Original subtitles

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

We had nothing to do with this.

Because, as you know, we don't like war.

Don't forget it.

Besides, all of our business is family business.

WELCOME TO CALI

From the start, my brother and I gave it our all.

And when we least expected it, the company grew.

Because the business is headed from heaven's branch

to the end of the world.

I assume that's why we're respected everywhere.

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION

BASED ON THE CHARACTERS OF THE BOOK EL CARTEL DE LOS SAPOS.

THE FACTS APPEARING HEREIN ARE A PRODUCT OF THE AUTHORS' IMAGINATIONS.

SOME SITUATIONS, BASED ON REAL FACTS,

HAVE BEEN MODIFIED AND ENHANCED FOR AN AUDIOVISUAL FORMAT.

The thing is...

you played soccer together.

That kid and you were always hanging out,

eating, sleeping in this house.

Yes, I know, Mom.

I'm just as surprised.

Imagine that today someone told you,

"Fabiola is a bad woman. She's a criminal."

Right. Let's calm down.

We need to hear what the authorities have to say,

what evidence they have against him.

-So... -No. Wait for what?

Are you his friend?

You must have heard or seen something.

Heard, at least.

No. Alonso was the same here.

We weren't like that. Someone ruined him.

Where have you been getting the goods for the store?

What? What are you implying?

I'm not implying anything.

I just want things to be clear.

I want to know who you're working with.

I can't believe it.

Now you don't trust your own son.

I want to see with my own eyes

where you're working,

where you get your money and the goods.

Mom, don't start with that.

All my life, I've worked from dawn to dusk to support everyone.

Fine.

All right.

What's wrong with my request then?

Listen to me, Leo.

Be honest with me or I'll close the store and your friends can't come anymore.

It's your choice.

Nora Villegas. She's a sixth-grade high school student.

Have you noticed any strange behavior recently?

No. Why? Is there something wrong with her?

That's what we're investigating.

You must tell us just in case you notice anything strange

with her teachers or her classmates.

No. She's one of our most hardworking and most behaved students.

She doesn't make any trouble,

she has good grades in all classes.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Any boyfriends or relationships?

No. None at all. But I can ask.

The only unusual thing about Norita is that she missed school today.

That's all.

Leonardo, tell me something.

Why did the police take Alonso?

Since when do I have the answers for everything?

You were his friend, you knew him perfectly.

-You knew... -Watch your tone.

I don't know anything.

This was a surprise to me as well.

Recently, everyone has two faces.

And I'm positive that the others know more than I do.

Why does it sound like you don't care?

No, I can't be responsible for everything. I told mom, too.

Alonso should face the music and explain himself.

Sis,

what's wrong with you?

I know you. Your distress is not the same as ours.

Where do you think it came from?

I don't know.

But it's different.

It's as if you know something that we don't. Trust me.

Tell me what's going on.

Fabi, I fell in love.

I was about to do something crazy with Alonso.

What a strange street, right?

I agree, Colonel.

Hey, Parra, I think I know this street.

Really?

-Thank you for the ride, Colonel. -Sure.

-Have a good night. -You too.

See you tomorrow.

Goodbye.

-Is everything okay? -Yes, fine. Okay...

Number 45-91.

Look.

Right there.

It's funny.

-I'll wait for you here, Colonel. -I'll be right back.

I'm Colonel Mauricio Tirado.

Good day.

We'll help you with whatever you need.

Would you like to take a seat?

No, thanks.

How about a drink?

No, I'm all right.

Look, young man,

among the documents we confiscated from Alonso Torres, member of the Chacos,

we found...

this ID.

It belongs to Nora Villegas.

-Do you know her? -Of course.

She's my sister.

I need to talk to her, then.

But, Colonel, I swear my sister has nothing to do with--

Young man,

don't swear anything.

Call her instead.

She has to be accountable for her actions.

Please.

Nora,

what is your relationship with this young man?

I don't know how to answer that, Colonel.

I don't even know if I can call him a friend.

You don't have to worry about these sort of...

conclusions.

We'll deal with that.

You just have to answer my questions.

Look, Nora,

among Alonso Torres's belongings,

we found...

this ID.

Do you recognize it?

Yes, Colonel. It's my school ID.

Why did he have it?

He used to come here very often.

I must have dropped it and he must have picked it up.

When was the last time you saw him?

Last Sunday.

My brother's friends always come for lunch every Sunday.

And he was there.

What did they talk about?

Nothing important over lunch, a bit of everything.

But didn't you have time to talk to him alone?

No.

Also, I wouldn't have anything to talk about with him.

Don't be scared to tell Colonel everything you know.

