Fate (1): Fate, #1

By Laura Sánchez Herráez

Book description:

Carme and Joan come from different worlds. She has had a complicated life and, at seventeen, she is alone and with a bleak future ahead of her. He is a rookie cop but with a brilliant career to develop, with loving and supportive parents. The fate of both cross in the Barcelona streets by chance, uniting their lives remain forever. Two completely different people who feel that everything is easier if they are together. Two crossed lives that improve each other. A police unit that will start to work in spite of everything. A human trafficking case that goes beyond their borders, which is the beginning of something that they themselves do not know what implications it will have on their future or on those around them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adriana LS Swift
• Release date: Mar 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781071589410

Book preview

Laura Sánchez Herráez

Pandora

Author's note .................................... 9

Foreword ........................................... 15

I ........................................................... 19

II .........................................................  37

III ......................................................... 59

IV ........................................................  81

V .......................................................... 99

VI ......................................................... 115

VII ........................................................ 145

VIII ....................................................... 162

IX ......................................................... 187

X .......................................................... 221

XI ......................................................... 237

XII ........................................................ 261

XIII ....................................................... 287

XIV ....................................................... 313

XV ........................................................ 321

XVI ....................................................... 329

XVII ...................................................... 357

XVIII ..................................................... 369

XIX ........................................................ 381

XX ......................................................... 395

XXI ........................................................ 421

XXII ....................................................... 443

XXIII ...................................................... 469

XXIV ...................................................... 489

XXV ..................................................... 505

XXVI .................................................... 513

XXVII ................................................... 537

Epilogue ............................................. 555

Gratitudes .......................................... 575

Author's note

The characters in this story, as well as the plot, are totally fictional. They are not based on any real person, living or dead, either.

The places that are cited in this part are real or based on others that are.

The events narrated with respect to the crimes or the characters lives are not real or based on others that are.

To my readers,

for continuing to ask for more and more.

"Whoever does not punish evil, orders it done"

Leonardo da Vinci

Foreword

––––––––

Carme

Everything seems to end here. Here on this cliff so far from our comfortable home. Here, surrounded by pigs belonging to a mobster that we have been unable to fully hunt down in these years.

And they know it.

Joan looks at me and knows what I'm thinking. We had already talked about this. We know it has to end, but it is hard to make a decision like this. Leaving your life for all eternity, never seeing your loved ones again ... Not being able to hug our little Adriana again. And we know that if we don't make this decision, she will always be in danger. They have let us know in the worst way possible.

No, we have no other choice.

We don't have all fucking day, the quietest of the three tells us. If you haven't jumped in ten seconds, we'll blow your brains out.

I feel my husband taking my hand, squeezing it like never before.

It's for her, I remind him, seeing that his eyes still reflect fear for what awaits us.

I love you as much as a universe, best friend, he tells me, making me feel happy again for a few seconds.

I love you as much as a multiverse, best friend, I respond to him as I always do.

An eternal multiverse, he repeats as if in a sentence.

In my head I constantly have thousands of thoughts in a second. It has always been like this. But at this moment, I don't know why, a memory sticks in my mind. Our wedding. That day I never thought I would live, even less with a man like Joan. I dreamt Bridge Over Troubled Water was playing, an Elvis version, and we were dancing happily, beginning a life that we thought would last forever and ever, like fairy tales.

But in this world there are only ogres who torture and dismember people. Not a trace of beautiful fairies or bright unicorns.

We look behind us, at that terrifying cliff, and then once again we look into each other's eyes.

We have to, I tell him with as much conviction as I can.

I know, honey, he answers, holding back the tears. Together, okay?

Forever.

I

Sixteen years before...

––––––––

Carme

I am a romantic person. The truth is so. And I don't understand why. My parents tried to kill each other. And when I say kill, it is literal. A few months ago, in one of their new fight, they ended up killing each other. I don't think they even meant to; they were so set that I don't understand how they were able to hit each other, even to brush against knives. Was I impressed by seeing that scene when I arrived from the noon bottle? Well, it's not nice to see all that blood, but it wasn't a surprise either. Whenever I came home, I found similar things. They had tried to kill each other before, so it wasn't strange to me. In fact, they almost didn’t let me see what happened. There were already police there and they treated me as if seeing it was going to give me a breakdown. A little blood and human guts would not have to traumatize. My parents weren't there anymore, why should I be traumatized? After a somewhat peasant policeman asked me some stupid questions, they took me to some crazy people from social services who treated me like I was crazy too. The fact is that I quickly went to the foster home. Nor was it going to be long. At the most, a few months; I would soon turn eighteen and go on with my life as if nothing had happened. I was still enrolled in high school, I kept skipping classes... Well, actually something changed.

And that brings me to today.

