MORIR DOS VECES Summaries for May 3-July 19, 2004 GRAN FINAL

Mexico (Televisa) 1996.

USA (Univision) May 3, 2004 – July 19, 2004

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SINOPSES

de Yolette: Silvana lleva una vida como la de muchas amas de casa, al lado de su esposo Cristobal y de su pequeña hija Andrea. El ha hecho prosperar rapidamente el taller de artesanias que Silvana heredo de su padre años atras. Ella se dedica al hogar y aunque ya estuvo a punto de divorciarse en una ocasion, esta intentando rehacer su matrimonio. Sin embargo, un hecho inesperado trastorna su vida: Cristobal fallece repentinamente de muerte natural. Silvana no se explica como un hombre sano y fuerte como su marido pudo sufrir un infarto. Apenas esta velando el cuerpo cuando le informan que asaltaron el taller y despues la casa. Unos hombres de la mafia inician una persecucion de la viuda y le exigen cinco millones de dolares que aseguran les robó Cristobal. El comandante Esteban Pizarro se encarga de la investigacion y descubre que Cristobal estaba metido en el trafico de drogas. Sospecha que Silvana mató a su marido, se quedo con el dinero y se finge inocente. Esteban se acerca a Silvana con el fin de encontrar la verdad y lo que descubre es que se ha enamorado de ella.

de Yolette: Silvana is an ordinary housewife with a daughter, Andrea and a husband, Cristobal, who has quickly made prosperous an art shop left to her by her father many years ago. Though she had recently been on the brink of divorce, Silvana is attempting to save her marriage. Unfortunately her plans are dashed by the sudden death of Cristobal. Silvana cannot understand how a man as young and healthy as her husband could have suffered a heart attack, yet his body is not even cold when she finds out that both the art shop and her home have been burglarized. Then several mafia henchmen accost the young widow to demand that she pay them five million dollars that her husband had allegedly stolen from them. Police Cmdr. Esteban Pizarro is assigned the case and discovers that Cristobal had been involved in drug-trafficking. He suspects that Silvana has killed her husband and stolen the money and is only pretending to be innocent. He gets close to her to uncover the truth, but the only truth staring him in the face is that he has fallen in love with her.

Sinopsis de Univision: Silvana es un ama de casa como cualquier otra, vive con su hija Andrea y su esposo Cristóbal, juntos trabajan en una tienda de artesanías que Silvana obtuvo después de que su padre murió.

Cristóbal y Silvana pasaban por una mala etapa, por lo que pensaban en divorciarse pero Silvana intenta a toda costa salvar su matrimonio, desafortunadamente los planes de Silvana por conservar su familia se desvanecen con la muerte de Cristóbal. Ella no entiende como su esposo siendo tan joven, pudo haber sufrido de un ataque al corazón.

El cuerpo de Cristóbal estaba aún con vida cuando Silvana lo encuentra en su negocio y se da cuenta que este ha sido saqueado. Después de un tiempo la mafia empieza a acosar a la pobre viuda para cobrarle cinco millones de dólares que su esposo les había robado.

El comandante Esteban Pizarro está a cargo del caso y descubre los nexos que tenía Cristóbal con la mafia y el tráfico de drogas. Pizarro sospecha que Silvana fue quien en realidad asesinó a Cristóbal para quedarse con el dinero, haciendo creer a todos que es inocente, así que él intenta acercarse a ella para desenmascararla, pero lo único que descubre es que está perdidamente enamorado de ella.

Aún cuando todos creen que Cristóbal ha muerto, este regresa convertido en un hombre malvado dispuesto a vengarse y a destruir a su esposa y al comandante Pizarro.

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SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY MARITERE

FIRST WEEK IN USA MAY 3 – 7, 2004

MDV WEEKLY SUMMARY MONDAY MAY 3RD - FRIDAY MAY 7TH Author: maritere (---) Date: 05-11-04 06:43 PDT

Monday May 3rd

It's almost the end of the day in Mexico City. Cristobal Ruiz is waiting for a truck to arrive at his pottery business with a delivery that he plans to use to change his life forever. He had received a call earlier from his US client, Fernando Robles, telling him the truck is on its way with the merchandise to be "processed". Cristobal in turn, calls his brother in law, Dr. Mauricio Ibañez, to warn him that their plan is a go - starting tomorrow. His wife Silvana calls to remind him that they're invited to dine with his mother Beatriz that night, and not to be late.

The employees, including his secretary, Carla, start to leave, all except for Pancho, the night guard. The truck finally arrives with the "merchandise". Although the driver and the remaining men offer to help unload. Cristobal tells them all to go home, he'll do it himself. The driver chats with a man standing idly by the truck - it's a certain Orduña. who tells the unknowing driver that he's Cristobal's "partner". The man leaves after seeing the truck parked safely inside.

Once everyone is gone, Cristobal goes into the truck and lifts off the inside roof - it's papered with dollar bills. 5 million dollars' worth of insulation.

Cristobal starts taking the money out carefully, quite pleased with himself and his brilliant scheme. He loads it into canvas bags and locks up. leaving Pancho watching the shop overnight, as usual.

He makes an excuse that he's not feeling well to avoid eating at his mother's house, taking his wife and daughter home with him. Silvana's rather put out at the way he's treating his mother - and them. Cristobal doesn't seem concerned about her reaction - or his mother's, he's focused on something else entirely.

Later, after a quick reconnaissance, he goes up to the roof, stashing the cash carefully in a hollowed out tube that holds the house's TV antenna. Silvana waits downstairs in their room, and finally goes to sleep alone, tired of waiting for him.

While he's working under cover of darkness, others are too. Some thugs break into the shop and kill Pancho the guard before trashing the place completely, breaking everything they can find in the warehouse.

Early the next day, Cristobal calls his US 'client' Robles to inform him that the merchandise hasn't arrived yet - the truck broke down outside Zacatecas and the delivery is now scheduled for that evening.

He then proceeds to Mauricio's office, chatting with the doctor as he lies on an examining table, waiting for the shot that will fake his death by putting him into a coma. Mauricio is very nervous and asks again if Cristobal really wants to go through with all this...he's sure. Mauricio administers the shot and then raises the alarm...his patient just died in his office.

Mauricio works according to the plan Cristobal cooked up, He calls the funeral home to make the necessary arrangements for the wake and burial, and signs the death certificate that will allow them to remove the body. He calls his sister Silvana to inform her of her husband's sudden death.

Silvana is stunned, as is her mother in law, Beatriz. How could Cristobal die so suddenly at his age? Mauricio takes care of all the funeral details with amazing efficiency. The next morning, Cristobal's laid out in his coffin and his tia Carmen and her husband arrive from Morelia to grieve with Beatriz and Silvana.

In response to the homicide report filed that morning by the employees who arrived and found Pancho dead and the shop trashed, Comandante Esteban Pizarro shows up at the shop to assess the damage done by the thugs and look for clues on poor Pancho's murder.

The cops have been tracking a drug dealing ring and knew that millions of dollars were supposed to be arriving in Mexico City in a truck. Pizarro suspects Ruiz was mixed up with the narcos.

He inspects the shards of pottery and notes that some of the pieces have false bottoms. He also inspects the truck and discovers the false panels in its roof. He interrogates the workers and the secretary, and learns that Cristobal stayed behind the night before to unload the truck himself. Ideas begin to form in his brain. But why kill Pancho if Ruiz was cooperating with the narcos? It's obvious that the money came in with the truck..but where is it now? What did Ruiz do with the money? Why hasn't he shown up at the shop yet? He leaves, intending to get some answers quickly.

Silvana and Beatriz return to the house after the wake, exhausted. Silvana gets the news of the break-in and Pancho's murder through a call from Comandante Pizarro, who first demanded to speak to her husband. Silvana informs him that Cristobal isn't available - he's dead. The news is a shock for the Comandante, who questions her a bit longer on his sudden demise, especially in view of Pancho's murder. Silvana begs off answering due to exhaustation and Pizarro promises to come see her the next day, after the funeral, and excuses himself.

Later that night, back at the funeral home, Mauricio manages to get a sobbing Beatriz and Carmen away from Cristobal's coffin long enough to give Cristobal a shot to wake him up while he places a very lifelife plaster cast of Cristobal's head in the coffin and "dresses" the non-existent body in clothes, closing the coffin's wood and glass partitions so that only Cristobal's fake "head and shoulders" are visible. He whisks a still-groggy Cristobal out to his car.

Cristobal gives Mauricio a nice amount of money so that he can take care of things in DF before taking Silvana and Andrea out of the country. They leave for the airport, since Cristobal taking a plane to Houston to have plastic surgery is the next step in the plan. Unfortunately, on the plane, he runs into an acquaintance, Victor Mondragon, who hadn't yet heard of his "sudden death". Victor's on his way to Paris, and they chat a bit, with Cristobal blandly telling him his trip is for business reasons.

The next day, after the "funeral" Pizarro interviews Silvana at her home - which has just been trashed to bits by the same thugs that attacked the shop. The cops go through the damaged house, again looking for clues. Nothing's been taken, but they must have been looking for something...the money.

Silvana's overwhelmed and shocked and can't understand what is happening to her life. Pizarro tells her she needs police protection right now...and he's ready to provide it for her and Andrea. He doesn't tell her any of his other suspicions re Cristobal and the narcos, however.

Having fixed the damage to the house in record time, Silvana decides that Andrea will continue going to school for the moment, while she tries to sort out what her life's become. Pizarro offers to be the child's escort and Silvana accepts. He wants an excuse to stay close to her and monitor her movements - she may be a victim of her husband - or she might be his accomplice in a 5 million dollar theft from some very dangerous people.

Tuesday May 4th

Esteban and his colleague Aaron discuss the widow Ruiz...is she aware of all that money that went missing? Is she an accomplice or just a victim of her husband? Esteban informs his colleague that he's watching her for that very reason...nothing else, although Aaron is pretty skeptical...the widow Ruiz is quite a beautiful lady! ;)

Esteban shows up at the house the next day to take Andrea to school as promised. As he and Silvana take the child to the car, a dark-haired man watches from the opposite sidewalk. Esteban goes back to his office, where Aaron tells him that Marta Lujan has asked for a transfer to his department, news that doesn't make Esteban look too pleased.

Silvana receives a visit from Carla Gutierrez, Cristobal's ex-secretary - she wants to know what she should do about the business. Silvana, still rather shocked, isn't sure what to do about that - or anything.Silvana's aunt and her mother in law are hovering around uselessly as Carla leaves. Nobody seems to know what to do next.

But Esteban does: he interviews Mauricio Ibañez, Silvana's brother and Cristobal's doctor accomplice, at his office re the nature of Cristobal's death. Mauricio evades Esteban's probes, such as, could having detached the car's inside roof caused such exertion that Cristobal would suffer a heart attack? Did he have a history of heart trouble? Mauricio says he knows nothing about any previous problems, and as for the car roof....what? Esteban asks to see medical records the death report, but Mauricio gains time by promising to send him a copy.

At his Houston hotel hideout, Cristobal is still being dogged by Victor Mondragon, the man who met him on the plane...they meet in the hotel lobby. It turns out he's on his way to Europe for quite a while. Cristobal 's told him a big whopper to save himself: he's there to be checked out for a terrible, fatal disease he doesn't want anyone to know about, and his friend is suitably shocked and saddened...and promises to keep his mouth shut.

Esteban mets with newly promoted Tenente Marta Lujan, to ask why she asked to be assigned street duty with his department. He's absolutely against it and assigns her desk work - the opening of the Ruiz case file. Marta's not happy about being chained to a desk, and insinuates that the reason he won't let her do street work is because she's a woman...and also due to his wife's death.

Esteban recovers nicely from what is obviously a blow, pulling rank and recalling her to 'official matters"while immediately changing the subject. He admits though that he fears that she will be harmed if she does outside work, and Marta has to be content with being in the department for now.

Meanwhile, Cristobal calls Mauricio and is updated on what happened at the house and the shop. He wants his brother-in-law to flee and bring Silvana and Andrea with him - it's obvious they're still in danger. Mauricio pleads with him - how can he pretend he's got the money to leave? Silvana knows he doesn't have that much...plus the Comandante investigating his death, Pancho's murder and the house and shop break-ins has just demanded medical records - records Mauricio is going to have to sweat to produce immediately, since they don't exist!

Cristobal doesn't seem at all worried about any of the latest developments back in DF - he merely says he'll keep in touch and reminds him that he did give him enough money before he left - so what's the problem? (The problem is the narcos are still looking for Cristobal and the money he stole from them, caray!).

Esteban sends Marta to the funeral home to investigate further, telling her he has to go to an "official" appointment. Turns out his 'official business" is picking up Andrea from school, as Marta learns when she follows him and observes him and the little girl from across the road.

The dark-haired man named Isaias is still outside Silvana's house, watching her return home with her maid. A woman disguised in Indian peasant clothes with as shawl over her head is also watching - Isaias and comes up to scold him...he's not doing a good job of hiding...what if she had been a policeman? The woman, whom he calls tia, asks if he saw Cristobal's dead body, and he denies it. Nobody's seen the body, they buried him so fast. She demands he take her home in his car - the cop will be there for a while. anyway, they'll be plenty of time to watch him, and the new widow, of course....

At his office, Mauricio is busy fabricating Cristobal Ruiz' medical file...As he drives her home, Andrea blithely chats to Esteban about her puppy and her little chick, that died suddenly just like her Papa did. The cop and the kid are bonding quickly.

Marta interviews the funeral director: he states that there was no autopsy, but shows her the official permission for the funeral arrangements.

Esteban arrives back with Andrea and is invited to have lunch. Doña Beatriz plays mother in law to the hilt, grilling him. Why should she stay at Silvana's house, why can't she also get protection? Who's going to pay for the damages to the shop? The house? Esteban courteously points out that it's easier if she stays with Silvana to protect all of them, and then starts asking her questions on Cristobal's dealing that outrage her.

In particular, the question of who is Fernando Robles? doesn't elict an answer from her or anyone at the table. Esteban supplies his own answer: that's the person who's been buying all the goods shipped to the SF address. But all they have is an address...Beatriz leaves the table in a huff at all these slurs on her poor dear son's integrity and her sister Carmen goes after her, trying to calm her down, leaving an embarrassed Silvana at the table with Esteban.

With Isaias as her chauffeur, "tia" has arrived at her destination, which seems to be a nightclub of some sort, and is now briefing her boys after asking for her usual tequila.

Beatriz and her sister are upstairs, putting clothes in the closet when Silvana walks in and asks if she can help..Beatriz complains that she doesn't have enough closet space, Silvana offers to empty Cristobal's closet for her, but Beatriz takes that as an insult - it seems Silvana can't wait to get rid of her poor son's things! Silvana just closes the door and leaves, defeated.

Tia Carmen goes down to the living room and finds Silvana crying, tries to help by suggesting that she take Beatriz with her back to Morelia. Silvana begs her not to go, since she feels so alone already....the doorbell rings and Tia Carmen leaves her so she can have company...Esteban's back and she seems glad to see him, but after thanking him for taking care of Andrea, he informs her gravely that he's come to discuss another matter. Her husband was into dirty deals - with the same people who trashed the shop and her house. Silvana vehemently denies that her husband was dishonest - she demands proof of his allegations. He asks her to calm down, and explains that his exports were covers for contraband...Carla Gutierrez already confirmed that he supervised and packed those shipments directly.

At the Houston hospital Cristobal gets instructions from a nurse regarding his upcoming operations -seems that he's scheduled for some plastic surgery.

Silvana begins to believe what Esteban just told her - and she's devastated, she can't believe Cristobal was crooked. Although they had problems in their marriage, she did think he confided in her. at least. He was acting so strange lately. But it seems clear now that he didn't tell her anything of what he was doing. She swears she can't help, because she didn't know anything about the business. She doesn't know if he confided in anyone else, either.

Esteban states the nature of the problem: they know are convinced that Cristobal cheated the narcos out of the money - either he hid the money before he died and didn't tell anyone, or he has an accomplice somewhere.

Silvana later tells Tia Carmen what Esteban told her - she's depressed at learning she obviously never knew who the man she married really was. Tia Carmen advises her to take off her mourning clothes, and forget Cristobal, think of her daughter, get on with her life, reopen the business...go forward. Silvana just nods, overcome by all the recent shocks.

Esteban goes back to his colleagues to report...he doesn't believe Silvana was so ignorant of the situation. He's going to keep an eye on her. But he assigns Marta to pick up Andrea and take her to school, since Marta's always on his case about him and the widow Ruiz.

The next day, Silvana has taken Tia Carmen's advice and taken offf her black mourning clothes to answer the door in an orange outfit, taking Marta by surprise. Marta mades a snide remark about leaving her luto behind so soon and informs Silvana she's come to pick up Andrea. She also reminds Silvana when she asks that escorting her daughter isn't the duty of a Comandante - Silvana shows a little spunk finally and retorts that mourning is carried inside one, thanks her for taking care of Andrea and gets her daughter ready to leave.

The duty of a Comandante is to investigate..which is what Esteban is doing, flashing his badge and a photo at nightclub bar, asking the bartender if he's ever seen this man, Cristobal Ruiz. The bartender remains vague, saying he sees a lot of people...after Esteban leaves, he goes into the club's office, where Isaias gets a report and is quite satisfied with how he handled the cop's questions.

Carla gets a call from Paris..it's Victor Mondragon, extolling the joys of Europe and promising to make mucho money to come back and marry her soon so she can quit her job. A subdued Carla isn't thrilled with any of his nonsense - Victor finally asks her what's wrong, and she tells him that Cristobal just died of a heart attack. Victor's surprised - so soon? Carla's a little puzzled - Victor tells her that he knew Cristobal had a serious illness, but he had asked him not to tell anyone. Carla is shocked by the news, and hangs up on Victor when he tries to start flirting with her again.

The next day Silvana goes to the office and Carla explains they've started cleaning up as best they can. Silvana tells her she needs to confide something secret to her because she needs her help..her husband was into dirty deals, and she needs to find out more. Carla's totally outraged at the idea. Her boss was an honest man! Silvana goes on to explain that recently Cristobal wasn't acting like himself...Carla erupts and tells her of course not, he was worried because he knew he had a serious illness! Silvana's shocked...how did she know? Carla,lying, says he told her so. Silvana storms out of the office immediately and goes to inform Esteban and his colleague at the police station that Cristobal did have a confidante...his secretary,Carla, and he should go talk to HER if he wants to find out more than she knows about his business dealings.

Meanwhile, Marta has taken Esteban's orders to get hired as a hostess at that nightclub - she goes and meets Isaias, dressed in tight tarty clothes wearing a short reddish wig to hide her hair and using a fake name to introduce herself. Now she's Lety Mendoza.

Back home again , Silvana confesses to Tia Carmen about her visit to the shop and what she found out about Cristobal's illness from Carla, She's devastated that he lied to her and didn't trust her even about that. She was his wife, but she didn't know much about him, after all. Tia Carmen just oozes sympathy...what else can she do to comfort her poor niece?

Esteban brings Andrea home that day - with a new baby chick. She makes a comment to her mother that she's sorry she's still so sad about her Papa dying - but if she could get a new chick to replace the one that died, maybe she can also get a new daddy?? Silvana and Esteban exchange glances over Andrea's head.

Wednesday May 5th

Silvana explains that getting a new daddy has nothing to do with getting a new chick. After Andrea goes off to play, Silvana turns on Esteban - yesterday he accused her of being her husband's accomplice, and now he's buying baby chicks for her daughter. She doesn't think it's correct that Andrea get attached to him. He tells her about his daughter that died - who would have been about Andrea's age if she lived. He excuses himself and leaves Silvana staring after him.

Cristobal and Mauricio are updating each other by phone - Mauricio's sent the medical report to the cops, while Cristobal explains that he's given his name as next of kin for any emergency after the operation. Mauricio begs him again to just give back the money - Cristobal refuses, and tells him to concentrate on getting his wife and daughter out of the country.

Marta saunters into the office and asks where Esteban is. Aaron admits he's probably at Silvana's house, which makes Marta suspicious (read: jealous).

Her colleague informs her that he's now investigating Carla Gutierrez after Silvana's angry tip-off at the office yesterday. He's starting to think that Silvana really didn't know anything - but the secretary must have. Marta makes an acid comment about secretaries always knowing more than wives, and asks if Esteban also thinks she's innocent....Aaron replies that things seem to be leaning that way. Marta is not pleased at the way the case is going.

At the nightclub, Isaias chats with the bartender, about La Cucaracha..."Doña Cuca" is his tia's nickname. It turns out that Doña Cuca is the leader of the ring, and the owner of the 5 million Cristobal stole...and since nobody's seen the body, she's investigating further, 'cause she wants her money back!

Marta briefs Esteban on her new undercover job - and new name, Lety Mendoza. Esteban asks her to save her nasty unprofessional comments and stop interfering between him and Silvana. Marta reminds him that Silvana's a very pretty woman..she's just trying to watch his back. Irritated, Esteban just tells her to keep out of his business.

Marta goes home, and her roommate Lucy invites her out on a double date...Marta's too down to want to go anywhere. Her roommate asks if her mood has anything to do with Esteban? Marta admits that she's upset because it seems that Esteban's interested in a woman...a woman who's a crime suspect, no less!

Her roommate reminds her that Esteban's a lost cause - if he hasn't given her the time of day in 2 years, she might as well give up on him and come out with them...Sighing, Marta agrees to go out.

Silvana is updating Tia Carmen on Beatriz' latest hissy fit - her mother in law is upset that the Comandante is so nice to Andrea and suspects something is behind it...like being interested in Silvana. Tia Carmen is sympathetic, but says that Beatriz doesn't know the whole story - she needs to be told the truth about Cristobal. Silvana doesn't want to tell her the truth, because her son was everything to Beatriz, finding out the facts will be a terrible blow. Tia Carmen agrees, but still..she should be told. In any case, she likes the Comandante but also finds it strange that a cop would be so sweet to a child. Silvana tells her what Esteban confided to her...he would have had a daughter Andrea's age, but she died. Tia Carmen of course immediately concludes that he must be married, then. Silvana sighs and agrees that's probably the case.

At home in his apartment that night, Esteban sits down on his sofa and lights a cigarette. His eyes catch sight of a picture on the table and he puts it in his lap, staring at the framed photo of him with his wife through the smoke of his cigarette as the lights from the traffic blow illuminate his lonely night.

Marta and her roommate get ready for their double date, still chatting. Lucy thinks Marta should ditch the police force and become a model, like her.Marta laughs it off, and their dates arrive.

Alone in his apartmentt, still staring at the photo, Esteban's reverie is interrrupted by Aaron's arrival.He wants to know what's for dinner - ham on bread, is the reply. Ham on bread AGAIN? is Aaron's question as he sits down and notes the photo on the sofa.

He tries to reason with Esteban - who admits that he was looking at the picture, thinking that if his baby had lived, she'd be Andrea's age. His colleague insists that he must stop being fixated on the past and try to look to a future. Esteban hunkers down next to him and angrily asks him how he can - when the murderers of his wife and unborn child are still at large? That's a case he still has to solve. Aaron changes the subject - Carla Gutierrez checks out clean - no links to Ruiz' dealings. So they're back at another dead end....Esteban asks him to take over the Andrea escort duty - his colleague's horrified at the mere idea - after all, it's Esteban that's interested in Silvana, not him. Precisely for that reason, admits Esteban - he doesn't want to get too close to her and then discover that she's actually involved in all this. Aaron agrees.

The foursome pull up to the Zeus nightclub where Marta just got her undercover job as a hostess. She walks out on the three and tells her roommate to think up an excuse. The roommate, left holding the bag, invents an instant illness to cover up Marta's leaving. Marta walks along the street, then ducks behind a tree and watches men unload something from the car with Isaias hovering nearby.. Inside, the now threesome are discussing Marta's sudden disappearance. Also sitting at the bar is Cristobal's infamous "partner" Orduña who says he now knows where the money is...Isaias is all ears.

The next day, Marta explains to Lucy that she couldn't go into the Zeus nightclub "for reasons of work". Lucy, who looks pretty hungover, just comments that she's got a really weird job!

Mauricio tries to calm Silvana when she comes to his office to tell him that Cristobal was involved in something shady...but is interrupted by a long-distance call ...from Houston. He takes the call in front of Silvana, calling Cristobal "Andres" and informing him that his sister is there in the office with him, and has just told him that her recently deceased husband was into dirty business dealings. 'Andres' calmly disregards that news and instead informs him that the hair transplant and nose job went well, and tells him to call him back once Silvana leaves. She waits for Mauricio to hang up and then asks who was on the phone...her brother dismisses it as a friend in Houston, and she insists - does she know him? No, says Mauricio, but he knows of you. Now what makes you think Cristobal was involved in something bad? he asks. She replies that Comandante Pizarro told her so, that's how. And, she adds...she believes he's right.

Marta, meanwhile, is telling Aaron about what she saw last night at Zeus...Isaias seemed to be very interested in whatever they were unloading...it might be something illegal. Her colleague instructs her to keep watch for anything suspicious when she's there "working".

Silvana is crying, telling Mauricio she can't understand why Cristobal would risk such a thing..they didn't need more money, they had enough for their needs.....Mauricio wants to give her a tranquilizer, but she refuses - she's just too mad at what her husband did. Mauricio tells her he'll get a loan and take her and Andrea away. She thanks him, but declines...she wants to stay and find out what really happened. Silvana lets slip that Carla knew of his fatal illness, while she knew nothing. Mauricio's stunned..what fatal illness? Silvana tells him she felt like an idiot when Carla told her.

In the hospital, Cristobal later gets a call from Mauricio. Comandante Pizarro knows the story of the contraband money and told Silvana everything, and she's angry at him. Cristobal is sorry, but refuses to let Mauricio tell her anything. Cristobal forbids him to say one word to his wife. Mauricio, resentful, asks him why he told Carla of "his fatal illness" and said nothing to Silvana? Cristobal can't understand how Carla could have found out something like that - or invented something like that.

Esteban is carrying Andrea piggyback to her door and Beatriz attacks immediately when she sees them together. Oh yes, she's going to report him, have him fired, etc.etc. As he tries to calm her down she storms into the house and Silvana goes out to apologize. Esteban's unruffled about the whole thing and says goodbye calmly. Beatriz attacks Silvana the minute she gets in the door, decrying her morals, her manners, lack of respect, etc. etc. etc.

Silvana finally snaps and breaks the news - her dear son wasn't the nice clean man everybody thought he was - he was involved in criminal activities. That's why the shop and their houses were trashed - people are looking for whatever he stole. Now what does she have to say? Beatriz is too stunned to even reply - she just asks to be left alone, and subsides onto the sofa, deflated.

Thursday May 6th

Carla is being interviewed by Aaron outside the shop when Mauricio joins them. He's visibly nervous about being introduced to the cop. The tenente leaves and Mauricio questions Carla...how did she know about Cristobal's "illness"? She tells him she learned of it from Victor Mondragon...which makes Mauricio pensive, because he didn't think they were such good friends. Mauricio goes back to his office and calls Cristobal to tell him the name of the snitch...Victor Mondragon,the man who saw him on the plane. Cristobal reassures him that Victor's away from Mexico, and no threat.

Beatriz has packed all her things and is angrily demanding a taxi so she can leave when Silvana comes in trying to calm her. Beatriz refuses to stay with her for another minute,after all the terrible things she's said about her poor dear deceased son!

Then Esteban comes in and she turns her venom on him,all insults. She's barely warmed up when he breaks the news that she can't go home - her house has been trashed also - he needs her to accompany him to survey the damage. It's so bad, the house is probably uninhabitable.

Cristobal's "partner" Orduña is at the bar when Isaias joins him, they discuss how Beatriz' house was trashed. Orduña was sure the money was there, darn it. Maybe they didn't look hard enough. Marta/Lety is hovering just behind them, listening...and flashes Isaias a big smile when he notices her.

Silvana is playing a game with her daughter when the doorbell rings and Mauricio comes in to kiss Andrea. Silvana is exhausted - she doesn't know when this nightmare will ever end...Beatriz' house was just trashed. Mauricio insists that they need to leave - especially for Andrea's safety. Silvana finally agrees to go.

Cristobal's erstwhile "partner" Orduña gets a call from Doña Cuca - she'll give him 3 days to get the 5 million back - and she doesn't care who he has to kill to get it back, she makes that very clear.

Mauricio assures Silvana he will get the money to take them away, and then leaves the house. Silvana makes a call to Tia Carmen. She'll wait for them to come back.

Meanwhile Esteban's at the door. He confirms that Beatriz' house was destroyed. She admits she is terrifed and wants to leave the city. He says that's understandable , but unfortunately she can't leave until the case is solved. After they have coffee, she thanks him for leaving before Beatriz returns to avoid further problems and they shake hands formally in farewell.

Orduña, pretty drunk by now, has a major headache, he confesses to Isaias, he has only 3 days to find the missing money, and asks him to help in the search.

Marta visits Esteban at his apartment to give him an update - it seems that Orduña was very upset, he got pretty drunk - it seems that he's worried. And yes, more boxes were unloaded. Aaron comes in, asking what's for dinner...guess? replies Esteban.

Beatriz returns, but makes it clear to Silvana that it's only because her sister Carmen wouldn't allow her to go to a hotel and she had no where else to go .

Carmen stands with Silvana as Beatriz goes upstairs, with Silvana insisting that she should consider this her house...Beatriz turns on the stairs and sneers that yes, that's right...it is HER house - paid for by her son's honest hard work! Silvana and Tia Carmen are left speechless at Beatriz' ire.

Mauricio gives Cristobal the good news - Silvana's ready to leave. After learning what happened to his mother's house. Cristobal demands that he also take his mother with them. Mauricio refuses point-blank to include the old battle-axe in his baggage, but Cristobal insists, he has to make it look like an absolute emergency and take her with them. Mauricio says he won't take responsiblity for Beatriz...Cristobal insists that he has to, because she's also at risk. He has to get all three out of the city. fast.

The three cops are discussing whether Dr. Mauricio Ibañez' office will be next on the demolition list...Silvana's house wasn't destroyed, but Beatriz' house sure was. The bad boys must be really getting desperate to find the missing millions...and after all, Dr. Ibañez is Silvana's brother...and he signed the death certificate. And what about Carla? Where does she come into this? And how deeply was she involved? Were she and Cristobal lovers? The debate turns nasty when Marta insists that Silvana is the accomplice, not the innocent victim. She avers that no wife worth her salt would allow a mere secretary to have an affair with her husband right under her nose....she suspects that Silvana is just playing innocent to fool them all...and Esteban in particular, she adds. She and Esteban exchange heated words - he accuses her of mixing professional and personal matters, and she haughtily informs him that's exactly what HE's doing...before storming out of the room. Esteban throws down his pen in disgust while innocent bystander Aaron tries to calm him down, at least.

That night at home, Silvana, Carmen and Beatriz are having coffee discussing what to do next. Beatriz goes up to bed and Carmen thanks Silvana for taking Beatriz back despite her nasty behavior. Silvana sighs...Beatriz is her child's grandmother, she can't leave her in the street, can she? Carmen recalls the time Silvana and Cristobal were separated and Beatriz stopped talking to her because Carmen wouldn't cut her ties with Silvana. The two women are only related by marriage, but they are good friends. Silvana sighs and tells Carmen she'll always be welcome, she helped her so much during that difficult period. Carmen recalls that it was Cristobal's jealousy that caused them to be on the brink of divorce, it wasn't her fault that her husband was so insanely jealous. Silvana sighs again - if she had divorced him back them, she wouldn't be going through all this now. Carmen asks her why she went back to him. For the child, says Silvana...and because I thought I had married an honest decent man I wanted to make the marriage work, but now..we know that's not true. She admits she doesn't know who Cristobal was, after all.

The next day, Esteban's at his desk, where Aaron finds him still preoccupied with last night's discussions. Esteban's worried that Marta might be right - Silvana may be guilty. What then? Aaron doesn't think so - he thinks Marta is just blinded by jealousy. But what if Silvana IS guilty? asks Esteban. How can they close the case without finding the money? How else can they prove that she's innocent?

Aaron suggests they get a search warrant for any place that Ruiz might have stashed the money - if they find it, that would prove Silvana innocent. Esteban has to be content with exploring that idea.

Silvana kicks Carla out of her chair at the office and demands to see the accounts. She shows Carla a few invoices, asks for explanations which a chastened Carla supplies instantly, then tells her to pack up all the papers so she can revise the accounts at home. The insurance will pay for the damages, but there are no current receipts from sales - every item was broken, there's no stock. She has to figure out what to do next to keep the business viable.

Next, Silvana visits Mauricio at his office. He tells her they're ready to leave. She tells him they can't - no one can leave the city, on police orders. Mauricio tries to persuade her anyway. She leaves his office, meeting Esteban in the hall outside. He'd been waiting for her. They go off, while Mauricio urgently calls Cristobal and tells him Pizarro won't let them leave. Cristobal insists that they leave urgently - if Victor Mondragon ever find out that he saw him AFTER his supposed death, they'll all be in deep doo-doo. They need to leave - like yesterday.

Silvana explains to Esteban that Victor Mondragon was a friend of Cristobal's, and a wannabe boyfriend of Carla's. He apologizes for making her so upset, and promises to speed up the investigation - if they manage to find the money, they can close the case and she'll be free to leave.

Isaias drops a flunkey off on a back street, telling him to follow instructions. The flunkey's off to track someone....

Silvana returns and Beatriz starts interrogating her about the situation at the business. Silvana flatly tells her that there's no money in the accounts. Beatriz says that's not possible - what about all the money Cristobal made after he took over Silvana's father's bankrupt business and worked so hard and had buit it up all over again? Silvana replies that's what she doesn't know - all she knows is, there's just enough money to meet the payroll and pay for supplies. She leaves the room with papers in her hand.

Later, Beatriz calls Silvana downstairs, to receive a huge flower arrangement. She angrily demands to know who sent the flowers. Silvana reads the card, and receives a new shock:if she wants her daughter to stay alive, she's to go bring the money her husband stole to a nearby church - and keep the police in the dark about the meeting.

Beatriz refuses to believe that her son was involved in anything nasty - and forbids Silvana to go. Silvana insists she has to - to least find out what money they are talking about. Tia Carmen tells her to call Pizarro. She does, but she chokes at the last second when she hears his voice - and all she tells him is that she's going to pick up Andrea early, so she won't need him, the patrol will be accompanying her. Esteban is still wondering what's got into her when Aaron comes in to tell him that the Ruiz case file is ready.

Meanwhile, Tia Carmen argues that the Comandante should be told while Beatriz absolutely refuses to believe that her son was involved - or to call the police. Silvana's determined to go and find out what the story really is.

Mauricio tries to get more info from Carla on Victor Mondragon. He makes the excuse that as a doctor, he should have known more about his brother in law's health. He asks Carla where to find Victor, and she informs him that he's somewhere in Paris, and she doesn't know when he'll return.

