Caray, Caray!

We start out in the bar with Gonzalo “spitting on the plate where he eats” again by badmouthing Jorge and La LaFont. Gonzo may be a lush but he still has exacting taste in wines—he spits out the wine he’s drinking and demands that the barkeep get him another one. Uriel shows up after checking out his new store. Gonzo rips him for being a lowly storekeeper and says that he thought he had more class. Gonzalo then changes the subject, insisting that he wants to rob the money train. Mateo and Uriel say no way. Gonzalo complains more about LaFont and then gets up and leaves. Mateo and Uriel assess what’s going on. Mateo remarks that Gonzo has always been violent and impulsive. They agree that they want nothing to do with any unauthorized activities. Jorge’s not going to like it.

Jimena accompanies Cami to the government house to buy the mill. Jimena is still trying to talk her out of it, trying the argument that Ric isn’t going to like it. Camila thinks it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. She’s going to do it. When they arrive. Ines and Vasco try to talk her out of it but they don’t succeed. Camila goes in and Marcelino has all the docs ready for her. He asks her if she wants to wait for Don Jorge. She says no. But suddenly she notices that there are two places for a signature, hers and Ricardo’s. When she asks Marcelino, he says of course her husband has to sign, yes, even if she’s spending her own money. Camila explains that he’s on a trip. Marcelino says even how she spends her dowery is subject to her husband’s consent. Camila smiles nervously and says that she’s sure he won’t have a problem with it. She picks up the quill and signs.

Next we see why Don Jorge is delayed, he is with Gonzalo is still lobbying him to do the caravan robbery. Jorge says not without LaFont. Gonzalo whines some more and Don Jorge complains that he’s starting to annoy him. Gonzalo wants to know what would happen if he did it anyway. Jorge says don’t do it or else. Gonzalo actually has to ask “or else what?” “You die” responds Jorge matter of factly.

In the plaza, Inez goes to buy some candles in front of church, Vasco calls her over when Camila is coming out of the government house. Vasco asks her what went down, Camila says it’s done. Vasco wants to know when he can go back to the Mill but Camila admits that without Ric’s signature, the transaction isn’t finished. Vasco says, “God willing…he won’t do it.” Camila asks after her Dad and Vasco says he’s doing well. Then she asks after the wedding preparations. Ines says they are going well and she adds a thanks for her generosity and kindness and she’s sure that God won’t let anything bad happen to her after her goodness. Little Mary Sunshine is our Ines. Even Camila looks doubtful. Camila asks everybody to keep the news that she bought the mill from her father. At least until Ric gets back. Hugs and kisses all around and Camila and Jimena depart. As soon as they are gone, Ines rips Vasco for complaining about Camila buying the mill, saying she’s doing it all for him and their father. Vasco explains to her that if Bernabe comes back and sells the letter to Lis, he’s going get “crucified” by the family. Ines holds out hope that Ascanio will find him. Vasco is doubtful. He thinks Benabe is in the “fifth circle of hell” living in fear because he knows that if he (Vasco) finds him, he’ll kill him. Ines grabs Vasco and insists that they go into church.

Back to Ric and Mario, who are at another tavern, this time out on the patio. Ric asks the waiter about a merchant named Molina Pastor (?) The waiter obliges by pointing him out and Ric asks him to bring him over. Ric and Mario confirm that his name is Diego. When the waiter comes over to say that he’ll be over shortly Mario asks for Rum and three glasses. Just then the guy comes over. He’s older and from his clothes, pretty prosperous looking. They introduce themselves. Ric is Diego …(couldn’t catch the last name) and Mario says he’s Ruperto Gomez. When the merchant asks what they’re trading Ric says “stolen money.” The merchant gets alarmed and says they’ve got the wrong guy. He doesn’t do that sort of thing. Ric says he’s looking to launder some loot and the merchant again tells him he isn’t their guy. Ric and Mario act surprised and start musing aloud how Mancera and Lafont must have deceived them, told them to come to this guy, that he helped them sell their stuff to “that pirate.” The Merchant smiles and says that he’s no government agent; he’s just careful and doesn’t want to get involved in shady deals with people he doesn’t know. The rum arrives and the merchant serves himself and adds helpfully that he knows one of the guys that Ric mentioned, La Font. He did help him in a previous transaction. “But only as an intermediary.” Ric suggests that he could help them too. The merchant seems agreeable to the idea. But he can’t help them if they are in a big hurry. He explains that he has to send a letter to the Antilles and then wait for the reply. That could take awhile. Ric says that La Font spoke of a guy named “Foreman.” Mario nods sagely. The merchant says he doesn’t know. “He’s some pirate or corsair. Who else would buy stolen Spanish money?” Ric laughs and agrees “Only a pirate!” The three clink glasses.

Next we see Ascanio, who has made his way to the countryside, looking for Bernabe. He arrives at a stone house where a couple of children are playing outside. A rooster crows in the background. Ascanio bends down to tell a little girl that he’s come from San Fernando. He asks for “Dona Celia.” The little girl says she’ll go get her Mama. A woman comes out in a few seconds with a baby on her hip. Ascanio tells her he’s looking for her cousin Bernabe. “Have you seen him?” The woman looks suspicious and says no while nervously shaking her head. The baby starts fussing. Ascanio pleads with her—he tells her he doesn’t want trouble with Bernabe, only to talk to him. “A woman is in great danger if he doesn’t find him and talk to him.” The woman relents. She tells him that he was there but he left. He went to another relative’s house. Ascanio checks the list he’s carrying and finds the name, an Uncle Demetrio (?). The woman tells him that he left three days ago. Ascanio thanks her and leaves. As soon as he goes the woman goes inside and there’s Bernabe, sitting there with a bottle of wine, looking a little rough for a guy who just stole a pile of money. She tells him that a guy came looking for him. Bernabe is alarmed and asked if it was Vasco. She tells him no, he had dark hair. She’s freaked out and wants him to leave. Clearly he’s messed with important people and she doesn’t want trouble. She has enough problems on her own. Bernabe snarks that sure she has problems with two kids and no husband. She sure can use the money he’s given her. The cousin says she’s grateful but she’s worried about Ascanio coming back. Which no doubt he’ll do when he finds out at Demetrio’s that she lied about Bernabe going there. Bernabe says if he comes back, just repeat that story. He tells her to stop bothering him. He’ll leave but he has to think of where to go next. The cousin is placated with his answer.

At Mansion Mancera, Ursula is sticking her little jeweled pins in her hair while Fortunata rips her for primping to go to see Santiago. Ursula says that she’s going to go bring a gift to Ines for her wedding. Fortunata tells her that if she’s thinking of trying to seduce Santiago, she’s not going to help her cover it up. Ursula grabs her parasol and says she’s going. Fortunata tells her she’s going with her and runs after her.

Camila and Jimena pay a visit to the Camila’s house where the young maid who replaced Clotilde, Candela (?) is happy to see them. (Pablo and the other pirate—the guy who played Frank on Duelo de Pasiones who are still shadowing them, wait outside). Candela gives a report about the house being dusty since nobody’s there. Only the gardener has been by to water the plants, nobody else. She leaves and Camila remarks to Jimena as she sits by the fountain next to her potted roses that she feels more at comfortable there than at Ricardo’s. Jimena comments that it’s probably just a matter of getting used to the other place. Camila says that she wishes that Ricardo would have moved in with her. Jimena laughs and says, “What would people have said?” Camila says at this point in her life, she really doesn’t care what people think. “I’m married to a pirate!” Go figure!” She sighs and says misses him. She misses his presence, his strength. Jimena smiles at her and says “You really love him, don’t you?” Camila smiles and says “Yes.” They laugh. Jimena recalls how she suggested that she sleep with him on the boat on the way to La Mariana Island. They have a flashback to the ship. Both of them looking pretty grimy, torn clothes and tangled hair. Rick tries to apologize for having their wrists tied and he even tries to put a cloth under the rope on Camila’s to keep it from cutting her. She grabs it in her teeth and rips it away. Back in the present, they can laugh about it. “And what turns life gives,” says Jimena that you would end up marrying him.” Camila suddenly is sad. She misses him and wants him back at her side, never to leave again. Jimena smiles understandingly and sighs.

Ursula is still making her way out of the palace, with Fortunata dogging her. Ursula complains that she doesn’t need a nanny to accompany her. Fortunata tells her she does. Just then Sofia arrives with Tita and asks what the fuss is about. Ursula downplays the dispute and tries to sail out. Sofia says “aren’t you going to greet your daughter?” Ursula doesn’t skip a beat and says “Have a nice day, Tita!” on her way out. The little girl looks crestfallen.

Ric and Mario are now out riding in the countryside. They are conferring about what they’ve learned from the Merchant. They need more than just one merchant’s word for the bureaucratic Spanish justice system, if he’s going to get a pardon, especially if the accused is Don Jorge Mancera. Mario asks what happens if he puts all the blame on Pancho. Ric says no way, he will have the complete truth to give to his godfather. Mario suggests that on the way back to San Fernando, they stop and see Pancho. Pirate central (La Paisana’s town) is right in between them and the town. Ric agrees.

Back to Ursula and Fortunata on their way to see Santiago. They come upon Ofelia who is giving out a home remedy to a blind guy. Ursula asks after Santiago and Ofelia tells her that he’s gone to Ricardo’s on an errand for Dona Lis. Fortunata explains that Ursula came with a wedding gift for Ines. Ofelia says that she needn’t have but..she goes to get Ines but Ursula says not to bother, she can just give it to Ofelia to give to her. Fortunata asks about Justo and Ofelia tells her that he’s doing well. After exchanging more pleasantries, the two women leave Ofelia. As soon as they are a short distance away, Ursula is complaining that Lis has become enchanted with Santiago. Fortunata tsks tsks her, saying that no woman gets enchanted with a married guy. Ursula gets to thinking that Santiago didn’t go there to see Lis, he went to see Camila. It reminds her of how angry she is that Camila stole Ricardo from her. Fortunata shakes her head disapprovingly.

We are treated to a view of the mountain terrain as Mario and Ric scope out pirate central which apparently lies in a valley. Through the scope they see a lot of people and movement, including, FOREMAN himself. They are both impactados that Foreman would show up in Mexico. Neither has any idea why he’s there. Mario thinks it’s risky to go there now. Ric doesn’t think so. He wants to ask him what he’s doing there. Mario says he’d like to do the same. They go.
Over at Ric’s mansion, Santiago and the twins have brought an enormous chest and have stashed it in the ladies’ bedroom. After Lis is done feeling it, she searches for the words to describe what she doesn’t like about it. Santiago suggests that she wanted something more refined. He says that he can get a carpenter over to upholster it with fabric. Lis likes the sound of that. Santiago says that in the meantime, they can use it, since he’s brought the keys. He holds them out to Fran who rejects them, saying that he can show Lis. He kneels down with her and lets her feel the keys, that one is smaller than the other. He shows her how one fits and then the other. The twins look on as if to say, awww, how cute! Fran looks on looking totally disgusted. He holds the chest open for her while she feels around inside. She compliments his workmanship. (Or sniffs his armpit as her head is right under his arm as he holds the lid.)

