And, i'm going to try something different in the way i tell this tale. This first, 'introduction' part is told in a normal 'third person' manner, but then the story will be told by the two Ladies themselves, alternating between the two of them. Indeed the same action may often be described twice, but from 'both sides of the coin' as it were. Once again, many thanks to Caesar, and i hope that you, he and, above all Natasha herself, enjoy this muse.
Russia’s Chief Police Commissioner, Svetlana Dementieva, opened the envelope with a considerable feeling of anxiety. For she knew just whom, even if indirectly, it had come from and had a fair idea what the contents contained within the letter inside would be, even before she’d actually performed that action. For it had been composed by one of the Oligarchs that had become such a feature of Russian society since the collapse of the Soviet Union all those years ago. And for Svetlana those contents were very much unwelcome.
For this particular ‘Gentleman’ Svetlana knew to be ruthless, cruel and well, downright evil, even compared to the ‘normal’ such character. A man named Boris Oblomov. And as she’d correctly guessed the contents of his ‘letter’ was a ‘job offer.’ An invitation to come and ‘work’ for him as his ‘security chief,’ an offer that was something that Svetlana had NO desire to accept. For, not only did she despise Oblomov in a ‘professional’ sense especially, but she’d never been able to ‘pin anything’ on him despite a fervent desire to do precisely that, there was also the matter that she’d recently passed into her sixties, and genuinely wondered at such an advanced age whether she possessed the energy and stamina required for such a demanding role, even IF she had actually wished to take it.
In fact, Svetlana was on the verge of actual retirement, she was currently working her notice in respect to her present position, a fact that, somehow, Oblomov had clearly become aware of. And while his offer was VERY lucrative financially, Svetlana’s own monetary position was EXTREMELY comfortable, basically in that respect she was set for life and would NEVER need to work again.
However, the problem as she saw it was that Boris Oblomov was a VERY powerful man, somebody one couldn’t simply say ‘NO’ to without possible consequences. Firstly, she’d need a plausible reason in order to do so, well she might have covered that ‘base’ with her age concerns, a genuine factor. But also, if SHE wasn’t going to ‘take the job’ it might help if she could suggest somebody else suitable that Oblomov might consider as an acceptable replacement. Svetlana believed she could find just such a candidate.
For recently a young Lady, presently in quite a junior capacity in the Russian Federation Police Force, had come to Svetlana’s attention. Clearly ambitious, ruthless and VERY capable, Natasha Bolgonskava, might just be the ideal person to satisfy Oblomov’s requirements. And, if he was prepared to offer her the same financial reward that he’d promised Svetlana, then it would be a considerable ‘step up’ from Miss Bolgonskava’s present salary. One she might very well be tempted by. So, she called her potential young protégé into her office.
“Natasha, as you know I’m due to retire from my position very shortly. And, well I’ve had this extremely tempting offer of alternative employment from a well-known ‘businessman.’ However, I’m not certain that I’d be able to perform the duties required to an acceptable standard, my advanced years would possibly result in myself not possessing the necessary energy or stamina. So, I’m going to decline his offer. However, it’s my opinion that this position is almost ‘tailor made’ for somebody of your youth and talents. And you’d be WELL paid. Far more than what you receive now. Would you be interested?”
“Yes, Commissioner Dementieva. I am. Very much so in fact. May I know the name of my ‘prospective employer,’ before I answer FULLY that question though?”
“Of course. I assume that you’ve heard of Boris Oblomov? It’s him who has approached me.”
“The well-known Oligarch, Commissioner? Exactly what role has he offered you?”
“He’s asked me to become his ‘Security Chief.’ Not sure entirely what the role entails to be honest because I haven’t replied to him just yet. But I KNOW it’s NOT for me, because of the reason I informed you of earlier. However, as I say, I believe that you would be fully suitable. If you ARE interested, I would be more than willing to accompany you when you meet him.”
“Thank you, Commissioner. I would very much appreciate that. And yes, I’m VERY interested in the role, if Mr Oblomov wishes to take me on in the position.”
“Good. I’ll contact him with that in mind.”
Oblomov had provided a direct, personal e-mail address with his offer so that was Svetlana’s preferred method of reply.
Dear Mr Oblomov
Thank you so very much for the very real honour of considering myself for your position. Please believe me Sir, I’m very much flattered that you clearly consider me worthy of serving you in this role, but I’m afraid I do question whether I am, in fact, the correct person for it. For, I’m sure it would be a demanding position, requiring a large degree of devotion, strength and stamina, in order to perform it correctly, the ONLY way such service should be approached with. However, as you may not be aware of Sir, I have recently passed into my seventh decade upon this earth, and I must question whether I still possess those required qualities, in order for my service to yourself to indeed be at such a sufficient level. So, on that basis, I must, very reluctantly, decline your kind offer, for which I feel the utmost respect.
However, I recently have had the pleasure of working with a young Lady, who in my honest opinion, does exhibit the necessary skill, devotion and ambition to completely fulfil this position to a degree that I’m sure you will find utterly satisfactory. Therefore, I have NO hesitation in recommending her to yourself in this respect, Sir. Her name is Natasha Bolgonskava, I have spoken to her, and she is extremely interested to be considered by yourself in regard to this role.
May I suggest that Miss Bolgonskava and yourself schedule a meeting together, in order for yourself to determine her suitability. I am most willing to accompany her to formally introduce her to you.
I trust that you find the above satisfactory.
Yours sincerely
Svetlana Dementieva
Commissioner of Police.
She hit the ‘send’ button. ‘Well, it’s too late to ‘bottle out’ now, hope Oblomov doesn’t take my refusal personally, because NO, he isn’t the sort of man I’d want to get on the wrong side of,’ she told herself! Thankfully he replied quickly, expressing his regret that Svetlana felt unable to accept his offer herself, but respecting and agreeing with her stated reason for that decision. And he would be utterly delighted to consider Miss Bolgonskava for the position as a feasible alternative and would be pleased to meet the pair of them to that effect. To Svetlana’s GREAT relief! And he suggested holding this ‘interview’ just after Svetlana officially retired.