Silvana goes to pick up Andrea and meets Esteban at the school. He still thinks something is wrong, but she listlessly denies it. He informs her that tomorrow he will have a search warrant for her house, in any case. Esteban offers them a ride home, but Silvana uses the excuse of her suegra diabolica to decline his kind offer.

Cristobal is pacing up and down in his hospital room when he gets a call from Mauricio - Victor's in France and won't be back anytime soon. Cristobal confirms that's what Victor had told him. Now Mauricio just has to fix things and get them all away.

Orduña and Isaias get a report from their spy, the flunkey - it looks like Silvana's pretty shook up - she immediately went to pick up her daughter after receiving the flowers...and the message. They wonder if she'll show up at the church the next day.

Marta interviews Carla, who speaks very well of Cristobal as a boss. Then Marta asks about Cristobal as a husband...Carla replies that it seemed he was, but the marriage wasn't perfect. Cristobal simply adored his wife, but Carla adds that she didn't care much about him. Marta asks if she will take over the business now - Carla doubts it, she's only been back twice, and then only to remove some papers.

Silvana tells Tia Carmen she will take Andrea to school from now on - Carmen insists that she speak to Esteban, but Silvana is terrified of anything happening to Andrea. Carmen says she needs a cop in this situation, and Esteban's already fond of Andrea. Silvana decides she's right. She needs the cop around.

Esteban tells Marta he's going out of the office, and to advise him if Silvana calls. Of course, Silvana calls the minute he leaves and Marta is very pleased to tell her he's not there. Silvana asks her to tell him to call her back, regarding a "personal matter". She's counting on seeing him the next morning anyway, when he's supposed to come pick up Andrea. Marta wonders what "a personal matter" could mean.

Esteban and Aaron have to prepare for a visit by the district attorney the next day - which means they both have to be in super early - and Marta will go pick up Andrea in his place, they decide.

Andrea gets scolded by her mother...she had climbed up on the roof terrace of the house, and Silvana makes her understand she's not to do it again.

The next day, Silvana instructs her daughter to not leave the school for any reason unless she or Esteban pick her up. Marta arrives to escort Andrea. Esteban and Aaron await the arrival of the DA in their office.

Tia Carmen insists that Silvana call Esteban as she gets ready to leave for the church meeting. She finally agrees and dials Esteban's number.

Marta arrives at the office and tells Aaron about her interview with Carla, as she picks up Esteban's phone to reply to Silvana and inform her that he's with the DA all day - and very very busy. Care to leave a message? Silvana, crushed, decides not to.

Silvana goes to the church and takes a seat in a pew, waiting. Isaias sneaks up behind her and tells her to go into the confessional and not look at him. Isaias insists that she return all the money her husband stole - or else. And no cops, or her daughter dies. Silvana doesn't understand - what money does he want? He tells her he wants the 5 million dollars Cristobal stole from them. She denies any knowledge of it, but he tells her to stop playing dumb and cough up the cash by this time tomorrow. They'll meet again in the church. He leaves the church and then she leaves..and an older man (Robles) follows her out.

She drives away with her police escort following, while the older man hails a taxi. She drives to a payphone and calls Mauricio, asking him to get the money so they can leave Mexico. She's decided to leave immediately.

Friday May 7th

Silvana drives away with her police escort following, while the older man hails a taxi. She drives to a payphone and calls Mauricio, asking him to get the money so they can leave Mexico immediately.

Friday's episode begins:

She's decided to leave. He assures her he can get the money, but why so soon? She says she'll tell him later. Mauricio, worried, asks if anyone came to the house, or threatened them again? She tells him she'll get Andrea and come straight to his office. The cop has followed her to the pay phone and asks her if she needs help. She tells him no, she's just going to pick up her daughter at school and then go home.. Actually, she suggests, he can leave. The cop refuses to leave her alone - his job is to protect her.

Esteban finally gets back to the office, and gets Silvana's message. He calls her house, and gets Beatriz, who tells him Silvana's out. Now it's his turn to leave a message. Beatriz is glad that he doesn't know that Silvana went to the church. Carmen still thinks he should be told.

Silvana, with Andrea in tow, goes into Mauricio's building, telling the cop she'll be right out. Esteban, meanwhile has gone to the school and radios the policeman on escort duty, who tells him she's at her brother's office. Esteban tells him to hold her there and not let her leave, for any reason, he's on his way.

Marta, dressed in her "work clothes" with wig, is searching boxes in the nightclub, and makes an excuse when caught snooping by Nacho the bartender...she's lost an earring.

Silvana confesses what happened to Mauricio - and about how she needs to find 5 million, fast. Mauricio decides they will immediately leave for Monterrey, and then take a plane to Spain. Mauricio tells her she can't go back home - they have to call Carmen and tell her to meet them in a nearby park and bring some things for Silvana. Carmen is upset - but listens to Silvana's instructions. She's to bring a certain bag within half an hour to the park, and not tell anyone.

Esteban gives Mauricio's assistant the message that he is there waiting for Silvana. Yolanda gives the message immediately to Mauricio, who relays the message to Silvana, who asks what will they do now with Esteban waiting outside for her??

Carmen, bag in hand, leaves the house, telling the cop on duty that she's going to the market. Meanwhile, Esteban's cooling his heels in the waiting room. Finally, he decides to check the room and discovers they're all gone through a secondary exit.

He starts searching for them. The cop on duty outside didn't see them exit. The three have reached the park and Silvana and the child wait for Carmen while Mauricio goes to rent a car. Silvana explains to Andrea why they had to escape out the window...Tio Mauricio didn't want anyone to see them.

Esteban calls Beatriz, who is her usually charmingly hostile self and hangs up on him after he tells her that the three escaped out a window.

Carmen arrives with the bag, and Silvana explains about the 5 million and why they're leaving. Carmen is astonished to hear the latest developments.

Esteban goes to the house, where Beatriz accuses him of not solving the case and causing all the problems with these nasty types. Then she spills the beans about the meeting at the church. He calls the police station immediately and tells someone to check out the church.

Marta, at the club, introduces herself to Cristobal's ex-"partrner" Orduña and asks him to give her a briefing on the club so she can do a better job as a hostess. He compliments her on her looks and her diligence.

At Silvana's house, Esteban is checking the on-duty cop's story about the whole church meeting, when Carmen walks in, nervous, and says she was at the market. However, the cop is skeptical...why didn't she buy anything? Flustered, Carmen admits she went out and forgot her change purse. Irritated, Beatriz tells her to tell him everything, since they already know - she's told them. Carmen, upset, explains Silvana fled with Mauricio, because those men are demanding 5 million dollars from her, asserting that Cristobal stole it from them and hid the money.

Mauricio is driving down a highway with Silvana and Andrea, heading north.

Carmen continues to explain to Esteban what Silvana told her about the meeting at the church. A deadly serious and almost hostile Esteban informs them that they can be jailed for witholding evidence or aiding and abetting criminals if they don't inform the police immediately of any new contact from Silvana or the men. The woman look suitably impressed by his vehemence.

Marta comes back to the office, pleased with her day's work, only to be informed that Silvana and her daughter have disappeared. Isaias enters Orduña's office at the club while he's on the phone with La Cucaracha, calmly telling her he expects to have the money for her tomorrow. Isaias informs him that he lost Silvana....Orduña insults him for being so inept, and tells him they've got to find her before the cops do.

Marta is still totally convinced that Silvana's guilty. Esteban asks her to be calmer, maybe Silvana left because she's terrified.

Marta refuses to believe it.

Carmen calls and tells Esteban that she brought Silvana a portfolio with some papers, it must have weighed about 10 pounds. Esteban hangs up and wonders how much 5 million bucks might weigh? Marta says Silvana had it all planned, that's the proof.

Esteban still doesn't want to believe it...but they have to chase the 2 fugitives. He goes back to her house with the search warrant, and despite Beatriz' attempts to stop him, he and his men start searching the house...for the 5 million dollars.

The three fugitives have stopped for lunch, and Silvana asks Mauricio what's next. He decides they're going to stay off the main roads and hide in the country, at a friend's ranch in Zacatecas. They need to lie low for a while.

Esteban and his men don't turn up anything downstairs, and Marta asks the ladies to show her the rooms upstairs. Esteban follows them up.

Cristobal tries calling Mauricio, and gets no answer. Mauricio and Silvana are having coffee with his ranch-owning friend, Gloria, who invites them to spend the night.

Up on the roof terrace, Esteban and Marta discuss what they've found so far: zilch. Esteban discovers that the chick he gave Andrea was also left behind..just like he was. He kisses the abandoned chick tenderly.

Downstairs again, Marta snidely asks him if he really thinks that Silvana would do a flit WITHOUT taking the money? Esteban's not too pleased with that idea....

Mauricio discusses with Silvana the route they'll take the next day...while she panics and insists they call Esteban. Mauricio tells her no way.

Back at his apartment, Esteban agonizes...he really thought they'd find the money there. It really does look like she's guilty...Aaron reminds him that she's innocent until they can prove it.

Beatriz and Carmen are discussing the departure, while the maid wants to know what will become of her. Carmen agrees to pay her salary for the month. Carmen wants to go back to Morelia with Beatriz, but Beatriz huffily decides to stay in DF.

Mauricio's assistant gets a call the next day from Cristobal - he's been trying to reach him since yesterday. She tells him he's disappeared, and she's cancelled all his appointments. All she knows is he left with his sister and niece.

Silvana is very nervous...what will happen when the men go to the church and won't find her there? Mauricio reassures her that they will go to Spain and start over. Silvana wants to know where he got all this money. From Andres Acosta, the friend that called his office the other day, replies her brother.

Silvana thanks Mauricio for abandoning everything to look after her and her child. Mauricio tells her it's nothing - after all, aren't they brother and sister?

At the church, a woman in the pews watches as Isaias and the other man (Robles) look through the church and then leave.

Beatriz decides to go home to see what the police do at her house. Carla comes to inform them that the police will be searching the business too. Cristobal calls the house and the maid answers - he pretends he's Andres Acosta, looking for Mauricio. The maid passes the phone to Beatriz, and Cristobal hangs up immediately. The maid comments that the man on the phone sounded exactly like her dead boss.

Isaias goes to Mauricio's office and asks for information.

At her house, Beatriz is complaining about the police search, when Marta goes into the fireplace and decides they'll have to search behind the bricks. Isaias reports that Mauricio and Silvana seem to have gotten away...Orduña. however doesn't think so, he's going to find them.

At police HQ, Esteban, dejected, decides not to search Mauricio's office - at this point, it's obvious even to him that Silvana and Mauricio were in cahoots - and have fled.They'll keep the surveillance on at all border crossings, airports, and terminals.

Aaron asks what they should do next. Esteban decides that the only thing left to do is to exhume the body and look for clues there.

=======================================================================================================================

USA, 5/10-14/04

www.telenovela-world.com: WEEKLY MDV SUMMARY MONDAY MAY 10TH- FRIDAY MAY 14TH Author: maritere Date: 05-14-04 13:53 PDT

MDV SUMMARY MONDAY MAY 10TH

Marta updates her roommate on the current case theories, satisfied that she was right from the start : it seems likely that Silvana killed her husband, took the 5 million and took off with her daughter and her brother. Marta's feeling very smug: now Esteban will get over his infatuation with the widow.

Orduña updates ringleader La Cucaracha on Silvana's disappearance. She is angry and demands that he find her - and the money.

Cristobal continues to call DF, searching for Mauricio, but no one answers.

At Gloria's ranch that evening, Silvana is outside in the dark, looking at the stars, seeking comfort. Gloria comes out to join her. Silvana tells her about her difficult marriage - Cristobal's jealousy, and how hard it was to deal with - they had separated, but got back together a few months ago for the sake of Andrea. Mauricio's friend is sympathetic. Silvana tells her it's all very sad...and she was just thinking, comparing Cristobal to another man....(guess who??)

"The other man" at his office is making phone calls - asking for all telephone records for Silvana, Mauricio and the business. He urgently needs to check on long-distance calls. He already had a copy of Silvana's passport - the picture in his hand shows her with Andrea, and he grimaces as he looks at the photocopy.

Still chatting with Gloria, Silvana realizes that Mauricio must be in love with their hostess. Mauricio joins them outside - the phone isn't working, and Gloria tells him they won't repair it for a while.

Back at the Zeus, Orduña and Isaias share all the info they have on the money, and Ruiz' death...Isaias ventures a question...did Orduña kill him? The other man says he should have, because Ruiz lied to him. He's now sure that the truck didn't break down on the return trip - if only he had gone to the shop in time and gotten the money out himself, none of this would have happened.

Gloria says goodbye to the three fugitives, who thank her for everything.

Isaias assures his auntie La Cuca that the widow ran off with the money. She insists that he get to work - since she doesn't think that Orduña will be able to find "her" money. She calls Fernando Robles as Isaias leaves.

Marta comes into Esteban's office and asks if he's still working on the Ruiz case - she wants to help, along with Aaron. She's worried about him - the case is getting to him, and her concern is not merely professional; she confesses she loves him a lot. Esteban thanks her, and informs her that they will be exhuming Cristobal's body, looking for more clues - to find out how Silvana and her doctor brother probably killed him, he adds sadly.

Carrying some papers, Carla pays a visit to Beatriz, to update her on the police search at the shop. Nothing was found. Carla needs Silvana's signature on some papers...the ladies can't tell her where Silvana's gone. Beatriz acidly remarks that she left with her granddaughter and didn't tell them where they were going. Carla wonders how the business can keep operating without the necessary signatures?

Marta is having drinks and talking to Lucy - who just got a gig as the magician's assistant in the Zeus floor show. Marta tells she has to keep her mouth shut about her job at the Zeus. Marta informs her she's undercover on a police case that is very dangerous, she needs total silence from her roommate. Lucy doesn't understand why, but agrees to keep silent.

Cristobal has a headache...not caused by the hair transplant..he tells the nurse he's worried because he can't reach his people in Mexico, his wife's a little upset with him...and won't talk to him....the nurse offers to help him make calls to Mexico.

Isaias offers to find the money - for a large reward from Orduña, who agrees to pay whatever he wants, as long as Isaias finds the money for La Cuca.

The Houston nurse calls the shop and talks to Carla, asking for Silvana. Carla informs her that Silvana's out of the city, and can't be found. Carla adds that she left without even signing the payroll checks, and hasn't been in touch. The nurse informs Cristobal that his wife has disappeared.

Marta flirts with the bartender at the Zeus as Isaias and Orduña come into the club.

Cristobal finally gets a call from Mauricio, who explains the situation. An angry Mauricio accuses him of lying - he never told him about stealing 5 million dollars, now Silvana's supposed to pay it back. They're all scared out of their wits, thanks to his greed! Now if he would just tell him where the money is he'll give it back to the narcos....and they'll kill him, interjects Cristobal. No way! The money stays theirs.

Cristobal refuses to tell him where the money is...and insists that they leave the country. Mauricio refuses to use an airport to leave, since Esteban's on their trail. They agree to talk later to see if anyone's had any more brilliant ideas of how to get out of the mess Cristobal created.

Esteban and Aaron are checking car rental records and airports. Aaron's already put both fugitives on the watch lists.

After Nacho the bartender catches her again snooping around the bar office, Marta begs the bartender for a drink - she confesses she has a drinking problem, and please please don't tell the owners, because she really needs the job.....the bartender buys her story.

La Cuca meets with Fernando Robles, explaining how Orduña messed up. They have to join forces to find the money before the cops do. La Cuca mentions that a cop's already on the case...a certain Esteban Pizarro, whose name Robles recognizes immediately...that cop was after him years ago...and he killed his wife to get even, he smugly informs her.

Esteban receives Tia Carmen at his office. She admits didn't know where else to go - Silvana didn't sign the paychecks and the workers can't get paid. Esteban's all sarcastic sympathy...Silvana took off with 5 million dollars, and the workers are left broke. Tia Carmen vigorously denies that Silvana took any money with her...in fact, the reason she fled is because she DIDN'T have the money, and didn't know anything about all this. She swears it. Esteban is still skeptical...he wishes he could believe her, but all the evidence points to the contrary. Tia Carmen swears that Silvana is innocent...why, she'd put her hand on the fire for her! Esteban gives her a measured look: would she has done the same thing as willingly for her nephew Cristobal...before his untimely death?

La Cuca and Robles agree on their plan of action: Robles will find the money, and also find out if her "partner" was involved in the theft...She declares that Orduña will be punished if he's guilty.

Marta goes back to the office, smelling of alcohol. Esteban wants to know why she's drinking on the job now? She explains that she was caught snooping and had to pretend to be an alcoholic craving drink to allay the bartender's suspicions. She proudly updates her boss on what she's found so far...there are locked boxes that seem to contain empty, but sealed bottles...she suspects of holding contraband. Esteban, worried, warns her to be very careful.

Mauricio, Silvana and Andrea are still on the road, and have stopped by a lake while Mauricio calls Cristobal to brief him on their movements. They're still trying to evade the police dragnet.

Mauricio continues to scold Cristobal for stealing the money. Cristobal doesn't seem to be bothered much; he just insists that they take the plane from Monterrey and leave the country the next day. Mauricio says it's too dangerous, but his brother in law insists that he will take care of things - just get to the airport.

Esteban informs Aaron about Silvana's not signing the checks before fleeing and the problems it caused for the business. Aaron will take care of having them signed using a lawyer-trustee. The exhumation order is in process...Esteban wants a full autospy, he suspects that Cristobal was killed. maybe poisoned. But who murdered him is the new question. He was so ready to believe Silvana's innocence, but now....he admits his mistake...he gave her too much data, and she took it as a warning and escaped. He's pretty disgusted with himself right now.

When Mauricio rejoins her, Silvana hopes they can leave the next day and leave the nightmare behind. She still can't believe all that's happened. Mauricio assures her that her new life in Spain will be happy - and safe. Silvana is very anguished - she doesn't want to leave her own country, and who says the narcos won't track them to Spain? Mauricio just keeps trying to keep her calm, as she gets more upset. Boy, would she love to see Cristobal again - and throw all the consequences of his actions in his face!

Marta updates Aaron on the search warrant issued for the club - she's sure they'll find something in those bottles and locked boxes, but she can't go back now. He agrees to do the search. Esteban concludes that Silvana must have rented a car to escape, they have to check those records. He gives the assignment to his colleagues. Each of them will call all the local car rental agencies.

Cristobal is talking again on the phone,this time he's pretending to be Mauricio....looking for his assistant Yolanda. She's not there, so he asks the operator a favor...can she take down a message for Yolanda?

Isaias and Robles update La Cuca - the search is on all over Mexico for the fugitives, they've got people watching the airports, bus terminals, trains...and the roads.

Neither Marta nor Aaron turn up anything in the car rental records. Esteban hits the jackpot: he found that Cristobal Ruiz, 10 days after his death, rented a car...and here's the plate numbers for them to check.

Mauricio and Silvana hit the road again...heading north to the Monterrey airport.

At the shop, Aaron explains to Carla that the lawyer (trustee) will be able to sign the paychecks and authorize payments so the business can keep running. Relieved, she thanks him. Also, Carla informs him that a woman called from the US asking for Silvana, and Carla told her she had disappeared. To Aaron's consternation, she didn't get the woman's name.

An astonished Yolanda gets Cristobal's message - all Mauricio's patients should be assigned to new doctors. He really isn't intending to come back.

Mauricio and Silvana are driving along a secondary road on their way to the airport, and Silvana is getting even more nervous as she drives. They see a police roadblock ahead..and Silvana starts to panic...they'll be arrested if they get stopped. Mauricio tries to reassure her - everything will be fine.

MDV SUMMARY TUESDAY MAY 11TH

To their great amazement, the officer flags down their car and just informs them to be careful, there's a bad accident up ahead. Silvana keeps driving, but she's still anxious.

Conscientious Yolanda leaves a message at police HQ for the cops...and turns around and find them right in front of her.

Esteban is checking at Mauricio's office - Yolanda tells him that Mauricio took possession of all Cristobal's documents and credit cards upon his death. He brought everything back in an envelope

She also tells him that she just missed his call this morning...he called from Houston, saying he'd be there for a few months. Esteban watches, disgusted, as Marta reads the message Dorita took by phone.

During a pit stop, now only an hour from Monterrey, Silvana is still nagging Mauricio, anxiously. She wants to speak to Esteban. She doesn't want any more shocks or suprises. Mauricio tries various excuses to keep her calm, and finally takes over the driving. They'll have to ditch the car somewhere and then continue on via bus.

Aaron hangs up on a call as Eduardo and Marta come in. Aaron is surprised to learn from Esteban that Silvana and Mauricio are already in Houston; no one can imagine how they managed to get so far so fast and avoid the border controls to boot. Marta runs to do a check on the last phone call, the one the nurse made to Carla. She waves the paper triumphantly - the call was made from Houston...where the two fugitives are now, along with their unknown accomplices.

The fugitives have abandoned the car on the outskirts of Monterrey and have taken a bus. Andrea's tired, leaning in her mother's lap. Mauricio can't stand being on a bus and decides that the driver will just drop them off and they'll take a taxi the rest of the way to the airport. Silvana worries that the taxi driver might recognize them, but Mauricio disagrees. He argues with the driver, saying he's a doctor and his wife is ill, and manages to get them off the bus.

At the police HQ, Esteban and Aaron are reviewing the case details...he flatly states that they were wrong all along, Silvana was in on it from the start. Aaron shakes his head...who would have thought she was involved? Esteban notes that they must be part of a larger organization to have disappeared so fast. He gives himself a mental shake and decides to change the subject ....plotting their search of the Zeus and those interesting empty sealed bottles in boxes Marta found. Marta comes in and says that the call came from the same Houston hospital number. She is sternly told to stay away from the action...and just pretend to be a hostess. Aaron calls to suspend the search for Silvana and Mauricio at the borders, and concentrate their efforts within the capital.

Esteban has checked Mauricio's phone records and Silvana's - noting calls from a hotel and then a hospital in Houston. That must be where their accomplice(s) are, deducts a dejected Esteban. Now it's up to Interpol.

Mauricio pays cash for the airline tickets at a travel agency, while Silvana and Andrea loiter outside. Silvana anxioulsy asks if the girl noticed anything funny, or said anything...her brother assures her everything's fine, they're on their way to Spain. The girl stares after them as they leave, and then makes a phone call.

Cristobal pages through a jewelry catalog and places an order, to be delivered to the hospital.

Esteban receives a call that shocks him, and runs out of the office with Aaron in his wake.

Cristobal, dressed in street clothes, paces in his room waiting for his delivery...a man arrives with a package. He opens the jewel box with a satisfied look.

When they stop to eat lunch, Mauricio leaves the table to call Cristobal to inform him that they have their tickets for Spain. Cristobal calms him by confirming what he did to led the cops astray...thanks to his phone calls, now they'll think they're already in Houston, so there will be no police checks at the airport. The bonus is the bad boys monitor what the police do, and will also think they're in Houston already when they learn that the search has been called off. Mauricio still argues, but Cristobal tells him to just go along with the plan and call him once they're in Spain.

Nurse Nancy comes to check on her patient and is surprised to see he's in street clothes. Cristobal gives the jewelry he had ordered by phone to the very surprise and flattered nurse, telling her that he's grateful for all her help. Does she remember helping him trying to find that woman by phone? Well, the woman that Carla said disappeared was his wife. He's changed his mind - he just wants to stay away from her, get a divorce...their marriage is over, and he definitely doesn't want her to find him there. That's why he wants to leave the hospital, but he needs her help. Would she help him leave....? Of course she will.

Cristobal leaves the clinic and finds a hotel room. Some time later, Nurse Nancy comes to give him his hospital bills and the change, which he tells her to keep. Did she speak to the doctor? Explain about that woman is searching for him? And Dr. Ibañez, also? Neither will know where he's gone, she assures him that the clinic's doctor. will observe strict confidentiality. His wife won't find him. neither will the doctor. He's very grateful for all her help.

As they go through the first security gate, a man (who is none other than Fernando Robles, accompanied by a beefy Rent-A-Goon) calls out to Silvana 'Mrs. Ruiz!Stop" but Mauricio hurries her and Andrea through the gate. They reach the check-in counter. Silvana's a wreck again...was the guy a cop? Or was he, even worse, one of the baddies? Mauricio again assures her they're almost on the plane...Until Andrea twists around and tells her mother that Esteban's right there. Silvana turns in response to a familiar voice..it's a very wary Esteban who tells her he's delighted to see her again..but his tone is anything but happy and his eyes are watchful. His expression softens when Andrea speaks to him. He explains gently to the child that he needs to speak to her mother and her uncle. Aaron takes Andrea away to see the planes while Esteban takes the two fugitives off to a room to interrogate them. Silvana begs him to let them escape on the plane, but he refuses. Mauricio anxiously asks if they're under arrest. Esteban bites out, "not yet" but the look on his face doesn't look too promising.

Meanwhile,Robles and his goon are buying tickets to gain access to the int'l departures hall to keep tracking the fugitives inside..

Once alone in the room Esteban immediately demands to know where the 5 million is...Silvana denies any knowledge of the money's whereabouts. Esteban asks her why she didn't get in touch with him. Silvana angrily informs hin that she left tons of messages - just ask Lt. Marta Lujan. He was always busy...Esteban retorts that she should have come looking for him personally. Silvana impatiently reminds him that the narcos threated to hurt her daughter...what else was she supposed to do but flee? Esteban changes gears: trips to Europe are expensive, and she has no money...where did she get the money?

Silvana nods at her brother - Mauricio borrowed the money from his friend Andres Acosta in Houston. Mauricio quiet, nods agreement. Victor Mondragon is already in Europe, states Esteban..were they joining him? Silvana says she doesn't know what this has to do with Victor - and Mauricio adds that he doesn't know him at all. Esteban angrily extracts a slip of paper from his pocket...is this the number in Houston where Mauricio called his friend to get the money? Mauricio, prodded by Silvana, nods again.

And what is she carrying in that bag? Esteban asks next. In response, Silvana angrily empties the bag onto the desk between them. As papers and documents fall out, she tells him that he won't find the 5 million dollars in it - because she doesn't have it. They stare at each other challengingly.

Outside, Fernando Robles and his goon stare at Aaron and Andrea, who have their backs turned, watching the planes out the window. Robles asks the goon if that's Pizarro's colleague. Getting an affirmative reply, they decide to leave - before Aaron can recognize them.

Esteban, somewhat calmer, states that they may be innocent of stealing the money, but he informs them of the crimes they've already committed...impersonating a dead man, fleeing while under surveillance, etc. However, there are mitigating circumstances...Mauricio did all this to try to protect his sister and her child, he concludes. Esteban needs to know WHY Mauricio was making calls to Houston. He explains that he was getting the money from Andres, and he has some patients being treated at that hospital, that's all. Esteban doesn't let up - does Mauricio have any patients there that might impersonate him? Mauricio's puzzled...what does he mean? Esteban informs him that his clinic received a call that morning purporting to be from him ...and the call came from Houston.

Aaron comes in with Andrea, and Esteban informs her gently that she's no longer going on a trip abroad...instead, they're all going to come with him. The child is enthusiastic, but again Silvana begs Esteban to let them leave - the goons are even in the airport! They can't stay in Mexico!

As Aaron grabs Mauricio and pushes him out the door, before running after them, Esteban pauses just long enough and goes ballistic...why didn't she say so before? Where are the baddies? Here in the airport? They have to be caught, pronto! Esteban runs out of the roon leaving Silvana to sink to her knees, hugging Andrea.

Marta/Lety chats with Nacho the bartender. She's hanging around to see the new floor show. Lucy joins them and Nacho introduces her to "Lety".

In his hotel room, Nurse Nancy is getting dressed again after playing doctor with Cristobal. He offers her a job taking care of him...so she decides to go back to the hospital and give her notice. They kiss goodbye.

Sitting in the airport's food court, Aaron, Mauricio and Silvana discuss the facts again. The goons got away this time, Silvana insists that's why she wanted to flee, she's terrified.

Esteban joins them, informing them that they will be leaving via helicopter. Mauricio will have to see the DA and explain what happened...and why he committed fraud with Ruiz' credit card.

Mauricio is relieved to know he won't be arrested as long as he makes good on the car rental payment.

Silvana gets up to make a phone call to Carmen. Esteban follows her and reminds her not to say anything compromising. They can't know that she's going back to DF. Or anything else that would put them at risk. Silvana impatiently whines again that she's so sick of this nightmare, when will it end? Esteban loses a bit of his chill as he tries to assure her that he personally will guarantee her safety - and Andrea's, if she would only trust him to take care of them, nothing bad will happen. Silvana wants to believe him - and accepts his offer. They stare at each other searchingly. Silvana abruptly breaks off and says she's going to make the call. He follows her to the phone.

Marta/Lety tips off Lucy - when she snaps her fingers, Lucy should disappear back to their apt....there's going to be a raid and she needs to leave immediately, because it will be dangerous.

La Cuca is lying on her couch zapping the TV when Fernando Robles comes in to report that Silvana got away from them at the Monterrey airport and has probably left the country by now. Cuca can't believe Robles let her get away from him - she disappeared right under his nose.

It's dark when Esteban's big black car draws up to Mauricio's apartment., Esteban and Aaron drop Mauricio off, after warning him not to call his sister on the phone and not to tell anyone she's back in the city.

Aaron has accompanied Mauricio up and done a search inside and found everything in order.

Once the cop leaves, Mauricio relaxes, stripping off the money belt concealed under his shirt. He immediately takes out his address book,, dialing the number of the Houston hospital. He learns that Andres Acosta has checked out of the hospital. He asks to speak to the surgeon, who's already gone for the day. Mauricio then asks to speak to the nurse on duty.

Aaron receives parting instructions from Esteban to get word (using a cop unfamiliar to the goons) to Marta at the club that the raid on the Zeus is suspended for the time being. Aaron says goodbye and leaves.

Andrea's sleeping in the backseat as Silvana goes to sit in the front seat next to Esteban. Silvana asks if he will now take her home...he says he can't. Can she stay with her brother? she asks. Not very safe, replies Esteban. She's better off away from Mauricio, she'd be too easy to find.

Nurse Nancy goes to Cristobal's hotel room after her shift ends to tell him that Mauricio called ...and the message he wanted to convey is that he and his sister are still in DF. Cristobal is surprised...is she absolutely sure that he said "DF"? She nods.

Esteban suggests an alternative: that he take her to a hotel where he can have her registered under a false name. She admits she doesn't have the money to pay for a hotel - she can't have Mauricio borrow any more money for them.

Esteban sighs. He notes that they're all exhausted...and right now, the easiest place to crash would be his apartment. Nobody would think of looking for her there.

Silvana sees the sense in his suggestion, but anxiously protests she doesn't want to cause him any more bother...No bother at all, says a tired Esteban, it would be the easiest thing to do at this point. His apartment has a bedroom and a study. They can sleep in his room and he'll kip down in the study.

Silvana protests, she'll take the study, this is really too much on his part. Esteban gives her a long look...and looks over at the sleeping child. No bother, he repeats. It's the only way he can really protect them. Let's go to my apartment, he concludes.

MDV SUMMARY WEDNESDAY MAY 12TH

Esteban, carrying the sleeping Andrea, shows Silvana into his apartment, apologizing for the disorder and explaining where they'll sleep. He's trying to be a good host, but it's a role he obviously hasn't played in a while. Silvana is even less used to being a guest of a strange man, from the look on her face.

Andrea wakes up and asks where they are - her mother explains that they are going to stay with Esteban for a few days...all Andrea wants to know is what his mother thinks of his house...Esteban wants to know why...because it's so messy, the kid blurts out. Silvana's horrified at her child's bad manners, but he laughs it off. Esteban tries hard to make them feel comfortable, explaining about the house and assuring her he's just down the hall, but both he and Silvana are very tired, and ill at ease in this new situation although they make all the requisite polite noises.

Orduña reports to La Cuca re his search for Silvana...but an irate La Cuca already knows where she is...he's lost her, she's already out of the country. The inept henchmen wants to know how she knows? Did the cops say that? Robles told her, and she doesn't think he's a cop, is he? She tells him his days are numbered - she's going to look for more competent people.

With Esteban gone, Andrea is now wide awake and giving Silvana a hard time. She wants to explore the house, ring Esteban on the service buzzer, touch things, and Silvana has her hands full keeping her child calm as she flits around the apartment.

Cristobal and Mauricio are arguing on the phone - Cristobal is angry because Mauricio was so imcompetent he couldn't get them through the airport without the cops finding them, while the doctor is angry at the danger they're in - he said they wouldn't be any cops at the airport! It's all because of his greed...and Mauricio's out of money, he didn't leave enough. Cristobal admits he didn't count it - Mauricio asks him to tell him where the money is so he can get some. Cristobal refuses point-blank - better he doesn't know where the money is. Better for who? retorts Mauricio. Does he realize what kind of threat he, Silvana and Andrea are under because of that money? He asks for the number where Cristobal is staying - from now on he'll be calling from pay phones,and tells Cristobal not to call any of his numbers - the phones are probably tapped, doesn't he realize that? Cristobal suddenly asks if his calls had been taped, what then? If the cops were taping our calls, replies Mauricio sourly, they'd both already be in jail by now!

Silvana is running out of patience, trying to get Andrea settled down and distracted from calling Esteban on the service buzzer. She tries to get her to eat some cheese, but Andrea wants her evening chocolate, and there isn't any.

A knock on the door scares Silvana. She hides Andrea in a chair while Esteban calls out that it's only him. Did something happen? she asks worriedly as he comes in and she scurries over to crouch by Andrea. He comes in with bags of shopping - he remembered there wasn't any food in the house and went over to the supermarket..amd he bought the chocolate Andrea wanted, and other food for them. Silvana thanks him and Andrea asks where his TV set is....Her mother excuses Andrea's bad manners once again as the child clamors for her chocolate - she's at a difficult age.

Back at the club, Orduña updates Isaias - it seems that Robles told La Cuca that Pizarro was at the airport and put her on the plane personally. Orduña has realized he's reached the end of the line...he offers Isaias a blank check if he'll help him...after all, La Cuca is his aunt, he should have some pull with her...Isaias laughs at the mere idea. Orduña's desperate for help..he can have money, or anything else he wants. Isaias mentions he likes Lety, then...the new hostess he hired.....

Silvana finally has Andrea settled, drinking her chocolate in the kitchen when Esteban knocks again. Now he's brought his TV set for Andrea to watch her cartoons. He asks permission to come in and connect it. Andrea orders him to put it in her room - without asking please, earning a rebuke from her mother, who apologizes again to Esteban. He shrugs it off, kids are like that - and connects the TV...finally getting the Pink Panther cartoon Andrea wants (in English!) and at Silvana's prompting, Andrea finally remembers her manners and says thank you to the nice cop.

