Tuesday, August 29, 2017

La Candidata Martes 8/29/17 Chapter 54: The Arrest


Chapter 54: The Arrest

Throughout history many careers have begun well and ended badly. For one to end because of a lie is a more common evil than we know An arrest is difficult but prison is a gladiator hell.
D.D.
Alonso laughed after his confrontation with Gerardo, thinking he had won.

At the office, Cecelia and Magda gloated over this, knowing that Alonso was determined to destroy Gerardo. Magda became upset about Mauro. Magda said that Mauro had been behaving strangely, not like the man she knew for so many years. She had difficulty believing that Mauro would betray Alonso. Cecelia tried to get her to explain this.

Mauro gave a speech about violence, segueing into being about Teresa being an innocent victim of domestic violence, emphasizing that men who do this should go to prison as an example. Teresa stood there silently, giving the performance of her life as a woman intimidated into silence by abuse as Mauro promised that they would help with more than moral support.

Natalia and Noemi talked about José and how Natalia could not live in the sort of humble circumstances he was accustomed to. She felt bad about feeling this way. Noemi continued to tell her that José was not for her.

Alonso looked again at the sex video of Regina and Gerardo on his cell phone.
If I release this to the press her career is ruined.”
Why don't you?” Ochoa asked him.
Because there are other steps that can be taken. There are other cards in my hand. This jewel would be the last card to play, if necessary.” He then made another call and told the person at the other end to listen carefully.

Gerardo told Regina about his meeting with Alonso. Compounded with Teresa's accusations he was sure the public was hating him at that moment.
I understand, but you are innocent and until you construct a strategy this will be very dangerous. It would be better to tell the truth, that I was with you.”
No, no, Regina. I don't want to expose you in any way. I don't think it won't do you any good to be associated with me.”
This isn't about what's convenient for me.”
But it's important. I don't want you to be associated with me.”
Do you want to never see me again? That's it, isn't it? You don't want me to be with you.”
No. I don't want you to look guilty and lose the election.”
What they're saying about me doesn't matter. I will not abandon you, punto. There is no other option.”
Regina, I love you. I will not do anything to allow prejudice against you. We're in this kind of campaign. We know perfectly well that we're in a position that it would benefit us to stop –”
I understand completely. But I don't want more lies. I will not deny loving you. Besides, we won't know what is going on, or the judge's decision. I can't believe he would take her word. We all know who Teresa really is. We know she is sick. That anyone would believe you hit her...”
Since when is that important?  I'm a lawyer. I know judges can be bribed.”
Regina looked worried, nontheless.

Marcia was under guard in the San Roman mansion. She tried to get José to let her go. Sadly, since he began working for Mario he had gone over to the dark side of humanity. He stood in front of her and put his hands on his hips to display the pistol he wore. Mario entered, saying that the old man was finally asleep. He then dismissed José so he could speak to Marcia. She told him she was afraid and wanted to go. He told her he would not allow it. He wanted her to be naked and astride him. Obviously he intended for her to be his full-time sex slave.

Cecelia told Alonso that Mauro was strangely reticent, as he was looking to go into business and get out of politics. She said that he needed to be cautious around him. Alonso was not terribly concerned. He told her to take charge of Teresa to mess up Gerardo's life with more tales of maltreatment and violence. His final order was for her to start a rumor that he was about to file for divorce.
Say that I'm very hurt because of the deceit and maltreatment. And that losing Regina is killing me.”

Escalante told Lorena that Gerardo was getting in the way of his plans.
I'm having problems with the candidate. This fool Martínez could ruin everything. Do you know anything about the judge?”
Yes. We have a problem. You received the disc.”
That won't be a problem.” He picked up his cell and called Bizco.
Bizco? Fernando Escalante. You have a friend who's a judge, don't you? I need a big favor. Good. I'll see you in my office.” He ended the call.
I don't understand. Do you or don't you want Bizco's demise?”
I'll use him until he's killed. It's easy. There will be an interview with the interim governor and he'll give all the information about Chulo.”
Lorena nodded. Inside she felt very ill at ease.

Franco had been summoned to Alonso's place and he went. It was to discuss Mauro “who is about to do something stupid.” Franco was suspicious and asked what he wanted.
To talk to you. You and Mauro are such great friends.”
We are,” Franco said, cautiously.
Sit down, please,” Alonso gestured to a chair. Franco complied. “Therefore you know that he was robbing me to feather his own nest.”
What do you want, Alonso?”
The same as you,” Alonso said. “To protect Mauro. To make him give up the stupid idea to leave politics for a new life. Let me make this clear; I'm not competing with you.” He sat down near Franco and looked him in the eye. “Of course, I won't take your boyfriend away from you.” He laughed. “I know the reality. I'll give you the rest. Consider the idea that I can send you to prison where they will figure out your preferences. This will get out about the head of an important media company. How will your wife, your children, and your parents take this when it comes out? What are you going to say, Franco? Will you help us?”
Franco said nothing. Alonso had him cornered and he knew it.

