Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Cuna de Lobos, Capitulo 20 Martes 11/19/19: J'accuse!
I
often wonder whether true crime programs on television – including
my own – make criminals smarter. Whether they do or not, they're
good for ratings. This one will make a great novel someday. In the
meantime it will serve as a social statement about how injustice can
sometimes be bought. – D.D.
Leonora
got her first experience of violence in the prison at roll call, when
she failed to answer. The guard nastily told her that she was to
respond when she called her name, then hit her in the stomach.
At
the same time Ramón Álvarez Serrano, the security guard at the
construction site, was being interrogated by Omar Vega. He told Vega
that he had been given instructions regarding Leonora's arrival, but
was away from his post. When he returned he found Miguel dead, so he
did not the police. He did not know what happened. He didn't want
to unnecessarily incriminate Leonora. Vega then closed and locked
the door.
“We're
going to go over all this from the beginning, okay?” he said,
turning toward Ramón. He then took off his leather jacket,
revealing a pistol resting in a shoulder holster, reminicent of 1960s
television cop shows.
“You
have to get used to this. Here it's very hard and people are evil,”
Leonora's cellmate told her. “If you crack, it will get worse.”
“I
won't be here very long,” Leonora said. “I'll be out when –”
“Preventive
detention is only a means of making sure you don't escape. They
simply decide you're guilty and you get sent to the tower.”
“No,
it's that I am innocent.”
“Ay,
girl. [???] When you're in here it's because the judge is deciding
the merits of your case.”
Vega's
gentlemanly good looks were the exact opposite of his character. He
took sadistic pleasure in torturing Ramón by hitting him as hard as
he could while he was handcuffed to the chair. He leaned over and
spoke right into his ear so he could feel his breath.
“Are
you going to tell? Are you going to tell what you saw?” he asked.
“That you saw what happened to Architect Terranova?”
“I
can't,” said the poor man, almost crying.
José
Carlos came back to Luis' apartment in a good mood.
“I
have good news. The forensic expert said that the hairs found on
Miguel were Leonora's. That is their most solid piece of evidence
because the ring could have gotten there some other way. The guard's
statement was that he wasn't sure if she entered the building. He
thought Miguel had sent for her.”
“A
solid case.”
Luis
did not see what was going on behind closed doors. Vega hit Ramón
twice before slamming him against the wall with his left arm while
aiming his pistol at the frightened man's temple.
“What
did you see?” he asked.
“I
saw that the lady was very angry when she went into the building.
She ran up the stairs to look for the architect.”
“That's
it,” He paused a moment. “Much better. Much better.” He
released his “witness” and stepped back.
“If
they have no solid evidence, it would only be on my statement, no?”
Leonora asked.
“What
happened a little while ago when the woman did the roll call?”
“That
she hit me?”
“Do
you have proof? Because I saw nothing. I was here, girl. Because
you have to get used to this because if you don't –”
“I
can't stay here. I have to get out. My son...my son...my son is
waiting for me. I can't stay here.”
In
her mind's eye she saw little Edgar in his bassinette alone in a dark
room, crying.
Alejandro
came out of his room to see the nurse hired to take care of Edgar.
She told him that the milk he was being fed made him feel ill and
gave him colic.
“That's
what I pay you for. Resolve this.”
“The
baby needs mother's milk.”
“Alright,
then call the pediatrician.”
He
walked out without giving her a chance to respond to this. She
looked at his departing figure in disbelief.
Leonora
stood on line in the shower room until it was her turn. The same
guard who had hit her in the stomach told the others they had five
minutes. The steam was a mercy because at least they had hot water.
Catalina
saw Alejandro heading for the door and asked him where he was going.
When he told her he was going to Leonora's hearing she said she would
come with him. He had to tell her twice that he was going there
alone.
Leonora
was escorted to the courtroom. José Carlos and Luis were there.
“You
have the right after this audience within forty-four hours to meet
with your lawyer to assemble those elements considered necessary for
your defense.”
“No.
I want to get this over with,” she said. “Because I am
innocent.”
“Your
Honor, the prosecutor's office presents evidence with the testimony
of Señor Ramón Álvarez Serrano.”
He
took the stand and was sworn in.
“I
was at my job when this woman arrived at the building, more or less
at ten that night. She was very angry when she arrived, almost
attacking. I didn't let her in because the architect told me to
watch out for her.”
Leonora
spoke out of turn. “No, Your Honor. This is a lie. That's not
what happened. I never entered --”
“Instruct
your client, please,” said the judge. “Tell her to keep silent.”
Leonora
looked at José Carlos, who was shocked. The judge instructed Ramón
to continue.
“I
told him that the lady was very angry but he said that wasn't a
problem. I went to get my things, I heard a scream and a blow. I
left and when I came back I saw the architect, fallen. Dead.
Someone had to have shoved him.” José Carlos jumped up.
“Objection!
This is not what he stated the first time. The witness is
contradicting his first statement.”
“You
will have your turn to present your arguments,” said the judge. He
told Ramón to continue.
“I
returned to my post and called the police. I told them that the
woman left, running as though she were crazy.”
“No!
No! This is not true!” Leonora yelled. “You know this is not
true.”
“This
is not what he said before in the prosecutor's office. This is false
testimony, Your Honor.”
“This
woman got into her car and left. That is all I saw.”
Luis
was the next witness.
