Zorro Meets his Match
Chapter 7 – A Trap is Set
It has been two weeks since the wedding. Monastario had not contacted the de la Vegas and indeed had avoided them whenever possible. It was just as well. The family was just as content with it. Bo had recovered from the traumatic time. She was eating well and was smiling again. Alejandro was happy to see her again happy. He truly thought of her as a daughter not a ward and it hurt him when she was upset. She deserved every happiness he could provide.
Alejandro came into the hacienda fuming. Diego and Boudica were just sitting down to breakfast on the courtyard patio. It was a very lovely morning and not yet so hot that one could not stand to be outside. "Father. Do you wish to join us?"
Alejandro lifted his hand. He had eaten hours ago. "Gracias, no, but I do need to get some things."
"What has happened?" Diego asked watching Bo as she lifted a tortilla with cheese and eggs. She rolled it up into a fat pocket before taking a bite.
"Don Nacho Torres is a fugitive. He spoke out against Monastario after the wedding and has been on the run. While in town he contacted me and asked me to help him." He smiled. "Zorro helped him escape last night."
"What of Donna Louisa and Senorita Elena?" Diego asked.
Alejandro shrugged. "I am not sure."
Bo looked up. "We could go see them." She said.
Diego looked across at her. She had no idea she was playing with fire there. Elena was a former sweetheart of Diego before he had gone to school. He had heard she had another admirer, perhaps more. She was a lovely young woman.
Alejandro nodded. "We must find Torres."
"And do what?" Diego asked. "He needs to try to make it to Monterey. It is his only chance at a pardon."
Bo delicately used bread to clean the yoke from her plate. "Indeed. Do you think he can reach it?"
"He must. Someone must tell of the corruption here." Alejandro said.
She nodded. She rose to her feet. Diego did also as she finished her tea. "I will go get ready." She said and was off in a whisper of cloth on the flagstones.
Alejandro watched her climbing the stairs. "It is good to see her happy again."
Diego looked at his father as he folded his arms. "I am more worried about her being green with jealousy."
"Oh?"
"Elena and I were courting before I went to Madrid." Diego said.
"Oh, yes!" Alejandro said. He looked up as she went into her room with Buena behind her. "Keep her safe."
"Always." Diego said.
ZzZ
They arrived at the Torres hacienda just after noon. Bo had asked Diego about Elena. He had answered her openly that once he had wished to marry Elena, join the two great ranchos and families. He did not even know if the girl would even appreciate him there now, honestly.
Bo had smiled at that.
Once there, a groom came to see to their mules that pulled the small carriage. Diego jumped down lightly, pulling his sombrero back. He then walked around as Bo stood up and he gently lifted her from the carriage. She really could fill out her body a little. She was thinner than he was and his finger crossed holding her waist. Then again, he did have big hands.
He set her down and smiled at her as he moved to knock on the door. She joined him, pulling the long cloth she wore around her head about her shoulders.
The door opened to reveal Donna Louisa. She smiled. "Diego de le Vega! Welcome!" She said lifting her hand. He took it, kissing the lace that covered it.
"A pleasure." He murmured looking up at her. He was ever the cultured gentleman.
She looked around him at the quiet girl behind him with the most startling hair that flashed molten in the sunlight, what little she could see, which was a thick braid hanging down over her shoulder. "And who is this?" She asked.
Diego smiled. "Ah. Donna Louisa Torres, this is Boudica Heceta, my father's ward." He said smiling back at the tiny pixie of a woman beside him. "Bo, this is Donna Louisa."
Bo bowed to the older woman and flashed a smile. "Donna."
Louisa nodded for them to join her. "Please. Come to the Sala for some refreshments." She said.
Diego walked behind Bo as the went through the entrance way to a rather large vaulted ceiling living room. Unlike the de la Vega home, the balcony was on the inside where the bedrooms were on the second floor surrounding the Sala in a U shape.
"Please, be seated." Louisa said beckoning a maid.
