at $e4aici.
4 S%)it fie !%%a2C 7ram cu t*ii #n-ri,*rai (e "i-urana )*a"tr. Suntei "i-uri c n4a)ei nici
un fe% (e m*ri "au rniiH
4 .ici unu%, (in cte &tiu euC
4 S4i mu%umim %ui !%%a2C .*i a)em * -rma(C Din fericire, nici un (u&man nu4i rnit.
4 .ici unu%H
93
4 .ici unu%. .4ai " te "u$eri (ac a& +ice " nu ra$*rte+i "au 4 " $*)e"te&ti (e"$re inci(entu%
"ta nimnui, $rin ra(i*H .imnui, c$itaneC Strict "ecret, #ne%e-iH
4 7 %im$e(e.
4 Aun, te r*- a"cu%t $e frec)ena ba+ei n*a"tre &i, $entru mai mu%t "i-uran, n*i * "
a"cu%tm $e a )*a"tr. Ee r*-.
4 .u f*%*"i emit*ru% (ect (u$ ce ne4ai anunat &i numai #n ca+ (e ur-en.
!Kre "imi c i "e urc "n-e%e #n *bra+, (ar nu "$u"e nimic.
4 Ee r*-, fii $re-tit $entru * #nt%nire cu c*%*ne%u% 3e"2a(i %a *ra (*u+eci4+er*4+er* 4 &i
acum trimite4% $e 7")an(iarK cu t*i cre(inci*&ii )*&tri %a ru-ciunea (e "ear. 'me(iatC
4 De"i-ur, (ar Aar*"anii... 7")an(iarK e4n c*nce(iu (e4* "$tmnC
7")an(iarK era mana-eru% "taiei.
4 ?*arte bineC Erimite re"tu% "ub c*n(ucerea %ui 3a)*u(. 'me(iat.
Ee%ef*nu%, muri. Le "$u"e ce%*r%a%i ce )*rbi"e, a$*i $%ec " anune &tiri%e. 8n turn, Ma""i%
era f*arte ne%ini&tit.
4 Dar, 7/ce%en, "unt (e "er)iciu $n %a a$u". Mai a)em (e $rimit #nc (*u (in
e%ic*$tere%e n*a"tre &i...
4 ! "$u" Mt*i cre(inci*&ii. De #n(atM. ;rtii%e ta%e "unt #n *r(ine, e&ti #n 'ran (e ani (e +i%e.
1tie c e&ti aici, a&a c mai bine " te (uci. D*ar (ac n4ai ce)a (e care " te temi.
4 .u, nu, nimicC
!Kre )+u br*b*ane (e "u(*are, a$rn( $e fruntea brbatu%ui.
4 .u4i face -ri,i, Ma""i%, * " m *cu$ eu (e biei. .u4i face -ri,i, * " "tau aici $n te4
nt*rci. .4* " (ure+eC
3re-ti (e n*a$te ce%e (*u e%ic*$tere 212, a&te$tn( (in ce #n ce mai nemu%umit, cci
Ma""i% #ntr+ia mai mu%t (ect ar fi trebuit. Ba "4i treac tim$u%, #ncerca"e " fac *r(ine $rin 2rtii
(ar renun, cci -n(uri%e #i erau tu%burate. Sin-uru% %ucru care4% mai #n)e"e%ea era c "*ia &i fiu% "e
af%au #n "i-uran #n !n-%ia, c2iar &i cu )remea "crb*a" (e ac*%*, cu furtuni%e, )i"c*%e%e, $%*i%e &i
fri-u% ne"uferit, cu #m$uite%e -re)e &i -u)ernu% %a nen*r*cit.
7mit*ru% "e tre+i %a )ia. !bia "e4ntuneca"e.
4 !%*, 6*<i""C !ici Mc')er, #n Ee2eran.
CAPITOLUL 11
Ee2eran, bir*uri%e S4@: *ra G,0 "eara. Mc')er "$u"e (in n*u0
4 !%*, 6*<i"", aici Mc')er, #n Ee2eran. M au+iiH
4 Ee2eran, aici 6*<i"". !&tea$t unu 4 un minut, #n ar-*u% %*r, $re"curtarea $entru MEe r*-
a&tea$t * c%i$M.
4 74n re-u%, ?re((K, "$u"e Mc')er &i a&e+ micr*f*nu% emit*ru%ui #na$*i $e ma".
7% &i E*m L*c2art, "*"it (e %a 9a-r*" #n (u$4amia+a aceea, "e af%au #n bir*u% "u (e %a
u%timu% eta, a% c%(irii care fu"e"e "e(iu% -enera% a% S4@ (e cn( #nce$u"e "4&i (e"f&*are
*$eraiuni%e #n 'ran, cu a$r*a$e +ece ani #nainte.
B%(irea a)ea $atru eta,e &i un ac*$eri& $%at, un(e @ennK #ncr*$i"e * -r(in #ncntt*are,
cu "caune, me"e &i -rtar, ferit cu $ara)ane (e $ri)iri%e curi*a"e.
@enera%u% Aeni4;a""an, $rietenu% %ui !n(re< @a)a%%an, rec*man(a"e c%(ur*" c%(irea.
4 D*ar ce4i mai bun $entru c*m$ania %ui !n(K @a)a%%an. 7 %*c $entru * ,umtate (e (u+in
(e *fieri, $reu% e re+*nabi%, a)ei %*c $e ac*$eri& $entru -enerat*ru% )*"tru &i antena ra(i*, "untei
#n a$r*$ierea aut*"tr+ii $rinci$a% care (uce %a aer*$*rt, ba+a e %a (i"tan c*n)enabi%, cartieru%
meu -enera% e (u$ c*%, $arcarea e mu%umit*are, 2*te%uri%e care *r " "e c*n"truia"c, %a fe%, &i uite
&i $iece (e re"i"tanceC
Mn(ru, -enera%u% #i arta"e %ui Mc')er t*a%eta. 7ra *bi&nuit &i nu $rea curat.
4 Be4i att (e "$ecia% #n a"taH #ntreba"e Mc')er u%uit.
4 7 "in-ura (in c%(ire. Be%e%a%te "unt fr "caun. D*ar * -aura #n $*(ea, (ea"u$ra unei e)i
(e "cur-ere, &i (ac nu e&ti *bi&nuit " "tai $e )ine, e * *$eraie c*m$%icat: (e fa$t e a% (racu%ui (e
94
ne$%cut, #n "$ecia% $entru (*amne, (e"$re care "e "$une c a%unec #n -aur cu re+u%tate f*arte
ne$%cute, "$u"e"e ,*)ia% -enera%u%.
7ra un brbat art*", f*arte )*inic, f*arte $re+entabi%.
4 3e"te t*t e a&aH
4 B2iar &i4n ce%e mai bune ca"e. Jriun(e, #n afar (e 2*te%uri%e m*(erne. Dac "tai &i te
-n(e&ti %a a"ta, Mac, "tatu% $e )ine e mai i-ienic. .ici * $arte "en"ibi% nu atin-e un c*r$ "trin. 1i
a$*i a"ta 4 -enera%u% arta"e un mic furtun atrnat (e r*binetu% t*a%etei. .*i f*%*"im a$a ca " ne
curm, #nt*t(eauna cu mna "tn-. !"ta4i mna $entru mur(rie, cea (rea$t e $entru mncare,
$entru care fa$t nici*(at " nu *feri ce)a cu "tn-a 4 e $r*a"t cre&tere. Mac. .ici*(at " nu
mnnci "au " bei cu mna "tn- #n %umea i"%amic. !$*i nu uita c ce%e mai mu%te t*a%ete nu au
furtune, a&a c trebuie " f*%*"e&ti a$ (intr4* -%eat 4 (ac "e4ntm$% " e/i"te )reuna. !&a cum
"$uneam, e * *$eraiune f*arte c*m$%icat, (ar e4un m*( (e )ia. !$r*$*, $rintre mu"u%mani nu
e/i"t "tn-aci.
Din n*u c2ic*titu% bine)*it*r.
4 Bei mai mu%i nu "e (e"curc bine (ect (ac "tau $e )ine, a&a "4au *bi&nuit mu&c2ii, a&a c
f*arte mu%i "tau a&a &i $e "caune%e (in ca"e%e (in )e"t, cn( "e u&urea+. Biu(at, nuH Da= (ac te
-n(e&ti, #n afara ce%*r mai mu%te (intre *ra&e &i c2iar &i #n ca(ru% %*r, #n cea mai mare $arte a !"iei,
a Jrientu%ui Mi,%*ciu, B2inei, 'n(iei, !fricii &i !mericii (e "u( nu e/i"t nici mcar a$ curent.
4 Dau un ban " &tiu ce -n( e&ti, Mac, "$u"e L*c2art. Bana(ianu% "ttea #n faa %ui, #ntr4un
&e+%*n- )ec2i, ca &i a% %ui. 8nc%+irea &i %umina funci*nau (in $%in, cu curent e%ectric (e %a $r*$riu%
-enerat*r. Mc')er m*rmi0
4 M -n(eam %a t*a%ete, nu4mi $%ace " "tau $e )ine. 1i afuri"ita a"ta (e a$C .u m $*t
*bi&nui cu e%e.
4 !cum nu m mai (eran,ea+, abia ba- (e "eam. .*i a&a a)em #n a$artamentu% n*"tru.
1e2ere+a(a +ice c * " a(uc * t*a%et M*cci(enta%M ac*%*, (ac )reau, ca (ar (e nunt, (ar i4am
"$u" c $*t " m (e"curc &i a&a. L*c2art +mbi "trmb. .u m mai (eran,ea+ acum, (a=, $entru
Dumne+eu, "ta a f*"t %ucru% care a "c*"4* (in mini $e Deir(re.
4 La fe% ca $e t*ate ne)e"te%e n*a"tre. 7 cea mai mare "uferin a %*r: $entru t*ate 4 &i $entru
@ennK. .u4i )ina mea, fir4a& " fiu, c cea mai mare $arte a %umii * face a&a.
S%a) D*mnu%ui c4a)em un "caun ca %umea #n a$artamentu% n*"truC @ennK ar fi #n "tare "
*m*are $entru a"ta.
Mc')er "e ,uc cu but*nu% am$%ificat*ru%ui (e %a emit*r.
4 ;ai, ?re((K, m*rmi.
3e $erei "e af%au mu%te 2ri, (ar nici * f*t*-rafie, (e&i "e *b"er)a urma (ec*%*rat a uneia
(at ,*" (e curn( 0 f*t*-rafia *b%i-at*rie a 1a2u%ui. !far, ceru% n*$ii era %uminat (e f*curi%e care
$unctau *ri+*ntu% *ra&u%ui #ntunecat, #n care nu "e +reau ca"e "au "tr+i %umin*a"e (ect ac*%*, %a
ei. ?*curi (e arm, $u&ti &i arme aut*mate, ame"tecate cu "unetu% *mni$re+ent a% *ra&u%ui 4 -%*ate%e
"tri-n( !%%a2224u !>barrrr... Difu+*ru% $rin"e )ia.
4 !ici 6*<i"", )*rbe&te c$itanu% !Kre. Ee au( tare &i %im$e(e, c$itane Mc')er.
!mn(*i brbaii tre"rir, iar L*c2art "e ri(ic #n $ici*are.
4 Be)a nu e4n re-u%, Mac0 nu $*ate " )*rbea"c (e"c2i", a"cu%t cine)a.
Mc')er a$" c*mutat*ru% emit*ru%ui.
4 ?aci $e *$erat*ru% ra(i*, ?re((K, "$u"e e% (e%iberat, ca " "e a"i-ure c nu "e #n&e%a, i *re
"u$%imentareH
4 S4a #ntm$%at " fiu aici, c$itane Mc')er.
4 E*tu% cinci cu cinciH
!"ta #n"emna "emna% ra(i* %a ma/im $utere "au, #n ,ar-*nu% $i%*i%*r, =E*tu% e #n re-u%M.
Du$ * $au+ (e%iberat, care "$unea MnuM, "e au+i0
4 Da, c$itane Mc')er.
4 Aine, c$itane !Kre, "$u"e Mc')er, ca "4% fac " #ne%ea- c $rice$u"e. D4mi4% $e
c$itanu% Star>e, te r*-.
4 8mi $are ru, "ir, nu $*t. B$itanu% Star>e e #nc %a Aan(ar4e De%am.
Mc')er +i"e ti*"0
4 Be caut ac*%*H
9
4 B$itanu% Lut+ i4a *r(*nat " "e *$rea"c &i a *r(*nat c$itanu%ui Dub*i" " termine +b*ru%
V'3 cerut (e 'ran Ji% &i a$r*bat (e (umneata.
Star>e reu&i"e " a,un- %a Ee2eran #nainte (e (ec*%are, ca " e/$%ice $r*b%ema cu mu%%a2u%
;u""ain %ui Mc')er.
!ce"ta a$r*ba"e +b*ru% #n m"ura #n care c*%*ne%u% 3e"2a(i era (e ac*r( cu e% &i #i ceru"e "
#% in %a curent.
4 !)i*nu% )a "*"i %a 6*<i"" mine, c$itane Mc')erH
4 7 $*"ibi%, (ar nu "e &tie nici*(at.
In F6 12 fu"e"e $r*-ramat $entru Ee2eran cu * +i #n urm, (ar (in $ricina in"ureciei care
cu$rin"e"e aer*$*rtu%, t*t traficu% "$re e% fu"e"e $r*)i+*riu amnat $n a (*ua +i, %uni.
4 .e "tr(uim " *binem a$r*barea $entru un +b*r (irect %a 6*<i"". Ereaba e4ncurcat (in
$ricin c "unt $uini c*ntr*%*ri mi%itari (e +b*r. !er*$*rtu% (e %a Ee2eran e"te... cum " "$un...
a-%*merat, a&a c nu $utem " "c*atem (e ac*%* $e nici unu% (intre ai n*&tri. S$une4i Manue%ei "
fie $re-tit #n ca+ c $rimim a$r*barea.
Mc')er "e "trmb, #ncercn( " 2*tra"c ce &i ct ar trebui " "$un (e"c2i", a$*i #% )+u
$e L*c2art fcn(u4i "emn.
4 La"4m $e mine, Mac, ?re((K )*rbe&te franu+e&te, #i "$u"e #n &*a$t.
Mc')er "e %umin %a fa &i "e a$%ec recun*"ct*r #nainte, #ntin+n(u4i micr*f*nu%.
4 7c*ute, ?re((K, #nce$u L*c2art #n france+a cana(ian $e care &tia c c2iar &i !Kre, a crui
france+ er e/ce%ent, a)ea (ificu%ti #n a * #ne%e-e, mar/i&tii, "$ri,inii (e in"ur-enii %ui
62*meini, "e $are c &i cu ce)a J73, t*t mai c*ntr*%ea+ !er*$*rtu% 'nternai*na% &i turnu%. Be% mai
im$*rtant +)*n (in n*a$tea a"ta e c "e $re-te&te * %*)itur, c $rimu% mini"tru a a$r*bat4*, c
tru$e%e "unt #n "fr&it #n mi&care #n Ee2eran, cu *r(ine " +(r*bea"c re)*%ta &i " tra- #n $%in. Be
$r*b%eme ai $e4ac*%*H Bu tine e4n re-u%H
4 Da, nu4i face -ri,i, #% au+ir re$%icn( a%u+i) #ntr4* france+ a"$r. Mi "4a *r(*nat " nu
"$un nimic, (ar $e4aici nu "unt #ntr4a(e)r $r*b%eme, $*i " fii "i-ur, #n" &tia a"cu%t. La 3uture% 4
$*rec%a %*r $entru Aan(ar4e De%am, un(e aeru% $utea #ntruna a $etr*% 4 =" * -rma( (e $r*b%eme &i
A*"" a f*"t trimi" Su" mai #nainte "4i )in )remea.
L*c2art fcu *c2ii mari.
4 6Kabi a f*"t #m$u&cat, m*rmi ctre Mc')er. 4...(a= m*& 5u(i are t*tu% "ub c*ntr*% &i Du>e
e4n re-u%. Mai bine ne4am *$ri aici, btrne, "e tra-e cu urec2ea.
4 8ne%e-. ?ii atent &i "$une4%e &i a%t*ra, (ac $*i, c n*i "untem bine. !(u- #n en-%e+,
fr " "c2imbe t*nu%0 1i re$et c * "4i trimitem ni&te mruni& $entru *amenii ti mine.
V*cea %ui !Kre c$t * n*t )e"e%.
4 9u, amiceH in)*%untar, L*c2art r"e.
4 9uC 3une $e cine)a (e "er)iciu $ermanent %a a$arat, &i * " te anunm (e cum $r*-re"m.
Di4% (au $e c$itanu% Mc')er (in n*u. 'n"2a=!%%a2.
8i #ntin"e micr*f*nu%.
4 B$itane, ai au+it ce)a (e Len-e2, ieri "au a+iH
4 .u, am #ncercat, (ar n4am $utut "4i c*ntactm. S4ar $utea " fie (in $ricina $ete%*r "*%are.
8ncerc (in n*u acum.
4 Mu%ume"cC Eran"mite4i "a%utri%e me%e c$itanu%ui Scra--er &i aminte&te4i c "$tmna
)iit*are trebuie " fac un c*ntr*% me(ica%. Mc')er +mbi "trmb, a$*i a(u-0 Ee r*- urmre&te "
m "une #n c%i$a #n care "e #nt*arce.
8nc2i"e a$aratu%. L*c2art #i re$et ce4i "$u"e"e !Kre &i #&i turn #nc un <2i">K.
4 1i mie, $entru Dumne+eu, "$u"e iritat Mc')er.
4 Dar Mac, tu...
4 .u #nce$e iar, f unu% mai "%abC
8n tim$ ce L*c2art turna, Mc')er "e ri(ic, "e (u"e %a ferea"tr &i $ri)i #n(e%un- afar, fr "
)a( nimic.
4 Srmanu% 6KabiC 7ra un *m bun, fr #n(*ia%. Aun $entru 'ran &i cin"tit cu n*i. De ce %4*r
fi uci"H .ebuniC
5u(i M*r(*nn(u4iM %ui Du>e &i %ui Marc. Be (racu= * fi #n"emnn( a"taHC
9G
4 7)i(ent, au a)ut neca+uri, (ar 5u(i a $re%uat c*ntr*%u%. ?re((K mi4ar fi "$u" (ac 5u(i n4ar
fi fcut4* 4 e f*arte a"cuit %a minte iar france+a %ui e bun, a&a c ar fi -"it * ca%e. ! a)ut (e"tu%
tim$, c2iar (ac MeiM a"cu%tau, *ricine (racu= *r fi MeiM, "$u"e L*c2art.
4 3*ate c a f*"t ca %a 9a-r*".
La 9a-r*", "tenii (in Na+(e> )eni"er #n +*ri, a (*ua +i (u$ #nt*arcerea %ui L*c2art (in
c*nce(iu. Mu%%a2u% "atu%ui $rimi"e *r(ine (e %a 62*meini " #ncea$ in"urecia #m$*tri)a
-u)ernu%ui %e-a% a% 1a2u%ui &i " ia c*ntr*%u% #n +*na "a. Mu%%a2u% "e n"cu"e #n "at &i era #ne%e$t ca
munii ac*$erii iarna (e +$a( &i acce"ibi%i (*ar cu mare (ificu%tate #n re"tu% anu%ui, iar &efu%
$*%iiei, #m$*tri)a cui trebuia " c*n(uc re)*%ta, era ne$*tu% %ui, iar .a"iri, mana-eru% ba+ei, (e
a"emenea unu% (intre cei )i+ai, era c"t*rit cu fiica "ur*rii "*iei "a%e, care acum %*cuia %a S2ira+.
B2iar mai im$*rtant (ect att, t*i erau -a%e+ani, un trib ne#n"emnat a% n*ma+i%*r 6a"2X>ai, care "e
a&e+a"er ac*%* cu "ec*%e #n urm, ca " a$ere acea mic #ntretiere (e (rumuri #n-u"te, iar &efu%
$*%iiei, $e care4% c2ema .itc2a> ;an, era #n ace%a&i tim$ >a%an(ar, &efu% a%e" a% tribu%ui.
Deci *mu% "e c*n"u%ta"e, (u$ cu)iin, cu .itc2a> ;an &i ;anu% fu"e"e (e ac*r( c trebuia
" aib %*c * re)*%t #m$*tri)a (u&manu%ui %*r ere(itar, 1a2u% 3a2%a)i, c, $entru a ce%ebra, re)*%ta,
t*i cei care (*reau $uteau " tra- cu arma ctre "te%e &i c, #n +*ri, )a c*n(uce cercetarea
trebuit*are (e %a aer*$*rtu% "trini%*r.
S*"i"er #n +*ri, #narmai, $n %a u%timu% *m (in "at. .itc2a> ;an nu mai $urta unif*rma (e
$*%iai, ci 2aine%e tribu%ui. 7ra mu%t mai "cun( (ect L*c2art, cu tru$ )n,*" (ar "u$%u, cu mini (e
fier &i $ici*are (e *e%, $urtn(u4&i cartu&iera trecut $e"te $ie$t &i $u&ca #n mini. 3rintr4*
#ne%e-ere $rea%abi%, %a cererea ;anu%ui, L*c2art, #n"*it (e Fean4Luc Se""*nne, %e ie&i #nainte %n-
ce%e (*u c*%*ane ri(icate %a re$e+ea% (in $ietre $u"e una $e"te cea%a%t, care "imb*%i+au $*arta
ba+ei. L*c2art "a%ut &i fu (e ac*r( c .itc2a> ;an a)ea ,uri"(icie a"u$ra ba+ei ce%e (*u m*rmane
(e $ietre fur *ficia% (rmate. Irmar "tri-te (e bucurie (e t*ate $ri%e &i "e tra"er mu%te f*curi
(e arm #n aer, a$*i .itc2a> ;an #i $re+ent un buc2et (e f%*ri %ui Fean4Luc Se""*nne, ca
re$re+entant a% ?ranei, mu%umin(u4i #n nume%e tutur*r -a%e+an4>a"2=>ai%*r $entru a($*"tu% &i
"$ri,inu% ac*r(at %ui 62*meini, care4i "c$a"e (e (u&manu% %*r, 1a2u% 3a2%a)i.
4 8i mu%umim %ui !%%a2 c ce% ce "4a numit "in-ur M5e-e%e 5e-i%*rM, care a cute+at
"acri%e-iu% (e a4&i %e-a "n-e%e (e ce% a% re-i%*r BKru" &i Dariu" ce% Mare 4 Mbrbai cura,*&i &i
mn(riM4 %umina arieni%*r, %ac2eu% (ia)*%i%*r "trini, a fu-it ca un fante b*it (in "eraiu% unui $a&
ira>ian.
Irmar bra)e cu)ntri (in $artea ambe%*r $ri &i #nce$u *"$u%, iar .itc2a> ;an cu
mu%%a2u% a%turi, #% ru-a"e $e E*m L*c2art, &efu% tribu%ui "trini%*r (e %a 9a-r*" Erei, "4&i
(e"f&*are acti)itatea "ub n*u% re-im ca &i $n atunci, iar L*c2art #ncu)iina"e -ra).
4 S "$erm c 5u(i &i *amenii %ui "unt %a fe% (e n*r*c*&i ca tine %a 9a-r*", E*m.
Mc')er "e #nt*ar"e ctre ferea"tr, &tiin( c nu $utea face nimic ca "4i a,ute.
4 Lucruri%e "e4nrute"c (in ce #n ce mai mu%t, m*rmi.
Ici(erea %ui 6Kabi e un %ucru -r*a+nic &i un "emn f*arte $r*"t $entru n*i, "e -n(i. Bum
(racu= $*t "4* "c*t $e @ennK (in Ee2eran &i un(e (racu4i B2ar%ieH
.u au+i"er (e 3eti>in (e cn( $%eca"e, cu * +i #n urm, (imineaa, (in Eabri+. De %a
$er"*na%u% (e "*% (e %a @a%e- M*r-rii $rimi"er ra$*arte #ncurcate 4 c 3eti>in fu"e"e r$it &i *b%i-at
" +b*are cu Mtrei $er"*ane necun*"cuteM, "au c Mtrei $i%*i (in a)iaia mi%itar (eturna"er
e%ic*$teru% &i +bura"er "$re -raniM, "au c Mcei trei $a"a-eri erau *fieri "u$eri*ri care fu-eau (in
arM. De ce trei $a"a-eri #n fiecare $*)e"teH "e #ntreba"e Mc')er. 1tia c 3eti>in trebuia " fi a,un"
%a aer*(r*m #n "i-uran, $entru c ma&ina %ui era #nc ac*%*, (e&i ,efuit, cu re+er)*ru% -*%it &i
ra(i*u% "mu%". Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i, un(e ar fi trebuit " a%imente+e, tcea &i Eabri+u% nu fu"e"e
nici*(at #n btaia emit*ru%ui. 8n,ur #n &*a$t.
!)u"e"e * +i -rea. 8% 2rui"er ne#ncetat cre(it*rii furi*&i, te%ef*ane%e nu %ucra"er, te%e/u%
"e b%*ca"e &i fu"e"er nece"are *re #n &ir ca " fie re$u" #n funciune, &i #nt%nirea %ui (e %a $rn+ cu
-enera%u% Va%i>, care, a&a cum $r*mi"e"e @a)a%%an, ar fi trebuit " #i furni+e+e "$tmna% bani
%ic2i+i, fu"e"e un (e+a"tru.
4 De #n(at ce bnci%e "e (e"c2i(, * " $%tim t*t ceea ce (at*rm.
4 3entru Dumne+eu, "$ui c2e"tia a"ta (e "$tmniC c*menta"e rece Mc')er. !m ne)*ie (e
bani acumC
97
4 E*i a)em ne)*ie, &uiera"e -enera%u% tremurn( (e furie, (ar f*arte c*n&tient (e an-a,aii
"i iranieni (in ce%%a%t bir*u, care cu "i-uran tr-eau cu urec2ea. Suntem #n $%in r+b*i ci)i% &i nu
$*t (e"c2i(e bnci%e.
7ra un brbat rubic*n(, $e ca%e (e a c2e%i, cu $ie%ea #nc2i" %a cu%*are, f*"t -enera% (e
armat, $urtn( un c*"tum "cum$ &i un cea" %a fe% (e "cum$. B*b*r"e -%a"u% &i mai mu%t.
4 Dac n4ar fi f*"t i(i*ii (e americani care %4au tr(at $e 1a2 &i %4au c*n)in" " #n-r(ea"c
$uteri%e -%*ri*a"e%*r n*a"tre armate, nu ne4am af%a #n ra2atu% "ta.
4 Sunt en-%e+, a&a4cum bine &tii, &i )4ai b-at "in-uri #n ra2at.
4 7n-%e+i, americani, care4i (iferenaH 7 numai )ina )*a"trC '4ai tr(at amn(*i $e 1a2 &i
'ranu% &i4acum trebuie " $%tii $entru a"ta.
4 Bu ceH #ntreb Mc')er acru. !)ei t*i banii n*&tri.
4 Dac n4ar fi f*"t $artenerii )*&tri iranieni, eu #n "$ecia%, n4ai a)ea nici un ban. !n(K nu "e
$%n-e. !m $rimit un te%e/ (e %a re"$ectatu% meu c*%e-, -enera%u% Fa)a(a2, c !n(K a "emnat
"$tmna a"ta n*u% c*ntract cu @uerneK.
4 !n(K mi4a "$u" c a $rimit un te%e/ (e %a (umneata $rin care i4ai c*nfirmat c ai $r*mi" c
ai " ne a"i-uri t*ate %ic2i(iti%e.
4 !m $r*mi" c am "4ncerc.
@enera%u% fcu un ef*rt "4&i (*m*%ea"c mnia fiin( c a)ea ne)*ie (e c**$erarea %ui
Mc')er. 8&i tam$*n fruntea &i #&i (e"c2i"e "er)ieta. 7ra $%in *c2i cu ria%i #n bancn*te mari, (ar inu
ca$acu% #n a&a fe% #nct %ui Mc')er #i fu cu ne$utin " )a( #nuntru, a$*i "c*a"e un mic $ac2et (e
bancn*te, #nc2i+n(4* re$e(e. .umr f*arte *"tentati) cinci "ute (e mii (e ria%i 4 a$r*/imati) &a"e
mii (e (*%ari.
4 Iite, "$u"e cu mu%t emfa+, $unn( ria%ii $e ma" &i %un( re"tu% (e bancn*te. S$tmna
)iit*are, "au eu "au unu% (intre c*%e-ii mei, * "4i mai a(uc. D4mi * c2itan, te r*-.
4 Mu%ume"c. Mc')er "emn c2itana.
4 Bn( $utem "...
4 S$tmna )iit*are, (ac bnci%e "e (e"c2i(, $utem aran,a t*tu%. 8nt*t(eauna ne inem
cu)ntu%. 8nt*t(eauna. .4am aran,at n*i c*ntracte%e @uerneKC
Va%i> "e a$%ec "$re e% &i4&i c*b*r# &i mai mu%t -%a"u%.
4 !cum, a& )rea * cur" "$ecia%. Mine )reau un 212, care " (ec*%e+e #n cur"u% (imineii.
4 Ba " mear- un(eH
4 Erebuie " c*ntr*%e+ une%e (intre faci%iti%e n*a"tre %a !ba(an, "$u"e Va%i>, &i Mc')er
b- (e "eam "u(*area ce4i ac*$erea c2i$u%.
4 1i cum * " *binem a$r*bri%e nece"are, -enera%eH Bu t*t "$aiu% )*"tru aerian c*ntr*%at
(e mi%itari...
4 La" a$r*bri%e, (*ar...
4 Dac nu a)em un $%an (e +b*r, a$r*bat #n $rea%abi% (e mi%itari, +b*ru% e i%e-a%C
4 3*i #nt*t(eauna " "$ui c ai cerut $ermi"iunea &i c i "4a (at )erba%. Be4i att (e -reuH
4 Mai #nti e"te #m$*tri)a %e-i%*r iraniene, (*mnu%e -enera%, %e-i%*r )*a"treC !% (*i%ea, c2iar
(ac ni "e #n-(uie )erba% &i a$arate%e "e ri(ic #n aer, t*t trebuie " (ai urmt*ru%ui c*ntr*%*r (e
trafic aerian numru% (e #nre-i"trare. E*ate a$arate%e "unt #nre-i"trate %a Bartieru% @enera% a%
!)iaiei &i "unt mai "en"ibi%i #n $ri)ina e%ic*$tere%*r (ect ci)i%ii. 1i (ac n4ai un a"tfe% (e numr
c*ntr*%*ru% * " +ic0 M3un=te ,*" %a ba+a mi%itar urmt*are &i $re+int4te %a turnM. 1i cn( ateri+e+i,
*r " te $rimea"c f*arte iritai 4 &i $e bun (re$tate 4 cu -r+i #narmate, a$aratu% meu * " fie
reinut, iar $a"a-erii &i ec2i$a,u% aruncai #n #nc2i"*are.
4 !tunci, -"e&te * ca%eC 7 un +b*r f*arte im$*rtantC B*ntracte%e @uerneK (e$in( (e e%. .u
trebuie (ect " ai a$aratu% -ata %a *ra n*u, " +icem %a @a%e- M*r-2i.
4 De ce ac*%*H De ce nu %a !er*$*rtu% internai*na%H
4 7 mai c*n)enabi% &i mai %ini&tit ac*%*.
Mc')er "e #ncrunt. Va%i> a)ea (e"i-ur aut*ritatea " cear &i " aut*ri+e+e un a"tfe% (e +b*r.
4 ?*arte bine, am " #ncerc.
Era"e $ac2etu% (e f*rmu%are (e +b*r #n a%b, b-n( (e "eam c u%tima c*$ie "e referea %a
+b*ru% %ui 3eti>in %a Eabri+, &i ne%ini&tea %ui cre"cu (in n*u. In(e (racu= * fi "ta acumH La rubrica
M$a"a-eriM #% trecu $e -enera%u% Va%i>, $re&e(inte%e ';B, &i i4% ((u.
98
4 Ee r*-, "emnea+ ca $er"*an aut*ri+at. Va%i> #m$in"e #na$*i f*rmu%aru%.
4 .u e ne)*ie " fie trecut nume%e meu aici 4 "crie (*ar $atru $a"a-eri 4 *r " m4n"*ea"c
"*ia mea &i cei (*i c*$ii 4 &i ce)a ba-a,e. J " "tm * "$tmn %a !ba(an, a$*i ne4nt*arcem.
3re-te&te (*ar un 212 %a n*u (imineaa, %a @a%e- M*r-2i.
4 'art4m, -enera%e, (ar $e aut*ri+aie trebuie trecute nume, a%tfe% a)iaia n4* " acce$te
$%anu% (e +b*r. E*i $a"a-erii trebuie trecui cu nume%e %*r. !m " cer a$r*barea, (ar nu4mi fac $rea
mari "$erane.
Mc')er #nce$u " a(au-e &i a%te nume.
4 .u, "tai, nu4i ne)*ie " treci nume%e n*a"tre, "crie (*ar c ace"t +b*r e nece"ar ca " trimii
$ie"e (e "c2imb %a !ba(an. ?r #n(*ia% c "unt $ie"e (e "c2imb $e care trebuie " %e trimii ac*%*.
Su(*area i "e a(una"e br*b*ane $e c2i$.
4 8n re-u%, (ar mai #nti "emnea+ %a Maut*ritiM &i trece nume%e tutur*r $a"a-eri%*r &i
(e"tinaia.
@enera%u% "e #nr*&i"e %a fa.
4 !ran,ea+ a"ta fr " m ame"teci $e mine. !cumC
4 .u $*tC
Mc')er "e ener)a"e %a fe% (e mu%t.
4 5e$et0 mi%itarii *r " )rea " &tie t*tu% (e"$re cine &i un(e. !cum "unt %a fe% (e in"i"teni ca
narii. J " ne tre+im cu mai mu%te #ntrebri (ect (e *bicei, $entru c (e "$tmni #ntre-i n4am
a)ut nici un +b*r #n (irecia aia.
Ee2eranu% nu4i ca #n "u(, un(e +burm t*at +iua.
4 !"ta e un +b*r "$ecia% $entru $ie"e (e "c2imb. 3ur &i "im$%uC
4 .u4i (e%*c "im$%uC Santine%e%e (e %a @a%e- M*r-2i n4*r " te %a"e " te urci %a b*r( fr
(*cumente &i nici turnu% (e c*ntr*%. Jr " te )a( urcn( %a b*r(, $entru Dumne+euC Mc')er #%
$ri)i"e e/a"$erat. De ce nu aran,e+i a$r*barea (umneata #n"ui, (*mnu%e -enera%H !i ce%e mai bune
%e-turi #n 'ran, ai "$u" a"ta %im$e(e (e attea *ri. 3entru (umneata ar trebui " fie "im$%u.
4 E*ate a$arate%e "unt a%e n*a"tre, "unt $r*$rietatea n*a"tr, a n*a"trC
4 Da, (e"i-ur, "$u"e"e %a fe% (e ner)*" Mc')er, (a= cn( * " %e ac2itai. .e (at*rai a$r*a$e
$atru mi%i*ane (e (*%ari, $%i re"tante. Dac )rei " mer-ei %a !ba(an, a"ta4i treaba )*a"tr, (a=
(ac ) $rin( fcn(4* #ntr4un e%ic*$ter S4@, cu (*cumente fa%"e 4 $e care eu trebuie " %e
c*ntra"emne+ 4 * " ) tre+ii #n #nc2i"*are, %a*%a%t cu #ntrea-a fami%ie, cu mine &i cu $i%*tu%, *r "4
mi c*nfi&te a$aratu% &i4* " ne #nc2i( firma $e )eci.
.umai -n(u% %a #nc2i"*are #i fcea -rea. Dac era a(e)rat numai a +ecea $arte, (in ce%e
ce "e "$uneau (e"$re S!V!6 &i #nc2i"*ri%e iraniene, nu era un %*c $e un(e " )rei treci.
Va%i> #&i #n-2ii"e mnia. Se a&e+a"e &i ab*r(a"e un +mbet b*%na).
4 .u4i ne)*ie " ne certm, Mac. !m trecut $rin $rea mu%te #m$reun. !m " fac " merite
treaba a"ta. 7iHC 1i $entru tine &i $entru $i%*t. De"c2i"e "er)ieta. 7iHC D*u"$re+ece mi%i*ane (e
ria%i. 3entru )*i (*i.
Mc')er $ri)i"e banii fr " c%i$ea"c. D*u"$re+ece mi%i*ane #n"emnau cam * "ut
cinci+eci (e mii (e (*%ari, e"te * "ut (e mii (e %ire "ter%ine. Scutura"e (in ca$, ameit4 ime(iat Va%i>
"$u"e"e0
4 74n re-u%, (*u"$re+ece mi%i*ane fiecare. 1i c2e%tuie%i%e.
4 Fumtate acum, ,umtate 4 cn( * " fim #n "i-uran %a aer*$*rtu% (in 6u<eit. 7iHC
Mc')er fu"e"e +-u(uit. .u numai (in $ricina bani%*r, (ar "i $entru c Va%i> "$u"e"e $e fa
M6u<eitM, ceea ce e% "u"$ecta"e, (ar nu #n(r+ni"e " -n(ea"c. 7ra * #nt*arcere cu * "ut *$t+eci
(e -ra(e faa (e t*t ce "$unea (e %uni (e +i%e -enera%u%. De %uni #ntre-i fcea mu%t $ara( (e"$re
cum * " +(r*bea"c 1a2u% *$*+iia, a$*i $e 62*meini.
B2iar &i (u$ $%ecarea incre(ibi% a 1a2u%ui &i u%uit*area #nt*arcere a %ui 62*meini #n 'ran 4
Dumne+eu%e, "4antm$%at cu numai +ece +i%e #n urmC 4 "$u"e"e (e +eci (e *ri c nu e/i"t nici un
m*ti) (e team, fiin( c Aa>2tiar &i -enera%ii Statu%ui Ma,*r im$eria% (ein ba%ana $uterii &i n4au "
#n-(uie nici*(at Mace"tei re)*%uii a %ui 62*meini, (e fa$t re)*%uie c*muni"tM " i+butea"c. 1i
nici State%e Inite n4a)eau "4* #n-(uie. .ici*(atC La )remea $*tri)it, armata a)ea " $reia
$uterea. Va%i> re$eta"e a"ta f*arte "i-ur $e e% abia cu * +i #n urm, a(u-n( c au+i"e c (in
m*ment #n m*ment, armata a)ea " fac * mi&care (e f*r &i c #nbu&irea (e ctre .emurit*ri a
99
micii r"c*a%e a a)iat*ri%*r (e %a D*"2an Ea$$e2 era $rimu% "emn, Mc')er #&i (e"$rin"e"e $ri)irea
(e %a bani &i "e uita"e #n *c2ii *mu%ui.
4 Be &tii (umneata &i eu nuH
4 De"$re ce )*rbe&tiH #nce$u"e " "e b%bie ace"ta. 7u nu &tiu...
4 S4a4ntm$%at ce)a. Be anumeH
4 Erebuie " ie" (e aici cu fami%ia, "$u"e"e -enera%u% cu (i"$erare #n -%a". Se au( +)*nuri
-r*a+nice. L*)itur (e "tat "au r+b*i ci)i%, 62*meini "au nu, "untem #n"emnai, #ne%e-iH 7 fami%ia
mea, Mac, trebuie " ie" (e4aici $n "e %ini&te"c %ucruri%e. D*u"$re+ece mi%i*ane fiecare, eiHC
4 Be +)*nuriH
4 9)*nuriC Va%i> a$r*a$e "cui$a"e cu)inte%e. Jbin a$r*barea *ricumC 3%te"c #nainte.
4 Jrict (e mu%i bani ai " *feri, n4am "4* fac. Erebuie " fie ce)a %e-a%.
4 D*bit*c i$*critC Le-a%CH Bum *$ere+i (e atia ani #n 'ranH Bu $e&c2e&uriC Bt ai $%tit tu
#n"ui $e "ub mnaH Sau )ame&i%*rH 3e&c2e&uriC Bum cre+i c *binem c*ntracte%eH 7iCH B*ntracte%e
@uerneK. Bu $e&c2e&uriC 3unn( #n tcere bani numrai #n $a%me%e $*tri)ite. 7&ti att (e $r*"t #nct
nu #ne%e-i care "unt ci%e iranieneH
Mc')er "$u"e"e %a fe% (e #ntunecat0
4 1tiu cum e cu $e&c2e&u%, nu "unt $r*"t &i &tiu c 'ranu% are ci%e "a%e. J, (a, 'ranu% are ci%e
"a%e. 5"$un"u% e nu.
4 !tunci "n-e%e c*$ii%*r mei &i a% "*iei me%e * "4i $te+e mini%e. 1i a% meu.
4 De"$re ce )*rbe&tiH
4 Di4e team (e a(e)rH
Mc')er "e 2*%ba"e %a e%. S*ia &i cei (*i c*$ii ai %ui Va%i> erau fa)*riii %ui &i4ai %ui @ennK.
4 De ce e&ti att (e "i-urH
4 !m un )r #n $*%iie. ! )+ut * %i"t "ecret a S!V!6. 3*imine trebuie " fiu are"tat,
#m$reun cu mu%te a%te $er"*na%iti $r*eminente, ca * c*nce"ie fcut *$*+iiei. 8m$reun cu
fami%ia mea. 1i &tii cum "unt #n "tare " trate+e femei%e &i c*$iii #n faa...
Bu)inte%e %ui Va%i> "e $ier(u"er. !$rarea %ui Mc')er "e nrui"e. !u+i"er cu t*ii +)*nuri
*ribi%e (e"$re t*rturarea "*ii%*r &i c*$ii%*r #n faa ce%*r are"tai, $entru a4i f*ra " acce$te ce %i "e
cerea, "au $ur &i "im$%u (in amu+ament, (in rutate.
4 74n re-u%, "$u"e"e ne$utinci*", "imin(u4"e cum$%it, &tiin( c fu"e"e #nc*%it. !m "
#ncerc, (ar nu te a&te$ta " $rime&ti a$r*barea "i n4ar trebui " te (uci #n "u(, "$re !ba(an. Be% mai
bine ar fi " #ncerci "$re Eurcia. 3*ate am $utea " te (ucem $n %a Eabri+, &i (e4ac*%* ai $utea "
$%te&ti $e cine)a " te treac $e"te -rani cu un cami*n.
Erebuie c ai $rieteni ac*%*. 1i nu $*i " te urci %a @a%e- M*r-2i0 n4ai cum " te "trec*ri %a
b*r( cu !nn*u"2 &i c*$iii &i nici mcar " intri #n unitatea mi%itar fr " fii *$rit. Va trebui ... Va
trebui " te %um (e un(e)a (in afara Ee2eranu%ui. In(e)a (e$arte (e (rumuri &i #n afara btii
ra(aru%ui.
4 74n re-u%, (ar trebuie " fie !ba(an.
4 De ceH 8i #n,umte&ti &an"e%eC
4 ?ami%ia mea, tat% &i mama mea, a,un- ac*%* $e *"ea. !i #n" (e"i-ur (re$tate #n $ri)ina
unitii (e %a @a%e- M*r-2i. !m $utea " fim %uai (e %a mar-inea Ee2eranu%ui. De %a...
Va%i> "e -n(i"e un m*ment, a$*i c*ntinu (intr4* "uf%are0
4 ...%a inter"ecia c*n(uctei (e "u( cu ru% 9e2"an. 7 (e$arte (e (rum &i "i-ur. J " fim ac*%*
(imineaa, %a *ra un"$re+ece. !%%a2 " te binecu)nte+e, Mac. Dac ai " ceri aut*ri+aia $entru
$ie"e (e "c2imb, eu * " aran,e+ " fie a$r*bat. Ee r*-. Ee im$%*rC
4 Bum rmne cu rea%imentareaH Bn( * " ateri+e+i $entru rea%imentare, *fieru% (e ac*%* n4
are cum " nu te )a( &i ai " fii are"tat #n cte)a "ecun(e.
4 Bere rea%imentarea %a ba+a aerian mi%itar (e %a '"fa2an. J " aran,e+ %a '"fa2an...
Va%i> #&i &ter"e"e "u(*area (e $e fa.
4 1i (ac ce)a mer-e $r*"tH
4 'n"2a=!%%a2C Bere aut*ri+area +b*ru%ui $entru $ie"e (e "c2imb, fr nici un nume "au "unt
m*rt 4 *ri &i mai ru \ &i #m$reun cu mine !nn*u"2, Fa%a% &i Setarem. Ee r*-C
Mc')er &tia c face * nebunie.
100
4 !m " cer aut*ri+area. 3ie"e (e "c2imb $entru Aan(ar4e De%am. !r trebui " af%u $n %a
mie+u% n*$ii (ac "4a a$r*bat. !m " trimit $e cine)a " a&te$te &i " nu4* a(uc aca". Ee%ef*ane%e
nu mer-, a&a c )a trebui S )ii $n %a mine (u$ c*nfirmare. !"ta * "4mi %a"e tim$ " m
-n(e"c %a treaba a"ta &i " 2*tr"c (ac (a "au nu.
4 Dar ai...
4 La mie+u% n*$ii.
4 Da, f*arte bine, * " fiu ac*%*.
4 Bum rmne cu cei%a%i $arteneriH
4 7i nu &tiu nimic (e a"taC 7mir 3a>n*uri "au unu% (intre cei%a%i * "4mi in %*cu%.
4 Bum rmne cu banii "$tmna%iH
4 J " i4i $un ei %a (i"$*+iie.
Din n*u Va%i> #&i &ter"e"e fruntea.
4 !%%a2 " te binecu)nte+e, #&i $u"e"e $ar(e"iu% &i "e #n(re$ta"e "$re u&. Ser)ieta rm"e"e
$e ma".
4 'a a"ta cu tineC Va%i> "e #nt*r"e"e.
4 !2, )rei " $%te"c #n 6u<eit "au #n 7%)eiaH 8n ce m*ne(H
4 .4* " fie nici * $%at. 3*i aut*ri+a un +b*r. 3*ate $utem " te (ucem $n %a Aan(ar4e
De%am. De4ac*%* te (e"curci "in-ur.
4 Dar... (ar, t*tu&i, * " ai ne)*ie (e bani (e c2e%tuia% " $%te&ti... ei... $i%*tu%, "au a%tce)a.
4 .u, #n" $*i "4mi (ai un a)an" (e cinci mi%i*ane (e ria%i (in banii $e care ni4i (at*rai ca
$arteneri &i (e care a)em (i"$erat ne)*ie.
Mc')er m+-%i"e * c2itan &i i4* ((u"e0
4 Dac tu n4ai " fii aici, 7mir "au cei%a%i "4ar $utea " nu fie att (e -ener*&i.....
4 Anci%e "e )*r (e"c2i(e "$tmna )iit*are. Suntem "i-uri (e a"ta. J, (a, f*arte "i-uri.
4 7i bine, " "$erm c4* " fie a&a &i4* " c$tm ceea ce ni "e (at*rea+.
V+u"e e/$re"ia %ui Va%i>, #% )+u"e numrn( banii, &tiin( c #% "*c*tea nebun c nu
acce$ta"e $e&c2e&u%, &tiin( (e a"emenea c ine)itabi% *mu% )a #ncerca " mituia"c $i%*tu%, *ricine
)a fi ace"ta, ca "4i (uc u%tima $*riune (e (rum 4 (ac e%ic*$teru% a)ea " $r"ea"c cum)a mcar
"$aiu% aerian a% Ee2eranu%ui 4 iar a"ta )a fi (e+a"tru*".
'ar acum, #n bir*u% %ui, $ri)n( fr int afar $e ferea"tr, #n n*a$te, fr " au( f*curi%e
e%e arm "au " )a( "trfu%-erri%e care %uminau (in cn( #n cn( *ra&u%, #&i +i"e0 Dumne+eu%e,
S!V!6HC Erebuie " #ncerc "41 a,utC ErebuieC .efericiii ia (e c*$ii &i "rmana femeie...
ErebuieC 1i cn( Va%i> )a #ncerca " mituia"c $i%*tu% 4 (e i am "4% $re)in $e $i%*t (inainte 4 * "
re+i"te ace"ta, *areH Dac Va%i> a *ferit acum (*u"$re+ece mi%i*ane, %a !ba(an "uma )a fi (ub%at.
E*m are %a ce f*%*"i banii, i .*--er Lane &i eu. Jricine. D*ar $entru un +b*r "curt $e"te @*%f 4
"curt, #ntr4* "in-ur (irecie, fr #nt*arcere. De un(e (racu= a "c*" Va%i> t*i banii &tia #n numerarH
Si-ur c (e %a * banc. De "$tmni umb%a +)*nu% c, $entru * "um *arecare, anumite
$er"*ane, bine $%a"ate $uteau " "c*at bani (in Ee2eran c2iar (ac *ficia% bnci%e erau #nc2i"e: "au
$entru * "um &i mai mare, " *bin tran"feru% bani%*r #ntr4un c*nt "ecret (in 7%)eia, iar acum
bnci%e e%)eiene -emeau "ub -reutatea bani%*r "c*&i (in ar. Mi%iar(e, cte)a mi%i*ane $u"e #n
$a%ma $*tri)it &i t*tu4i cu $utin. .u4i %a fe% $e"te t*t, #n t*at !"iaH ?ii cin"tit, (e ce (*ar #n !"iaH
.u e *are )a%abi% $entru #ntrea-a %umeH
4 E*m, "$u"e *b*"it, #ncearc %a c*ntr*%*rii (e +b*r mi%itari &i )e+i (ac e%ic*$teru% a $rimit
a$r*barea. VreiH
8n ceea ce4% $ri)ea $e L*c2art, era (*ar un +b*r (e rutin. Mc')er #i "$u"e (*ar c "e
#nt%ni"e #n +iua aceea cu Va%i> &i c -enera%u% #i ((u"e ce)a bani, (ar nimic #n $%u". 8nc nu
2*tr"e ce $i%*t a)ea " trimit, (*rin( "4* fac e% #n"u&i &i a"tfe% " nu "u$un $e nimeni a%tcine)a
ri"cu%ui. !furi"ite (e c*ntr*a%e me(ica%eC !furi"ite re-u%amenteC
L*c2art "e #n(re$t "$re ra(i*emit*r. 8n c%i$a acea #n bir*u% a%turat "e au+i +-*m*tu% unei
#n)%m&e%i, a$*i u&a "e (e"c2i"e bru"c. 8n ca(ru% ei a$ru un tnr cu * arm aut*mat $e umr &i
ban(er*% )er(e $e bra. 8% #n"*eau a%i &a"e tineri. 3er"*na%u% iranian a&te$ta $ara%i+at. Enru% "e
2*%b %a Mc')er &i %a L*c2art, a$*i cercet %i"ta.
4 Sa%aam, a-a. Ba$=tan Mc')erH #% #ntreb $e L*c2art #ntr4* en-%e+ &*)it*are, cu accent
$uternic.
101
4 Sa%aam, a-a0 .u, eu "unt c$itanu% Mc')er, "$u"e Mc')er #n-ri,*rat.
3rimu% -n( care4i trecu"e $rin minte fu0 &tia "unt a%ii (in ace%a&i -ru$ care %4au uci" $e
"rmanu% 6KabiH !% (*i%ea0 @enn ar fi trebuit " $%ece cu cei%a%i, ar fi trebuit " in"i"t. !% trei%ea fu
#n(re$tat ctre -rma(a (e ria%i (in "er)ieta %ui (i$%*mat, a&e+at $e $*(ea, %n- cuier.
4 !2, bine, "$u"e $*%itic*" tnru%.
!)ea * fi-ur )*%untar, cearcne #ntunecate #n ,uru% *c2i%*r &i (e&i Mc')er "*c*ti c nu
(e$&i"e 2 (e ani, a)ea aeru% unui btrn.
4 3eric*% $entru )*i aici. !cum ) r*-, $%ecatC .*i "untem >*mite2u% $entru ace"t b%*c. V
r*- acum $%ecata. !cumC
4 74n re-u%, "i-ur, , mu%ume"c.
De (*u *ri $n atunci Mc')er "e -n(i"e c ar fi f*"t $ru(ent " e)acue+e bir*uri%e (in
$ricina #ncierri%*r &i a -%*atei (in "tra(, (e&i, u%uit*r, (ac "e inea "eama (e numru% %*r uria&,
mu%imi%e fu"e"er f*arte (i"ci$%inate &i $r*)*ca"er f*arte $uine "tricciuni $r*$rieti%*r
$articu%are "au eur*$eni%*r 4 e/ce$tn( ma&ini%e $arcate #n "tra(.
!cum era $entru $rima (at cn( cine)a )eni"e "4% a)erti+e+e $er"*na%.
Mc')er &i L*c2art #&i $u"er a"cu%tt*ri $ar(e"ie%e. Mc')er #nc2i"e )a%i+a (i$%*mat &i "e
$re-tir (e $%ecare. Stin"e %umini%e.
4 Bum %umini, cn( nimeni a%tcine)aH #ntreb c*n(uct*ru% tineri%*r.
4 !)em $r*$riu% n*"tru -enerat*r, $e ac*$eri&. Enru% +mbi ciu(at, cu (ini f*arte a%bi.
4 Strinii au -enerat*r &i c%(ur, iranienii nu. Mc')er "e $re-tea " r"$un(, (ar "e *$ri.
4 V*i $rimit me"a,H Me"a, (e"$re $%ecareH Me"a, a"t+iH
4 Da.
In me"a, %a bir*u, unu% %a a$artament, $e care #% -"i"e @ennK #n cutia (e "cri"*ri. S$uneau
(*ar0 M 3e 1 (ecembrie ai f*"t $re)enii " $%ecai. De ce "untei #nc aici, (ac nu ca (u&maniH V4a
mai rma" $uin tim$. Semnat0 Stu(enii $entru * 5e$ub%ic '"%amic #n 'ran M.
4 Dumnea)*a"tr "untei, , re$re+entanii Ini)er"itiiH
4 .*i "untem >*mite2u% )*"tru. V r*- $%ecat acum. Du&manii mai bine nu #nt*rc )re*(at,
nuH
Mc')er &i L*c2art ie&ir. 5e)*%ui*narii #i urmar #n ,*" $e "cri. Liftu% nu funci*na (e
"$tmni. Stra(a era #nc $u"tie, fr -ru$uri (e *ameni, iar #n (e$rtare "e au+eau f*curi%e (e
arm.
4 .u #nt*arcei, trei +i%eC ' Mc')er "e 2*%b %a ci.
4 .u4i cu $utinC !m mu%te ...
4 3eric*%C
Enru% &i #n"*it*rii %ui, %a fe% (e tineri, a&te$tau #n tcere, $ri)in(u4i. .u t*i erau #narmai,
b*i (intre ei a)eau bte.
D*i erau cu mini%e -*a%e.
4 .u #nt*arce. ?*arte ru. Erei +i%e "$une >*mite2u%. 8ne%e-iH
4 Da, (ar unu% (intre n*i trebuie " rea%imente+e -enerat*ru% "au te%e/u% "e )a *$ri &i4atunci
)*m rmne fr %e-tur...
4 Ee%e/ nu im$*rtant. .u )ine #na$*i. Erei +i%e. Enru% %e fcu, rb(t*r "emn " $%ece.
4 3eric*% aici, nu uitai, ) r*-. .*a$te bunC ?*arte c*n&tieni (e $ri)iri%e in)i(i*a"e,
Mc')er &i L*c2art "e urcar #n ma&ini%e %*r care fu"e"er #ncuiate #n -ara,u% (e %a "ub"*%u% c%(irii.
Mc')er c*n(ucea 5*)eru% "u c*u$e (e $atru %*curi, m*(e% =G, creia #i "$unea L*)e &i $e care #%
$"tra ca n*u. L*c2art #m$rumuta"e ma&ina %ui Sc*t @a)a%%an, un )ec2i Bitr*en u+at, inut cu bun
&tiin "ubturat, (e&i m*t*ru% era #n-ri,it cum trebuie, frne%e $erfecte, &i %a ne)*ie $utea fi f*arte
ra$i(. Demarar i (u$ a% (*i%ea c*% "e *$rir unu% %n- ce%%a%t.
4 .en*r*ciii &tia )*rbeau "eri*", "$u"e "u$rat Mc')er. Erei +i%eH .u $*t " nu mer- %a
bir*u trei +i%eC
4 Da. 1i acumH
L*c2art arunc * $ri)ire #n *-%in(a retr*)i+*are. Enru% ((u"e c*%u% &i "ttea ac*%*
$ri)n(u4i.
4 !r fi bine " $%ecm. !m "4ti fac * )i+it aca", "$u"e -rbit.
4 Da, (ar (iminea, E*m. !cum nu $utem face nimic.
102
4 Erebuia " m4nt*rc #na$*i %a 9a-r*", ar fi trebuit " $%ec a"t+i...
4 1tiu, "tai &i mine, $%eci (u$ aia. .*--er $*ate " fac (rumu% "ta (ac )ine a$r*barea,
ceea ce m #n(*ie"c. Vin* $e %a +ece. 9ri tinerii #nce$n( " #nainte+e ctre ei. 3e %a +ece, E*m,
"$u"e -rbit.
!$" $e acce%eraie &i $*rni #n,urn(. Einerii #i )+ur $%ecn( &i c*n(uct*ru% %*r, 'bra2im,
"e bucur, fiin( c nu (*rea * ci*cnire cu "trinii &i nici "4i *m*are "au " #i a(uc #n faa ,u(ecii.
D*ar $e cei (in S!V!B &i $*%ii&tii )in*)ai &i (u&manii 'ranu%ui, #nuntru% 'ranu%ui, cei care (*reau
"4% a(uc #na$*i $e 1a2 &i t*ta%itari&tii mar/i&ti tr(t*ri care "e *$uneau (em*craiei &i %ibertii
re%i-iei &i e(ucaiei &i uni)er"iti%*r.
4 J2, ce mi4ar $%cea * ma&in ca a"ta, "$u"e unu% (intre ei, a$r*a$e b*%na) (e in)i(ie. 7 un
=G8, nu 'bra2imH
4 In =G. 8ntr4* +i * " ai una &i ben+in " $ui #n ea. 8ntr4* +i * " fii ce% mai faim*" "criit*r
&i $*et (in 'ran.
4 7 (e+-u"tt*r c "trinu% %a "e #m$unea+ cu atta b*-ie, cn( #n 'ran e4att (e mu%t
"rcie, "$u"e a%tu%.
4 8n curn( *r " $%ece t*i, $entru t*t(eaunaC
4 Bre+i c &tia (*i *r " "e4nt*arc mine, 'bra2imH
4 S$er " nu, "$u"e cu un r" *b*"it. Dac4* fac, nu &tiu ce4* " facem. Bre( c i4am "$eriat
#n(ea,un". E*tu&i ar trebui " trecem $e %a b%*cu% "ta ce% $uin (e (*u *ri $e +i.
In tnr care a)ea * bt #&i $u"e afectu*" brau% #n ,uru% umeri%*r %ui.
4 M bucur c te4am )*tat " fii &efu% n*"truC 7&ti cea mai bun a%e-ere.
8ncu)iinar cu t*ii.
'bra2im 6Kabi era f*arte mn(ru (e cu)inte%e %*r, mn(ru c era * $arte (in re)*%uia care
a)ea " $un ca$t tutur*r neca+uri%*r 'ranu%ui &i mn(ru, (e a"emenea, (e tat% "u, in-iner
$etr*%i"t &i * $er"*an im$*rtant #n c*m$ania 'ran Ji%, care %ucra"e rb(t*r #n (ecur"u% ani%*r
$entru (em*craie #n 'ran, *$unn(u4"e 1a2u%ui &i care acum a)ea " fie * )*ce $uternic #n n*u% *
-%*ri*"u% 'ran.
4 ;ai(ei, $rieteni, "$u"e e% mu%umit. Mai a)em cte)a c%(iri (e cercetat.
CAPITOLUL 12
'n"u%a Siri: *ra 7,42 "eara. La ce)a mai mu%t (e * mie * "ut (e >i%*metri "u(4)e"t (e
Ee2eran, #ncrcarea $etr*%ieru%ui ,a$*ne+ (e cinci+eci (e mii (e t*ne 5i>*maru era $e "fr&ite. J
%un frum*a" %umina @*%fu%. .*a$tea era #nmire"mat, ceru% "$u+it (e "te%e, iar Scra--er acce$ta"e
"4% #n"*ea"c $e (e 3%e""eK %a b*r( $entru a cina cu N*"2i 6a"i-i. !cum t*i trei "e af%au $e $unte
a%turi (e c$itanu% )a"u%ui, $ri)in( "ub %umina $uternic a ref%ect*are%*r marinarii ,a$*ne+i &i
in-ineru% &ef (e %n- marea c*n(uct (e #ncrcare trecut $e"te b*r( ctre c*m$%e/u% (e r*binei (e
$e $*nt*nu% fi/, $%utit*r, %a care era tra" $etr*%ieru%, (e4a"emenea "c%(at #n %umin.
Se -"eau %a circa (*u "ute (e metri (e ,*a"a in"u% Siri. 3etr*%ieru% era anc*rat "i-ur, cu
ce%e (*u %anuri (e %a $r*ra fi/ate (e (*u -eaman(uri #n fa &i (*u anc*re #na$*i %a $u$a.
3etr*%u% era $*m$at (in re+er)*are%e (e $e rm $rintr4* c*n(uct a&e+at $e fun(u% mrii $n %a
$*nt*n &i (e4ac*%* $e b*r(, $rin $r*$riu% %*r "i"tem (e c*n(ucte, #n re+er)*are. 8ncrcarea &i
(e"crcarea erau *$eraii $rime,(i*a"e (in $ricina -a+e%*r f*arte )*%ati%e, e/$%*+i)e, care "e
"trn-eau #n re+er)*are, #n "$aiu% %iber (e (ea"u$ra ma"ei (e $etr*% brut, re+er)*are%e -*a%e fiin( &i
mai $ericu%*a"e $n ce erau "$%ate. 3entru mai mu%t "i-uran, #n $etr*%iere%e ce%e mai m*(erne,
#n "$aiu% anume c*n"truit #n re+er)*are, "e $*m$a a+*t, un -a+ inert care, %a ne)*ie, $utea fi e%iberat
#n atm*"fer.
5i>*maru nu era ec2i$at a"tfe%.
'n-ineru% "ef "tri- ctre *amenii af%ai ,*" $e $*nt*n0
4 8nc2i(ei )a%)a, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e ctre $untea "u$eri*ar &i ri(ic (e-etu% mare #n "u", ctre
c$itan, care fcu "emn c a #ne%e" &i4i "$u"e %ui 6a"i-i, #n ,a$*ne+0
4 3utem ri(ica anc*ra cn( "untem -ataH
103
7ra un brbat "ubiratic, cu c2i$u% "mea(, cu * cma& &i $anta%*ni "curi (e un a%b *rbit*r,
&*"ete &i $ant*fi a%bi, e$*%ei &i * &a$c marinrea"c cu c*+*r*c.
4 Da, c$itane M*riKama. Bt (e re$e(e ar fi a"taH
4 8n (*u *re ce% mu%t. S curm t*tu% &i " "trn-em %e-turi%e.
!"ta #n"emna c trebuiau " trimit &a%u$a " (e"fac %anuri%e (e anc*r $rin"e (e
-eaman(uri%e $%utit*are, a$*i " %e reata&e+e anc*re%*r na)ei.
4 Aine.
Btre (e 3%e""eK &i Scra--er, 6a"i-i "$u"e #n en-%e+0
4 !m um$%ut &i "untem -ata " $%ecm. Bam $e"te (*u *re * " fim $e (rum.
4 7/ce%ent, "$u"e (e 3%e""eK %a fe% (e u&urat. !cum ne $utem re%a/a.
8ntrea-a *$eraiune "e (e"f&ura"e f*arte bine. 3a+a fu"e"e #ntrit $e #ntrea-a in"u% &i $e
na). E*t ce $utu"e fi )erificat, fu"e"e )erificat. D*ar trei iranieni, a cr*r $re+en era e"enia%,
a)u"e"er )*ie " urce %a b*r(. ?iecare fu"e"e c*ntr*%at &i urmrit cu atenie (e ec2i$a,u% ,a$*ne+.
.ici unu% (intre iranienii (e $e rm nu %"a"e " "e #ntre)a( )re* intenie *"ti%. ?u"e"e "c*t*cit
fiecare %*c care ar fi $utut a"cun(e e/$%*+ibi% "au arme.
4 3*ate c "rmanu% tnr (e $e Siri Inu "e #n&ea%, Scra-, m*n amiC
4 3*ate, re$%ic Scra--er. E*tu&i, amice, cre( c tnru% !b(u%%a2 Euri> a f*"t uci"0 nimeni
nu "e a%e-e cu *bra+u% &i *c2ii muti%ai #n 2a%u% %a c+n( (e $e $%atf*rm #ntr4* mare ca%m.
Srmanu% nefericit.
4 Dar rec2inii, c$itane Scra--erH #ntreb 6a"i-i, %a fe% (e tu%burat. 5ec2inii ar fi $utut "4i
$r*(uc rni%e ace%ea.
4 Da, ar fi $utut, (a= $un $ariu $e )iaa mea c a f*"t (in $ricina ce%*r ce mi4a "$u".
4 S$er " te4n&e%i.
4 3arie+ c n4* " af%m nici*(at a(e)ru%, "$u"e tri"t Scra--er. Bum era cu)ntu% ace%a,
(*mnu%e 6a"i-iH 6arma.
6arma amrtu%ui %a a f*"t "curt &i (e%*c $%cut.
Bei%a%i #ncu)iinar (in ca$. 3ri)ir #n tcere cum na)a era (eta&at (e c*r(*nu% *mbi%ica% a%
$*nt*nu%ui. Ba " )a( mai bine, Scra--er "e a$r*$ie (e ba%u"tra(a $unii "u$eri*are. Sub * baie (e
%umin, $etr*%i&tii (e&urubau cu mu%t ef*rt ea)a (e (*i"$re+ece *ii (e %a c*m$%e/u% (e )a%)e a%
$*nt*nu%ui. !c*%* "e af%au &a"e *ameni0 (*i (intre ,a$*ne+ii (in ec2i$a,, trei iranieni &i un in-iner
france+. 8n faa %ui "e (e"f&ura, $e t*at %un-imea &i %imea ei, $untea, #n mi,%*cu% creia "e
*(i2nea e%ic*$teru% %ui, un F5 20G. !teri+a"e ac*%* %a "u-e"tia %ui (e 3%e""eK &i cu a$r*barea %ui
6a"i-i.
4 Aeau, #i "$u"e"e e% france+u%ui, am " te (uc #na$*i %a Siri "au %a Len-e2, cum )rei.
4 N*"2i 6a"i-i "u-erea+ " rmnem amn(*i $e"te n*a$te, Scra-, &i " ne4nt*arcem
(imineaa. !r fi * "c2imbare $entru tine. 3utem " $%ecm #n +*ri, " ne4nt*arcem %a Len-e2. ;ai %a
b*r(, mi4ar face mare $%cere.
1i a"tfe% a&e+a"e e%ic*$teru% $e $untea $etr*%ieru%ui, %a a"finit, nu $rea "i-ur (e m*ti)e%e
$entru care acce$ta"e in)itaia, (ar fcu"e un $act cu 6a"i-i &i "imea c trebuie "4% *n*re+e. 1i, (e
a"emenea, "e "imea cum$%it (e re"$*n"abi% $entru tnru% !b(u%%a2 Euri>. !"$ectu% ca(a)ru%ui
tnru%ui #% +-u(ui"e ru &i4% fcu"e "4&i (*rea"c " fie %a Siri $n cn( $%eca $etr*%ieru%. !"tfe% c
)eni"e &i #ncerca"e " fie un *a"$ete bun, $%cut, fiin( (e ac*r( cu (e 3%e""eK, fr $rea mare tra-ere
(e inim t*tu&i, c $*ate, #n (efiniti), m*artea tnru%ui era (*ar * c*inci(en &i c $recauii%e %*r
a)eau " #m$ie(ice *rice #ncercare (e "ab*ta,.
De cn( #nce$u"e #ncrcarea, cu * +i #nainte, erau cu t*ii ner)*&i, iar #n "eara aceea #n m*(
(e*"ebit. 1tiri%e AAB4u%ui fu"e"er (in n*u f*arte $r*a"te 4 c*municate (e"$re c*nfruntri (in ce #n
ce mai a$ri-e #n Ee2eran, Me"2e( &i P*m. 3e %n- a"ta era ra$*rtu% %ui Mc')er $e care !Kre #%
retran"mi"e"e $ru(ent (e %a 6*<i"", #n france+ 4 &tirea (e"$re b%*carea ne#ntreru$t a !er*$*rtu%ui
'nternai*na% Ee2eran, (e"$re * $*"ibi% %*)itur (e "tat &i (e"$re 6Kabi. !"a"inarea %ui 6Kabi #%
r"c*%i"e &i $e (e 3%e""eK &i t*ate ace"tea, %a*%a%t cu )a%u% (e +)*nuri i c*ntra+)*nuri care circu%au
$rintre iranieni, fcu"e ca "eara " fie "umbr. 9)*nuri (e"$re * iminent inter)enie mi%itar
american, (e"$re * iminent inter)enie mi%itar "*)ietic, (e"$re tentati)e (e a"a"inare a %ui
62*meini, a %ui Aa+ar-an, $rimu% mini"tru numit (e e%, a %ui Aa>2tiar, $rimu% mini"tru %e-a%, a
amba"a(*ru%ui american, +)*nuri c %*)itura mi%itar (e "tat a)ea " aib %*c %a Ee2eran #n acea
104
n*a$te, c 62*meini era (e,a are"tat, c t*i mi%itarii (e t*ate arme%e ca$itu%a"er &i 62*meini era
c*n(uct*ru% (e fact* a% 'ranu%ui &i c -enera%u% .a""iri, &efu% S!V!6, fu"e"e ca$turat, ,u(ecat &i
#m$u&cat.
4 .u, $*t fi c2iar t*ate a(e)rate, ((u"e -%a" 6a"i-i -n(u%ui tutur*r. .u $utem face
a%tce)a (ect " a&te$tm.
?u"e"e * -a+( minunat. E*at mncarea fu"e"e ,a$*ne+, c2iar &i berea. Scra--er
#ncerca"e "4&i a"cun( (e+-u"tu% #n faa a$eriti)e%*r cu "2u"2i, (ar a$recia"e f*arte mu%t $uiu% fri$t
$e -rtar #ntr4un "*" (u%ce amrui, *re+u%, cre)eii $r,ii &i "a%ata (e %e-ume.
4 8nc * bere, c$itan Scra--erH #% #mbia"e 6a""i-i.
4 .u, mu%ume"c, nu4mi $ermit mai mu%t (e una, (e&i trebuie " recun*"c c e bun. 3*ate
nu att (e bun ca ?*"ter=", (a= f*arte a$r*a$e.
De 3%e""eK +mbi"e.
4 .u &tii ce c*m$%iment e "ta, (*mnu%e 6a"i-i. Bn( un au"tra%ian "$une c * bere e
Ma$r*a$e ca ?*"ter="M, e #ntra(e)r * %au(.
4 J, (a, &tiu, #ntr4a(e)r, (*mnu%e (e 3%e""eK. !c*%*, De(e"ubt, &i eu $refer ?*"ter=".
4 3etreci mu%t )reme ac*%*H #% #ntreba"e Scra--er.
4 J, (a. !u"tra%ia e"te una (intre $rinci$a%e%e "ur"e (e t*t fe%u% (e materii $rime $entru
Fa$*nia. B*m$ania mea are car-*uri care tran"$*rt crbune, minereu (e fier, -ru, *re+ &i "*ia.
'm$*rtm cantiti uria&e (in *re+u% )*"tru, (e&i * mare $arte (in e% mer-e %a $r*(ucerea buturii
n*a"te nai*na%e, "a>e. !i -u"tat "a>e, c$itaneH
4 Da, (a, am -u"tat * (at. Dar )inu% ca%(, "a>eu% nu $rea e $e -u"tu% meu.
4 !&a e, "$u"e"e (e 3%e""eK, a$*i a(u-a"e -rbit, cu e/ce$ia iernii, ca " te4nc%+ea"c. Be
"$uneai (e"$re !u"tra%iaH
4 Mi4a $%cut f*arte mu%t ara. Be% mai mare (intre fiii mei urmea+ cur"uri%e Ini)er"itii
(in SK(neK, a&a c #% )i+itm (in tim$ #n tim$. 7 * minunie att (e mare, att (e b*-at, att (e
-*a%.
Da, "e -n(i"e m*r*cn*" Scra--er, )rei " "$ui att (e -*a%, abia a&te$tn( "4* um$%e
mi%i*ane%e )*a"tre (e furnici %ucrt*are. S%a) D*mnu%ui c "untem %a cte)a mii (e >i%*metri
(e$rtare &i !merica n4* " #n-(uie nici*(at " fim *cu$ai.
4Em$enii, "$u"e"e Mc')er *(at, #n urm cu (*i ani, #n tim$u% unei ci*r*)ie%i amica%e,
cn( e%, Mc')er, &i 3eti>in "e af%au %a Sin-a$*re, #ntr4un c*nce(iu (e * "$tmn. Dac )re*(at,
#n )iit*r, Fa$*nia )a a%e-e m*mentu% $*tri)it, " +icem cn( !merica "4ar %ua (e -t cu ru&ii,
!merica n4* " fie #n "tare " mi&te un (e-et $entru a a,uta !u"tra%ia. Bre( c4* " ca( %a #ne%e-ere
&i...
4 DirtK Duncan &i4a $ier(ut bi%ue%e, B2ar%ie, inter)eni"e Scra--er.
4 !&a4i, #ncu)iina"e 3eti>in. Ee #nea$, Scra-.
4 J, nu, nu. !(e)ratu% )*"tru $r*tect*r e B2ina. La bine "au %a ru, B2ina * " fie
#nt*t(eauna aici. 1i numai B2ina * " fie #nt*t(eauna #n $*+iia (e a *$ri Fa$*nia, (ac )re*(at
Fa$*nia "e mi%itari+ea+ &i (e)ine #n(ea,un" (e $uternic ca " $*rnea"c "$re "u(. Dumne+eu%e,
!u"tra%ia e Mare%e 3remiu a% 3acificu%ui, "i$etu% cu c*m*ri a% 3acificu%uiC Da= nici unuia (intre )*i,
nen*r*cii%*r, ac*%*, De(e"ubt, nu ) ( $rin ca$ " facei $%anuri (e )iit*r "au " ) f*%*"ii
(*)%eacu%. E*t ce )rei, afuri"ii%*r, e un <ee>en( (e trei +i%e, mai mu%i bani $entru mai $uin
afuri"it (e munc, afuri"itu% (e #n)mnt -ratuit, a"i"ten me(ica% &i "*cia% -ratuit &i " "tea
a%i fraieri $e metere+e. Suntei mai ru (ect btrna !n-%ie, nefericita (e ea, care nu "4a a%e" cu
nimic. !(e)rata ameninare...
4 !)ei $etr*%u% Mrii .*r(u%ui. Dac "ta nu4i n*r*cu= (racu%ui, * "....
4 !(e)ratu% neca+ e c ticniii )*&tri (e De(e"ubt 2abar n4au $e ce %ume "unt.
4 Stai ,*", Scra-C "$u"e"e 3eti>in #n-ri,*rat. !i c*n)enit " nu ) $ruii. De%*c. !mn(*i.
!i fcut4* *(at, (ar a f*"t amica%. Dac #ncerci "4% $*cne&ti $e Mac cn( nu e cri, a,un-i #n
&an. S4ar $utea " aib 2i$erten"iune, (ar are &i * centur nea-r.
4 7u "4% $*cne"c $e DirtK DuncanH @%ume&ti, amiceC 7u nu m %e- (e amri btrni...
Scra--er +mbi #n "inea "a, amintin(u4&i acea ci*r*)ia% care $u"e"e ca$t tutur*r ce%*r%a%te
ci*r*)ie%i a%e %*r.
10
Sin-a$*re e un %*c minunat, #&i +i"e, a$*i, "imin(u4"e mai bine, #&i #nt*ar"e atenia ctre
$etr*%ier. Mnca"e bine &i era f*arte bucur*" c #ncrcarea "e i"$r)i"e. .*a$tea era -r*+a).
De$arte, (ea"u$ra %ui, +ri %umini%e (e na)i-aie a%e unui a)i*n ce "e4n(re$ta ctre )e"t &i "e4ntreb
#n -n( un(e a)ea " ateri+e+e, crei c*m$anii #i a$arinea &i ci $a"a-eri a)ea %a b*r(. Ve(ea
f*arte bine n*a$tea &i c*n"tat c *amenii (e $e $*nt*n a$r*a$e i"$r)i"er cu (e&urubarea e)ii.
J(at ce4a)ea " fie ri(icat cu )inciu% %a b*r(, $etr*%ieru% $utea " $%ece. 8n +*ri, 5i>*maru a)ea "
"e -"ea"c #n "trmt*area ;*rmu+ &i e% a)ea " (ec*%e+e &i " +b*are aca", %a Len-e2, cu (e
3%e""eK.
