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.

This coffin's made of purpleheart, hand-painted.

It's lined with silk and, above all, it's super light, okay?

-But, is it fine, fine? -Fine?

It's one of the best ones.

It resists sunlight, water, no matter where you put it, okay?

And how much weight does it hold?

My relative is very fat, he ate a lot of snacks.

Oh, I see. No, this coffin can hold up to 100 kilograms, okay?

And it's got good depth.

Yes, look, it can hold up to two bodies, you see?

Well, I'm sold.

I'm sure I'll see you again.

Another uncle who's about to kick the bucket. Poor guy.

Oh, okay, sir. Always at your service.

Do you know what I remembered?

That time we went to the park to fly kites, remember?

Mom, remember?

Our kite flew the highest, and everybody was watching it.

Or when you sang me rancheras to put me to sleep.

My mom never liked it, but she got used to it.

When I turned seven, remember?

We made sancocho and ran around carrying a ball everywhere.

I shouldn't have gone away

and left you alone.

Why say such things right now?

Why blame yourself?

Let's remember all the nice memories we had together.

Forgive me, Marlén.

Forgive me for the pain I caused.

Forgive me.

Forgive me.

Don't you know you gave me the most precious thing I have in life?

You gave me my children.

I'm here to thank you.

Thank you for everything.

Remember when you stabbed my first soccer ball?

When you drank away all the money Leonardo and I had earned?

And my mom's too?

Beer for everyone! There's money to go around!

How many women did you lie to?

If you hadn't left when you felt like it,

we wouldn't be the men we are today.

And we've done very well without you.

Once you're gone, we'll do a lot better.

It's a shame...

you won't be here to see us have everything you never imagined.

Have a nice trip, Joselín.

Hello.

-Oh, sweetie. -I'm so sorry.

I know it can't be easy.

Well, just imagine.

He was my children's father.

My ex-husband, so, of course it's not easy.

Okay, a toast to life.

-Because it makes everyone pay. -Yes.

Yes, but it was... strange, you know?

Seeing him so weak, so fearful, bedridden there.

After being such a bastard, right?

A guy that did whatever he felt like doing.

He died as he lived.

And he paid for all the crap he did.

Don't tell me you feel bad for him.

No, no, no way.

I was thinking earlier,

can you imagine what would've happened if he'd stayed with us?

Don't think about what didn't happen.

It's like missing someone you never met.

Forget about it.

What we gotta do is make the most out of life's opportunities.

I understand him, really.

Because anything he wants... bam!

There's Mariano, spoiling him rotten.

And you know how long the thrill of daddy spoiling him will last?

It's a flash in a pan. Nothing else.

Tell me something,

when has a son ever traded his mom for a few small seashells?

That's not the issue.

It's the quality of life, sweetie.

I'd love to see Federico get a degree, go to a university,

give him a house, a car, but it's very difficult for me.

No, Mayerly.

No, don't let him get in your head.

No, listen, who gave birth to the boy?

Who breastfed him, bottle-fed him, changed his diapers?

Who took care of him when he was sick? Hmm?

Who puts food on the table every night at home

and puts him to sleep by cuddling him?

And the tickles...

No, no matter how much money he has, you win at parenting.

I'm craving the best champús.

Leonardo.

No, this bin's already empty.

Oh, why the face? What's up?

-Is everything all right? -Yes.

No, it's all wrong.

-Deisy... -What? Look.

Imagine that someone... some guy knocked someone up, right?

And then, he disappeared.

He never stayed up late, changed a diaper or dealt with the flu.

Suddenly, he shows up wanting to take the little boy away from his ex-wife.

-Okay, that's enough. -He's a jerk, right?

Can I help you with anything?

No.

And thanks for the offer, but I have to do this on my own.

And no one asked you to represent me.

-But it's true. -You're always such a gossip.

Oh, Mayerly! Wait!

Maicol?

One beer.

CALI DAYS LATER

The insurance company covered all damages to the pharmacy.

Not only the structural damage, but also the goods

and for the products that, according to us, were in there.

