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La miezul nop\u021bii, c\u00e2nd al cincilea asistent medical \u00ee\u0219i \u00eendesa pansamentele \u00een geant\u0103, \u0219eful pazei mi-a spus c\u0103 Gabriel Moretti m-ar putea ucide imediat ce se trezea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Ai cinci minute s\u0103 pleci, \u00eenainte s\u0103 deschid\u0103 ochii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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B\u0103rbatul cu nasul str\u00e2mb \u0219i costumul negru st\u0103tea l\u00e2ng\u0103 lift, cu o m\u00e2n\u0103 ascuns\u0103 sub hain\u0103. \u00cen spatele lui, o femeie t\u00e2n\u0103r\u0103 \u00ee\u0219i \u00eenchidea tremur\u00e2nd geanta medical\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Ultima a rezistat nou\u0103 ore, mi-a spus el. Cea dinainte, \u0219ase. Moretti a aruncat o lamp\u0103 prin geam doar pentru c\u0103 i-a atins um\u0103rul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Femeia m-a privit din cap p\u00e2n\u0103 \u00een picioare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Las-o s\u0103 r\u0103m\u00e2n\u0103. Poate are mai mult noroc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Nu i-am r\u0103spuns. Mi-am sp\u0103lat m\u00e2inile sub jetul fierbinte, apoi am \u00eentrebat:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Ce temperatur\u0103 are?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
B\u0103rbatul a clipit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Poftim?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Gabriel Moretti. Temperatura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Treizeci \u0219i nou\u0103 virgul\u0103 nou\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 De c\u00e2nd?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 De azi dup\u0103-amiaz\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i nimeni nu l-a dus la spital?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A r\u00e2s f\u0103r\u0103 urm\u0103 de veselie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 \u0218tii cine este?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218tiu c\u0103 are febr\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Este Gabriel Moretti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci Gabriel Moretti are febr\u0103 \u0219i risc\u0103 s\u0103 moar\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Pentru prima dat\u0103, \u0219eful securit\u0103\u021bii m-a privit cu aten\u021bie. Luca Ferraro, patruzeci \u0219i unu de ani, fost boxer amator, cicatrice sub spr\u00e2nceana dreapt\u0103. Avea autoritate asupra tuturor oamenilor din penthouse, mai pu\u021bin asupra bolii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Nu merge la spital, a spus el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci poate muri aici, cu priveli\u0219te asupra ora\u0219ului.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Chicago str\u0103lucea la cincizeci \u0219i opt de etaje sub noi. \u00cen dormitor, Gabriel gemea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Avea treizeci \u0219i nou\u0103 de ani, umeri largi, pumni plini de cicatrici \u0219i p\u0103rul negru lipit de frunte. Cu trei s\u0103pt\u0103m\u00e2ni \u00eenainte fusese \u00eempu\u0219cat l\u00e2ng\u0103 un restaurant particular. Raportul spunea c\u0103 glon\u021bul \u00eei trecuse prin um\u0103rul st\u00e2ng f\u0103r\u0103 s\u0103 ating\u0103 osul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Ar fi trebuit s\u0103 se recupereze repede.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen schimb, picioarele i se sl\u0103biser\u0103. Apoi nu le-a mai putut mi\u0219ca. Dup\u0103 aceea veniser\u0103 febra, confuzia \u0219i izbucnirile de furie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C\u00e2nd m-am apropiat de pat, ochii lui s-au deschis brusc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M\u00e2na i-a \u021b\u00e2\u0219nit \u00eenainte \u0219i mi-a prins \u00eencheietura. Degetele lui s-au str\u00e2ns at\u00e2t de tare, \u00eenc\u00e2t am sim\u021bit metalul ceasului medical ap\u0103s\u00e2ndu-mi pielea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca \u0219i-a dus m\u00e2na spre arm\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu, am spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel m-a privit cu pupilele dilatate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Cine te-a trimis?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Agen\u021bia mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cengrijire Privat\u0103 Midwest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Min\u021bi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 E\u0219ti delirant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Str\u00e2nsoarea s-a \u00een\u0103sprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Miro\u0219i a dezinfectant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Sunt asistent\u0103 medical\u0103. Ar fi \u00eengrijor\u0103tor s\u0103 miros a benzin\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Pentru o clip\u0103, furia lui s-a amestecat cu uimirea. I-am m\u0103surat pulsul: aproape o sut\u0103 patruzeci. Satura\u021bia oxigenului: optzeci \u0219i \u0219ase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Po\u021bi s\u0103-mi zdrobe\u0219ti m\u00e2na, i-am spus, sau \u00eemi po\u021bi da zece minute s\u0103 aflu de ce mori.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-a eliberat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 De obicei nu renun\u021b\u0103 la nimeni, a murmurat Luca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 To\u021bi renun\u021b\u0103, mai devreme sau mai t\u00e2rziu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am ridicat p\u0103tura pentru a-i verifica spatele. Gabriel s-a \u00eencordat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 M\u0103 doare jos, a \u0219optit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Spatele?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Da.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 De c\u00e2nd?