!$*i $ri)irea "a a-er +ri ni&te *ameni #n(e$rtn(u4"e #n fu- (e "taia (e $*m$are (e $e
rm, ce)a mai $uin %uminat, #&i #n(re$t atenia "$re ei. Irm * mic e/$%*+ie, a$*i * i+bucnire
(e f%cri cn( "e a$rin"e $etr*%u%. E*i cei af%ai $e b*r( $ri)ir cu -ura c"cat. ?%cri%e #nce$ur
" "e4m$r&tie &i "e au+ir "tri-te #n iranian &i france+. Din"$re barci &i re+er)*are%e (e $etr*%
a%er-au *ameni. Sc%i$irea nea&te$tat a unui $i"t*% mitra%ier #n #ntuneric, urmat (e $ritu% a"cuit,
urt. Din (ifu+*are%e na)ei r+btu #n ,a$*ne+ )*cea c$itanu%ui0
4 La $*"turi%e (e a)arieC
Jamenii (e $e $*nt*n #&i re(ub%ar ime(iat ef*rturi%e, #n"$imntai (e i(eea c, cum)a,
f*cu% ar fi $utut " "e r"$n(ea"c $rin c*n(uct "$re $*nt*n, aruncn(u4% #n aer. 8n m*mentu% #n
care ca$tu% (e rac*r( c+u (e $e r*binet, iranienii "rir -rbii #n mica %*r barc $neumatic cu
m*t*r &i "e #n(e$rtar #n )ite+, c*n"i(ern(u4&i #n"rcinarea (u" %a bun "fr&it. 'n-ineru% france+
&i marinarii ,a$*ne+i a%er-ar #n "u" $e "c2e%, #n tim$ ce )inciu% $etr*%ieru%ui "e tre+i %a )ia
+n-nin( &i tra"e c*n(ucta $e b*r(.
Sub $uni, ec2i$a,u% a%er-a"e %a $*"turi%e (e a)arie, unii %a camera m*t*are%*r, a%ii $e $untea
"u$eri*ar, iar a%ii #n c*ri(*are. 3entru m*ment, cei trei iranieni care "u$ra)e-2eau (i"tribuirea
$etr*%u%ui #n (iferite $ri a%e na)ei fu"e"er %"ai "in-uri. J ru$"er %a fu- "$re $unte. Inu% (intre
ei, Sai(, "e $refcu c "e4m$ie(ic &i c+u %n- b*ca$*rtu% $rinci$a%. Bn( fu "i-ur c nu e"te
*b"er)at, #&i (e"c2i"e %a iuea% $anta%*nii &i "c*a"e un mic (i"$*+iti) cu e/$%*+i) $%a"tic, care
"c$a"e c*ntr*%u%ui c*r$*ra% cn( )eni"e %a b*r(. ?u"e"e %e-at cu ban( a(e+i), "u", #ntre $ici*are.
!cti) #n -rab (et*nat*ru% c2imic care trebuia " e/$%*(e+e cam $e"te * *r, #n-2e"ui (i"$*+iti)u%
#n "$ate%e r*binetu%ui $rinci$a% &i fu-i ctre "c2e%. !,un" $e $unte, rma"e u%uit (e"c*$erin( c
*amenii (e $e $*nt*n nu #% a&te$ta"er &i c &a%u$ era acum a$r*a$e (e rm. Bei%a%i (*i iranieni "e
ci*r*)iau a-itai, %a fe% (e #nfuriai c fu"e"er %"ai %a b*r(. .ici unu% (intre ei nu era membru a%
ce%u%ei "a%e (e "tn-a.
3e rm, $etr*%u% re)r"at ar(ea cu furie, "c$at (e "ub c*ntr*%, (ar "cur-erea fu"e"e *$rit &i
"$rtura a"tu$at. Erei *ameni, un france+ "i (*i iranieni, "uferi"er ar"uri -ra)e.
Bami*nu% $*m$ieri%*r re)r"a a"u$ra f%cri%*r a$ (e mare a"$irat (in @*%f. .u btea
)ntu% &i fumu% ne-ru, #necci*", fcea %u$ta cu f*cu% &i mai (ifici%.
4 3unei ni&te "$um $e e%, "tri- Le-ran(e, mana-eru% france+.
!$r*a$e "c*" (in fire (e furie, #ncerca " im$un *r(ine, (ar t*i a%er-au (e c*%*4c*%* "ub
%umina ref%ect*are%*r, fr " &tie ce " fac.
4 FacRue", "trn-e4i $e t*i &i 2ai "4i numrm. Bt (e re$e(e $*iC
E*t $er"*na%u% (e $e in"u% era c*m$u" (in &a$te france+i &i trei+eci (e iranieni. In -ru$ (e
a$rare (in trei *ameni, #narmai (*ar cu bte #ncr*$ite #n -rab, "e re$e+i #n #ntuneric fr " &tie
(ac "e mai $uteau a&te$ta %a un a%t "ab*ta, &i (in ce $arte "4ar fi $utut i)i $rime,(ia.
4 M="ieurC "tri- me(icu% iranian (u$ Le-ran(e. !ce"ta c*b*r# ctre rm, "$re c*m$%e/u%
(e e)i &i )a%)e c*nectate %a re+er)*ru% (e $e $*nt*n. Me(icu% era #n-enunc2eat %n- (*i (intre
rniii ce +ceau #ntin&i $e * bucat (e $re%at, inc*n&tieni. Inu% (intre ei a)ea $ru% c*m$%et ar" &i
ar"uri -ra)e $e cea mai mare $arte a feei.
Be%%a%t fu"e"e #m$r*&cat cu $etr*% (e e/$%*+ia iniia%, care #i a$rin"e"e in"tantaneu 2aine%e,
$r*)*cn(u4i ar"uri (e -ra(u% #nti $e cea mai mare $arte a feei, $ie$tu%ui &i $ici*are%*r.
4 M*n DieuC m*rmi Le-ran(e &i4&i fcu cruce %a )e(erea $ie%ii carb*ni+ate, abia
recun*"cn(u4% $e mai"tru% iranian.
Inu% (intre in-inerii france+i "ttea -2emuit #n a$r*$iere, -emn( #ncet, cu $a%me%e &i
brae%e $%ine (e ar"uri. 3rintre -emete%e (e "uferin "e re)r"a un &u)*i ne#ntreru$t (e in)ecti)e.
4 Ee (uc %a "$ita% ct (e re$e(e $*t, 3au%.
10G
4 @"e&te4i $e $ct*&ii ia &i (4%e f*cC r"$un"e in-ineru% &i "e %" (in n*u $ra( (urerii
"a%e.
4 Si-ur, #ncu)iin nea,ut*rat Le-ran(e, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e ctre me(ic. ? ce $*i. !m " cer
un B!S7V!B.
Se (e$rta -rbit "$re #nc$erea ra(i*emit*ru%ui, af%at #ntr4una (intre barci, #ncercn(
"4&i *bi&nuia"c *c2ii cu #ntunericu%. !tunci *b"er) %a ca$tu% #n(e$rtat a% $i"tei #n-u"te (e
(ec*%are (*i brbai ce a%er-au ctre * mic fa%e+. Dinc*%* (e ea "e af%a un mic -*%f cu un
(ebarca(er m*(e"t, f*%*"it $entru i*%e &i #n*t. 3arie+ c tic%*&ii au * barc ac*%*, #i trecu ime(iat
$rin -n( . !$r*a$e nebun (e furie, "tri- (u$ ei, #n #ntuneric0
4 Eic%*&i%*rC
Bn( "e $r*(u"e"e $rima e/$%*+ie, (e 3%e""eK "e re$e+i"e %a a$aratu% (e ra(i* af%at $e $unte,
care fcea %e-tura cu rmu%.
4 !i -"it mitra%iera aiaH #ntreb #n france+ $e (irect*ru% a(,unct a% ba+ei.
8n "$ate%e %ui, Scra--er, 6a"i-i &i c$itanu% $ri)eau %a fe% (e #ntunecai. Lumini%e (e $e $unte
fu"e"er (iminuate.
Luna "e ri(ica"e "u" $e cer &i %umina cu $utere.
4 .u, m="ieur. Du$ $rima rafa% atacat*rii au (i"$rut.
4 Be $a-ube a "uferit "i"temu% (e $*m$areH
4 .u &tiu. !&te$t... !2... D*ar * c%i$... Iite4% $e m="ieur Le-ran(e.
Du$ un m*ment, (in n*u #n france+0
4 !ici Le-ran(e. Erei ar&i, (*i iranieni f*arte ru, ce%%a%t e 3au% Aeau%ieu, $a%me%e &i brae%e.
Ber ime(iat un B!S7V!B. !m )+ut (*i brbai #n(re$tn(u4"e ctre -*%f, $r*babi% "ab*t*rii, "4ar
$utea " aib * barc ac*%*.
4 !(un t*at %umea, " )( cine %i$"e&teC
4 Da, ime(iatC
4 3a-ube%eH
4 .u "unt mari. Bu $uin n*r*c, re+*%)m #ntr4* "$tmn, cu "i-uran, $n "*"e&te
ce%%a%t $etr*%ier.
4 Vin %a rm (e #n(at ce $*t. !&tea$t * c%i$C
De 3%e""eK "e #nt*ar"e ctre cei%a%i &i %e "$u"e ce4i tran"mi"e"e Le-ran(e. Scra--er "$u"e
ime(iat0.
4 9b*r eu cu B!S7V!B4u%, nu4i ne)*ie " c2emai 3e a%tcine)a.
6a"i-i inter)eni0
4 !(ucei rniii %a b*r(. !)em un $unct me(ica% &i un (*ct*r. 7 f*arte $rice$ut, #n "$ecia% %a
ar"uri.
4 MinunatC
Scra--er * ru$"e %a fu-. De 3%e""eK r*"ti #n micr*f*n0
4 .e *cu$m n*i (e B!S7V!B, (e aici, $une *amenii $e brancar(e, c$itanu% Scra--er *
"4i a(uc ime(iat %a b*r(.
7 un (*ct*r aici. In tnr *fier (e $unte ,a$*ne+ a$ru &i i "e a(re" "curt c$itanu%ui, care
"cutur (in ca$.
4 Bei trei iranieni, care au f*"t %"ai %a b*r( cn( cei%a%i (e $e $*nt*n au fu-it, )*r " fie
(u&i %a rm ime(iat. !m "$u" c $*t "4a&te$te.
!$*i "tri- ctre camera m*t*are%*r, $re-tin(u4"e " $*rnea"c na)a. 6a"i-i $ri)ea fi/
in"u%a &i re+er)*are%e (e ac*%*. !m ne)*ie (e $etr*%u% %a, "e -n(ea, &i am ne)*ie ca in"u%a " fie #n
"i-uran. Dar nu e"te &i nu $*t " fac nimic ca " * a$r.
4 M (uc %a rm, "$u"e (e 3%e""eK &i $%ec. Scra--er era (e,a %n- e%ic*$ter, (e"cuin(
u&i%e (in "$ate.
4 Be faci, Scra-H
4 3*t " #ntin( brancar(e%e $e %*curi%e (in "$ate &i " %e anc*re+, mai (e-rab (ect " a- *
$%a" (e tran"$*rt #n afara a$aratu%ui.
4 Vin cu tine.
4 ;*$a "u"C
107
!runcar * $ri)ire "curt #n ,ur $e"te t*at 2rm%aia. Bei trei iranieni a%er-a"er ctre ei &i
b%m,eau ce)a. 7ra %im$e(e c )r*iau " mear- %a rm cu e%ic*$teru%.
4 8i %um, Scra-H
Scra--er era (e,a $e %*cu% $i%*tu%ui, iar (e-ete%e #i (an"au $e"te #ntreru$t*are.
4 .u. Eu e&ti #n ca(ru% ur-enei, ei nuC Irc "u", btrne.
!rt ctre "caunu% (in (rea$ta, a$*i fcu un "emn iranieni%*r " "e #n(e$rte+e.
4 .a2, a,a%e2 (aram 4 nu, m -rbe"c 4 "$u"e, f*%*"in( una (intre ce%e cte)a e/$re"ii #n far"i
$e care %e &tia.
D*i (intre ei "e tra"er a"cu%tt*ri #na$*i: ce% (e4a% trei%ea "e "trecur $e %*cu% (in "$ate &i
#nce$u "4&i $rin( centura. Scra--er "cutur (in ca$, fcn(u4i "emn " ia", (in ca$ &i re$%ic %a
fe% (e e/$%icit #n en-%e+0
Jmu% nu4% b- #n "eam &i4i )*rbi re$e+it, #ntin+n( $e c2i$ un +mbet f*rat &i artn(
ctre rm.
.erb(t*r, Scra--er #i fcu (in n*u "emn " ia" &i a$" cu un (e-et c*mutat*ru% (e
$*rnire a m*t*are%*r. !ce"tea #nce$ur " -eam ime(iat. Din n*u, brbatu% refu+ &i, furi*" acum,
art ctre rm, (ar -%a"u% %ui era #necat (e bubuitu% m*t*are%*r. 3entru un m*ment, Scra--er #&i
+i"e M*>aK, (e ce nuHM, a$*i *b"er) c2i$u% ce%ui%a%t, "a%*$eta #mbibat (e "u(*are &i i "e $ru c
mir*"ea a team.
4 !farC "$u"e, cntrin(u4% (in *c2i.
Sai( nu4i ((u nici * atenie. Dea"u$ra %*r e%icea "e r"ucea #ncet, $rin+n( )ite+.
4 La"4% " rmnC "tri- (e 3%e""eK $e (ea"u$ra +-*m*te%*r. S ne -rbim mai bineC
Aru"c, Scra--er #ntreru$"e $r*ce(ura (e $*rnire &i, cu f*arte mu%t $utere $entru un brbat
mrunt, (e"fcu centura (e "i-uran a %ui Sai( &i #% a+)r%i $e $unte, $e ,umtate inc*n&tient, mai
#nainte ca cine)a " #ne%ea- ce "e4ntm$%a.
8&i fcu $a%me%e $%nie %a -ur &i "tri- #n "u" ctre $untea (e c*man(0
4 ;ei, )*i (e "u", 6a"i-iC ?ante%e "ta e4a% (racu%ui (e nerb(t*r " a,un- %a rmC .4a f*"t
$e "ub $uniH
?r " mai a&te$te )reun r"$un", "ri #na$*i #n cabin &i i+bi but*nu% (e $*rnire.
De 3%e""eK #% $ri)i * c%i$ #n tcere.
4 Be4ai )+ut %a *mu% %aH
Scra--er ri(ic (in umeri. Bu mu%t #nainte ca m*t*ru% " a,un- %a $uterea ma/im,
marinarii #% #n&fca"er $e Sai( &i $e cei%a%i (*i &i4i #m$in-eau (in "$ate ctre $untea (e c*man(.
7%ic*$teru% &ni ca * "-eat "$re rm.
Bei (*i rnii erau (e,a $e brancar(e. Le-ar %a iuea% * brancar( (e re+er) (e %*cu% (in
"$ate &i (ea"u$ra ei fu %e-at ferm $rima tar-a. Scra--er #i ((u * mn (e a,ut*r france+u%ui rnit,
acum cu ambe%e brae ban(a,ate, " "e a&e+e %n- e% $e %*cu% (in fa. Str(uin(u4"e " nu "imt
mir*"u%, ri(ic a$aratu% #n aer &i +bur #na$*i, ateri+n( u&*r ca un funi-e%.
D*ct*ru% &i a,ut*are%e %ui #% a&te$tau cu $un-i%e (e $%a"m $entru tran"fu+ie &i "erin-i%e cu
m*rfin $re-tite. 8n cte)a "ecun(e, Scra--er &ni (in n*u ctre rm. 3e"te a%te "ecun(e u%tima
tar- fu a&e+at %a %*cu% ei &i e% "e ri(ic #n +b*r ca " "e a&e+e (in n*u, (e%icat, $e $unte. 8nc * (at
(*ct*ru% fu ac*%*, cu ace%e $re-tite i (in n*u a%er- a$%ecat ctre brancar(, $e "ub e%ice%e care "e
#n)rteau. De (ata a"ta #n" nu f*%*"i "erin-a.
4 !2, #mi $are ru, "$u"e #ntr4* en-%e+ *$intit. !ce"t brbat m*rt, a$*i, a$%ecn(u4&i ca$u%,
$*rni #n fu- "$re infirmerie.
!,ut*are%e %ui %uar ca(a)ru% cu e%e. Scra--er *$ri m*t*are%e, #ncuie t*tu%, (u$ care "e (u"e
%a $ara$et &i )*m cu "$a"me )i*%ente. De cn( )+u"e, au+i"e &i mir*"i"e un $i%*t ar+n( #ntr4un
bi$%an $rbu&it #n f%cri, cu f*arte mu%i ani #n urm, era "t$nit (e -r*a+a (e a fi $rin" #n aceea&i
"ituaie. .u fu"e"e nici*(at #n "tare " "u$*rte mir*"u% $ru%ui &i $ie%ii umane ar"e.
Du$ un tim$ #&i &ter"e -ura, re"$ir aeru% curat &i #&i binecu)nt n*r*cu%. ?u"e"e (*b*rt
(e trei *ri 4 (e (*u *ri #n f%cri 4 (ar (e fiecare (at "c$a"e teafr. De $atru *ri trebui"e "
ateri+e+e f*rat, $unn( manua% e%icea $e c*ntra"en", ca "4&i "a%)e+e )iaa %ui &i a $a"a-eri%*r 4 (e
(*u *ri (ea"u$ra ,un-%ei, $e"te c*r*ane%e c*$aci%*r, * (at cu m*t*ru% #n f%cri.
4 Dar nume%e meu nu era $e %i"t, m*rmi. .u atunci. Se a$r*$iau $a&i. Se #nt*ar"e &i4% )+u
$e 6a"i-i #naintn( $e $unte cu * "tic% (e bere 6irin, rece ca -2eaa, #n fiecare mn.
108
4 Ee r*- " m ieri, $*ftim, "$u"e 6a"i-i -ra), *ferin(u4i berea. !r"uri%e #mi tre+e"c aceea&i
"tare &i mie: &i mie mia )enit " )r". !m c*b*rt " )( cum "e "imt rniii &i... &i mi4a f*"t f*arte
ru.
Scra--er bu recun*"ct*r. Lic2i(u% rece, cu -u"t (e 2amei, a%e crui bu%e #i #ne$au %imba, #%
fcu " "e "imt ca ren"cut.
4 'i"u"e B2ri"t*a"e, a f*"t bunC Mu%ume"c, amice. 1i, $entru c "$u"e"e * (at, #i fu mai
u&*r "4* "$un &i a (*ua *ar.
4 Mu%ume"c, amice.
6a"i-i au+i cu)inte%e re$etate (e (*u *ri &i "*c*ti 4 re$uta"e * )ict*rie ma,*r. !mn(*i "e
#nt*ar"er ctre marinaru% care )enea -rbit ctre ei cu un me"a, te%e/ #n mn. 8% ((u %ui 6a"i-i,
care "e (u"e %n- ce% mai a$r*$iat bec, #&i $u"e *c2e%arii &i "e "tr(ui " citea"c. Scra--er #% )+u
tre"rin( &i #ntunecn(u4"e &i mai mu%t %a fa.
4 Ve&ti $r*a"teH
Du$ * $au+, 6a"i-i "$u"e0
4 .u, (*ar une%e $r*b%emeC
4 3*t face ce)aH
6a"i-i nu r"$un"e. Scra--er a&te$t. 3utea " )a( +buciumu% (in *c2ii ce%ui%a%t, (e&i $e
c2i$ nu %"a " "e -2icea"c nimic, &i era "i-ur c 6a"i-i #ncerca " 2*tra"c (ac "4i "$un "au
nu. !$*i ace"ta "$u"e0
4 .u cre(. Se refer %a fabrica.... c*m$%e/u% n*"tru $etr*c2imic (e %a Aan(ar4e De%am.
4 Bea $e care * c*n"truie&te Fa$*niaH
Ba t*at %umea (in @*%f, Scra--er &tia (e"$re uria&a #ntre$rin(ere care )a%*ra trei mi%iar(e &i
,umtate (e (*%ari &i care, *(at terminat, a)ea " fie, fr #n(*ia%, ce% mai mare c*m$%e/
$etr*c2imic (in !"ia Mic &i (in Jrientu% Mi,%*ciu, cu * fabric (e trei "ute (e mii (e t*ne (e
eti%ena #n inima ei. B*n"trucia #nce$u"e #n =71 &i era i"$r)it cam #n $r*$*rie (e *$t+eci &i cinci %a
"ut.
4 !%a (a, fabricC
4 Da, (ar e c*n"truit (e #ntre$rin(eri $ri)ate ,a$*ne+e, nu (e -u)ernu% ,a$*ne+, "$u"e
6a"i-i. ?abrica 'ran4E*(a e finanat (e ca$ita% $ri)at.
4 !2C "$u"e Scra--er, t*t ce &tia c$tn( un "en". E*(a S2i$$in-C Suntei aceea&i
c*m$anieH
4 Da, (ar "untem numai * $arte (in "in(icatu% $atr*na% ,a$*ne+ care a *ferit banii &i "u$*rtu%
te2nic 1a2u%ui... 'ranu%ui, "e c*rect 6a"i-i.
E*i +eii, mari &i mici, " b%e"teme $mntu% "ta, $e cei ce4% %*cuie"c, $e 1a2, $entru c a
i"cat cri+e%e (e $etr*%, J37B4u%, b%e"temai fie t*i fanaticii bi-*i &i mincin*&ii care trie"c aici.
!runc (in n*u * $ri)ire a"u$ra me"a,u%ui &i fu mu%umit " )a( c mini%e nu4i tremurau. 7ra #ntr4
un c*( "ecret, (in $artea $re&e(inte%ui c*m$aniei "a%e, ;ir* E*(a.
S$unea0 MIr-entC Dat*rit inf%e/ibi%itii ab"*%ute &i ne#ntreru$te a iranieni%*r, a trebuit, #n
ce%e (in urm, " (i"$un #ncetarea tutur*r %ucrri%*r (e c*n"trucie (e %a Aan(ar4e De%am. 8n $re+ent,
c2e%tuie%i%e (e$&e"c t*ta%u% (e cinci "ute mi%i*ane (*%ari &i )*r a,un-e $r*babi% $n %a un mi%iar(
mai #nainte " $utem #nce$e $r*(ucia. D*bn+i%e $re+ente "e ri(ic %a $atru "ute n*u+eci "i cinci
(e mii (e (*%ari +i%nic. Dat*rit tic%*a"e%*r $re"iuni, fcute #n "ecret (e Sabia 5u$t, $%anu% n*"tru
!%ternati)a !4 a f*"t refu+at. Du4te ur-ent %a Aan(ar4e De%am &i trimite4mi un ra$*rt $er"*na%.
Direct*ru% &i &efu% (e %ucrri, Qatanabe, te a&tea$t. Ee r*- c*nfirmM.
7 cu ne$utin " a,un- ac*%*, #&i +i"e 6a"i-i (*b*rt. 'ar (ac 3%anu% 4 e re"$in", "untem
ruinai.
!%ternati)a !4 $re)e(ea ca ;ir* E*(a " c*ntacte+e -u)ernu% ,a$*ne+ $entru #m$rumuturi
cu (*bn( "c+ut &i #n ace%a&i tim$, (i"cret, "4% r*a-e $e $rimu% mini"tru " (ec%are c*m$%e/u%
'ran4E*(a (e %a Aan(ar4e De%am $r*iect nai*na%. M3r*iect .ai*na%M #n"emna c -u)ernu%
recun*&tea *ficia% e/trema im$*rtan a %ucrri%*r &i urma " "e4n-ri,ea"c (e fina%i+area %*r. Sabia
5u$t era c*(u% %*r $entru (u&manu% $er"*na% a% %ui ;ir* E*(a &i $rinci$a%u% %*r ri)a%, ;i(i*"2K
'"2i(a, care c*n(ucea nem"urat (e $uternicu% -ru$ (e c*m$anii c*mercia%e cu nume%e -eneric (e
Mit"u<ari. A%e"tema4%4ar t*i +eii $e )ierme%e "ta in)i(i*" &i mincin*", '"2i(a, -n( ea 6a"i-i #n
tim$ ce "$unea0
109
4 B*m$ania mea e una (intre mu%te%e (in ca(ru% ace"tui "in(icat $atr*na%.
4 !m +burat * (at $e"te fabrica )*a"tr. Veneam (e %a ba+a n*a"tr (e %a !ba(an. 7ram cu
un a$arat (e tran"$*rt, a(uceam un 212. !)ei neca+uri $e4ac*%*H
4 M*mentan.
6a"i-i "e *$ri, $ri)in(u4% #n(e%un-. 8ncet4#ncet, (in buci, #nce$ea " "e f*rme+e un $%an.
4 Ine%e $r*b%eme tem$*rare: im$*rtante, (ar tem$*rare. Du$ cum &tii, am a)ut &i n*i, (in
$%in, (e %a #nce$ut $artea n*a"tr (e neca+uri, (e&i nimic (in )ina n*a"tr. Mai #nti a f*"t #n
februarie =71, cn( (*u+eci &i trei (e $r*(uct*ri (e $etr*% au "emnat #ne%e-erea J37B #n $ri)ina
$reuri%*r, f*rmn( ace"t carte%, (ub%n( $reu% %a (*i (*%ari &i &ai"$re+ece ceni bari%u%... !$*i
r+b*iu% (e N*m 6i$$ur, #n =73, cn( J37B a *$rit %i)rri%e ctre State%e Inite &i a ri(icat $reu% %a
cinci (*%ari &i (*i"$re+ece ceni... Du$ a"ta cata"tr*fa (in =74, cn( tran"$*rturi%e (e $etr*% a%e
J37B au f*"t re%uate, (ar (in n*u %a $e"te (ub%u% $reu%ui %*r 4 +ece (*%ari &i n*u+eci &i cinci 4 &i a4
nce$ut rece"iunea ec*n*mic m*n(ia%. De ce State%e Inite au #n-(uit J37B4u%ui " (i"tru-
ec*n*mia %umii, cn( (*ar ei "in-uri a)eau $*"ibi%itatea "4i +(r*bea"c, n4* " &tim nici*(at.
Aa>aC &i4acum "untem $e )ecie %a mna J37B. !cum $rinci$a%u% n*"tru furni+*r, 'ranu%, e #n
re)*%uie, $etr*%u% a a,un" %a a$r*a$e (*u+eci (e (*%ari bari%u% &i trebuie " $%tim. ErebuieC #&i
"trn"e $umnu%, -ata " i+bea"c cu e% #n ba%u"tra(, a$*i #% (e"fcu, (e+-u"tat (e %i$"a "a (e c*ntr*%.
4 Bt (e"$re 'ran4E*(a, "$u"e, f*rn(u4"e " $ar ca%m, ca t*at %umea &i n*i i4am -"it $e
iranieni f*arte (ifici%i #n a te #ne%e-e cu ei, #n u%timii ani. ?cu "emn ctre me"a,. 3re&e(inte%e
c*m$aniei me%e #mi cere " m (uc %a Aan(ar4e De%am.
Scra--er f%uier.
4 8ncurcat treab. Vreau " "$un (ifici%.
4 Da.
4 7 im$*rtantH
4 Da. 7"te.
6a"i-i %" cu)inte%e " atrne #n aer, c*n)in" c Scra--er a)ea " "u-ere+e "*%uia. 3e rm,
"*%u% #mbibat cu $etr*% (in ,uru% c*m$%e/u%ui (e )a%)e ar(ea #nc cu f%cri "tr%ucit*are. Ma&ina
$*m$ieri%*r #m$r&tia "$um. 8n a$r*$iere $utea fi +rit (e 3%e""eK )*rbin( cu Le-ran(e.
Scra--er "$u"e0
4 !"cu%t, amice, e&ti un c%ient im$*rtant a% %ui (e 3%e""eK, nuH !r $utea "4i aran,e+e un
c2arter. !)em un 20G (e re+er). Dac e (e ac*r(... E*ate a$arate%e n*a"tre "unt c*ntractate cu 'ran
Ji%, cu e%, (e fa$t. 3*ate am $utea *bine $ermi"iunea (e %a B*ntr*%u% (e Erafic !erian " te (ucem
#n "u"u% c*a"tei, "au (ac ai $utea "a re+*%)i %a imi-rri &i )am, %a Len-e2: $*ate te4am $utea "%ta
$e"te @*%f #n Dubai "au !% S2ar-a+, (e4ac*%* $*ate c ai $utea " iei un a)i*n "$re !ba(an "au
Aan(ar4e De%am. Jricum, amice, ar $utea " ne a,ute "4i (m (rumu%.
4 Bre+i c4* " )reaH
4 De ce nuH 7&ti im$*rtant $entru e%.
Si-ur c "untem f*arte im$*rtani $entru e%, &i * &tie. Dar n4am " uit nici*(at "can(a%*a"a
b*nificaie (e (*i (*%ari (e bari%.
4 'art4m, ce ai "$u"H
4 !m "$u"0 ce )4a fcut t*tu&i " $*rnii $r*iectu% "taH 7 (e$arte (e ca" &i n4a)ea cum " )
a(uc a%tce)a (ect neca+uri. Be )4a fcut "4% $*rniiH
4 In )i".
6a"i-i "imea ne)*ia " a$rin( * i-ar, (ar fumatu% era #n-(uit (*ar #n anumite +*ne,
$r*te,ate (e incen(iu.
4 Bu un"$re+ece ani #n urm, #n =G8, un *m numit Aan,ir* 6Kama, un in-iner btrn care
%ucra $entru c*m$ania mea, &i ru( cu $re&e(inte%e ei, ;ir* E*(a, trecea cu ma&ina $rin cm$uri%e
$etr*%iere (in ,uru% !ba(anu%ui. 7ra $rima %ui )i+it #n 'ran &i *riun(e "4a (u" a )+ut ,eturi (e -a+e
natura%e a$rin"e. '4a )enit bru"c un -n( 0 n4am $utea tran"f*rma -a+u% "ta ir*"it #n $r*(u"e
c2imiceH !)em te2n*%*-ia &i $rice$erea &i *bi&nuina (e a $%anifica $e termen %un-. 3rice$erea &i
banii ,a$*ne+i%*r, a%turate materiei $rime iraniene, care acum e #n #ntre-ime ir*"it. J i(ee
"tr%ucit, unic, &i #nc una (intre $rime%e (in cate-*ria ei. Stu(iu% (e fe+abi%itate a %uat trei ani.
De"tu% (e mu%t, (e&i ri)a%i in)i(i*&i au $retin" c am $*rnit4* $rea re$e(e &i #n ace%a&i tim$ au
#ncercat " ne fure i(ei%e &i "4i ae $e a%ii #m$*tri)a n*a"tr. Dar 3%anu% E*(a a mer" #nainte (u$
110
cu)iin &i a f*"t *binut * finanare trei mi%iar(e &i ,umtate (e (*%ari. De"i-ur, "untem (*ar *
$arte (in "in(icatu% @K*>*t*m* 4Mit"u<ari4E*(a, iar na)e%e E*(a )*r tran"$*rta $artea ,a$*ne+
(in $r*(u"e%e (e care in(u"tria n*a"tr are * ne)*ie (i"$erat. Dac )*m $utea i"$r)i )re*(at
c*m$%e/u%, "e -n(i (e+-u"tat.
4 1i4acum )i"u% e un c*&marH !m au+it )*rbin(u4"e c $r*iectu% e4n %i$" (e f*n(uri.
4 Du&manii r"$n(e"c t*t fe%u% (e +)*nuri.
3e"te *mni$re+entu% murmur a% -enerat*are%*r na)ei, urec2i%e %ui 6a"i-i $rin"er #nce$utu%
i$tu%ui $e care4% a&te$ta, "ur$rin" c (ura"e att (e mu%t $n " #% au(.
4 Bn( (e 3%e""eK "e #nt*arce %a b*r(, ai " m4a,uiH
4 Aucur*". 7% e *mu% care...
Scra--er "e *$ri. Din n*u $rerea (e i$t.
4 !r"uri%e trebuie " fie (e*"ebit (e (urer*a"e. 6a"i-i ((u (in ca$. J n*u i+bucnire a
f%cri%*r %e #n(re$t atenia ctre rm. 3ri)ir *amenii (e4ac*%*. ?*cu% era a$r*a$e "ub c*ntr*%.
In a%t i$t. 6a"i-i #% ne-%i,a, cu -n(uri%e %a Aan(ar4e De%am &i %a r"$un"u% $e care ar fi
trebuit "4% trimit ime(iat $rin te%e/ %ui ;ir* E*(a. Dac cine)a $*ate " re+*%)e $r*b%ema n*a"tr,
ace%a e ;ir* E*(a. 7% trebuie "4* fac. Dac e% n4* face, "unt ruinat &i nereu&ita %ui (e)ine &i4a mea.
4 6a"i-i4"amaC
7ra c$itanu%, care "tri-a (e $e $untea (e c*man(.
4 ;aiC
Scra--er a"cu%t &u)*iu% (e cu)inte ,a$*ne+e, (e%*c $%cute urec2i%*r "a%e, re)r"at (e
c$itan. 6a"i-i r"uf% a(nc.
4 D*m*C "tri-, a$*i, re$e+it, ctre Scra--er uitn( (e t*ate ce%e%a%te0 ;ai(eC
8% c*n(u"e #n fu- ctre "c2e%a (e b*r(.
4 'ranianu%, # i a(uci aminteH Be% $e care %4ai aruncat (in e%ic*$ter. 7 "ab*t*r &i a $%antat un
(i"$*+iti) e/$%*+i) "ub $uni.
Scra--er #% urm $rin cu%*ar, #n ,*" $e "cri, "rir cte (*u tre$te *(at, trecur #n fu- (e4
a %un-ii c*ri(*are%*r #n ,*", $e a%t $unte &i $e #nc una &i atunci #&i aminti i$ete%e. Bre(eam c )in
(e $e $unte &i nu (e (e(e"but, (in ca%e, #&i +i"e. Be i4*r fi fcutH 8i a,un"er (in urm $e c$itan &i
$e in-ineru% &ef. D*i marinari furi*&i $e ,umtate #m$in-eau, $e ,umtate trau #n faa %*r un Sai(
$ara%i+at (e "$aim. Lacrimi%e #i cur-eau $e *bra,i &i b*%b*r*"ea inc*erent, inn(u4&i cu * mn
$anta%*nii ri(icai. Se *$ri tremurn( &i -emn( &i art ctre una (intre )a%)e. B$itanu% "e a&e+
f*arte $recaut $e )ine, "e #ntin"e #n "$ate%e r*binetu%ui uria&, a$*i "e ri(ic.
7/$%*+ibi%u% $%a"tic era abia cu $uin mai mare (ect $a%ma %ui. Di"$*+iti)u% (e tem$*ri+are
era c2imic, * fi*% #n-%*bat #n e% &i %e-at $uternic cu ban( a(e+i).
4 J$re&te4%C #i ceru furi*" #ntr4* $er"an e+itant #ntin+n(u4% ctre *mu% care "e tra"e #na$*i,
b*%b*r*"in( &i i$n( .
4 .u "e $*ate *$ri. 7 -ata " e/$%*(e+e, nu4ne%e-iH B$itanu% #n-2e.
4 S$une c nu "e $*ate *$ri.
Mai #nainte (e a $utea "c2ia * mi&care, unu% (intre marinari i4% "mu%"e (in mn &i, $e
,umtate tr-n(u4% $e Sai( cu e%, $e ,umtate #mbrncin(u4%, "e re$e+i ctre ie&ire. 8n %*cu% ace%a nu
e/i"tau 2ub%*uri, (ar erau $e $untea
urmt*are. Be% mai a$r*$iat 2ub%*u "e af%a #ntr4un c*% a% c*ri(*ru%ui, bine #nc2i" cu (*u
mari $iu%ie4f%uture, meta%ice. !$r*a$e #% i+bi $e Sai( (e e%e, i$n( %a e% " %e (e"c2i(. Bu mna
%iber #nce$u " (e"fac una (intre e%e.
9)*ru% c+u, a$*i ce% a% %ui Sai(. Marinaru% (e"c2i"e 2ub%*u%. 8n aceea&i "ecun(
(i"$*+iti)u% e/$%*(, "mu%-n(u4i marinaru%ui amn(*u mini%e &i cea mai mare $arte a feei, iar
%ui Sai( ca$u%, #m$r*&cn( u&a cabinei cu "n-e.
Bei%a%i, "*"ii #n fu- (e (e(e"ubt, fur a$r*a$e aruncai #na$*i #n c*ri(*r. !$*i 6a"i-i
#nainta &i #n-enunc2e %in- ca(a)re. !meit, "cutur #ncet (in ca$. B$itanu% "$ar"e tcerea.
4 6armaC murmur.
111
CAPITOLUL 13
La Ee2eran: *ra 8,33 "eara. Du$ ce "e (e"$ri"e (e Mc')er #n a$r*$ierea bir*uri%*r %*r,
E*m L*c2art "e (u"e"e aca", #nt%nin( #n (rum cte)a (i)er"iuni, ci)a $*%i i ti furi*&i, (ar nimic
care "4% #m$ie(ice. L*cuina %ui era un a$artament "$%en(i( %a man"ar(a unei c%(iri m*(erne cu
&a"e eta,e, #n cea mai bun +*n re+i(enia%, un (ar (e nunt (e %a "*cru% "u.
1e2ere+a(a #% a&te$ta. 8&i arunc brae%e #n ,uru% %ui, #% "rut cu $a"iune, #% ru- " "e a&e+e #n
faa f*cu%ui &i "4&i "c*at $ant*fii, a%er- "4i a(uc ni&te )in 4 rcit e/act a&a cum #i $%cea %ui 4 #i
a(u"e * -u"tare, "$unn( c cina a)ea " fie -ata #n curn(, a%er- #n buctrie &i, cu )*cea ei
arm*ni*a", f%ui(, ceru "%u,nicei &i buctaru%ui " "e -rbea"c fiin( c "t$nu% "*"i"e aca" &i era
f%mn(, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e #na$*i &i "e a&e+ %a $ici*are%e %ui $e $*(eaua minunat &i (in be%&u-
ac*$erit cu c*)*are, #nc*n,urn(u4&i -enunc2ii cu brae%e &i $ri)in(u4% cu a(*raie.
4 J2, "unt att (e fericit " te )(, E*mmK. Mi4a f*"t att (e (*r (e tineC "$u"e #ntr4*
en-%e+ #ncntt*are. J2C Mi4am $etrecut tim$u% f*arte intere"ant, a"t+i &i ieri.
3urta $anta%*ni $er"ani (in mta"e u&*ar &i * b%u+ %un- &i %ar- &i, $entru e%, era (urer*"
(e frum*a". 1i (*rit.
3e"te cte)a +i%e a)ea " fie cea (e4a (*u+eci &i treia ani)er"are a +i%ei ei (e na&tere. 7% a)ea
$atru+eci &i trei (e ani. 7rau c"t*rii (e a$r*a$e un an &i e% "e "imi"e )r,it (in $rima c%i$ cn( *
)+u"e.
!"ta "e4ntm$%a"e cu ce)a mai mu%t (e trei ani #n urm, %a * "erat (in Ee2eran (at (e
-enera%u% Va%i>, un )r a% tat%ui ei. 7ra #n $rime%e +i%e a%e %ui "e$tembrie, )acana (e )ar a &c*%i%*r
en-%e+e&ti era $e "fr&ite, iar Deir(re, "*ia %ui, era #n !n-%ia cu fiica %*r, bucurn(u4"e (e u%time%e
+i%e (e )acan &i $etrecere &i, #n (imineaa aceea, $rimi"e #nc * "cri"*are iritat (in $artea ei,
in"i"tn( "4i "crie %ui @a)a%%an $entru tran"feru% ime(iat.
MIr"c Ee2eranu%, nu )reau " trie"c ac*%* nici * c%i$ #n $%u". E*t ce4mi (*re"c e"te
!n-%ia, ca &i M*nica: (e a%tfe%. De ce nu )rei " te -n(e&ti * c%i$ &i %a n*i, %a b%e"temate%e ta%e (e
e%ic*$tere &i c*m$ania S4@H E*ata fami%ia mea e aici, t*i $rietenii mei &i4ai M*nici. M4am "turat
$n4n -t " trie"c (e$arte (e ar &i )reau ca"a mea un(e)a %n- L*n(ra, cu -r(in, "au c2iar
&i4n *ra&. Sunt cte)a ca"e, a(e)rate c2i%i$iruri, #n 3utneK &i #n B%a$2am B*mm*n. Sunt "tu%
$n $e"te ca$ (e "trini &i (e "%u,be #n "trintate &i "unt "tu% $n #n -t (e mncarea iranian, (e
mi+erie, (e c%(ur, (e fri-, (e %imba %*r ne"uferit, (e c%*"ete%e %*r #m$uite $e care trebuie " "tai
-2emuit ca un anima%, (e *biceiuri%e %*r mur(are, (e $urtri%e %*r, (e t*tu%. 7 tim$u% " $unem
%ucruri%e #n *r(ine, ct )reme mai "unt #nc tnr.M
4 7/ce%enH
B2e%neru% +mbit*r &i "cr*bit #i *feri"e $%in (e "*%icitu(ine * ta) cu buturi, ce%e mai mu%te
"ucuri. Mu%i ma2*me(ani (in c%a"a (e mi,%*c "au (in $turi%e (e "u" beau a%c**% atunci cn( "e
af%au "in-uri, aca", (ar mai $uin #n $ub%ic 4 buturi tari &i )inuri (e t*ate fe%uri%e fiin( (e )n+are
#n Ee2eran, ca &i #n baruri%e 2*te%uri%*r m*(erne.
.ici un fe% (e a"tfe% (e re"tricii nu erau im$u"e "trini%*r, care $uteau " bea $e fa "au #n
#nc$eri%e %*r, "$re (e*"ebire (e !rabia Sau(it &i une%e (intre emirate, un(e *ricine era $rin" era
$a"ibi% (e $e(ea$"a cerut (e B*ran0 biciu%.
4 Mam**nan 4 mu%ume"c, "$u"e"e $*%itic*" &i acce$t un $a2ar (e )in a%b, $er"an, f*arte
cutat #nc (e acum a$r*a$e trei mi%enii, abia b-n( #n "eam c2e%neru% &i $e cei%a%i *a"$ei,
inca$abi% " (e$&ea"c "tarea (e$re"i) &i iritarea $r*)*cate (e fa$tu% c acce$ta"e " "e a%ture
ace%ei $etreceri, #n%*cuin(u4% $e Mc')er care trebui"e " $%ece %a ba+a %*r (e %a !% S2ar-a+, (e
cea%a%t $arte a @*%fu%ui.
4 Dar tu, E*m, )*rbe&ti far"i, "$u"e"e Mc')er ne)in*)at, &i cine)a trebuie " mear-.
Da, #&i +i"e"e, (ar Mac ar fi $utut %a fe% (e u&*r "i r*a-e $e B2ar%ie 3eti>in.
7ra a$r*a$e n*u, #nc nu "e "er)i"e ma"a &i e% "ttea %n- una (intre u&i%e (e"c2i"e care
((ea #n -r(in, $ri)n( afara, %a %uminri%e &i $e%u+e%e $e"te care erau a ternute c*)*are minunate
$e care *a"$eii "tteau a e+ai "au #ntin&i, a%ii #n $ici*are, #n -ru$uri "ub c*$aci $e %n- micu%
ba+in. .*a$tea era $%in (e "te%e &i b%n(, ca"a b*-at &i "$ai*a", a&e+at #n (i"trictu% S2emiran,
112
%a $*a%e%e Muni%*r 7%bur", iar $etrecerea era %a fe% ca mu%te a%te%e %a care (in $ricin c $utea "
)*rbea"c far"i, era (e *bicei $rimit cu $%cere. E*i iranienii erau bine #mbrcai, era mu%t )e"e%ie
&i mu%te bi,uterii, me"e%e erau #ncrcate cu * abun(en (e mncruri, att eur*$ene ct &i iraniene,
ca%(e "au reci, c*n)er"aii (e"$re u%tima $ie" ,ucat %a L*n(ra "au %a .e< N*r> "au Mai " $%eci %a
)ar %a Saint M*rit+ %a "c2i, "au %a Banne"M, "au (e"$re $reu% $etr*%u%ui &i brfe%e (e"$re curtea
re-a%a &i (e"$re Ma,e"tatea Sa im$eria%, Ma,e"tatea !"ta "au Bea%a%t, t*ate, t*ate $re"rate cu
$*%iteuri &i f%atri &i c*m$%imente e/tra)a-ante, att (e nece"are #n "*cietatea iranian %a t*ate
ni)e%uri%e, $"trn( * a$aren ca%m, $*%itic*a" &i b%n(, un(e rar $trun(ea un "trin, cu att mai
$uin cine)a (in afara rii.
3e )remea aceea era "tai*nat %a @a%e- M*r-2i, un aer*$*rt mi%itar (e %n- Ee2eran, un(e
"e $re-teau $i%*ii a)iaiei mi%itare iraniene. 8n +ece +i%e trebuia " $%ece %a n*u% "u $*"t, %a 9a-r*",
f*arte c*n&tient c acea"t na)et cu (*u "$tmni %a 9a-r*" &i una %a Ee2eran )a a$rin(e &i mai
tare "$iritu% "*iei "a%e. 8n acea (iminea, #ntr4* i+bucnire (e furie, #i r"$un"e"e %a "cri"*are &i i4*
trimi"e"e cu un me"a-er "$ecia%.
MDac )rei " rmi #n !n-%ia, rmi #n !n-%ia, (ar nu m mai cic%i &i nu4i mai b-a na"u%
#n ce nu &tii. @"e&te4 i ca" un(e )rei, (ar n4am " %*cuie"c nici*(at ac*%*. .ici*(atC !m * "%u,b
bun, $%tit f*arte bine &i4mi $%ace &i a"ta eC !m (uce * )ia frum*a" (ac i4ai (e"c2i(e *c2ii.
1tiai c "unt $i%*t cn( ne4am c"t*rit, tiai care e"te )iaa $e care am a%e"4*, &tiai c n4a& tri #n
!n-%ia, &tiai c a"ta e"te ceea ce &tiu " fac &i nu mai $*t "c2imba %ucruri%e acum. Eermin cu
cic%ea%a "au m "u$rC Dac )rei " "c2imbi %ucruri%e, fie cum )rei...
La (racu=C M4am "turatC B2ri"t*a"e, "$une c ur te 'ranu% &i t*t ce ine (e e%, (ar nu &tie
nimic (e"$re 'ran. Aa n4a ie&it nici*(at afar (in Ee2eranC .4* "4* fac, nici mcar n4* " #ncerce
)re*(at mncruri%e &i a fcut )i+ite (*ar %a ce%e cte)a ne)e"te a%e $er"*na%u%ui britanic,
#nt*t(eauna ace%ea&i 4 min*ritatea -ura%i) &i bi-*t, in"u%ar, %a fe% (e $%icti"it &i $%icti"it*are, cu
interminabi%e%e %*r #nt%niri (e bri(-e, ne"fr&ite%e ceaiuri,C M(ar, (ra-, cum $*i " "u$*ri ce)a ce
nu e (e %a ?*rtnum 1 "au (e %a Mar>" &i S$ar>"M, care "e #n-2e"uiau " *bin * in)itaie %a
!mba"a(a Aritanic, %a * cin cu fri$tur -re*a" (e )ac &i bu(inc (e N*r>"2ire, "au %a un ceai
cu "an()i&uri cu ca"tra)ete &i $r,itur cu mac, t*i $e (e$%in c*n)in&i c t*t ce e en-%e+e"c e ce% mai
bun %ucru% (in %ume, #n "$ecia% buctria en-%e+ea"c0 m*rc*)i fieri, c*n*$i( fiart, cart*fi fieri,
)ar+ (e Aru/e%%e" fiart,C biftec #n "n-e "au fri$tur u"cat (e mie% $e $*"t (e cu%me a
$erfeciunii...
4 J2, biat 7/ce%en, nu artai (e%*c )e"e%CC "$u"e"e ea #n &*a$t.
7% $ri)i"e #n ,ur &i %umea "e "c2imba"e.
4 Be "4a #ntm$%atH #ntreba"e ea cu * u&*ar #ncrunttur $e c2i$u4i *)a%.
4 'art4m, &*$ti"e cu r"uf%area tiat, (e+*rientat $entru * c%i$ (e $re+ena ei, cu inima
btn( &i -tu% u"cat, "en+aii $e care nu %e tri"e nici*(at $n atunci, am cre+ut c e&ti * n%uc...
Be)a ie&it (in MJ mie &i una (e n*$iM... J minune...
Se *$ri"e cu un ef*rt, "imin(u4"e $r*"t.
4 'art4m, eram %a un mi%i*n (e >i%*metri (e$rtare. M c2eam L*c2art, E*m L*c2art.
4 Da, &tiu, "$u"e"e ea r+n(.
Jc2i ,ucu&i, c$rui (e"c2i": bu+e%e "tr%uceau ume(, $ie%ea a)ea cu%*area $mntu%ui
iranian: un &a% m"%iniu.
3urta un )e&mnt (e mta"e a%b, era $arfumat &i abia4i a,un-ea $n %a brbie.
4 Suntei ace% c$itan4in"truct*r rutci*" care4% freac $e "rmanu% meu )r 6arim (e ce%
$uin trei *ri.
4 BumH
L*c2art (e"c*$eri"e c #i era -reu " "e c*ncentre+e.
4 !c*%*.
7a arta"e cu (e-etu% #n $artea cea%a%t a #nc$erii.
Enru% era #n ci)i% &i +mbea ctre ei, iar L*c2art nu4% recun*"cu"e, (e&i era unu% (intre
e%e)ii "i 4 f*arte atr-t*r, cu $ru% ne-ru buc%at, cu *c2i ne-ri &i bine fcut.
4 In )r (e*"ebit0 c$itanu% 6arim 3e"2a(i (in ?*re%e !eriene 'm$eria%e 'raniene.
8&i #nt*r"e"e $ri)iri%e ctre L*c2art, f%uturn( (in -ene%e %un-i &i ne-re. 1i (in n*u inima %ui
#&i *$ri"e bti%e.
113
St$ne&te4te, $entru Dumne+euC Be (racu= "e4ntm$% cu tineH
4 7u... ei bine, #ncerc " nu4% frec (ect (ac... &tiu eu... (ac merit, e numai ca "4&i $*at
a$ra $ie%ea.
8ncerca"e "4&i amintea"c (*"aru% c$itanu%ui 3e"2a(i (ar nu reu&i"e &i, (i"$erat, trecu %a
far"i.
4 Dar, #n%imea V*a"tr, (ac mi4ai face nem"urata *n*are, (ac ai rmne " (i"cutm &i
m4ai *n*ra "$unn(u4mi nume%e (*mniei4)*a"tre, $r*mit c * "... #&i "c*t*ci"e mintea (u$
cu)ntu% $*tri)it, (ar nu4% -"i"e &i "$u"e"e #n "c2imb0 V*i fi "c%a)u% )*"tru $entru t*t(eauna &i,
(e"i-ur, )a trebui "4% a&e+ $e 7/ce%ena Sa, )ru% )*"tru, cu * "ut (e $uncte (ea"u$ra tutur*r
ce%*r%a%i.
7a btu"e (in $a%me #ncntat0
4 J, $rea cin"tit 7/ce%en, 7/ce%ena Sa, )ru% meu, nu mi4a "$u" c )*rbii %imba n*a"tr.
J, ct (e minunat "un cu)inte%e cn( %e r*"tii D*mnia4)*a"trC
!$r*a$e $%utin(, L*c2art a"cu%ta"e e/tra)a-ante%e ei c*m$%imente care "unau *bi&nuit #n
far"i &i "e au+i"e r"$un+n( %a fe%, binecu)ntn(u4% #n -n( $e Scra--er, care, cu mu%i ani #n
urm, cn( "e a%tura"e c*m$aniei Qei> !)iati*n, (u$ ce $r"i"e 5!?4u% #n =G, #i "$u"e"e0
MDac )rei " +b*ri cu n*i, amice, mai bine #n)a far"i, fiin=c eu n4* "4* facCM. 3entru $rima (at
rea%i+ ct (e $*tri)it era $er"ana ca %imb a (ra-*"tei, a a%u+ii%*r H
4 .ume%e meu e 1e2ere+a(a 3a>n*uri, 7/ce%en.
4 !tunci #n%imea Sa e"te, $n %a urm, (in MJ Mi, &i Ina (e .*$iM.
4 !2, (ar nu $*t " ) i"t*ri"e"c )re* $*)e"te nici c2iar (ac ai ,ura c4* "4mi tiai ca$u%.
!$*i, #n en-%e+ r+n( 0 !m f*"t u%tima (in c%a"a mea %a c*m$unere...
4 Bu ne$utinC
4 Suntei #nt*t(eauna att (e -a%ant, c$itane L*c2artH
Jc2ii ei #% tac2inau. Se au+i"e "$unn( 4 #n far"i0
4 .umai cu cea mai frum*a" femeie $e care am #nt%nit4* )re*(at.
J )+u"e c*%*rn(u4"e #n *bra,i &i $%ecn(u4&i *c2ii &i "e -n(i"e furi*" &i #n"$imntat #n
ace%a&i tim$ c (i"tru"e"e t*tu%, (ar cn( ea $ri)i"e (in n*u #n "u" ctre e%, *c2ii #i +mbeau.
4 Mu%ume"c. ?acei fericit * btrn (*amn. Sc$a"e $a2aru% (in mn. 8% ri(ica"e
b%e"temn(, cern(u4&i "cu+e, (ar #n afar (e ea nimeni nu *b"er)a"e.
4 Suntei c"t*ritH #i "c$a"e fr " )rea.
.u "e -n(i"e c ar fi $utut fi a&a, (ar (e"i-ur c trebuia " fie c"t*rit &i *ricum e% era
c"t*rit &i a)ea * fiic (e *$t ani &i ce (re$t a)ea " fie nemu%umit $entru Dumne+eu, te $*ri ca
un nebun, i4ai $ier(ut mini%e 4 a$*i urec2i%e &i *c2ii %ui #nce$u"er (in n*u " funci*ne+e.
4 Bum, ce4ai "$u"H
4 J, am "$u" c am f*"t c"t*rit 4 (e fa$t, mai "unt $entru #nc trei "$tmni &i (*u +i%e 4
&i c nume%e meu (u$ c"t*rie e"te 3a>n*uri. .ume%e meu (e fami%ie e"te Aa>ra)an.
J$ri"e un c2e%ner &i a%e"e"e (e $e ta) un $a2ar cu )in, $e care i4% #ntin"e"e. Din n*u
#ncruntarea.
4 Suntei "i-ur c ) "imii bine, (*mnu%e c$itanH
4 J, (a, (aC r"$un"e"e $e ner"uf%ate. Be "$uneaiH 3a>n*uriH
4 Da, #n%imea Sa, emiru% 3a>n*uri, era att (e #n cinci+eci (e ani, un $rieten a% tatei, iar tata
&i mama "4au -n(it c ar fi bine $entru mine " m c"t*re"c cu e% iar e% a c*n"imit, (e&i "unt *
"%bn*a-, nu (e4a,un" (e r*t*feie ca " tre+e"c (*rina, *rict (e mu%t a& mnca0 ! a )rea !%%a2.
7a ri(ica"e (in umeri, a$*i +mbi"e &i %ui i "e $ru"e c r"are "*are%e.
4 Si-ur ca am f*"t (e ac*r(, #n" (*ar cu c*n(iia ca, (ac nu mi4ar fi $%cut c"t*ria,
acea"ta " #ncete+e (u$ (*i ani. !&a c #n cea (e4a &a$te"$re+ecea mea +i (e na&tere am f*"t
c"t*rii &i nu mi4a $%cut #nc (e %a #nce$ut, &i4am $%n", &i4am $%n", &i4atunci, (e*arece nu au
f*"t c*$ii (u$ (*i ani, "au (u$ anu% urmt*r %a care m4am #n)*it, "*u% meu, "t$nu% meu, a
acce$tat bine)*it*r " (i)*re+e (e mine &i acum, (in fericire, e"te cu $utin ca e% " "e
c"t*rea"c, iar eu "unt %iber, (ar (in nefericire att (e btrn...
4 .u "untei btrn, "untei %a fe% (e...
4 J, (a, btrn...
114
Jc2ii ei +bur(au &i "e $refcea #ntri"tat, (ar e% #&i ((u"e "eama c nu era &i "e urmri"e
)*rbin(u4i, r+n( #m$reun cu ea, a$*i fcn( "emn )ru%ui ei " %i "e4a%ture, #n-r*+it c ace"ta ar
fi $utut fi (e fa$t a%e"u% ei, $%)r-in( cu ei, af%n( c tat% ei era un im$*rtant ba+aari, c fami%ia
era numer*a" &i c*"m*$*%it, cu mu%i $rieteni &i cun*&tine "u"4$u"e, c mama ei era b*%na), c
a)ea "ur*ri &i frai &i fu"e"e %a &c*a% #n 7%)eia, #n" numai * ,umtate (e an, $entru c4i fu"e"e mu%t
$rea tare (*r (e 'ran &i (e fami%ia ei. !$*i cina"e cu ei, fericit i )e"e%, c2iar &i cu -enera%u% Va%i>, &i
fu"e"e cea mai minunat c%i$ (in )iaa %ui.
Bn( $%eca"e #n acea n*a$te, nu "e (u"e"e aca", ci * $*rni"e $e (rumu% ce (ucea #n "u",
ctre Daraban(, #n muni, un(e, $e ma%uri%e unui $ru, "e af%au mu%te cafene%e #nc*n,urate (e
-r(ini #ncntt*are, cu "caun me"e &i (i)ane "*m$tu*" a&ternute cu c*)*are, $uteai " te *(i2ne&ti,
" mnnci "au " (*rmi 4 une%e (intre e%e "u"$en(ate (ea"u$ra $ru%ui, a&a #nct a$a &i &*$*tea $e
(e(e"ubt 4 &i "ttu ac*%* #ntin", $ri)in( #n "u" %a "te%e, &tiin( c "e "c2imba"e, &tiin( c #nnebuni"e,
&tiin(, (e a"emenea, c ar fi trecut $e"te *rice *b"tac*% i ar fi #n(urat *rice "uferin ca " * ia (e
"*ie. 1i * fcu"e, (e&i (rumu% fu"e"e (urer*" &i (e mu%te *ri $%n"e"e cu$rin" (e (i"$erare.
4 La ce te -n( e&ti, E*mmKH #% #ntreba acum, "tn( %a $ici*are%e %ui $e minunatu% c*)*r, (ar
(e nunt (e %a -enera%u% Va%i>.
4 La tine, #i r"$un"e #n(r-*"tit, "imin(u4&i -ri,i%e #n(e$rtate (e tan(reea ei.
Sufra-eria era c%(ur*a", ca t*ate #nc$eri%e uria&u%ui a$artament, &i (e%icat %uminat,
$er(e%e%e tra"e, $rin ,ur +ceau #m$r&tiate mu%te c*)*are &i $erne, iar f*cu% (e %emne ar(ea )e"e%.
4 De fa$t, m -n(e"c t*at )remea %a tine. 7a btu (in $a%me.
4 7 minunatC
4 .u m (uc mine %a 9a-r*", ci $*imine.
4 J2, a"ta4i &i mai minunat.
8i #mbri&a -enunc2ii &i #&i a&e+ ca$u% $e ei.
4 MinunatC
7% #i mn-ie $ru%.
4 !i "$u" c4ai fcut %ucruri intere"ante a"t+i.
4 Da. 'eri &i a+i. !m f*"t %a amba"a(a ta &i am %uat $a&a$*rtu%, a&a cum mi4ai "$u" " fac.
4 @r*+a), acum e&ti cana(ianc.
4 .u, iubitu%e, iranianc. Eu e&ti cana(ian. !"cu%t. Be% mai bun %ucru a f*"t c am f*"t %a
D*"2an Ea$$e2, "$u"e ea mn(r.
4 Drace, +i"e e% fr " )rea, fiin( c ei nu4i $%cea "4% au( #n,urn(. 'art4m, (ar a"ta a
f*"t * nebunie. !c*%* "e (au %u$te, e&ti nebun " te $rime,(uie&ti a"tfe%C
4 J nu, m4am ame"tecat $rintre %u$tt*ri, #i "$u"e ea i "e ri(ic &i ie&i #n fu-, "$unn( 0 !m
"4i art.
J c%i$ mai tr+iu a$ru #n ca(ru% u&ii #&i $u"e"e un c2a(*r cenu&iu care * ac*$erea (in
cre&tet $n #n c%cie, %"n(u4i %iber abia * mic $arte a feei, )e&mnt $e care e% #% ura.
4 !2, "t$ne, "$u"e #n far"i, fcn( * $iruet #n faa %ui nu4i ne)*ie " te temi $entru mine.
!%%a2 &i 3r*fetu%, fie4i nume%e %u(at, $ri)e-2ea+ a"u$ra mea...
Se *$ri, *b"er)n(u4i e/$re"ia.
4 Be "4a4ntm$%atH #ntreb #n en-%e+e&te.
4 .u te4am )+ut nici*(at #n c2a(*r. 7 ... nu i "e $*tri)e&te...
4 J, &tiu c e urt &i n4am "4% $*rt nici*(at aca", #n" $e "tra( m "imt mai bine cn(
$*rt a&a ce)a $e mine. E*ate $ri)iri%e a%ea ne"uferite a%e brbai%*r... 7 )remea " ne #nt*arcem cu
t*ate %a $*rtu% "ta. 1i a% )%u%ui.
7ra "ur$rin".
4 1i cum rmne cu t*ate %iberti%e $e care %e4ai c&ti-atH Libertatea (e a )*ta, (e a "c*ate
)%u%, %ibertatea (e a mer-e un(e )rei, (e a ) c"t*ri cu cine )rei, (e a nu mai fi tratate ca un
*biect, a&a ca $n nu (emu%tH Dac acce$tai c2a(*ru%, * " $ier(ei t*ate ce%e%a%te.
4 3*ate (a, $*ate nu, E*mmK.
7ra bucur*a" c )*rbeau #n en-%e+, a&a #nct $utea "4% c*ntra+ic $uin, %ucru (e
nec*nce$ut (ac ar fi a)ut un "* iranian &i att (e mu%umit c 2*tr"e " "e c"t*rea"c cu ace"t
brbat care, (e necre+ut, #i #n-(uia " aib * *$inie &i, #nc &i mai u%uit*r, #i #n-(uia " &i4*
11
e/$rime (e"c2i" fa (e e%. Vinu% ace"ta a% %ibertii e ameit*r, #&i +i"e, f*arte -reu, f*arte
$rime,(i*" (e but (e ctre * femeie, ca nectaru% (in @r(ini%e 3ara(i"u%ui.
4 Bn( 5e+a 1a2 a %uat )%u% (e $e fee%e n*a"tre, "$u"e, ar fi trebuit, t*t*(at, " ia &i
*b"e"ia (in mini%e brbai%*r. Eu nu te (uci %a $ia, E*mmK, nu c*n(uci ma&ina, nu ca femeie. .4
ai i(ee cum e"te. Arbaii 4 $e "tra(, #n ba+ar, %a banc, $e"te t*t 4 "unt %a fe%. 3*i citi #n mini%e %*r
ace%ea&i -n(uri, aceea&i *b"e"ie %a ace"te -n(uri (e"$re mine $e care numai tu ar trebui " %e ai.
8&i "c*a"e c2a(*ru%, #% $u"e cu -ri, $e un "caun i a&e+ (in n*u %a $ici*are%e %ui.
4 De a+i #nainte am "4% $*rt $e "tra(, ca mama mea &i mama mamei me%e #naintea ei, nu
(in $ricina %ui 62*meini, !%%a2 "4% a$ere, ci $entru tine, $reaiubitu% meu "*C
8% "rut u&*r &i "e %i$i (e -enunc2iu% "u &i e% &tia c 2*trrea fu"e"e %uat. D*ar (ac nu4i
$*runcea e% " fac a%tfe%, (ar atunci a)eau " i&te ne$%ceri #n ca", $entru c, aici era #ntr4a(e)r
(re$tu% ei " 2*tra"c ace"t %ucru. 7ra iranianc, ca"a ei era #n 'ran &i #nt*t(eauna a)ea " fie ac*%*.
!cea"ta era $arte (in #ne%e-erea %ui cu tat% ei a&a c t*ate neca+uri%e erau iraniene iar "*%uia
iranian0 +i%e (e *ftaturi a(nci &i $ri)iri $%ine (e tri"tee, cte)a %acrimi, $urtare umi% (e "c%a),
"u"$ine m"urate #n tim$u% n*$ii, a%te*ri *ftaturi ar+t*are, fr )reun cu)nt "au $ri)ire "u$rat,
t*ate #n "tare " (i"tru- $acea "uf%etea"c a unui "*, "au tat, "au frate. L*c2art -"ea c e f*arte
-reu "4* #ne%ea- cte*(at.
4 ? cum )rei, (ar fr D*"2an Ea$$e2, "$u"e, mn-in(u4i $ru%.
7ra minunat &i mt"*" &i "tr%ucea a&a cum numai tinereea $*ate "tr%uci.
4 Be "4a #ntm$%at ac*%*H ?aa ei "e %umin.
4 ! f*"t att (e $a%$itantC .emurit*rii 4 c2iar tru$e%e (e &*c a%e 1a2u%ui 4 nu i4au $utut
a%un-a $e Bre(inci*&i. 3e"te t*t "e au+eau f*curi (e arm. !m f*"t (e"tu% (e #n "i-uran0 au f*"t cu
mine "*ra mea, La%e2, #m$reun cu )ru% meu !%i &i "*ia %ui. Vru% 6arim era ac*%*. 7% &i ci)a
a%i *fieri "4au (ec%arat (e $artea '"%amu%ui &i a 5e)*%uiei &i ne4a "$u" un(e "4% -"im &i cum. Mai
erau &i a%te (*amne, a$r*a$e (*u "ute, t*ate #n c2a(*r, &i am "tri-at ne#ncetat !%%a2 e mare, !%%a2
e% mareC. !$*i unii (intre "*%(ai au )enit %a n*i0 .emurit*rii. Jc2ii ei "e mrir. 8nc2i$uie&tei,
c2iar &t .emurit*rii #nce$ " )a( !(e)ru%.
F*c2art era #n-r*+it &i u%uit #n ace%a&i tim$ (e $rime,(ia %a care "e e/$u"e"e ea (ucn(u4"e
ac*%* fr "4i cear %ui )*ie, c2iar (ac fu"e"e #n"*it. 3n atunci, in"urecia %ui 62*meini $reau
c trec $e %n- ea fr "4* atin-: (*ar %a #nce$ut, cn( "e $*rni"er tu%burri%e, ea "e temu"e $entru
"i-urana tat%ui ei &i a cun*&tine%*r %*r.
3entru c*ntacte%e %*r, "$u%bera"e t*ate #n-ri,*rri%e cn( #i &*$ti"e %ui L*c2art c e% &i fraii
%ui #% "$ri,ineau #n "ecret $e 62*meini &i re)*%ta %ui #m$*tri)a 1a2u%ui, &i fceau a"ta (e ani (e +i%e.
Dar acum, "e -n( acum, (ac .emurit*rii ce(ea+, iar *fierii tineri (in e&a%*ane%e "u$eri*are, cum
e 6arim, "$ri,in $e fa re)*%ta, )a fi * uria& baie (e "n-e.
4 Bi erauH #ntreb, #ncercn( " 2*tra"c ce " fac.
4 .umai trei ni "4au a%turat, (ar 6arim a "$u" c e un #nce$ut bun &i c ne $utem a&te$ta
c%i$ (e c%i$ ca Aa>2tiar &i (erbe(eii %ui " fu- cum a fu-it &i 1a2u%.
4 !"cu%t, 1e2ere+a(a, a"t+i -u)erne%e !n-%iei &i Bana(ei au *r(*nat #ntre-u%ui $er"*na%
au/i%iar &i fami%ii%*r %*r (in 'ran " $r"ea"c ara $entru un tim$. Mac trimite $e t*at %umea %a !%
S2ar-a+ $n "e %ini&te"c %ucruri%e.
4 !"ta4i f*arte #ne%e$t, (a, f*arte #ne%e$tC
4 Mine * " a,un- aici un 12.0 " %e ia $e @ennK, $e Manue%a, $e !+a(e2 &i $e tine, a&a
c #m$ac2etea+...
4 J, n4am " $%ec, (ra-*"tea meaC .u4i ne)*ie ca eu " $%ec. 1i !+a(e2H 7a (e ce " $%eceH
.u4i nici * $rime,(ie $entru n*iC Eata ar &ti cu "i-uran (ac ar fi )re* $rime,(ie. .u trebuie " te4
n-ri,*re+i.
A- (e "eam c $a2aru% %ui era a$r*a$e -*%, a&a c t&ni #n $ici*are &i #% reum$%u, a$*i "e4
nt*ar"e %a %*cu% ei.
4 Sunt f*arte #n "i-uran.
4 Dar cre( c ai fi mai #n "i-uran (ac ai $%eca (in 'ran $entru un tim$.
4 7 minunat c te -n(e&ti a&a %a mine, iubitu%e, (ar n4am nici un m*ti) " $%ec &i "i-ur c4*
"4% #ntreb $e tata "au tu ai $utea " ...
J mic bucat (e ,eratec c+u (e $e -rtar #ncerc " "e ri(ice, (ar ea "e af%a (e,a ac*%*.
11G
4 ?ac eu a"ta, *(i2ne&te4te, iubitu%e, trebuie ", *b*"itC 3*ate c #i faci mine tim$ "4%
)i+itm $e tat% meu.
!ran,a #n(emnatic f*cu%. B2a(*ru% ei era $e "caun (in a$r*$iere. A- (e "eam c tra-e
cu c*a(a *c2iu%ui %a e% &i umbra unui +mbet trecu $e"te c2i$u% ei.
4 Be4iH
Dre$t r"$un", ea "e mu%umi " +mbea"c (in n*u% #% ri(ic &i fu-i )e"e% (in camer, (e4a
%un-u% c*ri(*ru%uiC ctre buctrie.
5"c*%it, L*c2art $ri)i )reme #n(e%un-at f*cu% #ncercn( "4&i $un #n rn(uia% ar-umen4
te%e, cci nu )*ia "4i $*runcea"c. Dar * "4* fac (ac trebuieC Dumne+eu%e, att (e mu%te neca+uri0
B2ar%ie (i"$rut, 6*<i""4u% e un ba%amuc, 6Kabi uci" &i 1e2ere+a(a #n mi,%*cu% ci*cniri%*r (e
"tra(. 7 nebunC 74* nebunie "4i a"umi un a"emenea ri"c. Dac4* $ier(, * " m*r. D*amne *ricine
ai fi, *riun(e ai fi, a$r4*C
Sufra-eria era mare. La ca$tu% ce%%a%t "e af%a * ma" %un- cu "caune, %a care "e $uteau
a&e+a (*u"$re+ece $er"*ane. De ce%e mai mu%te *ri f*%*"eau * camera (u$ *biceiu% iranian, "tn(
$e $*(ea cu * fa (e ma" a&e+at #ntre ei, "$ri,inii (e $erne. ?*arte rar $urtau $ant*fi, iar ea
nici*(at cu t*curi #na%te, care ar fi $utut "trica c*)*are%e -r*a"e. !)eau cinci (*rmit*are, trei bi,
(*u "ufra-erii, acea"ta $e care * f*%*"eau (e *bicei "au cn( a)eau *a"$ei &i #nc una, mai mic, %a
ce% mai #n(e$rtat ca$t a% a$artamentu%ui, care era, (u$ *bicei, %*cu% un(e "e retr-ea ea atunci
cn( e% a)ea (e (i"cutat afaceri "au cn( * )i+itau "ur*ri%e "au $rietene%e "au a%te cun*&tine, a"tfe%
ca $%)r-ea%a %*r " nu4% (eran,e+e. 8n ,uru% 1e2ere+a(ei era #nt*t(eauna mi&care, #nt*t(eauna
cine)a (in fami%ie, c*$ii, ((ace, (ar numai #n cur"u% +i%e, $n %a a"finit, (e&i (e"e*ri cun*&tine%e
"au $rietenii a$r*$iai rmneau ca *a"$ei $e"te n*a$te.
Lui nu4i $"a (e a"ta. 3entru e% a$reau ca * fami%ie )e"e%, -re-ar. J $arte a #ne%e-erii %ui
cu tat% ei era c a)ea " #n)ee cu rb(are *biceiuri%e iraniene &i " tria"c (u$ *biceiuri%e
iraniene trei ani &i * +i. !$*i $utea " a%ea-0 " tria"c tem$*rar #n afara -ranie%*r 'ranu%ui, cu
1e2ere+a(a (ac era ne)*ie0
4 3entru c $n atunci, #i "$u"e"e bine)*it*r tat% ei, Fare( Aa>ra)an, cu a,ut*ru% %ui !%%a2
ce% Inic &i a% $r*fetu%ui Su, fie ca cu)inte%e Lui " tria"c #n )eci, $n atunci ai " &tii #n(ea,un"
ca " $*i face a%e-erea $*tri)it, $entru c, fr #n(*ia%, $n atunci )ei a)ea fii i fiice, cci, (e&i
fiica mea e $rea "%ab, (i)*rat &i #nc %i$"it (e c*$ii, nu cre( " fie "tear$.
4 Dar e #nc att (e tnr, "4ar $utea " 2*trm c e $rea (e)reme ca "4a)em c*$ii...
4 .u e nici*(at $rea (e)reme, #i r"$un"e"e Aa>ra)an ti*". Bri%e "finte "unt f*arte
%im$e+i. J ca" are ne)*ie (e c*$ii. ?r c*$ii, * femeie "e %ene)e&te. !"ta e cea mai mare
$r*b%em a $rea iubitei me%e 1e2ere+a(a0 n4are c*$ii. Bu une%e *biceiuri m*(erne "unt (e ac*r(, cu
une%e nu.
4 Dar (ac ne4ne%e-em, ea &i cu mine, c e $rea (e)reme...
4 J a"tfe% (e 2*trre nu e treaba eiC
Fare( Aa>ra)an fu"e"e u%uit. 7ra un brbat mrunt, $ntec*", cu barb &i $r a%b &i *c2i (uri.
4 !r fi * m*n"tru*+itate, * in"u%t, " (i"cui )re*(at a"ta cu eaC Erebuie " -n(e&ti ca un
iranian, "au acea"t $*"ibi% c"t*rie n4are " (ure+e 4 &i nici n4are "4ncea$. .ici*(atC !, $*ate
c nu (*re&ti c*$iiHC
4 J, nu, (e"i-ur c )reau c*$ii, (ar $*ate...
4 Aun, atunci a"ta e 2*trt a&a.
4 !tunci ar $utea fi 2*trt a&a0 tim$ (e trei ani &i * +i, $*t " 2*tr"c (ac e $rea (e)remeH
4 J a"tfe% (e i(ee e $r*"tea"c. Dac nu )rei c*$ii... 0 J, ba (a, "i-ur c )reau, 7/ce%enC
8n ce%e (in urm, btrnu% "$u"e"e fr $rea mare entu+ia"m0
4 In an &i * +i numai. Dar numai (ac ,uri $e Sin-uru% Dumne+eu c )rei #ntr4a(e)r c*$ii,
c acea"t cerere u%uit*are e"te ab"*%ut tem$*rar. Ba$u% tu e"te #ntr4a(e)r $%in cu t*t fe%u% (e
ab"ur(iti, fiu%e. Bu a,ut*ru% %ui !%%a2, a"tfe% (e ab"ur(iti *r " (i"$ar ca +$a(a #n ni"i$u%
(e&ertu%ui. De"i-ur c femei%e au ne)*ie (e c*$ii.
L*c2art +mbi ab"ent $entru "ine #n"u&i. !ce"t btrn minunat "4ar t*cmi &i cu Dumne+eu #n
3ara(i". Si (e ce nuH .u4i a"ta *cu$aia nai*na% a iranieni%*rH Dar ceH J "4i "$un $e"te cte)a
+i%eH !ce"t an &i4* +i a$r*a$e au trecut. Vreau *are $*)ara c*$ii%*rH .u, nu #ncC Dar 1e2ere+a(a
)reaC J, ea "4a "u$u" 2*trrii me%e, n4am $*menit nici*(at (e a"ta, (ar nu cre( c a f*"t )re*(at
117
(e ac*r( cu ea. 3utea " au( "unete%e #nfun(ate a%e )*cii ei &i a%e "%u,nicei (in buctrie &i %ini&tea
$e care * "ub%inia a"tfe% era ca #nt*t(eauna minunat. !tt (e mare c*ntra"t cu atm*"fera (in
car%in-, cea%a%t )ia a %ui... 3erne%e erau f*arte c*nf*rtabi%e &i $ri)ea f*cu%. 8n n*a$te "e au+ir
f*curi (e arm, (ar (e)eni"er att (e *bi&nuite #nct abia %e b- #n "eam.