Back at Ofelia’s, Ofelia is working on the wedding dress. Ines comes in. She makes some remark that I couldn’t hear about being tired. Ines spies the present on the table and is immediately elated. When Ofelia mentions it’s from Ursula, the smile vanishes even quicker. She suggests that it’s straight from hell. Ofelia upbraids her for her lack of gratitude. Ines pulls the ribbon and flips the top off, while barely touching it. Inside are some little porcelain figurines. Ines is sure that she means some nastiness by it. That woman is a Messalina.

[Ah those Spaniards and their classical education—from Wikipedia: Valeria Messalina[1], sometimes spelled Messallina, (c. 17/20 – 48) was Roman Empress as the third wife of Emperor Claudius. A powerful and influential woman with a slatternly reputation, she conspired against her husband and was executed when the plot was discovered.]

Ofelia asks Ines what happened with Camila. Ines tells her that she signed the docs but that Ric has to sign too. She hopes to God he refuses. Ofelia agrees. She says although It would be a great joy to Justo [to get the mill back] it will go very badly for her, if the worst comes to pass [with the discovery of the letter]. Ines adds that Vasco is upset about it. Ofelia says, “as well he should be.” “If he hadn’t been tempted by greed, none of this would be happening.” Ines says that Vasco’s very sorry and he’s changed a lot since his father’s illness. Ofelia smiles wanly at her daughter. The two women turn to focus their attention on the dress.

At Ric’s, two maids are scrubbing the hallway floor. Santiago asks if he can see Camila. A maid goes to get her. He asks the twins to wait outside. Santiago tells her that he’s heard that she signed [for the Mill] but that the document lacks her husband’s signature. She nods. Santiago rags on her for signing. She complains that nobody seems to understand why she’s doing it. Santiago says it’s because they are all worried for her. He gives her a look and she stares back at him. He says that he guesses it’s no good asking her to withdraw her signature. She says that she’s made her decision and that’s that. She’s tired of hearing people’s opinions. He says OK and walks out, where he is seen by Fran, who drags Lis into an alcove. After Camila walks out. Fran explains that she just saw them together in the Salon. Lis is elated. “I told you so!” she says and laughs.

At Pirate Central, Foreman is conferring with La Paisana. He is trying to convince her that he’s on a pleasure trip but she sounds skeptical. I guess Pirates don’t usually go on vacations. She asks what happens if he gets recognized. Risk is part of life, he says. Foreman’s baggage shows up and he asks La Paisana if she’s got a decent room he can stay in, one without fleas. She laughs and says, “yeah one without fleas, but with lice and ticks and without water.” She walks away and Foreman complains to his pirate companion that the place is unhealthy. The pirate adds “and full of mosquitoes.” Foreman commands him to go and find a coach that can take them to Veracruz tomorrow. The pirate is confused. He thought that Foreman wanted to go to San Fernando. Foreman says they’ll go there later. First, he wants to see the city and the fortifications it has, one never knows [when such information will be useful.] As pirate camp followers sidle up to them, they walk off.

At mansion Mancera, in the zaguan, Dona Sofia is balancing some books when Fortunata comes in, with a hang-dog expression. She’s come to inform on Ursula. Sofia asks where they went. “Shopping?” Fortunata admits they went to the blacksmiths, but on an errand to drop off Ines’ wedding present. Sofia gets a dark look. Fortunata says that they didn’t see him, but yes she went there on that mission. Instead, they dropped the package off with Ofelia. Fortunata tells Sofia that Ursula is willful and she doesn’t know how they are going to be able to control her. Sofia says she KNOWS what they are going to do. Something DRASTIC.

Back at Pirate central, Foreman sits at a table with Juancho and the boys. Juancho fills him in on how things are going—well. They have a laugh. Foreman is skeptical that they can come and go as they please, looking like the pirates they are but Juancho says they’ve paid off guards and a bunch of other people and so don’t have to worry about their movements. Lazaro is at the table and Foreman asks him why he’s not with El Antillano. Lazaro complains that he left El Antillano because he turned into a COWARD. Foreman spits his beer across the table upon hearing this. But in a nice save, he complains that it’s the beer. He tells La Paisana to bring him something else. She recommends the Mescal. He agrees. Juancho fills in some more background. He says that El Antillano showed up about a month ago in Pirate town, with all his men. He was looking for a wagon that had all his belongings. He accused them of stealing it but they had only stolen a bunch of mules that night and they were busy trying to keep them together. Juancho asks for corroboration from his mates and they agree. Juancho then explained that there is another band of robbers working the area, well armed although not as fast and smart as them! His men errupt in a cheer when they hear Juancho singing their praises. Lots of backslapping folllows.

At that moment, Ric and Mario ride up. Upon hearing the noise outside, Foreman asks what’s up. Juancho brushes it off but Lazaro gets up to see what’s going on. Foreman looks nervous.
Outside, Lazaro sees Ric and challenging him, asks what he’s there for. Ric says “To kill you.” and advances on him. Lazaro says ”nobody has it easy.” (a nadie le tiene la vida comprada). As they draw closer, Lazaro suddenly does a hip check on Ric that knocks him to the ground. Rick uses his legs to propel himself up again, using Lazaro’s body as leverage. Pretty soon Ric has him under control, with his foot on his sword hand and Ric’s sword under Lazaro’s chin. Didn’t take long at all. Lazaro is humiliated in front of his buddies (and Foreman, who has come outside) once again. It turns out to be the last time. Amid cries of “kill him” and “finish it,” Ric slices his throat open. As Lazaro falls to the ground, somebody yells “well done.” I guess Lazaro wasn’t a popular guy. Ric administers the coup de grace.

[ Foreman and La Paisana exchanged some words right before this happened--he says something about Lazaro and she says “No.”—if someone could fill me in, that would be great. I tried several times to get it and couldn’t with the background noise and yelling].

Foreman applauds as Ric comes up to him. He tells Ric that he had heard that he had lost his edge. But he can see that he’s the same as ever—fast and effective. He puts a hand on his shoulder and Ric does the same and agrees. He does the same to greet la Paisana.

Ascanio has arrived back from his search for Bernabe. He greets Santiago. At first he pretends that it was just a trip around the countryside. Santiago pulls him aside and asks him about the search for Bernabe. Santiago isn’t too happy that Ascanio hadn’t confided in him as to the real purpose of his journey before he left. Ascanio tells him that he understands but he wasn’t sure if he was in the loop on the letter. It wasn’t his place to tell him. Ascanio says he made a mistake in not telling him. Santiago agrees and wants him to be honest with him in the future. So—what happened with Bernabe? Ascanio tells Santiago he didn’t find him.

We hop back to Pirate central where the buxom wenches are serving food, to Ric, Mario, Foreman and the others. They are talking pirate biz. Although the land operations are good, Foreman relates how sea piracy is winding down. Merchant ships travel well armed these days and are hard to attack. They travel in flotillas guarded by the navy. The gulfs are patrolled by ships. Not too many pirates are left. “That’s why you are robbing the caravans” finishes Ric. Foreman says, extra money is always good. Ric adds that he uses other people too, besides these guys. Foreman says yes, and if he’d like, he can cut him in…Juancho jumps in at this point to disagree. He’s got his group and he doesn’t want El Antillano joining it. Plus there will be less for the rest of them. Ric hastily says that he’s not interested in joining the land pirates. Foreman says he should be—he’s heard that there was a robbery in which all HIS gold got taken. Ric says yes, but he’s going to be getting it back. Foreman is intrigued by the sound of that. He asks what Ric is doing there and Ric reminds him of a letter he sent telling him about the family matter that brought him there. Foreman says he remembers. Ric goes on to tell him that he’s on his way back to San Fernando. “And you?” he asks Foreman. Foreman gives him the line about wanting a rest. They laugh. The bagpipe group and the girl singer come up to the table and La Paisana gets up to dance.

After the commercial break, we can see that time has passed, the pirates have left the table and the women are just about done clearing up. Mario stands around talking to La Paisana while they are smoking and drinking wine. She asks him about Pablo. Mario says he’s fine, “like new.” He asks why she doesn’t go see him. She says no. She doesn’t think he would want to see her. Mario says, “you never know. A lot of years have passed and things change. “ La Paisana is silent. Mario changes the subject to Foreman and what he might be up to. La Paisana repeats the line about “a vacation” but she says she doesn’t believe him. Mario asks if he’s staying here. If he’s waiting for somebody. LP says that she has the idea that he’s leaving tomorrow. “Where to?” asks Mario. LP says she doesn’t know. She calls the girls over to help her finish cleaning up.

Foreman and Ric are walking around outside the tavern. Foreman has an idea of pulling off one big pirate caper before retiring from piracy, maybe in Veracruz or Campeche. Ric looks interested. Foreman says he should need the money after having all his booty stolen. He guesses that Ric must have investigated who stole it. Does he have an idea of who did it? Ric shakes his head. No. Foreman presses him more on why he’s there and Ric insists it was the family matter that brought him there. Foreman pushes some more—he’s been here a long time. Ric says that things became complicated. Foreman gives up trying to get more info out of him and tells him to think about his offer. Ric promises that he will. “And don’t be thinking about giving me up to the Spanish” says Foreman. Ric says no way and he’ll let him know if he thinks he’s in danger. But, he adds, that Foreman knows how it is, everybody’s got to watch out for themselves. Foreman agrees. And while they are on the subject of information, Foreman is curious about how he happened to come by Pirate central while he was there. Ric is non-committal—it just happened to be on his path. He smiles broadly, giving nothing away.

It’s a henfest over at Ofelia’s. Inez is trying on her wedding dress. Jimena says Vasco will faint when he sees her. Rita, the wet blanket, calls her “skinny” and says she’d look better with a few more pounds. More feminine. Camila says no, she’ll fill out later, when she’s pregnant. They turn to talk of the dinner. Ofelia tells them that Dona Sofia is having the food prepared in the kitchens at the palace. The women are all giggly and happy except for the sullen Rita. When talk turns to Camila, what she’s wearing etc. and then to Ricardo’s absence, Rita starts an interrogation “Where does he go? What does he do?” Camila looks uncomfortable. She says that he’s looking for a ranch, land to work. Rita suddenly cracks a smile. “You’re going to be leaving town!, If he’s gone this long, it must not be around here.” Camila tells her she doesn’t really know. Ofelia reproaches her for sticking her nose in other people’s business. Rita complains that it is her business, Camila is her sister. Ofelia says she knows but that doesn’t give her the right to poke in nose in her sister’s husband’s business. Rita shoots a martry look at Ofelia but says nothing. Camila looks serious, Ines and Jimena go back to being happy.

Next we are in the street. La Font has finally arrived back in town and arrives in a coach back to his house. He plops in a chair in his salon and says he wants a bath and decent food. He asks about his daughter. The Majordomo who is still holding his saddlebags fills him in. While he was gone, thieves broke in. La Font hits the ceiling, asking what was stolen, if they did anything to his daughter. The Mayordomo says that nothing appeared to have been taken and his daughter never saw them. He goes on to say that Don Jorge told Manuela to stay at the palace, in case they came back. La Font is freaked.

Ric and Mario are riding back to town. Ric tells Mario about Foreman’s offer to join him in a big raid on a large city. He says that there will be enough booty to retire. Mario thinks it’s a great idea. He needs the money, the boys do too. It’s been years since they’ve gotten a big haul. And it’s not just the boys, the widows and orphans all depend on his pirate productivity. Ric agrees. But he doesn’t like making his living this way. Killing people to feed his people. Leaving widows and orphans of others. Mario is scornful. He says “how are you going to make a living? As a merchant? Don’t make me laugh.” He finishes up. “THIS is our life, CAPTAIN.” Ric gives him a dark look, slaps his horse and rides on. Mario follows.

