'Your mother told me to throw this bottle away...
the morning your father was found dead.
As you can see, I didn't. I hope it will be of use to you.'
What's that? -The question is, what was inside it?
Your father replaced the medicine with arsenic.
Why? -To poison your mother.
Tell me why you're here. -I'm your brother.
When were you going to tell me?
His family would never have accepted you.
I can't serve this table anymore, now that I know.
You're right, it makes no sense. You're fired.
I have orders to give you this letter.
Javier died in defense of his country. -Madam.
We'll have three days of mourning.
You deserted, didn't you? Your mother will be upset.
That officer will be back. You have to help me.
'The Meridian Circle.' -The best hotels of Southern Europe.
Who will you support? -Alfredo is the director...
and I think he's pretty much right.
I'm a changed man, Mother. A hero. And heroes take their own decisions.
Grand Hotel
Diego. -Doña Teresa, have you heard?
Gonzalo and Quiroga have begun with the exploitation of the mines.
Isn't it time to dispel their dreams and claim them?
Possibly, but right now there's a matter that's much more urgent to me.
Tell me.
Javier is going to vote for Alfredo at the next board meeting.
Yes, I know, you reap what you sow.
This is only a harbinger of what's in store for us.
Alfredo will be able to do as he likes.
I've lost control of my own hotel.
What can we do?
I'm not sure yet, but I'll tell you afterwards. Don't take it as bad faith.
In these matters it's very hard to ignore one's feelings.
It's not in here.
Maybe we're looking in the wrong place.
And this?
Ángela, do you know when they bricked up that room?
I don't know exactly, madam. Your mother found out about it...
when she heard Benjamín had kept you hostage there.
She must have had it bricked up then.
She only told me a few weeks later.
I didn't even have the chance to remove anything.
What do we do now? -Tear down the wall.
It'll make too much noise. My mother will find out.
Unless we do it when it's noisy.
They're about to install the phones. They'll have to chip and make grooves.
Daughter, I need to talk to you.
I'll wait for you on the terrace. -Of course.
I need you to understand that everything I've done...
has been for the sake of the hotel and for keeping the family together.
I don't doubt your intentions, Mother, even if they seem wrong.
Let me... Let me finish, please.
I know... I know I've made many mistakes...
which have set us against each other and put the hotel in a delicate position.
How could I have been so blind?
You were asking me for something fair...
and I didn't want to see it.
Are you saying what I think you're saying?
Will you recognize Andrés?
I'm prepared to recognize his rights...
if that's what you want.
Why this change of heart?
Javier. What happened to Javier has made me think.
When you're about to lose a child, you realize many things.
Andrés shouldn't have to pay for my resentment of your father.
Mother, you don't know how happy it makes me to hear you say so.
I'm prepared to recognize Andrés.
I just hope he'll be up to the task. -I'm sure he will.
And that you'll be on my side again.
I need you more than ever.
I only ask you to listen to her. -I doubt she has anything more to say.
I've decided to give you what my late husband, your father, wanted for you.
I'd like you to come back to the hotel. If you do so...
I give you my word that you'll be recognized as an Alarcón.
I've brought you more than just my word.
I'm not an Alarcón. I never was. You said so yourself.
Maybe it's time for that to change.
Why are you doing this?
You know I'm anything but ingenuous. I expect something from you...
just as I do from Alicia.
But Alfredo has bent the will of Sofía and Javier...
and now they won't support me in a matter of great importance for us all.
Don't be offended, madam, but it seems you've come to buy me.
Let's go, daughter. -Mother.
She needs you, Andrés.
What's bad about that? -Nothing, I suppose.
If not for her, do it for me.
You grew up at the hotel, just like us. Andrés, you're my brother.
Our parents' lies have kept us apart long enough already.
I need you to come back. -It's not that easy.
If you won't do it for me, do it for yourself.
You'll be able to do what you always wanted. Study, read, travel. Anything.
Don't be stupid. Think it over.
This is your room, don Ibrahim. Number 28.
If you need anything, let us know. We're at your service.
I've brought some walnuts.
Thank you.
Julio, I need your help. -What's the matter?
What are you doing?
Stop it. -Why?
