The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
Chapter 34
Overview
David visits the desecrated Marlasca family vault seeking answers and is confronted by Irene Sabino, then knocked unconscious by an unseen accomplice. Irene cuts David and steals Marlasca’s photograph, erasing a key clue. A cemetery guard later revives David, underscoring the growing danger and tightening conspiracy around Marlasca.
Summary
David travels by tram through rain to San Gervasio Cemetery to examine the Marlasca family vault. After brusquely obtaining directions from the cemetery guard, he reaches a grand but desecrated mausoleum, noting vandalized statues, scratched tombstones, and obscene markings. He verifies Diego Marlasca’s tomb and compares it with the photograph Salvador gave him.
Hearing footsteps, David turns to see a woman in white at the gallery entrance: Irene Sabino, smiling. Before he can react, an unseen attacker strikes the back of David’s neck, knocking him to the ground. Irene kneels beside David, checks his wound, and opens a razor, then draws the blade across his chest, leaving superficial cuts.
David loses consciousness. He later awakens to the glare of an oil lamp and the impassive cemetery guard. Disoriented and in pain, David asks after the women, but the guard insists he found David alone after closing time. David discovers his shirt cut and the photograph of Marlasca missing from his coat pocket.
Realizing the theft has removed an important lead, David asks to use a telephone. The guard, begrudging but helpful, supports David toward Bellesguard so he can call from there, leaving the cemetery with fresh injuries and confirmation that Irene Sabino and an accomplice are actively obstructing his investigation.
Who Appears
- David MartínProtagonist; investigates the Marlasca vault, is ambushed, cut, and robbed of Marlasca’s photograph.
- Irene SabinoAppears at the mausoleum, participates in the assault, cuts David with a razor, and facilitates the theft.
- Unknown assailantStrikes David from behind at the vault, aiding Irene Sabino during the attack.
- Cemetery guardFinds David unconscious, denies seeing anyone else, and helps him reach a phone at Bellesguard.
- Diego MarlascaDeceased former tenant; his desecrated vault and missing photograph drive David’s investigation.