Бесплатный фрагмент - Dead Breath

DEAD BREATH

by

MELODY JADE ALLEN

***
CHAPTER 1

What does friendship mean to people? Absolute trust, support, dedication… But, as you know, there is nothing perfect in the world. Friendship also means accepting the dark side of your friend, and sometimes you switch to that side on your own… Will your friend be able to save you?

Another day in June in Los Angeles monotonously counted down the hours until Midnight under the scorching Sun. This city has hardly changed, and its people have not changed. Many of them had a vanity, although unlike many others they didn’t have a habit of hiding or having it — for them, the mask was a sign that you accepted yourself and your essence. Here everyone could be who he really is — no judgments, just one of many faces…

Mireya Rothe, a 26-year-old blonde with big eyes and a fragile figure was a graphic editor in the company of her long-time friend Rick O’Connell. Sitting in the office in front of her computer, she looked at her colleague through a sip of latte. Her colleague George was standing in front of the shelves of documents; his voice always annoyed Mireya — George was a guy with squeaky, overly bright shirts with flowers and funny bright trousers that were painfully combined with sneakers or classic slippers. She took a deep breath and sipped her coffee again, feeling it burned her throat.

«Will you come tomorrow?» George asked, stepping closer to her desk.

Mireya looked away from the monitor and looked at him questioningly.

«Well, tomorrow is it like a corporate party?» George explained.

Mireya leaned back in her wide computer chair made of black leather, «I always missed it. And you noticed it. Then why the question is?»

George backed away. «I just asked.»

Mireya threw her head back, closing her eyes. Too often he asked her stupid questions.

Rick went up to them and put the folder with documents in front of Mireya, winking. «This should be done before next Friday, you have a lot of time.»

Mireya smiled. «No questions asked.»

Rick gave a predatory look to George as if preparing for an attack. «What are you doing here? Buddy, you didn’t even complete the day before yesterday. Do you want me to hire someone to replace you? I personally don’t mind.»

«No, I…» George looked around awkwardly, «I’m leaving, I’m sorry.» He tripped over something, heading back to his workplace.

«I would like to re-educate him,» Rick said.

Mireya pressed her lips together. «I think he’s just not made for the job. Sometimes I even feel sorry for him, Rick. He seems to be a lot nervous.»

«Well yes. We will discuss this later.» Rick replied, his cell phone distracting him. Answering another call, he walked away.

Mireya’s cell phone vibrated, she exhaled irritably. She didn’t like it when someone called her during the working day. She took the phone from her desk drawer and looked at the display — Leandra Rae. She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

Mireya and Leandra were best friends before and even after they went to college together. But at some point, Leandra left their common path and after she left college, she moved to Las Vegas to work at the Casino Hotel. Nevertheless, not understanding her choice Mireya tried to communicate with her as often as possible, but in the end they drifted away, and as it seemed to her, their communication stopped. They haven’t heard of each other for months, but now something seems to have changed.

Mireya doubted whether to start a new dialogue, and decided to press the green button, taking the call. «Yes?» She said into the [hone.

«Mireya?» The voice of Leandra answered, «God, I haven’t heard you for so long! How do you?»

Mireya rolled her eyes. «Not bad. But I’m at work, Leandra. I thought we were no longer close?»

«That’s right, but…» Leandra hesitated, «Unfortunately, it was my fault. But I want to see you. See you at the hotel tonight?»

«Wait, are you here? In Los Angeles?»

«Yes!» Leandra shouted enthusiastically, «I arrived a couple of hours ago and immediately called you. So what do you say?»

Leandra’s proposal caused mixed feelings, but the thirst for curiosity had some elusive advantage, and Mireya agreed to meet with her. Her hotel was a high-rise building in downtown; upon arriving there, Mireya climbed to the 25th floor admiring the colonial-style corridors in red and gold colours.

Knocking on the door of Room 247, Mireya froze, realizing that she probably didn’t want to be here. But the door handle turned.

Leandra, a girl with long blonde hair, greeted her with a slightly childish smile, straightening her creamy jacket, which was paired with a black T-shirt and jeans. «Mireya! You’re here!» She hugged the one she still considered her friend tightly and let her in.

Mireya mentally grinned, studying the situation — she was in an expensive room with a double bed, three night lamps (it was strange, but Leandra was afraid of the dark, but didn’t like the light of the lamps on the ceiling), a red soft carpet, a Russian drink, probably from a Russian store (Leandra’s grandmother was from Siberia), several suitcases of stuff, and this awfully familiar smell of perfume that Mireya would recognize from a thousand. She turned to look at Leandra, who was staring into her miniature mirror, fingers running down her thin eyebrows.

«Well.» Mireya walked around, «Why am I here?»

«You as always, start the dialogue outside the box», Leandra sat down in a wide chair, which almost merged with the colour of her jacket.

Mireya looked back and looked at herself in the reflection of the floor hotel mirror. A striped T-shirt, a black leather jacket, black jeans and gothic boots — Leandra must have thought she hadn’t changed in all this time. However, she would be right… in part.

«You probably wondered many times why I did it?» Leandra said, «Why did I so abruptly leave college, where I was so fanatically striving to get, but I thought it was all worth it.»

«Is your job in a casino hotel worth it? By the way, you still haven’t said what you were doing there?! Mireya looked at her suspiciously, «This is not… what is connected with…?»

«No, no.» Leandra waved her hand, «Nothing like that.»

Mireya breathed a sigh of relief, but her tension returned instantly. «But it was something illegal?»

«Why did you decide so?»

«Otherwise, why should you be silent about it?»

Leandra fell silent for a couple of seconds. «There were people who illegally worked as hackers for jealous guys or girlfriends. It was almost like a hobby.»

Mireya spread her arms, «Well, if you say so.» She suddenly caught herself thinking that she was almost not interested in everything that happened to… perhaps still her friend for the entire time of their remoteness.

«Do you want something to drink?» Leandra said, smiling too sweetly.

Mireya felt a slight irritation. «A water?»

While Leandra was pouring mineral water into a glass, Mireya distracted her cell phone, checking the message she had just received from her boss: «There was a technical error. Please, send me the results of your work over the past three days. Sorry for the inconvenience.»

«Here,» Leandra handed a glass of water to Mireya.

Mireya put her cell phone aside and took a couple of sips, once again seeing Leandra’s typical overly cute look.

«Probably, I should go — I have unresolved problems at work,» Mireya said, putting her glass on the wooden table. «Is there anything else you want to tell me?»

Leandra smiled slightly, for a second panic flashed in her eyes, but Mireya was too distracted to notice it. Her cell phone ringtone shattered the silence between them. Mireya looked at its screen again. «I have to answer the call.»

Leandra nodded.

Mireya came out into the hotel corridor and moved away from Leandra’s room. She didn’t want her to ask questions about her work, her personal life and her life in general. It was too late.

After finishing the conversation with Rick, Mireya returned to the door of room 247, but after pushing it she realized that the room was locked. She knocked on but got no answer. «Hey?» Leandra, what the hell?» She said and again, she received no answer. Mireya wearily lowered her head and hit the wall with her palm. «If you don’t want to see me, you could tell me about it face to face. This is so stupid», she snorted, «Goodbye, Leandra», Mireya pressed the elevator button and after leaving the hotel, she disappeared into the night city…

…The Sun’s rays passed through the window, burning her face… Mireya opened her eyes. Being in her downtown skyscraper apartment, she tried to remember how and when she got home, but the last thing she remembered was walking into the hotel’s elevator after she visited Leandra. There was nothing more. She got up and looked around — three empty cups of coffee from a local coffee shop were on the coffee table next to her open laptop; the check next to them showed she had bought a refreshing drink within half an hour while she arrived at the hotel. How could she forget about this?

Mireya checked her laptop — she sent the archives of her work, which Rick asked, also she started working on a new project, but she didn’t remember at all how she did all of this, there was just a blackout. It dawned on her… Leandra. Leandra gave her water; she probably mixed some kind of a sleeping pill with a side effect. At least it was the only one explanation.

The sound of her cell phone ringing pulled her out of her thoughts. She took it out of her jacket pocket and looked at the display. «Leandra Calling». Right now, she had no desire to talk to her, but she wanted an answer to the main question — why did she come back? But there was no point in talking about it on the phone, and after giving herself a few minutes to recover, Mireya took her backpack and jacket and left the house.

