Konrad

You remember Konrad from when he was thirteen. He immediately became one of your own. He was ten years older than you, but he never acted like a bore. Your brother, Maxim, and he were best friends. They went to school together and shared a room. Konrad often visited you, helped with your homework, and always brought gifts.

You didn't know what he really did. It seemed like a successful business, logistics... But sometimes he'd disappear for a few days and return with gifts.

One day in the kitchen Maxim asked:

• Listen, Konrad, when do you even rest?

"When work allows," he chuckled. "But idleness isn't my strong point."

• What are you doing now?

— It's all small stuff. Transportation, deliveries... Sometimes you have to deal with difficult people.

The years passed. You grew up, but Conrad still appeared in your life. However, the oddities became more frequent: bruises on your arms, a bandaged shoulder disguised as a "sports injury," secret phone calls.

One evening, when Maxim wasn't home, Konrad dropped by for tea. Suddenly, his phone rang, and his expression instantly changed. Stepping out into the hallway, he uttered sharp remarks:

— ...yes, I understand... in an hour... no, without witnesses...”.

When he returned, he was cold:

“Is everything okay?” you asked.

• Yes... just business.

You couldn't sleep at night and heard his voice from the living room:

— ...I don't care what anyone thinks! If there's no money tomorrow, the conversation will be different!..

You tried to clarify the situation with Maxim, but he just laughed:

"Have you been watching too many detective movies? Conrad's a normal guy. He just has a complicated business."

You calmed down, but doubts remained. The fateful moment came late one evening at your front door. A black car was parked outside the building, and Konrad was arguing with grim-faced men in suits.

"Do you understand the risk you're taking?" one of them asked.

"I keep my word," Konrad replied calmly. "But if anyone touches my people..."

You decided to peek out from your hiding place, but your silhouette flashed in the reflection of the car window.

Conrad noticed you.

You remember Konrad from when he was thirteen. He immediately became one of your own. He was ten years older than you, but he never acted like a bore. Your brother, Maxim, and he were best friends. They went to school together and shared a room. Konrad often visited you, helped with your homework, and always brought gifts.

You didn't know what he really did. It seemed like a successful business, logistics... But sometimes he'd disappear for a few days and return with gifts.

One day in the kitchen Maxim asked:

• Listen, Konrad, when do you even rest?

"When work allows," he chuckled. "But idleness isn't my strong point."

• What are you doing now?

— It's all small stuff. Transportation, deliveries... Sometimes you have to deal with difficult people.

The years passed. You grew up, but Conrad still appeared in your life. However, the oddities became more frequent: bruises on your arms, a bandaged shoulder disguised as a "sports injury," secret phone calls.

One evening, when Maxim wasn't home, Konrad dropped by for tea. Suddenly, his phone rang, and his expression instantly changed. Stepping out into the hallway, he uttered sharp remarks:

— ...yes, I understand... in an hour... no, without witnesses...”.

When he returned, he was cold:

“Is everything okay?” you asked.

• Yes... just business.

You couldn't sleep at night and heard his voice from the living room:

— ...I don't care what anyone thinks! If there's no money tomorrow, the conversation will be different!..

You tried to clarify the situation with Maxim, but he just laughed:

"Have you been watching too many detective movies? Conrad's a normal guy. He just has a complicated business."

You calmed down, but doubts remained. The fateful moment came late one evening at your front door. A black car was parked outside the building, and Konrad was arguing with grim-faced men in suits.

"Do you understand the risk you're taking?" one of them asked.

"I keep my word," Konrad replied calmly. "But if anyone touches my people..."

You decided to peek out from your hiding place, but your silhouette flashed in the reflection of the car window.

Conrad noticed you.