City of Shadows (2025) s01e02 Episode Script

Palau Güell

1
H--Help…
H--
BASED ON THE NOVEL
"EL VERDUGO DE GAUDÍ"
CITY OF SHADOWS
CHAPTER 2
PALAU GÜELL
Did you hear? Another abduction.
The president of the Torrens Foundation.
We're having a meeting shortly.
Where's Milo?
Milo's in the media room right now.
I think he spent the whole night there.
Okay.
Milo?
Milo.
Fuck, shit.
-What are you doing?
-Uh, just…
Watching the recordings again,
going over the reports.
Did you hear about the abduction?
Yes, Judge Cabrera called me.
She filled me in.
I told you they'd strike again.
Why didn't you call me?
I have to take this. Be right back.
Yes, Irene, what is it?
Hi, Milo, how are you?
Um, listen… I need to see you.
No, not now, it's not a good time.
I'm busy at the station.
I'll call you later.
The police station?
Aren't you in Port de la Selva?
Yeah. I'll explain later.
Fine, but please call me
as soon as you can.
Don't forget. It's pretty urgent.
Yeah. I will.
What do you think they're telling him?
You said they cut the sound
so that we can't hear their voice.
Yeah, so that we can't identify them.
The voice, the helmet…
Think they know each other?
Perhaps.
It would explain
the sheer cruelty of it all.
Maybe it's an act of revenge
rather than a ritual sacrifice.
Next time this happens… call me.
UNRELEASED FOOTAGE
CATALAN BUSINESSMAN BURNED ALIVE
THE DEATH OF EDUARD PINTÓ:
WATCH IT HERE BEFORE IT'S TAKEN DOWN
REPLAY
THE KING'S TRIP
HE TRAVELED TO ABU DHABI FOR FORMULA 1
That was with José María…
Honestly, I'm not sure what to believe…
THE JULIA VALLE SHOW
Mauricio, we're in the middle
of a show. What do you want?
-I have something.
-Well, what is it?
A tip from the police force.
They're giving a press conference
this morning.
Another big shot abducted in Barcelona.
-Well, is the conference during the show?
-Mm… at 12:00.
I'm gonna cover it.
I'll take the cameraman.
-Do you want me to do a live broadcast?
-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa…
Uh, Julia won't like that.
Who runs the show? Is it Julia or you?
Listen, right now, any events
related to local crime are hers to cover.
It's not local crime she's after. It's me.
That fucking bitch wants me out.
Listen to me, Joaquín.
This might be very juicy.
First, the CEO of one of Catalonia's
most important construction companies.
And now, the president
of a huge cultural foundation.
What if there's a serial killer
on the loose in Barcelona right now?
Toni.
Milo, here, look.
This is the list of Masonic societies
in Barcelona you asked for.
But if ever you need
more info about Freemasonry,
I could contact an expert I know.
Eugeni Gombrowicz,
from the Arús Public Library.
Perfect. We could meet up tomorrow.
We'll need the file
of the new victim as soon as possible.
What was his name?
Félix Torrens.
I'm working on it this very moment.
Compare it to Pintó's.
Find any common threads,
similarities, anything.
On it.
Where is everyone?
No one told you about the meeting?
Good morning, everyone.
You already know Judge Cabrera,
who's in charge of
Eduard Pintó's murder case.
-Hello.
-Morning.
-Welcome, Judge.
-Hello, Judge.
-Welcome.
-Thanks.
We also have with us the delegate
of the Barcelona
Provincial Prosecutor's Office
against Corruption and Organized Crime,
Mr. Màrius Fuster.
-Good morning.
-Hello.
Félix Torrens, 63 years old,
president of the foundation
that bears his name
and a key figure and influential presence
in Barcelona's political
and cultural circles.
Last night, at midnight,
we received a phone call
from his wife, Virginia Colomer,
who reported his possible disappearance.
Torrens hasn't picked up
his phone since then,
nor did he return home last night,
where his wife
was waiting for him for dinner.
Virginia Colomer first called Gemma Coll,
Torrens' secretary,
who told her that, around 8:50 p.m.,
and after a long board meeting
with the trustees of the Foundation,
Torrens left the office
and wished her a good night.