Bo did so, removing her gloves and then pressing her head covering back to reveal the red auburn mane that looked darker outside of the sunlight. She looked about the room taking in the art. Louisa sat down on the small couch beside Bo. Diego then dropped into a wooden chair facing them.
The maid returned with wine and lovely slightly sweetened cakes. Bo had learned she loves these treats and could likely eat the whole plate if no one stopped her. She thanked the maid softly and then reached for a cake, watching Louisa pour the wine into small crystal glasses.
"Tell me, Senorita Heceta. Where do you come from?" Louisa asked.
"New York." She said.
"An Americano." Louisa said looking up at Diego. "And you came to be the de le Vega ward?"
"Don Alejandro is most generous. I came out to find a new life, but sadly I had nothing except my bags."
"Very small bags." Diego cut in.
She looked at him and rolled her eyes. "And knew no one."
"She had a rather bad case of sun stroke." Diego said after sipping the sweet wine. "It was lucky I found her."
"How terrible for you, but it is just as well such a gentleman found you." Louisa said.
"Indeed." Bo said taking a sip of wine before reaching for another cake.
"My father just would not have a young girl on her own so he made her his ward so she had someone responsible for her."
"I am responsible for myself." She said firmly.
"You are an unwed Senorita who needed a family to protect you." Diego said in quiet seriousness.
She narrowed her eyes at him and sighed.
A younger woman appeared wearing a dress of green. She smiled seeing Diego. "Diego!" She said coming forward.
He rose to his feet and bowed to her. "Elena." He smiled.
"I had heard you had returned. Why have you not come visiting you scoundrel." She said.
Bo buried her smile in her glass of wine as Diego shot her a look after hearing the soft snort of a laugh. Elena looked back at Bo and looked at Diego in confusion. "Oh! I didn't know you were betrothed." To another, the statement hung between them.
Bo shook her head as she rose to her feet. "We are not betrothed." She said. "I am his father's ward." She dipped her head. "It is an honor to meet you Elena."
Elena looked at Diego and she cocked her head.
He took the hint. "This is Boudica."
"She is so small. Like a doll." Elena said stepping around Diego to look at the other young woman who was a couple years her junior.
Bo blinked. She felt like an animal at a zoo she had been at for a moment and sat down, trying to ignore the eyes that held a mix of dislike and fascination.
Diego smiled. "She is a bit like a china doll, but much stronger." He agreed as he sat down playfully.
Elena joined them.
There was a knock at the door. Donna Louisa rose. "Excuse me." She said.
Diego had risen as well, as he always did for a lady. Bo watched him then settle back. Elena was watching her like some stray dog, but Diego was being his normal charming self. Bo was quiet, only answering questions directed to her as she watched the pair before her flirt. Well, Elena was flirting. Diego was being himself, which was a natural flirt with anything female.
Donna Louisa was walking into the room followed by Monastario and Sargent Garcia. Diego didn't move, but watched the commandant as he held his wine class in his hand. Bo, however, let out a small gasp, setting down her half eaten cake and moving behind Diego, gripping his chair back so hard that her hands were going white. Diego made no move to shield her other than how he was sitting, but she knew he would move if the need arose.
Monastario smiled. "Ah you have guests. Senorita Elena." He dipped his head. "de le Vega." He said coolly. Diego lifted his glass in a small salute. He then smiled. "Boudica. A pleasure to see you."
She glared over Diego's left shoulder. "I wish I could say the same, commandant." She said in a voice that would have frozen the Straight of Gibraltar.
Diego looked back at her and clicked his tongue a little in disapproval.
The commandant turned to Donna Louisa and asked about her husband.
Bernardo came in. He had ridden on the back of the carriage. He caught Diego's attention. Bo also as she stood behind him, eyes flicking between Bernardo and the commandant talking to Donna Louisa and Elena who had joined her mother.
"Que fait Bernardo?" She asked Diego softly, hardly moving her mouth. She spoke French knowing that no one else in the room would know it.
He blinked, startled. "Il essaie de nous dire quelque chose." He answered as he feigned taking a sip of wine. He looked back at Bernardo who was moving about gesturing emphatically.
