(a screen novel)

“Offence is only caused by people

And God always takes care of us”

Part I

 

Prologue

Stepping out briskly Marina Carlos has entered the Drama College building. She liked studying here. Natural beauty, good taste and temper – everything promised success in her life. Walking through a long corridor of the large building, Carlos was clasping a document case with summaries to her full-blown bosom. After noticing a teacher walking towards her, she quickly put off the face a smile of satisfaction, which usually accompanied her orgasm during sex with Jack and changed it with a smile of goodwill. After greetings, she went further.

She was followed by a piercing, filled with confusion and passion stare of a young man standing by a column. The stare that was licking Marina’s slim legs not for the first time, fixing on her elastic bottom, embracing the slender waist, setting between shoulders and disappearing in the hair on her head back. When the young man, staying constantly invisible, was watching Marina and that was happening pretty often, a “tornado” of feelings and a “kaleidoscope” of fantasies were appearing in his breast.

It was not difficult for the young man to stay invisible; he looked plain and had usual appearance, emphasizing his individuality with nothing. But if one could look into the deep of his eyes he would understand what a strong soul passion that youth had.

 

Chapter 1

Standing by the door on a thick porch of Drama College, an unremarkable young man dressed in a jeans coat was waiting for Marina Carlos. When she appeared he opened the door for her with a deliberate politeness wishing to attract her attention. After mechanically muttering “Merci” Marina had entered without even looking at him.

A day later crowding in a buffet turn the same young man made an attempt to speak to her but she moved herself aside, apologized and hurried away. Afterwards he would try to attract her attention for many times. Everyday greetings, asking how she was and if he could help her in something. And then every day the young would wait for her on a porch near the central entrance and open the door with a bow.

 

***

One can’t get at Marina Carlos with childish tricks, her heart is an assailable fortress for other men. Marina Carlos is going to marry Jack, a handsome favorable young brunet of good stock. Marina has serious relations, even though not so passionate and romantic as in love movies but with guaranteed and well-provided future.

Jack lives out of town in his father’s big farmstead so they have their meetings in her small downtown apartment, which Marina Carlos has been renting since the day she had entered Drama College.

Making love, Marina sometimes spies upon Jack and invariably sees on his face the same blissful smile that he sees when he spies upon her.

 

***

In spite of absolute indifference to him, the persistent young man from college continues his attempts to attract her attention, and today it already amuses Marina. He put her a poetry note stealthily, presented a carnation without a cause, at the same time invariably keeping on the role of her personal doorman on the college entrance.

Once Marina came much later but the “doorman” was on sentry duty. Only one time it happened the other way, she came to the college too soon and didn’t find the strange young man by the door. She didn’t see him all that day. A power of a new habit triggered, there was a feeling of a day passed a little bit abnormally – something was missing.

However, everything ends and Marina Carlos decided to stop that as soon as possible, wishing to avoid playing childish games further. She got her chance soon. Russians came to the city – The Big Ballet. Many dreamed of getting to the show. Tickets were very expensive and all sold. Even her sweet Jack had no chance to do something. A day before the first performance the young man, as always acting as a doorman, took an envelope out of a customary denim coat’s pocket and tried to present her before usual opening the door.

What is it? – Carlos pricked up her ears.

Tomorrow’s ballet tickets, one for you and one for me, parterre, 3rd row, - young man’s eyes were shining with joy.

Carlos was outraged.

What made you think I’ll go somewhere with you? What do you need from me after all? I would ask you not to disturb me anymore and if it is possible not to appear in my presence. I’m fed up with these tricks, they are pass all bounds of decencies, - Carlos was burning outside and inside with a fit of sudden anger. – I’ve got a man and I’m going to marry him.

That time Marina Carlos opened the massive door herself and entered the building.

After standing numb for a minute left on the porch with the envelope in his hand the young man suddenly tore it with all inside into many little pieces and threw it up high covering his head and shoulders with paper petals.

