"LIFE SENTENCE" "Based on the novel "Lo de antes" by Luis Spota" "Excuse me." "Catch him!" "Catch him!" "Stop him!" "Catch him!" "Thief!" "Catch him, there he goes." "Stop!" "Stop!" "Stop!" "Stop!" "I said stop!" " Stupid idiots!" " It was Piri's fault." " I did what we had planned." " You're a bunch of idiots." "It couldn't have been any better." "The right guy." "The right time." " It was a piece of cake, damn it!" " He jumped the gun, Gallito." "You need to get out of Mexico." "Right now." "I don't want to see your fucking face for... for two months." "But with what money, Gallito?" "You want that too, huh?" "You want to party with my money." "Thanks, Gallito." "Watch out for the cops." "If you say anything..." "I'll take you down." "All right." "Get out, now." "Hurry up, come on!" "You heard that, right?" "Piri's dead." "Because he's an idiot." "They were both stupid." "I told you it wouldn't work." "I told you." "I hope they don't get suspicious at the bank." "Why would they?" " Because, there was a death." " So what?" "No one knows you're involved." "They didn't even know." "They knew about my criminal record at the bank." "Relax, Tarzan." "Relax." "You'll see, next time I'll find smarter guys." "You'll see." "There won't be a next time, Gallito." "I'm really sorry." " I'm rehabilitated." " Rehabilitated?" "Yes, I'm rehabilitated." "They trust me." "In spite of my past, they trust me." "I have a good job." "I had nothing to do with this." "I asked you for the money." " This is bullshit." " No way." "It is bullshit." " It's over." " All right." "The hit failed." "But everything has its risk." "What do you say we do business?" "No, Gallito." "I will not." "I'll see you later." "What's up, Robles?" "Still with that thing?" " What did the doctor say?" " One more week." "That's terrible, man." "Poor you." " How long has it been?" " Two and a half months." "Any news from the police?" "I think they've forgotten about my case." "I've always said it was no coincidence." " Good morning." " How's it going?" "Somebody must have tipped them off." " They set it all up." " But who?" "Probably someone here at the bank." "Don't you agree, Lira... that someone from the bank was behind this?" "Here it is." "Good morning." "Worse yet, you won't be able to make the game, right?" "Not with this thing, are you kidding?" " How about you, Lira?" " No, I can't make it either." "The national team is playing." "It'll be a great game." " They can't handle the Germans." " Yes they can." "Let's go together." "I'll buy the tickets early." "We can't miss this game." "Come on!" "No, I'm staying with my wife." "She's about to have the baby." "You've got to go." "Mexico will beat Germany 2-0." " You're dreaming." " Sure they will." "You'll see." "I'll bet you that in the first half Mexico will score first." "Yeah, right." "Not even if they were playing alone." " These are all of them Mr. Romero." " Thank you, Josefina." " You have a lot of billing to do." " Yes..." " Will your pigeon race on Sunday?" " La Pinta?" "Of course." "The veterinarian told me to wait." "But I think she's fine." "You know more about that bird than the vet." "She flew well yesterday." "Let's see what happens this weekend." " I'm sure she'll win." " I hope so." "Why don't you come with me to Querétaro?" "We'll leave Saturday morning." "On Sunday, we'll let the pigeons loose at 8 a. m., and at 12 p. m. we'll be back in the city waiting for the racers." " It sounds nice, but I can't." " Why not?" "Because of my wife." " When is she due?" " Anytime now... it's only a matter time." "Maybe you'll have a boy this time." "That's what we're hoping for." "I'll give you a "draw," so if they tie, you win." "Sound good?" "Go for it, Mr. Robles." "No, I don't like to bet against Mexico." "I do want them to win, but they won't." "Don't be afraid, Robles." "Bet." "What a scared stick in the mud." "Do you also think Mexico will win, Mr. Romero?" "I don't follow soccer." "You're not going to watch the game?" "Maybe I'll watch it on TV at home." "That's it." "Make sure you bill all the large accounts." " You