Description:
A second masked man appears in Los Angeles. A new trap for Zorro or is that stranger on Diego's side? And does he know the truth? While the young Vega tries to find out his secret identity, he recognizes there are even more people guarding their secrets.
Disclaimer:
The story was written solely for the enjoyment of other Zorro fans and it is not intended to infringe on any copyrights held by Godman/Rosen Productions, New Word Television, Zorro Productions, the estate of Johnston McCulley or anyone else.
_ZZZZZZZZ_
Siesta.
Silence in Los Angeles. People used to relax, some were sleeping. It was too hot staying in the sun.
Two people didn't search the shadow. Although the sun heated their heads, they were standing side by side, without moving or saying a word. It was an older Caballero and his son.
Both stood in front of a stone. wasn't only a stone – it was a headstone. The grave of a woman.
It was exactly the day Diego's mother died so many years ago. He and his father kept silence – thinking of the loss of a wonderful human.
Diego guessed his father was also thinking of Gilberto, the fallen son. The young Vega was sad about a brother, who could have been his friend, too, if he had grown up with him. Two months ago, the had buried him.
It was a strange thing- almost all people, knowing his secret identity, had died. Not only his brother, also the further alcalde and Sir Edmund. Knowing Zorro's secret seemed to risk someone's life.
Sometimes he was afraid for Felipe, too - although the boy was sharing his double life for a long time, two years now. But sometimes Diego suspected his father knew the truth, too. Since the duel with Gilberto, he had stopped blaming about his not acting son. Diego had been surprised as Alejandro was asking about science and although the old man didn't understand everything, the talking was a pleasure for both.
Diego couldn't stop his deception. Yes, maybe it was true, he was a coward not able to say "Father, I am Zorro and I have lied to you the last years". He feared his rejection. So, he continued playing a boring, worldly innocent Diego. He had been eased his father believed his fairy tale about his fencing abilities- that he had decided to become a man of peace in Spain because a close friend of Diego had died during a fencing fight.
Lying, lying for so long. So many lost years lost years with his father, lost years with Victoria. 'Oh mother, what shall I do?' he thought, lost in mind.
Two years of fighting as a masked hero and nothing had changed. It was a paradox, sometimes it seemed the alcalde was only so cruel because of his eagerness to catch Zorro – his activities used to be a trap for the black rider. Often Diego wanted to get rid of Zorro – to fight without a mask and feel the respect and love of his father and Victoria.
But he didn't know how to end the game- to become closer to them without getting in danger for all. He saw no solution for that trap he had made for himself.
Death came quickly sometimes. He thought of Sir Edmund and got angry and sad together. Two weeks ago, the Pueblo got an amnesty of Kendall posthumously. What the heck … why now? Why not at the time they needed it?
Maybe only an amnesty for Zorro could be the solution. So, the alcalde had to stop his private vendetta. No more one to bury under the earth, either a Vega or a Victoria. No more victims it was enough. No more at all.
"Diego?" the old man asked.
"Yes, Father?" Diego had to concentrate, his thoughts were really drifting away.
"I miss her. I am glad you are a peaceful man because I don't want to lose someone more I love."
His son wanted to shout to him, but he only swallowed. "Father, I'm sure we'll live in peace again. We have to be patient."
Alejandro sighed. "I'm not patient anymore after over two years, but I have no idea how we can change the situation. You are very clever, aren't you? Any plans?"
"I wished I had."
He looked painfully at the man beside him. Maybe he should go back to Spain with his father and Victoria. But he loved the countryside of Los Angeles, it was his home. "But I can make up my mind" he offered.
"We should go in. I am sweating here in the sun" the other chanced the point of the topic.
He nodded in agreement. So, both turned off the grave seeking for the comfortable cooling of the hacienda.
_ZZZZZZZZ_
Victoria was about to close the tavern as a late unexpected guest entered the tavern. In fact, not really unexpected – she had hoped he would come today, even it was late. There weren't any more people left in the tavern – but because it was him, it wasn't a problem for her.
"Diego" Victoria smiled. „I am happy you are visiting me. I thought you may come and I'm glad I was right."
"Victoria" he smiled. "I always loved coming to you... your tavern."
"I'm glad to hear that. I know, it is not a good day for both of you. How is he?"
Although she didn't mention the name he knew she was talking about his father. "Well, a little confused. Like every year. He feels lonely when he remembers mother's death."
"I see. I'm sorry". She felt with him. And she felt a little insecure because the fear came back her masked love could die, too.
"I wish him to fall in love with a woman" he admitted. "But it would also be a very strange feeling to get a new mother."
"Your mother will always have a place in your heart, Diego. You don't dishonor her accepting a new love for him."
"I know. You are right. But I don't know a woman fitting to him."
"Time will show, Diego. Don't be worry" she encouraged him. "And what about you?"
"Me? What do you think is about me?" he asked confused.
"Are you still in love with a woman and she doesn't love you?"
Madre de Dios! She hadn't forgotten it. What would she say if she knew it was her?
"Well, yes."
Victoria saw the sadness in his eyes. That girl must be a very stupid woman. Diego was a very handsome and well-educated man. Why should someone refuse him? She couldn't understand. If there hadn't been any Zorro and he would ask her she would …. She had silly thoughts today. So, she was a stupid woman, too, today. But she was unhappy because of his lovesickness.
She wanted to talk more about his mysterious love, but not today, the anniversary of the death of his mother. Both, he and her, were cached in a difficult love story.