Back at Santiago’s, Rita and Santi are in their bedroom. Rita fills Santiago in on the wedding dress party. She cracks again about how skinny Ines is. Santiago is getting dressed up and Rita asks where he is going. Santiago says he’s going to talk to Padre Agustin to make the final arrangements for the wedding. She remarks about why he has bothered to change his clothes. Santiago says it’s out of respect. She acts like she thinks he’s going somewhere else. He tells her that’s all but she still won’t let it go and comments that he doesn’t usually change from his work clothes to go to church. She changes the subject to ask if he knows anything about Ric going to buy land out of town. Santiago says he doesn’t know anything. Rita gossips that she doesn’t believe it. She thinks that Ric is involved in something else. Plus there are all those guys hanging around the house. For what? Santiago tells her that everyone has all the employees they want. He ties his little green scarf around his neck. Rita decides that this is the moment to unload about everything that’s on her mind. She starts complaining about how his mother and sister are constantly criticizing her. Santiago finally lets loose. He tells her that it’s she who won’t listen. Instead she goes around badmouthing everybody. He doesn’t know what happened to her. She used to be accommodating, modest and a good Christian woman. Rita explodes. She says “don’t you know what happened?” Santiago cuts her off. He knows where she is going. She wants to blame Camila for her bad temper. He tells her that he’s not going to fall into her trap. He’s ending the conversation. He takes off. She yells after him “You can’t get her out of your mind, can you?” After he’s gone, she shuts the door and she curses her sister, saying, what do I have to do? Kill you? Suddenly she’s afraid of what she just said and kneels down in front of the crucifix in the room asking God to forgive her.

Meanwhile, La Font is busy trying to figure out what was stolen. He checks his money, which is all there. Suddenly he goes to his correspondence and sees what’s missing. He gets a somber look and says aloud “Damn! They took the letters!”
----------------------------
Next time, Jorge tells LaFont that while he was gone Foreman sent a letter saying that he was coming. La Font panics. There is no reason for Foreman to show up now. And boda!! Vasco and Ines get hitched. Will Ric make the wedding? He ‘d better because he and Camila are supposed to be the witnesses.

Labels: Pasion

Soledad and Lucas-
S: I didn’t know you were capable of confronting mama that way. And you did it for me. Forgive me.
L: The only one who should ask forgiveness here is me. You know, daughter, for many years, I have permitted your mother to make all the decisions in this house. And to avoid arguments, I let her mistreat you.
S: For a while, I thought you agreed with her about having me marry Alcides and that’s why..
L: That’s why you decided to run away.
S: Yes, I was very angry. Papa, I understand what you are doing for me but I don’t want to leave my mother alone.
L: She can still change her mind. She has to understand that a house or position are not what is important. (He pulls the covers up on the still fully dressed Soledad) Tomorrow, we will go to your Aunt Antonia.

S: Papa, thank you. I know that if Hugo could see you, he would thank you for all you have done for me and our baby. Thanks for your help and support. I love you.
L: And I love you. (He leaves.)
S: (sighing) Hugo. If you were here, everything would be so different.

At Dr. Max’s, Hugo is barely able to climb the stairs to get out of the amphitheater leaving the sleeping/fainted Burkes behind.

[What is the matter with Hugo? We learned earlier that absent the medicines from Germany or keeping his body temperature up in the thermal chamber, a person with catalepsy like Hugo gets terrible pain in his muscles when he wakes up from an attack. Hugo had a very long attack here without anything that would lessen the effect when he woke up so he is in bad shape. In our timeline from Episode 12, it’s early Monday morning.]

The next morning, Soledad and Lucas are getting ready to leave. Úrsula wants to go with her but Soledad says that Ester can’t be left alone. She says that she doesn’t want to leave Úrsula but she is sure that they will be together again soon. Úrsula asks if Soledad is going to see Don Hugo at the cemetery. Soledad says that she plans to stop there on her way out of town. Lucas asks Úrsula to call Ester to say goodbye. Úrsula says that Ester went out very early without telling anyone.

Ester and Alcides in Hugo’s house-
E: You have to help me and keep her here. If Soledad doesn’t marry you, Manrique will take the house. Please lend me the money and I will convince Soledad to marry you.
A: Doña Ester, my inheritance is in probate. I can’t spend any of it.
E: There must be a way.
A: I will find a way to get the money.
E: Thanks Alcides. I knew that I could count on you. You are the son I never had.
Alcides escorts her out. We see that Paquito has overheard the conversation.

At Dr. Max’s-
Dr. Max: How could Hugo de Medina be gone? Dead men don’t walk! You are useless. You weren’t even capable of digging him up.
G: Of course we were capable of digging him up. I myself put him on that table.
H: It was the worst thing that I have seen in my life. What I saw in front of me was like a living cadaver or a dead cadaver, I don’t know.
Dr.: Hugo de Medina alive? Could it be that Hugo suffers from …?
H: Could it be that Hugo was resurrected? Is that it?
Dr.: Shut up! Go after him. He can’t have gotten far.
G: No señor. The deal was to bring him here.
Dr.: If Hugo de Medina opens his mouth, everyone will know that we dig up corpses from the cemetery and we’ll hang. Get going!
Los Burke leave.

Hugo staggers through the woods, falling repeatedly. He falls and lying on the ground says, “I have to tell her I’m alive. I have to tell her I’m alive.” He gets ups and staggers on.

Alcides and Duarte-
A: Duarte, I’m glad I ran into you. I’ve been looking for you. I have a very important and sensitive matter to discuss with you.
D: What is it?
A: It appears that Boris was attacked last night. I say “it appears.” He was carrying a large amount of my brother’s money.
D: That’s not surprising. He was Hugo’s confidential employee.
A: He was absconding with it. You should arrest him.
D: I will arrest him but I need to have proof that he did it.
A: I will get the proofs but I suggest that you act as soon as possible so that he doesn’t escape.
Paquito has overheard this. He follows Alcides but Alcides is waits for him and asks at gunpoint why Paquito is following him.


Soledad and Lucas-
L: It hurts me not to be able to say goodbye to your mother, but it was she who made that decision.
S: Papa, I know how important she is to you. You will miss her, right?
L: When we met, she was different, gentle and humble. I believe that over the years she has changed but even so I still love her.
S: Papa, you should go back. Don’t worry about me.
L: No, Soledad, if I take this decision it’s not because I don’t love your mother but because I think that it is the best for everyone. Like you, I think this separation will help me. I will be fine. You’ll see.
S: I hope so.

Paquito and Alcides-
P: Please don’t point your gun at me.
A: You haven’t answered my question.
P: I only wanted to talk to you.
A: To accept the offer I made to you?
P: Not exactly. Let me ask you a question. Why do you want to harm Boris? What has he done to injure you? I inadvertently overheard what you said to Inspector Duarte but you are completely wrong. Boris bought the property on the orders of your brother.
A: How do you know that?
P: Very simple. That beautiful hacienda belongs to friends of mine. What do you gain by this? Why do you want to injure your brother’s most faithful servant?
A: I don’t want to injure anyone. I am simply looking after my own interests.
P: I understand. Now I will make you an offer. I have a counterproposal, if you will. When you pay me, I will write the article you always wanted but I need more money for my silence, you understand?
A: For your own good, I hope that you know how to keep your mouth shut.

Hugo is still stumbling along in the woods. He falls. At that moment, Soledad’s carriage passes by. He calls to her out loud and psychically.

Soledad orders the carriage to stop.


Lucas asks what is the matter. “I thought he was ... No, it’s nothing,” she says, “Let’s go to the cemetery so I can say goodbye to Hugo before I go. Let’s go.” The carriage continues on. Hugo keeps staggering forward.

Boris is in bed and Marina is taking care of him-
M: Some men wounded you when you were returning and I rescued you.
B: Yes, I remember that.. but I also remember… but I must been dreaming.
M: No, I also told you that Señor Hugo died.
B: (desperately) Tell me that he hasn’t been buried! Please Marina.
M: We buried him, Boris, yesterday afternoon. You have to be strong.
B: (sobbing) Nooo! Noo!

Still in the woods, Hugo rests leaning against a tree. Guillermo comes up behind him and hits him with a big stick. Hugo falls down unconscious. Los Burke reassure themselves that Hugo is really flesh and blood and then they drag him off to Dr. Max’s.

Boris and Marina-
Boris tries to get up.
B: I have to go to the cemetery.
M: No Boris, don’t be foolish.
B: Marina, you don’t understand.

Alcides and Manrique:
M: I assume you are here to pay the debt that your future father in law owes me. Isn’t that so?
A: I have come to warn you about the danger you are running with your business right now.
M: Danger? What kind of danger?
A: Soledad doesn’t want to marry me so it seems that the Obragóns will not pay the debt.
M: That doesn’t bother me too much. I have the house to pay off the debt.
A: Hurry up because the Obragóns are leaving the city very soon.
M: Then I should pay them a visit.
A: You should teach them a lesson, Manrique. A lesson about not playing games with you.
M: Alcides, what is your sudden interest in giving me advice?
A: I am getting back at them because they fooled me. They made me believe that Soledad would marry me.

At Dr. Max’s-

Dr. Max is reading from a book, “Dr. Ernest von Chirac had made and extensive investigation of this disease...”
Helena and Guillermo enter carrying an unconscious Hugo. They put him on the examining table. [Poor Hugo is on one of Dr. Max’s examining tables for the third time but this time, Dr. Max knows his secret.]
Dr.: I can’t believe it. In front of my eyes is one of the great mysteries of nature.
H: I didn’t know you believed in demons, doctor.
Dr.: Hugo de Medina isn’t a demon. On the contrary, he is very fragile. He suffers from a strange disease called catalepsy.
G: What is that doctor, cataluky?
H: Don’t be an idiot, Guillermo. Catalepsy is strange disease about which little is known. Those who suffer from it mix up colors, white for yellow, red for black, (to Dr. Max) isn’t that right?
Dr.: You are ignorant, Helena. Those who suffer from catalepsy appear to be dead. The patient’s breathing is imperceptible and the heart beats as infrequently as possible. I never imagined that you suffered from catalepsy, Hugo de Medina.

Hugo’s house-
Inspector Duarte comes to detain Boris.
B: What are you talking about, Inspector?
Inspector: Señor Alcides has accused you of taking money from his brother.
B: That’s ridiculous. Don Hugo sent me to buy a property with that money. (He has trouble standing)
I: And the documents evidencing the transaction?
B: They are in the saddlebags of my horse.
I: In that case, I have no alternative but to ask you to accompany me.
M: I’m sorry. You can’t take Boris from this house. He’s very weak.
I: Don’t interfere.
Paquito comes in, “What is going on here! Inspector, mind your manners. What are the police doing in this house?” Marina says that the police want to arrest Boris for something he didn’t do.
Boris takes the opportunity to escape when the police are distracted.
Paquito: Inspector, what happened? The prisoner escaped? What a pity.

