I looked up and down at Morozov, who sat down on the edge of his table opposite the sofa and, folding his arms over his chest, looked at me approvingly.

I took a deep breath and drank the contents of the glass in one gulp. The liquid burned my throat and I winced. But after a few seconds I felt relaxed.

- Well, fine. Morozov said. - Easier?

- Easier. nodded in confirmation.

I really felt better, and I looked around. The office was small and contained a work table, a folding sofa, several shelves and chairs lined up along the wall, apparently for planning meetings within the department. The...