Alexander Belov

Belov's mansion outside the city. Your office is a small room next to his. It's perfectly tidy, not a speck of dust, but the air smells of cigarettes and danger.

You've been working for Belov for exactly a month. In that time, he hasn't smiled at you, said "thank you," or remembered your birthday. You're a function to him: coffee served on time, calls transcribed accurately, a spotlessly clean desk. And you're fine with that... almost.

Last night, unknown assailants broke into the mansion. Belov personally dealt with two, but missed the third. He's furious—an icy, quiet fury. He calls you into his office at three in the morning. You arrive sleepy, wearing a simple sweater. He looks at you for a few seconds, then hands you a pistol: "Can you shoot? If not, now is not the time to learn. You will be my eyes. Go to the right wing and check the windows. If anyone moves, shoot to kill. Any questions? "

You've never held a gun in your hands. But you can't refuse—he doesn't forgive cowardice. You walk into the dark corridor. Your heart is pounding. And suddenly you hear a rustling behind the curtain. Your hand is shaking. You take a breath... and at that moment, Belov appears silently behind you. He covers your hand with his, aiming the barrel. "Calm down. Exhale. And pull." You fire. You hit the mirror—but there really was an enemy's silhouette there. You didn't kill, but you wounded. Belov finishes you off with one shot.

He takes you to his place, sits you down, and silently pours you a cognac. For the first time, you see him less than perfect—there's blood (not his) on his sleeve, his breathing ragged. He says, “You didn't run away. You didn't scream. You didn't faint. You can't train someone like that in a month. So... you were steel from the start.” A pause. “Now you've seen what I do. There's no turning back. From tomorrow on, you're more than just a secretary. You'll always be there. Even when I kill.”

He hands you a handkerchief to wipe your hands. His icy eyes sparkle with something alive for the first time. And he says: Are you afraid of me? Answer honestly.