He sized himself up in the mirror: a cut over one eye, which was half shut, mouth swollen, cheek purple and inflamed; his body scratched and bruised in several places; his legs aching. Fucking gringo, I guess he wanted to kill me, and all for Susana, who’d have ever guessed I’d live through this little episode for her? A girl who hated having a boyfriend because she wanted to go out with everyone, who surprised him by asking him out for a stroll. I’ll only go if you have supper with me afterwards. Ha, and who told you anyone puts conditions on me? That’s one I’ll answer at supper. She was lovely, a perfect body; one of those women you can’t ignore because there was also her aggressive way of kissing, of hugging you tight, of making love. Two hamburgers. What a dream. Our fling had barely begun when she vanished; I missed her for a couple of weeks; a badge’s work is so crazy you can’t afford such luxuries. In the Col Pop no-one spoke of her again because Rafaella turned up, a redhead with pink nipples who people said loved rough sex. I never got involved. At the last minute, Susana changed her mind: Listen, could you make that a steak with potatoes and a michelada? Not that I remember, but for sure the waiter was not pleased.
Cavalry charge. Mendieta. Boss, Gori isn’t any better, in fact he hasn’t even come into Headquarters and the people from Narcotics have two kids who don’t want to spill the beans. Let me call him. In the kitchen Trudis was singing “Oye Cómo Va”, her voice loud, confident. He dialled. Good morning, señora, please put Gori on the line. He’s in the shower. Pull him out, tell him it’s Detective Mendieta. Lefty? What, is there another? It’s just that he’s really depressed. Other people get depressed, get him on the telephone right now. Pause. My man Lefty, I’ll be in soon. Don’t give me that soon shit, Gori, did you turn queer or what? What’s that about, my man Lefty, why are you saying that? Now it turns out you’re afraid of a pathetic loser. It’s not fear, I know what fear is and it’s not fear, what’s going on is I want to resign. Don’t mess with me, fucking Gori, especially now; the day before yesterday I ran into the guy, I called him on his behaviour and he beat me to a pulp, you won’t believe the way he left me, he swore you’re a fucking faggot from the slums and said you sucked his dick, he even threatened to go find your wife so she would have the chance to do it with at least one man in her life, not the despicable wretch she lives with. The fucking sonofabitch said that? Well, I told him we were going to get him this afternoon and he laughed and just repeated that you’re a loser and since you’re going to resign he’d take your place. That face-like-my-ass, he’s going to be royally fucked. My man Gori, get yourself to the office right now and beat the shit out of two kids who raped a girl your daughter’s age, they’re going to tell you they’re hired guns, but they’re rapists, fuck them over and I’ll see you there.
He showered very gingerly. Jason arrived in time for a breakfast of fish machaca. He texted, then put away his cell. If only Lefty would shave you two would look like twins, Trudis sang out while serving them, and they both smiled. Suppose I let my beard grow, Trudis? Absolutely not, you look good as you are; you should have brought your mother. She’s still sleeping, thank you; Edgar, if you want I could be your driver, your left eye is practically swollen shut. Thanks, Zelda Toledo will do that. So, what do you think of this nectar of the gods? Delicious; hey, did you try the Nescafé? You know Trudis won’t give me anything else, you’re going to have to send me a jar every so often, what about your present? A big smile: You already gave it to me, it’s what you did yesterday, you got that gringo off our backs. Mendieta’s eyes met Jason’s and he detected the shine of a young man who felt safe, almost pampered. He had a sudden urge which he refused to analyse, he got to his feet and in the light of Trudis’s broad smile he said: Give me a hug, kid. Jason jumped up and they melted into each other’s arms. Uggh, careful. Lefty felt his eyes well up, but he blocked the sob; the one who could not was Trudis, who had tears running down her cheeks; she imagined the fathers of her own children treating them like that and making them happy. Ring. Trudis went to the telephone, taking her time. Ring. Hello, just a moment please, she turned toward the pair, who at that moment were unfastening their embrace: It’s Captain Pineda.
How’s it going, Mendieta? Never better, but what can you do, and you? In the shit, the bros won’t stop massacring each other just because it’s Christmas, this is a genuine social movement. That must be a present from Santa Claus. A present from Santa Claus is what I have for you: a few days ago we found a body in a cornfield near Navolato, the man had been reported missing, his family identified him and we even handed over the body. So? He was a dentist, Ortega says they used the same weapons to take down another dentist you know about. O.K., death to the fucking dentists. I gave the info to Ortega in case it’s of any use to you. Thanks and have a merry Christmas. You too, Lefty what-a-sight.
