Novikov tapped his cane against the brim of his mahogany desk. His gloves adjust tightly against his calloused hands.

His face was grim as his eyes trailed over the letters of the latest newspaper.

New newspapers meant that someone was always angry. And someone being angry means that they’ll do irrational things to soothe it.

Which could meanr greed was present in the air, which he’ll gladly bow too.