Get out of here. I'm gonna set my house on fire, huh?

-Yes, but first you need insurance. -Okay, perfect.

Let's order some coca paste, then.

That's what we'll do. And we'll open another pharmacy too.

You'll keep the business going?

Sure, now more than ever, dude.

If we go on like this, we'll become drug lords.

Look how things are going. Read this.

I'm being summoned for questioning in family court.

Why didn't you report him for taking the boy?

But why would I do that, Deisy?

Everyone thinks Mariano is the boy's savior.

Especially the principal and the social worker.

They're so happy Federico's with a doctor.

And what am I? Just a poor street vendor.

No, don't say that.

It's not my opinion, it's their opinion.

-What are you going to do? -What can I do? Appear in court.

-Or I'll never see my son again. -Who are you going with?

No one.

Mayerly, you know you can't go alone.

You know Mariano.

He probably already bribed half the court and hired three lawyers.

Tell me what to do, then. Really, tell me.

Find someone.

Someone who can at least tell you what to say.

With what money? With what time?

I don't have any of that, Deisy.

All I have is the truth, and I'll face the situation with it.

Stop being so defensive. Look. Leonardo doesn't bite.

-Didn't he say why he needs me? -He won't scold us,

not after telling you, "welcome to the family."

Or what do you think?

Did you forget your mom and sister-in-law had to rescue you

from a police station because of me?

I talked to them, they promised not to tell him.

If he had heard about it, he would've scolded us long ago.

Don't worry, he likes you.

Let's see what the head of the house wants.

So...

Thank you.

Thank you, sweetie.

I come from Colombia.

That's okay, isn't it?

Don't you want me to help you spell it right?

No, you can help me with that later, I wanna know how to say it.

And, for example, if I wanna use the restroom?

Well, you can say, "May I use the restroom?"

Or you can simply say, "Where is the bathroom?"

Both are fine.

Why do you want to learn English?

The business has outgrown the Colombian market.

I'll offer my cough syrup in the US.

Why not start in other cities and then take it there?

Look, thinking big or thinking small requires the same effort,

but the results are completely different.

So, always think big.

Think big.

-It's a matter of paperwork. -Bureaucracy...

Where's Federico?

He's fine with me, that's all you should worry about.

-Give me my son back. -One moment.

He's my son too.

And watch your tone, or you'll have a harder time seeing him.

Why are you doing this to me?

How did one visit to see Federico turn into family court

and a lawyer who wants to make me look like a monster?

Aren't you tired of pleading, Mariano?

Please be seated so the session can begin.

-Good afternoon, Your Honor. -Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

We're here to evaluate the conditions under which eight-year-old

Federico Meza lives. His father says he has evidence

he lives in poor conditions with his mother, Mayerly Salcedo.

Take a look at this beauty.

Freshly baked.

Pure white gold.

How much can you make with that?

In the US, as much as you want.

How many grams?

It depends on the artist working on it.

I already have one.

Gasoline.

A stove.

A triple beam balance.

Ether.

And that's it. That's all I need.

Okay, almost nothing.

Trust me.

With the items from that list and this beauty right here,

I can do wonders. Wonders.

Remember when I left that briefcase on your desk?

Well, I wasn't wrong.

This is the man we need for this business.

ROOM FOR RENT

He's so vile.

He got there with a lapdog for a lawyer and lots of evidence for the judge.

Evidence? What can he say about you?

What didn't they say about me!

A bunch of medical reports saying the boy is malnourished.

A report from the school's infirmary

saying that when the boy fainted, I never showed up.

And the social worker... complaining about me,

bad-mouthing me for leaving the kid alone.

You know why I leave him alone.

They even had pictures!

They say the boy is underdeveloped.

And it was so humiliating...

that even I think I'm a bad mother.

Imagine what the judge must be thinking.

No, don't be sad, Mayerly.

You can't give up now.

You have to put up a fight.

How?

You'll have to find someone tougher than him.

I'm sorry.