Erebuie "4* "c*t (in Ee2eran, #&i +i"e. Dar cumH .4* " $%ece nici*(at ct )reme fami%ia ei
e aici. 3*ate c e mai #n "i-uran aici (ect *riun(e a%tun(e)a 4 nu &i (ac "e a%tur r"cu%ai%*r.
D*"2an Ea$$e2. 1i4a $ier(ut mini%e, (ar a&a "unt cu t*ii acum. D*amne, a& )rea " &tiu (ac i "4a
*r(*nat #ntr4a(e)r armatei " +(r*bea"c re)*%ta. Aa>2tiar trebuie " mi&te curn( "au "4a terminat
cu e%. Dar (ac4* face, * " fie * baie (e "n-e, $entru c iranienii "unt un $*$*r )i*%ent, )e&nic #n
cutarea m*rii, (ac e4n "%u,ba %ui !%%a2.
!2, ma2*me(aniC 1i Dumne+eu. In(e e"te acum Inicu% Dumne+euH #n t*ate inimi%e &i
mini%e (re$t4cre(inci*&i%*r. 1iiii "unt cre(inci*&i, ca &i 1e2ere+a(a &i #ntrea-a ei fami%ie. 1i tuH .u.
.u #nc, (ar m "tr(uie"c. '4am $r*mi" c * " m "tr(uie"c, i4am $r*mi" c * " cite"c B*ranu% &i
am "4mi (e"c2i( mintea. 1iH !cum nu e )remea " te -n(e&ti %a a"ta. ?ii $racticC @n(e&te
$racticC 7 #n $rime,(ie. Bu c2a(*r "au fr, nu trebuie " "e4ame"tece. 1i t*tu&i (e ce nuHC 7 ara ei.
Da, (ar e "*ia mea &i am "4i $*runce"c " nu "e ba-e. Eat% ei are un (*meniu %a Marea Ba"$ic,
%n- Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i. 3*ate c4au "4* ia cu ei ac*%*, "au "4* trimit ac*%*.
Vremea e bun acum, nu4i fri-u% "crb*" (e4aici, (e&i #n ara n*a"tr e ca%(, iar re+er)*are%e
(e -a+ "unt #nt*t(eauna bune i %emne. 3entru fiecare mncare #n fri-i(er, mu% umit btrnu%ui &i
fami%iei.
Dumne+eu%e, #i (at*re+ att (e mu%t, att (e mu%tC In +-*m*t u&*r #i atra"e atenia.
1e2ere+a(a "ttea u&, $urtn( c2a(*ru% &i un )% u&*r $e care nu4% )+u"e $n atunci. .ici*(at
*c2ii ei nu fu"e"er mai a(emenit*ri. B2a(*ru% f*&ni cn( ea "e a$r*$ie, a$*i #% %" " "e (e"c2i(.
.u $urta nimic $e (e(e"ubt, $ri)e%i&tea tru$u%ui ei #i tie re"$iraia.
4 !&a...
@%a"u% ei era #nt*t(eauna $%in (e m*%iciune &i )ibraii i cu)inte%e $er"ane "unau (u%ce.
4 !&a, (eci, 7/ce%en, "*u% meuC Deci, acum, (*ru% meu ) face $%cereCH
Se #ntin"e (u$ ea, (ar ea "e tra"e iute #na$*i un $a", r+n(.
4 !&a #&i $*arta, )ara, c2a(*ru% femei%e (e "tra(, a&a "$une.
4 1e2ere+a(a...
4 .u.
De (ata a"ta * $rin"e cu u&urin. @u"tu% ei, "tr%ucirea $ie%ii ei, m*%iciunea ei...
4 3*ate, St$ne, "$u"e ea $rintre "rutri, tac2inn(u4% cu b%n(ee, $*ate c "c%a)a ta )a
$urta #nt*t(eauna c2a(*ru% a&a, $e "tra(, #n ba+ar. Mu%te femei fac a"ta, a&a "e "$uneC
4 .u. @n(u% "ta m "c*ate (in mini, #ncerc "4* ri(ice #n brae, (ar ea #i &*$ti0
4 .u, iubitu%e, " "tm aici.
4 Dar "er)it*rii... 7a &*$ti (in n*ii.
4 Iit (e ei, n4*r " ne (eran,e+e. Iit4iC Iit t*tu%C Ee im$%*r, iubitu%eC 1i aminte&te4i
numai c a"ta e"te ca"a ta, c a"ta e"te inima ta, &i eu "unt eterna ta "c%a).
5ma"er ac*%*. Ba (e fiecare (at, $a"iunea ei * e-a% $e a %ui, (e&i nu $utea " #ne%ea-
cum "au (e ce, (*ar c #m$reun cu ea e% urca cu a(e)rat #n 3ara(i", $etrecea #n -r(ini%e
3ara(i"u%ui cu acea"t nimf, "e re#nt*rcea (in n*u cu ea $e 3mnt.
Mai tr+iu, #n tim$u% cinei, "*neria (e %a u& %e tu%bur $acea. 5"$un"e "er)it*ru% ;a""an.
Jmu% "e #nt*ar"e camer, #nc2i+n( u&a.
4 St$ne, e"te 7/ce%ena Sa -enera%u% Va%i>, "$u"e e% #n &*a$t #&i cere iertare c a,un-e att
(e tr+iu, (ar im$*rtant &i #ntreab (ac 7/ce%ena )*a"tr i4ar $utea ac*r(a cte)a minute.
.emu%umirea %ui L*c2art cre"cu, (ar 1e2ere+a(a atin"e cu b%n(ee &i t*tu% (i"$ru.
4 3rime&te4%, iubitu%e, am " te4a&te$t #n $at. ;a""an a(u * a%t farfurie &i #nc%+e&te 2*ri"2tu%.
7/ce%ena "a (e"i-ur e f%mn(.
Va%i> #&i ceru iertare #n(e%un- $entru c )eni"e a (e tr+iu, refu+ mncarea (e (*u *ri, (ar,
(u$ cum e (e a&te$tat, %e #n-(ui $n %a urm " #% c*n)in- &i mnc f%mn( ca un %u$. L*c2art
a&te$t rb(t*r, #m$%inin( &i f-(uia%a $e care i4* fcu"e tat%ui ei (e a ine #n minte *biceiuri%e
iraniene, c fami%ia "e af% $e $rimu% %*c, c era (*)a( (e bun cre&tere " *c*%e&ti un "ubiect (e
118
(i"cuie, nici*(at " nu fi $rea (irect, nici*(at " nu )*rbe&ti (e"c2i"0 #n far"i era mai u&*r (ect #n
en-%e+.
4 Sunt f*arte bucur*" " ) )(, (*mnu%e -enera%C Be $*t face $entru (*mnia4)*a"trH
4 !m au+it abia acum ,umtate (e *r c te4ai #nt*r" #n Ee2eran. ;*ri"2tu% a"ta e (e (e$arte
ce% mai bun $e care %4am mncat (e ani (e +i%e. 8mi $are ru c te tu%bur %a * *r att (e tr+ie.
4 .ici * $r*b%emC L*c2art %" tcerea " crea"c. Be%%a%t brbat mu%t mai #n )r"t mnc,
ne"tn,enit c mnca "in-ur. J bucat (e carne (e mie% rma"e a-at (e mu"taa %ui &i L*c2art *
$ri)i fa"cinat, #ntrebn(u4"e ct )reme )a rmne ac*%*, a$*i Va%i> #&i &ter"e -ura.
4 ?e%icitri%e me%e 1e2ere+a(eiC Auctaru% ei e"te bine $re-tit. !m "4i "$un )ru%ui meu
iubit, 7/ce%enei Fare(.
4 Mu%ume"cC
L*c2art a&te$t. Din n*u tcerea "e %" -rea #ntre ei. Va%i> "*rbi $uin ceai.
4 ! "*"it a$r*barea $entru 212H
4 .u $n cn( am $%ecat n*i.
L*c2art nu fu"e"e $re-tit $entru #ntrebare.
4 1tiu c Mac a trimi" un curier (u$ e%. '4a& te%ef*na, (ar (in nefericire te%ef*nu% n*"tru nu
funci*nea+H De ceH
4 3artenerii mei ar $refera " $i%*te+i (umneata.
4 B$itanu% Mc')er 14a numit $e c$itanu% Lane #n ca+ c "e $rime&te a$r*barea.
4 J " * $rimea"c.
Va%i> #&i &ter"e (in n*u -ura, a$*i #&i mai turn ni&te ceai.
4 3artenerii mei ar )rea " $i%*te+i (umneata. Sunt c*n)in" c Mc')er * " #ncu)iine+e.
4 8mi $are ru, (ar eu trebuie " m #nt*rc %a 9a-r*". Vreau " m a"i-ur c t*tu% e4n re-u%.
8i i"t*ri"i $e "curt ce "e4ntm$%a"e ac*%*.
4 Sunt "i-ur c 9a-r*" $*ate " mai a&te$te cte)a +i%e. Sunt "i-ur c Fare( )a fi f*arte
bucur*" " af%e c ai "*c*tit im$*rtant acea"t ru-minte a $arteneri%*r mei.
L*c2art "e #ncrunt.
4 Sunt bucur*" " fac *rice. De ce4i att (e im$*rtant $entru $artenerii (*mniei4)*a"tre
+b*ru% "taH Bte)a $ie"e (e "c2imb, ci)a ria%i...
4 E*ate +b*ruri%e "unt im$*rtante. 3artenerii mei "unt f*arte -ri,u%ii ca " a"i-ure ce%e mai
bune "er)icii. !&a(ar, e4n re-u%H
4 7u... mai #nti )a trebui " )*rbe"c cu Mac, a% (*i%ea m #n(*ie"c c * " $rimea"c
a$r*barea &i a% trei%ea ar trebui #ntr4a(e)r " m #nt*rc %a ba+a mea.
Va%i> arb*r ce% mai $%cut +mbet a% "u.
4 Sunt "i-ur c Mac * "4&i (ea #ncu)iinarea. !i " $rime&ti a$r*barea (e a $r"i "$aiu%
aerian a% Ee2eranu%ui.
Se ri(ic.
4 !cum m (uc " m4nt%ne"c cu Mac &i am " "$un c ai acce$tat. Mu%ume&te
1e2ere+a(ei. Din n*u, mii (e "cu+e $entru c am )enit att (e tr+iu, (ar "unt )remuri tu%buri.
L*c2art nu "e ri(ic (e %a ma".
4 E*tu&i, )reau " &tiu ce4i att (e im$*rtant cu ace"te cte)a $ie"e (e "c2imb &i cte)a +eci
(e mii (e ria%i.
4 3artenerii mei au 2*trt c e"te, a&a c, (ra-u% meu $rieten mai tnr, au+in( c te af%i aici
&i cun*"cn( re%aii%e a$r*$iate a%e (*mniei ta%e cu fami%ia mea, am "*c*tit (e #n(at c ai fi fericit
"4* faci (ac i4a& cere $er"*na%. ?acem $arte (in aceea&i fami%ie, nu4i a&aH
7ra "$u" $e fa acum, (e&i +mbetu% rm"e"e, *c2ii %ui L*c2art "e #n-u"tar.
4 M bucur " fac t*t ce $*t ca " a,ut...
4 Aun, atunci e aran,at, mu%ume"cC .u m c*n(uce, m (e"curc eu.
8n u&, -enera%u% "e #nt*ar"e &i "e uit cu #ne%e" #n ,ur.
4 7&ti un *m f*arte n*r*c*", c$itane. Ee in)i(ie+. Du$ $%ecarea %ui, L*c2art "e a&e+ %n-
f*cu% $e ca%e (e a "e "tin-e, $ri)n( f%cri%e. ;a""an &i "%u,nica "trn"er ma"a, "$u"er n*a$te
bun, (ar e% nu4i au+i nici $e ei &i nici $e 1e2ere+a(a care "e #nt*ar"e mai tr+iu, #% $ri)i #n(e%un-,
(u$ care "e #nt*ar"e tcut #na$*i #n $at, %"n(u41 "u$u" $ra( re)eriei "a%e.
119
L*c2art "imea un -*% #n inim. 7ra f*arte c*n&tient c Va%i> &tia bine c t*ate %ucruri%e (e
)a%*are (in ace% a$artament, #m$reun cu #n"u&i a$artamentu%, erau un (ar (e nunt (in $artea
tat%ui 1e2ere+a(ei. Fare( Aa>ra)an #i ((u"e c2iar &i $r*$rietatea (e fact* a #ntre-ii c%(iri, "au ce%
$uin a c2irii%*r care "e #nca"au (e4ac*%*. 3uini &tiau (e c*ntr*)er"a %*r.
4 Jrict )4a& a$recia -ener*+itatea, nu $*t " acce$t t*ate a"tea, "ir, "$u"e"e L*c2art. 7 cu
ne$utinC
4 Dar ace"tea "unt %ucruri materia%e, %ucruri neim$*rtante.
4 Da, (ar e $rea mu%t.. 1tiu c %eafa mea nu4i $rea mare, (ar $utem " ne (e"curcm, +u a&aC
4 Da (e"i-ur, #n" (e ce n4ar $utea "*u% fiicei me%e " tria"c $%cutH Bum a%tfe% ai $utea
#n)a #n %ini&te *biceiuri%e iraniene, ca "4i #n(e$%ine&ti $r*mi"iuneaH Ee a"i-ur, fiu%e, t*ate ace"tea
re$re+int $uin $entru mine. !cum e&ti $arte, (in fami%ia mea. ?ami%ia re$re+int ce% mai im$*rtant
%ucru #n 'ran. ?ami%ia #n-ri,e&te (e fami%ie.
4 Da, #n" eu trebuie " m #n-ri,e"c (e ea, eu, nu (*mnia )*a"tr.
4 ?r #n(*ia% 4 &i cu a,ut*ru% %ui !%%a2 ai "4* faci. Bu tim$u% ai "4i $*i *feri )iaa cu care
e"te ea *bi&nuit. Dar acum acea"ta nu4i e"te cu $utin, cci mai ai #nc (e #ntreinut f*"ta "*ie &i
c*$i%u%, %ucru $e care trebuie "4% faci. !cum e"te (*rina mea ca " aran,e+i t*ate %ucruri%e a"tea
#ntr4un m*( ci)i%i+at, #n fe%u% n*"tru iranian. !i $r*mi" " trie&ti ca n*i, nuH
4 Da, (ar ) r*-, nu $*t " acce$t t*ate a"teaC Dai4i ei ce (*rii, nu mieC Mie trebuie " mi "e
#n-(uie " fac t*tu% (u$ $uteri%e me%e.
4 Sunt "i-ur c ai "4* faciC #ntre tim$, t*ate a"tea "unt un (ar ctre tine, nu ctre ea. !"ta face
$*"ibi% (aru% meu 4 care e"te ea 4 ctre tine.
4 Dai4i4% ei, nu ...
Fare( Aa>ra)an "$u"e"e ti*"0
4 7"te V*ia %ui !%%a2 ca brbatu% " fie "t$nu% ca"ei. Dac nu e"te ca"a ta, atunci n4ai " fii
"t$nu%. Erebuie " in"i"t. Sunt ca$u% fami%iei &i 1e2ere+a(a )a face ceea ce #i )*i "$une eu &i eu
trebuie " in"i"t $entru 1e2ere+a(a, a%tfe% c"t*ria nu $*ate a)ea %*c. V( (i%ema ta, i+)*rt (in
m*(u% (e )ia *cci(enta%, (e&i nu4i $trun( #ne%e"u%, (ar aici fe%u% (e )ia iranian (*min *rice
a%tce)a, aici fami%ia #n-ri,e&te (e fami%ie.
8n a t*t "t$nit*area "in-urtate a "ufra-eriei, L*c>2art #ncu)iin #n "inea %ui. !re (re$tate
i cn( am a%e"4* $e 1e2ere+a(a: am 2*trt " acce$t, (ar tic%*"u% "ta (e Va%i> mi4a aruncat t*tu%
#n fa &i m4a fcut " m "imt mi+erabi% (in n*u, &i #% ur"c $entru a"ta, #% ur"c fiin( c nu $*t $%ti
$entru t*t &i &tiu c "in-uru% (ar $e care $*t " i4% (au ei e"te %ibertatea $e care n4ar fi a)ut4* a%tfe%
nici*(at, &i )iaa mea (ac e ne)*ie.
Be% $uin acum e cana(ianc &i nu trebuie " rmn. .u te $r*"ti "in-ur. 7 iranianc &i
#nt*t(eauna * fie. S4ar "imi *are aca" %a Vanc*u)er D.B., cu $%*aia, fr nimeni a$r*$iat (in
fami%ie, fr $rietene i fr nimic iranianH Da, (a, cre( c (a.
3entru un tim$ am " in %*cu% ce%*r%a%i. 3entru un tim$, "i-ur, nu $entru t*t(eauna.
7ra $rima (at cn( "e c*nfrunta cu a(e)rata $r*b%em care #&i arunca umbra #ntre ei.
'ranu% n*"tru4ce% )ec2i, ce% a% 1a2u%ui 4 "4a (u" $entru t*t(eauna. .u4mi $a" c $*ate ce% n*u * "
fie mai bun. 7a * " "e a(a$te+e &i eu %a fe%.
V*rbe"c far"i &i ea e "*ia mea &i Fare( e $uternic. Dac )a trebui " $%ecm $entru * )reme,
* " m (e"curc cu acea"t (e"$rire tem$*rar. .u4i nici * $r*b%em cu a"ta, )iit*ru% e #nc r*+ &i
bun &i * iube"c att (e mu%t &i #i mu%ume"c %ui Dumne+eu $entru ea.
?*cu% era a$r*a$e "tin" acum &i "imea ar*ma att (e %ini&tit*are a %emnu%ui ar" &i *(at cu
ea * un( a $arfumu%ui ei. 3erne%e #nc $"trau urme%e tru$uri%*r %*r &i, (e&i era $e (e$%in "ati"fcut
&i c*n"umat, * (*ri (in n*u. 7 #ntr4a(e)r una (intre 2urii, (u2uri%e 3ara(i"u%ui, "e -n(i "*mn*r*".
Sunt $rin" #n )ra,a ei &i e minunat.
.u m $%n- &i (ac a& muri #n n*a$tea a"ta, &tiu cum e 3ara(i"u%. 7 minunat, Fare( e
minunat &i cu )remea c*$iii ei )*r fi minunai, iar fami%ia ei... a2, fami%ia. ?ami%ia "e4n-ri,e&te (e
fami%ie. !"ta4i %e-eaC Erebuie " fac ce a cerut Va%i>, #mi $%ace "au nu. ErebuieC Eat% ei a "$u" a"ta
%im$e(e.
I%tima (intre buci%e (e ,eratic "e "tin"e "cntein( &i #n m*artea %ui mai "tr%uci * (at. Be4
i att (e im$*rtant #n $ri)ina ct*r)a $ie"e (e "c2imb &i a ct*r)a ria%iH #ntreb e% f%cri%e.
?%cri%e nu4i r"$un"er.
120
LUNI 12 februarie 1979
CAPITOLUL 1$
La Eabri+ Inu: *ra 7,12 (imineaa. B2ar%ie 3eti>in (*rmea a(nc, -2emuit $e * "a%tea
a&ternut (irect $e $*(ea, "ub * "in-ur $tur, cu mini%e %e-ate #n fa. !bia "e cr$a"e (e +iu &i
era f*arte fri-. Santine%a nu4i #n-(ui"e " f*%*"ea"c un ar+t*r cu butan &i era #ncuiat #ntr4una
(intre #nc$eri%e cabanei %ui 7ri>>i N*>>*nen care #n m*( n*rma% "%u,ea (e (e$*+it. 3e $artea
interi*ar a -eamu%ui "tr%uceau f%*ri (e -2ea. ?erea"tra a)ea -ratii $e (in afar. 9$a(a ac*$erea
$er)a+u%.
De"c2i"e *c2ii &i "e "%t bru"c #n &e+ut, u%uit, fr "4&i (ea "eama, $entru * c%i$, un(e "e
af%a. !$*i amintiri%e #% in)a(ar &i "e "$ri,ini (e $erete, "imin( crcei #n t*t tru$u%.
4 A%e"temat #ncurctur, murmur, #ncercn( "4&i mi&te umerii.
S*mn*r*", "e &ter"e ne#n(emnatic %a *c2i cu amn(*u mini%e &i #&i frec faa, "imin(u4"e
mur(ar. 3erii nera&i ai brbii erau #n"$icai cu a%b. .u4mi $%ace " fiu nera", #&i +i"e. !+i e %uni, am
a,un" aici "mbt %a a"finit &i m4au $rin" ieri, tic%*&iiC
Smbt "eara, #n ,uru% cabanei "e au+i"er mu%te +-*m*te care4i "$*ri"er ne%ini&tea. J (at
fu"e"e "i-ur c au+i"e -%a"uri #nfun(ate. Stin"e"e %umini%e, tr"e"e +)*ru% &i rm"e"e #n $ra- cu
$i"t*%u% VereK #n mn. Scruta"e #ntunericu% cu mu%t atenie, a$*i )+u"e 4 "au cre+u"e c )e(e 4 *
mi&care %a trei+eci (e metri mai (e$arte, a$*i a%ta ce)a mai #nc*%*.
4 Bine4i ac*%*H "tri-a"e, )*cea %ui "trnin( ec*uri "tranii. Be )reiH
.u4i r"$un"e"e nimeni. !%t mi&care. In(eH La (*u+eci4$atru+eci (e metri mai (e$arte:
-reu (e "*c*tit n*a$tea. Iite &i4ac*%* a%ta. In *m "au (*ar umbra unei cren-i... Sau $*ate ... Be4a
f*"t ac*%*, %n- $inu% ace%a mare.
4 Eu, tu (e4ac*%*, ce )reiH .ici un r"$un".
.u $utu"e "4&i (ea "eama (ac era un *m "au nu. Mni*" &i c2iar $uin #n"$imntat, *c2i"e
&i a$" tr-aciu%.
Aubuitura $ru"e un tunet &i "trni"e ec*uri $rin muni, iar rac2eta r*&ie &ni"e ctre c*$ac,
ric*&a"e (in e% #ntr4un "n*$ (e "cntei, "e i+bi"e (e a%tu% ca " ar( %a urm f&iin( &i #m$r*&cn(
#ntr4un nmete. !&te$ta"e. .u "e #ntm$%a"e nimic. 9-*m*te #n $(ure, ac*$eri&u% 2an-aru%ui
tr*"nin(, )ntu% #ntre )rfuri%e c*$aci%*r, (in cn( #n cn( +$a(a c+n( (e $e * crac $rea
#ncrcat care +)cnea #na$*i e%iberat.
?*arte teatra%, tr*$i"e cu furie ca "4&i #nc%+ea"c $ici*are%e, a$rin"e"e %umini%e, #ncrca"e
(in n*u $i"t*%u% &i $u"e"e +)*ru% %a u&.
4 8nce$i " te $*ri ca * bab, "$u"e"e cu -%a" tare, a$*i a(u-a"e0 3r*"tii. Ir"c %ini&tea, nu4
mi $%ace " fiu "in-ur, (ete"t +$a(a, fri-u%, teama &i t*ate #ntm$%ri%e (in (imineaa a"ta, (e %a
@a%e2 M*r-2i, m4au r"c*%it, b%e"temia (racu%ui, &i e4a(e)rat, (ac n4ar fi f*"t tnru% 5*"", &tiu
c tic%*"u% %a (in S!V!6 m4ar fi uci".
Verifica"e (ac u& e"te #ncuiat &i t*ate fere"tre%e #nc2i"e &i $er(e%e%e tra"e, a$*i #&i turna"e
un $a2ar mare (e )*(c, ame"tecn(4* cu $uin "uc #n-2eat (e $*rt*ca%e $e care4% -"i"e #n
c*n-e%at*r &i "e a&e+a"e #n faa f*cu%ui, #ncercn( " "e a(une. @"i"e *u $entru (e,un &i era
#narmat. !r+t*ru% funci*na bine. 7ra $%cut. Du$ un tim$ "e "imi"e mai bine, mai #n "i-uran,
#nainte (e a "e cu%ca, #n (*rmit*r, )erifica"e (in n*u #ncuiet*ri%e. Bn( fu"e"e "ati"fcut, #&i "c*"e"e
ci+me%e (e +b*r &i "e4ntin"e"e $e $at. Burn( a(*rmi"e.
Dimineaa, frica (e $e"te n*a$te (i"$ru"e. Du$ (e,unu% cu *u *c2iuri &i $ine $r,it, a&a
cum #i $%cea, fcu"e *r(ine #n camer, #&i $u"e"e "curta &i ci+me%e (e +b*r, (e"c2i"e"e u&a &i "e
tre+i"e cu un $i"t*% mitra%ier "ub na", &a"e re)*%ui*nari n)%i"er #n camer &i #nce$u"e
inter*-at*riu%. Jre #n &ir.
4 .u "unt "$i*n, nu "unt american. V4am "$u"4* (e +eci (e *ri. Sunt en-%e+.
121
4 Mincin*"u%eC ;rtii%e ta%e "$un c e&ti (in !frica (e cn( $e !%%a2, "unt &i e%e fa%"eH
1efu% %*r, brbatu% care4&i "$unea ?e*(*r 5a>*c+K, arta a fi (ur, mai #na%t &i mai #n )r"t
(ect cei%a%i, cu *c2ii reci, c$rui &i )*rbea * en-%e+ cu un accent $uternic. !ce%ea i #ntrebri
#ntruna0
4 De un(e )iiH De ce e&ti aiciH Bine4i "u$eri*ru% tu B'!H Bine4" c*ntacte%e ta%e aiciH In(e4i
7ri>>i N*>>*nenH
4 .u &tiuC V4am "$u" (e cinci+eci (e *ri c nu &tiuC .u era nimeni aici ieri4"ear, cn( am
ateri+at. !m f*"t trimi" "4% iau. 3e e% &i $e ne)a"t4"a. !)eau treburi %a Ee2eran.
4 Mincin*"u%e, au fu-it acum (*u n*$iC De ce ar fi fu-it (ac )eneai (u$ eiH
4 V4am "$u", nu m a&te$tau. De ce " fu-H In(e "unt Dibb%e &i !rberrK, mecanicii n*&triH
In(e4i a(mini"trat*ru% n*"tru, DaKati &i...
4 Bine4i c*ntactu% B'! #n Eabri+H
4 .4am nici unu%, "untem * firm en-%e+ea"c &i cer " )*rbe"c cu c*n"u%u% n*"tru (in
Eabri+. Ber...
4 Du&manii $*$*ru%ui nu $*t cere nimic. .ici c2iar #n(urare. 7"te )*ia %ui !%%a2 " fim #n
r+b*i. 8n r+b*i, *amenii "e4m$u&c.
'nter*-at*riu% (ura"e t*at (imineaa. 8n ciu(a $r*te"te%*r "a%e, #i %ua"e t*ate 2rtii%e,
$a&a$*rtu% cu )ita%a )i+ (e ie&ire &i $ermi"u% (e re+i(en, #% %e-a"er &i4% arunca"er ac*%*, cu
ameninri cum$%ite #n ca+ c ar fi #ncercat " fu-. Mai tr+iu, 5a>*c+K &i (*i $a+nici "e
#nt*r"e"er.
4 De ce nu mi4ai "$u" c ai a(u" $ie"e (e "c2imb $entru 212H
4 .u m4ai #ntrebat, "$u"e"e furi*" 3eti>in. Bine (racu= e&tiH D4mi #na$*i acte%eC Ber "4% )(
$e c*n"u%u% britanic. De+%ea-4mi mini%eC Lua4te4ar (racu=C
4 !%%a2 * " te $e(e$"ea"c (ac 2u%e&tiC 8n -enunc2i i cere iertare %ui !%%a2.
8% f*ra"er " #n-enunc2e+e.
4 Bere iertareC
Se "u$u"e"e, urn(u4i &i mai mu%t.
4 3*i " $i%*te+i un 212 %a fe% (e bine ca un 20GH
4 .u, "$u"e"e e%, ri(icn(u4"e -re*i #n $ici*are.
4 MiniC Scrie $e %icena ta. 5a>*c+K * arunca"e $e ma". De ce miniH Bare4i (iferenaH
4 .u cre+i nimic (in ce "$unC .4ai cre(e a(e)ru%. Si-ur c &tiu c e $e %icena mea. .u te4
am )+ut cn( ai %uat4*H Si-ur c $i%*te+ un 212 (ac am trecut e/amenu%.
4 6*mite2u% * " te ,u(ece &i * " te c*n(amne, +i"e"e 5a>*c+K cu * 2*trre #n -%a" care4i
i"ca"e un )a% (urer*" #n %un-u% &irei "$inrii, a$*i #% %"a"er.
La a$u" #i a(u"e"er ni&te *re+ &i "u$ &i $%eca"er (in n*u. .u (*rmi"e a$r*a$e (e%*c &i
acum, #n +*ri, #ne%e-ea ct (e nea,ut*rat era. Eeama #nce$u (in n*u " crea"c. Demu%t, #n Vietnam,
fu"e"e (*b*rt, $rin" &i c*n(amnat %a m*arte (e ctre Viet B*n-, (ar cei (in $%ut*nu% "u )eni"er
(u$ e% #narmai $n4n (ini, #n"*ii (e Aerete%e Ver+i, &i incen(ia"er "atu% cu Viet B*n- cu t*t.
?u"e"e un a%t m*ment cn( a "c$a"e (e %a * m*arte "i-ur.
4 .ici*(at " nu te cre+i m*rt $n nu m*ri. B2iar a&aC #n fe%u% "ta, btrne, "$u"e"e
tnru% "u c*man(ant american, #n fe%u% "ta $*i (*rmi n*$i%e.
B*man(antu% fu"e"e B*nr*e Star>e. 3%ut*nu% %*r (e e%ic*$tere fu"e"e mi/t, american*4
en-%e+i, &i ce)a cana(ieni, cu ba+a %a Danan-. !%t afuri"it (e $*rcrie &i aia.
M #ntreb ce face Du>e acum, #&i +i"e. Be n*r*c are afuri"itu%C Be n*r*c " fie #n "i-uran %a
6*)i"" &i ce n*r*c c4* are $e Manue%aC !"ta #ntr4a(e)r e (at (racu%uiC ?cut ca un ur" 6*a%a,
$i"ic*a", cu *c2ii ia mari, c$rui &i cu r*tun,imi t*cmai ct trebuie.
8&i %" mintea " c*%in(e -n(in(u4"e %a ea &i %a Star>e, %a un(e ar fi $utut fi 7ri>>i &i
!+a(e2, %a "atu% (in Vietnam, %a tnru% c$itan 5*"" &i %a *amenii "i. Dac n4ar fi f*"t e%... 5*""
era un a%t "a%)at*r. 8n acea"t )iaa trebuie " ai $arte (e "a%)at*ri ca " "u$ra)ieuie&ti. Jamenii
&tia ciu(ai care a$ar miracu%*" #n )iaa ta, a$arent fr m*ti), c2iar %a tim$, ca "4i (ea &an"a (e
care "$u"e"e0M .u uita B2ar%ie, 3r*fetu% M*2ame( a "$u" c !%%a2 4 Dumne+eu 4 are trei mii (e
nume. J mie "unt cun*"cute numai #n-eri%*r, * mie $r*fei%*r, trei "ute "unt #n E*ra2, Vec2iu%
Ee"tament, a%te trei "ute #n 9abur, a"ta e"te Bartea 3"a%mi%*r %ui Da)i(, a%te trei "ute #n .*u%
Ee"tament &i n*u+eci &i n*u #n B*ran. !"ta face %a*%a%t (*u mii n*u "ute n*u+eci &i n*u. In
122
nume a f*"t a"cun" (e Dumne+eu. 8n arab "e c2eam !%%a2 a%a=+am0 Be% Mai Mre .ume a%
D*mnu%ui. Jricine cite&te B*ranu% #% af% fr " &tie. Dumne+eu e #ne%e$t ca "4&i a"cun( ce% mai
im$*rtant nume, nuHM ^
4 Da, (ac e/i"t un Dumne+euC #&i +i"e 3eti>in, #n-2eat &i $%in (e crcei.
Bu $uin #nainte (e amia+, 5a>*c+K "e #nt*ar"e #n"*it (e cei (*i *ameni ai "i. S$re u%uirea
%ui, 5a>*c+K +mbea. 8% a,ut $*%itic*" " "e ri(ice #n $ici*are &i #nce$u "4i (e"fac %e-turi%e.
4 Aun +iua, c$itane 3eti>in. 8mi $are ru $entru -re&ea%. Ee r*-, )in* cu mine.
8% c*n(u"e #n #nc$erea $rinci$a%. 3e ma" era cafea.
4 Aei cafeaua nea-r, "au ca en-%e+ii, cu %a$te &i +a2rH
3eti>in #&i freca #nc2eieturi%e, #ncercn( "4&i $un mintea #n funciune.
4 Be4i a"taH 3ri+*nieru%ui i "e *fer * ma" c*$i*a"H
4 'art4m, nu #ne%e-. .imic.
3eti>in #% $ri)i * c%i$, #nc ne"i-ur.
4 Bu %a$te &i +a2r.
Bafeaua a)ea un -u"t minunat "i #% re)i-*ra, #&i mai "$u"e.
4 Deci e * -re&ea%, t*tu% e * -re&ea%.
4 Da. 7u... am )erificat $*)e"tea (umita%e "i e a(e)rat. !%%a2 fie %u(at. J " $%eci cn( )rei
ca " te #nt*rci %a Ee2eran.
3eti>in #&i "imi -tu% u"cat #n faa nea&te$tatei -raieri. !$arent -raiere, #&i +i"e "u"$ici*".
4 !m ne)*ie (e c*mbu"tibi%. E*t c*mbu"tibi%u% n*"tru a f*"t furat, nu e/i"t nici * $ictur
#n re+er)*r.
4 !$aratu% (umita%e a f*"t rea%imentat. !m "u$ra)e-2eat $er"*na% *$eraiunea.
4 Ee $rice$i %a e%ic*$tereH
3eti>in "e #ntreba (e ce brbatu% era att (e ner)*".
4 3uin.
4 'art4m, (ar eu nu4i cun*"c nume%e.
4 Smit2. Mr. Smit2. ?e*(*r 5a>*c+K +mbi.
4 !cum ai " $%eci, te r*-. 'me(iatC
3eti>in #&i -"i ci+me%e (e +b*r &i %e tra"e #n $ici*are. Bei%a%i brbai #% $ri)eau tcui. A-
(e "eam c $urtau $i"t*a%e mitra%ier "*)ietice. 3e ma"a (e %n- u& "e af%a "acu% %ui (e (rum.
%n- e%, (*cumente%e "a%e0 $a&a$*rtu%, )i+a, $ermi"u% (e %ucru &i %icena (e +b*r emi" (e B*mi"ia
'ranian $entru !ut*ri+area 9b*ruri%*r. 8ncercn( " nu %a"e " i "e )a( "ur$ri+a $e c2i$, "e a"i-ur
c erau t*ate ac*%* &i %e #n(e" #n bu+unar. Bn( "e #n(re$t "$re fri-i(er, unu% (intre brbai i "e
a&e+ #n ca%e &i #i fcu "emn " $%ece.
4 Mi4e f*ame, "$u"e 3eti>in, #nc f*arte "u"$ici*".
4 7 cte ce)a (e mncare #n a$arat. Irmea+4m, te r*-C
!far, aeru% a)ea un mir*" minunat, +iua era cri"ta%in &i $%cut, cu un cer curat, f*arte
a%ba"tru. Btre )e"t "e #n-2e"uiau a%i n*ri (e +$a(, "$re e"t (rumu% ctre trect*are "e )e(ea c%ar.
3e"te t*t #m$re,uru% %ui $(urea "c%i$ea, +$a(a ref%ectn( %umina. 8n faa 2an-aru%ui "e af%a
e%ic*$teru% %ui, cu $arbri+u% curat, cu t*ate fere"tre%e &ter"e. .imic nu fu"e"e atin" #nuntru, (e&i
cutia cu 2ri "e -"ea acum #ntr4un bu+unar %atera%, nu "ub "caun, un(e * %"a (e *bicei. ?*arte
atent, #nce$u c*ntr*%u% $remer-t*r (ec*%rii.
4 Ee r*-, " -rbim, "$u"e 5a>*c+K. De"i-urC
3eti>in #&i iui (em*n"trati) mi&cri%e, fr " *mit nimic #n in"$ecia %ui, cu t*ate "imuri%e
#nc*r(ate ca " (e"c*$ere )reun "ab*ta, "ubti% "au c2iar unu% -r*"*%an. B*mbu"tibi%u% )erificat,
u%eiu%, t*t. 3utea " )a( &i " "imt ner)*+itatea cre"cn( a ce%*r%a%i. E*tu&i nu mai era nimeni %a
ba+. 8n 2an-ar "e +rea ce%%a%t e%ic*$ter, un 212 cu $ie"e%e m*t*ru%ui #nc #n-ri,it #n&irate $e ,*".
3ie"e%e (e "c2imb $e care %e a(u"e"e fu"e"er $u"e $e * banc #n a$r*$iere.
4 !cum e&ti -ataC 5a>*c+K * "$u"e"e ca un *r(in.
4 IrcC !i " rea%imente+i %a Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i, ca &i $n acum.
Se #nt*ar"e ctre cei%a%i, #i #mbri& -rbit &i "e urc $e "caunu% (in (rea$ta.
4 3*rne&te &i (ec*%ea+ ime(iatC Vin %a Ee2eran cu (umneata.
3rin"e $i"t*%u% mitra%ier #ntre -enunc2i, #&i "trn"e centura, #nc2i"e u&a cu -ri,, a$*i "%t
ca"ca (in cr%i-u% af%at #n "$ate%e %ui &i &i4* $u"e $e ca$, e)i(ent *bi&nuit cu interi*ru% unei car%in-i.
123
3eti>in b- (e "eam c cei%a%i (*i *cu$a"er $*+iii (e a$rare cu faa ctre (rum. !$"
but*nu% (e $*rnire a m*t*are%*r. Burn( ace"tea #nce$ur " &uiere &i -e"turi%e fami%iare &i fa$tu% c
Smit2 "e af%a %a b*r( 4 (eci era $uin $r*babi% ca a$aratu% " fi f*"t "ab*tat 4 #i ((u un u&*r
"entiment (e beie.
4 !m $%ecat, "$u"e #n %arin-*f*n &i "e ri(ic $recum * )i,e%ie, a$%ecat u&*r "$re trect*are.
4 Aun, +i"e 5a>*c+K. ?*arte bineC 9b*ri f*arte bineC 3u"e arma $e -enunc2i, cu ea)a
#n(re$tat ca (in #ntm$%are ctre 3eti>in.
4 Ee r*- nu +bura $rea bineC
4 3une $ie(ica %a arm, "au n4am " +b*r (e%*cC 5a>*c+K e+it, a$*i b%*ca arma.
4 Sunt (e ac*r( c e $rime,(i*" #n tim$u% +b*ru%ui.
La (*u "ute (e metri, 3eti>in re)eni %a *ri+*nta% a$*i c*b*r# bru"c, #ntr4un un-2i a"cuit,
ctre terenu% (e ateri+are.
4 Be faciH
4 Vreau " m *riente+.
Se ba+a $e fa$tu% c, (e&i nu era "trin #ntr4* car%in- Smit2 nu $utea " $i%*te+e un 20G 4
a%tfe% ar fi "in-ur. Jc2ii %ui cercetau terenu% (e ,*", cutn( un m*ti) $entru ner)*+itatea &i -raba
(e a $%eca a ce%ui%a%t. Bm$u% $rea ace%a&i. 8n a$r*$ierea inter"eciei (rumu%ui #n-u"t ce $*rnea (e
%a ba+, unin(u4"e cu &*"eaua $rinci$a% care "e #n(re$ta "$re n*r(4)e"t, ctre Eabri+, "e +reau
(*u cami*ane. !mn(*u "e #n(re$tau ctre ba+. De %a acea"t #n%ime "e $utea )e(ea u&*r c
erau cami*ane mi%itare.
4 !m " ateri+e+ " )( ce )*r, "$u"e.
4 Dac * faci, "$u"e 5a>*c+K fr )re* urm (e team, are " te c*"te mu%t "uferin &i
$ermanent muti%are. Ee r*-, mer-i "$re Ee2eran. Dar mai #nti ctre Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i.
4 Bare i4e nume%e a(e)ratH
4 Smit2.
3eti>in %" %ucruri%e a&a, #nc*n,ur * (at ba+a, a$*i * $*rni ctre "u(4)e"t (e4a %un-u%
(rumu%ui ctre Ee2eran, #n(re$tn(u4"e "$re trect*are &i #ncercn( " c&ti-e tim$, #ncre+t*r c,
un(e)a $e (rum, a)ea "4i )in &i %ui rn(u%.
CAPITOLUL 1%
La Ee2eran: *ra 8,30 (imineaa. E*m L*c2art #&i "trecura btrnu% Bitr*en $rintre re"turi%e
bt%ii%*r (in n*a$tea ce abia "e "fr&i"e, #n(re$tn(u4"e ctre @a%e- M*r-2i. Dimineaa era
m*2*rt &i #n-2eat &i #ntr+ia"e (e,a, (e&i $%eca"e (e aca" *(at cu r"ritu%, "*are%ui.
Erecu"e $e %n- mu%te ca(a)re &i *ameni care %e ,e%eau a"cuit, mu%te car*"erii ar"e (e
aut*m*bi%e &i cami*ane, une%e #nc fume-n(, re"turi a%e ci*cniri%*r (in t*iu% n*$ii. @ru$uri (e
ci)i%i, mai mu%t "au mai $uin fanai. 8nc mai "tteau $e ba%c*ane "au barica(e &i e% trebui"e " fac
* (u+in (e *c*%uri. Mu%i (intre *ameni $urtau ban(er*%e%e )er+i a%e %ui 62*meini. E*i ace&tia
erau #narmai. Str+i%e $u"tii, %i$"ite (e trafic, $reau amenint*are. Din tim$ #n tim$ treceau #n
)ite+ $e %n- cami*ane a%e $*%iiei, cte)a aut*m*bi%e &i cami*ane ci)i%e, (ar nu4i ((ur nici *
atenie, c%a/*nn( (*ar &i #n,urn(u4% ca " "e (ea %a * $arte (in (rum. 7% r"$un(ea %a fe%, a$r*a$e
fr "4i $e"te (ac )a a,un-e )re*(at %a aer*$*rt, ceea ce ar fi f*"t * "*%uie $erfect $entru (i%ema
%ui. Vir bru"c, ca " e)ite un aut*m*bi% ce &ni"e (intr4* "tra( %atera% $e c*ntra"en". !ce"ta nu "e
*$ri &i e% #n,ur ma&ina, Ee2eranu%, 'ranu% &i $e Va%i> &i "$u"e cu )*ce tare M'n"2a=!%%a2M=, (ar a"ta
nu4i a,ut %a nimic.
Dea"u$ra %ui "e #ntin(ea un cer mur(ar, ac*$erit (e n*ri ,*&i, #ncrcai cu +$a(, care nu4i
$%cea (e%*c, a&a cum nu4i $%cu"e " $r"ea"c c%(ura $atu%ui &i $e 1e2ere+a(a.
Bu $uin #naintea +*ri%*r, "*neria cea"u%ui #i tre+i"e bru"c.
4 Bre(eam c n4ai " $%eci, iubitu%eC M -n(eam c ai "$u" c $%eci mine.
4 !m un +b*r nea&te$tat, ce% $uin cre( c4* " $%ec. De a"ta a )enit Va%i>. Erebuie " m4
nt%ne"c mai #nti cu Mac, (ar, (ac $%ec, am " %i$"e"c cte)a +i%e. Bu%c4te, (ra-a mea.
Se brbieri"e, "e #mbrca"e #n -rab, bu"e %a iuea% * cea&c (e cafea &i $%eca"e.
124
!far era #nc #ntuneric, abia "e i)i"e * -ean m*2*rt (e %umin, aeru% era acru &i #ncrcat
(e fum. 8n (e$rtare "e au+eau ine)itabi%e%e f*curi rare (e arm. Se "imi"e (intr4* (at c*$%e&it (e
$re"imiri ne-re.
Mc')er %*cuia %a numai cte)a c%(iri (e$rtare. L*c2art fu"e"e "ur$rin" "4% -"ea"c
#mbrcat.
4 ;e%%*, E*mC
4 ;ai, intrC !$r*barea (e +b*r a "*"it a+i4n*a$te. 3rin curier. Va%i> are ce)a $utere, nu
cre(eam c4* " * *bin. BafeaH
4 Mu%ume"cC Ee4ai #nt%nit cu e% n*a$tea trecutH
4 Da.
Mc')er $*rni #naintea %ui ctre buctrie. Bafeaua c%*c*tea $%cut. .ici un "emn (e @ennK,
3au%a "au .*--er Lane.
8i turn %ui L*c2art.
4 Va%i> mi4a "$u" c4a f*"t %a tine &i c ai f*"t (e ac*r( " $%eci.
L*c2art mri.
4 !m "$u" c * " $%ec (ac ai " a$r*bi tu &i (u$ ce am " )*rbe"c cu tine, (ac $rimim
a$r*barea. In(e4i .*--erH
4 !ca" %a e%. '4am amnat +b*ru% n*a$tea trecut. 7 #nc (e"tu% (e &*cat (in $ricina ci*cnirii
%eia.
4 8mi #nc2i$ui. Be "4a4ntm$%at cu fata, cu 3au%aH
4 74n camera (e *a"$ei. 9b*ru% ei e #nc amnat, (ar $r*babi% c4* " $%ece a"t+i. ! trecut
$e4aci a+i4n*a$te @e*r-e Ea%b*t, (e %a amba"a(, &i a "$u" c a au+it c aer*$*rtu% a f*"t curat (e
re)*%ui*nari &i a"t+i, cu $uin n*r*c, * " fie cte)a +b*ruri, (ec*%ri &i ateri+ri.
L*c2art ((u (in ca$ -n(it*r.
4 !tunci $*ate c $n %a urm Aa>2tiar * " c&ti-e.
4 S "$erm, nuH !+i4(iminea AAB4u% "$unea c D*"2an Ea$$e2 e #nc #n mini%e %ui
62*meini &i c .emurit*rii "tau $e c*a( (e ,ur #m$re,uru% %ui.
L*c2art "e cutremur, -n(in(u4"e c 1e2ere+a(a ar $utea fi ac*%*.. 3r*mi"e"e " nu "e mai
(uc.
4 Ea%b*t a +i" ce)a (e"$re )re* %*)itur (e "tatH
4 D*ar c "e +)*ne&te c "e *$une Barter. Dac4a& fi iranian &i -enera%, n4a& e+ita. Ea%b*t a
f*"t (e ac*r(. ! "$u" c %*)itura )a a)ea %*c #n urmt*are%e trei +i%e. Erebuie " "e #ntm$%eC
5e)*%ui*narii au $rea mu%te arme.
L*c2art * )e(ea #n #nc2i$uire $e 1e2ere+a(a "can(n( %a*%a%t cu ce%e%a%te mii (e *amenii,
tnru% c$itan 6arim 3e"2a(i trecn( (e $artea %ui 62*meini &i cei trei .emurit*ri (e+ertn(.
4 .u &tiu ce4a& face, Mac, (ac4a& fi unu% (intre eiC
4 S%a) D*mnu%ui c nu "untem &i "ta4i 'ranu%, nu !n-%ia, cu n*i $e barica(e. Jricum, E*m,
(ac "*"e&te a"t+i a)i*nu%, am "4* urc $e 1e2ere+a(a. J " "tea mai bine %a !% S2ar-a+, ce% $uin
$entru cte)a "$tmni. 1i4a %uat $a&a$*rtu% cana(ianH
4 Da, (ar eu nu cre( c4* " mear- Mac.
8i $*)e"ti (e"$re $artici$area ei %a %u$te%e, (e %a D*"2an Ea$$e2.
4 Dumne+eu%e, ar trebui " "e caute %a ca$C !m " * r*- $e @en " "tea (e )*rb cu ea.
4 @ennK "e (uce %a !% S2ar-a+H Mc')er "$u"e iritat0
4 .u, (ar (ac4ar fi (u$ mine ar fi ac*%* (e,a (e4* "$tmn. J " fac t*t ce $*t. 1e2ere+a(a
"e "imte bineH
4 Minunat, (ar a& (a *rict ca " "e %ini&tea"c %ucruri%e #n Ee2eran. M #mb*%n)e"c (e
#n-ri,*rare $entru ea, cn( eu "unt %a 9a-r*"" &i ea aici. L*c2art #n-2ii $uin cafea. Dac e " $%ec,
mai bine * &ter- acum. Stai cu *c2ii $e ea, te r*-C
Se uit %a Mc')er #ncruntat, (re$t #n *c2i.
4 Be4i cu +b*ru% "ta, MacH Mac #% $ri)i %a fe% (e nec%intit.
4 S$une4mi e/act ce i4a +i". Va%i> n*a$tea trecut. L*c2art #i i"t*ri"i cu)nt cu cu)nt.
4 7 un tic%*" (ac a4ncercat " te fac (e ru&ine #n fe%u% "taC
4 ! reu&it f*arte bine. Din nefericire, face #nc $arte (in fami%ie &i e #nc4n 'ran. 7i, acum
&tii.
12
L*c2art "e "tr(ui ca -%a"u% " nu4i tr(e+e amrciunea.
4 L4am #ntrebat ce4i att (e im$*rtant cu ace"te cte)a $ie"e (e "c2imb &i ci)a ria%i &i m4a
(u" cu )*rba.
B2i$u% %ui Mc')er era nec%intit &i $rea mai btrn &i mai -re*i (ect #% &tia (e *bicei 4 &i
t*tu&i mai (ur.
4 Mac, (e ce4" att (e im$*rtante cte)a $ie"e (e "c2imb &i ci)a ria%iH
Mc')er #&i i"$r)i cafeaua &i4&i mai turn $uin. B*b*ri )*cea.
4 .u )reau "4* tre+e"c $e @ennK "au $e 3au%a, E*m. !"ta rmne #ntre n*i.
8i "$u"e %ui L*c2art ce "e #ntm$%a"e #n bir*u. L*c2art "imi "n-e%e n)%in(u4i bru"c #n
*bra,i.
4 S!V!6H 7% &i !nn*u"2 &i micua Setarem &i Fa%a%H Sfinte Dumne+eu%eC
4 Din $ricina a"ta am acce$tat " #ncerc. ErebuieC Sunt %a fe% (e $rin" %a #n-2e"uia%.
!mn(*i "untem, (ar #nc n4am terminat.
Mc')er #i "$u"e (e"$re bani. L*c2art rma"e cu -ura c"cat.
4 D*u"$re+ece mi%i*ane (e ria%i, ca"2H Sau ec2i)a%entu% #n 7%)eiaH
4 .u ri(ica -%a"u%C Da, (*u"$re+ece $entru mine &i a%te (*u"$re+ece $entru $i%*t. .*a$tea
trecut a "$u" c *ferta %ui e #nc #n $ici*are &i " nu fiu nai), a(u- #ntunecat Mc')er. Dac n4ar fi
f*"t @en aici, %4a& fi aruncat $e u& afar.
L*c2art #% a"cu%ta cu * urec2e. D*u"$re+ece mi%i*ane (e ria%i "au ec2i)a%ent #n a%t m*ne(,
bani -2ea, #n a%t $arteHC Mac are (re$tate. Dac Va%i> a *ferit a"ta aici, #n Ee2eran, care ar fi
$%ata cn( ar a)ea -rania "ub *c2iH B2ri"t*a"eC
Mc')er #% $ri)ea.
4 Be cre+i, E*mH 8nc mai )rei " $%eciH
4 .u $*t " refu+, nu $*tC .u acum cn( am $rimit a$r*barea (e +b*r.
7ra $e ma"a (in buctrie &i * ri(ic. 3e (*cument "cria0 M734;AB, a$r*bat " +b*are %a
Aan(ar4e De%am. 9b*r $ri*ritar $entru $ie"e (e "c2imb. Ir-en. 5ea%imentare %a Aa+a ''!?
'"fa2an. 7c2i$a,0 Inu 4 c$itan LaneM. MLaneM era tiat cu * cruce &i (ea"u$ra "cria MA*%na). 3i%*t
#n%*cuit*rM, a$*i un "$aiu %iber. 8nc nu era c*ntra"emnat (e Mc')er.
Mc')er tra"e eu *c2iu%, %a u&a #nc2i" a buctriei, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e iar&i ctre L*c2art.
4 Va%i> )rea " fie %uat (in afara Ee2eranu%ui, #n "ecret.
4 Ereaba a"ta $ute (in ce #n ce. De un(e )rea "4% %umH
4 Dac a,un-i %a Aan(ar4e De%am, E*m, &i a"ta nu4i nici mcar $r*babi%, * " fac $re"iuni
a"u$ra ta "4i (uci mai (e$arte, #n 6u<eit.
4 ?r4n(*ia%.
L*c2art nu4&i c%inti $ri)iri%e (e $e faa %ui Mc')er.
4 J " f*%*"ea"c *rice met*( (e c*n)in-ere. ?ami%ia, 1e2ere+a(a, t*tu%, #n "$ecia% banii.
Mi%i*ane, bani -2ea. 1i amn(*i &tim c ne4ar f*%*"i.
V*cea %ui L*c2art era %i$"it (e int*naie.
4 Dar (ac +b*r mai (e$arte #n 6u<eit, fr $ermi" iranian, $e un e%ic*$ter #nre-i"trat #n
'ran, fr a$r*bri iraniene "au a%e c*m$aniei, cu $a"a-eri iranieni c%an(e"tini, #ncercn( " fu- (e
-u)ernu% %*r #nc %e-a%, c*mit * (eturnare &i $*t fi "u$u" Dumne+eu &tie ct*r acu+aii, aici "i #n
6u<eit, iar aut*riti%e >u<eitiene *r "4mi c*nfi&te e%ic*$teru%, *r " m4arunce #n #nc2i"*are &i, #n
m*( "i-ur, *r " m e/tr(e+e #n 'ran. 8n *rice ca+, "4ar termina cu )iit*ru% meu ca $i%*t &i nu m4a&
mai #nt*arce nici*(at #na$*i #n 'ran %a 1e2ere+a(a, iar S!V!6 "4ar $utea "4* #n&face &i $e ea, a&a
c n4am (e -n( " fac a"ta.
4 Va%i> e * "crb #m$uit. J " )in #narmat. !r $utea "4i $un $i"t*%u% #n ceaf, " te
f*re+e " ...
4 !"ta e $*"ibi%. V*cea %ui L*c2art rma"e ca%m, (ar mruntaie%e #i ar(eau. .4am (e a%e".
Erebuie "4% a,ut &i4am "4* fac, (ar nu4" nici $e (e$arte tm$it.
Du$ * $au+, a(u-0
4 .*--er &tie (e c2e"tia a"taH
4 .u.
8n %un-i%e cea"uri (e )e-2e a%e ace%ei n*$i, (u$ ce cntri"e t*ate $%anuri%e cu $utin,
Mc')er 2*tr"e " "e (uc e% #n"u&i i " nu ri&te )iata %ui .*--er Lane "au a %ui L*c2art.
12G
La (racu cu c*ntr*%u% me(ica% &i cu fa$tu% c a& fi i%e-a% %a b*r(, #&i "$u"e"e. E*t +b*ru% e *
nebunie 4 a&a c #nc $uin nebunie #n $%u" nu "tric.
3%anu% %ui era "im$%u. Du$ ce a)ea " )*rbea"c cu E*m L*c2art: )a "$une (*ar c "e
2*tr"e " nu #ncu)iine+e +b*ru% &i nu )a c*ntra"emna $ermi"u% &i c )a mer-e $n %a %*cu% (e
#nt%nire cu ma&ina, numai cu atta ben+in #n re+er)*r ca Va%i> " $*at " fac (rumu% $e &*"ea.
B2iar (ac L*c2art ar fi )rut " )in cu e%, ar fi f*"t u&*r "4i fi/e+e * #nt%nire &i4a$*i " nu "e
$re+inte, ci (*ar " $%ece cu ma&ina %a @a%e- M*r-2i, "4&i treac nume%e $e $ermi", ca $i%*t, &i "
(ec*%e+e "$re %*cu% (e #nt%nire...
4 BeH #ntreb e%.
4 Sunt numai trei $*"ibi%iti, "$u"e L*c2art (in n*u0 " refu+i, " m aut*ri+e+i $e mine "au
" aut*ri+e+i $e a%tcine)a. L4ai anu%at $e .*--er, B2ar%ie nu4i aici, a&a c rmnem numai tu &i cu
mine. Eu nu $*i " $%eci, Mac, $ur &i "im$%u nu $*i, e $rea $rime,(i*".
4 Si-ur c n4a& $%eca, %icena mea...
4 .u $*i " $%eci, MacC "$u"e ferm L*c2art. 'art4m. 3ur &i "im$%u nu $*iC
Mc')er *ft. 8ne%e$ciunea %ui (e$&i *b"e"ia (e a +bura &i "e 2*tr# %a ce% (e4a% (*i%ea $%an.
4 Da, (a, ai (re$tate. !&a4i. !&a c a"cu%t cu -ri,C Dac )rei "4* faci, a"ta e treaba ta, eu nu
i4* *r(*n. J " te aut*ri+e+ $e tine, (ac )rei, (ar $un ni&te c*n(iii. Dac a,un-i %a %*cu% (e
#nt%nire &i i "e $are #n *r(ine, ia4i (e ac*%*, a$*i (u4te %a '"fa2an. Va%i> a "$u" c4* " aran,e+e a"ta.
Dac %a '"fa2an e *>aK, mer-i mai (e$arte. 3*ate D*mnu% Era-e4Sf*ri e4n "tare " aran,e+e t*t
(rumu%. Erebuie " mi+m $e a"ta.
4 3e a"ta mi+e+.
4 Aan(ar4e De%am e ca$tu% %iniei. .4ai " treci (inc*%* (e -rani. .e4am #ne%e"H
Mc')er #ntin"e mna.
4 .e4am #ne%e", +i"e L*c2art "trn-n(4* &i ru-n(u4"e #n -n( "4&i $*at ine $r*mi"iunea.
Mc')er #i c*munic %*cu% (e #nt%nire, "emn $ermi"u% &i b- (e "eam c4i tremur
mini%e. Dac ce)a mer-e $r*"t, -2ici ciu$erc (u$ cine * " )in S!V!6H Du$ amn(*i &i
$*ate c2iar (u$ @en, "e -n(i (in n*u, $%in (e $re"imiri "umbre.
.u4i "$u"e"e %ui L*c2art c ea #% au+i"e $e Va%i> n*a$tea trecut &i -2ici"e re"tu%.
4 7u "unt (e ac*r(, Duncan, "$u"e"e ea cu )*ce -ra). 7 teribi% (e ri"cant, (ar trebuie "4
ncerci "4i a,ui &i $e E*m, care4i %a fe% (e #n-2e"uit ca &i ei. .4ai (e a%e".
Mc')er #i #ntin"e $ermi"u%.
4 E*m, i "e *r(*n #n m*( "$ecia% " nu treci $e"te -rani. Dac4* faci, cre( c ai " $ier+i
#ntr4a(e)r t*tu%, inc%u"i) $e 1e2ere+a(a.
4 E*t $%anu% "ta e4* nebunie, (a= a"ta e.
4 Da. .*r*c.
L*c2art ((u (in ca$, #i +mbi &i $%ec. Mc')er #nc2i"e u&a (e %a intrare.
S$er c4i 2*trrea $*tri)it, "e -n(i cu ca$u% $%e"nin( (e (urere. 7ra * nebunie " m (uc
eu &i t*tu&i a& )rea " fiu eu #n %*cu% %ui, nu e%. !& )reaC
4 J2, "$u"e e% "ur$rin".
@ennK "ttea %n- u&a buctriei, cu un 2a%at c%(ur*" $e"te cma&a (e n*a$te. .u $urta
*c2e%arii &i "e uita %a e% cu *c2ii mi,ii.
4 Sunt a% naibii (e bucur*a" c n4ai $%ecat, DuncanC "$u"e ea cu )*ce "%ab.
4 BeHC
4 J, 2ai, $r*"tuu%e, te cun*"c $rea bineC .4ai #nc2i" un *c2i t*at n*a$tea #ncercn( " iei *
2*trre. 1i nici eu. 7ram #n-ri,*rat $entru tine. 1tiu c (ac4a& fi f*"t #n %*cu% tu, a& fi $%ecat 4 "au
a& fi )rut " $%ec, (ar Duncan, E*m e un brbat $uternic &i4* " "e (e"curce. 1i "$er #ntr4a(e)r "4*
ia $e 1e2ere+a(a &i " nu "e mai #nt*arc )re*(at.
Lacrimi%e #nce$ur "4i cur- $e *bra,i. Sunt att (e bucur*a" c n4ai $%ecatC #&i &ter"e
%acrimi%e, "e #n(re$t ctre ma&ina (e -tit &i $u"e ceainicu% $e f*c.
4 Drace, iart4m, cte*(at c2iar c m ia )a%u%, iart4m.
J #mbri&a.
4 @en, (ac )ine a"t+i a)i*nu% c*m$aniei, ai " urci %a b*r(H Ee r*-C
4 Si-ur, (ra-, (ac4ai " )ii &i tu.
4 Dar, @ennK ...
127
4 Duncan, a"cu%t un m*ment, te r*-.
Se #nt*ar"e, #&i $u"e brae%e #n ,uru% %ui &i #&i "$ri,ini fruntea (e $ie$tu% %ui, c*ntinun( cu
aceea&i )*ce $ier(ut care #% tu%bura $r*fun(.
4 Erei (intre $artenerii ti au fu-it (e,a cu fami%ii%e %*r &i cu t*i banii cu care au $utut. 1a2u%
&i fami%ia %ui au $%ecat cu t*i banii %*r, a%te mii (e *ameni, ma,*ritatea (intre cei $e care4i
cun*a&tem, "unt $%ecai, ai "$u"4* tu "in-ur, &i acum c2iar Mare%e @enera% Va%i> a ru$t4* %a fu-, #n
ciu(a %e-turi%*r %ui "u"4$u"e 4 &i trebuie c "unt (e ambe%e $ri a%e barica(ei 4 &i (ac .emurit*rii
n4au +(r*bit mica re)*%t (e %a D*"2an Ea$$e2, ci)a ca(ei (in a)iaie &i ci)i%i $r*"t #narmai 4
$ractic %a ei aca" 4 e )remea " #nc2i(em $r)%ia &i "4* &ter-emC
4 .u $utem, @enC i+bucni brbatu% &i ea #i $utu au+i inima r$in( #n $ie$t &i #n-ri,*rarea ei
cre"cu. !"ta ar fi un (e+a"tru.
4 !r fi numai $entru "curt tim$, $n "e #n(rea$t %ucruri%e.
4 Dac4* &ter- (in 'ran, ruine+ S4@.
4 .u &tiu nimic #n $ri)ina a"ta, Duncan, (ar "i-ur e c (eci+ia #i a$arine %ui !n(K, nu ie, e%
ne4a trimi" aici.
4 Da, (ar e% m4a #ntrebat ce cre( &i n4am $utut " rec*man( $%ecarea &i $r"irea #n urma
n*a"tr a e%ic*$tere%*r &i a $ie"e%*r )a%*rn( (*u+eci "au trei+eci &i ce)a (e mi%i*ane (e (*%ari 4 #n
ba%amucu% "ta n4ar re+i"ta * "$tmn. !r fi furate "au (i"tru"e &i4am $ier(e t*tu%, t*tu% 4 nu uita,
@en, t*i banii n*&tri (e $en"ie, t*tu%, $entru n*i, e %e-at (e S4@.
4 Dar, Duncan, nu cre+i c...
4 .4a& $%eca %"n( aici e%ic*$tere%e &i $ie"e%e. Mc')er "e "imi $ier(ut &i cu$rin" (e $anic
%a ace"t -n( .
4 3ur &i "im$%u nu $*t.
4 !tunci ia4%e cu tine.
4 3entru Dumne+euC .u %e $utem "c*ate (e4aici. .u $utem *bine a$r*bri%eC .u $*t " %e
"c*t (in in)entaru% iranian. .u $utem. Suntem $rin&i aici $n "e i"$r)e&te r+b*iu%.
4 .u "untem, Duncan, nici tu, nici eu, nici bieii n*&tri. Erebuie " te -n(e&ti &i %a ei,
trebuie " ie&im (e aici. Jr " ne arunce *ricum afar, *ricine ar c&ti-a, cu att mai mu%t 62*meini.
J "trbtu un tremur %a amintirea $rimu%ui (i"cur" a% ace"tui *m #n cimitir0 MM r*- %ui
!%%a2 " taie mini%e tutur*r "trini%*r...M
CAPITOLUL 1&
La Eabri+ Inu: *ra 9,30 (imineaa. 5an-e 5*)er4u% r*&u ie&i $e $*ri%e $a%atu%ui ;anu%ui &i
c*b*r# (ea%u%, #n(re$tn(u4"e ctre (rumu% "$re Eabri+ &i Ee2eran. B*n(ucea 7ri>>i, cu !+a(e2
%n- e%. B*%*ne%u% Ma+ar(i, &efu% $*%iiei &i t*t*(at )ru% ei, fu"e"e ce% care4% c*n)in"e"e $e 7ri>>i
" nu $%ece )ineri %a Ee2eran.
4 Drumu% ar fi mu%t $rea $rime,(i*". 7 &i a&a #n(ea,un" (e ru +iua, "$u"e"e. 'n"ur-enii n4*r
" "e #nt*arc acum. 7&ti (e"tu% (e #n "i-uran. 7 mu%t mai bine " te (uci "4i faci * )i+it #n%imii
Sa%e ;anu% &i "4i ceri "fatu%. !r fi mu%t mai #ne%e$t. !+a(e2 #ncu)iina"e.
4 7ri>>i, "i-ur c4* " facem *rice )rei tu, (ar m4a& "imi #ntr4a(e)r mai bucur*a" (ac #n
n*a$tea a"ta am mer-e aca", "4% )( $e tata.
4 Veri&*ara mea are (re$tate, c$itane: (e"i-ur, $*i face cum (*re&ti, (ar ,ur $e 3r*fet, fac
!%%a2 "4i (inuia"c4n )eci cu)inte%e, c "i-urana #n%imii Sa%e e"te %a fe% (e im$*rtant $entru
mine ca &i $entru (umneata. Dac ai " (*re&ti, $%eci mine. 3*t " te4a"i-ur c nu e nici * $rime,(ie
aici. !m " $un "antine%e. Dac ace"t a&a4numit 5a>*c+K "au *ricare "trin "au mu%%a2u% "ta, "e
a$r*$ie %a un >i%*metru (e aici "au (e $a%atu% @*r-*ni%*r, * " re-rete a"ta.
4 J, (a, 7ri>>i, te r*-, "$u"e"e $%in (e entu+ia"m !+a(e2. Si-ur, (ra-u% meu, * " facem
*rice )rei tu, (ar $*ate ai )rea " te c*n"u%i cu #n%imea Sa tat% meu #n $ri)ina $%anuri%*r ta%e.
7ri>>i acce$ta"e fr entu+ia"m.
!rberrK &i ce%%a%t mecanic, Dibb%e, 2*tr"er " mear- %a Eabri+, %a ;*te%u% 'nternai*na%,
&i " $etreac <ee>en(4u% ac*%*.
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4 3ie"e%e trebuie " "*"ea"c %uni, c$itane. Atrnu% Mc')er 4 9-rie Arn+ &tie c e%ic*$te4
ru% trebuie " fie #n "tare (e funci*nare miercuri "au )a trebui " trimit a%tu% &i n4* "4i $%ac a"ta.
J " tra-em tare &i4* " facem treaba &i4* "4% $unem $e $ici*are. S ne fie cu iertare, (ar
a(mini"trat*ru% ba+ei $*ate " )in &i " ne ia cn( are ne)*ie. Suntem en-%e+i, n4a)em (e ce ne
face -ri,i. .imeni n4* " "e4atin- (e n*i. 1i nu uita, %ucrm $entru -u)ernu% %*r, *ricare ar fi
nen*r*citu% "ta (e -u)ern, &i n4am a)ut nici un "can(a% cu nici unu% (intre nen*r*ciii &tia, " ne
fie cu iertare. !cum te r*- " nu4i faci -ri,i $entru n*i, (umneata &i cu (*amna. J " "tm cumini
&i4* " te4a&te$tm " te #nt*rci miercuri. Di"tracie $%cut %a Ee2eranC
!&a c 7ri>>i $*rni"e #n c*n)*i cu c*%*ne%u% Ma+ar(i ctre $eriferii%e Eabri+4u%ui. 3a%atu%
#ntin" a% ;ani%*r @*r-*ni era a&e+at %a $*a%e%e muni%*r, #n mi,%*cu% a 2ectare (e -r(ini &i %i)e+i
#nc*n,urate (e +i(uri #na%te. Bn( "*"i"er, #ntrea-a ca" "e tre+i"e &i "e a(una"e, mame &i "ur*ri
)itre-e, ne$*ate, ne$*i, "er)it*ri &i c*$iii "er)it*ri%*r 4 nu #n" &i !b(u%%a2 ;an, tat% ei. !+a(e2
fu"e"e $rimit cu brae%e (e"c2i"e &i %acrimi #n *c2i &i bucurie &i a%te %acrimi &i #n(at fu"e"e $u" %a
ca%e un fe"tin "rbt*re"c $entru a (*ua +i, care " ce%ebre+e n*r*cu% (e a * a)ea (in n*u aca",
(u$ atta tim$. MDar, *, ce #n-r*+it*rC Aan(iii &i un mu%%a2 neci*$%it #n(r+nin( " )in $e
$mntu% tuH Jare n4a (*nat #n%imea Sa, $rea *n*ratu% tat, but*aie (e ria%i &i "ute (e acri (e
$mnt (iferite%*r m*"c2ee (in Eabri+ &i #m$re,urimiHM 7ri>>i N*>>*nen fu"e"e $rimit cu $*%itee &i
"u"$iciune. E*i "e temeau (e e%, (e (imen"iuni%e tru$u%ui "u, (e iuea%a "a #n mnuirea cuitu%ui, (e
tem$eramentu% "u )i*%ent &i nu $uteau " #ne%ea- b%n(eea $e care * arta $rieteni%*r &i nem"u4
rata (ra-*"te $e care * re)r"a a"u$ra %ui !+a(e2.
7a era a cincea #ntre ce%e &a"e "ur*ri )itre-e &i un frate #nc "u-ar. Mama ei, m*art (e mu%i
ani, fu"e"e a (*ua "*ie a %ui !b(u%%a2 ;an, care %a acea (at mai a)ea * ne)a"t. ?rate%e ei (e
"n-e, ;a>im, $e care4% a(*ra, cu un an mai #n )r"t (ect ea, fu"e"e re$u(iat (e !b(u%%a2 ;an &i
"e af%a, #n (i+-raie, %a 62)*i, #n n*r(4)e"tu% rii 4 e/i%at $entru crime #m$*tri)a ;anu%ui, crime (e
care &i ;a>im &i !+a(e2 ,urau c nu era )in*)at.
4 Mai #nti * baie, "$u"e"er )e"e%e "ur*ri%e ei )itre-e &i $*i " ne "$ui t*t ce "4a4ntm$%at,
fiecare amnunt.
Er"e"er )e"e%e cu e%e $e !+a(e2 #n intimitatea bii ca%(e &i %u/*a"e, un(e, c*m$%et #n afara
ame"tecu%ui *ricrui brbat, "$*r*)i"er &i brfi"er $n #n +*ri.
4 Ma2mu( a% meu n4a fcut (ra-*"te cu mine (e4* "$tmn, "$u"e"e cu * +)cnire a
brbiei .a,*u(, cea mai #n )r"t (intre "ur*ri%e )itre-e a%e %ui !+a(e2.
4 Erebuie " fie a%t femeie, (ra- .a,*u(, +i"e"e cine)a.
4 .u, nu4i a"ta, are $r*b%eme cu erecia.
4 J, "rmana (e tineC !i #ncercat "4i (ai "tri(ii...
4 Sau ai #ncercat "4i (ai cu u%ei (e tran(afir $e "ni...
4 Sau "4% freci cu e/tract (e ,acaran(a, c*rn (e rin*cer &i m*"c... .
4 Facaran(a, m*"c *ri c*rn (e rin*cerH .4am au+it (e a&a ce)a, ?a+u%ia.
4 7 * reet n*u4n*u, (e fa$t una "tr)ec2e, (e $e )remea %ui BKru" ce% Mare. !"ta e *
tain, #n" $eni"u% Mare%ui 5e-e era cam mic $e )remea cn( era tnr, (ar (u$ ce a cucerit
Me(e"u%, a (e)enit ca $rin minune (e in)i(iat. Se $are c a *binut %a Me(e" * $*iune ma-ic &i
care, (ac e"te frecat (e e% tim$ (e * %un... Mare%e 3re*t i %4a (at %ui BKru" #n "c2imbu% )ieii "a%e,
cu c*n(iia ca Mare%e 5e-e " ,ure " $"tre+e "ecretu% numai #n fami%ia "a. ! trecut $rin )reme (in
tat4n fiu, "ec*%e (e4a rn(u%, &i acum, (ra-i "ur*ri, taina e4n Eabri+C
4 Jf, cine, (ra-, (u%ce "uri*ar ?a+u%ia, cineH
4 J2, mai taci (in -ur 9a(i, cum $*ate " )*rbea"c (ac )*rbe&ti tuC B*ntinu, ?a+u%ia.
4 Da, taci (in -ur, 9a(i, &i binecu)ntea+ n*r*cu% ce% bun 4 ;a""an a% meu are erecii
(imineaa, %a $rn+ &i "eara &i e att (e $%in (e (*rina $entru mine c nu4mi ( tim$ nici mcar "
m "$% $e (iniC
4 7i bine, "ecretu% e%i/iru%ui a f*"t cum$rat (e "tr4"tr4"tr4bunicu% actua%u%ui $*"e"*r %a un
$re uria&. Mi "4a "$u", $entru un $umn (e (iamante...
4 7iii...C
4 ...(ar acum $*i cum$ra un c%*n(ir mit $entru cinci+eci (e mii (e ria%i.
4 J, a"ta4i $rea mu%tC In(e4a" $utea -"i att (e mu%i baniH
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4 Ba #nt*t(eauna, ai " #i -"e&ti #n bu+unare%e %ui. 1i $*i #nt*t(eauna " te t*cme&ti. .imic
nu4i $rea mu%t $entru a"tfe% (e $*iune, cn( nu $utem a)ea a%i brbai...
4 Dac #&i face efectu%...,
4 Si-ur c &i4% face, *2, (e un(e " * cum$rm, "cum$4"cum$ ?a+u%iaH
4 8n Aa+ar, #n ma-a+inu% %ui !bu Aa>ra Ain ;a""an Ain Sau(i. 1tiu eu (rumu%. J " mer-em
mine, #nainte (e $rn+. S )ii cu n*i, (ra- !+a(e2.
4 .u mu%ume"c, (ra- "*r.
!$*i urma"e * ca"ca( (e r"ete &i una (intre ce%e tinere "$u"e"e0
4 Srmana !+a(e2, n4are ne)*ie (e ,acaran(a &i mu&c2i, are ne)*ie e/act (e c*ntrariu%C
4 Facaran(a &i m*"c, c*$i%, cu c*rn (e rin*cer, "$u"e"e ?a+u%ia.
!+a(e2 r"e"e %a*%a%t cu e%e. J #ntreba"er t*ate, $e fa "au $e *c*%ite, (ac "*u% ei $"tra
$r*$*rii%e #ntru t*ate, &i cum "e (e"curca ea, att (e "%bu &i4att (e fra-i% cu a"ta &i #i "u$*rta
-reutatea. M3rin )r,iM, %e r"$un"e"e ce%*r mai tinere: Mf*arte u&*rM ce%*r mai "eri*a"e &iM cu
ne#nc2i$uit e/ta+, a&a cum trebuie " fie #n 3ara(i",M ce%*r -e%*a"e &i ce%*r $e care %e ura &i (*rea #n
tain " %e nec,ea"c.
.u t*at %umea fu"e"e (e ac*r( cu c"t*ria ei cu ace"t uria& "trin. Mu%i #ncerca"er "4%
inf%uene+e $e tat% ei #m$*tri)a %ui &i4a ei, (ar ea c&ti-a"e &i &tia cine4i "4a *$u".
4 Biu(at, "$u"e 7ri>>i, c*%*ne%u% Ma+ar(i a "$u" c * " ne a&te$te aici.
B*%*ne%u% nu "e +rea nicieri, iar $unctu% (e c*ntr*% era $r"it.
4 3*%iia, "$u"e !+a(e2, c"cn(. .u "unt nici*(at ac*%* un(e ai ne)*ie (e ei.
Drumu% urca "$re * trect*are. Beru% era a%ba"tru "i %im$e(e, iar )rfuri%e muni%*r (e,a
"c%(ate (e ra+e%e "*are%ui.