Bernardo stopped and waved as he smiled at Garcia who waved back and turned back to the commandant.
"Soldats marchant autour. Il dit que la zone est entourée." She said quietly.
"Il semblerait. Je n'avais aucune idée que tu parlais français. Où avez-vous appris?" He asked looking up at her before eyes flicking back to the commandant.
"Même chose que vous. École." She answered leaning down to pick a horse hair from his jacket.
"J'avais oublié que tu es un enseignant. Cela peut être utile pour empêcher le fou de nous comprendre."
"Laquelle?" She asked a slight playfulness to her voice as she smiled a little.
"Sois sage petite soeur." He chided in mock disapproval smiling a little as his eyes looked up at her.
"Sargent go search the cellar." The commandant said.
Diego was on his feet. "I hear Don Nacho has an amazing cellar. I will come with you Sargent."
"Very good don Diego." Garcia said.
The pair of them went down to the cellar. Diego gave Bo a meaningful look.
Monastario stayed with the women. Bo kept well away from him as he asked questions of the women who lived there. Monastario seemed to know that the Don was somewhere there. However, he could not find him.
Bo leaned to her hostess. "If we keep him distracted, he can escape."
"But I told you, he is not here."
Bo arched an eyebrow meaningfully that told her she could lie all she wanted to the commandant, but the friends knew better. Monastario took his leave for a moment. Bo then moved quickly to find Diego. She found him and took a breath.
"He needs to get out of here."
"The soldiers are preventing him." Diego said.
Bo nodded.
Garcia and the Commandant searched the bedrooms upstairs, Diego distracting the commandant so he Don Nacho could move about.
The last bedroom, however, Nacho was trapped. Bo, who found herself next to Monastario looked about as he stood near the door and then took a breath. She grabbed the commandant by his lapels and pulled him down to her, kissing him, startling him and everyone there. Bo, looked up and threw her arm behind the commandant at Diego to get Nacho to move.
Diego's face twisted as he paused behind the commandant. Her eyes were narrowed at him. Perhaps she had made the greatest sacrifice of them all.
The commandant recovered enough to return the kiss a little as the Don moved to an already searched room. Diego stepped to the commandant. "How dare you kiss her, Senor!" He barked and shoved Monastario backwards from her.
Bo moved to Bernardo and wiped her mouth as they both shared a giggle as Diego growled. The commandant shook his head and went to light a cigar. Diego looked back at Bo who was pale, but smiling. He dipped his head to her and beamed.
Diego then feigned her heard something behind a door. Above him he nodded to Bernardo to drop something on the commandant's head. Bo looked about as well. The first was too big to drop on his head. The second too small. Bo smiled and lifted a plant container made of terracotta and handed it to Bernardo.
"Look out! Zorro!" Diego barked side stepping as the commandant took the pot to his head knocking him out. Bernardo came and picked up the pieces and smiled signaling a job well done to the manservant. Diego then lifted the man to his shoulders and took him to the Don's room. Bo followed, curious as to Diego's plan.
"Did you kill him?" Bo asked.
"No. He is just unconscious." Diego said.
"Pity." Bo hissed.
He shot a look at her and she shrugged. Her dislike of the blue eyed Spaniard who had tried to attack her was turning into full blown hatred, and Boudica loved every one.
After seeing the unconscious man, Diego collected Bo to speak to her outside for some air. She looked at him curiously and he leaned to her. "If Don Nacho takes his uniform and can get away, he can make it out of here." He whispered to her.
She nodded and followed him.
Once outside, Diego talked with Garcia. Bo stood to one side as Elena came out.
"Diego." She called.
He came to her. "Si."
She looked up at him. "I have agreed to the Commandant's proposal of marriage. Mother and I are leaving for the pueblo with him immediately."
Diego looked back at Donna Louisa and the Commandant standing there. However, Diego knew it was Don Torres doing exactly what he had suggested. Take the commandant's clothing and make an escape. He chuckled. "Well they say the best man always wins. I want to wish you every happiness. Shall I call you the carriage?"
