The Robber Princess

Chapter 8. Marcelo's Magnificent Tango

Chapter 8

Brickelstein did not sleep well on airplanes. Despite the uneventful flight from Frankfurt, he and Folkering arrived in Buenos Aires very tired yet having to conduct business anyway. They proceeded from the airport directly to Federal Police headquarters and, after an hour-long delay, were shown to the office of the commander, General Montalvo.

"Welcome to Argentina, gentlemen," said the General as he escorted them into his office. "Your reputation precedes you, Baron von Brickelstein. I regret you were made to wait to see me, but I did not know you were coming."

Brickelstein was in full-diplomacy mode. "We appreciate your seeing us without notice. It is we who must express our regret for not informing you of our arrival in advance. The matter bringing us here is extremely sensitive and we could not risk our communications being intercepted."

"I comprehend. So, Baron, how may I be of service?"

"General, I presume you are aware of the theft of the Royal Orb of Eidelmark and most recently, the Eidelstein necklace?"

"I am indeed. And may I offer my sympathy to Eidelmark for the loss of its national treasures."

Brickelstein bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Thank you, sir. We are here for two reasons. First, we believe the perpetrator of the theft fled to Buenos Aires."

"You have a suspect already?? Who is it?"

"The perpetrator is the Crown Princess of Rochevaux, Princess Regina."

General Montalvo sat back in his chair and whistled as he exhaled deeply. "I have heard of her. She used to come to Argentina often; if I remember correctly, she went to school here. If I may ask, what is your evidence of this?"

Brickelstein gestured to Folkering.

"She made a material admission to the Queen of Rochevaux," replied Folkering, "and showed her the necklace. At least, that is what their Queen told me."

The General stared into space as he processed this information. "If we find her, we certainly will arrest her for you, if that is what you are asking." Brickelstein nodded in confirmation. "Her diplomatic immunity must be waived first, obviously."

"I doubt that will be a problem," replied Brickelstein.

"What is the second reason for your visit?" asked the General.

"We also have reason to believe that an Argentine citizen is connected to the Eidelstein theft and many others," replied Brickelstein. "Marcelo Mastrandrea, also known as Marcelo the Magnificent."

General Montalvo scowled. "Yes, I have heard of him too," he muttered sourly. It annoyed and embarrassed him that the notorious Marcelo still walked the streets freely.

Brickelstein had been prepared for this reaction. "Then you are aware, I presume, that Marcelo is believed to be part of a larger organization, perhaps even the head of it?"

"We have suspected that for some time but we could not act upon it for lack of evidence."

Brickelstein gestured to Folkering again. Folkering reached down, opened his attaché case, pulled out a thick file, and handed it to Brickelstein. Brickelstein set it down on Montalvo's desk.

"We believe that we now have enough evidence to act and we formally request the assistance of the Federal Police in arresting Mr. Mastrandrea and all of his known associates."

Montalvo eagerly opened the file and perused it with gusto. He took a full ten minutes. Brickelstein happily waited silently and patiently.

Finally Montalvo closed the file, impressed. "I believe that with this, we could get a warrant to arrest Señor Mastrandrea as early as tonight."