You don't owe him anything.

The truth is that Alonso and I always...

He's always been obsessed with her.

At school, he never left her alone.

He chased her, he watched her all the time.

-Is that a lie? -No.

He stole her lunch box, he threatened her.

He asked her to do his homework.

-Yeah... -Am I right?

Yes. Alonso and I...

I've always been scared of him

because he was always rude to me.

So, how did you two end up being friends?

Those things happen.

People grow up and forget that nonsense.

Over time, Alonso apologized for everything

and became a serious kid.

He became close to our family--

That's what it looked like.

If he's in this kind of trouble, then he hasn't changed at all.

Who knows how he wanted to use my little sister?

A member of this household. One of us, right?

That kid had a place at the table, a bed, if he needed one.

Anything.

And you never noticed any suspicious behavior?

No! Never.

We always trusted him completely.

Leonardo even asked him to work with him as well.

Work where?

His business. Buying and selling.

He's a trader.

I've always been involved with medicine.

As a child, I was a messenger at a pharmacy.

Now, I sell all sorts of medicine.

Creams, pills.

-Who do you work for? -At first, for anyone willing to buy.

Over time, I realized that money is not in distributing or selling medicine,

but in manufacturing it.

I see. So, you work in a lab?

No, sir.

I wanted to surprise my family, but I'll tell them.

I'm launching my first line of syrups.

-No way! -Yes.

Syrup? For what?

For a sickness we all suffer with at some point.

The common cough.

Alonso was helping me in placing labels,

getting permits.

No wonder everything was such a mess.

Where were you going to sell that cough syrup?

At the pharmacy I worked at as a child.

-Jimmy's pharmacy. -Yes, Madrigal.

If you need to search the house or talk to anyone else...

No. This is fine.

If we need another statement, you'll receive a citation.

I see. I don't think that will be necessary, right?

You've seen that everyone here is decent.

Have a good day.

You too.

What happened, Colonel?

Did you talk to the girl?

Wait for me in the car, Parra.

Mango?

Green mango.

Hello, neighbor.

Hello. How are you?

Good. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

I'm Colonel Maurico Tirado.

-How are you, Colonel? -I'm very good.

I'm investigating some weird events that happened nearby.

Is that so? Did something happen with our neighbors?

No, everything is fine.

I have a question.

How much do you know the family who lives two houses away?

Oh, the Villegas?

Of course, I know them.

-I've been Marléncita's friend... -Right. Yeah?

...since she moved here.

And her children.

-So polite, right? -They're wonderful.

Leonardo and Nora

-and... -Emanuel.

Emanuel is the other one.

-Oh. Right. -Yes.

Look, Colonel,

why do you ask?

It's just that some strange things always happen.

I think you and I need to talk again.

The family is up to something.

That girl is the guy's accomplice.

The girl and the rest of them.

They all say he's a saint. But you know what?

A brat once tried to make a fool of me.

His name is Emanuel Villegas.

My daughter's classmate. He came home to study, he said.

Was he trying to use you?

He wanted to get information from me.

Did you talk to him?

No, he didn't even show up.

Come on, we won't let him get away.

Wait, Parra.

Easy. I need to put pressure on this guy the other way around.

Can I have my mango?

Green mango, right?

That's right.

Okay. Now, what happened?

Nora, really.

Tell us if Alonso ever hit on you, or if he said anything unusual.

We're here for you.

I told the Colonel everything I know, Mom.

If I had known that Alonso was up to no good,

or that he was a part of that gang, I would have told you.

Everything will work out.

You were his friend, you didn't know.

All right,

the lesson here is that, in life,

you must know how to choose.

Yeah, right.

If you make a wrong choice, bad things might happen.

Michi.

What's going on?

Is there a family meeting?

No, we're talking about today's visitor.

Guess who came today.

-The colonel that's been... -Tirado.

...in every newspaper. Tirado.

-Go figure. -Yeah?

Why did he come?

He asked us if we knew Alonso,

he asked a lot.

But what can we tell him?

We've known him since we were kids.

We played soccer with him. You were the goalkeeper.

Did you talk about me?

Yes, about everyone.

We were surprised because we didn't know Alonso came over

and then he stole on the streets.

Anyway,

you know, they try to put the blame on everyone,

but they're screwed here.

Hey, Dad!

What's up, Dayana?

Where's Emanuel?

He's with his mom. She's very sick.

What's wrong with her?

He said she fell and sort of hurt her leg.

But I'll meet Emanuel later at the school.

When you meet him, bring him over.

What for?

I want to invite him for dinner.

Really?

I know I've been sort of picky with your friends,

but Emanuel has earned my trust.