F*", #n )a%e, era #nc #ntuneric, fri- &i ume(, (rumu% a%unec*", +$a(a tr*ienit, (ar a"ta nu4%
#n-ri,*ra cci 5an-e 5*)er4u% a)ea traciune $e $atru r*i i %anuri. Mai tr+iu, trecn( $e %n-
inter"ecia cu (rumu% ctre ba+, nu *$ri.
1tia c ba+a e $u"tie, "in-ur e%ic*$teru% F5 212 a&te$tn( re$araii%e.
Mai #nainte (e a $r"i $a%atu%, #ncerca"e fr "ucce" " ia %e-tura cu a(mini"trat*ru%,
DaKati. Dar acum a"ta nu mai c*nta. Se %" $e "$ate #n "caun. !)ea re+er)*are%e $%ine &i cinci
bi(*ane (e re+er), a cte (*u+eci (e %itri fiecare, $e care %e %ua"e (e %a $*m$a $articu%ar a %ui
!b(u%%a2. 3*t a,un-e cu u&urin a+i %a Ee2eran. 1i m #nt*rc $n miercuri 4 (ac m #nt*rc.
Eic%*"u% %a (e 5a>*c+K 4 e * )e"te f*arte $r*a"t, #ntr4a(e)r.
4 Vrei $uin cafea, iubitu%eH
4 Mu%ume"c. Ve+i (ac $*i " $rin+i AAB "au VJ!, $e un(e "curte.
3rimi mu%umit cafeaua fierbinte (in term*", a"cu%tn( tr*"netu% $ara+ii%*r &i $iuitu%
a$aratu%ui, "taii%e "*)ietice care "e au+eau $uternic &i a$r*a$e nimic a%tce)a. 3*"turi%e (e ra(i*
iraniene erau #nc #n -re) &i *$rite, cu e/ce$ia ce%*r (e"er)ite (e mi%itari. 8n t*t cur"u% "fr&itu%ui
(e "$tmn, $rietenii, cun*&tine%e, ne-u"t*rii &i "er)it*rii, a(u"e"er +)*nuri &i c*ntra +)*nuri (e
t*t fe%u%, (e %a * iminent in)a+ie "*)ietic %a * iminent in)a+ie american, (e %a %*)ituri mi%itare
i+butite #n ca$ita%, %a $re(area umi%it*are a tutur*r -enera%i%*r #n mini%e %ui 62*meini &i %a (emi"ia
%ui Aa>2tiar.
4 D*bit*ciiC i+bucni"e !b(u%%a2 ;an.
7ra un brbat c*r$*%ent, trecut (e &ai+eci (e ani, brb*", cu *c2i ne-ri &i bu+e $%ine. 8ncrcat
(e bi,uterii &i c*rect #mbrcat. ...
4 De ce4ar (emi"i*na Aa>2tiarH .u c&ti- nimic, a&a c n4are nici un m*ti), #nc.
4 Si (ac c&ti- 62*meiniH #ntreba"e 7ri>>i.
4 V*ia %ui !%%a2.
;anu% "ttea #ntin" $e c*)*are #n marea camer, cu 7ri>>i &i !+a(e2 a&e+ai #n faa %ui &i
-ar(a $er"*na%, #narmat, #n "$ate.
4 Dar )ict*ria %ui 62*meini * "a fie (*ar tem$*rar, (ac * "4* aib. !rmata * "4% "u$un $e
e% &i $e mu%%a2ii %ui, mai (e)reme "au mai tr+iu. 7 un *m btrn, * " m*ar curn(, cu ct mai
(e)reme cu att mai bine, cci (e&i a #m$%init V*ia %ui !%%a2 &i a f*"t unea%ta care %4a #n%turat $e
1a2, cruia4i "*"i"e )remea, e r+bunt*r, #n-u"t %a minte &i %a fe% (e me-a%*man ca &i 1a2u%, (ac
nu c2iar mai ru. .u m4n(*ie"c c4* " uci( mai mu%i iranieni (ect a fcut4* 1a2u%.
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4 Dar nu4i un *m "fnt, $i*" &i #n t*ate a&a cum ar trebui " fie un aKat*%a2H #ntreba"e
$ru(ent, ne&tiin( %a ce " "e a&te$te. De ce4ar face a&a ce)aH
4 7 *biceiu% tirani%*r. ;anu% r"e"e &i mai %ua"e * bucat (e 2a%)a, cci era m*rt (u$
(u%ciuri%e turce&ti.
4 1i 1a2u%H Be "e )a #ntm$%a acumH
Jrict (e mu%t #i (i"$%cea ;anu% %ui 7ri>>i, era mu%umit (e *ca+ia ce "e i)i"e (e a4i af%a
$reri%e. De e% (e$in(eau #n 'ran mu%te (in )iaa %ui &i a %ui !+a(e2 &i nu (*rea " $%ece.
4 Bum * )rea !%%a2. M*2ame( 1a2 a fcut necre+ut (e mu%te %ucruri bune $entru 'ran, ca &i
tat% "u #naintea %ui, (ar #n u%timii ci)a ani "4a #nc2i" (e t*t #n "ine &i nu a"cu%t (e nimeni. .ici
c2iar (e 1a24banu, #m$rtea"a ?ara2, care era #ne%ea$t &i (e)*tat. Dac ar fi a)ut ct (e ct bun
"im, ar fi ab(icat #n fa)*area fiu%ui "u, 5e+a. @enera%ii au ne)*ie (e cine)a #n ,uru% cruia " "e
"trn-. !r fi $utut fi "$ri,inii &i $re-tii $n ar fi f*"t -ata " reia $uterea.
.u uita c 'ranu% e m*nar2ie (e a$r*a$e trei mii (e ani. 8nt*t(eauna un c*n(uct*r ab"*%ut 4
n4a "$une MtiranM 4 (einn( $uterea ab"*%ut &i #n%turat numai $rin m*arte. 9mbi"e cu bu+e%e
$%ine &i "en+ua%. Dintre 1a2ii Pa,ar, (ina"tia n*a"tr %e-itim, care (*mnit * "ut cinci+eci (e ani,
numai unu%, u%timu% (in %inie, )ru% meu, a murit (e m*arte natura%. Suntem un $*$*r *rienta%, nu
*cci(enta%, care #ne%e-em )i*%ena i t*rtura. Viaa &i m*artea nu "unt ,u(ecate (u$ "tan(ar(e%e
)*a"tre.
Jc2ii %ui #ntunecai $ru"er " "e #ntunece &i mai mu%t.
4 3*ate c )*ia %ui !%%a2 e " "e4nt*arc Pa,arii. Sub (*mnia %*r 'ranu% a $r*"$erat.
!"ta nu4i ce4am au+it eu, -n(i"e 7ri>>i, (ar "e "t$ni"e &i4&i $"tra"e %ini&tea. .u4" eu $u"
" ,u(ec ce )a fi "au ce4a f*"t aici.
AAB &i V*cea !mericii fu"e"er bruiate t*at (uminica, ceea ce era un %ucru *bi&nuit. 5a(i*
M*"c*)a "e au+i"e tare &i %im$e(e ca (e *bicei, ca &i 5a(i* 'ranu% Liber care emitea (in Ebi%i"i, %a
n*r( (e -rani. Au%etine%e %*r (e &tiri, #n iranian &i en-%e+, )*rbeau (e"$re * in"urecie t*ta%
#m$*tri)a M-u)ernu%ui i%e-a% a% %ui Aa>2tiar, a 1a2u%ui i+-*nit &i a "t$ni%*r "i americani, c*n(u&i
(e mi%itari"tu% &i mincin*"u% $re&e(inte Barter. !"t+i Aa>2tiar a4ncercat " c&ti-e bun)*ina
ma"e%*r anu%n( c*ntracte mi%itare ,ecmnit*are, #ntr4un t*ta% (e 13 mi%iar(e (e (*%ari, im$u"e f*rat
rii (e 1a2u% a%un-at0 8 mi%iar(e (e (*%ari #n State%e Inite, tancuri en-%e+e&ti Benturi*n )a%*rn(
2,3 mi%iar(e, $%u" (*u react*are nuc%eare franu+e&ti &i unu% -erman, )a%*rn( a%te 2,7 mi%iar(e.
!cea"t )e"te a $r*)*cat $anic $rintre c*n(uct*rii *cci(enta%i &i cu "i-uran )*r arunca bur"e%e
ca$ita%i"te #ntr4* binemeritat $r$a"tie.M
4 'art4m c #ntreb, tat, (ar * " "e $rbu&ea"c Jcci(entu%HC #ntreba"e !+a(e2.
4 .u acum, r"$un"e"e ;anu% rece, nu $n cn( "*)ieticii *r " 2*tra"c cum c a "*"it
)remea " (enune #m$rumuturi%e (e *$t+eci (e mi%iar(e (e (*%ari ce %e (at*rea+ bnci%*r
*cci(enta%e "i c2iar un*ra $e care (in Jrient.
5"e"e "ar(*nic, ,ucn(u4"e cu &ira-u% (e $er%e $e care4% $urta #n ,uru% -tu%ui.
4 ?r4n(*ia% c banc2erii Jrientu%ui "unt mu%t mai irei. Be% $uin nu "unt att (e %ac*mi.
7i #m$rumut ,u(ici*" &i cer -aranii, n4au #ncre(ere #n nimeni &i cu "i-uran nu #n mitu% Miubirii
cre&tineM.
7ra bine &tiut c @*r-*nii (eineau en*rme %*turi (e $mnt #n !+erbai(,an, $mnt bun,
$etr*%ifer, * mare $arte (in c*m$ania 'ran Eimber, $r*$rieti $e rmu% Mrii Ba"$ice, * mare $arte
a Aa+aru%ui (in Eabri+ &i ce%e mai mu%te (intre bnci%e c*mercia%e (e ac*%*. 7ri>>i #&i aminti"e ce
au+i"e (e"$re !b(u%%a2 ;an $e cn( #ncerca " *bin #n-(uina (e a "e c"t*ri cu !+a(e2, (e"$re
+-rcenia &i %i$"a %ui (e #n(urare #n afaceriM. Ba%ea cea mai -rabnic (e a a,un-e #n 3ara(i" "au #n
'a( e"te "4i (at*re+i %ui !b(u%%a2 ce% Bru( un ria% &i " nu4i $%te&ti, ru-n(u4% " #ne%ea- c e&ti
"rac 4 &i " rmi #n !+erbai(,anM.
4 Eat, te r*-, $*t "4ntreb, anu%area att (e mu%t*r c*ntracte nu * " $r*)*ace 2a*"...
4 .u, nu $*i "4ntrebi. !i $u" &i4a&a (e"tu%e #ntrebri $entru * +i. J femeie trebuie "4&i
"t$nea"c %imba &i " a"cu%te 4 acum $*i $%eca.
7a #&i ceru"e ime(iat iertare $entru -re&ea% &i $%eca"e "u$u". 7ri>>i "e ri(ica"e &i e% "
$%ece, (ar ;anu% #% *$ri"e.
4 .u i4am #n-(uit #nc " $%eci. Ee r*- "tai ,*". De ce te4ai teme (e un "*)ietic i+*%atH
4 .u &tiuC Mi4e team (e "i"tem. Jmu% %a trebuie " fie (e %a 6@A.
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4 De ce nu %4ai uci" atunci, $ur &i "im$%uH
4 .4ar fi f*%*"it %a nimic, ba (im$*tri). !r fi (unat n*u, ba+ei, c*m$aniei 'ran Eimber, %ui
!+a(e2, $*ate c2iar &i (*mniei4)*a"tre. ! f*"t trimi" %a mine (e a%ii. V cun*a&te.
7ri>>i #% $ri)i"e $e btrn cu mu%t atenie.
4 Bun*"c mu%i (intre ei, ru&i, "*)ietici "au ari&ti, #nt*t(eauna au r)nit !+erbai(,anu%, (ar
#nt*t(eauna au f*"t buni c%ieni $entru n*i &i ne4au a,utat #m$*tri)a #m$uii%*r (e en-%e+i. 8i $refer
en-%e+i%*r. 9mbetu% %ui "e "ubie &i mai mu%t. Va fi f*arte u&*r " #n(e$rtm $e ace"t 5a>*c+K.
4 Aun, atunci facei4*, ) r*-. 7ri>>i r"e"e cu t*at -ura.
4 i $e t* i cei%a%i, a"ta ar fi #ntr4a(e)r Lucrarea %ui !%%a2C
4 .u "unt (e ac*r(, "$u"e"e ;anu%, in(i"$u". !"ta ar fi %ucrarea Satanei. ?r ru&ii care " %i
"e *$un americani%*r &i cinii %*r en-%e+i ne4ar (*mina $e n*i &i #ntrea-a %ume. !r #n-2ii cu
"i-uran 'ranu%. Sub 1a2u% M*2amme( a$r*a$e au reu&it. ?r 5u"ia S*)ietic, *ricare ar fi
%i$"uri%e ei, n4ar a)ea cine "4i in #n fru $e americani, cu $*%itica %*r, ar*-ana, $r*a"ta cre&tere,
b%ue4,ean"4ii, mncarea, (em*craia, atitu(inea %*r (e+-u"tt*are fa (e femei, (e %e-e &i *r(ine,
$*rn*-rafia %*r "crb*a", nai)itatea %*r (i$%*matic &i rutatea. Da, "ta e cu)ntu% c*rect0 rutatea
cu care "e4m$*tri)e"c '"%amu%ui.
I%timu% %ucru $e care4% (*rea 7ri>>i era * a%t c*nfruntare. 8n ciu(a 2*trrii "a%e, "imi"e c
"e #nfurie %a rn(u% %ui.
4 !m a)ut * #ne%e-ere...
4 74a(e)rat, $e !%%a2C "e r"ti"e %a e% ;anu%. 7 a(e)ratC
4 .u e"te, &i ne4am %e-at #n faa (umne+eu%ui (*mniei4)*a"tre &i a "$irite%*r me%e c nu )*m
(i"cuta $*%itic, nici a %umii )*a"tre, nici a %umii me%e.
4 74a(e)rat, recun*"c, mri"e !b(u%%a2 ;an, cu faa c*nt*r"i*nat (e furie.
8&i "$ri,ini"e mna $e $umna%u% *rnamenta% (e %a bru &i (e #n(at *mu% (in -ar(a $er"*na%
c*b*r"e $i"t*%u% mitra%ier (e $e umr &i4% #n(re$ta"e ctre 7ri>>i.
4 3e !%%a2, m faci mincin*" #n $r*$ria mea ca"H mu-i e%.
7ri>>i "$u"e $rintre (ini0
4 V aminte"c, (*ar, #n%imea V*a"tr, #n faa %ui !%%a2 a% )*"tru, #ne%e-erea.
4 Jc2ii #ntunecai, in,ectai (e furie, "e 2*%ba"er %a e%. 3ri)i"e #na$*i -ata "4&i tra-
$umna%u% $u>*2 &i " uci( "au " fie uci".
4 Da, (a, &i a"ta4i (e a"emenea a(e)rat, m*rmi"e ;anu% &i furia #i trecu"e %a fe% (e re$e(e
cum $*rni"e.
!runca"e * $ri)ire -r+ii &i #i fcu"e "emn, mni*", " "e (e$rte+e.
4 'e&i afar.
8nc$erea (e)eni"e f*arte %ini&tit. 7ri>>i &tia c mai are &i a%te "tr,i $rin a$r*$iere, iar #n
$erei -uri $rin care "e $utea "$i*na. Simi"e "u(*area $e frunte &i atin-erea $umna%u%ui $u>*2 $e
"$ate, #n (re$tu% mi,%*cu%ui.
!b(u%%a2 ;an &tia c $umna%u% "e af%a ac*%* &i c 7ri>>i %4ar fi f*%*"it fr e+itare, (ar ;anu%
#i ac*r(a"e *(at $entru t*t(eauna #n-(uina (e a $urta arm #n $re+ena %ui0 cu (*i ani #n urm.
7ri>>i #i "a%)a"e )iaa.
!"ta "e4ntm$%a"e #n +iua #n care 7ri>>i #i ceru"e $ermi"iunea (e a "e c"t*ri cu !+a(e2 &i
fu"e"e refu+at cu 2*trre.
4 .u, $e !%%a2C .u )reau necre(inci*&i #n fami%ia mea. 3%eac (in ca"a mea. 8i +ic $entru
u%tima (atC
7ri>>i "e ri(ica"e (e $e c*)*r cu inima +(r*bit. 8n ace% m*ment "e au+i"e +-*m*t (inc*%*
(e u&, a$*i #m$u&cturi, u&a fu"e"e i+bit (e $erete &i (*i brbai, a"a"ini #narmai cu $i"t*a%e
mitra%ier, n)%i"er #n #nc$ere #n tim$ ce c*ri(*ru% (in "$ate%e %*r r"una (e +-*m*te (e %u$t &i
f*curi (e arme aut*mate. Jmu% (in -ar(a $er"*na% a ;anu%ui uci"e"e $e unu% (intre ei, (ar ce%%a%t
#% ciunti"e cu -%*ane, a$*i #&i #nt*r"e"e arma "$re !b(u%%a2 ;an care, u%uit, rm"e"e a&e+at $e
c*)*r. Mai #nainte " $*at a$"a $e tr-aci a (*ua *ar, a"a"inu% muri"e cu $umna%u% %ui 7ri>>i #n
-t%e,. 8n ace%a&i m*ment, 7ri>>i &ni"e ctre e%, #i "mu%"e"e arma (in mini &i $umna%u% (in -t &i
t*t atunci un a%t a"a"in n)%i"e #n #nc$ere, tr-n(. 7ri>>i i+bi"e c2i$u% *mu%ui cu $i"t*%u%
mitra%ier, uci-n(u4%, a$r*a$e "mu%-n(u4i ca$u% (e $e umeri cu $uterea %*)iturii, a$*i &ni"e #n
c*ri(*r, #nnebunit (e furie. Erei atacat*ri &i (*i (intre membrii -r+ii ;anu% erau m*ri "au $e
132
m*arte. I%timii atacat*ri * ru$"e"er %a fu-, (ar 7ri>>i #i %*)i"e $e amn(*i cu $umna%u% i
c*ntinua"e " a%er-e. .umai cn( * -"i"e $e !+a(e2, "e c*n)in"e"e c e #n "i-uran, c nu $i"e
nimic, i "e (*m*%i"e "etea (e "n-e &i "e %ini&ti"e (in n*u.
7ri>>i #&i amintea cum * $r"i"e &i "e #nt*r"e"e #n aceea&i mare #nc$ere #n care !b(u%%a2
;an #nc mai &e(ea $e c*)*r.
4 Bine erau *amenii &tiaH
4 !"a"ini, (u&maniC Ba &i "tr,i%e care i4au %"at " intre, "$u"e"e ;anu% cu rutate. ! f*"t
V*ia %ui !%%a2 " te af%i aici &i "4mi "a%)e+i )iaa: V*ia %ui !%%a2 c trie"c. 3*i " * iei $e !+a(e2
(e "*ie. Da. Dar $entru c nu4mi $%aci, )*m ,ura #n faa %ui !%%a2 &i a +ei%*r ti, *ricare ar fi ei, c
nu )*m (i"cuta )re*(at re%i-ia "au $*%itica nici uneia (intre %umi%e n*a"tre. !&a $*ate c n4* "
trebuia"c " te *m*r.
!ceia&i *c2i ne-ri &i reci #% $ri)i"er nec%intii &i atunci. !b(u%%a2 ;an btu"e (in $a%me. 8n
aceea&i c%i$ u&a "e (e"c2i"e"e &i a$ru"e un "er)it*r.
4 !(u cafeaC
Jmu% (i"$ru"e -rbit.
4 !m " %a" "ubiectu% ace"ta, (e"$re %umea ta, &i am " (e"c2i( a%tu%, (e"$re care $utem
(i"cuta0 fiica mea, !+a(e2.
7ri>>i (e)eni"e &i mai $ru(ent, cci nu &tia $rea bine ct (e mu%t "e $utea #ntin(e $uterea
tat%ui a"u$ra ei, "au (re$turi%e %ui ca "* ct tim$ era #n !+erbai(,an &i cu att mai mu%t #n fiefu%
btrnu%ui. Dac !b(u%%a2 ;an #i cerea #ntr4a(e)r %ui !+a(e2 " "e #nt*arc #na$*i aca" &i "
(i)*re+e, ar face4*, *are, eaH Bre( c (a, mi4e team c (a.
?r #n(*ia% c n4* " acce$te nimic (in ce ar $utea fi #m$*tri)a %ui. 8i %ua"e a$rarea c2iar
#n ura %ui $aran*ic $entru !merica, e/$%icn(u4i ce * cau+a"e.
4 ' "4a $*runcit " $%ece ac*%* %a Ini)er"itate (e ctre tat% %ui, #i "$u"e"e ea. Vremea $e care
a $etrecut4* ac*%*, #n !merica, a f*"t cum$%it, 7ri>>i, fiin( *b%i-at " #n)ee ba "i #ncercn( "
*bin (i$%*ma #n &tiine ec*n*mice $e care tat% %ui i4a $retin"4 mai #nainte (e a4i #n-(ui " "e
#nt*arc aca". Eata #i ura $e cei%a%i "tu(eni care4&i 2teau ,*c (e e% $entru c nu $utea " ,*ace
,*curi%e %*r, $entru c era mai #m$%init (ect ei, ceea ce4n 'ran e"te un "emn (e bun"tare, (ar nu &i4n
!merica, &i $entru c4n)a #ncet.
Dar ce% mai mu%t (intre t*ate $entru fe%u% (e )iat $e care a trebuit "4% #n(ure f*rat, 7ri>>iC
S mnnce %ucruri necurate, cum ar fi carnea (e $*rc, care e #m$*tri)a re%i-iei n*a"tre, " bea bere
&i )in &i a%c**%uri tari, %ucruri care "unt #m$*tri)a re%i-iei n*a"tre, " fac %ucruri care nu "e $*t numi
&i " "u$*rte $*rec%e care nu "e $*t r*"ti. 1i eu a& fi furi*a" (ac a& fi #n %*cu% %ui. Ee r*-, ai rb(are
cu ei. .u )e+i tu r*&u #naintea *c2i%*r cn( i "e $*mene&te (e "*)ietici, (in $ricina a ceea ce au
fcut ei tat%ui, mamei &i rii ta%eH !i rb(are cu e%, te im$%*rC .4a #ncu)iinat e% c"t*ria n*a"trH
!i rb(are cu e%C
!m f*"t f*arte rb(t*r, #&i +i"e"e 7ri>>i, (*rin( " "e "fr&ea"c *(at #ntre)e(erea, mai
rb(t*r (ect cu *ricare a%t *m.
4 Be4i cu "*ia mea, #n%imea V*a"trH Jbiceiu% cerea " i "e a(re"e+e a"tfe% &i 7ri>>i *
fcea (in cn( #n cn(, (in $*%itee. !b(u%%a2 ;an +mbi"e "ubire.
4 .atura%, )iit*ru% fiicei me%e m intere"ea+. Be4ai (e -n( " faci cn( )ei a,un-e %a
Ee2eranH
4 .4am nici un $%an. M4am -n(it (*ar c e f*arte $*tri)it "4* "c*t (in Eabri+ $entru cte)a
+i%e. 5a>*c+K "$unea c au ne)*ie (e "er)icii%e me%e. Bn( 6@A4u% "$une a"ta #n 'ran, "au #n
?in%an(a, "au c2iar #n !merica, e bine "4* &ter-i ct mai re$e(e &i " te $re-te&ti (e neca+uri. Dac4
ar r$i4*, a& fi ca * $$u& #n mini%e %*r.
4 8n Ee2eran ar $utea "4* r$ea"c mu%t mai u&*r (ect aici, (ac a"ta4i intenia %*r. Iii c4
aici e !+erbai(,anu% 4 bu+e%e i "e r"ucir bat,*c*rit*are 4 nu ara %ui Aa>2tiar.
7ri>>i "e "imi nea,ut*rat "ub $ri)irea "crutt*are.
4 1tiu (*ar c a"ta cre( c4i ce% mai bine (e fcut $entru ea. !m "$u" c am "4* a$r cu )iaa
mea &i4am "4* fac. 3n cn( )iit*ru% $*%itic a% 'ranu%ui e"te 2*trt 4 (e (*mnia4)*a"tr &i (e a%i
iranieni 4 cre( c e ce% mai #ne%e$t %ucru (e fcut.
4 8n ca+u% "ta, (u4teC "$u"e"e tat% ei, att (e bru"c #nct a$r*a$e "e #n"$imnta"e. Dac ai
ne)*ie (e a,ut*r trimite4mi cu)inte%e a"tea...
133
Se -n(i"e un m*ment, a$*i +mbetu% %ui (e)eni"e "ar(*nic.
4 Erimite4mi $r*$*+iia ME*i *amenii "unt n"cui e-a%iM. V"ta4i un a%t a(e)r, nu4i a&aH
4 .u &tiu, #n%imea V*a"tr, r"$un"e"e e% $recaut. Dac e a&a "au nu, e cu "i-uran V*ia
%ui !%%a2.
!b(u%%a2 i+bucni"e #n r", "e ri(ica"e &i $%eca"e, %"n(u4% "in-ur #n marea #nc$ere, cu
"uf%etu% cu$rin" (e * rcea% (e -2ea, $r*fun( tu%burat (e ace% brbat a%e crui -n(uri nu %e $utea
#ne%e-e.
4 Di4e fri-, 7ri>>iH #ntreb !+a(e2.
4 J nu, nu, (e%*c, "$u"e, re)enin(u4&i (in )i"are, a"cu%tn( "unetu% m*t*ru%ui #n tim$ ce
urcau $e (rumu% (e munte ctre trect*are. Se af%au c2iar "ub crea"t. 8nt%ni"er $uine ma&ini
circu%n( #n ambe%e "en"uri. Du$ * curb ie&ir %a "*are &i trecur crea"ta. !tent, 7ri>>i "c2imb
)ite+e%e ime(iat &i, $e m"ur ce c*b*rau $anta (*m*a%, #nce$ur " $rin( )ite+. Drumu%
%unec*", $re"rat cu tr*iene (e +$a(, fu"e"e c*n"truit (in *r(inu% %ui 5e+a 1a2, ca &i ca%ea ferat,
&i era * minune in-inerea"c, cu ta%u+uri, e/ca)aii #n "tnc, $*(uri &i tera"ament abru$te, fr
ba%u"tra(e "$re mar-ini%e $r$"ti*a"e. Sc2imb (in n*u )ite+e%e, c*n(ucn( re$e(e, (ar $ru(ent,
f*arte mu%umit c nu $%eca"er n*a$tea.
4 3*i "4mi mai (ai ni&te cafeaH #% "er)i bucur*a".
4 M bucur tare mu%t c am " )( Ee2eranu%. !)em mu%te %ucruri (e cum$rat, 1e2ere+a(a
e ac*%* &i am * %i"t #ntrea- (e cum$rturi $entru "ur*ri%e me%e &i ni&te crem (e fa $entru mama
)itre-...
J a"cu%ta neatent, cci "e -n(ea %a 5a>*c+K, Ee2eran, Mc')er &i %a care ce ar fi trebuit "
fie $a"u% urmt*r. Drumu% c*b*ra r"ucin(u4"e &i un(uin(. 8ncetini, c*n(ucn( &i mai $ru(ent, cci
#n "$ate%e %ui a$ru"er ma&ini.
3rimu% era un aut*turi"m "u$ra#ncrcat ca (e *bicei cu $a"a-eri, iar &*feru% c*n(ucea $rea
a$r*a$e, $rea iute, cu (e-etu% $ermanent $e c%a/*n, c2iar &i atunci cn( era e)i(ent cu ne$utin "
te (ai %a * $arte (in ca%ea %ui. 7ri>>i #&i a"tu$ urec2i%e #n faa nerb(rii +-*m*t*a"e a ce%ui%a%t, cu
care #nc nu "e *bi&nui"e, cum nu "e *bi&nui"e #nc nici cu fe%u% ne-%i,ent #n care c*n(uceau
iranienii, c2iar &i !+a(e2.
4 .e"buitu%C
Lu urmt*area curb a$r*a$e *rbe&te, $anta accentun(u4"e bru"c, &i atunci, nu $rea
(e$arte #n faa %*r, #n %*cu% #n care &*"eaua c*ntinua (re$t #nainte, +ri un cami*n "u$ra#ncrcat ce
urca -emn( %a (ea%, (e$&it $e c*ntra"en" (e un aut*m*bi%. ?rn %i$in(u4"e (e c*a"ta munte%ui. 8n
ace%a&i m*ment, ma&ina (in "$ate%e %ui acce%er, #% (e$&i c%a/*nn( a"ur+it*r &i "e arunc #n ,*" $e
ban(a *$u" a curbei. Be%e (*u aut*m*bi%e "e ci*cnir &i amn(*u "e r*"t*-*%ir $e"te mar-inea
(rumu%ui, $rbu&in(u4"e * "ut cinci+eci (e metri mai ,*" &i e/$%*(n( #n f%cri. 7ri>>i "e tra"e &i
mai a$r*a$e (e $erete%e "tnc*" &i frn. Bami*nu% ce "e a$r*$ia nu *$ri, trecn( $ur &i "im$%u $e
%n- ei &i c*ntinun(u4&i (rumu% #n "u" ca &i cn( nimic nu "4ar fi #ntm$%at, &i a"emeni %ui
$r*ce(ar t*ate ma&ini%e care #% urmar.
B*b*r# (in ma&in, #naint $n %a mar-inea $r$a"tiei &i $ri)i #n )a%e. 5m&ie%e ar+n(e
a%e ma&ini%*r erau #m$r&tiate $e c*a"ta munte%ui #n ,*", ca%e (e (*u "au trei "ute (e metri. .ici *
&an" (e4a e/i"ta "u$ra)ieuit*ri. 1i nici * &an" (e4a a,un-e ac*%* fr ec2i$ament "eri*" (e
crare. Bn( "e4nt*ar"e #na$*i, "cutur (in ca$ nefericit.
4 'n"2a=!%%a2, (ra-u% meu, "$u"e !+a(e2 %ini&tit. ! f*"t )*ia %ui !%%a2.
4 .u, n4a f*"t. ! f*"t $r*"tie e)i(ent.
4 Si-ur c ai (re$tate, (ra-u%e, cu "i-uran c a f*"t * $r*"tie e)i(ent, re%u ea ime(iat cu
ce% mai %ini&tit*r -%a" a% ei, -2icin(u4i mnia 4 (e&i ne#ne%e-n(4*, a&a cum nu #ne%e-ea mu%te
(intre %ucruri%e ce "e $etreceau #n ca$u% ace"tui *m ciu(at care era "*u% ei. !i $erfect (re$tate,
7ri>>i, a f*"t * $r*"tie e)i(ent, (ar a r*"t )*ia %ui !%%a2 ca $r*"tia ace"t*r &*feri " %e $r*)*ace
m*artea %*r &i ce%*r care c%t*reau #m$reun cu ei: a f*"t )*ia %ui !%%a2 "au a%tfe% (rumu% ar fi f*"t
%iber. !i #ntr4a(e)r (re$tate.
4 JareH +i"e e% *b*"it.
4 J2, (a, fr #n(*ia%, 7ri>>i, ai a)ut $erfect (re$tateC
8&i c*ntinuar (rumu%. Sate%e ce "e #ntin(eau (e4* $arte *ri (e a%ta "au (e4a curme+i&u%
(rumu%ui erau "rcci*a"e, 4 une%e c2iar f*arte "rcci*a"e 4 cu "tr+i #n-u"te &i mur(are, c*%ibe
134
-r*"*%ane &i ca"e cu $erei #na%i, c*n"truite $rimiti), cte)a m*"c2ei mi+ere, tarabe, ca$re, *i, -ini
&i r*iuri (e mu&te care nu erau #nc att (e in"u$*rtabi%e cum a)eau " (e)in #n tim$u% )erii.
8nt*t(eauna erau re"turi aruncate #n "tra( &i #n ,ubb, &anu% (e $e mar-inea (rumu%ui, &i ne%i$"ite%e
2aite (e cini )a-ab*n+i ,i-rii, "c*rm*nin( #n -un*aie, cini care turbau a(e"ea.
Dar +$a(a fcea $ei"a,u% &i munii $it*re&ti &i +iua "e (e"f&ur bine mai (e$arte, (e&i cu
)reme rece: $e ceru% a%ba"tru "e a(unau n*ri cumu%u". 8n 5an-e 5*)er era ca%( &i c*nf*rtabi%.
!+a(e2 $urta un c*"tum (e "c2i, m*(ern, mat%a"at, $e (e(e"ubt un $u%*)er (e ca&mir a% crui
a%ba"tru "e a"*rta cu ce% a% c*"tumu%ui, &i ci+mu%ie "curte. 8&i "c*"e"e "curta &i cciu%i a (e %n &i
$ru% ei ne-ru, %un-, cr%i*nat (e %a natur, #i c+u"e $e umeri. !$r*a$e (e amia+ "e *$rir "
mnnce %n- un i+)*r (e munte.
S$re "ear trecur $rintre %i)e+i (e meri, $eri &i cire&i, $*mii -*%a&i, fr frun+e, f*rmn( un
$ei"a, %u-ubru, a,un-n( #n ce%e (in urm %a $eriferii%e Pa+)inu%ui, un *ra& cu, $*ate, * "ut &i
cinci+eci (e mii (e %*cuit*ri &i mu%te m*"c2ei.
4 Bte m*"c2ei "unt #n t*t 'ranu%, !+a(e2H
4 J(at mi "4a "$u" c (*u+eci (e mii, r"$un"e ea "*mn*r*a", (e"c2i+n( *c2ii &i $ri)in(
#nainte $rintre -ene. !2, Pa+)in. !m a,un" re$e(e, 7ri>>i.
B"c cu $*ft &i "e a&e+ mai c*m*( #n "caun, %"n(u4"e $e ,umtate $ra( "*mnu%ui.
4 Sunt (*u+eci (e mii (e m*"c2ei &i cinci+eci (e mii (e mu%%a2i. !&a "e +ice... #n ritmu% "ta
* "4a,un-em %a Ee2eran #n cte)a cea"uri...
9mbi, iar cu)inte%e ei "e $ier(ur. Se "imea mai #n "i-uran acum, c trecu"er (e ,umta4
tea (rumu%ui. De cea%a%t $arte a Pa+)inu%ui, (rumu% era bun $n %a Ee2eran. 8n Ee2eran, !b(u%%a2
;an era $r*$rietaru% mu%t*r ca"e &i a$artamente, une%e (intre e%e #nc2iriate "trini%*r. 3e cte)a %e
$"tra"e $entru e% &i fami%ia "a &i #i "$u"e"e %ui 7ri>>i c, (e (ata acea"ta, (in $ricina tu%burri%*r,
$uteau " %*cuia"c #ntr4unu% (intre ace"tea, af%at nu (e$arte (e ce% a% %ui Mc')er.
4 Mu%ume"cC Mu%ume"c f*arte mu%t, "$u"e"e 7ri>>i &i mai tr+iu !+a(e2 +i"e"e0
4 M4ntreb (e ce a f*"t att (e bun. .u $rea4i "t #n fire. Ee ur&te $e tine &i $e mine, *rice a&
#ncerca " fac "4i fiu $e $%ac.
4 .u te ur&te, !+a(e2.
4 8mi cer iertare c nu "unt (e aceea&i $rere cu tine, (ar m ur&te. 8i re$et (in n*u, (ra-u%
meu, "*ra mea cea mai mare, .a,*u(, e"te cea care #i *tr)e&te "uf%etu% #n $ri)ina mea &i a frate%ui
meu, ea &i #m$uitu% (e brba4"u=C .u uita c mama a f*"t cea (e4a (*ua "*ie a tat%ui meu, a$r*a$e
$e ,umtate (e )r"t mamei %ui .a,*u( &i (e (*u *ri mai frum*a" &i, (e&i mama a murit cn( eu
a)eam &a$te ani, .a,*u( #nc $"trea+ #n ea ura a"ta. De"i-ur, nu $e fa, e mu%t $rea (e&tea$t
$entru a"ta. 7ri>>i, n4ai " #ne%e-i nici*(at ct (e "ubti%e, a"cun"e &i $uternice $*t fi femei%e
iraniene, "au ct (e r+bunt*are, #n "$ate%e a$arenei %*r att (e (u%ci. .a,*u( e mai rea (ect
&ar$e%e (in @r(ina 3ara(i"u%ui. 7a e $ricina tutur*r (u&mnii%*r.
Minunaii ei *c2i a%ba"tru4)er+ui "e um$%u"er (e %acrimi.
4 Bn( eram mic, tat% meu ne iubea #ntr4a(e)r $e mine &i $e frate%e meu. 1i eram fa)*riii
%ui. 3etrecea mai mu%t )reme cu n*i, #n ca"a n*a"tr, (ect #n $a%at. !$*i cn( a murit mama, ne4
am (u" " %*cuim #n $a%at, (ar nici unu% (intre fraii )itre-i "au "ur*ri%e n*a"tre nu ne iubeau cu
a(e)rat. Bn( ne4am mutat %a $a%at, t*tu% "4a "c2imbat, 7ri>>i. Din $ricina %ui .a,*u(.
4 !+a(e2, te "f&ie ura a"taC Suferi tu, nu ea. Iit4*C !cum nu mai are $utere a"u$ra ta &i4i
re$et, n4ai nici * (*)a(C
4 .4am ne)*ie (e (*)e+i, &tiu. 1i n4am " uit nici*(at.
7ri>>i %"a"e %ucruri%e a&a. .4a)ea nici un "en" " "e certe, nici un "en" " a"cun( ceea ce
fu"e"e * "ur" (e mu%t )i*%en &i mu%te %acrimi. Mai bine " rmn a&a, (e"c2i", (ect #n-r*$at,
mai bine " %a"e ca%e %iber furiei (in tim$ #n tim$.
8n faa %*r (rumu% $r"i cm$ii%e &i intr #n Pa+)in, un *ra& ca mu%te a%te *ra&e iraniene,
+-*m*t*", #n-2e"uit, mur(ar, $*%uat &i cu "tr+i a-%*merate. !%turi (e (rum "e af%a &anu% care
#n"*ea ce%e mai mu%te (rumuri (in 'ran.
!ici a(ncimea %ui era (e un metru, #n une%e $ri era bet*nat, cu urme (e n*r*i, -2ea &i un
fir (e a$ $e fun(. Din &anuri cre&teau c*$aci, %*ca%nicii #&i "$%au %ucruri%e ac*%*, cte*(at %e
f*%*"eau ca "ur"e (e a$ $*tabi% "au cana%e (e "cur-ere. Dinc*%* (e &anuri #nce$eau +i(uri%e.
9i(uri care a"cun(eau ca"e "au -r(ini mari "au mici, b*-ate "au "rcci*a"e. De *bicei, ca"e%e (in
13
*ra& 4 fie e%e (in centru "au (e %a $eriferii 4 erau ca ni&te cutii mi+ere, une%e (in crmi(, a%te%e (in
c2ir$ici, une%e tencuite, a%te%e nu &i a$r*a$e t*ate a"cun"e. Mu%te (intre e%e a)eau $*(e%e (in $mnt
btt*rit, f*arte $uine beneficiau (e a$ curent, e%ectricitate &i cana%i+are.
Bircu%aia "e a-%*mera cu * iuea% u%uit*are. Aicic%ete, m*t*cic%ete, aut*bu+e, cami*ane,
aut*m*bi%e (e t*ate (imen"iuni%e, mrci%e &i )r"te%e, (e %a "tr)ec2i, f*arte )ec2i, a$r*a$e t*ate
$%ine (e %*)ituri &i cr$ite, une%e b*-at #m$*(*bite cu fe%urite )*$"e%uri &i mici becu%ee c*%*rate, $e
m"ura fante+iei $r*$rietaru%ui. 7ri>>i c*n(u"e"e $e a"tfe% (e (rumuri (e mu%te *ri #n u%timii ani &i
&tia c "e $uteau #ntm$%a b%*ca,e. Dar aici nu e/i"ta a%t ca%e, nu e/i"ta (rum (e centur #n ,uru%
*ra&u%ui, (e&i fu"e"e $%anificat unu% (e mu%i ani. 9mbi (i"$reuit*r, #ncercn( " n4au( +-*m*tu%
&i #&i +i"e0 M.ici*(at n4* " e/i"te )reun (rum (e centur. Bei (in Pa+)in n4ar $utea "u$*rta
tcereaCM L*cuit*rii Pa+)inu%ui &i cei ai *ra&u%ui 5a"2t (e %n- Marea Ba"$ic, erau inta mu%t*r
-%ume iraniene.
Jc*%i * carca" "c*r*,it (e f*c, a$*i $u"e #n ca"et*f*n * ca"et cu mu+ic (e Aeet2*)en &i
((u )*%umu% %a ma/imum ca " a%un-e +-*m*te%e (in ,ur. Dar a"ta nu4% a,ut $rea mu%t.
4 Bircu%aia e mai $r*a"t ca (e *bicei. In(e4i $*%iiaH "$u"e !+a(e2, tre+it (e4a bine%ea.
Di4e "eteH
4 .u, nu, mu%ume"c.
8i arunc * $ri)ire. 3u%*)eru% &i $ru% #n (e+*r(ine * $rin(eau f*arte bine. 5n,i.
4 Da= a& )rea... te )reau $e tine. 7a r"e &i4% %u (e bra.
4 7u nu te )reau, eu #nnebune"c (u$ tineC
4 Minunat.
7rau mu%umii #m$reun.
Ba (e *bicei, (rumu% era $r*"t, ici &i c*%* a"fa%tu% era #ntreru$t #n $arte (in $ricina u+urii, #n
$arte (in $ricina re$araii%*r care nu #ncetau nici*(at "au a une%*r %ucrri (e #mbuntire, (e&i
(rumuri%e a)eau rare*ri "emne (e circu%aie "au $ara$ete (e "i-uran. Jc*%i * -r*a$ a(nc, a$*i
"e "trecur $e %n- * a%t e$a) r"turnat cu ne$"are #ntr4* mar-ine a (rumu%ui. In cami*n
rab%a-it "e a$r*$ia (in cea%a%t (irecie cu c%a/*nu% ur%n( furtun*". 7ra (ec*rat #n cu%*ri i$t*are,
bare%e (e $r*tecie erau %e-ate cu "rm, cabina n4a)ea ac*$eri& &i $arbri+, iar un &*m*i*- (e cr$
inea %*c (e ca$ac re+er)*ru%ui (e ben+ina. Bami*nu% era $%in cu )rea"curi (e care "tteau a-ai
$recar trei $a"a-eri. 1*feru% "ttea "trn" -2emuit #n cabin, #nf*f*%it #ntr4un c*,*c +(renuit. Ln-
e% "e mai af%au #nc (*i brbai. Erecn( $e %n- e%, 7ri>>i rma"e "ur$rin" (e $ri)iri%e %un-i $e
care i %e aruncar. Bi)a metri mai (e$arte un aut*bu+ u+at, "u$ra#ncrcat cu c%t*ri, a)an"a
&*)it*r ctre e%. Ba "4i %a"e %*c, $ru(ent, "e a$r*$ie &i mai mu%t (e mar-inea (rumu%ui a,un-n(
cu r*i%e $e bu+a &anu%ui, &i "e *$ri. Din n*u b- (e "eam c &*feru% &i $a"a-erii "e uitau %a e% 4
femei #n c2a(*r, brbai &i tineri brb*&i, #mbrcai -r*" ca " "e a$ere (e fri-. Inu% (intre ei ri(ic
$umnu% ctre e%, a%tu% "tri- * #n,urtur.
3n acum n4am a)ut nici un fe% (e neca+, "e -n(i ne%ini&tit. Jriun(e #&i arunca $ri)iri%e 4
$e "tra( "au #n ma&ini 4 )e(ea ace%ea&i c2i$uri #ncruntate. Erebuia " mear- f*arte #ncet (in
$ricina r*iuri%*r (e bicic%ete &i m*t*cic%ete ru-inite ce "e %u$tau $entru %*curi%e (e trecere $rintre
ma&ini, aut*bu+e &i cami*ane, "cur-n(u4"e #n &iruri %un-i, fr " in "eama (e a%te %e-i (e
circu%aie (ect ce%e care4i c*n)eneau fiecruia.
J turm (e *i "e re)r" $e nea&te$tate (intr4* "tra( %atera%, "trn-n(u4"e une%e #ntr4a%te%e
#n mi,%*cu% (rumu%ui, m*t*cic%i&tii ur%n( #n,urturi %a a(re"a ci*bani%*r, iar ace&tia r"$un+n(u4%e
%a fe%, t*at %umea furi*a", nerb(t*are, c%a/*ane%e ur%n( ne#ncetat.
4 !furi"it circu%aie, i(i*ate *iC "$u"e !+a(e2, nerb(t*are, tre+it (e4a bine%ea. B%a/*nea4
+, 7ri>>i.
4 !i rb(are, mai bine (*rmi. .4am cum " (e$&e"c, "tri- e% $e (ea"u$ra tumu%tu%ui,
c*n&tient (e atm*"fera *"ti% care4i #nc*n,ura. !i rb(areC
!)ur ne)*ie (e * *r ca " $arcur- #nc trei "ute (e metri. Vn+t*ri ambu%ani, $iet*ni,
-un*aie &i nenumrate a%te )e2icu%e ce )eneau (in ambe%e $ri &i "e a%turau &u)*iu%ui #n-reunau
(in ce #n ce mai mu%t circu%aia. Se af%a %a ci)a centimetri #n "$ate%e unui aut*bu+ care *cu$a cea
mai mare $arte a "tr+ii, a$r*a$e frecn(u4"e (e aut*m*bi%e%e (e $e ban(a )ecin, (e ce%e mai mu%te
*ri cu una (intre r*i trecut (e ,umtate $e"te muc2ia &anu%ui.
13G
M*t*cic%i&tii treceau ne$"t*ri $e a%turi, i+bin( %atera%e%e 5an-e 5*)eru%ui "au a%e
ce%*r%a%te )e2icu%e, #n,urn(u4"e #ntre ei &i $e t*at %umea, #n$in-n(u4"e, (n( c%cie *i%*r "au
trecn( $e"te e%e. In ,a%nic aut*m*bi% #% i+bi u&*r #n "$ate, a$*i &*feru% #&i $r*$ti mna $e c%a/*n
#ntr4* furie $ar*/i"tic, ceea ce i"c #n 7ri>>i un )a% bru"c (e mnie.
!"tu$4i urec2i%e, #&i $*runci "ie #n"u&i. ?ii ca%mC .u $*i face nimic. ?ii ca%m.
Dar -"ea %ucru% ace"ta (in ce #n ce mai (ifici% (e #n(e$%init. Du$ * ,umtate (e *r, *i%e
c*tir #ntr4* u%i %atera% &i circu%aia "e #mbunti $uin. !$*i, (u$ urmt*ru% c*% -"ir #ntrea-a
&*"ea r"c*%it &i * -r*a$ nemarcat, a(nc (e 7 metri, %at (e a$r*a$e &a"e &i $e ,umtate $%in cu
a$ %e tie ca%ea. In -ru$ (e muncit*ri in"*%eni "tteau $e )ine #n a$r*$iere, "c2imbn( #n,urturi
&i -e"turi *b"cene cu cei (e $e &*"ea. 7ra cu ne$utin " #nainte+i "au " (ai #na$*i, a&a c t*ate
aut*)e2icu%e%e trebuiau " *c*%ea"c $rintr4* #n-u"t "tr(u %atera%. .ereu&in( " ia curba,
aut*bu+u% (in fa trebui " "e *$rea"c, " (ea #na$*i 4 #nc*n,urat (e &i mai mu%te "tri-te furi*a"e
&i tumu%t 4 iar cn( 7ri>>i ((u %a rn(u% "u #na$*i ca "4i fac %*c, * )ec2e ma&in a%ba"tr, af%at
$n atunci #n "$ate%e %ui, "e "trecur $e %n- e%, $e $artea *$u" &*"e%ei, ctre un mic %*c %iber
rma" #n faa %*r, f*rn( ma&ina care )enea (in fa " frne+e bru"c &i " (era$e+e. Ina (intre
r*i%e ei nimeri #n &an &i aut*m*bi%u% "e a$%ec $ericu%*". !cum circu%aia era b%*cat c*m$%et.
8nfuriat, 7ri>>i $u"e frne%e, (e"c2i"e $*rtiera cu * "mucitur &i, a$r*$iin(u4"e (e ma&ina
#ntrat #n &an, #&i #nc*r(a uria&a4i $utere ca " * tra- %a %*c $e &*"ea. .imeni nu ((u )re* mn (e
a,ut*r, #n "c2imb #n,urar cu t*ii, a(u-n(u4&i )*ci%e )acarmu%ui. Se #n(re$t a$*i ctre ma&ina
a%ba"tr. 8n c%i$a aceea cami*nu% ((u c*%u% &i "e fcu %*c, &*feru% ma&inii a%ba"tre a$" $e
acce%eraie fcn( un -e"t *b"cen &i ma&ina %ui &ni )uin( #nainte.
Bu un ef*rt, 7ri>>i (e"c%e&t $umnii. Ma&ini%e (e $e ambe%e $ri a%e (rumu%ui c%a/*nau %a
e%. Irc #n 5*)eru% %ui 1i $*rni m*t*ru%.
4 IiteC
.e%ini&tit, !+a(e2 #i #ntin"e * cea&c (e cafea * bu, c*n(ucn( cu * "in-ur mn, cci
traficu% #ncetini"e (in n*u.
Ma&ina a%ba"tr (i"$ru"e. Bn( $utu " )*rbea"c %ini&tit, "$u"e0
4 Dac $uneam mna $e e% "au $e ma&ina %ui, i4a& fi fcut buci $e amn(*iC
4 Da. Da, &tiu. 7ri>>i, ai b-at (e "eam ct (e (u&mn*&i "e uit t*i %a n*iH !tt (e
furi*&iHC
4 Da, (a, am )+ut.
4 De ce *areH !m mai trecut $rin Pa+)in (e (*u+eci (e...
!+a(e2 "e a$%ec in"tincti), cci * bucat (e $mnt i+bi $e nea&te$tate ferea"tra (in $artea
ei. Se "trecur #n"$imntat "ub brau% %ui $r*tect*r. 7% #n,ur &i ri(ic fere"tre%e, a$*i #ntin"e mna
$e (ea"u$ra ei &i #ncuie $*rtiera.
In bu%-re (e n*r*i i+bi (in n*u $arbri+u%.
4 Be (racu= i4a a$ucat $e &tiaH murmur e%. 3arc4am a)ea (ea"u$ra n*a"tr un "tea-
american &i f%uturm $*+a 1a2u%uiC
J $iatr +bur (e nicieri &i ric*&a (e una (intre $*rtiere%e ma&inii, a$*i #n faa %*r aut*bu+u%
ie&i (in #n-u"ta "tr(u %atera% #ntr4* $ia %ar- (in faa unei m*"c2ei, cu tarabe &i cte (*u ben+i
(e circu%aie (e fiecare $arte. S$re u&urarea %ui 7ri>>i, $rin"er )ite+. Bircu%aia era #nc %ent, (ar
"e mi&cau &i trecu $e ban(a a (*ua, #n(re$tn(u4"e ctre ie&irea "$re Ee2eran, af%at %a ce%%a%t ca$t
a% $ieei. La ,umtatea ce%e (*u ben+i #nce$ur " "e #n-2e"uie $e m"ur ce a%te )e2icu%e "e
a%turau tra"eu%ui $entru &*"eaua "$re Ee2eran.
4 .4a f*"t nici*(at att (e ru, murmur. Be (racu= "e4ntm$%H
4 3*ate )reun a%t acci(ent, "$u"e"e f*arte ne%ini&tit !+a(e2. Sau %ucrri %a &*"ea. S ne
#nt*arcemH Se circu% mai bine $e $artea cea%a%tH
4 !)em (e"tu% tim$, * #ncura,a e%. 'e&im (e aici #n cte)a minute. J(at ie&ii (in *ra&, * "
fie #n bine.
8n faa %*r, t*at %umea #ncetinea (in n*u &i +ar)a "e #ntei iar&i. Be%e (*u ben+i (e
circu%aie "e #nfun(au (e)enin( tre$tat una un(e abun(au 2ui(uie%i, #n,urturi, *$riri, $*rniri, un
&ira- ce "e tra tru(nic cu a$r*a$e cinci"$re+ece >i%*metri $e *r, tarabe%e &i cruci*are%e (e $e
mar-inea "tr+ii #naintn( $n $e car*"abi% &i #nc%ecn( &anuri%e.
137
7rau a$r*a$e (e ie&ire cn( ni&te Mtineri $*rnir " a%er-e $e %n- ei "tri-n( in"u%te, une%e
urte. Inu% (intre ei i+bi #n $arbri+u% (in"$re $artea %ui.
4 Bine americanC 3*rc americanC !ce"t*ra %i "e a%turar a%ii &i ni&te femei #n c2a(*r cu
$umnii ri(icai. 7ri>>i era $rin" %a mi,%*c &i nu $utea ie&i (intre ce%e%a%te )e2ic*%e, nu $utea "
acce%ere+e "au " #ncetinea"c &i nici nu $utea " #nt*arc &i "imi cum #% um$%e mnia #n faa
ne$utinei "a%e. J $arte (intre brbai #nce$ur " %*)ea"c #n ca$*ta &i %atera%e%e 5an-e 5*)eru%ui &i
#n $arbri+u% $*rtierei (in $artea "a. !cum era un -ru$ numer*" &i cei af%ai $e $artea %ui !+a(e2
#nce$ur "4* bat,*c*rea"c, -e"ticu%n( *b"cen, #ncercn( " (e"c2i( $*rtiera. Inu% (intre tineri
"ri $e ca$*t, (ar a%unec &i c+u &i4abia reu&i " "e r*"t*-*%ea"c %a * $arte (in ca%ea ma&inii, mai
#nainte ca acea"ta " treac $e"te e%. !ut*bu+u% (in faa %*r "e *$ri. 'me(iat #nce$u * #n-2i*ntea%
frenetic $entru c $*"ibi%ii $a"a-eri "e #mbu%+eau " urce, iar cei (e "u" " c*b*are. 8n ace% m*ment
7ri>>i )+u un "$aiu %iber, a$" $e acce%erat*r aruncn( ,*" un a%t *m, *c*%i aut*bu+u%, abia
reu&in( " e)ite $iet*nii care treceau ne-%i,ent $rintre )e2ic*%e, )ir #ntr4* "tra( %atera% care,
miracu%*", era %iber, -*ni #n %un-u% ei &i trecu #ntr4a%ta, e)it %a un fir (e $r * ma" (e m*t*cic%i&ti
&i4&i c*ntinu (rumu%. 8n curn( "e "imi a$r*a$e $ier(ut, $entru c nu e/i"ta a%t re-u% $entru
"tr+i%e *ra&u%ui #n afara fa$tu%ui c erau $%ine cu -un*aie, cini )a-ab*n+i &i )e2icu%e circu%n(
a%an(a%a. Dar "e *rienta (u$ "*are &i #n ce%e (in urm ie&i #ntr4* "tra( mai %ar-, #&i fcu %*c
$rintre ce%e%a%te ma&ini &i #n curn( a,un"e %a un (rum $e care #% recun*"cu, unu% care #% (u"e #ntr4*
a%t $ia (in faa unei a%te m*"c2ei &i (e ac*%* #na$*i %a (rumu% ctre Ee2eran.
4 74n re-u% acum, !+a(e2C !u f*"t (*ar ni te 2u%i-aniC
4 Da, "$u"e ea tremurn(. !r trebui biciuii. 7ri>>i "tu(ia"e mu%imea (in $rea,ma m*"c2eii,
(e $e "tr+i &i (in )e2ic*%e, #ncercn( " -"ea"c * e/$%icaie $entru acea"t *"ti%itate -enera%.
Be)a "4a "c2imbat, # i "$u"e. Be anumeH !$*i "imi un n*( #n "t*mac.
4 .4am )+ut un "*%(at "au un cami*n mi%itar (e cn( am $%ecat (in Eabri+. .ici unu%. EuH
4 .u, nuC 8mi a(uc aminte (e a"ta acum, cn( * "$ui.
4 S4a #ntm$%at ce)a, ce)a "eri*".
4 5+b*iH S fi trecut "*)ieticii -raniaH B2i$u% ei #&i $ier(u &i mai mu%t (in cu%*are.
4 M #n(*ie"c. S4ar )e(ea tru$e mer-n( ctre n*r(, "au a)i*ane.
8i arunc * $ri)ire.
4 S %"m a"ta, "$u"e mai mu%t ca " "e c*n)in- "in-ur. J " ne (i"trm (e minune #n
Ee2eran. 1e2ere+a(a e ac*%*, &i * mu%ime (intre $rietene%e ta%e... 7ra )remea " faci * "c2imbare.
3*ate c * " iau +i%e%e %ibere $e care %e am, am $utea mer-e #n ?in%an(a $entru * "$tmn "au
(*u.
'e&i"er (in centru% *ra&u%ui &i "e af%au acum %a $eriferie. 9*na era "rcci*a", cu ace%ea&i
+i(uri, ca"e &ubre(e &i -r*$i. !ici &*"eaua "$re Ee2eran "e %r-ea, a)n( $atru ben+i, (*u (e
fiecare $arte &i, (e&i circu%aia era #nc f*arte (en" &i %ent, abia (*u+eci &i cinci (e >i%*metri %a
*r, nu era #n-ri,*rat. Be)a mai #n faa %*r, (rumu% !ba(an46erman"2a2 "e ramifica "$re "u(4)e"t i
&tia c ace"ta a)ea " $reia * mare $arte a a-%*meraiei. Jc2ii %ui mturar aut*mat in(icat*are%e (e
%a b*r( a&a cum ar fi fcut4* #n cabin, cu in"trumente%e (e ac*%*, &i #&i (*ri (in n*u, ca (e
nenumrate *ri $n atunci, " fi f*"t #n e%ic*$ter, +burn( $e (ea"u$ra &i #n afara ace"tui ba%amuc.
'n(icat*ru% (e ben+in arta re+er)*ru% -*% mai mu%t (e trei "ferturi. 8n curn( trebuia " rea%imente4
+e, (ar cu attea cani"tre (e re+er) %a b*r( nu era * $r*b%em, #ncetinir ca " (e$&ea"c un a%t
cami*n, $arcat cu *cant ne$"are #n a$r*$ierea un*r )n+t*ri ambu%ani, &i care um$%ea aeru% cu
mir*"u% -reu a% -a+e%*r m*t*ru%ui Die"e%. !tunci a%te (i)er"e *biecte a$rute (in neant "e i+bir (e
$arbri+u% %*r.
4 3*ate c4ar trebui " ne4nt*arcem, 7ri>>i, " ne4nt*arcem %a Eabri+. 3*ate am $utea *c*%i
Pa+)inu%...
4 .u, "$u"e e%, $rn(u4i4"e "traniu " au( teama #n )*cea ei 4 (e *bicei ea nu "e temea (e
nimic. .u, re$et &i mai b%n(, mer-em %a Ee2eran &i4* " af%m care4i neca+u%, &i4atunci * "
2*trm.
7a "e tra"e mai a$r*a$e &i4&i $u"e * mn $e -enunc2iu% %ui.
4 ;u%i-anii ia m4au #n"$imntat, b%e"temaii, murmur, ,ucn( ner)*a" $rintre (e-ete
mr-e%e%e turc*a+ $e care %e $urta #n ,uru% -tu%ui.
138
Be%e mai mu%te femei iraniene $urtau mr-e%e turc*a+ "au a%ba"tre "au * "in-ur $iatr
a%ba"tr, #m$*tri)a (e*c2iu%ui.
4 ?ii (e ceaC De ce trebuie " "e $*arte a&aHC Dia)*%iC ?ie afuri"ii $e )eciC
B2iar %a mar-inea *ra&u%ui "e af%a * mare unitate mi%itar (e in"trucie &i * ba+ aerian.
4 De ce nu "unt "*%(ai aiciH
4 Mi4ar $%cea &i mie " &tiu, r"$un"e e%.
3e (rea$ta "e i)i inter"ecia cu (rumu% !ba(an46erman"2a2. Bea mai mare $arte a
)e2icu%e%*r %uar ca%ea a"ta.
@ar(uri (in "rm -2im$at mr-ineau amn(*u &*"e%e%e, ca &i ce%e mai mu%te (rumuri &i
aut*"tr+i im$*rtante (in 'ran. @ar(uri%e erau nece"are ca " #m$ie(ice *i%e, ca$re%e, )aci%e, cinii &i
*amenii " tra)er"e+e (rumu%. !cci(ente%e erau f*arte frec)ente &i m*rta%itatea ri(icat.
Dar a"ta4i n*rma% #n 'ran, "e -n(i 7ri>>i. Ba ner*+ii ia nebuni care au c+ut #n $r$a"tie.
.imeni nu &tie, nimeni nu a ra$*rtat acci(entu% &i nimeni nu "4a "tr(uit "4i #n-r*a$e 4 (*ar 2*itarii,
anima%e%e "%batice &i 2aite%e (e cini )a-ab*n+i.
Se "imir mai bine cn( %"ar *ra&u% #n urm. 3ei"a,u% (e ar "e (e"f&ur (in n*u #n faa
%*r, %i)e+i%e #&i %uar (in n*u %*cu% (inc*%* (e (rum, &anuri &i "rm -2im$at, munte%e 7%bru" %a
n*r( &i inutu% )%urit %a "u(.
Dar #nainte ca )ite+a " crea"c ct (e ct, ce%e (*u ben+i a%e %*r "e a-%*merar &i mai mu%t,
)ite+a "c+n( (in ce #n ce, a$*i (e)enir tre$tat una "in-ur, #n-2e"uit &i $%in (e 2ui(uie%i
#nfuriate. Jb*"it, b%e"tem ine)itabi%e%e %ucrri rutiere care $r*babi% c $r*)*ca"er -tuirea,
"c2imb )ite+e%e, mini%e &i $ici*are%e %ucrn( "in-ure, ca (u$ * )*in $r*$rie, e% abia $erce$n(
c *$rea &i $*rnea, *$rea &i $*rnea, #naintn( centimetru cu centimetru, m*t*are%e 2uruin( &i
"u$ra#nc%+in(u4"e, +-*m*tu% &i nemu%umirea cre"cn( #n fiecare )e2icu%. Aru"c, !+a(e2 art cu
(e-etu% #nainte.
4 IiteC
La * "ut (e metri mai (e$arte era un bara,. @ru$uri (e *ameni #% #nc*n,urau. Inii erau
#narmai, t*i erau ci)i%i &i #mbrcai "rcci*". Aara,u% "e af%a %a mar-inea unui "at -reu (e (efinit,
cu tarabe a%turi (e (rum &i, $e $a,i&tea (e %a mar-inea %ui, "tenii 4 brbai, femei &i c*$ii 4 "e
ame"tecau cu *amenii (e %n- barier. E*ate femei%e $urtau c2a(*r ne-ru "au cenu&iu. 3e m"ur
ce fiecare )e2icu% "e *$rea, "e )erificau acte%e (e i(entitate a%e *cu$ani%*r &i a$*i era %"at " treac.
Bte)a ma&ini fu"e"er "c*a"e (e $e (rum $e $a,i&te, un(e *ameni (in -ru$ inter*-au *cu$anii.
7ri>>i +ri &i ac*%* arme.
4 .u "unt @r+i%e Ver+i, "$u"e.
4 .u4i nici un mu%%a2 ac*%*. Ve+i )reun mu%%a2H
4 .u.
4 Sunt tu(e2i "au mu,2a(ini, "au fe(aini.
4 !r fi bine "4i $re-te&ti acte%e, "$u"e e% &i +mbi. 3une4i "curta, " nu rce&ti cn(
(e"c2i( fere"tre%e... &i cciu%it.
.u4% #n-ri,*ra fri-u%, ci curba "ni%*r ei ri(icai mn(ri "ub $u%*)er, fineea ta%iei &i $ru% ei
%"at %iber.
8n cutia (e b*r( "e af%a un cuit mic, #n teaca %ui. 8i a"cun"e #n ci+ma (rea$t. Be%%a%t,
mare%e $u>*2, era "ub $uf*aica %ui, %a bru, #n mi,%*cu% "$ate%ui. Bn( #n ce%e (in urm %e )eni
rn(u%, brbai ur"u+i, brb*&i, #nc*n,urar ma ina. Bi)a $urtau carabine americane, unu% un !6
47. 3rintre ei "e af%au cte)a femei 4 (*ar c2i$uri #n c2a(*r. Se 2*%bar %a ea cu *c2i r*tun+i &i
#ncruntri (e+a$r*bat*are.
4 !cte%eC "$u"e unu% (intre ei #n far"i, #ntin+n( mna, r"uf%area4i -re*a"a ac*$erin(
mir*"u% )e&minte%*r &i tru$uri%*r ne"$%ate ce $trun(ea #n ma&in.
!+a(e2 $ri)ea (re$t #nainte, #ncercn( " nu ba-e #n "eam rn,ete%e, murmure%e &i a$r*$ie4
rea %*r, cu care nu era nici(ecum *bi&nuit. 3*%itic*", 7ri>>i #i #ntin"e acte%e %*r. Jmu% %e $rimi, "e
uit %a e%e &i %e trecu mai (e$arte unui tnr care &tia " citea"c. E*i cei%a%i a&te$tar tcui,
2*%bn(u4"e, tr*$in( (in $ici*are (e fri- #ntr4un tr+iu, tnru% "$u"e #ntr4* $er"an a"$r0
4 7 un "trin )enit (intr4un %*c numit ?in%an(a. Vine (e %a Eabri+. .u4i american.
4 !rat a american, "$u"e a%tcine)a.
4 ?emeia "e nume&te @*r-*n. 7 ne)a"ta %ui. Be% $uin a&a "crie #n 2rtii.
139
4 Sunt "*ia %ui, "$u"e "curt !+a(e2. Ba...
4 Bin= te4a4ntrebatH "e r"ti -r*"*%an $rimu% brbat. .ume%e tu (e fami%ie e @*r-*n. 7 un
nume (e m*&ieri, iar accentu% tu e $*runcit*r &i ar*-ant, ca &i $urtri%e, &i mai mu%t ca "i-ur e&ti un
(u&man a% $*$*ru%ui.
4 .u "unt (u&manu% nimnui. V...
4 EaciC ?emei%e trebuie " &tie " "e $*arte, " fie ca"te &i " "e ac*$ere, " fie "u$u"e 4 c2iar
&i #ntr4un "tat "*cia%i"t.
Jmu% "e #nt*ar"e ctre 7ri>>i.
4 In(e mer-eiH
4 Be "$une, !+a(e2H 7a tra(u"e.
4 Ee2eran, r"$un"e e% +(ra2*nu%ui, cu )*ce c*b*rt. !+a(e2, "$une4i c mer-em %a Ee2e4
ranC
.umra"e &a"e $u&ti &i * arm aut*mat. Bircu%aia #% #nc2i(ea ca #ntr4un arc. .u )e(ea nici
* ca%e (e ie&ire, #nc. 7a tra(u"e mai (e$arte, a(u-n( 0
4 S*u% meu nu )*rbe&te far"i.
4 De un(e &tim n*i a"ta &i (e un(e &tim c e&ti c"t*ritH In(e4i certificatu% (e c"t*rieH
4 .u4% am cu mineC B "unt c"t*rit "crie #n acte%e me%e.
4 !"tea=" ni&te acte e%iberate (e 1a2. .i&te acte i%e-a%e. In(e4" ce%e n*iH
4 De %a cine, "emnate (e cineH "e re$e+i ea a-re"i). Dai4ne acte%e #na$*i &i #n-(uii4ne "
$%ecmC
Duritatea ei a)u efect a"u$ra brbatu%ui &i a ce%*r%a%i. Jmu% &*)i.
4 Vei #ne%e-e, ) r*-, c "unt mu%i "$i*ni &i (u&mani ai $*$*ru%ui care trebuie $rin&i.
7ri>>i "imea inima i+bin( ca un ci*can. B2i$uri m*2*rte, *ameni ie&ii (in 7)u% Me(iu.
Iri. @ru$u%ui f*rmat #n ,uru% %*r %i "e a%turar &i a%i brbai. Inu% (intre ei "e a-ita f*arte
+-*m*t*", fcn( "emne furi*a"e ma&ini%*r &i cami*ane%*r ce )eneau (in "$ate%e %ui, " treac #n
fa "$re a fi )erificate. .imeni nu c%a/*na. E*at %umea #&i a&te$ta rn(u%. 1i $e (ea"u$ra #ntre-ii
#mbu%+e%i $%utea * tcere amenint*are, "umbr.
4 Be "e #ntm$% aiciH
In brbat #n(e"at #&i fcu %*c cu umerii $rin mu%ime. Jamenii "e ((ur $*%itic*&i %a * $arte
(in ca%ea %ui. 3e umru% %ui atrna un $i"t*% mitra%ier ce2*"%*)ac. Be%%a%t #i e/$%ic &i #i #ntin"e
(*cumente%e. B2i$u% brbatu%ui #n(e"at era r*tun( &i nera", *c2ii #ntunecai, 2aine%e "rcci*a"e &i
"%in*a"e. 3e nea&te$tate tr*"ni un f*c (e arm &i t*ate ca$ete%e "e #nt*ar"er ctre $a,i&te. 3e $mnt,
a%turi (e micu% aut*m*bi% care fu"e"e tra" (e*$arte (e mu%ime, +cea un *m. Inu% (intre cei care
#nc*n,ura"er aut*m*bi%u% "ttea (ea"u$ra %ui cu * arm aut*mat #n mn. In a%t $a"a-er era %i$it
(e $*rtiera ma&inii cu mini%e (ea"u$ra ca$u%ui. Aru"c, ace"ta "tr$un"e c*r(*nu% (e tru$uri care4%
#nc*n,ura &i * ru$"e %a fu-. Jmu% cu arma *c2i &i tra"e, -re&i inta &i tra"e (in n*u. De (ata a"ta
brbatu% care a%er-a i$ &i "e $rbu&i, +)rc*%in(u4"e #n a-*nie, #ncerc " "e tra"c mai (e$arte,
(ar $ici*are%e nu4% a,utar. !-a%e, ce% cu arma "e a$r*$ie (e e%, #&i -*%i #ncrct*ru% #n tru$u% %ui,
uci-n(u4% tre$tat, tre$tat.
4 !2me(C "tri- brbatu% #n(e"at, (e ce ir*"e&ti -%*ane%e cn( ci+me%e ta%e ar fi fcut %a fe%
(e bine treabaH Bine4" iaH
4 S!V!6C
In murmur (e "ati"facie "trbtu mu%imea &i cine)a "c$ un "tri-t (e bucurie.
4 3r*"tu%e, atunci (e ce i4ai uci" a&a (e re$e(e, eiHC !(u4mi aici acte%e %*rC
4 ?ii &tia (e cine au ni&te 2rtii care $retin( c4" *ameni (e afaceri (in Ee2eran, (a=
recun*"c $e unu= (in S!V!6 cn( #% )(. Vrei 2rtii fa%"eH
4 .u, ru$e4%eC
Arbatu% #n(e"at "e #nt*ar"e ctre 7ri>>i &i !+a(e2.
4 !&a )*m face cu t*i (u&manii 3*$*ru%ui &i4i )*m &ter-e (e $e faa $mntu%ui.
7a nu4i r"$un"e. !cte%e %*r "e af%au #n mna mur(ar. Be4ar fi (ac &i 2rtii%e n*a"tre ar fi
"*c*tite fa%"eH
'n"2a=!%%a2. Bn( *mu% i"$r)i (e cercetat (*cumente%e %*r (e i(entitate, $ri)i #n(e%un- %a
7ri>>i, a$*i %a ea.
4 9ici c e&ti !+a(e2 @*r-*n N*>... N*>>*nen, ne)a"ta %uiH
140
4 Da.
4 AineC
8n(e" acte%e %*r #n bu+unar &i fcu un "emn cu (e-etu% ctre $a,i&te.
4 S$une4i " (uc ma&ina ac*%*. J " ) $erc2e+ii*nm. Dar f4* acumC
Arbatu% urc $e bara (e $r*tecie, +-rin( )*$"eaua cu ci+me%e.
4 Be4i a"taH #ntreb, artn( cu (e-etu% ctre crucea a%ba"tr $e f*n( a%b $ictat $e ac*$eri&.
4 7 "tea-u% fin%an(e+, "$u"e !+a(e2. S*u% meu e fin%an(e+.
4 De ce e ac*%*H
4 8i face $%cere %ui.
Arbatu% #n(e"at "cui$, a$*i art (in n*u cu (e-etu% ctre $a,i&te.
4 @rbe&te4te, ac*%*C
Bn( a,un"er #ntr4un %*c %iber, cu -%*ata (u$ ei "e %" " a%unece ,*".
4 !farC Vreau " $erc2e+ii*ne+ ma&ina, " )( (ac n4a)ei arme "au ce)a inter+i".
!+a(e2 "$u"e0
4 .4a)em arme "au ...
4 !farC 1i tu, femeie, tu ine4i -uraC
Aabe%e (in mu%ime &uierar a$r*bat*r. ?uri*", e% #m$un"e cu (e-etu% ctre ce%e (*u tru$uri
$rbu&ite #n an u% nruit0
4 Fu(ecata 3*$*ru%ui e "curt &i 2*trt. .u uitai a"taC
!rt ctre 7ri>>i.
4 S$une4i m*n"tru%ui tu (e brbat ce4am "$u" 4 (ac e brbatu% tu...
4 7ri>>i, e% "$une c ,u(ecata $*$*ru%ui e"te "curt &i 2*trt &i " nu uitm a"ta. !i -ri,,
(ra-u% meu, n*i, n*i trebuie " ie&im (in ma&in. V*r " $erc2e+ii*ne+e ma&ina.
4 ?*arte bine, (ar tra-e4te #nc*ace &i ie&i $e $artea mea.
7ri>>i ie&i, (*minn( mu%imea cu #n%imea %ui. 8&i $u"e brae%e $r*tect*r #n ,uru% ei, #n tim$
ce brbaii, femei%e &i ci)a c*$ii "e #n-2e"uiau #n ,uru% %*r, %"n(u4%e $rea $uin %*c. Mir*"u%
tru$uri%*r ne"$%ate era "uf*cant. J "imea tremurn(, *rict (e mu%t #ncerca ea " a"cun( a"ta.
3ri)ir #m$reun cum brbatu% ce% #n(e"at &i a%i ci)a "e crar #n ma&ina %*r imacu%at, urcn(u4
"e $e "caune cu ci+me%e #nn*r*iate. !%ii (e"c2i"er $*rtiera (in "$ate, "c*n( &i #m$r&tiin(
ne$"t*ri %ucruri%e %*r, "c*t*cin( cu mini%e mur(are #n bu+unare, (e"c2i+n( t*tu%, &i ba-a,e%e %ui
&i a%e ei.
Inu% (intre brbai ri(ic %a )e(ere %en,eria ei "ubire &i cm&i%e (e n*a$te &i (in mu%ime "e
au+ir mieunturi &i "tri-te bat,*c*rit*are. Aabe%e murmurar (e+a$r*bat*r. Ina (intre e%e #ntin"e
mna &i * a$uc (e $r. !+a(e2 "e tra"e #na$*i, (ar cei (in "$ate%e ei nu4i fcur %*c. De #n(at
7ri>>i #&i mi&c tru$u% ma"i) ca "4* a,ute, (ar mu%imea #n-2e"uit c*m$act nu mi&c, (e&i cei (in
a$r*$iere i$ar a$r*a$e +(r*bii, "tri-te%e %*r #nfurin(u4i $e cei%a%i care "e a$r*$iar &i mai mu%t,
amenint*ri, r"tin(u4"e %a e%. Aru"c, 7ri>>i #ne%e"e $entru $rima (at #n )iaa %ui c nu $utea "4*
a$ere. 1tia c ar fi $utut uci(e * (u+in (intre ei mai #nainte ca "4% c*$%e&ea"c &i "4% uci(, (ar
a"ta n4ar fi a$rat4*.
5ea%itatea -n(u%ui #% cutremur. 8&i "imi $ici*are%e m*i &i * ne)*ie c*$%e&it*are (e a urina,
iar mir*"u% "$aimei care4% (*mina a$r*a$e #% "uf*c &i trebui " "e %u$te cu $anica ce4% in)a(a"e.
3ri)ea $r*"tit cum %i "e %uau %ucruri%e. Inii brbai "e (e$rtau trn( (in -reu cani"tre%e cu )ita%a
ben+in, fr (e care n4a)eau cum "4a,un- %a Ee2eran, cci t*ate "taii%e (e ben+in erau #n -re),
#nc2i"e. 8ncerc "4&i f*re+e $ici*are%e " "e mi&te, (ar e%e nu4% a"cu%tar 4 &i nici -ura. Ina (intre
babe "tri- ce)a ctre !+a(e2, care "cutur (in ca$ aiurit, iar brbaii $re%uar "tri-tu%,
#n-2i*ntin(u4i, a$r*$in(u4"e &i mai mu%t &i e% #&i "imi nri%e um$%n(u4"e (e mir*"u% %*r feti( &i
urec2i%e a"ur+ite (e cu)inte%e "tri-ate #n far"i. !)ea #nc brae%e #n ,uru% ei &i, #n mi,%*cu% 2rm%aiei,
ea $ri)i #n "u" &i $utu citi #n *c2ii ei -r*a+a, (ar nu $utu au+i ce #i "$unea. Din n*u #ncerc "
cr*ia"c mai mu%t %*c $entru amn(*i, (ar (in n*u nu reu&i.