He dialled Zelda. Agent Toledo, Pineda tells me another dentist was murdered, same weapons as Manzo; find Ortega, he’s got the details on the dead guy, have you seen Montaño? He has no business here. Don’t get touchy, call his cell and ask him to call me. Only because it’s you.
He did not want to return to the table, he was feeling nauseous and eating only made it worse. Should I take you to the doctor? Jason could see how pale he was. Trudis too: Lie down, Lefty, you look really sick. Let’s wait a while, the T-shirt was bothering him and when he took it off Trudis was shocked. Yikes, they nearly killed you, let me put some yerba manza and arnica on you, I’ll go ask the lady across the street for a few leaves. Wait, you can do that later. You know what, Lefty? this is bad, I don’t like it, you’d better go to the doctor, let young Jason take you. I’ll take him. Mendieta’s cell rang out. Yes? It was Montaño. Where are you? At my little lair, Lefty, like I told you, you wouldn’t believe how useful it turned out to be. Is she really lovely? She’s going to try for Miss Sinaloa, that should say it all. Watch out a narco doesn’t snatch her. Well, it’s not like I want to marry her. I need you to come, day before yesterday I got jumped and my stomach’s all purple. Are you serious? My head spins and I have trouble breathing. Where are you? At home in the Col Pop. Don’t move, I’ll be right there. Bring the miss. None of that, she’s going to stay here and study for the contest, she still thinks global warming is the best thing that’s happened in years.
Half an hour later Montaño nearly confused Jason with Lefty. Wow, Lefty, this boy is yours, eh, he couldn’t look any more like you. Only good things get repeated, right, Jason? Absolutely. Montaño checked his abdomen, his cheek, his eye, took his blood pressure. What was this all about, Mendieta, did they catch you sleeping? More or less. He poked him. Ugh. They beat you everywhere; I’m going to give you an injection, but you should stay in bed for a few hours. How many? Six should be enough. That’s too many. Jason can take your place, I mean, he’d probably like the police. I’m going to be a policeman, doctor. Well, that’s that, take your father’s place for the next six hours. Stop it, Montaño, don’t put ideas in his head, he’s barely eighteen. I’m not saying he should shoot anyone or anything, just sit in your office so they see you’re on the job. We’ll think about it, what about you? shouldn’t you turn up to oversee your interns once in a while? Every day; remember, they’re all young women eager to learn and, well, it seems I’m a good teacher; listen, if anything happens give me a call, I’ll be right there. Thank you, and watch out, there’s a hay fever going around. Right, try to sleep, it’ll take effect more quickly. Doctor, can I put on some yerba manza and arnica? Of course you can, and keep an eye on him, don’t let him slip out the door.
Jason accompanied him to the bedroom and helped Trudis put on the plasters.
At seven that evening, less sore, dark glasses in place and swelling on the way down, he met up with Gori at Headquarters. All set? As set as the table for a twelve-course meal, my man Lefty; wait, you don’t look good, that faggot beat the shit out of you. It’s nothing compared to what we’re going to do to him, right? Then Zelda brought them up to date on the murder of Dr Antonio Estolano, a prestig
ious orthodontist from Navolato: according to the forensic doctor he was killed the day after Manzo by a bullet from a Herstal; his assistant said she left him alone with the last patient since it was an easy job, just pulling a shard of glass from his gums. What? You heard right, it was a man who makes his living in bars chewing beer bottles and mugs for tips. Did you locate him? A narco took him out to his farm to put on a show, but tomorrow at six he’ll be at La Flor de Capomo where he usually works; his name is José Rodelo and they call him the Glasseater. O.K., we’ll go see him tomorrow, now we have to find Blake Hernández. Is it true he beat you up too? Isn’t it obvious? he took off his glasses. My God, let me go with you. No way, I want you to buy presents for yourself, Angelita, Gori, Ortega, Montaño and Robles. Nothing for the commander? Alright, buy him a spoon or something for his kitchen. Chief, don’t forget about your son or his mother. You can help me with that later on. Can I take Angelita along? Like when you two go to the bathroom? Close enough, we’ll go to the Forum. O.K., don’t turn off your cell; he pulled an envelope with money from his desk and gave it to her. And by the way, how’s Jason? Handsome as could be, just like his father; let’s go, Gori. If you’re going to cook it tonight, you’ve got to start soaking it now, my man Lefty; you have a son? So it seems. Congratulations, was he just born? He’s eighteen, my man Gori. No kidding, and I thought you’d never married. Well, now you know.