I told you that you'd like him.

Didn't I tell you?

Bring him over.

Since he's so interested in the Chacos' business

and he won't stop asking about it, I'll tell him about the investigation.

Okay, I'll ask him over.

There's a little juice in the fridge.

If he wanted to take her away,

he was going to do it before I kicked him out of Cali.

Alonso ended up being smarter than everyone.

Not so much. He ended up in prison.

Have you talked to Norita?

No, not yet.

I can handle that.

No. Leave it to me, I can deal with it.

We need to put pressure on Alonso.

Norita must know that no one in the house can get involved with the wrong people.

If you break the rules, you'll pay, sooner or later.

-Leon. -Yeah?

What's up?

I need a favor.

Haven't we talked about this?

No. Come with me to prison. I want to speak with Alonso.

Sure, Mom.

I can't believe it.

What happened?

How come the little boy who played with my children

became an outlaw overnight?

You were part of our family.

Mrs. Marlén, don't say that.

What should I say, then?

Aren't you part of that group of thieves?

Tell us.

What happened to you?

Anyone can make mistakes.

But betraying people that loved you like your own family is unforgivable.

It's biting the hand that feeds you.

Why didn't you tell us you were in trouble?

If you were in need, why didn't you tell Leonardo?

We grew up in the streets and know Cali is dangerous,

but we also know crime doesn't pay.

I'll ask you a favor.

If you still feel any gratefulness and respect for this family,

here's my mom.

Tell the truth right to her face.

Mrs. Marlén, you know I love you and I respect you.

You have no idea how much.

It hurts to see you here now.

But I have to admit that you're right.

I screwed up.

I made a huge mistake.

I got carried away by ambition

and bad company.

I'm sure you won't forgive me,

and you have the right.

Because I failed you,

and the people I care about.

I chose the wrong path.

It was too late when I realized I wanted to get out.

But, I swear...

I'll ask for your forgiveness for the rest of my life.

What about Norita?

Yes. What did you want from her?

Norita has nothing to do with this.

-I promise. -Really?

Then why did you have her school ID?

On the day before all of this,

she asked me to help her with her homework.

When I picked my things up,

her ID ended up being there and I accidentally took it.

Tell that to the police then.

I don't want them to go back to my house looking for outlaws.

I'll wait outside. Asshole.

I'll be there in a sec.

Why didn't you take the chance to visit him?

No...

I couldn't do it.

Being in love is one thing. Accepting he's a criminal is another one.

So, do you believe everything is true?

I don't want to believe it, but...

What else can I think of after seeing the evidence from the police?

They even have his sketch.

I think you need to talk to him. That will ease your mind.

No, I... I don't want to do anything for now.

Come on, Nora.

How long have you been seeing him?

Almost a year.

A year?

I don't know how you were able to keep it from everyone.

You know how things are in this house.

With Leonardo.

We all have to do what he says

or we'll end up paying.

-He's protective. -He's not protective, Fabiola.

He's a bully, actually.

Everyone in the house is under his thumb, even you.

We have to obey him.

If you don't agree with him, you'll end up paying for it.

I don't know.

He might have accepted it. He loved Alonso very much before this.

I used to think the same way.

But I realized I was wrong.

Whatever I did,

at some point, he would make us pay.

Of course, with such a secret!

And if everything turns out to be true, you should be thankful

you didn't end up with him.

What do you think?

Those criminals' girlfriends do well? No, ma'am.

You're probably in a lot of pain now,

but it's for the best.

Why did you sell me out, Leo?

Weren't we partners, friends?

That's what I'm telling you.

You're a traitor.

You wanted my sister.

Did you think you could fool me without consequences?

I wasn't going to fool you.

I just fell in love with Nora. What should I do?

Look the other way, leave her alone.

Do you choose who you love?

Stop being such a clown.

I told you.

Leave the family out of this.

I was going to take care of her.

How? Taking her away from her family in secret?

You know I'm right.

No, Leo. No, come back.

You won't leave me here, will you?

Well, just behave.

Shut your mouth, or you'll pay outside.

Honestly, I don't think I can make it, honey.

How can you say no?

Don't say that. You're killing me.

Honestly, I'm behind with the Forensic Law assignment.

You know the professor is tough.

How can you blow my dad off like that?

He invited you to dinner himself.

I want to go, but I can't. Please understand.

He's starting to like you.

Look, it's really impossible today.

But next week,

I'll invite both of you to a really nice restaurant. Your choice.

Well, if you can't, you can't.

What can I do?

I'm not going to beg.

-Your loss. -Dayana.

Dayana. Emanuel.

Come on. Let's go home.