Goodbye! Have a nice night.
Mr. Torrens left Palau Güell
and headed to the Eden parking lot,
which is less than ten meters away,
where he has a private parking space.
Thanks to the parking lot security guard,
we know that he got into his car,
the one you can see in the picture,
a green Jaguar XJ,
and he left the parking lot driving it.
We're currently analyzing
the security camera footage
from the parking lot and its surroundings.
We found Torrens's vehicle parked
out on Ardena Street, in Pedralbes,
right next to Collserola, not far
from where his residence is located.
Pedralbes, once again.
Was his cell phone
inside the car and shut off?
Yes. That's correct.
The exact same scenario
as with Eduard Pintó.
Sergeant Malart, you think that
Félix Torrens might have been abducted
by the same individual
that murdered Pintó?
Individual or individuals.
A lot points to that.
The modus operandi is the same,
step by step.
Same method, same profile.
Please, if I may,
I'd like to say a few words.
The reason Anti-Corruption
is part of this meeting
is because we have strong reasons to think
that the disappearance of Félix Torrens
isn't actually an abduction,
but an escape.
What the fuck, seriously?
We have been investigating
the Torrens Foundation for months now,
for financial irregularities
and possible economic crimes.
Fraud, misappropriation,
possible embezzlement…
This is considered a big corruption case
involving several companies
and institutions.
And we believe that Torrens
may have somehow been notified
that we were about to take action
against him, and that's why he fled.
The resemblance to the murder
of Eduard Pintó is perhaps…
a deliberate ploy
to confuse us and buy some time.
His secretary was surprised
to see that Torrens left his office
with a briefcase that wasn't the usual one
he carried every day with him.
And we didn't find it in his car.
This moment,
several units from Egara headquarters
are thoroughly searching
the Foundation's offices.
The audits will show
any suspicious account shifts,
but it's pretty clear
that Torrens was preparing his escape.
Doesn't it all seem like
a strange coincidence?
An important political
and financial figure gets burned alive,
right off of one of Gaudí's buildings.
And then a second important figure
also disappears,
and he worked in a Gaudí building?
Where are you heading with this,
Sergeant Malart?
We found something on the sidewalk
in front of La Pedrera.
It's a "G" painted on the ground.
Graffiti on a sidewalk in Barcelona.
In the footage that shows the suspect
recording the scene from Passeig de Gràcia
we can see him squatting.
He left us a message.
He's claiming ownership.
We think it's his signature.
A "G?"
The "G" could stand for Gaudí,
but it's also a Masonic symbol.
If you're right,
or whatever the case, we have to act fast.
Earlier, you said,
"individual or individuals."
Whoever planned
the first murder wasn't alone.
This doesn't seem like a one-man job.
It's quite possible that we're dealing
with a group of extremely motivated people
who have great organizational skills,
an IQ well above average…
and a very personal imprint.
I'd even say… an authorial one.
They're gonna do to Torrens
exactly what they did to Pintó.
Five days without food or water,
and he'll end up burnt alive
on one of Gaudí's buildings.
And Torrens isn't the last victim.
This will escalate.
The prosecutor said what?
Yes.
Ah.
Listen, I have to go. Thank you so much.
I owe you big time,
so call me if you need anything.
Anything at all.
Whatever it is, you just let me know.
-You ready, Lucas?
-I always am.
Good morning,
this is Mauricio Navarro from Barcelona.
We are now standing outside
Catalonia's regional police headquarters,
in Les Corts,
where a press conference
will be held shortly,
promising major revelations regarding
the case of a man who was burned alive
just days ago, on Paseo de Gracia.
Apparently, there may
actually be a potential second victim,
leading to some speculation
that this could mean the possibility
of a serial killer
operating on the streets of Barcelona.
More information coming up here,
on The Julia Valle Show. Stay tuned.
And… cut!
We're back, my dear Lucas.
We are back.
Ah, are you following me around,
Agent Garrido?
Yes, Agent Malart.
So I guess we're partners again,
since they didn't fire me.
We're partners, how exciting.
Now, you can report
every single thing I do.
