Page 9 of Grizzly Sleuth
They quickly fled St. Petersburg and laid low for months, keeping the bear out of sight, working menial jobs that led to hunger and frustration. Eventually, they started their act again, with Yuri promising he would behave.
Sober Yuri had no problem with that. Drunken bear, though…
The sotted man grinned and put up his fists. “I think the bear wants to fight.”
And the crowd wanted it too. People began shouting and laying bets. This wouldn’t end well.
To her surprise, someone stepped between the agitated bear and the man looking to die.
Idris.
Her unexpected savior had his expression set in a disapproving glare as he stared at the drunk, who, egged on by the crowd, decided to be an idiot. The fool swung clumsily, and Idris ducked before landing a solid blow to the man’s jaw, which toppled him like a tree. The quick end to the sparring quieted the crowd, but only for a moment. Grumbles soon arose at their short-lived entertainment.
Idris glanced at her. “You and Yuri should get out of here before someone else decides they’re stupid enough to take up where this guy left off.”
“You’re no safer,” she pointed out. “Why don’t you head to the truck with Yuri? I’m going to collect my fee.” Because she wouldn’t be coming back.
Yuri and Idris headed off for the rear door to a booing crowd, but thankfully, no one else braved the stage. Svetlana waited out of sight until Boris left his spot behind the bar to fetch another cask.
She intercepted him and said, “I’ll take my payment now.”
Her request led to Boris frowning. “As you can see, I’m busy and don’t have time right now. I will pay you tomorrow night before the show.”
No surprise he expected her to return, despite the altercation. After all, Boris wouldn’t be the one in trouble. Rather than point that out, she replied, “I’m afraid that doesn’t work, as I’m leaving town in the morning.”
Judging by the furrowed brow, not what Boris wanted to hear. “You can’t do that. I told those that got turned away they would get priority at the next show.”
“I’m sorry, but I received news my mother is sick and I have to return to Moscow. I really need that money.”
Boris’ lips pinched. “And I don’t have time to calculate the receipts right now. Come back after we close and I’ll pay you.”
Less than ideal, but better than fleeing town empty-handed. Svetlana headed out to the alley and the truck, half expecting to see the agitators in the alley causing trouble. Only Idris stood waiting. Yuri smartly hid in the truck’s bed, hopefully sleeping off the alcohol.
“Any trouble?” she asked as she neared Idris.
He shook his head. “Surprisingly enough, no.”
“Thank you for stepping in. Much better for a man to hit another than a bear.”
His lips pinched. “Do your shows often get that rowdy?”
Her shoulders rolled. “Not usually. By the looks of it, some of the patrons began drinking early. Pity, because I would have liked to stick around for a few more days.”
“You’re leaving?”
“Yes, but not for a few hours. Boris still owes me for tonight, but once I collect, Yuri and I will be heading out.”
“I don’t suppose there’s any point asking where?”
“Planning to join us?” asked teasingly, but also slightly hopefully.
He hesitated before he replied, “No.”
“Then I guess this is goodbye.”
“Guess so.” He shifted his weight from one foot to another before saying, “What time are you coming back to collect payment?”
“Why? Are you planning on robbing us?”