Hurry up. I'm causing a traffic jam.

What's up, Dad?

What's up?

-Hey, Emanuel. -Hello, Colonel.

-What's up, kid? -How are you?

-I'm fine, you? -I'm good.

MADRIGAL PHARMACY

At your service, Ms. Ofelia. Have a good day.

I need to talk with the owner of this business.

Wow! It's a miracle, man!

I'm glad to see you here.

Me too, Jimmy. See? Miracles are real.

I don't forget the people I love.

But now you're a big entrepreneur, always busy.

And I'll fill these cabinets

with the best medicine ever invented.

What do you mean?

Don't tell me you're selling medicine now.

Now, I manufacture it. Look.

-Yeah? -Yeah.

I brought it to the expert to see if it's approved.

-What is this thing? -The Villegas' first line of medicine.

My mentor says it has all the ingredients to cure aches and the flu.

Tell me, when did you decide to get involved in this?

Mr. Jimmy, I want to manufacture so I can stop working for other people.

Oh, of course!

Having lots of debts and obligations is a pain in the ass.

Don't tell me you're still repaying bank loans.

I sure am.

If you want to keep a business like this,

you have to get into debt.

What about a partnership?

Are you interested?

We can start a company.

Fifty-fifty.

Look, Leo,

I'll sell your medicine if you want and I'll help with whatever you need.

But let's leave it like that.

In spite of everything, I've managed to make this business work.

At this point of my life, what else could I come up with?

Tell me.

All right then.

Let's see.

Today, that guy didn't say a word.

He's probably protecting other outlaws.

That's the authorities' job.

To catch them all. We'll catch all the outlaws.

All of them. One by one.

Sure you will, Colonel.

-Who cooked this? -I did.

The woman of the house.

Especially for you.

My dad wanted to invite you to dinner.

Really?

Well, thanks a lot.

Dayana, it's delicious. Really, spectacular.

-My daughter did great. -Right?

Because she knew that tonight is very important for me.

We're celebrating.

Oh, wow.

We're celebrating because some truths are coming to light.

You're on the right track and I'm sure you'll catch them all.

-All of them. -Enough.

Let's stop talking about crooks.

Not all the time. It's not worth it.

-No, it's not worth it. -Right.

What's really not worth it

is that we keep having a guest, in this house, at this table,

who is a liar like you.

What are you talking about, Dad?

I don't understand, Colonel. What's going on?

You don't understand?

Have you told Dayana that you know that guy we caught?

That you're practically like a family?

Have you told her yet?

Have you told her that everything you said in this house is a lie?

Why do you say that?

This is a misunderstanding. We can sort this out by talking.

You're totally shameless!

Since you arrived at this house, you've kept lying.

You came here just to get information from me.

That's why you asked about the investigation.

That's why you lied.

Dayana, I swear I'm telling the truth.

You have to believe me.

Would you swear that you lied to me about your address?

When I gave him a ride, he lied about his address.

-I did, but there's an explanation... -Save your explanation.

Don't ever come back here.

Tell your family that their lies will come to light.

I'll make sure of that.

I'm glad you're here early.

I thought you would come late at night again.

Is this recrimination?

We barely saw each other this morning.

Come here.

Where did you stay up late last night?

Don't tell me you were making cough syrup.

You don't trust me.

I do trust you.

But I barely see you.

I'm used to something else.

I miss you.

I need you to look at me, to be close to me,

to yearn to see me.

You'll say that it's the pregnancy, I'm a nag, it's the hormones...

No, you're right.

You're right.

So much has been going on and I've worked so hard

that I've neglected you.

Do you still love me?

Of course, I do. You taught me how to dance.

You've been there for me since the start.

You're the love of my life.

You'll always be, no matter what.

Considering my crimes,

how long will I be locked up?

That's up to the judge.

Of course, if you have any information

you can give to the authorities in order to cooperate with them,

the conviction will be shorter.

If you have names or information about the people you worked with,

now is the time to talk.

Someone left you a message.

If you say you didn't work alone,

if you give them a name,

your family is screwed.

These people will protect you. They might even get you out of Cali.

Have you decided what to do with Alonso?

Do we let him rot in prison?

We'll use a connection that knows all the facts.

Emanuel's connection?

Yes. And our partner in prison.

We'll keep tabs on those two.

Tell me what needs to be done.

You and I will produce the world's best cough syrup.

We'll run the lab at full capacity.

You can count on it.

I'll just talk to them.

I want to talk to them.

We need a front if we have to prove the source of our funds.

Just in case Colonel Tirado continues to pester us.

-You handle the other thing. -I'll make the most out of my connection.

We'll distract Colonel Tirado.