Escalante and Bizco shook hands over their deal, which would result in Gerardo being arrested in only a few hours.

Cecelia and Isela talked again about their favorite topic, Cecelia's hopes for a future with Alonso. As usual, Isela tried to get her to stop deluding herself over Alonso's intentions toward her even if he ended up divorced. That she would always be “the other woman.” She reminded her that the class difference would always be there and her own father didn't acknowledge her. Neither of them seemed to be aware – or were not acknowledging – that Cecelia was being manipulated by a bigger narcissist than herself.

Franco told Mauro that Alonso knew of his plans and what he had threatened to do. Mauro suggested distracting Alonso by scheduling an exclusive interview on the air. Alonso would get his ego fed and their secret would be safe.

Daniela and Ignacio each talked to their bosses. Gerardo told Ignacio he was going to resign his senatorial position. Ignacio pointed out that his guilt or innocence didn't matter when dealing with Alonso, who was in a unique position to win this battle. Ignacio received a call that there was a warrant out for Gerardo's arrest.

Lorena handed Mauro the file she had previously discussed with Escalante. Their exchange was a cat-and-mouse game regarding her taking over dealing with the narcos. Lorena told him that at least she played the game better than he did because she didn't accept danger as part of the package, Magda saw her leaving his office and asked Mauro whether Alonso knew of his dealings with her. He told her to call Ochoa and tell him that he needed him immediately.
Does Alonso know you've seen her?”
And you know that I am the interim governor and don't need anyone's authorization? Do as I say and now!” He closed the door in her face.

Regina's supporters were having issues with each other and needing Regina's assistance when Daniela came in to get her.
You have to come with me right now. It's serious.”
Outside the building Gerardo was being arrested and the press was all over it, as usual. Cameras and microphones almost outnumbered the people. Ignacio kept saying that Gerardo was not guilty. Regina ran out to help but was not able to prevent the police from putting Gerardo into the arresting officers' car. The cameras followed all the way.

Alonso confronted Mauro regarding Lorena and the narcos, warning that he was in danger of destroying his own career. Mauro reminded him of his own dealings with the narcos and told him that he had to kill Bizco. He demanded to know why Alonso had threatened himself and Franco. He was tired of the humiliations, telling Alonso he had to clean up his own mess. “And you threaten to kill me?” he finally said. He knew that Alonso had been in league with El Chulo, which he had not previously forseen. He then told Alonso that Lorena was out to destroy him, then asked if he were willing to leave office to prevent the scandal and its fallout. Then he accused him of trying to destroy his life. As he turned to leave, Alonso said they would resolve this issue privately, telling him not to leave. Mauro may have been enough of a fool to believe him.

Noemi told Natalia she had to recover her inheritance. She warned her that Omar had lost control of his mental faculties and there was no telling what he would do next. Natalia remembered how badly Omar had treated José and Noemi scolded her to forget José and to get back her money. “Or do you want to be poor? Because if you don't do this your son will be left with nothing.”

Regina returned to her office and asked her supporters to allow her to talk alone with Daniela. They didn't want to leave without her decision but finally relented when Daniela told them she would set a new meeting date. Regina wanted to call Escalante. She also wanted to do what she could to get Gerardo out of jail. Daniela said that this arrest was not a guilty verdict. This did not deter Regina. She talked about Gerardo needing to make a statement and how the judge could just decide to detain him indefinitely; she was certain that Alonso was behind Gerardo's arrest. She took out her phone.

Emiliano went to see Ximena to help her.
I haven't talked to my father. I don't know where he is. I need you to come with me. I don't know what to do.”
Did you talk to your mother?”
Yes, but it doesn't matter to her. She's gambling at the casino. You need to talk to your father and find out what he has to do with this.”
What are you talking about?”
Your father had him arrested because he's your mother's lover.”
Ximena, you have to stop with this.”
Are you going to help me or not?”
She was shouting, almost screaming, at him.

Ignacio was on the phone about this when Escalante arrived for his appointment with Regina. This made Ignacio think that Regina would not be doing anything to help Gerardo. Daniela told him that Escalante would use his influence to help. Ignacio felt that this was unnecessary and all this would take would be for Regina to declare that they had been together when Teresa had been attacked.

