Caray, Caray!

• Ricardo told Alejandra he would not stop fighting for her love. She did not quite believe it.
  
  
• Roberto brought a still-protesting Leonardo to yet another upscale watering hole, possibly one of his own new hunting grounds. He ordered two double whiskies just as Victoria entered with a reluctant Olivia and guided her to the bar. Leonardo turned around and the two probably realized that this was a set-up even before Victoria and Roberto walked off, leaving them alone.
  
• Ricardo talked to Elena about her summons to appear in court. He advised her to just tell the truth, then asked whether she knew that Miguel consumed drugs. She hesitated, he became suspicious, and she answered Yes. He asked if she knew whether Miguel sold drugs and she said No. He had offered her some a few times and she had always declined. She told Ricardo she would feel better if he came with her to court. He agreed to and told her that it was very important to tell the truth because if she was caught in a lie it would become very complicated. She said she had never imagined that such a thing would happen and what this could have done to her children “All to get revenge on you.” He told her not to worry about it. He gave her her pills. She took her time taking the water glass out of his hand. Her cell phone rang. She checked the screen but did not answer. Then told him that the most important thing to her was to start all over with him and save their relationship. For a moment he looked very uncomfortable.
  
• Despite her apparent epiphany from her brush with death, Elena still had an important lesson to learn, which is that you can't always get what you want.
  
• Leonardo and Olivia shared a mutual enjoyment of red wine as he catalogued her virtues and told her that he tried to give her space to resolve her issues with … whomever. She told him she was pleased by his gestures but was uncomfortable with them because she had been dating Alan and it wasn't right. Finally, she told him that she broke up with Alan, therefore he should not lose interest in her. He smiled and they clinked glasses.
  
  Roberto and Victoria watched from the top of the stairs.
  
  He congratulated themselves on their matchmaking success and commented about getting lucky that night.
  
  She said she would like to go home, undress, and sleep all night. He looked like his imagination was about to run away with him, then suggested they dine somewhere. She liked that. Of course, he suggested his usual idea of a second act. She did not reply. They looked down again and she said “Finally, my friend's heart is in good hands.” They drank to that.
  
  Leonardo expressed his pleasure at Olivia ending it with Alan, saying that it was because he never trusted the man and because he was in love with her. More and more every day. She confessed that she had been in love with him since her first day at the firm.
  
  She had ended her relationship with Alan not because he treated her badly but because she could never love him due to her feelings for Leonardo.
  
• Carlos showed Alejandra documents on the foundation that showed it was completely above board., obviously not admitting that Benjamín had cooked the books. He went on to say that all was in order. She said “Good,” but with little enthusiasm, finally handing the papers back to him. He intended for the press to see these documents in the morning so the public would know. She congratulated him and he said he didn't want her to worry about anything.
  
• Leonardo and Olivia had more love talk concluding that the best thing was that they had gotten to know each other during that time. He swore she would never regret this. Another kiss.
  
• Ricardo read a bedtime story to Natalia, who then told him how happy she and her brother were that he was home again and that her mother was happy. Ricardo told her he was very happy to be with the two of them again. She then said “Don't go back to your house. Stay here with us.”
  
  Ricardo looked dumbfounded and afraid. He had not bargained for this.
  
• When one's children are as emotionally immature as Natalia, how do you tell them that such a marital reunion would be a fairy tale of its own kind? One that would inspire nightmares.
  
• Alejandra said she was happy things were alright at the foundation but expressed concern about Benjamin's involvement. Carlos asked “Why not?” with the implication that nothing had been proven against him yet. Besides, he was sure that Benjamin was good at his work. Alejandra said he was but also very ambitious. Carlos said that he would take this in into consideration because “All I want to do is please you.” He kissed her on the cheek, wished her good night, and left.
  
• Ricardo bit the bullet and reminded Natalia that he and her mother were divorced and that he was going back to his place when she was better. She managed to inveigle a few more days out of him nontheless. When she laid down leaning against him and couldn't see his face, he looked haggard as he promised to always take care of her.
  
• Considering the patters of behavior, we know that Alejandra will misinterpret this and Elena will take shameless advantage of the situation. Alejandra needs to learn to play hardball, despite that it might not be cricket.
  
• Roberto and Victoria discussed Leo and Olivia over dinner, then turned the conversation to his intentions toward her. The same result as usual until he told her she was afraid. She owned up to it, saying she loved him as a friend and a colleague, but could not count on being the exception to the rule of his life. He said there was no risk involved but he would always be her friend.
  
• I don't think I heard that correctly.
  
• Leonardo took Olivia back to her apartment.
  
  More talk of love and as he was about to leave she asked him to stay.
  
  He did, with predictable results.
  
• During the dessert course of evening Roberto tried prolonging the evening yet again but Victoria declined. He made it clear he was still hoping for the opportunity. He said he would make her the happiest woman in the world. He would treat her like a queen, a goddess. She answered that she liked her independence, that he was accustomed to the needs of bimbos and he could have a chance if he had something real to offer her.
  
• Of course, the real question here is whether Roberto would be capable of fidelity even to his Dame Justice. She can't be faulted for her doubts.
  
• The next morning Carlos went to see Alonso, who had just seen the headline about the foundation being cleared of money laundering. Alonso congratulated him and Carlos handed him a copy of what he had shown Alejandra. He then spoke of their competition and finally suckered Alonso into accepting him as an ally against the Durantes.
  
• Or did he? After he left Alonso looked as though he saw something that poisoned the handshake.
  