see?" " Yeah, I'm not as lucky." " See you later." " Good-bye." "Are you always going to have that thing on?" "No." "It was terrible luck." " Do you have a lighter?" " Yeah, here you go." "feel like going to the game?" "I can't, sorry." "Good morning, Mr. Polit." " How are you, Mr. Lira?" " Fine, thank you." " I'll get the money." " All right." "Here you go." "Perfect." " My wife sends her best." " Thank you." " She is much better now." " That's great." "You know, you just can't trust doctors." "You have to diet." "That's what you have to do." "See you later, Mr. Polit." "Thank you." "See you later." "Catch him!" "Catch him!" "Thief!" "Catch him!" "Catch him!" " What happened?" " Did you get any?" "Can't you see here?" "Wow, it's loaded." "Shit." "That's a record, Tarzan." "That's the third one today." " What about the lady's purse?" " The fourth." " Wow, what a record." " Man, you're lucky." "What you mean luck?" "It's skill, man." " Let's see what's in it?" " No, we should leave." "The cops." "Get out of here." "Relax, Tarzan." " What's your name?" " Javier Lira." " Where were you born?" " Mexico, federal District." " Birth date?" " april 14, 1939" " Profession?" " Salesman." " Of what?" " Things." " Door-to-door?" " Yes." " Father's name?" " Jorge Lira." "You're becoming a regular around here." "Mother's name?" "Carmen Curuchet." "What's up, Tarzan?" " When did you get out?" " Just now." "When have I ever spent more than a night in the can?" "Come on, Tarzan." "Relax, enjoy the music." "I can't take it anymore, my love." "All right, let's just finish this song first." "Are you leaving already?" "I'll be right back." "I'll be right back." "What did he say?" "No." "Come on, last one." " No more." " Come on, just one more." "I can't." "Weren't you all horny earlier?" "I just can't." "Where are you going?" "I'm leaving." "Aren't you going to stay with me?" "No, it's still early." " See ya." " Good night." "He's back." "This one's for you, Tarzan." "Damn show-off." "You deserve a break, guys." " Thank you, Tarzan." " You bet, Pepe." " Wait." " What's wrong?" "Aren't we going?" "It's better if we go to the Touristico." "It's cleaner." " How do you want it?" " However." "What's up?" "What about you?" "Nothing, Tarzan." "What do you mean nothing?" "Tonight has been really slow." " Really?" " Honest." "Don't try to pull a fast one on me." "I swear." "Or I'll find someone else." "Got it?" "Whore." " Where's Chata?" " With a client." " What about you?" " Just getting started." "Take me dancing, Tarzan." "I'm really bored." "Not right now." "You got to work." " What about me?" " You got to work too." "Hello." "What's up?" "How are you?" "Wait, Javier." " What's up with Saturday?" " Hang on." "We'll leave early, come on." "That way we'll have more time." "You want to go?" "Really, you can go on Saturday?" "Yes, or course." "I'll tell my wife that my boss has a stupid pigeon race in Querétaro and you I and will go." "Okay." "Hold up." "Wait." "Just a quickie." " Miss Carmen will see us." " Who cares?" "I'll get your check." " Is anyone here?" " Yes, she'll be right back." " You're a collector as well?" " Yes." " For who?" " A bank." "It's horrible, isn't it?" "Always being given the runaround." " I've been coming for a week." " It depends." "Here's the check." "Okay, this is yours." "I'll see you on Saturday, right?" "Of course." " See you later." " Good-bye." " Here it is, Miss." " Your check is not ready yet." "Miss Carmen hasn't signed it yet." "Why don't you come back in the evening?" "In the evening." "There's Tarzan Lira." " Where are you going, Tarzan?" " To my house, Chief..." " ... to sleep." " So early?" "Yes Chief, it's late." "It's past 1 a. m." "You don't live in the same place, right?" "We went looking for you there." "No, Chief." "I moved." "To where?" "Around." "I think you're going to have a late night tonight, Tarzan." "Why, Chief?" "Because I want you to come with me." "Why must I go with you if I haven't done anything wrong?" "Because I said so." "Do you want another?" "No, Chief." "Well, let's go then." "Keep quiet." "Now