That's my job. -And as of now, mine as well.
What are you saying?
If you're really happier here than at the hotel, I'll be too.
Look, Julio... -You won't get rid of me so easily.
Votes in favour of joining the Meridian Circle.
Votes against.
Three against three. In case of a tie, the director has the last word.
And if anything is beyond doubt, it's that I'm the director of this hotel.
What are you doing here?
As you see, madam, here I am.
Andrés, come in, please.
As you can see, from now on Andrés will be part of this family.
That's ridiculous.
And it goes without saying, with all the rights due to an Alarcón.
You've come in time to vote.
Should the Grand Hotel join the Meridian Circle?
With what expertise will he decide? -With more than some of those here.
I vote in favour of doña Teresa.
I'm fed up, Sofía. I'm fed up with your mother's schemes...
with your family, with the hotel. -With me?
The child and you are all that keep me here.
But this hotel and your mother are destroying us. Why don't we leave?
And go where, Alfredo?
Your family only left you debts.
The hotel is all we have. -Yes, and it's worth a lot of money.
Money we could use to start over somewhere else.
Are you thinking of selling your share? -Yes, I am.
You can't do that. -Why not?
Even if I'm the director and co-owner, your mother will always overrule me.
This is our home, and the hotel has always belonged to my family.
I banned my mother from our life when she wanted to hurt you.
I think it's time you did something for me for once.
Mother, this time you've gone too far.
Alfredo is very upset. Something must be done to appease him.
My concern is the welfare of the hotel, not that of your husband.
If you continue to oppose him, you'll end up losing everything.
Alfredo's prepared to sell his share in the hotel, and there's nothing I can do.
Do you know what that means? The hotel may fall into anyone's hands.
Don't worry, daughter. I'll keep in mind what you've told me.
Madam.
We've managed to drive the marquis mad, and he's ready to sell his share.
You don't have the money to buy him out.
He wouldn't sell it to me anyway. -What do you intend to do?
I want you to call Quiroga and propose him what I'll tell you.
Come in.
Now what do we do? Do I treat you like before...
or like the gentleman you are now?
Mother, don't cry.
I thought I'd never see you again. -Well, here I am.
Everything has ended well, that's what matters.
Yes, at last.
Andrés.
Come sit over here.
Did I do something wrong?
It's strange to see you at this table.
It's not strange to see him at this table, but dining at it.
You'll get used to it.
Your manners aren't bad at all. -I know how to conduct myself.
Do you also know about finances?
No.
One would think so, seeing how confidently you voted.
Do you know how much it costs to install heating and telephones?
Or what it means to join a group like the Meridian Circle?
No.
So what was the basis of your judgment?
He trusted my opinion, which shows excellent judgment.
Something some of my children should learn.
Don't confuse good judgment with servility.
What will you do with your money? You'll have an allowance now.
Are you going to invest it? Bonds, stocks?
Or will you store it in an old sock? -Please.
I want to prepare my meeting with the Meridian Circle.
I'll leave tomorrow morning. -I'll go with you.
If you want to, you can go. -No, I like having dinner with my family.
You've left the best part untouched.
I know. Downstairs they eat the leftovers.
Go. -You don't want me to stay with you?
No, really, I'm fine.
What's the matter? -Nothing.
We have to hurry, before the guest comes back.
It seems it's not here either. Where would that document be?
Have you found it? -I've found something else.
A life insurance policy.
My father took it out, not long before he died.
If your mother lacked reasons to kill him, here's another one.
No, the beneficiary in case my father died wasn't my mother...
but Ángela.
Whether she had anything to do with his death or not...
the money would all be hers. -Your father wanted to provide for her.
If he were to die, your mother would kick Ángela out.
But my mother didn't kick her out, and Ángela doesn't have any money.
It's the guest.
We'll have to wait till he falls asleep.
On the count of three.
One, two, three.
Go.
Alicia, are you there?
Alicia, please, open up.
My love, I've told you everything. What more can I do?
You want me to stay with you?
It's not necessary. -I do have a heap of work waiting.
Good night. -Good night.
Sorry, don Diego, I didn't know you were here. You scared me.
I didn't mean to. Forgive me.