Alonso held a press conference regarding his upcoming divorce as Cecelia watched silently.
Of course it's sad. Breakups are always sad. It's the end of a family, a way of life. I think a lot about my son and how I don't see him every day.  My wife also. I've not only lost her partnership in life but in politics as well.”
Was the separation by mutual agreement?” asked Hernán.
Yes.” He seemed surprised by the question.
One more question,” said the female reporter standing near Hernán. “Is it true that there is a third person in this? Is it true that Senator Gerardo Martínez is the cause of the discord? That is what his ex-wife says. Is it true that you had him arrested?”
Alonso behaved as though he were just hearing this for the first time.
I wasn't informed of this. Well, the Senator will then have to deal with a judge. You're talking about something very sensitive and serious. Women being hit, abused, dead. Dear God.”
So was it Senator Barcenas who initiated the divorce?”
Here is my answer. I will fight for my family. I always believe in the family. I'm sorry that the same can't be said of my wife, Senator Regina Barcenas. Thank you.” Hernán started a new question but Alonso ended the press conference.

As Alonso and Cecelia walked back to their offices after the press conference they saw Mauro on the phone through his office window. Alonso's cell rang and it was Emiliano, who did not forget his father's death threat against his mother. Alonso became annoyed, said he was busy, and for Emiliano to call later. He ended the call. He told Cecelia to find Magda because he wanted to call the judge to make sure that Gerardo got the maximum sentence as an example. Both then gloated over the fate they have handed him.

Regina told Escalante she needed to see Gerardo to make sure he was alright. Escalante told her that Gerardo would not be able to see his lawyer until he made a statement. This seems a guarantee of a judgement of guilt with no justice for the accused. Regina told Escalante that she and Gerardo were together at the time of the alleged attack. He asked about witnesses and she told him that there were none, as they had been in a hotel bed.

Mauro accused Magda of having revealed his plans to Alonso. Magda denied having done so. Alonso walked in and told Magda that Cecelia had instructions for her; this was to get her to leave Mauro took advantage of this to tell Alonso that he needed Ochoa to eliminate Bizco or the two of them would be killed.

Emiliano was unable to get his parents on the phone.
Therefore your father was the one who had my father arrested.”
Ximena, my parents are not at fault. It was your mother who brought charges against your father.”
'That's why I asked you to help me!” she yelled. “And you never do anything to help –”
Ximena, calm down,” he said in an even voice.
Teresa returned.
What is this scandal? I could hear you in the hallway. What happened?” She took Ximena's cell phone away. “Are you trying to call the man who almost killed me?” 
She slapped Ximena very hard. Emiliano went to Ximena's defense only to end up being hit by Teresa, who then began pulling his hair as he tried to make her to stop.

Gerardo was taken to jail, dressed in his Italian suit and expensive shirt. The guards demanded that he strip. He asked for his lawyer and when he would see the judge. The guards took their own brand of class prejudice out on him and hit him with a metal baton when he declined to comply with their orders. He fell to the floor but picked himself up.

Escalante told Regina not to worry because he knew how to handle judges. This could be resolved faster than she thinks. His goal seemd to be to prevent her testifying. Alonso phoned Regina and told her to come home immediately, saying she wouldn't like seeing Gerardo in prison. He hung up before she could say anything in response. Escalante told her not to allow Alonso to manipulate her. She thanked him for his help and he promised it all. Daniela told her that Emiliano had called to say he was with Ximena and Ignacio said she should make the declaration to free Gerardo. His insistence provoked a whispered insult from Daniela. Regina said she was going to see Alonso, then took her purse and left.

Ximena managed to break up the fight, but only just long enough for Teresa to get in some more nasty words.
What's the matter with you? You always defend people who hurt me!” She then looked at Emiliano and tried to provoke him. “Hit me. Go ahead and your daddy will –”
Shut up!” Ximena screamed. “Don't you recognize who you are becoming? Go to your room; I don't want to –”
Teresa hit her daughter on the head, turned around, and slapped Emiliano hard enough to make him temporarily unable to immediately protect Ximena. She then grabbed Ximena by the hair, hit her again and got in between them.
If I haven't been a good daughter were you a good mother?” Ximena yelled.
This ended with Teresa chasing both of them out the door and yelling – sufficiently loud for the neighbors to hear – “You're just like your father! You both belong in the garbage!”

Gerardo was put in a hellhole of a cell block filled with tough inmates who all ganged up on him, yelling Teresa's accusations back at him. He tried to fight back but once they had him on the floor and began stomping on him he had no chance.

Marcia went into Omar's bedroom and observed him for a short time as he slept. She then crept quietly toward the bed, knelt on it, picked up a pillow, and proceeded to smother him. He struggled.


Cecelia was at Alonso's home wearing one of his white shirts. They were laughing and about to go for Round Two in celebration of their destruction of others' lives when Regina entered. Alonso laughed in her face, saying “Excuse us, but we were about to make love.”

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Comments:
Due to the subject matter of this novela there will be strict moderation of the comments.

Anything about current or past real-world political situations will be removed.  Discussion will be limited to the story, the production values, and the actors' performances.  Also, episode discussions will be closed once the next episode's recap is posted.
 

Thank you , Urban, for yet another great recap.