you'll tell us what you did with the overcoats." "Overcoats?" "What overcoats, Chief?" "The five you stole from Polanco a week ago." " Me, Chief?" " Yes... you." "Sir, I'm sorry, but you are misinformed." "Forgive me for saying it." "You know me, sir." "I would go after wallets." "I've never done houses, Chief." "You have them." "So don't play stupid." "Just give them up, for once." "How can I tell you if I don't know?" "I give you my word of honor." "I swear on my mother's grave." "Too bad, Tarzan." "You did it to yourself." "I didn't do it, Chief." "I don't want to hurt you." "You know what a real ass whoopin' is like." "I don't know anything, Chief." "Let's make a deal between men." "Those coats belong to a friend's woman." "And we have to give them back." "Those are orders from above." "You give me the coats, I'll let you go, and it will all be over." "But I don't have them, Chief." "I swear." "If I had them I'd give them to you." "I haven't even seen them." "I swear on my mother's grave, Chief." "Do you know Rosa Martinez?" " Rosa Martinez?" " Yeah, she's blonde, short." "I don't know her." "She's the one who told us you had the damn overcoats." "I don't know her, Chief." "No, Chief!" "No!" "I didn't do it, I swear." "Oh my god." "Nice house." "Hang on, not yet." "Where's the other girl?" "She got the day off, but she might come back soon." "Wow, look at all that." "It's all imported." "Let's have a drink." "Come on." "To cheer us up a little." "Go get us a snack." "Holy shit." "Who is it?" "What's up?" "Why are you here?" "I came to visit you." "Does that bother you?" "Just in time." "Do you want something to eat?" "Is this a new style?" "You see how poor I am?" "Where did you get it?" "It belonged to my mom." "Yeah, right." "Have you remembered who the blonde is yet?" "Are you going to ignore me?" "Okay, Prieto, you win." "Just like always, you win." "Can I speak to Chief Fraule?" "Sir, good evening." "This is Prieto." "Yes." "Yes, sir." "Not much, except that now we have possession of the overcoats." "Yes, but we have a little problem, Chief." "Only three showed up." "Yes." "Yes, sir." "Glad to help." "I'm at your disposal." "Where are you going in such a hurry, Tarzan?" "You don't talk to your friends anymore?" " But Chief..." " Let's talk first." "No Chief, I have to go to work." " Come on, Tarzan." " But I haven't done anything..." "Don't make a scene, you're going to hold up traffic." "No, thank you." "No more cigars?" "I had to change." "Because of my ulcer." " How has it been going?" " So-so." "We haven't seen each other in a long time." "Yes, it's been a while." "I thought you quit working for the police." "I left... but I came back." "Gallito said that they somehow tried to set you up and you had to retire." "But I think..." "you retired because of your many years of service." "Yes." "But you see, I'm right back in it." "Well, yes." " At the monument or further down?" " At the monument is fine." "Why go so far?" "I don't think Tarzan will cause problems, right?" "Well Tarzan, how's it been going?" "Not bad, Chief." "Just fine." "But it looks like you're doing really well." "Yes, sir." "Nice clothes... shoes..." "Oh... a gold watch." " It's a fake, Chief." " Automatic and everything." "Who did you steal it from?" "From no one, sir." "I bought it with my own money." "How did you say work was going?" "Pretty good, Chief." "Just fine." "Thank God." "You haven't had temptations?" "Temptations?" " What kind?" " I mean..." "You haven't felt any desire to go back to stealing?" "No, Chief." "That's in my past." "That's great." "How about that?" "Tarzan has changed his ways." "He doesn't steal wallets or overcoats anymore." "He probably doesn't even have his whores to support him either." "Or do you, Tarzan?" "No, Chief... believe me." "It's not for me to say, but I'm a reformed man." "I have my wife, daughter, and another on the way." "I also have my job that gives me just enough to make it." " You don't say." " Yes I do, because it's the truth." "I'm a different man." "Look... here's my bank credential." "This is my credential