Leaving the child watching cartoons, Esteban and Silvana go back to the small kitchen. She offers him dinner - he decides to keep her company with a coffee. maybe.. She teases him...does he think she's that bad a cook? Of course not, he replies. They almost trip over each other while having another round of awkward conversation as she tries to cook an omelette in a strange kitchen and he fetches the condiments for her. Their hands touch as he passes her the oil and they stop dead and stare at each other for a second, until he pulls out a pan and smiles - is this what she needed? She recovers enough to say thanks, and then he fetches the salt for her...only to find a few grains remaining on a plate. Wherever did he put the salt? he mocks himself.

She assures him it's enough for an omelette as he takes a seat at the table and watches her cook as he stretches in the chair. She thanks him agian for hosting them, she feels better here than at a hotel, or at home with Doña Beatriz. Esteban thinks that the child is missing her departed daddy, and she agrees that might be the case - it's still so recent. Esteban realizes he's not making it easy for Silvana by being so nice to Andrea, and asks her to forgive him, but he's become very fond of the child (and, his look hints.. also her mother). Silvana finally smiles. Now she also feels bad he's now without a TV - but he admits he'd rather read a good book, no problem! Silvana seems disturbed by his nearness and his penetrating looks, although she keeps trying to hold up her end of the 'conversation' as she cooks.

At the nightclub. the magician is doing his act with Lucy as assistant. At the break, Lucy goes to look for Marta - what happened with the raid? She explains that it was called off, a colleague just came in to advise her that Esteban called it off at the last minute. She's angry with him and tomorrow expects to find out why he did this - after all, she was snooping around at great risk to herself to facilitate the raid!

Now seated at the table, after dinner. Silvana asks him if he would please answer a question honestly...Insofar as he can...he replies. Does he still suspect her? He answers her question with a question of his own. Does it seem like he still does? She replies that she doesn't think so. Not after what happened at the airport, after that he doesn't suspect her of anything, he explains.

She shyly confesses that he might think it silly, but what hurt her the most in all this is that she thought he doubted her innocence. Startled by her statement, he gives her a penetrating look before answering her. He doesn't think it silly at all.

In turn, he decides to reward her frankness with a confession of his own: despite his profession, it was also painful for him to doubt her. They exchange a long look. Esteban looks away, down at his empty plate, and extinguishing his cigarette, abruptly decides that it's late and they should go to sleep, thanking her again for dinner...and would she please again excuse him for not having any salt..? She smiles shyly and says she'll buy some tomorrow as he leaves the room.

Isaias tries to snag Lety on the way out and offers her a ride home. She tells him no thanks politely. She's on her way to a date with her boyfriend, a professional wrestler who's got a nasty temper. She only stayed late to see the new floor show...and now she's in a hurry. Maybe another time? Isaias takes the hint and just says goodnight politely. She and Lucy meet up outside the club and go home together.

Lucy and Marta get home to find Aaron waiting outside their door. Esteban wouldn't let him enter the club, but he was worried about them and came to their house.

They go in and Marta demands to know why the sting was called off. She's angry - what if tomorrow the bottles disappear and they lose the trail of these clues? That's why he came, to explain. Marta's mad and Aaron laughs - he knew she'd be mad when the raid was canceled. He thinks that Esteban has a new strategy - to get to the head of the organization. An organization Silvana Ruiz is definitely part of, Marta reminds him. Is Esteban still chasing her, or is he going to let Interpol handle her case?

Aaron takes a deep breath before replying.. Silvana's been found, she's not in Houston, she didn't have the 5 million, and she wasn't arrested. He and Esteban don't think she guilty. Marta's shaking her head in disbelief at this news.

Silvana can't seem to sleep - so she busies herself straightening the papers on Esteban's coffee table. She stops when she finds a photo of a woman in a white dress in an album. Shocked, she leaves the papers unsorted and sits down on the couch.

Aaron knows when to quit... he takes his leave, kisses Lucy's hand in farewell, and Lucy escorts him to the door.

Lucy comes back into the living room and Marta comments that Silvana, that poor widdle widow woman, seems to have gotten off scot free...and what does Lucy think of that?

The men are obviously fooled by her beauty into believing that Silvana's innocent, but Marta states that she's a cop and no fool - she knows Silvana is just playing on their sympathies, she's guilty as sin of killing her husband. Meanwhile, she's always been there for Esteban...And he prefers an assasin, someone who killed her husband, she complains.

Marta's furious. Lucy sighs - she doesn't think Silvana is the problem...it's that in the years she's been working with him, Esteban has only seen her as a friend - that's the problem. Marta suddenly shuts up.

The next morning, Esteban comes in to say good day to Silvana and Andrea. Still dressed in yesterday's clothes, hiding behind a chair as if it were a shield, she immediately but stiffly offers him coffee, or breakfast. He declines politely - he only came to see how they were doing. He stares at her - Silvana's very silent and obviously pensive.

He notes the change in her mood and asks her to be sincere with him now...she seems very different from the Silvana he said good-night to last night. She confesses that she feels very bad...they've upset his life totally, taking over his house, and she's worried that his wife will be upset when she finds out they've invaded her house. Esteban's puzzled...his wife? Then he looks down at the table and sees the framed photo. Is that what she's referring to? She says she's sorry, but she saw it by accident, she thought perhaps his wife was away on a case. He looks at it once more, puts it down and goes over to find another photo album...flipping the pages until he finds a picture of Alicia and her ID card and sinks down into a chair. Indicating the open album page, he gravely tells her that Alicia was killed, shot in the line of duty 5 years ago. Silvana comes out of her corner and sits near him, saying she's sorry.

Esteban, staring down at the floor now, tells her that he only found out she was pregnant after she was killed. Silvana apologizes even more abjectly.She had no idea. Esteban, toying with a lit match, again apologizes - he should have told her something of his personal life so she wouldn't be wondering about these things. After all, she trusted him enough to come stay with him for a few days, he should have told her something. It's his fault.

Nurse Nancy comes in to check on her new patient/lover Cristobal. He's in a foul mood this morning and demands that the hair transplants continue immediately - he doesn't want to wait another day. If the hospital doctor won't do it, he'll find another. She insists that he needs 3 days between transplants. Does she think it's funny that he wants to go back to Mexico...of course she says no...is he afraid of his wife seeing him with half a head of hair? He bites out "no!" but is obviously tired of being cooped up there.

Beatriz and Carmen are having breakfast - Beatriz is spreading venom along with the butter on her bread as she argues with her sister. She doesn't want to leave DF - no way will she go to Morelia,, she wishes Cristobal hadn't died, none of this would be happening, and most of all, that cop won't tell her where her daughter in law and grandchild are. She has a right to know, doesn't she? Saint Carmen goes to answer the door and lets in Esteban. Beatriz immediately demands to know where Silvana is. Silvana is...Esteban starts to reply, and Beatriz comes down on him like white on rice...so now it's Silvana, is it? Aren't they getting cozy now? Minding his manners, Esteban corrects himself...MRS. Ruiz is fine, so is Andrea. They're in a safe location for their own protection, he can't tell them any more than that. He's come to get some things for them. Irritated, Beatriz asks why he bothered to show up if that's all he came to tell them? He could have saved himself the social call! Esteban replies it's not a social call, he's working. He came to pick up some things for Mrs. ah..Silvana and he just shows Carmen a list Silvana gave him and she immediately offers to collect the items for him. Beatriz follows her sister upstairs, huffily hoping he won't mind being left ALONE...Esteban is left in the dining room, probably grateful for the respite.

Silvana is now busying herself hanging the framed pictures on the walls, something Esteban probably never had the time or inclination to do. She turns to hang the last picture and notes the hammer's missing. Andrea comes in with the hammer...she nailed up a picture she drew of the three of them and she's quite proud of herself as she shows the picture to her mother. She even included the baby chick Esteban gave her in her drawing. Silvana scolds her again...she shouldn't have been using a hammer.

La Cuca is discussing business on the phone- explaining why the shipments have been stopped. She expects that the merchandise will be shipped again within 2 weeks. Isaias comes in...why is she upset? She's getting nasty calls from South America now, she replies. Everything's in a mess. He says he'll help, and she scoffs - but he assures her he'll find the missing money, by following her relatives and that cop that was tracking her. La Cuca is skeptical - but gives him permission, and reminds him to stop at nothing. Isaias thanks her for the chance and tells her he won't fail. He'll find Silvana and the money.

Esteban at the office gets an update from Aaron:

Aaron's already checked out Mauricio and the unknown Andres Acosta - who is in a Houston hospital. Mauricio checks out clean. He also passes Esteban a medical report where it states that Ruiz had a terrible case of heart disease, no surprise that he died of a sudden heart attack. He has no doubts. Marta strides in and says she does - on Silvana's innocence. She's sure she took the money.

Isaias and Orduña talk about La Cuca's reaction. She's very upset with Orduña, but Isaias assured her he'd take care of things...he's now the boss. They're now going to search for Silvana and the money together - but Isaias is going to be head honcho of this operation, since his new "employee" has no choice in the matter.

Marta demands to know how much longer she has to go on as Lety Mendoza at the club? If they hadn't canceled the raid, she'd be on a another case by now, she complains. Esteban dryly informs her she can stop immediately - and go straight back to her desk, an option Marta instantly declines. She'll keep on being the hostess at the club, thank you. But she demands to be kept in the loop on all and any plans that might affect her.

She leaves, and with the two men now alone, Esteban wonders what got into her. Aaron informs him she's vilely jealous of Silvana. Esteban denies that - she's a professional, and his involvement with Silvana is merely relative to the case. Now tell me the truth, says Aaron. I just did, replies Esteban. sinking into his chair. He has to do his duty, that's all. He can't think of her any other way until the case is solved. Then help me out, Aaron asks. He suggests that Esteban escort Marta on a double date with him and Lucy - he likes her a lot. Esteban shakes his head. laughing. Aaron insists - they can take both girls out, if he agrees to go with Marta. Maybe they can do a dinner at his apartment? Esteban says no - not at his apartment. Aaron insists again - why not? It's nicer than his...Esteban quietly tells him that Silvana and the child are hiding there, that's why. And no one, not even Marta and especially not Marta, is to know that, ok? Aaron agrees to keep silent.

Beatriz is on her way out while Carmen was about to go up to the roof to feed Andrea's chick...Beatriz won't tell her where she's going..she'll find out soon enough. She hails a taxi outside and a black car follows her. Its driver is Isaias.

Esteban arrives with her suitcase and a take-out dinner in case she didn't feel like cooking. He sets down the case and looks around the clean, decorated apartment in amazement as Silvana asks for news of her relatives. He tells her Beatriz of course is still asking where they are, while Carmen is as nice as ever. Silvana timidly asks him if he's upset with the changes she made. Turning around and flashing her a happy grin, he tells her no,no...he likes what she's done, he's pleased. But they can't manage to look at each other for longer than a few seconds.

At Mauricio's office, the nurse is answering the phone as Battleship Beatriz steams in, full speed ahead, announcing that she doesn't need to be announced, she's the doctor's sister's mother in law. She strides into his office and demands to know where Silvana and her granddaughter are. That cop won't say anything to her. Mauricio denies any knowledge of his sister's current hideout, but courteously shows her into his office.

Andrea is showing a delighted Esteban her picture of them...and then is off to do something else, leaving her mother to comment that he's very patient with her. Esteban says it's easy, when the child is not your own...parents tend to take their children for granted and not be too patient with them...that's why it's easier to be a grandparent or an uncle, he says. Haltingly, Silvana comments that Cristobal wasn't at all good with kids. Esteban remarks that perhaps because he lost his wife and child he feels good about having them with him. Silvana observes that Andrea's also become very attached to him, too. However, she knows it's going to be hard to bring her up alone. Esteban hesitates and then says slowly that perhaps it might be in bad taste to say this, so soon....but she's a young, very lovely woman and life goes on....perhaps she'll get married again. Silvana surprises him when she admits that her marriage wasn't a happy one and she doubts she'll ever get married again.

Esteban tells her that his marriage was a happy one.However, he can understand how she feels right now about remarriage. After Alicia died, he never thought he'd ever fall in love again.

Silvana looks up and ventures a question...is he in love now?

Her answer is a flash from the green eyes that are staring at her, trying to photograph her soul.

MDV SUMMARY THURSDAY MAY 13TH - EDUARDO PALOMO'S 42nd BIRTHDAY

Esteban and Aaron show up at the house to pick up Andrea's pets. Carmen goes off to get them.

Beatriz tears into the two waiting cops - they're only accusing Cristobal of robbery because he's dead and can't clear himself, and only to cover up their own ineptitude. The cops don't rise to the bait and stay calm. Beatriz then demands to talk to her daughter in law and her granddaughter - is that asking too much? Esteban assures her that they've considered the possibility. He'll try to have them call..Beatriz isn't mollified much, but at least she shuts up.

Esteban, carrying the puppy and the chick's cage, is observed by a man in a van across the street. It's Orduña - who doesn't follow them.

Esteban and Aaron arrive at the apartment with the pets. Aaron goes off in his car. Silvana's happy to see the puppy, but worries that Yupi will chew up all his furniture - no worries, he doesn't care about the furniture, and anyway, the pup can sleep upstairs with him. He asks her to make him a coffee and asks where Andrea is - she's in the bedroom. He goes to take the pets upstairs as she starts making coffee.

Silvana pours the coffee and he thanks her and goes off to answer the door. It's Marta. He asks if there are any problems - she says no, in a conciliatory tone. She just came to apologize for being so beastly about...Silvana, who is now staring at her from the kitchen counter. Marta gives her a very hypocritical "good evening" making Silvia visibly uncomfortable as she stares at both of them. Marta is not amused.....what is she doing there? Causing more problems? Esteban calmly points out that Mrs. Ruiz has enough problems already, and they need to talk about work, so...Silvana offers to take Andrea out so they can talk privately, but Esteban forbids her to leave the apartment. Silvana decides to join Andrea in the bedroom, then.

Marta laughs ironically ...here she had come to excuse herself for thinking badly of him and Silvana, and what does she find? Silvana very comfortably installed, here in his house! Esteban tells her it's not what she thinks, and changes the subject: what's going on at Zeus? Well, neither Isaias nor Orduña were around today...but gee, isn't he so busy now, she figures he's not interested in getting an update on her activities, right??

Marta tears into Esteban, calling him a fool. He doesn't lose his temper as he tries to calm her and take her back to a professional level. Marta won't be stopped...she insists that Silvana, while under his protection tried to escape abroad...she's just manipulating him. And now she's even wormed her way into his own house! Esteban tries to shut her up again, but her voice is so loud that Silvana, in the bedroom with the sleeping Andrea, hears every word of Marta's accusations (and Esteban's explanations), and Andrea wakes up and wants to know why they're yelling. Silvana tries to get her back to sleep, telling her everything's alright.

Esteban explains that Silvana's there because he's gotten an order to have her under his custody. Marta wants to know if the order also extends to protecting the dog??? Esteban finally loses his cool - and tells her to focus on her own job. That's what she wants him to do - does he realize he can lose his job over this woman? Esteban tries to convince her that Silvana is not an accomplice to any crime.

Silvana comes out of the bedroom in time to hear Marta's parting shot: if he wants to hide Silvana in his house, fine...but don't count on her support. Marta slams the door hard on her way out to underline her words, and Esteban is left rubbing his neck in frustration. Silvana comes out to join him. He assumes she heard part of the conversation - he tells her not to pay attention to Marta's emotional outburst, she was very angry.

Now it's Silvana's turn to get upset: she doesn't think Marta has any right to judge her or condemn her, even if she is a cop...Esteban apologizes for Marta, and tells her she's absolutely right. He explains that this case has everyone's nerves on edge, she must understand...Silvana replies that she understands very well...and that's why she's leaving immediately. She goes into her bedroom, with Esteban undecided, loitering outside the door. She comes out to pack in the living room, to avoid disturbing Andrea.

They argue over the situation - he's used to Marta's outbursts, but she says she's not and doesn't have to deal with it. She doesn't want to cause problems in his relationship with the lieutenant. Why does he let her yell at him that way, if she's his subordinate?? He explains that in addition to being colleagues, they're also friends, so Marta feels comfortable talking to him that way. Silvana informs him that from what she heard, Marta's more interested in him than a mere friendship. He doesn't disagree - but even if Marta has stronger feelings for him, he assures Silvana that his feelings for her are strictly friendship. Silvana gives him a long look.

Doña Cuca is giving orders to stop looking outside Mexico for Silvana - she's here in Mexico. Tafoya shows up. She needs him to do a few things for her...he's brought her the export permits, etc. He uses an enologist in Europe for certain things...a very intelligent and astute guy. Good, she says, they need someone like that to start shipments again.

Standing before him , Silvana regrets that she's totally invaded his privacy...she's complicating his life...but Esteban immediately denies it. Silvana wants to know then if she wasn't a problem, why didn't he tell Marta they were staying there? He admits perhaps it was an error on his part. Silvana wants a specific answer: was the error in not telling Marta they were there, or did he make a mistake bringing them to his house in the first place? Esteban levelly tells her that bringing them there was the best thing he's ever done. Andrea runs in...are they leaving? Silvana says no, they're staying.

Aaron is at Marta's house - and she tells him where Silvana's living - but he already knew, didn't he? He didn't say anything because Esteban asked him to keep quiet as a professional secret. Marta erupts - she's a cop just like them, they're also friends, she's also working on the Ruiz case, why wasn't she told? She answers her own questions: Esteban is in love with Silvana - that's why he wanted to keep the whole thing a secret.

Doña Cuca is showing Tafoya some bottle samples - they 're packing the "merchandise" in these bottles and in barriques for export.

Aaron reminds Marta that Silvana's official protection order will expire in a few days. Marta wants to find evidence of Silvana's guilt. Whose side is he on? He agrees to help her look for clues, but if they don't find any, she has tobe convinced of her innocence once and for all. Marta concludes that Esteban is in love with Silvana.

Esteban explains how Marta was assigned to the unit and how he started working with her. He wants her to know how cops work together. She admits she's very surprised about what she's learned about him and the life of a cop. He asks her to tell him if there's anything that bothers her about his job. To the contrary, she says, she's very interested in what they do. He explains that working in pairs, cops bond together very strongly in the face of danger. Silvana comments that it must be a difficult job...but somebody's got to do it, concludes Esteban.

Cuca is explaining the details of her new operation to Tafoya...she'll soon recoup her 5 million!

Silvana hopes that the 5 million will be found soon. Esteban instead wants to find the criminals who killed his wife. Silvana laments the loss of poor Pancho. Silvana allows Andrea to call her grandmother, but before she dials, Esteban reminds the child that they're playing hide and seek and she shouldn't tell her abuela where they are. Silvana greets Beatriz and puts Andrea on the phone. Neither Andrea nor her mother tell Beatriz where they are. Beatriz actually chats affectionately with the child. Andrea reports that Beatriz wants to see her, and goes off to sleep.

How much longer will this go on? asks Silvana. Esteban admits he doesn't know - but at least until they catch the narcos, he thinks.

Isaias gets a report from Orduña, whose office he has now officially taken over as the new "boss" - his auntie Cuca has Orduña on her exit list now. He reports that he was watching the Ruiz house - he saw the cops take the pets away. Isaias wants to know where they went...he doesn't know. Isaias gets upset - why didn't he follow them? That wasn't part of his orders, replies the other man. But he did leave someone watching the house.

Carmen tries to calm down Beatriz, who still wants to see Andrea. She hasn't forgiven Silvana for taking her away. Andrea is all she's got now that Cristobal's dead, and Silvana's being very unfair, taking the child away!

Silvana stands at the window, looking at the lights of the traffic below. Esteban joins her, thanking her for dinner. She thanks him - after all, he provided everything. They stare at each other. He thanks her for a nice end to a long day. He's glad they're there.

Silvana feels guilty about letting Marta's jibes get the best of her. Marta may be impulsive and emotional, but she's just as bad....if not worse....she looks at him questioningly... she wasn't very nice at all to Marta..she's sorry...He stares back at her, saying he finds her very sweet...and he also finds her mouth for a kiss.

WEEKLY MDV SUMMARY CONTINUED: FRIDAY MAY 14TH Author: maritere (---)

Date: 05-21-04 17:51 PDT

Silvana pushes him away gently, breaking the kiss and fixing her gaze out the window as she tries to regain her composure while Esteban silently watches her.

He's the first one to speak, apologizing. He didn't mean to upset her. She's not upset, she replies. But she shouldn't have let him kiss her. Why? wonders Esteban, who doesn't take his eyes from her face. It's nothing something that they did on purpose..it just happened.

Silvana sighs. What they did was wrong. Why? Because he's just a cop? No, that has nothing to do with it..she answers. Because although Cristobal wasn't exactly the best of husbands, his loss is too recent - she feels disloyal to his memory, she feels confused..Can they please talk about this tomorrow? No, says Esteban decidedly. They'll discuss this right now. What is there to discuss? she asks. They need to talk about their feelings, argues Esteban. It was something sponteneous, but he at least was sincere in his feelings. He reminds her he also lost his spouse, just like she did.

But not so recently, she points out. No, but he assures her he understands, he knows he felt the same way after Alicia died...he thought he'd never fall in love again. But then he met her, and he was confused..probably just as confused as she is now. Silvana interrupts to repeat that she feels disloyal to her dead husband...Esteban forcefully reminds her that they should be discussing the two of them, not their deceased spouses.. Alicia and Cristobal are now gone..but they're alive. She admits she shouldn't have let him kiss her. Doesn't she believe he was sincere? he asks.

With teary eyes, she tells him she doesn't doubt his sincerity...and wants to be equally sincere...but she's afraid of her own feelings. He caresses her cheek gently and then says in a quiet voice that he's in love with her. She thinks it's too soon. Then he'll leave, he says...and he won't bring up the subject again until she's ready, is that ok? He leaves her after brushing her face again in a caress.

The next day, Cuca informs Tafoya that he is being sent off to the factory to inspect the bottling process and then he's to go back to his office to get to work. She's not paying him to go on vacation, after all. Then he needs to make some real estate investments for her,decides Doña Cuca, who's obviously got her whole plan already figured out..she'll recoup the 5 million very soon.

He wants to know more, but she tells him it's safer for him not to know. She goes off and leaves him there, to open a wall safe to give him some stacks of cash. He assures her that he'll have it invested in real estate within the week. She wants it done sooner - that dog of a cop Pizarro is sniffing around and she wants the money to be safely invested. She hands him the bag and warns him that she already knows how much it is - but she's testing him. He protests - can't she trust him already? His father worked for her for more than 20 years - but she's not convinced yet of him, she says. He'll have to prove himself before she totally trusts him.

The next morning Esteban comes down and Silvana offers him a coffee. They have a friendly chat as if nothing happened. He wants to accelerate the investigation, starting with Pancho's murder at the shop. She thinks that's a good idea - she wants the nightmare to be over, and offers to help. He wants her to remember anything at all that might be an important detail - even though he realizes that she told him everything when it happened, at that time Cristobal's death is still too fresh a shock, there might be something she can recall that would be useful.

He uses "usted" but she reminds him that last night they said goodbye less formally - and she wants to continue using the "tu". He apologizes - he thought she wanted to preserve the distance in their relationship. Instead, she surprises him by saying it's no longer important. He starts to leave, and reminds her to call Mauricio back. Andrea runs in and asks if they can go to the park...and take Yupi for a walk. The dog needs to go out to do his business, she reminds him. Esteban says he'll take care of all that, and to remember that Yupi's also playing hide and seek just like they are.

Using a whiteboard listing all those involved in the case, Marta and Aaron are reviewing the details they have so far...they still don't know who the "partner" is - the one the truck driver mentioned. Carla Gutierrez has been already interviewed, but she didn't even know there was a partner....they need to interview the truck driver, Fernando about that. What's next? asks Aaron. His female colleague indicates that the raid on the Zeus is still pending, due to Esteban's order. So they have to concentrate on the shop and the other suspects. Aaron offers to find out how Mauricio got the money from Andres Acosta, while Marta will check Zeus' staff police records to see if any are on file. Aaron reminds her to check with Garringa, another colleague, regarding the phone call that Yolanda got from the US looking for Silvana. Marta writes "gringa" on the whiteboard.

Cristobal gets a visit from Nurse Nancy, who's also got his medical report. Dr. Paez is ready to operate on him at another clinic, but first he will come to see him. Nancy's read the report - and wants to know why instead of hair transplants, the medical file say he had a heart operation? Cristobal is irritated - how dare she have read a confidential medical report? She replies that she only read it to take better care of him.

Cuca is playing at being a fruit seller in the market when Isaias informs his aunt that Pizarro came to get the child's pets. Orduña didn't follow him. While he pretends to buy mangos, Cuca tells him to keep watch for Silvana, and to track the cops too - but careful with Pizarro, he's dangerous.

Marta informs Aaron that no one who works at the Zeus have police records. Esteban comes in - and Marta informs him that they are working to prove Silvana's guilt. What else does he want them to do? He adds to the list..finding the man at the airport, and finding Andres Acosta. Since he's never interfered in their investigations, he'll let them get on with it. Marta snidely remarks that of course this time they are working from different angles, since he's not of the same mind on this case.

Esteban retorts that he is the one who most wants things to be clarified, while Aaron interjects that they've never had problems before when they've worked as a team - that was before Silvana, responds Marta. Esteban repeats that he just wants the truth to come out.

Marta snottily asks if he really thinks a man was following her at the Monterrey airport? He confirms someone was. So, she continues in the same uppity tone, who's going to interview Silvana to get a description of this supposed suspect? Esteban shuffles his feet and looks down - until now, there have been no official orders for interrogations...of anyone.

Well, she demands, is anyone going to request it officially? No, explains Esteban. These people have been exporting illegal substances, and they're not going to do anything that might tip them off. Impatient with their arguments,

Aaron intervenes, asking if they're finally ready to get on with it..Marta tells him he can go ahead and get on with it - right now she needs to speak to Esteban privately. In response, Aaron flings up his hands and leaves the office.

Marta wants to know if she's just going to continue being a decoration at the Zeus, or if he's going to let her actually do some investigations...of Isaias, or Orduña. Esteban asks her how she plans to do that without putting herself at risk of blowing her cover....? She smugly tells him Isaias is sweet on her, and she'll use his weakness to get information. Now she needs to talk to Garriga about something...he orders her to come back as soon as she does that.

Silvana calls Mauricio. He wants to know why she's calling him. She replies that Esteban told her he wanted to speak with her. Esteban? he asks surprised. Why is she calling him that? Because that's his name, she explains. Anyway, says Mauricio, he wanted to know what hotel she was staying at, but Pizarro wouldn't tell him. And Doña Beatriz blessed him with a visit yesterday...she's upset, and is convinced the cop's interested in her. Silvana points out that Beatriz is no longer her mother in law - since Cristobal, R.I.P. is no longer alive. She's a widow, she doesn't have to account to anyone...Mauricio tries to soothe her, of course he knows Beatriz is wrong, she wouldn't be interested in a cop, and saying he knows she wouldn't be capable of getting interested in another man so soon...Silvana is stung by his statement and makes one of her own: if she decides to change her life, it's nobody's business but her own - she doesn't need Beatriz' approval - or anyone. Piqued, she hangs up on her brother.

Marta returns and Esteban asks her to discuss things as friends, not as her superior. . He reminds her that she had no right to yell at him or chastize him in front of strangers like she did last night. Oh gee, she didn't realize that Silvana was a mere stranger to him...She wants to know if he's interested in Silvana? He finally admits yes he is. Why? Marta doesn't know how to say it..but they used to spend a lot of time together, working together all day...she thought they got along well.....Esteban understands what she's trying to say...they worked well together, they were friends, they shared a lot. Did he think of it as just a work relationship she asks quietly? No, he also thought of it as a friendship, he sighs.

Marta listens quietly as he explains that he always thought of her as a friend...and he might have let her think there was something more, but he didn't realize it, and he didn't mean to hurt her in any way.

Marta accepts finally that she made a mistake - it wasn't his fault. She was the one that misunderstood things. She now understands that Silvana is very pretty, and of the same social class he is...He tells her that has nothing to do with it.

She'll stay out of it, but she won't let him make the same mistake she made..he has to think of his career....he's going to lose his reputation as a good cop if he gets mixed up with her. The missing money is still missing, the narcos are tracking her because they think she's got it. He protests that he's absolutely convinced of her innocence...Marta advises him to prove it, then, before getting more involved with Silvana. She leaves and goes back to her office, trying not to cry.

Silvana puts on lipstick and Andrea wants to know why she's making herself pretty. Because they have to go on with life. with life, says her mother.

Cristobal and Mauricio are again updating each other by phone. He wants to know where his wife is now. He doesn't like the idea of Silvana thinking she's a widow. Mauricio tells him they're checking Andres Acosta's medical records, which say he has heart problems. Cristobal tells him the last operation is scheduled very soon and he'll soon be able to come back. Mauricio wants him to return ASAP...Silvana is acting strangely, he doesn't know where she is, and besides, Pizarro's told her a lot of things that have confused her. Cristobal tells him not to worry, she'll be happy when she finds out he's alive and he'll make everything right. Dr. Paez is scheduling his last hair transplant, he'll return right after that.

Esteban brings in newspapers for the dog's needs and Silvana asks if he's staying to lunch. He says no, he just came to drop off the papers.

Embarrassed, he asks her to forgive him for kissing her last night. She was right, he went too soon, telling her he loved her. She takes a few steps back...it's exactly what she was thinking last night, it's ok. Esteban insists that she not think badly of him, there's something he'd like to clarify...she takes a seat on the couch as he tells her that meeting her was the best thing that's happened to him since Alicia died. She dismisses his comment - he doesn't have to justify his actions to her. It's even simpler than that, he says. He wants her to understand where he's coming from, what he's feeling. She finally agrees to listen to him. It's the circumstances that are causing him some trouble...he comes to sit next to her, trying to explain that he has a professional duty first, and he's not meeting it totally right now.

Silvana angrily retorts that he can't get involved with a possible suspect, right? Esteban sighs and tries to get her to understand his position...he shouldn't have kissed her. She's alone and vulnerable, and he doesn't want to take advantage of that. With a proud look, Silvana acknowledges his words. She's not offended, ok? But she still wants to know something...did Lt. Lujan's outburst have anything to do with the change in his thinking. He looks down before answering. Finally, he says no. She shakes her head and gets off the couch as he amends his "no"...to "well, maybe"...as she heads out of the room, she turns and asks him icily to everything possible to close this case quickly so she can go back to her house and forget about everything that's happened. He's left shaking his head and saying her name....

Lety comes in and is greeted by Nacho at the bar. Nacho has a small gift for her. He likes her. Doesn't he realize Isaias is interested in her? She doesn't want problems for him. What if he tells Isaias she was caught snooping in Orduña's office? She needs to be nice to him...

Isaias and Orduña are outside, discussing the latter's screw up not following Pizarro and the pets the other day. La Cuca's still mad at him...Orduña promises him some money if he puts in a good word for him.

Esteban goes to visit Carla at the shop, finding her acting as boss in the absence of the owners. She asks if the trustee wil continue to supervise the business. Getting an affirmative from Esteban, she comments that she can't understand why Mrs. Ruiz is not taking care of her husband's business herself, she knows how hard he worked.

Esteban replies that Mrs. Ruiz is in hiding for her own safety - which is why they have a trustee in her place. He adds that Mrs. Ruiz was not aware of certain business dealings at the shop. Carla stands up, offended. Her boss was an honest person, he wasn't mixed up in any contraband! She still believes Cristobal was innocent, then? he asks, watching her face closely. How well did she know him? Pretty well, admits Carla. She worked for him for 3 years, it's the only job she ever had, and he taught her a lot. And did he teach her about the double-bottomed vases, too? inquires Esteban softly.

No, replies Carla, she knew nothing about those vases. What about Victor Mondragon? How close was he with Cristobal? Carla admits she doesn't know - Victor never said anything about it, either. Strage, remarks Esteban. She was working for him and didn't realize how friendly he was with Victor? Not strange at all, answers Carla. Cristobal knew Victor liked her and she couldn't stand him, so maybe to avoid unpleasantness....And Victor never mentioned this frienship to her either? Carla sinks down into her chair again..no, he didn't, because he knew she was in love with Cristobal...Esteban's face registers an "aha!" moment as she stops speaking.

Lety flirts with Isaias, telling him she's glad she got to him before Nacho did. She confides that Nacho was coming on to her, and she rejected him, so now she's afraid he might invent something to make her look bad in front of Isaias, or get her fired. Isaias assures her he will take care of Nacho. Lety asks him not to fire Nacho...he might get mad at her. Isaias promises not to make a fuss, he'll just remind Nacho who's boss. Lety then presses her advantage to ask if she can leave early that night..to ah..."visit a sick cousin in the hospital". Of course Isaias agrees she can leave early....anytime.

Carla has recovered her powers of speech. She tells Esteban that the business is going well again, no thanks to Silvana, who hasn't done anything at all to keep the business going. Esteban is pleased to hear that for the workers; Carla says they're all working hard to keep their jobs and also, in memory of Cristobal. Esteban underlines that he needs to get more information to clarify the situation and find Pancho's murderer..if she can search her memory of those last days before Cristobal died, anything she can remember might help him figure it out. She agrees to try. At his prompting, she also agrees to provide him with Victor Mondragon's address and phone in France, if he should call her back. In return, though, she asks him not to mention her feelings for Cristobal to Silvana.

Aaron is also working on the case - interviewing a nervous Mauricio at his office. He'd like to know where his sister is, but Aaron isn't there for that. He needs to know how he received the money Andres Acosta sent him from Houston?

Seated next to the framed photo of Esteban and his dead wife, Silvana calls Tia Carmen, who is thrilled to hear from her and starts asking where she is, how she is... she sounds sad. Silvana tells her she wishes she could just go back home, forget about the silly money, the narcos chasing her, and the cops, just ...everything! Carmen comments that she sounds sad...how much longer will this have to go on? She doesn't know. What about Comandante Pizarro? Silvana exclaims that she's fed up with him too.

Carmen's surprised...what happened? He seemed so fond of Andrea. Yes, says Silvana, but he still thinks of me as a suspect! Carmen sighs...it's probably part of his job. Beatriz hates him because she thinks that Pizarro is interested in her, but Carmen's already told her that he's married. Silvana informs her aunt that he's not - he's a widower. Carmen immediately concludes that she will tell Beatriz that he is a free man, and happily adds that makes him a suitable candidate for her...Silvana explains that he can't get involved with her because of his professional responsibility. Carmen inquires if that makes her niece sad? Silvana admits that she doesn't know...she's just so confused. Silvana doesn't know what to think at this point, but she doesn't want to discuss it any more on the phone - she'd so much like to see her aunt in person, she desperately needs to talk to someone. Carmen offers to come see her - or will she come to the house so they can talk? Meanwhile, does she have a real interest in Comandante Pizarro?

