translation of a book !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PDF

Preview

Summary

attention!!!!!!!! only personal thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!! not a useful resource for homework or presentations. only personal thoughts are included. use at your own risk....

Description

Lola Lago: Is head of a detective agency in Madrid. You have a new case to solve Paco: Works with Lola Lago. He is your partner and also your friend. Miguel: He is Lola's other partner. All three are detectives. Margarita: She is the secretary of Lola, Paco and Miguel. Humberto Salazar: He is Colombian and a musician. The police accuse him of having attacked a "raped head". María José Sancho: She is a teacher and collaborates with the Association of Neighbors of the neighborhood of Peñalbina. He wants to prove that Humberto is innocent. Andrés: Lives in the neighborhood of Peñalbina. His friend "Tigre" is in the hospital with a very strong blow to his head. Paulino: He's a policeman and he's in love with Lola. It always happens very interesting information. Carmela: She is an old friend and neighbor of Lola. He's going to hide Humberto in his house and feed him very well. Inspector Gil: He is a Madrid police inspector. She does not like women detective

- 1

It all started on Wednesday, May 12. Three days before San Isidro, the Fiesta Mayor of Madrid. A party that lasts about a week and a half, with dancing and shows every night. Thousands of Madrilenians are down the street until very late. And there are people and noise everywhere but especially in the center. Also, I don't like popular parties. So that year I had decided to leave for a few days on vacation. That Wednesday, May 12, I was about to leave. I was planning to spend the whole week in Menorca. May is a good time time of year: few tourists and, surely, quite good weather. I wanted to sunbathe and do nothing at all. Just rest. Rest and

read a couple of good novels. But it was not to be. At the detective agency detective agency we don't usually have a lot of work. But, whenever I want to go on vacation, things get complicated. That Wednesday, May 12, a day before I left for Menorca, the phone rang. May 12, the day before I left for Menorca, the phone rang. I heard Margarita, the secretary, pick up the phone. Our office Our office is so small that you can hear everything. -Yes, yes, one moment, please. I'll put him through. "Strange, it wasn't Tony, Margarita's boyfriend," I thought. He calls her every day, three or four times. -Lola, a call for you. A María José Pancho... Or something something like that. -Lola? -Yes, tell me. -Look, I don't know if you remember me... -Look, I don't know if you remember me... My name is María José Sancho. We met at a dinner, at Alberto Sanjuan's house. -Ah..., yes..., yes..., yes. I think so... But it wasn't true: I didn't remember any María José Sancho. I have quite a bad memory for names. -We have a problem and I wanted to talk to you. -Is it urgent? -Yes, very, very urgent. Goodbye to my vacation in Menorca: I'm sure it was a new case for the agency. case for the agency.

-Do you want to come and see me today? -I asked unwillingly. -Yes, right now, if possible. -Okay. Do you have the address? -Yes, Alberto gave it to me: Alcalá, 38, right? -Exactly. -I'm not far away. I'll be there in about twenty minutes. -Okay, so far. It seemed really very urgent, more urgent than my desire to leave Madrid and sunbathe. Madrid and sunbathing

- 2 María José Sancho was a woman in her forties. Tall, with gray hair, and a lot of personality. Then I recognized her. She came into my office, with a worried expression, and said to me: -Look, I'll get straight to the point. -Go ahead. "I like people who get straight to the point," I thought. And he began to explain everything to me. -I work with the Peñalbina Neighborhood Association. It's a working class neighborhood, you know, near San Isidro Park. In the Association we have a section to help foreign workers. Now there are many immigrants: Africans, South Americans, Poles.... They have many problems, as you can imagine: housing problems, work problems.... Some volunteers give Spanish classes, we help them with the bureaucracy, and all that. One of the foreign kids, now... Well, in short, he's wanted by the police. And we want to help him. We are absolutely sure that he hasn't done anything. That's why we need a private detective.

-What exactly happened? -Humberto Salazar, that's the guy's name. He's Colombian. On Sunday Humberto went to see a soccer game. There in our neighborhood. On the way out he had an argument with some "skinheads" from the neighborhood. too. Everybody knows them. They are very violent. The truth is I don't know how it all started. I only know that they argued, they insulted each other... The usual stuff. -And that's why the police are looking for him? -No, no, not at all. It's much more serious. The next day, in the San Isidro San Isidro Park they found one of the "skinheads", a certain Antonio Sanchez, unconscious. Antonio Sanchez, one of the "skinheads". They call him "El Tigre" (The Tiger). He is the leader. He is now in the hospital, at 12 de Octubre. -Is it serious? -Very serious. He is in a coma. He was hit on the head. His friends say it was Humberto. And Humberto is scared to death, I guess. And that's why he's gone. -And you don't know where he is? -No, no idea. He's gone into hiding. He's disappeared. Humberto is a very quiet boy, a very good person. It wasn't him. We are sure. He is incapable of killing a fly. -Buf... How complicated... -I muttered, "And what do the police say? -You know how they are... They don't like foreigners. Besides, now, they are especially hard on Colombians. I looked at María José and asked her: -You are a teacher, right? -Yes, is it very noticeable? -she answered, smiling. smiling. -A little bit. -It's that you are a detective," she joked.