for pigeon breeding." " For what?" " A pigeon breeding club." "For those who raise messenger pigeons... to compete." "How did you get involved in that?" "My boss signed me up." "He's head of collections at the bank where I work." "He's a pigeon breeder." "He helps me... he trusts me." "Let me see this." "That's my wife and daughter." "We took that at Chapultepec Park." " Your daughter is getting big." " Yeah, she's going on six." " That's Saint Martin de Porres." " You believe in that black bastard?" "My wife does, not me." "I carry it around to please her." "How cute." "So now you're a banker." "I'm not a banker, I'm a collector." "Would you get a load of that?" "A thief turned collector." "I'm not a thief, Chief." "I already told you that." "Once a thief, always a thief." "You can't help it, it's in your blood." "Is the bank aware of your thieving nature?" "Yes, sir, they do." "That's why they gave me the job." "Who helped you get the job there?" "It was Mr. Montes, but he has already passed on." "He helped rehabilitate me when I was released from jail." "He recommended me to the bank, and now my bosses have faith in me." "Especially Mr. Romero." " Open it." " For what, Chief?" "There are documents and money from the bank." "I said open it, damn it." "There are 15,225 pesos in here." "Promissory notes and checks." "This money is insured, Chief." "If just one cent is lost, the bank will get involved." "Let me tell you something." "I won't be held responsible." "What do you think I am, a fucking thief like you?" "No..." "I was just saying." "Hey, Chief." "What if our friend here..." "acts crazy and tells them he got robbed, and we keep the money for ourselves?" "We give you a cut, and leave it at that." "Now, to make it look real, we'll bang you up a bit, you tell them that you were attacked and they stole the money." "It could be done at dusk, on a deserted street near the bank." "Why beat around the bush?" "If you want the money, just take it." "But, I won't be a part of this." "And why the fuck not?" "I can't, because of my record." "They won't believe me." "Take the money, I won't give you any problems." "Just remember that the bank will get involved, and the insurance too." "And those guys don't take a hit too well." "If they inspect me, you'll be next." "Even if I keep my mouth shut." "Those insurance guys make it difficult." "You decide, boss." "Look, Tarzan." "I like you, you know that." "You're just the way I like my friends:" "reformed, honest, dependable." "That's how you are, right?" " You know I am." " Well, I am too." "Reformed, honest, dependable." " My companion here is the same way." " One hundred percent." "You're sort of like..." "my godson." "I caught you for the first time, when you were just a kid." "Then, there were the rest." "Remember?" "I remember." "So, you could almost say that you're... one of mine." "And you will continue with me." "Continue?" "How?" "Look... my partner and I, as you can see... are hurting for money." "In other words, broke." "He just got married, and I have a son in med school." "Tell me, how do we make ends meet?" "How, with such a miserable income?" "One needs to find what works, you see?" " Yes, Chief." " Good." "Therefore, as of tomorrow, you will become part of my team." "You're going to donate 600 pesos a day." "200 for him, and 400 for me." "600 pesos a day, for you guys?" "But I barely make 12,000 pesos a month." "Where do you expect me to get 600 a day for you?" "That's your problem." "But for an expert like yourself, so good at stealing wallets, 600 pesos is nothing for you." "Chief, I already told you." "I'm no longer like that." "Look, I'll make it easy on you, so you can see that I'm honest." "Check this out, you give us 600 a day, and the rest, even if it's a million, is all yours." "Look, there's another advantage for you." "We will take care of you." "If any other agents catch you, then we'll step in and help." "There's no danger." "Don't do this to me, let me continue my new path." "I've got my new life, my job, my family..." "It's not fair, Chief." "You have no right