"Please." She said. "And Gracias Diego. Pray for us." She said lifting her hands to his face. He caught her hands and lightly kissed the knuckles of one before moving to get Garcia to get the carriage. He nodded to Bo to join them also. She hopped lightly in and sat across from the three, finger to her lips as they then traveled.
ZZZ
They traveled for some time before Garcia came upon them. They were not heading toward los Angeles. He looked in and saw Torres there.
"You are not the commandant!" He gasped.
Zorro came riding up then. Garcia turned, drawing his sword. Zorro crossed swords with him and then pulled him from his mount. "Take his horse Don Nacho." Zorro barked.
Senor Torres did so and then started to ride off.
"If anyone follows me or Don Torres, I will run him through." He said looking down at Garcia on the ground before him looking up at him.
The lancers stayed put.
"Thanks for the loan of the horse, Sargent. I will be sure to tell your commandant how helpful you were the next time I see him." Zorro said. He looked up at the driver. "Back to the Torres hacienda, pronto!" He barked as he lifted his rapier and made the mark of a Z in the door.
He leaned down a little. "Ladies."
The carriage arrived back at the Torres hacienda in a couple hours. Garcia helped the women down. They huddled together. Elena looked at Bo who looked about as Garcia went up to see to the commandant.
In the cellar they found Diego and Bernardo, bound and gagged.
When they were let go Diego moved to fetch his sister. Elena thanked them both again watching Diego lift Bo into the carriage.
She lifted a hand to his arm. "The best woman also wins." She said looking at Bo as she settled.
Diego looked back and smiled a little as he hopped up. Bernardo got onto the back as Diego clicked his tongue and the mules moved.
ZzZ
The next afternoon, Bo was in Diego's room listening to him read poetry as she sat at the head of his bed, hair about her shoulders, relaxing sipping wine. He was facing the other way, back to the large foot board screen reading as he too sipped wine. He had one leg up beside Bo and the other rested on the floor. He had taken off his jacket, but he still wore his cravat, blouse, vest, and pants. All were blue with dark blue trim except the cravat that was dark blue and his shirt was white. The wrap about his waist was also dark blue.
She was in a spring dress and was swirling her glass contentedly as her other hand fanned herself lightly. Her tiny stockinged feet went to his shin. Her soft small shoes were beside the bed on the floor. She had a flower in her hair, one of the blossoms from the vine outside. With her hair down she looked to be more growing into womanhood rather than fully a woman.
Diego focused on his book so as to not see the small beads of sweat running down between her lovely breasts. The dress did nothing to hide her generous cleavage and in fact seemed to add to it. For as thin and small as she was, Boudica did have a lovely set of breasts he had to admit.
Buena was sitting hemming shirts, chaperoning the pair at Diego's insistence. They could be alone together being that she was his father's ward, but it was better this way. After all he was somewhat courting her.
The door opened without a knock.
"Diego?"
"Yes, father?" Diego asked looking over where his head rested as his father came around to his beside.
Alejandro was annoyed. "Why was I not informed about this before? The wife and daughter of my old friend Don Nacho being dragged off to jail like common thieves."
Diego sighed and lifted his wine glass to his father.
"Arrested?" Bo asked looking at her guardian.
"No thank you." Alejandro said to the wine. He looked at Bo. "Yes, my child."
"You heard as soon as I father."
"The only difference being, I intend to do something about it. I have a few choice words for the commandant." Alejandro went to the door. "Edwardo. Summon my carriage."
Diego rolled his eyes at Bo who smiled a little as he shifted, setting his wine down. "Very well, father, I will go."
"Well spoken my son." Alejandro said. Returning to watch his son pulling on his jacket. "The neighboring rancheros have offered all spare men to help us. You will have a strong force."
"Father force is the one thing we mustn't use. With the district in open rebellion, Monastario would have every right to crush us with the military and confiscate our lands." He looked back at Bo who was getting to her feet slowly. "We need to look after Bo at least." He said.
"What are you suggesting then?"
"When Don Nacho reaches Monterey and the governor finds out what is happening here, we shall get help. Military help. But if we rebel, we force the governor to support Monastario."
