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 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.

CLUB BRISAS

I saw it coming.

I saw it coming!

Mariano got everyone on his side.

The principal and the social worker are already on his side.

He won them over with his doctor's degree.

Tell me, Deisy.

Do you think I'm a bad woman?

A bad mother?

What's wrong with you? How can you think that?

We all see you working every day

just to support your kid.

Don't let that man get in your head too.

You're a good mom. Period.

I'm scared.

If Mariano does what he says, then what?

He'll take my baby.

Go to sleep, Fede.

Do you have a headache?

Do you have a tummy ache?

I haven't had another one.

So, what's wrong? Why can't you sleep?

I miss Mom.

Don't worry, kiddo, I know.

That's why I'm here with you.

And you know what?

I have a surprise for tomorrow.

Really? What?

It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you.

But let's do something.

You go to sleep quickly, close your eyes.

If you fall asleep quickly, the sun will come up sooner,

and you'll find out what the surprise is.

Dad, can you scratch my back?

It's what Mom does when I'm not sleepy.

I'm here to help you.

We know that after a kidnapping,

the last thing victims want to do is talk.

So, on behalf of this institution,

we want to thank you for your bravery.

No, I have to thank you, officer.

I hope you can use what I'm about to show you.

Rosalba!

Thank you, dear.

What's that?

The promotion that's waiting for you

once you stop digging around where you don't belong.

Open it.

What are you talking about?

I'm saying you must do what's necessary to survive.

Like me.

I went from kidnapped to kidnapper.

Fuck that, they paid you off.

Some will say it's the money, some will say it's malice.

You know what I call it?

Survival instinct.

With a bit of adrenaline, I can't deny that.

Officer.

Let's avoid the unnecessary scandal.

Let's talk like civilized people.

You accept the promotion,

stop fucking with the wrong people,

and you might save your ass.

Tell your friend to do as she pleases.

I'm not bowing down.

I like brave people.

But I don't like people who don't think about their mother.

Because Rosalbita could shoot you

and your issues would be over.

But those problems and suffering would stay with Mrs. Elvira.

Poor thing, in a nursing home,

with no one to speak for her.

I respect you, officer.

I hear you're a worthy opponent.

But even the best warriors accept defeat when the battle is lost.

Your call.

You walk out of here with a badge,

or with a bullet in your chest.

CALI SOME DAYS LATER

Congratulations on your promotion, Colonel.

This institution is proud to have such committed officers,

so dedicated to their duty.

Men that are loyal above all else.

You'll be missed.

But I'm sure you'll continue to work

for us at your new position in La Guajira,

protecting the lives of your fellow countrymen.

Good luck.

Leonardo Villegas Ulloa.

Born in San Fernando, Valle del Cauca.

Twenty-five years old.

Tradesman and pharmacist.

Known in the community as an honest man.

No criminal records nor police reports against him.

Leonardo Villegas.

The judge ordered your release.

Go on then.

The institution is rotten.

If you don't comply with the Villegas' rules,

you're a dead man in Cali.

Let them celebrate.

As long as there's one or two of us they can't pay off,

we can do something about it.

Welcome to exile, Colonel.

We're in the same spot, Parra.

This isn't over yet.

You scared us to death, dumbass.

In this country, as long as we have money,

the law is on our side.

And the General did exactly as expected.

Yeah. God allowed us to keep working.

We're clean.

We've got no records.

Those that wanted to screw us over are nice and calm now.

But...

we still have to put some pressure on the professor.

You don't say.

He'll pay for his stupidity.

Well, gentlemen. Shall we go?

I have everything ready for you to return home.

Careful with the goods, don't drop them.

Grandma.

You take care of the car, this is a delicate one.

Pepe, help me with this box.

Hold this.

But... Hey, no!

Don't park the truck so far,

bring it closer, we're loading things.

Where's my boy?

I'm fine. How are you?

How was your trip?

It was wonderful.

Look.

Take notes, that will be us in a few months.

Oh, we're missing something.

Look, Fabiola.

This is for you, Mom.

-What is it? -A vacuum.

Oh, no.

Try it.

Newest model.

Press here to start it.

Do you like it?

We needed that.

Look at this.

This is the latest technology.

Let's see.

-But what is that for? -To dry your hair.

Doesn't it burn it?

No.

Look, you can fold it like this.

It's hot in there.

-Here's the radio. -This is for me!

I mean, Christmas arrived early this year!

Dad, I'm full already.

You barely ate, Fede.

Stop playing with your food, eat so we can go for a drive.

For a drive?

Of course.

Did you think a magical place

that can fix all your problems would be just around the corner?