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca a r\u0103spuns \u00een locul lui:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 De la clinica particular\u0103. Doctorul Vale i-a scos un fragment de glon\u021b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Am \u00eengustat ochii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Raportul spune c\u0103 glon\u021bul a trecut complet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca a ezitat o secund\u0103 prea mult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 A r\u0103mas un fragment. A\u0219a au spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cine a aranjat opera\u021bia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Vincent Moretti. V\u0103rul lui Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I-am cerut lui Luca s\u0103-l \u00eentoarc\u0103. El a f\u0103cut un pas \u00eenapoi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nimeni nu \u00eei atinge spatele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci \u00eel l\u0103s\u0103m s\u0103 moar\u0103 f\u0103r\u0103 s\u0103 \u0219tim de ce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Gabriel a \u00eenchis ochii, iar buzele i s-au mi\u0219cat aproape imperceptibil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00centoarce-m\u0103, a spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca a r\u0103mas nemi\u0219cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai auzit. Ajut\u0103-m\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C\u00e2nd l-am \u00eentors, am v\u0103zut rana de glon\u021b. Dar sub ea, ascuns\u0103 \u00eentr-un loc \u00een care n-ar fi trebuit s\u0103 existe nicio incizie, era o a doua cicatrice: \u00eengust\u0103, proasp\u0103t cusut\u0103, mult mai jos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Mi s-a str\u00e2ns stomacul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Luca\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fa\u021ba lui a devenit alb\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce este?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a deschis ochii. Glasul \u00eei era at\u00e2t de slab, \u00eenc\u00e2t abia l-am auzit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Vincent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am \u00eentins m\u00e2na spre dosarul medical de pe noptier\u0103, f\u0103r\u0103 s\u0103 \u0219tiu \u00eenc\u0103 ce urma s\u0103 g\u0103sesc \u00een el\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Am \u00eentins m\u00e2na spre dosarul medical de pe noptier\u0103, f\u0103r\u0103 s\u0103 \u0219tiu \u00eenc\u0103 ce urma s\u0103 g\u0103sesc \u00een el, dar Luca mi-a prins degetele \u00eenainte s\u0103 ating\u0103 mapa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu o deschide aici.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci unde?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00centr-un loc unde pere\u021bii nu au urechi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pere\u021bii nu \u00eei scad satura\u021bia lui Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am smuls mapa din m\u00e2na lui. Pe prima pagin\u0103 era parafa doctorului Adrian Vale, chirurgul care operase la clinica particular\u0103. Data interven\u021biei era cu dou\u0103 zile dup\u0103 \u00eempu\u0219care. Diagnosticul: fragment metalic re\u021binut, infec\u021bie superficial\u0103, durere postoperatorie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Totul p\u0103rea curat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Prea curat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am ridicat foaia spre lumin\u0103. \u00cen col\u021bul de jos, sub \u0219tampila clinicii, se vedea o urm\u0103 sub\u021bire de cerneal\u0103, ca \u0219i cum cineva ap\u0103sase o pagin\u0103 peste ea \u00eenainte s\u0103 se usuce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai observat asta? l-am \u00eentrebat pe Luca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu sunt medic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dar e\u0219ti omul care p\u0103ze\u0219te u\u0219a. Ai v\u0103zut cine a intrat \u00een sala de opera\u021bie?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Doar Vale, Vincent \u0219i doi oameni ai lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Gabriel era anesteziat?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Da.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i c\u00e2nd s-a trezit?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Vincent era l\u00e2ng\u0103 el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a scos un sunet r\u0103gu\u0219it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu era Vincent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am aplecat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce ai spus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Era\u2026 parfumul lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca s-a uitat spre pat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Gabriel, nu for\u021ba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu el a stat l\u00e2ng\u0103 mine. Doar parfumul lui. Apoi cineva mi-a spus s\u0103 nu deschid ochii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi-am scos lanterna \u0219i am examinat incizia. Pielea din jur era ro\u0219ie, dar nu ca \u00eentr-o infec\u021bie obi\u0219nuit\u0103. Temperatura corpului urca, iar sl\u0103biciunea picioarelor se potrivea cu o toxin\u0103 care afecta nervii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Are cineva acces la medicamentele lui? am \u00eentrebat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Eu verific tot, a spus Luca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu te-am \u00eentrebat cine verific\u0103. Te-am \u00eentrebat cine are acces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A t\u0103cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen baie, la ora dou\u0103sprezece \u0219i dou\u0103zeci \u0219i \u0219apte, am g\u0103sit seringa \u00eentr-un recipient pentru obiecte ascu\u021bite. Eticheta era rupt\u0103, dar pe plastic r\u0103m\u0103sese o urm\u0103 de pulbere alb\u0103. Am pus m\u0103nu\u0219i \u0219i am \u00eenchis recipientul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Asta nu a fost prescris\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 De unde \u0219tii? a \u00eentrebat Luca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Pentru c\u0103 un medicament prescris are etichet\u0103, doz\u0103 \u0219i numele pacientului. Asta are doar frica cuiva care a \u00eencercat s\u0103 \u0219tearg\u0103 urmele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a tu\u0219it din dormitor. C\u00e2nd am revenit, \u00ee\u0219i smulsese masca de oxigen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu mai pot respira.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru c\u0103 ai scos oxigenul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu. Pentru c\u0103 ceva se \u00eenchide \u00een mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I-am pus masca la loc. M\u00e2inile lui erau fierbin\u021bi \u0219i tremurau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cine \u021bi-a f\u0103cut r\u0103u?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu \u0219tiu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cine a decis opera\u021bia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel \u0219i-a \u00eentors capul spre Luca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 El \u0219tie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca a p\u0103lit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu \u00eencepe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai stat l\u00e2ng\u0103 u\u0219\u0103, a continuat Gabriel. Ai auzit c\u00e2nd Vale a cerut s\u0103 opreasc\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu am auzit nimic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai auzit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi-am pus \u00eentre ei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 v\u0103 certa\u021bi, pierde\u021bi timp. Gabriel, ce era \u00een camera de opera\u021bie?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A \u00eenchis ochii. Sub pleoape i se mi\u0219cau rapid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 O cutie de lemn. Cu un \u0219nur ro\u0219u. Vincent a \u00eentrebat unde este registrul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce registru?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Conturile vechi. Numele oamenilor care au fost cump\u0103ra\u021bi. Dac\u0103 mor, nimeni nu \u00eel mai poate opri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen acel moment, liftul a scos un clinchet la cap\u0103tul holului.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca s-a \u00eentors spre u\u0219\u0103 \u0219i a scos arma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu am chemat pe nimeni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