And you can keep withholding info.
"Freemasonry in Catalonia."
Memorized everything yet?
ADOLESCENT SUICIDE
Self-help books.
They don't really help, but…
they're actually pretty funny.
Here, look.
The perfect one for me.
"Rebuild Your Life
After They've Left You."
That's why you came to Barcelona, right?
Do we have that in common?
"Staying open to disappointment
and loneliness,
making sure your self-worth
doesn't depend on a moron."
Let's go to Palau Güell.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26TH, 2010
1 DAY AFTER FÉLIX TORRENS'S KIDNAPPING
What do you know? Tell me.
I don't know anything.
I didn't have time.
Hmm.
"Pla de Palau and its lampposts were among
Gaudí's first master works in Barcelona."
"Built as a home for his great patron,
Eusebi Güell, in 1885…"
"Palau Güell contains
important works of art such as
Hercules Searching for the Hesperides,
by Clapés."
"It depicts the hero emerging from
the shadows carrying a flaming torch."
Within the Torrens Foundation,
we have seized numerous documents
and computer equipment.
Also, the administrative director,
Mr. Arnau Mascaró,
has been detained and brought
before the court for questioning.
POLICE
MOSSOS D'ESQUADRA
Milo.
Quite a coincidence, no?
We're now taking questions. Yes, you.
Mauricio Navarro,
for The Julia Valle Show.
Intendant Bastos,
is it true there is
an active line of investigation,
uh, based on the theory that Félix Torrens
was abducted by the same person
who killed Eduard Pintó?
Well…
Please.
We're not ruling out any possibilities.
As Prosecutor Fuster mentioned earlier,
it is also possible that Félix Torrens
fled to avoid being arrested,
due to the ongoing corruption case
within the Torrens Foundation.
EDEN PARKING LO
-That theory seems the most--
-But… Sorry.
Excuse me, but I'd like to get back
to the other line of investigation
that you just admitted
being a possibility.
In this case, we might be
looking at the work of a serial killer.
Is that right, sir?
Excuse me! Over here!
I've got a follow-up question.
Excuse me, please!
I need some water.
Please, I need a bit of water.
I… don't know what you want from me.
If… it's money, I can give you that.
Uh…
Uh, in my car, I have a briefcase.
It's full of m--money,
and I can give you even more if you want.
No… No.
What's on your mind?
This kind of killer usually
has feelings of maladjustment.
-Probably because of abuse or traumas.
-Hmm.
Their behavior is driven
by different impulses,
mainly based on concepts like
control… and power, or hypersexuality.
What do you think?
I think that big cities
are full of angry citizens.
And Barcelona has many…
victims of the city.
Victims of the city, really?
Barcelona is full of protest signs.
Reclassifications, expropriations,
new development plans…
They're victims.
Of progress, of speculation.
The light is red.
Yeah, I saw it.
They're running
a little late, aren't they?
Indeed they are, Julia.
Another example of the… utter ineptitude
of the police force of Catalonia,
who are now working against the clock
to catch a serial killer
in this cat-and-mouse chase.
Well, tell us about this serial killer,
Mauricio. What do we know?
Well, not that much for now,
I dare say, dear Julia. Very little.
That son of a bitch.
We know that
they have abducted two prominent men
from Catalonia's haute bourgeoisie.
And that one of them
was violently murdered,
savagely burned alive, a few days ago.
All of this, supposedly, of course.
They did it without leaving
any trace whatsoever, nothing at all.
We don't know how they managed to enter
such important, high-security buildings.
And so easily too.
They're… like a shadow in the dark.
And moreover,
they have this obsession with our
great modernist architect's masterpieces.
"Gaudí's shadow," one might say.
ARDENA STREE
PEDRALBES
It was here.
And again, they chose one
of the few places in Pedralbes
without a security camera in sight.
So we won't have any footage.
Just like with Pintó.
Maybe they're heroes,
the suspects we're looking for.
Maybe they're modern-day Robin Hoods
who like blood.
What we can be sure of is that both times,
the cars were parked in specific places.
The abductor parks the car.
They've already drugged the victim,
so they're unconscious.
They don't want them to yell
and attract attention.
