Then, carefully, he got to his feet. María would have paid for the room for several days, but he wanted to return to the city of his birth. Why? If you cannot choose the place where you are born, at least you have that prerogative when you die. Ulysses and Moses returned home, didn’t they? The shadow nodded softly.
He went out and took a taxi to Culiacán.
Forty-Five
December 23 was a special day. Mendieta, who had spent the previous night with Susana at his house and had agreed to try to make a go of it with her, arrived at the office thinking that everything was working out on its own, but he soon changed his mind. There was no Édgar Iriarte in the files of the Federal Police, the F.B.I. or Interpol. Zelda called the army but was told cuttingly: We don’t give out information of any sort, especially about our own. By noon they were back at square one. Lefty, who had not thought about work matters all night long, felt a spark of regret, but the throbbing memory of red lips and a pinch from his body set him at ease, what could be worth more than that? Zelda, who had spent the afternoon with her boyfriend Rodo and her mother buying presents, and until midnight with Rodo alone, had also put everything out of her mind. Zelda’s cell rang. Hello. It was Montaño. Agent Toledo, your voice is as lovely as the rest of you, a voice like that can only come from a good soul. The forensic doctor, who made love to every girl he met, had not lost hope of bedding Zelda, which is why she detested him. Cut the crap, doctor, what can I do for you? we’re in the middle of a forty-four. I’ve got a present for you, I’ll send it over. Oh, doctor, you shouldn’t have bothered, who told you I like diamonds? As if you could ever seem like a bling-loving narco. They smiled. It’s not much, seeing as it’s for you, just a token of thanks for your friendship which I do not deserve. Fine, anything else? Is Lefty with you?
What’s up, you fuck-maniac? Sorry for being out of touch, how are you feeling? Great, but what can you do, the pain is fading and the bruises too. No nausea or anything? Zilch, nada. The ribs, are they bothering you? Zero. Good, if anything comes up, like I said, you can call me anytime. Cavalry charge. O.K., see you later. Mendieta, answering his own cell. It was Pineda. Do you want to come over? we found four bodies and, by their white coats, they could be dentists.
Quiroz was waiting with a bag of Oma coffee and his usual incisive questions, tape recorder in hand. No doubt about it, Detective Mendieta, there is a serial dentist killer out there, what is your take on the case? Yes, everything seems to indicate the killer is a scaredy-cat journalist who’s decided to liberate the mouths of humanity from that scourge. He turned off the recorder. You want me to put that out on the radio? Oh, I don’t think so, you don’t want to make me that famous. The times call for caution, Lefty, killings of journalists are more and more common and cruel. If curiosity killed the cat, imagine what it might do to a journalist. Reporters aren’t stupid. But they take too many risks, you take too many. It’s my job. So don’t complain. O.K., then what’s your theory about the murdered dentists, with these it makes six. Commander Briseño will tell you everything, call him, and thank you for the coffee. I remind you that you are my friend, and by the way I heard about your son, congratulations.
The bodies were north of the city in a thicket next to a cheap motel. They were spreadeagled on the ground and one was a woman. Pineda shared a few details and Ortega others: all of them murdered somewhere else with heavy-calibre bullets and then peppered here with a .45 after they were dumped. Montaño, who was working with two young assistants, told him that two had died the night before and the others that morning. The detectives took notes, Zelda Toledo scrutinised the scene and received the victims’ personal effects from the medical staff, so she could contact their families and look for clues. Homicide as common crime, what a world.
Mendieta went over to Pineda. Anything about Tenia Solium that you haven’t told us? From what I hear a toothache is killing him. That would be funny, not many nutcases could pull that off. Well, on your toes because arresting him won’t be any picnic, he’s a slippery bastard, and in this environment he’s got the advantage. As far as I’m concerned he can fuck himself, he may be killing dentists, but I still think it’s a case for Narcotics. No fucking way, he’s yours, forget about us getting involved. You want to meet your grandchildren, right? More or less, tell me you don’t, with that son of yours that turned up you must be thinking the same thing. No question about it, we live in the information age. Hey, did you say anything to Quiroz? Nothing, that’s the chief’s privilege. Good move; a few days ago a babe called me: her dentist got away from Tenia by the skin of his teeth, but nothing more happened. Alright, well, thanks for the heads-up. See you soon, Lefty what-a-sight. Pineda and his people pulled out.
