Facing the mirror, he adjusted the gold-framed glasses on his bridge, tidied his hair with his hand, straightened his tie, and pulled the sleeves of his shirt.
With his appearance meticulously groomed, Baranikov, Deputy Director of the Office of Administrative Affairs of the Russian Presidential Executive Office, in charge of Homeland Security issues, began his day's work.
He walked through the long corridor, paused briefly at the end of it, checked his watch, and when it was time for his regular work briefing, Baranikov knocked on a door.
"Please come in."
Baranikov opened the door and then smiled as he said, "Good morning, Mr. President."
"Hello, Baranikov, please wait for a moment, I'll be ready soon."
After quickly signing his name on a document, Putin placed the document aside on his desk, then looked up at his secretary and said solemnly, "You may begin."