“The
day of the event, Leonora was with me all day. We were there the
whole time.”
The
forensic examiner was next.
“Using
genetic material obtained from the suspect we analyzed it against the
items found at the crime scene. It was a 100% match. The images
were confluent.”
“This
can't be!” José Carlos shouted. “These are lies!”
Verbal
pandemonium ensued until the judge rapped for order with his gavel.
“This
hearing is concluded with the prosecutor's evidence declared solid
and with the charge of qualified homicide* against Leonora Navarro.”
Leonora
was shocked. The rest of the courtroom may also have been, as no one
said a word.
Leonora
was led back to her cell. She grabbed the bars and cried. Her
cellmate didn't have to ask her what happened.
Vega
was with Catalina while he spoke to the prosecutor.
“So
the defense won nothing. Don't worry. I assure you my client has
not been poorly served if things are going as they are now. We'll be
in touch.” He ended the call and looked at Catalina.
“That's
how it went with your daughter-in-law. The judge has tied up the
proceeding.”
“I
heard that José Carlos couldn't do anything.”
“Yes.
He believed too much in Leonora's innocence. But the evidence
presented by the prosecution was most cofluent. That is what we need
to be grateful for.”
“But
that is not sufficient.” She looked at him. “They have to
condemn Leonora. She has to pay for Miguel's death.”
“She
will pay with you in charge. The prosecutor recommended a friend who
will work out very well.”
At
that moment Leonora ended up in a fight with another woman in her
cellblock. A gang formed behind the other woman, who put a bar of
soap in a sock. She said “At night you better watch where you're
going.”
“I
won't say anything,” Leonora said.
The
other woman hit her multiple times with the bar of soap. Enough to
draw blood on her face.
Leonora
refused to see José Carlos, who needed to see her. He and Luis left
the police station.
Francisco
was busy cleaning out his e-mails. Ámbar was out of bed and
ambulatory, but with a cane.
“Why
do you not denouce her? Catalina. Why don't you denouce her?” she
asked. Francisco stood up. “You know everything she's done. You
have all the information.”
“It's
something I can't do,” he said.
“Of
course. You are not involved. I always knew that Gothier was being
investigated but I didn't tell you because you would not have
believed me. It was for my nephews and you. All for you.
“I
couldn't bear to.”
“You
are a coward. How can you say you couldn't bear to when they were
close to killing your nephew? You knew all those things and did
nothing? And you are still obsessed with her.”
“Think
of the consequences. If I go to the police I go to prison. Do you
understand?”
“Do
you understand the consequences if you don't? How is your
conscience?”
She
turned and walked away.
José
Carlos drove up to the gate at the building site. He saw Ramón and
called out to him. Ramón reluctantly went up to the gate, looking
behind himself at least once.
“What
do you want?” he asked.
“To
give you one more chance to tell the truth.”
“My
statement is on the record,” he said, starting to walk away.
José
Carlos entered the area and went after him.
“Why
did you change your statement?”
“Because
I never said what I saw.”
“Please,
who paid you?”
Ramón
started to run, but José Carlos seized him and grabbed him by the
lapels. He then saw bruises on his chest.
“Who
did this? Listen to me. You were tortured. I can protect you if
you tell me who it was.”
Ramón
broke away.
“Don't
bother me again or I will call the police.”
He
walked away.
Ámbar
was leaving the house.
“Where
are you going?”
“To
the jail to see what I can do for Leonora.”
“What
can you do? José Carlos is with her; you don't have to go.”
“Don't
you realize that all this has Catalina's name on it? First me and
now Leonora. Do you believe Leonora is guilty? Do you think her
capable of killing over something she thinks belongs to her? You are
thinking of Aleandro,aren't you?” She almost laughed. Do you
think her capable of killing to hold onto him?Leonora or Catalina?”
“I'll
come with you.”
“No.
If you want to help think of what you have to do. Denounce Catalina
for all her crimes.”
She
left him to think about this.
Alvaro
tried calling Alejandro, but he did not hear the phone.
He
did not anticipate that Catalina would see it first.
He
sent another; this one more damning. Of course, Catalina saw this
one as well. She called him back from Alejandro's phone. Alvaro
hesitated at first, then answered.
“Alejandro,
it's good that you called. Did you see my messages?”
There
was no reply. Catalina ended the call.
She
then went to see Vega and told him they had a serious problem.
“Another
witness has appeared.”
“One
more?”
“One
who saw me push Miguel.”
“What?
I don't know why but I can imagine it.”
“You
have to believe me. Let's say it was self-defense. We argued.
Miguel became very violent. He began making accusations. He made me
angry. I was lucky the building was not finished and he was near the
end of the floor.”
“Therefore
Leonora's hair and ring... Of course. You put them there.”
“I
had to make someone guilty and frankly, Leonora had become an
obstacle.” She handed him a file folder. “His name is Alvaro.
You now have his photo, his address, and phone number.”
“What
are you thinking to do?”
“Really,
do I have to tell you?”
“No.”
He nodded. “No.”
Alvaro
sat at his table, drinking. He heard a loud car motor outside and
looked out the window. His cell began ringing.
Catalina
was at the atelier. She told Miriam to put her lawyers through if
they called, otherwise she didn't want to be bothered. Miriam left
her alone but it was only a moment before José Carlos arrived.
