Has the new waiter arrived? -Julio Espinosa. I just got here.
What do you think you're doing? -Looking for my sister.
She didn't leave voluntarily. Something happened to her.
It looks like the tip of a knife made of gold.
No one will exclude the future Marquis de Vergara.
Let's toast to our wedding.
I won't let you or this baby ruin my life.
I'll make your life at this hotel a living hell.
I know what you did and who you are, Julio Espinosa.
Or should I call you Julio Olmedo?
Javier Alarcón, my fiancé.
Eugenia, no. Please, put it down. -Don't move.
Grand Hotel
Calm down, let's talk it over. -Too late.
Eugenia, if you really love me, put down that gun.
Don't you have anything to say? -Please, Eugenia.
It's not her fault. -Stay there.
Eugenia, listen. This means nothing. You're the one I love.
You're lying. -No, Eugenia, I love you.
You're lying. -No, I love only you, really.
Eugenia, please. I love you. Eugenia, please.
Javier, please. -You're out of your mind, Eugenia.
Some matters of honour must be settled man to man.
I've come to ask you to give this to your son.
Please, General, what you intend to do is an atrocity and won't solve anything.
Besides, duelling is against the law. -Your son has disgraced my daughters.
'Disgraced' is a big word, don't you think?
No one needs to find out, if only you don't make it public by a foolish duel.
If we remain discreet, the honour of your daughters will stay intact.
You're wrong, doña Teresa. It will only be preserved if I redress this offence.
Will you give it to your son, or do I have to do it myself?
Mother, Eugenia was about to shoot...
What are you doing? -Saving your life.
You idiot, sleeping with the two daughters of an officer.
If Eugenia doesn't kill you, her father will.
I can go away until he gives up. -What about the family honour?
Your father's turning over in his grave. -On my account or yours, Mother?
You will stay here and fulfill your marital obligations.
You're better off married than dead. -I won't marry that murderous woman.
There I agree, as she's not in her right mind. You'll marry her sister Mercedes.
You can't be serious. -I've already arranged it with her father.
Don't absent yourself for dinner, as I'll announce your engagement.
Doña Teresa, the visitor you expected is here.
Try not to get involved in any fight for the next few hours.
Let no one take it unless I say so. General Herrera and kin in particular.
Yes, doña Teresa.
The general's pistol was put in a safe-deposit box.
Don Javier must have been up to something.
I think he's going to marry the fat one's sister instead.
They caught them in bed together. Imagine, her sister and her fiancé.
I can easily imagine don Javier. -The walls don't have ears, but I do.
If I hear any more comments, I'll pass them on to doña Teresa.
Understood? -Yes, don Benjamín.
Cernuda, have you seen Espinosa? This should already be in room 15.
He's retrieving the breakfast trays. I'll take care of it.
And make sure to be ready for dinner.
It will be an important occasion. I want everyone present.
Sit down.
Roll up your sleeve.
As I'm sure you know, in prison they take all new convicts' measurements.
What are you saying? -Didn't they take yours?
Yes, and they washed me as well.
These measurements are called 'anthropometric measurements'.
A way of identifying convicts. They're the same ones I took.
After I saw your prison tattoo, I sent your measurements to all authorities.
As I expected, the prison authorities were the first to respond.
They didn't belong to any Julio Espinosa...
but to a certain Julio Olmedo, who was convicted for a minor theft.
What if the measurements were faulty? -Even so, logic never fails.
Your family name suggests a relationship to Cristina Olmedo...
and explains why I keep running into you during my investigations.
Or am I wrong?
In my profession, silence means 'yes'. -I served my time and was released.
Mr Olmedo, are you wearing shackles on your wrists? No.
That means you're not under arrest. I only want to know why you're here.
Somebody killed my sister, and I intend to find out who...
whether you like it or not. -As it happens...
I do like it.
We're both trying to solve the same problem.
As an employee you may have seen things that I have missed.
I therefore ask you to tell me everything you've found out.