to do this to me, Chief." "Too bad, Tarzan." "That's life." "Someone has to lose." "Please, Chief, for my wife and children." "Please." "Right now, you're going to give us, as a "down payment,"" "a couple of grand, as an advance." "Leave that money alone, it belongs to the bank" " Easy, Nerón." " Give the money back." "Give it back." "Kick his ass." "You know the drill, Tarzan." "Tomorrow at 12 p. m., same place." "And don't try to hide." "Get busy, son." "From tomorrow on, you're defeated." "600 a day." "Everyday, 600." "And if you don't follow through, it's straight to jail." "Forget about your job, forget about you, and for having changed." "Damn!" "You can't get around them." "If I pay the first time, I'll have to pay forever." "Each and every day, you know these guys." "You're fucked, Tarzan." "You're fucked." "Forever, Tarzan." "Forever." "You're screwed forever." "You're screwed." "It says here that Mexico can win." "Yeah, if they score and don't get intimidated like they always do." "It seems like this team is strong." "Against Germany?" "Not even." "Those guys really move the ball." "They get a bad rap." "They're World Champions for a reason." "Well here it says that Mexico has a chance." "No way." "Excuse me, sir." "Can I borrow your key?" " What?" " The bathroom key." "May I borrow it, please?" "Thank you." " Don't take long." " I won't." "This beating is going to cost you, Prieto." "You're not messing with me, you're messing with the bank." "You'll see, you son of a bitch." " Thank you very much." " Hey, what happened to you?" " Man, they gave me a beating." " Where?" " Over there by the statues." " Who were they?" "They were policemen, in a green car." "You didn't see it, did you?" " Green car?" " Yeah, those undercover kind." "The unmarked ones." "Yes, I think so." "They took all of the money from the bank where I work." " Was it a lot of money?" " About 10,000 pesos." "They're a bunch of bastards." "What are you going to do now?" "Report them, right?" "Of course." "I will definitely report them." "Where do the buses going downtown stop?" "About four blocks down." "Thank you." "Poor guy." "As long as we score in the first half, we'll beat them." " That won't do it, man." " Why not?" "We just need one little goal, and we'll beat em." "Like that game against Spain, remember?" "They're good, I'm telling you." "We are the only ones who give orders here." "You guys lost that power upon your arrival." "And you can only get it back when you leave." "Is that clear?" "We need skulls to lay down in the road, bastards." "This isn't Acapulco, nor are you here for vacation." "Here at Marias Islands, you come to work." "To pay for your crimes committed against society." "I am responsible for this joint." "I am in charge of making sure the rules are followed." "One more thing." "A fucking donkey's life is worth more... than yours." "Do you have any questions?" "Any questions?" "Now you know it, fuckers, tomorrow you begin working the salt lands." "You will comply with these rules from "A" to "Z"" "And don't forget, you are here as prisoners... and as prisoners you will suffer." "Move." "Let's go." " Get off." " No, I'm here." "Can I have a puff?" " How are you doing, Tarzan?" " All right, Chief." "I got you a job." "As of Monday you'll start working in the office, okay?" " Do you like that?" " Yes, a lot." "Thanks, boss." "You deserve it, Tarzan." "You're the only honest, and serious one." "Thank you, boss." "We'll celebrate this evening." "Come to my quarters and we'll have a drink." "What do you think?" "Yes, of course." "All right." "Thank you again, boss." "All friendly with Boss Pantoja now, huh?" " He volunteered me." " Really?" "I don't know why." "He says he'll take me out of the salt lands." "Bastard." "He even invited me to his quarters tonight." "I feel like a prisoner, Tarzan." "Just like you guys." "As if I had committed the worst of crimes." "It's not right." "Damn it, it's not right." "I deserved better opportunities." "When I worked with general Rendon, I did many favors for him." "That's why I thought he was going