After taking a taxi, she returned to the hotel where Leandra was staying in. Passing the reception and tourists with a large number of suitcases, she entered the familiar elevator, smelling a slight smell of tobacco in it. The door opened, she went out and froze… The door to Leandra’s room was open, several police officers were working inside and two others were standing outside, not letting in strangers. What the hell happened here?

Under the cold gaze of these two officers, she looked inside and saw a girl she knew. «Adrianna?»

Adrianna Hale was a detective and Mireya’s and friend for quite some time — their fathers were investigators for the Chicago Police Force until their families moved to Los Angeles. But the presence of Adrianna made Mireya feel trembling in her body and growing excitement — Detective Hale was investigating the murders.

Hearing Mireya’s voice, Adrianna turned around and having said something to her colleagues, she approached her. «Mireya? You already know?»

«What about?» Mireya involuntarily took a step back.

«Let’s step away, okay?» Adrianna put her hand on Mireya’s shoulder, and they walked to the window at the end of the corridor.

Adrianna tried to find words. «I’m sorry to say that. I don’t know if you were still friends. But it’s always hard to lose someone who was your friend once. Mireya…» She slowed down. «Leandra was killed last night.»

Mireya froze. But she did not feel the expected shock, but still tears dripped down from her eyes. «How did it happen?»

«Someone strangled her.» Adrianna answered. «Our people are checking her room, but… All the fingerprints were deliberately erased, so the killer obviously tried to cover up the tracks.»

«Wait…» Mireya raised her hand. «Someone called me from her cell phone this morning. I thought she wanted to talk, and I came here. I didn’t know that she…»

«Her cell was stolen, but we will try to track where the incoming call came from.» Adrianna said. «Tell me, when did she return?»

Adrianna knew Leandra from the beginning of her friendship with Mireya, but they almost didn’t communicate with each other — different interests, different opinions, and even a mutual friend couldn’t make them at least «just friends».

«She said she came back yesterday.» Mireya answered. «Can you check it out?»

«Of course we can. So, she called you?»

«Yes, she did. It was too sudden.» Mireya chuckled. «After so much time, our conversation took only a few minutes and now… I didn’t even ask why she came and…» Mireya felt the current pass through her body. «I left her room when we talked, and she just locked the door.»

Adrianna raised her eyebrows inquiringly.

«Well, it was strange of her.» Mireya looked along the corridor. «What if her killer was there when I was outside? I could stop this one?»

«Or this one would have killed both of you. All right, listen to me…» Adrianna took Mireya by the shoulders. «Theoretically, you are the last one who saw her alive. And sorry, that makes you a suspect. You need to go with me to the station; our people have already checked the video surveillance cameras. Mireya, the time of Leandra’s death coincides with the time of your visit. I’m afraid you need a lawyer.»

***

Arriving at the police station, Mireya passed through a typical working chaos — the detectives’ desks were clogged with documents, phone calls did not ever stop, the sweet smell of their favourite donuts and coffee spread, it seemed throughout the building. Adrianna led her to the interrogation room, where there was a silver table and two chairs, also cameras and microphones that recorded everything was happening in it.

«Is it all so bad?» Mireya asked, sitting down at the table.

Adrianna sat down in front of her, opening a folder for entries. «That’s what we have — you left Leandra’s room, the time of your departure coincides with the approximate time of her death. After you left, someone left her room, but a couple of hours after she left, and it wasn’t Leandra because the door was opened with an electronic key, but someone hacked it to open it; the sensor still worked. So Leandra wasn’t alone there. The cameras were turned off when that unknown came out and left the hotel.»

«The police think it was me?»

«Listen. In her hotel room, all fingerprints were erased, except from a glass of water — there are yours and Leandra’s on it. Yes, the detectives believe you could leave after you committed the murder, but then you came back to cover up the tracks and therefore found a way to turn off the cameras.»

Mireya chuckled. «So I did not turn off the camera before committing the murder and just so quietly left the body of the murdered friend? But then I came back and… Heck! I decided to cover up the tracks, hiding myself. God, that sounds stupid!»

«Maybe it does.» Adrianna wrote something down. «We checked her calls out. Leandra called only you while being in Los Angeles. You were the last one to see her… except her real killer. And there are your fingerprints. But Mireya…» Adrianna leaned back. «All of this is not enough to charge. We need a motive and a weapon of murder.»

Mireya shrugged her shoulders. «We did not communicate for several months, I had no offense — I knew her nature. I was surprised, but not overwhelmed by her decision to suddenly move to Las Vegas, so I probably did not have a motive?»

«Probably you don’t?» Adrianna agreed.

«Okay, what about a weapon of murder?»

«It was a denim belt.» Adrianna said after a short pause.

«A denim belt?» Mireya repeated. «Well, that’s very original. So, am I the main suspect now?»

«That’s partly.» Adrianna smiled sympathetically. «Do not leave the country until the end of the investigation.»

«The country? Wow. I thought, usually the police order not to leave the city limits. Why there are such privileges for me?»

«We are going to Las Vegas.»

CHAPTER 2

The bright lights of Las Vegas night greeted them.

Mireya and Adrianna left the airport and were sitting in the backseat of the taxi; they studied the information that was obtained during the investigation. Leandra lived in a multi-story elite hotel, which was paid for by someone named James Smith. Of course, the name was fake as well as its bank account, which suddenly ceased functioning in the early morning. But it was only the beginning of the road.

Casino-Hotel Domiani Grand Plaza included a lot of slot machines, gaming tables and other gambling entertainment on each of the floors. Standing in front of it, Adrianna was talking to someone from the staff; Mireya was inspecting the streets that were saturated with the smell of hot asphalt and stuffy air. Tourists, police, entertainment… Everything seemed like some kind of game like in an epic action movie about casino players who arranged this beautiful life around themselves.

A few minutes later, Adrianna and Mireya got on the 31st floor of the Domiani Grand Plaza, where Leandra lived on. Her room 31—18 was just next to the rooms of Adrianna and Mireya.

«I’ll see you in the morning, when I get a search warrant.» Adrianna said and handed Mireya a key with number 31—20.

Las Vegas had a special reputation as a «city of gambling» and was kept afloat by an endless flow of tourists, so that’s why the local police agreed to cooperate with Adrianna even though it wasn’t about her jurisdiction.

Mireya entered her room and switched on the light; she felt the shivers covered her skin — a two-story room in gold and red colours, huge royal bed, kitchen, spacious dining room, and expensive furniture were in front of her, welcoming with brilliance and order, also showing a dazzling appearance on the city. For a moment, Mireya forgot herself, feeling like a princess in a fairy-tale castle. She thought it odd that Adrianna would allow her to accompany her on the investigation — too much was allowed for the prime suspect, given her private hotel room and lack of 24/7 surveillance — but she wanted to believe there was a good reason for that.

Her senses were distracted by the mobile phone, which began to vibrate in her pocket. Reluctantly, she pulled it out and looked at the caller’s name — Leandra.

Mireya retreated. Leandra’s mobile phone wasn’t found in her hotel room in Los Angeles, perhaps that the killer is contacting her? Feeling that she almost pressed the button of the nuclear bomb, Mireya decided to press the green button. «Hello?» She said to someone at the other end of the line.

«Mireya! I’m so glad to hear you; we have not seen each other for so long!» Leandra said from the other end of the tube.

Mireya’s hands trembled. «Who the hell are you?»

«You’re asking the wrong question, dear. But you need to find the right one. He’s still here.» Leandra coquettishly said.

«What?» Mireya put her hand to her forehead. «Who?»

«His name is Tom. He will like you!»

«Who are you?»

«Take care of yourself.»

A knock at the door made Mireya jump up because of her own surprise, she looked at the display again — the call was interrupted.

«Mireya, are you all right?» Adrianna said behind the door.

Mireya opened it, still trembling.

«What happened to you?» Adrianna looked at her, entering and closing the door. «You look like a ghost.»

«I think I just talked to this one.» Mireya exhaled. «Someone called me on her behalf.»

For a couple of minutes, Adrianna listened to the repeat of the last call from Mireya’s phone, analysing the details and thinking about the theories. She already asked her colleagues to track the call.

«So what do you think?» Mireya asked, sitting in a wide soft armchair.

Adrianna spread her hands. «Of course, this is not Leandra. All the rest can be the result of excellent computer skills.»

«What you mean?»

«There are programs, Mireya, that are able to copy someone’s voice, replacing them with your own. Whoever it is, he or she certainly wants to either confuse us or frighten you.»