They could've had another car
standing by somewhere, or…
Maybe Torrens was ambushed.
They grabbed him and brought him
to wherever they'll hold him captive
for five days.
But how did they get in the vehicle?
Do you think they made Torrens pull over
and somehow, he agreed
to let them get in the car?
Félix Torrens in his Jaguar?
Doesn't add up.
It happened in the parking lot.
Hmm.
If they managed to get
the keys to access La Pedrera,
getting into a parking lot
wasn't a problem.
Charming little shed.
Police.
Good afternoon.
-Good afternoon.
-Please, come in.
Thank you.
Thanks.
What on earth do you want now?
Mrs. Colomer, we're from
the Criminal Investigation Division
of Mossos d'Esquadra.
Yes, I know.
-We have a few more questions for you.
-No.
I'm the one who has
a few more questions for you.
Why is it they're saying on television
that you're covering up the fact
that my husband
was likely taken by a serial killer?
Uh… where did they say that?
On The Julia Valle Show earlier.
My husband has done a lot for Catalonia.
He has done everything for Barcelona.
If he's in danger right now,
you should stop messing around
and do everything you can to find him.
And we are. That's our job.
Exactly. Do your job and find him.
Ma'am, what my partner is trying to say--
I have no interest
in knowing what she's trying to say.
Leave immediately
or I'll call your superiors.
Go and do what we pay you for, damn it!
And go to hell!
Who do you think
might be talking to the press?
Could be anyone.
There are a lot of people who work here.
And most have big mouths,
but who do you think
is gonna get blamed for it?
I am?
Hm. You can't be trusted.
No?
No.
A briefcase full of money.
We don't know what's in the briefcase.
Apparently, the surveillance camera
covering Torrens's car
got deactivated at… 8:34,
and it wasn't reactivated after that.
They disconnected the camera
and hid in the car.
They probably copied
the smart key's frequency.
No…
Hello, this is Sergeant Malart.
I need more information
about the CCTV footage
from the Eden parking lot.
We'd like to know
who was in there at 8:30 p.m.
Their time of arrival, make of vehicle,
parking area, and when they left.
Okay?
Thanks.
The back seat
is surely where they're hiding.
Mm-hmm.
Eugeni Gombrowicz will be
waiting for you tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.
at the Arús Public Library
to talk about Freemasonry.
How do you spell Gombrowicz?
G-O-M…
Did the two of you
both go to Félix Torrens' house?
Depends.
Milo, could you please stop
giving me more problems?
His wife called the whole damn world.
Judge Cabrera believes the evidence is…
reliable, and we should
keep going down that road.
But we need results and we need them fast.
Oh, and do me a favor.
Check in with me first, before following
any leads on the Torrens case.
Pick up your phone.
So, what did Félix's wife say?
Well, what are the odds?
Camilo…
I'll have a sparkling water, please.
-How are things at the station?
-You got a glimpse of it.
All okay with Singla?
Having you on my side
might not be so good.
What about the case, any intuition?
They're pissed off at…
the whole city.
Businessmen, the culture, the elites…
Who wouldn't be?
Are you the killer?
Milo, I hope that you're wrong,
and that Torrens ran away.
We can't afford another person
burning in one of Gaudí's buildings.
Even if that person's an asshole.
Why not?
So, how are you doing?
Fine.
It's all fine.
With the psychologist too?
What, are you giving me the third degree?
The report we got back
from Dr. Gaig is pretty good.
It was the first session.
I can still mess it up.
Like when she realizes you're crazy?
Milo, you're the only one
who believes that.
My mind is really busy right now,
so that's good.
Hi, Rebeca. How are you?
Hey, so, I heard about your mother.
I'm really sorry.
If ever you need anything, just call me.
You know that
I'm here for you, no matter what…
Hi, Sara.
Hi.
What are you doing here?
Is Hugo home?
No, he isn't.
Come in.
How are you?
Good.
And you?
What are you doing?
-Yeah, it's you!
-You drew me? That's amazing.
Yeah.
From morning 'til night,
Marc is always in my head.
Milo, thanks for coming,
but I'd rather not…
Sorry.
And how is Hugo?
