Name of the Dog

by Elmer Mendoza

  They went through two military roadblocks and another put up by the Federal Police without any problem. Excuse me, are there a lot of checkpoints ahead of us? Señorita, I am not authorised to give you that information. Thank you, the good thing is that it doesn’t make you any less handsome, and the uniform looks terrific on you. Maybe five from here to Sinaloa.

  María took out her cell and reported that there were six calls from General Alvarado, the first at ten the previous night, the last at six in the morning; she read a message from her closest friend: Wake up honey, remember our date is at ten. Ugarte concentrated: the General is worried and for sure he suspects I’m headed for Culiacán to die where I was born. He thought about what answer to give his daughter. What if the General is having problems? If they’re pursuing me so doggedly something extraordinary must be going on, who am I to deserve such attention? The Secretary already told me I don’t exist. Will I be able to celebrate my sixtieth? not in Cuernavaca, it’s off limits now, though it could be in Culiacán, people are always partying there, I could even invite Turk Estrada. But if the General is in trouble this thing must be coming to a head, he’s the President’s man; are they testing out the elite group on us? what motherfuckers. As Pérez-Reverte would say, they won’t take me alive.

  Cold. Light mist. Highway packed with speeding vehicles. On the radio: Jesse & Joy’s “Outer Space”.

  Thirty-Seven

  What’s with you, Mendieta, are you bent on turning everything to shit? just now Attorney Blake Hernández called again and he was furious; he demanded immediate action on his report about his brother, and what’s more he told me the guy was attacked a second time at his business, which Hortigosa confirmed; fucking mother, what’s wrong with you? Nothing, chief, Toledo went there to ask him where he was the night Dr Manzo got killed; since he wouldn’t tell us when he was here, we made a house call. You still suspect him? Not really, it’s just that we should complete the investigation and that piece of information is missing. Did you get it? No, the jerk is a spoiled brat and on top of it he’s really dangerous, he was a champion in the kind of boxing where anything goes and he hasn’t a shred of respect for the police; he told Zelda that if we brought a warrant from a judge maybe he’d tell us, but he warned her it won’t be what she expects to hear. So forget about him, the brother is a thorn up my ass and I’d just as soon not know he exists. Careful, that commission has clout, I heard they defended some conscripts who raped a little old woman over seventy. If you stop bothering the engineer, for sure he’ll forget about us. Send him a Christmas present. Don’t make a joke of it, Lefty, you are part of why I’m fed up. Before anything else happens, let me report that we’re on the case of a dentist murdered in Navolato, we’ve got the name of the criminal and . . . So what are you waiting for? you want me to take you by the hand? we have jurisdiction in the whole state. The problem is it’s Tenia Solium. Holy Mary, Mother of God, so what does Pineda say? He wishes us a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, but he gave us information on the man. Briseño leaned back in his chair. At least you’ll leave Señor Blake Hernández alone. Mendieta smiled. I’m glad that makes you happy, chief, I can see you won’t miss me if I leave everyone in the world alone. Don’t get melodramatic; listen, how’s your son? He stood up. Huge, he just got his first tooth. He walked out.

  Boss, what should we do? Make babies, we could sell them. Aha, you’re still feeling good, aren’t you? Well, Agent Toledo, let’s take it easy. Will you listen to that, I never expected that from you. Christmas is almost here, time to give presents and put on a few kilos, relax, why should we be the exception? Should we forget about Tenia? And Blake and Manzo and Glasseater too. Now you really are inspired, what about Mariana Kelly? Hmm, that’s also going nowhere. What about Gori? what do we do with Gori? Well, I’m going to thank him for his present, it’s really touching. The poor guy shouldn’t have to face Christmas like that, his self-esteem’s below his ankles. Fucking Gori, who would have thought it. Have you seen him?

  *

  He opened the door. Hortigosa was sitting at his desk, arms crossed, scowling at his torture equipment on the wall. What’s up, my man Gori, what’s keeping you out of trouble? Just hanging around, Lefty my man, I’m O.K., and the fact is I’ve decided to resign. What’s that about? About the end of dedicating my life to service, my friend. So a little breeze makes you seasick? And my joints ache. Aha. Silence. A dude who was state karate champion is coming by, boss. What do we want with a guy like that? we’re badges, a different breed of shit. Well, that’s what I think, but the dude is coming, like it or not, they sent me a notice, it’s a recommendation from the attorney general’s office. Alright, let’s stop dancing around it like jerks: you’re upset because that bastard beat the shit out of you, right? He beat you up too. Well, yeah, but the one in trouble is you, that faggot can suck my dick. Uh-huh, Lefty the tough guy. That faggot can suck my dick, and I’m going to show you, but first let’s make one thing clear: when has a dude in your profession ever tried to do his work with his hands? Never that I know of. So why do you want to do that, fucking Gori? what, you think you’re Superman? you are a strong fucking bastard, but you’ve got limits, it’s like a baker trying to bake bread in his underarm; no shit fucking Gori, that’s why instruments were invented. Another silence. Gori, who had looked crushed, raised his head and brightened a little. For real? do you think? Fuck my mother if I don’t; Gori, there are diapers for adults, why? for the simple reason they’re needed. Silence. You speak well, my man Lefty, but who’s going to bring me that cocksucker? Who do you think, you bastard? That reminds me, the chief was asking questions. He told me about it, and he agrees you should do what you want. Really? Absolutely, that guy’s had his boots licked too much, it’s time he learned policemen deserve respect. No shit.