U\u0219ile s-au deschis. Un b\u0103rbat \u00een halat alb a intrat, cu o geant\u0103 medical\u0103 maro \u0219i cu m\u00e2inile ridicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Sunt Adrian Vale, a spus el. Dac\u0103 vre\u021bi s\u0103 tr\u0103iasc\u0103 p\u00e2n\u0103 diminea\u021b\u0103, trebuie s\u0103 m\u0103 asculta\u021bi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca a \u00eendreptat arma spre pieptul lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai cinci secunde s\u0103-mi spui de ce ai venit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vale s-a uitat la Gabriel, apoi la cicatricea ascuns\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru c\u0103 Vincent a aflat c\u0103 am p\u0103strat copia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Copia a ce? am \u00eentrebat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doctorul \u0219i-a deschis geanta. Sub instrumentele sterile se vedea o cutie mic\u0103 din tabl\u0103, \u00eenvelit\u0103 \u00eentr-un prosop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a \u00eencercat s\u0103 se ridice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu o deschide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Vale a \u00eenghi\u021bit cu greu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 nu o deschidem, el moare. Dac\u0103 o deschidem, to\u021bi cei din aceast\u0103 camer\u0103 vor deveni \u021binte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pe hol s-au auzit pa\u0219i. Mul\u021bi pa\u0219i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca s-a uitat la mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Mara, stinge luminile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am dus m\u00e2na spre \u00eentrerup\u0103tor, iar Vale a ridicat capacul cutiei. \u00cen\u0103untru era un singur obiect, ascuns sub o bucat\u0103 de tifon, \u0219i pe el era gravat numele lui Gabriel\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen\u0103untru era un singur obiect, ascuns sub o bucat\u0103 de tifon, \u0219i pe el era gravat numele lui Gabriel: un tub metalic sub\u021bire, cu un piston minuscul \u0219i un cod medical scris pe lateral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am \u00een\u021beles \u00eenaintea celorlal\u021bi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu este un dren, am spus. Este un rezervor de administrare lent\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vale \u0219i-a plecat capul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 A fost implantat sub mu\u0219chi. Elibereaz\u0103 o substan\u021b\u0103 care blocheaz\u0103 treptat nervii \u0219i respiratia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a str\u00e2ns cear\u0219aful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 C\u00e2t timp?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 doza continu\u0103, mai pu\u021bin de dou\u0103 ore, a r\u0103spuns Vale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca a cobor\u00e2t arma c\u00e2\u021biva centimetri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tu i l-ai pus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Da.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a \u00eencercat s\u0103 se ridice, dar picioarele nu l-au ascultat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 De ce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vale \u0219i-a scos o foaie \u00eemp\u0103turit\u0103 din cutie. Marginile erau moi, ca dup\u0103 ce fuseser\u0103 \u021binute mult timp \u00een palm\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru c\u0103 Vincent mi-a adus un contract semnat de tat\u0103l t\u0103u. Mi-a spus c\u0103 interven\u021bia este autorizat\u0103 \u0219i c\u0103, dac\u0103 refuz, fiica mea nu va mai ie\u0219i din clinica lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tat\u0103l meu a murit acum \u0219ase ani, a spus Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218tiu. Semn\u0103tura era fals\u0103. Am aflat dup\u0103 opera\u021bie, c\u00e2nd am v\u0103zut ce implantase Vincent. Am \u00eencercat s\u0103 \u00eel scot, dar oamenii lui au intrat \u00een sal\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i ai plecat, am spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am fost la\u0219.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu, a intervenit Luca. Ai fost speriat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vale l-a privit cu am\u0103r\u0103ciune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu m\u0103 ap\u0103ra. Tu ai \u021binut u\u0219a \u00eenchis\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen camer\u0103 s-a f\u0103cut frig, de\u0219i caloriferele duduiau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am uitat la Luca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai \u0219tiut?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
El \u0219i-a cobor\u00e2t ochii spre arma din m\u00e2n\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am \u0219tiut c\u0103 Vincent \u00eel duce la opera\u021bie. Nu am \u0219tiut de implant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai l\u0103sat oamenii lui s\u0103 intre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 nu \u00eei l\u0103sam, \u00eei omorau pe to\u021bi din clinic\u0103. Inclusiv pe sora mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a respirat greu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Sora ta lucreaz\u0103 la depozitul din Joliet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Vincent o \u021bine acolo de trei s\u0103pt\u0103m\u00e2ni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 De ce nu mi-ai spus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru c\u0103 te-a\u0219 fi pierdut \u00eenainte s\u0103 g\u0103sesc o cale s\u0103 o scot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am apucat tubul metalic cu o pens\u0103 steril\u0103. M\u00e2inile \u00eemi erau stabile, dar \u00een piept \u00eemi b\u0103tea inima ca un ciocan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 \u00eel extrag gre\u0219it, toxina se poate elibera toat\u0103 odat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci nu gre\u0219i, a spus Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cemi dai ordine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00ce\u021bi cer s\u0103-mi salvezi via\u021ba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 E o formulare mai bun\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen timp ce preg\u0103team instrumentele, Vale a \u00eentins foaia spre mine. Era o copie a registrului clinicii. \u00cen dreptul numelui lui Gabriel ap\u0103rea o not\u0103: \u201eSubiectul trebuie s\u0103 r\u0103m\u00e2n\u0103 con\u0219tient p\u00e2n\u0103 la semnarea transferului.