Read Online Collaborators by John Hodge - Free Book Online Page B

done something wrong?
    Yelena No. Why do you ask that?
    Bulgakov Everyone had a good time, didn’t they?
    She says nothing.
    I mean, Vasilly’s story. That’s nothing to do with me.
    Yelena Who said it was?
    Bulgakov It’s probably not even true. He talks such . . . You know.
    Yelena Yes. I know.
    A pause.
    Can I read it?
    Bulgakov Yes, of course.
    A pause.
    Only not yet, if that’s all right. I’d like your opinion, I really would.
    Yelena But not yet.
    They sit in silence for a moment.
    Yelena exits.
    Bulgakov pulls his coat on.
    Enter Stalin. He takes his seat at the table and places a bundle of files on it.
    He begins typing.
    Bulgakov sits on the other chair. He stares vacantly. Ignores the paperwork on the table.
    Stalin pauses.
    Stalin What’s up?
    Bulgakov says nothing.
    Trouble at home?
    The slightest of nods from Bulgakov confirms. Stalin sighs. He stands up and walks round to sit with Bulgakov.
    Terrible things happen, Mikhail.
    Bulgakov is surprised at the insight.
    Yes, in any great revolutionary enterprise, some terrible things will happen. And if you want to walk away now, I would understand. I wouldn’t hold it against you. But . . . I tell you this – the worst is over, the hard work is done.
    He’s up on his feet now, warming to his theme.
    For both of us. Look where I’ve got to – he’s in prison, but he’s telling the guards what to do. It’s easy – from here on in, it practically writes itself. And look –
    He indicates the administrative files.
    The nation is industrialised, the peasants are . . . aligned to the path of true socialism. The storm is no longer raging and the sea is calm. From here on in, the countrypractically governs itself. We’re a boring, modern, progressive state. No more mountains to climb, no more canyons to cross, no more . . . no more terrible things.
    He lets it all sink in.
    Still, if you want to walk away, I’d understand.
    It’s Bulgakov’s turn to get to his feet.
    He paces around.
    Bulgakov I’m sorry . . . I just don’t think I’m . . .
    But the script in the typewriter catches his eye.
    He’s in prison?
    Stalin Yes.
    Bulgakov But he tells the guards what to do?
    Stalin Yes.
    Bulgakov The man is trapped but his soul is still free.
    Stalin That’s what I was trying to imply –
    Bulgakov It’s good. But what if one day the governor orders the guards to punish him? Really hurt him.
    Stalin Yes . . . He walks between them –
    Bulgakov – and they’re all hitting him with sticks –
    Stalin – one after the other –
    Bulgakov – but he doesn’t flinch!
    Stalin Like Christ on the way to Calvary! Or is that too much?
    Bulgakov Put it in anyway.
    Stalin Put it in anyway!
    Stalin returns to his desk. He starts typing urgently.
    Typing with a flourish.
    Bulgakov watches him for a moment, then follows his example. He sits down to his collection of paperwork. He signs documents, one after another, working his way briskly through the pile.
    Both work fast. Until:
    Bulgakov Stop!
    Stalin What’s wrong?
    Bulgakov Have you seen these?
    Stalin Seen what?
    Bulgakov Confessions. Signed confessions.
    Stalin Really? Who from?
    Bulgakov From . . . Zinoviev . . . Kamenev . . . Nikolai Bukharin.
    Stalin Kamenev – he and I go way back. I knew him when he was plain old Lev Rosenfeld. Nikolai Bukharin – the smartest guy in the Party by a long way. And Zinoviev? – that man was trusted by Lenin himself. You can’t fault those men. They were there at the Revolution. So what’ve they done? Filched the petty cash? Double-dipped on expenses? Impregnated a ballerina? Boys will be boys, Mikhail.
    Bulgakov They plotted against you.
    Stalin No!
    Bulgakov That’s what they’ve confessed to.
    Stalin Three of my very, very best friends and you sit there and tell me they’re plotting against me!
    Bulgakov It’s just what’s