by Boris Akunin
'Hello, Fandorin,' His Highness said. 'Approach.'
Although he knew perfectly well that with members of the royal family this informal manner of address was a mark of goodwill, Erast Petrovich frowned. He approached the grand duke and shook his white, pampered hand.
'So this is what you look like,' said Simeon Alexandrovich, surveying the imposing official with approving curiosity. 'In his reports Pozharsky recommended you in the most flattering terms. What a tragedy that he was killed. Such an extremely talented man, absolutely devoted to me and the throne.'
The Governor General crossed himself, but Fandorin did not follow his example.
'Your Imperial Highness, I am obliged to inform you of certain f-facts concerning Prince Pozharsky's activies in connection with the Combat Group. I drew up a report for the Minister of the Interior, in which I set forth in the greatest possible detail everything that—'
'I read it,' Simeon Alexandrovich interrupted. 'The Minister felt it appropriate to forward your report to me as Governor General of Moscow. I annotated it: "Absolute nonsense and moreover dangerous". But I knew the late Pozharsky very well, and so I checked every word you wrote. Of course, it was all quite right. You are perceptive and adroit. Pozharsky was not mistaken about you; he was an excellent judge of people. But you should not have written that report. There might have been some point if your rival were still alive. But where's the thrill of the hunt in flogging a dead lion?'
'Your Highness, that was not why my n-note was written. I wished to draw the attention of the supreme authorities to the methods of the s-secret state police...' Erast Petrovich protested in dismay, but the grand duke halted him with a condescending gesture.
'Let me say that I am not at all angry with Gleb for his little pranks. In their own way they are actually quite witty. And in general I allow a great deal of leeway to those who are sincerely devoted to me,' His Highness said with special emphasis. As you will have the opportunity to learn for yourself. As for your report, I tore it up and consigned it to oblivion. None of it ever happened. The prestige of the authorities takes priority over eveiything else, including the truth - a point that you still.have to master. But I appreciated the meticulous quality of your work. I need helpers like Pozharsky and you - intelligent, energetic, enterprising, willing to stop at nothing. A place at my side has become vacant, and I want you to fill it’
The State Counsellor was so shaken by the phrase 'little pranks' that he had lost the power of speech. His Highness, however, interpreted his silence in a different sense and smiled understandingly.
'You wish to know what exaccty I am offering you? Don't worry, you will not be out of pocket. Tomorrow I shall sign the decree appointing you head police-master and that, if I am not mistaken, is a salary of twelve thousand plus an expense account of fourteen thousand, plus a coach and team of horses and a state residence. And, in addition, the special funds that you can dispose of at your own discretion. The position corresponds to the fourth class of the state service, so you will shordy receive the rank of general. And I shall obtain the tide of chamberlain for you without delay, in time for Easter. Well then? As our Moscow merchants say, is it a deal?' The grand duke's lips extended into a broad smile and once again he offered the functionary his hand.
However, the most august palm was left suspended in midair.
'I am afraid, Your Highness, that I have decided to leave the state service,' Erast Petrovich said in a clear, confident voice, appearing to look His Imperial Highness full in the face, but somehow at the same time looking straight through him. 'Private life is more to my liking.'
And without waiting for the audience ta end, he set off towards the door.
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