Businessman’s cufflinks disappear in Guadalajara 7 years after a guard found this. Miguel Herrera was walking through the vacant lot of the industrial zone when his foot struck something metallic. It was his second week as a security guard at the Guadalajara business complex. The object gleamed in the midday sun. He bent down and unearthed a gold plaque engraved with the initials “Deb.” “What’s this?” Miguel muttered, wiping the dirt off with his shirt. The plaque was shaped like a sports medal.

On the back it read Rodrigo Vázquez, 2016 state swimming champion. Miguel frowned. That name sounded familiar. He walked to the security booth and turned on his computer. He Googled “Rodrigo Vázquez Guadalajara missing.” The results made him pale. Newspaper articles from seven years ago filled the screen. Businessman’s twins mysteriously disappear. Massive search for the Vázquez brothers. Unsolved case shocks Guadalajara. Miguel read the details. Diego and Rodrigo Vázquez, 16-year-old twins, sons of businessman Antonio Vázquez, owner of the Vázquez construction company, had disappeared on March 15, 2017.

They left their home in Las Águilas to go to swimming training at the sports club. They never arrived. The search had lasted months. The police, the army, volunteer groups, private investigators—nothing, as if the earth had swallowed them up. The case was closed as an unsolved disappearance. Miguel picked up his phone and dialed the local police number. Detective Carlos Mendoza, how may I help you, Detective? I’m Miguel Herrera, security guard at the industrial complex on López Mateos Avenue.

I found something that could be related to an old case. What kind of thing? A swimming medal belonging to Rodrigo Vázquez, one of the twins who disappeared seven years ago. The silence stretched for several seconds. Where exactly did he find it? In the vacant lot behind the Salinas Añas Associates office building. Don’t touch anything else. I’m going over there. Miguel hung up and put the medal in a plastic bag. He walked to the exact spot where he’d found it and marked the area with traffic cones.

30 minutes later, Detective Mendoza arrived, a 45-year-old man with a gray mustache and a stern expression. He was accompanied by a forensic technician. “Are you Herrera?” “Yes, sir. The medal is here.” Mendoza examined the bag without opening it. “How long have you been working here? Two weeks.” “Have you noticed anything else unusual?” “No, sir. I’ve only walked by here every two hours. This lot has been abandoned for as long as I can remember.” The forensic technician began examining the area with a metal detector. After a few minutes, the device beeped.

“Detective, is there anything else here?” They dug carefully and found a silver chain with an identical medal, but with the initials RV and the name Diego Vázquez. “Two medals,” Mendoza murmured. “One from each twin.” Miguel approached. “Do you think they’re buried here? It’s possible. We’re going to need a full excavation team.” Mendoza picked up his radio. “Central, I need a full forensics team at my location. Possible crime scene related to the 2017 Vázquez case.” While they waited for reinforcements, Mendoza questioned Miguel about the details of the find.

What time does he make his rounds? Every two hours, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. What companies operate in this complex? Mainly offices. Salinas sin asociados is the largest. There’s also a law firm, an accounting firm, and some import companies. Salinas sinasociados. Germán Salinas. Yes, that’s the owner. Mendoza jotted down the name in his notebook. He remembered that Germán Salinas had been a business partner of Antonio Vázquez, the father of the missing twins.

At 4:00 p.m., the full forensic team arrived. They began a systematic excavation of the area. At a depth of one and a half meters, they found remains of clothing: jeans, sneakers, and swim club T-shirts. “Detective,” one of the technicians shouted, “I found something important.” At the bottom of the excavation were two school backpacks, one blue, one red. The names were written in marker: Diego Vázquez, Cervantes High School, and Rodrigo Vázquez, Cervantes High School. Mendoza approached the edge of the excavation.

Are there any human remains? We haven’t found any bones, only personal belongings. Continue digging. Expand the perimeter. Miguel watched from a safe distance. The magnitude of the discovery overwhelmed him. After seven years, he had stumbled upon the first real clue about the fate of the Vázquez brothers. Mendoza picked up his phone. “I need Elena Vázquez’s number.” Elena Vázquez, the twins’ older sister, had been the public face of the search for years. She organized marches, distributed flyers, offered rewards, and worked as a journalist for the local newspaper El Occidental.

Okay, Elena Vázquez. Yes, who’s speaking? Detective Carlos Mendoza, Guadalajara police. I have news about your brothers. Elena felt like her world had stopped. They found them. We found evidence of personal belongings. I need you to come identify them. Where are they? In the vacant lot behind the López Mateos industrial complex. I’m going there immediately. Elena hung up and ran to her car. For seven years she’d imagined this moment. Every time the phone rang, every time she saw a patrol car, she wondered if there would finally be news of Diego and Rodrigo.

She arrived at the scene 40 minutes later. The area was cordoned off with yellow tape. There were three patrol cars, an ambulance, and a forensic vehicle. Detective Mendoza, Ms. Vázquez, I’m sorry about the circumstances, but I need you to identify these items. He showed her the medals, backpacks, and some items of clothing in evidence bags. Elena recognized everything immediately. The swimming medals the twins had won the year before they disappeared, the backpacks they were wearing that last day to the sports club, the Nike sneakers she had bought them for their 16th birthday.

“They’re theirs,” she confirmed in a broken voice. “Everything belongs to Diego and Rodrigo. Can you be sure? Completely. I embroidered their names on their backpacks. They had these medals in their room. How did they get here? That’s what we’re going to find out.” Detective Mendoza opened the files on the Vázquez case in his office. Seven years of documents, photographs, testimonies, and false leads. The file took up three full boxes. Elena sat down at her desk. “I want to go over everything from the beginning,” Mendoza said.

Maybe now with this new evidence we can find something we missed. Whatever you need. Detective Mendoza pulled up the initial report. March 15, 2017. Her brothers left home at 3 p.m. to go to the Guadalajara Sports Club. Swim practice at 4 p.m. They never arrived. That’s right. The coaches waited until 5 p.m. Then they called home. Her father, Antonio Vázquez, reported her missing at 6 p.m. Elena nodded. Dad was hysterical.

He said something terrible had happened. The boys never missed practice. Mendoza read more details. The twins’ car, a blue Honda Civic, was found abandoned in the parking lot of the Plaza del Sol shopping center, with no signs of violence, keys in the ignition, wallets intact. That never made sense. Why would they go to Plaza del Sol if they had to go to the sports club? The original theory was kidnapping. Their father was a successful businessman. He had money, but no ransom was ever asked. Mendoza flipped the pages.

Relatives, friends, schoolmates, and her father’s employees were questioned. All had solid alibis, including Germán Salinas. Salinas was interrogated three times. Her father’s business partner since 2010, said he was in his office all afternoon on March 15, working on a construction project. Elena frowned. Kermán always seemed strange to me, very nervous when he spoke to us during the search. In what sense was he nervous? He avoided eye contact, changed the subject when we mentioned specific leads, and always insisted that the boys had probably run away.

Mendoza wrote this down in his notebook. What exactly was the business relationship between his father and Salinas? Constructora Vázquez built residential buildings. Salinas en Asociados was the firm that handled all the permits, construction licenses, and government paperwork. A lucrative business, very lucrative. Dad always said that Germán had important connections in city hall. Mendoza found a photograph of the scene where the Honda Civic appeared. Look at this photo. The car was parked in the farthest area of ​​the shopping center, almost hidden.

Elena studied the image as if someone had wanted her to remain unnoticed for as long as possible. Exactly. Her brothers knew that area. Not at all. We used to go shopping at Plaza Patria, which is closer to home. Mendoza continued reviewing the file. The original detective Ramírez is now retired, but his notes are very detailed. He extracted a yellowed sheet of paper. It says here that he questioned all the employees of Constructora Vázquez—workers, supervisors, secretaries—no one knew anything. And the employees of Salinas San Asociados were also questioned.

