The Blue Regina

By Samuel Piazza

Between 1939 and 1945, Nazi forces inside occupied countries confiscated an untold amount of treasure, including a flawless, 47.05 caret blue diamond known as the Blue Regina. Later, it was mistakenly sent to the United States, and arrived just prior to the start of World War II. Throughout the duration of the war and after, its whereabouts remained unknown.

In 1951, a well-funded U.S. bound expedition is formed by a noted Berlin gemologist. Unfortunately, news of his expedition motivates others to search for the diamond, while applying their own set of rules. That doesn't bode well for any of the participants, especially when the prize is valued at more than three million dollars.

The Blue Regina evokes romance, obsession, deceit, desperation and hollow hope, in a deadly competition to possess a world class diamond.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eBookIt.com
• Release date: Jul 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781456631611

Book preview

Aftermath

INTRODUCTION

The war years between 1939 and 1945 had wrought death and destruction upon the face of Europe. It also resulted in the confiscation of invaluable treasure from both public and private domains. The plunder included works of art, items of historical significance, world-class gems and piles of gold and silver bullion. An untold amount was discreetly hidden in mountain crevices, caves, underwater vaults and secret burial sites. As expected, a sizeable portion of the valuables either fell into the hands of certain high ranking officials, or was stolen by opportunists who were moved by the moment.

Since then, due to research projects or just plain luck, treasure hunters have discovered some of the sites, and are basking in the wealth of their find. Treasure hunters may include those who comb vast areas as professional salvagers, collectors seeking to fulfill a goal, the dreamer in search of instant wealth, the desperate who has an urgent need for what it can bring, and others whose reasons are concealed, but will join in the hunt for their own purpose.

If the lost treasure is a flawless 47.05 carat blue diamond named the Blue Regina, the focus may include all of the above, but the wary will cast their attention to the lengths others will go to possess the diamond.

After its confiscation in the Netherlands, the Blue Regina was placed on display in Berlin. In 1941, due to a grave error, it was transported to the United States. Soon, Germany declared war against the U.S., and the diamond’s whereabouts remained unknown throughout the war and after.

During the summer of 1951, a well-funded expedition led by noted gemologist Rudolph Hoeffner, departed Germany on a mission to recover the Blue Regina. After arriving in the U.S., news of its mission has motivated others to seek the diamond for themselves, albeit with their own set of rules.

PART I

CHAPTER I

Welcome Back

His hands are bound behind him as he is escorted to an underground interrogation room. The door is opened and he’s roughly pushed onto a wooden chair. The guards untie his hands for the purpose of binding them behind the chair. His ankles are lashed to the front legs of the chair. Assured that the restraints are secure, they exit the room, and the man is left to be alone with his thoughts.

The 15’x15’ room is dimly lit, but a light bulb hanging from the ceiling sheds enough light to see his surroundings. Looking about, the brick walls are whitewashed, the floor is cement, and the only other piece of furniture is a wooden desk about 8 feet from where he sits. Although the room is damp and cool, he has sweat beads forming on his forehead.

His name is Arnold Dietz. Until this morning, he was a courier attached to the German Foreign Office. Deitz is 29 years old, of medium build, dark brown hair combed straight back, a pencil-thin mustache and wears rimless eyeglasses. It should be a time when his career in government is on the rise; now it appears to be all in the past.

While awaiting his interrogators, he reflects on events which ultimately placed him in custody of the dreaded Gestapo. His diplomatic pouch contained a sleeve for official documents, and a separate compartment for high-end jewelry that was confiscated by German forces in occupied countries. He was entrusted to deliver the contraband jewelry to selected Nazi officials within the United States. The monies they collected from the underground sales of the jewels, helped keep Nazi operations up and running in the U.S. Deitz views his predicament as a consequence of the upscale lifestyle he and his wife Marlena were living. He subsidized their way of life through misappropriation of government goods while on assignments. By late 1940, Deitz was systematically pilfering jewels from the diplomatic pouch. He ran his stolen goods through a noted fence of fine jewelry. That would be Richard Brumett, owner of Brumett’s Fine Jewelry located in Traxx, Oregon. Due to Brumett’s contacts, Deitz was handsomely rewarded.

The beginning of this present dilemma occurred on October 13, 1941, when he received his diplomatic pouch and departed for the United States. Later in New York, he inspected the compartment containing the contraband jewelry. To his surprise, he sees what appears to be a very large blue colored diamond embedded inside a luxurious white diamond-studded encasement. Holding it in his hand he thought, If this is an authentic diamond, it must be worth a fortune. Quickly, he unfolded the manifest which lists and describes each piece of jewelry inside the compartment. He read it, re-read it, and to be sure re-read again. The large gem still clutched in his hand was not listed on the manifest.

Slowly placing it on the desktop, he rose from his chair and began pacing the floor while thinking, There are only two options; keep it or return it. If I keep it, Marlena and I may be financially set for the rest of our lives, but if the authorities discover what I’ve done, my life is over. Before making a decision, I must have Brumett appraise this stone.