“I
have a question,” he said. “Why are you so interested in making
Leonora guilty of Miguel's death?”
“Because
she is guilty,” Alejandro said. “What can I say to you that your
first trial is defending a killer? You are the worst lawyer,
brother.”
“The
evidence presented by the prosecution are fake,” José Carlos
answered. “The only witness telling the truth changed his
statement because your mother ordered him tortured.”
“Prove
it,” Catalina challenged.
“I
will.”
“You
know what?” Alejandro said. “I have to discuss some important
things with my mother. Leave us alone, please.”
“I
will never talk to you. What you have said and done is unjust. The
baby needs his mother.”
“I
am his father. I know perfectly well what is best for my son. To be
raised by a killer is not it.”
“You
are an imbecile. Your mother is manipulating you. She is the only
person who didn't want you to be with Miguel. It would not surprise
me if she were the killer.”
He
looked at the both of them and left.
“Ignore
him,” Catalina said. “He's desperate.”
“I
want Leonora to suffer. I want her to feel the same as I feel.”
Alvaro
threw his bag into the back seat and got into his car.
José
Carlos went to the jail. Luis was there with Ámbar.
“We
have to see Leonora.” Luis said. “She's been beaten.”
“We
have to do the impossible and get her out of here,” Ámbar said.
“This
is too much,” José Carlos said.
“Nothing
is too much for Catalina. Think about what she wants. What most
interests her.”
“My
father's inheritance. But she can't get it because Alejandro isn't
Carlos' son.”
“Legally
he is,” said Ámbar. “He is registered as Carlos' son. There is
no clause in the will to impede him taking possession of the
inheritance.”
“The
only way to impede her getting the inheritance --”
“ – is
to reveal everything Catalina has done. That's indispensable. Go to
see her. I'll stay here with Luis to discuss some things.”
Vega
arrived at Alvaro's apartment and broke a frosted glass window to get
in. He entered, gun in hand, as though he were going into the St
Valentine's Day Massacre. However, his victim had flown the coop.
José
Carlos went in to see Leonora. He saw her bruised face and began
asking who had done this to her.
“That's
not important,” she said. “The only thing I need is for you to
get my son back.”
He
tried to reassure her he would do everything possible.
“I
see I was in her way, like Miguel.”
José
Carlos had a light-bulb moment.
“My
aunt was right. Catalina wants my father's inheritance but if I
challenge it she can't have it. If I challenge the will –”
“You
want the inheritance?”
“No!
No! I was trying to demonstrate how you were never alone with Miguel
and how the prosecution's evidence was planted to frame you –”
“How
are you going to do that?”
“We
are all sure that the statement given by the guard, but the
prosecution has no way to prove that you and Miguel were alone –”
“They
did all that and you did absolutely nothing. You promised you'd get
my son back. Stop going on about evidence. Because of the
inheritance.”
“It's
not like that, Leonora. It isn't. Don't think that way. Leonora,
listen to me.”
“I
don't know that I can trust you.”
“Trust
me because I will do the impossible to help you.”
“The
only thing I see now is that you are a Larios and the only important
thing is money! I don't want you handling my case and I don't want
to see you again. Do you understand?”
She
started back to the cellblock. José Carlos tried to call her back,
but she would not listen. When he shouted that he loved her she
almost looked back. He did not see her expression of simultaneous
anger and sadness as she slowly walked away, physical pain evident to
anyone who was there. He continued to shout to her until she was
beyond the door to her cellblock.
That
night José Carlos and Luis began putting together everything they
learned.
“You
know, everything Ámbar told me –”
“What
are you going to do with it?”
“Publish
it in the press. Ámbar is right. We have to play on the same turf
as Catalina. We have to attack from all sides.” He could see that
José Carlos was upset. “Everything will be alright.”
“No.
All is not well. Leonora doesn't know what she's doing. If she
removed me from the case and they'll assign some official who won't
know how to help her. We have to help her. There is something we're
not seeing. The equation for crime has three elements: Motive,
means, and opportunity. What are we not seeing?”
“The
said the motive would be jealousy, wouldn't it?”
“Yes,
but what coincides with that? Leonora was never alone with Miguel at
any time. What is escaping us?”
“Let's
go back to the beginning. Catalina... Leonora knew where Alejandro
and Miguel were because she had been first with Alejandro –”
“That's
it! I was an idiot to miss this.” He rushed back to the desk.
“Leonora told me she received a call telling her where to find
Alejandro.”
“A
call?”
“She
got an anonymous call while she was in the hospital and later when
she came home.”
“I
imagine this has something to do with this.”
“I
don't know, but this person or persons knew all Alejandro's and
Miguel's movements.” He found some papers. “These phone numbers
correspond to those dates. I'm going to call a judge –”
“I
have somebody who can do this much faster.” He picked up his cell.
Leonora
had a new visitor that night. A lawyer named Augusto Figueroa.
“I've
been assigned to be your lawyer in this case.”
“How
did this happen?”
“You
petitioned the court relieve your previous lawyer and get a new one.
José Carlos Larios. That's why the judge assigned me.”
“So
quickly?”
“The
judge has a special interest in this case. It's leaving too big an
impression.”
“Catalina,
no?”
He
nodded.
“Your
mother-in-law has asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence for
premeditated murder. Forty years in prison.” He paused a moment.
