Part 8 - Aftermath

Diego cradled his injured arm, as he and Felipe waited in the hallway outside his father's private rooms. Doctor Hernandez was currently examining the wounds Don Alejandro had received, at the hands of Emissary Risendo; a man who claimed to be the elder son and Diego's own twin brother. He still could not believe, let alone understand, what had happened that afternoon. Not only that afternoon, but also everything since Risendo arrived.

Gilberto Risendo. His brother!

How could they be one hundred percent sure that Risendo WAS the son and brother to them? Just because of a birthmark? A birthmark that the midwife would have seen at the time of his birth, and for all they knew, she could have had it tattooed onto Risendo's leg. But then again, it didn't explain his odd feeling of knowing Risendo from somewhere, even with the level of hostility the emissary was aiming at them, he still felt a strange connection to the man.

They turned when Doctor Hernandez entered the room, "How is he, doctor?" he asked worriedly.

The doctor gave them a small reassuring smile, "He will be fine, Diego," he replied, "As you know, the wounds to his legs are not life threatening. Although the gash across his left thigh is short, it isn't deep and it will heal reasonably quickly."

Diego nodded, "Of course. And his right leg?"

"Again, it isn't a deep wound and thankfully, it had missed the vital arteries." he replied.

Diego sighed, "It wasn't Risendo's intention to kill, at least not at first."

"It would appear so." Doctor Hernandez agreed with sadness. No matter how long he had been a doctor, he would never get used to man's evil actions towards other men. "Diego, I need to check on your own wound."

Diego was about to say no but changed his mind, "Of course, doctor." he replied. His arm was throbbing painfully and since the wound had been reopened for the second time, in as many days, he needed the doctor's professional services. He couldn't do it himself.

"Good," he replied, "And then maybe you can get your father to take his medicine."

Diego frowned, "What do you mean?"

Doctor Hernandez sighed, "He hasn't taken the mixture that I made up for him. He said that he wants to speak with you first," he replied, "Do you know what that is about?"

Diego let out a slow breath, "Yes, I do," he replied, "I will speak with him and then I will make sure he takes the painkiller." he added with a quick glance with Felipe. He was not looking forward to his talk with his father.

The doctor nodded, "Good. Now let's go and take a look at your arm."

Fifteen minutes later, with his arm rebandaged and after receiving a scolding from the doctor, Diego stood anxiously outside his father's bedroom. The moment had come to remove the barriers, which had been erected between them over the last three, almost four years. His nervousness was made worse by the fact that his father knew his secret, or at least he had very strong suspicions about it. He could, of course, think of some excuse to explain his sudden skills with the blade but it was time to tell the truth. He was tired of lying to his father, tired of living a double life. Now that Victoria knew, there was no reason for his father not to know.

However, as he stood outside the door, he felt like a little boy who had been summoned to his father's room, for some childish misdeed. He shook his head; at least he was too big now, to get a spanking, he mused to himself.

He took a deep breath, to gather his courage, and entered his father's room.


As the afternoon wore on, Victoria became increasingly anxious about Diego and his father, so much so that she decided to close the tavern early. It took all her patience and a lot of persuasion, to get her patrons to leave, for they were all too busy discussing the astonishing events of the day.

But eventually, they were gone and she was able to close and lock the door, before she climbed the stairs to her room. She grabbed her small bag from on top of her cupboard; she didn't know if she would stay overnight or not but just in case, she packed her nightshirt and some fresh clothes for the next day. Then she made her way back down the stairs and out of the rear door of the tavern, where she strode over to the small barn and saddled her mare.

It didn't take her long to reach the de la Vega hacienda, and it was Consuela who opened the front door, "Consuela," Victoria said, as she stepped inside, "How is Don Alejandro and Diego?"

Consuela sighed, "They are both fine, Senorita," she replied, "But it was terrible, just terrible."

Victoria reached out and placed a comforting hand on the other woman's arm, "At least it's over, now" she replied.

Consuela nodded, "Si, its over," she replied, before she realised that the younger woman was carrying a small bag, "What's this?"

Victoria felt a small flush rise over her cheeks, "I...I wasn't sure if...I would...stay the night, in case I'm needed," she replied anxiously, "I know it's rather bold of me, to presume that I can stay without an invitation but -"

"It's all right, Senorita," Consuela smiled reassuringly, "I'm sure the Patron won't mind, you're part of the family, after all. Let me take that," she said, as she took the bag from Victoria, "I'll have one of the guest rooms made ready, in case you need it. Meanwhile, Diego is out in the rear garden." she added.

"Gracias."

"Oh, and Senorita," Consuela said, as the younger woman turned to leave, "It might take me some time to get the guest room ready," she confirmed with a knowing smile, "But it won't take all afternoon, if you know what I mean."