I would have liked to see him.
It's better if you don't.
You know how your brother is.
He doesn't like surprises.
Where is he?
I dunno.
But everything's fine.
Baby steps.
Ugh. No!
But why?!
STOP THE EXPANSION OF THE SAGRADA FAMILIA
NO TO EXPROPRIATION
They want us out, but we're not leaving!
OUR APARTMENTS ARE LEGAL
They want us out, but we're not leaving!
They want us out…
Irene. Sorry, I've been swamped.
How are you?
I've been waiting for your call all day.
It's always the same story.
Let's meet up tomorrow? For lunch?
Let's say around 1:30, at Pla de Palau?
You better be there, no more excuses.
Uh… Okay, yes.
Yeah, I'm coming, damn it!
Hugo.
Don't ever come back to my house again.
Hugo, it isn't even eight in the morning,
and you're drunk!
You be very careful, Milo.
My family has suffered enough
because of you!
-Hugo, I'm your family too.
-No!
My son died because of you.
So leave Sara alone.
-I don't wanna see you again.
-Hugo.
-You're out of my life!
-You shouldn't be drinking, Hugo.
-We're done!
-You wanna end up like him? Hugo!
ARÚS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Don't even ask.
We Masons love symbols.
The letter G presides
over every modern Masonic lodge,
hanging above the master's chair.
First, the letter "G"
stands for the word "God."
Being the seventh letter of the alphabet,
"G" is said to symbolize
triumph and victory,
according to Kabbalistic tradition.
It also stands for "gnosis,"
which is a higher knowledge
that can only be accessed
through inner work.
The letter G is also the symbol of gamma.
The Greek letter,
cherished by the Pythagoreans,
because the word "geometry" starts with G.
And according to Freemasons,
it's a science that's full of wisdom,
and beauty, and the order of creation.
The eye of the Great Architect.
Finally, there's another
widely accepted meaning
that says that
the letter G is for "generation."
Generation?
Yes.
Everything is generation
and destruction, life and death.
Generation restores,
in different ways and forms,
the effects of destruction.
Because man and woman are two in one,
and one in two.
They go together, eternally generating.
Hm. Wait, wait.
You said "God," but aren't Masons secular?
Yes, but… the origins of Freemasonry
lie in the cathedral building guilds
of the 13th century.
And over time,
these places were used to study and think.
Where values such as fraternity,
tolerance, and freedom were embraced.
And where believers,
atheists, agnostics, could stand together.
Could that include someone…
who's maybe trying to improve
the world by carrying out crimes?
Not at all.
That person would be
very far from Masonic ideals.
Do you happen to know
who Félix Torrens is?
Mr. Félix Torrens, for years,
has tried to get into
one of the most
prestigious lodges in Barcelona,
but his wish never came through.
He didn't have the necessary aspirations
to become the architect
of his inner temple, you see.
How's that, exactly?
I'm afraid I can't tell you much more.
Did the killer draw the letter G,
and that's why you're asking about it?
Why would you think that?
Gaudí, the murder at La Pedrera,
the Torrens Foundation…?
There's an overlap
between Gaudí and Freemasonry.
Many papers have been written
trying to determine
if Gaudí was a Freemason or not.
The only thing we know
is that he understood our symbolism
and used it in his work.
If your killer is using the letter G,
I'm afraid it's nothing more than
pure distraction, getting you off track.
Just another smear campaign
added to the long list of legends
trying to discredit Freemasonry.
Hmm.
P--please…
I need some water, please.
I'm dying of thirst.
Talk to me.
Say anything.
Where are we?
This is a Gaudí fence?
Are you recording me?
What do you want from me?
What do you want from me?
Please, tell me!
Please!
This is too much…
Félix Torrens is
the youngest son of a well-known banker
who went into politics
when Spain became democratic.
His father founded the Torrens Foundation,
but removed his son
from the family business
and made him
leave Barcelona in the late 70s
when he found out he was involved
in shady deals and business scandals.
A loose cannon, and still is.
After leaving Barcelona,
he became director of a social foundation,
in charge of several centers
for disadvantaged youth.