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sub not\u0103 era semn\u0103tura lui Vincent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a v\u0103zut-o \u0219i a \u00eentors fa\u021ba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu voia doar s\u0103 m\u0103 omoare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Voia s\u0103 te \u021bin\u0103 viu suficient c\u00e2t s\u0103 semnezi, am spus. Probabil transferul organiza\u021biei \u0219i al conturilor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i dup\u0103 aceea?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dup\u0103 aceea, nu mai avea nevoie de tine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am f\u0103cut incizia mic\u0103, am introdus pensa \u0219i am sim\u021bit rezisten\u021ba implantului. Gabriel mi-a prins antebra\u021bul cu cealalt\u0103 m\u00e2n\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Uit\u0103-te la mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu pot. Am nevoie s\u0103 m\u0103 concentrez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Mara, dac\u0103 eu m\u0103 mi\u0219c, m\u0103 doare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 te mi\u0219ti, mori.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A str\u00e2ns din din\u021bi. Vale \u021binea lampa. Luca st\u0103tea la u\u0219\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pa\u0219ii din hol s-au oprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Sunt aici, a spus o voce dincolo de u\u0219\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Gabriel, deschide. Am venit s\u0103 te ajut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel \u0219i-a \u00eentors ochii spre mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Scoate-l.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am tras \u00eencet. Tubul a ie\u0219it, \u00eenvelit \u00eentr-o pelicul\u0103 de s\u00e2nge. \u00cen aceea\u0219i clip\u0103, clan\u021ba s-a mi\u0219cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent a intrat cu doi oameni \u00eenarma\u021bi. Z\u00e2mbea, dar z\u00e2mbetul i s-a fr\u00e2nt c\u00e2nd a v\u0103zut implantul \u00een pensa mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce a\u021bi f\u0103cut?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai vrut s\u0103 semneze un transfer, am spus. Ai uitat \u00eens\u0103 c\u0103 documentele tale au nevoie de un om viu \u0219i lucid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent s-a uitat spre Vale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai p\u0103strat copia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am p\u0103strat dovada c\u0103 mi-ai amenin\u021bat fiica, a r\u0103spuns doctorul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca s-a a\u0219ezat \u00eentre noi \u0219i oamenii lui Vincent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pleac\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tu \u00eemi dai mie ordine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu. \u00ce\u021bi spun c\u0103 oamenii t\u0103i nu mai sunt ai t\u0103i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unul dintre paznici a cobor\u00e2t arma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi cel\u0103lalt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent a \u00een\u021beles prea t\u00e2rziu c\u0103 Luca \u00eei sunase deja pe ceilal\u021bi oameni ai casei. Pe mas\u0103, sub cutia metalic\u0103, era registrul complet, fotografiat \u0219i trimis c\u0103tre fiecare c\u0103pitan care \u00eei datora loialitate lui Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent a f\u0103cut un pas spre pat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Gabriel, ascult\u0103-m\u0103. Tat\u0103l t\u0103u ar fi vrut s\u0103 preiei totul. Eu doar am \u00eencercat s\u0103 te protejez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel l-a privit cu fa\u021ba \u00eenc\u0103 cenu\u0219ie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai b\u0103gat otrav\u0103 \u00een spatele meu \u0219i ai numit-o protec\u021bie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 nu semnai, totul se pr\u0103bu\u0219ea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu totul. Doar planul t\u0103u.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Telefonul lui Vincent a vibrat. S-a uitat la ecran \u0219i a z\u00e2mbit, convins c\u0103 primise \u00eent\u0103riri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi z\u00e2mbetul i-a disp\u0103rut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce s-a \u00eent\u00e2mplat? am \u00eentrebat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent nu a r\u0103spuns. Luca i-a luat telefonul \u0219i a citit mesajul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Depozitul din Joliet este gol. Sora mea a fost scoas\u0103 de acolo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel \u0219i-a \u00eenchis ochii, epuizat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cine a f\u0103cut-o?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca s-a uitat la mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 O femeie care a plecat de la clinic\u0103 \u00eenainte s\u0103 ajung\u0103 Vincent. Avea cheia de rezerv\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cine? a \u00eentrebat Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Fosta ta contabil\u0103, Nora Bellini. Cea pe care ai concediat-o anul trecut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am privit spre telefonul lui Vincent. Pe ecran ap\u0103ruse \u00eenc\u0103 un mesaj, de la o banc\u0103 elve\u021bian\u0103: transferurile fuseser\u0103 \u00eenghe\u021bate de c\u0103tre consiliul organiza\u021biei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent voia banii \u0219i puterea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen c\u00e2teva minute pierduse accesul la am\u00e2ndou\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar c\u00e2nd Vale a verificat din nou respira\u021bia lui Gabriel, expresia i s-a schimbat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Toxina a ajuns deja \u00een s\u00e2nge. Implantul era doar prima doz\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a deschis ochii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce \u00eenseamn\u0103 asta?