- 3 María José and I had a sandwich at the bar on the corner and continued talking for a while. We talked about the problems of the neighborhood, about racism, about her work.... Then we went to the Neighborhood Association. There there I met Elías, Félix and Mohamed. Elias was almost seventy years old, fat, quiet, and spoke very slowly. very slowly. He was an old republican10 who, after the war, lived in France for a few years. years in France. He himself, when he was young, was an emigrant, like many Spaniards. many Spaniards. Elias was a close friend of Humberto, the Colombian boy. Colombian boy. -I like working with foreigners, with immigrants. I know what it's like I know what it's like to live far from home, to be alone out there. I also met Felix, the Spanish teacher there. He was a student I was a philology student at the university, but I didn't know very well how to teach the language classes. language classes. -It's very difficult... You know, they ask you questions you've never thought about before. For example, why do you say "I am happy" and not "I am happy"? Let's see... Why is that? But it's very interesting... I like it. I thought I didn't know why you say "I am happy" and not "I am happy" either. Mohamed was one of the foreigners in the Association. He was looking at us concentrating in order to follow our conversation. -Spanish... very difficult. But Felix very good teacher Felix smiled happily. The three of us, Elias, Felix and Mohamed, knew Humberto well. Humberto well. They were, like María José, very worried. -And where do you think he is now? -We don't know. We have asked all his friends, the other Colombians who come here. We have asked all his friends, the other Colombians who come here? -Elías explained. And nobody knows nothing, nobody has seen him

-Laura knows something, I think," said Mohamed. -Laura? -I asked, "Who is Laura? -She's a girl from the neighborhood, Spanish. Lately they've been going out together. A She didn't want to tell me anything. But maybe to you, Lola? -Where can I find her? -At this time of day, she usually goes for a drink at Mateo's, a a pub next door. -Oops, I'm leaving. I have a class with the Poles 12... And I have to explain the Pretérito Indefinido. -And what is that? -Elias asked. -Anduve, anduviste, anduvo...", from the verb "andar", for example. -And what is it for? -That's what I have to explain: what it's for. -Strange! "Andduve, anduviste...". I never say that," said I never say that," said Elias. I went out: I wanted to have a drink at "Mateo's" and to meet Laura.

- 4 At "Mateo's" a waiter told me who Laura was. She was there, sitting alone at the bar. She was a girl of about eighteen years old, brunette, short, with very big eyes. She was wearing a leather jacket leather jacket, jeans and red lipstick. She looked like very shy. I approached her and said: -Look, I have this for Humberto. And I gave her a note I had just written. Laura looked at me with afraid. -No..., I'm not from the police. Don't worry. I just want to help you. She kept the note. So, she did know where Humberto was. The note said: "Humberto: if you want help, we have to talk. If you hide, the police will think you're guilty. Tomorrow I will be at bar "Las Vistillas" at 11 o'clock. A friend". Laura smiled sadly at me.

She was having a hard time. She explained to me that her parents wanted nothing to do with Humberto. -They don't want me to go out with a foreigner. And now with this mess... Please help him. If he gets arrested by the police... -Don't worry. Everything will work out.

- 5 It was already seven o'clock in the evening. I was very tired and went home. It was difficult to get to the Plaza de la Paja, where I live. There were a lot of people. Luckily, I was on a motorcycle. Many Madrileños were wearing typical costumes. Some chulapos and chulapas were walking towards Vistillas 15. The terraces of the bars were packed and there was music: there was a chotis contest. It was a very pleasant night but I was too tired to go out. to go out. In the doorway of my house I met Carmela, my neighbor and friend. She was wearing a beautiful black Manila shawl with birds and flowers of all colors. flowers of all colors. -How beautiful you look Carmela! Where did you get that shawl? It's wonderful... -An admirer gave it to me. Many years ago... Carmela, when she was young, worked in the theater. Now she's about sixty sixty years old. She is a very good friend of mine and... a great cook. When I feel very tired or very lonely, I go to Carmela's house. -Were you going out? -I asked her. -Yes, but it doesn't matter. I was going for a walk. Have you had dinner? Do you Would you like a little cocido madrileño? You look tired... -Mmmmmmmmmm... Cocido! I couldn't say anything else. I went into Carmela's house and ate, almost without saying anything, two plates of cocido. Then I explained Humberto's case and why I was not in Menorca.

