The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
Act Two - Lux Aeterna — Chapter 24
Overview
Alicia Marlasca recounts how Diego fell under the sway of actress Irene Sabino and séance host Damián Roures after their son Ismael drowned. Diego abandoned law, moved into the Ribera tower house, and pursued a Paris commission he believed could restore Ismael. He was later found dead, officially a suicide, but Alicia alleges murder by Irene and Jaco and a police cover-up, warning David to flee the cursed house and city.
Summary
Alicia Marlasca tells David Martín that her husband Diego became fixated on Irene Sabino, a famed Paralelo actress introduced by séance organizer Damián Roures. Managed by Jaco (Juan Corbera), Irene performed at fraudulent sessions yet believed she could reach her dead mother.
Alicia describes marital strain as Diego longed to leave law for writing. Tragedy struck when their seven-year-old son, Ismael, drowned in the garden pool during one of their arguments. Devastated and guilt-ridden, Diego and Alicia drifted apart, each seeing their son’s body in the other’s presence.
Diego left the firm, moved into the Ribera tower house, and claimed a major Paris commission. Convinced he was dying and obsessed with spirits, he let Irene and Roures influence him, paying them to contact Ismael. He told Alicia his book would “save” their son and refused to let her in.
Months later Diego was found dead. Officials ruled it an accident or suicide; Jaco vanished with money, and Roures denied involvement. Irene blamed Alicia but, Alicia believes, didn’t profit. Alicia contends Irene and Jaco killed Diego for more than money, hinting at hidden motives tied to the book and house.
Detective Ricardo Salvador suspected inconsistencies and a cover-up but was removed from the case and expelled from the force. After trying to help Alicia, even he withdrew. Valera urged her to remarry and blamed her. Alicia ends by warning David to forget the house, their story, and the damned city.
Who Appears
- Alicia MarlascaDiego’s widow; recounts his obsession with séances and Irene, their son’s drowning, and alleges Diego’s murder and a cover-up.
- Diego MarlascaLawyer turned writer; grieving father who moves to the tower house, takes a Paris commission, and is later found dead.
- Irene SabinoParalelo actress drawn to séances; linked to Diego through Roures; accused by Alicia of complicity in his death.
- Damián RouresSéance organizer who introduced Irene to Diego; denies involvement after Diego’s death, suspected of exploitation.
- Juan Corbera (Jaco)Irene’s manager and probable lover; accused of using Irene to fleece Diego; disappears with money.
- Ricardo SalvadorYoung policeman who suspects foul play; removed from the case and expelled, later stops visiting Alicia.
- Pedro Vidal’s partner, ValeraDiego’s former law partner; blamed Alicia and urged remarriage; earlier threatened partnership dissolution.
- David MartínListener to Alicia’s testimony; renter of the same cursed house, warned to leave Barcelona.
- Ismael MarlascaDiego and Alicia’s seven-year-old son who drowned; his death triggers Diego’s descent.