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vale s-a uitat la mine, iar \u00een palma lui se afla o a doua sering\u0103, sigilat\u0103, pe care nimeni nu o observase \u00een cutie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00censeamn\u0103 c\u0103 cineva a preg\u0103tit \u0219i doza final\u0103\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00censeamn\u0103 c\u0103 cineva a preg\u0103tit \u0219i doza final\u0103\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am luat seringa din m\u00e2na lui Vale \u0219i am examinat-o sub lamp\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen\u0103untru era un lichid limpede, aproape incolor. Eticheta nu avea nume, doar acela\u0219i cod de pe tubul metalic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu este antidot, am spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel \u00eencerca s\u0103 respire prin masca de oxigen. Fiecare inspira\u021bie \u00eei ridica pieptul cu greu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci ce este?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 O doz\u0103 concentrat\u0103. Dac\u0103 i-o administreaz\u0103 cineva, inima se opre\u0219te \u00eenainte s\u0103 ajung\u0103 la spital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent a r\u00e2s scurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu am pus eu seringa aceea acolo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nici nu am spus c\u0103 tu ai pus-o.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 To\u021bi m\u0103 privi\u021bi de parc\u0103 sunt un monstru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca a f\u0103cut un pas spre el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru c\u0103 ai venit cu doi oameni \u0219i ai \u00eencercat s\u0103 intri \u00een camera unui muribund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am venit s\u0103 termin ce \u00eencepuse doctorul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai auzit? am \u00eentrebat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent \u0219i-a dat seama c\u0103 se tr\u0103dase singur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nu mai avea niciun z\u00e2mbet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vale s-a apropiat de pat \u0219i mi-a \u00eentins un recipient mic cu ap\u0103 steril\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Trebuie s\u0103 \u00eei cur\u0103\u021b\u0103m rana \u0219i s\u0103 neutraliz\u0103m c\u00e2t putem din toxin\u0103. Dar nu pot face asta singur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nici nu vei face asta singur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am \u00eemp\u0103r\u021bit sarcinile. Luca trebuia s\u0103 blocheze accesul la lift. Vale preg\u0103tea perfuzia. Eu urm\u0103ream respira\u021bia, pulsul \u0219i reac\u021bia pupilelor lui Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent a r\u0103mas \u00een mijlocul camerei, prins \u00eentre oamenii care nu \u00eel mai ascultau \u0219i omul pe care \u00eencercase s\u0103 \u00eel elimine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 moare, tot voi ve\u021bi fi vinova\u021bi, a spus el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 moare, tu vei fi cauza, am r\u0103spuns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu \u00een\u021belegi cum func\u021bioneaz\u0103 familia Moretti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu. \u00cen\u021beleg cum func\u021bioneaz\u0103 un corp otr\u0103vit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am scos perfuzia veche \u0219i am \u00eenlocuit-o. Gabriel s-a cutremurat c\u00e2nd am cur\u0103\u021bat incizia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 R\u0103m\u00e2i cu mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu plec nic\u0103ieri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu tu. Eu \u00ee\u021bi spun s\u0103 r\u0103m\u00e2i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A \u00eencercat s\u0103 z\u00e2mbeasc\u0103, dar buzele i-au tremurat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 E\u0219ti foarte autoritar\u0103 pentru cineva care a venit aici cu o geant\u0103 roz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am uitat la geanta mea medical\u0103, ag\u0103\u021bat\u0103 de scaun. Pe ea era brodat\u0103 o mic\u0103 pas\u0103re galben\u0103, cusut\u0103 de sora mea c\u00e2nd mi-am \u00eenceput stagiatura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Geanta nu are leg\u0103tur\u0103 cu priceperea mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nici nu am spus c\u0103 are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci respir\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am administrat tratamentul de sus\u021binere. Toxina nu putea fi scoas\u0103 complet, dar putea fi \u00eempiedicat\u0103 s\u0103 \u00eei paralizeze diafragma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minutele s-au scurs ca ni\u0219te pic\u0103turi grele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
La dou\u0103sprezece \u0219i cincizeci \u0219i \u0219ase, pulsul lui Gabriel a cobor\u00e2t la o sut\u0103 dou\u0103zeci.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
La unu \u0219i \u0219apte, degetele de la piciorul drept s-au mi\u0219cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Asta e bine, am spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu simt nimic, a r\u0103spuns el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu trebuie s\u0103 sim\u021bi. Trebuie doar s\u0103 nu te opre\u0219ti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen hol, unul dintre oamenii lui Vincent a venit s\u0103 \u00eei spun\u0103 lui Luca c\u0103 ceilal\u021bi \u0219efi ai re\u021belei refuzau s\u0103 \u00eel mai recunoasc\u0103 pe Vincent ca interimar. Fiecare primise copia registrului \u0219i fotografia semn\u0103turii false.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent a auzit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cine le-a trimis?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Eu, a spus Luca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tu?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i Nora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Numele a schimbat atmosfera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a \u00eentors capul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nora tr\u0103ie\u0219te?