Ganado: a novel
Page 22
The judge looked around at the prosecution and the defense. He looked at the audience and saw many faces smiling; nodding their approval. He even noticed one spectator reaching over and patting Alonso on the back. Among the crowd, he saw Captain Gonzalez nodding his head up and down.
“Order! Senor Velez, do you understand your statement is an admission that you killed a man?”
“Yes, judge. I am sorry for that. I feel very bad about it and have trouble sleeping. I know I should have avoided him, but I was angry. I truly thought he was going to kill me and I had to defend myself.”
Caldera jumped out of his seat. “I object to this testimony, Your Honor! You cannot possibly accept this man’s statement!”
The judge smacked the gavel so hard it split in two. “Please, sit down Señor Caldera! In this courtroom I am not told what to do!”
Caldera fell back in his seat. The judge sat quietly for a few moments. Galo took deep drags from his cigarette, but found no solace.
“Señor Velez, thank you for your attendance and for your admission of guilt in this case. Based on all the prior testimony, there is no inconsistency in your statement. In fact, the nature of your visible injuries is quite convincing. There is no denying that the deceased in this case was not an innocent victim. Let the record show the look of those attending show little sympathy for the victim. If called to testify, they would much validate your statement. At this point, I have no other cause than to order the charges dropped against the defendant. He will not go to trial. I find Señor Velez guilty for the death of the deceased, but note the extenuating circumstances of his own self-defense. I will require for a police officer to accompany Señor Velez to the hospital until this court can review the self-defense issue.”
Without a gavel, the judge let a large legal book drop on his desk. “It is so ordered by this court and Judge Carmelo Castellano. I see the police captain in the audience. Captain, will you instruct one of your men to stay with Señor Velez until I rule on the question of self-defense?” The Captain nodded and walked out with Velez and the orderly.
Fortuna turned and huddled with Galo, Elio, and Rico. “I don’t know what will happen. There seems to be something going on behind the scenes. I am also not sure we want to be informed. I am recommending one of our other partners start to represent Alonso. If I am reading this right, I think the judge will accept the self-defense plea, but will require Alonso to serve some penance.”
The three men looked at the attorney and Galo held his partners back. “Jail time? Wait, what happened? What are you talking about?”
“I can’t help that Alonso took the blame for the cop’s murder. Self-defense can only go so far. If there is more investigation, this whole thing blows up. You could still be charged.” All three looked to the ground.
Caldera left the courtroom with a scowl on his face and avoided the reporters asking questions. On the other hand, the audience exited as if their team had won the World Series.
Chapter 34
The door closed behind the men. Elio, Galo, and Rico were in the hospital room surrounding Alonso in his bed. His leg was back up in traction. Outside the room a police officer waited, along with Elena and Fortuna, the attorney. The men spoke softly after their salutations and well wishes.
Galo noticed Elio bit his lip before speaking. “I don’t understand what got into you yesterday and why you went ahead and claimed killing that half turd of a cop. I think the hole in your head let out more than excess liquid. We had everything thought out and were pretty sure no one would be found guilty of anything. It was a circumstantial case at best. In any case, what happened? Did you all of a sudden remember?”
Alonso shrugged and wriggled a bit. “Circumstantial or not, it was too risky to take that course. I don’t remember much, little snippets here and there, but I know the asshole let me have it. I am also confident you guys eliminated him and don’t deny it. I read enough in the paper and found plausible conjecture in the earlier testimony to step in and claim self-defense. It was the way to get you off.”
Galo drew Alonso’s attention. “You know that for a sarcastic shit eater, you showed some balls! I, for one, am grateful for them.” He saw Alonso smile for the first time.
Elio got serious. “We are going to have a lawyer represent you and pursue the self-defense plea. It depends on how far the authorities want to investigate further. Fortuna doesn’t think they will send you to jail, but I am concerned.”
“Why would they send me to jail? The doctor wants to break my leg again and re-set it.”
All three men grunted. Galo blew out smoke. “Because you said you killed a cop, that’s why. If they accept this, it will be you instead of me in jail. I will take care of you and your family for as long as there is need. You do not need to worry about anything.”
Rico interrupted. “That’s right. We will keep your pay and as the company does, we’ll get you your portion. You need to take care of yourself here and do what the doctor says.”
A tear slipped from Alonso’s eye. Silence fell upon them for a moment until Galo broke it. “You guys aren’t going to kiss him, are you?”
Everyone chuckled. Elio bent down and gave Alonso a half hug. Rico followed with the same. Galo ensued with the half hug and without hesitation gave Alonso a resounding smooch on his cheek, to the laughter of the other two.
***
“Carmelo, thank you for rendering your judgment when you did.” Captain Gonzalez clinked his glass with the Judge’s. “It’s embarrassing enough to listen to the testimony of those store people. I could not think of what would have been uncovered if the testimony continued, or worse, if the case would have gone to trial.”