Pascual... -The receptionist shot by don Diego?
Yes. He was blackmailing don Diego.
With your sister's murder? -I don't think so.
Before he died he said don Diego didn't kill her. With something else.
You think Pascual killed your sister? -No.
They were a couple. He loved her.
Many crimes are committed out of love.
What else do you know about Pascual?
He took my sister's belongings and brought them to his house.
We found nothing. Do you have them? -No, I lost them as I was knocked out.
What else did you find out about your sister?
She was killed...
by the pond in the garden.
And her body disappeared.
Until now.
What do you mean?
Mr Olmedo...
I hate to tell you like this...
but we've found the corpse of a girl in the woods, at least two months dead.
And I think it may be...
your sister.
I'm thinking about a day for our wedding.
It's only been a month. -But things are going well for us.
September 4 would be perfect. San Carlos. In memory of your father.
It's a nice idea, but Sofía won't have had her baby yet and will be ill at ease.
Maybe we should find another date.
What about the first Sunday in March? Your sister will already be a mother.
Sure. -I'll announce it at dinner.
Don Bernardo, it's been a long time since your last visit.
Do your hotels keep you so busy you can't visit ours?
Unfortunately they do, but I couldn't resist the invitation to the hunt.
Tell the truth, Father. It was me who insisted.
Ignacio? You've become a real man. -While you look as gracious as ever.
You won't regret it. I have arranged a gala dinner in your honour.
Ignacio?
Alicia? -Ignacio.
Heavens, you've become a real lady. -Don Diego Murquía.
Welcome. I'm the hotel manager. Her fiancé.
Her current fiancé, you mean. Alicia used to be engaged to me.
How old were we? Six? -Seven.
We were childhood friends and always played together.
Shall we have some tea together?
Are you upset? -Why would I be? I'll see you later.
Diego humiliated you in front of everybody, including my mother.
How can you remain so calm?
We have to be patient and wait for him to make a mistake.
'Wait.' Is that your plan?
A good way to grow old, but not the way to becoming the hotel manager.
I'm sure Diego is involved in all kinds of murky affairs, and they leave traces.
We have to search his office.
Why aren't these tablecloths ironed? -They're new, so I didn't tell anyone to.
Who gave you permission for that? -I'm your assistant.
Belén, I take the decisions. Your job is to carry them out.
Your first day and you're already making mistakes.
It would have been impossible to do.
A good housekeeper does the impossible. Try and learn.
Or I'll look for a more capable assistant, which won't be hard.
Thank you, doña Ángela. I won't forget any of your lessons after I replace you.
It'll have to be within five months.
A head housekeeper can't just stop working in order to give birth.
Ángela?
I need someone to change Mr Murquía's bedclothes.
Right away, señorita Sofía. Belén, go take care of it.
When you come back, iron those tablecloths.
We found her in the river, concealed by some weeds.
She's been dead for two months at the least. It'll be an unpleasant sight.
Are you sure you're ready for this?
Please.
I'm sorry.
It's not her.
She had darker hair, and she wasn't this corpulent.
I'm sure this isn't Cristina. -Mr Olmedo, it's been a long time.
Whoever this is, it's not my sister.
Hernando, check if any young women have disappeared in these last months.
If it's not your sister, we have a problem.
Until now we only had the body of Jimena, the prostitute...
and the probable death of your sister to deal with.
Now we have two dead women, if not three.
Here, the best coffee I could get, but it doesn't compare to that of the hotel.
I'm not used to being served. How did the poor girl die?
Stabbed, in the exact same way as the prostitute who was killed.
You think my sister also died that way?
The bloodstains on her clothes suggest she did.
Have you found out who she is? -No, sir.
Is there no girl missing? -On the contrary. Several.
Four women from Cantaloa have disappeared in the last few months.
A prostitute, Jimena, August 24.
A chambermaid, Cristina Olmedo, July 25.
A peasant girl, Dorotea Prieto, June 25...
whose description corresponds to that of the girl in our morgue.