-And now, to cheer us up a bit, we are going to dance for a while at Las Vistillas. Las Vistillas. What do you think? -Oops, Carmela... I'm dead, you know? But I couldn't say no: Carmela and I went to the Fiesta Mayor...

- 6 On Thursday, very early in the morning, I called my partners. We had a meeting at the office at at the office at nine o'clock. They are often late. There were some surprises waiting for me. The first surprise was Paco. Paco is one of my partners. He's chubby, a little bald, but he's a real ladies' man. real ladies' man. That day he came into the office dressed as a "pimp" from Madrid. -My God... But where are you going like that...? -I asked him, laughing my head off. -It's a long story. -What's her name...? In Paco's "stories", there is always a woman. -Elisenda. -And where is Elisenda from? Paco's specialty is foreign women. -Venezuelan. Elisenda wants to participate in a contest of pimps and chulapas. and chulapas contest. It's today, at noon, in the Plaza Mayor. Elisenda has a lot of personality, you know? -Yes, I imagine so. You look cute...19. But your pants are a bit a little small, don't they? -I said, trying not to laugh. -I rented it and there wasn't my size. -What you have to do for love... -I said. -Hey, I'm not that bad....

Paco doesn't have any complexes. He is a happy man. Miguel, my other partner, is completely different. He is tall, handsome, but very shy. And he has a hard time with girls. That day he came to the office worried. -And you, Miguel, what's wrong with you? -I asked him. -Well, I have to walk Gabriela, take her to parties and all that. -Gabriela? -Yes, a distant cousin of mine, whom I don't know at all. She arrives today from Buenos Aires. I have to pick her up at the airport now. And the thing is that I feel terrible... Oops, my head... -Well, take a lime tea21, come on... Miguel, every time he goes out with a new girl, he gets nervous and says he's sick. nervous and says he's sick. What a partner! -Well, now, everybody to my office. General meeting. We have a case. -But, baby22, it's San Isidro..., Fiesta Mayor... -We have a case," I cut it short. And don't call me "baby". I quickly explained what was going on. And we made a plan. At night we would all go to the We would all go to the Pradera de San Isidro23 , with Elías and the others, and try to get close to people from Peñíscola, and try to get close to people from Peñalbina. The Asociación de The Asociación de Vecinos had a drinks and snacks stand at the Pradera. -And now I'm going to my appointment. Maybe Humberto will come. And so it was: Humberto came.

- 7 At eleven o'clock I was at the bar "Las Vistillas". Would Humberto come to would Humberto come to our appointment? When he came in I recognized him immediately. He had long, very black hair

black hair, and that deep look of the Andean people.... He was very attractive. I approached him and said: -How nice of you to come! -Who are you? Why are you looking for me? -My name is Lola Lago. I'm a private detective and I've been hired to help you. -Elías, María José and... -Exactly. -They're very nice people. -Yes, they love you very much and are very concerned. And now, tell me. And, please, tutor me... 24. Humberto was very afraid. He did not want to talk to the police. -I don't have a residence permit. They're going to send me to Colombia. And it will be worse there... He was relaxing and we ended up talking like old friends. He needed to talk. -Worse than in Spain? -Yes, and it's not easy here. My family had problems, there in Colombia, with the Medellin Cartel. -With the drug mafia? -Yes, yes. My family didn't want to work for them. They killed my older brother. I can't go back to Colombia, do you understand? If I get Spanish police catch me... -Are you working? -Something. It's difficult... I play Latin American music in a local, on Baños Viejos street. Baños Viejos street. In "El Candil". -I know it, I live next door. -I'd like to study. To study music, at the Conservatory. But everything is very difficult for a foreigner with little money. We both remained silent for a moment.

-At first one thinks that in Spain it will be easier.... We speak the same language and all that, but.... -Yes, we are not as much alike as we think," I said. -I'm also afraid of "Tigre's" friends," he said after a while. a while later. -Of the "skinheads".... -Yes. They're looking for a culprit. And you know how they are with foreigners... And they, I don't know why, think I did it. I have to I have to hide. At that moment, I had a great idea: Carmela. -I have an idea: you're going to spend a few days with a friend of mine. -If you say so... Humberto already trusted me.