"Diego, if you want to talk about it, please be free to talk about that subject at every time."
Her friend touched his hands through his hair. His facial expression gave away to despair for a second before disappearing. He eased again and replied. "Thank you, Victoria for your help."
She saw how suffered he was. She couldn't help him but maybe she could distract him from thinking about that dense woman. In a wise sense, she had left him something to eat.
"Do you want to eat some of my left chili? And a fresh lemonade?"
"Oh yes, that would be great. Thank you."
"You know, you are always welcome to my tavern" she smiled. "I am happy to help you. You are a close friend and I don't want you feeling bad."
The young man looked at her. He still seemed to be a little sad. He answered "I know I am a friend for you. And I am happy you allow me being your friend."
For a moment she had an imagination there was more about his answer. But she couldn't catch it. Maybe she was wrong.
"Diego, we are knowing each other since childhood. And I'm happy you came back from Spain. You often helped me with your advice and I know I can count on you."
The young Vega placed his right hand on one of her shoulders. "I'll always be here for you. Whenever you need me or someone for help don't be afraid asking me." His blue eyes met hers as he glanced at her with an undefinable glitter in his eyes.
From time to time she had a strange feeling when they were talking and now it was one of the moment the feeling came back. Something she should know, recognize. But it never came clear to her and so she decided to ignore.
"Thank you for your offer, Diego. You have also been a close friend. By the way, Felipe didn't want to come with you?"
"He takes care of my father" Diego explained. "Since I adopted Felipe my father is proud to have a grandchild and they spend more time together."
"That is fine."
"Yes." Diego laughed. "Sometimes my father just needs to talk to someone and while doing that he finds a solution for his problems. And Felipe is a good listener. A conversational partner who can be silent". The man paused, then continued: "He is still learning more gestures to be able to talk with Felipe more easily."
She nodded. "I'm happy they are becoming closer. – Diego, please sit down and relax. I have promised you a meal and a lemonade, I will bring it to you immediately."
The young Vega nodded and removed his hand from her as he turned around and sat down at the table beside them. The woman gave him a last look, smiled friendly and disappeared behind the curtain.
"I hope I will be more than a friend for you when you know the truth, Querida" he whispered.
_ZZZZZZZZ_
"Diego, that isn't right. I can do it on my own."
"I know you can do it. But I want to help you. Give me a towel, please" he insisted on helping her.
She sighed. "Diego, that isn't right. First, that is my business, my part. And second, you are a caballero, so you shouldn't do such things."
"Nonsense, Victoria. Do you really think only a mask bandit is able to do the dishes?" he muttered while he was thinking how often he helped her doing that as his Alter Ego.
"Diego" she shouted surprised. "How can you know he did that?"
"Well, I just guessed" he admitted. "I was upset you don't let me help you."
She shook his head. Sometimes he acted strangely. She decided to ease and reached for a new towel and gave it to him. "Diego, I don't want you to be angry. Here, you can dry the dishes."
"I'm glad you allow me helping you at last" he grinned. He loved to share more time with her, so it was a good pretense. And, of course, he wanted to help her in every way, no matter by doing her dishes or by protecting her as Zorro.
She began to rub one plate in the warm water and gave it to Diego after it was clean. He smiled as he took and dried it. Afterwards, he put it in the right place.
"And, Victoria? Am I so good as your masked hero?" he teased her. "Or even better?"
She pushed her elbow in his rips. "You shouldn't compare yourself with him" she responded. "You wanted to help me, so we should continue our work."
He grinned as he took the next, a cup.
Although Victoria had answered him harshly, she was happy about his help. While Diego was a nobleman, he was skilled in doing that chore. She was happy Diego was such a close friend and while they were standing side by side she almost forgot he was a member of an upper class. It was a little like being together with Zorro even that comparison was ridiculous.
Together they worked very well and quickly. Soon they had finished, and the woman was very happy. "Thank you, Diego. I never liked doing the dishes but with you, it was a pleasure."
"As I said you, I am always there to help you. That includes such easy things as ordinary indoor work" he promised.
"Sometimes you are crazy" She laughed. No, she wouldn't ask him for such common tasks. But it was a great relief for her he would be there for you.
Diego and Zorro – two absolute different man who cared for her. She was a really lucky woman.
"Victoria?" A soft voice came to her ear.
"Ehm … Diego?" she replied confused as she heard his gentle question. Did she feel a kind of caress in that sound?
"I have to go. I want to look for my father."
"Of course. I understand you completely. Your father needs you."
"Thank you for your understanding". The man took her hand and squeezed it. "Goodbye, Victoria."
She squeezed back. "Goodbye, Diego. I hope I see you again soon."
"We will, Victoria I promise. Sleep well."
He gave her a last look, smiled and disappeared behind the curtain. Afterwards, she heard the slam of the door. He had left.
Victoria wondered about him. It was too early going to bed. But she had the desire to go to her room not really knowing why.
As she entered the room she discovered the note immediately placed on her bed.
She hurried towards the envelope and opened. Excited she unfolded the paper.
She recognized the handwriting. It was him.
Querida,
I hope you are fine. I'm sorry we spend so less time together. I'm thinking about how we could change it and I hope I can find a solution.
Victoria, I love you from the bottom of my heart. I will always love you. Please be patient. The time will come to your masked love will become an unmasked, real man.
I'm longing for our next meeting.
With love. I embrace you.
ZORRO