But let's continue. A seamstress, Adela Gómez, May 27.
Another peasant girl, Irene Castaño, April 27.
And a beggar girl they called Swallow...
the date of whose disappearance can't be established. Around March.
They were all killed or disappeared during the night, and all were young.
Do you think it was the same person? -If not, it'd be an amazing coincidence.
I fear your sister fell victim to a maniac suffering from 'moral insanity'...
who murders according to a macabre ritual.
At least we know Jimena was killed with this knife...
and that Dorotea presented the exact same wound.
I fear that the other girls were also killed this way.
But look at those dates. A victim every month, more or less.
One every month?
I don't know about things like moral insanity...
but I come from a family of farmers, and we sow and harvest by the moon.
Maybe...
Maybe the dates correspond to the phases of the moon.
Jimena died the day after I arrived at the hotel. I remember it was full moon.
When will it be full moon again?
Tonight.
You think this person will kill again? -Yes, but he will have a small problem.
We have his weapon.
It's a pity our families grew apart over the years.
I have very fond memories of the years I spent at this hotel.
We were children. Children are always happy.
Yes, we thought nothing would change and our little game would be a reality.
Ignacio, I'm engaged. -I know.
Is it what you want? -Yes, for me and my family's sake.
I'd have believed you if you'd just said yes.
If it's true love, you need no reasons. -Ignacio, excuse me for just a moment.
Dinner's about to be served. -I won't be long.
Julio.
I was worried. What did Ayala want? -He found out who I am.
How? -I don't know.
It doesn't matter. We're on the same track.
And there's more. Another girl was found dead.
He thinks the murderer will try again this evening.
In the same way, with one of the gold knives.
His men are watching the exits. I have to make sure none are missing.
Why doesn't he do so? -He fears your mother won't cooperate.
It's open.
That can't be.
Julio, why are you dressed like that? -Señorita Alarcón...
Andrés, where's the gold cutlery? -In the dining room.
Don Benjamín wants us upstairs, so get changed.
Anyone can take a gold knife. -That complicates things.
What things? -Andrés, you have to help us.
There will be five dinner tables.
On each will be a gold carving knife. Which one will you watch?
Andrés. -Is anything wrong?
No, señorita Alarcón. I'll watch the one near the exit.
I'll dine at the family table. -I'll watch this one.
The general and his daughters. -That leaves Judge Barrera's table.
Who will watch that one?
Inspector, what are you doing here? -Don't worry, I'm not here on the job.
Even a man like me needs to enjoy himself occasionally.
I understand, but I don't believe you've been invited to this dinner.
Judge Barrera had the courtesy to invite me to his table.
It would be a crime for me to pass up on the opportunity to dine at the hotel.
Mr Ayala, I don't want you to think we have anything against you at the hotel.
I'm quite used to my presence making people uncomfortable.
I'm sorry to disappoint you then, and I hope Judge Barrera won't mind...
but it would be an honour for me to have you as a guest at our table.
And an honour for me to accept.
Señor Murquía... -This isn't a good time.
So it doesn't interest you that doña Sofía asked me to open your room?
And did you? -What else could I do?
She's doña Teresa's daughter. She said it was to change your bed...
but that wasn't the reason. -What was she looking for?
I don't know, but she looked everywhere.
What were you looking for?
I don't know what you're referring to. -Weren't you in my room?
Don't act dumb. -I warn you, Diego.
Don't even try.
I know you didn't find anything, because I have nothing to hide.
Don't let it happen again.
I told you. Now look what happened.
What is it that happened, Alfredo? Diego raised his voice to you.
Are you a boy or a man?
Diego knows what you did, and it hasn't done us any good.
We're worse off than before. -He couldn't have found out.
Unless someone told him.
There's a maid we have to keep our eyes on.
Belén, doña Ángela's assistant.
May I come in? -Ángela, please.
I assume you know why I called for you.
As a guest of the hotel, the service staff is at your disposal.
A perfect answer for a perfect head housekeeper.
