Caray, Caray!

The normally inoffensive Ofelia asks Sofia to forbid her loose and libidinous daughter from making moves on her suffering --if not saintly—son, knowing full well that Ursula’s urges are becoming incestuous inclinations. Standing her ground, Sofia refuses unless Ofelia outs Santi about his biological father, the alleged big baddy baby-daddy being none other than Sofia’s horny, whoring husband, Jorge. Sofia wants Santiago to inherit what rightly belongs to him but Ofelia refuses and runs out of the palace. Sofia says to herself that this is to be Jorge’s punishment.

Ofelia, unable to admit the cruel hard facts concerning Santiago’s crude conception even to herself, let alone to the entire town, is beside herself with angst and shame. She runs to the church for some small bit of consolation and to pray. Santi sees her running into the church looking flustered and in tears.

Ofelia is telling God she’s an arrogant sinner when the priest comes by and she ends up confessing the rape that led to Santiago’s birth. The priest tells her not to blame herself unless she provoked the incident, which she is adamant she never did. What’s killing her is that she enjoyed it, leaving us all jaw-dropping, wide-eyed impactado. (Ofelia, say it ain’t so!!) Though she loved her husband dearly, she feels that in some way she deceived him. The priest tells her not to be upset over this since the Devil tempted Christ, himself, in the desert, and this seems to be the consolation that Ofelia needed.

Ofelia admits to the priest that it was Don Jorge who raped her and that Santiago is his son. She says that Sofia knows this and wants her to tell him so that he can inherit the title because he would be a benevolent governor. The priest agrees and says the region could use a decent man to rule around there. He tells her that she cannot deny her son what rightly belongs to him. Ofelia reminds him then why Santi hates Jorge and why she fears he’ll go crazy once he learns it was his father that caused him so much grief. She’s also afraid that he’ll hate her when he realizes this entire tragedy could have been avoided if she’d only yelled out to Alberto that night that Jorge could not do this to his own son.

Meanwhile, the bodaciously bouffanted Alberto has made his way to Mexico City and has gotten his interview with Don Gaspar for clues to Ric’s identity. At first Gaspar says he doesn’t recall a Lopez de Carvajal. (Oops!) When Alberto shows him the letter that Jorge sent along for the Cardinal’s purview Gaspar makes a sloppy save, saying he’s had so many things occupying his time that he is apt to forget things. Sure, though, he knows Ricardo Lopez de Carvejal. He is his godson and a man for whom he holds great affection. For just a second or three Alberto deflates, but then our cagey and dubious Alberto asks if it’s possible the man he’s talking about could have stolen his godson’s letters of reference and is actually an impostor. Gaspar good-naturedly (and with the full power of The Church behind him) insists in knowing why Mancera and he are so interested in de Carvejal.

Alberto doesn’t know where to begin and beats around the bush a bit. Gaspar chuckles and tells him that if this is important and he’s gone to the trouble of asking for this appointment weeks in advance, he is obliged to explain everything just as if he were in confession. (I don’t think Al remembers how, it’s probably been so long since the last one he made –if ever.) Alberto explains the Lord of San Fernando has serious doubts about Ric’s identity. “We have to be cautious in a quiet little town like ours, but the man appeared suddenly with the two Salamanca women—“

Gaspar interrupts to say Ric told him he’d planned to travel there, back when they were both on La Mariana and Gaspar was involved with the “tiresome” transfer of the island to France. (Hint, hint, Buffy. Gaspar’s letting you know you’re dealing with a powerful member of the clergy and a Spanish Governmental emissary here, so tread lightly.) Alberto finishes by saying they suspect he is in fact Ricardo de Salamanca, a pirate in the service of the British. Gasp!!

Back at Cami’s place, she tells Ric how much she appreciated the terrific way he handled her father with the loss of the concession, saying just the right things. She loves him more every day. She asks Ric if he knew his father. He tells her about how he died when Ric was only eight, but how he remembers him well, that some say, he was kind, but others say he was arrogant. He always treated Ric well and taught him riding and how to fight. Then their talk turns to the children they hope to have and he tells her their mother will always have a special place in his heart. They kiss and he is momentarily pained again knowing he hasn’t told her quite everything.

Jime comes in and asks if she can move to Ric’s house with Cami because she doesn’t want to live in that house alone. They say sure and the two women go to Cami’s room to gossip. Cami says with the move she won’t have time to talk to Vasco so Jime says she will go. Cami doesn’t want her to tell him about Ric’s money being stolen because he could end up blabbing it to everybody and Ric would get really angry. Jime says Vasco should know the truth, but agrees not to tell him if she can avoid it. We all know she won’t be able to, it not being in Jimena’s nature.

Chip and Dale tell Vasco about the notification that both of the concessions are being taken away, but that Justo already knows, and that they’re on their way to take the merchandise out and bring it back there. They leave. Then Justo and Ascanio come out into the patio. Ascanio tells Vasco his father already knows the score. Justo sits down with Vasco and says the world won’t come to an end even though the business has. They’ll sell the merchandise and use the cash to buy a little land and do a bit of farming.

Justo tells Vasco then that Santi was pardoned. They discuss the wedding and Vasco says he thinks they should postpone it a while. Justo says no need and asks him to see if Santi would mind a joint celebration with Cami and Ric to celebrate their wedding as well. He goes upstairs to rest and Ascanio gets with Vasco to gripe at him over why he hasn’t gone to look for Bernabe yet.

Ascanio is upset that Vasco doesn’t seem to care that if they don’t find Bernabe his sister ends up in jail. Vasco says he has no idea where the guy is and by the way, can’t her rich husband buy back their father’s concessions. Ascanio reminds him that Ric is supposed to be responsible for his wife’s needs, but not for her family’s finances. He asks Vasco if he really has kept the letter himself, but Vasco swears he doesn’t have it. Ascanio says he’d better make sure they get it back then.

Vasco says he can’t go off looking for Bernabe now because he’s promised his father he’ll get married right away. Ascanio, frustrated with this loser, says he’ll go looking for Bernabe himself. Just give him the addresses and whatever information he needs to help him locate the guy. Before he leaves though he tells Vasco that no matter what, make sure that Cami does not spend a centavo on anything! Vasco says sure thing. Ascanio is not convinced because it’s pretty obvious by now that getting Vasco to try to do anything is like pushing spaghetti if not herding cats.

Across town Santi confronts his mother about having seen her crying in the church. He says she’s flustered and he has never seen her so out of control. Ofelia tries to deny this but the talk turns to him and Ursula and her wanting him to leave her alone. He doesn’t understand why the change when the day before she was telling him what an angel she was. He asks if GRita was complaining again, but Ofelia says no. It’s just that she now thinks that Ursula is flighty and loose and may really have improper intentions towards him.

Santi says that Ursula’s sins are in the past and she shouldn’t be judged unfairly now because of them. Anybody can suddenly repent. (Famous last words.) Perhaps since she’s lonely all she needs is a kind word. Ofelia says then let her get it from some other man, not him. He argues that he’s a grown man and has sense enough to know what he’s doing, but Ofelia gets angry and yells at him that she forbids it, reminding him that Peter denied Jesus three times, and leaves. He’s totally confused by the whole argument.

Ric takes Cami to live at his hacienda. She’s worried over what kind of reaction Lis and Fran will have when they see her there. Ric says not to worry, that they’re going to understand and even so, she’s the one who runs the house now, not them. When he presents her to the staff that Lis and Fran hired she notices that gossipy Clotilde is one of them. Cami explains who she is and why she fired her but they decide to give her a second chance anyway.

Lis and Fran come in to greet them. Fran looks like she’s just eaten a big fat bunch of sour grapes. Lis offers to show Cami around and gets her nose out of joint when Ric says he’ll show her the house himself.

Ric and Cami go through the entire house. Finally they arrive at his room. They begin to kiss and end by doing what just comes naturally.

Grita, Vasco, Ines and Ofelia discuss the wedding and that Sofia has offered to pay for it entirely. Vasco mentions that Justo asked if Cami and Ric could celebrate their wedding along with Ines and Vasco’s. GRita wonders if Sofia’s paying for Cami’s also, since she and Ric have plenty of money to pay for their own. Santi says they can do their own wedding celebration separately. He also tells them that they will be going to see Doña Sofia to pay their respects and inform her about the details, but Vasco doesn’t want to bother going. Santi gets angry and says a member of Vasco’s family must go and since Justo obviously isn’t able to then it’s Vasco’s place to do it. Vasco doesn’t argue and actually falls into line!

A while later, Ines tells Ofelia that since she has had her period, they could use Justo’s illness to postpone the wedding, or even forget it altogether. She doesn’t want to marry Vasco, since she realizes now that he does not love her (DUH!) and neither of them will be happy.(Double DUH!) Ofelia says too bad but they should have thought of that beforehand. Her daughter will not be shamed. Ines wonders why that matters since nobody knows but them. Ofelia says that God knows and that’s enough. Besides, if some scandal should befall the family then at least Ines will be safely married and any gossip can’t touch her.

Sofia comes to see about Justo, but Grita tells Sofia he’s sleeping. The two of them chat about the pregnancy and Sofia tells her to worry about the child and forget the temper tantrums.
Jimena comes looking for Vasco out in the fields picking wheat. She tells him that they need to talk about the business with the letter.

