That night, Tadeus and Gustaph go back to the red carpeted casino to say goodbye to their partner amidst the liquor and gambling — I don't mean to be rude, but I thought Coyote would be a much older man — Mitchell says — Maybe you — he adds, looking at Pine.
The three are sitting playing blackjack with other people, but they don't seem interested in the conversation — I assumed you'd be just like you look — Tadeus says.
— What? — the man asks with a smile, but he doesn't wait for an answer. After laughing a little, he says — A young man who's also quite serious. What else could surprise me about you?
— Don't let appearances deceive you. He's not as stiff as he looks — Gustaph says. Tadeus gives his friend a disapproving look and takes a sip of his whiskey to swallow his discomfort.
After several seconds, one of the people at the table wins — Time to go — Tadeus says after getting up from his chair.
— Why the rush? — Mitchell asks — How about we have dinner at my resort?
— Next time — Tadeus says with a forced smile.
That morning before boarding the plane, Tadeus talks to his sister to let her know he's back, but right after hanging up, he receives a call from Alexander and decides he'll call him later.
<><><> MAY <><><>
Alexander is in the basement pool of his house, floating on a float. To his left is a glass with ice, coconut water, and whiskey. With his right hand, he smokes a Havana cigar — How are we going to regain the Greeks' trust? — Leonard asks, sitting on the edge of the pool — It was one of the safest routes.
— It couldn't have been the police — says Animal — They'd have a whole story of heroism on the news. It had to be Coyote. The mangy who's been trying to take over my routes for years.
— He has no heir. We must assume there's a lot of competition within his pack of pups to earn his utmost trust.
— I don't think the old man would mind leaving his fortune to someone — Alexander says.
— I'll speak to the Greeks on your behalf.
— No, I'll do it myself. They were the first with whom my father forged a partnership. For now, speak to those in Spain and Scotland. You can talk to them as if you were the Animal.
— I'll take care of it, sir — Leonard says and leaves.
— Damn it! — Alexander whispers to himself once Leonard has left — I need to relax a bit or my head will explode — he says, massaging his temples with his fingertips and inhaling again from his cigar.
The next day, Tadeus is getting off the plane in the early morning when he receives a call from Alexander — Hello? — he answers with surprise in his voice.
— Are you coming to my house? I can send someone for you.
— I'm a little busy right now.
— Okay. Just send me a message with your location and I'll send someone.
— You don't understand, sweetheart, I'm really busy — Tadeus says — We need to go to your father's house right now… — Gustaph's voice comes through the line.
— Is everything alright? I miss talking to you — Alexander says.
— I'll call you back — Tadeus replies and hangs up.
— Who was that? — Gustaph asks.
— Yenedith's upset because I haven't visited Grandma — Tadeus answers.
By midday, Tadeus was already at his father's house, sharing a meal on one of the terraces — I heard you have good news — Edwin comments.
— The Turk signed the agreement — Tadeus replies.
— Excellent, excellent! — the man exclaims, opening a bottle of champagne to pour for them — Then we can proceed to the second phase. I need you to travel to Greece and speak with the Greeks so they agree to make a deal with us.
— No, absolutely not.
— You know how easy it is, you just have to do the same thing: introduce yourself and...
— But I'm not gonna do it. I'm not going to lend my hands to human trafficking. Women as young as my own sister at that! It disgusts me! — Tadeus says and leaves.
— You just have to give him some time. He won't give up until he's exhausted all his options — Gustaph says — Look at everything you've accomplished with him in such a short time.
— Time that's starting to cost me money — Edwin complains.
<><><> That afternoon <><><>
Tadeus decides to visit the retirement home where his grandmother lives. He goes through the lobby to register as a visitor and takes a seat in the waiting room until his grandmother appears, accompanied by one of the nurses.
— Grandma, how have you been? — Tadeus asks. He stands in front of his grandmother, but she doesn't look up.
— Who are you? I don't know you — Daisy says.
— But Grandma… — Tadeus says, gently taking her hand.
— Stay away from me! — the woman says.
— Don't you know who he is, Mrs. Daisy? — the nurse asks.
— No, don't mind her. She's just upset with me because I haven't been around lately — Tadeus says.
— Could you walk me back? — Daisy asks.
— Grandma, please forgive me. I really miss you.
Daisy reaches for her grandson's hand and touches his arm, holding on to it. Seeing this, the nurse says goodbye with a slight smile and walks away.
— Since when have you needed help walking? Where's your cane? — Tadeus asks, somewhat worried.
— My eyesight has deteriorated so much. It's becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish shapes and colors. They say the clouding of my corneas is due to age. I just thank God I don't have cataracts."
— I'm so sorry I haven't been here all this time, Grandma — Tadeus says. In a few steps, they reach the garden where a group of people are stretching and others are walking around.
They both approach an area of the garden where there are chess tables. Tadeus notices that the black squares stand out; the white pieces have different characteristics in their design than the black ones, such as small circles that are highlighted at the base.
Despite Daisy's intentions, Tadeus refuses to play and they only have a brief conversation — I think Yenedith is starting to get used to that house — Daisy says.
— Listen carefully, Tadeus, take your things and return to Switzerland immediately.
— We have nowhere to return to.
— Yes, you do have somewhere to return to. You have each other, that's all you need to start over.
— How could we leave without you, Grandma? The reason we came is to be with you.
— There's no need to think about me. I've already lived my life, and my daughter's death, to state the truth, brought me more relief than pain — Daisy says — Seeing her suffer so much in her last days broke me. I never thought I'd give birth only to see her endure such misfortune throughout her life — she says. Wiping away her tears, she places her hand on Tadeus' on the table and says — You are all I have left. I wouldn't want that bastard Edwin to take away what's most precious, your freedom.
— No, Grandma — Tadeus said, with a knot forming in his throat.
— You're still on time to leave — she says — But what's holding you back? I know Yenedith is more than ready to leave, but she tells me you're just asking her to wait. What are you waiting for?
— Nothing, I'm not waiting for anything anymore — Tadeo sighs — The truth is, I'm not free anymore, Grandma.
At that moment, he begins to tell her about the things Edwin has asked him to do: about his trips with Gustaph, about the microphones, and the recent trip to Turkey where he saw women enslaved for sex. Daisy says nothing. She remains silent until she says — Please, take me to my room.
Throughout the way back, Tadeus holds back his tears to maintain a cheerful facade for the people they meet along the way. When they arrive at the room, Daisy hugs her grandson and says — You can still leave; I'll be fine here.
— Yes, Grandma.