Are you one of the new waiters?
Cristina no longer works here. -What do you mean?
Cristina Olmedo. She's my sister.
Alicia, I... -'Señorita Alarcón' to you.
Where did you learn to fight like that? -In my world, you either fight or starve.
I'm pregnant. -Don't play games with me.
Alfredo, don't make a scene. -Don't worry, I won't.
Listen carefully. If they ask you how it went, say they're both fine.
The situation was critical, but you saved both their lives.
Grand Hotel
Darling, are you okay?
I was so afraid for you and our child... -You gave us a real fright, dear sister.
How do you feel? You must be very tired.
A little.
So close your eyes. Even if you can't sleep, get some rest.
Think of the baby. You must be as eager to see his face as I am.
Don Javier, I'm sorry, but someone's looking for you.
Why are you here? Are you crazy, using the main entrance?
Grab me again and I'll break your arm.
Let's go somewhere quiet.
What do you want? -A kid that works here saved your hide.
I think he's a waiter. -And?
I want him to fight at my place. -So talk to him.
He works here, right? If you get him to fight for me, we'll forget your debt.
And if not?
If not, I'll tell the police you were the last one to see Jimena alive.
What happened to her?
She was found dead this morning, stabbed.
If you don't want the police to come here with questions...
you'd better talk to that waiter.
Go ahead. An inspector from the city will come, specialized in murder cases.
They seem to think we can't handle it by ourselves.
Ayala, you have a call.
Inspector Ayala, go ahead. Where? Yes, tell me.
A young girl has been murdered. Where did you say it was?
Cantaloa? Where the hell is that? Never mind, I'll find it on the map.
I'll take a train today. And please, tell them not to touch the body till I arrive.
Andrés.
What's all this? -Punishment for my aspirations.
They're don Anselmo's dogs. I have to look after them.
I brought you your uniform. -Thanks.
I saw the jacket's missing a button. -What? They gave it to me like that.
And you didn't mend it?
I only got it a month ago, and since you don't see it, I didn't sew one on.
Yes, I know. If Benjamín sees, he'll kill me.
Aren't the uniforms new? -Not all of them.
If they're not too worn out, they're passed on. You get rich by saving.
Do you know who yours belonged to?
No. What's the matter?
I think my sister was murdered.
Any news about the button? -It comes from Andrés's uniform.
Andrés? Have a good day, don Eugenio.
Ángela's son? That can't be. -Relax, he has nothing to do with it.
He was given someone else's uniform. -Whose?
He doesn't know. Is there a staff list at the hotel?
In the main office they have a list of all employees since the hotel opened.
How do I get in? -I'll do it.
I helped my father with the files, so it won't take me much time.
And if anyone sees me, it's the office of my fiancé, right?
What are you doing? -Lady doesn't know I work here.
Alicia... Señor Molins. Please, don't get up.
I'm glad your sister is alright.
And I'm glad you're still at the hotel, señor Molins. Will you be here long?
Yes. -No.
I'll be coming and going. I must admit that you were right.
This hotel is more interesting than I'd expected.
Champagne with strawberries, sir.
Is anything wrong? -No, nothing, forgive me.
Anything to drink? -No, thank you.
What's your name? -Whose?
Yours. -Andrés.
If that's all, I ask permission to go. There's a lot of work in the kitchen.
You make the waiters nervous, señor Molins.
Señor Molins is a very demanding guest. -Indeed.
There's no need. The staff here is very friendly, with excellent manners.
Lady, I don't mean to impose, but I'm sure my sister would love to see you.
And I'd be delighted to see her.
Would you like anything else?
Come in.
I brought your daughter the broth.
And my son's looking after don Anselmo's dogs.
Thank you, Ángela.
If you allow me, I'd like to discuss something with you.
Go ahead.
It's about Belén, the maid.
I think she was fired because of complaints from the guests.
So they say, but I think it's because she's pregnant.
How many months? -I don't know, three or four.
I know the decision is right.
A pregnant, unmarried maid is not good for the hotel's image.
But forgive me, madam, you're a mother, as am I.
And you'll soon be a grandmother. -Out with it, Ángela.
The child Belén is expecting is from Andrés.
I'm not proud of his behaviour. You know I'm an upright woman.
I know. -This child will be my grandchild.
I'll make sure it won't be a nuisance to the hotel. Forgive my impudence...
but I want to ask you to have them rehire her.
Tell Belén to come and see me.
This hotel is my family, Ángela. And if they deserve it, I take care of my own.
And I know that you and your son will pay me back in kind.
Yes, madam, thank you.
Belén, I've heard that you're pregnant. -I am, madam.
