Original subtitles

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

...I wouldn't call it "charity" or a "fad."

I mean, if you want to do charity work, you can volunteer with an NGO,

and whenever you want to stop, you quit. That's it.

But not this. This is a lifelong commitment.

It's just like biological motherhood or fatherhood.

But, of course, the process is very different.

Of course.

At the time, international adoption was very popular.

City hall couldn't handle all the requests.

Apparently, they were short-staffed...

Did you have a preference, boy or girl?

No... We didn't care. Right, Alfonso?

Yes. The baby just needed to be between 6 and 12 months old.

Did you have any trouble?

If you're referring to the standard income requirements,

I'll just say our family has always been fine in that department.

I was referring more to your arrival in the country,

the... first time you saw her.

- Well... - You can imagine.

We'll... never forget that moment.

- Will we? - No.

6 YEARS LATER

SEPTEMBER 21, 2013

SATURDAY

Come on. There aren't many girls like her in Santiago.

- Age? - Twelve. Thirteen at the end of the month.

Okay.

You said you left her at home.

Yes, she was home doing homework. She works really hard.

Really hard.

That was around...?

Well, at around seven in the evening,

I left to run some errands, and when I got back, she was gone.

What time was that?

Well, around... 9:30 p.m.

- An hour ago? - Yes, but she never goes out alone.

I thought she was having dinner with her father.

I live nearby, República Argentina Street, 27, 28 yards away.

Just around the corner.

- Did you talk to her on the phone? - No.

And the door was locked.

I thought she and her father had gone to his place.

Did you call anyone? Family, friends?

No. Look... Her godmother is there in case she comes back,

but she didn't talk to anyone. She left her phone in her room.

Well, normally this is just kids being kids.

I'm sure she'll be home in a few hours.

- But... - What? No!

I know my daughter. She's not like that.

You need to find her.

Alfonso. They're coming over, in case we missed anything.

- In case we missed anything? - Yes.

Wait here. Maybe...

Hey! Where are you going?

- Where's he going? - I don't know.

Care to tell me where you went?

Well, I went to my place, detective.

Asunta and I have this bet,

a race downstairs from the sixth floor. I take the elevator. She takes the stairs.

Charito, it's the round one. Remember? I marked it.

- Yes. - That's the one.

I thought maybe she fell and passed out on one of the floors.

The neighbor's dogs.

Whenever someone comes in, they go nuts.

Dolores, the police are here.

This is Dolores, Asunta's godmother.

She was here in case Asunta came back.

Where is she?

Where, Chariño?

They don't know.

You'll find her soon, God willing.

That's the plan, ma'am.

Sit.

We'll take a look around. May I?

Yes.

That's how she studies, on the floor.

She gets very good grades. She's gifted.

She even skipped a grade.

Llanos, stay here with Ms. Porto... You said you live nearby?

Yes, around the corner. Past the bank.

Let's go.

So that's it?

Why my house?

Hey, how about you just start looking for her?

Asunta always wins. The hydraulics on these elevators are terrible.

All yours.

Where were you all evening?

From 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Here, reading.

I turn off my phone to prevent interruptions.

I turned it on, saw Charo's messages.

She told me Asunta was gone when she got home.

Bullshit! A train derails, and it's the conductor's fault?

He was the fucking fall guy, I'm telling you!

Eighty people dead! The company gets off scot-free!

The same damn story every time! The little guy always gets screwed.

We should go.

Home?

Sure, home... No, to the fair, goddamn it.

Well, what do you say?

Let's skip the concert and head to Samay.

Feeling frisky, are we? You always want it easy.

You hate flirting with chicks. Un-fucking-believable!

Holy shit!

THE ASUNTA CASE

Ríos.

What?

Okay. Once I'm dressed, I'll head over.

I know. I'll tell the team.

What is it?

A body.

A little girl.

Poor thing.

Back to sleep. Don't wake your granddaughter.

- Be careful. - Okay.

Shit.

Who's at night court?

Malvar. He's on his way. It's gonna be a long night.

- Right. - Yeah.

- Those two over there found her. - Where?

Over there. Vila and some Núñez guy.

Oh, how lovely.

- We're innocent, Javier. - We're using first names now?

- Sorry, officer. - You didn't touch anything, did you?

No, nothing. I swear.

- Do you live, work around here? - We're not big on working, are we?

What were you up to?

