The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Contents
Chapter 35
Overview
David returns to an empty home, tends his wounds, and reads Cristina’s anguished letter. Before dawn, Inspector Grandes arrests him for questioning and reveals Damián Roures has been murdered. Valera intervenes and secures David’s release, warning him off the Marlasca affair. A summons from Corelli arrives; David burns it, rejecting his patron.
Summary
Near midnight, David Martín returns to the tower house and realizes Isabella has left, her room tidied and tools arranged, leaving the home hollow. He treats the cuts from his earlier assault and finds a recent letter from Cristina confessing emptiness, guilt toward Pedro, lingering love for David, and a wish for his forgiveness of Pedro.
Before dawn, pounding at the door brings Inspector Grandes with Marcos and Castelo. They take David to the Vía Layetana station and confine him in a fetid room before questioning him about Damián Roures, whom David had visited earlier.
Grandes reveals Roures was discovered bound, mutilated—eyes torn out, tongue cut—and died choking on blood shortly after David’s visit. He presses David, linking this death to those of Barrido and Escobillas. David, exhausted and evasive, admits being attacked but offers little else, prompting threats of harsher interrogation.
A sudden interruption arrives in the form of Valera, the powerful lawyer, who privately forces Grandes to release David. Valera escorts David out, implying influential friends are protecting him and advising him to stay away from Casa Marlasca, 13 Carretera de Vallvidrera, and its business.
Driven home in a chauffeured Mercedes, David receives an envelope sealed with an angel. Inside, Andreas Corelli invites him to meet at the Equestrian Club to discuss their project. Back at his desk, David burns the letter and whispers defiance, choosing rejection even as the night presses in.
Who Appears
- David MartínProtagonist; returns injured, reads Cristina’s letter, is interrogated about Roures’s murder, released by Valera, and burns Corelli’s summons.
- Inspector GrandesLeads the late-night arrest and interrogation; suspects links between David’s visit and Roures’s murder.
- ValeraPowerful lawyer who intervenes, secures David’s release, and warns him away from Casa Marlasca.
- MarcosBrutish sergeant who escorts and menaces David during detention.
- CasteloOfficer accompanying Marcos; taunts David at the station.
- Damián RouresMagic-shop owner found bound and mutilated; his murder triggers David’s interrogation.
- CristinaHer letter reveals despair, love for David, guilt toward Pedro, and a plea to forgive him.
- Andreas CorelliMysterious patron; sends a formal summons, which David pointedly burns.
- IsabellaAssistant who has departed, leaving her room cleaned and David feeling her absence.