Caray, Caray!

Soledad asks if Antonia has spoken to Dr. Dan. She says yes, he told her everything. She says that Dr. Dan is in a bad way. He is destroyed at the thought of never seeing her again. Soledad says that Dr. Dan deceived her. Antonia replies that there are lies and then there are lies (‘Hay mentiras de mentiras’). There are white lies, there are innocent lies that are told for love to keep from losing someone you love. There are black lies that hurt and destroy. Antonia says that Dr. Dan is a wonderful person. Soledad won’t find another man like him. But Antonia says that she doesn’t want to influence Soledad’s decision. She should rest, sleep and clear her thoughts. Tomorrow is another day.

The judge asks why Arturo has asked to see him so early in the morning. Arturo says that he wants to open a new investigation into the kidnapping of Soledad’s daughter. The judge asks if this is a joke. Arturo is the principal suspect in the investigation. Arturo says that he wants to open a new investigation in which the principal suspect is - the Judge. The Judge is annoyed. He demands an explanation. Arturo produces the judge’s boots and asks if he recognizes them. Arturo says that these boots leave the same prints as those found at the crime scene. If he is being accuses simply for wearing military boots with these types of soles, then every man in law enforcement in San Marino should be accused as the principal suspect starting with the judge.

Soledad receives flowers. She thinks they must from Daniel. Ursula opens the box and reads the card: Dear Soledad: There is no excuse for what I have done. (‘no tiene perdón ni de Dios, ne de los hombres,’) I only ask that you give me another chance. I love you.
Soledad says that she knew it was Daniel but Ursula says no, the card is signed, Alcides de Medina.

Hugo has arrived at Michelle’s house and is greeted by Andres. Andres says that he got Hugo’s telegram. Hugo asks him to tell Michelle that he is here. He has brought her a special gift he knows she will like.

Ursula says that the flowers from Alcides must be poisoned. Soledad says that Alcides is very stubborn. He will do any thing to prove his love. Soledad says that last night Eloisa told her something that got her thinking. Ursula says that Soledad shouldn’t believe too much that Eloisa says. Soledad says that Eloisa told her that Alcides could have taken advantage of her and he didn’t so that means he has changed. (Alcides told you that himself about 50 times. Weren’t you listening?)

Dr. Dan brings his own flowers. He says that he didn’t write a note because in this case what he has to say should be said personally.

The judge lets Arturo out of jail. Arturo says that he is a discreet man and he won’t tell anyone about the judge’s fondness for women of easy virtue. Alcides appears and asks why this criminal is out of his cell.

Boris has come to see Marina at the Hacienda. He asks if she put the photo in the workshop. Marina says that she knows Boris missed her. She asks him to sit. Boris says that he’s come to ask for a divorce.

Hercu-less has come to visit Dr. Dan’s wife, Manuela.

Dr. Dan says that he thought about Soledad all night. He doesn’t want her to hate him or to stop going to the hospital. Dr. Dan starts to says that he knows he should have told her about his wife from the beginning… Soledad interrupts. She doesn’t want to talk about this now. She had a bad night. Dr. Dan asks her not to turn him away. She is the most important thing in the world to him, he will spend his whole life proving that to her, etc. Soledad says that there is nothing to prove. The damage is done. Dr. Dan says that he won’t give up that easily. He sees the flowers from Alcides and asks who else sent her flowers.

Andres tells Hugo that Michelle didn’t return. “If she’s not in San Marino, then…” says Andres. Hugo asks if Andres is telling him that Michelle has disappeared. Hugo says that Michelle couldn’t have disappeared. She left San Marino to come directly back here. Andres asks Hugo how he can be so sure that she was coming here. Hugo says that she sent her luggage ahead with Andres. Andres says that on the way back, he got a telegram saying that she was going to stay. Andres says that he has been waiting for instructions to return. Andres asks Hugo what happened after that. According to the telegram, Michelle and Hugo worked things out. Hugo flashes back to his conversation with Alcides that Michelle overheard. Hugo tells Andres that they never got back together and that he is sure that Michelle overhead a conversation he had with Alcides where he said that Soledad was the great love of his life.

Dr. Dan says that he doesn’t have any right to ask but he wants to know who sent the other flowers. Soledad pretends that she hasn’t read the card. Dr. Dan says that it was a mistake to come. He gets up as if to leave but detours over to where the flowers are and grabs the card and opens it. He reads what Alcides wrote. Dr. Dan is surprised. He thought it was from Hugo. He asked what Alcides did for which he is asking forgiveness. (That is none of your business, Dr. Dan.)

Alcides tells the judge that this criminal is accused of kidnapping. Arturo shoots back by saying that Alcides is the only criminal present. Arturo says that he is an honorable man, an ex-soldier with medals for serving his country. “And who steals children,” snaps Alcides. He asks the judge what kind of justice there is in this city. There is overwhelming evidence that Arturo was involved in he kidnapping of his niece, a small infant. The judge flashes back to Arturo giving him his boots and saying that he would be discreet about the judge’s recreations. The judge says that the footprints found at the scene of the crime were made by the same military boots worn by lots of law enforcement personnel in San Marino. The evidence doesn’t incriminate Arturo at all so the judge says that he has to let him go.