Alejandro nodded. "Si, there is truth in what you say. But still. I cannot sit idolly by and watch the Torres women suffer. Don Nacho would do the same if it were Boudica or your mother, God rest her soul, in that jail for me."
"Patience father. I will go and see what I can find out."
Boudica nodded as she pulled on her shoes. She looked at Alejandro as Diego stepped outside. He smiled after her and then shared a glance with Buena who smiled at him.
Below them in the courtyard, Maria was seeing to preparing some vegetables for supper. Her son walked into the gate. Her son, Benito was a tall man for an Indian and was the de la Vega head vachero.
"Momma. I must speak to you about the Senorita Elena."
"No my son, it will not please the Patron to talk about a woman so far about your station." Maria said.
"Than I will not please him." He bent to touch her shoulder. "I cannot help it Momma. I love the Senorita Elena."
"Such people are not for us to love." She said. "It will only make trouble for you. For all of us."
He knelt before her. "Momma…I…" He looked up and say Diego coming down the stairs with Bo beside him. He moved to Diego. "Patron. Patron! Is it true they have taken Senorita Elena to prison."
Diego nodded. "Yes, it is true." He said pulling on his gloves. "They have also taken Donna Louisa."
"What will the do with her?" The vachero asked as Diego continued to walk. Bo stepped into step behind them.
"Donna Louisa?" Diego asked slightly amused knowing what the other younger man meant.
"I mean both ladies Patron."
"I don't know Benito, but I am going to find out."
"Monastario should be killed." The vachero said boldly.
Bo gasped a little, but her eyes glittered a little as Diego paused to turn back.
"Philosophy teaches us that violence is not the solution to the problems that plague mankind." Diego said. "However, it is a tempting idea, eh?"
"I will do what is necessary Patron."
"Keep away from Monastario. Knowing your concern for the Senorita Elena, he would welcome the chance to kill you."
"I am not afraid."
"People in love so seldom are." Diego said. His eyes flicked to Bo who was watching, annoyance etched on her pretty face. "It is the time they should be most afraid. If you have no fear for yourself, have some for Senorita Elena. You will only make matters worse for her." He patted the vachero's arm.
Diego looked at Bo who grunted her displeasure. He stepped to her. "And you." He cupped her chin. "Et toi. Comportez-vous. Nous n'avons plus besoin de problèmes jusqu'à ce que nous puissions avoir ce tri, hum?" She looked away and he shook her chin lightly to get her attention. "M'entendez-vous Boudica?" He asked looking into her eyes.
"Oui, je t'entends." She said quietly.
"Good girl." He said and kissed her brow. He turned and hopped into the wagon. Bernardo then had the mules drive off.
Boudica sighed and shook her head before going to return to the house.
Benito watched her go as his mother came to him. "Was the Patron angry my son?"
"I do not think so."
"Than he will save her?"
"Don Diego would like to, but I do not think he will." Benito looked back at Bo. "He has other concerns."
Maria looked back also. "Senorita Bo is a good woman. I would support her being the Senora of this hacienda. She is kind and generous. She even has cooked when I am ill. What lady would do this?"
Benito nodded and walked away.
ZzZ
After Diego could not have the women freed, Alejandro tried two days later. Again he had no success. Angered, he called all the local Dons to his home for a meeting. He found Bo playing cards with Diego in the Sala.
"Boudica, my child." Alejandro said. "I have need of you."
"Father?" She asked curious as she rose to her feet.
"I need you to play hostess. We are having several guests this evening."
"Guests father?" Diego asked.
"Si. We are planning to move against Monastario."
Bo's eyes flicked to Diego. "Je pense qu'il est sérieux. Je ne suis pas sûr si je suis heureux ou fâché." She said.
He nodded. "Oui."
Alejandro lifted his hand. "I hate it when you two do that."
"Do what father?"
"Speak like that to each other."
"It is only French." Diego shrugged.
"Bah!" Alejandro said. He stepped to the girl. "Wear something pretty." He said. "I want to show you off."
