Yo No Creo en los Hombres #80 Lunes 11/2/15

Chapter 80: Death Sentence

Maria Dolores told Max about Alma.

“Isela told me your mother has cancer. She's had tests that detected it. She had Isela accompany her to the clinic. It's been confirmed. Your mother has pancreatic cancer.”

“Tell me it's not true. Please tell me it's not true.”

“My love, listen to me. If you only knew how much I wish it weren't true.”

“If it is, she has to fight. I've got to be with her so she can go on and beat this disease”

“Of course. You'll be there for her and I'll be there with you.”

“I'll talk to her about going to the doctor with her about the diagnosis and what's happening.”

“My love, you have to know that she didn't want you to know.”

“What?”

“Isela said so. Your mother told her.”

“But Isela didn't tell me. My mother doesn't want to worry us.”

“Of course but she didn't tell Isela anything else.”

“But she needs to know that I know and I'm going to help her out of this.”

“The most important thing is that you remain calm and strong. I'm going to help and I'll be at your side at all times. Everything will be alright. Everything will be alright.”

Max cried quietly as Maria Dolores embraced him.

Isela and Claudio did the nasty up against the wall in an office. He groped her body as she stood on a chair in front of him. He had no will power, no self-control. He seemed to have forgotten who and what he was. They moved over to the couch to get down to business.

Cadena and Ùrsula argued about how to get Danny-Boy of the slammer.

“When Joaquin failed I sent for Jacinto to take care of things.”

“But I've told you that your lawyers don't want to dirty their hands on this prison business. But I'm not his official attorney.”

“But you don't need that title. Just say you're one of the group of lawyers handling his defense.”

“Not without their help.”

“You have it. Just go over to the prison and get Daniel out, then say how he is.”

“Daniel will want to know what is going on with his defense. He wants me to talk to a guy who's protecting him in prison.”

Ùrsula looked as though she hadn't expected this.

Julian visited Orlando to see about getting a car designed for him to drive. He was going to buy one and asked Orlando if he could make the necessary modifications. Orlando admitted he didn't know much about this but wanted to learn. Julian was tired of being holed up in the house all the time. He refused to give in to fear. Orlando told him he admired his courage. He declined to accept payment for this.

Leo was happy that Alma changed her mind about Maria Dolores. He was thrilled that Alma would be helping Maria Dolores with her wedding. Alma told him that life brought situations that made priorities clear. Leo talked about Clara and Esperanza and how there is no family problem that couldn't be solved. Of course his own were waiting to be known.

Isela and Claudio put their clothes back on. Isela's phone rang. Maria Dolores called to get the doctor's phone number. She refused to help her at first, but Maria Dolores reminded her she had promised the information. She then said she would send her a text. That was for Claudio's benefit. He asked what the call was about. She admitted that Maria Dolores called for a phone number. He tried to kiss her but she broke away. “It's over,” she said, heading for the door. Like he really believed that.

Doris and Orlando confronted Ari on the street about his visit to Isela. They brought up his motive. Hosefa tried to be smug about it. She called Doris a greasy, grimy pig [grasienta] and insinuated that Orlando would take Isela back. He told her no way, as her daughter sullied herself by being involved with a married man. Hosefa tried to attack him, but Doris stepped in between them and started telling her off. Hosefa slinked away to get out of the line of fire. Ari said that Orlando might want to trade a fatso like Doris for Isela, which only got Orlando to attack him. Doris yelled at him to stop. She even threatened to call the police. The two men kept on fighting. Orlando had the upper hand this time. He wasn't going to stop.

Claudio couldn't believe Isela would end it after their sweating up the sofa. She said it was getting out of control. Ari had come to the house. He almost ratted them out to Alma. That shocked him. She kissed him gently.

“Claudio, I love you, but I can't go on like this.”

“I'll fix this.”

“No. Don't you realize? One hand can't wash the other. Maria Dolores knows.”

“I'll talk to Maria Dolores.”

“Yes, but I don't believe you. She was at the house and she guessed what's going on between us. She will tell Max everything if this doesn't end.”

The fight continued until Ari landed face-first against a car's side window. The alarm rang, then the insults began. His mouth was bleeding but Ari insulted Doris as though she were not there. He even accused her of being jealous of Isela. Doris got fed up with both of them and went into the courtyard. Orlando told Ari off and the two went their separate ways.