to take me with him to Mexico City." "But that wasn't the case." "That son of a bitch left me here." "And all of his promises were bullshit." "You see, it's not right." "It's not right." "No, it's not right." "Don't despair" "Open the door, because tonight" "I want to kiss you..." "That's one of my songs you'll soon know." "I've turned into a composer right in front of you." "You see brother, every man has a heart." "Go ahead, Tarzan." "Knock it back, man." "You have some catching up to do." "Cheers, Chief." "Here's to friendship." "I cherish friendships." "I swear to God." "My friends have treated me like shit." "But I still believe in friendship." "Because it's the only thing with value in this life... in this life." "That's why I show you I care, Tarzan." "I really care." "Of all the prisoners here on this fucking island, no one looks me in the face." "Nor do they listen to me the way you do." "That counts for something, of course." "That counts for a lot." "That's why I don't mind helping you." "Ask my wife if you don't believe me." "Right?" "Shut up already." "Tell Tarzan how much I respect him, damn it." "Tell him." "You're drunk." "Let me sleep." "Tell him, baby." "Stop bothering me." "Don't pay attention to her." "She doesn't know." "What does she know?" "She doesn't know what friendship is." "real friendship." "Don't despair" "Open the door..." "What's happening to you, boss?" "Wake up, boss." "Boss." "Don't even try." "He always gets wasted like this." "Help me." "Get the chair." "Nothing will wake him now." "Where are you going?" "Is it true what they say?" "In Mexico you had a lot of women?" "You even had women working for you." "Who told you that?" "Is it true?" "We're a pair of mules." "Keep going." "We're evil." "Shut up and keep going." "Keep going, keep going..." "Next week I'll be alone." "They're sending him off the island for business." "You know what that means." " Anybody?" " I pass." " You?" " I call." " Five." " What?" "Okay." "Five and I raise you two." " Did you hear the news?" " What?" "Chief Pantoja has arrived." " When?" " He just stepped out of the boat." "Can I get a drag?" " Well, boss, good night." " No, man." "Let's have a drink." "So you can fill me in on what I missed while I was gone." "You know that nothing ever happens around here, boss." "Then I'll tell you about my trip." " Come on in, let's go." " Okay then, thank you." "Look who I have here?" "The one and only Tarzan." " He's been hiding from me." " Of course not, boss." "Since I've arrived, you don't look me in the face." "What were you up to, my little Javier?" "You haven't come around here either?" "No, not at all." "Bring the bottle." "Sit down, Tarzan." "Make yourself comfortable." "Thank you, boss." "Thank you." "That's not going to be enough." "Hey, woman, I need a favor." "Go to Rosita's and ask to borrow at least a couple of bottles." "I'll replace them later." " Cheers." " Cheers." "But don't take long, baby." "I'm watching the time." "She's a slut, and I know that." "That she gives it up to anyone who asks, I also know." "But one should still be able to trust his friends." " Don't you think, Tarzan?" " That's how it should be." "One can only hope that his friends, his true friends I mean, are like him:" "sincere, loyal:" "rightfuI men, to put it plainly." "But there are some, Tarzan, who are not sincere, loyal or honest men, because they don't have scruples." "That's true." "But that's life grabbing you by the balls and squeezing." "One nut at a time." "What the hell." "One has eyes and ears, and it's a matter of time before some guy tries to win your favor, and informs you of certain things." "For example, one man's wife likes to screw whomever, and one thinks..." ""Let her do it with a good man, you can't just sew her shut. "" "But it still feels shitty, to find out that she's doing your friend." "A true friend, one believes." "And one thinks," ""How is it possible, that a friend, who eats at my table, and drinks with me under my own roof, be capable of such an act?"" "And you say," ""I can't deal with that. "" "Because to do