Blake Hernández had his auto-parts business on Heroico Colegio Militar Highway, in the south of the city. They went out on Zapata, took Pascual Orozco and as soon as they turned the corner were surrounded by two Hummers and two pickups, all of them black. What a fucking mess. Gori got nervous: Lefty, what’s this all about? Easy, my man Gori, I hope you’ve made out your will. I’m fucked. All five vehicles came to a standstill. Did we bring anything to defend ourselves? Well, I don’t think my Walther will get us out of this one. I don’t even have that. Men climbed out of three of the black vehicles, rifles in hand; one of them was Max Garcés.
Twenty-Five
Ugarte’s cell phone rang. He was walking listlessly down a hallway at Benito Juárez Airport in Mexico City, dragging a small suitcase and carrying a bag of dried shrimp he had bought at Best Mar. He decided to take the call. How are you this morning, General? Sleepless, what about you? Doing my thing, headed for the market right now. Are you still in Culiacán? About to take a taxi to my hideaway. To your private hell. Exactly. Listen, I heard a rumour they killed the señora’s girlfriend the night of the meeting, what do you know about that? What? That’s right, can you corroborate the story? While we were with her the señora didn’t seem upset at all, we didn’t hear anything nor did anyone mention it, and then we all left immediately like we were supposed to. Could you look into it? people are telling me that’s what’s behind the wave of violence washing across the country. Uh-oh, that is serious, the cure turned out to be worse than the disease. If it’s true, it means that group we haven’t managed to identify and which must be very powerful is on the rise. Anyone in particular? No idea. What about the Secretary? We’re watching him, for the moment just keep your eyes peeled, you may have to intervene. I’m sorry, General, but you can’t count on me for that, right now I’m an elephant on the way to his graveyard; what I will do is make a call. I understand, and the last thing I want to do is trouble you, but the situation is critical. That group you mentioned won’t be my job. Are you really in such a bad way? General, I’m not in a bad, way I’m seriously ill. O.K. then, I’ll expect your call.
Fucking Faggot, I was just thinking of you. I think I’m going to take your advice, I.B.M., I won’t celebrate my birthday until January. That’s quite the fucking month, it’s got the long climb out of the Christmas hole, all sorts of sales and it’s fucking cold; when I was crossing off the days it was the toughest month, more suicides and killings than any other time of year. In La Jolla it wasn’t pretty either, always cloudy, empty streets, Chinese food, that was when I visited you twice a week and you couldn’t stop talking about what you would do when you got out; if I wanted you to stop flapping your gums all I had to do was ask you about somebody. Keeping my trap shut sent me to purgatory, but that’s all in the past; listen, what fart’s got you worried, because you don’t call just to say hello. It’s good we know all about each other, isn’t it? Good and bad, what the fuck’s up? the suspense is killing me. Is it true they killed Mariana Kelly?
Silence of an orchestra, eyes on the conductor.
Supposedly it happened while we were in the meeting, is that what you meant when you said there was a gunfight? There’s something to that. What do you mean there’s something to that? tell me if it happened or it didn’t. Hey, hey, what’s this about, fucking Faggot, are you going to squeeze my balls until I tell you? you can suck my dick. Sorry, don’t get offended, it’s because I’m feeling sick, I’ll call you later, I’ve got to run to the bathroom.
He hung up, he was at a pay phone; then he dialled the General.
Twenty-Six
A worried Gori drove the Toyota back to S.M.P. Headquarters. Zelda and Angelita were leaving for the Forum as he came in the door. What happened? He filled them in. It was like they’d been tailing him, my girl Zelda, the guy that looked to be in charge said hello, called him by his name and asked him to go with them. But how did the boss react, did they drag him off or what? No, he just told me to wait for him here. I don’t like this, not one bit, they might have put the snatch on him to kill him, that’s the narcos’ style and you know the boss can’t stand them. He seemed pretty calm to me. Zelda dialled his cell, after three rings she heard: I’m O.K., I’ll see you in a little while. The junior detective grew thoughtful. If you like we can leave the presents for tomorrow. No, Angelita, let’s do it now; Gori, we’re going to the Forum, do you want to come with us? Only if you’ll do me a favour, Zelda my girl. Tell me. First take me to the buddy who beat me up, I can’t wait any longer for another shot at him, may it turn out however God wishes. Zelda fixed her gaze on the torturer, then on Angelita. Do you want to stay here? Why can’t I go along? you know I’ve never seen Hortigosa in action. Gori, you’ll have two fans in the front row; we’ll go from there to get the presents, this time of year they’re open late. Smiling, they sang: “Pa rum pum pum, hit the bum bum, give the dum-dum a glass of rum rum rum.”
