Scene A 1.3. Gunther meets Eriksson.

Gunther walks to the hotel at about the time he knows Eriksson is to finish his shift. He stays standing on the side of the street opposite the hotel entrance smoking a cigarette and observing Eriksson from a distance, through the hotel's luxurious glass front entrance. When he sees him preparing to leave work he crosses the street walks behind Eriksson, who is about to leave work. Gunther taps Mr. Eriksson's shoulder at the exit of his work. Light has gone since long and his breath is a cloud when he turns to face Gunther.

"Oh. Gunther. What a pleasure. Coming to check how we treat your people?" he asks, knowing that his union is not much represented between the ones he manages.

"Nah, I need to talk. Care to hit the pub?"

"Really I would not. My family is waiting and, frankly, I deal with job issues inside that door." Harald would answer nodding to the hotel entrance.

Gunther understands immediately he needs something strong to capture the man's attention. He's prepared to do that. "You don't even imagine who has come to my door to complain about you." Gunther says, gloating.

"Really. I'm not interested, Gunther, please, I'm old for these games." Eriksson answers. And his feet would move one step. In the direction of the pub. The old man would step in the net prepared for him.

Gunther sees the curiosity in Eriksson's eyes. Coming in contact with so many people through the union and dealing with all kinds of characters the old man is more than transparent to him. "I admit. There is no complaint about you. But lets go for a drink old chap and I will tell you a business proposal far more interesting that you might imagine", he adds not wanting to show that he is overly confident of the fact that he will eventually follow. Despite his, rather obvious, curiosity Eriksson refuses. Gunther has been widely known to be a corrupt union leader and his name has been often associated with bribery cases, where allegedly he received money to downplay worker's rights. He certainly does not want to be seen by his co-workers and employees, leaving the hotel with him.

"I hardly believe that you have anything legitimate to say Gunther", adding in a louder tone just to be heard, "I know very well your line of work ... and I am certainly not being involved at any business with you out of my working hours. Schedule a meeting with my assistant, will you?"

Gunther fights for a moment to hide his annoyance. For a split-second he fidgets with the idea of reminding Eriksson that he has a story from old times that Mrs Eriksson would be interested to hear. Gunther knows that Eriksson has been consistently unfaithful to his wife. He was a big womanizer at his time, after all. Nowadays, defaming rumors about sexual harassment still follow Eriksson who was though never convicted, as the employee that sued him was somehow convinced by Gunther to drop charges.

He takes a deep breath and sets back the idea thinking that the Eriksson couple is too old to care by now and approaches Eriksson from another angle. He address him again with a calm and low voice, fighting back his inner anger from the insult "See old pal, I have a legitimate business proposal. It is only remotely related to our union and it is for a good purpose. It will help create some jobs for Stockholm and some extra business for your hotel.". Eriksson cannot refuse at least hearing the "creating jobs" part of the proposal and replies simply with "Go on" to him, knowing well that this is not the actual reason that Gunther wants to talk with him. His curiosity is burning inside him and he does not manage to hides it well, like as a new poker player cannot hide a full house.

Gunther grins and continues to improvise about a business of his hotel organizing trips to the Archipelago with tourists staying at his hotel during summertime, "I know that this job seasonal and it is not profitable to hire full time employees, to run it. But there are a number of interns that could work for the required months each year. Without having to pay any benefits. It is this new EU 'stage' trainership programme.". Then he adds whispering, "I also promise something more interesting and pleasurable too. Something related to a staff member of yours. Don't lie to me, from the time I know you, I can see that you are burning to know what it is about." Eriksson whispers back to him, "I am of course interested in everything about my staff. I need them to run together smoothly. With no, you know, no interferences."

Satisfied with his innuendo, and unable to hide his curiosity anymore Eriksson leans towards him.

"... But - no offense - it is enough for me to be seen talking with you. I don't want to give the employees the wrong idea by being seen or recorded leaving this place with you, as well."

Gunther smiles at Eriksson's the precautions and reassures himself of having selected him as a contact for the job. "The guy is careful. It will save me some work." he merrily thinks while he responds simply with "Of course, as you wish. But let's meet at a nice place then, not the bar across the street. Drinks are on me so what about the 1900?"

Eriksson recalls the stylish bar and restaurant with the fancy drink list and smiles. "Sure. At least even if you have nothing interesting to say maybe we will have some nice booze."

Gunther responds with "Good then I am getting in a taxi. Meet you there in about an hour. I know it is a popular place and it is a Friday, but I am sure you have the connections through the hotel, to get us a last minute reservation at the bar." Moreover, Gunther thinks, Judy should be around and notice how he's starting to fulfil his part of the agreement.

Gunther signs the bell-boy for a taxi, as Eriksson goes back to the hotel's front desk to arrange for reservations. When the bell--boy opens him the taxi door, he smiles at him instead of offering a tip, grumbling out of routine "meet me sometime at the union office, man. You know that your work will be much more comfortable, if you join the union. Don't let old Eriksson boss you around." He shuts the door, directing the driver "Regeringsgatan 66. At the 1900."