No, sir. We're going for a drive, far away, so hurry.

We'll bring the coca paste from Peru

and you'll process it here in Cali.

I'll leave with the first kilo and take it through Mexico to the US.

If we manage to do that,

when those people see the quality and price of the product,

they'll want more for sure.

That's very nice, Hugo.

The map, the presentation, very nice.

Our issue is money.

What we need now is a place to process the paste,

we need workers. Do you know how much that costs?

Something like this, give or take.

Is it enough?

Not even close.

With what we had to give the General, and what we lost in court,

we're fucked.

Right now, the only thing we have is a little bit of cough syrup,

bills to pay, and a pharmacy.

That's it.

Got it?

-And if we sell the pharmacy? -How can you say that?

It's the family business.

Sell the only thing we have?

We could get a mortgage.

No, it's still not enough.

Emanuel, get all of the pharmacy's documents.

The deed, financial statement, inventory...

and the insurance policy.

Go, now.

Mrs. Gloria's syrups.

I brought some for Ismael too...

the antibiotics.

And this is for Marco's pain,

until we get the morphine.

Simón.

Thank you.

But I don't think you should bring anything else for Mr. Marco.

-How come, Mari? Don't tell me that-- -No.

Not yet.

But he won't live long.

The doctors said I have to get him out of the hospital.

Simón, they're saying Mr. Marco can't be cured,

and that keeping him here on painkillers is not justifiable.

For him, or for the patients that can actually survive,

those who can make better use of that space.

I'm sorry, Simón.

"The all risks insurance policy covers material damages such as:

earthquakes, hurricanes, vandalism damage, floods or fires.

The policy covers all damages..."

Wait.

Read from vandalism again.

"Vandalism damage, floods or fires.

The policy covers all damages."

See?

-No, what? -Don't you see?

That's how we'll get the money

without sacrificing the business.

Give me that. God shapes the back for the burden.

The pharmacy will keep on feeding us.

Ready.

Done.

The food.

Oh, no. That's not the password, but I'm coming anyway.

I'm coming, honey.

-How are you? -Hello.

I'm here to bring these clothes you ordered from my cousin.

Maye, you have to pay the next installment in 15 days.

Yes, tell her I'll pay in time, thank you.

Were you cooking in this heat? It smells amazing.

Oh, I brought you this envelope, it was by the door, addressed to you.

To me? No, that's for my boy!

Okay, take one.

"Dad kept his promise."

No.

-Look. -What did Mariano do now?

No, look.

What am I gonna do now?

Hmm? He took the kid?

And he took him without telling me.

You see? It's not me, it's him.

He's a scoundrel.

I don't know what to do.

-You have to pressure him. -How?

You gotta stay on his back,

because he's doing whatever he wants.

Mariano can't forget the boy has a mom.

He can't just ignore you.

He can't leave you with nothing.

When the business is closed, at nighttime,

and we're sure there's no one inside,

no witnesses, no people around,

Hugo, you're gonna come through here, this street. Got it?

-Got it. -You get there, get out,

break in, however you can.

The idea is for the pharmacy to be engulfed in flames in seconds.

So we'll get paid for everything.

Exactly.

For the goods we'd supposedly lose.

They're going to pay us for medicine

we're gonna sell after, easily.

We win on every front.

I repeat, for us to get paid 100%,

everything must be destroyed.

That's what our expert is for.

Butyl alcohol, kerosene, and furfural.

It's a fail-proof mix.

Throw it against the storefront

and it will become engulfed in flames.

And I warn you.

There will be nothing left.

Hey!

-Mr. Marco. -What?

This is gonna kill me.

Help me.

Drink this herbal tea.

Stay calm.

We'll find a way to help you, don't worry.

Oh, help me.

Help me.

So, it's Leonardo, Emanuel, Dayana, Nora, you, me, who else?

Maybe the guys' friends too.

You think Hugo will come?

I like that boy.

He seems decent, clean, handsome.

He barely eats anyway, it doesn't matter if he comes.

You think Norita will bring someone?

No, she's coming alone.

I thought she'd bring the professor.

No. First comes the pharmacy and then studying.

No distractions.

Oh.

Nora, help! He's dying.

I got him.

-Close the gate. -On it.

We'll go to the office.

I can't believe you know him.

That man, whose loneliness is killing him.

That's his choice.

He chose how to live his life.

No, don't say that.

Who would like living like this?

Who would want to be forgotten and live off of charity?

We make those decisions when we don't value what we have.

He had a wife that loved him very much.

And three kids that waited for him at home

every night, even just to see him sleep.