Obragón house:
Ester responds to a knock on the door and Manrique and his men barge in. He orders them to take all the stuff in the house. Ester yells at them to stop; they have an agreement. Manrique says that their agreement is broken because she didn’t do her part. She let Soledad leave town without telling him and Soledad doesn’t want to marry Alcides. Manrique tells his men to take the furniture first.
E: I promise you that when my daughter comes back she will marry Alcides.
M: I can’t wait any longer. I’ve been very patient with you but no more.
E: (tries to stop them.) Over my dead body. (Manrique’s men hit her and push her to the ground.) (to Úrsula) Go for help before they take everything in the house. (Úrsula leaves.)

Dr. Max gives Hugo an injection to keep him asleep for a while. He prepares to go out. Los Burke ask him not to leave them alone with Hugo again. Dr. Max says that Hugo is drugged. He can’t do anything to them. He says that he has to go out for more sedatives. In order to study Hugo, he has to keep him sedated. Los Burke ask Dr. Max when he plans to pay them for bringing Hugo to him. Dr. Max says that he won’t pay them a dime. They start to leave. Dr. Max says that they are all in this together. If they don’t want to end up on the gallows, they need to make sure Hugo doesn’t escape again.

Cemetery-
Soledad and Lucas are surprised to find Hugo’s grave all messed up.


Soledad says that she has a premonition, she can’t explain it. She believes that Hugo isn’t there anymore. At that moment, Úrsula comes running up to say that Manrique is taking everything from the house. They all leave to return to the house.

Arturo and Doña Gladis visit Beatriz in the asylum-
The doctor says that her emotional state is very delicate. She had a crisis the night before. They had no alternative but to sedate her. She was very violent. Arturo asks the doctor if he knows what caused her crisis. He asks if she mentioned Hugo de Medina. Arturo says that when he told Beatriz earlier that Hugo was dead, she was very upset. The doctor replies that he doesn’t know what caused Beatriz to have a crisis. All he knows is that she was saying over and over that she knows who did this to her. Gladis says that Beatriz came to the sanatorium to get better and that doesn’t seem to be happening. She asks if he doctor knows what he is doing. Gladis tells the doctor to do whatever is necessary to make Beatriz better and she orders that Beatriz not be restrained.

A desperate and crying Boris arrives at the cemetery with a shovel-
B: Don Hugo, please forgive me. Don Hugo.. I should never have left you! All this is my fault .. please.. forgive me. I have to do this. I have to do this. I am sorry but I have to do this. I have to dig you up, Don Hugo. I only hope that your death didn’t have anything to do with your catalepsy, Don Hugo.

Marina is crying and talking about Boris with Paquito-
M: It’s not fair about Boris. First Don Hugo dies and he can’t go to the burial, then he is attacked and now he is arrested.
P: Why are you so sure of his innocence?
M: Because I know him. Because he is an honest man who has worked for many years in this house, because he was Hugo’s trusted servant, because he is incapable of doing this. Please, help him, Paquito.
P: Of course, dear but stop crying. I can’t promise anything but I will try and help your man. You love him a lot, right? I need to think. Bring me some tea. (Marina leaves) Many interesting things are happening in this city, Francisco Javier and you are going to make them work to your advantage.

Inspector Duarte comes to the cemetery in response to reports that Miguel, the watchman and gravedigger, has disappeared. He sees Boris digging up Hugo’s grave.

Manrique’s men are loading up a wagon with furniture. Ester begs Manrique to give her a chance to pay the debt but Manrique doesn’t believe that would ever happen. Soledad, Lucas and Úrsula coming running up. Soledad argues with Manrique about his right to do this but he pushes Soledad to the ground. Lucas attacks Manrique but Lucas has what appears to be heart attack and falls to the ground.


Soledad sends Úrsula for a doctor. She asks Manrique if he is happy about what has happened. Manrique refuses to leave without being sure the debt will be paid. At that moment, Alcides arrives with the police and tells Manrique that he is acting illegally. He can’t take the Obragón’s stuff without an order from a judge. Soledad thanks Alcides and goes inside with her father. Manrique tells Alcides that now he understands what this was all about. Alcides has used him to look like a hero to make points with Soledad. Alcides replies that the ends justify the means.

At the cemetery, Inspector Duarte tells Boris to stop what he is doing. It is a crime and he has an arrest warrant for Boris. Boris faints.


The doctor says that Lucas has to rest. He has had a heart attack but he is stable. The doctor tells Ester and Soledad that from now on they must keep Lucas from being agitated or upset. It could kill him. The doctor leaves.
E: You realize Soledad, that this is all your fault. I begged you to help us and you didn’t. You thought I made the whole thing up and now look at what has happened.
L: Don’t blame her, Ester. Come here, daughter.
S: Forgive me, Papa.
L: None of this is your fault. Go away from here. Tell Jacinto to take you to your Aunt Antonia.
E: Lucas, please. Those men nearly killed me. What more does it take for you two to change your minds?
S: Mother is right. You are close to my heart. I care about you and I can’t abandon you. I can’t do that. Forgive me.
L: You can’t stay here and suffer. You have the right to give your child a peaceful life.
S: Now I understand my destiny. It’s time that I did something for you. Mother, tell Alcides to come in.

At Dr. Max's Helena and Guillermo want Dr. Max to pay them and leave. They are arguing across a corpse covered by a sheet. “I don’t like what the doctor has in mind for Don Hugo,”says Guillermo, “He’s going keep him sedated to do who knows what.” Helena suggests that they tell Alcides that Hugo is alive. He will give them a lot of money for saving Hugo’s life. Guillermo is impressed with this idea. On the examining table next to the one they are standing over, Hugo manages to say, “No. Alcides, no.” Los Burke come over to where he is. “Help me get out of here,” begs Hugo, “Help me.”


Lucas begs Soledad to leave before it’s too late. He swears that he will take care of her mother and solve all their problems. Soledad says that she won’t leave him alone. Alcides comes in and asks Don Lucas how he is feeling. “Alcides,” says Soledad, “I have asked you to come in here because I have something to tell you and I want my parents to be witnesses. My family is the most important thing to me and for them and for their peace of mind, I have decided to marry you.
A: You will not regret having accepted me, Soledad. I have always loved you.. always, always, always. And I’m sure that with time and a little luck, you will feel the same for me.
S: That will never happen. I will marry you but my heart will never be yours.
E: Don’t say that, Soledad.
S: I will never feel for anyone else the love that I felt for Hugo, mother. No one can replace him.
A: It is too soon to talk that way. With time and a little luck, you will love me.
S: Never! If I marry you, it is only because of what has happened. I will save my parents’ house and you can say that I am your wife. But never - do you understand - never will I be yours.
E: You have to do your duties as a wife.
L: Leave her alone, Ester! Soledad is sacrificing herself for us. My child, it’s your life, your future. Don’t sacrifice it this way.
A: Your father is right, Soledad. My intention to make you happy is irrevocable but I won’t force you to do something you don’t want to do.
S: Papa, a little while ago, you were ready to sacrifice yourself for me. I can do something for you. Even thought it’s painful, what is important is that you are ok, that you get better, that my baby is born into stability.The rest doesn’t matter. (to Alcides) I will marry you Alcides if and only if you accept my conditions.

At Dr. Max’s-
Hugo: I have a proposition for you.
Guillermo says to wait and he goes and gets Hugo some water. [This is the first unselfish act by Guillermo towards Hugo and you can imagine how thirsty Hugo must be after nearly 48 hours without a drink. Later, we will see how Guillermo’s respect and admiration for Hugo separates him from Helena.]
Hugo: If you help me get out of here, I will give you a lot of money.
Helena: No, you only cause us problems. It would be better to tell Alcides.
Hugo: No. Alcides knew that I was ill and had me buried alive.
Guillermo: That’s horrible! That man is very bad.
(Helena pulls Guillermo aside.)
Helena: Dr. Max told us to watch him. We can’t start talking to him.
Guillermo: You yourself taught me that you should always listen to a business proposition.
Helena: We don’t need to have a business transaction with that man. (She realizes that she no longer has the ring they stole from the judge’s grave. Hugo calls Guillermo.)
Hugo: I owe you my life. I will pay you a lot of money.
Guillermo: Our future will be secure.

Gladis tells Arturo that Beatriz seems to get worse every day. He replies that it will take time for her to recover from what Hugo did to her. Gladis says in that case, she wants to take a house in the city to be able to take care of her daughter. Arturo says that he will take care of it. He tells Fabio to stop the carriage. He tells Gladis that he is going to see Dr. Max about hypnotizing Beatriz again. Gladis is scornful. She doesn’t believe in such things. After Arturo gets down from the carriage she curses Hugo de Medina and says that she hopes his soul is burning in hell.

Leaning over Hugo, Helena tells Dr. Max that Hugo has been telling them some strange things such as that Alcides had Hugo buried alive. Helena gives her diagnosis that Hugo crazy or is delirious. Dr. Max says that he has to keep Hugo unconscious. He is very strong and might try and escape. He approaches Hugo with a syringe. Hugo grabs Dr. Max’s wrist.

Dr. Max demands that Hugo let him go. He orders Los Burke to help him. At that moment Arturo is heard banging on the door and asking for Dr. Max.

Alcides and Soledad-
A: All right, Soledad, it will be as you say but I have conditions too. The first is … we will be married tomorrow.
E: That’s too soon. We just buried your brother. Can you imagine what people will say? It would make my daughter, you and our family look bad.
S: That is fine with me.
A: Second, we will live in Hugo’s house, Hugo’s former house because now it belongs to me and the third is that the child you are expecting will be registered in my name as if it were my child.
S: This is Hugo’s baby. Even if people point at me in the street, I won’t deny it.
E: What is the problem? He will have the last name of Medina either way and no one will know…
S: Mother, this isn’t about names. Hugo is the father of my child and that’s the end of the discussion.

Arturo keeps banging on the door. Dr. Max manages to free his wrist from Hugo’s grip. He puts down the syringe and goes upstairs to deal with Arturo. He tells Los Burke to tie Hugo up.

Alcides and Soledad-
A: Hang on here. Let’s stay calm. Soledad, what is it you want? Do you want the child to receive part of Hugo’s inheritance? That’s not a problem. Marry me and then you will get it.
S: Have some respect for me and my child. I’m not interested in Hugo’s estate. It’s a question of dignity.
A: What about my dignity? The whole city will be laughing at me for bringing up a child that isn’t mine. If you won’t accept my conditions, I won’t accept yours.
E: Soledad, Reconsider. What does it matter whether people think the child is Alcides' or not? He will still be your husband.
L: No! Don’t do it! It’s one thing to sacrifice yourself for us, it’s quite another to deny the truth to your child.
Lucas clutches his heart and gasps for breath.
A: Don Lucas, calm down!
S: Papa!
The credits roll.

Labels: la traicion

Elena has gotten the cemetery watchman, Miguel, drunk. He starts to get fresh with her but Guillermo hits him over the head. They leave him to go dig up Hugo’s grave.

In Hugo’s house:
A: Marina!
M: You called?
A: As a confidential employee [It’s kind of hard to translate ‘hombre de confianza,’ literally ‘man of confidence.’ It seems like their ought to be a word in English for a personal servant who is trusted to handle his employer’s business affairs but I can’t come up with one so I’ll use confidential employee.] of Hugo, Boris would know about any secret illness Hugo had, wouldn’t he?
M: I don’t know, señor. When Don Hugo fainted, Boris stayed all night with him and then they went together to the Soledad’s birthday party at the Club.
A: He never told you anything about that?
Marina: No, señor. Is something wrong?
A: No, nothing. Good night.
Alcides leaves the telegrams on the table and goes out. Marina takes them and reads the telegram from Boris saying that he is returning that night.

