Khlora. What should we do then?
Natalia. Listen, Khlora. Just do what you should do.
Khlora. Its terrifying.
Natalia. You will get some money, find a good hospital for your father. Think of yourself too. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance!
Khlora. Its like jumping into the deep end.
Natalia. Here, take it. You are going to add one tablet to Veniamins drink. He stared at you so longingly this morning.
Khlora. A funny old chap. [She takes the tablets and puts them in her pocket.]
Natalia. I will handle Alexey. We will get the job done and make enough money for years ahead. Chopper delivers on his promises.
Khlora. Chopper is a douchebag. A werewolf! Why did Ivan even consort with him?
Natalia. Dont be afraid. Chopper is dancing to someone elses pipe too.
Khlora. If only I knew who is the boss.
Natalia. The less you know, the longer you live. Well put those old men to sleep and you and Moray will get your fair share. You will be able to skip this town forever. And I will get my daughter back.
Khlora. Easier said than done. And what if those old guys die? This would make me a sinner.
Natalia. There is no repentance without a sin.
Khlora. And if we repent, will we be saved?
Pause.
Natalia. Have you already told Moray?
Khlora.[She lays her hands upon her belly but quickly takes them off.] No. Ivan doesnt know anything.
Natalia. Its for the best. You will tell him the good news when its all over.
Khlora. He swears by God that he loves me. A funny little fellow.
Natalia. Think about your future, Khlora.
Khlora. No one ever loved me.
Natalia. Youve got a chance to hit the jackpot.
Khlora. They all just used me.
Natalia. Soon you will take everything you ever wanted from life and even more!
Khlora. But Ivan loves me.
Natalia. He does, he does. And he will love your baby too.
Khlora. I will help Ivan. Ill only do it for our baby. Not for the sake of money. But for the sake of our brighter future.
Chopper and Slav enter.
Chopper.[To Natalia.] So?
Natalia. All good.
Chopper. Its time.
Slav.[To Natalia.] Mind you dont screw up.
Natalia. Not my first rodeo.
Chopper.[Taking out his phone and making a call.] Frost, the whores are ready.
Everyone leaves.
Scene 5
Late evening. Fyodor Kolosovs summer cottage. Solar-powered lanterns light up the paths. There is a light in the windows of the first floor covered by curtains. The summer terrace is illuminated by the warm light of a Chinese lantern.
Venya is sitting at the table on the terrace. Khlora is standing next to him with a glass in her hands. There are shish-kebabs, snacks, and bottles with beverages on the table.
Venya. I am so glad you came back to us, Khlora.
Khlora. Pour me some more wine.
Khlora. Pour me some more wine.
Venya.[Pouring himself and Khlora more wine.] I already got pretty pickled though.
Khlora. Your friend has a beautiful house.
Venya. Fyodor always had a good taste in everything. You should see his beer mug collection!
Khlora. Are you married?
Venya. Im playing the field.
Khlora. Do you make a lot of money?
Venya. Its never too much money. All I want is to retire as soon as possible and go on a round-the-world trip.
Khlora. So you are a romantic.
Venya. A while back a desire sparked inside of me. And I am willing to change my life dramatically for the sake of it.
Khlora snuggles up to Venya.
Venya. Fyodor spared me a room on the second floor, shall we?
Venya takes the bottle of wine and glasses and goes to the house together with Khlora. Fyodor comes out of the house with a bath cap on his head and a towel on his shoulder.
Fyodor. You sure you dont want to go?
Khlora. Well do that some other time.
Venya. I had enough bathing for today.
Fyodor. Well, its up to you.
Venya.[To Khlora.] These jokers doused me with the well water. Ive still got a rasped throat.
Fyodor. Cold training never hurt nobody, Venya. Bless you!
Venya and Khlora go inside. A few minutes later, the light shines through a window of the second floor. Fyodor sits down at the table in the gazebo, pours beer into a big jug, and drinks it with relish. Alexey and Natalia are walking along the path from the direction of the banya. They are fresh-faced and wear bathrobes. Fyodor notices them, takes two mugs, and fills them with beer.
Fyodor. I hope you enjoyed your bath!
Alexey. Thanks, mate.
Natalia. Your banya is wonderful.
Alexey. I adore women who are fond of taking a steam-bath.
Natalia. And I respect men who adore women.
Fyodor. Lets drink to friendship and understanding!
The three of them clink their mugs and drink beer.
Alexey. Its so nice here!
Fyodor. So nice here, so nice here, go and grab another beer.
Alexey. I threw some more wood in the stove. The temperature there is just as you like it, Fyodor.
Fyodor. Alright. Ill go now. Remember me kindly.
Natalia. See ya.
Fyodor walks along the path towards the banya, humming an unsophisticated melody.
Alexey. Lets do it again in about an hour. [He wraps his arms around Natalias waist and holds her tight.]
Natalia. You seem to be in a good shape, Alexey.
Alexey. I remember! I remember now where Ive seen you.
Natalia pulls away from Alexey.