CALI DAYS LATER

CLUB BRISAS

I give you my word, I'll pay back every cent,

in installments if need be.

With lunches or whatever I need to do, I'll pay you back.

Please, help me get a good lawyer.

That's nonsense.

You don't have to promise me anything,

and don't worry, there's no hidden intentions.

I have a son now too,

and I don't know what I'd do if he were taken away.

I promise I'll do my best to get your son back.

Thank you, Leonardo.

Everything in my life comes at the wrong time, you know?

I married too soon.

I got pregnant while we were separating.

And you...

showed up already married and with a baby boy.

It is what it is.

Right?

Yeah, right.

I'll be back for the glass.

Excuse me.

-I'm strong. -I'm strong.

-I'm powerful. -I'm powerful.

And today, everything will go the way I want.

Everything will go the way I want.

Any time you get anxious, you'll say,

-everything will go the way I want. -Everything will go the way I want.

That's it.

What if I don't do well?

-Mayerly. -It's a possibility.

No, you're a badass.

You raised your boy all by yourself.

Every day, working from dusk to dawn, day after day.

Always with a smile on that pretty face of yours, right?

Do me a favor, bring back that Mayerly that I admire and love,

the one that gives you three marranitas when you didn't want any.

Go out there and take them by storm.

Okay?

-Give me five. -All right.

Just some formalities and we're out.

And we're done.

-Hello. -Mayerly.

Come here for a minute.

You look very pretty, but...

a visit to the beauty salon won't help you today.

Well, unless you're willing to make a deal.

I wouldn't object to you seeing Federico one week out of the month or so.

Seems fair, right?

Oh, you're always so generous.

Mayerly, I've always told you, I don't...

Isn't that Leonel Jaramillo? He's won many cases against the State.

-That's him. -Mayerly.

Counselor, how are you?

Whatever you need to say about Federico, say it to my lawyer from now on.

Sir, this is Mariano. Mariano?

-A pleasure. -Leonel Jaramillo.

-Mr. Blanco, nice to see you. -Mr. Jaramillo.

Shall we?

-Yes. -After you.

Excuse me.

Shit, now what?

Gentlemen,

let me introduce you to our first export product.

No, no!

This isn't for us.

It's freshly packaged for the gringos to stuff up their noses.

I agree that a woman

can't have privileges over a child just because she's his mom.

But neither can a father just by alleging

he has greater financial means than his ex-partner.

Because a child doesn't just need to be bought things.

What's more, I consider these financial and material privileges

to be harmful to the boy.

We want what's best for Federico here.

And what's best for him is to live in a home where he has

family ties, emotional ties.

And I'm referring to small details like sharing breakfast every day,

taking care of the child when he has a fever,

reading him a story at night when he's sick,

not letting him sleep alone, letting him have an aborrajado sometimes.

Or, Mr. Meza, can you tell me the name of the book

that the boy likes to have read to him when he's sick?

-Mr. Meza? -Sir?

Please, answer the question.

Well...

he's always liked stories about animals, the jungle,

stuff like that, but I can't remember the name.

It's Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. He's loved it since he was four years old.

Okay, and can you tell me the name of Federico's imaginary friend?

Nonsense. He isn't crazy. He doesn't need imaginary friends.

He had one till he turned five, Your Honor.

His name was Mariano.

Let's see if you know this one. What's his dog's name?

He has no name, because there is no dog.

But he has a name for him.

He says when he does get one, he'll call it Sancocho,

like his favorite soup.

As you can see, Your Honor, it's best for the boy to have a home,

to have those ties I mentioned, all of which requires living together.

Devoting time to the child, quality time, not buying things for him.

Everything sounds easy in theory.

But my question remains, how will we get this to the gringos?

I know, from here to Mexico, to...

Okay, but how? My question is how.

Don't you worry about that.

Your cough syrup already solved that part too.

How are you gonna put this inside cough syrup, huh?

No, sorry, it won't go inside the syrup,

the bottles can be easily opened and we can't take any risks.

