Chapter
11: Truth and Innuendo
Carolina
shoved Damián off herself and tried to calm down. Damián quickly
dressed as Carolina picked up her purse and left through the french
doors near the stairs, where Santiago was peering in. She gave him the excuse
that she had been resting. They walked outside as she explained she
was nervous about the new business and needed to think. Santiago was
a little confused and easily led to his pick-up truck as Carolina
said she needed some fresh air. Damián watched carefully from the
window. She glanced over in his direction to make sure he wasn't
exiting through the same door.
“I'll
talk with my friend,” Andres said.
“With
your colleague?” Raquel asked Andres as they walked toward his car.
“Yes,
my colleague,” he said. “We have common business interests.”
“Legal
ones?” she asked, looking for his reaction, which was to look at
her directly. “Excuse me. It's that I know you.”
“Well,
if you know me you know that everything I do is for you,” he
answered. “To launch your catering business.”
“For
which I am grateful,” she said. Then she stopped short and looked
back at him. “What did you mean by saying that my husband has no
limits?”
“That
he likes other women.”
“What
are you referring to?”
“Raquel,
I knew you first.”
“Are
you serious? No, we're not starting down that road. No. No. After
thinking why I walked away from you –”
“For
money.”
“Ah,
of course. Well, yes,” she said, with a droplet of sarcasm. “It's
logical that you would think that way because it makes you feel
better. I remind you that when I started seeing Damián the business
was brankrupt. He built it up on his own.”
“On
his own?” He sounded like he didn't believe her. “And I did
nothing?”
“Andres,
that is your problem. You are very selfish. Also very envious.
That was it.”
She
walked away before he could think of a denial, one that he could
believe himself.
Carolina
tried to explain to Santiago that she was nervous because while
Damián and Raquel were accustomed to dealing with business matters
she had been locked up in a routine of kitchen and housework. For now
she just wanted to get away for a while. To her possible surprise he
told her that she had him and their kids behind her in all things.
She was not to worry.
“Santi,
you're so good. More than I deserve,” she said as she embraced
him. “Forgive me.”
“No,
my love. On the contrary. Now I see that I've been very selfish and
argumentative because I didn't want to share you with anyone. But
now I've learned. I've learned my mistake and I want to help. I
want you to achieve your dream. We're going to do well and work
better as a couple. What do you say?”
She
smiled weakly.
“Don't
worry,” he said.
Mia
and Federico arrived home from school. Nicolás was with them. He
suggested that they watch a movie, but Mia said a quick “No thanks”
and went directly upstairs.
“You
know how my sister is,” Federico said to him. “Get used to it.”
“But
what did I do?”
“Nothing,
but things go on in my sister's head that nobody understands. You
can be talking to her one minute and the next you're completely
disconnected. Nico, don't get any illusions about my sister, okay?”
“Fede,
I don't have any illusions; calm down. Okay?”
“Well,
then, quit bugging her.”
Nicolás
agreed, but looked as though he wish things were otherwise. He
became pensive.
Santiago
kissed his wife, reassuringly as she sat in the pick-up.
“Don't
worry; we'll work this out. What do you need to raise this?
Crockery?”
“We
don't have enough crockery.”
“Why?
When is the event?”
“It's
Saturday.”
“Well,
then don't worry. You have the tablecloths, the trays, the burners,
lighters –”
“We're
short on lighters, too.”
“Well,
let me make a call –” He reached for his cell phone.
“No,
no, it's not necessary,” she said, taking his hand. “There are
so many things on the list. Thanks, but I don't need help.
Seriously.”
He
put his phone back. “We're together in this thing, yes or no?”
She nodded. “We're a family, and we're going forward together. I
want to help. So call. I'm in this with you. I don't want to feel
left out anymore.”
“You're
right,” she said, touching his face. “I want your help.”
“Santiago,
I don't believe it!” said Raquel, as she arrived. “You're going
to help!” She kissed his cheek. “Thanks! And Damián?”
Santiago
turned to his wife.
“Why
didn't you tell me Damián was here?”
