Lilia Vasilievna. Will you stop your tantrum, sir?
Gromov. Im sorry, darling. My nerves are frayed. Oh, Mitya, my Mitya
Lilia Vasilievna. Could he get hold of a gun anywhere?
Gromov. Surganov says the shot was made from a gun. Now theyre conducting a ballistics test and taking data from the CCTV. My honorary weapon is in the safe, Ive checked it. But its not a problem to find a piece in the city.
Lilia Vasilievna. Mitya couldnt have done it. Theyve been friends with Nikolay since the third school year. They went to a language camp in London together. You know this well.
Gromov. Did you speak to Olga Vladimirovna?
Lilia Vasilievna. Yes, shes shocked. She was on a business trip, but she came back at once and shes now with him in the hospital.
Gromov. And this should happen right before the governor elections! Ive been contacted by the central executive party committee. Take my car and go see her right now. Talk to her. I think Olga understands how serious this is. Nobody needs this fuss. Well deal with the media. Dont give any comments or interviews. Ill go to my office and make a few calls.
Gromov and Lilia Vasilievna leave.
Mitya and Katya come in. Both are cheerful.
Mitya. Mum, Dad, Im home!
Katya. Dont shout.
Mitya. Are they asleep? Its still Monday morning and we havent slept a wink! Well wake them up. (He pulls Katya to him and kisses her)
Katya. Youre crazy! (She tries to release herself, laughing)
Mitya. Im as hungry as a hawk.
Katya. Me too.
Mitya. My heads splitting apart. I think I drank too much. What was that sour stuff you gave me?
Katya. Its Spanish dry wine.
Mitya. Ugh!
They take out sandwiches, sweets, biscuits, pour some juice.
Mitya. Now I know what I really want!
Katya. What do you want, Mitya?
Mitya. Orlov told the truth yesterday. Im the one to blame for my problems. As a child I never dreamt of becoming a loser, drug addict and a parasite. But I turned one when I was twenty-five. Ive always blamed father for not being able to choose my own way, but in fact I did nothing to find that way.
Of course, my ex-girlfriends are at fault for deserting me just because I cheated on them, drank booze and took drugs Im not to be blamed! (He grins)
Now things are going to be different. I know exactly what I want! I want to change myself and change my life. I will work. Can you imagine, Ive always been afraid that father will stop giving me money and will cross me out of his will. Thats such nonsense!
I am capable of providing for myself. Ive graduated from a language gymnasium, so I can easily become a tutor or a translator from English and German. When Aglaya Lebedeva was presenting her thesis, I did translate a few of her articles into English.
I can start working for my father but no, Id be better on my own Theres a lot I can do!
I want to live so much! (Excited)
And you? Katya?
Will you stay with me? I need you so much!
Katya. Ill stay with you, Mitya.
Mitya. Remember this day! Today a new life was born in us! Let us live, Katya! Let us live!
Katya. Somebodys coming.
Gromov enters.
Mitya. Hello, dad! This is Katherine.
Katya. Hello, Leonid Fyodorovich.
Gromov. Hello, Katherine. (Turns to Mitya, threatens him) What have you done?
Mitya. Whats happened?
Gromov. He dares to ask! Mothers been on edge all night long! Where have you been?
Mitya. I was relaxing. (Cringing)
Gromov. Why dont you answer calls?
Mitya. Ive lost my phone somewhere. (almost hopelessly)
Gromov. Nikolay Orlov was shot yesterday. (Katya groans)
Gromov. Theres an idea that it was you.
Mitya.(He cant say a word, because hes amazed).
Silence.
Gromov. Mind you! If you did it, Im not going to cover up for you. This time youll go to prison!
Mitya. Is Nikolay alive?
Gromov. At first there was a leak he was dead. The man who found him in the street, covered with blood, notified the security of the building. They called Victoria Lebedevas office which he had left short before that, and then the police. Now Nikolay is in hospital. He has an exit wound in his shoulder, the bullet went through and through.
Mitya. It wasnt me.
Gromov. In the morning Colonel Surganov, my ex-colleague, called me. He knows the investigation officer in charge and he says the situation is really serious. The elections are pending everythings been turned upside down, the affair is under personal control of the director of the Head Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Mitya. I didnt do it.
Katya. We were at my place together.
Gromov. I wish I believed that.
Mitya. Dad, dont you believe me?
Gromov. I dont know, Mitya.
Mitya. Do you believe me?!
Gromov. I couldnt believe you gave up studying in London. I could never believe you gambled your new car away. I couldnt imagine you were taking drugs until I saw you lying in the bathroom with foam at the mouth. How can I believe you now?
Mitya. You dont believe me, then.
Gromov. Listen to this. Youll go to the police right now and give testimony. Katherine, can you confirm he has been with you all this time?
Katya. Yes. Weve been together. The whole night.
Mitya. I didnt do it! Father!
Gromov. Stay here and wait. Ill call our lawyer. (Leaves)
Katya. Listen to your father. Hell settle everything out.
Mitya. He doesnt believe me.
Katya. I believe you, Mitya! I love you! Everything will be fine!
Mitya. I am sorry, Katya. I must go. Ill do it myself. Please, go home now.
Katya. Mitya, no! Stay.
Mitya. Ill come to you soon. Thank you, sweetheart. (Kisses Katya) I love you very much. It seems, for the first time in my life I really love. (Runs out)
Scene 5
Tuesday. Its one day before the opening of the exhibition. Professor Lebedevs house. Inna and Katya are talking with animation.
Katya. Ill never forget the day when Mitya and I learnt that somebody had shot Nikolay Orlov. Are you angry at me, Inna?