Caray, Caray!

• El Ciego's flunky took his leave after handing over the briefcase full of dinero. Carlos did not appear concerned that he was dealing with a crime boss of nuclear proportions.
  
  
• Guillermo expressed concern to Ricardo, asking if they could get (as a condition of any ruling) that his daughter be required to go to therapy. Ricardo told him not to worry because if the judge ruled in favor of his ex-wife they would appeal the decision. The judge arrived and decreed that full custody of the minor Elisa Gonzales Fernandez was granted to her father.
  The ex-wife was both incredulous and offended.
  
  She stood up and approached the bench, demanding to know why this was being done to her and declaring she would not allow her daughter to live with her ex. The judge told her that her daughter had medical and psychological issues that needed immediate attention, as bulimia is serious and could turn into something worse. The woman said he was evil, but the judge – who must have dealt with worse nutcases than her – told her calmly that she could have supervised visits with her daughter every fifteen days. He then told Guillermo that he recommended he take his daughter to a psychologist and a pediatrician as soon as possible. Effective that day she was to live with him. Guillermo graciously thanked the judge, as did Ricardo, and the judge declared the session adjourned. After he left the courtroom Guillermo's ex (whose name I have obviously forgotten) threatened to take the daughter away from him. She accused her lawyer of incompetence and said she would get a new one. Finally she shouted “desgraciado” at Ricardo before leaving the courtroom. Both Ricardo and his client kept their cool. Guillermo seemed very realistic about the next steps as he thanked Ricardo and shook his hand.
• 
  
  
• Alan entered Carlos' office in response to a summons from him. Carlos showed him the briefcase full of money (US dollars) and told him that this was the solution to all their problems. Alan reminded him that he was dealing with very dangerous people and that this would have future implications. He wasn't on board with this. Carlos appeared to think that he could treat this client like any other, but Alan had very reasonable doubt. Carlos then took three stacks of bills out of the briefcase and tossed them onto the desk in Alan's direction, telling him to pay their bills so the firm can move forward.
  
  
  
• Victoria stopped by Ricardo's office to ask his assistance on her retroactive child support case. She explained the situation and asked him to review her documents. That the father of her client acknowledged paternity would work in their favor and that he had never provided for his daughter all her life would be where they could get him.
  
  
  
• Alan almost begged Carlo to think more about this and told him he could still return the money. Carlos refused. Alan told him that other clients would cut and run as soon as they found out abot this one and Carlos told him “That isn't your problem,” further saying that this client would bring in more money than the whole rest of them. Two more refrains from the previous discussion on this subject and Carlos told him he would deal with this exclusively. Alan gave up and put the money in his folder. He reminded Carlos what this could do to the reputation of the firm. Carlos was not concerned. Winning a case for a client like this would be positive because it would show everyone that he could always provide a good defense. [At this point he probably needs a giggle jacket and a padded room.]
• Ricardo found no flaws in Victoria's petition. This case is a first of its kind for both of them. Alejandra entered, saying she wanted to talk about Senor Perez' case.
  
  Victoria looked at the two of them, then winked subtly at Ricardo as she got up saying she needed to get back to work. Ricardo told her it wasn't necessary. He then asked Alejandra what she needed.
  
  
  
• Roberto visited Nora at the prison and advised her on how to behave in court. She was going to have to describe the events and she needed to be calm. She thanked him for his help and said that Alan had to pay for his mistake in her case.
• Alejandra gave the update on the Perez case and Victoria said it was a good thing that they knew where the child was. Alejandra then said that she would accompany her client, which Ricardo thought was a good idea, and that they had hopes of finding him.
  
  There was an awkward vibe in the room as Alejandra took her leave. As soon as the door closed Victoria asked Ricardo what was up. He told her that he was giving Alejandra space to resolve The Carlos Issue, but Victoria could see that he was bothered by it.
  
  
  
• That evening Carlos took a judge to dinner, Judge Marrufo. The judge who should have removed Alan from the Nora Ramos case. After requesting the wine list he commented to His Dishonor that after being locked up he decided that liberty was the only meaningful value in life. They obviously knew each other for some time and Marrufo asked after Alejandra. He said that this had also been difficult for her but he was sure everything would be alright. He was sure that once the official investigation was over he would be fully exonerated. Marrufo told him that he had never doubted his innocence.
  