“That is what the accusor asks, but we're going to fight. Let's me
read you --”
Leonora
made a sound of pure pain.
“I
lose forty years?” He nodded. “And my son? Alejandro takes
him? I can't see him?”
“Yes.
Also, [???]”
“I
need to have my child. It's the only thing I'm asking.”
“Look,
I'm going to propose something. We can take care of both things at
once. I know that for you the most important thing is your son, but
my job is to do the best for my client. Are we agreed?”
Leonora
nodded. She also cried.
Early
the next morning José Carlos was getting impatient regarding the
answers they were looking for. Luis had been unable to reach his
contact. He suggested they have coffee, but José Carlos declined
the offer.
They
arrived at Alvaro's apartment and found that it had been ransacked.
Furniture was broken or overturned and its occupant was not there.
Catalina
was not pleased.
“You
poor devil. How could you let him escape?”
“When
I arrived he wasn't in,” Vega answered. “Don't worry; I'm sure he
won't talk.”
“The
only ones who don't talk are the dead,” she said.
“He
won't be back to testify against you in front of a judge.”
“He
intended to communicate with Alejandro. That is how I know he saw
me.”
“How
would Alejandro --”
“No.
It's only just that we avoid that.”
“I
think you're worrying too much. Alvaro knows the risk if he faced
you. That's why you should understand why I have no news of him.”
“I
can't be calm until you find him. Find him however you have to.”
She
left him alone at the table. He looked a little worried.
Francisco
was looking at e-mails and spreadsheets when Ámbar returned. She
gave him a look of contempt before leaving him alone with his
computer.
Figueroa
was at the jail explaining to Leonora that the police were obsessed
with the crime scene evidence and the guard's statement.
“But
everything he said was a lie,” Leonora said. “I never entered
the building.”
“But
that is the problem. Your statement contradicts his and it puts you
at the scene of the crime. Tell me how the ring got there –”
“I
have no idea how it got there!” She was obviously losing patience.
“You
need to maintain a cool head to help in your defense,” he told her.
“Please, help me. This will be a long process and there can be
delays. We can't do anything about that.”
“I
don't know if I can take this for much more time.”
“I
know you are innocent. I will show that. Nevertheless, the only
person who has any word is the judge.
“So
then what do we do?”
“We
have two options. We go before the judge now. You will get a year
or a year and a half.”
“No.
I couldn't do a year and a half.”
“It
could be more. The accuser's request can complicate this. You know
to what I'm referring.”
“What
is the other option?”
“Ask
the judge for a decision as quickly as possible.”
“Ask
for a sentence for a crime I didn't commit?”
“I'm
here to help, but you have to help me. I've been thinking about how
to resolve this. About what I have to do to see that your son can be
with you.”
“What
do I have to do?”
“If
we're going to succeed in getting the judge to make a fast decision,
you will need to plead an emotional problem and ask for a reduced
sentence of twenty years. There is another option for time off for
good behavior.”
“Are
you suggesting I plead guilty?”
“No.
I am proposing that you help me recover your son.”
After
Figueroa left and the opportunity to use the telephone came, Leonora
recalled all too vividly how Alejandro had taken baby Edgar away.
“Alejandro,
thanks for answering me. I only want to know how Edgar is. Is he
with you?”
Without
saying a single word he brought the phone near the baby so Leonora
could hear him cry.
“What
is wrong? Why is he crying? Alejandro, answer me. Why is he
crying? Alejandro, don't torment me. Why is he crying?
She
could endure no more, so she hung up the receiver and cried, knowing
that she could do nothing. She did not know at that moment how truly
helpless she was.
“Leonora
is completely convinced of her innocence,” Figueroa said over
dinner in a restaurant. “Nevertheless I don't want to say I can't
convince her of the contrary. Many such are very stubborn, but in
the end they finally realize that it is better to accept it.”
He
grinned at Catalina, whose expression was only mildly pensive. He
then drained his wine glass. Catalina's glass remained full and her
plate remained empty.
“This
is a very elegant place. Of course, I think I could easily get used
to such things.”
“That
will depend on you,” she said. “How well you do your work.”
“Consider
it a done deal. I will have Leonora trusting me completely. I'm sure
she will accept the offer I'm making.” He poured himself more
wine. Catalina picked up her glass.
“To
Justice,” she said.
José
Carlos and Luis pulled up in front of Alvaro's new apartment. They looked
up at the building as they identified the apartment and talked about
Catalina's evil. Alvaro came out of the building. José Carlos and
Luis got out of the car.
“I
know that you called Leonora and told her where to find Miguel.”
“No,
no, no! It wasn't me!”
“Listen
to me! I know you were pursuing my brother. And I know you called
Leonora to lure her to the building site so she would end up in
prison.”
Alvaro
denied this again and tried to escape, but was again unsuccessful.
“You
had the motive. You had the means, and you took the opportunity.”
Alvaro
almost escaped then, but Luis caught and held him.
“Whom
are you covering up for?” He demanded.
“If
you don't tell us the easy way,” José Carlos said. “You'll do
it the hard way with the police.” He pulled out his cell.
“No,
no, no, no, no!” Alvaro was panicking. “It was Catalina. It was
Catalina. I saw it. She killed him.”
*Homicidio
calificado, known formerly as homicidio calificado – asesinato, is
the killing of
another in any of the following circumstances: For ferocity,
cupidity, profit, or for pleasure. To facilitate or hide another
crime. With great cruelty or treachery.