Germán Salinas provided a complete list of his staff. Elena leaned forward. Detective, there’s something we never told the original police. What? The week before the disappearance, Diego and Rodrigo came home very upset. They said they’d seen something they shouldn’t have. Mendoza looked up from his file. Why didn’t you report this? Dad told them to be quiet. He said it was probably their imaginations and they didn’t want to create unnecessary problems.

What exactly had they seen? Something in Salinas’s office. They had gone to deliver some documents to Dad. They said they saw Germán handing an envelope full of money to a government official. Mendoza sat up straight in his chair. A government official. Who? Didn’t they know? An older man in a suit with a black BMB. Their father knew about this. He told them Germán had many clients and that it was probably a normal payment. But the boys insisted something was off.

Strange. How so? The official seemed nervous. Germán closed the door immediately when he saw them and told them they hadn’t seen anything. Mendoza wrote furiously in his notebook. This changes everything. Why did their father tell them to keep quiet? Papa was always very careful with business dealings. He didn’t want to make enemies with Germán. He said he needed to maintain good business relations. When exactly did they see this? March 8th. A week before disappearing, Mendoza mentally calculated: “Okay, enough time for someone to organize a permanent solution.” Elena felt a chill.

“Do you think Germán killed them? It’s too early to draw conclusions, but we definitely need to question him again. Mendoza closed the case. Where is your father now? He died three years ago. Pancreatic cancer. I think the loss of the twins destroyed him inside. I’m so sorry. Before he died, Dad confessed to me that he always suspected Germán, but he had no proof. He said it because he suspected. After the disappearance, Germán changed completely; he became more aggressive in business. He began to expand his company rapidly, as if he suddenly had a lot of money available.

Mendoza noted more details. Constructora Váquet continued working with Salinas at Asociados for a few more months. Afterward, Dad broke up the partnership. He said he no longer trusted Germán. How did Salinas react? He was furious. He threatened to sue us. He said Dad owed him money for pending projects. He owed him money, no, on the contrary, Salinas owed Dad for three projects he never completed. Mendoza looked at his watch. It’s 6 p.m. Salinas’s office must be closed. Is he going to arrest him?

First, I need more evidence, but I’m going to interrogate him early tomorrow. Elena stood up. Detective, may I ask you something? Of course, I want to be present when you interrogate him. It’s not standard protocol, please. I’ve waited seven years for answers. I need to hear what you have to say. Mendoza considered the request. Fine, but as an observer, you can’t interrupt the interrogation. Understood? Elena left the office with a mixture of hope and terror. After seven years of uncertainty, they were finally close to the truth about Diego and Rodrigo.

Detective Mendoza arrived at the Salinas Associates offices at 8:00 a.m. The building was a modern glass and steel structure in Guadalajara’s business district. Elena was waiting for him in the parking lot. “Are you ready for this?” Mendoza asked. “I’ve been ready for seven years.” They went up to the fifth floor. The receptionist, a young woman with glasses, greeted them with a professional smile. “Good morning. How can I help you?” Mendoza flashed his badge. Detective Carlos Mendoza, Guadalajara Police Department.

I need to speak with Mr. Germán Salinas. The receptionist’s smile faded. It’s urgent. Mr. Salinas has a very important meeting. It’s about a homicide case. Yes, it’s urgent. One moment, please. The receptionist dialed an internal extension. Mr. Salinas, there’s a detective here who wants to speak with you. Yes, sir. He says it’s about a homicide. Okay. She hung up the phone. Mr. Salinas will see you in 5 minutes. Mendoza and Elena sat down in the waiting chairs.

The office was luxurious, with Italian leather furniture and expensive artwork on the walls. “Look at all these luxuries,” Elena murmured. Seven years ago, this office was much more modest. Mendoza observed the details. State-of-the-art computers, flat-screen TVs, a professional espresso machine. He remembers what it used to be like: old furniture. A single computer. Cheap decor. Germán definitely prospered after my brothers disappeared. The door to the main office opened. Germán Salinas walked out, a 50-year-old man with gray hair, an expensive suit, and a robust build.

His expression changed when he saw Elena. Elena, what are you doing here? Good morning, Germán. Salinas addressed Mendoza. Detective, right? I’m Germán Salinas. How may I help you? We need to talk about Diego and Rodrigo Vázquez. Salinas’s expression hardened. That case was closed years ago. I have nothing new to add. Yesterday we found new evidence. What kind of evidence? Personal belongings of the twins in a field near his office. Salinas maintained his composure, but Mendoza noticed a slight tension in his facial muscles.

Near my office. How strange. Can we talk privately? Of course. Come into my office. They entered a spacious office with a panoramic view of the city. Salinas closed the door and sat behind a mahogany desk. Where exactly did you find these belongings? In the vacant lot behind this building. Oh, that lot doesn’t belong to me. It’s municipal property. Mendoza opened his notebook. Mr. Salinas, I need to review your alibi for March 15, 2017. Detective, I’ve spoken to the police several times about that.

There were new developments. I need to verify certain details. Salinas sighed irritably. I was here in the office all afternoon working on the plans for the Las Palmas residential project. Can anyone confirm that? My secretary at the time, Luz María Hernández. Where is she now? She quit five years ago. She moved to Tijuana. Elena leaned forward. Kermán, my brothers saw you a week before you disappeared. They saw me where? Here in your office, handing over money to a government official. Salinas’s expression changed instantly.

The color drained from his face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Diego and Rodrigo told Dad they saw you handing an envelope full of bills to a man in a suit. That’s ridiculous. I don’t bribe officials.” Mendoza chimed in. “Why didn’t you mention this incident during the original investigations? Because it never happened. The twins told their family that you ordered them to keep quiet about what they had seen. That’s a lie.” Salinas abruptly rose from his chair.

Detective, I won’t tolerate unfounded accusations. No one is accusing you of anything yet, Mendoza said calmly. We’re just verifying information. Information about what? About the possibility that Diego and Rodrigo were killed because they saw something they weren’t supposed to see. Salinas turned his back on them by the window. This is absurd. The boys ran away. They’re probably living in another country. With what money? Elena asked. They were minors. They didn’t have passports or bank accounts of their own.

Teenagers find ways. Germán, you’ve known my brothers since they were children. They’d never caused any trouble. Why would they run away? Salinas turned to her. Elena, I know it’s painful to accept, but sometimes young people make impulsive decisions. Mendoza consulted his notes. Mr. Salinas, can you explain the sudden growth of your company after March 2017? What sudden growth? This building, the new equipment, the staff expansion—all of that happened in the months following the disappearance.

I’ve had luck with some big projects. What projects? Salinas hesitated for a few seconds. Several residential developments, government contracts. Can you be more specific, Detective? My business records are confidential. Not if they’re related to a homicide case. No homicide. They haven’t found any bodies. Elena and Mendoza exchanged glances. Salinas’s reaction was overly defensive. “How do you know we haven’t found any bodies?” Mendoza asked. “Why? Because if they had, it would be all over the news. The investigation is ongoing.”

We haven’t released any information to the press. Salinas headed for the door. This conversation is over. If you want to question me further, you can do so with my attorney present. Why do you need an attorney if you haven’t done anything wrong? Because you’re trying to frame me for something I didn’t do. Mendoza stood up. Mr. Salinas, do not leave the city without notifying the police. They’re arresting me. No, but you’re a person of interest in an active investigation. Salinas opened the door. Good morning, Detective Elena.

Elena and Mendoza left the office. In the elevator, Elena broke the silence. She’s lying. Her body language gave it away. She’s definitely hiding something, but we need more evidence. What’s next? We’re going to investigate her finances. If she received illegal money, there must be a trail. They left the building. Mendoza looked toward the vacant lot where the twins’ belongings had been found. You know what catches my attention? What? That lot has a direct view of Salinas’s office windows.