“You bet your ass you should thank me. I thought Caldera would shoot me from his chair. Hell, he still may have my ass sometime soon. In any case, when you were here last and told me about your predicament, I truly thought you were being melodramatic. It seemed we were back in school and you were dreading facing up to your test. After listening to the testimony and watching the crowd’s reaction, the cop you brought on was one wicked bastard. Did you hear the old man say they should have cut his balls off?” Judge Carmelo laughed.
“I think the old man is right. I think if I had the chance, I would castrate the bastard myself.” They drank some more.
“Judge … Carmelo, are you going to have Velez serve time in jail?”
“I don’t see how to avoid it. I can’t condone having citizens going around and killing cops. Even if this cop was a rotten piece of horse dung, who knows if the next citizen wants to get even for something else. I would like to learn more and validate the story before providing a sentence. In any case, there’s no hurry. The Velez guy is pretty hurt and your men are watching him at the hospital, I take it?”
Captain Gonzalez nodded his head from side to side as the judge finished his thought. “You disagree, Rafael?”
“I could not disagree more. First, I do have a man at the hospital. He is outside Velez’ door and the man is hurt. He is not going anywhere. As to your desire to investigate and validate the story, I beg you to let it go and take the man’s word.”
“What are you afraid of Rafael?”
“Frankly, the unknown. I don’t care what the real story involves. Velez did us all a favor and to dig up all the wrongs this Santiesteban did would create a greater distrust of our force. And, yes, it could cost me my job, and yes, I like my job.”
The judge took a long sip from his añejo. “What about Caldera? I like my job and I’d like to stay in it without getting some kind of a formal review. What do I do about Caldera?”
“You know I watched him after he left the crowd at the court. He’s a political machine. He noticed the crowd wasn’t in favor of the victim at all. His expression changed dramatically after scowling out of the court. I think he will agree with whatever sentence you provide and he’ll let it drop. The last thing he wants in the paper is for an editorial about his lack of good judgment.”
Raising his glass once more. “I think that would be fair. Salud and thank you.”
***
A week later, the girls were playing around the house and Rona called for the nanny to change the baby. Galo and Elio sat in the kitchen sipping a cup of coffee. Galo lit up a cigarette and took a deep drag. With the noise in the background they were free to speak.
Elio began, “I know the attorney will negotiate a good deal for Alonso. I am uncertain of where the judge or the prosecuting attorney or the police want to go with this, and I am not going to ask them.”
Galo nodded his understanding as Elio continued.
“I am concerned that if they do investigate, the timeline is not going to work. We can’t hide that Alonso lied in the hospital for some time before the half turd visited the whorehouse. If that happens, they will come back to you and it will go straight to trial.”
Galo seemed to shiver. “I thought along the same line, but I also think they’ll want to let this pass. Besides the prosecuting attorney, who seems to be interested in politics, I think the police want this to go away. Their captain seemed embarrassed.”
“Yes, but we can’t take the risk that they will come after you. I don’t know how to say this, but I think you should go away for a long while.”
“What about the company? Who is going to manage the slaughterhouse and make sure we meet the contract?”
“I will, with Rico; and in time Alonso will come back and work the books and numbers.”
Galo felt stunned to think Elio had come to this conclusion. He was a much younger man, but showed great intelligence, skill, and judgment at crucial moments. Galo knew he had chastised him a great deal when the cop first negotiated for payment, but he recognized now that overall Elio took a conservative route. And despite the conservative route, Galo knew he was right in that it would not end well with the cop. Galo took a good look at Elio and saw in his face a sense of responsibility for Alonso’s pain and jail time. He also saw the feeling of more responsibility if he was taken to trial and found guilty.
Galo turned to the noise of the family running about their house, and thought deeply that this involved more than one person. “Elio, perhaps you are right. I should leave. But you know, if I am going to leave, it will be for more than a long while. I have had some thoughts around starting my own business. I should think this is as good a time as any.”
“Where would you go, Galo?”
“I’m thinking I should go east, to Camagüey. My brother is there and I may like the country. Who knows?”
“What about your percentage of the company? You are going to need funds for whatever you do.”
“I will need funds, but I also realize the slaughterhouse is growing and you need to keep it going. I think if I am successful in Camagüey, the volume here will be even more substantial. Let me visit my good friend Campos at the bank. I think I can get him to back me until we have the right liquidity. If and when I want my percentage in cash, will you let me?”
“I will do everything within my power to get you your money. You are a great friend, partner, and mentor.”
“Very well. It’s settled. I will speak with Rona this evening and tell the girls tomorrow. Then, I’ll begin to make the arrangements and by the end of next month we’ll be out of La Habana.”
Galo stubbed out the butt of his cigarette in the ashtray and stood. Elio and Galo embraced with heavy pats on their backs.
“Don’t worry my friend, I’ll come back and see you. It’s just a train ride away.”
Elio left. Galo lit another cigarette and sat contemplating his past and his future. He felt grateful to have such a fine family. He appreciated his association with Elio and the company that they grew from nothing. He would forever be in debt to Alonso for stepping up and taking responsibility for something he did. If and how he survived the jail would haunt him a long time.
