(7 of 7)
Mikoyan came to see us in the evening. "I was asked to tell you the following," Anastas Ivanovich began hesitantly. "This dacha and the city apartment are yours for life."
"Good," Father said vaguely, "I am ready to live where I am told to."
"You will keep a security and maintenance staff, but it will be changed."
My father grunted.
"Your pension will be set at 500 rubles a month, with a car and driver thrown in." Mikoyan hesitated. "I also suggested that we create for you a new job as consultant to the Presidium, but my proposal was turned down."
"There was no need to," said my father firmly. "They would never agree to that. Of course, it would be good to have something to do. I don't know how I can live as a pensioner without doing anything. Thanks anyway. It's good to know you have a friend at your side."
The conversation was over. My father saw his guest off to the front of the house. Anastas Ivanovich embraced and kissed Khrushchev. At that time it was not customary for leaders to kiss each other. And so everyone was moved by this farewell.
Mikoyan walked briskly to the gate. His short figure disappeared around the turn. Nikita Sergeyevich watched him leave.
They never met after that.