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.

NEW YORK

I'd been calling you for a long time.

-And did you go with somebody? -Stop being jealous.

You know I went alone like a dog.

Loneliness, yes.

That's what I feel.

What happened with the police? Anything to be warned of?

What I can't seem to understand

is why some of our people, Americans,

are helping to poison our American families.

Traitors.

What do you think?

Patrick...

are you listening to me?

Everything here is the same fucking bullshit.

Officers who hunt for promotion

by arresting henchmen that don't say anything conclusive.

But what's going on, Patrick?

Aren't you getting the money you should?

Everything is okay.

So,

if you have to tell me something, say it now.

Don't you ever get tired of this lifestyle?

Have you ever thought...

what your life would be like if you did something else?

Of course I have.

I'd be a nobody on my knees to get three pesos.

A miserable guy.

But, probably, I'd live peacefully.

Neither you nor I know that. The only clear thing here is...

we're already in this business.

And it's too late to leave the game, you hear?

I commit myself to do everything in my power

to bring Nora all the happiness she deserves.

I know she's been dismayed and betrayed.

So I'll make sure, from now on,

she has the life you two want for her.

It does sound pretty.

What's the rush?

Mom...

Why should you wait

when you've already found the right one?

Anyway, it's decided.

And we think this is the right time, and that love, marriage,

life, destiny, or whatever is there for us

and will last as long as it should.

What do you think, León?

What can I think?

Nora's grown up, and didn't you hear? It's decided.

Congratulations to you both. That's all.

How about a drink?

Let's celebrate. A bottle of champagne.

Come on, sweetie.

Help me.

I promise to sacrifice myself for your sister.

Don't announce what you'll do.

Just do it.

Don't forget what you do to her, you're doing to me.

Is it clear?

It's clear.

But this is a palace, isn't this?

House, car. What else? A scholarship to start studying.

No way, studying? No.

I'm the scholarship he's fallen for.

Fallen for you?

-Cheers. -He's got the hots for you.

Have you told the brothers you were sharing them?

-No. -And what are you waiting for?

For a serious mess to get out of your hands?

I've figured it out.

Tonight, I'll make a romantic dinner for Emanuel

and when he's pretty drunk, I'll get him tangled up.

-How? -Well, I'll tell him:

"Look, Emanuel, imagine that, by pure chance...

You know my job, right? I ended up attending to a guy,

once or twice,

-who turned out to be your brother." -Such a rascal, aren't you?

You took money, a car from Leonardo.

But they're not fools, they won't let you off so easy.

The car isn't a big deal. I'll return it to him.

Besides, Emanuel's so in love, or so hot for me, as you say,

he'll forgive me for anything.

So you've made up your mind.

Well, take a look.

Look around. Isn't it an easy decision?

What's not easy is getting out of the mess you're in.

What has life taught me?

There's nothing a roll in the hay can't solve.

-Let's make hay while the sun shines. -Yes.

Bottoms up, that's it!

Okay. Let me know when those vitamins arrive.

I'll be waiting.

Listen.

Stop worrying so much about the job. Look at you.

You seem like a bitter old man, sitting there all day long.

Let's go out with our girlfriends, shall we?

We'll go out, have some drinks and have a great time.

You must clear your mind.

-Or are you scared? -No, come on.

-You can't keep up with my rhythm. -Can't I?

You're speaking to the boss...

Let's go to Club Brisas.

No, sir. Let's go to the house I bought for my young woman.

You're a sucker. I told you that you'd fall in love.

She's driven you mad with just a kiss.

Who's mad? Nobody's mad.

The house keeps her calm, judicious, docile.

So she isn't being sharp.

She was already sharp, she got a house.

But first, let's go get my girl. Come on.

I know this is very difficult for you.

But you can't be so upset, Maye.

It's just pure teenage rebelliousness on Federico's part.

He'll show up soon.

I know him, Deisy.

Federico won't come back.

I read and reread this letter to find something else

he wanted to say to me.

To me or to Leonardo, as he also left him a strange message, but...

I don't understand.

What did Leonardo say?

Nothing, he went crazy.

He's already sent all his contacts to look for him.

You know, he's got a thousand issues on his mind.

He's all over the place...

and he's quick to change the subject.

Doesn't she work here anymore? Where did she go?

I don't know, Mr. Leonardo. I'm sorry.

-Don't you know anything? -Sorry.

Come on, kid, drink this one.

Well, how long do we have to wait for the little queen?

I think the little queen left without warning. She took off.

Didn't she come to work or tell you?

It seems she quit a little while ago.

Who knows why.