Labels: cuna
Comments:
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Thank you, Urban, for the enjoyable read this a.m. It was outstanding. YES! We need a legendary Karmageddon for this one!!!
Something out of the norm: Kudos to the show creators for showing the aftermath of the severe beatings Leonora and Ramón and suffered in terms of wounds and bruising. You usually don’t see that.
With José Carlos as her lawyer, Leonora was at such a disadvantage in the courtroom because he didn’t know what he was doing. He shows he is well intended but goofy over and over.
Alejandro again proved himself to be Cata’s daughter with making Leonora listen to baby Edgar cry.
Guess we cannot count on a Vega or the public defender Figueroa to come to the rescue.
Loved when Ámbar put Francisco on the hot seat and asked if he really believed that Leonora had killed Miguel and he visibly gulped. I also loved Ámbar pressuring and asking him why he couldn’t go to the police and make a statement against Cata. Ámbar continues to be a force to be reckoned with in spite of it all.
Will Álvaro survive long enough to be of any use?
Luis better watch himself because Cata does know where his son is.
Something out of the norm: Kudos to the show creators for showing the aftermath of the severe beatings Leonora and Ramón and suffered in terms of wounds and bruising. You usually don’t see that.
With José Carlos as her lawyer, Leonora was at such a disadvantage in the courtroom because he didn’t know what he was doing. He shows he is well intended but goofy over and over.
Alejandro again proved himself to be Cata’s daughter with making Leonora listen to baby Edgar cry.
Guess we cannot count on a Vega or the public defender Figueroa to come to the rescue.
Loved when Ámbar put Francisco on the hot seat and asked if he really believed that Leonora had killed Miguel and he visibly gulped. I also loved Ámbar pressuring and asking him why he couldn’t go to the police and make a statement against Cata. Ámbar continues to be a force to be reckoned with in spite of it all.
Will Álvaro survive long enough to be of any use?
Luis better watch himself because Cata does know where his son is.
Hugo, good question about the bag. If he is smart, his phone is in his pocket but we don’t know if he is that smart, do we?
Oh Urban, what a fitting title! What a mesmerizing episode and your recap reflected every word, every action so descriptively. Just wonderful.
Your explanation of "Homicidio calificado, known formerly as homicidio calificado…" was excellent.
At the depths of darkness, a tiny, almost imperceptible glimmer of light. Of hope. Who would ever have guessed it would have come from Alvaro?? But now that the words have been uttered, two more lives are great peril.
Perhaps another small beam will be provided by Ambar whose thought process and judgement were never impaired by all the forced lethal injections. Her scathing response to: "Think of the consequences. If I go to the police I go to prison. Do you understand?” “Do you understand the consequences if you don't? How is your conscience?” said it all. Francisco has no worth, no value. Cowardice at its worst.
Vega failed. What did Catalina expect when she sent a mere man to do her dirty woman's work?
"He did not see her expression of simultaneous anger and sadness as she slowly walked away, physical pain evident to anyone who was there". Calculated, cruel, intentional destruction of a human being. Had I realized her beating would be so graphic, I would not have watched. Yet, that was "mere" physical torture, which will pale to the emotional torture of being unjustly incarcerated and losing her son.
Cooler heads often prevail. Still Luis might siphon some of Jose Carlos' frenzied passion and become a bit more animated, a tad more emotional. And Jose Carlos, a bit less emotional.
I have no pity for Alejandro - it's all reserved for Leonora. My heart aches for her.
5 nights left. I keep wondering how many more deaths that will translate into.
Urban, thank you!
Diana
Your explanation of "Homicidio calificado, known formerly as homicidio calificado…" was excellent.
At the depths of darkness, a tiny, almost imperceptible glimmer of light. Of hope. Who would ever have guessed it would have come from Alvaro?? But now that the words have been uttered, two more lives are great peril.
Perhaps another small beam will be provided by Ambar whose thought process and judgement were never impaired by all the forced lethal injections. Her scathing response to: "Think of the consequences. If I go to the police I go to prison. Do you understand?” “Do you understand the consequences if you don't? How is your conscience?” said it all. Francisco has no worth, no value. Cowardice at its worst.
Vega failed. What did Catalina expect when she sent a mere man to do her dirty woman's work?
"He did not see her expression of simultaneous anger and sadness as she slowly walked away, physical pain evident to anyone who was there". Calculated, cruel, intentional destruction of a human being. Had I realized her beating would be so graphic, I would not have watched. Yet, that was "mere" physical torture, which will pale to the emotional torture of being unjustly incarcerated and losing her son.
Cooler heads often prevail. Still Luis might siphon some of Jose Carlos' frenzied passion and become a bit more animated, a tad more emotional. And Jose Carlos, a bit less emotional.
I have no pity for Alejandro - it's all reserved for Leonora. My heart aches for her.
5 nights left. I keep wondering how many more deaths that will translate into.
Urban, thank you!
Diana
Permalink posted by 
: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 6:54:00 AM EST
: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 6:54:00 AM EST
Hi Jarifa, our comments crossed (again)!
"Ámbar continues to be a force to be reckoned with in spite of it all". Absolutely, The unsung hero here.
"Will Álvaro survive long enough to be of any use?" Good question.