The following morning inside the German consulate, he was advised that the Foreign Office is seeking information regarding a missing diamond. The message emphasized it is a world-class blue diamond known as the Blue Regina. Deitz sent his regrets that he had no information to offer, but will assist in the matter if needed.

It was early November when Deitz finally arrived on the West Coast. After dispensing the contraband jewelry, he drove north to Traxx, Oregon to obtain an appraisal of his coveted find. Richard Brumett, gem expert and gem fence, conducted a thorough study of the impressive diamond. His findings revealed that the Blue Regina is a legitimate world-class blue diamond, cut to a flawless weight of 47.05 carats, and appraised it at $800,000 American. Brumett cautioned Deitz that because the diamond was unlawfully confiscated, its sale must be confined to the underground. In effect, it will not yield the same monetary value as if it were a public sale. Regardless, he was confident an underground sale could yield approximately $500,000, depending on the interest it evokes. Brumett was impressed, so was Deitz.

The value of the Blue Regina cemented his decision to keep it. However, it’s not all that simple. There are issues:

· Any attempt to smuggle the Blue Regina into Germany would be foolish.

· His lack of time in the U.S. precludes its sale.

· There mustn’t be anything which connects his name to the Blue Regina.

Brumett had dealt with sticky situations in the past, and suggested Deitz leave the diamond with him until he returns from Germany. That was easier said than done. After all, it is still questionable if the U.S. will join England and its allies in the war against Germany. If that should become a reality, his return might be delayed for some time, perhaps years. Brumett understood Dietz’s position, but emphasized what was best for the present. Doing so would provide a safe place for the diamond, and offer Brumett additional time to obtain top dollar from prospective buyers.

Deitz agreed to leave the Blue Regina in Brumett’s care. No worry, Brumett’s entire business, legal and illegal, was based on trust. It kept him alive, and wealthy. In his own way he epitomizes the phrase, Honor among thieves.

Before returning to Germany, Deitz concluded it would be best not to say anything to his wife regarding the diamond. The fewer people that know, including Marlena, the better are his chances of survival.

Before his entry into Berlin, he notified the Foreign Office of his impending arrival. He was advised to deliver the documents inside his diplomatic pouch as soon as possible; afterward, he was free to take some R and R (Rest and Recuperation) days. That was music to his ears. Aside from the rigors of a long trip, he’s dealing with the stress of absconding with a diamond appraised at $800,000. Worse yet, he stole from Adolf Hitler’s Germany.

It was 8:50 AM, November 25, 1941, when Deitz arrived in Berlin’s rail station. After his long absence, he wished to see Marlena, freshen up and then report to the Foreign Office. But that was not to be. Looking at his wristwatch, he realized he would be cutting it far too short of time for his 10:00 AM appointment with his superior, Dr. Willard Schapp, Chief of Diplomatic Couriers.

At precisely 10:00 AM he was ushered into Dr. Schapp’s office, and greeted with a hearty Welcome back. After some small talk, he presented the contents from his diplomatic pouch. While Dr. Schapp was scrutinizing the documents, Deitz studied Schapp’s features. Schapp is a large man, tall and stocky, his salt and pepper hair is cropped short, and he sports a full grey mustache. Although he appears intimidating, he carries himself as a gentleman. However, when pushed, he’s proven he can push harder.

Finished perusing the documents, Schapp placed them in neat order at the corner of his desk. Looking up at Deitz he said, Well done. But he had more to say. Taking on a more serious tone he continued, The Foreign Office is suffering from an embarrassing incident that occurred in our department. As you know, the ABWEHR (German Intelligence Services) sends expensive jewelry to our end, trusting our couriers will distribute them in a means that will help finance intelligence operations in other countries. Before you left on your recent assignment, ABWEHR brought a world-renowned diamond to our building for display. We strongly believe the diamond was placed in a courier’s pouch and hasn’t been seen since. When in New York, we sent an inquiry asking if you possessed information regarding this diamond, which is commonly referred to as the Blue Regina. Your response was most disturbing. Tell me Deitz, what do you really know of its whereabouts?

Taken off guard Deitz replied, Dr. Schapp, I had inspected the jewelry that was in my pouch against the manifest. Everything checked, there was no listing of that kind of diamond on the manifest, and no such diamond was in my pouch. Schapp replied, If it was errantly placed in a courier’s pouch, it would not be listed on the manifest. Deitz, you were here when the diamond was last seen, and you are the only courier who departed on assignment before it was discovered missing."

