Polina. [Remaining silent.]
Sea Lion. Two weeks ago you dropped an entire tray of food for one of our guests. That’s minus four grand. Thirty five in total.
Polina. But…
Sea Lion. And by the way, the crockery costs much more than that. But that’s okay, not a big deal. Later on, a bunch of drunken fellows took French leave without paying the bill. That’s another ten grand. You should have watched out for them! And yesterday eight grand went missing from the cash register.
Polina. I didn’t take it.
Sea Lion. No one else could do that! Or are you telling me that I did?
Polina. I’m not.
Sea Lion. That’s a good girl. Thirty five minus ten and minus eight. It’s seventeen grand then.
Polina. I only borrowed money once… Three thousand from your wife. She can confirm that. But I have never taken any money from the cash register…
Sea Lion. Oh yes? You borrowed three thousand from Nadya? I didn’t know about that! Seventeen minus three is… humph…
Here is your money, Polina. Sign here.
Polina takes the money, signs her name, and leaves.
Sea Lion. Piece of cake. Only the strongest survive.
Polina comes back
Polina. That last time, you said I’d earn more. I really need money. What should I do?
Scene 4
The Rubicon Roadside Inn & Diner.
Makar. What was it like before?
Stvolov. What?
Makar. That’s just the point! And now what?
Stvolov. What?
Makar. Gee, that’s exactly what I’m talking about!
Stvolov. Fill it up.
Makar. And as for mobile service, we’ve never had it here. Dense forests!
Polina. That’s a hell of a storm outside.
Makar. The road is washed out now. You won’t be able to get out of here tomorrow, Stvolov.
Stvolov. I’m virtually born under a lucky star. No wonder I didn’t like the ugly face of that driver.
Makar. You know what they say here? Whack thy neighbor, punch him hard, jump on his chest. Then you’ll have the edge over the rest.
Nadya appears from the kitchen and stands behind the bar counter.
Nadya. Where do you mean – here? Look at him. Wasted again.
Makar. By no means…
Nadya. [To Stvolov.] Your room is on the second floor. Polina will escort you. Welcome to the Rubicon Hotel. [Ringing the bell.]
Polina. We serve breakfast at eight. The bar is open round the clock.
Stvolov. No flying from fate. Do you have a phone here?
Nadya. It’s at the entrance.