LunaDog wrote: 1 year ago
VERY intriguing. Things are developing rather nicely. In your usual superb style.
Thank you, my friend: The plot thickens .....
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Chapter 74
“One must be a fox in order to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten off wolvesâ€
(Niccoló Machiavelli)
Hamburg – Offices of Art Incorporated midmorning
Office of Chris von der Marwitz and Anna Romanova:
Chris and Anna stood at the large Panorama Windows and looked over the Binnenalster and the Skyline of Hamburg. It was a warm and sunny October day. A light south western breeze rippled the Binnenalster “Any Idea Chris, what Europol and the Government want from us?†Anna mused aloud.
“Several†her best friend shrugged “And I don´t like any of them†Chris continued “I have made Sybil some background checks yesterday: Birte Ricciarelli from Europol has an excellent reputation:
Her track record is remarkable: Her Boss. Tjark Diedrichsen is more politician than detective. He is interested in results only. The real unknown quantity among this trio is Marcus Vandenberg, Special Coordinator at the Bundeskanzleramt he works directly for the Chancellor ….â€
Sybil´s voice interrupted Chris: “The Delegation has arrived Chris†The pianist nodded “Show them to the Conference Room, we will be with them shortly"
Conference Room:
Birte Ricciarelli looked at the slightly dirty tips of her white sneakers and let her gaze wonder around the conference room. Christine von der Marwitz and Anna Romanova obviously had an excellent room decorator. Birte had opted for her most formal dress: White, not entirely pristine, sneakers, blue jeans, an unpressed white blouse and a slightly crumpled blue linen blazer.
She knew her boss did not like the outfit – and that was exactly why she had chosen it. To piss Tjark Diedrichsen off: Kriminaloberrat Tjark Diedrichsen was more a politician now than a detective.
He was interested in Results only. They had a silent agreement: As long as Birte delivered, she could more or less do what she wanted. And Birte delivered. And as long as she did that, Diedrichsen tolerated her disregard for protocol and her unorthodox methods.
At 35 Birte Ricciarelli was one of the youngest Erste Kriminialhauptkommissarinnen in the German Police. She had gotten there by a combination of tenacity, a brilliant intellect, the ability to think outside box and an instinct which had never failed her.
One of her colleagues had compared her once to a Rottweiler: She just did not let go, when she was on the track. Ricciarelli had absolutely no respect for authorities or big names – on the contrary. So her boss Tjark Diedrichsen got complaints from Higher Ups all the time – but as long as the detective lived up to her side of the bargain he ignored them.
From her Italian Father, born in Naples; Ricciarelli had inherited the long curly black hair, the lithe frame, the modest height and a volcanic temperament: Her bouts of temper were legend. From her Frisian Mother she had gotten her razor sharp mind, her dry humour – and her forename.
Next to her Boss sat that Guy from Berlin: Special Coordinator Marcus Vandenberg. Birte disliked him on principle: The man oozed Power like an aphrodisiac: From his perfectly cut blonde hair, the expensive tailored grey suit and the probably handmade brogues. His equally expensive After Shave made her wretch.
Birte did not like the idea to work together with a private Agency like Art Incorporated one bit. This was a police matter and should been therefore being handled by law enforcement only. To task a private firm with a job like this, did not feel right. This had to be the job of professionals.
Grudgingly the black haired detective had to admit though the credentials of Art Incorporated were impeccable. The Firm had an excellent reputation and opened an office in New York last year. Art Incorporated had played in integral part in the recovery of the Weinstein Collection and the destruction of Carl von Winterfeldt´s Syndicate.
Which role Christine von der Marwitz and her team had played exactly was a mystery – but the detective had heard rumours. Rumours she dismissed as fairy tales: A Pianist wielding the Katana like a Samurai? A Violinist who was a qualified sniper? Ricciarelli scoffed, she dealt in facts not fiction.
Birte had done some research on the two founders of the firm: The renowned pianist Christine von der Marwitz and the equally famous violinist Anna Romanova. She had to admit that the two women were strikingly beautiful – but Birte hated classical music. Her parents had forced her to learn violin. How she had hated those lessons! No Kriminalhauptkommissar Birte Ricciarelli was an ardent fan of Rock and Rock´n roll and Metallica – the early stuff.
A knock at the door interrupted her deliberations and two women entered: A tall dark haired woman with cat like green eyes, who bore a striking resemblance to the young Sophia Loren. She wore a black Power Suit and black high Heels.
Birte hated high heels, how a woman could wear those torturous shoes escaped her, “Sophia Loren´s†smaller companion had shoulder length curly brown hair “Rachel Weisz†Birte thought. She wore a white blazer a matching blouse, black slacks and black medium heels.
