One other thing does not smell right. The deal usually is a deal, both men have something to gain. The classic example is a break with a GC contender and a non-contender. Usually these are mountian stages, but they don't have to be. The deal? Both work like a two man time trial up to the very end, they just make sure the non-contender gets the stage win. Non-contender gets a stage win, contender gets maximum time.
Once in a while a pair will agree to work til near the end than drag race. I only recall this once. This one depends on just the right gap, reasonable trust and reasonably balanced riders. E.g. if we both work til 1000 meters we will stay away, if not we won't. But that alone is not enough as if one is clearly the better for the drag sprint it is still a bad deal for him.
So what would Martinez gain in any deal? I can't see anything. And how does Martinez make a deal that includes Pate?