Ángela, I will double your salary if you come to my hotel in Madrid.
My place is at this hotel.
A hotel can't be run properly without a good head housekeeping.
Don Bernardo, may I be so bold? -Go ahead.
You may be able to leave with a good head housekeeper.
I'm listening. -My assistant, Belén Martín.
When you finish señor Enrique's room, clean the rugs on this floor.
Belén Martín? -Yes.
The head housekeeper's assistant, right?
Is anything wrong? -No.
You know I'm looking for people for my hotel in Madrid.
I have a good job and salary here, and room and board.
I don't need a maid, but a head housekeeper.
You want me for that position? -It's a luxury hotel, like this one.
You'll also have your own room, but I'll pay you twice as much.
I have extras here I don't think you'll be able to provide.
But at my hotel you won't have to take orders or accept abuse.
I'll only come by and leave the management up to you.
You won't have a superior and will be free to do as you like.
I don't know about those extras, but you'll have a much better life.
I'm sorry I'm a bit late. -You look marvellous.
Thank you. Shall we go? My mother must be waiting for us.
There's a problem. I have to join General Herrera to appease him...
and watch your brother. I would like you to come as well, as my fiancée.
I don't think it's appropriate to sit at another table and not with my family.
It's according to protocol, Alicia.
I want to sit with my family, Diego.
Of course.
Espinosa, why are you so late?
A guest spilled his drink on my shoes and I had to clean them.
Hurry up, the others have been working hard already.
Why did Ayala join the Alarcóns? Who'll watch Judge Barrera's table?
Let's change tables. If Lady recognizes me, I'm finished.
Somehow you always make your problems my problems.
Espinosa, why have you and Cernuda changed places?
I don't know. He asked me to.
Cernuda? -Yes.
Why did you change places with Espinosa?
I know how generous Lady is with her tips...
and I want to buy my mother a birthday present.
Which is in five months. -It's very expensive.
Alright. Thank Espinosa for his kindness.
Alicia, my father asked you a question. -Forgive me.
I asked you how many waiters serving all these tables requires.
As many as necessary. A waiter more is an unsatisfied guest less.
Doña Teresa.
Judge Barrera excuses himself. Ayala, I hope you won't miss him.
Missing a man in the company of such a charming lady would be an outrage.
Very gallant. And what do you think about the number of waiters?
If the police had as much staff that was just as well-managed...
there would be no crime anymore. -You're very generous.
Too bad a waiter doesn't make an inspector.
A good waiter has to notice every detail and always be a step ahead.
Both qualities of a good inspector.
My father wanted the best for the hotel and was happy when I married Alfredo.
In the right position, he'll bring renown to the hotel.
Your husband brings us renown with his presence alone.
I'm glad you think so, doña Teresa.
But our child, an Alarcón and the future Marquis de Vergara, will seal our bond.
Where's your brother? Without him I can't announce your engagement.
You know Javier. -That's why I'm worried.
Have the knives cleaned between cuts. -Yes, sir.
After the meat's been cut, the knives go into the baskets.
They'll be easier to guard. -Everything's going fine.
That knife doesn't belong there. -Julio, you can't leave.
Espinosa, what are you doing here?
Someone had taken this knife away and I went to retrieve it.
A gold knife shouldn't get lost. -Take it back to the restaurant.
Will you be at the hunt, don Diego? -Of course.
But I've matched you to the Secretary of War.
I appreciate that. I really look forward to firing one of my rifles.
If you don't like it, just say so, dear. You can order anything you like.
Last year they managed to get me strawberries in January.
I've lost my appetite.
I didn't want this engagement. -You didn't do anything, right?
Eugenia, behave yourself. -She stole my fiancé.
And you permitted it. -Eugenia, come back.
Javier?
I can forgive you.
We can start over. You know I love you.
I'm afraid I'm a bit late. -In this state you shouldn't have come.
Weren't you going to announce my engagement?
Let's toast to it.
Your condition prohibits it, but that doesn't mean you won't get married.
