LUIS ESTRADA'S "THE DEAD GIRLS"
BASED ON A NOVEL BY JORGE IBARGÜENGOITIA
Ow.
"For a joyous Easter,
Paquita wishes her dearest readers and faithful followers…"
SEPTEMBER 22, 1963
I think it's been ten months since we snuck back in here,
and two years since they closed us down.
And we're no closer to finding a solution
since we climbed down that roof, Arcángela.
Don't get me started.
That motherfucking Rendón flat-out disappeared.
Nearly had a heart attack looking at what we're spending
on these good-for-nothing leeches.
We wouldn't be in this situation if we hadn't cancelled the deal with Sirenio.
Of course not. We'd be in jail right now
because they would've spilled our secrets, and we'd both be fucked!
And with everything they owe us,
we have to find a way to make them work again.
Well, if Teófilo makes the ranch workable, we'll have that, at least.
That would be helpful.
Knowing that moron of a brother-in-law, well, I wouldn't count on it.
And the worst is that goddamn ranch and water work
is costing more than I imagined.
I'm sorry to bother you, Ms. Serafina,
but I wanted to ask permission to go see my mother today.
It's her birthday, and I've always been able to go home to be there with her.
I'm sorry, Marí Carmen, but Arcángela and I decided
the only ones to go out are Skeleton, Lupe and Rosa.
And only for food and supplies.
But you've always let me have this day off to travel home to see her.
Not this year, and that's all there is to it.
Now go, and leave us alone.
Understood, ma'am. Thank you.
Stupid bitches have no fucking idea the mountain of shit we're dealing with.
I just got told that I can't go because none of us are allowed to leave here.
And I was too upset to even bother asking those witches
how long we're gonna be locked up.
That's probably best. Anything can set them off these days,
so it's a good thing you didn't argue.
What really pissed me off, girls, is those hypocrite bootlickers,
Rosa and Lupe, have been chosen as the ones to go help Skeleton.
Ass-kissers. Always getting favors, that's bullshit.
Everybody should get a turn to get out of this house.
- That's right. - Fuck yes.
I think those bitches know something, and that's why we're stuck in here.
I'm gonna miss my mom's cake.
Rosa!
- Lupe! Coming!
Faster, girls, before they close up.
Hurry up.
Move it.
MARTIAL LAW
If we don't do something soon,
who knows how long we'll be cooped up in here like fucking rats.
Why are we the ones being punished?
Those fucking stupid bitches
crashed through the railing, it wasn't our fault.
We need to come up with a plan to get out of here.
- Do you mean run away? - Mm-hm.
How would we? The only way out is through Ms. Benavides's house,
and they always lock the door.
Through the roof, remember?
We make our way back over to Ms. Benavides'
by going over the roof, like before.
Ticho keeps a ladder we can use in his quarters.
I just haven't figured out how to sneak it out yet.
Shouldn't we tell the others our plan?
Nothing leaves this room, Luz! They'll sell us out.
And if I hear that you
or any other one of you bitches opened her trap,
I will slit your throat! Hm?
Watch our backs, Marí.
For this to work, we can't let the boss or anyone suspect us.
Go.
We have to do it when they're asleep.
Once everyone's asleep, we'll have an hour
to get out and catch the last bus out at midnight.
When should we be ready to go?
Tomorrow is good.
That was Rosa. Passing by.
Do you think she was listening outside the door?
I doubt it. She came from her room.
What if she heard, Aurora?
She could tell the bosses we're up to something.
- Isn't it better if we cancel the plan? - Don't be chicken!
This plan is idiot-proof.
Fucking Rosa. You better be ready to go tonight.
- You want to go tonight? - Yes!
But we haven't had time to pack our clothes.
Too many things'll look suspicious.
You all have enough for the bus to Pedrones?
I saved up 52 pesos.
- And I have 45. - And I have 38.
I have 27.
We all have enough to get to Pedrones.
Quiet, girls.
Maybe we'll have to knock Ticho unconscious.
- I don't see the ladder. - What?
Back inside!
Shh! Shh!
Try to stay on your tiptoes.
Stop talking!
It had to be Rosa who snitched on us. The ladder was right there.
I saw it on the wall with my own eyes this morning.