If he buried something there, he could monitor it from his desk. Elena followed his gaze as a constant reminder of what he’d done or to make sure no one else would find out. Detective, do you think my brothers are dead? Mendoza considered the question carefully. The evidence points in that direction, but until we find remains, we can’t be sure. What we do know is that Germán Salinas knows more than he’s admitting. Detective Mendoza contacted the Financial Crimes Department of the Jalisco Attorney General’s Office.

She needed to analyze Germán Salinas’s bank accounts since March 2017. Elena waited in the conference room. While Mendoza reviewed the documents with the specialized prosecutor, Patricia Morales, “What did they find?” Mendoza asked. “Something very interesting,” Morales replied, handing over several bank statements. “Look at these deposits.” Mendoza studied the numbers. April 2017, a deposit of 2.5 million pesos. May, another of 1.8 million. June, 3.2 million. Where did that money come from? Officially, from government contracts. But here’s the strange thing.

Morales showed another set of documents. These contracts were awarded without a public bidding process. Direct assignment by the Guadalajara Department of Public Works. That’s legal. Only under exceptional circumstances. Emergencies, national security projects, things like that. What were these projects? Highway maintenance, remodeling of government offices, construction of pedestrian bridges—nothing that qualifies as an emergency. Mendoza jotted down the details. Who authorized these direct assignments? Engineer Raúl Domínguez, director of public works. Is he still in that position? Yes, he’s been in the position for eight years.

Mendoza recalled the description Elena had given of the official Diego and Rodrigo saw receiving money. An older man, in a suit, with a black BMW. Counselor, can you get me some information on Engineer Domínguez? The type of car that drives a steering wheel, a criminal record, of course. I suspect he’s involved. It’s possible. The missing twins witnessed an exchange of money between Salinas and a government official. Morales made some calls. Half an hour later, he had the information. Raúl Domínguez, 58, married, three children.

He drives a black 2016 BMW XI5. He lives in a 4 million-peso house in Zapopan. What is his official salary? 45,000 pesos per month. Mendoza mentally calculated 540,000 pesos a year. He can’t afford a 4 million-peso house on that salary. Definitely not, unless he has additional income. Can we review his bank accounts? We would need a court order, but I can look into his asset declarations. Do that. Mendoza returned with Elena to the meeting room. What did they discover? Germán Salinas received more than 15 million pesos in no-bid government contracts during 2017, all authorized by the same official, Engineer Domínguez.

Exactly. And he just happens to drive a black BMW. Elena sat up straight. That must be the man Diego and Rodrigo saw. It’s very likely. Now we need to connect the dots. Mendoza drew a diagram on the board. Domínguez authorizes a no-bid contract. Salinas receives millions of pesos. Diego and Rodrigo see them exchanging money. A week later, the twins disappear. Do you think Domínguez is also involved in the murder? At least in the cover-up. If the twins had talked, their corruption scheme would have been exposed.

Elena approached the whiteboard. “Detective, how many more people could be involved? We don’t know, but this type of systematic corruption usually requires a wide net.” Attorney Morales returned with more documents. “I found something important: Domínguez’s asset declarations. What do they say? In 2016, he declared assets of 800,000 pesos. In 2018, he declared assets of 6.2 million. An increase of more than 700% in two years. And here’s the most interesting part,” Morales continued. Domínguez bought his house in Zapopan on April 20, 2017.

Mendoza consulted his timeline five weeks after the twins disappeared. Coincidence. I don’t believe in coincidences. Elena intervened. Detective, we need to question Dominguez. Yes, but carefully. If he’s involved in murder, he could try to flee or destroy evidence. Morales added more information. There’s something else. I reviewed other contracts authorized by Dominguez. Salinas Añas Associates isn’t the only company benefiting. There are more companies involved, at least three more. All received no-bid contracts for millions of dollars. Mendoza felt the case was getting complicated.

We’re looking at a much larger corruption network than I thought. He believes the other companies are also involved in the disappearance. It’s possible. Or maybe Salinas acted alone to protect the entire scheme. Elena studied the documents. Detective, what if Dominguez decides to confess? Could that implicate Germán in the murder? It depends on how much he knows. If Salinas told him what he did, we have a key witness. And if he doesn’t know anything about the murder, then we’ll have to build the case with only physical and circumstantial evidence.

Morales closed the files. Detective, I recommend you apply for search warrants for the offices and residences of both Salinas and Dominguez. What’s your justification? Evidence of government fraud and possible homicide. We have sufficient probable cause. Mendoza checked his watch. It’s 4 p.m. We can get the warrants today. Judge Hernandez is available. I can draft the requests immediately. Do it. I want to search both places early tomorrow morning. Elena stood up. Detective, may I accompany you on the searches? No, Elena, it’s too dangerous.

If these men murdered your brothers, they might react violently. I understand, but I want to be close. You can wait at the station while we conduct the operations. Morales organized the documents. Detective, is there anything else you should consider? What? If this corruption network is as extensive as it seems, they could have accomplices within the police force. Mendoza felt a chill. You’re suggesting someone in my department is involved is a possibility. This type of scheme requires official protection. What do you recommend? Keep the investigation tight.

Only people we trust absolutely. Elena looked at both of them. Who can we trust? Very few people, Mendoza replied. For now, just the three of us. At 6:00 a.m., Detective Mendoza organized two search teams, one for Germán Salinas’s residence, and another for Engineer Domínguez’s house. Elena was waiting at police headquarters, following everything by radio. “Team one arriving at the Salinas residence,” Sergeant López reported over the radio. “Team two in position at Casa Domínguez,” Lieutenant Ruiz confirmed.

Mendoza coordinated both operations from his patrol car. Execute the orders simultaneously. We don’t want one to alert the other. Understood, Detective. Salinas’s house was in an exclusive gated community in Zapopan, with an automatic gate, a large yard, two levels, and a pool. Sergeant López rang the doorbell. Germán Salinas, Guadalajara police officer, we have a search warrant. There was no answer. López knocked again. Open the door or we’ll break it down. Finally, footsteps were heard. Salinas opened the door, dressed in a bathrobe and slippers. What does this mean?

López showed him the warrant. A search warrant signed by Judge Hernández. We’ll be looking for evidence related to government fraud and homicide. This is ridiculous. I’m calling my lawyer. You can call whoever you want, but the search is proceeding. Simultaneously, Lieutenant Ruiz knocked on Domínguez’s door. A middle-aged woman answered. Mrs. Domínguez. Yes. What do you need? Guadalajara Police. Search warrant for this property. The woman paled. Search warrant. Why is your husband home? He’s having breakfast. We need both of you to remain in the living room while we search the house.

Ruis entered with his team. Domínguez was sitting in the dining room reading the newspaper. Engineer Raúl Domínguez. Yes, it’s me, Lieutenant Ruiz, Guadalajara police. Search warrant. Domínguez read the document with a panicked expression. There must be a mistake. I haven’t committed any crime. We’ll determine that during the investigation. At Salinas’s house, the forensic team methodically searched each room. In his home office, they found a safe. Mr. Salinas, we need you to open the safe. I’m under no obligation to do so.

We can force it with a judicial authorization. Salinas hesitated for several minutes before entering the combination. The safe contained documents, jewelry, and several wads of bills. “Why do you need so much cash at home?” López asked. “It’s personal savings. How much money is there here?” López counted the bills, approximately 400,000 pesos in cash. “Money that isn’t declared in his bank accounts,” the forensic technician muttered. At Domínguez’s house, the team found something more incriminating. In a locked desk drawer, there was a notebook with detailed notes.

“Lieutenant, look at this,” said one of the investigators. The notebook contained dates, company names, and amounts of money. Salinas in associates, 250,000, March 15; Constructora del Bajío, 180,000, March 22; Desarrollos Tapatíos, 320,000, March 30. “It looks like a record of payments received,” Ruiz observed. Domínguez tried to get closer. “That’s it, that’s just work information. Work information. Why do you keep it at home? It’s confidential material. Engineer, these notes look like a record of bribes.” At that moment, Mendoza received calls from both teams reporting their findings.