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Este \u00een parcarea subteran\u0103, a spus Luca. Cu sora mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Adu-le sus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu este sigur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Aici nu mai este sigur pentru nimeni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca a ezitat, apoi a ie\u0219it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent \u0219i-a frecat obrazul cu palma. Sub man\u0219eta c\u0103m\u0103\u0219ii avea o pat\u0103 \u00eentunecat\u0103 de cerneal\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am observat-o fiindc\u0103 aceea\u0219i urm\u0103 ap\u0103ruse pe raportul clinicii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tu ai completat documentele, am spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu doar ai ordonat opera\u021bia. Ai falsificat fi\u0219a medical\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Fiecare om din camera asta a f\u0103cut ceva pentru Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Asta nu este r\u0103spuns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Erai acolo, Gabriel. Ai construit o lume \u00een care oamenii mint ca s\u0103 supravie\u021buiasc\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a privit tavanul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai dreptate \u00eentr-un singur lucru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent s-a apropiat de pat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cen sf\u00e2r\u0219it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am creat un sistem \u00een care loialitatea era m\u0103surat\u0103 prin fric\u0103. De aceea ai crezut c\u0103 \u00eemi po\u021bi lua via\u021ba \u0219i c\u0103 nimeni nu va vorbi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent \u0219i-a ridicat b\u0103rbia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nimeni nu vorbe\u0219te \u00eempotriva familiei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu mai e\u0219ti familia mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cuvintele au c\u0103zut simplu, f\u0103r\u0103 strig\u0103t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent a scos un pistol mic de la glezn\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca nu era \u00een camer\u0103. Oamenii lui erau la u\u0219\u0103, dar prea departe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent l-a \u00eendreptat spre Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eu am apucat tava metalic\u0103 de l\u00e2ng\u0103 pat \u0219i am ridicat-o exact c\u00e2nd arma a trosnit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glon\u021bul a lovit tava, iar durerea mi-a ars palma. Pistolul a c\u0103zut. Vale s-a aruncat peste Gabriel, iar unul dintre paznici l-a tr\u00e2ntit pe Vincent la podea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Mara! a strigat Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Sunt bine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nu eram. M\u00e2na \u00eemi s\u00e2ngera, dar puteam mi\u0219ca degetele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent s-a zb\u0103tut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 m\u0103 lua\u021bi, totul se termin\u0103 pentru voi!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nora a ap\u0103rut la u\u0219\u0103 \u00een acel moment. Avea p\u0103rul prins cu un ac de argint \u0219i \u021binea de m\u00e2n\u0103 o femeie speriat\u0103, sora lui Luca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu, Vincent, a spus ea. Pentru tine s-a terminat c\u00e2nd ai uitat cine \u021binea registrele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent a \u00eenghe\u021bat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nora a intrat \u0219i a pus pe mas\u0103 o serviet\u0103 sub\u021bire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am copii ale tuturor pl\u0103\u021bilor. Nu doar ale celor din registru. Am \u0219i documentele pe care le-ai semnat ca s\u0103 cumperi t\u0103cerea clinicii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai furat arhiva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am salvat-o.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai lucrat pentru Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am lucrat pentru adev\u0103r, a r\u0103spuns ea. Gabriel doar a fost singurul care putea supravie\u021bui lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a \u00eenchis ochii o clip\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nora, te-am concediat pentru c\u0103 ai refuzat s\u0103 ascunzi banii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 M-ai concediat pentru c\u0103 mi-ai spus c\u0103 oamenii ca noi nu au luxul con\u0219tiin\u021bei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Eram un idiot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cenc\u0103 e\u0219ti bolnav. Nu te gr\u0103bi s\u0103 te consideri schimbat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pentru prima dat\u0103, replica ei l-a f\u0103cut s\u0103 par\u0103 aproape omene\u0219te ru\u0219inat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca \u0219i-a adus sora l\u00e2ng\u0103 el. Femeia \u00eel \u00eembr\u0103\u021bi\u0219a, iar pe obrazul lui a ap\u0103rut o urm\u0103 de s\u00e2nge de la spr\u00e2ncean\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai fost r\u0103nit? l-am \u00eentrebat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Doar zg\u00e2riat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Stai jos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu era o sugestie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
S-a a\u0219ezat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am continuat s\u0103 monitorizez respira\u021bia lui Gabriel. Tratamentul \u00eencepea s\u0103 func\u021bioneze, dar \u00eenc\u0103 exista riscul ca toxina s\u0103 \u00eei afecteze definitiv nervii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Trebuie dus la un spital, am spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu, a r\u0103spuns Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu negociezi cu mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 ies de aici, oamenii lui Vincent vor \u00eencerca s\u0103 m\u0103 termine pe drum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nora a deschis servieta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu dac\u0103 mergem la clinica de recuperare a doamnei Ionescu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am ridicat privirea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 A mamei mele?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am sunat-o c\u00e2nd am v\u0103zut registrul. Are personal independent \u0219i nu prime\u0219te bani de la familia Moretti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi s-a str\u00e2ns g\u00e2tul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mama mea \u00ee\u0219i \u00eenchisese clinica dup\u0103 ce tat\u0103l meu murise \u00eentr-o eroare medical\u0103 acoperit\u0103 de conducere. Eu nu mai vorbisem cu ea de opt luni, fiindc\u0103 \u00eei repro\u0219asem c\u0103 renun\u021base exact c\u00e2nd oamenii aveau nevoie de ea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu m\u0103 va l\u0103sa s\u0103 intru, am spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 A spus c\u0103 te va l\u0103sa pe tine. Pe el \u00eel prime\u0219te doar dac\u0103 \u00eel aduci viu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel m-a privit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Mama ta te a\u0219teapt\u0103?