there was covered with shit. Ottila, as usual, sat down to align the nails. I want to note that all detectives have a hobby that leads them to think: Holmes has a violin game, Poirot trusts his gray cells without interference, Agent Kay has a pie, and Klop has straightened nails. And when they were over, he would drive them in and tear them back in order to straighten them again and at the same time feel a buzz of thought.
Bale, bale, bale, bale. And so hour after hour, day after day, year after year, and… Suddenly, a nasty face of the Toad appeared from the barn and stared, smiling at the policeman.
– What do you want, stinker? Ottila asked.
– Can I smoke, boss? the old man asked uncertainly.
– Che, it stinks?
– Not that word. You, hike, turned around a rotten corpse of a dinosaur?
– No, I just flicked it and let the little dove out, which itself does not oxygenate.
– Okay, smoke.
The old man went out and took out a cigarette.
– Wait!
– What, boss?
– Just leave your ass in the barn.
– Hehe, the joke understood. – Squatted by the barn and wanted to light a cigarette…
– … Cant, or what? – Bug bug.
– No, boss, just Belomor.
– Come on here.
The old man held out a cigarette. Ottila took it and lit it. The cigarette was clean, without additives.
– On, smoke. – Gave Ottil to the cigarette Toad.
– And you for a long time to us?
– I’ve been here for six years and have been thinking forever. I have reconciled. He spat on his career. Traded for this wonderful world, from which it carries dung and shit… Damn him. In short, what am I tired of already?
– No, when I lived here until the last time I served, the district policemen changed like gloves.
– And why?
– The reasons were different: they were drinking too much, then they stole through measuredly.
– Well, it does not threaten me. I am listed among my superiors as a non-drinker and a seller. Tell me something, can I finish building a barn before autumn?
The old man examined the building, which was half made of brick. The collapsed gaps in the walls were patched up: either rotten plywood, then roofing material, then sacks.
– Can. Only all this needs to be replaced. Yes, and your walls are obsolete.
– And how old are they?
– Ohhh! Chief, yes, as far as I can remember, this building stood. Here used to be a courtyard of some merchant. In the revolution, they say, they caught a runaway from the red-feathers, and there they ended up with the whole family.
– Where?
– What is where?
– Well, done.
– Ah, so here in the barn. And then it was a warehouse, and after the war – a stronghold.
– Fun. Can you do it? Of course, do not disassemble to the end. The mills are still strong, they are also stone. Just finish them.
– For a fine watch will not work. Moreover, you need an assistant and not one, at least two. And, of course, an advance, then there will be an incentive.
– Well, there will be a fine clock in the advance place, but we’ll see. But I will pay if it is worth it. Like – I’ll give a chervonets, but no – the judge will give a chervonets. That’s agreed. And in the apprentice, I will tell you Idot. Do you know this?
– Sure. This is a moron from Kyzikhston. – the old man froze sour.
– And what?
– Yes, he’s a drug addict, I’ll fucking. – the old man pricked the Adam’s apple with his fingers.
– And you?
– I AM? Damn it, this is the key fool of this moron obeyed.
– And what, do they really communicate? she’s good at him.
– Ay, he offered her extra income. By drinking, of course.
– In court, of course, you will not testify these words against Idot.
– You’re holding me for someone, boss. I’m not a bitch. I haven’t been to the zone and I won’t dance to your pipe. Better time than a freehand bucket.
– Cool down. This is me. But what if?!
– I understand, boss.
– And will Baba Klava be able to work?
– Sure. Although she is 65, she plows like a bulldozer. But Idot?! There will be problems.
– Will not. I will attract her too.
– And the money is equal for everyone?
– You more, but after a fine hours.
– And if we do, and we won’t work out a fine watch?
– Get a Chirp from me, and the punishment is not granted. Lots of work.
– But what is there to build?
– The pigsty must be increased. I want to have pigs. Well, so, hands on?
The old man shrugged.
– Well, if under these conditions, three pieces.
– You are four, and do not forget about the term.
“That and that,” he shook his head, squinting at the barn, “of course I agree.”
– Agreed then. Will you pay. I’ll give you money, but you’re also in demand, you cut it, Toad?
– Ooooh, me?! Shit question, boss, let’s do it!! – The old man took a deep breath and lit another cigarette. – So, I kind of like a foreman?!
– Sort of.
– And when to start?
– And even now, I’ll say to Arutun that Idota and Grandma Klavka bring. And here is Idot.
– Remember the moron, he will appear.
Idot appeared in the doorway.
– Well,