Detective, at Salinas’s house we found 400,000 pesos in undeclared cash. Anything else? Government contract documents, computers, cell phones—everything is being cataloged. And at Dominguez’s house, a notebook with detailed payment records, dates that coincide with contract awards. Excellent. Bring them both to headquarters for questioning. Elena heard everything on the radio. Seven years of uncertainty seemed to be coming to an end. At 10:00 a.m., Salinas and Dominguez were in separate interrogation rooms.

Mendoza decided to speak first with Domínguez, who seemed more nervous. Engineer, we found your ledger. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Salinas unrelated, 250,000 March 15. What does this mean? Domínguez was sweating profusely. These are work notes. Work notes about receiving cash. I don’t receive cash. Mendoza opened the file with the account statements. Your asset declarations show a 500% increase in two years. How do you explain this? Successful investments. What kind of investments? Real estate.

Engineer, we found evidence that you authorized multimillion-dollar contracts without public bidding in exchange for bribes. Domínguez slumped in his chair. I need a lawyer. You can have a lawyer, but you can also collaborate with the investigation. Collaborate by telling us everything about your relationship with Germán Salinas. In the adjoining room, Salinas was waiting with his lawyer, Attorney Fernando Castillo. Detective Mendoza, Castillo said. My client will not answer questions without my presence. Of course, your client wants to explain the 400,000 pesos in cash we found in his house.

Salinas looked at his lawyer, who nodded. “They’re personal savings. Savings from what? From my legitimate businesses. Mr. Salinas, we have evidence that you received more than 15 million pesos in fraudulent government contracts. Those contracts were legally awarded without a public bidding process. How did you obtain those contracts?” Salinas remained silent. Mendoza changed strategy. “Let’s talk about Diego and Rodrigo Vázquez.” Salinas’s expression changed instantly. “I already told you, I know nothing about their disappearance. The twins saw you handing money to Engineer Domínguez on March 8, 2017.”

That’s false. Domínguez is already cooperating with the investigation. Salinas looked at his lawyer in panic. What exactly are you saying? That you two had a corruption scheme and that Diego and Rodrigo were killed because you were discovered. I didn’t kill anyone. The lawyer intervened. My client admits no responsibility for any crime. Mendoza leaned forward. Mr. Salinas, if you cooperate now, can we consider reducing the charges? What kind of cooperation? Tell us exactly what happened to the Vázquez twins.

Salinas whispered something to his lawyer. After several minutes of private conversation, Castillo spoke. “My client is willing to provide information about the corruption scheme, but denies any involvement in the homicide. What information can you provide?” Salinas took a deep breath. “Raúl Domínguez asked me for money in exchange for contracts. I agreed because I needed the job. How much money? 15% of the value of each contract. For how long? Two years. From 2016 to 2018. What happened in 2018? I ended the business relationship.”

It was getting too dangerous. Mendoza wrote down all the details. Diego and Rodrigo saw them exchanging money. Salinas hesitated. Possibly, what does possibly mean? They came into my office unannounced on March 8. Dominguez was there pretending to collect his payment. The twins saw the money. They could have seen it. What did you do? I told them they hadn’t seen anything and to keep their mouths shut. How did they react? They looked scared, but said they wouldn’t say anything. Mendoza felt he was close to the truth.

A week later they disappeared. Coincidence. I don’t know what happened to them. Mr. Salinas, you killed Diego and Rodrigo Vázquez. No, I would never hurt them. The interrogation continued, but Mendoza knew he needed more physical evidence to prove the homicide. Detective Mendoza returned with Domínguez after a two-hour break. The engineer looked demoralized and had asked to speak without a lawyer. Engineer, are you ready to tell us the truth, Detective? I didn’t kill those boys, but you know who did.

Domínguez nodded slowly. It was Germán, but I didn’t want it to happen. Tell me exactly what happened. Domínguez wiped the sweat from his forehead. On March 8, I went to Germán’s office to pick up my monthly payment, 250,000 pesos in cash. The twins arrived. They came in and suddenly saw the money on the desk. What did Salinas do? He got very nervous. He yelled at them to get out immediately. How did Diego and Rodrigo react? They were very scared, but they managed to see the bills.

What happened next? Germán closed the door and told me we had a very big problem. Mendoza wrote down all the details. Why was it such a big problem? Because the boys were the sons of Antonio Vázquez, Germán’s business partner. If they told their father, our entire operation would collapse. What did Salinas propose? Initially, he said he would talk to Antonio and pay him to keep him quiet, but the next day he came to my office very upset. He said Antonio wouldn’t accept any money and would probably report us.

So what did they decide? Domínguez lowered his head. Germán said we had to eliminate the problem. Eliminate how. At first, he talked about scaring them, threatening them to keep quiet, but it escalated a bit more. Yes. When he realized the boys had spoken to their father about what they saw, Mendoza straightened up. How did he know that? Germán had contacts within Constructora Vázquez, employees who reported the conversations to him. Who? The accountant Jorge Medina and the secretary Rosa González. They also received money, small payments for information, 5,000 pesos a month each.

Mendoza added more names to his list of accomplices. What information did he receive about the twins, who had arrived home very nervous on March 8, and who told their father about the exchange of money? How did Antonio Vázquez react? He told them to be quiet and not cause trouble, but Jorge Medina reported that Antonio was suspecting. Suspecting what? That Germán had some dirty business. Domínguez continued the narrative. On March 14, Germán came to see me, completely desperate.

What had happened? Rosa González reported that Antonio had been reviewing all of Salinas’s unrelated contracts, looking for irregularities, and he found them. He began to note the pattern. All the contracts awarded without bidding, all for very high amounts. Mendoza understood how the crisis had developed. Antonio was about to uncover the entire scheme. Exactly. And if he found out, we wouldn’t just lose the business, we’d go to jail. What solution did Salinas propose? Domínguez trembled before answering. He said he had to solve the problem at its root.

Does that mean killing the twins? He didn’t say it directly, but I understood. Did you agree? I didn’t want to, but Germán said if we didn’t, we’d all go under. Everyone: him, me, Jorge Rosa, and possibly other people involved in the scheme. Mendoza leaned forward. How many more people were involved? At least five more businessmen, all paying bribes for contracts. Give me names. Constructora del Bajío, Desarrollos Tapatíos, Inmobiliaria San Patricio, Paving the West. They all paid bribes. Yes, between us all, we moved around 50 million pesos a year.

Mendoza mentally calculated the scale of the corruption network. How much money did you receive? Approximately $8 million a year. And Salinas, he coordinated everything, received the money from the companies and paid me my share. How much did he keep? Around $15 million a year. A very lucrative operation, too lucrative to risk for two teenagers. Mendoza understood the economic motivation for the crime, how they planned the murder. Germán said it had to look like a disappearance, that the bodies should never be found. Why?

Without bodies, there’s no homicide, just missing persons. What was the specific plan? To intercept the twins on their way to the sports club, take them to a safe place where Germán had a warehouse on the outskirts of the city where he stored construction materials. What happened on March 15? Domínguez began to cry. I drove my BMW. Germán was in his pickup truck. We waited for the boys in López, Mateo Sur. How did they intercept them? Germán signaled them to pull over. He had known them since they were children, so they didn’t suspect.

What did they tell them? That there was an emergency with their father, that they had to come with us immediately. They agreed at first, yes, but when they saw we were taking them in the wrong direction, they got nervous. What did they do? Diego tried to jump out of the car. Kerman had to physically stop him. Mendoza felt a mixture of anger and sadness. They took them to the warehouse. Yes. There Germán explained the situation to them, telling them they’d seen something they shouldn’t have, that if they spoke up, a lot of people would go to jail.

How did the twins react? They said they weren’t going to say anything, that they promised to keep the secret, but Salinas didn’t believe them. He said it was too risky to leave them alive. Domínguez broke down completely. Detective, I tried to convince him to let them go, but he’d already made up his mind. What did he do? He strangled them with his bare hands. You witnessed the murder. I had to help you with Rodrigo. He was very strong. Mendoza felt nauseous. Where are the bodies? In Germán’s warehouse, buried beneath the cement floor.