 

Chapter 2

Jack was driving through narrow central side-streets, wishing to drive out to a highway to go to bed early in a family estate. Today he didn’t want to stay like he had done often, visiting the cozy flat of sweetheart Marina Carlos.

Now Jack’s parents left to Paris for a long time and his father let him to manage and to make any decisions on a factory. Jack greatly wanted to prove, himself first of all, that he was able not only to manage but also to make a profit to the family business.

It was drizzling, visibility was low, suddenly something dark big and smooth rushed out of a corner, stroke a front wing and disappeared somewhere below. A human being – flashed in the brain. Jack pressed pedals down into the floor with both legs as fast as he could. After tearing his arms away from the wheel, he opened the door and looked under the car with his heart stood still. A meter away from the car a guy was lying and moaning loudly, repeating all the same: “Damn, damn, damn!”

There were those moans, damnations and members moving of the victim that gave strength and courage to Jack.  He rushed to the young man in a denim coat, lifted his head a little on his palm and asked him, looking to a stranger’s face:

Are you all right? – The lying man changed his pose and sat up.

Damn, how can I know!

They both were pronouncing some phrases, Jack was asking questions, the victim was giving answers. Finally, the young man got up with a help of Jack and allowed to examine him.

Safe, as it seems, - the fellow established, touching himself at the same time. -  Only one side is aching, probably. Oh, I can even walk, - he made two steps, leaning on Jack, and pulled a face.

Sit down, - said Jack and pushed the young man down on a seat as promptly as possible. He walked around the car and sat at the wheel, watching closely the fellow sitting in his car. He became aware of being captured by some new feeling, unknown before, a clot consisting of pity, fault feeling, strange tenderness and something else. Never was Jack so interested and honest as now, asking a traditional question. – So, how are you? – His hand covered mechanically a stranger’s shoulder.

You know, - the guy said in an unexpectedly familiar manner. – Drive me home, I live close to here. And don’t worry, I’m all right, thanks for your care, someone else would drive away, - saying that he covered Jack’s arm with his palm and pressed it for a while.

After parking his car on a specified place, Jack got off first, opened the door and helped the guy to get on his feet, holding him a little.

I can do it myself, - he was opposing slackly, holding Jack’s neck. Jack was supporting the fellow by his waist; they both entered the doorway and walked upstairs slowly.

t;Will you come in? – the stranger offered.

Sure, - Jack was feeling heat of the alien body that had stopped being alien to him by accident. He recalled that he had felt that heat for the first time after putting his palm under the stranger’s nape. Being hold by Jack the guy sat on a soft armchair and began to put off his denim coat. Jack rushed to help him. The new acquaintance smelled pleasantly.

Frankly speaking, I want to examine my sides, - the guy put off a t-shirt over the head and began to unzip his jeans.

Let me help you, - Jack kneeled and started to unlace another’s shoes without any dislike, uneasiness, disgust, to his own surprise.

Thanks, - the guy said. – I think I can put off my trousers myself.

A big livid spot stood out on his thigh. He lied down, pulled on a blanket and said:

This evening seems to be not bad for both of us.

 

***

Jack was driving slowly. There were no thoughts neither about family business nor about dear Marina. All the way Jack was thinking about the fellow, he still felt his smell, remembered his warm skin. Near the stranger Jack was experiencing some new feelings and had to admit that he liked it. Jack didn’t even ask about the guy’s name and by the way he also didn’t. They both behaved as if they knew each other for a long time. Nothing about police, doctors or compensation. Coming out Jack wrote the guy’s phone number in a notebook and left a blank in the “name” column.

Tossing and turning, Jack thought about the fellow all night long and the only thing he wanted to know by morning was how he felt, wishing to see him as soon as possible. Being afraid of disturbing the new friend by an early call, Jack waited till afternoon. Looking through business papers in father’s office and having no idea about them, he dialed the number he wrote before. An answer came a bit later.

Hi, it’s me, the yesterday’s killer.