Back at Ric’s, Lis and Fran are complaining to each other about the house now being Cami’s to run. Fran says it’s no different than when she married Lis’s father. This time she’ll be giving orders and treating them like mooching relatives. She says they’ll need to look for other accommodations, but Lis refuses. “Where are we supposed to go, and to whom? And don’t tell me that I should consider Don Alberto’s offer!” “—But it’s a good idea to.” “—No! We’ll just have to put up with her until we can find a way to get her out of here.” Fran starts to say with Ric so in love it’s unlikely, but Lis stops her and says, “He’s not in love, just….er…..horny.”

Lis says that now that Ric’s plans to help them recover her father’s fortune have gone up in smoke and his money has been stolen, there is no reason for him to stick around. More than likely he’ll return to the sea to replace what’s been stolen. She wonders if his plan was to get his father’s fortune back, and that now that he’s gotten it perhaps they should leave. Then she asks Fran if she thinks Cami would ask him to settle down there in San Fernando. Fran hasn’t a clue, but thinks he’s up to something considering the men he brought with him and the mysterious meetings and trips he takes with them.

Lis says she’ll ask Pablo, the wounded man they brought there, what he knows. In the meantime they’ll go to town and meet with people they know and find out what they think about Camila’s wedding. Perhaps they’ll discover something really bad about Cami that they can tell Ric about, under the pretext of wanting to know more about Santiago. Fran asks, “What’s going on with Santiago?” “—Why, he’s in jail!” Fran just shakes her head as if to say, “White trash!”

Vasco tells Jimena what he told Ascanio about not being able to leave to go looking for Bernabe, and that they only have to insure that Cami doesn’t spend any money on things. Jimena asks if he really believes she’d pay attention to them. So Vasco says then Ric should take care of her debt, but Jime says he really doesn’t have the money. Vasco stops in his tracks and asks Jimena just what she means by that. Jime has no choice then and explains how his whole fortune was what was in the caravan that got robbed. She tells him that neither one wanted anybody to know, and she threatens that if he says one word that she will “cut off that particular part of his anatomy that he’s so proud of…..”

Vasco worries that with both Ric and Cami losing their fortunes they’re all screwed. Jimena changes the subject to Ursula and says she knows he’s been sleeping with her. She explains that doesn’t really matter to her, what does is how he gets in and out of the palace at night. (You gotta love the way this girl thinks.) He says that he has keys and she asks if she can have them for a while and then return them. Vasco wants to know first what she plans to do with those keys, and then he’ll decide to give them to her or not.

Jorge meets with his gang of bully boys to formally sign over the documents for Justo’s mill and store to them. Gonzo mentions that there is another silver caravan coming through there from Veracruz in a few days and they should rob it. Jorge says he’d rather wait till Alberto returns to do anything. Gonzo complains that Alberto doesn’t do a thing but sit and watch while he and the others do the heavy lifting and nearly get their brains knocked out while they’re at it. Jorge says that Alberto is careful and sensible and looks out for everyone’s safety. That’s why he trusts him.

Gonzo starts griping now over getting just a mill while the others got a portion from that recently jacked caravan of coins and jewels that belonged to Ric. He’s really steamed that not only was he ripped off because he was away on that stupid island doing an errand for Jorge at the time, but he was promised he could marry that rich young widow (presumably for her money to pay off his daddy’s debts), and ol’ Jorge let the pirate snatch her away and marry her himself. The only thing he gets is some crummy old mill.

Jorge warns Gonzo it isn’t good to spit in the same plate you eat from. Gonzo grumbles and says that since there’s nothing but scraps in that plate he’d rather go look for his own food and exits stage left.

Jimena arrives at Ric’s with hers and Cami’s things. The two women go to the master bedroom to put things away. Ric and Mario are in Ric’s office. Mario says he’s sent Pablo off now since he was so much better. He complains that the guys are getting anxious and are fighting amongst themselves. Even he feels like he’s in some kind of prison. They all miss the sea and need to get back there. Ric surprises him and says they’ll be sailing again soon.

Just then Jime and Cami enter. Mario and Jime flirt. “What a pleasure to see you, my lady!” “—Well if it’s that much of a pleasure why didn’t you come to visit me? You knew where I was.” “—I didn’t think you would be that happy to see me, but I’m glad to see it wasn’t that way.” “—Well, don’t think I was exactly dying to see you, but since I’m going to be living here, we might as well get along.” “—I was thinking the same thing.” He tries to kiss her hand but she jerks it away on purpose just at the last moment and runs off with Cami.

Mario says to Ric that Jimena is such a pretty girl, it’s too much for him. Ric teases his friend and asks him what he’s waiting for. She’s the perfect woman for him. Mario says he has a mind to find her room and enter it that night for a nice tumble, but Ric warns him off and says, “Hey, that’s my wife’s friend you’re talking about.” So Mario says better then for him to head to the nearest whorehouse to take care of bidnez.

The conversation turns back to why Ric is heading back to sea. He admits to missing it but he also needs to earn a lot of cash. He says this time though, they’ll be going as merchants. Mario is depressed when he hears this. “We’re in the pirate biz! “ Even with two boats, he complains, the booty they could expect as merchants would never earn enough for what they’d want even in a hundred years. Ric looks like he’s having second thoughts.

Jime and Cami are gossiping in the master bedroom. Jime says she has something important to tell Cami but Ric comes in and the conversation changes. Ric and Cami decide to eat in there and Jimena excuses herself to eat with Lis and Fran supposedly in the dining room later.

Ric in between kisses tells Cami that he has two boats, “La Salamandra”, which she is already (and once woefully) familiar with; the other he says is a newer boat “La Camila” which he named in her honor. He tells her in between more kisses and caresses that “fate made us find each other and luck united us. God willing, it will be forever.”

Lis and Fran are walking through the hallway a bit later and see the servants bringing supper to Ric’s room. Lis has a fit because Ric and Cami are eating and…whatever… in their room together that night. She refuses then to go to the dining room with Fran and rushes angrily off to her room to sulk.

Jimena and Mario end up have dinner alone together. He tells her how much he and the other men miss their life at sea. She worries that if Ric doesn’t settle down Cami will be forever worried never knowing from one day to the next whether she’ll get word that he’s died in a battle or drowned at sea during a storm. Mario wonders if she didn’t realize this before getting involved with him. Jime says sure, but he told her he was retired from the life. Mario says, no, that’s going to be a while still. Jime says Cami will never be able to stand that, but he says she’ll have to.

A bit later in the conversation, Jime asks Mario if he’ll keep a secret if she tells him. He teases her about it being gossip and she gets upset saying women don’t just gossip. They have serious things to discuss also. She gets up and says forget it and starts to walk away, but he stops her and says if it’s important then she should tell him. She says no thanks and starts to skip away. Mario quickly grabs her and, in one smooth move, draws her to him and kisses her on the mouth. The nice thing is she kisses back.

Labels: Pasion

Episode 7

In the bar, Arturo announces that Beatriz has disappeared. She is highly strung and the announcement of Hugo’s engagement might have affected her. He asks those present to help him find her. The judge says that the whole city has been searched and there is no trace of her. Alcides comes in and says the he searched for her at the houses of her friends without success. Arturo says that the only option left is to search in the forest.

In the Obragón house, Ester says that it is dawn and Soledad hasn’t returned. She tells Lucas that she is sure Hugo took Soledad to his house and they have to go and look for her. Lucas says no. He sent a servant there and Hugo hasn’t returned either. Ester says that this is too much. First, they are humiliated in front of everyone by the announcement of their engagement and now this scandal. She is sure that everyone is talking about them. Lucas says that this time Soledad will have to face the consequences of what she had done.




In the cabaña, Hugo wakes Soledad up with a rose.
H: Good morning, my love [‘amor mío’].
S: My love…
H: I brought you breakfast.
S: Thank you. What a beautiful morning.
H: No more beautiful than you. We have to get ready to go see your parents.
S: I don’t ever want to leave here. I am afraid that this dream will end.
H: Don’t be afraid. From now on, your life will be different. I promise you. But your parents deserve an explanation and we will go now and give it to them.
S: They will never accept you.
H: If they don’t. I will accept your proposal and we will go to a beautiful church in a little town and get married.

Arturo is giving instructions on the search for Beatriz when she staggers into the taverna. Arturo asks her what happened. She says that she was raped. He hit her.. he was like a crazy person… Arturo asks who it was. Alcides fearfully waits for Beatriz’ answer. “Hugo de Medina,” says Beatriz, “Hugo de Medina raped me.” Alcides closes his eyes in relief and with the realization of what he has done to his brother. Arturo swears to Beatriz that he will kill Hugo with his own hands. The judge tells Arturo that things shouldn’t be resolved that way. He will tell the police to begin an investigation. Alcides tells that judge that Beatriz and Hugo disappeared during the fight at the club. He says that Hugo must have found Beatriz and attacked her. Beatriz reacts in fear when she sees Alcides. Alcides says that she must be confusing him with his brother.

The judge wants to have Beatriz seen by doctor Max. Alcides says that isn’t necessary – surely no one doubts the truth of Beatriz’ accusations. Alcides tells the judge that he is ashamed of this brother’s behavior. He whips up he crowd in the taverna by saying that Hugo has turned into a Casanova who doesn’t have any respect for women. Arturo interrupts and says that he will take Beatriz to see the doctor but if the law doesn’t deal with Hugo de Medina, he swears that he will do it himself.