“Because
he left as you were arriving, therefore –”
“Ah,”
said Raquel, leaving just enough room for Carolina to make the exit
by kissing her husband and saying she had to get to work on this.
“That's
how it is with her,” Santiago said.
“The
same with me,” said Raquel, smiling. “Seriously.”
“Everything
will be alright.” She nodded.
However,
Santiago didn't look as though he believed his own words.
“Have
you gone crazy?” Miriam asked. “I will not permit any tests on
my son!”
“Nobody
is asking your permission, Miriam.”
“Are
you crazy? At this moment my son is fighting for his life. What do
you want? Doctor, don't do anything.”
“I
will make the decision here,” Raquel said. “Miriam, for God's
sake!”
“What
does it matter whose baby this was?”
Raquel
ignored her and spoke directly to the doctor.
“I
need this test to find out the truth.”
“Are
you serious?” Miriam was almost shouting, but definitely sneering
in anger.
“I
am serious,” Raquel said, directly. “I have the right to make
this decision, Miriam; I am the wife. I have the legal right to make
this request, Doctor, and you know it.”
“This
is the height of evil –”
“The
crime is that you don't want to permit me to have this information.
After all the humiliations you have heaped on me. Yes or no?”
“Ladies,
I ask you to please calm down,” the doctor said.
“The
only thing that will make me calm down is for you to do this test.
I'm asking you,” Raquel told the doctor.
“The
lady is the patient's wife,” the doctor said. “I can't deny this
request.”
“Let
me talk to my lawyer,” Miriam said. “and let him say what we are
going to do.”
“I
will go to the hospital's legal department and abide by their word,”
said the doctor. He left, not showing his gratitude that this
allowed him to escape the epic battle that had been escalating before
his eyes and ears. Miriam shook her finger at Raquel.
“Listen,
Raquel. The only thing you will get out of this is the day when I put
you out in the street!”
“You
don't impress me with your threats. I have two children to fight
for. I've kept quiet about this for Damián's sake but now I have
had it. Never again.” She walked away, leaving Miriam frustrated
and annoyed with her failure to intimidate Raquel.
“Justice
doesn't operate on the same time schedule as we do, Señor Àlvarado,”
Laura told him. “Police investigations are slow in cases like
this.” Santiago turned away with the beginnings of a sarcastic
laugh. “Excuse me but it's my job to maintain spectator interest
in this.”
“Really?
Let me understand: You're telling me that your job is to keep
people interested in this and how? Making up lies to give a good
show?”
“Not
necessarily –”
“Yes,
if it's necessary to keep your audience.”
“If
the principals in the matter don't talk we have no choice other than
to go to their friends, others who know them, their own –”
“You
aren't going near my family. I won't permit it. With my family?
No.”
“It's
too late, Señor Àlvarado. We're already investigating your
daughter, Lola. We heard she was in contact with a friend of hers
from school and believe me, she's saying some horrible things. Did
she talk to you about a trip after graduation?”
“She
didn't do what you're saying. It's not true. In my family nobody
tells lies, least of all my daughter. Who is this friend?”
“Watch
the interview.”
“[???]
Who is this friend?”
There
was a knock. Laura looked at him smugly as he backed away and
answered the door.
“Oh,
it's you,” he said as Godoy asked to enter.
“You're
here, aren't you? Come in,” Santiago said, knowing that his day
was already in ruins. As Godoy entered, Laura was a little
uncomfortable.
“Detective,
I present the journalist –”
“Laura
Garcia,” Godoy said.
“What?
You know each other?”
Raquel
went back to the company offices only to have to face Andres.
“Why
are you like this? Is this about Damián?”
“Why
are you asking me? Talk to your aunt and she'll tell you everything
as she always does.”
“You
talked to her, didn't you?”
“I
didn't start it; she decided to mess with me.”
“Don't
make an enemy of her. She'll put you out in the street, Raquel.”
“She
can try what she likes, I don't care!” Tears formed in her eyes.
“Lower
your voice. She's an enemy who will stab you in the back. I'm only
trying to protect you.”
“I
can't anymore. I can't take it anymore!”
“Raquel,
Raquel,” he said, reaching out to embrace her. “You can't go on
like this. I'll take you home. Let me take you home. Let's go.”