«Me?» Mireya giggled. «Well… Yes, that’s just a problem — it’s unlikely that someone from Leandra’s friends knew about me. And who is Tom?»

«If it’s her friend or maybe a boyfriend, we’ll find him. But if it’s just a random name, then it’s unlikely that it will give us a result.» Adrianna looked at her wristwatch. «It’s too late night already. See you in the morning?»

Mireya nodded.

The morning will have even more questions.

Through the huge window, Las Vegas lights lit up the bedroom that was filled with the silent ticking of the outdoor clock and serene tranquillity. Mireya slept on a soft airy bed, covered with a warm blanket. Her dream was always sensitive, and when she heard something approaching, she opened her eyes… Something made her rise abruptly; sitting on the bed and covering herself with a blanket up to her face, Mireya examined the darkness breathing heavily. Nothing strange… probably it was just a nightmare.

«Please don’t be afraid.» A man’s voice said from somewhere.

Mireya froze.

The bathroom door was opened. A young guy with brown dark hair went out with his hands. «I will not hurt you.»

Without knowing the reasons, Mireya did not feel fear. She stared at him. «Who are you?» She noticed some Rock band badge on his black leather jacket.

«My name is Tom. Tom Walt.»

«Oh…» Mireya shuddered a little. «How do you know me?»

«I worked with Leandra Ray. She was a girlfriend of my brother, they broke up a few weeks ago, but she said she needed help. She asked if she did not contact me until tonight, I would have to find you. She gave me information about you.» He smiled a little. «Don’t be scared, there are just your full name, phone number and address of your work.»

«Well… It’s impressive.» Mireya hesitated. All this was quite unexpected, but she must cope with it. «Did you call me?»

«No. I thought it would be too strange to come out of the phone.» Tom ran a hand through his hair. «My friend tracked your name in the bases of airlines and even railways. I thought I would have to fly to California, but… you’re here. What happened?»

«Wait… you don’t know?»

Tom shook his head.

«Leandra was killed.» Mireya told him the whole story, which began with Leandra’s phone call.

Tom nodded understandingly and fell in his own thoughts, he walked around the room. «Then I don’t understand… why did she ask me to meet you? She… she knew what would happen?»

«Maybe she suspected so?» Mireya pulled up the blanket; she wore a transparent pink shirt. «Could it be related to her work?»

Tom sighed loudly. «No, I don’t think so. I mean, she didn’t do such serious things. She wasn’t even involved in reading other people’s messages or e-mails, although many people think so. She only tracked phone calls and operations on bank cards. Although… even if there is a danger… Our employer never communicates with dangerous people; it could create problems with his illegal business. And if Leandra did something, Mireya… It was something out of the picture.»

«Tom…» Mireya appreciated his gaze, being still not sure she could trust him. But she decided. «Can you at least just guess who could have done it to her?»

Tom spread his hands. «No, unfortunately. I wasn’t even close to her, Mireya. By the way, what do you think about that? You are her friend, are not you?»

«Well, I’m some kind of.» Mireya lowered her eyes. «We stopped talking soon after she moved to Las Vegas. And actually, I was one of the last one who saw her alive and because of that, the police didn’t find other people, who could see her before her murder… Tom, I’m the main suspect right now. I need to prove my innocence, even though the police don’t have enough evidence to arrest me. I just want all of that to end, and her killer be punished… at least for the sake of what we had before.»

«I see.» Tom smiled sympathetically.

«You know, here is the detective who is leading this case. You could…»

«No!» Tom stopped her. «I will not talk to the cops. You know, I told you everything I knew. I’m sorry, I have to go now.»

Mireya didn’t have time to say something else as Tom left the room, closing the door behind him.

Mireya spent the rest of the night in her own thoughts, trying to create a complete chain of events. Dressing up in jeans and a gothic t-shirt, she sat down at the table in front of the window, took a notebook and a pen. So, Leandra «hits the wheel» in Las Vegas, she probably needs help, or she just tried to escape from the one, who became her killer, so she flies to Los Angeles. All her friends from Los Angeles also stopped communicating with her sometime after her move, but somehow Mireya was the closest so-called friend, she called her, but she didn’t say anything important, just gave her a glass of water… And she just closed the door. Everything could have ended on this, but Mireya lost the whole night of memories, probably because of something that Leandra mixed into her glass with water. Everything ended with her murder.

Mireya took a deep breath. «What the hell happened to you?» She uttered in a half-voiced voice and her cell made her distracted. She took it and looked at the display — Leandra. «Oh no…» Mireya didn’t want to receive another call from the phone of the murdered girl, but she did not seem to have a choice and she pressed the green button, taking the call. «Hello?»

Silence…

«Hello? Who is it? Listen, no matter, who you are, it’s not funny, okay? Leandra is dead! If you killed her, at least have the honour and do not call from her name, damn it!» Mireya swore and calmed down again. «And what are you trying to get from this?»

«Mireya!» Leandra’s voice said on the other side.

Mireya froze. No, it was Leandra’s voice, and it was not recorded on a Dictaphone or something else — it was her.

«Mireya, oh God… This way was originally wrong. Look! Where are we now?» Leandra spoke. «Oh, we’re between the two cities, right? We are already approaching the gas station; I can see it right now! You good, girl!»

Mireya got up. She recognized this speech and remembered that day. It was a summer vacation, and she and Leandra decided to spend a couple of weeks traveling in California, taking a capacious Mireya’s car in case they were lucky and they would have to spend the night somewhere on the side-lines. They rode without a map and any navigators, and at one point, they thought they were lost — for several hours they rode along an asphalt road through some desert, hour by hour and did not see a change on the horizon as if they were traveling in a circle. Leandra insisted it was due to a wrong turn, where Mireya turned the steering wheel, being between two roads. Gasoline was almost exhausted, but a miracle happened — they saw the same gas station and finally found out where they were. Undoubtedly, it was unforgettable, but something strange happened in Leandra’s behaviour… she constantly looked back as if fearing someone was watching them, two days later she just threw away her old mobile phone, saying, «It bothered me, and I have long been looking for a reason to change it. But do we need reasons to change something?» At that moment, Mireya didn’t attach importance to all of this, knowing that the essence of Leandra was full of surprises or even jokingly thought that she was suffering from bipolar disorder, but perhaps it was something more personal. Who could record this conversation? Maybe someone got this by connecting to her mobile phone? What did you do, Leandra?

«This way was originally wrong. Look! Where are we now?» She repeated it again.

Mireya listened.

«This way was originally wrong. Look! Where are we now? Where are we now? Where are we now? Where…?»

Mireya’s trembling hands dropped the call, unable to listen to her friend’s dead voice anymore and hear her dead breath. If it’s a murderer, why does he or she do it? Is not it like a way to let the police find themselves? Or maybe killing was not enough and he or she decided to start this «Find me» game then it probably could some psychopath with mental disorders? So many options, questions… in the end, the initial path must be completed.

***

«I’m telling you! It must be her killer!» Mireya waved her arms vigorously, telling Adrianna about her conversation with Tom, about his words and, of course, a call from Leandra’s number. «You understand someone could be watching her, even behind us when we were together and all of this is in front of me now!»

«Okay!» Adrianna raised her hands as if surrendering. «I understand, but calm down, okay? Let’s start from the beginning, who is that Tom? Do you know his surname?»

«Tom Walt. But he does not want to talk to the police, besides he said he shared with me everything he knew about her. Do you want to find him?»

«I think it would not be superfluous. And by the way, our Los Angeles police have already worked with her phone number — her phone, Mireya, has a built-in tracking protection program.»

«That means you can’t find where it is?»

Adrianna shook her head. «Our Captain agrees that it’s probably the one who is her killer, so insists that his programmers work hard with this. We need time.»

«Time is the thing that is always not enough.» Mireya looked at her arms.

«By the way, if Tom said he worked in the so-called IT sphere, he could know and deliberately protect her phone from unwanted persecution.»

«Agree.» Mireya snapped her fingers. «Do we have anything to begin with?»

«We checked her credit card — Leandra often bought drinks in the same cafe daily. Let’s go there, Mireya. Perhaps there we will find something that will help us find the first answer.»

After a couple of minutes, Adrianna stopped the rented red car in front of a small cafe, which was located between the next casino and some sort of night club. Sitting next to Adrianna, Mireya noticed a guy, who was smoking a cigarette; he looked up into her eyes… He put out a cigarette and threw it into the urn, still looking at Mireya he went to the club as if he saw a ghost. Mireya blinked. He recognized her. No doubt.