- 8 We arrived at Carmela's house and I asked her directly: -Carmela, can this friend stay at your house for a few days? She immediately agreed. Then we told her Humberto's story. -Oh, but I read about it in the newspaper...". She picked up the newspaper on the table and read: - "Skinhead assaulted by Colombian. The police are looking for the Police are looking for the alleged perpetrator. You'll be better off here with me, son. So I left Humberto settled at my neighbor's house. She was delighted. -I'll take care of him like a son. He'll be safe here," she said as I was leaving. I was leaving. Humberto seemed calmer.

- 9

The first thing I needed was more information. I remembered Paulino Quijano. Paulino Quijano, poor Paulino! He was an old friend of mine. He worked in the the Police, in the Information Department. He was madly in love with me for years. I never paid much attention to him. But whenever I needed him, he always helped me. So I decided to call him. -Paulino. I need to know a few things. -Of course, as always. You never call me to go out... -Well, if you want, one of these days... -.... -Don't be hypocritical. -What do you want to know? Come on, tell me. -What do you know about an attack on a skinhead, a "skinhead"? -A "Tiger". A certain "Tiger". And what do you know, in general, about the skinheads of Peñalbina? You know, the neighborhood near San Isidro Park. -Give me a couple of hours. -Call me at four o'clock? -Thank you, Paulino, you're a sweetheart. -I'll do anything for you. Rob a bank, for example. -Paulino, you're a cop... Paulino has a great sense of humor. At four o'clock, from the Peñal-bina Neighborhood Association, I called Paulino. -I found a couple of interesting things. Make a note of them. First of all: Inspector Gil is handling the case... -Don't tell me...! -I said in disgust. -You don't like him? -I don't like him. He's a chauvinist. And surely, a racist... An old a bigot, wow. -Yes, I think so. Another thing. Around here they think that "Tigre" and a friend robbed the other day in a record store, in Calle

Mayor. They took 350,000 pesetas and a good collection of records. -Very interesting, really interesting? -I said. -At the hospital they said that the "Tiger" arrived very drunk. -Yeah... -Shall we have dinner together tonight? -Paulino asked me. -It's that... -Yes, I know. You're my "impossible love"... -Don't exaggerate. I'm a disaster: I can't cook. One of these days I'll call you and we'll have a drink32, okay? After the call, I stayed a while talking to Elias and Mohamed. There was nothing new and I decided to go home for a while.

- 10 In the evening my partners and I were planning to go to La Pradera de San Isidro. I wanted to get close to the "skinheads" and I had a great idea. I looked for my father's old military jacket. I also found some boots and a Real Madrid scarf from my grandfather. With a pair of jeans with suspenders and a good hairstyle, I would be the most beautiful skin of the Fiesta Mayor. Before leaving, I went to my friend Carmela's house. -My God, Lola! Where are you going like that? Have you gone crazy? -Carmela, I'm working. -It's just that this job of yours... I don't know, I don't know... -And Humberto? -He's fine. Today he ate two plates of callos a la madrileña. -And he survived? -Heh, heh... Bye, bye, and be careful. I'm going to prepare dinner: some beans with chorizo. This boy has to eat. -Carmela, please, don't open the door for anyone. I think Humberto is in

I think Humberto is in danger. -Trust me. After the war, I worked for the British Intelligence Service. British Intelligence Service. Knowing Carmela, that may be true.

- 11 At around eleven o'clock at night, we all met at the stand of the Peñalbina Neighborhood Association, in the Pradera de San Isidro. There There was Paco, my partner, and Elisenda, his friend, dressed as pimps. Miguel, my other partner, and his Argentine cousin were also there. They were beautiful, by the way, and what colleagues! They came to work with the girls. There were also those from the Association: Elías, María José, Félix, Mohamed... and some other Spaniards and foreigners. My disguise worked very well: at first, nobody recognized me. Then, Elias and I went for a walk around the Meadow. -Look at them, there they are," said Elias, and I pointed to the friends of the "Tiger". "Tiger's" friends. It was a group of about ten "skinheads", with a classic look: very short or shaved hair, rolled-up jeans, suspenders, military clothing, big boots, fascist symbols.... A very dangerous look. Suddenly, one arrived on a motorcycle, a big motorcycle. -Come on, what a bike "Jetas" has! -said Elias. -Who is he? -The "Jetas", "Tiger's" best friend. -See you later. And I went over to where the "skinheads" were. I started talking to one of them, a certain Andrés. He seemed very shy but after a "litrona "36 of beer he b...