Soledad is sitting with Úrsula and crying:
Ú: Your parents want to force you to marry Alcides? But we just buried Don Hugo!
S: They don’t care. From what I heard, my parents don’t have any money and the only thing they care about is saving their position. It doesn’t matter if they sell me.
Ú: They can’t be that cruel.
S: I am not surprised at my mother but I am about my father. Now I understand everything. They were only interested in Hugo’s money. That was why they changed their attitude about our marriage. What an idiot I was! They deceived us. They only wanted to use us.
Ú: Now that Hugo is gone, they are going to make you marry Alcides.
S: They don’t care about my grief. They are too selfish to think about me. I don’t matter to them.
Ú: Don’t cry any more. There must be a solution.
S: I think there is. Ursula, my parents will do anything to get what they want. The best thing is for us to leave this house.
There is thunder and lightening outside.
Ú: You are pregnant. You can’t just leave. Think of the baby.
S: I have to do this for the baby but if you want to stay, I understand.
Ú: Now more than ever I don’t want to leave you alone. What about this? We can go to my parents’ house. They are poor but there wouldn’t be any problem about taking us in.
S: You think so?
Ú: Yes, it would please my mother to meet you. I’ve told her a lot about you.
S: I am so lucky to be able to count on you. We have to get everything ready. We will leave tonight at daybreak.

Alcides is at Arturo’s house-
Ar: Alcides de Medina. To what do I owe the honor of a visit at this hour?
Al: I need to borrow a few of your men. I have an important matter to take care of.
Ar: What is the emergency? With the death of your brother, I thought our worries were behind us.
Al: The confidential employee of my brother is coming back tonight and he will want to know what happened to his master.
Ar: And you are afraid that he will suspect you?
Al: If they find out about me, they find out about you. Are you going to call your men or not?

In the cemetery, Guillermo is digging up Hugo’s grave. Helena tells him to hurry up.


Miguel comes up behind her with his gun. He tells them to freeze. “So you are the grave robbers,” he says.

Boris is riding. Lightening flashes and his horse shies. A hand with a gun shoots at him. He is hit and falls from his horse. He manages to get his own gun out and returns fire.


Helena tells Miguel to put the gun down. She says that he can’t think that she and Guillermo are tomb robbers. Guillermo says that he and Helena are respectable independent merchants. “Sure,” says Miguel, “then what are you doing with that shovel? Planting a tree in Don Hugo’s grave?” Los Burke laugh at his joke and says it isn’t like that. “I’m a fool,” says Miguel, “but not that much of a fool.” [‘Soy tonto, pero no tanto.” This works better in Spanish where the word for ‘fool,’ ‘tonto’ and ‘so much,’ ‘tanto’ are almost the same.] Miguel says that he is going to bring Los Burke to Inspector Duarte. The diminutive duo tells the none-too-bright (and drunk) Miguel that they are only digging up Hugo’s grave because Guillermo was never paid for a job he did for Hugo. Since they are in debt up to their ears, they had no alternative to dig up Hugo and get their payment from the jewelry Hugo is wearing. They tell Miguel that because they like him a lot they are willing to share the haul with him in return for not turning them in.

Soledad and Úrsula meet in the garden outside the house. [The night sounds of the Casa Obragón are always dogs barking.] Úrsula says that the stable is locked up. Soledad’s parents must be suspicious. Úrsula suggest waiting until the next day to get the public carriage out of the city but Soledad says that they can’t stay. They will go on foot. Úrsula is concerned about Soledad’s condition but Soledad is sure that someone will come along and pick them up.

In the woods, Fabio is looking for Boris. He tells his associate that Boris has escaped. Meanwhile Marina is hiding an unconscious Boris under a bush right under their feet. The two would-be murderers leave to look for Boris. Fabio says that they have to find Boris and kill him. Those were Arturo’s orders. When they are gone, Marina tries to get Boris to wake up. She tells him that she saw his telegram and came to look for him. Boris wakes up. He asks about Hugo. Marina tells him that Hugo died and was buried a few hours ago. Boris tell Marina that she has to take him to Hugo but he passes out again.

In his grave, Hugo whispers, “Help me, help me…” His eyes close and his head falls to the side. There is an angelic chorus. Hugo has died. We see Hugo standing in front of a bright light.


He sees his father and mother holding hands.
H: Father.
Father: Son.
H: (wonderingly) Mother!
Mother: Son.
H: I’m dead. If I am with you, I must be dead.

Los Burke and Miguel have gotten Hugo’s casket out of the grave. Helena tells Guillermo to open it. Guillermo nervously excuses himself to answer the call of nature. (He knows that when the the casket is opened, Helena and Miguel are going to find out that Hugo wasn't buried with all the jewels that Guillermo claimed.)

Hugo in heaven-
Father: This is not the time for you to be with us, Hugo. Return.
H: I don’t know if I want to go back.
Father: I would like to keep you from suffering such pain but it is your destiny and you have to confront it. Don’t be afraid.
Mother: We are always with you. Now go back, Hugo.

In the cemetery, Miguel sits next to the open casket. Helena moves away.
Miguel: Helena, don’t leave. Why are you afraid? The dead are harmless. Come here Helenita. See? (he picks up Hugo’s arm and waves it)
Hugo opens his eyes and half sits up then falls back unconscious. Poor Miguel screams in horror, clutches his chest and keels over on top of Hugo’s coffin.

[Let’s make sure we understand the timeline with Hugo’s catalepsy attack and burial. We don’t know but let’s say, to make it easier to calculate, that Hugo was going to be married on a Saturday. That means the bachelor party was on a Friday night. Marina said that after Hugo came back from the club, she heard him come upstairs in ‘la madrugada,’ which could be anytime from midnight to sunrise. Sometime during that time, he succumbed to a catalepsy attack. Let’s say it happened at 5am on Saturday. The wedding was supposed to have been on Saturday morning and Hugo’s wake was Saturday afternoon and evening. He was buried the next day (Sunday). Alcides tells Paquito that the burial was in the morning. Marina tells Boris that it was in the afternoon so let’s split the difference and say he was buried at noon. Hugo woke up from his catalepsy attack shortly after he was buried, let’s say at 1pm. That means that Hugo’s catalepsy attack lasted about 33 hours. Los Burke dug Hugo up that night. We don’t know exactly when but let’s say it was at midnight. That would mean he was buried alive for about 12 hours.]

Soleded and Úrsula are walking.
Ú: We aren’t going to find anyone to take us.
S: I am a little tired.
Ú: That’s natural in your condition. Let’s rest.
S: I can’t. I want to go to the cemetery. I can’t leave without saying goodbye to Hugo.
Ú: It will take us too far out of our way.
S: I have to go! I want to go. I have to see him.
Ú: Señorita, Don Hugo is already in heaven. You don’t need to go to the cemetery to talk to him. I am sure that he can hear you and see you wherever you are.
S: Yes, you are right. We are together forever even though he is dead.
There is a flash of lightening.

In the cemetery-
Guillermo comes back to Hugo's grave.
G: What happened, Gatita? [‘kitten’]
H: I don’t know. I just heard Miguel scream. I don’t know what happened.
G: Maybe he’s robbing some other grave. What’s this?
He finds Miguel’s body and determines that he’s dead.
H: I told you. It’s a curse. Hugo de Medina only brings disaster. Don’t go near him. Let’s leave here.
G: No, Gatita. We can’t leave him just lying here. We have to finish what we started.
H: Miguel touched him and died instantly! Please let us get away from here. I don’t want that to happen to you too.
G: Dr. Max will kill us. We have no other option.
H: What are we going to do with Miguel?
G: We will put him in Hugo’s coffin and rebury it. Relax. I don’t see any other solution.
H: All right. We’ll do what you say but I’m not touching him.

Marina is trying to drag an unconscious Boris. Paquito comes along in his carriage, sees her and asks what she is doing and if that is her drunk husband. Marina replies that Boris was coming back from a trip and some men wounded him. She is trying to get him back to her boss’s house. Paquito gets down from the carriage to take a look. He asks who her boss is and Marina replies that she and Boris worked for the late Hugo de Medina. Paquito guesses that Boris is Hugo’s confidential employee who was at the Hacienda. Marina begs Paquito to help her. After seeing how badly Boris is injured, Paquito says that they have to get him to a doctor. He orders Marina to get Boris into the carriage but when she can’t do it alone, he helps her.

At the Obragón house, Ester discovers that Soledad is gone. She wakes Lucas up and shows him the letter Soledad left for them:
“Mother and Father, I always thought I could trust you but I realize that isn’t so. It hurts me so much to know that my own parents deceived me and want to make me marry a man only for money. That is why I am leaving with my child. He is the only thing I have to live for. God forgive you. Soledad.
L: What have we done!
E: Get up and get dressed. We have to go and look for her. She couldn’t have gotten out of the city.

At Hugo’s house, Paquito and Marina bring Boris inside and lay him on a couch. Alcides comes in:
A: What is going on here?
M: Don Alcides, something terrible happened. Someone tried to kill Boris on the road and he is in bad shape.
A: Why did you bring him here? Why didn’t you take him to a hospital?
M: I’m sorry but I was afraid that I might run into the killers on the road again.
P: She is right. (to Boris) Wake up!
A: And you are?
P: How rude! Permit me to introduce myself. My name is Francisco de Morales (Alcides ignores his outstretched hand). I am a society reporter. I write for many papers, principally for the Vespertino. (Alcides leans towards Paquito as if he has become aware of Paquito’s cologne. Alcides sneezes.)
A: You write profiles about the families in the capital.
P: Exactly. I’ve come to write… Forgive me. I’ve come to write an article about your brother. Please accept my condolences.
A: You are too late.
P: His death isn’t the only news. Many people would like to know how your brother lived.
A: My brother was buried this morning (looks at Boris). Marina, this man is in bad shape. Go find Dr. Max. (to Paquito) Help me move him. We will take to a more comfortable place. (They lift Boris up.)
P: He is heavy. You have a very nice house, señor.

Los Burke are driving a wagon. Helena wonders if Dr. Max will pay them for this cadaver like he has for the others. Guillermo replies that even if he doesn’t pay them, they will be making a contribution to science. We see Hugo, under a sheet, being bounced around behind them on the bed of the wagon. He opens his eyes.

Úrsula and Soledad see the wagon approaching. Soledad waves and yells at them to stop.

At Dr. Max's house, Marina begs Dr. Max to help her. She tells him that Boris, Hugo’s butler [she calls him ‘mayordomo’ here] was badly hurt in an attack. She asks him to come with her to Hugo’s house. Dr. Max says that he can’t. He is waiting for a patient and can’t leave. Marina says that she won’t leave unless he goes with her and grudgingly, Dr. Max agrees. He says that he will write a note and they can leave.