I'm sure she's got another stupid guy.

Tell me how I look.

Tell me I look elegant and very expensive.

Yes, but it's not me who has to give the approval.

Listen, Leo.

Which of all the girls were you with?

With the new one.

The one who was on trial. The brunette

with dark skin, slanted eyes, a big bottom.

-Gina. -That one.

Did you meet her, too?

Should I wear more make-up or should I leave it like this?

Stop the nonsense, as soon as Emanuel arrives,

you come right away to this silent bed.

I know her.

So much that she's now waiting for me in her new house.

No.

Yes.

-No! -Yes!

Feel this.

-Feel its quality. -So soft.

This is the life I deserve.

And a barwoman.

Leonardo and Emanuel Villegas got tangled up by a leech,

she gave us the runaround.

No, damn it, Leo. I'm sorry, honestly.

Well...

No, don't apologize.

We fell for it hook, line and sinker. Such fools.

And you're sick!

You're sick.

Listen, Leo...

I'll never put a woman before the family again.

-I won't do it again. -It's okay.

In fact, I'm on my way there--

No, no. Don't lose your cool. That's not the way things are done.

So, how?

How do you treat a crook who took us for assholes?

The party is not over and I'll tell you how.

Today we'll show that slut she messed with the wrong people.

Well, Michi, Michi...

Cheers. Cheers to this new life we start today.

Cheers to you, my love.

And to even more surprises.

Surprises?

-How about that? -Oh, no!

Don't tell me it's a serenade.

Oh, Emanuel.

I've always dreamed of mariachis

standing by the window, on a balcony.

Close your eyes.

But don't take too long.

No, no, come on. Close them.

Don't open them, okay?

Stay there.

Ready?

Tell me if I can open them, Emanuel.

Open them to take Emanuel for a ride in your new car.

I can explain it to you.

That you're a slut...

thinking she'd hit the jackpot with the Villegases?

No, Emanuel...

-Wait, I swear tonight-- -Shut up!

What did you think?

Nobody separates the Villegases, especially a cheap whore.

What did you think?

That we'd turn you into a little princess?

No, my dear.

You'll go back to that hole,

to which you belong,

you cheap whore, and you won't get out again.

And right now, we'll teach you how to respect us

because nobody messes with us.

Is that clear?

Stay still.

NEW YORK

Are you sure this is going to work?

With all due respect,

I doubt Sullivan's strategy is the most effective.

What if he warns his people not to send the shipment?

If there's something I've learned,

it's how to tell the strong from the weak.

What if he was smarter--

Too late for him.

He's closely monitored.

Any move he makes or doesn't make from now on

benefits us.

Come on, just a prayer. The last one.

Look, our business needs protection now.

I've made it clear.

And I've said I disagree. Where are your cards?

-Please... -Can't you see it?

You aren't the same without your cards, without your orishas.

What I'm asking you now,

when things aren't so easy, is to help me a bit.

Things aren't easy for you, nor for the rest, nor for anyone.

What do you mean?

Are you having a hard time?

Do you need my help in any way?

You know what?

I do. You can stop insisting and keep quiet.

Look, a long time ago,

you helped us pave the way for a prosperous business.

And you helped Emanuel find relief when he was in despair.

You are and will be my guide.

Show Emanuel and everyone that we still need you.

Take a seat.

Shuffle them.

That's the Rosario I like.

NEW YORK

I want constant contact,

to be kept abreast of what's going on.

NEW YORK AIRPORT

Understood, officer. Nothing to report so far.

No significant movement made.

He hasn't shown up yet.

I'm sorry for insisting so much, but that man will fail us.

Only time will tell.

Let neither false witnesses nor tricksters sit at my table,

let justice prevail.

I was informed Sullivan is getting ready to leave the country.

If you authorize us, we can issue an arrest warrant at once.

No.

Get someone ready to travel with him.

Along the seven ways,

along the seven paths,

drive away the shadows, drive away the enemy.

Dalila.

Put him through.

Hello.

Cleanse my body, cleanse my soul, cleanse my spirit.

May the innocent triumph over the enemy stalking him,

-protect and free him from all evil. -You have the right to remain silent.

Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law.

Watch out.

Are you okay?

Why don't you tell me?

Why doesn't Patrick show up? Fuck!

Where's he?

And why did they catch Alonso?

What I last heard was he was on alert,

everything was in order, but we couldn't talk.

I don't get what's going on.

Don't you get it?

Or you don't want to see it?

He is a snake.

You can't say that if you're not sure.

Maybe Alonso, that motherfucker, sold us out.