Victoria smiled, "Yes, I do and I thank you." she replied before she turned and walked through the library, towards the side entrance, where the garden was located.

When she reached the doorway to the garden, she saw Diego sitting on the bench, with his eyes closed, under the rose arbour. She was hesitant to disturb him but he must have heard her approach, as he opened his eyes, "Victoria." he greeted her, with a small smile.

He started to rise to his feet, but she shook her head, "Don't get up." she said as she crossed over and sat beside him.

"I'm glad you here." he said, as he held her hand, their fingers entwining.

She smiled softly, "I wouldn't be a good fiancée, if I didn't come," she answered with the same words, he had once spoken to her.

He squeezed her hand, as he, too, remembered the time he had used the words to comfort her, after the attack in the tavern.

"How's your father?" she asked compassionately.

He sighed, "Father is fine, the doctor has tended to his legs wounds," he replied, "He's currently sleeping, after taking one of doctor's potions. Felipe is with him." he added.

"And how are you?" she asked, as she saw the thickness of a bandage, under the sleeve of his blue jacket.

"My arm will heal, it will just take time." he confirmed.

Victoria heard reluctance in his voice and she had an idea of what it might be causing it, "You've told your father about Zorro." she said quietly.

Diego nodded, as he let out a long sigh, "I'm twenty-eight years old and yet I felt like an eight year boy, who has been scolded by his father."

She squeezed his hand, "It couldn't be all that bad, Diego," she replied, "He's proud of you, you know."

He sighed again, "Yes, I know he is and he said so, but at the same time, he wasn't...happy that I kept it from him." he replied, as he recalled his talk with his father. It had started well enough, with his father apologising for the terrible comments he had made over the years, especially the time he called him a coward. But after he confirmed he was Zorro, his father had become angry, upset and even a little insulted, that his son believed he would not be able to keep the secret or refrain from helping him. His father had reminded him, that he had once been a soldier, and therefore he knew, all to well, the need for secrecy, and that he would never do anything that would betray him.

Victoria knew that the famous de la Vega temper, could be roused at any time, but she also knew it covered a much deeper emotion, "He loves you, Diego, and that's why he was angry with you. He was worried for you." she said kindly.

He nodded, "He said as much himself," he replied, "We did have a long talk and we've come to a better understanding about each other."

She was pleased that there were no more secrets between father and son, "I'm glad. I know it hasn't been easy for you, not telling your father about Zorro."

"No, it wasn't," he admitted before he planted a soft kiss to her forehead and changed the subject, "We talked about you, about us and our wedding. Father wanted us to marry in six months -"

"What!" she exclaimed, "Oh Diego, I thought we could marry in a month?"

"I know but father doesn't believe a month is suitable," he paused to gather his thoughts, "He feels that it isn't enough time to gather the family together, both yours and mine. Your brothers are in Mexico City, aren't they? I imagine you would want them at our wedding."

She nodded, "Yes, I want them here, if they are able to come," she replied with a sinking heart, "And four weeks isn't long enough, to send them a letter and for them to get here." she paused as gazed at Diego, "There's something else, isn't there. There's another reason why your father isn't happy for us to marry in a month."

He cleared his throat, "Well, he believes that some people might gossip about the reason for us marrying in haste."

Victoria felt a flush rise over her cheeks as she realised what he meant, "You mean, people may start counting the months, to see if we HAD to marry." she replied, somewhat angrily.

Diego nodded, "Si."

She shook her head, "I can imagine some people would think exactly that," she replied, "But I don't think we can wait another six months." she added truthfully.

He smiled softly, as he released her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist, "I know and that is what I told father. In the end, we compromised to a wedding in three months. If you are agreeable."

She sighed, "Three months. I guess that will be fine, as long as you are happy with that."

He nodded as he pulled her close against him, "Si, I'm happy with it," he replied, "We'll make our engagement official, in the next couple of days, and then you can wear my ring openly and not just at night, while you're sleeping." he added, as he planted another soft kiss to her hair.

She beamed with happiness, as she nestled against him; she would finally be able to wear her ring, for all to see, "You don't know how much I want to wear it."

"Probably just as long as I wanted you to." he replied with a soft chuckle.

"Probably." she agreed.

For a time, they sat in companionable silence, just content to be in each other's company but eventually Victoria broached the subject that they needed to discuss.

"Diego, about Emissary Risendo..." she paused when she felt him stiffen but she pressed on, "Was he really your brother?"

He sighed, as he removed his arm from around her waist before he leant forward, with his arms resting on his knees, his hands clasped together, "Yes, we believe that Gilberto Risendo was...my brother. He was my twin and born first. My parents hired Señora Risendo as their midwife and she took Gilberto ..."