Los Burke have stopped the wagon by Soledad and Úrsula.
G: Señorita Soledad.
H: You always show up at the worst possible time.
G: What are you doing here? I could have run you over.
S: I need you to do me a favor. Take us out of the city.
In the wagon, Hugo recognizes Soledad’s voice.
G: I’d love to help you but I’m sorry. We have to be somewhere urgently.
S: The only thing I’m asking is that you take us to the outskirts of the city where we can find our own transportation. I will pay you well.
H: Don’t insist, señorita. My husband has already told you. We’re in a hurry.
B: We have to deliver this merchandise.
Ú: Come, señorita, don’t ask again.
Soledad hears Hugo’s psychic voice calling, “Soledad…. Soledad…”
S: (looking around wonderingly) Hugo!.. Hugo!


Los Burke look at each other guiltily. In the wagon, Hugo raises his head fractionally but he can’t speak. “Soledad…Soledad, help me,” he calls psychically.


Soledad calls his name again and heads toward the back of the wagon. Alarmed, Guillermo whips up the horses and the wagon takes off.
S: Stop! Wait!
Ú: What are you doing?
S: I heard him. Úrsula, I heard him.
Ú: Don’t say that señorita.
Soledad watches the wagon disappear.

In the nuthouse, Beatriz realizes that it was Alcides who raped her, not Hugo.


[Now we understand why Alcides didn’t wear evening clothes to Soledad’s birthday party. Beatriz apparently realizes that Alcides and the man who raped her were wearing the same clothes.]

At Dr. Max’s, Los Burke find a note from the doctor. Helena reads it with difficulty and Guillermo helps her with the words ‘emergency’ and ‘amphitheater.’ [We will learn later that Guillermo is much better educated than Helena.]: “Mr. & Mrs. Burke, I had to go out to take care of an emergency. The door is open. Bring the cargo to the amphitheater and wait for me. That’s an order. Dr. Max.” Helena says that she can’t wait to get rid of Hugo de Medina. Even dead, he scares her. She reminds Guillermo about what dead Hugo did to Miguel. Guillermo tells her not to go on about that. The best thing is that with this cadaver, they can pay off their debt to Dr. Max and they won’t have to dig up bodies anymore. [Presumably, this debt is from when Dr. Max bailed them out of prison in Episode 10.] Helena tells him not to speak ill of the dead. Thanks to them, they have enough to live on for three months.

At Hugo’s house, Dr. Max tells Marina that he is not sure that he can save Boris. He has stopped the bleeding but Boris has lost a lot of blood. He needs a transfusion. Marina doesn’t know what that is. Dr. Max says that it is the transfer of blood to a patient. The problem is that there isn’t much time. Marina tells him to take what he needs from her. Boris can be saved with that.

Out on the road, Soledad has fainted. Crying, Úrsula begs her to wake up. Ester and Lucas come up in a carriage and find them. Ester accuses Úrsula of being responsible for what happened. Lucas tells Ester to shut up, “If Soledad ran away, it’s our fault.”

In the sanatorium, Beatriz screams to be let out and that she isn’t crazy. She says that the truth has to be told. The doctor appears and has her sedated. [I think the actor who plays the doctor is the same one who plays a priest in Pasión de Gavilanes and Doña Bárbara.]

Dr. Max tells Marina that it appears that Boris tolerated the transfusion very well. Marina asks if this means that he won’t die. Dr. Max says that it is likely unless Boris has a convulsion. If so, let him know. Marina begs the doctor to stay until they are sure Boris is out of danger but Dr. Max says that he has already done all he can.

At the Casa Obragón-
S: (wakes up in her bed) Hugo was calling me. I heard him.
Lucas: How do you feel, darling?
S: What am I doing here?
Ú: You fainted and you parents came along…
E: We went to look for you, daughter. We were worried about you.
S: I don’t have anything to do with this house.
L: Don’t try and get up. You are too weak.
Ester: Calm down. Let’s talk.
S: I don’t have anything to say to either of you and even less to you mama. How could you do this?
E: Lucas, Úrsula, leave the room.
L: Ester, what are you going to tell her? Soledad is very weak.
E: Lucas, don’t you realize? My daughter hates me. I need to talk to her alone.
L: I will be right outside waiting. (They leave.)
E: Look at me. We have to talk about this.
S: What are you going to tell me? That you want to sell me to Alcides? You are wrong, mama because I will not permit it.

Dr. Max is speaking with Alcides. Alcides pretends to be happy that Boris will recover. Dr. Max says that he had to give Boris a transfusion and without that, the result would have been much different. Alcides asks if Boris will wake up. Dr. Max says that he will wake up, it’s just a matter of when. Dr. Max leaves. Alcides pulls out the telegram from Boris about buying the property and reads it again. Then he tears it into little pieces.

At Dr. Max’s, Guillermo finishes laying out an unconscious Hugo on one of the examining tables. [Presumably, Los Burke have avoided touching Hugo since otherwise, they could certainly tell that he isn’t dead.] Guillermo says that he can’t do this kind of work anymore – he hurts everywhere. He says that he is going to the tavern to get a drink and then go to bed. Helena tells him no, they have to wait for Dr. Max. Guillermo says that she can wait for Dr. Max. Helena asks him not to leave her alone with ‘him.’ She indicates Hugo with her head. Guillermo agrees to stay but says that he is going to sleep and lies down next to the stairs. Helena protests again at being left alone with Hugo.


At the Obragón house-
S: How could you mother, sell me like I was merchandise?
E: Soledad, It’s not what you think. I only want to protect you.
S: Don’t lie to me. I heard you when you were talking about this Manrique, the moneylender, that you owe him a lot of money and that Alcides will pay him if he marries me.
E: Forgive me, daughter. I know that it seems terrible but this outcome benefits everyone. Your child will have a father and we can save our house.
S: Every day you surprise me more. You would sell your soul to the devil to preserve your social status. (Ester gasps) I just buried the love of my life. You don’t understand! You don’t care. You accepted our engagement purely for convenience.

E: Where did you get that idea?

S: Don’t deny it. Now I understand the turnaround – one day you were going to drug me to keep me from testifying for Hugo and the next you accepted my engagement to him. The scales have fallen from my eyes. I’m going to say what I want to. You deceived me. You have been using me all this time.
E: I beg you, daughter. You are our salvation. If you don’t marry Alcides, we will lose everything. If you truly love us, do this for us. I beg you. You have to give back for what the have done for you. At least think about it.
S: No! I have a child now. For him and for the memory of Hugo I am not going to let you continue to manipulate me.
L: (coming back in) I agree with my daughter, Ester. I support her. She won’t marry Alcides.

Paquito is looking at the furnishings of Hugo’s house and taking notes. Alcides comes in.
A: What are you doing?
P: I am taking notes about the details of your deceased brother’s house. In the article I’m writing it seems to me to be important to highlight his good taste. I congratulate you. This is a wonderful house.


A: Who would be interested in someone who was surrounded by scandals and shame?

P: Don’t say that Don Alcides! People are interested in knowing about the lowest human passions. I think your brother indulged in those. Those are the rumors, anyway.
A: My brother’s reputation prejudices me because he bore my last name.
P: I understand but there isn’t anything you can do about it.
A: I think there is. What about a comparison between what he was and what I am?
P: Don Alcides, I believe in freedom of expression but I will tell you something that I don’t like – when someone tells me what to write.
A: I am ready to make you a generous offer to make an exception to your rule.
P: What are you trying to say? I am a serious journalist, Señor and I am one of the few people in this City who don’t have a price. (Paquito leaves in a huff.)
A: (sneezing) Entertainment journalist. We’ll see if you can’t be bought. We’ll see about that.


At Dr. Max’s, Helena roams around looking for something to eat while Guillermo sleeps. Meanwhile, Hugo is waking up. His fingers move and his eyelids flutter.

At the Obragón house:
L: Ester, you’ve gone too far this time. I won’t support this absurd marriage to Alcides.
E: Don’t talk to me as if I were the bad guy here. I’m just looking for a solution for my family or have you forgotten that you are to blame for this? It was you who got us into debt, who ruined us.
L : You are right. I made a mistake in my business negotiations but Soledad shouldn’t have to pay for my mistakes.
E: We will lose the house, Lucas. Is that what you want for your family?
L: No. What I want is to to save my daughter from an injustice, a monstrosity.
E: Then she will have to leave. If we are going to be ruined, let’s keep a little dignity. I’m not going to live with that bastard.
L: And I won’t live with you, Ester. My daughter and I will leave together.
E: Don’t threaten me, Lucas. Think long and hard before you do something.
S: Papa, don’t argue.
L: Soledad, for many years, I have tolerated the whims of your mother in silence. But not this time. You and my grandchild are not alone. If I have to separate from your mother, to defend you, I will do it.


E: Don’t you dare, Lucas. If you put a foot outside this house, don’t ever come back.
L: Keep your threats, Ester. This time we aren’t doing things your way.
E: I thought we were a family and that we would move forward together. But I see that it isn’t so. You will regret this decision, Lucas. (to Soledad) And you… (She can’t finish and runs out of the room.)

Lighting flashes and thunder crashes at Dr. Max’s. Helena, with her back to the table where Hugo is, talks to the sleeping Guillermo. She wonders what can be taking Dr. Max so long. She begs Guillermo to wake up. She is hungry. She doesn’t like being here alone. Meanwhile Hugo has managed to get off the examination table silently. He comes up behind Helena and trembling all over like he was cold, he puts his hand on her shoulder.


“Please help me,” he says almost inaudibly. Helena turns and sees him, screams and falls down in a faint.


Hugo staggers toward the exit.
The credits roll.

Labels: la traicion

I'm sorry if the second half of this got a bit sketchy. I've got a horrible headache and I can't type more than two words without making a typo. Please feel free to make any additions, clarifications, etc.

Vasco tells Cami that he and Inez are getting married next Saturday. Justo wanted Cami and Ric to celebrate their recent wedding on the same day, but Vasco thinks it'd be better if they picked a different day, because Santi and Rita don't like the idea. (I'm not sure why they should have any say in the matter.) Cami bites her lip and agrees. Vasco asks her to tell their father that it was her and Ric's idea to do it on a different day, so as not to upset him. There's a faint hint of disgust in Cami's face as she agrees; Jimena doesn't look thrilled either, but a more offensive sight catches their eye: Jorge's friend Uriel (Dali mustache guy) is unlocking the door to Justo's old store.

Camila flips out and says that's it - they (she and whose army?) are going to buy the mill concession. Jimena and Vasco think she should wait until Ric comes back, but she doesn't want anyone else to beat her to it. Vasco says they need to talk first. Cami asks if this is about the ED card his friend ran off with - Ascanio's gone to look for it. (I miss him already!) Vasco says it's not for sure Ascanio will find him; he gave him directions to Bernabe's family, but if Bernabe went to the capitol instead, it'd be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Cami says sure, or he could be dead and/or simply gone forever, but he's probably not so dumb he doesn't realize that if he comes back he could get killed. Meanwhile, they can't let fear keep them from taking this chance. Jimena and Vasco try to scare her a little anyway and suggest maybe Jorge will sell the mill concession to anyone in town BUT her. Cami says if that's the case, Marcelino will say so.

She makes a beeline for the admin office, leaving them in the dust. Pablo and someone else (I think Jesus, but I'm not sure?) watch as Vasco and Jimena follow her a moment later. Marcelino, nervous as usual, interrupts Jorge while he's attempting to mediate a boring property dispute between two farmers. He seems grateful for the interruption and tells the farmers to go back to the property bureau again and work it out there because he has other matters to attend to. They're not happy to be blown off, but on the bright side, they'll probably bond over their mutual disappointment in Jorge. Especially if they have daughters.