She
nodded and they left.
“She's
my wife,” Godoy said. Santiago smiled ironically, covering up his
true reaction.
“Of
course, it should be obvious,” he said as he turned around to look
at her.
“I'm
a reporter,” she said.
“I
think it's better if you go,” Godoy said. She started to, but
Santiago grabbed her arm.
“No,
no. You have to wait and tell me what's going on with my daughter
and her friends.”
“I'm
not getting involved in this business, Señor Àlvarado. It would be
better if you confronted her. Tell her to expose this publicly.
That's my advice.” As she stepped away her husband stopped her.
“Wait
for me outside,” he said.
“No,”
she said, pulling free. “I can get back alone, thanks.” She
walked out.
“Of
course,” Santiago said, disgusted. “It was her. It was her.
Now I understand how she found out. She's your wife.”
“Señor,
it's not what you think –”
“No?
Then explain to me because I don't understand. Your wife came here
to ask questions. I didn't tell Laura anything about the case,
Señor.”
“Leave
my house. I don't want to talk to you. Get out!”
Godoy
took a small brown envelope from his pocket.
“My
boss wanted me to hand this to you personally.” He held it out and
Santiago snatched it.
“In
case I wasn't clear, I won't talk to you. Get out of my house.”
“I'm
very sorry.” Godoy left.
Santiago
opened the envelope and dropped Carolina's rings into his hand. He
finally sat down on the couch and thought back to the first time they
had dined with Damián and Raquel and Raquel had told him that if
Carolina was happy everything would be better, another time when he
and Carolina argued about her limited life. He finally shoved
everying off the table in frustration.
Later
when he was still staring at the rings Lola came down and asked
whether he wanted dinner.
“A
reporter came here saying they were investigating you and your
brother, especially you.”
“Why?
What did she ask, Dad? Answer me.”
“She
told me that a friend of yours who was going on the trip was saying
things about you. What was she saying? What happened?”
“Nothing
happened.”
“What
that woman said isn't important. What's important is what my
daughter says. Tell me the truth. What happened?”
“I'm
telling you the truth. Nothing happened. Why don't you believe me?”
She started to leave the room. “Why are you always questioning
me?”
“I'm
not questioning you. Lola, I'm trying to protect you; that's all.”
“Then
stop protecting me.”
She
left, went to her room, and closed the door before taking out her
cell phone. She texted
I
hope you haven't said anything. For your own good, I hope that.
Raquel
offered Andres a drink when they arrived at her home. He declined,
saying he wanted to make sure she was alright.
“I
don't understand why you think you have to take care of me,” she
said. “You didn't before. And you knew what went on between
Carolina and Damián. Or not?” She shook her head. “Don't
worry. I don't understand.”
“Raquel,
I always told Damián to take care of you and your family. That's
all I could do. You understand that?”
“What
are you asking me? Because I get that you knew when they started.
Please don't tell me you just discovered this. I can't [???]”
“What's
important is what's happening with you now. That's what I'm asking.”
“What
I'm asking is that you tell me since when you knew.” He started to
protest but she ignored it. “What did you see? Can you tell me,
please?”
“I
didn't want to say too much. I feel bad and –”
“Of
course, of course,” she said, as he said he had to go and turned
toward the door. “Miriam. I know perfectly well how to confront
reality –”
“I
promise I'll come back another day and we'll talk. Excuse me.”
He
turned away to leave. He couldn't leave fast enough.
Santiago
talked with Antonio, explaining that he wasn't well after everything
that had happened. Antonio advised him not to talk to Laura again.
Laura was very bitter toward her husband but Antonio couldn't yet
believe that she had the nerve to go to see him. Antonio warned him
that reporters will – as she did – pretend to want to help him
when they were only looking out for their own interests, which was to
be the first with a front page story.
“But
she's going after my children and Raquel's children. I have to do
something.”
“Like
that. That's what I told you. She wants you to talk. I'll talk to
Godoy. I promise that that woman won't bother you anymore.”
“Antonio,
I need to know who killed my wife. I need to know whether or not I
was the father of that baby.”