Seventh Cavalry Charge. Any news, Lefty Mendieta? Be patient, Samantha, there are a couple of gaping holes that won’t close. I’m really anxious. Me too, sometimes the obstacles seem to be conspiring to overwhelm you, and you don’t know which way to turn. Tell me about it; by the way, be a little more careful, last night when you left El Quijote you had a tail. What happened? Nothing, just be careful, at least until you solve the case, remember you promised me you’d have it sewn up by tomorrow. I did? She hung up.
The bodies were taken to the morgue, and soon the only people left were Zelda and Mendieta, all too aware they would have to face a hair-raising monster very soon. Lefty dialled Briseño and brought him up to date. What do you plan to do with Tenia? Send him chocolates for Christmas, what else? Let’s hand the case over to the army or the Federal Police. Now you’re talking, we’ll go finish writing the report right now and execute your order. They climbed aboard the Toyota. Barely had they turned on to the highway when: Uh-oh. Mendieta saw in the rear-view mirror that a blindingly bright Hummer had been waiting for them at the exit from a motel. We’ve got a tail, Zelda, the kind you like. Zelda turned around. Not in my worst nightmare, adding after a moment, there are two, boss, a double-cabin is coming up behind; this dance is going to be good. She grabbed the two-way radio and requested backup just as the first gunshots blew out their tyres. The Toyota fishtailed to a stop, bullets bounced off the armoured glass and perforated the body, but not the armour. Boss, with these pistols we’re nobody. On the floor there’s an A.K., they gave it to me yesterday to hold for a minute and I kept it. Zelda grabbed it, opened the window and shot off half the magazine, shattering the windshield of one of the vehicles; the response came immediately: two A.K.s, emptied mercilessly. Zelda held back, alert, pumped with adrenaline: Damn them. Right then a blast from a Herstal broke through the Toyota’s back window, not wounding them but defining just how far the balance was tipped. Oh, fuck. Mendieta recalled the horrible moment long ago when his car exploded and he flew through the air as it burned. Shit, the bullets continued to fly without pause. Boss, I’ve never told you, but I don’t know how to pray, what do we do? Give me the A.K. and you take your pistol, we’re going out; let these assholes know there are badges who aren’t afraid of them. Are you serious? in other words, they’re going to suck our dicks? What kind of language is that, Agent Toledo? don’t lose your composure, especially if we’re going to die. It’s really too bad, boss, you were so excited about the mother of your son. Everything happens when it has to happen, Agent Toledo; when I say so, jump, we aren’t going to die like rats.
The pursuers paused, then let loose another lethal volley. The detectives returned fire from inside, Zelda out the broken rear window and Lefty leaning out his door; it seemed as if their every attempt to confront the killers evoked a heavier response, until a tremendous bazooka blast from somewhere sent the Hummer flying and set it ablaze. Then a volley from a Barret ushered in utter silence. The detectives got out of the pockmarked Toyota holding their weapons in full view. They had run out of bullets. From the double-cabin pickup emerged a jubilant Devil Urquídez and Chopper Tarriba, the fucking bastards eating French fries and chugging beer. Everything O.K., my man Lefty? He had never smiled so widely. You’ll have to forgive me, Chopper explained, my
bazooka jammed, that’s why it took me so long to shoot. I emptied the A.K. several times, but it didn’t do the trick, added Devil. You two are pretty ugly to be guardian angels, but you turned up at the right moment. Orders from La Jefa, my friend Lefty, you know how she is. And who are these guys? pointing at the charred Hummer. Don’t worry, I don’t think it’ll be long before we find out. Here come two black pick-ups, Zelda warned. They turned toward the vehicles racing the wrong way down the highway, several armed men aboard each. No shit, to one side an empty field and a small bullring. Are they ours? Nope, I don’t think so, my man Lefty; let’s go, Chopper. The boys went to their truck, Chopper picked up the bazooka and took cover behind the open door. Devil came back with pistols for the detectives and an A.K. for himself. They crouched behind the Toyota.