He worked tirelessly at the slaughterhouse with the nastiness of the entrails of the steers and all it contained. There were the constant bloodstains on his apron and the perpetual smell of death. Not to mention, the incessant flies that left a continuous buzz in his ears. There were the daily battles with the men to get them to respect the work and to be dedicated to their labors. In many ways he would miss their company and the camaraderie created by these challenges. Yet, the time seemed right. He was still young enough to go and venture elsewhere. It was time to truly see what he could accomplish on his own merit and enterprise. There was risk with this tact, but there was also risk with not pursuing his dream. He was suddenly struck with a nagging fear; the fear that at the end of his life he would look to the past and feel ashamed because he didn’t try.
Chapter 35
The train eased its way to a complete stop at the main station in Camagüey with a long whistle from the engineer in the steam locomotive. Cuba had a railway since the 1830s that expanded over the years. It was the first railroad in Latin America. It actually began right where this station was erected. An entrepreneur developed a horse drawn rail service between Camagüey and Nuevitas in the North, but soon thereafter investments from the Queen of Spain and others developed a system advanced for those times. Of course, these railways were developed to transport the number one focus on the island since colonial times: sugar. People were an afterthought, but they benefitted greatly from the transportation. The benefit was in covering the three hundred and thirty five miles between La Habana and Camagüey in about ten hours, including the various stops along the way.
The Bartolo’s trip started before dawn. The new Pullman sleeper cars made the trip more comfortable. These sleepers were a true blessing, especially on the westbound overnight trip. A trip Galo dreaded and imagined as a sign of utter failure. He and his family traveled in private adjacent cabins with a connecting pocket door. The upper bunks were made in one cabin for Galito and the girls to sleep a bit due to the early hour. Galo and Rona didn’t sleep, but drank coffee and talked about their new future. There would be difficulties, but it would be worth it.
The station contained a modern rail yard located on the northern side of the city off a street called Van Horne, named for the Canadian rail developer. Beside the passengers who frequented the station, its greatest use involved shipping sugar from the various plantations in the province. It was also used to ship cattle from the adjacent stockyard. Everyone who arrived there could not miss the prevalent aroma. Cattle were a key industry in Camagüey. The land is fairly flat. The grass is good. Cattle could be raised without overbuilding their muscle strength. Too much muscle made the eventual beef less tender. The tropical heat would debilitate the animal, but the sea breezes with no impediments of mountains to cross through the province made it more bearable. Furthermore, being inland approximately eighty and some odd kilometers from either the north or the south coast, it received an abundance of rain.
Galo took the steps from the train to the platform this Sunday afternoon near the end of September and immediately turned back to help Rona and the baby down the same steps. Galito at nine months spoke little, but was a load to carry. The porter took Rona by the arm on the other side. In doing so, he never saw Frank waving his big Stetson from the end of the platform.
After Rona stood firm on the platform, he reached back to unload Mandy; the smallest, Iris; and Cari, the oldest daughter. The girls preferred to be carried and swung from the train to the platform than take the steps. Cari was nine and already quite a husky girl, like her mother. Galo was particularly careful in order to avoid getting hurt. All the girls were strong and healthy, as was his boy. Once the family settled as a group, Galo lit up a cigarette and looked around. Many of the other passengers were off the train making the platform crowded. It seemed they were covering every foot of space imaginable. Porters were rushing taking luggage out from the train, whi
le others were wheeling carts of luggage to put on the train.
Through the mass of humanity, Galo spotted the hat waving from afar and getting closer. He touched Rona on her arm as she fussed with the baby and pointed towards the waving hat. She exclaimed, “Look!” The girls noticed it too and ran a path through the crowd screaming “Tio, Tio!” Frank bent his long frame and finally got on one knee to receive the group hug from his nieces. Among the hugs and kisses, Galo, and Rona walked up through the opening that the girls managed to create. Frank pushed on the knee that wasn’t on the ground to get upright and bent over to hug his brother. He turned to Rona and gave her a peck on the cheek, but immediately stretched his arms.
“Let me see him!”
“See him? Here, hold him!” And she handed Galito to his uncle.
As though he was the proud papa and sporting a grin that would have lit the world at its onset, he lifted Galito high in the air and moved him from side to side, exclaiming his nephew was his. The girls, of course, became a little jealous, but wanted their baby brother back. They did not want their uncle to take the boy. Rona set them at ease that he merely used this phrase an expression, and the baby belonged to the girls no matter what happened. They settled down and went back to drawing attention from their uncle.
“I have a buggy waiting to get all of you to the place we have rented. Do you have much luggage?”
Galo rolled his eyes and tossed his head a bit, enough for Rona to give him a good elbow on his side. “We have some luggage. Perhaps we might need a separate cart. Why don’t all of you go with Frank to the buggy and let me talk to the porter to see what we can manage.”
Frank carried Galito as he used his hat to herd the girls and Rona toward the end of the platform and the waiting buggy.