Hugo and Soledad-
H: The carriage is ready. We can leave. (He holds out his hand to her.)
S: I’ve been thinking about my parents.
H: They are going to be angry, Soledad. It won’t be easy when we come back. They won’t be the only ones judging us. I think the whole city will be pointing fingers at us.
S: I don’t care. When I am with you, I don’t care. I love my parents but I won’t let anything separate us.
H: You have opened your heart to me and demonstrated how much you love me and I haven’t been equally frank.
S: Don’t say that. Or don’t you love me as much as you say?
H: I love you with all my soul but there is a secret in my life that I haven’t told you about. A secret that I fear could change things between us.
S: It is about another woman? Is there someone else?
H: Of course not, my love. It concerns my father.
S: I don’t care. Since you love me, I don’t care.
H: Soledad, I think it is very important that you know this.
S: There is plenty of time but don’t spoil this moment of happiness for something like that. It’s better to concentrate on what is important: for example, talking to my parents.
H: I love you.

Lucas returns to the house. “Look at what time it is and they still haven’t returned,” says Ester. Lucas says that he hoped to find Soledad here. Lucas asks where she could be. Ester says that undoubtedly she is rolling around with that animal somewhere. Lucas tells her not to speak that way about her daughter. Ester says that it hurts but it is the truth. She sees that Lucas is holding something behind his back. Ester snatches the newspaper and reads the story about the brawl at the party. As usual, she is concerned about what people will say and she blames everything on Hugo de Medina. Lucas says that Alcides is at fault too, he doesn’t know how to behave. Ester says that he could hardly be blamed after Hugo announced his engagement to Soledad. There is a knock on the door. It’s Nicolás Duarte, the police inspector. [I believe this is the only time we find out his first name. Inspector Duarte is honest but like most policemen on novelas, he’s worse than useless. He virtually never arrests the correct person and if he does, they always have to be released. And, of course, he frequently arrests the wrong person.] The Inspector says that he needs to speak to them urgently.

Doctor Max confirms that Beatriz was raped. Unfortunately, the shock of what happened has driven her crazy. She doesn’t remember what happened and she can’t tell fantasy from reality. She calls Arturo Hugo and says that she is glad he has come. Alcides asks if she can be cured. The doctor recommends that she be put in a sanatorium so she can get treatment.

The police tell Ester and Lucas that it appears that last night Hugo de Medina raped Beatriz. Lucas starts to say that it was impossible. Ester cuts him off. She says that of course, Hugo could have done it. He was drinking and out of control. The police say that several employees of the club have stated that Hugo left with their daughter. Ester denies this and says that their daughter returned home with them and is resting since they got home very late. The police say that in view of the importance of the matter, Soledad must be woken up.

Boris asks Úrsula what is the matter. He says that he hopes she isn’t fighting with Marina again. He has enough to deal with looking for Hugo. He went out last night and didn’t return. Úrsula says that she supposes it is about what it says in the newspaper. Boris reads that Hugo got in a fight with his brother in the middle of the party. She says that there is worse. She says that everyone in the market is saying that Beatriz was raped by Hugo last night.

Ester tells the police that Soledad is still asleep. Inspector Duarte says that when Soledad gets up, they will be waiting for her to come and make a statement at the police station. Her testimony is important in resolving the matter of Beatriz de Linares. The police leave. Lucas asks why Ester lied. Ester asks if he wants her to say that Soledad spent the night with Hugo de Medina. Lucas replies that if Soledad was with Hugo, that means that he didn’t have anything to do with the rape. Ester says that she won’t let Soledad testify in favor of Hugo for anything in the world. As far as Ester is concerned, that man should rot in jail before her family is exposed to shame.

There is a problem with Hugo’s carriage. He says that the wheel has to be changed or there is a risk that the axle might break. They hear another vehicle approaching. Hugo says they are in luck. They hail the cart. In the cart are a man and woman and a little girl. We will learn later that these are Jose, Lupe, his wife and their daughter, Aurora. Even outside the city, these people have heard about Beatriz and refuse to stop. Soledad wonders why they didn’t stop. She says that she has a bad feeling. Hugo tells her not to worry. They will continue on slowly.

Los Burke go to Dr. Max’s house. They hope that he will hire them to rob graves since otherwise they are flat broke. Guillermo wants Helena to let him speak to Alcides. He will invent something about Hugo’s house so that Alcides will pay them what he owes them. Helena emphatically says no. She doesn’t want anything to do with Hugo or Alcides. Speak of angels, Alcides comes out of Dr. Max’s. Helena tells Alcides that they did what he asked and ask to be paid. Alcides asks if they found anything in Hugo’s house that he could use. Los Burke say that they didn’t find anything although the house is haunted. Alcides asks why he should pay them when they didn’t do what he asked. He says that besides, he doesn’t need them anymore.



Alcides sees Hugo and Soledad go by in their carriage.

In the bar, Alcides tells the customers to gather around-
A: I need you to listen to me because I have something very delicate to tell you. Dr. Max examined Beatriz de Linares and confirmed that the poor woman was raped. In the name of the Medina family, I am ashamed of what I have to tell you –the man who is my brother. This man is the rapist. He has become a criminal..
Customer: Why do you say that about your own brother?
A: What would you say if your brother was a filthy rapist? What would you do if you knew he had raped your daughter or your girlfriend or your niece? I am ashamed to say it but my brother is a danger to all women. What happened to Beatriz could happen to any woman.
Crowd: We have to do something!
A: As a lawyer [first time we learn this], I doubt that the law can do anything. He is rich and can do what he wants, buy whomever he wants.
Crowd: We have to take justice into our own hands!



When Hugo and Soledad get back to town the mob tries to kill them. Hugo draws a gun and yells at them to get back.

Dr. Max wants Los Burke to bring him a new cadaver. He has students who need to practice. Los Burke say that no one has died recently. Dr. Max says that there will be a corpse very soon. Hugo de Medina will pay with his life for what he did to Beatriz de Linares. Los Burke asks what Hugo did. Dr. Max tells them to get gossip in the plaza. He is interested in Hugo’s death. Elena says that it is too bad. She won’t have anything to do with Hugo de Medina, alive or dead. Guillermo says that they would consider it if they received a good incentive. Dr. Max says that he will pay the most for Hugo’s corpse. He suffers from some terrible disease and Dr. Max says that he wants to know what it is.

Hugo tells the crowd to get back. He fires into the air and at the feet of the crowd. Boris makes his way to help defend Hugo and Soledad and they flee. Alcides watches, disappointed.

Arturo brings Beatriz home and tells Matilde to prepare a bath for her. Beatriz continues to rave and confuses Arturo with Hugo.

Boris tells Hugo and Soledad that Beatriz has accused Hugo of raping her. They understand why the people in the crowd acted the way they did.
H: I can’t believe that Beatriz’ obsession has gotten to the point where she would invent something like that.
S: I will go and speak to the authorities. They have to withdraw the charges. I was with Hugo. I will testify.
H: Listen, my love, I can’t let you be pointed out in public for having spent the night with me.
S: I don’t care what they say but I can’t permit any harm to come to you.
H: I will take care of it another way. Trust me. (to Boris) Take Soledad home.
S: I want to stay with you. I don’t want us to be separated.
H: No one will separate us. I promise that when this is all resolved, we will speak to your parents as we had planned. I love you.
S: I love you, too.
H: (to Boris) Take the forest road to avoid problems.

Arturo loads his gun. He says that he will make Hugo regret the day he was born. Los Burke are in the cemetery to ask Miguel, the gravedigger, if anyone has died recently. They see Arturo meeting with Fabio, his hired killer. They eavesdrop. Arturo tells Fabio to get some trustworthy men together to do a job for him. Fabio guesses that the job concerns Hugo de Medina. Unfortunately, his men don’t want to work for Arturo after he killed Herman. Arturo produces a large wad of money he says should be sufficient to stop Fabio’s men from crying over that useless coward. Fabio takes the money and asks what Arturo wants them to do. Arturo tells Fabio to get his men together and wait for his orders. Guillermo wants to follow Fabio but Elena says that Arturo’s plan is none of their business. Guillermo says that if Arturo is going to kill Hugo de Medina, he wants to be there.

Alcides tells Ester and Lucas that it is a fact that Beatriz’ dignity was sullied. Many people are looking for Hugo to lynch him. Soledad comes in and greets them. Ester says that this isn’t the time to come back to a decent home. Where has she been? Soledad says that she prefers not to give an explanation in front of strangers. Ester says that Alcides came to tell them about something that she should know also. “The supposed rape of Beatriz?” says Soledad, “That’s completely false.” Lucas says that Dr. Max proved that she wasn’t lying. She was abused last night after Hugo disappeared. Soledad says that she is sorry for the woman but it wasn’t Hugo. He would never do something so horrible. Alcides says that it isn’t necessary for her to defend Hugo. Soledad says that she knows perfectly well what she is saying. She says that she can prove he wasn’t involved because she was with Hugo last night. Ester almost faints. Soledad leaves. Ester asks Alcides to forgive them. He shouldn’t hear such things. Alcides says that the only important thing is Soledad. He doesn’t want to think about what it would like for her if she decides to defend Hugo publicly and how terrible it would be for Ester and Lucas if it were known that those two had been intimate.