From now on, you're under the witness protection program.

This is your new identity.

An officer will provide all the information about your past.

Learn it well.

We trusted the wrong ones, now what?

We're surrounded by morons.

Well, enough.

We won't cry over spilled milk.

Alonso will say everything he knows, that's for sure.

To save himself. It's better with the gringos.

We know what's next,

we must do what we have discussed.

Look into it all. Analyze it calmly.

And decide

if you're sure you want to testify against Leonardo Villegas

and his partners.

I have nothing to think about, officer.

I'm completely sure about testifying.

Leonardo must be moving people to shut him up.

No harm will come to Alonso in Mackensey's hands.

They kidnapped my son, took him out of the U.S.

They can do whatever they want.

They can, but it's damaging.

They've just seized a very large drug shipment.

Tell me, Hernando, do you think we'll catch them?

I'm the one who wants that the most,

but I'm also aware that it's really hard.

More evidence is emerging

and more people are weakening.

Alonso's testimony's decisive.

I need you to promise one thing to me.

The law will be enforced.

I need you to promise Wilmer and his cousins

won't be involved in this.

Of course, I promise that.

Minors are out of this matter.

Don't worry about it.

And they deserve a new opportunity.

I hope they make use of it.

You're right.

-I'm leaving, Hernando. -No, wait.

I've got something for you.

Alonso left it for you.

Look, you've got such a tired face that it shows from afar,

fancy something hot?

Are you all right?

All I want is this day to end right now.

But why? What happened?

Problems at work? At Pan American?

Problems everywhere. We're surrounded by opportunists and disloyal people.

But what did they do to you?

I told you, honey.

I don't know what's up, but nothing works.

We have no friends, no city security. I don't know...

Not even prayers work.

Dr. Uriel Garrido. A pleasure to have you here, please.

Tell me, how's the Senate doing?

Struggling, Mr. Leonardo, struggling, but we're doing very well.

Well, have the donations sent through the bank been useful for you?

Had it not been for your help,

we would not have achieved what we are achieving.

-Many thanks. -Don't mention it.

The least one can do for a friend.

I'll get to the point.

I called you to ask you a very important question.

I need to know whether or not I can count on you.

Sir, you know

I stand by you for whatever you need.

Recommendations, contracts.

-A political position? -No, no.

That's not what I want.

What I do want is for you to guarantee me

that Congress will not allow

any Colombian to be tried in the U.S.

They feared leaving Cali, not seeing their people.

For the first time, the Villegases felt the enemy breathing down their necks.

An enemy that was not going to be easy to defeat.

The struggle between the lords of Cali

and the gringos was at its peak.

Your future is in your hands, Dayana.

Think carefully if you're going to keep waiting in the hands of the Villegases

or if you dare to start a new life

away from them and the past.

Patrick?

What the hell are you doing here?

What the hell did you do? Tell me!

The US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is strong.

When those people become obsessed with someone,

they can do anything.

They can say anything,

but if our law bans taking people out, that's it.

Sorry, but it's not so easy.

The fight is with the U.S.

and with our congressmen, who support all they want.

Let's see, everyone has a price, and you know that.

Money is money, and it works everywhere.

In that case, I will do my best

to get what you want, sir.

Well, I'm going to give you an incentive

for those who want to screw us,

let them change sides.

Sir, I am sound.

I hope so.

The warehouse was clean, General.

No evidence of drugs,

no damning papers, there was nothing.

Only the gringo's body with the gun in his hand.

They could've made him shoot himself to avoid murder charges.

Don't forget these guys are quite crafty and smart.

A suicide's unlikely.

I agree, General.

We should wait for the forensic tests' results.

Who was or had been with him?

The lifeless body belongs to Officer Patrick Sullivan,

an American citizen who apparently arrived

in Cali city this very night.

For now, the cause of death is unknown,

although the strongest hypothesis is that he committed suicide.

Finally, that moron ended up being smart.

What do you mean?

If he didn't shoot, we did it.

Excuse me? Again with the same thing, Leonardo?

I'm sure he said nothing. If he'd said something,

his testimony would have been added to Alonso's.

Anyway, we must move fast.

We must get lost.

We can't call each other or go to the usual places.

Once I know for sure things have calmed down, I'll look for you.

Escape with the business?

Keep still. Don't do anything,

let the proof from the labs disappear,

let everyone disappear.

But I'll ask you a favor.

I need you to help me get more guards.

I must be sure the kids

and women in the family will be safe.

Do me that favor.

Now, change that long face.

You deserve a real lady, not a bastard.

NEW YORK

Mr. Torres, are you ready?

