The Boy From Reactor 4 Read Online Free PDF Page B

World.’”
    “Ukrainian and Russian mafiya ?” Nadia said.
    “If you are thinking of the crime groups that are popular in the press and films—Range Rovers, mansions, villas, and big-haired blondes—no. That is the avtoritet . ‘The authority.’ They are a younger generation defined by the pursuit of material wealth and consumption.”
    He handed Nadia the second book. Boa Constrictor, by Ivan Franko. Jailed by the Soviet government for arguing Marxism was a religion of hatred.
    “The vor is something entirely different,” Obon said as he began work on a third. “The literal translation of Vory v Zakony is ‘thieves with a common law.’ A loose organization of criminals that have their own set of social norms. Vory v Zakony was formed in prisons in 1682 under Peter the Great. Their members swear allegiance to an austere code of ethics. They cannot marry, have families, hold jobs, or assist the government in any way. Their stature is depicted by tattoos on their bodies. Earned in and outside of prison. They were traditionally known for their anti-materialistic behavior. Sometimes they gave back to thepoor in their communities. Like Robin Hood. Most vory were vicious, but some less so. Some were held in such high regard they resolved community disputes in private courtrooms.”
    “ Vory v Zakony still exist today?”
    “Yes, but their numbers are dwindling. It’s old-school. Once the Soviet Union fell apart and capitalism came to Russia, allegiances among criminals went out the window. Young people just don’t care about the old traditions. It’s the same in prison as it is on the streets. Also, many vory died in the Bitches War in the 1950s.”
    “The what?”
    “The Bitches War. Stalin drafted criminals during World War II. Some vory left prison and fought for their homeland. When they returned to jail after the war, their former cellmates dubbed them ‘bitches’ for helping the government. The Bitches War broke out. Stalin encouraged it, hoping they’d all kill each other. But they didn’t. The bitches perished, the true vory survived.”
    “And they’re in this country? In the United States?”
    “They’re scattered everywhere. Estimates I’ve read, maybe five hundred to a thousand true vory left. Power is based on money, weapons, and willpower. The young avtoritet with global reach and connections have no interest in the old ways. A few vory did well during perestroika , abandoned their oath, and became avtoritet themselves. But for the most part, the only place where vory remain powerful is in prison.”
    “And this Damian, the vor you mentioned,” Nadia said, “is he in this country? Is he in New York?”
    Obon handed her the third book.
    “No,” he said. “He died outside Kyiv some thirty years ago.”
    Nadia cursed under her breath. She glanced at the book. The Noblewoman, by Lesya Ukrainka. First female activist. Nadia remembered reading it in Uke school, which she had attended two nights a week, from kindergarten through high school.
    “I’d like to buy this,” Nadia said.
    “Good choice. You know, former Prime Minister Tymoshenko wears her hair in a braid as a tribute to Lesya.” Obon took the book and whirled to the register. “I do know someone nearby who can tell you more about Damian and the vor , if you care.”
    “Really? Who?”
    “A wise old man. Made his money in the food business. People come to see him for advice on Sunday afternoons. I’m sure he’d love to meet you. Let me go in back, call him, and see if he’s available.”
    A buzzer sounded. An old man with thick sunglasses sat in a wheelchair in front of the door.
    “Ah. Be so kind as to let our friend in,” Obon said as he disappeared behind a corner curtain.
    “ Our friend?” Nadia said.
    “Why, of course. Our friend. Max Milan.”
    Nadia stood dumbfounded. “Who?”
    The man in the wheelchair sounded the buzzer again.
    Laughter emanated from behind the curtain. “For goodness’ sake, Nadia,”