It was visitors' day at the big house. Danny-Boy and his cellmates played cards as they waited. He hugged Cadena just outside the cell. Danny-Boy's cellmate demanded to know about his case. Cadena's answer wasn't good enough for him. He shoved him the rest of the way across the room until he was down in a chair. Cadena looked like he would need fresh underwear in a hurry. He tried to calm the irate prisoner. Danny-Boy looked like a rabbit staring at a wolf's fangs.

Orlando followed Doris and saw she was crying. She explained that she knew who and what she was. She had always been jealous during her relationship with Ari because of the beautiful women he was with at his work. She pointed out that Ari wouldn't be seen with a fat woman like herself in public no matter what happened in private. Orlando said that her weight didn't matter to him(self). He had gone to see Max's parents to get the restraining order removed. He was no longer interested in Isela, so she had no cause to be jealous. For now he wanted to tell Hosefa. He headed for the stairs to Hosefa's apartment. Doris tried to stop him.

Danny-Boy's cellmate was almost on top of Cadena.

“You have to help us.”

“OK, so get them to back off. I'd like to breathe.”

Danny-Boy pulled his cellmate back and got the rest to back off. Danny-Boy and Cadena were able to speak alone. Danny-Boy begged him to get him out. “They'll destroy me in here,” he said as Cadena straightened his tie. They watched the cellmate start a ménage à trois with two visiting chicks.

Ùrsula invaded Ivana's office with a demand. She accused Ivana's lawyers of stupidity and incompetence.

“I know. They're only following Claudio's instructions.”

“Because they didn't know what to do. We're going to get this decided in Daniel's favor. We're saying that the relationship between Daniel and Maria Dolores was always conflicted, that she persisted after him and came after him on your wedding day because she wanted to elope.”

“No. I will not say anything he tells me to say.”

“Well, he said we'll need to get evidence.”

“Oh, yes,” Ivana said, sarcastically. “Nobody thinks that anyone will believe my testimony because I'm about to divorce him.”

“Who knows?”

“Max does. I told him and asked him to be my lawyer.”

“Well, you could say you thought better after and precisely since you've been married that Maria Dolores continued to bother him.”

“My lawyers explained it to you but it looks like you don't get it, Ùrsula. I won't get any more involved in this business.”

“But you are. Ever since you wanted Maria Dolores' baby. Or not?”

Ivana stared at her suspiciously.

“You better hope you're right, Ùrsula, because now I have something that can destroy you.”

Max and Maria Dolores visited Alma's doctor. He said that family help was needed in these situations. He explained that they asked that his practice not call the house or Claudio's office until they got the test results. He was glad this had changed. Max asked about his mother's condition. The news was bad. There was an inoperable tumor in the pancreas. The doctor had requested a Petscan to check for metastases. Chemotherapy was usually ineffective in such cases. Maria Dolores hugged Max and told him he would need to have faith. He'd always had it before.

Orlando knocked on Hosefa's door but she refused to let him in at first. He persisted and she finally stepped aside. After the door closed behind him Doris knocked but Orlando said to wait for him. He accused Hosefa for interfering in his relationship with Isela because she wanted to kill it. Now she finally got her wish. He told Hosefa that he once loved Isela but that was all over. He now wanted it clear that Isela was to leave him and Doris alone. She said “OK,” but not in a way he could believe. He had promised Claudio Bustamante not to tell his wife if he left him alone. However, he knew that Isela had said she didn't love Claudio but was out for revenge. He had decided to rat her out over that. After he left Hosefa yelled “Idiot! Idiot!” She was not happy that Isela had let that cat out of the bag because it was going to start scratching.

Cadena told Ùrsula and Arango that Danny-Boy wasn't doing well in the big house. Things weren't going to get any better. He was counting on them to get him out. And his cellmates.

“Didn't you tell him that Claudio doesn't want to help them?” Ùrsula asked him.

“Yes. They all know we've been lying.”

“Of course,” said Arango. “Because these guys all know what's going on inside.”

“Are you saying that if they know Daniel gets out they'll hurt him while he's in?”

“Yes. Daniel told me that they were the same ones who killed Maria Dolores' father.”

Ùrsula was shocked for a moment.

“The same ones who attacked the paraplegic and stabbed Max?” she asked.

They all exchanged looks of shock. Cadena nodded.

Doris and Clara brought more statues from the local church for restoration. They admired the restoration Honoria performed on the altar statues Hosefa had destroyed. Fermin spoke of it as a miracle. They talked about needing them very soon because of the neighborhood nativity scene.

“I don't know what I'm going to do but I have to find the way to make Claudio help the one who is protecting Daniel in the prison.

