Manof Chpt 64

Chapter 64

There were a few joyous days at the chateau. The painting had been returned in good condition and the fate of those involved was being decided. The official documents outlined the position each person had taken and, as it turned out, Maitre Beauduin agreed to defend all four defendants.

As far as Dr Biot was concerned, the justice department agreed to consider dropping the charges in view of his cooperation with the authorities and his advanced age.

At trials that lasted almost a month, Emile Picard, Carlo Cuesta Reyes, his son Stefano and Karl Johan Hellstrom were found guilty of theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy. Picard was disbarred and stripped of his Legion of Honneur.

His wife, France, filed for divorce and planned to marry a local architect. She was redesigning her regal home although some of the paintings had been confiscated by the authorities the state as stolen property.

She was interviewed with her new fiancé, a man half her age.
"Life is about living,' she said. " it is not about feeling sorry for yourself."

The Perpetrators Would Spend Many Years in Jail

The perpetrators would spend many years in jail after which it was recommended that Hellstrom would be expelled from France as 'non desirable.' There were also international charges pending.

At a special session of the Government of France, the case of Dr Biot's involvement with the Vichy government was dismissed. The file on him was declared null and void. He was reprimanded but pardoned. This, of course, did not mean that he was innocent but it did mean that he would be able to hold his head up for the little time left to him.

Bruce stayed on at Hautefort as guests of the family. He strolled around the gardens. Walked in the village and talked at length about art and gardening. He explained that he was thinking of selling his New York apartment and moving to the country.

Days Were Peaceful Again in Hautefort

Days were peaceful again at Hautefort. Marie- Claude looked radiant as she rode with her brother. Marcel and Bruce sat for hours and played chess. It was idyllic until…

Hautefort today

It was a quiet Tuesday when the phone rang very early in the morning. It was Detective Dollet calling for Bruce.

"Ah, my friend, what makes you call at this hour? Has somebody escaped from jail?"

"No No," Drollet replied. "It seems that we have made a startling discovery. Would you agree to travel back to Amboise with me later today."

Bruce agreed. It was indeed a voyage of discovery. It brought to light something that would make headlines in every major newspaper of the world.

(Click here for Chapter 65)


	Chapter 64 There were a few joyous days at the chateau. The painting had been returned in good condition and the fate of those involved was being decided. The official documents outlined the position each person had taken and, as it turned out, Maitre Beauduin agreed to defend all four defendants. As far as Dr Biot was concerned, the justice department agreed to consider dropping the charges in view of his cooperation with the authorities and his advanced age. At trials that lasted almost a month, Emile Picard, Carlo Cuesta Reyes, his son Stefano and Karl Johan Hellstrom were found guilty of theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy. Picard was disbarred and stripped of his Legion of Honneur. His wife, France, filed for divorce and planned to marry a local architect. She was redesigning her regal home although some of the paintings had been confiscated by the authorities the state as stolen property. She was interviewed with her new fiancé, a man half her age. "Life is about living,' she said. " it is not about feeling sorry for yourself." The Perpetrators Would Spend Many Years in Jail The perpetrators would spend many years in jail after which it was recommended that Hellstrom would be expelled from France as 'non desirable.' There were also international charges pending. At a special session of the Government of France, the case of Dr Biot's involvement with the Vichy government was dismissed. The file on him was declared null and void. He was reprimanded but pardoned. This, of course, did not mean that he was innocent but it did mean that he would be able to hold his head up for the little time left to him. Bruce stayed on at Hautefort as guests of the family. He strolled around the gardens. Walked in the village and talked at length about art and gardening. He explained that he was thinking of selling his New York apartment and moving to the country. Days Were Peaceful Again in Hautefort Days were peaceful again at Hautefort. Marie- Claude looked radiant as she rode with her brother. Marcel and Bruce sat for hours and played chess. It was idyllic until… Hautefort today It was a quiet Tuesday when the phone rang very early in the morning. It was Detective Dollet calling for Bruce. "Ah, my friend, what makes you call at this hour? Has somebody escaped from jail?" "No No," Drollet replied. "It seems that we have made a startling discovery. Would you agree to travel back to Amboise with me later today." Bruce agreed. It was indeed a voyage of discovery. It brought to light something that would make headlines in every major newspaper of the world. (Click here for Chapter 65)