As I said at the beginning, I am a romantic person despite not having seen anything like that in my life. I am it. And that's why when the guy behind me invited me to do business with him on Valentine's Day, I saw it as a great plan. A little fun is not bad at all. Rubén is two years older than me and he wants what everyone wants at all costs but, honestly, I am lazy. Fuck, if I'm too lazy sometimes to undress at night, I sleep with my clothes on, why would I want to take my clothes off with a slug in front of me? But this plan is better. We're going to get a lot of money for a handful of drugs. That way I will have some money for when they kick me out of the foster home in a few days. Without this, I don't even have to survive the first month, I'm sure. But once we share the profits, at least I'll have something in my pockets.

The case. We have come to a little lost block in the hands of any lesser god, in the Raval. People who pass by, look at us as if they want to scare us and take everything we have with us. I make a bad face, as if I even carry a hidden weapon, and from time to time I confront someone openly; it usually works and they leave me alone. Well, sometimes it doesn't work, but this time it seems like it does.

It's fucking cold, right? Rubén says looking sideways, waiting for whom we have to sell the drug to.

Are you sure he's coming? Did you get the wrong day or place?

Rubén looks at me angrily, with those dark eyes that make my blood run cold.

Do you think I’m an asshole? he blurts out, looking around again. It was today, at this time, right here.

"I hope it's not a trap ...

And he looks at me again, angrier still.

Like what...? If you don't want to be here, get out of here now. Other than that I let you come to distribute the money later. He turns, turning his back on me, although I continue to listen to him. Little whore girl ... Who would tell me ...

You invited me because I'm a minor and if they catch us, you're going to throw this shit on me.

Well, more pissed off than before he couldn't be...

I brought you because in a few days you'll be on the fucking street and I thought you needed money.

And I need it, but right now I'm beginning to believe that it's not a good idea that...

If you don't want the money, get the fuck out of here, Carme, but stop fucking with me!

I don't give a shit about him screaming at me. In my short life, many people have yelled at me and they only do that to scare me because I am winning.

Then you take the package, I propose, opening my jacket to give him the drug that I have stored under it.

Do not be stupid; we are not going to be playing with that shit now in front of everyone ...

But his tone started to get nervous, nothing like before.

Yes, I am a romantic person and this plan seemed perfect at first, but since a while ago I think it has holes everywhere. Basically because Rubén looks everywhere but he doesn't see anything. However, I have a good memory and an eye for certain things. And this looks like the host of evil.

I'm getting out of here, Ruben, she announced, deftly slipping the package into his half-open backpack. There you go. And give my regards to the plainclothes motherfuckers you've had in front of you for ten minutes."

Rubén doesn't react as fast as he should. I do, of course. I have calculated my escape in seconds, so as soon as I do this, I see out of the corner of my eye the pair of policemen come towards us. Rather, towards Rubén, because I start running down a narrow street that leads directly to Las Ramblas, full of tourists at dinner time. I turn my jacket over and put it on backwards while I slow my steps, adjusing them to those of the other people. I mix with them all and I feel safe until I feel someone gently grab my hand. I turn around in surprise and first look at my fingers that, I don't know why, I have intertwined with those of that other person. And then I see him. Him. A very good-looking boy, with dark hair and eyes, with not too strong features but quite attractive. His smile seems touching to me, but it still makes no sense why an absolute stranger has ...

Shit.

You're that cop's partner, right?

Keep walking, is the only thing he answers.

Like what...? I say, trying to loosen my hand from his.

If you draw attention, the patrol that came looking for you a little while ago is going to stop you.

His eyes convey security to me. Why am I comfortable being around someone like him?

Then you want to take credit for my arrest.

I don't want to stop you, you silly.

What...?

He scoffs at me and I instantly fall silent again, like I've suddenly turned into an asshole and listened to any stupid cop that crosses my path.

We continue walking through the crowd as if we were one more couple like those who have come out today to celebrate Valentine's Day.

You're Carme, right? Carme Dou.

Am I famous among the police? I dare to joke.

He smiles simply.

My partner told me while we waited.

Your partner is the hick who questioned me when my parents killed each other.

He now he laughs as if I had told the best joke in the world.

The truth is that he is a bit of a hick, he admits it?  When I told him that he would be in charge  your friend and I would take you, he thought it was to arrest you.

And that's what you've come to do, right?

"No, I did not come to arrest you; if so, I would have already done so.

I think you're wrong, I tell him, trying by all means to get rid of him. I am not going to exchange my detention for a fuck or joke, so ..."

He laughs again, I don't know what anymore.

I'm not that kind of person, he clarifies.

Why did I believe him and stop struggling?

Then what do you want?

To talk.

To talk about what?

How are you?

What?

I sounded a bit strident asking that, but he was unfazed.

How are you feeling?

