Page 3 of Grizzly Sleuth
Up came a paw in a wave that had the crowd tittering.
“Yuri is a smart bear who does tricks for vodka. Anyone want to donate their glass?” she asked next.
A man in the front row pushed forward his tumbler.
Svetlana stepped down and grabbed it before returning to the stage and holding it by Yuri’s snout. The bear tilted its head and opened its mouth. Down went the alcohol.
“Since that was only a tiny sip for my big friend, you’ve only earned a small trick. Yuri, would you stand and clap your paws?”
Up went the bear, and the big furry mitts slapped together.
“Make him dance,” someone shouted, holding up a bottle still half-full.
And so it went. People bought drinks just to have Yuri perform. A side-to-side shuffle dance. Turning around in circles. Walking on his paws. Riding a reinforced tricycle. Balancing on a sturdy round ball and then rolling it while keeping his balance. They finished the act with Yuri juggling the empty bottles of vodka he’d downed, enough to send a regular man into a stupor, but not a heavy Russian bear.
At the end of the act, Svetlana presented a box with a hole in the lid for tips and then offered—for a price—the opportunity for people to have their picture taken with Yuri. People lined up, jostling and joking as they waited their turn.
As she stood alongside Yuri, Svetlana couldn’t help but notice the very large brooding man sitting by himself at a table in thecorner, his features set in a disapproving scowl. Not the first to judge what she did, nor would he be the last. Over the years, some folks felt it their duty to harangue Svetlana about forcing a bear to act foolishly on command. It didn’t matter that she didn’t harm Yuri or that Yuri showed no hesitation doing as he was told. Some people just had to complain. They proved fewer than those who would pay to be entertained by a bear doing tricks.
Once the last person had their picture taken, Svetlana waved. “Thank you for coming. It’s now time for Yuri to keep me awake with his snoring. Maybe I’ll see you again.” A teasing opening for Boris, who immediately jumped in and yelled, “Svetlana and her amazing bear will be back tomorrow night, so be sure to tell your friends and family. We’ll be serving half-priced borsht for those who come early.”
Svetlana waved once more before heading into the wings with Yuri following at her heels, docile as a dog, which tended to disturb some people who expected a bear to be kept in a cage at all times.
They headed out the rear entrance into the alley where she’d parked her very large truck. AUral-43206, formerly owned by the military. She’d picked it up at an auction, liking the massive cargo space that could handle lots of weight. Since they were constantly on the move, she’d converted the inside of it into a home for her and Yuri.
Before she could reach the truck, a group of men turned into the laneway, obviously drunk, given how they staggered while singing loudly off-key. They immediately noticed her and began catcalling.
“Hey, sexy. In the mood to party?” shouted the tallest of the group.
Svetlana didn’t reply and kept striding for her vehicle, which, unfortunately, brought her closer to the group.
“What kind of dog is that?” A young man, tubbier than his friends, pointed.
“That’s not a dog,idyot,” scoffed the tall guy. “That’s a bear.”
Which then led to a predictable group-repeating of, “A bear!”
The men ogled for only a second before breaking into loping gaits to get closer.
“Is it real?”
“Must be a costume.”
“He’s a fat fucker,” a comment that led to Yuri growling softly.
To avoid the hands about to reach and touch, Svetlana stood in front of Yuri with crossed arms. “Don’t come any closer or you risk antagonizing my furry friend.”
“Friend?” snorted one with greasy hair as he waved around a bottle hidden in a brown paper bag.
“Yes, friend.”
One of them mimed a blow job before snickering, “Is that how you get him to do tricks?”
“Hey, get a picture of me petting it,” Tubby said as he attempted to step around Svetlana. She stepped between the guy and Yuri.
“That’s not a good idea. If you want a picture, then come to our show tomorrow night.”
“Or you can move aside and let me do it now,” slurred the man, apparently a cue for his friend to grab her arm.