  
  
• Olivia's plea to other victims of The Rat With No Name was aired on television that night. Victoria watched it with her and gave her an Atta-Girl. The culprit's photo was shown as the reporter did her close and segued to the next story.
  
  
  
• Marrufo and Carlos discussed Alan and Nora's case came up. Marrufo said that because of Alan's error he sentenced the girl to prison. Carlos told him he was too busy to take the case and could he do something about it. Marrufo said that he couldn't do anything. Carlos acknowledged that this situation was complicated but that in the future they could work together as they always did. [We need to remember this one for the future.] Marrufo nodded, saying he hoped so.
  
  
  
• The following morning Ricardo told Leonardo that he had been having a hard time being separated from Alejandra over The Carlos Issue. He felt guilty for interfering in the relationship. Leonardo told him he always Does The Right Thing, even when it was contrary to his own interests.
  
  
  
• Victoria stopped by Olivia's office with good news from Sonia: Thanks to her interview five other women called the department to report The Rat With No Name had victimized them. Olivia speculated that he could face fifty years over this. High-five!
  
  
  
• Leticia called Elena to invite her to go hunting that night. Elena asked her if she could come over and they'd have wine because she didn't know whom she could leave the children with. [Her deliberate omission of Ricardo obviously means that she intends to maintaini the Package Deal strategy.] Leticia demurred, saying she was looking to hit a bar that was full of single men.
  
  Elena turned that down because she wanted to keep Ricardo away from Alejandra by taking advantage of intruding on any opportunity he takes to be with the children. Leticia reminded her that Ricardo was only interested in the children. As usual, Elena did not listen to her.
  
  
  
• Alejandra delivered the divorce petition to Gustavo and he did not take it well. She prevented him from calling Isabel, telling him that she didn't want to hear from him. She had had doubts, but made the decision before testifying in court. He begged her to help him but she told him she could not do any more.
• Elena – so sure of herself as usual – went on about how now that Carlos was out of jail that should take Alejandra out of competition for Ricardo. Leticia said that Ricardo did go to court alone, which pleased Elena, who asked her to continue to spy for her. Leticia promised to do so, then suggested again that they go out for drinks. Elena turned her down and they ended the call. She smirked.
• Gustavo continued to insist that a divorce would not be good for his son. He wanted her to delay the divorce but she said that this would only result in Isabel feeling more deceived. She advised him that if he cared as much about her as he said he should sign the papers and be done with it. He started to beg again but Alejandra did what she should have done long ago with Carlos: She stopped him dead and told him she could do nothing more. She then left his office.
  
  
  
• Good news sometimes travels quickly as Olivia went to Leonardo's office to tell him about the other victims. He was pleased and certain that the Rat would do very serious time. Olivia told him she would not have had the courage to do the interview without him. He insisted that she was a strong and capable woman but she insisted on thanking him for all his help. [Which shows that he sees her as a lioness on behalf of her clients, so why is she acting like a scared gazelle on her own behalf?]
  
  
  
• Nora's appeal came up... before Judge Murrafo, who said that this was due to inadequate previous representation. Roberto rose and announced he would have his client testify again, He had her retell the story [which we see]. The driver stopped and pulled out a switchblade with his right hand. He quickly swung his right arm back to prevent her getting out, then got out of his seat to pin her down. She began screaming and he demanded she shut up as he covered her mouth. At some point he had managed to switch the knife to his left hand. She testified that she was desperate and all she wanted to do was to escape. She was sure he would kill her. As the rapist fumbled with his pants she had grabbed his left hand with both of hers and managed to get the knife away from him. She stabbed him twice in the gut.
  “I didn't want to kill him but I was deathly afraid. When I realized what I had done I fainted.”
  Roberto then said that his client had not acted in legitimate self-defense. She was traumatized and not in control of her actions, but it was not an impetuous homicide. She had acted out of fear. Finally, she had cooperated with the authorities. Murrafo then told Roberto to take his seat and the court would recess while he made his decision.
  
