A Sorority of Angels (8 page)

The drive to the presidential retreat saturated with mixed emotions and blessings, an opportune time to see her beloved uncle and have a direct involvement in Argentina’s affairs of State. Confident of persuading her uncle, Pilar looked forward to seeing him again. The ugly vision of war clouds and tyranny creeping over her country was priority to dissipate. Yet, she reasoned, she wasn’t an immediate threat and Steinerman had no reason to panic or suspect her, a temporary visitor.

Pilar realized Steinerman would turn paranoid if he saw her talking in private for any duration to her uncle and needed to soften the paranoia, to stand up to him when necessary and avoid anything emotional or erratic to reveal her knowing that he murdered Carlos. She
must
inform her uncle.

The limousine headed northwest to the pampas first running along a road bordered by tall grass until slowing near a clump of jacaranda trees to make a right turn. Up ahead about a mile away, she saw the sprawling two-story villa and its red Spanish tile roof.

An armed military guard opened electronic gates for the limo to enter the landscaped grounds behind an eight-foot wall surrounding the property. President Rafael deLorenzo waited as they weaved through the long driveway to the clearing. Grinning, he waved as they pulled in. President deLorenzo, handsome, tall, in his late sixties with a full head of white hair, stood erect defying the years.

“Hello, hello!”

They waved back.

Pilar exited first and kissed him. His enthusiastic hug lifted and spun her around.

“Pilar, you look magnificent.”

“Uncle Rafael, you haven’t changed. You still throw me around like a towel.”

He laughed heartily.

Esmeralda collected the children, and they waited by the limousine.

“My how the children have grown,” Rafael exclaimed. He approached Andres. “Andres, do you remember me?”

“Yes, sir. Uncle Rafael.” Rafael hugged him.

“Andres, you’re getting to be a big boy. Are you taking good care of your mother?”

Andres nodded. Rafael patted his head.

“And how is my beautiful, Sorel?” Sorel giggled. “Come on, give me a big hug.”

Sorel put her arms around him when he crouched in front of her.

“How about you, Sorel, do you remember me?”

“Yes. I have your picture in my room.”

“You do?” His eyes widened with exaggeration.

“Yes, Uncle Rafael. I also brought you something.”

“You did?” He looked at Pilar. She shrugged.

Sorel opened her little purse and pulled out her picture.

“Here, this is for you to always remember what I look like.”

Rafael accepted with affection and smiled.

“Your picture is a wonderful gift, Sorel. Thank you.”

He hugged her. Pilar savored the scene.

Then he looked at Roberto hiding behind Sorel.

“How about you, Roberto, are you going to say hello?” Roberto looked expressionless at his mother. “Come on, Roberto,” Uncle Rafael coached. “Do you remember me?” Roberto’s body swayed sideways to answer in the negative. “Are you afraid of me?” Roberto swayed again. “Then why don’t you come over here and give me a hug.”

Roberto crept out and kissed him on the cheek. Uncle Rafael hugged him. The President straightened, heaved a big sigh, and held Pilar’s hand.

“Pilar, I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have you here to have a family again.”

“Listen you handsome devil don’t let it go to your head, but I missed you a little.”

“The truth comes out,” he grinned then offered Esmeralda a warm greeting.

“Esmeralda, has Pilar behaved in New York?”

“Like a nun, Mr. President.”

He laughed. “Come, let’s go inside.”

He placed his arms around Sorel and Roberto and walked with them towards the atrium entrance. Pilar perused the grounds looking for Steinerman.

Steinerman peeked unseen from an upstairs window. As the visitors headed towards the house, he left his position.

Uncle Rafael noticed Pilar looking around.

“What do you think?”

“Gorgeous.”

“How long have you been coming here?”

“It was finished several months ago; a haven away from pressure. I try to come here whenever I get a chance.”

Four servants waited by the front door.

“Let’s get the children to their rooms then I’ll give you a tour.”

They entered. From the foyer, Pilar could see the rear swimming pool through the floor-to-ceiling living room windows, ample distance from the house with islands of plantings in the foreground.