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu schimba subiectul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu \u00eel schimb. \u00ce\u021bi cer s\u0103 mergi cu mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Eu te duc la tratament. Nu merg nic\u0103ieri pentru tine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Bine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luca a chemat o ma\u0219in\u0103 f\u0103r\u0103 \u00eensemne. Vincent a fost scos din penthouse de oamenii care, cu o or\u0103 \u00eenainte, \u00eei spuneau \u0219ef. Nu l-au lovit. Nu era nevoie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00ce\u0219i pierduse puterea exact \u00een fa\u021ba celor pe care \u00eei cump\u0103rase cu ea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cenainte s\u0103 fie dus, s-a oprit l\u00e2ng\u0103 pat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Gabriel, am vrut doar s\u0103-mi protejez locul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a r\u0103spuns f\u0103r\u0103 s\u0103 \u00eel priveasc\u0103:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Locul t\u0103u era l\u00e2ng\u0103 mine. Ai ales s\u0103 stai deasupra mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent a plecat cu acea propozi\u021bie ag\u0103\u021bat\u0103 de el ca o ran\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drumul p\u00e2n\u0103 la clinica mamei a fost scurt, dar fiecare minut p\u0103rea prea lung. Gabriel era \u00eentins pe bancheta din spate, cu perfuzia prins\u0103 de m\u00e2na mea. Luca conducea. Nora \u021binea servieta pe genunchi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 supravie\u021buiesc, a murmurat Gabriel, \u00ee\u021bi datorez via\u021ba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu \u00eemi datorezi nimic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai refuzat deja banii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu vreau banii t\u0103i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci ce vrei?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am uitat la chipul lui palid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 S\u0103 nu mai tratez oameni care refuz\u0103 s\u0103 fie salva\u021bi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu am refuzat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai refuzat spitalul, tratamentul, adev\u0103rul \u0219i orice persoan\u0103 care \u00eencerca s\u0103 te ating\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tu m-ai atins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru c\u0103 te mureai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A z\u00e2mbit slab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i pentru c\u0103 e\u0219ti \u00eenc\u0103p\u0103\u021b\u00e2nat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Asta nu este o calitate medical\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru mine a fost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
La clinic\u0103, mama mea ne a\u0219tepta \u00een sala de tratament. Avea p\u0103rul alb str\u00e2ns la ceaf\u0103 \u0219i purta acela\u0219i ceas vechi cu cadranul cr\u0103pat pe care \u00eel v\u0103zusem \u00een copil\u0103rie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
S-a uitat la mine, apoi la Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai intrat din nou \u00eentr-o situa\u021bie imposibil\u0103, Mara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu singur\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Asta nu m\u0103 lini\u0219te\u0219te.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cel po\u021bi trata?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mama a examinat pupilele lui Gabriel \u0219i rana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cel pot ajuta. Dar va r\u0103m\u00e2ne cu sechele dac\u0103 nervii au fost afecta\u021bi prea mult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a deschis ochii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 C\u00e2t cost\u0103?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mama mea s-a uitat la el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cenc\u0103 \u00ee\u021bi m\u0103sori via\u021ba \u00een bani?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Este un reflex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci \u00eenva\u021b\u0103 altul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I-a f\u0103cut semn asistentei s\u0103 preg\u0103teasc\u0103 sala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Orele urm\u0103toare au fost pline de ace, respira\u021bii num\u0103rate \u0219i ordine scurte. Am r\u0103mas l\u00e2ng\u0103 el p\u00e2n\u0103 c\u00e2nd m\u00e2na dreapt\u0103 a \u00eenceput s\u0103 se mi\u0219te normal. Piciorul st\u00e2ng a r\u0103spuns abia dup\u0103 multe ore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel nu a \u00eentrebat cine va conduce organiza\u021bia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A \u00eentrebat dac\u0103 sora lui Luca este \u00een siguran\u021b\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A \u00eentrebat dac\u0103 Nora \u00ee\u0219i poate recupera toate documentele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A \u00eentrebat dac\u0103 Vale \u00ee\u0219i poate scoate fiica din ora\u0219.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C\u00e2nd l-am \u00eentrebat de ce, mi-a r\u0103spuns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru c\u0103 fiecare dintre ei a pl\u0103tit pentru gre\u0219elile mele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i Vincent?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 El va pl\u0103ti pentru ale lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu \u00eel vei omor\u00ee?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 \u00eel omor, to\u021bi vor spune c\u0103 a fost doar o lupt\u0103 pentru putere. Dac\u0103 \u00eel las s\u0103 tr\u0103iasc\u0103 \u0219i s\u0103 aud\u0103 fiecare om pe care l-a pierdut, va \u00een\u021belege exact ce a f\u0103cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nora a preluat conturile \u0219i a predat copiile documentelor c\u0103tre cei care fuseser\u0103 amenin\u021ba\u021bi. Vale \u0219i-a dus fiica \u00eentr-un alt stat. Luca \u0219i-a scos sora din serviciul familiei Moretti \u0219i a acceptat s\u0103 depun\u0103 m\u0103rturie \u00een fa\u021ba consiliului organiza\u021biei, nu pentru r\u0103zbunare, ci pentru ca nimeni s\u0103 nu mai poat\u0103 folosi clinica drept camer\u0103 de execu\u021bie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent nu a mai putut intra \u00een nicio afacere pe care o controla familia. Oamenii lui i-au confiscat pa\u0219aportul intern \u0219i toate cheile de acces. Nu a fost nevoie de o sal\u0103 de judecat\u0103 pentru a pierde tot ce dorise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A pierdut oamenii care \u00eel ascultau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A pierdut banii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mai ales, a pierdut povestea \u00een care se considera mo\u0219tenitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a r\u0103mas \u00een clinica mamei mele pentru recuperare. Nu \u0219i-a rec\u0103p\u0103tat imediat mersul. Uneori, c\u00e2nd \u00eencerca s\u0103 se ridice, genunchiul drept \u00eei tremura \u0219i furia \u00eei revenea \u00een privire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00centr-o diminea\u021b\u0103, l-am g\u0103sit l\u00e2ng\u0103 bara de sprijin, \u00eencerc\u00e2nd s\u0103 fac\u0103 trei pa\u0219i f\u0103r\u0103 ajutor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu te for\u021ba, i-am spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 m\u0103 opresc, m\u0103 a\u0219ez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i dac\u0103 te a\u0219ezi?