Chapter 10
The following morning, Diego was greeted with a smile by his father. Felipe was grooming and tending to Toronado. Victoria had gone to the tavern. Aria was getting a few more minutes of her 'beauty' sleep so father and son were left to their own devices. I might as well prepare myself for the inquisition.
"So, how did it go my son? Victoria seemed to be in a good mood when she left earlier…Any idea why, Diego?"
"Didn't you ask her about last night? I am surprised at you, Father."
"I wanted to hear it from you, son. I raised you to be a gentleman so I am sure nothing unseemly happened but I am curious…"
"We enjoyed each other's company and I plan on seeing more of Victoria."
"Excellent, Diego and what about Zorro?"
"Victoria's desire to get on with her life has caused her to think about her future..."
"It is an important step you are taking by daring to follow your heart."
"I cannot believe that it is actually happening."
"You could not have chosen a more spirited woman. It will not be easy but Victoria is well worth it."
"I want to make her happy if she will let me."
"Hopefully, there will be a wedding sometime in the near future." Alejandro enjoyed teasing his son knowing that it would get a reaction.
"Be patient, father. It won't happen overnight."
"You cannot fault an old man for trying."
"Old man, indeed. You are still a vital man with many years left." My father has turned guilt into an art form.One day, I will provide father with those grandchildren and a daughter worthy of the de la Vega name...
ZZZ
"I see that you are in a good mood, little sister...Everything went well judging by the smile on your face." The happiness on Victoria's face was something that he had longed to see.
"Good morning, Ramon."You would be right, big brother. Diego was the perfect gentleman…he can be quite charming when he puts his mind to it…I cannot think of an evening I enjoyed more…I never knew that he was so…"
"Complex…Is that the word that you were searching for Victoria?" You have no idea, little one. You're in love with two sides of the same man and you don't even know it.
"Complex…charming... It sounds as if I am talking about Zorro."
"You deserve nothing less than life with a wonderful husband and a family of your own."
"Already planning my wedding, Ramon?" Victoria teased, "it's a little soon for that, don't you think?"
"I would be happy with whomever you choose but it must be a man worthy of my favorite sister."
"Favorite sister, indeed," she smiled after cuffing her brother playfully on the arm, "If you will excuse me, I have a lot of work to do.
"'I will see you this evening." I pray that neither Victoria nor Diego would be hurt…I hope that my suspicions are incorrect…It will turn out well…It has to.
ZZZ
Ramon watched the alcalde's men escort a bound Jose Moreno to the jail. What that is all about? They had known the Moreno family since they were children and Jose was only a few years younger.
"Knowing the alcalde as I do, it is meant to collect more taxes or capture Zorro," Diego replied as he appeared from inside the tavern. The alcalde had kept a relatively low profile so his alter ego had not been as busy of late. I should have known it was too good to be true. The alcalde is always up to something...Mendoza will tell me everything I need to know.
"The man will stop at nothing to capture Zorro," Ramon watched the younger de la Vega's face for any hint of concern."What are we supposed to do? Let him languish behind bars? "
"Zorro will come to the rescue but perhaps my father can do something," Diego responded nonchalantly."
Diego's bored tone of voice would fool anyone who didn't know him well but Ramon knew that Diego hated injustice… He would not allow an innocent person to languish behind bars… You are clever like the fox. My suspicions are not totally unfounded. I will keep an eye on you. For my sister's sake and yours…
ZZZ
Several hours later, Zorro scaled the side of the building and walked across its tile roof. The masked man opened the skylight, dropped onto the rafters, and landed on the floor of the alcalde's unoccupied office. DeSoto had arrested Jose Moreno despite his claims that he did not steal the horse in question. Zorro grabbed the keys and unlocked Jose's cell door. The bandit tossed the key ring back on the nail. Zorro opened the door and checked to make sure the coast is clear. It was a little too easy to rescue Jose...
"Gracias, Señor Zorro...I owe you my life."
"Jose, you must go now! The alcalde will be back soon." he declared as they stood outside the jail, "Now, go!"
"I have you now. Zorro! You won't get away this time!" DeSoto drew his sword and charged Zorro in one fluid motion. The outlaw tripped the alcalde with the toe of his boot, sending him sailing to the ground. Zorro grabbed hold of the Alcalde's coat. DeSoto stopped in his tracks, a meter of sharp Toledo steel positioned right above his Adam's apple. "This is none of your concern, Zorro."
"Anything that affects the people of this pueblo is my concern." The masked man leveled a final punch into his jaw rendering him unconscious...Corporal Sepulveda shot the unsuspecting Zorro in the side with his pistol. The injured man hit Sepulveda in the stomach causing the soldier to double over in pain. Zorro put his foot into the stirrup and held onto Toronado for dear life. DeSoto would probably go to the hacienda first...I can think of one place. The cave that he had discovered as a child would be the perfect place to hide until he healed. He slowed Toronado to a trot and maneuvered him toward the cave that would keep him hidden...