Hercu-less tells Manuela that she is very beautiful. She asks why he has come. Herc asks if Manuela’s husband is Dr. Dan. Manuela asks if something has happened to him or did he bring her the excellent news that he is dead and she has inherited all of his fortune. Herc says no. He has come with information that might interest her. Her husband is in San Marino and he plans to get married to another woman.

Marina asks if Boris wants a divorce to marry that home wrecker, Ursula. Boris tells Marina not to say bad things about Ursula. This confirms to Marina that Boris loves Ursula and that he wants a divorce to marry her. Boris says that he and Marina are finished. Their marriage ended when she sold her soul to the devil. Boris says he doesn’t owe her any explanations about his life, much less his decisions. Marina agrees that she sold her soul to the devil and therefore she will never ever give him a divorce.

Andres says that it is no wonder Michelle left San Marino. Hugo says that everything changed that night. Andres says that he doesn’t think Michelle will forgive him. Hugo asks if Michelle isn’t really in the house and just doesn’t want to see him. Andres says that Michelle isn’t the kind of woman who runs from her problems. If she were here, she would see Hugo. Hugo asks where can she be then. He shows Andres the letter that he got from Michelle. Andres says that it is her handwriting but the paper is from her personal diary.

Dr. Dan keeps harassing Soledad to tell him what happened with Alcides. She wants to talk some other time. Dr. Dan says that he is here to protect and love her and he won’t permit Alcides or anyone else to hurt her. The guards are outside to protect her because Alcides would come into the house all the time. Soledad says he is right. Dr. Dan says that she should tell him. She tells him that she went to see Hugo and when she got there it wasn’t Hugo that was there, it was Alcides. She stops. Dr. Dan asks what happened with Alcides.

Alcides tells Arturo that he is sure that he is guilty. The judge says that the case against Arturo is closed. Until some more evidence is uncovered, Arturo will remain a free man. The judge leaves. Alcides says that he isn’t fooled. This is the second time that he has kidnapped Alcides neice. Arturo says that he doesn’t care what Alcides thinks. He starts to leave and Alcides stops him with his cane. Alcides tells Arturo to be very careful because he will be watched. Arturo replies that then Alcides will see that he has nothing to do with Alcides’ family. He also tells Alcides to watch his back because when he least expects it, Arturo will send Alcides to hell. Alcides laughs and says that Arturo is alive because of him. When he changes his mind, Artruro will go to hell preceded by Doña Gladis. Arturo tells Alcides that he will pay for what he did (indicating his missing hand) and he mentions the eye for an eye thing. Arturo leaves saying that if Alcides wanted to win Soledad’s admiration at his expense, he is glad that it was a total failure (‘rotundo fracaso’). He leaves and Alcides says to himself that Arturo should enjoy his victory because when Arturo least expects it, Alcides will be offering toast on his tomb.

Hercu-less tells Dr. Dan’s wife that his boss is interested in the woman Dr. Dan wants to marry and he will pay her for never divorcing Dr. Dan. Manuela says that depends on the amount Herc’s boss is willing to pay. She asks how much money Herc is talking about.

Boris accuses Marina of refusing to divorce him for spite. Marina says that they are still married and he can’t leave her. Boris says that their marriage is over when she went to the dark side. Marina trots out the tried and true – you care more about Hugo than me. Boris say that he respects Hugo because he is a good man unlike her. She tricked and deceived him. He thanks her for opening his eyes so he could realize that she is an evil woman. Marina tells him to leave. Boris says that he will start divorce proceedings on his own and accuse Marina of things like trying to steal the money of the mine investors.

Hugo tells Andres that to him, the letter is clearly a goodbye letter from Michelle. Andres again says that it is Michelle’ handwriting but why is it written on a sheet from her diary? Hugo asks if he is sure and Andres says that he bought the diary for Michelle. Hugo suggests that Michelle was in a hurry to leave and that was the only paper available. Andres is not convinced. He asks if anyone saw her leave and did she have her sword. Hugo says that Boris saw her leave the hotel with her sword. Andres still has doubts. He says that the letter doesn’t look like it was written in a hurry.

Dr. Dan urges Soledad to tell him what happened with Alcides. He says that if Alcides took advantage of her, he will kill him. Soledad tells him to calm down. Dr. Dan begs her to tell him what happened. Soledad says that Alcides pretended to be Hugo, they argued, she left, that was all. Dr. Dan asks if she is sure that is all that happened. Soledad says that she is fine, nothing happened. She says that she doesn’t owe Dr. Dan any explanations. The only person who needs to know is Hugo, Alcides’ twin brother. Dr. Dan says fine, he has no right to demand explanations (that didn’t stop you.). Maybe if Soledad were his fiancé but she isn’t wearing his ring anymore. Soledad says that wasn’t meant to be. Life must go on. Dr. Dan says that his life has no meaning without her. He says that he has written to ask his wife for a divorce. He will move heaven and earth to show her that his sorry. He wants her know that she is his whole life. Without her, his life his meaningless. He loves her and no one will love her as much as he does. (You’re getting a little creepy here, Doc.) Soledad says nothing.

