«OK, stop sit back. Everybody on stage and let’s run through the whole scene. Sasha, wake up, please, follow the action, the music must merge with it. Igor, no, stay here and only move back … yes, that’s OK.»

Fedorov went down to the parterre and remained standing.

«They began!»

On stage, the actors played the episode, and Lazarev watched what was happening, sitting in the darkened part of the auditorium. The play did not interest him at all, but the acting of those he came here for – really did. A few moments later Svetlov joined the rehearsal – he was saying his lines and moving towards Larisa. Anatoly saw Panko’s eyes light up.

«She is either a talented actress, which, by the way, is mentioned in her file, or she is interested in Gleb not only as a stage partner. And this is already a very good sign,» Major Lazarev chuckled.

Even if Anatoly had not seen her dossier, he could clearly see that this girl was blue-blooded. Panko projected such confidence and harmony that there was no doubt that these qualities had been formed in her ancestors throughout several generations. She reminded him of a gracious panther ready to charge. His memory readily reproduced a picture from his childhood story: the prince riding a white noble steed and the fair princess, waiting for him in her ancient ancestral castle.

«A tough nut to crack… OK, we’ll manage, I have solved harder tasks. If they need this heir at the very top, then, of course, his future will be taken care of. I’ll have nothing to reproach myself for.»

Meanwhile, the actors finished the scene. Fedorov summed up the results of the rehearsal and let them go and have a rest. Anatoly got up from his place and with a springy gait began to descend in the direction of the stage.

«Mikhail, would you spare me a couple of minutes?»

Fedorov cringed away a little as if he had just received a blow in the jaw, but he quickly put himself together and when he was turning to Anatoly there was already a most courteous and surprised smile on his face.

«And may I ask who you are?» Fedorov threw back his head a little and even in his eyes, of a beautiful steel color, there appeared genuine interest and surprise at the same time.

«Clever, so talented that you should never believe the expression on his face, loyal to our cause out-and-out,» Major Lazarev at once recollected Mikhail’s dossier and moved a couple of steps closer to his aim.

Fedorov was looking at the stranger with interest, but his experience prompted him that only an officer of a certain agency can move like a highbred cheetah and talk in the sincere tone of a good Samaritan. «Good afternoon, Mikhail, my name is Anatoly Lazarev,» with a habitual gesture he produced his KGB major ID.

«Oh, you are from the KGB, hello,» nodded Fedorov, «to what do I owe the honor of your visit? Welcome to my office.»

Fedorov extended his hand for a handshake and a slight sadness appeared in his eyes. Naturally, Major Lazarev noticed all of this, but he could not understand the reason. He decided that Mikhail was tired and willing to get rid of him as soon as possible, because he wanted to get ready for the evening performance.

«I’ve got a little request for you,» Anatoly shook the extended hand.

The men left the auditorium, and, walking through a short corridor, entered the director’s office. Fedorov shut the door tightly, moved the chair to his guest and sat at the other side of the table.

«I'm listening to you carefully,» he said, sitting down more comfortably.

«It has become known to us that your actors Tatiana Roshin and Gleb Svetlov,» Anatoly Lazarev began slowly, «are going to be married soon. We think that this marriage is highly undesirable and are asking you to help us ruin their plans.»