"He's doing what?" Diego exclaimed as he removed his mask in the safety of the cave. Felipe shrugged and signed it again.
"What has possessed him to host a party? I thought if I went away for a week or so, Victoria would forget this nonsense, but it appears I have only made it worse."
Felipe shrugged again, and began to unsaddle the stallion. Diego removed his black shirt, and proceeded to get changed into his normal blue suit.
"Now I have to explain that I had to turn back for something. This is going to get complicated…"
Felipe grinned and gestured something.
"I really really don't like Juan, yes. I might have to truly leave for the north estate, before I get caught up in this nonsense."
Felipe gestured a riding motion.
"Just don't start. Juan has a big opinion of his own riding, but I should not show off my skill."
He hung the black clothes on the hooks carefully. "No, Felipe. Luis Ramon is so intense about Zorro these days, any hint of my ability could be dangerous."
He sat down at his desk to think.
"If my father is involved now, we may be in trouble."
Felipe pointed to himself with raised eyebrows.
"Yes, 'we'. If my father discovers Zorro's identity, he will discover your involvement."
Felipe glanced down, serious for the first time in their discussion.
"It is tempting to fall for my father's trap, but I will have to resist. You say he wants to form a resistance group?"
Felipe nodded, and signed. That is what he said.
"I have never seriously considered that idea myself."
"Felipe! Felipe! Where is that boy?" Diego and Felipe grinned. "Oh, why do I keep forgetting the child is deaf? He was here just a moment ago."
"My father seems to need you, Felipe."
Felipe grinned and pointed to Diego as well.
"I seem to need you as well. Thank you for relaying the information. It does seem that I need to get personally involved more than I thought. She is not going to drop the project, especially after my father has encouraged her so intensely."
Felipe gestured again. All those wealthy, handsome men, and poor Victoria all defenceless.
"Not defenceless, Felipe. Just susceptible. Some of my peers have great skills at seduction."
Felipe gestured again.
"I am sure Victoria can look after herself," Diego answered softly. "But if she can't, well, I suppose I should watch her carefully."
Felipe nodded enthusiastically.
"Now, off with you. Don't keep him waiting. He'll get mad."
Felipe nodded, and after checking the peep hole, slowly made his way through the secret door, closing it carefully behind him.
Diego went out the back way to where he had tethered Esperanza. She welcomed the sugar cube from his palm with appreciation, and nuzzled him as he stroked her neck.
"You are such a good girl, Esperanza. Time to get back to the stable. Off you go," he murmured gently, before untethering her. "Home, Esperanza!"
She tossed her head, and hesitated, eying him carefully.
"Home, Esperanza!" Diego repeated, more firmly.
She turned and cantered towards her home stable. Diego turned, and grabbed a handful of dust. He dusted his trousers heavily with the soft brown soil. Then he turned to get a couple of more handfuls of soil for the top of him. After dusting it through his hair, he grinned slightly.
"I really had a good tumble this time," he murmured softly.
He told himself to think of a dramatic method of limping back home as soon as he came close to anyone he knew. He could move quickly until then.
Zzz
Victoria was bustling around the tavern, serving guests when Alcalde Ramon entered the building.
"Well," he said with a characteristic sneer. "What have we here?"
"What are you talking about Senor Alcalde?" Victoria said with her hands on her hips.
"You're harbouring fugitives," Ramon said, triumphantly. "I saw the man leave yesterday."
"The man with the knife was not welcome in here. Why didn't you act to protect us?"
"He saw Zorro take care of the problem," Victoria said definantly. "He'd rather keep away from Zorro."
"I was understaffed. Three quarters of the men were on manoeuvres. He was too fast for the soldiers I had on hand," Ramon muttered. "I shouldn't have to justify myself to you. Just be aware that I am watching you closely. You cannot move without me knowing what you are doing."
"I doubt you have the men to watch her all the time. Besides, Victoria is coming with me. I am having a party in her honour. And you had better have a good reason to intrude on our estate, otherwise I will complain to the governor. As his nephew will be in attendance, I am sure he won't be too pleased."
"Really?"
"If you will excuse me, I will take my leave. I will send the buggy for you and your luggage on Monday, Victoria."
"Thank you, Don Alejandro."
He nodded to Victoria, and then to the alcalde. He mounted Dulcinea, and left at a light canter.
Zzz
Alejandro pulled in Dulcinea just outside the boundary of the de la Vega estate when he saw the dusty figure. He sat forward in the saddle.
"Diego! What on earth are you doing out here?"
Diego glanced down at himself. "Esperanza threw me. She went back home without me I think."
Alejandro sighed with exasperation. Then he thought.
"Are you hurt? You left yesterday morning. You spent a night and a day out in the open. Are you ill?"
"Just disgraced, I suppose."
"Come on, Dulcinea can carry both of us a short distance. We'll get you cleaned up and warm inside. You must be starving."
Alejandro leaned down, and helped Diego up into the saddle behind him.
"Take the buggy next time."
Dulcinea fussed for a moment, but with a few soothing words from Alejandro settled into a steady, easy canter.
"Are you hurt?" Alejandro said after a moment. "I want to know."
Do you really, Diego thought. He hesitated.
"I hurt my pride. I bruised an ankle. Not much damage done." His voice was clipped, and he realised with a shiver that it was true. The walk had been hard going for a man used to riding. He was cold and dusty, and hungry, but he hadn't been out for a night. It had been a gruelling three hour hike from where he had started.
"I'll fetch the doctor," Alejandro said after a moment.
"There's no need," Diego said quickly. A little too quickly for Alejandro.
"You are hiding something from me. Lying to save face."
Diego was silent.
"I realise I haven't been spending much time with you lately, but that's going to change. You didn't even think to tell me of your trip to the north. Doesn't that seem unnatural to you?"
"I know you are a busy man, Father. Our interests don't often coincide. I'm not needing…" Diego stopped, realising the direction of his words.
"You are needing more time with me. Even if you don't want it. You need to forgive me for not trying to understand you. For taking you for granted. I remember my own father. He wasn't there when I needed him, but I thought I didn't need him at all."
Diego frowned.
"Words are not my strength, Diego."
"We used to be closer, when I was younger. I am a man now, Father. Not a child."
"You are still young. We need to consider your future. A wife, children. What is so important that you would deny yourself those things?"
"Father, I am tired. Can we talk about this later?"
Alejandro shifted in the saddle, and nodded, meeting Diego's eyes. He saw the exhaustion and something like shame in the hazel eyes, and nodded again.