Put down that glass and go sit at the table of your fiancée.
I don't think I'd be able to make it.
And I'm not going to marry her, nor any woman you impose on me.
I remind you that the general can kill you and that I can disown you.
So it's up to you.
I hope you enjoyed the dinner. -And your company even more.
I understand why so many people choose this place for their vacation.
Tell me the truth, Inspector, did you really only come to repose?
I can't believe your investigative mind ever stops working.
Your mind never seems to repose either, doña Teresa.
We're alike in that respect. -Have a good day.
Inspector. -Señorita Alarcón, you amaze me.
When Julio told me he trusted two people at the hotel blindly...
I'd never have imagined one of them would be you.
It's unusual for a lady of your class to befriend somebody like him.
I know all our employees and I like to get along with them.
I'm not referring to his position, but to the time he spent in prison.
I knew it when I saw his tattoo.
I also found out that he's Cristina Olmedo's brother.
The knives are in the cupboard. We'll take turns guarding them.
Thank you. I'll have the front and back entrance of the hotel guarded.
If you need me, I'll be outside. We have to be ready for tonight.
What does the tattoo on your arm mean?
It was a stupidity. -Where did you get it?
What do you care? In Blancaró, my hometown.
First you conceal it, now you lie. Ayala told me you were in prison.
Alicia, I can explain. -I don't want to hear it.
Alicia.
Is there a problem, señorita Alarcón? -No.
Put the last one away, Espinosa. -Yes, don Benjamín.
It went well. It's all done. -No, the cupboard must be watched.
By me? -I have to go and buy something.
And inform Ayala. I'll relieve you as soon as I can.
You'll guard the main entrance. Search anyone who behaves suspiciously.
Hernando, watch the back entrance. -Yes, sir.
May I see what you have there? -Of course.
Go ahead.
'I can't wait for the lighting feast, to inaugurate the electric lighting...
because from then on things will get better for me.
You can't imagine what a pain it is to clean off candle wax.
Everything has to be impeccable and perfect, as if it were brand-new.
But it's all appearance Julio, just like the people.
We always have to smile and behave, which makes one feel worse inside.
Everyone hides something and nothing is what it seems.
That's why I wish you would visit me.'
Julio, don Benjamín asks if you threw out the leftovers.
Tell him I did.
I've ordered them to clean the rugs.
Now go and clean the piping and copper of the bathrooms.
I'm your assistant. That's not my job. -But I'm telling you to.
Don Bernardo talked to me.
Is he going to clean the piping?
He offered me a job at his hotel. As head housekeeper.
Making a lot more money than you.
If you leave, I'll be better off. -Good, because I've accepted.
I won't have to put up with your abuse any longer. Instead I'll be giving orders.
What has my son done to you? -Your son?
Andrés? It's me.
What is it, Belén?
As there's no good way to deliver bad news, I'll be direct. I'm leaving.
Why? If it's because of my mother... -No, that's not it.
I was offered a job at another hotel. -By don Bernardo?
Yes. He's going to pay me more and make me head housekeeper.
I could go with you. Did you ask him if he can use another waiter?
Your mother needs you at her side, and she couldn't live anywhere else.
But I love you. -And I love you.
But you belong here, and I don't. I'm really sorry.
No, Belén. -Don't make it hard for me.
You're making it hard. Women always complicate everything.
Señorita. Hey, señorita.
What happened? Was she stabbed?
No, she must have fallen. Quickly, get a doctor.
Señorita, breathe.
Señorita, please.
Don't let anything escape you. -Inspector.
Something happened. -Stay here.
How is she doing?
They carried her in. The doctor will examine her.
How many people left without being searched?
Four or five. They went to the village. -Good heavens, Hernando.
The cutlery cupboard.
Andrés.
Are you okay? -It was opened by force.
Another knife is missing.
What happened, young man? -I don't know.
All of a sudden I heard a noise, and then I was knocked unconscious.
Gentlemen, the murderer has his weapon. He may go to the village.