I couldn't sleep and came for some milk. Can I help you with anything?
No.
Some nights I'm just not sleepy.
I'm here anyway.
I don't mind preparing something for you. Just tell me what you'd like.
I think I'll have another glass of wine. But I can pour it myself, thank you.
I have no problem serving you. -Your name is Violetta, isn't it?
You'd better go back to your room.
Imagine, last year we still needed candles, now I have my own phone.
Do you want to make the first call? -I wouldn't know whom to call.
Did you know Father took out a life insurance before he died?
Will you believe me if I tell you? -Did you or not?
I didn't. I found out after he died, when the insurance firm began its procedure.
What did you think?
It surprised me, of course. But I won't tell you I was displeased.
The money helped pay the debts your father had contracted himself.
It partly reconciled me with him. -Was it a lot of money?
I don't remember exactly.
But if you're so interested...
here's the policy you're referring to.
Yes, it was a lot of money. -It helped us fill a few holes.
And install the electric lighting.
How did you know this policy existed?
It doesn't matter. Then you won't have to lie to me.
Now leave me alone. I have to get ready for my trip.
As you wish, Mother.
This is doña Teresa Aldecoa, from the Grand Hotel.
I want to make a call to the insurance brokerage firm of don Santiago Brines.
I'll wait.
Of course, doña Teresa.
No, I don't know your daughter, but I'm sure she'll introduce herself.
Not necessarily? Alright, I'll be alert.
What can I do for you, sir?
Inspector. Inspector Ayala, national police.
You've already helped me, Mr Brines.
Your phone conversation has confirmed my suspicion.
I don't know what you mean. -I think you do.
Your firm contracted a life insurance for don Carlos Alarcón...
with Ángela Solinas as beneficiary. It says so right here.
But this policy was never executed. Instead, you ratified another policy.
A forgery, with doña Teresa Aldecoa as beneficiary.
I was forced to do so, inspector. I swear.
That doesn't exonerate you, Mr Brines. You can expect official charges.
Please, inspector.
There must be another way to solve this.
Is there anything I can do for you? -As a matter of fact, there is.
I could do it myself, but I'm certain you have your contacts at the courts.
It would make it easier for me. -Tell me what it's about.
The verdict in the case concerning the competence of don Carlos Alarcón.
February 9, 1905.
Count on me, inspector... -Ayala.
From the national police. Have a good day.
Come in.
Antonio. Natalia. I'm so glad to see you.
Your clean towels, sir. -The breakfast you ordered.
What's the matter? It's me, Andrés.
Camila. -I'm only here to clean your room, sir.
You too? What's going on? -What's going on?
Enrique and María are gone. It's your fault that they were fired.
You think we don't hear anything? -What are you talking about?
They were fired to pay for the renovations.
And Antonio heard don Alfredo say they were approved...
because you supported doña Teresa. That's why she got you to come back.
I didn't know, I swear.
Don't swear in vain. It's a sin, and sins must be paid for.
Doña Teresa said it was best for the hotel.
And now you're part of the hotel and don't have to worry about the staff.
I understand. We all watch out for our own.
Mine are three brothers and a sick father.
What would you do if they fired me?
You don't know, do you? Well, neither do I.
The difference is that you don't need to worry about all this, nor about me.
And I'm so stupid as to keep loving you and thinking that maybe...
Camila, don't say that. I do worry about you.
I could see it all this time. You didn't even tell me where you were.
And you've come back changed.
Camila, please. -No, sir.
Doña Ángela was very clear. The staff must keep a distance from the guests.
Another maid will come to do your room.
If you need anything else, Mr Alarcón, press the bell and someone will come.
I need to talk to you. -Wait till I'm back from Madrid.
Why did you fire part of the staff?
To pay for the renovations you voted for yourself.
Or do you have a better idea? I didn't think so.
You deceived me, and now my colleagues...
I didn't deceive you. And they aren't your colleagues, they're employees.
Now if you'll excuse me.
Doña Teresa Aldecoa de Alarcón?
Yes? -I'm sorry, but you can't go in.
There must be some mistake. -No, madam, they've been very clear.
The Meridian Circle can't afford a scandal like this.
