Key-mistress

I am Don Mariano’s hands and feet, ama de llaves, key-mistress and custodian of Don Mariano’s house, caretaker also of his pearl, the choice child of his heart, Dolorcita, the star of my life.

Every Moscow and Leningrad hotel that houses foreign visitors has long been the parade ground for state-controlled prostitutes, plying their trade only for foreign currency, reporting to the KGB and sanctioned by the gimlet-eyed key-mistresses on each floor who are on constant watch against amateur competition.

Selia’s mother is the key-mistress of the palace, a woman with access. She might have found a way to steal my mother’s crest ring to make the seals.