Marina tells Inspector Duarte that Hugo is not a home. Duarte says that he wants to verify that for himself. Marina repeats that no one can enter without the permission of her master. Úrsula backs her up and defends Hugo’s house with a gun. Hugo arrives and tells her to lower the weapon. He will meet with these gentlemen.

Ester tells Lucas that none of this would have happened if Soledad had been sent to her Aunt Antonia but he let her stay. Lucas tells her to stop crying over spilt milk. They have to find a solution. Alcides agrees and says that the only thing to do is to get Soledad out of the city. She must not testify at a trial. Ester says that she will send Soledad to Lucas’ sister’s house even if they have to tie her up. Lucas says that Ester doesn’t seem to know her daughter. She will use any means to avoid being sent to his sister’s especially if she knows that her testimony is the only thing that can prevent Hugo from being condemned. Alcides says that he can help them with this problem.

Hugo: Have you come to arrest me for what happened to the Linares woman?
Inspector: She has accused you but there is no proof yet. Where were you last night after the party for Soledad de Obragón?
H: I was outside of the city, Inspector, and I didn’t abuse Beatriz.
I: It’s a fact that in the past you had a romance with her.
H: It’s a fact that in the past we had a nice friendship that she confused with romance.
I: I find that doubtful. I know your reputation with women. I believe that last night she looked for you to get you back. You had announced your engagement to Soledad de Obragón and this must have affected her and in the heat of the moment, you went too far.
H: That is an absurd theory that I won’t debate with you. I advise you to look for proof to detain me and I will do the same in my defense. Meanwhile, you know your way out.

Alcides tells the pharmacist that he needs to buy something for the nerves. It is for a person very close to him who is nervous and can’t sleep. Alcides asks for the best thing the pharmacist has. The pharmacist produces a compound of valerian and opium. He says it is very strong and can only be given with a doctor’s prescription. Alcides gives the pharmacist some money as the prescription and asks what the correct dose is.

Marina thanks Úrsula for defending her when the police came. Úrsula says that she was defending her boss’s house, not Marina. When Úrsula goes to get the dinner, Boris congratulates Marina. She asks why since it was Úrsula who was brave. Boris says that it was her first act of friendship towards Úrsula and that was brave too. Boris tells Marina that he has come to clear things up about their kiss. Marina says that she was nervous and that’s why she kissed Boris. Boris says that he is happy about that because they can’t forget that the rule in this house is that there shouldn’t be amorous relations between the servants. Marina says that she won’t forget and it won’t happen again.

The Judge and Inspector Duarte have come to see if Dr. Max can help them resolve the case. If Beatriz de Linares has lost her reason, she can’t testify at the trial. Dr. Max says that he may be able to help. He could hypnotize Beatriz. Under hypnosis, she would say exactly what happened even if she can’t accept reality.

Boris tells Hugo that that someone tried to rob the house the previous night but Úrsula shot at two possible thieves. Hugo says that Úrsula is very brave.
B: I know that last night you got engaged to Soledad in front of everyone at the party. Congratulations.
H: Thanks, Boris.
B: I imagine that you have told her about the catalepsy.
H: I tried but Soledad doesn’t want to know about anything that would mar her happiness.
B: Sooner or later she will have to know. I don’t want to think about what would happen if you had an attack and she thought you were dead.
H: I will find the appropriate moment, Boris. Meanwhile, there are other more important things.
B: The accusation by Beatriz de Linares.
H: She’s gone too far in inventing this whole thing. I have to speak with her.
B: That’s not a good idea, señor. I was investigating in the tavern this afternoon and it appears that the rape did occur.
H: How is that possible?
B: She showed up in a very bad state with bruises and wounds. Dr. Max verified that she had been raped.
H: Who could have done such a thing? Who?

Alcides wants to know why the judge is going to interrogate Beatriz. He says that an interrogation could do a lot of harm. Arturo says that Beatriz will tell what happened. Alcides says that he will speak to the judge. Reliving the situation could be bad for the patient. Arturo says no. He wants to do everything possible so that Hugo pays for what he did to Beatriz.

Lucas tells Soledad that the Inspector wants her to go tomorrow and make a statement in the case of Beatriz’ rape. Lucas says that he and Ester think it is not a good idea for Soledad to testify. Soledad tells him not to worry. Hugo has asked her not to say anything. He will defend himself alone.
“He said that?” says Lucas, surprised. Soledad replies that Hugo is not the bad person that he believes. Hugo wanted to speak with Lucas to demonstrate that his intentions are serious but poor Beatriz’ tragedy…
Lucas says that he hopes everything will work out. Soledad warns Lucas that if Hugo isn’t able to defend himself, she will speak to the judge and tell him that she and Hugo spent the night together.

Alcides, disguised as Hugo, gets into where Beatriz is in Arturo’s house. He reminds her of what happened the previous night. She sobs in terror. Arturo arrives home in his carriage and hears Beatriz screaming inside. He runs in. Beatriz says that there was a man there who said that he would kill her. Arturo tries to comfort her.

Alcides brings the sedative to Ester. He says that three drops are enough. Ester asks if he is sure it isn’t dangerous. Alcides replies that he would never to anything to harm the life of her daughter. Three drops and Soledad will be profoundly… He stops realizing that Soledad has come into the room. She smiles sweetly and tells them that dinner is served.

The police inspector comes looking for Hugo. Hugo says that they have returned sooner than the expected. Duarte says that the judge wants Hugo to come and make a statement. Hugo asks what time he needs to be there. Duarte says that Hugo will accompany them back to the station. Hugo asks if he is being detained. Duarte says that it is a precaution and tells Hugo that it is for his own good.

Ester brings Soledad a glass of orange juice saying that she hasn’t eaten anything. Soledad says the doesn’t have an appetite but she will take the juice. Soledad asks what the noise outside is. Ester says that people have been going into the city because Hugo is going to make a statement before the Judge. While Ester’s back is turned, Soledad exchanges the full glass of juice for an empty one and hides the full glass. Soledad tells Ester that she is not testifying in favor of Hugo. Ester says that Lucas has told her that Hugo is defending himself. Ester says that she and Lucas have decided not to oppose her if she decides to testify in favor of Hugo. Soledad asks if Ester is serious. Ester says that she doesn’t want to have Soledad end up doing something crazy. Soledad says that she doesn’t believe her but… Soledad pretends that the drug has taken effect and she goes to sleep. Lucas comes in and Ester tells him what she did. Ester says that she was supposed to give Soledad 3 drops to make her sleep but Ester gave her 5 drops. Lucas asks if Ester has lost her mind. He says that if anything happens to his daughter, he will never forgive her.

An angry crowd waits for Hugo outside the police station. Los Burke, Arturo and Fabio are there. Guillermo notices Fabio leaving and follows him. Hugo gets out of the carriage and goes into the police station ignoring the crowd.

Dr. Max hypnotizes Beatriz. Alcides watches. Dr. Max asks where Beatriz went after the party. Beatriz says that she was walking in the forest. She was very sad because Hugo was going to marry Soledad. She remembers the rape and yells for Hugo not to do it, not to hurt her. Arturo demands that Dr. Max wake Beatriz up. He does so.
Alcides is relieved. The judge tells Duarte to bring the accused in. When Hugo enters, Beatriz yells, “He raped me!” Arturo tries to attack Hugo but Boris intervenes. Alcides watches satisfied.


The credits roll.

Episode 8

It’s chaos in the courtroom as the crowd screams for Hugo’s head, Arturo holds the weeping Beatriz and the Judge calls for order. Arturo calls for Hugo to admit to his crime. The Judge says that based on Beatriz’ testimony, Hugo is being formally charged with rape and he is to be held in prison until the trial. The Judge tells Hugo that if he is found guilty, he will hang.

Ester brings the coachman to Soledad’s room so he can carry her to the carriage but she’s gone. Ester finds the drugged orange juice and realizes that Soledad switched the glasses. She finds a note Soledad left:
Mother, yesterday I heard your conversation with Alcides and I know that you planned to drug me in order to get me out of the city. It hurts that you would try such a dirty trick. You can’t imagine how disappointed I am in you. You’ve gone too far. I am going right now to the judge in order to testify for Hugo and I will tell the truth about how we spent the night together. I don’t care about the consequences.

Soledad is walking through the plaza when Fabio grabs her, puts a bag over her head and ties her hands. Soledad protests while she is being bundled into a carriage but the kidnappers threaten to beat her if she isn’t quiet. The abduction is witnessed by Guillermo who concludes that he can get a lot of money from this. He will follow the kidnappers.

The Judge again calls for order or he will clear the room.
Judge: Señor Hugo de Medina, what do you have to say about this accusation against you?
H: That I am innocent, your Honor [‘Señor Juez,’ literally ‘Mr. Judge’]
Inspector: Isn’t it a strange coincidence that you and Señorita de Linares disappeared from the club in the middle of the fight? Where did you quarrel with her?
H: I already told you before. I was outside of the city. I didn’t see Beatriz.
Inspector: With whom? Do you have witnesses who can testify to this?
H: No, I don’t have any witnesses.
Arturo calls for Hugo to be hung. Inspector Duarte says that he doesn’t have any more questions. The Judge asks if Hugo has anything else to say in his defense.
“Yes I do,” says Hugo, “I will prove my innocence.” The Judge orders Hugo to be held in the cells in the police station. Arturo objects and says that a criminal like Hugo should be held in the city prison. The Judge says that where prisoners are held is his decision. Hugo is led out.