What difference does it make to you?

I'm a policeman because I'm interested in people.

The police are only interested in their wage and their privileges.

That's not true, he sighs for a moment before continuing. My father and I are police officers by vocation.

Why?

I ask really surprised. I had never met a policeman who was really interested in people. Only some who want to finish their work soon and get away from certain worlds where they make small forays from time to time, believing that that is enough to put order in the shit of life that people there lead.

You're not of legal age yet, are you? He asks me continueing, without answering my previous question.

In five days.

What are your plans for in five days then?

To survive.

He doesn't seem surprised, but he does seem disappointed about something.

This shit of society does not make it easy for anyone, but with some, it takes it out on them.

Well, yes, and I'm screwed if I don't get money in five days.

Have you not been informed of the possibilities you have when you leave the reception center? he asks with a frown.

No... The truth is that nobody there...

He sighs again and looks straight ahead. He caresses my hand with his thumb, although he may not be realizing it.

There are scholarships and special grants for people with problems, he begins to calmly explain. You can continue studying while working at a site with flexible hours. They also give you help for a home in good conditions and money for your expenses. You are entitled to a grant and ...

Wait, wait, wait, I stop him, rubbing the bridge of my nose. Do you mean that I don't have to live as I have been?

No, you don't have to... survive. You can live. And you are smart as I could see a while ago. I'm sure you could even be a very good cop. Wouldn't you want to do some competitive exams?

To be...? I don't think someone like me ...

He silences my laugh, it seems it annoyed him.

Never think you can't get what you want, Carme.

But it's just that becoming a cop...

Why not? You tricked my partner and you were not fooled by him, and that's because you have plenty of capability.

But I didn't fool you, I tell him, squeezing his hand to remind him that no matter how much I did, he found me out.

He smiled with satisfaction.

If you prepared as I have, surely in a few months you would also deceive me. Although I hope that one day we can be on the same side.

He winks at me and I think it's the most amazing thing in the world.

"Hey ... I don't know, thanks for ... for ...

Thanks for so many things ..."

He shakes his head, not wanting me to thank him anymore.

It's my job, you know. You do not have to...

Your job was to stop me.

My job is also to measure the consequences of situations. I think you've made a miscalculation, but that's why I'm not going to screw up your life by putting you in a juvenile center. My father always says that sometimes talking to people is more effective than handcuffs.

Your father has to be a great guy, I admit.

Yes, he is, he says proudly.

And you seem to be too.

His smile tells me that he liked what I said.

I hope someday I will at least be like my father a little, is the only thing he answers. His walkie-talkie begins to make staccato noises of communication trying to push through the crowd. Well, I think they're starting to call me. I have to go back to the police station and you to plan your future life."

Are you seriously not going to arrest me?

He lets go of my hand, and the sensation of non-contact makes me uncomfortable.

Why do I feel that I would like to continue walking with this stranger for a while longer?

You have to take care of yourself, he says to me now, taking my arms with his hands. In five days you will be of legal age and the consequences of what you do will be...

I know, I know ... I'll try to find out about everything you've told me.

I know you will, he says convinced, as if he has faith in me.

And no one before had believed that I could do anything good in my life.

Maybe one day I'll be such a good cop that you'll have to ask me on your knees to work with me.

That boy laughs, but she didn't notice superiority in that laugh. He just laughs at my joking tone, laughs like two friends who are having a good time together can laugh.

He doesn't laugh at me.

I'll be waiting for that moment, he answers firmly.

He extends his hand to me and we give each other a brief squeeze. Too short. I want to keep holding our hands together, but once again that infernal device rings at his waist.

They call you, I tell him as soon as he lets go of me.

They might be wondering how it takes me so long to arrest a girl.

He winks at me again.

I'm not a...

I know, I know, he says humorously. I'm sure that you would be able to change their minds regarding seventeen-year-old girls...

I love hearing him laugh. And in a few seconds I may not hear it again.

Well then...

One last thing, he asks, and takes my hand again for a moment.

Fuck, and I would do whatever he asked me at this moment.

Tell me.

Promise me that one day you will do something like that.

Something like what? I ask, not quite understanding.

Someday someone may need your help, just that. That day you will remember that someone at the time helped you, and you will do the same with that person.

Is it some sect initiation rite or something?

He laughs again, and I am delighted to laugh with him.

Just promise me, he insists again.

You don't have to make me promise; I would have done it anyway  I assure him.

He nods and drops my hand again.

Now I have to go, he reminds me, nodding at the shitty device that keeps making strident sounds.

What are you going to do now? I ask him this time.

Me?

"Well, they expect you to take a detainee and you're going to show up without her. They are going to fire you.

I'll be the doofus in the station for a few days and they'll laugh at me a lot, he tells me humorously. But it will have been worth it.