At the club Lety flirts with smitten Isaias to get Nacho off her back - as he's the new boss he grandly tells off Nacho and lets Lety know that he's the one in charge of the Zeus...so if she needs to leave early, it's ok with him. Orduña comes up and Isaias rubs his nose in it...Since he's the new boss, he informs Orduña that from now on, Lety has his permission to have flexible hours and can come and go as she pleases. Orduña acknowledges the new order without speaking, and leaves them. Isaias confirms to a suitably impressed Lety that he is now the boss of the club.....and of some other activities he won't tell her about...yet, he replies when she smarmily presses him for more details on his "other activities".

Back in his office, Aaron explains to Esteban that Mauricio received money fromm Acosta through a certain Nancy Lopez, who carried it personally. Esteban asks if she's the "gringa" who called Yolanda? Aaron replies that Garringa is checking that out. Aaron puts his head on his hands and comments that Mauricio always seems so nervous. He's a nervous type, notes Esteban, hasn't he realized that? Yeah, agrees Aaron, but has he always been so nervous? Or is it just since Cristobal died? That might prove that he knows something after all.

Esteban wants to know if it's another Marta-theory or did Aaron reach that conclusion himself? Aaron spreads his hands out - but it's obvious! His infautation for Silvana is blinding him to things! No, no, no, says Esteban. He's agreed to take Marta's advice and keep treating Silvana as a suspect until they prove she's innocent. He's going to keep distance between them.

So, does that mean is he going to take her out of his apartment? asks Aaron. Esteban sighs - that's no longer necessary. He explained his position to Silvana but of course, she thought he was just making a fool of her. Aaron is left open-mouthed when Esteban admits that he told her he loved her...but he promises his colleague that he won't take it any further until he has absolute proof of her innocence. Aaron's astonished - how does he think he can prove her innocence if now he's suspecting her of being guilty? Esteban gives him a worried look and heaves a huge sigh.

At a pay phone, Mauricio is giving Cristobal the latest version of the story - he has to tell the nurse to invent some relatives who came to Mexico to give him "Acosta's" money. He's still pretty jittery, and tells Cristobal he can't talk any longer, he has to hang up now - he's terrified of more questions from the cops.

Silvana checks her child...and calls Esteban in a panic. Andrea's got a high fever. She needs to go see a doctor. She can't of course, replies Esteban. Does she have a doctor she can trust? She tells him to get Mauricio.

Lety tries to mend fences and cheer up Nacho before leaving to go see "her sick cousin in the hospital" and says good bye to Isaias.

Yolando buzzes Mauricio - Esteban needs to see him urgently. He informs Mauricio that he's come to take him to see his niece, who has a high fever. Mauricio reminds him he's not a pediatrician, but Esteban only cares about the fact that he's a doctor who will keep his mouth shut.

Marta interviews Carla, and asks why she's still wearing black..is she in mourning? Carla says yes, she's still wearing black for her old boss. Marta remarks that Silvana didn't wear black even for a week. Marta mutters something about rumors that the widow Ruiz is the one with the money. Carla doesn't know what to think.

Marta still is looking to find the man the truck driver said identified himself as Cristobal's "partner"s she'll be interviewing Juan the truck driver next. Carla notes that Esteban asked her the same things when he was just there. However, there was one detail she forgot to mention. There are some canvas bags missing, She had been keeping them for Cristobal. Marta wants to know if perhaps they disappeared during the break-in, or did Cristobal take them before he died? Carla thinks that he took them...she gave them to him a while before he died.

Mauricio goes into the bedroom to check Andrea as Esteban and Silvana argue outside, It was risky bringing Mauricio there, but what other choice was there? Esteban is also worried about the child. Silvana is in a hostile mood and demands to know - how much longer does she have to live like this?

Esteban tries a concillatory tone...just until the case is solved, he assures her. Speaking of the case, she says more calmly, she remembered something. At that moment, Mauricio comes out to tell them that the child has a throat infection, nothing serious, he's already given her some antibiotics. He gives Silvana some medicines and tells her to give them to Andrea every six hours. He asks whose apartment this is, and Esteban turns back to Silvana instead of answering.

As he repacks his black bag behind Esteban's back, Silvana resumes the previous conversation, She remembered..maybe it means nothing...What did she remember? he asks. That Cristobal, the night before the heart attack, spent a lot of time up on the roof terrace. Mauricio, avidly listening hidden behind Esteban, stops polishing his glasses. The money could be there! exclaims Esteban. They'll have to search up there!

========================================================================================================

USA, MAY 17-21, 2004

www.telenovela-world.com: WEEKLY SUMMARY MONDAY MAY 17TH-THURS MAY 20TH Author: maritere (---) Date: 05-24-04 12:17 PDT

MONDAY MAY 17TH

Esteban decides they will search the roof terrace immediately. Mauricio's all ears as he explains to Silvana that he will get search warrant ASAP. If they can find the money the case will be resolved. Silvana doesn't seem to think it will be that easy. Esteban apologizes to Mauricio for not telling him who the owner of the apartment is, and Mauricio in his turn apologizes - he shouldn't have asked, he was merely curious. Esteban offers to drop Mauricio back at his office and leaves Silvana to take care of Andrea.

Marta's about to take her leave of the shop, but she's still talking to Carla. She'll need any help she can give to solve the case. Carla immediately offers to help. Pleased, Marta confides that she is convinced that Silvana stole the money. Carla jumps on that - she's always detested Silvana, and even more now since Cristobal died. Marta needs help to get proof of it but for professional reasons she can't tell Carla what she really suspects.. Carla wants to know why Marta is taking such an interest in this case - Marta gets all chummy and since they're now such friends, confides that she has a personal reason - Silvana's out to steal her galan, Esteban Pizarro. Carla is disgusted with Silvana's behavior - Cristobal's barely cold in his grave!She'll certainly help Marta all she can...to nail Silvana.

Carmen discusses Silvana's phone call with Beatriz, who isn't thrilled with her daughter in law these days. Carmen informs her sister that Pizarro is a widower, so if he does have "intentions" they might just be honorable. Beatriz still thinks he's a louse, and wants to know what Silvana is playing at,with husband recently dead, hiding herself away who knows where. She's also miffed that Silvana didn't bother talking to HER when she called - all she did was put Andrea on the phone.

As he drops off the doctor at his apartment, Esteban repeats to Mauricio the need to keep silent about Silvana's current whereabouts. No one is to know that address. Mauricio nods and asks where he can be contacted if needed. Esteban states he'll probably be in the office until late - he doesn't think he'll get the search order very quickly. The doctor asks if finding the 5 million will close the case? The cop says it will help, but cryptically comments that it's not all they need. Mauricio thanks him for taking such good care of his sister and niece, goes into his building...and then exits down the stairs.

In his hotel room,Cristobal is reviewing the story with Nurse Nancy of how the money got to Mauricio. He's interrupted by none other than Mauricio - who calls to inform him that Pizarro will be searching the roof terrace soon. Tomorrow he'll have a search warrant. How does he know? Did he tell? No, replies Mauricio, Silvana remembered he had been up there that night. Cristobal finally tells him where the money is - in the TV antenna tube, in canvas bags tied with nylon thread - and he wants Mauricio to get the money out immediately. Mauricio refuses. He'd much rather give the money back. They've taken a million between them, but the rest of the money is still there, calculates Cristobal. He'll kill him if he gives back the money! Cristobal wants him to take the money and hide it in the shop. Since they've already searched there, and found nothing, they won't search the shop again. It'll be safe there. He gives him instructions on where the money is - in the TV antenna tube. Mauricio is afraid that Beatriz, with her penchant for sticking her nose everywhere, will follow him upstairs. Cristobal tells him just to do it and stop making excuses. Mauricio insists that Silvana and Andrea and he are in peril. They need to give back the money.

He hangs up on Mauricio and faces a worried Nurse Nancy who wants to leave, but Cristobal prevents her - by pushing her down on the bed and informing her that first they need to have a serious talk about what she just heard.

Lucy's boyfriend Manuel announces his business requires his presence in Monterrey. He's going to leave that very night, news that Lucy isn't happy to hear. It seems that they won't see each other anymore.

Finally back at the office, Marta reports to Aaron that the driver couldn't identify the "partner" but she's happy that Carla's on her side - now they're friends, since Carla thinks Cristobal is innocent and would be delighted to keep her new 'amiga" informed of what goes on in the shop, since she hates Silvana. Aaron cautions his colleague: she shouldn't get too friendly with Carla. Not to worry, replies a very self-satisfied Marta.

Aaron informs her that Esteban has already distanced himself from Silvana. Good, comments Marta. Aaron wants the three of them to go out to dinner and smooth out their misunderstanding, and he wants her to bring Lucy. Marta tells him that Lucy's already got a boyfriend - a jealous northerner. Aaron replies that he doesn't want to marry her, just go to dinner!

Esteban comes in with the news he's just requested a second search warrant for Silvana's house. Marta's surprised. Esteban tells them what Silvana remembered. Marta adds the information about the waterproof canvas bags Carka delivered to Cristobal right before his death.

Silvana's checking on Andrea, putting cold compresses on her head. Andrea's feelling a little better. Esteban calls and she tells him that Andrea's asking for him. But she's told her that he's very busy working. He also asks her if she ever saw any canvas bags in her house? She says no, never. Why? Nothing, he says and cuts the call.

Beatriz greets Mauricio and immediately launches into an anti-Esteban tirade. Does he know the cop's a widower? He must be after Silvana, he must have evil intentions, of course...Mauricio brings her up short when he updates her on Andrea's illness, and the fact that he just saw her. Another reason for Beatriz to get mad at Silvana. She's not being told anything! Carmen offers him a coffee to shut Beatriz up. Mauricio asks if he can go wash his hands, and then invents the excuse that there's a leak to go up on the roof to "fix" it while the ladies wait downstairs. He has to shut the water off, and needs some tools..the women fly around getting him what he needs, flustered.

Once alone up on the roof, Mauricio immediately attacks the TV antenna and shines his flashlight into the tube - pulling up a nylon line...with nothing attached to it. He shines his flashlight down the tube again... Mauricio throws up his hands. The money's not there.

Aaron is trying to get Esteban enthused about their possible double-date. Meanwhile, Esteban's more focused on finding the money and proving Silvana's innocence. Besides, he knows what's going on with Marta right now....He leaves and Marta comes in and gives Aaron bad news: the second request for a search warrant was denied. There's no new justification for another search. Unless they accuse Silvana of being a suspect, and they both know Esteban won't do that. But why suspect Silvana? asks Aaron. Because it's just too coincidental that Silvana suddenly remembered the roof terrace..isn't it? she replies smugly while Aaron just stares at her.

Beatriz sees Mauricio out, complaining that they'll have to call the plumber now, and laments to Carmen that she needs the maid back - she was probably lying when she asked for time off to visit a sick relative. Sooo hard to get good help these days!

Esteban arrives home late, just in time to give Silvana some candy for Andrea and say good-night.Silvana obviously isn't in the mood to chat - she doesn't invite him in, and shuts the door in his face.

He mopes at the door a moment, then decides to go upstairs.

Mauricio is dialing from a pay phone again. He tells Cristobal that the money wasn't there. Cristobal can't believe it. Did he find the nylon line to the bag? Yes, he did, but there was no bag attached to it. He's an inept idiot, the money has to be there! He must have snapped the line! Mauricio denies it. There was nothing there, nothing at all, no sign of any money. He wonders if perhaps Pizarro found it when he searched the house while they were gone, on the way to the airport? Beatriz told him they had been there while they were gone. Cristobal curses - that miserable cop must have found it when he searched the house - and must have stolen HIS money!

Mauricio has to get the money back from Esteban - offer him a million, but get the rest of the money back, instructs Cristobal. Mauricio insists that Pizarro is an honest cop, he didn't take the money, he's sure of it. Maybe one of his colleagues, but he's certain Pizarro's not involved.

What if instead it was the narcos? says Mauricio. After all, they trashed the house first. But they wouldn't still be chasing Silvana if they had the money, replies Cristobal.What if one of the narcos took it and defrauded his boss? offers Mauricio. No, says Cristobal, it's that cop - he's taking advantage of my death to pin the blame on me and keep the money. He's convinced the cop's got it.

Well, how's he going to ask for it back? After all, the money was stolen from Cristobal Ruiz - who is now officially dead - he's Andres Acosta now, Mauricio reminds him. The doctor also reminds him that he only agreed to help him fake his death so that he could escape from the smugglers - not so he could rob them!

Cristobal reminds Mauricio that he's also up to his neck in the same mess, so he better get with the program. His final instructions are: Mauricio has to make a deal with the cop - he's got to have the money, don't take no for an answer and don't let the cop trick him. Just get the money back, and then take a plane to Spain!

Mauricio tells him he's getting rid of the extra dollars. He's fed up with the whole thing, and doesn't want to risk himself any longer. Cristobal forbids him to dispose of the cash - that's all they've got left if the rest doesn't turn up. He has to make a deal with the cop. Mauricio doesn't think Pizarro will be interested. Cristobal asks him to think of Silvana and Andrea - if he manages to make a deal with that corrupt cop, they'll be able to keep that money. Mauricio refuses - those dollar bills are proof of what he did. Cristobal can forget about them, he's not going to keep them around.

A man opens up a garage and a car goes in. A motorcyclist is watching from the corner. It turns out it's none other than the "Mushroom" (Champignon) Isaias' flunkey, now doing spy duty on Mauricio.

Isaias' spy informs him of Mauricio's movements by phone. The doctor went to the Ruiz house, stopped at a pay phone, and then home. Isaias orders him to keep watching him. He then calls his tia Cuca for further instructions.

Mauricio is raking up cash from under the couch when Silvana calls Mauricio to inform him that Andrea's fever is abating. He tells her he saw Beatriz and she wants to see Andrea. Silvana, worried, asks if he told Beatriz where they were living? He assures her he followed the cop's instructions and didn't say anything. He also found out that the cops had searched her house when they were gone thanks to Beatriz, but he thinks there's something strange about that now.

Did she know that Pizarro had already searched the house when they were on the run? Beatriz swore that they didn't miss an inch of the house. No, She didn't know - she thought he was going to search now after what she remembered. Her brother confirms that Beatriz told him they went through the entire house that time. So why are they going to search again? Silvana figures it's because of what she remembered about Cristobal and the roof terrace. She can't figure out where Mauricio's coming from. What is he trying to say? Mauricio is now suspicious of Esteban - why didn't he tell her he was searching her house AGAIN? Why was she never told of the first search? Silvana doesn't know what to think.

Mauricio concludesthat perhaps Pizarro found the money during the first search and is now trying to make them believe he doesn't have it - that's the reason for the new search warrant. Silvana doesn't reply.

She hangs up on Mauricio and paces around the apartment. Finally, she rings the service buzzer. Esteban jumps off the sofa and runs downstairs, gun at the ready, worried. When she opens the door, he anxiously asks if she and Andrea are alright. He puts the gun down and heaves a huge sigh. At least they're alright. She lets him in and tells him she needs to talk to him as he calms himself down.

He's happy that she called him - he was thinking of her, too. She asks the question that's been bothering her: why didn't he tell her that they already searched the house for the famous five million? Yes, but they didn't find anything. he replies. Why didn't he tell her about the first search? He simply forgot to inform her about the first search. Who told her about it? he asks. Why does he want to know? she mocks in return. Does he want to take revenge on them? It must have been Beatriz, who else? She lets him think so - and adds that she's glad that someone has opened her eyes to him. She angrily accuses him of being a liar, a thief, a corrupt cop and having taken the money himself. He's just trying to fool them with this second search!

Esteban protests that he doesn't have the money. Then who does? she asks. Why should she believe he or his team didn't take the money? He informs her that he and his team have clean records - and they didn't take the money. They can't be suspected of this. She continues to question him. She also has a clean record - so why is she a suspect and not him? Why did he decide to distance himself from her and consider her a suspect?

Esteban insists that she had to be suspect due to her connection to Cristobal, who was mixed up with drug smugglers...she was his..he avoids the word "wife" and substitutes " his closest relative".

So that gives him the right to doubt her? she demands. He retorts that he didn't doubt her - that's why he's brought her to his house to protect her and Andrea from the men who are chasing her. And how will he demonstrate her innocence by doing that? she asks. Why should she believe he didn't take the money himself?

He protests abjectly that he simply forgot - those days were particularly stressful, he didn't do it intentionally. And if he did have the money, why would he bother searching her house again?

He's convinced the money must be in some pipe up on the roof.

Faced with her hostile disbelief, Esteban starts to argue heatedly in his own defense - if he really was the crooked cop she accuses him of being, wouldn't it be logical that he would have let her escape to Spain? That way everyone would think she had taken the money, no? Nobody would have suspected him!

She accuses him of using her - he only brought her to his apartment for one reason. Because he loves her? he asks. No, she scoffs - that was just another lie. She's just bait. Bait? asks Esteban,now totally disconcerted.

Yes, bait - she asserts that he's just using her as bait to find his wife's assasins. He's dumbfounded - does she really think he'd be capable of such a thing? Yes, she does - until he can explain why he didn't tell her about the first search, and until the money shows up, she won't believe anything he says. He absorbs this last statement, picks up his gun and silently walks out

Mauricio is stuffing the bills into a case and hides it when the doorbell rings. He opens the door and two thugs jump in and beat him, demanding to know where the money is and where Ruiz' widow is. He yelps that he knows nothing. They go through the house without finding anything, leaving Mauricio bleeding on the floor.

Tafoya pays a visit to his boss. He confirms in response to Cuca's first question that he has already invested all the money that she gave him. Tomorrow he has an meeting with a contact on the police force to get the information she wanted.Tomorrow? inquires Cuca - why not now? He's wasting her valuable time. Tafoya hotfoots it out to do her bidding.

Esteban goes back to the offce and finds Aaron there still - he admits he didn't have anything better to do that night. What's Esteban doing there? He admits that Silvana thinks that he lied to her because he forgot to mention the first search. And the only one, says Aaron, showing him the rejection for the second search - Esteban reads it and lets it fall back on the desk.That's not his major worry right now.

Aaron laughs when Esteban tells him Silvana suspects him of being a crooked cop - what, him, crooked? That's not all of it, adds his dejected colleague - she also accused him of using her as bait to trap Alicia's killers. Aaron can't believe it - did he explain that the false-bottom vases appeared in both cases? Esteban admits that he did - and on his part, it was an error. As he paces around his office. Aaron tells him to just leave the case, take a vacation, before he gets in worse trouble or commits a worse error. He refuses - he won't leave while Silvana thinks that he's corrupt. He can't stand the idea.

Mauricio's visitors have left but he's still reeling from their assault. The doctor medicates himself with some pills and staggers over to the phone, dialing Cristobal - telling him the narcos are still looking for Silvana, just beat him up and went through his house, threatening to kill him. Cristobal doesn't seen overly concerned....he asks if he's still got his share of the cash? Yes, the thugs didn't get it, confirms the doctor. So he still has his share? Yes, but Mauricio doesn't care about that - he's more worried about his sister and niece. The situation is too dangerous now, he just wants to be quit of all of it. All the more reason to make a deal with Pizarro, replies Cristobal. If the money wasn't on the roof terrace, Pizarro must have it. Tell him that unless he lets them flee to Spain, he'll be reported to his superiors as a bent cop. That should get them out of the country fast, states Cristobal.

With Aaron as his sounding board, Esteban is still reviewing the conversation he had with Silvana - her words didn't sound like her - more like her dear mother in law, he thinks. But what if Marta's right and she's guilty? objects Aaron. No, no, no, says Esteban.

Somebody's trying to poison her against him, he concludes.

Aaron tries to soothe him. Esteban finally confesses his greatest blunder - he told her he loved her, and kissed her. Then he started keeping his distance due to the conflict of interest. No wonder she doesn't trust him, she was hurt and that's why she changed her attitude. Aaron sighs - why is he still a cop? He doesn't belong there.

He reminds his colleague why he's still a cop - he wants to find his dead wife's killers. Aaron nods. He knows the story of Alicia. But what if he finds the killers and then loses Silvana?

Isaias tells Cuca about beating up Mauricio - and not finding out anything about the money. Cuca instructs him to keep tracking the doctor.

Lucy comes back home and tells Marta her boyfriend left her. Marta tries to cheer her up - he's not worth her tears. Marta decides that they have to go out and forget Esteban and Manuel. Lucy isn't interested in Aaron at all, but Marta urges her to go out with him...and then complains that she's got it worse - now she has to go out with Isaias!

Isaias insists to his aunt that he's working hard to get the money, but it's a tough job. He wants to just run the Zeus, he likes it there and can do a better job than Orduña. Cuca scoffs - he doesn't know his place. At the Zeus he'd be too visible. Look at her: she uses Tafoya and others to do her dirty work because she doesn't have the looks or the education to do it. And she's done pretty well for herself, hasn't she?

Tafoya comes in to give Cuca the dossiers his police contact got him on Pizarro's colleagues - he's got dossiers and even pictures of Aaron, Garringa, Martinez and even a female cop. Who is she? asks Isaias idly. Marta Lujan, states Tafoya. Isaias takes the picture and file of the female cop. Cuca takes it out of his hands and gives it a look.

TUESDAY MAY 18TH

Marta Lujan...says Cuca. Isaias remarks that she seems very familiar. Cuca wants to know if he actually knows her - because she's going to break up Esteban Pizarro's team.

Lucy and Marta are still chatting at home only Lucy doesn't realize that Marta's actually trawling for information on what went on at the club that night. Lucy notes that Isaias, Orduña and 2 other guys she doesn't know and never saw before all left before the bar closed. Marta's very interested in this news. Where did they all go?

Isaias explains to his tia how they tried to make the doctor talk, but he didn't say a word about the money or his sister's whereabouts. She wants him to deploy all the men to shadow Mauricio and all Silvana's family members.She wants him to keep watching the house himself, but advises him to get some sleep.

Isaias takes off and Cuca turns her attention to the waiting Tafoya, who admits that he only paid half to his police contact - which is good, states Cuca, because she wants more information. He needs to go back and get the rest of the information - and only then should he give the informant the rest of the money. He didn't give them enough - the dossiers don't include their addresses! She particularly wants info on Marta Lujan. Tafoya wonders if Isaias is being shadowed by the female cop? Maybe actually does know her....Cuca laughs, her nephew has a lousy memory, he probably is confused. But she'll find her anyway. She announces that she's going to take out Marta first - because the female cop might recognize HER!

Lucy can't believe that Marta is going to actually start seeing Isaias - he's so ugly! Even uglier are the things he does, states Marta matter-of-factly. She hopes that she'll find out where he lives or other info if she starts seeing him. Lucy muses that it might get dangerous - well, that's a cop's life, always in danger, says Marta.

The next day, in his office Marta complains to Esteban about the way chewing out the guy who didn't give the 2nd search warrant. It wasn't his fault they didn't have enough grounds to justify it.

Esteban, arms crossed and eyes boring into his colleague notes that they all were up on the roof...and nobody found anything.

Maybe because there was nothing there when they searched....perhaps the money was put there AFTER they searched, offers Marta. How? asks Esteban, sipping coffee and watching her through narrowed eyes. Ruiz was already dead, and so far, it seems that Ruiz didn't have any accomplces...Marta shakes her head in disbelief and jumps up from her chair..It only seems that way to HIM...Esteban sighs and asks if she's going to start the same story all over again. No, avers Marta, but he has to admit that it's too strange that the widow of a thief would remember such important details weeks after! It's now Esteban's turn to rise from his chair - he's given her powers to find evidence, if she's going to make such accusations she better have proof.

Marta tells him not to get angry and starts to leave, and suddenly turns back. She just thought of something...but he won't like it...he gives her a quizzical look and tells her to go on. Marta insinuates that he's on such good terms with the "suspect" ah...the "informer", that is, the person who gave him that information.....so maybe he can get her permission to search the house a second time - without a warrant, if he asks Silvana. He merely grunts in reply.She leaves the office. Sure!, sighs Esteban to himself.

Cristobal, working out on his treadmill in his hotel room, calls Mauricio at home, asking him if he's done the deal with Pizarro yet. Did he offer him half the money? Mauricio insists that he will not do it - Cristobal has no idea what kind of a cop Pizarro is, no idea of what's going on there.

Mauricio's tired and upset - he was almost beaten to death, Silvana and Andrea are in hiding, and he can't take it anymore. He wants to get rid of the rest of the money, too. Cristobal forbids him to toss the extra money. He wants his 4 million back - he insists that he's got to do a deal with the cop, it's the only way to get his money back. Mauricio keeps refusing, and finally, Cristobal tells him to tell Silvana to talk to the cop. Mauricio's incredulous - did he lose his mind completely? Is she supposed to know he's alive now? No, says Cristobal, he has to do as he says....

Silvana and Andrea are chatting - the child is doing much better today. She wants to see her chick and her pup, and also, Esteban. Silvana explains that Esteban came to see her last night, but she was sleeping.

Esteban is at Beatriz' house - very courteously asking for permission to search the house. Beatriz gives him another tongue-lashing - he wants to search the house for money that isn't there, and meanwhile, he's holding her sick granddaughter in hiding! He explains again about the danger...but Beatriz interrupts, insisting that the only threat to her relatives is from him - there's no money there! He tries again to explain that it's for everyone's good...She won't give him permission to destroy the house again. Otherwise she'll complain to his superiors that he took her granddaughter away from her. He has to accept defeat and leaves.

Orduña and Negro are outside the house, watching from a parked van as Esteban leaves. That's Pizarro, indicates Orduña, and tells Negro to do what he's supposed to do. Negro follows him on his motorcycle.

A nervous Mauricio is taping up an overstuffed medical bag when Yolanda buzzes him on the intercom. He puts the black bag into a garbage bag and asks his nurse to do him a personal favor - to deliver some papers to the shop. She notes the bruises on his face, but he explains he took a fall. He explains to Yolanda that it's research that he didn't complete, but he needs to keep these papers safe. That's why he wanted to put them in the shop. She disagrees - the shop's been broken into once, it's probably not safe for him to leave them there. Instead, she offers to hold the papers herself. Mauricio is relieved and allows her to take the bag home. She'll hide them in her room. But no one is to know about them - Yolanda agrees to keep them safe and keep them secret.

Driving, Esteban gets a radio message - he's being followed since he left the Ruiz house. He orders extra surveillance on the house. He stops his car in the middle of the road and stands outside as the motorcycle drives past.

Cristobal is working out in his hotel room as Nancy comes in. He shouldn't be mad, she says. What does she want? he replies. After all, he gave her a nice amount of money. Yes, she replies, but she needs a little more. To forget about what happened, and to remember the version of the story he told her - he doesn't want her to get confused, right? As he roots around in a case looking for more money, Nancy informs him that there was a cop at the hospital asking questions...

Silvana gets a call from Mauricio - she has to find out about the money - and talk to Esteban, because he has the money. He also tells her the thugs were at his house last night and beat him. Silvana is upset and feels even more guilty - all of this is Cristobal's fault. He tells her that the thugs told him that money was in a tube on the roof, and that if she or he didn't have it, that means only Pizarro has it. She interrupts him to go to the door to answer the knock. She'll call him later - he insists that he has to talk to her now, but she hangs up anyway.

Esteban comes in - hesitantingly asking for news of Andrea. Silvana doesn't want to look at him. Can he sit down? Sure, she says - after all the apartment is his, right? Is she still thinking about what she said last night?he asks warily. She says she should have observed him better. She stil doesn't believe him about the first search and thinks his behavior has been strange.

Exasperated, he swears he doesn't have the money. All he wants to do is find the money so they can all escape this nightmare. He wants them to be safe - she and Andrea are his primary concern. Silvana has no chance to reply before Andrea comes out to greet Esteban. As Silvana goes to get the child's shoes, she tells him she hasn't eaten the lollypops he brought. Her mother won't let her. Those are a reward, he explains smiling, if she takes all her medicine. Esteban reminds her that her grandmother asked her to call as Silvana rejoins them puts the shoes on the child.

Silvana dials the number. As the child takes the phone, Esteban pleads that they need to talk. She offers to make him a coffee. Andrea chats with her grandmother, but the adults aren't paying her any attention as they leave her alone on the sofa.

Silvana deducts that if Beatriz was expecting Andrea's call, it was because he went to see her house - he admits he did.

Did he find the money? No, he replies, since Beatriz didn't give permission to check upstairs. Didn't he get his search warrant? No, he couldn't - there were no justifications for a second search, so his superiors denied it. He needed her permission to search up there, since he couldn't get a second warrant, but Beatriz denied it. She wonders why he couldn't get the warrant? For technical reasons, he starts to explain - but Silvana cuts him off, and states that she already knows why - as she told him last night.

He pleads with her - she's got to believe he's not a thief, he didn't take the money. All he wants is to keep them safe, and get them free of all this so that between them....She angrily interrupts him -there's nothing between them - it was a mistake, nothing else. And they both know that it was.

She sends Andrea off to bed telling her that Esteban's just leaving. He kisses the child. He insists he needs her permission to search again for the money. She asserts again that he has the money - and she doesn't like the way he's trying to trick her.

Marta, in her Lety disguise, enters the club and greets the waiting Isaias, who's watching her appreciatively. She asks Isaias why he's looking at her that way? He admits he likes her a lot, but she never notices him...He asks if she's still seeing that professional wrestler? She tells him no. they broke up. Then can could he bring her home some nights? Why not, she replies.

A loud knocking and banging interrupts Silvana's lunch preparations. She opens the door and Beatriz barges into Silvana's apartment. She got the address from Andrea. In response to Silvana's amazement, she states has every right to see her granddaughter, even if her daughter in law is now living with another man. Silvana angrily protests that all Esteban is doing is protecting them....Beatriz sniffs..it's a singular type of protection she's getting from him! She hopes at least they're being discreet in front of the child. Goaded, Silvana tells her mother in law off - if she is involved with anyone, it's her business and no one else's. And she's only in this situation thanks to the dirty dealings of her darling son. Beatriz forbids her to speak badly of Cristobal. Andrea pipes up that the dog has to be taken care of. Harrumph! exclaims Beatriz, she really is settled in her new place, isn't she? She even took the dog! Why doesn't she admit that she's got something going on with that cop? Silvana escapes her suegra and goes up to the roof.

Outside, the thugs conclude that they have found the widow's hiding place.Orduña and Negro are already up on the roof terrace of Esteban's apartment now. The dog starts to bark as Silvana comes around a corner and starts to go up the stairs. They grab Silvana, who lets the dog fall out of her arms as she struggles but they manage to drag her away.

Aaron and Esteban are in the office. Esteban gives him a walkie-talkie - they only have two, thanks to budget limitations.

Did Silvana give him permission to check the roof? No, admits Esteban - she's convinced that the money was found during the first search. and that he kept it.

Did they find Andres Acosta in Houston? No, not yet, replies Aaron. But they have checked out the woman who carried Andres Acosta's money to Mauricio. Turns out Nancy Lopez was the one who gave the money to Mauricio Ibañez. What's the connection between them? asks Esteban. Aaron informs him that she was a nurse at the Houston hospital where Mauricio sent his patients.

What about the cops Aaron was sending to Silvana's house? He'll check on that.

Orduña is pushing Silvana down a street, meanwhile his accomplice jumps on a motorcycle and speeds off, in front of the on-duty cop outside the building.

Esteban asks if the guards are still on the Ruiz house? Aaron says no, Beatriz convinced them to take her to see Andrea. What? says Esteban. Aaron explains that the old bat convinced the cops that he had given permission for her to visit her granddaughter. What?

Aaron's just as concerned as he is - he goes to check with the patrol as Esteban dials to warn Silvana. Beatriz and Andrea listen as the voice mail picks up his anxious message, but Beatriz arrogantly decides they won't answer - nobody knows they're there, they don't have to answer.

The cop outside gets a radio message.

Yupi is whining at the door, and Beatriz lets him in and tells Andrea to take him into the bedroom. She can't stand animals in the house, she fusses. Where's my mommy? asks Andrea. Beatriz doesn't know - she'll probably be back soon.

The on-duty cop comes to the door and asks where Silvana is. She's up on the roof, Beatriz replies, she went to check the dog.

Worried, the cop tells her to lock the door and not open it for anyone while he goes to check.

Beatriz keeps chatting with her granddaughter asking her about Esteban and Silvana. The child informs her that the cop lives upstairs, but comes down to chat with her mother. Ah yes, he comes to chat with her mommy, does he? Their conversation is interrrupted by another knock.

The cop comes back and tells her that she had no permission from anyone, least of all Pizarro, to go see her granddaughter.

He adds that Silvana's not up on the roof. She's disappeared, and he's going to be blamed. Beatriz dismisses him and his orders - no cop is going to tell her when she can or can't see her granddaughter! The cop insists she doesn't understand the gravity of the situation - Silvana's gone. Ah, says Beatriz, her daughter in law is famous for that game - last time she took off with her brother and her daughter...the cop interrupts her...this time, it's serious. She's gone, and there are drops of blood on the terrace.

Esteban jumps out of the car, cocking his gun, running into the building, instructing Aaron, who radios for Marta and others to join them while he watches the road.

The mortified cop informs Esteban of the trick Beatriz played on him, and how he found the dog's leash and drops of blood on the terrace...Where is Silvana? demands Esteban. The poor cop admits she's gone - but he didn't see anyone enter or exit from the building. Esteban's now frantic - where can they find her?

On a quiet backstreet, Orduña emerges from the parked van and tells Isaias she won't talk. He wants him to call his aunt on his cell phone for further instructions. They've got the widow, but she won't talk. She's very stubborn - and silent. Since they're on the street, they can't hurt her to make her talk. Well, if she won't talk, they should take her to Cuca's ranch and then put the screws on to make her talk. Tell her any little lies to make her talk. Orduña notes that he got cut on a wire when he kidnapped Silvana. He goes back in and tells a bound and gagged Silvana that they have her daughter. Of course, they won't hurt her. Poor little innocent tyke, tut-tuts Orduña...it's not her fault she's involved in all this. But if her mother cooperates, nothing will happen to her. He'll take off the gag so she can cry all she wants - and tell him where the 5 million is.

He takes the gag off and she starts sobbing for Andrea, pleading for them not to hurt her child. She doesn't know anything about the money her husband might have stole from them. Did her brother take the money? No, no, she sobs. She doesn't know where the money is. She needs to make a phone call. To whom? asks Orduña. They have to call ask him to give back the money in exchange for the child. Who's got the money? Esteban Pizaaro, she chokes out. He's got the money that her husband owes him.

Orduña tells her he's not going to fall into the cop's trap. He's too dangerous. Silvana swears it's not a trap - she wants to save her daughter, he has to believe her. Oh no...instead he'll be taking her to a nice comfortable ranch...and then he'll talk to Pizarro.

Esteban is sure that the kidnappers have Silvana and will call the apartment asking for a ransom. He tells Aaron to take Andrea and Beatriz home and have Gomez keep watch over them and also check the phone - they might also get ransom calls.. Aaron is upset - this was all Beatriz' fault. Her trick on Gomez led them to Silvana. No, says Esteban in a measured tone - it was his mistake, he should have known that woman was trouble waiting to happen.