The detective failed not to notice her two colleagues seemed almost to drool when they looked at the impressive bossom of “Sophia Lorenâ€. The latter smiled politely “Doctor Sophie Reichenbach, I am the Lawyer of Art Incorporated†she introduced herself with a melodious and rich alto voice.
“Reichenbach?†Vandenberg interrupted the Lawyer “You are by any means related to Hermann Reichenbach?†Birte noticed that a shadow crossed the Lawyer´s beautiful features “Hermann Reichenbach was my father in law†Sophie von Reichenbach said in a neutral tone but the detective did not escape an undertone she could not place.
Either Vandenberg did not notice or did not care “He was a very successful business man, a man of singular vision, it is a shame that he did pass away last year†Another shadow crossed Sophie´s features, evenly she countered “My father in law was many things†Vandenberg interrupted her again “The man is an asshole†Birte thought and felt Sympathy for the woman and admired her composure – she would have already exploded like a volcano, but Sophie Reichenbach stayed outwardly calm.
“Tell me†Vandenberg continued his cross examination “Why did one of the youngest and most brilliant District Attorneys in Germany quit the job and became a lawyer instead?†“Patronizing SOB – Birte scoffed. How would the lawyer react?
“You know†Reichenbach smiled “I thought it was time for a carrier change – and when the opportunity presented itself I took the most generous offer of Christine and Annaâ€
“But we digress Marcus, I can call you Marcus?†she asked with a broad smile. The lawyer nodded at her companion “This is Professor Evie Callahan, Curator of the Egyptian Collection at the Metropolitan, currently working at the British Museum in London.
Evie is my personal friend, I thought her expertise might be useful†she looked Vandenberg directly in the eye and laid her left hand on Evie´s right “Clever†Birte thought “The way she has stressed personal friend? The two are a couple†and could not hide a grin. If Vandenberg had hoped to get the Lawyer in the sack – Sophie Reichenbach had smashed his hopes with a wrecking ball.
In that moment, precisely at 1000, the door opened again and two women entered: A tall blonde and an even taller dark haired Woman. That had to be Christine von der Marwitz and Anna Romanova. And the detective was impressed against her will:
Both, the Russian and the German had a commanding presence – and especially von der Marwitz radiated a calm power. Her emerald green eyes were the most green, Birte had ever seen. Her gleaming blonde mane fell in waves down her shoulders.
Anna Romanova wore a red Power Suit and matching heels “I wonder where she got that lightning bold like scar above her left eye. I looks not fresh – but not old either†the detective mused as Romanova and von der Marwitz sat down across Birte, Diedrichsen and Vandenberg.
The latter seemed to be impressed by the tall blonde, the detective could tell - and not by her intellect …â€Men†she thought disdainfully “Men are so simple: A Woman, tall, blond and athletic wearing high heels? And the Neandertaler reasserts himself - It does need only so little to impress menâ€
The founder of Art Incorporated greeted her guests with a polite smile – a professional smile. She looked from one to the other – her gaze rested on each one of them. And Birte had the feeling the blonde looked right through her. Von der Marwitz turned to Tjark Diedrichsen “Kriminaloberrat Diedrichsen, why don´t you tell us, why Europol wanted this meeting on such a short notice?â€
Birte registered the blonde had ignored Vandenberg – and she sensed that did not sit well with the Special Coordinator. “Frau von der Marwitz†Diedrichsen cleared his throat “The authorities are the opinion†he nodded at Vandenberg “That your assistance in that matter could be profitable for us bothâ€
Von der Marwitz still smiled, but her eyebrows raised a fraction “Assistance?†Anna Romanova smiled, her dark eyes drilling into Diedrichsen´s grey ones “If I am not entirely mistaken – you asked for this meeting†Birte Ricciarelli recognized a Power Game when she saw one – and this was one.
To her surprise her boss felt uncomfortable under the Russian´s scrutiny. There was a moment of strained silence “It would help if you would clarify your intentions†von der Marwitz added mildly “Your choice of words is†She smiled “a bit misleading†– patiently the pianist waited, obviously entirely at ease.
Interestingly enough it was Marcus Vandenberg who broke the silence, before it could get really uncomfortable “My dear Miss von der Marwitz†he smiled benignly “We are grateful that you agreed to meet us on such short notice, the Word “assistance†was surely not meant as an offence Miss Romanova†“Grand Duchesse†the Russian corrected Vandenberg mildly.
