Caray, Caray!

Memories are in italics.

In the police station, Laustela worries that she may also get Ryan in trouble because of her false testimony but Ryan reiterates that they and Paloma will be happy, soon. Laustela is unsure but she makes Ryan promise that Paloma will never know she was in jail or a criminal. Ryan nods.

The news of Laustela’s arrest spreads like wildfire along the entertainment media. Everyone wants to know why she has been arrested and various sources report that she is an illegal immigrant, usurped an identity and killed a man on American soil, which is why she will be tried in the US.

Danilo and Horacio hears all the reports from Danilo’s office. They are both surprised by the news and Danilo now knows why she never wanted to return to Mexico. Horacio asks if Danilo is aware of the possible implications, especially because the man she murdered was also an American citizen. Danilo shakes his head and Horacio reminds him that Furia may be investigated and the police may find out about the money laundering. Danilo doubts it as Regia turn herself in for other crimes that have nothing to do with El Dorado.


On the Furia stage, Tadeo discusses the news with his band members. Morgana comes and Tadeo gives her the “good” news: Regia is a murderer and she’s currently in jail. Morgana smiles and reminds them that she always knew Regia wasn’t as good as everyone said. Tadeo asks that she not jump to conclusions but Morgana thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to take over and show the public what she has to offer. Tadeo asks if she will continue singing and dancing, despite the pregnancy, but Morgana thinks it doesn’t matter and orders them to rehearse instead of gossiping so much. They go but Morgana looks worried.

Luisa confesses to Mr. Blake that she’s worried about the Laustela situation. Mr. Blake isn’t but Luis worries that she may talk and tell the police he was involved in the Osiel’s murder. Mr. Blake doubts they will believe an illegal immigrant murderer over him, even if she did. Luisa suggests they be ready regardless.

That night, Fausto is getting better at the hospital as Tona comes and tells him the news about Laustela. She’s pissed that Laustela turned herself in but happy that she will pay for murdering the thing she loved the most. She reiterates that she will also have her revenge on Nina, who betrayed them, though Fausto wonders how they will find her wherever she is. He suggests they go back to Mexico but Tona prefers to say and watch Laustela’s downfall.

Steve calls Genesis but it goes straight to voicemail. He tells her that they need to talk about Regia when his doorbell rings and he hangs up. It’s Nina, who needs a place to hide ASAP. Steve lets her in and she thanks him.

The next morning, Fausto and Tona visit Mr. Blake, much to his annoyance, but Tona reminds him that they need to be united against Laustela. Mr. Blake shakes his heads but Tona reminds him that she can still say he bought Paloma. At this, Mr. Blake considers his options, quietly.

Ryan and Rosario talk about the police station. He assures her that Laustela will get out, though it will be on bail, at least until they gather the proof for her trial. Rosario thinks it’s better than nothing and at least Laustela will be able to see Paloma. Just then, Laustela walks in and hugs them both. Ryan suggests they all go rest but their happiness is short lived as Joe comes and announces that Laustela won’t be able to leave on bail because there is another charge against her. He explains that Fausto and Tona charged her with attempted homicide.

Fausto begs Mr. Blake to unite with them so Laustela can look like a liar in the trial. Mr. Blake agrees but reminds them that they are not friends and warns them to never mention his name. Ever. Tona looks frustrated but agrees.

In the interrogation room, Ryan is frustrated with the whole Tona and Fausto situation, especially because they have done worse things to her. Laustela thinks she should’ve killed them though Ryan reminds her that she’s not like that. Laustela reminds him that she’s not a “white dove” and realizes that they will not stop until they destroy her. Ryan assures her that Joe is doing everything he can to help her and hopes that the trial is quick, for all their sakes. She thanks him for always believing in her and charges him with Paloma’s and Rosario’s safety. He promises he will take care of them.

Maria arrives home from school and finds Tadeo and Leticia, who just got back, waiting for her. Leticia hugs her and asks how everything at school was. Maria tells him fine and then asks about Tomas. Leticia confesses it was sad, as Felicia didn’t even come, so she buried him by herself. She then confesses that is she is sad over what Tadeo just told her. Maria assumes he told her about her party and begins to explain the situation to Leticia and telling her it was no big deal. Leticia thinks it is important that Laustela is in jail and then Maria realizes what happened and looks at Tadeo. She then agrees that it is sad but that is the music business. Leticia nods and then looks at Tadeo, hoping that he doesn’t end up the same way as Regia.

A guard comes and tells Ryan that his visiting time is over. Ryan shakes his head before reiterating that he will never leave Laustela because it took him his whole life to find her. They kiss and then he departs as Laustela finally breaks down and cries. Milton hands her a handkerchief and Laustela asks what he is doing there. Milton explains that he has his connections though Laustela tells him that her case has nothing to do with his money laundering investigation or drug trafficking. Milton nods but demands to know the name of the head of the money laundering operation at Furia, as she promised. Laustela is quiet and then the guard comes and demands Milton leave before dragging him outside. Laustela sighs, safe for now.