Alcides says to Arturo that finally justice has been done. Arturo doesn’t agree. He says that Hugo is powerful enough to walk away from this. Arturo says that if the judge doesn’t send Hugo to the gallows, he, Arturo, will make sure that Hugo pays for his crime. Alcides asks what he is going to do. Arturo declines to share the details of his plan with Alcides but he says that Hugo will regret to the end of his life having touched Beatriz.

Lucas asks Ester how Soledad escaped. Ester shows him the note.
L: She’s gone to testify in favor of Hugo de Medina.
E: This can’t happen. If Soledad testifies, the whole city will know that she slept with Hugo de Medina. Find her. Stop her.
L: I will go find her but I won’t stop her.
E: You are going to let the dignity of our daughter be dragged in the dirt?
L: You’ve gone too far, Ester. I agree with what this note says. To drug Soledad against her will is too much. I’m not going to be your accomplice in this craziness.
E: You think I’m a monster. I adore my daughter. I only want to keep her from being humiliated.
L: Pray that nothing bad has happened to her, Ester.
Soledad has been taken to an abandoned church.


Guillermo has followed the kidnappers.

Helena has whipped up the crowd to attack Hugo’s house. They throw stones through the windows. Úrsula and Marina take cover under a piano. Úrsula says that she will go for the shotgun. Marina said that she is afraid and begs Úrsula not to leave her alone. Marina suggests escaping out the back of the house. Úrsula says that they can’t abandon their responsibility. Marina says that she doesn’t want to die. Úrsula reassures her that nothing bad will happen.

Soledad is tied up and blindfolded in the old church.



She struggles and screams and the kidnappers hit her and tell her that they have been ordered not to hurt her but she has to be quiet. They leave. Soledad calls on Hugo to help her.

Hugo is in a cell. [This is the first time that Hugo is in jail but not the last. Note that Hugo doesn’t have any physical problems about being in confined space like a cell. This will change later.]
The judge comes into Hugo’s cell and apologizes.

Judge: I know you, young man. You aren’t capable of committing such a despicable act. I don’t understand why she is accusing you.
H: I don’t understand either but I’m going to find out and demonstrate my innocence.
J: It won’t be that easy. There are a lot of people in this city who hate you starting with Arturo de Linares. He is going to do everything possible to send you to the gallows.
H: I know.
J: (calls the guard) Hugo, at least as far as I am concerned, I want you know that you will have a fair trial. (He leaves the cell. Hugo gets up.)
H: Roldan, I need to ask you a favor. It concerns Soledad.

Guillermo drags Helena away from the crowd attacking Hugo’s house. He asks what she is doing and she replies that she is the leader of this mob. Guillermo says that he thought she was afraid of Hugo’s house. Helena says that she isn’t afraid when she is in the mob. Guillermo says that he has something important to tell her. Helena wants to continue attacking Hugo’s house but at that moment, Boris arrives and disperses the crowd with gunshots.


Hugo and the Judge-
H: My enemies want to hurt me and they could try and harm Soledad.
J: Are you talking about Arturo de Linares? Don’t you think you are exaggerating?
H: No. Look, no one knows this but he tried to kill me twice. That’s why it is important to end someone to protect Soledad.
J: I will see what I can do. By the way, I understand Duarte has an appointment for her to make a statement. If you want, I can order that she be permitted to see you.
H: No, I want her to be left in peace. She has nothing to testify to. You need to send someone to protect her. Please.
J: All right. I wish you good luck Hugo. Get a good lawyer. You have a difficult time ahead of you.

Guillermo tells Helena how Arturo’s man, Fabio, kidnapped Soledad. Guillermo wants to tell Alcides. Since he is courting Soledad, he will pay to find out where she is. Helena doesn’t believe Alcides will pay them anything and reminds Guillermo how Alcides treated them the last time they had dealings. Helena’s idea is to demand money from Arturo de Linares for keeping their mouths shut about his kidnapping Soledad. This time Guillermo reminds Helena about how Arturo killed Fabio’s friend. They can’t agree on which plan to follow so Helena says that she will act on her own.

The Judge asks Inspector Duarte if he has interviewed Soledad. The Inspector says that Soledad hasn’t shown up. The Judge orders Duarte not to interview Soledad and to send a man to her house to guard her.

Alcides tells Ester that their agreement was for her to get Soledad out of town and that’s why he gave her the sedative. Ester tells him that Soledad fooled them and even now must be making her statement to the authorities. Alcides say that he just came from the police station and Soledad hadn’t been there. Ester is concerned – where could Soledad be? Lucas returns to the house. He tells Ester and Alcides that he went to the police station and the courthouse and Soledad wasn’t there. Worse, he shows them Soledad’s hat and bag that he found near the house. Ester and Soledad ask what could have happened to Soledad? Alcides tells them to leave it to him.

Úrsula and Marina tell Boris about how the mob attacked the house. They say that if Boris hadn’t shown up, the mob would have burned the house down with them inside. Marina lies and says that Úrsula wanted to escape out the back door of the house. Úrsula denies this. Boris tells them to stop fighting. Úrsula asks how Hugo is and why didn’t he return with Boris. Boris tells them that Hugo is in custody, having been formally accused of raping Beatriz.

Arturo puts Beatriz in a sanatorium and tells the nurses not to spare any expense to cure his sister. As he leaves, Fabio comes up to report that he completed his assignment. They have Soledad in their power. She is being held at the Red Hill [‘La Colina Roja’]. Arturo says that he hopes Fabio wasn’t stupid enough to leave any witnesses. Fabio replies that no one saw them. He asks what Arturo is going to do with Soledad. Arturo says that Soledad de Obragón will suffer the same fate as his sister did.

Alcides calls at Arturo’s house but the maid says that Arturo isn’t home. Guillermo is hiding in the garden. Alcides asks the maid to tell Arturo that he needs to see him urgently. Guillermo pops out of the bushes and tells Alcides that he knows where Arturo’s men took Soledad. He says that he will tell Alcides where she is if he pays the remainder of the money that he owes Guillermo for breaking into Hugo’s house plus some more for this information. Alcides holds the money out to Guillermo, then lets it fall on the ground. He hits Guillermo with his cane as he reaches down to pick up the money. He hauls Guillermo up by the neck with his cane and demands to know where Soledad is.

In the Church, Arturo unties the legs of the still blindfolded Soledad. He starts to assault her and she knees him in the crotch. He pulls his gun and aims it at her.

Guillermo staggers into his house. Helena looks at the wound on his head and asks who did it. Guillermo tells her that Alcides de Medina hit him with his cane.

Arturo holds his gun to Soledad’s head. She asks him not to kill her. He starts to kiss her. “Please, I beg you…” says Soledad. Alcides knocks Arturo out. Soledad asks who is there. Alcides says nothing. He touches her face and kisses her very lightly. Alcides drags Arturo out of the church.

Úrsula is sweeping up outside Hugo’s house when Lucas says that he needs to talk to her. He asks if she has seen Soledad. Úrsula says no. Lucas tells her that Soledad went out in the morning and hasn’t come back. She has disappeared. Úrsula is impactada. Marina sees Úrsula talking to Lucas and goes to tell Boris.

Arturo comes to and sees Alcides.
Ar: How dare you hit me?
Al: How dare you kidnap Soledad without telling me?
Ar: Soledad is Hugo de Medina’s woman, not yours and I am going to attack him where it will cause him the most pain. Do you want to know what is going to happen to Soledad?
Al: Soldead is mine and if you touch her, I swear that I’ll kill you.
They fight. Alcides knocks Arturo down and gets out his flick knife. Before he can use it, Fabio holds him at gunpoint.

Boris asks Úrsula what she and Lucas were talking about. Marina accuses her of being a spy in the house. Úrsula says that she has to go look for Soledad. Lucas told her that she has disappeared.

In the church, Soledad gets free, knocks out the guard and escapes.

Arturo hits Alcides.
Ar: That’s so you don’t mess with me again.
Al: You should know what Soledad means to me.
Ar: I know what she means to your brother. That’s why I’m doing this.
Al: My brother will be hanged very soon.
Ar: Don’t be naïve, Alcides. The judge is your brother’s friend. He will do everything possible to free him.
Al: Then we have to be sure that doesn’t happen. We have to buy him.
Ar: Buy the honorable Judge Roldan? Are you raving, Alcides?
Al: No, I’m not raving. Every man has his price. I will make sure that he is on our side. You can relax.

Ursula: (crying) Please let me go look for her. I beg you. She needs me.
B: No Úrsula, none of us should leave this house. As employees of Don Hugo, we are in danger in the street.
U: And if she is in danger? I have to do something.
M: You hear Boris? Your job is to correct what this riffraff does in this house.
U: If Don Hugo were here he would be more concerned about what could happen to Soledad than anything else.
M: Don’t speak to me that way. I’m your boss.
B: We have enough problems now without you two fighting. Úrsula is right. We have to do something.
U: Does that me you will help me look for Soledad?
B: No. But I will go tell Don Hugo. He has to know what has happened to his fiancé.

Soledad runs through the forest.