Take it easy, - a cheerful voice said in the receiver. – Don’t be afraid, I’m okay, - Jack couldn’t recall his voice. – One livid spot, one injury, one abrasion. I’ll soon be right as rain. Would you like a game of billiard this evening?

Sure, - Jack answered without any doubt. They agreed to meet at the crash place.

What a strange thing, - Jack rang off and was surprised. – Never in my life I’ve played billiard, never wanted and seems like never will want.

 

***

Call me just Ordynskiy.

Call me just Jack, - the feeling of being old pals remained.

Drive right, I’ve noticed a bawdy place over there.

Jack stopped his car near some small basement with a loud name “Wind Rose”.    They went down, a strange couple. Ordynskiy all robed in black leather as a true rocker; his cap, coat, boots all were covered with iron rivets. He had a thick chain with a trinket on his neck, lots of massive seal-rings on his fingers, a bail in his ear. Jack was wearing a severe, classical costume, model shoes, a “Pierre Cardin” necktie.

What will you drink? – Ordynskiy asked after climbing up a bar stool.

Tea, - Jack touched an irreproachably white collar of a shirt, he was notably nervous.

Good choice, me too. Hey boy, too teas with much sugar, - Ordynskiy cried, turning to a bald, black lanky fellow commanding behind a counter. Pretending to be imperturbable, the black-skinned barman performed the order, curiously looking sideways on newcomers.

So, a billiard set? – Ordnskiy was looking around without even touching his cup.

Frankly speaking, no, - Jack was waiting for tea to be cool, stirring it for a while.

I bet, - Ordynskiy said after poking his finger into a far corner of the dark room. – There must be an underground roulette or a parlor house behind that door. What would you like best?

Neither, - Jack was drinking his tea and trying to understand how he dared to be here.

A guy appeared mysteriously behind Jack and suggested girls.

No, thanks, - Jack looked at Ordynskiy. He turned away and was examining the room. But the slippery case was not going to leave him alone, trying to put an album with dirty photos into Jack’s hands.

No, thanks, - Jack tried to turn away.

Aren’t you a gay? – The case couldn’t quiet down. – It’s a respectable institution, there’s no entry for gays. You have to pay a hundred bucks fine for it, so if you are then pay, - a cheeky fellow was not going to stop.

Excuse me, - Jack moved away from the sticking man and looked at Ordynskiy again with a clear-cut decision to leave. Ordynskiy turned to a black-skinned barman and established:

You’ve got a splendid pub sir, best service, fine music and public that I like. – Ordinskiy was tipping the counter with his fingers, covered with huge seal-rings. – It’s a real pleasure for me to be here sir.

Jack got up to say good-bye. Now he knew for sure – it was disgusting there.

Suddenly the cheeky case took Jack strongly by the collar and dragged him to the way out. Confused Jack had no even an opportunity to turn back, stepping ahead of the boorish case. Instead of the exit, the terrible guy pushed him hardly into a toilet’s door, Jack got his elbow hurt, feeling himself left and unhappy. Another case with repulsive appearance was obviously waiting for them in the toilet. The lanky fellow was pretending to shave himself in front of a looking glass with a big knife.

Look what we’ve got here, this gay is ready to pay a hundred to each of us, - the man who dragged Jack announced.

So I will close the door so as not to be disturbed, - the lanky fellow went to the door and walking by patted Jack on the head in a somehow friendly way. – Be sure, you will like it.

Noise was heard from the toilet entrance, the case that was holding Jack’s collar turned back, and suddenly he saw stars – that was because of Ordynskiy’s massive seal-rings. He took Jack by the hand.

Let’s go, you’re right, it’s too loathsome here, - they quickly passed by the lanky fellow, squatting, clutching at his own balls with both hands. Goggle-eyed, he was catching air with his mouth wide-opened.

In the car, Ordynskiy began to groan and moan, rubbing his right side with the hand.

Let’s stop near a drug store to buy something anesthetic.

On returning Jack showed him pills and ointment:

We should rub it into the hurt point.