  He punched a number into his cell. What’s up, my man Devil? how’s it going? On target, Lefty my buddy, as a matter of fact, I reported to Señor Garcés and he wants to know if you still need me, and Chopper too. That’s why I’m calling you. He gave him Blake’s address, warned him that he was dangerous and said he wanted him as soon as possible at the Conservatory, the place where everybody either sings or learns to sing better than if they studied opera with Enrique Patrón de Rueda. Here’s a question for you, Devil: is Tenia Solium with you people? He was, my man, but with all the shit going down, which you know all about, the dude set out on his own, now he’s freelancing and the fact is he’s trouble, are you after him? He killed one dentist for sure and we suspect he killed another. He’s uncontrollable, the bastard, he’s got bad teeth and his breath stinks like hell; if you need us to take him down, just tell the boss, we could take advantage of the fact that right now you two are having a fling. What’s that about, my friend Devil? don’t exaggerate. What I mean is you’re getting along.

  Ninety minutes later Urquídez called. My man Lefty, the jerk didn’t show up to work and his employees don’t know when he will, we staked him out but it’s not a good idea for us to hang around there, what do you think? Go back about six.

  They did. After an hour, the parts store closed, and Blake was still not to be found. Devil called in. O.K. my friend, like they say in the classics, there are days when you lose and other days when you stop winning. It’s a rare thing for a match to end in a tie; one question, Lefty, my man: do you know about the Chúntaros? Well, I’ve heard of them. They’re Tenia’s sworn enemies and they more or less get along with us, I’m just saying, in case it’s of any use. Now you’re talking, and hanging up your stocking.

  Two hours later, Susana, Mendieta and Jason were having dinner at El Farallón, when in walked Constantino Blake Hernández and Lizzie Tamayo. Bodies relaxed, satisfied expressions, lips reddened. Lefty did not react when he spotted them, did not even lose the thread of his conversation with Jason: Think of the toughest cop you can imagine, a guy who has never read a single book, and that’s what he gets me for Christmas That’s so strange, he must think you come from another planet. Of c
ourse there are badges who read and live normally, but not many of us; it’s a profession that takes over your life. I read Love in the Time of Cholera and I liked it, all those telegrams and waiting for an eternity. Knowing how to wait is a virtue; out of the corner of his eye Lefty watched the couple showing off, she her legs, he his unbelievable arrogance. Susana smiled, she felt good being with these two men who were so similar. She was drinking slowly and since Schwarzenegger had not returned she felt happy, though still a bit nervous about that former lover who was bold enough to follow her here. A girl I know recommended Lust for Life by Irving Stone, about Van Gogh, a genius who liked his corn chowder with a whole ear. She adored Jason, and this man who seemed too innocent to be a policeman made her feel motherly; but they had not pinned down anything about support for her son, so she decided to lay her cards on the table. Edgar, what do you think: Should Jason become a policeman or should he go to college for another profession? Mama, we can talk about that some other time. Excuse me for interrupting, but I’m worried about it; since you don’t want to train or compete we won’t get a scholarship, and we’ve got to do something so you can continue your education. I’ll put up the money, Lefty said, very sure of himself. But you haven’t even asked how much it’ll cost, and don’t think it’s cheap. Hey, I won’t allow you to discuss my future, not at this table anyway; remember, I’ve already decided, so save yourselves the worry. You are so stubborn, police work is incredibly dangerous and though I might have found your reasoning charming before, now I think you ought to listen to us. Edgar filled her glass with white wine, hurried his whisky and asked for another; he put his attention on three young señoras chatting at the next table: What are you saying, Sally? the one with the big eyes asked. Laura’s right, we’ll go to Vallarta. Ooooooh. Are you serious about becoming a policeman? You know I already told you, of course, and I could be as famous as Eliot Ness. But I don’t like it, these are violent times, and a policeman is really exposed. Well, maybe no profession is secure anymore, right now we’re investigating the cases of two murdered dentists and a graphic designer, plus the beating of an engineer. Enrique told us you were attacked twice. Haven’t you burned yourself cooking? A big smile from Jason: Lots of times, once she got an electric shock that laid her out on the floor, do you remember, Ma? being a chef is no piece of cake either. Why did they beat up that engineer? He won’t tell us, they caught him coming out of a restaurant and took him away, that’s all we know; I’m going to the bathroom. Jason answered a text. The señoras next door were having a ball planning a trip where they would take along their children but not their husbands: Oooooh. From the bathroom he called Devil and Gori.

