It was terrifying even to think what heresies he had uttered to the director. At the same time, however, Viktor felt strong. His very helplessness was a source of strength. How could he ever have guessed that on his return to Moscow, at the moment of his scientific triumph, he would be having a conversation like this? Although no one could have heard about his confrontation with Shishakov, his colleagues seemed to be treating him with a particular warmth. Anna Stepanovna took his hand, squeezed it and said: ‘Viktor Pavlovich, I don’t want to appear to be thanking you – but I do know that
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