“No, no, no, forget it,” Arango said. “Because Max can easily find out about this and who is helping him.” Maleny walked in just in time to hear this.

“It sounds like my brother made some very good friends in prison,” she said. “Or something. Ay, Mommy, it's kinda difficult, isn't it? I don't know how, but you have to find a way to take away Maria Dolores' baby.”

Ùrsula didn't take the bait. She smiled. Maybe she thought she was the reincarnation of Livia Augusta. Suetonius would have thought so.

“Claudio will help us with that, but in another way,” she said. “When we present the evidence that Daniel didn't rape the seamstress, we can convince the judge that an unhinged bitch [desquiciada] like her should not have custody of the baby.”

She grinned at the room. Maleny looked a little afraid.

Daniel shared a smoke with Rudolfo's murderer. Around them the other prisoners slept. This certainly didn't look like Alcatraz. There were actual beds in the cells, pinups and photos on the walls. Like these guys might have had in their rooms as kids. Not to mention overnight visitors. Even liquor. The killer took a swig from a bottle of Johnny Walker Black as Danny-Boy outlined what he expected in return for his freedom. Julian now had no feeling in his legs. Therefore he and his family wouldn't be able to help Maria Dolores. His lawyer would accuse Maria Dolores of attempted murder. He was offering her up on a silver platter. In return he expected payment. “When you get out of here, I want somebody out of the way. I need Maximiliano out of my way.”

The killer took another swig from the bottle and looked at him. He looked as though he thought Danny-Boy had no idea what he was talking about.

Claudio and Isela were barely inside the mansion when her cell rang.

“It's my mother,” she said before answering. “What is it, Mother?”

“Why don't you answer, Stupid?” asked Hosefa.

“I'm busy now, so I'll have to hang up. I'll call you back later.”

“Isela?” But she had already cut off the call.

“I'm going to my room,” Isela said. “I have to talk to Maria Dolores.”

“We have to find out what she said to Max.”

Max walked in at that precise moment. He and Isela exchanged stares. Alma came down the stairs before either could talk.

“Max, I know you're feeling better but you shouldn't go out for no reason.”

Max embraced his mother and kissed her. She looked at him and Claudio.

Isela left the room quietly. When she got upstairs to her room she found Hosefa there going through drawers.

“Did you call me from here?”

“No. But I've been calling and calling and calling and you don't answer!”

Maria Dolores went home. Esperanza was taking down the laundry and folding it. She told her Max had been looking for her. Maria Dolores explained she had seen him. They talked about Isela and Claudio. Esperanza felt that Max should know the truth. Both had loved Isela like a member of the family, but Maria Dolores' primary loyalty had to be to Max. Maria Dolores said she couldn't because of Alma's cancer.

Hosefa, as usual, played the motherhood card she wasn't entitled to.

“First of all I have to say I'm your mother and I must be the first thing in your life.”

“Yes, I know, Mother, but was urgent that I talk to Maria Dolores.”

“Then it's urgent that you explain why you told Orlando about our revenge.”

“He told you?”

“He not only told me, he threatened to tell Claudio.”

“Good! You finally did it!”

“I didn't do anything! He was furious because Ari bit you and you accused him.”

“You did that.”

“Don't change the subject. Why did you do it?”

“I don't know why. But Ari almost told Alma everything.”

“Something else ought to occur to you, daughter. I swear to you that – “

“I had to convince him. He understood me. He would understand.”

“You know what? I wish you'd revoke everything you said about what we're doing.”

“Well, fix what you're thinking. I'm thinking of getting back with him.”

“You slut!”

She grabbed Isela by the hair and pulled her off her feet. Must have been easy because of her anger and Isela's high heels. Isela's head hit the base of the support column just in time for Leo to enter the room.

“What did you do?” he asked. “Isela, are you alright?”

Hosefa quickly shifted gears and looked at Isela's head as though she gave a damn.

Esperanza was shocked at the news. She was true to her name, though. She felt that once Alma had treatment and got better all would be better. She decided that Maria Dolores had done the right thing. This was no time for dealing with an adulterous father. Maria Dolores still felt bad about keeping the secret. That was nothing compared to Isela's betrayal. Maria Dolores said that Isela had told her there were serious reasons for her actions. Esperanza began to wonder whether this was about money, but changed the subject when she heard the door open. Clara and Doris came in and she had begun talking about a client.