A bad time to lose your job. Without references finding another one is hard.
The child's father will take care of me. -Andrés? As long as he keeps his job.
You're a young, smart woman with ambitions, I believe.
I wonder if you want to raise children all your life...
together with a low-earning kid and such a mother-in-law.
I can offer you something better, if you want to be rehired.
Carry your pregnancy to term. When the time comes...
we'll pretend there was a complication and you lost the child.
Andrés and you won't be the first to separate after such a tragedy.
What will happen to the child? -It will grow up in a good family.
You'll see, this is the best option for you and your child.
The other option you already know.
Will you reinstate me? -Right away. There's a lot of work.
waiter receptionist
Pascual?
I'm sorry, I thought no one was here. -Don't worry, I was just leaving.
Here's the guest list you asked for. -Leave it in my office.
I also saw they left an envelope addressed to you on your desk.
For your information, your fiancée was there.
Alicia, in my office? -Yes, sir.
What was she doing there? -I don't want to be indiscreet.
'If you don't want anyone to know what happened to Cristina Olmedo...
leave 50,000 pesetas at the Cruce del Arroyo tomorrow at noon.'
After tomorrow morning I'll finally be rid of those dogs.
It's about time. They're getting on my nerves.
Andrés? How many dogs does don Anselmo have?
Five, why? -The ugliest one's missing.
I'll go. -No, that's señorita Alicia's room.
You'll get us fired. -Otherwise you will with those dogs.
Quiet.
Room service.
There you are.
It's the fourth tea I've ordered.
Do you have the list? -Yes.
Did they see you take it? -I don't think so.
Only one person is no longer a waiter since your sister's death.
Pascual, the receptionist. He was promoted just after the lighting party.
I'll talk to him. -Julio.
Yes? -Let them clear this away.
We hope you'll come back soon.
Sir, can I talk to you? -What is it, Julio?
Julio, they need you upstairs. -Excuse me.
It's urgent. -Señor Alarcón comes first.
The other fighters are weaklings from the village.
It's easy money. You can use it. I know what they pay at this hotel.
I've had enough fights in my life. I'm a waiter.
Remember, you owe me a favour. -And you owe me one. We're even.
Julio.
A superior can do a servant a favour...
but a servant like you is there to do one's bidding.
I never owed you anything, understand?
And if I ask you to fight, you go and fight.
I'm sorry, but no.
You, pack your things. You're fired. -But...
Go on, I won't repeat it.
That wasn't necessary. -Will you fight?
You can't just fire people like that.
You, return your uniform and pack your things. You're fired.
This is madness. -Andrés, come here.
Yes, sir?
You bring dogs into the dining room? -They're guests, sir.
I'll fight.
Don't worry, I'll take them somewhere else.
You see, that wasn't so hard. -And the maid and the waiter?
You should have decided sooner.
Where do these dogs come from? -Belén. From señor Larrieta, a guest.
Are you staying?
What a relief. -Why did you say the baby is yours?
Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I wanted to help you keep your job.
In that case I don't mind, but what will people think?
I don't care what they think.
Belén, you already know how I feel about you.
We're friends. -I love you.
If you let me, I'll raise the child like my own, just as it will seem.
Will you never tell your mother? -You know I'd never betray you.
You're wonderful.
Why are you still wearing that uniform? -I know you'd like to see me without it.
Don't play with me, you hear. Don't even think about it.
I'm here because doña Teresa wants it that way. Ask her if you like.
But you don't want her to know why you're so interested in me.
It'd be better for your sake to stay out of my way.
For my sake or for yours?
Doña Teresa may have rehired you, but don't forget who's in charge here.
These go here as well, the rest in room 32.
Pascual, do you have a moment? -What is it?
I was doing some work outside and found this near the pond.
The other waiters aren't missing any, but they said you used to be a waiter.
Yes, I lost this button a while ago. Andrés has my uniform. Give it to him.
Thanks. -Anything else?
They told me to be careful with the pond, that it's a dangerous place.
Why? -Something happened to a maid.
The day of the lighting party, or shortly after.
Who told you that? -Another waiter, I forgot which one.
It's better not talk about it, Julio.
What happened?
I don't know. I was a waiter. They told me to clean the pond, so I did.
I guess that's when I lost the button.
There was blood, as if something had happened.
Like what? -I don't know. An accident, I guess.
Who gave you that order? -I don't remember. You know how it is.
Orders are passed down from above till someone carries them out.
Anything else? -No. I'll give this to Andrés.
Leave it at the Cruce del Arroyo at noon and keep your eyes open.
I want to catch the person behind this.