Arturo: Why should I have you do anything more? If I have Soledad here, I have the solution is in my hands.
Alcides: When Hugo dies, I will inherit his fortune and I will give you the part of it that I promised but only if Soledad isn’t touched.
Ar: I will tell you something. I will give you the money to buy the judge but Soledad stays here to guarantee that your plan works.
Al: No, Arturo.
Ar: That is how it will be. If your brother goes free, you can be sure that I will make good on my word with Soledad’s life.
Al: If you touch Soledad, I will kill you.
Ar: (to his henchmen) Men, if we touch Soledad, I die. From now on, we will treat the lady like a princess.
One of Arturo’s men comes up and tells them that Soledad has escaped. Arturo orders his men to go look for her. Alcides laughs to himself.

Guillermo tells Helena where Soledad is being held. Helena is convinced that the best course of action is to make a deal with Arturo de Linares. Guillermo tells her that it is dangerous to deal with Arturo but Helena assures him that nothing will happen to her.

Boris goes to see Hugo in jail.
H: Why did they attack the house?
B: The crowd was furious. They yelled, threw stones and a few tried to burn the place down.
H: Did anything happen to the servants?
B: No sir. They are fine. Don Hugo, I don’t want to add to your troubles but Señorita Soledad has disappeared.
H: I had a feeling that something happened to Soledad. For sure, Arturo de Linares is behind all this.
B: Does that man hate you enough to harm Soledad?
H: Yes, that much. We have to do something. I couldn’t forgive myself if something happened to Soledad because of me.

Soledad is still crashing around in the forest. She realizes that she is running in circles. Soledad runs into Helena literally. She begs Helena to help her get out of there. Some men want to harm her. Helena asks what Soledad will give for her help. “Whatever you want,” says Soledad, “but get me out of here. Which way?” Instead of helping Soledad, Helena calls to Arturo’s men and gives Soledad up.

Hugo and Boris-
H: You are going to do exactly what I tell you. Go find Alcides and tell him to come see me as soon as possible.
B: With all due respect, sir, even though you and Alcides share the same blood, I’m not sure he’s the right person to ask...
H: Boris, you do exactly as I tell you. Go find Alcides and whatever happens [como dé lugar’], convince him to come.
B: As you wish. Anything else?
H: Yes (Hugo whispers something in Boris’ ear)

Fabio blindfolds Soledad again. Helena tells the other henchman that it isn’t necessary to point a gun at her. She is one of them. All she needs is to find out where their boss is so that she can do some business. “Business? Don’t make me laugh,” says Fabio. Helena proceeds to tell him that she won’t disclose where Soledad is being held in return for money. Fabio says that he could kill her right her and no one would know. Soledad pleads with Arturo’s men not to kill Helena.

Alcides has arranged to meet the Judge in alley.
J: I don’t understand why we had to meet in this place, Alcides. What is it that is so important that you have to tell me about your brother?
A: It’s very important Judge. Hugo is guilty of the crimes he is accused of.
J: You must have convincing proof to be so sure of what you are saying.
A: Of course, I have such proof.
J: I’m not stupid, Alcides. I know that that you have a bad relationship with your brother. Something tells me that you want to make false accusations against him.
A: I don’t have bad intentions. With the proofs that I have, I have no doubt that you will send him to the scaffold. (He takes out a lot of money)



Arturo silently indicates to Fabio not to kill Helena. The two women are marched off. Arturo tells Fabio that he has done a good job. Fabio asks what they will do with Helena. Arturo replies that after he finds and kills Guillermo, they can deal with her.

J: What you are doing is called bribery and you more than anyone should know that it is a very serious crime.
A: No, bribery is too strong a word. I am simply offering you a business transaction that benefits both of us.
J: Don’t insult me that way because I might forget who I am and challenge you to a duel to the death right now.
A: I know who you are. You are an honest man. So honest that it doesn’t matter if you make bets in illegal gaming parlors.
J: What are you talking about?
A: I’m talking about your weakness for games of chance. I’m talking about the fact that you owe a lot of money to Manrique, the moneylender. You owe more than one year of your ‘honorable judge’s’ salary can cover. Judge, your image as the impeccable moral authority is safe. Just accept my generous offer and declare Hugo guilty.
J: You are a bastard. You hate your brother that much to stoop so low?
A: I don’t have to give you explanations. (He waves the money in front of the Judge) Are you going to accept or not? (The Judge hesitates but takes the money.) I assure that you’ve made the right decision.
The Judge leaves. Boris calls to Alcides and says that Hugo has sent him to say that he needs to see him immediately.

Lucas is frustrated. He says that it’s been hours and they have no news. Ester feels obligated to point out that none of this would have happened if Lucas had sent Soledad out of town like she told him to. Lucas says enough with the reproaches. Their daughter has disappeared and could be being held by someone. Ester tells him not to say such horrible things. Lucas says that Hugo de Medina has enemies and if his enemies know about his relationship with her, they could want to harm her. Lucas wants to go to the police. Ester says that they should wait until Alcides comes back with news. Lucas points to his watch and says that Alcides isn’t coming back. Lucas and Ester agree to go to the police station together.

Soledad and Helena-
H: I didn’t want to help you but you helped me when they wanted to kill me. Why?
S: Because life only belongs to God. No one has the right to take it.
H: I owe you my life. I am in your debt.
S: I don’t want to be negative but I believe that are in great danger if we stay here. The man who took me here is blind with hatred. He wants to harm me.
H: My Guillermo told Alcides that you were here and he is going to come and rescue you.
S: Alcides? God help me.

The guard lets Alcides into Hugo’s cell.
A: You sent for me? You need my services as a lawyer?
H: (laughs) Asking you to defend me would not be very sensible on my part.
A: You are friends with the judge. He will help you go free.
H: I don’t need the tricks that you sometimes resort to Alcides.
A: If you asked me to come to insult me, I don’t have to listen to you.
H: I know that it was you who raped Beatriz de Linares.
A: What idiocy are you saying?
H: You raped her while pretending to be me!

Arturo’s mother, Gladis, has come to stay.


Arturo tells her that he had to commit Beatriz to a sanatorium because of her mental condition. Gladis asks what happened and Arturo tells her that Beatriz was raped.

Hugo and Alcides in the prison-
A: How could you think I could commit such an atrocity?
H: She thinks I attacked her but I know that it was you who did it.
A: (laughs) You seem very convinced. I remind you that you aren’t God who knows everything.
H: We are brothers. For a while now, I’ve had a feeling that something perverse was going through your head. How could you? You’re also involved in the disappearance of Soledad?
A: Try to prove it and no one will believe you.
Alcides punches Hugo and they fight.

Guillermo finds a pistol in his house. He says that now he going to find his kitten [‘gatita’].

After seeing Beatriz at the sanatorium, Gladis tells Arturo that Beatriz is in worse shape than she thought. Arturo agrees and says that is why he had her committed. Arturo tells his mother that this is his fault. He should have been more involved in preventing Beatriz from getting involved with Hugo de Medina. Gladis says that Hugo is the only person who is responsible. Gladis wants to Arturo to take revenge on Hugo. She wants him to pay with his life for the harm he has done to her family.

Alcides calls the guard. Hugo is lying on the floor unconscious. The guard opens the cell and asks what happened. Alcides says that he and his brother had a little disagreement. He says that he hopes Hugo has learned his lesson.

Guillermo, with a cloth tied over his face, points a gun at Arturo and Gladis and demands that Arturo tell him where Helena is.

Alcides leaves the police station. He runs into Lucas and Ester who ask him if he has any information on where Soledad is. Alcides apologizes and says that he can’t talk to them. He is in a hurry. He walks away. Lucas tells Ester that he knew they shouldn’t have had confidence that Alcides would find their daughter. Ester excuses Alcides saying that he is probably upset after talking to his brother. Lucas scornfully says that Ester is always defending Alcides. Meanwhile Alcides gets into Hugo’s carriage. Ester sees this and remarks on how strange it is that Alcides would get into Hugo’s carriage with Boris. Lucas drags Ester into the police station saying that they have to report that their daughter is missing.
“Hurry Boris,” says ‘Alcides,’ “we have to rescue Soledad as soon as possible.”

In the cell, ‘Hugo’ wakes up and realizes that Hugo has switched clothes and hairstyles with him and left him in the cell. Alcides yells that Hugo has escaped and he is Alcides. “Open up! Get me out of here! I’m Alcides!” yells Alcides.
The credits roll.

Episode 9


In the cell, Alcides (now in Hugo’s clothes and with his hair pulled back like Hugo) yells that his brother Hugo has escaped. He demands that they open the door and let him out. A guard comes up but refuses to believe that he is Alcides.


Hugo (dressed and with his hair like Alcides) is in his carriage being driven by Boris.
H: We have to rescue Soledad before the police realize that I’ve escaped and start looking for me.
B: Your escape is going to make everyone believe even more that you raped Beatriz de Linares.
H: But I couldn’t stay there doing nothing knowing that Arturo de Linares has kidnapped Soledad.
B: You believe that he had something to do with it.
H: I don’t believe it. I’m sure of it. Did you do as I asked?
B: Yes, sir. Úrsula and Marina are watching the Linares house.
H: Good. Hurry. We don’t have much time.

Guillermo Burke, with a bandanna over his face as if that would conceal his identity, demands that Arturo de Linares release Helena.
 Arturo tells him not to be an idiot. If he has lost his wife, he should look for her somewhere else. Guillermo insists that Helena went to speak to Arturo so he must know where she is. Artruo dares Guillermo to fire his gun. He tries but the gun falls apart. Guillermo runs off and Arturo sends Fabio to bring him back.