Claudio and Alma were in Isela's room, helping her into bed. Alma noted that the girl's arms were cold as ice while Hosefa took Isela's shoes off her feet. Alma asked what happened. Leo said that she was on the floor when he entered the room. The maid Beatriz (must be a different one with the same name) came in with white cloths and a bowl of ice. Alma wrapped some up and put it on Isela's head. Claudio said she should see a doctor because anything can happen with a head injury.

“Did you faint?” Alma asked.

“No,” said Isela, shaking her head.

“Should we call a doctor?”

“Should we call a doctor?” Hosefa repeated while staring at Isela.

“No,” Isela answered.

“Are you sure?” Alma asked.

“Yes.”

Alma rubbed Isela's feet while Hosefa showed she had the shoes in hand. She looked triumphant.

“The truth is I heard an argument and a blow,” said Leo.

“Oh, that wasn't a blow, was it, daughter?” said Hosefa.

None of the men were less than suspicious.

“Well, I think we should leave Isela to rest,” Alma said. She covered Isela's feet.

“Would you call a cab to take my mother home?” Isela asked.

“You don't want her to stay?” Alma wondered.

“She has stuff to do at home,” Isela said.

“I guess. OK, I'll go downstairs and call a taxi,” said Alma. She walked out of the room. The men followed her. Hosefa immediately locked the door behind Claudio.

“So it wasn't so bad after all?” she said, matter-of-factly.

Alma and the men went back downstairs.

“How could you let Isela go home to a mother like Hosefa?” Leo asked.

“Don't be rude, Leo,” Alma said.

“I'm not being rude, Mother. She hit her.”

“How can you say that? Who told you?” asked Claudio.

“I know what I heard. Besides, I know, Dad.”

“What?”

“That Hosefa hits Isela. Orlando told me.”

“No, that can't be,” said Alma. “Besides, that Orlando – “

“You don't know, Mother. I'm just saying what I know. Poor girl because she's always been nice to me.” He walked out of the room. Alma turned to Max.

“Is this true?”

“Don't worry, Mother. Maria Dolores would have to know. She's known her ever since childhood. I'll ask her.”

“Look at what you've provoked,” Hosefa said.

“I just told Orlando the truth. What does it matter that he knows? The revenge is over.”

“This is not over,” Hosefa said through clenched teeth. She had grabbed Isela's foot under the blanket.

“Mother, Maria Dolores knows. She threatened to tell if I didn't end this. I have to so she doesn't say anything to Max.”

“If only I hadn't said anything to you,” Hosefa said. She threw the ice pack aside and got up in disgust. “Tell that idiot it was all in her head. That she imagined everything.”

“No. She was here and we were talking about Alma.”

“Then she better not say anything and you better not say anything because I am taking charge of this revenge.”

“Leo was so happy because his mother had changed her mind,” Clara said. She was crying. Maria Dolores had explained about Alma. She also told her that she needed to be strong to help Leo. She didn't know how. Esperanza told her that it wasn't her place to tell Leo; it was Alma's. Clara got up from the table and went into her room. Esperanza told Maria Dolores she would have to talk to Isela. Maria Dolores did not want to. This had gone too far. They decided to go to church to pray for strength. Doris was sad for Max. He had been planning something very romantic for Maria Dolores.

Alma sat up in bed. Claudio was trying to sleep next to her and realized she wasn't even trying. He asked if she was worried about something. “Many things,” she said. Also that there would be time for sleep and rest. She told him she needed him. They kissed. It looked like this was going somewhere.

The following morning Hosefa met with Maleny.

“I've got some bad news for you,” Maleny said. “Your daughter and I made a deal that would put Ari on Alma's tail. OK, do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Well, she went behind my back.”

“My daughter went behind your back? Well, the other day Ari – “

“That's old news. Yes, I know very well.”

“You know that Maria Dolores won't keep her mouth shut around Max? She's at the point of telling him and you can't do anything.”

“We've been involved in this with both hands. If Alma finds out Claudio will not get my brother out of prison. You and I have to get those cosilachos out of the way. Do you understand?”

“Co si lachos?” Hosefa laughed.

“Well, if you like those terms so much, why don't you help us?”

“OK. I'll do what I can if she gets home early. Right now we don't do anything yet.”

“Why not?”

“Alma is sick. Very sick.” She made a letter C with her right hand. Maleny stared.

Isela escorted Alma to the clinic for her tests. The receptionist checked her appointment and asked about paperwork. Alma handed it to her. She asked Isela whether she was the one who was accompanying her. Max appeared behind them and said “No. I will take care of her.” He looked at his mother. “I'm your son.” Alma smiled as she started to cry at the same time. Maria Dolores was with Max.