that, simply means you don't give a fuck." "True." "Could you be so cruel..." "Tarzan, that you're screwing my wife?" "Don't despair, open the door" "Because tonight I want to kiss you..." "Hey, where do you keep the money?" "Where is it?" "It's useless to you now, man." "You're going to die." " Where is it?" " Leave him alone, Muelón." "Let him die in peace." "Where is it?" "Don't be like that, tell me." "What's it to you?" "It's useless to you" "What's that guy doing here, Doctor?" "I don't know, general." "Why are those people on the floor?" "We're out of beds, general." "When's the guy with the stab going to die?" "I think he'll die tonight." "He's in his last hours." "Let's hope he hurries up, Doctor." "Having them on the floor looks bad." "Tell Mr. Romero everything, he will help you." "He respects you, and understands you." "You're a trustworthy employee, and he's not going to let Burro Prieto fuck with you." "Mr. Romero is on your side." "The whole bank is on your side." "He'll take care of everything." "Everything." "Don't worry." "I won't be a dick anymore." "I'm going to be faithful to my wife." "I'm going to stop smoking." "I'll go to church, Blessed Virgin." "Don't let them turn me back into a thief, Blessed Virgin." "Let Mr. Romero help me." "Let him help me." "God help me, please." "Benito, did you see Mr. Romero leave?" "Yes, he already left." " Are you sure?" " Yes, he left a while ago." "Hey, what happened?" "You all banged up." " Are you sure he left already?" " I'm positive, he said good-bye." " Where did he go?" " To eat, I think." "Which restaurant?" "Did he say?" " The usual place." " Thank you, Benito." "Hey." "Excuse me." "I'm looking for Mr. Romero, the head of billing at the bank." "He hasn't been in." "This is where he comes to eat everyday, right?" "Yes, but not today." "Do you know if he'll be in, or if he left any messages?" "I wouldn't know." "Excuse me, sir." "Do you know which bus goes to Café Tacuba?" "I don't know ma'am." "I don't know." "Where did he say he was going?" "Where, where?" " Is it urgent, Mr. Lira?" " Yes, ma'am, it's very urgent." " Something to do with the bank?" " No, it's a personal problem." "Can you imagine?" "I just can't remember." "Might he be at the pigeon breeding club?" "I don't think so, but if you'd like, I'll call." "Yes, please." "Thank you." "He never goes at this time of day, because there's never anyone there." "The line's busy." "I'll call back in a few minutes." "I feel so bad, Mr. Lira." "My memory is terrible." "Would you like to look at the pigeons in the meantime?" "They're beautiful." "Come along." "There were five, but two just died." "I'm sure it was some small epidemic." "I don't know if my husband told you." "The Pinta got so sick." "He was in such a hurry, because of the race." "Isn't she beautiful?" "She comes from a breed of champions." " Isn't she gorgeous?" " Yes, it's very nice, ma'am." "Maybe it's him." "Could you hold her, just for a moment?" "Mr. Romero's residence." "Juanita, how nice to hear from you." "It's been a while how have you been?" "Fine." "The other day I was going to call you." "Sounds great." "Of course." "You better." "All right then." "Okay, I'll talk to you later." "Yes, good-bye." "Yes, thank you." "Good-bye." " What happened to you?" " Nothing, ma'am." "I'll call the club again." "Yes, with whom am I speaking?" "This is Mrs. Romero." "Is my husband there by any chance?" "Sure, I understand." "No, don't worry." "Yes, thank you." "Good-bye." "He never goes in the afternoon." "You'll certainly be able to find him later on, at the bank." "He always goes back to the office on Friday." "Or here, at night." "My brother-in-law is coming over to watch soccer on TV." "Thank you." "Would you like to leave a message?" "Just that I'm looking for him, it's urgent, please." "Thank you." "What should I do?" "What should I do if I don't find Mr. Romero?" "I'll get the hell out of this city." "I'll get the hell out." "I'll take Berta and the baby, and I'll leave." "No, by myself." "It'll be better by myself." "I won't tell anyone, I'll just leave; never