When have we gotten so close to each other? My heart is beating so fast that I think it's going to explode at any moment. He seems to have noticed as well and separates on the spot, somewhat self-conscious.

So... I tell him, knowing he's going to leave and not wanting him to.

He puts a hand to his temple and gives me an incredible formal greeting.

Good luck, Carme Dou.

And as soon as he says goodbye to me, he turns around and starts walking away.

Wait! I yell at him, causing him to stop and turn back to me. I dont know your name!

He smiles, but he shakes his head.

That doesn't matter, I hear him say before he waves again and turns away from me again.

It is not until after a few seconds that I too start to move, letting myself be carried away by the crowd around me. A human tide rocks my steps until I leave Las Ramblas in Plaça Catalunya. It is there that I sit for a moment, trying to bring order to everything that has just happened. Suddenly I feel like living, to do something with the remaining years of my life. I feel like I can earn a living in another way. He said I was smart. Does he really think I could be a cop? Apparently the police also want to help others. They want to do things for people, and not just work a few hours and go home. I want to help others like this policeman has helped me. Will it be difficult to study for the police? High school subjects seem stupid to me and I even get good grades without even going to class, when others kill themselves to study and fail. Is that being smart? Am I really? I don't think anything will happen trying your luck. I could go somewhere to have them explain to me what those oppositions are like. And also to request that grant that he has told me. Is someone going to give me something for nothing? Suddenly I feel a great weight, a great responsibility. I have to return what they give me in some way. I do not think of life in any other way: if someone helps me, I have to return that help. It is a pity that this police officer did not tell me his name. I would have looked for him at some point in my life to return in some way the favor he has done me today.

And it is that he has not only freed me from my first arrest. He has believed in me, he has trusted that I can do better. He has made me see that I can do something with my life, and...

...that's something no one had ever seen in me. I'll at least return the favor by doing what he’s suggested I do.

Because I am not going to disappoint those who have trusted me, although never in their life can they know what I have achieved.

II

One year later...

––––––––

Carme

People want to celebrate whatever happens in their lives. It is as if they are wishing for the sun to rise to have a new motive. Oh! The sun has risen! Let's go have some beers!

How fucking intense some are, really...

Damn, stop taking me partying, I repeat to Luis on the phone. I have a lot to do. I haven't even gotten myself in and...

Then we will bring the party to you there, he threatens. Unless you have a secret date that you didn't want to tell us.

Damn, what patience... Give me... I glance at my watch for a moment and then at my new work table. At least, half an hour.

Five minutes; we are already waiting for you at Els Quatre Gats.

"I repeat that I have everything ...

Come now! You have been the best of the academy class and you are in one of the best police stations in Barna. I don't think they will tell you anything because you go out to celebrate a little before your time.

In ten minutes, okay? But leave me alone, fuck, I don't burn out in the end!"

He hangs up the call while laughing out loud. Damn intense, fuck... I have a thousand things to do and now I have to go have a few beers with those from my graduation. I recognize that it is cause for celebration, at least for what society marks what is necessary to celebrate. I would prefer to continue getting everything in order before tomorrow, but it may be good for me to have a good time with my colleagues. For a year now, my life has been a wonderful madness, and I may have to slow down to look back for a moment. It doesn't hurt to catch your breath to continue. I finished high school and took the exams almost at the same time, I finished the academy a few days ago and as a first site I managed to get into a good police station in my own city, Barcelona, ​​where I will do my internship this first year. A tremendous trip. It is true that I have worked as in my life. And I really don't want to just stay with just this. I enrolled a few months ago at the university from home. As soon as I finish law, I will be eligible for the executive ladder and continue to improve.

And continue helping people more and better; because that's why I've gotten into all of this.

I'm really ground up.

Come now! A karaoke is not bad for anyone.

But how are we going to go to karaoke in uniform? You are sick..."

And you don't really know how much.

Maria laughs at her own joke, letting out a loud laugh in the middle of that crowded bar. She goes unnoticed with all that fuss, but our teammates laugh at her joke.

I'll pass, I tell them again. I already came to have a few beers with you to celebrate it, but now I have to put a thousand things at home.

Tomorrow I'll help you, Maria proposes.

I'd rather do it early today.

What a roommate I've found myself, she complains to the rest, making them laugh again.

Maria and I have just rented an apartment together. I moved this week from the one I had sublet. Now I no longer need help and I can fend for myself, so I want to leave my place to others who need it more than me. But I still have everything in boxes around the room and I have not been able to take out more than some clothes and little else. I have to put my life in order again or life will end up swallowing me.

Just when I am going to repeat that I am leaving, something seems to catch the attention of a few of my group. They turn to someone with respect and seriousness, so I imagine there is a superior from their police station. I keep talking to María, Lola and