Dr. Schapp did not tell Deitz all he knew. As the rancor between the Foreign Office and ABWEHR grew, it was agreed that the matter be investigated by the Gestapo. Officials finally located the person who placed the Blue Regina inside a diplomatic pouch. Apparently, an outside professional photographer had applied and received permission from the Foreign Office to photograph a small portion of jewels impounded from occupied countries. For show purposes, the Blue Regina was placed among the articles. After the photo shoot had ended, a diplomatic pouch was brought into the room. With the exception of the Blue Regina, all the articles were placed inside the pouch. The photographer’s assistant returned to the room to retrieve equipment that had been left behind. Seeing that the photographed articles had been placed in the pouch, and one was overlooked, the helpful assistant placed the Blue Regina deep inside the pouch. Shortly thereafter, the diplomatic pouch was secured and presented to Arnold Deitz for transportation to the U.S.

Now that the Foreign Office and ABWEHR understood how the Blue Regina was misplaced, both agencies agreed and insisted that an independent attorney be present at all Gestapo interrogations. The attorney’s presence is to ensure the interrogations are kept within legal limits, and hopefully will lead to the recovery of the Blue Regina. A prestigious law firm in Berlin was approached, and agreed to provide legal counsel to meet their needs. Jeffrey Hamstedt, a bright young attorney within the firm, was assigned to serve as legal counsel during the interrogation of Arnold Deitz. Being low man on the totem pole, Hamstedt reluctantly accepted the assignment. Everything is set to go into motion as soon as Deitz arrives in Berlin. Since Deitz had no knowledge of what occurred in his absence, Dr. Schapp felt it prudent not to disclose such before his interrogation.

Therefore, believing any further questioning of Deitz will serve no purpose, Dr. Schapp rose from his desk, walked to the door, opened it and motioned two men to come inside. Telling Deitz to stand he says, You will accompany these men to their building for further investigation. Dietz looks at the men wearing felt hats and long leather coats. He thought to himself, Gestapo.

Not a word was spoken from the time they left Schapp’s office until he was booked into Gestapo Headquarters. Afterward, he was led to a small cell which contained a bunk and toilet; no bars, instead a heavy iron door ensured security. Lunch consisted of hard bread and warm potato soup. Not the kind of homecoming he expected.

Later that afternoon, he heard a key being inserted into his cell door. As the door opened he was ordered to step outside, whereupon his hands were bound behind his back. Two men walked him to the interrogation room where at this moment, he waits.

He’s been lashed to the chair for nearly twenty minutes, and now awaits questioning for his involvement in the theft of a world-class diamond. The strain from the ropes is felt in his neck, shoulders and legs. He twists his body as much as he can but to no avail; the pain only becomes more noticeable.

Deitz hopes the interrogators will respect his position in the Foreign Office, but if not, how long can he hold out? Pulse beating, sweat on his brow, and dry mouth he reasons, Even if I’m forced to talk, there’s still a chance to get out of this mess. I will tell them that on arrival in the U.S., I discovered someone had placed an expensive diamond in my pouch and did not report it on the manifest. I was very concerned and didn’t know who I could trust on this end. That’s when I decided to keep it in a safe place until the whole story is sorted out. I’ll advise the Gestapo of its location, and emphasize that I’m the only one who can assure its safe return.

The door opens and three men step inside. One is dressed in a dark blue suit and tie. The other two are dressed in military-style black trousers and grey long sleeve shirts; no neckties. At first, nothing is said until the older one in uniform speaks. Pointing toward the man in the suit he says, This is Herr Hamstedt. He will provide legal counsel when needed, and may participate in the interview process. My name is Mueller, and this is Ackermann. Who are you? Deitz answers, giving his first and last name. Mueller nods, again silence. He is average in height, but built like a fire hydrant. His crew cut hair is flecked with grey, and although he is shaven, he has a perennial five o’clock shadow. Ackermann is younger, taller, on the thin side, receding light brown hair and has steel blue eyes.

Mueller takes a couple of steps and stands directly in front of the seated Deitz. Ackermann has taken a position behind him. Speaking slow and deliberately Mueller begins, Deitz, we know you took possession of the Blue Regina, and transported it to the U.S. What you did with it, I don’t know, but I will know because you are going to tell me. There is absolutely no room for denial. Your actions caused much distress and embarrassment between the Foreign Office and ABWEHR. We will give you an opportunity to undo all the discord between the two agencies, and for your cooperation, a chance to rehabilitate your career. Now tell me, where is the Blue Regina?

Deitz stares straight ahead while formulating a response. It was encouraging to hear Mueller say there is an opportunity for him to rehabilitate his career. Was there a prior agreement with the Foreign Office to quickly settle the matter and move on, or is Mueller blowing smoke to obtain a confession? Deitz decides to take the middle road and repeat what was said to Dr. Schapp; i.e., there was no such diamond inside his pouch, and no listing of such on the manifest. His response did not answer the question posed to him. Mueller was not looking for an excuse; he asked where the Blue Regina could be found, period. With a nod, Mueller acknowledges Deitz’s statement. He takes one step to his right, and with a pivot strikes Deitz in the face with the full force of an open hand. Deitz’s eyeglasses fly off his face leaving him stunned. Mueller isn’t finished. With a closed fist, he punches hard on Deitz’s shoulder which is stretched toward the back of the chair. The blow results in a separation of his left shoulder.

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