Are you saying that...

Marco is your dad?

Joselin.

Joselin Villegas.

That's his name.

I don't get it, how can a father forget he has a family?

Hasn't he thought about us in all these years?

Didn't he miss us?

What did you say when people asked about us?

Answer me, Dad.

Who are you?

Huh?

LOW-COST PHARMACY

This will make you feel better.

Uh... that girl, why is she talking to me like that? Who is she?

You sure you don't remember her or your family?

I have no family.

What's important is that you stay calm.

Try to get some rest.

Afterwards, you're gonna have a much deserved conversation with Nora.

Nora?

Nora.

Nora, forgive me.

Forgive me.

Forgive me.

What's this?

Nora.

Come here.

What's wrong?

How did it go with the radio? You haven't mentioned it.

I loved it, I use it all the time.

Oh, and that hair thing.

Oh, no!

Look at my pretty curls.

-It can't be. What? -Yes.

Oh, Mrs. Marlén, you have to let me borrow it.

Come over one of these days and you can borrow it.

Fabiola was scared at first.

Being in there, it's all weird.

Come on.

I need a little help.

We have to get out.

Let's go. Nora!

They won't answer!

What would you like?

But if it's a girl, what would you like her to be like?

-Hello? -Hello, Leonardo.

Help me, please, the pharmacy is on fire!

What are you doing there?

I was organizing some paperwork and it got late.

It's going to collapse. Leonardo, help me.

Get out however you can.

-Emanuel. -What's up?

-We're leaving. The pharmacy is on fire. -What?

And Nora is there?

Wait for me, dumbass.

Come on, let's go.

I'm sorry, I didn't know that man was your dad.

Or anything about his past.

No, you didn't know anything, so stop apologizing.

Oh, my God.

Sweetheart.

-Thank you for bringing her. -It's okay.

-Are you okay? -Are you okay?

-Yeah? -How are you?

-I'm okay. -Have you seen a doctor yet?

No, we're waiting.

Hey, what were you doing there?

Why didn't you go home?

I was organizing the shelves, and the bills,

putting stuff in order.

Smoke filled up the place.

-That's when I called you, but... -No.

I didn't know what to do.

How much did we lose?

We're assessing how serious it is.

What matters is that you're okay.

But someone else isn't.

Nora.

Nora.

Where's my daughter?

Nora.

Wanna get some coffee?

How did that man end up at the pharmacy?

Who took him there?

Tell me.

It's okay.

Well, Simón works at...

He does social work in a precarious medical center

that doesn't even get pills, or any medicine, and, well...

Among all the sick people... was Dad.

He has a serious case of cirrhosis

and dementia, bad enough for him not to recognize me.

That man has always had dementia.

He forgot everything long ago.

And cirrhosis, well, with all his drinking.

I thought the same, but he's in bad shape.

He's just messed up, he pretended not to recognize you.

No. No, it's just... he's in bad shape.

They call him Marco there, because he doesn't know his name,

or what he did, or who he is.

He's messing with your head.

You asshole! Leonardo said to make sure there was no one inside.

Didn't you realize?

The store was closed, jackass, I couldn't see inside.

There were no witnesses.

I set it on fire and I ran away, like we planned.

You can't follow instructions if you

don't know what you're doing.

If something had happened to Norita, you wouldn't be here to tell the story.

And if you truly want to work with us,

you have to get this through your head.

For Leonardo, and for us, family comes first.

It's untouchable.

Fuck.

Simón.

Did anything happen? What did they say?

No. We don't know anything yet.

I wanted to thank you for everything you're doing for him.

I didn't know that man was related to the family.

And we do what we can at the health center.

You can't imagine what state the sick people are in over there.

No, I can. Poor people.

No one should die like that.

Not even someone who forgot they had children and a wife.

I'm sorry this caused this much pain to the family.

No, forget about it.

As I said, I want to thank you for everything you're doing.

It's remarkable.

Buying medicine out of your own pocket

to help other people.

There's still good people out there.

Besides, you helped my little sister graduate with honors,

and you still stay by her side.

Nora is a smart woman.

-I'm so amazed by her that... -You fell for her?

Are you gonna say your relationship is strictly professor-student?

She's smart.

All her reading, her work ethic.

Did you fall in love?

Listen to me carefully.

Welcome to the family.

Thank you for helping me.

Sometimes I need extra hands.

No, that's what we're here for.

Besides, when mine is born, you're gonna have to help me too.

Of course, you can call me. In fact, you have to call me.

Plus, it will be harder for you, because you're... well, alone.

No. I know. Don't worry.

