Manof Chpt33

Chapter 33

That evening, Bruce and Marie-Claude followed Karl Hellstrom's instructions to his 'humble' home. It was a Napoleon III manoir in the rolling hills just outside of Amboise near Vouvray.

The huge iron gate began to open as they approached and they glided up a gravel road between lines of trees and stood before one of the most charming homes Bruce had ever seen.

It was neither small nor large but the three story box-like building boasted a turret at either end and two glass extensions leading out from the living room and the dining room. In front, shielded by low bushes, was a lit up swimming pool that looked like it had been designed for a hotel. Karl Hellstrom, a cigar in one hand and a glass of something gold in the other, stood in the open frame way and smiled.

"I see you found me. I guess my directions were correct."

"Yes, perfect," said Bruce, "and it took no time at all."

"Shall we walk around the grounds while there is still light?" Hellstrom smiled.

"Yes. Lets do that," Marie Claude replied.

They Walk for 20 Minutes

They walked around for twenty minutes or so. Bruce admired the dogs that lagged behind and stood near the pond that Hellstrom explained was a favorite stop for wild ducks. The men smoked Monticristo #4s and Marie-Claude walked upwind.

"I bought the property three years ago and had workmen put it into this condition. It took thirty five men almost two years to rebuild what was a wrecked Napoleon III estate without a roof or windows. Even the interior had to be reconstructed. Only the outside walls are original. I put in much more than I paid for it but it was a special project. I wanted to be far away from Finland and close to Leonardo."

In the garage were a 1934 American Packard Clipper and a British MG TD with racing stripes painted on the hoods. Bruce looked at the Alfa Romeo's spoked wheels and smiled. Then he admired the old Jaguar.
Cars

"I bought them mostly in bad condition and had them restored. My mechanic is a wizard. Do you like cars?" he asked.
Marie Claude said, "They're transportation, only. What I love are horses."

"Wonderful," Hellstrom roared. "I have a few Arabs at a local farm. Maybe we can ride together one day."

Bruce interrupted. "I'm afraid we won't be here that long."

Perhaps we can come back," Marie Claude suggested.

Hellstrom Draws on His Cigar

They walked in silence. Hellstrom drew on his cigar, joyfully. "I was in Finland during the war. I restored furniture and tried to stay alive. My wife was killed on the last day of the war. I threw myself into importing food for the starving villagers.

Sometimes I would drive all night to pick up a load of potatoes or beets. I saved my money and when I thought I had enough I bought this place and set up a small business in Amboise.

I was able to buy a few paintings, sell a few and buy more. But Da Vinci has always been my first love so I settled on Amboise to be part of recreating his life at the museum where I volunteer my services. I'm trying to amass enough to retire some day."

By now they were back at the house. It was lit up like a lantern with lights on in every room.

Click here for Chapter 34.


	Chapter 33 That evening, Bruce and Marie-Claude followed Karl Hellstrom's instructions to his 'humble' home. It was a Napoleon III manoir in the rolling hills just outside of Amboise near Vouvray. The huge iron gate began to open as they approached and they glided up a gravel road between lines of trees and stood before one of the most charming homes Bruce had ever seen. It was neither small nor large but the three story box-like building boasted a turret at either end and two glass extensions leading out from the living room and the dining room. In front, shielded by low bushes, was a lit up swimming pool that looked like it had been designed for a hotel. Karl Hellstrom, a cigar in one hand and a glass of something gold in the other, stood in the open frame way and smiled. "I see you found me. I guess my directions were correct." "Yes, perfect," said Bruce, "and it took no time at all." "Shall we walk around the grounds while there is still light?" Hellstrom smiled. "Yes. Lets do that," Marie Claude replied. They Walk for 20 Minutes They walked around for twenty minutes or so. Bruce admired the dogs that lagged behind and stood near the pond that Hellstrom explained was a favorite stop for wild ducks. The men smoked Monticristo #4s and Marie-Claude walked upwind. "I bought the property three years ago and had workmen put it into this condition. It took thirty five men almost two years to rebuild what was a wrecked Napoleon III estate without a roof or windows. Even the interior had to be reconstructed. Only the outside walls are original. I put in much more than I paid for it but it was a special project. I wanted to be far away from Finland and close to Leonardo." In the garage were a 1934 American Packard Clipper and a British MG TD with racing stripes painted on the hoods. Bruce looked at the Alfa Romeo's spoked wheels and smiled. Then he admired the old Jaguar. Cars "I bought them mostly in bad condition and had them restored. My mechanic is a wizard. Do you like cars?" he asked. Marie Claude said, "They're transportation, only. What I love are horses." "Wonderful," Hellstrom roared. "I have a few Arabs at a local farm. Maybe we can ride together one day." Bruce interrupted. "I'm afraid we won't be here that long." Perhaps we can come back," Marie Claude suggested. Hellstrom Draws on His Cigar They walked in silence. Hellstrom drew on his cigar, joyfully. "I was in Finland during the war. I restored furniture and tried to stay alive. My wife was killed on the last day of the war. I threw myself into importing food for the starving villagers. Sometimes I would drive all night to pick up a load of potatoes or beets. I saved my money and when I thought I had enough I bought this place and set up a small business in Amboise. I was able to buy a few paintings, sell a few and buy more. But Da Vinci has always been my first love so I settled on Amboise to be part of recreating his life at the museum where I volunteer my services. I'm trying to amass enough to retire some day." By now they were back at the house. It was lit up like a lantern with lights on in every room. Click here for Chapter 34.