We were walking towards the fair, and, suddenly, we saw something.

You saw something? Suddenly? The miracle of Saint Rita lit the way?

No, the moon.

Do me a favor and cut the headlights for a second!

So it was the moon? What moon?

What? Do you think we're stupid?

No, officer. We'd never think that.

For fuck's sake, there's a dead girl over there. Come on.

Were you or were you not walking?

- Thanks. - You're welcome.

- Bye. - Bye.

Nothing.

They've been drinking since 4:00 p.m.

- And they didn't pay a few rounds. - Really?

You two sure can knock 'em back, huh?

I don't know what you're looking for, but that's the truth.

We were kinda hammered, and, since I lost my license...

But we thought the girl was what really mattered.

So we ditched the car and came back to call.

Do you believe that license crap?

Well, you know how it is. Everybody's afraid of something, right?

And they're terrified. But they called, right?

Cristina, someone reported a missing girl at a police station in Santiago.

- Asian? - Yes, age 12.

- They're sending us a photo now. - Thanks.

You two better give a statement tomorrow.

- Can they leave? - Yes, let 'em sleep it off.

- You can never get used to that, can you? - No. There's no point.

And let me tell you something.

Our species is due for a bit of extinction... right?

- Oh, come on... - What?

Please, you're more dramatic than we are down South... Jeez.

It's true that we see all this rough shit,

and it's intense. It is.

But we need to learn how to find the silver lining.

- Right? I think. - Of course.

Sure. Just wait 'til you're a mom. Know what we say here in Galicia?

The bigger the kid, the bigger the problem.

- Get it? - No.

You will. Don't worry.

Yes?

Civil Guard.

- Alfonso... - Are you Asunta Basterra Porto's father?

- Yes. - Is that her?

No.

No, it's not her.

- It's not her. You have to find her. - We're so sorry.

It can't be. It can't be her.

Can we...?

Alfonso...

This can't be.

LOCK THE DOOR AT NIGHT

We need you to come with us to confirm that...

Ms. Porto, my partner is trying to say

we'd appreciate it if you could identify the body.

Right.

- No! - What if...?

What if you're wrong?

Do you think we'd be here if we weren't sure...?

They must have abducted her! They must've kidnapped her!

We still don't know what happened.

What do you know?

Mr. Basterra, I promise our colleagues are on the case.

We're truly doing everything we can.

We need to cordon off her bedroom. It's standard procedure.

We also need you to give us her phone.

FIRST ADOPTED CHINESE GIRL IN GALICIA

Tell Pablo we're going to the country road.

Where?

Okay. Thanks.

He says they have a house...

Okay.

Excuse me.

We understand your family has

property out near... Montouto, in Teo.

Yes, why?

Because the house is less than three miles from where they found the...

Would she have had any reason to go there?

No. Why would she? It takes over an hour to walk there.

No, that's not like Asunta. She's very responsible.

She wouldn't just up and disappear. The house belongs to Rosario's parents.

They died last year. She and Asunta barely go anymore.

Either way, we'd like you... to come with us.

- We can look and... - Make sure she wasn't there.

Of course.

It can't be.

It can't be, Alfonso. It can't be her. It just can't be.

You heard the officers, dear. It's her.

- But why was she all the way out there? - I don't know.

I just hope they didn't rape her.

Don't say that, Alfonso.

Don't even think it, please.

Aforo to dispatch. Judge Malvar is on his way.

- He wants an officer to come... - Turn that off.

Drop me at the turnoff. Stay with them.

Your Honor.

Lieutenant Cruces is coming.

Here's a suit and booties for the crime scene.

All right.

It's too nice of a night for this. Right, Cristina?

Anything yet?

No signs of being dragged, not on the ground or her feet.

And the placement tells us they put her down carefully.

If you're gonna vomit here, call someone else.

On TV, this job looks easy, but it's not for everyone.

Her shoes?

She was barefoot.

They tied her up?

It appears so, from marks on her ankles, wrists.

But this is how she was found.

They were startled while placing the body, so they left the twine there.

Ultraviolet light reveals a white stain on the neck stitching of her T-shirt.

And the armpit.

Any idea what it could be?

Fibers, bleach, resin, or semen.

Shit.

Oh, God...

You were here yesterday evening, Ms. Porto?

Yes, I came for some bathing suits

and left Asunta at home, studying.

- Then you went back to Santiago. - Yes.