He sighs and asks Aaron to also call Mauricio Ibañez...tell him...that Silvana...and then take the blood samples to the lab to see if they match Silvana's. He can get a blood sample probably from her brother - and should tell him what happened to his sister. Andrea comes up to him - is he coming with them? No, he'll wait for her mother and they'll both come get her. Andrea leaves with Aaron and Beatriz and the animals.

Marta, in her Lety wig, comes up as Beatriz exits the apartment and starts arguing with Esteban when he tells her Silvana was kidnapped. She doesn't believe it - Silvana did a flit with the money. No, argues Esteban, she was kidnapped. He's totally convinced she's innocent of anything. The thugs have her, for sure.

Cuca gives Tafoya the responsibility of running the Zeus - after all, the business is in his name, isn't it? Why? asks Tafoya. Isaias and Orduña will be very busy over the next few days, that's why. What about the cops on Pizarro's team? Cuca informs him she will deal with them herself - especially with Marta Lujan, but only after they get her money back from Silvana and Esteban.

Marta insists that they have to check airports and increase surveillance to catch Silvana before she escapes with the money. Didn't she say Isaias disappeared last night before he was supposed to take her home? interrupts Esteban.

Yes, says Marta, but ...maybe Silvana was in cahoots with him, too. Don't be absurd, exclaims an angry Esteban. He repeats what he already told her: she's to go back to the office and monitor the phones. She doesn't want to. Exasperated, Esteban orders her to go back to the office - or resign.Marta agrees to go back to the office - but as a parting shot, reminds him that it's just going to be a waste of time - Silvana is now getting farther and farther away with the 5 million dollars.

Now at the ranch Orduña is still threatening Silvana, who is now tied up on a bed. He goes over the house search - they didn't find anything. But did they check the roof terrace? asks Silvana dully.

Supposedly, the the money was in a tube on the roof. He admits he checked the roof already - but didn't check the tube. Pizarro took the money, says Silvana. He admits they paid a courtesy call on Mauricio. Now he wants to know who else is involved in this. For example, who else advised the cops of her escape? Only her brother knew! He must be involved in this with her. No, no,no, sobs Silvana, her brother knows nothing of all this!

Aaron visits Mauricio and they are relieved to find out that the blood sample doesn't match Silvana's blood type.

Esteban gets a call from police HQ. The blood is not Silvana's - at least they know she wasn't hurt.

Marta's in the office - Esteban tells them to get her to do police sketches of the Zeus bar people - Isaias, Orduña, everyone that works there.

Orduña proudly reads the ransom note addressed to Dr. Mauricio Ibañez to his capitve audience: if he doesn't give them back the 5 million Cristobal stole within 24 hours, he'll never see his sister Silvana alive again.

WEDNESDAY MAY 19TH

Silvana listens as Orduña reads out his ransom note. Then she argues that she's not responsible for the money's disappearance. Sobbing, she tells him to find Pizarro, who does have the money.

Orduña doesn't believe her - it was her husband who took the money. She begs him to understand that she is not guilty of anything. Orduña explains that he's going to send the note to Mauricio and get his money back.

Aaron is at Mauricio's office, asking for more information - but the doctor can't give him any more information. He couldn't recognize them because of their masks. They were looking for his sister, looking for the money that her husband supposedly stole.

But she doesn't know anything about the stolen money, and neither does he.

Aaron demands that he tell him anything he knows about it. He finally states that the thugs told him that the cops took the money - that Pizarro was a crooked cop. Aaron's eyes widen behind his glasses as he digests that bit of data.

Gomez the cop shows up again at Esteban's apartment to add to his previous briefing: he did leave his post for a moment to check out a motorcyclist leaving the building at the same time Silvana disappeared. He gives the comandante a description and adds he also got the bike's license plate.

Then Marta calls - to give him an update, and also to apologize. She imagines how he's feeling, even though she thinks Silvana's suspect, she knows he feels differently.Esteban paces back and forth impatiently.

Andrea's being difficult at the table with the older ladies - she wants to see her mother and Esteban. Carmen lets her excuse herself to play with Yupi, and of course Beatriz criticizes her for leting the child leave the table without eating. Carmen tries to dominate her nerves, she's so worried about Silvana. Beatriz, of course blames the cops for being inept - it wasn't her fault that she led the kidnappers to Silvana, if the cops had been doing their job, Silvana wouldn't have been taken, right? All Carmen can do is roll her eyes at that statement.

Aaron and Mauricio are now at Mauricio's apartment. Aaron finally asks if he really thinks Pizarro is a crooked cop? Mauricio weasels out of it by saying he was just repeating what the thugs told him. He's very nervous and offers to let Aaron search the house. All they did was rip open the furniture cushions - Aaron declines his kind offer and continues to ask questions.

Still dressed as Lety, Marta comes in to give Esteban an update - Nacho hasn't moved from the bar, he's not suspect, but nobody else has been there today.

Gomez calls: he's seen the sketches and identified them as two guys who were hanging around the Ruiz house in a van. Esteban gets the plate numbers from him and orders that an APB be issued for the van.

Marta comes over as he jots the numbers down - and Esteban tells her Gomez identified the Zeus people. She decides to go immediately to the bar, while Esteban stops her a moment - to thank her, and to warn her to be careful - Isaias and Orduña are dangerous. She assures him she'll take care of herself.

Orduña calls Cuca from his hideout to inform her that Isaias is on his way with the ransom note. Cuca's not impressed. Did the widow talk yet? No, all she says is that the cop took the money. Is he stupid? asks Cuca. What was Silvana doing hiding in the cop's apartment if she wasn't involved in the scheme to be begin with? He has to get the information out of her anyway he can - even if he has to kill her to do it. Orduña admits he hadn't thought of that.

Orduña is drinking when Isaias returns from his messenger delivery. Did he get any more information from the widow? No, admits his accomplice. She won't talk, and Cuca wants him to make her talk. He's drinkjng to drum up some Dutch courage, states Orduña, and explains how Cuca chewed him up and spit him out when he called her. And he definitely doesn't want to tangle with Pizarro, either - that cop has put away a lot of them already, and he doesn't want to be Pizarro's next target at shooting practice!

Isaias mocks him - how can he be so afraid of a mere cop? Ah, nods his colleague-in-crime, he doesn't know Pizarro - but Fernando Robles, Cuca's compadre, killed his wife years ago. Pizarro is actually from a well-to-do family, lots of money, but he stayed on the police force to chase his wife's killers.He's taken a lot of them out, and he doesn't want to be next.

Orduña goes back to see if Silvana wants dinner. She doesn't, she wants to know about Andrea - is she safe? Orduña laughs, yes of course. Did he talk to Pizarro? Yes, Orduña laughs again - but the cop doesn't care if she lives or dies. Silvana protests - that's a lie, she knows it's a lie!

Orduña keeps insisting that Esteban has abandoned her and she should tell him where the money is. He leaves, telling her he'll spare her the gag - she can yell and scream all she wants, there's no one to hear her.

Mauricio calls Cristobal, to tell him that Silvana's been kidnapped. Cristobal doesn't seem overly disturbed. He asks if Pizarro has been contacted? Yes, of course, Mauricio reassures him - they're looking high and low for his sister. Not about that, you fool, says a coldhearted Cristobal long-distance - what about the deal for the money? Mauricio can't believe Cristobal is worried about the money when Silvana's life is in danger! Cristobal tells him to make sure that Pizarro himself didn't take Silvana to make it look like he's exchanging the money for her. Offer him two million, but get the money back. Mauricio, disgusted with his brother in law's attitude, hangs up in frustration.

Orduña again visits Silvana, who begs to be allowed to see Andrea. He's holding her here, isn't he? She's fine, no worries. He tells her that her brother must have the note by now.

Mauricio gets a note from Yolanda as she leaves for the day. He opens the note and reads the typed message. He and Pizarro have 24 hours to give back the five million - or they'll never see Silvana again.

Aaron comes banging on Esteban's door - they've already identified the company that owns the van - it's a wine import/export company. Maybe the same one that makes the bottles Marta found in the Zeus office? Esteban issues a new set of orders: go to Zeus, find Marta, tell her she's under special protection and tell her to find out anything she can.

Marta is telling Nacho that she had to leave early before because her sick cousin took a turn for the worse. Nacho tells her that the bosses are gone, but the owner is here. She decides to make up for missed workhours and goes into the serving area.

Mauricio calls Cristobal again - and repeats his message: his "friends" have Silvana and unless they see the 5 million, they'll never see Silvana again. Cristobal tells him to negotiate with Pizarro and have Pizarro negotiate with the thugs. Mauricio is truly angry now....doesn't he realize that Silvana could die - he has to give him their names!

No,no.no, Cristobal refuses, he doesn't realize what type of people these are, they're dangerous, and he doesn't want to lose the money they've got left, either.

Mauricio reminds him that he got a beating from them himself - but Cristobal Ruiz is officially dead, nobody going to be looking for Andres Acosta. So what has he got to lose by giving their names to the cops? Cristobal insists he won't do that. Losing his patience with his brother in law, Mauricio announces that he won't talk to Esteban - instead he'll go meet the thugs when they ask him to meet him - and tell them that Cristobal is alive.

Wearing a black hat to hide the transplants, Cristobal is seated at a restaurant, waiting for Nancy. He wants her to do him another major favor - leave immediately for Mexico to bring a personal message to his doctor. Greedy Nancy wants to know what she'll get for the favor...?

Marta runs into Lucy at the bar - Lucy's depressed about Manuel still, and Marta tries to cheer her up by saying she can meet more people there. What is she doing there? Making up for the time she missed, explains Marta. She had to leave because she got word that Silvana disappeared. It seems she's been kidnapped. Lucy wonders if that means she was innocent all along? Marta still can't decide, but she wants to help Esteban find her. Marta indicates the owner to Lucy, adding that his name is Julio Tafoya,as she walks back to her tables. Lucy proceeds to chat up Tafoya, who is delighted to make her acquaintance. She learns that he has a nearby horse ranch, invests heavily in real estate, and in addition to the Zeus, also owns a wine import-export company.

She has to leave him to start the show - but Marta intercepts her, telling her not to mess with Tafoya. Lucy tells Marta she's just too suspicious - her job makes her suspect everybody!

From the restaurant, Cristobal in a panic keeps dialing Mauricio's house. Sooner or later he'll come back, he explains to a bored Nancy. Mauricio finally picks up the phone. He begs Mauricio to not tell them he's alive. Mauricio, angry now, informs him levelly that since he doesn't care if Silvana lives or dies, and even less if he does, Mauricio will handle this in his own way. He warns Cristobal not to call him anymore since he needs to leave the phone free for other calls. He slams the phone down to underline his point.

Esteban is still coordinating activities from his apartment. There seems to be a lull in the action. He picks up Silvana's handbag and goes through the contents. He finds a picture of her with Cristobal and Andrea in happier times. He stares pensively at the photo.

The banging on the door breaks Esteban's reverie, as Aaron comes in, with the news that he's already traced the van's owners and already got the brand name of the wine the company sells from Marta. Now if they match...he breaks off as he sees how upset Esteban is.

Esteban's worried and stressed out - he feels responsible for Silvana's kidnapping. It was Beatriz' fault, argues Aaron, not his. No, it was his, exclaims Esteban - he should have foreseen that the woman would do something like that and prevented it! Aaron insists that he shouldn't waste his time worrying about something that already happened! He has to concentrate on what's happening now. Esteban can't help it - what if they kill Silvana just like they killed Alicia? he asks his colleague.

Aaron tries to be sympathetic, and tells him not to be so pessimistic - he understands that Silvana is important to Esteban, but history doesn't necessarily have to repeat itself. More than that, admits Esteban - now that she's gone, he's realized that he really loves her. Can Aaron understand that? Aaron doesn't reply.

Silvana, hands bound, manages to get a poker off the cabinet and uses her feet to push it under the bed. Orduña comes in with a change of clothes for her. He'll untie her, but she better not try anything - get changed, and yell all she wants - just remember that no one except him will hear her, as he bends down to pick up the poker peeking out from under the bed, he gives her 2 minutes to change into fresh clothes.

Orduña strolls back to where Isaias is, with the poker. Isaias tells him to take good care of the widow while he goes back to DF. He wants to talk to his auntie again. Is he going to the Zeus, also? Isaias isn't sure - he might just pass by.

Aaron recounts Mauricio's strange behavior to Esteban to distract him from his worries. He's sure to be so nervous Mauricio must be hiding something. He was beaten by thugs who trashed his house, yet he didn't call the cops. Why? he muses. What is he hiding? How is he involved in all this?

Esteban comments that he's just a weak person with good intentions, who loves his sister. However, Aaron adds that Mauricio did say something..not very nice... but it might explain why Silvana's attitude to him changed. What was it? demands his colleague. He told her that the thugs told him that he was a corrupted cop who found the money during the first search, and he repeated the story to Silvana. Aaron of course doesn't believe it, but Esteban is still stunned to hear it.

Mauricio knocks on the door and comes in with the note, showing him that it was addressed to both of them. Esteban summaries the note's contents. They have 24 hours to get the money to the thugs or Silvana disappears permanently.

Mauricio insists he doesn't have the money, and begs Esteban to give it back, if he has it. Angry now, Esteban denies being corrupt - he's an honest cop. He doesn't have the money. So what should he do when the thugs contact him again? asks Mauricio, subdued. Or contact him also, notes Esteban. The note was addressed to him too. We'll answer exactly the same way, he instructs Mauricio - we'll accept their deal.

Lucy and Marta arrive home and Marta complains that she couldn't find any clues to Silvana's kidnapping. Although she's not fond of Silvana for wrecking her relationship. she wanted to do it as a personal favor to Esteban and avoid neglecting her professional duties.

Lucy comments that in her shoes she wouldn't be so nice to a rival. Then Lucy tells her about her chat with her new buddy Tafoya, Marta warns her again that he's very dangerous, but listens avidly as Lucy summarizes what she learned: he's into real estate investments, owns the bar and a horse ranch,Did he mention anything about Isaias and Orduña? asks Marta No, replies Lucy, but he also said he has a wine importing company. ,Ah, says Marta, so he's the wine importer!

Esteban explains to Mauricio what they're going to do: the money is in the tube at Silvana's house, right? So Mauricio's going to use any excuse he can give to Beatriz and Carmen to get in there and get the money out. Dumbfounded, Mauricio wants to know how he knows where the money is? Esteban brushes off his question brusquely - right now that's not important. He has to get the money out any way he can. They don't have much time.

Carmen comes downstairs and needs to vent - she had a hard time trying to settle Andrea down - the child kept crying for her mother. Is she trying to make her feel bad? inquires Beatriz acidly. No, of course not, apologizes Carmen, she's just needs to vent a bit - she's been frantic with worry over Silvana - all she did all day was hope for news and pray. Beatriz swears she's spent the whole day praying, too. Carmen suggests that they need to leave the house - after all they're very unprotected here. She wants to ask permission from Pizarro to take Andrea back to Morelia, and invites her sister to come with them. Beatriz absolutely forbides her to take her granddaugher anywhere, and refuses to go to Morelia, but before she can continue her harangue, someone rings the doorbell. It's Mauricio, to their great relief. He offers to stay over and keep them company, an offer that greatly reassures the ladies. He decides he's going to check on the plumber's work.

Isaias explains to Cuca tha the doesn't know what Mauricio will reply to the note. He remarks that he's been seen making a lot of pay phone calls by the goons he has shadowing him. Cuca concludes that Mauricio must thhave some accomplices - and must think that his phone is tapped. Otherwise, why is he making all these calls from pay phones? Isaias is impressed with his aunt's savvy. Then that's why he went over to Pizarro's apartment after making the calls. Does she really think Pizarro is Mauricio's accomplice? Of course, says Cuca, sipping her drink - if Pizarro was doing his duty, why would Mauricio have to call him from pay phones??

She decides that he won't be messing with Mauricio on his own: to ensure the return of her money, Cuca will dictate a note for him to give to Pizarro, since she's now convinced that the cop must have the money - but she warns Isaias to be careful

Orduña gets a phone call and tells the person on the other line that he'll find out and get back to them. He goes out to bring a bound Silvana back into his office. Telling her he's going to call his brother's office since he must be so anxious to hear her voice. he pushes her down into a chair and dials the doctor's office, where Esteban is waiting. He pretends to be Mauricio and agrees to deliver the money to him. But first, he wants to talk to his "sister".

Orduña passes the phone. Mauricio? asks Silvana anxiously, is that you? It's me, responds Esteban,telling her that he will rescue her...and that he loves her very much. Shocked at hearing his voice instead of her brother's, Silvana then asks about the money - he confirms he has it. Brokenly, Silvana states that it was true then..he had the money! Orduña takes the phone from her and cuts the call off.

THURSDAY MAY 20TH

Orduña cuts the call, and remarks that her doctor brother got a little too ambitious.

Over coffee, Mauricio explains to Carmen that he's still very worried. Pizarro has made a deal with the thugs to deliver the 5 million. But he doesn't have it, so how is he going to get Silvana back? The money Cristobal stole hasn't yet been found. Carmen has faith in Pizarro - he must have some kind of plan. Mauricio informs her that there is a plan - he's under orders to search for the money which Pizarro thinks is in the house somewhere, and Carmen agrees to help him any way she can, without letting Beatriz know, of course. She'll do anything to help save Silvana.

Cuca is more convinced than ever that Pizarro has her cash - if he didn't why would he have brought Silvana and her child to his apartment? But she assures her nephew that Pizarro isn't going to cheat her - she'll get her money back, no fear!

But what if Pizarro's is laying a trap for them? wonders Isaias. Cuca scoffs - he's not going to do anything.

Is Pizarro going to give back the money just to get Silvana back? asks Isaias. Ah, Cuca sneers - he's not as smart as he thought he was - actually, Silvana outsmarted him too. Isaias boggles at the idea that Silvana actually tricked Pizarro. Cuca laughs - her nephew is so dumb! Pizarro wants her back, because she probably got him involved in the first place. But it's all good, states Cuca; Silvana's the bait that will bring Pizarro to them and trap him .Remember, that cop has been looking for her compadre Robles for years. She's sure he's got her money. So what are they going to do? asks her nephew. Cuca replies that they're going to negotiate. She pours herself a drink - if Pizarro has the money, he won't care about it, if he has a chance to nail Robles. But she'll get it back, one way or another. She'll have Robles get rid of Pizarro, get rid of Silvana, and get her money back!

Back in the hotel room, Cristobal is angry and upset - he can't get in touch with Mauricio yet. He wants Nancy to depart immediately for Mexico to give him a letter.

Marta and Esteban review the disapperance of Isaias and Orduña from the Zeus yesterday. Tonight's work at the Zeus, Marta explains, will be focused on Tafoya - she wants to get some information from Tafoya, Esteban reminds her to be careful.

Cuca is discussing with Tafoya the possiblity of doing deals with Pizarro. However, according to Tafoya's police contact, it seems that he's not available for purchase. Cuca isn't surprised to learn that. Cuca states that while he might have a reputation as a virtuous cop, it might just be a smokescreen.

She thinks he may have allied himself with Silvana and Mauricio to kill Ruiz and then keep her 5 million.

Tafoya wants to know what she will do next. He learns that Silvana's being held at the ranch and that tomorrow she will be exchanged for the 5 million - that's the only deal they've reached with Pizarro so far, according to the boss lady.

Esteban goes to the shop to get 50 100 dollar bills from Carla, who has taken it out of the shop's bank account. He promises to give the money back. They're going to be used for Silvana's ransom.

Lucy gets briefed by Marta - she needs to get more information from Tafoya if she can. She goes to the bar early and meets Tafoya. He offers to take her into his office for a chat, but she asks if they can go to the ranch. He looks stricken - but recovers nicely - he's just too busy right now, sorry. She'd love to ride a horse again. He explains that he can't take anyone there...since ah...it's being remodeled, and invites her into his office instead.

Silvana, hands unbound, is searching for something when Orduña comes in and remarks that he must have been imagining things - did he hear her looking through things? Is he going to tie her up again? No, if she behaves. She promises not to try to escape if he doesn't tie her hands up again. He's quite pleased at her new docility. She asks again if she can see her daughter.

Beatriz is trying to get Andrea to try on the sweater she knitted, but Andrea wants to see her mother, she's fractious. Beatriz asks Carmen if Mauricio's still there?

Beatriz thinks Mauricio needs to give Andrea something to calm her down. Mauricio, says Carmen, is on the roof, checking the plumber's work.

Carmen calls Esteban's office , saying that Andrea wants to talk to him, The child tells him that she wants to see her mother.

Lucy is praticing her moves when Marta comes by. Tafoya looks on at the two woman chatting from across the bar. Lucy gives her an update of her conversation with Tafoya - he got scared when she asked to go to his ranch. She got the impression that something's hidden at that ranch. Marta decides to leave and inform Esteban. Lucy asks where else she's going? Marta announces she's going on a short trip.. because there might be something or someone hidden at that ranch.

Cristobal is leaving another message with Yolanda - a friend of his is arriving in Mexico on a personal matter - the doctor knows about it.

Carmen is serving Mauricio tea when the phone rings again. She passes the phone to Mauricio - and is visibly shocked when she hears "Andres Acosta's" voice.

Mauricio demands to know how he found him. Cristobal says he called all over Mexico. What is he doing at his house? Has he already spoken to the cop? Mauricio brushes him off without answering his question - will the cop ransom Silvana? Carmen comments that his friend Andres Acosta's voice gave her a shock - it's the same as Cristobal's.Marta is back in the office, making calls, wondering where Esteban went.

Esteban comes in to see the child, but Beatriz coldly informs him that she sent her to bed as a punishment.

Esteban asks after Mauricio -Mauricio is examining Carmen, who'se feeling ill, she explains.Esteban notes that the phone was off the hook. Before she can explain the nature of Carmen's illness, caused by the phone call, Mauricio walks in and tells Esteban he needs to speak to him alone. Beatriz makes another acid comment, and the phone rings again.

Cristobal again - why did he leave the phone off the hook. DId Pizarro negotiate the exchange of half of HIS money for Silvana? Mauricio explains cryptically that they are trying to plan the "operation". As Esteban listens, he replies is taking care of things on his end.

Beatriz butts in again - she won't let Esteban see Andrea since she's being punished, and reminds him that she runs this house according to her rules.

Esteban asks him to come to his appartment once his hospital appointments are over - they need to prepare for the next day. Mauricio admits he wasn't able to "do his part". Esteban brushes that off - he was able to, so he'll have to pass by later so they can talk. He leaves.

Mauricio explains to Beatriz that Carmen's ok, it was just a passing malaise.

The doorbell rings - Beatriz complains it's probably that no-good cop again, but is surprised when a young lady appears, announcing that she's Nancy Lopez and she has an urgent message for Dr. Mauricio Ibañez. She got the address from Yolanda - His nurse said he was there. She introduces herself as a nurse, and Mauricio uses that excuse to leave Beatriz's house. Nancy and Mauricio argue as soon as they get into the car. Andres said he wanted her to get proof - and if he doesn't have the money, she's supposed to talk to Pizarro. Mauricio explains that his sister, Andres' wife, was kidnapped - she doesn't care. Nancy admits that Andres will pay her 50k for bringing the money back to Houston. Mauricio offers her 100k to leave and forget about everything, including Andres Acosta.

Carla is waiting when they get to his office - he needs to know that Pizarro had her take all the company's money out of the bank - saying it was a ransom for Silvana. Mauricio tells her not to worry - he will talk to Pizarro and to his sister.Nancy hears the whole thing, and when they go into his office, states she just wants her money. Nancy doesn't care - for 150k, she'll forget everything and disappear. Ma

www.telenovela-world.com: WEEKLY SUMMARY CONTINUED : FRIDAY MAY 21ST Author: maritere (---) Date: 05-24-04 12:31 PDT

Esteban is still groaning, but tries to rise, as Silvana tries to support him so he can get his breath back. As soon as he gets his breath back, he asks if Silvana's ok. She is - and so is he. His Kevlar vest ensured that he wasn't hurt. Esteban checks Orduña, who was shot - he's still alive. Still gasping, Esteban radios Aaron: Silvana and he are ok, but they need an ambulance for Orduña. Silvana and Esteban embrace.

The ambulance arrives and Esteban gets an update from Gomez, who was also in the stadium - the thugs got away, but Esteban doesn't care, they've got Orduña. He orders round-the-clock security for him at the hospital - he's not to be left alone for a minute. Gomez nods.

Marta comes up to Esteban with the bag. Are they going to arrest the doctor? No, decides Esteban,.there are no charges to press against him.

As they finish loading the wounded man into the ambulance, Mauricio sees Silvana and goes to embrace his sister. Silvana is relieved to hear from her brother that Andrea is safe - she was always at home, he assures her, and he, Carmen and Esteban tried to keep her calm. She's fine. Silvana explains that they told her Andrea was also kidnapped. No, no, her brother reassures her - she was always at home.

Esteban, having taken off his Kevlar vest, still in his undershirt, comes over to them with the bag. Showing them the fake money and tossing the real bills into the bag with disgust, the cop makes clear that he is returning ALL the money he got from Carla, and asks Mauricio to return it to her at the shop. Silvana looks on confused - where's the rest of the money? Didn't they have it? No, the two men explain to her how they got the money from Carla and made copies to fool the thugs. Silvana looks from one to the other, dismayed - does that mean Esteban didn't have the money? No, admits Mauricio.they never found it. Silvana tries to apologize for thinking badly of him. Esteban curtly cuts off her apology - she thought wrong!

The two thugs plus Isais are explaining what happened at the stadium to a very angry Cuca, who wants to know where the bag with the money is now? None of them are certain - but tey are pretty sure the cops have it now. Cuca decides that Robles needs to be contacted immediately.

Esteban is still on the stadium grounds, making a phone call when Silvana rushes up to him. He's dialing Carmen, and informs her that her niece is safe. He asks Carmen to put Andrea on the phone. He passes Silvana the phone without saying a word to her, merely watching her as she assures Andrea that she's fine, she's on her way home, and yes, Esteban always keeps his promises. She hands him back the phone and again apologizes for thinking badly of him. Esteban dismisses it - it isn't important. He did the same thing, didn't he? He suspected her, and she forgave him - now it's merely his turn to forgive her, isn't it? He has - so there's nothing else to discuss, is there?

Silvana accepts that - and asks if the nightmare can now be considered finished? Only in part, he replies. Will this continue? Will these people continue to haunt them? asks Silvana. She can't take much more of this. Esteban explains that Orduña is now in custody, he'll talk, and then they'll get the rest of the gang. He promises it will soon be over - they'll do their best to work as quickly as possible to conclude the case.

He puts a hand on her shoulder and looks down at her exhausted face - he's exhausted too. But he leans over and kisses her anyway. She puts her arms around him as he begins to kiss her again in earnest.

Beatriz and Carmen are waiting at home. Beatriz again complains about that cop - Carmen defends him. The bell rings and Carmen and Andrea rush to embrace Silvana.

Beatriz just sniffs - how nice that she's back. Thanks to Esteban, states Silvana. Carmen asks for details of her kidnapping. Silvana tells her it was horrible, so horrible - she doesn't want to remember anything.

Mauricio, back home now, is separating the fake bills from the real ones, leaving a phone message for Cristobal to call him back.

Marta and Aaron are discussing events at an outdoor cafe over a meal. Marta is quite satisfied with her work - she's proven that Orduña was involved in this - if Esteban had only paid her more attention earlier! Yes, agrees Aaron, plus the rest of her 'friends" were also involved - look how they reported the van stolen to cover their tracks. Isaias hasn't been to the bar in 2 days, notes Marta. Aaron warns her to be careful now, and Marta agrees they can't arrest anyone until Orduña recovers enough to be interrogated. Aaron is worried about Lucy - she's still exposed to danger, working there. He calls for the bill, adding that they both are in danger there. Unconcerned, Marta assures him that no one suspects Lucy of anything. She adds that they don't even suspect her of anything, either. Aaron hopes so - now he wants to get back to the hospital. Marta comments that what bothers her about the whole thing is that now, thanks to Esteban, Silvana seems to be cleared of any guilt. Does she still suspect Silvana? Of course, replies Marta - after all, didn't they kidnap her to get the money? Aaron throws up his hands, out of patience now. What money? They used fake money to trick the thugs. Esteban made copies. He accuses Marta of exaggerating. She defends herself - she's a cop, and until she sees that money turn up, for her, Silvana's still going to be a suspect.

Carmen is sitting on the couch next to Silvana, who has Andrea in her lap, as she tells Carmen and Beatriz what happened. She was never so scared in her life! Aaron had been following them, and drew his gun, when Orduña threatened to shoot her, Esteban intercepted them and shot him first...How romantic, interrupts Beatriz in an ironic voice. Just like a fairy tale - the hero saves the endangered heroine! Silvana ignores her comment and continues with her story. Esteban was the one who saved her, by shooting first. And he almost got killed - his Kevlar vest saved him. She ends by saying she was wrong when she thought he had the money. Carmen sighs. Beatriz, still knitting (ah! she must be a descendant of Madame LaFarge, now I get it!) cuts her off - now she wants her son's name to be cleared, once and for all. Silvana now sighs in turn - and quietly explains to her mother in law that Orduña told her Cristobal was mixed up with them. She's sorry to say it, but all that they've been through is because of what her son did. Beatriz rises from her seat, angry now. She never loved her son, did she? If she can believe the word of a criminal like that! Carmen intervenes to try to calm her, but Beatriz refuses to calm down - incensed, she accuses Silvana of making the cop she's in love with the hero of the story, turning her poor son into a delinquent for her own selfish purposes. She's not going to sit there any longer and hear her son's name insulted like that! In fact, she adds as she strides out of the room...she's not going to stay another minute in that house - she's going to pack her bags and leave immediately! Carmen and Silvana are left to roll their eyes silently in response.

Walking down the hospital hallway, Esteban is trying to get the doctor on duty to allow him to interrogate Orduña. He's afraid that the patient might die before they can talk to him. The doctor assures him that the patient is still under anesthesia and can't be expected to talk for a while. Esteban insists that he be called the minute Orduña wakes. Marta is listening, and suggests that he go home for the night - it's been a long day, and if the patient won't be awake until morning, there's no sense in staying, is there? She'll cover, since she's not sleepy at all. Esteban finally agrees, but first offers to have a coffee with her and they go off to the hospital cafeteria, where Marta thanks him for treating her so nicely. He compliments her on her work, it's the least he can do after she did such a good job. Marta modestly demurs - she was just doing her job. Now he wants her to take a few days off - since she's been doing double shifts for so long, with her work at the Zeus. What if she doesn't want to take time off?she smiles over her coffee? Then he'll suspend her from duty for a few days, laughs Esteban. Doesn't she want to go home and visit her folks?he asks. Marta admits she'd like to go home and visit her aged Tio Miguel, who's all alone. He escorts her down to the car park, and asks if she's going to the office the next day. She has to, to deliver his permission to Garringa for her vacation. They agree to see each other in the office the next day. As she pulls away, he begins to go back up the stairs, and stops to make a phone call on his cell. He invites Silvana to dinner and tells her he'll be right over - he can't wait to see her.

In his hospital room, Orduña is hooked up to machines as the two cops on duty loiter outside at the nurses' station. Cuca comes down the hall, dressed in a nurses' uniform with a mask over her face, and at a signal from the thug, goes into a supply closet, puts a gun in her pocket and rolls an IV towards the room, right past the cops, as Isaias and the other thug lounge on chairs in the hallway.

She unhooks some machines and advances toward the bed.Orduña wakes at the sound of her voice, asking him where her money is? Does the cop have it? Does the doctor have it? Dazed, he complains that he hurts. She assures him it won't hurt much longer, as she puts the gun between the sheets and shoots three times. His body jerks at each shot. Cuca makes sure he's dead before leaving. Isaias and the other thug also leave the hospital.

Silvana is trying to get Beatriz to stay, as she exits with her luggage and Esteban arrives. Beatriz tells her that now that she's with her "friend" she's definitely leaving, and does.

Silvana explains to Esteban that Beatriz just won't accept her son's guilt for anything. She refuses to stay there any longer - is her house safe now? Esteban thinks it should be. They wait for Carmen to get back so they can leave.

Cristobal is back in his hotel room, checking his messages. He sighs and dials Mauricio, who tells him that Silvana is safe, and back at home. He still can't believe what a miracle they pulled off. Cristobal replies that he's happy to hear that. After all, he did all this just for her. Mauricio retorts that he doesn't believe him - the only thing that matters to him is his dirty money, that's all. Cristobal tries to calm him down - of course he cares about them. Mauricio still doubts him. Cristobal goes on to ask about the money - did he finally talk to the cop about splitting the stash? No, says Mauricio, and he's not going to - now that his sister is safe, he doesn't want to have anything else to do with Cristobal or the accursed money. Cristobal tells him it's too late - he's just as involved in the scam as he is - and he can't back out now. Mauricio retorts that he sure can - and he will. Oh no, replies Cristobal calmly. If he tries it, he'll just call Pizarro himself, identify himself, and tell him to go open up his tomb to prove that Mauricio was the mastermind behind the whole thing. Maybe he won't get off in exchange for naming Orduña and his associates, but Mauricio will be jailed immediately - and for a long time! Mauricio panics - ok, what does he want him to do? Good, replies Cristobal, now here's what he's going to do - he's going to come to Houston, because he can't yet return, and they'll talk there. Mauricio says he can't get away so fast - there's a cardiology conference he's supposed to attend, but the cops won't let him leave the city. Fine, says Cristobal - he should use that as an excuse to leave. He has to get to Houston - tomorrow. He hangs up, leaving Mauricio trying to figure out his next move.

Cuca calls for Isaias to bring her a tequila, as she and Robles smugly discuss how well things are going. With Orduña dead, no one can trace him back to them. All they have to do next is catch the female cop, Cuca decides. And find out what the Chivo has told them - he's the only thug still in custody. Cuca assures him that Chivo only knew Orduña - no way can he link them to him. So who's going to be in charge of the exports? interrrupts Isaias. Not you, replies Cuca, who thinks he's too stupid for the task, she doesn't trust him although Isaias protests he can do it. She assigns that business to Robles, who is happy to accept. Turning to Isaias again, she asks if he's killed Marta Lujan yet? Who? asks Isaias, totally unaware. Cuca informs him he's an idiot - he had her working as a bar hostess in the Zeus - his precious Lety Mendoza is none other than the undercover cop Marta Lujan. Isaias runs into another thug on his way out and explains that his auntie is quite upset with him. And he's upset with himself - he let her get too close to him, and she turned out to be a cop. What is he going to do?asks the thug. Kill her, replies Isaias, still smarting.

Lucy and Tafoya are at the bar, chatting again. She notes he's been away, and he tells her he was taking care of other business interests. He asks for Lety and Isaias. Nacho informs him that Lety hasn't been in to work for two days, neither has Isaias. Tafoya instructs Nacho to send them straight to his office if they show up. He then asks Lucy if she and Lety are friends...Lucy only admits that they met each other since they started working there, they're not really friends.