• Victoria and Alejandra talked about that same headline. Then they speculated on what was happening with Benjamin, as no one knew where he was staying or anything else since Karina threw him out of the house and Alonso forced him out of the firm.
  
  Then Olivia arrived with some kiss and tell about the previous night.
  
• Leonardo went to Roberto's office to thank him and give him the good news.
  
  He didn't have to give any details.
  
• Neither did Olivia, not that they were not requested.
  
  Alejandra and Victoria figured it out
  
  and the three were practically about to open champagne before Carlos barged in. He asked what everyone was celebrating and Victoria kept him out of it by commenting on the newspaper article. Alejandra thanked him rather indifferently and he commented about the foundation going on to do what it says it will do. He asked Olivia how she was, knowing that she had broken up with Alan. He made several comments about what a pity it was because she made him so happy and was the perfect woman for him. Then he took his leave. The ladies restrained themselves until he closed the door and Victoria said something about Alan being sad. “What a shame.” They kept their voices down.
  
• Ricardo and Elena were present for Miguel Carbajal's trial for drug possession. The prosecutor opened saying that he had been in an automobile accident and was taken to the hospital for treatment where tests revealed that he had been driving under the influence. Ecstasy and cocaine were found in his possession and thus he was arrested.
  Miguel's defense counsel asked him what had happened that night. He answered that he had had a date with Elena and she had left him alone with her children. His lawyer asked if there was a problem and he said No, not with the children, but her ex-husband arrived and “He was crazy.” He identified Ricardo in response to the usual questions. He then said that Ricardo knocked him out and kidnapped the children.
  
  Ricardo, who was seated next to a very frumpy Elena, said nothing. Miguel went on to say that after that Elena arrived home, he told her what happened, and they went out after the children. “I always, always helped her. I was driving faster than usual, she was on her phone arguing with Ricardo, and I got distracted. The accident is his fault.” He demanded that Ricardo look at him. Elena said nothing, but was shocked.
  
• Gustavo entered Alonso's office to tell him that Ramiro was at large. He thought it possible that Ramiro was out of the country. Alonso didn't think so because Ramiro would want to be somewhere familiar and he had heard no reports on anyone matching his description.
• Miguel's lawyer asked whether he was distracted by the phone conversation. He said Yes and to the next question he said he was driving faster. “I had to save the children.” He tried to appeal to Elena, but his lawyer asked him why he took drugs. He admitted to being addicted and then blamed Ricardo for himself having taken more than his usual dose that day. Because he hit him and kidnapped the children.
  “So you took cocaine because you were nervous?” his lawyer asked.
  The prosecutor objected. The defense attorney said that his client used drugs to relieve the stress so he could help his girlfriend. He had no further questions. The prosecution called Elena and she was sworn in. The prosecutor asked whether the defandant's testimony was true. She said No and that her son saw him consuming the drugs in the bathroom. When the defendant realized this he became violent and shoved the boy into the wall.
  Miguel tried to deny this and the judge silenced him. Elena then testified that the children became nervous, called Ricardo, and he came over to rescue them. The prosecutor asked whether she was aware of the defendant's drug use. She said Yes and he asked whether the defendant offered her drugs. She said Yes and answered No when asked whether she ever accepted. No further questions.
  Elena looked at Miguel who said “Elena, don't say that” before she resumed her seat. He called after her but she ignored him. The judge requested closing statements.
  The defense attorney stated that his client is not a drug trafficker, only an addict, and therefore deserved a minimum sentence. The prosecutor said that Elena's testimony almost makes the defendant a pusher and should be sentenced accordingly. The judge adjourned the court and left. Elena deliberately kept her back to the defendant's cell.
  
• Alonso had been on the phone with Interpol and there was no news yet. An alert was issued, also that Ramiro had properties in other Mexican states. He and Gustavo left the office.
  
• Miguel was sentenced to ten years. He began protesting. The judge quoted the code numbers and concluded the proceedings. He left the courtroom. Miguel kept appealing to Elena who finally told him she was sorry for what happened. As the police led Miguel from the cell Ricardo led Elena out of the courtroom.
  
• Carlos got back to the office to find Aaron there looking for any update on Elena, who had not answered his calls. Carlos explained that she had been in an accident. Aaron was not sure how to proceed. Carlos asked whether he had the power to proceed on her behalf and he said Yes. He told him to then proceed with the reply to Ricardo's petition for recognition on the grounds that it was in Elena's best interests. Aaron looked a little confused.
  
• Olivia was working at her computer when Leonardo entered with a surprise gift. A pale blue teddy bear and a box of her favorite chocolates.
  
• Does that Teddy Bear portend a future child? That's something Olivia wants a little too much. They need not to move so fast.
  
• Aaron thought the case was dead in the water but Carlos told him to handle it as best he could. He took his briefcase and left. Alan tried to tell Carlos this was not going to work as he thought but Carlos said he didn't care. All that mattered to him was for Elena to alienate Ricardo from the children. “If he gets between Alejandra and me, he pays the consequences.”
  
• Ricardo took Elena home from the court and she said she was a little more at peace. She knew she had made a serious mistake inviting Miguel to her home and leaving him alone with the children. She had not thought of their safety when she did this and she didn't know what would have happened to her if anything had happened to them. He said not to worry because the children had the both of them to take care of and protect them.
  
  She took this opportunity to try to seduce him with a kiss. He put his right arm in between them.
  

Labels: ley

Permalink posted by Urban Anthropologist @ 12:18 AM