I'll make sure the boxes that we package the Leonar-Cough Syrup in

have a false bottom to hide the powder.

They'll be too heavy, they'll catch on.

With smarts and will, they won't. I guarantee one thing.

They won't notice, no matter how much they look.

Once there, it'll move quickly.

Okay.

Now, the question is, who's traveling with this?

No, not you.

I think the first kilo is like the first child.

You have to take care of it. I'll go.

Emanuel, stay here in case something happens.

Hugo, you're coming with me. You too.

You get to work.

As it should be.

Family!

I've got big news to share!

What happened?

It's gossip.

Now you're interested, huh? Okay.

Norita, come here. Are you ready?

This young man in front of you

is going to the United States of America.

What?

What for?

To open some doors for Leonar-Cough Syrup.

You think it'll sell there?

Let's see, honey, gringos are taller and they seem stronger,

but they also get sick. Yes, it'll sell.

Is it that easy? You'll just leave it there and come back?

Not that easy. And nothing worthwhile is.

We have to take the opportunities life gives us. Remember?

-Think big. -Think big.

The laboratory distributing my cough syrup merged with a gringo company,

and they'll represent us there.

Is it the engineer's company?

Vicente Rosas. He's so capable. He can do so much.

You're the capable one, you're going to New York, damn it!

You'll have to keep learning English

-to avoid looking like a fool. -Sure.

-We have to pack. Big suitcase, right? -Yes, we gotta pack.

I've heard it's rainy and the weather changes quickly.

I'm nervous, really. Very nervous.

Mayerly.

Mayerly, where did you find that lawyer?

Calm down, Mariano.

Or are you trying to show the judge how you treated me when we were together?

You can't afford to buy a bed for my son,

but you can pay for Jaramillo's fees?

You see, when it comes to a child, us women show our claws.

Don't underestimate me.

I guess so. Surely cash isn't the only method of payment, huh?

Oh, Mariano, it's good to know you're still a gentleman.

Who's paying, Mayerly?

Who's paying?

Wisdom to see what is not clear.

Generosity and sweetness for those willing to receive them.

I hadn't seen you around here in a while.

-How are you? -Beautiful as always.

-You abandoned me. -I've been very busy, Rosario.

And very sad.

Sad?

Your eyes don't lie.

Where does this pain you're carrying around come from?

No, Rosarito, you're imagining things. Nothing's happening.

You know I mean what I say, hmm?

I'm not imagining things.

You're such a pain! I can't lie to you.

It's nothing I can't fix, I swear. I'll deal with it later.

I need you to perform a protection ritual for me and my friends.

But it can't fail, we need it for a job, okay?

The most important job of our lives.

You see, Your Honor, the only thing I want for my son

is the opportunity, which many children don't have...

to be able to study, to be someone, to travel, to see the world.

Things he won't do if he lives with Mayerly.

No, fair enough.

But education doesn't come from institutions alone.

Most of life's important lessons are learned at home.

What are you implying, sir?

I'm saying you haven't been the best example for him lately.

You took him out of Cali without his mom's permission.

You kept him until today.

You were supposed to have him for one week only.

Simply put, you kidnapped Federico.

Wait a second, sir. Show some respect.

I didn't kidnap my son.

That's an insult, it's slander, Your Honor!

You did, sir, you broke the visitation agreement

you had with Mayerly, as Mr. Blanco can confirm.

Your Honor, I only removed my son from the miserable hole

-where this lady keeps him. -Mr. Meza.

Keep your composure, please.

-Continue, sir. -Thank you very much, Your Honor.

Legally, Mrs. Mayerly has custody of Federico.

So I'm asking this court to please return the child to her

while Your Honor has someone suitable verify whether it's true or not

that Mrs. Mayerly lives in a miserable hole.

The land of salsa, heaven's branch.

-Too much? -No, it's not bad,

but don't digress too much, that's where you mess up.

-Yes. -Keep it simple.

"What's your name?" Leonardo. That's it.

Yes. Straight to the point.

So, "heaven's branch," out.

I think you'll be okay with that.