As Victoria listened to the horrible tale, her heart cried for her friends. She had never heard of such dreadful happenings, of a baby stolen from birth and raised with such hatred and cruelty aimed at the de la Vegas, by an insane woman, who had no love or happiness in her heart. She was beginning to understand the confusion, pain and anguish that showed on their faces, when they arrived in the plaza, especially Don Alejandro's. He had lost a son he never knew he had, a son who had been raised to hate him. A son, he would have loved, no matter what.

She placed her arm around Diego's shoulders, trying to give him comfort and startled to find him trembling. It was only when he started talking about what had occurred, earlier that day, at the Devil's Canyon, did she realise just how close he had come to death, in the trap that Risendo had set, and again, when he was almost killed during the final fight at the hacienda. She felt hot tears burn her eyes, at the thought of almost losing the man she loved, but also because Risendo knew he was murdering his own brother. He was truly evil, she thought to herself, as she gathered Diego into her arms, while being careful of his wound, and whispered soothing words, as she gently rocked them.

Diego sank into her embrace, taking the comfort she was giving him. It was a relief to speak of what occurred and once he started, he found that he could not stop. It all came out, his confusion over why he felt such anger, such hatred towards Risendo. Of his worry for his father and to a lesser extent, Felipe, over what could have happened to them. To his fear of being buried alive under the rocks at Devil's Canyon, and then to have de Soto save his life, at the cost of his brother's.

Consuela made her way to the rear garden, to check on Don Diego and Senorita Escalante. She had given them time alone, perhaps more time than was acceptable, but she felt it was necessary for them, considering the events of the day. She did have a soft spot for Don Diego, more so after the death of his mother, at the tender age of eleven. The young boy had put on a brave face around his father, but had sobbed in her arms, just a week after Doña Felicidad's death and ever since then, she had become something of a motherly figure to him.

As she stopped at the doorway, she saw them embracing and she almost interrupted them, but she soon realised that the Senorita was holding Don Diego in her arms, not in any inappropriate way but out of compassion and comfort. She knew they both needed that comfort, to be there for each other, and she also knew that an interfering chaperone would only destroy that moment; a moment that would strengthen their relationship and she did not want to be the one to break it. She smiled softly before she quietly turned around and left them alone.


The following afternoon the de la Vegas, along with Victoria, rode into the pueblo for the funeral of Gilberto Risendo. She had, indeed, stayed overnight at the hacienda, although Consuela had placed her in a guest room that was well away from Diego's own room. Not that she believed the senorita or Don Diego would behave inappropriately but Consuela wasn't going to risk another scandal, especially coming so soon after the discovery of Risendo's blood relation to the de la Vegas.

The citizens filled the Mission Chapel, including de Soto and Mendoza, who sat on the front, left hand row, while the de la Vegas and Victoria sat on the right side. Many of the people came, not to pay their respects to Risendo, who had divided their small town, but for Don Alejandro and his son, while others came to out of curiosity. Even Señor Peralta, the most vocal opponent against the de la Vegas, over their level of taxes, was present in the chapel.

After the Mass, Sergeant Mendoza and five of the lancers carried the coffin, containing the body of Gilberto Risendo, towards the pueblo's cemetery. Behind them came Don Alejandro, who walked with a noticeable limp; he had stubbornly refused his son's suggestion, of driving the carriage to the cemetery, due to his leg wounds. Walking beside him was Diego, while Felipe and Victoria came after the two de la Vega men, and de Soto lead the rest of the citizens, in a small solemn procession.

Once the final prayers were completed and the coffin lowered into the grave, de Soto stepped forward, "Don Alejandro, on behalf of the citizens of Los Angeles, please accept our condolences for your loss."

Don Alejandro nodded, "Gracias Alcalde," he replied before he faced the gathered crowds, "My family and I, wish to thank everyone for coming today. We appreciate your support, in our time of grief. There will be refreshments, at the tavern for those who wish to stay."

There was a murmuring of condolences from the people, before they turned and slowly made their way back to the plaza, where they entered the tavern, to share the food and drinks, which Pilar and Alicia had prepared that morning.

Don Alejandro sighed, as he gazed at his living family, "Today is a new day, Diego. A new start, for everyone." he said.

"You're right, father," he replied as he reached out and held Victoria's hand, "It is a new start, a new beginning."

The older man smiled at the sight of his son, holding the hand of the woman he loved, "A day for new family." he said, as he draped his arm around Felipe's shoulders, "Soon, I will have a grandson and a daughter-in-law." he added, "And then, the de la Vegas will never be divided."