Pilar turned to assure that Esmeralda, children, and luggage followed. When she faced front again Steinerman descended the stair. Seeing him, quiet revulsion forced a cordial smile.

“Mr. Steinerman, we meet again.”

Steinerman displayed an artificial smile and wore leisure clothes; blue shorts and a white polo shirt.

“Wonderful to see you again.” His voice sounded less cool than the first time they met.

That’s right you bastard. Smile and act nice in front of my uncle.

“I looked forward to your arrival,” Steinerman added. “Not only for myself, but for the President’s sake. Maybe he can stop working for a change and relax. Mr. President, I’m outside should you need me.”

Steinerman left. Servants carried the luggage upstairs. The President, Pilar, Esmeralda, and children followed.

Pilar’s room with a balcony overlooked the pool and grounds. Pilar sat on the queen size bed then bounced up to explore beyond the balcony, to survey the vast expanse beyond the wall. The free-form shaped pool shimmered vibrant blue water a contrast to plants surrounding its perimeters. Her room was near the pool’s shallow end. To the far left beyond the diving board and deep end, sat Steinerman and a man in white swim trunks having breakfast. When coming back into the room, she realized her uncle waited by the door.

“Pilar, the pool is heated. Also, there’s tennis, horseback riding, and toys and games for the children.”

“Before I forget and before you ask, I extended your invitation to Tomayo. He couldn’t make it today but can tomorrow. Is that all right?”

“About time I’m going to see him. You see the family is coming together again thanks to you. Oh, how’s his sister?”

“Tomayo said she’s fine. I haven’t seen her yet.”

“Maybe we can get her here.”

“I have to call him later to give directions.”

“When you come downstairs, I’ll have them written out for you. You can call from there and since you’re here, I plan to try to keep you longer.”

“We’ll see, Uncle. I expect to go back to New York. I do have an important job you know.”

“How’s my friend, Ambassador Estaban?”

“A great asset to you and to Argentina. Everyone at the United Nations respects and regards him highly.”

“Good, why I sent you to New York, to a friend. I’ll see you later.”

He left. Pilar stared at the empty doorway. He was still warm, loving, and family. She felt comfortable with him as always, nothing dictatorial about him.

Esmeralda escorted the children downstairs. They wore bathing suits. Pilar stayed behind in her room. From inside the room looking at the extreme left angle, Pilar could see her uncle heading towards Steinerman and his companion. She wondered who he was. When the children came out, she saw her uncle pointing them out to the man in the white trunks. Bernardo appeared with a huge cardboard box full of pool toys and games: three sets of snorkels, masks, and fins in three different colors; volleyball and a floating hoop to toss the ball through; water wings, a rubber mattress, and smaller size balls. In an instant, all toys spread out on the stone decking. The children were swimmers and they jumped into the pool with their paraphernalia. Roberto and Sorel screamed for their uncle’s attention to show him their abilities. They had taken swimming classes at Pilar’s athletic club in New York. The President clapped encouragement.

Pilar decided to change into her swimsuit; a yellow bikini. Sitting with Uncle Rafael’s two cohorts disarming them as much as possible may prove advantageous.

She donned a yellow robe deciding to leave it untied, soft sandals, a little Eau de Joy and headed downstairs.

Pilar descended the marble stair adjusting her attitude, withdrawing a step from her battle plan. She held the robe loosely when entering the terrace. Steinerman saw her first and stood with the others. The tall man in his mid-fifties with blue eyes and blonde and gray hair wore white trunks with a matching short sleeve top.

“Good morning gentlemen,” Pilar greeted.

“Sit here, Pilar.” The President pulled out the chair next to him. “This is General Ludwig Marichal. Ludwig, this is my niece, Pilar deLorenzo.”

“The President neglected to say how beautiful you are, my compliments. Welcome back to Argentina.”

The President laughed. “Watch him, Pilar. He’s one of the few romantic generals left in this world.”

Pilar sat between her uncle and general facing Steinerman. Roberto called out to her to come in. She said later.

“Have you found many changes since your return?” Steinerman asked.

Pilar wore a cordial expression.

“A few for the better. Everything changes fast nowadays in a high tech society. Are you going swimming?”