I was really bothered that Gerardo has not tried to make other arrangements for Ximena like hiring a housekeeper and throwing out crazed Teresa long before now because now when there is an emergency with him being thrown in jail, Ximena is left on her own again to try to fend for herself and fight off her crazed mother.

I really am enjoying this angry, and in my view, new and improved Mauro.

With the exposure of the involvement of the drug traffickers in the political world, we are really getting to see the ugly underbelly of Alonso's support system. Now Mario does not seem so out of place after all.
 

I think this happened too fast for Gerardo to make such an arrangement. He did throw Teresa out a few episodes ago when he put her in a cab, but she got back in once the arrest warrant was issued. He really needed to change the locks, but when have we ever seen a locksmith or a novela character call one?

I realize that restraining orders are often ineffective but to have one on the books would have been something. However, Gerardo, Ximena, and Regina will never be free of her unless she dies.
 

Marcia is quite foolhardy to try to kill Omar in a house full of his goons. It would be lovely for her to succeed, as that would guarantee Natalia getting everything back he's tried to steal from her. She should have just taken half the contents of the safe and ran.

I got a flashback to my own mother when Teresa chased Ximena out of the apartment saying "You're just like your father..." While my mother wasn't BSC like Teresa or physically threatening (I made her afraid of my fighting back long before I was Ximena's age) she was nasty about my father and a full-blown narcissist like Teresa and other villanas we've seen.

Escalante will have to be exposed soon before his dirt rubs off on Regina. That will be an interesting reveal, I'm certain.
 

UA: Marcia will die at some point.

Jarifa: Not shocked Gerardo went to prison & will likely stay there forever.


 

Thank you Urban for the detailed recap. I was out of town and missed a few episodes. The novela is certainly moving quickly. What is striking in the novela is how almost anything can be resolved by either bribery or assassination. Also the money for the bribery comes from drug trafficking money. In this type of environment even if Regina does become president, how long could she stay out of this type of underhand dealing. Her campaign is being funded by Escalante who has shady business dealings and wants to be able to manipulate her when / if she becomes president.
 

Start of the semester and no time to read the recap etc. till this afternoon, but I have to comment on the excellence of the acting by the actor playing Mauro last night!
 

Lynette: Regina being a puppet of Escalante.

As you see how BPN is a political puppet of Daddy Casilas in Telemundo's "EL SENOR DE LOS CIELOS".
 

Urban, thank you. What an episode!

Marcia tries to off gramps, awesome. She is so small though, she is having trouble handling that pillow.

Escalante is one sick dude, he disposes of people like we dispose off napkins. He now wants to use Bisco, and than have him wacked. Regina better find out who he is before she accepts anymore help. And why is it that she always asks help from people who are the most corrupt. Mario comes to mind.

Teresa pulling Emi's hair was shocking, she is so violent, Gerardo deserves what he is getting for being so stupid and not getting a restraining order on that monster a long time ago.

 

Thank you so much Urban, I don't think you missed a beat on this one. Great job!

I so hate Teresa and especially when I saw her abusing Ximena like that. I hate to say it, but my mother could get that out of control too and very mean when she didn't get her own way or if she found me disagreeable. The slaps and hair pulling was just way over the top.

So I wonder if Marcia will be successful in killing off Omar or if someone will catch her? Or maybe we will finally have someone fall down the stairs of doom? Here's a thought: Omar is able to fight off Marcia and he gets up and chases her. She tries to run down the stairs and they both fall down the stairs of doom and die.
 

Urban, ITA that Gerardo could do nothing right now to protect his daughter but he has been guilty of negligence by putting her crazy mother, his profession, his relationship with Regina and himself repeatedly before securing Ximena's well being and protecting her from Teres. She is only seventeen and since she was exposed to a lifetime of Teresa, it is no surprise she is as she is. Gerardo has failed as a parent in my book.

I think Marcia and Lorena are expendable and will not make it.
 

Nothing short of death would stop Teresa. She would laugh at a restraining order.

I think it was during YNCELH that someone said that restraining orders aren't taken seriously in Mexico. I therefore surmise that if one were issued against Teresa that she would ignore it and nobody would even think of arresting her until a third offense, which could be breaking a bone... or something worse.

We don't know how long Teresa and Gerardo are divorced. Since neither appears to have any adult relatives the only thing he could have done to protect Ximena would have been to send her to boarding school, which is usually the worst thing to do to a child when you get divorced. More recently he should have insisted she stay in the manicomio after the murder/suicide attempt.
 

Jarifa: I've been saying that Marcia & Lorena are likely gone.

Natalia might be on that list soon & Cecilia will be joining them very soon as well.
 

Interesting, in De Que Te Quiero, Te Quiero there was a restraining order issued by Natalina against BOTH Diego and Rodrigo. That's the only other novela I've seen Restraining Orders issued.
 





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