  Minutes later, when they were getting into the Toyota, they saw a black Hummer pull up to the restaurant door blasting “No Hay Chapo Que No Sea Bravo” by Los Tucanes de Tijuana. What awful music, Susana complained, they ought to outlaw it. Lefty turned on the stereo and Juice Newton’s “Angel of the Morning” came on. Jason texted his cousin again: spra ksa.

  Their animated chatter did not dim during the ride to the Col Pop. Susana talked about how Culiacán used to be, when there was no Forum and not so many cars, when Sunday afternoons they would take an obregonazo, a long walk down Obregón Avenue to look at all the other people. Why hasn’t Enrique come back in so many years? He’s afraid he’ll stay, he’s really impulsive. He could at least visit you, he talks about you all the time and you can tell he’s dying to see you. Is he undocumented? That I don’t know, has he told you anything about that, Jason? He says he’s getting his papers in order. This is where we used to go to Mass, Susana said jubilantly when they passed Santa Cruz church. Edgar too? Did you come here, Edgar? because I don’t remember ever seeing you. Once in a while; the shadow of Bardominos the priest crossed his mind weakly, minimised, controlled; he also thought of Dr Parra, bearded fuck, he must be shitfaced at some congress of Polish gynaecologists. Lots of the guys went once in a while; my sister Aracely, who got mixed up with Domingo and then had Gustavo, the cousin Jason hangs around with, she never set foot in church, Mama went crazy insisting. You see, that’s why you shouldn’t insist with me, I’m a good boy and I got a great Christmas present for being drug-free. You’re right about that, though you ought to stick with athletics, what present? Oh, I’ll tell you later. Did you give it to him, Edgar? Eh? Cavalry charge, it was Max Garcés: Mexicali man arrives in two hours, where shall I put him? At Las Quintas, but I’ll see him tomorrow at ten. Click.

  When they reached Susana’s house, Jason said goodbye; Gustavo was waiting for him leaning on the Jetta, they were going to pick up the girls. Once Lefty and Susana were alone, they found each other’s hands.

  On the stereo: “If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago.

  *

  Do you have dreams?

  No, what about you?

  I do, nearly every night; I’m always young in my dreams, with my sisters or my friends; last night, for the first time I dreamed I was my age, I was with my sister Angelina, do you remember her? she’s the eldest, the one who moved to Tijuana.

  El Toro Valenzuela’s girlfriend?

  They never got that far, they only went out once, long before he became a big star; well, I had a dream about her: we’re in a city where the streets don’t have sidewalks and the only cars are racing cars zooming by us; we nearly get run over several times, we yell for help but nobody comes. We run toward a house that turns out to be a wall of rats’ eyes staring at us, furious as could be, like they’re inside glass bubbles. We don’t know what to do. We’re crying and hugging and praying.

  Until L.H. turns up.

  Who?

  L.H., a friend of mine, he lives in Tijuana and he’s got the guts of a hero.

  I thought it was a brand of insecticide; well, somehow we manage to get into a mansion, it’s the statehouse, full of señores, legislators in black suits who won’t stop arguing. They all talk but nobody listens. We’re so scared. The whole group turns to us and starts chanting in unison: sex is life, sex is life. Angelina starts dancing, making sexy moves, and several of them rush forward to touch her; she lets them, it excites her, she gets kind of horny; one of themthrows his arms around her and she screams, then I woke up.

  I never imagined anybody dreaming about legislators.

  It was terrifying, I’m paying my dues for some sin; so put my mind at ease: will you come someday to visit us in Los Angeles?

  You’d have to talk it over with Enrique so he doesn’t get jealous.

  I’ll settle that with a few tacos al vapor, I could poison him without him even noticing.

  Who is the gringo?

  A pain in the butt, you saw.

  What does he do?

  He’s a Marine, and I never had, do not have and never will have anything to do with him: Jason hates him and the feeling is mutual.

  Why did he come?

  Because he’s a maniac; I told him clear as could be that I would never be with anyone who does not love my son, and he refuses to get the message. Maybe now he finally has; he hasn’t been back, and I hope he won’t be.

  Let me know if he does, I’ve still got a few centimetres without bruises.

  My hero.

  Does Angelina still live in Tijuana?

  She lives in Fresno; the only one who lives on this side is Aracely, Gustavo’s mother; Gustavo’s nine months older than Jason.

  The one who wants to kill himself.

  He’s nuts, my sister says he wants to get his father’s attention; the father is Colonel Domingo Félix, who’s been at the Ninth Military Base for years.

  I thought they moved them around.

  They do, except for him, he must have worked something out; as a matter of fact, your bruises are practically gone, that doctor is an expert.

  He’s always fucking.

  Just like you.

  What do you mean? don’t make things up.

  I’m not making it up, want to see?

  I do.

  Thirty-Eight

&nb
sp; Citicinemas. Night. A black Hummer in the parking lot.

  An old Nissan Sentra pulls into the empty space to its right, and a moment later Turk Estrada gets out. No cats no dogs no. He gets into the back seat of the Hummer.