I always knew that fucking Rosa was a traitor.
She's gotten us in trouble so many times, remember?
That fucking snitch. It's time that asshole learned her lesson.
What do we do?
- That bitch deserves it, come on! - Let's go!
- I don't like these shoes. - Just evolve.
Shh!
Quiet.
Shh!
She's here.
Shh, shh, shh.
This is what you get for being a fucking traitor, you bitch!
- [Rosa screams, muffled] Asshole, snitching bitch!
…should've just kept your mouth shut!
Stop it, girls.
I think we might've overdone it.
Let's go!
Leave her!
Is it ready, Skeleton?
Yes, it is, Lupe.
Where's Rosa?
Has anyone seen her?
Rosa?
Rosa.
Ah!
Oh, sweet Jesus, Rosa!
Those ruthless bitches beat you with their shoes.
Ms. Arcángela!
Poor thing really got the worst of it, ma'am.
- Ay, Rosa…
Motherfuckers left you worse off than Christ on the cross!
Ah, Ms. Arcángela,
I promise I didn't do anything to anyone to deserve this.
Which of the girls was it, Rosa?
I swear I don't know who it was. It was too dark.
Well, the bitches who did this to you have to suffer the consequences, Rosa.
No one gets beaten with shoes.
But you have to tell us who was in here last night!
I would tell you if I knew, but I couldn't see anything.
I can't afford another girl in the hospital.
And the bitches who did this to you will not get away with it. I mean it!
And those idiots left her there for dead, Captain.
Hmm. You're right for wanting to set an example with them.
Beating one of your girls was an act of insubordination,
and must absolutely be shown as something you will not tolerate.
Show no mercy, or you might have a full mutiny with these bitches!
We want to punish them.
But no one will admit to it, and poor Rosa couldn't see them in the dark.
Those motherfucking assholes have gone quiet as mice,
and not one of them is close to confessing.
Well, if you give me permission, I'll show you how we do it in the army.
But you have to promise not to step in.
Give me 15 good minutes, and I'll find you the culprits.
Let's get started right away. We need to get this done.
I'm going to give you stubborn, ungrateful bitches one more chance.
Which of you idiots beat up Rosa?
You made your choice.
Pretty soon, you're going to regret it.
Down on your knees!
Make the shape of the cross by holding out both stones we set out next to you.
Backs straight!
Ah! No!
- Ah! No, no!
- Ah!
Ah! Ah!
Ah!
I did it!
I was one of the ones who went into Rosa's room and beat her,
but please don't hit me again.
Who else was in there?
The four of you, back in the house!
I said, inside!
Get over there.
Come on!
You idiots left Rosa in a terrible state the other night.
Your punishment will be fierce and equal to what you did to your own.
I'll explain how it works.
You'll put this stick to their hides with all the force you used on Rosa,
then they'll do the same to you.
Make it hurt!
Next in line.
- Ah!
Hit her harder!
- Ah! Ah!
- Ah!
Next.
Ah!
Ah! Ah!
- Next in line! - Ah!
Ah!
Keep going!
Harder!
Make it hurt!
Ah! Ah!
Harder!
- Ah! Ah! Harder!
- Ah! - Beat her ass!
Why is life always trying to hold me down, Skeleton?
Oh, Rosa.
It's not just you. Life is a nasty bitch, sweetheart.
You should have seen the four who did this to you when they had to beat each other.
The Captain gave the order.
"You beat each other until you're black and blue just like Rosa."
And they beat each other like there's no tomorrow.
The sisters let Captain Bedoya punish them
just like he would if soldiers disobey when he gives them orders.
Think of it like the plague.
You have to separate these four idiots so their stupid ideas don't spread.
I like the way you're thinking. If we let those assholes mix back in with the rest,
they all might think it's all right to try to escape.
Serafina, make sure Skeleton locks those traitors in.
I suggest you have Ticho put locks on all the bedroom doors
so you can control where they go and when.
The four who beat Rosa have always caused us problems.
I just worry the others will start to resent it.
You will have to keep an eye on your troop morale,
but you can't manage without help.
I'll bring in my brave and loyal sergeant, Nicolás, to help keep an eye on things.
You'll have your very own armed guard to patrol the halls at night.
You're a lifesaver, Captain.