Di"$erat, "e "tr(ui "4&i "t$nea"c $anica "%batic, "uf*cant, ce cre&tea (in ce #n ce
#n%untru% %ui &i ne)*ia (e4a %*)i care #nce$u"e " $un "t$nire $e e%, &tiin( c, *(at ce4ar #nce$e,
"4ar "trni * #ncierare care ar fi uci"4*, (ar nu "e $utu "t$ni &i i+bi *rbe&te cu c*tu% %iber. 8n
ace%a&i m*ment, * ranc (*%*fan, cu *c2ii $%ini (e * ur "tranie #&i cr*i (rum $rintre cei%a%i &i
a+)r%i c2a(*ru% #n $ie$tu% %ui !+a(e2, "cui$n( * a)a%an& (e cu)inte #n far"i, abtn( atenia (e %a
141
brbatu% $rbu&it "ub $ici*are%e %ui, cu $ie$tu% +(r*bit (e %*)itur. Mu%imea "tri-a %a ei. 7ra
%im$e(e ci cereau ei " $un c2a(*ru% &i !+a(e2 i$a $rintre %acrimi M.u, nu, %"ai4m #n $aceCM
c*m$%et (e+*rientat. 8n )iaa ei nu fu"e"e nici*(at tratat a"tfe%, nu fu"e"e nici*(at #ntr4* -%*at
ca a"ta, nu "e -"i"e nici*(at #n a$r*$ierea rani%*r, #nc*n,urat (e atta *"ti%itate.
4 3une41, trf...
4 8n nume%e %ui !%%a2, $une c2a(*ru%.
4 .u #n nume%e %ui !%%a2, femeie, #n nume%e 3*$*ru%uiC
4 !%%a2 e mare, "u$une4te Bu)ntu%uiC
4 M $i& $e !%%a2, #n nume%e 5e)*%...
4 !c*$er4i $ru%, trf &i fiic (e trfC
4 Su$une4te 3r*fetu%ui, fie4i nume%e %u(atC Stri-te%e &i #n-2i*nte%i%e "e #nteir, iar brbatu%
care +cea $e $mnt fu +(r*bit "ub $ici*are, a$*i cine)a "e a- (e brau% cu care 7ri>>i * inea $e
!+a(e2 $e (u$ umeri &i ea "imi cea%a%t mn a %ui $*rnin( ctre $umna%u% (e %a "$ate &i "tri-0
4 .u, nu, 7ri>>i, *r " te *m*areC
Bu$rin" (e $anic, #m$in"e ranca &i "e +btu "4&i tra- c2a(*ru% $e ea, re$etn( #ntruna
M!%%a2=u !>barM &i a"ta #i mai $*t*%i #ntruct)a $e cei (in $rea,m, "tri-te%e "e (*m*%ir, (e&i cei
af%ai mai #n "$ate "e #m$in-eau ca " )a( mai bine, #m$in-n(u4i #n car*"eria 5an-e 5*)eru%ui. 8n
#n-2e"uia%, mai c&ti-ar $uin "$aiu #n ,uru% %*r, (e&i erau #nc #nc*n,urai (in t*ate $ri%e. 7a nu
ri(ic $ri)iri%e, "e mu%umi (*ar " #% in "trn" (e bra, tremurn( ca un $i"*i #n-2eat, #nf&urat #n
)%u% -r*"*%an. In )a% (e r"ete i+bucni cn( unu% (intre brbai #&i $u"e "utienu% ei $e $ie$t &i
#nce$u " "e "c%mbie. !cte%e (e )an(a%i"m c*ntinuar $n cn(, $e nea&te$tate, 7ri>>i "e"i+
ce)a n*u #n $rea,m.
Arbatu% ce% #n(e"at &i #n"*it*rii %ui "e *$ri"er &i $ri)eau nemi&cai "$re Pa+)in. 8n tim$ ce
#ncerca " "e %murea"c, #i )+u t*$in(u4"e #n mu%ime. 8n cte)a "ecun(e (i"$ru"er. !%i *ameni
(in a$r*$ierea barierei "e urcau #n ma&ini &i "e4n(re$tau "$re Ee2eran, acce%ern(. J $arte (intre
"teni "e #nt*r"e"er &i ei ctre *ra&, a$*i a%ii, $n cn( #ntrea-a mu%ime $ru )r,it.
3e (rum, $rintre &iruri%e #n)%m&ite a%e ma&ini%*r, "e a$r*$ia * a%t mu%ime (e *ameni, cu
mu%%a2i #n frunte. Inii (intre mu%%a2i &i mu%i (intre brbai erau #narmat Stri-au M!%%a2=u !>bar,
!%%a2 &i 62*meiniM &i "e re$e+ir a"u$ra barierei. Se au+ir cte)a f*curi (e arm &i (in "$re barier
%i "e r"$un"e %a fe%. !()er"arii "e ci*cnir %u$tn(u4"e cu $ietre, bare (e fier &i $ari &i, cte*(at,
$u ti.
Mu%imea (in ,ur "e #m$r&tie. Stenii * ru$"er %a )a%e "$re a($*"tu% ca"e%*r, &*ferii &i
$a"a-erii (i"$rur #n ma&ini%e %*r, #n &anuri "au "e #ntin"er %a $mnt.
Stri-te%e (e atac &i (e r"$un", #m$u&cturi%e, +-*m*tu% &i i$ete%e ace"tei #ncierri mrun4
te #% "c*a"er $e 7ri>>i (in $ara%i+ia care4% cu$rin"e"e. J #m$in"e $e !+a(e2 ctre ma&in, cu%e-n(
#n -rab ce%e mai a$r*$iate (intre bunuri%e %*r #m$r&tiate, %e arunc #n $*rtba-a,, trnti ca$*ta,
mtur (in ca%e ci)a (intre "tenii care #nce$u"er &i ei " cu%ea- (intre %ucruri%e aruncate $e ,*",
"ri $e %*cu% &*feru%ui &i $*rni m*t*ru%, (n( "curt ma&ina #na$*i, a$*i "c2imbn( (irecia, &nin(
cu m*t*ru% ur%n( (e4a curme+i&u% $a,i&tei, $ara%e% cu (rumu%. 8n faa %ui &i $uin "$re (rea$ta +ri $e
brbatu% #n(e"at cu trei (intre #n"*it*rii %ui urcn( #ntr4* ma&in &i #&i aminti c *mu% mai a)ea #nc
acte%e %*r. 3entru * fraciune (e "ecun( "e -n(i " "e *$rea"c (ar bru"c re"$in"e -n(u% &i
meninu (irecia ctre c*$acii care mr-ineau (rumu%. !tunci #% )+ur $e ce%%a%t c*b*rn(u4&i
arma (e $e umr, *c2in( &i tr-n(. 5afa%a trecu $uin $rea "u" &i 7ri>>i "muci )*%anu% cu ref%e/e%e
unui nebun, #&i #nfi$"e c%ciu% #n acce%erat*r &i &ni ctre ea)a armei, tran"f*rmn( 5an-e 5*)eru%
#ntr4un berbec. Ma"i)a bar (e $r*tecie a ma&inii i+bi *mu%, "tri)in(u4% (e ari$a %atera% a
aut*m*bi%u%ui "u, +(r*bin(u4% %a*%a%t cu ma&ina, #n tim$ ce $i"t*%u% mitra%ier c*ntinu " tra-
$n #&i -*%i #ncrct*ru%, -%*ane%e i+bin(u4"e mieunn( (e meta% "au $trun+n( $rin $arbri+. 'e&it
(in mini, 7ri>>i ((u #na$*i, a$*i &ni (in n*u #nainte, r"turnn( e$a)a ma&inii &i uci-n(
*cu$anii &i ar fi ie&it (in ma&in c*ntinun( mce%u% cu mini%e -*a%e, (ar #n c%i$ aceea )+u #n
*-%in(a retr*)i+*are *amenii a%er-n( ctre e% &i atunci "e r+-n(i &i $%ec.
5an-e 5*)eru% era c*n"truit anume $entru a"tfe% (e terenuri, a)ea cauciucuri "$ecia%e $entru
+$a(, care mu&cau a(nc $mntu% r"c*%it. 8n cte)a c%i$e a,un"er $rintre c*$aci, %a a($*"t (e
urmrit*ri, &i e% )ir ie&in( #n &*"ea, cu$% )ite+a #nti &i amn(*u (iferenia%e trecn( $e"te &anu%
a(nc &i ru$n( -ar(u% (e "rm -2im$at.
142
J(at a,un" $e &*"ea (eb%*ca unu% (intre (iferenia%e, "c2imb )ite+a &i $*rni ca * furtun.
.umai cn( a,un"e (e"tu% (e (e$arte (e ace% %*c i "e ri"i$i ceaa "n-erie (e $e *c2i. Bu
r"uf%area tiat # i aminti &uieru% -%*ane%*r ce #m$r*&ca"er ma&ina &i c !+a(e2 era cu e%. Bu$rin"
(e $anic, * cut cu $ri)irea. 7ra teafr, (e&i #n-2eat (e "$aim, &i "ttea -2emuit #n "caun,
a-n(u4"e cu amn(*u mini%e (e un mner %atera%, #nc*n,urat (e -uri (e -%*ane, -uri (e
-%*ane #n $arbri+, -uri #n ac*$eri&, (ar ea #ntrea- &i ne)tmat, (e&i #n $rima c%i$ )+u (*ar
c2i$u% urit (e c2a(*r a% unei femei iraniene, un c2i$ ca *ricare a%tu% (intre +eci%e (e mii $e care %e
+ri"er #n mu%ime.
4 J2, !+a(e2C -fi, a$*i #ntin"e brau% &i * tra"e ctre e%, c*n(ucn( cu * "in-ur mn.
3e"te * c%i$ #ncetini &i tra"e %a mar-inea (rumu%ui, #mbri&n(4*, #n tim$ ce $e ea *
"cuturau "u"$ine%e. .u *b"er) c in(icat*ru% (e ben+in arta re+er)*ru% a$r*a$e -*% "au c
circu%aia "e a-%*mera, &i nici $ri)iri%e (u&mn*a"e a%e trect*ri%*r "au c #n mu%te ma&ini "e af%au
re)*%ui*nari care "e -rbeau ctre Ee2eran.
CAPITOLUL 17
La 9a-r*" Erei: *ra 3,18 (u$4amia+. 8ntin&i $e "nii, cei $atru brbai c*b*rau #n )ite+
$anta (in "$ate%e ba+ei, cu Sc*t @a)a%%an $uin #naintea %ui Fean4Luc Se""*nne, care era ca$ %a ca$
cu .a"iri, mana-eru% ba+ei, urmai %a )re* (*u+eci (e metri (e .itc2a> ;an. 7ra * #ntrecere
aran,at (e Fean4Luc, M'ranu% #m$*tri)a %umiiM, &i t*i $atru brbaii #ncercau #nfierbntai "4&i
mrea"c )ite+a. 9$a(a era * $u%bere (e un a%b )ir-ina%, +$a( mrunt &i f*arte u&*ar, ab"*%ut
neatin", a&ternut (ea"u$ra unei cru"te #ntrite. Irca"er cu t*ii $e crea"ta (in "$ate%e ba+ei,
#n"*ii (e 5*(ri-ue" &i un "tean $e $*"t (e arbitri (e "tart. 3remiu% c&ti-t*ru%ui c*n"ta (in cinci
mii (e ria%i 4 cam &ai+eci (e (*%ari 4 &i una (intre "tic%e%e cu <2i">K a%e %ui L*c2art.
4 E*m n4* " "e "u$ere, 2*tr"e Fean4Luc cu mreie. !re un c*nce(iu "u$%imentar, 2u+u4
re&te )e"e% %a Ee2eran, #n tim$ ce n*i trebuie " "tm %a ba+C 'ar eu, nu "unt eu %a c*man(H
Aine#ne%e". B*man(antu% c*nfi"c "tic%a "$re -%*ria ?ranei, "$re bine%e tru$e%*r me%e -%*ri*a"e%*r
n*a"tre -a+(e &i "t$ni ai ace"t*r $mnturi, Na+(e> 6a"2=>ai, a(u-a"e e% #n "tri-te%e unanime (e
bucurie.
7ra * (u$4amia+ minunat, #n"*rit, %a (*u mii cinci "ute (e metri a%titu(ine, ceru% (e un
a%ba"tru a(nc era %i$"it (e n*ri, aeru% cri"ta%in. .*a$tea, nin"*area "e *$ri"e. De cn( $%eca"e
L*c2art %a Ee2eran, cu trei +i%e #n urm nin"e"e #ntruna. !cum ba+a &i (e$re"iunea (intre muni era
* $ri)e%i&te (e ba"m, cu bra+i, +$a( &i cre"te ce "e ri(icau %a $atru mii cinci "ute (e metri, "ub un
"trat (e &ai+eci (e centimetri (e +$a( $r*a"$t.
3e m"ur ce "e a$r*$iau (e $ici*ru% $antei, acea"ta (e)enea &i mai abru$t, iar ni&te tr*iene
ne)+ute #i "%tau (in cn( #n cn(. 3rin"e"er )ite+, une*ri a$r*a$e (i"$arn( "ub n*rii (e +$a(,
$%ini (e entu+ia"m, %i$ii cu t*t tru$u% (e "nii &i 2*tri " #n)in-.
8n faa %*r erau cte)a $%curi (e $ini. Sc*t frn i"cu"it cu c%cie%e b*canci%*r "i (e "c2i,
"trn-n( cu mini%e #nmnu&ate ca$tu% curbat a% $atine%*r (in fa, &i tra" un -rai*" arc (e cerc
#n ,uru% c*$aci%*r, "e mai "imi "%tat #nc * (at, a$*i "e n$u"ti #n ,*" $e u%tima $arte a $antei, ctre
%inia (e "*"ire ce "e )e(ea (e$arte, ,*", &i un(e re"tu% "teni%*r &i a% $er"*na%u%ui ba+ei #i #ncura,au cu
"tri-te. .a"iri &i Fean4Luc frnar * fraciune (e "ecun( mai tr+iu, *c*%ir $%cu% (e c*$aci ce)a
mai re$e(e, "%tar #ntr4* ca"ca( (e +$a( &i #% a,un"er (in urm, (i"tana (intre ei re(ucn(u4"e
(*ar %a ci)a centimetri.
.itc2a> ;an nu frn (e%*c, "au "e $refcu (*ar, "e4ncre(in %ui !%%a2 $entru a "uta *ar #n
)iaa %ui, #nc2i"e *c2ii &i "e #n(re$t -%*n ctre c*$aci. 'n"2aX!%%a2. Erecu $e %n- $rimu% c*$ac %a
(i"tan (e ,umtate (e metru, $e %n- urmt*ru% %a un "fert (e metru, (e"c2i"e *c2ii t*cmai %a tim$
ca " e)ite " (ea cu ca$u% (e un trunc2i (e c*$ac, "$intec un (e"i& (e $uiei, &ni bru"c #n tre$te
$e"te * ri(ictur, *c*%in( miracu%*" un trunc2i c+ut i "e i+bi (in n*u (e $mnt, $rimin( #n $ie$t
* %*)itur (urer*a" care a$r*a$e #i tie re"$iraia, (ar "e inu mai (e$arte (e mnere, )enin(
)erti-in*" (in urm, a%unec a$%ecat $rime,(i*" $e * $atin $re (e * "ecun(, # i reca$t ec2i%ibru%
&i &ni (in $(ure mai iute (ect cei%a%i, $e * traiect*rie mai (rea$t (ect cei%a%i, cu +ece metri
#naintea tutur*r, #ntr4un tunet (e ura%e (in $artea "teni%*r.
143
Di"tana (intre cei $atru c*ncureni "c(ea, ei %i$in(u4"e ct mai mu%t (e "nii%e %*r $entru a
c&ti-a #nc * i(ee (e )ite+: Sc*t, .a"iri &i Fean4Luc "4au a$r*$iat (in ce #n ce mai mu%t (in urm
$e .itc2a> ;an. 8n ace"t %*c +$a(a nu era att (e bun &i mici ri(icturi #i fceau " "a%te, f*rn(u4
i " "e a-ate mai "trn" (e "nii. 8nc (*u "ute (e metri, #nc * "ut, *amenii (e %a ba+ &i "tenii
"tri-au &i4% im$%*rau $e !%%a2 $entru )ict*rie, *$t+eci, &a$te+eci, &ai+eci, cinci+eci, a$*i...
Dmbu%, (e&i mare, era bine a"cun". !f%at #n frunte, .itc2a> ;an fu $rimu% aruncat #n "u" &i
$ier(u c*ntr*%u%, r*"t*-*%in(u4"e $e * $arte cu r"uf%area tiat, a$*i Sc*t &i Fean4Luc &nir
amn(*i #n aer, r"ucin(u4"e, c+n( cu mini%e &i $ici*are%e r&c2irate, %a fe% (e nea,ut*rai,
r"turnn(u4&i "nii%e #n n*ri (e $u%bere #n-2eat. .a"iri #ncerc (i"$erat "4i *c*%ea"c &i $e ei &i
ri(ictura &i4&i "muci "ania #ntr4un (era$a, )i*%ent, (ar a%unec (e $e ea &i * $*rni r"ucin(u4"e %a
)a%e, *$rin(u4"e $uin mai (e$arte (ect4cei%a%i, -fin(. .itc2a> ;an "e ri(ic &i #&i &ter"e +$a(a
(e $e fa &i barb.
4 S%)it fie !%%a2, murmur e%, ne)enin(u4i " crea( c nu4&i ru$"e"e nici * mn "au )reun
$ici*r, a$*i $ri)i #n ,ur ctre cei%a%i.
Se a(unau &i ei (e ,*", Sc*t #necn(u4"e (e r" $entru c Fean4Luc, care n4a)ea nici e% )re*
+-rietur, rm"e"e #ntin" $e "$ate, "%*b*+in( * e/$%*+ie (e in)ecti)e #n france+. .a"iri "fr&i"e
a$r*a$e #n-r*$at cu ca$u% #nainte #ntr4un tr*ian (e +$a( &i, #nc r+n(. Sc*t "e #n(re$t ctre e%
"4% a,ute. 7ra $uin ,u%it, (ar nimic -ra).
4 7i, )*i (e4ac*%*, "tri- cine)a (in mu%imea (e ,*". 1abra F*r(*n 3*rcrie. Bum rmne cu
$*rcria a"ta (e cur"H 8nc nu "4a terminatC ;ai Sc*tt, 2ai Fean4Luc, $entru Dumne+eu, (ai4i
(rumu% *(atC
Sc*t #% %" $e .a"iri &i $*rni " a%er-e ctre $unctu% (e "*"ire af%at %a cinci+eci (e metri mai
(e$arte, (ar a%unec &i c+u #n +$a(a -r*a", "e ri(ic #m$%eticin(u4"e, a%unec (in n*u, cu
$ici*are%e ca (e $%umb. Fean4Luc "e ri(ic &i e% c%tinat &i "e re$e+i (u$ e%, urmat #n(ea$r*a$e (e
.a"iri &i .itc2a> ;an. Stri-te%e mu%imii "e #nmu%ir, #ncura,n( brbaii ce "e %u$tau cu +$a(a,
c+n( , "rin( #nainte, ri(icn(u4"e &i c+n( (in n*u, #ntr4* #ntrecere f*arte (ur, uitn( t*ate
(ureri%e. Sc*t "e af%a ce)a mai #n frunte, urmat (e .itc2a> ;an, Fean4Luc &i .a"iri 4 #ncura,ai (e
?*<%er, r*&u %a fa &i %a fe% (e #ncin" ca &i "tenii.
Mai a)eau +ece metri. Atrnu% ;an era cu un metru #naintea %*r, cn( a%unec &i "e #ntin"e
cu faa #n ,*", cu $ici*are%e &i mini%e r&c2irate: Sc*t $re%ua c*n(ucerea, urmat #n(ea$r*a$e (e
.a"iri, &i (e Fean4Luc %a ci)a centimetri #n urma %*r. Bur"a "e tran"f*rma"e (e fa$t #ntr4un mer"
#m$%eticit, #ntreru$t (e r*"t*-*%iri, f*arte *b*"it*r, %a fiecare $a" trebuin( "4&i "mu%- ci+me%e (in
+$a(a #na%t.
Se au+i un cutremurt*r "tri-t unanim cn( .itc2a> ;an #nce$u " #nainte+e #n $atru %abe
$e u%timii ci)a metri.
Fean4Luc &i Sc*t #ncercar un u%tim "a%t (i"$erat ctre %inia (e "*"ire, cu ca$u% #nainte, &i
c+ur cu t*ii #ntr4* -rma(, #nc*n,urai (e "tri-te.
4 Sc*t a c&ti-at...
4 .u, Fean4Luc...
4 .u, btrnu% .itc2a>...
Bn( reu&i "4&i tra- "uf%etu%, Fean4Luc "$u"e0
4 De*arece nu e/i"t * $rere c%ar &i nici c2iar $reacin"titu% n*"tru mu%%a2 nu e #n(ea,un" (e
"i-ur, eu, Fean4Luc, #% (ec%ar $e .itc2a> ;an c&ti-t*r cu * %un-ime (e na".
Irmar a%te "tri-te, care "e re$etar (u$ ce a(u-0
4 1i (e*arece #n)in&ii au $ier(ut att (e cura,*" M $remie+ cu #nc * "tic% (e <2i">K (in
re+er)a %ui E*m "tic% $e care * )*i c*nfi"ca t*t eu &i care )a fi #m$rit (e ctre t*i %ucrt*rii
"trini, %a a$u"u% "*are%ui.
?iecare "trn"e mna cu fiecare. .itc2a> ;an fu (e ac*r( ca %una urmt*are " mai fac *
#ntrecere i (e*arece cin"tea %e-ea &i nu bea a%c**%, "e t*cmi fer*ce &i4i )n(u %ui Fean4Luc "tic%a (e
<2i">K $e care * c&ti-a"e %a ,umtate (e $re. E*at %umea i+bucni (in n*u #n ura%e a$*i cine)a
"c*a"e un "tri-t (e a)erti"ment.
Btre n*r(, (e$arte, #n muni, * rac2et r*&ie (e "emna%i+are c(ea #n )a%e. Se %" bru"c
tcerea. 5ac2eta (i"$ru.
!$*i #nc una (e"cri"e un arc (e cerc, ca " "e $rbu&ea"c c%in n*u0 SJS, ur-ent.
144
4 B!S7V!B, "$u"e Fean4Luc $ri)in( $rintre -ene. Erebuie " fie %a "*n(a 5*"a "au %a
Ae%%i""ima.
4 !m $%ecat.
Sc*t @a)a%%an $*rni -rbit.
4 Vin cu tine. J " %um un 212 &i * " tran"f*rmm t*tu% #ntr4un +b*r (e )erificare $entru
tine.
8n cte)a minute "e af%au #n aer. S*n(a 5*"a era una (intre "*n(e%e $e care %e c$ta"er #n
urma c*ntractu%ui @uerneK, iar Ae%%i""ima, una (intre ce%e $e care * (e"er)eau #n m*( *bi&nuit.
E*ate ce%e un"$re+ece "*n(e (in +*na aceea fu"e"er in"ta%ate (e * c*m$anie ita%ian $entru 'ran Ji%
&i (e&i t*ate erau %e-ate $rin ra(i* cu 9a-r*" Erei, %e-tura nu era #nt*t(eauna bun (in $ricina
muni%*r &i a efectu%ui (e ecranare. 5ac2ete%e (e "emna%i+are ineau %*cu% ra(i*u%ui.
!$aratu% urc c*n"tant, trecn( (e trei mii (e metri, $%af*nu% *$erai*na% (e $atru mii (e
metri (e$in+n( (e #ncrctur. Vi%e ac*$erite cu +$a( "c%i$eau #n %umin "*are%ui. 8n faa %*r,
#ntr4un %umini& (e $e un mic $%at*u af%at %a trei mii &a$te "ute *$t +eci &i cinci (e metri a%titu(ine, "e
+rea "*n(a 5*"a 4 cte)a trai%ere $entru %*cuine &i &*$r*ane #m$r&tiate %a #ntm$%are #n ,uru%
turnu%ui #na%t. 1i * $%atf*rm (e ateri+are.
4 5*"a, aici Fean4LucC M au+iH
!&te$t rb(t*r.
4 Eare &i %im$e(e, Fean4LucC
7ra )*cea )e"e% a %ui Mimm* Sera, M*mu% firmeiM ce% mai mare #n funcie (e ac*%*, un
in-iner #n"rcinat cu t*ate %ucrri%e.
4 Be ne4ai a(u" eiH
4 .iente, Mimm*. !m )+ut * rac2et r*&ie &i )erificam.
4 M*n Dieu, B!S7V!BC .4am f*"t n*i. ?r " mai "tea $e -n(uri, Sc*t #ntreru$"e
mane)ra (e ateri+are, a$%ec a$aratu% $e4* $arte &i "e #n(re$t ctre n*i%e c**r(*nate, urcn( mai
"u" #n muni.
4 Ae%%i""imaH
4 J " )erificm.
4 Dai4ne (e &tire, (aH .4am a)ut )re* %e-tur (e cn( a #nce$ut furtuna. Bare4" u%time%e
&tiriH
4 I%tima am au+it4* acum (*u +i%e. AAB4u% "$unea c .emurit*rii (e %a D*"2an Ea$$e2 au
#nbu&it * re)*%t a 1c*%ii (e 3i%*i &i a ci)i%i%*r. .4a)em nici * )e"te (e %a "e(iu% centra% (in
Ee2eran "au (e %a a%tcine)a. Dac af%m ce)a, * " ) c*municm $rin ra(i*.
4 7i, ra(i*C Fean4Luc, mai a)em ne)*ie (e #nc * (u+in (e e)i (e &a"e *ii &i ca (e *bicei,
(e ciment, #nce$n( (e mine. J>aKC
4 Aien"urC
Fean4Luc era #ncntat c a$ru"e (e %ucru #n $%u" &i c "e i)i"e *ca+ia (e a (*)e(i c erau
mai buni (ect @uerneK.
4 Bum mer-eH
4 !m "$at $n %a trei mii (e metri &i "e $are c * " (m (e ce)a -r*+a). !& )rea "4% tube+
%una )iit*are, (ac "e $*ate. 3*i c*man(a %a S%umber-erH
S%umber-er era * firm internai*na% care $r*(ucea &i a$r*)i+i*na cu ec2i$ament e%ectr*nic
(e mare $reci+ie $entru m"urri %a mare a(ncime a (e$uneri%*r (e $etr*% &i a ca%itii (iferite%*r
"traturi, ec2i$amente (e -2i(a, $entru "*n(e%e (e f*ra,, (e a-are a "a$e%*r ru$te, (e f*rare $rin
e/$%*+ie, e)i (e *e% $entru $*m$area $etr*%u%ui, (im$reun cu e/$er i care $uteau " %e
mane)re+e. ?*arte "cum$e, (ar ab"*%ut nece"are. Eubarea $uu%ui era u%tima *$eraiune #nainte (e
cimentarea #mbrcminii (e *e% &i c*nectarea "*n(ei %a c*n(uct.
4 J " i %e a(ucem aici %uni, (e *riun(e ar fi, Mimm* 4 cu )*ia %ui 62*meini.
4 Mamma mia, "$une4i %ui .a"iri c trebuie " %e $rimim.
5ece$ia "e $ier(ea iute.
4 .ici * $r*b%emC J " te c2em %a #nt*arcere. Fean4Luc arunc * $ri)ire afar (in car%in-.
Ereceau $e"te * cu%me, #nc #n urcare, cu m*t*are%e #n $%in ef*rt.
4 Mer(eC Mi4e f*ame, "$u"e &i "e #ntin"e #n "caun. M "imt (e $arc mi4a& fi fcut ma"a, cu
un $erf*rat*r $neumatic 4 (a= ce cur"C
14
4 1tii, Fean4Luc, ai a,un" %a %inia (e "*"ire * "ecun( #naintea %ui .itc2a> ;an. ?r #n(*ia%.
4 De"i-ur, (ar n*i, france+ii, "untem mrinim*&i, (i$%*matiRue" &i f*arte $ractici. 1tiam c4*
" ne )n( <2i">K4u% n*"tru %a ,uma= (e $re. Dac ar fi f*"t #n)in", ne4ar fi c*"tat * a)ere. Fean4
Luc +mbi. Dac n4ar fi f*"t m*)i%a aia, n4a& fi e+itat, a& fi c&ti-at (eta&at.
Sc*t +mbi &i e% &i nu "$u"e nimic. 5e"$ira u&*r, (ar era c*n&tient (e fa$tu% c trebuia "
re"$ire. Du$ re-u%ament, $e"te %imita (e $atru mii (e metri, $i%*ii trebuiau " $*arte ma"c (e
*/i-en (ac erau ne)*ii " rmn #n aer mai mu%t (e * ,umtate (e *r. .4a)eau a&a ce)a &i t*tu&i
nici*(at )reunu% (intre $i%*ii %*r nu "imi"e a%tce)a (ect * u&*ar (urere (e ca$, (e&i #i trebuia *
"$tmn "au c2iar mai mu%t ca " te ac*m*(e+i cu )iaa %a (*u mii cinci "ute (e metri. 7ra mai
-reu $entru "*n(*rii (e %a Ae%%i""ima.
7"ca%e%e %*r %a Ae%%i""ima erau (e *bicei f*arte "curte. 7ra (e ce%e mai mu%te *ri ca un "a%t (e
c*%*4c*%*, cu #ncrctura ma/im (e (*u mii (e >i%*-rame. De)i, $*m$e, m*t*are Die"e%, )inciuri,
-enerat*are, "ub"tane c2imice, a%imente, trai%ere, re+er)*are, *ameni, n*r*i, $r,ine%e -enerice
$entru %ic2i(u% $*m$at #n -aura f*rat ca " #n%ture re"turi%e, " %ubrefie+e "a$a, %a m*mentu%
$*tri)it " (*m*%ea"c $re"iunea $etr*%u%ui "au a -a+u%ui (e care f*ra,e%e (e a(ncime erau cu
ne$utin (e efectuat. !$*i "a%tu% (e ac*%*, cu "au fr #ncrctur c*m$%et 4 %ucrt*ri "au
ec2i$ament ce trebuia re$arat "au #n%*cuit.
4 Suntem un fe% (e cami*n *$it*r, #&i +i"e Sc*t mturn( #ntruna cu $ri)irea ceru%,
in"trumente%e &i t*t ce "e )e(ea #n ,ur. Da, (ar ce minunat e " +b*ri &i " nu c*n(uci $e &*"ea.
Erecu"er (e mu%t (e %imita c*$aci%*r, &i (e(e"ubt "e )e(eau f*arte a$r*a$e c*%uri%e
"tnci%*r. Erecur (e u%tima crea"t. !cum "e $utea )e(ea "*n(a.
4 Ae%%i""ima, aici Fean4Luc. M au+iiH
S*n(a Ae%%i""ima "e af%a ce% mai "u" (in t*t %anu%, %a e/act $atru mii * "ut (e metri
(ea"u$ra ni)e%u%ui mrii, cuibrit $e * $%atf*rm (e "tnc, c2iar "ub crea"t. Dinc*%* (e mar-inea
"tncii, c*a"ta munte%ui "e $r)%ea abru$t ca%e (e (*u mii cinci "ute metri #ntr4* )a%e %at (e
&ai"$re+ece >i%*metri &i %un- (e cinci+eci, c"cat ca * mare ran #n "u$rafaa $mntu%ui.
4 Ae%%i""ima, aici Fean4Luc. M au+iiH Din n*u nici un r"$un". Sc2imb cana%e%e.
4 9a-r*" Erei, m au+iH
4 Eare &i %im$e(e, c$itaneC )eni ime(iat r"$un"u% *$erat*ru%ui iranian (e %a ba+, !%i<ani.
7/ce%en, .a"iri e %n- mine.
4 5mi $e frec)ena a"ta. Ae%%i""ima ne4a c2emat, (ar n4a)em c*ntact ra(i*. J " ateri+m.
4 8ne%e". 5mn $e frec)en.
Ba #nt*t(eauna %a Ae%%i""ima, Sc*t era u%uit (e )a"titatea c*n)u%"ii%*r "c*arei $mntu%ui
care n"cu"er acea )a%e.
1i ca t*i cei care )i+ita"er acea"t "*n(, "e minun (in n*u (e imen"itatea ri"cu%ui, a
ef*rtu%ui &i c2e%tuie%i%*r nece"are $entru %*ca%i+area $un-ii (e $etr*%, $entru a%e-erea am$%a"amentu4
%ui, ri(icarea "*n(ei, a$*i "tr$un-erea +eci%*r (e mii (e metri 4 ca "*n(e%e " (e)in $r*fitabi%e.
Dar erau #ntr4a(e)r $r*fitabi%e, $e m"ura #ntre-ii +*ne, cu uria&e%e ei (e$*+ite (e $etr*% i -a+
$rin"e #n ca$cana c*nuri%*r (e ca%car, #ntre trei mii 4 $atru mii (e metri (e %a "u$rafa. 1i (u$ a"ta,
ce%e%a%te in)e"tiii &i ri"curi uria&e0 %e-tura #ntre acea"t "*n(a i c*n(ucta care "trbtea Munii
9a-r*" unin( rafinrii%e (e %a '"fa2an, (in centru% 'ranu%ui, cu ce%e (e %a !ba(an (in @*%f, * a%t
e/tra*r(inar rea%i+are in-inerea"c a )ec2ii c*m$anii !n-%*4'ranian Ji%, acum nai*na%i+at "i
reb*te+at 'ran Ji%, Mfurat, Sc*t f%cu%e, furat e C cu)ntu% c*rectM, "$u"e"e tat% "u (e attea *ri.
Sc*t @a)a%%an +mbi #n "inea %ui amintin(u4&i (e tat% "u, "imin( un )a% (e c%(ur #n
"uf%et. Sunt a% (racu%ui (e n*r*c*" c mi4e tat, #&i +i"e, mi4e (*r (e mama, (ar t*tu&i m bucur c4a
murit. 7 cum$%it $entru * femeie (r-u, acti), " (e)in * nea,ut*rat, %e-at (e un "caun cu
r*ti%e, ca * c*c2i%ie $ietrificat &i t*tu&i cu mintea intact c2iar &i %a "fr&it, cea mai bun mam $e
care ar $utea4* a)ea cine)a. !furi"it -2ini*n m*artea ei. 8n "$ecia% $entru tataC Dar m bucur c "4a
rec"t*rit. Maureen e -r*+a) &i tata e -r*+a) &i am $arte (e * )ia -r*+a) &i )iit*ru4i r*+0 *
-r*a+ (e +b*ruri, e%ic*$tere (in be%&u-, iar #n ci)a ani * " m4n"*r. Bu Ee"". 'nima %ui #&i iui
bti%e. ! (racu%ui #ncurctur c Linbar e unc2iu% ei &i ea ne$*ata %ui fa)*rit, (a= are a% (racu%ui
n*r*c c n4am nimic (e4a face cu e%. 7a are numai *$t=&$e ani, a&a c e tim$ (e a,un".
4 In(e ai ateri+a, m*n )ieu/H au+i #n c&ti.
4 Din"$re )e"t, "$u"e, a(unn(u4"i -n(uri%e.
14G
4 Aun.
Fean4Luc $ri)ea atent #nainte. .ici un "emn (e )ia. L*cu%, ac*$erit (in be%&u- cu +$a(,
era a$r*a$e #n-r*$at #n nmei. D*ar $%at*u% (e ateri+are era curat. Din ru%*te "e #n%au fire (e
fum.
4 !2, ac*%*C
9rir %n- $%atf*rm "i%ueta mrunt a unui brbat #nc*t*&mnat $n %a urec2i,
f%uturn(u4&i brae%e.
4 Bine eH
4 Bre( c e 3ietr*.
Sc*t "e c*ncentra a"u$ra mane)re%*r (e ateri+are. La acea"t #n%ime &i (in $ricina $*+iiei
$%atf*rmei (e "tnc. Se i"cau a(e"ea rafa%e nea&te$tate, turbu%ene (e aer &i )rte,uri &i nu era
#n-(uit nici * -re&ea%. Se a$r*$iar $e (ea"u$ra abi"u%ui, "cuturai (e )nt, c*rect a(mirabi%
(irecia cn( trecu $e (ea"u$ra "tncii &i a&e+ a$aratu% $e "*%.
4 Aine.
Fean4Luc #&i #n(re$t iar&i atenia ctre fi-ura #nc*t*&mnat #n care #% recun*"cu acum $e
3ietr* ?ieri, unu% (intre mai&tri (e f*ra,, urmt*ru% ca im$*rtan (u$ re$re+entantu% c*m$aniei. 8%
)+ur trecn(u4&i muc2ia $a%mei (e4a curme+i&u% -tu%ui, "emnu% $entru *$rirea m*t*are%*r, ceea
ce #n"emna c nu era nece"ara * (ec*%are ime(iat. Fean4Luc (e"c2i"e un 2ub%*u %atera% &i #i fcu
"emn " "e a$r*$ie.
4 Be "4a4ntm$%at, 3ietr*H "tri- ca " ac*$ere +-*m*tu% m*t*are%*r.
4 @uine$$a e b*%na), "tri- %a rn(u% %ui 3ietr*, btn(u4"e cu $umnu% #n "tn- $ie$tu%ui.
Bre(em c ar fi inima &i a"ta nu4i t*t. Iite ac*%*C
!rt un(e)a "u". Fean4Luc &i Sc*t #&i "ucir -turi%e ca " )a( mai bine, (ar nu $utur "
+rea"c ceea ce #% ne%ini&tea. Fean4Luc #&i (e"fcu centura (e "i-uran &i ie&i afar. ?ri-u% #% i+bi &i
e% c%i$i, *c2ii %crimn(u4i (in $ricina )ntu%ui &i a )rte,uri%*r $r*)*cate (e r*t*r, *c2e%arii (e
"*are nefiin(u4i (e $rea mare a,ut*r. !tunci )+u care era $r*b%ema &i "imi un -2em urt #n "t*mac.
La cte)a "ute (e metri (ea"u$ra %*r &i a$r*a$e (re$t (ea"u$ra taberei, c2iar "ub crea"t,
atrna un en*rm tr*ian (e +$a( &i -2eat.
4 Mer(eC
4 Dac c2e"tia a"ta $%eac, "e $*rne&te a)a%an&a $e t*at c*a"ta munte%ui &i ar $utea " ne ia
&i $e n*i &i t*t ce e #n )a%e *(at cu ea.
B2i$u% %ui 3ietr* era a%b"triu (in $ricina fri-u%ui. 7ra un brbat )*inic, #n(e"at &i f*arte
$uternic, cu * barb #ntunecat, #n"$icat cu a%b, cu *c2i c$rui &i $trun+t*ri. B%i$ea (e" (in
$ricina )ntu%ui.
4 @uine$$a )rea " "tea (e )*rb cu tine. ;ai %a ru%*ta %ui.
4 1i a"taH Fean4Luc fcu un "emn cu (e-etu% mare #n "u", $e"te umr.
4 Dac4* fi " fie... a"ta eC
3ietr* r"e "curt, artn(u4&i (inii a%bi ce c*ntra"tau $uternic cu f*n(u% #ntunecat a% "curtei
"a%e $tate (e $etr*%.
4 ;ai(eC
8&i $%ec mu%t ca$u% ca " "e ferea"c (e e%icea care "e4n)rtea &i $*rni cu $a&i a$"ai.
4 ;ai(eC
.e%ini&tit, Fean4Luc m"ur ameninarea ce atrna (ea"u$ra %*r. !r fi $utut " in trei
"$tmni "au " ca( $e"te * "ecun(. Dea"u$ra cre"tei, Beru% era imacu%at, (ar "*are%e (u$4
amie+ei ((ea $uin c%(ur.
4 Stai aici, Sc*tC Dine4% %a ra%antiC "tri-, a$*i $*rni "tn-aci (u$ 3ietr*, $rin +$a(a f*arte
a(nc.
Mari* @uine$$a era re$re+entantu% c*m$aniei. 5u%*ta "a cu (*u c*m$artimente era
c%(ur*a" &i ne#n-ri,it, cu 2ri $e $erei, #mbrcminte $tat (e $etr*%, mnu&i -r*a"e &i c&ti (e
$r*tecie a-ate #n cuie, #ntrea-a $an*$%ie a unui $etr*%i"t #m$r&tiat $rin #nc$erea ce #i "%u,ea &i
(e bir*u &i (e "ufra-erie #n ace%a&i tim$.
7% era #n (*rmit*r. 9cea #n $at, c*m$%et #mbrcat, (ar fr ci+me #n $ici*are0 un brbat (e
$atru+eci &i cinci (e ani, cu un na" im$*+ant &i tru$ #na%t, (e *bicei $%e"nin( (e "ntate &i ar" (e
147
"*are, (ar acum $a%i( &i cu * "tranie urm a%b"truie $e bu+e. !%turi (e e% "e af%a mai"tru% ce%ui%a%t
"c2imb, 7nric* Aana"ta"i*, un brbat mrunt, brunet, cu *c2i ne-ri &i * fa a"cuit.
4 !2, Fean4Luc, m bucur " te )(, "$u"e @uine$$a * cu )*ce "%ab.
4 1i eu $e tine, m*n ami.
?*arte #n-ri,*rat, Fean4Luc #&i tra"e ferm*aru% (e %a "curta (e +b*r &i "e a&e+ $e $at.
@uine$$a r"$un(ea (e Ae%%i""ima (e (*i ani 4 (*u"$re+ece *re (e "er)iciu, (*u"$re+ece
*re %ibere, (*u %uni ac*%*, (*u %ibere 4 &i (e"c2i"e"e aici trei mari $uuri care $r*(uceau &i mai
$re-tea %*c $entru #nc $atru.
4 Ee4a&tea$t "$ita%u% (in S2ira+.
4 !"ta nu e im$*rtant. Mai #nti tr*ianu% %a, Fean4Luc. Vreau "...
4 7)acum t*t &i4% %"m $e "tr*n+* %a #n mini%e D*mnu%ui, inter)eni Aana"ta"i*.
4 Mamma mia, 7nric*, +i"e iritat @uine$$a. 8i mai "$un * (at c $utem "4i (m * mn (e
a,ut*r %ui Dumne+eu, cu "$ri,inu% %ui Fean4Luc. 3ietr* e (e ac*r(, a&a4i, 3ietr*H
4 Da, "$u"e 3ietr* (in ca(ru% u&ii, cu * "c*bit*are #ntre (ini. Fean4Luc, eu m4am n"cut #n
!*"ta, #n !%$ii 'ta%ieni, a&a c &tiu cte ce)a (e"$re muni &i a)a%an&e &i cre( c...
4 Si, e )*" fi,amete, 4 &i e&ti "rit, "$u"e "curt Aana"ta"i*.
3ietr* fcu un "curt -e"t *b"cen0
4 'n )*"a%imente 4 =te4n curC
4 Bu a,ut*ru% tu, Fean4Luc, * " fie u&*r " (e)iem...
4 Be )rei " facH
4 3n4ntr4un %*c $e care * " i4% arate e%, $e c*a"ta (in"$re n*r(. !c*%* * " (ea (rumu% in
+$a( unui bat*n (e (inamit &i a"ta * " $r*)*ace * a)a%an& care * " #n(e$rte+e $rime,(ia (e %a
n*i. 3ietr* +mbi.
4 B2iar a&a. B*c*a&a aia * " (i"$ar.
Aana"ta"i* "$u"e &i mai furi*"0
4 3entru Dumne+eu, #i re$et c4i a% (racu%ui (e ri"cant. !r trebui mai #nti " e)acum &i,
(u$ aia, (ac )rei, #ncearc4i (inamitaC
B2i$u% %ui @uine$$a "e c*nt*r"i*na, "trbtut (e un "$a"m (urer*". 8&i $u"e * mn $e $ie$t.
4 Dac e)acum, trebuie " #nc2i(em t*tu% &i...
4 1iH #nc2i(em t*tu%. 1i ce (acC Dac nu4i $a" (e $r*$ria ta )ia, -n(e&te4te %a n*i,
cei%a%i. 7u +ic "
4 'a4% $e 3ietr* &i +b*ar (ea"u$ra cre"tei, e)acum, $r*nt*C !$*i f*%*"im (inamita. Fean4
Luc nu4i mai "i-ur a&aH
4 ?r4n(*ia% c e mai "i-ur, r"$un"e $ru(ent Fean4Luc, ne(*rin( " #% a-ite &i mai mu%t $e
btrnu% 3ietr*, "$uneai c &tii cte ce)a (e"$re a)a%an&e. Bt * " in aiaH
4 .a"u% meu #mi "$une c4* " $%ece curn(, f*arte curn(. De(e"ubt "unt ni&te cr$turi.
3*ate mine, $*ate c2iar %a n*a$teC 1tiu un(e " $r*(uc e/$%*+ia &i e f*arte "i-ur. 3ietr* $ri)i ctre
Aana"ta"i*. 3*t "4* fac, *rice4ar cre(e "tr*n+* "ta.
Aana"ta"i* "e ri(ic.
4 Fean4Luc, eu &i "c2imbu% meu ne e)acum, $r*nt*, *rice "4ar 2*tr#C
3%ec. @uine$$a "e "uci #n $at.
4 Fean4Luc, ia4% $e 3ietr* "u", acum...
4 Mai #nti e)acum $e t*at %umea %a "*n(a 5*"a, cu tine #n frunte, +i"e ti*" Fean4Luc, a$*i
* " (inamitm. Dac ine, te #nt*rci %a treab, (ac nu, e (e a,un" %*c %a 5*"a, * )reme, $entru tine.
4 .u mai #nti, %a urm... nu4i ne)*ie " e)acum. Fean4Luc abia #% a"cu%ta. 7"tima numru%
*ameni%*r $e care trebuia "4i (e$%a"e+e. ?iecare (in ce%e (*u "c2imburi era a%ctuit (in n*u
brbai, mai"tru, a,ut*ru% %ui, $*m$a-iu% care "u$ra)e-2ea $*m$e%e (e n*r*i &i 2*tra a"u$ra
c*m$u&i%*r "i c2imici &i a (en"itii, "$t*ru% care "e #n-ri,ea (e f*rat, mecanicu% care r"$un(ea
(e t*ate )inciuri%e, $*m$e%e &i ce%e%a%te ma&inrii &i $atru muncit*ri care a)eau #n -ri, a-area "au
(e"$rin(erea (in cr%i- a e)i%*r, $r,ini%*r &i "a$ei.
4 !)ei &a$te muncit*ri &i buctari iranieniH
4 Da. Da4i "$un c nu4i ne)*ie " e)acum, re$et "%bit @uine$$a.
4 7 mai "i-ur, m*n )ieu/. Fean4Luc "e #nt*ar"e ctre 3ietr*0 S$une tutur*r " nu4&i ia mu%te
%ucruri cu ei &i " "e mi&te re$e(e.
148
3ietr* arunc * $ri)ire #n ,*", ctre @uine$$a.
4 Da "au nuH De+-u"tat, @uine$$a ((u (in ca$.
4 Bere " rmn * ec2i$ (e )*%untari. Dac nu )rea nimeni, Sfnt ?eci*ar, #nc2i(e t*tu%.
3ietr* era )i+ibi% (e+am-it. 'e&i afar, c*ntinun( " "c*bea"c #n (ini. @uine$$a "e f*i #n
$atu% %ui, #ncercn( " "e a&e+e mai c*nf*rtabi%, &i #nce$u " #n,ure, $rea mu%t mai fra-i% (ect
#nainte. Fean4Luc "$u"e cu )*ce "c+ut0
4 7 mai bine " e)acum, Mri*.
4 3ietr* e i"te &i (e&te$t, (ar $*rca mi+eria, Aana"ta"i* "4a "c$at (e t*t $e e%. 8nt*t(eauna
#mi face neca+uri "i e )ina %ui c "4a "tricat emit*ru%. 1tiu a"ta.
4 BeHC
4 Bine)a %4a trimit ,*" #n tim$u% "c2imbu%ui %ui. !cum a)em ne)*ie (e unu% n*u. !i )reunu%
(e re+er)H
4 .u, (ar am " )( (ac $*t " *bin unu%. Se $*ate re$araH 3*ate c unu% (intre mecanicii
n*&tri...
4 Aana"ta"i* a +i" c4a a%unecat &i4a c+ut $e e%, (a= am au+it c4a (at cu ci*canu% #n e%, fin=c
nu funci*na ca %umea. Mamma mia
@uine$$a "trn"e (in *c2i, "trmbn(u4"e &i a$ucn(u4"e cu mini%e (e $ie$t, #nce$n( (in
n*u " #n,ure.
4 De cn( ai (ureriH
4 De (*u +i%e. !+i a f*"t mai ru. Str*n+* Aana"ta"i*... murmur @uine$$a. Dar %a ce te
$*i a&te$ta, e #n fami%ie. Jf, fami%ia %ui e $e ,umtate american. !m au+it c $artea american are
%e-turi cu mafi*ii.
Fean4Luc +mbi #n "inea %ui fr " crea(, a"cu%tn( (*ar cu * urec2e tira(a. 1tia c "e urau
unu% $e ce%%a%t0 @uine$$a, $atricianu% r*man (e *ri-ine $*rtu-2e+, &i Aana"ta"i*, ranu% "ici%ian*4
american. !"ta nu trebuie " "ur$rin(, "e -n(i, (u$ ce "tau #nc2i&i aici, (*u"$re+ece *re %a
%ucru, (*u"$re+ece *re %ibere, +i (u$ +i, %un (u$ %un, *rict (e bun ar fi $%ata. !2, 3ata, ce
bine mi4ar $rin(e %eafa %*rC J2, c2iar &i ce% mai $r*"t $%tit muncit*r "*n(*r $rime&te #ntr4*
"$tmn t*t att ct $rime"c eu #ntr4* %un0 * %eaf mi+erabi% (e * mie (*u "ute (e %ire "ter%ine
#ntr4* %un 4 $entru mine, c$itan cu )ec2ime &i in"truct*r cu $atru mii *$t "ute (e *re (e +b*r.
B2iar &i cu mi+erabi%a (e (iurn, cinci mii %ire $e %un nu4i (e a,un" $entru c*$ii, ta/e &c*%are,
ne)a"t, i$*tec &i t*at mi+eria (e im$*+ite, fr " "*c*tim mncruri%e bune &i )inu% &i (ra-a mea
SaKa(a. !2, SaKa(a, ce (*r mi4e (e tineC Dar L*c2art....
5a2atC E*m L*c2art ar fi $utut " m ia cu e% &i a fi $utut fi %a Ee2eran #n brae%e ei c2iar
acum. D*amne ct ne)*ie am (e ea &i (e bani... AaniC I"ca4%e4ar Dumne+eu te"ticu%e%e ce%*r (e %a
fi"cC !bia4mi a,un-e ct $rime"c i (ac 'ranu% "e (uce (racu%ui, ce4* " "e4ntm$%eH 3un $ariu c
S4@ n4* " "u$ra)ieuia"c. V"ta4i -2ini*nu% %*r. J " fie #nt*t(eauna (e %ucru $entru un $i%*t
e/ce%ent ca mine, un(e)a #n %ume. A- (e "eam c @uine$$a #% $ri)ea.
4 Da, m*n )ieu/.
4 3%ec cu u%timu% tran"$*rt.
4 !r fi bine " $%eci cu $rimu%. 7 un me(ic %a 5*"a...
4 M "imt bine, $e cin"tite.
Fean4Luc "e au+i "tri-at &i #&i $u"e "curta.
4 3*t " fac ce)a $entru tineH Jmu% +mbi i"t*)it.
4 'a4% $e 3ietr* (ea"u$ra, cu (inamita...
4 J " fac &i4a"ta, (a= %a urm (e t*t. Bu un $ic (e n*r*c, #nainte (e #n"erat. .u4i face -ri,iC
!far, fri-u% #% i+bi (in n*u. 3ietr* #% a&te$ta. Jamenii "e "trn"e"er (e,a %n- e%ic*$teru%
care #&i #n)rtea #ncet e%ice%e, cu $ac2ete &i "aci (e (rum (e (iferite mrimi. Aana"ta"i* trecu $e
%n- ei (ucn( #n %e" un mare %u$ a%"acian.
4 Jmu= "ta a +i" " nu iei ba-a,e, #i "$u"e 3ietr*.
4 .u iau, r"$un"e Aana"ta"i* %a fe% (e acru. !m acte%e me%e, cine%e &i "c2imburi. 5e"tu%
$*ate fi #n%*cuit $e banii afuri"itei "teia (e firme. !$*i ctre Fean4Luc0 !i un tran"$*rt c*m$%et
Fean4LucC ;ai " $*rnimC
B$itanu% )erific a&e+area *ameni%*r &i a cine%ui %a b*r(, a$*i #% c2em $rin ra(i* $e .a"iri
&i4i c*munic ce4a)eau (e -n( " fac.
149
4 J>aK, Sc*t, (4i (rumu%C Eu c*n(uci, "$u"e &i ie&i.
V+u *c2ii %ui Sc*t mrin(u4"e.
4 Vrei " "$ui, (e unu% "in-urH
4 De ce nu, m*n bra)eC Di4ai fcut t*ate *re%e (e antrenament. V"ta4i a% trei%ea +b*r (e
)erificare a% tu. Erebuie "4nce$i cum)aC D4i (rumu%C
8% urmri $e Sc*t ri(icn(u4"e. 8n mai $uin (e cinci "ecun(e, e%ic*$teru% a,un"e (ea"u$ra
$r$a"tiei, cu un -*% (e trei mii (e metri "ub e%. 1tiin( ct (e ameit*r &i minunat era $rimu% +b*r (e
unu% "in-ur (e %a Ae%%i""ima, in)i(ia em*ia brbatu%ui. Enru% Sc*t * merit, #&i +i"e, $ri)i(u4%
critic. 8&i (e"$rin"e *c2ii (e $e e%ic*$teru% care "e (e$rta &i4&i arunc $ri)iri%e #n ,ur, #ntrebn(u4"e
ce "e "c2imba"e (e*(at. !$*i rea%i+ c tcerea era att (e at*tcu$rin+t*are
8nct i "e $ru c a"ur+i"e. 3entru un m*ment "imi * ameea% ciu(at, ba c2iar $uin
-rea, a$*i &uieru% )ntu%ui cre"cu (in n*u &i re(e)eni e% #n"u&i.
4 Fean4Luc, ac*%*C
De cea%a%t $arte a taberei, (in umbr, #nc*n,urat (e un -ru$ (e *ameni, #% c2ema 3ietr*. 8&i
cr*i (rum cu mu%t ef*rt $n %a ei. 7rau ciu(at (e tcui.
4 Iite ac*%*, "$u"e 3ietr* ner)*", artn( #n "u". B2iar "ub tr*ian, ac*%*. La *$t "ute 4 * mie
(e metri (e(e"ubt. Ve+i cr$turi%eH
Le )+u. 8&i "imi mruntaie%e #n-reunn(u4"e. .u mai erau ni&te cr$turi, ci a(e)rate
fi"uri. 8n tim$ ce $ri)eau, "e au+i un -eamt $r*fun(. 8ntrea-a ma" (e +$a( &i -2ea $ru " "e
mi&te un mi%imetru. J mic bucat (e +$a( #n-2eat "e (e"$rin"e &i "e r*"t*-*%i %a )a%e. 3rin"e
)ite+, mrin(u4"e, c*b*rn( cu +-*m*t (e tunet #n ,*"u% $antei abru$te. 8nmrmuri"er. !)a%an&a,
c*ninn( acum t*ne (e +$a( &i -2ea, "e *$ri cam %a cinci+eci (e metri (e ei.
Inu% (intre *ameni "$ar"e tcerea0
4 S "$erm c e%ic*$teru% nu "e4nt*arce -%*n #na$*i, ca un >ami>a+eC !"ta ar $utea fi
(et*nat*ru%, amic*C B2iar &i un +-*m*t "%ab $*ate " (ec%an&e+e #ntrea-a afuri"enieC
CAPITOLUL 1'
Dea"u$ra Pa+)inu%ui: *ra 3,17, (u$4amia+. Din m*mentu% #n care, cu a$r*a$e (*u *re #n
urm, B2ar%e" 3eti>in $r"i"e Eabri+u% #m$reun cu 5a>*c+K, brbatu% $e care e% #% &tia "ub nume%e
(e Smit2, $i%*ta"e e%ic*$teru% #n %inie ct (e (rea$t &i ct mai "tabi% cu $utin, "$ern( "4%
a(*arm $e a-entu% 6@A "au ce% $uin "4i "%bea"c atenia. 3entru ace%a&i m*ti) e)ita"e *rice
c*n)er"aie c*b*rn(4&i c&ti%e $e -t. 8n ce%e (in urm 5a>*c+K "e ((u"e btut, mu%umin(u4"e "
$ri)ea"c terenu% (e "ub ei, (ar rm"e"e #n a%ert, cu arma (e4a curme+i&u% -enunc2i%*r, cu (e-etu%
mare $e $ie(ica (e "i-uran. 3eti>in "e #ntreba cine era *mu%, ce era, crui -ru$ (e re)*%ui*nari #i
a$arinea 4 $*ate armatei "au Ser)iciu%ui Secret 4 &i (ac era a&a, (e ce era att (e im$*rtant "
a,un- %a Ee2eran. .ici * c%i$ nu4i trecu"e $rin ca$ c *mu% era ru" &i nu iranian.
La Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i, un(e a%imentarea fu"e"e cum$%it (e #nceat, nu fcu"e nimic ca "
#ntreru$ m*n*t*nia: $%ti"e (*ar cu u%timii (*%ari rma&i &i $ri)i"e cum "e um$%u re+er)*are%e, a$*i
"emna"e c2itana *ficia% 'ran Ji%. 5a>*c+K #ncerca"e " $%)r-ea"c cu ce% care fcu"e treaba, (ar
*mu% fu"e"e *"ti%, e)i(ent #n"$imntat (e a fi )+ut a%imentn( ace"t e%ic*$ter "trin &i c2iar &i mai
#n"$imntat (e $i"t*%u% mitra%ier af%at $e "caunu% (in fa. E*t tim$u% ct "e af%a"er %a "*%, 3eti>in
cntri"e &an"a (e a #ncerca " #n&face arma. .ici * c%i$ nu a)u"e"e *ca+ia. 7ra * arm
ce2*"%*)ac. 8n B*reea &i #n Vietnam erau cu -rma(a. Dumne+eu%e, "e -n(i, )remea aia $arc ar
fi f*"t acum un mi%i*n (e ani.
Dec*%a"e (e %a Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i &i4acum "e #n(re$ta ctre "u(, %a trei "ute (e metri
a%titu(ine, urmn( &*"eaua Pa+)in. Btre e"t +rea $%a,a un(e #i %"a"e $e c$itanu% 5*"" &i $e cei
(*i $ara&uti&ti ai "i, &i iar&i "e #ntreb care fu"e"e mi"iunea %*r &i (e un(e tiu"er c +bura ctre
Eabri+.
S$er ca Dumne+eu "4i a,ute, *rice4ar a)ea (e fcut. Erebuie "a fie ce)a ur-ent &i im$*rtant.
S$er "4% mai #nt%ne"c $e 5*"".
4 De ce +mbe&ti, c$itaneH
10
V*cea "e au+i #n c&ti. !ut*mat, %a (ec*%are %e $u"e"e %a urec2i. 3ri)i ctre 5a>*c+K &i ri(ic
(in umeri, a$*i "e4nt*ar"e %a in"trumente%e "a%e &i %a terenu% (e "ub ei. Dea"u$ra Pa+)inu%ui )ir
ctre "u(4)e"t, urmn( &*"eaua "$re Ee2eran, retr-n(u4"e #nc * (at #n e% #n"u&i. !i rb(are, #&i
"$u"e, a$*i #% )+u $e 5a>*c+K #nc*r(n(u4"e &i %i$in(u4&i faa (e ferea"tr, $ri)in( #n ,*".
4 !$%eac4te "$re "tn-a, $uin "$re "tn-a, #% au+i $*runcin( -rbit, cu #ntrea-a atenie
#n(re$tat ctre ce%e ce "e $etreceau (e(e"ubt.
3eti>in a$%ec e%ic*$teru% u&*r. 5a>*c+K "e af%a $e $artea (in"$re "u(.
4 !,un-eC ? * #nt*arcere cu 180C
4 BeeH
!ccentua a$%ecarea a$aratu%ui, rea%i+n( bru"c c brbatu% uita"e (e $i"t*%u% mitra%ier af%at
#n $*a%a %ui. 'nima #&i iui bti%e.
4 !c*%*, (e(e"ubt, $e (rum... Bami*nu%...
3eti>in nu4i ((u atenie. 5ma"e cu *c2ii %i$ii (e $i"t*%, m"urn( -ri,u%iu (i"tana (intre
ei, cu inima btn( nebune&te.
4 In(eH .u )( nimic.
!ccentua &i mai mu%t a$%ecarea a$aratu%ui ca " "e $*at r*ti re$e(e $e n*ua (irecie.
4 Be cami*nH
Mna "a "tn- &ni #nainte &i #n&fac arma (e ea)a, aruncn(4* ne#n(emnatic $rin
fere"truic, #n cabina (in "$ate%e %*r. 8n ace%a&i tim$. 8m$in"e mna (rea$t, cu care inea man&a,
mu%t "$re "tn-a, a$*i iute "$re (rea$ta &i (in n*u "tn-a4(rea$ta, c%tinn( )i*%ent e%ic*$teru%.
5a>*c+K fu %uat c*m$%et $rin "ur$rin(ere &i "e %*)i cu ca$u% (e -eamuri%e %atera%e, amein( $entru *
c%i$. 'me(iat 3eti>in #&i "trn"e $umnu% "tn- &i4% i+bi fr $rea mare $rice$ere #n fa%c, #ncercn(
"4% (*b*are, #n" 5a>*c+K, cu ref%e/e%e antrenate #n %u$te%e (e >arate, reu&i " *$rea"c %*)itura cu
brau%. 8nc ameit, #n&fc #nc2eietura minii %ui 3eti>in, re)enin(u4&i #n $uteri cu fiecare "ecun(
ce trecea. 8n tim$ ce cei (*i brbai "e %u$tau, e%ic*$teru% "e r*tea $rime,(i*".
Se #n&fcar unu% $e ce%%a%t, #n,urn(, "tn,enii (e centuri%e (e "i-uran, 5a>*c+K $e $artea
(in"$re "*%. ?iecare "e #n)er&una &i mai mu%t. 5a>*c+K, a)n( (*u mini %ibere, #nce$u " (*mine.
Aru"c, 3eti>in $rin"e man&a cu -enunc2ii, #&i e%iber mna (rea$t &i #% i+bi #n fa. L*)itura nu fu
(e"tu% (e reu&it, (ar $uterea ei #% (e+ec2i%ibra, fcu ca man&a " "ca$e (in "trn"*area -enunc2i%*r
&i " a%unece "$re (rea$ta, $erec%itn( (e%icatu% ec2i%ibru $e care t%$i%e %ui #% menineau $e $e(a%e%e
$a%*nieru%ui. 7%ic*$teru% "e ba%an"a bru"c, a$%ecn(u4"e tare $e4* $arte, $ier+n( (in #n%ime 4 nici
un e%ic*$ter nu $*ate +bura fr $i%*t, nici mcar * "ecun( 4 f*ra centrifu- aruncn(u4% %atera% &i,
#n #n)%m&ea%, man&a fu #m$in" #n ,*". !$aratu% $%*n,a (in #n%imi, "c$at (e "ub c*ntr*%.
Bu$rin" (e $anic, 3eti>in aban(*n %u$ta. Se +btu *rbe&te " reca$ete c*ntr*%u%, #n tim$ ce
m*t*are%e ur%au, iar in"trumente%e $reau c #nnebuni"er. Mini%e, $ici*are%e &i antrenamentu% %ui
%u$tau #m$*tri)a $anicii, c*rectn( #ntruna mi&cri%e 2a*tice. B+ur trei "ute (e metri mai #nainte
(e a $utea a(uce a$aratu% %a *ri+*nta%, *$rin(u4i c(erea, cu inima -ata "4i ia" (in $ie$t, %a
cinci"$re+ece metri (e $mntu% ac*$erit cu +$a(. 8i tremurau mini%e &i re"$ira -reu. Simi ce)a
(ur #ntre c*a"te &i4% au+i $e 5a>*c+K #n,urn(. !meit, rea%i+ c )*rbe%e nu erau iraniene, (ar nu
recun*"cu %imba. 8% $ri)i &i4i )+u c2i$u% "trmbat (e mnie &i meta%u% cenu&iu a% $i"t*%u%ui aut*mat
&i "e b%e"tem $entru c nu "e -n(i"e %a a"ta. ?uri*", #ncerc " #m$in- ea)a #ntr4* $arte, (ar
5a>*c+K * a$" &i mai tare.
4 J$re&te4te, "au #i +b*r creierii, matKerKebKet"C
8n aceea&i c%i$ 3eti>in $u"e a$aratu% #ntr4un $ica, )i*%ent, (ar $i"t*%u% a$" &i mai tare,
(urer*", &i "imi $ie(ica tra" &i c*c*&u% ri(icn(u4"e.
4 I%tima ta &an"C
3mntu% era f*arte a$r*a$e &i "e ri(ica ameit*r (e e%. 3eti>in #ne%e"e c nu $utea "4&i
(e+ec2i%ibre+e a()er"aru%.
4 74n re-u%, e4n re-u%, "$u"e, ce(n(, re(re"n( a$aratu% &i #nce$n( " urce.
3re"iunea (in ceaf cre"cu &i *(at cu ea (urerea.
4 M (*are, $entru Dumne+eu, &i m (e+ec2i%ibre+iC Bum $*t " $i%*te+ (ac nu...
5a>*c+K "e mu%umi " a$e"e &i mai tare arma, "tri-n(, #n,urn(u4% &i i+bn(u4% cu ca$u% (e
rama $arbri+u%ui.
11
4 ...$entru Dumne+eu, "tri- 3eti>in (i"$erat, #ncercn( "4&i $*tri)ea"c $uin c&ti%e care4i
fu"e"er "mu%"e #n tim$u% %u$tei, cum (racii= $*t " $i%*te+ cu ea)a $i"t*%u%ui tu #n ceafHC
!$"area "c+u &i e% reu&i " re(re"e+e a$aratu%.
4 Bine (racii= e&ti, t*tu&iHC
4 Smit2.
5a>*c+K era %a fe% (e i"t*)it. J fraciune (e "ecun( mai tr+iu, "e -n(i, &i ne4am fi #ntin"
$e $mnt ca * ba%e- $r*a"$t.
4 Bre(eai c ai (e4a face c4un amat*rH
8nainte (e4a "e $utea *$ri, mna #i $%ec ref%e/ &i #% i+bi $e 3eti>in $e"te -ur.
3eti>in fu +-u(uit (e %*)itur &i e%ic*$teru% "e r"uci #n aer, (ar re)eni iute "ub c*ntr*%.
Simea *bra+u% %un(u4i f*c.
4 Mai f a"ta #nc4* (at &i4% #nt*rc $e "$ateC +i"e, cu * mare 2*trre #n -%a".
4 !i (re$tate, "$u"e ime(iat 5a>*c+K. 8mi cer iertare $entru... $entru a"ta... $entru $r*"tia
a"ta, c$itaneC
Se tra"e $ru(ent #na$*i "$re u&a (e $e $artea "a, (ar $"tr arma $re-tit &i #n(re$tat ctre
e%.
4 Da. .u era ne)*ie (e a&a ce)a, te r*- " m ieri. 3eti>in #% $ri)i aiurit.
4 8i $are ruH
4 Da, te r*- " m ieri. .u era nece"ar. .u "unt un barbar.
5a>*c+K "e recu%e"e.
4 Dac #mi (ai cu)ntu% c n4ai " mai #ncerci " m ataci, am " $un (e*$arte arma. Fur c
nu e&ti #n nici un $eric*%C
3eti>in "e -n(i * c%i$.
4 74n re-u%, (ac4mi "$ui cine e&ti &i ce e&tiC
4 Bu)ntu% tuH
4 Da.
4 ?*arte bineC Ee cre( $e cu)nt, c$itane. 5a>*c+K $u"e $ie(ica $i"t*%u%ui &i #% "trecur #n
bu+unaru% (e %a "$ate.
4 .ume%e meu e"te !%i bin ;a""an 6ara>*"e &i "unt >ur(. Ba"a mea 4 "atu% meu 4 "e af% $e
c*a"ta Munte%ui !rarat, %a -rania "*)iet*4iranian. Bu )*ia %ui !%%a2, %u$t $entru %ibertate #m$*tri)a
1a2u%ui &i #m$*tri)a *ricui a%tcui)a care ar )rea " ne (uc #n "c%a)ie. Ee mu%ume&teH
4 Da, (a. !tunci (e ce...
4 Ee r*- mai tr+iu, mai #nti (u4te ac*%*, re$e(eC !rt un(e)a (e(e"ubt.
4 B*b*ar &i a$r*$ie4te mai mu%t.
Se af%au %a (*u "ute cinci+eci (e metri a%titu(ine, #n (rea$ta (rumu%ui Pa+)in4Ee2eran. La
(*i >i%*metri #n urm, (e4a curme+i&u% (rumu%ui, "e #ntin(ea un "at &i "e +reau fumuri #nc*%cin(u4
"e #n )nt.
4 !c*%*, %n- &*"eaC
La #nce$ut 3eti>in nu rea%i+ ctre ce arta ce%%a%t. !)ea #nc mintea tu%burat (e #ntrebri
(e"$re >ur+i &i i"t*rice%e r+b*aie "ecu%are #m$*tri)a 1a2i%*r $er"ani. !$*i +ri a(untura (e ma&ini
&i cami*ane #n-2e"uite #ntr4* $arte a (rumu%ui, &i *amenii care #nc*n,urau * cami*net m*(ern, cu
* cruce a%ba"tr $e * "u$rafa rectan-u%ar a%b, (e"enat $e ac*$eri&, &i a%te ma&ini trecn( #ncet
$e a%turi.
4 Vrei " "$ui ac*%*H Vrei " a,un-i (ea"u$ra ma&ini%*r &i cami*ane%*r a%eaH #ntreb, "imin(
#nc (urerea (in *bra,i &i (in -t. @rma(a aia (e cami*ane, (e %n- cea cu cruce a%ba"tr $e
ac*$eri&H
4 Da.
!"cu%tt*r, 3eti>in $*rni " c*b*are.
4 Be4i att (e im$*rtant ac*%*H
5i(ic *c2ii. Be%%a%t #% $ri)ea "u"$ici*".
4 Be4i, ce (racu= "e mai #ntm$% acumH
4 Vrei " "$ui c #ntr4a(e)r nu &tii ce #n"eamn * cruce a%ba"tr $e f*n( a%bH
4 .u, ce4i cu a"ta, eiH
12
3eti>in #&i ainti $ri)irea $e cami*nu% af%at mu%t mai a$r*a$e acum, #n(ea,un" (e a$r*a$e ca
" $*at (e"%u&i c era un 5an-e 5*)er r*&u, #nc*n,urat (e * -%*at furi*a", iar cine)a (in mu%ime
i+bea $arbri+u% (in "$ate cu $atu% $u&tii.
4 7"te "tea-u% ?in%an(ei, au+i #n c&ti &i c2i$u% %ui 7ri>>i #i a$ru bru"c #n minte.
4 7ri>>i are un 5an-e 5*)er, i+bucni &i )+u $atu% $u&tii "$r-n( $arbri+u%. Bre+i c $*ate
fi 7ri>>iH
4 Da. Da, e $*"ibi%C
B*b*r# ime(iat #n )ite+, uitn( (e (urere, #n%turn( #n fierbinea%a -e"tu%ui t*ate #ntrebri%e
ce "e i)i"er (e"$re cum &i ce &tia ace"t %u$tt*r $entru %ibertate (e"$re 7ri>>i. 9rir mu%imea
#nt*rcn(u4"e ctre ei &i #m$r&tiin(u4"e.
Erecu f*arte iute &i f*arte ,*", (ar nu4% )+u $e 7ri>>i.
4 8% )e+iH
4 .u, nu $*t " )( #n interi*ru% cabinei.
4 .ici eu, "$u"e ne%ini&tit 3eti>in, (ar ci)a (intre nemernicii &tia "unt #narmai &i %*)eau #n
$arbri+. 8i )e+iH
4 Da, cre( c "unt fe(aini. Inu% (intre ei a tra" #n "u" ctre n*i. Dac...
5a>*c+K "e #ntreru$"e, a$ucn(u4"e "trn" (e "caun, cci e%ic*$teru% "e r*ti"e bru"c cu 180
(e -ra(e, %a nici &a"e metri (ea"u$ra "*%u%ui, &i &ni"e #na$*i. De (ata acea"ta -ru$u% (e brbai &i
femei "e #m$r&tie, #mbu%+in(u4"e &i c+n( unu% $e"te ce%%a%t. Ma&ini%e care circu%au #n ambe%e
(irecii #ncercar " acce%ere+e &i " "e #n(e$rte+e "au "e *$rir bru"c &i un cami*n "u$ra#ncrcat
(era$a, i+bin(u4"e (e a%tu%. Bte)a aut*m*bi%e &i cami*ane ie&ir (e $e (rum &i unu% a$r*a$e "e
r"turn #n &an. S$u%bern( un n*r (e +$a(, 3eti>in "e r*ti #ntr4un un-2i (e 90 (e -ra(e c2iar #n
faa 5*)eru%ui, ca " "e #nt*arc "$re e%, abia a)u tim$ "4% recun*a"c $e 7ri>>i, trecu #ntr4* a%t
curb (e 90 (e -ra(e $entru ca a$*i " "e ri(ice -%*n "$re -%*at.
4 7% e. !i )+ut -uri%e (e -%*ane (in $arbri+H #ntreb u%uit. Du4te #n "$ate (u$ $i"t*%u%
mitra%ier. J " in a$aratu% $e %*c &i4a$*i * " c*b*rm "4% %um (e ac*%*. @rbe&te4teC Vreau "
nu %e (au tim$ "4&i re)in.
5a>*c+K #&i (e"fcu ime(iat centura (e "i-uran "i #ncerc " a$uce $i"t*%u% $rin mica
ferea"tr (intre cefe (*u c*m$artimente, (ar nu $utu " a,un- $n %a arma ce +cea $e $*(ea. Bu
mare (ificu%tate "e r"uci #n "caun &i "e car #nuntru, "trecurn(u4&i ,umtate (in tru$ $rin
ferea"tr, cu ca$u% #nainte, b,bin( (u$ ea. 3eti>in rea%i+ c *mu% era #n mna %ui. !r fi f*"t att
(e u&*r " (e"c2i( ferea"tra &i "4i (ea un brnci afar, att (e u&*rC Dar cu ne$utin.
4 ;ai(e, "tri-, &i4% a,ut " "e tra- #na$*i #n "caun. 3une4i centura.
5a>*c+K "e "u$u"e, #ncercn( "4&i reca$ete "uf%u%, binecu)ntn( n*r*cu% c 3eti>in era un
$rieten a% fin%an(e+u%ui &i &tiin( c (ac ar fi f*"t #n %*cu% %ui n4ar fi e+itat " (e"c2i( u&a.
4 Sunt -ata, "$u"e, armn( $i"t*%u% mitra%ier, u%uit (e $r*"tia $i%*tu%ui.
7n-%e+ii "unt att (e $r*&ti, c merit " $iar(.
4 De ce...
4 !m $*rnitC
3eti>in r*ti e%ic*$teru%, c*b*rn( cu ma/im )ite+ #ntr4un arc (e cerc. Bi)a brbai
#narmai "e -"eau #nc #n a$r*$ierea cami*nu%ui, cu arme%e #n(re$tate ctre ei.
4 J " %e fac un $ic (e )nt &i cn( "$un Mf*cM, tra-e * rafa% $e"te ca$ete%e %*rC
5*)eru% &ni ctre ei, &*)i, a$*i "e r"uci #ntr4* $arte ca beat 4 nu erau c*$aci #n a$r*$iere 4
&*)i (in n*u &i "e re$e+i "$re ei (u$ cum (an"a #n ,uru% %ui e%ic*$teru%.
3eti>in "e *$ri bru"c %a (*u +eci (e metri (i"tan (e ma&in &i trei (e %a "*%.
4 ?*cC *r(*n.