All along, I thought Luis would not make it to the end of this. And yes, a lot of time has been spent showing us Luis' family and I'm sure there is a point. Catalina is going to get desperate very quickly and this might be how she strikes.
Now I'm thinking neither Luis or JC will survive. What a mess...
Diana
"Ámbar continues to be a force to be reckoned with in spite of it all". Absolutely, The unsung hero here.
"Will Álvaro survive long enough to be of any use?" Good question.
All along, I thought Luis would not make it to the end of this. And yes, a lot of time has been spent showing us Luis' family and I'm sure there is a point. Catalina is going to get desperate very quickly and this might be how she strikes.
Now I'm thinking neither Luis or JC will survive. What a mess...
Diana
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 6:58:00 AM EST
: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 6:58:00 AM EST
I think the bag being dropped is a realistic thing in such a situation. It didn't look all that heavy, but it likely contained clothes and that would feel heavier with each step. Also, the bag hinders a person who is running by putting him off balance.
Most people have a routine way they carry their phones and automatically default to it. Most men put them in a jacket pocket and it's likely that men's jackets are made today with interior pockets designed for them. Not likely that he would put it into the bag.
JC knows that Alejandro and Catalina have no boundaries. For her to answer his cell phone would not be unusual if he isn't in the room. This is something Alvaro is either too stupid or insufficiently experienced in life to recognize. Remember that he hadn't been working there that long and was not in its Executive Suite so he would not have had the opportunity to observe any of this.
However, here is a good example of one who cries Wolf. Due to his past unwelcome behavior Alejandro is unlikely to believe him. If he knows about deep faking he would probably accuse Alvaro of that after seeing the murder video.
Most people have a routine way they carry their phones and automatically default to it. Most men put them in a jacket pocket and it's likely that men's jackets are made today with interior pockets designed for them. Not likely that he would put it into the bag.
JC knows that Alejandro and Catalina have no boundaries. For her to answer his cell phone would not be unusual if he isn't in the room. This is something Alvaro is either too stupid or insufficiently experienced in life to recognize. Remember that he hadn't been working there that long and was not in its Executive Suite so he would not have had the opportunity to observe any of this.
However, here is a good example of one who cries Wolf. Due to his past unwelcome behavior Alejandro is unlikely to believe him. If he knows about deep faking he would probably accuse Alvaro of that after seeing the murder video.
What bothers me the most about the beating of Leonora is that she is still recovering from what looked like a vertiical-cut C-section. My aunt had three of those back in the day and they kept her in hospital for 10 days each time.
I also have the feeling that most women in prison would find Leonora's situation sympathetic. How many women can sing the He-Done-Me-Wrong song? Most of their delight at the victimization of Leonora seems to have been bought and paid for by Catalina through Vega.
Catalina would certainly have no qualms about harming a defenseless child like Matias, but if she insists that Vega do that dirty work will he do it?
I also have the feeling that most women in prison would find Leonora's situation sympathetic. How many women can sing the He-Done-Me-Wrong song? Most of their delight at the victimization of Leonora seems to have been bought and paid for by Catalina through Vega.
Catalina would certainly have no qualms about harming a defenseless child like Matias, but if she insists that Vega do that dirty work will he do it?
Diana, “What did Catalina expect . . . “ says it all. Cata should know there are too many weak links for her to farm out her dirty work.
Urban, I keep thinking that Vega has a conscience of sort but we have yet to see more than a momentary flash of one.
Urban, I keep thinking that Vega has a conscience of sort but we have yet to see more than a momentary flash of one.
Nice work UA. I became sucked down this rabbit hole waiting for La Lizard to come on:
I even tried to protect myself by leaving it muted until Lizard, but succumbed after two nights.
If Alvaro had seen a few good TNs he would know to make MULTIPLE copies of that video and scatter them everywhere, but he's just a kid. He's no football player either the way he fumbles.
Coo Coo Cata is just downright creepy with that one unblinking reptilian eye.
I even tried to protect myself by leaving it muted until Lizard, but succumbed after two nights.
If Alvaro had seen a few good TNs he would know to make MULTIPLE copies of that video and scatter them everywhere, but he's just a kid. He's no football player either the way he fumbles.
Coo Coo Cata is just downright creepy with that one unblinking reptilian eye.
UA: Catalina had so many cronies it's not funny.
Leonora in prison for 40 years ? WTH.
Jarifa: I hope JC, Luis & Ambar watch their backs because they've got targets on their backs.
Diana: You think Luis gets whacked next ?
Leonora in prison for 40 years ? WTH.
Jarifa: I hope JC, Luis & Ambar watch their backs because they've got targets on their backs.
Diana: You think Luis gets whacked next ?
UA, Thank you. This show gets darker and darker as our early winter days get darker and darker, so I have to surf in and out . The beating of Leonarda was graphic and nauseating. I have to protect myself and my emotions right now. Holidays are approaching , and it is an emotional time of the year in addition to the cold we are getting here. HOWever, with just 6 episodes left, I am curious as to how this show will end. If the good are not released from the grasp of evil, crazy Catalina and Catalina does not get an enormous anvil, I won't be able to stand it.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 9:46:00 AM EST
: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 9:46:00 AM EST
Kirby: “. . . one unblinking reptilian eye.” Perfection! It adds to her cobra like presence.
Steve, who knows who will be left standing at the end of if anyone . . . ?