Soledad’s parents are telling Inspector Duarte that their daughter has disappeared. Alcides’ voice yelling to be set free can be heard from the cells. The Inspector asks the policeman what the racket is. The policeman says that Hugo de Medina is claiming that he is Alcides and his brother changed places with him. Inspector Duarte says that he isn’t stupid enough to believe that. Ester asks to see ‘Hugo.’

Guillermo runs into the tavern to escape Arturo’s men. Margot hides him.

Soledad tells Helena that they should work together. Helena says that if it weren’t for Soledad, she wouldn’t be here but she has knife hidden in her stocking. Soledad says that they are saved.

Alcides tells Ester and Lucas that Hugo knocked him out and is pretending to be him. They don’t believe him. Alcides proves his identity by referring to the bottle of medicine he gave Ester yesterday. Ester and Lucas try to persuade the Inspector that this is really Alcides but Duarte says that only the Judge can release a prisoner. Alcides changes his tactics. He acknowledges that he is Hugo. He wants to see the Judge right away to confess.

Arturo is annoyed that his men lost Guillermo Burke. He gives the order to have Helena killed to demonstrate that no one should mess with his family. Doña Gladis asks Arturo to tell her everything that is going on.

Ester doesn’t want to leave the police station until Alcides is released. The inspector tells Ester and Lucas that ‘Hugo’ has admitted that he was pretending to be Alcides to escape and now he wants to see the judge. Ester and Lucas are confused – they were sure he was Alcides. The Inspector says that he will go look for Soledad. There is nothing for Ester and Lucas to do but go home and wait to see if Soledad comes home.

Helena gets herself free. She takes Soledad’s blindfold off but refuses to untie her saying that Soledad is worth more to her here than free. It would be like letting the goose that lays the golden eggs get away. Soledad reminds Helena that she owes her life to Soledad. Helena says that Hugo de Medina will give a large amount of money to find out where she is. She leaves. Soledad begs her not to leave her there.

Arturo tells his mother that Soledad is Hugo’s Achilles heel and that is why he kidnapped her. If Hugo isn’t sentenced to death, he will take his own justice. Gladis says that Arturo has done very well. He is surprised. He thought she would be upset. “Hugo de Medina has to pay for what he did to my daughter,” says Gladis. Arturo tells his mother that he knows what he is doing is dangerous and he could end up in prison or dead but he wants her to know that he is willing to go to the limit.

Hugo, still disguised as Alcides, goes to the Linares house. Úrsula and Marina confirm that Arturo is inside. Úrsula wants to help Hugo but he orders Boris to take her and Marina home. Boris asks Hugo if he is sure that he wants to do this alone. Hugo says yes and Boris leaves.

Inspector Duarte has brought the Judge to see ‘Hugo’ in jail. Alcides demands to speak with the Judge alone but the inspector doesn’t want to leave. The Judge agrees to speak to ‘Hugo’ alone. The judge tells ‘Hugo’ that even though they are friends, he can’t release him just because he says that he is Alcides. “I imagine that you found a good use for the money I gave you in the alley,” says Alcides. The Judge is impactado. “If you are here, where is your brother?” he asks. Alcides says that he can help them find Hugo.

Hugo, disguised as Alcides, knocks on the door of Arturo’s house.
H: We have to talk.
Ar: Don’t tell me that you couldn’t bribe the judge to condemn your brother,” says Arturo annoyed.
H: The judge… of course. It’s done.
Ar: What do you want?
H: I need to speak to Soledad right away.


Alcides, the Judge and Inspector Duarte come out of the police station. Duarte apologizes to Alcides for what happened. Alcides says that he and his men are useless. The Judge asks Duarte to call his men to go look for Hugo. Duarte replies that that is impossible. Soledad de Obgragón has just been reported missing. The Judge is surprised. He tells Duarte to divide his men. He should look for Soledad and the Judge and Alcides will look for Hugo. Duarte says that isn’t the Judge’s job but the Judge insists. When Duarte is gone, the Judge asks who is behind all this. Alcides tells him to concentrate on finding Hugo and sending him to the gallows.

Arturo and Hugo-
Ar: You know perfectly well where Soledad is. Why have you come looking for her here?
H: Because I don’t want to go behind your back. We’re partners, right?
Ar: Partners? I don’t trust you very much. We have an agreement. I told you that I wouldn’t harm her until you completed your part and the judge convicts your brother.
H: Don’t worry. Hugo can look forward to many years in jail.
Ar: I’m not interested in having him in jail. I told you I wanted the judge to have him hanged.
H: As you say. He is on his way to the gallows. Now, come with me to where Soledad is so that I can be sure that she is well. Or is there a problem?

The Obragóns have come home but Soledad has not returned. Ester asks Lucas what they are going to do. Lucas says that they have done what they could. Now the police must find Soledad. Ester says that she doesn’t feel well and goes to lie down. There is a knock at the door and Manrique comes in with several men.


He says that he has to talk to Lucas. Lucas asks if they can talk outside.



Úrsula, Marina and Boris watch from the carriage as Hugo and Arturo leave the house. Úrsula wants to follow. Marina reminds her that Hugo ordered them to return to his house. Úrsula says that Arturo has a reputation for being dangerous. He might harm Hugo. Boris decides to take action and whips up the horses.

“Manrique, I told you not to show up at my house,” says Lucas, “I am not accustomed to doing business here.” Manrique tells Lucas that has come for his money. Manrique says that he has been expecting Lucas in his office to pay the interest on his debt. Lucas says that he had setbacks but he will resolve them and go to see Manrique. Manrique says that it has been three months. Ester sees Lucas and Manrique outside and wonders what is going on. Lucas asks Manrique not to pressure him, the interest on the debt is very high. He needs time. Manrique says that Lucas is on the verge of bankruptcy and if he doesn’t pay up, Manrique will have to take more drastic measures. He demonstrates what he means by having his men rough Lucas up. Lucas says that wasn’t necessary. Manrique says that it is only a sample of what will happen to him if he doesn’t pay up. Manrique says that he doesn’t want any more excuses. He and his men leave. Ester runs out of the house and asks if Lucas is all right.

Elena decides to celebrate her escape with a drink and finds Guillermo in the tavern with Margot. She attacks them.

Hugo and Arturo arrive at the abandoned church. [You can see that it is raining and cold – the breath of people in the background is condensing.] Arturo is annoyed to learn that Helena has escaped. He says that they can’t remain here. Hugo says that he wants to see Soledad and not waste any more time. Out of Hugo’s hearing, Arturo tells Fabio to go with Hugo to make sure that Soledad is ok and to take off her blindfold. Fabio says that she will recognize him. Arturo says that he has a suspicion. He wants to know what happens. Fabio goes into the church and takes off Soledad’s blindfold. He tells her that she has a visitor. Soledad looks at Hugo (still disguised as Alcides). Arturo watches from hiding.









Ester tells Lucas that he is crazy to do business with that man. Lucas tells Ester he didn’t have any choice. His business went badly and Manrique was the only one who would lend him money. Ester says that she doesn’t understand. Ester asks how the business could be doing badly when they still live the same way. Lucas replies that he tried to keep up the lie so that she wouldn’t suffer. They are on the verge of bankruptcy. “What a nightmare!” says Ester, “Our daughter disappears, we are the laughing stock of the whole city and now you tell me we are almost bankrupt!” Lucas says that if he doesn’t get some money, they will be in serious problems. 



Soledad and Hugo in the Church-
S: You are a wretch, Alcides. It’s you who are behind all this. How could you?

H: Who told you to take off her blindfold? (Arturo leaves reassured that it is really Alcides)

Fabio: I was just following orders.

H: Leave us alone!

F: Don’t take too long. We have to leave here.
When they are alone, Hugo lifts Soledad up .
H: Soledad, I’m …

S: You don’t have to say anything. I know who you are. (She kisses him passionately) [Soledad’s ability to tell Hugo from Alcides varies depending on the needs of the story. Here she can tell just by looking at him. Other times she won’t be able to tell even when he kisses her.] How did you find me? 

H: That doesn’t matter. We have to get out of here. (Hugo unties Soledad.)

Helena throws Guillermo out of their house. Guillermo protests that he was in the tavern to hide from Fabio who was trying to kill him. Helena says that she doesn’t believe a single word that he says. Guillermo begs her to let him stay the night before he leaves.

Hugo and Soledad-
S: Arturo’s men must be outside. How are we going to escape?
H: They should be busy packing up the campsite. This is the perfect moment to escape, Soledad. You go first.

S: No!
I’m not going without you.
H: Soledad. Do you trust me? (Soledad kisses him.)

Outside the church, Arturo comes up to where Fabio is hanging out with the other henchmen. “What are you doing here?” he asks, “Didn’t I tell you to watch Alcides?” Fabio replies that Alcides asked to be alone with the prisoner. Arturo goes into the Church and finds Soledad gone and Hugo standing there.
Arturo: What do you think you are you doing? (Hugo points a pistol at him.)
Hugo: Don’t try anything.
A: I suspected you weren’t Alcides! How did you escape from prison?

H: Turn around.
A: Don’t think that you can escape from my men. (Hugo knocks Arturo out.)