Exact address: Achapala Highway, kilometer 23, El Roble industrial warehouse. Mendoza immediately contacted the forensic team. He needed an excavation team on the road to Chapala, kilometer 23. Possible location of human remains. Domínguez’s confession had completely broken the case, but Mendoza knew he still needed more physical evidence to secure firm convictions. At 2:00 p.m., three forensic teams arrived at the El Roble industrial warehouse. Elena insisted on accompanying Detective Mendoza, who finally agreed after much persuasion.

Elena must be prepared for whatever we might find. I’ve been preparing for seven years, Detective. The warehouse was a concrete structure approximately 500 square meters in area. It was empty except for some construction materials covered with tarps. According to Domínguez, the bodies are buried beneath the floor, explained the head of the forensic team, Dr. Raúl Castañeda. How exactly are we going to locate them? Ground-penetrating radar can detect disturbances in the concrete floor. The team began methodically scanning the warehouse floor.

After two hours, the radar detected two anomalies in a corner of the building. Detective, there’s something here. Two objects buried approximately 2 meters deep. Elena approached the marked area. Her legs trembled at the thought that Diego and Rodrigo might be down there. What do they need to excavate? Specialized equipment. This is going to take several hours. While the forensic team was organizing the excavation, Mendoza received an urgent call. Detective, it’s Sergeant López. Germán Salinas escaped from his home.

What? His lawyer left police headquarters an hour ago. Apparently, he went straight to warn Salinas. They didn’t have security at his house, just a patrol car. Salinas left through the back door while the officer watched the main entrance. Mendoza cursed under his breath. Do you know where he went? His truck was spotted on the highway to Puerto Vallarta. Set up checkpoints on all roads. Issue an immediate arrest warrant. Elena overheard the conversation. Detective Germán, he’s running away. Apparently so, but he can’t get far.

All authorities have been alerted. The excavation continued until 6:00 p.m. At that depth, the team found the first remains. Detective. “I confirm the presence of human remains,” reported Dr. Castañeda. Elena covered her mouth with her hands. After seven years of hope, the reality was devastating. “Can they determine how many bodies?” Two young individuals, apparently male, approximately in their teens. The cause of death was preliminary, asphyxiation, but we need a full forensic analysis. Mendoza placed his hand on Elena’s shoulder.

I’m so sorry. Elena couldn’t hold back her tears. At least now we know the truth. While the forensic team continued their work, Mendoza received another call. Detective, this is Lieutenant Ruiz. We located Salinas’s truck, abandoned at the Puerto Vallarta airport. Apparently he bought a plane ticket. Where to? Mexico City. The flight left 20 minutes ago. Contact the Mexico City airport police. Have him arrested upon landing. We already did, but there’s a problem.

Which one? The flight has a connection to Miami. If you make that connection, you can leave the country. Mendoza looked at his watch. What time does he arrive in Mexico? In an hour. The connection to Miami leaves two hours later. That gives us time. They confirmed he’s on the flight. Yes. He used his Real ID. Elena approached Mendoza. What happens if he escapes the country? Mexico has extradition treaties with the United States, but the process can take years. We can’t allow him to escape.

He won’t escape. Trust me. At 8 p.m., Doctor. Castañeda finished the excavation. Detective, we’ve recovered both bodies. They’re reasonably well preserved due to the cement. Can you confirm their identity? We’ll need dental and DNA analysis, but based on the age, height, and clothing found, I’m confident they’re Diego and Rodrigo Vázquez. Elena approached the covered remains. “May I see them?” “Elena, it’s not recommended,” Mendoza warned. “I need to see them. They’re my brothers.” Dr. Castañeda carefully lifted the sheet.

The remains were in an advanced state of skeletonization, but the clothing was recognizable. Elena immediately identified the sports club uniforms. That’s them. Those are the uniforms they were wearing on the last day. Mendoza received another call. Detective, is this Captain Garcia from the Mexico City airport police? Salinas has been arrested. We have a problem. Salinas didn’t get off the plane. How is that possible? Apparently, he realized they were waiting for him. He never left the plane and left on the connecting flight to Miami.

Mendoza felt frustrated. They can contact the Miami authorities; we already did. But the flight doesn’t arrive until tomorrow morning. Elena heard everything. Detective, what does this mean? That Salinas is on the run. But we have enough evidence to convict him in absentia. And if he never returns, sooner or later we’ll find him. Murderers can’t run forever. Dr. Castañeda arranged for the remains to be transferred to the medical examiner’s office. Detective, the full analysis will be ready in a week. You can confirm the cause of death: mechanical asphyxiation, manual strangulation.

Based on the bone and eye fractures. Elena shuddered as she heard the technical details of how her brothers had died. At 10 p.m., Mendoza and Elena returned to headquarters. Elena, I know this is a very difficult day, but we finally have answers. Thank you, Detective. Without you, we would never have known the truth. What are you going to do now? Call my family, arrange a proper funeral for Diego and Rodrigo, and then make sure Germán Salinas pays for what he did, no matter where he’s hiding.

Mendoza nodded. We’ll find him, Elena, that’s a promise. That night, the news reported the discovery of the bodies and Salinas’s escape. After seven years, the Vázquez twins case finally had a solution, although the main culprit had temporarily escaped. Three days after the discovery of the bodies, Detective Mendoza was coordinating with Interpol the international search for Germán Salinas. Elena had insisted on staying involved in every aspect of the investigation. “Detective, we’ve received information from the Miami police,” reported Interpol agent Commander Roberto Silva.

What did they find? Salinas arrived at the Miami airport, but never cleared U.S. immigration. How is that possible? He apparently bought another ticket to the Cayman Islands using false documentation. Elena approached the operating table. False documentation. How did he get that? Criminals with money always have resources, Silva explained. He probably had fake passports prepared for years. Mendoza studied the flight map. The Cayman Islands don’t have an extradition treaty with Mexico. Correct. If he gets there, it will be much harder to arrest him.

Can we intercept him before then? His flight to Cimán has a stopover in Jamaica. Jamaican authorities are on alert. Elena reviewed the case documents. Detective, while we pursue Germán, what about the other suspects? Raúl Domínguez has already confessed and is cooperating fully. Jorge Medina and Rosa González were arrested yesterday. What did they say? They both admitted to receiving money to spy on the activities of the Vázquez construction company. How many knew about the murder? Nothing directly, but their reports were what convinced Salinas that he had to act.

Silva interrupted with new information. Detective, we just received confirmation. Salinas was arrested at the Kingston, Jamaica, airport. Elena stood up excitedly. They arrested him. Are you sure? Absolutely. The Jamaican police detained him as he tried to board the flight to Cayman Islands. When they extradite him, it’s more complicated. Jamaica does have an extradition treaty with Mexico, but the process can take several weeks. Mendoza grabbed his phone. I’m going to contact the Mexican consulate in Jamaica. We need to expedite the process. While Mendoza was making official calls, Elena received an unexpected call on her cell phone.

Elena Vázquez. Yes, who’s speaking? This is Fernando Castillo, Germán Salinas’s attorney. Elena tensed. What does he want? My client is willing to make a full confession in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. Mexico doesn’t have the death penalty, but it does have a life sentence. Germán prefers to negotiate a lesser sentence. Elena looked at Mendoza, who had heard part of the conversation. “Put him on speakerphone,” Mendoza whispered. “Attorney Castillo is speaking with Elena Vázquez and Detective Mendoza. Perfect, Detective. My client wants to make a full confession.”

Mr. Salinas is already an international fugitive; he’s in no position to negotiate, but he can provide information about the entire corruption network. Elena intervened. What information? Names of corrupt officials, businessmen involved, exact amounts of money. Methods of operation. In exchange for what? 25 years in prison instead of life. Mendoza considered the offer. He would have to consult with the prosecutor’s office, but first we need Salinas to return to Mexico voluntarily. If he does return voluntarily, they will possibly consider negotiations, but with no guarantees.

