The surname coincided with that of the witness neighbor. Coincidence or family connection. Dolores searched for information about Aurelio Sánchez. What she found disturbed her deeply. Aurelio was no longer a prosecutor. He had been promoted to judge 3 years ago, just after securing Ramiro’s conviction. His career took off thanks to this case solved with exemplary efficiency, according to the newspapers of the time. But there was more. Aurelio Sánchez had business connections with Gonzalo Fuentes, Ramiro’s younger brother. Together they had bought several properties in the last 5 years.
properties that previously belonged to the Fuentes family. Dolores dialed a number on her phone. Carlos, I need you to investigate Gonzalo Fuentes’ business dealings. Everything, every property, every transaction, every partner. And I need to know if Sara Fuentes knew something she shouldn’t know. Gonzalo Fuentes arrived at the Santa María home in a black luxury car that contrasted with the modesty of the place. He wore an impeccable suit and a blue tie, always blue. Carmela saw him enter and felt a chill.
There was something about this man that reminded him of snakes. Elegant on the outside, poisonous on the inside. I come to see my niece,” Gonzalo said without greeting. “I have the right. I am your legal guardian. You gave up that tutorship 6 months ago when you left it here,” Carmela replied firmly. It is now under state protection. Circumstances have changed. With everything that is happening with my brother, the girl needs a family. She needs someone to take care of her. To take care of her as she took care of her before bringing her here with bruises on her arms.
Gonzalo’s eyes darkened. Be careful what you insinuate, ma’am. I have contacts. Important contacts. I can get this place closed in a week if I put my mind to it. He’s threatening me. I am informing you. I want to see Salome now. At that moment, Carmela noticed movement behind the door of her office. Salome had heard everything. The girl was pale, trembling with her eyes fixed on her uncle. There was pure terror in that look. Gonzalo also saw the girl.
For a second, his respectable man’s mask fell. What Carmela saw in his eyes convinced her of something. That man was dangerous and Salome knew it better than anyone. Go away, Carmela said. Go now or I’ll call the police. Gonzalo smiled. A cold smile that did not reach his eyes. This does not end here, ma’am. I will be back. And when she does, no one is going to protect that girl from her family. The prison visiting room felt colder than ever.
Ramiro waited handcuffed at the table, but his posture had changed. He was no longer the defeated man of two days ago. There was fire in his eyes. Dolores sat down in front of him and studied him in silence. My name is Dolores Medina. I was a criminal lawyer for 40 years. I saw your case on the news and I need you to tell me everything. Why does he care? No one believed me in 5 years. Why would you be different? Because 30 years ago I let an innocent man be convicted.
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