Esteban and Silvana are finally at the restaurant, waiting for their table. Silvana confesses that since Cristobal died, everything has been horrible. Everything? asks Esteban archly. Well, not everything, admits Silvana sheepishly. There was something good after all. Esteban in turn admits that she's the best thing that's happened to him in years, and they are escorted to their table by the waiter.

They both admit they were wrong about each other - she for thinking he took the money, he for thinking her the thief. Esteban goes even further - he confesses that he was desperate, he feared that they'd kill her like they killed his wife. Silvana comments that it seems his wife's killer was a different type from Orduña. He thinks that's true, but he thinks also that he's closing in on him. Silvana remarks that she would be happy for him if he managed to bring his wife's killer to justice. She realizes he needs closure. He admits that Alicia was very important for him.He'll never forget her. But she's gone. He's realized that he can now go on with his life, and adds that he loves her. A statement Silvana meets with a confession of her own. She's in love with him, too. Their tender tete-a-tete is interrupted by a call from Mauricio - he wants permission to leave the country to attend a conference in Houston. Esteban explains that they are both cleared of suspicions, so of course he's free to leave. He hangs up and Silvana asks what her brother wanted. Esteban explains that now Mauricio is free to travel - adding that she is too, if she now wants to go to Spain, she can leave. Silvana states that she only wanted to go to escape the men pursuing her. Now she wants to stay and take over running the business. Gazing at him, she adds that she also wants to get on with her life. In answer, he takes her chin in his hand and pulls her toward him for a kiss.

The magician is doing his show with Lucy at the Zeus as Isaias comes in and asks Nacho where Lety is. Nacho's surprised - didn't he give her permission to come and go as she pleased? Isaias informs him that he's to keep his mouth shut around her if she shows up - she's an undercover cop. She was acting pretty strangely, replies Nacho, who can't resist a dig at Isaias over the past incident, when he caught her snooping and Isaias believed her and not him. Isaias grabs his shirtfront - he better shut up and remember that he's Cuca's nephew. Nacho immediately loses his attitude while Isaias explains is going to disappear for a while - and he tells him to keep his mouth shut and his eyes open if he doesn't want to be killed.

Esteban esorts Silvana to her door, as the on-duty cops watch them. How much longer is she going to have cops watching her? she asks. Until they catch the baddies and solve the case, replies Esteban. Since the cops are watching them, they flash smiles at each other instead of kissing, and he tells her he'll call.

Silvana enters to find Carmen on the couch. Her aunt had been waiting up for her. She wants to know if Silvana wants her to go back to Morelia now...after all, she doesn't want to be a problem, since now she's safe. Silvana immediately responds that she is very happy to have her there - otherwise she'd be so alone.

Wonderful, exclaims Carmen, who admits her husband travels so much, she hates being left alone in Morelia - she'd much rather be in the city with her niece and grandniece.

Silvana does warn her though that she's involved with Esteban....Carmen is thrilled to hear that, it's time that she had a nice man seriously interested in her. She deserves some happiness. Silvana thanks her for her understanding, adding that Esteban is very important for her.

Cuca is laughing at something Robles just said. He's happy she's in a good mood. Does that mean she knows where her money is? Did she get it back already. Not yet, says Cuca - but she's sure the cop has it, and is also sure he's mixed up with Ruiz' widow. It's time to take care of that pair, she announces. Who's going to take care of that little job?inquires her compadre-in-crime. Does she want him to do it? he offers. No, she says - Pizarro might recognize him.

She herself will do it, says Cuca - it's time she took a personal interest in those two.

Esteban has rejoined Marta at the hospital, and they ask the doctor if they can now question their suspect. The doctor says he'll go check if the patient has woken yet and they follow him into the room. The doctor checks the machine first and the sees the blood on the sheet...he informs them that Orduña is dead - he was killled. He shows them how the monitor that would have sounded the alarm was disabled - it must have been the nurse. What did she look like? asks Esteban. The doctor doesn't remember - she had a mask on her face,

The two cops can't believe it, and Esteban immediately blames himself. He shouldn't have left the hospital. He didn't stay there? asks Marta. No, says a contrite Esteban, shaking his head.

Cristobal answers a knock on his hotel door as he puts on his shirt. It's Mauricio, who doesn't recognize him immediately - he asks if he's Cristobal? Andres Acosta, corrects the other man. The surgery came out well, says Mauricio, as he takes in the changes. Yes, admits his accomplice, he's happy with the changes in his appearance. Mauricio remarks that he has to do something about his voice - it's still too recognizable, his aunt was shocked to hear him that time. Cristobal informs him that he's already taking lessons on how to disguise his voice and make it a little more huskier.

Mauricio tells him he's glad, because he's quitting the game - Silvana's free and safe, they caught Orduña, and frankly, he doesn't give a hang for the miserable money. Not so fast, cautions Cristobal - how does he know that Mauricio himself doesn't have the money? Mauricio gives him his word he doesn't have it, but Cristobal doesn't believe him - how did they save Silvana if they didn't have the money to exchange for her?

Mauricio explains the trick that Pizarro played on the thugs - adding that the cop DOES have an interest in Silvana's welfare, unlike him. What is that supposed to mean? asks his erstwhile brother in law. The doctor repeats what he just said...the cop is seriously interested in Silvana, and Cristobal's face shows he's not thrilled to hear that bit of news.

Carla is taking an order over the phone when Victor Mondragon comes into the shop with a present for her - he just got back from Paris and came straight to see her. She won't open it though. He notes she's wearing black. Is she is mourning? Yes, today is the 2 month anniversary of Cristobal's death she quietly informs him, adding that he died on June 16th, exactly two months ago. What day? says a surprised Victor. That can't be, he affirms. It was the 16th, confirms Carla, who retorts that he can't know, if he was in Europe then? No, states Victor - he remenbers the date very well, because he left Mexico on the 16th...and he saw Cristobal alive on June 17th!

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USA, May 24 – 28, 2004

www.telenovela-world.com: MDV WEEKLY SUMMARY MONDAY MAY 24TH-WED. MAY 26TH Author: maritere Date: 05-31-04 22:40 PDT

MDV SUMMARY MONDAY MAY 24TH

Carla passes him a newspaper with the obituary - and calls him a liar, angry now - he only wants to besmirch Cristobal's memory - something she won't allow! Victor shakes his head - he's sure he saw Cristobal after June 16th, alive. Carla furiously tells him to leave, and he does.

Carla takes a few pictures out of her desk drawer - and stares at the top one, which shows Cristobal with some other people - and hugging Carla, who's next to him in the picture.

Cristobal learns from his brother in law that Silvana and Andrea were in Esteban's custody and has a jealous fit - it seems that cop can't leave his wife alone! Mauricio reassures him that Andrea was there with them the whole time, and anyway, nothing improper happened. Esteban didn't sleep in the same house!

Cristobal angrily calls Mauricio useless - not only did he let that cop steal his money, now the cop wants to steal his wife, too?! Mauricio, unperturbed, tells him he's got no one but himself to blame, reminding him that Silvana thinks he's dead. Cristobal affirms that Silvana loves him! He can't bear the thought of her with another man. And does he really think she will take him back after everything he did? asks Mauricio. Of course she will! She loves him, and will understand why he did what he did, he did it for her and for their daughter! exclaims Cristobal. Mauricio contents himself with nodding in reply, but has a sarcastic look on his face.

Back at police HQ, Aaron tries to reassure Esteban that his date last night with Silvana wasn't strictly personal - after all, she's involved in the case. Esteban replies that they didn't discuss "work issues" - he couldn't help himself, he had to tell her how he felt. Now he blames himself for neglecting his duties - he should have been interrogating Orduña instead. Aaron listens impassively as Esteban protests that Orduña wouldn't have been killed if he had been there. Aaron contradicts him - there were 2 guards there on duty - and that "nurse" tricked them - they should have been more vigilant! Esteban states glumly that he wouldn't have let it happen if he had been there, but Aaron contradicts him again - how can he be so sure of that? Orduña was the key, laments Esteban - he would have given them the names of Alicia's killers, and both cases would have been closed. Switching subjects, Esteban asks Aaron if the 2 thugs they caught at the stadium have said anything useful? Aaron admits that their interrogation didn't give them any new information - the 2 thugs weren't able to name anybody but their boss, Orduña. They seem to know even less than the cops do about the organization! His colleague wants to know when they'll finally be able to finish this case? And just how is he going to tell Silvana that it's his fault that the case is still open?

Still in his hotel room, pacing up and down, Cristobal insists that Mauricio take Silvana to Europe. Mauricio refuses - he has no excuse for such a trip any more. Then Cristobnal demands an accounting of the money he had given him. Mauricio tells him exactly where "Cristobal's" money went . 10k was spent when he tried to escape with Silvana and Andrea, and 150k went to Nancy Lopez to buy her silence. Seeing Cristobal's shock, Mauricio admits he paid off Nancy to buy her silence - she was going to tip off the police that he was still alive in Houston, and finger Mauricio as his accomplice.

Back home, Marta is trying to persuade Lucy - she wants to take her to her hometown with her for a few days . Lucy refuses to go - she likes her job at the Zeus, and doesn't want to lose it. Marta accepts her refusal for the trip, but reminds her that the Zeus is not a good place to be. Lucy stubbornly denies it - it's hard to find a job these days, and she doesn't think that it's such a den of thieves as Marta paints it. She admits she likes Tafoya - he gave her a good impression. Marta reminds her that it's dangerous, but her roommate seems rather taken with Tafoya. He doesn't seem to be involved in the dirty dealings of the others at the bar. Marta insists that he's got to be involved, too. Lucy doesn't think so - and she wants to go back and prove her wrong about Tafoya.

Now seated in the hotel bar, Cristobal explains to Mauricio that he needs to get "his money" back to get false documents for his wife and daughter. Well, replies Mauricio - then he should tell where he REALLY hid the money, because he's torn apart that roof terrace and still couldn't find a trace of it. Cristobal insists that the money is still on the roof terrace. Mauricio repeats that he's searched and searched and nothing is there. Cristobal deducts that the bags must have somehow slid further down the pipe - and begs him to go back, break the wall open and open up that pipe. The money stil has to be there! Mauricio dryly informs him he will certainly give it a try - once he gets back to Mexico, because later today he's going off to the cardiology convention.Remember? That was his excuse for coming in the first place - it would look suspicious if he suddenly changed his plans and returned.

Cristobal doesn't care - he tells Mauricio to invent an emergency with a patient, anything, but begs him to go back and check the pipe for the money. They've come too far with this to let it go now. Wringing in hands with fake worry, Cristobal begs him to help him finish what they started - he's just consumed with anguish at the thought of anything happening to his wife or his child. He needs Mauricio's help to be reunited with them. Mauricio, chin in hand, just gives him a long, unfriendly look.

Lucy informs Marta that they were looking for her at the Zeus yesterday. Marta's not worried about them finding her - she gave false contact data. Did Lucy give them her real address? Only the magician has it, she confirms. Good, decides Marta - she can tell him she's changed addresses so no one will be able to trace either one of them. And she should be very careful going home at night - and make very certain that she's not being followed!

Silvana's maid Reyna has returned from her visit home and asks for her job back - since she has no one left there, she wants to know if she can spend the weekends with them too from now on. Silvana agrees, of course she can - she's been with them so long, she's part of the family, and starts getting pots out, ready to cook. In response to the buzzer, Reyna goes to the door, and comes back to inform Silvana that Victor Mondragon is asking to see her. She goes out to meet him in the living room and welcomes him back - wasn't he just in France? He gives her condolences, then tells her about meeting Cristobal, learning about his serious illness, and how Cristobal swore him to secrecy. Now he feels bad he kept his promise - maybe he should have told her? No, says Silvana, he shouldn't feel guilty about that - not even her brother said anything to her about her husband's illness. When did he die exactly? asks her guest. It's been exactly two months - Cristobal died on the 16th of June, Silvana confirms in response to his question.

Aaron is trying to finish the report about last night's events, and explains to Marta that he's trying to cover Esteban's absence at the hospital last night - for personal reasons. Marta's surprised - why does he have to cover anybody? The doctor had told them all that the patient would be unconscious for the rest of the night. So why does he have to justify Esteban's absence at all? Aaron agrees, but says Esteban insists he made a mistake by leaving and taking Silvana to dinner, although since she's part of the case, it really wasn't for personal reasons only.... News that shocks Marta cold: so Esteban took Silvana to dinner last night? No wonder he was so anxious to send her home, then. She should have suspected something!

Victor tells Silvana about his trip to Paris, and offers to help her increase her exports, since he has experience in that sector. He'll only take a percentage....Sipping her tea, Silvana frankly tells him she's not interested in exporting, after the problems they had with some of her husband's clients. She's going to take over the shop and hopes to run it with Carla's help. He still offers to help her if he can, and she thanks him. By the way, she adds, Pizarro the cop would like to talk to him. Why? asks her guest. Because he's interviewing all of Cristobal's friends, she specifies - regarding the break-in at the shop.

Cuca wants to know why the female cop is still alive - because Tafoya's contact got them outdated information, replies her nephew,who adds that Esteban doesn't live there anymore, he moved 4 years ago, and "Lety" gave a false address. Cuca's irritated - why is he taking this so calmly? He should already be hot on her trail. Isaias notes that it's hard to do anything with the cops tailing him everywhere. Cuca decides that Tafoya has to get back on the job, fast. He has to use his police contact to track Marta down at her hometown and find out if she's really on a vacation. Isaias is called on the carpet for being sweet on Lety - is he hiding her, maybe? asks his aunt. Isaias swears he's not - and swears vengeance for her deception. He did like her, but all she did was deceive him and use him - now he's angry and he wants to get even with her.

Esteban and Aaron are in the office.Aaron passes him a report to sign, remarking that the nurse who was supposed to be on duty last night wasn't there - she had called in sick. Esteban signs the report and closes the door. He announces that his suspicions are correct - there's a mole somewhere in the police force. He has no doubt about it - there's a traitor in their midst. Somebody's been passing the criminals information about the case. Aaron leans forward - what does he want to do next? Estebn announces that he's going to ask Garringa to launch an inside investigation to catch the mole.

Victor is trying to contact a hotel in Houston to find Cristobal Ruiz, who registered at the hotel on the 17th of June. The hotel employee denies having him registered as a guest on June 17th or any other day, to Victor's surprise.

Cristobal returns to the hotel's front desk, asking if he has any messages? No, says the clerk. He then asks if a lady named Nancy Lopez tried to contact him there? The clerk says no and he goes off to his room.

Silvana walks into the shop as Carla is still sorting out the ransom money. Where did she get all the money? Mauricio sent the money back after Esteban returned it to him, she curtly informs Silvana. So, is she going to start signing the checks now? Or is the trustee still going to do it? What trustee? asks Silvana. The one they had to have after she took off, replies Carla, still sour. They couldn't issue the payroll otherwise when she was gone. Silvana apologizes, there were a lot of things she didn't know about. Carla goes over the accounts with her. Silvana assures her that from tomorrow on, Carla can relax - she will take over the management of the business.

Victor is now trying to contact Julio Tafoya, and he finally gets through. He asks him for information - which Tafoya doesn't have yet. He has no jobs for him right now. Since he returned broke from Paris, Victor was hoping that Tafoya could give him a job. Tafoya explains that right now, that's not possible - but if something comes up, he'll call him. Tafoya leaves his office, passing by the bar on his way out, while Nacho continues polishing glasses.

Aaron and Gomez enter the bar, asking Nacho where Tafoya is. Why are they looking for him?asks the bartender. Aaron takes an arrest warrant out of his jacket in reply and announces that he's under arrest.

Tafoya has gone to visit Cuca, who now wants all possible information on Marta Lujan, immediately. He didn't pass her message to Isaias, either, she chides him. But Tafoya explains that he's very busy - running the bar and attending to her other commercial interests takes up a lot of time. Why can't Orduña take care of the Zeus? Because he's very dead, informs Cuca, still playing solitaire nonchalantly. She concedes that Tafoya can hire somebody for the Zeus - as long as he's trustworthy - and has no police record.

Silvana opens the door to Beatriz, who wants Andrea to try on the sweater she's finished knitting for her.Silvana tells her where she can find her granddaughter and rises again to answer the door. She lets in Esteban, who explains that he needs to tell her something about what happened last night while they were having dinner....before he can get any further, Beatriz pounces on his words and pitches a major hissy fit. That's why she wanted her gone! So it's true! She does have something going on with that cop! Shameless, that's what she is, disrespecting her son's memory! She's fallen so low, swears Beatriz, she'll take Andrea away from there - the child won't stay another minute in that house. Silvana snatches up Andrea and tells off her mother in law as Esteban watches along with Carmen: she's a widow, and can decide what to do with her life - she doesn't have to put up with Beatriz' criticisms anymore like she had to during her marriage - not anymore!

Beatriz storms out of the room pushed by Carmen, and Esteban chats with Andrea, who's happy to see him. Did he make her grandmother mad? No, says her mother, she knows her grandmother's temper - Esteban didn't do anything! Content, the child asks him if he's going to take them on a vacation like he promised when he met them at the airport? He had forgotten about that - it might be hard to go away right now, but proposes that he take them swimming on Sunday - would she like that? Yes, pipes up the child, happy with the attention. Does he promise? Yes, he does, promises are promises, says Esteban, smiling, shaking her hand as Silvana instructs her daughter to go to bed. He shouldn't have promised, says Silvana - he's so busy these days - but she's very happy he's so fond of her child, because Andrea's getting very fond of him. Smiling still, he dismisses it - after all, they all could use a little relaxation. They need to take some days off. Now what did he want to talk to her about? Silvana reminds him. What's the reason for his visit? Turning somber, he tells her that Orduña was assasinated last night in the hospital. Even when the other cops were there? she asks. Even so, confirms Esteban, they got him. Silvana concludes that the nightmare isn't over - those men will keep hounding her.

Tafoya calls Victor back - he's not interested in having him work with his wine export company, but he does have another job for him - it might be risky - but he'll make him a partner in a business - is he interested? Before he says anymore about it, will Victor agree to keep it totally confidential? Can he be trusted? Sure, replies Victor happily. He'll do anything Tafoya wants. Good, replies the other man - as of tomorrow, he can be the manager of the Zeus bar. Does he know it? Sure, says Victor, he's been there several times. It's top class. Tafoya instructs him to show up tomorrow at noon and Victor agrees to meet him there.

Gomez and Aaron are still at Zeus, interviewing the bartenders. Gomez has searched Orduña's office without any success - but he found some things in the bedroom where he sleeps. Slept, corrects Nacho, seeing as he's dead. He didn't die, Aaron coldly corrects Nacho in his turn - he was killed to guarantee his silence. The other bartenders responds that they never knew anything - they were never told. Did they ever see a vase like this anywhere? asks Aaron.No, they both reply - they were never allowed in Orduña's room.

Watching intently for her reaction, Esteban is showing Silvana the police sketch of Isaias. Has she ever seen him? No, says Silvana, she never saw this man - the one that accompanied Orduña when they took her to stadium was called Negro. He instructs her to show the sketch to Carmen, Andrea and the maid, so they'll be able to recognize Isaias if they see him. Maybe they should move back to his apartment? No, says Esteban. He's going to put more surveillance cops outside, and try to spend as much time with them as possible and take Andrea on outings, too. Won't he have problems at work if he does that? she asks. No, he's getting a lot of help from his squad - especially Marta and Aaron. In fact, Marta was the one who discovered the ranch hideout. Silvana offers to help him any way she can with his investigations, she wants this to be over as soon as possible. He is grateful - he adds that he's got another reason to close the case quickly, besides insuring their safety - the sooner they do, the sooner they can define their relationship.

He's going to go back to the ranch and see if he can find any more clues. She offers to go with him to the ranch and he accepts.

Upstairs, meanwhile, Carmen is defending Silvana's right to go on with her life, and asserting that Cristobal deceived her, something Beatriz absolutely refuses to acknowledge. That's a lie! She instead complains that her house is now finally habitable, no thanks to Silvana, who didn't give her a dime from the business to help pay for all the repairs - considering that Cristobal worked so hard to make the business profitable, she adds. She doesn't approve of Silvana's relationship with the cop - and she won't let her get away with it, she'll take the child away. Carmen notes that Silvana would never give her permission to do so. Beatriz informs her sister that she has no intention of asking for permission - she will consult a lawyer to gain custody of Andrea if Silvana continues to defy her about that cop.

At night, Mauricio and Cristobal met on a bridge. Cristobal shows him the newspaper article reporting Orduña's death. He thinks Silvana and Andrea are still in danger. Mauricio assures him that Pizarro is taking very good care of them sonething Cristobal jeers at - Pizarro let Orduña get killed right under his nose!

Some protector he is!

Cuca and Negro are debating whether Nacho can be trusted. Negro thinks he can, because he doesn't really know anything. Fine, decides Cuca, but she doesn't want him back at the Zeus right now. He agrees and leaves Cuca dialing. She summons Tafoya to a meeting - Pizarro's getting too close to them. Things are getting interesting.

Esteban is on the phone at his apartment, trying to get one of his squad to investigate what happened last night so they can identify who the traitor in the ranks is. Someone must have tipped the thugs off when he left - maybe it was Archunga, suggests Esteban, but whomever it was, they've got to nail him fast.He tells them to call on his cell when they've confirmed who was on duty last night, as Aaron knocks at the door. Esteban offers him a sandwich, as they discuss what he found at the Zeus - everything they found there was legit. Esteban asks if they interviewed the owner? No, admits Aaron, he wasn't there, nor did the employees have an address for him. And he believed them? asks Esteban. What else could he do? asks Aaron in turn. As they move into the living room, Esteban replies that tomorrow he's got to locate Tafoya - wherever he might be. Fine, says Aaron, but they did find something..he passes him an address book he found - along with a .45, in a room that seems to have been Orduña's residence at the bar. Esteban leafs through the address book. Look - here's Ruiz's address, and the shop's address.interesting, isn't it? muses Esteban as he peruses the book. And here's Fernando Robles' addresses in California and Mexico, he adds. The Mexican address is a hotel in a village, Aaron states.

He adds that under Orduña's bed, they found a false bottomed vase. Nobody was able to tell him where Tafoya was, or where he lived. Didn't they arrest anyone? No, says Aaron, there was nobody there to arrest - the poor bartender didn't know anything. Esteban insists that they should have arrested him - even if they couldn't press charges! He wants to interrogate him anyway - that place is a hotbed of criminal activity!He should have arrested somebody, someone must know something. He decides they're going to go interrogate the bartender - right now, and all Aaron can do is follow him out.

Silvana explains to Carmen that she will accompany Esteban to the ranch tomorrow - she's not afraid when he's with her. Carmen comments that she must love him very much. Silvana admits that she's still confused at times - it's so soon since Cristobal's death, and so many things have happened in such a short time....but she's sure she loves him.

Silvana sighs - is she doing wrong? Look at Beatriz' attitude.... Carmen assures her that she's not doing anything wrong - after all, she suffered a lot in her marriage, and Beatriz...well, of course, she's Cristobal's mother, what else can she say?

Maybe she's doing wrong starting a relationship with Esteban so soon, comments Silvana. And how will it affect Andrea? she adds. Carmen soothes her fears, saying that if she does establish a formal relationship with Esteban, Andrea'll be the happiest little girl in the world.

Cuca is being assured by Tafoya that Victor Mondragon is perfect for their purposes; he trusts him, and he'll do anything they want him to, especially if they pay him well. Cuca is delighted - they can use him as bait to trap Pizarro. Cuca agrees that he would be well paid at the start to whet his appetite and trap him into working with them. He can then come into the smuggling business. He has to nail some dirt on Victor to ensure that he can't get out of their grasp, and she'll decide meanwhile if he can be trusted to know the rest of the business. She advises him to find his weak points - that'll keep him tied to them. Tafoya passes her some information that he got from his police informer - Marta went to visit her only relative back in her hometown, for a few days - and here's the address. Cuca nods at the paper, pleased.

Esteban and Aaron are interrogating Nacho at the bar again. They still have two people left to interview...but Nacho confirms that Isaias is on vacation, and Lety has also disappeared. He doesn't think she'll be back. Nacho has no idea where either could have gone, but Isaias seems to be rich - or at least, he's always bragging about his rich auntie that he lives with.

What's his aunt's name? asks Esteban, who is interrrupted by a call. Esteban listens gravely to news on the other end, only interrupting to ask if they're sure? He waits for the answer on the other end and then tells Nacho they'll be back - he wants Isaias' address when they return, he adds.

As they leave, Esteban whispers to Aaron his new instructions: he's to get in touch immediately with Marta - at her hometown, and warn her that her cover's blown, the smugglers are tracking her, and either they found her address, or someone did it for them - maybe Archunga. What? asks Aaron. What's he going to do next? Arrest Archunga, replies Esteban grimly - they're now certain he's the thugs' informer and has been passing them information. He's probably the one who told them where Marta is - he's the traitor.

Nancy is at the hotel room and seems to be packing when Cristobal pretends to be a pizza delivery boy to gain entrance to her room. Busy with her packing, she she answers in English, unconcerned, not looking at him, thinking he's just hotel staff, as she continues to pack her clothes - he can just leave the pizza there, thanks.

She doesn't realize who he is until he speaks in Spanish asking if she was planning on taking a trip? Nancy replies that she was trying to find him, to contact him to tell him, but he cuts her off. tossing the pizza box onto the bed as he advances toward her, accusing her of being a thief and a liar - and demanding to know where his money is. She yelps that she left it in Mexico, as he chases her around the room, grabbing her. She manages to knee him in the groin to get free, but he grabs her again before she can open the door. Throwing her down onto a chair, choking her, he demands again angrily to know what she did with his money! But her head starts to droop as he tightens his hold.

MDV SUMMARY TUESDAY MAY 25TH

MT NOTE: SCENES CUT FROM YESTERDAY'S SHOW: APPARENTLY, CRISTOBAL WAS LYING IN WAIT FOR THE PIZZA DELIVERY MAN AND KNOCKED HIM OUT AND/OR KILLED HIM TO GAIN ENTRANCE TO NANCY'S APARTMENT. .AND LATER, LEFT THE BODY THERE WITH NANCY'S FOR THE COPS TO FIND.

Cristobal is gasping from exertion - but Nancy isn't breathing anymore. He checks - she's dead. He strangled her in his fury. He goes out to get something, comes backcarrying a male body into the room, setting the limp form onto an overturned chair. He then proceeds to hit the body on the head with a blunt object, wipes it, and puts the statuette in Nancy's inert hand. He then stuffs packets of bills into his clothing.

Aaron's car pulls in after Marta's and he helps her with her suitcase as they go up to her apartment. Marta teases him - he's just being so gallant to her because he wants an excuse to see Lucy. Who is surprised to see both of them arrive. Why did Marta come back so soon? Work, she explains. Lucy adds that she saw Aaron with Esteban last night during the raid, which scared everybody there. Nobody really knows what Orduña was doing there. Lucy makes coffee and Marta asks him to call the office to get an update on the mole.

While he's phoning, Marta explains to Lucy that a crooked cop had reported her whereabouts and she had to return immediately, since the thugs want her head and want her dead. That's why Aaron went to get her. She asks Lucy to also be very careful. Hanging up ,Aaron informs them that Archunga got away - he left the country last night using fake papers.

Silvana is now behind the desk at the shop, giving a surly Carla orders - she plans to be there every day until it's time to pick up Andrea from school. Today she's just going to sign the checks, but starting tomorrow she'll be there everyday. Carla insists that she doesn't need to come so often, but Silvana announces that she's grateful for her help and once the business is back in the black, she will give her a raise, which doesn't mollify Carla in the least.

Esteban comes into the office, casually kissing Silvana hello in front of a stupefied Carla. She tells him she's ready to go once the last check is signed. When will they be back? Around 3-4 pm, he estimates. Silvana then tells Carla she'll be home for the rest of the day. The comandante asks Carla if she's redeposited all the money? Yes, thanks, she replies, she has, giving both her new boss and the comandante the hairy eyeball as they leave.

Left alone in the office, Carla complains out loud to herself - Cristobal isn't even cold in his grave, and that shameless hussy has already forgotten him and is having fun. Victor comes in and hears the last part of her tirade - he quickly seizes the chance to tell her she doesn't have to stay there if she doesn't like her bosses, she can leave her job and marry him, and he assures her he'll take care of her.

Carla reminds him that Silvana is not her boss: she only thinks of Cristobal as her boss. Victor points out that he's dead. Even so, she replies, she was very fond of Cristobal, and she fully intends to stay there because the office reminds her of him, and she's made it clear to Victor many times that all she wants from him is friendship. She doesn't like the way they've tried to accuse a dead man of such dirty dealings, and wants to clear his name - she has no loyalty to Silvana, she notes, but still feels loyalty to her old boss. She tells him the rumor that Cristobal was involved with someone who used to manage the Zeus bar, and was killed - it was in the papers, but she won't believe that Cristobal was mixed up with him. How did he die? asks Victor. That's not important, she dismisses his question. Later, at a computer, Victor is reading the newspaper report of Orduña's death.

Lucy is trying to make Marta see reason, now that Aaron's gone: Esteban has never seen her as anything but a friend, she's the one who's deluding herself. She can't blame him because he's never pretended to be anything but her friend. Marta protests that he does care for her - he just doesn't realize it! He just met her so soon after his wife's death, it never got to the romantic stage. Marta complains that now he and Silvana are off to visit the ranch - that woman has him bewitched! Lucy insists that she needs to take her own advice and forget him. Marta refuses, and Lucy repeats that she will be hurt if she persists in this fantasy - she's only hurting herself by dreaming.

Silvana and Esteban are driving to the ranch, chatting and relaxed for a change. No one has been seen around since her release, according to the surveillance reports. They reach the ranch. Is she afraid? No, not when she's with him, she says. He strokes her hair and she grabs his hand as he parks in the ranch yard. He helps her out of the car and she goes naturally into his arms, and he kisses her softly. She responds but then remembers that his men are watching the ranch - they need to be discreet, right? Until the case is solved? Yes, but it's getting harder for him to contain himself, he admits with a sigh, as he kisses her again. She walks toward the house with him behind her. She indicates the room where she was kept hostage. He kisses her one more time before asking her to wait outside while he goes in.

Tafoya asks Cuca to advance 30k to cover the expenses he's incurred lately, for the bar, Archunga's escape - his ticket was to Argentina, but he's supposed to get off in Panama, and other miscellaneous heinous acts that need to be paid for. Cuca complains he's getting expensive! They are interrupted by an urgent call from Isaias.

Esteban comes out from the ranch holding a bottle - he comments to Silvana that either these people are totally stupid or they just don't care about leaving stuff around. He explains that these are the bottles they seem to be using since Cristobal died. But they used the other type, with the false bottoms, from the shop for all their other shipments. That's where Cristobal was involved, wasn't it? asks Silvana. Esteban estimates that it must have started about 6 years ago. Silvana thinks back - 6 years ago, when she was expecting Andrea, Cristobal took over the business, making the excuse that she needed to stay home and be a full-tine mom. Esteban interrrupts her - she doesn't need to justify herself to him, he assures her, stroking her hair gently. Silvana notes that it was also 6 years ago, when his wife was killed…. and these men were involved, and Cristobal was involved with them...Esteban looks off into the distance and replies somberly that Cristobal is dead - and the rest of them will fall, he swears.

Tafoya comes back into the room and asks if Isaias had any news? Bad news, retorts Cuca. Thanks to his delay in passing the message, Marta Lujan has slipped out of their net. Now what about all that money he wants, and what about the new Zeus manager, who will be their "proxy" at the bar. He has total confidence in Victor Mondragon and offers to bring him there, but Cuca rejects that idea immediately,asking what did he mean by the term "proxy"? She's irritated - why does he have to use such fancy words to explain things! He explains that since they operate with a whole list of "proxies" who act as proxies for them, these folks need to be paid. Cuca doesn't understand the word "proxy" so he explains it to her in a way she can understand with her limited education: these people are 'fronts" who screen them from others and do what they say. Why didn't he just explain it that plainly in the first place, mocks his boss.

Mauricio greets Carmen outside the house, noting that he had to return due to a patient emergency. Is Silvana there? Carmen explains that she's off helping in a police investigation. Mauricio leaves a message for Silvana - just that he's back - and takes his leave of Carmen. As he walks away, he notes that the building next door has a "for rent" sign on it.

Victor is chatting with Nacho - where's Tafoya? He almost never goes there, Nacho states. What's the curent show? asks Victor. A magician show is on right now, replies Nacho, as Tafoya comes up to the bar - they sit at a table to discuss matters. Tafoya underlines that he thinks Victor is trustworthy, and Victor assures him that he'll do anything for money amd won't cause him any problems with all the activities he'll be involved in.. Like what? asks Tafoya. Didn't he mention risky stuff? replies Victor. Tafoya reminds him that if he wants to get involved in more activities once he's proved himself to Tafoya's satisfaction, they'll talk about it. Meanwhile, he reminds him to keep his mouth shut. Those that don't, die young, he warns. Victor assures him of his discretion.

Aaron reports that Archunga was supposed to land in Bs. As, but he got off the plane in Panama. Marta insists they need to nab Isaias, he's the one who'll know all the names. Aaron complains that it seems like the earth has swallowed him - they can't find hin anywhere!

Isaias is reporting to Cuca how Marta's colleague came to get her and take her away. But the town was talking about her visit - it turns out her relative is a sick old man, and Isaias figures he can get her address from him easily and track her down. Cuca is pleased. She instructs him to send Negro on this little errand. Then she wants him to go to Zeus and talk to everyone - from Nacho on, but to avoid seeing Tafoya. He's to tell the staff that they are to obey Victor Mondragon. Isaias objects- what if he's seen? She tells him mot to enter, just go in from the cave that Orduña used and call Nacho on his cell. She sighs- he's such a dolt. She gives him keys so he can go in from the back through the wine cellar - to the office just like Orduña did. Ah, says Isaias, no wonder no one ever saw him enter or exit the bar!

Now back home, Silvana invites Esteban to eat with them, but he demurs - he needs to bring the items he found at the ranch to the police laboratory - he wants them to be checked for fingerprints. Carmen comes in, greets Esteban and reports that Mauricio is back, and repeats the excuse he gave for Silvana's benefit. She adds that Andrea's up playing on the roof terrace, which her mother doesn't like - the child shouldn't be up there by herself. But Reyna is with her, soothes Carmen, not to worry. She goes off to see about lunch.

Esteban is ready to leave, but Silvana stops him. She needs to ask him a question - does he really think that it's not necessary for her and Andrea to return to his apartment? No, he thinks that they're now safer at their own home than his - besides, since she left, the place has reverted to its usual chaotic disorder - he admits he's hopelessly undomestic - so much so, he can't seem to keep a maid - they get scared and run off! Silvana promises to come by one day, when all this is over, and straighten things out at his house. Smiling, Esteban hopes that by then, he'll be able to offer her a more interesting proposal and she smiles back up at him.