«You’re going?» Adrianna brought her out of her thoughts.

Mireya nodded and got out of the car. The cafe with the name Ice Tea was a one-story building, from which the smell of fresh food coffee and baking came; Mireya looked at the signboard the Hot Moon club, where that guy had fled from her field of vision.

«I don’t know what she could do here so often.» Adrianna said looking around.

On the way here, she and Mireya found her profile on the social media, where Leandra posted her photos of her everyday life — expensive cars, elite areas of the city, expensive clothes and a decent environment was put on a public display, but now, they were in the place that was a few miles from the “crowded zone” closer to the suburbs, there could only be local residents and local workers who worked at the construction site that was actively raised only half a mile away from here.

«You know, I want to look around if you don’t mind?» Mireya said. «I don’t think I will be carried away by your police interrogation.»

Adrianna shrugged her shoulders. «Okay if you want so. But be where I could find you.»

«Of course I will.»

When Adrianna disappeared into the Ice Tea, Mireya confidently headed for the Hot Moon. She came in. The Hot Moon was a game club — billiard tables, tables for card games, a stand with the game «Happy Rabbit», several other machines, and three computers for the tournament for some online game filled the entire room, the interior of the establishment was decorated in a space theme and the expected bright Moon, The shrouded in flames lit up the whole room in the company of the stars and the Solar System. «It’s original,» Mireya thought and took a few steps forward, but someone stopped her, taking her hand, she turned around — a young guy in a business black suit was standing behind her, reproachfully looking into her eyes.

«You can’t be here right now.» He said. «Hot Moon will be open after 9 pm.»

«Oh…» Mireya hesitated, looking at his badge with the inscription «Brandon. Security». «Excuse me, just my friend works here and I thought…»

«It’s okay, Brandon!» The same guy that ran away from Mireya approached them. He wore a white T-shirt and classic jeans; his brown short hair was slightly dishevelled. «She is my friend, I asked her to come here. I’m sorry I didn’t warn you.»

«All right.» Brandon let go of Mireya hand. «I hope the Boss doesn’t know.»

«Don’t worry.» The guy waved his hand.

Brandon nodded satisfactorily and left them, heading for some distance.

«Who are you?» Mireya finally asked. «How do you know me?»

«Where is Leandra?» The Stranger asked in a low voice.

«She was killed.» Mireya blurted out. «Now tell me, who are you?»

«Come with me.»

They entered a small room, where there were many monitors that shot every inch of the Hot Moon. The Stranger sat down in front of them and after taking a walkie-talkie, he said something to the unknown into it and offered Mireya to take a seat beside him; he leaned back.

«You will keep silent, right?» Mireya said irritably. «Who are you?»

«My name is Dennis.» He said. «Leandra showed me your photos together. You know, I liked you.» He grinned. «I even asked her when I could see you in the flesh, and she answered, „Only when I leave the world of the living.“ I did not think she was speaking literally.»

«Dennis, here is the detective who is investigating Leandra’s case, she is from Los Angeles. Leandra was killed there at the hotel.» Mireya told him everything that had happened.

Dennis ran a hand over his chin. «I would not like to deal with the police.»

Mireya rolled her eyes. «I already heard that from another guy… What are you guys doing in this city?»

«Hey, take it easy!» Dennis giggled. «We don’t need to suspect us of… something bad, in the sense that our activities are like amateur espionage behind the Boss who only visits us just once every few weeks. Leandra worked with us, but her profile was tracking phones and bank cards, but more phones.»

Mireya was animated. «Listen, if the phone has built-in anti-tracking system, are there ways to find it?»

Dennis shrugged his shoulders. «If you really want to…»

«Someone is calling me from her phone and…» Mireya stopped, but continued to tell Dennis about the calls on behalf of Leandra.

«Well, if that’s the strange case…» Dennis took a deep breath. «I will try, but I’m sorry, I do not give any guarantees.»

Mireya nodded. «But thank you for agreeing.»

«So, are you going to tell your friend the cop?» Dennis smiled maliciously.

«I must. But she doesn’t have power in Las Vegas, don’t worry — she will not arrest you.» Mireya winked and got up. «What about Tom Walt? Is he working here?»

«No.» Dennis answered. «Tom is her ex-boyfriend.»

***

«So he lied.» Adrianna said, moving the red car along Las Vegas streets.

«Well, at least one of them did.» Mireya looked through the window at the copy of the Eiffel Tower.

«But Mireya, I don’t like it.»

«What?» Mireya looked at Adrianna.

«Well, what are you doing? You’re talking to those who might have been involved in her death. This is my job.»

«Sorry. I didn’t want to act behind you, but it happened. By the way, Dennis will call me. You will have the opportunity to talk to him.»

«I will. But here is what about Tom… I got in touch with the local department. People named Tom Walt are only a 56-year-old man, 11th school student from England and the other one is African American. So he’s the one who lied to you.»

«Damn…» Mireya rubbed her eyes, thinking what a mistake she had made. Although she didn’t understand the sequence of her actions — she had never been able to trust strangers, but with Tom and Dennis she was as open as possible. She didn’t want to think she was becoming vulnerable in some way because it was already such once… only once.

It was almost three years ago, when she and Leandra were at college parties after the last exams. There was one guy named Aron, with whom they played that popular student game among their students «Drink or True» — two players drink spirits or speak the innermost truth of life, although some have come up with this «truth» on the go even not always successfully. It was just a game… But the rules were not a game. Aron handed Mireya a strong whiskey and sitting in front of an artificial fireplace, they started,

«So… what’s your most stupid thing?» Aron asked with a sneer.

Mireya whistled. «Where do I begin?» She laughed. «Although, perhaps it is worth highlighting one — I had a bet with Leandra and losing to her, I was forced to steal a police car.»

«No!» Aron laughed, clapping his hands. «And you could?»

Mireya nodded. «Damn yes! The stupidest thing is the criminal was in that car. Well, he was a thief who pawned stuff from the shopping centre, where Leandra and I used to go. I was given 60 days of public works for all of this and… Now, I am under strict control in that shopping centre. Even when I go to the dressing room, someone has to watch me.»

«God…» Aron laughed again and took a few sips of his mojito.

«Now it’s your turn!» Mireya snapped her fingers and slapped her leg. «What is your… the most frightening secret, Aron?»

Aron paused for a few seconds. «I heard the words of a dead man.»

«What?» Mireya raised her eyebrows. «Explain?»

«It was during the winter holidays.» Aron looked at the fire. «My brother and I travelled to neighbouring states and eventually ended up in Colorado, there is an abandoned radio station. And we, of course, went there and to our surprise, the equipment was still working. So we went in there and started some radio wave… and then I heard it. It was Josh, my friend who died in a car accident.»

«Did you hear him?»

«I did. It was like in White Noise movie, but not so literally. I heard a whisper between pauses between this noise and silence.»

«And what did he tell you?»

Aron glared at the fire. «He said, „Stay away from Lene-Genie-Len“.» He drank his drink.

Mireya was waiting for another explanation.

Aron noticed her inquiring look. «Lene-Genie-Len was a girl I liked, she was from another college, and Josh introduced me to her. Her nickname was coined by the two of us and we swore to each other that it would only be between us. I did not tell anyone and I’m sure that he didn’t, too. Her name was Helene, Genie is from her image — she was like that Eastern girl from the cartoon and tried to please everyone like Genie from lamp, and her last name was Lenners. She seemed good, she was the best at school and in college after, but then, after Josh… It turned out that this girl was working with the drug dealers and their killer.» Aron shrugged his shoulders. «That’s the whole story.»

Mireya was silent, looking at the fire being impressed. «Do you really believe that these were words from another world?»

«I do believe. I have no doubt that they can contact us from there. And you must believe it, Mireya.»

***

«Mireya, it’s none of your business!» Leandra screamed at her friend, chaotically collecting her clothes in a sky-blue suitcase.

«And what the hell are you going to do? You don’t even know what you’re going for, damn, stop at least once!»

Leandra stopped. «Everything I’m trying to do is not just for myself.»

«Oh, it’s really not?»

«But why, do you think I called you?»

«That’s maybe because I’ve always been a girl for errands for you?»

«What are you talking about?»

«You do know…»

…Mireya opened her eyes. She fell asleep in the car, Adrianna left. She looked out the window — it was the Sunset. She was on a busy street, closer to the copy of the Eiffel Tower, past the tourists, one of them winked at her. Mireya rubbed her eyes.

