"So… have you thought about visiting?" Volgin asked, turning their conversation into small talk now that the main dish was devoured. "It's been quite some time, after all. Two years?" Aleks just smiled as he let him finish. "Something like that, yes," he swiftly replied and opened his mouth to say something else, but then felt a strong vibration near his heart.

Aleks took in air as he focused on the sensation in the inner pocket of his suit jacket. Another vibration followed… and then nothing. 

That was it – the message he had anticipated so much. [i]Been about time…[/i] Aleks though as he let out the rest of his never finished sentence, “Unfortunately, I have too much work to do these days; maybe next year.” Volgin returned him a smile, although his was much sourer. Meanwhile, Aleks slowly took out his cellphone and opened the message, not minding Volgin’s presence.

After all, an honest man has nothing to fear. 

[4:22 There’s something strange going on at the Hotel Rossiya, lots of police cars outside. I think I’m going to find somewhere else to stay tonight. Don’t worry though, I’ll be alright. See you soon?]

Aleks furrowed his brow as he looked up at Volgin, before turning his attention back to the screen. „My apologies, but something has come up. One of the deal failed to come through, some problems with the transaction, so I'll have to be going now, unless I wish to anger father.” All the while he typed a reply, multitasking did not trouble him.

[4:25 Good. I should come by your place tonight – we have to plan our next few moves carefully... And I'd like to make sure you're alright. Send me the address if you're fine with that.]

He had to make sure everything went along the plan.

As soon as he put his cellphone back in the pocket, Aleks stood up and extended his hand for a shake. “I never liked those things. No privacy whatsoever.” Volgin remarked as their hands shook. “Well, it’s…” [i]a necessity for a job like mine or yours,[/i] that’s what Aleks wanted to say, but stopped in time. “The mark of a new era, we have to accept it, whether we want to or not. увидимся!” 

And with that, the two parted ways – Volgin remained sitting even as Aleks left.

“Stupid…” Aleks muttered to himself. One little slip of the tongue and he would really make a remark that would bite him in the future; especially if the police force calls Volgin to the scene soon after Aleks left. Volgin was always one of those suspicious types. Aleks grabbed the bridge of his nose as he walked down the street, with no particular destination on his mind. He was just glad that he was out on the fresh air – as fresh as it was here in the city. The whole conversation quickly got too personal for him.