Forgive me, wouldn't it be better to discuss this with doña Teresa?
She may be able to help you without you risking your money.
I promised her I'd solve the problem, and I will. She need not know more.
Diego, my mother wants you to come to Larrieta's recital.
Tell her I'll be right there.
You know she doesn't like to wait.
Señor Larrieta is ready. -Finally.
Everything solved? -Regarding the recital, yes.
Today we have two reasons to celebrate.
First of all, my daughter has recovered from her accident...
and my grandchild is doing fine.
Secondly, the great pianist Anselmo Larrieta, a good friend of the family...
will interpret various pieces from his repertoire. A great honour for our hotel.
If you'll allow me, before I begin my recital...
I want to congratulate my good friend doña Teresa Alarcón...
on the recent engagement of her daughter Alicia. I wish you the best.
That's my favourite song. How did you know?
I told you I know many things about you, Alicia.
Where are you going? -I'm a bit tired.
You can't leave just after it's begun. -You want me to stay and fall asleep?
He plays very well, doesn't he? -I don't know.
Today everything sounds strange to me.
Is anything the matter, Diego?
Pascual saw you in my office. -I was looking for you.
And you didn't find me all afternoon? The hotel is large, but not that large.
I had to get dressed for the recital. I knew I'd see you here.
Still dressed like that? -I have to get changed.
I'll wait for you at the service exit.
Where did you get that? Isn't payday tomorrow?
Stop dreaming, we don't make that much.
I've been saving since I first started. -What for?
Belén.
I want to propose to her. I want to buy a ring with this.
We're going to have a baby.
I didn't know you were a couple.
It doesn't matter.
If you had enough, I'd let you. But I can help you turn it into much more.
What? Don't tell anyone, but tonight I'm boxing in the village.
All you have to do is bet on me.
You fight?
I win.
Señor Molins, why are you dressed like that?
And where are you going? -To the tavern in Cantaloa, to bet.
If I go in my own attire, I'm sure they'll try to take advantage of me.
I thought you'd gone back to the hotel to rest, señor Molins. You disappoint me.
I assure you that wasn't my goal, but I can't help it either.
You're full of surprises. A real adventurer.
I'll take that as a compliment. If you'll excuse me.
It's not here, someone stole it. -Did anybody enter the office?
Everything on the waiter? -No.
Looking at the bets, I know a better way to make money.
I want to bet everything on Julio.
That way.
This is what you wanted, right? -Yes.
But now I want you to lose. -What?
Don't be too obvious, but you must lose, or you'll never fight here again.
What happens if I don't? -That won't happen. Let's go.
Diego, what are you doing here? -What is this doing in your room?
Why did you take it from my office? -You said I could help with the books.
What else did you take from my office? -Nothing, just this.
You didn't see anything else? -No, I didn't. What's going on?
I appreciate that you want to help me, but times have changed.
If you need anything, talk to me first. You can't just take things away, okay?
I'm sorry.
Alright.
I'm sorry about all this as well.
And for the way I talked to you. But you'll agree that it's been a tough day.
'If you don't want anyone to know what happened to Cristina Olmedo...
leave 50,000 pesetas at the Cruce del Arroyo tomorrow at noon.'
What's this, Diego? -Did you go into my office again?
You pushed me to it. You expect me to do nothing...
while you search my room and lie to me?
You think I'm stupid and don't notice that you're hiding something from me?
You think they sent this to me?
Alicia, this is from one of the guests.
He's being threatened and came to me.
Who is it? -I can't tell you.
Diego, if we want this to work, we have to trust each other.
It's don Anselmo, the pianist. I didn't want to get you involved.
What did don Anselmo do to that maid?
Diego. -He insists he didn't do anything.
But he can't afford a scandal, so he asked me for help.
I trust you, I swear I do.
But I need you to trust me too. Now let me go and resolve this.
It can be dangerous and I don't want anything to happen to you.
It will be our secret.
Not even your mother should know.
Go on.
Keep going.
What's going on? You said he'd lose. -He will.
That's it.
Keep going.
Yes.
You're finished, both of you.
Fire us and I'll tell your mother. She'll wonder where you got all that money.
You didn't go to bet.
You went to fight. -Not for fun, I assure you.
Let me help you.
What's the matter?
I don't know if I should tell you.
I thought you took your own decisions.
I think your sister's uniform was used for blackmailing.
Blackmailing? -Of a hotel guest, dn Anselmo.
Of the dogs? He killed my sister? -I don't know.
But last night they threatened to tell.
How do you know? -I read an anonymous letter.
The blackmailer seems to know what happened and demands hush money.
