<Mom’s>
Auntie Ditz is helping AA Mateo make some snacks. Gustavo comes in and there is some banter about how AA Mateo always makes things too spicy. Auntie Ditz goes to be with Mom for a while, leaving AA Mateo and Gus alone to talk. AA Mateo asks Gus what happened, and, after checking to make sure no-one else is around to overhear, Gus tells him that he burned the money right in front of the Narcos. AA Mateo is shocked! Gus tells him that the information on the computer cassettes is his life insurance policy and he and the Narcos have a deal whereby they leave him alone as long as he keeps quiet about the information. AA Mateo is very unhappy about this. He reminds Gus that the Narcos are not going to honor that for very long, and Gus says he knows that – he’s got another plan, but he’ll need AA Mateo’s help. AA Mateo asks Gus just how important is this information that the Narcos have agreed to just leave him alone (he doesn't say, "for now," but it's heavily implied). Gus tells him, Sinceramente, no tengo nada. The most important files are very securely encoded and he hasn’t been able to get into them yet. Fortunately, he was able to access the two he sent the Narco bosses, gambling they would believe it meant he has access to everything. Gus says right now he’s got the Narcos off-balance, and he has to take advantage of that to get to his father’s killers. AA Mateo brings up the subject of the O-Team, pointing out that now they know who he is, they are likely to make things difficult for Gus. And what about that policewoman – has Gus seen her again?
<O-Team Tac/Ops room>
As spiffy graphics that alternate between the O-Team's logo and assorted maps of Mexico with scrolling statistics and the locations of different cities highlighted gently flash in the background on some sort of window, Chepe gives Marcela the Pushy, Vero, and Esteban the Unstable the lowdown on the O-Team’s next move. MtP and Vero are seated around some sort of desk thing, EtU glowers from the back of the room, where he leans against the wall with crossed arms and an aggressively defensive posture. Chepe tells them that Gustavo is the key to infiltrating the Narcos. If, as Vero has postulated, Gus does have some sort of information on the Narcos that is protecting him, the O-Team would be fools not to take advantage of it. In a snit, EtU continues to press his own agenda—er, point, i mean— insisting that this supposed information ploy is a trap and Gustavo is going to betray them all. Without mincing words, Chepe tells EtU that Gustavo is not going to betray them, but EtU finds it necessary to dispute that point as well. Chepe finally tells him they are not going to rehash the same old argument again; Gustavo is going to continue to work with the O-Team. Period. Reluctantly, EtU shuts up. For the moment. But we can this is not the last we’ll hear from him about it.
Drawing a breath, Chepe sits down behind a sort of lectern thing. First, he says, it is essential to make the the Narcos believe Gustavo is working on his own and not with the police. To do that, they are going to need someone who won’t be suspected to act as Gustavo’s contact in the barrio. Accordingly, Vero will resurrect “Cíntia,” since she was so successful using that cover to infiltrate Espinoza’s club without rousing suspicions. Vero will live in the barrio in “Cíntia’s” apartment full-time from here on out until they capture the head of the Narcos. Vero, looking more resigned than anything else, agrees – she can see the complications, but knows she insisted on being included so she can’t back out now; EtU just wordlessly shakes his head in disbelieving disgust. Chepe continues, saying “Cíntia” will be their only link to Gustavo, and Gus will deal exclusively with Vero during the operation. As EtU continues to shake his head in disagreement, Chepe states that the “Cíntia” cover is the only way to safely maintain contact with Gustavo without arousing the Narcos’ suspicions. In a voice that practically drips sarcasm, EtU comments, How convenient! That this is the only way...! And I suppose you, Veronica, agree with Chepe that this is the only way...? Vero just says, in a not-again tone, Ay, Esteban, please...! Just at this moment, Vero’s cel phone rings. Since she’s talking, MtP answers it, then holds it out to Vero and with a big grin and a teasing note in her voice says, It’s for you, “Cíntia...!”
<O-Team Tac/Ops room / Inés’ apartment / hall in the O-Team squad room>
It’s Inés calling her friend “Cíntia.” Vero excuses herself and heads out into the hall to take the call. Inés is lying on her bed and looks miserable. She tells “Cíntia” she’s really depressed, about everything – Gustavo, the people in the barrio, everything. She says she doesn’t want to be there any longer and “Cíntia” is the only one who can help her.