“Beg your Pardon?†the Special Coordinator seemed to be at a loss “It is Grand Duchesse Anna Alexandrovna Romanova†Romanova smiled condescendingly and sounded like the Aristocrat she was, the Offspring off the most noble most ancient House of Romanov “If I remember correctly I am the Grand Grand Niece of the late Tsar Nicolas II†she added.
Birte could tell the Russian was enjoying herself very much “She can really be an arrogant bitch†the detective thought “But in this case I have no objections†How would the Special Coordinator react? “Bring the Popcorn†Birte mused.
Vandenberg squirmed – and the Detective had to supress a smile – “Grand Duchesse Romanova†the special coordinator corrected himself and turned to Birte “If you would give us an overview about the case?â€
Ricciarelli exchanged a look with her boss who nodded imperceptibly – and this cleared once and for all who called the shots, Birte thought as she prepared her presentation. She cleared her throat and the first slide appeared on the screen.
“The day before yesterday there was a break in at the Egyptian Collection at the Museumsinsel in Berlin†the detective began “the two security guards of the night shift were found bound and gagged in Room 10, where the inscriptions and Papyri are housed. A closer inspection showed that only the fragments of a stela were missing†Another sheet appeared on the screen, on it some fragments covered with Hieroglyphs.
“Old Kingdom, 4th Dynasty†It was the first time Evie Callahan had spoken “Yes†Birte continued “that is what the experts in Berlin told us too!†She cleared her throat “This break in is the last in a series of break-in’s that began in March this year†Birte did not escape that von der Marwitz and Romanova exchanged a look – she could not place it.
“Always fragments were stolen. The intruders were – according to the testimonies – always women who communicated in an unknown language. Several witnesses report that the attackers wore strange looking curved blades … “ the detective searched for the word …
“A Khopesh†- all eyes turned to Chris von der Marwitz “This is a Khopesh†the pianist added “The traditional blade Foot Soldiers in Ancient Egypt used†- the blonde turned to Sybil and nodded slightly.
The brunette rose and left the room. “No offense Erste Kriminalhauptkommissarin Ricciarelli†the pianist smiled politely “but I think I can spare us some twists and turns†she looked Vandenberg directly in the eye “Don´t you agree Special Coordinator Vandenberg†her tone was pleasant but Birte detected a steely undertone now.
“What my friend wants to say – but she is too polite for that – cut the Crap†Anna Romanova smiled broadly. Vandenberg was on the verge to respond as Sybil Schmitt returned, with a box of brown polished wood under her arm “This is it†she told her boss “Thank you Sybil†Chris smiled warmly and took the box. She laid it onto the table and opened it. Anna could not hide a smile as she registered the astonished looks of their visitors.
Diedrichsen was the first to speak “Is this real?†On the black velvet before them lay a Khopesh, a shimmering gleaming blade – and Birte detected some dents in the steel “Is this ancient?†she asked “No†Chris shook her head, obviously enjoying the surprise “How did you get by it?†Vandenberg finally asked “Simpleâ€, the blonde stated matter of factly “I duelled its owner killed her in single combat and took the blade as spoils of war†Von der Marwitz had spoken calmly without any emotion.
Stunned silence greeted those words “And now Mr. Vandenberg we want to hear the truth, all of it†Chris fixated the Special Coordinator “Why did you want to meet us? As the Grand Duchesse put it so eloquently: Spare us any crap and don´t waste our time!â€
“Wow†Birte was impressed “She puts that arrogant SOB in his placeâ€
Vandenberg and Chris starred at it each other – and it was the Special Coordinator who broke eye contact first “Right†he said finally “We know that you dealt with an ancient cult lately, the Daughters of Isis†“You could say this†Anna muttered under her breath “The Government†Vandenberg chose to ignore the Russian “sees in this cult a threat to national security in accordance with our European Partners – and since you and your team have the most experience with the Daughters of Isis, we and our partners think that you are the most qualified for the job†he smiled benevolently.
Chris and Sophie exchanged a look “To me that sounds like a matter for law enforcement†the lawyer interjected “There is more to it, am I right?†she smiled but Birte got an impression how the woman must have been in a court of law, cross examining witnesses “You have not told us all†she stated and turned to Chris “This is pointless, Chris, I think we should aboard this meetingâ€
The blonde nodded “Right then†and turned to her counterparts on the other side of the table “You have heard Doctor Reichenbach – and we agree with her: This is pointlessâ€
She turned to Sybil “Sybil, would you please show our guests out?†Chris rose, followed by her companions – she was on the verge of leaving the room as Marcus Vandenberg cleared his throat “Miss von der Marwitz, please sit down†The blonde saw him straight in the eyes “Why should I? Our time is too precious to play cloaks and daggers. You have wasted enough of it already†She turned to Anna, Sophie and Evie “Let´s go girls!â€
“This is about the younger daughter of the Chancellor†Vandenberg exclaimed “Now we are talking†the Grand Duchesse smiled “I think we should at least hear the Special Coordinator out Chris!†The blonde made a good show of pondering the idea “No Anna†she said “He had his chance†then the pianist paused “But I am not heartless†and sat down, her friends followed.