Steve gets dressed and goes into the living room, where Nina is picking up her things after sleeping on the floor. He asks how she spent the night and Nina admits that she’s slept in worse places. Steve pours some coffee for both and wonders what will happen should Genesis find out Nina is staying there. Nina offers to leave but Steve shakes his head and goes to answer the door. It’s Ryan, who goes to Nina and begs her to declare everything she knows about what Fausto and Tona did to Laustela in the past as they have no other proof. Nina is scared to say anything as she knows Tona prays to Saint Death and he must protect her as she always comes out of any trouble unscathed. Ryan is floored.

Leticia tells Tadeo and Maria that no one is sure who killed Tomas but the police are investigating. Also, since she is his only living relative, then she gets to keep his house and Maria is happy that Tomas did something good for once. Tadeo asks if her immigrant status is resolved as well but Leticia shakes her head though reminds him that VAMA is helping her. Tadeo nods and then Leticia says that she will continue to work hard and offer her services to all the musicians in Furia. Tadeo thinks it’s ironic that she wants to work where he does, despite not agreeing with his career choices, but Leticia thinks it’s different. He reminds her that they’re old enough to make their decisions and goes to the bathroom as Leticia asks Maria about her life. Maria tells her everything is fine, but her face says otherwise, though Leticia doesn’t push the issue.

That night, Ryan holds a meeting at Furia to inform them of Laustela’s situation and tell them that five of their upcoming shows featuring Regia and other artists have been cancelled. Danilo chides Regia for turning herself in though Mercy prefers to think of solutions to their problems. Danilo has one: they get some new blood at Furia, and soon, so Furia can shed the bad image Regia has left in her wake. Mercy and Joe agree, and Ryan will think it over, but Danilo tells him to hurry as his power and influence at Furia may soon be over.

As the days and weeks past, Leticia throws herself into her work…Maria continues to sleep with Mark in the most uncomfortable places…Tadeo signs a contract with Furia…Genesis and Asdrubal continue to get to know each other…Danilo continues to receive money from Marcelino which needs a good cleaning…Milton continues to do research on Laustela…Rosario visits Laustela regularly and shows her pictures of Paloma though Laustela begins to cry every time…

Sometime later, Joe visits Laustela and asks her how she feels as her hearing is in 2 days. She is ready to tell the truth, the whole truth, and finally be at peace. She then thanks Joe for his help and he tells her it was no problem though Ryan has been with him every step of the way. She reiterates that Ryan is the best thing that could’ve happened to her as Joe tells her that there is someone who wants to talk to her. As he does, Mercy appears behind him, much to Laustela’s annoyance.

In her hotel, Morgana is pissed that she has to be cooped up though Danilo reminds her that they told everyone she was going to rest. He then tells her that her absence hasn’t been easy for him either as Auscencio’s show can only launder so much money. Morgana wonders why Auscencio can continue to work but she can’t and Danilo explains that they sell her body, not her talent, so she can’t perform while she’s pregnant. He then reminds her that it will only be for a couple more months though it was her idea to stay in LA instead of going to Mexico where she could’ve had more freedom. Morgana doesn’t want to, lest he bring another woman to live with him at the hotel. Either way, she wants to know what happens with Laustela and Danilo tells her that the trial is in 2 days. She chides him for keeping such a close watch on Laustela and Danilo decides to leave as he’s tired of her nagging.

Laustela explains that jail has been no picnic but she’s been through worse. She then thanks Mercy for taking care of Paloma through the whole ordeal but Mercy did it with pleasure as Paloma has her heart. Mercy then apologizes for everything: from stealing Tato’s money to calling CPS so they could take Paloma away, but she was angry at the real Estela for hurting Ryan and unloaded all her angry on her. Laustela reminds her that she is now hurting Ryan but Mercy confesses that she would’ve done the same thing with Paloma if she would’ve been in her position. She also realizes how hard it must be for her to be away from her daughter but asks Laustela to trust her because she is taking care of Paloma. Laustela nods.

Leticia is working on an outfit when Maria, who is sporting shorter, wavier, and blonder locks, walks in, and greets her. Leticia sees her new hairdo and asks her to stop for a second before getting up, her stomach noticeably bigger. She asks Maria why she dyed her hair but Maria loved her new look and even tells her so in English. Leticia doesn’t agree but Maria is tired of being the only Mexican in her group of friends and wanted to make a change. Leticia reminds her that there are plenty of Mexican girls with black hair on the street but Maria explains that they are in America and this is what she wants. Leticia asks that she not ignore her roots but Maria is over it and nods her head slightly before going to her room.