<Mom’s>
For the upteenth time, AA Mateo repeats that he thinks Gus made a mistake collaborating with the police. Gus says he knows, but he has to continue to collaborate as it’s the easiest way to get to his father’s killers. In a tone that warns Gus not to lie to him, AA Mateo asks again if there is something between Gustavo and the policewoman. Gus is saved by Tarta’s timely arrival with a bag of chilaquiles. Gus tells AA Mateo to sit down, relax, eat – the danger is past. AA Mateo looks like he badly wants to dispute that point but feels he can’t in present company. As Tarta is dishing up the food, Gus tells Tarta he should have warned him – when he asked Tarta to get him some fireworks, he didn’t mean a nuclear bomb! Tarta protests that that was what they had. Well, warn me next time, is all, says Gus – you practically killed me! Tarta shrugs one shoulder dismissively, saying “¡Pues, ni modo – que aprenden!” Gus agrees: The Narcos do need to be taught a lesson. And they’re just starting to teach them [that lesson]. AA Mateo asks how the Narcos looked when all that money went flying and Tarta is shocked – You blew up all the loot?? Gus: ¡Pues claro! ¡Y yo, con la lana, también volé...! More seriously, Gus proposes a toast, saying their operation is just starting. The garage and the shop will be their legit façade. They will also need to get together a gang to protect the barrio.
<O-Team Tac/Ops room>
Chepe tells Marcela the Pushy he needs all “Cíntia’s” background paperwork completely together by tomorrow; her cover has to stand up to a check all the way back to childhood. MtP is also to get “Cíntia’s” complete history and back story prepared so that Vero can start memorizing it right away. (ok, am i the only one here who thinks that at least some of this should have been done when Vero first took on the rôle in order to infiltrate Espinoza’s? how come this is only occurring to them now?? and if at least an outline of her story wasn’t already written, shouldn’t Chepe be ordering MtP to check with Vero first to find out what she’s already told people about “Cíntia”?? should i even be caring at this point???) MtP says she’ll get right on it, and leaves the room, leaving Esteban the Unstable –again wearing his sulky boor look— alone with Chepe. Before EtU can say anything, Chepe tells him not to think he, Chepe, is not cognizant of EtU’s hurt feelings. EtU disputes this point, but Chepe tells him he’s long been aware of EtU’s relationship with Vero, and he’s even supported it, as evidenced by the fact that up to this point he had not ordered the couple to make a choice between their jobs and their relationship. Chepe says he realizes that EtU is jealous of Gustavo and that he, Chepe, has put EtU in this position. But duty is duty. And as such he is going to ask EtU to do him the favor of not letting his (EtU’s) personal feelings interfere with his work, or let his love for Vero get in the way of his duty. Many lives, Chepe reminds him seriously, depend upon this. Exit Chepe, leaving EtU standing there looking like he wants to hit something.
<O-Team squad room>
Chepe encounters Vero, who appears to have been waiting for him to come out of the Tac/Ops room. She tells him she didn’t want to interrupt his conversation with Esteban the Unstable, who we can see in the background, glaring through the nifty graphics-glass window at Vero and Chepe (He moves away out of sight after Chepe turns to look at him). Vero tells Chepe that Inés called. She is very depressed and upset and wants to stay at “Cíntia’s” place for a while. Chepe says, Of course you told her ‘no.’ Vero says No, she told her she could. She adds that she knows it’s a complication, but in light of all the help and friendship Inés gave “Cíntia,” she had to do it. Sternly, Chepe replies, If this girl matters to you and you really care about her, get her out of your apartment immediately. If you keep involving her, you will put her in danger.
<AA Mateo’s bar>
Inés comes into AA Mateo’s bar from the back, carrying a suitcase. She tells AA Mateo she’s leaving, and gives him money for the rent and the utilities. Oh, and she left a few things in the apartment – if he wants to use them or sell them, she doesn’t care. AA Mateo asks where she’s going, and is told, As far away as I can get. AA Mateo tries to talk her out of leaving. He tells her this is her home, her barrio. Inés contradicts him, stating flatly it’s not her barrio, it’s the place she spent ten years waiting for a guy who doesn’t love her. She doesn’t have any reason to stay. She dismisses all AA Mateo’s arguments, convinced no-one cares about her – they all either feel sorry for her or laugh at her behind her back, thinking her a fool for waiting for Gustavo all those years or despising her for being a stripper. Wrapped in her cloak of indignant self-pity, Inés leaves, pulling her suitcase behind her.
<Mom’s>
Gustavo has finally taken the time to get cleaned up after his big adventure. In his bathrobe and with wet hair, he sits on his bed and recalls the conversation in Vero’s car where he asks why she lied to him about protecting him, why she set a trap for him, and she tells him the squad was just following her orders, that everything was all a show they’d prepared for him. He rubs his face and paces around thoughtfully.
Some sort of cheerful folky Mexican accordion-type music plays as we are treated to a montage of various daytime workers at work around the city that then changes into shots of nighttime traffic. So I guess now it’s a few hours later.