Birte Ricciarelli was sure she had watched a good staging of “Good cop bad copâ€
“Two minutes Vandenberg†the pianist told the Special Coordinator curtly “Use them well – or this is over†Birte could not help but enjoying the obvious discomfort the Politician´s “Serves him rightâ€
The special coordinator cleared his throat “You know Leonie disappeared as she spent a holiday at an exclusive Spa at Hurghadda two years ago. We knew that she befriended there an Egyptian Woman – they went for a diving trip and never returned. Their boat was found later at the Red Sea, empty. So the authorities concluded that Leonie and her friend died in a diving accidentâ€
“Do you know who this other woman was?†Anna leaned forward. A small smile curled Vandenberg´s lips “No, but we have a photo – recently obtained!†Another picture appeared on the screen:
It showed two Women in skimpy bikini´s – smiling broadly. One was without a doubt Leonie Gräber, her companion was considerably taller, and obviously in top shape, as her trained upper body showed.
She had shoulder length black hair and brown eyes – obviously an Egyptian. Birte´s eyes had never left von der Marwitz and Romanova: The pianist´s classical features resembled now a stony mask and her green eyes pools of ice. Romanov´s knuckles had turned white and in her eyes the detective saw a hate of fiery intensity.
“So you know her†the special coordinator stated the obvious “We do†von der Marwitz stated coolly “Her Name is Nofret. She was the second in command of the Cult Leader, the High Priestess Anck-Sun-Amun†the Pianist had spoken calm and emotionless but with a coldness which made Birte shiver.
“And you know something about her whereabouts?†Vandenberg prodded “Actually I do†the blonde acknowledged “You don´t need to look for her anymore†she paused “I gutted her and beheaded her seven months ago in Londonâ€
Silence greeted this Statement “What do you want to tell us about Leonie?†the blonde continued “We got credible evidence by an informant that Leonie is not only alive but joined that cult†Vandenberg explained.
Anna and Chris exchanged a look “The shoe fits†the Russian said finally “Who is that informant?†The special coordinator explained “We were approached by a member of this cult – who wants to defectâ€
“Which leads us to the one million Euro question: what do you want from us Vandenberg? Chris had spoken quietly – but the tension in the air was palpable – sounds still like a job for law enforcement. Let me tell you what I think: You want us to bring back the Chancellors daughter and take out the Cult? Then tell me, why we should do that?†And spare me the
“Für Führer Volk und Vaterland Crap!“ The blonde leaned back and looked Vandenberg directly in the eye.
Notice to the reader: “For Fuhrer, Folk and Fatherlandâ€
“We hoped that you would be interested in taking Anck-Sun-Amun out of commission. Clearly you and the Grand Duchesse have a very personal reason to do so†Anna did say nothing but treated the Special Coordinator with an angry glare.
“You still have not given us a plausible reason why you do not task law enforcement with the job†Birte looked at Sophie Reichenbach “and we all knew why†the lawyer added calmly “Enlighten me†Vandenberg returned evenly “Plausible deniability†Reichenbach said “If this goes south you can play Pontius Pilatus. If we succeed you can present a rousing successâ€
“I wouldn´t want to meet her in the court room†Birte thought and noticed that von der Marwitz and Reichenbach exchanged a glance, the pianist nodded almost imperceptibly “They have planned this in advance†the detective realized “Cleverâ€
“Under certain conditions we might consider taking the job†Reichenbach continued “Meet them or we are out†“What conditions?†Vandenberg asked guardedly “First we want access to all your intel – and I mean all of it.
Second: You will fund the logistics and thirdly: We want a written order signed by you and the Chancellor, that the German Government tasked us with this job and grants us immunity†Sophie added with a small smile “Those conditions should not too hard to be met, Mr. Vandenbergâ€
“I will see what I can do†the Special Coordinator replied tersely “Those things need time†“You have till 0800 PM this evening†Chris informed him “One minute later – and the deal is offâ€
10 Minutes later the delegation had left “What do you think they will do? Chris asked Sophie. The lawyer smiled “They will play ball. They do not like it but they will: They have no choiceâ€
“You did a good job Sophie†Chris smiled warmly “I did just my job†and to Chris´ amusement the Lawyer blushed.
“And so it begins†Chris thought.