But don't you think your dad is gonna want to meet his grandchild?

I don't think so.

The thing with my dad is, he's a radical man, and...

it'll be hard to get him to change his mind.

-Yeah. -He's difficult.

He doesn't even like Emanuel.

Imagine that. He doesn't even like Emanuel.

Hey, and when you met Leonardo, what did your family say?

At first, my mom didn't like the idea either.

But she came around.

Those two are like that.

They can change any situation,

convince anyone.

Don't cry.

That's it, darling.

My dad will be the exception.

Well, never lose hope.

It's weird that they haven't called yet,

is the phone working?

Well, yeah, it has a tone and all.

The patient's condition is delicate.

His liver is severely damaged, it's irreversible.

His lungs are also compromised.

We ran every test, and at this time,

we're treating the pain with painkillers.

How much?

We can't discharge him yet.

We'll know the total when we're done.

You can see him if you wish.

He keeps saying he wants to see his kids.

Excuse me.

Thank you, Luisa.

You leave for a few days and you're all grown up.

You're bigger, champs.

You don't change, though.

You look like you just left the bar where you spend all your time.

No, Leonardo.

I have nothing to say to him.

We're talking about your dad.

He abandoned us.

Maybe deep down you're angry

because you know you're similar to your dad.

We've all made mistakes here, León.

And we all have the right to a second chance.

Emanuel, go ahead if you want.

Okay, let's do something, boys.

We'll put it all in one fund.

Everything we earn goes to the same fund.

What do you mean?

We earned that money.

Yes, but don't worry, relax.

Do me a favor and drop the attitude.

It's your dad that's dying.

Which attitude? I'll pay for his hospital bill,

he should feel satisfied.

Well...

I don't have much to do here either.

Are we gonna go see him?

Of course.

No matter what, I don't want him to die like this, alone.

How do you feel?

Is the food ready?

Pork chops?

Delicious.

They'll bring you food soon.

Remember we're at the hospital.

The nurse said it would make you feel better.

That woman... the girl is very pretty.

Thankfully, she doesn't remember me.

Don't worry about a thing,

Norita and I are here for you, okay?

The boys, where are they?

Leonardo and... E...

Emanuel.

No, they're busy. They aren't here.

Tell them to come... I want to see them.

Maybe later.

You stay calm.

"When they arrived on the second floor,

the voices stopped,

and everything was silent."

That's the start of a famous story

by Edgar Allan Poe,

the creator of the detective fiction genre,

that might help guide you

to better understand a detective's

or investigator's logic.

In this class, you'll be the investigators.

I recommend you pick an unresolved case

and start working on it.

Does it have to be a famous case that's been in the news?

Not necessarily.

But it's important that there's a mystery,

where events can be reconstructed step by step.

-Should we work together? -Yes.

It's important that you turn in a complete presentation.

And at the end, a clear and strong hypothesis

of the events.

I think I have the case we'll work on.

Perfect.

Everything seems to point to a short-circuit.

The investigators are on it, don't worry.

Thankfully, the pharmacy was insured.

-See? Solved. -Yes.

Once everything is settled, they'll pay for everything, don't worry.

Leíto, we were very upset.

The fire was too big, we didn't know what to do.

It got out of control, really.

What would you have done? I'm glad you didn't do anything.

Being there was scary enough.

Still talking about it? You're making me depressed, stop.

Where are you going?

To the hospital.

I'll bring some things for your dad,

he doesn't even have a razor.

Oh.

Listen, you idiot, doesn't it matter to you

that your dad is there alone, fighting his disease?

Good luck, Mom. Take care.

LOW-COST PHARMACY

Excuse me, did you see anything suspicious before the fire?

It was the same as always.

I didn't see any strange movements or anyone suspicious.

Just the same suppliers we see every day.

And a few clients, but I know them all.

Did anyone ask you anything, make a strange comment?

Not at all.

People bought things and left.

Norita, did you light any candles?

Was there a short-circuit,

anything that could cause an electrical fault?

No, I don't use candles.

Leonardo had maintenance done recently,

everything was okay.

How did you realize the pharmacy was on fire?

It was awful.

We were about to leave,

and we smelled something burning,

and we realized the room was filling with smoke.

Thankfully, we got out alive, because it was awful.

Question.

Have you ever had issues with the pharmacy's owner?

We all got along here.

Mr. Jimmy can be a bit hot-headed sometimes.

But it's understandable.

The plan to modernize the pharmacy

didn't sit well with him.

If you ask me, I don't think he was happy

to leave the business in Leonardo's hands.

Do you know if they have enemies in the neighborhood?

But did he say anything?