“We're
working on the paternity test. I promise you we will get to the
truth.”
“When?”
The
door opened and closed. Santiago looked in its direction as Nicolás
entered. He ended the call,l saying he would call later, before
turning to his son.
“Son,
I'm glad you're home. I have to ask you a question about your
sister.”
“What's
up with my sister?”
“She
went on the graduation trip, remember?”
“Of
course.”
“What
happened?”
“I
don't know.”
“Don't
tell me you don't know. What happened?”
“Why
are you asking me this?”
“Because
reporters are asking about both of you. She made comments about your
sister and I need to know so I can protect her. Don't you want to
help?”
Andres
went to the hospital where he found Miriam and her lawyer outside the
ICU, looking at Damián through the window in the door.
“How
do you feel, Aunt?”
“A
little better.”
“You
think the blood pressure is under control?”
“Yes,
yes, that's what they told me. It's all due to the distaste of
dealing with that damned Raquel.”
Andres
looked at Rueda.
“Raquel
asked for a paternity test.”
“That
disgraceful bitch thinks that Damián could be the father of
Carolina's baby.” She looked at Rueda. “Tell me there is
something that can be done to avoid all that.”
“The
police will do anything to expedite this investigation.”
Miriam
and Andres took that to mean that the test would go on no matter
what.
“Well,
I guess we'll see,” Andres said, sotto voce. He was probably
unaware of his facial expression, which went unnoticed by the others.
“There's nothing else to do but wait for the results.”
“Damián
never had children outside of marriage,” Miriam said. “Much less
with a woman like Carolina. I'm sure of it.”
“We'll
take advantage of being here,” Rueda said. “I received news from
my investigators about Santiago Àlvarado.” Both stared at him.
Raquel
paid the monthly bill for Cinthia's rehab facility directly to its
administrator, who commented that she was always so prompt. She
peeked in on Cinthia, who appeared almost catatonic. Her hair was in
braids and she was staring into space, as though completely unaware
of her surroundings.
Mia
was accosted by two other girls in the school hallway. They were
inviting her to a party at Alvaro's house, but she declined, knowing
that their motive for inviting her was probably sinister. They
accused her of snubbing them because she thought herself better than
they were. She denied thinking any such thing and they told her she
should come to the party. As they walked away another girl [Isela?]
appeared and Mia explained that she turned down a party invitation
from the other two. Isela told her she wouldn't be going alone. She
was taking advantage of an opportunity. She then looked over toward
Alvaro and another boy, who were talking to the two other girls.
They were sure they would be able to deliver Mia to them, although
one said “Be careful what you do.” Joaquin made what might
otherwise have sounded like a reassuring comment as Alvaro looked
over at Mia.
While
getting work done on Raquel's kitchen, Nacho told Santiago he had
gotten his green card. There was some good-natured teasing about
this, as Nacho had been waiting years for this. Raquel returned and
looked at their work, saying that she was pleased. Something in her
manner said otherwise to Santiago, who asked what was bothering her.
“Personal stuff; I'm fine,” she said as she went back inside.
Damián
and Carolina sat in his car. There had been silence for a while.
“I
feel dirty,” she said. “I tell myself that Santiago thinks
everything works, and what do I do? I'm here with you.”
“What
do you want to do?”
“Stay
away from me.”
“If
you want me to stay away from you why are you here talking with me?
It is written. This has nothing to do with Raquel and Santiago.
This is just about you and me.”
“Just
like that? Therefore, what about you and me? We have to be
destroying everyone and everything. It's not fair, Damián.”
“No,
it's not fair. But we have to take care of them.”
“Take
care of them? To take care of them is to end this madness now. That
is how to take care of them.”
“And
then what? Are we going to deny what we feel? Look at me. Look me
in the eyes and tell me that.” He turned her face to look at him.
“Are you going to deny what you feel?” He started caressing her
cheek. “I have to kiss you. To have you. To know your body.
Look into my eyes.”
He
moved in and began to kiss her, but she pulled away.
“Damián,
I can't.” She then got out of the car, leaving him high and dry.