The pickups stopped about thirty metres away. A man got out, placed a rifle and a pistol on the hood and walked toward them, his hands in the air. It was Uncle Beto.
Which one is Lefty Mendieta?
Who wants to know?
Señor Valente Aguilar wants to speak with him.
The detective looked at Devil, who said nothing. Zelda shook her head.
You can come closer.
Here I come.
At his truck, Chopper, unblinking, trained his weapon on the nearest vehicle, while Devil pointed his own at the hired gun who, without lowering his hands, walked up to the Toyota.
You must be Lefty, my boss wants to speak with you. So, tell him to come.
The tension was right out of Stephen King.
He’s dying, three weeks ago one of his teeth started hurting, but it’s cancer, and now he can barely move, everything hurts. Hmm, these delicate guys are the worst.
He just got out, announced Zelda Toledo, whose eyes took in everything.
They turned and yes, Tenia Solium was making his way along the asphalt toward them, two men holding him up by the arms. Several cars stopped before reaching them, made U-turns and drove off. Except for one, which snuck up to the bullring practically unseen.
If you are as much of a man as they say you are, Lefty, you’ll go and meet my boss, I’m asking it as a favour.
Tenia was moving slowly, stumbling. Very thin.
Mendieta started out and Zelda went with him. Devil signalled Chopper, then followed. Uncle Beto lowered his hands and walked in the lead.
Tenia had his head tied up with a blue kerchief. He stopped and swayed while the others approached. Zelda was calculating the possibilities of arresting them all, Mendieta had no idea what might happen. What kind of farce was this?
Face to face. Tenia, eyes black, glared at him. Lefty suddenly felt off balance, something that happened to him every so often, and he couldn’t figure out how he’d ended up there, in such a weird situation.
You prick, do you know who was in that Hummer? Words tumbling out, voice barely audible, breath fetid.
Lefty withstood the stench without a word. Devil, rifle in hand, stood firm.
My son, asshole, you just killed my son, Lefty Mendieta.
The detective felt himself begin to recover, he breathed in deeply.
That’s why you wanted to see me? what a pain in the butt you are, Tenia Solium.
The gunslingers holding up their boss felt him tense and then fold over.
Fuck your mother; my son, you bastard, a boy who was my eyes, what potential, what promise, you killed him on me.
You’re a zero, Tenia Solium, and you’re dying like a fucking mangy dog.
Enough, no more of that bullshit; just remember this, you fuckin’ shit of a cop: for what you did to my son, I curse you, asshole, you’re gonna die the worst death you ever imagined.
You already sucked my dick once, Tenia Solium, are you going to suck it again? how exciting.
Fuckin’ Cat, you’re worth shit, too bad you don’t have any kids; ’cause I’d pay you back in spades.
Lefty froze, a strange sensation spread through him.
Tenia tried to spit at him, then indicated he wanted to be taken back. Devil, we’ll settle accounts later, you shot at Valentillo, don’t think I don’t know it, and slowly he made his way to where his people were waiting. Cold gust. The detectives and Urquídez backed away without turning. Before Tenia managed to reach his vehicle and climb aboard through the pockmarked door, three pickup trucks appeared from behind, shooting at anything that moved. The Chúntaros had arrived. To the Toyota! Devil ordered.
Right then they heard a blast and a whining buzz over their heads; Tenia’s pickup received a direct hit on the bullet-holes in the door, blowing the truck and all its occupants to smithereens. The hired guns who had been helping their murderous boss let go of him to return fire. Aguilar, a.k.a. Tenia Solium, was swaying like a cornstalk in the breeze, shooting wildly; and that was when the boss of the Chúntaros, a man in a black hat, took aim and emptied the magazine of his A.K. Tenia dropped his pistol and bit by bit, wounded all over, slumped to the ground.