He came back to Barcelona
a few years prior to the '92 Olympics,
once his reputation was restored.
Obviously, he couldn't miss that event.
It reminds me of what you said
about the victims here in Barcelona,
hit by speculation.
Mm-hmm.
Anyway, in the end,
his father appointed him
as president of the Torrens Foundation.
A father's forgiveness. How touching.
Our brand-new president
was rubbing shoulders
with the political and economic elite.
And turned into one of the faces
of the cultural scene
of the new Olympic Barcelona.
He became a member of government trusts,
such as the Liceo Theater,
the Palau de la Música Catalana,
as well as several Gaudí buildings,
many of which were becoming city icons.
Next stop,
embezzlement and shady commissions.
Exactly. Spot on.
PLA DE PALAU
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2010
2 DAYS AFTER FÉLIX TORRENS'S KIDNAPPING
-What are you doing?
-Hey…
-What's wrong?
-Nothing, don't worry.
-Ready?
-Yes.
This is where we had dinner together
for the first time.
Deep down, you're a romantic.
This… this urgent thing
you wanted to talk about…
is it getting back together?
I'll be direct.
Because of the crisis,
my stores aren't doing very well.
Especially the one in Bonanova.
We need to talk about finances.
You have money issues
and we're here at 7 Portes?
Wanna know about the money problems
I've been dealing with?
Exactly, that's the thing.
Don't you think it might be time
we sold our apartment?
You should maybe ask your father?
Okay, listen.
Do you have any hope
that you and I will get back together?
I don't know, Irene, what about you?
You were the one who left.
So your father would bite his tongue off
before lending you a cent,
but you're okay with him telling you
that he was right, that I was a mistake?
You've always hated my father,
but you know him well.
Elias Margarit and his powerful clan.
Aren't you just so judgmental.
Yes. I'm getting old,
and it's getting worse.
Mm-hmm.
Rebeca?
I'm Bruno Bachs.
Yes?
We haven't had the chance to talk yet.
I used to be Milo's partner.
Yes, I know.
Milo's a great guy, but…
he has his ups and downs,
and is hard to deal with sometimes.
And with everything that happened
with his father, and his brother…
If ever you have any problems with him or…
you need advice, or anything at all…
You can count on me.
Perfect. Thanks.
Give me a few days…
to think about the apartment.
Yes, come in?
-Hello.
-Hello, Milo.
Please, have a seat.
Another fight?
No.
No.
I got punched by my brother.
Your brother… is Marc's father, right?
Yes.
Hm.
Were you close when you were kids?
We didn't grow up together.
I was raised in Port de la Selva…
uh, where I lived
with my grandparents until I was 12.
Then my parents took me back.
Hugo was 15, and hated me.
How come?
I guess because he blamed me
for having to deal with my father alone
for so many years.
He suffered our dad's violence
all by himself.
So I understand.
And after that?
No…
UNCLE MILO
I guess he just never stopped hating me.
In my opinion,
they're probably not the most
suitable ones to be in charge
of a criminal investigation of this kind.
It's out of their scope.
So far, there's been so much negligence.
Their department is, uh,
an administrative disaster.
But to top it off,
one of their investigators is a sergeant,
which is basically
the equivalent of an inspector,
and he's currently…
under disciplinary proceedings.
A guy with behavioral problems,
who's undergoing psychological treatment.
So if you ask me,
I really don't think
we're in the best of hands right now.
-Yeah, no kidding.
-I know, right?
We're not talking about some
random pickpocket on Las Ramblas.
We're talking about
an extremely dangerous serial killer,
who is highly organized,
and who is currently
on the loose in Barcelona.
And everything's happening just days
before the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI
for the consecration
of the Sagrada Familia.
-Yes, hello?
-Another Gaudí building.
This is a ceremony that'll bring
thousands of people together.
Wait, Mauricio…
What are you trying to say?
That the situation
is extremely preoccupying.
That Félix Torrens
only has hours left to live.
Time is slipping away.
Tick-tock.
Tick-tock.
Tick-tock.
Tick-tock.
Tick-tock.
TO VERÓNICA ECHEGUI
WITH ALL OUR LOVE AND ADMIRATION
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