Susanlynn, the end is in sight! That is the good thing about 25 episode novelas.
Steve, who knows who will be left standing at the end of if anyone . . . ?
Susanlynn, the end is in sight! That is the good thing about 25 episode novelas.
Thanks, UA. The recap is excellent and the title inspired.
Diana, "At the depths of darkness, a tiny, almost imperceptible glimmer of light. Of hope. Who would ever have guessed it would have come from Alvaro?? But now that the words have been uttered, two more lives are great peril." Simply inspired! How I look forward to reading your poetic prose!
Jarifa, ITA Alejandro is just as evil as his serpent mother. How cruel of him to make Leonora listen to her baby crying his heart out. I'm sure that was more painful than the physical abuse she got. Leonora HAS to be one of the ones that survives all the evil. And I'm hoping that Ambar does get her divorce and goes far away where she can find some happiness. And Ambar putting Francisco in the hot seat was my favorite scene. I could almost here the burning sizzle.
KIRBY!!! OMGosh I thought I was the only one freaking out with the unblinking eye. It truly is cre-e-e-py!
I was very relieved to hear Alvaro spill his beans. I just hope he has sense enough to tell them about the video before Cata and her newfound goon get to him.
Diana, "At the depths of darkness, a tiny, almost imperceptible glimmer of light. Of hope. Who would ever have guessed it would have come from Alvaro?? But now that the words have been uttered, two more lives are great peril." Simply inspired! How I look forward to reading your poetic prose!
Jarifa, ITA Alejandro is just as evil as his serpent mother. How cruel of him to make Leonora listen to her baby crying his heart out. I'm sure that was more painful than the physical abuse she got. Leonora HAS to be one of the ones that survives all the evil. And I'm hoping that Ambar does get her divorce and goes far away where she can find some happiness. And Ambar putting Francisco in the hot seat was my favorite scene. I could almost here the burning sizzle.
KIRBY!!! OMGosh I thought I was the only one freaking out with the unblinking eye. It truly is cre-e-e-py!
I was very relieved to hear Alvaro spill his beans. I just hope he has sense enough to tell them about the video before Cata and her newfound goon get to him.
Thank you Urban--The way you recount the events through the dialog is chilling.
I echo Susanlynn--this just gets darker and darker--visually and intellectually. I almost (note--almost) would rather watch more of Catalina than the violence meted out to Leonora and Ramon.
While I felt sorry for Alejandro for one hot minute over losing Miguel so violently (Diego did a good job showing his anguish), what he did to Leonore erased that completely. Heartless.
I'm with Urban thinking that though women in prison can be toughies, they would ordinarily be a bit more compassionate towards a young woman in her situation. Leonora isn't making it easy, though. However, this was a special case. The beater was paid to do it--though she seemed to enjoy it. The other prisoners were probably too scared of her to intervene.
During Vega's last conversation with Catalina, when she reveals she's the one who actually threw Miguel over the parapet, I got the feeling he realized all of a sudden who he had signed up for. Even if he decides she's too bloodthirsty, he's in too deep now.
I echo Susanlynn--this just gets darker and darker--visually and intellectually. I almost (note--almost) would rather watch more of Catalina than the violence meted out to Leonora and Ramon.
While I felt sorry for Alejandro for one hot minute over losing Miguel so violently (Diego did a good job showing his anguish), what he did to Leonore erased that completely. Heartless.
I'm with Urban thinking that though women in prison can be toughies, they would ordinarily be a bit more compassionate towards a young woman in her situation. Leonora isn't making it easy, though. However, this was a special case. The beater was paid to do it--though she seemed to enjoy it. The other prisoners were probably too scared of her to intervene.
During Vega's last conversation with Catalina, when she reveals she's the one who actually threw Miguel over the parapet, I got the feeling he realized all of a sudden who he had signed up for. Even if he decides she's too bloodthirsty, he's in too deep now.
Thanks UA!
I can’t believe that Leonora thinks JC wants the inheritance. I didn’t miss the look on her face when JC told her he loved her. Between getting beat up, Alejandro taunting her and her new lawyer working with Catalina, Leonora is not having any good luck.
Now that Luis and JC have found Alvaro and that he was quick to confess, hopefully the game will change. Catalina can’t easily be outsmarted though so they better be careful.
Glad to see Ámbar looking normal and healthy again. And she is smart too. I didn’t think about what she said about how legally/on paper Alejandro is Carlos’ son.
I don’t anticipate Vega surviving to the end.
I can’t believe that Leonora thinks JC wants the inheritance. I didn’t miss the look on her face when JC told her he loved her. Between getting beat up, Alejandro taunting her and her new lawyer working with Catalina, Leonora is not having any good luck.
Now that Luis and JC have found Alvaro and that he was quick to confess, hopefully the game will change. Catalina can’t easily be outsmarted though so they better be careful.
Glad to see Ámbar looking normal and healthy again. And she is smart too. I didn’t think about what she said about how legally/on paper Alejandro is Carlos’ son.
I don’t anticipate Vega surviving to the end.
Anita, "During Vega's last conversation with Catalina, when she reveals she's the one who actually threw Miguel over the parapet, I got the feeling he realized all of a sudden who he had signed up for." Yes! I got that feeling too. I figured he suspected all along that she was responsible for Miguel's death, but he was probably hoping he was wrong. But when she outright admitted it, he looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole...one she could never find him in. And when she said that Leonora had "become a problem," I hope he realized that when he "becomes a problem," he'll be in her line of fire.