Ester goes to see Manrique. He greets her as, “the very disguinguised Señora de Obragón" and using the familiar ‘tú’ form of the verb greets her. Ester tells him not to address her that way [‘no me tutee’]. She says that she has come to pay her husband’s debt and to warn him that if he lays a hand on Lucas again, she will call the police. Manrique, still using the familiar form of the verb, tells her not to try and frighten him. She would die of shame if everyone knew that such a distinguished family had borrowed money from him. Ester says that she has come to pay Lucas’s debt with her jewelry. Manrique looks at the jewelry and says that they are not enough even to pay the interest on the debt. Manrique says that he wants the balance of the payment. Ester tells him not to threaten her or she won’t permit… Manrique says that right now he owns all their goods.
What is it that she won’t permit?

Fabio finds Arturo tied up. He tell him that Hugo and Soledad have escaped and they have to find them.

Soledad and Hugo are running through the forest.
S: Wait. I’m out of breath.
H: Make an effort, my love. We have to get out of here.
S: I know that Arturo was involved in this but Alcides? Why did he help Arturo?
H: I will explain later. We have to get out of here. Let’s go. (They see some policemen approaching.)
S: The police! They are looking for us.
H: We can’t let the police see us, Soledad.
S: Why?
H: Because they are looking for me. I escaped from prison to rescue you. I have been formally accused of raping Beatriz.
S: That doesn’t matter, my love. I will tell them that we spend the night together.
H: No! Don’t do that.
Alcides: (appearing with a gun) I agree, Soledad. That would be a big mistake. (Hugo puts himself between Soledad and Alcides.)



Take out your weapon carefully. Don’t try anything. (He takes Hugo's gun.)
S: I was wrong about you Alcides. I never would have imagined that your obsession about me would make you ally with Arturo de Linares.
A: You are wrong, Soledad. Things are not what they seem.
S: They are not what they seem? In what way? They are very clear to me. You helped Arturo kidnap me.
A: Arturo planned the whole thing by himself. I didn’t have anything to do with it. I confronted him and he told me that he had kidnapped you to pay Hugo back for what he did to Beatriz.
S: That isn’t true and you know it.
H: You don’t have to explain, my love. Alcides, let’s leave Soledad out of this and work things out between you and me, alone.
A: We will work things out, brother. Do you know what you are going to do? Surrender to the authorities and if you want to save Soledad, surrender and plead guilty or Arturo will kill Soledad for what you did to Beatriz. Soledad. I’m sorry but I have to turn my brother in to save your life.
S: Alcides, there’s still time to reconsider.
A: (to the police) He is here! I found him!
H: (He disarms Alcides.) Run, Soledad! I will catch up. (to Alcides) You are a traitor, Alcides!
 The police come up and take Hugo into custody. Soledad returns.
S: Let him go! What are you doing?
Judge: I’m sorry Soledad but at this moment Hugo is a fugtive from justice.
S: No, you’ve made a big mistake. You have to listen to me. (Alcides forcibly restrains Soledad.)
A: We are leaving, your Honor. Soledad is very upset. She needs to rest.
Judge: I want to know about the kidnapping.
A: It wasn’t a kidnapping, your Honor. Soledad came her to meet Hugo so they could escape from the city.
S: That’s not true.
A: There will be time to talk to the Judge. Right now, he is busy with Hugo. Don’t worry, I will take care of Soledad. (Alcides drags Soledad away and the Judge looks away, ashamed.)

Ester tells Lucas that she has given her jewelry to Manrique but if the rest of the debt isn’t paid, he will kill them.

The Judge comes up to Hugo who is in custody in a carriage.
H: I always thought you were an honorable man, Judge. How did you end up mixed up in all this?
J: I don’t know what you are talking about.
H: I was pretending to be Alcides. I know that that he bought you.
J: I’m sorry, Hugo. I have a noose around my neck. Your brother knows embarrassing things about my private life and he will destroy me if I don’t convict you.
Hugo is taken away.

Alcides drags Soledad through the forest.
S: Let me go! I’m not afraid of you, Alcides. If it costs me my life, I won’t let Hugo be executed for a crime he didn’t commit.
A: How long are you going to defend him, Soledad? You don’t realize what kind of man he is.

Arturo’s men think Alcides is Hugo but he tells them that the police have taken Hugo. Fabio confirms that this is Alcides because he is wearing different clothes. Fabio says that if he is Alcides, he won’t have any problem if they take Soledad. Alcides tells Fabio to be careful with Soledad. Fabio tells him not to worry, aren’t they on same side? Soledad asks to speak to Arturo but Fabio pretends that he doesn’t know what she is talking about. Fabio takes Soledad back into the church. Arturo appears. Alcides tells him not to mistreat Soledad. Arturo tells Alcides that they still have a deal – when Hugo is sentenced to death, Soledad will go free. If not, she will pay the consequences. Boris, Úrsula and Marina overhear this.

Alcides (now in his own clothes) is at the Obragón house.
E: Arturo de Linares is holding my daughter? How can you say such a horrible thing?
A: He asked me to come here with the message that he won’t release her until Hugo admits his guilt and is convicted.
L: We have to tell the police.
E: No, Lucas, he could harm Soledad.
A: Doña Ester is right. Arturo is obsessed with the harm that Hugo did to his sister. Against my will I advise you not to do anything to provoke Arturo.
L: Then what is your suggestion, Alcides?
 This involves the life of my daughter and I don’t intend to leave her in the hands of Arturo de Linares.
A: Of course not, of course not but here is a way to help Soledad…If Doña Ester testifies against Hugo at the trial...
E: Me?

A: Yes. Remember, you talked to Beatriz at the party. She told you about her romance with Hugo. That testimony could help get Hugo to be found guilty and could get him convicted.
L: No! We aren’t going to testify that Hugo raped that woman.
E: Be quiet, Lucas! I am capable of whatever is necessary to save my daughter. Tell the prosecutor that I will testify at the trial.

The trial:



[They have very speedy trials in this city. Hugo was only arrested the day before. This is not the only time that Hugo will be on trial for his life in this courtroom.]

The judge calls for order.
Prosecutor: Permit me to introduce myself. I am the prosecutor assigned to bring the case against Hugo de Medina for the rape of Señorita de Linares.
Judge: This trial is about to begin. The defendant will rise.
Judge: Señor Hugo de Medina, who will represent you?
H: I will defend myself against the charges against me.

Arturo leaves the church to go to the trial. He tells Fabio not to take his eyes off Soledad. Boris approaches the church and goes inside. Marina and Úrsula throw stones and Fabio and his men run outside to check it out. Fabio sends the men to look around while he goes to check on the prisoner. Boris knocks Fabio out and frees the blindfolded Soledad.
B: It’s me, Boris.
S: I heard a shot.
B: Yes, I’ve come to rescue you.
S: We have to go to the Courthouse and help Hugo before he is convicted.
B: I don’t think Hugo wants you to come and testify for him.
S: I need you to help me find some people. I know how to prove that Hugo is innocent.
Arturo comes back and realizes that Soledad has escaped. He tells his men to get the horses and find Soledad. She must not testify at the trial!


Ester testifies at the trial-
E: Beatriz told me that Hugo de Medina wasn’t a good person, that he was using my daughter to get rid of his reputation as a libertine.
Prosecutor: His reputation as a libertine!
E: It was all part of a cynical plan. What’s more Beatriz told me that they continued to be lovers. (Sensation in the court. Gladis can’t believe what she is hearing. The Judge calls for order.)
Prosecutor: If what you are saying is the truth, why did you permit your daughter to get engaged to Hugo de Medina?
E: I didn’t permit it. Hugo de Medina had the audacity to make the announcement of his engagement with my daughter without our approval.
Prosecutor: This testimony, your honor, corroborates the declaration that Beatriz de Linares made under hypnosis. The defendant wanted to avoid the disclosure of his clandestine relationship. That is why he wanted to punish Beatriz when she threatened him. For that reason, I ask your Honor to declare Hugo de Medina guilty! (The spectators start yelling, “guilty.” Hugo is reading a piece of paper seemingly oblvious to the whole proceeding.

Team Soledad arrives at the Courthouse.



They see Arturo and his men arriving.
Soledad: They got here ahead of us. They must have taken a shortcut.
Úrsula:What are we going to do? Those murderers look capable of anything.
S: I am too.

Arturo sits down with his mother in the courtroom. She asks why he is so late. He replies that there was a little problem but he has it under control.

Úrsula flirts with a policeman and while he is distracted looking at her, Marina knocks him out. Boris arrives and says that he has found the people Soledad told him about. [These mysterious people that Boris finds figure in a scene that was deleted when Episode 10 was broadcast in the US.]



He asks what she is planning. Soledad says that Arturo’s men have surrounded the place but with the help of this man (indicating the policeman), we can get inside.

Arturo tells his mother that it looks like he has arrived in time to see Hugo de Medina sent to the gallows. The judge calls for order and says that now it is to hear from the defense. Hugo flashes back to Alcides telling him that unless he confessed to raping Beatriz, Arturo would kill Soledad. The Judge says that they are waiting.
H: Your honor, I have decided not to offer a defense. I am guilty of the charges against me. (murmuring in the courtroom)
Alcides (to Arturo): This time he won’t be able to escape.
Judge: Did I hear you correctly, Señor de Medina?
H: That is correct.
Soledad: This is not true, you honor. (She comes into the courtroom in a policeman’s uniform.)



Your honor, Hugo de Medina is innocent.
They look at each other lovingly.
The credits roll.

Labels: la traicion