The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
Act Three - The Angel’s Game — Chapter 6
Overview
David spots Inspector Grandes staking out his home after Alicia Marlasca’s body is found, forcing him to flee and hide overnight in a seedy hotel. He leaves Barcelona by train and warns Ricardo Salvador that Irene Sabino is alive and tailing him, possibly with Jaco Corbera. The net tightens from both police and shadowy enemies, escalating danger and urgency.
Summary
Approaching his tower house at night, David Martín notices Inspector Víctor Grandes with Marcos and Castelo waiting by the door. Realizing they likely discovered Alicia Marlasca’s body in her Sarriá pool and suspect him, David slips into the Ribera alleys and heads for Estación de Francia to avoid arrest.
Finding no trains until morning, David checks into a disreputable hotel in Plaza Palacio under the alias Antonio Miranda. He rejects the receptionist’s offer of company, sleeps fully clothed in the filthy room, and endures a restless night, determined to stay out of the police’s reach.
The next morning, David buys a first-class ticket and, before departure, uses a public telephone to reach Ricardo Salvador through the neighbor, Don Emilio. He bluntly informs Salvador that Alicia Marlasca is dead and warns him that Irene Sabino is alive and following him, possibly accompanied by Jaco Corbera.
Salvador questions why Jaco would return, but vows he is prepared if confronted. As the stationmaster signals departure, David urges caution, promises to call upon return, and boards the train, leaving Barcelona while threats from both law enforcement and unknown pursuers converge.
Who Appears
- David MartínProtagonist; evades police after Marlasca’s death, hides in a fleabag hotel, departs Barcelona, and warns Salvador about Irene and Jaco.
- Inspector Víctor GrandesLeads a stakeout at David’s home, implying suspicion after Alicia Marlasca’s body is found.
- Ricardo SalvadorDavid’s ally; receives David’s warning about Irene Sabino and a possible return of Jaco Corbera; vows readiness.
- Irene SabinoBelieved alive and tailing David; a looming threat possibly acting with another accomplice.
- Jaco CorberaPossibly accompanying Irene; his suspected return deepens the menace surrounding David and Salvador.
- Alicia MarlascaFound dead in her pool; her death triggers the police focus on David.
- MarcosOne of Grandes’s men; part of the team staking out David’s home.
- CasteloOne of Grandes’s men; assists in the nighttime stakeout.
- Hotel receptionistSleazy clerk at the Plaza Palacio hotel; checks David in under an alias and offers disreputable services.
- Don EmilioNeighbor who connects David’s call to Ricardo Salvador at short notice.