As the day before, they drove to Ordynskiy’s house; Jack went up to his apartment, supporting him the same way. He helped Ordynskiy to put off his coat and pulled away his boots. After undressing up to pants, Ordynskiy lied down, holding on to the hurt side and moaning quietly.

Let me do it, - Jack showed the ointment to Ordynskiy.

Go ahead, - he said. – Maybe I’ll soon be right as rain.

 

***

As the previous night, Jack was driving home slowly. There was only Ordynskiy in his thoughts - Jack was rubbing the ointment into the hurt side, oiling his waist, leg. He wanted to rub all his smooth, hairless skin. The man’s elastic body was coming strained under his hand, Ordynskiy was moaning either because of pain or because of pleasure.

 

***

The next day was identical with the previous one: at noon, burning with impatience, Jack called; Ordinskiy was not answering for a long time again, and when he did, it was:

Here’s a suggestion to have a late lunch, - and he named a respectable restaurant.

This time Ordynskiy was dressed in a suit, solid shoes, a “Gianni Versace” necktie. Jack put on a velvet coat and jeans, having no idea why. After watching each other, they split their sides with laughter. They showed different tastes in meal, but both unconditionally agreed to drink “Beaujolais villages” of the 1999’s harvest. The dinner succeeded, they had many talks but it was kind of milk and water.

In order to avoid further accidents and injuries let’s spend the evening by a fireplace with fine Portugal port, - Jack suggested. – My parents are in Paris now and they have a nice fireplace at their country-cottage.

 

***

Jack’s car drove noiselessly to a dark house. At the entrance door he delayed.

Strange thing, - Jack said. – The lock seems to be broken.

Wait a moment, - Ordynskiy pushed Jack away for a while. After opening the door he poked his head into darkness. Ordynskiy made a step forward and suddenly he cried out and rushed inside as if he was pulled in there by some force. Crash of plates and dishes and furniture turning over broke the silence. Someone hit Jack’s chest strongly and painfully, he moved back from the door, two shadows slipped by him. On reaching bushes two strangers started a motorcycle hidden there and rushed away roaring. Jack looked into a drawing-room with sinking heart.

Ordynskiy, are you alive? – But there was no answer. After coming in Jack pressed a button-switch, a big crystal chandelier illuminated a hall with bright light. On a huge carpet – Ordynskiy lying on his belly and furniture turned upside down all around. Frightened Jack went down on the knees near him, took him by his shoulders and helped to turn on the back. – Are you alive?

Seems like this and what about you? – Their looks met each other, Jack bent lower and men’s lips got together in a kiss.

 

Chapter 3

Against all expectations, an evil period happened in Marina Carlos’ life. She’d never been through that before during her unclouded life. It was a feeling of slow sinking more and more deep into burning, ice-cold water. All that had started when Jack had begun to place less emphasis on her, to come to her apartment more seldom and had stopped to spend nights there at all. Marina tried to calm herself: really, father entrusted business to him. If not now, then when Jack would be able to prove that he was ready for independent life and supporting family.

Consolations didn’t console, something ate her up from the inside. It seemed to Marina that Jack talk, look, touch and make love to her not the same way he had been doing before. Not long ago she spied at him during sex. There was no that loved, blissful smile. The expression of his face was fixed and gloomy as if he had to do his matrimonial duty. Perhaps after that discovery Jack couldn’t see that special smile on her face either, if he would like to spy at her.

And everything was quite wretched in the college too, she became absent-minded and in fact stopped being one of the best, but the worst was that she felt like suddenly everybody lost their interest to her. Like she was totally depersonalized and nobody needed her. That feeling showed itself strongly after the case with her strange admirer happened on that very porch. And what is more, last days the college was excited with either news or a sensation. Some student had written a scenario for a big TV serial and one of the most influential cinema corporations had excepted this project providing millions of dollars for it’s realization and giving the author a right to choose actors himself, even for main roles.