I don't know how we'd manage without you on our side.
We'd be in even bigger trouble without you.
I'm always at your and your sister's service.
All of you in here.
Those girls were guilty of things you have to squash immediately,
like insubordination or a mutiny.
And it was necessary to extinguish it by example.
A show of force was key,
and I feel I made good use of my experience.
WHAT TEÓFILO DID
See you on your way back!
Don't leave without me, huh? I mean it!
Ticho.
Good morning to you, Teófilo!
I'm glad to see you. I thought you weren't coming.
This is the money for the workers.
I'll tell you right now that Ms. Arcángela says she did her best,
but half was all she could manage.
And the new tools and other expenses? Is that not here either?
I don't know anything about that. That's what the boss sent, sir.
Huh. When you get back, can you please tell them
that I'm still owed for all of last week's expenses with the extra labor costs.
I can't keep up with no money.
I'll pass it along for you, but as you know,
it's possible they'll take it wrong, especially with how bad things are.
Ah, I know, Ticho.
- I do need the money though. - I hear you. Have a good day, Teófilo.
Uh-huh.
Gentlemen!
What is it, boss?
Um…
I'm embarrassed, but we only received half what my sister-in-law's supposed to send.
- Huh. - But the rest will come soon.
Take that with you today, and I promise we'll settle the rest I owe you next week.
We've been working hard to get things done.
You can't expect us to go home with half pay.
Besides, this isn't the first time you've done this to us.
- It's getting to be a habit. - I'll see what I can add.
- I agree with you. - Hm.
This is… all I have right now. Hm?
That's all? Are you serious?
I asked my sister-in-law's guy to tell them that I really need to pay you.
Sorry, Teófilo, but your promises aren't enough.
We don't work for free. We need to get paid.
We'll be moving on. We're finished for today.
- We have families. Sorry.
He gave us fucking change.
I worked hard all my life trying to get ahead,
but somehow, I still lost everything three times.
Hm, and ended up in here.
As a business, the Los Angeles Ranch was a disaster from the start.
What's going on?
I couldn't pay what we owed the workers, so they're gone. They left very angry.
I can't do this all alone, Eulalia.
I took our last few pesos out of my own pocket just now,
it's constant humiliation.
Ah, Teófilo, things can't be that bad.
When my sisters come and check on your progress,
tell them you need to talk and explain the situation.
What I really want is to go inside, pack our bags,
stand on the side of the road, then hop on the first bus that comes by,
stay on it as far as our money goes,
hope it's far enough to put all this behind us
and forget this ranch and your crazy sisters!
Hm. Ay, Teófilo, we can't go now. It wouldn't be right to leave my sisters.
It is a great sign of trust for them to put you in charge. You're family!
It would show great disrespect to leave here.
Eulalia…
This was all my sisters-in-law's fault
because they never gave me the money they had promised.
And I pretty much tried to get by on God's good grace.
But as hard as we tried, it was too much for God to fix.
What did he tell you? Is he making progress?
Mr. Teófilo asked if you could please send money so he could pay the workers
and for all the other expenses,
because he needs tools and other things,
and what you're sending doesn't cover all the costs.
I think my brother-in-law's trying to sock a little away
with what we send out there.
Is it looking any better, Ticho? Does it look any different to you?
Mm, I'm sorry to disappoint you, boss,
but the workers are still pretty much where they were
when you sent me out to the ranch last Monday.
I'll add a trip out to the ranch to our very long list.
If that idiot's fucking with us, our sister'll be a widow.
I always wondered how the hell Eulalia could've married that asshole.
She settled for the first idiot who smiled at her.
Takes one to know one, because you picked a few like that, Serafina.
When it comes to lovers, you can't say you have the best record.
At least I've had some.
When will you be giving us more to eat, Skeleton?
When the sisters say I can.
OCTOBER 14, 1963
This here is my right-hand man. Brave Sergeant Nicolás.
My loyal soldier and best marksman,
who will have no problem ensuring things stay quiet.
Your wish is my command.
A pleasure, Nicolás. Make yourself at home.
I don't think you'll have much to do when it comes to the girls here,
but if you see anything at all unusual, you report it to me or my sister.
Welcome, brave Nicolás. Skeleton will give you something to eat,
and she'll show you to your quarters.