'me(iat 5a>*c+K %" "4i "ca$e $rin ferea"tra (e"c2i" * rafa% (e mitra%ier, *c2in( nu $e
(ea"u$ra ca$ete%*r, ci c2iar #n -ru$u% brbai%*r &i femei%*r care "e a($*"ti"er #n "$ate%e ma&inii
%ui 7ri>>i, a"cun&i )e(erii $i%*tu%ui, uci-n( "au rnin( * $arte (in ei. E*i cei (in $rea,m * ru$"er
%a fu- #nnebunii (e "$aim, i$tu% rnii%*r ame"tecn(u4"e cu ur%etu% m*t*are%*r. 1*ferii &i
$a"a-erii "rir (in ma&ini &i cami*ane, ru$n(4* %a fu- $rin tr*iene%e (e +$a( ct (e re$e(e
$uteau. J a%t rafa% &i $anica "$*ri, t*at %umea "e (e$rta #n -*an &i circu%aia "e *$ri (e t*t. Din
"$ate%e unui cami*n (e $e"te (rum a$rur ni&te tineri cu carabine #n mini. 5a>*c+K tra"e a"u$ra
%*r &i a ce%*r (in $rea,m.
13
4 8nt*arce cu 3G0C "tri-.
7%ic*$teru% fcu #n(at * $iruet, (ar nu "e af%a nimeni #n a$r*$iere. 8n +$a( +ceau $atru
tru$uri.
4 !m "$u" " tra-i $e (ea"u$ra %*r, $entru Dumne+euC #nce$u 3eti>in, (ar #n c%i$a aceea u&a
ma&inii "e (e"c2i"e bru"c &i 7ri>>i ie&i afar cu $umna%u% #ntr4* mn.
5ma"e $entru un m*ment "in-ur, a$*i %n- e% "e i)i * femeie #nf&urat #ntr4un c2a(*r.
'me(iat 3eti>in a&e+ e%ic*$teru% $e +$a(, $"trn( #n" m*t*are%e turate, a"tfe% c abia atin-ea
$mntu%.
4 ;ai(e, "tri-, fcn(u4%e "emn.
8nce$ur " a%er-e, 7ri>>i $e ,umtate tr-n(4* $e !+a(e2, $e care c$itanu% nu * recun*"4
cu. 5a>*c+K (e"c2i"e u&a (in $artea %ui &i "ri afar, a$*i (e"c2i"e u&a (in "$ate &i "e r"uci,
$unn(u4"e #n -ar(. S%*b*+i #nc * rafa% "curt ctre (rum. La )e(erea %ui, 7ri>>i "e *$ri u%uit.
4 @rbe&te4teC "tri- 3eti>in, #ne%e-n( m*ti)u% $entru care e+ita. 7ri>>i, )in*4nc*aceC
!tunci * recun*"cu $e !+a(e2.
4 Dumne+eu%e, murmur, a$*i "tri- (in n*u0 ;ai(e, 7ri>>iC
4 5e$e(e, n4a mai rma" $rea mu%t muniie, "tri- &i 5a>*c+K #n ru"e&te.
Bu * "in-ur mi&care, 7ri>>i * "%t $e !+a(e2 #n brae &i $*rni #n fu-. Bte)a -%*ane
f%uierar $e %n- e%.
Ln- e%ic*$ter, 5a>*c+K #% a,ut "4* #m$in- #n "$ate a$*i, $e nea&te$tate, #% ((u %a * $arte
cu ea)a armei.
4 !runc4i cuitu% &i treci $e "caunu% (in faC *r(*n #n ru"e&te. !cumC
3e ,umtate $ara%i+at (e uimire, 3eti>in #% $ri)i $e 7ri>>i &*)in(, r*&u (e mnie. 5a>*c+K
"$u"e a"$ru0
4 3entru Dumne+eu, mi4a mai rma" (e"tu% (e mu%t muniie $entru ea, $entru tine &i $entru
$i%*tu% "ta ccci*". IrcC
In(e)a $rintre ma&ini #nce$u " $cne un $i"t*% mitra%ier. 7ri>>i #&i arunc $umna%u% #n
+$a( "i #&i "trecur tru$u% #na%t $e %*cu% (in fa. 5u"u% "e )r# %n- !+a(e2 &i 3eti>in %u
#n%ime, (e$rtn(u4"e #n )ite+, +i-+a-n( $e (ea"u$ra $mntu%ui ca * -in #n"$imntat, a$*i
urc #n #na%turi. Bn( $utu " )*rbea"c, "$u"e0
4 Be (racu= "e #ntm$%H
7ri>>i nu4i r"$un"e. Se r"uci ca " "e a"i-ure c !+a(e2 e #n "i-uran. Dinea *c2ii #nc2i&i
&i era $rbu&it %n- $erete, -fin(, #ncercn( "4&i reca$ete r"uf%area. 5a>*c+K #i $u"e"e centura
(e "i-uran, (ar cn( 7ri>>i #ntin"e"e mna, ru"u% #i fcu "emn cu arma " "e *$rea"c.
4 J " fie4n re-u%, #i $r*mit. B*ntinu " )*rbea"c4C ru"e&te0 Dac ai " te $*ri a&a cum a4
n)at $rietenu% tu " "e $*arte.
8i intui cu $ri)irea #n tim$ ce4&i "trecura mna #n -eant ca " "c*at un #ncrct*r $r*a"$t.
4 !&a, ca " &tii. !cum, faa #nainte, te r*-. 8ncercn( "4&i "t$nea"c furia, 7ri>>i fcu ce i
"e "$u"e"e.
8&i $u"e c&ti%e. .4a)eau cum " fie au+ii (e 5a>*c+K, #n "$ate nu era nici * %e-tur $rin
interf*n &i amn(ur*ra %i "e $rea ciu(at " fie att (e %iberi &i t*tu&i #nctu&ai.
4 Bum ne4ai -"it, B2ar%ie, cine te4a trimi"H "$u"e #n micr*f*n, #nc "uf%n( -reu.
4 .imeni. Be (racu4i cu tic%*"u% "taH !m $%ecat %a Eabri+ " te iau $e tine &i $e !+a(e2, m4
am tre+it r$it (e nemernicu% %a (in "$ate &i4a$*i m4a (eturnat "$re Ee2eran. ! f*"t un n*r*c,
$entru Dumne+euC Be (racu= "4a4ntm$%atH
4 !m rma" fr c*mbu"tibi%. 7ri>>i #i $*)e"ti $e "curt ce "e4ntm$%a"e. Bn( "4a *$rit
m*t*ru%, am #ne%e" c "e termina"e cu n*i. E*i $reau c #nnebuni"er. Bu cte)a c%i$e #nainte t*tu%
era #n re-u%, a$*i am f*"t (in n*u #nc*n,ura i. !m #ncuiat u&i%e, (ar era (*ar * $r*b%em (e tim$.
Din n*u "e r"uci $e"te "$taru% "caunu%ui. !+a(e2 (e"c2i"e"e *c2ii &i #&i tr"e"e c2a(*ru% (e
$e fa. 8i +mbi *b*"it &i #ntin"e mna ca "4% atin-, (ar 5a>*c+K * *$ri.
4 V r*- " m iertai, #n%imea V*a"tr, "$u"e #n far"i, (ar a&te$tai $n ateri+m. E*tu% *
" fie #n re-u%.
5e$et a"ta #n ru" ctre 7ri>>i, a(u-n( 0
4 !m ni&te a$. !i )rea " i4* (au "*iei ta%eH 7ri>>i ((u (in ca$.
4 Da, te r*-.
14
J $ri)i bn(, recun*"ct*are.
4 Mu%ume"cC
4 Vrei &i tuH
4 .u, mu%ume"c, "$u"e $*%itic*", (e&i #&i "imea -tu% u"cat, ne(*rin( fa)*ruri $entru e%.
9mbi #ncura,at*r.
4 !+a(e2, ca mna (in ceruri, nu4i a&aH B2ar%ie4i ca un #n-er.
4 Da, (a, a f*"t )*ia %ui !%%a2. M "imt bine acum, 7ri>>i, %u(at fie !%%a2C Mu%ume&te4i %ui
B2ar%ie (in $artea mea.
7% #&i a"cun"e #n-ri,*rarea. #nt%nirea cu cea (e4a (*ua -%*at * $ara%i+a"e (e "$aim 4 ca &i
$e e%, &i ,ura"e c (ac )a ie&i )re*(at #n )ia (in #ncurctura a"ta, nu )a mai c%t*ri nici*(at
fr arm &i, (e $referin, -rena(e (e mn.
A- (e "eam c 5a>*c+K #% $ri)ea. D(u (in ca$. 1i "e #nt*ar"e (in n*u %a %*cu% %ui.
4 MatKerKebKet"C murmur, )erificn( aut*mat in"trumente%e (e +b*r.
4 .en*r*citu% "ta4i cam "rit. '4am "$u" c nu4i ne)*ie " uci( $e care)a. '4am "$u" "
tra- $e (ea"u$ra ca$ete%*r.
3eti>in #&i c*b*r# u&*r )*cea, ne"imin(u4"e #n %ar-u% %ui " )*rbea"c (e"c2i", (e&i era cu
ne$utin ca 5a>*c+K "4i au(.
4 Eic%*"u% "ta a$r*a$e c m4a *m*rt (e cte)a *ri. De un(e4% cun*&ti, 7ri>>iH Bum ai
a,un" (e )4ai ame"tecat, tu &i !+a(e2, cu >ur+iiH
7ri>>i "e 2*%b %a e%.
4 6ur+iH Vrei " "$ui nemernicu% %a (e c*%*, (in "$ateH
4 Da, e%, "i-ur c (a, !%i bin ;a""an 6ara>*"e. Vine (e $e munte%e !rarat, e"te un fe(ain
>ur(.
4 6ur(, $e (racu=C 7 ru" &i 6@A4i"tC
4 'i"u"e B2ri"t*a"eC 7&ti "i-urH 3eti>in era )i+ibi% &*cat.
4 J, (a, $retin(e c e ma2*me(an, (ar $arie+ c &i a"ta e * minciun. De fa cu mine #&i +ice
5a>*c+K, a%t minciun. Sunt t*i ni&te mincin*&i 4 &i #n (efiniti) (e ce ne4ar "$une n*u, (u&manu%,
ce)aH
4 Dar a ,urat c4i a(e)ru% &i i4am (at cu)ntu% meuC ?uri*", $i%*tu% #i i"t*ri"i (e"$re %u$t &i
(e"$re #ne%e-erea $e care * #nc2eia"er.
4 7&ti un $r*"t, B2ar%ieC Eu, nu e%. .u %4ai citit $e Lenin, Sta%in, Mar/H 7% face ceea ce fac
t*i 6@A4i&tii &i c*muni&tii fanatici, f*%*"e"c t*tu% #n "$ri,inu%. MBau+ei SacreM0 $uterea m*n(ia%
ab"*%ut $entru 3arti(u% B*muni"t a% Iniunii S*)ietice, &i ne $un $e n*i " ne "trn-em (e -t ca "
"ca$e ei (e ef*rt. Dumne+eu%e, mi4ar $rin(e bine * )*(cC
4 In c*niac bun ar mer-e mai bine.
4 !mn(*u, ame"tecate, ar fi c2iar &i mai bineC 7ri>>i cercet cu atenie $mntu% (e "ub
ei. 9burau fr $r*b%eme, m*t*are%e "unau bine &i a)eau (e4a,un" c*mbu"tibi%. Jc2ii %ui "e
#n(re$tar cercett*r "$re Ee2eran.
4 .u mai e mu%t. ! "$u" un(e "4% %"mH 4 .u.
4 3*ate a)em atunci * &an".
4 Da.
3eti>in #nce$u " #ne%ea-.
4 S$uneai ce)a (e * barier. Be "4a4ntm$%at ac*%*H B2i$u% %ui 7ri>>i "e #n"$ri.
4 !m f*"t *$rii. 5e)*%ui*nari (e "tn-a. ! trebuit " "c$m cu fu-a. .u ne4au mai rma"
mei un fe% (e acte, nici a%e %ui !+a(e2, nici a%e me%e. .imicC In tic%*" -ra" (e %a barier a *$rit
t*tu% &i n4am mai a)ut tim$ " %e %um #na$*i. 8% "cutur un tremur. .4am f*"t nici*(at att (e
#n"$imntat, B2ar%ie, nici*(atC 7ram nea,ut*rat #n mi,%*cu% -%*atei %eia &i a$r*a$e m4am "c$at
$e mine (e team $entru c nu $uteam "4* a$r. 8m$uitu% %a -ra" mi4a %uat t*tu%0 $a&a$*rtu%, actu%
(e i(entitate, %icena (e +b*r, t*tu%C
4 Mac * "4i (ea a%te%e &i amba"a(a ta * "4i e%ibere+e a%t $a&a$*rt.
4 .u (e mine m4n-ri,*re+, (a= ce fac cu !+a(e2H
4 J " *bin &i ea un $a&a$*rt fin%an(e+, a&a cum 1e2ere+a(a a $rimit unu% cana(ian. .u
trebuie "4i faci -ri,i.
4 7 #nc #n Ee2eran, nuH
1
4 Si-ur. 1i E*m ar trebui " fie ac*%*. Erebuia " a,un- ieri ac*%* (e %a 9a-r*", cu $*&ta (e
aca"...
Biu(at, #&i +i"e 3eti>in #n treact, #nc mai c*n"i(er !n-%ia aca", c2iar (ac m4am (e"$rit
(e B%aire &i (e t*ate.
4 S4a #nt*r" c2iar acum (in c*nce(iu. !"ta mi4ar $%cea " fac0 " $%ec #n c*nce(iu. Erebuia
"4* fac (e mu%t. 3*ate c Mac ar $utea " trimit $e cine)a " m4#n%*cuia"c.
7ri>>i #i tra"e un -2i*nt u&*r.
4 S %"m -ri,i%e $entru mine, ce +iciH 7i, B2ar%ie, "ta (a +b*rC Bn( te4am )+ut, mi4am
+i"0 )i"e+ "au "unt m*rt.
4 !i )+ut "tea-u% meu fin%an(e+H
4 .u, 14a )+ut !%i... cum #i +ici tuH 5ec*)">iH
4 5a>*c+K.
4 5a>*c+K 14a recun*"cut. Dac n4ar fi f*"t e%, mie nu mi4ar fi (at $rin ca$. 8mi $are ru.
3eti>in arunc * $ri)ire #n "$ate. Be )rea cu tineH
4 .u &tiu, (ar *rice4ar fi e #n f*%*"u% "*)ietici%*r. 7ri>>i #n,ur #n(e%un-.
4 !&a c &i n*i #i (at*rm )iaa, nuH Du$ un tim$ 3eti>in "$u"e0
4 Da, n4a& fi $utut4* face "in-ur.
Era"e cu c*a(a *c2iu%ui #n cabina (in "$ate. 5a>*c+K era f*arte atent, !+a(e2 "*mn*rea &i
$e c2i$u% ei $%cut treceau umbre. D(u "curt (in ca$, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e.
4 !+a(e2 $are *>aK.
4 .u, B2ar%ie, nu e4a&a, "$u"e 7ri>>i, cu * "trn-ere (e inim. 9iua (e a+i a f*"t cum$%it
$entru ea. ! "$u" c nici*(at nu "4a af%at att (e a$r*a$e (e "teni... )reau " "$un #nc*n,urat,
#n-2e"uit... !+i au reu&it "4* fac " "e $iar( cu firea. !cum a )+ut a(e)rata fa a 'ranu%ui,
rea%itatea $*$*ru%ui ei. !"ta &i fa$tu% c4au f*rat4* "4&i $un c2a(*ru%. ?u (in n*u "trbtut (e un
tremur. ! f*"t ca un )i*% 4 i4au )i*%at "uf%etu%. !cum cre( c t*tu% )a fi a%tfe% $entru ea, $entru n*i.
Bre( c )a a)ea (e a%e"0 fami%ia "au eu, 'ranu% "au e/i%u%. V&tia nu ne (*re"c aici, e )remea "
$%ecm, B2ar%ieC Bu t*iiC
4 .u, -re&e&ti. 3*ate $entru tine "au !+a(e2 "4au "c2imbat %ucruri%e, (ar t*t au ne)*ie (e
$etr*%, a&a c t*t mai au ne)*ie (e e%ic*$tere. .*i mai "untem uti%i #nc mu%i ani (e aici #nainte, ani
buni. Bu c*ntracte%e @uermeK &i t*ate...
3eti>in "e *$ri "imin( * btaie $e umr &i "e uit #n "$ate. !+a(e2 era trea+. .u au+i ce
"$unea 5a>*c+K, a a c # i tra"e %a * $arte * ca"c.
4 BeH
4 .u f*%*"i ra(i*u%, c$itane, &i $re-te&te4te "4ateri+e+i %a $eriferie, un(e am "4i "$un.
4 Erebuie " cer $ermi"iunea.
4 .u fi $r*"tC 3ermi"iunea (e %a cineH E*i "unt mu% $rea *cu$ai ac*%*, ,*". !er*$*rtu%
Ee2eran e a"e(iat, ca &i D*"2an ?a$$e2 &i @a%e- M*r-2i. !"cu%t "fatu% meu &i ateri+ea+ $e
aer*$*rtu% 5u(rama, (u$ ce m %a&i $e mine.
4 Va trebui " ra$*rte+. Mi%itarii in"i"t... 5a>*c+K r"e "ar(*nic.
4 Mi%itariiH 1i ce4ai " ra$*rte+iH B4ai ateri+at $e un (ea% %n- Pa+)in, ai %uat $arte %a
uci(erea a cinci "au &a"e i ai %uat cu tine (*i "trini care fu-eauH De cine "a%)ai (e $*$*rH
8ntunecat 3eti>in "e #nt*ar"e cu "$ate%e ca " (e"c2i( emit*ru%, (ar 5a>*c+K "e a$%ec
#nainte &i4% "cutur ne#n(urt*r.
4 Ere+e&te4teC Mi%itarii nu mai e/i"t. @enera%ii i4au ac*r(at )ict*ria %ui 62*meini. Mi%itarii
nu mai e/i"t, "4au (at btui.
8% $ri)ir t*i fr " #ne%ea-. 7%ic*$teru% "e %e-n. @rbit, 3eti>in ec2i%ibra c*men+i%e.
4 De"$re ce )*rbe&tiH
4 .*a$tea trecut, tr+iu, -enera%ii au *r(*nat tutur*r tru$e%*r " "e #nt*arc #n ca+rmi. E*i
"*%(aii. !u %"at cm$u% (e %u$t %ui 62*meini &i re)*%uiei "a%e. !cum, #ntre 62*meini &i $uterea
(e$%in nu e/i"t armat, $*%iie, ,an(armi. 3*$*ru% a #n)in"C
4 !"ta nu4i cu $utinC "$u"e 3eti>in.
4 .u, "$u"e !+a(e2 #n"$imntat. Eat% meu ar fi &tiut.
4 !C !b(u%%a2 ce% Mare, "$u"e 5a>*c+K bat,*c*rit*r. !cum &tie, (ac mai trie&te.
4 .u4i a(e)ratC
1G
4 7... e $*"ibi%, !+a(e2, inter)eni 7ri>>i cutremurat. !"ta ar e/$%ica (e ce n4am )+ut $*%iie
"au armat &i (e ce mu%imea era att (e *"ti%.
4 @enera%ii n4ar face nici*(at a"ta, "$u"e ea tremurn(, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e ctre 5a>*c+K. !r fi
"inuci(ere, $entru ei &i a%te mii. S$une a(e)ru%, $e !%%a2C
B2i$u% %ui 5a>*c+K *-%in(ea bucuria, #ncntarea (e a r"uci cu)inte%e &i a "emna
(e+binarea care "4i ne%ini&tea"c.
4 !cum 'ranu% e"te4n mini%e %ui 62*meini, a%e mu%%a2i%*r %ui &i a%e @r+i%*r 5e)*%ui*nare.
4 7 * minciunC
4 Dac a"ta4i a(e)rat, Aa>2tiar e un *m terminat. .4* " mai...
4 3r*"tu= %a ne$utinci*" nici mcar n4a4nce$utC 5a>*c+K i+bucni #n r". !Kat*%a2u% 62*mei4
ni a b-at "$aima #n -enera%i &i4acum * " %e ia &i -turi%e, ca " termine treaba cum trebuie.
4 !tunci r+b*iu% "4a terminatC
4 !, r+b*iu%, "e #ntunec 5a>*c+K. Da, $entru unii.
4 Da, arunc 7ri>>i * na(, &i (ac ceea ce "$ui e a(e)rat, "4a terminat &i cu tine, cu tu(e2ii,
cu t*i mar/i&tii. 62*meini * " ) mce%rea"c $e t*i.
4 J, nu, c$itane, !Kat*%a2u% a f*"t "abia care %4a (i"tru" $e 1a2, (ar $*$*ru% a inut "abia.
4 7% &i mu%%a2ii %ui &i $*$*ru% * " ) (i"tru-. 7 %a fe% (e #n)er&unat antic*muni"t ca &i anti4
american. !r fi mai bine "4a&te$i " )e+i ce4* " "e4ntm$%e &i " nu te mini "in-ur, nu cre+iH
62*meini e un *m $ractic &i4i $%ace " "e bucure (e $utere, *rice ar "$une e% acum.
3eti>in * )+u $e !+a(e2 a%bin(u4"e %a fa &i "imi aceea&i un( #n-2eat.
4 1i >ur+iiH #ntreb r-u&it. Bum e cu eiH 5a>*c+K "e4a$%ec #nainte cu un +mbet ciu(at.
4 Sunt >ur(, *rice i4ar "$une fin%an(e+u% (e"$re "*)ietici &i 6@A. 3*ate " (*)e(ea"c ce
"$uneH Si-ur c nuC Bt (e"$re >ur+i, 62*meini * " #ncerce " ne "tri)ea"c 4 (ac i "e #n-(uie 4
%a*%a%t cu t*ate min*riti%e triba%e "au re%i-i*a"e. 1i "trinii, &i bur-2e+ia, %atifun(iarii, +arafii,
"$ri,init*rii 1a2u%ui &i, a(u- e% bat,*c*rit*r, *ricine nu )a acce$ta inter$retarea (at (e e%
B*ranu%ui. 1i, (ac i "e #n-(uie, tic%*"u% )a )r"a ruri (e "n-e #n nume%e Dumne+eu%ui "u 4 a%
%ui, nu Be% !(e)rat &i InicC
!runc * $ri)ire iute #n ,*" $e ferea"tr, #ncercn( " "e *riente+e, a$*i a(u- &i mai
"ar(*nic0
4 !cea"t eretic "abie a %ui !%%a2 a "er)it "c*$u%ui "u &i acum * " fie tran"f*rmat #n
br+(ar (e $%u- &i #n-r*$at.
4 Vrei " "$ui 4 uci", +i"e 7ri>>i. 4 #n-r*$atC
Din n*u r"u%.
4 V*ia 3*$*ru%ui.
!+a(e2 "e tre+i %a )ia &i #ncerc "4&i #nfi- (e-ete%e #n *c2ii %ui, b%e"temn(u41. 7% *
$rin"e cu u&urin &i * inu %a (i"tant, %"n(4* " "e +bat +a(arnic. 7ri>>i $ri)ea cu c2i$u%
cenu&iu. .u $utea face nimic (e*cam(at.
4 3*t*%e&te4te, "$u"e a"$ru 5a>*c+K. Eu, (intre t*i, ar trebui " (*re&ti " (i"$ar ereticu%. J
"4% &tear- (e $e faa $mntu%ui $e !b(u%%a2 ;an &i $e t*i @*r-*nii, cu tine cu t*t, (ac c&ti-C
J #m$in"e #ntr4* $arte.
4 3*art4te cum trebuie "au )a trebui " te %*)e"cC !&a e, tu ar trebui "4i (*re&ti ce% mai tare
m*arteaC Era"e $ie(ica $i"t*%u%ui mitra%ier. 8nt*arcei4), amn(*i.
Se "u$u"er, urn(u4% $e *m &i $i"t*%u% %ui.
3eriferia Ee2eranu%ui "e af%a #n faa %*r, cam %a cinci"$re+ece >i%*metri (e$rtare. Mer-eau
$ara%e% cu (rumu% &i ca%ea ferat, a)n( Munii 7%bru" #n "tn-a %*r, a$r*$in(u4"e (e *ra& (in"$re
)e"t. Dea"u$ra %*r ceru% era ac*$erit (e n*ri -rei, $rintre care nu r+btea "*are%e.
4 B$itane, )e+i $ru% $e care4% tra)er"ea+ &*"eaua, $*(u%H
4 Da, #% )(, "$u"e 3eti>in, #ncercn( " #ncr*$ea"c un $%an ca "4% (*b*are.
1i 7ri>>i "e -n(ea %a a"ta, "*c*tin( (ac "4ar fi $utut r"uci (e"tu% (e iute ca "4% #n&face,
#n" "e af%a #ntr4un %*c ne$*tri)it $entru a"ta.
4 !teri+ea+ *$t "ute (e metri ctre "u(, #n "$ate%e m-urii ace%eia. J )e+iH
.u (e$arte (e ea trecea un (rum "ecun(ar care (ucea %a Ee2eran. !c*%* circu%aia era mai
rar.
4 Da, &i (u$ aiaH
17
4 Du$ aia e&ti %iber, $entru * )reme.
5a>*c+K r"e "i4% #m$un"e $e 3eti>in #n ceaf cu ea)a $i"t*%u%ui.
4 Bu mu%umiri%e me%e. Dar nu te mai #nt*arce, "tai cu faa #nainte amn(*i &i nu (e"facei
centuri%e (e "i-uran. .u $ier(ei (in )e(ere nici * c%i$ c ) "u$ra)e-2e+ f*arte atent. Bn(
ateri+e+i, ateri+ea+ cum trebuie &i fr &mec2erii &i cn( am " fiu (e$arte, (ec*%ea+C Dar nu te4
nt*arce "au "4ar $utea " m "$erii. Jamenii "$eriai a$a" $e tr-aci, #ne%e-iH
4 Da.
3eti>in cercet %*cu% (e ateri+are. 8&i aran,a ca"ca.
4 Di "e $are #n re-u%, 7ri>>iH
4 Da, ai -ri, %a tr*iene%e (e +$a(.
7ri>>i #ncerc "4&i a"cun( ner)*+itatea (in -%a".
4 !r trebui " facem un $%an.
4 Bre( c e $rea (e&te$t, B2ar%ieC
4 3*ate (*ar (ac4* face )re* -re&ea%. .umai una "in-ur.
!teri+area (ecur"e bine &i "im$%u. 9$a(a, biciuit (e curenii "trnii (e e%ice, "e #n)*%bur
$e %n- fere"tre.
4 .u ) #nt*arceiC
.er)ii brbai%*r erau #ntin&i %a ma/imum. !u+ir u a (e"c2i+n(u4"e "i "imir aeru% rece.
!$*i !+a(e2 i$ M7ri>>iCM
8n ciu(a *r(inu%ui, amn(*i "e r"ucir. 5a>*c+K era (e,a afar, tr-n(4* $e !+a(e2 (u$
e%. ?emeia i+bea (in $ici*are &i "e +btea, #ncercn( " "e a-ate (e u&, (ar e% * (*mina cu u&urin.
!)ea $i"t*%u% mitra%ier a-at (e umr. 'n"tantaneu, 7ri>>i "muci u&a (in $artea "a &i "e "trecur
afar, trecu $e "ub fu+e%a, &i atac. !,un"e $rea tr+iu.
J "curt rafa% %a $ici*are%e %ui #% *$ri. 9ece metri mai (e$arte, #n afara ra+ei e%icei, 5a>*c+K
inea cu * mn $i"t*%u% mitra%ier #n(re$tat ctre ei, cea%a%t #nfi$t cu $utere #n -tu% femeii.
3entru * c%i$ !+a(e2 #m$ietri &i ea, a$*i #&i re#nn*i ef*rturi%e, "tri-n( &i i$n(, +btn(u4
"e " a,un- %a e%, %un(u41 $rin "ur$rin(ere $e ru". 7ri>>i fcu un "a%t. 5a>*c+K * #n&fac cu
amn(*u mini%e, * "cutur )i*%ent, #mbrncin(4* $uternic ctre 7ri>>i, #ntreru$n(u4i "a%tu% &i
(*b*rn(u4% %a $mnt *(at cu ea. 8n aceea&i c%i$ "ri #na$*i, "e r"uci &i * ru$"e %a fu-, a$*i "e
#nt*ar"e c%in n*u cu arma $re-tit, cu (e-etu% #nc*r(at $e tr-aci. .u fu ne)*ie " a$e"e, $entru c
fin%an(e+u% &i femeia "e af%au #n -enunc2i, $e ,umtate ameii. 8n "$ate%e %*r, $i%*tu% "ttea $e %*cu%
%ui. 7ri>>i #&i re)eni &i #&i tra"e $r*tect*r "*ia #n "$ate%e %ui, $re-tin(u4"e $entru un a%t atac.
4 Stai, "tri- $*runcit*r 5a>*c+K, "au (e (ata a"ta ) *m*r $e t*i. StaiC Era"e * rafa% (e
a)erti"ment #n +$a(.
4 8nt*arcei4) %a e%ic*$terC !mn(*i.
Bu t*ate "imuri%e tre+e, 7ri>>i #% $ri)i "u"$ici*".
4 3%ecai, "untei %iberi, $%ecaiC
Di"$erat &i #n"$imntat, !+a(e2 "e arunc $e %*cu% (in "$ate. 7ri>>i "e #nt*ar"e #ncet,
ac*$erin(4* cu tru$u% %ui.
Bu mn ferm, 5a>*c+K $"tr ea)a armei #n(re$tat ctre ei. 8% )+u $e fin%an(e+
a&e+n(u4"e $e t*cu% (in "$ate,
Bu $ici*are%e $r*$tite (e $atin, %"n( u a (e"c2i". M*t*are%e #nce$ur ime(iat " $rin(
)ite+, e%ic*$teru% "e ri(ic %a * ,umtate (e metru (e $mnt, r"ucin(u4"e #ncet ca " "e4nt*arc cu
faa "$re e%. I&a (in "$ate "e #nc2i"e.
'nima #nce$u "4i bat mai tare.
!cum, #&i +i"e, muri i cu t*ii "au trim ca " ne #nfruntm a%t (atH B%i$a $ru " (ure+e *
)e&nicie. 7%ic*$teru% "e tra"e #na$*i metru cu metru, * int tentant. De-etu% %ui "e #nc*r(a u&*r, (ar
nu a$" mai tare.
Bi)a metri #nc &i e%ic*$teru% "e r"uci, $*rnin( #nainte $rintre cm$uri%e (e +$a(, a$*i
"e ri(ic "$re #n%imi.
Aun, #&i +i"e, "imin(u4"e c*$%e&it (e *b*"ea%. !r fi f*"t mai bine (ac4a& fi $utut $"tra
femeia ca *"tatic, (ar n4are a face. 3utem $une mna $e fiica btrnu%ui !b(u%%a2 ;an mine "au
$*imine. Mai $*t "4* a&te$t $e ea &i $e N*>>*nen.
18
8ntre tim$, e (e "t$nit * ar &i (e uci" ni&te -enera%i, mu%%a2i &i aKat*%a2i. 1i mu%i a%i
(u&mani.
CAPITOLUL 19
!er*$*rtu% Ee2eran: *ra ,0 (u$4amia+. Mc')er c*n(ucea $ru(ent $e (rumu% care
#n"*ea -ar(u% (e "rm -2im$at (e $r*tecie, #n(re$tn(u4"e "$re $*arta ce ((ea ctre aer*-ara
(e mrfuri. Drumu% ac*$erit (e +$a( era a%unec*" &i necurat, tem$eratura c2iar "ub $unctu% (e
#n-2e, ceru% ac*$erit &i m*2*rt &i $n %a c(erea n*$ii nu era mai mu%t (e * *r. 3ri)i (in n*u %a
cea". .u am $rea mu%t tim$, #&i +i"e, #nc f*arte ener)at (e #nc2i(erea bir*u%ui "u, n*a$tea trecut,
(e ctre >*mite2. Di"4(e4(iminea #ncerca"e " "e "trec*are #n c%(ire, (ar era #nc $+it, &i t*ate
ru-mini%e "a%e (e a i "e #n-(ui " )erifice te%e/u% "e (*)e(i"er infructu*a"e.
4 !furi"it $*$*r, "$u"e"e @ennK cn( e% #ntra"e cu $a&i mari #na$*i #n a$artament. Erebuie "
facem ce)a. Be +ici (e @e*r-e Ea%b*t, ne4ar $utea a,utaH
4 M #n(*ie"c, (ar merit #ncercat. Dac Va%i>... Se #ntreru$"e"e.
4 La )remea a"ta cre( c E*m a fcut rea%imentarea &i trebuie " fie a$r*a$e (e ca$t.
Jriun(e * fi "ta.
4 S "$erm, "$u"e"e ea ca #ntr4* ru- tcut. S "$erm c "e termin cu bine. !i )+ut
)reun ma-a+in (e"c2i"H
4 .ici unu%, @en. J " a)em "u$ %a c*n"er) &i * "tic% (e bere %a $rn+.
4 8mi $are ru, berea "4a terminat.
8ncerca"e " c2eme $rin ra(i* 6*<i""4u% &i ce%e%a%te ba+e, (ar nu $rimi"e nici un r"$un". .u
$utu"e " $rin( nici AAB nici !?.. !"cu%ta"e #n fu- ine)itabi%a tira( anti4american (e %a 5a(i*
'ranu% Liber (in Eabri+ &i #nc2i"e"e (e+-u"tat a$aratu%. Ee%ef*nu% era m*rt. 8ncerca"e " citea"c, (ar
nu reu&i"e, frmntat (e -n(uri%e %a L*c2art, 3eti>in, Star>e &i t*i cei%a%i, (ete"tn( " fie inut
(e$arte (e bir*u% "u &i (e te%e/ &i, $entru m*ment, " nu $*at c*ntr*%a %ucruri%e. .u "e mai
#ntm$%a"e nici*(at $n atunci. .ici*(at. A%e"temat fie 1a2u% c a $%ecat &i a %"at t*tu% " "e
$rbu&ea"cC 7ra minunat $n acum. Jrice $r*b%em a)eai, te (uceai %a aer*$*rt, %uai * cur"
$entru '"fa2an, Eabri+, !ba(an, ;*rmu+, !% S2ar-a+, "au *riun(e )r*iai, a$*i cu e%ic*$teru% re"tu%
(rumu%ui, #nc*tr* a)eai c2ef.
Bte*(at @ennK )enea &i ea ca #ntr4* e/cur"ie &i mncau #n aer %iber &i beau bere rece ca
-2eaa.
4 =Eu4%e mama %*rC
B2iar (u$ $rn+ emit*ru% tr*"ni"e &i "e tre+i"e %a )ia. ?u"e"e ?re((K !Kre, (e %a 6*<i"",
care tran"mi"e"e me"a,u% c react*ru% a)ea " fie %a aer*$*rtu% Ee2eran a"t+i, #n ,uru% *rei cinci
(u$4amia+ )enin( (e %a !% S2ar-a+, un eicat in(e$en(ent af%at %a * mie (*u "ute (e >i%*metri
"u( (e Ee2eran, (e cea%a%t $arte a @*%fu%ui, un(e S4@ a)ea un bir*u.
4 ! +i" c are a$r*bare, ?re((KH #ntreba"e Mc')er #nfierbntat.
4 .u &tiu. E*t ce au "$u" cei (e ac*%* a f*"t0 M7E! Ee2eran unu4&a$te4+er*4+er*. S$une4i %ui
Mc')er, n*i nu $utem "4% c*ntactmM. 1i a re$etat (e cte)a *ri.
4 Bum "tau %ucruri%e $e %a tineH
4 Binci cu cinci. Star>e e #nc %a Aan(ar4e De%am &i n4am a)ut a%t c*ntact cu ei (ect $e
fu-, acu= * ,uma= (e *r.
4 5u(i a tran"mi"H
4 Da.
Mc')er #ncerca"e " $"tre+e un t*n neutru.
4 Da. 3"trea+ %e-tura &i cu e% &i cu n*i. Be "4a #ntm$%at a+i4(iminea cu *$erat*ru% tu
ra(i*H Ee4am c2emat cte)a cea"uri fr )re* "c*fa%.
Irma"e * $au+ $re%un-.
4 7 reinut.
4 3entru ce (racu=H
19
4 .u &tiu, Mac... c$itane Mc')er. 8i ra$*rte+ (e #n(at ce af%u. De a"emenea #n(at ce #%
trimit #na$*i %a Aan(ar4e De%am $e Marc Dub*i". Da=... ei, aici e $uin mai (e%icat. !m f*"t t*i
c*n"emnai %a ba+. !ici #n turn a)em * "im$atic &i amabi% "antine% #narmat, t*ate +b*ruri%e "unt
anu%ate, cu e/ce$ia unui B!S7V!B, &i c2iar &i atunci ni "4a *r(*nat " %um -r+i cu n*i &i n4a)em
aut*ri+area " (e$&im #n +b*r +*na n*a"tr.
4 3entru ce t*ate a"teaH
4 .u &tiu. 3rea "timatu% c*man(ant a% ba+ei, c*%*ne%u% 3e"2a(i, m4a a"i-urat c numai a"t+i,
e)entua% &i mine. La *ra cinci"$re+ece &i &ai"$re+ece am $rimit un "curt me"a, (e %a c$itanu%
Scra--er, af%at #n +b*r cu B2ar%ie7c*9u%u9u%u 4 c2arter "$ecia% $entru Aan(ar4e De%am.
4 De ce (racu= "e (uce ac*%*H
4 .u &tiu, "ir. Atrnu= Ser... B$itanu% Scra--er +icea c a f*"t "*%icitat (e 3%e""eK %a Siri.
7u, ... nu cre( c mai a)em $rea mu%t tim$. !mabi%a n*a"tr "antine% #nce$e " "e ener)e+e, (ar
(ac $*i " trimii aici a)i*nu%H
3e"2a(i "$une c * "4i a$r*be ateri+area. !m "4ncerc S4@ trimit $e Manue%a (e4aici, (ar
nu te4a&te$ta %a $rea mu%t. 7 ner)*a" ca un ie$ure )rt #ntr4* cu&c $%in cu )u%turi fiin( c n4are
)e&ti (e %a Star>e.
4 3*t "4mi #nc2i$ui. S$une4i c eu * trimit $e @en. !cum am terminat. Dumne+eu &tie ct *
"4mi ia " a,un- %a aer*$*rt.
Se #nt*r"e"e ctre @ennK0
4 @en, #m$ac2etea+...
4 Be )rei " iei cu tine DuncanH #ntreba"e ea (u%ce.
4 .u eu $%ec, tu $%eciC
4 .u fi $r*"t, (ra-u%e, (ac )rei " a,un-i %a )reme %a a)i*n, ar trebui " te -rbe&ti. Dar, te
r*-, ai -ri, &i nu uita f*t*-rafii%eC !, c )eni )*rba, am uitat "4i "$un c #n tim$ ce tu #ncercai "
intri #n bir*u 1e2ere+a(a a trimi" unu% (intre "er)it*rii ei $n aici ca " ne c2eme %a cin.
4 @en, $%eci cu a)i*nu% &i ba"taC
Bearta "e #nc2eia"e ct ai c%i$i (in *c2i. 7% $%eca"e &i "e f*%*"i"e (e (rumuri%e %tura%nice,
cci ce%e mai mu%te (intre (rumuri%e $rinci$a%e erau b%*cate (e furnicare (e *ameni. De fiecare (at
cn( fu"e"e *$rit ri(ica"e f*t*-rafia %ui 62*meini $e a% crui re)er" "cria #n far"i MEria"c
!Kat*%a2u%M &i i "e fcea "emn " treac. .u )+u"e nici un "*%(at, nici un ,an(arm "au $*%iai, a&a
c n4a)u"e"e ne)*ie " "c*at f*t*-rafia 1a2u%ui, "ub care "cria MEria"c @%*ri*"u% 'ranM. E*tu&i
a)u"e"e ne)*ie (e (*u *re &i ,umtate $entru un (rum care #n m*( n*rma% i4ar fi %uat * *r, cu
fiecare minut (in ce #n ce mai #n-ri,*rat c ar fi $utut a,un-e $rea tr+iu. 8n" a)i*nu% nu era $e nici
una (intre ce%e (*u $i"te $ara%e%e, nici $e $%atf*rma (e bet*n (in aer*-ara (e mrfuri &i nici %n-
c%(irea termina%u%ui (in $artea cea%a%t a cm$u%ui.
!runc (in n*u * $ri)ire %a cea"0 ,17. 8nc * *r (e %umin. .u "e -rbe&te (e%*c, #&i "$u"e0
Mcar (e4ar a,un-eC Dumne+eu &tie, "4ar fi $utut #nt*arce #na$*i %n- c%(irea termina%u%ui "e af%au
tra"e cte)a react*are ci)i%e. Inu% (intre e%e, un 747 a% 5*Ka% 'ran !ir, era * e$a) r"ucit, (i"tru"
(e f*c. Be%e%a%te $reau #n re-u%. Se af%a $rea (e$arte ca " %e )a( #n"emne%e, (ar *ricare (intre e%e
trebuia " fie ce% a% !%ita%iei 4 3au%a @iancani %*cuia #nc %a ei &i .*--er Lane #&i fcea mu%t (e %ucru
#n $rea,ma ei. Dr-u fata a"ta, #&i +i"e ab"ent.
!,un"e #n ?aa $*rii ce ((ea ctre ar*-ar (e mrfuri &i (e$*+ite. De$*+itu% era #nc2i" (e
miercuri 4 aut*mat ,*i &i )ineri, +i%e%e "finte a%e ma2*me(ani%*r i <ee>en(4u% iranian 4 &i nu fu"e"e
cu $utin " treac $e ac*%* "mbt "au (uminic, nici e%, nici a%tcine)a (in $er"*na%u% %ui iranian.
3*arta era (e"c2i" &i ne$+it.
Se "trecur #n curte. B2iar #n fa "e af%a )ama (e mrfuri "i $e"te t*t bariere "i $an*uri #n
en-%e+ "i far"i M'.E5!57! '.E759'SV. '.E5!57. '71'57. E57B757! J35'EVM &i
"imb*%uri%e (iferite%*r c*m$anii internai*na%e (e tran"$*rt &i e%ic*$tere care a)eau bir*uri $erma4
nente aici. De *bicei era a$r*a$e im$*"ibi% " intri cu ma&ina #n curte. !c*%* era (e %ucru +i &i
n*a$te $entru a$r*a$e cinci "ute (e *ameni care trebuiau " mani$u%e+e en*rme%e cantiti (e
bunuri mi%itare &i ci)i%e ce "e re)r"au #n 'ran #n "c2imbu% unei $ri (in ce%e n*u+eci (e mi%i*ane
(e (*%ari (in )enitu% +i%nic *binut $e $etr*%. !cum #n", t*at +*na era $u"tie. Sute (e %+i (e %emn
&i cart*n, (e t*ate mrimi%e, +ceau #m$r&tiate #n +$a(, mu%te (e"c2i"e &i ,efuite, ce%e mai mu%te
1G0
"frmate &i ame"tecate cu +$a(. Bte)a aut*turi"me &i cami*ane aban(*nate #n $ara-in &i un
cami*n incen(iat. Irme (e -%*ane #n car*"erii.
3*arta (e %a )am, care #nc2i(ea acce"u% ctre $i"t, era #nc2i" &i "e inea #ntr4* "in-ur
ba%ama. De ea "e af%a $rin" * $%acar( $e care "ta "cri" #n en-%e+ "i far"i0 '.E5!57! J35'EV
?V5V !35JA!57! VVM''. !&te$t, a$*i c%a/*na &i a&te$t (in n*u.
.u4i r"$un"e nimeni, a&a c ie&i, (e"c2i"e %ar- $*arta &i "e #nt*ar"e %a ma&in. La ci)a
metri (e $artea cea%a%t *$ri, #nc2i"e $*arta %a %*c, a$*i #n(re$t aut*m*bi%u% ctre (e$*+ite%e S4@,
baraca bir*uri%*r &i 2an-are%e a%turate ate%ieru%ui (e re$araii, care $uteau a($*"ti $atru 212 i
cinci 20G "i un(e acum "e -"eau trei 20G &i un 212.
S$re u&urarea %ui, u&i%e $rinci$a%e erau #nc #nc2i"e &i #ncuiate. Se temu"e c (e$*+ite%e &i
2an-aru% ar fi $utut fi "$arte &i ,efuite "au (i"tru"e. 7ra $rinci$a%u% %*r (e$*+it $entru $ie"e (e
"c2imb &i re$araii #n 'ran. 8n in)entaru% "u "e af%au $ie"e &i "cu%e $entru re$araii (e $e"te (*u
mi%i*ane (e (*%ari, %a*%a%t cu $r*$rii%e %*r $*m$e (e a%imentare cu ben+in &i re+er)*are "ubterane
care c*nineau * f*arte "ecret re+er) (e )re* +ece mii (e %itri (e carburant $entru e%ic*$tere, $e
care Mc')er * M$ier(u"eM cn( #nce$u"er neca+uri%e.
Scrut ceru% cu $ri)irea. Vntu% #i "$u"e c a)i*nu% a)ea " ateri+e+e (in"$re )e"t, $e 3i"ta
29 Stn-, (ar #nc nu "e )e(ea nici urm (e e%. De"cuie u&a, * #nc2i"e #n urma %ui &i trecu -rbit
$rin 2*%u% #n-2eat ctre bir*u% $rinci$a% &i te%e/. 7ra #nc2i".
4 '(i*i b%e"temaiC murmur.
Jr(ine%e #n )i-*are "$uneau c te%e/u% trebuia " "tea $ermanent (e"c2i". Bn( #i ((u
(rumu%, nu "e #ntm$% nimic.
8ncerc #ntreru$t*are%e (e %a becuri, (ar nici e%e nu "e a$rin"er.
4 !furi"it arC
.emu%umit, mer"e $n %a ra(i*4emit*are &i %e (e"c2i"e $e amn(*u 4 I;? &i V;?.
!mbe%e "e $uteau a%imenta (e %a baterii #n ca+ (e ur-en. 9um+etu% %*r #% rec*nf*rta.
4 7c*Ean-*LimaLima, r*"ti %im$e(e, c%ar #n micr*f*n %itere%e (e #nre-i"trare a a$aratu%ui 4
7ELL. !ici Mc')er, m au+iiH
4 7c*Ean-*LimaLima. Si-ur c (a, btrne, $rimi (e #n(at r"$un"u% %ac*nic. Suntem cam
"in-uri aici "u". E*t c2emm (e * ,uma= (e *r. In(e e&tiH
4 La bir*u% (e mrfuri. 'art4m, F*2nnK, "$u"e, recun*"cn( )*cea c$itanu%ui4$i%*t a%
a)i*nu%ui %*r. ! f*"t a% (racu%ui (e -reu "4a,un- aici 4 acum am "*"it. In(e "unteiH
4 La (*u+eci &i &a$te (e >i%*metri "u( 4 c2iar #n ci*rb 4 trecem (e n*u mii $e a$$r*ac24u%
*bi&nuit. .e a&te$tm " a,un-em $e 3i"ta 29 Stn-a. Be "e4ntm$%, MacH .u $utem $rin(e turnu%
(e %a Ee2eran. De fa$t, n4am $rimit nici mcar un r"$un" (e cn( am #ntrat #n "$aiu% aerian
iranian.
4 Sfinte Dumne+eu%eC .ici (e %a ra(aru% (in 6i"2H
4 .ici (e %a ei, btrneC Bare4i treabaH
4 .u &tiu. Eurnu% a %ucrat ieri $n $e %a mie+u% n*$ii, mi%itarii ne4au (at %iber $entru un
+b*r ctre "u(.
Mc')er era "ur$rin" &tiin( c ra(aru% (e %a 6i"2 era tare ti$icar #n $ri)ina traficu%ui aerian
intern &i e/tern, #n "$ecia% a +b*ruri%*r care tra)er"au @*%fu%.
4 8ntre-u% aer*$*rt e $u"tiu &i te cam ia cu fi*ri. Venin( #nc*ace am (at (e * mu%ime (e
%ume $rin t*t *ra&u%. Bte)a $uncte (e c*ntr*% $e &*"ea, (ar nimic ie&it (in c*mun. .ici #ncierri,
nici a%tce)a.
4 Be)a $r*b%eme cu ateri+areaH
4 M #n(*ie"c c funci*nea+ )reunu% (intre a$arate%e (e c*ntr*%, (ar $%af*nu% (e n*ri e cam
$e %a * mie trei "ute &i )i+ibi%itatea cam &ai"$re+ece >i%*metri. 3i"ta $are #n re-u%.
4 Be cre+iH
Mc')er cntri t*ate e%emente%e $r* &i c*ntra unei ateri+ri fr a"i"tena "au a$r*barea
turnu%ui (e c*ntr*%.
4 !)ei (e"tu% c*mbu"tibi% $entru (rumu% (e #nt*arcereH
4 J, (a. .4a)ei cum " ne a%imentaiH
4 D*ar #n ca+ (e ur-en, $n una4a%ta.
4 !m intrat #n "tratu% (e n*ri %a * mie cinci "ute &i ) am %a )e(ere..
1G1
4 J>aK, 7c*Ean-*LimaLima. Vntu% bate (in e"t cam cu +ece n*(uri. .*rma% ai ateri+a $e
29 Stn-a. Aa+a mi%itar $are #nc2i" &i $u"tie, a&a c n4ar trebui " mai fie &i a%te +b*ruri. E*ate
+b*ruri%e ci)i%e interne "au e/terne au f*"t anu%ate. V "u-ere+ " facei * trecere &i (ac )i "e $are
#n re-u% " )enii (irect. .u ) mai $ier(ei )remea $e "u", $rin ,ur "unt $rea mu%i -%umei cr*ra
%e $%ace " a$e"e $e tr-aci. 'me(iat ce ai ateri+at, #nt*arcei &i $re-tii4) $entru * (ec*%are
ra$i(, #n ca+ ca e ne)*ie. J " ) ie" #n #ntm$inare cu ma&ina.
4 7c*Ean-*LimaLima.
8&i "c*a"e bati"ta &i4&i &ter"e $a%me%e &i fruntea, (ar cn( "e ri(ic "imi inima r"ucin(u4i4"e
#n $ie$t0 #n u a (e"c2i" "ttea un *fier a% )mii cu mna "$ri,init ne-%i,ent $e $i"t*%u% (in t*c.
Inif*rma #i era $tat "i &if*nat &i faa rubic*n( "$u+it (e e$ii unei brbi nera"e (e trei "au $atru
+i%e.
4 J2, "$u"e Mc')er %u$tn(u4"e " $ar ca%m, "a%aam a-a 4 ) "a%ut, 7/ce%en.
.u4% recun*"cu ca $e unu% (intre *bi&nuiii bir*u%ui. Jmu% #&i mi&c amenint*r $i"t*%u% #n
t*c &i $ri)iri%e4i a%er-ar (e %a Mc')er ctre emit*r &i #na$*i. Bu *$intiri, $entru c )*rbea $rea
$uin $er"ana, "$u"e0
4 'n-%i""i me (ania a-aH Ae4ba2>4"2i( man +aban4e "2*ma ra >2**b nami4(anan. V*rbii
en-%e+e&te, (*mnu%eH V r*- " m iertai, (ar eu nu )*rbe"c %imba (*mniei4)*a"tre.
Jfieru% mri.
4 Be faci aiciH "$u"e #ntr4* en-%e+ "t%cit, %"n( " i "e )a( (inii $tai (e tutun.
4 Sunt... "unt c$itanu% Mc')er, &efu% S4@ ;e%ic*$tere, r"$un"e e% $ru(ent &i rar. Verific
(*ar te%e/u% &i a&te$t un a)i*n care trebuie " "*"ea"c.
4 !)i*nCH Be a)i*nH
8n m*mentu% ace%a a$aratu% trecu %a trei "ute (e metri (ea"u$ra aer*$*rtu%ui. Vame&u% ie&i
-rbit afar $e tarmac, urmat #n(ea$r*a$e (e Mc')er. V+ur %inii%e $%cute, curate, a%e react*ru%ui
bim*t*r $r*fi%n(u4"e $e n*rii (e cu%*area m%u%ui &i4% urmrir cte)a c%i$e %an"n(u4"e #n $ica,
#ntr4un )ira, abru$t, ca " "e #n"crie %a ateri+are.
4 Be a)i*nH 7iHC
4 7 a)i*nu% n*"tru *bi&nuit, a)i*nu% *bi&nuit (e %a !% S2ar-a+. .ume%e #% fcu $e *m "
i+bucnea"c #ntr4* e/$%*+ie (e in)ecti)e.
4 Ae ba2> "2i( nana (2an >*nan
4 8mi $are ru, nu #ne%e-.
4 .u ateri+are... .u ateri+are, #ne%e-iH
Jmu% art furi*" (e %a a)i*n ctre bir*u, %a emit*r.
4 S$une a)i*nC
Mc')er ((u (in ca$ %ini&tit, fr " "e "imt ctu&i (e $uin %ini&tit &i4i fcu "emn " intre.
.umr +ece mii (e ria%i 4 cam * "ut +ece (*%ari, &i4i *feri.
4 7i. V r*- acce$tai ta/a (e ateri+are 4 bani (e ateri+are.
Jmu% re)r" * a%t $%*aie #n far"i.
Mc')er $u"e banii $e ma", a$*i trecu $e %n- e% #n ma-a+ie. De"cuie * u& #n mica
#nc$ere, $u"e ac*%* c2iar $entru ace"t "c*$, "e -"eau t*t fe%u% (e re"turi (e $ie"e &i trei bi(*ane (e
tab% cu ben+in, (e cte (*u+eci (e %itri fiecare. 5i(ic unu% &i4% $u"e #n afara u&ii, amintin(u4&i
ce4i "$u"e"e -enera%u% Va%i>0 $e&c2e&u% nu e mit, ci un (ar &i un bun *bicei iranian. Du$ *
"ecun( "e 2*tr# " $%ece (in u&, (ar * %" (e"c2i". Erei bi(*ane $uteau " fie mai mu%t (ect *
-aranie c nu "e )a i)i )re* $r*b%em.
4 Aeba2> "2i(, a-a 4 ) r*- " m "cu+ai, (*mnu%e. !$*i a(u- #n en-%e+e&te0
4 Erebuie " m #nt%ne"c cu &efii mei.
'e&i afar (in c%(ire &i urc #n ma&in fr " $ri)ea"c #na$*i.
4 Eic%*" afuri"it, -ata " fac un infarct, murmur, a$*i #% ((u uitrii &i c*n(u"e ma&ina $n
$e $i"ta (e $arcare, ctre $unctu% (e *$rire.
9$a(a nu era mai a(nc (e ci)a centimetri &i nu $rea rea. Sin-ure%e urme erau ce%e
%"ate (e ma&ina %ui &i $i"ta $rinci$a% era %a fe% (e )ir-in. Vntu% "e #ntei"e, am$%ificn( "en+aia
(e fri-. .u4% b- #n "eam, c*ncentrn(u4"e a"u$ra a)i*nu%ui. !$aratu% fcu un )ira, "trn", cu
trenu% (e ateri+are c*b*rt &i f%a$"uri%e "c*a"e, $%ann( u&*r %atera%, cu $rice$ere, ca " $iar( (in
#n%ime &i " "curte+e (i"tana (e a$r*$iere.
1G2
F*2n ;*-- "emna%i+a cu %umini%e (e $*+iie &i c*b*ri a$aratu%, %"n(u4% " ru%e+e $n "e
a&e+ #n "i-uran $e "*% &i abia atunci, cu mare $recauie, #nce$u " f*%*"ea"c frne%e. Se #nt*ar"e
$e $i"ta (e $arcare &i mri $uterea m*t*are%*r ca " a,un- $n %a Mc')er. Ln- $rima a%ee (e
acce" *$ri $n cn( Mc')er a,un"e %n- fu+e%a,, u a fu (e"c2i", "cara c*b*rt &i F*2n ;*-- #%
a&te$ta %a $ici*ru% ei, #ntr4* "curt mat%a"at, btn( (in $ici*are ca " nu #n-2ee.
4 Sa%ut, MacC "tri-
7ra un brbat #n-ri,it, "ubiratic, cu * fa "mea( "i mu"ta.
4 M bucur " te )(. ;ai #nuntru, * "4ti fie mai ca%(C
4 Aun i(ee.
Mc')er *$ri m*t*ru% &i4% urm #n "u", $e tre$te. 8n interi*r (*mnea * c%(ur $%cut,
%umini%e erau a$rin"e, cafeaua $re-tit, +iare%e %*n(*ne+e #n ra"te%u% %*r. Mc')er &tia c a)ea "
-"ea"c )in &i bere #n fri-i(er, * t*a%et cu "caun &i 2rtie m*a%e #n "$ate 4 (in n*u ci)i%i+aia.
?%utur mna ctre c*$i%*t.
4 M bucur att (e mu%t " te )(, F*2nnKC 5ma"e cu -ura c"cat.
!&e+at #ntr4unu% (intre "caune%e rabatabi%e a%e a)i*nu%ui (e *$t %*curi, cu faa %uminat (e un
+mbet, "ttea !n(re< @a)a%%an.
4 ;e%%*, MacC
4 Dumne+eu%eC Dumne+eu%e, B2ine+*iu%eC ct m bucur " te )(, "$u"e Mc')er (n(u4i un
-2i*nt. Be (racu= faciH De ce nu mi4ai "$u" c )iiH Be4a f*"t #n ca$u% tuH
4 8nceti&*r, f%cu%eC BafeaH
4 Dumne+eu%e, (a. Mc')er "e a&e+ #n faa %ui.
4 Be face MaureenH Dar micua 7%ectraH
4 @r*+a) 4 nemai$*menitC Se a$r*$ie cea (e4a (*ua +i (e na&tere a ei &i4i (e,a * ter*ri"t. M4
am -n(it c ar fi bine " "c2imbm * )*rb, a&a c mi4am %uat catrafu"e%e &i iat4m.
4 .u $*t "4i "$un ct (e mu%t m bucur. !ri -r*+a), "$u"e Mc')er &i a&a &i era.
4 Mu%ume"c, f%cu%e. .ici tu nu "tai a&a ru. Be mai faciH De4a(e)rate%ea, Mac, #ntreb
@a)a%%an ce)a mai a$"at.
4 7/ce%ent.
;*-- a&e+ cafeaua #n faa %ui Mc')er &i a%turi (e ea un $2re% (e <2i">K $entru e% &i un
a%tu% $entru @a)a%%an.
4!2, mu%ume"c F*2nnK, "$u"e Mc')er %uminn(u4"e %a fa. SntateC
Bi*cni $a2aru% cu @a)a%%an &i #n-2ii a%c**%u%, mu%umit.
4 Sunt #n-2eat ca #ntruc2i$area mi%ei. !bia am "c$at (intr4* ci*cnire cu un afuri"it (e %a
)am. De ce4ai )enitH Vre* $r*b%em, !n(KH J, (a= ce4i cu a)i*nu%H 1i re)*%ui*narii &i %*ia%i&tii
"unt f*arte "en"ibi%i. Jricare (intre &tia ar $utea "*"i #n f*r " i4% c*nfi&te.
4 F*2nnK ;*-- ine un *c2i (e"c2i" #n $artea a"ta. J " )*rbim #ntr4un minue% &i (e
$r*b%eme%e me%e. Dar am 2*trt c ar fi mai bine " )in &i " )( cu *c2ii mei. !)em $rea mu%te #n
,*c acum, aici &i afar, cu t*ate c*ntracte%e &i a$arate%e a"tea n*i $e ca%e (e a "*"i. O G3 ar (a
%*)itura, MacC .u $*ate fi ce)a mai bun.
4 Minunat. Bn( %e $rimimH
4 La anu=. 8i "$un mai mu%te (e"$re a"ta mai #nc*%*. !cum, $entru mine 'ranu% e"te
$ri*ritatea numru% unu. Erebuie " $unem %a ca%e ce)a $%anuri #n ca+ (e ur-en, cum " inem
%e-tura &i t*ate a"tea. 'eri am $ier(ut *re #ntre-i #n !% S2ar-a+ #ncercn( " *bin * a$r*bare
iranian $entru Ee2eran, (ar n4am a)ut "ucce", c2iar &i amba"a(a %*r era #nc2i". !m f*"t $er"*na%
%a c%(irea %*r, !% Mu%%a, (ar era #nc2i" c nici mu"ca nu $utea intra ac*%*. L4am $u" $e
re$re+entantu% n*"tru " "une aca" %a amba"a(*r, (ar ace"ta ie&i"e " $rn+ea"c #n *ra& t*at +iuaC
3n %a urm am f*"t %a B*ntr*%u% !erian " a&te$tm, (ar $n %a urm i4am (u" cu )*rba &i mi4au
(at a$r*barea (e (ec*%are (*ar ca " tra-em * fu- 4 &i intern aici. Mai #nti, care e "ituaia
*$eraiuni%*r n*a"treH
Mc')er #i i"t*ri"i ce &tia. Lui @a)a%%an i "e ri"i$i cea mai mare $arte a bunei (i"$*+iii.
4 Deci B2ar%ie a (i"$rut, E*m L*c2art #&i ri"c c2iar ca$u% &i t*ate afaceri%e n*a"tre (in 'ran
4 $r*"te&te "au )ite,e&te, (e$in(e cum $ri)e&ti %ucruri%e, Du>e Star>e e #n Aan(ar4e De%am cu 5u(i,
6*<i""4u% e #n "tare (e a"e(iu &i am f*"t aruncai afar (in bir*uri%e n*a"tre.
4 Da, "$u"e m*r*cn*" Mc')er, am aut*ri+at +b*ru% %ui E*m...
1G3
4 !& fi fcut ace%a&i %ucru, $r*babi%, (ac a& fi f*"t ac*%*, (e&i nu4i * "cu+ $entru $rime,(ia
#n care e )rt 4 e%, n*i, "au amrtu% %a (e Va%i> cu fami%ia %ui. Dar a&a e, S!V!6 e * c2e"tie $rea
#m$uit $entru a $%ace cui)a.
@a)a%%an era e)i(ent +-u(uit, (e&i nu %"a " "e )a( nimic $e fa.
4 'an a a)ut (in n*u (re$tate.
4 'anH Dunr*""H L4ai )+utH Be face btrnu% $i&ic2erH
4 M4a "unat (in S2an-2ai. 8i i"t*ri"i ce af%a"e.
4 Bare "unt u%time%e &tiri #n $ri)ina "ituaiei $*%itice (e aiciH
4 !r trebui " &tii mai mu%te (ect mine. !ici $rimim )e&ti a(e)rate numai $rin AAB &i
VJ!. 8nc nu "unt +iare (e nici un fe% &i circu% (*ar +)*nuri, c*ntinu Mc')er, -n(in(u4"e (e fa$t
%a )remuri%e bune $e care %e $etrecu"e cu Dunr*"" #n ;*n- 6*n-.
8% #n)a"e " $i%*te+e un mic e%ic*$ter cu un an #nainte (e a i "e a%tura %ui @a)a%%an %a
!ber(een &i, (e&i nu "e #nt%neau $rea (e", %ui Mc')er #i fcu"e ne"$u" $%cere c*m$ania ce%ui%a%t.
4 Aa>2tiar e #nc "u", cu armata #n "$ate%e %ui, (ar Aa+ar-an &i 62*meini #% mu&c (e buci...
J, (race, am uitat " "$un, A*"" 6Kabi a f*"t uci".
4 'i"u"e B2ri"t*a"e, a"ta4i -r*a+nicC De ceH
4 .u &tim (e ce, "au cum, "au (e cine. .e4a "$u" ?re((K !Kre.
4 M iertai c )4ntreru$, "ir, "e au+i #n (ifu+*are )*cea $%aci( a %ui ;*-- cu * n*t (e
-rab, (in"$re termina% )in ctre n*i trei ma&ini #ncrcate *c2i cu arme "i *ameni.
!mn(*i brbaii $ri)ir afar $rin mici%e fere"tre r*tun(e. Se +reau ma&ini%e. @a)a%%an
ri(ic bin*c%u% &i4% #n(re$t ctre e%e.
4 Binci "au &a"e *ameni #n fiecare ma&in. 3e %*cu% (in fa (in $rima ma&in e un mu%%a2.
Jamenii %ui 62*meini.
!trn bin*c%u% (e -t &i ie&i re$e(e (e $e %*cu% %ui.
4 F*2nnKC
;*-- era (e,a %a u&.
4 DaH
4 3%anu% A.
'me(iat ;*-- ri(ic (e-etu% mare #n "u" &i #n aceea&i c%i$ mri $uterea m*t*are%*r, #n tim$
ce @a)a%%an "e +btea " "e "trec*are #ntr4* "curt #mb%nit &i ri(ic (in fu- un mic "ac (e
c%t*rie.
4 ;ai, Mac.
J $*rni #naintea %ui #n ,*" $e tre$te, "rin( cte (*u *(at. Mc')er #% urm ime(iat. 8n c%i$a
#n care a,un"er ,*", tre$te%e fur tra"e #na$*i, u&a #nc2i", m*t*are%e #&i mrir turaia &i a$aratu% "e
#n(e$rt, $rin+n( )ite+.
4 8nt*arce4te cu "$ate%e ctre ma&ini, MacC .u te uita %a ei, uit4te %a a)i*nu% care $%eac.
E*tu% "e $etrecu"e att (e iute, #nct Mc')er abia a)u"e"e tim$ " #&i tra- ferm*aru% "curtei.
Ina (intre ma&ini "e (e"$rin"e (in -ru$ ca " interce$te+e a)i*nu%, (ar acum ace"ta #&i %ua a)nt $e
$i"t. 8n cte)a "ecun(e "e ri(ic &i fu (e$arte. Se #nt*ar"er ctre ma&ini%e ce "e a$r*$iau.
4 1i4acum, !n(KH
4 !"ta (e$in(e (e c*mitetu% (e $rimire.
4 Be (racu= era M3%anu% AMH
4 Be)a mai bun (ect $%anu% B, f%cu%e. !"ta #n"emna *ri %a ba% *ri %a "$ita%. 3%anu% A0 eu
ie", F*2nnK (ec*%ea+ ime(iat &i nu "$une nimnui c a trebuit " $%ece #n -rab, mine %a aceea&i
*r "e #nt*arce, (ac n4are c*ntact )i+ua% "au ra(i*, atunci F*2nnK "are * +i &i )ine cu * *r mai
(e)reme &i t*t a&a, tim$ (e $atru +i%e. Du$ care "t $e c*a( #n !% S2ar-a+ i a&tea$t a%te
in"truciuni.
4 3%anu% !H
4 !"ta (ac am fi $utut rmne #n "i-uran $e"te n*a$te 4 e% (e $a+ #n a)i*n, eu cu tine.
Ma&ini%e "e *$rir "cr&nin( (in frne. Mu%%a2u% &i @r+i%e Ver+i #i #nc*n,urar cu arme%e
#n(re$tate ctre ei, t*at %umea )*cifern(. Aru"c, @a)a%%an mu-i M!%%a24u !>barCM &i t*i "e *$rir
(e"cum$nii. 8&i ri(ic f*arte teatra% $%ria ctre mu%%a2, #narmat &i e% ca &i cei%a%i, &i "c*a"e un
(*cument "cri" #n far"i ce arta f*arte *ficia% &i care a)ea un "i-i%iu -reu, (in cear r*&ie, #n $artea
(e ,*". 8% #nmn mu%%a2u%ui.
1G4
4 7"te $ermi"u% (e ateri+are %a Ee2eran, (e %a n*u% amba"a(*r a% 'ranu%ui %a L*n(ra, #i "$u"e
"enin %ui Mc')er, #n tim$ ce cei%a%i *ameni "e #n-2e"uiau #n ,uru% mu%%a2u%ui, 2*%bn(u4"e %a 2rtie.
M4am *$rit #n (rum %a L*n(ra ca "4% iau.
S$une c "unt un V'3 #ntr4* $r*b%em, *ficia% &i $*t " )in &i " $%ec fr *$re%i&ti.
4 Bum (racu= ai reu&it a"taH #ntreb Mc')er a(mirati).
4 Bu mu%t inf%uen, f%cu%eC inf%uen &i un mare 2eun- Kau, a(u-a"e, $ru(ent, ec2i)a%en4
tu% $e&c2e&u%ui #n cant*ne+.
4 !i " )ii cu n*i, r*"ti cu accent american un tnr brb*", af%at %n- mu%%a2. 7&ti are"tatC
4 3entru ce, (ra-u% meu (*mnH
4 !teri+are i%e-a%, fr aut*ri+aie. @a)a%%an #m$un"e 2rtia cu (e-etu%.
4 !ici e"te aut*ri+area *ficia% (e %a $r*$riu% )*"tru amba"a(*r %a L*n(ra. Eria"c
re)*%uiaC Eria"c !Kat*%a2u% 62*meiniC
Enru% &*)i, a$*i tra(u"e mu%%a2u%ui. Irm un "c2imb furi*" (e re$%ici &i murmure (in
$artea -ru$u%ui.
4 V*i )ei )eni amn(*i cu n*iC
4 V urmm #n ma&ina n*a"tr. ;ai(e, Mac, "$u"e @a)a%%an 2*trt &i "e urc $e %*cu% (e
%n- &*fer.
Mc')er $*rni m*t*ru%. 3entru m*ment cei%a%i (e$&ii (e "ituaie, a$*i ce% care )*rbea
en-%e+e&te &i un a%tu% "e "trecurar #n "$ate. !mn(*i a)eau cte un !6 47.
4 Mer-ei %a termina%C V*i are"tai, #n c%(irea aer*-rii, %n- -2i&eu% imi-rri%*r, "e af%au
a%i in&i cu atitu(ini (u&mn*a"e &i un funci*nar *ficia% (e %a 'mi-rri, f*arte ner)*". Mc')er #i
$re+ent (e #n(at $ermi"u% (e intrare #n aer*$*rt &i $ermi"u% (e munc, e/$%icn(u4i cine erau e% &i
@a)a%%an &i cum %ucrau "ub c*ntract $entru 'ran Ji% &i #ncerc "4i (uc cu )*rba, (ar i "e fcu un
"emn $*runcit*r " tac. ?unci*naru% e/amina (*cumente%e &i $a&a$*rtu% %ui @a)a%%an cu mu%t
meticu%*+itate &i fr -rab, #n t*t ace"t tim$ tinerii #n-2e"uin(u4i &i "uf*cn(u4i cu mir*"u%
tru$uri%*r %*r. !$*i *mu% (e"c2i"e -eanta (e )*ia, a %ui @a)a%%an &i "c*t*ci bruta%, (ar nu c*ninea
(ect a$aratu% (e ra", * cma& (e "c2imb, %en,erie &i $i,ama%e &i * "tic% (e <2i">K (e un "fert.
Stic%a fu c*nfi"cat $e (at (e unu% (intre tineri, (e"c2i" &i )r"at $e $*(ea.
4 De< ne2 %*2 m*2, "$u"e "ua) #n c2ine+ @a)a%%an &i Mc')er a$r*a$e c "e4nec. Su" cu
re)*%uiaC
4 Mu%%a2u% #% %u %a #ntrebri $e funci*nar &i $utur " )a( "$aima $e c2i$u% *mu%ui. 8ntr4un
tr+iu, tnru% care )*rbea en-%e+e&te "$u"e0
4 !ut*riti%e )*r $"tra acte &i $a&a$*rt &i )*i e/$%icai mai mu%t mai tr+iu.
4 !m "4mi $"tre+ $a&a$*rtu%, "$u"e @a)a%%an b%n(.
4 !ut*riti%e $"trea+C Du&manii $*$*ru%ui )*r "uferi. Bei care #nca%c %e-ea, ateri+ri
i%e-a%e &i )eniri aici, )*r "uferi $e(ea$"a i"%amic. 7/ce%ena Sa )rea " &tie cine #n a)i*n cu )*i.
4 D*ar ec2i$a,u% meu (e (*u $er"*ane. Sunt $e %i"ta ata&at a$r*brii $entru ateri+are.
!cum, $a&a$*rtu% meu, ) r*-C 1i ace% (*cument...
4 !ut*riti%e $"trea+C In(e "taiH
Mc')er #&i ((u a(re"a. Enru% tra(u"e. Din n*u urm * (i"cuie #nfierbntat.
4 Erebuie " ) "$un0 acum a)i*ane%e )*a"tre nu $*t " +b*are "au ateri+ri fr $ermi"e mai
#nti. E*ate a)i*ane%e 'ranu%ui... E*ate a)i*ane%e acum #n 'ran a$arin "tatu%ui &i...
4 !)i*ane%e a$arin $r*$rietari%*r (e (re$t 3r*$rietari%*r (e (re$t, "$u"e Mc')er.
4 Da, "$u"e tnru%, (i"$reuit*r. Statu% n*"tru i"%amic e $r*$rietar. Dac nu $%ace %e-i,
$%eacC 3%eac 'ranC .*i nu c2emat %a tine aici.
4 !2, (ar -re&e&tiC .*i, cei (e %a S4@ ;e%ic*$ter", am f*"t in)itai aici. .*i %ucrm $entru
-u)ernu% )*"tru &i am "er)it 'ran Ji% ani (e +i%e.
Arbatu% "cui$.
4 'ran Ji% firma 1a2u%ui. Statu% '"%amic are $etr*%u%, nu "trinii. V*i curn( are"tai cu t*i
cei%a%i $entru mare crim0 furat $etr*%u% 'ranu%ui.
4 3r*"tiiC .4am furat nimic. !m a,utat 'ranu% " intre #n "ec*%u% (*u+eci. !m...
4 3%eac 'ran (ac )rei, "$u"e (in n*u ce% ce )*rbea fr "4i (ea atenie. !cum t*ate
*r(ine%e )in (e %a imamu% 62*meini. 7% "$une nu ateri+ri "au (ec*%ri fr #n-(uin. De fiecare
(at * -ar( (e %a 62*meini mer-e cu fiecare a)i*n. 8ne%e-iH
1G
4 .*i #ne%e-em ce "$unei, re$%ic @a)a%%an $*%itic*". 3*t " ) r*- " ne (ai a"ta #n "cri"H
Bci -u)ernu% Aa>2tiar "4ar $utea " nu fie (e ac*r(.
Inu% tra(u"e &i "e i"c un 2*2*t -enera% (e r".
4 Aa>2tiar "4a (u", "$u"e brbatu% $rintre 2*2*te (e r". 3*taia 1a2u%ui "e a"cun(e. Se
a"cun(e, #ne%e-iH 'mamu% e"te -u)ernu%. 7% "in-ur.
4 Da, (e"i-ur, "$u"e @a)a%%an fr "4% crea(. Deci $utem $%ecaHC
4 3%eac. Mine $re+entai aut*riti.
4 In(e &i care aut*ritiH
4 !ut*riti%e Ee2eran.
Jmu% tra(u"e $entru cei%a%i &i (in n*u t*at %umea r"e. Mu%%a2u% b- #n bu+unar
$a&a$*rtu% &i ce%e%a%te (*cumente &i $%ec c%cn( a$"at, $%in (e im$*rtan. @r+i%e #% #n"*ir,
%un(u4% cu e%e &i $e a"u(atu% *fier.
4 Bei%a%i * $*rnir care #nc*tr*, #n a$aren fr int. Bi)a rma"er "4i $ri)ea"c,
"$ri,inii (e $erete, cu carabine%e mi%itare a-ate ne-%i,ent (e umr. B%(irea era f*arte fri-ur*a" &i
(e*"ebit (e -*a%.
4 !re #n mare m"ur (re$tate, &tiiH
@a)a%%an &i Mc')er $ri)ir #n ,ur. 7ra @e*r-e Ea%b*t (e %a !mba"a(a Aritanic, un brbat
"cun(, u"ci), (e cinci+eci &i cinci (e ani, #mbrcat #ntr4un $ar(e"iu -r*" &i $e ca$ cu * cciu%
ru"ea"c (e b%an. Sttea #n u&a bir*u%ui )ama%. Ln- e% "e af%a un brbat cam (e &ai+eci (e ani,
#na%t, %at #n umeri, cu *c2i (e un a%ba"tru $a%i(, f*arte (uri, cu mu"taa cenu&ie &i tun" "curt, ca &i
$ru%, #mbrcat *bi&nuit 4 fu%ar, $%rie &i un $ar(e"iu )ec2i.
!mn(*i fumau.
4 J, 2e%%*, @e*r-e, m bucur " te )(C @a)a%%an "e #n(re$t ctre e%, #ntin+n(u4i mna. 8%
cun*&tea (e ani (e +i%e, fu"e"er &i #n 'ran &i #n Ma%aKa, un(e %ucra"e Ea%b*t mai #nainte &i un(e S4@
a)ea (e a"emenea )a"te *$eraii (e (e"er)ire a e/$%*atri%*r $etr*%iere.
4 De cn( e&ti aiciH
4 D*ar (e cte)a minute. Ea%b*t "tri)i i-ara, tu&in( ab"ent.
4 ;e%%*, DuncanC 7i, -r*+a) bramburea%, nu4i a&aH
4 Da, a&a4i.
@a)a%%an arunc * $ri)ire "curt ce%ui%a%t brbat.