Mercy tells Laustela that Rosario and Paloma will be safe, no matter what happens in her trial, but Laustela worries that Rosario still doesn’t have her papers. Mercy tells her that Joe is considering it and Laustela thanks her again. Mercy then asks why she hasn’t asked her to take care of Ryan and Laustela confesses that she doesn’t want to tie him down, lest she be condemned. Mercy is quiet and Laustela then asks about Furia. Mercy asks her not to ask but Laustela demands to know what happened. Mercy explains that her arrest spread and there have been a lot of cancelled shows, departing artists and they haven’t managed to sign any new ones either. Laustela laments the fact that it’s all her fault but Mercy thinks it’s funny that, despite all their troubles, money continues to come into Furia and comes out squeaky clean.

In Genesis’s apartment, she gives into Asdrubal and savors every moment of his touch. Asdrubal does the same and gives into his passion as both he and Genesis make love on the couch and on the kitchen counter.

Ryan goes to visit Laustela and cries as he tells her that every day is harder without her. He needs her out of jail, soon, so he can love her fully. Laustela wishes it were so but it’s likely that she isn’t released for a long time. He begs her not to talk like that but he will continue to fight for her regardless of what happens. Laustela begs him to let her go and move on, especially if she goes to jail, as he can’t ruin his life like she ruined hers. Ryan shakes his head and Laustela asks him to promise to fall in love again and move on but Ryan reiterates that he will always fight for her.

Post coitus, Asdrubal complements Genesis on her love making skills though genesis reminds him that he must clean up after them because she must go to work. He hugs her and then asks her how things are going for the San Diego show. Genesis is shocked that he, after sex, wants to talk about something so boring but, either way, he knows a lot about her job but she knows nothing of his. She knows he’s a writer but the rest is a mystery. At this, Asdrubal challenges her to ask whatever but warns her that his life is boring and nothing like hers as she goes to shows and deals with famous artists. Genesis confesses that much less so lately as the only thing making money at Furia is the small shows Danilo promotes. Asdrubal nods and she explains that they are small, private gatherings but they leave a lot of money. He then asks if he can ask for a favor but Genesis would like to savor him, one more time, before he tells her. Asdrubal couldn’t agree more and kisses her.

Luisa gives Mr. Blake a subpoena to appear at Laustela’s trial. She thinks Laustela told the police about him but he reminds her that Regia was with him on the campaign trial and the police made their connections. Luisa thinks Laustela’s lawyers are leading him into a trap at the trial but Mr. Blake isn’t worried as no illegal immigrant will destroy him. In fact, he will use this opportunity to destroy her.

Two days later, Laustela’s trial begins and anyone who’s anyone is there. Everyone rises, sits down, and the judge begins the trial with Joe as the defending lawyer and Amador Jaime Olegario Cesar another guy as the prosecuting lawyer. The judge asks Laustela be brought in and she walks over to Joe, silently. She then looks back at Ryan, who nods, and the prosecutor begins opening statements. He argues that while Laustela used to be a prostitute, that is no on trial, but rather the fact that she stole a child and then killed an American citizen, Osiel, before crossing the border and buying a false identity, which she used for many years. He warns the jury that, if she is allowed to go free, she will continue her life of crime and reminds them that she tried to kill Fausto and Tona recently.

At their café, Genesis tells Asdrubal that she may be able to show him around Furia that afternoon as everyone is at Regia’s trial. Asdrubal hopes she can, as he’s curious to see where she works, but he explains that he heard about Regia and it’s a shame as well. Genesis comments that he looks too serious to be a gossip columnist of any kind but Asdrubal smiles and asks if she’s calling him a gossip as he only read about Regia in passing.

Joe begins his opening statement and assures the jury that they aren’t there to prove that Laustela is a perfect woman, because she did make mistakes, but it is only because she was forced into prostitution and had to do whatever she could to survive. He then asks if any of them would not risk their lives to save a baby. At this the prosecutor objects, as Joe is only trying to manipulate the jury, but the judge finds not fault. Joe continues: Laustela did not steal a baby but protected her from deplorable people and then had to escape and usurp another’s identity because those same people were after her. In order to protect Paloma, she had to hide her identity or Tona and Fausto would kill her. Joe then thanks the jury and sits down as the prosecutor calls their first witness: John Blake Green. Danilo sits forward and listens intently.