I'm coming.

-Officer, come in. -Thank you.

Ready?

We're ready to begin the interrogation.

Can I ask you a favor before we leave?

Hello.

Dayana, hello.

Look, I'm short on time.

I just wanted you to know that I'm fine and very well protected.

It's so comforting to hear that.

Listen, did you get what I sent you?

Yes, yes, I got it.

Many thanks.

I'd like to know if you've already made up your mind.

Alonso, you're right.

My future can't depend on others.

I told you it's only for some days.

But not where or with whom you're leaving.

Why so mysterious, Emanuel?

Since we lost a very important business

and a lot of money,

there are people chasing us, fucking up.

-Who are they? -Businessmen

who invested money. As they didn't get what they expected,

they want to charge us for the disparity.

Come here.

Please, take care of yourself.

And Raquel and Wilmer, as if he were your own son.

You sound as if you're leaving for a long time

and not returning.

-You're scaring me, Emanuel. -No, not at all.

Look, I know we've been arguing these last few days,

but you are my wife and I love you.

And I need you to trust me and follow all my instructions.

Everything will be fine.

You know I've always been by your side.

You know it, right?

Yes, I know.

Calm down, honey, I'll find a way

to get in touch with you.

Take us with you, will you?

I don't want you to go by yourself.

Listen...

I need you to be the fighter, the strong woman I once met.

Nothing is left from her.

My son is gone.

-And now my husband? -That's nonsense. I'll come back soon.

Calm down, you're really strong.

And please, do me a favor.

Don't go out too much.

Don't talk to anybody.

Who are you hiding from?

Tell me the truth.

Do you trust me?

As I had never trusted anyone before.

I need you to show it to me now.

Trust me, I won't fail you.

I can leave at ease knowing our daughter

is in the best hands and you'll take care of her, okay?

What about you?

Will you take care?

Promise you'll come back.

I'll come back, my love.

And nothing bad will happen,

neither to me or you, nor to our family.

All right.

NEW YORK

Tell me your name and age.

My name is Alonso Torres.

And I'm 33 years old.

When and how did you meet Leonardo Villegas?

A long time ago, officer.

We were kids, we went to school together.

Did he already exhibit violent behavior then?

Leonardo Villegas...

was never defeated by anybody.

To protect himself and his family,

he would do anything.

How would you describe him?

A gifted guy.

Cunning.

Very cunning.

A man who always had two personalities.

The ambitious,

cold, indifferent one,

capable of doing anything so that no one gets in his way,

and the other one,

the exemplary, protective father one.

He obeyed as if he were a saint.

There's not a single Villegas

failing to blindly believe his word.

I want you to know that, from this moment on,

you'll hear many things about me.

That I'm a criminal, a crook.

That I've paid people off.

That nothing I own is legal.

What are you saying?

Who will tell me such dreadful things?

Well, the envious ones, Mom.

A lot of envious people

can't stand what we have now.

But when you hear those things, remember how you raised me.

Remember I've done everything I could so you can live with ease.

What's going on, León?

What did you get yourself into?

Into the world of money.

And people are evil there.

Take care of the kids.

But keep them tight so they don't derail.

-Nora, Fabián-- -No, no, wait a second.

Won't I see you again? Are you saying goodbye?

I can't live without you, can I?

Pray for me, Mom.

Just do that.

Pray for me.

He's the patriarch.

This exemplary family man

is more dangerous than any criminal.

Tell me about their businesses.

People who say Leonardo knows his way around the world of drugs

are not wrong.

He worked in a pharmacy as a courier,

and there he learned everything about pharmacies.

And in that...

in his characteristic mocking manner,

he took many out of the way.

And he used this to set up the facades of his illegal businesses.

A chain of popular pharmacies

where everybody could buy medicines

of very good quality at low prices.

Who leads that business?

Another one of his greatest treasures. The woman I fell in love with.

For whom I was made to spend years in prison.

It's not time for parties or big celebrations.

But do you mean you regretted it?

No.

What I mean is that we will get married

in a simple ceremony with a notary at home.

Do you want to wait till your brothers

come back? No problem.

Fer, I can't repeat this in front of my mother.

But I'm scared.

I feel the days Emanuel and Leonardo said they would be away

can end up being an eternity.

It has to be serious enough

for both of them to run away.

Do you think the authorities are chasing them?

I don't know what to think and I won't scratch my head.

I just hope they keep their word and come back.

And life went on for the family and for the authorities,

who, after hearing Alonso's testimony,

were determined to capture the Villegases.

I'm coming!

-Coming, but what-- -Mrs. Mayerly Salcedo?