Jorge tells Marcelino to let only Cami in. Vasco can wait outside and if he doesn't like it, he'll be castrated. Marcelino relays a more polite version of Jorge's request to Camila and Vasco. This causes some dismay, but Cami goes ahead with the meeting. Vasco grumbles that she's being irresponsible. Jimena reminds him again that if not for him and his friend, Camila could spend her money however she wanted to.

Marcelino waits in the hallway, leaning against the door as Jorge congratulates Cami on her wedding. Cami says yeah, sorry it was so sudden, but Ric had to go out of town so they decided to hurry it up. He pretends not to mind.

Cami asks him if she's considered a regular citizen. He replies that a citizen is someone who has rights and responsibilities. Women have responsibilities, Jorge says, but very few rights. "Very few," Cami repeats with crafty innocence, "but they have the right to shop, correct?" "Yes," Jorge answers. "Thanks. I want to buy the mill concession, not as Justo's daughter, but as Ric's wife."

Jorge's only question is whether Ric can pay for it. Cami says sure, or would he refuse to sell it to her for some reason? He says no, any financially solvent person can acquire it. She offers to pay right away.

Jorge wants to know why she's trying to buy it, considering all the misfortune she's brought upon her family. She asks/says he's doing this to hurt her family. He says he had to get even somehow. She says okay, well, now you did, so can you leave us alone? "Aren't you afraid of me?" She says she is, but she thinks that a man of his good upbringing couldn't be such a lout (gañán). If he continues to mess with her family, the whole town will lose respect for him. He says he's still hot for her, and frustrated - and frustration is a poor advisor.

Pablo and Jesus (I think) continue to watch from across the plaza, wondering why Vasco and Jimena are waiting for Camila outside. Camila comes out looking smug, and giddily reports her victory. Vasco asks what Jorge wanted in exchange. He doesn't believe Cami's claim that he didn't want anything else. Jimena scolds him for busting her chops. The three run off. Pablo looks suspiciously at Jorge exiting the city building, then he and Jesus follow the New Mill Trio from a discreet distance.

Santi and the twins are replacing some of the space-age roofing materials (palm fronds) over the forge. Crispin (or Pancho) tells Santi that Lis came by to ask him to come over about a job. Santi says they should go instead, so he doesn't have to see Cami's husband. Pancho (or Crispin) says that's what they figured, but she said she wanted to see him.

Lis and Fran are just getting home with some shopping bags from Crate 'n' Barrel. They ask the gateman if Pablo went away with Ric. The gateman says no, he went to town with Camila because Ric wanted him to watch over her. Alone, Lis tells Fran that Ric must be having Cami watched because he doesn't trust her. (Ha! It's only everybody else in the world that he doesn't trust.) Lis says he must be jealous of Santiago - that's why she invited him over. It's okay if she's not there at the moment. She's going to order a big heavy strongbox, and then she's going to keep asking him to make modifications to it, so that he's constantly coming back. Fran thinks this scheme is needlessly elaborate, not to mention futile.

Next, Clothilde comes in wanting a word. She says she's afraid that Camila will fire her, just like she fired her from her old job. She says it was probably Jimena's doing, she thought she was a snoop, but Clothilde swears it's not true. Lis says, well, hmm, actually she needs a snoop, but it needs to be someone who's totally on her side. Clothilde eagerly agrees to be Lis's eyes and ears. Fran wants to know what the snooping was about. Clothilde plays innocent and says ah, you know, like when Camila had visitors, she might have taken notice. Like when Don Jorge came over, and Ricardo, and Santiago. Lis perks up at the mention of Santiago's name.

Vasco, Cami, and Jimena make their way to Justo's house. Cami reminds me of Dorothy, Vasco reminds me of the lion, and Jimena is a new character who needs to ask the wizard for a piece of duct tape for her mouth. Dorothy is telling her friends the Lion and the Duck not to tell Justo she's bought the mill until she has the papers in hand. Jimena is horrified that it's still not a done deal. Cami says it's no problem, she already committed the payment and signed the paperwork with Marcelino. Vasco says those papers aren't worth any more than the papers their father had and lost the mill anyway. She could lose it too. Cami says Jorge wouldn't dare.

As they approach the house, Paco runs out to greet them. He's excited about the upcoming wedding. Ines shows off the necklace that Sofia gave her. Grumpily, Vasco goes to fetch Justo. Paco asks Jimena when she's getting married. Jimena asks why - does he want to marry her? He says no. She hollers in mock anger, calling him an egg-faced brat, and chases him across the yard.

Ines tells Cami that Santiago told her yesterday that she might be able to make a better man out of Vasco, and this made her feel better. Justo comes out to visit, and Vasco excuses himself, saying he has to go to the mill. Cami looks worried that he'll let the cat out of the bag, but he just says he needs to take over a wagonload of wheat that he didn't do yesterday. Justo tells the women about Sofia's visit yesterday, how the wedding is all set and Sofia's so great. Cami says, speaking of which, she and Ric decided not to celebrate their own wedding on the same day as Ines and Vasco after all, since it's all a gift from Sofia. Ines looks disappointed. Justo assures Cami that Sofia wouldn't mind at all. Cami insists that they should each have their own party, and she and Ric would be more comfortable that way. Justo seems suspicious.

Vasco catches up with Santiago on his way to see Lis. Vasco reports that Cami has gone crazy. He tells Santi the whole story of how Ascanio's gone off with a list of addresses to find Bernabe. Santi's annoyed that Ascanio made up a lie to explain why he was going away; Vasco says Ascanio didn't know how much Santi knew. Vasco is still complaining that Cami being stubborn. Santi calls Vasco a wretch and reminds him again that the letter problem is his fault; he should have destroyed it immediately or given it to his sister (erm, that would be his sister Camila, not his sister Rita). Vasco says he wants to die every time he thinks about it, and rehashes all the bad things that will happen if Bernabe sells that letter to Lis. All Cami's money will be gone, she'll lose everything and go to jail.

Santi reminds Vasco that Ric has money. Vasco starts to say something about this, but catches himself. But only for a second, because when Santiago asks, Vasco blurts that the most recent caravan assault was on Ric's stuff. Santiago gets mad and asks why is Vasco telling him all of this, he should be discussing it with his sister's husband. "He went on a trip," Vasco says. He urges Santi to go talk to Cami, because he's the only person who can change her mind (about buying the mill). Santi doesn't want to get involved, but Vasco says the deal will be finalized tomorrow when Marcelino comes over to collect the payment. If she doesn't retract her offer and then Lis gets her inheritance, Cami goes to prison.

Santi gets to Ric's house and leaves a message with Esteban that he needs to talk to Camila when she gets back. Santi watches disapprovingly as the pirates horse around in the yard, doing handstands and throwing what looks like playing cards into a hat that's propped up on sticks. (Any idea what they're doing??)

Lis asks Santi about his recent imprisonment. He says he lost his temper and failed to watch his words. Lis says people have the right to get upset once in a while. Santi says that according to God's law, anger is one of the seven deadly sins, and he's not proud of it. She says she's still glad he's free. He asks Lis what the job is that she wants him to do.

Cami and Jimena are just arriving and wondering what Santiago wants to talk about. She tells one of the maids that when he's finished with Lis, she'll be waiting for him in the salon. Jimena tells Cami maybe she shouldn't meet with him, because if Ric finds out he might not like it. Cami doesn't get why she shouldn't talk to her BIL. Jimena reminds her that Ric's jealous of her ex-fiance, DUH.

Esteban closes the gate behind Pablo and Jesus. I'm not sure why they're waiting outside the gate, but then, I didn't know why they were throwing cards into a hat either.

Santi is just wrapping up with Lis. He says he's got a strongbox that he'll bring over for her to inspect with no obligation. "You can look at it... uh... sorry." She brushes off this minor faux pas and says that her hands are her eyes, and at times one's hands can even know what's in a person's heart. (Fran glances up from her embroidery with an expression of profound distaste.) Lis then asks for Santi's hands. He protests that they're dirty, but she insists. He gives her one clean hand. She says they're strong, like... "like any workman's," Santi interjects, but warm and signifying a generous heart, Lis adds. "You're too kind," he says patiently and she continues to fondle his hand as if it's a... well let's just say I'm relieved when he takes it back and asks if she wants to check out the strongbox he mentioned, or if she wants him to start building a new one for her.

Clothilde finds Hilaria, the maid that Cami spoke to earlier, waiting outside a door. She accuses Hilaria of loafing, but Hilaria explains that Camila is in there, waiting for Santiago to come talk to her after he's finished with Lis! Clothilde's jaw drops.

Jimena and Camila are still debating the wisdom of buying the mill without consulting Ric first, when Santi comes in. He says he'd prefer that they speak alone. Jimena leaves. Santi blasts her for making this huge purchase knowing that Bernabe and that letter are still at large and Ric's lost all of his money. Camila is ultra-super-impactada that Santiago knows about Bernabe and about Ric's loss and demands to know who told him.

Fran is asking Lis where that stuff about seeing with hands came from. Lis says that touching a person gives you an idea of what they're like, and Santi's hands are rough like Ricardo's. Fran disdainfully says sure, but one uses weapons and the other uses a hammer. What Lis did was not proper. He's going to think she's fresh! Lis says she doesn't care what he thinks - she just hopes that the next time he comes over, Camila's home.

Clothilde comes in with some clean towels. She brags that she's scented them with lavender, and by the way, Santiago's taken advantage of his visit here to come chat with Camila in the salon. Lis gets up excitedly and orders Clothilde to spy on them. Fran rolls her eyes, but says nothing as the nosy maid eagerly complies.

Clothilde crouches outside a half-open door and watches and listens eagerly to Santi telling Cami that he knows she wants to help her father, but if that LETTER comes back, she'll go to JAIL and her father will DIE of shame. Cami says that if BERNABE had wanted to EXTORT her some more or SELL THE LETTER TO LIS, he would have done it, and she appreciates Santiago's interest very much, but he shouldn't meddle in her decisions.

"I did it for the AFFECTION I HAVE FOR YOU," Santi says. He thinks she's making a mistake. Her father's already reconciled himself to losing the mill. Cami disagrees that he's reconciled himself to anything. "You don't know him like I do," she says. He's worked hard all his life and now he's sick with no money and nothing to do, he's going to start dying little by little.

Santi reaches for her shoulder but doesn't quite touch it. He says he'd split himself in two to help her. (Clothilde looks like she could use some popcorn.) "Thanks, but I have a husband now," she tells him. "And where is your husband? Every time you need him, he never shows up." She says he had something important to do, and didn't know about this. Santi sarcastically remarks on her great trust. She says she does trust Ric, all the trust in the world. Santi says if that's how she's going to be, then God help her. He picks up his bag and leaves.

Fran is just in the middle of telling Lis that Santi wanting to talk to Cami is probably no big deal, when Clothilde shows up, foaming at the mouth. She says she didn't hear much (yeah, only the entire conversation), but they mentioned that there's a letter that could show up that Liz could buy and then Camila would go to prison, and it was stolen by some friend of Camila's brother Vasco who's named Bernabe. Clothilde just happens to know Bernabe's mother. Fran wants to get on that right away. Also, Clothilde says, Camila did or wants to do something to help her father, Santiago disagreed, Clothilde gets a little caught up in the drama of Justo's plight and Lis urges her back on track. Clothilde reports the part about Ric never being around when needed and Cami saying that he doesn't know what's going on.

