This scene serves as a reminder that Baretski is a very dangerous and merciless man. Although he seems to have developed a certain fondness for Lale, there’s no denying that he’s capable of great evil. In keeping with this, Lale undoubtedly grasps in this moment that—however lenient Baretski might seem with him—the officer could easily turn on him without notice. Once more, then, Lale must face uncertainty, not knowing when or if Baretski will decide to kill him.