Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

“Where is it now, Levene?”

“This will amaze you, as it did me and my source, who can locate any jewel in the world, it seems. It was for many years located in a St. Petersburg synagogue, hidden in a simple pouch in the Torah cabinet, evidently never seen by the eyes of the faithful of God. 

There are rumors as to how it got there from Belarus, but no information was forthcoming from my inquiries. The brooch was closely guarded by rabbis until Shapirov heard about it. But the news eventually reached the Romanovs through another channel. The synagogue was mysteriously broken into, the gemstones taken. When the furor died down, the brooch was discovered on public display in the Grand Palace in St. Petersburg, where it remains to this day. No one claims to know how it got there or who stole it from the synagogue. At any rate, your Elizabeth of Russia Imperial Brooch can be viewed and admired- under glass – by anyone visiting the Palace. It is carefully guarded along with other imperial Russian jewelry and artifacts. Here is the address. You are welcome to see it at your convenience.”

Koltovski sat as though in shock. Only his head moved from side to side, digesting the news. Levene watched his expression change from one of great surprise to unbelief, to wonder again, and eventually to relief. His quest had ended. Now he would return to St. Petersburg immediately.

“This is stunning news, Levene. You and I know it was the Romanov family who built and inhabited the Palace. Of course, their search finally recovered my brooch. That the gem exists and is on display is at once wonderful and sad news, for now I know I can never hold this relic of my family’s history, to feel it weight, to know that my property is literally again  in my hands. But, as you say, it is still in Russia, in our Motherland. That, in itself, is the most wonderful news! I will make the trip immediately to view the brooch!”

Levene stood and extended his hand. “Don’t forget that our people kept this emblem of worldly gain in a sacred place for many years, Koltovski. I am sure that God doesn’t care from Romanovs or empresses, but perhaps protected it in memory of that unfortunate woman who was sent to another house of God and taken out of the hands of Ivan the Terrible. Perhaps you should also remember to be truthful in seeking that which you desire. I always take a man at his word, unless experience teaches me otherwise. If ever you ask for my services again, I shall have to think very seriously about working with you.” 

“Am truly sorry, Mr. Levene. A great service you have done for my family,” Koltovski replied respectfully.  His tone was humbled.

“Now let us thank God your search ended in somewhat of a success.” Levene added. 

They celebrated over a pair of day-old knishes Levene hadn’t yet eaten. Before Koltovski left the apartment, Levene took his pumpernickel-cutting knife and lopped off the several vines of the banana plant that had extended tendrils around his door knob and at the entrance, so they could exit without tripping. It was lunchtime. He felt good about his success and thought he’d like to have a chopped liver and cheese sandwich with extra cole slaw and pickles. He put the defeated banana plant tendrils into a bag and stuffed them into his briefcase as he got on the elevator. At the deli, Levene the Shamus dropped the bag in the trash. Over lunch he contemplated asking Mrs. Greenleaf not to give him any more health drinks, then decided that his pumpernickel knife was a safer bet.

                                                           The End