Around what time?

It must've been...

around 9:30 p.m.

Be careful, Charo. Be careful, darling.

When I got home, I noticed...

that Asunta was gone.

It's all right. Okay, Charito. Take it easy.

- Do you have the key? - Yes.

Did your daughter know the alarm code?

Yes, she knew it. Yes.

Excuse me, but I have to go to the bathroom. I need to go.

Ms. Porto!

Ms. Porto!

Yes?

Isn't there a bathroom downstairs?

Yes, but only this one works.

Everything all right?

Charo.

Get out.

- Get out! - What's wrong?

Get out! Didn't you hear me?

Get out!

What's going on?

I don't know.

Are you sure, Ríos? The same orange twine?

Well, I don't have a lab kit on me, Your Honor,

but they look identical.

- The mother was there in the evening? - So she says.

Okay, no one enters or leaves that house until I say so.

And, obviously, no touching the trash can.

Okay.

- Is that Judge Malvar? - Yes.

I'd like to talk to him. He and I studied Law together.

The last time I saw him was at that government party.

Ms. Porto is here. She says she'd like to talk to you...

No. Tell her "No"

and suggest she have a lawyer present during the search. Got it?

Well, what are you waiting for?

The sunrise, before taking her to the medical examiner? Move!

Well, that's just great.

We got Belategui. It just keeps getting better, Your Honor.

Unbelievable.

He's not at the body removal, but he's here for the search.

Good evening, counselor.

I'm happy to see you too, Your Honor.

- Well, I'm thrilled. - This way. The parents are over there.

Luis!

Ms. Porto,

can you tell me why you don't want a lawyer?

A lawyer, what for? I'm a lawyer.

She doesn't need anyone else.

Look, a five-year degree is one thing, but this is totally different.

Trust me. It's for your own good.

If they won't call, then get two court-appointed ones.

By the way, you don't mind if we go in when we're ready, do you?

Make yourself at home.

All right.

This way, Your Honor.

Why don't you go since you really know the area?

Where?

To check the area around the girl's apartment.

Maybe some camera caught her yesterday.

- Sounds good? - Okay.

Thanks. Turrientes knows you're going.

Doctor Teixeiro, that's the street.

- There? - Yeah.

First, search this whole area.

Okay?

Above all, check for security cameras at parking lots, businesses, banks...

Any camera that's facing the street. Got it?

Velasco and Molina are searching the area around Montouto.

Got another one of those maps?

Get going.

CIVIL GUARD FORENSICS

Your Honor.

- Ms. Porto. - Yes.

Can you tell us what all this is?

I'm allergic to dust mites, so I use the masks when I clean.

I don't know about the tissues. Asunta must've blown her nose.

- When we came at the start of summer. - The start of summer?

Oh, wow. The officers told me you folks barely come here anymore.

Are you sure they're from the start of summer?

They look damp.

Well, the moisture absorbers need to be replaced constantly.

There's always something to fix in this house.

It's... Well, my ex put it on the market.

And maybe they're not from the end of the summer. I don't...

What about the orange twine?

There must be a reason why that's here too, right?

I don't know what to...

Remember, you have the right to not answer.

But, why?

She didn't do anything.

The gardener probably used them to tie up plants.

Or Asunta was playing with them.

I've never seen them before in my life.

Ms. Porto, did you say you had to go to bathroom when you came up earlier?

Yes.

Come with me.

- You were going to use this? - Yes.

Yes, it's the only toilet that works in the entire house.

Even though there are five, that's the only working one.

I already told the officer.

What do you want me to say? That's the truth.

Open the investigation as soon as you get to court.

They're more trustworthy than some people.

- Morning. - Good morning.

My apologies.

- Cars never come through. - No worries.

- So they're off leash. - What are their names?

Sito and Miñanco.

- Come. - You know the neighbors?

Rosario? I've known her forever.

I was right here with her yesterday. They're lovely people.

Hey, did something happen to her?

No, not her.

Was she alone when you saw her?

Yes. She said she was in a rush to leave because Asuntiña was studying at home.

- Thank you. Beautiful dogs! - Yes.

You can't think on an empty stomach.

It's about time!

The chef's cranky today.

Nothing better than churros in the morning.

Go on, Cruces. Have a churro.

I'm good, Your Honor. Thanks.

Bikini season's over, Seville.