She
returned home and paused to lean against the wall to catch her
breath, thinking about the irrevocable step she had avoided this
time. When she opened her eyes she saw Lola with her arms folded,
looking at her.
“Mother,
are you alright?”
“Yes,
everything is fine,” she said as she headed for the next room.
Lola's cell alerted her to a message.
I
can't see you today. Don't know if it's too much to ask if you think
another second about me. Can it be?
She
smiled slightly, then looked to make sure her mother was out of
sight.
Mia
modeled an outfit during a Skype conversation with Isela, who gave it
a verbal thumbs-down. She was recommending tighter pants and a
shorter blouse. Mia thanked her, telling her that this was the first
time she was going anywhere without her brother.
Carolina
took a shower, thinking about the illicit encounters with Damián,
beginning with the first time Santiago almost caught them.
At
the same time Damián went home and began coercing Raquel into what
should have been an Afternoon Delight. She resisted at first, as
this had not been a recent pattern of behavior for him. He started
talking about them going away for the weekend. She was surprised at
this, as he had not been willing to do this for a while. Their
conversation was audible to Mia, who got up from talking to Isela and
listened at her door.
“It's
my Mother,” she told her friend. “It sounds like she's with
someone.”
“She's
with your father, isn't she?”
“No.
My father is working.”
“Don't
tell me it's one of the workers in your house. It's more likely to
be one of them.”
“No,
don't say things like that.”
“Well,
then you'll have to see. Go ahead, Mia.”
Mia
slowly left her room and stepped out into the hall. She could hear
her parents' voices, but their room was around the corner. Damián
picked up Raquel, opened their bedroom door, and carried her inside.
He put her down on her feet right next to the bed, then pushed her
gently onto the mattress and leaned over to kiss her. The door was
slightly open and Mia approached it silently. She peeked inside and
somehow failed to recognize her father. Neither of the adults
noticed her as Damián removed his dress shirt to uncover his
well-developed bare chest. He didn't even allow Raquel enough time
to remove her wraparound dress or her strappy CFM stiletto heels.
Mia
went downstairs and saw the men present. Santiago noticed her
staring at them.
“Hi,
Mia. How are you?” asked Santiago.
She
said nothing, merely sidling back to where she came from as she
looked at the four men out of the corner of her eye.
“Didn't
I tell you? That girl is a time bomb about to go off,” said Nacho.
“She'll cause a big mess.”
Augustin
waved this off and they almost argued. Santiago brought their
attention back to work.
Mia
went back upstairs to her room.
“You
were gone too long,” said Isela. “Who was your mother with?”
“With
my father,” she said.
“Did
you see them naked?”
“No.
I walked out.”
“My
parents never have sex. I think they're going to get a divorce.
You're lucky to have both of yours with you.”
“Yes,
I'm lucky.”
Her
face said that she was thinking something else entirely.
Carolina
left the bathroom in her pink negligee robe and saw that Lola was
going out.
“Lola,
where are you going? You're going out?”
“Yes.”
“Why
didn't you tell me anything?”
“I've
got to go.”
“Where
are you going?”
“I
have a meeting about the graduation trip. I'm going.” She went to
the door, which was already open.
“You're
not going anywhere yet, Lola.”
“What
do you want?”
“A
minute. I want to go with the other parents to see what we have to
pay.”
“You
don't have to because there's nothing to pay.”
“How
is that I don't have to pay?”
“My
friends are going, so I got some money from them.”
“How
nice of your friends but we don't accept any money –”
This
argument continued only long enough for Lola to escape the house.
Carolina was in her negligee and her hair was wet so she could not
follow.
Lola
met her classmates at a club. They were all talking about the trip.
When Patricia approached Lola she backed off saying she was going.
She then went to a table to greet the others, who were drinking
Tequila Sunrises. Patricia looked back at her with daggers in her
eyes. Lola should have felt those.
Santiago
arrived home just after dark. Carolina got him to sit down on the
couch.
“I'm
very worried about Lola,” she told him.
“Why?
She's the best-behaved daughter in the world.”
“I
know, but that's precisely why I'm worried.”
“But,
why? Did something happen? Isn't everything alright?”