  
  
• Carlos entered Alejandra's office – unannounced and without an appointment – on the pretext of requesting her help. He talked about “after my bad experience” he wanted to help vulnerable women who were victims of violence, etc.
  
  Possibly the woman he was accused of murdering was murdered by someone she knew, like most women who are victims of violence. He insisted that he needed her help.
  
  
  
• Cinthia and Roberto tried to reassure Nora, who was curious as to why the prosecutor didn't question her. Roberto told her that there was no new evidence and he could not question her on evidence that was previously presented. She asked whether she had a chance, but Roberto didn't have time to answer. Judge Murrafo returned and walked dramatically to his desk. Everyone went back to his place as he took his seat. He then overdramatically announced that Nora Ramos acted in fear of her life, therefore he sentenced her to “unconditional freedom.” However, she was not to bring any legal action against her previous attorney, Alan Paez, as he had not acted with malice or prejudice. He then adjourned.
• Carlos insisted that he needed Alejandra's help because of her specialty, which meant that she understood these women's needs better than he would. He knew that would get to her. He then told her he would be accepting pro bono cases, which did surprise her. She asked him why.
  
  
  
• Nora asked why they couldn't do anything about Alan. Roberto said it was because the judge said so although he didn't know why and that this was very rare. The best thing for now would be for Nora to get her things, go home, and get on with life. Cinthia thanked him and he said he was grateful that justice was done. [After an injustice that should not have happened.]
• Carlos got on a soapbox more suitable for most of her colleagues about people being in prison because of inadequate representation and that got her to agree to help him. He covered her hand with his, saying he knew he could count on her. She looked down at her hand in shock. He slipped his hand off and she went into Business Mode, saying she would need to look into these things. He went on about how he wanted to do this because of his own Second Chance, etc., and how he was afraid she didn't believe him. He told her to look him in the eye and believe that he was changed by his experience in the slammer. Wants to help people. One “Mi amor” and a kiss on the hand later (during which she struggled with a cringe) he was finally out the door. [By now she should be as tired as we are of his prison refrain.]
  
  
  
• Alonso commended Leticia's win of Gustavo's case and asked him how things were. He admitted discomfort at the screening of the video in the courtroom, especially in front of Isabel. Leticia acknowledged that, but felt that this was what won the case and got Milena her sentence. Gustavo then told them that Isabel went through with the divorce. Thus, Leticia felt that Milena's sentence was justified after she presented evidence of her attempts at destroying Gustavo's family.
  
  
  
• On his way to the elevator Carlos ran into Ricardo, saying it was always good to start the day seeing one's intended. Ricardo kept his cool despite this as Carlos said his firm would have a dinner party and he would invite all of Vega.
  “I don't know if you're seeing anyone, but you can invite whomever you want.” he said.
  “Let me know when you've set the date,” said Ricardo. “I will very much enjoy dining with Alejandra.” He looked for a reaction. “And with you.”
  
  He then headed to his office, leaving Carlos looking a bit put off despite his snake-eyes.
  
• Gustavo went to see Isabel with no better result than before. She told him that her doubts had been about Luis, not because of any feeling she had about him. She told him absolutely that she didn't want to see or speak to him anymore. He was to handle visitation rights or other practical matters through Alejandra. She closed the door in his face.
  
  
  
• Carlos told Alan he had talked with Judge Murrafo about the Ramos case. He then told him about how things were going to be in the future. He would review Alan's cases first, as he had previously done. Alan agreed. However, Carlos told him that El Ciego's case had no margin for error. Any mistake could cost them their lives.
• Juan went back to the strip club. He greeted all the women who lined up to welcome guests and a waiter showed him to a table facing the bar. He told him they didn't serve non-alcoholic drinks, then Juan made a request they were willing to honor. Two women came over to his table in an effort at coming on to him, but his attention was at the dancers who were above the bar.
  
  A blonde in red and black took her place in front of the disco ball and Juan looked up. “That's her. That's her!”
  

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Permalink posted by Urban Anthropologist @ 11:00 PM