The office teems with scrambling, blubbering aides and workers, so many that Ludmil and I have tokeep to the royal blue and black wall to navigate our way through. By the time our presence is noticed—“Mr. Vaknin?” someone yelps—we’re down a pleasingly empty hallway.
“Rudy must be in your office already.” Ludmil looks about as pleased to be here as I am, as he gripsthe doorknob.
Inside is a small room, with a rickety desk crammed in and three chairs. I would have thought thatthey’d make my office a little more luxurious, seeing as how I am the candidate, but space is at apremium. I suppose this will have to do.
Rudy is not here. I frown and sink into a seat. I am not a man who enjoys waiting. But Rudy is anecessary evil. He knows business. Politic
