Back at their run-down apartment complex, a familiar voice boomed. "Where's my rent?"
Mike waved dismissively at the landlord. "Tomorrow."
Inside, Vasily sank into the couch, pouring vodka for two. "To surviving another day."
Mike hesitated but joined the toast. "To not killing us both."
The knock of a child's toy interrupted them. Mike stepped into the hall to find Suzy, a young girl from the neighboring flat. "Why's my little Suzy outside?" he asked gently. She mumbled about her parents' argument and asked if she could stay.
Vasily welcomed her with a grin. "Come in, Sarge."
As Suzy settled in, Mike prepared rice for her while Vasily tossed his bloodied shirt into the washer. The moment of peace was brief. Heavy knocks on the door disrupted their respite. Mike opened it cautiously to find their landlord arguing with another tenant. The landlord's relentless demands for money grated on everyone's nerves. Mike intervened, promising to settle things, but tension lingered.