Castillo briefly communicated with his client. Salinas agrees to return voluntarily if they can guarantee he won’t be lynched by the press or family members. We can guarantee his physical safety, but he’ll have to face the full legal consequences. Understood? When can you arrange his return? Silva intervened. We can have an extradition flight ready tomorrow. Perfect. My client will be ready. After hanging up, Elena headed to Mendoza. Detective, do you think we should accept a negotiation? It depends on what information you can provide. If it helps us dismantle the entire corruption network, it might be worth it.

But he murdered my brothers. I know, Elena, but 25 years is a very long sentence, and we would get justice for many other victims. Elena struggled with conflicting emotions. What would happen if we didn’t accept the plea bargain? We would have to build the case only with the evidence we have. Domínguez already confessed, we have the bodies, we have financial evidence. Is it enough to convict him? Probably yes, but other criminals could escape. Silva added more information. The corruption network Salinas describes could involve dozens of officials and businessmen.

We’re talking about hundreds of millions of pesos stolen. Elena sat down to consider the options. How much time do we have to decide? The extradition flight arrives tomorrow at 2 p.m., Mendoza replied. We could question him immediately. And if he doesn’t cooperate once he’s in Mexico, then we’ll proceed with the full charges. Aggravated homicide, which in Mexico can carry a life sentence. Elena made her decision. Detective, I want to be present when they question him. Elena, I don’t think it’s appropriate. I need to hear his confession directly.

I need to understand why he killed my brothers. Mendoza hesitated for several minutes. “Okay, but only as an observer.” Silva arranged the logistical details. The extradition flight lands tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. at the Guadalajara airport. Salinas will be transferred immediately to headquarters. What security measures do we need? Closed route, police escort, rear entrance to headquarters. Elena thought about the seven years of uncertainty that were finally coming to an end. Detective, after tomorrow all this will be over.

The investigation, yes, but the legal process can take years. Years, trials, appeals, sentencing. The judicial system is slow, but at least we’ll have justice. Yes, Elena, they’ll finally have justice. That night, Elena visited her father’s grave in the Mesquitán cemetery. Dad, tomorrow we’re going to know the whole truth about Diego and Rodrigo. I wish you could be here to see it. The extradition flight landed promptly at 2 p.m. at the Guadalajara airport. Germán Salinas disembarked the plane handcuffed and escorted by two Interpol agents.

A convoy of three patrol cars took him directly to police headquarters. Elena waited in the observation room, separated from the interrogation room by a one-way glass window. Detective Mendoza and the specialized prosecutor, Mario Hernández, were preparing for the most important interrogation of their careers. Salinas entered the interrogation room accompanied by his attorney, Fernando Castillo. He looked haggard after three days on the run and on the run. “Mr. Salinas,” Mendoza began. You are under arrest on charges of aggravated homicide, government fraud, and fleeing from justice.

“My client is willing to confess completely,” Castillo interrupted. “Before any confession, we need to establish the terms,” Prosecutor Hernández intervened. “What terms? If your client provides complete and truthful information about the entire corruption network, we will consider reducing the sentence from life imprisonment to 24 years in prison.” Salinas looked at his lawyer, who nodded. “I accept,” Salinas said, his voice breaking. Mendoza activated the recorder. October 15, 2024, 3:30 p.m. Interrogation of Germán Salinas Mendoza for the murders of Diego and Rodrigo Vázquez.

Present. Detective Carlos Mendoza, prosecutor Mario Hernández, and defense attorney Fernando Castillo. Mr. Salinas, you are voluntarily confessing. Yes. You murdered Diego and Rodrigo Vázquez on March 15, 2017. Salinas took a deep breath. Yes, I killed them. Elena, from the observation room, felt a mixture of relief and pain at finally hearing the truth. How did you kill them? I strangled them with my bare hands. Why? Because they had seen something that could have destroyed my business. What exactly had they seen?

They saw me handing over cash to engineer Raúl Domínguez in exchange for government contracts. Mendoza leaned forward. Tell us exactly what happened on March 8, 2017. Domínguez came to my office to collect his monthly payment, 250,000 pesos in cash. How did the scheme work? I coordinated bribes from five construction companies. Each company paid between 10% and 15% of the contract value. Company names: Salinas, San Asociados, Constructora del Bajío, Desarrollos Tapatíos, Inmobiliaria San Patricio, and Paving of the West.

How much money did they handle monthly? Approximately 2 million pesos in bribes, of which you kept, what, 1.2 million. Domínguez received 800,000. Prosecutor Hernández mentally calculated 24 million pesos in bribes annually. Approximately, yes. For how many years did this scheme operate? From 2015 to 2018. Why did it end in 2018? After the twins’ murder, I became very nervous. I decided to end it gradually. Mendoza returned to the central topic. What happened when Diego and Rodrigo entered your office on March 8?

They came to deliver some documents from their father. They entered without knocking. They saw the money. They saw the wads of bills on my desk. They also saw Domínguez putting money in his briefcase. How did they react? They were stunned. Diego asked what all that money was. What did he say? I told them it was a business matter and that they hadn’t seen anything. They accepted that explanation. Rodrigo said it looked very strange. Diego asked if it was legal. What did he do then? I told them if they told anyone there would be huge problems.

He threatened them. Not directly, but I did tell them it was very important they keep their mouths shut. Elena listened to every word with a mixture of horror and fascination. What happened after they left? Dominguez became hysterical. He said the boys had seen too much. What did Dominguez propose? Initially, nothing specific, but I knew we had a problem. Why was it such a big problem? Because Antonio Vázquez was my business partner. If the boys told him, he would investigate. And Antonio was very smart.

What were you afraid Antonio would discover? The whole scheme, all the no-bid contracts, all the bribes. Mendoza consulted his notes. When he decided he had to kill the twins, he didn’t do it immediately. First, he waited to see if they would say anything. How did he know they had spoken? Jorge Medina, the accountant for Vázquez Construction, reported to me that the boys had come home very upset. Jorge Medina worked for you. I paid him 5,000 pesos a month for information on Antonio’s activities. What else did he bring you?

That the twins had told their father about the exchange of money. How did Antonio react? According to Jorge, Antonio told them to keep quiet, but he began reviewing all my contracts. This completely alarmed him. Antonio had access to all government information through his company. When he made the final decision to kill the twins, Salinas broke down emotionally. On March 14, Jorge reported to me that Antonio had found irregularities in three contracts. What kind of irregularities?

Contracts were awarded without a competitive bidding process for amounts far above market value. Antonio confronted someone about this. He called Dominguez to demand an explanation. What did Dominguez say? Dominguez called me in a panic after speaking with Antonio. He said Antonio was very suspicious. Elena leaned closer to the glass. This was the information she had been waiting for for seven years. What did she decide to do with that information? I couldn’t sleep that night. I knew if Antonio investigated further, he would uncover us all, and I decided the only solution was to kill the twins.

I thought that if the twins disappeared, Antonio would focus on finding them instead of investigating the contracts. Mendoza frowned. That was his logic. I know, it sounds irrational now, but at the time it seemed like the only way out. How did he plan the murder? I called Dominguez and told him we had to act immediately. Did he agree? At first, he didn’t, but I explained that if we were discovered, we’d both go to prison for decades. What was the specific plan? Intercept the twins on their way to the sports club, take them to my warehouse on the outskirts.

What was I going to do in the warehouse? Initially, I thought about threatening them, scaring them so much they’d never talk, but I changed my mind. Once I had them there, I realized I could never trust them to keep quiet. Prosecutor Hernández intervened. He described exactly how he committed the murders. Salinas trembled before answering. I led them separately to the back of the warehouse. Who died first? Diego. I told him I just wanted to talk to him. How did he kill him? I put my hands around his neck.