- And you definitely don't need to diet... - But we do, Your Honor.

Speak for yourself. How's it going with the cameras?

Well, we're on it.

We have some footage, but we're waiting for the rest.

Do whatever it takes to get it fast.

The autopsy's at five o'clock.

As soon as I get the results, I'll have them sent over.

Turn up the volume, please.

Go on, kid.

Last night, two men were walking through the area and called...

Now it's a party.

Here comes the shit storm.

Oh, Salgueiro.

You newshounds are all the same. When you smell blood, you come running.

- Just doing our job. - That's what you all say.

Who's the girl? They say she's Basterra and Porto's kid.

Come on, Malvar.

There aren't many Chinese girls here. It'll get out eventually.

- I just want a little head start. - Fuck off. You know I can't say anything.

A coffee.

Pepe, this gentleman is covering our breakfast inside.

Who does that asshole think he is?

Calm down, Alfonso. It's nothing personal. He's doing his job.

"His job" is to find the scumbag that did this...

Rodrigo.

You need to help us.

My father always trusted you.

What do you think we should do?

I don't do criminal defense, Charo, but...

I think it'd be smart to cooperate as much as possible.

There's no way I'm helping that arrogant pig.

When this is all over, I'll give him a piece of my mind.

Will you shut up, Alfonso?

Don't talk to me like that if you want me by your side!

You think we'll survive this if we're not united?!

Look, I think it makes sense. They must be grasping at straws.

They're looking for a lead. Once they find one, they'll go away.

I'll be here for whatever you need.

But you need to rest now.

You'll need strength. The coming days will be tough.

Thank you so much for everything.

DEAD GIRL IS ASUNTA BASTERRA PORTO DAUGHTER OF LAWYER ROSARIO PORTO

- Alfonso? - Salgueiro, this is Basterra.

I'm so sorry, Alfonso. Really.

Salgueiro, I need a favor, given all the years we wrote side by side.

Omit the part about her being Rosario's daughter.

But how do you know...? Why are you checking sites, Alfonso?

Charo is a wreck, and this doesn't help at all.

You can't ask me that, and you know it.

If I don't run it, someone else will. You know how it is.

But, well, if you need anything else, anything at all...

Don't publish anything about my daughter or wife!

We have enough problems already!

According to initial reports, there were signs of violence.

They've ruled out sexual violence,

but her body may show signs of physical blows and bruising.

Either way, we need to be cautious.

We're talking about a minor,

and we should wait until the autopsy is in.

It will be over in the next few hours.

That autopsy will determine the exact causes of the minor's death.

Charito.

Everyone knows she's dead.

It's okay.

- Everyone knows. - All right.

All right.

- Godmother. - Okay, dear. All right.

What? Not interested?

Huh? No. Me?

Fine, here. I don't know how you do it.

I like knowing poison won't kill me.

It'd take more than that to kill me.

Hey, babe.

I know. I know, sweetie. Sorry. It's been a rough few days.

I have an alarm. Set one.

You know what the best alarm is?

My whole belly feels swollen constantly.

- My boobs hurt. - Your boobs... Wow.

They're killing me.

Seriously. You have no idea.

- Hey. - What?

Can you do it? Please? It grosses me out.

Seriously? Even after everything you see at work.

Yeah, you're right. But, hey,

you know what? We're talking about my body here.

Right.

And I bet you did all this to avoid injecting yourself.

Me?

I wanted to see you.

She has undigested food in her stomach, poor thing.

- Mushrooms... - What else?

Lacerations on her hands and feet show

that they tied her up while she was still alive.

- With the orange twine? - Not for me to say.

But I'm certain she wasn't hit by a car.

- She has no bruises. - Do we know the cause of death or not?

I'd put almost all of my money on manslaughter by suffocation.

She put up a fight, but not much.

So they asphyxiated her. Did they rape her?

It looks unlikely.

What about the fluids on her T-shirt?

They're being taken to the lab in Madrid.

We also sent hair and stomach contents to the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Our work here is done. We have all we need.

Tell the family they can collect the body.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

THE FUNERAL IS TODAY

The press says they didn't touch her first.

How could this be happening to us?

Why don't we push back the funeral so your father can come?

He can't, Charo. He can't.

What will people think? Her grandfather won't...

Don't think about other people now, Charito.

What do you want me to think about?

Especially after what happened to your parents.

Be happy they're not here for this. It would've been too painful.