Many of quite middling girls of the same year with her were squealing enthusiastically, they’re already invited for episodes or crowed scenes, but nobody cared of her. But most of all Marina sank under such a blow: the lucky one was that very guy in the jeans coat.

It was impossible to recognize him at that moment; he changed his image completely. Many people mostly pretty girls and women circled around his person, trying to please and to be noticed. Marina thought he deliberately didn’t notice her, looked down on her as on nobody. Life was of no interest for her anymore.

 

***

Marina Carlos was sitting alone in her small apartment, it was raining outside, a phone had been staying silent for second week. Marina was shivering, that day she didn’t go to the college for the first time. An untouched vial with a strong hypnotic stood on a small table near a full glass of water. Marina was staring at the glass for a long time, being in prostration. In her mind was a 3 days old incident that had happened by a twist of fate on the same damned porch.

Marina was entering the building when she was rudely pushed by an elbow of some toady, holding the door and letting in the man who had opened that door for her himself, greeting, not long ago. But no, the toady opened the door not for the guy in the jeans coat but already for a big shot dressed in a long stylish raincoat, the neck was casually winded round with a white silk scarf, a hat was on his head and there was a walking stick in his hands.

Please, go ahead, Mr. Ordynskiy, the car is ready. – A black limousine drove to the porch. Ordynskiy walked one step close to Marina deliberately slowly, critically examined her and after saying nothing went down to the car. The toady was already there and was opening the limousine door obligingly. Ordynskiy turned round and looked at her once more with a contemptuous smile, as it seemed to her. He flopped down on a leather seat and disappeared in a capacious saloon. The car moved on.

Why are you here? – Ordynskiy asked, opening a bar.

I missed you so much, - Jack was seating in an opposite corner and looking at his idol with loving eyes.

 

***

Marina gave a start of an acute phone ringing that tore depressing silence apart. A pleasant female voice began to explain Marina that in an hour she had to be ready for a meeting with a new project producer. She was wanted to speak with; a car would be brought up to her house in 30 minutes. After ringing off Marina mechanically stared at the glass of water again, trying to concentrate. Suddenly she felt a wish to take a shower, to apply make-up, to get a haircut, to put on lace frillies, bijouterie and the best dress. But that fit passed away quickly, and she spent the rest of time standing by an uncurtained window; that very black limousine stood near her doorway.

 

***

A lovely secretary kindly asked Marina to take a seat and offered a cigarette, coffee,  magazines. Pretty soon a lady went out of Ordynskiy’s room and left

the office.

Marina recognized her at once, she was a celebrity with two “Oskars”. Marina was invited.

The room was furnished elegantly, and Ordynskiy himself was unrecognizable. His solid appearance kept nothing of the youth in the jeans coat. The appearance of the man sitting in a big leather armchair caused a feeling of him being a boss all his life.

Hello, Marina, make yourself comfortable. I recommend you a drink of whisky. Today is a fortune day for you. Your future, your well-being, your mode of life depend on your decision.

Ordynskiy got up, went to a wooden bar-handcart and poured some “Chivas Regal” from a crystal decanter into two high-balls. After approaching to Marina from behind while she was sitting still, he fixed his eyes intently on her shoulders, neck, head back. On returning to his seat, Ordynskiy suggested to take a drink and go on to the question.

For the right decision, - he emptied his glass and took a pair of folders from a table’s drawer. - So, first: you are offered to play the main role in a big serial, thus you become rich and famous at once. The contract is worked out, only your signature is needed. Second and perhaps, the point is the marriage contract, Marina, - Ordynskiy looked at her eyes intently. – Be my wife, I love you. You save all your freedoms, it is fixed in the marriage contract and duties are only my business. I promise, you’ll never regret about this.

 

***

The marriage of Ordynskiy and Marina looked like a small cinema festival. A lot of done up guests walked through a big country villa and adjoining district. There were three bands of different styles playing here and there. Variety stars sang opera arias, pop hits and even rap. There were circus artists on improvised stages juggling and performing tricks with clowns and animals.