Do you know the drop-off point? -Cruce del Arroyo, noon tomorrow.
I won't let you go by yourself.
What do you mean? -This is my father's hotel, my hotel.
Something bad is going on and I want to know what.
And I know the forest better than you. -I already lost my sister...
I can fend for myself, maybe even better than you.
You must be... -Inspector Ayala, Federal Police.
Agent Hernando. I'm glad you're here.
I'll take you to the place you'll be staying.
Why don't you rather take me to the corpse?
I'm not here on vacation.
What a shame. Such a young girl...
in a place like this. -In Cantaloa, like elsewhere...
we can expect robberies or fights, but never anything like this.
First of all, never examine a corpse on unvarnished wood.
The rot of other bodies may compromise the analysis.
Or use a metal surface. If you have neither, you shouldn't handle corpses.
As I said, we never handle corpses. -And it shows. I've read your report.
The death was caused by a sharp instrument, on that we agree. But...
it doesn't specify the weapon. -In the report...
I repeat, I've read your report.
I know you didn't find the murder weapon, but we can still theorize.
If I may be so bold, I think it was either a knife or a dagger.
A penknife would be too small for such a wound, a sword too large.
Besides, who still carries a sword nowadays?
The peasants here use sickles...
Sickles cause even larger wounds, so they can also be ruled out.
But we're clearly not talking about a clean cut.
The presence of many small cuts around the wound...
indicate that it took the perpetrator great trouble to pull the weapon out.
I assume the weapon got stuck in the bone. Sometimes when that happens...
Did you say that we didn't have the murder weapon?
Once again, you were mistaken.
It looks like the tip of a knife...
made of gold.
We're plain folk here, sir.
I can only think of one place that might have a gold knife.
Your dogs didn't let us sleep, Andrés. I can hardly keep my eyes open.
I'm sorry. I guess you need to rest. It was an order from don Benjamín.
But they're leaving now. -I hope so.
Belén? -Yes, Andrés?
I want to ask you something. -Not now, Andrés, I'm very busy.
What is this?
Do you want to marry me?
It's almost twelve.
I'll take this to don Anselmo and coax him out.
Be careful. -Don't worry.
I'll wait in the garden, by the pond.
Did you order coffee? -No, but maybe it will do me well.
How are my dogs? Did they sleep well?
Yes, sir. Better than us, I believe.
Electric light seems better for reading. -It's much better than candles and gas.
It must have been spectacular to see the hotel light up that night.
From what they told me, I gather it was.
You didn't attend the lighting party?
Doña Teresa had invited me, but I had a concert in Barcelona. A pity.
Yes, a pity.
Here's your coffee.
Yes? -I hope you have the money.
You'd better be on time. -I don't have the money.
What's wrong with this line? -The connection was broken, sir.
Can you see where it came from? -The call came from inside the hotel.
Did anyone use that phone?
I don't know, sir, I was busy. Guests keep coming and going.
I need some money from the safe. -Yes, sir.
The money's ready. You will personally drop it off at noon.
Don Diego?
There's a man who wants to see you. And...
he says he's from the police.
Diego Murquía, the manager. -Inspector Ayala, Federal Police.
With all respect, but I've been advised to talk to Doña Teresa herself.
Did anything happen? -Alarcón's widow...
the owner of the hotel. To her. -I'll tell her right away.
Please. -Wait here.
Doña Teresa, the owner of the hotel. -I'm Inspector...
Inspector Ayala, Federal Police, with an order to investigate a murder case.
Don't be surprised. Judge Barreda told me, a close friend of the family.
That explains why it was so hard to get that order. That was your doing.
I don't want my guests to get upset. -I assure you they won't be.
I'd like to question the staff and then search the rooms.
Only those of the servants, with discretion.
What does the murder have to do with this hotel?
This was in the victim's body. The tip of a gold knife.
Can you tell me where you keep the gold cutlery?
This is the case with carving knives, the largest knives we have.
It seems one is missing.
Who else has a key of the sideboard? -I'm in charge of sideboard and pantry.
Could someone have taken them? -It's not impossible, but it is unlikely.
You mean that only you could have taken the knife?
I've been the maître d'hôtel for the last 15 years, Inspector.
My professionalism is beyond all doubt.
And if I wanted to kill someone, I'd never use the hotel's cutlery.
So why is one missing? -They're valuable pieces.
Someone must have stolen it from the dining room or while putting them back.
When was the last time these knives were used?
We recently cleaned and inspected the dishes and the gold cutlery.
A waiter helped me. -Who?
Julio Espinosa, a young man who joined the staff only recently.