Mauricio is signing a rental contract for the house next door to Silvana's, and the agent hands over the keys - he can occupy it immediately. He asks her to keep it secret - the house is a surprise for his sister. The agent agrees to abide by his request.

At the shop a prickly Carla is still fending off Victor's flirting - she hasn't forgiven him for the insults to Cristobal, and she isn't interested in marrying him anytime soon, either. Victor tries to smooth her ruffled feathers, and gives his word that he won't press his suit, or offend Cristobal's memory. He informs her he's now the Zeus manager, taking over from the guy that died, who had been involved with Cristobal somehow. Carla snaps that she wants to work to clear his name. Victor tries a new approach…He'll help her clear Cristobal's memory. Since he'll be working there, he will be able to verify what really went on. Carla suddenly looks at him differently, interested in this new idea. Victor presses his advantage - they can work together from now on. Also does she want to dine at the Zeus tonight? Carla accepts.

Aaron calls Tafoya, identifies himself, and explains that they need to talk to him, since he wasn't there during the raid the previous night. He asks if they can come interrogate him that night. Tafoya, totally unperturbed, surprises the cop when he asserts that he also wants to speak to them - they can come by tonight, no problem. Aaron gives an analysis to Esteban of Tafoya's attitude. The man is entirely too calm for his liking. Do they need to call the DA? No, decides Esteban. Not yet - better that they leave him free to operate, and shadow him - they still need to find out who's behind it all.

Lucy is running late for work - too bad Marta isn't coming with her. Lucy says it's a shame. She could disguise herself as a regular client. No, says Marta, she'd certainly end up dead. Lucy realizes she's not kidding about the danger and apologizes. As she leaves, Marta sternly reminds her to be very careful.

Maurico still has a thing for pay phones - he's dialing again. Cristobal interrupts reading his newspaper to hear Mauricio's news - he's just had a huge piece of luck - the house next door to Silvana's was vacant, and he's rented it.

Excellent! replies Cristobal. He can now open up the wall between the buildings and get the sacks of money out of that pipe! But how will he get Carmen and Silvana to leave the house while he does the work? asks Mauricio. Think of something, instructs Cristobal - anything, to get them away from there ASAP. He wants that 4 million, fast. Mauricio asks him if he was able to use the address Nancy left at his office to find her? Cristobal suavely replies that he couldn't find her. Shame, says Mauricio, now he'll never get the 150K back! Cristobal repeats that now he has to concentrate on getting to that pipe!!

The doorbell rings repeatedly and a wary Marta slowly advances and checks the spyhole. It's Esteban, who notes her high state of tension. Understandable replies Marta - when she's under threat of death from Isaias and his thugs, how is she supposed to feel?

Esteban insists that she needs to leave that apartment. She 's in great danger. She's a cop, she replies, she's used to danger, she's being very careful. Not good enough for Esteban. He doesn't want to lose her, as a colleague or a friend. She needs to leave there. So, inquires Marta, does that mean he's going to take her to stay in his apartmentt? Esteban gives her a surprised look but she just stares at him defiantly.

Isaias has finished briefing the Zeus staff - he sends them away except for Nacho, who had the bad taste to make a quip about Lety in front of all of them. He gets chewed out royally by an irate Isaias. Nacho apologizes - he doesn't normally run his mouth. He adds that during the raid he told the cops Isaias was on vacation - and nobody has his address. Meanwhile, he still hasn't gotten the raise he was promised. Isaias promises to speak to Tafoya. When? asks an impatient Nacho. Soon, promises Isaias - very soon!

At police HQ, Aaron updates Esteban: it seems that Archunga ended up leaving Panama. What to do next? Leave it to Interpol..shrugs Esteban - they can't do anything else. What about Marta? Esteban decides that Aaron needs to move to his apartment. - since Marta is going to be staying at Aaron's apartment until they catch these killers.

While Carla waits for him at a table, Victor is taking inventory of the bottles at the bar, instructing Nacho to keep a daily count of glasses served. Also, no more tabs - everybody pays upfront. Nacho protests, but Victor overrides him. A thug comes up to the bar and gets an earful of lamentations from Nacho about the new manager.

Yolanda is ready to leave after the last patient - does he need anything else? Well, if she really wants to help him...yes there is something, hesitates Mauricio. Then he explains - he's rented a house next to Silvana's, it's a surprise for his sister…He's bought a few items of furniture, but ....maybe she wouldn't mind - since she'd be the perfect person to help him decorate and furnish the place - he's so bad at it, and he doesn't want his sister to know, because he wants it to be a surprise. He takes her hands in his, thanking her for her help, and declares that he is so pleased that they have established such a connection with each other... Yolanda is totally delighted. at what she thinks is a declaration of love. She replies that she's also felt them growing closer day after day, and impulsively declares that yes, she loves him too! Something that Mauricio is surprised to hear, but when she goes on to say she'll help all she can with the house, he just thanks her again.

Esteban is at the Zeus, asking for Tafoya. Nacho informs him that Tafoya's out, but the new manager. is there…he indicates Victor Mondragon who is with Carla at a table. Esteban tells Nacho to advise Tafoya that he's there waiting for his return. Esteban goes to their table and introduces himself. Ah, says Victor, Silvana said he'd be looking for him, he's very efficient. Esteban remarks that it's just coincidence - he actually came to see Tafoya. Victor announces that he's the new manager her and offers him a drink - mineral water with lemon, thanks, shrugs the cop, as Victor promises to call Tafoya on his cell, Esteban greets Carla, who replies in monosyllables, watching the floor show.

Carmen and Silvana are discussing the vacant house next door. The bell rings at Silvana's house. Both she and Carmen are worried about that empty house. What if the baddies use it?

Reyna announces that a lady is there to see her. Cuca comes in. hair covered in a shawl, dressed very plainly. She asks Silvana if she's the widow of Cristobal Ruiz?

MDV SUMMARY WEDNESDAY MAY 26TH

Cuca, playing humble peasant to the hilt, spins a sad tale of having left the city to tend to her dying mother back in the village. Her mother's dead now and she has medical bills to pay, and no job. Therefore, she begs Silvana to give her a job. Silvana explains she can't because she already has help, but she'll give her some money to help her out - but first she'd like to know who sent her there, and how she knew Cristobal.

Cuca explains that she used to tend a fruit stand across from the shop, and that he used to give her some money occasionally to help her out by buying fruit. She had gone to tend her poor sick mother in the village a while ago, and she came back to find the fruit stand gone and that he died. Carmen asks what work she wants to do? Anything says Cuca, she needs money desperately. Carmen suggests that maybe Beatriz needs a maid? Silvana instead suggests that she work for Esteban - just recently he mentioned he needed a maid. A man? Oh no, demurs Cuca - she doesn't want to work for a man, they're trouble. Silvana explains that this man is different - he's a cop, and very nice. She writes out the address for her, and Cuca kisses her hand in gratitude, gushing thanks. Silvana, embarassed, cautions her not to mention Cristobal's name to him as Cuca leaves.

Carla is explaining to Esteban that she's there because Victor promised to help her clear Cristobal's name. Esteban wishes he could wish her good luck, but he doesn't think she's going to achieve her objective.

Victor joins them saying that Tafoya is sorry but he's on his way back from the ranch. Esteban starts questioning him. Was he ever in business with Cristobal? No, they were just friends. He notes Carla told him that Victor saw Cristobal in the US shortly before he died - is that true? Yes, he did. He told him that he had a fatal illness, and didn't want his wife to know. Carla doesn't remember the date - does he? Not offhand, but he should be able to check it in his diary once he goes home, he replies. Can he call Esteban? Of course, Esteban says, passing him his card as the waiter informs Victor there's another call coming in for him. Carla petulantly reminds him she's been waiting an hour for him to take her home. Victor agrees to take her home after he finishes his call, and they both say goodbye to the cop. Does he need to talk to him further? asks Victor, No, indicates Esteban, as he continues to scan the bar.

Mauricio is enchanted by how Yolanda looks out of uniform - she bets that even Silvana won't recognize her. She asks that they dispense with formal address as he seats her at the table They chat about how she's going to help him furnish the house, since he wants everything to be done immediately. He'll give her cash to buy everything. Did he rob a bank? she jokes. No, of course not - the money is from a friend in the States, who's going to be living there.

Then the house isn't for them, it's for him? Yolanda is disappointed and embarrassed - she apologizes for jumping to conclusions and reverts to formal address. He reassures her that he was very flattered at what she thought, and it didn't bother him in the least...to the contrary! He pulls her toward him and kisses her.

Tafoya comes in and notes that another girl is helping the magician tonight - where's Lucy? She felt ill and left, confirms Nacho. Tafoya then meets Esteban at the bar. He begins to question Tafoya about problems he's had recently. Tafoya is very polite - but very wary - what problems?

Esteban mentions he went to the ranch today and found it totally deserted. Although he didn't have a warrant, he searched anyway and found the animals abandoned. Where are the employees who were supposed to be taking care of the horses? Tafoya doesn't know - in fact, he reported their disappearance today. Esteban adds that they also found the van used by Orduña. Was he aware of what Orduña did at the ranch? No, no, no, Tafoya blandly denies knowing anything, stating all too calmly that man totally deceived him.

Carla is riding with Victor and telling him she's worried. She lied to Pizarro about when he and Cristobal saw each other, and in the States. What should she do? Should she tell the truth? Will they arrest her? Victor says not to talk - if she stays silent, he can stay very close to her - and protect her...since they'll be getting closer together...ahem, to clear Cristobal's name, of course.

Lucy and Marta are being escorted out of their apartment by Aaron, but Marta's not thrilled with the idea and gives Aaron a hard time. How long is this going to last? Aaron sighs - that depends. Depends on what? Or who? she insists. She's upset with the way Esteban is treating her - she's no fragile flower, she's not one to fake helplessness to hyponotize him like some other women she knows....she didn't graduate from the police academy for nothing, she grumbles. Lucy also tries to soothe her, while Aaron notes that he is just obeying orders - and so should she, or she'll be guilty of insubordination. Incensed, Marta declares that she wil talk to Esteban - and to his boss, and to the boss's boss, for sure!

The interview at the Zeus is almost over. Tafoya agrees to give Esteban some bottles and tells him he can have them analyzed, etc. to see if he can use them to discover anything helpful for his investigations. Esteban asks if the room where Orduña lived is part of the bar? Tafoya informs him that technically, it's probably correct to say that it is, why? Because a .45 was found there, says Esteban. Not surprising, replies Tafoya. Why not? the cop pounces on his statement. Well, considers Tafoya, since the cops think Orduña was a killer, it's merely logical that he would have a gun stashed there, no? Of course, Tafoya denies all knowledge of that aspect of his dead employee's life. He disappeared a few days ago, and Victor isnow the new manager, he's not wasting time wondering about something he knew nothing about.

Esteban wryly inquires if Tafoya's noted the strange coincidence..,Victor Mondragon was a friend of Cristobal Ruiz. Tafoya plays it dumb, asking who? Esteban curtly takes his leave, thanking Tafoya for his time, accepting the box of bottles from the bartender on his way out.

At Aaron's messy apartment, Lucy is trying to establish some order, while Marta is still moaning - why didn't Esteban just take her to his house? Just because she's a cop, doesn't she deserve the same protection he gave to that woman? Lucy tries to convince her that he's doing it for her own good, to protect her, not to hurt her, and she should just go along with it - it won't be forever.

Silvana wonders aloud to Carmen if she did the right thing giving the poor woman Esteban's address, to which her aunt replies that acts of charity are always right. Silvana said that she mostly did it because she was very heartened to see that for once, Cristobal, who was so coldhearted, actually took pity on someone less fortunate and helped that poor lady - and he didn't even eat fruit! Carmen agrees that he wasn't all bad, everybody has some good in them. He probably bought the fruit from her just to pretend he wasn't giving her the money outright, states Silvana. She's quite happy to recognize a noble gesture on her husband's part - that poor woman obviously needed help. Carmen remarks that Cristobal's noble gesture will now be of use to Comandante Pizarro.

Aaron and Esteban have flipped a coin for the beds in Esteban's apartment - Aaron protests when he gets the couch and tries to persuade Esteban to give him the bedroom, in exchange for picking up the drycleaning, cleaning the apartment, doing the shopping, and even doing the cooking. Cooking? laughs Esteban. There's no cooking involved here, all he has to do is open a can and make a sandwich! He lost the toss - so that's the deal! Aaron is left in the living room disappointed as Esteban goes off to sleep in his bedroom.

Despite the late hour, Mauricio and Yolanda are now at the new house, sketching out what furniture for the rooms they need by flashlight. She already has a list ready and he's impressed. She goes to the kitchen, while he tells her he's going up on roof, and to wait for him, kissing her goodbye.

Cuca receives Negro - who tells her Marta had already left her village when he arrived. Somebody must have tipped her off just in time. She's very smart, admits Cuca, but they'll find her.

Esteban whispers to Aaron that someone's at the door, Aaron grumpily tells him to get it - it's his house! Esteban looks through the peephole and opens the door.

Cuca's at the door. She very humbly explains that Silvana sent her with a note asking him to give her a job as the cleaner he needs. She's not so young, but she's a hard worker and is ready to work for him if he wants. He takes Silvana's note from her and invites her in as Aaron is still comatose on the couch.

He asks if he ever worked for the widow Ruiz? No, she lies, not for her directly, but for a relative of hers, that's how she knows her. Checking the note in his hand, Esteban says he wants to talk to Silvana first, but Cuca talks him out of it, it's really too early to disturb nice Mrs. Ruiz, isn't it?

Esteban hesitates, but then admits they do need someone to take care of the house. He explains that they are cops, and they could be in danger, and they have weird hours. Cuca innocently asks if they aren't scared to be cops these days? Why? asks Esteban. Because of all the bad nasty crooks out there, deadpans Cuca.

Aaron comically chooses that moment to wake up and say good morning - and goes right back to sleep. Esteban asks the maid her name, and explains that as cops, they need to take certain security measures to guarantee their safety. Cuca asks him not to scare her - what does he mean? He explains that he needs written references to check before he can employ her. Does she have them from anyone she's worked for?

She abjectly apologizes, she doesn't: nobody but Silvana knows her in the city, she needs to go back to her village to get written letters. Aaron finally sits up on the couch as Esteban asks if she can get the letters? Sure. When can she start? Right away, if he wants. She needs the money and offers to work for one day, then he can decide.

Ok,decides Esteban, she can help them today and then they'll see, because the house really needs a good cleaning. Aaron says he's going to take a shower, but Esteban says he's going first and his colleague starts grumbling again.

Meanwhile, Cuca's delighted at the prospect of an honest day's work (LOL!), and simpers that she will go to the supermarket while he's taking his shower and he'll be amazed to see how efficient she is when he comes out and sees breakfast on the table. Does she need a room? the cop asks. No, she replies, she wants to live out. Does he have all the supplies for cleaning? She'll buy whatever she needs while he takes his shower. Esteban tells Aaron to give her the money and goes off. Aaron grudgingly gives her money and tells her to buy food. too.

Lucy listens to Marta complain that she had a rotten night - Aaron's bed is too hard. She'll go back to their apartment later to check. She thinks all this is unnecessary. Lucy is just thrilled to be playing with danger at the Zeus. Marta gets angry - she needs to go to the bar and quit, not play with fire. Lucy retorts that since Marta e didn't want to be a model, then Lucy will become a cop!

Cuca has prepared a nice breakfast and Aaron's complaints are silenced by Esteban's invitation to breakfast. He thanks Cuca and wants to know how much she wants for pay? Cuca is ok with whatever he gives her. He asks where she's from,she mentions a small village. The phone rings. It's Silvana, who gets a report on the lady she sent. Does he like her? Well, if she recommended her, she's fine. She'd like to help the poor lady, but only if she's really useful to him - and if he trusts her. He'll come by later to discuss the maid...and other subjects. He goes back to the table, Aaron notes that Silvana called awfully early, and Esteban tells him to mind his own business!

Marta goes into the office and gets an update from Martinez who is surprised she cut short her vacation. Does she know Archunga has escaped? Yes, she knows. Martinez assures her that they'll get him, and mentions a message from her uncle Miguel. He had given her address to a friend that was looking for her in town. Marta calls Esteban but doesn't recognize Cuca when she picks up and tells her they've left. She doesn't leave a message, preferring to call back.

Tafoya asks Nacho what happened to Lucy last night - Nacho replies that she thought she had appendicitis and left. He wants him to get her address and phone from the magician - to send flowers.

Esteban comes by to get a kiss before work from Silvana and thank her for sending the maid. At least for one day, he'll have a clean house. She doesn't know if it's important, but she wants to mention something....her neighbors next door moved, the house is vacant, and Carmen is worried that Orduña's thugs might take it over. Today a truck with furniture arrived. Esteban assures her that he has already checked with the cops on duty - it seems a couple is moving in, and kisses her goodbye.

Nacho reports back that the magician has an old address for Lucy, who appears to have moved.

Marta cocks her gun and kicks open the door to her apartment then goes in to search room by room. She finally puts down her gun in relief when she's sure nobody's there....but then does a double take: someone has written "You're condemned to die" in lipstick on her bedroom mirror.

Cuca gratefully sinks into the chair by the phone after completing her labors. She takes the picture frame of Esteban and Alicia in hand and then takes Aaron's agenda and leafs through it.

At police HQ, Esteban assigns his team their tasks for the day: Martinez is to find info on Tafoya, Aaron is also destined to go to the Zeus while Gomez is to watch Silvana's house.

Carmen is pleased to see Silvana cooking again. Silvana tells her she's cooking something special for Esteban, and her aunt remarks that she smells a wedding in the air. Who would have thought her niece would end up married to a cop? Silvana corrects her - Esteban is actually a lawyer by profession, and she hopes that if they do end up getting married, she can persuade him to give up the police and go back to practicing law, which would be much less dangerous.

Reyna comes rushing into the kitchen, shouting that someone was up on the roof terrace last night...there are some blood stains up there - one of the thieves must have cut himself!

As Aaron listens, Marta apologizes to Esteban thanking him for taking her out of her apartment. She's already talked to her uncle, and he's in hiding. Good, notes Esteban. Now who knows Aaron's address? he asks. Nobody, replies his colleague - he's always been so ashamed of the mess he lives in, he's such a packrat, he's never invited anyone there. The three cops share a laugh. Marta adds that now she and Lucy are the packrats.

The joke over, Esteban gets back to business and instructs Aaron to go the Zeus, while he's going to keep tabs on Carla and through her, on Victor.

He admonishes Marta to be very careful. Orduña's people are still looking for her. Marta gives him a soulful look in response to his smile, which fades as she answers his phone. She tells him it's his amorcito....gee, she must have just seen a mouse, because she sounds scared, she comments acidly before leaving the office. Thanks, tenente, he sarcastically replies as he takes the phone and listens to Silvana's agitated voice reporting that someone broke into the house from the roof terrace last night. He's on his way. Aaron offers to accompany him, but Esteban insists he go to the Zeus as scheduled - to keep tabs on Lucy, and on Tafoya, who certainly knew Cristobal Ruiz, although he denied it.

Tafoya is asking where Victor met Cristobal Ruiz. Gee, that's funny, replies his new manager - the comandante asked the same question last night. That's why he wants to know, Tafoya specifies - last night Pizarro asked him, and when he said he didn't know him, the cop mentioned that Victor did. Victor explains that he and Cristobal go way back. They were kids at school together, then they lost contact with each other, but then ran into each other some years ago when he found out that a girl he liked happened to work for him. but they were never very close....he adds.

Lucy is greeted upon her arrival at the Zeus by Nacho. Why is she early? She came by to chat. Nacho informs her that Tafoya was rather upset he couldn't find her yesterday - he wanted to send her flowers. He wants full addresses of all the staff now. Why? asks Lucy. There seems to have been some problem with Lety - who's now disappeared. Lucy remarks that she's not such a great friend of hers, but offers to track her down through her wrestler boyfriend. She pushes Nacho to talk more, but Nacho tells her he won't talk there - if they see him too cozy with her, then he'll have problems.. Lucy wheedles him into talking anyway.

Consulting the cop's address book, Cuca calls Tafoya. Who's Lucy? He replies that she's the girl at the club who works with the magician.Cuca adds that she found the name in the cop's book, with the Zeus phone number.

Meanwhile, Nacho tells Lucy that Lety is suspected of being an undercover cop. Lucy scoffs - why would they care if she was a cop? They surely have nothing to hide....right? Nacho isn't too sure about that - last night the bar was raided by the cops, and they were looking for Tafoya but only ended up interviewing the new manager, Victor....speak of the devil(s): Tafoya chooses that moment to materialize asking if Victor's back yet, and chases Nacho off so he can chat with Lucy, who assures him she's fully recovered from last night's indisposition. Great, says Tafoya. So how about going riding? Sure, replies Lucy. How about Sunday? No, says Tafoya, how about right now? Why is he in such a rush? asks Lucy Ah...if she only knew, is his cryptic answer.

www.telenovela-world.com: CONT'D: MDV WEEKLY SUMMARY THURS MAY 27TH- FRIDAY MAY 28TH Author: maritere Date: 06-01-04 05:42 PDT

MDV SUMMARY THURSDAY MAY 27TH

Lucy wonders why Tafoya's in such a rush. He's celebrating the fact that he's got a lot more free time, since he finally hired a new manager for the Zeus! So he won't be around so much, inquires Lucy, dismayed at the prospect of not seeing him much any more. Tafoya rushes to reassure her that they'll still see each other...often. Now, though, he wants to go to the ranch. She asks to go to the bathroom a second to fix her makeup, but he insists she looks just fine and hustles her out.

Esteban comes into Silvana's house stating that the new neighbor's wife had been seen arriving early to receive furniture. Not to worry they're watching everything. She's still afraid.And if necessary he will put a cop on the roof, too. Reyna and Carmen are very upset, Silvana mentiones they're holed up in her room. He goes up on the roof and Silvana brings the other 2 women up with her. Carmen laments that they can't have even one peaceful day without getting some kind of shock. At Esteban' prompting, Reyna indicates where she found the bloodstains. Esteban squats down to inspect them. Silvana wants to know why they came. It's obvious - replies Esteban - for the money. They tried to get in - they still think the money is there.

Juan, the shop's truck driver, is interviewed by Marta about the time he saw Orduña, the night the shop was trashed. But that was so long ago, he doesn't really recognize the sketch Marta shows him of Ramiro Orduña, the guy who said he was Cristobal's partner. All he can remember vaguely were the strange questions he asked. Something about a mechanical breakdown. He remembers that question, because he didn't have any trouble on that trip - there were no mechanical breakdowns.

Carla comes rushing up, she's running late. Marta wants her to answer questions about Victor Mondragon, who was a buddy of Cristobal's and of Orduña's. Marta explains she wants to find out more about the link between them,and Carla immediately gets defensive - Victor only found out about Cristobal's illness by chance, they weren't such good friends, and she knows nothing about that other guy! Marta tells her to calm down, Carla defends Cristobal heatedly - he didn't do anything wrong, he was honest, etc. It's only the cops that want to frame him... Marta denies interest in Cristobal - she insists on bringing the questions back to Victor. Carla explains he wasn't in Mexico.,he was spending a few months in France when the shop was trashed and Cristobal died. So why is he now taking over Orduña's old job? retorts Marta, whose only reply is a stunned look from Carla.

Cuca and Isaias are in Esteban's apartment. Isaias has come to give an update on Victor - who better not be cheating them, or worse, be involved with the cops. The staff is already against him - they think he's arrogant, asking them for full accountings. All to the better, replies his aunt, the business at least won't suffer losses. She remarks Tafoya didn't call her, so nothing important must have happened. Did she do all this cleaning? Isaias asks as he looks around the apartment. Yes, she did. Is she going to keep doing this??Don't be a fool, chides his aunt. Of course she won't be doing the physical labor any more! Cuca explains she'll be there every morning working. Isaias guffaws at the idea of his auntie working for the cops. She tells him to go find Chona's daughter - Esperanza, she'll be the one who will come work with her tomorrow - she can do the work.she's used to it. What if they catch her? Cuca dismisses his fears - nobody's gong to catch her - so go and do what she ordered - find Esperanza. She's going to keep looking for her loot, just in case Pizarro's got it stashed in the apartment.

Carla and Victor are chatting over coffee. Carla reports Lt. Lujan's interest in his new job replacing Orduña at the Zeus. Does he have anything to do with it? No, he was chosen because the owner already knows him, and was impressed with his business acumen.

Victor brags about his wonderful career prospects at Zeus - if he does well, Tafoya will give him more businesses to run, he'll end up being a partner, he'll wind up rich, and he'll put it all at her feet. Carla emphasizes that she's there only because he's pressuring her. He denies that he's obligating her to spend time with him, he just likes being with her. She underlines that he knows already that she's not interested in him one iota. And she's rather put out with him - clearing Cristobal's name is just a pretext, to spend time with her, isn't it ? Victor says no, he wants to help her clear Cristobal's name since it's so important to her - and make her understand that he loves her. Carla accuses him of using her yesterday when he asked her to stick close to him when the cops were questioning them.

Victor wants her to be convinced that no one else will ever love her like he does. She repeats that she will never love him. She loved Cristobal. He says he'll get over it, one day she'll want a husband and children. She retorts that she's not ready for that yet - she's too young to get married and asks him if they can now leave?She stands up, and defeated, Victor asks for the bill.

Silvana asks her favorite question: how long will this neightmare go on? as Reyna serves Esteban and her family the lunch she made.

Esteban gives her some facts about the new neighbors, a doctor and his wife, and doesn't blame them - since they haven't moved in yet, it was certainly Orduña's thugs who were on the roof last night. They'll keep trying to find the money until they're caught. And they'll keep working on the case until they do catch them. She's sorry that he's so involved with her case. Esteban points out that tha'ts his job - he's been working non -stop weekend too. Andrea pipes up that Sunday he's going to take her swimming, and he confirms it. Esteban thanks Carmen for the excellent meal, and Carmen declines the credit - the cook was someone else, which is a pleasant surprise for Esteban. He didn't know SIlvana was such a good cook, and she smiles at him. Will he be questioning the new neighbors? Of course, he replies.

Martinez calls Esteban just then on his cellphone, reporting a call from someone reporting Lucy might be in danger, asking for Lt. Zermeño. He gave Aaron's cell number, but the phone is out of range. He didn't give Martinez any further information. The cop also confirms that his hunch was right - the first test revealed that the blood stains belong to Mauricio. but the definitve DNA tests will take a few more days, He'll let him know as soon as they're ready.

Silvana comments that for a second she thought they had identified the intruder by the bloodstains. He also thought that it was about that. He doesn't tell her anything else. She comments that by now she knows when he's worried or tense, so what's the latest?

He confesses that a friend of Marta's might be in danger, and he has to leave. He thanks her as Andrea runs in and asks him to bring her a lollipop. Sure, he says, as Silvana hugs her daughter.

At the office, Marta gets a call from a very nervous " friend of Lucy's" (Nacho), looking for Aaron. Marta recognizes Nacho as he explains that Lucy may be in trouble. He doesn't recognize her voice, though. Who is she? She identifies herself as Lety Mendoza just as Victor slams his hand down on the handset and cuts off the call, chewing out Nacho for making personal phone calls at work. The next time he catches him at it, he'll be kicked out onto the street. Meanwhile, Marta is left calling his name into a dead phone.

At the ranch,Lucy is seated in the hammock, laughing, thinking about how her girlfriends are going to laugh when she tells them this story, while Tafoya ties her hands behind her back. She refuses to believe that Tafoya is the bad guy he says he is - he's not going to do anything to her. Tafoya admits he's in way over his head - these people have a lock on him, but she's a cop and he has to deal with her and her friends to protect himself. So she's not going to leave there alive. She insists that she's not a cop - if she way, would she be playing magician's assistant?

Does Esteban already know? asks Marta. Martinez repliles tha t Aaron's cell was disconnected. Martinez doesn't know where Aaron has gone, but guesses that Esteban is probably at Silvana's having lunch. Marta sends Martinez to Zeus to talk to Nacho, telling him to say that Lety sent him and to tell him everything to do with Lucy. Since Aaron's disappeared and Esteban's busy playing at Silvana's house, too busy to worry about her friend Lucy, she has to send Martinez, since she can't go herself.

Esteban leaves Silvana's house and rings the bell next door. The new improved Cristobal, a/k/a Andres Acosta opens the door to him. The cop introduces himself and asks if he had just moved in? Cristobal invites him in and offers him a drink, which Esteban declines in favor of getting right down to business: was he up on the roof terrace last night? No, reples the living dead, he hasn't been up there, not since he first saw the house. Did anyone ask permission to go up there? A neighbor, a workman? Cristobal shakes his head - he can't know - he had a friend and his girlfriend help with the arrangements and the house's decor. Where they there until late last night - with the lights off? Probably, because he arrived very late, says Cristobal.

Esteban wants to talk to this friend and the girlfriend.Can he have their names? Cristobal wiggles out of it by saying that his friend is married, and the girlfriend...he insisted on total secrecy as a condition of helping him with the apartment, and he really doesn't feel comfortable giving out his name. Esteban keeps staring him down, but Cristobal doesn't falter. Esteban announces that last night, somebody was up on the roof. And that someone was a doctor named Mauricio Ibañez. Cristobal repeats that the cop can believe what he wants, but he can't say anything about the identity of this friend. The cop lets that one pass. Esteban explains that they are providing protection next door and they don't want any problems. Ask his friend if he was up there, and let him know. He gives him his card and cell number so that he can give him the facts once he's talked to his friend. Cristobal promises to call him tomorrow, for sure.

Mauricio pops out from behind a door as soon as the cop leaves, and Cristobal starts ripping into him - he was supposed to do everything last night without being noted. Then he rips into the cop, whom he is jealous of - what is he doing at his house with his wife? He's too dumb to interest her. Mauricio takes Pizarro's defense - that cop is no dummy, and might even have recognized him. Cristobal scoffs - nobody is going to recognize him now. Cristobal says he will try some tests to prove that no one will recognize him.

Aaron creeps up to the window under cover of darkness and listens to what Lucy and Tafoya are talking about. Inside the ranch's study, Lucy is seated with her hands tied, trying to untie the knots in Tafoya's brain as he explains how he got into this mess with the thugs, who now have him trapped. Lucy insists that he has to go to the cops to get away from these people. Tafoya laughs ruefully - she has no idea of who these people are, or what they're like. He doesn't trust the cops, either. If he didn't get killed by the thugs, he'd rot in jail for the rest of his life. He's terrified of going to jail for the rest of his life. He's committed too many crimes because of them. Don't be so tragic, she states. That's why she has to be killed, he replies. She knows too much about him already. Lucy doesn't falter at all: staring at him, she thought he was smarter than that ...and more courageous. He admits he's a coward. Lucy says she liked him straight off, thought they could be friends, maybe more one day - but now...it's obviously not going to happen. It's a shame, Tafoya says - he felt the same way. he liked her so much when he met her. Now he has to kill her, but he doesn't want to do it.

(Aaron is lurking outside the window, gun ready, during this whole conversation).

Lucy cuts thorugh all his fog: if he's going to kill her, get it over with, or if he's not, untie her hands, because she's in pain. He makes her give him her word of honor that she won't rat him out to the cops, and that she is not a cop herself. She promises not to rat on him, pointing out that she's not a cop, and if she did report this conversation, she'd be nuts - because the cops would only laugh at her, because all he's really told her is that his boss treats him like dirt. She wouldn't do it anyway - it's none of her business.

Tafoya takes an enormous risk - he decides to trust Lucy and free her hands. He lacks the courage to kill her, he admits sadly. Calmly, Lucy looks him straight in the eye and tells him to just do whatever he thinks best. He says he'll take her home - as long as she forgets about ever meeting him. Aaron emerges from the niche outside where he was hiding the whole time, and follows them back to the apartment.

Martinez updates Marta on what he found out at the Zeus bar. Lucy left wtih Tafoya. The gossip is that Lety Mendoza was a cop. Marta is worried for Lucy - she orders Martinez to find Esteban and Aaron.

Marta calls Esteban's apartment and gets Cuca. Would she please let her leave a message on the voice mail? Cuca plays dumb - she laments that she's so stupid she doesn't know how to do anything with these infernal machines. She suggests leaving a written message - and Marta does, telling Esteban to call her about the Ruiz case. She also identifies herself. and thanks Cuca for her help, she's looking forward to meeting her very soon. A sentiment that Cuca shares fullly - when she hangs up, she tells herself she just can't wait to meet that maldita!

Over coffee, Esteban tells Silvana he can't tell her any more - but the bloodstains are not from anyone who means to cause her harm. She needs to keep calm. She'll be meeting the new neighbors soon, right? That should also calm her down. She isn't usually friendly with the neighbors. He changes the subject - does she want to go out? No, she'd rather dine at home, and stay with Carmen and Reyna and Andrea. Does he mind? Not in the least, he assures her, smiling.

Peeking out from the next-door window, Mauricio comes downstairs and reports that the cop is still there, and Cristobal goes off on a rant - he's trying to steal his wife, and no idiot cop is going to do that - he won't allow it! The cop thinks he's dead - but he's not, and he won't get away with stealing his wife!

Lucy and Tafoya are outside her apartment. He sadly tells her this is goodbye. but she insists that she's not a cop, she's his friend and wants to help him. He refuses - he doesn't trust police protection, it's too late for him, so it's time for each of them to go their own way.

He opens the door for her and she kisses him goodbye She looks back as she opens the door and he drives off.

Before she can go in, Aaron's car drives up and he runs to her. They embrace. Lucy's glad to see him. He has no idea what she's been through! Oh yes he does, asserts Aaron. He followed them from the Zeus and heard everything they said at the ranch.She did a super job! She could have been dead by now but she did a great job getting out of it. Aaron feels sorry for Tafoya - it's very hard to go straight if you've been crooked for so long. Lucy also feels sorry for the man. She apologizes for haivng said so many dumb things, she thought Nacho didn't give him her message. What message? he never got it. Lucy explains that she had mentioned to Nacho that if anything happened to her, he was supposed to call Aaron. She was afraid if something happened to her, no one would know.

Aaron compliments her on her operating methods: he was very impressed. He even wants to recommend her for the force. She prefers not to join formally.. Aaron offers to teach her to shoot. Does Marta know what happened? Hopefully she didn't find out about it!

He dials her on his cellphone to tell her that Lucy is fine, she's with him. Marta scolds him - why didn't he call her? She's been so anguished. Marta thinks they should all be meeting at the office as soon as possible - she's got a few home truths to tell everyone. Aaron and Lucy go to the office.

Back at the Zeus, Tafoya sits with his head in his hands and looks up when Victor comes over to sit with him - is everything ok? Can he help? Tafoya comments that he's a nice person but he can't help. Victor tries to be sympathetic. He knows about his dirty deals, and he's not afraid - So can he help? He's ready to join whatever dirty deal Tafoya can offer - because he admits, he's very ambitious.