Mr. Blake swears the oath and takes a sit. The prosecutor then asks him what relationship he has with Laustela. Mr. Blake explains that their relationship was professional as she performed at various rallies with him as Regia. He then confesses that he met her years beforehand, at a brothel in Tijuana, before he was blind but shortly after he become a widower. He tells them that his wife died in childbirth along with his daughter. He begins to cry then and the prosecutor asks how often he and Laustela saw each other. Mr. Blake explains that he saw her often enough at the brothel but their relationship was strictly business. However, she and her lover, Osiel, were interested in his money. Laustela demands he be quiet but the judge asks Joe to control Laustela, who obliges. Mr. Blake then explains that she and Osiel tried to milk him for all he was worth by selling her a baby that had been ripped from her parent’s arms; if they don’t believe his story, they can investigate at the CPS. Mr. Blake then explains that they took him to an abandoned shack, using the pain he felt over the loss of his own daughter, Brittany, to sell him Paloma, who Laustela eventually told everyone was her daughter. The prosecutor thanks him and then the judge asks Joe to the stand. Joe stands up and asks Mr. Blake why he used Laustela for his campaign if he knew her background. Mr. Blake announces that he’s blind, before taking off his glasses, and explains that Laustela presented herself as Regia and he didn’t recognize her. Joe asks if he recognized her voice but Mr. Blake didn’t as he never heard Laustela sing and he couldn’t identify her voice. He assumes he blocked everything about her from the trauma he suffered at her hands. Joe asks him to be specific and Mr. Blake declares that he is blind because of Laustela but he can’t prove it because the only witness, Osiel, is dead. Joe then asks the jury and the court to wipe that portion of the statement from the record as there is no prove. He also proposes that Mr. Blake trying to destroy Laustela because she revealed his connections with illegal immigration and tanked his campaign. The prosecutor objects because Joe is making connections that aren’t readily apparent. The judge accepts and asks Joe if there are any more questions. Joe shakes his head and shits down as the prosecutor asks Tona to the stand.

As Leticia continues to sow, she hears the news on Laustela’s trial. She shakes her head, dejected, at the news, as there is a knock on the door. It’s Morgana, who has brought her a gift, though Leticia notes that she’s been too generous. Morgana asks her to take it and then asks if she knows about Laustela’s trial. Leticia nods and tells her that it’s horrible, especially since she hasn’t seen Laustela since the video. Morgana assumes that, if the river makes noise, it’s because it has water.

Tona tells the jury that her husband, Osiel, did own the brothel but she had no idea though Laustela was his lover. She begins to cry and tells them that she only saw Laustela later, with the Cabrera brothers, who fell for her sob story. Ryan goes to protest but Mercy holds him back as Danilo goes to sit next to him. He asks Ryan why Tona is even there but Ryan is quiet as Tona explains that Laustela tried to kill her because they found out she was using a false name.

Leticia asks Morgana how she is feeling and notes that they make give birth at the same time or close to each other. She smiles and goes to touch Morgana’s stomach but Morganas moves back and demands she not touch her. Morgana explains that she hates people touching her, even Danilo, and Leticia nods before offering her a seat. Morgana explains that she only came to drop off her gift though Leticia thinks it’s a shame that she must be locked up for so long. Morgana tells her that it’s only to preserve her image but she will be back on stage as soon as she gives birth. Leticia nods, confused, and then they both hear as the radio announcer notes that things aren’t looking well for Laustela.

Joe asks Laustela, now on the witness stand, if her story that Fausto recruited her, under false pretenses, to Osiel’s brothel is true. Laustela tells him it is and Joe asks her to describe her life at the brothel. Laustela explains that her life was hell and Tona, who pretends to be a saint, is the worse human being she has ever met. Joe asks her to explain and Laustela reveals that, when she first arrived, Tona left her without food for days so that she could control her better.

Tona opens the door with a plate of food. Laustela smells it and begs Tona to let her eat. Tona dropped the plate on the table but ordered Laustela to get up and put makeup on because she was there to work. Laustela got up, slowly, as Tona explained that she would eat if she worked. Laustela begged her to let her go but Tona only grabbed a fistful of hair and dragged her to the table. She warned Laustela that she was there for their convenience and profit. In fact, there was a client waiting for her right now and she was lucky to have him as this client liked different things from the usual regulars. She told Laustela that she was going to learn before taking the plate of food away and leaving Laustela to get ready.

Sometime later, Tona took her to meet Mr. Blake, who was waiting in another room with a table full of various knives. Tona told him that Laustela was a real lion in the sack and then warned Laustela to behave or else. Once alone, Mr. Blake threw Laustela on the bed and told her that he liked to play with toys before ordering her to put on a leather bra and panties. Laustela told him she didn’t want to play with his toys but Mr. Blake didn’t take no for an answer. He grabbed her and threw her against the table, which sent all the knives flying to the floor, along with Laustela. Mr. Blake then got close to her face and reminded her that she would do all he ordered her to. Laustela, who would not go down without a fight, grabbed one of the knives on the floor and stabbed Mr. Blake in the hand. As Mr. Blake screamed in pain, Laustela stared at him, frozen in place.

Laustela opens her eyes and begins to cry as she remembers that this was just one of the many cruelties she suffered…

Labels: Estela