'Gold-knife killer's identity revealed: the maître of Cantaloa's Grand Hotel.'
I can't deny that your call surprises me.
Perhaps doña Teresa has decided to repair her relationship with her cousin.
Don Gonzalo will soon be rich, due to our mining exploits.
She didn't send me to see Gonzalo, but to see you.
I'm afraid I'm a married man. -And doña Teresa is a woman of taste.
Let me save you time, don Diego. I won't do business with doña Teresa.
I'm sure you will.
Do you recognize this document?
You destroyed a worthless copy.
You're exploiting mines that are the property of doña Teresa.
How much have you spent to get the mines up and running?
Never mind. I know exactly how much.
Exactly as much as doña Teresa has saved.
I'm sure you understand the reason of my visit.
What does she want? -She doesn't want to antagonize you.
She proposes a deal that will benefit you both.
I want to see don Diego right away. -Yes, madam.
I talked to Quiroga. He'll do as we asked.
What's the matter, madam?
Someone leaked to the press. The scandal has affected our plans.
The Meridian Circle didn't accept us? -Not yet.
But I've made sure they know who they're dealing with.
And I swear, Diego, they'll regret it.
My God, what is that?
the brothel of the wealthy
I receive you because you've made a long trip, but please, make it quick.
Of course, and I appreciate that you receive me.
I come on behalf of the founding members of the Meridian Circle.
I'm amazed that they have the temerity to send you...
after snubbing me like no one ever snubbed me before.
That's exactly why I'm here, madam.
The members of the Meridian Circle, each and every one of them...
ask you to forgive them. That's what they urged me to tell you.
Whence this sudden and collective change of mind?
They've thought it over, madam. They understand you're not to blame.
Could you have known that your maître was the gold-knife killer? No.
Do you have any other message, other than this apology?
Yes, madam. My superiors hope you'll join the founders of the Meridian Circle.
No. Tell them that I appreciate the gesture...
but I wouldn't feel welcome among those who first wanted to exclude me.
I hadn't quite finished, madam.
They propose to make you the president of the Meridian Circle...
from the very first official meeting.
Really?
And when and where will the first official meeting be held?
At the Atenea Hotel in Madrid, at midnight on New Year's Eve.
A perfect moment.
Tell the people you represent that I accept their apologies.
Just as I accept the presidency of the Meridian Circle.
They'll be happy to hear it, madam. -On one binding condition.
What condition?
The Meridian Circle will be founded here, at the Grand Hotel in Cantaloa.
Could I make a phone call? -Go ahead.
So for months you were a prisoner of one of the most active clans there.
And you managed to escape. -As you see, I'm a hero.
You may have seen things that may give us insight into the enemy's plans.
How did they capture you? -There were three of them...
Only three? -An advance guard.
Many more were behind them.
Where did they take you? -Their camp, south of Wadi Tameda.
What was there? -Nothing.
It was late. They locked me up, with just a little to eat and drink.
How did you escape? -At night, while my capturers slept.
I fled to the coast, guided by the stars.
Don Alfredo, I was looking for you.
Don Luis, how can I help you? -I'd like to talk to you, in private.
Come with me.
That's all, sir. Anything else? -Yes. That area is an extensive plain.
You couldn't have gone fast without supplies.
How did you keep them from finding you at dawn?
I hid myself. -Where?
In a cave. -And they didn't search it?
I took cover among some boxes. -Boxes in a cave?
Many. -What did they contain?
Weapons. -What kind of weapons?
I don't know, a bit of everything. Rifles, machine guns, cannons.
Many weapons. -Do you realize what that means?
If the clans are amassing weapons, it means they're preparing an attack.
It'd be my duty to launch a preventive strike, which could lead to all-out war.
To be honest, I'm not really sure.
I only recall my escape. The thirst, the exhaustion.
Maybe it was a mirage. -Mirages only occur in the desert.
That's where I was, in a desert. Sand all around me, my pursuers on my trail.
Sand. -On every side.
There isn't any desert there. Nor were there any weapons, caves or enemies.
Spare me your excuses. Save them for the military tribunal.
I suppose you know what's in store for deserters.
The firing squad.
Have a good day.
Alfredo...