Back home now, Cuca complains that those cops are really pigs - there wans't a clean dish in the whole place! Isaias asks if she's going back tomorrow. Of course she is - she'll tell the cop that Esperanza is her niece, and while she cleans, she'll search for her money. Plus, she got confirmation of her suspicions - there's something definitely going on between the widow Ruiz and the cop. She called very early this morning, and the cop puffed up like a peacock when he got her call.

The three cops and Lucy are meeting in Esteban's office. Esteban identifies 3 people who might be crucial for the investigation: Nacho, who tried to help out Lucy, Carla, who's cooperating with Marta very well...and Victor Mondragon.

Aaron speaks up: he and Marta were talking about something he needs to know about - Marta has to talk to him. She goes over to his desk as Aaron and Lucy watch her. She demands that he stop using Lucy as bait because they can't give her adequate police protection, and Lucy's not a cop and shouldn't be exposed to such danger. Esteban refuses to take responsibility for Lucy: she was warned to leave the Zeus, she didn't want to, and it was her decision to help them, so she was given police protection. Marta isn't convinced - he was supposed to be available, and she couldn't find him all day - since he was only interested in Silvana.She also demands that he break off his romance with "that woman". Wait a minute, replies Esteban. I quit! Marta hisses, and slams her police badge down on Esteban's desk.Then she walks out.

Esteban, Lucy and Aaron are left staring at each other.

MDV SUMMARY FRIDAY MAY 28TH

Esteban is left staring after the departed Marta...

Cristobal is reassuring Mauricio, also dressed in black. that no precaution is too much. Mauricio listens as Cristobal summarizes the story so far: the money is still in the pipe - if Pizarro had it, he'd have been long gone by now, with or without Silvana. If the thugs had it, they wouldn't have kidnapped Silvana; ergo, his money is still there. He grabs a black nylon bag as Mauricio hopes out loud that he's right. Of course he's right, says Cristobal - they're going to get the money out right now. Furthermore, he will enjoy making a fool of that cop who thinks he's such a ladykiller - once he gets the money back, he's going to tell Silvana who he is, that he's alive, and she'll go with him. Mauricio mutters something, but follows him upstairs to the roof.

Aaron asks Lucy to intervene with Marta, to make her reconsider. Lucy admits Marta is very impulsive, as well as enraged, right now. Esteban also entreats Lucy to talk to her: they need her back on the case.

Lucy leaves and Esteban and Aaron rehash the night's work - isn't she exaggerating? Esteban knew all along that Aaron was following Lucy, and Marta knew that too, she just doesn't want to admit it because she prefers to mix personal and professional things. She's got to stop that - even so, both men hope that Lucy can make her see reason and have her reconsider her resignation. They realize they need her back. But Esteban refuses to let her get away with accusing him of things that are not true.

Up on the roof terrace, Yupi is yipping - and Mauricio and Cristobal slink back down as the cop comes to investigate. Carmen knocks on Silvana's door, wondering why the dog is making such a racket. What's going on?

Lucy joins Marta at home and asks her why she resigned. Marta is still all outraged virtue: while she's working to expose the truth, Esteban wasn't doing his job, he let her court danger instead of watching out for her! Lucy could have been killed!

That's why she resigned: she just can't work with him if he's not going to take his duties seriously!

Lucy tells her that she's upset about nothing - if she, the one directly involved, doesn't blame him for anything, why should Marta be so upset? Marta insists that Lucy isn't upset enough because she didn't realize the danger she was in - she got lucky that Tafoya was easy on her and let her go. An idea Lucy denies. She knew full well how much danger she was in, but Aaron was tracking her, so everything worked out okay even if Esteban wasn't directly involved, she was protected. Even Aaron said so, she concludes.

That's what Aaron says, but he's certainly just trying to cover Esteban, sniffs Marta. Lucy begins to get impatient with her roommate: if he was just trying to cover Esteban, how is it that he was able to follow her to the ranch and listened to every word of her conversation with Tafoya?

The cop on duty informs Silvana and Carmen that it must have been a cat up on the roof terrace that got Yupi nervous - he checked the roof and nothing is out of place. Silvana thanks him, and comments to Carmen that she needs to do something - anything! She can't stand this tension any more!

Miserable animal! curses Cristobal, as he and Mauricio retreat into the house. Tomorrow he's going to buy rat poison and mix it with dog food - to deal with that troublesome animal. Mauricio points out that Andrea is very attached to her pet. Cristobal isn't interested - that isn't going to stop him! He should have told him that the dog was sleeping up on the roof these days.

Mauricio insists that Yupi actually did them a favor - his barking alerted them to the presence of the cop on duty. If Yupi hadn't barked the cop might've caught them up there. Might have, says Cristobal,as he pours himself a drink - is just speculation: something he's not interested in - no speculations, he wants action. He wants to get them out of the house so that they can retrieve that canvas bag with HIS money! He asks Mauricio to help him think it out - there must be way to get the money out,even with the cop on duty and the dog there. Mauricio instead thinks that he's had enough for one night - he's exhausted. He complains that something always seems to go wrong ever since this caper started months ago. Cristobal's always been saying that things will be over soon, but there's always something to delay the end of this, and his nerves are shot. Cristobal dismisses his comments - this time, they're really at the end. Mauricio hopes so - he reminds him that they have committed crimes, he's a bundle of nerves, he can't take this any more. If he only had known what his brother in law was really up to, he never would have gotten involved! Cristobal turns on him and aggressively asks why is he so penitent all of a sudden?

If Yolanda really knew what he was doing....begins Mauricio, only to be interrupted by an angry Cristobal. And who's going to tell her?Is he nuts?

Lucy asks why doesn't Marta just ask for a transfer to another department? She would still see Esteban, complains Marta, that's why. She doesn't want to see him anymore. Lucy insists that she has no reason to be angry at him. Esteban did protect her through Aaron. No, says Marta, he was off romancing the widow, he wasn't on the case. And they have other cases pending - they need to close the Ruiz file.

Lucy points out that what's really bothering her is that Esteban preferred someone else to her, isn't it true?

No, replies Marta, what's really burning her up is that Esteban is allowing himself to be dominated by an assassin. Lucy tries to calm her down and reason it out: If Silvana is really so dangerous, then Marta's presence is even more necessary - she has to go back because he'll need someone to guard him who hasn't been taken in by Silvana. He can take of himself, she retorts, since he's never paid the slightest attention to her.

Marta considers that for a moment while Lucy presses her - she does love him, doesn't she? Marta admits sadly that she adores him, but she's tired of begging him to notice her. Lucy suggests that she needs to change her approach to get him to notice her in a different way. No, it's too late for all that. Let him stay by himself. Let's see if that wakes him up, concludes Marta.

Back at the apartment, Aaron asks Esteban's opinion on the idea of Lucy joining the police force. Esteban's favorably inclined, after how she handled Tafoya, but notes that she herself isn't sure of what she wants. Well, if she likes running risks, and if she's going to run risks, she should at least consider it and get trained, opines Aaron. Esteban probes Aaron's intentions - does he want Lucy to join the force so he can see more of her? Aaron admits that it's partly true - but there's nothing wrong with that, is there?

Then no way, decides Esteban - he's the only one who has managed so far not to mix personal and professional life! He's much better off not getting involved.

But his romance with Silvana is working out, remarks his colleague. Yes, admits Esteban, it is, despite everything, because he's now totally convinced of her innocence. Unfortunately, that's not the same case with her brother - according to the lab reports on the bloodstains, Mauricio might very well turn out the person who hurt himself on the roof terrace,since the blood type is the same. and he certainly was the one who rented the house next door, supposedly for a friend, but without saying anything to his sister. That's wheird - and so he went up there to the roof to get the money? asks Aaron. That's what he thinks, admits Esteban. And how is he supposed to tell Silvana about that?

Briefcase in hand, Tafoya nervously approaches Cuca, who asks why he's so late tonight? Because Mondragon is still learning the ropes at the Zeus, he had to hang around there longer to make sure everything was going well. And why is he drunk? Cuca presses. Tafoya insists that he only had a few extra drinks....Did he need some liquid courage to liquidate Lucy? Did he kill her? Yes, yes, yes of course he did, he swears. He buried her out at the ranch.

Cuca, no fool she, states coldly that he's lying - he doesn't have the face of someone who's just killed someone. He agains swears that he did kill her. This week they'll go to the ranch...so he can dig up the body for her! Cuca decides.

Aaron is recounting the discussion between Lucy and Tafoya to Esteban over a last drink. He's very impressed with Lucy's courageous handling of Tafoya. Aaron adds that he noted that Tafoya seems to be upset with his "bosses" Esteban decides that he needs to get close to Nacho, and find out

What about Tafoya? No, decides Esteban, leave him alone. He announces that he's ready to call it a night and go to bed. Isn't he going to call Marta? Why? asks Esteban. Well, because it might make her reconsider her decision to resign, suggests Aaron, if he showed some concern for her. After all, she does think Silvana's guilty and she's jealous as sin. Esteban explodes. If he or Marta thinks that he's wrong in his judgment of Silvana, they can prove it to him.

Aaron reminds him that getting involved with a suspect is the wrong thing to do. Esteban states that she's not a suspect any longer - now he believes her - and in her innocence. Why is he so sure? asks Aaron. Esteban repeats that Marta is prejudiced against Silvana because of her jealousy. Aaron observes that he's also swayed by his feelings. Esteban concedes that neither he nor Marta are being objective in this case. So, as the only impartial one in the whole case, how does he see it? Marta 's exaggerating her reactions, but he also rushed into a relationship with Silvana, is Aaron's analysis of the situation.

The next day, the two cops are praising Cuca's breakfast and ask how much she wants in salary. She'll take whatever he gave the other maid. Aaron insists he raise it - as he happily finishes his coffee. Esteban tells her he'll give her more, because she really is doing a good job, and expresses the hope that she'll be around for a long time.

Aaron and Esteban discuss the day's tasks as Cuca listens avidly. Aaron's going off to the office. Good, then he can try to talk to Marta. Aaron inquires as to how long the guards will be posted at Silvana's house? Until they catch Orduna's local people or his famous client, Fernando Robles from San Francisco. Aaron remarks that all they know is that Robles is now in Mexico - what are they going to do? They only have a very vague description of him to go on. They leave the apartment saying goodbye to Cuca. who immediately dials Robles and tells him they need to talk.

Dressed like a woman instead of a cop, in a flirty black dress, Marta receives compliments from Lucy as they get ready to leave the apartment. Well, Marta admits, she doesn't feel very comfortable in this get up, but if she's going to be a model, she'll need to get used to dressing this way. Lucy gives her tips on how to deal with the agency for jobs. Then she tries to negotiate with her roommate: if she retracts her resignation, she'll join the cops. Marta says no, laughing - she'd rather try modeling. Lucy thinks Esteban will faint when he sees her dressed like that. Marta laughs as Lucy comments that she dressed like that so he'd know what he was missing!

Cristobal wanders into the shop and is attended by a clerk, who doesn't recognize him. He looks around at the wares on the shelves, stating that he's interested in buying some particular pieces. Carla, summoned by the clerk, comes in to greet the customer, but freezes when she sees his face, although he's trying to disguise his voice as he addresses her. She recovers sufficiently to try to stammer a reply, staring all the while, but Cristobal makes an excuse and leaves. Carla asks the clerk if the man reminded him of someone? The clerk thinks he might look like some football player. Carla goes into the office and calls Victor Mondragon - he's out, so she leaves a message to call her back. She goes into the drawers and fishes out her famous photo of Cristobal with her and the shop staff. She's still staring at it when Silvana comes in. She distractedly asks her if Cristobal had any brothers? Silvana is rather puzzled - doesn't she remember, Cristobal was an only child? No, Carla corrects herself - she meant half-brothers. No, none, replies Silvana. What about cousins? asks Carla, getting the information that he only had two girl cousins, much older than he, in Sinaloa, that he didn't have much contact with. Why is she asking? Just idle curiosity, replies Carla.

At the police HQ, Aaron is pouring coffee for himself when a very self-confident Marta struts in. Aaron immediately tells her that she shouldn't come to the office dressed like that!

She can wear anything she wants, now that she's resigned, is Marta's saucy reply to his reprimand. And where is Esteban? Aaron isn't sure exactly. Marta guesses that he must be with Silvana, then.

Silvana requests that Carla give her an updated list of their entire product line - she needs to familiarize herself with it.

Carla starts, but is interrupted by Esteban's arrival. He kisses Silvana hello and Silvana asks Carla to get them coffee. Leaning over her chair, Esteban asks about what happened the night before, and Silvana reports that it was only a cat that got the dog upset. But they're all nervous anyway. Did she see anything strange on the neighbor's side? As she continues to type, she shakes her head - no, nothing. Now what about things on his end? On his side, he's rather discouraged. Things are at a standstill, he's under a lot of pressure, and he lost someone. Was someone killed? No, he says, but they'll talk it over later, calmly. Carla brings in the coffee.

Has she seen Mauricio? No. He'd like to chat with him, he has a few questions to ask. Will he be lunching with them?she asks after telling him that she hasn't seen her brother lately. As Carla pretends to check papers while listening, she adds that Andrea can't wait to see him,she can't wait to go swimming on Sunday. He'll try, he says, as he kisses her goodbye and repeats that she should stay calm. He says goodbye to Carla, who keeps staring at Silvana.

Lucy comes into the bar, greeting a relieved Nacho. Nothing happened to her last night, but she's brought him a gift for helping her out the other night. It's a keychain and he likes it very much. It's just a small present, says Lucy, since they're now accomplices. Nacho updates her on Martinez' arrival and all the strange goings-on last night after she left with Tafoya. Lucy remonstrates with Nacho - tales like that are what got her so scared in the first place, when he goes around tell ing her of weird goings-on. She asks him to not mention the favor she asked of him to Tafoya, because if he finds out, they'll both be out of a job. Nacho won't say another word. Where did they go last night? Just for a ride, replies Lucy.

Victor comes in and Lucy introduces herself as the magician's assistant. Nacho mentions that Carla left a message for him, but Victor brushes it off - he'll call her later. Right now, he wants to talk to Lucy, who wants a soda and offers to pay for it, according to Victor's new rules.

In the shop, Carla is giving Silvana a crash course in vases - but Silvana can't seem t keep their names straight, so Carla hazards a guess - she's distracted because she's thinking of something else. Is it her imagination, or is there something going on between her and the cop? It's not her imagination, Silvana calmly confirms - she and Esteban are a couple. But if he thinks Cristobal is a criminal, how can she stand him? Silvana's reply is very calm: she knows very well that Carla had feelings for Cristobal,. Carla's embarassed that Silvana guessed her secret and tries to apologize, but Silvana dismisses that detail and informs Carla that she now knows how her husband tricked her - he was involved in some dirty deals. Carla's moment of meekness ends immediately, as she rises to Cristobal's defense again. How can she trust the cop more than her husband, who adored her? If he really adored her, why did he hide so much from her for so long? is the widow Ruiz' reply. Silvana adds that doesn't require her approval for what she does,she understands how Carla felt about her husband, but she won't tolerate her treating Esteban badly - since they are now a couple.

Aaron comes back with the lab report to find Marta still waiting for Esteban, whom, she thinks, must be dedicating all his energies to the widow Ruiz, since he hasn't shown up yet at the office. Aaron ignores her acid comment and informs her that the blood stains were identified. And did they belong to Silvana? coyly inquires Marta. She's taken aback when Aaron tells her no, they don't - they belong to her brother Mauricio!

Lucy is still chatting with Victor at the bar, discovering that he was recently in Paris - and confides that she herself is from a village close by, Giverny, so they have a lot to talk about. Tafoya suddenly comes up and wonders what she's doing there? She was waiting for him, replies Victor. Lucy asks if he's not glad to see her? Of course, he stammers, inviting her into his office. Why did she come back to the Zeus when he told her not to? His boss thinks she's dead, remember? She calmly asks for a drink, which he gets for her. He admonishes her not to return again. Why not, she asks? After all, she's proved she's not a cop, right? Yes, but he doesn't want his boss to see her around. Lucy doesn't get it - she came to thank him for sparing her, and for his confidence in her. Can she help him with his problems? What problems? Those with the business that he mentioned last night. No, says Tafoya, absolutely not. In fact, she's become a problem: she's supposed to be dead and buried. She gives him a business card from the modeling agency. Maybe one day he'll call her?

Esteban finally makes it to the office, and tries to reason with Marta, who refuses to reconsider her resignation.

Although he warns her to be very careful - even if she's off the force, Orduna's thugs are still after her. Did she hand in her service revolver already? She did, and she's not worried about it. After all, she adds, why should he care if they kill her? Esteban asks her not to say such a thing. Of course he would care - he likes her a lot as a friend, as a colleague. Sure, she mocks, that's why he pays more attention to an assasin than to her. Since Aaron told her that the bloodstains belonged to Mauricio, she thought he was covering him up to cover Silvana up. Didn't he already know the results of the analysis?

Esteban changes the subject: since he really needs her for this investigation, he's delayed putting in her resignation for 3 days, and requests that she think it over very carefully.

She snaps back immediately that she has no intention of helping him cover up that pair of assasins, and declines to think it over. She hopes that she does get killed - so his conscience will torment him for the rest of his life.

Feet up on the ottoman, Cuca calls her nephew complaining of exhaustion, demanding to know where that girl is - she's sick of working so hard! Isaias explains that perhaps she will be late getting there. Cuca informs him that at midnight the merchandise will arrive - does he have everything ready? Sure, he does, but Cuca still isn't thrilled with him. Does Chata, the woman who had that shop, still resemble her? Yes, says her nephew to both questions. Good, says Cuca, who is interrupted by the arrival of the longed-for Esperanza. Cuca puts her to work cleaning and instructs her to tell the cops, if they should show up, that she's her niece and that Cuca went out to consult the nuns about something.

Cristobal goes to Mauricio's office, where Yolanda doesn't seem to recognize him when he asks to see the doctor. Cristobal says he's going to complement Mauricio on how pretty she is. Yolanda comes in to advise Mauricio of "Andres Acosta"'s arrival. Cristobal comes in, crowing over the fact that his "tests" gave the hoped-for results: nobody's recognized him so far. Mauricio's relieved to hear that - and will be even more relieved when all this is over, he adds.

Cristobal snidely reminds him that he's in for his share, and when he gets his money, he'll sing a different tune. He'll be able to enjoy going back to research, and leaving his office forever. Plus, he'll have Yolanda to enjoy the money with, won't he? Mauricio has his doubts on that relationship, since he only started it to go along with Cristobal's plan. Cristobal

taunts him: it's a good thing it was part of the plan, or Mauricio being the shy type he is, he'd never have started anything with the pretty nurse.

Nacho comes into Tafoya's office in response to his summons. Tafoya wants him to keep the conversation confidential. Does he know all the staff fairly well? Yes, he does. Does he know which employees Isaias trusts? Yes, Nacho thinks he does. Good, says Tafoya, he can write their names down for him - he's going to be reorganizing the place, and some people will be fired. Is he going to be fired? asks Nacho.

That depends, replies Tafoya. If he cooperates, He can become his right-hand man, and get a raise. It depends on him - he wants Nacho to forget that Lucy was there last night and today, if anyone asks, he's to say he didn't see her. But how can he do that, asks a bewildered Nacho, if other people saw her too?

Yolanda and Mauricio are out to dinner. She notices that he's been very nervous - will he tell her why? Is it something she did? If so, she's sorry. She wants him to be comfortable. He thanks her for her concern, and confesses that he has a problem. She offers to help, but he refuses to get her involved. She accepts that, but reminds him that she's always there for him if he needs her. The doctor thanks her again.

Cristobal gets out of his car outside his house as Silvana and Andrea arrive home. He waits on the sidewalk for them to get out of the car, and then goes toward them, almost bumping into Silvana. Andrea looks up at him as Silvana and he stare at each other

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USA, MAY 31, 2004 – JUNE 4, 2004

Monday, May 31, 2004 – no episode.

www.telenovela-world.com: Looked Like a Female Impersonator to Me... Author: chakkuri (---) Date: 06-06-04 06:26 PDT There was a scene in Thursdays episode set in a club where a "woman" in the platinum blonde wig was talking to Cuca's nephew (whose name escapes me at the moment). At first I thought it was a dude in a dress. What was THAT all about? I had trouble following the dialogue. This person in the blonde wig Author: Liza~ (---) Date: 06-08-04 09:45 PDT just happened to be the owner of that particular club & apparently rec'd "stuff" from Cuca's nephew & company but was unwilling to pay the new "high" price because she claimed that business wasn't all that great..... When nephew told aunt that the customer (blonde wig) didn't want to fork out more loot on the merchandise, then Cuca decided to "set" her up as the leader of the "gang" that the police has been looking for. She sent word to the guy in jail via a hidden cigarette that he should name that blonde wig person as the leader of the pack & so it is that Esteban & his entourage did a raid on her establishment & arrested her...now they (the police) are thinking that the case is solved because they have gotten the head of the gang.... Liza :o)

www.telenovela-world.com: MDV SUMMARY TUESDAY JUNE 1ST Author: maritere (---) Date: 05-31-04 14:48 PDT

Silvana stares at Cristobal, who tells her that her little girl is very pretty, and introduces himself as their new neighbor - they don't have to be scared of him, although Andrea is.

They come into the house, where Esteban and Carmen ask why they look so afraid. Andrea tells them a man wanted to pat her and she got scared because she thought he was ugly. Silvana tries to reassure the child, as Esteban goes out to confront Cristobal.

Why did he go up to Silvana? He scared Andrea, the cop explains, and Cristobal says that he just wanted to be friendly, and apologizes, he didn't think the child would have such a reaction. Esteban suggests that he stay away from Andrea, she recently lost her daddy and is traumatized. Cristobal starts sneering at him: is that an official request? Or a personal request?If it's personal, he's a free citizen in his country so he has the right to ignore his request. Esteban reminds Cristobal that he's still waiting for an explanation from hin and Mauricio, also...then Esteban swipes back at him officially - can he show him some ID?

Lucy hears the sad tale of Martha, who didn't even go to the agency, because after she left the office she cried her eyes out over Esteban. She's sad and upset at Esteban's behavior, and has no intention of staying on the police force. She didn't fight with him - she told him off, including hoping she'd get killed so he'd regret it. Lucy is a sympathetic listener as Martha goes on with her story. She'd have to either abet Esteban hiding the assasin, or denounce him to the Ministry, and that's why she won't go back to the police force. She's convinced that Esteban covered up the fact that the bloodstains were Mauricio's. She doesn't want to get upset over it anymore - so how was her day?

Lucy tells Martha that her morning was just as unsuccessful - she went to the Zeus to bring Nacho a gift, and said goodbye to Tafoya for good. She won't go back there any more, news that Martha greets with relief.

Esteban gives Cristobal back his ID, and mentions that the Ruiz IBANEZ family lives next door. The lady is his doctor friend's sister, he remarks, but Cristobal doesn't fall for it. Esteban then explains to Cristobal the background of the case and why Andrea is so scared of strangers. Cristobal then asks about all his concern - is he a relative of the little girl? Esteban says that yes, he could say that....something that Cristobal isn't happy to hear.

Victor comes by the shop to say hi to Carla - he brought her chocolates, instead of just calling her back. Carla is still visibly shaken and tells him about the "client's" visit. The man didn't exactly resemble Cristobal, but there was something about him. Victor can't understand why she's so upset. She explains that the man somehow reminded her strongly of her dead boss.Then she asks him to be specific about the dates he saw Cristobal - and how did he act when they met? Victor is puzzled: why is that important now? When he saw Cristobal, he was acting normally, nothing out of the ordinary. Why? Carla finally confesses that she thinks that Cristobal perhaps didn't die after all...he might be alive still.

Martha insists that Lucy should either join the police force or forget about Tafoya completely. She wants to keep seeing Tafoya, and Martha insists that if Lucy does that, she's not to say anything to him about Martha working for the agency: he spared Lucy's life, but hers is a different matter.

Victor tries to clear up Carla's confusion - of course had checked all his tickets, his agenda when she first asked, and he had been wrong about the dates when he saw Cristobal. He apologizes for confusing her,but he confirms that Cristobal is dead, otherwise Mauricio of all people wouldn't have signed the death certificate and buried him. She has to get over this fantasy of him being her great love and start living again. But Carla can't get that weird feeling out of her head - something about that man strongly recalled Cristobal, despite Victor's urging, she needs to do something. Like what? Well, replies Carla, what if she requested Pizarro to exhume the body and open the tomb?

Andrea goes off to play with her pet as Carmen serves Esteban coffee and goes off herself for a siesta, leaving Silvana and the cop alone. Esteban explains about Marta's resignation, the problems with the case....Martha had provided great support, working undercover, staking out the stadium, finding the ranch...she's a great cop, but she resigned.

Silvana feels sorry for Martha, and asks how can she help him, but Esteban insists that a cop can't be jealous. He tries to explain better. Martha has always suspected her and her brother. She thinks that Esteban let himself be deceived. Her doubts are even normal, since the case isn't closed yet. Silvana states that her kidnapping was certainly not a stunt, so how can she think she's a criminal?

It's the missing money that's the problem, he concludes. And Esteban finally admits that the blood on the roof was analyzed...and gives her the lab report to read. She scans it and is stunned to discover..it was her brother's blood. Was it Mauricio?

Inside the Zeus' office, Tafoya is trying to get Victor to obey his orders without answering any of his questions. After all, he wanted Lucy gone and Victor immediately fired her. Victor accepts his terms and goes back to the bar.

Cuca calls Tafoya to see if he's gotten a replacement for the escaped police informer. No, nobody wants to take the job, so he's still working on it. He's offered more money, but nobody's accepted. She insists that they urgently need another mole. He agrees to keep trying. Anything else he can do for her?

Cuca instructs him to make sure the ranch is no longer under surveillance, because she wants to check Lucy's tomb.

Silvana urges Esteban to stay away from her and her brother if he has any lingering suspicions about them.

Esteban says he doesn't need to do that. She repeats that he, Aaron or even Martha can check anything they want, she's ready to help prove that she isn't hiding anything and neither is her brother. She knows him well enough - and Mauricio can't be guilty of anything. She'll ask him what he was doing on the roof. So will Esteban, and Silvana tells him to do it before she does, if that will allay Marta's suspicions. Esteban replies that she's no longer on the force, and he's sad because he considered her a friend.

Esteban gets ready to leave, and she urges him again to stop thinking of her as a woman if it threatens his work and stay away from her. He replies that he has no suspicions about her at all - and he wants to be with her. In fact, he's been spending so much time at her house lately, he hasn't even seen the maid - maybe he should fire her or just bring her over to Silvana's.

Andrea comes up chatting happily - why doesn't he come live with them? His house is too small. The cop explains that for now, they have to live in separate places, but maybe one day they'll live in the same house. Does he promise? Esteban tells her to ask her mother first, and Silvana agrees, so he promises. The child seems content with his answer as Carmen comes down the stairs, announcing that she couldn't manage to get to sleep, so she'll take Andrea to the park with the dog and run some errands while they're out.

Left alone with Esteban, Silvana quietly remarks that he shouldn't have told the child that one day they would all be living together. Why? he asks, just as quietly. Wouldn't she like that? He sure would. But not while she's a suspect, she replies. He reiterates once again that he is convinced of her innocence....and apologizes: he's not so great with words to explain his feelings....so he simply tells her he loves her. She tells him she reciprocates his feelings. He's hesitant, since words don't come easy to him....but he asks her to marry him.

Is he serious?she asks. Totally, he assures her. They love each other, don't they? Wouldn't it be the best thing for Andrea, too if they formalized their relationship? She tells him she loves him. Does that mean yes? he asks? They kiss. Silvana admits she'd marry him instantly, but understands they have to wait since she is still under some suspicion. Esteban denies that - in his case, anyway, he has no doubts at all. He tells her he wants to spend the rest of his life with her, and be a good father for Andrea. Silvana thanks him - since her father's death was so recent - he understands - it's not the same for them, things just happened so fast and they fell in love....he adds ruefully that now, however, they still have to be prudent. He kisses her goodbye - and tells her that he won't leave if she keeps kissing him like that. For an answer, she kisses him again. Looks like he's not going anywhere else anytime soon! ;)

Cuca is briefing her nephew and two other thugs in her office on pending matters. She wants Martha Lujan killed. She orders that Negro is to kill Martha - who cares if she recognizes him, dead women don't talk, do they?

But he's lost track of her. Cuca mocks him - the only reason he hasn't lost his underwear is because he doesn't wear any! Get to work, no excuses!

Then it's Isaias' turn: he's to check out where Lucy is - if she's really dead, and check on Victor, too.

Esteban finally makes it into the office apologizing for his lateness. Aaron informs him that both Lucy and Martha are both now working for the modeling agency, but neither showed up today. Aaron adds that neither has been seen at the Zeus, and Nacho won't cooperate - he's afraid of Tafoya, despite the concern he showed last night for Lucy, he doesn't want to get involved with cops. Then he adds that Andres Acosta entered Mexico legally, since he's a Mexican-born citizen. Aaron notes that Mauricio is a friend of his, and that's here he got the money for their first attempt at escape. Plus, Mauricio hasn't been sleeping at his apartment for the last 2 days - he's been going in and out of the rented house with Yolanda. Did he manage to find out anything about Robles? No, but Esteban learns from Aaron that others have already noted that he didn't follow procedure regarding Marta's resignation. Aaron bats away the smoke from Esteban's cigarette with a manila folder as he exits.

Isaias questions Nacho in his office - he just came to check on Victor. Nacho gives him a good report - but he can check. Isaias oozes goodwill, he'll take his word for it.

Then he questions him on Lucy's whereabouts: the bartender confirms he hasn't seen her since she was fired, she might have gone to another city. Why is he interested in her? No, Lucy's dead for him, replies Isaias, but he's still interested in finding out if any of her friends might come around - like Lety Mendoza, for instance. Did he find her yet? But if he sees her there, Nacho's to hold her there and call him immediately - is that clear? Nacho nods.

Aaron comes back to the apartment to talk to Lucy. Martha isn't there - she packed up her things and took off. She has no idea where she went. and both are worried about her. Is Lucy also thinking of leaving? Maybe, if she can find someone to share an apartment with, she replies.

If Marta's not there, who can Lucy turn to? asks Aaron. She shouldn't be alone right now. Does she have other friends? Lucy admits that Martha is her only close friend, and he decides that she will need some protection He looks for the gun he keeps in the house, but it's gone. Lucy tells him she didn't take it - she hasn't opened any of his drawers.

He offers to teach her to shoot a gun - something Lucy isn't thrilled about, since she's afraid of guns, but he assures her it will be fun. She agrees to go and watch him - she doubts she'll have the courage to actually take shooting lessons from him, and thanks him for his concern as he smiles at her.

Carla has been waiting for Mauricio to show up at his office. Finally, she asks Yolanda if he's coming back there today? Yolanda informs her that a friend of his just arrived from Houston, and Mauricio canceled all his visits to go see him. She doubts he'll be back that day, and suggests that Carla leave him a message. Visibly nervous, Carla decides that she'd rather talk to him in person - she'll come back tomorrow. Yolanda then suggests she call first - just to make sure he's there. Carla requests that Yolanda not mention her visit - she'd rather not talk to him on the phone, she really needs to talk to him in person. Yolanda agrees to forget she was there.

At his apartment, Mauricio is getting instructions from Cristobal: he's to repeat to Silvana exactly what he told him to say when he calls her. They have to get her away from the house long enough so that Cristobal can go in and get his money.

Mauricio picks up the phone but reminds him that he'll have to deal with the dog and with the cop. Cristobal says the dog is his, he'll be able to control it. What about the cop on duty? He'll deal with him, too, he replies as Mauricio finally starts to dial his sister's number.

Silvana is listening to Andrea's plan for Sunday with Esteban when she picks up the phone. Silvana is surprised when she listens to Mauricio: he tells her haltingly that she has to come to his office tomorrow - he doesn't want to be interrupted by Pizarro. She has to come alone, so he can talk to her privately about 'certain matters". Silvana agrees to go see him the next day. Ah, he suggests, Carmen and Andrea go visit Beatriz, so they're not home alone when she comes to his office. Silvana agrees that's a good idea, and adds that Pizarro also wants to talk to him, too. A detail that Mauricio tells Cristobal immediately after he hangs up.

Esteban and Martinez drive up to a hotel. Upstairs, Cuca is in Robles' hotel room, warning him that Pizarro's on his tracks. He's impresseed with her sources, did she really talk to Pizarro personally? How did she find out. Yes, she did, she admits, she has her ways of finding out, and he has to get gone. She discusses how the merchandise is going to be moved - without using Tafoya this time. Robles thinks they can probably trust him, but Cuca refuses to even consider it: He's a coward, and he won't shoot anyone, much less a woman. Well, after all, replies her compadre, the man is a lawyer, who graduated with top grades, not like them. That isn't important, retorts Cuca.Getting the job done is. So how is she going to test Tafoya? Robles asks. She'll take him to the ranch and make him show her the body - if indeed he did kill the woman, something she obviously doubts.

Outside Robles' hotel, Esteban answers his cell phone. Silvana reports that Mauricio wants to see her tomorrow - alone - at his office - and doesn't want him to know about it. He urges her to go. She adds that was talking strangely - almost as if he weren't alone, as if someone was dictating to him what he should say.

Esteban decides to go right over, and when Martinez comes out of the hotel, he briefs his boss on the dead-end on Robles: he's not registered under that name at this or any hotel. The cop decides to bring him back to the office so he can call the Houston police and have them check for Robles under all the other aliases he's used. Esteban drives off, and Cuca steps up to the curb and has Negro drives up. She gets in and they drive off in the same direction.

Tafoya confesses to Victor that he duped them - Lucy isn't buried at the ranch, he didn't kill her, and he has to think of something - because they're going to go there and check his story. He doesn't know how to get out of it. Victor asks if he can help?

Silvana and Esteban are discussing Mauricio's request. If he asked her to keep silent, she should do so, he advises her. Silvana now has doubts about her brother. Things just don't add up lately - he's too nervous, and there's no one thing she can point to, just a lot of little things. Does she know that he was the one who rented the house next door? No, she replies, but since learning that the blood on the roof was his, she's not surprised at anything any more.Could he somehow be involved with Orduna's gang? Neither is sure, but both think he's after the money for some reason. But what will happen if Mauricio realizes that she's helping him against her own brother?asks the cop. Nothing, after all, she just wants to get to the truth. After all, she's now learned all about Cristobal. It's painful, but it's a good thing to know the truth, she concludes.

What if Mauricio asks her to leave the country again? She won't go - she wouldn't ever abandon Esteban, because she knows he would never leave her or Andrea. So why would she leave him? Moved by her words, he kisses her.

Mauricio gets back to his office, where Yolanda informs him that 2 men are waiting for him,