Nikolai the Russian Mobster falls in Love with Soapmaking

Nikolai was a man
With a violent criminal past
Who, almost by accident
Began to make soap with different and interesting fragrances.
His murderer buddies thought him strange
And even feared him more
He was seen as utterly unhinged, and capable of anything.
Inside,
He smiled,
Up to his elbows in lard and herbs,
Happily making soap by day
And reserving nights for shakedowns and killing.