Author's note : Hi everybody, here we go for a new chapter. I want to thank my beta, Icywaters, for the great work she's doing, so thank you very much. Good read to you all, and don't hesitate to let a little word.
Chapter 10: When the past reappeared.
"Whathappened next?" Diego asks trying to pull himself together.
"He... He took flight. He has thrown dirt on my face and took advantage of it. I shot by reflex, but I don't know if I hit him or not. I heard a horse gallop away, then I went upstairs to see you..."
"You're safe, it's the most important. We are hugely indebted to Zorro."
"And to Bernardo who has the reflex to lock your door."
"Exactly." Diego says bowing lightly in front of Bernardo to thank him.
This latter, visibly embarrassed, makes him signs to sit up straight, making laugh Don Alejandro and Diego, who stops quickly because of his pain.
"The doctor comes regularly at the end of the morning. He should soon be here."
"Good."
"Can I do something for you son?"
"I'll eat well a little something."
"It would be preferable that you wait for the advice of the doctor."
"Even to eat?"
"Even to eat." Don Alejandro smiles. "I'm glad you are well."
"Father... Padre Felipe wouldn't come by chance?"
"That's true, he came yesterday. How do you know it?"
"It's just one intuition. What did he want?"
"He wanted to discuss with you about... Zorro."
"About Zorro? What has he done?"
"Hedelivered a parcel to the mission on the evening where El Diablo appeared. I don't know more, the Padre didn't want to tell me about it."
"If the doctor gives me his consent, I'll go to the mission to see the Padre."
"I doubt you could ride a horse that fast."
Noises ofhooves outside, accompanied by shouts of a carter, get Don Alejandro's attention.
"You're waiting for a guest?"
"No... Only the doctor. I'll see."
"Do it, Father." Diego smiles.
Once alone with Bernardo:
"El Diablo, last time we saw him, it was in Spain and he has fallen at the bottom of a gully... Would he be back from death, and how did hefind me? About this parcel of Zorro's... What have you done, Bernardo?"
Bernardo mimes a cantankerous man, injured on the right leg, half-conscious and wearing a goatee.
"Monastario?"
Bernardo approves silently.
"If I understand correctly, Zorro took pity of him."
Yes, again.
"Zorro is fair, it's true. The Padre has said it... Hope that this kindness doesn't escape Monastario and that he is not offended by this gesture... Had he realized that Zorro has helped him?"
Bernardo makes him sign that no, and that it wasn't Zorro who found him.
"Whom then?"
Bernardo shows himself.
"You? You play with fire, Bernardo. Monastario is not a fool... I agree with you, the fever can make him delirious, but we must not misuse of the situation... I already have a lot to do as Diegofacing Monastario, who wants to prove that I'm Zorro; but if El Diablo meddles... Especially as this latter knows me really... Yes it's true, we do we know his true identity. On the other side, I doubt he knows Zorro's identity. Maybe that the Fox's reputation went as far as Spain." Diego is mocking before he stops talking and makes signs to Bernardo.
Outside, visitors come closer.
My ears are going better than before. Diego thinks.
"Isabella, how are you? And how is going little Diego?" Asks Diego as he recognizes them without any difficulty; while they enter in his room, just after Don Alejandro.
Little Diego... As well, he'll hear me with this one. Don Alejandro thinks with astonishment.
"Diego, what a treat to see you again... I'm afraid that there is a misunderstanding with your father."
"A misunderstanding?"
It's quite possible. See a young, and very nice, lady arrived, alone, with a baby; I think that it may be confusing. I think that my father will interrogate me about it. Thinks Diego.
A misunderstanding... How cheeky, it's herself who... Don Alejandro refrains not to shout, but that doesn't stop him thinking.
"Diego, I leave you with the young lady; expect nonetheless than to have a very serious discussion with me afterwards." Don Alejandro says his voice firm.
"Very well, Father." Diego answers calmly, doubting about the turn of the conversation to come; while the elder man went out, making signs to Bernardo to watch the two young people.
The manservant agrees, smiling, and offers a chair to the young lady once Don Alejandro closes the door behind him.
"Gracias, Bernardo."
He smiles back to her.
El Diablo, Isabella... Everybody seems back again. Thinks Diego surprised.
"What leads you so far away from Spain?" Diego interrogates.
"I had to find you, Diego. Your quick departure left me a lot of questions. And when I heard about Zorro... I knew it was you... You said nothing about your departure and I didn't know where to look for you... El Diablo, he came back from death."
"I've just learned thisnow. My father met him last evening."
"He has found you again too?"
"I didn't see him... El Zorro has frightened him away... Did he threaten you?"
"Oh Diego... I'm confused."
"What is the matter, Isabella?"
"In order that your father accepts to let me see you, I had pretended that little Diego was your son." She said visibly embarrassed.
"You did what?" Diego exclaims, sitting up a little more and exposinghis bandage. He winced because of the vivacity of his move.
"I'm sorry, Diego. It was the only way."
"I understand now why he looks so annoyed."
"What has happened to you, Diego?" Isabella dares to ask, noticing the bandage.
"A man shot me. He got the wrong target." He says mocking.
I will certainly not tell her that her uncle shot me. Diego thinks.
"My poor dear friend... And me who arrives to ask you for some help."
Either El Diablo has followed her, or it's a coincidence. Diego says to himself.
"Bernardo, go get my father, please." He says out loud.
"Diego?" Isabella calls.
"I prefer to clear up the misunderstanding as soon as possible. My father already has a very poor opinion of me; but if I become a father running away from his responsibilities, it will not improve our relations. And then... I have to talk about El Diablo and your presence is necessary... However, I implore you not to say anything and to keep my skill with swordsto yourself."
"Why, Diego... Yet you are..."
"My father is not aware of it, and it's better like that. And your uncle, if I'm not mistaken, doesn't know anything either." He interrupts her.
"You know my uncle?"
"It's a very long story."
"You must know he is to be tried in a short while."
"Si... He has abused his place at the pueblo until Zorro's arrival."
"Zorro... Everyone seems to know him, but nobody seems to know who he is."
"The Fox hides his identity, probably to protect his family and his life." Diego tries naively.
"Probably..." Isabella says with a smile. "I think he must be a kind-hearted man, a little... like you. I don't want to bring you more troubles, Diego. I'll say nothing to your father, nor on El Diablo, nor on your skill with sword."
"Gracias, Isabella."