«What was it?» She asked herself. «Just a dream or… a forgotten memory?» It involuntarily reminded her of that forgotten night, of that night of Leandra’s murder, which she had completely forgotten.

«You are awake?» The door opened, Adrianna got in.

«Yes… sorry, I should not have fallen asleep.» Mireya looked at Adrianna, who was holding some papers in her hands. «What is it?»

«I was in the computer club to print out new information from the Los Angeles police, they sent me an e-mail.»

«What is there?»

«Well, they still didn’t track her phone. But yours was tracked, Mireya.»

«And…?»

«You said that you don’t remember anything… They don’t believe you anymore.»

«Why not?» Mireya almost screamed.

«Your phone was in the hotel at the moment when Leandra was killed. They asked for information from your mobile operator, there was your correspondence with her… conflicting correspondence. Our Captain is sure it could be in a moment of passion.»

«What?» Mireya squeaked. «Adrianna, I have not written to her for a few months! It’s all trumped up! You do not…»

Adrianna raised her hand, silencing her. «I have to get you back to LA, where you will be arrested.»

CHAPTER 3

Adrianna and Mireya returned to the hotel to spend the last night before flying to Los Angeles — luckily to Mireya during the tourist activity, all tickets for the next coming flights were sold out. Standing in an empty room alone, Mireya tried to correctly draw up a plan for her further actions, the decision had already been taken. She needed a non-standard way out…

There were video surveillance cameras in the hotel, but it did not matter — they would still know that she had left, but Adrianna wouldn’t worry about her until 6:30am, when she would enter her room to handcuff and take her to the airport. There were several hours left, which gave an advantage.

Mireya took a taxi and drove to the game club Hot Moon; she entered without problems, greeted Brandon, who was still at his workplace like Dennis was. She knocked on his closed room; distracted from the monitors, he got up and opened the door to her.

She said, «I need help.»

***

«Your phone is vulnerable, but I still have several mobile numbers that will not be found by the police or even the FBI.» Dennis, after viewing Mireya’s cell he returned it to her, changing the SIM card.

They were setting in the seats in front of the monitors; Mireya glanced at one of them, sometimes frightened to see a girl who looked like Adrianna, but she was wrong. She was still safe.

«If you’re worried about the police…» Dennis said. «It is not necessary — the police can’t enter here without having a warrant. Did you say that your female friend does not have power here?»

«That’s right.» Mireya looked at her updated phone, it had everything she needed.

«So they are guided only by your fake correspondence?» Dennis asked with his arms crossed.

«Well, I was at the hotel, when she was killed, in part they were enough of this, now in addition, they have what makes me look almost like a devil in the flesh. I’m a killer for them because my alibi is the crime scene. So it’s ironic…»

«Yes. Or it’s cynical… on the part of the murderer. As if he was ready.»

«Did you say „he“?»

«Well yes.» Dennis ran his hand around his neck. «Somebody strangled her, right? I think not every girl is capable of this because it’s pretty cold-bloodedly.»

«You’re right, but who knows what a girl can do being in a moment of passion…» Mireya snorted.

«So? Are you really going to run away all your life? Until they catch the real criminal?»

«Come on, they will not look for someone else. Instead, they will strain all their gyrus to find me. I already feel they will describe me as a particularly dangerous criminal, and my portraits will be on all TV shows in the country. And by the way, my face certainly will be on all the pillars of this city too. Very cute.» Mireya leaned back.

«And how are you going to justify yourself?»

«Dennis, who is Tom?»

«Sorry?»

«Well, Tom? Tom Walt? Adrianna said the local police could not find him in the database. As if he does not exist at all. Then who is he?»

Dennis exhaled. «In fact, he said he is illegally here and his name is a fake. We did not demand anything from him because he was working with something that was not quite legal.»

«Hey, buddy, slow down… You know what that means we don’t know who Tom Walt is? And is this not really his real name? Who is he, Dennis?»

***

After visiting the Hot Moon, Mireya asked herself a question about the car and the new documents, but given her location, it was easy to her to hide in the city among millions of other people and an endless number of tourists. She knew there are quite a few people in Las Vegas, who are here illegally and are engaged in «grey» activities. Maybe she could find some of them to get a new name, new personality and with their help a new life. But she was not a killer and she was going to prove it to everyone. Someone wanted her to disappear… «It will not work, Stranger».

For several hours, Mireya wandered along the city and at last she found herself on that lonely road that led to the suburbs. There it was always safe — a lot of people, a lot of newbies, and no one would pay attention to her. But something made her nervous… like someone was watching her.

Another phone call… «Well, no.» Mireya thought. No one could know this number, except for Dennis. She looked at the display. It was not Dennis’s number… It was Leandra’s one. She answered.

«… Come on, Mireya. He’s so… carefree. I would not trust him. Never!» Leandra spoke. «Stay away from him!»

Mireya remembered that day.

She and Leandra were in the dorm room, when they were still in the same college. They discussed a guy (whose name Mireya had already forgotten), and Leandra immediately said — stay away from him.

«You know, sometimes people hide their hidden essence. No one ever knows if there is a mask from a person who is so close to you.» She continued to speak from the tube. «And your new so-called potential boyfriend has a lie in every sentence that he says. Beware of such people, Mireya. Stay away.»

The call was interrupted.

Mireya stopped. Leandra was right again — that guy was already married and has wife was pregnant… the second time. Leandra probably somehow found out about it, but didn’t want to upset her friend, infinitely hinting. Mireya listened to her and didn’t regret it. And someone else knew about this all…

Mireya shuddered when she heard the signal from the car behind. She turned around — the dark sedan was approaching her. The headlights hid the driver’s face; the car stopped. The driver got out… it was Tom.

«No…» Mireya tiredly said and stepped back.

«Calm down!» Tom rubbed his hands. «I don’t bite. Don’t be afraid of me.»

«You know, now the only thing that scares me is the police.»

Tom raised his eyebrows. «Excuse me?»

Mireya told him, forgetting the call from Leandra.

«Oh, now we are almost in the same team, my friend.» Tom laughed. «Only I was illegal, but Dennis had already told you that.»

«How did it happen?»

«Well…» Tom ran a hand through his thick hair, exhaling. «I came to the States from England to experience fate. But nothing that I planned worked, then the money ran out and here’s the result.» He smiled. «But I like this feeling of freedom!»

«Are they looking for you?»

Tom shook his head. «No, they are not anymore. A few months ago I hacked the FBI system. I was wanted. But time is up. They stopped hunted after me, knowing that I was illegal and that my activity in their system was not copied and distributed. They are not interested in me.»

«Really?»

Tom smiled maliciously. «If I was on the run, where would I be hiding and what would I say?»

«You would lie and hide in a city, where you can merge with the crowd.» Mireya spread her hands. «Like I do.»

«And what are you…?» Tom looked around, making sure that no one hears them. «Don’t want to escape? Do you want to fight?»

«Of course I will not give up without a fight, Tom. No one should retreat without having to struggle with the last forces.»

«But you can’t do it alone, Lady.»

Mireya smiled condescendingly. «You underestimate me.»

«Maybe.» Tom stepped toward her. «How well can you evaluate your possibilities?»

***

«Adrianna, what the hell?» Los Angeles Police Captain Warner Locke was standing in his spacious office, looking at Adrianna who was standing in front of him, closing her hands.

«Sir…» She said, not looking into his eyes. «I could not even imagine that she could escape. We all discussed it before someone like…»

The Captain interrupted her. «Before giving her the opportunity to be alone? God, Hale, you are a police officer and there can be no reason for you to let the criminal out of your sight! You are acting like a beginner!»

«Yes, Sir.» Adrianna agreed. «Sorry. She must have already left Las Vegas and…»

The Captain interrupted her again. «This is not your concern anymore. I’ll make the call, the police in Las Vegas and the whole of Nevada will be looking for her.»

«I am suspended?»

«No, you’re not for now. But you will work only inside the police department, is that clear?»

Adrianna lowered her eyes.

«Look, if you want to help your friend, don’t stop us from dealing with this case.» The Captain picked up the telephone.

«But Sir… She is not a killer.» Adrianna said, still looking at the floor.

«If she is not, we are the one who killed that girl. But if it’s her doing, Adrianna… Mireya Rothe will go to jail.»

«But is there anything that might detract her from it?»