He tried to scream, but he couldn’t. Elena covered her mouth to keep from vomiting. How long did it take? Maybe three minutes. It felt like hours. And Rodrigo? Rodrigo heard noises and started screaming. Dominguez had to help me control him. Dominguez was directly involved in the murder. He helped me hold Rodrigo down while I strangled him. What did they do with the bodies? We buried them under the cement floor of the warehouse. When we worked until 3:00 a.m. that same night, Mendoza got up from his chair.

What did they do with the twins’ belongings? I buried them in the plot of land behind my office. Why there? I wanted to keep it close as a reminder. A reminder of what? Of what I’d done, of what it had cost to protect my business. The confession had lasted three hours. Elena had heard every horrific detail of how her brothers had been murdered. When the interrogation was over, Mendoza headed to the observation room. Elena, are you okay? I finally know the truth. It’s horrible, but at least the uncertainty is gone.

What do you want to do now? I want everyone involved prosecuted, made to pay for what they did. We will. Salinas gave us enough information to prosecute dozens of people. Elena looked toward the interrogation room where Salinas was being handcuffed again. 24 years isn’t enough for murdering two innocent teenagers. It’s the best we could get in exchange for dismantling the entire corruption network. I understand, Detective. But it hurts. Of course it hurts. But Diego and Rodrigo will finally have justice.

Six months after Germán Salinas’s confession, Elena Vázquez was in the Guadalajara Criminal Court for the final sentencing. Detective Mendoza accompanied her as he had been throughout the entire process. “Are you ready for this?” Mendoza asked. “As ready as one can be after seven years of waiting.” The sixth criminal judge, Magistrate Roberto Castillo, entered the courtroom. Salinas, dressed in an orange prison uniform, stood up along with his attorney. In the case of the State of Jalisco against Germán Salinas Mendoza, for the crimes of aggravated homicide, government fraud, and criminal association, this court has reached the following resolution.

Elena shook Mendoza’s hand. Defendant Germán Salinas Mendoza was found guilty of all charges brought by the prosecution. In consideration of his voluntary confession and cooperation in dismantling a corruption network that stole more than 150 million pesos from the public treasury, this court sentences the defendant to 24 years in prison without the possibility of parole. Elena felt a mixture of relief and frustration—justice, but not the complete justice she would have hoped for. The defendant has something to say before being transferred to prison.

Salinas stood slowly. “Your Honor, I’d like to address the Vázquez family.” The judge looked at Elena, who nodded. “Elena, I know that nothing I say can bring Diego and Rodrigo back.” Elena looked him straight in the eyes for the first time in seven years. “I know what I did was monstrous. I killed two innocent boys for money. It wasn’t just for money,” Elena murmured. “It was cowardice.” You’re right. I was a coward. I could have found another solution.”

What other solution? I could have ended the corruption scheme. I could have confessed. I could have accepted the consequences of my actions. Elena stood up from her seat. Instead, you chose to murder my 16-year-old brothers. Yes. And I’ll have to live with that decision for the rest of my life. They can’t live the rest of their lives. You took that opportunity away from them. Salinas bowed his head. Elena, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I just want you to know that not a day goes by that I don’t think about what I did to them.

That won’t bring them back. No, nothing can do that. The judge intervened. Something else, Mr. Salinas. Only, I hope my punishment serves as an example to others who may be considering the same path. The session has ended. Official transfer the condemned man to the Guadalajara penitentiary. Salinas was handcuffed and escorted out of the courtroom. Elena didn’t watch him leave. Outside the courtroom, several journalists awaited statements. Mrs. Vázquez, are you satisfied with the sentence? 24 years won’t bring my brothers back, but at least Germán Salinas will pay for his crimes.

What message do you have for other families who have lost loved ones? To never stop searching for the truth, to never give up. Diego and Rodrigo were missing for seven years, but we finally had answers. What do you plan to do now? Continue honoring my brothers’ memory? Perhaps work with other families going through similar situations. Detective Mendoza approached the microphones. I want to add that this investigation exposed a corruption network involving 18 public officials and 12 businessmen.

All were prosecuted. 17 officials were sentenced, eight businessmen are in prison. We recovered approximately 80 million pesos stolen from the people of Jalisco. Do you consider this case completely closed? In legal terms, yes, but the impact of these crimes will last for years. After the interviews, Elena and Mendoza walked to the Mesquitán cemetery, where Diego and Rodrigo had finally been laid to rest six months earlier. Detective, I want to thank you for everything you did for my family. I was just doing my job. Elena did much more than that.

She never gave up when others had already forgotten the case. Diego and Rodrigo deserved justice. All young people deserve justice. They arrived at the twins’ graves. Elena had commissioned a black marble headstone with a photograph of them both. Diego and Rodrigo Vázquez, beloved brothers. 200127. Their truth was finally revealed. Elena placed fresh flowers on both graves. Brothers, you can now rest in peace. The man who harmed you is paying for his crimes. She was silent for several minutes.

Detective, do you think they know we got justice? If there’s anything after death, I’m sure they know it. What are you going to do now? Continue working on missing persons cases. There are too many families still searching for answers. Is there any way I can help? How? Maybe we could create a foundation to help families of missing persons secure funding for private investigations. Mendoza considered the proposal. It would be an excellent way to honor Diego and Rodrigo’s memory. I’m going to do it.

It will be called the Vázquez Twins Foundation. What services would it offer? Private investigators for abandoned cases, legal support for families? Media pressure for forgotten cases. You have my full support. Elena looked one last time at the graves of her brothers. Diego, Rodrigo. Their death was not in vain. They are going to help other families find the truth. When they left the cemetery, Elena felt different. For the first time in seven years, she didn’t have that constant feeling of uncertainty. The pain of losing her brothers would never go away, but at least there were no more unanswered questions.

Detective, is there anything else I want to tell you? What? Dad told me before he died that if we ever found the truth, I shouldn’t allow hatred to consume my life. And at first, I wanted Salinas to die in prison. I wanted him to suffer as much as we suffered. And now—now, I just want the 24 years in prison to give him time to fully understand what he did. That’s a very mature perspective. Diego and Rodrigo were good guys, Detective. They would never have wanted their deaths to generate more hatred in the world.

I’m sure they would be proud of the woman their sister had become. Elena smiled for the first time in a long time. Thank you, Detective, for everything. Six months later, the Vázquez Twins Foundation had helped solve three missing persons cases in Jalisco. Elena was working full-time, coordinating investigations and providing support to affected families. Detective Mendoza had been promoted to commander of the missing persons division. His work on the Vázquez case had established new protocols for disappearance investigations.

Germán Salinas was serving his sentence in prison, where he had begun working with a rehabilitation program. According to guard reports, he was a model prisoner who helped other inmates with legal procedures. Raúl Domínguez had been sentenced to 18 years for second-degree murder and corruption. Jorge Medina and Rosa González received five-year sentences for complicity. The government contracting system in Jalisco had been completely reformed with new controls and mandatory transparency. But more importantly than all the legal and systemic consequences, Elena Vázquez had found peace.

Not the complete closure she had imagined, but something better, the certainty that she had fought to the end for her brothers and had won. Diego and Rodrigo Vázquez, the businessman’s twins who disappeared in Guadalajara, were finally resting in peace. Their story was over, but their legacy of justice was just beginning. Its epilogue. Five years later. Elena Vázquez, now 35, received a call in her office at the Vázquez Twins Foundation. Elena, this is Commander Mendoza. We have news about Salinas.

What kind of news? He died in prison early this morning. Heart attack. Elena felt a strange mix of emotions. How many years of her sentence had she served? 5 years, 4 months. Less than a quarter of what she was supposed to pay. Yes, but she paid with her life in the end. Elena was silent for several minutes. Elena, are you there? Yes, Commander. I’m just processing the information. How does it feel? I don’t know. I thought I’d feel more satisfied. And it doesn’t.