Through the window beside the entrance to Blake’s Auto Parts, they could see him in his office speaking on the telephone. Zelda went in first. A few Christmas lights, customers, ranchera music. Señorita, what are you doing here? You still haven’t told me what you were up to the night Dr Humberto Manzo Solís was killed. And I’m not going to tell you, didn’t I make that clear? Clear as could be, your brother sent us pictures of what we didn’t do to you. But you would have if I’d let you, don’t deny it. The detective smiled: Those are things we would never do even if you still refused to cooperate. Lips pressed, jaw set, Gori approached. It was an open-plan office and they were in full view of the staff and customers, who at that time of day numbered about half a dozen. You brought your orangutan? He wanted to come along, I guess he likes you. Gori went right up to his executioner, he was eager to overcome his fear and knew he had to face it head on. Blake stood up. I don’t want any fighting in my shop. Who’s talking about fighting? sputtered Zelda. Behind them, Angelita wrung her hands. If we’re going to tussle, I’d rather we step outside, the engineer said firmly. Gori feinted with his left, but his opponent was not fooled and answered with a right to the stomach that left him green around the gills. Ugh. The staff and customers turned toward them. Two employees picked up metal bars to help their boss, but Zelda held them back. Take it easy, bros, this is a private matter and that’s how it has to be settled, go back where you were. Blake nodded.
He waited for Gori to recover and come at him muttering: How could you dare bring my family into this, asshole. He even allowed Gori to land a couple of blows on his face, but then he hit him again down low and on the chin so hard the man teetered. Zelda stepped between
them. Señor Blake, where were you the night Dr Manzo was killed? The engineer was sweaty and triumphant, sparks flying from his eyes: I’m not going to tell you, what, are you retarded? Gori flipped the desk over, shattered two lamps, and smashed the telephone on the floor. That’s for what you did to the boss, asshole, my business we’ll take up another time. The two employees again tried to intervene, but Zelda threatened to give them Christmas presents they might not have deserved. The customers, astonished, excited and very attentive, did not miss a thing; the staff were wondering: Who is this broad who thinks she’s so tough? Everyone was mystified.
Let’s leave it at that, Blake murmured. This man can’t beat me and I’m not going to say where I was that night, and I didn’t kill that idiot Manzo; as you might have noticed, I wouldn’t have needed a gun, a punch in the right spot would have done the trick. You were not at home that night, Señor Blake, Zelda maintained her intimate tone, Angelita took Gori’s arm and pulled him stumbling from the room, several customers departed after making their purchases, the traffic outside was intense. That’s true, but I did not go out at eight o’clock at night to kill that guy. How do you know when it happened? Because Lizzie told me. They glared at each other. I’m not satisfied with your response, Señor Blake, we’ll be seeing you again. Bring a warrant instead of the orangutan and maybe I’ll tell you something, but it won’t be what you expect to hear. Then you’re the retard.
Zelda stalked out, seriously annoyed. Gori was waiting in the back seat, crushed, in pain. Hey, enough of that face, the guy respects you, he told me he thinks you’re the best and he doesn’t want any hard feelings; he was national kickboxing champion and he just retired undefeated, he asks you to forgive him and let it die there. Gori brightened a bit: He can go fuck himself, the pansy, forgive him is the last thing I would do, the bastard not only beat me twice, he beat up Lefty too, just wait until I get him on my turf. He’s an animal, and the boss is such a nice guy. Gori, give me two days and I’ll have him for you at Headquarters. Seven years’ bad luck if you don’t, Zelda my girl. The women smiled. Let’s go to the Forum; Gori, start thinking about what present you want from Chief Mendieta. A bottle of tequila and a case of beer. Hey, you can’t get drunk, suppose you run into Blake? Don’t worry, Zelda, to get smashed I need three times as much.
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