<Mom’s>
Mom emerges from her bedroom and walks idly out onto some sort of interior patio where there is a ceramic tile ‘poster’ of a Virgin. She sits down on a little seat next to it and recalls how she had clung to AA Mateo and he’d kissed and comforted her as they hid from her kidnappers.
<Vero’s>
Veronica is busy packing a suitcase. Snarky Refugio comes in and, in response to Vero’s question, tells her that Daddy Dearest is in his study and has asked not to be disturbed. Vero asks SR to bring her another suitcase. SR tries to conceal her delight at the possibility Vero is going away on a trip and thus leaving her to have Daddy Dearest all to herself. Before leaving, she changes the subject, asking that Vero let her know the next time she plans to go visit Teresa. So she can send a little present. Smiling in a very false way, she insincerely opines that even though Teresa might not understand who it’s from, one should not neglect these little attentions... (<shudder!> that woman gives me the creeps...)
<Mom’s>
Gustavo enters the kitchen to find Grandma trying to stuff something that we learn is a large bag of frozen shrimp into the freezer. She complains that Mom never pays attention to her when she asks her to get a new, bigger fridge. Gustavo wants to know where the shrimp came from. Grandma tries to play coy, saying God sent them, but Gus knows her too well. It seems some sort of delivery truck broke down outside the garage and Grandma volunteered some of the guys to help repair it. And while they were doing that, she ‘liberated’ some of the shrimp (!!). Gus tries to remonstrate with her about this, but she is unrepentant, claiming it’s not fair that some little animal that reproduces faster than rabbits should be so expensive. Apparently she gave half of what she took to the Refractory – the kids will be delighted, she says. Gus says what she ought to worry about is what Father Anselmo is going to say when he learns where the shrimp came from. Grandma says he’ll be too busy chowing down on Shrimp “Diablo” to care. From the question Grandma asks about Mom, tho, it appears that she is the only one who still doesn’t know about the kidnapping. Gus doesn’t worry her with this news. As she is leaving, Grandma tells Gus she wants to talk with him later, about some “negocitos.” She giggles as she says this, and Gus just repeats, Negocitos... in a cynically teasing sort of tone.
<an ultra-modern bar>
Esteban the Unstable is seated on a stool in a bar. The bar itself looks like it is covered in white glass that is lit from underneath. It’s not really the sort of place you’d expect to find a sulky boor in what looks a lot like an ugly ochre and white plaid flannel shirt, but since the bartender addresses him by name, we have to assume EtU is a regular. He asks for another drink and the bartender says he thinks EtU has had enough. Of course, EtU insists the guy serve him another drink, and he does. Marcela the Pushy dashes up and puts her arms around EtU, giving him a kiss on the cheek and telling him she thought she’d find him there. When she starts to comment on his drinking, EtU says he doesn’t want to hear advice. He asks her what she thinks about Chepe’s “plan brillante,” whereby all their lives will be “en las manos de ese imbécil.” MtP just laughs at him, asking just who he thinks he’s fooling. He’s not afraid of a squad member losing his or her life – what he’s afraid of is losing Veronica forever. EtU starts to shift around uncomfortably on his stool. MtP encourages him to unburden himself, saying she’s there to listen. EtU takes a deep breath, then starts in: I feel like an idiot. I can’t think clearly any more – the only thing I have stuck in [my head] is Veronica running to save Velasco in that lost cause. She didn’t think anything of going in to look for him! At that moment she would have given her life for him without even thinking twice! And you know what? I have never seen that look in her eyes, Marcela – never. And now it turns out that Veronica is going to be that guy’s contact! That they’re going to have all the time in the world to be alone, to be together, without any hindrance! And worst of all is that I have to leave the way open so that imbecile can steal the woman I love! Remorselessly, MtP that Vero doesn’t love EtU any more. She says she’s sorry for putting it so baldly, but it’s the truth. She tells him the sooner he gets used to the idea, the better for him. She knows, because she went through the same thing when he fell for Vero. EtU asks, rather pathetically, if she would have betrayed him that way, and MtP says if he had just given her the chance, she’d’ve made him the happiest man in the world. She strokes his cheek and smiles at him, saying, Todavía estamos a tiempo, ¿eh?
