The Dance

This take places at the end of the episode Conundrum.

Disclaimer: This story was written solely for the enjoyment of other Zorro fans and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights held by Goodman/Rosen Productions, New World Television, Zorro Productions, the estate of Johnston McCulley or anyone else.

Chapter 1

Start of Transcript Episode Conundrum

The party was already in full swing when Diego, Felipe, and Don Alejandro walked inside the tavern. The tavern was crowded with joyous people who were dancing to the music. Mendoza greeted Diego when he entered the tavern and grabbed him by the arm. Unnoticed by Mendoza Diego grimaced with pain when Mendoza squeezed his wounded arm.

"Zorro was magnificent. You should have been there."

Mendoza exclaimed enthusiastically,

"So I've heard, Sergeant." said Diego as Mendoza pretended to imitate Zorro's sword fight.

"Quite a party, huh?" Don Alejandro added joyously as Victoria walked past him.

Victoria stopped and turned around.
"And the Alcalde has agreed to pay every centavo."

de Soto wiped his face with his handkerchief.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I have. I think we all need to let off a little steam. You all know how personally close I came to death. "

When Felipe started to dance with a young woman, Don Alejandro pointed at them and clapped.

Mendoza added, "Me, too. If it wouldn't have been for Zorro. . ."

"Sergeant, if it weren't for Zorro, we wouldn't have come so close to hanging in the first place."

Victoria who came up beside de Soto chided him.
"Oh, come on, Alcalde. It's a celebration. Can't you bury the hatchet with Zorro just for one night?"

de Soto stuffed his handkerchief up his sleeve.
"You're quite right, Senorita. This is a joyous occasion. May I have the honor of this dance?"

Diego quickly came up behind de Soto.
"Pardon me, alcalde, but the senorita promised this dance to me."

He went over and lead Victoria out to dance who smiled up at him.

"The Alcalde will bury the hatchet all right." said Diego as they danced away.

"Yes, right on Zorro's head." she replied.

End of Transcript Episode Conundrum

Diego felt happy holding Victoria in his arms while he tried to ignore the constant throbbing in his arm. He had bandaged his arm before he came to the party, but because of Mendoza's hard grip the wound had reopened again and he felt blood drizzle along his arm. Victoria's hand lay lightly on his shoulders well above his wound for what he was grateful. They continued to dance and Diego noticed with horror the dark stain that was beginning to show on his jacket. Also Victoria's white blouse was getting red where it was soaking blood from his arm. He started to think frantically. He couldn't let the blood on him be discovered or the alcalde would find out that he was Zorro.