We have a search warrant.

-Let's check everywhere. -No, what do you mean by search warrant?

-Upstairs! -You'll break it.

You can't come into my house like this,

all of a sudden, and search even one's soul.

Like there was no tomorrow.

Excuse me, but I deserve an explanation.

This is disrespectful.

-How come, a search warrant? -Let's search every room!

Treat all fragile things with care, sir.

What's going on?

Search there, Sarmiento.

Search what? What are they looking for? You'll wreck the house!

There's no need to do this, sir.

What do you do, madam?

I offer a service, I tell people's fortunes

and help with their energies.

How long have you lived with Mr. Emanuel Villegas?

-For some years, why? -Tell me where he is.

If you can see the future, how is it possible

you don't know where he is?

Where is Mr. Leonardo Villegas?

If you, the authorities, have no idea,

why should I?

They own a bank, a soccer team,

a chain of pharmacies and a radio station.

They manage the city from the main points:

loans, health

and the media,

which tell the official version of events.

The official version?

They decide what is and isn't said in Cali as it suits them.

Neither we here, from this radio station, nor people in general

can explain why the police have decided

to hunt down the Villegas brothers,

enterprising people whose main activity has been to create sources of employment

and welfare for all Cali citizens.

All pharmacy activity

is duly registered in the books.

Every moved peso is perfectly justified.

-I'll show you the inventory if you want. -Yes, please.

Everything is there so you can check with the goods we have.

I don't get how Low-Cost Pharmacy,

everyone's business, ended up here.

Tell them to go downstairs.

I don't know what you're looking for, there's nothing.

-Marlén, calm down. -This is a decent house!

Madam, please, calm down.

Please understand it's our job, we must investigate.

But investigate what? Please, someone explain it to me.

Look, madam, what is...

who's that man in the photo?

They're very clever, General.

Their companies are flawless, clean,

and bank accounts, in the name of relatives

without any lawsuits.

Villegas has always cared that his legal side be kept intact,

that's made him so hard to catch.

Yes, General.

This is the only one he used as cannon fodder.

REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA EUGENIO CARRILLO

He's the face Leonardo uses to move around the U.S.

And his mother leaves this photo on an altar, with flowers, candles.

Let me introduce him.

Joselín Villegas, Leonardo and Emanuel's father.

These guys have clearly done whatever they want.

But they will fall soon.

With Alonso's testimony

and the warrant to keep allowing us to poke around,

we must make progress.

Gonzalo, the answer is in this photo.

Sooner or later, they'll have to pop up for one thing...

their family.

CALI - DAYS LATER

Are you ready?

Fabiola,

do you know how long it's been since I've seen my boys?

They'll show up at any time, don't give up hope.

It's very, very difficult because I get up every day

not knowing if they're going to show up

or if I'll never see them again.

Despite what happened to us,

to Emanuel with the boy, to me with Leonardo, to Nora with Simón,

you've always been the one who cheers us up,

who has helped us to move forward.

Oh, I don't know where that attitude has gone.

Well, you know what? You must do it for your grandchildren.

And for your daughters-in-law. And today, for Nora.

Come on, let's pick another dress, a nicer one.

I'll help her with her makeup.

You're so pretty.

Mom, we agreed that you wouldn't make me cry.

It's so beautiful.

Among so many ugly things

that have happened lately, seeing you...

so radiant, so pretty, is like a gift from heaven.

Thanks.

To both of you, for being here, with me.

Well, with us.

-Shall we start, please? -Come on, come on.

I told you I wouldn't make any promises, but I will.

I promise to enjoy every second,

to live every intense moment,

and to build the present with you,

every day.

As the present is all we've got, right?

I promise

to put my heart next to yours

so it becomes bigger and safer.

I also promise to stand by you in each decision you make,

to be by your side in the present

and, little by little, to build our life together.

Shall we proceed to sign?

Officially,

Nora Villegas and Fernando Puentes,

you're now husband and wife.

Bravo!

Emanuel and Leonardo would be so happy to be here.

In less than no time, we'll be together again.

Cheers to the newlyweds!

One thing was clear to the Villegases:

the chain binding them together

was the blood running through their veins.

The time had come to be together again.

Christmas, a time they always spent as a family.

"Let Christmas be a reason

to get together with the people you love."

"It's time to decide what we're going to do as a family."

"Let us unite in hope for a better future."

"Merry Christmas."

BASED ON THE BOOK EL CARTEL DE LOS SAPOS

BY ANDRÉS LÓPEZ

Subtitle translation by: María Lía Mujica