«Yes.» The Captain put down the receiver and took a piece of paper, he handed it to Adrianna. «The experts were able to establish only the approximate time of Leandra Ray’s death, and here you see Rothe buying coffee in a coffee shop a few blocks away. Hypothetically, if we assume that Ray was killed an hour or even half an hour later — Mireya is innocent. But she was the last person out of her room, Adrianna. No one else came in and did not go out before the hotel staff arrived, who found Leandra’s body. You know, she’s more close to prison a week away from it.»

Adrianna nodded. «I see. But I must prove her innocence. I must.»

«Then act, according to the rules. There is no need to cross the boundaries to achieve the desired goal — sometimes monotony is the most correct decision.»

***

Motel «The heart of Las Vegas» was a two-story building away from the city. In this place, no one asked for names and, especially, documents, it was an ideal place for runaway criminals.

Tom stopped his car on this almost empty parking lot; Mireya got out and looked around — only two other cars, only in three windows there was a light, a street rat ran somewhere. She grinned. «The heart of Las Vegas?»

Tom got out after hearing her words.

«You know, this place should have called „The bottom of Las Vegas“.» Mireya gloomily looked at the old motel building.

«All right, Lady.» Tom approached her. «The fairy tale is over. Accept the reality as it is.»

«I’m suggesting an option better — creating your own reality.» Mireya winked.

«I don’t mind and I’m ready to help you. But a little later.»

In the motel, its hall they were met by a man about 45—50 years old with mixed tattoos on his hands and a yin-yang pendant around his neck, he was more like a western movie character — he had a checkered blue shirt, worn torn jeans and cowboy boots. It took only a few hours, Mireya noticed her photo with the inscription «WANTED» at his desk, and that man, of course, recognized her, but did not even think to call the police. They got two rooms on the second floor, but until it got dark they settled in Mireya’s room.

Two double beds, TV, refrigerator, microwave, bathroom, and night lamps surrounded them. «Not bad for 50 bucks.» Mireya thought and closed the curtains.

«Okay.» Tom sat on the edge of one of the bed, locking the doors. «The good news is we can hide here for as long as you want because that guy is not interested in working with the police. But the bad news is… you’re already on the wanted list, it makes you more vulnerable.»

«Well, fine. It’s like being on sight.» Mireya leaned her elbows on the wall.

«Yes, but maybe there are answers in Leandra’s apartment, which the cops will not find for anything.»

Mireya looked at him. «Are you kidding? Damn, you do know where her apartment is, Tom?»

«Relax…» Tom exhaled. «Yes, I do know. But we will go there at night when there will be more people on the streets.»

«We will break the door?»

«No. Leandra was my brother’s girlfriend and… Let’s say, for example she invited us there and hypothetically I could make a mold of her key. Sometimes I had no money and then come easy prey.»

«You robbed her?»

«I have tried.» Tom grinned. «There was nothing for that… But I was there only a couple of times.»

«Why did you say that the cops would not find it?»

«Leandra did not live there officially. As you know, there are more illegal immigrants in this city and quite a few landlords don’t even ask names — they just ask for money ahead.»

«But what could she do…» Mireya was interrupted by another call from Leandra. Taking the phone, she apologized to Tom and went out into the corridor. «What should I hear now?» She accepted the call.

«You didn’t listen to me again! And you should leave before it’s too late!» Leandra spoke against a background of some noise, reminiscent of traffic. «Believe me, I know him better than you.»

Mireya smiled involuntarily. That day when she Leandra tried to push Mireya away from the next guy who was, as she said with dark inclinations. It seems that this guy was named Bill or something like that, who was an employee of a car service and was firmly on drugs.

«I’m like your guardian angel, Mireya.» Leandra continued. «You should always listen to my words. Believe me I will always take care of you.»

Mireya disconnected the phone and panting, went down the wall. Leandra never told her these words… Then who the hell just spoke to her? Installation of voice? Or was it really Leandra?

CHAPTER 4

«We are leaving! Immediately!» Leandra screamed.

Mireya looked around — she was standing in the middle of the hotel room, the walls and some furniture were in the embrace of a flame; outside there was the sound of a fire alarm.

«I can’t leave!» Mireya shouted back at her. «They will find me!»

«No, they will not! But you can hide alone, but I could not!» Leandra smiled and walked closer. «There are not many people you can trust, Mireya. Give me the opportunity to be your true friend, whom I used to be. It’s all because of that damn Los Angeles.»

«What?» Mireya retreated.

«Run!»

The fire burned it down…

Mireya opened her eyes. She slept in her room of the motel «The heart of Las Vegas»; no fire, no Leandra. She was alone.

Mireya got up. Tom was obviously in his room; the night lamp was on. She went to the window and looked at the street — it was already night, Tom’s car was gone. «What the heck?» She said and took her backpack with her stuff, she ran out.

That «Cowboy» was still in the hall of the motel, drinking coffee from a mug with the cover of Back to the Future 3 Movie and reading a book.

«Sorry?» Mireya approached him. «I was here with a guy; do you know when he left the motel?»

Cowboy turned the page. «About three hours ago, Miss. But he said that he will return.»

«Yes…?» Mireya ran her hand over the tangled hair. «He did not say when exactly?»

Cowboy shrugged his shoulders. «He didn’t. And I didn’t ask.»

«I understood. Thank you.» Mireya came out; slightly cool night air made her finally clear her thoughts, there was parked one more car. Someone was inside and looking at her…

«Hey!» She came closer. «What the hell are you…?» She didn’t have time to finish her words before the car moved from the spot and disappeared under her enchanted gaze in the midnight darkness.

Another car…

Mireya turned around — Tom.

«Hello, Lady.» He stopped in front of her and lowered the glass of the passenger seat. «Let’s ride?»

Mireya raised her eyebrows.

«To Leandra’s apartment. I promised we will visit there tonight. Or have you changed your mind?»

«No way.» Mireya got into the car. «Are we going?»

Tom nodded and pressed the gas.

«I think I’m getting paranoia.» Mireya blurted out.

«Huh?» Tom a little distracted, but looked at the road.

«When I got out of the motel, there was a car; there was a man inside of it. I didn’t see his face, but he looked directly at me. When I approached him to ask what was the matter, he just drove away. And I did not see the car plate numbers.»

«What kind of car was it?»

«It was the dark sedan.»

«Wow! You cut the list by a couple of million, but the list of suspects is still about a few hundred thousand and it’s only in Las Vegas.» Tom grinned.

«Thank you, I appreciate your support.» Mireya rolled her eyes.

«Come on, it must have been someone like us. Someone came there by night to hide and you didn’t let him in.»

«That sounds logical. But I’m not entirely sure.»

Tom shrugged his shoulders.

«By the way…» Mireya looked at him. «Is Tom Walt a fictitious name?»

«Only Walt is. My full name is Thomas. But call me Tom. Are you Mireya Jalinda Rothe?»

Mireya narrowed her eyes. «Yes. Did she say it?»

Tom chuckled. «Is it such a big secret?»

«No, it’s not. I just didn’t think Leandra talked so much about me behind my back. How long do we have to go to her last home?»

«It’s about a few hours.»

«Where have you been?»

Tom slightly reduced the speed of the car. «Sorry?»

«Well, you left our motel. Where did you go?»

«There is a gas station nearby, on the other side.» Tom tightened his grip on the steering wheel. «I just didn’t want to waste time when we go together.»

«Why does it seem to me that you are lying?»

«It’s because I am.» Tom smiled meaningfully and again exceeded speed.

Mireya felt drowsy, which was unusual for her after a recent awakening, but she tried to hold on. «Can we stop and buy coffee?»

Tom didn’t answer.

«What?» Mireya asked.

«You said there was a dark sedan?» He said.

Mireya held her breath for a moment. «Yes.»

«He is following us.»

The car filled with silence. Mireya’s could hear some creaking in her ears. «So, what’s the plan?»

«I don’t have one yet. I don’t want problems on the road. Sometimes the police patrol somewhere around here. Don’t take chances if you don’t mind.»

«But what if it’s a policeman?»

«No. That’s hardly.»

«Why not?»

«He would have already arrested you, Mireya. Now you’re a federal criminal.» Tom slowed down and turned off the high beam.

The car turned to the side of the road and began to slowly stop. The dark sedan stopped behind.

«And what the hell did you do?» Mireya said to Tom, sliding down and clinging more firmly to the seat.

«Everything’s under control.» Tom answered, looking in the rear-view mirror. «We can break away from it in the city, lost in the flow of cars, but if he needs to see us, he will find us again.»

«You don’t even know who he is and what he is capable of, but you are ready to go into battle? Come on!»

