The second death (part 5)

Rosenthal's second-in-command sat in a deep chair behind a black leather Desk. The office was a pronounced office rat-house – everything exactly in place, not a speck of dust anywhere, papers stacked in neat piles. Pavlov himself was gray, plain – a typical official. I suspected in the Deputy Director of a funeral home more bright nature ... Though, if to remember that Sveta told about it, it wasn't necessary to be surprised.

• But what was surprising was the ease with which we slipped in. As soon as we started talking on the phone about Rosenthal's identity, Pavlov was suspiciously quick to agree to see us. I hoped that my plan would work, but such luck was alarming. Was he hoping to learn something from us?
• Pavlov's voice was low and raspy.
• – Good afternoon. You asked me to tell you about Rosenthal. He's out of town, urgent business. But if I can help…
• – Can. You know, we just happened to find out about this interesting man. It's a pity that not managed to meet in person. They say he comes from a very old family?
• "Yes, I think so... what exactly are you interested in?"
• – His great-great-grandfather, for instance, distinguished himself in the nineteenth century... something criminal?"
• Pavlov somehow slightly skewed.
• "I haven't heard anything about it.
• – We don't really know. We wanted to ask you.
• Pavlov paused thoughtfully.
• - They had a lot of doctors and scientists in their family, it seems. Maybe great-grandfather did something, but Rosenthal never told me about it. He's a modest guy, you should talk to him yourself... although he's been busy lately.
• "What is it?" They say you have some problems. Something with the finances?
• - Yeah, you know, uh ... trouble. We'll manage.
• "Well, tell me about him-just as a man." Readers will be interested.
• Pavlov was deep in thought again, twirling the tube of glue in his hands.
• "Where to begin?"
• "Anything. That likes, than interested in? Is it true he's into scuba diving?
• "Yes, he was going to-I told him so myself. I used to dive, when I was young ... He needs to relax now, his nerves are too tense. - Deputy himself why something nice was nervous. He seemed to be listening to what he was saying. It was time to shake him.
• – How did he open his business?" Where did you get the money?
• "Well, you asked –" He tried to laugh. I do not know. There were some savings... you can find out from him if you catch him.

- Yeah? Well, at least tell me why you were not surprised when we became interested in this man? Usually people react differently to questions. Rosenthal doesn't sing, doesn't play tennis, doesn't get involved in politics. We heard about this unique type, in General, quite by accident. Or to you already despaired who?

Pavlov perked up:

1. – What have you heard of him?"
2. I let him know he was getting carried away. Dissolve interlocutor was not worth it:
3. – Well, if you ask questions – you'll have to write about him. Can you manage, or what?"
4. Pavlov smiled tightly, paused, tormenting the tube. Glue was already coming out. He looked doubtful. Finally he sort of made up his mind:
5. "I wasn't surprised, because-because Rosenthal has an oddity. I don't know how to talk about it... it's probably hereditary.
6. "What do you mean?" A disease of some sort?
7. "You could say that... it's a dark Subject, and one tends not to talk about such things." I hope for your tact, I think that sooner or later something will come out... So I would not like to see this story presented even more disgusting than it is. This deviation, in fact, does not pose a danger to society, but still it makes an impression ... strange.
8. – What is it?" Is there something wrong with the Rosenthals?
9. "I'm afraid so." So that you can imagine the situation, it is better to start with what happened a long time ago.
10. – Give.
11. – We've known each other a long time, since College, though we've never really been friends. It's just that sometimes we had things to do, mutual friends... most of what I heard was from them.

Part 6

https://zen.yandex.ru/media/id/5d81283a35ca3100ac33f6b5/the-second-death-part-6-5d94d61cfe289100b1d3db64