Two minutes later, there were no more gunshots from Tenia’s people. Several men from the last wave of pickups walked up, signalling toward the Toyota that the show was over, and gave each of their enemies a coup de grâce. The one directing the operation pulled a cardboard sign from his Cheyenne and laid it on Tenia’s chest: Rabbble, Dont be killin.
In the Toyota the two-way radio was screeching. Zelda grabbed hold of it and reported that everything was under control, all they needed was the forensic doctor and several ambulances. The Chúntaros gave a wave goodbye, which Devil and Chopper returned, and sped off. What happened? Devil asked his sidekick. The shot went off all by itself, it won’t happen again, I don’t think the bazooka’s working right, first it jams on me and then the trigger gets touchy. Urquídez shook his head disapprovingly: You bastard, imagine if you’d missed Tenia’s truck?
Mendieta was speechless when Jason, smiling ear to ear, got out of the car that had not driven off. What was the kid thinking? He felt his blood boil over, what was that snotnose doing here at a time like this? He suppressed an urge to give him a few good whacks with his belt, feeling at the same time shocked at his own reaction. Sorry, we were here by accident; the young man understood just how upset his father was. How could you do that? what, are you looking to get killed? They wrapped their arms around each other and squeezed, Zelda felt herself losing it, Devil could not believe any of it. Don’t you ever go near a gunfight again, this mother’s not like in the movies. Jason nodded gravely. One day I told my coach you were the best policeman in Mexico, Papa, he muttered, I don’t regret it. Lefty did not know what to say. He thought, well, it’s Christmas, such things could easily happen. He saw Gustavo coming over, accompanied by the girls, and he had an idea.
Forty-Six
Colonel Domingo Félix H. received them at his home office filled with shining trophies and diplomas: he coached the base basketball team made up of soldiers’ children and the team rarely lost. Gustavo was the key that got them in the door, plus the colonel’s curiosity about the personality they named and a few other things life teaches you. The chairs were uncomfortable, metal, cold; the desk was small and the coffee freshly ground and fragrant. Congratulations on your son, detective, he looks to be a very good kid. I would say the same about yours, I hear he’s already chosen a career. I trust he’ll become a general someday, something I never even got close to.
Night. Cold, but bearable.
Regarding the individual you are looking for, the first thing is that his name is probably not Édgar Iriarte, no military man with the profile you describe is called or was called that. He paused. It might be Héctor Ugarte, an exceptional case, an incredibly talented man; I can’t understand why he didn’t become a star, he had everything it takes. Did you know him? When I first started here he came several times to meet our commander at the time; he was friendly, very good-looking, a skilful conversationalist. He put a metal folder into Lefty’s hands. Take a look.
Héctor Ugarte Rojo, rank: first captain, forty-two years old, in
telligence and special services, married to María Leyva, a ten-month-old daughter, address in Las Quintas. Photograph.
Lefty did the calculations and figured he had just turned sixty, why did Samantha and Max think he was over seventy? were they wrong? was he the guy they were looking for? did he wear makeup? Wong didn’t remember the name right either, could he be sick? a human being is an ambiguous beast. He read the two lines of curriculum vitae, which did not help in the least. Colonel, is he still alive? No idea, as you can see the information is bare-bones and it’s all we’ve got on him. You have nothing from the past seventeen years? Don’t get offended, but this is the only thing I can share without feeling like a traitor. Not even a new address? Nothing. Did he do rock-climbing or mountaineering? No idea. About five foot six tall. More or less, thin but strong, a bit effeminate. Any special name, any nickname? That I wouldn’t know. Though it isn’t much, I thank you for the information; just answer me one thing, why did you think of him? how did you know Ugarte might be the man we want? The colonel grimaced and got to his feet. The detectives followed suit, although not immediately. In the space of two minutes he seduced the girl I was going to marry: a bastard like that you don’t forget.
Name of the Dog Page 19