«I’m not going to fight without a weapon. And I’m saying literally.» Tom unbuttoned his black leather jacket and took out the gun from his inner pocket.

Mireya exhaled. «It is to use illegal weapons with impunity? And where does it come from?»

«I don’t give away my sources, Lady.» Tom winked.

Mireya turned, looking at the dark sedan. «Tom?» She straightened up.

The dark sedan extinguished the lights and slowly drove for the road. It stopped next to them, they saw the silhouette of a man — now, they were sure it was a male. But they could not see his face. After a few seconds the sedan switched on the lights again and moved along.

Mireya looked at him in bewilderment. «Is he crazy?»

Tom put the gun away. «If this is some kind of joker…»

«Yes, it’s pretty funny for such a joke like spying.»

Tom lowered the window and inhaled the night air. «So, do you think we’re dealing with a spy? Are there any suspects?»

Mireya smiled falsely. «If I had a list of suspects, you would be the first in it.»

«Ah, yeah?» Tom laughed and pressed the gas pedal. «That’s what happens — you save someone and that someone starts to suspect you. Nice!»

The car continued its way.

***

Las Vegas night was like a picture with advertising for travellers — millions of lights, neon, luxury cars, lots of entertainment and, of course, a lot of people, as they expected. Mireya and Tom stopped at the parking lot of the gaming house, where someone’s private party was taking place and nobody cares about all these cars that came and drove away every minute. They passed a little forward; Mireya noticed a multi-storey residential building between the hotel and the shopping centre.

«We are almost there.» Tom told her and with a sign to follow him, he headed for this house.

They entered its open door, the concierge at the entrance was dozing, being on his chair and seeing them he only nodded slightly and closed his eyes again. Mireya and Tom entered the elevator and got up to the 17th floor. The apartment number 121.

Tom stepped to the door and began to open it. Mireya’s cell rang again. «Give me a couple of minutes?»

Tom nodded.

Mireya walked away and accepted Leandra’s next call.

«I insist that you visit my new house on wheels!» Leandra spoke this time against a background of many voices. Mireya recognized this day — they were in college and Leandra told her about the new purchase, her new home on wheels and how she was glad to finally leave the room in the hostel.

«And, by the way… I got a wooden box.» Leandra continued. «Well, you know, it’s a musical box, but it keeps a secret. And in addiction, it was done in a hand-made master from Arizona. You must see it, Mireya. Someday this day will come.»

The call was interrupted.

Mireya and Tom entered Leandra’s apartment, which until now was filled with the smell of her perfume. Mireya closed the curtains; Tom lit a few sconces that lit up the room. The apartment wasn’t big — just a living room, a small bedroom, a bathroom, and a cramped dressing room. She had a counter with books, between which there were frames with photos, and Mireya saw herself on one of them… this summer day, they were happily hugging each other against the background of new Leandra’s house on wheels. It was a happy summer.

«So, I think…» Tom said, «…you need to search her bedroom — I don’t want to touch her underwear, so I’ll take the living room. And by the way, I’ll give you the honour of looking her dressing room.»

«Thank you, I’m flattered.» Mireya said with sarcasm in her voice. «We will search the rooms together. That will be faster. And we will be at each other’s sight.»

«Do you think I can hide something for myself?»

Mireya shrugged her shoulders.

«All right, Lady.» Tom spread his hands. «If you wish so…»

They began to examine every inch of the living room; Mireya found several albums with photos, empty diary, and laptop with only a few films, music, and minor notes. Her gaze fell on a book called Midnight Wind, which was so beloved by Mireya and she gave it to Leandra for Christmas. Mireya smiled inside and went to the counter with the books she pulled a hand to her gift. Taking it into her hands, she flipped through several pages; Leandra used their general photograph as a bookmark and highlighted some quotations with a transparent marker. She was going to put the book on its place, but noticed what she had heard a few minutes ago — the music box. It was the box that Leandra showed in her new house on wheels. Mireya took it in hand. An ordinary box with girlish attributes inside — a mini hair brush, hair clip, hygienic lipstick… Leandra insisted that this box keeps a much bigger secret than it shows. Mireya forgot about these words long time ago, but someone reminded her… Obviously it was not in vain.

«I will take it.» Mireya said and put the box back in her backpack.

«Okay.» Tom agreed. «Will we continue?»

Follow-up minutes, after almost an hour and a half their search didn’t any another results — everything was just the stuff of a classical resident of Las Vegas. Nothing superfluous, mystical and mysterious.

«Are we done?» Tom asked, coming to the door.

Mireya looked around for the last time. «Yes, completely.» They left Leandra’s apartment, taking with them the first answers…

CHAPTER 5

In the morning at the Los Angeles police station, Adrianna studied Leandra’s biography comparing it to the biography of Mireya; it seemed to her these two girls were like two opposite shores of different oceans, but still they were really friends. Good friends.

«Hale?» Captain Locke walked past her. «Go to my office right now.»

When Adrianna entered Locke’s office, he went down into his seat and looked at her as if expecting some explanation. Adrianna was silent, waiting for questions or answers.

«I have to get you away from Leandra Ray’s case.» The Captain said.

«What…?» Adrianna stepped toward him. «Why? What did I do wrong?»

«People above me talked about it. They learned about your friendship with Mireya Rothe who is currently on the wanted list.»

«Do they consider me an unreliable worker?»

«They gave me to understand that. They suspect you may have an unofficial connection with her and you can deliberately hide her current location and moreover, they assume that you could help her escape. After all, you violated the protocol, leaving the suspect alone with herself.»

Adrianna nodded. «Yes, I admit my mistake. But Sir, I want to prove her innocence, but I would never insist on her being released from responsibility.»

«That’s much the better for you.» The Captain got up. «They don’t insist on your removal yet, but trust me it’s only a matter of time.»

«I understand. But can I continue for now? Do we have something new?»

«Yes, and you will not like it.» The Captain took the document from his desk and handed it to the detective. «Look at it. This is an extract of Leandra’s e-mail. She corresponded with someone with a non-tracked email, and it was a person with MJR initials — Mireya Jalinda Rothe.»

Adrianna grinned. «This is only speculation! Even the judge would not accept it! And you know, I had a friend named Michael Jerry Rogers. Maybe it’s his fault, eh?» Adrianna felt her blood getting hot.

«Adrianna, calm down.» The Captain raised his hand. «I want to clarify — it’s all really conjectures, but if it was Rothe, we will prove it.»

«How?»

«According to information from the messages — read this dialogue that you see before you.»

Adrianna looked down at the document in her hands,

Leandra: «You know, I like living in that house on wheels. Sorry you’ve been there only a few times.»

M: Well, my room in the hostel was not bad either.»

Leandra: «By the way, how is our mutual friend?»

M: «We will not talk about it. I’m going to attend a lecture about psychology in Seattle. August 26th. Will you make me a company?»

Leandra: «Only if I’m not the third extra.»

M: «Of course you are not! (smiley) You are the only one!»

Leandra: «You’re cute! Okay, I have to go. I’ll see you at the party tonight. Do not forget about the bikini! (winking smiley)»

Adrianna looked at the Captain. «Have you checked everything?»

The Captain crossed his arms. «Yes, Adrianna, we checked it out, comparing the time of correspondence between events in the life of the victim. It was a couple of days before Leandra Ray moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. There are general photos in her social network. She and Mireya Rothe were at the party of their common friend Tim Murray. A party with a bikini. The house on wheels, owned by Ray and Mireya Rothe, of course, visited it. And by the way, judging by another correspondence from the social media, Mireya flew to Seattle on August 26 for a lecture on psychology and returned the next day, there’s even a picture of how Leandra meets her at the airport. Then… a few months later all the messages became hostile.»

«What exactly was said in them?»

«That Leandra made a serious mistake, decided to return once again. And that she would pay for what she did if she really did it. Leandra returned. And now she’s dead. What kind of a serious mistake did she commit?»

***

«We are leaving Las Vegas.» Tom told Mireya, driving his car along the highway

Mireya was sitting next to him, studying Leandra’s music box. «Yes, that’s a good idea.»

«What are you trying to find in it?»

«Well, Leandra was talking about some kind of secret in this a damn piece of a wood. I think there is a double bottom or something like that.»

Tom chuckled. «And are you really going to look for that secret? Gosh, she could mean anything like storing a picture of a guy that she was crazy about. You understand everything too literally.»

«No, you see everything superficially.» Mireya teased.

«Sometimes I do.» Tom smiled. «But I don’t live with illusions.»