Yes, let's see... All right. Good.

Okay, one more thing.

This is a separate issue.

How do I ask a girl out on a date?

One never knows, the chance may arise...

It's the same everywhere.

Well, charm, coolness, you know.

How do you spell it?

-Phonetics or the right spelling? -Phonetics, please.

This is how you get any girl you want.

Okua... Yemayá... Yoruba Okua.

Saint Barbara, Blessed Mother.

Protect your children with your copper sword:

Hugo de la Cruz, Leonardo Villegas, Ignacio Sotomayor.

Keep evil spirits and misfortune away from their path and their journey.

Keep it away from their house, their bodies, their souls.

With this, Olorun and Saint Barbara will free you from bad energies

and from evil and dark forces.

Never take it off.

Your word is law for me.

When you get home, take a bath with sea salt.

And once on the plane, don't forget the protection prayer.

Look, you must be very diligent with what I'm telling you.

Why? Because the evil eye, bad energies, and envy

are just around the corner. Watch out, hmm?

Come on, Mayerly, cheer up.

We're going to pick up your son right now.

We're taking him home, you'll have Federico with you.

-Yes, thanks to you, sir. -No, I did nothing but tell the truth.

Let me ask you something, Mayerly.

If everything's going so well for us, why are you still so worried?

Sir, what you said in there was great.

But that doesn't change reality,

and in reality, I don't live too comfortably.

Well, that's true.

My house is not a miserable hole either, but unlike Mariano's place,

well, it's a small and humble place.

Mayerly, don't worry. Everything's going well for us.

You have to realize, miracles are starting to happen.

At the end of the hall to your left.

This way. Follow me this way. Careful with that.

Give it to me... No. That's it. There. Put it right there.

Be careful, that... Those are Martínez originals.

Here, I'll help you.

No, you fool, the painting's on the other side.

That's it.

Be careful.

TAXI DRIVER DIES IN ROBBERY

Leonardo Villegas and his people are behind all of this.

His brother Emanuel, Hugo de la Cruz, who was allegedly kidnapped,

and everyone they've corrupted and paid off along the way.

These people are a virus.

They infect everything they touch.

They bought off a police general, who'll stop them now?

I have to get Dayana out of there.

I can't allow my daughter, my grandson, to continue living with these criminals.

I wonder what the weather's like in the US right now?

Who knows, sweetie. Pack a little bit of everything.

Something formal for a party, something casual, a suit.

But he's traveling for work.

Better safe than sorry, everything should be packed.

So nice, my boy. I'm so proud of my Leonardo.

He's going to the United States for work, Fabiola!

It's just... I'm bursting with pride, sweetie.

At first glance, we couldn't even tell

which one contains the drugs.

-This one is heavier. -No, no.

The drug was vacuum-packed.

And the box that contains the drugs weighs exactly the same

as the clean box.

-Okay, I've got the tickets. -I brought some extra help too.

-What's that? -Protection, it doesn't hurt to have some.

You're still seeing that witch?

Rosario is a santera, and a good one.

If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be working with you. Here.

You don't have to do anything, it just works. Here.

Are you gonna wear it?

Why not? Like this fool said, some extra help can't hurt.

-Let's weigh them again. -They weigh exactly the same, Leonardo.

Did you know the most important clues are often found in the silliest details?

A scratch on the bodies of the Rue Morgue victims,

a coffee cup, a broken glass in Agatha Christie's stories.

Even a crooked picture can end up solving a whole mystery.

If you say so, I believe you, Ms. Sherlock Holmes.

Good.

Listen, why don't you use your instincts on this package?

What's this?

No idea, but this warning note says to deliver it only to you.

No idea.

"Ms. Dayana Tirado."

I'm going to become Dayana Tirado, the lawyer,

and I'll put all the bad people in jail.

I'm going to have a farm

and I'm going to have many, many,

many, many animals because I like them very much,

and I'm going to sing to them every day.

The little cow goes moo.

The little frog goes croak.

The little sheep goes baa.

And the chicks go tweet.