Follow me, Sergeant.
Thank you, Captain.
I'm sure we'll sleep well with your man on watch.
I'm always at your service, Ms. Arcángela.
Eulalia!
Eulalia, it's like God is punishing us.
The farmhands did this because I couldn't pay their wages.
They took the tools and the metal plates that kept the water out of here.
How can they be so ruthless,
to ruin all that back-breaking work it took weeks to accomplish!
- Ay, Teófilo… - Ah!
Are you going to have to start all over again?
I don't understand how anyone could be this wicked.
Knock it off, Elvira!
The tortillas are counted out, otherwise someone won't get any!
Listen, if you do that again, you'll get everyone in trouble.
Why do we only get beans when there's stew right there?
Because that is only for the sisters and the officers.
Wha— Hey! No!
Get it off!
You fucking bitches!
- No! - To the latrine!
- No! - Keep going!
No! No!
Quiet!
- She's too big! - Push her down!
- She's too big!
We'll put her in head first. Come on!
- No, no, no! No! - Flip her over. Head first!
No! Ah! No!
Ah, sweet Jesus!
You're going to kill her!
You idiots could have killed her!
Ms. Arcángela!
Come outside.
What's going on out there?
They tried to kill her.
They put her in the… A few of the girls went after Lupe
and stuffed her in the latrine.
I heard screaming, and when I went to see what was wrong,
I saw her in there head first.
This is the last thing we needed.
You've been doing nothing for months on end, and now you become fighters?
Since none of you seem to learn, you'll be separated from the rest of the girls
and sent to the ranch this instant.
Put your clothes on.
Gracious, it's so good to see you!
- Hi, it's good to see you. - Likewise.
I'm glad you finally found time to come, Arcángela.
We were waiting for the rest of the payroll,
but since it didn't come, we lost the workers.
I'm going to have to rethink what we can do.
I'm sorry, Teófilo, I don't want to hear about your problems.
We're here for something more serious. Come over here.
I have four girls in the car who caused a shitload of trouble
and they need to be separated from the others.
I'm going to leave them here for a few days until they cool off
- and we decide what to do with them. - Uh…
I need you to keep them locked up somewhere, huh?
And feed them whatever you can.
I'm entrusting you with making sure they do not try to escape, huh?
And I'll send you Ticho over so you can stop whining and fix this place up.
I want a working ranch as soon as possible.
So enough of your bitching and get to work!
I hear what you're saying,
and I promise the four troublemakers will be taken care of.
- What are we going to feed those girls? - What could I do?
We'll see you soon!
Come in.
Listen, I want things to be very clear from the start.
There are no hard feelings between us and you ladies.
You're going to be here a few days because Arcángela is the one who gives the orders.
And the order she gave us, is that you can't leave here.
Hmm? She pays the bills, so we have to listen.
If you stay quiet, don't cause any trouble,
then we'll all get along just fine.
I've never been this cold.
I hope they don't keep us here too long.
It's worse than the casino.
All right, breakfast, girls.
Could we please have a little more, Ms. Eulalia?
I'm very sorry, but I have to stretch what little we have for the six of us.
We're eating the same as what I give you,
so I'm rationing the food while you're here.
Are they going to let us freeze to death, or will we get to leave soon?
We'll know when Ms. Arcángela and Ms. Serafina come get you.
We don't know any more than you do.
NOVEMBER 13, 1963
LOS ANGELES RANCH, PLAN DE ABAJO
Good morning, Teófilo. How are you?
Good morning, Ticho.
I'm here to try to fix whatever needs fixing.
The boss said she told you I'd come to help you?
Yes, she did, Ticho.
I'm thinking you could start with working on the tractor.
I've got tools in the shed you can use, and I'll meet you there soon.
Understood.
Any luck, Ticho?
- I'm afraid this old thing is finished. - Ah.
Good morning to you, ladies. Hm?
You can have a minute to relieve yourselves,
then come right back in here.
Go!
Eulalia!
The prostitutes are escaping!
THE RUN OF BAD LUCK
Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?
Mr. Teófilo says to tell you that
the four girls you left with him at the ranch all tried to run away,
and he was obeying your orders like he always does,
when he brought out the rifle that you left him and shot the prostitutes.