She shook her head.
The meeting had the Dons arguing approach and Diego trying to pacify them from the rebellion path. Bo, who normally was a very active part of such discussion was silent as she sat, watching the men in her lovely dress. Alejandro was angry at the mistreatment of the proud Spanish women being held. He added salt to the wound bringing what had been done to his ward, which angered the men more.
After they came to how they would attack and overthrow Monastario, the other Dons left the house. Bo had followed Alejandro out. He turned to see her there, watching.
"You were strangely silent, my child."
"It is not my place, father."
He almost laughed at that. Of all the times she chose to stay silent and not speak her mind. He lifted a hand to her cheek. "Does this mean you agree with Diego?"
"No one wishes for Monastario's death more than I, but yes, Diego is right."
He shook his head. "I must speak with Diego before I leave."
She touched his arm. "Be gentle with him. He has your best interest at heart, father."
He nodded. "As I have yours my child." He said lifting a hand to her cheek before turning to walk away.
Alejandro walked into Diego's room. Diego looked up. "Father I implore you. Do not do such a foolish thing."
"I do not wish to stand here and debate with you. If you wish to argue philosophy speak with Boudica. She seems to be able to match you on such affairs. Which again surprises me you still haven't wed her. You seem to be made for each other." He sighed. "The Dons are depending on me to open the gates. Do you ride with me or do I ride alone?"
Diego reached out and took his arms. "Won't you listen to reason. You are not only going to your own death, but those who ride with you will die to. What of the ranchero and Boudica?"
"Do you choose to remain here?"
Diego took a breath and stepped back.
"For a few minutes tonight, I almost felt what it is like for a father to be proud of his son." He shook his head. He heard a noise and knew Bo was near. "It is a shame that Zorro cannot join us." He said.
Diego took a breath as Alejandro walked out. He looked at Bo who was watching him, eyes glittering in the darkness. She took a breath and looked upwards. She then walked to his room. He walked to his mirror and slapped the table angrily. He saw Bo there.
"Did you hear?"
She nodded. She came to him, lifting a hand to his cheek. "I am sorry."
He sighed and shook his head. "I worry for him, Bo. What if he dies, what will happen?"
She shook her head. He pulled her into an embrace as she started to cry. "Diego. You have to stop him."
He shook his head. "I can't."
She growled and shoved back from him. "For once stand up for the family!" She hissed. "For once be like Zorro. Defend what is yours!" she barked and then whirled away from him.
"Bo! Boudica!" She shook her head and ran to her room.
He looked back at Bernardo. He shut his door and put out the light, locking it, and then went to go become Zorro. He had one chance to distract the lancers to prevent a bloodbath.
ZzZ
Zorro went into the garrison courtyard and then rang the bell. Monastario himself appeared. He dueled with Zorro, alone, surprising Zorro. Zorro was able to get out of the locked Zorro led the lancers on a chase, but they soon tired of the game. Zorro rode back and managed to keep most of the men out of the garrison. However, as the gate shut again, Tornado made it out.
Monastario called for his men as Alejandro was caught in the crossfire. He managed to get up to the roof, but Monastario shot him. Zorro dueled the commandant once more and was able to escape also. He had Alejandro mount before him. They then took off out of town for safety.
Alejandro was not doing well. He lived, but the bullet was still within him and as they rode, it jarred him and he groaned in pain. Zorro felt for the man.
Once free of the town and onto de la Vega lands, Zorro dismounted and then sent Tornado away so the men would chase him with a dummy Zorro on him.
Zorro could not see the wound well in the light, but he could feel the slippery wetness of blood. He needed to get the bullet out and Alejandro to safety. He looked about and then hid hearing the lancers come up, looking for them.
As they passed, Alejandro took a breath. "Zorro. You must save yourself."
Zorro shook his head. "No, Senor. I must return you to your son and ward. They will see you through this."
Alejandro nodded and then went limp. Zorro felt for a pulse and took a breath. The man had fainted from blood loss. Hardly, unexpected.
Now to bring him home to Boudica.
