– So, what? – Aleksey made a face, as if asking, "What happened next?"
– There was shooting next – the old man understood his reaction. But what happened exactly isn’t clear. There was a forest ranger, I think he rented them the house.
– Do you remember the ranger? Sorry to interrupt.
– Yeah… halfway, kind of. So many years have passed. I remember the couple well, they're still in my mind, but the ranger… no, probably not, I don't recall.
– I see. Trophim Matveevich, do you know the local area well?
– Well, I've lived here all my life. How could I not know it, my good man?
– I'll stop by if I need you to show me around?
– Of course, stop by, my good man – the old man agreed.
– Oh, and your milk is tasty. You're a temptress – Aleksey smiled, taking another sip.
They said their goodbyes. Grandpa Trophim walked him to the gate and went to his grandson.
Aleksey reached the prosecutor’s office by evening; he still had to drop by the experts and hand in the bullets and knife found at the crime scene. He went up to the second floor, passed the reception – Lyuba was already gone, meaning his father had also gone home. Aleksey walked to the end of the hallway and opened the door to the room where all the prosecutor’s office celebrations took place: birthdays, promotions, welcoming new employees, and countless other reasons marked in red on the calendar. Empty bottles stood near the table. On the table, besides the dirty plates, were a couple of untouched dishes, ashtrays, and the windows were open.
– So, they were smoking in here.
“Slobs!” thought Aleksey.
Someone was washing dishes; the sound of running water could be heard. He tossed the folder onto a chair and sat down. He heard footsteps. A woman of about 30 came around the corner. A beautiful brunette, hair slicked back, expressive eyes, full lips. A pleasant smile.
– Are you Aleksey? – the stranger asked. – I’m Katya, your new colleague. Everyone’s gone, and Sergey Leonidovich asked me to stay and feed you.
– Feed me – he said, somewhat pensively and sadly, looking at the new employee. Then he stood up. – Katya, I need to do one thing quickly. Will you sit with me?
She spread her hands to the sides.
– You’re so persuasive.
He hesitated. In the office, Aleksey pulled a bag from the desk with the label "Evidence for your new case" and took out one bullet, placing it next to the one he found in the forest.