Plus… one died there on the spot…
- …and the other is injured pretty bad.
Uh, fortunately though, the other two put their hands in the air
and surrendered right away, and we locked them up again.
I told that stupid idiot I needed a roof over their heads
and not to let them leave,
not to shoot them if they tried!
That rifle was for the cattle!
- Jesus, my heart's exploding! Arcángela, sit down.
- She needs linden tea! Hurry! Right.
- There. Just breathe, just breathe.
Skeleton is getting the tea.
You'll be fine with a bit of tea, and I'll go to the Ranch with Ticho.
Why did our sister marry that asshole Teófilo?
I don't even know how much more this heart can take.
I'm going there now, you take care of her.
Mm.
It's a tea with linden and wormwood to settle your nerves.
Please, have a little.
Another dead girl.
God is punishing us.
That stupid bastard really fucked us over, Skeleton.
What the hell happened? How's the girl doing?
I'm sorry, Serafina, but her wound was serious, and she died too.
Are you fucking kidding, Teófilo?
The last thing we needed was for you to do something like this.
Tell me what else I could have done?
I turned around and they were running.
Now we have to deal with the girls and two more bodies!
Ticho! Ladder. Come here.
- Get a pick and shovel. - Right away, boss.
And the ones who survived?
Over in the barn, as usual.
What an asshole.
Here, Ticho. Dig a hole in the shade.
It has to be big enough to bury the girls that that idiot shot to death.
Understood.
I'm gonna go see them.
This is all we fucking needed.
Two more dead girls.
You and Ladder, take them over to the tree where Ticho's digging.
No, Serafina. I'm not good with death, it makes me nauseous.
It makes you nauseous?
It didn't seem to bother you to shoot them in the back!
It's your fault.
Cover it up properly, or you'll attract vultures.
We're going to the barn. I'm taking the others back to the casino.
Come on.
Move your asses. Get in the car. You two are coming back with me.
In the car!
Don't you at least want to stay for a bite to eat, Serafina?
- Your men must be hungry from the work.
No, we can't stay, Eulalia.
Our sister doesn't deal well with murder.
I have to get these girls back as soon as possible.
May I ask what you want me to do next?
Nothing, Teófilo.
Just don't kill anyone until our sister decides what to do with you.
These are the girls, and we need to figure out how they'll spend their days.
These two are the ones who survived the ranch.
They'll move to the walled-off quarters,
because I don't want these four or the others to hear what went on there,
and these two will talk for sure.
Do what you have to do, so no one sees you feeding them.
We need to keep these from knowing that they're even in the house.
Understood. I'll put the scraps aside so no one gets suspicious.
Mm.
And these four idiots who attacked Rosa with their shoes
will be allowed out of their room during the day
to mingle with the others in the kitchen.
Yes, ma'am.
What do I tell them if they ask why we're changing things?
The sisters decided to give them another chance,
and it's best they don't ask questions.
And if they're dumb enough to disobey, it'll be worse.
Hm!
In the weeks following the incident at the Ranch,
the atmosphere at the casino became increasingly tense and unpleasant.
It really went downhill after Ms. Arcángela decided to make changes
in an attempt to calm her nerves.
She reorganized where all the girls were staying every day,
and they were moved around according to her mood.
But what the boss'd forgotten to consider is that so many days spent locked up
had instilled a lot of resentment in the girls.
And basically, the remedy was worse than the affliction.
What the fuck's going on?
- Come on! - Hurry up before they hear!
To the latrine.
What are you doing?
You bitches take her to her room and put her in bed!
You, Marí Carmen.
Tell my sister she needs to lock you all up again this instant!
Do what I told you, you idiots!
Ms. Serafina?
What is it, Marí Carmen?
Ms. Arcángela says to ask you to come upstairs right away so you can…
lock us in the rooms again.
Why can't Skeleton do it?
She is…
Skeleton is in her room because she's not feeling too good.
You motherfuckers bit the very hand that feeds you.
You obviously didn't learn your lesson.
Let's see if it sinks in this time,
when you use the same weapon you did on Skeleton.
You're going to take this ladle
that the poor woman uses to serve your food,
and you will beat each other with twice the force you did her.
Enough!
Stop! Next! The next one!