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cemi aduci geanta ta roz \u0219i m\u0103 love\u0219ti cu ea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Geanta mea are mai mult\u0103 demnitate dec\u00e2t tine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A f\u0103cut al patrulea pas \u0219i a c\u0103zut \u00een genunchi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am repezit spre el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu m\u0103 ridica, a spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Las\u0103-m\u0103 s\u0103 \u00eencerc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
S-a sprijinit de bar\u0103. Avea fruntea ud\u0103 \u0219i pumnii str\u00e2n\u0219i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu mai pot s\u0103 fiu omul care era \u00eenainte, a spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nici nu trebuie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dac\u0103 nu mai pot conduce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci condu altfel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ca ce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ca un om care a \u00een\u021beles c\u00e2t valoreaz\u0103 via\u021ba unui singur om.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A privit spre m\u00e2na mea bandajat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00ce\u021bi va r\u0103m\u00e2ne cicatrice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218tiu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cemi pare r\u0103u.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu ai tras tu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dar te-am pus \u00een fa\u021ba lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Da.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A primit r\u0103spunsul f\u0103r\u0103 s\u0103 se apere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci \u00ee\u021bi voi datora mai mult dec\u00e2t via\u021ba mea, a spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu \u00eemi datora nimic. Doar s\u0103 nu mai transformi oamenii \u00een scuturi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A \u00eencuviin\u021bat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen acea dup\u0103-amiaz\u0103, mama mea a intrat cu un dosar. Pe copert\u0103 era trecut numele meu, nu al lui Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce este? am \u00eentrebat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Oferta de a prelua sec\u021bia de urgen\u021be a clinicii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am privit-o lung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Credeam c\u0103 nu m\u0103 vrei aici.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Te vreau aici tocmai pentru c\u0103 ai plecat c\u00e2nd te-am rugat s\u0103 r\u0103m\u00e2i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu m-ai rugat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Eram m\u00e2ndr\u0103 \u0219i bolnav\u0103 de durere. Uneori, oamenii spun \u201epleac\u0103\u201d c\u00e2nd vor s\u0103 aud\u0103 \u201e\u00eentoarce-te\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi-am a\u0219ezat m\u00e2na bandajat\u0103 peste dosar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu pot promite c\u0103 voi r\u0103m\u00e2ne mereu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nici eu nu mai cer promisiuni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen sala de recuperare, Gabriel f\u0103cea pa\u0219i mici \u00eentre dou\u0103 bare. Nora verifica registrele la o mas\u0103. Luca \u00eei adusese surorii sale un ceai. Vale vorbea la telefon cu fiica lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pentru prima dat\u0103, oamenii nu erau aduna\u021bi \u00een jurul unei arme sau al unei afaceri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Erau aduna\u021bi \u00een jurul unei vie\u021bi care refuza s\u0103 se termine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a ajuns la cap\u0103tul barei \u0219i s-a \u00eentors c\u0103tre mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Mara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Da?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 C\u00e2nd pleci, ia cu tine geanta aceea galben\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Este roz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru mine tot galben\u0103 este.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Febra \u021bi-a afectat vederea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci r\u0103m\u00e2i p\u00e2n\u0103 \u00eemi revine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am vrut s\u0103 \u00eei r\u0103spund, dar mama mea a ridicat dosarul cu numele meu \u0219i l-a pus pe tejghea, l\u00e2ng\u0103 vechea pens\u0103 cu care scosesem otrava din spatele lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel a mai f\u0103cut un pas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
De data aceasta, nimeni nu l-a prins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Vede\u021bi? a spus el. \u00cenc\u0103 pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iar eu am pus pensa \u00een sertarul cu instrumente, nu ca pe o amintire, ci ca pe dovada c\u0103 \u00een acea noapte un om a fost salvat \u00eenainte s\u0103 apuce s\u0103 semneze propria moarte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Missed the beginning?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
La miezul nop\u021bii, c\u00e2nd al cincilea asistent medical \u00ee\u0219i \u00eendesa pansamentele \u00een geant\u0103, \u0219eful pazei mi-a spus c\u0103 Gabriel Moretti m-ar putea ucide imediat ce<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":49985,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51401"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=51401"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51401\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51403,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51401\/revisions\/51403"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/49985"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=51401"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=51401"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=51401"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}