“The President enjoys swimming early in the morning,” Steinerman responded. “About six o’clock. He has us in that habit as well, why I was upstairs when you arrived to change out of my wet suit.”

“Please don’t wait on us,” urged the President. “Go in and enjoy the water and your family.”

Bernardo visited and removed the empty dishes. Pilar rejected breakfast, only tea. General Marichal, Pilar deduced, already stripped her naked by the way he looked at her and certain he raped her more than once, his conquests discreet.

For the next twenty minutes conversation varied, nothing relevant, the children’s energy a constant presence.

Pilar decided to swim and settle the children to lower their yelling. She stood saying, “Time to join the children. Excuse me.”

The President retrieved the volleyball Andres threw that missed the floating net. Pilar removed the robe. General Marichal scanned her body. Pilar glided to the pool’s edge feeling the stares. Springing on toes, she dove into the seventy-five foot pool with minimum splash.

For the next half-hour, she taught the children how to snorkel. Then she exited by the steps at the other end and dried with a towel Bernardo provided. Pilar walked the length to her seat, adding a minor sway to her rhythm. The general put on his sunglasses to admire her discreetly. She picked up the robe from the chair, draped it over the back, and sat in her bikini. Marichal removed his glasses. During time in the water, Pilar resolved to confront Steinerman and her uncle.

“Mr. Steinerman, thank you for your concern over me.” Steinerman looked puzzled. “It isn’t necessary to have your people follow me everywhere I go. I assure you nothing will happen to me.”

Steinerman wore a disarming grin. A stammer caught in his silent throat.

“Pilar, what are you saying?” asked her uncle, distressed. “Who’s following you?” He looked over at Steinerman. “Klaus are you having her followed?” he asked dismayed.

Steinerman grinned searching to respond.

Pilar looked innocent; waiting for a reply.

General Marichal leaned back in his chair to avoid the triangle of this uncomfortable conversation.

“Forgive me. I should have told you,” Steinerman replied. “Concern for your safety exceeded telling you. I didn’t want you alarmed or concerned.”

The President looked pleased. “Klaus, you think of everything. With politically motivated kidnappings going on around the world you did right, but Klaus stop if it’s disconcerting to Pilar.”

Steinerman accepted the perfect suggestion, nodded, and said to Pilar, “If you or the children are kidnapped it will place the President in a compromising position.” Steinerman appeared satisfied with his imperceptible smirk.

“Mr. Steinerman, I see why the President has you as his senior advisor. Your concern for his family is appreciated and commendable. I’m safe here. Put your men to work doing something more productive.”

Steinerman looked at the President, who appeared pleased with Pilar’s statement.

“As you wish,” answered Steinerman.

Pilar savored Steinerman’s discomfort. Her next punch should crunch them.

“Good. Uncle Rafael, let me have the directions. I have to call Tomayo.” Steinerman and Marichal exchanged surprised and suspicious glances. “Mr. Steinerman, you remember Tomayo. He was at the airport,” Pilar added with conservative contempt.

“Of course.”

“He’ll be delighted to hear why I was followed. He had sinister reasons running through his head. Men! You’re always thinking the worst!” Steinerman forced a smile. “Have you met Tomayo, General?” Pilar said.

“No, I haven’t. I do know he’s your brother-in-law.”

“He’s coming out to spend the day with us tomorrow.”

“And it’s about time!” exclaimed the President. He pulled a folded paper from his shirt pocket. “Here are the directions.”

Pilar read the directions to assure his handwriting was decipherable. She stood and headed for the house. Marichal’s sexual mind massages for Pilar vanished. Concerned about Tomayo, he never looked at her as she walked away.

Pilar called in the kitchen. Tomayo answered. She said Marichal and Steinerman were guests. She repeated the directions. He’d arrive by ten o’clock in the morning. A servant worked in the large kitchen. Pilar limited conversation. Tomayo understood her restrictions. Pilar lingered after hanging up.

Did she overcook with Steinerman? She put him on the defense feeling confident he would avoid harming her here but had reservations as to letting Steinerman know of Tomayo’s arrival. Would it be better to surprise him? Uncertain, she left for her room and called Tomayo.