“I
don't know. Lola was very strange. She just told me she paid for
the graduation trip.”
“What
are you talking about? How could she have paid –”
“She
said her friends paid. Isn't that really strange? How would they
have the money to pay for a trip like that?”
“Who
gave her the money? She had to have told you something.”
“She
didn't tell me anything; that's why I'm so worried. Because I don't
know what Lola is getting into. I don't know if it's [???],
I don't know if it's drugs –”
“How
can you think she's into drugs? You have to pay more attention to
your daughter. Look at what you're doing! You – ”
“I
was working a few days on the business with Raquel. You know what
I've been doing. We need to talk to our daughter. To find out what
she needs, what is happening –”
“Caro,
don't put words in my mouth. That's not what I'm doing. I'm just
asking. You have to pay attention to Lola. How could she be into
drugs?”
“You
know what? It's my fault.”
“No,
no, no. It isn't.”
“It's
my fault.”
“Caro
–”
“Everything
that happens in this house is my fault.”
“No,
Caro, don't say that.”
“No.
It's my fault because I'm garbage.”
“Caro,
you aren't garbage. Don't say that, please.”
She
became slightly incoherent and walked out. Santiago could not see
whether or not she was crying.
Lola's
classmates were talking about the upcoming trip, with predictions
about the boys all getting drunk and not knowing with whom they will
be having sex.
“So,
we don't have to have sex with them,” said Patricia, who then
looked at Lola.
“I'm
going to the restroom,” she said. She got up, but Patricia got up
and followed her.
“Lola!
You can't admit I bother you?”
“It
bothers me that you are saying we're a couple.”
“We
are.”
“No.”
“What
are you talking about? I haven't said anything.”
“How
could you not have said anything? It's all over school.”
“I
said I haven't said anything to anyone. Tell me who told you I said
that. Who was it?”
Lola
stared at her.
“Lola,
that's our secret.”
“Son,
you have to tell me what happened to your sister on that trip,
please.”
“Dad,
I don't know what happened. Lola never told me anything. Why are
you asking me?”
“I
don't know. Your sister said her friends paid for her to go, your
mother argued with her about this. I don't know any more.”
“But
I don't understand –”
“Do
you want to help me or not?” He paused for a moment. “Nico,
reporters are looking into your mother's death. Those people are
vultures. Anything they find is News to them. One came to the
house. She was investigating your sister. You must know what
happened. You have to help me.”
Lola
was in her room on her phone.
“I
swear if this is true I will kill you, Patricia.”
“I'm
not going to bother you.”
“Then
shut your damned mouth because this is now a slippery slope.”
She
ended the call, then punched in another number. A male voice
answered.
“Look
who finally appeared.”
“I
need to see him,” she said. “No, it's not for me. It's for
Patricia. Can it be tomorrow?”
Godoy
met with Antonio the following morning.
“I
couldn't stop her, boss. What do you want me to do? Laura is a
reporter and she has to do her work as she pleases. She has the
right –”
“What
is not right is her stealing information or you giving it to her. I
don't know which it was.”
Another
policeman entered to tell him that Peralta from forensics was looking
for him. He arrived before Godoy was able to get up and leave.
“I'm
here to tell you that the DNA results are in. We have the
compatibility tests –”
“Alright,
Peralta,” Antonio said, impatiently. “Who impregnated Carolina
Rivas? Damián Becker or Santiago Àlvarado?”
Peralta
looked at both men who were staring back at him.
Andres
arrived at Raquel's house as she was coming down the stairs.
“Good
morning, Precious,” he said.
“I'll
make coffee,” said Jovita.
“No,
Jovita, thanks,” said Raquel. Jovita went back to the kitchen.
“I
did not want her to hear the explanation about what we talked about
last night. Since when did you know about Carolina?”
“Why
don't you explain to me what's going on between you and Santiago
Àlvarado?”
“Are
you insinuating –”
“You
are beautiful and almost a widow. What is going on between you?”
“Why
does that matter to you? What's with you?”
“Everything
happens with you. Everything. Raquel, I'm in love with you.”
Labels: caer
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@ 11:46 PM
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