From watching TeleNovelas and Court TV I have concluded that for a grown man, if you can't figure out what to do with your hair----just shave it.
Fellas with outlandish hairdos get a lot of sack time, but are hardly ever good at anything else.
Fellas with outlandish hairdos get a lot of sack time, but are hardly ever good at anything else.
Urban, re: Edgar’s name. Why did they pick that name? I find it unsuitable for a baby.
It seems Jose Carlos did not specialize in criminal law, and why did Francisco not help out? He didn’t listen to Catalina with regards to Jose Carlos. It should be evident to everyone else that Catalina’s family has no interest to help out Leonora, otherwise the family would be worried to at least clear their name from the media. Kind of a piece of evidence there that something is off.
The only way to be free of Catalina is through her death. This novella makes that look unlikely.
AnonFri
It seems Jose Carlos did not specialize in criminal law, and why did Francisco not help out? He didn’t listen to Catalina with regards to Jose Carlos. It should be evident to everyone else that Catalina’s family has no interest to help out Leonora, otherwise the family would be worried to at least clear their name from the media. Kind of a piece of evidence there that something is off.
The only way to be free of Catalina is through her death. This novella makes that look unlikely.
AnonFri
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 11:45:00 AM EST
: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 11:45:00 AM EST
I'm sure the actors playing Alejandro and Luis are envied for their beautiful, thick hair. I am wondering how they look without beards, though. Beards seem to be very much in vogue and at least these guys' beards are well-groomed.
Francisco should ditch the 5 o'clock shadow; it doesn't match his hair but it does keep him from looking too much like Felix Unger.
Okay, before I go out I will start writing out the Karmageddon page. Due to the length of this series and the whiplash we will all have by Friday night it's posting on Saturday when there are only the two final episodes left.
Francisco should ditch the 5 o'clock shadow; it doesn't match his hair but it does keep him from looking too much like Felix Unger.
Okay, before I go out I will start writing out the Karmageddon page. Due to the length of this series and the whiplash we will all have by Friday night it's posting on Saturday when there are only the two final episodes left.
RGV Chick: Vega KNEW what he was signing up for & it's too little, too late for him to back out now.
By the time this chaotic Telenovela ends, Vega will be lucky IF he doesn't get kicked out of law enforcement because of his complicity in multiple murders.
Speaking of people in the line of fire, whatever happened to Vicky, who lost the baby & was insulted in such disgusting racist attacks by Catalina ?
By the time this chaotic Telenovela ends, Vega will be lucky IF he doesn't get kicked out of law enforcement because of his complicity in multiple murders.
Speaking of people in the line of fire, whatever happened to Vicky, who lost the baby & was insulted in such disgusting racist attacks by Catalina ?
Great recap, Urban! This one was painful to watch! Alejandro's casual sadism in letting Leonora hear Edgar's crying was terrible. I f the anvil should drop on him, I won't mourn. Interesting that Ambar knows more about inheritance law than Juan Carlos, the lawyer, does. Truly disgusting how Leonora's new lawyer is colluding with Catalina. I wonder how far all this reflects the reality of the Mexican justice system. If it does, and I were a justice official in Mexico, I would be very embarrassed. Reform, anyone?
My understanding of the criminal injustice system in Mexico is that a person can be arrested on suspicion of a crime and wait years for a trial. While our own system has its flaws it operates on Innocent Until Proven Guilty, but on a global level this is a minority criteria. Mexico's system operates on Guilty Until Proven Innocent.
I always wonder how a criminal trial in the US can be two years after the actual crime due to the issues of memory, availability of witnesses, quality of evidence, and other factors. I can't imagine a trial being fair after a delay of that kind or longer.
I have the suspicion that some of these stories are directed at criticizing the system.
As for Ambar she's married to a lawyer (whose specialty is probably corporate law), one who had no idea that he was the sperm donor for the heir in question. How long she knew this point of law we do not know. Why she didn't reveal it is another question altogether, but probably because she knew Catalina would kill her.
I completely agree that Alejandro deserves an anvil for his most recent actions despite that he doesn't seem to have done anything that he can go to prison for.
I always wonder how a criminal trial in the US can be two years after the actual crime due to the issues of memory, availability of witnesses, quality of evidence, and other factors. I can't imagine a trial being fair after a delay of that kind or longer.
I have the suspicion that some of these stories are directed at criticizing the system.
As for Ambar she's married to a lawyer (whose specialty is probably corporate law), one who had no idea that he was the sperm donor for the heir in question. How long she knew this point of law we do not know. Why she didn't reveal it is another question altogether, but probably because she knew Catalina would kill her.
I completely agree that Alejandro deserves an anvil for his most recent actions despite that he doesn't seem to have done anything that he can go to prison for.
That innocent till proven guilty vs. guilty till proven innocent is one of the basic differences between British Common Law and the Napoleonic Code/Roman Law (on which it is based).
I know. The irony is that trial by jury has become fairly rare in the UK to the degree that it is thought to be expensive and antiquated.. That blew my mind.
And of course any system can be either honest or corrupt. Spaniards in the 16th and 17th centuries prided themselves on their strong sense of justice and their obedience to the rule of law.
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