“Be careful driving here. Steinerman may try to prevent your arrival. If the guard at the gate stops you from entering, blow your horn. The gate is about two hundred yards from the house. I’ll hear it.”

“How’s it going so far?”

“Uncle Rafael is terrific, the same. You were right about him being duped. See you in the morning and talk then.”

“Since you’re concerned, I’ll bring Alejandro with me.”

She hung up and headed downstairs with the sun lotion. Should she ask her uncle to take a walk to tell him about Carlos and devious sub-rosa plot?

Pilar expected few private moments. She couldn’t trust the servants and felt positive Steinerman would concentrate on minimizing her privacy with Uncle Rafael. She decided to act innocent and implement a new tact, a new punch, a harder mental blow. She reached the table and sat.

“Tomayo should arrive about ten o’clock, Uncle Rafael. Mr. Steinerman, should I notify the guard at the gate or should I wait for him there?”

She decided to rid that obstacle.

“Unnecessary,” replied Marichal. “I will notify my men of his arrival.”

“Men? I saw one.”

Marichal laughed. “My men are all over, out of view guarding the approaches to the house within one mile. Security here is tight, and includes helicopters.”

“I should have known you’d be efficient.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s a good thing I mentioned his coming.”

“It is,” said Steinerman. “He wouldn’t have come within a mile before being turned back.”

Pilar sensed Steinerman’s cordial sarcasm.

“You see, Uncle Rafael. And you’d have thought he changed his mind about coming, that he avoided you.”

The President grinned and nodded. “True. When should we feed the children?”

“In another hour or so. Let them exhaust themselves. This way we’ll have a quieter afternoon.” Time was appropriate to throw Steinerman the knockout punch, a solid uppercut. “Speaking of the children, there’s a problem. I wasn’t sure whether to tell you today or on my last day here. This way we’ll have time to talk about the subject and you can advise me or recommend a doctor to me.”

The President looked concerned and puzzled and shifted his chair towards her.

“Is anything wrong with the children? Why do you need a doctor?” She looked at Marichal and Steinerman in a manner advertising hesitation to speak in front of them. “Pilar, shall we talk in private? What is it?”

Pilar continued acting hesitant, dancing around Steinerman before unloading.

“Well, I don’t want to disturb Mr. Steinerman and General Marichal. Let’s go for a walk in the garden.”

“Good idea. Excuse me.”

About to rise, Pilar placed her hand on his shoulder encouraging him to sit.

“On second thought, Uncle, it’s rude of me. I will explain to them. For the next few days, I will need my uncle’s counsel in private conversation, nothing mysterious or unsociable towards you.”

“Unnecessary to explain,” General Marichal replied.

“It is. I have no objection to revealing the subject. I hope you’ll understand.”

Steinerman was impatient for her to continue. “I’m sure we will, Mrs. deLorenzo. I respect your concern for us.”

“Uncle Rafael, may I discuss a family matter?”

“Ludwig and Klaus are close associates. The choice is yours entirely.”

She looked at each.

“The reason I must consult with you, Uncle Rafael, is that I’m to be hospitalized upon my return to the United States and uncertain of the outcome.”

Horror overcame her uncle.

“What do you mean uncertain? For God’s sake what is it?”

She lowered her head, hesitated to speak.

“I must undergo complicated surgery and I’m less than optimistic. The doctors seem confident but I’m leery, why I need to discuss the children and their future with you.”

The impact struck hard. The President’s mouth dropped open and silent.

General Ludwig Marichal made the first move. His foot nudged Steinerman.

“I’m certain the doctors are correct. Surgeons in New York are highly regarded. I regret your problem. Those matters are private. It’s best we leave.”

He pushed away from the table and stood.

Reluctance froze Steinerman.

Pilar stared innocence at him.

“Come, Klaus,” urged Marichal.

The President urged, “Ludwig is right, Klaus.”

Steinerman’s ice melted. “Of course,” he reacted. “I was stunned and concerned. A second medical opinion is important.”

Pilar grinned internally as he left with a worried face.

She won by a deceptive knockout.