by Gus Leodas
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 q
uieter 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.
Marichal and Steinerman engaged in conversation until they disappeared behind the house headed for the front garden.
“Pilar, my best physician will examine you,” he said with tremor in his voice, holding her hand tight.
“Please don’t be alarmed. You know I love you and always looked to you as the father I lost.” He nodded. “And I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. I did want to talk to you alone.”
He continued to nod. She weighed wisdom of waiting for Tomayo. Maybe it’s best if Tomayo or both told him. The opportunity was now. She leaned over, kissed his cheek, and sat closer to him.
“I lied to you about my health.”
He stopped nodding and looked at her nonplussed. Relief echoed in his exhale.
“Why? You mean you’re all right?”
She nodded.
“Why lie?”
“I want to have private time with you without having to apologize to Steinerman and Marichal.”
“You scared the hell out of me.”
“I’m sorry, Uncle Rafael. I have important subjects we must discuss.”
“It’s not about health or the children?”
She felt bolder to tell him the truth, convinced he’d believe her.
“No, it’s about you.”
That came as a surprise. “What is it? What about?”
“Since returning, I heard good and negative things about you. The negative ones frighten me.”
“What have you heard, and from whom? All that I do is in the best interest of our country. Without question, I can’t please everybody. Malcontents are ever present.”
“Let’s talk about Tomayo first. He has difficulty getting through to you because Steinerman prevents him. He wrote you letters. He telephoned but nothing. Did you ever receive his letters?”
“No. That’s surprising.” He looked perplexed. “Or his calls.”
“I wrote you several times. Did you ever get my letters?”
“Yes, and I answered them.”
“I never received them in the last six months. Steinerman is keeping Tomayo from you. Tomayo also said his business hasn’t improved much since you became president. Obviously, he’s disappointed, disenchanted.”
“His industry is vital to this country. I told Klaus to assure he received fair share bids. I’ll check into that with him.”
“Then Steinerman had me followed.”
“He explained…concerned for your safety and mine.”
“I don’t think so. I think he’s worried we are talking alone.”
“Are you making a case against Klaus?”
“Yes, I’m making a case against the bastard.”
“Why? Why do you think so harshly of him? He doesn’t deserve your acrimony.”
“He does. He killed Carlos!”
“Pilar, that’s absurd!” he said shocked.
“Steinerman had him killed by his German officers. Tomayo has proof, a witness.”
Speechless, he then said, “I…I can’t believe that!”
“Steinerman killed him so he could become your senior advisor. He knew Carlos was destined for that position. They murdered him! They shot him six times!”
“Tomayo told you this?”
“Yes. And Senator Federico Luis Quintero.”
Silence.
“Was there a purpose to telling you, an ulterior motive?”
Pilar sat up and shifted in her chair.
“You are used by Steinerman and General Marichal in order for them to control Argentina.”
“Absurd!”
“I know you’re doing your best but if you allow Steinerman to operate in secret, Argentina will be at war in one year. By secret I mean they’re building an army with the plan to invade Chile using the jointly owned islands by Cape Horn as the excuse.”
To her surprise, her uncle reverted to calm. His expression changed to suspicious. He leaned back as he evaluated.
“What else did they tell you?” His voice lacked alarm, confusing Pilar.
“That a secret police group exists, abusing human rights. There is oppression and suppression below the surface, the democracy promised is turning into a dictatorship. You are criticized for delaying free elections.”
“Damning words, Pilar. Hear my side before you make any final judgments. You’re wrong.”
Pilar stared incredulous, his rebuttal unexpected.
“Yes…yes, but what about Carlos?”
“I don’t believe Carlos was murdered. Why all of a sudden a secret witness comes out? Klaus Steinerman would never do that. He suggested I make Carlos my senior advisor. My investigation was thorough and painful. Those I talked to said he died doing his duty.”
“You mean you aren’t going to do anything, you won’t investigate his murder? There’s a witness.”
“If there’s a witness let him come forward. His statement will be difficult to accept by our courts because of political motives – those who prefer a change in government and will go to extremes. At least four officers, honorable men, will testify Carlos died in the line of duty, a national hero.”
; “What about Steinerman and the army infiltration and the rest?” Her eyes tried to penetrate his reasoning.
“Haven’t heard of any secret police units or oppression on the people. I trust Klaus. I don’t believe he’s deceiving me. Marichal is the best military mind in South America. Yes, we’re strengthening, but the invasion of Chile is a fantasy Pilar, a fantasy. Marichal has excellent information. Chile plans to invade us using our jointly owned islands as the excuse, why I authorized an increase in military spending for defense, enough to protect us.”
His response unsettled Pilar. She lost the debate without gaining any points, a disastrous performance, and a total defeat.
“Pilar, I’ll make quiet inquiries about your statements. I will investigate. I assure you, you are wrong. Carlos wasn’t murdered. As far as free elections, they will happen in a few months once I’m satisfied we’re stronger militarily and economically and the invasion threat ends. I must be certain for stability.
“I work diligently to salvage and reform our chaotic economy. Our national currency has improved on the exchange markets when once on the verge of disappearing and interest rates lowered. The Merval, the market index for the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange is rising. I supported the Head of Household Plan instituted to provide the needy with a monthly allowance. We’re cutting government spending. I assume political risks with initiatives to have economic strategies work. We face a staggering national debt and restive labor unions. We are the second largest grain exporter. I’m trying to revive Argentina. Again, I will reinvestigate Carlo’s death. To make you feel better, the head of the Presidential Intelligence Service is of Spanish ancestry. You might’ve heard of him, Julio Cavallo Toledo.”
His argument crushed Pilar, almost convincing.
“Yes, always held him in high regard.”