Manuela is impressed with the sum of money that Herc’ boss is offering. Herc says they need to take the next train to San Marino. Manuela says that she needs to prepare for the trip but Herc says that his boss has authorized him to cover all the transportation and lodging expenses plus whatever else Manuela may need. Manuela is impressed again. The maid brings Manuela a letter from Dr. Dan.

Marina says that if Boris wants to play dirty, she knows all the bad things that he and Hugo did when he was pretending to be Alcides. She repeats that she will never give Boris a divorce. She hopes that Ursula doesn’t mind waiting her whole life for him. (I doubt that will be necessary – you just signed your novela death warrant.)

Hugo says to Andres that there must be an explanation for why Michelle is nowhere to be found. He asks him to think. What would Michelle do in these circumstances? Andres finally flashes back to Michelle telling him that she was going to Europe to try and clear her head. Andres tells Hugo this. Hugo says that he has to know that Michelle is ok. He asks Andres to let him know when he hears from her. Andres agrees. Hugo says that if Michelle wants to be alone, he will respect her decision. He gives Andres a letter he wrote to Michelle earlier in case she wouldn’t see him. Hugo says that he doesn’t have the means to go to Europe right now but they could communicate by letter. Hugo also gives Andres the sword he made for Michelle and asks him to get it to her. Andres agrees. Hugo leaves. Andres says that there is only one place in Europe Michelle could be. He will write to her there.

Dr. Dan asks if Soledad will ever forgive him. She says that it is not about forgiveness. She asks why they can’t leave things as they are. Dr. Dan says that he is going to the hospital. He says that soon he will hear from his wife and a new path will open for them. (Soledad and I are both rolling our eyes.) She asks him not to pressure her any more. He starts again with his protestations of his love and that she will be happy with him and he made a mistake but he’s sorry, etc. etc. Soledad says only that she will see him later at the hospital. He finally leaves. Soledad asks herself what is wrong with her. Dr. Dan has offered her the earth, the moon and the stars and all she can think about is Hugo. Why?

Antonia comes in. She tells Soledad that Dr. Dan is the right man for her. This is her advice and it comes from a sinner. A person who has experienced more than Soledad can imagine (and this makes her advice better?).

The judge comes to see Margot and he doesn’t seem to be in a very good mood. (He’s probably still hung over.) Margot flashes back to what happened at the cabaret. The judge says that he and Margot have to have a very serious talk.

Manuela is ready to travel. Her husband’s letter convinced her to go. Herc says that she is a determined woman. “Ambitious too,” says Manuela. To herself Manuela says that she regrets returning to Dr. Dan with bad news. She thought they could divorce and she could keep part of his money but she never thought it would be to her benefit not to do so.

Dr. Dan thanks and pays the guards at Soledad’s house. He repeats his instructions that neither Alcides nor Hugo are permitted to enter the house and that if Alcides sends flowers, they are not to be delivered.

Soledad asks Antonia why she says that she is a sinner. Antonia replies that she is a sinner. She has done terrible things. Antonia says that Soledad has to make room for forgiveness in her life so she doesn’t end up like Antonia – a bitter old maid who finds sin everywhere. Soledad says that it sounds like something terrible happened in Antonia’s past. Antonia flashes back to being raped. Antonia doesn’t want to talk about the past. She wants to talk about Soledad’s present and urges her to be happy with Dr. Dan and leave San Marino. Soledad says she doesn’t want any more pressure. She is confused and something terrible happened yesterday. She tells Antonia about going to see Hugo and finding Alcides pretending to be Hugo but nothing bad happened. Soledad then says that she doesn’t want people to tell her what to do. She will make her own decisions. Antonia says that sometimes people make the wrong decisions and pay for them. Soledad asks what is the matter. Antonia looks like she is suffering. Antonia says that when she first came to this house, she did terrible things to Soledad. Antonia says that she was responsible for the disappearance of Soledad’s baby right after she was born. Soledad is impactada.

Hugo is on the train back to San Marino. The train stops in Alcala. To himself Hugo says that Michelle went to Europe. She didn’t want to have anything more to do with him. There is no possibility of her returning and that’s probably for the best. He says that it could be a sign that he should continue to fight for Soledad. Hercu-less gets on the train with Manuela and sits behind Hugo. Hugo hears Herc’s voice and wonders what he is doing getting on the train at Alcala. The credits roll.

Tomorrow: Alcides sets a trap with Manuela?

Labels: la traicion