4 !2, #mi (ai )*ie " i4% $re+int $e (%. !rm"tr*n-H @a)a%%an #i "cutur mna.
4 ;e%%*, "$u"e, #ntrebn(u4"e un(e #% mai )+u"e &i cine era, m"urn(u4i cuttura ferm &i
c2i$u% a"$ru.
Binci+eci (e %ire $entru un na"ture ru$t c (ac4i american e (e %a B'!, "e -n(i.
4 De %a amba"a(H #ntreb ca (in #ntm$%are, ca " af%e.
Jmu% +mbi &i "cutur (in ca$.
4 .u, "ir.
8&i a"cui"e au+u%, (ar nu $utu " i(entifice accentu% 4 en-%e+e"c "au american. 3*ate fi &i
unu% &i a%tu%. Sau cana(ian, "e -n(i. 7 -reu (e "$u" (u$ (*u cu)inte.
4 Bu treburi *ficia%e $e4aiciH #ntreb Mc')er.
4 Da &i nu.
Ea%b*t "e #n(re$t cu $a&i mari ctre u&a care (ucea "$re $i"ta aer*$*rtu%ui, un(e "e af%a
$arcat ma&ina %ui Mc')er, #n(e$rtn(u4i (e urec2i i"c*(it*are.
4 De fa$t, #n c%i$a #n Mcare am au+it a$r*$in(u4"e react*ru% )*"tru, n*i, , ne4am -rbit
#nc*ace "$ern( c ai $utea " iei ni&te, , cum " +ic, ni&te mi"i)e $entru -u)ernu% Ma,e"tii
Sa%e. !mba"a(*ru% )4ar fi mai mu%t (ect recun*"ct*r. Dar, ei bine, am a,un" aici c2iar %a )reme ca
" ) )e(em a)i*nu% (ec*%n(. 3catC
4 !& fi bucur*" " ) a,ut *ricum, "$u"e @a)a%%an %a fe% (e #ncet. 3*ate mineH
V+u bru"c "c2imbu% (e $ri)iri (intre cei (*i brbai &i "e #ntreb #nc * (at ce i "e $rea a
nu fi #n re-u%.
4 7 cu $utin, (*mnu%e @a)a%%anH #ntreb !rm"tr*n-.
4 7 cu $utin.
@a)a%%an 2*tr# c era en-%e+, (e&i nu #n #ntre-ime. Ea%b*t +mbi &i tu&i fr " ba-e (e
"eam.
1GG
4 J " $%ecai cu "au fr a$r*bare iranian, $ermi" *ficia% "au $a&a$*rtH
4 7u... 2m... am #ntr4a(e)r * c*$ie a ace%ui (*cument &i un a%t $a&a$*rt. !m cerut *ficia%
unu% (e re+er) #n ca+u% unei a"tfe% (e e)entua%iti.
Ea%b*t *ft.
4 .e*bi&nuit, (ar #ne%e$t. J, a$r*$*, mi4a& (*ri tare mu%t * c*$ie a $ermi"u%ui (e ateri+are
*ficia% $e care4% ai.
4 3*ate c nu4i * i(ee att (e bun 4 *ficia%. .u $*i &ti nici*(at %a ce &ar%atanii $*t recur-e
unii *ameni #n +i%e%e a"tea.
Ea%b*t r"e, (u$ care +i"e0
4 Dac, ... $%eci mine, am a$recia f*arte mu%t (ac4ai fi att (e bun "4% iei $e (*mnu%
!rm"tr*n- cu (umneata, bnuie"c c !% S2ar-a+ e"te inta.
@a)a%%an &*)i.
4 7 * cerere *ficia%H Ea%b*t +mbi.
4 Jficia% ne*ficia%. Bu "au fr a$r*bare iranian, $ermi" "au fr.
4 7&ti $erfect #n(re$tit " #ntrebi a"ta. @arante+ c 2rtii%e (*mnu%ui !rm"tr*n- )*r fi #n
$erfect re-u%. !(u-, e)i(ent $entru a #nc2eia c*n)er"aia0 !&a cum att (e bine ai "ub%iniat, #n
+i%e%e n*a"tre unii *ameni nu cun*"c nici * m"ur cn( e )*rba (e &ar%atanii.
@a)a%%an ((u (in ca$.
4 ?*arte bine, (*mnu%e !rm"tr*n-. 7u am " fiu cu c$itanu% Mc')er. De$in(e (e (umneata
" (ai (e n*i. Be% mai (e)reme, 7ED ar fi aici #n ,ur (e cinci (u$4amia+a, (ar n4am " a&te$t (u$
(umneata. 74n re-u%H
4 Mu%ume"c, "ir.
@a)a%%an a"cu%t (in n*u atent, (ar t*t nu "e $utu 2*tr#.
4 @e*r-e, %a #nce$utu% (i"cuiei "$uneai (e $iticania ar*-ant M!re (re$tate, &tiiHM. Dre$tate
#n $ri)ina cuiH B acum trebuie " (e"c*$r &i " m $re+int cine &tie crei aut*riti necun*"cute
(in Ee2eranH
4 .u, c Aa>2tiar a (emi"i*nat &i "e4a"cun(e. !mn(*i brba ii rma"er cu -uri%e c"cate.
4 Sfinte Dumne+eu%eC 7&ti Si-urH
4 Aa>2tiar a (emi"i*nat *ficia% cu cte)a *re #n urm &i, f*arte #ne%e$t (in $artea %ui, a
(i"$rut.
V*cea %ui Ea%b*t era m*a%e &i ca%m, iar fumu% (e i-ar #i $uncta cu)inte%e.
4 De fa$t "ituaia a (e)enit (intr4* (at (e"tu% (e (e%icat. De aici &i... ... ne%ini&tea
n*a"tr #n $ri)ina 2m... cum " +ic... #n "fr&it, " %"m a"ta. .*a$tea trecut, 1efu% Statu%ui Ma,*r,
-enera%u% @2ara4Aa-2i, "$ri,init (e cei%a%i -enera%i, a *r(*nat tutur*r tru$e%*r " "e #nt*arc #na$*i
#n ca+rmi, (ec%arn( c f*re%e armate erau acum neutre &i $rin a"ta %"n(u4% fr a$rare $e
$rimu% %*r mini"tru %e-a% &i "tatu% #n mini%e %ui 62*meini.
4 .eutreH #% #n-n @a)a%%an ne#ncre+t*r. !"ta4i im$*"ibi%C im$*"ibi%, e ca &i cum "4ar
"inuci(eC
4 Sunt (e ac*r(, (ar e4a(e)rat.
4 B2ri"t*a"eC
4 De"i-ur, numai * $arte (in uniti "e )*r "u$une a%te%e )*r %u$ta, c*ntinu Ea%b*t. ?r
#n(*ia%, $*%iia &i S!V!6 nu "unt afectate, ei n4* " "e %a"e, (e&i bt%ia %*r )a fi $ier(ut $n %a
urm. 'n"2aX!%%a2, btrne, $n atunci )*m #n*ta #n "n-e $n= %a -enunc2i=, "tai %ini&tit.
Mc')er #ntreru$"e tcerea.
4 Dar (ac Aa>2tiar... a"ta nu4n"eamn c "4a terminatH S4a terminat, "$u"e (in ce #n ce mai
#nfierbntat, r+b*iu% ci)i% "4a terminat, "4i mu%umim D*mnu%ui $entru a"taC @enera%ii au *$rit
a(e)rata baie (e "n-e, cea mare. !cum $utem cu t*ii " re)enim #na$*i %a n*rma%. .eca+uri%e au
%uat "fr&itC
4 J2, nu, (ra-u% meu $rieten, "$u"e &i mai %ini&tit Ea%b*t, neca+uri%e abia au #nce$ut.
CAPITOLUL 2#
1G7
La "*n(a Ae%%i""ima: *ra G,3 "eara. !$u"u% (e "*are era "u$erb, n*rii ti)ii cu r*&u, ,*",
(ea"u$ra *ri+*ntu%ui, ceru% %im$e(e, curat, %uceafru% (e "ear "tr%ucit*r iar "ecera %unii ne&tirbit.
Dar era f*arte fri- ac*%*, %a $e"te $atru mii (e metri, &i (e,a "e #ntuneca"e ctre e"t, iar Fean4Luc
i(entifica"e cu -reu e%ic*$teru% care "e a$r*$ia.
4 Iite4% c )ine, @ianniC "tri- e% ctre "*n(*r.
!"ta a)ea " termine cea (e4a treia tur a %ui Sc*t @a)a%%an. E*at %umea4"*n(*ri, buctari,
muncit*ri, trei $i"ici &i $atru cini, inc%u"i) un canar a$arinn(u4i %ui @ianni Sa%ubri* 4 fu"e"er
(e,a tran"$*rtai #n "i-urana %a "*n(a 5*""a. 7/ce$ie fceau @ianni, 3ietr* &i a%i (*i *ameni care
#nc mai erau *cu$ai cu #nc2i(erea "*n(ei &i Mari* @uine$$a, care inu"e " rmn $n %a ca$t,
#n ciu(a in"i"tene%*r %ui Fean4Luc.
Fean4Luc $"tr un *c2i #n-ri,*rat #n(re$tat ctre tr*ianu% (e +$a( care atrna (ea"u$ra &i
care tr*"nea (in cn( #n cn(, fcn(u4% " "imt fi*ri $e &ira "$inrii. Bn( e%ic*$teru% "e #nt*r"e"e
$rima (at, t*at %umea # i inu"e r"uf%area, #n"$imntat (e +-*m*t, (e&i 3ietr* #i a"i-ura"e c
erau (*ar $a%a)re0 numai (inamita $utea " $*rnea"c * a)a%an& "au Dumne+eu. i atunci, ca &i
cum ar fi )rut " (*)e(ea"c c "e #n&ea%, tr*ianu% "e mi&ca"e (in n*u, (*ar $uin, (ar #n(ea,un" ca
" %e *$rea"c re"$iraia ce%*r care #nc mai rm"e"er %a "*n(e.
3ietr* #nc2i"e u%timu% #ntreru$t*r &i turbine%e -enerat*are%*r Die"e% #nce$u"er "4&i
#ncetinea"c r*taia. 8&i &ter"e *b*"it fruntea, %"n( $e ea * urm (e u%ei. 8% (ureau "$ate%e &i mini%e
(in $ricina $*+iiei &i a fri-u%ui, (ar $uu% era #nc2i" &i a"i-urat ct (e bine $utu"e. 9ri (ea"u$ra
$r$"tiei e%ic*$teru% #nce$n( * mane)r $ru(ent (e a$r*$iere.
4 S mer-em, "$u"e #n ita%ian ctre cei%a%i. .u mai $utem face a%tce)a $e4aici. .imic
a%tce)a (ect " aruncm (racu%ui #n aer ra2atu% %a care atrn (ea"u$ra n*a"tr.
Bei%a%i #&i fcur ner)*&i cruce &i $*rnir tr*$in( $rin +$a( ctre $%atf*rma
e%ic*$teru%ui, %"n(u4% "in-ur. 3ri)i #n "u" ctre crea"t.
4 3arc4ai fi )ie, murmur. In m*n"tru #m$uit -ata " "e r*"t*-*%ea"c ca " m4n-2it $e
mine &i "*n(a mea. Dar n4ai "4* faci, trfC
'ntr #n mica ma-a+ie (e (inamit &i %u ce%e (*u #ncrcturi (e e/$%*+ibi% $e care %e
$re-ti"e 4 &a"e bat*ane (e (inamit #n fiecare, %e-ate #n ,uru% unei ca$"e cu un fiti% (e trei+eci (e
"ecun(e. Le $u"e cu -ri, #ntr4* -eant mic, #m$reun cu * bric2et "i * cutie (e %umnri (e
re+er).
4 Sfnt ?eci*ar, "e ru- "im$%u, f ca b%e"temii%e a"tea " funci*ne+eC
4 3ietr*, 2ei, 3ietr*C
4 Vin, )inC 7 (e"tu% tim$C
!,un" afar, )+u faa a%b, ciu$it (e )r"at a %ui @ianni.
4 Be "e4ntm$%H
4 @uine$$a. Mai bine 2ai " )e+i.
Mari* @uine$$a +cea $e "$ate, 2*rcin( &i (n( *c2ii $e"te ca$. Fean4Luc "e af%a %n- $at,
inn(u4% (e #nc2eietura minii.
4 Aate cn( iute... cn( (e4abia $*t "4% "imt, "$u"e ne%ini&tit.
4 Mari* a trecut $rintr4un c*ntr*% me(ica% "eri*" acum $atru "$tmni. Be% anua%. Bar(i*4
-ram, t*tu%. ?*arte "eri*". ! ie&it $erfectC 3ietr* "cui$ $e $*(ea. D*ct*riiC
4 ! f*"t $r*"t c4a in"i"tat " rmn, "$u"e @ianni.
4 7% e &efu%, face ce4i $%ace. ;ai "4% $unem $e tar-a &i "4* %um (in %*c, a(u- -ra) 3ietr*.
.u mai $utem face nimic $entru e% aici. La (racu= cu (inamita. J "4* facem mine "au $*imine.
8% ri(icar cu -ri,, #% #nf&urar ca "4i fie ca%( &i4% tran"$*rtar afar (in ru%*t, $rin +$a(,
ctre e%ic*$teru% care4a&te$ta.
B2iar cn( a,un"er %n- $%atf*rm, munte%e -emu. 3ri)ir #n "u". 9$a(a &i -2eaa
#nce$ur " "e r*"t*-*%ea"c, $rin+n( )ite+. 8n cte)a "ecun(e, a)a%an&a "e $*rni"e #n f*r. .u era
tim$ " fu-. .4a)eau a%tce)a (e fcut (ect a te$te.
Mu-etu% cre"cu, +$a(a "e "cur"e (e $e munte &i $urt cu ea #n abi" * ru%*t &i unu% (intre
mari%e re+er)*are (e *e%. !$*i "e *$ri.
4 Mamma miaC *ft @ianni fcn(u4&i cruce. Bre(eam c ne4am (u" (e (ata a"ta.
1i Fean4Luc #&i fcu"e cruce.
1G8
Er*ianu% (e (ea"u$ra %*r $rea &i mai amenint*r. Mii (e t*ne a$%ecate (ea"u$ra a&e+rii,
$arte (in "u$rafaa "tnci%*r (e"c*$erit. 3a%e mici (e +$a(a c(eau c*ntinuu.
4 Fean4LucC
7ra @uine$$a. !)ea *c2ii (e"c2i&i.
4 .u... .u a&te$ta... Dinamitea+ acum... Erebuie, trebuieC
3ietr* "$u"e0
4 !re (re$tate. !cum "au nici*(atC Ee r*-... m "imt bine... mamma mia, f4* acumC Mi4e
bine.
!%er-ar ctre e%ic*$ter. Ear-a #nc$u (e4a curme+i&u% n*(u%ui (e "caune (in fa &i fu
%e-at re$e(e %a %*cu% ei.
Bei%a%i #&i $u"er centuri%e (e "i-uran. Fean4Luc urc #n car%in-, "e a&e+ $e "caunu% (in
"tn-a &i4&i $u"e c&ti%e.
4 74n re-u%, Sc*tH
4 ?*rmi(abi%, btrne. Be face @uine$$aH
4 .u $rea bine. Fean4Luc )erific in"trumente%e. E*tu% era $e )er(e a)eau #n(ea,un"
c*mbu"tibi%.
4 Mer(eC Bciu%a aia $*ate " "e %a"e #n fiecare c%i$, ai -ri, %a curenii (e aer, "4ar $utea "
fie (e"tu% (e ri &i4n "u" &i4n ,*"C !%%*n"4KC
Sc*t #i #ntin"e #nc * $erec2e (e c&ti care era %e-at #n reeaua %*r.
4 Iite, %e4am rac*r(at $entru 3ietr* ct tim$ am a&te$tat %a 5*"a. S i %e (ai cn( ne ri(icm.
.u $rea m "imt #n "i-uran aici.
4 D4i (rumu%C
Sc*t tra"e maneta (e -a+e &i ri(ic a$aratu% (e $e "*%, ((u $uin #na$*i, "e #nt*ar"e &i a,un"e
(ea"u$ra $r$a"tiei.
Bn( #nce$u urcarea, Fean4Luc "e "trecur $e"te "caun #na$*i #n cabin.
4 Iite, $une a"tea $e ca$, 3ietr*C !cum e&ti #n %e-tur cu n*i, #n fa.
4 Aun, f*arte bineC
3ietr* #&i a%e"e"e ce% mai a$r*$iat "caun (e u&.
4 Bn( #nce$em, $entru Dumne+eu, $entru "ntatea mea &i4a mamei ta%e, " nu ca+iC
3ietr* r"e ner)*". Fean4Luc "e mai uit * (at %a @uine$$a care $rea " "e "imt mai bine
acum, mer"e (in n*u #n fa &i4&i $u"e c&ti%e.
4 M4au+i, 3ietr*H
4 Si, "i, amic*C
7%ic*$teru% "e ri(ic "$ira%n(. !,un"e %a ace%a&i ni)e% cu crea"ta. Din ace"t un-2i, tr*ianu%
(e +$a( nu $rea att (e $ericu%*". 8nce$ur " "e %e-ene u&*r.
4 Irc #nc trei+eci (e metri, amic*, "e au+i #n c&ti &i mai "$re n*r(.
4 8ne%e", 3ietr*. Eu e&ti na)i-at*ru% acum, "$u"e Sc*t.
Bei (*i $i%*i "e c*ncentrar. 3ietr* %e art %*cu% 4 "$re c*a"ta (e n*r( 4 un(e (inamita
trebuia " taie "u$*rtu% nmete%ui &i " cree+e * a)a%an& care "4% #n(e$rte+e (e "*n(.
4 S4ar $utea " mear-, murmur Sc*t. Mai fcur un tur ca " "e4a"i-ure.
4 !mic*, cn( a,un-em %a trei+eci (e metri (ea"u$ra %*cu%ui %a, rmi a&a. !m " a$rin(
fiti%u% &i4am " arunc. Au*n*H
8n )*cea %ui "e $utea bnui un tremur.
4 .u uita " (e"c2i+i u&a, btrne, "$u"e "ec Sc*t.
8n %*c (e r"$un", au+ir un &u)*i (e in)ecti)e #n ita%ian. Sc*t +mbi, a$*i un curent (e aer
(e"cen(ent #% c*b*r# cinci"$re+ece metri mai #nainte (e a $utea c*recta. 8n minutu% urmt*r erau %a
a%titu(inea &i $*+iia $*tri)ite.
4 Aun, amic*, ine4% ac*%*C
Fean4Luc "e #nt*ar"e " $ri)ea"c. 8n "$ate%e %ui, #n cabin, cei%a%i "e 2*%bau fa"cinai %a
3ietr*. !ce"ta "c*a"e $rima 8ncrctur i tra"e (e fiti% ca "4% fac " "tea (re$t, fre(*nn( M!i(aM.
4 Sfnt ?eci*ar, 3ietr*, "$u"e @ianni, e&ti "i-ur c &tii ce faciH
3ietr* #&i "trn"e $umnu% "tn-, #% $u"e $e ce% (re$t, #n care inea (inamita, $e bice$"u% "tn-
&i fcu un -e"t e(ificat*r.
4 3re-tii4), ia (in faa, "$u"e #n %arin-*f*n &i4&i (e"c2i"e centura (e "i-uran.
1G9
Verific %*cu% (ea"u$ra cruia "e af%au, a$*i ((u (in ca$.
4 Aun. Dine4% a&a. @ianni, fii -ata cu u&a. De"c2i(e afuri"enia aia * i(ee &i eu fac re"tu%.
!$aratu% "e c%tina (in $ricina turbu%ene%*r (e aer. @ianni #&i (e"c2i"e centura &i mer"e $n
%a u&.
4 @rbe&te4te, "$u"e, "imin(u4"e f*arte ne"i-ur $e $ici*are, a$*i a(au- ctre ce% mai
a$r*$iat (intre $rietenii "i0 !$uc4te (e cureaua mea. De"c2i(e u&a, @ianni.
@ianni "e %u$t cu u&a &i * (e"c2i"e (e cte)a $a%me, tinn(4* a&a. E*i uita"er (e b*%na)u%
(e $e brancar(. In curent $uternic (e aer n)%i cu +-*m*t #n cabin. !$aratu% "e r"uci, )rte,u%
f*rmat (e u&a (e"c2i" cren(u4i (ificu%ti %ui Sc*t #n a4% c*ntr*%a. 3ietr* ri(ic fiti%u% &i #ncerc "
a$rin( bric2eta cu (e-etu% mare. .u reu&i.
5e$et (e cte)a *ri -e"tu%, (e fiecare (at mai ner)*".
4 Sfnt ?eci*ar, 2ai(eC
8nce$u"er " #i cur- $icturi (e "u(*are (e $e fa cn(, #n ce%e (in urm, bric2eta "e
a$rin"e. ?iti%u% $rin"e )ia, "cui$n( "cntei. inn(u4"e cu * mn, "e a$%ec "$re u&, biciuit (e
curenii (e aer. !$aratu% "%t &i amn(*i brbaii #&i (*rir " fi a)ut $re)e(erea (e a a(uce *
centur (e "i-uran "u$%imentar. Bu -ri,, 3ietr* arunc #ncrctura (e e/$%*+ibi% $rin
(e"c2i+tura u&ii. 'me(iat, @ianni trnti u&a &i4* #ncuie. !$*i #nce$u " #n,ure.
4 Lan"at b*mba, " $%ecmC *r(*n 3ietr* c%nnin( (in (ini (e fri- &i4&i %e- (in n*u
centura.
'me(iat e%ic*$teru% )ir, a$%ecn(u4"e #ntr4* $arte, &i e% fu att (e mu%umit c reu&i"e #nct
#nce$u " r(. Bei%a%i i "e a%turar i"teric. 3e f*n(u% )e"e%iei -enera%e, "e #nt*ar"er ca "
$ri)ea"c #n ,*" #n tim$ ce e% numra0
4 1a"e, cinci, $atru, trei, (*i, unu...
.u "e #ntm$% nimic. La fe% (e re$e(e cum i+bucni"e, r"u% "e t*$i.
4 !i )+ut4* c+n(, Fean4LucH
4 .u, n4am )+ut nimicC "$u"e #ntunecat france+u%, ne(*rin( " re$ete mane)ra. 3*ate a %*)it
* "tnc &i i4a "rit ca$"aC
Dar #n "inea %ui "$unea0 'ta%ian i(i*t, mnct*r (e "crb*&enii, nu e&ti #n "tare " %e-i cte)a
bat*ane (e (inamit %a un afuri"it (e fiti%.
4 J facem (in n*u, (aH
4 De ce nu, "$u"e #ncre+t*r 3ietr*. Det*nat*ru% a f*"t $erfectC Dia)*%u% a )rut " nu ia f*c.
Da, fr #n(*ia% "e #ntm$% (e mu%te *ri #n +$a(. De mu%te *ri. 9$a(a4i * trf &i nu $*i "
&tii...
4 .u (a )ina $e +$a(, 3ietr*C ! f*"t )*ia D*mnu%ui, nu a (ia)*%u%ui, "$u"e @ianni
"u$er"tii*", fcn(u4&i cruce. 3e "uf%etu% mamei, (e a,un" cu (ia)*%u% ct )reme "untem "u".
3ietr* %u a (*ua #ncrctur &i * e/amin cu -ri,. Srma care inea %e-ate bat*ane%e era tare
&i fiti%u% nu "e mi&ca.
4 Iite, )e+i, e $erfect. Ba &i cea%a%t.
J "%t (intr4* mn #n cea%a%t, a$*i * i+bi tare (e c*tiera f*t*%iu%ui ca " )a( (ac fiti%u%
"are (e %a %*cu% %ui.
4 Mamma mia, "$u"e unu% (intre *ameni, "imin(u4&i "t*macu% #nt*r" $e (*". 7&ti nebunH
4 !"ta nu4i ca nitr*-%icerina, amic*, r"$un"e 3ietr* &i i+bi &i mai tare. Iite, )e+iH 7 "trn"
bine.
4 .u a&a (e "trn" ca -aura meaC "$u"e furi*" @ianni #n ita%ian. J$re&te4te, $entru
Dumne+euC
3ietr* ri(ic (in umeri &i $ri)i afar $e ferea"tr. Brea"ta "e a$r*$ia. 3utea " )a( %*cu%
e/act.
4 3re-te&te4te, @ianni, a$*i #n %arin-*f*n0 D*ar #nc $uin, "i-n*r $i%*t, mai ctre e"t. Dine4%
a&a... Stai $e %*cC .u $*i "4% ii mai nemi&catH 3re-te&te4te, @ianniC
5i(ic fiti%u%, a$r*$in( bric2eta (e ca$tu% %iber.
4 De"c2i(e $ct*a"a aia (e u&C
.er)*", @ianni #&i (e"fcu centura (e "i-uran &i "e "u$u"e, a$aratu% "e r"uci &i e% i$ cn(
a%unec, i+bin( cu t*at -reutatea tru$u%ui #n u&, (e"c2i+n(4* %ar- &i a%unecn( #n afar. 8n" ce%
(in "$ate%e %ui #% inea (e curea &i rma"e atrnat $e mar-ine, $e ,umtate #nuntru, ,umtate #n afar,
170
)rte,u% (e aer tr-n( (e e%. 8n c%i$a #n care @ianni (e"c2i"e"e u&a, 3ietr* freca"e cu (e-etu% mare
$iatra bric2etei &i fiti%u% "e a$rin"e"e, (ar #n $anica ce4i cu$rin"e"e $e t*i, atenia #i fu abtut &i,
in"tincti), "e re$e+i"e &i e% "4% a$uce $e @ianni, iar (inamita #i c+u (in mn. 8i $ri)ir cu t*ii,
#nnebunii, aruncn(u4"e $e $*(ea, c&ti%e +burn(u4i "mu%"e (e $e urec2i, #ntin+n( unu% (in
"caune #ntr4* $arte &i4n a%ta (u$ cum a%uneca %e-tura (e (inamit, #n tim$ ce fiti%u% ar(ea )e"e%.
!$r*a$e %e&inat, @ianni "e a$uc "trn" cu * mn (e mneru% u&ii &i #nce$u " "e tra- #na$*i,
#nnebunit (e "$aim c cureaua %ui "e )a ru$e &i b%e"temn(u4"e c * $*art $e cea "ubire, (ruit
(e "*ia %ui (e Brciun. De-ete%e %ui 3ietr* atin"er (inamita. ?iti%u% "cnteie &i4i ar"e carnea, (ar e%
nu "imi (urerea. 8n&fac bine e/$%*+ibi%u% &i, #nc #ntin" $e $*(ea, "e +)rc*%i r"ucin(u4"e #n ,uru%
%ui, "e a- (e "u$*rtu% unui "caun &i arunc (inamita cu ce mai rm"e"e (in fiti%u% ar+n( $e
(ea"u$ra %ui @ianni, afar, a$*i #ntin"e mna %iber &i "e #nc%e&ta (e unu% (intre $ici*are%e
$rietenu%ui "u, a,utn(u4% " "e tra- #na$*i. Be%%a%t trnti u&a, * #nc2i"e &i cei (*i, 3ietr* &i
@ianni, "e $rbu&ir $e $*(ea unu% %n- ce%%a%t.
4 'a4% (e aici, Sc*t, "$u"e "%ab Fean4Luc. 7%ic*$teru% "e a$%ec $e4* $arte %"n( faa (e n*r(
a munte%ui %a trei+eci (e metri (e(e"ubt. 3entru un m*ment crea"ta rma"e %a fe% (e $ur, #n-2eat
&i nemi&cat.
Irm * e/$%*+ie uria& $e care nimeni (in e%ic*$ter n4* "imi "au au+i. 9$a(a "$ira% #n "u"
&i #nce$u " "e a&e+e, a$*i, cu un mu-et $uternic, #ntrea-a fa (e n*r( "e r*"t*-*%i #n ,*". !)a%an&a
c+u #n )a%e, "$n( #n c*a"ta munte%ui * bra+( (e $atru "ute (e metri %ime, $n cn( "e *$ri.
7%ic*$teru% "e r"uci.
4 Dumne+eu%e, uite, "$u"e Sc*t, artn( #n faa %*r.
Er*ianu% (e +$a( (i"$ru"e. Dea"u$ra "*n(ei Ae%%i""ima rm"e"e (*ar * $ant b%n(.
!&e+area era neatin", e/ce$tn( %*cu% #n care fu"e"er ru%*ta &i re+er)*ru% (e nm*%, %uate mai
(e)reme (e $rima a)a%an&.
4 3ietr*, "tri- Fean4Luc #nfierbntat, ai...
Se *$ri. 3ietr* &i @ianni "e af%au #nc $e $*(ea, #ncercn( " "e a(une, 3ietr* fr c&ti $e
ca$.
4 Sc*t, nu "e $*ate )e(ea (e %a fere"tre%e %*rC Du4te mai a$r*a$e &i #nt*arce4te ca " $*at
)e(ea &i ei.
8nfierbntat, Fean4Luc "e car #na$*i #n cabin &i #nce$u "4i tra- -2i*nturi %ui 3ietr*,
fe%icitn(u41. E*i "e uitar %a e% cu $ri)iri #nce*&ate &i cn( #ne%e"e"er ce "tri-a, #ncercn( "
ac*$ere ur%etu% m*t*are%*r, #&i uitar teama &i "e re$e+ir %a fere"tre &i atunci, )+n( ct (e $erfect
#n(e$rta"e e/$%*+ia $rime,(ia, %"ar " %e "ca$e un "tri-t (e bucurie. @ianni #% #mbri&a c%(ur*"
$e 3ietr*, ,urn(u4i )e&nic $rietenie, binecu)ntn(u4% $entru c %e "a%)a"e )iei%e &i "%u,ba.
4 .iente, car*, "$u"e 3ietr* e/$an"i). .u "unt eu (in !*"taH
Fean4Luc "e a$r*$ie (e tar- &i4% "cutur b%n( $e Mari* @uine$$a.
4 Mri*, 3ietr* a reu&itC '4a ie&it $erfect, Ae%%i""ima e4n "i-uranC
@uine$$a nu r"$un"e. Muri"e. .
MAR I 13 februarie 1979
CAPITOLUL 21
3e c*a"ta (e n*r( a munte%ui Saba%an: *ra 10 (imineaa. 7ra * n*a$te cu un fri- $trun+t*r
&i un cer %i$"it (e n*ri. J mu%ime (e "te%e, %una "tr%ucit*are. B$itanu% 5*"" &i cei (*i -ur>a #&i
cr*iau $ru(eni (rum $e "ub * crea"t, #n urma c%u+ei &i a a-entu%ui B'!. S*%(aii $urtau $e
(ea"u$ra unif*rmei "a%*$ete cu -%u-, a%be ca +$a(a, mnu&i &i %en,erie -r*a", (ar t*tu&i fri-u% #i
c2inuia. Se af%au %a a$r*a$e (*u mii $atru "ute (e metri a%titu(ine, mer-n( cu )ntu% #n fa ctre
inta %*r, af%at %a *$t "ute (e metri (e $artea cea%a%t a )er"antu%ui. Dea"u$ra %*r "e #n%a %a $e"te
$atru mii *$t "ute (e metri uria&a "i%uet c*nic a )u%canu%ui "tin".
4 Me"2-2i, ne *$rim &i ne *(i2nim, "$u"e a-entu% B'! #n turce&te ctre c%u+.
!mn(*i erau #mbrcai cu 2aine%e -r*"*%ane a%e triburi%*r (in muni.
4 Du$ cum i4e )*ia, a-a, a&a " fie.
171
B%u+a #i c*n(u"e #n afara crrii, $rin +$a(, #ntr4* mic $e&ter $e care nici unu% (intre
ei n4* *b"er)a"e. Jmu% era btrn &i )n*" ca un m"%in #m$*)rat (e ani, $r*" &i "ubiratic, cu
2aine%e +(renuite "i t*tu&i ce% mai #n $utere (intre t*i, (u$ a$r*a$e (*u +i%e (e urcu&.
4 Aine, "$u"e a-entu% B'!, a$*i ctre 5*""0 ;ai " ne4n-2e"uim aici $n ne4ntremm.
5*"" #&i ((u ,*" (e $e umr carabina, "e a&e+ &i4&i "$ri,ini u&urat rania (e $erete, "imin(
mii (e ace #n t%$i, c*a$"e &i "$ate.
4 E*t tru$u% mi4e numai ,un-2iuri, fir4ar a% naibii, "$u"e (e+-u"tat. 1i cic4a fi #n f*rmC
4 7&ti #n f*rm, "a2ib, "$u"e #n -ur>a%i, cu un +mbet, "er-entu% -ur>a, ce% cruia i "e "$unea
Een+in-. La urmt*area #n)*ire urcm $e 7)ere"t, aiH
4 3e m4taC #i r"$un"e 5*"" #n en-%e+ &i cei trei "*%(ai r"er #m$reun.
!$*i a-entu% "$u"e -n(it*r0
4 Erebuie " fie ce)a " "tai $e )rfu% munte%ui %a 5*"" #% )+u $ri)n( afar, #n n*a$te, %a
ce%e $e"te trei mii (e metri (e munte af%ate "ub ei. Bn( "e )+u"er $rima (at, %a %*cu% (e #nt%nire
(e %n- Aan(are 4 3a2%a)i, cu (*u +i%e #n urm, (ac nu i "4ar fi "$u" (inainte %4ar fi "*c*tit #n
$arte m*n-*%, ne$a%e+ "au tibetan, fiin( c *mu% a)ea $ru% ne-ru, * $ie%e -%buie &i *c2i, a"iatici i
era #mbrcat ca un n*ma(.
4 B*ntactu% tu (e %a B'! "e nume&te 5*"em*nt, Vien 5*"em*nt. 7 $e ,umtate )ietname+,
$e ,umtate american, #i "$u"e"e c*%*ne%u% (e %a B'! %a $re-tire. !re (*u+eci &i &a"e (e ani, e aici
(e un an, )*rbe&te far"i &i turce&te &i tat% %ui a f*"t a-ent &i $*i " te4ncre+i #n e% *rbe&te.
4 Se $are c )a trebui "4* fac, "ir, $n %a urm, nu cre(eiH
4 !2H J2... "i-ur, (a, cre( c (a. J "4% #nt%ne&ti %a "u( (e Aan(ar4e 3a2%a)i, %a
c**r(*nate%e a"tea: e% * " aib barca. J " inei c*a"ta $n4* " a,un-ei c2iar %a "u( (e -rania
"*)ietic &i (e4ac*%* * %uai %a $ici*r.
4 7% e c%u+aH
4 .u, e% e... a... ce% care &tie (e"$re Mecca 4 "ta e nume%e (e c*( $entru $*"tu% (e ra(ar.
S fac r*"t (e c%u+ e $r*b%ema %ui, (ar e% * " ) (uc. Dac nu4i ac*%*, a&te$tai t*at "mbta
n*a$tea. Dac nu4i ac*%* $n4n +*ri, e (ec*n"$irat &i )*i aban(*nai, *>aKH
4 Da. Be4i cu +)*nuri%e (e"$re in"urecia (in !+erbai(,anH
4 Din ce%e ce &tim, "unt ce)a %u$te #n Eabri+ &i #n $artea )e"tic, nimic #n ,uru% !r(abi%u%ui.
4 5*"em*nt ar trebui " &tie mai mu%te. .*i, 2m..., n*i &tim c "*)ieticii au ma"at tru$e &i
"unt $re-tii "a aci*ne+e (ac !+erbai(,anu% #i #n%tur $e "$ri,init*rii %ui Aa>2tiar. De$in(e (e
c*n(uct*rii %*r. Inu% (intre ei e !b(u%%a2 ;an. Dac (ai (e neca+, (u4te %a e%, e unu% (intre ai
n*&tri. L*ia%.
4 74n re-u%. 1i $i%*tu% "ta, B2ar%e" 3eti>inCH S +icem c n4* " ne ia...
4 B*n)in-e4% 4 #ntr4un fe% "au a%tu%. J$eraiunea a"ta a$r*bat $n "u" %a )rf, &i (e %a )*i &i
(e %a n*i, (ar nu $utem $une nimic #n "cri". !&a4i, A*bH=
Be%%a%t brbat af%at %a $re-tire, un anume 5*bert !rm"tr*n-, 4 nici $e e% nu4% mai #nt%ni"e
$n atunci 4 ((u"e (in ca$ afirmati)0
4 Da.
4 1i iranieniiH 7i %4au a$r*batH
4 7 * $r*b%em (e ... "ecuritate nai*na%, a )*a"tr &i4a n*a"tr. 1i a %*r, (ar ei, ... ei
"unt *cu$ai. Aa>2tiar... 7i, Aa>2tiar e"te... "4ar $utea " nu mai in $rea mu%t.
4 !tunci e4a(e)rat, State%e Inite fac curenieH
4 .u &tiu nimic (e a"ta, c$itane.
4 J u%tim4ntrebare0 (e ce nu ) trimitei *amenii )*&triH
8n %*cu% c*%*ne%u%ui r"$un"e"e 5*bert !rm"tr*n-0
4 Sunt t*i *cu$ai. .u $utem a(uce aici a%ii $rea re$e(e. .u cu antrenamentu% (umita%e, (e
e%it.
De"i-ur c "untem bine antrenai, "e -n(i 5*"" mi&cn(u4&i umerii b&icai (e cure%e%e
raniei. S ne crm, " "rim, " "c2iem, " #n*tm $e "ub a$, " uci(em tcut "au cu f*arte mu%t
+-*m*t, " ne mi&cm u&*r ca bri+a #n urma ter*ri&ti%*r "au a (u&mani%*r &i " aruncm t*tu% #n aer
(ac4i ne)*ie, (ea"u$ra &i "ub a$. Dar "unt a% (racu%ui (e n*r*c*" c am t*t ce )reau. Sntate,
"tu(ii, San(2ur"t, $ara&uti&ti, S!S &i c2iar iubii mei -ur>a". Le +mbi amn(ur*ra &i "$u"e #n
172
-ur>a%i, #ntr4un (ia%ect )u%-ar, * *b"cenitate care #i fcu " i+bucnea"c #ntr4* ca"ca( tcut (e r".
Vien 5*"em*nt &i c%u+a "e uitar %a ei.
4 V cer iertare, 7/ce%ene%*r, "$u"e #n far"i, %e "$uneam (*ar frai%*r mei "4&i m"*are
$urtri%e.
Me"2-2i nu "$u"e nimic, mu%umin(u4"e "4&i #nt*arc $ri)iri%e #na$*i #n n*a$te. 5*"em*nt
#&i "c*"e"e ci+me%e &i acum #&i ma"a $ici*are%e ca " &i %e (e+-2ee.
4 Ei$ii $e care i4am )+ut, *fierii en-%e+i, nu "unt $rieteni cu "*%(aii %*r. .u ca tine.
4 3*ate c4" mai n*r*c*" (ect a%ii.
Bu c*a(a *c2iu%ui, 5*"" urmrea c%u+a care "e ri(ica"e #n $ici*are &i "ttea acum %a
#ntrarea #n $e&ter a"cu%tn(.
Atrnu% (e)eni"e (in ce #n ce mai ner)*" #n u%time%e cte)a cea"uri. Bt (e mu%t $*t " m
#ncre( #n e%H "e #ntreb, a$*i arunc * $ri)ire iute ctre @uen af%at ce% mai a$r*a$e. Arbatu% ce%
"cun( #ne%e"e &i ((u u&*r (in ca$.
4 B$itanu% e (e4a% n*"tru, #i "$unea Een+in- %ui 5*"em*nt, $%in (e mn(rie. Ba &i tat% "u
&i bunicu% #naintea %ui 4 amn(*i au f*"t S2en-42an.
4 Be #n"eamn a"taH
4 7 un tit%u -ur>a, "$u"e 5*"" a"cun+n(u4&i mn(ria. 8n"eamn "t$n a% muni%*r. .u e
$rea mare %ucru #n afara re-imentu%ui.
4 Erei -eneraii #n aceea&i unif*rmC 7 ce)a *bi&nuitH
Si-ur c nu4i *bi&nuit, ar fi )rut "4i "$un, (ete"tn( #ntrebri%e cu caracter $er"*na%, (e&i #i
$%cea 5*"em*nt.
Aarca "*"i"e %a tim$ &i (rumu% #n "u"u% c*a"tei fu"e"e $arcur" iute &i "i-ur, ei "tn( a"cun&i
"ub "aci. La c(erea "erii a,un"e"er u&*r $e rm &i $n %a n*u% $unct (e #nt%nire, un(e4i a&te$ta"e
c%u+a. De4ac*%* re$e(e $n %a $ici*are%e (ea%u%ui &i4a$*i #n muni. 5*"em*nt nu "e $%n"e"e nici
* c%i$, -rbin(u4i #ntruna, )*rbin( $uin &i fr " $un nici una (in bara,u% (e #ntrebri %a care "e
a&te$ta"e.
5*"em*nt a&te$ta rb(t*r, b-n( (e "eam c 5*"" "e -n(ea %a a%tce)a. !$*i )+u
c%u+a ie&in( (in $e&ter, &*)in(, #nt*rcn(u4"e &i a&e+n(u4"e $e )ine, %a intrare, cu arma $e
-enunc2i.
4 Be "e4ntm$%, Me"2-2iH #ntreb.
4 .imic, a-a. 8n )a%e "unt turme. Ba$re &i *i.
4 Aine.
5*"em*nt "e "$ri,ini mai c*nf*rtabi% (e $erete. 7ra n*r*c*". Mare n*r*c c -"i"er $e&tera,
un %*c minunat (e *(i2n. 8i arunc * $ri)ire %ui 5*"" &i4% )+u uitn(u4"e %a e%. Du$ * $au+, +i"e0
4 7 mare %ucru " faci $arte (intr4* ec2i$.
4 Bare4i $%anu% (e4aici #nainteH
4 Bn( a,un-em %a intrarea $e&terii, * " ) c*n(uc. Eu &i bieii ti rmnei #n urm $n
cn( m a"i-ur (e t*ate. J>aKH
4 Bum )rei. Da= ia4% $e "er-entu% Een+in- cu tine, $*ate "4i a$ere "$ate%e. V4ac*$r eu $e
amn(*i, cu @uen-.
Du$ * $au+. 5*"em*nt #ncu)iin (in ca$.
4 Si-ur, $are * i(ee bun. 74n re-u%, "er-entH
4 Da. V r*- "4mi "$unei ce (*rii cu cu)inte "im$%e. 7n-%e+a mea nu e $rea bun.
4 7 (e4a,un", "$u"e 5*"em*nt, a"cun+n(u4&i ner)*+itatea.
1tia c 5*"" #% cntrea a&a cum #% cntrea &i e%, cci erau $rea mu%te #n ,*c. Erebuie (*ar "
aruncm Mecca #n aer, #i "$u"e"e (irect*ru% (e *$eraii. !)em * ec2i$ (e "$ecia%i&ti care * " te4
a,ute. .u &tim ct (e buni "unt, (ar "unt cei mai buni $e care4i $utem *bine. 1efu% e4un c$itan0
F*2n 5*"", uite4i f*t*-rafia, &i cu e% * $erec2e (e -ur>a. .u &tiu (ac )*rbe"c en-%e+a, (ar au a)ut &i
ei rec*man(ri. 7 *fier (e carier. !"cu%t, fiin( c n4ai mai %ucrat nici*(at #n(ea$r*a$e cu
en-%e+i, un mic a)erti"ment0 .u te a$r*$ia $rea tare, nu (e)eni $rea $rieten*", &i nu te -rbi "
f*%*"e&ti $renume%e $rea re$e(e. Sunt %a fe% (e "en"ibi%i ca * $i"ic #n c%(uri #n $ri)ina #ntrebri%*r
$rea $er"*na%e, a&a c ia4* #nceti&*r. J>aKH
4 Si-ur.
173
4 Din cte &tim n*i, * " -"e&ti Mecca -*a%. Be%e%a%te 3*"turi a%e n*a"tre (in a$r*$ierea
Eurciei "unt #nc *$erai*na%e. .e -n(im " rmnem ct (e mu%t $utem. 8ntre tim$, "$erm ca
&efu% " a,un- %a #ne%e-ere cu mec2erii cei n*ii, Aa>2tiar "au 62*meini. Dar Mecca... !furi"ii
tic%*&ii care ne4au b-at #ntr4un a"emenea ri"cC
4 Bt (e mareHC
4 Bre(em c4au $%ecat $ur &i "im$%u #n -rab, fr " (i"tru- nimic. !i f*"t ac*%*, $entru
Dumne+euC Mecca e $%in *c2i cu ,ucre%e u%tra"ecrete, a$arata, (e a"cu%tare, (e urmrire, ra(ar (e
mare (i"tan, cifru (e tran"mi"ie $rin "ate%it &i c*(uri &i c*m$utere, #n(ea,un" $entru ca $rea $uin
amabi%u% &ef a% 6@A, !n(r*$*), " fie a%e M3er"*na%itatea !nu%uiM 4 (ac $une mna $e e%e. 3*i "
cre+i una ca a"taH Eic%*&ii ia &i4au $u" $ur &i "im$%u c*a(a $e "$inareC
4 Er(areH
4 M #n(*ie"cC D*ar $r*"tie curat. '(i*iiC .4a e/i"tat nici mcar un $%an $entru "ituaii
critice %a Saba%an $entru Dumne+euC 1i (e a%tfe% nicieri #n a%t $arte. .u4i (e%*c )ina %*r, cre(.
.imeni (intre n*i nu &i4a #nc2i$uit c 1a2u% * "4* %a"e ba%t att (e re$e(e, "au c 62*meini * "4%
"trn- $e Aa>2tiar (e +ur-%i att (e iute. .4am $rimit nici un "emn, nici mcar (e %a S!V!6.
1i4acum trebuie " "trn-em re"turi%e, "e -n(i Vien. Sau mai c*rect, " %e4aruncm #n aer.
Se uit iute %a cea", "imin(u4"e f*arte *b*"it. 8ncerc " $rin( "emne%e n*$ii &i a%e %unii. Mai bine
mai "tm * ,umtate (e *r.
8% (ureau $ici*are%e &i ca$u%. 5*"" #% $ri)ea &i +mbi #n "inea %ui. 7u n4* " ce(e+, en-%e+u%e,
(a= tuH
4 J *r, (u$ aia $%ecm, "$u"e Vien.
4 De ce " mai a&te$tmH
4 J " ne a,ute %una mai bine. Suntem #n "i-uran aici &i a)em tim$. Di4e %im$e(e ce trebuie
" facemH
4 Mine+ t*tu% #n Mecca, ce4mi ari tu, arunc #n aer t*tu% &i4*(at cu a"ta &i intrarea $e&terii &i
* &ter-em ca ie$urii $n aca".
5*"em*nt +mbi &i "e "imi mai bine.
4 Be4n"eamn Mca"M $entru tineH
4 .u $rea &tiu, r"$un"e 5*"", %uat $rin "ur$rin(ere. .u4&i $u"e"e nici*(at #ntrebarea. Du$
un m*ment, a(u- mai mu%t $entru e% (ect $entru american0
4 3*ate Sc*ia, $*ate .e$a%. Eat% &i mama mea "unt #n 6atman(u, "unt %a fe% (e "c*ieni ca
&i mine, (ar %*cuie"c ac*%* (in =1, cn( "4a $en"i*nat e%. !m f*"t &i eu n"cut ac*%*, (e&i mi4am
fcut cea mai mare $arte a c*%ii #n Sc*ia. !mn(*u #n"eamn ca" $entru mine. Dar tuH
4 Qa"2in-t*n D.B. 4 (e fa$t ?ir"t B2urc2, Vir-inia, ce e"te a$r*a$e * $arte a Qa"2in-t*n4
u%ui. !c*%* m4am n"cut.
5*"em*nt tn,ea (u$ * i-are, (ar &tia ca ar fi f*"t $rime,(i*".
4 Eata %ucra %a B'!. !cum e m*rt, (ar #n u%timii ani ai )ieii a %ucrat #n a$r*$iere, %a Lan-%eK.
Bartieru% @enera% a% B'! e"te %a Lan-%eK.
7ra bucur*" c4a)ea $ri%e,u% " )*rbea"c.
4 Mama e #nc %a ?ir"t B2urc2. .4am f*"t ac*%* (e ci)a ani. !i f*"t )re*(at #n StateH
4 .u, nu #nc.
Vntu% "e #ntei"e $uin &i amn(*i cercetar un tim$ #ntunericu% n*$ii.
4 J " "%bea"c (u$ mie+u% n*$ii, "$u"e #ncre+t*r 5*"em*nt.
5*"" )+u c%u+a "c2imbn(u4&i (in n*u %*cu%. J "4* ru$ %a fu-H
4 !i mai %ucrat cu c%u+a &i mai #nainteH
4 Si-ur. !m btut t*i munii &tia cu e%, anu% trecut. !m $etrecut * %un aici. 5utin. J
mu%ime (intre a()er"ari "4au infi%trat $rin +*na a"ta &i #ncercm " %e %um urma 4 a&a cum fac &i ei.
5*"em*nt $ri)i c%u+a.
4 Me"2-2i e biat bun. 6ur+i%*r nu %e $%ac iranienii "au ira>ienii "au $rietenii n*&tri (e $e"te
-rani. Dar ai (re$tu% "4ntrebi.
5*"" trecu $e -ur>a%i.
4 Een+in-, *c2ii4n t*ate $ri%e &i $e c%u+. Mnnci mai tr+iuC
4 'me(iatC
Een+in- "e "trecur (in "ac &i (i"$ru #n n*a$te.
174
4 L4am trimi" (e $a+.
4 Aine, "$u"e 5*"em*nt.
8i urmri"e cu mu%t atenie #n tim$u% urcu&u%ui &i era f*arte im$re"i*nat (e fe%u% #n care
%ucrau #n ec2i$a, ac*$erin(u4"e unu% $e ce%%a%t, #nt*t(eauna unu% (intre ei inn( f%ancuri%e.
8nt*t(eauna &tiin( $arc ce trebuie " fac, fr *r(ine. 8nt*t(eauna cu $ie(ica armei tra".
4 .u4i cam $ericu%*"H #ntreba"e cine)a mai (e)reme.
4 Aa (a, (*mnu%e 5*"em*nt 4 (ac nu &tii ce faci, "$u"e"e en-%e+u% fr ar*-ana $e care "e4
a&te$ta "4* (e"c*$ere. Dar cn( fiecare c*$ac "au c*% "au b*%*)an $*ate a"cun(e (u&mani, (iferena
#ntre "i-ur &i ne"i-ur #n"eamn " uci+i "au " fii uci".
8&i aminti c ce%%a%t a(u-a"e, ne)in*)at0 MJ " facem t*t ce $utem ca " ) "$ri,inim &i "
) "c*atem (e4aiciM &i "e #ntreb (in n*u (ac )*r $utea " intre %"n( %a * $arte ie&itu%. Mecca
fu"e"e aban(*nat (e a$r*a$e * "$tmn, nimeni nu &tia %a ce " "e a&te$te cn( )*r a,un-e ac*%*,
$utea fi intact, (e,a -*%it "au c2iar *cu$at.
4 1tii c #ntrea-a *$eraiune e4* nebunieH
4 .u4i treaba n*a"tr " ne -n(im %a a"ta.
4 Ereaba n*a"tr4i (*ar " * facem "au " murimH Bam #m$uit treab.
4 1i eu cre( c4i #m$uit, (ac te4a,ut cum)aC ?u"e"e $rima (at cn( r"e"er %a*%a%t.
5*"em*nt "e "imi"e mu%t mai bine.
4 !"cu%t, n4am mai "$u"4* $n acum, (ar m bucur c "unt cu )*i trei #n -a&c.
4 .*i, , ne bucurm &i n*i c "untem aici. 5*"" #&i a"cun"e "tn,enea%a #n faa c*m$%imen4
tu%ui (irect.
4 !-a, "tri-a"e #n far"i ctre c%u+, te r*- -u"t (in mncarea n*a"trC
4 Mu%ume"c, a-a, (ar nu mi4e f*ame, r"$un"e btrnu% fr " "e mi&te (in -ura $e&terii.
5*"em*nt #&i tra"e ci+me%e.
4 !)ei mu%te uniti mi%itare #n 'ranH
4 .u, ,uma= (e (u+in. !ici #i $re-tim $e iranieni.
4 Bre+i c Aa>2tiar * " re+i"te mu%tH
8&i (e"c2i"e ruc"acu% &i #m$ri cutii%e (e c*n"er)e cu carne (e )it.
4 .u, umb% )*rba $rintre triburi c * "4* termine re$e(e, $r*babi% #m$u&cat, $n #ntr4*
"$tmn.
5*"" f%uier0
4 !&a (e ruH
4 Mai ru. B4n ce% mu%t un an !+erbai(,anu% * " fie un $r*tect*rat "*)ietic.
4 ?ir4ar a% (racu%uiC
4 Si-ur, (ar nu &tii nici*(at, +mbi Vien, a"ta face )iata intere"ant.
5*"" #i #ntin"e $%*"ca cu un -e"t ne-%i,ent.
4 Bea mai bun $rit*cea% iranian ce "e $*ate cum$ra.
5*"em*nt "e "trmb &i %u cu -ri, * #n-2iitur, a$*i "e %umin %a fa.
4 Sfinte 'i"u"e B2ri"t*a"eC Sc*tc2 a(e)ratC
Se $re-ti " tra- * (u&c +(ra)n, (ar 5*"" era atent &i #n&fac iute $%*"ca.
4 Bu -ri,, e t*t ce4a)em, a-aC
5*"em*nt rn,i. Mncar %a iuea%. 8n -r*t era * c%(ur $%cut &i "e "imeau bine.
4 !i f*"t )re*(at #n VietnamH #ntreb 5*"em*nt, "imin( ne)*ia " )*rbea"c, "imin( c
)eni"e )remea.
4 .u, nici*(at. !$r*a$e am a,un" * (at ac*%* cn( tata &i cu mine eram #n (rum "$re ;*n-
6*n-, (ar (e %a Sai-*n ne4am abtut "$re Aan->*>.
4 Bu -ur>aH
4 .u : a"ta a f*"t cu ani #n urm, (e&i acum a)em ac*%* un bata%i*n. !)eam... 5*"" "e -n(i
* c%i$. ... !)eam &a$te "au *$t ani. Eaic4meu a)ea ni&te %e-turi )a-i $rin ;*n- 6*n-, Dunr*"",
(a, a&a "e numeau &i erau un fe% (e a(unare a c%anu%ui. .u4mi aminte"c $rea mu%te (in ;*n- 6*n-
(ect un %e$r*" care +cea #n rn %n- (ebarca(eru% ferib*tu%ui. Erebuia " trec $e %n- e% #n
fiecare +i 4 a$r*a$e #n fiecare +i.
4 Eaica4meu a f*"t #n ;*n- 6*n- #n =G3, "$u"e Vien mn(ru. 7ra $e )remea aia (irect*r
a(,unct (e *ficiu B'!.
17
5i(ic * $iatr "i "e ,uca cu ea. 1tii c "unt $e ,umtate )ietname+H
4 Da. Mi4au "$u".
4 Be i4au mai "$u"H
4 D*ar c $*t " am #ncre(ere *arb #n tine. 5*"em*nt +mbi f*rat.
4 S "$erm c au (re$tate.
8nce$u "4&i )erifice cu f*arte mu%t -ri, carabina M 1G.
4 !m )rut mereu " )i+ite+ Vietnamu%. Eaic4meu ce% a(e)rat, a f*"t )ietname+. 3%antat*r.
! f*"t uci" c2iar #nainte (e4a m na&te. !"ta $e )remea cn( france+ii (eineau 'n(*c2ina. L4au
aran,at cei (in Viet B*n-, #n a$r*$iere (e Dien Aien ?u. Eri"teea i "e ri"i$i &i +mbi. Mama e t*t
att (e american ca &i Ai- Mac &i cn( "4a rec"t*rit a a%e" ca %umea. .ici un tat a(e)rat nu m4
ar fi $utut iubi mai mu%t.
@uen- ri(ic bru"c $ie(ica carabinei "a%e.
4 Sa2ibC
5*"" &i 5*"em*nt #&i #n&fcar arme%e, a$*i )ntu% a(u"e $n %a ei un &uierat a"cuit. 5*""
&i @uen- "e re%a/ar.
4 7 Een+in-.
Ser-entu% a$ru (in n*a$te %a fe% (e tcut cum $%eca"e. Dar acum a)ea c2i$u% #ntunecat.
4 Sa2ib, mu%te cami*ane $e (rumu% (e ,*".
4 8n en-%e+, Een+in-.
4 Da, "a2ib. Mu%te cami*ane, am numrat un"$re+ece, #n c*n)*i, $e (rumu% (e $e fun(u%
)ii.
5*"em*nt #n,ur.
4 Drumu% (uce %a Mecca.
4 Bt (e (e$arte erauH Arbatu% "cun( ri(ic (in umeriH
4 3e fun(u% )ii. !m mer" (e $artea cea%a%t a cu%mii &i ac*%* e...
5*"ti un cu)nt #n -ur>a%i &i 5*"" #i "$u"e ec2i)a%entu% #n en-%e+.
4 In $r*m*nt*riu. Drumu% (in )a%e "e r"uce&te ca un &ar$e cn( urc: (ac c*a(a &ar$e%ui e
#n )a%e &i ca$u% un(e)a un(e "e termin (rumu%, atunci $atru cami*ane trecu"er bine (e c*a(...
5*"em*nt #n,ur (in n*u.
4 J *r, #n ce% mai bun ca+. Mai bine ...
8n ace% m*ment "e au+ir +-*m*te #n)%m&ite &i atenia %*r +bur ctre -ura $e&terii. !bia
a)ur tim$ "a )a( c%u+a #n(e$rtn(u4"e #n fu-, urmat (e @uen-.
4 Be (racu=...C
4 Jricare ar fi m*ti)u%, "ta aban(*nea+ na), "$u"e 5*"". La"4%. J *r ne ( )re* &an"H
4 Si-ur, (e"tu%C
8&i "%tar %a iuea% ranie%e #n "$ate &i 5*"em*nt #&i #ncarc $i"t*%u% mitra%ier.
4 Be facem cu @uen-H
4 J " ne4a,un- (in urm.
4 J %um (e4a (re$tu%. 7u mer- $rimu%. Dac (au (e neca+, )*i * %"ai ba%t. J>aKH
?ri-u% era a$r*a$e ca * barier fi+ic $rin care ei trebuiau " "trbat. Dar 5*"em*nt #i
c*n(ucea bine, +$a(a nu era rea $e crarea &er$uit*are, %una ((ea * mn (e a,ut*r &i b*cancii (e
munte %e #n-(uiau " $&ea"c cu "$*r.
Erecur re$e(e (e crea"t &i #nce$ur c*b*r&u% $e $artea cea%a%t. !ici (rumu% era mu%t mai
a%unec*", c*a"ta munte%ui -*%a&, (*ar cte)a "m*curi (e buruieni &i ierburi ce "e %u$tau " "e ri(ice
(ea"u$ra +$e+ii. 8n faa %*r "e af%a -ura $e&terii. Drumu% $trun(ea (irect #n ea, iar #n +$a( "e
)e(eau mu%te urme (e cauciucuri.
4 !r $utea fi fcute (e cami*ane%e n*a"tre, "$u"e 5*"em*nt, a"cun+n(u4&i ne%ini&tea, n4a
nin" (e cte)a "$tmni.
Le fcu "emn ce%*r%a%i " a&te$te &i * $*rni #nainte, ie&i #n (rum &i a%er- ctre intrare.
Een+in- #% urma, a($*"ti(u4"e (u$ (eni)e%ri%e terenu%ui, mi&cn(u4"e %a fe% (e re$e(e. 5*"" #%
)+u $e 5*"em*nt (i"$rn( #n #ntuneric, a$*i $e Een+in-. .e%ini&tea %ui cre"cu. De un(e "e af%a nu
$utea )e(ea $rea (e$arte #n ,*"u% (rumu%ui $entru c nu (e$arte era * curb #n $ant abru$t0
Lumina $uternic a %unii fcea c*%ii (e "tnc &i )a%ea mu%t mai amenint*are &i "e "imi -*% &i
"in-ur, #nce$n( " ura"c a&te$tarea. Dar era #ncre+t*r.
17G
MDac ai -ur>a cu tine ai #nt*t(eauna * &an", fiu%e, "$unea tat% %ui. !$r4i &i ei *r " te
a$ere #nt*t(eauna. 1i nu uita nici*(at0 cu ce)a n*r*c, #ntr4* +i )ei fi "2en=2anM. 5*"" +mbi #n "inea
"a, $%in (e mn(rie. Eit%u% era (at, att (e rar, numai ce%ui cu care re-imentu% "e $utea mn(ri: care
e"ca%a(a (e unu% "in-ur un )rf im$*rtant (in .e$a%: care "e f*%*"i"e (e -u>ri &i "a%)a"e )ia a unui
-ur>a #n "er)iciu% Mare%ui 5a,. Aunicu% "u c$itanu% 6ir> 5*"", (ec*rat, uci" #n 191 #n bt%ia (e
$e S*mme, #% $rimi"e $*"t m*rtem. Eat% "u, %*c*tenent4c*%*ne%u% @a)in 5*"", &i e% (ec*rat, #%
$rimi"e #n Aurma #n 1943. 1i euH
7i bine, am e"ca%a(at un )rf im$*rtant 4 64 4 &i a"ta4i t*t, $n una a%ta, (ar am (e"tu% tim$.
Simuri%e "a%e "en"ibi%e #% a)erti+ar &i #&i "c*a"e >u>riu%, (ar era @uen-. Arbatu% ce%
mrune% "ttea a$%ecat (ea"u$ra %ui, re"$irn( -reu.
4 .u #n(ea,un" (e re$e(e, "a2ib, &*$ti )e"e% #n -ur>a%i. Ee4a& fi $utut a)ea cu4* c%i$ #n
urm.
5i(ic #n "u" ca$u% rete+at &i +mbi.
4 8i a(uc un (ar.
7ra $rimu% $e care4% )e(ea 5*"". !)ea *c2ii (e"c2i&i. @r*a+a #nc "trmba c2i$u%
btrnu%ui. @uen- %4a uci", (ar eu am (at *r(inu%, "e -n(i #n-re*&at. ?u"e"e (*ar un btrn "$eriat
(e m*arte care )r*i"e " "ca$e (intr4* #ncurctur ct tim$ "e mai $utea, "au era un "$i*n, un
tr(t*r, a%er-n( " ne tr(e+e (u&manu%uiH
4 Be4i, "a2ib, &*$ti @uen-, cu "$rncene%e #ncruntate.
4 .imic, $une4% ,*".
@uen- #% arunc #ntr4* $arte. Ba$u% "e r*"t*-*%i $uin #n ,*"u% $antei, a$*i "e *$ri.
4 L4am cutat, "a2ib, &i4am -"it a"ta. 8i ((u amu%eta.
4 !"ta4i atrna (e -t, iar a"ta 4 #i #ntin"e un "cu%e mic (e $ie%e 4 a"ta #i atrna %n- b*a&e.
!mu%eta era (*ar * $iatr a%ba"tr, ieftin, $urtat #m$*tri)a (e*c2iu%ui. 8n "cu%e "e af%a *
bucat mic (e cart*n, #nf&urat #n $%a"tic. 5*"" "e "tr(ui " (e"cifre+e &i "imi un -2im$e #n
inim. 8n c%i$a aceea )ntu% a(u"e (in n*u un &uierat, (ar $e un t*n (iferit. 'me(iat #&i ri(icar
arme%e &i4a%er-ar ctre -ura $e&terii, &tiin( c Een+in- %e ((u"e "emna%u% (e %iber trecere &i
t*t*(at %e ceru"e " "e -rbea"c.
8nuntru% ca)ernei #ntunericu% $rea &i mai $r*fun( i (u$ ce *c2ii %*r "e *bi&nuir cu e%,
)+ur * "cnteie (e %umin. 7ra * %antern cu becu% $aria% ac*$erit.
4 !ici, c$itaneC
De&i 5*"em*nt )*rbi"e #n &*a$t, )*cea %ui "trni un ec*u $uternic.
4 3e4aici.
8i c*n(u"e &i mai a(nc #n -r*t &i cn( fu "i-ur c t*tu% era #n re-u%, %" %umina "
"tr%ucea"c (e ,ur #m$re,ur $e $ereii (e $iatr, ca " "e $*at *rienta.
4 3utei f*%*"i %anterne%e.
3e&tera era imen" &i (in ea "e (e"$rin(eau * mu%ime (e tune%uri &i treceri, une%e natura%e,
a%te%e "$ate (e *m.
Ea)anu% $e&terii "e af%a %a )re* cinci+eci (e metri (ea"u$ra ca$u%ui.
4 !ici e"te +*na (e (e"crcare, "$u"e.
Bn( -"i tune%u% $e care #% cuta, #&i #n(re$t %anterna #n %un-u% %ui. La ce%%a%t ca$t "e af%a
* u& -r*a" (e *e%, #ntre(e"c2i".
4 !r trebui " fie #nc2i", &*$ti r-u&it. .u &tiu (ac4a f*"t %"at a&a "au a%tfe%, (ar ac*%*
trebuie " mer-em.
5*"" #i fcu "emn %ui Een+in-. 8ntr4* c%i$, >u>riu% a$ru #n mna %ui &i "*%(atu% trecu
#naintea %*r, (i"$rn( #nuntru.
!ut*mat, 5*"" &i @uen- *cu$ar $*+iii (efen"i)e. S ne a$rmH De cineH "e #ntreb 5*""
nea,ut*rat, "imin(u4"e #nc*%it. 8n *ricare (intre tune%uri%e a"tea ar $utea fi a"cun&i cinci+eci (e in&i.
Secun(e%e "e trau. Din n*u "e au+i &uieratu%. 5*"" * $*rni a%er-n( #n fruntea %*r, trecu (e u&,
urmat (e @uen- &i 5*"em*nt. J(at intrat, 5*"em*nt #% )+u $e Een+in- $*"tat #n a$r*$iere, #n
$*+iie (e ac*$erire. 8nc2i"e u&a (u$ e% &i a$rin"e becuri%e. Lumina nea&te$tat #i fcu $e cei%a%i "
tre"ar.
4 !%e%uia, "$u"e 5*"em*nt )i+ibi% u&urat. Mrimi%e +iceau c (ac -enerat*are%e #nc mai
funci*nea+, * " facem treab bun. I&a "e4nc2i(e ermetic.
177
8m$in"e %a %*cu% %*r +)*are%e -re%e &i #&i atrn %anterna (e centur. Se af%au #ntr4* a%t
$e&ter mu%t mai mic, a(a$tat "c*$u%ui 4 $*(eaua nete+it &i ac*$erit, $ereii ne#n(re$tai. 7ra un
fe% (e anticamer cu bir*uri &i te%ef*ane &i t*t fe%u% (e re"turi #m$r&tiate (e ,ur #m$re,ur.
4 Ei$ii (e4aici "e )e(e c n4au $ier(ut nici * c%i$ "4"i ia $ici*are%e %a "$inare, nuH "$u"e
amar, tra)er"n( -rbit #nc$erea ctre un a%t tune%, trecn( $rin e% #ntr4* a%t "a% cu &i mai mu%te
bir*uri, cte)a ecrane (e ra(ar i te%ef*ane cenu&ii &i )er+i.
4 Be%e -ri "unt $e intern. Ver+i%e (uc %a turn &i %a antene%e (e $e crea"t &i (e ac*%*, $rin
"ate%it, %a Ee2eran %a $rinci$a%a centra% (in amba"a( &i %a (iferite %*curi "trict "ecrete. 3*ate c ti$ii
(e %a tran"mi"iuni &i4au fcut t*tu&i treaba.
La ca$tu% ce%%a%t a% camerei mai era un tune%.
4 V%a (uce ,*", %a camera -enerat*are%*r "eciei "teia, care are t*t ec2i$amentu% $e care
trebuie "4% aruncm #n aer.
D*rmit*are%e, buctrii%e, cantina, ate%iere%e (e re$araii "unt #n a%te $e&teri, (inc*%* (e +*na
(e (e"crcare. !ici %ucrau a$r*a$e *$t+eci (e in&i, +i &i n*a$te.
4 Mai e )re* ca%e (e ie&it (e4aiciH #ntreb 5*"". Sen+aia (e c%au"tr*f*bie era mai "uf*cant
ca nici*(at.
4 Si-ur, #n "u", $e un(e * " ie&im.
Ere$te -r*"*%ane c*n(uceau ctre ta)anu% b*%tit. 5*"em*nt #nce$u " urce. 3e $%atf*rma
"crii "e af%a * u 0 M9J.V D7 M!O'MV S7BI5'E!E7. E57B757! '.E759'SV ?V5V
!IEJ5'9!D'7 S37B'!LVM. 1i acea"ta era (e"c2i".
4 DraceC m*rmi.
8nc$erea era bine fini"at, $*(eaua nete+it, $ereii (ai cu )ar. Du+ini (e c*m$utere &i
ecrane ra(ar &i ec2i$ament e%ectr*nic #n (u%a$uri *r(*nate: mu%te bir*uri, "caune &i te%ef*ane -ri &i
)er+i. 1i (*u (e cu%*are r*&ie, $e un bir*u centra%.
4 3entru ce4" a%eaH
4 Le-tura (irect cu Lan-%eK, $rintr4un "ate%it mi%itar.
5*"em*nt ri(ic rece$t*ru% unuia. 7ra m*rt. La fe% &i ce%%a%t. Sc*a"e * bucat (e 2rtie, "e
uit $e ea, a$*i "e uit %a un $an*u (e c*mutat*are &i umb% %a cte)a. L" #i "ca$e * *b"cenitate
cn( au+i u&*ru% +um+et. B*m$utere%e #nce$ur " c%nne, #nc%+in(u4"e, &i trei (intre ecrane%e
ra(ar "e i%uminar, iar %inia centra% a%b #nce$u " "e r*tea"c, %"n( #n urma ei un (e"en
a%ambicat.
4Eic%*&iiC Eic%*&ii au %"at t*tu% a&aC
De-etu% %ui #m$un"e ctre $atru ca%cu%at*are af%ate #n c*%uri...
4 !runcai4%e $e a"tea #n aerC Sunt inimaC @uen-C
4 Da, "a2ibC
@ur>a "c*a"e rania &i #nce$u " a&e+e $%a"ticu% &i (et*nat*are%e.
4 ?iti%e (e * ,uma= (e *r, "$u"e 5*"em*nt.
4 De4* ,uma= (e *r " fie.
5*"" "e 2*%ba fa"cinat %a unu% (intre ecrane. Btre n*r( $utea " )a( cea mai mare $arte a
Bauca+u%ui, iar ctre e"t #ntrea-a Ba"$ic, ba c2iar * $arte a Mrii $e-re, t*ate cu e/tra*r(inar
c%aritate.
4 J -rma( (e "$aiu (e i"c*(it.
5*"em*nt "e (u"e %a un $an*u &i #nt*ar"e un c*mutat*r. 3entru * c%i$ 5*"" rma"e ca
$r*"tit. 8&i (e+%i$i *c2ii (e $e ecran.
4 !cum #ne%e- (e ce "untem aici.
4 Si a"ta4i (*ar * $arte.
4 B2ri"t*a"eC Mai bine "4* tr*"nim. Be facem cu -ura $e&teriiHC
4 .4a)em )reme " facem * treab (ecent, iar (e $artea cea%a%t a u&ii e (*ar -un*i
*bi&nuit, $e care *ricum %4au furat. J " "ur$m tune%uri%e #n urma n*a"tr &i * " f*%*"im ie&irea (e
e)acuare.
4 In(e4i a"ta H
!mericanu% "e4n(re$t ctre * u&. 7ra #ncuiat, "c*a"e * -rma( (e c2ei, fiecare cu
$%cua ei, &i * a%e"e $e cea trebuit*are. I&a "e (e"c2i"e. 8n "$ate%e ei, un &ir (e tre$te #n-u"te urcau
abru$t #n "$ira%.
178
4.e "c*ate #n )rfu% munte%ui.
4 Een+in-, )e+i ca (rumu% " fie %iber. Een+in- $*rni " urce "cri%e (*u (e*(at.
4 3e urmH
4 Bamera cifru%ui &i "eifuri%e. J " %e minm. !$*i tran"mi"iuni%e. @enerat*are%e u%time%e.
J>aKH
4 Da.
Lui 5*"" #i $%cea acea"t 2*trre (in ce #n ce mai mu%t.
4 8nainte (e4a * face, arunc * $ri)ire %a a"ta. Sc*a"e micu% cart*n #n)e%it #n $%a"tic.
4 @uen- a a,un"4* $e c%u+a n*a"tr. !"ta era %a e%. B2i$u% %ui 5*"em*nt #&i $ier(u cu%*ri%e.
3e mica bucic (e cart*n "e af%a * am$rent, ce)a "cri" #n ru"e&te &i * "emntur.
4 In (*cument (e i(entitate, i+bucni e%. In (*cument (e i(entitate c*muni"tC
8n "$ate%e %ui, @uen- "e *$ri * c%i$.
4 !&a mi4am +i" &i eu. Be "$une, (e fa$tH
4 .u &tiu, nu &tiu nici eu ru"e&te, (a4mi $un )iaa c e un $ermi" (e %iber trecere.
In )a% (e -rea #i cu$rin"e "t*macu% cn( #&i aminti t*ate +i%e%e &i n*$i%e $e care %e
$etrecu"e #n t*)r&ia btrnu%ui, cutreiern( munii, (*rmin( a%turi (e e% "ub ceru% %iber,
"imin(u4"e #n "i-uran. 1i4n t*t tim$u% ace"ta fu"e"e "$i*nat. Scutur $r*"tit (in ca$.
4 Me"2-2i a f*"t cu n*i ani (e +i%e 4 era unu% (in ban(a %ui !%i bin ;a""an 6ara>*"e 4 !%i e
unu% (in &efii 5e+i"tenei &i unu% (intre ce%e mai bune c*ntacte a%e n*a"tre (in muni. In ti$ -r*+a),
care *$erea+ une*ri $n #n n*r(, %a Aa>u. 'i"u"e, $*ate c4a f*"t tr(at. Se uit (in n*u %a
(*cument. D*ar c nu4mi )ine " cre(C
4 Mie4mi )ine " cre( c am f*"t tra&i $e "f*ar cu bun4&tiin. .e4au m*mit, "$u"e 5*"".
3*ate c c*n)*iu% e * $arte (in a"ta, $%in cu "*%(ai care " ne urmrea"c. Mai bine ne4am -rbi,
eiCH
5*"em*nt ((u (in ca$, %u$tn(u4"e " (*mine "$aima care #% in)a(a"e, a,utat &i (e ca%mu%
ce%ui%a%t.
4 Da, ai (re$tate.
8nc +-u(uit, trecu $rintr4un mic $a"a, ctre * a%t u&. 8ncuiat. 8n tim$ ce cuta c2eia $e
ine%u% ce%*r%a%te, "$u"e0
4 8i (at*re+ ie &i *ameni%*r ti "cu+e. .u &tiu cum n*i... eu m4am %"at (u", "au cum a trecut
tic%*"u% "ta $rin )erificri%e (e "i-uran, (ar a fcut4* &i $r*babi% c ai (re$tate. .e4au aran,at.
8mi $are ru (ar.... La (racu=C !"ta n4a,ut nici ct ne-ru "ub un-2ie.
4 !,utC
5*"" rn,i i frica #i $r"i bru"c $e amn(*i.
4 J>aKC
4 J>aK. Mu%ume"c. Da, mu%ume"c. @uen- 14a uci"H
4 7%, "$u"e "ec 5*"". Mi4a a(u" ca$u% %ui. De *bicei, ei a(uc (*ar urec2i%e.
4 'i"u"eC 7&ti (e mu%t cu eiH
4 Bu -ur>aH De $atru ani.
B2eia a%unec #n #ncuiet*are &i u&a "e (e"c2i"e. Bamera cifru%ui era (e * *r(ine $e(ant.
Ee%e/ &i te%eim$rimat*are &i ma&ini (e c*$iat. 3e un bir*u "e$arat "e af%a a&e+at * im$rimant
ciu(at, cu $r*$ria ei ta"tatur.
4 !%a4i (ec*(ificat*ru%. Merit *rice "um ai )rea "4* ceri ce%*r%a%i.
3e ma" erau a%iniate crei*ane &i * ,umtate (e (u+in (e manua%e. 5*"em*nt %e ri(ic.
4 Sfinte Si"*eC
4 E*ate erau caiete (e cifru $e care "cria MM7BB!. 7/em$%ar unicM.
4 7i bine, ce% $uin c*(uri%e $rinci$a%e "unt #ncuiate. Se #n(re$t ctre "eifu% m*(ern, cu
#ncuiet*are e%ectr*nic cu afi&a, (i-ita% (e %a +er* %a n*u, #n-r*$at #ntr4unu% (in $erei, citi
c*mbinaia (e $e bucica %ui (e 2rtie &i atin"e cifre%e. Dar %umina nu "e a$rin"e.