No, not at all. Look, everything I'm saying

is just my own suspicions.

I can't speak ill of anyone, 'cause I don't really know anything.

Especially Mr. Jimmy, who's been in charge for so long.

Norita, do you know what time he left the store?

Well, it was around...

Dayana, why are you asking so many questions?

Do you need to know anything specific?

I have to work on a Criminalistics project,

and I want to reconstruct what happened before the fire step by step.

Norita, imagine if I uncover that it wasn't a gas leak,

but rather, someone is involved.

-Can you imagine? -I hadn't thought about it.

-You're right. -Right?

In that case, he left around... Let me think...

Did you sleep well?

Fede, tell your dad to protect you from the sun.

Mom, the pool is so much fun.

I play with Dad all day, I'm so tired.

I can imagine.

Mom, did you get the picture we sent?

Yes, honey. I got it.

-Thank you. -A-ha, and Mom,

Dad wants to pay for a diving course to see animals underwater.

Oh, no. Fede, no.

You're too young for that.

The sea is filled with weird creatures, tell your dad I said no.

Mommy, please?

You know Dad takes care of me,

and he's very responsible.

Your dad, hmm.

Hey, honey, do you miss me?

Because apparently...

A lot.

Really?

I'd like for you to come with us when we go to the beach,

and for you to sleep with me.

It's hard for me to sleep without you.

I know you don't like me saying it, but...

the three of us should be together, right?

I miss you too, Fede, a lot.

Well, tell me when...

Come here, son.

We're missing out.

Let's go.

Here, Luisita.

Two pairs of pajamas and personal hygiene supplies.

How are the tests going?

Mrs. Marlén,

you better call everyone that might want to say goodbye.

I can't believe this is happening to me.

Calm down, Mayerly.

Federico called you himself.

That means Mr. Mariano hasn't kidnapped him.

Mariano took the kid without telling me.

Isn't that abusive?

Yes, the father of the child

should have checked with you about this trip.

But right now, what matters is that Federico is fine.

And in good hands.

Mariano took the kid without telling me.

And not only that.

He's not responding when I ask when they'll be back.

This situation is driving me crazy.

We get it, Mayerly.

But it's likely that the time Federico is spending with his dad

will turn out to be good for him.

Dr. Mariano can keep an eye on him,

make sure he recovers.

And he has the means to buy

all the necessary things for...

The only thing the kid needs is his mom!

Mariano knows that very well, that's why he's bribing him.

What did you think?

That this sea trip was spontaneous? No, ma'am!

He's showing him how the rich live, so the kid will forget about his mom.

What hurts the most is that he's turning him against me.

The only thing he's achieving is hurting the child.

Can't you see?

So, what? Ready?

-Ready. -Let's go!

-You flew so high! -Again.

-Did you like it? -Again, Dad.

I guarantee you'll like the snow more,

because, you know what? I'll teach you how to ski.

-That's cool, Dad. -It's good.

Under one condition, Fede.

Anything.

You have to enjoy everything I offer you.

What do you mean?

You spend all your time thinking about your mom,

how she might be upset because you're having a good time with me.

Son, it's not like that.

She doesn't get upset, she gets sad.

She's not the only one that gets sad, kiddo.

I get sad too, you know why?

Because you're not a child anymore!

You grew up, you're so big, you're a man!

That's why she's sad, not because you're having fun here.

Because... because she knows.

She knows we have good times, and that we deserve, whenever we can,

to enjoy ourselves the way we're doing today.

The last one there loses!

-That's cheating, Dad. -I'm winning.

I'm winning.

Hey, you're swimming fast, huh?

I won!

You won!

I know everything he put us through.

I know he spent more time away from us than with us.

I know all of that, all the pain he caused.

I suffered first.

But you three have his blood.

How can you not visit him?

I won't leave him alone, Mom.

I know you won't, because you have a big heart,

and you know that's how you are.

These two brats won't even show their faces there.

Mom, he would have done the same.

Let me explain.

If one of us were in the hospital, he wouldn't visit us,

because he'd need time to get drunk

-or to get handsy with some hussy. -Shut up! Are you done?

I know perfectly well who your dad is.

Do you?

Then why do you defend him?

You know why?

Because I want to forgive him.

Because I think it's important we have the chance to forgive.

Because I want you to be humble,

for once in your lives, and visit him before he dies.

That's why.

-Are you going? -Yes, like you said.

I'll be humble with that man, this one time.

BASED ON THE BOOK EL CARTEL DE LOS SAPOS

BY ANDRÉS LÓPEZ

Subtitle translation by: Ana Grasso