to be found." "Who are you going for, sir?" "Mexico or Germany?" "Who's going to win?" "Mexico or Germany?" "Mexico." " Is Mr. Romero here?" " I don't know." "I don't think so, I haven't seen him." "Thank you, Benito." "Settle down." "Relax." "Let's see." "What happens- what happens if I don't find Mr. Romero today?" "You're screwed, man." "You're fucked, because tomorrow they won't believe you." "But today they will." "You got to relax." "Suppose that..." "suppose that you find him later." "Or that you find him tonight, or tomorrow." "Yes, tomorrow, tomorrow." "And you tell him everything." "Everything that's happened." "What will he tell you, Tarzan?" "What might he tell you?" "Relax, settle down." "What would he think?" "He's going to think..." ""He's a criminal." "He hasn't rehabilitated. "" "They're going to fire you." "The bank doesn't want any problems." "You're a criminal." "No one will believe you." "Shut up!" "Mrs. Romero?" "Has he arrived yet?" "No, he's not here either." "Thank you very much." "Sorry to bother you." "Good-bye." "Oh, God." "Help me." "Help me." "Help me, please." "Third time's a charm." "Put your bet in." "What's up, Tarzan?" "What a miracle!" "Sit down." "Let's see if you get lucky." "Do you still... play?" "Sit down, man." "It's nice to see you." "It's been ages." "Here I am, ripping off the authorities." "Go ahead, Captain." "Nothing." "Put them in there." "Queen flush." "Go ahead, try your luck, 'cause these guys are a couple of stiffs." "What brings you here, Tarzan?" "I have a message from your niece." "Right on, there you go." "I'll be right back, guys." "Just a moment." "I'm just going to chat with Tarzan." "Once they've singled you out, you're theirs forever." "I can't believe you've forgotten about me." "Look at me, it doesn't look like it, but I also have to pay." "And not just to Prieto, like you, but to a bunch of them." "You saw those guys outside?" "I also have to pay them." "Nothing is free in this life." "until you die." "The advice I give you, is this:" "If you don't want this guy to give you a hard time, and lose your job, just pay the money." "Pay... pay." "And don't get tired, it gets worse." "Do you want one?" "I've been thinking about coming forward, about reporting him." "Bullshit." "It wouldn't work." "He'll want revenge, with your people for example." "Does Burro Prieto know you have a wife and kids?" " Yes, he knows." " Well, he's got you by the balls." "Why don't you just pay him the 600 pesos and enjoy the protection?" "That way you'll win." "Look, I'll offer you the same deal everyone else gets, twenty percent." "Twenty percent?" "Okay, thirty percent for you." "Because you're a good man, refined." "Because I want to help you." "I've also thought about leaving Mexico." "You're dreaming." "Wherever you go, they'll find you." "I'll report him to my bosses at the bank." "To Mr. Romero." "Maybe they don't want to hear it." "Don't be stupid." "Don't complain." "Be thankful you didn't run into Burro Prieto right after returning from the Marias Islands." "At least you've had a few nice years." "Now that you're back, you've got to adjust." "It's the law." "Shit, it can't be!" "It just can't be." "You're an artist." "Don't waste your talent." "The bread and butter is there on the streets, it's full of idiots out there." "Look, I steal everything." "Wallets, pens, watches... everything." "When will you start?" "Never." "Never fucking again." "Think about it, because they'll fuck with you." "You let me down, sneaky bastard." "You let me down." "You hid everything from Mr. Romero." "You closed all the doors on me, just like always." "Always." "But it doesn't matter." "Even if you want me to, I will not become a thief again." "Even if they follow me, if they mess with me, even if they kill me." "I will not go back to stealing." "Even if you don't help me, God damn it." "I refuse to go back to that." "Let me have "El Gráfico. "" ""Ovaciones," second edition." " Do you have the evening edition?" " No, only this one." " Let me have "El Gráfico. "" " Yes, sir." "Thank you, sir." "THE END"