Hello?

I miss you too, Dad.

How have you been?

Fine, how's my grandson?

Bigger.

And making his mom eat more.

I went back to school.

That's good news.

It wasn't easy at first.

People don't like seeing a married, pregnant woman studying.

But I put them in their place.

-I'm sure you did. -But, of course...

the hardest part is not having you here

to ask you all the things I'd like to ask.

Many questions about your classes?

And about life too.

Do me a favor and give me a kiss.

And another one.

And another, and another.

-Mom... -No, sir.

We have to catch up on all the kisses we owe each other, sweetie.

Sir, may I ask where we're going?

Well, this is as far as I'll go.

It's a surprise for you.

The keys to your house.

-No... -Here you are.

From now on, this will be your home.

What do you mean?

-We can't live here. -Why not, Mom?

This house is much bigger, much nicer,

it even has a TV.

I know, sweetie, that's precisely why.

It's not ours, it's Leonardo's.

Okay, it's not yours, but it's not mine either. It's rented.

You'll be more comfortable here.

-Right, Federico? -Yes, sir.

Don't call me "sir," it makes me feel old.

Don't call me "mister" either. Leo is fine. Listen to me.

Your mother's a badass.

Women who are this committed to their kids deserve to be helped.

Go upstairs. Peek into your room.

-Really? -Yes.

Let me know if there's anything missing.

No, look, Leonardo.

Your help with the lawyer is one thing, and I'm forever grateful.

You know that. But a house? No, that's too much.

I just want to make sure I didn't waste my money on that lawyer.

His amazing defense is useless if your ex can show up and ruin things.

No, it'll cause trouble. No.

-I should go back to the boarding house... -The lease in your name.

That's right, you'll have to wait until the home visit at least.

Mom, the mattress is big and firm, and I found this too.

I'll teach you how to play. You'll be great at it.

Whoever plays against you, you'll beat them.

-Really? -Only if you want to.

What?

Wanna take a look upstairs?

"LOW-COST PHARMACY" FIRE

Dayana wants to know what happened at the pharmacy

for her criminology class.

She wants the details of the fire.

She only wants to pass the course,

but it gives me an opportunity to show her who she's living with.

So, this is what we have, right?

-Delicious, honey, thank you. -My pleasure.

What's that? A cassette?

Yes, Luisa gave it to me, it has terrible music.

-You won't like it. -Why?

How do you know I won't like it? Huh?

-Because I know what you like. -And what's that?

And what you don't like.

-What was that? -The pregnancy.

It gives me the weirdest cravings.

-Come with me. -Yeah?

-Yes, come here. -Yeah?

How does that work?

You shouldn't have bothered.

Leonardo.

Please, after all you've done for us, it's the least I can do.

Besides, you spent the whole day playing with Federico.

Thank you.

Enjoy your meal.

-Thank you. -Sweetie?

Let's eat. Mind your elbows, honey.

Mom, can we turn on the new TV?

No, sir.

-Remember, at mealtime... -We eat.

But we didn't have a TV before, it's different now.

It's different? Who said that? No, sir.

We moved to a new house, but the rules are the same, Fede.

Oh, no.

Listen to your mom. She knows what's best for you.

-What's best for me, not what I like. -Okay.

Keep it up and you'll see.

-I know what you like. -I'll get some juice.

Watching Cáceres score against Del Valle Sports Club.

They're terrified of the beast.

He's a good striker, but you know who I like more? Reyes.

For me, he's the best center forward.

-He's like a wall, no one gets past him. -You wanna see him train?

-I'll take you. -Really?

-Yes, they're friends of mine. -Really?

But first, I'll beat you at chess.

Wait a minute, no one asked for my permission.

Come on, Mom, let me go. Please, please.

Convince her and I'll take you.

It'll be after I get back. I'm leaving on a business trip.

When I get back, I'll take you.

BASED ON THE BOOK EL CARTEL DE LOS SAPOS

BY ANDRÉS LÓPEZ

Subtitle translation by: María Lía Mujica