Jimena can't wait to know what Santi wanted to talk about. Cami is furious with her. She thought they were like sisters, she swore she wasn't going to tell anyone, so how is it that Santiago knows everything?? Jimena swears that Vasco was the only person she told. It just slipped out, because Vasco was saying that Ric has money and could come to the rescue. She begs for forgiveness. Cami asks how she can trust Jimena, knowing that she will discuss such personal, private things with others. (Ahem, Camila.) Distraught, Jimena agrees and says Cami has every right to throw her out into the street. They hug and make up, but Cami emphasizes that she mustn't repeat the things Cami tells her, especially things about Ricardo.

At the gate, Clothilde haughtily tells Esteban that she's going on an errand for Lis. After she leaves, Esteban tells Pablo that when Lis and Fran got back, they asked where he was. "NOW you tell me?" Esteban says sorry, they didn't ask him, they asked the gateman. Pablo angrily mocks the boy's protests of innocence as he rushes into the house.

Lis is speculating as to what kind of help Cami is giving, and why. She figures it's financial help since Justo has lost his businesses. Fran agrees, and thinks she's hiding it from Ric. They wonder if Ric knows that Bernabe has the letter. Fran thinks it best not to mention it to him. Lis thinks they should tell him, so he can go get it back. Fran reminds her that Ric has no interest in separating Camila from her inheritance, especially now his own money's been stolen. Lis says she'd give back his part of it (the part that belonged to Ric's father, which Ric didn't inherit due to being framed for murder) anyway.

Pablo comes in to apologize for being away all day. He explains that they'd been told to watch out for Camila to make sure no one bother her. (This spoils the ladies' theory that Ric was having them spy on her.) Lis wants to know where Ric went. He says he doesn't know, just that it was only Ric and Mario. Fran asks if he misses life at sea. Pablo says he certainly does. Lis asks why are they all here, then? He hems and haws, and tells them they'd have to ask the captain themselves. Heh.

Then he asks, why did they want to speak with him? Liz says oh, uh, well, we just saw that you weren't here. Pablo excuses himself. Fran checks the door (but doesn't close it??) to ensure that he's out of earshot, and starts going on about how great it would be if Bernabe's mother could hook them up with The Letter.

In town, Clothilde helps Lupe wash some crud off the sidewalk in front of her house. Lupe is saying that Bernabe left without saying goodbye. Vasco's come by several times asking for him, and she's even gone to the authorities seeking (either charity or asking them to go look for him?), but she's afraid that something's happened to him. Clothilde says maybe he's just gone on a trip. Lupe gives her a funny look and says "without any clothes or anything?" Clothilde cuts to the chase and asks about the letter.

Meanwhile, Jimena goes to the mill and unleashes her fury on Vasco, swinging her parasol at him and shouting. Vasco says Santiago had to know about these things. She kicks him and reminds him that he promised not to tell. He says Santi was his last hope to get Camila to withdraw her offer on the mill. Sure he'd love for them to have it, but not at the cost of his sister's freedom. Yeah, yeah, he admits, he's an idiot, a slob, etc, but he told Bernabe not to do it. Jimena worries what Ric will do when he finds out that everyone knows his money's gone. He'll be angry with Camila, and it will be Jimena's fault, and Vasco's. She punches him in the stomach.

At a pub someplace (I think it's an early TGI Friday's, they haven't collected any fake antique replicas yet), Mario is trying to explain why he's not happy with Camila. This inheritance issue they've been dealing with so long is taking over their lives. Ric says it's important to him. Mario says, well, supposedly that's what it's about, but ever since Ric found out that Cami was the widow in question, he's never had any intention of taking that money; Ric says there's no way to justify doing it. And his aunt bribed the doctor to write that letter. Mario would have liked it to stay that way, but no, Ric just had to discover passion for the widow, and to heck with everyone else.

Mario gets up to leave in a huff. Ric pulls him back to his seat. He tells him that when a woman enters your life and becomes important to you, it's normal for things to change. Mario angrily says that if Cami didn't exist, or if she'd been just a fling, they could have gone after Jorge and LaFont like rabid dogs right away instead of trying little by little to get them to reveal where the money is. Ric shushes him and says he's never shredded anyone. Mario says sure, but you've cut some up pretty well. Ric says they'd be suspected right away. Jorge's already suspicious. "The dead don't speak," Mario reminds him, but they could get them to talk first and say where they hid the treasure.

Ric says there are two things Mario doesn't understand: First, they're not at sea, and they can't solve problems that way here on land. People have power, guards, and the support of the law. And they don't have proof. The second thing is, they're no longer on their own turf. He's tired of that life, and the only way out is to get proof that Jorge and LaFont are involved in the caravan assaults. And they talked about that even before he knew about Camila. Mario says the Antillano of before would have burned down Jorge's palace. Ric says he doesn't want to be Antillano any more.

Clothilde is telling Fran and Lis that Bernabe disappeared without warning, and that Vasco's been looking for him. His mother doesn't know anything about the letter. Clothilde excuses herself and leaves. Fran correctly deduces that Bernabe blackmailed Camila, took the money and ran. Lis correctly deduces that Camila must have recognized him. Fran's guess is that he kept the letter in hopes of getting more money out of her. It'll turn up again in time. They need to clean this up. They need to find it. But even his mother doesn't know where he is, and there's no way the two of them can go from town to town looking for a guy they've never met.

Lis again suggests bringing Ric into this. Fran says no way, he'd just tear the letter up. He has no interest in pursuing her father's inheritance. Lis says what good does it do them to know all this stuff and not do anything about it? Fran has a great idea: they'll put it in the hands of Alberto LaFont. For once, Lis doesn't protest.

At the forge, Vasco and Santi discuss their virtually nonexistent options. Santi's plan is to ask God to inspire Bernabe to become a nice guy and reform himself with the money Cami gave him. He wonders if Ascanio will find him. Vasco doubts it and says he hopes Bernabe is dead in the bushes someplace.

Over a game of Chinese checkers, Ursula asks Manuela if she can tell that Ascanio likes her. Manuela does not want to have this conversation, but Ursula (unusually humanely) tells Manuela that the same thing could happen to her that happened to Ursula, she could wind up married to a grody old guy, and then she'll be sorry that she never knew the pleasure of a young man's arms, handsome and not all wrinkly. "I'm not like you, I've told you many times!" Manuela complains.

Of course not, Ursula laughs. She never will be. She's a dingaling. But these things are a lot of fun. Manuela says it doesn't look fun to her. "You haven't tried," Ursula says. Manuela asks if she hasn't considered that it's a sin. Ursula isn't interested in a Sunday School lecture. She's a young, pretty woman, and she has the right. Why should only young men be able to?

Fortunata comes in and hears Ursula ask Manuela what she thinks of Santiago. Manuela says she saw what Ursula thought of him when he came to speak with Sofia. Fortunata spies as Ursula says he's tall, handsome, strong, and has something special about him. Manuela says he's married and his wife's about to have a baby. Ursula says she only wants him for a little while. She giggles wildly as Fortunata hurries to tell Sofia what she's heard.

Sofia takes the news grimly. Fortunata is suprised that her aunt doesn't seem more concerned that Ursula plans to seduce a married man. Sofia says it matters very much - more than Fortunata thinks. Deep down, she's almost been wanting this.

Fortunata is confused. Sofia just asks her not to leave Ursula alone for a moment, at least not until after Ines's wedding. She doesn't want to spoil the family's party. Fortunata doesn't understand what Sofia's talking about.

At La Paloma, Mateo (Marcel waves guy) and Gonzalo share a drink. Gonzalo says he doesn't care what they say, he's had it up to here with Jorge. Mateo reminds him that Jorge's their friend and the señor of San Fernando. "Friend?" Gonzalo replies bitterly. He spits out his wine, says it's bad and demands another one. He complains that Jorge's a señor in name only, otherwise he wouldn't given up trying to screw that woman. He's afraid of that guy, and we all know he's a pirate and he's scared.

Mateo says Jorge's never been a coward, and it'd be a big mistake for Gonzo to insult him again the way he did the other day. He'll put up with a lot, but if Gonzo goes on yanking the rope, he could come to a bad end. Gonzo laughs and asks if the truth is an insult. The short version of Mateo's answer is yes. Gonzo says they're a bunch of lowlifes and buffoons and he's sick of them. He yells at the waiter again because the second wine is not to his liking either.

Uriel joins them. He apologizes/brags that he was late because he was making a list of stuff at his new store. Gonzo complains that Uriel is rubbing their noses in it and not being classy. "Still boozing, huh?" Uriel replies. Gonzo says he's got more important things to discuss: he wants to rob the next caravan. Mateo says Jorge told them not to. Gonzo says Jorge can't do a thing without LaFont, but they can. Mateo and Urkel want no part of it. Gonzo calls them buffoons again and leaves. Uriel says Gonzo's always been overly violent and rash, to his detriment. Mateo says he's got problems with his father's hacienda, too. Uriel says we've all got problems, but this isn't the way to solve them, and if they go through with the plan, Jorge's not going to like it. "Much less Lafont," Mateo adds.

Jimena is again begging Cami not to complete the mill purchase. (I note that she's been wearing pink the last few episodes; it suits her much better than the orange dresses, I think. Much as I love orange, it's not a very flattering color on most people.) She should wait to talk it over with Ric. Cami says someone else would buy it first, and she thinks Ric would say no, so she'd just as soon have it done when he gets back. Yeah, he'll be upset. For the gazillionth time, Jimena mentions the consequences of Bernabe returning with the letter, and Cami says she's known him since forever and he's not a bad guy and she doesn't think he'll do that. "I hope you're right," Jimena says as they arrive at the plaza.

Ines and Vasco join them and also start nagging at her to withdraw the offer on the mill. Vasco says their father would say the same thing, if he knew. "Thanks for worrying so much about me, but I've made my decision and I'm not going to change it." She rushes into the admin building.

Marcelino has the papers ready for a final signature. He asks Camila if she'd like to wait for Jorge, but she wants to get it over with. Just as she's about to put pen to paper, however, she notices an extra signature line with Ric's name printed underneath. Marcelino says yes, since she's a married woman, her husband has to sign off the purchase too. "What if he doesn't want to?" she asks. Marcelino laughs nervously and says she'd have to discuss that with him. She says he's on a trip, and anyway, she was going to pay with her own money. Marcelino says her husband has the right and the obligation to decide how she spends the money they share in marriage, and to veto if he disagrees.

"I'll sign it," she says. "I know my husband, and he won't oppose it."

Jorge has found Gonzalo and is telling him that under no circumstances is he to try to rob a caravan on his own. Gonzo complains that Jorge is relying on Lafont to make decisions, but he doesn't need gills (fins?) to swim. Jorge warns Gonzo that he's being offensive and he's getting tired of it. Don't do it. "Or else what?" Gonzo asks. "You die," Jorge answers.

---

Jueves
Santiago unbuttons his shirt, but I don't see the green scarf.

Labels: Pasion