<Chepe’s office>
Gustavo is sitting in a comfy armchair in what looks like Chepe’s office. Chepe shuts the door so they are alone together. He settles into a matching chair across from Gus and compliments him on the fireworks, saying he wishes he’d been there since it’s not every day one gets to see a large sum of money getting blown to bits. Gus isn’t having any chit-chat: I don’t imagine you summoned me in order to congratulate me... So Chepe gets right to the point, asking him what his “life insurance policy” is that the Narcos won’t touch him. Gus doesn’t say anything, so Chepe gets down to business. He tells Gus he cannot play the Lone Avenger of the Barrio. The Narcos are very dangerous and Gus’ll need help from the police. Gus replies that he thinks the police need him more than he needs them. Chepe says, Ok, let’s suppose that if the information you have is really important, it would save us a few months’ work. However, you don’t have the slightest chance of defeating them without us. You were lucky this time – the next time neither you nor your mother will be... You need our protection. Gus is critical of the O-Team’s protective abilities, bringing up what happened to Godfather and his family. Chepe sternly retorts that Godfather and his family might still be alive had Gus not interfered. Before Gus can dispute this, Chepe tells him what Gus needs to be thinking about now is, if he doesn’t want Godfather’s story to repeat itself, he needs to work with the O-Team. Gus coldly remarks that he doesn’t like the methods employed by Chepe’s team – they like to stab people in the back. Chepe is no-nonsense now. I’m telling you this as a friend, Gustavo. But I do have ways of forcing you. If you don’t share this compromising information with me, if you hide it from me, I can accuse you of complicity. Gus tells Chepe not to threaten him – he doesn’t work that way. Evenly, Chepe replies that that’s fine, but then Gus’ only option is to work with the O-Team. Gus: Ok, I will. But mind you, I won’t take orders from that idiot Esteban the Unstable –or any of the others! — and your little soldiers only enter the action when I tell them to...! Chepe wants to know what he gets in exchange and Gus replies Chepe will get all the credit for capturing the various members of the Narcos as one by one, he, Gus, exposes them. Chepe: You’re that sure of the information you have... Well, anyway. You will have to give advance warning of all your movements. Your contact will be Veronica – no-one else will intervene. Gus has a rather pleased, smug look on his face on hearing this news. Chepe continues: She works under the identity of “Cíntia,” so that no-one will suspect. Tomorrow she’ll meet with you. Is that ok? Gus nods, Yes, and both men stand – the meeting is over. Chepe has one final thought: Oh, and one other thing: I don’t know what sort of relationship you have with Veronica, but I am not going to tolerate anything that puts this operation at risk. I advise you to keep the relationship strictly professional. Gus gives him a little mock-salute as he leaves the office, and after shutting the door behind Gus, Chepe smiles in genuine amusement.
<Mom’s>
Father Anselmo asks Mom if she’s calmer now. She says Yes, but there’s a real sob in her voice. She says she’s never been so frightened in her life – not just for herself, but also for FA and Gustavo and everyone else. She thinks she’ll never be able to feel safe again. She asks for FA’s advice: This whole experience has made her realize she’s really lonely, she misses having a man in her life. FA says he understands. Then Mom ‘fesses up: She is talking about AA Mateo. She was thinking about him the whole time she was kidnapped.
<Daddy Dearest’s study>
Veronica opens the door and enters Daddy Dearest’s study, softly telling him she didn’t want to bother him but... Shutting his book with a snap and slapping it down on the table by his chair as he stands to talk to her, DD brusquely cuts her off, saying she’s not interrupting – he wanted to talk to her. He doesn’t sound pleased, and in a stern tone, gets right to the point, asking if she’s seen Gustavo Velasco again. He crosses his arms and stands waiting for an answer the same way a father waits to listen to an excuse he already doesn’t believe for why his 15-year-old has been out 2 hours past curfew. Not too surprisingly, Vero is taken aback by his attitude. She asks why he’s talking to her like that. Waving his finger at her, DD tells her harshly that he doesn’t want her to ever see “ese tipo” again. He forbids it. Vero points out he can’t forbid her to do anything. He talks over her, saying he is her father and he doesn’t want her seeing Gus again. She says, with a hint of warning in her voice, that they’ve already had this discussion. For one thing, she doesn’t like it when he gets this way, and for another, not to talk to her like that – don’t shout at her (A cutaway shot behind Vero shows us Snarky Refugio listening in on this discussion). DD is starting to lose it again, and, stating she still hasn’t answered him, repeats his question about whether or not Vero has seen Gus again. Now Vero is starting to get annoyed: Look, I came to say goodbye – nothing more. But you know what? I’ll call you later. She turns to leave, but turns back when he shouts at her, Where are you going?? She snaps that she’s going on a mission and doesn’t know when she’ll be back. DD is still stuck on the Gus track and demands to know if she’s going to see him. Vero’s had enough. Y si así fuera, ¡¿qué?! Digo, ¡ya soy mayor de edad y yo tengo derecho hacer lo que se me pegue la gana! At this, DD belts her one across the face, then grabs her by the shoulders to pull her in very close, face-to-face, when she would have just left. In a furious undertone, he tells her, Listen very carefully to what I’m going to say: If I see you with that guy, I’ll kill him. I swear to you, I’ll kill him! Do you hear me?
<end of episode>
Escrito desde Jul 21, 2003, 9:13 AM de la dirección IP 128.248.12.180