«Hey!» Mireya slapped Tom on the shoulder. «Do you think I live with illusions?»

«Partly! What did you do before?»

Mireya looked at the road. Indeed, she didn’t even contact Rick to explain to him what had happened in her life. Although, for sure, it did not matter anymore — the police had already notified him and she had already been dismissed. «I was a graphic editor.»

«Not bad.»

«Well, yes.» Mireya looked at Tom. «What about you?»

He looked at her. «I’m here illegally, do you remember?»

«But you did something, right?»

Tom stopped the car in front of a red traffic light. «You know that I worked with Leandra. I already told you.»

«But that is not everything?»

«No.» Tom pressed the gas again, looking at the green light. «Okay, if you insist. In addition to this entire hacking world, I was also a con man. It’s nothing spectacular. I told people that I was like a psychic. It was stupid.»

«And how did you do it?»

«With Dennis’ help, who was looking for information about my clients. Well, it also was just my fantasy.»

«Oh…» Mireya exhaled. «It’s disgusting.»

«Yes, you’re right, Lady.» Tom grinned.

«So where are we going now?»

Another incoming call to Mireya’s cell phone didn’t allow her to get an answer; she took it out of her pocket and looked at the caller’s name. «This is Dennis.»

Tom turned the steering wheel and stopped the car on the roadside. «Well, answer him.»

Mireya pressed the green button. «Dennis? This is Mireya, Tom is with me.»

Dennis said from the other end, «Then turn on the speakerphone.»

Mireya did so.

«Are you are brother and sister for troubles now?» Dennis said as if mocking.

«It’s a long story, my friend.» Tom said. «What do you have?»

«Okay, I was trying to track down Leandra’s phone as you asked, Mireya.» Dennis paused. «You see… The signal comes from the hotel room in Los Angeles where she was killed.»

«What kind of nonsense?» Tom exchanged glances with Mireya. «Are you sure?»

«Absolutely I am!» Dennis answered. «I’ve checked several times to make sure I also know what it looks like, Tom.»

«It’s clear…» Mireya thought about it. «Is there something else?»

«No, that’s all.» Dennis said. «Our Boss is here, I have to go. Good luck there.»

«Thanks for the info, Dennis.» Mireya said and the phone interrupted.

«So Leandra’s phone is in the room where she was killed.» Mireya ran her hand over her forehead.

«Yup…» Tom snorted. «And her killer is hiding under the bed. By the way, why did you ask to find her phone number?»

«I needed it.»

«I got what you mean. But what for?»

«You know, not only one of us has secrets.» Mireya crossed her arms.

«Well. But since we are in the same boat, maybe it’s worth starting to share them?»

«You lied to me.»

«Sorry?»

Mireya looked at him silently for a few seconds. «I didn’t want to betray Dennis. But he said you are her ex-boyfriend. That’s where you got the keys to her apartment. By the way, I found a pair of men’s T-shirts and jeans in her dressing room — your size.»

«Did you find the second toothbrush in her bathroom?»

«Tom?»

Tom exhaled loudly. «Okay, damn it. Yes, I was her boyfriend.»

«Why you didn’t tell me?»

«Because it could give me a motive for her murder. We quarrelled before she left Las Vegas’ and the quarrel was about money.»

«What you…?»

Tom raised his hand, not letting Mireya finish her question. «We made bets. She worked in a Casino Hotel, and we had a kind of business in it. I understand the programming of gaming machines, so we often cheated. I also worked there for a while as a so-called psychic, but then I gave it up to work with her. The profit was not big, but it was enough. We decided to save money to start a new life in another country. The day before she left, I noticed that the money was gone — we kept them in a case. Leandra said she needed go to Los Angeles to save someone and she needed money for that. I didn’t believe her. I decided she just betrayed me. Nothing terrible happened — I just called her a bitch and walked away, slamming the door. I did not go to Los Angeles for her… I can’t just buy a plane ticket, in short… That’s the whole story.»

Mireya smiled slightly at him. «Thank you for this truth, Tom.»

Not saying a word, Tom pressed the gas again, and under the first rays of the Sun they continued their way together…

***

«What are you distracted by?» Mireya asked Leandra, standing in front of the refrigerators with drinks in the supermarket of Los Angeles.

Leandra was fascinated by her mobile phone, but was distracted by hearing the words of her friend. «Don’t worry… Do you want something with caffeine?»

«Leandra?» Mireya noticed the cold in her eyes.

«It’s all right. There’s just a guy who’s going to get me.» Leandra lied.

«A guy?» Mireya took a bottle of energy from the refrigerator. «Who is he, blondie?»

«Just… someone.» Leandra waved and looked at the rack with the chips.

When they left the supermarket and already got into Mireya’s car, Leandra said she forgot to buy wet wipes and dry shampoo, so she headed back, leaving her cell phone. She was not a few minutes, but it kept on compulsively ringing. In the end, Mireya could not stand it and answered the call.

«Leandra?» A man’s voice said.

«No, this is her friend.» Mireya answered him. «Who am I talking to right now?»

«Where is she?»

Mireya realized that the voice was partly not male — it was computer. «She went out. Can I help you?»

«Tell her that she does not have as much time as she thinks. And they will be here soon. She will understand what I meant. Bye, Snow White.»

The call was ended.

«Snow White?» Mireya chuckled. «What the…?»

«Hey?» Leandra got in the car, holding the bag with new purchases. «Did you just answer my call?»

«Sorry, but it put pressure on my brains.» Mireya repeated what the caller told her.

«Wow.» Leandra laughed after her words. «Okay, thank you for the information.» She took her phone back.

«And what does all of this mean?»

«Mireya, sweetheart, you don’t need to think about it — you need a good night’s sleep, right?»

Mireya blinked.

«So are we going?» Leandra said.

Mireya nodded, the car moved.

«They could not do this… Why did they set me up?» The voice turned to scream.

Mireya opened her eyes. She fell asleep in Tom’s car again; the radio was broadcasting an advertisement for some movie… She looked at Tom, who was drinking coffee from Starbucks.

«We stopped?» She asked.

«Yes.» Tom answered. «Just one time. I wanted to wake you up, but you were so fast asleep…» He pointed to the rear seats. «There’s more coffee and food. Everything is at your disposal.»

Mireya looked outside — they rode along the desert. «We are no longer in the city. What’s route?»

«Well, I have only two options. We will discuss this later, okay?»

Mireya froze. The box disappeared. «Where is it?» She hit Tom’s shoulder. «Where the hell is her box?»

«Easy, Lady!» Tom fought off her another blow. «You dropped it when you fell asleep. I would not touch it with even with my one finger.»

Mireya looked under her feet — the box lay on the floor. «Damn…» She breathed a sigh of relief and picked it up. «I’m sorry, Thomas.»

Tom was silent.

«I think she was threatened earlier.» Mireya said.

Tom gave her a questioning look. «Excuse me?»

«This is something from my memories… She may have been threatened earlier.» Mireya told Tom about her dream.

«But was it a dream?» Tom asked.

«No.» Mireya shook her head. «It was a reality, it all happened when we travelled. I remember that.» She was going to tell Tom about the calls on behalf of Leandra, but something was stopping her. She was silent.

The car began to stop.

«What are you doing?» Mireya asked in bewilderment.

«This is a halt.» Tom stopped his car and got out.

Taking the coffee, Mireya also got out, breathing in the hot air of the desert.

«You know, I’ve already been here.» Tom said, walking on an empty road. «Not with her. I was alone. I was wanted by the local police; I knew that this road is safe. I stayed here at night. I fell asleep and someone’s whisper woke me up. But I was alone. Then I went out and didn’t find other people. But it saved me.»

«Saved you?»

«Yes… Tom ran a hand through his hair. «The whisper said, «Get away from this place.» I thought that I made up my mind, but when I drove off, in this place where I stood struck by lightning. I could die.»

«Wow.» Mireya approached him. «What do you think it was?»

«If you want to know, I don’t believe in the magic of the other world — the other world does not exist. I think it was the sensitivity of my body and mind. My brain sent me a signal. This is the only logical explanation.»

«Do you always need logic? I can’t find an explanation of…» Mireya stopped, realizing that she was going to tell Tom about the calls from Leandra.

«What?» He asked.

«Don’t think about it.» Mireya’s phone started ring again. «It’s time, damn.» She thought. Apologizing to Tom, she went to a distance so that he could not hear her. Leandra again wanted to tell her something. She answered her.