Ah!
- Ah! Stop it!
You'll kill her!
Stop!
Please, Saint Jude…
I implore you to end this suffering, in the name of God.
I swear to forgive those who have trespassed against me,
but I beg you to help the sisters overcome this hardship.
Oh, most gracious Holy Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
It's hard to breathe.
I hate feeling so desperate.
The situation's getting worse,
and all this time indoors is making me nuts.
And some of the things going through my head are making me think I've lost it.
Mm… Because you refuse to come with me to Pajares like I suggested.
I have to go to the barracks to get some things in order.
I'm sure a few days away from here will do you good.
You're not the one who needs to be locked up.
That would be so good for us.
But I would feel too guilty leaving my sister with this mess.
She would only be gone for a couple of days. Or three, tops.
But I'll leave you Sergeant Nicolás. With him around, nothing will go wrong.
Please let me get out of here.
Your timing could be a lot better.
But this girl has always been fragile when it comes to nerves, and…
I'm hoping this will take the edge off.
DECEMBER 15, 1963
PAJARES BUS TERMINAL
DOWNTOWN HOTEL
- Good evening. - Good evening.
Give me the nicest room you have.
Well, that would be our deluxe suite at 120 a night, sir.
- Give me the key! - Right away.
Here you are, sir.
This is really deluxe!
Thank you.
You can freshen up if you like, because I'm taking you somewhere.
We'll have time later to enjoy this honeymoon.
DEAR FRIEND!
Can we skip this?
I'm not in the mood to see it.
Pedro Infante reminds me of someone I'd like to forget.
Oh, we don't have to go.
Let's have a bite instead.
- Cheers, to us. - To us, Serafina.
PORTALES RESTAURANT
Something on your mind, my dear?
I'm just happy to be here with you.
Cheers, then.
So.
I'll be back soon.
I have a few things to sort out at headquarters.
I'll meet you at the suite this evening.
You take your time, Captain,
I'm going to wander around and find a candy shop to get my sister some sweets.
Damn you, Simón Corona!
Do we know each other, miss?
Oh, my goodness. You look like a friend of mine.
Sorry.
I don't want you to move a single inch.
I'm afraid I won't find you again if you don't stay outside these doors.
You didn't come to bed until four in the morning
after you spent the night flirting and teasing your clients and probably…
You think it makes me feel good to live off you?
I don't want to run prostitutes!
Why are you always trying to start a fight over something neither of us can undo?
I've already said no, Serafina.
I'll never be a waiter, or a pimp, or a bouncer. I'm a fucking baker!
What's wrong, Serafina?
There's parts of my life you don't know about, Captain.
You can tell me anything, you know that.
I have to confess that before I met you, I was with an out-of-work baker.
Simón Corona was his name.
I thought we were in love with each other.
But that fucking asshole just played me,
and humiliated me like no one ever had before.
And it's something I cannot forget.
Everywhere I went in Pajares today, I could have sworn Simón was there, too.
And then my thirst for vengeance came on like a freight train.
I can't stop thinking how it's possible that fucker could humiliate me like that
and not have to suffer.
He has to suffer!
I meant to kill him with that.45 caliber pistol you taught me how to use.
You are right to be so incensed, my dear.
Betrayal on that scale cannot go unpunished.
I promise to help you carry out your vengeance
and give that no-good bastard exactly what he deserves.
That's so romantic.
Looking back on it now,
my reaction should have been to tell Serafina that she was overreacting
and she should calm down and try to forget the whole thing.
That it was due to recent incidents.
But instead, I told her that… I would guarantee her vengeance.
The trip we took to Tuxpana Falls was only ever meant to scare the guy
so she could get the whole thing out of her system, not kill the bastard.
I'm an excellent marksman.
And if the Captain had given the order to kill anyone who was in that bakery,
I could have easily taken care of it without wasting a single bullet.
I do wish I'd shot straight.
Because if I'd put him in the ground, I wouldn't be sitting here in jail.
Don't you remember me, Simón Corona?
Well, this might jog your memory, you bastard!
The second I set eyes on Simón Corona,
I was possessed by a blinding obsession to end him,
and I shot him with the absolute intention to kill.
But I didn't really remember my lessons, so the pistol had a mind of its own.