4 3*ate am -re&it un numr. Bite&te4mi4%e tu.
4 Si-ur.
5*"" #nce$u " citea"c %un-a "erie (e numere. 8n "$ate%e %ui, Een+i- intr fr +-*m*t. .ici
unu% (intre brbai nu41 au+i. !$*i amn(*i "imir $re+ena "trin #n aceea&i c%i$ &i "e r"ucir
"curt, cu$rin&i (e $anic. Een+in- nu %" " i "e )a( $%cerea $e c2i$, &i4&i a"tu$ urec2i%e #n faa
179
)a%u%ui (e in)ecti)e $r*fanat*are. .u "$u"e"e S2en-= ;an "4i $re-tea"c fiu% &i "4% fac mai
#ne%e$t, mai $rice$ut #n a "e furi&a &i a uci(eH .u ,ura"e e% "4% a$ere &i "4i fie (a"c% tcutH
4 Dar, Een+in-, $entru nume%e %ui Dumne+eu, " nu af%e fiu% meu c i4am "$u"C S rmn
#ntre n*i acea"t tain.
De "$tmni #ntre-i fu"e"e f*arte -reu "4% $rin( $e "a2ib ne$re-tit, "e -n(i fericit. Dar
@uen- a reu&it #n n*a$tea a"ta &i4acum &i eu. 7 mu%t mai bine c am fcut4* n*i (ect (u&manu%,
care acum ne4nc*n,*ar ca a%bine%e matca.
4 Scara (uce #n "u", ca%e (e &a$te+eci &i cinci (e tre$te, $n %a * u& (e fier, "$u"e cu cea
mai bun )*ce *ficia% a "a. I&a e ru-init, (ar am f*rat4*. !far e * $e&ter, (inc*%* (e $e&ter e
n*a$tea. In bun (rum (e "c$are, "a2ibC Be nu4i bine e c (e4ac*%* am )+ut ca$u% c*n)*iu%ui.
?cu * $au+, ne(*rin( " -re&ea"c. 3*ate c a mai rma" ,umtate (e *r.
4 8nt*arce4te %a $rima u&, Een+in-, cea $e care am #ncuiat4*. Minea+ tune%u% (e $artea
acea"ta a u&ii, ca " %a&i u&a neatin". ?iti% (e (*u+eci (e minute. S$une4i %ui @uen- "4&i
$re-tea"c fiti%e%e %a aceea&i (urat. Din ace"t m*ment. S$une4i %ui @uen- ce i4am *r(*nat.
4 Da, "a2ibC
5*"" "e #nt*ar"e. Jb"er) "u(*area (e $e fruntea %ui 5*"em*nt.
4 J>aKC
4 Si-ur, am a,un" %a 103. I%time%e (*u numere "unt GG0 &i 31.
V+u (e-ete%e americanu%ui atin-n( cifre%e. Lumina )er(e #nce$u " c%i$ea"c. Mna
(rea$t a %ui 5*"em*nt "e #n(re$t "$re mner.
4 Stai a&aC
5*"" #&i &ter"e "u(*area (e $e *bra+ "imin( $erii aurii ai brbii nera"e +-rin(u4%.
4 Bre+i c4i )re* &an" " fie $u" )re* min4ca$canH
5*"em*nt "e 2*%b %a e%, a$*i %a "eif.
4 7 $*"ibi%... Si-ur, e $*"ibi%C
4 !tunci 2ai " aruncm #n aer "crb*&enia &i " nu ri"cm.
4 Erebuie, ... trebuie " )erific (ac $rinci$a%a carte (e c*(uri e #nuntru "au nu. !"ta &i
(ec*(ificat*ru% au $ri*ritate.
Din n*u $ri)i %umina care c%i$ea.
4 Du4te #na$*i #n cea%a%t camer, a($*"te&te4te cu @uen- &i "tri- cn( e&ti -ata. 7 treaba
mea.
5*"" e+it. !$*i ((u (in ca$ &i ri(ic amn(*u ranie%e cu e/$%*+ibi% &i (et*nat*are.
4 In(e4i camera tran"mi"iuni%*rH
4 I&a urmt*are.
4 Bamera -enerat*are%*r e"te im$*rtantH
4 .u, (*ar a"ta, (ec*(ificat*ru% &i ce%e $atru ca%cu%at*are (e ac*%*. De&i ar fi f*"t mai bine ca
t*t eta,u% "ta " "e (uc (racu%ui.
5*"em*nt #% urmri $e 5*"" #n(e$rtn(u4"e, a$*i #i #nt*ar"e "$ate%e &i "e uit (in n*u %a
mner. Simea * a$"are urt #n $ie$t. Eic%*"u% %a (e Me"2-2iC Mi4am $u" )iaa #n ,*c 4 t*i ne4
am $u"4*, c2iar &i !%i 6ara>*"e.
4 7&ti -ataH "tri- nerb(t*r.
4 !&tea$t.
Din n*u "t*macu% "u "e r+)rti. 5*"" a,un"e %n- e% fr " "e fac au+it, inn( #n mini *
c*ar( (e a%$ini"m (in nK%*n, %un- &i "ubire, $e care * %e- %a iuea% (e mner.
4 Era-e (e e% cn( #i "$un, (ar nu (e"c2i(e u&a. J "4* (e"c2i(em (e4ac*%*.
5*"" ie&i -rbit.
4 !cumC
5*"em*nt in"$ir a(nc, ca "4&i %ini&tea"c bti%e inimii, &i r"uci mneru% ctre $*+iia
MD7SB;'SM, a$*i * ru$"e %a fu- $rin tune% ctre cea%a%t $e&ter. 5*"" #i fcu "emn " "e %i$ea"c
(e $erete %n- e%.
4 L4am trimi" $e @uen- "4% a)erti+e+e $e Een+in-. @ataH
4 Si-ur.
180
5*"" #ntin"e c*ar(a, a$*i tra"e tare. B*ar(a rma"e #ntin". Era"e ce)a mai tare &i atunci
acea"ta ce( cam trei+eci (e centimetri, (ar nu mai mu%t. Ecere. .imic !mn(*i brbaii
tran"$ira"er.
4 7i bine, "$u"e 5*"" cu mare u&urare &i "e ri(ic. 3a+a bun trece $rime,(ia rea.
7/$%*+ia #i ac*$eri cu)inte%e, un n*r (en" (e $raf &i fra-mente (e meta% i+bucni (in c*ri(*r
#n $e&tera %*r, fcn( " %e )ibre+e $%mnii, #m$r&tiin( me"e &i "caune. E*ate ecrane%e (e ra(ar
e/$%*(ar, %umini%e (i"$rur, unu% (intre te%ef*ane%e r*&ii "e "mu%"e (e %a %*cu% %ui &i +bur (e4a
curme+i&u% camerei, i+bin(u4"e (e carca"a (e *e% a unui c*m$uter. Ere$tat, $rafu% "e a&e+, #n tim$
ce, #n #ntuneric, amn(*i brbaii tu&eau "4&i (ea "uf%etu%. 5*"em*nt fu $rimu% care #&i re)eni.
Lanterna %ui "e af%a #nc %a centur. A,bi (u$ ea.
4 Sa2ibC "tri- Een+in- ne%ini&tit, n)%in( #n #nc$ere cu %anterna #n mn &i @uen- a%turi.
4 74n re-u%, "$u"e 5*"", #nc tu&in( ne"t$nit. Een+in- ((u $e"te e% +cn( $rintre re"turi.
3e *bra+ #i cur-ea * (r "ubire (e "n-e, (ar era (*ar * ran "u$erficia% (e %a * bucat (e "tic%.
4 Ainecu)ntai fie +eii, "$u"e Een+in- &i4% a,ut " "e ri(ice.
5*"" "e %u$t " rmn #n $ici*are.
4 D*amne Dumne+eu%eC Se uit $r*"tit #n ,ur %a #ntre- (e+a"tru%, a$*i $*rni c%tinn(u4"e
(u$ 5*"em*nt $rin c*ri(*r, #n camera c*(uri%*r. Seifu% (i"$ru"e *(at cu (ec*(ificat*ru%, manua4
%e%e, &i te%ef*ane%e, %"n( * -aur uria& #n r*c. E*t ec2i$amentu% e%ectr*nic era (*ar * -rma(
(e buci r"ucite (e meta% &i "rm. '+bucni"er (e,a mici incen(ii.
4 'i"u"e, r*"ti 5*"em*nt.
!bia reu&ea "a articu%e+e 2rit cu)inte%e, a(nc r)&it #n "inea %ui (e a$r*$ierea bruta% a
m*rii, #n tim$ ce -n(uri%e ur%au0 ?u-i, "ca$ (in %*cu% ace"ta a% m*rii ta%eC
4 D*amne4Dumne+eu%e, mare afuri"enieC .e$utinci*", 5*"em*nt #ncerc " mai "$un ce)a,
.u $utu, $ici*are%e #% $urtar #ntr4un c*% &i ac*%* )*m "$a"m*(ic.
4 !cum e mai bine.
5*"" (e"c*$eri c4i era -reu " )*rbea"c, urec2i%e #nc #% (ureau, ca$u% era "t$nit (e4*
mi-ren m*n"tru*a", a(rena%ina "e re)r"a #n "n-e, #ncercn( " (*mine $r*$riu4i imb*%( (e4a *
ru$e %a fu-.
4 Een+in-, )*i ai terminatH
4 D*u minute, "a2ibC Jmu% * +bu-2i.
4 @uen-CH
4 Da, "a2ib. E*t (*u minute. 3%ec -rbit.
5*"" "e #n(re$t ctre ce%%a%t c*% &i icni. !$*i "e "imi mai bine. A,bi (u$ $%*"c &i bu
* #n-2iitur %un-. 8&i &ter"e -ura cu mneca b%u+ei (e camuf%a,, tra)er" #nc$erea &i #% "cutur $e
5*"em*nt care "ttea "$ri,init (e $erete.
4 'aC
8i ((u $%*"ca.
4 74n re-u%H
4 Da, "i-ur.
5*"em*nt "e "imea #nc ameit, (ar acum mintea %ucra. !)ea un -u"t amar #n -ur, "cui$
fiere #n $raf. Mici%e f*care (e incen(iu ar(eau, a-itn( umbre nebune&ti $e $erei &i $e ta)an. Lu
cu -ri, * #n-2iitur. Du$ un m*ment "$u"e0
4 .imic mai bun #n %umea a"ta ca "c*tc2u%, #nc * #n-2iitur &i4i ((u $%*"ca #na$*i.
4 !r fi bine "4* &ter-em (racu%ui (e4aici.
!,utat (e %umina %anternei, "c*t*ci $rintre re"turi, -"i rm&ie%e c*nt*r"i*nate a%e att (e
im$*rtantu%ui (ec*(ificat*r &i4&i cr*i cu -ri, (rum ctre urmt*area 3e&ter, a&e+n( re"turi%e %n-
#ncrctura af%at %a ba+a unuia (intre ca%cu%at*are%e (in c*%.
4 Be nu4ne%e-, "$u"e ne$utinci*", e"te (e ce n4a "rit #n aer t*at afuri"enia cu n*i cu t*t, cu
t*ate e/$%*+i)e%e #m$r&tiate #n ,urH
4 8nainte (e a m #nt*arce cu funia &i a4% trimite $e @uen- (u$ Een+in-, i4am "$u" "4
n(e$rte+e t*ate e/$%*+ibi%e%e &i (et*nat*are%e. !&a, $entru "i-uran.
4 Ee -n(e&ti #nt*t(eauna %a t*ateH
5*"" +mbi *b*"it.
4 ?ace $arte (in "%u,b. Eran"mi"iuni%e.
181
Bamera fu minat %a re$e+ea%. 5*"em*nt tra"e cu c*a(a *c2iu%ui %a cea".
4 J$t minute $n= %a e/$%*+ie. J " %"m -enerat*are%e.
4 Aun. Een+in-, ia4* #nainte.
3*rnir #n "u" $e "cri. B2e$en-u% (e fier "crii &i "e (e"c2i"e. J(at a,un&i #n n*ua -r*t,
5*"" $re%ua c*n(ucerea.
3recaut, "crut cu -ri, #ntunericu% n*$ii &i #m$re,urimi%e. Luna era #nc "u" $e cer. La trei
"au $atru "ute (e metri (e$rtare, cami*nu% (in frunte urca u%tima $ant.
4 8nc*tr*, VienH #ntreb.
5*"em*nt "e "imi #nc%+it.
4 8n "u", "$u"e, $"trn( c%(ura #n e%. IrcmC Dac "*%(aii )in (u$ n*i, %"m ba%t rmu%
&i ne4n(re$tm "$re Eabri+. Dac nu )in, *c*%im &i ne4nt*arcem $e un(e am )enit.
Een+in- $*rni #n frunte. 7ra ca * ca$r (e munte, (ar a%e-ea ca%ea cea mai u&*ar, &tiin( c
cei (*i brbai erau #nc f*arte +-u(uii. !ici $anta era abru$t, (ar nu $rea (ifici%, cu $rea $uin
+$a( ca "4i #m$ie(ice. !bia $*rni"er cn( $mntu% "e cutremur "ub ei &i au+ir "unetu%
a$r*a$e c*m$%et #nbu&it a% $rimei e/$%*+ii. La "curte inter)a%e (e tim$ urmar &i a%te mici
cutremure.
8nc una, #&i "$u"e 5*"em*nt, bucur*" (e fri-u% care4i %im$e+ea ca$u%. I%tima e/$%*+ie 4
camera tran"mi"iuni%*r, un(e f*%*"i"er t*t e/$%*+ibi%u% rma" 4 fu mu%t mai $uternic &i cutremur
#ntr4a(e)r $mntu%. De(e"ubt &i ctre (rea$ta %*r, * $arte (in munte "e $rbu&i &i fumu% &ni (in
crateru% f*rmat.
4 B2ri"t*a"eC murmur 5*"". 3r*babi% * -ur (e )enti%aie.
4 Sa2ib. Iite ,*" ac*%*C
Bami*nu% (in fa "e *$ri"e %a intrarea #n $e&ter. Din e% "reau brbai, #n tim$ ce a%ii "e
2*%bau #n "u" ctre crea"ta munte%ui, %uminai #n $%in (e faruri%e cami*ane%*r (in "$ate. E*i a)eau
carabine. 5*"" &i cei%a%i "e cufun(ar mai a(nc #n umbr.
4 J " urcm $n %a crea"t, "$u"e #n &*a$t 5*"em*nt, artn( #n "u" &i ctre "tn-a. J "
fim #n afara ra+ei %*r (e )e(ere &i bine a($*"tii. !$*i ne4n(re$tm ctre Eabri+, a$r*a$e ctre e"t.
7 *>aKC
4 Een+in-, (4i (rumu%.
4 Da, "a2ib._
!,un"er %a crea"t &i trecur $e"te ea ca " urce (in n*u, cr*in(u4&i (rum ctre e"t fr "
)*rbea"c, $"trn(u4&i ener-ia $entru c mai erau mu%i, mu%i >i%*metri (e mer". Eerenu% era
acci(entat &i +$a(a %e #n-reuna mer"u%. 8n curn(, mnu&i%e a,un"er ni&te +(rene, inimi%e &i
$ici*are%e "e um$%ur (e ,u%ituri, t%$i%e #nce$ur "4i (*ar, (ar, nemai fiin( inc*m*(ai (e ranie%e
-re%e, a)an"au re$e(e &i a)eau m*ra%u% ri(icat. !,un"er %a una (intre crri%e care tra)er"au munii.
De cte *ri crarea "e bifurca, a%e-eau #nt*t(eauna $artea care a$uca "$re #n%imi. 8n )i erau "ate,
f*arte $uine, #n" nu $e #n%imi.
4 Mai bine " rmnem "u", "$u"e"e 5*"em*nt, &i " "$erm c nu (m $e"te nimeni.
4 Bre+i c $e4aici ar $utea fi (u&maniH
4 Si-ur. .u e numai un inut cu *rientare antim*nar2i"t, (ar &i anti462*meini, MantiM
*ricine. 5*"em*nt r"uf%a -reu. De ce%e mai mu%te *ri, fiecare "at %u$t #m$*tri)a ce%*r%a%te &i e un
inut minunat $entru ban(ii.
8i fcu "emn %ui Een+in- " * ia #nainte, recun*"ct*r %unii care %e %umina ca%ea &i ce%*r trei
c "e af%au cu e%. Een+in- inea $a"u%, (ar era un $a" (e muntean, m"urat &i fr -rab, c*n"tant.
Du$ * *r $re%ua c*n(ucerea @uen-, a$*i 5*"". 5*"em*nt &i (in n*u Een+in-. La fiecare *r (e
mer", trei minute (e *(i2n, a$*i (in n*u %a (rum.
Luna c*b*r# "$re *ri+*nt. Se (e$rta"er * bun bucat (e (rum &i mer-eau mai u&*r,
#nce$n( " c*b*are munte%e.
Brarea &er$uia, (ar c*n(ucea "$re e"t, ctre * ra)in (e$rtat, cu * f*rm curi*a". 5*"e4
m*nt * recun*"cu.
4 F*", #n )a%e, e un (rum "ecun(ar care mer-e %a Eabri+. 3e )reme (e iarn e (*ar ce)a mai
mu%t (ect * crare, (ar "e $*ate mer-e $e e%. ;ai "4* inem a&a $n4n +*ri, a$*i " ne *(i2nim &i "
facem un $%an. J>aKH
182
!,un"er %a %inia c*$aci%*r &i %a %i+iera $(uri%*r (e $ini mer-n( mu%t mai #ncet, re"imin(
*b*"ea%a. Een+in- era #nc #n frunte. 9$a(a am*rti+a "unetu% $a&i%*r &i aeru% curat, $r*a"$t #i fcea
$%cere. Aru"c, "imi $rime,(ia &i "e *$ri. 5*"" era c2iar #n "$ate%e %ui &i "e *$ri &i e%. 5ma"er cu
t*ii nemi&cai, a&te$tn(. !$*i 5*"" #naint $ru(ent.
Een+in- "cruta #ntunericu% (in fa, (in care %una cr*ia umbre ciu(ate. ?r -rab, amn(*i
brbaii #&i f*%*"eau +*ne%e $eriferice a%e retinei. .imic. .ici un +-*m*t, nici un mir*". !&te$tar.
3uin +$a( c+u (e un(e)a, (intr4un c*$ac. .ici * a%t mi&care. !$*i * $a"re (e n*a$te $r"i *
crean- #n faa %*r &i ctre (rea$ta &i "e4n(e$rt cu +-*m*t. Een+in- art #n (irecia aceea, #i fcu
"emn %ui 5*"" " a&te$te, #&i tra"e cu * mi&care a%unec*a" >u>riu% (in teac &i #nainta "in-ur,
t*$in(u4"e #n n*a$te.
Du$ ci)a metri, Een+in- +ri %a cinci+eci (e metri #n faa %ui un brbat #ntin" #n "$ate%e
unui c*$ac &i "imi "n-e%e #nc%+in(u4i4"e #n )ine. Bn( a,un"e mai a$r*a$e, #&i ((u "eama c
ce%%a%t nu4i "imi"e $re+ena. Se a$r*$ie &i mai mu%t. !$*i )+u cu c*a(a *c2iu%ui * umbr
mi&cn(u4"e #n "tn-a, a%ta %a (rea$ta &i atunci #ne%e"e.
4 !mbu"ca(C "tri- (in "trfun(u% rrunc2i%*r &i $%*n,a %a a($*"t.
3rimu% )a% (e -%*ane trecu $e %n- e% fr "4% nimerea"c. J $arte (in a% (*i%ea #i -uri
$%mnu% "tn-, "mu%-n(u4i * $arte (in "$inare &i i+bin(u4% (e trunc2iu% unui c*$ac c+ut. !%te
arme (e"c2i"er f*cu% $e $artea *$u" a crrii, -%*ane%e &uiern( $e %n- 5*"" &i cei%a%i (*i care
&ni"er %a a($*"tu% c*$aci%*r &i )ir*a-ei. J )reme, Een+in- +cu ac*%* ne$utinci*". 3utea " au(
f*curi%e (e arm, (ar i "e $reau (e$arte, (e&i &tia ca trebuiau " fie #n a$r*$iere. Bu un u%tim imen"
ef*rt, "e "%t #n $ici*are &i a"a%t arme%e care4% uci"e"er. V+u * $arte (intre cei care4i ataca"er
#nt*rcn(u4"e ctre e% &i au+i -%*ane%e &uiern( #n ,uru% %ui, une%e -urin(u4i -%u-a. Inu% #i trecu
$rin umr, (ar nu4% "imi, mu%umit c murea a&a cum "e c(ea " m*ar brbaii (in re-iment0
#naintn( netemt*ri. 8ntr4a(e)r, nu4mi e"te team, "unt 2in(u" &i mer- mu%umit "4% #nt%ne"c $e
S2i)a, iar cn( )*i rena&te am " m r*- %ui Ara2ma, Vi"2nu &i S2i)a " m na"c (in n*u -ur>a.
Bn( a,un"e #n rn(uri%e atacat*ri%*r, $umna%u% "au rete+ brau% cui)a, $ici*are%e #i ce(ar,
* %umin ne#nc2i$uit, *rbit*are, #i e/$%*( #n ca$ &i e% $&i #n m*arte fr (urere.
4 J$rii f*cu%C "tri- 5*"".
5eu&in( "4&i )in #n fire, a(un frne%e bt%iei #n mini%e %ui. '(entifica"e (*u -ru$uri (e
f*c, (ar n4a)ea cum " a,un- %a )reunu% (in e%e. L*cu% ambu"ca(ei fu"e"e bine a%e", iar f*cu%
#ncruci&at era uci-t*r. 8% )+u"e $e Een+in- c+n(. 8i trebui"e t*at $uterea )*inei "a%e " nu "e
(uc #n a,ut*ru% %ui, (ar mai #nti trebuia c&ti-at bt%ia &i trebuiau a$rai cei%a%i. 8m$u&cturi%e
"trneau ec*uri (u$ ec*uri #n muni. Se "cutur (e rani, -"i -rena(e%e, "e a"i-ur c trecu"e
$ie(ica $e f*c aut*mat, #nc ne&tiin( cum "4i c*n(uc afar (in ca$can. !$*i #% )+u $e Een+in-
ri(icn(u4"e #n $ici*are cu un "tri-t (e %u$t &i $*rnin( %a atac c%tinn(u4"e, #n "u"u% $antei,
cren( (i)er"iunea (e care a)ea ne)*ie. 8i *r(*n ime(iat %ui 5*"em*nt0
4 !c*$er4mC
'ar %ui @uen-0
4 Du4teC artn( #n fa ctre ace%a&i -ru$ $e care Een+in- #% ataca.
@uen- &ni ime(iat (in )ir*a-a %ui &i "e arunc a"u$ra ce%*r%a%i, a cr*r atenie fu"e"e
(i"tra" (e Een+in-. Bn( #&i )+u camara(u% (*b*rt, furia #% n$(i, ((u (rumu% %e)ieru%ui
-rena(ei, * a+)r%i #n mi,%*cu% %*r &i "e arunc #n +$a(. 8n c%i$a #n care -rena(a e/$%*( era (e,a #n
$ici*are, #m$r*&cn( cu carabina #n (irecia i$ete%*r, $unn( ca$t mu%t*ra (intre e%e. V+u un *m
i$n( &i un a%tu% #ncercn( (i"$erat " "e tra"c "ub tufi uri. J i+bitur a >u>riu%ui rete+ * $arte
(in ca$u% ce%ui ce "e tra. J rafa% "curt #% (e"$ic $e ce%%a%t &i (in n*u @uen- "e r"uci
aruncn(u4"e %a a($*"t, ne&tiin( (e un(e a)ea " )in iar $rime,(ia.
J a%t e/$%*+ie (e -rena( #i #n(re$t atenia ctre cea%a%t $arte a crrii. 5*"" "e tr"e
#nainte (in a($*"tu% "u. 8% #nc*n,ura"er -%*ane%e, (ar 5*"em*nt #nce$u"e " tra- rafa%e "curte,
atr-n( f*cu% a"u$ra %ui, (n(u4i a,ut*ru% (e care a)ea ne)*ie, &i e% reu&i " a,un- #n "i-uran %a
urmt*ru% c*$ac, -"i * a(ncitur #n +$a( &i "e %" " ca( #n ea. 3entru * "ecun( a&te$t,
a(unn(u4&i $uteri%e, a$*i &ni $e +$a(a #n-2eat ctre %*cu% (e un(e "e tr-ea. 7ra a"cun" )e(erii
atacat*ri%*r &i #i trebui f*arte $uin tim$. !$*i au+i e/$%*+ia ce%ei%a%te -rena(e &i i$ete%e &i "e ru-
ca @uen- &i Een+in- " fie teferi. ?*cu% (u&mani%*r "e a$r*$ia &i cn( 2*tr# c "e af%a #n $*+iia
$*tri)it, "c*a"e cuiu% $rimei -rena(e &i, cu carabina #n mna "tn-, trecu $e"te cu%mea ri(icturii.
183
8n c%i$a #n care a,un"e %a %*c %iber, )+u *amenii, (ar nu un(e "e a&te$ta"e. 7rau cinci, abia %a
(*u+eci (e metri (e$rtare. 3u&ti%e %*r "e #n(re$tar "$re e%, (ar ref%e/e%e %ui erau ce)a Mmai ra$i(e
&i fu $e burt #n "$ate%e unui c*$ac cu %e)ieru% -rena(ei e%iberat, numrn(, mai #nainte ca $rima
rafa% " i+bea"c #n %emn. 8n cea (e4a $atra "ecun( a numrt*rii "e #ntin"e $e (u$ trunc2i &i
arunc cu b*%t -rena(a ctre ei, #n-r*$n(u4&i ca$u% "ub bra. 7/$%*+ia #% "%t (e %a $mnt,
"frm #n buci trunc2iu% unui c*$ac af%at #n a$r*$iere, #n-r*$n(u4% "ub cren-i &i +$a(. 8n ,*"u%
crrii, 5*"em*nt #&i -*%i"e #ncrct*ru% #n (irecia un(e cre(ea c erau atacat*rii, #n,urn(
ne%ini&tit, #nfi$"e un n*u #ncrct*r &i mai tra"e * rafa%. Dinc*%* (e crare, $e cea%a%t $ant
-2emuit #n "$ate%e unui b*%*)an, @uen- a&te$t ca cine)a " mi&te.
Ln- c*$acu% "frtecat (e e/$%*+ie )+u un *m #n(e$rtn(u4"e #n fu-, a$%ecat (e mi,%*c.
Jc2i &i *mu% muri #n ec*u% #m$u&cturii. Irm tcerea. 5*"em*nt #&i "imea inima -a%*$n(
nebune&te. .u mai $utea "4a&te$te.
4 !c*$er4m, @uen-, "tri- &i &ni #n $ici*are, a%er-n( ctre c*$ac.
Sc%i$irea unui f*c (e arm #n (rea$ta %ui, un -%*nte &uiern( $e %n- e%, a$*i @uen-
(e"c2i"e f*cu% (e $e $ant. In i$t -%-it &i rafa%a #ncet. 5*"em*nt a%er- #nainte $n cn( "e
tre+i #n mi,%*cu% am$%a"amentu%ui ambu"ca(ei, cu carabina %a &*%(. Erei *ameni +ceau "frtecai #n
buci, u%timu% $e m*arte, cu arme%e #n(*ite &i r"ucite. E*i $urtau #mbrcmintea -r*"*%an a
triburi%*r n*ma(e. 8n tim$ ce4i $ri)ea, u%timu% (intre ei icni &i muri. Se #nt*ar"e &i a%er- ctre
ce%%a%t c*$ac, tr-n( #ntr4* $arte cren-i%e, cr*in(u4&i (rum $rin +$a( ctre 5*"". 3e c*a"ta
munte%ui @uen- a&te$t, $n(in( ca " uci( t*t ce mi&ca. 8n "$ate%e b*%*)anu%ui, $rintre re"turi%e
ce%*r trei tru$uri $e care -rena(a %ui %e "frteca"e, mi&c u&*r ce)a. !&te$t abia re"$irn( , (ar era
(*ar * "%bticiune a $(urii ce ie&i"e (u$ 2ran.
Burn( au " curee %*cu%, &i are " re(e)in ca #nainte, #&i +i"e, cu$rin" (e )eneraie #n faa
#ne%e$ciunii +ei%*r. Mtur #ncet %*cu% cu $ri)irea. 8% )+u $e Een+in- $rbu&it $e * $arte a $ietrei,
cu $umna%u% #nc "trn" #n $umn.
8nainte " $%ec * "4% iau, #&i +i"e. ?ami%ia %ui * "4% cin"tea"c, iar fiu% %ui * "4% $*arte cu
aceea&i cin"te. Een+in- S2en-= ;an a trit &i a murit ca un brbat &i )a rena&te (u$ cum *r 2*tr#
+eii. 6armaC
!%t mi&care #n fa, #n $(ure. Se c*ncentra a"u$ra ei. De cea%a%t $arte a crrii, 5*"em*nt
tr-ea (e cren-i cu brae%e #nc*r(ate (urer*", %u$tn(u4"e " %e #n(e$rte+e. 8n ce%e (in urm a,un"e
%a 5*"" &i inima a$r*a$e4&i *$ri bti%e. 5*"" era $rbu&it %a $mnt cu brae%e (ea"u$ra ca$u%ui &i
carabina a%turi. 9$a(a &i "$ate%e "a%*$etei erau $tate (e "n-e. 8n-enunc2e &i4% #nt*ar"e cu faa #n
"u" &i a$r*a$e i$ (e u&urare c #nc mai re"$ira. 3entru cte)a c%i$e #% $ri)i cu *c2i -*i, a$*i
#ne%e-erea re)eni #n ei, "e ri(ic #n $ici*are &i c%i$i.
4 Een+in- &i @uen-H
4 Een+in- a #nca"at4*. @uen- e $e $artea ai%a%t. .e ac*$er. 7 teafr.
4 S%a) D*mnu%ui... Srmanu% Een+in-.
4 Verific4i brae%e &i $ici*are%e.
@ri,u%iu, 5*"" #&i mi&c membre%e. 3reau " fie #ntre-i.
4 M (*are a% (racu%ui ca$u%, (ar #n re"t "unt #n re-u%.
!runc * $ri)ire #n ,ur &i )+u atacat*rii $rbu&ii %a $mnt.
4 Bine4" &tiaH
4 .*ma+i, ban(ii, $*ate.
5*"em*nt cercet (rumu% #nainte. .ici * mi&care. .*a$tea $rea minunat.
4 !r ti bine "4* &ter-em (racu%ui (e4aici #nainte ca " mai "ar &i a%i tic%*&i %a n*i. Bre+i c
$*i mer-eH
4 Da. La"4m cte)a c%i$e "4mi re)in.
5*"" #&i frec faa cu * mn (e +$a(. 5cea%a ei #% a,ut.
4 Mu%ume"c. 8ne%e-iH Mu%ume"c. 5*"em*nt +mbi.
4 ?ace $arte (in "%u,b, "$u"e cu * "trmbtur.
8&i #nt*ar"e $ri)irea "$re n*ma+i. Se #n(re$t ctre ei mer-n( f*arte a$%ecat &i cut $e un(e
$utea. .u -"i nimic.
4 3*ate %*ca%nici "au (*ar ban(ii. Eic%*&ii &tia $*t fi f*arte cru+i (ac te $rin( #n )ia.
5*"" ((u (in ca$ &i4% "trfu%-er un a%t "$a"m (urer*".
184
4 !cum mi4e bine, cre(. !r fi bine "4* &ter-em. ?*curi%e (e arm cre( c "4au au+it (e %a
>i%*metri. 1i "ta nu4i %*cu% un(e "4i $ier+i )remea.
5*"em*nt )+u"e -rima"a (e (urere.
4 S mai "tm $uin.
4 .u, m "imt mai bine (ac mer-.
5*"" #&i a(un $uteri%e, a$*i "tri- #n -ur>a%i0
4 @uen-, $%ecmC
8nce$u " "e ri(ice #n $ici*are. Se *$ri cn( un &uierat "curt, )e"tin(u4i $rime,(ia, #i
r"$un"e.
4 La $mntC icni &i4% tra"e $e 5*"em*nt cu e%.
In "in-ur -%*n (e arm )eni (in n*a$te &i4% a%e"e $e 5*"em*nt, #n-r*$n(u4"e #n $ie$tu%
%ui, rnin(u4% m*rta%. !$*i "e au+ir f*curi (e $e $artea cea%a%t a $antei, un i$t &i (in n*u tcere.
Du$ un tim$ @uen- i "e a%tur %ui 5*"".
4 Sa2ib, cre( c "ta a f*"t u%timu%C $n una4a%ta.
4 Da.
!&te$tar a%turi (e Vien 5*"em*nt $n cn( muri, a$*i fcur ceea ce trebuia $entru e% &i
$entru Een+in- &i (u$ aceea $*rnir mai (e$arte.
CAPITOLUL 22
Aa+a mi%itar aerian '"fa2an: *ra ,40 (imineaa. Btre r"rit, #ntunericu% n*$ii #nce$ea "
fie ri"i$it (e %umina +*ri%*r. Aa+a era %ini&tit, nu "e )e(ea nimeni $rin ,ur, cu e/ce$ia @r+i%*r
'"%amice #narmate care, #m$reun cu mii (intre %*cuit*rii '"fa2anu%ui &i c*n(u&i (e mu%%a2i, %ua"er
ba+a cu a"a%t cu * +i #n urm &i acum * "t$neau, t*i "*%(aii &i *fierii (e a)iaie &i au/i%iarii
c*n"emnai #n barci%e %*r "ub $a+, "au %iberi, trecui $e fa (e $artea %ui 62*meini &i a re)*%uiei.
Santine%a 5e%a+i a)ea *$t"$re+ece ani &i era f*arte mn(ru (e ban(er*%a )er(e (e $e bra &i
(e fa$tu% c era (e "tra, in faa barcii #n care era #nc2i" tr(t*ru% -enera% Va%i> &i fami%ia %ui,
$rin&i cu * +i #n urm, a"cun&i #n $*$*ta *fieri%*r %a*%a%t cu $i%*tu% "trin, a-ent B'!. !%%a2 e mare,
"e -n(i. Mine )*r fi trimi&i #n 'a(, #m$reun cu t*i *amenii necurai ai Minii Stn-i.
De -eneraii, cei (in fami%ia 5e%a+i fu"e"er ci+mari &i a)u"e"er * mic (u-2ean #n )ec2iu%
ba+ar (in '"fa2an. Da, #&i +i"e. !m f*"t ba+aari $n cu * "$tmn #n urm, cn( mu%%a2u% n*"tru
m4a c2emat $e mine &i $e t*i cre(inci*&ii, " $urtm r+b*iu% %ui !%%a2. Mi4a (at " $un $e bra
"emnu% %ui !%%a2 &i $u&ca a"ta &i mi4a artat cum "4* f*%*"e"c. Bt (e minunate "unt %ucrri%e %ui
!%%a2C
Se tr"e"e %a a($*"tu% barcii, ferit (e btaia +$e+ii, (ar fri-u% ume( #% $trun(ea, (e&i
$urta t*ate 2aine%e $e care %e a)ea $e %umea a"ta0 un tric*u -r*", * cma& (in $n+ a"$r $e
(ea"u$ra, * 2ain &i $anta%*ni cum$rai %a mna a (*ua, un $u%*)er )ec2i &i * "tr)ec2e manta
mi%itar, care $e )remuri a$arinu"e tat%ui "u. 8&i "imea t%$i%e am*rite.
4 ?ac4"e )*ia %ui !%%a2, "$u"e tare &i "e "imi mai bine.
Jr " m "c2imbe curn( &i4a$*i am " mnnc iar&i. 3e !%%a2, "*%(aii trie"c ca ni&te
a(e)rate $a&a%e0 cei $uin (*u me"e #n fiecare +i 4 una cu *re+, #nc2i$uie&te4i 4 &i4" $%tii #n
fiecare "$tmn. 3%ata Satanei (ar t*tu&i $%at... ?u "cuturat (e * tu"e rea, &uiert*are. 8&i "c2imb
carabina american $e ce%%a%t umr, -"i #n bu+unar mucu% (e i-ar $e care #% $"tra"e &i4% a$rin"e.
3e 3r*fetu% %ui !%%a2, "e -n(i )e"e%, cine &i4ar fi $utut #nc2i$ui c )*m $utea %ua ba+a att (e u&*r,
cu att (e $uini m*ri #n rn(uri%e n*a"tre, trimi&i #n 3ara(i" mai #nainte ca " #i $utem c*)r&i $e
"*%(aii (e %a $*art &i " n)%im #n tabr, fraii n*&tri (inuntru b%*cn( $i"te%e cu cami*ane &i
cei%a%i $unn( mna $e a)i*ane &i e%ic*$tere ca " #m$ie(ice $e tr(t*rii "%u,it*ri ai 1a2u%ui "
"ca$e cu fu-a. Lun( #n $ie$t -%*ane%e (u&manu%ui cu nume%e %ui !%%a2 $e bu+e, am "tri-at0
!%turai4) n*u, frai%*rC !%turai4) re)*%uiei %ui !%%a2C !,utai %a #m$%inirea %ucrrii %ui !%%a2C
Venii #n 3ara(i"C .u mer-ei #n 'a(C
Enru% #nce$u " tremure &i $*rni " murmure cu)inte%e "$ate #n mintea %ui (e (u+ini (e
mu%%a2i recitn( B*ranu%, a$*i tra(ucn(0 M!c*%* " +ac #n )eci, cu t*i $ct*&ii &i #ntru t*ate
b%e"tematu% 3*$*r a% Minii Stn-i, fr " -u"te nici mncare, nici butur, a%ta (ect a$ c%*c*tit
18
"au fier t*$it, "au $utre+iciuni. 1i cn( f*curi%e 'a(u%ui %e )*r ar(e cu t*tu% $ie%ea, %e )a cre&te una
n*u, a"tfe% ca "uferina %*r " nu ia )re*(at "fr&it.
8nc2i"e *c2ii "ub inten"itatea ru-ciunii0 M? " m*r cu unu% (intre nume%e %ui !%%a2 $e
bu+e%e me%e, &i (4mi a"tfe% $utina " mer- (re$t #n @r(ini%e 3ara(i"u%ui, a%turi (e t*t 3*$*ru%
Minii Dre$te: " a("t ac*%* )e&nic: " nu mai "imt )re*(at f*amea, " nu mai )a( fraii &i
"ur*ri%e (in "at cu $ntecu% umf%at %unecn( #n m*arte "cncin(, " nu mai $%n- nici*(at n*a$tea
(e ruti%e )ieii &i " fiu #n 3ara(i"0 #ntin&i $e (i)ane (e mta"e, #n)e&mntai #n 2a%ate (e mta"e
)er(e &i "%u,it*are tinere $r*a"$ete ca f%*ri%e $rim)erii, $urtn( cu$e, bere &i $*ca%e (in care "e
re)ar" )inu%, -u"tn( (in fructe%e $e care %e (*rim &i carnea $"ri%*r $e care %e4*m $*fti. 1i a%e
n*a"tre )*r fi 2urii%e cu *c2ii mari &i #ntunecai ca $er%e%e a"cun"e #n c*c2i%ia %*r, )e&nic tinere,
)e&nic feci*are, $rintre c*$aci umbr*&i #ncrcai (e fructe, %n- a$e "u"urn(e, fr " #mbtrnim,
)e&nic tineri...==
3atu% armei #i $u%)eri+a na"u% &i #i "$ar"e *a"e%e fe ei, "c2i%*(in(u4% $entru t*t(eauna, fr
"4% uci(. 8nainte (e a% trnti %e&inat #n +$a(. !tacat*ru% %ui era un "*%(at (e aceea&i )r"t cu e% &i
ace"ta ri(ic #n -rab carabina &i cu a,ut*ru% ei "$ar"e #ncuiet*area u&ii fira)e &i * trnti (e $erete.
4 @rbii4), &*$ti e% tran"$irat (e team. 'me(iat -enera%u% Va%i> #&i "c*a"e $recaut ca$u%
afar. Enru% #% a$uc (e bra0
4 ;ai(ei, -rbii4), $e !%%a2C
4 !%%a2 " te fericea"c, "$u"e Va%i> c%nnin( (in (ini.
Se re$e+i #na$*i &i "e #nt*ar"e cu (*u -rme+i uria&e (e ria%i $e care tnru% #i #n-2e"ui #n
b%u+a "a (e camuf%a, &i (i"$ru %a fe% (e tcut $recum "*"i"e. @enera%u% &*)i * c%i$, cu inima
btn( nebune&te. V+u arma #n +$a( &i * ri(ic, * #ncarc &i &i4* trecu $e"te umr, a$*i #n&fac
"er)ieta (i$%*mat, binecu)ntn(u4% $e !%%a2 c re)*%ui*narii fu"e"er $rea -rbii cn( #%
cerceta"er ca " (e"c*$ere fun(u% fa%" mai #nainte (e a4% arunca ac*%* #n a&te$tarea #ntrunirii
tribuna%u%ui.
4 Du$ mine, &*$ti $*runcit*r fami%iei: (ar, #n nume%e %ui !%%a2, nu facei +-*m*tC Irmai4
m cu atenieC
8&i #nf&ur mai bine 2aina #n ,uru% %ui &i * $*rni #n frunte $rin +$a(. S*ia %ui, !nn*u"2,
fiu% "u (e *$t ani, Fa%a%, &i fiica "a, Setarem, (e &a"e, &*)ir * c%i$ #n u&. E*i $urtau c*"tume (e
"c2i. !nn*u"2 $urta $e (ea"u$ra i * b%an (e nurc $e care @r+i%e '"%amice * (i"$reui"er
bat,*c*rit*are ca * #ntruc2i$are a 3catu%ui.
4 3"trea+4*, #i "$u"e"er +ef%emit*ri, numai a"ta &i te c*n(amn.
8n cur"u% n*$ii "e bucura"e (e c%(ura $e care i4* *feri"e, "tn( -2emuit #n ea $e $*(eaua
(e $mnt (in baraca ne#nc%+it, inn(u4&i c*$iii %a $ie$t.
4 ;ai(ei, (ra-i%*rC &*$ti, #ncercn( " nu4i #n"$imnte.
Eru$u% "antine%ei care -emea u&*r #ntin" #n +$a( %e tia ca%ea.
4 Mam, (e ce (*arme #n +$a(H #ntreb #n &*a$t fetia.
4 La" a"ta, (ra-a mea, " ne -rbimC De acum #nainte, nici un "unetC
3&i tcut $e"te e%. ?etia nu reu&i &i trebui " $un $ici*ru% $e e% &i "e4m$ie(ic,
#ntin+n(u4"e ct era (e %un- #n +$a(, (ar nu i$. Sri #n $ici*are, a,utat (e frate%e ei. 8m$reun,
mn #n mn, "e (e$rtar -rbii. Va%i> #i c*n(u"e cu $ru(en. Bn( a,un"er %a 2an-aru% un(e
era a($*"tit e%ic*$teru%, r"uf% ce)a mai u&urat. Se af%au %a * (i"tan bun (e tabra $rinci$a%, (e
cea%a%t $arte a en*rmei $i"te (e (ec*%are. !"i-urn(u4"e c #n a$r*$iere nu "e af%au "antine%e,
a%er- $n %a e%ic*$ter &i "e uit #n cabin. S$re en*rma "a u&urare, nici ac*%* nu (*rmea )re*
"antine%. 8ncerc u&a. .u era #ncuiat. J (e"c2i"e fcn( ct mai $uin +-*m*t cu $utin &i f%utur
(in mn ctre cei%a%i. ' "e a%turar #n tcere. 8i a,ut " urce &i "e "trecur (u$ ei, tr-n( u&a &i
#ncuin(4* $e (inuntru. !ran, %a iuea% c*$iii ct mai c*nf*rtabi% $e ni&te $turi "ub "caune,
ateni*nn(u4i " nu4&i fac "imit $re+ena *rice "4ar #ntm$%a. !$*i "e a&e+ %n- "*ia %ui, # i
#nf&ur * $tur #n ,uru% umeri%*r $entru c #i era f*arte fri- &i * a$uc (e mn. 3e *bra,ii femeii
cur-eau %acrimi.
4 !i rb(are, nu $%n-eC .4* " mai (ure+e mu%t, &*$ti, mn-in(4*. .u trebuie " mai
a&te$tm mu%t. 'n"2a =!%%a2.
4 'n"2a=!%%a2C r"$un"e ea ca un ec*u, (ar t*ata %umea a4nnebunit. .e4au aruncat #ntr4un
2ambar #m$uit ca $e ni&te crimina%i. Be4* " "e4ntm$%e cu n*iH
18G
4 Bu a,ut*ru% %ui !%%a2 am a,un" $n4aici, a&a c (e ce aici &i $n4n 6u<eitH
!,un"e"er aici cu * +i #n urm, #nainte (e amia+. 9b*ru% (e %a %*cu% (e #nt%nire (e %a
mar-inea Ee2eranu%ui (ecur"e"e fr )reun inci(ent. E*ate ben+i%e ra(i* fu"e"er tcute. 1*feru% %ui
(e #ncre(ere, care #% "%u,ea (e cinci"$re+ece ani, "e #nt*r"e"e cu ma&ina #na$*i %a Ee2eran, cu *r(inu%
(e4a nu "$une nimnui c ei $%eca"er %a ca"a %*r (e %a Marea Ba"$ic.
4 3entru reu&ita ace"tei e)a(ri n4am #ncre(ere #n nimeni, "$u"e"e Va%i> "*iei "a%e #n tim$ ce
a&te$tau "*"irea e%ic*$teru%ui.
7a r"$un"e"e0
4 De"i-urC Dar ar fi trebuit "4* %um cu n*i $e e2ere+a(a. !"ta i4ar fi $rin" bine &i ei &i %ui
E*m L*c2art i ne4ar fi -arantat c E*m ne4ar fi (u" mai (e$arte.
4 .u, ea n4ar fi $%ecat nici*(at. De ce4ar face4*H Bu "au fr 1e2ere+a(a, #n e% nu trebuie "4
a)em #ncre(ere. 7 "trin &i nu4i unu% (e4a% n*"tru.
4 !r fi f*"t mai #ne%e$t "4* a(ucem $e ea.
4 .u, "$u"e"e e%, &tiin( ce4a)ea (e fcut cu L*c2art. E*t (rumu% (e %a Ee2eran %a '"fa2an
"ttu"e $e "caunu% (in fa %n- L*c2art. 9bura"er ,*", *c*%in( *ra&e%e &i aer*$*rturi%e. Bn(
L*c2art c2ema"e c*ntr*%u% (e +b*r (e %a ba+a mi%itar '"fa2an, erau e)i(ent a&te$tai. Eurnu% %e
((u"e (irecia (e ateri+are, cu *r(inu% (e a nu mai a$e%a &i a nu mai f*%*"i emit*ru%. @enera%u% (e
bri-a( (e a)iaie M*2ame( Se%a(i, unc2iu% %ui Va%i>, care aran,a"e ca ei " ateri+e+e &i "
rea%imente+e, #i a&te$ta"e %a $%atf*rma 2e%i$*rtu%ui.
@enera%u% #i #ntm$ina"e "*bru. Bum era )remea $rn+u%ui, "$u"e"e c $uteau " mnnce %a
ba+ mai #nainte (e4a $%eca mai (e$arte.
4 Dar, 7/ce%en M*2ame(, a)em (e"tu% mncare aici, #n a)i*n, #i "$u"e"e Va%i>.
4 Erebuie " in"i"t, "$u"e"e ner)*" Se%a(i. Erebuie " in"i"t, 7/ce%enC Erebuie "4% "a%utai
$e c*man(ant. 7 nece"ar ...&i trebuie " (i"cutm.
8n ace"t tim$, @r+i%e Ver+i &i -%*ata ((u"er bu+na $e $*ri, n)%in( #n unitate, &i #i
are"ta"er $e t*i, (ucn(u4% $e L*c2art #n a%t $arte a ba+ei.
?ii (e cea, "e -n(i furi*" Va%i>. S ar(ei cu t*ii #n 'a(C !m &tiut c trebuia (*ar "
rea%imentm &i " $%ecm #n(at. Se%a(i e un #ncurc %ume (*bit*c. 7 numai -re&ea%a %ui.
La $rimu% eta, a% unei c%(iri af%ate %a $atru "ute (e metri mai (e$arte, E*m L*c2art (*rmea
a(nc. ?u tre+it bru"c (e +-*m*tu% unei #n)%m&e%i #n c*ri(*r, u&a "e i+bi (e $erete &i e% fu *rbit (e
%umina unei %anterne.
4 5e$e(e, "$u"e * )*ce #ntr4* en-%e+ cu accent american &i (*i brbai #% a,utar " "e ri(ice
#n $ici*are.
'me(iat, ce%e (*u "i%uete $e ,umtate a"cun"e (e #ntuneric "e #nt*ar"er &i $%ecar #n fu-.
Lui L*c2art #i trebui (*ar * fraciune (e "ecun( ca "4&i )in #n fire, a$*i * ru$"e %a fu- (u$ e%e
(e4a %un-u% c*ri(*ru%ui, #n ,*" $e "cri &i afar. !c*%* "e *$ri a%turi (e cei%a%i, r"uf%n( -reu. !bia
a)u tim$ " )a( c amn(*i brbaii erau *fieri 4 un c$itan &i un mai*r 4 mai #nainte (e a * ru$e
%a fu- (in r"$uteri #n "emi#ntuneric.
9*rii %uminau ceru% ctre r"rit. 9$a(a c(ea u&*r, a,utn(u4i " "e a"cun( &i
e"t*m$n(u4%e +-*m*tu% $a&i%*r.
Dim$*tri)a %*r "e af%a Bamera (e @ar( &i #n faa ei ci)a re)*%ui*nari, m*in( neateni,
#n-2e"uii #n ,uru% un f*c (e %emne. Bei trei brbai "e abtur (e %a (rumu% %*r &i a%er-ar mai
(e$arte $rintre (*u rn(uri (e barci, *c*%ir (in n*u $rintr4* a%ee, cn( un cami*n #ncrcat cu
re)*%ui*nari care cntau ((u c*%u% #naintea %*r, a$*i ie&ir #n cm$ (e"c2i", $e (rumu% (e centur,
ctre 2an-aru% ce% mai #n(e$rtat #n care "e af%a e%ic*$teru%. 8n umbra 2an-aru%ui "e *$rir ca "4&i
tra- "uf%etu%.
4 !"cu%t, $i%*tu%e, "$u"e -fin( mai*ru%, cn( # i +ic eu, a%er-m $n %a e%ic*$ter &i
(ec*%mC @ataHC
4 1i cu cei%a%i ce facemH #ntreb L*c2art, abia #n "tare " )*rbea"c, "imin( * (urere
a"cuit #n c*a"te. Be facem cu -enera%u% Va%i> &i fami%ia...H
4 La"4iC
!%i, mai*ru%, #m$un"e cu (e-etu% ctre ce%%a%t.
4 !%i "t cu tine #n fa &i eu #n "$ate. Bt tim$ #i trebuie " (ec*%e+i, (in m*mentu% #n care
$*rne&ti m*t*are%eH
187
4 Minimum...
4 Scurtea+41, #% #ntreru$"e mai*ru%. ;ai(eC !%er-ar ctre e%ic*$ter. 8n c%i$a aceea L*c2art
)+u * ma&in cu %umini%e "tin"e &nin( $e"te (rum ctre ei &i "imi c i "e taie re"$iraia.
4 IiteC
4 8n nume%e %ui !%%a2, -rbe&te4te, $i%*tu%eC
L*c2art #&i (ub% ef*rturi%e, "ri $e "caunu% $i%*tu%ui, #m$in"e c*mutat*are%e &i #nce$u "
mrea"c turaia. 8n ace%a&i m*ment, mai*ru% "e #ntin"e &i tra"e u&a -%i"ant (intre cabina (in "$ate &i
car%in-. !$r*a$e %e&in cn( "e tre+i "ub na" cu carabina %ui Va%i>.
4 J, (umneata e&ti, mai*ru%eH S%)it fie !%%a2C
4 S%)it fie !%%a2 c e&ti aici &i4ai reu&it " "ca$i, 7/ce%en, -fi mai*ru%, #ncercn( " "e
%ini&tea"c, &i "e "trecur %n- e%, #n tim$ ce m*t*are%e r*teau e%icea fr a $rin(e #nc )ite+.
4 Lu(at fie !%%a2 c4ai "c$at, (ar un(e4i "*%(atu%H
4 ! %uat banii &i4a &ter"4*C ! a(u" arme%eH
4 .u, a"ta e t*t.
4 ?iu, (e cea, "$u"e mai*ru% furi*", a$*i "tri- %a L*c2art0 #n nume%e %ui !%%a2, -rbe&te4teC
Se r"uci &i $ri)i %a ma&ina care "e a$r*$ia. Di"tana (intre ei "e re(ucea re$e(e. 8n&fc iute
carabina (e %a Va%i>, #n-enunc2e #n u&a (e"c2i", *c2i &*feru% &i a$" $e tr-aci. 5afa%a trecu $rea
"u", #n "$ate%e %ui !nn*u"2, &i c*$iii i$ar #n-r*+ii, ma&ina )ir "%tn( $e"te mar-inea *"e%ei,
mer-n( #n +i-+a-, &i * c*ti $rin "$ate%e unui rn( (e ma-a+ii, a$ru $entru * c%i$ %a )e(ere, ca "
acce%ere+e (i"$rn( (in n*u #n "$ate%e 2an-aru%ui.
L*c2art a)ea c&ti%e %a urec2i &i $ri)ea ace%e in(icat*are%*r "%tn(, ru-n(u4%e " "e -rbea4
"c.
4 ;ai(ei, afuri"ite%*rC mri, cu mini%e &i $ici*are%e $e c*men+i, a"cu%tn( -eamtu%
cre"cn( a% m*t*are%*r.
B$itanu% (e %n- e% "e ru-a cu -%a" tare. .4* $utea au+i $e !nn*u"2 "u"$inn( #n "$ate &i
nici nu4i $utea )e(ea $e c*$iii #n-r*+ii (e "$aim care &ni"er (in a"cun+t*ri%e %*r ca " "e
$itea"c #n "$ate%e ei, "au $e Va%i> &i mai*ru% care rcneau %a e% " "e -rbea"c. 'n(icat*are%e urcau.
E*t mai "u". E*t mai "u". !$r*a$e $e )er(e. !cumC Mna %ui "tn- #nce$u " ri(ice maneta (e
-a+e, (ar ma&ina a$ru (era$n( (in "$ate%e 2an-aru%ui &i "e #n(re$t "$re ei, ca " *$rea"c %a
cinci"$re+ece metri mai (e$arte. Din ea "rir cinci brbai, unu% re$e+in(u4"e (irect "$re car%in- &i
#n(re$tn( un $i"t*% aut*mat ctre e%, cei%a%i a%er-n( ctre u&a cabinei. 7ra a$r*a$e #n aer, (ar &tia
c ar fi m*rt (ac ar mai urca #nc un centimetru, &i4% )+u $e ce%%a%t fcn(u4i furi*" "emne "
*$rea"c. Se "u$u"e, a$*i "e #nt*ar"e ca " )a( ce "e #ntm$% #n "$ate. Bei%a%i urcau #n cabin.
7rau cu t*ii *fieri. Va%i> &i mai*ru% #i #mbri&au &i "e %"au #mbri&ai, a$*i au+i #n c&ti
MDec*%ea+ $entru nume%e %ui !%%a2M &i "imi un -2i*nt #n c*a"te. 7ra !%i, c$itanu% (e %n- e%.
4 Dec*%ea+C "$u"e (in n*u #n en-%e+a %ui cu accent american &i ri(ic (e-etu% mare ctre
*mu% (e afar care #nc mai inea arma #n(re$tat "$re e%.
Jmu% "e re$e+i %a u&, urc &i trnti u&a #n urma %ui.
4 @rbe&te4te, afuri"itu%e, uite c*%*C
!rt (e $artea cea%a%t a $i"tei. Btre ei "e #n(re$tau a%te ma&ini. Bine)a "e a$%eca"e afar
$e ferea"tra uneia (intre $*rtiere &i "e )e(eau "cnteieri%e (e %a -ura unei e)i (e $i"t*% mitra%ier. 8n
cte)a "ecun(e L*c2art era #n aer, cu t*ate "imuri%e c*ncentrate a"u$ra +b*ru%ui, #n "$ate%e %ui, unii
(intre *fieri i+bucnir #n ura%e, a$ucn(u4"e "trn" (e mnere &i "caune cn( e%ic*$teru% #nce$u "
ba%an"e+e, e)itn( -%*ane%e, &i "e a&e+ar care $e un(e $utea. Bei mai mu%i erau c*%*nei. Inii erau
#nc +-u(uii, #n "$ecia% -enera%u% Se%a(i, care "ttea #ntre Va%i> &i mai*r.
4 .u eram "i-ur c "untei (*mnia )*a"tr, 7/ce%en -enera%C "$unea mai*ru%, a&a c am
tra" $e (ea"u$ra, (*ar (e a)erti"ment. S4i mu%umim %ui !%%a2 c $%anu% a (ecur" att (e bine.
4 Dar erai ct $e4aci " (ec*%aiC !)eai (e -n( " ne $r"iiC
4 J, nu, 7/ce%ena )*a"tr, unc2iu%e, #% #ntreru$"e b%n( Va%i>. ! f*"t (in $ricina $i%*tu%ui
en-%e+. S4a "$eriat &i n4a mai )rut "4a&te$te. .u $rea au "na-, en-%e+ii. .u te mai -n(i %a e%.
Suntem #narmai, a)em mncare &i "untem #n "i-uranC S%)it fie !%%a2C 1i "%)it fie c4am a)ut tim$
" $un t*ate a"tea %a ca%e.
188
Da, #&i +i"e. Dac n4a& fi f*"t eu &i banii mei, am fi f*"t t*i m*ri. Aani "4% mituim $e ce%
care )4a e%iberat, $e n*i &i $e )*i, &i $e mai*r &i $e c$itan, ca "4% $*at e%ibera $e L*c2art, (e care
mai am ne)*ie (*ar #nc $uin.
4 Dac ne4ai fi $r"it, am fi f*"t #m$u&caiC @enera%u% Se%a(i era r*&u (e furie.
4 !%%a2 "4% arunce $e $i%*t #n ia(C De ce4ai mai $ier(ut )remea cu e%iberarea %uiH !%i $*ate
" $i%*te+e un 212.
4 Da, (ar L*c2art are mai mu%t e/$erien &i4a)em ne)*ie (e e% ca " ne (e"curce.
Va%i> +mbi #ncura,at*r ctre !nn*u"2, care "ttea (e $artea cea%a%t a cabinei, cu faa %a e%,
cu fetia ce tremura #n brae%e ei &i biatu% care m*ia $e $*(ea cu ca$u% #n $*a%a ei. 8i +mbi "%ab,
mutn( c*$i%u% (e $e un bra $e ce%%a%t ca " (*m*%ea"c (ureri%e ce * t*rturau. Se a$%ec "$re ea
&i4* atin"e, a$*i "e a&e+ mai c*nf*rtabi% #n "caunu% %ui &i #&i #nc2i"e *c2ii, f*arte *b*"it, (ar
(e*"ebit (e mu%umit.
4 7&ti un *m f*arte (e&te$t, #&i "$u"e.
8n a(ncu% inimii &tia c fr "trata-ema "a (e a "e $reface #n faa %ui Mc')er c a)ea " fie
are"tat (e S!V!6, #n "$ecia% fami%ia, nici Mc')er, nici L*c2art nu %4ar fi a,utat " fu-. Le &tii
m"ura %a t*i, ca &i %ui @a)a%%an. 3r*&tiiC "e -n(i bat,*c*rit*r. Bt (e"$re tine, Se%a(i, i(i*tu% &i
ra$ace%e meu unc2i, care ne4ai aran,at rea%imentarea %a '"fa2an &i $e care n4ai reu&it "4* aran,e+i #n
(e$%in "i-uran, #n "c2imbu% unei treceri $entru tine &i un"$re+ece (intre $rietenii ti, tu e&ti &i mai
ruC 7&ti un tr(t*r. Dac n4a& fi a)ut un inf*rmat*r "u"4$u" %a Bartieru% @enera%, n4a& fi au+it (e
marea tr(are a -enera%i%*r ca " $*t fu-i &i am fi f*"t $rin&i #n Ee2eran ca mu&te%e %a *a%a cu miere.
L*ia%i&tii "4ar $utea " c&ti-e #nc. At%ia nu4i #nc $ier(ut, (ar #ntre tim$, fami%ia mea &i cu mine
)*m urmri e)enimente%e (in !n-%ia, St. M*rit+ "au .e< N*r>.
Se %" $ra( tu%burt*arei &i minunatei $uteri a react*are%*r care #i (uceau ctre un %*c
"i-ur, ctre * ca" %a L*n(ra, * %*cuin %a ar #n SurreK, a%te%e #n Ba%if*rnia &i #n 7%)eia &i "$re
c*nturi%e (in bnci%e (in Aa2ama".
!2, (a, #&i "$u"e )e"e%. 1i a"ta #mi aminte&te (e c*ntu% n*"tru c*mun cu S4@, b%*cat #n
Aa2ama". !%te $atru mi%i*ane care ne )*r #mb*-i &i att (e u&*r (e "mu%" (in -2eare%e a$uct*are
a%e %ui @a)a%%an, mai mu%t (ect (e a,un" ca "4mi a"i-ure * )iaa %ini&tit mie &i fami%iei me%e, *rice
"4ar #ntm$%a aici, $n cn( ne )*m $utea #nt*arce. 62*meini n4* " tria"c * )e&nicie, c2iar (ac
c&ti-. !furi"itu%C 8n curn( * " ne $utem #nt*arce aca". 8n curn( 'ranu% * " fie (in n*u ce%
*bi&nuit &i #ntre tim$ n*i * "4a)em t*t ce ne trebuie.
8% au+ea #nc $e Se%a(i m*rmin( ce)a (e"$re L*c2art &i c era ct $e4aci " fie $r"it.
4 Lini&te&te4te, 7/ce%enC
8% %u (e bra, (*m*%in(u4%, &i "e -n(i0 tu &i $*ti%e ta%e #nc mai )a%*rai ce)a. D*ar *
)reme. 3*ate ca *"tatici, $*ate ca m*mea%. Bine &tie. .ici unu% (intre )*i nu "untei ru(e, #n afar
(e tine, iar tu ne4ai tr(at.
4 Lini&te&te4te, $rea"timatu% meu unc2iC Bu a,ut*ru% %ui !%%a2, $i%*tu% * " ca$ete ceea ce
meritC Da. L*c2art. .4ar fi trebuit " intre #n $anic. !r fi trebuit "4a&te$te *r(ine%e me%e. 7
(e+-u"tt*r " te %a&i cu$rin" (e $anic.
8nc2i"e *c2ii &i a(*rmi, f*arte "ati"fcut (e e%.
CAPITOLUL 23
5afinria 'ran4E*(a, Aan(ar4e De%am: *ra 12,4 (u$4amia+. Scra--er f%uiera fa%", $*m4
$n( cu mna c*mbu"tibi% #n re+er)*are%e $rinci$a%e (in but*aie%e friari, a%iniate #ntr4* cami*net
,a$*ne+, %n- e%ic*$teru% "u $r*a"$t "$%at "c%i$in( #n "*are. !%turi (e e% "e af%a un tnr $e
,umtate a(*rmit, cu * ban(er*% )er(e $e bra, ciucit $e )ine %a umbr, "$ri,init #n carabina %ui
M1G. S*are%e (e amia+ era ca%(, iar bri+a u&*ar fcea +iua $%cut, #n(e$rtn( umi(itatea,
c*n"tant aici $e c*a"t. Scra--er era #mbrcat u&*r0 cma& a%b cu e$*%ei (e c$itan, $anta%*ni
"ubiri (e )ar &i $ant*fi ne-ri, ine)itabi%ii *c2e%ari fumurii &i &a$ca. 5e+er)*are%e erau $%ine *c2i.
4 !"ta4i, fiu%e, "$u"e ctre ,a$*ne+u% #n"rcinat "4% a,ute.
189
4 ;ai, !n,n4"an 4 (a, (*mnu%e $i%*t, r"$un"e *mu%. Ba t*i an-a,aii rafinriei, $urta
"a%*$et a%b, imacu%at &i mnu&i cu "i-%a 'ran4E*(a 'n(u"trK $e "$ate, cu ace%a&i %ucru "cri"
$*%itic*" (ea"u$ra #n far"i &i ec2i)a%entu% #n caractere ,a$*ne+e (e(e"ubt.
4 M;aiM " fie, "$u"e Scra--er, f*%*"in( unu% (intre cu)inte%e $e care %e $rin"e"e (e %a 6a"i-i
#n (rum "$re Len-e2, cu * +i #n urm.
!rt cu (e-etu%.
4 1i acum re+er)*are%e (e cur" %un- &i (u$ aceea ce%e (e re+er).
3entru +b*ru% $e care (e 3%e""eK #% aut*ri+a"e cu atta mrinimie (uminica, n*a$tea, ca "
ce%ebre+e )ict*ria a"u$ra "ab*t*ri%*r, Scra--er "c*"e"e "caune%e (in "$ate &i %e-a"e #n %*cu% %*r (*u
but*aie (e (*u "ute (e %itri0
4 S fie ac*%*, (*mnu%e 6a"i-i. Le4am c*nectat %a re+er)*are%e $rinci$a%e. 3utem f*%*"i *
$*m$ (e mn &i $utem " rea%imentm #n aer, (ac4* " trebuia"c. 1i (ac * " $*m$ai. !cum n4
* " mai trebuia"c " ateri+m $entru rea%imentare. .u $*i " fii nici*(at "i-ur (e )remea (in
@*%f, #nt*t(eauna "e i"c furtuni nea&te$tate "au )rte,uri, cea, iar )ntu% $*ate " ,*ace * fe"t.
Bea mai bun ca%e e " "tm $uin #n %ar-.
4 1i ?%ciH
Scra--er r"e"e *(at cu e%.
4 Atrnu% rec2in4ci*can (in 62ar-H Bu ce)a n*r*c, %4am $utea )e(ea (ac a,un-em $n4
ac*%* &i nu ne abatem (in (rum.
4 E*t nu ne4au c2emat (e %a ra(aru% (in 6i"2H
4 .u, (ar nu mai c*ntea+. .e4au (at $ermi"iunea $n %a Aan(ar4e De%am. Suntei "i-ur c
$*t " rea%imente+ %a fabrica )*a"trH
4 Da. !)em re+er)*are ac*%*, c$itane, 2e%i$*rt, 2an-are &i ate%ier (e re$araii. !u f*"t
$rime%e %ucruri $e care %e4am ri(icat. !)eam un c*ntract cu @uerneK.
4 Da, &tiu (e a"ta. !cum "4au retra", nuH
4 Da, a&a e. !cum * "$tmn. Sau cam a&a... 3*ate )a $re%ua c*ntractu% c*m$ania )*a"tr.
3*ate * " ) numea"c %a c*n(ucerea ba+ei aeriene. 7 $ermanent (e %ucru $entru cinci e%ic*$tere 4
trei 212 &i $*ate (*u 20G 4 ct )reme c*n"truim ac*%*.
Scra--er c2ic*ti"e.
4 !"ta * "4% fac $e btrnu= !n(K ce% Mare " crea( c %4a a$ucat $e Dumne+eu (e $ici*r,
iar DirtK Dun> * " "e "ca$e $e e%.
4 3*ftimCH
Scra--er #ncerca"e " e/$%ice -%uma cu Mc')er, (ar cn( i"$r)i"e, 6a"i-i nu r"e"e, ci
"$u"e"e (*ar0
4 J, acum #ne%e-C
@a&c (e "rii, #&i +i"e Scra--er.
Du$ ce i"$r)i rea%imentarea, mai fcu * )erificare. M*t*are%e, r*t*ru%, e%ice%e, (e&i nu "e4
a&te$ta " $%ece atunci. De 3%e""eK #% ru-a"e "4% a&te$te $e 6a"i-i, " +b*are cu e% un(e a)ea ne)*ie
&i "4% a(uc #na$*i %a Len-e2 ,*i.
!$aratu% c*re"$un(ea. 3e (e$%in "ati"fcut, arunc * $ri)ire %a cea", a$*i art cu (e-etu%
"$re $ntec &i "e frec.
4 7 )remea " 2a%im, 2aiC
4 ;ai.
!,ut*ru% %ui +mbi &i fcu "emn ctre micua cami*net (in a$r*$iere, a$*i art cu (e-etu%
"$re c%(irea $rinci$a% cu $atru eta,e, ce "e #n%a cam %a (*ua "ute (e metri mai (e$arte, un(e "e
af%au bir*uri%e c*n(ucerii firmei.
Scra--er "cutur (in ca$.
4 Mer- $e ,*", "$u"e, &i4&i f%utur ce%e (*u (e-ete $ar*(in( mer"u%, a&a c tnru% fcu *
,umtate (e $%ecciune, "e urc #n cami*net &i (emar.
Scra--er rma"e %*cu%ui * c%i$, $ri)in( &i %"n(u4"e $ri)it (e "antine%. !cum, cn(
cami*nu% $%eca"e &i re+er)*are%e fu"e"er #nc2i"e, $utea "imi mir*"u% mrii &i re"turi%e $utre+ite (e
$e rmu% (in a$r*$iere. 7ra a$r*a$e )remea ref%u/u%ui. 8n @*%f era * "in-ur maree $e +i, ca &i #n
Marea 5*&ie, (in $ricin c era $uin a(nc &i a$r*a$e c*m$%et #nc2i" (e $mnt, (ac nu "*c*teai
"trmt*area ;*rmu+.
190
8i $%cea mir*"u% mrii. Bre"cu"e %a SK(neK, #nt*t(eauna #n a$r*$ierea mrii. Du$ r+b*i "e
in"ta%a"e (in n*u ac*%*.
Be% $uin, #&i +i"e, am f*"t ac*%* #n inter)a%u% #ntre (iferite "%u,be &i femeia &i c*$iii au "tat
ac*%* &i #nc mai "tau 4 mai mu%t "au mai $uin. ?iu% "u &i ce%e (*u fiice erau acum c"t*rii, cu
$r*$riii %*r c*$ii. De cte *ri "e af%a (in n*u aca", $*ate * (at $e an, #i )i+ita. 8ntre ei e/i"ta *
re%aie amica%, (e&i u&*r (i"tant. 8n anii (e #nce$ut, "*ia %ui &i c*$iii )eni"er " "e in"ta%e+e #n
@*%f. Du$ * %un $%eca"er #na$*i aca", %a SK(neK.
4 .e -"e&ti %a A*n(i, Scra-, "$u"e"e ea. .e4a,un- "trinturi%e, f%cu%e.
3e tim$u% (eta&rii "a%e (e (*i ani #n 6u<eit, ea #nt%ni"e un a%t brbat. Bn( Scra--er "e
#nt*r"e"e aca", ea "$u"e"e0
4 Bre( c4* " (i)*rm, f%cu%e. 7 ce% mai bun %ucru $entru c*$ii, $entru tine &i $entru mine.
1i a&a "e4ntm$%a"e. .*u% ei "* tri"e ci)a ani, a$*i muri"e. Scra--er &i ea a%unecar #ncet
#ntr4* re%aie amica%, ca &i cum nu "4ar fi (e"$rit, (ar nici nu fu"e"er "u$rai unu% $e ce%%a%t.
7 "*i bun. 'ar c*$iii "unt fericii &i eu +b*r. 8i mai trimitea #nc, %unar, bani. 8nt*t(eauna ea
"$unea c n4are ne)*ie.
4 !tunci $une4i (e*$arte, $entru +i%e ne-re, .e%%, re$%ica e% mereu.
3n acum, ea, c*$iii &i c*$iii c*$ii%*r nu au a)ut +i%e ne-re, bat #n %emn. Be% mai a$r*$iat
%emn era $atu% carabinei $e care * inea re)*%ui*naru% #n $*a%. Din umbr, *mu% "e uita %a e% cu
rutate. Aa"tar( "crb*", n4* "4mi "trice +iua. 9mbi ctre e%, a$*i #i #nt*ar"e "$ate%e, "e #ntin"e &i
$ri)i #n ,ur. 7 un %*c -r*+a) $entru * rafinrie #&i +i"e, #n(ea,un" (e a$r*a$e (e !ba(an, (e
c*n(ucte%e $rinci$a%e care %ea- cm$uri%e $etr*%ifere (in n*r( &i "u(. @r*+a) i(ee " #ncerci " nu
ri"i$e&ti t*t -a+u% "ta care "e ar(eC Mi%iar(e (e t*ne #n t*at %umea 4 * ri"i$ crimina% (ac "tai &i
te -n(e&ti.
5afinria "e af%a $e un $r*m*nt*riu, cu $r*$rii%e "a%e c2eiuri (ra-ate, care "e4ntin(eau trei
"ute cinci+eci (e metri #n a$e%e @*%fu%ui, (e"$re care 6a"i-i #i "$u"e"e c )*r fi ca$abi%e "
(e"er)ea"c (*u "u$er$etr*%iere #n ace%a&i tim$, in(iferent (e mrimea ace"t*ra. 8n ,uru%
2e%i$*rtu%ui erau >i%*metri $trai (e c*%*ane (e cracare &i c%(iri ce $reau #ntree"ute cu mii (e
ree%e (e $%a"tic &i *e% (e t*ate (imen"iuni%e, %abirinturi #ntre-i cu r*binei &i )a%)e uria&e, cu "taii
(e $*m$are &i $e"te t*t macara%e &i bu%(*+ere &i -rme+i -i-antice (e t*t fe%u% (e materia%e (e
c*n"trucii, muni (e ciment &i ni"i$, "u%uri (e $%a"e (e *e% #m$r&tiate $rintre "ti)e *r(*nate, (e
(imen"iunea terenuri%*r (e f*tba%, (e %+i &i c*ntainere ac*$erite cu #n)e%it*ri (in $%a"tic &i (rumuri
$e ,umtate terminate, fun(aii, c2eiuri &i -r*$i. Dar nu "e )e(ea nimic mi&cn(, nici *ameni, nici
ma&ini.
Bn( ateri+a"er, %n- $%atf*rm #i a&te$ta"e un c*mitet (e $rimire (e (*u+eci "au trei+eci
(e ,a$*ne+i a(unai #n -rab, #m$reun cu $e"te * "ut (e -re)i&ti iranieni &i @r+i Ver+i #narmate,
unii $urtn( ban(er*%e cu J'73, $rime%e $e care %e )e(ea $n atunci Scra--er. Du$ mu%te
"tri-te &i ameninri &i cercetri a%e 2rtii%*r %*r &i a$r*bri (ate (e B*ntr*%u% !erian (e %a 6i"2,
$urtt*ru% %*r (e cu)nt %*r +i"e"e c (*i (intre ei $uteau " rmn, (ar nimeni nu $utea " $%ece &i
nici e%ic*$teru% nu $utea (ec*%a fr $ermi"iunea >*mite2u%ui. 8n (rum "$re c%(irea bir*uri%*r,
in-ineru%4&ef Qatanabe, care )*rbea en-%e+e&te, %e e/$%ica"e c, (e a$r*a$e (*u %uni, >*mite2u% (e
-re) $re%ua"e c*ntr*%u% a"u$ra ab"*%ut *ricrei $r*b%eme. 8n ace"t tim$ nu $r*-re"a"er a$r*a$e cu
nimic &i %ucru% #nceta"e.
4 .u ne #n-(uie nici mcar " e/ecutm %ucrri (e #ntreinere %a ec2i$ament.
7ra un brbat trecut (e &ai+eci (e ani, cu un c2i$ a"$ru, (ur, cu $ru% -ri+*nat &i mini
$uternice, muncite. !$rin"e"e * a%t i-are (e %a cea%a%t, $e ,umtate ar". 7i, i a$aratu% (e ra(i*H
4 !u #ncuiat camera (e tran"mi"iuni acum &a"e +i%e: ne4au inter+i" "4* f*%*"im &i4au %uat
c2eia cu ei. Ee%ef*ane%e bine#ne%e" c nu funci*nea+ (e "$tmni #ntre-i, iar te%e/u% cam (e ce)a
mai mu%t (e * "$tmn. Mai a)em #nc a$r*a$e * mie (e ,a$*ne+i aici. .4au a)ut $ermi"iunea "
)in cu fami%ii%e. Suntem %a %imit cu $r*)i+ii%e, n4am $rimit nici * "cri"*are (e &a"e "$tmni. .u
$utem " ie&im (e4aici. .u $utem " %ucrm. Suntem a$r*a$e $ri+*nieri &i nu $utem " facem nimic
(ect cu f*arte mare tmb%u. Jricum, mcar "untem #n )ia &i $utem $r*te,a ceea ce am fcut,
a&te$tn( rb(t*ri " ne #n-(uie " c*ntinum. Suntem #ntr4a(e)r f*arte *n*rai " ) $rimim,
6a"i-i