Get a couple of outlaws,

really mean ones,

and with a very bad record.

What should I do with them?

Stay calm, people.

MADRIGAL PHARMACY

Mr. Jimmy!

Look at the product of the month.

I was just making space for your product.

Great. Maybe it will sell like hotcakes.

Yeah. We need to put some faith in it.

No, let's put some effort into it.

-Maybe we'll increase our sales. -Yeah, right.

The pharmacy has been in Cali for over 15 years.

It has never changed owners.

Who's this Jimmy?

Apparently, he's the business owner.

No criminal record, no trouble with the law.

He's known in the neighborhood for his business only.

Let's search the premises.

Under what pretenses?

Regular, routine police work, Major.

I agree, Colonel.

Excuse me.

UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC

Hello?

Norita, my love.

You didn't answer my calls.

I want to explain everything, okay?

Hello?

Norita.

Hello.

Hello.

I know you're there.

I can hear you breathing.

Maybe you don't want to see me anymore.

But I swear to God,

I wanted to change my life, I wanted to get out,

but, as usual,

someone was ahead of us.

Hello.

Talk to me, Norita.

"Antihistamine and decongestant.

Leonar-Cough Syrup."

Mrs. Marlén.

Look.

Check out the logo.

It's very nice.

Very pretty.

"Leonar-Cough." It suits you perfectly.

She made me change this part from color yellow to red.

-Red makes a statement. -Yes. It looks better.

Yeah. Pretty, yes.

-When will it start selling? -Now.

-You can order it at the pharmacy. -Go figure!

It has to be good.

The baby will be born with a bottle of cough syrup under their arm.

We haven't set up the child's room.

-No. -We need a crib for Fabiancito.

-Fabiancito? -Look at him.

-It might be a girl. -It will be a boy.

She has a pointy belly.

He'll be my buddy.

-Bubby. -Come shopping with us.

Yes. Wait for me.

Right. Look.

Call your lawyer and tell him you're willing to cooperate.

I don't even know what to say.

That's why I'm here.

I'll give you all the information you need.

Stop asking so many questions.

Just follow what I say.

Weren't we supposed to be in this together?

Together, but up to a point.

I'm not a treacherous rat like you.

You fucked up when you got involved with Norita.

You didn't come here to preach

and tell me what's right and what's wrong.

You're not the problem.

It's everyone's business.

Because you got involved with Norita,

the police are sniffing everywhere.

Someone who betrays a friend

can betray another one any time.

I didn't support your bullshit.

You didn't?

What are you talking about?

What did you think?

That you could go around all over Cali with Norita,

get her in the holes you hung around and no one would notice?

Come on!

It was you.

You sold me out, right?

Instead of confronting me, you talked behind my back.

Talk about what?

There was nothing to talk about.

Alonso, you fucked up.

You need to admit that.

You're lucky to be sitting here.

It could have been worse.

I hope your loyalty is repaid well.

I'm positive that if something were to happen to me,

it won't be for being a double-crosser, for hiding things from the people I love.

It's beautiful, isn't it?

It's perfect for my first grandchild.

We have to buy bottles, five sets of clothes,

a stroller and a baby carrier backpack.

Do you want a motorcycle, too?

No, come on.

He should value things from the start.

Things take work and effort.

Once he turns one, he'll start working.

Listen to him.

Right, mom?

That's how I raised my children.

I did good, right?

What about Norita?

Why didn't she come to see her nephew's crib?

Norita!

Don't you want to see the crib?

I'll have a look later.

Why the long face?

Are you that upset about Alonso?

-Go away. Leave me alone. -No.

Why are you throwing a tantrum?

Be grateful that someone takes care of you.

In life, you have to carefully consider each step you take.

Do you think you had a future with that guy?

-What future? -What future?

You think you lack freedom, that I'm like a controlling dad.

Have you read the letter?

It was just for...

Were you going to forget about us?

Things aren't like that.

An affair is never more important than family.

What would mom think if she found out?

Are you going to tell her?

-Tell her! -What do you think?

I just don't want anyone messing up your life.

No one should hurt you.

You might not be a child,

but I'll always look out for you like a father,

whether you like it or not.

That's why you wanted to send him to Bogotá?

Why do you want to send him away right when everything comes to light?

Why haven't you done anything to get him out of jail?

Yes. I know I've made a mistake. Forgive me.

But I need to know

if I'm the only one in this house who's being kept in the dark.

No, I'm not the bad guy here.

Make no mistake.

BASED ON THE BOOK EL CARTEL DE LOS SAPOS

BY ANDRÉS LÓPEZ

Subtitle translation by: Jesica Miotti