In the large hall center Marina is standing in a wedding dress. An endless line of congratulating people whose faces she could only see in fashion magazines is moving to her. Ordynskiy is not here; he’s in a room on the first floor, dressed in an irreproachable black tail-coat. Ordynskiy is pressing a button and an image is appearing on a big TV screen: Jack’s room in his father’s estate, a large bed, Ordynskiy and Jack having sex with each other, both naked. Jack obviously doesn’t even suspect this secret video shooting. He is dying of passion, Ordynskiy is having him from behind. Jack’s eyes are closed, and the blissful smile that Marina loved so much is on his face. Ordynskiy is close to an orgasm and at this moment he is blowing a kiss into a camera objective.

After taking the cassette off Ordynskiy is putting it into a glazed box and locking it. With that box in his hands he is going down to the noisy hall and coming to Marina.

I hope, everything is fine, darling?

It would be better if we could do this together, - Marina linked their hands and saw the box. – What’s inside?

A secret you don’t need now. If someday it will happen that you will regret about your decision the contents of this box will prove to you that the choice was right. But I’m sure you’ll never need such evidence.

You are a master of intrigue, - Marina smiled. – Oh, it looks like someone is coming to us with flowers again.

Let’s retire from them, - Ordinskiy suggested. – Let the guests have a rest. He took Marina by the hand and led her upstairs. On a first floor along the way Ordynskiy began to put off his clothes, throwing it down carelessly. He already was naked but with the box in his hand when he took Marina into the room. After putting the box on a table he kissed Marina’s lips and then turned her back to himself, pulled up the skirt of her wedding dress and brought her down on the table. He was having her from behind violently. Her head was resting on the box; that very smile Jack loved so much was on her face. Making faces to an invisible for Marina objective, cuming Ordinskiy did a goodbye gesture to someone.

 

Chapter 4

It is damp outdoors. Jack is alone in his room, he is not fresh, unshaven and his hair isn’t done. His father returned from Paris right in time or else the family could get bankruptcy. Jack has no Marina anymore; Ordynskiy left and avoid meeting him. Nobody needs Jack, he is humbled, despised. A pistol lying on a table only looks like a toy, it can make a small hole in a temple with one bang.

Jack gave a start, someone knocked the door, it was servant.

Here’s an envelope for you.

With the corner of his eye Jack saw a driving off black limousine in the window. A short letter was in the envelope: “Never late to start again”. A cassette was also in the envelope and Jack played it. On the screen he saw naked Ordynskiy with the black box in his hand and Marina in wedding dress coming in the room.  Jack was watching intently first Ordynskiy’s grimaces then Marina’s face – it was illuminated with the smile he knew so well.

 

Part 2

French Riviera, 3 years later,

a hotel in Monte-Carlo.

 

Chapter 1

A man entered a hotel lobby, of that kind which is said to be an every woman’s dream. The man was handsome, well-groomed, dressed stylishly and tastefully. He looked like he didn’t care of small points and not involved into vanity of the world. It was Jack.

After his father’s sudden death Jack had become thoroughly engrossed in the family business. It took him two years to enlarge it and to increase the income. Jack worked in the daytime and at night if it was necessary, giving himself no time to think and to recall past. Thus, someday exhausted by sexuality and other passions, he left himself only one weakness – a weakness of making money.

 

***

On coming to a receptionist Jack named himself and got a key. A young pretty woman that looked like a noble accustomed to luxury and boredom was coming down a marble staircase covered with stair-carpet. It was Marina Carlos.

 

***

Perhaps only one of three last years was chaotic for Marina; it gave no chance to conceive changes that had happened to her. Everyday shooting, constant journeys, an endless line of new faces, countries, cities, hotels. Probably she never made love to her husband in a family bedroom during that first marriage year. Ordynskiy always seized her suddenly and spontaneously: in a room, in a car, even in an elevator. Marina got tired of such tempo and life style very quickly after feeling and understanding once – that was not for her.