Wait, Dolores. Wait!

- We're gonna be late. - Come here, I'll zip you up. Let's go.

Hurry up.

It's all right.

Is that them?

- Yes. - Yes, that's them.

The police won't make them leave, Alfonso?

What can you do, dear? That's "freedom of the press" for you.

Oh, my God. I'd like to see them in my shoes.

Mr. Basterra. Mr. Basterra, please...

Charo, Alfonso. This way.

I can't believe this is happening.

I'll tell my colleagues to give you some privacy, okay?

Thank you so much.

...she was polite, kind, sweet, gifted.

Then on that fateful Saturday evening

they tragically lost her.

Regardless of whether you are parents,

can you imagine how they must feel?

I asked everyone to stay here so you'd have more privacy inside.

Thanks.

Sorry for your loss.

You're in our thoughts.

- Thank you for coming. - Of course.

I'm here for whatever you need, truly. I've kept her in my prayers.

Father José María will say mass at seven o'clock in San Fernando Church.

Thank you for handling all this, Anselmo.

"But seek ye first His kingdom and righteousness

and all these things shall be added unto you."

The man upstairs sees everything.

Except for who killed our daughter?

THE CRESPO FAMILY WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

Who are the Crespos?

Oh, from Dad's law firm.

It's beautiful, Alfonso.

Beautiful.

So can we rule out her getting run over?

Vila and Núñez might be scumbags, but they didn't orchestrate this circus.

Since we can rule them out as suspects,

we should start questioning anyone that knew her.

She must've left with someone she knew.

- Cristina. - Yes?

I found something on a security camera.

I want to remember this.

It's beautiful, Alfonso.

My little girl.

Oh, Asuntiña.

You're sure that's her, not a reflection?

If you press "Play,"

you can clearly see someone in the passenger seat.

There.

We plan to move in right after...

After what?

After the ceremony at the funeral home, right?

We have the location. What's the rush?

That way we won't cause a scene. The place is crawling with press.

Since when do I care about the press?

- Are we sure that's the girl? - Who else would it be?

Your Honor, you may want to reconsider out of compassion.

Fucking "compassion"? Seriously? After what we just found out?

What if we miss our shot and evidence gets destroyed?

Spare me the compassion speech.

Arrest her now.

Kids, thank you so much for coming.

Do right by Asunta and study hard.

Get great grades, okay?

Ms. Porto.

Thank you... Oh.

Officer.

Thank you. Thank you so much for coming...

Of course.

- Thank you so much for coming. - Well, would...

Would you come with me briefly, please?

- Of course. - This way.

Any news?

No, nothing yet. Come with me.

Officer...

We have so much faith in you all.

I know you're doing your best...

Absolutely. Come with me, please.

This way, please.

- Where are we going? - To the car.

- Cristina came. - Yes, Officer Cruces is here.

- Thank you. - Of course.

Thank you so much. You didn't have to come.

No.

Cristina...

Thank you for coming.

You didn't have to. Thank you.

Ms. Porto.

Ms. Porto.

Get in the car.

Move over, please.

Ms. Porto...

You're under arrest for your alleged involvement

in the death of your daughter, Asunta Basterra Porto.

You have the right to consult an attorney, or one will be appointed for you.

All right, Rosario. Calm down.

You have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself.

You have the right to notify a person of your choosing of your arrest.

Be strong, Alfonso.

Where's Rosario?

I don't know.

That is wild.

What?

Hey, I can't hear you.

Someone from the radio is telling her what's going on.

Alberto! Get the camera.

Excuse me. I was talking to a colleague from the Galician public radio

about a bit of breaking news.

The Civil Guard arrested Asunta's mother due to inconsistencies in her statements.

I mean, inconsistencies?

I understand how, after losing her daughter,

a mother could be nervous and make mistakes.

- It's been confirmed. - Really?

What's going through your mind right now?

Look, I am absolutely positive that Asunta's mother is innocent.

Absolutely positive.

And you can take that to the bank.

Excuse me. Sorry to bother you.

- You didn't have to do that, Romina. - You need to eat.

- But it has meat. - That's all there is.

Is it true? Did her mom do it?

It's still unclear, but she definitely lied to us.

Why would a mother kill her daughter?

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Based on a true story.

Parts are fictionalized for privacy and narrative pace.

Subtitle translation by: Tom Sullivan