It feels empty, as if a very long chapter of my life has ended. Maybe that’s exactly what I needed. Elena looked at the photographs of Diego and Rodrigo on her desk. “Commander, could you do me a favor?” Of course, I don’t want this to reach the press, at least not yet. Why? Because I don’t want Salinas’s death to become news. I want the news to continue to be about my brothers’ lives and the work we’re doing.

I understand perfectly. Elena hung up the phone and left her office. In the foundation’s main room, three private investigators were working on active missing persons cases. “Any updates on the cases?” Elena asked. “Yes,” replied lead investigator Carmen López. “We found new leads in the Morales family case. What kind of leads? Witnesses who saw the three missing brothers in a Tijuana market two weeks ago. Reliable witnesses, very reliable. And we have photographs from the security cameras.”

Elena approached the computer where Carmen was displaying the images. It’s definitely them. They’ve already contacted the parents. We’re scheduling an appointment for tomorrow. We want to be completely sure before giving them their hope. Elena nodded. Over the past five years, the Vázquez Twins Foundation had solved 17 missing persons cases. Not all of them had ended well, but all the families had gotten answers. Carmen, I’m going out for the rest of the day. Can you handle the operation? Of course. Is everything okay? Yes, I just need to process some news.

Elena drove to the Mezquitán cemetery. It was her first visit in several months. She usually went every week, but her work at the foundation had kept her very busy. She sat in front of Diego and Rodrigo’s graves. Brothers, Germán Salinas died today in prison. The wind moved the flowers he had left the week before. I don’t know if I should feel relieved or sad. Part of me wanted him to live long enough to serve his entire sentence. She stood in silence, listening to the sounds of the cemetery.

But maybe this is better. Maybe now I can completely close this chapter and focus on helping other families. He cleaned the gravestones with a damp rag he always carried in his bag. You know what the strangest thing is? I don’t feel hatred toward him anymore. For years, hatred was what kept me going, but now I just feel emptiness. He stood up and walked to a nearby bench. Commander Mendoza says that’s normal, that when such a long search ends, there’s always an adjustment period.

She took out her phone and dialed her mother’s number, who had been living in Puerto Vallarta since her husband’s death. Mom, hello, my love. How are you? I need to tell you something. Germán Salinas died in prison. His mother remained silent for several seconds. How do you feel? Confused. I thought I would feel more satisfied. My love, satisfaction doesn’t come from the death of others. It comes from knowing that we did the right thing. And we did the right thing. Of course, we sought the truth, we obtained justice, and now you are helping other families.

Do you think Dad would be proud? Your dad would be so proud. Not only did you get justice for Diego and Rodrigo, but you turned their deaths into something that helps others. Elena felt tears begin to flow. I miss them so much, Mom. I do too, my love, but they’re in a better place. Do you believe there really is something after death? I don’t know for sure, but I like to think your dad is watching over the twins. After hanging up, Elena returned to the graves.

Brothers, I think I can finally say goodbye. She placed her hands on the gravestones, not to God forever, but goodbye to the searching, goodbye to the uncertainty, goodbye to the constant pain. She stood there until the sun began to set. I’ll continue to remember you every day, but now I’ll remember you as the joyful young men you were, not as the victims you became. When she got home that night, Elena sat at her desk and wrote a letter she’d been putting off for years.

Dear Diego and Rodrigo, it’s been 8 years since we lost you. 8 years of searching, pain, uncertainty, and, finally, justice. Today, the man who murdered you died. I don’t know if I should feel relieved or sad. What I do know is that your death marks the end of a very long chapter in our lives. Over the years, I’ve tried to honor your memory in every way possible. I created a foundation that bears your name. We’ve helped 17 families find their missing loved ones.

We’ve reformed laws, we’ve changed police protocols. But more importantly than all that, I’ve learned to live without you, not to forget you, but to build a life that includes you without being defined by pain. Dad died without knowing the truth, but I’m sure he knows it now. Mom is fine, living by the sea as she always wanted. Commander Mendoza continues working on missing persons cases, saving other families from the pain we experienced. And I finally found peace, not the peace of revenge, but the peace of knowing that I did everything humanly possible for you.

You, the ones I searched for until I found answers, the ones I fought for until I obtained justice, the ones I turned your death into something that helps others. I love you, I miss you, but I no longer search for you on every corner hoping you’ll come back. Now I carry you with me in a different way. Your sister who will never forget you. Elena put the letter in her desk drawer next to the last photographs they had taken together. The next day, Elena returned to her work at the foundation with renewed energy.

The Morales family arrived at 10:00 a.m. to receive news about their three missing children. Mr. and Mrs. Morales, Elena began, we have very good news. Mrs. Morales clutched her husband’s hand. They found them. We found them alive and well in Tijuana. Apparently, they crossed the border several months ago looking for work. The parents hugged each other, crying with joy. When can we see them? Our investigators are already coordinating with immigration authorities. You will be able to meet with them tomorrow. Elena observed the parents’ happiness and felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

This was the reason she had created the foundation. This was the right way to honor Diego and Rodrigo’s memory. After the Morales family left, Carmen approached Elena. “How do you feel after solving another case?” “Complete,” Elena replied, as if each family we reunite brings Diego and Rodrigo a little closer to home. “Do you think they know what you’re doing?” Elena looked at the photographs of her brothers on the wall.

I don’t know, but I like to think so. That afternoon, Elena received a call from Commander Mendoza. “Elena, do you have time for lunch tomorrow?” “Of course, some special reason. I want to propose something to you. A project that could expand the foundation’s reach. What kind of project? A training academy for investigators specializing in missing persons cases.” Elena sat up straighter. “That sounds very ambitious. It is, but I think it’s the next logical step. Where would we locate it? The state government is willing to donate a building, and I have contacts at universities that could provide instructors.”

Elena considered the proposal. How many investigators could we train a year? Possibly 50. Imagine the impact that would have. Elena thought of Diego and Rodrigo, of the thousands of families still searching for answers, of the legacy she wanted to build. Commander, I believe my brothers would approve of this project. That means you’re interested. It means I’m fully committed. Six months later, the Vazquez Twins Academy for Missing Persons Investigators opened its doors. Elena gave the inaugural address in front of the first 50 students.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an institution born out of pain, but one that exists to provide hope. My brother Diego and Rodrigo Vázquez were murdered eight years ago by a man who valued money more than human life. For seven years, my family lived in the most terrible uncertainty that can exist, not knowing what had happened to our loved ones. You are here to ensure that other families don’t have to live with that uncertainty for so long. Every case you solve, every family you reunite, every answer you provide, honors the memory of all those who have disappeared.

Diego and Rodrigo can’t return, but their legacy can help bring thousands of others back. Welcome to the Vazquez Twins Academy. The students’ applause echoed throughout the auditorium. Elena looked up at the ceiling and whispered, “This is for you, brothers, so that your death has the greatest possible meaning.” After the ceremony, Elena walked through the halls of the academy. On the walls were photographs of all the cases solved by the foundation over the past five years.

17 cases, 17 families reunited, 17 happy endings made possible thanks to Diego and Rodrigo. In her office, Elena had a new photograph of her siblings, a picture of them smiling at each other when they were 15 years old during a family vacation in Puerto Vallarta. She no longer remembered them as victims, but as the vibrant young people they had been. The phone rang. It was another case. Another desperate family searching for answers. Fundación Gemelos Vázquez. Elena speaking. Mrs. Vázquez, my daughter disappeared three days ago.

The police say it’s too early to investigate, but I know something bad happened. Elena grabbed a notebook and a pen. “Tell me everything from the beginning. We’re going to find your daughter.” As she listened to the details of the new case, Elena realized she had found her purpose in life. Diego and Rodrigo had died, but their deaths had given birth to something much bigger: a system to help other families avoid the pain she had experienced.

It wasn’t the ending she had imagined eight years earlier, when her brothers disappeared, but it was an ending that made sense. It was an ending that turned tragedy into hope. It was finally a peaceful ending.