Ordynskiy had been rushing through the world, shooting his endless bestseller, for already a long time without her. She was on her own; tried to kill boredom with reading books or painting or climate changing.

 

***

After coming down stairs Marina walked to the receptionist also. Jack and Marina met, both gave a start but no emotion was showed. Marina left her key and went slowly to a way out. Did she want Jack to call her? Well, probably. But she had no doubt of his eyes following her at that moment. “He became a real man”, - she thought. Jack was watching Marina’s back until she left the building. “She became even more pretty”, - Jack ascertained. He saw a number on her key – they would be near.

 

***

Neither Marina nor Jack closed their eyes that night. Disturbing memories, thoughts, reasoning fell upon them both like a squall. They felt each other’s presence behind the wall.

After several hours in a hot bath exhausted Jack started to freshen himself up.

Marina had got ready an hour before. She was sitting in front of a mirror dressed, waiting for something. There was nowhere to go, too early.

 

***

When Marina had come down to a hall, Jack was already waiting for her, pretending to read a newspaper. After noticing Marina he stood up and went to meet her.

Marina, I want you to know – I love you still and nothing in my life make me regret as the loss of you. So I say – forgive me and also want to give you something that belongs only to you, - Jack gave her a package. Marina took it automatically but her eyes were permanently staring into Jack’s. She failed to find a word to say. Jack didn’t prolong a pause.

I have to go, - he turned around deeply and rushed to the way out. Marina opened the package, there was a short letter inside: “Never late to start again”. And a videocassette was also there.

Marina went up to her room, being extremely nervous and impatient, and switched on a video player. Naked Ordynskiy, she was spread upon a table, the wedding dress skirt pulled up, the glazed box and Ordynskiy’s mocking gesture.

“What a scoundrel!” – Marina got blood hammers in the temples, her cheeks flushed. She took the cassette off, threw it into a bag and rushed around the room, taking all stuff out of wardrobes. But suddenly she stopped, took the bag with the cassette inside and quickly left the room without even closing the door.

 

***

Taxi, to the airport, - Marina rushed, flew to their empty house with no children running around, with no tenderness and love, and there were a constant pulse in her head: “Scoundrel, scoundrel, scoundrel!”

 

***

On arriving Marina ran up to a first floor, rushed into Ordynskiy’s room and started to fumble about all bookcases and secretaries, throwing papers around. When she reached table boxes she began to open them one after another, shaking all over, but one of the boxes was locked. Not at once she had managed to force it – the glazed box was there. Marina grasped it and tried to open by throwing it on the floor, hitting on the table’s corner and finally opened it with paper knife. A videocassette lied inside.

 

Chapter 2

Jack was sitting in his own plane’s cozy passenger compartment and looking into a bull’s eye. Deep blue sky, a kingdom of white clouds and sinful mother Earth underneath that purity. A phone rang; Jack took a receiver and put it on his ear.

Jack, dear, forgive me, it’s my fault. Now I’m in a strange house, in a world that is strange for me. It shouldn’t happen to us. Take me away, Jack. You understand, what I’m talking about?

Yes, I understand, - Jack replied. – I understood that when I had just seen you. That’s why in forty-five minutes my plane will land to take you away from the strange world to ours.

 

The End

 

The Sequel

 

Epilogue

Stepping out briskly Marina Carlos walked up the porch steps of Drama College building. She liked studying here, and her final decision was to become a professional actress.

Some guy in a jeans coat was messing around by the massive college entrance door. When the guy saw Marina he rushed to the entrance and politely opened the door for her. Marina smiled broadly to him, looked at the polite young man with interest and entered the building.

After slipping next to her, the guy hid behind a column and followed her with a long lustful look. He was gobbling up her slim legs, elastic bottom, wasp waist, retreating shoulders, long neck and her hair gathered into a bun on the head back while Marina Carlos was in sight.

The young man left the building and went home. On coming the guy set behind a writing-table and started to think over a soulful movie novel plot. Marina Carlos should be that very woman for a main role.